Workers process sorghum grains at a distillery of Kweichow Moutai in Maotai town in the city of Renhuai in southwest China's Guizhou Province, Oct. 23, 2018. Maotai is a small town in Renhuai City in mountainous Guizhou. What distinguishes it from other Chinese small towns is that it produces a famous brand of Chinese liquor Moutai, which often served on official occasions and at state banquets. The spirit, made from sorghum and wheat, takes up to five years for the whole production process, involving nine times of steaming, eight times of fermentation and seven times of distillation, before aged in clay pots. Moutai is also considered a luxury item that has long been a popular gift. China's alcohol industry earned about 1 trillion yuan in revenue in 2017. The total profits rose by 36 percent year on year to over 100 billion yuan, according to China National Light Industry Council. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin) 19 1 [ Editor: Zhang Zhou ] Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. - The IEBC chair has been told to appear before parliament on Wednesday, October 31 - Chebukati failed to appear alongside other commissioners in a previous summon - MP's want to hear from Chebukati on what ultimately went wrong with the commission, leading to massive irregularity allegations and mass resignations Parliament has demanded IEBC chairman Wafula appear before it on Wednesday, October 31 to answer to audit quarries which fellow commissioners appeared to blame sacked CEO Ezra Chiloba. The Public Accounts Committee headed by MP Opiyo Wandayi on Tuesday, October 30 summoned the electoral bodys chair after failing to appear alongside other commissioners. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens READ ALSO: Kipusa aliyedaiwa kuivunja ndoa ya Ababu Namwamba ajivinjari naye nchini Italy Chebukati must appear before us in our next meeting to elaborate on the audit queries raised, said Wandayi IEBC acting CEO Marian Hussein and commissioner Boya Molu appeared before the committee and blamed sacked CEO Ezra Chiloba for loss of billions of shillings at the commission. Parliament summons IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati to answer audit queries Source: UGC READ ALSO: Chebukati: IEBC cant function after commissioners resigned The acting CEO said that Chiloba proceeded purchase Kenya Integrated Election Management Systems kit for repate presidential election amounting to an average of KSh6 billion despite objection from other members of the secretariat. READ ALSO: Chebukati calls for appointment of new commissioners to save IEBC from becoming toothless Chiloba was the accounting officer at the time and as I recall he ignored advise from other members of the secretariat regarding procuring of services and goods needed to make the election a success, said Hussein. While it was agreed Chiloba needed to shed light to the allegations, MPs also demanded to have the chairman explain just what is ailing the electoral body. Hussein and his team were however accused of appearing before the committee with insufficient evidence to back some of the payments made to the suppliers. While it was agreed Chiloba needed to shade light to the allegations, MPs also demanded to have the chairman explain just what is ailing the electoral body. Source: Twitter READ ALSO: Ezekiel Mutua confuses Kenyans after stating he likes gays but hates gayism In particular, was the payment of vouchers amounting to KSh 436 million it paid to various lawyers representing them in various court cases. We have been given a list of lawyers who were paid yet there are no vouchers to prove the same, what we are being given cannot be trusted hence as a committee we should demand for documents which have been properly authored, said Otiende Amollo MP for Rarieda. TUKO.co.ke has separately learnt a law firm associated with IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati received contracts worth KSh 30,000,0000 to represent the Commission in various cases. In 2017, Cootow & Associates was instructed by the Commission to represent it in at least seven Election Petitions and other matters. READ ALSO: IEBC Vice Chair Consolata Maina, 2 commissioners resign The election petitions included Ikolomani, Likoni, Kilifi (Parliamentary Petitions), Kwale and Mombasa Counties Women Member of National Assembly Petitions, Mombasa County Assembly Party List and Nairobi County Assembly Party List as well as petition against election of Migori Governor Okoth Obado. Questions have been raised as to whether Chebukati played a role in the allocation of cases to his former law firm. Source: Facebook READ ALSO: Mutahi Ngunyi, William Kabogo angry with judge for calling Jowie slay queen, denying him bail The firm of Cootow & Associates, was founded in 2006 by Mr. Wafula Chebukati, Patrick Ochwa and Michael Maramba. On it website, the firm states that its areas of focus are: Commercial Transactions; Labour and Employment; Construction; Private Equity and Venture Capital; Insurance; Family Law; Environmental and Land Law; and Constitutional and Human Rights Law. It is interesting Electoral expertise is not listed. Questions have been raised as to whether Chebukati played a role in the allocation of cases to his former law firm. The IEBC pre-qualification list shows that M/S Cootow & Associates were pre-qualified to provide legal services to the Commission in January 2016; a year before Chebukati joined the Commission. However, pre-qualification does not automatically lead to award to contracts. Chebukati has been summoned to answer audit querries by parliament on Wednesday, October 31 Source: Twitter READ ALSO: Don't ask me about resignation - Chebukati says in wake of IEBC crisis It is noteworthy that the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission is also the Chairperson of the Legal Committee. He presided over meetings of the Legal Committee and Plenary where matters relating to legal representation of the Commission on various matters were discussed. Until 2017, the law firm had never represented the Commission on any matter until the Chebukati was appointed to head the Commission. 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 Kenya News Today: This Is Why Jacque Maribe Was Granted Bail | Tuko TV: Source: Tuko Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. The dry season for 2022 is shaping up to be drier and warner than usual. Hungary's low-cost airline Wizz Air has announced the launch of five new flights from three Ukrainian airports, the company's press service has told Ukrinform. According to the report, Wizz Air launches flights from Kharkiv to Gdansk and Wroclaw and from Kyiv to Vienna, with the first flights already performed on October 28; from Lviv to Vilnius from October 29; as well as from Lviv to Bratislava, with the first flight due on October 30. In general, Wizz Air now offers flights on 42 routes to 12 European countries from three Ukrainian airports in Kyiv, Lviv and Kharkiv. The airline transported more than a million passengers on its Ukrainian flights in the first nine months of 2018. Earlier, Wizz Air announced its new and transparent baggage policy which is aimed at easing boarding for passengers and which guarantees all passengers to bring one free carry-on bag into the aircraft cabin on all Wizz Air flights, from November 1, 2018. op France has noted positive dynamics in bilateral economic relations with Ukraine. The Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs of France informed this following a meeting of the joint Ukrainian-French economic commission, which took place in Kyiv on Tuesday, an Ukrinform correspondent reported. This is the seventh meeting of this commission and the first since 2011. Thus, this meeting will become an important event for strengthening our bilateral economic relations, in which a positive dynamics has been noted for a number of years, the French Foreign Ministry said. As noted, France increased its exports to Ukraine by 18% in 2017. France is still the largest international employer in Ukraine, where about 160 French companies operate, and also the fourth largest investor in Ukraine with a share of foreign direct investments of almost 5%. The French side at the meeting of the commission was represented by the Secretary of State to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne. According to the program of the visit, the Secretary of State will meet with Ukraines Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman and Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin. ish Ukraine increases its military presence in the Azov-Black Sea basin because the Russian Federation escalates its aggressive policy in this region. Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC) Oleksandr Turchynov stated this at a meeting with Chairman of the National Defense Committee of the Parliament of Estonia Hannes Hanso, the NSDC press service reports. Russia's military component in the Sea of Azov is intensifying Ukraine, in turn, increases its military presence in the region to protect itself. In particular, a ship-naval grouping of the Naval Forces of Ukraine has been created in the Sea of Azov, Turchynov said He noted that despite Russia's aggression, Ukraine continues to reform the security and defense sector in line with the NATO standards. In addition, during the meeting, considerable attention was paid to the issue of extending sanctions against the Russian Federation by the EU countries and the problem of constructing the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, which poses a threat to both the Ukrainian and European energy systems. iy France's Minister of State attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne has said that France, during its presidency of the Group of Seven (G7), will keep attention to support for Ukraine. He said this at a joint briefing with Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Regional Development, Construction, Housing and Utility Services Hennadiy Zubko, an Ukrinform correspondent reported. "France has been, is and will be together with Ukraine. This is also because from January 1 next year, it takes over the presidency of the G7 group. You are all aware of the contributions being made by this entity to support the reforms that are being conducted in Ukraine, ensure a better economic and political environment in Ukraine. France, at the head of this group, will focus on ensuring our joint progress," Lemoyne said. He added that transport, infrastructure, energy, and new technologies remained priorities for cooperation between the two countries. op Member of the Parliament of the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW), Luke Foley, has called on the Russian Federation to release Ukrainian film director Oleg Sentsov. Ukrinform learnt this from the press service of the Parliament of New South Wales. I add my voice to the many thousands of voices around the world calling for the immediate release of Oleg Sentsov from his frozen Russian prison, the MP said. According to Luke Foley, in recent months many Australians of Ukrainian background from his electorate of Auburn and beyond have raised the issue of Oleg Sentsov. Taking into account their opinion, as well as the position of the world community, Luke Foley called on Australia to increase pressure on the Russian Federation in order to release Sentsov. In his statement, the MP noted that the charges against Oleg Sentsov were fabricated. Sentsov is in his early forties. He is married and has two children. He has done nothing wrong; he is an innocent man. He has a full and talented life to lead. He has a family to care for. He has movies to make. I stand with Oleg Sentsov. I hope that all members of this Parliament share my view that it is now well past the time for Russia to do the correct and honourable thing and release Oleg Sentsov immediately," the MP said. The statement by Luke Foley was supported by the Ukrainian community in Australia and also highly appreciated by the Embassy of Ukraine in Australia. ish Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin has said he expects that the change of the scandalous name of the Hungarian government's "envoy for Transcarpathia" will help the two countries really cooperate and provide assistance to their communities. He wrote this on his Twitter account. "Hungary has changed the name of its envoy. Now, I hope we can really cooperate and our governments will help the Ukrainian and Hungarian communities together. By the way, [Hungarian Foreign Minister] Peter Szijjarto turns 40 today. It's good when holidays bring great news for everyone," Klimkin said. Kyiv in early August voiced its protest over the introduction in the Hungarian government of the post of "envoy for the development of Transcarpathia and the program for the development of preschool educational institutions in the Carpathian basin," which was taken up by Istvan Grezsa. Ukraine regarded this decision as interference in its internal affairs, since "the competence of the envoy includes part of the sovereign territory of Ukraine." The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry even expressed its readiness to ban the envoy from entering Ukraine if the title of his post is not changed. On October 29, Hungary officially changed the title of this post to "the authorized minister responsible for the development of cooperation in the Szabolcs-Szatmar-Bereg county and the Zakarpattia region, as well as coordination of the program for the development of children's educational institutions in the Carpathian region." op Ukraine's Ambassador to Austria Olexander Scherba and Secretary General, Artistic Director of the Vienna Burgtheater Claudia Kaufmann-Frener discussed joint projects within the framework of the Year of Culture of Ukraine in Austria in 2019. "On October 29, Ambassador Olexander Scherba met with the General Secretary and Artistic Director of the Vienna Burgtheater, Claudia Kaufmann-Frener. During the meeting, they discussed cultural and historical ties between Ukraine and Austria, experience in the development of theatrical art and possible joint projects within the framework of the Year of Ukrainian Culture in Austria in 2019," the Embassy of Ukraine in Austria wrote on its Facebook page. The Burgtheater is the largest theatre in the German-speaking world, one of the most important stages in Europe, and the countrys symbol of freedom. ish Head of Ukraine's State Border Guard Service Petro Tsyhykal has said that Russia creates preconditions for economic blockade of the sea and river ports of Ukraine. He said this in Odesa on Tuesday at a round table meeting on improving safety at sea and the development of the Sea Guard of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine. "The issues of strengthening maritime border security have become relevant as never before. In addition to traditional threats faced by any state with regard to ensuring maritime border security, violations of international maritime law continue to occur in the exclusive (maritime) economic zone and the annexed territorial sea," Tsyhykal said. He emphasized that Russia's groundlessly intensifying naval and law enforcement activities at sea lines of communication creates preconditions for economic blockade of the sea and river ports of Ukraine. "Only joint actions are the key to a strong and united Europe, in which Ukraine remains a reliable outpost on its eastern borders," Tsyhykal said. The event is being held with the participation of representatives of law enforcement agencies of foreign states in charge of maritime security, as well as the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (FRONTEX), the EU Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine (EUBAM) and with the support of the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine. op Close to three in five cities worldwide with at least 500,000 inhabitants are at high risk of a natural disaster, cautions UN DESA in its latest data booklet, The Worlds Cities in 2018. Collectively, these cities are home to 1.4 billion people or around one third of the worlds urban population. Issued ahead of the 31 October World Cities Day, the booklet found that 679 of the 1,146 cities with a population of at least half a million people, were vulnerable to either cyclones, floods, droughts, earthquakes, landslides or volcanic eruptions or a combination of those. Some large cities are exposed to as many as four or five different types of natural disasters. These include such large urban centres as Manila, Tokyo, Santiago and Guatemala City, the capitals of the Philippines, Japan, Chile and Guatemala respectively. Megacities of more than 10 million inhabitants are more exposed, with only three of them Moscow (Russian Federation), Cairo (Egypt) and Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of the Congo) deemed to be at low or at no risk of the six types of disasters analyzed by the study. Urban areas produce around 70 to 80 per cent of the worlds economic output and are home to 55 per cent of our population, said UN DESAs Danan Gu, lead author behind the study. Such a concentration of people and economic activity means that natural disasters could be potentially costlier and more lethal if they hit cities. Yet we still do not know enough about the exposure of the worlds urban populations to natural hazards, environmental degradation, and climate change, he added. With this study, we tried to learn more about cities vulnerability to natural disasters, including to mortality and economic loss. The theme of this years World Cities Day, Building Sustainable and Resilient Cities, highlights the need for cities to be able to absorb the impact of hazards, protect and preserve human life and limit damage and destruction while continuing to provide infrastructure and services after a crisis. A recent report by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) found that natural disasters have killed 1.3 million people over the last 20 years and left a further 4.4 billion injured, homeless or in need of emergency assistance. This puts a big emphasis on the need to [] make sure that we curb greenhouse gas emissions, said Ricardo Mena, responsible for supporting and monitoring the Sendai Framework implementation at UNISDR. Better preparedness, good governance and good infrastructure are also crucial steps to reduce the risk of life loss and economic loss in cities, added UN DESAs Danan Gu. Since these are easier to come by in developed countries, it is the less developed regions that are worst hit by disasters. According to the UNISDR report, in the last 20 years, only one officially high-income territory Puerto Rico has featured in a league table of the top 10 economic losses as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP). The UN DESA study found that while cities in developing countries have a relatively lower exposure to economic losses from natural disasters, they are more likely to be located in high mortality risk areas. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko in February 2018 appealed to the NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, requesting a Membership Action Plan for Ukraine. Analyst from the Institute for Euro-Atlantic Cooperation Volodymyr Horbach says that Russia seriously perceives Ukraine's probable membership of NATO, seeing it as a threat. "It's very good that [the Russian Foreign Ministry's head of the Department of European Cooperation] Andrei Kelin in Russia speaks about the probability of Ukraine's membership of NATO. This means that they have already started considering it seriously," Horbach said on TV channel Pryamiy. "So far, let's say, it is fear [for the future]. It's not happening now, but hypothetically in a certain medium-term outlook. They already consider it to be probable, and this is a big advantage to us." Read alsoRussian MFA: Ukraine's accession to NATO "possible" Secondly, they are going to build a strong defense on the perimeter of Ukraine in such a case, he said. "And this is also a big advantage, because now it is an offensive. Of course, their rhetoric was sly but if they manage to do it, this is another advantage to us. And thirdly, they are afraid of it very much and perceive it as a threat. Therefore, Ukraine's membership of NATO needs to happen. What they fear needs to be done by all means," Horbach said. Ukraine, once a famously neutral state, has veered toward NATO membership since its relationship with neighboring Russia collapsed after a series of land grabs by Russian-backed forces. As UNIAN reported earlier, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko in February 2018 appealed to the NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, requesting a Membership Action Plan (MAP) for Ukraine. On March 16, Poroshenko said he had commissioned to prepare a draft amendment to the Constitution regarding Ukraine's aspirations to join NATO and the European Union. On March 28, the president signed a decree "On approval of the Annual National Program under the auspices of the Ukraine-NATO Commission for 2018". According to the decree, Ukraine seeks to receive an invitation from NATO regarding the MAP in the medium term perspective. On July 11, heads of the NATO member states at the Brussels summit adopted a declaration, which confirmed Ukraine's aspiration to gain membership in the Alliance. NATO confirmed the decision of the Bucharest summit that Ukraine would become a member of the Organization in the future if it met the required criteria. On July 12, at the NATO summit, Stoltenberg stressed that Ukraine's long-term goal is to join the Alliance. However, the country should focus on the implementation of important reforms related to NATO standards and principles. According to Stoltenberg, the Alliance will continue to expand its support for Ukraine in the context of an ongoing conflict in Donbas. Russian naval forces began to show interest in the cargo of ships heading to the Ukrainian Black Sea ports. The Russian Federation may resort to escalating the situation in the Black Sea, according to Ukraine Navy Commander Vice Admiral Ihor Voronchenko. Asked at an ICTV panel show if the situation in the Black Sea could become the same it is now in the Sea of Azov, given that Russia seized Ukraine's Black Sea oil rigs now guarded by the Russian fleet, Voronchenko said: "They are already questioning ship captains when Ukrainian and foreign-flagged vessels are heading to the Black Sea ports. The captains have the right not to provide clear answers about the nature of the cargo and where they are heading. But unfortunately, 90% of the captains give such answers." Read alsoU.S. hands over Island-class patrol boats to Naval Forces of Ukraine "And I I think that there might be further escalation in the Black Sea," the Navy commander added. As UNIAN reported earlier, Vice-Admiral Ihor Voronchenko is convinced that the situation in the Sea of Azov will not exacerbate to the level of an actual landing operation of the Russian troops in the south of Donetsk, Zaporizhia and Kherson regions. The meeting will be held on the eve of the elections in the occupied territories earlier announced by Moscow and occupation authorities. The UN Security Council will hold an open meeting on Ukraine on Tuesday, speaker of Ukraine's Permanent Mission to the UN, Oleh Nikolenko, wrote on Facebook. "The UN Security Council on Tuesday, October 30, will hold an open meeting on the situation in the occupied territories of Ukraine," the diplomat wrote. He specified that the meeting would start at 21:00 Kyiv time. Read alsoPoroshenko calls for stripping Russia of veto right in UNSC The UNSC will meet on the eve of the "elections"in Donbas earlier announced by Moscow and the occupation authorities. Also this month, Ukraine told the UN about the unprecedented militarization of Crimea carried out by Russia. The last time the Security Council talked Russian aggression against Ukraine was on May 29. Waters in the Sea of Azov belonging to Ukraine and Russia were clearly defined in the Agreement. Ukraine can get a new territorial dispute with the Russian Federation in case it denounces the Agreement on cooperation in the use of the Sea of Azov and the Kerch Strait, according to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for European Integration Olena Zerkal. The diplomat believes that the corresponding agreement between Ukraine and Russia was concluded illegally from the point of view of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. But it's the Tribunal that is to give an answer to this and we are waiting for this answer next year, Zerkal said at an ICTV panel show. "We also argue that, according to the international maritime convention, its application extends to the Sea of Azov," Zerkel said. "As for the deal itself, it really consists of five articles. One of these articles was never implemented, namely, the delimitation of the Sea of Azov. However, the parties have identified extreme points, that is, where the Ukrainian zone begins and where the Russian zone begins, and where it ends. And we assume that the legal regime of the Sea of Azov is set according to the international maritime convention," stressed the diplomat. Read alsoRussia may escalate situation in Black Sea Ukraine Navy Commander When asked what would change if Ukraine unilaterally denounced the agreement, Zerkal said: Now, as in 2014, nothing can influence our legal position. In terms of additional rights, Ukraine will get nothing. What we could get is a new territorial dispute with the Russian Federation on the delimitation of the Sea of Azov. As UNIAN reported earlier, Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin promised that Ukraine would revise the entire treaty base with the Russian Federation, and the plan is to gradually terminate interstate treaties. UNIAN memo. In December 2003, Russia and Ukraine signed an Agreement on Cooperation in the Use of the Sea of Azov and the Kerch Strait. However, the issue of sharing waters has not yet been resolved. Kyiv insisted on drawing a dividing line based on the administrative border between the former Soviet Union and the Ukrainian SSR, which is indicated on the maps and plans. The Russian side believes that in accordance with the legislation of the former USSR, the internal waters between the republics of the Union were never delimited. Read alsoStratfor: Ukraine and Russia take their conflict to the sea On September 14, 2016, Ukraine initiated a dispute with Russia regarding the violation of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. In a statement, the Foreign Ministry noted that Kyiv is ready to prove in arbitration that Russia boldly violates Ukraines sovereign rights to enjoy guaranteed rights in its waters and on the continental shelf in the areas adjacent to Crimea, including the right to the natural resources of the continental shelf. On February 19, 2018, Ukraine submitted to the International Tribunal a memorandum containing a statement of all the circumstances on which Ukraines position is based, as well as their legal justification. In May of this year, Russia filed with the International Tribunal its objections to the jurisdiction. For this reason, in August, the arbitration decided to divide the case into two components - on jurisdiction and in the merits. The Foreign Ministry considers unfounded Russia's objections regarding the jurisdiction of the Arbitration to consider its claim. The UN Tribunal in June 2019 will begin hearings on the jurisdiction of consideration of Ukraine's to the Russian Federation for violation of the Convention on the Law of the Sea. Klimkin called on politicians to refrain from speculating with history and take a balanced approach to solving historical issues. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin has praised relations between Ukraine and Poland and stressed there was no conflict between the two countries. "We have no conflict, but there is an emotional context. These emotions are often based on historical events. Polish politicians seek to set the record straight only based on their own vision of historical events. History is a complicated thing. Common history is even more complicated," he said, speaking in Lviv, Europeiska Pravda reports. Read alsoUkraine, Poland foreign ministers discuss renewing search for remains of fallen Polish troops Klimkin called on politicians to refrain from speculating with history and to take a balanced approach to solving historical issues. "There is no place for emotions where it comes to history. I'm trying to tell my Polish colleagues that the state cannot be responsible for the crimes of individual paramilitary units not controlled by the state. To equate separate units would be insane as it doesn't correspond to historical truth or reality. Politicians should not speculate with history. Politics is for the present and the future, while history should be left for scholars. It is important for the state to look forward, not into the past," he explained. Dual citizenship can only be applied under clear conditions, Klimkin said. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin has said Ukrainians should start a public debate on the issue of dual citizenship. "Now we should start a public debate about the possibility of being a citizen of several countries we need to honestly say this. However, we cannot even talk about dual citizenship with Russia during the de facto war with this country," Klimkin said in Lviv, according to European Pravda. "Let those who have Russian passports surrender them, and all the rest let's start talking. Dual citizenship can only be applied under clear conditions. Military commanders cannot have it, and it shall not allow people hold certain posts," the minister added. Read alsoKlimkin: Budapest's position on language harms ethnic Hungarians in Ukraine He recalled that dual citizenship is practiced in some European countries. "But people [with dual citizenshio] violate the law of our country, although this does not mean they are criminals. At least 11 citizens of Hungary [Zakarpattia residents, also holders of Ukraine passports] were killed in the Anti-Terrorist Operation zone," Klimkin said. Now Ukrainian legislation directly prohibits dual citizenship for civil servants. Earlier, the minister said this rule should remain in force. The very fact that the European Parliament has decided to appoint its special representative for Crimea and Donbas is a real diplomatic victory for Ukraine. After all, there are plenty of conflicts ongoing in various non-EU states, and European legislators rarely draw such attention to pressing issues in such on-EU countries. Such an unprecedented focus on Ukraine is a result of strong diplomatic pressure on the part of Kyiv. An EU special envoy will have to visit Ukraine's temporarily occupied territories, in particular, Donbas. The envoy will have to perform functions similar to those performed by Kurt Volker of the United States of America; that is, to be an intermediary between the Ukrainian authorities and their Russian counterparts. authorities of Russia. For Russians, this will create additional problems, because they will not be able to avoid meeting with this special envoy or prevent the official from visiting the temporarily occupied areas For Russians, this will create additional problems, because they will not be able to avoid meeting with this special envoy or prevent the official from visiting the temporarily occupied areas. In addition, it has already been announced that a package of new sanctions against the Russian Federation is being prepared due to the situation in the Azov Sea, which has now become truly threatening. Why did the European Union pay attention to this and made such a decision? First of all, that's because the EU cares about its own interests, because Russians detained not only Ukrainian vessels, but also EU-flagged vessels on their way to the ports of Berdiansk and Mariupol, which leads to huge losses. As a rule, the delay of a single vessel by Russian border guards costs shipowners $10,000-$50,000. Therefore, this is about a purely pragmatic interest of Europeans. It is European businesses trading with Ukraine who pushed European governments to appoint the special envoy. This is a great victory. The main thing now is for this special envoy to be able to launch the work and have access to temporarily occupied territories This is a great victory. The main thing now is for this special envoy to be able to launch the work and have access to temporarily occupied territories, and draw a fair and impartial report on what is going on there. How effective can be the work of a special representative, given that Volker is not too successful in negotiating with Russia? In fact, Volker is as effective as it is possible at all. His efforts are unique. Whatever some say, his work resulted in many behind-the-scenes processes, including the introduction of sanctions against Russian oligarchs. It is clear that American diplomacy is more focused, more reasoned and clear, unlike the European one. Indeed, in Europe, very differing voices are heard. For example, on the one hand, we hear the statements by Italian Prime Minister Salvini, who called for the lifting of sanctions against Russia, and on the other there is the position of the UK, which is still in the European Union, and yonger EU members, such as Poland, demanding maximum punishment for Russians. Because of this, the EU special envoy cannot be as effective as Ambassador Volker. Nevertheless, the fact that the Europeans managed to come to an agreement is already a big surprise. After all, they did agree, even though many European countries (Hungary, Italy and others) are Putin's sympathizers, friends and agents in Europe. Taras Berezovets is a political technologist, head of Berta Communications, co-founder of Ukrainian Institute for the Future The "elections" are scheduled for November 11. Eight European Union members of the United Nations Security Council have called on the authorities of the Russian Federation to stop preparations for illegal elections in the Russian-occupied part of Donbas. The statement on behalf of the eight countries the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Italy, Belgium and Germany was delivered by Ambassador Karen Pierce, UK Permanent Representative to the United Nations, before a UN Security Council meeting on Tuesday, October 30. "I would like to make the following statement today on behalf of the five EU Members of the Security Council (France, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden and the UK), and Italy, Belgium and Germany, as former and future EU Members of the Security Council, which demonstrates the continuity of the EU's position on Ukraine," she said. "We as Member States of the European Union fully support the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within the internationally recognised borders," the statement said. "We condemn the illegitimate 'elections' planned for November 11 in the non-government controlled territories of the so-called 'Luhansk People's Republic' and 'Donetsk People's Republic.' If held, these illegitimate 'elections' would contravene commitments made under the Minsk agreements and violate Ukrainian law." Read alsoTrump adviser says Russia should "get out of" Crimea and eastern Ukraine The eight European Union members of the United Nations Security Council insist that any such illegal elections would be incompatible with the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. "We call on the international community to stand united in opposing these illegitimate 'elections' that can only serve to undermine efforts to achieve peace in the region. We urge the separatists to abandon the plans for 'elections' and call on Russia to bring its considerable influence to bear to stop the 'elections' from taking place," they said. As UNIAN reported earlier, the Russian-controlled de-facto authorities in Donbas plan to hold local elections in the Russian-controlled areas in Ukraine's Donetsk and Luhansk regions on November 11. The U.S. Department of State calls on Russia to join aspirations for peace in Ukraine and cancel the illegitimate, sham elections in the occupied areas. The names of the Ukrainian citizens to be sanctioned by Russia are unknown yet. Russian sanctions against Ukraine will affect 360 companies and more than 50 individuals. Russia's government is finalizing the resolution on the restrictive measures, a source in the government told the Russian news agency RIA Novosti. The source did not disclose the names of the Ukrainian citizens included in the sanctions list. Read alsoEuropean Parliament calls on EU to toughen Russia sanctions if situation in Azov Sea escalates He noted that it would lead to "many interesting discoveries by citizens of Ukraine." Russian President Vladimir Putin is reported to have signed a decree on "special economic measures in connection with the unfriendly actions of Ukraine against citizens and legal entities of the Russian Federation." The Russian sanctions will include the seizure of assets and a ban on capital withdrawal, as well as an embargo on supplies of goods from Ukraine. About 230,000 Ukrainians have become victims of human trafficking since 1991. The Ukrainian Social Policy Ministry and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) say more Ukrainians are being exploited in Russia and Poland and that labor slavery is one of the major challenges the modern world has faced. "Today, some 21 to 46 million people suffer from slavery across the globe. If we talk about Ukraine, it's about 230,000 Ukrainians who have been trafficked since 1991. A mere 1% of them has been saved," head of the advisory center on combating human trafficking at charitable organization Charitable Fund Caritas Kyiv, Iryna Boiko, said, according to TV Channel 5. Now Ukraine is among TOP 10 donor countries in terms of international migration. According to estimates, the number of labor migrants is reaching 4 million people. At the same time, there could be about 2.5 million Ukrainians outside the country at the same time, according to the Center for Economic Strategy. Read alsoFlow of Ukrainian workforce to Poland decreasing media President of the All-Ukrainian Association of Companies for International Employment, Vasyl Voskoboinyk, told Ukrainian TV Channel 5 on October 30 that 61% of Ukrainian citizens who had worked abroad for at least once in the past five years were employed illegally. "A person who goes to work illegally abroad is completely rightless. Employers may not pay them, and pretty much anything could happen to them. Any job-related accident may occur, and they would have pay for their own treatment They could be deported or crippled, even deliberately. So, these people may face and tackle their problems without any support," he said. Each Ukrainian citizen working abroad illegally is a potential client of the charitable foundation. Yanukovych is charged with treason, complicity with the Russian authorities, and deliberate actions committed to alter the state border of Ukraine in violation of the Ukrainian Constitution. Former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, who is accused of high treason, is expected to make his last statement at a hearing scheduled for November 19. After Yanukovych's lawyer Oleksandr Baidyk had filed another petition for the resumption of the judicial investigation, Presiding judge Vladyslav Devyatko announced that he was suspending the debate, declaring it to have been completed. He also asked the participants in the trial to determine the sequence of statements preceding Yanukovych's address, according to an UNIAN correspondent, reporting from Kyiv's Obolon district court on October 30. Read alsoYanukovych's lawyer asks court to renew investigation, interrogate 13 witnesses "Taking into account that Baidyk's speech is actually aimed at repeating the same provisions and it goes beyond the scope of criminal proceedings, the court considers it's necessary to stop it," the judge said. In turn, prosecutor Ruslan Kravchenko said that the prosecution did not insist on issuing a statement at this stage. After that, Judge Devyatko announced the completion of the debate. The judge asked Yanukovych's lawyers Alexander Goroshinsky and Baidyk to decide on the date of Yanukovych' last statement in court. Goroshinsky said he was not entitled to answer the question as he had not yet received accreditation as a lawyer with the Russian Justice Ministry. In response, Judge Devyatko said that based on previous statements by Goroshinsky that he would apply to the Russian ministry to accelerate the accreditation procedure, the court appointed Yanukovych's last plea for 10:00 on November 19. As UNIAN reported earlier, Yanukovych is charged with treason, complicity with the Russian authorities, and deliberate actions committed to alter the state border of Ukraine in violation of the Ukrainian Constitution. He is also accused of waging an aggressive war. These are the crimes stipulated in Part 1 of Article 111, Part 5 of Article 27, Part 3 of Article 110, and Part 2 of Article 437 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The judicial panel of Kyiv's Obolon district court on June 29 granted the prosecution's request for special judicial proceedings in the Yanukovych case. The Nord's captain remains in Ukraine as he is facing five-year imprisonment. Seven sailors from Russia's Nord fishing vessel from Russian-occupied Crimea have been swapped for seven Ukrainian sailors from the YaMK-0041 vessel. "Such a swap has taken place. Its formula was seven for seven," the press service of Russia's Commissioner for Human Rights Tatyana Moskalkova told UNIAN. However, the captain of the Nord, Vladimir Gorbenko, who is facing charges in Ukraine, has not taken part in the swap, and the Russian side will continue seeking his return to Crimea, the source said. The released Russian sailors have left for Crimea. Read alsoUkraine ombudsperson asks Poroshenko to swap Ukrainian fishermen for Russian Nord crew As UNIAN reported earlier, Ukrainian border guards on March 25 detained the Nord fishing vessel in the Sea of Azov. The vessel, registered in the temporarily occupied territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, was flying the flag of Russia. There were 10 crewmen on board; all had passports of citizens of the Russian Federation. Gorbenko, who is accused of arranging illegal entry of the crew from Russian-occupied Crimea for industrial fishing, faces up to five years in prison. He is charged under Part 1 of Article 249 (illegal fishing) and Part 2 of Article 332-1 (the violation of the procedure for entry and exit from the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russian border guards on May 4 detained the Ukrainian fishing vessel YaMK-0041 (whose home port is Ochakiv) west of Cape Tarkhankut in Crimea. The occupying authorities announced the crew of the vessel seized by Russia's FSB had been delivered to Crimea "for procedural actions." One enemy soldier was killed and another two were wounded, intelligence reports say. Russia's hybrid military forces mounted 20 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, one occupier was killed and another two 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 30, 2018. Read alsoRussia may escalate situation in Black Sea Ukraine Navy Commander Russian occupation forces opened aimed fire from small arms to attack the defenders of the towns of Avdiyivka and Krasnohorivka, and the villages of Stanytsia Luhanska, Verkhniotoretske, Pisky, Novotroyitske, Novomykhailivka, Chermalyk, Pavlopil, Hnutove, Vodiane, and Lebedynske. "Since Tuesday midnight, Russian-led forces have attacked the Ukrainian positions near Pavlopil, using small arms. No casualties among Ukrainian troops have been reported since the start of the day," reads the report. The enemy resorted to proscribed weapons four times in the past day. Two Ukrainian soldiers were wounded in action in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, on Tuesday, October 30. "Two Joint Force troops have been injured amid hostilities," the Joint Forces Operation press center said in an update as of 18:00 Kyiv time on October 30. Since Tuesday midnight, Russian-led forces have violated the ceasefire nine times. In four cases, they resorted to the weapons banned by the Minsk peace agreements. "Strongholds of our troops not far from the town of Avdiyivka and the villages of Luhanske, Pisky and Lomakyne came under 82mm mortar fire opened by the invaders. Targeted fire was recorded in two locations near Avdiyivka and the village of Opytne, attacked by the enemy's infantry fighting vehicles. In addition, small arms were used to fire on our positions near the town of Maryinka, and the villages of Pavlopil and Lebedynske," the update said. The Ukrainian military have been taking active measures to suppress the enemy fire. OSCE monitors on October 27 lost a long-range unmanned aerial vehicle over Donbas. Russia must provide the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) unfettered access to Donbas, eastern Ukraine. "An OSCE SMM drone that spotted an illegal convoy from Russia was jammed and then lost in Russia-controlled eastern Ukraine. Russia must provide the OSCE's SMM unfettered access to eastern Ukraine, and implement all Minsk agreement provisions," Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State Heather Nauert said in a statement on October 30. Read alsoOSCE loses drone monitoring trucks in Russian-occupied east of Ukraine As UNIAN reported earlier, the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine on October 27 lost its long-range unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), which was monitoring the movement of a convoy of trucks in the Russian-occupied area in the east of Ukraine. "For about 35 minutes before communications were lost, the UAV had experienced signal interference, assessed as jamming, at intervals in areas near Saurivka and Nyzhnokrynske. The UAV did not return to its ground control station near Stepanivka (government-controlled, 54km north of Donetsk) and is considered lost," it said. The U.S. president thinks it is "ridiculous" the investigation seeks to question him. U.S. President Donald Trump has said he will respond to Special Counsel Robert Mueller's questions in the Russia collusion probe. In an interview with Fox News, Mr Trump said: "Its ridiculous that I have to do anything, because I didnt do anything." Read alsoPaul Manafort and special counsel reach tentative plea deal media He immediately added that, nevertheless, his team "will probably do something, yes we will respond to questions." As UNIAN reported earlier, Donald Trump issued a new order authorizing additional sanctions for interfering in the upcoming U.S. elections. The arrests took place as part of a special raid to prevent leaks from closed databases. The FSB Russian Federal Security Service has detained a border guard service operative in the North-West region district and an officer of one of the Federal Tax Agency's units. The first one is believed to have sold information about border crossings of the two Salisbury poisoning suspects Mishkin and Chepiga aka "Petrov" and "Boshirov", as well as a number of other persons, Rosbalt reported, citing a source familiar with the investigation. The arrests took place as part of a special raid to prevent leaks from confidential government databases. Over 60 searches were carried out. A number of cases have been initiated under the Criminal Code's Article 183 (illegal receipt and disclosure of information constituting commercial, tax or bank secrecy), Article 203 (abuse of authority by a private detective), and Article 137 (violation of privacy). However, according to the source, all the criminal cases initiated are in no way connected with "Salisbury tourists." Read alsoThe Telegraph: New sanctions to be imposed following Salisbury nerve attack "They deal with information leaks related to other persons," the agency source said. As UNIAN reported earlier, two senior GRU operatives - now identified as Colonel Anatoliy Chepiga and Alexander Mishkin, a military doctor - were despatched to Salisbury to carry out the novichok nerve agent attack against a spy turncoat Sergei Skripal on March 4. Russia has formally denied any involvement. Colonel Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia, 33, survived the attack where a military grade nerve agent was smeared on a front door handle of Mr Skripal's Salisbury house. However, Dawn Sturgess, a local resident, died when she sprayed on herself the nerve agent contained in a fake perfume bottle that the hitmen got rid of. Chepiga and Mishkin - under the fake personas of Ruslan Boshirov and Alexander Petrov - have been charged in absentia with the nerve agent attack. Cabinet Committee on Privatization (CCoP) would meet here on Wednesday to consider the proposals and suggestions of the privatization commission board regarding privatization of State Owned Entities (SOEs). ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Oct, 2018 ) : Cabinet Committee on Privatization (CCoP) would meet here on Wednesday to consider the proposals and suggestions of the privatization commission board regarding privatization of State Owned Entities (SOEs). A meeting of the Board of Privatization Commission was convened by the Privatization Commission Chairman Mohmmad Mian Soomro here to conduct review of privatization programme and to finalize entities which are required to be included in the list of active privatization programme. The review was conducted after consulting all relevant ministries and due consideration was given to the feedback provided by them. The board members gave their suggestions to include and exclude the SOEs in the next privatization programme. The proposed privatization programme will be presented to the CCoP for their decision. Privatization commission chairman directed to leave no stone unturned to recover the outstanding dues receivable from the buyers of SOEs that were privatized in the 1990s. It must be recalled that approximately Rs3.9 billion are yet to be received from the defaulter buyers of various state owned entities. He also directed to fix the responsibility and approach all relevant investigative bodies to reach the truth and rectify the problem. Meanwhile, according to sources, the commission board approved the five-year privatization plan under which 15-20 SOEs would be privatized in the first phase. Pakistan Steels Mills and Pakistan International Airlines have not been included in the list of SOEs to be privatized. Soomro said the employees already working in such departments would not be affected due to the privatization process. (@rukhshanmir) The Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) has conducted negotiations with 150 firms interested in receiving a financial trading license in the Netherlands and expects the country to become a large EU financial center and new home to many financial companies fleeing London due to uncertainty around UK withdrawal from the European Union, AFM Chairwoman Merel van Vroonhoven said on Tuesday. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 30th October, 2018) The Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) has conducted negotiations with 150 firms interested in receiving a financial trading license in the Netherlands and expects the country to become a large EU financial center and new home to many financial companies fleeing London due to uncertainty around UK withdrawal from the European Union, AFM Chairwoman Merel van Vroonhoven said on Tuesday. "The arrival of these companies will attract other service providers and strengthen the access of Dutch pension funds and other asset managers to the financial markets," Van Vroonhoven said, as quoted by the Dutchnews.nl portal. Van Vroonhoven expects that the Netherlands may host up to 30-40 percent of European financial instruments trading after Brexit. Apart from large plaforms CBOE, LSE Turquoise and Bloomberg, which have announced plans to move some operations to Amsterdam from London, smaller traders, banks and other market participants also consider a similar move, she noted. In June 2016, the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union. Although Brexit is scheduled for late March 2019, London and Brussels still cannot agree on a number of key issues, including the Irish border and customs arrangements, making a no-deal scenario a possibility. In July, Catherine McGuinness, the chairperson of the policy and resources committee of the City of London, said that the UK financial sector could lose up to 12,000 jobs due to Brexit because many financial companies were relocating their businesses to the European Union. According to the Bank of England estimates, the City may lose as many as 5,000 jobs by late March 2019, when the United Kingdom is set to withdraw from the European Union. Adviser to Prime Minister on Commerce and Textiles Abdul Razzaq Dawood Monday said it was a priority of the government to increase trade volume between Pakistan and China and enhanced economic cooperation ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 29th Oct, 2018 ) :Adviser to Prime Minister on Commerce and Textiles Abdul Razzaq Dawood Monday said it was a priority of the government to increase trade volume between Pakistan and China and enhanced economic cooperation. "We wish to extend cooperation with China in the areas of industries, agriculture, education and Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to achieve the trade objectives," he told APP in an exclusive interview here. The minister said the local international investors would enjoy all modern facilities including one window operation in SEZs, and expressed the hope that local investors would get a golden opportunity to form joint ventures with foreign investors and share mutual experiences. He said Pakistan needed to prioritize its exports to China in textile, leather, agriculture including engineering, Information Technology (IT) and education. He added the Chinese market was the world's biggest destination for agricultural products including grains, cotton, sugar, meat, and milk adding that Pakistan produced almost all of these in abundance. The minister said China was largest trading partners of Pakistan. "We wish to further increase the exports between Pakistan and China in the coming years," he added. To a question, he said ChinaInternational Import Expo (CIIE), starting from November 5 in Shanghai would open the country's markets further to the world as many exporters from Pakistan would be putting their goods on display. Replying to another question, he said a number of agreements would be signed with China in different sectors, adding that the visit would be a great opportunity to have access to huge Chinese markets. "We will achieve exports target and additional exports for economic development and prosperity," he said. The Adviser said the government was committed to increasing the exports volume and boosting manufacturing in engineering, textile, agriculture and chemicals. RazzaqDawoodsaid the government would give priority to promoting export-led growth and reduce dependence on imports and added that many new sectors had been identified to boost the exports. With regard to export promotion strategy, he said it would focus on increasing the country's exports to compete with regional and global players in international market. The minister said the government in consultation with stakeholders would devise comprehensive policy guidelines to promote textile and industrial exports. "We will focus on promoting 'Made in Pakistan' goods and discourage imports," he remarked. The incumbent government was determined to promote regional trade and export-led growth of economy. "Promotion of regional economic and trade integration is a priority of the government for increasing trade with regional countries including Iran, Afghanistan and Central Asian States," he said. He said the Small and Medium Entrepreneur (SMEs) sector would also be encouraged for playing its role in economic growth and prosperity. Highlighting the need for reducing dependence on imports, the adviser said that the government would allow import of raw material for industry. He said the government would also explore new international markets for its exports and added "we are committed to explore new markets and mainly had focused on Africa. "We are already in trade with North and South American countries including South East Asian Economic and there is more trade potential which needs to be explored." (@FahadShabbir) BELGRADE (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 31st October, 2018) Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic told Sputnik on Tuesday that he expected many important agreements related to the Russian-Serbian economy, energy, infrastructure, and policy cooperation to be signed during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Belgrade in mid-January 2019. On October 12, Vucic's administration said in a statement that Putin was expected to pay a visit to Serbia in January and that an agreement had been reached with Russian Ambassador to Serbia Alexander Chepurin to begin preparations for the visit, which would reaffirm the Serbian-Russian traditional friendship and fraternity. On Tuesday, Vucic confirmed that the visit would be held in mid-January, "I expect many important things and many important agreements to be reached, most importantly, in such spheres as the economy, energy and infrastructure, and in politics as well, I'm sure," Vucic told Sputnik. Vucic went on to say that Serbia was "100 percent" dependent on the Russian gas. "I don't know how the Russian-Ukrainian relations will develop... But my job is to try to ensure unhampered gas deliveries to Serbia, as this is the condition for our further development," Vucic said. He explained that Serbia currently needed three billions of cubic meters (9.8 billions of cubic feet) of gas per annum, while in seven or eight years it would need five billions. "This is the basis for Serbian industrialization. When we build a gas pipeline and two gas distribution stations, we will certainly develop quicker. I hope for excellent results," Vucic said. He specified that Serbia fulfilled all of its commitments, and that it was a reliable partner for Russia, not owning it "a single Dinar" for the gas deliveries. "We want even more solid and successful cooperation with Russia. And we will have it on all other issues, including political and economical ones," Vucic concluded. On October 26, Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Aleksandar Antic said that Serbia could join the TurkStream pipeline in order to improve its national energy security. While the first leg of the TurkStream will deliver Russian natural gas solely for Turkish consumption, the second leg will transport Russian gas to European countries through Turkey, and its completion is scheduled for 2019. Russia is considering options for extending the pipeline through Bulgaria and Serbia or through Greece and Italy. (@ChaudhryMAli88) The United Arab Emirates announced Tuesday the establishment of a special unit at the economy ministry to help lure foreign investors amid an economic slowdown. Abu Dhabi, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Oct, 2018 ) :The United Arab Emirates announced Tuesday the establishment of a special unit at the economy ministry to help lure foreign investors amid an economic slowdown. The establishment of the foreign direct investment unit was ordered by President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan in a decree. The order stipulates that foreign investment firms which secure licences under the decree will be treated like national companies, significantly cutting back red tape. Last year the UAE attracted more than $10 billion in foreign direct investment, continuing a trend in recent years of having the largest FDI inflows among all Arab states. (@FahadShabbir) Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Syed Murad Ali Shah on Tuesday said that in the province there were around 300,000 deaf children and majority of them have no access to quality education, therefore he was committed to provide them best education. KARACHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Oct, 2018 ) : Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Syed Murad Ali Shah on Tuesday said that in the province there were around 300,000 deaf children and majority of them have no access to quality education , therefore he was committed to provide them best He said this while presiding over a meeting here. Special Assistant to CM for programmes related to differently abled persons Qasim Naveed, a delegation of DEAF Reach comprising its CEO Richard Geary, Director Administration Daniel Marc Lanthier, Ms. Sarah Shaikh, Director Development Ms Sarah Shaikh attended the meeting. Murad said that he had a plan to involve the experts to create digital learning of sign language and capacity building of the teachers. The DEAF Reach is a very good organization and they are valuable partners of the provincial governments,he said. DEAF Reach CEO Richard Geary said that the objectives of the chief minister could be achieved by developing and making available Pakistan Sign Language (PSL) digital learning resources across Sindh and launching of training programme for teachers across 51 Special Needs Centers in Sindh. "We will have to train around 500 teachers," he said. In the meeting various issues and matter were discussed and the chief minister decided to create and develop Pakistan Sign Language learning resources at Primary grade levels with focus on literacy and numeracy. The PSL digital resources would go on PSL portal with access across Sindh. Under the training programme, as decided by the CM Sindh, training for all teachers working in 51 Special Education Centres would be started under a Teachers training programme. The PSL resources would also be distributed in all the centres and would also be installed in the class rooms. The DEAF Reach team told the CM Sindh that Sukkur Campus, Nawabshah campus have become over-crowded and needed expansion. The CM Sindh directed Secretary Special education to get Jacob Lines Complex, Karachi completed on war footings so that it could be utilized. The under construction STEVTA building at Sukkur should also be completed on war footings. The CM Sindh said that education of differently-abled children was quite expensive in private sector. Many students in Sukkur Campus were on waiting list. This shows that the parents are interested to enroll their differently abled children in government schools to make them useful citizen of the country, he said. It was worked out that each student at government centres would cost Rs 6800/ to Sindh government. This cost includes tuition fee Rs 2400, transportation Rs 1500, lunch Rs 940, supplies for students Rs 700, vocational training and material Rs 360, medical care Rs 300, parents training programme Rs 300 and teachers training Rs 400. On that, Murad Ali Shah said that it was a noble cause and he would not hesitate to invest for education of differently abledchildren. (@FahadShabbir) AJK Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider Khan Tuesday appreciated the due steps being initiated by the federal government to address the environmental issues arose of 969 MW mega Neelum-Jhelum hydropower project based in Muzaffarabad, Talking to media in his chamber, the Prime Minister said Secretary Water and Power and Commissioner Indus Water Commission are visiting Muzaffarabad on the direction of Prime Minister of Pakistan to review the problems of reduced quantity of water in Neelum River from Nauseri to Muzaffarabad and sewerage and environmental hazards caused by it. MIRPUR(UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Oct, 2018 ) ,: AJK Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider Khan Tuesday appreciated the due steps being initiated by the Federal government to address the environmental issues arose of 969 MW mega Neelum-Jhelum hydropower project based in Muzaffarabad , Talking to media in his chamber , the Prime Minister said Secretary Water and Power and Commissioner Indus Water Commission are visiting Muzaffarabad on the direction of Prime Minister of Pakistan to review the problems of reduced quantity of water in Neelum River from Nauseri to Muzaffarabad and sewerage and environmental hazards caused by it. A detailed report on these issues would soon be prepared by the delegation. Farooq Haider revealed that AJK government has informed the WAPDA to set up Kuhala power project on "run of river" instead of changing the direction of the river. He said talk is underway to change the design of Kuhala project. "The temperature from Nauseri to Muzaffarabad has now enhanced to 5.2 centigrade" he pointed out. He assured the residents of Muzaffarabad that state government in cooperation with federal government would protect their constitutional rights. He said after 13th amendment the financial and administrative structure has been transferred to AJK government. A committee headed by federal law minister has also met to bring improvement in this amendment, he explained. Responding to a question, the the AJK Prime Minister stated that this firing has been intensified to get success in the forthcoming elections in India. Modi will use more power against people of Kashmir in the held valley in a bid to get more votes in the polls. I have asked the Foreign Minister to exchange views with Hurriyat Conference and political parties of AJK to prepare a strategy. I gave my proposals to the foreign minister too on it, he said. Raja Farooq Haider Khan said around one million Kashmiris are settled in UK who have been paving way for Kashmir liberation struggle. The AJK President is already there and would participate in a Conference on Kashmir in UK, he remarked. He said he would himself leave for Brussels to attend "Kashmir Week" there beginning from November 6. He said the United Nations also intends to send its commission to IHK. All stakeholders should put their heads together to make an effective strategy on how to move on, on Kashmir, he maintained. Farooq also asked the Judges of superior courts to exercise restraint, keep the dignity of judiciary above and give verdicts on merit, as we cannot afford a situation of chaos at this time. (@FahadShabbir) AJK President Sardar Masood Khan has said that resolve of Kashmiri people will triumph over Indian tyranny that has made their lives miserable. MIRPUR (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Oct, 2018 ) ,: AJK President Sardar Masood Khan has said that resolve of Kashmiri people will triumph over Indian tyranny that has made their lives miserable. " India has not only snatched the right of education , health and freedom of free speech from the people of Kashmir but also has deprived them to live a dignified life". The Indian brutishness has made human blood in Occupied Kashmir cheaper than the water ," President Masood Khan told a gathering of Kashmiri community at Pakistan High Commission in London , said a message received here Tuesday. He said Kashmiris are subjected to the worst kind of repression for raising voice for their internationally recognized right to self-determination. The oppression, he added was recorded and documented by credible organizations like Amnesty International, Asia Watch and UN Human Rights Commission. The Human Rights Commission of United Nation in its latest report amply exposed India by holding its occupation forces operating under draconian laws, responsible of trampling fundamental rights of the Kashmiri people under their jack-boots, he expressed. He said that around half million people of Kashmir have been killed and same number of them pushed into AJK and Pakistan since 1947 when 250,000 innocent Kashmiris were cold-bloodedly butchered in Jammu, President Khan said, adding that It was second largest Holocaust after World War-II and the tyranny started in 1947 in Kashmir persists till today. Sardar Masood Khan went on to say thousands of unmarked graves of those who were tortured to death bear testimony of Indian savagery. These graves are of those who were tortured to death by Indian forces in different torture cells, he said. Expressing his deep gratitude to British Parliament and All Parties Parliamentary Kashmir Group of the Parliament for highlighting plights of Kashmiri people, the AJK President expressed his hope that APPKG will continue its efforts to put pressure on India to respect human rights of Kashmiri people. The AJK President also urged the members of Diaspora to redouble their efforts for vigorously highlighting Kashmir issue in its true perspective and exposing the atrocities of Indian Occupation forces against innocent people of Kashmir. (@ChaudhryMAli88) The joint UAE - Bahrain High Committee convened under the chairmanship of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and the Bahraini Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa. MANAMA, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 30th Oct, 2018) The joint UAE - Bahrain High Committee convened under the chairmanship of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and the Bahraini Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa. The two ministers underscored the deeply rooted, brotherly relations between the two nations, which are based on solid foundations of cordiality, respect, kinship, and common destiny. The committee convened in the presence of Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, and President of Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa. H.H. Sheikh Abdullah expressed his gratitude and appreciation for Sheikh Khalid, and all members of the Bahraini side for their hospitality and organisation of the Joint High Committees work. He added that the committee embodies the historical relation between the kingdom of Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates which has a special place in the heart of every Emirati, since the days of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the late Emir Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, who helped in establishing these distinguished relations. He noted that the two countries are bound by a common destiny, adding that the United Arab Emirates follows up the economic policies of the Kingdom of Bahrain, commending the wise policy of King of Bahrain, which enabled the Kingdom of Bahrain to overcome the global economic crisis. He also called on the private sector to promote joint action that develops the direct investment between the two countries, noting the participation of the Kingdom of Bahrain at Expo 2020. Sheikh Abdullah invited his Bahraini counterpart and members of the committee to visit the UAE to hold the next session of the committee next year. Sheikh Khalid Al Khalifa affirmed in his speech that communication and cooperation between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates is the embodiment and continuation of the great approach taken by the founding fathers who established it themselves and used their own will and strong determination to consolidate the solid foundations of these close brotherly relations. These relations have become a model for cohesion and unity among brothers, thanks to the generous care and the constant attention of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and his brother, President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, he said. He pointed out that the meeting of the Joint High Committee is a reflection for the long historical journey of brotherly relations between the two countries on so many levels. The relations between the two countries are continuously developing and have taken a common approach to serve the interests of the two countries and enhance their regional and international role, he added. The Minister of Foreign Affairs also welcomed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Sheikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Center for Culture & Research of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development of the United Arab Emirates to celebrate the centennial of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Muharraq City as the capital of Islamic culture, with the goal to support the rehabilitation of a number of heritage houses in the Kingdom of Bahrain, which confirms the depth of historical relations between the two countries, and their common interest in preserving the historical and cultural heritage. The two ministers signed the minutes of the Joint High Committee meeting and a number of agreements and MoUs on various aspects of joint cooperation between the two countries. Furthermore, Minister Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi and Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa signed an MoU between the Sheikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Center for Culture & Research of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development of the United Arab Emirates. The following statement was issued following the meeting: According to the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to strengthen cooperation and coordination between the two countries in all fields, and based on the historic fraternal ties and the relations of kinship between the people of the two countries as well as their common destiny, and at the invitation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, visited the Kingdom of Bahrain on 29-30 October, 2018. The 8th meetings of the Joint High Committee were held on Monday and Tuesday, corresponding to October 29-30, 2018, under the chairman of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, and H. H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, with the participation of several officials from the two countries. The two sides reviewed the distinguished bilateral relations between them in various fields, and hailed the positive resulted achieved following the 7th meeting of committee as well as and the constructive measures taken to enhance cooperation and coordination to serve common interests of the two countries. The two sides also affirmed their keenness to further develop their relations in all fields, which resulted in signing a number of agreements and memorandums of understanding including: 1. Agreement on the international land transport of passengers and goods between the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Government of the United Arab Emirates. 2. Memorandum of Understanding between the Institute of Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Emirates Diplomatic academy in the United Arab Emirates. 3. Memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the field of social insurance between the Social Insurance Organisation in the Kingdom of Bahrain and the General Authority for Pensions and Social Insurance in the United Arab Emirates. 4. Memorandum of Understanding on Cultural Cooperation between the two governments . 5. Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of higher education between the two governments. 6. Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the field of consumer protection between two governments. 7. Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation in the fields of electricity and water between two governments. 8. A Memorandum of Understanding between the Abu Dhabi Global Market and the Central Bank of Bahrain. 9. Memorandum of Understanding on the field of urban planning and development of urban communities between the two governments. 10. Memorandum of Understanding on tourism cooperation between the two governments. The two sides signed the minutes of the meeting, which included means to enhance cooperation in a number of other vital areas. Another memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development in the United Arab Emirates and Sheikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Center for Culture and Research to celebrate the centennial of late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Muharraq City as the capital of Islamic culture. The two sides also expressed their aspirations to activate the signed agreements, and to sign new MoUs and work programs in the coming periods in order to strengthen their cooperation in line with their joint action mechanisms. The two sides also reviewed a number of Arab, Islamic, regional and international issues of common concern. They stressed the importance of continuing coordination between the two countries to face all challenges. They also affirmed their solid stance that supports the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in its wise policies and efforts to confront the various threats that target the international community, particularly extremism and terrorism. They expressed their total rejection of all attempts to harm the fundamental and leading role of Saudi Arabia in preserving regional and international security and peace. The two sides also reiterated the sovereignty of the United Arab Emirates over its three islands: Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa, calling on the Islamic Republic of Iran to respond to the UAE's efforts to resolve the issue either through direct negotiations or by resorting to the Court of International Justice. They affirmed their absolute rejection of Iran's blatant and repeated interference in the internal affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain and other Arab countries, and condemned Iran's support of terrorist groups and their funding to threaten security and stability in the region. They stressed the need for Iran to commit to the principles and provisions of international law and the UN Charter regarding the non-interference in the internal affairs of states and respecting their sovereignty and independence, as well as committing to the principles of good neighborly relations, refraining from the use of force and threats which increase the tensions of the region. The UAE side affirmed its support to all measures taken by the Kingdom of Bahrain to preserve its stability and security. The two sides also affirmed their commitment to participate in the Arab Coalition Supporting Legitimacy in Yemen with the aim of restoring security and peace in Yemen and assisting the brotherly Yemeni people in all fields, as well as reaching a political solution with the participation of all Yemeni people according to the Gulf Initiative and its mechanisms, the outcomes of the National Dialogue and Security Council Resolution 2216. The two sides also stressed that the Arab Peace Initiative is the optimal way to end the Arab-Israeli conflict and achieve the desired peace. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Bahrain's Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, today received H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, at Gudaibiya Palace. MANAMA, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 30th Oct, 2018) Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Bahrain's Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, today received H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, at Gudaibiya Palace. Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, and Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain were present. Bahrain's Crown Prince highlighted the historic partnership between the two countries, which are based on strong and extended love and brotherliness bonds. He added that ties are reflected in the unity of the two countries' stances on various regional and international issues. He also praised the role played by the UAE as part of the Saudi-led Arab Coalition to Support the Legitimacy in Yemen, which contributes to achieving security and stability in the region. He indicated that joint coordination between the two countries has availed them to defend the regional just issues and extended thanks for the UAE for its supportive stances towards Bahrain which stresses the strong relations between the two fraternal countries. He welcomed Sheikh Abdullah's visit and presiding over the 8th meeting of the Joint High Committee between the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Bahrain. He said that he looks forward that the meeting will contribute to continuing to enhance bilateral relations at all scenes and bolster ties between the two countries and peoples. Bahraini Crown Prince congratulated the government and the people of the UAE for the successful launch of the first Emirati made satellite KhalifaSat. Sheikh Abdullah expressed his appreciation for the level of cooperation and coordination between the two countries. Mohammed Sharaf Al Hashemi, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for Economic and Commercial Affairs, and Ahmed Ali Al Balooshi, Director of the GCC at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation were also present. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and President of Emirates Publishers Association (EPA), said that contemporary threats to freedom of publishing are currently more aggravated than ever. SHARJAH, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 30th Oct, 2018) Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and President of Emirates Publishers Association (EPA), said that contemporary threats to freedom of publishing are currently more aggravated than ever. Sheikha Bodour's statements came in a panel discussion organised by the Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) today. Introducing the panel discussion titled Freedom to Publish in Peril: A View from the Frontlines Sheikha Bodour said: "Freedom to publish is not a serious matter for us just as publishers, but also as human beings. And this this why I believe it is important to keep this conversation going." Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi added that while "we have seen several movements involving publishers and industry stakeholders who are strongly advocating the freedom to publish, there have been several cases of them being attacked and terrorised." (@rukhshanmir) Dubai Land Department, DLD, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with Emirates Islamic, which agreed to be a banking partner for DLDs efforts to boost the growth of the Dubai real estate sector. DUBAI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 30th Oct, 2018) Dubai Land Department, DLD, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with Emirates Islamic, which agreed to be a banking partner for DLDs efforts to boost the growth of the Dubai real estate sector. Majida Ali Rashid, CEO of the Real Estate Promotion and Investment Management Sector at DLD, and Wasim Saifi, Deputy CEO - Consumer Banking and Wealth Management at Emirates Islamic, signed the MoU. Commenting on the MoU, Rashid said, "We at DLD are keen to establish partnerships with the private sector in order to work together in support of the Dubai real estate sector. Emirates Islamic, one of the largest national banks in the UAE with a wide range of customers, will support our initiatives and directives in promoting the Dubai real estate market and our ongoing strategy to attract more investors from around the world. " The agreement will seek to leverage Emirates Islamics innovation-driven banking solutions expertise and customer-focused approach to support DLDs vision of positioning Dubai as the worlds premier real estate destination and a byword for innovation, trust and happiness. In turn, Saifi said, "As a leading local bank, we are delighted to partner with Dubai Land Department as the bank of choice for investors in the Dubai real estate sector. We believe that public-private sector collaborations play a strong role in achieving national objectives of creating a better environment for customers and investors. We also remain committed to supporting DLDs mission of continually raising the bar for transparency and efficiency in Dubais real estate transactions." Major General Maktoum Al Shareefi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Police, opened on Tuesday, the second GCC Forensic Science Conference & Exhibition in Abu Dhabi. The event takes delegates on a journey starting at the scene of crime and finishing in the courtroom and offer a unique 360 degree viewpoint of the entire forensics industry. ABU DHABI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 31st Oct, 2018) Major General Maktoum Al Shareefi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Police, opened on Tuesday, the second GCC Forensic Science Conference & Exhibition in Abu Dhabi. The event takes delegates on a journey starting at the scene of crime and finishing in the courtroom and offer a unique 360 degree viewpoint of the entire forensics industry. The two-day high-level conference is organised by the Abu Dhabi Police and brings together forensic experts from the GCC, wider middle East region and the international community. Over 50 speakers are coming together to discuss the latest developments, innovations and challenges facing the forensics sector and provide an insight into the latest trends in the forensics sector, offering unrivalled networking opportunities with experts from across the Forensics sector in the MENA, GCC regions and beyond. Alongside the conference, visitors can discover cutting edge technology from leading international labs, providers and worldwide manufacturers in the exhibition. National Geographic Abu Dhabi, in partnership with Abu Dhabi Media and Al Marai, today announced the short-listed photographs for the 8th edition of its celebrated 'Moments' photography competition, one of the largest photography competitions in the region, established to nurture the talent of aspiring photographers from around the Arab world. ABU DHABI/RIYADH, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 30th Oct, 2018) National Geographic Abu Dhabi, in partnership with Abu Dhabi Media and Al Marai, today announced the short-listed photographs for the 8th edition of its celebrated 'Moments' photography competition, one of the largest photography competitions in the region, established to nurture the talent of aspiring photographers from around the Arab world. Moments is held in partnership with Almarai, who has been a strategic supporter of this platform for the last 5 years as part of their CSR programme and shared vision of nurturing youth talent from the middle East. 64 aspiring photographs have been shortlisted for this years edition by the competition judging panel, Tasneem Sultan, an award-winning Saudi photographer, who is a professional National Geographic photographer and Hussam R. Abdulqader, CMO. The 2018 competition received a record 40,000 entries from Algeria all the way to Saudi Arabia. There was a marked increase of entries from the GCC this year, with several short-listed photographs from the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Oman. The competitions final winner will be announced next month. Abdulrahman Awadh Al Harthi, Acting Executive Director of Television & Executive Director of Abu Dhabi Radio Network at Abu Dhabi Media, said, "The Moments Photography competition has become a unique platform for young artists to express their talent. The success of the competition is evident in the growing number of entries and quality of images. As Abu Dhabi Media, we are committed and proud to support this competition, reflecting our support for all segments of the society, especially youth, offering them platforms such as this one to express their creativity and ideas. The unique submissions this year will act as an inspiration to all who are interested in photography and encourage youth to develop a distinctive Arab artistic expression through photographs that bring to life stories and human messages from our local environments." Commenting on the short-listed entries, Hussam R. Abdulqader, CMO, Almarai, said, "Year on year, we are seeing photographs with increasingly powerful storytelling. Many of this years photographs are living portraits of the stories of the region, historical, cultural and social stories, but above all human stories. I believe many rival internationally renowned photographs. Making a decision on the winning photograph will be very difficult, as there is a lot of talent that deserves to win." Sanjay Raina, General Manager and Senior Vice-President of Fox Networks Groups, said, "At National Geographic Abu Dhabi, our mission is not only to share across our platforms stories of exploration, adventure, travel and life through the lens of our photographers and cinematographers, but we want to encourage everyone to go out and be the explorers, the adventurers and the travelers who uncover these moments and bring their stories to the region and to the world. Thats what Moments is all about. And we are here to discover these budding photographers and encourage them to pursue their Art, through giving them access to some the best mentors in the field, our National Geographic photographers." This years short-listed entries were praised by the judges for their stunning photography and visual storytelling as well as their original representation of this years competition theme, 'Stories of People of the Arab World'. The 8th edition of Moments, in partnership with Abu Dhabi Media and Al Marai, witnessed a doubling of the number of entries from 2017, a testament both to the demand for such a platform and the passion for photography that is shared across the Arab world. This years entries reflect the diversity of peoples stories, captured through the lens of budding photographers, who captured them in their daily lives, their work, their family time and their traditions. The Grand prize winner of this years Moments competition will be announced at an unveiling event in Dubai in November. He/she will receive a 10-day all-expense-paid National Geographic photography Expedition Trip to Italy courtesy of Almarai, photography equipment and complimentary travel to the Moments Awards Ceremony in Dubai. Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister of Bahrain, received H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, with the attendance of Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, as part of their visit to Bahrain to attend the meeting of the Joint Supreme Committee between the UAE and Bahrain. MANAMA, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 30th Oct, 2018) Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister of Bahrain, received H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, with the attendance of Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, as part of their visit to Bahrain to attend the meeting of the Joint Supreme Committee between the UAE and Bahrain. Prince Khalifa stressed that the UAEs support for Bahrain will be immortalised in his nations history, as it reflects the true meaning of brotherliness and cohesion between two countries that are brought together by love, synergy and common destiny and goals. He also affirmed that the UAEs actions, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, are based on a historic legacy established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, which his sons are still following and is distinguished by the relations between the two countries. Prince Khalifa congratulated the UAEs President, government and people on the successful launch of "KhalifaSat," while describing it as an international accomplishment that makes every Gulf and Arab national proud. Prince Khalifa stated that successive Emirati accomplishments in the various development and scientific areas reflect its overall approach, which deserves to be a model to follow, benefits other Arab and Gulf countries, and helps to create a brighter future. Prince Khalifa thanked the UAE for supporting Bahrain in various issues while affirming that its unlimited actions are not unusual and will always be honoured and appreciated by the people of Bahrain. Prince Khalifa stressed that the meeting of the committee has gained significant importance in terms of its timing, as it will enhance the cooperation between the two countries and serve their joint interests. During the meeting, Prince Khalifa highlighted Bahrains efforts to improve its bilateral, Gulf, Arab and international cooperation, as well as its coordination with the UAE. Sheikh Abdullah praised the historic relations between the two countries, as well as the efforts of the Government of Bahrain, led by Prince Khalifa, to improve them in all areas. "Our relationship with Bahrain is historic and is based on deep ties and joint interests, most notably on the love and trust between our countries, leadership and peoples," Sheikh Abdullah said. Sheikh Abdullah highlighted the UAEs efforts to support Bahrain while pointing out that the UAE is happy with Bahrains accomplishments and development, which reflect its ability to confront its challenges and difficulties. Sheikh Abdullah endorsed the vision and invitation of Prince Khalifa to intensify the visits between officials from both countries and other Gulf countries. The meeting was attended by Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain; Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Ambassador to Bahrain; Mohammed Sharaf Al Hashemi, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for Economic and Commercial Affairs, and Ahmed Ali Al Balooshi, Director of the Gulf Cooperation Council, GCC, Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The UAE Non-resident Ambassador to Tajikistan, Dr Mohamed Ahmed bin Sultan Al Jaber, met with Defence Minister of Tajikistan, Colonel General Sherali Mirzo, to discuss ways of advancing cooperation between two countries across various domains. DUSHANBE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 31st Oct, 2018) The UAE Non-resident Ambassador to Tajikistan, Dr Mohamed Ahmed bin Sultan Al Jaber, met with Defence Minister of Tajikistan, Colonel General Sherali Mirzo, to discuss ways of advancing cooperation between two countries across various domains. During the meeting, which took place at the premises of the Defence Ministry here, the defence minister lauded the prudent vision of the UAE leadership and their role in ensuring prosperity for their people. He affirmed his keenness to hold meetings with UAE officials in the future on means of propelling relations and benefiting from the UAE defence expertise. Dr Al Jaber, who is also the UAE Ambassador to Kazakhstan, expressed determination to bolster the friendly ties between the two countries. CONAKRY, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 30th Oct, 2018) Ahmed Nasser Abdul Rahim Al-Khaja, UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Guinea, has attended the opening of a vocational training institute in Boke Region, Guinea. The project is funded by UAE through Abu Dhabi Fund for Development. The opening was attended also by Ibrahim Kasuri Fofana, Prime Minister of the Republic of Guinea, and a number of ministers. In his speech, Fofana extended thanks to the UAE for funding development projects in his country. "The institute specialises in electricity, carpentry, welding and mechanics and will contribute to the skill development of Guinean youth, who are priority of the government," he said. He also thanked the UAE Ambassador for taking part in the event and continuous cooperation with the Guinean government as well as enhancing ties between the two countries in all fields. (@rukhshanmir) ISTANBUL, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 29th Oct, 2018 ) :President Dr Arif Alvi on Monday said deep and brotherly relations among the people of Pakistan and Turkey were historical. The two countries had exemplary relationship since the Khilafat Movement, the president, in an interview with correspondents of Turkish news channel TRT, Anadolu news agency and Daily Sabah. President Alvi said Pakistan had suffered colossal losses in the war against terrorism. More than 70,000 Pakistanis lost their lives while the economy suffered billions of Dollar losses. He said both Pakistan and Turkey had made a lot of efforts for world peace and stability. They had rendered numerous sacrifices to eradicate terrorism and the world must acknowledge their tireless efforts in that regard. President Alvi said the two countries had a lot of opportunities to cooperate in various fields. They would have to take extra steps to further cooperate in many fields, including basic infrastructure, he added. To a question, he said the government was working on a gigantic housing project of five million houses for the lower income segment of the society and it wanted to get benefit from Turkey's experience in that regard. To another question, the president said Turkey was an important country of the Muslim world. About the country's foreign policy, he said Pakistan wanted better relations with all the countries. Pakistan desired peace in the war-torn Afghanistan as it would benefit it, he added. Meanwhile, President Alvi and the First Lady also participated at the inaugural ceremony of Turkey's giant new Istanbul Airport. The president and his wife on the occasion also held informal talks with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the First Lady. The Turkish president has championed the $7.2 billion project in his bid to make Istanbul a global travel hub linking Europe, Asia and Africa and turn flag carrier Turkish Airlines into an aviation giant. The ceremony was also attended by 50 heads of state on the invitation of the Turkish government. BEIJING, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th Oct, 2018 ) :The first hydropower investment project of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the Karot Hydropower Station, has entered the stage of comprehensive construction. The construction has begun after successful completion of closure of the Jhelum River, on which the station is being constructed, according to a Chinese media website. The hydropower station is located in the Karot area of Punjab province and is the fourth level of the Jhelum River Cascade Hydropower Project. The Jhelum River, being a tributary of the Indus River with a vertical fall of about 766 yards, which runs through India and Pakistan, will provide huge resources for the hydropower station. The Karot Hydropower Project is the first hydropower station constructed by Chinese enterprises with Chinese techniques following Chinese standards. The project will generate clean power of 3.2 billion kW-hours each year after it is completed, which is equivalent to 10 percent of the total hydroelectric power of Pakistan in 2017. The power output is enough to supply power to over two million Pakistani households and is expected to begin operation in 2021. With a total investment of about $1420 million, the Karot Hydropower Project is built, owned, operated and handed over as an investment model. After the 30-year operation period, it will be transferred to the Pakistani government free of charge. The project was being developed on a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer basis with five years construction period and 30 years concession period. Karot Hydropower Project, executed by Karot Power Company (Pvt.) Limited, has been listed as one of the prioritized projects under the CPEC. The project's main sponsor, China Three Gorges (CTG) South Asia Investment Limited, is an investment arm of CTG Corporation in South Asia, the sources added. The construction of the project has also provided employment to more than 2,000 people. (@rukhshanmir) ISTANBUL, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 29th Oct, 2018 ) :President of Albania Llir Meta on Monday called on President Dr Arif Alvi and both the leaders discussed bilateral relations between the two countries. The two presidents agreed on exchange of delegations at chambers of commerce and trade level between the two countries. President Llir Meta said being a member of NATO, Albania lauded the role of Pakistan for promotion of peace in Afghanistan. President Dr Arif Alvi told his Albanian counterpart that Pakistan fully wanted peace and stability in Afghanistan. Both were agreed on cooperation between the two countries at the United Nations and other international forums. The Albanian President said that Pakistani businessmen should benefit from business opportunities in Albania by increasing their exports to Europe, while benefiting from the facilities provided by the Albanian government. (@FahadShabbir) Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Ali Amin Khan Gandapur Tuesday said corrupt people would have to face accountability at all cost. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Oct, 2018 ) :Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Ali Amin Khan Gandapur Tuesday said corrupt people would have to face accountability at all cost. Talking to media outside the Parliament House, he said political parties which looted billions of rupees were facing accountability process. The minister said people were aware of the corruption stories of those parties. Talking about opposition All Parties Conference (APC), he said Jamiat Ulema islam chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman was unable to win even a councilor seat but hatching conspiracy against the democratic government. The Ambassador of Czech Republic, Jan Fury inaugurated the Honourary Consulate here Tuesday. Asad Saifullah Khan has been nominated as Honourary Consul General of the Czech Republic in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Oct, 2018 ) :The Ambassador of Czech Republic , Jan Fury inaugurated the Honourary Consulate here Tuesday. Asad Saifullah Khan has been nominated as Honourary Consul General of the Czech Republic in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Besides, Mrs. Jaroslava, First Secretary at the embassy of Czech Republic and Mr. Brikcius, accomplished cellist and Speaker Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, Mushtaq Ahmad Ghani, Senators, members of National and provincial assemblies and members of diplomatic corps were also present on the occasion. Addressing the opening ceremony, the Ambassador of Czech Republic, Jan Furry said that the consulate would not only issue visas, but also help in resolving other problems. He said that the consulate would prove a milestone in the promotion of friendly relations between the Czech Republic and the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The ambassador said that the Czech Republic was celebrating the 100 years of statehood and his connection ceremonies had been held in Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad. The consulate, he said would not only benefit in promotion of tourism in both the countries, rather would also prove beneficial for closed friendly relations and people to people contacts. In his welcome address, the Consul General Asad Saifullah Khan termed the opening of the Czech Consulate a turning point, milestone and lead to brighter future for ties between Pakistan and the republic. He said that since the establishment of the Czech Republic in 1991, Pakistan and the republic had enjoyed warm and friendly relations and cooperated with each other in different sectors. He said that in the bilateral relations between both the countries continued to witness upward trajectory in 2015. Asad Saifullah Khan said that like Czech Republic, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan had great potential in sectors outside of industry, such as tourism and sports. However, these sectors had not been explored up to the maximum level. He said that as the Czech Republic had vast experience in tourism and sports, the provincial government, business community and especially the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were looking towards the Czech Republic in this regard. In his address, the Speaker Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, Mushtaq Ahmad Ghani welcomed theopening of the Consulate of Czech Republic in the province and stressed need for close bilateral and trade relations between both the countries. He also stressed for exchange of parliamentary delegations. Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi Tuesday stressed upon the need of augmenting trade and economic ties and greater people-to-people contacts between Pakistan and Austria. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Oct, 2018 ) :Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi Tuesday stressed upon the need of augmenting trade and economic ties and greater people-to-people contacts between Pakistan and Austria. He was talking to Ambassador Dr. Brigitta Blaha of Austria for a farewell call here at the Foreign Office, a press release said. The Foreign Minister appreciated the Ambassador's efforts in promoting Pakistan-Austria bilateral relations during her tenure in Pakistan. The Austrian Ambassador reciprocated her government's desire to further enhance cooperation between the two countries in all areas of mutual interest. She, in particular, emphasized on greater cooperation in the fields of trade, investment and education. The Foreign Minister wished the Ambassador's success in her future endeavors. (@ChaudhryMAli88) At least four people of the same family, including a senior local journalist, were shot dead here on Tuesday over a domestic dispute in Sherpao area. CHARSADDA, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Oct, 2018 ) :At least four people of the same family, including a senior local journalist, were shot dead here on Tuesday over a domestic dispute in Sherpao area. Police said the suspect Syed Arshad Jamal shot dead the mother of journalist Ehsan Sherpao, his sister-in-law and a two-year old nephew over a domestic dispute and fled the scene. The suspect came across journalist Ehsan Sherpao on the way and also shot him dead inside his car. Ehsan Sherpao died at the scene. Police said the suspect was a drug addict and had killed his wife prior to the incident. The suspect was also wanted to police in various cases. The suspect who was the cousin of the journalist fled the scene while police have launched a search operation nab him. Minister of State for Communication Murad Saeed on Tuesday said that Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) government would depoliticize police and all other institutions in the country ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Oct, 2018 ) :Minister of State for Communication Murad Saeed on Tuesday said that Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) government would depoliticize police and all other institutions in the country. Talking to media persons outside the Parliament House, he said that PTI government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa depoliticized all the institutions, adding that on the same patron reforms would be brought on Federal level. He said the government was working on the reforms to strengthen each institution economically. The minister said that the country was facing economic crisis due to the previous governments' corruption. He said that Pakistan People's Party and Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) leadership was doing politics of personal interest, adding that they were responsible for the losses being faced by each institution in the country. He said that PTI government was making efforts to enhance the revenues of the institutions and eradicate corruptions from the country. Talking about opposition's All Parties Conference (APC), the minister said that the opposition has exposed due to their same interest as earlier they claimed to conduct accountability of each other but today they are united for safeguarding their interest. He said that government would not offer NRO or stop accountability process with such gatherings. He said that government would continue accountability process in the country and also bring back the looted money from abroad. He said that in this regard government has already signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Britain. He said that government also approached Switzerland and other countries for getting cooperation in conducting investigation in money laundering cases. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Syed Khursheed Shah Tuesday urged all stakeholders to sit together and find a workable solution to steer the country out from economic crisis. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Oct, 2018 ) : Pakistan Peoples Party ( PPP ) leader Syed Khursheed Shah Tuesday urged all stakeholders to sit together and find a workable solution to steer the country out from economic crisis. Participating in a debate in the National Assembly on economic situation, he said, "All the political parties should be part of the constructive debate, that how to bring out the country from the prevailing economic crisis". He said, "We have to dig out why the economic crisis are hitting the country again and again. We have to sit together for improvement of the country's economy." Taking part in the debate, PML -N leader Ahsan Iqbal said the government would have to show seriousness to move forward the country on consistent path of progress and prosperity. Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari said the opposition parties should focus on the discussion instead of resorting to personal attacks. Minister for education Shafqat Mahmood said the opposition is using different pretexts to avoid discussion on the economic situation. Later, the opposition in the National Assembly staged a walkout from the House saying it will not participate in the debate unless Finance Minister Asad Umer ensures his presence in the House. (@rukhshanmir) The Additional Session Judge Shakirullah Tuesday awarded life imprisonment to a man for beheading his wife, the mother of two underage girls. PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Oct, 2018 ) :The Additional Session Judge Shakirullah Tuesday awarded life imprisonment to a man for beheading his wife , the mother of two underage girls. According to Police Station Parowa, killer Nazir Ahmed resident of Tehsil Parwa, took his wife to nearby fields for wood cutting where he beheaded her with his axe. Police arrested the killer along with the weapon used in the crime on the complaint of his father-in-law Allah Ditta. Allah Ditta told police that his son-in-law Nazir was idle person while Nazir's wife was trying to take care of her family by doing work at different places. Father of slain daughter in his complaint to Police Station Parowa told that Nazir Ahmed did not like working of his wife at other homes due to which he killed his wife ruthlessly. The Additional and Session Judge convicted Nazir Ahmed in the murder case and jailed him for life besides imposing Rs 200,000 fine. The accused would remain in jail for more six month in case of non-payment of fine. Meanwhile, Anti Terrorist Court granted bail to Sajid Latif Advocate in a murder case of Advocate Yasir Zakria against surety of Rs 200,000 and guarantee of two persons. Divisional Commissioner Asif Iqbal Chaudhry said on Tuesday that Paigham-e-Pakistan declaration issued unanimously by religious scholars of all schools of thoughts was a guarantee to peace and sovereignty of the country. FAISALABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Oct, 2018 ) :Divisional Commissioner Asif Iqbal Chaudhry said on Tuesday that Paigham-e-Pakistan declaration issued unanimously by religious scholars of all schools of thoughts was a guarantee to peace and sovereignty of the country. He was addressing the opening session of a two-day workshop held on 'Paigham-e-Pakistan' at Zainab Hall of Govt College for Woman Gojra here Tuesday. RPO Ghulam Mahmood Dogar was guest of honour while MPA Bilal Asghar Warraich, DPO Sadiq Ali Dogar, Deputy Commissioner Toba Tek Singh Ahmed Khawar Shahzad, Ulema of all schools of thoughts, members of peace committee and civil society participated in the workshop. The commissioner said Paigham-e-Pakistan declaration in fact was a message of love, peace, brotherhood, tolerance and guarantee to peace. He said some elements tried to create anarchy in the country but they had failed in their struggle. "We are recognized with Pakistan," he said, adding we would never hesitate to sacrify for the defence of our homeland. He paid tribute to Pak Armed forces and other law enforcement agencies for sacrificing lives in war against terrorism. RPO Ghulam Mahmood Dogar said that Paigham-e-Pakistan was a landmark declaration for the defence of national boundaries. He said although Pak Armed forces, police and other law enforcement agencies were fighting against terrorism for the defence of internal and external boundaries of the country, yet Ulema had played an important role by issuing Paigham-e-Pakistan declaration. He said there was a dire need to pave the right way and Ulema and religious leaders should come forward for guidance of the people. Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Toba Tek Singh Ahmed Khawar Shahzad while explaining the objectives of the workshop said such type of workshops were being held at district level for the promotion of peace and tranquility and the initiative had been taken from Toba Tek Singh district. He said that Paigham-e-Pakistan was a landmark achievement and the message of peace was found in all its contents. Chairman Islamic Studies Department, Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan Dr Abdul Quddus, Dr Ismat Naz, educationist Mian Allah Buksh Tariq and others spoke on the occasion. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Air pollution caused by traffic, industries, crop burning and disposal of solid waste are major contributors of smog and its layer will thicken in the coming days. LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Oct, 2018 ) :Air pollution caused by traffic , industries, crop burning and disposal of solid waste are major contributors of smog and its layer will thicken in the coming days. Director General Humanity of World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Pakistan, Hammad Naqi Khan said this while speaking at the launching ceremony of WWF's Living Planet Report 2018, here on Tuesday. He said that Pakistan was experiencing a steady rise in carbon emissions, which contributed to global issues such as climate change and global warming. Khan said that Lahore and Karachi were among 10 most polluted cities of the world in terms of air quality, according to air quality monitor Air Visual. "The ranking today puts Lahore at the top of the list, and urgent action needs to be taken to tackle this issue," he added. He said the urban air pollution in Pakistan was among the world's most severe, significantly damaging human health, quality of life, economy and the environment. He urged people to move around with face masks to protect themselves from breathing problems, eye, nose, and throat infections. "Human activity is undermining nature's ability to support humanity," he added. The WWF report presents a worrying picture of the impact of human activity on the world's wildlife, forests, oceans, rivers and climate, underlining the rapidly closing window for action and the urgent need for the global community to collectively rethink and redefine how we value, protect and restore nature. "The way we feed, fuel and finance our societies and economies is pushing nature and the services that power and sustain us to the brink," the report says. The Living Planet Report 2018 presents a comprehensive overview of the state of natural world, 20 years after the flagship report was first published. Through indicators such as the Living Planet Index (LPI), provided by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), the Species Habitat Index (SHI), the IUCN Red List Index (RLI) and the Biodiversity Intactness Index (BII), as well as Planetary Boundaries and the Ecological Footprint, the report paints a singular disturbing picture: human activity is pushing the planet's natural systems that support life on Earth to the edge. The Living Planet Index (LPI), which tracks trends in global wildlife abundance, indicates that global populations of fish, birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles declined, on average, by 60 per cent between 1970 and 2014. This declining trends in Pakistan is adversely affected by illegal wildlife trade which has deeply impacted biodiversity, the report revealed. The report highlights that over recent decades, human activity has also severely impacted the habitats and natural resources wildlife and humanity depend on such as oceans, forests, coral reefs, wetlands and mangroves. Shedding light on the extent and impact of human activity on nature, the Living Planet Report 2018 also focuses on the importance and value of nature to people's health and well-being and that of our societies and economies. Living Planet Report 2018 is the twelfth edition of WWF's biennial flagship publication. The report includes the latest findings measured by the Living Planet Index tracking 16,704 populations of 4,005 vertebrate species from 1970 to 2014. (@ChaudhryMAli88) President Dr. Arif Alvi and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan Tuesday agreed to further enhance mutual cooperation between the two brotherly countries for deepening bilateral relations in all fields. ISTANBUL, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Oct, 2018 ) :President Dr. Arif Alvi and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan Tuesday agreed to further enhance mutual cooperation between the two brotherly countries for deepening bilateral relations in all fields. This was agreed between the two leaders in one to one meeting in Istanbul, , a press release from the President House said. The President is on a visit to Turkey on the invitation of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for the inauguration of Istanbul's Grand International Airport. President Dr. Arif Alvi congratulated President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on his election and hoped that bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries will further grow under the new leadership of Pakistan. Alvi stressed the early conclusion of bilateral Free Trade Agreement and increasing the bilateral trade between both the countries. He expressed satisfaction at growing Turkish investment in Pakistan and also hoped that Turkish investors will further benefit from various investment opportunities in Pakistan. He thanked his Turkish counterpart for warm welcome and hospitality accorded to the Pakistani delegation during the visit and invited Turkish President to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience. The President also attended reception hosted by the President of Turkey in honor of visiting Heads of States and Governments on the occasion of country's 95th Republic Day. (@FahadShabbir) Punjab Minister for Energy Dr. Muhammad Akhtar Malik has said the PTI government is focusing on the promotion of wind and solar energy to meet the electricity shortage. SIALKOT, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Oct, 2018 ) : Punjab Minister for Energy Dr. Muhammad Akhtar Malik has said the PTI government is focusing on the promotion of wind and solar energy to meet the electricity He stated this while addressing an important meeting of the management of Sialkot International Airport Limited (SIAL) during his visit to Sialkot international airport on Tuesday. Chairman Audit Committee (SIAL) Malik Muhammad Ashraf, Director (SIAL) Ch. Mohammad Afzal Shaheen, Director Punjab Municipal Development Fund Qamar-al-Zaman, SIAL's Admin Nawaz Ahmed Toor, Manager Public Relations Abdul Shakur Mirza and Manager Airport Azkar ul Haq Khokhar were also present on this occasion. The Minister said that previous governments did nothing practically to end the energy crisis, which badly affected the industrial sector and national economy as well. He said that previous governments only made very expensive producing plans and they remained unable to focus on production and promotion of wind and solar energy to end the darkness. The Minister said that promotion of usage of wind and solar energy had now become vital to overcome the menace of inherited energy crisis in the country. Provincial Minister Dr. Muhammad Akhtar Malik said that it was the demand of the day that both Diamir and Bhasha Dams should be constructed on top priority to avert the feared water crisis in coming years. He hailed the management of Sialkot international airport for donating Rs 100 million to Prime Minister Imran Khan for dams in the country. On this occasion, the minister urged the Sialkot exporters to focus on the promotion of advanced research and development in their export-oriented industries for exploring and capturing the international trade markets as well. Punjab Energy Minister Dr. Muhammad Akhtar Malik said that Sialkot exporters had set a unique example by establishing Sialkot international airport on self-help basis, the first ever mega project of private sector here. He highly hailed unique export culture of Sialkot and its socio-economic and human development by Sialkot exporters on self-help basis. On this occasion, SIAL's former Chairmen Malik Muhammad Ashraf and Chaudhry Ghulam Mustafa told the Sialkot international airport had been playing a pivotal role in opening the new vistas of socio-economic and human development in Pakistan's first-ever "Golden Export Triangle" comprising Sialkot, Gujrat and Gujranwala districts, besides, helping a lot in boosting the Sialkot exports. They added the project of Sialkot international airport was moving ahead successfully towards the goal success and excellence besides striving to open the new vistas of socio-economic and human development here. SIAL's General Manager Muhammad Nawaz Chaudhary, Manager Admin Nawaz Ahmed Toor, Azkarul Haq, Manager Public Relations Abdul Shakur Mirza, Incharge Terminal Services Yaqub Qureshi and Manager business Development Aamir Yaqub were also present, on this occasion. (@rukhshanmir) Romania will benefit from an increase of more than 7 billion euros in financing under the Cohesion Policy in 2021-2027, 300 euro per capita, according to European Commissioner for Regional Policy Corina Cretu, who participated in the high level conference regarding the future of the Cohesion Policy. BUCHAREST, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Oct, 2018 ) : Romania will benefit from an increase of more than 7 billion Euros in financing under the Cohesion Policy in 2021-2027, 300 euro per capita, according to European Commissioner for Regional Policy Corina Cretu, who participated in the high level conference regarding the future of the Cohesion Policy. 'We have negotiated, as you all know, in the multi-annual financial framework. We struggled to maintain the same method for earmarking the European funds, a method which we call 'the Berlin method,' that has been used ever since 1999, which was based on the GDP per capita. According to this method, Romania will benefit in the period 2021-2027 from an increase of over 7 billion euros in funding under the Cohesion Policy in the future multi-annual financial framework. What I want to say is that this means 300 euro per head of inhabitant in Romania. This is the logic of the Cohesion Policy: the richer you are, the less money you will get. Thus, the Netherlands will receive 13 euro pe capita, while countries like Romania, Slovakia, Bulgaria and Greece will receive more,' said Corina Cretu. The European Commissioner underscored that the power and unity of the European Union resides in the cohesion between member states, as it is the expression of solidarity and an aid to the new members to reduce their economic and social gaps. 'In the past months, we negotiated this framework, this budget, and I believe that regional policy has come out victorious from this battle, but, of course, our proposal is now in the hands of the European Parliament and the European Council, which are co-legislators, and for the first time in the history of the European Union, we managed to have the biggest envelope for the Cohesion Policy, of 373 billion euro for 27 member states,' said Cretu. (@ChaudhryMAli88) At least three people were killed as the firing erupted between the relatives during the course of Jirga called for rapprochement in the families here Tuesday morning. CHARSADDA, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Oct, 2018 ) :At least three people were killed as the firing erupted between the relatives during the course of Jirga called for rapprochement in the families here Tuesday morning. Local police said the firing was opened by host of the Jirga Syed Jamal. The accused later fled from the spot after killing three people during the proceedings of the Jirga. The police said the accused was also involved in firing on his wife and required to the police in various cases. United States Consul General in Karachi, JoAnne Wagner Monday visited the wind corridor in Jhimpir to review U.S Government investment in the area. KARACHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 29th Oct, 2018 ) :United States Consul General in Karachi, JoAnne Wagner Monday visited the wind corridor in Jhimpir to review U.S Government investment in the area. She visited the Jhimpir-1 grid station financed by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Hawa Wind Power Project financed in partnership with the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), said a statement here on Monday. The statement said that the United States and Pakistan had a long history of cooperation in the energy sector and were working together to help attract private sector investment in clean energy sources such as wind, solar, geothermal and hydro. US Consul General Wagner was pleased to note the progress made at the sites and commended the results of the public-private partnership which had transformed the area. The statement said that the United States Government has supported the National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC) for a transmission system that connects 780 megawatts of wind energy to the national grid - enough to power over 150,000 homes. Recognizing the potential for private sector investment in the area, OPIC, the investment arm of the U.S. Government, has invested in five wind power projects in the Gharo-Jhimpir corridor, it added. Compared to conventional sources of energy, wind was a clean and economically competitive alternative, it said that the Sindh and parts of Balochistan hold tremendous potential for wind power estimated at 50,000 megawatts approximately twice the country's current generation. (@ChaudhryMAli88) National Assembly was informed that Utility Store Corporation (USC) was facing loss of Rs. 14.00 million per day before the procurement was stopped. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Oct, 2018 ) :National Assembly was informed that Utility Store Corporation (USC) was facing loss of Rs. 14.00 million per day before the procurement was stopped. In a written reply by the Ministry for Industries and Production, all USC stores across the country are running into losses. Utility Stores Corporation has to pay an amount of Rs. 8.303 billion to private vendors and Rs. 26.991 billion to Trading Corporation of Pakistan. Against total liability of Rs. 35.294 billion USC has receivables of Rs. 21.251 billion from the Finance Division for payment to Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) and an inventory of only 3. 839 billion as on quarter ending September, 2018 which also include damaged and expired stock of Rs. 313.82 million. In order to take stock of the existing situation, procurement of stocks/stores has been stopped to conduct complete audit of USC and ascertain the extent of total loss and reasons thereof for taking necessary steps to arrestthis decline and make the USC an active and vibrant organization tostabilize prices of essential commodities in the market. (@FahadShabbir) A humanitarian convoy carrying relief aid for tens of thousands of desperate civilians in north-eastern Syria who have not received aid since January this year, has been postponed owing to security concerns along its route, UNITED NATIONS, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Oct, 2018 ) :A humanitarian convoy carrying relief aid for tens of thousands of desperate civilians in north-eastern Syria who have not received aid since January this year, has been postponed owing to security concerns along its route, the United Nations top humanitarian official has said. The UN-Syrian Arab Red Crescent convoy from Damascus to Rukban, on the Syria-Jordan border, would have delivered assistance on Saturday to some 50,000 people, Mark Lowcock, the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, told a Security Council meeting on the humanitarian situation in Syria on Monday. About 10,000 children would also have been vaccinated and other needs in the region assessed. "The population at Rukban has not received assistance since January this year, and they are increasingly desperate," Lowcock said. "There are continuing reports of children dying due to poor sanitary conditions and a lack of healthcare. This dire humanitarian situation cannot be allowed to continue," he said. Turning to Idlib where a demilitarrization agreement was reached between Russia and Turkey in September, Lowcock called on all actors to protect the "glimmer of hope"offered by the lull in fighting. "The stakes are high,"he told the Council, "as the alternative is humanitarian suffering on a scale that would overwhelm all ability to respond, devastating a population that is already weakened through years of conflict, displacement and deprivation." More than seven years of fighting has left hundreds of thousands of Syrians dead, uprooted millions more and enmeshed the interests of several foreign powers. Across Syria, over 13 million people continue to depend on humanitarian assistance, of which more than 6 million are internally displaced people who are food-insecure In his briefing, Lowcock informed the Council that although the UN and humanitarian partners continue to reach over five million civilians with life-saving assistance each month, sustained access remains a major problem, especially in areas that recently changed control. In discussions, Syrian authorities have provided assurances of humanitarian access, he added. "We look forward to rapid implementation," he continued, noting that it would allow relief teams on the ground to undertake "essential independent assessments of the situation and see more of who is being helped and how." In his briefing, the Lowcock, also spoke of the UN cross-border operation from Turkey, which continues to reach hundreds of thousands of people in need each month. "[The deliveries] have been scaled up in recent weeks to ensure prepositioning of assistance as a contingency measure for the event of a military escalation, as well as to provide support for winter." Sustaining the cross-border lifeline is critical, he added, calling for an extension of the provisions of the Security Council resolutions 2165 and 2393 which established the delivery mechanisms. Some US$1.7 billion has been raised in 2018 for the Syria Humanitarian Response Plan, but it remains less than 50 per cent funded. (@rukhshanmir) Algiers, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Oct, 2018 ) :Algeria's state energy firm Sonatrach on Monday signed deals with France's Total and Italy's Eni for the first oil explorations off the North African country's Mediterranean coast. Last month Sonatrach announced it aimed to start exploratory drilling in the waters from early 2019 as Algeria looks to stem a decline in its overall oil output. The deals inked Monday cover the "exploration and evaluation of the oil potential of the eastern and western parts of the Algerian offshore basin", Sonatrach said in a statement. Eni said the agreements "include an exclusive partnership for offshore exploration in Algeria". "Together with Sonatrach and Total, we will have the opportunity to explore the deep waters of the Algerian offshore, a virtually unexplored geological province," Eni boss Claudio Descalzi said in a statement. "In parallel, Eni and Total will also pursue obtaining exploration permits that will allow for the rapid completion of the hydrocarbon potential assessment," the Italian firm said. Revenues from Algeria's onshore oil production currently account for 65 percent of the country's budget and 90 percent of its foreign exchange income. Sonatrach also said it had sold a 49 percent stake to Eni in three research areas in the Berkine basin, an onshore area in the east of the country. The partners envision work costing more than $ 1 billion (900 million euros) and preliminary investments of $80 million for exploration, Sonatrach said. An Italian court last month acquitted Eni and ex-CEO Paolo Scaroni of bribery in Algeria, but fined a subsidiary and jailed its former boss. Eni, Scaroni and subsidiary Saipem went on trial three years ago over payments of 197 million Euros ($230 million) to Algerian officials between 2007 and 2010 to win energy contracts. The court ordered 197 million euros be seized from Saipem and jailed former boss Pietro Tali for four years and nine months. Belarus and Turkey maintain regular political contacts, Ambassador of Turkey to Belarus Kezban Nilvana Darama said at a solemn event timed to the national holiday of Turkey on 29 October, BelTA has learned. MINSK, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Oct, 2018 ) :Belarus and Turkey maintain regular political contacts, Ambassador of Turkey to Belarus Kezban Nilvana Darama said at a solemn event timed to the national holiday of Turkey on 29 October, BelTA has learned. According to the diplomat, the two states cultivate close relations, including at the highest level. business contacts are an important driving force in promoting bilateral cooperation. In fact, Turkish companies take part in joint projects with Belarus in areas like telecommunications and construction. Turkey?s direct investment also makes a significant contribution to the Belarusian economy. Kezban Nilvana Darama noted that more Belarusian tourists chose to have vacations in Turkey last year. Interregional contacts are also on the rise. In fact, this year Minsk and Turkey?s Gaziantep became twin towns. Belarus Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Oleg Kravchenko called Turkey an important partner of Belarus. The two countries have no problems in relations. Turkey was the first country to recognize Belarus? independence. The two states contribute to maintaining peace and security in the region. Oleg Kravchenko is confident about good prospects of the bilateral contacts with Turkey. He reminded that the two countries expect to reach the $1 billion target in the bilateral trade by the yearend. (@rukhshanmir) Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Didier Reynders said on Tuesday that he had not been involved in the decision to unblock interest on deposits of the Libyan government of Muammar Gaddafi at Euroclear Bank in Brussels, which were frozen per a 2011 decision by the United Nations. BRUSSELS (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 30th October, 2018) Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Didier Reynders said on Tuesday that he had not been involved in the decision to unblock interest on deposits of the Libyan government of Muammar Gaddafi at Euroclear Bank in Brussels, which were frozen per a 2011 decision by the United Nations. On Monday, media reported that the United Nations and the Belgian authorities were conducting parallel investigations into the alleged unblocking of frozen bank accounts of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. According to reports, about 3-4 billion Euros ($3.41-$4.54 billion) of interest payments on that assets have been legally transferred to Libyan authorities and could be directed to illegal armed groups, which, in particular, were engaged in human trafficking. "This [decision to unblock funds] is the responsibility of the Finance Ministry. I have not headed it since December 6, 2011, and have not made any decisions on this matter," Reynders told reporters. He recalled that the permission to partially unfreeze Libyan accounts was issued by the kingdom's treasury in October 2012, when the Finance Ministry was headed by Steven Vanackere. In February 2011, the United Nations froze all foreign accounts belonging to Gaddafi's government. Gaddafi was overthrown and killed later that year in October. About a month prior to Gaddafi's death, the UN Security Council partially softened its sanctions against Libya. On the basis of UN Security Council Resolution 2009, a group of EU advisers on international affairs decided in November of that year that there were no longer any grounds for blocking interest payments on frozen bank accounts of Libyan authorities. The Belgian Finance Ministry was guided by this decision when paying interest on the Libyan assets. In March, Belgian media reported that there were about 14.2 billion euros in various securities and 1.9 billion euros in cash belonging to Libya in Euroclear Bank in Brussels, as of late November 2013. However, they have since shrunk to less than 5 billion euros. The Danish Security and Intelligence Service (PET) accused on Tuesday its Iranian colleagues of plotting an assassination of an Iranian separatist group official in Denmark. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 30th October, 2018) The Danish Security and Intelligence Service (PET) accused on Tuesday its Iranian colleagues of plotting an assassination of an Iranian separatist group official in Denmark "This is a case that entails an Iranian intelligence operation in Denmark. In our view, it was an Iranian intelligence agency's plan to assassinate a person who lives in Denmark," PET head Finn Borch Andersen said, as quoted by the Local portal. The assassination plot targeted the head of a Danish branch of the Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahvaz (ASMLA), Andersen added. The AMSLA supports the establishment of a separate Arab state in Iran's Khuzestan Province and is considered to be a terrorist organization by Tehran. According to Andersen, three AMSLA members living in the Danish city of Ringsted, including the targeted individual, have been under police protection since spring. PET's probe in cooperation with its Norwegian and Swedish colleagues led to the arrest of a Swedish national of Iranian origin in Gothenburg on October 21. He is now in custody and charged with leading Tehran's operation in Denmark, which included the assassination attempt, the PET chief added. Danish Foreign Minister Anders Samuelsen has summoned the Iranian Ambassador to Sweden Morteza Moradian over the issue, telling him that the actions of Iranian intelligence were "completely unacceptable." On September 22, the Saudi-backed and AMSLA-affiliated Patriotic Arab Democratic Movement in Ahvaz claimed responsibility for an attack involving a gunmen killing about 30 people and injuring 60 others at a military parade in Iran's Ahvaz. Following the attack, Tehran summoned the Danish, Dutch and UK ambassadors, accusing the three countries of protecting Iranian opposition groups. (@FahadShabbir) The Maldives top court suspended an arrest warrant for Mohamed Nasheed on Tuesday, paving the way for the country's first democratically elected president to return from exile next month. Colombo, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Oct, 2018 ) :The Maldives court suspended an arrest warrant for Mohamed Nasheed on Tuesday, paving the way for the country's first democratically elected president to return from exile next month. The Supreme Court ruled Nasheed could not be detained by police or prison authorities until his appeal against his controversial 13 year jail sentence for terrorism is heard. Nasheed was branded a fugitive from justice when he went into exile in 2016 after seeking medical treatment abroad. He risked arrest if he ever returned to the Maldives under President Abdulla Yameen, who jailed or exiled most of his opponents. But the strongman leader suffered a surprise defeat last month and vacates the top job on November 17. "I will go to the Maldives on 1 November, come what may," Nasheed said at the start of October. Nasheed, long de facto opposition leader from his base in Sri Lanka, had hoped to run against Yameen but was barred by the elections commission. Instead an alternative candidate -- the little-known Ibrahim Mohamed Solih -- was fielded and won, despite Yameen stifling opposition campaigning. Since then, political prisoners have been freed and exiles have returned from abroad as the Maldives prepares to transition to new leadership. Elected president in the Maldives first democratic poll in 2008, Nasheed was found guilty of terrorism in 2015 in a trial the UN said was politically motivated. He was sentenced to 13 years behind bars but went into exile after leaving the Maldives for hospital treatment. His appeal against the sentence has languished before the courts for many years. (@FahadShabbir) Foreign Minister of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides will start his visit to the United States on November 6, during which he is set to hold meetings with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and other officials, including US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Wess Mitchell, local media reported on Tuesday, citing a diplomatic source. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 30th October, 2018) Foreign Minister of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides will start his visit to the United States on November 6, during which he is set to hold meetings with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and other officials, including US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Wess Mitchell , local media reported on Tuesday, citing a diplomatic source. The Kathimerini newspaper reported that while the schedule for Christodoulides' visit had not been finalized yet, the minister was also set to meet with former US ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, who announced her resignation earlier in the month, in New York on November 6 and then move to Washington for more meetings. The Mitchell-Christodoulides meeting was initially set to take place in Nicosia on Thursday but was postponed due to Mitchell facing difficulties when trying to include Cyprus on his itinerary for the trip to the region. Mitchell and Christodoulides are expected to meet on November 6 in Washington. (@rukhshanmir) The Syrian Foreign Ministry has sent two letters to the UN chief and the UN Security Council president urging them to take measures against Israel over holding municipal election in several villages in the disputed Golan Heights populated by Druze Arabs, media reported on Tuesday. DAMASCUS (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 30th October, 2018) The Syrian Foreign Ministry has sent two letters to the UN chief and the UN Security Council president urging them to take measures against Israel over holding municipal election in several villages in the disputed Golan Heights populated by Druze Arabs media reported on Tuesday. On Tuesday, Israel holds municipal election all across the country, including for the first time in several Druze villages in the Golan Heights. Israelis are electing local councils of deputies and mayors of major cities such as Jerusalem. Many Druze Arabs living in the Golan Heights, a mountainous plateau that came under Israeli jurisdiction in the course of the 1967 Six-Day War, still refuse to recognize Israeli control over these lands and remain loyal to Syrian authorities. According to the Syrian state-run SANA news agency, Damascus has accused Israel of imposing "Judaization" on "Syrians living in the occupied Syrian territories. " According to media reports, hundreds of Druze Arabs tried to block the entrance to the polling place in Majdal Shams, a town with the largest Druze community in the area, earlier in the day. Israeli police used tear gas to disperse the crowd in order the clear a path for voters. The police later confirmed that they used "special means" to disperse hundreds of protesters. Israel took control over the Syrian Golan Heights during the Six-Day War, which broke out in June 1967. After over a decade of managing the territory through a military administration, Israel de facto annexed the Golan Heights in 1981, adopting a law on extending the country's jurisdiction over the area. This move has not been internationally recognized. Over 20,000 Druze live in the Golan Heights. Israel is trying to further integrate them and has offered the minority citizenship. However, many locals continue to identify themselves as Syrian nationals. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Pakistan Monday highlighted at the United Nations India's persistent human rights violations in occupied Kashmir, saying New Delhi's denial of the UN-pledged right to self-determination to the Kashmiri people was a "telling example" of its impunity UNITED NATIONS, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Oct, 2018 ) :Pakistan Monday highlighted at the United Nations India's persistent human rights violations in occupied Kashmir, saying New Delhi's denial of the UN-pledged right to self-determination to the Kashmiri people was a "telling example" of its impunity. "When they demand this right, the people of Jammu and Kashmir are met with repression and ruthless human rights abuses at the hands of Indian occupying forces," Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi told the General Assembly's Third Committee, which deals with social, humanitarian and cultural questions. In this regard, the Pakistani envoy said the detailed June 14 report of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights had "lifted the veil from decades of obfuscation of massive violations" of human rights in Indian occupied Kashmir. "The situation remains a blot on the conscience of humanity, and one that demands immediate corrective action," she said a debate on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights. Ambassador Lodhi said the Universal Declaration of Human Rights has served as a catalyst for progress, and yet, egregious and systematic rights violations take place every day, with plausible deniability becoming the new norm. Underlining that economic and social rights facilitate the realization of civil and political rights, she expressed support for the mandates of the UN Special Rapporteurs, who must discharge their responsibilities with full independence, within their mandates, with impartiality, transparency, non-selectivity and without any politicization. Stressing the values of empathy, compassion and understanding, the Pakistani envoy said, "We should not allow diversity of backgrounds, beliefs and perspectives to be endangered by the demons of hatred and extremism. "We need to create and strengthen the necessary safeguards against new and contemporary manifestations of discrimination, xenophobia and Islamophobia," she added. "Promotion of a culture of peace, as well as dialogue and cooperation between religions and civilizations would help us achieve this objective." In this context, she said that Philippines, Pakistan co-sponsors a resolution to promote interfaith and inter-cultural dialogue. The resolution is expected to come up for vote next month. Reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to protecting human rights, Ambassador Lodhi said the new government of Prime Minister Imran Khan was committed to the consolidation of democratic institutions, the rule of law and improving good governance, as well as to a new framework for social change, which focuses on education, health, women, youth, and minorities. Pakistan, he said, will continue to support an equitable, just and fair order, both globally and at home. "We will continue our efforts to choose dialogue over division, harmony over intolerance and Right over Might." Speaking last week before the Committee for the first time as High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet said the world body is facing a test. Multilateralism is eroding, and with it the values and norms that underpin a global commitment to human equality and dignity. Yet, peace, security and development can only be achieved through greater justice and equity. She urged Member States to safeguard a human rights-based multilateralism, lest all the United Nations pillars be undermined. Finland is open to an idea of establishing a joint investment fund to boost bilateral investment and trade with Russia and is ready to discuss the initiative further, Finnish Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Anne-Mari Virolainen said on Tuesday. ST. PETERSBURG (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 30th October, 2018) Finland is open to an idea of establishing a joint investment fund to boost bilateral investment and trade with Russia and is ready to discuss the initiative further, Finnish Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Anne-Mari Virolainen said on Tuesday. Earlier in the day, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak, who co-chaired a meeting of the Russian-Finnish Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation in St. Petersburg, stated that Moscow wanted to propose that the two countries create such a fund to implement joint projects. "In fact, this is the first time this topic has been raised on the agenda of these meetings. We are ready to discuss and continue to work on it," Virolainen said after the meeting. However, Kozak later specified that no specific details had been discussed at the Tuesday meeting. "Today, the task was to start a discussion of this idea parameters of the fund were not discussed. The Russian foundation for innovation has begun discussing this with relevant funds in Finland. We are ready to provide the political support," Kozak said. Both parties also noted significant progress in resolving existing difficulties within bilateral economic cooperation. The Finnish minister thanked Russia for its timely attention to the problems that were raised by Finland at the commission's previous meeting in January. "In January, at the meeting, we raised several concerns and today we would like to thank you for the fact that these problems have been eliminated," Virolainen said. At the commission's meeting in January, Virolainen's predecessor, Kai Mykkanen, told Sputnik that he was optimistic about future possibilities for economic cooperation between Moscow and Helsinki, despite the European Union's sanctions on Russia. It is expected that in January 2019, the EC inspection mission will return to Vietnam to evaluate the implementation of the EC's recommendations against IUU fishing. On this basis, the EC will consider removing the yellow card warning for Vietnamese seafood. In order to deal with the issues related to IUU, the Prime Minister issued Directive No. 45/CT-TTg, dated December 13, 2017, on a number of urgent tasks and solutions to remove the EC warning. Several provinces such as Binh Thuan, Tien Giang, Ba Ria - Vung Tau and Ben Tre also issued special resolutions on the IUU, while directing local law enforcement forces at sea to intensify the implementation of measures to manage fishing grounds and prevent Vietnamese fishing vessels from violating the sea areas of countries in the region. Most localities have issued plans on the inspection and control of fishing activities at sea and at fishing ports. By August 2018, 26 out of 28 coastal provinces and cities had established representative offices for the inspection and control of fisheries in 48 local key ports, while three out of the 28 coastal locales established interdisciplinary working groups. They have directed the fisheries sub-departments and fish ports to implement the issuance of certificates of origin for marine products as regulated. In Binh Thuan province, in addition to increasing administrative sanctions, fishing vessels violating foreign waters are deprived of their operating licences and removed from the list of recipients of fishing support incentives. Notably, if a ship owner, who owns several different fishing vessels, but one among them violates the regulations, the owner will be deprived of all the benefits for the other vessels. Khanh Hoa province has also set up four representative offices for inspection and control at fishing ports. Meanwhile, hundreds of patrols on the sea for fishing vessels have been carried out, thus strictly handling any violations that arise. In addition, the province has completed the structure of eight local fishery unions and 70 fishing cooperatives with the participation of more than 620 fishing vessels operating in remote waters, to help fishermen support each other when operating on the sea. In addition, several coastal provinces in the Mekong Delta have signed and implemented a regulation on the coordination and management of fishing vessel operation. Although there have been attempts to remove the EC warning, the implementation of the IUU missions remains limited, such as the lack of timely steering and management mechanisms from the central to local level, limited resources (both human and material resources) in the State management system and the enforcement of fisheries laws to ensure the implementation of international regulations on IUU combat, and inadequate investment in fishery infrastructure compared with fishing capacity. In addition, several localities have not yet seriously implemented the Prime Ministers directives. Especially after the EC issued its warning against Vietnamese seafood products exported to the European Union (EU) market, the situation of Vietnamese fishing vessels violating foreign waters has not yet been effectively prevented. The time is short until the deadline in January next year, requiring more efforts in building and completing the Decree guiding the implementation of the Law on Fisheries, the Decree on sanctioning administrative violations in the field of fisheries, and other circulars to ensure the effective enforcement of the Law on Fisheries, which will come into force from the beginning of next year. It is also important to build plans for the implementation of the Agreement on Port State Measures (PSMA) that Vietnam has joined recently, while completing the accession to the 1995 United Nations Straddling Fish Stocks Agreement. The localities concerned should effectively implement the mechanism of coordination and handling among the marine inspection and control forces when detecting fishing ships in violation of foreign sea areas with drastic measures, such as the withdrawal of permits or not offering new licences to owners of fishing vessels committing violations in foreign sea that lead to an arrest or detection on the cruise tracking system. It is also essential to regularly identify and update the list of fishing vessels identified as likely to be involved in illegal fishing activities in foreign waters to apply additional measures to strictly control this group, including requiring the installation of cruise control equipment and increasing the frequency of inspection over these ships when at habour. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Finance have been urged to strictly implement coordination mechanisms in order to control aquatic materials being imported into Vietnam by international refrigerated shipping vessels at international traffic ports, while ensuring the implementation of the PSMA and intensifying inspection, examination and control at ports and at sea to strictly handle fishing ships that commit IUU acts. At meetings with the leaders of the EU member countries on the occasion of the Europe visit by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, from October 14 to 20, the high-level Vietnamese delegation exchanged measures to promote cooperation in sustainable fishing, in which the EU vowed their support to the efforts from Vietnam to overcome issues related to IUU, towards removing the yellow card warning on Vietnamese seafood soon. (@ChaudhryMAli88) The first meeting of the Russian-Austrian Sochi Dialogue public forum will be held in Sochi approximately in 2019, Russian Ambassador to Austria Dmitry Lyubinskiy told Sputnik on Tuesday. VIENNA (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 30th October, 2018) The first meeting of the Russian-Austrian Sochi Dialogue public forum will be held in Sochi approximately in 2019, Russian Ambassador to Austria Dmitry Lyubinskiy told Sputnik on Tuesday. "The venue of the first meeting of the forum is Sochi, and we expect that it will be held next year," Lyubinskiy said. He noted that the first full-scale meeting of the forum should be accompanied by some event at the political level, and now there are several options, linked to which the meeting can be organized. "Then the forum will begin to 'travel.' The next meeting will be held next year in Austria, maybe in Salzburg. The work has begun," the diplomat noted. Moscow and Vienna have agreed to set up the Sochi Dialogue to promote cooperation between representatives of the civil society of the two states. (@ChaudhryMAli88) WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 30th October, 2018) Europe is waiting for the United States to clarify how humanitarian goods can be sent to Iran after the re-imposition of US sanctions, French Ambassador to the US Gerard Araud told guests at the Hudson Institute. "The fact is that the banks are so terrified of the sanctions that they don't want to do anything with Iran, so it means that there is a strong risk that in a few months there will be shortages," Araud said on Monday. Araund said the impasse over humanitarian goods is a technical issue, with Europe still awaiting US instructions. One option, Araund suggested, would be for the United States to authorize one Iranian bank to act as an agent to engage with European banks on transferring funds that would be needed to pay for imports of items that are exempted from US sanctions. US sanctions that are being re-imposed on March 4 following Washington's withdrawal from a nuclear deal, not only target Iran, but any financial institution outside of Iran that facilitates trade with the Islamic Republic, even for items not covered by sanctions. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Any increase in the membership of the upcoming conference on Libyan settlement, which will take place in the Italian city of Palermo on November 12-13, will prolong the discussion and is thus unwanted, Libyan presidential candidate Aref Ali Nayed told Sputnik on Tuesday. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 31st October, 2018) Any increase in the membership of the upcoming conference on Libyan settlement, which will take place in the Italian city of Palermo on November 12-13, will prolong the discussion and is thus unwanted, Libyan presidential candidate Aref Ali Nayed told Sputnik on Tuesday. Khalifa Haftar, the commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA), has already confirmed his participation in the conference. Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Donald Trump have been officially invited to attend the conference. "What I have offered to my colleagues in Italy and to some Libyan participants involves limiting the conference membership to the four members who took part in the Paris conference, namely, counselor Aguila [Saleh, the head of the LNA-backed Libyan House of Representatives]; Marshal Haftar; Mr [Prime Minister Fayez] Sarraj; and [head of the High State Council, Khaled] Mishri," Nayed told Sputnik on the sidelines of the congress dated to the 200th anniversary of the Russian academy of Sciences' Institute of Oriental Studies in Moscow. He went on to say that the increase in the conference membership would trigger "useless discussions" that would "drag out the process. " Nayed added that the Palermo conference should start where "the Paris [conference] ended," which means that a decision on presidential and parliamentary elections in Libya should be taken. "The question is how we conduct [the elections], how we assure ourselves of their objectiveness, how we can hold them in the near future, and how we apply their results," Nayed concluded. Libya has been in turmoil since the overthrow and killing of its long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The country is divided between two governments, with the eastern part controlled by the LNA, and the western part governed by the UN-backed Government of National Accord, led by Sarraj. In late May, Paris hosted an international conference on Libyan settlement, during which representatives of the two rival political groups agreed to conduct parliamentary and presidential elections in the country on December 10 after having established the constitutional basis for the votes by September 16, while this deadline has not been met. (@ChaudhryMAli88) The governments of Iran and Iraq have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in aviation sector, increasing number of weekly flights from 91 to 120. TEHRAN, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Oct, 2018 ) :The governments of Iran and Iraq have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in aviation sector, increasing number of weekly flights from 91 to 120. Director of the Public Relations Department of the Civil Aviation Organization Reza Jaafarzadeh said Iran and Iraq will also cooperate in flight safety and training, and will remain in constant inspection by ICAO and air navigation. The MoU was signed by Deputy Head of Iran Civil Organization for Aviation and International Affairs Morteza Dehqan and Head of Iraq Aviation Organization Ali Khalil Ebrahim. Two documents for cooperation in air traffic and research and rescue were also inked. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Kazakhstan authorities have taken on increased powers which will allow them to cut off all communications if the tightly-controlled country faces the risk of social upheaval. Astana, Kazakhstan, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Oct, 2018 ) :Kazakhstan authorities have taken on increased powers which will allow them to cut off all communications if the tightly-controlled country faces the risk of social upheaval. The change comes at a time of increased uncertainty in the Central Asian state amid speculation that Nursultan Nazarbayev, 78, who has ruled Kazakhstan since 1989, may step aside in the next few years. He is the only Soviet-era leader still at the helm of a former Soviet republic. Before new legislation was adopted by the government on Sunday, authorities had the right to cut off communications in the event of natural and man-made emergencies. New amendments now allow for a shutdown of all communications if there exists a "threat" of such emergencies, as well as "emergencies of a social character". One commentator, Irina Petrushova, said on Facebook that the country's government was "insuring itself" against possible social unrest. "However, if the Arab Spring is anything to go by, it won't necessarily help," wrote Petrushova, who founded the critical Respublika newspaper which was forced out of print by authorities in 2012. Nazarbayev's latest presidential term ends in 2020. He has not publicly named a successor but is believed to be looking for ways to remain the country's de facto leader in coming years. A new law introduced this year allows the veteran leader to chair the country's important security council for life, irrespective of whether he remains president after 2020. Nazarbayev's rule has afforded little space for formal political opposition, civil society and independent media. The energy-rich country has prided itself on being Central Asia's strongest economy and most politically stable country but problems have piled up in recent years. A combination of low prices for its crude oil exports and sanctions imposed on key partner Russia by the West have stoked public dissatisfaction in Kazakhstan. In 2016, hundreds were arrested amid nationwide protests apparently linked to changes proposed to the country's land code that favoured foreigners but which also coincided with a precipitous economic downturn. dr-cr/as/bmm (@rukhshanmir) Mongolia will stand firm on combating money laundering and terrorist financing, the country's Prime Minister Ukhnaa Khurelsukh said Tuesday. ULAN BATOR, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Oct, 2018 ) : Mongolia will stand firm on combating money laundering and terrorist financing, the country's Prime Minister Ukhnaa Khurelsukh said Tuesday. "Money laundering and terrorist financing activities have negatively affected countries' economic growth and efforts to achieve sustainable development and eliminate poverty," he said. What's more, he said that Mongolia, "with a vulnerable economy which is directly dependent on external factors," needs to pay special attention to fighting money laundering and terrorist financing. Khurelsukh made the remarks at the opening ceremony of an international scientific conference on fighting money laundering, according to the government's press office. According to data from Mongolia's National Police Agency, 26 cases of money laundering were recorded in the first half of this year, while only seven cases of this kind were reported last year in Mongolia. Most of the money laundering cases in Mongolia are linked to fraud, embezzlement, bribery, tax evasion and drug trafficking, the agency said. The son of Maltese anti-corruption journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia on Monday blasted a "system of impunity" he said was protecting those who ordered her death in a car bombing a year ago. Paris, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 29th Oct, 2018 ) :The son of Maltese anti-corruption journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia on Monday blasted a "system of impunity" he said was protecting those who ordered her death in a car bombing a year ago. "We haven't really gotten anywhere," Matthew Caruana Galizia, himself a Pulitzer-winning reporter for his investigative work, told AFP in an interview in Paris. "Three people have been arrested, but they are the hitmen, they are right at the bottom. We don't know who sent them, who paid them. There isn't any justice whatsoever yet." Daphne Caruana Galizia, who died on October 16 last year aged 53, sought to expose scandals from petrol smuggling to money laundering, implicating members of the government and organised crime. Her blog had also launched highly personal attacks on Maltese politicians. Her son, who believes the murder was ordered by powerful figures, said it would "send a terrible lesson if only the people who pressed the button to detonate the bomb ended up in prison". Caruana Galizia was in the family home when the bomb went off in his mother's car nearby, and he rushed outside to find her body obliterated by the blast. "The people who ordered it and the people on whom my mother reported" must not escape justice, said Caruana Galizia, speaking on the sidelines of the Human Rights World Summit. So far, he said, the subjects of his mother's reporting have been "allowed to continue working in government or in business, as free as they were before". "The system of impunity that we have in Malta will only lead to more murders, both in Malta and within the EU," he added. Caruana Galizia complained that following the three arrests over the murder, "the government immediatly started saying, 'case closed'." He said the family was pushing for a public inquiry, complaining: "We get the impression that there are places where the police simply do not want to go". "They want to remain focused on the petty criminal aspects of the murder. They don't want to go into the highest level of organised crime that involve government," he told AFP. He called for Maltese Economy Minister Christian Cardona to be questioned over the case after reports that he may have had links to one of the killers. Cardona denies any link to them. Caruana Galizia won a Pulitzer prize last year for his work on the Panama papers -- millions of leaked documents exposing tax dodging using offshore companies. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Mariama Keita, Niger's first female journalist, died Monday at the age of 72 following an illness, her family and local media said. Niamey, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Oct, 2018 ) :Mariama Keita, Niger's first female journalist, died Monday at the age of 72 following an illness, her family and local media said. "We have just heard of the death of Mariama Keita, the doyenne of the Nigerien press," Ibrahim Moussa, a close relative, wrote on his Facebook page. Keita died Monday in Turkey, according to a statement broadcast on the communication ministry television. Several local tv stations announced her death "following a long illness". Born in 1946 in the capital Niamey, Keita was the director of Voix du Sahel, the state radio station where she started as an editor and presenter. From 2003 to 2006, she was president of the body responsible for media regulation in Niger. Keita was also a figure in civil society and had headed the Coordination of Niger Women's NGOs and Associations, a collective of about 50 groups, and the Association for Democracy, Freedom and Development, one of the first non-governmental organisations in the country. She also worked to popularise the constitution in preparation for the poor West African country's first democratic elections in 1993. The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe's (OSCE) High Commissioner on National Minorities Lamberto Zannier told Sputnik on Monday that his meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was rather useful, MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 30th October, 2018) The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe's (OSCE) High Commissioner on National Minorities Lamberto Zannier told Sputnik on Monday that his meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was rather useful, with the two officials having discussed a number of pressing issues, including the situation with education laws in Ukraine and Latvia. "I think it was a useful exchange of information, useful clarification, it was useful way for me to explain to the minister all the steps that we have taken ... And for minister, to share with me his concerns when it comes to Russians and Russian speakers in the neighboring countries. It was very useful exchange from that perspective," Zannier said. The official noted that the meeting was not about seeking agreements, but about comparing notes and discussing acute issues, in particular, those related to Russian speaking populations in a number of countries, such as Ukraine and Latvia. "Of course [the issue of minorities in] Ukraine, it was high in the agenda, both the implementation of the law on education, including implementation of the Venice Commission recommendation, and then the new law on language, the use of language," he said, adding that the OSCE was aware of Russian concerns over the issue. Zannier also said that he had informed Lavrov about steps his office took with regard to Latvia's education law, which outlines the switch to education that is taught exclusively in the Latvian language. He stressed that a number of recommendations were given to both countries to achieve balance. "Basically we need to find a balance between the risk of assimilation on one hand and resistance to integration on the other hand. We want to see societies that are well integrated, but we do not want to see identities that are canceled in a way," he said. Both Ukraine and Latvia have various minorities, which include Russian speaking ethnic groups. Under the new Ukrainian law, since September 1, children from national minority groups have been able to study in their native language only at the Primary school level, while secondary and post-secondary education is only in Ukrainian. The full switch to Ukrainian-language education is set for September 1, 2020. In early December 2017, the Council of Europe's advisory body on constitutional matters (Venice Commission) qualified that it was a legitimate aim for states to promote the strengthening of the state language and its command by all citizens, however, recommended consulting ethnic minorities and extending a transitional period for the law implementation. In late March, the Latvian parliament made a final decision to completely transfer the schools of national minorities, including Russian-language schools, to the Latvian language education by 2021. The bill was signed by Latvian President Raimonds Vejonis. In early July, Vejonis approved amendments to the education law, which were passed by the parliament on June 21. Under the new legislation, Latvian private colleges and universities are to use Latvian as the sole language of instruction starting from January 1, 2019. A foreign language will be only used in cultural exchange programs and language courses. The ruling party in Gabon has won a large parliamentary majority in an election that ended at the weekend, taking 98 of the 143 seats in the National Assembly, according to official results published on Tuesday. Libreville, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Oct, 2018 ) :The ruling party in Gabon has won a large parliamentary majority in an election that ended at the weekend, taking 98 of the 143 seats in the National Assembly , according to official results published on Tuesday. "PDG: the lion's share," the pro-government daily L'Union proclaimed after the release of second-round results confirmed the massive victory of the ruling Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG), which was the sole party before multiparty politics was introduced in 1991. The two-round election held on October 6 and 27 was the first major vote in the oil-exporting equatorial African country since a presidential poll in 2016, which was marred by bloodshed after incumbent President Ali Bongo Ondimba was declared the winner, defeating his main rival Jean Ping. Parties allied with the majority won a handful of seats, several small political movements took one seat apiece and eight seats went to candidates listed as independent. A movement named The Democrats led by former parliament speaker Guy Nzouba-Ndama has become the main opposition party with 11 members of parliament, while the Heritage and Modernity Rally won four seats and the National Union took two. None of the main opposition leaders managed to get elected or re-elected, however. Ping, a longtime career diplomat who stood as the candidate of a united opposition against Bongo in 2016, boycotted the parliamentary vote on the grounds that he is really "the elected president". Most PDG heavyweights won seats in the national assembly with impressive scores, including Prime Minister Emmanuel Issoze-Ngondet with 89.57 percent and former foreign and interior minister Pacome Moubelet-Boubeya on 91.78 percent. The large wins were shared by most serving government ministers and politicians close to Bongo, whose dynasty has ruled Gabon for almost half a century. The president's eldest daughter, Malika Bongo Ondimba, officially took no fewer than 99.19 percent of votes in Bongoville, a stronghold of the family clan and the birthplace of her late grandfather, Omar Bongo, who died in 2009. Malika Bongo is a member of the political bureau of the PDG, otherwise known for reviving a "Miss Gabon" contest and pageant. The opposition has repeatedly alleged vote-buying and fraud at the polls, accusations that have been partially backed up in statements to AFP by witnesses. In the last parliamentary elections in 2011, the PDG took more than 100 seats out of a total of 120. The size of the national assembly grew to 143 members early this year after a revision of constituency sizes and boundaries. (@FahadShabbir) The Russian side of the Russian-Turkish commission monitoring the implementation of the Syrian ceasefire has registered four truce breaches in the country over the past 24 hours, MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 30th October, 2018) The Russian side of the Russian-Turkish commission monitoring the implementation of the Syrian ceasefire has registered four truce breaches in the country over the past 24 hours, while the Turkish side recorded no ceasefire violations, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Tuesday. "Over the last 24 hours, the Russian party of the Russia-Turkey Commission on violations of the Joint Agreement has registered 4 cases of firing in the provinces of Latakia (1), Hama (3). The Turkish side has registered no cases of ceasefire violation," the ministry said in its daily bulletin. The Russian Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Sides carried out two humanitarian actions over the period one in the eastern province of Deir ez-Zor, where the center distributed 450 food packages weighing 1. 95 tonnes, and another one in the western Hama province, where local residents received the same amount of food. Russia is acting as a guarantor of the ceasefire regime in Syria alongside Turkey and Iran. Moscow also provides humanitarian aid to civilians and helps Damascus welcome back Syrian refugees, who are now returning to their homes as the war draws to its end after more than seven years of hostilities between the government forces and numerous rebel and terrorist groups. Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) arrested 18 people from a clandestine Islamic State (IS, terrorist group banned in Russia) cell in the country's Tatarstan republic, the FSB said in a statement Tuesday. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 30th October, 2018) Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) arrested 18 people from a clandestine Islamic State (IS, terrorist group banned in Russia) cell in the country's Tatarstan republic, the FSB said in a statement Tuesday. "At the time of removing weapons from the stash in Naberezhnye Chelny, one of the group members was captured on the spot. Six other members and 11 affiliated citizens were detained. Firearms, ammunition, extremist literature and IS paraphernalia were seized during searched at 18 locations," the FSB said. According to the security service, the group was planning to conduct a number of high-impact terrorist activities on the Russian territory and then join militants in Syria. The cell was recruiting radically-oriented young people to implement its terrorist plans, the statement added. (@ChaudhryMAli88) The Chief Justice of the Russian Supreme Court arrived in Pyongyang on Tuesday, local state media reported. TOKYO (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 30th October, 2018) The Chief Justice of the Russian Supreme Court arrived in Pyongyang on Tuesday, local state media reported. Vyacheslav Lebedev is heading a Supreme Court delegation to North Korea, the KCNA news agency said. Its agenda is being kept secret. He began the visit by laying flowers at the Liberation Monument as a tribute to Soviet soldiers who died during the Korean War. The surprise trip comes a month after the top judge said at the 10th Law Conference of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEANS) that North Korea wanted to take part in regional legal processes. BELGRADE (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 31st October, 2018) Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic told Sputnik on Tuesday that he was ready to meet with Hashim Thaci, the leader of breakaway Kosovo, on the sidelines of a November peace forum in France. "I will meet with world leaders in Paris. I am ready ... to talk with Thaci too if someone sets up a meeting on the forum sidelines for us," Vucic said, adding that he wanted the European Union to become a mediator in the issue. Serbia considers Kosovo its autonomous province and has repeatedly refused to recognize its 2008 declaration of independence. The European Union set it as a condition for its entry to the union. EU-brokered attempts at negations between the two leaders broke off in September after they refused to meet face-to-face. The date of a new round of talks has not been announced. The two leaders have been invited to Paris for the November 11-13 summit. Tanzania's and Moscow's chambers of commerce and industry are planning to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) before the end of the year to facilitate business relations and work out a program of joint activities, Francis Lukwaro, the chairman of the Dar Es Salaam Regional Chamber at the Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, told Sputnik. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 30th October, 2018) Tanzania's and Moscow's chambers of commerce and industry are planning to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) before the end of the year to facilitate business relations and work out a program of joint activities, Francis Lukwaro, the chairman of the Dar Es Salaam Regional Chamber at the Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, told Sputnik. "I am not sure [when we will sign a MoU] but it will be very soon because we have agreed that the MoU draft will be in preparation now. So it might be two weeks, it might be a month, but not beyond 2018," Lukwaro said. He added that the two chambers still had to work out the priorities that would be outlined in the future agreement. "Normally the Chamber of Commerce's responsibility is to help people meet, so our duties to engage may be to organize business forums in Tanzania for Russian companies to come in, and the Russian part to invite Tanzanian businessmen to come and meet Russian business people. This way they can all discuss internally and agree on the type of business they want to do in joint ventures," he added. Speaking about the current business ties between the two nations, Lukwaro stressed the need to upgrade the existing model of cooperation and put more emphasis on partnerships. "To be honest, there are already businesses between the two countries, but that is an old fashioned trend. What we are now putting on as an emphasis is to move forward more broadly in partnerships. This is what we are trying now to discuss," he clarified. According to Lukwaro, Tanzania sees mining as one of the key areas of investment due to the country's "plenty of mines which are not developed" and the experience Russia has in the area. "Russia should join the mining investment; so they would meet Tanzanian investors who [will form] a partnership, then Russian investors can bring the equipment. Then the Tanzanian partners will work on the land acquisition and all this," Lukwaro pointed out. Another promising area for Russian investment is the healthcare sector, he noted. "Number two would be on the health sector. We now move very fast to develop our health sector, so we need pharmaceutical industries. Tanzania has one tender to supply pharmaceuticals to the SADC [Southern African Development Community] countries, so any investor in Russia who wants to engage in that, then Tanzania is advantageous," Lukwaro said, reiterating that Russian investors would see a broad market for investment. Finally, Lukwaro mentioned the "burgeoning" agricultural sector in Tanzania as another potential area for cooperation and, in particular, the demand for agricultural equipment. On October 11, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia was open to deepening mutually beneficial ties with Tanzania, in particular, in the nuclear power and defense industry. The Russian leader also welcomed the efforts of the Tanzanian government aimed at maintaining peace and security on the African continent. (@FahadShabbir) Tanzania expects the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement to provide a strong boost to the national economy and promote the growth of incomes, Francis Lukwaro, MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 30th October, 2018) Tanzania expects the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement to provide a strong boost to the national economy and promote the growth of incomes, Francis Lukwaro, the chairman of the Dar Es Salaam Regional Chamber at the Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, told Sputnik. "Tanzania has a lot of products. It is a vast, large country. We have a lot of production in agriculture and other things. So when this system becomes open, Tanzania will be able to export so much from its land. That will increase the income earnings of the country. So we are looking to [the] implementation [of the free trade area project]," Lukwaro said. According to Lukwaro, the country has already been on track to achieve the middle income target by 2025 through a policy of industrialization. "The priority for that now is to industrialize the country. We have a very strong industrialization program, which is supported 100 percent by the current government. Once that is achieved, then the economy of the country will grow, and we expect to reach the middle income country [goal]," he added. Lukwaro expressed confidence that the task was feasible, noting that foreign investors could significantly contribute to the process. "Actually we are inviting all countries around the world to join us, and already we have several European, Asian countries, like China, who are there with us," he said. In the Rwandan capital of Kigali in March, 44 African countries signed an agreement that provides for the establishment of a Continental Free Trade Area, which is aimed at increasing trade among African countries by 60 percent by 2022. The African Union-brokered agreement is set to create a single market for goods and services on the continent, with free movement of businesspeople and investments. Tanzania is one of Africa's fastest growing economies and has managed to sustain relatively high economic growth over the last decade some 6-7 percent per year and significantly improve social indicators. In 2017, growth was supported by expansion in the industrial and agriculture sectors. According to the Development Vision 2025, Tanzania should create a strong, competitive and diversified economy, as well as ensure quality of life and education for its population by 2025. The current dispute over trade tariffs between Tanzania and Kenya is unlikely to escalate, as otherwise it would negatively affect both economies, Francis Lukwaro, the chairman of the Dar Es Salaam Regional Chamber at the Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, told Sputnik MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 30th October, 2018) The current dispute over trade tariffs between Tanzania and Kenya is unlikely to escalate, as otherwise it would negatively affect both economies, Francis Lukwaro, the chairman of the Dar Es Salaam Regional Chamber at the Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, told Sputnik. Both Tanzania and Kenya are members of the East African Community (EAC), which provides a common market for goods, labor, and capital in the region. In September, Kenya imposed 25 percent import duties on some Tanzanian products manufactured with the use of imported raw materials. For instance, duties were imposed on flour, which Nairobi claims is produced from imported wheat. The dispute came after Tanzania denied duty-free access to Kenyan confectionery produced with the use of imported industrial sugar. The row emerged a month after the two countries announced an end to all trade disputes. "The minor tariffs are not having a very serious impact on both economies, because if they put something which will strain Tanzania, then the Kenyan economy will go down as well . .. I don't think ... [that the trade row would escalate] because they [Tanzania and Kenya] are sitting and talking at the table together, so if there is any impact, then it will be seriously taken up by the government, but it has not reached that level yet," Lukwaro said. Lukwaro noted that the sides maintain "regular discussions" on the issue in bilateral format and expressed hope that the disagreements would be resolved on the basis of the East African Community trade agreement. "It's not a very serious dispute and there are discussions between the governments. So Kenya and Tanzania are not fighting for those, but there are regular discussions about making them convenient to the business transactions. There is no such serious impact on trade. Then we have the East African common trade agreement, so no one can come beyond that," he said, asked whether the sides would appeal to the EAC to settle the trade dispute. The EAC brings together Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. Since 2010, the community launched the common market and now plans to create a monetary union. (@rukhshanmir) MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 31st October, 2018) Tehran has refuted Danish Security and Intelligence Service (PET)'s allegations that Iranian intelligence officers were plotting an assassination of an Iranian separatist group official on the Danish soil, local media reported on Tuesday, citing Bahram Qassemi, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman. Earlier in the day, Danish media reported, citing the country's Foreign Minister Anders Samuelsen, that the Danish authorities had recalled the country's ambassador to Iran for consultations following this accusations. The minister also said that the covert operation by the Iranian intelligence would trigger Denmark to impose new sanctions against Tehran. According to the IRNA news agency, Qassemi has rejected the accusations, qualifying them as "hostile," while also saying that they were in compliance with "plans and conspirations against the strong and constantly developing" Iranian-European relations amid current "serious and special" conditions. According to PET, the assassination plot allegedly targeted the head of a Danish branch of the Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahvaz (AMSLA), a nationalist insurgent group advocating for a separate Arab state in Iranian Khuzestan province. The PET head said that three AMSLA members living in the Danish city of Ringsted, including the targeted individual, have been under police protection since spring. On October 21, a Swedish national of Iranian origin was arrested in Gothenburg on charges of leading Tehran's operation in Denmark, including the assassination attempt. Turkish security forces on Tuesday neutralized seven PKK terrorists in northern Iraq, the military said in a statement. ANKARA, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Oct, 2018 ) :Turkish security forces on Tuesday neutralized seven PKK terrorists in northern Iraq, the military said in a statement. Turkish authorities often use the word "neutralized" in their statements to imply the terrorists in question either surrendered or were killed or captured. In a Twitter post, the military said the terrorists, who were preparing to attack Turkish bases, were neutralized via airstrikes in northern Iraq's Gara and Avasin-Basyan regions. In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK - listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US and the EU - has been responsible for the deaths of some 40,000 people, including women and children. (@rukhshanmir) Two women were killed in a bomb blast that occurred during a vigil in Iraq's eastern Diyala province, local media reported Tuesday. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 30th October, 2018) Two women were killed in a bomb blast that occurred during a vigil in Iraq's eastern Diyala province, local media reported Tuesday. The explosion took place at an Arbaeen vigil, a Shia Muslim religious observance, in the city of Khanaqin, according to Rudaw Media Network. One person was injured in the blast, the news outlet added. Khanaqin, predominantly populated with Kurds, is an area disputed between Baghdad and Iraqi Kurdistan, and has been facing threats from members of the Islamic State (IS, terrorist group banned in Russia). The United Nations is prepared to immediately send a humanitarian convoy to the al-Rukban camp in Syria's Homs province once safe conditions for its passage can be ensured, Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Mark Lowcock said on Monday, just days after a planned aid delivery was delayed due for security reasons. WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 29th October, 2018) The United Nations is prepared to immediately send a humanitarian convoy to the al-Rukban camp in Syria 's Homs province once safe conditions for its passage can be ensured, Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Mark Lowcock said on Monday, just days after a planned aid delivery was delayed due for security reasons. "The UN is ready and willing to proceed with the convoy immediately," Lowcock said. "Please, make the necessary arrangements to ensure the security of the humanitarian personnel and the accompanying convoy so it can proceed without delay." Lowcock said reports of insecurity along the planned delivery route had forced the UN and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent to postpone plans to deliver the aid on Saturday. UN, humanitarian workers along with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, had planned to deliver aid to some 50,000 people, begin a vaccination campaign for around 10,000 children and conduct a rapid needs assessment during their visit to the camp, Lowcock said. The Rukban refugee camp, which now hosts about 50,000-60,000 people, is located in Syria's At Tanf district (Homs province) near the Jordanian border, next to a US military base where Syrian opposition forces are being trained. Moscow and Damascus, on one side, and Washington on the other accuse each other of hindering the delivery of UN humanitarian assistance to the area. Late in September, Jordan's foreign minister told Sputnik that Amman and Moscow are engaged in serious discussions related to the dismantling of the Rukban camp and safe return of its residents to their homes in Syria. (@rukhshanmir) The UN Security Council will convene later in the day an open session to address the situation in Ukraine in light of the upcoming elections in the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), the French Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday. PARIS (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 30th October, 2018) The UN Security Council will convene later in the day an open session to address the situation in Ukraine in light of the upcoming elections in the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), the French Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday. Earlier in the day, a diplomatic source told Sputnik that the council would hold a meeting on Tuesday to discuss DPR elections, scheduled for November 11. The source added that the meeting would be held at the request of several Western countries, including the United States, France and the United Kingdom. "The Bolivian chair of the UN Security Council announced holding today an open session of the council on the situation in Ukraine," the ministry said in a statement. According to the ministry, the upcoming DPR elections "endanger the sovereignty of the Ukrainian state and run counter to the Minsk accords." France urged Russia to prevent escalation in Donbas and expressed concern over the humanitarian situation, the ministery added. Driverless cars, personal delivery robots and smart intersections designed to reduce traffic congestion and collisions are transportation initiatives that are advancing in North Texas. Teams of transportation agencies, researchers and policymakers are meeting this week in Arlington to discuss these strategies and present their visions for innovative mobility solutions as part of the third annual Texas Mobility Summit. Texas Mobility Summit attendees had a chance this week to see alternative modes of transportation the city of Arlington is now using. Cities, counties, universities and transportation entities discuss how they are keeping pace with the rapid growth and urbanization encompassing the region. Transportation technology is exploring new ways to efficiently and safely move people and freight, including autonomous and connected vehicles, data sharing and even high-speed rail to create better access to jobs, critical services and other communities. The three-day Texas Mobility Summit, held Oct. 28-30, is hosted by the Texas Innovation Alliance in partnership with the Texas Department of Transportation, City of Arlington, North Central Texas Council of Governments and The University of Texas at Arlington. The summit was developed to address common mobility challenges, showcase active and shovel-ready projects, and open the door to public-private partnership opportunities. Participants include public agencies such as the Regional Transportation Council, Houston METRO, Dallas Area Rapid Transit, and Smart Cities Lab, and private-sector companies such as INRIX, ESRL, Siemens and Cisco. Shima Hamidi, assistant professor in the University of Texas at Arlingtons College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs, said that the region has an exciting momentum in regard to transportation-forced research and UTA is helping lead the way. DFW is the fourth largest and fastest-growing region in the U.S., home to about 40 percent of the Fortune 500 companies in Texas, and it is the fastest growing GDP in the top 30 MSAs in the nation, said Hamidi, who also is director of CAPPAs Center for Transportation Equity, Decisions and Dollars or C-TEDD. For the first time in the history of any university in North Texas, UTA was awarded a university-based transportation center sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation, worth up to $7.7 million. We are the lead institution in the center. Shima Hamidi, UTA assistant professor of planning and director of the College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs' Center for Transportation Equity, Decisions and Dollars, participated in the Texas Mobility Summit this week in Arlington. Other members of the center are: Georgia Tech, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of South Florida. C-TEDD brings the best transportation scholars in the nation together at UTA, Hamidi said. Just in one year, weve hired four postdoctoral scholars, and have increased our number of graduate research assistants from seven to 22 doctoral and masters students. Our number of sponsored projects has increased more than 1,000 percent and weve been a key player in addressing complex, multidimensional and challenging urban issues in the region. She told the audience members that C-TEDD has partnered with several public and private entities such as the City of Dallas, the North Central Texas Council of Governments, Tarrant County and the City of Fort Worth to provide data-driven research in the area of transportation, public policy, sustainable growth, infrastructure asset management, urban analytics and simulation, big data projects and economic development. An embrace of technology is an important element of our strategy to keep the region moving. Whether through high-speed rail, hyperloop, next-generation people mover systems or automated vehicles, Dallas-Fort Worth wants to be at the forefront of solutions, said Michael Morris, director of transportation for the North Central Texas Council of Governments. The Texas Mobility Summit provides us an opportunity to learn from the success stories of others and customize solutions to help our residents and employers. The summit also included a demo event with trips on Via, the City of Arlingtons on-demand rideshare public transportation option that has booked nearly 75,000 trips since it launched last December. Participants also learned about Drive.ai. Arlington is the first Texas city to offer the on-demand, self-driving shuttle service to the general public. Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams said the answer is simple as to why Arlington has emerged as a leader in transportation innovation in Texas. Arlington says Yes. Arlington stays open to new technology, invites innovators to our town, and asks them to join with us in exploring our future in transportation technology. We are working on a wide range of innovative transportation initiatives to promote access and mobility for residents and visitors, Williams said. We will continue leading the way and take advantage of unique and efficient transportation options that become available. We dont wait for big ideas and big projects to happen in Arlington. We go out and get them done. Visit https://ctr.utexas.edu/texas-mobility-summit/ for more information on the Texas Mobility Summit. The City of Arlington contributed to this news release. In an effort to calm the serious security situation in Kaduna and find a lasting solution to the endless killings, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday met with religious and traditional leaders Paul Samasumo Vatican city In a related push for peace, the Archbishop of Kaduna, Mathew Man-Oso Ndagoso, made a passionate appeal for peace in Kaduna, last Sunday. He called on both Christians and Muslims to remain calm in the wake of the deadly clashes that happened in Kasuwar Magani village, Kajuru Local Government Area on18 October. The clashes resulted in over 50 deaths, hundreds of injuries and destruction to property. It was not the first time that killings have occurred in this area. In the name of God, stop the killing We are not oblivious of the pain that has been caused by the loss of loved ones, both Christian and Muslim, and we wish to assure families of the dead and injured that we share in their loss and pray for the dead and those injured. At the same time, we ask that all reflect on the reality that violence only begets violence. This suffering has gone on for far too long, and we beg that it be stopped for the common good. Permit me to paraphrase the words of St. Oscar Romero, recently canonised: I beg you in the name of God to stop the killing, Archbishop Ndagoso said in a message to the people of Kaduna. Christian Ass. denies government accusations of religious hate The influential Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), an umbrella organisation comprising numerous Christian denominations in Nigeria dismissed allegations that its statements and those by other Christian Church leaders were fanning the embers of hate in Kaduna. Nigerian media recently quoted the Minister of Interior, Lt Gen Abdulrahman Dambazau saying, well-meaning Nigerians (should) not allow themselves to be dragged into religious conflicts. The minister denied the religious overtones of the killings in Southern Kaduna preferring to describe them as the result of criminal activities. CAN says what is happening in the Southern part of Kaduna is clearly targeted at Christians. CAN cited several incidents in which Islamist herdsmen chanting Islamic slogans killed and destroyed property. According to CAN, in areas such as Godogodo, Akwa, Golkofa, Gada Biyu, in Jemaa LGA, the homes of Muslims and their property were all spared while Christians, their homes and Church buildings were destroyed sometimes even demolished. President Buhari in Kaduna In an effort to calm the crisis in Kaduna and find a lasting solution to the endless killings, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari met with religious and traditional leaders on Tuesday, this week. Observers say the crisis in Kaduna is a toxic mix of incited religious hatred, unfounded rumours as well as local clashes and suspicion between the two dominant tribes of the Hausa and Adara. The growing distrust and suspicion between the two communities, who for decades co-existed in harmony, is particularly disturbing. Fresh from the Synod experience, 6 women religious reflect on the specific gift women religious have in taking the Synod from the hall into the actual lives of young people. By Sr Bernadette Mary Reis, fsp On Monday evening, the day after the Synod concluded, 6 women religious representing the International Union of Superiors General (UISG) met with women religious, ambassadors to the Holy See and journalists. They reflected on how women religious can make the Synod bear fruit in the lives of young people. Memory Young peoples needs and dreams should be part of the meetings and planning at every level of religious life, Sr Sally Marie Hodgdon, Superior General of the Sisters of St Joseph of Cambery, said. Religious are the memory, the prophetic voice moving the Synod forward, reminding the Church what happened at the Synod and living the spirit, she said. This means reminding the Bishops of some ideas that came out of the Synod, such as, the creation of diocesan youth councils, synods of young people in the local churches, and the inclusion of youth in Bishops Conference meetings using the Synod method. Conversion Religious life itself needs to undergo a conversion, several of the sisters said. Sr Allesandra Smerilli said that women religious need to open up their convents to allow young people in. In addition to being available to them for accompaniment, women religious need training. Are we ready? she asked. Clericalism Sr Mina Kwon, mentioned that she is disappointed that there is not more about overcoming clericalism in the Final Document. It needs to be overcome before its too late, she said. On the other hand, Sr Mina said that the Synod took place in the corridors and over meals and not just in the Synod hall. There, she was encouraged to keep speaking out. Because of this she is going back to Korea feeling called to continue working to overcome this sense of superiority, and entitlement. Discrimination Regarding the absence of a message for those who feel marginalized due to their sexual orientation, Sr Nathalie Becquart responded that the discussion of same sex relationships is stronger in some parts of the world than in others. Some countries are open to the topic whereas it bears the death penalty in others. One young person said that he could be killed if the topic were to appear in a document in which he participated drafting. Sr Lucy Muthoni Nderi picked up the discussion saying that the Church is not ready to respond. The Bishops did not want to give ready-made answers. The Church needs time, Sr Lucy said, in order to understand. The message from the Synod is that discrimination does not belong in the Church. Jesus began with the lived experience of each person and brought the person on a journey toward accomplishing his dream for them. Sr Lucy also reiterated the request from young people who said they want to hear the Churchs wisdom regarding the body and sexuality. Young people would like us to listen to them before we start listing the prohibitions and doctrine which turns them off, she said. Fragility and holiness When asked about the request from young people for both clarity from the Church, but also an accompaniment from fellow Catholics who can admit that they dont know everything, Sr Lucy Muthoni Nderi responded. She said that young people seek clarity regarding the Churchs teaching, but vulnerability from those who accompany them, who can share the same faith journey. The relational approach, Sr Lucy continued, can teach a lot that includes doctrine, but that also manifests the face of Jesus. Young people seek credible and trustworthy adults to accompany them adults who are not perfect but who are on the path to holiness. The Vaticans Dicastery for Communication presents a documentary on Eucharistic miracles, interviewing scientists and witnesses, and raising awareness of this global phenomenon. By Francesca Merlo The documentary Segni (Italian for signs), is inspired by the venerable Carlo Acutis, a young boy who died at the young age of 15 from a sudden onset of leukemia. He dedicated his life to spreading awareness of Eucharistic miracles. He even opened his own exhibition to showcase past miracles that, to him, prove Gods love for us. Modern miracle The documentary focuses on events that took place between 1999-2013 in Argentina, Poland, Mexico and Italy. These miracles occurred when science was already advanced enough to become involved in defining the phenomenon. Science that could look into these consecrated hosts, that suddenly turned red, taking the form of meat, of human flesh. Constant wonder The producers of this documentary travelled to the locations where some of these miracles are said to have taken place. There, they spoke to those who discovered them, those who studied them and those who, to this day, still wonder over them. Matteo Ceccarelli, the director, spoke before the projection of the film and explained that part of what he wanted to transmit through the documentary was the what happens after. He wanted to show that as a consequence of these miracles many of the priests learned to re-commit themselves. This was supported by Fr Andrzej Ziombra, from the Church of St Hyacinth in Legnica, Poland, where in 2013 a blood stain was discovered on a host. Fr Ziombra says I discovered the beauty of priesthood, after understanding that something important had occurred in my church. Scientific support Part of the fascination behind these modern day miracles is the voice that science has given them. Science can be used, and has been used, to refute miracles. This was the case in one church in Poland, where red stains were discovered on a host. After having it tested, it was discovered that the red was simply fungus. Science is also used to accept miracles, as was the case in the situations explored in the documentary. God's sign of love In all these cases, the host, having taken on the form of flesh, was studied in depth by scientists. Similarities were discovered in all these cases: the presence of white blood cells, that usually disappear after a few minutes after death; the recurring AB blood type; the heart tissue found; and the other signs of life and vitality. None of these could be scientifically explained. As Franco Serafini, a cardiologist, said in his opening remarks, faith is not humbled by science. There are certain things medicine can do when studying miracles, he said. The miracles can now speak to us in a scientific and technological language, understood by people in this day and age. Ricardo Castanon Gomez, contacted in 1999 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to study the host that had turned red after it had been placed in water, to this day is unable to explain this occurrence, at least not through science. One explanation, chosen by many, including the initially skeptical Mexican Bishop Alejo Zavala Castro, is simply that this is what God wanted, and that this is Him, showing us He loves us. Vietnam Briefing has developed into a premium source for insight on doing business in Vietnam. It publishes business news concerning foreign direct investment into Vietnam, including the most important tax, legal and accounting issues. The Vietnam Briefing Magazine was first published in 2009, and is contributed to by investment professionals based in Vietnam. Asia Briefing's portfolio of business publications include ASEAN, China, India, Indonesia, Russia, Silk Road and Vietnam Briefing. Please visit our publications store to access each platforms series of magazines, guides and reports. Through our parent company Dezan Shira & Associates, a foreign direct investment consultancy, Asia Briefing is in direct communication with a veteran team of consultants, lawyers, accountants, human resource professionals and supply chain experts, granting us the ability to provide business and investment insight at a depth unavailable to other publications. Dezan Shira & Associates employs over 300 professionals, including lawyers, accountants, auditors, and business specialists from across the world. Our expertise is based on this teams experience collaborating across 25 offices in Asia, Europe, and North America. Local experts at the firm provide services tailored to the unique challenges facing international businesses in Asia. The firms services help decision makers manage the legal, tax, and operational challenges facing multinational businesses in China, ASEAN, and India. Our services in Asia include: The mental healthcare industry in Vietnam is still developing. The government has established the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP); however, industry observers have noted that the NMHP only covers approximately 30 percent of the country, and uses a very narrow list of mental illness. While the government estimates that approximately 15 percent of the population requires mental health care services, independent research suggests that the figure is closer to 20 to 30 percent of the population. This is a major service gap for NGOs and foreign businesses. International NGOs and foreign businesses that want to cover this service gap, and contribute to the healthcare system, need an intricate approach when entering the country. That begins with understanding the barriers that have prevented Vietnams existing mental health system from developing its capacity. Mental healthcare landscape Mental disorders are sometimes imbued with shame and disgrace in the country, which can prevent individuals from speaking openly about their distress. For example, bac si tam than is Vietnamese for psychiatrist; however, it directly translates in English to doctors who treat madness. These references are embedded with cultural stigma, implying those who seek psychological assistance are treating their obscenity. Maintaining social composure by not publicly discussing issueslike anxiety or work stressis common. However, psychological burdens have a wide impact on individuals experiencing distress, including their family members. From the outside, developing a mental healthcare industry may not strike foreign investors with immediate appeal since it requires facilitating a niche market on one hand, and working within the low-cost environment on the other. However, the countrys rapid economic growth is largely driven by its demographic dividend, and there is an increased demand for all forms of health care, including mental health care services. Conventional for-profit counseling services are likely to be a challenge for investors in the current market. With most low and middle-income earners working full-time jobs, they are unlikely to bear the costs of taking time off work to seek out psychological assistance. Other considerations to keep in mind are factors like social stigma and the undeveloped concept of for-profit healthcare, which can prevent affluent clientele from seeking service. However, targeting the growing middle class with new internet apps and online services for a low price may be a feasible option, while wealthier segments may become willing to pay for higher-end services as the discourse around mental health evolves. It is important to note the demographics of consumers willing to pay for quality service may change with time, as consumer spending is rising significantly. Regardless of the service model, creating accessible options with confidentiality as the backbone of any new service is important for healthcare providers to keep in mind. Creating useful technology, like internet apps, can help people who grapple with acute social pressure access support in the comfort of their own home. Areas of concern In 2014, Vietnams Psychiatric Association conducted a study to identify which of the 10 most common mental illnesses affect the country the most. Of the formal list of mental illnesses in the country, the three most well-known issues were alcohol abuse, depression, and anxiety. However, further research to address these conclusions and to identify their causes is needed. Beyond this, people who live in rural areas encounter their own unique challenges particularly those left behind by the countrys economic boom. Traditional aspects of family life are undermined because of the countrys rapid economic development; intergenerational households are changing as parents move to urban centers to find work, leaving their children with extended family, or alone for long periods of time. A study conducted by UK-based The Young Lives Project found that poverty-related stressors compromise healthy child development. Across both urban and rural areas, vulnerable youths and women lack adequate resources for their concerns. Care is especially lacking for those living in rural areas that do not have accessible transport to major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City where services are more widely available. However, the limited number of mental health care professionals currently working in the field are unable to provide the demands vulnerable segments of the population need, especially when resources are limited. A joint study between UNICEF, Overseas Development Institute (ODI), and The Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) surveyed the rural area of Dien Bien, in northwest Vietnam, and discovered that, of 333 attempted suicides, 140 were 19 years or younger in 2015; 16 of the 73 completed suicide attempts were children. Alarmingly, the survey found that suicidal tendencies are a pressing issue among Vietnamese youths within the province. Or, perhaps, an issue that was never given much attention. However, the spike in suicides is a newly recognized concern, and more research is required to address the factors that cause adolescent distress in Vietnam. Mental health care infrastructure The World Health Organization (WHO) surveyed the country in 2014 and found that only 0.91 psychiatrists were available per 100,000 people. The psychiatrists available per 100,000 population in Vietnam is comparable to its ASEAN neighbors: Malaysia has 0.76 psychiatrists available per 100,000 people and Thailand has 0.87 accessible psychiatrists for 100,000 people. However, it is far behind developed economies like Singapore, where 3.48 psychiatrists were available per 100,000 people, and the US, where 12.40 psychiatrists were available per 100,000 people. This suggests that foreign healthcare providers and NGOs will most likely encounter challenges recruiting domestic professionals to serve the population in Vietnam. The Department of Psychiatry at Hanoi Medical University and the National Institute of Mental Health provide programs for psychiatrists in training. General medical students can choose to do a one-year specialization in psychiatryalthough its interest remains low relative to other medical fields. Developing the mental health care infrastructure will require foreign educational institutions and professional training programs to strengthen Vietnams clinical capacity and skills. Collaborating with local institutions to enhance existing education or establishing independent training services can help improve the current situation. The mental health network facilitates outpatient treatment and inpatient programs for psychiatric care. The psychiatric hospital system in Vietnam has 36 hospitals established across the country. Hospitalization for clients in severe conditions are given the care in these inpatient hospitalscurrently, there are 6,000 beds. The system delivers services through a network of state-owned hospitals; there are two National Psychiatric Hospitals: one located in the north in Hanoi, and the other in Bien Hoa city, located in the south. The remaining 34 provincial psychiatric hospitals are disseminated across the country. Currently, Vietnam has 600 outpatient mental healthcare facilities available for locals who are looking for short-term care. Outpatient treatment offers psychosocial services for those in need, without being admitted into the hospital. Further, while service is available through state-owned facilities, the consensus among international research is that there are no targeted facilities for children and adolescents demographics that research suggests are highly vulnerable. How to prepare for the market The development of a successful mental healthcare industry will require active research and regional adaptation, with firsthand insight on evolving medical needs. Businesspeople seeking to invest into the mental healthcare industry should familiarize themselves with local partnership requirements and the industrys regulations. In Vietnam, regulations in the health sector are more restrictive, so it is important to be aware of the existing limitations, as well as the lack of legislation for the industry. Foreign investments up to 100 percent are allowed for healthcare establishments and medical training units provided they can fulfill capital requirements set by the government. Businesses that intend to provide healthcare treatment have comparatively high capital requirements, while the capital requirements for medical training providers are based on the number of students. Exploring public-private partnership (PPP) opportunities and partnerships with local NGOs may help foreign investors enter the market and contextualize international treatments and services line more quickly. Dezan Shira & Associates Business Intelligence Manager Maxfield Brown said, The main impediment will be on the regulatory side taxation wont be a barrier. Mental health is controversial in many societies and the way you go about teaching it, or approaching it, is important. Even if it is not regulated, it is culturally sensitive. But as Vietnam becomes a developed economy, these views and laws might change in five years time, and that will change how companies can operate in the market. Divestments have been a major focus for the Vietnamese government as it aims to increase the efficiency of loss-making State-owned enterprises (SOE). In addition, divestments are also a significant source of revenue for the government that can help in managing the fiscal deficit and fund economic development plans. Equitization of SOEs and divestments in industries such as aviation, oil and gas, transportation, and agriculture offer exciting opportunities for investors planning on establishing themselves in Vietnam in the next few years. Divestment Policy In August 2017, the government released Decision No.1232/2017/QD-TTg approving a list of 406 state-owned enterprises to be divested during 2017-2020. The new Decision not only lists the 406 approved companies marked for divestments but also includes mechanisms to accelerate and increase the efficiency of the divestment process. This has been included to address issues faced by investors during previous divestments, such as delay in the transfer of ownership and lack of clarity in valuation. There is also a provision allowing the rate of divestment and number of divested entities to increase in the next four years depending on the market. In addition to Decision No. 1232, the government issued Decree No. 126/2017/ND-CP in November 2017 on the privatization process of SOEs. It includes guidelines regarding the conversion of SOEs into joint stock companies. It is already in effect since January 1, 2018. According to the decree, SOEs can launch an initial public offering (IPO) through auction, private placement, underwriting, as well as book building. In addition, lock-in period for strategic investors during which they are not allowed to transfer their shares has been reduced from five to three years, while restrictions on profitability have been reduced from three to two years. Divestments until now In 2017, the government planned to divest capital from 135 SOEs but did so only for 17 firms. Divestment plans for the remaining companies were delayed to 2018. In the last three years, the government has earned VND 198 trillion (US$8.49 billion) from divestments, more than three times the divestment earnings between 2011 and 2015. In 2016, earnings from divestment reached VND 30 trillion (US$1.3 billion), while in 2017 it was VND 140 trillion (US$6 billion), including Sabecos divestment worth VND 110 trillion (US$ 4.7 billion). In the first half of 2018, the government received VND 28.1 trillion (US$1.2 billion) from equitization of SOEs. In the first eight months of this year, 10 SOEs out of 85 were approved for equitization, amounting to VND 29.5 trillion (US$1.26 billion). Major divestments In here, we will discuss the major divestments in the shipping, oil & gas, beverage, and airlines industry. Shipping and Ports Vinalines, the countrys largest shipping company is trying to reduce its stake in ocean shipping companies but will maintain ownership in marine logistics companies to ensure the development of marine logistics network and reduce losses in ocean shipping companies. In addition, the company is also divesting its stake in ports. In the first six months of 2018, Vinalines posted a profit of VND 73 billion (US$3.23 million), compared to the annual target of VND 668 billion (US$29.56 million). On September 5, 2018, Vinalines sold 5.44 million shares for VND 54 billion (US$2.39 million) at its initial public offering (IPO), accounting for only 1.1 percent of the 490 million shares which were up for sale. The company is planning to offers its remaining shares in 2018. Oil and Gas Vietnam National Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam) will complete the divestment from several subsidiaries by 2020. They are allowed to retain their entire holdings in only the parent company PetroVietnam, National Southern Spill Response Centre, and PetroVietnam Manpower Training College. Subsidiaries being divested until 2019 include PVI Holdings, Phuoc An Port Investment, and Exploitation Oil and Gas JSC, Green Indochina Development JSC, SSG Real Estate JSC, PetroVietnam Trade Union Finance JSC, PetroVietnam Construction Joint Stock Corporation, and PetroVietnam Maintenance and Repair JSC. In addition, stakes in PetroVietnam Gas Corporation, PetroVietnam Transportation Corporation, Binh Son Refinery and Petrochemical Co., Ltd., and PV Power will also be reduced to less than 50 percent. In addition, stakes in PetroVietnam Gas Corporation, PetroVietnam Transportation Corporation, Binh Son Refinery and Petrochemical Co., Ltd., and PV Power will also be reduced to less than 50 percent. In the first five months of 2018, the companys revenue reached VND 234.5 trillion (US$10.28 billion), 21 percent higher than its five-month target, accounting for 40 percent of its annual target. Airlines Vietnam Airports Corporation (ACV) and Vietnam Airlines (VNA) are going to divest large stakes for future funding requirements. ACV will sell off 20 percent of its state stake in 2018 and 10.4 percent in 2019, while VNA will sell 35.16 percent in 2019, thus reducing state ownership in the firms to 65 percent and 51 percent, respectively. These divestments offer a chance for foreign investors to enter the aviation market. There already is a considerable interest from investors for both the entities. The aviation industry in Vietnam contributes US$6 billion annually to the GDP and grew 29 percent year on year in terms of passengers in 2016. Already, Paris Aeroport has become ACVs strategic investor and Japans ANA Holdings has acquired 8.8 percent stake in VNA for VND2.38 trillion ($108 million). Beverage The two state-owned breweries, Saigon Beer Alcohol Beverage Corp. (Sabeco) and Hanoi Beer Alcohol Beverage Corp. (Habeco) have already attracted considerable interest from foreign investors. Sabeco has close to 40 percent market share in the beer market, while Habeco accounts for 16 percent. In 2017, the government sold a 53.9 percent stake in Sabeco to ThaiBev for US$4.84 billion. The government is looking to divest its 81 percent stake in Habeco. Carlsberg, which currently owns 17.3 percent of Habeco is planning to increase its stake in the company. Others Other major divestments include Vinamilk, Vietnam Southern Food Corporation (Vinafood), Vietnam Urban and Industrial Development Investment Corporation (IDICO), Vietnam Rubber Group (VRG), companies under Vietnam Electricity Corporation (EVN), Song Da Corporation, and MobiFone. Changes in policy The 2017-2020 plan is different in various aspects from the 2011-2015 plan. In the 2011-2015 plan, only SOEs in real estate, securities, finance/banking, insurance, and investment funds were allowed to be divested. This led to revenues from sales to be confined within the SOEs and only changed the investment portfolio of SOEs. In contrast, for 2017-2020, the divestment will lead to a change in the states portfolio of assets. From now onwards the sales revenue from divestments will be directed towards public investments projects unlike in 2011-2015, when revenue was held by the SOEs, leading to an increase in the state capital in the business. In the recent divestment policy, the government has also added a provision to divest in installments, with the rate fixed at 20 to 36 percent of the total holding. This has led to an increase in the number of divested SOEs. New management agency The government issued Decree 131/2018/ND-CP (Decree 131) in September 2018, regulating the functions, tasks, and organizational structure of a new agency called the Commission for the Management of State Capital (CMSC) to oversee the management of SOEs. Decree 131 is already in effect since 29 September 2018. Five ministries from Industry and Trade, Transport, Agriculture and Rural Development, Information and Communications, and Finance have transferred their representation rights to the CMSC. CMSC will manage 19 SOEs, in which the government stakes amount to VND 1,000 trillion (US$42.9 billion), almost 20 percent of the countrys 2017 GDP. The agency will only monitor the use of State Capital, rather than production and trade. The SOEs under CMSC includes: State Capital Investment Corporation PetroVietnam Petrolimex Vietnam National Chemical Group Vietnam Electricity Vietnam Rubber Group Vietnam National Coal-Mineral Industries Group Vietnam Post and Telecommunications Group MobiFone Vietnam Tobacco Corporation Vietnam Airlines Vietnam National Shipping Lines Vietnam Railways Vietnam Expressway Development and Investment Corporation Airports Corporation of Vietnam Vietnam National Coffee Corporation Vietnam Southern Food Corporation Vietnam Northern Food Corporation Vietnam Forest Corporation. Investment challenges The major investment hurdles faced by foreign investors include unfair valuations, unable to acquire a controlling stake, and delays in the transfer of ownership. Investors have often highlighted the delay in the process of transferring stakes from ministerial or provincial peoples committee level to SCIC that handles divestments. To reduce delays, the government in their recent decision, has asked the peoples committees in each city/province to report prior to the 25th of the last month of each quarter as well as on December 25 each year, to the Steering Committee for Enterprise Innovation and Development, Ministry of Finance (MoF), and Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) for progress. According to a recent study by the Central Institute for Economic Management and the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham), divestments in SOE has been slower than expected as it has failed to attract strategic shareholders, especially international investors. Investors have highlighted the limitation in foreign ownership as the major reason to not invest. In addition, the lack of transparency in the divestment process, unreasonable evaluation of enterprises, poor management, existing company liabilities, and incompetent staff were highlighted as the other factors affecting investors sentiments. Need to do more The government needs to attract strategic shareholders, especially international investors to invest in the SOEs. This will not only bring in the much need foreign capital, but also lead to value addition such as newer technologies, administrative skills, and access to newer markets, which will lead to a more sustainable growth. To do so, the government has to increase transparency regarding regulations, reduce red-tapism, and incorporate international practices for determining the business value and transaction cost of shares to ensure clarity. The government has to ensure that sufficient time is given to foreign investors for their due diligence prior to bidding to increase chances of investment. Foreign investors are the key to these divestments, bringing in the much-needed capital. Investment considerations Equitisation offers investors an opportunity to enter the market in major industries such as food & beverage, telecommunications, aviation, energy, shipping, and retail and invest in companies with a dominating market share. Investors should ensure clarity about management control, corporate governance practices, technology transfer, organizational structure, and future options for increasing stake in the SOEs. In addition, investors should carefully identify the decision makers to influence negotiations. Decision makers in SOEs not only includes the management members, but also the government officials in agencies overseeing the divestment process. Editors Note: This article was originally published in September 2017 and has been updated to reflect recent developments. In a recent meeting between the Vietnamese government and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), the country reaffirmed its commitment and pledged to be a reliable member of the multilateral development bank. Vietnam is one of the founding members of the AIIB. Capital requirements Vietnams capital requirement for infrastructure projects in areas such as ports, expressways, urban development, and clean energy is huge. To achieve its social-economic development goals, government funding is not sufficient and would require private financing. With growing public debts, private sector funding is the only option available to the government to meet its capital requirements. The government has been implementing investor-friendly reforms in the last few years to create the necessary conditions to attract financial institutions such as AIIB that can lend without any government guarantee. AIIB The AIIB is a multilateral development bank that commenced operations in January 2016 and currently includes 87 approved members. The entity provides financing for infrastructure projects in Asia, as well as neighboring countries. Projects include transport systems, sewerage and waste treatment, broadband, ports and roads, and energy distribution. As of now, the bank has financed 29 projects worth US$5.85 billion in 13 countries. The AIIB can provide financing for infrastructure projects without the need for government guarantees. Going forward The Vietnamese government has asked the AIIB to work closely with the ministries and government agencies to provide financing for infrastructure projects. In addition, the government has asked AIIB to reduce interest rates and increase financing. AIIB is focusing on important infrastructure projects that are currently being undertaken by private entities such as airports and expressways. The development bank has asked the government to strengthen the public-private partnership (PPP) legal framework, which can then lead to funding. Vietnam updated its food safety law in February, replacing Decree 38/2012-ND-CP with Decree 15/2018/ND-CP, to reduce regulatory burdens and enhance international trade of goods. With the change, the government loosened regulations by removing various administrative procedures, with the ultimate aim to increase channels of international trade for food products. The new decree is part of a larger scheme of initiatives like the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) to reduce technical barriers to trade and boost foreign investment. Decree 15 allows the government to adjust the food industry standards with international best practice by relaxing its procedural grip. The EVFTA, for example, outlines sanitary and phytosanitary measures imported food products from Vietnam must comply within the EU. Grounds for food safety inspection were amended while the procedures for safety audits were reduced significantly: 90 percent of food shipments now enter the country without examination. Previously, all food shipments were examined before the change to the law. Products circulating the Vietnamese market now take a major leap from pre-inspection to post-inspection, with responsibility now placed on enterprises serving or selling food to declare self-compliance with regard to food safety regulations. Decree 15 at a glance Before Decree 15, an enterprise had to prepare two sets of documents with 11 different kinds of papers to satisfy food safety regulations. However, vendors were able to bypass this process by buying counterfeit food safety certificates off the streets. Now, methods of safety standards have shifted. Businesses must self-announce food safety quality and compliance, but are no longer subject to automatic customs examinations. An enterprise operating in the food industry must declare responsible food safe practice on Vietnams multimedia websites. Removing impractical administrative procedures are viewed by the government as a necessary step to reduce labor costs and develop business prospects. The new decree is predicted to reduce 90 percent of administrative fees, save 2.9 million working days, and save VND$2.5 trillion or USD$107222.50. Ensuring food safety Frequent food poisoning and contaminated food products have been widespread issues in Vietnam, despite the requirements stipulated in previous regulations. Countless food safety incidents arising from a lack of adequate regulatory enforcement exposed food supplies to foodborne illnesses throughout the trade process. While the removal of administrative barriers enables efficient trade and investment, companies partaking in Vietnams food industry should still be conscious of the harmful effects of low-quality food. The demand for high quality and dependable food products should increase as the market continues to develop, and a single food safety scandal can permanently damage a brands reputation. Further, businesses must be prepared for the potential to be inspected by regulatory authorities. The Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, and the Ministry of Industry and Trade will inspect up to five percent of total food imports per year at random. Currently, the government is in the process of drafting a decree on fines for any violations of food safety. Steps businesses should take The Ministry of Health established specifications within updated food regulation standards that must be met by international importers since a duty applies to every product that enters the country. All companies that want to export food commodities into the country must submit an appropriate certification for registration. Companies are liable for safety issues for their products. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development provides the customs office with details of organizations authorized to export products into the country. Applicable requirements issued by the Ministry of Health must be met. These include labeling requirements containing the name and details of the manufacturer, registration for food additives, advertisement for food products, and the country of origin. Businesses that want to partake in Vietnams food industry need to recognize the full scope of regulatory changes. Companies should review Decree 15 to ensure products and trade practices are aligned with the update. Maxfield Brown, Dezan Shira & Associates Business Intelligence Manager in Ho Chi Minh City, said The decree is new and it still takes a while for agencies to implement new levels of regulation. It is up to the body of government interpreting the new law to enforce itso, it is important to differentiate periods when new regulations are not enforced from periods of uncertainty. People trying to comply with the new update should be cognizant of timing and how to comply with the regulation. The General Statistics Office of Vietnam (GSO) recently released the 2017 Economic Census, which includes information about economic establishments, business activities, labor market, and outsourcing activities. It covers State and non-state domestic enterprises as well as foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs). Enterprises in Vietnam According to the census, as of April 2017, there were 517,900 businesses operating in Vietnam, up 51.6 percent compared to the 2012 census. However, large companies accounted for only 1.9 percent of the total. Currently, there are only 10,000 large firms, up 29.6 percent compared to 2012. The majority (98.1 percent) of the firms continue to be small, medium, and micro-enterprise, which grew by 52.1 percent compared to 2012 to 507,860. Region Southeast Vietnam accounted for 216,000 businesses, 41.7 percent of the total number of companies in the country. The region attracted 5.3 million workers, 37.7 percent of the total labor force. Red River Delta, which ranks second with 161,000 firms, accounted for 31.1 percent of the total number of businesses and 32.5 percent of the total number of employees. The Central Highlands accounted for only 2.6 percent of the total number of enterprises, the lowest in the country. Revenue Net revenue in 2016 increased by 71 percent higher compared to 2011 to VND 17,858 trillion (USD765.1 billion). Highest earnings were recorded in the non-State businesses, accounting for 55.9 percent of the total net revenue. However, the highest growth was witnessed in the FDI sector, which grew by 134.5 percent in 2016 compared to 2011. State-owned enterprises (SOEs) recorded the lowest contribution to the net revenues between 2011 and 2016. Return on assets In 2016, FDI firms had the highest return on assets (ROA) at 6.9 percent, followed by SOEs and non-State companies at 2.6 and 1.4 percent respectively. Sector-wise, the industrial and construction sector had the highest ROA in 2016 at 4.8 percent, followed by the agriculture, fishery and forestry sector at two percent. The ROA for the services sector was 1.6 percent in 2016. Enterprise and labor growth The number of SMEs between 2012 and 2017 grew rapidly, however, the number of employees in larger enterprises grew faster compared to SMEs. Between 2012 and 2017, the number of SMEs grew by 8.8 percent, faster than the number of large enterprises which grew by 5.3 percent. Labor force in large enterprises grew by 33.8 percent, while in SMEs, the growth was only 22.1 percent. SOEs The number of SOEs and employees between 2012 and 2017 decreased by 18.4 percent and 23.1 percent respectively. FDI In 2017, the number of FDI firms and employees witnessed the highest growth compared to state and non-state entities at 54 percent and 62.8 percent respectively compared to 2012. Non-state enterprises The number of non-state enterprises and employees grew by 52.3 percent and 27.9 percent respectively, second only to FDI firms. Major economic sectors According to the economic census, the industry and construction sector contributes the most to the governments budget, while the services sector which accounts for the highest number of firms, is growing the fastest. As of 2017, the number of firms in the services sector grew by 57.1 percent, compared to 2012, while the labor force grew by 31.5 percent. In the wholesale, retail and repair sector, the number of enterprises grew by 51.6 percent, while the labor force grew by 24.5 percent. The number of companies involved in the scientific and technology sector expanded by 59.8 percent, while employees in the sector grew by 24.6 percent. Employees in the production and distribution of electricity, gas, hot water, steam, and air conditioning sector grew by 33.3 percent, while the number of firms expanded by 25.3 percent. Workers involved in the agriculture sector declined by 0.4 percent, while the number of firms grew by 27.5 percent. International integration survey The government conducted a survey of 3,500 enterprises in the manufacturing and processing sector that covered the impact of trade agreements, relations with foreign partners, and feedback for the government. Around 95 percent of the surveyed firms were knowledgeable about the existing and upcoming free trade agreements and 83.9 percent of the companies supported the countrys participation in FTAs. Enterprises stay updated about the FTAs through information channels such as media, industry associations, and state management agencies. With respect to the impact of foreign business partners, 42.1 percent of the surveyed firms were most optimistic about East Asia and Pacific partners, closely followed by the US at 42 percent. Businesses who were optimistic about Southeast Asian and European partners accounted for 35 percent, while only 23.6 percent of the firms were in favor of Chinese partners. The feedback for the government with respect to FTAs focused on administrative procedures, market information, and details about the agreement. More than 84 percent of the firms wanted the government to simplify the procedures, while 69.4 percent wanted detailed information about the trade agreements. Over half of the surveyed businesses would like the government to provide information on foreign markets, while 48.9 percent would like information on domestic markets. Outsourcing revenue The 2017 Economic Census is the first census that includes the revenue generated by Vietnamese firms from outsourcing goods for foreign manufacturers. In 2016, there were 1,740 enterprises involved in outsourcing activities with revenues amounting to US$8.6 billion. Out of the total, 1,687 firms provided outsourcing services, while 52 firms sent materials to foreign businesses for processing. Major products in the outsourcing industry include textiles, footwear, telephones and components, computers, and electronic devices. Textile and footwear sector accounted for 48 percent of the total outsourcing revenue, while footwear accounted for 32 percent. Assembly of electronics devices accounted only for 0.7 percent. Imports related to outsourcing activities reached US$20.2 billion, with FIEs accounting for 80.7 percent of the total import value. Export value of processed goods reached US$32.4 billion, with FIEs accounting for 79 percent of the total. South Korea, Taiwan, China, the US, and Japan were the major outsourcing partners for Vietnam. Labor Age In 2017, the labor force below the age of 30 accounted for 35.2 percent of the total labor force, while laborers between 31 and 45 were the majority at 42.7 percent. In the enterprise sector, the labor force between the ages of 16 and 30 accounted for the largest share, while in the administrative units, laborers between 31 and 45 were in majority. Education The share of unskilled labor to the total number of employees in economic, administrative, and religious units decreased from 34.7 percent in 2012 to 29.7 percent in 2017. University educated labor force grew from 17.9 percent to 18.4 percent during the same period. Between 2012-17, the share of the college-educated labor force increased from 4.9 percent to 6.7 percent, while the share of workers with primary education increased from 6.8 percent to 8.8 percent. In the corporate sector, the percentage share of employees with a university education or higher was more than 50 percent. The demand for high-skilled labor is highest in the finance, banking, insurance, information and communication, and education sectors. The Economic Census highlights the importance of FDI in the Vietnamese economy. FIEs continue to grow faster compared to SOEs and non-State entities in all areas such as labor, revenue, exports, and the number of establishments. In addition to the FDI sector, the government needs to focus on the domestic sector. It needs to accelerate the divestments of SOEs and increase support for domestic entities in areas such as labor quality, access to capital, higher value-added activities, and boosting linkages with foreign companies. The government has issued the Social Security Scheme for expatriate workers, also known as Decree No. 143/2018/ND-CP, which will enter into force on December 1, 2018. Expatriate employers and employees should familiarize themselves with term amendments since new regulations will affect payroll and taxation. Both employers and employees are responsible for contributions to the scheme; the compulsory insurance package covers pension, sickness, maternity, labor and occupational accidents, retirement, and survivorship. Expatriate workers subject to the new law on social insurance are defined as foreigners with a minimum one-year labor contract that have been granted a work permit, practicing certificate, or practicing license. Workers exempted from the new social security measures include intra-corporate transferees and employees who have reached Vietnams statutory retirement age, which is 60 years for males and 55 years for females. Social insurance contribution rates The contribution rates will be applied equally for both expatriate and Vietnamese employees at a rate of 8 percent, while the employers rate is set at 17.5 percent. Both, however, have a capped limit of 20 times the nations minimum salary (the current minimum salary is VND 27,800,000 or US$1,200 per month). Now with the change, employers must make contributions for foreign employees at 3.5 percent of their monthly salary between December 1, 2018, and December 31, 2021. But beginning January 1, 2022, the rate will increase to 17.5 percent, separated into the following categories: 14 percent to retirement and survivorship, 3 percent to sickness and maternity funds, and 0.5 percent to occupational disease and accident funds. Employees will not be subject to make payments until January 1, 2022; their 8 percent of contribution rate will fund retirement and survivorship. If an expatriate employee has numerous labor contracts with different employers that are all subject to mandatory social insurance, standard contribution rates for the employee will apply to the first contract and will be exempted from making payments for the rest. Each employer is still responsible for compulsory social insurance with each contract, however, payments will only fund insurance for labor accidents and occupational diseases. A lump-sum payout option for the retirement benefit will take effect on January 1, 2022. Foreign workers entitled to this claim include: those who have reached retirement age but have not contributed to social insurance for 20 years in full, have a terminal illness under the scope of Vietnams criteria, qualified for retirement allowances outside of Vietnam, or have a terminated labor contract, expired practice license, and limited timeframe under a work permit. Concerns for expatriate workers and businesses Foreign workers that contribute to domestic social security schemes or invest in voluntary healthcare programs will be burdened with additional costs. Furthermore, foreign contribution payments for retirement and survivorship appear unnecessary for those who enter the country under comparatively short-term contracts. Meanwhile, small and medium firms that require foreign workers are sensitive to labor costs. Employers will be burdened with additional payment contributions for foreign employees, likely minimizing the number of foreign workers hired, and the technical skills they bring to the economy. Still, while many expatriate workers and employers will most likely object to the mandated taxation scheme. Bui Sy Loi, vice chairman of the National Assemblys Social Affairs Committee, has told the media that the implementation of social insurance changes is needed to ensure fairness between companies that employ local people and those that hire foreigners. Nevertheless, the government will still face implementation challenges. Tran Dinh Lieu, Vietnams Social Insurance Department Deputy Director, voiced concern over several challenges the government and industry must face once the new scheme is enacted, namely a synchronized database between different countries, in addition to currency conversion and the tax issues that will be raised. The Asia Briefing Business Partner Program provides an opportunity for organizations to improve their visibility and expand their marketing channels in a cooperative manner with one of the most well know brand for business intelligence in Asia. We have worked closely with numerous organizations in a variety of industries throughout Asia and other regions over the years. To find out more about our Business Partner Program and what it can do for your company, please contact: media@asiabriefing.com A woman (right) is consoled over the loss of her husband, a passenger on board the ill-fated Lion Air flight JT 610, in Medan, North Sumatra province. (IVAN DAMANIK/AFP) JAKARTA: All 189 passengers and crew aboard a crashed Indonesian Lion Air plane were likely killed in the accident, rescue officials said on Monday (Oct 29), as they announced they had found human remains and would continue the grim search through the night. The Boeing-737 MAX, which went into service just months ago, vanished from radar 13 minutes after taking off from Jakarta, plunging into the Java Sea moments after it had asked to return to the Indonesian capital. Flight JT 610 sped up as it suddenly lost altitude in the minutes before it disappeared, according to flight data tracking websites, with authorities saying witnesses saw the jet plunge into the water. The victims that we found, their bodies were no longer intact and it's been hours so it is likely 189 people have died," search and rescue agency operational director Bambang Suryo Aji told reporters. Some 40 divers are part of about 150 personnel at the scene, authorities said, with wreckage from the jet some 30 to 40 metres deep in the water. Earlier, video footage apparently filmed at the scene of the crash showed a slick of fuel on the surface of the water and pictures showed what appeared to be an emergency slide and bits of wreckage bearing Lion Air's logo. The carrier acknowledged that the jet had previously been grounded for unspecified repairs. "It's really a mystery what could have happened," said Greg Waldron, Asia managing editor of industry publication Flightglobal. The plane had been en route to Pangkal Pinang city, a jumping off point for beach-and-sun seeking tourists on nearby Belitung island, when it dropped out of contact around 6.30am (2330 GMT). Former professional cyclist Andrea Manfredi was a passenger on the flight, the Italian foreign ministry said. "The memory of a serious guy and in love with his sport, will remain indelible in the minds of all those who, in these years, have had the good fortune to know him," Bardiani-CSF, Manfredi's former team, said in a statement. 'HE CALLED THIS MORNING' Footage from Pangkal Pinang's main airport showed families of passengers crying and hugging each other, with some calling out to god. "This morning he called asking about our youngest son," said a sobbing Ermayati, referring to her 45-year-old husband Muhammed Syafii, who was on board. There were 178 adult passengers, one child, two infants, two pilots and six cabin crew aboard the flight, according to Indonesia's National Transportation Safety Committee (NTSC). About 20 finance ministry employees were on the plane including half a dozen colleagues of Sony Setiawan, who missed check in for a flight he took weekly due to bad traffic. "I know my friends were on that flight," he told AFP. Setiawan said he was only informed about his lucky escape after he arrived in Pangkal Pinang on another flight. "My family was in shock and my mother cried, but I told them I was safe, so I just have to be grateful." Lion Air said the plane had only gone into service in August. The pilot and co-pilot had more than 11,000 hours of flying time between them and had recent medical checkups and drug testing, it added. Lion Air chief Edward Sirait said the plane had an unspecified technical issue fixed in Bali before it was flown back to Jakarta. "Engineers in Jakarta received notes and did another repair before it took off" on Monday, Sirait told AFP, calling it "normal procedure". POOR SAFETY RECORD US-based Boeing said it was "deeply saddened" by news of the crash. Boeing reportedly suspended release of the 737 MAX just days out from its first commercial delivery last year due to an engine issue, according to airline safety and product review site airlineratings.com. It said the engines were a product of a joint venture between US-based General Electric and France's Safran Aircraft Engines. Earlier this year, Lion Air announced it was buying 50 Boeing 737 MAX 10 jets for $6.24 billion. Indonesia's air travel industry is booming, with the number of domestic passengers growing significantly over the past decade, but it has acquired a reputation for poor regulation and its airlines had previously been banned from US and European airspace. In August 2015, a commercial passenger aircraft operated by Indonesian carrier Trigana crashed in Papua due to bad weather, killing all 54 people on board. A year earlier poor maintenance and inadequate pilot response was blamed for an AirAsia plane crash which cost 162 lives. Lion, a low-cost airline which has engaged in a huge expansion in recent years, has been involved in a number of incidents including a fatal 2004 crash and a collision between two Lion Air planes at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta airport. Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond presents his budget statement in the House of Commons in London. (HO/PRU/AFP) "It is only right that these global giants with profitable businesses in the UK pay their fair share," Hammond told parliament as he outlined the government's annual budget. Hammond said the tax would be introduced from April 2020 and would apply only to profitable businesses that generate at least 500 million (US$640 million) a year in global revenues. The tax is expected to raise 400 million a year, he said, adding that more details would be revealed later while stressing that it would not be a tax on online sales. Hammond added that Britain would also continue to press for "international corporate tax reform for the digital age". He quipped that he was "looking forward" to getting a call from former deputy prime minister Nick Clegg, who was named as Facebook's new head of global affairs earlier this month. There is political and public unease over the levels of taxes paid by tech giants like Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Google. Facebook earlier this month said its British tax bill tripled to 15.8 million last year compared with 5.1 million in 2016. Facebook UK's revenues meanwhile swelled by 50 per cent to 1.26 billion last year compared with 2016. There has been particular concern in Britain about online shopping giants such as Amazon undercutting traditional retailers. Today's tax rules were designed for when multinationals developed real assets and operations in different nations, making it relatively clear where taxes were due. But the US tech titans exist almost exclusively in the virtual world, their services piped through apps to smartphones and tablets from designers and data servers oceans away. The European Commission, the EU's executive arm, has proposed a European tax on "big tech" with substantial digital revenue in Europe, based on overall revenue in Europe and not just profits. But lead opponent Ireland says a growing number of countries are grumbling about hidden problems with the tax, including that it could inadvertently snag European companies. There is also concern as to what consequences might flow from such a plan at a time against the backdrop of a potential full-blown EU-US trade war. The Long March-2C rocket lifts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre AFP/STR A Long March 2C carrier rocket blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwest China's Gobi Desert at 0043 GMT, according to China's State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defence. The 650-kilogram (1,430 pound) China-France Oceanography Satellite (CFOSAT) is the first satellite jointly built by China and France and will allow climate scientists to better understand interactions between oceans and the atmosphere. It's fitted with two radars: the French-made SWIM spectrometer, which will measure the direction and the wavelength of waves, and China's SCAT, a scatterometer that will analyse the force and direction of winds. The data will be collected and analysed in both countries. The instruments will allow scientists to collect information about winds and waves of the same location simultaneously for the first time, Wang Lili, chief designer of the satellite with the China Academy of Space Technology, said, according to the official Xinhua news agency. "It will help increase the observation and prediction of catastrophic sea states, such as huge waves and tropical storms, and provide security support for offshore operations and engineering, ship navigation, fisheries, and coastal management," said Zhao Jian, a senior official at the China National Space Administration. The rocket successfully put the satellite into orbit 520 kilometres (323 miles) above the Earth. "HISTORIC" Chinese leader Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron exchanged congratulations in a phone call, according to Xinhua. "It's historic. It's the first satellite China has made through international cooperation," Jean-Yves Le Gall, president of France's National Centre for Space Studies, said. "This satellite will help make considerable progress in understanding climate change." The project began in 2007. The two countries are also working together on the Space Variable Objects Monitor (SVOM) mission, which will launch a satellite in 2021 to detect and study gamma-ray bursts. China and France already cooperate in space, with a French cardiovascular device aboard China's Tiangong-2 space lab to monitor a crew's hearts. The lab is expected to de-orbit after July 2019. Le Gall said France is also working with China on cooperating in exploration missions to the moon and Mars. China plans to have a crewed space station by 2022 and send a manned mission to the moon in the future. "The (CFOSAT) launch shows that the international community is more and more willing to consider China as a full partner," said Jacqueline Myrrhe, a space expert at GoTaikonauts.com, which specialises in China's space programme. "It will also allow (France) to have launch opportunities and privileged access to space cooperation with China. And who knows, maybe to put a French astronaut in the future Chinese space station," Myrrhe said. Some three hours after the joint Chinese French launch, Japan's space agency sent a rocket carrying a satellite that will monitor greenhouse gases. The satellite is officially named GOSAT-2, short for "greenhouse gases observing satellite-2", and is intended to provide data that will help Japan create and publish "emission inventories" of the CO2 output of various countries, as outlined in the Paris climate accord. Nguyen Dinh Cung and Michael Krakowski co-chairing the workshop On October 29, 2018, the Central Institute for Economic Management (CIEM) held a workshop on current issues and policy recommendations to improve the competitiveness of the logistics sector. The workshop was an opportunity to discuss the situation of Vietnams logistics sector, point out difficulties, and propose solutions and policies for the perfection of the legal system surrounding logistics, as well as develop logistics services along with the reduction of costs and improvement of enterprises competitiveness. At the workshop, CIEM president Nguyen Dinh Cung said that logistics is core of international trade. Low-cost logistics services will match clients demands and strengthen the development of trade activities and the national economy. The good performance of the logistics sector could contribute 1 per cent to the GDP and 2 per cent to trade turnover. Thereby, this sector needs to be changed to meet the development needs of the market and the economy. Michael Krakowski, director of GIZs Macroeconomic Reform Programme and Green Growth, said that it is necessary to create policies across each sector to specifically take advantage of Industry 4.0, as well as set out solutions for each sector. Logistics is one such solution. In 2018, hundreds of legal documents have been issued, so the performance of this sector has been improved. Vietnams cross-border trading was ranked by the World Bank as 94th out of 190 economies, which enabling the country to rank 73rd from 136 economies on the 2016 trade index of World Economic Forum (WEF), while the World Banks 2018 logistics performance index (LPI) put Vietnam 39th out of 160 countries, a significant improvement from 64th two years ago. LPI reported that Vietnams logistics performance is better than other same-income markets. However, according to CIEM, costs are still high and clearance take far too long. Meanwhile, the development of logistics infrastructure is not synchronous and connected. Shipping, which accounts for 60 per cent of the market share, belongs mostly to international shipping lines. Foreign logistics companies capture 3 per cent of the volume, but make up 80 per cent of the revenue of the Vietnamese logistics sector, while most domestic firms are small, specialising in simple services as the satellites of foreign firms. Business registration and administrative procedures remain large obstacles, while the efficiency of transport/freight trading platforms is relatively low. Nguyen Minh Thao, head of CIEM's Business Environment and Competitiveness Nguyen Minh Thao, head of CIEM's Business Environment and Competitiveness, outlined some trends in the logistics sector, such as robotics, automation, and Internet of Things (IoT), which help handling and classifying Amazon's goods, in addition to anticipatory shipping, Virtual Reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR), which are applied by DHL Express, and artificial intelligence (AI). Technical solutions could be applied in every segment of the logistics chain, for example, self-driving cars, routing system, transport/freight trading platforms in road transport; using robotics, automation software, and barcodes in the management of warehouses; as well as applying drones and droids in last mile delivery. Therefore, the CIEM researcher proposed several solutions to strengthen technology applications in this sector, including building policies, boosting the linkages between e-commerce and logistics. In order to reduce costs and improve the competitiveness of the logistics sector, he suggested to review roads and bridges, develop containers and trucks parking areas, cut 50 per cent of business conditions and 50 per cent of must-check items, as well as enhance the effectiveness of transport/freight trading platforms. Lee Jae Yong, vice chairman of Samsung Local media quoted an expert as saying that Samsungs smartphone business has been experiencing a fall in revenue due to strict competition from Chinese competitors. This may be the reason behind Lees visit to Vietnam, with the mission to recover the firms business. According to BusinessKorea, Lee will visit subsidiaries manufacturing smartphones, televisions, and home appliances. Lee may also have a meeting with leaders of the Vietnamese government. Samsung Electronics runs subsidiaries manufacturing smartphones in Bac Ninh and Thai Nguyen provinces with the annual capacity of 150 million devices, equalling half of the firms annual output, which makes Vietnam a very important market for Samsung. Blue representing sustainability and yellow representing innovation Via this renovation, the coporate aims to reinforce TEKCOM leading position and enhance its worldwide reach in the industry. The new identitys design was inspired by wood panels piling up and shaped into a cubical letter T standing diagonally, symbolising the ambitious vision of being a sustainable market leader in woods and associated products. Moreover, the colour elements of TEKCOM blue representing sustainability and TEKCOM yellow representing innovation other than creating a modernistic and unique impression, also convey the brands passion to be a game-changer in providing innovative solutions for construction and architectural design, nationally and internationally. TEKCOMs decision to change the corporations identity is not only meant to enhance the corporations image and reputation, but also to elevate TEKCOMs stature to an entirely new level. Specifically, TEKCOM is striving towards owning the highest market share in the country and region by building effective supply chain management and non-stop renovations, delivering solutions that go beyond customers expectation. CEO Vu Nguyen stated: Within the next few years, TEKCOM Corporation aspires to the vision of being a sustainable market leader in preferred woods and associated products, as well as a game-changer in providing innovative solutions in construction and architectural design. TEKCOM believes that this new identity could bring positive changes in the culture, work ethics, and operation system of the company and challenge all employees to give their best in their roles as individuals and as a team, Together building the best. The TEKCOM board of directors (from left to right) Nitipum Silawanna, Tran Vinh An, Hoang Ich Tuan, Nguyen Van Vu, Pham Thi Bich Dao, Vu Quang Huy, and Petrus Karija CEO Vu Nguyen has once held key managing positions in multiple multinational companies, such as Bayer, BlueScope Steel Vietnam, Lafarge Boral Gypsum Vietnam, and most recently as CEO of KONE Vietnam. Joining TEKCOM Corporation as chief executive officer from August 2018, Vu is a breath of fresh air, giving momentum to the new corporate identity and continues to drive TEKCOM to seize the leading position in the Vietnamese and worldwide plywood market. He strongly asserted, The new corporate identity does not change the heritage that shapes TEKCOMs culture: success is built day by day under safety and quality. When stepping into this position, I stand by the core values of TEKCOM as the direction for my leadership strategy. At TEKCOM, our priority at all times is to ensure a workplace environment where all employees can work safely in good conditions. Once that priority is warranted, TEKCOM will be able to accomplish its mission for outstanding-quality products, services, and solutions for clients. TEKCOM BD1 factory in Binh Duong TEKCOM Corporation was established in 2005 and has been holding the leading position in manufacturing Film Faced Plywood (Formworks) and enriching its product portfolio such as decorative plywood and wood flooring. TEKCOM has achieved international-level certificates such as ISO 9001, European standard certification (EN13986), FSC-CoC certification, and CARB P2. Within the second quarter of 2019, TEKCOM Corporation will inaugurate one more new factory with more than 10 hectares of land located at Binh Duong province, Vietnam. It is considered one of the most innovative factories in Vietnam. The factory specialises in manufacturing high-end products for floor base and decorative plywood applied-production for the furniture industry. Viettel and SCIC will divest from Vinaconex next month On November 22, two auctions divesting of Vietnam Construction and Import-Export JSC (Vinaconex) will take place at the Hanoi Stock Exchange (HNX). Accordingly, Viettel will auction a total of 94,010,175 shares, equivalent to the capital contribution of over VND940 billion ($40.87 million), capturing 21.28 per cent of Vinaconex charter capital. The initial price for this batch is more than VND2 trillion ($86.96 million), equalling VND21,300 apiece ($1). State Capital Investment Corporation (SCIC) will also auction a batch of 254,091,153 shares, equivalent to a capital contribution of over VND2.549 trillion ($110.83 million), making up 57.71 per cent of Vinaconexs charter capital. The offered price for this batch is nearly VND5.43 trillion ($236.1 million), equalling VND21,300 apiece ($1). Vinaconex was developed from Oversea Services and Construction Company, which was established in 1988. In 2006, it was renamed to Vietnam Construction and Import-Export JSC, which was the first state-owned corporation to implement the governments pilot equitisation programme. Its share (code: VCG) has been listed on the HNX in 2008. Currently, Vinaconex has 25 subsidiaries and 8 affiliates. After three rounds of increasing capital, its charter capital has been raised to VND4.417 trillion ($192 million) from nearly VND1.5 trillion ($65.22 million) in 2006, contributed by the three biggest shareholders SCIC (57.71 per cent), Viettel (21.28 per cent), and PYN Elite Fund (7.54 per cent). Vinaconexs core area of business is construction, which contributes 60 per cent of the corporations revenue. Additionally, the company is also active in property development, industrial production, and construction materials, design consultancy, import-export, and labour export, as well as education and training. Vinaconex is developing projects like 2B Vinata Tower, the complex of trade centres, offices, and apartments at 25 Nguyen Huy Tuong Street, Thanh Xuan district, the re-construction of the buildings at 93 and 97-99 Lang Ha Street, as well as Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park. The corporation also manages and uses a total of 98,901sq.m of allocated land across the four cities and provinces of Hanoi, Danang, Thanh Hoa, and Vinh Phuc, as well as around 1.192 million sq.m of leased land in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. In 2017, Vinaconex reported a revenue of VND10.89 trillion ($473.48 million) and an after-tax profit of VND1.63 trillion ($70.87 million), signifying on-year increases of 127.5 and more than 228.6 per cent, respectively. This year, the firm set the target to reach VND4.49 trillion ($195.2 million) in revenue and VND491 billion ($21.4 million) in after-tax profit. WASHINGTON D.C. In Cambodia, the large-scale, unchecked exploitation of natural resources such as land, timber and minerals has long had heavy impacts on the environment, and has prompted environmental activists and affected communities to campaign against the companies involved. Challenging well-connected business interests, however, carries great risk in Cambodia and activists who do have often been targeted by the government of Prime Minister Hun Sen and his long-ruling Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP). One of them is Hun Vannak, 36, a campaigner with environmental NGO Mother Nature Cambodia. He spent five months in prison earlier this year, together with his colleague Doem Kundy, 21, after LYP Group Company of businessman and CPP Senator Ly Yong Phat reportedly complained about their efforts to document sand transport in southwestern Cambodias Koh Kong Province. I was innocent but they used their power to abuse me, Hun Vannak told VOA in a phone interview from Cambodia. He said the punishment has only strengthened his resolve, adding, After my release, I want to protect the environment even more. Joining Mother Nature Before he became an activist Hun Vannak ran his own construction company in Phnom Penh, but he said he had long wanted to stop the rampant environmental damage and social injustice plaguing Cambodia, in particular after prominent campaigners like political analyst Kem Ley and environmentalist Chut Wutty were assassinated. In 2015, he began volunteering in a campaign against the Don Sahong Dam, a mega-project developed on the Mekong River in southern Laos that could severely impact the downstream fisheries on which many rural Cambodians depend. An encounter during the campaign with the co-founder of environmental NGO Mother Nature Cambodia, Alex Gonzalez-Davidson, a Spanish national who was deported for his activism by Cambodian authorities in 2015, inspired him to support and eventually join the group full time. As long as we have natural resources left [to protect] we can do more work. Thats why I decided to join Mother Nature, said Vannak. In recent years, Mother Nature has launched some of Cambodias most effective civil society campaigns against deforestation, hydropower dams and sand extraction. This has included highly visible grassroots protests, exposing alleged resource corruption, and the release of video evidence of environmental damage on social media. Human rights workers and labor leaders in Cambodia have said they are hopeful that the UNs rights envoy to Cambodia, Rhona Smith, will raise abuses and judicial reform during her visit to the country this week. Smith began her latest fact-finding visit to Cambodia on Monday, where she plans to meet with government officials, civil society groups and members of the diplomatic community. I will also meet with representatives of the diplomatic community and from civil society organizations working with human rights and with specific interests in the areas of this mission, which focuses specifically on human rights and the Sustainable Development Goals, she wrote in an email. Unionists and labor leaders told VOA Khmer they hoped that Smith would raise issues including abuses by officials and judicial reform during the meetings. Am Sam Ath, head of local rights group Licadhos investigation unit, said Smith should focus on the general decline of the human rights situation in the country and the limiting of democratic space following the banning of the countrys main opposition party ahead of the general election in July. He added that she could also raise the issue of the negative impact of Chinese investment. We knew already that the Chinese investments are different from the West; meaning [the Chinese investments] are causing impacts on human rights issues, he said. Rong Chhun, president of the Cambodian Confederation of Unions (CCU), said Smith should also raise the issue of the possible withdrawal of Cambodia from the European Unions preferential trade agreement, which could negatively impact workers. Its not too late for the Cambodian leaders to review this and find a breakthrough if they have the will to put the interest of the people ahead of everything else, he said. Smith is due to leave Cambodia on November 8. Phay Siphan, government spokesman, said Smith should not discuss issues related to investment during her visit as the government considered this issue beyond the remit of her work. Smith should shut her mouth, meaning let the government handle this, he said, referring to Chinese investment and the EU trade scheme. Chinese embassy officials could not be reached for comment. A new museum has opened its doors to Cambodians who want to learn about their fellow citizens experiences of war, civil conflict, and eventual reconciliation. The Cambodia Peace Gallery, which opened in Battambang City this month, aims to provide a safe space for survivors to reflect on their shared experiences of Cambodias wars, and learn more about how to build peace. The project, developed and run by the Center for Peace and Conflict Studies, an NGO headquartered in Siem Reap, will also provide visitors the opportunity to study successful peace-building strategies and how they can be applied to current conflicts in the region. Dr. Soth Plai Ngarm, a peace activist and the founder of the museum, said the project would use photographs and other art forms to help visitors interpret conflict through a different lens. Art forms that we use are the things that represent both history and positivity. We have plenty of museums that show in-depth suffering of Cambodians, so we instead want to bring an art form that has positive character for young Cambodian leaders of the next generation. Dr. Soth believes that there is still work to be done to heal the collective trauma suffered by the Cambodian people. The country witnessed decades of conflict in the 20th century, including civil unrest in the 1950s and 60s, U.S. carpet-bombing of the countryside in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and an increasingly devastating civil war from 1970 to 1975. Most catastrophically, the radical Communist Khmer Rouge took over the country in April 1975 and killed as many as 2.2 million people. Although they were ousted in 1979, remnants of the Khmer Rouge continued to wage war against the government in Phnom Penh for nearly two decades. People from my period were radicalized, said Dr. Soth, who is now 55 and lived through the Khmer Rouge regime as a young teenager. When we joined groups, not for any political reason, but rather to seek food, we were trapped. These groups created their own identity, which never really existed. When war ended and we lived together again, these identities make us suspect each other, even if we are friends and neighbors. Therefore, reconciliation is very important for young people. If reconciliation is not done right, the divide will infect later generations. (See photogallery of the Cambodia Peace Gallery below) The museum currently features a photo gallery divided into three sections. The first deals with the end of Cambodias civil war and the peace negotiations in the early 1990s. A second area is devoted to the ensuing period of recovery and reconstruction, as well as demining efforts. A third section displays portraits of people who lived through the war, survived, and lived to help promote reconciliation. Future plans for the museum, which is free but asks for a suggested donation of $2.50 for Cambodians and $10 for foreign visitors, include creating a meditation garden and various educational programs. Angela Corcoran, the Australian ambassador to Cambodia, was among the guests who attended the opening of the new museum on October 23. She said that Australia was providing financial support to the Peace Gallery because it believed in the institutions mission. We do think that continuing dialogue and having a place where people can have a dialogue about peace is very importantwhere people can talk about difficult things in a non-confrontational way, in a way that allows for disagreement, but also in a respectful way, she said. Chey Sophann, 21, a university student who also attended the event, said it was important for the young to learn about the horrors of war, but also the efforts that were taking place to reconcile old differences. As a young Cambodian, I want to see my country grow, have peace and to prevent what happened to us before from happening again, he said. For Dr. Soth, the establishment of the Peace Gallery marks a significant chapter in both his personal life and the lives of many Cambodians. When I do this work, it heals my past, he said. I dont have much sorrow because I use the past as motivation to produce things instead. When I can no longer do anything as I get older, at least I am happy with what I leave behind. Brazilian voters have elected a former army officer and far-right congressman as the country's next president. Jair Bolsonaro's victory brings to an end more than a decade of leftist rule in Brazil. The president-elect has promised a harsh crackdown on crime and corruption, but his rhetoric targeting women, homosexuals and racial minorities has been criticized both home and abroad. VOA's Zlatica Hoke has more. In his latest film Vaya, Nigerian-born director Akin Omotoso explores the themes of migration and coming of age. Vaya tells the story of three strangers who get on a train, each of them with a mission to fulfill in Johannesburg. Theyre coming from Durban to Johannesburg. They never meet, but their stories are intertwined, Omotoso explained. Each traveler has a mission. A young man is promised a job that is not what he expected. Another is sent to reclaim his fathers body a task that is surprisingly difficult. A young woman escorts a young girl to her family in the city. Each faces rejection, abuse or violence. The film came from the real-life stories of South Africans in the Homeless Writers Project, a workshop for people living on the streets of Johannesburg. Vaya means to go in the Tsotsitaal dialect used in South African townships. It takes on several meanings. So, to go theyre leaving Durban to go to Johannesburg. But when they get there, maybe people dont want you. They want you to go, Omotoso said. The director is a migrant himself. He was born in Nigeria, but his family moved to South Africa, where his father, the writer Kole Omotoso, was a professor at the University of the Western Cape. Akin studied drama at the university, and then worked as an actor and director. "Vaya" is one of 20 movies by filmmakers of color or female directors distributed by Array, a Los Angeles-based collective and distribution company founded by director Ava DuVernay. Our purpose is to make sure that audiences have access to films they otherwise would not see, those independent voices that deserve a platform for stories to be told, said Mercedes Cooper, Arrays director of marketing. "Vaya" was released in 2016 and has played at international festivals. It opened in U.S. theaters in late October and will stream on Netflix starting Nov. 1. Omotoso said many can relate to this story. I always say everyone has a cousin whos arriving, or a brother whos leaving, or somebody whos coming, he said. So, "Vaya" is able to tap into something that doesnt just happen in Johannesburg. The film taps into universal themes, notes Omotoso, such as the search for a better life and the struggle for survival. Its a thrilling ride when you start to put together the mystery of whats going on. A former Australian prime minister has warned the government to expect a negative reaction from Indonesia if Australia follows the United States by shifting its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull spoke to reporters after meeting Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo on the tourist island of Bali on Monday to discuss a bilateral free trade deal. "The president expressed to me... the very serious concern held in Indonesia about the prospect of the Australian Embassy in Israel being moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem," Turnbull told Australian Broadcasting Corp. in an interview aired on Tuesday. "There's no question that were that move to occur, it would be met with a very negative reaction in Indonesia." "This is after all the largest... majority-Muslim country in the world, so we have to be very clear-eyed about that and we have to take into account Australia's national interest and our interests in the region when we... consider decisions like this,'' he added. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Tuesday no decision had been made yet on the embassy's location. Morrison sent his predecessor to represent Australia at a climate change conference in Bali because of Turnbull's close personal rapport with the Indonesian leader, who had been disappointed that Turnbull's government colleagues replaced him in August in response to poor opinion polling. Turnbull said he was confident that the free trade deal between Australia, a nation of 25 million people, and Indonesia, a near-neighbor with a population of more than 260 million people, would be signed within weeks. Turnbull also said Australia should stick with a policy of more than 40 years that its embassy should be in Tel Aviv. Morrison, a long-time ally of Turnbull who had argued against replacing him in a leadership ballot of government lawmakers, floated the idea of shifting the embassy days before a by-election in a Sydney electorate with a large Jewish population. The government lost the by-election, forced by Turnbull's resignation from Parliament, and its single-seat majority in the House of Representatives. "Australia will always make our decisions on our foreign policy based on our interests and we'll do that as a sovereign nation," Morrison told reporters. We'll consult, we'll listen to others, but at the end of the day... I will always put our interests first," he added. The Trump administration turned its back on decades of U.S. policy last December by recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital and in May, it moved the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv. The decision angered the Muslim world and was a setback for Palestinian aspirations for statehood. Palestinians see east Jerusalem, captured by Israel in the 1967 Mideast war, as the capital of a future independent state. Morrison said Australia remained committed to finding a two-state solution. When Morrison became prime minister, he made his first overseas trip to Indonesia, an ardent supporter of the Palestinian cause, in a sign of the importance Australia places on the bilateral relationship. Myanmar and Bangladesh have agreed to repatriate Rohingya refugees back to the country they fled, in the midst of a U.N warning that genocide was still being committed against them. Myanmar Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Win Myat Aye told VOA Burmese that the date to begin the repatriation is tentatively set for November 15. He also added that more than 5,000 refugees have been verified for return. Over 720,000 of Myanmars Muslim Rohingya minority fled Rakhine State in August of last year after Rohingya militant attacks inspired a military crackdown from the government. Refugees and journalists have reported widespread killings, rape and the burning of villages. This is not the first attempt the governments have made to repatriate the Rohingyas, whose presence in Bangladesh has gone from welcomed to controversial as they strain the impoverished countrys resources. A similar attempt almost a year ago failed after hitting insurmountable logistical roadblocks. We cant stress enough that returns cannot be rushed or premature, U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said of the announcement, and the decision on whether or not for a refugee to return should be determined by refugees themselves, when they feel the time and circumstances right. Last week, the chair of the U.N. fact finding mission in Myanmar warned that thousands of Rohingyas were still fleeing to Bangladesh, and that those who remained continue to suffer the most severe limitations and repression. Myanmar signed a memorandum of understanding last month agreeing to meet certain conditions before beginning repatriation, including guaranteed security and a pathway to citizenship. The Rohingya have been technically stateless since a 1982 law stripped them of their citizenship. It is not clear where the Rohingyas would be relocated to, as most of their villages have been burned. The government has built new housing in Rakhine State since, but human rights groups have expressed concern that these could become guarded prisons. Mourners remembered brothers Cecil and David Rosenthal as "the helpers" at Pittsburgh's Tree of Life synagogue, where they were among the 11 congregants shot to death on the Jewish Sabbath. "At synagogue, Cecil handed out prayer books and told people what page they were on," said Marci Caplan, who worked at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh and frequently drove Cecil, 59, and David, 54, home. More than 1,800 people gathered for the Rosenthals' funeral at another Pittsburgh synagogue, Rodef Shalom. They included residents of a home for people with disabilities where the brothers lived. At the Jewish Community Center, about 2,000 people, including nurses in surgical scrubs, turned out for services for Dr. Jerry Rabinowitz, 66, a family physician who still made house calls. The funerals were the first of a series for the victims of Saturday's attack by a gunman who shouted, "All Jews must die." The Anti-Defamation League described it as the deadliest attack on Jews in U.S. history. Avowed anti-Semite Robert Bowers, 46, was charged with 29 federal felony counts and was ordered held without bail Monday. If convicted, he could face the death penalty. Journalists, barred from attending funerals for the Rosenthals and Rabinowitz, spoke to friends and family outside the Rodef Shalom synagogue and the community center. The Rosenthals' loved ones recalled the brothers' devotion to Judaism. "Their biggest thing became their religion," said cousin Rise Cohen, 54. "They were the helpers. They liked to greet people," said Dana Gold, president and chief executive of Jewish Family and Community Services of Pittsburgh. The brothers were a familiar sight on the corner of Forbes and Murray avenues in the city's largely Jewish Squirrel Hill neighborhood, not far from where they grew up and home to their synagogue. They liked to greet friends and strangers alike. "Cecil was very friendly and would greet passersby, whether or not he knew them, saying 'Hello' to all the men and letting the women know how beautiful they looked," Rosenthal cousin Pam Cohen, 68, said. "David was quieter." Outside the community center, Rabinowitz was remembered as a caring physician and mentor. "When he would come to the ICU, he lit up the whole [intensive care] unit," said Roy Cook, 69, a retired nurse who worked at UPMC Shadyside Hospital. "He would spend quality time with us and teach and ask us our opinions." Michele Bucher, a patient for 25 years, choked up as she recalled Rabinowitz. "He was old-school," the 54-year-old woman said. "It went far beyond the appointment." She recalled Rabinowitz visiting her every morning when she was hospitalized with pneumonia. "He didn't have to see me, but he came anyway." Bucher said the doctor had a way with words and frequently held hands with his patients. "He was just precious. I feel like I've lost a father figure and I have a father," she said. Denmark recalled its ambassador to Iran Tuesday after accusing Iran of planning to kill three of its citizens who were living in Denmark. "Denmark can in no way accept that people with ties to Iran's intelligence service plot attacks against people in Denmark," Danish Foreign Minister Anders Samuelsen told reporters in Copenhagen. Danish intelligence agency PET accused Tehran of plotting the attack in Denmark on three Iranians who were suspected of being members of the separatist group Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahvaz, said Danish security service chief Finn Borch Andersen. Andersen said the plot was planned in retaliation for a deadly attack in Iran in late September. A Norwegian citizen of Iranian descent was arrested on October 21 on suspicion of helping an unnamed Iranian intelligence service "to act in Denmark," Andersen said. Anderson also said the suspect was allegedly involved in the plot. That suspect, whose name was not disclosed, has denied wrongdoing, as has Iran's Foreign Ministry. The suspect was detained in Sweden, according to the Swedish security service SAPO. Five senior Afghan Taliban leaders, who were swapped for the freedom of an American hostage in 2014, have been re-activated and made part of the Islamist insurgencys Qatar-based "political office" holding peace talks with the United States. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told VOA on Tuesday the men formally assumed the role of political negotiators the previous day at a ceremony in its office in Doha, the capital of the Gulf state. They have rested enough and practically resumed service (to the Taliban), he added. The United States released them from its Guantanamo detention center to authorities in Qatar in June 2014, in exchange for Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, the only American soldier taken prisoner by the Taliban in Afghanistan. Mullah Fazal Muhammad, former Taliban army chief, and Mullah Abdul Haq, former spy chief, are among the group of five insurgent leaders. The induction of the five senior Taliban members in its political office follows two known rounds of direct talks Washington has held with the insurgent group in Qatar since late July in a bid to seek a negotiated end to the Afghan war. Newly appointed U.S. envoy for Afghanistan reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, led the latest meeting with the Taliban in Doha earlier this month. The fact that these persons have become active again will certainly have a big impact, Mujahid told VOA when asked whether the new appointments would help further the nascent peace dialogue with the U.S. There was no immediate reaction available from Washington to the Taliban's move nor have authorities in Qatar commented on it. The Qatari government, under the deal that led to the release of Taliban commanders four years ago, was bound until now to prevent the former Guantanamo prisoners from leaving the country or participating in any political activity related to the insurgency. Analysts say U.S. tacit approval might have played a role in allowing the senior insurgent officials to join the nascent political dialogue process. Adam Weinstein, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps who served in Afghanistan, says the tentative U.S.-Taliban dialogue could pave the ground for securing a political solution to the conflict. I am not in the room so I don't known what terms are being discussed. But if the U.S. is serious, Pakistan is serious and the Taliban are serious, and the Afghan government is serious, I think there is a possibility, Weinstein told VOA. He currently is in Islamabad delivering public talks on regional security issues. The Taliban certainly have a decent amount of leverage right now. They have regained significant territories. Virtually every district that my task force took from the Taliban is now back in the Talibans hands. So, they are negotiating from a position of strength, noted Weinstein. Last week, neighboring Pakistan also set free the former deputy supreme leader of the Afghan Taliban, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, along with another senior member of the insurgency who had spent years in custody. It was not clear whether Bradar's release had anything to do with the Qatar peace process talks. Mullah Bradar and Mullah Samad Sani were released by Pakistan in line with its commitment to facilitate peace process in Afghanistan.. We remain committed to an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process, an official Pakistani statement said. The fiancee of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi says Saudi authorities know where Khashoggi's body is and called on them to reveal its whereabouts. "I am asking once again, where is his body?" Hatice Cengiz Monday told a memorial service for Khashoggi in London. "I believe the Saudi regime knows where his body is. They should answer my demand. For this is not only the demand of a fiancee, but of a human." The death of Khashoggi a Washington Post columnist and critic of the Saudi crown price at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul has sparked global criticism of Saudi Arabia. Khashoggi, 59, entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2 to obtain paperwork necessary for his upcoming marriage to Cengiz, a Turkish national. When he did not come out, Cengiz first raised the alarm. Saudi Arabia initially denied any involvement in Khashoggi's disappearance, but has since changed its account several times and last week admitted that the killing was premeditated. At the memorial service, Cengiz said she was disappointed in the actions of U.S. President Donald Trump. "President Trump should help reveal the truth and ensure justice be served. He should not pave the way for a cover-up of my fiancee's murder. Let's not let money taint our conscious and compromise our values." White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said Monday the Trump administration is considering possible actions in response to the killing of Khashoggi. "The administration is weighing different options and we'll make an announcement about what the decision of that action is," she told reporters. Trump said last week that Saudi authorities had staged "one of the worst cover-ups" in history with their response to the killing of Khashoggi. On Monday. Turkey called for the full truth surrounding the killing of Khashoggi to be revealed, as Saudi Arabia's top prosecutor visited Turkey. The head of the Saudi investigation, Attorney General Sheikh Saud al-Mojeb, met with Istanbul chief prosecutor Irfan Fidan for around 75 minutes on Monday at Istanbul's main courthouse, Turkey's state-run Anadolu news agency said. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Monday there was "an advantage in our prosecutors sharing information and working together. He told a press conference in Istanbul that the "cooperation must continue, but it must not be drawn out or turned into a diversion." He called for the investigation to be completed as soon as possible. Turkey has been pushing Saudi Arabia to help locate Khashoggi's body and has asked for the extradition of 18 men arrested in Saudi Arabia in connection with the killing. In the final season of Netflix's "House of Cards," Frank Underwood is physically gone, having died unexpectedly in his sleep. But the ghost of the win-at-all-costs politician played by Kevin Spacey haunts his wife and her young presidency. Writers of the acclaimed drama had to rework the story after Spacey was accused of sexual misconduct a year ago and dropped from the show that made Netflix a player in premium television. The ending of the Underwoods' story, which the producers called a "season of reckoning," will be available on Netflix on Nov. 2. At last season's conclusion, Frank's statuesque wife Claire, played by Robin Wright, looked into the camera and declared "my turn" as the power shifted and she became the first female U.S. president. After Spacey's departure, executive producers and writers Frank Pugliese and Melissa James Gibson said everyone involved in the show felt they wanted to go ahead with a sixth and final season. "What would it been like to actually rob her turn?" Pugliese said in an interview. "It seemed like an impossible, unacceptable way to end it that way." The eight new episodes do not dance around Frank's absence. The first episode reveals early on that he died in bed but makes the cause of his death the subject of an ongoing mystery. "It would have felt really dishonest to try and erase him essentially as a character," Gibson said. "I think that wouldn't have honored the seeds of the show." Spacey was nominated for five Emmys for his "House of Cards" role. But last November, Netflix quickly cut ties with the actor after allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced. He has been accused by more than 20 men and has said nothing publicly about the allegations since an apology to the first accuser in October 2017. Throughout the final "House of Cards" season, Claire is forced to constantly grapple with her late husband's deals and the compromises she made with him. "She is trying to carve out her own path and in doing so she has the opportunity and obligation to really face herself in a profound way," Gibson said. Claire also has to figure out who she can trust as the White House is destabilized with Frank out of picture, a scenario that provided the writers with rich story lines, they said. "The circumstances became opportunities that I hope this season fulfills," Pugliese said. New research strengthens the case that people used the chocolate ingredient cacao in South America 5,400 years ago, underscoring the seed's radical transformation into today's Twix bars and M&M candies. Tests indicate traces of cacao on artifacts from an archaeological site in Ecuador, according to a study published Monday. That's about 1,500 years older than cacao's known domestication in Central America. "It's the earliest site now with domesticated cacao," said Cameron McNeil of Lehman College in New York, who was not involved in the research. The ancient South American civilization likely didn't use cacao to make chocolate since there's no established history of indigenous populations in the region using it that way, researchers led by the University of British Columbia in Canada said. But the tests indicate the civilization used the cacao seed, not just the fruity pulp. The seeds are the part of the cacao pod used to make chocolate. Indigenous populations in the upper Amazon region today use cacao for fermented drinks and juices, and it's probably how it was used thousands of years ago as well, researchers said. Scientists mostly agree that cacao was first domesticated in South America instead of Central America as previously believed. The study in Nature Ecology & Evolution provides fresh evidence. Three types of tests were conducted using artifacts from the Santa Ana-La Florida site in Ecuador. One tested for the presence of theobromine, a key compound in cacao; another tested for preserved particles that help archeologists identify ancient plant use; a third used DNA testing to identify cacao. Residue from one ceramic artifact estimated to be 5,310 to 5,440 years old tested positive for cacao by all three methods. Others tested positive for cacao traces as well, but were not as old. How cacao's use spread between South America and Central America is not clear. But by the time Spanish explorers arrived in Central America in the late 1400s, they found people were using it to make hot and cold chocolate drinks with spices, often with a foamy top. "For most of the modern period, it was a beverage," said Marcy Norton, a historian at the University of Pennsylvania and author of "Sacred Gifts, Profane Pleasures: A History of Tobacco and Chocolate in the Atlantic World." The chocolate drinks in Central America often contained maize and differ from the hot chocolate sold in the U.S. They did not contain milk, Norton said, and when they were sweetened, it was with honey. By the 1580s, cacao was being regularly imported into Spain and spread to other European countries with milk being added along the way. It wasn't until the 1800s that manufacturing advances in the Netherlands transformed chocolate into a solid product, Norton said. Michael Laiskonis, who teaches chocolate classes the Institute of Culinary Education, said he's seeing a growing interest in cacao flavors, indicating a return to a time when chocolate wasn't just an ingredient buried in a candy bar. He said he tries to incorporate chocolate's past into his classes, including a 1644 recipe that combines Mayan and Aztec versions of drinks with European influences. "It's something that's always been transforming," he said. South Korean conglomerate Hyundai's cancellation of a major Iran construction project due to problems related to U.S. economic sanctions has been met with silence in Iranian media. In a brief regulatory filing published Monday, Hyundai Engineering & Construction said it canceled a $521 million contract a day earlier for building a petrochemicals complex in Iran. "The contract was canceled because financing is not complete, which was a prerequisite for the validity of the contract, as external factors worsened, such as economic sanctions against Iran," Hyundai said. Twelve hours after Hyundai made the announcement, there were no mentions of it in Iranian state-controlled media. There also was little Farsi-language discussion of the move on Twitter. The United States is set to reimpose sanctions on Iran's key energy exports on Nov. 4 to try to pressure Tehran into agreeing to a new deal to curb its nuclear and other perceived malign activities. Energy exports are the main sources of revenue for the Iranian government. For months, international companies in sectors such as energy, aviation, autos and shipping have been withdrawing from or scaling back business with Iran to avoid being hit by secondary U.S. sanctions for continuing such business as the primary U.S. sanctions take effect. Speaking to the Monday edition of VOA Persian's News at Nine program, Johns Hopkins University applied economics professor Steve Hanke said cancellations of Iranian construction contracts by Hyundai and other foreign companies cause significant delays in the construction process. "Now, the Iranians have to more or less start over and find somebody new. All of this takes time. As it takes time, the Iranian economy sinks," Hanke said. Facing growing domestic discontent with Iran's faltering economy, President Hassan Rouhani won parliamentary approval Saturday for a reshuffle of economic posts in his cabinet. He also said Iran can withstand U.S. sanctions by turning to other nations for business. "Russia, China, India, the European Union and some African and Latin American countries are our friends," he told parliament. "We have to work with them and attract investments." Hanke said it is more likely that Iran will finance the petrochemical project abandoned by Hyundai with Chinese and Russian partners than with the EU. Washington has put particular pressure on its European allies in recent months not to undermine U.S. sanctions against Iran. The EU has said it will try to circumvent U.S. sanctions by setting up a "special purpose vehicle" to facilitate transactions between European businesses and Iran. The 28-nation bloc has said it will abide by a 2015 deal between Iran and world powers, curbing Iranian nuclear activities in return for relief from international sanctions. U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew from that deal in May, saying it was not tough enough on Iran. Tehran denies seeking nuclear weapons. South Korea, a key U.S. ally in East Asia, has not vowed to defy U.S. sanctions, but it does appear to want to salvage its remaining commercial contracts with Iran. South Korean media said Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha spoke by phone with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday and asked Washington to be flexible in exempting South Korean companies from U.S. penalties for Iran-related business. There was no immediate readout of the phone call from the U.S. State Department. Hyundai had signed a contract to build a petrochemical complex on Iran's Persian Gulf coast near the southern town of Tonbak in March 2017. South Korean and Iranian media said the contract was for the construction of the second phase of the Kangan Petro Refining Complex in the South Pars Gas Field. The reports valued Hyundai's contract with Iran's Ahdaf Investment Company, an affiliate of a state-run oil firm, at $3 billion. Hyundai, in its Monday statement, did not explain the discrepancy between the initially reported $3 billion valuation of the contract and its latest $512 million valuation. This article originated in VOA's Persian Service. Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Saad al-Hariri looked closer to forming a new national unity government as a major Christian party declared on Monday it would take part despite being offered an "unjust" share of cabinet seats. Hariri has been trying to form the new government since a May parliamentary election, with rivalry between the Lebanese Forces (LF) and President Michel Aoun's Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) - both Christian groups - seen as the main obstacle. The delay has held up economic reforms that have been put off for years but are now seen as more pressing than ever. Lebanon is wrestling with the world's third largest public debt-to-GDP ratio, stagnant growth and what the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said are increasing vulnerabilities within its financial system. LF leader Samir Geagea said the ministerial portfolios offered to his party represented a "very big injustice" when compared with the size of its enlarged parliamentary bloc and the ministries offered to other groups. But the LF had nevertheless decided to take part "to continue to work from inside the government to achieve our goals," he told a news conference. A government formed on this basis would be seen as a political victory for Aoun, an ally of the Iran-backed Shi'ite group Hezbollah, over his old adversary Geagea, Hezbollah's most prominent opponent in Lebanon. The election produced a parliament tilted in favor of Hezbollah. Together, Hezbollah and its political allies secured more than 70 of the 128 seats. The group is proscribed as a terrorist movement by the United States. The LF nearly doubled its number of MPs, winning 15 seats. Government posts in Lebanon are filled according to a strict sectarian system: the president must be a Maronite Christian, the prime minister a Sunni Muslim and the speaker of parliament a Shi'ite Muslim. Posts in the cabinet of 30 ministers must be split equally between Christian and Muslims. Hezbollah Demands Hezbollah is expected to take control of the health ministry, the most significant cabinet post it has held, and to increase its number of ministers to three from two in the outgoing cabinet. The group also wants to see one of its Sunni allies installed as a minister in the new government of 30 ministers, two senior officials familiar with the matter said. Hariri, Lebanon's main Sunni politician, has so far resisted this demand. He lost more than one third of his seats in the election, several to Sunni allies of Hezbollah and its regional allies Syria and Iran. One of the officials said the Sunni issue may hold up a final agreement but would not derail it. A second political source familiar with Hezbollah's demands said there would be no government unless one of its Sunni allies became a minister. Hezbollah hopes the formation will be soon. "We are in the last phase and the period of serious anticipation," Mohammad Raad, a leading member of the group, said in televised remarks. The Pentagon is deploying 5,200 troops along the U.S. border with Mexico to help agents deal with a caravan of Honduran migrants heading to the United States. "Border security is national security," Gen. Terrence O'Shaughnessy, head of U.S. Northern Command, told reporters Monday. He said the 5,200 soldiers will be in addition to the nearly 2,100 National Guard personnel already along the border. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Kevin McAleenan said about 3,500 men, women and children in Mexico are slowly making their way to the U.S. A second caravan of about 3,000 approached the Guatemalan-Mexican border Sunday with the apparent intention to meet up with the larger group. Some of the migrants crossed the river into Mexico despite police efforts to keep them from entering the country as one large group. McAleenan said those who manage to make it into the U.S. will be apprehended and their asylum requests considered, as required by U.S. law. He said border agents will act with the highest respect for the law and treat people as humanely as possible. But McAleenan said there is no benefit in trying to get in as part of a large group, especially in what he calls an "illegal and unsafe" manner. He said U.S. immigration courts are facing a huge backlog of asylum requests and reminded those in the caravan that they already have generous protections in Mexico, including the promise of work visas and the chance to apply for refugee status. McAleenan said 1,900 asylum seekers are picked up at U.S. border crossings a day, and that many of them put themselves in the hands of violent smugglers. President Donald Trump put it more bluntly in a tweet Monday. In an interview Monday with Fox News, Trump said the U.S. would construct "tent cities" for asylum-seekers. "We're going to put tents up all over the place," Trump told Fox News' Laura Ingraham. "They're going to be very nice and they're going to wait and if they don't get asylum, they get out." Again, without providing evidence, he said there are "many gang members and some very bad people mixed into the caravan." The president also claims "Middle Easterners" are in the group. The first group of migrants left San Pedro Sula, Honduras, earlier in October. Honduras is one of the world's most violent and deadliest nations, in part, because of gangs and drugs. Many of those trying to get to the United States want to escape the daily threat to their lives and the lack of jobs, and want to get their children away from the influence of gangs. Trump said anyone wanting to get into the United States must do so through the legal process. News reports quote unnamed U.S. officials as saying the White House is weighing a range of administrative and legal actions on grounds of national security to restrict the ability of migrants to seek asylum. Although no decision has reportedly been made, immigration attorneys told VOA the move would be quickly challenged in court. The U.N. refugee agency is urging Washington to allow people fleeing persecution and violence to request asylum on U.S. territory. Our position globally is that the individuals who are fleeing persecution and violence need to be given access to territory and protection, including refugee status and determination procedure," UNHCR spokesman Andrej Mahecic told VOA. "And if the people who are fleeing persecution and violence enter Mexico, they need to be provided access to the Mexican asylum system, and those entering the United States need to be provided access to the American asylum system, he said. The Pentagon is deploying 5,200 troops along the U.S. border with Mexico to help agents deal with a caravan of Honduran migrants heading to the United States. "Border security is national security," General Terrence O'Shaughnessy, head of U.S. Northern Command, told reporters Monday. He said the 5,200 soldiers will be in addition to the nearly 2,100 National Guardsmen already along the border. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Kevin McAleenan said there are currently about 3,500 men, women and children in Mexico slowly making their way to the U.S. A second caravan of about 3,000 approached the Guatemalan-Mexican border Sunday with the apparent intention to meet up with the larger group. Some of the migrants crossed the river into Mexico despite police efforts to keep them from entering the country as one large group. McAleenan said those who manage to make it into the U.S. will be apprehended and their asylum requests considered, as required by U.S. law. He said border agents will act with the highest respect for the law and will treat people as humanely as possible. But McAleenan said there is no benefit in trying to get in as part of a large group, especially in what he calls an "illegal and unsafe" manner. He said U.S. immigration courts are facing a huge backlog of asylum requests and reminded those in the caravan that they already have generous protections in Mexico, including the promise of work visas and the chance to apply for refugee status. McAleenan said 1,900 asylum-seekers are picked up at U.S. border crossings a day, many of whom put themselves in the hands of violent human smugglers. President Donald Trump put it more bluntly when he tweeted Monday, "This is an invasion of our country and our military is waiting for you." Again, without providing evidence, he said there are "many gang members and some very bad people mixed into the caravan." The president also claims "Middle Easterners" are in the group. The first group of migrants left San Pedro Sula, Honduras, earlier this month. Honduras is one of the world's most violent and deadliest nations, in part, because of gangs and drugs. Many of those trying to get to the United States want to escape the daily threat to their lives and the lack of jobs, and want to get their children away from the influence of gangs. Trump said anyone wanting to get into the United States must do so through the legal process. But news reports quote unnamed U.S. officials as saying the White House is weighing a range of administrative and legal actions on grounds of national security to restrict the ability of migrants to seek asylum. Although no decision has reportedly been made, immigration attorneys told VOA the move would be quickly challenged in court. The U.N. refugee agency is urging Washington to allow people fleeing persecution and violence to request asylum on U.S. territory. "Our position globally is that the individuals who are fleeing persecution and violence need to be given access to territory and protection, including refugee status and determination procedure," UNHCR spokesman Andrej Mahecic told VOA. "And if the people who are fleeing persecution and violence enter Mexico, they need to be provided access to the Mexican asylum system, and those entering the United States need to be provided access to the American asylum system." It is the time of the year when Indians hit the roads to distribute gifts and sweets to friends and family, visit colorful Diwali bazars and party as they gear up to celebrate the main Hindu festival of Diwali on November 7. But in the Indian capital, there is a party spoiler: a deadly haze of pollution that has prompted calls to minimize exposure to the dirty air and is making some pack up and leave the city during the festival. Grey smog shrouds New Delhi and satellite towns as winter approaches and authorities have advised citizens to avoid strenuous outdoor activity, take only short walks, shut windows, reduce use of private vehicles and wear masks as a precaution. A range of emergency measures has also been announced to reduce air pollution, such as a temporary ban on construction activity and coal and biomass based industries starting Thursday. The measures kick in as the level of PM2, the tiny particulate matter that can dangerously clog lungs exceeded by more than six times the safe limit set by the World Health Organization. Earlier this year, WHO named Delhi as the worlds most polluted megacity the city and its surrounding towns are home to 19 million people. There are pollution hotspots in the city where we have seen levels that are hitting serious levels, says Anumita Roy Chowdhury, Executive Director, Research and Advocacy at the Center for Science and Environment in New Delhi. But at least the action has started and we are hoping the emergency response will help. The pollution in the city and surrounding towns is a toxic mix of of dust, fumes from vehicles, burning of waste and polluting industries, and has been exacerbated with explosive growth. It worsens at this time of the year as farmers set fire to thousands of hectares of farmland in neighboring states, Diwali revelers set off firecrackers and still winter air keeps pollutants hovering over the city. Authorities have launched a campaign to prevent farmers from burning crop residue, which helps them prepare the fields for the next harvest without incurring heavy labor costs. The acrid smoke from the fields billows towards Delhi, becoming one of the major triggers for the citys deadly smog. State authorities are optimistic the number of fires has been reduced as the government offers subsidies on equipment that enables farmers to plant the new crop with the stubble still in the fields and imposes fines on those who still light up the residue on their fields. But thousands of resentful farmers continue to burn the stubble, saying it is easier to pick up a matchstick and pay the penalty rather than invest in the equipment. Others grumble the additional expense is cutting into already slim farm profits and leaving their crop more vulnerable to pests like rats. We dont like scorching mother earth, but only when you work at the ground level you know the challenges you face, said Vinod Kumar, who has a 16-hectare farm in Karnal in neighboring Haryana state. He does not find it viable to plant the new crop with the stubble still standing in the fields. The taller stubble has to be set on fire. Even as crop fires rage, an ease on a ban on firecrackers by the Supreme Court has intensified New Delhis pollution worries. The top court rejected calls for an outright ban and said green crackers would be allowed for a two-hour window on Diwali. But many in the country, including shops selling firecrackers, appeared clueless about what is an environmentally safe firework. They are doing brisk business many in the city are loath to give up the age-old custom, which they see as an intrinsic part of Diwali celebrations despite several campaigns urging people to stay away from firecrackers. Doctors are already advising people suffering from respiratory problems to leave the city and those who can afford to heed the warning are taking it seriously. New Delhi resident, Pradeep Bhargava, who has suffered bouts of asthma, is taking no chances after last year when pollution spiked to its worst-ever level around Diwali and prompted doctors to declare a medical emergency and authorities to shut schools. The pollution is the major factor that we are heading to the hills, but five days out of the city won't really help, he said. We have to breathe the dirty air through the winter. Many environmentalists agree and point out that emergency measures taken during the smog season will not fix Delhis pollution crisis. Focus now will really have to shift more towards round-the year plan so that those systemic reforms take place so that by next winter we begin to see more substantial changes, said Chowdhury from the Center of Science and Environment. Instead of rolling through the streets of Juba on jeeps with guns, hundreds of South Sudanese soldiers walked on foot, armed with hoes and plastic bags last Saturday. Their mission? Clean the streets of Juba before Wednesdays celebrations over the recently signed, revitalized peace agreement. Clad in military uniforms, soldiers pulled on gloves and face masks to pick up heaps of trash littering the airport, Juba Teaching Hospital and streets of Juba town. About 200 youth activists joined the soldiers in the campaign to clean up Freedom Hospital and Nyokuron market. Major General Majir Deng said the soldiers were happy to take part in a peaceful exercise. When there is peace, the army is always [ready] to work for the people," Deng told VOA's South Sudan in Focus. "I know they have done their job when they were fighting for the liberation of the country, but that liberation cannot be sustained unless there is work with it, and I think if the city council is ready, we are ready each Saturday to see to it that we work on this, because this is where nationalism starts." Wani Michael, executive director for the youth group OKAY Africa Foundation, said civil society groups had already been running a monthly campaign titled nadafa le beledna, which means "cleaning our country" in Arabic. We had planned earlier, but we also use the opportunity to celebrate the signing of the peace agreement because it is still too early for me to celebrate peace, because I dont see any tangible implementation, Michael said. Emmanual Tongun, director of the Doctor Phillips Pharmaceutical Company of Juba, said the company donated three cartons of gloves, 40 packets of face masks and 10 rolls of plastic bags to collect garbage. We started off with the same donations because we know very well they are keeping up, doing their best to keep [up] the city with limited funding, so we have given them that extra boost, Tongun said. The cleanup exercise was a joint campaign between civil society groups, the Ministry of Defense and the Juba City Council. Update to airport Meanwhile, a new passenger terminal opened Monday at Juba International Airport, complete with working computers and modern rest rooms. South Sudan Transport Minister John Luk said the new terminal will change the image of Juba's airport, which has often been described as one of the worst in the world. International Airport Passenger Terminal One features a VIP lounge, a business class lounge, and an economy class lounge. The facility has been under construction since 2016 by the African Construction Company Limited in a public-private partnership with the South Sudan government Immigration officer Captain Ben Festo worked Monday on getting up to speed with the new terminals computers. When the passengers come, we can scan them, enroll them and take their picture and figure prints and this information is saved in the data base, Festo told South Sudan in Focus. Festo said the new electronic system will make it much easier to process passengers, which immigration officers used to have to do manually. Passenger Lagu George is thrilled with the new terminal. When you come from Nairobi or Entebbe, you can see how people relax. People used to suffocate and sweat. It was not good, but now they have opened something like this, its something we can appreciate, George told South Sudan in Focus. Subek Gabriel Dada, chief executive officer of South Sudans Civil Aviation Authority, apologized to passengers for enduring the long wait to open the new terminal. And appreciate that for the long waiting in difficulties they had been going through during rain and heat but now that has come to an end, Dada told VOA. South Sudan charges all passengers a $30 airport fee, which is used to help modernize the facility. South Sudan Vice President James Wani Igga, who officially opened the new terminal on Monday, said the airport must operate independently from government officials. We must respect rule of law and we must respect orderliness. The airport staff have been harassed from time to time and this must come to a halt from today [onward], Igga told South Sudan in Focus. A new report says the world lost a staggering 60 percent of its wildlife populations over a period of four decades. In its 2018 Living Planet Report, the World Wildlife Fund cites deforestation, climate change and a rise in pollution for the decline among 16,700 populations between 1970 and 2014. The report says that half of the world's shallow-water corals have been wiped out over the last 30 years; ivory poaching has reduced the elephant population in Tanzania by more than 60 percent between 2009 and 2014, and 100,000 orangutans in Borneo died between 1999 and 2015 due to deforestation. The WWF also predicts the number of polar bears will be reduced by 30 percent by 2050 as climate change melts the Arctic ice. "It's mind-blowing," says WWF Director-General Marco Lambertini, describing the crisis as "unprecedented in its speed, in its scale, and because it is single-handed." The group is calling for an international treaty to protect wildlife, but says it must be enacted within two years to actually make a difference, due to the fast pace of destruction. South Korea's Yonhap news agency says U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is likely to meet with his North Korean counterpart in the United States next week. The news agency reports that the two sides are trying to arrange a meeting shortly after the U.S. midterm elections on Nov. 6. Pompeo told VOA contributor Greta Van Susteren in an interview on Oct. 19 that he hoped the meeting would take place "in the next week and a half or so." Yonhap reported Monday that a South Korean diplomatic source with knowledge of U.S.-North Korea negotiations said, "At the time of Secretary Pompeo's remarks, [the meeting] was being planned for the end of October, but I understand that it was delayed by a couple days due to circumstances on the U.S. side." "The location will probably be the U.S. East Coast," the source said. Pompeo has met during previous talks with Kim Yong Chol, vice chairman of North Korea's ruling Workers' Party Central Committee. However, the Nikkei Asian Review is reporting that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's sister Kim Yo Jong could also join the talks. Kim Yo Jong is said to have a close relationship with her brother. The meeting between Pompeo and the North Korean delegation is expected to focus on continuing discussions about North Korea denuclearization, as well as another potential summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and the North Korean leader. Pompeo told VOA this month that a date for that summit has not yet been set, but said Trump is "committed" to it. "We're working on finding dates and times and places that will work for each of the two leaders," he said. Earlier this month, the United States and South Korea suspended another major military exercise in a continued push for diplomacy. The two countries have suspended several military exercises since an unprecedented June summit between Trump and Kim in Singapore, where Trump announced the U.S. would stop what he called "provocative" and "expensive" "war games" with South Korea. He said the move was as an act of good faith and in response to North Korea's commitment to denuclearization, and its continued suspension of nuclear and missile tests. U.S. lobbyists on Saudi Arabia's payroll gave more than $2.3 million to U.S. political campaigns in late 2016 and 2017 as they mounted a massive influence operation to blunt anti-Saudi congressional action and promote other Saudi interests in the United States, according to a new study of federal lobbying records. The analysis of 2017 Foreign Agents Registration Act filings conducted by the Center for International Policy found that while a quarter of the money was given to political action committees, more than $1.5 million of the contributions were funneled to individual campaigns, with nearly $400,000 going to 75 members of Congress whom the lobbyists contacted on behalf of Saudi Arabia. Among members of Congress, Kevin McCarthy, the Republican House Majority Leader, was the top Republican recipient of campaign donations from the Saudi lobbyists while Senator Bill Nelson was the top recipient on the Democratic side. In 12 instances, members, both Republican and Democratic, received campaign contributions on the same day their offices were contacted by the Saudi lobbyists, in many cases about pending legislation that would allow victims of the 9/11 attacks on the United States to sue Saudi Arabia. The members included Bob Corker, the Republican chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; Richard Burr, the Republican chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee; and Rep. Cedric Richmond, a Democrat who chairs the Congressional Black Caucus. What weve seen in our research is that Saudi lobbyists did this repeatedly in 2017and Id imagine Saudi lobbyists are doing this right now, said Ben Freeman, director of the Foreign Influence Transparency Initiative and author of the report. The campaign contributions are perfectly legal. U.S. law allows Americans to lobby on behalf of foreign governments and make campaign contributions to members of Congress they lobby as long as the activities and contributions are disclosed to the Justice Department. Lydia Dennett, an investigator with the Project On Government Oversight in Washington, said that while the report gives the appearance of a quid pro quo relationship between the lobbyists and members of Congress, it does not suggest theyre acting as a pass-through for a foreign government. "These people are often doing this in their personal capacities so it's very hard to tell if they're particularly politically motivated or if they have a personal relationship with the person they're donating money for," Dennett said. Officials at Saudi Arabia's Washington embassy have not yet responded to VOA's request for comment on this story. The report comes amid mounting international condemnation of the Oct. 2 killing of veteran Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi at Saudi Arabia's consulate in Istanbul. Saudi officials have said the killing was the work of rogue Saudi operatives, but critics have charged that Saudi Arabia has lied about its involvement in the brutal killing. Four American lobbying firms have since stopped working for Saudi Arabia, but at least one other company has added the kingdom as a client. In all, more than two dozen U.S. lobbying and public relations firms currently work for Saudi Arabia. The kingdom spent more than $27 million on its U.S. lobbying efforts last year. If the findings in this report are any indication, the Saudi lobby in Washington is most likely feverishly contacting congressional offices to stymie legislation that would punish Saudi Arabia for their actions, and theyre likely making campaign contributions to those same members of Congress, the report says. According to the report, 29 firms and individuals were registered under FARA to represent Saudi Arabia last year, carrying out more than 2,500 political contacts. The activities, ranging from contacting members of Congress to reaching out to media outlets to push a pro-Saudi narrative, were carried out by more than 100 individuals working for these firms, the report said. The Senate was the most contacted institution, followed by the media, the House of Representatives and the Executive Branch. House and Senate offices were contacted a total of 1,409 times, nearly three times per member. The congressional outreach was overwhelmingly aimed at party leaders and members on key committees such as the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, the report said. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee and has emerged as a staunch critic of Saudi Arabia in the wake of Khashoggis killing, was the most contacted member of Congress, with his office contacted 36 times, according to the report. Among the Democrats, Chris Coons, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, was the most contacted member. His office was contacted a total of 33 times. The extraordinary lobbying and public relations campaign came during a period in which Saudi Arabia sought to block the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA) and counter criticism over its war in Yemen, a blockade of Qatar, a controversial crackdown on corruption, and efforts to block sales of precision guided missiles. The report found that the most cited reasons for contacting congressional offices were JASTA, Yemen, Qatar, precision guided missiles or arms sales. Recent allegations that an oligarch with close personal ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin is behind several attacks and at least one killing has compelled some journalists and free speech advocates to take a stand against intimidation tactics in Russia. An October 22 Novaya Gazeta article by reporter Denis Korotkov, who just days prior to publication received a funeral wreath bearing an anonymous threat at his private residence and a severed goats head in a basket outside his newsroom, says billionaire businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin has directed clandestine hits on multiple continents. Prigozhin, who is known as "Putin's Chef" for catering presidential events and sometimes personally waiting on important guests, has been indicted by American investigators for allegedly trying to interfere with the 2016 U.S. election. In the investigative report about Prigozhin, headlined The Chef Likes It Spicy, Valery Alemchenko, a former convict who worked for Prigozhin, details physical attacks on Prigozhins opponents, as well as the killing of an opposition blogger in northwest Russia, all at the moguls behest. Alemchenko also says several Prigozhin employees traveled to Syria last year to test an unknown poison on Syrians who refused to fight for President Bashar al-Assads government, an allegation Novaya Gazeta corroborated with two other sources. Alemchenko disappeared shortly after meeting with the reporter and is now on a Russian police list of missing persons. Danger of inaction For Novaya Gazeta contributor Boris Vishnevsky, the latest threats and disappearances have taught him one thing: the greatest threat to his own colleagues and sources is their own inaction. "I believe that the information published by Novaya Gazeta cannot remain only within the circle of its readers, Vishnevsky told VOA's Russian Service, explaining why he has called upon Russia's prosecutor general and federal legislators to conduct an investigation of the latest allegations surrounding Prigozhin, and the threats against those who reported them. These are very serious suspicions of involvement in crimes, including the murders of people who, to put it mildly, are connected to Mr. Prigozhin and his structures," said Vishnevsky, who is also a deputy in the St. Petersburg Legislative Assembly. "This evidence should be checked, and I think there is enough - names are named, quotes are quoted. And to leave it unheeded seems to me quite impossible." Vishnevskys appeal coincided with a statement by the Union of Journalists of the St. Petersburg and Leningrad region, who expressed concerns about the threats directed at Korotkov. Asked whether Russian investigators would actively probe any of Putin's closest associates, Vishnevsky said that's beside the point. "I'm not inclined to have big illusions about its results, especially about the conclusions that will be made, he said. Nevertheless, I want to see official explanations from the prosecutor general's office and the investigative committee on the reports of crimes contained in Denis Korotkovs article. "I understand that everything will be done to, in simple terms, cover up for Mr. Prigozhin," he added. "But if a verification is not demanded, then you cannot expect anything at all." Because Article 144 of the Russian Criminal Code says crimes reported in the media require the consideration of federal prosecutors and investigators, Vishnevsky said he expects that some sort of investigation will be carried out. 'Second wave' of investigative reporting Roman Zakharov of the Glasnost Defense Foundation, a non-governmental organization that advocates press freedom, said the threats against Korotkov are extremely serious, and that they come amid a "second wave" of hard-hitting investigative journalism occurring in Russia. "The first surge of this genre was during the years of democratic development of Russia, but then it seemed to us to be something taken for granted, Zakharov told VOA. And now there is a second wave of investigations, and they are being conducted by many young journalists who write about economic crimes, about corruption, about the Mafias links with politicians." With a surge in investigative reporting, he said, comes a surge in threats to reporters and editors behind the stories. Of course editors try to protect [their reporters], but, as we see from practice, the powers of the editors themselves are limited," he said, referring to the assassinations of Russian reporters stretching over decades. "But all joking aside, it's impossible to oppose the Mafia, much less the state steamroller." As widely reported in Western media, some of Prigozhin's privately owned enterprises, such as the Concord catering company, were used to bankroll disinformation campaigns designed to interfere with U.S. elections. Earlier this month, U.S. officials brought charges against Prigozhin employee Elena Khusyaynova for helping oversee the finances of the St. Petersburg-based "Internet Research Agency," the so-called troll farm that aimed to influence American voters through social media postings. Activities of Prigozhin's private security-contracting firm, Wagner - a mercenary outfit that has conducted operations in Ukraine, Syria, the Central African Republic and Sudan - are well documented. 'Don't touch journalists' Another member of Prigozhins security detail, Oleg Simonov, who is suspected of attacking the husband of an opposition activist and injecting him with poison, died last year under murky circumstances. "Behind it all - written messages, funeral wreaths and a severed sheep's head - as we know from past investigations, these are people who will stop at nothing and shrink from nothing," Zakharov said, emphasizing that they "aren't even averse to murdering their own associates." "There is the need to gather the entire journalistic community and citizens and say 'No, Mr. Prigozhin! Don't touch journalists, don't threaten them,'" Zakharov said. "If you do not agree with the publications, sue them in court. Act by legal means, even if the Kremlin and the authorities are on your side. "We hope that due to these public disclosures, there will be none of the excesses that have occurred with some other journalists," Zakharov added, referring to "assault and battery ... and also murders." Russia is currently ranked 148 out of 180 countries profiled in the 2018 World Press Freedom Index by international media watchdog Reporters Without Borders. This story originated in VOA's Russian Service. Some information for this report was provided by AP. The Hubble Telescope has given us spectacular pictures from space, from the dramatic image of the Pillars of Creation in the Eagle Nebula, some 6,500 to 7,000 light years from Earth, to a snapshot of nearly 10,000 galaxies, including some that may be among the most distant known, existing when the universe was just 800 million years old. Awe-inspiring though they are, they are not detailed enough to help us in our search for life in the trillions of galaxies across the universe. And physicist Justin Crepp says the prospects for finding life out there are very good. If tens of a percent of stars have planets that could resemble the earth and potentially have life, then the implications are that there are billions of them just within our Milky Way Galaxy. Crepp, an associate professor of Physics at the University of Notre Dame, has been hard at work answering the age-old question, Are we alone in the universe? As a member of the National Academy of Sciences Committee on Exoplanet Science Strategy, his job is to make recommendations on how and what the U.S. will explore in space over the next decade. Up close and personal with planets In September, the committee released its initial 260-page report detailing seven recommendations. First, it encourages NASA to fly a space-based mission to directly image and characterize earth-like planets around other stars and take pictures of them. But Crepp says thats a very challenging technical problem. If you try to image a planet, you run into several difficulties, he explains. One is that their separation is very small on the sky. So, you need to spatially resolve and isolate the signal of the planet. So, you need a certain size telescope to do that. The problem is earths atmosphere blurs out the images, and so it exacerbates the issue. Another issue is that the starlight is so bright, scientists need to find a way to block it to see the planets around it. The committee thinks the technology to do that exists, but they must be able to get above the earths atmosphere with the right equipment to make it happen. Better eyes on the skies That leads to the committees second recommendation, this one, for the National Science Foundation: complete work on the Giant Magellan Telescope in Chile, and start to build the proposed Thirty Meter Telescope in Hawaii. The new technology in these super telescopes will produce images 10 times sharper than those from the Hubble, even though they are ground-based. Their highly sophisticated equipment will also allow scientists to greatly enhance the work of the third recommendation: completing the partially funded Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope or WFIRST. When launched into space, it will search for and gather information on planets hundreds of light years away. Crepp says that data will help scientists learn what the planets are made of. Is it a giant puffy atmosphere, or is it a rock or somewhere in between? Is it a water world? We dont know the answers to these yet, but were just starting to get the first hints and inclinations what these worlds might be like around other stars, Crepp said. More importantly, scientists will try to determine if there are any signs of life. The panels other recommendations include building new highly sensitive equipment, creating new ways for multidisciplinary teams all over the world to collaborate on various aspects of the project, and forming a profitable investor program to further laboratory, ground-based and theoretical telescopic research. The big question Crepp notes that people have wondered for millennia if our planet was unique in the universe, whether we are truly alone. This is a question that impacts not only science but theology, philosophy and other areas. Its a curiosity. Its part of being human. Is our world special? Is it isolated? Are there other planets out there that have life? Can we communicate with them? Are they our distant brethren? How are we related to one another? If so, what can we learn from one another? So, thats the motivation for a lot of people on our panel to go to work on a daily basis. The report from the National Academy of Sciences Committee on Exoplanet Science Strategy will be reviewed by Congress. Portions of it may be included in the final 2020-2030 Astronomy and Astrophysics Decadal Survey, which will fund the continuing search for exoplanets and the study of extraterrestrial life. A tap on the shoulder was the sign. Just hours after the massacre inside The Tree of Life Synagogue, an impromptu Victims Assistance Center was set up at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh. Family of synagogue members who hadnt been located entered the center and waited for news of their loved ones. They knew what was inevitable, we knew what was inevitable, remembers Rabbi Ron Symons. But it took time for the FBI to complete its work. And so they waited. WATCH: Religious leaders gather after Synagogue attack Rabbi Symons, who runs the Center for Loving Kindness at the JCC, says it was horrific, watching congregants sit, awaiting a tap on the shoulder to come and talk with him and other grief counselors. Eleven died on Saturday as a gunman entered the synagogue and screamed All Jews must die. Forty-six-year-old Robert Bowers had his first day in court Monday and was held without bond. His next hearing is Thursday, when prosecutors will present the evidence against him. Twenty-two of the 29 federal charges could carry the death penalty. They involve murder and hate crimes. Difficult task, but cherished But there was only love in a Jewish tradition for the victims that began behind closed doors at the Allegheny County Medical Examiners Office. It isnt fun. Its difficult and an inconvenience. But its cherished, explained Rabbi Daniel Wasserman. Rabbi Wasserman organized and scheduled the rotation of Chevra Kadisha -- a holy group of men and women who stayed with the bodies until they were released to the families Monday morning. The Rabbi says there was only a slight gap overnight until the FBI and other officials gave permission to allow his members in a nearby room, and then eventually next to the bodies. The volunteers recited the Book of Psalms, typically in order, as the next volunteer rotated in, an hour later. Jewish belief is that the soul is still connected to the body and is aware of a presence in the room. Rabbi Symons says Its a reminder that we are not alone and always in community with each other. More than 20 volunteers came forward and Rabbi Wasserman was overwhelmed with the response. On Monday morning, he contacted the 40 more who had signed up, informing them that all the bodies had been taken to the funeral home. The families will decide if the tradition will continue. Chevra Kadisha also involves Tahara, a ritual cleansing of the body before burial. After purifying the body, it is wrapped in a white shroud and placed in a casket. The entire process is part of a group of rituals known as a true kindness, since the dead can offer no appreciation for the deed. WATCH: Chevra Kadisha explainer On Tuesday, the first funerals will take place as three men are buried. Two brothers David, 54, and Cecil Rosenthal, 59, were intellectually challenged and described as beloved and inseparable. The funeral for family doctor Jerry Rabinowitz, 66, will take place at the Jewish Community Center -- the same place where his family members got a tap on the shoulder just three days ago. Tehran is courting Ankara in a bid to ease the impact of renewed U.S. sanctions against Iran. On Tuesday, Turkey, a principal importer of Iranian energy, reaffirmed its opposition to sanctions against Iran scheduled to take effect on Nov. 4. "Taking into account the Islamic Republic of Iran's compliance with the JCPOA (the Iran nuclear deal formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) as confirmed by the International Atomic Energy Agency," the Turkish, Azeri and Iranian foreign ministers, "condemned unilateral sanctions as they negatively affect trade and commercial development among their countries," read a statement from the three officials. The release of the statement followed trilateral talks among the foreign ministers in Istanbul. "Unfortunately, a law-breaking country (the United States) seeks to punish a country (Iran) that is abiding by the law," said Iran's foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif. "This method will have severe consequences for the world order," he added. U.S. President Donald Trump accuses Tehran of violating the JCPOA, an international agreement controlling Iran's nuclear energy program and has introduced sweeping sanctions specifically targeting Iran's energy imports. Ankara has been in the forefront of publicly opposing the sanctions. "Iran is Turkey's neighbor and will not enforce the sanctions," said international relations professor Huseyin Bagci of Ankara's Middle East Technical University. "Turkey does not always follow American foreign policy," he added. "Just because you are not following American foreign policy does not mean you are against America. In the Iran case, America has always made concessions towards Turkey." Turkey, along with India and China, are among Iran's biggest energy customers. All three countries are reportedly resisting U.S. efforts to comply with its imminent sanctions. Energy-poor Turkey depends heavily on both Iranian natural gas and crude oil. However, in a move widely seen as placating Washington, for the past few months, Tupras, Turkey's leading oil refiner, has reduced Iranian imports by as much as a half. Current imports, analyst say, are roughly equal to when the U.S. last imposed sanctions, under the Obama administration. "Ankara is diversifying the crude oil it gets from Iran. That, it can do. However, when it comes to natural gas, that is another ballgame," said former senior Turkish diplomat and energy expert Aydin Selcen. "Ankara is right to say, 'Look, we are buying most, if not all, of our gas from two sources Russia and Iran and it is a take-and-pay-agreement,'" Selcen explained. "Question 1: Where will we get the same amount of natural gas, especially eastern and southeastern (Turkey)? And 2: We will have to pay (Iran) anyway, so it won't make any difference." Selcen claims Ankara and Washington are already engaged in behind-the-scenes talks to resolve the impasse. "The best Ankara can get from the U.S. at this time is to have some sort of waiver for imports of natural gas from Iran as winter is coming," he said. Previous Washington sanctions against Tehran saw Ankara being granted dispensations. However, initially, the Trump administration appeared to rule out any concessions. That stance, analysts say, seems to be softening. Ankara is accused of exploiting past waivers on Iranian sanctions. Earlier this year, a New York court convicted and jailed Hakan Atilla, a senior executive of the Turkish state-owned Halkbank for violating Iranian sanctions. U.S. Treasury authorities are considering imposing a significant fine on the bank that, analysts say, could be in the billions of dollars. Analyst Atilla Yesilada of Global Source Partners said the magnitude of the penalty gives Washington powerful leverage. "If there is a penalty for Halkbank, given the fact Turkey is refusing to abide by the Iranian sanctions most banks anticipate, there will be more sanctions on other Turkish banks, and I think it will be difficult to roll over our maturing loans and bonds," Yesilada said. Washington may refrain from using duress, since strained U.S.-Turkish relations got a boost this month. A Turkish court's release of American pastor Andrew Brunson, a key demand of Trump, is widely interpreted as a significant gesture by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Trump is also reportedly looking to Erdogan for cooperation over the diplomatic crisis about the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. "The partnership between the United States and Turkey NATO allies since 1952 remains important," said Trump in a message Monday, marking Turkey's Republic Day celebrations. Earlier this month, the two presidents spoke by telephone, and according to Turkish media reports, they will meet in Paris next month on the sidelines of the centennial commemorations marking the end of World War I. Expectations of a compromise on Iran sanctions are growing. "Turkey will take some stance against Iran without saying it," said Selcen. "Turkey is not trumpeting the fact it's diversifying its crude oil imports from Iran. And according to experts, Turkey is taking precautions when it comes to financial institutions." "Perhaps we will hear one thing and see another on the ground," he added, "but one can predict tensions with the U.S., unless there is some understanding when it comes to Turkish natural gas from Iran." Thousands of supporters of Sri Lanka's ousted prime minister are demanding the president reconvene Parliament to resolve the political crisis. Protesters that included rights activists and legislators rallied in the capital Columbo near the official residence of former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. President Maithripala Sirisena dismissed Wickremesinghe on Friday and replaced him with former president Mahinda Rajapaksa. The protests took place one day after Parliament Speaker Karu Jayasuriya warned of violent outbreaks if parliament did not reconvene immediately. Sirisena suspended parliament on Saturday, apparently to give Rajapaksa time to garner enough support to survive a no-confidence vote. Wickremesinghe, who says he still controls most lawmakers, has demanded they be summoned without further delay. His ouster has sparked a power struggle that some observers say has blown into a constitutional crisis. Speaking to the protesters, Wickremesinghe accused Sirisena of abusing his executive powers by suspending Parliament. "We are gathered here to safeguard democracy in our country," he said. One of the many placards demonstrators held read "let's defeat dictatorship that undermines the constitution, restore democracy, uphold the constitution and convene Parliament to end crisis." On Sunday, the first violent incident linked to the turmoil claimed the lives of two people and wounded another as former oil minister Arjuna Ranatunga tried to enter his office at the Petroleum Ministry. Sirisena said he dismissed Wickremesinghe primarily because of the involvement of a Cabinet minister in an alleged plan to assassinate him, but he did not offer any details. Police are investigating the alleged plot, but no arrests have been made. The United States has said it is monitoring the crisis "with concern" and called on Sirisena to reconvene Parliament. President Donald Trump's administration asked the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday to postpone a trial set for Nov. 5 that will examine the legality of its decision to ask people taking part in the 2020 U.S. census whether they are citizens. The administration is asking for the trial to be placed on hold until the Supreme Court resolves a dispute over evidence, including whether Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, whose department oversees the U.S. Census Bureau, can be forced to answer questions about the politically charged decision. On Friday, Manhattan U.S. District Judge Jesse Furman, who will preside over the trial, and a federal appeals court both refused to postpone the trial. Furman said a stay of the trial was not warranted and could hinder a final resolution of the case before the government begins printing the census forms next year. The lawsuit, brought by 18 states and a number of cities and counties, was spearheaded by Democratic officials. It is consolidated with another suit by several immigrant rights groups accusing the administration of discrimination against non-white immigrants. Critics of the citizenship question have said it will deter people in immigrant communities from participating in the census, disproportionately affecting Democratic-leaning states by undercounting the number of residents. The administration has said it needs the data to enforce a voting rights law as it relates to minority voters. Furman said in a Sept. 21 order that Ross must face a deposition by lawyers for the states because his "intent and credibility are directly at issue" in the lawsuit. Furman said there was doubt about Ross' public statements that the Justice Department initiated the request to include the citizenship question and that he was not aware of any discussions with the White House about it. But on Oct. 22, the Supreme Court blocked Ross' deposition and gave the administration until Monday to appeal the trial judge's orders. The administration told the justices on Monday that there should be no trial into Ross' motives for adding the citizenship question, including whether he harbored "secret racial animus" in doing so. "The harms to the government from such a proceeding are self-evident," the government said. The U.S. Constitution mandates a census every 10 years. It is used in the allocation of seats in Congress and the distribution of billions of dollars in federal funds. A citizenship question has not appeared on the census since 1950. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump visited the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, where a gunman massacred 11 worshippers during Saturday's Sabbath prayers. Trump shook hands with the synagogue's Rabbi Jeffrey Myers and Israeli ambassador to the U.S., Ron Dermer. Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner wearing a Jewish skullcap and daughter Ivanka Trump, who converted to Judaism when she married Kushner, accompanied the president. Donald and Melania Trump placed a stone at each of the 11 Stars of David set up outside the synagogue. Placing stones at a grave or remembrance site is an ancient Jewish tradition. "The president was very moved by the visit and his time with the rabbi and called it very humbling and sad," White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told reporters. Protesters A large crowd of protesters opposed to Trump's visit marched nearby. Many chanted "turn your backs," anticipating the president's motorcade would pass by. Trump also met at the hospital with three police officers who were wounded in the synagogue shooting and the doctors who treated them. The president later spent an hour talking with Peg Durachko, whose husband, Dr. Richard Gottfried, was among the 11 killed. "She said she wanted to meet the president to let him know that people wanted him there," Sanders said. But the demonstrators, along with some politicians and Jewish leaders, wanted Trump to stay away from Pittsburgh until he firmly denounces white nationalism. They believe his comment that there were "some very fine people" among neo-Nazis who marched in Charlottesville, Virginia, last year, along with his indictments of the news media and immigrants, incite those on the extreme right to use violence. Pittsburgh's Mayor William Peduto, a Democrat, also said Trump should not visit the city while families are holding funerals. "If the president is looking to come to Pittsburgh," Peduto said, "I would ask that he not do so while we are burying the dead." Peduto's office said the mayor does not plan to meet with Trump. Top congressional leaders from both political parties declined invitations from Trump to join him in visiting, while the family of one of the victims is refusing to meet the president. The family said it felt Trump's statement suggesting that an armed guard stationed at the synagogue might have prevented the attack was inappropriate. Robert Bowers, the 46-year-old truck driver accused of carrying out the attack, made his first appearance before a federal judge Monday. Authorities accuse Bowers of carrying out the rampage out of vitriolic hatred of Jews, posting anti-Semitic tirades online and screaming "All Jews must die!" as he opened fire. Bowers faces 29 federal charges, including some federal hate crimes. He could face the death penalty if he is convicted. The Anti-Defamation League, which has tracked hatred and violence against Jews since the 1970s, said the Pittsburgh mayhem was the worst attack against the Jewish community in U.S. history. Funerals Meanwhile, the first victims of the massacre were buried Tuesday. About 1,800 people turned out for the funerals of Cecil and David Rosenthal two mentally challenged adult brothers who were mainstays at the Tree of Life. They were called "gentle giants," passing out prayer books, cheerfully greeting all familiar worshippers at the synagogue, and giving warm welcomes to newcomers. Several members of the Pittsburgh Steelers football team were at their funeral. About 2,000 mourners came for the funeral of Dr. Jerry Rabinowitz. He was known for being accessible for friendship and medical advice around the clock and was always willing to make personal sacrifices for his patients. He was rarely seen without a colorful bowtie and was remembered as one of the first Pittsburgh doctors unafraid to treat AIDS patients when little was known about the disease. Another victim, Daniel Stein, who had just become a grandfather, was also mourned Tuesday in a private ceremony. U.S. President Donald Trump and his wife, Melania, will travel Tuesday to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to pay their respect to the families of 11 members of a Jewish synagogue who were massacred last week in an anti-Semitic rampage. However, some Jewish leaders are demanding the president stay away until he denounces white nationalism. The White House announced the trip Monday, saying the president and first lady will visit the historic city to "express the support of the American people and to grieve with the Pittsburgh community." The Trump's visit comes as members of the Tree of Life synagogue hold the first funerals for the victims of last Saturday's shooting, including 54-year-old David Rosenthal and his 59-year-old brother Cecil. Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto urged President Trump to postpone his visit during an interview on CNN, because it would place a strain on police and other law enforcement officers who will provide security for the funerals. Several leaders of the Pittsburgh chapter of Bend the Arc, a progressive Jewish organization, called on Trump to cancel his visit in an open letter issued Monday, saying he was not welcome until he denounced white nationalism. The letter was signed by tens of thousands of people nationwide. But Tree of Life Rabbi Jeffrey Myers says the president is "certainly welcome" to visit Pittsburgh. Robert Bowers, the 46-year-old truck driver accused of carrying out the massacre at the Tree of Life synagogue, made his first appearance before a federal judge Monday. Authorities accuse Bowers of carrying out the rampage out of vitriolic hatred of Jews, posting anti-Semitic tirades online and screaming "All Jews must die" as he opened fire. Bowers faces 29 federal charges, including some federal hate crimes. He could face the death penalty if he is convicted. The Anti-Defamation League, which has tracked hatred and violence against Jews since the 1970s, said the massacre was the worst attack against the Jewish community in U.S. history. U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump are heading to Pittsburgh on Tuesday to offer condolences to the families of 11 members of a Jewish synagogue who were massacred last week in an anti-Semitic rampage, even as some Jewish leaders are demanding the president stay away until he denounces white nationalism. The White House announced the trip Monday, saying the president and first lady will visit the city to "express the support of the American people and to grieve with the Pittsburgh community." Trump told Fox News, "I'm just going to pay my respects. I'm also going to the hospital to see the officers and some of the people that were so badly hurt. ... I really look forward to going," he said. "I would have done it even sooner, but I didn't want to disrupt any more than they already had disruption." Pittsburgh's Democratic mayor William Peduto said the Republican president should stay away from the city while families are holding funerals, the first of which are being held on Tuesday before Trumps arrival. Several leaders of the Pittsburgh chapter of Bend the Arc, an activist Jewish organization that lobbies against Trump's policies, called on the president to cancel his visit, saying he was not welcome until he denounced white nationalism. A letter they issued was signed by tens of thousands of people nationwide. "If the president is looking to come to Pittsburgh," Peduto said, "I would ask that he not do so while we are burying the dead." Peduto's office said the mayor does not plan to meet with Trump. Top congressional leaders from both political parties declined invitations from Trump to join him in visiting, while the family of one of the victims is declining to meet the president. The family said it felt Trump's statement suggesting that an armed guard stationed at the synagogue might have prevented the attack was inappropriate. Peduto told CNN a presidential visit would strain police and other law enforcement officers while they also are providing security for the funerals. But Rabbi Jeffrey Myers at the Tree of Life synagogue where the mass killing occurred said the president is "certainly welcome" to visit Pittsburgh. In the U.S. political debate, the term nationalist has often been equated with white nationalism and as denigrating to minorities. In the Fox interview, Trump said that to him, there are no racial overtones to declaring himself a nationalist, as he did at a recent political rally. "It means I love the country. It means I'm fighting for the country," Trump said. "I look at two things, globalists and nationalists. I'm somebody that wants to take care of our country, because for many, many years, you know this better than anybody our leaders have been more worried about the world than they have about the United States, and they leave us in a mess whether it's the wars, whether it's the economy, whether it's debt, whether it's all of the things that they've done, including putting in the wrong Supreme Court Justices. And we're we've really put two great ones in. No, I'm proud of this country, and I call that 'nationalism.'" Robert Bowers, the 46-year-old truck driver accused of carrying out the attack, made his first appearance before a federal judge Monday. Authorities accuse Bowers of carrying out the rampage out of vitriolic hatred of Jews, posting anti-Semitic tirades online and screaming "All Jews must die" as he opened fire. Bowers faces 29 federal charges, including some federal hate crimes. He could face the death penalty if he is convicted. The Anti-Defamation League, which has tracked hatred and violence against Jews since the 1970s, said the Pittsburgh mayhem was the worst attack against the Jewish community in U.S. history. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday urged Saudi Arabia to reveal who gave the order to have Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi killed at Riyadh's consulate in Istanbul. Speaking to reporters in Parliament, Erdogan said the investigation into Khashoggi's killing should be completed swiftly. He said there was no point in making excuses. Turkey is seeking the extradition of 18 Saudi suspects detained in Saudi Arabia in the Oct. 2 killing of Khashoggi. It is also seeking Saudi Arabia's help in locating the slain journalist's body, which so far has not been found. U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet, meanwhile, called on Turkish and Saudi authorities to launch an "independent and impartial" investigation into what she called a "shockingly brazen crime." "But given the information that such high-level officials in Saudi Arabia were apparently involved, and it took place in the Consulate of Saudi Arabia, the bar must be set very high to ensure meaningful accountability and justice," she said. During a memorial service in London late Monday, Khashoggi's fiancee, Turkish national Hatice Cengiz, said she was "disappointed in the leadership of many countries" in response to Khashoggi's killing this month in Istanbul. She called on U.S. President Donald Trump to "help reveal the truth" about his death at the hands of agents deployed by the kingdom. Khashoggi was an exiled journalist who wrote several opinion columns for The Washington Post that were critical of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler. Cengiz said Trump "should not pave the way for a cover-up" of Khashoggi's death. "Let's not let money taint our conscience and compromise our values." Trump has called Khashoggi's disappearance and death "one of the worst cover-ups in the history of cover-ups," but has also said the U.S. should not be too critical of the regime because of a pending multibillion-dollar arms deal with Riyadh. Khashoggi had gone into the Saudi Consulate in the Turkish capital on Oct. 2 to obtain paperwork he needed for his planned marriage to Cengiz who waited for him outside the consulate but was never seen again. After numerous shifting explanations, the kingdom finally admitted that Khashoggi was killed by a team of 15 agents inside the consulate. Saudi Arabia has arrested 18 officials in connection with the plot to kill Khashoggi, while U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has revoked the visas of Saudi officials believed to have taken part in the killing. The U.N. Childrens Fund (UNICEF) reports that more than 80,000 children are among 330,000 Congolese migrants expelled by the Angolan government since the start of October. The migrants were sent to the Democratic Republic of Congo's volatile Kasai Province, where ethnic tensions triggered a brutal conflict in 2016. According to UNICEF, the migrant children, many of whom lived most of their lives in Angola, are dealing with dire conditions. Thousands of them are walking long distances in bad weather with little to eat or drink, and are exposed to violence. UNICEF spokesman Christophe Boulierac said there is a rising fear of disease, and that the agency is very worried about the health of the children and their families. There was a very, very serious crisis of malnutrition in Kasai and these children are coming in a very bad situation, very bad conditions from Angola," he told VOA. "Some of them are suffering from hypoglycemia. And, there might be an increase of malnutrition, acute malnutrition, which makes a child more vulnerable to all kinds of disease. Boulierac said cholera, measles, and malaria are of particular concern and measures are being taken to try to prevent the spread of these illnesses. He said UNICEF is installing chlorination points, hand washing stations, and emergency latrines. He said efforts are also underway to reunite children separated from their families and to provide those who are traumatized by their experience with psycho-social counseling. The Congolese migrants, forcibly expelled by Angola, had been working in the countrys informal mining sector. UNICEF reports children as young as 13 and 14 were part of the illegal work force. Angola's government has reportedly cracked down on the activity with the aim of reducing diamond smuggling and making the mining industry more transparent. But it has also denied allegations of mass expulsions and brutality, maintaining the migrants returned home voluntarily. The U.N. human rights chief, Michelle Bachelet, called the mass movement an expulsion. She said the influx of migrants could trigger a renewal of inter-ethnic violence in Kasai Province. Following the shooting deaths of 11 worshippers at a synagogue in the eastern United States, a U.N. human rights expert urged governments on Monday to do more to curb racist and anti-Semitic intolerance, especially online. "That event should be a catalyst for urgent action against hate crimes, but also a reminder to fight harder against the current climate of intolerance that has made racist, xenophobic and anti-Semitic attitudes and beliefs more acceptable," U.N. Special Rapporteur Tendayi Achiume said of Saturday's attack on a synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Achiume, whose mandate is the elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, noted in her annual report that "Jews remain especially vulnerable to anti-Semitic attacks online." She said that Nazi and neo-Nazi groups exploit the internet to spread and incite hate because it is "largely unregulated, decentralized, cheap" and anonymous. Achiume, a law professor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Law, said neo-Nazi groups are increasingly relying on the internet and social media platforms to recruit new members. Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are among their favorites. On Facebook, for example, hate groups connect with sympathetic supporters and use the platform to recruit new members, organize events and raise money for their activities. YouTube, which has over 1.5 billion viewers each month, is another critical communications tool for propaganda videos and even neo-Nazi music videos. On Twitter, according to one 2012 study cited in the special rapporteur's report, the presence of white nationalist movements on that platform has increased by more than 600 percent. The special rapporteur noted that while digital technology has become an integral and positive part of most people's lives, "these developments have also aided the spread of hateful movements." She said in the past year, platforms including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube have banned individual users who have contributed to hate movements or threatened violence, but ensuring the removal of racist content online remains difficult. Some hate groups try to get around raising red flags by using racially coded messaging, which makes it harder for social media platforms to recognize their hate speech and shut down their presence. Achiume cited as an example the use of a cartoon character "Pepe the Frog," which was appropriated by members of neo-Nazi and white supremacist groups and was widely displayed during a white supremacist rally in the southern U.S. city of Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017. The special rapporteur welcomed actions in several states to counter intolerance online, but cautioned it must not be used as a pretext for censorship and other abuses. She also urged governments to work with the private sector specifically technology companies to fight such prejudices in the digital space. Cesar Sayoc, the man accused of mailing at least 13 packages containing explosive devices to critics of U.S. President Donald Trump, had a list of more than 100 other potential targets, law enforcement officials said Monday. U.S. news accounts said authorities believe that Sayoc was making his way through the list, which NBC said included journalists and entertainers, when he was apprehended last week. He is accused of mailing suspected explosives to, among others, former President Barack Obama; former Vice President Joe Biden, a potential 2020 opponent of Trump; Trump's 2016 Democratic challenger Hillary Clinton; and two national security officials who served in Obama's administration. The 56-year-old Sayoc made his first court appearance in Miami, Florida, not far from where he was arrested. Prosecutors told a judge they believe Sayoc is a flight risk and a danger to the community and should not be released on bond. The judge set another hearing for Friday on whether to free Sayoc pending trial and whether to transfer his case to a New York court. Federal agents apprehended Sayoc on Friday near the white van that he appeared to use as a home and which police have hauled away. Several of the vehicle's windows were plastered with pro-Trump stickers, American flags or with crosshairs over the faces of Trump opponents. One sticker targeted the television news network Trump calls "Fake News," saying, "CNN Sucks." Another suspicious package addressed to CNN, where Sayoc allegedly mailed two of his devices, was intercepted Monday at an Atlanta post office. The FBI said the package was similar to those mailed to the network's New York offices last week. CNN's president Jeff Zucker said there was no danger to the organization's headquarters in Atlanta. Sayoc faces five federal charges in connection with the mail bomb plot. Packages with the explosives, none of which detonated, were mailed to several leading Democratic opponents of Trump. Attorney General Jeff Sessions says that Sayoc, who at various times has worked as a night club disc jockey, bouncer and pizza delivery driver, could face up to 48 years in prison if convicted. FBI Director Christopher Wray said 13 improvised explosive devices were sent in the packages, and each mailing included 15 centimeters of PVC pipe, a small clock and potentially explosive material. "These are not hoax devices," Wray said of the bombs. Authorities told The Associated Press the devices were not rigged to explode when the packages were opened, but added they were not sure if that was because the devices were poorly made or not intended to cause harm. The FBI chief said a fingerprint found on one package led investigators to Sayoc and that possible DNA evidence was discovered on another package. Sayoc was previously known to law enforcement officials and had been arrested nearly a dozen times in Florida, including in 2002 for making a bomb threat. His first arrest in the state was at age 29 for larceny. Other charges against him have included grand theft, fraud and illegal possession of steroids. His arrest Friday came just hours after the FBI intercepted two more suspicious packages, one addressed to Democratic Senator Cory Booker, the other to former National Intelligence Director James Clapper. And even as Sayoc was being detained, officials said investigators were looking at a package sent to the office of California Democratic Senator Kamala Harris. Clapper said Friday morning on CNN that he was not surprised he was targeted and described the incidents as "serious." Trump vowed that anyone responsible for mailing the suspicious packages would be prosecuted to the "fullest extent of the law." "We must never allow political violence to take root in America," Trump told the Young Black Leadership Summit at the White House. Later Friday, Trump told a political rally in Charlotte, North Carolina, that the media were to blame for polarizing the country. "We have seen an effort by the media in recent hours to use the sinister actions of one individual to score political points against me and the Republican Party." He said the media's "constant unfair coverage, deep hostility and negative attacks" only serve to "drive people apart." In a tweet earlier Friday, Trump referred to the investigation as this "Bomb" stuff, which he blamed for taking focus away from the midterm elections set for next Tuesday, Nov. 6. Notorious Boston mobster James Whitey Bulger, who led a double life as an FBI informant and once was one of America's most wanted fugitives, was found dead in a West Virginia prison Tuesday, U.S. prison officials said. The U.S. Bureau of Prisons said the FBI was investigating the death of Bulger, 89. The Boston Globe, which has long tracked Bulger's life of crime and his 16 years on the run until his 2011 capture, reported another inmate with ties to the Mafia was being investigated in connection with Bulger's slaying. Bulger was serving a life sentence, convicted in 2013 of 11 murders and other charges, including racketeering. Authorities said Bulger had gone to great lengths to avoid apprehension, killing potential witnesses and cultivating relationships with corrupt law enforcement officials. A tip from a former Icelandic beauty queen led to his arrest in California, where he had been living with his longtime girlfriend, Catherine Greig, now 67. Greig pleaded guilty of harboring Bulger and remains imprisoned in Minnesota. Bulger and his Winter Hill gang operated for more than two decades in the Irish-dominated South Boston neighborhood, engaging in loan sharking, gambling, extortion, drug dealing and murder. The gang carried out its operations with the implied consent of an FBI agent who looked the other way at the gang's activities, in exchange for information Bulger supplied about other gangsters. Bulger's volatile temper and brutality made him a feared underworld figure. Prosecutors say he used his hands to strangle two women. He tortured a man for hours before shooting him in the head with a machine gun. One of his former partners in crime, Kevin Weeks, eventually turned on Bulger and testified against him. In his memoir, Brutal, Weeks said, "We took what we wanted. We made millions through extortion and loan sharking and protection. And if someone ratted us out, we killed him. We were not nice guys." Robert Bowers, the Pennsylvania man accused of carrying out a mass killing at a Pittsburgh synagogue on Saturday, has been charged with multiple counts of hate crimes and other criminal offenses under state and federal laws. Among the 28 counts of federal crimes Bowers faces are 15 brought under a federal hate crimes statute that allows for the death penalty. The 35 state criminal charges against him include 13 counts of "ethnic intimidation" brought under the state's hate crime law. Hate crime laws are essentially "penalty enhancement" tools in the hands of prosecutors. The statutes allow state and federal prosecutors to charge a defendant with an added penalty and to seek harsher sentences. For example, the crime of simple assault, typically a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year, can be prosecuted as a felony punishable by a longer prison sentence under a hate crime law. Brian Levin, director of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University at San Bernardino, said that federal prosecutors generally let local prosecutors handle hate crime cases. "But [in] the very high-profile cases where they believe there is a national interest in prosecuting the case, federal prosecutors will invoke federal law irrespective of what the state prosecutors do," Levin said. Among the high-profile hate crime cases of recent years, federal prosecutors charged Dylann Roof with 33 counts of hate crimes, obstruction of religious exercise, and firearms charges in connection with the killing of African-American worshippers at a Charleston, South Carolina, church in 2015. Roof was later convicted and sentenced to death. What is a hate crime? The FBI says a hate crime is "a traditional offense like murder, arson or vandalism with an added element of bias." The bureau, which investigates and collects data on hate crime, defines it as "a criminal offense against a person or property motivated in whole or in part by an offender's bias against a race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender or gender identity." Hate speech, on the other hand, is not a crime in the United States. In contrast to Canada and the European Union, hate speech is protected under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Federal hate crime laws Federal hate crime laws date back to the 1960s civil rights era. In 1968, four years after the murder of three civil rights workers, Congress enacted the first hate crimes statute, making it a crime for anyone to use force or to threaten to use force "to willfully interfere with any person because of race, color, religion or national origin" and because the person is engaged in a federally protected activity such as public education. In 1996, in the wake of a spate of attacks on churches, Congress passed the Church Arson Prevention Act, which makes it a crime to deface, damage or destroy any religious property. The law also prohibits the intentional obstruction "by force or threat of force, [of] any person in the enjoyment of that person's free exercise of religious beliefs or attempts to do so." Roof was charged under this statute. Bowers faces 11 counts of "obstruction of exercise of religious belief resulting in death" and four counts of "obstruction of exercise of religious belief resulting in bodily injury to a public safety officer." The most comprehensive federal protection against hate crimes was enacted in 2009 when former President Barack Obama signed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. Named for two hate crime victims, the law expanded the definition of a hate crime, adding new protections against crimes based on gender, gender identity, sexual orientation and disability. The Justice Department said it has charged more than 300 defendants with federal hate crimes over the past 10 years, including over 50 defendants in 2017 and 2018. State hate crime laws The vast majority of hate crimes in the United States are prosecuted in state courts. At the moment, 45 states and the District of Columbia have some form of hate crime laws on their books. Many states only recognize race, color, religion or national origin as a motivating factor in a hate crime. Pennsylvania is one of them. Levin said the state's law is "on the weaker side because it excludes so many of the groups that are covered by neighboring states like New Jersey and New York, as well as the federal law." Five states Arkansas, Indiana, Georgia, South Carolina, and Wyoming currently don't have hate crime laws, but advocates are pressing lawmakers in those states to pass anti-hate crime legislation. Cyber sensors deployed to monitor the security of voting systems in United States are finding no signs of an imminent attack with the midterm elections just a week away, according to U.S. officials. There have been persistent concerns that Russia and other countries might try to meddle in the November 6 U.S. elections by penetrating voter databases and other systems or networks to cause confusion, prevent voters from being able to cast their ballots or even find a way to change actual vote counts. But so far, those fears have not been borne out. We havent seen anything that is alarming at this point, John Gilligan, executive chairman of the Center for Internet Security, told reporters Tuesday in Washington. Theres no indications that theres any specific attacks. The center, working with the Department of Homeland Security, has helped deploy sensors that are monitoring 90-percent of U.S. voting systems. Gilligan said the sensors are picking up some activity though most of it seems to be what he described as the work of innocent third parties. Theres just a lot of stuff out there in terms of people out on the network trying to access various sites, he said. The assessment mirrors that given by a range of U.S. federal and state officials earlier this month following an exercise on election security hosted by the Department of Homeland Security. "We haven't seen, certainly, any compromises or any sort of access to election equipment across the United States at this point," Chris Krebs, undersecretary for the Department of Homeland Security's National Protection and Programs Directorate, said at the time. Focus on social media Officials and independent experts warn it is not that Russia and other countries, like Iran and China, have not been active. Instead, they caution most of the efforts have been focused on influence operations on social media. We continue to see significant Russian offensive cyber operations against [the] U.S. election in 2018, targeting dozens of congressional, state and local campaigns, said William Carter at the Center for Strategic and International Studies Technology Policy Program. The threat continues to be influence operations and espionage, not sabotage and disruption, Carter added, saying Moscow is likely to save its best tricks for the U.S. presidential election in 2020. In the meantime, [Russia] is going to let us chase our tails in 2018 and look for them where theyre not, he said. In order to prepare for next Tuesdays midterm elections, the U.S. federal government has made $380 million in grants available to state officials to help improve election-related cybersecurity, purchase new voting equipment or improve voter registration systems. All 50 states, as well as almost 1,000 local jurisdictions, have enrolled in the Elections Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EI-ISAC), to make it easier to share information about threats, both before and during the election. It is difficult to do any sort of attack of any scale without being noticed, said Robert Kolasky, Director, National Risk Management Center, Department of Homeland Security. While adversaries may get smarter, we also get smarter. Opening a new front in its trade and technology disputes with China, the Trump administration on Monday took action to cut off a Chinese state-backed semiconductor maker from U.S. exports of components, software and technology goods. The Commerce Department said it has put Fujian Jinhua Integrated Circuit Co Ltd on a list of entities that cannot purchase such products from U.S. firms, citing a "significant risk" that the Chinese firm's new memory chip capacity will threaten the viability of American suppliers of such chips for military systems. It said in a statement that Fujian Jinhua "poses a significant risk of becoming involved in activities that are contrary to the national interests of the United States." The action is similar to a Commerce Department move that nearly put Chinese telecommunications equipment company ZTE out of business earlier this year by cutting it off from U.S. suppliers. ZTE, which had violated a deal to settle violations of sanctions on Iran and North Korea, was allowed to resume purchases of U.S. products after a revised settlement and payment of a $1 billion fine. The action against Fujian Jinhua is likely to ignite new tensions between Beijing and Washington since the company is at the heart of the "Made in China 2025" program to develop new high-technology industries. The world's top two economies are already waging a major tariff war over their trade disputes, with U.S. duties in place on $250 billion worth of Chinese goods and Chinese duties on $110 billion of U.S. goods. Fujian Jinhua, which is starting up a new $5.7 billion chip factory in Fujian province, is linked to the Trump administration's accusations that China has systematically stolen and forced the transfer of American technology. Fujian Jinhua and Taiwanese partner United Microelectronics Corp. (UMC) were accused last December by U.S. memory chip maker Micron Technology Inc of stealing Micron chip designs through poached employees, a case still under way in a California court. UMC countersued in a Chinese court, accusing Micron of infringing its patents, leading to a temporary ban in July on sales of Micron's main products in China. It was not immediately clear what effect the Commerce Department action will have on Fujian Jinhua's operations. U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said in a statement that the Chinese firm's new plant likely was the beneficiary of "U.S.-origin technology" and its additional production would threaten the long-term viability of U.S. chipmakers. "When a foreign company engages in activity contrary to our national security interests, we will take strong action to protect our national security," he said. "Placing Jinhua on the Entity List will limit its ability to threaten the supply chain for essential components in our military systems." The United States urged European Union governments on Monday to reflect on whether it was really in their interest to go ahead with a trade dispute over U.S. metals tariffs, and said it was hopeful of settling the issue with Mexico and Canada. The U.S. tariffs attracted an unprecedented seven requests for WTO adjudication, as well as a slew of criticism, at a fractious WTO dispute settlement meeting, while the United States hit back with legal actions against its critics. Shea not surprised U.S. Ambassador Dennis Shea said he was not surprised by China's opposition, since it had massive overcapacity in metals production and was a non-market economy, but that Washington was "deeply disappointed" with the EU's stance. "We would encourage the European countries to consider carefully their broader economic, political, and security interests," Shea told the meeting. "We will not allow China's party-state to fatally undermine the U.S. steel and aluminum industries, on which the U.S. military, and by extension global security, rely." China's representative responded by saying the United States was shifting its arguments to disguise its protectionism. Canada and Mexico have also challenged the tariffs 25 percent on steel and 10 percent on aluminium but a U.S. trade official told the meeting that, after constructive discussions, Washington was hopeful of reaching an agreement with both. Adam Austen, a spokesman for Canadian foreign minister Chrystia Freeland, told Reuters the best outcome would be for Washington to rescind the tariffs. Taboo no longer Norway, Russia and Turkey also asked the WTO to judge the legality of the U.S. tariffs, despite Washington's assertion that they are based on national security and therefore outside WTO jurisdiction. National security claims were taboo for most of the WTO's 23-year history, because trade diplomats feared a domino effect as countries cited national security to get out of a wide range of obligations. But Shea suggested it would be even worse to try to challenge the U.S. national security claim. "The United States wishes to be clear: if the WTO were to undertake to review an invocation of (the national security exemption), this would undermine the legitimacy of the WTO's dispute settlement system and even the viability of the WTO as a whole," he said. Trachtman turns to Twitter On Twitter, Joel Trachtman, professor of International Law at Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, and Jennifer Hillman, an American former WTO judge, said Shea's position was not supported by WTO law. Canada's representative at the WTO meeting said fear of a national security threat was "inconceivable", while Norway said it was "evidently divorced from real-world security concerns." Canada, China, the EU, Mexico and Japan argued that the U.S. tariffs were "safeguard" measures that could be addressed with sanctions under WTO rules. Washington for its part requested WTO adjudication of their retaliatory measures taken by Canada, China, the EU and Mexico. All the requests for WTO adjudication will need to be confirmed at another meeting next month before going ahead. The Vatican will not oppose the exhumation of the remains of the late Spanish dictator Francisco Franco and their removal from a huge mausoleum outside Madrid built in memory of the fallen in the 1930s Spanish civil war. But still unclear is where Francos remains will then be buried. During and after a bitterly fought civil war in which Generalissimo Francisco Franco's Nationalist forces defeated leftist Republicans, the Spanish leader engaged in an organized effort to stamp out remaining leftist and communist movements in Spain - a campaign in which tens of thousands of people were either executed, sent to concentration camps, or exiled. Franco's government had close ties with the Roman Catholic Church. Since assuming power this year, the Spanish socialist government of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has driven the push to exhume the remains of the late military dictator, which have been buried in the Valley of the Fallen near Madrid since his death in 1975. It has now obtained the assurances from the Vatican that the Catholic Church's leadership will not oppose the move, which has been highly controversial in Spain. Spains deputy prime minister, Carmen Calvo, held a two-hour meeting with Secretary of State Pietro Parolin at the Vatican this week, described by the Spanish government as extremely cordial." A government statement issued after the meeting said, The Church shared its concern, which is the same as the governments, to grant justice to the victims of abuses and prevent these events in the future. Calvo recently defended the Spanish governments decision to exhume Francos remains from its current resting place, deemed by many to be inappropriate and disrespectful. But the deputy prime minister said there is no respect, no honor, no justice, no peace or harmony while the remains of Franco are in the same place as those of the victims. Where Francos remains would be re-interred is unclear. Calvo has explained that although the government can have the exhumation take place, it is up to the dictators family to decide where his remains will be moved. Francos family owns a crypt in the Almudena Cathedral in Madrids city center, but there too have been protests outside the church against the possibility of having the dictators remains placed there. On the reburial, the Vatican and Spanish government agreed on the need to find a solution and continue to maintain dialogue. The mausoleum in the Valley of the Fallen holds the remains of some 34,000 people who fought on both sides in the Spanish Civil War. The Spanish government presented it as a place of reconciliation at the time, but in the years after the death of the dictator it turned into a symbolic site for those nostalgic of the Franco days and - from the viewpoint of the current government and those on the left - is portrayed as an embarrassment for Spain's modern democracy. Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa met with business leaders Monday to discuss ways of boosting the country's troubled economy. He suggested companies are contributing to shortages by holding back essential goods, but one of the businessman said the accusation is not true. Columbus Mavhunga reports for VOA News from Harare. In recent years, the bilateral trade value has been growing steadily towards a more balanced relationship. Vietnams exports to Japan have seen encouraging growth. In 2017, five key Vietnamese exports to Japan, namely garments, machinery, transport vehicles, seafood and timber products, all increased compared with the previous year, with each reaching at least US$1 billion. In the opposite direction, most of Vietnams imports from Japan are to be used for manufacturing activity. In 2017, three of Vietnams imports from Japan with respective values of at least US$1 billion were machinery, computers and electronics, and steel and iron. Japan is a large importer of seafood, garments, footwear products and processed food, which are Vietnams strengths, while Japanese machines and accessories have long established their reputation in Vietnam. Japanese cuisine served in the Japanese style in Japanese restaurants in Vietnam is helping to bring the two countries culturally closer together. Japan is assisting to develop Vietnams supporting industries, with the Vietnam-Japan supporting industries exhibition being held regularly to promote economic and investment cooperation between the two countries and enhance the capacity of Vietnams supporting industries. Cooperation between Vietnams Ministry of Industry and Trade and Japans Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is active, with notable cooperation between the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency and the Japan External Trade Organisation (Jetro) and the ASEAN Promotion Centre on Trade, Investment and Tourism. The cooperation between the two sides has focused on fields with great potential and has brought about an early and clear effect, especially in Vietnams key economic zones. One of the prime examples of Vietnam-Japan cooperation is Japans special support programme for Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam (CLMV) to help the four countries to bolster the export of high-quality handicrafts. Within the framework of the above-mentioned programme, Japanese experts share their experience with Vietnam on product design and marketing, and business administration. Recently, Japan has facilitated Vietnam to export an additional number of products to the East Asian country, such as red-flesh dragon fruits, mangoes, heat-processed chicken and milk. The two sides also cooperate in catching and exporting tuna to Japan. The Vietnam-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement signed in 2008 has become a driver for trade growth between the two countries. The two governments supportive stance and the two business communities dynamism and faithful cooperation are expected to create further opportunities for bilateral trade cooperation. However, Japan is a demanding market with strict requirements on product quality, applying not only to imports from Vietnam but to those also from other countries. In order to take full advantage of the cooperation opportunities between the two countries, Vietnamese enterprises need to ensure that their exports meet the quality standards of Japanese importers, while at the same time transforming Japans cooperation and support programmes effectively in order to strengthen the Vietnamese economy. (CNN) -- James "Whitey" Bulger, the notorious and much-feared former Boston mob boss, was killed Tuesday morning at the United States Penitentiary Hazelton in Bruceton Mills, West Virginia, multiple officials told CNN. Bulger, 89, who had eluded federal authorities for more than 16 years before his arrest in June 2011, was serving a life sentence for a litany of crimes, including his role in 11 murders. He was sentenced in November 2013 to two life terms plus five years for his role as architect of a criminal enterprise that, in the words of a federal judge, committed "unfathomable" acts that terrorized a city. A federal jury convicted had Bulger that year of 31 counts, including racketeering, extortion, money laundering, drug dealing and weapons possession. The jury found him culpable for 11 killings from 1973 through 1985. In 2016, auctioned items seized from Bulger's Santa Monica, California, apartment raised almost $110,000 to compensate victims' families. Bulger was born September 3, 1929, in Dorchester, Massachusetts. Authorities located 36-year-old white male, Kristopher Robert Horzempa, in the woods on County Road 10 in Jackson County after he was separated from his two female friends while four-wheel riding Sunday. According to Chief Rocky Harnen, deputies began the search Monday afternoon. Crews were on four wheelers riding along the trails of the mountain looking for Horzempa and his green four wheeler. Harned said one of the two ATV's got stuck. Horzempa and the two women got into an argument and Horzempa walked off leaving them behind. Kristopher Robert Horzempa Kristopher Robert Horzempa The two women ran out of gas on Sunday and they spent the night into the woods after trying to find him. On Monday, they called 911. The search started at Bingham Mountain off Highway 106 and then moved to Highway 10. Now's the time to be thinking about winterizing your home. If you'd like some help, you can reach out to the Community Action Partnership of North Alabama. Crews spent the day getting the home of Decatur resident, Dora Tucker, ready for the winter. All of the measures put in place seal the home from air coming inside, which will help to save money on her electrical bill. Tucker said she's excited to get her first bill now that her home has been winterized. "Last year, I got a $700 light bill, and I thought it was going to take me away. This year, it's going to be better," she said. "I feel like I won the lottery, big lottery, and I appreciate them for coming out giving me a hand." The project was done through The United States Department of Energy's Weatherization Assistance Program, which offers assistance to low-income citizens. It provides weatherization services to around 40,000 homes a year. The improvements save homeowners an average of $283 a year. Those interested in the program have to submit paperwork for consideration. The Community Action Partnership also gave Tucker's yard a makeover and painted her doors and window frames. Weather is on our minds as a storm system approaches. That storm system may mean damaging severe thunderstorms and blindingly heavy rainfall Thursday morning. Halloween will be quiet. Clouds and wind will increase. A stray shower is possible for trick-or-treating, but overall we will stay dry. A storm system developing over the Central U.S. will intensify and track eastward tonight and Wednesday. It will arrive in the Tennessee Valley Thursday morning. Storms will bring a risk for damaging straight-line winds, heavy rain and a brief tornado beginning between 7 AM and 9 AM across the Shoals. Storms will approach and cross I-65 and bring the risk for severe weather into Athens, Decatur, Huntsville, Madison and Fayetteville between 9 AM and 11 AM, then spread eastward across Sand Mountain from 11 AM to 1 PM. The initial line of storms will bring the highest severe weather risk and the potential for damage. It will last no longer than an hour for any given location, though it may take as long as seven hours to track from the Mississippi state line to the Georgia state line. Rain may linger behind the initial line of storms, but the severe weather threat will drop quickly afterward. The rain may last into Thursday evening. The Limestone County Sheriff's Office is investigating methods scammers are using to victimize local residents. One victim was scammed over $41,000, and another more than $24,000. A 60-year-old Limestone County woman reported a scam in which someone impersonated United States military personnel to attract people looking for a relationship. The scammer created fake social media accounts and stole photos and information from a service member's social media account. MGN Online MGN Online The scammer then created a tragedy to gain the victim's trust and asked the woman to cash a check from them. Banks are required to make funds available after a few days, but it can take weeks for them to realize that the check is forged. This leaves the victim liable for the loss, and this woman lost almost $42,000. Theyre older, theyre more trustworthy, they think everybodys still good, which, nowadays, everybody is not good," said Kenny Terry. Terry says he knows first-hand how people prey on the elderly. He says his mother fell victim to a scam recently, and he hates to hear there are others. Those people are real vulnerable because theyve lost a loved one theyve spent their whole life with," Terry said. A 73-year-old Limestone County woman lost nearly $25,000 after a scammer told her that she'd won a large sum of money, but that she needed to pay taxes and fees before she could receive it. One document the scammer sent the victim was forged to be from the Alabama State Treasury. The elderly people see those things and they think, Well, okay, I can put this $20,000 up and its a way to help my family,'" Terry said. The sheriff's office warns citizens that anything requiring money up front is a scam and that should you send money, you will likely never recover it. They say it is difficult for law enforcement to identify scammers, as they are typically not from the U.S. Terry says hes got a message for others who have elderly family members. Take care of your parents, because thats what were supposed to do, people," he said. "Be on top of them. Be aware of their finances. Make sure you know who theyre talking to and pay attention to whats going on around your family, so you dont fall into these pitfalls." When you head to the polls next Tuesday, you'll have four state amendments to vote on. The most controversial one is about abortion. With just one week until the election, WAAY 31 wanted to know what it says, so you can make an informed decision. "You're seeing from some organizations, them saying that this would potentially change the law. We are not changing the law. We are effectively setting forward a public policy statement that we as Alabamians are pro-life," said David Pinkleton with the Madison County Democratic Party. He said that Amendment Two won't overturn Roe v. Wade and make abortion illegal. We read a copy of the ballot language, and it states the Alabama Constitution doesn't guarantee a right to abortion or the funding of it. Walt Maddox, the Democratic candidate for governor, said he doesn't support it. "It's a constitutional amendment and our constitutional amendments supersede any law in the state, so to pass an amendment that is statement and not a matter of running our day to day operations is to me dangerous in and of itself," he said. Critics have said Amendment Two is the first step to dismantling Roe v. Wade. Maddox says it's simply too broad. "I am a pro-life Democrat, but there has to be exemptions in the case of the health of the mother, rape or incest. This amendment doesn't provide any of that and to me that is unthinkable that we would even engage in this type of way. If we want to be pro-life, we have to keep those exemptions there," Maddox said. Republicans think it could be a step in showing legislatures how Alabama feels about abortion, if it was ever brought back to each state to decide upon. "Roe v. Wade is not all of a sudden obsolete in the state of Alabama. Abortions are allowed to go forward, but it is making clear within the constitution that, 'hey, you know there is no right to abortion.' We're not going to have that enumerated in the constitution," Pinkleton said. Governor Kay Ivey has said she supports Amendment Two, because it supports the rights of the unborn. 31 Oct. The British School at Rome hosts Learning to imagine: the Brontes and 19th c. ideals of education, a lecture by Dinah Birch, University of Liverpool, at 18.00 on Wednesday 31 October. The lecture will focus on the writings of the Bronte family in the context of the educational controversies of the 19th century and the Brontes commitment to education, in both professional and personal terms. More details can be found on the Facebook event page. This so-called trade war is just a political game between state leaders of China and the U.S. . . . If you decided to not travel to the U.S. just because you hate Trump, then you would probably also have joined a boycott against U.S. products if Hillary Clinton was president. Nationalism is not going to take us anywhere, said a 50-year-old man who applied this month for a visa to visit Los Angeles, San Francisco and Las Vegas and would provide only his surname, Zhou. Money and curiosity is. Facing immense public pressure, those three tech giants have invested heavily over the past year in adopting new rules, creating powerful artificial-intelligence tools and hiring thousands of employees who keep watch over what happens on their sites. Twitter, for example, has more clearly prohibited hateful tweets, imagery and profile features. But the company also has struggled with anti-Semitism. And it failed to take down an account belonging to Cesar Sayoc, whom users had reported for making violent threats months before authorities say he mailed pipe bombs to prominent Democrats and critics of President Trump. Murphy studied at the Cleveland Institute of Music, where Preucil taught, and she had heard rumors, she says, for 25 years. In the welcome packet she sends to new families, she includes information on the sheet music but tells parents to go to iTunes and download the recordings of the earlier version of the books, by her former teacher, David Cerone, even though they dont always reflect the revised fingerings and bowings in the newer, Preucil version. Interspersed with Bombachs verite footage are moments when Murad addresses the camera, reflecting on her life and work. In measured tones, she speaks in her native Kurdish about how she would have preferred not to have had this fame, wishing the world knew her by her previous identity: a student in her village whose dream was to open a beauty salon. She laments that the media often asks the wrong questions, pruriently asking her to recount her rapes instead of focusing on what can be done to help the Yazidis. Throughout the years, many presidential administrations have ordered special china services that are used for state dinners and other events at the White House. These dishes become part of the White House collection and can be used by later administrations. Sherman wanted to create a line of plates based on some of the most iconic patterns that could serve as decorative accessories. I selected six patterns; three from Democrats and three from Republicans, Sherman says. There are three floral patterns and three patriotic patterns. Considering The Meltdown is Number 13 in the series, you might expect Kinneys next book to be Diary of a Weary Writer. But instead of slowing down, the author is changing up what he does when he meets his many fans. Hes doing a few typical talks and book signings, but Kinney is also putting on a show. President Trump visited later in the day to offer his condolences, despite objections from some community members. Pennsylvanias governor and the mayor of Pittsburgh said they would not join him. In Hemrys Lost Fleet series (he writes under the name Jack Campbell), the fighting ships are trailed by fast fleet auxiliaries, mobile factories making weapons and fuel cells that enable them to travel one- or two-tenths the speed of light. Because of their speed, the ships have millisecond windows when theyre close enough to each other to shoot. And what do they fire? Particle beams called hell lances as well as missiles and grapeshot: little metal ball bearings, a great kinetic weapon in space. Theres also always asteroids that can be lobbed at Earth or at colonies on Mars, as when the Narn home world got completely pummeled, Clarke explained, in the space opera Babylon 5. The comment was a variation of the theme that Trump played on Thursday, after pipe bombs were sent to prominent Democrats, including former secretary of state Hillary Clinton and former president Barack Obama, and to CNNs offices in New York. A very big part of the Anger we see today in our society is caused by the purposely false and inaccurate reporting of the Mainstream Media that I refer to as Fake News, he tweeted then. It has gotten so bad and hateful that it is beyond description. Mainstream Media must clean up its act, FAST! Many of these classes are open-level, but studios often will mark more challenging classes as intermediate or advanced. For those with injuries, keep in mind that vinyasa can be physically challenging (you can always ask your instructor for modifications). Depending on where youre taking the class and who is teaching it, this form of yoga can feel like a full-on aerobic workout. Even the basic flow aspect can be tough teachers will call for students to take a vinyasa between poses moving from downward dog into high plank and then into low plank (called chaturanga), before lowering yourself to the ground, moving through upward dog and then back to downward dog. Taking a vinyasa requires a fair amount of strength (it can be modified by dropping your knees, as with a push-up). But once you get the hang of it, the feeling is powerful. Two of the seven replacement shelters that make up the mayors plan opened in the last month, in Wards 4 and 7. As of Tuesday, six families were living in the Ward 4 shelter and 14 families in the Ward 7 facility. The Ward 8 shelter is expected to open next month after construction delays. Shelters in Wards 3, 5 and 6 are planned to open next summer, while a building in Ward 1 is projected to be completed by 2020. The push to restrict short-term rentals has been led by the hotel industry and its unions concerned partly about competition as well as community groups unhappy about transients in their neighborhoods. They have mounted a campaign, including television ads, arguing that the growth of short-term rentals is disrupting neighborhoods and aggravating a shortage of affordable rental housing. Author Mary Kubica Courtesy Words Alive More than 400 people filled the Grand Ballroom of the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina Oct. 19 to hear New York Times-bestselling author Mary Kubica in conversation with Dr. Seth Lerer at the 15th annual Words Alive Authors Luncheon and Fundraiser. The literacy-focused nonprofit raised over $200,000 during the event, and also raised awareness for the organizations mission with an emotional and personal speech by Brittany Jackson, a Words Alive Westreich Scholarship Student who began participating in the Words Alive Adolescent Book Group in 2008. A decade later, she is a new graduate of UC Santa Cruz and is planning to apply for a masters degree program to become a high school counselor. The purpose of Words Alive is to make reading matter for young people and families around San Diego so they, too, have the power to write their own stories and plot their own successful futures, said Patrick Stewart, executive director. It takes a community to make this happen, and we are grateful to all those who attend the luncheon and who support us throughout the year. Every year, the luncheon features world-renowned authors such as Jodi Picoult, Salman Rushdie, Anna Quindlen and Isabel Allende. This years guest, Mary Kubica, is the author of five critically-acclaimed novels, including her powerful debut, The Good Girl. Set to be adapted into a TV series, it was an Indie Next pick, received a Strand Critics Nomination for Best First Novel and was a nominee in the 2014 Goodreads Choice Awards in Debut Goodreads Author and in Mystery & Thriller. Kubica doesnt like to use the word, thriller, to describe her books, though. I call the genre domestic suspense, she said. I love writing about marriage and families, and my books are more psychological than horror. What goes on in peoples minds is fascinating to me, and Im always interested in the idea of unreliable narrators. All of Kubicas novels are written in first person, and part of the enjoyment of reading them is deciding whether the narrator is actually telling the truth. Her latest book, When The Lights Go Out, which every guest at the Words Alive luncheon received, continues that theme. Its the story of a woman forced to question her own identity after the death of her ailing mother. She discovers information that causes her to doubt everything shes ever known, and she no longer knows whats real or what shes imagining as insomnia exacerbates her problems. Sleep deprivation is serious, said Kubica, who researched the topic for her book and has experienced some of its side effects herself. Heres a fascinating fact I learned. The percentage of people having heart attacks spikes as much as 25 perecent on the Monday after we spring ahead for Daylight Savings Time. If that occurs from just losing one hour of sleep, imagine what can happen to someone experiencing long-term insomnia. Kubica gets up early in the morning to write, hopefully after a good nights sleep during which she solves plot problems. Its a routine she got into when her kids were younger and she had to grab any quiet moment to write. In fact, she didnt even start writing until she became a mom, although she had always been passionate about writing. Ive been writing since I was a little girl, she admitted, but I didnt have the confidence to share my work. My friends had no idea I was a writer. A former high school history teacher, Kubica wrote The Good Girl over a period of five years, never telling anyone about the book until it was finally accepted by a publisher. I probably sent the manuscript to a hundred agents, and every one of them rejected it, she remembered. I threw out every rejection letter before my husband came home from work and deleted them from my email so I wouldnt have to talk about it. Two years later, when she was on the verge of giving up on it, The Good Girl was accepted by an agent who had originally read the manuscript in the slush pile at a time when she was too junior to have the power to give it the green light. Now able to take on her own clients, she reached out to Kubica and the rest is publishing history. You only need one person to love your book, said Kubica. And Im so grateful. There seems to be many more people loving Kubicas books these days. Shes traveling around the country, from her home outside of Chicago, to read from and sign copies of When The Lights Go Out at bookstore, libraries and literary festivals. Kubica is also working on her next novel and interacting with her fans on social media. As an author, theres nothing better than getting a message on Facebook or reading a tweet from someone whos just finished one of your books and wants to tell you how much they enjoyed it, she said. For a reader to take the time to actually reach out that just means everything. You can follow Kubica on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @marykubica. Grandparents, who range from 55 to 93 years old, are assigned to schools or day-care centers and a few to childrens hospitals in their communities so that they have the potential to run into their students at the corner store. If grandparents perceive that a child isnt reading at home, they are trained to pick a street that they are both familiar with and to ask the child report back about what a sign says, or with how many times the student encountered a letter. After the Stars story was published, ever larger crowds began gathering outside Pendletons house. Each new person who comes up puts on a bold front and enters the yard, thinking he is smart enough to catch the spook, or at least find out where the missiles come from, wrote the Star. They are soon glad enough, however, to retreat from the shower of whisky, beer and pop bottles and dilapidated tinware. When Marylanders approved constitutional amendments allowing slot machines starting in 2008 and table games in 2012, lawmakers promised funds would go toward education. But there was no legal requirement revenue be spent that way, and since 2009, when the states Education Trust Fund was created, $1.9 billion in casino revenue has been redirected from public school spending to the general fund to balance the budget, according to the Maryland State Education Association. Before the funeral, before the burial where the Rosenthal brothers would be interred by shovels wielded by friends and family, there was a crowded visitation at the temple. The Rosenthal family sat in a row of chairs in an adjacent room greeting mourners one by one. Visitors filed past three portraits of the two, known within the family as the boys: Cecil Rosenthal with a warm smile; David Rosenthal grinning; and the two of them, who both had developmental disabilities, standing as they lived, side by side. Weve been asking the city to create an LGBTQ advisory board, a group of people who are really involved in the community and have a good idea of how to stop these things in the future, said Cathleen Rhodes, director of the Tidewater Queer History Project and a womens studies professor at Old Dominion University. I believe [the] City Council when they say they didnt realize the impact this was going to have, and there was no homophobia involved. I believe that from them. But when a community comes to them over and over and over again and says, This thing really matters to us. Please listen, and you continue to ignore them? That is an act of homophobia. Todays Headlines The most important news stories of the day, curated by Post editors and delivered every morning. Email address By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Charles Geyh, a legal-ethics professor at Indiana University, told a panel of 10 judges that the Kozinski controversy exposed serious gaps in the system. The process in which judges discipline each other, he said, is particularly problematic and gives judges too much discretion to look the other way. The Stafford County sheriffs office said deputies took the man into a man into custody around 10 a.m. in the area of the Stafford Marketplace. They said he was being held in jail. Lily Tomlin Jenny RIsher Lily Tomlin opened her recent one-woman show at the Balboa Theatre by saying, Growing up in Detroit, I always wished Id be a big star so I could go on tour to San Diego, and immediately endeared herself to the sold-out audience. The 79-year-old comedian has been performing for more than half a century, and many of her most beloved characters Edith Ann, Ernestine made welcome appearances during An Evening of Classic Lily Tomlin. Tomlin is a master at captivating a crowd, and after reminiscing about each of her famous characters, she brought them up to date, keeping them relevant and proving their timelessness. Five-and-a-half-year-old Edith Ann is now talking about cell phones and Ernestine has transferred from the phone company to a big healthcare insurance company, where she still doesnt care about helping her customers and gets a kick out of screaming at each one, Not covered! Not covered! There were lots of jokes about current events, and Tomlin made it clear how she feels about politics (Talking about the lies her mother told her, she said, She told me the people in Washington wouldnt be there if they didnt know what they were doing.), reality shows (Before anyone gets a reality show, they should have to prove theyve been in touch with reality.), the internet (Its the perfect place to find those imaginary friends from childhood.) and social media (They finally found the Black Hole but cant decide whether to call it Facebook or Twitter.) The historic Balboa Theatre was an ideal venue for Tomlin, who shared her own rich history through family photos and old film clips. She showed pictures of her parents in Kentucky, and admitted that, although her father used to make auto parts, he could never afford an entire automobile. And she told a hilarious story about her mothers Tupperware parties, and burping the lids, which brought back so many universal memories. With no more than the screen above and a table and chair onstage, Tomlin created an intimate setting that made it feel like she was talking to her friends rather than an audience. Her self-deprecating humor (I worry about identity theft and why no one has chosen to be me.) was so poignant, especially when she seemed to forget what she was supposed to say. I left out an entire part of this monologue, she admitted, making her even more relatable to the older crowd. I was doing so well, wasnt I? After another flub, she sighed, If you wait long enough, everyone will destroy their own career. Its hard to really know whether this was part of the show but it happened a number of times and brought her closer to the audience each time. She had them cheering for her when she started to tell a story about Lana Turner, an old friend of hers, and then laughed and said, I dont know why I threw that in. It threw the timing off. But she had the most beautiful body. Although her routines are clever and surprisingly deep (One of the most effective survival skills we have is the ability to delude ourselves.), it was those off-script moments that showed why Tomlin continues to be a fan favorite. The winner of seven Emmy Awards, two Tonys, a Grammy and so many other honors, shes still wowing audiences on Grace and Frankie, the popular Netflix series in which she co-stars with Jane Fonda, whom she talked about lovingly during a Q&A session with the audience, which was a highlight of the evening. She referred to Fonda as Jane 2 since Tomlins partner of 45 years, Jane Wagner, is, to her, Jane 1. All are devoted activists, and Tomlin asked the crowd to check out One Fair Wage, a campaign focused on fixing the restaurant industrys broken two-tiered wage system. The National Restaurant Association is the other NRA, she joked, and explained that Fonda was so passionate about this cause, she could talk for hours about it and wouldnt care if you were detained from leaving the theater because of it. Tomlin stretched out on the stage to answer questions from audience members, and had people roaring. When asked which of her characters was her favorite, she replied, Thats like asking Mrs. Duggar to choose from her 19 children. Someone asked her if she considered doing voiceover work, causing her to cock an eyebrow and retort, Have you seen The Magic School Bus? Her Ms. Frizzle is an iconic childhood character, but Tomlin admitted, I wish I could have been one of the Minions in Despicable Me. Tomlin talked about how much she loved Flirting With Disaster, the 1996 movie in which she starred with Ben Stiller and Patricia Arquette, and called 9 to 5 the first #MeToo movie in history. We could have been making it for 30 or 40 years because thats how long it takes, she said. At the beginning of the show, Tomlin told the audience, Most actors worry about playing to an empty house. I worry about playing to a full house and leaving the audience empty. By the end of the show, it was obvious she had nothing to worry about. When Halber declared that Jews will not be frightened out of their synagogues We will not cower! he prompted the first standing ovation of the night. The crowd stood again for a leader of HIAS, the Jewish agency whose work aiding refugees was cited by the alleged shooter, and when more than 100 clergy half of them Jewish rabbis and cantors, half representing other faiths crammed up front together for the recitation of the kaddish. Bannon left Breitbart to become Trumps campaign manager in August 2016 and went on to serve as chief strategist in the White House. He was forced out of the White House post after seven months, after encouraging and amplifying the presidents divisive remarks in the wake of a deadly white supremacist demonstration in Charlottesville. He rejoined Breitbart after that but left in January amid an uproar over comments he made about Trump and his family to author Michael Wolff for Wolffs book Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House. There is no pure right or wrong to this, said County Supervisor Daniel G. Storck (D-Mount Vernon), who represents the area and supports the development but says he is worried about environmental impacts. We need to do something to address the property and to mitigate the impact of its poor use for the last 50-plus years. The no campaign, which goes by Keep MA Safe online and often refers to the ballot initiative as the bathroom and locker room law, has run a 30-second television spot showing a young woman being stalked in a dressing room by a sex offender. Spokeswoman Yvette Ollada said the current statute does not provide enough protections for women in bathrooms and needs to be revised rather than reaffirmed. She said her groups aim is not to deprive anyone of their rights which are protected under other laws or to serve as a national referendum on transgender rights. Dr. Thomas Buchholz is acclaimed as one of the leading cancer physicians in the world. Now, he is sharing his expertise in this region as medical director of the recently created Scripps MD Anderson Cancer Center. The center is an amalgamation of resources between San Diego-based Scripps Health and Houstons MD Anderson Cancer Center, which is ranked among the best cancer-fighting institutions in the nation. Buchholz worked and held leadership positions at MD Anderson for two decades before taking the job with the newly formed collaboration in San Diego and moving to Rancho Santa Fe. "Tom Buchholz is a consummate cancer care provider, leader, teammate and clinical researcher," MD Anderson President Dr. Peter Pisters said in an email. "He brings to MD Anderson Cancer Center not only a stellar career as a clinician, but tremendous experience as an executive bringing together teams and people to deliver the highest quality multidisciplinary cancer care. "Dr. Buchholzs commitment to patients, colleagues and community make him an ideal fit for Scripps MD Anderson, and his experience at MD Anderson adds an especially valuable perspective." A radiation oncologist specialist, he has written more than 350 peer-reviewed journal articles cited around the world as benchmarks in helping to guide treatment decisions, information provided by Scripps states. Among many accomplishments, he-cofounded the worlds first clinic to treat patients with inflammatory breast cancer, a rare, highly aggressive form of the disease, according to Scripps representatives. One thing I want to comment on is what an engaged community we have here, Buchholz said. Now, people can receive the same degree of care here that is available in Houston. Buchholz said he often treated patients in Houston who had been referred there from Southern California. Now, they should be able to receive the same level of treatment here. The degree of excitement across the community about this development and the willingness to want to be part of it has just been really rewarding, Buchholz said. Its been a very welcoming city and a very welcoming culture, a culture that really wants to give back and help us with this mission. Scripps is one of a number of alliances MD Anderson has formed over the last decade with cancer treatment centers around the nation efforts that Buchholz described as fully integrated partnerships. Other partnerships have been established with Banner Health in Phoenix, Baptist Health in Jacksonville, Fla., Cooper University in southern New Jersey and Summit Medical Group in northern New Jersey. MD Anderson has a mission to eradicate cancer throughout the nation and the world, Buchholz said. In doing so, it recognized that it wanted to have an impact beyond its presence in Houston. Over the past five to 10 years, weve aligned with strategic national partners to bring forward a national network of clinical care, prevention, treatment and research. Joining forces with Scripps Health was a natural step, considering the San Diego systems own record as a leader in cancer care and treatment. Scripps has always had an outstanding reputation in oncology care and oncology research dating back many decades, the 56-year-old physician said. Scripps has been instrumental in identifying new drugs that have become a standard of care and its recognized as a leader in providing resources. To combine that with the resources available in Houston is a really exciting proposition. Buchholz said executives at MD Anderson and Scripps began talking of joining forces over two years ago. We found a great alignment of patient care and physicians specialties, Buchholz said. There was just an immediate synergy in our mission to combat the disease of cancer and a great relationship developed. The two institutions really have similar philosophies of care that put the patients in the forefront and they are dedicated to working as a team of cancer care providers rather than as individuals. The desire is to take forward the resources of both institutions to further cancer treatment, research, awareness and prevention here in Southern California. ... Its really a big step forward for treatment here in San Diego. A key concept in forming the collaborations, including the one with Scripps, is to provide a multidisciplinary array of services to patients, the medical equivalent of one-stop shopping. When patients receive an appointment at Scripps MD Anderson, they will see a gamut of professionals involved in the treatment process, including medical and radiation oncologists, pathologists, surgeons, nurses and nutritionists. Patients will be assigned a nurse navigator to guide them and their family through the process. To date, the approach is offered for the most common cancer sites: breast, lung, gastrointestinal and genitourinary (prostate). Other areas will be addressed as the collaboration unfolds. Buchholzs personal journey to becoming a heralded figure in medicine had an unlikely beginning. In undergraduate school, he majored in philosophy. I decided to go to medical school because I really enjoyed being involved in human interactions and being able to help people at the time of their greatest vulnerability and need, he said. I think that is what really led me to cancer treatment and the possibility of improving the survival rate and comfort of cancer patients. His expertise in radiation oncology began during his service in the U.S. Air Force. The bulk of his career, however, unfolded at MD Anderson. Medicine enabled me to have a career in which I could form meaningful personal relationships and help people who are going on the most significant personal journey in their lives, Buchholz said. As a physician, youre coming into peoples lives and helping them at a time when theyve been told they have such a terrible disease. ... At the same time, it is important for readers to know how much hope there is right now and how many positive developments we have. How exciting is it that we have the ability to understand cancer now that we didnt have five to 10 years ago? Its a very important part of a synagogue to think about the world and the best changes we can make in the world, she said. The last couple of hours, weve been thinking the best way to honor those that were lost is by voting and talking to people about making the world better. I dont vote because the winners of most races Im eligible to vote in are predetermined, due to gerrymandering, the electoral college and the overall heavy political imbalance of the state. (I tell people from elsewhere that Maryland leans so far to the left that even our crabs are blue.) In reality, I have no more say in who my congressional representative or my U.S. senators will be than my neighbors in D.C. have in choosing theirs. Voting in such a system is not only a waste of time; it also perpetuates a system of anti-democratic elections. Carl Yaffe, Rockville I saw myself then and see myself now as an American, whose fundamental religion is Americanism. By this, I believe that being an American is just about the greatest identity anyone can have. Thats my faith, and one of the fabulous things about being an American is that you can practice whatever your personal religion is without anyone including the government interfering, as long as you dont threaten others. I am not a very good Jew; I dont know most of the Hebrew prayers and go to synagogue mostly around the Jewish new year. To boot: I am an agnostic. Still, I wouldnt surrender my Judaism for anything. Maybe Republicans will never turn on the standard-bearer of their party, no matter how vile his words. The question is why they also refuse to police their less-powerful colleagues. Neither major U.S. party is completely innocent of employing intemperate rhetoric or incivility, but only one of them has federally elected lawmakers who sound so often like European ethnonationalists. Much the same has happened in Colorado. In fact, that those backing Proposition 112 still hold a narrow lead is almost a miracle, because theyre being outspent roughly 40 to 1 by the oil industry. The Colorado initiative is modest to a fault: It wouldnt ban fracking, like New York, but instead merely restrict it to more than 2,500 feet from peoples homes and schools. And yet the oil industry has pumped in $38 million so far the same amount of money that drew gasps when Beto ORourke announced hed raised it in the last stage of his Senate bid. In this case, though, its being spent in a state with a fifth of the population. To relieve my own guilt at bringing the president to this fragile state, I hereby rescind any and all blame I have cast on him. Trumps rhetoric is not responsible for the pipe bombs or the synagogue shooting or anything else. Also, Trump should be given A-pluses and no blame for all inadequate hurricane responses, he should not be blamed for Russian interference (it was made up by bitter Democrats) and there was no collusion. Furthermore, Hillary Clinton only won the popular vote because of fraud, Trump signed more bills than any other president, CNN ratings are at an all-time low, the tax cut was the biggest ever, President Barack Obama bugged Trump Tower, Trumps inauguration set an attendance record and something bad happened last night in Sweden. A group of 65 Ocean Air Elementary School parents and community members have expressed strong opposition to the proposal to convert Ocean Air Community Parks natural turf to an artificial turf field. Through a joint-use agreement between the city of San Diego and Del Mar Union School District, the school has sole use of the city-owned field from 30 minutes before school starts to 30 minutes after the last bell. During school hours, students are playing on the grass during recess, lunch and PE class. At the Del Mar Union School District boards Oct. 24 meeting, Dr. Emily Engel, a neurologist at Scripps Clinic and mother of two children at Ocean Air, stressed the importance of community input on whether to make this change at the park. Its a risk to our childrens health and bad for the environment and dont let the contractors tell you otherwise, Engel said. The turf project is an action item on the Ocean Air Recreation Advisory Groups Tuesday, Nov. 27 meeting at 7 p.m. at the Ocean Air Recreation Center. If approved it will go to the San Diego Park and Recreation Board early next year. The advisory group last discussed the fields at a meeting on Sept. 25. According to opposition group member Hirdey Bhathal, the meeting announcement was only sent to people who live within 300 feet of the park boundarymeeting agendas are also posted at the recreation center. Only four community members were in attendance with no representation from the school or the district. DMUSD Superintendent Holly McClurg said the district was not aware of the meeting until they received a letter from the opposition group on Oct. 15. McClurg said that the district has since been in contact with the city and is meeting with parks and recreation staff on Nov. 8 to get information on the status and timeline of the project. She made assurances that there will be school community outreach. This was something that was not proposed by the school district and we are now involved and need to be involved, McClurg said. Bhathal said the opposition group has spent a lot of time conducting its own research on the issue and asking questions: We want to be involved so please use us, he said. According to Chris Delehanty, the districts director of capital programs and technology, the joint use agreement was established with the city in 2006. Delehanty said per the expectations of the agreement, both sides need to agree on any enhancements to the property. The artificial turf project was approved by the Carmel Valley Community Planning Board back in 2015, tapping $5.7 million in Facilities Benefit Assessment Funds. The fields at Carmel Valley Recreation Center are also planned to be converted to artificial turf and the Carmel Valley Recreation Advisory Group will review that turf project on Nov. 13. The then-rec council made the recommendation for artificial turf as it provides a more consistent and level playing surface that does not require irrigation, fertilization or landscaping. According to the city, the artificial turf would provide year-round use with no down time for renovation and can also support heavier use, allowing for additional programming at two of the areas busiest parks. In 2015, the project was anticipated to be completed in 2019 improvements also include a new concession building and comfort station at the park. All three Carmel Valley high schools Torrey Pines, Canyon Crest Academy and Cathedral Catholic have artificial turf fields. Engel last circulated a petition against artificial turf when it was proposed in 2015, gathering 275 signatures in opposition. Her major concern is about the health effects of artificial turf, in both the short term and long term. In the short term, artificial turf gets very quickly dirty, Engel said, noting that it requires maintenance of water and antibiotic soap every week, which is not an environmentally-friendly process. The problem with this being a dirty carpet that our children play on is that it exposes them to MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) which is flesh-eating bacteria and although the contractors will tell you that it lasts for 12 years it doesnt. In the California heat it quickly melts and hardens and the kids are then falling on a very hard plastic surface instead of the forgiving natural turf that we have. Engel said she is horrified by the long-term health risks due to the potentially toxic materials used in the turfgranules are added to the synthetic grass carpet to hold it in place. While some fields use crumb rubber composed of old tires, the city consultant is proposing to use cork for Ocean Air, which is considered a natural material. Even though it is claimed as a natural material, the consultant was not able to tell us how this material is prepared and if there are chemicals used to make it, the group stated in its letter to the district. The group has also found that cork has not been declared safe by USDA and cork dust is associated with respiratory diseasethey said wet cork can grow mold that will also cause respiratory disease. Resident Priti Ojha, also a physician, said there has been a number of studies that show that the lower extremity injury rate is 16 percent greater on synthetic surfaces. Kids are falling all the time and she would not like to see their risk of injury from falls increase. Ojha said that evidence-based safety data is not known at this point for some types of artificial turf and the city was not able to provide it for the group. Without data, now is not the time to make this type of transition, Ojha said. Maybe in the future, as we continue to collect data and the data we do have is more in support of this type of transition I would be more open to it. But at this time I strongly encourage we not move forward with this proposal. Kumar Saikatendu, a resident who recently moved very close to the park, expressed his concerns about the safety for his children as well as the cost. The group has found that the life of artificial turf is eight to 10 years and while there is funding to install it, there is no capital allocated to replace it. They said the estimated cost to replace the turf could be $3 million and it is unclear where that money would come from. Its like buying a 500-pound gorilla and figuring out how to feed it later, Saikatendu said. While the group has learned that the maintenance costs required are comparable to natural turf, the natural turf has not been properly maintained at Ocean Air. Opponents said if the artificial turf is not properly maintained, it would be a significantly greater health risk than poorly maintained natural turf. We recognize that the current field suffers from a large number of gopher holes and artificial turf could potentially address this issue, the groups letter stated. However, there are certainly safer, more cost-effective options for proper maintenance of natural turf that have not been pursued. We dont need it, Bhathal said of the artificial turf. Somebody else can use the $5 million. We cannot wait for someone to save us. We must do it ourselves. This Election Day is a crucial opportunity to again demonstrate the best in each of us by doing our duty and voting for leaders who are committed to the values that will unite and protect us. Years from now, when our grandchildren learn about this critical time in our nations history, they may ask if we got involved, if we made our voices heard. I know what my answer will be. I hope yours will be yes. Biden denounced the Kentucky shootings as coldblooded murders and spoke of the other two incidents in personal terms, telling the crowd that two of his close friends are members of the Pittsburgh synagogue and that the explosive devices sent to him and others could have been picked up by our kids, our grandkids. As the president touched down in southwestern Pennsylvania on Tuesday, almost 2,000 demonstrators assembled not far from where some of the shootings victims had been buried that day. The relatives of at least one victim declined to meet with Trump, pointing to his inappropriate remarks immediately after the shooting, when the president suggested the shooting could have been avoided if the synagogue had had an armed guard. Aside from being unconstitutional, such an executive order would exacerbate racial tensions, exploit fears and drive further polarization across the country at a moment that calls for unity and inclusion, said Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. It is hard to imagine an executive order that would be more ill-timed or misguided given recent events across the country. Stiverss admonition came hours after Land OLakes announced that it was withdrawing its support for King. The company had faced calls for a boycott after it emerged that it had made a $2,500 contribution to Kings campaign in June. Tech giant Intel also recently announced in an email to employees that it was ending its support for King in light of his recent comments, Fast Company reported. The politics of the movement based on mens misdeeds, alleged and proved, are inescapable for the two women running for the Minnesota seat. Thats not just because Franken stepped down a decision with which some state Democrats still disagree. Its also because the state attorney generals race has been upended by an abuse accusation from an ex-girlfriend of the Democratic nominee, Rep. Keith Ellison. And because Housley has criticized the treatment of Brett M. Kavanaugh over a decades-old assault accusation during hearings on his nomination to the Supreme Court a post he was nominated to by a president who has also been accused of sexual misconduct. Ellison, Kavanaugh and President Trump have all denied allegations against them. He had asked Theresa May what she thought of Merkel, and Theresa May had an idea of where the president was going with this. She said, Well, you know, I consider her to be the most capable politician on the European continent. And the president said, Really?! Stone recently added to his account, saying he had also been tipped about a possible coming WikiLeaks disclosure by viewing an email from James Rosen, then a Fox News reporter, to blogger Charles Ortel. Ortel confirmed to The Post that he had forwarded Stone the email, in which Rosen said he was hearing a major disclosure related to Clinton was in the offing. Rosen declined to comment. The latest report on the national socio-economic situation published by the General Statistics Office of Vietnam (GSO) showed that, compared with the same period last year, export turnover in October has increased by 2.3%, of which the domestic economic sector increased by 9.3% and the foreign invested sector (including crude oil) decreased by 0.1%. For the first 10 months of 2018, export turnover was estimated at US$200.27 billion, up 14.2% over the same period last year, of which the domestic economic sector gained US$56.82 billion, up 16.8%; the FDI sector (including crude oil) reached US$143.45 billion (accounting for 71.6% of total export turnover), increasing by 13.2%. Export turnover of several key products continued to increase over the same period last year; telephone and components reached US$40.7 billion, up 10.6%; textiles and garments (US$25.2 billion) increased by 17.1%; electronics, computers and components reached US$24.3 billion, up 15.2%; machinery, equipment and accessories (US$13.5 billion) is up 28.3%; and footwear reached US$13 billion, up 9.7%. In addition, agricultural and seafood products also witnessed positive results, with fishery product exports reaching US$7.2 billion, up 5.9%; vegetables and fruits (US$3.3 billion), up 14.4%; coffee (US$3 billion), up 1.1% in value and up 21.5% in volume; and rice reaching US$2.6 billion, up 16.1% in value and 3.4% in volume. Crude oil exports for the whole 10-month period continued to decline sharply, in both volume and value, over the same period last year, with export turnover having reached US$1.8 billion, down 24.8%, while export volume has decreased by 45.4 %. During Jan-Oct, the United States maintained the leading position as Vietnams largest export market with turnover having reached US$39 billion, up 12.8% over the same period last year. The second in the list is the EU, with export value from Vietnam reaching US$34.9 billion, up 9.9%; followed by China (US$32.1 billion, up 21.3%), ASEAN (US$20.6 billion, up 14.5%), Japan (US$15.3 billion, up 10.6%), and the Republic of Korea (US$15 billion, up 23.5%). Meanwhile, Vietnams import turnovers for October were estimated at US$20.70 billion, up 6.1% over the previous month; crude oil imports rose especially sharply at 163.1%, mainly due to the production need from the Nghi Son Petrochemical Refinery Complex. Compared with the same period last year, import turnover in October increased by 13.6%, of which the domestic economic sector is up 14.5% and the FDI sector has increased by 13%. For the first 10 months this year, import turnover was estimated at US$193.84 billion, up 11.8% against the same period last year; the domestic economic figure was at US$77.5 billion, up 12%, and the FDI sector was at US$116.34 billion, increasing by 11.7%. In October, Vietnam is expected to enjoy an estimated trade surplus of US$100 million. For the 10-month period, trade surplus was estimated at US$6.4 billion, of which the domestic economic sector suffered trade deficit of US$20.7 billion, while the FDI sector (including crude oil) enjoyed trade surplus of US$27.1 billion. TORONTO (The Guardian) Scientists in Canada have warned that massive glaciers in the Yukon territory are shrinking even faster than would be expected from a warming climate and bringing dramatic changes to the region. After a string of recent reports chronicling the demise of the ice fields, researchers hope that greater awareness will help the public better understand the rapid pace of climate change. The rate of warming in the north is double that of the average global temperature increase, concluded the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in its annual Arctic Report Card, which called the warming unprecedented. The region is one of the hotspots for warming, which is something weve come to realize over the last 15 years, said David Hik of Simon Fraser University. The magnitude of the changes is dramatic.In their recent State of the Mountains report published earlier in the summer, the Canadian Alpine Club found that the Saint Elias mountains which span British Columbia, the Yukon, and Alaska are losing ice faster than the rest of the country.Previous research found that between 1957 and 2007, the range lost 22 percent of its ice cover, enough to raise global seal levels by 1.1 millimetres.When I first went to the St Elias range, it felt like time travel into the past, said Hik, who co-edited the report. What were seeing now feels like time travel into the future. Because as the massive glaciers are retreating, theyre causing a complete reorganization of the environment.The accelerating melt of the glacier has resulted in major shifts to water sources at lower elevations. Emily Strizich, a grass-roots activist with Reclaim Idaho, which is supporting the measure, said she has approached homes with Make America Great Again signs and found people agreeing with the measure on the other side of the doors. She said that last week she was out registering voters when a man with an NRA hat approached and told her, Its such a shame were sending money out of state, and our neighbors are going without support. Do you agree with what they did to Brett Kavanaugh? Do you believe that what they did was okay? And if you believe it was okay, vote Democrat. If you thought it was despicable, vote for us, Graham said. Throughout the campaign, DeSantis has embraced Trump and his tactics in hopes of having Trumps voters embrace him. In July, DeSantis ran an ad in which he teaches his young daughter to build the wall with toy blocks and reads Art of the Deal to his infant son. And his campaign since then has been almost identical to the one Trump ran. He has pilloried his opponent for alleged ethical lapses, and says that he will be the one to clean up a corrupt capital. At best, TV and Radio Marti are pretty irrelevant, said Flake, who has long argued that the broadcaster is inefficient and a waste of federal dollars. But when you have an agenda like this, basically to smear George Soros and provide a platform for anti-Semitic views, to be paid for by the U.S. taxpayer, then things have reached a new and pernicious level, he said. Vice President Pence declined to say Tuesday whether he supports Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) becoming the next House speaker, adding the decision should be left to members of the chamber. As experts try to determine what could cause a new plane to crash in apparently favorable operating conditions, rescue and recovery workers aided by sonar equipment and underwater drones are searching for the wreckage, which could provide crucial clues to what went wrong. Fifty divers have been deployed to the crash site off the coast near Jakarta and have expanded the radius of the search, which is expected to last at least a week. Tamaki said Abe had told him that Tokyos stance on the bases had not changed, but Japans prime minister also indicated that he would like to reduce the burden on Okinawa. Nevertheless on Tuesday, the central government issued an injunction allowing work on the base to resume almost immediately. As yet, there has been no visible sign of change. The reason why we havent seen much movement within the family is because the senior people who have not been part of the Ritz-Carlton prisoners are not moving, said the unsympathetic Saudi official. The reason why they are not doing it is because they are waiting to see what the king is going to do. And what the king will do will depend on the pressure coming from the U.S. Zha Rong is accused of directing the intrusion into the French firm. Chai Meng, who is also known as Cobain, coordinated the hackers and the activity of two Chinese employees of the French company, who also were charged for their role in facilitating the technology theft, U.S. officials alleged. Those employees, Gu Gen and Tian Xi, worked in the companys Suzhou office. This is exactly the same pattern we have seen here, said the British lawmaker Thornberry, referring to the killing of Khashoggi which speaks of a crown prince who takes his allies for fools and relies on the fact that his lies will be believed, he will be exonerated and that everyone will return to business as usual once the publicity has subsided. Former AMA president Michael Gannon has warned Labor against reviving its controversial Mediscare campaign, as Opposition Leader Bill Shorten signals the party's intention to ramp up its attacks on the government's health record in the lead-up to the federal election. Introducing neurosurgeon Brian Owler as the ALP candidate for Bennelong at Sydney's Ryde Hospital on Tuesday, Mr Shorten echoed the 2016 privatisation scare campaign that stoked fears a Coalition government could sell off Australia's prized universal healthcare system. "Healthcare under the current conservative government has gone backwards," Mr Shorten said, seizing upon the news that the government plans to outsource at least 12 Medicare jobs in Hobart. Labor candidate Brian Owler on Tuesday. Credit:James Brickwood "First, they froze Medicare. Then they cut funding to hospitals. And now, yet again, they're undermining our whole Medicare system, by the use of labour hire companies to do core tasks of the Medicare payment system." When it comes to healthy living, knowledge is power. Read the latest articles on healthy living: Get the facts on alcohol and diabetes Heres what you need to know about drinking and how to do it safely. Medication & Treatments How to lighten your load and take it easy if you live with diabetes Diabetes can be a lot to handle, but there are some simple ways to ease daily burdens. Mental Health Working out with video games Over the past decade or so, a number of developers have created video games designed to get players of all ages on their feet. Fitness How journaling might just improve your health if youre living with diabetes Journaling is more than just a trend. Research shows that it can be an effective tool to help people manage chronic health conditions like diabetes. Mental Health What to do when insurance switches your diabetes medications Learn about nonmedical switching by insurance companiesand what you can do about it. Medication & Treatments Subscriber content preview By JOYCE M. ROSENBERG AP Business Writer NEW YORK A sign in the window of a clothing store in Manhattan is already putting shoppers on notice: It will be closed on Election Day so employees will have time to vote. Companies aren't required to shut down on Nov. 6, but many give their staffers paid time off to go to the polls 44 percent, according to a survey by the Society for Human Resources Management, a trade group. Small business owners who wonder what to do should first check their state and local laws. . . . 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United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe Accordingly, the manufacturing and processing industry saw a high growth of 12.7%, contributing 9.8 percentage points to the overall IIP growth. In addition, the power production and distribution sector surged by 9.6%, contributing 0.9 percentage points, while the water supply and waste and wastewater treatment industry edged up 6.6% with contribution of 0.1 percentage points. Meanwhile, the mining industry decreased by 2.6%, reducing the overall IIP by 0.4 percentage points. The central province of Ha Tinh recorded the highest growth of industrial production at 105.6%, thanks to the contribution of Formosas steel factory, followed by the north central province of Thanh Hoa with 30.3%. The southern coastal province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau witnessed the lowest growth with 1.3% due to the decrease of crude oil exploration. The countrys IIP for October only was estimated to see a year-on-year increase of 7.7%. (This article was published at www.ImmigrationReform.com. Published here with permission.) A group of congressional Democrats is complaining about Texas Operation Lone ... (This article was previously published at www.ImmigrationReform.com. Published here with permission.) If the Biden administration carries out threats to fire... Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 29/10/2018 (1117 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Tops in the country. Thats what the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers has named the Save-On-Foods store on McPhillips Street. The Northgate Shopping Centre anchor tenant took home the national gold award for best large-space grocer in Canada at a gala event in Toronto last week. "It was pretty cool to bring that back. We were up against some pretty nice stores our there," store manager Tim Styba said Monday. St. Norbert Marketplace, which has been closed for more than a year, also won in the themed event category for small-surface stores. The popular store at the south end of Pembina Highway is being rebuilt by Federated Co-op. Styba credited staff and Save-Ons varied offerings for the win. "Its got everything, from the obvious to the Starbucks to dim sum to frozen yogurt to a solutions kitchen where chefs cook." It has a perogy bar and a wing bar. It has a sweet shop with candy apples and popcorn. The perogy offerings range from potato-and-bacon-flavoured perogies to blueberry, apple pie, cinnamon and sugar perogies. "There are some grocers here in the city that have tried to copy some of the things we do and I take that as the ultimate form of flattery," Styba said. Chefs perform demonstration cooking where people can watch and pick up pointers. "Its like a demo kitchen or sampling kitchen. We have our own chefs in the store that do our Chinese food and dim sum and stuff," Styba said. The store has five Chinese food chefs. They cook items such as barbecued duck and pork, soya chicken and dim sum. "You know, we hand-picked those guys. We went around the city and sampled Chinese food and when we found some of the best in the city, we hired them," Styba said. Theres also a multimillion-dollar commissary that produces smoked meat, deli meat, smokies, beef jerky, pasta and other products for the companys three stores in the city. Stores are nominated and then auditors spend time inspecting them. The auditor goes out and scores the store for a period from April to the end of June. The process puts the store under a microscope. "Its a forensic audit of how you run your store and they interview your customers, team members and they check for gum under the tables, balloons in the rafters and what youre parking lot looks like and your back loading bay. Its a very detailed audit." Styba said the stores strength is its staff. "Nothing happens without a power team, and a team that really cares about the community and where they work," he said. "It shows in our store with how clean we are and friendly. We get a lot of comments on that every week and ultimately its a team award." The 65,000-square-foot store opened two years ago in November. Save-On tries to sell products tailored to the tastes of its community. The store features an International Market with more than 6,000 products from places such as the United Kingdom, Germany, Greece, South Asia, South Africa and Mexico. bill.redekop@freepress.mb.ca Polling subdivisions in the city saw voter turnout as low as 9.5 per cent in the municipal election -- but one voting station saw 90 per cent, according to city data. Polling subdivisions in the city saw voter turnout as low as 9.5 per cent in the municipal election -- but one voting station saw 90 per cent, according to city data. This election year -- which included no major threat to incumbent Mayor Brian Bowman -- had the lowest participation rate since 2006, with an overall turnout of 42 per cent, even with a polarizing plebiscite question on whether pedestrians should be able to cross at Portage and Main. See how voter turnout differed by neighbourhood: An overall look Lowest turnout In these inner city polling areas, turnout was below 20 per cent. Mayor Brian Bowman won nearly all these neighbourhoods. In 2014, it was a similar story, with many eligible voters in the city's poorer areas avoiding polls. The Yes vote in the Portage and Main referendum won many of these polling areas. Highest turnout Residents in this polling subdivision were very keen on voting, with just over 90 per cent of the 730 registered voters going to the polls. Bowman won this area -- and so did the No vote. A large pocket in River Heights and a small area in West Wolseley also exersiced their right to vote in a big way, with these polling areas reporting turnout between 60 and 80 per cent. Turnout, 1971-2018 In nearly 50 years of municipal elections, Winnipeg has never seen voter turnout above 60 per cent. After five days of testimony in a sexual abuse trial that saw the complainant and the accused both swear to tell the truth on the witness stand before presenting very different versions of what happened, a Court of Queen's Bench judge has now heard all of the evidence involving an internationally recognized Winnipeg pediatrician. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 30/10/2018 (1116 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. After five days of testimony in a sexual abuse trial that saw the complainant and the accused both swear to tell the truth on the witness stand before presenting very different versions of what happened, a Court of Queen's Bench judge has now heard all of the evidence involving an internationally recognized Winnipeg pediatrician. Victor Chernick, 82, has pleaded not guilty to sexually abusing his son Richard in the 1970s, during a time when he was chief pediatrician at Winnipeg's Children's Hospital, head of pediatrics in University of Manitoba's faculty of medicine and a visiting professor at Harvard University. Dr. Victor Chernick. After Victor Chernick denied all of the allegations on the stand Monday, his defence team called his younger brother to testify Tuesday. Robert Chernick, 81, disputed the Crown prosecutor's suggestions that he was "blindly supporting" his brother, saying he came to court only to offer truthful testimony. "I believed my brother was innocent," he said during cross-examination from Crown prosecutor Debbie Buors. "No more blindly than a court should be blind to it until you're proven guilty." He said later: "I'm not here to support him. I'm here to give honest testimony." Robert testified he never asked his brother for details of Richard's sexual molestation allegations and never talked to police about them. He said he hadn't heard Richard's testimony so he didn't know what to believe. "That's for the court to decide," he said. Robert said he sided with his brother when Victor's daughter Sharon accused her father of sexual abuse in the 1990s. Robert said he knew Sharon was lying because she had also accused him of sexually assaulting her. Buors suggested Robert was "laying low" when he heard about the allegations against Victor because he didn't want police to investigate him. "It never entered my mind to go to the police. If these allegations are made, they'll do their own investigation and they'll come to me. I didn't even think of going to the police," he said in response to Buors' cross-examination questions. Richard, now 56, accused his father of sexually molesting him about 100 times starting when he was 12 until he was 17. Richard testified he wasn't ready to come forward when his sister Sharon went to police with similar allegations against their father in 1991. Those charges were later stayed. After Richard went to police in 2013, the Crown revived charges related to Sharon, but those charges were stayed after Victor Chernick's defence team successfully launched several legal challenges, including unreasonable delay, loss of evidence and abuse of process. The sexual-abuse allegations caused a rift in the family, Robert testified, and hurt his relationship with his sister Arlene Chernick, because she believed Sharon and he didn't. Arlene, a.k.a. Robin Tyler, testified last week that two of her nieces told her in the early 1980s that Victor was sexually abusing them and Richard. She said she called a family meeting in Winnipeg to get Victor to apologize, and that Robert was present. Robert testified Tuesday he never attended such a meeting and said the only allegations Robin ever told him about involved Sharon. Richard previously testified he doesn't remember a family meeting, and Victor told court nothing like that ever happened. On Monday, Victor categorically denied his guilt, describing the accusations as "repugnant." Defence lawyers Roberta Campbell and Sarah Inness, along with the Crown, will present their closing arguments to the judge Wednesday. katie.may@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @thatkatiemay OTTAWA As local candidates for mayor and city council collect their lawn signs, federal parties are already eyeing Manitoba seats for the October 2019 election. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 29/10/2018 (1117 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. OTTAWA As local candidates for mayor and city council collect their lawn signs, federal parties are already eyeing Manitoba seats for the October 2019 election. The Free Press spoke with backroom insiders from the three main political parties, as well as political scientists, to learn which Manitoba ridings are in play, whose seat is safe and what messages politicians will target at Winnipeggers. CharleswoodSt. JamesAssiniboiaHeadingley Liberal MP Doug Eyolfson represents a riding on Winnipegs western border, making it a target for the Conservatives. Doug Eyolfson's win in 2015 surprised many. The riding had been held by the Conservatives for the previous decade. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press files) Christopher Adams, a University of Manitoba political scientist, said the riding follows a national trend, where federal elections are increasingly decided by swing ridings on the growing, outer edges of Canadas largest cities. "Liberal support declines as you get out to the further suburbs," he said, with the area favouring Tory tax cuts. Eyolfsons win in 2015 surprised many, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus popularity vaulting him to success. The riding was held for a decade by its current MLA, Steven Fletcher, whom the federal Tories have barred from running under their banner. The Conservatives have chosen former city councillor Marty Morantz as their candidate; his familiarity in the riding could make him Eyolfsons nemesis. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press files) Fletcher has pledged to seek a federal seat in the 2019 vote, but hes been coy about which riding, and whether hell be a candidate for the party that started by fellow Tory outcast Maxime Bernier. The Conservatives have chosen former city councillor Marty Morantz, whose familiarity in the riding could make him Eyolfsons nemesis. Eyolfson has piloted numerous public-health policies in Parliament, but Liberal insiders are concerned about his lack of name recognition in the riding. KildonanSt. Paul MaryAnn Mihychuks suburban riding is another target for the Tories, and the only other seat that has Liberal backrooms uneasy. Mihychuk was demoted from cabinet in early 2017 after a series of reported difficulties, from spending announcements that hadnt been approved, to prickly relations with staff. MaryAnn Mihychuk was demoted from cabinet in early 2017 after a series of reported difficulties, from spending announcements that hadnt been approved, to prickly relations with staff. (Adrian Wyld / The Canadian Press files) Allegations emerged earlier this year that Mihychuk had acted inappropriately at Winnipeg evacuation centres, causing confusion and upsetting Red Cross staff, during the Island Lake fires in 2017. Mihychuk has downplayed both concerns, but the Liberals have resisted making her a parliamentary secretary. The party still hasnt green-lighted Mihychuk as their candidate in the riding. Observers, including from a rival party, say she has a firm grasp of the riding, drawing in a large number of individual donations and holding regular outreach sessions, particularly with seniors. Shell need to hold their support for the coming year, and its partially why Trudeau stopped by a retirement home in her riding last month. The Tories will pick their candidate on Nov. 4; running are provincial PC staffer Raquel Dancho and Janet Campbell, whose mother Joy Smith held the riding for a decade. Winnipeg South Adams said Winnipeg South is a classic bellwether riding, and Conservative sources confirmed its on their list of targeted races. Liberal Terry Duguid won Winnipeg South in 2015, and the party is banking on his name recognition this time around. (Wayne Glowacki / Winnipeg Free Press files) Liberal Terry Duguid won in 2015, and the party banking on his name recognition this time around. Since December 2015, Duguid has served as a parliamentary secretary, a role that takes him out of the riding on a ministers behalf to make announcements. Trudeau hasnt appointed Duguid to cabinet, which would have boosted his visibility. The Tories havent yet set a date for the nomination race. Candidates include provincial PC staffer Melanie Maher and former air force pilot Tyler West. Winnipeg Centre and Winnipeg North The NDP hopes to make gains in these two Liberal ridings, but Raymond Hebert, a political science professor emeritus at Universite de Saint-Boniface, says both Liberal incumbents are popular. Robert-Falcon Ouellette is generally popular among downtown residents. (Boris Minkevich / Winnipeg Free Press files) Robert-Falcon Ouellette is generally popular among downtown residents, while Kevin Lamoureux is "almost impossible to beat" after years as an MLA. Hebert said that Winnipeg broke with its traditional loyalties to the three main political parties about a decade ago, when the Tories held the southwest, the Liberals held the north and the NDP kept downtown ridings. Now, the city largely follows national trends. "I think the NDP is in bad shape in Winnipeg, but the Tories could stand to win four or five seats easily, I think, if there was a Tory swing across the country." Kevin Lamoureux is considered "almost impossible to beat" in Winnipeg North after his years as an MLA. (Sean Kilpatrick / The Canadian Press files) Still, Adams says the NDP has more of a chance in Winnipeg than Regina and Saskatoon, whose ridings all span downtown and suburban neighbourhoods. "Winnipeg has a sufficiently large working-class population to generate (NDP) members of Parliament," he said. Yet some party loyalists are concerned about leader Jagmeet Singhs lack of visibility. A year after taking the helm of the party, hes been to Winnipeg once, for a low-key visit with community groups in January. The party has not yet picked its candidates. ElmwoodTranscona NDP MP Daniel Blaikies seat is considered safe by all three parties. (Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press files) NDP MP Daniel Blaikies seat is considered safe by all three parties. The Tories are hoping that former MP Lawrence Toet will take back his riding. The election of council candidate Shawn Nason, who had worked for Toet when he was MP, during the civic election last week, bodes well, they say. Winnipeg South Centre Jim Carr probably holds the safest seat in the province, as a cabinet minister in a traditional Liberal riding. (John Woods / Winnipeg Free Press files) Probably the safest seat in the province, Trade Diversification Minister Jim Carr sits in a traditional Liberal riding, though it had elected Tory MP Joyce Bateman in 2011. The Tories havent decided on their candidate; currently running is Lawrence Hamm, the superintendent of Winnipeg's Mennonite schools, while there are rumours Bateman will seek another term. Saint BonifaceSaint Vital Dan Vandal, who represented the riding as a city councillor for two decades, is popular as the current MP. (Mike Deal / Free Press files) One of the Conservatives first picks in Winnipeg was candidate Rejeanne Caron, whom leader Andrew Scheer highlighted during a visit to the city in August. Dan Vandal, who represented the riding as a city councillor for two decades, is popular as the current MP. Before the 2015 election, the seat was held by the Tories. Shelley Glover, who was also a bilingual Winnipeg police officer, became a cabinet minister. She decided not to run in 2015. The Tory rural zones All three parties expect the federal Tories to retain their five seats in Manitoba, which make up every non-Winnipeg riding except for northern Manitoba. The only sitting MP who is not seeking a seat or their partys nomination is Robert Sopuck, who will retire after representing DauphinSwan RiverNeepawa since 2010. (Matt Goerzen / The Brandon Sun files) Adams says the Tories only vulnerability is Brandon because the city isnt as loyal to the Conservatives as the surrounding municipalities that make up the BrandonSouris riding. The only sitting MP who is not seeking a seat or their partys nomination is Robert Sopuck, who will retire after representing DauphinSwan RiverNeepawa since 2010. Sopuck has not yet endorsed a candidate but plans to do so, which will likely heavily influence the race. The candidates include Dan Mazier, who stepped down as head of Keystone Agricultural Producers, Ben Fox, who left his role at Manitoba Beef Producers, and longtime school trustee Floyd Martens. ChurchillKeewatinook Aski Manitobas northern riding consists largely of two key NDP demographics: blue-collar mining towns and remote Indigenous communities. The federal Liberals have been in talks with MLA Judy Klassen about running in ChurchillKeewatinook Aski. (Wayne Glowacki / Winnipeg Free Press files) But the area has seen electoral surprises before, such as during the 2016 provincial election, when Liberal candidate Judy Klassen won by more than 10 points against the NDP despite having a smaller campaign budget. The Liberals have been in talks with Klassen about running as a federal candidate, but have not yet decided whether to extend that offer. She is popular with the First Nations that make up a large part of the riding, though NDP incumbent Niki Ashton has widespread support among band leaders and Metis communities. Niki Ashton won the past three elections, but her 2015 lead amounted to less than 1,000 votes, suggesting a strong opponent could take the riding. (Sean Kilpatrick / The Canadian Press files) The Liberals have reached out to Sheila North, the former MKO grand chief. Ashtons travel expenditures show she is frequently in the riding, and not just her hometown of Thompson. Shes won the past three elections, but her 2015 lead amounted to less than 1,000 votes, suggesting a strong opponent could take the riding. The Liberals see it as their best shot outside Winnipeg. dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca Manitoba Hydro has reached a long-term agreement with Saskatchewan's power utility to export up to 215 megawatts of power to the neighbouring province beginning in 2022. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 29/10/2018 (1117 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Manitoba Hydro has reached a long-term agreement with Saskatchewan's power utility to export up to 215 megawatts of power to the neighbouring province beginning in 2022. Related Items Click to Expand Articles Oct 29, 2018: Manitoba waiting on carbon retrofit cash clarification: Pallister Dylan Robertson and Larry Kusch The new deal is for a minimum of 18 years, with a potential extension to a total of 30 years. It would provide Saskatchewan with enough electricity to power 82,000 homes. The latest deal, announced Monday, is the largest of three recent power deals between the two provinces. By 2022, Manitoba Hydro will be supplying up to 315 megawatts of hydroelectricity to Saskatchewan. No financial terms were released. "It's a significant advance for Manitoba Hydro, and it's something that shows Manitoba's sincere commitment to... reducing the carbon output, not only of our province, but also of our neighbouring provinces," Premier Brian Pallister said. RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES SaskPower says the deal with Manitoba Hydro will help the corporation meet its commitment to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 40 per cent (compared with 2005 levels) by 2030. An official with SaskPower said the deal will help the corporation meet its commitment to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 40 per cent (compared with 2005 levels) by 2030. "Projects like this help meet that target," said Doug Opseth, director of generation asset management and planning with SaskPower. Opseth said the sale will also help Saskatchewan cope with a growing demand for power. Saskatchewan still uses coal to generate electricity. Ottawa has mandated an end to coal-fired power generation by 2030. The two utilities have signed what they call a "term sheet" for the power sale. The final legal contract is expected to be concluded by mid-2019. The latest sale will use capacity provided by a new 230,000-volt transmission line planned for construction between Birtle and Tantallon, Sask. When completed, the 80-kilometre line announced in 2015 will also improve the reliability of the electrical grid between the two provinces. The line is anticipated to be in service by June 2021. Province shrinking fleet Sustainable Development Minister Rochelle Squires The Manitoba government announced Monday that it will remove 400 vehicles from its fleet, at an annual operating savings of up to $2.3 million, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 4,000 tonnes. Sustainable Development Minister Rochelle Squires said provincial staff will be encouraged to reduce their travel to meetings and, instead, rely on video and conference calls whenever possible. click to read more The Manitoba government announced Monday that it will remove 400 vehicles from its fleet, at an annual operating savings of up to $2.3 million, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 4,000 tonnes. Sustainable Development Minister Rochelle Squires said provincial staff will be encouraged to reduce their travel to meetings and, instead, rely on video and conference calls whenever possible. The province's Vehicle and Equipment Management Agency will co-ordinate the removal of the vehicles from government service, she said. Last year, the provincial fleet consisted of 2,000 vehicles, each annually using an average of 4,400 litres of fuel. Over the next five years, with a smaller fleet, the government estimates the province will save about 8.8 million litres of fuel and could eliminate production of about 23,300 tonnes of greenhouse gases. The province will install monitoring devices on remaining light-duty vehicles, including cars, to help track driving practices such as idling times and speed and fuel consumption. The province will use the data to assist in monitoring the provincial fleet's overall greenhouse-gas reductions, Squires said. Close About 46 km of the proposed line is in Manitoba. The proposed budget for that portion of the line was pegged at $57 million in 2015. The proposed line is still in the licensing process in Manitoba. Manitoba Hydro expects a decision by September 2019, after which construction will begin, spokesman Bruce Owen said. He said the sale will utilize surplus power from the entire Manitoba generating system. It is not linked to the completion of the Keeyask Generating Station, he said, although when the first turbine in that project comes into service in October 2020 it will increase the corporation's generating capacity. When fully on stream, Keeyask will produce 695 megawatts of power. Meanwhile, Pallister said Ottawa has not indicated that it would be giving Manitoba any credit for the construction of infrastructure to expand sales of renewable electricity to Saskatchewan customers, "though they are indicating they're giving credit to other jurisdictions on the east side of the country for such investments." Manitoba estimates that the exports could lead to emissions reductions of about 1.3 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per year by displacing fossil-fuel power generation in Saskatchewan. larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca A Winnipeg fabric artist has a mission: to commemorate the almost 900 local soldiers who died during the First World War by hanging banners outside their former residences. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 30/10/2018 (1116 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A Winnipeg fabric artist has a mission: to commemorate the almost 900 local soldiers who died during the First World War by hanging banners outside their former residences. Letty Lawrence, a retired fundraiser, estimates she and her friends have already placed about 500 banners on city trees, hydro poles and light standards, with a few hundred more to go. "My name is William John Spence. Those who loved me lived at 47 Furby Street. I was a railroader. I went to fight in the Great War and did not return." (Winnipeg Free Press) "Im getting to know a lot of streets in Winnipeg," Lawrence said Monday. "These are all people who died either in the war or as a result of the war. (The names) all come from Veterans Affairs and the archives... all the deaths are tragic, but it is especially tragic when you see many were listed as missing and then you see presumed dead." Lawrence said she has wanted to commemorate, in some way, the end of the First World War a century ago since, while visiting Australia in 2014, she knitted six poppies as part of a project marking the allied landings at Gallipoli. More than 50,000 were created, and a square in Melbourne was covered with them. "I wanted to identify and recognize these individuals through handmade fibre art who were they, where did they live, what were their professions?" she said. "My name is George Washington Burnett. Those who loved me lived at 451 Furby Street. I was an accountant. I went to fight in the Great War and did not return." (Winnipeg Free Press) Lawrence said the first person commemorated lived at 11 Assiniboine Ave., near the Manitoba legislature. The house had long since been torn down. "It was for David Leland Bawlf, and the headline in the paper says he was killed in aerial fight with Huns in France on April 21, 1918," she said. "He was 18 and a student when he enlisted." Lawrence said placing all the banners will take longer than Nov. 11 to complete. They will be in place until the end of the year. "Some people have asked me if they can keep the banners for their house history," she said, adding the banners will be donated to the Army Navy Air Force Veterans Rockwood branch at 341 Wilton St. "Ive paid for all of this I took money out of a TFSA to do this," she added. "Sometimes, I think Im crazy, but I am passionate about this. "I just had to do it." Arlington Street resident Sandy Fernandez was out for a walk Monday, and stopped to read a tribute to William Gilbert Hackland, a labourer who lived at 176 Arlington St. Hackland was 21 when he died July 25, 1918. "This is pretty fantastic," said Fernandez, who stopped to read the sign flapping in the wind south of Portage Avenue. "Wolseley has all these stories and history," he said. "Im very curious." A few blocks away, a passerby stopped to read one of the signs posted on Furby Street at Wolseley Avenue. Each bears a hand-drawn poppy and a request to "please honour this commemoration" and do not to remove it until Dec. 31. "Its beautiful," Patricia Muench said of the banner for William John Spence, who lived at 47 Furby St., which is now a small apartment block. It described him as a railroader who died Sept. 28, 1916. "He was only 19," Muench said. "Its really personal," she added, wondering if a family member posted the tribute. "Its like it was written by someone who loved this person." Muench said her moms brothers are Second World War veterans who survived, and her family has always observed Remembrance Day, but shed never seen anything before that hit so close to home like the neighbourhood signs pointing out where the fallen had lived. kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca Carol Sanders Legislature reporter After 20 years of reporting on the growing diversity of people calling Manitoba home, Carol moved to the legislature bureau in early 2020. Read full biography Manitoba is vying for millions of dollars in federal money to enhance treatment availability for those dealing with methamphetamine and opioid addictions. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 29/10/2018 (1117 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Manitoba is vying for millions of dollars in federal money to enhance treatment availability for those dealing with methamphetamine and opioid addictions. Health Minister Cameron Friesen confirmed the province is negotiating a deal with Ottawa to access a portion of the one-time, $150-million Emergency Treatment Fund outlined in the 2018 budget. According to an advisory note sent to the minister in May, "the purpose of this time-limited, one-time agreement is to help provinces more rapidly ramp up treatment services in light of the opioid crisis." The note, obtained through a freedom of information request made by the NDP, requests direction and a decision from the department about whether to apply for the emergency funding. "We have written a proposal. Im engaged with the federal government on that proposal and Im asking Manitobans to stay tuned and well have something to report very soon on that," Friesen said Monday. If Manitoba gets its per-capita share of the Emergency Treatment Fund from Ottawa, that would mean about $4.2-million for drug treatment in the province. (Toby Talbot / The Associated Press files) To access the funding, provinces and territories must match any dollar amount the federal government chips in over a five-year period. If Manitoba were to get its per-capita share of the federal cash, that would mean about $4.2-million for drug treatment in the province, Friesen said. Health Canada confirmed it has received applications from all provinces, which suggests none will be ensnared by a March 31, 2019 deadline to apply for the cash. The funding will be allocated based on need, not just population, with British Columbia receiving a disproportionately large sum to deal with its high rate of opioid deaths. New Brunswick, Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador have also already signed bilateral agreements for funding. Friesen wouldn't let slip exactly what the province is asking for in its application beyond increasing capacity at local addictions-treatment facilities. "Were looking for meaningful investments that the federal government can help us with to make a difference in facility, in community and were not taking any good idea off the table," Friesen said. Meth use has become a national problem and every province has applied for funding to help expand treatment options. (Anthony Souffle / Minneapolis Star Tribune files) Each province or territory that applies for the ETF must also provide a five-year action plan for how it plans to use the funding over the 2018-23 fiscal years. NDP leader Wab Kinew said the province isn't acting fast enough to access the funds. "Its a missed opportunity that has a real human cost, because every day that we dont take stronger action to add treatment spaces or a safe-injection site, thats another day where somebody can potentially overdose or see their life just get made that much worse by addiction," Kinew said. Federal Health Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor said her officials have received Manitoba's file and will negotiate the provinces' share of the funding, but she couldn't provide a timeline. "In your province, it's predominately the area of meth that is the issue, as opposed to the opioids crisis, so we've made it clear that the Emergency Treatment Fund can be used for any addictions treatment or substance issue," Petitpas Taylor told the Free Press Monday. "We certainly want to make sure we get (provinces) these additional resources." With files from Dylan Robertson jessica.botelho@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @_jessbu Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister received a rare show of support from the NDP on Tuesday, when he slammed a federal decision to effectively lower carbon taxes on New Brunswick coal production. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 30/10/2018 (1116 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister received a rare show of support from the NDP on Tuesday, when he slammed a federal decision to effectively lower carbon taxes on New Brunswick coal production. The premier cited Ottawa's apparent retreat from a promise to make major polluters pay as yet another example of how the federal government is treating eastern provinces more leniently than western provinces on carbon levies. JESSICA BOTELHO-URBANSKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES NDP leader Wab Kinew said the decision to exempt New Brunswick coal is "terrible" for the environment. "What's offensive is that the feds are making these exemptions and exceptions as a matter of course now, as a side deal it seems, almost as a mechanism to try to convince other provinces they should nod their heads and agree (to the tax)," Pallister said. Opposition Leader Wab Kinew, who has been critical of the premier in his fight with Ottawa over the carbon tax, accusing him of playing politics on the issue, said the decision to exempt New Brunswick coal is "terrible" for the environment. "I think the federal government just lost a lot of credibility making that move," he told reporters at the Manitoba legislature. "It's starting to look more and more and more like it's just two sides playing politics against the other," Kinew said. "And in the meantime, those of us who want action to help the environment... are standing, wondering when is someone going to step up and show leadership." Manitoba has decommissioned its coal-fired power production. Ottawa has said it will ban coal-powered generating stations across the country in 2030. Pallister has previously ridiculed Ottawa's decision to credit Newfoundland for promising to phase out coal sometime in the future. He has said it appears Quebec taxpayers are getting a sweetheart deal on the carbon tax compared with Manitobans. "We continue to see examples where the federal government is desperately trying to get buy-in from provinces that previously have demonstrated concerns about their approach on the whole carbon tax thing," he said. Meanwhile, the premier continued to signal Tuesday he is considering some form of court action against Ottawa's carbon tax, which will kick in April 1 at $20 per tonne and escalate to $50 per tonne by 2022. An announcement could come this week, officials said. Early this month, Pallister announced Manitoba would withdraw its proposed $25-a-tonne carbon tax, after the feds wouldn't move from its position the levy would eventually have to go up. Ottawa recently indicated it mulling the withdrawal of a proposed $67-million contribution to Manitoba for more than a dozen green projects -- a development that has incensed the provincial government. "That would be more about petulance than it would be about fighting climate change," Pallister said Tuesday. Kinew encouraged the province to continue to negotiate with Ottawa to resolve their differences on the carbon tax. "I think we need to see a consistent approach from the federal government," the NDP leader said. "They shouldn't be cutting a deal (with New Brunswick) on coal. And they should be ensuring Manitoba gets access to the $67 million." Manitoba Liberal Leader Dougald Lamont said he didn't have a lot of information about the concession to New Brunswick. He said one of the "pitfalls" of the federal approach is that there's a patchwork of carbon price schemes across the country. "I actually think that there should be a stronger role for the federal government to invest in a national strategy and help the provinces in a positive way," Lamont said. larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca A real-estate listing for a 16-bedroom home notorious for being an illegal rooming house has been toned down after concerns about how it was being marketed were raised in a Free Press story Monday. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 30/10/2018 (1116 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A real-estate listing for a 16-bedroom home notorious for being an illegal rooming house has been toned down after concerns about how it was being marketed were raised in a Free Press story Monday. The University Heights home that's zoned for single-family use had been listed as having revenue potential up to $93,000 per year, raising the hackles of neighbours and city Coun. Janice Lukes, who has made it her mission to go after illegal rooming houses around the University of Manitoba. WinnipegRealtors formerly known as the Winnipeg Real Estate Board says it has contacted the agent about removing the listing's reference to the revenue potential, and has organized a Nov. 8 information session on zoning and building permits for its members. The 2,500-square-foot dwelling was inspected by city officials Monday morning, said real estate agent Glen Williams. The inspection will spell out any limitations or requirements about what can and can't be done there to help inform prospective buyers about the property and its potential, he said. The property at 99 Thatcher Dr. was being marketed as earning up to $93,000 a year in revenue even though it is zoned for single-family use. (Daniel Crump / Winnipeg Free Press) "I don't think it's as exciting and controversial as has been reported," Williams said Tuesday. The dwelling that's served as a fraternity house, illegal rooming house and been the subject of a number of building-code infractions has been a thorn in the side of its neighbours and the target of Lukes, the councillor for Waverley West. She told the Free Press earlier the home is being sold by the estate of the deceased owner when, in fact, longtime property owner Nick Hildebrand sold the property for $250,000 on Aug. 15, land title records show. He died on Aug. 21, his obituary in the Free Press said. The new owner is a company called Alschell Inc. that lists a residential area of East St. Paul as its address. The house is listed for $449,900 on realtor.ca. "The current vendor is not interested in being a landlord. The last owner owned it for 20 years," Williams said, noting the late owner was earning $93,000 a year in revenue from the property. Peter Squire, WinnipegRealtors' vice-president of external relations, said Williams was spoken to about marketing a house zoned for single-family use as a revenue property, and the issue was addressed. The 2,500-square-foot home was inspected by city officials Monday morning. The asking price is $449,900, according to realtor.ca. (Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press) "We have been putting messages out to members and I've been on them for awhile before you start marketing a property, make sure your commentary is reflective and respectful and in line with current zoning," said Squire. "If you're not sure, you can get a verification of use letter from the City of Winnipeg to make sure your marketing is in compliance with that zoning. We've had a few issues in the past, not just the the recent one." Squire said his organization is being proactive by hosting a zoning and building permits information session for its members hosted by City of Winnipeg zoning and permits administrator, Martin Grady. So far, 100 real-estate agents have signed up for the session. "The big issue is the need for more supply," Squire said. The University of Manitoba has one of the lowest rates of on-campus housing in Canada, and out-of-town students scramble to find affordable accommodations close to the school. In 2017, Lukes spearheaded a study that found there may be as many as 150 illegal rooming houses in the neighbourhoods surrounding the U of M. If the U of M is being more aggressive and recruiting more students, how are they addressing the housing issue? asked Squire. "It is a bigger issue and we need to be part of the solution," he said. carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca with files from Ryan Thorpe Journalist and activist Vladimir Kara-Murza who has been poisoned twice and nearly died while opposing Russian President Vladimir Putin says there is a way Canadians can show their solidarity with the Russian people pushing for a new government and fair elections: name a street or public plaza after assassinated opposition leader Boris Nemtsov. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 29/10/2018 (1117 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Journalist and activist Vladimir Kara-Murza who has been poisoned twice and nearly died while opposing Russian President Vladimir Putin says there is a way Canadians can show their solidarity with the Russian people pushing for a new government and fair elections: name a street or public plaza after assassinated opposition leader Boris Nemtsov. Nemtsov, who had risen to be the strongest opponent to Putin, was gunned down on a bridge only 200 metres from the Kremlin in February 2015. Five Chechins were later convicted of the crime, but opposition leaders continue to believe Putin ordered the slaying. Kara-Murza, who is in Winnipeg to speak Tuesday at a 6:30 p.m. event at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, said the city council in Washington, D.C., named a square in front of the Russian Embassy after Nemtsov earlier this year, while Lithuania renamed a park across from the embassy in the capital city of Vilnius a few weeks ago. "The mindboggling thing is the Russian government, the Kremlin, is continuing to fight against Boris Nemtsov even now, even in death," Kara-Murza said Monday during a news conference at the museum. "They are now fighting his memory and his legacy and name. They are refusing and vetoing all public initiatives and petitions for any kind of official commemoration forget about a street name, no sign on the bridge, no plaque on his home... nothing. "It was made abundantly clear to us, as long as this regime is in power, we will not be allowed to honour and commemorate a Russian statesman in Russia." Kara-Murza said he is grateful politicians in western democratic nations have "stepped in to do now what we cannot do in our own country." He applauded former federal justice ministers Irwin Cotler and Peter MacKay for currently pushing an initiative to do similar commemorative namings in Ottawa and Toronto. "I very much hope that Canada will become the third country in the world after the United States and Lithuania to enact an official commemoration for Boris Nemtsov," Kara-Murza said. "I know, one day, the Russian state will be proud that their embassies and consulates are standing on squares and streets and parks named after Boris Nemtsov." Kara-Murza said he is especially proud of the Russians who come out to protest the Putin government. "It is significant that so many of these protesters are young people... the people who literally represent the future of Russia," he said. "Mr. Putin is 66 years old, he doesn't represent the future. "The protesters are between the age of 17 and 22. They are the future." Meanwhile, Kara-Murza said the Russian government is wrong when it claims people in the West are funding opposition leaders and parties. "None of this has any basis in reality," he said. "It is only for Russian citizens to change the situation in Russia. We will do it ourselves. "The only thing we ask of our friends in the West, including here in Canada, is that you stay true to your own values, that you do not support the Putin regime by treating Mr. Putin as a worthy and respectable partner on the world stage." Kara-Murza praised Canada for passing the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act last year. The act, similar to the American Magnitsky Act, prevents Russians implicated in corruption or human rights abuses from getting a visa to come to Canada, or to bank their money in this country. "People who violate the norms of democracy in their own countries should not be able to enjoy the fruits and privileges of democracy in other countries," he said. kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca Since the mid-1990s, I have visited the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM) in Washington, D.C., on many occasions, absorbing the significant lessons of its powerful exhibits as well as researching in its archives and library. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 30/10/2018 (1116 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Opinion Since the mid-1990s, I have visited the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM) in Washington, D.C., on many occasions, absorbing the significant lessons of its powerful exhibits as well as researching in its archives and library. In the years before the terrorist attacks in New York of Sept. 11, 2001 after which security at nearly all U.S. public institutions increased it always struck me as ironic and sad that pre-9/11, of Washingtons many museums, the only one that had airport-style security to gain entrance was the USHMM. Here you have a museum dedicated to teaching about one of the most tragic events in human history the systematic annihilation of millions of people solely because of their faith, ethnicity and culture and from the day it opened in 1993, it had to protect itself and its visitors from the very hate it sought to enlighten the world about. As the mass murder of 11 people at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh this past weekend tragically demonstrates, yet again, this anti-Semitic hatred persists 73 years after the Second World War ended and the depth of the depravity of the Holocaust became known. Hatred of the kind that motivated the killer in Pittsburgh as well as other recent racial shootings in the U.S. and elsewhere the 2015 murder of nine parishioners at a black church in Charleston, S.C., the killing of two black people by a white shooter in a Kentucky grocery store less than a week ago, and in Canada in January 2017, the mass shooting at Quebec Citys Islamic Cultural Centre mosque that led to the death of six and injured 19 will never be entirely quashed. Prejudice is endemic, especially in countries with visible minority groups. Jews account for only about two per cent of the U.S. population and 1.2 per cent of Canadas, yet during the past few years, anti-Semitic incidents have increased in both countries. Most of these are stupid acts of vandalism, but there are also more concerning instances of harassment and physical assaults that should not be readily dismissed. Once, anti-Semitism was deeply entrenched in the day-to-day life of both countries. Until at least the early 1960s, discrimination against Jews was routine through restrictions, quota systems and property covenants, and practised openly and without shame. Now, such actions are no longer legal or tolerated by a majority of Americans or Canadians. Witness the outpouring of grief and sympathy from non-Jews across North America and western Europe over the Pittsburgh killings since Saturday. Suffice it to say that this would not have happened, or certainly not to the same extent, 50 years ago. However, as minorities such as Jews and others have gained equal rights and became welcomed as members of the societies in which they reside, and in which they have achieved a level of success once never thought possible, a heightened sense of fear persists among individuals haters like the killer in Pittsburgh, but also people who pine for the imaginary "old days." If there is one main difference between the U.S. and Canada, it is that U.S. President Donald Trump, with his absurd conspiracy theories, appeals to white nationalists and anti-immigration diatribes, and his refusal to absolutely condemn a Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Va., in August 2017, has stoked this fear without regard to the consequences of his words. No, Trump is not responsible for a deranged gunman opening fire in a synagogue. But he is responsible for perpetuating the worst climate of intolerance in the U.S. in decades. Add in Americas irrational access to AR-15-style rifles and other guns, and you have a dangerous and volatile environment sufficient to push some individuals over the brink. Thats what happened in Pittsburgh. Canada is not free of hate, as the shooting in Quebec City and other tragedies have shown. And Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, while by no means perfect, must be credited for standing up to hate and denouncing all forms of intolerance. Im no fan of government apologies; there have been a lot of them. Yet it is notable that next week, a day after the U.S. mid-term elections on Nov. 6, which has Trump criss-crossing the U.S. and attacking Democrats during his rallies in language rarely used by a president in public, Trudeau will deliver an apology specifically for Canadas refusal in 1939 to permit more than 900 German Jewish refugees, passengers aboard the M.S. St. Louis fleeing Nazi Germany, into the country, and generally for Canadas "None is Too Many" treatment of the refugees. At the time, some non-Jewish Canadians did object to the federal governments rigid policies, but most did not. The majority would have agreed with this observation made in 1938 by the Toronto Telegram, which had opposed Jewish immigration: "It cannot be denied that Jewish people as a class are not popular in Canada." Trudeaus apology wont alter the past, but it is an official recognition that the country has learned its historic lessons and has decisively changed for the better. Teachers will acknowledge it in their classrooms and their students (hopefully) will comprehend its significance. That bodes well for the future. Historian Allan Levines most recent book is Seeking the Fabled City: The Canadian Jewish Experience. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 29/10/2018 (1117 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The American midterm elections are next Tuesday. And the most American of American traditions is playing out before our very eyes. Im not talking about democracy. Im talking about erasing Indigenous peoples. In early October the Supreme Court allowed a voting requirement in North Dakota that directly impacts Native Americans and threatens them from participating in the midterms. Under the requirement, all North Dakota voters must have a residential street address. The issue is that most Native Americans on the five tribal reserves in the state have post-office boxes. The reasons for this are due to a myriad of factors: rural life, a lack of services and poverty. In other words: history. Native Americans in North Dakota make up about five per cent of the states 570,000 eligible voters. Thats about 28,000 voters. Estimates say that about 10,000 of them lack proper identification and the means to get ID made. Some dont even know their street address and some tribal areas dont have street names. Native Americans in North Dakota including those on the remote Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation face a hurdle in getting identification with street addresses that will enable them to vote under recently tightened state rules. (AP Photo/Blake Nicholson) The only other group most impacted by this ruling is homeless people. So, why would state legislators suddenly enforce a law that ostracizes and marginalizes Native American voters in a state where Indigenous voice matters? Its this simple: North Dakota is strictly Republican. U.S. President Donald Trump won the state in 2016 with 63 per cent of the vote. Republicans hold virtually all of the statewide positions and hold majorities in both houses of the state legislature. Yet, in 2012, North Dakota elected its first female Democratic senator, Heidi Heitkamp. A former businesswoman and lawyer, Heitkamp is best known as the states popular attorney general who took on the tobacco companies in the late- 1990s and secured the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement. So, in the waning days of President Obamas term, North Dakota elected a Democratic senator. A right-leaning Senator, but a Democrat nonetheless. Heitkamp won that election by less then 3,000 votes. Thats a millimetre in U.S. voting standards. A large portion of Heitkamps support was found in North Dakotas five Native American tribal nations. Most voted for her. North Dakota Senate candidates in the November 2018 election: incumbent Democratic Sen. Heidi Heitkamp (left) and her Republican challenger Kevin Cramer. (AP Photo/Bruce Crummy, File) So, with little surprise, Republicans began work almost immediately after Heitkamps election to find a way to defeat her. In 2013 the state legislature began debate on implementing a new voter ID law to require street addresses for all eligible voters. For years, state judges rejected the law, blocking it on grounds that it unfairly and disproportionately impacted Native American voters. One judge even wrote in a decision that, "The state has acknowledged that Native American communities often lack residential street addresses. Nevertheless, under current state law an individual who does not have a current residential street address will never be qualified to vote." The state primaries came and went under the same voter ID rules as in the past. Then, in September, the United States Court of Appeals lifted the injunction by the state court and the Supreme Court refused to reinstate it in October. And, just like that, thousands of Indigenous voices were erased. Its that easy. Heitkamp voted against Brett Kavanaughs ascension to the Supreme Court and that resulted in a loss in her base support in the state. Like I said, the state is overwhelmingly Republican. A poll last week suggests that she is now trailing her opponent, Republican Kevin Cramer, by 16 points, 56 per cent to 40. Delaine Belgard (right) shows the new Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa ID she received free of charge on Wednesday, in Belcourt, N.D. It will allow her to vote in November under recently tightened state voter ID rules. (AP Photo/Blake Nicholson) The election is not over, though. Heitkamps election bid was boosted by a record $12.5 million in donations after her "no" vote on Kavanaugh with more dollars still rolling in. It appears that 5,000 Native American votes may matter, after all. Under boundaries also introduced by state Republicans, fewer Native American votes means precincts that turned blue in 2012 will now turn red. This is a big deal. A Heitkamp loss would make the chances of Democrats taking the Senate almost impossible. North Dakota is one of the most crucial seats U.S. Democrats need to have a chance to take the Senate and challenge Trump federally. This is evidence of one of the worst and most egregious examples of voter suppression in U.S. history. North Dakota Republicans have found a way to silence voters who could produce change federally and they've have used Native Americans to do it. The great American tradition of the Indigenous erasure continues. Now, activists and tribal leaders are working around the clock trying to issue new voter IDs with street addresses. Tribes have swallowed all costs and are even issuing cards free of charge. This valiant struggle includes driving elders to county offices, filling out dozens of forms and jumping over several bureaucratic hurdles to have new cards certified. But time is running out. Americas greatest tradition is very much alive. America is great again. niigaan.sinclair@freepress.mb.ca I dont know how to describe this exactly. It may be the most insulting thing anyone in the Trump administration or campaign has done to Jewish Americans. Mike Pence invited Rabbi Loren Jacobs to give the invocation at his Michigan campaign stop today. Jacobs is actually a Christian who leads a group who call themselves Messianic Jews. He spent eight years with the group Jews for Jesus. In his blessing, he actually says hes not Jewish: God of Abraham, God of Isaac, God of Jacob, God and Father of my Lord and Savior Yeshua, Jesus the Messiah, and my God and Father, too. For Messianic Jews, Yeshua = Jesus. (More on Jacobs HERE.) Maybe this tweet best describes it in terms Christians might better understand: Imagine inviting an imam to do a eulogy for slain Christians, dressing him up as a priest, and have him start with a prayer to Allah. That's basically what Pence just did. https://t.co/boUe3nxdo4 Greg Fish (@GregAFish) October 29, 2018 Or this: For the gentiles who follow me: this is like inviting someone in blackface up to offer solidarity for the African-American community. Fuck this horrible administration. https://t.co/YOv1lcq65m Barry Caro (@BarryCaro) October 29, 2018 Click the image below to play the video Coming the day after the horrific right wing extremist terrorist attack on the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, its hard to comprehend but given Pences evangelical approach to all things, its hard to see this as an accident. Jewish people are responding with outrage around America. This is disgusting. Messianic Jews are an evangelical-backed movement meant to convert Jews who are disengaged with Judaism to Christianity. They're a missionary movement, and a predatory one at that. https://t.co/duBcj0ZodE Aleksei Vampire-tin (@ai_valentin) October 29, 2018 UPDATE: Vice President Pence is blaming Lena Epstein, a Jewish Republican who is running for Congress in Michigans 11th Congressional District against Democrat Haley Stevens, who he said invited the rabbi: Team Pence says: "He was invited by Lena Epstein to offer a prayer at the event, which he did early in the program. The VP invited him back on stage to deliver a message of unity. He was not invited by the VPs office to speak on behalf of the Jewish community. Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) October 30, 2018 Despite throwing Epstein under the bus, heres Pence introducing Jacobs as a leader in the Jewish community to give a prayer for the actual Jewish people who were slaughtered in Pittsburgh: Statement on Jewish Faith and Religious Tolerance: pic.twitter.com/QUxYG3ZIh5 Lena Epstein (@LenaEpstein) October 30, 2018 Epstein is either falling on her sword for Pence or is admitting she invited a fake rabbi widely despised by actual Jews to give a prayer honoring actual Jews who were murdered only a couple days before by a vicious anti-Semite. Either way, she has certainly doomed her campaign and Haley Stevens will be the woman, a Democrat, who replaces the odious David Trott, a Republican, in Michigans 11th Congressional District: UPDATE 3: Despite the fact that Jacobs was there ostensibly to say a prayer for the people murdered in Pittsburgh, he was mostly there to play politics: He did not name the individual victims of the Pittsburgh massacre, but named four Republican candidates, including Epstein. I pray for them and for the Republican Party and its candidates so that they would honor you and your ways, that you might grant them victory in this election, he said from the stage. UPDATE 4: The Jewish Democratic Council of America released the following powerful statement: Statement by Jewish Democratic Council of America Executive Director Halie Soifer WASHINGTON, D.C. After Saturdays horrific massacre in Pittsburgh, all Americans have an obligation to speak out against anti-Semitism and hatred. On Monday, Mike Bishop and Lena Epstein did the opposite, demonstrating a failure of leadership when they stood by as a Messianic Jewish preacher invoked Jesus at a campaign rally with Vice President Pence. So-called Messianic Jews are not a part of the Jewish community, and espouse views considered deeply offensive. In choosing this individual to give a unity prayer at the Pence campaign rally, Epstein demonstrated that she lacks both the judgment and understanding to lead Michigans 11th Congressional District. Epstein and Bishop are out of touch with interests and values of the Jewish community and many of their constituents, who would like to see leadership in the face of adversity and division. On Monday, Epstein and Bishop silently stood on the wrong side of history at a critically important time, which is yet another reason the Jewish Democratic Council of America strongly supports and endorses their opponents, Elissa Slotkin and Haley Stevens. UPDATE 5: Hold the presses. Turns out Jacobs isnt a fake rabbi. Hes just a fake. Even his own organization disowned him: Loren Jacobs was stripped of his rabbinic ordination by the UMJC [Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations] in 2003, after our judicial board found him guilty of libel, Monique Brumbach said in an email. [] Meanwhile, mainstream Jewish leaders and experts on the faith said they could not fathom why GOP congressional candidate Lena Epstein, herself a longtime member of a Detroitarea synagogue, invited Jacobs at all to her rally Tuesday because in their eyes hes not even a real Jew, let alone a rabbi. We dont even recognize him as a rabbi, Rabbi Marla Hornsten, past president of the Michigan Board of Rabbis, told NBC News. Even to call him a rabbi is offensive. American Consumer News, LLC dba MarketBeat 2010-2021. All rights reserved. 326 E 8th St #105, Sioux Falls, SD 57103 | U.S. Based Support Team at [email protected] | (844) 978-6257 MarketBeat does not provide personalized financial advice and does not issue recommendations or offers to buy stock or sell any security. Our Accessibility Statement | Terms of Service | Do Not Sell My Information 2021 Market data provided is at least 10-minutes delayed and hosted by Barchart Solutions. Information is provided 'as-is' and solely for informational purposes, not for trading purposes or advice, and is delayed. To see all exchange delays and terms of use please see disclaimer. Fundamental company data provided by Zacks Investment Research. By AP News , Oct. 29, 2018 TEHRAN, Iran (AP) Iranian officials say President Hassan Rouhanis mobile phone was tapped, without providing details on who was behind it or what information they might have gleaned. The semi-official ISNA news agency on Monday quoted Gen. Gholam Reza Jalali, the head of a military unit charged with combatting sabotage, as saying Rouhanis phone was tapped recently and would be replaced with a more secure device. He did not provide further details. Read More: Join us - become an Elderado today at: LarryElder.com Follow Larry Elder on Follow Larry Elder on Twitter "Like" Larry Elder on Facebook 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. 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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. 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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. Aetna Inc. operates as a health care benefits company in the United States. It operates through three segments: Health Care, Group Insurance, and Large Case Pensions. The Health Care segment offers medical, pharmacy benefit management service, dental, behavioral health, and vision plans on an insured and employer-funded basis. It also provides point-of-service, preferred provider organization, health maintenance organization, and indemnity benefit plans, as well as health savings accounts and consumer-directed health plans. In addition, this segment offers Medicare and Medicaid products and services, as well as other medical products, such as medical management and data analytics services, medical stop loss insurance, workers' compensation administrative services, and products that provide access to its provider networks in select geographies. The Group Insurance segment offers life insurance products, including group term life insurance, voluntary spouse and dependent term life insurance, group universal life insurance, and accidental death and dismemberment insurance; disability insurance products; and long-term care insurance products, which provide the benefits to cover the cost of care in private home settings, adult day care, assisted living, or nursing facilities. The Large Case Pensions segment manages various retirement products comprising pension and annuity products primarily for tax-qualified pension plans. The company provides its products and services to employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans, health care providers, governmental units, government-sponsored plans, labor groups, and expatriates. Aetna Inc. was founded in 1853 and is based in Hartford, Connecticut. Read More Allianz SE, together with its subsidiaries, provides property-casualty insurance, life/health insurance, and asset management products and services worldwide. The company's Property-Casualty segment offers various insurance products, including motor liability and own damage, accident, general liability, fire and property, legal expense, credit, and travel to private and corporate customers. Its Life/Health segment provides a range of life and health insurance products on an individual and a group basis, such as annuities, endowment and term insurance, and unit-linked and investment-oriented products, as well as private and supplemental health, and long-term care insurance products. The company's Asset Management segment offers institutional and retail asset management products and services to third-party investors comprising equity and fixed income funds, and multi-assets; and alternative investment products comprising infrastructure debt/equity, real assets, liquid alternatives, and solutions. Its Corporate and Other segment provides banking services for retail clients, as well as digital investment management services. Allianz SE was founded in 1890 and is headquartered in Munich, Germany. Read More 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. Read More Bank of Montreal provides diversified financial services primarily in North America. The company's personal banking products and services include checking and savings accounts, credit cards, mortgages, and financial and investment advice services; and commercial banking products and services comprise business deposit accounts, commercial credit cards, business loans and commercial mortgages, cash management solutions, foreign exchange, specialized banking programs, treasury and payment solutions, and risk management products for small business and commercial banking customers. It also offers investment and wealth advisory services; digital investing services; financial services and solutions; and investment management, and trust and custody services to institutional, retail, and high net worth investors. In addition, the company provides life insurance, accident and sickness insurance, and annuity products; creditor and travel insurance to bank customers; and reinsurance solutions. Further, it offers client's debt and equity capital-raising services, as well as loan origination and syndication, balance sheet management, and treasury management; strategic advice on mergers and acquisitions, restructurings, and recapitalizations, as well as valuation and fairness opinions; and trade finance, risk mitigation, and other operating services. Additionally, the company provides research and access to markets for institutional, corporate, and retail clients; trading solutions that include debt, foreign exchange, interest rate, credit, equity, securitization and commodities; new product development and origination services, as well as risk management advice and services to hedge against fluctuations; and funding and liquidity management services to its clients. It operates through approximately 1,400 bank branches and 4,800 automated banking machines in Canada and the United States. The company was founded in 1817 and is headquartered in Montreal, Canada. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of American International Group: AGC Life Insurance Company, AIG APAC HOLDINGS PTE. LTD., AIG Advisors S.r.l., AIG Aerospace Insurance Services Inc., AIG Asia Pacific Insurance Pte. Ltd., AIG Asset Management (Europe) Limited, AIG Asset Management (U.S.) LLC, AIG Assurance Company, AIG Australia Limited, AIG Brazil Holding I LLC, AIG CIS Investments LLC, AIG Canada Holdings Inc., AIG Capital Corporation, AIG Capital Services Inc., AIG Claims Inc., AIG Egypt Insurance Company S.A.E., AIG Employee Services Inc., AIG Europe (Services) Limited, AIG Europe Holdings S.a.rl., AIG Europe S.A., AIG Federal Savings Bank, AIG Financial Products Corp., AIG General Insurance Co. Ltd., AIG Global Asset Management Holdings Corp., AIG Global Real Estate Investment Corp., AIG Global Reinsurance Operations, AIG Holdings Europe Limited, AIG Insurance (Thailand) Public Company Limited, AIG Insurance Company China Limited, AIG Insurance Company JSC, AIG Insurance Company of Canada, AIG Insurance Company-Puerto Rico, AIG Insurance Hong Kong Limited, AIG Insurance Limited, AIG Insurance Management Services Inc., AIG Insurance New Zealand Limited, AIG International Holdings GmbH, AIG Investments UK Limited, AIG Israel Insurance Company Ltd, AIG Japan Holdings Kabushiki Kaisha, AIG Kenya Insurance Company Limited, AIG Korea Inc., AIG Latin America I.I., AIG Latin America Investments S.L., AIG Lebanon SAL, AIG Life Holdings Inc., AIG Life Insurance Company (Switzerland) Ltd, AIG Life Limited, AIG Life South Africa Limited, AIG Life of Bermuda Ltd., AIG MEA Holdings Limited, AIG MEA Limited, AIG Malaysia Insurance Berhad, AIG Markets Inc., AIG Matched Funding Corp., AIG PC Global Services Inc., AIG Philippines Insurance Inc., AIG Property Casualty Company, AIG Property Casualty Inc., AIG Property Casualty International LLC, AIG Property Casualty U.S. Inc., AIG Re-Takaful (L) Berhad, AIG Resseguros Brasil S.A., AIG Seguros Brasil S.A., AIG Seguros Mexico S.A. de C.V., AIG Shared Services Corporation, AIG South Africa Limited, AIG Specialty Insurance Company, AIG Technologies Inc., AIG Travel Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., AIG Travel Assist Inc., AIG Travel Assist Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., AIG Travel EMEA Limited, AIG Travel Inc., AIG Uganda Limited, AIG Vietnam Insurance Company Limited, AIG WarrantyGuard Inc., AIG-FP Pinestead Holdings Corp., AIG-Metropolitana Cia. de Seguros y Reaseguros S.A., AIGGRE EOLA LLC, AIGGRE Europe Real Estate Fund I GP S.a r.l., AIGGRE U.S. Real Estate Fund I GP LLC, AIGGRE U.S. Real Estate Fund I LP, AIGGRE U.S. Real Estate Fund II GP LLC, AIU Insurance Company, AM Holdings LLC, Ageas Protect, AlphaCat Managers Ltd., American General Corporation, American General Life Insurance Company, American Home Assurance Co. Ltd., American Home Assurance Company, American Home Assurance Company Escritorio de Representacao no Brasil Ltda., American International Group Inc., American International Group UK Limited, American International Overseas Association, American International Overseas Limited, American International Realty Corp., American International Reinsurance Company Ltd., American International Underwriters del Ecuador-Holding S.A., American Security Life Insurance Company Limited, Arthur J. Glatfelter Agency Inc., Avondhu Limited, Blackboard Customer Care Insurance Services LLC, Blackboard Insurance Company, Blackboard Services LLC, Blackboard Specialty Insurance Company, Blackboard U.S. Holdings Inc., Chartis Takaful Enaya B.S.C. (c), Commerce and Industry Insurance Company, Crop Risk Services Inc., Eaglestone Reinsurance Company, Ellipse, Fortitude Group Holdings LLC, Fortitude Life & Annuity Solutions Inc., Fortitude Reinsurance Company Ltd., Franklin Life Insurance Company, Fuji Fire and Marine, Glatfelter Insurance Group, Globe and Rutgers Insurance Group, Grand Isle SAC Limited, Granite State Insurance Company, Group Risk Services Limited, Group Risk Technologies Limited, Illinois National Insurance Co., Jefferson Eola Venture LLC, Johannesburg Insurance Holdings (Proprietary) Limited, Laya Healthcare Limited, Lexington Insurance Company, MG Reinsurance Limited, Mt. Mansfield Company Inc., National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh Pa., National Union Fire Insurance Company of Vermont, New Hampshire Insurance Company, PT AIG Insurance Indonesia, Pine Street Real Estate Holdings Corp., Private Joint-Stock Company AIG Ukraine Insurance Company, Risk Specialists Companies Insurance Agency Inc., SA Affordable Housing LLC, SAFG Retirement Services Inc., Service Net Warranty LLC, Stratford Insurance Company, SunAmerica Affordable Housing Partners Inc., SunAmerica Asset Management LLC, Talbot Holdings Ltd., Talbot Underwriting Holdings Ltd., Talbot Underwriting Ltd., Thai CIT Holding Company Limited, The Insurance Company of the State of Pennsylvania, The United States Life Insurance Company in the City of New York, The Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company, Travel Guard, Travel Guard Group Canada Inc./Groupe Garde Voyage du Canada Inc., Travel Guard Group Inc., Tudor Insurance Company, VALIC Financial Advisors Inc., Valic Retirement Services Company, Validus Holdings, Validus Holdings (UK) Ltd., Validus Holdings Ltd., Validus Reinsurance (Switzerland) Ltd, Validus Reinsurance Ltd., Validus Ventures Ltd., Volunteer Firemen's Insurance Services Inc., Western World Insurance Company, and Western World Insurance Group Inc.. Dear @IlhanMN, I hear you plan to go on a fact-finding tour of Israel. In fact, Israel is doing pretty well. Its, Somalia, your native country, that could truly use your formidable skills. Maybe you could use your frequent flyer miles and swing by. 11 hours ago Footlocker Trips On Supply Chain Worry Supply Chain Disruption Cuts Into Footlocker Results Footlocker (NYSE: FL) shares are down more than 5.0% in premarket trading after confirming something we already knew to be true. The company says the manufacturing shut-downs in Vietnam and other parts of Asia during the 3rd quarter are going to have an impact on holiday sales. Read Article There is not enough analysis data for Harte Hanks. 4.3 Community Rank Outperform Votes Harte Hanks has received 236 outperform votes. (Add your outperform vote.) Underperform Votes Harte Hanks has received 135 underperform votes. (Add your underperform vote.) Community Sentiment Harte Hanks has received 63.61% outperform votes from our community. MarketBeat's community ratings are surveys of what our community members think about Harte Hanks and other stocks. Vote Outperform if you believe HHS will outperform the S&P 500 over the long term. Vote Underperform if you believe HHS will underperform the S&P 500 over the long term. You may vote once every thirty days. Previous Next 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. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Carnival Co. &: 1972 Productions Inc., 6348 Equipment LLC, A.C.N. 098 290 834 Pty. Ltd., A.J. Juneau Dock LLC, AIDA Kundencenter GmbH, Adventure Island Ltd., Air-Sea Holiday GmbH, Alaska Hotel Properties LLC, Barcelona Cruise Terminal SLU, Bay Island Cruise Port S.A., Belize Cruise Terminal Limited, CC U.S. Ventures Inc., CCL Gifts LLC, CSSC Carnival Italy Cruise Investment S.r.L, Carnival (UK) Limited, Carnival Bahamas FC Limited, Carnival Bahamas Holdings Limited, Carnival Corporation & plc Asia Pte. Ltd., Carnival Corporation Hong Kong Limited, Carnival Corporation Korea Ltd., Carnival Corporation Ports Group Japan KK, Carnival Finance LLC, Carnival Grand Bahama Investment Limited, Carnival Investments Limited, Carnival Japan Inc., Carnival License Holdings Limited, Carnival Maritime GmbH, Carnival North America LLC, Carnival Port Holdings Limited, Carnival Ports Inc., Carnival Support Services India Private Limited, Carnival Technical Services (UK) Limited, Carnival Technical Services Finland Limited, Carnival Technical Services GmbH, Carnival Technical Services Inc., Carnival Vanuatu Limited, Costa Crociere PTE Ltd., Costa Crociere S.p.A., Costa Cruceros S.A., Costa Cruise Lines Inc., Costa Cruise Lines UK Limited, Costa Cruises Shipping Services (Shanghai) Company Limited, Costa Cruises Travel Agency (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Costa Cruzeiros Agencia Maritima e Turismo Ltda., Costa Group Digital & Strategic Services GmbH, Costa International B.V., Costa Kreuzfahrten GmbH, Cozumel Cruise Terminal S.A. de C.V., Creative Travel Lab Ltd., Cruise Ships Catering & Services International N.V., Cruise Terminal Services S.A. de C.V., Cruiseport Curacao C.V., D.R. Cruise Port Ltd., Ecospray Technologies S.r.L., F.P.M. SAS, F.P.P. SAS, Fleet Maritime Services (Bermuda) Limited, Fleet Maritime Services Holdings (Bermuda) Limited, Fleet Maritime Services International Limited, GXI LLC, Gibs Inc., Global Experience Innovators Inc., Global Fine Arts Inc., Global Shipping Service (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Grand Cruise Shipping Unipessoal LdA, Grand Turk Cruise Center Ltd., HAL Antillen N.V., HAL Beheer B.V., HAL Cruises Limited, HAL Maritime Ltd., HAL Nederland N.V., HAL Properties Limited, HAL Services B.V., HSE Hamburg School of Entertainment GmbH, Holding Division Iberocruceros SLU, Holland America Line Inc., Holland America Line N.V., Holland America Line Paymaster of Washington LLC, Holland America Line U.S.A. Inc., Ibero Cruzeiros Ltda., Iberocruceros SLU, Information Assistance Corporation, International Cruise Services S.A. de C.V., International Leisure Travel Inc., International Maritime Recruitment Agency S.A. de C.V., Milestone N.V., Navitrans S.R.L., Ocean Bahamas Innovation Ltd., Ocean Medallion Fulfillment Ltd., Operadora Catalina S.r.L., P&O Princess American Holdings, P&O Princess Cruises International Limited, P&O Princess Cruises Pension Trustee Limited, P&O Properties (California) Inc., P&O Travel Limited, Prestige Cruises Management S.A.M., Prestige Cruises N.V., Princess Bermuda Holdings Ltd., Princess Cays Ltd., Princess Cruise Corporation Inc., Princess Cruise Lines Ltd., Princess Cruises and Tours Inc., Princess U.S. Holdings Inc., RCT Maintenance & Related Services S.A., RCT Pilots & Related Services S.A., RCT Security & Related Services S.A., Roatan Cruise Terminal S.A. de C.V., Royal Hyway Tours Inc., Santa Cruz Terminal S.L., SeaVacations Limited, SeaVacations UK Limited, Seabourn Cruise Line Limited, Shanghai Coast Cruise Consulting Co. Lda, Ship Care (Bahamas) Limited, Sitmar Cruises Inc., Spanish Cruise Services N.V., Sunshine Shipping Corporation Ltd., T&T International Inc., Tour Alaska LLC, Transnational Services Corporation, Trident Insurance Company Ltd., Westmark Hotels Inc., Westmark Hotels of Canada Ltd., Westours Motor Coaches LLC, Wind Surf Limited, and World Leading Cruise Management (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.. The following companies are subsidiares of Molina Healthcare: Aetna & Humana - Medicare Advantage, Affinity Health Plan, AmericanWork Inc., Better Health Network, Camelot Care Centers Inc, Children's Behavioral Health Inc., Choices Group Inc., College Community Services, Dockside Services Inc, Family Preservation Services Inc., Family Preservation Services of Florida Inc., Family Preservation Services of North Carolina Inc., Family Preservation Services of Washington D.C. Inc., Family Preservation Services of West Virginia Inc., Florida NetPASS LLC, Hclb Inc., Magellan Complete Care, Maple Star Nevada Inc., Maple Star Oregon Inc., Mercy CarePlus, Molina Clinical Services LLC, Molina Healthcare Data Center Inc., Molina Healthcare of Arizona Inc., Molina Healthcare of California, Molina Healthcare of Florida Inc., Molina Healthcare of Georgia Inc., Molina Healthcare of Illinois Inc., Molina Healthcare of Iowa Inc., Molina Healthcare of Louisiana Inc., Molina Healthcare of Maryland Inc., Molina Healthcare of Michigan Inc., Molina Healthcare of Mississippi Inc., Molina Healthcare of Nevada Inc., Molina Healthcare of New Mexico Inc., Molina Healthcare of New York Inc., Molina Healthcare of North Carolina Inc., Molina Healthcare of Ohio Inc., Molina Healthcare of Oklahoma Inc., Molina Healthcare of Pennsylvania Inc., Molina Healthcare of Puerto Rico Inc., Molina Healthcare of South Carolina LLC, Molina Healthcare of Texas Inc., Molina Healthcare of Texas Insurance Company, Molina Healthcare of Utah Inc., Molina Healthcare of Virginia Inc., Molina Healthcare of Washington Inc., Molina Healthcare of Wisconsin Inc., Molina Holdings Corporation, Molina Hospital Management LLC, Molina Information Systems LLC dba Molina Medicaid Solutions, Molina Medical Management Inc., Molina Pathways LLC, Molina Pathways of Texas Inc., Molina Youth Academy, NextLevel Health Illinois, Pathways Community Corrections Inc., Pathways Community Services LLC, Pathways Community Support of Texas Inc., Pathways Health and Community Support LLC, Pathways Human Services LLC., Pathways of Arizona Inc., Pathways of Delaware Inc., Pathways of Idaho LLC, Pathways of Maine Inc., Pathways of Massachusetts LLC, Pathways of Oklahoma Inc., Pathways of Washington Inc., Providence Community Services, Providence Human Services, Raystown Developmental Services Inc., The Game of Work LLC, The RedCo Group Inc., Total Care Medicaid plan, Transitional Family Services Inc., Unisys -Health Information Management, and YourCare Health Plan. Senior Lieutenant General Phan Van Giang expressed his pleasure to welcome General Vong Pisen and congratulated him for being appointed as the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces. The Vietnamese army official emphasised that the Party, State, army and people of Vietnam always remember and appreciate the support from Cambodia for Vietnam during the struggle for national liberation and the current cause of national protection and development. General Vong Pisen said that defence cooperation is among the important cooperation contents between the two countries and receives great attention from both sides. He noted that the good relations between the two armies will contribute to the sustainable and comprehensive relationship between the two countries. The two sides agreed to increase cooperation and mutual assistance in searching for and repatriating Vietnamese martyrs' remains in Cambodia, in addition to bilateral patrols, borderline management, crime prevention and maintaining political and social order in border areas. On the same day, Defence Minister General Ngo Xuan Lich also held a reception for the Cambodian Commander-in-Chief. General Ngo Xuan Lich spoke highly of the achievements that the people and army of Cambodia have gained, while expressing his belief that the visit by General Vong Pisen would contribute to consolidating the traditional friendship, solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two armies and countries. Granite Construction, Inc. is a holding company, which engages in the provision of infrastructure solutions for public and private clients. It operates through the following segments: Transportation, Water, Specialty and Materials. The Transportation segment focuses on construction and rehabilitation of roads, pavement preservation, bridges, rail lines, airports and marine ports. The Water segment involves in water-related construction and water management solutions for municipal agencies, commercial water suppliers, industrial facilities and energy companies. It also provides trenchless cured-in-place pipe rehabilitation. The Specialty segment includes construction of various complex projects including infrastructure / site development, mining, public safety, tunnel and power projects. The Materials segment offers production of aggregates, asphalt and construction related materials as well as proprietary sanitary and storm water rehabilitation products including cured-in-place pipe felt and fiberglass-based lining tubes both for internal use and for sale to third parties. The company was founded in 1922 and is headquartered in Watsonville, CA. Read More iShares China Large-Cap ETF's stock was trading at $38.80 on March 11th, 2020 when Coronavirus (COVID-19) reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Since then, FXI shares have increased by 4.4% and is now trading at $40.51. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. The following companies are subsidiares of BP: 200 PS Overseas Holdings Inc., 563916 Alberta Ltd., ACP (Malaysia) Inc., AE Cedar Creek Holdings LLC, AE Goshen II Holdings LLC, AE Goshen II Wind Farm LLC, AE Power Services LLC, AE Wind PartsCo LLC, AM/PM International Inc., ARCO, ARCO British International, ARCO British Limited, ARCO Coal Australia Inc., ARCO El-Djazair Holdings Inc., ARCO Environmental Remediation L.L.C., ARCO Exploration Inc., ARCO Gaviota Company, ARCO International Investments Inc., ARCO International Services Inc., ARCO Midcon LLC, ARCO Oil Company Nigeria Unlimited, ARCO Oman Inc, ARCO Resources Limited, ARCO Trinidad Exploration and Production Company Limited, ARCO Unimar Holdings LLC, Actomat B.V., Advance Petroleum Holdings Pty Ltd, Advance Petroleum Pty Ltd, Air BP Albania SHA, Air BP Brasil Ltda., Air BP Canada LLC, Air BP Croatia d.o.o., Air BP Finland Oy, Air BP Iceland, Air BP Limited, Air BP Norway AS, Air BP Sales Romania S.R.L., Air BP Sweden AB, Air Refuel Pty Ltd, Allgreen Pty Ltd, AmProp Finance Company, American Oil Company, Amoco (Fiddich) Limited, Amoco (U.K.) Exploration Company LLC., Amoco Bolivia Petroleum Company, Amoco Bolivia Services Company Inc., Amoco Canada International Holdings B.V., Amoco Capline Pipeline Company, Amoco Chemical (Europe) S.A., Amoco Chemicals (FSC) B.V., Amoco Cypress Pipeline Company, Amoco Destin Pipeline Company, Amoco Environmental Services Company, Amoco Exploration Holdings B.V., Amoco Guatemala Petroleum Company, Amoco International Finance Corporation, Amoco International Petroleum Company, Amoco Leasing Corporation, Amoco Louisiana Fractionator Company, Amoco MB Fractionation Company, Amoco MBF Company, Amoco Main Pass Gathering Company, Amoco Marketing Environmental Services Company, Amoco Netherlands Petroleum Company, Amoco Nigeria Exploration Company Limited, Amoco Nigeria Oil Company Limited, Amoco Nigeria Petroleum Company, Amoco Nigeria Petroleum Company Limited, Amoco Norway Oil Company, Amoco Oil Holding Company, Amoco Olefins Corporation, Amoco Overseas Exploration Company, Amoco Pipeline Asset Company, Amoco Pipeline Holding Company, Amoco Properties Incorporated, Amoco Remediation Management Services Corporation, Amoco Research Operating Company, Amoco Rio Grande Pipeline Company, Amoco Somalia Petroleum Company, Amoco Sulfur Recovery Company, Amoco Tri-States NGL Pipeline Company, Amoco Trinidad Gas B.V., Amoco U.K. Petroleum Limited, Amprop Illinois I Limited, Amprop Inc., Anaconda Arizona Inc., Arabian Production And Marketing Lubricants, Aral Aktiengesellschaft, Aral Luxembourg S.A., Aral Services Luxembourg Sarl, Aral Tankstellen Services Sarl, Arco Mediterraneo Inversiones S.L., Areas Noriega S.L., Areas Singulares Reyes S.L., Aspac Lubricants (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Atlantic 2/3 UK Holdings Limited, Atlantic Richfield Company, Atlantic Richfield Companyd, Autino Holdings Limited, Autino Limited, Auwahi Wind Energy Holdings LLC, B2Mobility GmbH, BASS Management Pty Ltd, BP (Abu Dhabi) Limited, BP (Barbados) Holding SRL, BP (Barbican) Limited, BP (China) Holdings Limited, BP (China) Industrial Lubricants Limited, BP (GTA Mauritania) Finance Limited, BP (GTA Senegal) Finance Limited, BP (Gibraltar) Limited, BP (Guangzhou) Advanced Mobility Limited, BP (Hunan) Petroleum Company Limited, BP (Indian Agencies) Limited, BP (Shandong) Petroleum Co. Ltd, BP (Shanghai) Trading Limited, BP - Castrol (Thailand) Limited, BP AMI Leasing Inc., BP Absheron Limited, BP Advanced Mobility Limited, BP Africa Limited, BP Africa Oil Limited, BP Akaryakit Ortakligi, BP Alaska LNG LLC, BP Alternative Energy Holdings Limited, BP Alternative Energy Investments Limited, BP Alternative Energy North America Inc., BP Alternative Energy Trinidad and Tobago Limited, BP America Chembel Holding LLC, BP America Chemicals Company, BP America Foreign Investments Inc., BP America Inc, BP America Inc., BP America Limited, BP America Production Company, BP Amoco Chemical Company, BP Amoco Chemical Holding Company, BP Amoco Chemical Indonesia Limited, BP Amoco Chemical Malaysia Holding Company, BP Amoco Exploration (Faroes) Limited, BP Amoco Exploration (In Amenas) Limited, BP Andaman II Ltd, BP Angola (Block 18) B.V., BP Argentina Exploration Company, BP Argentina Holdings LLC, BP Aromatics Holdings Limited, BP Aromatics Limited, BP Asia Limited, BP Asia Pacific (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., BP Asia Pacific Holdings Limited, BP Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, BP Australia Capital Markets Limited, BP Australia Employee Share Plan Proprietary Limited, BP Australia Group Pty Ltde, BP Australia Investments Pty Ltd, BP Australia Nominees Proprietary Limited, BP Australia Pty Ltd, BP Australia Shipping Pty Ltd, BP Australia Swaps Management Limited, BP Aviation A/S, BP Benevolent Fund Trustees Limited, BP Berau Ltd., BP Biocombustiveis S.A., BP Bioenergia Campina Verde Ltda., BP Bioenergia Ituiutaba Ltda., BP Bioenergia Itumbiara S.A., BP Bioenergia Tropical S.A., BP Biofuels Advanced Technology Inc., BP Biofuels Brazil Investments Limited, BP Biofuels Louisiana LLC, BP Biofuels North America LLC, BP Biofuels Trading Comercio Exportacao Ltda., BP Bomberai Ltd., BP Brasil Ltda., BP Brazil Tracking L.L.C., BP Bulwer Island Pty Ltd, BP Business Service Centre Asia Sdn Bhd, BP Business Service Centre KFT, BP CIV Pty Ltd, BP Canada Energy Development Company, BP Canada Energy Group ULC, BP Canada Energy Marketing Corp., BP Canada International Holdings B.V., BP Canada Investments Inc., BP Capellen Sarl, BP Capital Markets, BP Capital Markets America, BP Capital Markets America Inc., BP Capital Markets p.l.c., BP Car Fleet Limited, BP Caribbean Company, BP Castrol KK, BP Castrol Lubricants (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., BP Central Pipelines LLC, BP Chembel, BP Chemicals (Korea) Limited, BP Chemicals East China Investments Limited, BP Chemicals Investments Limited, BP Chemicals Limited, BP China Exploration and Production Company, BP Comercializadora de Energia Ltda., BP Commodities Trading Limited, BP Commodity Supply B.V., BP Company North America, BP Company North America Inc., BP Containment Response Limited, BP Containment Response System Holdings LLC, BP Continental Holdings Limited, BP Corporate Holdings, BP Corporate Holdings Limited, BP Corporation North America, BP Corporation North America Inc., BP D-B Pipeline Company LLC, BP D230 Limited, BP Danmark A/S, BP Developments Australia Pty. Ltd., BP Dogal Gaz Ticaret Anonim Sirketi, BP East Kalimantan CBM Limited, BP Eastern Mediterranean Limited, BP Egypt Company, BP Egypt East Delta Marine Corporation, BP Egypt East Tanka B.V., BP Egypt Production B.V., BP Egypt Ras El Barr B.V., BP Egypt West Mediterranean (Block B) B.V., BP Energy Asia Pte. Limited, BP Energy Colombia Limited, BP Energy Company, BP Energy Europe Limited, BP Energy Solutions B.V., BP Energy do Brasil Ltda., BP Energia Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., BP Espana S.A. Unipersonal, BP Estaciones y Servicios Energeticos Sociedad Anonima de Capital Variable, BP Europa SE, BP Exploracion de Venezuela S.A., BP Exploration & Production Inc., BP Exploration (Absheron) Limited, BP Exploration (Alaska), BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc., BP Exploration (Algeria) Limited, BP Exploration (Alpha), BP Exploration (Alpha) Limited, BP Exploration (Angola), BP Exploration (Angola) Limited, BP Exploration (Azerbaijan), BP Exploration (Azerbaijan) Limited, BP Exploration (Canada) Limited, BP Exploration (Caspian Sea), BP Exploration (Caspian Sea) Limited, BP Exploration (D230) Limited, BP Exploration (Delta), BP Exploration (Delta) Limited, BP Exploration (El Djazair) Limited, BP Exploration (Epsilon) Limited, BP Exploration (Gambia) Limited, BP Exploration (Greenland) Limited, BP Exploration (Madagascar) Limited, BP Exploration (Morocco) Limited, BP Exploration (Namibia) Limited, BP Exploration (Nigeria Finance) Limited, BP Exploration (Nigeria) Limited, BP Exploration (Psi) Limited, BP Exploration (STP) Limited, BP Exploration (Shafag-Asiman) Limited, BP Exploration (Shah Deniz) Limited, BP Exploration (South Atlantic) Limited, BP Exploration (Xazar) Pte. Ltd., BP Exploration Angola (Kwanza Benguela) Limited, BP Exploration Argentina Limited, BP Exploration Australia Pty Ltd Level 15, BP Exploration Beta Limited, BP Exploration China Limited, BP Exploration Company (Middle East) Limited, BP Exploration Company Limited, BP Exploration Indonesia Limited, BP Exploration Libya Limited, BP Exploration Mexico Limited, BP Exploration Mexico S.A. De C.V., BP Exploration North Africa Limited, BP Exploration Operating Company, BP Exploration Operating Company Limited, BP Exploration Orinoco Limited, BP Exploration Personnel Company Limited, BP Exploration Peru Limited, BP Express Shopping Limited, BP Finance Australia Pty Ltd, BP Finance p.l.c., BP Foundation Incorporated, BP France, BP Fuels & Lubricants AS, BP Fuels Deutschland GmbH, BP GOM Logistics LLC, BP Gas & Power Investments Limited, BP Gas Europe S.A.U., BP Gas Marketing Limited, BP Gas Supply (Angola) LLC, BP Ghana Limited, BP Global Investments, BP Global Investments Limited, BP Global Investments Salalah & Co LLC, BP Global West Africa Limited, BP Greece Limited, BP Guangdong Limited, BP High Density Polyethylene - France, BP Holdings (Thailand) Limited, BP Holdings B.V., BP Holdings Canada, BP Holdings Canada Limited, BP Holdings International B.V., BP Holdings North America, BP Holdings North America Limited, BP Hong Kong Limited, BP India Private Limited, BP Indonesia Investment Limited, BP International, BP International Limited, BP International Services Company, BP Investment Management Limited, BP Investments Asia Limited, BP Iran Limited, BP Iraq N.V., BP Italia SpA, BP Japan K.K., BP Korea Limited, BP Kuwait Limited, BP LNG Shipping Limited, BP Latin America LLC, BP Latin America Upstream Services Inc., BP Lubricants KK, BP Lubricants USA Inc., BP Luxembourg S.A., BP Malaysia Holdings Sdn. Bhd., BP Management International B.V., BP Management Netherlands B.V., BP Marine Limited, BP Mariner Holding Company LLC, BP Maritime Services (Singapore) Pte. Limited, BP Marketing Egypt LLC, BP Mauritania Investments Limited, BP Mauritius Limited (in liquidation), BP Middle East Enterprises Corporation, BP Middle East LLC, BP Middle East Limited, BP Midstream Partners GP LLC, BP Midstream Partners Holdings LLC, BP Midstream Partners LP, BP Midwest Product Pipelines Holdings LLC, BP Mocambique Limitada, BP Mocambique Limited, BP Muturi Holdings B.V., BP Nederland Holdings BV, BP Netherlands Upstream B.V., BP New Ventures Middle East Limited, BP New Zealand Holdings Limited, BP New Zealand Share Scheme Limited, BP Nutrition Inc., BP Offshore Gathering Systems Inc., BP Offshore Pipelines Company LLC, BP Offshore Response Company LLC, BP Oil (Thailand) Limited, BP Oil Australia Pty Ltd, BP Oil Espana S.A., BP Oil Hellenic S.A., BP Oil International, BP Oil International Limited, BP Oil Kent Refinery Limited (in liquidation), BP Oil Llandarcy Refinery Limited, BP Oil Logistics UK Limited, BP Oil New Zealand Limited, BP Oil Pipeline Company, BP Oil Senegal S.A., BP Oil Shipping Company, BP Oil UK Limited, BP Oil Venezuela Limited, BP Oil Vietnam Limited, BP Oil Yemen Limited, BP Olex Fanal Mineralol GmbH, BP One Pipeline Company LLC, BP Pacific Investments Ltd, BP Pakistan (Badin) Inc., BP Pakistan Exploration and Production Inc., BP Pension Escrow Limited, BP Pension Trustees Limited, BP Pensions (Overseas) Limited, BP Pensions Limited, BP Petrochemicals India Investments Limited, BP Petroleo y Gas S.A., BP Petrolleri Anonim Sirketi, BP Pipelines (Alaska) Inc., BP Pipelines (BTC) Limited, BP Pipelines (North America) Inc., BP Pipelines (SCP) Limited, BP Pipelines (TANAP) Limited, BP Pipelines TAP Limited, BP Polska Services Sp. z o.o. Ul., BP Portugal -Comercio de Combustiveis e Lubrificantes SA, BP Poseidon Limited, BP Products North America, BP Products North America Inc., BP Properties Limited, BP Raffinaderij Rotterdam B.V., BP Refinery (Kwinana) Proprietary Limited, BP Regional Australasia Holdings Pty Ltd, BP River Rouge Pipeline Company LLC, BP Russian Investments Limited, BP Russian Ventures Limited, BP SC Holdings LLC, BP Scale Up Factory Limited, BP Senegal Investments Limited, BP Services International Limited, BP Servicios de Combustibles S.A. de C.V., BP Servicios territoriales S.A., BP Shafag-Asiman Limited, BP Shipping Limited, BP Singapore Pte. Limited, BP Solar Energy North America LLC, BP Solar Espana S.A., BP Solar International Inc., BP Solar Pty Ltd, BP South America Holdings Ltd, BP Southern Africa Proprietary Limited, BP Southern Cone Company, BP Subsea Well Response (Brazil) Limited, BP Subsea Well Response Limited, BP Taiwan Marketing Limited, BP Technology Ventures Inc., BP Technology Ventures Limited, BP Train 2/3 Holding SRL, BP Transportation (Alaska) Inc., BP Trinidad Processing Limited, BP Trinidad and Tobago, BP Trinidad and Tobago LLC, BP Turkey Refining Limited, BP Two Pipeline Company LLC, BP UK Retained Holdings Limited, BP Venezuela Investments B.V., BP West Aru I Limited, BP West Aru II Limited, BP West Papua I Limited, BP West Papua III Limited, BP Wind Energy North America Inc., BP Wiriagar Ltd., BP World-Wide Technical Services Limited, BP Zhuhai Chemical Company Limited, BP+Amoco International Limited, BP-AIOC Exploration (TISA) LLC, BPA Investment Holding Company, BPNE International B.V., BPRY Caribbean Ventures LLC, BPX (Eagle Ford) Gathering LLC, BPX (KCS Resources) LLC, BPX (Karnes) Gathering LLC, BPX (Permian) Gathering LLC, BPX (WSF Operating) Inc., BPX Energy Inc., BPX Midstream LLC, BPX Operating Company, BPX Production Company, BPX Properties (GP) LLC, BPX Properties (LP) LLC, BPX Properties (NA) LP, BTC Pipeline Holding Company Limited, BXL Plastics Limitedv, Bahia de Bizkaia Electridad S.L., Baltimore Ennis Land Company Inc., Black Lake Pipe Line Company, Brian Jasper Nominees Pty Ltd, Britannic Energy Trading Limited, Britannic Investments Iraq Limited, Britannic Marketing Limited, Britannic Strategies Limited, Britannic Trading Limited, Britoil Limited, Burmah Castrol, Burmah Castrol Australia Pty Ltd, Burmah Castrol Holdings Inc., Burmah Castrol PLC, Burmah Castrol South Africa (Pty) Limited, Burmah Chile SpA, Butamax Advanced Biofuels, CASTROL Austria GmbHb, CH-Twenty Inc., CNAA, Cadman DBP Limited, Casitas Pipeline Company, Castrol (China) Limited, Castrol (Ireland) Limited, Castrol (Shanghai) Management Co. Ltd., Castrol (Shenzhen) Company Limited, Castrol (Tianjin) Lubricants Co. Ltd., Castrol (U.K.) Limited, Castrol Australia Pty. Limited, Castrol B.V., Castrol BP Petco Limited Liability Company, Castrol Brasil Ltda., Castrol Caribbean & Central America Inc., Castrol Colombia Ltda., Castrol Del Peru S.A., Castrol Egypt Lubricants S.A.E., Castrol India Limited, Castrol Industrie und Service GmbH, Castrol KK, Castrol Limited, Castrol Lubricants RO S.R.L, Castrol Mexico S.A., Castrol Namibia (Pty) Limited, Castrol Offshore Limited, Castrol Pakistan (Private) Limited, Castrol Philippines Inc., Castrol Servicos Ltda., Castrol Ukraine LLC, Castrol Zimbabwe (Private) Limited, Centrel Pty Ltd, Charge Your Car Limitedc, Chargemaster, Chargemaster (Europe) GmbH, Chargemaster Limited, Charging Solutions Limited, Clarisse Holdings Pty Ltd, Coastwise Trading Company Inc., Consolidada de Energia y Lubricantes (CENERLUB) C.A., Conti Cross Keys Inn Inc., Coro Trading NZ Limited, Cuyama Pipeline Company, DHC Solvent Chemie GmbH, Dermody Developments Pty Ltd, Dermody Holdings Pty Ltd, Dermody Investments Pty Ltd, Dermody Petroleum Pty. Ltd., Dome Beaufort Petroleum Limited, Dome Wallis (1980) Limited Partnership, ECM Markets SA (Pty) Ltd, Elektromotive Limited, Elite Customer Solutions Pty Ltd, Elm Holdings Inc., Energy Global Investments (USA) Inc., Enstar LLC, Estacion de Servicio Alto Campoo S.L., Estacion de Servicio Ganzo 10 S.L., Estacion de Servicio Reocin 9 S.L., Estacion de Servicio Santillana II S.L., Estacion de Servicio Sardinero S.L., Estonian Aviation Fuelling Services, Europa Oil NZ Limited, Exomet Inc., Expandite Contract Services Limited, Exploration (Luderitz Basin) Limited, Exploration Service Company Limited, FWK (2017) Limited, FWK Holdings (2017) LTD, Finite Carbon, Flat Ridge 2 Holdings LLC, Flat Ridge Wind Energy LLC, Foseco Holding Inc., Foseco Holding International B.V., Foseco Inc., Fosroc Expandite Limited, Fotech Solutions Ltd, Fowler Ridge Holdings LLC, Fowler Ridge I Land Investments LLC, Fowler Ridge II Holdings LLC, Fowler Ridge III Wind Farm LLC, FreeBees B.V., Fuel & Retail Aviat ion Sweden AB, Fuelplane- Sociedade Abastecedora De Aeronaves Unipessoal Lda, GOAM 1 C.I S. A .S, Gardena Holdings Inc., Gelsenkirchen Raffinerie Netz GmbH, Grampian Aviation Fuelling Services Limited, Guangdong Investments Limited, Highlands Ethanol LLC, Hosteleria Noriega S.L., IGI Resources Inc., Insight Analytics Solutions Holdings Limited, Insight Analytics Solutions Limited, Insight Analytics Solutions USA Inc., International Bunker Supplies Pty Ltd, Iraq Petroleum Company Limited, Jupiter Insurance Limited, Ken-Chas Reserve Company, Kenilworth Oil Company Limited, Kingbook Inversiones Socimi S.A., Latin Energy Argentina S.A., Lebanese Aviation Technical Services S.A.L., Limited Liability Company BP Toplivnaya Kompania, Limited liability company Setra Lubricants, Lubricants UK Limited, Lytt Limited, Manormaker (Nominee No. 1) Limited, Manormaker (Nominee No. 2) Limited, Manormaker GP Limited (99.90%) 11 Black Horse Lane, Mardi Gras Transportation System Company LLC, Markoil S.A., Masana Petroleum Solutions (Pty) Ltd, Mayaro Initiative for Private Enterprise Development, Mehoopany Holdings LLC, Mes Tecnologia En Servicios Y Energia S.A., Minza Pty. Ltd., Mountain City Remediation LLC, No. 1 Riverside Quay Proprietary Limited, Nordic Lubricants A/S, Nordic Lubricants AB, North America Funding Company, OMD87 Inc., OOO BP STL, Omega Oil Company, OnSight Analytics Solutions India Private Ltd., Orion Delaware Mountain Wind Farm LP, Orion Energy Holdings LLC, Orion Energy L.L.C.b, Orion Post Land Investments LLC, Oyambre 1 S.L., PRODUITS METALLURGIE DOITTAU, PT BP Petrochemicals, PT Castrol Indonesia, PT Castrol Manufacturing Indonesia, PT Jasatama Petroindo, Pacroy (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Peaks America Inc., Pearl River Delta Investments Limited, Petrocorner Retail S.L.U., Phoenix Petroleum Services Limited, Pozuelo 4 S.L., Prospect International C.A. (In liquidation), Puente Arce 4 S.L., Remediation Management Services Company, Richfield Oil Corporation, Rio Corvo 2 S.L., Rolling Thunder I Power Partners LLC, Romax Insight Korea Ltd., Ropemaker Deansgate Limited, Ropemaker Properties Limited, Ruhr Oel GmbH, Rusdene GSS Limited, SOFAST Limited, SRHP, Saturn Insurance Inc., Sherbino I Holdings LLC, Sherbino Mesa I Land Investments LLC, Sociedade de Promocao Imobiliaria Quinta do Loureiro SA, Societe de Gestion de Depots d'Hydrocarbures - GDH, South Texas Shale LLC, Southeast Texas Biofuels LLC, Southern Ridge Pipeline Holding Company, Southern Ridge Pipeline LP LLC, Sp/f Decision3 (GreenSteam) Company, Standard Oil Company, Standard Oil Company Inc., Standard Oil of Ohio, Stryde Limited, Sunrise Oil Sands Partnership, TISA Education Complex LLC, TJKK, Taradadis Pty. Ltd., Telcom General Corporation, Terre de Grace Partnership, The Anaconda Company, The BP Share Plans Trustees Limited, The Burmah Oil Company (Pakistan Trading) Limited, The Standard Oil Company, Toledo Refinery Holding Company LLC, Torrelavega 7 S.L., Union Texas International Corporation, Vastar Pipeline LLC, Veba Oel AG Veba Oel, Verenium, Viceroy Investments Limited, Villacarriedo 8 S.L., Warrenville Development Limited, Water Way Trading and Petroleum Services LLC, Welchem Inc., West Kimberley Fuels Pty Ltd, Westlake Houston Development LLC, Whiting Clean Energy Inc., Windpark Energy Nederland B.V., and Winwell Resources L.L.C. Invesco Senior Loan ETF's stock was trading at $20.75 on March 11th, 2020 when COVID-19 reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Since then, BKLN shares have increased by 6.4% and is now trading at $22.08. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. Nuveen New Jersey Quality Municipal Income Fund is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched by Nuveen Investments, Inc. The fund is co-managed by Nuveen Fund Advisors LLC and Nuveen Asset Management, LLC. It invests in the fixed income markets of New Jersey. The fund invests in undervalued municipal securities and other related investments that are, exempt from regular federal and New Jersey income taxes that are rated Baa or BBB or better. It employs fundamental analysis with bottom-up stock picking approach to create its portfolio. The fund benchmarks the performance of its portfolio against the Standard & Poor's (S&P) New Jersey Municipal Bond Index. The fund was formerly known as Nuveen New Jersey Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund. Nuveen New Jersey Quality Municipal Income Fund was formed on June 1, 1999 and is domiciled in the United States. Read More 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. Read More Fortis Inc. operates as an electric and gas utility company in Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean countries. It generates, transmits, and distributes electricity to approximately 433,000 retail customers in southeastern Arizona; and 98,000 retail customers in Arizona's Mohave and Santa Cruz counties with an aggregate capacity of 3,233 megawatts (MW), including 59 MW of solar capacity. The company also sells wholesale electricity to other entities in the western United States; owns gas-fired and hydroelectric generating capacity totaling 65 MW; and distributes natural gas to approximately 1,048,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers in British Columbia, Canada. In addition, it owns and operates the electricity distribution system that serves approximately 572,000 customers in southern and central Alberta; owns 4 hydroelectric generating facilities with a combined capacity of 225 MW; and provides operation, maintenance, and management services to five hydroelectric generating facilities. Further, the company distributes electricity in the island portion of Newfoundland and Labrador with an installed generating capacity of 143 MW; and on Prince Edward Island with a generating capacity of 130 MW. Additionally, it provides integrated electric utility service to approximately 67,000 customers in Ontario; approximately 270,000 customers in Newfoundland and Labrador; approximately 31,000 customers on Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; and approximately 15,000 customers on certain islands in Turks and Caicos. The company also holds long-term contracted generation assets in Belize consisting of 3 hydroelectric generating facilities with a combined capacity of 51 MW; and the Aitken Creek natural gas storage facility. It also owns and operates approximately 91,000 circuit Kilometers (km) of distribution lines; and approximately 49,500 km of natural gas pipelines. Fortis Inc. was founded in 1885 and is headquartered in St. John's, Canada. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of EnerSys: ABSL Power Solutions Inc., ABSL Power Solutions Ltd., Acumuladores Industriales EnerSys SA, Alpha Alternative Energy Inc., Alpha Broadband Services Inc., Alpha Innovations Industria e Comercio de Produtos Eletronicos Ltda., Alpha Innovations Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Alpha Mexico Network Power S.A. de C.V., Alpha Tech Energy Solutions India Private Limited, Alpha Technical Services Ltd., Alpha Technologies Ltd., Alpha Technologies Pty. Ltd., Alpha Technologies Services Inc., Alphatec Technologies (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Argus Research Ltd., Batterias Hawker de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Battery Power International Pte Ltd., Coppervale Enterprises Inc., DCPM Engineering Sdn Bhd, EH Batterien AG, EH Europe GmbH, EH Global Holdings GmbH, EH Swiss Holdings GmbH, ENAS Industrial Batteries Morocco Sarl, EnerSys (Chaozhou) Huada Batteries Company Limited, EnerSys (China) Huada Batteries Company Limited, EnerSys (Chongqing) Huada Batteries Company Limited, EnerSys (Jiangsu) Huada Batteries Company Limited (94.7%) *, EnerSys (Luxembourg) Finance Sarl, EnerSys (Yangzhou) Huada Batteries Co. Ltd., EnerSys A/S, EnerSys AB, EnerSys AD, EnerSys AE, EnerSys AS, EnerSys Advanced Systems Inc., EnerSys Argentina S.A., EnerSys Asia Limited, EnerSys Australia Pty Ltd., EnerSys BV, EnerSys BVBA, EnerSys Battery Private Limited, EnerSys Brasil Ltda., EnerSys Bulgaria EOOD, EnerSys Canada Inc., EnerSys Capital Inc., EnerSys Cayman Euro L.P., EnerSys Cayman Holdings L.P., EnerSys Cayman Inc., EnerSys Delaware Inc., EnerSys Delaware LLC I, EnerSys Delaware LLC II, EnerSys Delaware LLC III, EnerSys Delaware LLC IV, EnerSys Delaware LLC V, EnerSys Energy Products Inc., EnerSys Europe Oy, EnerSys European Holding Co., EnerSys GmbH, EnerSys Holdings (Luxembourg) Sarl, EnerSys Holdings UK Ltd., EnerSys Hungaria Kft., EnerSys India Batteries Private Ltd., EnerSys JSC, EnerSys LLC, EnerSys Ltd., EnerSys Malaysia Sdn Bhd, EnerSys Mexico Holdings LLC, EnerSys Mexico Management LLC, EnerSys Participacoes Ltda., EnerSys Reserve Power Pte. Ltd., EnerSys S.r.l., EnerSys SARL, EnerSys SNC, EnerSys South East Asia Pte. Ltd., EnerSys de Mexico II S de R.L. de CV, EnerSys de Mexico S de R.L. de CV, EnerSys s.r.o., EnerSys sp. z o.o., EnerSystem Chile Ltda., Enersys Aku Sanaya Dis Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Esfinco LLC, Hawker GmbH, Hawker Power Systems Inc., Hawker Powersource Inc., Hawker Systems GmbH & Co. KG., ICS Industries Pty Ltd, ICS Industries Pty Ltd., ICS Sheet Metal Pty Ltd., Industrial Battery Holding Ltda., International Communication Shelters Australasia Pty Ltd., Lancord Pty Ltd., Lenmic Pty Ltd., MIB Energy Sdn Bhd, N Holding AB, National Infrastructure Pty Ltd., National Infrastructure Services Pty Ltd., NaviSemi Energy Pte Ltd., NaviSemi Inc., New Pacifico Realty Inc., NorthStar Battery Company LLC, NorthStar Battery Company LLC, NorthStar Battery DMCC, Outback Power Technologies Inc., Powercom (NSW) Pty Ltd., Powersonic S de R.L. de CV, Purcell Systems, Purcell Systems Inc., Purcell Systems International AB, Quallion LLC, Riverfront Holding S. de R.L. de C.V., Shenzhen Huada Power Supply Mechanical & Electrical Co. Ltd. , SiteTel Shanghai Co Ltd., SiteTel Sweden AB, Telecomponents & Supply (Hong Kong) Ltd., The Enser Corporation, UTS Holdings Sdn Bhd, UTS Technology (JB) Sdn Bhd, UTS Technology (PG) Sdn Bhd, YCI Inc., and Yecoltd S. de R.L. de CV. The following companies are subsidiares of Bristol-Myers Squibb: 1096271 B.C. ULC, 345 Park LLC, A.G. Medical Services P.A., AHI Investment LLC, AbVitro LLC, Abraxis BioScience Australia Pty Ltd., Abraxis BioScience Inc., Abraxis BioScience International Holding Company Inc., Abraxis BioScience LLC, Abraxis BioScience Puerto Rico LLC, Acetylon Pharmaceuticals Inc., Adnexus, Adnexus a Bristol-Myers Squibb R&D Company, Allard Labs Acquisition G.P., Amira Pharmaceuticals, Amira Pharmaceuticals Inc., Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Apothecon LLC, B-MS Generx Unlimited Company, BMS Benelux Holdings B.V., BMS Bermuda Nominees L.L.C., BMS Data Acquisition Company LLC, BMS Forex Company, BMS Holdings Sarl, BMS Holdings Spain S.L., BMS International Insurance Designated Activity Company, BMS Investco SAS, BMS Korea Holdings L.L.C., BMS Latin American Nominees L.L.C., BMS Luxembourg Partners L.L.C., BMS Omega Bermuda Holdings Finance Ltd., BMS Pharmaceutical Korea Limited, BMS Pharmaceuticals Germany Holdings B.V., BMS Pharmaceuticals International Holdings Netherlands B.V., BMS Pharmaceuticals Korea Holdings B.V., BMS Pharmaceuticals Mexico Holdings B.V., BMS Pharmaceuticals Netherlands Holdings B.V., BMS Real Estate LLC, BMS Spain Investments LLC, BMS Strategic Portfolio Investments Holdings Inc., Blisa Acquisition G.P., Bristol (Iran) S.A., Bristol Iran Private Company Limited, Bristol Laboratories Inc., Bristol Laboratories International S.A., Bristol Laboratories Medical Information Systems Inc., Bristol-Myers (Andes) L.L.C., Bristol-Myers (Private) Limited, Bristol-Myers Middle East S.A.L., Bristol-Myers Overseas Corporation, Bristol-Myers Squibb (China) Investment Co. Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb (China) Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb (Israel) Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb (NZ) Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb (Proprietary) Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb (Shanghai) Trading Co. Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb (Singapore) Pte. Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb (Taiwan) Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb (West Indies) Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb A.E., Bristol-Myers Squibb Aktiebolag, Bristol-Myers Squibb Argentina S. R. L., Bristol-Myers Squibb Australia Pty. Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb Axia Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb B.V., Bristol-Myers Squibb Belgium S.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb Business Services Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada Co., Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada International Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Delta Company Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Denmark Filial of Bristol-Myers Squibb AB, Bristol-Myers Squibb EMEA Sarl, Bristol-Myers Squibb Egypt LLC, Bristol-Myers Squibb Epsilon Holdings Unlimited Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Farmaceutica Ltda., Bristol-Myers Squibb Farmaceutica Portuguesa S.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb GesmbH, Bristol-Myers Squibb GmbH & Co. KGaA, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holding Germany GmbH & Co. KG, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holdings 2002 Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holdings Germany Verwaltungs GmbH, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holdings Ireland Unlimited Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holdings Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holdings Pharma Ltd. Liability Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Ilaclari Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb India Pvt. Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb International Company Unlimited Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb International Corporation, Bristol-Myers Squibb Investco L.L.C., Bristol-Myers Squibb K.K., Bristol-Myers Squibb Kft., Bristol-Myers Squibb Luxembourg International S.C.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Bristol-Myers Squibb MEA GmbH, Bristol-Myers Squibb Manufacturing Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Marketing Services S.R.L., Bristol-Myers Squibb Middle East & Africa FZ-LLC, Bristol-Myers Squibb Norway Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb Nutricionales de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Bristol-Myers Squibb Peru S.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma (HK) Ltd, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma (Thailand) Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma EEIG, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma Holding Company LLC, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma Ventures Corporation, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals Unlimited Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Polska Sp. z o.o., Bristol-Myers Squibb Products SA, Bristol-Myers Squibb Puerto Rico Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb Puerto Rico/Sanofi Pharmaceutical Partnership Puerto Rico, Bristol-Myers Squibb Romania S.R.L., Bristol-Myers Squibb S.A.U., Bristol-Myers Squibb S.r.l., Bristol-Myers Squibb SA, Bristol-Myers Squibb Sanofi Pharmaceuticals Holding Partnership, Bristol-Myers Squibb Sarl, Bristol-Myers Squibb Service Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb Services Sp. z o.o., Bristol-Myers Squibb Spol. s r.o., Bristol-Myers Squibb Theta Finance Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb Trustees Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Verwaltungs GmbH, Bristol-Myers Squibb de Colombia S.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb de Costa Rica Sociedad Anonima, Bristol-Myers Squibb de Guatemala S.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Bristol-Myers Squibb/Astrazeneca EEIG, Bristol-Myers Squibb/Pfizer EEIG, Bristol-Myers Squibb/Sanofi Pharmaceuticals Partnership, Bristol-Myers de Venezuela S.C.A., CHT I LLC, CHT II LLC, CHT III LLC, CHT IV LLC, CR Finance Company LLC, Cardioxyl Pharmaceuticals, Cardioxyl Pharmaceuticals Inc., Celem LLC, Celem Ltd., Celgene, Celgene A.B., Celgene AS, Celgene Ab (Finland), Celgene Alpine Investment Co. II LLC, Celgene Alpine Investment Co. III LLC, Celgene Alpine Investment Co. LLC, Celgene ApS, Celgene B.V., Celgene BVBA, Celgene Brasil Produtos Farmaceuticos Ltda., Celgene CAR LLC, Celgene CAR Ltd., Celgene Chemicals Sarl, Celgene China Holdings LLC, Celgene Co., Celgene Corporation, Celgene Distribution B.V., Celgene EngMab GmbH, Celgene Europe B.V., Celgene Europe Limited, Celgene European Investment Company LLC, Celgene Financing Company LLC, Celgene Global Holdings Sarl, Celgene GmbH [Austria], Celgene GmbH [Germany], Celgene GmbH [Switzerland], Celgene Holdings East Corporation, Celgene Holdings II Sarl, Celgene Holdings III Sarl, Celgene Ilac Pazarlama ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Celgene Inc., Celgene International Holdings Corporation, Celgene International II Sarl, Celgene International III Sarl, Celgene International Inc., Celgene International Sarl, Celgene K.K., Celgene Kft., Celgene Limited [Hong Kong], Celgene Limited [Ireland], Celgene Limited [New Zealand], Celgene Limited [Taiwan], Celgene Limited [UK], Celgene Logistics Sarl, Celgene Ltd, Celgene Luxembourg Sarl, Celgene Management Sarl, Celgene NJ Investment Co, Celgene Netherlands B.V., Celgene Netherlands Investment B.V., Celgene Pharmaceutical (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Celgene Pte. Ltd., Celgene Pty Ltd, Celgene Puerto Rico Distribution LLC, Celgene Quanticel Research Inc, Celgene R&D Sarl, Celgene RIVOT LLC, Celgene RIVOT Ltd., Celgene RIVOT SRL, Celgene Receptos Limited, Celgene Receptos Sarl, Celgene Research Incubator At Summit West LLC, Celgene Research S.L.U., Celgene Research and Development Company LLC, Celgene Research and Development I ULC, Celgene Research and Development II LLC, Celgene Research and Investment Company II LLC, Celgene S. de R.L. de C.V., Celgene S.L.U., Celgene S.R.L., Celgene SAS, Celgene Sarl AU, Celgene Sdn Bhd, Celgene Services Sarl, Celgene Sociedade Unipessoal Lda, Celgene Sp. Z.o.o., Celgene Sro [Czech Republic], Celgene Summit Investment Co, Celgene Switzerland Holding Sarl, Celgene Switzerland II LLC, Celgene Switzerland Investment Sarl, Celgene Switzerland LLC, Celgene Switzerland Sarl, Celgene Tri A Holdings Ltd., Celgene Tri Sarl, Celgene UK Distribution Limited, Celgene UK Holdings Limited, Celgene UK Manufacturing II Limited, Celgene UK Manufacturing III Limited, Celgene UK Manufacturing Limited, Celgene d.o.o., Celgene sro [Slovakia], Celmed LLC, Celmed Ltd., ConvaTec Divestiture, Cormorant Pharmaceuticals, Cormorant Pharmaceuticals AB, Crosp Ltd., Delinia Inc., Deuteria Pharmaceuticals Inc., DuPont Pharmaceuticals, E. R. Squibb & Sons Inter-American Corporation, E. R. Squibb & Sons L.L.C., E. R. Squibb & Sons Limited, EWI Corporation, EngMab Sarl, F-star Alpha, FermaVir Pharmaceuticals L.L.C., FermaVir Research L.L.C., Flexus Biosciences, Flexus Biosciences Inc., Forbius, Galecto Biotech, GenPharm International L.L.C., Gloucester Pharmaceuticals LLC, Grove Insurance Company Ltd., Heyden Farmaceutica Portuguesa Limitada, IFM Therapeutics, Impact Biomedicines Inc., Inhibitex, Inhibitex L.L.C., Innate Tumor Immunity Inc., JuMP Holdings LLC, Juno Therapeutics GmbH, Juno Therapeutics Inc., Kosan Biosciences, Kosan Biosciences Incorporated, Linson Investments Limited, Mead Johnson (Manufacturing) Jamaica Limited, Mead Johnson Jamaica Ltd., Medarex, Morris Avenue Investment II LLC, Morris Avenue Investment LLC, MyoKardia, O.o.o. Bristol-Myers Squibb, Oy Bristol-Myers Squibb (Finland) AB, Padlock Therapeutics, Padlock Therapeutics Inc., Pharmion LLC, Princeton Pharmaceutical Products Inc., Receptos LLC, Receptos Services LLC, RedoxTherapies Inc., Route 22 Real Estate Holding Corporation, SPV A Holdings ULC, Seamair Insurance DAC, Signal Pharmaceuticals LLC, Sino-American Shanghai Squibb Pharmaceuticals Limited, Societe Francaise de Complements Alimentaires(S.O.F.C.A.), Squibb Middle East S.A., Summit West Celgene LLC, Swords Laboratories, VentiRx Pharmaceuticals Inc., Westwood-Intrafin SA, Westwood-Squibb Pharmaceuticals Inc., X-Body Inc., ZymoGenetics, ZymoGenetics Inc., ZymoGenetics LLC, ZymoGenetics Paymaster LLC, iPierian, and iPierian Inc.. The following companies are subsidiares of Quest Diagnostics: AmeriPath, AmeriPath Cincinnati Inc. (OH), AmeriPath Cleveland Inc. (OH), AmeriPath Consolidated Labs Inc. (FL), AmeriPath Florida LLC (DE), AmeriPath Hospital Services Florida LLC (DE), AmeriPath Inc. (DE), AmeriPath Indianapolis PC (IN), AmeriPath Kentucky Inc. (KY), AmeriPath Lubbock 5.01(A) Corporation (TX), AmeriPath New York LLC (DE), AmeriPath Texas Inc. (DE), AmeriPath Tucson Inc. (AZ), American Medical Laboratories, American Medical Laboratories Incorporated (DE), Associated Clinical Laboratories L.P. (PA), Associated Clinical Laboratories of Pennsylvania L.L.C. (PA), Athena Diagnostics, Athena Diagnostics Inc. (DE), Blueprint Genetics, Blueprint Genetics FZ-LLC (UAE), Blueprint Genetics Inc. (DE), Blueprint Genetics Oy (Finland), California Laboratory Associates, Cape Cod Healthcare - Business, Celera, ClearPoint Diagnostic, Clearpoint Diagnostic Laboratories LLC (TX), Cleveland HeartLab, Cleveland HeartLab Inc. (DE), Clinical Laboratory Partners, Colorado Pathology Consultants P.C. (CO), ConVerge Diagnostic Services, Consolidated DermPath Inc. (DE), DFW 5.01(a) Corporation (TX), DGXWMT JV LLC (DE), Dermatopathology of Wisconsin S.C. (WI), Diagnostic Laboratory of Oklahoma LLC (OK), Diagnostic Pathology Services Inc. (OK), Diagnostic Reference Services Inc. (MD), ExamOne Canada Inc. (New Brunswick), ExamOne LLC (DE), ExamOne World Wide Inc. (PA), ExamOne World Wide of NJ Inc. (NJ), Focus Diagnostics, HemoCue, Hoffman M.D. Associated Pathologists Chartered (NV), Institute for Dermatopathology Inc. (PA), Isabella Street Urban Renewal LLC (NJ), Kailash B. Sharma M.D. Inc. (GA), Kilpatrick Pathology P.A. (NC), LabOne, LabOne LLC (MO), LabOne of Ohio Inc. (DE), Laboratorio de Analisis Biomedicos S.A. (Mexico), Lancet Labs, MACL, Med Fusion LLC (TX), Med fusion, MedPlus, Mid America Clinical Laboratories LLC (IN), Nomad Massachusetts Inc. (MA), Nuclear Medicine and Pathology Associates (GA), Ocmulgee Medical Pathology Association Inc. (GA), Pathology Building Partnership (MD) (gen. ptnrshp.), PeaceHealth Laboratories, PhenoPath Laboratories, PhenoPath Laboratories PLLC (WA), Q Squared Solutions Holdings LLC (DE), Q Squared Solutions Holdings Limited (UK), Quest Diagnostics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd. (China), Quest Diagnostics Brasil Holdings Ltd. (UK), Quest Diagnostics Clinical Laboratories, Quest Diagnostics Clinical Laboratories Inc. (DE), Quest Diagnostics Domestic Holder LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics HTAS India Private Limited (India), Quest Diagnostics Health & Wellness LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics Holdings Incorporated (DE), Quest Diagnostics Holdings Ltd. (UK), Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (MD), Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (NV), Quest Diagnostics India Private Limited (India), Quest Diagnostics Infectious Disease Inc. (DE), Quest Diagnostics International Holdings Limited (UK), Quest Diagnostics International LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics Investments LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics Ireland Limited (Ireland), Quest Diagnostics LLC (CT), Quest Diagnostics LLC (IL), Quest Diagnostics LLC (MA), Quest Diagnostics Massachusetts LLC (MA), Quest Diagnostics Mexico Holding Company Trust (Mexico), Quest Diagnostics Mexico S de RL de CV (Mexico), Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute (CA), Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute Inc. (VA), Quest Diagnostics Receivables Inc. (DE), Quest Diagnostics Subsidiary Holdings Ltd. (UK), Quest Diagnostics TB LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics Terracotta LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics Venture LLC (PA), Quest Diagnostics Ventures LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics do Brasil Ltda. (Brazil), Quest Diagnostics of Pennsylvania Inc. (DE), Quest Diagnostics of Puerto Rico Inc. (PR), Quest HealthConnect LLC (CA), ReproSource, Reprosource Fertility Diagnostics Inc. (MA), Solstas Lab Partners, Sonora Quest Laboratories LLC (AZ), Specialty Laboratories Inc. (CA), Summit Health, UMass Memorial Medical Center - Anatomic Pathology Outreach Laboratory Business, Unilab Corporation, and Unilab Corporation (DE). iShares MSCI Japan ETF's stock reverse split before market open on Monday, November 7th 2016. The 1-4 reverse split was announced on Friday, October 14th 2016. The number of shares owned by shareholders was adjusted after the market closes on Friday, November 4th 2016. An investor that had 100 shares of iShares MSCI Japan ETF stock prior to the reverse split would have 25 shares after the split. The following companies are subsidiares of Sealed Air: A.P.S. (Holdings) Limited, AFP Trading (China) Co. Ltd., AFPTOH LTD, APS Automated Packaging Systems GmbH & Co. KG, APS Verwaltungs-GmbH, Air Ride Pallets Hong Kong Limited, Austin Foam Plastics Inc. (dba AFP Inc.), Automated Packaging Systems, Automated Packaging Systems Asia Holding Company Limited, Automated Packaging Systems Comerciale Importacao do Brasil Ltda., Automated Packaging Systems Europe, Automated Packaging Systems LLC, Automated Packaging Systems Limited, Automated Packaging Systems Southeast Asia Co. Ltd., B+ Equipment, B+ Equipment SAS, Beacon Holdings LLC, Biosphere Industries, BluPack (New Zealand), Blue Dot Packaging Pty Ltd., Cactus (Shanghai) Trading Co. Ltd., Cryovac (Malaysia) SDN. BHD, Cryovac Brasil Ltda., Cryovac Holdings II LLC, Cryovac International Holdings Inc., Cryovac LLC*, Cryovac Leasing Corporation, Cryovac Londrina Ltda., Cryovac Packaging Portugal Embalagens Ltda., Cryovac-Sealed Air de Costa Rica S.R.L., DELTAPLAM Embalagens Industria e Comercio, Diversey, Diversey J Trustee Limited, Diversey Trustee Limited, Entapack Pty. Ltd., Fagerdala (Chengdu) Packaging Co. Ltd, Fagerdala (Shanghai) Foams Co. Ltd., Fagerdala (Shanghai) Polymer Co. Ltd., Fagerdala (Suzhou) Packaging Co. Ltd., Fagerdala (Thailand) Limited, Fagerdala (Xiamen) Packaging Co. Ltd., Fagerdala Leamchabung Limited, Fagerdala Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Fagerdala Mexico S.A. de C.V., Fagerdala Mexico Supply Chain S.A. de C.V., Fagerdala Packaging Inc. (Indiana), Fagerdala Singapore Pte Ltd, Fagerdala Singapore Pte. Ltd., Getpacking.com GmbH, Invertol S. de R.L. de C.V., JSC Sealed Air Kaustik, KRIS Automated Packaging Systems Holding Company, Kevothermal LLC, Kevothermal Limited, Nelipak Holdings, Pack-Tiger GmbH, Polyrol Limited, Polyrol Packaging Systems LLC, ProAseptic Technologies S.L., Producembal- Producao de Embalagens LTDA, Reflectix Inc., SLD Air Packaging Paketleme Malzemeleri Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Saddle Brook Insurance Company, Sealed Air (Asia) Holdings BV, Sealed Air (Barbados) S.R.L., Sealed Air (Canada) Co./CIE, Sealed Air (Canada) Holdings B.V., Sealed Air (China) Co. Ltd., Sealed Air (China) Limited, Sealed Air (Israel) Ltd., Sealed Air (Korea) Limited, Sealed Air (Latin America) Holdings II LLC, Sealed Air (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Sealed Air (New Zealand), Sealed Air (Philippines) Inc., Sealed Air (Singapore) Pte. Limited, Sealed Air (Ukraine) Limited, Sealed Air Africa (Pty.) Limited, Sealed Air Americas Manufacturing S. de R.L. de C.V., Sealed Air Argentina S.A., Sealed Air Australia (Holdings) Pty. Limited, Sealed Air Australia Pty. Limited, Sealed Air Australia Real Estate Pty Ltd, Sealed Air B.V., Sealed Air Belgium N.V., Sealed Air Central America S.A., Sealed Air Chile SpA, Sealed Air Colombia Ltda., Sealed Air Corporation (US), Sealed Air Cyprus Ltd., Sealed Air Denmark A/S, Sealed Air Finance B.V., Sealed Air Finance II LLC, Sealed Air Finance Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Sealed Air Funding LLC, Sealed Air General Trading LLC, Sealed Air GmbH (Germany), Sealed Air GmbH (Switzerland), Sealed Air Hellas SA, Sealed Air Holding France SAS, Sealed Air Holdings (New Zealand) Pty. Ltd., Sealed Air Holdings South Africa Proprietary Limited, Sealed Air Holdings UK I Limited, Sealed Air Holdings UK Limited, Sealed Air Hong Kong Limited, Sealed Air Hungary Ltd., Sealed Air Investment and Management (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Sealed Air Japan G.K., Sealed Air LLC, Sealed Air Limited (Ireland), Sealed Air Limited (UK), Sealed Air Luxembourg (I) S.a.r.l., Sealed Air Luxembourg (II) S.a.r.l., Sealed Air Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Sealed Air Management Holding Verwaltungs GmbH, Sealed Air Multiflex GmbH, Sealed Air Netherlands (Holdings) I B.V., Sealed Air Netherlands (Holdings) II B.V., Sealed Air Netherlands Holdings V B.V., Sealed Air Norge AS, Sealed Air OY, Sealed Air Packaging (India) Private Limited, Sealed Air Packaging (Shanghai) Co. Limited, Sealed Air Packaging (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Sealed Air Packaging LLC, Sealed Air Packaging Materials (India) LLP, Sealed Air Packaging S.L.U., Sealed Air Peru S.A.C., Sealed Air Polska Sp. Zoo, Sealed Air Pty Limited, Sealed Air S.A S., Sealed Air S.r.l., Sealed Air South Africa (Pty.) Ltd., Sealed Air Svenska AB, Sealed Air Taiwan Limited, Sealed Air UK Limited Partnership, Sealed Air US Holdings (Thailand) LLC, Sealed Air Uruguay S.A., Sealed Air Verpackungen GmbH, Sealed Air de Mexico Operations S. de RL. de C.V., Sealed Air de Venezuela S.A., Sealed Air s.r.o., Shanklin Corp, Shanklin Corporation, TTS-Ciptec, TXAFP Asia Pacific Ltd., TXAFP GP LLC, and Trigon Industries. The following companies are subsidiares of Dover: Accelerated Production Systems, Acme Elevator, Advansor A/S, Advansor Dover International (Poland) sp. z o.o, Advansor Germany GmbH, Alfred Fueling Systems Holdco Ltd., Alfred Fueling Systems Inc., Alfred Fueling Systems Intermediate Holdco Ltd., All-Flo Pump Company, Anman LLC, Anthony Equity Holdings Inc., Anthony Holdings Inc., Anthony Inc., Anthony International, Anthony International Foreign Sales Corp., Anthony International Holding Company, Anthony Mexico Holdings LLC, Anthony North Holdco Inc., Anthony Specialty Glass LLC, Anthony TemperBent GP LLC, Auto Glanz Solutions LLC, Automatik Grundstucksverwaltungs GmbH & Co. KG, Automatik Plastics Machinery (Taiwan) Ltd., BSC Filters Limited, Background2 Limited, Belanger, Belanger Inc., Belvac Middle East FZE, Belvac Production Machinery Inc., Blackmer, BlitzRotary GmbH, Butler Engineering and Marketing S.P.A., CDS Visual, CEP Liquidation LLC, CP Formation LLC, CPC Europe Inc., CPI Products Inc., Caldera, Canada Organization & Development LLC, Chief Automotive Technologies (Shanghai) Trading Company Ltd., Chippewa Square Captive Insurance Company, Colder Products Company, Colder Products Company GmbH, Colder Products Company LTD, Cook Compression BV, Cook Compression LLC, Cook Compression Limited, Cook-MFS Inc., DD1 Inc., DDI Properties Inc., DE-STA-CO Benelux B.V., DE-STA-CO FRANCE, DE-STA-CO Shanghai Co. Ltd., DESTACO UK Limited, DFH Corporation, DFS Netherlands B.V., DSR BZ Holdings LLC, Datamax International Corp, De Sta Co (Asia) Company Limited, De-Sta-Co Cylinders Inc., DeStaCo Europe GmbH, Delaware Capital Formation Inc., Delaware Capital Holdings Inc., Dover (China) Investment Co. Ltd., Dover (Schweiz) Holding GmbH, Dover (Shanghai) Industrial Co. Ltd., Dover (Shenzhen) Industrial Equipment Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Dover (Suzhou) Industrial Equipment Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Dover Asia Trading Private Ltd., Dover Australia Holdings Pty Limited, Dover Business Services EMEA Limited, Dover Business Services LLC, Dover Business Services Philippines Corporation, Dover CLP Formation Limited Partnership, Dover CR spol s r.o., Dover Canada Holdings ULC, Dover Canada Operations ULC, Dover Corporation Regional Headquarters, Dover DEI Services Inc., Dover Denmark Holdings ApS, Dover EMEA FZCO, Dover Energy UK Ltd, Dover Engineered Products Segment Inc., Dover Europe Inc., Dover Europe Sarl, Dover Fluids UK Ltd, Dover France Holdings, Dover France Participations, Dover France Technologies, Dover Fueling Solutions Segment Inc., Dover Fueling Solutions UK Limited, Dover Germany GmbH, Dover Global Holdings LLC, Dover Holdings de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Dover Imaging & Identification Segment Inc., Dover India Pvt. Ltd., Dover Intercompany Services UK Limited, Dover International B.V., Dover International Operations Inc., Dover International Ventures Inc., Dover International Ventures Tunisia S.a.r.l., Dover International ithalat ihracat ve Pazarlama Limited Sirketi, Dover Italy Holdings S.r.l., Dover Luxembourg Finance Sarl, Dover Luxembourg Participations Sarl, Dover Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Dover Luxembourg Services Sarl, Dover Operations South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Dover Overseas Ventures Inc., Dover Pumps & Process Solutions Segment Inc., Dover Refrigeration & Food Equipment Segment Inc., Dover Refrigeration & Food Equipment UK Ltd, Dover Resources International de Mexico S. de R.L. C.V., Dover Solutions Colombia SAS, Dover Southeast Asia (Thailand) Ltd., Dover Spain Holdings S.L., Dover UK Pensions Limited, Dover WSCR Holding LLC, Dover WSCR LLC, Dover do Brasil Ltda., Dow-Key Microwave Corporation, Dresser Wayne Data Technology (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Dresser Wayne Fuel Equipment (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., EOA Systems Inc., Ebs-Ray Holdings Pty Ltd, Ebs-Ray Industries Pty. Ltd., Ebs-Ray Pumps Pty. Ltd., Em-tec, Espy, Ettlinger, Ettlinger Kunststoffmaschinen GmbH, Fairbanks Environmental Limited, Fibrelite Composites Limited, Fibresec Holdings Limited, Fibresec Limited, Finder, GAL LLC, GIIER LLC, Gala Industries, Gala Kunststoff-und Kautschukmaschinen GmbH, Guangdong Tokheim LIYUAN Oil Industry Technology Limited Company, Highland Park Insurance Company, Hill PHOENIX Inc., Hill PHOENIX WIC LLC, Hill Phoenix Costa Rica Sociedad De Responsabilidad Limitada, Hill Phoenix El Salvador Limitada de Capital Variable, Hill Phoenix Guatemala Sociedad Anonima, Hill Phoenix Honduras Sociedad Anonima, Hill Phoenix Nicaragua Sociedad Anonima, Hill Phoenix de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Hiltap Fittings Ltd., Hydro Systems Company, Hydro Systems Europe Ltd., Hydronova Australia-NZ Pty Ltd, Industrial Motion Control LLC, Innovative Control Systems, Innovative Control Systems Inc., Inpro/Seal LLC, JK Group, JK Group S.P.A., JK Group USA Inc., K S Boca Inc., K&L Microwave DR Inc., K&L Microwave Inc., KPS (Beijing) Petroleum Equipment Trading Co Ltd., KPS Fueling Solutions Sdn. Bhd., KPS Hong Kong Holding Limited, KPS UK Limited, KS Formation Inc., KS Liquidation Inc., KSLP Liquidation L.P., Kiian Digital (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Knappco LLC, Knowles Electronics, LIQAL, Liquip, Liquip International Pty Limited, MAAG, MARKEM FZ SA, MARKEM-IMAJE Corporation, MIP Holdings Inc., MS Printing Solutions, MS Printing Solutions S.R.L., Maag Automatik GmbH, Maag Automatik Plastics Machinery (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Maag Gala Inc., Maag Italy S.R.L., Maag Pump Systems, Maag Pump Systems (US) Inc., Maag Pump Systems AG, Maag Reduction Inc., Maag Service (Malaysia) Sdn. Bdn., Maag Systems (Thailand) Limited, Marathon Equipment Company (Delaware), Markem Imaje Center of Competencies Spain S.L.U., Markem-Imaje, Markem-Imaje (China) Co. Limited, Markem-Imaje - Unipessoal Lda, Markem-Imaje A/S, Markem-Imaje AB, Markem-Imaje AG, Markem-Imaje AS, Markem-Imaje B.V., Markem-Imaje CSAT GmbH, Markem-Imaje Co. Ltd., Markem-Imaje GmbH, Markem-Imaje Holding, Markem-Imaje Identificacao de Produtos Ltda., Markem-Imaje Inc., Markem-Imaje India Private Limited, Markem-Imaje Industries, Markem-Imaje Industries Limited, Markem-Imaje KK, Markem-Imaje LLC, Markem-Imaje Limited, Markem-Imaje Limited, Markem-Imaje Ltd., Markem-Imaje N.V., Markem-Imaje Oy, Markem-Imaje Philippines Corporation, Markem-Imaje Pty Ltd, Markem-Imaje S.A., Markem-Imaje S.A. de C.V., Markem-Imaje S.r.l., Markem-Imaje SAS, Markem-Imaje Sdn Bhd, Markem-Imaje Singapore Pte. Ltd., Markem-Imaje Spain S.A.U, Markpoint Holding AB, Midland Manufacturing LLC, Mouvex, Northern Lights (Nevada) Inc., Northern Lights Funding LP, Northern Lights Investments LLC, Nova Controls Inc., OK International, OK International (UK) Ltd., OK International Holdings Inc., OK International Inc., OPW Engineered Systems Inc., OPW Fluid Transfer Group Europe B.V., OPW Fluid Transfer Solutions (Jiang Su) Co. Ltd., OPW Fluids Group Inc., OPW France, OPW Fuel Management Systems Inc., OPW Fueling Components (SuZhou) Co. Ltd., OPW Fueling Components LLC, OPW Iberia Sociedad Limitada, OPW Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., OPW Slovakia s.r.o., OPW Sweden AB, Officine Meccaniche Sirio S.R.L., PDQ Manufacturing, PDQ Manufacturing Inc., PISCES by OPW Inc., PSD Codax Holdings Limited, PSD Codax Limited, PSG (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, PSG (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., PSG California LLC, PSG Germany GmbH, Petro Vend Sp. z o.o., Pike Machine Products Inc., Pole/Zero Acquisition Inc., Precision Brasil Equipamentos E Servicos Para Postos De Combustiveis Ltda., Precision Service - Servicos De Manutencao E Instalacao De Postos De Abastecimento De Combustivel Ltda., Production Control Services, Pump Management Services Co. LLC, RAV Equipos Espana S.L., RAV France, Ravaglioli Deutschland GmbH, Ravaglioli S.P.A., Reduction Engineering GmbH, Revod Corporation, Revod Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Revod SAS, Revod Singapore Holdings Pte. Ltd, Revod Sweden AB, Robohand Inc., Rosario, Rosario Handel B.V., Rotary Lift Consolidated (Haimen) Co. Ltd, SE Liquidation LLC, SWEP Germany GmbH, SWEP Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., SWEP North America Inc., SWEP Slovakia s.r.o., SWEP Technology (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Seabiscuit Motorsports Inc., Simmons Sirvey Corporation, So. Cal. Soft-Pak, So. Cal. Soft-Pak Incorporated, Solaris Laser, Solaris Laser S.A., Somero Enterprises, Sound Solutions, Space S.R.L., Spirit, Start Italiana Petrol Cihazlari Sanayi Ticaret Anonim Sirketi, Start Italiana S.R.L., Swep Energy Oy, Swep International A.B., Swep Japan K.K., Sys-Tech Solutions, Sys-Tech Solutions Inc., Systech GB Limited, Systech Shanghai Consulting Company Limited, TQC Quantium Quality S.A. de C.V., TTSI III Inc., TWG Canada Consolidated Inc., TXHI LLC, Tartan Textile Services Inc., The Heil Co., Tokheim Belgium, Tokheim China Company Limited, Tokheim GmbH, Tokheim Group, Tokheim Hengshan Technologies (Guangzhou) Co. Ltd., Tokheim Holding B.V., Tokheim India Private Limited, Tokheim Sofitam Applications, Trans - Logistic Group S.R.L., Triton Systems, Tulsa Winch Inc., UPCO Inc., US Synthetic, Unattended Payment Solutions LLC, Unified Brands, Unified Brands Inc., Val TemperBent Glass L.P., Vectron Frequency Devices (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Vehicle Service Group LLC, Vehicle Service Group UK Limited, Vos Food Store Equipment Ltd., WSCR Corp., Warn Automotive LLC, Warn Industries, Waukesha Bearings, Waukesha Bearings Corporation, Waukesha Bearings Limited, Waukesha Bearings Russia LLC, Wayne Fuel Management UK Ltd., Wayne Fueling Systems, Wayne Fueling Systems (Rus) Limited Liability Company, Wayne Fueling Systems Australia Pty Ltd, Wayne Fueling Systems Canada ULC, Wayne Fueling Systems Deutschland GmbH, Wayne Fueling Systems Italia S.R.L., Wayne Fueling Systems LLC, Wayne Fueling Systems Ltd., Wayne Fueling Systems Sweden AB, Wayne Fueling Systems UK Holdco Ltd., Wayne Industria e Comercio Ltda., WellMark, XanTec Steuerungs- und EDV-Technik GmbH, and em-tec GmbH. SPDR Blackstone Senior Loan ETF's stock was trading at $42.88 on March 11th, 2020 when COVID-19 reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Since then, SRLN stock has increased by 6.8% and is now trading at $45.80. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. Drilling vessel Fatih starts deep drilling in offshore Mediterranean First Turkish drilling vessel, Fatih started conducting its first deep drilling in offshore Antalya on the country's southern Mediterranean coast on Tuesday. Speaking at the launch ceremony, Turkey's Energy and Natural Resources Minister Fatih Donmez said that Turkey would conduct deep drilling works with its own vessel for the deep-water well Alanya-1 as part of its efforts to utilize its domestic resources. "Our aim is to open two drilling wells on average a year with the Fatih vessel," Donmez said, adding that the first drilling in Alanya-1 is planned for a period of nearly 150 days. TURKEY IS ABOUT TO BUY A SECOND DRILL SHIP Turkey is already undertaking oil and gas exploration using two seismic vessels. Turkey's first seismic vessel, Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa, which was bought from Norway in 2013, has been conducting exploration operations in the Mediterranean since April 2017. Additionally, Turkey's second vessel, the MTA Oruc Reis, which Turkish engineers built in a local shipyard in Istanbul in June, is undertaking work in the Black Sea. Meanwhile, the Fatih vessel, formerly the Deepsea Metro II, arrived in the city of Antalya in June in preparation for the start of Turkey's first deep drilling project in the region. Minister Donmez noted that other shallow drilling works with the Fatih vessel are planned in the Mersin region in south Turkey next month, adding that Turkey is about to buy a second drill ship to ramp up exploration. No current risks On Oct. 18, the Turkish navy blocked a Greek frigate trying to interfere with the Barbaros Hayreddin Pasa research vessel. NO SECURITY RISKS TOWARDS THE VESSEL The incident prompted an immediate response from Turkish officials who warned Greece against taking action in the Mediterranean Sea that would spark tensions in the region. "There are no security risks towards the vessel, however, if harassment takes place, our naval forces will do what is necessary," Donmez said. Stressing that Turkey has no intent on taking any other country's resources in the Mediterranean Sea, Donmez asserted the sole purpose is to provide resources under Turkey's sovereignty as a guarantor on the Cyprus Island to its Turkish and Turkish Cypriot citizens. Turkey's drilling vessel Fatih starts deep drilling WATCH Turkey has consistently contested the Greek Cypriot administrations unilateral drilling activity in the Eastern Mediterranean while asserting that the Turkish Cypriots also have rights to the resources in the area. The following companies are subsidiares of IDEX: ADS Corp., ADS Environmental Services Pty Limited, ADS Environmental Technologies Inc., ADS LLC, AEGIS Flow Technologies, AEGIS Flow Technologies L.L.C., AWG, AWG Fittings GmbH, Abel Pumps, Advanced Thin Films, Advanced Thin Films Inc., Airtech Group, Akron Brass, Akron Brass Company, Alfa Valvole, Alfa Valvole S.r.l., Band-It Clamps (Asia) Pte. Ltd., Band-It Company Limited, Band-It-IDEX Inc., Banjo Corporation, Banjo Europe S.r.l., BarbIDEX International SRL, CIDRA Precision Services, CVI Laser, CVI Laser LLC, CVI Laser Limited, CVI Melles Griot, Corken Inc., ERC, Eastern Plastics, FAST & Fluid Management S.r.l., FM Delaware Inc., FM Investment Inc., FMD Distribution and Service LLC, FMD Fabrication Services LLC, FTL Seals Technology Limited, Fast & Fluid Management B.V., Fast & Fluid Management Eastern Europe Sp. Z O.O., Fast and Fluid Management Australia Pty. Ltd., Flow Management Devices, Flow Management Devices LLC, Fluid Management Canada Inc., Fluid Management Inc., Fluid Management Operations LLC, Gast Group Ltd, Gast Manufacturing Inc., Godiva Limited, Godiva Products Limited, Hale Products Europe Limited, Hale Products Inc., Hurst Jaws of Life Inc., IDEX Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., IDEX Dinglee Technology (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., IDEX Europe GmbH, IDEX Health & Science KK, IDEX Health & Science LLC, IDEX Holdings GmbH, IDEX Holdings Inc., IDEX India Private Limited, IDEX Italy S.r.l., IDEX Japan GK, IDEX Korea Ltd, IDEX Leasing GmbH, IDEX MPT Inc., IDEX Mexico S.A. de C.V., IDEX Middle East FZE, IDEX Pump Technologies (Ireland) Limited, IDEX SAS, IDEX Service Corp., IDEX Sourcing Corporation, IDEX Technology (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., IDEX Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, IDEX UK Investment Ltd, IDEX UK Ltd., IDEX do Brasil Servicos e Vendas Ltda., IETG, Isolation Technologies, KNIGHT LLC, KVT-Koenig Holding Limited, Knight (Canada) Limited, Knight Inc., Knight UK Ltd, LUKAS Hydraulik GmbH, Liquid Controls, Liquid Controls LLC, Matcon, Matcon (R&D) Limited, Matcon Group Limited, Matcon Limited, Melles Griot B.V., Melles Griot GmbH, Microfluidics, Microfluidics International Corporation, Micropump Inc., Nova Technologies, Nova Technologies Corporation, Novotema, Novotema S.p.A, OBL, OBL Srl, Oil & Gas Process Solutions LLC, PP AWG GmbH, PPE International LLC, PPE LLC, Precision Photonics, Precision Polymer Engineering Limited, Project Gold Acquisition Corp., Pulsafeeder Inc., Quadro Engineering Corp., RV Acquisition Corp., Richter Chemie-Technik, Richter Chemie-Technik GmbH, Richter EP (Nanjing) Co. Ltd., Richter Pumps & Valves Inc., Roplan AB, Roplan GmbH, Roplan Holding AB, Roplan Ltd, Roplan Machinery (Ningbo) Co. Ltd., Roplan Machining AB, Roplan Sales (Ningbo) Co. Ltd., Roplan Sales AB, Roplan Sales Inc., Roplan Trading AB, S.A.M.P.I. S.p.A., SFC KOENIG, SFC KOENIG Flow Control (Suzhou) Co. Limited, SFC Koenig AG, SFC Koenig Beteilgungs GmbH, SFC Koenig GmbH, SFC Koenig LLC, Scivex, Seals Limited, Semrock, Steridose Sales AB, The Fitzpatrick Company, Toptech Systems, Toptech Systems Inc., Toptech Systems NV, Trebor International Inc., Velcora, Velcora Holding AB, Vetter GmbH, Viking Pump Inc., Viking Pump of Canada Inc., Warren Rupp Inc., Wright Flow Technologies Limited, XAM Swiss Holding I GmbH, iPEK, iPEK International GmbH, iPEK Spezial TV GmbH, thinXXS Microtechnology, and thinXXS Microtechnology AG. The following companies are subsidiares of Reliance Steel & Aluminum: AMI Metals Aero Services Ankara Havaclk Anonim Sirketi, AMI Metals Europe SPRL, AMI Metals Inc., AMI Metals UK Limited, Acero Prime S. de R.L. de C.V., Airport Metals, Alaska Steel Company, Alaska Steel Company, Aleaciones Especiales de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., All Metal Services (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., All Metal Services India Private Limited, All Metal Services Limited, All Metal Services Ltd. (Xian), All Metals Holding, All Metals Processing & Logistics Inc., All Metals Transportation and Logistics Inc., Allegheny Steel Distributors Inc., American Metals Corporation, Best Manufacturing Inc., Bralco Metals (Australia) Pty Ltd, CCC Steel Inc., Chapel Steel Canada Ltd., Chapel Steel Corp., Chatham Steel Corporation, Clayton Metals Inc., Continental Alloys & Services (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Continental Alloys & Services Limited, Continental Alloys & Services Pte. Ltd., Continental Alloys Middle East FZE, Crest Steel Corporation, Delta Steel Inc., Diamond Manufacturing Company, DuBose National Energy Fasteners & Machined Parts, DuBose National Energy Fasteners & Machined Parts Inc., DuBose National Energy Services, DuBose National Energy Services Inc., Durrett Sheppard Steel Co. Inc., Earle M. Jorgensen Company, FastMetals Inc., Feralloy Corporation, Ferguson Perforating Company, Ferguson Perforating Company, Fox Metals And Alloys, Fox Metals and Alloys Inc., Fry Steel, Fry Steel Company, GH Metal Solutions, GH Metal Solutions Inc., Haskins Steel, Infra-Metals Co., KMS FAB LLC, KMS Fab, KMS South, KMS South Inc., Liebovich Bros. Inc., McKey Perforating, Merfish United, Metals USA, Metals USA Inc., Metalweb Limited, National Specialty Alloys, National Specialty Alloys Inc., Northern Illinois Steel Supply, Northern Illinois Steel Supply Co., PDM Steel Service Centers Inc., Pacific Metal Company, Phoenix Corporation, Precision Flamecutting and Steel Inc., Precision Strip Inc., Reliance Metalcenter Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Reliance Metals Canada Limited, Service Steel Aerospace Corp., Siskin Steel & Supply Company Inc., Sugar Steel Corporation, Sunbelt Steel Texas, Tubular Steel, Tubular Steel Inc., Valex Corp., Valex Korea Co. Ltd., Valex Semiconductor Materials (Zhejiang) Co. Ltd., Viking Materials Inc., and Yarde Metals Inc.. The following companies are subsidiares of V.F.: 1994 Inc. Ltd., 530 Park Ave 10-F LLC, 530 Park Ave 14-H LLC, ALL'CROWN SA, Administradora Mexicana de Servicios S de RL de CV, Administradora de Servicios Honduras S.A., Altra Footwear, Altra LLC, C.C.R.L. LLC, Chapter 4 Corp, Cherry SAS, Ciliegia Srl, Corporacion Distribiduidora de Dickies S de RL de CV, Cutler de Mexico SA, Czech Distribution Services s.r.o., DSI Enterprises LLC, Dickies de Honduras SA de CV, Dickies de Parras S de RL de CV, EAGLE CREEK EUROPE LIMITED, Eagle Creek, Eagle Creek Inc., GFYS LLC, GREENSPORT MONTE BIANCO, Horace Small, INVERSIONES INMOBILIARIES AUSTRALES SA, INVERSIONES VF CHILE DOS LTDA, INVERSIONES VF CHILE LTDA, IW Apparel LLC, IW Holdings LLC, IW Panama Trading S. de R.L., IceBreaker, Icebreaker Apparel LLC, Icebreaker Australia Pty, Icebreaker Australia Retail Pty, Icebreaker Europe Limited, Icebreaker Holdings Limited, Icebreaker Licensing LLC, Icebreaker Limited, Icebreaker Merino Clothing Europe Ltd., Icebreaker New Zealand Limited, Icebreaker Pure Merino GmbH, Imagewear Apparel Corp., Industrial Laundry Services LLC, Industrias Coahuila de Zaragosa S de RL de CV, JanSport Apparel Corp., Kipling Apparel Corp., Kipling Belgium, Kipling Holdings LLC, Kirsche GmbH, Kodiak Group Holdings CO., Lee Bell Inc., Lucy, Lucy Apparel LLC, Majestic Athletic Official Store, Mo Industries Holdings, NII Sales - Texas LLC, Napapijri, North East Rig-Out Limited, North Elm Properties LLC, RED KAP DE MEXICO S DE RL DE CV, RKI HONDURAS S de RL, Reef Holdings Corporation, Rock & Republic, SERVICIOS Y PROMOCIONES TEXTILES LTDA, South Cone, South Cone Inc, Supreme, Supreme Holdings Inc., Supreme Intermediate Holdings Inc., T.I. Venture Group Inc, TBL INVESTMENTS HOLDING GMBH, TBL Licensing LLC, THE NORTH FACE ITALY SRL, THE NORTH FACE SAGL, THE RECREATIONAL FOOTWEAR CO., TIMBERLAND EUROPE BV, TIMBERLAND HK TRADING LTD., TIMBERLAND LUXEMBOURG HOLDING ASIA S.A.R.L., TIMBERLAND UK LTD., The North Face, The North Face Apparel Corp, Timberland, Timberland Asia LLC, Timberland IDC Ltd., Timberland International LLC, VANS MADEIRA LDA, VANS SPAIN SL, VF (J) FRANCE SAS, VF (J) NEDERLAND BV, VF (J) NETHERLANDS SERVICES BV, VF APPAREL PORTUGAL LDA, VF ASIA LTD, VF Apollo Investments Limited, VF Apollo Singapore Pte. Ltd., VF Asia Sourcing Ltd, VF Austria GMBH, VF BRANDS MALAYSIA SDN BHD, VF BRANDS TAIWAN LTD., VF Belgium BV, VF Brands Pte. Ltd., VF CH Apollo Sagl, VF CH Holdings GmbH, VF CH Imagewear Canada GmbH, VF CH MEXICO INVESTMENTS SAGL, VF CH-MEX Holdings LLC, VF CHINA LTD., VF CIS LLC, VF COMERCIALIZADORA LTDA, VF CZECH SERVICES SRO, VF CZECH SRO, VF Corporation, VF DE ARGENTINA SA, VF DO BRAZIL LTDA, VF EGE GIYIM SANAYI VE TICARET LIMITED SIRKETI, VF EUROPE BV, VF GERMANY TEXTILE-HANDELS GMBH, VF Germany Services GMBH, VF HELLAS EPE, VF HOLDING SAGL, VF HOLDINGS MEXICO LLC, VF Hong Kong Limited, VF IB Holdings LLC, VF IMAGEWEAR DE MEXICO S DE RL DE CV, VF IMAGEWEAR MAJESTIC (UK) LTD, VF INTERNATIONAL SAGL, VF INVESTIMENTOS DO BRAZIL LTDA, VF IP Holdings LLC, VF ISRAEL (APPAREL) LTD, VF ITALIA SRL, VF ITALY SERVICES SRL, VF Imagewear Canada Co., VF Imagewear Inc, VF Intellectual Property Services Inc, VF International Holding GmbH, VF Investments Holding GmbH, VF Investments Netherlands BV, VF JEANSWEAR ARGENTINA SRL, VF JEANSWEAR ESPANA SL, VF Japan KK, VF KOREA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, VF LUXEMBOURG SARL, VF Management Service Italy S.r.l., VF NL Holdings CV, VF NL Imagewear B.V., VF NORTHERN EUROPE LIMITED, VF NORTHERN EUROPE SERVICES LIMITED, VF Norway AS, VF OUTDOOR (CANADA) CO, VF OUTDOOR MEXICO S DE RL DE CV, VF OUTDOOR SERVICES S DE RL DE CV, VF Outdoor LLC, VF PANAMA SOURCING SERVICES S. DE R.L., VF PARTICIPACOES DO BRASIL LTDA, VF PERU SA, VF POLSKA DISTRIBUTION SP ZO O, VF Playwear Dominicana SA, VF Playwear LLC, VF Receivables LP, VF Receivables Services LLC, VF SAGEBRUSH ENTERPRISES LLC, VF SALES SAGL, VF SERVICIOS DE HONDURAS SA, VF SERVICIOS EL SALVADOR LTDA. DE CV, VF SHANGHAI SOURCING LIMITED, VF SOURCING THAILAND LTD, VF Scandinavia ApS, VF Services LLC, VF Servicios de Guatemala Srl, VF Servicios de Nicaragua Srl., VF Shanghai Enterprise Company, VF Shanghai Limited, VF Singapore Overseas Services Pte Ltd, VF Solutions LLC, VF Sourcing India Private Limited, VF Sweden AB, VF Switzerland Enterprises GmbH, VF Taiwan Limited, VF Transglobal GmbH, VF Treasury Services LLC, VFSE Investments LLC, VFSLA Commercial Services LLC, VFSLA Servicios S. de R.L. de C.V., Vans, Vans Inc, W-D APPAREL COMPANY LLC, W-D Licensing LLC, WD Europe SAS, WD Supply Holding Limited (HK), Walls Cayman Limited, Walls Holding Company LLC, Walls Industries LLC, Williamson Industries Ltd., Williamson-Dickie APAC Holding Company Ltd., Williamson-Dickie Apparel Trading (Shanghai) Ltd., Williamson-Dickie Canada Co., Williamson-Dickie Europe GmbH, Williamson-Dickie Europe Holdings Ltd., Williamson-Dickie Europe Ltd., Williamson-Dickie HK Holding Company Ltd., Williamson-Dickie Holding Co-Mexico S de RL de CV, Williamson-Dickie Manufacturing Company LLC, Williamson-Dickie Middle East FZE, Wooster GK, Workwear Sourcing S. de R.L., World Jeans VF Asia Ltd, Worldwide Workwear Ltd., and Ying Tao Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.. Weatherford International plc, an oilfield service company, provides equipment and services for the drilling, evaluation, completion, production, and intervention of oil and natural gas wells worldwide. The company operates in two segments, Western Hemisphere and Eastern Hemisphere. It offers artificial lift systems, including reciprocating rod, progressing cavity pumping, gas, hydraulic, plunger, and hybrid lift systems, as well as related automation and control systems; pressure pumping and reservoir stimulation services, such as acidizing, fracturing and fluid systems, cementing, and coiled-tubing intervention; and drill stem test tools, and surface well testing and multiphase flow measurement services. The company also provides safety, downhole reservoir monitoring, flow control, and multistage fracturing systems, as well as sand-control technologies, and production and isolation packers; liner hangers to suspend a casing string in high-temperature and high-pressure wells; cementing products, including plugs, float and stage equipment, and torque-and-drag reduction technology for zonal isolation; and pre-job planning and installation services. In addition, it offers directional drilling services, and logging and measurement services while drilling; services related to rotary-steerable systems, high-temperature and high-pressure sensors, drilling reamers, and circulation subs; managed pressure drilling, conventional mud-logging, drilling instrumentation, gas analysis, wellsite consultancy, and open hole and cased-hole logging services; reservoir solutions and software products; and intervention and remediation services. Further, the company provides equipment and drilling tools; tubular handling, management, and connection services; equipment rental services; and onshore contract drilling and related services through a fleet of land drilling and workover rigs. Weatherford International plc was incorporated in 1972 and is headquartered in Baar, Switzerland. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of WESCO International: 1502218 Alberta Ltd., ALLNET Technologies Pty. Ltd., AXE Distribution Solutions Trinidad Ltd., Accu-Tech Corporation, Anixter (Barbados) SRL, Anixter (CIS) LLC, Anixter (Switzerland) Sarl, Anixter (U.K.) Limited, Anixter Argentina S.A., Anixter Asia Holdings Limited, Anixter Australia Pty. Ltd., Anixter Austria GmbH, Anixter Bahamas Limited, Anixter Belgium B.V.B.A., Anixter Cables y Manufacturas S.A. de C.V., Anixter Canada Inc., Anixter Canadian Holdings ULC, Anixter Chile S.A., Anixter Colombia S.A.S., Anixter Communications (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Anixter Communications (Shanghai) Co. Limited, Anixter Costa Rica S.A., Anixter Czech a.s., Anixter Danmark A/S, Anixter Deutschland GmbH, Anixter Distribuidor de Soluciones Empresariales e Industriales S.A., Anixter Distribution Ireland Limited, Anixter Dominicana SRL, Anixter Egypt LLC, Anixter Espana S.L., Anixter Eurotwo Holdings B.V., Anixter Fasteners Deutschland GmbH, Anixter Financial Inc., Anixter France SARL, Anixter Guatemala y Compania Limitada, Anixter Holdings Inc., Anixter Holdings Mexico LLC, Anixter Hong Kong Limited, Anixter Iletisim Sistemleri Pazarlama ve Ticaret A.S., Anixter Inc., Anixter India Private Limited, Anixter Information Systems LLC, Anixter International, Anixter Italia S.r.l., Anixter Jamaica Limited, Anixter Japan KK, Anixter Jorvex S.A.C., Anixter Limited, Anixter Logistica do Brasil LTDA, Anixter Logistica y Servicios S.A. de C.V., Anixter Magyarorszag Elektronikus Halozati Rendszer Kereskedelmi es Szolgaltato Kft, Anixter Mid Holdings B.V., Anixter Middle East FZE, Anixter Morocco SARL AU, Anixter Nederland B.V., Anixter New Zealand Limited, Anixter Norge A.N.S., Anixter Operaciones y Logistica s De RL De CV, Anixter Panama S.A., Anixter Pension Scheme Trustees Limited, Anixter Pension Trustees Limited, Anixter Peru S.A.C., Anixter Philippines Inc., Anixter Poland Sp.z.o.o., Anixter Portugal S.A., Anixter Power Solutions Canada Inc., Anixter Power Solutions Inc., Anixter Procurement Corporation, Anixter Puerto Rico Inc., Anixter Real-Estate LLC, Anixter Receivables Corporation, Anixter Saudi Arabia Limited, Anixter Singapore Pte. Ltd., Anixter Slovakia s.r.o., Anixter Sub Holdings B.V, Anixter Sverige AB, Anixter Thailand Inc., Anixter U.S. LLC, Anixter Venezuela Inc., Anixter de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Anixter do Brasil Ltda, Atlanta Electrical Distributors, Atlanta Electrical Distributors LLC, Atlas Gentech (NZ) Limited, Avon Electrical Supplies, B.E.L. Corporation, Brews Supply, Brown Wholesale Electric, Bruckner Supply, CBC LP Holdings LLC, CDW Holdco LLC, Calvert Wire & Cable Corporation, Carlton-Bates Company, Carlton-Bates Company (CBC), Carlton-Bates Company de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Carlton-Bates Company of Texas GP Inc, Central Security Distribution Pty. Ltd, Communication Cables LLC, Communications Supply Corporation, Conney Investment Holdings LLC, Conney Safety Products, Conney Safety Products LLC, Distribuidora Materiales Electricos E-Supply Limitada, EECOL Electric, EECOL Electric Bolivia Ltda, EECOL Electric Corp., EECOL Electric Peru S.A.C, EECOL Industrial Electric (SudAmerica) Limitada, EECOL Industrial Electric Ecuador Limitada, EECOL Industrial Electric Limitada, EECOL Power S.A., EECOL Properties Corp, Eurinvest B.V., Eurinvest Cooperatief U.A., Fastec Industrial, HMH Pension Trustees Limited, Hazmasters, Hazmasters Inc., Herning Underground Supply, Hi-Line Utility Supply, Hi-Line Utility Supply Company LLC, Hill Country Electric Supply, Hill Country Electric Supply L.P., ICV GP Inc., Infast Group Limited, Inner Range Pty. Ltd, Itel Container Ventures Inc., Itel Corporation, Itel Rail Holdings Corporation, J-Mark Inc., LaPrairie, Liberty Wire & Cable Inc., Monti Electric Supply, Needham Electric Supply, Needham Electric Supply LLC, Obras Y Servicios Sunpark S.A.C., PT Anixter Indonesia, Potelcom Supply, Pro Canadian Holdings I ULC, RECO LLC, RS Electronics, Reily Electrical Supply, SASK Alta Holdings S.A., Services Voice Video and Data Distribution de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Servicios Anixter S.A. de C.V., Signal Capital Corporation, Signal Capital Projects Inc., Stone Eagle Electrical Supply GP Inc., Stone Eagle Electrical Supply Limited Partnership, TVC Communications, TVC Communications L.L.C., TVC Espana Distribucion y Venta De Equipos S.L., TVC International Holding L.L.C., TVC UK Holdings Limited, Tri-Ed Puerto Rico Ltd. Inc., Trydor Industries, Voice Video and Data Distribution de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., WDC Holding Inc., WDCH LP, WDCH US LP, WDI USVI LLC, WDI-Angola LDA, WDINESCO B.V., WDINESCO II B.V., WDINESCO III B.V., WEAS Company S. de R.L., WESCO (Suzhou) Trading Co. Ltd., WESCO Australia Pty Ltd, WESCO Canada GP Inc., WESCO Canada I LP, WESCO DC Holding I LP, WESCO DC Holding II LP, WESCO DC Holding III LP, WESCO DC Holding IV LP, WESCO Distribution Canada Co., WESCO Distribution Canada LP, WESCO Distribution HK Limited, WESCO Distribution II ULC, WESCO Distribution III ULC, WESCO Distribution IV Inc., WESCO Distribution Inc., WESCO Distribution Ireland Limited, WESCO Distribution NL B.V., WESCO Distribution Pte. Ltd., WESCO Distribution de Mexico S. de R.L., WESCO Distribution-International Limited, WESCO Enterprises Inc., WESCO Equity Corporation, WESCO Holdings LLC, WESCO Integrated Supply Inc., WESCO Integrated Supply Polska Spolka z o.o., WESCO Netherlands B.V., WESCO Nevada Ltd., WESCO Nigeria Inc., WESCO Procurement Canada ULC, WESCO Real Estate I LLC, WESCO Real Estate II LLC, WESCO Real Estate III LLC, WESCO Real Estate IV LLC, WESCO Receivables Corp., WESCO Services LLC, WESCO TLD Holdings Co. Ltd., WND Nigeria Limited, WireXpress Ltd., Xpress Connect Supply Hong Kong Limited, XpressConnect Holdings B.V., XpressConnect International B.V., XpressConnect Supply B.V.B.A., XpressConnect Supply Colombia S.A.S., XpressConnect Supply Inc., XpressConnect Supply Mexico S.A. de C.V., and XpressConnect Supply do Brasil Ltda. Xcel Energy, Inc. operates as a holding company, which engages in the generation, purchase, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity. It operates through the following three segments: Regulated Electric Utility, Regulated Natural Gas Utility and All Others. The Regulated Electric Utility segment generates, transmits and distributes electricity primarily in portions of generates, transmits and distributes electricity in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, Colorado, Texas and New Mexico. In addition, this segment includes sales for resale and provides wholesale transmission service to various entities in the United States. It also includes commodity trading operations. The Regulated Natural Gas Utility segment transports, stores, and distributes natural gas primarily in portions of Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Michigan and Colorado. The All Others segment engages in steam, appliance repair services, nonutility real estate activities, processing solid waste into refuse-derived fuel and investments in rental housing projects that qualify for low-income housing tax credits. The company was founded in 1909 and is headquartered in Minneapolis, MN. Read More ROME, NY A Rome teacher was found not guilty on child abuse charges on Tuesday in Rome City Court. Ashley Rasbach, of Rome, testified in her own defense on the witness stand during the second day of the trial. She was accused of spraying a student in the face with a water bottle, pulling a child by the hair, grabbing a student by the arms and dropping that child on the floor, and pinning four students behind a door at a special education class at John E. Joy Elementary School in April. She was teaching kindergartners and first graders during the time of the incidents. She faced two counts each of endangering the welfare of a child and second-degree harassment. Ashley Rasbach breaks into tears as she is found not guilty in Rome City Court on October 30, 2018. Ashley Rasbach breaks into tears as she is found not guilty in Rome City Court on October 30, 2018. When Rasbach was asked about whether she sprayed a bottle of water at a child she said, "I don't recall." She explained that she was teaching students at art activity at the time and that she never intentionally sprayed a child with water. Vicki Maitland, a teacher's assistant in the same classroom, reported all of the incidents to school officials. Maitland testified on Monday that Rasbach reached over her desk and sprayed a child in the face. Maitland said the child stepped back and wiped the water from her face with her sleeve. Maitland claimed the incident happened between 10 and 11 a.m. on April 9. Rasbach referred to her lesson plan book during trial stating that the art project happened at 1:10 p.m. that day. Rasbach was accused of pulling a child by the hair, who was looking out the window when she was told multiple times to stand in line. Rasbach said she "gently tugged" on a child's ponytail after she had repeatedly given directions to the student, who wasn't listening. "Should I have done it? No... it was not appropriate. I should have tapped her on her shoulder." Rasbach was accusation grabbing a child by arms, picking her up and dropping her on the floor. Maitland said the child said Rasbach pinched her. Rasbach addressed the claim saying she "gently guided" the child to the rug in the classroom, who also wasn't listening to repeated directions. Rasbach was also accused of squeezing four students behind a door and a wall. Rasbach said the door was at a 45-degree angle and that none of the students were pinned. Rasbach has been paid administrative leave since the allegations in April. She is able to keep all of her certifications and the case will be sealed. According to Rebecca Wittman, Rasbach's attorney, Rasbach felt very strongly that she didn't do anything wrong. Scott McNamara, Oneida County district attorney, said he is disappointed with the judge's ruling and that this could send the wrong message if someone else sees child abuse, that they might not be believed. Attempts to contact the Peter Blake, superintendent of Rome City School District were unsuccessful. A judge in Otsego County is accused of trespassing in a womans home, taking photos and then posting them to social media. According to court documents, in 2015 William Fisher who serves as a town judge in Worcester allegedly went into a house that belonged to his wife at the time without permission. The documents state that his wifes parents had died and she was the executor of their will, so she took ownership of that home. Fisher allegedly went inside and took photos of the house after his wife defaulted on the mortgage. According to the documents, Fisher allegedly took photographs to document what he considered to be the poor physical condition of the premises, and he then posted the photos to his wifes Facebook account with the comment, Mom and Alton are turning over in their graves. The court documents say this kind of behavior went on for years, event after Fisher allegedly promised in court to remove certain content from his Facebook page. They also state that Fisher believed he could lawfully enter the property to inspect it, because he was the spouse of the person who took over ownership of the home. The New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly admonished Fisher, and the documents state that Fisher has acknowledged the impropriety of his conduct and has pledged to be more circumspect in the use of social media in the future. Fisher has served as a justice of the Worcester Town Court since 1991, and his current term ends on Dec. 31. You can read the full court documents here. EVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP) A lawsuit involving three teenagers who accuse Evansville police of violating their constitutional rights is headed to trial after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the case. The high court refused Monday to review a January ruling by the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals which found enough evidence to warrant a civil trial in the suit filed on behalf of William, Deadra and Andrea Hurt and their mother. The city of Evansville and other defendants had asked the justices to review that ruling. The teens' lawsuit alleges Evansville police threatened them and fed them facts to coerce confessions in the 2012 killing of 54-year-old Marcus Golike. Attorney Theresa Kleinhaus says the plaintiffs are pleased. Their suit is set for a September 2019 trial. The defendants' attorney declined comment. INDIANAPOLIS (WLFI) WLFI will air the final Indiana's Senate candidate debate Tuesday night, just a week before Election Day. Incumbent Democrat Joe Donnelly is neck-and-neck with Republican challenger Mike Braun in one of the most closely watched Senate races in the country. You can watch the debate between Donnelly, Braun and Libertarian Lucy Brenton at 7 p.m. right after the CBS Evening News. News 18 will have live reports from the debate Tuesday night on News 18 at 5 and 6. All tickets for the in-person debate in Indianapolis have already been claimed. LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) About one in eight women will develop breast cancer at some point in her life according to experts at IU Health Arnett. That's A statistic Lafayette teacher Gina Boyd had never heard until she was diagnosed. Usually, on your birthday, you get a chance to make a wish after you blow out your candles. But last year teacher Gina Boyd got something she never wished for while she sat in a doctors office at IU Health Arnett. "My birthday is October 26th and I found out on my 46th birthday that I had breast cancer," said Boyd. She had only taken a half day off from teaching and was now blindsided after radiologist Dr. Phyllis Martin-Simmerman gave her the news. News she now had to share with her husband and her 11 and 16-year-old children. "To think of your children planning for their life without you it's hard to hear and it's hard to think about your children having to do that," said Boyd. And she says it just got harder. "My family was calling me all day to tell me Happy Birthday and to then say guess what, thank you, but guess what was really a crappy way to spend my day." Her loved ones began to share locations for treatments which were not local. Martin-Simmerman made the decision easier by hand picking her doctors at the IU Health Arnett cancer center only 16 minutes from her home. That's where she remembers having one of the sweetest moments with her radiation oncologist. "As soon as he walked in the room he said Hi I'm Neil Estabrook, I'm so sorry you're here and I burst into tears. What a compassionate, beautiful thing to say, yes I'm sorry I'm here too." The compassion continued with expressions of love Boyd received from her friends family and school community. "We had meals three times a week prepared for us from October through March." And Boyd is still surprised she went through radiation, chemotherapy, and a mastectomy because she had no risk factors. She was experiencing breast pain, but when she made the appointment at IU Health it didn't occur to her it might be breast cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends women age 40 and older get a mammogram every year. "I know other women are sitting there thinking, oh I'm probably good. I was that girl and here I am. Get your mammogram." Because now, Boyd can finally receive a birthday gift she would actually wish for. Her doctor told her she could share the good news with her friends and family this year. "She said you can tell them there is no evidence of disease. I'm like alright that works for me, I like take it no evidence of disease lets go with that." WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Several West Lafayette voters said when they clicked on the Democratic candidate, their voting machine selected the Republican option instead. Those we talked to were able to fix the problem but they worry about those who may not have noticed. "It happened two or three times," said West Lafayette voter Sheila Rosenthal. "I tried it several times," stated her husband, Frank. "There was definitely some kind of an issue with the touch screen on that machine," commented Steve Moss. All three voters went to the West Lafayette Pay Less to cast their ballots over the weekend. When they tried to click on a Democratic candidate, it marked the Republican one instead. Same thing with the public question at the top of the ballot. "Kept pressing the yes to get the yes to go away, and then finally I was able to enter my no vote," said Frank Rosenthal. On the current ballot, Republicans are listed first and Democrats are listed second. "It's determined by the votes for Secretary of State, that race determines the ballot order," explained Tippecanoe County Clerk Christa Coffey. But some Democrats worry that order could go in the Republican candidates's favor if people aren't careful. "The reality is that not everyone is diligent," said Frank Rosenthal. But Christa Coffey said voters should be. "We can only do so much," said Coffey. Tippecanoe County Election Board Chairman Randy Vonderheide said they tested all of the machines at the West Lafayette Pay Less but were unable to confirm the problem. "We could not demonstrate or simulate the complaint, the equipment was properly calibrated and seemed to be functioning as it's required to function," said Vonderheide. Those who say they experienced it, aren't convinced. They would like to see these machines replaced before the next election. Right now, the next update is scheduled for 2021. "I think that's too far away," said Moss. "That's several elections from now." "I don't know why we have to wait until then," said Sheila Rosenthal. Coffey said when to update the machines will be a question for the next county clerk. Right now, she said your best bet is to review your ballot before you click cast. "Because once you hit cast ballot, there's nothing we can do to resolve the issue," said Coffey. So far, the issue has only been reported at the West Lafayette Pay Less site. Coffey said don't be afraid to ask for help if you experience any problems during the voting process. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. A suicide attack by an unemployed graduate woman on a busy street in the Tunisian capital this week was an "isolated act", a government minister said Tuesday. Interior Minister Hichem Fourati, whose ministry is on the same street, said Guebla was not on a watch-list of potential extremists "and was not known for her religious background or affiliation." "It was an isolated act, the security services were on the alert, they intervened very quickly," he told AFP. Police sources said the assailant appeared to have used a homemade bomb rather than an explosive belt. Guebla, from the eastern region of Mahdia, was an unemployed business English graduate aged 30, said prosecution spokesman Sofiene Sliti, who also represents the country's anti-terrorism unit. Her family said that in the three years since she graduated, she had been unable to find a job in that field and had instead occasionally worked as a shepherdess. Eight years since a revolution that toppled longtime dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, Tunisia's economy is stagnant and around a third of young graduates are unemployed. Authorities had not previously identified Guebla as a potential extremist, Sliti told AFP. The prosecution spokesman said there had not yet been any arrests in connection with Monday's attack. The host leader highly valued Samsungs investment accomplishments in the country, stressing that the Vietnamese Government, ministries, and localities will continue to create the best possible conditions for the firm to do business successfully here. He noted that the Government has kept a close watch on and listened to opinions of foreign investors, including Samsung, to support their investments and business in Vietnam. Aside from the call for investment expansion, PM Phuc also asked the group to step up the development of the semiconductor sector, infrastructure, finance, and information technology, while continuing to assist Vietnam in expanding its supporting industry and create conditions for local businesses to join Samsungs supply chain. He also asked Samsung to assist the country in building its e-government and soon implement some of its large thermal power projects, affirming that the Vietnamese Government will remain a companion to the firm on the path to further victory. As the National Assembly of Vietnam is soon to finish ratifying the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), Samsung will gain access to a variety of favourable conditions to increase investment in Vietnam since the deal will open up major chances for exporting products to other countries. For his part, Lee appreciated the Vietnamese Governments support for Samsung, noting that the group is already making considerable efforts to help with human resource development in the country. Expanding investment and raising the proportion of locally-made components in its products are the wishes of Samsung, he said, adding that it is also enhancing research and development activities in Vietnam. Samsung is working hard to further cooperate with Vietnamese businesses in spare parts and human resources. It is also experienced in Industry 4.0 technology and e-governments, so the group is willing to assist the country in these fields, the executive noted. This Page Is Under Construction - Coming Soon! Why am I seeing this 'Under Construction' page? In the second state election since the formation of the Grand Coalition government in Berlin, the ruling parties in Germany once again received a severe defeat at the ballot box. As with the election two weeks ago in Bavaria, the Christian Democrats (CDU) and the Social Democrats (SPD) lost more than 22 percentage points between them in Hesse. The CDU, which has ruled the state of Hesse in coalition with the Greens for the last five years, lost 11.3 percent, dropping to 27 percent. This is the worst result for the Hesse CDU in over fifty years. The SPD lost 10.9 percent and slipped below the 20 percent mark. The election result is an expression of the growing hostility towards the Grand Coalition and its right-wing policies of militarism, state repression and social austerity. After the loss of votes in Bavaria and the large-scale demonstration against their xenophobic refugee policy in Berlin, the CDU and SPD party leaders pledged they would reverse the trend in Hesse and sent top personnel into the election campaign. But the more representatives of the grand coalition there were, the more hostile the voters' reaction was. The rejection of the grand coalition was particularly massive among young people, first-time voters and in working class areas. This hostility towards the Berlin government finds no progressive expression in the existing party system. As a result, the votes have simply shifted around the different parliamentary parties, all of which agree on all the main political issues and work together in various federal or state government coalitions. About one hundred thousand SPD voters and 95,000 CDU voters migrated to the Greens, who have worked smoothly with the CDU over the past five years. The Greens received 19.8 percent of the vote, an increase of 8.7 percent, and were celebrated as the election winners. Their policies hardly differ from those of the CDU and the SPD, however. During the election campaign, they criticized the grand coalitions aggressive refugee policy and the establishment of anchor centres for accelerated deportation. That was only window dressing, however. Wherever the Greens participate in government, the security forces are rearmed, and refugees are brutally deported. The Green mayor of Tubingen, Boris Palmer, advocated for some of the most aggressive anti-refugee policies in Greece. The same applies to Hesse. According to media reports, almost 600 men and women were deported in the first four months of this year alone. This is 50 percent more than in the same period in 2017. Frankfurt airport is a hub for refugee deportations. The former speaker for asylum and migration policy, Murvet Ozturk, resigned from the Green parliamentary group three years ago because the party had recognised Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo as safe countries of origin for refugees, contrary to its election promises. In addition, the CDU and Greens in Hesse passed one of the toughest police laws in Germany. Among other things, it allows the police to penetrate smartphones and computers by means of the so-called Hesse-Trojans, although the police are actually forbidden by law from using secret service methods. Critical social problems received little or no attention during the election campaign, although protest rallies and demonstrations took place in many cities. In Frankfurt alone, thousands have participated in the past two months in a series of demonstrations against the grand coalitions promotion of the extreme right. The Left Party plays a key role in blocking growing opposition to social cuts, high rents and right-wing extremism. They focus on providing the SPD and the Greens with a left-wing cover for their right-wing policies. In Hesse, their entire election campaign was aimed at coming to power themselves in alliance with the SPD and the Greens. While top Left Party candidate Janine Wissler emerged as a darling of the mediathe right-wing Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) dedicated an article The Charming Communist to herand appeared in numerous talk shows, the Left Party was punished at the ballot box. Despite the massive losses incurred by the SPD, the Left Partys vote total of 6.3 percent was only slightly higher than five years ago. Compared to last year's Bundestag elections, it lost 1.8 percent. Under these conditions, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) was able to enter the state parliament of Hesse with 13.1 percent. For the first time, it is now represented in all state parliaments. In spite of the CDUs dramatic losses, the former Prime Minister Volker Bouffier will continue to govern. The CDU and the Greens have a narrow majority of one vote; no three-party coalition excluding the CDU has a majority. The federal government is reacting to growing popular opposition by tightening its right-wing policy. The head of the Chancellor's Office, Helge Braun (CDU), stated that the Grand Coalition would now focus on the subject and move closer together. SPD leader Andrea Nahles announced a binding timetable, and SPD Secretary General Lars Klingbeil explained: Something must change here in Berlin. I don't think there will be any new elections. On Monday, Chancellor Angela Merkel announced that she would surrender the CDU chairmanship at the upcoming party congress in December but continue to serve as chancellor. Previously, she had insisted that the same person should occupy both offices. This is widely seen as the beginning of the end of her political career. Merkel has chaired the CDU for 18 years and led the government for 13 years. Already on election night, media commentators were calling for Merkel's withdrawal. Chancellor Angela Merkel will have to bear the consequences, wrote Spiegel Online. The Merkel brand has worn itself out, that's one of the messages from Hesse, commented the FAZ: It would be a mistake for Angela Merkel to run again for CDU party chair. But does the Chancellor hear the signals? Behind the scenes, there is obviously also a discussion about integrating the AfD into future governments. One day before the election, Der Spiegel had portrayed Bjorn Hocke, who is on the far right of the AfD, as a kind, sensitive politician in a six-page report in its print edition that quoted extensively from his new book. The election results in Hesse once again make clear the significance of the fight to build the Socialist Equality Party (SGP). It is the only party fighting for a socialist program directed against capitalism and based on an independent movement of the working class. Without expropriating the large banks, corporations and assets, and without orienting economic life towards the needs of society rather than the profit interests of capital, not a single social problem can be solved. Mahinda Rajapakse, who was installed as prime minister by Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena in a political coup last Friday, assumed his duties yesterday morning. In the evening, Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was ousted in an unconstitutional manoeuvre, delivered a statement to the press declaring he was still prime minister of the country. The Colombo political establishment has been in turmoil since Fridays coup. Sirisenas faction of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP)which participated in the previous unity government with Wickremesinghes United National Party (UNP)has now united with its erstwhile opponents of the SLFP faction led by Rajapakse, the islands president prior to 2015. The bitter infighting that has erupted within Sri Lankas ruling elite has nothing to do with the democratic and social rights of working people, as is being claimed by the competing factions. Rather it is over how best to respond, in the interests of the corporate elite, to the explosive economic problems of the country, intensified by the deepening global crisis, and mounting opposition from the working class and the poor to the attacks on their living and social conditions. As part of an attempt to consolidate the new regime, Sirisena yesterday appointed 10 cabinet and state ministers. Rajapakse was assigned the key post of minister for finance and economic affairs. There was no indication of other ministerial appointments. Sirisena informed all ministry secretaries on Saturday that the terms of all cabinet ministers from the previous government had ended. It increasingly appears that Sirisena, Rajapakse and a tiny cabal will run the new regime. At the same time, the government has drastically reduced Wickremesinghes security detail from around 1,000 personnel to just 10. His supporters have brought generators to Temple Trees, the official prime ministerial residence where Wickemesinghe is staying, after Sirisena cut off its electricity. A large number of UNP parliamentarians and supporters have camped inside building. Under conditions of a government ultimatum for Wickremesinghe to vacate Temple Trees, and warnings that it will take action if he fails to do so, violent clashes could develop. The UNP has called on its members and supporters to take to the streets today in opposition to Wickremesinghes sacking and Sirisenas proroguing of parliament. Wickremesinghe is demanding that the parliament sit so he can demonstrate he has a majority. Wickremesinghe told the media on Monday that a speech to the nation by Sirisena the previous day, attempting to justify the coup, was full of lies (see: Sri Lanka presidents cynical justification for his political coup). For his part, Wickremesinghe sought to paint a rosy picture of the ousted government, with his own falsehoods. Wickremesinghe claimed the government had created democratic freedom never enjoyed before in the country, and had protected human rights, media freedom and improved living standards and social conditions. All these claims were aimed at covering up the real record of the government. Sirisena came to power in the 2015 presidential elections by exploiting widespread hostility to the former Rajapakse government and its ruthless attacks on democratic rights, including atrocities during the war against the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. However, facing a mounting economic crisis, Sirisena and Wickemesinghe implemented the austerity measures dictated by the International Monetary Fund. The government increased the prices of essentials, unleashed police violence against protesting workers, students and farmers and continued the military occupation in the north and east of the country. At the end of his statement, Wickremesinghe declared: We are standing firm to re-establish democracy, and will never allow anti-constitutional dictatorship to rule this country. These declarations are worthless. Wickremesinghes UNP and the SLFP have ruled Sri Lanka for the past 70 years by suppressing democratic rights, including through racist discrimination against the countrys Tamil and Muslim communities aimed at defending capitalist rule by dividing and weakening the working class. Wickremesinghe hinted that he has the backing of the US, other Western powers and India, which are displeased with the change of government, stating: Not only the people of this small island, but also the rest of the world are with us at this moment. The previous evening, he met at Temple Trees with diplomats from the US, the major European countries, Japan and India. Thoroughly discredited among ordinary people, Wickremesinghe is seeking to return to government with the support of the major powers, including the US and India. Significantly, yesterday morning US State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert urged all sides to refrain from intimidation and violence. Then she stated: We call on the President, in consultation with the Speaker, to immediately reconvene parliament and allow the democratically elected representatives of the Sri Lankan people to fulfill their responsibility to affirm who will lead their government. This statement is a clear sign that Washington backs Wickremesinghe and his call for parliament to be reconvened. Washingtons concerns have nothing to do with democratic rights. Successive American governments supported Rajapakses previous government, between 2005 and 2015, as it carried out its brutal anti-Tamil war and turned to increasingly autocratic rule. However, after the LTTEs defeat in 2009, the US grew increasingly hostile to the Rajapakse governments close economic and military relations with Beijing. In order to scuttle these ties and bring the strategically-located island back into its fold, Washington, with the support of New Delhi, orchestrated a regime-change operation to bring Sirisena to power in Sri Lankas 2015 presidential election. Its principal allies in this operation were Wickremesinghe and former president Chandrika Kumaratunga. After coming to power, the Sirisena-Wickremesinghe government shifted Colombos foreign policy orientation towards the US and India, and away from China. The Trump administrations statements since Friday show it is not ready to allow a regime to emerge that leans towards China. Yesterday, Washington issued a travel warning to its citizens in Sri Lanka, saying protests there may turn violent. Similar travel warnings have also been issued by the UK and the EU. India, taking a more cautious line, has also indicated its preference for a return to the Sirisena-Wickremesinghe government, while keeping open the option of working with Rajapakse if he manages to consolidate his rule. In an attempt to assure the US, the Western powers and India that the change of government would not undermine their strategic interests, Sirisena convened a meeting of foreign diplomats at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday evening. The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), an opposition party, has made a bogus attempt to distance itself from the rival factions, calling a protest tomorrow against Sirisena, Wickremesinghe and Rajapakse. The JVP says it will rally all progressive elements in the competing factions to build peoples power. The JVP played a central role in bringing Rajapakse to power in the 2005 presidential election and was an enthusiastic supporter of his renewal of the racialist war against the LTTE and brutal attacks on the basic rights of the working class and oppressed masses. In 2010, the JVP allied with the UNP, backing the presidential campaign of former army chief Sarath Fonseka. The JVP again lined-up with the UNP to bring Sirisena to power in January 2015. Their protest tomorrow is aimed at covering-up the real issues underlying the present crisis of the ruling elites and their preparations to suppress the emerging social and political struggles of the working class. The working class must reject these traps and build a socialist movement, independent of all factions of the ruling class, to lead the rural poor and oppressed masses in the fight for a genuine alternative: a workers and peasants government based on a socialist program. VIGO COUNTY, Ind. (WTHI) - A California man is behind bars in Vigo County after police say they found nearly 300 lbs of drugs in his semi-trailer. On Tuesday, police arrested 22-year-old Ravninder Kaler of Bakersfield, CA. Police say they stopped Kaler's truck at the scales on I-70 near the Indiana - Illinois state line for a routine inspection. Officers said while talking to Kaler, they noticed several criminal indicators. After he gave police permission to search the truck, they say they found 220 lbs. of what they believe to be cocaine and another 65 lbs. of suspected meth. The combined street value of the drugs is around $5 million. The truck was reportedly passing through on a trip from California to Ohio. "When the trooper did finally locate it, he jumped out of the vehicle. You could tell that he was very excited knowing that he's doing a good job and keeping the drugs from reaching the public," Master Trooper Matt Ames said. Kaler was booked into the Vigo County Jail on charges of dealing narcotics and possession of narcotics. Work on what will be Morocco's tallest skyscraper will start on Thursday in the capital of Rabat. The Bank of Africa tower will stand at 820 feet tall (250 meters), and become the second-highest skyscraper on the continent behind The Pinnacle, which is under construction in Nairobi, Kenya. Africa Buildings and structures Business, economy and trade Company activities and management Continents and regions Middle East and North Africa Morocco Northern Africa Points of interest Product development Product innovation Product management Skyscrapers The Pinnacle will reach 984 feet and is due to be finished in December 2019, overtaking the previous record held by the 732-feet Carlton Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa. Rising to 55 floors, Morocco's Bank of Africa tower will host a luxury hotel, apartments, office space and a viewing terrace at the top. It is due to be completed on May 30, 2022. The new skyscraper was designed by architects Rafael de la Hoz and Hakim Benjelloun, and is being built by construction firms BESIX Group and Travaux Generaux de Construction de Casablanca (TGCC). "The Bank of Africa tower will be an emblematic building for the country," says Rik Vandenberghe, chief executive of BESIX Group. Morocco's BMCE Bank is believed to have spent 3 billion Moroccan dirham (around $314 million) on the project. BESIX has worked on other state-of-the-art projects in Africa and the Middle East, including the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi and the Four Seasons Hotel in Manama, Bahrain. The building process will also be supported by China Railway Construction Corporation International. The tower is at the center of a wider Bouregreg Valley Development project, part of Rabat's modernization program called Rabat Ville Lumiere, Capitale Marocaine de la Culture (Rabat, City of Light, Moroccan Capital of Culture). This includes other major urban developments, including the Maison des Arts et de la Culture (House of Arts and Culture) and Le Grand Theatre de Rabat. State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert is under consideration to be the next US ambassador to the United Nations, according to a senior Republican official with knowledge of the matter. Nauert met with President Donald Trump on Monday, a source familiar with meeting told CNN. The former Fox News anchor joined the State Department in April 2017 as a spokesperson and is now acting undersecretary of public diplomacy and public affairs. Donald Trump Government and public administration Government bodies and offices Government departments and authorities Government organizations - Intl Heather Nauert International relations International relations and national security Nikki Haley Political Figures - US State departments and diplomatic services United Nations US federal government White House Confirmation hearings Continents and regions Government organizations - US Kelly Ayotte North America Politics South Carolina Southeastern United States The Americas United States US Congress US Department of State US federal departments and agencies US Senate She has also previously worked as a health insurance consultant, according to the State Department. Administration officials have been scrambling to fill the position after Nikki Haley announced in early October she would resign as ambassador to the UN by the end of the year. Haley's decision caught senior administration officials off guard and raised questions about the timing of her departure. She insisted she would not be running for president in 2020. When Haley, a former governor of South Carolina, resigned, the President praised her as a "fantastic person" who has "done an incredible job" and said he would gladly welcome her back into his administration down the line. Nauert is one of a few women the White House is considering to fill Haley's shoes. Other possibilities The White House has reached out to Nancy Brinker asking if she would be open to consideration. Brinker, the founder of the Susan G. Komen foundation, has already gone through Senate confirmation as an ambassador, a GOP source close to the White House told CNN. The White House believes she could be fast-tracked to confirmation, making her a strong candidate. Kelly Craft, the current US ambassador to Canada, was considered for the UN ambassador post during the transition but lost out to Haley. Craft is also under consideration. Kelly Ayotte, a former New Hampshire senator, has ties to the White House after serving as the "sherpa" for Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch during his Senate confirmation hearings. Ayotte remains close to top Trump ally South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham. Allies of hers say she would consider the job. Another name being floated is Kay Bailey Hutchison, who is currently the United States permanent representative to NATO, according to a US official. The official said Hutchinson has done well at NATO and and thinks Hutchinson would be easily confirmed. Weather to finally dry out for harvest With the weather drying out from now until Monday, we should be seeing average rainfall and a return to the dry summer we are used to for the rest of the year. The producers of Crazy Rich Asians, which doesnt release in China till the end of next month, are already warming up plans to shoot the films sequel in the Middle Kingdom. Producer John Penotti, president of SK Global, said that China Rich Girlfriend is targeting a shoot in Shanghai. He made the revelation Monday in Los Angeles at the Chinese American Film Festivals Co-Production Summit. The sequel is an adaptation of novelist Kevin Kwans second book in the Asians series. It is located substantially in China and set two years after the events of Crazy Rich Asians. Penotti said that it is currently unclear whether the producers will attempt to structure China Rich Girlfriend as an official China-U.S. co-production. We certainly tried to make the (first) film as a China-U.S. co-production. But (as a company, we) havent been very good at doing co-productions. Crazy Rich Asians was a Warner Bros. Pictures release and presentation, and produced by SK Global, Starlight Culture, Color Force, Ivanhoe Pictures, Electric Somewhere. It was released in North America in August and in most Asian territories in September and October. To date it has grossed $232 million worldwide, including $177 million in North America. Obtaining a China release has the potential to lift the films results to another level, but five weeks ahead of its outing its expected box-office performance is unclear. I have no idea whether the film will be a hit in China, said Adele Lim, the films screenwriter. We tried to make it true to our culture. We knew we couldnt make every Asian happy, we cant make every Chinese happy. After a prolonged approval process, which often seemed in doubt, the film recently obtained a Nov. 30 release date for China. Penotti said that no cuts have been requested by the censors and regulators in China. Penotti speculated that the spicier elements of the book may have given the Chinese censors initial cause for concern, and that the finished films approval may have been held up by organizational changes within the Chinese government. We were never told there was something specific. There was an upheaval over the approval process over the last few months. We fell prey to that, rather than anything content-related, said Penotti. Story continues Kwans original book made large play of decadent behavior by the super-rich, and made use of a plot point in which the heroines father languished in a Chinese prison. The Jon M. Chu-directed film focused more on the romance and omitted the father character. Chu is expected to direct the sequel. The title of China Rich Girlfriend is a reference to a line in the first movie where the Singapore matriarch, played by Michelle Yeoh, plays down her familys wealth in comparison with others: These people arent just everyday rich with a few hundred million. They are China rich. Related stories 'Crazy Rich Asians' Author Kevin Kwan Scores Put Pilot Commitment for Asian-Led Comedy at CBS 'Crazy Rich Asians' Finally Lands a Release Date in China Why China Is Keeping 'Crazy Rich Asians' on Hold Subscribe to Variety Newsletters and Email Alerts! On The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum responded to a Monday morning tweet by President Trump. In the tweet, Trump endorsed Gillums opponent, Ron DeSantis, while calling Gillum a Dem who is a thief and who is Mayor of poorly run Tallahassee, said to be one of the most corrupt cities in the Country! And although the president made his assertions without any evidence, Gillum wont play Trumps game. In Florida there is a choice between a Harvard/Yale educated man named @RonDeSantisFL who has been a great Congressman and will be a great Governor and a Dem who is a thief and who is Mayor of poorly run Tallahassee, said to be one of the most corrupt cities in the Country! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 29, 2018 What DeSantis and Trump want to do is drag me into the gutter with them, right? Because they can survive getting dirty, Gillum told Noah. I cant survive getting dirty, because what they want to do is have me fit a stereotype. Even though Trump has been bashing Democrats nonstop in the run-up to the midterm elections, Gillum refused to do the same when talking about his opponent. When asked about DeSantis, Gillum said, Well, I dont know him right? But he has a family. Hes got kids. I have to imagine that at his core hes a decent person. Gillum made headlines when he quoted his grandmother at a recent debate, saying, A hit dog will holler. He quoted his grandmother again to explain why hes taking the high road. Never, ever, ever wrestle with pigs, Gillum quoted her as saying, because you both get dirty, but the pig actually likes it. The Daily Show with Trevor Noah airs weeknights at 11 on Comedy Central. Check out what a former Bush adviser had to say about Trumps calls for unity: Story continues Read more from Yahoo Entertainment: Tell us what you think! Hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, or leave your comments below. And check out our host, Kylie Mar, on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. From ELLE Princess Ayako of Japan has renounced her royal title in order to marry commoner, named Kei Moriya. The two wed Monday at the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, which marks Ayako's official exit from the royal world. Per Japanese royal law, Ayako was forced to renounce her Princess title since her now-husband lacks any royal or aristocratic titles (or family members). Along with her Princess-hood, Ayako also abandons all status and monetary assets associated with being Princess-although CNN reports she was given a $950,000 lump sum for "living expenses" upon her marriage to Moriya. Japan's male royals are not required to renounce their titles if they desire to marry a female commoner. For the ceremony, Ayako wore a yellow uchiki kimono with floral detail. Photo credit: JIJI PRESS/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock And according to Harpers Bazaar, she later changed into a red kouchiki cloak, which she wore over a brown naga-bakama skirt. Photo credit: JIJI PRESS/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock After the ceremony, Princess Ayako spoke to reporters alongside her new husband. "I am awed by how blessed I am," she said. "I will leave the imperial family today, but I will remain unchanged in my support for his majesty and her majesty. Related Video: The Moments You Missed From Harry and Meghan's Royal Tour ('You Might Also Like',) From a fashion perspective, Meghan Markle's royal tour is the gift that keeps on giving. You already know that we extensively covered all of her outfits from Australia, Fiji, and Tonga, but now the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are continuing their whirlwind tour in New Zealandand, of course, the impossibly chic outfits have come with them. Markle's latest New Zealand outfit includes her favorite Aquazzura shoes, which she also owns in black and has worn numerous times since becoming a duchess. She's also been showing off more casual outfits on this stretch of the tour, including the Club Monaco trench coat and Stuart Weitzman ankle boots she wore to a cafe meeting in Wellington. For a rainy stroll in Abel Tasman National Park, Markle wore the vegan sneakers fashion girls are obsessed with: Stella McCartney Stan Smith Sneakers ($325), which are selling out insanely fast. We first covered the sneaker launch back in September, and none other than Madonna is a huge fan as well. Scroll down to shop every outfit Meghan Markle has worn in New Zealand and continue the fun with her Australia, Fiji, and Tonga outfits here. On Meghan Markle: Givenchy S/S 18 midnight blue knit top worn with midnight blue and electric blue pleated knit skirt On Meghan Markle: Antonio Berardi Dress ($2695, sold out); Dior bag; Aquazzura Deneuve Pointy Toe Pumps ($750) On Meghan Markle: Karen Walker Fathom Jacket ($437); J.Crew jeans; Muck Waterproof Rubber Boots ($160) On Meghan Markle: Boss by Hugo Boss Dress ($319); Cuyana Mini Chain Saddle Bag in Quartz ($225); Aquazzura Casablanca Pumps ($750) On Meghan Markle: Seasalt Cornwall jacket; Outland Harriet Jeans ($195); Stella McCartney Stan Smith Sneakers ($325) On Meghan Markle: Gabriela Hearst Dress ($2495); Dior clutch On Meghan Markle: Karen Walker Banks Trench Coat ($750); Sarah Flint Jay Pumps in Black Suede ($395) On Meghan Markle: Club Monaco Aaylina Trench Coat ($229); Stuart Weitzman Veruka Lace-Up Boots ($698) On Meghan Markle: Custom Maggie Marilyn dress Next up, shop all of Meghan Markle's outfits in Australia, Fiji, and Tonga. When Martin Kunze was 13, he was on vacation with his parents in Spain, and at a beach next to the Mediterranean, did what kids sometimes do out of curiosity and boredom while their parents apply sunscreen and read and kibitz about the other tourists: He started digging a hole in the sand. The process intrigued him. About two feet down, fresh water started filling the hole from underneath. There was a plastic bottle his parents had brought with them, and on a childish lark, Martin took a piece of newspaper and jotted his name, number, and address on it in German with a message: If you find this, please contact me. I put this into the bottle, and put it into the ground, hoping that some beautiful girl would find it in the next year, Martin says. He waited and waited. I never forgot this, he says. Years passed, then decades. No beautiful girl called out of the blue. Then, something astonishing happened. Three years ago, more than 30 years after Martin had buried the bottle, a dog-walking retiree from the area, after having the note translated for him, contacted Martin's parents, who were still at the same scribbled address, saying he'd found the bottle and read the note inside. Martin, who is now 50, says it was probably the bottle's vintage and shape that helped it get found. What amazed Martin, though, was that someone had taken the time and effort to call after all those years, because of the jottings on a scrap of newspaper. It was all so simple, really, a naive impulse on a beach, a missive fired from the past to the future, and now from the future back to the past. And for Martin Kunze, who'd by then gone from being a scrappy boy with a curious mind to a shaggy university student with a passion for ceramics to a middle-aged father of five kids whose urgent mission these days has become the construction of an enormous time capsule meant to survive for thousands of years, it was also affirming. He had imagined a beautiful girl, and the pensioner from Spain had imagined someone on the other end of the message, too. Who was the sender, and the receiver, and what was each looking for? Story continues Some communication through time, says Martin now, some kind of contact. If you were to build your own time capsule, what would you want peopleor alien beingsa million years from now to know about us? That we were loving, or warmongering, or dopes strung out on memes and viral videos? That we flew to the moon and made great art, ate Cinnabons (that we measured at 880 astonishing calories), and committed atrocities? How could you begin to represent these times, as lived by nearly 8 billion people? And what would give you, of all people, the right to tell the story? After these questions would come another wave of more logistical ones. Assuming the capsule was found, how would it be translated into the language of the future, whatever that language might be? And what materials could be employed that might last that long? And how could you lead a future race of beings to the capsule itself, assuming our planet might be buried under ice or oceans of red sand by then? It's this very vision of an earth one million years from now that changed Martin Kunze's life forever. About ten years ago, he read a book called The World Without Us, by Alan Weisman, a thought experiment in how quickly things on our planet will deteriorate once humans have been eradicated. Weisman imagines New York City's Lexington Avenue as a sudden river, unmanaged petrochemical plants spewing toxins like Roman candles, then with the passage of real time, neighborhoods becoming overgrown wildlands and houses moldering beam by beam until eventually there's nothing but the incoherent ruin of us left behind: the flooded Chunnel, the slow erosion of Mount Rushmore, all of our horrific plastic nurdles swimming the seas. Most importantly, the book points out that ceramics, which are not unlike fossils, stand the greatest chance of living on as they already have from previous ancient civilizations. MOON EXPRESS When Martin Kunze read this, he was struck by an epiphany. He himself had become a ceramicist: That was how he made his living in the small alpine town of Gmunden, in Austria, cranking out funky vases and plates in the shop beneath his home for the tourists who come here to spa and snap pictures and eat pastries, often on their way between Mozart's Vienna and the von Trapps' Salzburg. And he'd been simultaneously thinking, too, about how the written records of our civilization increasingly reside in the cloud and how fragile they are there, given that the Internet is already responsible for about 2 percent of carbon emissions. Sooner or later, Martin said when we first met in Gmunden, we'll have to delete data, massively. Just for economical and ecological reasons. This deletion will not be organized, not considered in selecting what we want to keep. Martin is a hulking presence, with thinning blond hair and the disheveled wonder of a kid. When excited, he blinks often, as if caught in bright light. Even beyond hackers and cyber-terrorists threatening to delete crucial data, Martin imagines that day of full capacity being one in which data farms become maxed out and big Internet companies are forced to begin the indiscriminate lopping. It's not so crazy a notion. Even now Cisco and Google, among others, are looking for new cloud-storage technologies. Google researchers point to YouTube, where hundreds of hours of video are uploaded every minute, while Microsoft and University of Washington researchers believe that DNA strands might offer the best option for encoding and storing data. But in Martin's mind, first to go would be the blogsin addition to the stored e-mail and social posts and comments sectionsand with them would go an important part of ourselves, too. Deleterious deletions, the amputated limbs of our time, would likely continue until we were dispossessed of our own history. And before we as a society fully trash-can all our files, before we go up in clouds of Juul smoke after watching the last kitty video while munching the final Big Mac, before the Great Pacific Garbage Patch engulfs us and everything under the hotter sun burns to ash, here was Martin, lying awake at night with questions: How do you build the ark that exists in your mind? And is there enough time? MOON EXPRESS The idea of creating a time capsule, however vague at first, started for Martin as a stand against our own impermanence, and as a rebuttal to the Big Deletion. It began as a way to flip the script, or the switch, or the bird. In this, Martin saw his role as gathering, dignifying, protecting, re-attaching, and resurrecting the data, documents, and ephemera of the present moment. As a species, we're collectors and rememberers, he told me that first day. We leave traces of ourselves everywhere. And yet he feared that the cloud could just as easily be threatened by a solar storm or power-grid failure tomorrow. The only written remains will be the embossings on stainless-steel cooking pots, he said. Or probably the backsides of bathroom tiles. Or maybe the company logos on sewer pipes. All of itall of our impassioned creation and destructionreduced to a sewer pipe. If Martin Kunze possesses an appreciation for the absurd, he seems a more avid opponent of meaninglessness. So I thought, What if we leave something more permanent? he said. How would we do it? As a student choosing between becoming a historian, a scientist, or an artist, Martin found himself drawn to ceramics because clay intrigued him. Clay is a product of erosion, of stones, minerals, he said. What a ceramicist does, he interferes in this very long process by firing clay and making it immediately rock again. So it began in his shop six years ago, in 2012, this time capsule of his, what he calls the Memory of Mankind project (or MOM), with Martin making his first ceramic tablet, etching a greeting to future finders. The first tablet addresses creatures a million years from nowwhoever they may beexplaining that here lies a preservation project meant to protect knowledge about our present civilization from oblivion and collective amnesia. It is dated by the signification of astronomical events, as it's unclear whether those who come many millennia in the future will know how to read numbers. There's also a pictionary, so they can understand our letters and words. The act of creating that first tablet alone felt absolutely freeing. The ensuing tabletsroughly the size of bathroom tileswere laser-engraved with personal recollections and global news, texts of books and scientific studies. By starting to build the collection himself first, he hoped to entice otherscitizens, scholars, experts, enthusiaststo add to it. Already he's up to over 500 tablets, with participants from an array of countries, most of them sending files or e-mails through the website he's created, with material they want printed on a tablet. They send their diary entries and love letters, newspaper articles and obscure dissertations, blogs and texts, the most important parts of us. MOM is the first bottom-up history of the world, said Martin. When considering the best place to store the tablets, he looked no further than a local salt mine, the most ideal of locations to his mind. Through a two-and-a-half-foot opening, about a mile deep in the mountain, in a 15-foot-high carved-out cavern. Slowly over time, geology dictates that the archive will rise up on salt crystals through the mountain to the surface, just as his childhood message in a bottle surfaced from that beach after more than 30 years. When he approached the owners of the mine, they loved the idea. They weren't alone. I really did like his idea to preserve, if that's the correct word, our history in the salt mine, says Claudia Theune, an archaeologist at the University of Vienna, who offered him support and input from the beginning about what might make the MOM archive most useful to future generations. Thomas Grill, an Austrian sound artist and researcher, approached Martin to figure out a way to schematically represent song on a ceramic tablet. He was as charmed by Martin as Martin was by his idea. He's a great character, says Grill. Collaborative by nature, Martin kept reaching out, to linguists, anthropologists, space experts, and those in the nuclear-waste-storage industry as well, all in an attempt to broaden the scope of his archive and increase the chances of its success. Soon he was being invited to conferences, delivering a TED Talk in Linz titled The Memory of Mankind, and What Should Be Remembered? This past June, the MOM project received equal billing at the Future Fest Conference in London, along with the Svalbard Global Seed Project, a program funded by the Norwegian government to preserve plant seeds in a vault on Spitsbergen Island, and Frozen Ark, a frozen zoo funded in part by the Zoological Society of London, that seeks to preserve the DNA of endangered species. While other time-capsule projects existincluding one called KEO, originated by a French scientist, that seeks to launch a diamond-encased drop of blood into spaceMOM, by its openness and earnestness, by the thought experiment it offers (who exactly are we now?), keeps inviting more and more people to it. I always have to emphasize that this is not a doomsday project, said Martin. MOON EXPRESS On a murky November afternoon, Martin and I took a drive over to the salt mine, which is located in an even more obscenely picturesque village in the Alps, known as Hallstatt. We passed near Ebensee concentration camp and took the road skirting yet another postcard of lake and mountain, though a half-snow was falling now: hard pelts, then flakes, then rain, repeating. Martin was telling me about how the original Apollo 11 feed from the moon was of much higher resolution than the footage that played on TV. In fact, clear images from the moon were translated into blurry ones for TVMartin gave a very long description of how this happened exactlybut later, when NASA went back to find those original images, with all their stunning crystal clarity, they were gone. After a years-long internal investigation, it was determined they'd simply been erased. Proving Martin's point again: that by deletion we were losing the most important, even the most miraculous parts of ourselves. When we came into the village, we took a little chute off to the right between stone buildings and pulled into the parking lot at the mine. One of the oldest known salt mines in the world, it dates back 7,000 years or more, when the Celts clamped themselves here. In early times, salt provided the region with unprecedented wealth, given the centrality of the mineral as a preservative, as a spice, and as currency, too. The mine still exists today, and is active, run by Saltzwelten (Salt Worlds). There are public toursone high point includes a peek at an ancient, neon-lit skeleton of a former miner housed in a little pavilion playing New Age cloud musicbut the people at the mine seemed to know Martin and he got waved through to the funicular. Soon we were ascending with a carload of Chinese tourists, elaborately be-scarfed, and one Japanese woman who, after overhearing us discussing the archive, and expressing curiosity about the project, was invited by Martin to join us. At the top of the lift, the Chinese visitors split off for their tour, and the three of us walked through a thick mist to an opening in the mountain, where we found a long piece of polished wood with wooden seat backsa motorized, trolley-like vehicle seemingly from the time of trolls and dwarfs. The cave was wide but then quickly narrowed to about three feet, the sight of which set my claustrophobia ticking. We sat with our legs on either side of the bench seat, a miner threw a switch, and we lurched into the black, our heads nearly brushing the ceiling. You can go now to the MOM website and type your deepest thoughts, which will be translated to a tablet for future finders to read. We could have been going 200 miles per hour, or five. Breathe, I told myself as everything closed in, but then came a light, and every 30 or 40 feet after came another flash, dim as it was, so that Martin's silhouette seemed to be strobing, appearing as a shadowy form from behind. Eventually we were hit with what felt like a blast of fresh air in the gut of the mountain and the troll-trolley burst into a lit cavern, and we unsaddled, blinking and turning circles inside the mine. The bosses at Saltzwelten have given Martin his own corner, where he's stacked the crates of his 500-plus tablets, in crisscross fashion, like an obsessive's super-mega record collection piled overhead in old milk crates. Tours of the mine run past the spot, but it would be easy to miss the whole thing but for a placard on the wall, announcing that this is the Memory of Mankind Project. A breath of immortality for everyone, it read. It further announced: This physical and analogue backup of our age stored here in the salt mine of Hallstatt will persist throughout all of time. In MOM we will leave behind art and culture, scientific insights and medical knowledge. But each and every individual can write on this story and history. Tell about your life, your passions, your family, your favorite recipes or special experiences. Our descendants in a distant future will find this treasure one day. It felt so naive and yet so optimistic. And the crates, they were both more and less than I'd expected, about 50 stacked there, the beginning of something but also the result of a lot of hard work. Most of all, it seemed on the one hand impossible to think it would ever be found and on the other possible that it would. Why not? After all, as Martin was quick to point out, history is littered with lost ceramics. If not for some Martin in the past and his tablets, we wouldn't know how much the Sumerians loved their beer or how they invented cuneiform; we wouldn't know where the 60-second minute came fromnor all of math, for that matter. Stressing that MOM was very much a work in progress, Martin lifted down a crate and started rifling through the tiles, which made a clicking sound. Some had images, some had pinched text that was hard to read. So much of the data embedded on the tablets he'd downloaded from the websitewhere there was a constant flow of new material from people around the worldand transferred without knowing exactly what was there. He said part of the inspiration for the tablets had come from an art project many years ago, by a fellow classmate. She had written on tablets her feminine experiences, he said, and it struck him as very powerful. The process of making a tablet is relatively simple: In his shop, Martin can run a digital file through a laser engraver that engraves directly onto a ceramic tablet, which is about eight inches by eight inches, with special ceramic stains. For blocks of textas in the case of copying bookshe's invented something he calls ceramic microfilm, on which super-downsized text can be crowded to include up to five 400-page books per tablet, the result of which looks like its own piece of art, crammed letters blurring into dense lines of peaks and valleys. He'll spend swaths of time making the tablets, and when he feels he has enough of them, say, 10 or 20 because they can get heavy, he loads them into ceramic crates and makes a trip to the salt mine to add to the time capsule. MOON EXPRESS Ideally, according to Martin, the tablets in MOM reflect three independent information streams, or types of content. The first he considers editorial, which is meant to include the automatic collection of editorials from newspapers around the world, from all sorts of political and geographical points of view. Martin has already struck up agreements with several media companies to allow articles to flow into the archive in hopes of creating daily snapshots of the issues that obsess our world. The second stream, according to Martin, is institutional materialsand this is where he hopes to add resolution to the snapshot of this moment, elevating scientific papers and dissertations, art projects and popular songs, among other material, culled from universities and corporations, awards committees and other institutions. He might include the Harry Potter series, but among documents like the Magna Carta is something particularly vital to Martin as well: information provided by various nuclear-waste agencies about the location of nuclear-waste storage as a warning to future finders. The nuclear industry needs to forward information about waste repositories into the future in persistent, accessible, and comprehensible ways, reads one testimony on the MOM website, from Swedish nuclear expert Sofie Tunbrant. MOM offers a possibility to complement archives, markers, and human memory. The third and last stream is what he classifies as personal. These are individuals' stories, passions, or tributesanything, reallycontributed by anyone. You can go now to the MOM website and type your deepest thoughts, which will be translated to a tablet for future finders to read. He also allows people to design their own ceramic tablets, with text and images, sometimes sharing a graphic-design program, though this comes at a cost. In order to encourage offerings from a variety of continents, Martin puts a sliding scale on these personal tablets, depending on the GDP of your country. If you're from Malawi, it will cost just over two euros; if from Switzerland, just over 600 euros. Worried about a profusion of tablets that marked weddings, Martin approached Claudia Theune, who said a bunch of wedding photos from around the world would be a boon to future finders, showing them how much we valued the ceremony and how various our celebrations were. (When I asked her about it, she said, We have three perspectives that show us a very, very colorful world of ourselves. By the words, by the pictures, and by the things. They can be complementary, additional, or contradictory.) Under Austrian law, the archive is technically ownerless, like waste. Theoretically, no one can take it, Martin said. The future finders will be the owners. After you get past the birthday and anniversary tablets, you find a mix of tablets that run from the sweet to the intense to just plain geeky. In one case, a woman wrote a brief memoir about how a video gameUndertalesaved her from committing suicide. A 17-year-old boy from Brazil has become one of Martin's leading correspondents. At the beginning, the tablet he created about his family [was] sweet. He just [wanted] to show his personal life, somewhere in Brazil, not a very rich family, obviously, said Martin. The other thing is, he wants to document human spaceflight. Over time, the tablets became more sophisticated, celebrating in particular the only Brazilian astronaut to fly to the International Space Station, Marcos Pontes. I love his point of view, said Martin. Surely he knows much more about spaceflight than average people. NASA would make the documentation about spaceflight certainly different than he does it. But his filter, let's say, is from the eyes of a 17-year-old with a great passion. One of Martin's biggest concerns in all of this is that MOM might appear to others as some crazy idea from some bizarre artist. He takes criticism seriously, tweaking elements of the project, trying to balance the three streams of information. Good artists and good scientists have to have a similar feel of their field, he said. They have to walk a path outside the normal path. They have to see new connections and develop new theories. I think artists and scientists are similar persons. You find the same extremes in both groupsand I think the MOM project is a crossover between art and science. To make it work, though, requires a hard-nosed practical side as well. Martin said he'd made very strong contacts with Saltzwelten. Even if they sell the company, the [next owner] is also bound to keep [MOM] inside forever, he said. But under Austrian law, the archive is technically ownerless, like waste. Theoretically, no one can take it, Martin said. The future finders will be the owners. We want to keep it that open. That's the plan. It's a global projectand [its] history is written by everyone. He explained again how the geological setup was optimal. The mouth to the cavern would close slowly over time, at about the rate a fingernail grows, until it was entirely sealed, which would give him maybe 40 years to complete the projectand because it was a salt mine, chances were that things would stay dry, as the archive rose on a pillow of salt over hundreds of thousands of years to the surface. He had done calculations I couldn't understand. The pressure which is produced by the weight of the mountain, plus a five-kilometer-thick ice shield, for example, he said, results in the pressure of about 60 kilonewtons per square millimeter. And I nodded seriously. To be honest, I was baffled by and drawn to Martin's brainchild. It was grandiose, in hope and scope, but then Martin himself was a bit like a biblical isolate, a four-track outsider and bedroom creator. DIY-ing his way, he kept picking up momentum and alliesin part because of the archive's randomness, and because of his own randomness and roving intellectand yet here in the mountain were these crates filling a space not much bigger than a three-car garage. Would they ever be found? And did it matter? His wasn't meant to be the Library of Congress, and at the least, it seemed an incredibly personal and compelling art project. But every time I found myself turning skeptical, the quixotic dreamer in me raised a little bruit, repeating the same questions: Why not Martin? And why not MOM? The quest itself mattered more than the result, didn't it? In the end, it was just another act of faith in bleak times, and easily just as viable as, say, NASA's golden record, a disc found on the Voyager probes, somewhere deep in interstellar space, containing the sights and sounds of Earth. Or another nickel disc, with texts in over a thousand languages, now on the Rosetta space probe, which is junked on Comet 67P, millions of miles from Earth. Every time I found myself turning skeptical, the quixotic dreamer in me raised a little bruit, repeating the same questions: Why not Martin? And why not MOM? The quest itself mattered more than the result, didnt it? The Japanese woman who was with usshe admitted her English was poor, but she was intrigued. More than intrigued, actually. She was trying to connect the dots: these ceramic tablets, this hulking, curious man seeing something that she herself couldn't, somewhere in the far future. He seemed like a mystic in that cave. Or a madman. Either way, she appeared intoxicated by both the whimsy and real possibility of it. She held in her hand what Martin called a tokena piece of fired clay that is desert sand in color and rough to the touch, just larger than a silver dollar, with a bit of heft to it. The tokens are made by Martin himself, as a kind of treasure map to the archive, and he gives them out as often as he can, to anyone who will accept onetourists, contributors to MOM, any interested party, really. It was inscribed with an outline of the landmass we recognize as Europe, in its form today, 2018 A.D. There were two lines crisscrossing at the salt mine at Hallstatt. On the flip side of the token was an etching of the perimeter of the lake, as well as a cube that signifies both a salt crystal and the salt mine on its shores. X marked the spot, at least Martin hoped so, with the idea of leading future finders to his message in a bottle here at the salt mine. I imagine future finders will have the technology to replicate the shape of the lake bed, he said. He was now talking about space again. He wanted to get a backup of MOM put on a space probe. He'd spoken about it with some people at NASA and the space station. At the very least, he was planning to get the tokens out there, sprinkled throughout the solar system, at Lagrangian points. There is one between sun and earth and two in front of and in back of the earth, he said. These were points of gravitational equilibrium in our solar system, where detritus collected, including defunct space probes and random meteorites meatballing around in slow circles. Were extrasolar civilizations to come here, it would be like finding a golden landfill of information. It's possible, too, that when the future came, creatures, whatever their form, would be moving intergalactically, and that there might be rules about solar interventions, and that the token would lead beings to Martin's trove without interfering with the earth's biosphere. And thenlucky them!they would see how much we loved Kim Kardashian and The Bachelor! They'd be able to track all of our neuroses and conspiracy theories (crop circles! the Illuminati!) and revisionist histories, in search of our truth, to be determined eons from now. (What is our truth?) And yet they'd also see, too, how we tried and failed, and how we loved, and how we grieved. There was a set of tablets in the archive, down here in the salt mine, dedicated to an Austrian girl named Fanny. Her first tabletone of Martin's favorites, from four years agowas given to her for her confirmation, and she was allowed to design it. It had that kid energy, said Martin, no effort. It included photographs of her family and the music group in which she played. When Fanny died in a car accident, her aunt came back to Martin, wanting a second tablet to remember Fanny by. How sad and how fleeting life was, and ironic. Among the most lasting things left now of the girl were these ceramic tablets, the original one beginning with Fanny's irrepressible, un-ironic salutation: I wish all people in the future all the best. On one of my last nights with Martin, we were sitting in the living room above his little shop, an alpine rain glazing the window. Inside it was cozy, the interior a statement of artistic funkability. There were film-projector lights and cool paintings, ceramic antelope skulls, and handmade plates and cups. We were talking about time travel, teleportation, epochs, space. In the living room, there was a bookshelf with a little note above it, entitled The Journey of Things, urging a visitor to either leave an object or take one, then send photographic proof of the object's journey into another world. Martin's wife, an artist named Masha, came and went, and his daughterat 13, the youngest of five children; he has three from a previous marriage, and Masha has onewas in the other room with a friend watching a movie. I got excited listening to Martin, living in his speculative future for a while. He said he imagined whoever was likely to discover the archive might be some sort of futuristic Indiana Jones character. Experts, he said, felt that intelligent society, whether it be a race of crows or aardvarks someday, would advance by reaching similar developmental benchmarks as Homo sapiens had, based on three things: curiosity, communication, and altruism. Given the intelligence of octopuses, a future race could easily be cephalopod-like creatures, though, motating on land with leather skin, he said. Or maybe there'd be no life left on earth at all (thank you, humans!) but, rather, spindly aliens, curious to see what's kicking around in our corner of the cosmos. If the future finders were to come from another planet, said Martin, it would be vital that they could see the stars, for directionality. Working for this project in some aspects probably helps me to survive. When you see some developments, you see in a much wider time scale. I told Martin that, in a weird way, the project of trying to memorialize this moment for spindly aliens or motating cephalopodsto capture both the fatuousness and anti-meaning of it all, as well as the religio-nationalistic-conflictual despair of itgave me more faith than the moment itself. If one took the distance of 1,000 years, let alone a million, one could look at Kim Kardashian and assess a value. I could look at my daughter, who loves listening to Drake, and I could see Drake as either meaningless or meaningful in a way that only makes sense retrospectively. By leaping your mind to the future, the assumption of new understanding that comes with the sludgy passage of time could actually reveal itself in the present moment. MOON EXPRESS Blinking, Martin considered this for a moment and said, Working for this project in some aspects probably helps me to survive. When you see some developments, you see in a much wider time scale. Meaning you don't get as depressed about it? I asked. Maybe, said Martin. Sometimes it makes me more relaxed. It gives you a distance. In a way, then, too, Martin's archive might act as our conscience, passively presenting facts from the past that can no longer be propagandized by the loudmouths of our time. Martin said he saw MOM as a kind of surveillance camera, indicating who had exploited the planet for their own profit. There was peace in that for him, too. Minecraft, porn, and kitties; Fortnite, online shopping, and the Shiggy Challengethis is who we are. It's a big selfie, he said. His job wasn't to censor or edit or engineer a result; it was merely to record the flow of information on the ceramic tablets and then hope the tablets do the talking someday, letting the future decide who we were, in all of our multifarious, engorged contradictions. He was talking about his mother, then, the person who'd helped him bury the newspaper clipping on the beach all those years ago. She worried for him, that he wasn't making enough money, that he would never be richyou know, motherly worry. I asked him what she made of MOM, and he said she was very proud of him and could see from all the press coverage and his TED Talk and the conferences to which he was invited that what he was doing mattered. Maybe she understood that her son was a creator in the face of destruction, despite it and because of it, inspired by it. Maybe she'd come to see her son, then, too, as her own time capsule, as each child is to their parents. The thing that guarantees momentary immortality, or at least a clutch of years beyond one's own years. The difference was that Martin wasn't just hers alone now. And for most hours in a day, he was thinking about how to communicate through time, to make contact a million years from now. On some faraway beach in a faraway future, some unknown creature might pick up his token, as the Spaniard once found Martin's bottle, and given the address contained on it, find us hidden just beneath the surface of this planet, strobing. All of our woes and elations will be theirs, then, in our final rising and strange afterlife, too. Why not? asked Martin. It will only take one. Michael Paterniti is a GQ correspondent. This story originally appeared in the November 2018 issue with the title "The Fallout Shelter of Human Memory." New York (AFP) - Algerian-Irish jihadist Ali Charaf Damache, who pleaded guilty to terrorism charges in July, was sentenced to 15 years in jail on Tuesday, prosecutors in Philadelphia said. Damache, 53, known by the pseudonym "The black flag," was arrested in Spain in 2015, where he was suspected of plotting the murder of a Swedish cartoonist who had lampooned the Prophet Mohammed. He was extradited to the United States in 2017, accused of being the ringleader of a jihadist cell that was plotting attacks in Europe and southern Asia. "Todays sentencing marks the end of a long and arduous prosecution that has spanned more than nine years, involved four defendants and five unnamed co-conspirators, and required multiple coordinated international arrests and two extradition applications," said US Attorney William McSwain in a statement. "Damache and his co-conspirators were motivated by hate and prejudice, and their criminal activities presented a very real danger to our country and the world," he said. In negotiations over his agreement to plead guilty, Damache had accepted a 15-year prison sentence and renounced any appeals. He also agreed to extradition to either Ireland or Algeria once his US sentence has been served. Spanish officials said that when he was arrested in Barcelona in December 2015, Damache was plotting the murder of Lars Vilks, a Swedish cartoonish who had drawn caricatures of the Prophet Mohammed. Another member of his cell, US citizen Colleen LaRose -- dubbed "Jihad Jane" - was sentenced in 2014 in Philadelphia to 10 years in jail for terrorism-related crimes. Washington (AFP) - A 56-year-old American man was executed by lethal injection in South Dakota on Monday for killing a prison guard, despite pleas he was intellectually disabled and legally exempt from the punishment. Rodney Berget was executed 18 years after his brother met the same fate in Oklahoma for killing a man whose car he was attempting to steal. Berget was condemned to death in 2012 for murdering the guard during a failed escape bid, while serving a life sentence for two attempted murders and a rape. At his trial, Berget said: "I believe I deserve the death penalty for what I have done." Despite that, his execution was delayed by several appeals. But in 2016 he withdrew his last appeal, telling the judge in charge of his case that he could not face "another 30 years in a cage doing a life sentence." The South Dakota Department of Corrections issued a statement at Monday night confirming the execution had taken place in a "professional, humane and dignified manner and in accordance with state law." It was the state's fourth execution since the death penalty was reinstituted in 1976. His elder brother, Roger James Berget, was executed in 2000 in Oklahoma at the age of 39 for killing a math teacher whose car he was trying to steal. No family members attended his execution, local media wrote at the time. US media said that the two men came from a troubled family rife with alcohol abuse and violence. Their father threw the older brother out of the home when he was just 10, his lawyer argued in his defense. Two lawyers challenged the execution, one arguing against the method of execution itself and the other on the grounds of Berget's mental instability. An open letter on his behalf was also written by Timothy Shriver, chairman of the Special Olympics, arguing Berget suffered from intellectual disability and should not be executed. Berget competed in the South Dakota Special Olympics as a boy in the early 1970s. Story continues "People with intellectual disabilities are often more likely to be coerced into doing things they do not understand, and are less likely to understand the consequences of their actions," wrote Shriver in the Sioux Falls Argus Reader in his letter outlining Berget's difficult upbringing and the severity of his mental handicap. "There is no disputing the severity of Berget's actions. "But for the government to execute him, ignoring compelling evidence of the disability that left Berget unable to steer his turbulent life, or to understand the punishment that awaits him? "The Constitution, with powerful justification, forbids it." WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump's campaign rallies continued. Attack ads stayed on the airwaves. Political combat largely carried on. Amid a wave of election season violence that left many Americans on edge, the contentious midterm campaign has barreled forward with little pause. Trump and other politicians disavowed the pipe bombs sent to prominent Democrats and condemned the massacre of 11 people at a Pittsburgh synagogue this past week. But the divisiveness that has dominated the nation's politics kept creeping back. During a rally Saturday night, Trump asked a crowd of red-hatted supporters if it was OK for him to "tone it down, just a little bit." When the crowd roared back with a decisive "No!" Trump replied: "I had a feeling you might say that." The attacks are a grim capstone to a midterm campaign that will serve as a referendum on Trump, whose unorthodox approach to the presidency is particularly glaring in times of tragedy. With less than two weeks to go before Election Day, Trump was among many politicians who largely stuck to the script, raising questions about whether Americans are becoming increasingly desensitized in the wake of tragedy. "It feels in this moment like there's a numbness," said Jennifer Psaki, who served as a campaign and White House adviser to former President Barack Obama. "When there's a tragedy, the nation is a little rudderless." Some Trump supporters have begun to suggest that the president modulate his searing and personal attacks on his opponents including those targeted by the Trump supporter accused of mailing pipe bombs to several Democrats. "In general, we got to tone it down," said Anthony Scaramucci, who briefly served as Trump's White House communications director, in an interview on CNN's "State of the Union." ''He's the president of the United States. He controls the news cycle and the bully pulpit. And he could do it." Story continues Trump appears unlikely to take that advice. In a Monday morning tweet, Trump pinned blame for the nation's divisiveness on the media, saying "there is great anger in our Country caused in part by inaccurate, and even fraudulent, reporting of the news." The president did not cite any examples of the type of reporting he believes is stoking division. Trump did strike some conciliatory notes in recent days, including vowing to do "everything in my power as president" to stop political violence. He condemned the synagogue shooting as an "evil anti-Semitic attack" and called it "an assault on all of us." But with just over a week before elections that will determine the control of Congress, Trump has also expressed frustration that outside events are distracting from what he sees as rising GOP momentum. In a tweet last week, he put the word "bomb" in quotation marks and said the media was "not talking politics." He's also kept up some of his attacks on others targeted with pipe bombs. On Sunday he called Democratic megadonor Tom Steyer a "crazed & stumbling lunatic" and warned that backing Democratic candidates would be a vote for California Rep. Maxine Waters, who he has previously said has a low IQ. The president also did nothing on Saturday to stop his supporters from chanting "lock her up" a frequent rally refrain about Hillary Clinton, his opponent in the 2016 presidential election. Asked about Trump's decision to keep campaigning amid tragedy, White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Trump was "committed to the safety and security of all Americans, and he mourns with the nation in the aftermath of the evil anti-Semitic attack in Pittsburgh." She added that Trump was committed "to supporting leaders who will fight alongside him to protect the safety and security of all Americans, grow our booming economy and move our country forward." Of course, Democrats have been just as blistering in their condemnation of Trump during the midterm campaign. Some have declared him unfit for office and a danger to democracy. Many were also quick to blame him for creating the atmosphere that led to this week's violence. "There's no escaping the tone that he sets," U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff, a California Democrat and frequent Trump critic, said Sunday on CNN. "It's going to fall on the rest of us to make this a more perfect union to bring people together, to accentuate our common humanity." It was mainly in Pennsylvania where the impact of the violence on the campaign was really noticeable. Pennsylvania Democrats Sen. Bob Casey and Gov. Tom Wolf, as well as Wolf's Republican opponent, Scott Wagner, all announced on Sunday that they were canceling campaign events. Wolf also took campaign ads off the air. But across the country, millions of dollars in negative political advertisements still filled the airwaves, including some referencing billionaire George Soros, a liberal donor who received the first pipe bomb last week. Rep. Steve Stivers, chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, defended one such ad, saying "you know, that ad is factual." Violence has intruded in political campaigns before. When a gunman killed 12 people in a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado, during the height of the 2012 presidential campaign, both Obama and Republican nominee Mitt Romney paused some campaign activities. "There are going to be other days for politics," Obama said at the time. Trump's explanation for going forward with his political events was far different. "We have our schedules, and nobody's going to change it," he said. "So we're here." ___ Editor's Note: Catherine Lucey has covered politics and the White House for AP since 2012. Follow her at http://twitter.com/catherine_lucey. Washington Bureau Chief Julie Pace has covered politics and the White House for AP since 2007. Follow her at http://twitter.com/jpaceDC An AP News Analysis PITTSBURGH Susan Friedberg Kalson stood near the synagogue where a day earlier a co-worker of hers was killed and a family friend was badly injured. Tears welled in her eyes and words caught in her throat as she recounted the horror of it all. Then she saw a familiar face. This is a friend I need to hug for a second, she said, excusing herself. Kalson, 59, and the friend, a woman about the same age, held each other. Just call me when you want to talk, the woman told Kalson. Just call me. Thats the community, Kalson told HuffPost afterward. You literally cant go a block without seeing someone, and in many cases someone youve known all your life. Kalson grew up here, in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh. She raised a family here. She runs a health center here. She goes to temple here. On Saturday, a white supremacist came here. He walked into the Tree of Life synagogue with a gun and massacred 11 people, committing the deadliest anti-Semitic attack in U.S. history. The attack has thrust Squirrel Hill in a very real sense Mr. Rogers neighborhood into national headlines. Progressive and tight-knit, picturesque and tree-lined, home to one of the largest and most iconic Jewish communities in the U.S., Squirrel Hill nevertheless wasnt immune to terror. Susan Friedberg Kalson says a co-worker of hers was killed at Saturday's mass shooting at the Tree of Life temple in Pittsburgh. (Photo: Christopher Mathias/HuffPost) Kalson said a close family friend was injured in Saturdays shooting, but that she couldnt talk about it partly because she didnt have the familys blessing to do so, and partly because she just couldnt yet. She could, however, talk about a man who had been killed: Dr. Richard Gottfried, whom Kalson described as kind and gentle. When Gottfried, 65, wasnt running his private dental practice with his wife, he worked one day a week at the Squirrel Hill Health Center, where Kalson is CEO. The center provides care regardless of ones insurance status or ability to pay. Part of its mission is to serve immigrants and refugees. Rich was very devoted to his Judaism, and I know that he prayed not just weekly he just went to morning minyans also, and the work he did to help others grew out of that, Kalson said. Story continues That Gottfried helped immigrants and refugees felt especially poignant for Kalson. The alleged shooter had been motivated, in part, by the baseless anti-Semitic conspiracy theory that Jews are funding the immigration of non-whites into the U.S. Kalson noted that at Shabbat services Saturday at synagogues around the world, including at Tree of Life, the Torah reading told the story of Abraham and Sarah welcoming strangers into their tent. Thats what we live by, she said. A walk around Squirrel Hill Sunday suggested that to be true. Yard signs declared in English, Spanish and Arabic that no matter where you are from, were glad youre our neighbor. (Photo: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI via Getty Images) Outside the synagogue, police allowed mourners to lay flowers and notes on the lawn. We wont forget how you spread kindness so we will do the same to the the world, one 7-year-old wrote. Its become an all too familiar American ritual: the laying of flowers at the scene of a hate crime. Right now there are flowers outside a grocery store in Jeffersontown, Kentucky, where a white man last week killed two black Americans, Maurice Stallard and Vickie Lee Jones. There were flowers for Heather Heyer in in Charlottesville. Flowers for Ricky John Best and Taliesin Myrddin Namkai-Meche in Portland. For Timothy Caughman in New York. For Srinivas Kuchibhotla in Olathe, Kansas. For Khalid Jabara in Tulsa. For the nine black Christians killed in Charleston. For the six Sikhs in Oak Creek. In response to the Pittsburgh shooting, interfaith activists came together and organized a vigil. On Sunday night, thousands of Pittsburghers of different faiths poured into the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall in the Oakland section of the city. All the seats were taken. Parents sat on the floor with children in their laps. Those who couldnt fit in the hall stood outside in the cold and listened. Politicians in suits sat in the front row and on stage. People mourn the 11 victims of the Tree of Life synagogue shooting during a vigil at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall in Pittsburgh. (Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS) The Rodman Street Baptist Church Choir started things off, singing beneath a giant inscription of the Gettysburg Address on the auditorium wall. The entire audience rose for the mourning kaddish a prayer for the dead. Then the three rabbis from Tree of Life took turns at the podium, offering messages of defiance. What happened yesterday will not break us, Rabbi Jonathan Perlman told the crowd. It will not ruin us. Hatred and anti-Semitism are not old thoughts, and theyre not new thoughts. They just never seem to go away, Rabbi Cheryl Klein said. Although we are broken, these acts of violence will not define our hopes and dreams for the future, and we will never let hatred be the victor. Never. Tree of Life has lost 11 branches, Rabbi Jeffrey Meyers told the crowd. But weve been here 154 years. Weve got a lot more branches. At one point, Wasi Mohamed, executive director of the Islamic Institute of Pittsburgh, took the stage. With tears in his eyes, he announced that the local Muslim community had raised over $70,000 for the victims and their families. The crowd responded with a standing ovation. When I look back at this day, Im not going to remember one individual filled with darkness, Mohamed told the crowd. Im going to remember the light. Im going to remember the thousands of people who showed up today or who are supporting us from all around the country. Thousands of people filled with love and hope. Kalson was at the vigil. Thats our community, she said the next day in a text message. We will continue to open our doors and arms and our hearts as wide as we can, she wrote. Its the only way through this. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. Related... Religious Groups And Leaders Condemn Pittsburgh Shooting And 'Hate In This World' Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting Victims Include 2 Brothers, Husband And Wife Face It, The Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting Wasn't An Aberration This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Beijing (AFP) - Apple is investigating a factory in southwest China after a labour rights group said the tech giant's supplier forced student workers to work "like robots" to assemble its popular Apple Watch. The report raises fresh questions about the practices of suppliers Apple uses to build its gadgets in the country following the deaths of a number of workers in 2010 apparently linked to tough working conditions. Many of the students were compelled to work in order to get their vocational degrees and had to do night shifts, according to an investigation by Hong Kong-based NGO Students and Scholars Against Corporate Misbehaviour (SACOM). SACOM interviewed 28 students at the plant in Chongqing municipality over the summer, and all of them said they had not voluntarily applied to work there, according to the report published last week. They worked under the guise of "internships", SACOM said, a practice rights groups say is widespread in China as manufacturers pair up with vocational schools to supply workers and fill labour shortages when they ramp up production for new models or the Christmas rush. "Our graduation certificate will be withheld by the school if we refuse to come," said one student majoring in e-commerce, according to SACOM. The US titan has sold tens of millions of Apple Watches -- which can cost up to $1,499 -- since it was launched three years ago and chief executive Tim Cook said it was the most popular watch in the world. Earlier labour abuse allegations focused on workers building iPhones and other gadgets for Taiwan-based Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., better known as Foxconn. As the world's largest contract electronics maker Foxconn assembles products in huge plants in China where it employs more than one million workers. In 2010, at least 13 Foxconn employees in China died in apparent suicides, which activists blamed on tough working conditions, prompting calls for better treatment of staff. Story continues Although Foxconn denied the accusations, it raised wages by nearly 70 percent at its China plants in 2010. - Urgent probe - Foxconn also admitted to intern violations in 2013, with overtime and night shift problems similar to those levelled at the Apple Watch supplier this year. Manufacturing internships are permitted under Chinese labour law in some cases, but SACOM found the work has "literally nothing to do with learning" and violated some of the country's labour law provisions permitting intern work in factories. "We are like robots on the production lines," one 18-year-old student told SACOM. "We repeat the same procedure for hundreds and thousands of times every day, like a robot." Others said they were put on the night shift working from 8 pm to 8 am with minimal breaks, according to SACOM. The Chongqing factory is operated by Quanta Computer, a Taiwanese electronics manufacturer, and also produces for other brands. Quanta did not immediately respond to an AFP request for comment. But Apple spokeswoman Wei Gu said: "We are urgently investigating the report that student interns added in September are working overtime and night shifts." Wei noted Quanta Chongqing was a new Apple supplier and had been audited three times between March and June without finding student interns. Student workers told SACOM student labour was widespread at the factory. Assembly lines that repieced together Apple Watches that had failed a quality check were almost entirely made up of student workers, one intern told SACOM. "The factory would not be able to operate without student workers," a student told SACOM. The NGO demanded Apple investigate and bring the labour practises in line with the firm's own policies and those of the local and central Chinese government. London (AFP) - A British student charged with spying in the United Arab Emirates has been released pending his next court hearing in the Gulf country, his wife said on Tuesday. Matthew Hedges, a 31-year-old PhD student, was researching the UAE's foreign and internal security policies after the 2011 Arab Spring revolutions when he was detained at Dubai airport on May 5. "Matthew Hedges has been temporarily released, with constant monitoring, from the location he was being held, until November 21st, 2018, for his next court hearing," his wife Daniela Tejada said in a statement. "I of course welcome this development. However, I cannot allow myself to get too excited by this information as Matt is not fully free yet." She added: "Above everything, I hope that justice will be done and Matt is granted his rightful freedom, something that he's been unjustly denied in the last six months. "My main concern is his safety and I'd like to request the (British) and UAE authorities to ensure that he's protected during this time." She had previously said he was being held in solitary confinement at an undisclosed location with limited access to the British consulate and his family. Tejada has told AFP her husband was innocent. UAE attorney general Hamad al-Shamsi said earlier this month that Hedges was accused of "spying for a foreign country, jeopardising the military, political and economic security of the state". A spokesman for the Foreign Office in London said on Tuesday: "We are monitoring developments closely and have made the Emirati authorities aware of all our concerns. "We continue to do everything we can for Matthew and his family. It is the longstanding policy of successive UK governments not to comment on intelligence matters." Rio de Janeiro (AFP) - Brazil's unemployment rate fell for the sixth straight month in September, according to government data Tuesday, two days after far-right congressman Jair Bolsonaro was elected president on a promise of sweeping change. The jobless rate -- measured in sliding three-month intervals -- was 11.9 percent for the period from July to September, down from 12.1 percent from June to August. Despite six straight months of decline, there are still 12.5 million people seeking work in Brazil, which is coming off the worst recession in its history in 2015-2016 and still struggling with a weak economy. The government statistics institute cautioned that the drop in unemployment is tempered by the fact that job-seekers are increasingly finding work in the informal sector. "The problem with this (employment) upturn is that it mostly corresponds to undeclared jobs or the self-employed," said Cimar Azeredo of the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. Bolsonaro's victory Sunday night was partly thanks to his promise of a change in economic direction. The former army captain has confessed he himself understands "nothing" about economics, but has a top economic advisor well-liked by the markets, liberal economist Paulo Guedes. A debt hawk, Guedes vowed after Bolsonaro's win to overhaul Brazil's economic model, reform the bloated pension system and privatize state enterprises. Bolsonaro has said Guedes will head an economy "super-ministry" bringing together the finance, trade and planning portfolios after he takes office on January 1. After growing one percent last year, Brazil, the world's eighth-largest economy, is forecast to grow about 1.4 percent this year. Rio de Janeiro (AFP) - Brazil's far-right President-elect Jair Bolsonaro will merge the environment and agriculture ministries, an adviser confirmed Tuesday, a move activists have warned could imperil the country's natural resources, including the Amazon rainforest. "Agriculture and environment will be in the same ministry, as we've said from the beginning," Onyx Lorenzoni, Bolsonaro's pick for chief of staff, told journalists after the president-elect huddled with top advisers to start forming his new government. Bolsonaro, who is backed by Brazil's powerful agrobusiness lobby, had proposed the idea in the past, saying, "Let's be clear: the future ministry will come from the productive sector. We won't have any more fights over this." But the former army captain had struck a more conciliatory tone in the final days of the campaign, saying, "I'm open to negotiation on that issue." Bolsonaro, who rode a wave of anti-establishment anger to victory in Sunday's election, wants to slash the number of ministries from 29 to 15, in the name of reining in public spending. But activists see grave consequences in merging these two ministries in particular: one responsible for the agricultural industry, the other responsible for making sure that same industry does not wreck the environment, among other things. The move "will be a triple disaster," said former environment minister Marina Silva. "We are entering a tragic time in which environmental protection will amount to nothing. The Bolsonaro government hasn't even started and the backsliding is already incalculable," she tweeted. Bolsonaro, who outraged many with his vitriolic and intolerant rhetoric during the campaign, had struck a more conciliatory tone in the home stretch. His quick reversal on the environment ministry will likely raise fears he will stick to his hardline conservative stance on other issues, too. Story continues Environmentalists had warned prior to the final decision that the implications would reach far beyond Brazil. The Amazon, which is being deforested at an annual rate of some 52,000 square kilometers (20,000 square miles) -- an area the size of Costa Rica -- is vital to the exchange of oxygen for carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, a check on global warming. "To increase deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions is to leave each and every one of us more vulnerable to an increasing risk of climate extremes," said Carlos Rittl, executive secretary of the Brazilian Climate Observatory. By Paul Sandle (Reuters) - Britain said it would tax the revenue that online platforms such as Google, Facebook and Amazon make in the country to update a system that had not kept pace with changing digital business models. Amazon was down 9 percent, touching six-month low, while Google was off 5.5 percent and Facebook was trading lower 3.5 percent. Netflix and Apple, the others in the so-called FAANG group of stocks, were down 8 percent and 3.6 percent respectively. "It's clearly not sustainable, or fair, that digital platform businesses can generate substantial value in the UK without paying tax here in respect of that business," finance minister Philip Hammond said in his annual budget speech on Monday. The tax will be designed to ensure established tech giants, rather than start-ups, shoulder the burden, Hammond told parliament. The Treasury said profitable companies would be taxed at 2 percent on the money they make from UK users from April 2020, and the measure was expected to raise more than 400 million pounds ($512 million) a year. The tax will be based on self-assessment by the companies. "A tax take of 400 million pounds or so might seem a small number when you consider that Amazon alone is expected to post sales of $233 billion this year. But the worry for the tech giants, and their shareholders, is that this is the pebble that starts an avalanche of taxes from international governments," Hargreaves Lansdown analyst Laith Khalaf said. Big internet companies, which say they follow tax rules, had previously paid little tax in Europe, typically by channeling sales via countries such as Ireland and Luxembourg which have light-touch tax regimes. Both Google and Facebook have changed the way they account for their activity in Britain. In 2016, Facebook started recording revenue from its UK customers supported by local sales teams, and subjecting any taxable profit on the income to UK corporation tax. However, a number of offsets meant Facebook had a tax charge for 2016 in Britain of 5.1 million pounds compared with 4.2 million pounds for 2015. SLOW INTERNATIONAL PUSH The tax will target platforms such as search engines, social media and online marketplaces, Hammond said, and it will be paid by companies that generate at least 500 million pounds a year in global revenue. Britain had been leading attempts to reform international corporate tax systems, Hammond said, but progress had been painfully slow and governments could not simply talk forever. Clifford Chance tax partner Dan Neidle said the radical nature of the proposal clearly showed that Britain was becoming frustrated with the slow pace of change in global tax laws. "The UK is running ahead of every other country except Spain," he said. But given the dominance of U.S. tech giants, President Donald Trump's administration may not appreciate the proposal at a time when Britain is trying to agree new trade deals. The European Commission proposed in March that EU states would charge a 3 percent levy on digital revenues of large firms like Google and Facebook. But the plan is opposed by smaller states like Ireland, which fears losing revenues, and by Nordic governments which think the tax could stifle innovation and trigger retaliation from the United States - the home to most of the firms which could be hit by the proposed tax. France, which supports a new levy, put forward last month the idea that such a tax would have a "sunset clause", meaning the tax would end when a global solution is found. Hammond said on Monday that if a global solution emerges, Britain would consider adopting this instead of its levy. But in the meantime, the government would consult on the detail to make sure it got its plan right, and then ensure Britain remained one of the best places to start and scale up a tech business. Amazon and Netflix declined to comment. Facebook said it looked forward to receiving more details about the proposals, and until then it was too early to comment. (Reporting by Paul Sandle in London and Arjun Panchadar in Bengaluru; Editing by David Stamp and Shounak Dasgupta) Mr Sayoc has been charged with five federal crimes over the pipe bombs: AP Shackled and wearing a beige jumpsuit, the man accused of sending at least 14 pipe bombs to prominent Democrats and critics of Donald Trump has been formally charged with five federal crimes in a Miami courtroom. The first court appearance of Cesar Sayoc, 56, came just hours after a 15th suspicious package was intercepted in Atlanta on its way to the CNN headquarters what may have been the last in a series the suspect was able to mail from a list of more than 100 potential targets. In response to that package, CNN president Jeff Zucker said all domestic mail had been screened at off-site locations since last week, when it received two other packages addressed to the networks contributors, and bomb squads were called in to the Atlanta post office where the package was detected. Mr Sayoc remained mostly silent during his appearance. His three lawyers attempted to stand in a manner that obscured the view of news reporters and photographers from their client. During the hearing where Mr Sayoc was read the charges against him, his rights, and informed that he would be held without bail the former male stripper and part time pizza delivery man, reacted audibly only when the charges were read by Judge Edwin Torres. He also reportedly had tears in his eyes during the hearing, where he was read the following charges: interstate transportation and illegal mailing of explosives, threatening a former president, making threatening interstate communications and assaulting federal officers. Authorities arrested Mr Sayoc on Friday after a frantic search for the man who they say mailed at least 14 pipe bombs to prominent Democrats and critics of the president. Packages were addressed to individuals including former President Barack Obama, former secretary of state Hillary Clinton, former vice president Joe Biden, billionaire donor George Soros, Florida Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and California Representative Maxine Waters. Story continues New Jersey Senator Cory Booker and California Senator Kamala Harris, were also the intended recipients of packages. The mailing of the packages has once again highlighted political polarisation in the US. Mr Trump condemned the attempted attacks, but also appeared to blame the news media for fostering a political climate that encouraged violence. While blaming the media for that political climate, the president has also routinely called journalists the enemy of the people. The tension created by the mailed pipe bombs was further ratcheted up over the weekend, after a gunman opened fire in a Pittsburgh synagogue. Eleven worshippers were killed during that attack, and the gunman yelled All Jews must die. The pipe bombs also came roughly two weeks before the US midterm elections, which are widely seen as a referendum on Mr Trumps first two years in office. The president, sensing that the pipe bombs were distracting voters from political matters, tweeted those concerns, suggesting that the various attempted attacks on top American politicians could cost Republicans at the polls next month. None of the pipe bombs detonated after delivery, or after interception. Mr Sayoc is expected to be transferred from custody in south Florida to New York, where many of the packages were received. Once there, he is expected to stand trial on the charges that were read to him on Monday afternoon. China on Tuesday defended its controversial decision to ease a 25-year ban on trading tiger bones and rhinoceros horns after conservationists warned that the government had effectively signed a "death warrant" for the endangered species. The State Council, China's cabinet, unexpectedly announced on Monday that it would allow the sale of rhino and tiger products under "special circumstances". Those include scientific research, sales of cultural relics, and "medical research or in healing". The country's 1993 ban on rhino horn and tiger bone products did not consider the "reasonable needs of reality", such as those from scientific research, education, and medical treatment, foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said Tuesday. China has also improved its "law enforcement mechanism" and plans to step up efforts to crack down on illegal wildlife trade, Lu said at a regular press briefing. Wildlife campaigners fear that the new rules could fuel the illegal trade and further put the animals at risk of being poached. "With this announcement, the Chinese government has signed a death warrant for imperilled rhinos and tigers in the wild who already face myriad threats to their survival," Iris Ho, senior wildlife programme specialist at Humane Society International, said in a statement. But the State Council said the trade volume will be "strictly controlled", with any sale outside of authorised use to remain banned. The newly sanctioned areas of trade will also be highly regulated. Only doctors at hospitals recognised by the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine will be allowed to use powdered forms of rhino horn and tiger bones. Tourism and cultural heritage authorities will also have to approve any rhino and tiger products that are used for "temporary cultural exchange". The council said only farmed rhinos and tigers can be used, excluding those raised in zoos. Story continues But activists were not reassured by the regulations. Farmed wildlife are "born into a miserable life of suffering, and then killed for use in medicinal products. It's a total outrage," said Kate Nustedt, a programme director at World Animal Protection, an animal welfare non-profit. China has made efforts to crack down on the sale of illegal wildlife products such as ivory in recent years. The country's ban on ivory sales went into effect in December 2017 -- an attempt to rein in what used to be the product's largest market in the world. A partial ban on ivory had already resulted in an 80 percent decline in ivory seizures entering China and a 65 percent drop in domestic prices for raw ivory, according to a report last year by state media Xinhua. Ivory is seen as a status symbol in China. Other illegal wildlife products, such as pangolin scales, continue to see demand for their supposed medicinal properties. On Oct. 24 in a New York courtroom, two kingpins of Kenyas illegal wildlife trade pleaded guilty to crimes that carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Baktash and Ibrahim Akasha had been connected to seizures of over 30 metric tons of illegal ivory in Mombasa. The illegal wildlife trade is worth as much as $23 billion each year, and has led to the deaths of 7,000 rhinos and 200,000 elephants over the last decade. The guilty pleas of the Akasha brothers, however, had nothing to do with their role in the trade. Instead, they were in court on charges of conspiring to traffic massive quantities of heroin and methamphetamine into the U.S., as well as bribing officials, and possessing heavy weaponry. Although not convicted or even charged for the ivory trafficking that made them infamous in conservationist circles, the guilty pleas of the Akashas were welcomed among environmentalists as a rare bit of good news. On Monday, China announced it would revoke its longstanding ban on the trade of rhino and tiger parts, threatening to further fuel demand for poaching. (Earlier this year, in March, the worlds last male northern white rhino died, effectively bringing the subspecies to extinction.) And on Tuesday, a major study commissioned by the WWF showed that humans have wiped out 60% of the worlds mammals, birds, fish and reptiles since 1970, a level of annihilation scientists are beginning to call Earths sixth mass extinctioncomparable to the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs. Back in New York, the case of the Akashas illustrates the overlap between the ivory trade and criminal groups involved in illegal drugs, weapons and even terrorism. Groups like Al Shabaab and the Lords Resistance Army (militant groups in Central and Eastern Africa) partially fund their operations through poaching, according to environmentalistsalthough by precisely how much is up for debate. The criminal networks moving these illicit commodities do business with terrorist, rebel and extremist groups, says Kate Brooks, a photojournalist and the director of a new documentary film, The Last Animals, a trailer for which exclusively premieres on Tuesday in partnership with TIME. (Watch above.) Story continues Director of The Last Animals, Kate Brooks, filming over Garamba National Park. The Last Animals, which will release in the U.S. in spring 2019, follows the activists battling for the fortunes of the last elephants and rhinos on the planet. From a squad of park rangers risking their lives to protect elephants in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), to conservationists linking DNA from animal dung to ivory seized in raids of organized criminal shipments, the documentary paints a picture of a noble but ultimately losing battle to end poaching and stop the eradication of the worlds dwindling populations of elephants and rhinos. Governments are increasingly acknowledging that there is a convergence between the criminal networks involved in wildlife trafficking, human trafficking, and drugs and weapons smuggling, Brooks tells TIME. The problem is that for every step forward, theres a step back elsewhere. On Oct. 26, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions told a forum on the illegal wildlife trade in Washington, D.C. that the U.S. views the poaching and trafficking of protected wildlife as a threat to good governance, a threat to the rule of law, and a challenge to our stewardship responsibilities to this good earth, and would take renewed steps to combat the problem overseas. Three days later, China reversed its ban on rhino horn and tiger bones, citing potential uses in medical research or in healing. On the ground, that back and forth can seem very far away. In one scene in The Last Animals, the park rangers in the DRC capture three wounded poachers. Bundled into a helicopter, the bleeding men appear vulnerable and empty-handed. We later learn one dies, and see his body lowered into a rudimentary grave. The poachers themselves are disposable foot soldiers. Its hard not to feel compassion for them too, knowing they are being exploited, says Brooks, who as a photojournalist has reported from war zones for international media, including from Afghanistan for TIME. But they are going armed into protected spaces and killing people, as well as animals. For the most part, multifaceted criminals like the Akashas are really driving the trade. I see poaching as primarily an issue of organized crime, says Brooks. The U.S. government agrees. In total, 17 government departments and agencies are working on combating trafficking. The Department of Homeland Security has its own special agent, John Brown, stationed in Nairobi to combat not just poaching but the trade in all illegal goods derived from animals. The Akasha brothers were a criminal element that were willing to get into anything they could make money off of, he tells TIME. But, he says, the links between drugs and the illegal wildlife trade can sometimes be overblown. I think the wildlife traffickers are making enough money on the wildlife trade with little exposure to prosecution, he says. Why would they risk co-mingling with drug traffickers? That question will have prickly repercussions for the U.S. Department of Justice if it hopes that drug trafficking charges, with their long prison sentences, can be reliably used to put wildlife traffickers in the dock. Undercover in Southeast Asia, Brooks picks up a bracelet made of rhino horn that costs $4,800. Thats more than the street value of cocaine, she says. When the rewards are that high, the risks of drug trafficking begin to look out of step with the rewards. With a minimum sentence of 10 years for their crimes, the Akashas time heading up the Mombasa criminal underworld appears to be over. But Gretchen Peters, the Executive Director of the Center on Illicit Networks and Transnational Organized Crime, who worked on the Akasha case, says that alone wont end the ivory trade. There are still members of this network out there, she says. They are literally right now trying to reconstitute themselves, and its important that authorities dont lose focus of the wider network. Just plucking two guys out of Kenya is not going to be the end of the story. Brooks hopes that The Last Animals can help tell that unfinished story. In October, the film won the impact award at Wildscreen, the worlds leading natural film festival. It beat to the prize the BBCs Blue Planet II, which was widely celebrated for increasing awareness of humanitys impact on the oceans. Brooks says her greatest hopes are that the film will raise awareness of the plight elephants and rhinos face, make people think twice about buying ivory, and force governments to act faster to outlaw the illegal wildlife trade around the world. On those lofty goals, the clock is ticking. The film is released in the U.S. in spring 2019, and is available in the U.K., Canada and Australia on all major video on demand platforms from Nov. 5, 2018. BEIJING (AP) Marijuana may be legal now in Canada but at least three Asian governments are warning their citizens to avoid it, including the specter of possible arrest for Japanese and South Koreans. China, the latest to weigh in, didn't go that far. Its consulate in Toronto issued a statement dated Friday reminding Chinese in its jurisdiction and students in particular "to avoid contact with and use of marijuana for the sake of ensuring your own physical and mental health." Canada legalized the sale of recreational marijuana on Oct. 17. The Chinese statement, posted on the consulate's website, included a long explanation of the Canadian and provincial laws, advising them to read it carefully to avoid running afoul of the new regulations. Both Japan and South Korea warned their citizens in Canada ahead of the legalization. The Japanese consulate in Vancouver warned on its website that Japanese laws outlawing the possession and sale of marijuana may be applied to actions taken abroad. "Japanese residents and travelers should take ample care to stay away from marijuana, including food and beverages that include marijuana," the statement read in part. South Korea held information sessions in Canada and used a government website and TV broadcasts to lay down the law for its citizens. "Even in a place where marijuana is legalized, if our citizens smoke, purchase, possess or deliver marijuana, it's a criminal act, so they will be punished," the embassy in Canada tweeted. "Please be careful." Neither statement from Japan and South Korea explained how they might attempt to enforce their laws against smoking marijuana while abroad. Police and customs officials in South Korea did not answer calls seeking comment. Both South Korea and Japan have very strict anti-drug laws. In Korea, smoking, buying, possessing or delivering marijuana is punishable by up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 50 million won ($44,000). ___ Associated Press writers Yuri Kageyama in Tokyo and Hyung-jin Kim in Seoul, South Korea, and researcher Yu Bing in Beijing contributed to this story. TipRanks The billionaire investors stand in a league of their own. Its not necessarily their wealth that puts them there rather, its their success in the markets, in establishing themselves at the highest level of the financial world, that built their wealth. Cathie Wood, the founder and CEO of $75 billion asset manager Ark Invest, is one of Wall Streets most influential investors due to her stock-picking power and her company's impressive returns. Looking at the current market situation, Wood belie Los Angeles (AFP) - An Indian couple who fell to their deaths in California's Yosemite National Park were apparently taking a selfie, according to a family member and media reports. Vishnu Viswanath, 29 and Meenakshi Moorthy, 30, died last week after falling from Taft Point -- a popular overlook at the park that does not have a railing -- and their bodies were recovered by park rangers on Thursday. Viswanath's brother told local media in India that he believes the couple were taking a selfie when the tragedy happened. The pair, who lived in the United States, were travel enthusiasts and had a blog called "Holidays and HappilyEverAfters" that chronicled their adventures. In a recent Instagram post, Moorthy posted a photo of her sitting on the edge of the Grand Canyon and reflected about the "daredevilry" of taking pictures from dangerous locations. "Is our life worth just one photo?" she wrote. Authorities said park officials were investigating the deaths and the probe could take several days. The couple fell almost 800 feet (245 meters) in an area surrounded by steep terrain and rescuers had to use a helicopter to recover the bodies. Some 259 people have died worldwide in recent years while taking selfies, according to a study published earlier this month in the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care. Most of the deaths took place in India where 159 selfie deaths have been reported since 2011, the study said. MOSCOW (AP) A court in the Russian province of Ingushetia on Tuesday overturned a land swap deal with another North Caucasus region that caused large-scale protests. The Constitutional Court of Ingushetia ruled to invalidate the deal with neighboring Chechnya that was signed last month by their leaders, saying that it can't be implemented without approval by a referendum. Ingushetia's leader Yunus-Bek Yevkurov contested the ruling, saying the court has overstepped its authority. He argued that the land swap remains valid and only Russia's Constitutional Court has the power to decide whether it conformed to the federal law. The land swap has triggered protracted protests in Ingushetia, where many saw it as a betrayal of the region's interests. Its opponents have called for Yevkurov's ouster. Yevkurov has countered by saying that the agreement would help strengthen stability, and warned against using the issue to inflame regional tensions. The controversy reflects deep-running distrust between the two mostly Muslim Russian regions, which share the same language but have been divided by land and other disputes. Chechnya and Ingushetia formed one republic during Soviet times but split after the 1991 breakup of the Soviet Union. Chechnya was devastated by two separatist wars in the 1990s and the early 2000s. Chechnya's regional leader, Ramzan Kadyrov, has used generous federal subsidies to rebuild the region and crushed Islamist rebels with his feared security forces, accused of rampant human rights abuses. The Kremlin saw Kadyrov as essential for stability of the region, and the ruler of Chechnya has expanded his clout across the entire North Caucasus. Bardia National Park (Nepal) (AFP) - Chayan Kumar Chaudhary flicked through photographs captured on a hidden camera in the jungle, hoping his favourite big cat -- dubbed "selfie tiger" for its love of the limelight -- had made another appearance. Thousands of camera traps have helped conservationists track Nepal's wild tiger population, which has nearly doubled in recent years as the big cats claw their way back from the verge of extinction. After a nine-year push to protect tigers, an exhaustive census across 2,700 kilometres (1,700 miles) of Nepal's lowlands completed earlier this year revealed the population has grown from 121 in 2009 to an estimated 235 adult cats today. On the frontline of the painstaking survey were trained locals like Chaudhary in western Nepal's Bardia National Park where tiger numbers have grown nearly fivefold. The 25-year-old helped track and record wild tiger movements through the park by scanning images taken by cameras hidden in the jungle's undergrowth. "It was very exciting when we checked the (memory) cards and found photos of tigers," Chaudhary told AFP. "It felt like we are part of something big." Nepal's southern lowlands, home to five national parks, were mapped into grids, each fitted with a pair of camera traps to record any tiger activity. More than 3,200 of these special camera traps were installed, some by field workers on elephants to navigate the dense jungle. "It was not an easy process and risky as well," said Man Bahadur Khadka, head of Nepal's department of wildlife and national parks. These cameras were equipped with sensors that triggered a click whenever any movement or a change in temperature was detected. Soon the photos started to trickle in: lone tigers walking past, mothers with their playful cubs and the occasional tiger feasting on a fresh kill. And Chaudhary's favourite: a big cat that seemed to enjoy preening in front of the lens. Story continues The census began in November 2017 and by the following March, more than 4,000 images of tigers had been collected. "We then began analysing the photos," Khadka said. "Just like our fingerprints, tigers have unique stripes. No two tigers are alike." - 'Our wealth' - Conservationists say that behind Nepal's success was a strategy to turn tiger-fearing villagers -- who could earn thousands of dollars for poaching a big cat -- into the animal's protectors. A century ago, Nepal's lush jungles were a playground for the country's rulers and visiting British dignitaries who came to hunt the Royal Bengal tiger. In 1900, more than 100,000 tigers were estimated to roam the planet. But that fell to a record low of 3,200 globally in 2010. Nepal's tiger numbers hit rock bottom following the decade-long civil war, which ended in 2006, when poachers ran amok across the southern plains. In 2009, the government changed tack, enlisting community groups to protect the animals. Hundreds of young volunteers were recruited to guard Nepal's national parks, patrolling against poachers, raising awareness and protecting the natural habitat. "Tigers are our wealth, we have to protect them," said Sanju Pariyar, 22, who was just a teen when she joined an anti-poaching group. "People understand that if our tiger and rhino numbers grow, tourists will come and bring opportunities. It is good for us." Armed with a stick, Pariyar regularly goes out on patrol to search for traps laid by poachers. The locals have also become informants, alerting park officials if they see anything, or anyone, suspicious. Nepal has tough punishments for poachers -- up to 15 years in jail and a heavy fine -- and it has recently started a genetic database of its tigers to aid investigations. In March, police arrested a poacher who had been on the run for five years after being caught with five tiger pelts and 114 kilos (251 pounds) of bones. The contraband was believed to have been destined for China, a top market for wildlife smugglers, where rare animal parts are used in traditional medicine. In 2010, Nepal and 12 other countries with tiger populations signed an agreement to double their big cat numbers by 2022. The Himalayan nation is set to be the first to achieve this target. "If a country like Nepal -- small, least developed, with lots of challenges -- can do it, the others can do it," said Nepal's WWF representative, Ghana Gurung. But conservationists are aware that rising tiger numbers are also good news for poachers and the lucrative black market they supply with endangered animal parts. Tiger poaching is difficult to track because unlike with rhinos, nothing of the cat is left behind after it is killed. "It is now more important than ever to stay vigilant," said national park warden Ashok Bhandari. Avdimou (Cyprus) (AFP) - Olive farmer Andreas Fotiou steered carefully along a dusty lane in southwest Cyprus, en route from his village to nearby groves -- locations that could have clashing trade regimes, post-Brexit. He fears he could lose out on vital EU subsidies, and even be forced to pay crippling tariffs, if London and Brussels fail to finalise a withdrawal agreement or trade deal. Fotiou is one of thousands of Cypriot farmers who work on British military bases, part of Britain's sovereign territory, and which sprawl over about three percent of the Mediterranean island. "If the UK leaves the EU on bad terms... (it) spells disaster for the communities that are on the British bases," said the 54-year-old. "We cannot afford to pay extra taxes," he added, amid uncertainty about tariffs that generally apply when produce is imported from so-called "third party countries" into EU territory. The European Commission's online trade and customs database flags duties of 15.2 percent for olive imports from nations outside the EU with no agreed trade deals. Historically, relations between local farmers and the British military have been "excellent", Fotiou said, standing in the shade of an olive tree. "When there are problems we sit at the table and solve it on the spot." But "no one has informed us what will happen after Brexit, what the status will be," he added. His picturesque village of Avdimou borders Akrotiri -- one of two military bases Britain kept on the island after Cyprus gained independence in 1960. The other, Dhekelia, is in the east. Olives, grapes and potatoes are key crops on extended non-militarised stretches of these British sovereign territories, while farmers also keep livestock. Fellow villager Constantina Pieroua, who grazes 600 sheep on Akrotiri, said she is stressed about the future. "A lot of farmers are afraid. Our farm is on the base and maybe we don't have a job after Brexit it is a dangerous situation for us," the 41-year-old said. Story continues - Cyprus protocol 'developed' - The farmers' sense of insecurity is compounded by losing their original lands after Turkeys 1974 invasion of Cyprus, which came in response to a Greece-sponsored military coup. Displaced from what is now the Turkish-occupied northern third of the island, Fotiou and Pieroua said their families were among some 1,000 people re-homed in Avdimou, many of whom came to farm on Akrotiri base. Negotiations between London and Brussels over an EU withdrawal agreement have been running parallel to talks between Britain and Cyprus, which joined the EU in 2004, on an annex to the main exit deal. Prime Minister Theresa May told parliament last week that the Cypriot protocol has now been "developed". But the European Commission has long maintained that "nothing is agreed until everything is agreed", indicating that the Cyprus protocol would be inapplicable if ongoing negotiations over the wider UK-EU withdrawal deal fail. Cyprus's foreign ministry told AFP "the rights and interests of Cypriots residing in the bases should and will be safeguarded", even if there is no withdrawal agreement. Cyprus has "plans for addressing all scenarios", the ministry said in a statement to AFP. It cited the former British colony's 1960 Treaty of Establishment, which stipulates that there be no customs barriers between the bases and the Republic of Cyprus. - Legal ambiguities - But others point to uncertainties surrounding Cypriot, EU and world trade law. One legal expert who has followed the Cypriot negotiations closely said "the scenario of farmers paying tariffs cannot be ruled out". The laws of the EU's Customs Union apply on the bases, but a key UK parliamentary committee has warned that arrangement will lapse after Brexit. "Goods will no longer be able to flow freely" between the bases and the Republic of Cyprus, the European Scrutiny Committee said in July. "Instead, EU law will require Cyprus to apply customs and regulatory controls on crossing between the two for the first time," it added. There have also been reports that the passage of British military supplies through Cyprus and onto the sovereign bases could be compromised by a no-deal Brexit. The London daily The Times said in August that British officials had concluded they would need to extend a small existing port on Akrotiri significantly, to avoid complications at Cypriot ports. But one analyst told AFP that under a no-deal scenario, the EU would be likely to agree exemptions. The bases fall under "security cooperation, which both the UK and the EU agree should remain largely unaffected irrespective of future arrangements", said Kit Nicholl, a security analyst for IHS Markit in London. Britain's Ministry of Defence said "constructive discussions" had taken place with Cyprus "to safeguard the effective military functioning of the bases, and minimise disruption and uncertainty for citizens, businesses, and residents". "We look forward to working with the Republic of Cyprus and our European partners to build an enduring and mutually beneficial future relationship," a spokesman said in comments emailed to AFP. Ottawa (AFP) - The father of a British-Canadian dual national held by Kurds in Syria pleaded Tuesday for Ottawa's help to rescue him and at least 18 other Canadians, amid concerns that some of them pose a security risk. Jack Letts, 23, has been held in Syria for 18 months, his father John told reporters in Ottawa. "I need your help to save my son's life," said Letts, who appeared at a press conference with Alexandra Bain, director of Families Against Violent Extremism. They said nine Canadians, including the younger Letts, as well as at least 10 of their children -- some taken to Syria, some born in the war zone -- are currently being held by Kurdish authorities on Syrian soil. Bain said they face a cold winter ahead, are given little to eat, are not provided an education and tuberculosis has started to spread in the camps. "These people need to be brought home to Canada and they need to be brought home now," Bain said. The government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said it will not risk sending officials to Syria to negotiate for their release, citing security concerns. Ottawa has also raised concerns about the collection of evidence in conflict zones to prosecute returnees under Canadian terrorism laws. "We are aware of Canadian citizens being detained in Syria," foreign ministry spokesman Stefano Maron told AFP. "Given the security situation on the ground, the government of Canada's ability to provide consular assistance in any part of Syria is extremely limited," he said. "Canada is engaged in these cases and is providing assistance, to the limited extent possible," including verifying their "whereabouts and well-being," Maron added. The families of detainees and their supporters were to meet later Tuesday with senior Canadian foreign ministry officials to pitch their proposal for a brokered return. Letts and Bain said the human rights organization Reprieve would travel to camps in northern Syria to help facilitate their return, but only if Canada agrees to supply the returnees with travel documents. Story continues To alleviate public concerns about repatriating Canadians with possible terror links, Bain said returnees would agree to "voluntary security arrangements," without elaborating on the terms. Reprieve has previously helped repatriate an American from Syria under similar circumstances, Bain noted. The reason for Letts' presence in Syria is somewhat unclear. British media have suggested he is fighting for extremist groups, but his father said he was "not a violent jihadist" though he might have been "naive and wrong" to go to Syria. Canadian officials had been trying to secure Letts' return home but suddenly halted their efforts in May, the father said. "They just said there's nothing we can do because it's too dangerous," he told reporters, holding back tears. The father suggested pressure on Canada from Britain, which has refused to take Jack back, or the upcoming Canadian election in 2019 may have factored into the decision. Tokyo (AFP) - It's been a hard day's fight, but a group of Japanese Beatles fans have lost their bid to get police to hand over historic footage of the band's 1966 Japan visit. The superfans took their battle for the film -- recorded by police as a security measure -- all the way to Japan's supreme court, arguing the images were a "historical document." Police had offered to release the footage, reportedly about 35 minutes long, but only after blurring the faces of everyone in the film except the Beatles, citing privacy reasons. Two lower courts backed the police against a group of citizens from Nagoya who wanted the entire film released uncensored, saying it would be almost impossible to identify people in the footage more than 50 years later. But the long and winding legal battle ended last week when the supreme court rejected their argument, the group announced. The Beatles toured Japan only once, playing five concerts, and were trailed across the country by legions of screaming fans. A lawyer for the group seeking the footage said it would have huge historical significance for Beatles enthusiasts. "It is a document that should be made available from a historical standpoint," lawyer Satoshi Shinkai told the Asahi Shimbun newspaper. "The final concert given on July 2 was apparently electrifying," added fan Toru Omura, who has written books about the impact of the group's tour. "If confirmation can be made of the existence of footage from that day, there would be huge excitement," he told the newspaper. The Beatles remain popular in Japan, and former group member Paul McCartney arrived in Tokyo this week to kick off his new world tour. Judge Rodney Gilstrap, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas/photo by Diego Radzinschi, National Law Journal The Eastern District of Texas is back in business. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit on Monday rejected a big tech industry push to overrule a venue ruling from that subjects Google to patent infringement suits in the district. In re Google comes over the dissent of a Federal Circuit judge who said Gilstrap is disregarding clear directions from the Federal Circuit. Judge Jimmie Reyna said Gilstrap's decision will have far-reaching implications" for Google and other companies that conduct their business over the internet. Gilstrap ruled earlier this summer that servers Google leases at internet service providers (ISPs) in the Eastern District of Texas constitute a regular and established place of business under the patent venue statute. Hogan Lovells partner Neal Katyal led Google's charge for mandamus review at the Federal Circuit, with amicus support from Intel, Netflix, Salesforce, HP and others. They argued that a place of business must be owned or leased by the defendant and fixed permanently to qualify as a regular and established place of business. Gilstrap, they said, was in effect overruling the U.S. Supreme Court's TC Heartland decision that has forced patent holders to sue more often where defendants are headquartered. They got no sympathy from Federal Circuit Judges Timothy Dyk and Richard Taranto. Google's contracts with the ISPs establish strong Google control over the servers and their physical location, they noted in a nonprecedential, per curiam order. While Gilstrap may not be right, they suggested, he wasn't so clearly wrong as to warrant mandamus review before trial. And the issue hasn't divided district judges all over the country, as was the case when the court agreed to take up the Micron venue case on mandamus last fall. Dyk and Taranto said Google will have every right to raise the issue following trial. Although the Federal Circuit has taken up venue issues pretrial in exceptional circumstances, we do not find such circumstances in this case, they wrote. The win goes to a Thompson & Knight team that represented patent owner Seven Networks LLC. Partners Max Ciccarelli, Bruce Sostek and J. Michael Heinlen and associate Natalie Cooley were on the briefs. Reyna said leaving Gilstrap's decision in place will cause confusion. For example, is every individual cell phone tower a 'regular and established place of business' for a cellular service provider? he wrote. And is a home office that contains at least a computer a 'regular and established place of business' simply because an employer provides the computer and controls its operation and placement? Leaving this issue to percolate longer in the courts as the majority suggests, Reyna concluded, will only result in wasted judicial and litigant resources as they continue to wrestle in uncertainty. Quito (AFP) - Ecuador on Monday threw out the lawsuit WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange filed charging that Quito violated his "fundamental rights" and limited his access to the outside world while in asylum at its London embassy. Magistrate Karen Martinez ruled that the suit could not move forward, as filed by WikiLeaks' attorney, the former Spanish judge Baltasar Garzon. The 47-year-old Australian's legal action had come with speculation mounting that Ecuador is preparing to end its standoff with the British government by terminating his high-profile stay. Carlos Poveda, Assange's lawyer in Ecuador, appealed the ruling. That means a higher court should review the case in coming days. Assange found refuge in the embassy in London in 2012 after a British judge ruled he should be extradited to Sweden to face allegations of sexual assault. That case has since been dropped. But Assange fears being extradited to the United States to face charges over the WikiLeaks website's release of troves of sensitive US government files. Quito confirmed blocking Assange's internet and mobile phone access in March after accusing him of breaking "a written commitment" not to interfere in Ecuador's foreign policies. A protocol governing Assange's stay at the embassy -- revealed by Ecuadoran internet site Codigo Vidrio and never denied by Quito -- warns that further breaches will lead to "termination of asylum." Garzon told reporters in Quito that Assange was living in "an inhuman situation, because the solution that should already have been reached by the involved states is being dragged out longer and longer." US Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in March 2017 that arresting Assange for leaking sensitive US government files was a "priority." CAIRO (AP) Egypt has released an economist and his publisher more than a week after their arrest over a book that challenged President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi's economic policies. Abdel-Khaleq Farouq said Tuesday that a court ordered him and the publisher, Ibrahim el-Khateib, to be released pending an investigation into accusations of publishing "fake news." The two were detained on Oct. 21. The book contends that el-Sissi lacks a vision for remedying Egypt's economic woes, which Farouq blames on the military's monopoly of power since 1952. Egypt has waged a sweeping crackdown on dissent since 2013, when el-Sissi led the military overthrow of an elected but divisive Islamist president. Istanbul (AFP) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called on Saudi Arabia's chief prosecutor, who visited on Tuesday the consulate in Istanbul where Jamal Khashoggi was murdered, to investigate who ordered the hit on the journalist. Khashoggi's death has brought near unprecedented international scrutiny on Saudi Arabia and its powerful Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, and the journalist's fiancee has accused the regime of a massive cover-up. Erdogan, who says a 15-person team travelled from Riyadh to Istanbul to kill Khashoggi, has pressed Saudi authorities to reveal the truth -- including the location of the Washington Post contributor's missing body. "Who sent these 15 people? As Saudi public prosecutor, you have to ask that question, so you can reveal it," Erdogan told reporters in Ankara on Tuesday, shortly after the head of the Saudi investigation entered the kingdom's consulate. "Now we have to solve this case. No need to prevaricate, it makes no sense to try to save certain people," said Erdogan, who has stopped short of directly blaming the Saudi government. Saudi Arabia is seeking to draw a line under the crisis after offering a series of differing narratives following the journalist's disappearance. Attorney General Sheikh Saud al-Mojeb travelled to Istanbul this week after being the first Saudi official to acknowledge the killing was "premeditated" based on the results of Turkey's investigation. He met Istanbul chief prosecutor Irfan Fidan on Monday and asked to be given the full findings of the Turkish investigation, including all images and audio recordings, Turkish broadcaster TRT reported. The Turkish investigators rejected the request, TRT said, instead calling on the Saudi prosecutor to reveal information about the location of Khashoggi's body. They also repeated Erdogan's call for the 18 suspects detained by Saudi Arabia over the murder be sent to Turkey for trial, according to TRT. Riyadh has refused the request. Story continues Mojeb met with Turkish investigators again on Tuesday before visiting the consulate for around an hour and a half and leaving without making a statement. - 'Covered up' - Khashoggi, 59, was an insider in Saudi royal circles before going into self-imposed exile in the United States last year after falling out with the crown prince. He entered the consulate to obtain paperwork for his marriage to his Turkish fiancee Hatice Cengiz. On Monday, Cengiz called on world leaders -- and in particular US President Donald Trump -- to do more to expose what really happened. "I am extremely disappointed by the stance of the leadership of many countries, particularly in the US," Cengiz told a memorial event in London. "President Trump should help reveal the truth and ensure justice be served. He should not allow my fiance's murder to be covered up." She said she believed the Saudi regime knew where Khashoggi's body was and called for the "evil criminals and their cowardly political masters" to be held to account. Trump has called the case "one of the worst cover-ups in history", but warned against halting a Saudi arms deal to increase pressure on Riyadh, saying it would harm US jobs. - 'Local co-conspirators'? - Riyadh initially insisted that Khashoggi left the consulate unharmed, but as pressure grew, Saudi state media changed the story and said Khashoggi died when an argument descended into a brawl. The story was undercut by footage, which Erdogan confirmed, of a Saudi official acting as a body double for Khashoggi, wearing the journalist's clothes when leaving the consulate to pretend to be the dead man. The Saudi leadership has since blamed a "rogue operation". The search for Khashoggi's body continues, after gruesome reports in the Turkish media alleged it was cut up into multiple pieces. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on Tuesday called for international experts to take part in the investigation. "The participation of international experts, with full access to evidence and witnesses, would be highly desirable," Michelle Bachelet said in a statement. "I urge the Saudi authorities to reveal the whereabouts of the body without delay," she added. Beyond the detention of the 18 suspects, five Saudi intelligence chiefs have been sacked, including two who were part of Prince Mohammed's inner circle. The affair has tarnished the image the crown prince, the de facto leader of the oil-rich Gulf nation, who has positioned himself as a Saudi reformer. He has denounced the murder as "repulsive" and strongly denied any involvement. Vince Cable at an anti-Brexit rally outside the Houses of Parliament (Getty) The European Commission has risked discouraging European Union enthusiasts in the UK by dismissing a call by the leader of the Liberal Democrats, Vince Cable, to prepare for Brexit to be called-off. A commission spokesperson said on Tuesday (30 October) that they expect the UK to exit the EU in March as planned and are concentrating their efforts on getting a divorce settlement. This is not the assumption were working on right now, the commissions deputy chief spokesperson, Mina Andreeva, said on the possibility of a second referendum. Her comments come after Cable used a meeting with EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier last week to tell him the commission should be ready for voters to backtrack over Brexit. READ MORE: Unholy alliance of MPs tell Barnier to prepare for UK to remain in the EU Speaking to Yahoo Finance UK in Brussels, he said it was necessary because of the gathering momentum behind the campaign for a Peoples Vote following a 700,000-strong march in London. Certainly, the UK mood has changed, he said. A peoples vote is now a serious option. The Commission needs to do serious contingency planning in the event that we do go down that route in the UK. Cable said the EU should consider how the Article 50 process could be cancelled quickly, as well as the effect on the blocs budget. Vince Cable was one of four pro-EU politicians who met EU chief negotiator in Brussels last Thursday (Reuters) Pointing out that the UK government has admitted to war gaming the possibility of a second referendum, Cable added: It makes sense for the Europeans as well. But the commission spokesperson suggested they were not hopeful of Brexit being reversed when asked about Cables comments by Yahoo Finance UK on Tuesday. The working assumption is that Brexit will happen at the end of March next year so we are working on a Withdrawal Agreement and we also preparing in case there is no Withdrawal Agreement, Andreeva told us. These are the scenarios we are operating in. Anything else is not for me to speculate. Well see if, ever and when we get there. Story continues READ MORE: Ex-EU chief Barosso predicts last-minute compromise over Brexit EU budget commissioner Gunther Oettinger said recently that it would be absolutely fabulous if Brexit was cancelled but admitted the prospect was improbable. Prime minister Theresa May also poured cold water on suggestions there could be a second referendum while participating in a session of the Nordic Council in the Norwegian parliament on Tuesday. The British people voted to leave the EU, she said. Its a question of faith in politicians and the integrity of politicians that we deliver on that vote and thats exactly what well do. There will be no second referendum. Brexit discussions are continuing at a technical level between civil servants from both sides but there is little sign of the progress necessary to conclude a deal by November. That means it is likely negotiations will run until 13 December, when the next European Council is scheduled. Pittsburgh (AFP) - Donald Trump visited Tuesday the Pittsburgh synagogue where 11 people were gunned down at the weekend in an anti-Semitic attack, as more than 1,500 protesters gathered nearby to make it clear the US president was unwelcome. Carrying signs that read "President Hate, Leave Our State!" and "Trump, Renounce White Nationalism Now," the protesters gathered near the Tree of Life synagogue where the carnage unfolded Saturday. Trump -- accompanied by his wife Melania, arrived in the late afternoon, and placed a white flower and a small stone on each star erected in memory of the dead at a makeshift memorial outside the Tree of Life. Trump's daughter Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner, who are Jewish, followed at a short distance, also pausing at each star. The first couple then entered the synagogue and lit candles in honor of each of those killed, the occasion punctuated by the still audible cries of protesters outside. The controversial visit came after mourners crowded into nearby synagogues and joined street processions at the first funerals for some of the victims of the deadliest anti-Semitic attack in modern US history. The service for brothers Cecil and David Rosenthal, both in their 50s, was the first in honor of those killed in what was an apparent hate crime. Services for 66-year-old doctor Jerry Rabinowitz and 71-year-old Daniel Stein followed in Pittsburgh, where scores of residents protested Trump's visit. The president's trip to Pennsylvania came amid a mounting row over whether his fierce rhetoric at campaign rallies and on Twitter has helped stoke extremism ahead of next week's midterm elections. "It's just enraging that this type of hate crime could occur here and that the leadership of our country does not denounce anti-Semitism and does not denounce white nationalism and does not denounce neo-Nazism," mourner Joanna Izenson told AFP. Suspect Robert Bowers is facing more than two dozen charges related to the bloodshed at the Tree of Life, which is located in the city's traditionally Jewish Squirrel Hill neighborhood. Story continues The 46-six-year-old reportedly told police after his capture, "I just want to kill Jews," having claimed on social media that Jews were helping transport caravans of refugees from Central America into the United States, calling the migrants "invaders." The caravans are a favorite target of the president, and he has called a group of several thousand impoverished mainly Honduran migrants currently attempting to walk north to the United States "an invasion." - 'Beautiful tribute' - Friends and strangers alike packed the Rodef Shalom temple, a 25-minute walk from the Tree of Life, for the Rosenthals' funeral, which took place under tight security. After the service, mourners spilled out onto the street, some of them sobbing and clasping each other. The brothers' caskets were placed in two hearses and driven away, with a sheriff's car leading the procession. "It was tragic, it was sad -- it was a beautiful tribute to two wonderful, loving, innocent men," said Paul Taylor, a Catholic priest who attended the service, which he said was "standing room only." Another mourner, a retired teacher who only gave her first name Nancy, said: "I was finally able to cry." Nearby, dozens of mourners walked behind the hearse carrying the remains of Rabinowitz in Squirrel Hill, according to footage posted on social media. Meanwhile, protesters gathered near the Tree of Life synagogue to vent their anger. "President Trump, you are not welcome in Pittsburgh until you fully renounce white nationalism." Jeffrey Myers, a rabbi who was present when the attack started, told CNN: "The president of the United States is always welcome." But protesters disagreed. "I think it's more divisive than uniting," 57-year-old librarian Nonie Heystek said of Trump's visit. - 'Christian rabbi' - The Pittsburgh shooting spree came in the same week that authorities arrested an ardent Trump supporter from Florida on suspicion of mailing more than a dozen homemade bombs to opponents and critics of the president. The incidents have led to accusations that Trump has fanned violence through almost daily tweets and speeches lambasting illegal immigrants, political opponents and journalists in divisive language. Trump has struck back in typical fashion, arguing that critical journalists were in fact the ones feeding extremism across the country. Trump's Pittsburgh visit is not the only element of the administration's response to the massacre that has been a source of controversy. On Monday, Vice President Mike Pence attended a campaign rally in Michigan at which a so-called "Christian rabbi" was invited to speak on behalf of the area's Jewish community. Instead of opening with prayers for the 11 victims of the Tree of Life shooting, Loren Jacobs praised Jesus Christ and then offered prayers for four Republican candidates. Jews expressed outrage over social media, describing Jacobs' appearance as an "insulting political stunt" and blasting Pence as a "Christian supremacist." Berlin (AFP) - Often called the world's most powerful woman, German Chancellor Angela Merkel is on her last lap as leader of Europe's top economy. Here are five defining moments in Merkel's career. - Kohl's 'girl' turns on mentor - Merkel, a pastor's daughter and scientist who grew up behind the Iron Curtain, only became politically active in 1989, the year the Berlin Wall fell. She briefly served as a deputy spokeswoman for the first democratically elected East German government, before winning election in 1990 to the reunified German parliament as a member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party. Then-chancellor Helmut Kohl, who gave Merkel the patronising nickname "das Maedchen" (the girl), named her minister for women and youth in 1991, setting off her career. When Kohl got bogged down in a political slush fund scandal, it was Merkel who told him it was time to go. She was elected CDU party chief in 2000 with more than 95 percent of the vote and in 2005 became Germany's first woman chancellor. - Nuclear power? Nein danke - Merkel stunned the world when, after Japan's 2011 Fukushima reactor meltdown, she reversed her pro-nuclear stance and announced that German atomic reactors would be phased out by 2022. Long called the "climate chancellor", she has also pushed Germany's energy transition, which has ramped up wind and solar power and aims to meet 80 percent of demand with renewables by 2050. However, Merkel's green credentials have been bruised because Germany's continued strong reliance on dirty coal means it will miss its 2020 targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Merkel has also been called the "car chancellor" for her strong lobbying for Germany's powerful auto sector that has been hit by the "dieselgate" emissions cheating scandal and a wave of urban driving bans for diesel vehicles. - Eurozone's 'Madame Non' - Story continues All eyes turned to Merkel when, in the wake of the global financial crisis, Greece in 2010 plunged into a sovereign debt crisis and the survival of the eurozone itself seemed in doubt. Merkel and her then finance minister Wolfgang Schaeuble demanded painful budget cuts and tax hikes in Greece in return for backing three international rescue packages worth more than 300 billion euros ($320 billion). The tough stance saw her vilified as Europe's heartless austerity queen and caricatured in SS uniform. Merkel resisted calls to forgive Athens' massive debt, a position that in France earned her the nickname "Madame Non". - Refugee crisis? 'We can do it' - If many saw her as heartless during the eurozone crisis, they condemned her as too soft, naive or moralistic in the refugee and migrant crisis. At the height of the influx, in September 2015, she opted against shutting the German-Austrian border to the thousands crossing a day, about half from war-torn Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan. As the mass influx, which would top one million people, started unsettling many Germans, she kept insisting that "we can do it". Merkel has since backed efforts to tighten asylum rules and shutter the EU's outer borders. But the far-right and anti-immigration party that has emerged since, the Alternative for Germany (AfD), insists that "Merkel must go". - 2017-18: Political twilight? - The AfD has since entered the German parliament and all state assemblies, coarsening the tone of German politics from the opposition benches. Merkel's CDU, like other mainstream parties, lost millions of votes to the AfD in September 2017 polls, vastly complicating coalition building efforts. It took Merkel's conservatives half a year to cobble together an unhappy "grand coalition" with the Social Democrats (SPD) that has only a thin majority, and the alliance has been rocked by infighting since. Squabbles centred on immigration between Merkel and her Bavarian Interior Minister Horst Seehofer have twice brought the alliance to the brink of collapse. The bickering in Berlin has in turn damaged the mainstream parties in two October regional polls, in Bavaria and Hesse. In the clearest sign yet that she is preparing for her eventual succession, Merkel has said she will not stand again for reelection as CDU leader in December and will step down as chancellor when her current mandate ends in 2021. By Laurence Frost and Clara Denina PARIS (Reuters) - Communications giant Publicis Groupe will continue to work for Saudi Arabia while "monitoring the situation", Chairman Maurice Levy said on Tuesday, despite Riyadh's acknowledgement that dissident Jamal Khashoggi was the victim of a premeditated murder at its Istanbul consulate. The French group's Qorvis Communications business has a long-standing contract to handle public relations and government affairs for Saudi Arabia. Even before the latest Saudi admission, other firms including U.S. lobbyists Glover Park Group, BGR Group and the Harbour Group had severed business ties with the kingdom. Many others pulled out of an investment conference hosted by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler, following the killing. "We are for the time being looking at all the aspects and monitoring the situation very carefully," the Publicis chairman told Reuters. "As you know, there is currently a situation which is at least confused." Levy acknowledged Saudi Arabia's admission that the murder had been planned - in contradiction with earlier statements. "But nobody knows who has given the order for the time being. We can imagine, but we have no evidence," he said. "For the time being we are looking at all the aspects, and we are not making any assumptions, yet." (Reporting by Laurence Frost; Editing by Mark Potter) Chicago (AFP) - The first of two African American grocery shoppers shot dead by a white gunman in an attack described by police as racially-motivated was to be laid to rest Tuesday. Maurice Stallard, 69, and Vickie Lee Jones, 67, were gunned down on Wednesday last week at a suburban store in Louisville, Kentucky. Their deaths came days before an anti-Semitic massacre in Pittsburgh and as a spate of mail bombs sent to high-profile liberals was fueling a national reckoning over deepening political and racial divisions. Stallard's funeral was due to take place at a church in southeast Louisville while Jones will be laid to rest in the city on Saturday. The suspected gunman, 51-year-old Gregory Bush, allegedly tried but failed to get into the predominantly black First Baptist Church in the suburb of Jeffersontown. He is then alleged to have headed to a nearby grocery store and opened fire multiple times on Stallard and Jones. Jeffersontown police chief Sam Rogers told a Sunday service at the First Baptist Church the attack was "racist in nature." "I'm angered that we as a society continue to have issues of racism and violence," he said. Bush -- who allegedly told a bystander that "whites don't kill whites" -- is in custody, charged with two counts of murder and 10 counts of wanton endangerment. On Saturday a gunman killed 11 worshippers at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania -- the deadliest anti-Semitic attack in recent US history. Meanwhile a man accused of sending 15 mail bombs -- none of which exploded -- to prominent Democrats and critics of President Donald Trump appeared Monday in Miami federal court. There have been questions raised over the role the president's heated rhetoric has played in fostering a toxic atmosphere that has encouraged the alleged attackers -- a possibility the White House has rejected. The first two victims in the Pittsburgh attack also were laid to rest Tuesday. The funeral for Cecil and David Rosenthal -- brothers aged 59 and 54 -- was held at Rodef Shalom temple and attended by hundreds of mourners. Rio de Janeiro (AFP) - Brazil's far-right President-elect Jair Bolsonaro is likely to tap army generals and an ultra-free-market economist for key roles in his cabinet. The former army captain styles himself as an outsider -- even though he has spent a long career in Congress -- and has mostly sought prospective ministers with little political experience. Bolsonaro, 63, wants to slash the number of ministries from 29 to 15, and has vowed to end the practice of using cabinet appointments as bargaining chips to build a coalition with other parties -- long a basic rule of the political game in Brazil. "He wants to reinvent the way the country is governed by ending the 'presidency by coalition.' It will be his biggest challenge," said Marcos Coimbra, a political strategist at Mackenzie Presbyterian University in Brasilia. The cabinet will have "four or five generals," according to the head of Bolsonaro's Social Liberal Party, Gustavo Bebianno. That is likely to be controversial in a country still scarred by a brutal military dictatorship that lasted from 1964 to 1985. "By promising to name generals to his government, he is trying to create an image of order, but a lot of the likely picks have zero political experience. That will make it hard to negotiate with Congress," said Geraldo Monteiro, a political scientist at Rio de Janeiro State University. Here is a look at some of the likely picks to run Latin America's largest country and the world's eighth-largest economy when Bolsonaro takes office on January 1. - The 'Chicago boy' - Bolsonaro's economic guru is Paulo Guedes, a liberal economist trained at the University of Chicago -- long the high cathedral of free-market economics. He has been a popular pick with the business sector, ensuring that the markets welcomed Bolsonaro's march to the presidency with a surge. Bolsonaro himself has confessed he understands "nothing" about economics, and says he will name Guedes, 69, to head a "super-ministry" bringing together the current ministries of finance, trade and planning, plus the secretariat for public investment. Story continues A debt hawk, Guedes held a press conference immediately after Bolsonaro's victory during which he vowed to overhaul Brazil's economic model, reform the bloated pension system and privatize state enterprises. - The operator - The one experienced political operative in the lineup is Onyx Lorenzoni, tipped to be named chief of staff -- responsible for navigating the lion's den of politics in Brasilia. "He has extensive experience in Congress, he knows how it operates," said Coimbra. Lorenzoni, 64, is a veteran lawmaker -- first in the state legislature of Rio Grande do Sul, then in the lower house of Congress -- and was a chief strategist on Bolsonaro's campaign. - The role model - Bolsonaro is a gushing admirer of Augusto Heleno Ribeiro, his military academy instructor in the 1970s and probable defense minister. The general, 71, was the first commander of Brazil's United Nations peacekeeping mission in Haiti, launched in 2004. Bolsonaro wanted him to be his runningmate, but Heleno's PRP party rejected the overture -- so the candidate instead gave the vice presidential nod to another general, Hamilton Mourao. Bolsonaro said in an interview last year that Heleno could have "any post he wants" in his government, and that he would have loved to be a minister in a Heleno presidency. - Mr Environment - Another general, Oswaldo Ferreira, 64, is tipped for transport minister. The former head of the army's department of engineering and construction, he would be responsible for infrastructure and its environmental impact under Bolsonaro. In a recent interview, he said that in his road-building days in the 1970s, "there was no prosecutor's office or Ibama (the environmental agency) to bust everyone's balls." - The astronaut - Marcos Pontes is a national hero in Brazil: the fighter pilot and astronaut, 55, was the first Brazilian in outer space. In 2006, he spent a week aboard the International Space Station, ferried there by a Russian Soyuz rocket. An avid Bolsonaro backer, he has been floated for the post of science minister. Conakry (AFP) - A young protester in Guinea was killed Tuesday in clashes with police who broke up an anti-government march and prevented the opposition leader from leaving his home. "My brother was killed by a policeman who shot him in cold blood," Mariama Dalanda, in tears, told AFP. The death of the 30-year-old man was confirmed by the head of the opposition and former prime minister Cellou Dalein Diallo, adding that 15 other protesters were injured. "As of today 98 members of the opposition have been killed by police gunfire at peaceful demonstrations since (President) Alpha Conde came to power in December 2010," Diallo said. Police had surrounded his home, blocking him from joining the protest march in the capital Conakry. At least five of Diallo's supporters were injured earlier Tuesday in confrontations with police near his home, an AFP correspondent at the scene reported. "We are here to prevent Mr Dalein Diallo from leaving his home and going to an unauthorised march," a police official who requested anonymity told AFP. Later a national police chief, Colonel Ansoumane Camara, said the authorities were seeking to protect Diallo. "He is at his home... protected and secure," Camara said, adding that police wanted to avoid last week's scenario. "Cellou said someone tried to take his life. We are ensuring his security this time," he said. Rivals of Conde had called for Tuesday's march a week after a banned demonstration during which Diallo alleged that police had tried to assassinate him -- a claim police have denied. An inquiry has been opened into the incident. "It's sad for my country," Diallo, standing outside his home Tuesday, told journalists, calling the police action a violation of freedom and the constitution by Conde. The political opposition has been protesting against what it considers a violation by the authorities of an agreement reached in August over the appointment of local government officials, elected in a hotly disputed vote on February 4. On Monday a "dead city" strike gripped Conakry over another issue that has plagued the West African country; the failure to resolve a pay dispute with teachers who began an unlimited walkout on October 3. This post has been updated. Wednesday marks 10 years since the white paper Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System was posted to a cryptographic mailing list, sparking one of the biggest flurries of tech innovation in a decade. The paper, by the still-unknown Satoshi Nakamoto, led to the creation of bitcoin, the first cryptocurrency. There are now over 2,000 cryptocurrencies in circulation and the entire industry is worth over $200 billion. For those who havent been following bitcoin closely, below is a rundown of the story of the asset thus far: Bitcoin has had an eventful first decade. (Graphic: Yahoo Finance) 2008-2010: Year dot Although the initial idea for bitcoin was first proposed in late 2008, it wasnt until January 2009 that the bitcoin network was first created. Even then, there were no bitcoin exchanges for the first year, meaning there was no quoted price for bitcoin. The first exchange the now defunct BitcoinMarkets.com launched in March 2010. The first real-world bitcoin transaction took place a few months later when Laszlo Hanyecz bought two pizzas for 10,000 BTC in Florida. The highest price for bitcoin across 2010 was $0.39. 2011-2012: Early years and drug deals Over the next few years bitcoin slowly began to creep into mainstream consciousness but, unfortunately, for the wrong reasons. One of the first people to grasp the radical possibilities of an anonymous online currency was Ross Ulbricht, aka Dread Pirate Roberts, who founded dark web marketplace Silk Road in 2011. The infamous online site was dominated by drug sales and used bitcoin as its currency. An estimated $1 billion-worth of bitcoin changed hands over the site before it was shut down by the FBI in 2013. 2013: Year of the bitcoin Bitcoin went properly mainstream in 2013 with increasing media mentions, growing numbers of new bitcoin companies popping up, and big businesses such as Baidu and Overstock agreeing to accept bitcoin. In early 2013, leading exchange Coinbase said it had sold over $1m-worth of bitcoin in a month for the first time, a sign that the market was growing. Indeed, bitcoin experienced its first major price spike in 2013, rising to over $1,200 by the end of the year. A Forbes article in December declared 2013 the Year of the Bitcoin. However, the Chinese government banned bitcoin at the end of the year, causing the price to drop. Story continues 2014: MtGox Bitcoin was dealt a major blow in 2014 with the collapse of bitcoin exchange MtGox, which was by far the largest cryptocurrency exchange globally at the time. Tokyo-based MtGox filed for bankruptcy in February 2014 after suffering a major hack that it initially thought cost it 850,000 bitcoin. The collapse of MtGox coincided with some of the air coming out of the bitcoin price bubble that had inflated in 2013. After starting the year at close to $1,000, bitcoin finished 2014 nearer $300. Police officers carry pieces of evidence out of house of Mark Karpeles, the head of defunct Bitcoin exchange MtGox, in Tokyo on August 3, 2015. (Photo: JIJI PRESS/AFP/Getty Images) 2015-16: VCs make big bets on crypto and blockchain Despite retail investors getting their fingers burned by MtGox, venture capital firms were beginning to wake up to the potential of bitcoin, cryptocurrencies, and blockchain, which is the cryptographic database technology underpinning virtual currencies. Over $1 billion was invested in bitcoin and blockchain startups across 2015 and 2016, according to CB Insights. Thats more than double what was invested across the prior three years. Banks, which had long dismissed and derided bitcoin, also began to look at blockchain (although not cryptocurrencies). A report from Santander in 2015 estimated that banks could save $20 billion a year in back office costs by moving to the new technology. Bitcoins price remained stuck in a range while all this was going on, failing to beat the price high it recorded in 2014. 2017: Liftoff Bitcoin finally passed its 2014 price peak in 2017 and then some. The price exploded in 2017 as interest in cryptocurrencies surged. It coincided with a slew of new cryptocurrencies being launched, which attracted huge amounts of retail investment. Bitcoin surged to a high of over $20,000 by the end of 2017, with daily price spikes of more than 10% not unusual. As the price rocketed, more mainstream financial firms began to look at the asset. Exchange operators CBOE and CME Group both launched bitcoin futures in December. However, the surge appeared to be driven by investors piling in looking for short-term returns. By the end of the year, analysts were warning about a bubble. Prices of bitcoin, ether, and XRP in 2018, through Oct. 30. 2018 The hangover Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies crashed back down to earth in 2018 as people began to realise that 2017 price rise was largely driven by hopes of short term gains rather than any fundamentals. Bitcoin dropped sharply during the first three months of the year but has now been stuck in a range around the $6,200 mark for the past two months. This has coincided with a period of unusually low volatility of the cryptocurrency. In October the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the Paris-based global money-laundering watchdog, announced that it would establish rules for governments to oversee cryptocurrencies. Also in October, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) widened its crackdown on certain parts of the crypto market. READ MORE: What crypto investment firms are telling clients during a bear market Follow Yahoo Finance on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Flipboard, LinkedIn, and reddit. Vatican City (AFP) - Human remains have been discovered at a Rome property owned by the Vatican, the Holy See said Tuesday, in a potential breakthrough for police investigating one of Italy's darkest mysteries. "During restoration works in a space annexed to the Apostolic Nunciature of Italy... fragments of human bone were found," the Vatican said in a statement, in reference to the diplomatic office of the Holy See in Rome. A police investigation is underway to establish the age and gender of the body and date of death. Media reports said the remains were discovered on Monday. Detectives will be looking in particular at whether they are a DNA match for Emanuela Orlandi or Mirella Gregori, both of whom were underage when they went missing separately in Rome in 1983. Orlandi was the daughter of a member of the Vatican's police, and was last seen on June 22, 1983 when leaving a music class. Theories have circulated that the then 15-year-old was kidnapped by an organised crime gang to put pressure on Vatican officials to recover a loan. Another claim was that she was taken to force the release from prison of Mehmet Ali Agca, the Turk who attempted to assassinate Pope Jean Paul II in 1981. Her brother Pietro has been leading a decades-long campaign to find out what happened to her and has accused the Vatican of silence and even complicity in the case. The Vatican has said on several occasions that it has cooperated with Italian police over the case. Gregori disappeared exactly 40 days before Orlandi. Her mother says Gregori answered the intercom at the family apartment before telling her parents it was a school friend and she was going out to speak to him. She never returned. Investigators have not ruled out that the cases could be connected. A spokesman for Indonesia's search and rescue agency said the Lion Air flight, JT610, lost contact 13 minutes after takeoff, adding that a tug boat leaving the capital's port had seen the craft falling. "It has been confirmed that it has crashed," the spokesman, Yusuf Latif, said by text message, when asked about the fate of the Lion Air plane, which air tracking service Flightradar 24 identified as a Boeing 737 MAX 8. Debris thought to be from the plane, including aircraft seats, was found near an offshore refining facility, an official of state energy firm Pertamina said. Wreckage had been found near where the Lion Air plane lost contact with air traffic officials on the ground, said Muhmmad Syaugi, the head of the search and rescue agency. "We don't know yet whether there are any survivors," Syaugi told a news conference. "We hope, we pray, but we cannot confirm." Flight JT610 took off around 6.20 a.m. and was due to have landed in the capital of the Bangka-Belitung tin mining region at 7.20 a.m., the Flightradar 24 website showed. "We cannot give any comment at this moment," Edward Sirait, chief executive of Lion Air Group, told Reuters, adding that a news conference was planned for later on Monday. "We are trying to collect all the information and data." Preliminary flight tracking data from Flightradar24 shows the aircraft climbed to around 5,000 feet (1,524 m) before losing, and then regaining, height, before finally falling towards the sea. It was last recorded at 3,650 feet (1,113 m) and its speed had risen to 345 knots, according to raw data captured by the respected tracking website, which could not immediately be confirmed. Its last recorded position was about 15 km (9 miles) north of the Indonesian coastline, according to a Google Maps reference of the last coordinates reported by Flightradar24. The accident is the first to be reported that involves the widely-sold Boeing 737 MAX, an updated, more fuel-efficient version of the manufacturer's workhorse single-aisle jet. The first Boeing 737 MAX jets were introduced into service in 2017. Lion Air's Malaysian subsidiary, Malindo Air, received the very first global delivery. Boeing is aware of the airplane accident reports and is "closely monitoring" the situation, it said on social network Twitter. Conversica, Inc., a Foster City, CA-based conversational artificial intelligence (AI) platform for business, secured a $31m Series C funding round. The round, which brings the total invested capital to $87m, including $34m raised in a Series B round and $22m in Series A rounds, was led by existing investor Providence Strategic Growth Capital Partners L.L.C. (PSG), an affiliate of Providence Equity Partners, with participation from other existing investors Toba Capital and Kennet Partners and from new investors CIBC Innovation Banking and Savano Capital Partners. The company intends to use the funds to accelerate global sales and marketing expansion, as well as to continue development of its technology, which was recently granted a U.S. patent for an AI-powered system that automatically carries on conversations. Led by CEO Alex Terry, Conversica uses conversational AI technologies to power intelligent assistants that automate routine, yet important, business conversations. The companys flagship AI Sales Assistant engages marketing leads in human-like conversations to qualify more of them for sales. Additional assistants work in higher education, in the automotive industry, and in customer success organizations, to boost satisfaction and retention. The company has a global customer base of more than 1,000 organizations, including Box, Chrysler, Snowflake Computing, CenturyLink, the Sacramento Kings and Oracle. FinSMEs 30/10/2018 By Sanjeev Miglani NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India, caught flatfooted by the appointment of Mahinda Rajapaksa as Sri Lanka's premier, has opened urgent diplomatic and political contacts with the strongman who drew close to China during his previous tenure as president, officials said. The tear-shaped island, located off the southern tip of India, has become an arena of tussle between New Delhi and Beijing, which has built ports, power stations and highways as part of its Belt and Road Initiative of trade and transport links across Asia. Rajapaksa had opened up Sri Lanka's main port to Chinese naval submarines when he was president, which stoked anger in India. His return to power in a surprise move by current President Maithripala Sirisena has drawn concern in New Delhi that China would tighten its grip on the island that lies along busy shipping lanes. "It is advantage China at the moment," said Srikanth Kondappali, a specialist on India-China ties at New Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University who closely tracks the regional rivalry between the Asian giants. He said Beijing had invested in Rajapaksa and in his political constituency of Hambantota in the south of Sri Lanka where it has built a $1.5 billion deep water port, an airport and also planned an industrial zone. China's ambassador to Sri Lanka, Cheng Xueyuan, was among the first diplomats to meet Rajapaksa soon after he was sworn in as prime minister and he presented a congratulatory message from Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang. Sirisena sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Friday and named Rajapaksa to replace him, breaking up a fragile coalition governing the island. Wickremesinghe, who was seen as pro-India, said his sacking was illegal and he has maintained that he is still prime minister and had majority support in parliament. Sri Lanka is one of a chain of countries where the India-China rivalry is playing out, stretching from Bangladesh, Nepal to the Maldives, where a pro-China leader was voted out in a surprise election result last month that was welcomed by India, the United States and the European Union. Indian diplomats were in contact with Rajapaksa's camp, officials in New Delhi said, adding they were ready to do business with the new leader so long as his appointment was in line with the country's constitution. "India will continue to extend our developmental assistance to the people of Sri Lanka," an Indian foreign ministry spokesman said on Monday. Separately, leaders of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the ideological parent of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's governing Hindu nationalist-led alliance, have reached out to Rajapaksa to promote ties, party sources said. PREDATORY Seshadri Chari, an RSS leader involved in the track two diplomacy, said he was confident New Delhi and Colombo will work for better relations under the new leadership in Sri Lanka. "In the changed geo-political realities, we have to be practical and pragmatic to protect our national self-interest and do better business," he said. The RSS wields influence in the Modi administration and has acted as an unofficial intermediary with some neighboring countries. China has in recent years faced criticism that many of its investments in Sri Lanka, the Maldives and other countries run the risk of driving smaller nations into debt and potentially impinge on their sovereignty. "We are seeing an international pushback against China's predatory practices. It can only intensify and in that backdrop it's hard to see Sri Lanka doling out more projects even under Rajapaksa," said an Indian government source. China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said Beijing believes the people and government of Sri Lanka have the wisdom to "appropriately handle" the situation, and China hopes all sides can resolve differences via dialogue, to protect the country's stability. Harinda Vidanage, director of the Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies, a thinktank in Colombo, said Sri Lanka had become a greater strategic prize after the pro-China president of the Maldives, Abdulla Yameen, lost the election. "For China, both Sri Lanka and Maldives were very important in their effort to gain a foothold in the Indian Ocean. China to certain extent lost the Maldivian connection when Yameen lost the elections," he said. Shailesh Kumar, Asia director at the Eurasia group, said the changes in Sri Lanka would benefit China. "While Beijing lost a pro-Chinese government earlier this month in the Maldives, it will make up ground in South Asia with the change of guard in Sri Lanka," he said, adding that it came as Sri Lanka's economy was in financial difficulties. "The decision to bring Rajapaksa back into the mainstream is likely intended to open the flow of Chinese funds, given the close relationship he cultivated with the Chinese leadership." (Reporting by Sanjeev Miglani, Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan) The murder scene of Jose Tinoco, 22. He was supposedly killed because he left the 18 Street gang. Punishment for anyone who leaves a gang is death In the Rivera Hernandez neighbourhood in southern San Pedro Sula, there are no official wars or borders. But the sprawling urban slum of breeze block houses is clearly divided up between seven opposing gangs, and the streets that divide the territories are considered lines not to be crossed. It is one of the most violent areas of one of the most dangerous cities in the worlds most murderous region. And it was from here, and other zones like it, that hundreds of Hondurans packed their bags earlier this month and left to join the migrant caravan to cross real borders in an attempt to get to the United States. Among them were Carlos Hernandezs 19-year-old cousin and aunt. Mr Hernandez, 28, stayed behind. If my cousin didnt join the gang, they were going to kill him, so he had to run", he told The Telegraph. "They were looking for him they came looking for him at the house, they beat him up. Even if you dont want to they make you, so he left, said Mr Hernandez, who lives at home with his parents and two other siblings in a one-bedroomed house. Military police regularly patrol San Pedro Sula but rarely break the hold of cartels and gangs on neighbourhoods Credit: Adam Hinton Marasalvatrucha (more commonly known as MS13), Los Olanchanos, Barrio 18, Batos Locos (Crazy Guys) and Locos de la Casa Blanca (Crazies in the White House) are the names of some of the gangs that have carved out their territories here from which they run the drug and extortion rackets that sustain them. They are the only law that exists. The police enter neighbourhoods like Rivera Hernandez, but according to local residents they often work with the gangs for a cut of their criminal earnings. Corruption is endemic within the Honduras government, from the top down. The President of Honduras, Juan Orlando Hernandez, has been accused of helping drug traffickers accusations he denies. His brother is a person of interest in a drug investigation being carried out by United States authorities. On the ground, meanwhile, the countrys police force is currently being purged of corrupt elements guilty of misdemeanors such as extrajudicial killings, working with the gangs and failing to investigate crimes. Story continues Hondurans fleeing poverty and violence rest outside the bus station in San Pedro Sula before forming the migrant caravan to the US Credit: JORGE CABRERA/ REUTERS Some 5,000 officers have left the police force as part of the purge which began in 2016. Jesus Perez, 27, says his sister and cousin left the Chamelecon neighbourhood, a few kilometers to the east of Rivera Hernandez, to join the caravan heading north to the United States. Perez lives a reality identical to Mr Hernandez: Its hard to go out and move between blocks because even though youre not a gang member they can still kill you because they think you might give information about them to the rival gang. The two main street gangs in Honduras the Marasalvatrucha and the Barrio 18 - are now major criminal and social organisations. They have spread like a cancer into Honduras from neighbouring El Salvador in recent decades, largely as a result of United States deportation policy during the 1990s that allowed for the mass deportation of ex-convicts back to Central America. Yet many of the young men who join the street gangs feel like it is their only option, faced with the reality of broken families, poverty and abandonment by the state. Jaxon, a former gang member, said he originally joined the gang because his mother worked long hours and he was left unsupervised. My mum worked a lot I didnt feel love from my family so looked for it elsewhere, he says, speaking from a drug rehabilitation center on the outskirts of Tegucigalpa. A family loads furniture on a truck as they move out of the Reparto Lempira neighborhood in San Pedro Sula Credit: ORLANDO SIERRA/AFP Now 18, he recently got out of a detention center for minors, where he did time for illicit association (mixing with the gangs)and drug trafficking and weapons possession, among other crimes. Jaxon said he joined the Barrio 18 gang in the Choloma neighbourhood of San Pedro Sula when he was ten years old, and after doing his time as a lookout he worked up the ranks drug trafficking, running extortion rackets and killing when he was 13 years old. The thing is that the Barrio 18 dont have hearts they arent afraid to go and kill. Thats why the police are so against them because their souls arent bothered by killing. There was a police guard at the gate of the rehab center in which Jaxon now lives, because gang members like him who want to leave are often hunted down and killed. For Jaxon, there are few options now the most appealing is to leave Honduras altogether. The center that puts a roof over Jaxons head is a private institution. Very little of the international aid United States President Donald Trump has threatened to pull should the migrant caravan arrive at the US border with Mexico is used to help those who really need it. As a result, inefficient institutions and corrupt authorities exacerbate violence and generate criminal impunity. Mr Hernandez, in Rivera Hernandez, says he is unlikely to wait around to see the improvements, if any, that may result from such efforts. If theres another caravan, hell be walking with it he says. United States policy is bad they have to let us improve our lives. They said they were going to help up but they havent helped us they have only helped the politicians, he says. Vamos I dont care what Donald Trump says. Were going north. Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security Dubai (AFP) - Israel's communications minister called for "peace and security" on Tuesday during a visit to the United Arab Emirates, as his country launches an unprecedented diplomatic push into Gulf states. "Peace and security in every state... with economic and scientific progress is what guarantees a future for the coming generations," Ayoub Kara said at a telecommunications conference in Dubai. Kara's statement comes amid a diplomatic push by Israel in the mainly Sunni Gulf, which Israel sees as an ally against Shiite power Iran. It follows visits by Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Oman on Thursday and Culture Minister Miri Regev to Abu Dhabi at the weekend. Neither Oman nor the UAE has diplomatic ties with Israel. Normalising ties with Israel -- or recognising it as a state -- remains the most controversial policy debate in the Arab world, which largely boycotts Israel over its occupation of Palestinian territory. Regev, known for controversial comments about Arabs, on Sunday toured the famed Sheikh Zayed mosque in Abu Dhabi -- wearing a red full-length abaya and white headscarf and speaking to the camera in Hebrew. "This is the first time that an Israeli minister is here on a visit," Regev said, surrounded by a group of people in traditional Emirati dress. Regev is a member of Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party. Israel's national anthem was also played at a judo tournament in Abu Dhabi on Sunday after one of its athletes won gold -- believed to be the first time the anthem has been played publicly in an Arab Gulf state. Netanyahu has long sought a rapprochement with Arab states, citing in part concerns over their common enemy Iran. Jordan and Egypt are the only two Arab states to have full diplomatic relations with Israel. The Palestinian Central Council, a body of the Palestine Liberation Organisation, on Monday authorised the PLO to suspend recognition of Israel and stop security coordination with the Jewish state. Palestinian authorities have accused Israel of excessive force after an air strike killed three teenagers on the Gaza border on Sunday. Another Palestinian was shot dead by Israeli fire in Gaza border clashes on Monday. Kara was speaking at the International Telecommunication Union Plenipotentiary Conference in Dubai on Tuesday. Hatice Cengiz calls on western leaders to not allow cover-up and ensure justice is served Hatice Cengiz, fiancee of the murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi, has said Saudi authorities must not be allowed to cover up his killing, and called on western countries to demand justice. Speaking at a memorial event in London on Monday, she said through a translator: I believe that the Saudi regime knows where his body is. They should answer my demand, for this is not only the demand of a fiancee, but a human and Islamic demand, from everyone, every nation. Cengiz criticised the response to Khashoggis death from some countries and singled out Donald Trump for criticism, saying she feared the US president was paving the way for a cover-up. I am disappointed by the actions of the leadership in many countries, particularly in the US, she said. President Trump should help reveal the truth and ensure justice be served. He should not pave the way for a cover-up of my fiances murder. Lets not let money taint our conscience and compromise our values. Trump has given mixed messages over the case, vowing a severe response but also saying that the United States wanted to preserve its close relationship with Saudi Arabia. Cengiz who accompanied Khashoggi to the Saudi in Istanbul consulate on 2 October and raised the alarm when he failed to re-emerge said her life had been turned upside down on that horrible day. She added: If only I had known what would happen, I would have entered the consulate myself and stood in front of the murderous crew. If only I had known I would have done everything to stop him entering that building. We never imagined such a level of barbarity cruelty and evil. She described her fiance as a patriot who felt it was his duty to become the voice of the voiceless. He wrote what he believed and only wrote what he knew was right, and not what would satisfy the powerful, she said. Speaking at the same event, the former chairman of the Commons foreign affairs select committee, Crispin Blunt, said Khashoggis death represented a moment of truth. He said: Britain should consider every possible measure to mark Jamals murder. He called for the release of womens rights campaigners, an end to the death penalty, the end of the criminalisation of satire, and the definition of dissent as terrorism. James Patterson, among the worlds bestselling authors, has never shied from experimenting with the storytelling formor the storytelling business. He heartily embraced e-books when they were new; hes launched a series of super-short, $4 books (like reading a movie, he says); and these days, he relies on coauthors to help him maintain his astonishingly prolific output. But his newest novel, The Chef, attempts the most radical experiment yet: Its told entirely through Facebook Messenger, one text at a time. Youre welcome to experience it yourself, since its free; click here if youre on your phone, or here if youre on your computer. (In February, Hachette will begin selling the novel in traditional paper form for $28at over twice the length.) The novel, coauthored by Max DiLallo, tells the tale of Caleb Rooney, a hard-boiled New Orleans ex-cop who, along with his ex-wife, runs a beloved food truck in his off hours. As the huge annual Mardi Gras festival approaches, Caleb tangles with unwelcome FBI agents, falls in love with a beautiful married blondeand must head off a devastating terrorist attack on the city he loves. As you might expect of a Patterson novel, this one bubbles along with plenty of action, snappy dialogue, and plot twists. Theres lots of violence, but no profanity, and only the softest hints that sex has occurred. And if youre looking for subtlety, character development, or backstory, this isnt your novel. (My form of writing, says Patterson, is colloquial storytelling. Its not fancy. Itd be terrible if 100 Years of Solitude was written the way I write. But its good, I think, that somebodys writing this way.) There is, however, a lot of weirdly over-the-top food talk. Caleb Rooney, hard-bitten man of action, occasionally lapses into flowery, incongruous descriptions of sugarcane rumbraised Kobe beef, truffle-braised scallops with an orange-saffron vinaigrette, and a cast ironseared duck breast finished with a licorice-tinged absinthe glaze or a citrus-glazed swordfish amandine that promises to be tangy, flaky, and crunchy all at once, and a succulent lamb chop Clemenceau. That may be the closest thing youll get to experiencing Rooneys inner life. Story continues Perks of the format Once you fire up Messenger and start reading, you quickly appreciate some of the cooler side effects of this experimental storytelling form. For example: You cant flip ahead to peek at the ending. (You get about four texts at a time, and then you click a button to summon the next few.) You never have to bookmark anythingevery gadget you pick up (phone, laptop, tablet) is always at the spot where you stopped. In the Messenger chat box, you can type questions (Who is Marlene?) and get bot-driven answers. At the moment, the responses are often nonsensical, but Facebook says theyll improve as more people interact with the story. The typos and inadvertently duplicated passages, still present as I read the novel the night before its release, can easily and quickly be fixed before many people see them. The dialogue- and action-heavy Patterson style lends itself especially well to the Messenger treatment. The sentences and paragraphs are short and declarative, containing themselves nicely inside what are basically text messages being sent to you by a bot. But the really huge advantage of this delivery system is that lines of text and dialogue can be interspersed with photos, audio recordings, and, notably, video scenes. Left: The Chef intersperses video scenes with the prose. Right: The main character has an Instagram profile. Its a really cool experiment, Patterson told me. Its like nothing youve ever done before: reading and then watching film, reading and then watching film. Well, yessuper low-budget film. The producers attempt to justify their selection of which sections to film by adopting the found footage concept: Theyre all scenes supposedly captured by security cameras, car dashboard cameras, and so on. But that conceit does mean that we miss out on all of the action, including a four-airplane pileup and some climactic Mardi Gras terrorist mayhem. (Anything, that is, that would have cost a lot of money to film.) Ah, you say. But isnt that the beauty of a novel? That you get to imagine these exciting events? Well, surebut then why supply videos at all? Either theyre worth doing or theyre not. In this case, I side with the creators. True, the videos replace your imaginations view of the characters and scenes with more literal ones, prescribed, cast, and produced by Facebook and Pattersons team. But its an utterly new experience. Its not like seeing the movie version of a book, where the moviemaker has reinterpreted, adapted, and condensed the original. This is the original, and the video and written scenes were all created by the exact same people with exactly the same story to tell. Often in The Chef, the videos and photos simply appear among the prose paragraphs, without commentand at those moments, the storytelling style really sings. They slyly bring you into the heros world, letting you pore over the clues exactly as hes encountering them. Sometimes, clunky dialogue thats passable on the page of a potboiler sounds absurd coming from an actor. (This is the stuff of nightmares come to life, he says at one point. Or: My Crescent City was still alive, unbowed and standing strong. Have anyone ever used the word unbowed spontaneously in a sentence?) At other times, seeing the video clips is a thousand times better than just reading. When Caleb gets the smug, triumphant villain on a FaceTime call, complete with occasional signal dropouts, its creepy-good and chilling. Does it work? Im really very pleased, and yet I know that theres a lot more potential here, Patterson says about the final product. It works, but we could do something thats much, much better. He says, for example, thathad there been enough money for ithe would have preferred about a third less text, and a lot more videos. Well, hes precisely right. The Chef has its share of clunkiness, and nobody will mistake the film work for Christopher Nolans. At the same time, the experiment is entirely successful in proving the format can work. The Chef works especially well on the phone especially when youre running around in life, finding a few minutes of reading time here and there and especially, Im guessing, for the younger audiences that Patterson has spent so much of his life trying to get into reading. The Chef may be only the 1.0 version of the Great American Text-Messaged Novel. And nobodys saying that it will replace any other formats, like printed books or e-books. But its enough to get you excited about what version 2.0 or 9.0 might look likesomething with a bigger budget, maybe more professional actors, greater reader interactivity. Its different, Patterson says, which I think book publishing needs. David Pogue, tech columnist for Yahoo Finance, welcomes comments below. On the Web, hes davidpogue.com. On Twitter, hes @pogue. You can sign up to get his stuff by email, here. More by David Pogue: EU Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker sharing a word with German chancellor Angela Merkel in October (Getty) EU chief Jean-Claude Juncker has backed Angela Merkel to remain Europes most influential politician despite her plans to quit as CDU leader and German chancellor. The European Commission president spoke to Merkel, a political ally since the 1990s, on Monday evening following her announcements. Despite her looming exit from the top table of European politics, a spokesperson for Juncker said on Tuesday nothing changes for him in terms of her stature and role. Merkel announced on Monday that, after 18 years in change of Germanys Christian democrats, she will not seek another term as leader at the partys congress in December. Her current and fourth term as German chancellor will also be her last, she told journalists at her partys Berlin headquarters. The announcement came a day after voters in the state of Hesse, whose capital is Frankfurt, delivered a second consecutive set-back for the CDU in regional elections. I have the firm feeling that today the time has come to open a new chapter, Merkel said. The move sparked suggestions that Merkel would become a lame duck chancellor after stepping down as party leader roles she has previously said should be filled by the same person. We are witnessing a continuation of the pattern in place ever since Merkels mistakes in the 2015 migration crisis: the gradual but steady erosion of her political power, said Carsten Nickel, managing director at consultancy Teneo. Angela Merkel speaking to the press on Monday in the wake of Sundays election disappointment for the CDU (Reuters) Rather than outright instability in Germany and Europe, it simply means a continuation of the current leadership vacuum. The next European Council summit in December will take place just a week after she will have been replaced as party leader. But Juncker does not believe she will not arrive in Brussels weakened or wounded, a European commission told journalists in Brussels on Tuesday. The president and the chancellor have known each other for decades, since the nineties, and they have always worked closely together with mutual respect and appreciation, the spokesperson said. Story continues For the president, Chancellor Merkel will remain one of his principal and first interlocutors and she and Germany will remain an influential in the European project and beyond. So, nothing changes for him. On Monday, French president Emmanuel Macron had praised Merkels legacy and her dignified decision to stand down. She had to face many challenges, the migrant crisis as well as the financial crisis, she never forgot what values Europe stood for and she led, and is leading, her country, with much courage, he said. But Macron said the gains made by far-right parties, which were partly to blame for the CDUs recent electoral troubled, was not reassuring. Belgian MEP Philippe Lamberts, the leader of the Green group in the European parliament, said he hoped Merkel could now afford to spend her political capital on pushing Germans to accept changes that would mould the euro less to their own advantage. MORE: EUs Juncker confident Brexit deal will be done despite delay Actress Kerry Washington said people upset about recent events in America need to do just one thing and that is vote in the November midterms. The Scandal star acknowledged on Mondays broadcast of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert that there is so much to be upset about. She listed the controversial confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court, the pipe bombs sent to leading Democrats and CNN, last weekends deadly shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh and voter suppression as examples. Washington said she was really excited about the upcoming election, however. She then issued this rallying cry: But rather than just be upset, we have to do what democracy does, we have to show up and vote, and we have to make sure that we make the decisions about who is running our country and our states and our cities and our neighborhoods. We have to show up at the polls and vote and let people know who we are and who we want our country to be. Everybody has to show up. I believe, everybody has to vote. If youre mad about Kavanaugh, vote, Washington added. Check out the full interview here: Related Coverage Sarah Silverman: 'We Finally Have Video Of Trump Saying The N-Word' BBC Presenter Dry Heaves Recalling What 'Creepy' Donald Trump Once Told Her Seth Meyers Names And Shames Conspiracy Theory-Peddling Fox Hosts Ronald Reagan's Daughter Has A Few Choice Words For Sarah Huckabee Sanders And Trump Also on HuffPost Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. ISTANBUL (AP) The Turkish fiancee of slain journalist Jamal Khashoggi has called on President Donald Trump and other leaders to ensure that his death in Istanbul is not covered up, while Saudi Arabia's top prosecutor on Tuesday visited the Saudi Consulate where officials from his government killed the writer. Speaking at a memorial in London on Monday, Hatice Cengiz expressed disappointment in the "leadership of many countries." Singling out Trump, she urged him to "help reveal the truth and ensure justice be served." "He should not pave the way for a cover-up of my fiance's murder. Let's not let money taint our conscience and compromise our values," she said. Cengiz also told the memorial that she wishes she had entered the consulate instead of Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist who had written critically of Saudi Arabia's crown prince. Khashoggi vanished after entering the consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2 to pick up paperwork for his upcoming marriage with Cengiz, who was waiting for him outside. Turkey alleges a Saudi hit squad from Saudi Arabia traveled to Istanbul to kill the journalist and then tried to cover it up. Under mounting pressure, Saudi Arabia changed its narrative about Khashoggi's killing several times, eventually admitting that Khashoggi died inside the consulate and only recently acknowledging that Turkish evidence shows his killing was premeditated. In an interview with ABC News, Cengiz said Khashoggi had been worried about being spirited back to Saudi Arabia the first time he went to the consulate unannounced on Sept. 28, but was pleasantly surprised when he received a warm reception. "Naturally, after the first positive visit we had no reasons to think that there would be any sort of danger," Cengiz told ABC. "Our second visit was full of hope and it was the last step to our union." She said during the memorial: "If only I knew that would be the last time I would see my Jamal, his smile, hear his laughter, I would have stood in front of that murderous team myself." Story continues Cengiz last week declined an invitation by the White House, criticizing Trump's statements on Khashoggi's killing. Saudi Arabia's top prosecutor, Saud al-Mojeb, arrived at Istanbul's main courthouse Tuesday for more talks with Istanbul's chief public prosecutor, Irfan Fidan, on the investigation into the killing, Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency reported. The two had met for an hour and 15 minutes on Monday as part of an agreement between Riyadh and Ankara for cooperation over the investigation. Al-Mojeb then went to the consulate and left after spending a little over an hour there. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the investigation needs to be completed swiftly. "This needs to be solved now; there is no point in excuses," Erdogan told journalists. Erdogan said the prosecutor repeated to his Saudi counterpart Turkey's extradition request for 18 suspects detained in Saudi Arabia for the killing to be put on trial in Istanbul. Fidan asked al-Mojeb to reveal who sent this group, according to the president. The country is also asking Saudi Arabia to help locate Khashoggi's body, which still has not been found. Erdogan said Riyadh must disclose the identity of an alleged local collaborator said to have been involved in disposing Khashoggi's body. The U.N. human rights chief, Michelle Bachelet, also urged Saudi Arabia to reveal the location of the writer's remains. In her strongest public comments yet on the subject, she said international experts should have complete access to evidence and witnesses. She added: "I urge the Saudi authorities to reveal the whereabouts of his body without further delay or prevarication." Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir has said the kingdom will try the perpetrators and bring them to justice after the investigation is completed. __ Fraser reported from Ankara, Turkey. Mehmet Guzel in Istanbul contributed. The Chancellors Budget announced earlier this week by Philip Hammond has promised an end to austerity for Britain. With numerous policies to help first-time buyers, lower incomes and housing, we look at how the new Budget will impact the SME marketing in the UK. A significant change will be the Chancellors attempt to help fledging high-street businesses, who have certainly felt the pinch over the last year, with noticeable casualties such as House of Fraser, BHS, Byron Burger and Jamies Italian. In a move to better the current situation for high street businesses, Hammond has pledged to cut business rates by a third for all retailers with a rateable value of 51,000 or less for the next two years. This will help retailers save up to 8,000 per year and that includes high street shops, pubs, restaurants, cafes and other small business owners that are losing ground online. A further 675m has been assigned as a Future High Streets Fund, to aid the transformation of the UKs high streets, to improve footfall and regenerate areas in need of redevelopment. For entrepreneurs, the start-up loan scheme originally founded by Rt Hon David Cameron will be backing a further 10,000 new businesses this includes seed funding, start-up capital, merchant loans and business finance. A further 200m has been put aside by the British Business Bank to replace funding which they are likely to lose from the EU following the Brexit deadline in March 2019. For SMEs that take on apprentices, the training bill will be reduced from 10% to 5%, and the government will pay the remaining 95%. Those apprentices aged 16 to 18 and working in companies of less than 50 will continue to have their training full funded. Losing out from the Budget will be the powerhouse tech companies who started abroad but operate in the UK and use schemes to avoid paying tax. Pointing out the likes of Google, Facebook and Amazon, the tax will be imposed on those firms with a global revenue of 500 a year and the increase in tax will put 400 million back in the UK government, when it comes into place in April 2020. Elsewhere, a scheme has been planned to offer interest free loans those struggling with debt caused by high cost credit relating specifically to unauthorised overdrafts, rent to buy and payday products. This will be based on a consumer level and not impact businesses or sole traders using guarantor, personal or bridging loan products. UK roads and infrastructure are expected to get a huge boost at just under 30bn in investment and first time buyers in shared ownership schemes will have their stamp duty scrapped giving them a saving of 10,000. Land OLakes, the Minnesota-based dairy giant, announced Tuesday it will not make any further campaign contributions to Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa), who just last week detailed his white nationalist worldview in an interview with a far-right publication. We take our civic responsibility seriously, want our contributions to be a positive force for good and also seek to ensure that recipients of our contributions uphold our companys values, the company said in a statement. On that basis, we have determined that our PAC will no longer support Rep. Steve King moving forward. ISTANBUL (AP) The Latest on the Syria summit in Istanbul (all times local): 8 p.m. The leaders of Turkey, Russia, France and Germany have discussed the war in Syria at a summit, reiterating calls for a U.N.-backed political process to end the war that has killed hundreds of thousands of people. A final statement Saturday from the four leaders also calls for the convening of a committee by the end of the year to work on constitutional reform as a prelude to free and fair elections in Syria. It also supports efforts to facilitate the "safe and voluntary" return of refugees to their Syrian homes. The statement also rejects "separatist agendas aimed at undermining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria as well as the national security of neighboring countries." Many obstacles to a peace agreement remain. They include divided opinions about Syrian President Bashar Assad, who is backed by Russia and Iran. Western countries, meanwhile, condemn Assad for what they call indiscriminate attacks on civilians and Turkey has been helping insurgents trying to remove him from power. ___ 12:40 p.m. The leaders of Turkey, Russia, France and Germany are holding a summit in Istanbul to discuss security and humanitarian and political issues in Syria, hoping to lay the groundwork for eventual peace in a country devastated by years of war. The leaders meeting Saturday afternoon are expected to promote the preservation of a cease-fire in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib. The agreement last month prevented a Syrian government offensive on the last rebel stronghold that many feared would have set off another refugee crisis. Other discussion topics include access for humanitarian aid, early preparations for the drafting of a constitution and eventual reconstruction of the war-torn country. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is hosting Russian President Vladimir Putin, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron. Greg Malafronte says he wasnt allowed to vote because he wore a pro-Trump T-shirt to the polls. (Screenshot: KOAT) A New Mexico man says he wasnt allowed to vote early in the midterm elections because he wore a pro-Trump T-shirt. New Mexico resident Greg Malafronte told Albuquerque local news station KOAT that after waiting in line for 20 minutes at a local polling center Friday, a woman noticed his 2016 Donald Trump T-shirt. They were about to hand me my ballot and the one girl next to the other girl said you cant give him a ballot because he has that shirt on, Malafronte said. The other girl said Yes, you can because hes not running right now. But next time, you are not allowed to wear any kind of campaigning shirts or anything like that. After receiving his ballot, Malafronte filled it out, but he was stopped for a second time. They told me again, We are not taking your ballot so the guy tried to grab it from me. I was like, What? You cant take my ballot? He said, Yup, because youre wearing a Trump shirt, said Malafronte. The man ripped up his ballot and stormed out. Screenshot: KOAT I was shocked because I would have hoped to see a sign outside that said, Hey, no political gear to be worn inside, Malafronte told KOAT. He also said, No matter who our president is, its our commander in chief. Im a military vet, so I stand by that ground. Whoever our commander in chief is, I support. Alex Curtas, the director of communications for the Office of the New Mexico Secretary of State, told KOAT in a statement, The standard for what political apparel is now acceptable in polling places changed as a result of a U.S. Supreme Court case earlier this summer. Our office has been working with our county clerks to educate volunteer polling officials of the new ground rules and to make sure every eligible voter is able to cast their ballot. In June, the Supreme Court struck down a Minnesota law banning voters from wearing political clothing to the polls, citing free speech. Casting a vote is a weighty civic act, and the State may reasonably decide that the interior of the polling place should reflect the distinction between voting and campaigning. But the line the State draws must be reasonable, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote, according to the Texas Tribune. If a State wishes to set its polling places apart as areas free of partisan discord, it must employ a more discernible approach than the one offered by Minnesota here. Story continues A spokesperson for the county clerks office told KOAT, The Bernalillo County Clerks Office is aware of the campaigning or electioneering situation that occurred at Caracol Plaza today. Our poll officials have been trained and informed of the election laws that govern campaigning or electioneering. With the recent Supreme Court ruling related to campaigning or electioneering, any campaign or electioneering material, such as signs, hats, clothing, etc., is not allowed if the material is related to any candidate or question on the ballot for the general election 2018. Our office will reaffirm this information with our precinct officials throughout the election process. Another man in Las Cruces, N.M., was told to conceal his Donald Trump shirt before he was allowed to cast his vote. On Tuesday, David Merry showed up to a polling location wearing a shirt that read Trump 2016 and There will be hell toupee under his jacket, a gag gift from his son in 2015, reported the Las Cruces Sun-News. A presiding judge on location told Merry to zip up his coat before he could vote, which he did. According to the publication, Merry said of Trump, I wasnt campaigning for him or anybody else. Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. The picture has been shared more than 420,000 times and received more than 77,000 comments on Facebook. Source: Natasha Crittenden Wilson/ Facebook A man who held a strangers sleeping baby while the young mother filled out paperwork in a doctors waiting room has been praised for his touching act of kindness. Natasha Wilson, who captured the sweet moment in the US state of Alabama, described the incident on Facebook pointing out the touching act between the white man and black woman. Racism is still VERY real in our society today BUT THIS MAN GAVE ME HOPE & a sweet memory Ill never forget!! According to Ms Wilsons account, the man asked the mother from across the room if she would like him to hold her baby while she filled out her forms. The woman smiled and said that would be great. Once he was holding the baby, the man rocked and loved on the baby like he was his, according to Ms Wilson, who posted details of the incident last week. If you know this man tell him what an amazing person he is!! Ms Wilson wrote on Facebook. The man was later identified as Joe Hale and the woman as Jade West. I felt relieved and appreciated at the fact that he wanted to help, he seemed really genuine, West told Good Morning America on Monday. He was talking to him as if he was his own grandchild and had known him his whole life. He was just the sweetest. Wilson said she wished people would see people for people and not colour. For a stranger, a white man at that, asking a young black mother if he could hold her baby to help her out, then the way he loved on that baby like it was his own, it almost puts me to tears every time I think about the love you could see radiate from him for that baby, she said. West said while its OK for people to think differently, its important we take care of one another. She added: Regardless of skin colour, we are all just human and can love one another! I truly believe that if each one of us do our part and teach our children that colour doesnt exist, our next generation could be colourblind. Story continues One Facebook commenter wrote: Maybe there IS hope for humanity. [Its] nice to read a nice story like this after all the hate being spread right now, another said wrote. Auckland (AFP) - Prince Harry and wife Meghan competed at "welly wanging" and were gifted a toy kiwi Tuesday, but narrowly missed out on the ultimate New Zealand experience when a powerful earthquake rattled parts of the country they had left just the previous day. The "Shaky Isles" lived up to their name as the royal roadshow moved to Auckland from Wellington, where the national parliament was temporarily suspended when a deep 6.2-magnitude tremor hit the central North Island. Reporters travelling with Harry and Meghan said they did not feel the mid-afternoon quake and the royals proceeded as planned with a walkabout on the Auckland waterfront. Members of the public were keen to give pregnant Meghan presents for her baby, which is due early next year, with gifts including a plush kiwi toy and an All Blacks onesie. Accompanied by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, they smiled and posed for selfies with members of the crowd, despite rainy weather. Earlier, Meghan displayed an unexpected talent for "welly wanging", gaining bragging rights over Harry after they competed in the oddball New Zealand sport. When she married into Britain's Royal Family in London five months ago, it's doubtful Meghan envisaged her duties would include standing in a rain-soaked paddock half a world away, hurling a wellington boot into the distance. But as schoolchildren on her team chanted "Meghan, Meghan, Meghan", the pregnant duchess gave a flick of the wrist and sent her red-and-white polka dot welly sailing past Harry's best effort. Clutching her prize, a miniature mounted wellington boot, the American-born former actress told her team: "You should put it in your school. Now that'll make a show and tell!" Pinehill School pupil Isabella Iti said there was a friendly rivalry between the couple as they lined up for the big event. "I think she was thinking that there was no chance that she would win. But she did," she said. Story continues Wellington throwing is one of the unusual activities seen at rural fairs and fundraisers in New Zealand, along with wood chopping, olive-pit spitting and speed tree-climbing. Despite her impressive performance, Meghan would need to train hard to match former Commonwealth decathlete Brent Newdick, who once reportedly threw his welly 48.5 metres (160 feet) only to be disqualified because he was not a local. The royals also helped plant native trees as part of an environmental project and visited a charity called Pillars, which provides support to the children of prisoners. Harry said the charity was a way to "children can have stability in times of turmoil". The couple are in the final days of a packed 16-day tour that has included more than 70 engagements in Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand. Tampa (AFP) - NASA's Parker Solar Probe, which launched earlier this year, has set a new record for becoming the closest human-made object to the Sun, the US space agency announced Monday. "The spacecraft passed the current record of 26.55 million miles (42.73 million kilometers) from the Sun's surface on Oct. 29, 2018, at about 1:04 pm EDT (1704 GMT)," said a NASA statement. "The previous record for closest solar approach was set by the German-American Helios 2 spacecraft in April 1976." The $1.5 billion unmanned spacecraft launched in August, on a strategic mission to protect the Earth by unveiling the mysteries of dangerous solar storms. Its goal is make a series of 24 flybys past our scorching star. Another record is in sight for the Parker Solar Probe. The spaceship is "expected to break the record for fastest spacecraft traveling relative to the Sun on Oct. 29 at about 10:54 pm EDT (Tuesday 0254 GMT)," NASA said. "The current record for heliocentric speed is 153,454 miles (246,960 kilometers) per hour, set by Helios 2 in April 1976." Parker's first close encounter with the Sun is scheduled for October 31. Its final close approach -- coming just 3.83 million miles from the Sun's surface -- is expected in 2024, NASA said. Have you ever wondered if your friends and family are exercising their right to vote? The New Data Project, a nonprofit organization, has the only tool you need to do just that. VoteWithMe is a free app, available on both iOS and Android, that mines your contact list and reveals your friends voter statuses, which party theyre registered with, and whether they voted in the most recent elections primaries, midterms, and generals. VoteWithMe allows you to see which of your contacts are registered to vote. / VoteWithMe One really interesting thing we found was getting your own friends out to vote was one of the most effective ways to get out the vote, Sarah Sullivan, deputy director of the New Data Project, told Yahoo Finance. While who someone voted for can never be revealed, VoteWithMe does give some insight into how civically minded your friends, family members, and colleagues may be. This kind of technology that weve built holds a lot of promise for future elections, Sullivan said. While she concedes that relational organizing is a concept as old as time, Sullivan explained that pairing that motivating factor with the technology is what makes the difference. What movements were built on Getting your friends out to vote is what movements were built on, she added. What were doing is were applying technology to see which of your friends is the most important to try to get out to vote. Weve created something using technology [to see] who in your network you should try to get out to vote first. If all of that sounds too personal or invasive, remember that all of that information is already publicly available: Each state maintains a publicly available voter record, which is what VoteWithMe was built on. Were not a data provider. We have built a service on public data that is out there, Sullivan said. This, of course, can lead to some mismatches or failed matches. She explained that the software is not flawless, but can merely be used as a starting point. On VoteWithMe, you can send customized messages to your contacts telling them to get out the vote. / VoteWithMe Youll see a number of your contacts wont come back with matches. Mom cannot be found in any states voter file, Sullivan gave as an example. We then allow you to go through a workflow to manually enter the information. We dont know your moms name, but you do. Very often you will unlock more searches that way. What were trying to do in general is marry this public information with the information you have on your contacts so that you can reach out to your contacts in the best way. Story continues The app also gives users information about upcoming local elections and shows which races are going to be tight, indicated with a fire emoji. Voting-age turnout has remained within an 8.5-percentage-point range The New Data Project relaunched the app in September 2018, after taking feedback from users. The team conducted a randomized control test in Pennsylvanias special election in March 2018. (Get more details about the changes they made here.) Were democratizing the public data that was out there. The reason we decided to do that was because social pressure messaging is one of the few tactics thats really motivating, Sullivan said. With that being said, Sullivan also noted that she doesnt think of technology as solving all of our democracy problems. You can filter your contacts based on party affiliation, if their upcoming election is a tight race, and if they voted in the last election. / VoteWithMe The United States has one of the lowest voting turnouts among developed countries, according to Pew. In the 2016 presidential election, only 56% of eligible voters cast ballots and that was considered a higher than usual turnout. Since 1976, voting-age turnout has remained within an 8.5-percentage-point range from just under 50% in 1996, when Bill Clinton was re-elected, to just over 58% in 2008, when Barack Obama won the White House, the Pew study explains. Our goal was not to get the people who were already voting. Obviously, tactics are not working the same across age groups, Sullivan told Yahoo Finance. Young people are more likely to download an app than older people, and theyre even more likely to listen to their friends. Katie is an associate editor at Yahoo Finance. Follow her on Twitter. Read more: Women are now 42% of U.S. breadwinners but also underestimate the costs of motherhood Amazons minimum wage is now $15 heres how that compares to US states This college dropout makes six figures rating dogs on the internet Follow Yahoo Finance on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Flipboard, LinkedIn, and reddit. By Abraham Achirga ABUJA (Reuters) - Nigeria's military shot at Shi'ite Muslim protesters marching in the capital Abuja on Monday to demand the release of their religious leader, according to a Reuters witness. Hundreds of members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) took part in the march for the release of Ibrahim Zakzaky, jailed since December 2015 when security forces killed hundreds of members in a crackdown on the group, estimated to have 3 million followers. Some victims were lying on the ground on a road in the area of Kugbo on Abuja's outskirts, the witness said, adding that some had thrown stones at the military before the shooting began. The condition of those on the ground was not immediately clear. An army spokesman did not immediately respond to phone calls seeking comment. In April, police fired bullets and tear gas canisters during days of protests by IMN, wounding at least four. The violent repression of IMN and the detention of its leader have drawn accusations that President Muhammadu Buhari's government is abusing human rights. The group says Zakzaky must be freed after a court ruled his detention without charge illegal. The crackdown has sparked fears that IMN could become radicalised, in much the same way that the Sunni Muslim militant group Boko Haram turned into a violent insurgency in 2009 after police killed its leader. (Reporting by Abraham Achirga; Additional reporting by Camillus Eboh; Writing by Paul Carsten; Editing by Alison Williams, William Maclean) Rome (AFP) - The death toll from fierce storms battering Italy has risen to 11, civil protection authorities said Tuesday, as wild weather swept parts of Europe, leaving motorists and tourists stranded. Road were blocked and thousands of people were left without power in southern and central Europe, as rains and violent winds sparked flooding and tore trees from their roots. Thick snow has also cloaked French and Italian mountain regions, trapping hundreds of drivers in their cars and tourists in hotels. In Italy, where Venice was inundated by near-record flooding and ferocious storms drove high winds reaching up to 180 kilometres (110 miles) an hour, authorities announced a further six deaths, after confirming five people had died on Monday. "We are facing one of the most complex meteorological situations of the past 50 to 60 years," said Angelo Borrelli, head of the national civil protection agency. Luxury yachts lay smashed in the harbour of Rapallo near Genoa after a dam broke under pressure. "It was like a tsunami," one stunned port worker was quoted as saying by Italian media. - Coastal surge - "We thought the danger would come from the mountains, we thought the problem would be landslides," said Liguria head Giovanni Toti. "Instead, we get a coastal storm surge the likes of which we've never seen," he said. Authorities Tuesday reported a woman died when her home was engulfed by a mudslide in the northern region of Trentino, a man was killed in the northeastern Veneto region by a falling tree, and a firefighter died during relief operations in South Tyrol. Elsewhere, a man was killed while kitesurfing on Monday near the town of Cattolica on the Adriatic coast, while the body of another man was recovered Tuesday in Lake Levico in the north. A man was also missing at sea off Calabria in the southwest, while the body of another was found in a stream in northern Italy. Italian media reported that around 170 people, tourists and hotel staff, were stranded by heavy snowfall at the Stelvio Pass on the Swiss border. Story continues Meanwhile in Friuli Venezia Giulia, local authorities said some 23,000 people were without power. - Hundreds stranded - In France, more than 1,000 drivers were trapped in their cars for the night in the mountains of the Massif Central region as the roads were engulfed in snowstorms. Another 400 had to spend the night in train carriages at the main station in the eastern city of Lyon after heavy snow blocked the tracks. About 60,000 homes still remained without power on Tuesday evening across France -- mostly in the east and centre. Another 21,000 homes were also cut off on the Mediterranean island of Corsica, which was placed on red alert Monday for powerful winds, shutting its airports and ports. Croatia's Adriatic coast has also been battered by gale-force winds and heavy rains that have flooded streets, cut off power and ensnared road and maritime traffic. Meanwhile, a Slovenian surfer who went missing on Monday in the sea off Croatia's northern Istria peninsula was rescued Tuesday after being swept south to the Italian bay of Trieste. In Spain, over 100 soldiers were helping electrical repair crews to reach isolated areas of the northern region of Asturias, blanketed by heavy snowfall at the weekend. - Venice swamped - Italy's canal city of Venice was swamped as heavy rainfall pushed the water levels to near record levels on Monday. Tourists were barred from St Mark's Square as local authorities said the "acqua alta" (high water) peaked at 156 centimetres (61 inches). The waters have only topped 150 centimetres five times before in recorded history. Art experts were racing to evaluate the damage to thousand-year old mosaics in St Mark's Basilica after the Bapistry and Zen Chapel flooded. Two paintings by Spanish artist Joan Miro were damaged at the Palazzo Zaguri, where they had been waiting to be hung. Meteorologists expect the harsh weather to gradually ease in Italy. Storms have also swept into Switzerland, buffeting the Ticino region near the Italian border overnight, according to public broadcaster RTS. Roads were blocked by fallen trees and flooding, while strong winds ripped roof sections off buildings, including in Giubiasco where police said part of a firm's roof had smashed into a moving train and a house, without causing injury. In southern Austria, authorities have deployed hundreds of mobile anti-flooding dams as rivers burst their banks, while in the city of Salzburg a roof section from the mediaeval ramparts flew off in high winds. An 80-year-old driver and his passenger, 76, were killed Tuesday in an accident caused by a landslide on a road near Maribor in Slovenia. burs-ide/nla Schwartz notes the excitement over cannabis stocks is unsurprising, given the lack-lustre performance of Canadas benchmark index. Concern that cannabis stocks will not be able to weather the storm if markets head for a protracted slump is setting in as shares of major players remain under pressure, according to one asset manager. Barry Schwartz, chief investment officer at Toronto-based Baskin Wealth Management, expects the backdrop of recent broader market declines has investors reevaluating the risk of owning a piece of the much-hyped cannabis sector. Baskin has over $1.1 billion in assets under management. I think the long-term trend is lower. If we are truly heading into a rougher market, these companies dont have earnings. They dont have dividends. They dont have share buy-backs. They dont have institutional support. There is no free-cash-flow. So there is no way to value them, he told Yahoo Finance Canada on Tuesday. When the markets fall, the only thing you can anchor on is valuation. The S&P/TSX Composite and the S&P 500 have fallen about five per cent since Canada legalized recreational marijuana on Oct. 17. Major North American equity markets showed cautious signs of optimism on Tuesday, after U.S. President Donald Trump spoke about a potential for great deal with China that would avert a major trade war. Meanwhile, the Horizons Marijuana Life Sciences Index ETF (HMMJ.TO), the largest cannabis ETF, has declined 33 per cent since its recent peak in the weeks ahead of legalization. The plunge from recent highs has been even steeper for Canopy Growth Corp. (WEED.TO), down nearly 40 per cent, and Aurora Cannabis Inc. (ACB.TO), down 47 per cent since Oct. 15, as of midday Tuesday. When they are going up you feel like you are invincible. When they are down, there really is no bottom for some of these names, said Schwartz. We saw the same thing in other booms. Whether it was cryptocurrency, or mining, or oil and gas, everybody was looking for an easy score. Something like that (Giphy) He notes the excitement over cannabis stocks is unsurprising, given the lack-lustre performance of Canadas benchmark index. Story continues If you look at the TSX cumulative over an almost two-year period, its down, Schwartz said, adding that even major U.S. companies with solid earnings have not been rewarded by the market. Look at Amazon. Look at Google. They had unbelievable, un-godly profits, and the market just threw them in the garbage, he said. Youre going to tell me that Canopy should hold up better when it has no profits? Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android. BERLIN (AP) A former nurse accused of killing 100 patients at two hospitals in Germany over a decade ago told a court as his trial opened Tuesday that the charges against him are largely accurate. Niels Hoegel, 41, is already serving a life sentence for murder. His trial in the northwestern city of Oldenburg began with a minute of silence for the patients. Asked by presiding judge Sebastian Buehrmann whether the charges against him are largely true, Hoegel replied "yes," news agency dpa reported. There are no formal pleas in the German legal system. The murder charges stem from Hoegel's time at a hospital in Oldenburg between 1999 and 2002 and at another hospital in nearby Delmenhorst from 2003 to 2005. The alleged victims were aged between 34 and 96. Hoegel was convicted in 2015 of two murders and two attempted murders. He said then that he intentionally brought about cardiac crises in some 90 patients in Delmenhorst because he enjoyed the feeling of being able to resuscitate them. He later told investigators that he also killed patients in Oldenburg. Authorities subsequently investigated hundreds of deaths, exhuming bodies of former patients. The Oldenburg state court is conducting the trial at a courtroom set up in a conference center, a venue chosen to accommodate a large number of co-plaintiffs and public interest in the proceedings. Judge Buehrmann opened the proceedings by asking everyone present to stand for a minute of silence for the deceased patients. "All of their relatives deserve that their memory be honored," independently of whether or not Hoegel had anything to do with their deaths, Buehrmann said. "We will make every effort to seek the truth." He promised Hoegel a fair trial. Hoegel told the court that he had a "protected" childhood, free of violence. He said his grandmother and his father, who were both nurses, had been his role models for going into the profession. Story continues An additional conviction could affect Hoegel's possibility of parole, but there are no consecutive sentences in Germany. In general, people serving life sentences are considered for parole after 15 years. "We have fought for four years for this trial and expect Hoegel to be convicted of another 100 killings," said Christian Marbach, a representative of the patients' relatives. "The aim is for Hoegel to stay in custody as long as possible." The trial is scheduled to last until May. Police have said that, if local health officials hadn't hesitated in alerting authorities, Hoegel could have been stopped earlier. Authorities are pursuing criminal cases against former staff at the two medical facilities. Washington (AFP) - American Jews, in shock over the massacre of 11 people at a Pittsburgh synagogue, voiced outrage Tuesday after Vice President Mike Pence hosted an election event with a so-called "Christian rabbi." Pence took part late Monday in a campaign rally for Lena Epstein, a Jewish Republican running for the House of Representatives, in suburban Detroit, Michigan. At the rally Loren Jacobs, who uses the title "rabbi" but espouses Christianity, was invited to speak on behalf of the area's Jewish community. Instead of opening up with prayers for the 11 Jews shot dead Saturday at the Tree of Life synagogue, Jacobs praised Jesus Christ and then offered prayers for four Republican candidates. "I pray that you will enable Vice President Pence to fulfill his many and important responsibilities with excellence," he added. At the end of the rally, Pence, a devout Christian and hero of evangelicals, invited Jacobs back to say a prayer for the victims as "a leader of the Jewish community here in Michigan." Jacobs then offered words for the dead in the form of a prayer to Jesus Christ, without naming any of them. Jews expressed outrage over social media, noting Jacobs appearance came just days after the massacre at the Tree of Life synagogue by a man who later told police "I just want to kill Jews." The attack was believed to be the deadliest anti-Semitic act of violence in recent US history. "Messianic 'Judaism' is a branch of Christianity & offensive to the Jewish community. Lena Epstein knew this & so did Pence & his team. This wasn't ecumenical; it was an insulting political stunt," said Jason Miller, a Detroit rabbi, noting that there are more than 60 official rabbis in Michigan. The "Messianic Judaism" movement promotes the conversion of Jews to Christianity. One group in the movement goes by the title "Jews for Jesus." The movement has the strong support of evangelical Christians, a corner stone of President Donald Trump's and Republicans' voter base. Story continues Trump's lawyer Jay Sekulow is a senior figure in the Messianic Jew movement. Criticizing Jacobs' involvement in the rally, Danya Ruttenberg, a prominent young rabbi, blasted Pence as a "Christian supremacist." "Stop pretending and appropriating my people," she wrote online. The White House said Epstein was responsible for inviting Jacobs to the event, and that the vice president "invited him back on stage to deliver a message of unity." In her own statement, Epstein made no mention of Jacobs but defended her own Jewishness. "My family's history as Jews and my commitment to my Jewish faith are beyond question," she said. "I invited the prayer because we must unite as a nation while embracing our religious differences -- in the aftermath of Pennsylvania." Walking into Sothebys France this week is like entering a jungle of North African art, antiques, and objects. The wooden furniture, tapestries, and sculptures all belonged to French business mogul Pierre Berge, often best known for his stormy romantic relationship with the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. Following Berge's death last year at 86, the collection is set to be auctioned off beginning today. This is an eclectic collection encompassing everything from antiquity to modern art, including 16th- and 17th-century vanitas, orientalist paintings, and antique furniture in addition to Islamic, African, and Asian art, says Mario Tavella, president of Sothebys France. Not to mention, of course, Berges legendary passion for books and manuscripts, which was a fit with his inquisitive nature. Photo: Micha Patault Roughly 1,000 objects are on sale, from French expressionist paintings by Bernard Buffet to a mask by Pablo Picasso. There is cutlery, ceramics, cocktail tables, and sofas from his Parisian home on Rue Bonaparte, an 18th-century house where Edouard Manet was born in 1832, and his second home, the Villa Mabrouka in Tangier, Morocco, which he shared with Saint Laurent. Also up for grabs are manuscripts from Berges library, including first editions of books by Oscar Wilde and Charles Dickens. After Saint Laurents death in 2008, Berge, who helped establish the designers couture house, founded two museums honoring his workone in Paris at the designers former studio and the other in Marrakech in the Jardin Majorelle, which the duo purchased together in the 1980s. Photo: Micha Patault Berge had already sold more than 700 artworks from his collection, including works by Henri Matisse and Marcel Duchamp, in 2009 and 2015, respectively. The proceeds of this sale will go toward charity and the Pierre Berge-Yves Saint Laurent Foundation, which funds the museums. But unlike previous auctions, this sale is somewhat more personal, encompassing everything from terra cotta plant pots to chandeliers, cuff links, watches, teacups, and a large chunk of quartz crystal. Story continues Pierre Berge was an aesthete and astute businessman, with a powerful presence in politics and the media. He was also a renowned philanthropist, lover of literature, and one of the most important collectors of his time, Tavella said. As a man of the arts, he amassed a collection of 1,000 objects over more than 50 years, and this collection is a testament to that. More from AD PRO: Has Instagram Made Design Shows Better? Sign up for the AD PRO newsletter for all the design news you need to know By Jessica Resnick-Ault PITTSBURGH (Reuters) - Jewish leaders in Pittsburgh on Monday called on President Donald Trump to condemn white nationalism unequivocally after he said he will visit the synagogue where a gunman killed 11 worshipers over the weekend. "President Trump, you are not welcome in Pittsburgh until you fully denounce white nationalism," Bend the Arc, a Jewish social justice organization, said in an open letter to Trump, who announced he will visit the city on Tuesday. The letter was signed by the group's Pittsburgh steering committee and nearly 43,000 members of the public, Bend the Arc said. In the Jewish tradition, when you enter a house of mourning the tradition is you do not speak, you listen," said Tammy Hepps, member of the Bend the Arc steering committee. "I pray that he listens to what we have to say and anyone else has to say who is mourning." Robert Bowers, the 46-year-old avowed anti-Semite accused of the deadliest attack ever on the U.S. Jewish community, was not a Trump fan, accusing the president online of doing nothing to stop an infestation by Jews. And Trump condemned the shooting, saying there ought to be no tolerance for anti-Semitism. But critics have blasted the Republican president for his frequent anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim comments, and for blaming both sides when a counter-protester was killed at a white supremacist rally in Virginia in 2017. Such rhetoric encouraged right-wing extremism, Trump's critics say, an accusation that the administration has flatly rejected. For the past three years your words and your policies have emboldened a growing white nationalist movement, the Bend the Arc letter said. White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said Trump, accompanied by his wife, Melania, would come to Squirrel Hill, the neighborhood where the synagogue shooting took place, "to grieve with the Pittsburgh community." Not all Jewish leaders wanted Trump to stay away. Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, who leads one of three congregations housed in the Tree of Life synagogue building where the shooting took place, said that he would always welcome the president. Im a citizen, and hes my president, hes certainly welcome, Myers said on ABC's Meet the Press. After Trumps visit was announced, people in and around Squirrel Hill began organizing protests, vigils and other public events. I think he would cause more strife, ill feeling, and sadness, Cecil Sharpe, 92, a longtime Squirrel Hill resident said before the White House announcement. We dont need him for his well wishes. More than 250 people said they would attend a silent protest during Trump's visit to Squirrel Hill, which is about 40 percent Jewish. (Writing by Frank McGurty; Editing by Cynthia Osterman) People pay their respects at a makeshift memorial in the aftermath of a deadly shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh: AP Jewish doctors and medical staff helped to save the Pittsburgh synagogue shooters life, it has been revealed. Eleven people were killed and six others wounded after a gunman opened fire at the Tree of Life synagogue in the Jewish neighbourhood of Squirrel Hill on Saturday. Authorities made clear they believed the attack was motivated by religious hatred and 46-year-old Robert Bowers has been charged in connection with the incident. After exchanging gunfire with police, an injured Mr Bowers surrendered and was taken to hospital. Staff at Allegheny General Hospital said he was shouting insults about Jewish people while members of staff who follow the faith were treating him. "He's taken into my hospital and he's shouting, 'I want to kill all the Jews!' and the first three people who are taking care of him are Jewish," Dr Jeffrey Cohen, president of the hospital, told ABC. Dr Cohen, who is also Jewish and a member of Tree of Life synagogue, said he went to visit Mr Bowers in his room. "I just asked how he was doing, was he in pain, and he said no, he was fine," Dr Cohen said. "He asked who I was, and I said, 'I'm Dr Cohen, the president of the hospital,' and I turned around and left." As he left the room Dr Cohen was approached by the FBI agent who was guarding Mr Bowers. He told Dr Cohen that he did not believe he would ever have been able to do that. "I said, 'If you were in my shoes I'm sure you could have,' Dr Cohen replied. The man accused of shooting dead 11 people inside a Pittsburgh synagogue, an incident described by prosecutors as an horrific act of violence, has appeared in court in a wheelchair where 29 charges were read to him aloud. Robert Bowers, 46, who is said to have written a number of racist and antisemitic social media posts, was wheeled into the court in handcuffs and was asked if he understood the charges levelled against him. Mr Bowers, dressed in a blue shirt, briefly had the handcuffs removed, so he could sign legal documents. The judge then read to him, the two-and-half dozen charges he faces. Speaking from the White House just after the hearing, Press Secretary Sarah Sanders called it an "act of evil". This atrocity was a chilling act of mass murder, it was an act of hatred, and above all, it was an act of evil. Antisemitism is is a plague to humanity and it is responsible for many of the worst horrors in human history, Ms Sanders said. Ms Sanders announced that President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will travel to Pennsylvania tomorrow to grieve with the community. The brief hearing in a packed courtroom, came just two days after Mr Bowers allegedly entered the Tree of Life synagogue in the citys Squirrel Tree neighbourhood, armed with three hand guns and a semi-automatic rifle. He is accused of killing eight men and three women - aged 54 to 97 - and injuring six others, among them four police officers who shot and detained him. Prosecutors said they are treating the incident as a hate crime and have requested permission to seek the death penalty if Mr Bowers is convicted. After the hearing, US Attorney Scott Brady told reporters prosecutors the court had ordered the suspect to appear for a preliminary hearing on Thursday in relation to the horrific act of violence. Follow live updates below Please allow a moment for the liveblog to load LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) Before he was accused of shooting and killing two black people in a Kentucky grocery store last week, Gregory Bush knocked on the door of a predominantly African-American church. It was 2:44 on a sunny Wednesday afternoon, a day when many churches have midweek services. About 70 people had been inside First Baptist Church Jeffersontown for a Bible study, but it had ended by the time Bush arrived and the doors were locked. If Bush had been there just 45 minutes earlier, "it probably would have been very different," said Pastor Kevin L. Nelson. "We caught him on camera at the front door, after he knocked and pulled on it and banged on it, he stood there and put his hand on his gun," Nelson said, adding that he believes the gunman would have shot whoever came to the door. "We felt that that was his attempt to make it another Charleston," he said. A police chief in Kentucky has acknowledged the shooting deaths of two black people at a Kroger grocery store in suburban Louisville were racially motivated. Bush, who is in custody, is white, and the FBI has said it is investigating the shooting as a potential federal hate crime. On Saturday, a man killed 11 people in the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, adding to a growing list of violence at houses of worship. Nelson mentioned the 2015 racially motivated shooting deaths of nine black people at an African-American church in Charleston, South Carolina. Others followed, including the shooting deaths of two people at a New York City mosque in 2016 and the murder of 26 people at a Baptist church in Texas in 2017. Federal prosecutors set in motion plans to seek the death penalty against Robert Gregory Bowers, the man charged in the Pittsburgh shootings. Authorities say Bowers expressed hatred for Jews during the rampage and later told police that "I just want to kill Jews" and that "all these Jews need to die." Story continues Speaking to a gathering of the conservative Federalist Society in Kentucky, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said of the Kentucky and Pennsylvania shootings: "if these aren't the definitions of hate crimes, I don't know what a hate crime is." Asked by a reporter if overheated political rhetoric bears any blame for violent actions, McConnell replied: "It's hard to know. The political rhetoric is always pretty hot before an election. It's not the first time." "I think the whole tone in the country right now needs to be ratcheted down," McConnell said. "And these horrible, criminal acts only underscore the need for all of us to kind of dial it back, and to get into a better, more respectful place." The violence has prompted church leaders to grapple with finding a balance between securing their congregations and maintaining robust outreach programs they say are the core of their faith. "I think it is sad you have to even lock the doors of the church," Nelson said. "It was just the mindset where I grew up; you didn't do certain things around the house of worship or even among the people of God. All that is changed today." In March, the Kentucky Baptist Convention one of the state's largest denominations held a statewide church security conference for the first time. More than 1,000 people attended, said Paul Chitwood, the convention's executive director. He said many people come to church because "they are hurting and they are confused." "The church wants to receive those people. And just because somebody looks different or acts a little different, well we want them in our churches," he said. "But sometimes there is an individual who wants to do harm. We want for our churches to be prepared to respond to that and protect the congregants." Nelson said his church, which is not affiliated with the Kentucky Baptist Convention, has police officers in their services. He said they would likely "tighten up" security. In the meantime, he says he his praying for the victims and for the men charged with the crimes. "Every soul is precious to God," he said. "And it should be to us." When President Donald Trump visits Pittsburgh Tuesday, hell be faced with the tough task of balancing the traditional presidential duty to comfort and unite the country following the deadly synagogue shooting with his instinct to rip into his political foes and the press. The White House struggled to strike that balance Monday. White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders opened her first press briefing in 26 days with a tearful statement about the shooting, but ended the briefing with a diatribe against what the White House views as unfair coverage by the press. Sanders choked up as she said that Trump and first lady Melania Trump will travel to Pittsburgh on Tuesday in the wake of a chilling act of mass murder and an act of hatred that left 11 people dead in the Tree of Life synagogue. Sanders added that anti-Semitism is a plague to humanity and something that all Americans have a duty to confront. But it didnt take long before Sanders was criticizing the press for highlighting Trumps harsh rhetoric on the campaign trail in the run up to the midterm elections. After the shooting, the very first thing that the president did was condemn the attacks, Sanders said. The very first thing the media did was blame the president, she said. The media, she said, has a huge responsibility to play in the divisive nature of the country. The press hasnt done enough to highlight the impact of Trumps policies on the booming economy and low unemployment, among other things, Sanders said. Asked if a national tragedy takes precedence over Trumps need to punch back against opponents, Sanders said Trump had repeatedly risen to that occasion and worked to bring our country together after the deadly Las Vegas shooting that killed 58 people in October 2017, hurricanes and the tragedy in Pittsburgh. On Twitter Monday, Trump blamed the news media for division and hatred in the country and called the press the true Enemy of the People. Story continues There is great anger in our Country caused in part by inaccurate, and even fraudulent, reporting of the news. The Fake News Media, the true Enemy of the People, must stop the open & obvious hostility & report the news accurately & fairly. That will do much to put out the flame... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 29, 2018 The Fake News is doing everything in their power to blame Republicans, Conservatives and me for the division and hatred that has been going on for so long in our Country. Actually, it is their Fake & Dishonest reporting which is causing problems far greater than they understand! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 29, 2018 It was not the first time Trump has struggled to balance his political fighting instincts. Following deadly clashes last year between neo-Nazis and counter protestors in Charlottesville, Virginia, critics blamed Trump for increasing racial tensions when he said there was blame on both sides. Cranston Mayor Allan Fung is trying to oust Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo. He has accepted the resignation of his press secretary. (Photo: Associated Press) The press secretary for the Republican candidate for governor of Rhode Island has resigned after tweets that insulted women and people of color were dug up by activists and publicized by the Democratic Governors Association. Andrew Augustus, communications adviser for gubernatorial hopeful and Cranston Mayor Allan Fung, called women bitches and whores and mocked black and Asian people while he was a student at Rhode Island College from 2011 to 2014. (Photo: HuffPost) (Photo: ) (Photo: ) (Photo: ) (Photo: ) (Photo: ) (Photo: ) (Photo: ) (Photo: ) Lindsay Crudele, a digital communications strategist who was raised in Cranston and whose family still lives there, came across some of Augustus tweets and thought it was important for state voters to be aware of them. So she took several screenshots and shared them with her followers. Andrew is a key staffer on Mayor Fungs campaign, and its been impossible to get any answers from them about life-or-death policy issues, Crudele told HuffPost. Her mother suffers from multiple sclerosis and Crudele has been blocked by Fung on Twitter for asking about his stance on the Affordable Care Act. You can imagine how it feels for me to realize that I have been posing serious policy questions to a team whose spokesperson publicly joked about No Fat Chicks and made other dehumanizing remarks, she said. Before joining Fungs campaign, Augustus was an intern and later a reporter at WPRO, a local Rhode Island radio station. The Democratic Governors Association has called on Fung to address Augustus role in his campaign. Either Mayor Fung embraces his staffers sexist and racist world view, or he failed to do even basic due diligence before hiring him for a key campaign role, said association press secretary Melissa Miller in a statement to HuffPost. Either way, Augustuss tweets are disgusting and unacceptable, Miller said, and Mayor Fung must immediately explain why he would hire someone who has exhibited such poor judgment. Augustus announced that he would be resigning from his post on Fungs campaign on Tuesday night, after the storys publication. Story continues I deeply regret the tweets I made in college. They are not reflective of who I am and I am wholeheartedly sorry to anyone they may have offended. Dialogue like that is not appropriate in any type of environment and should never be tolerated. I have resigned from my position Andrew Augustus (@AndrewAugustus) October 31, 2018 Fung accepted the resignation, according to his campaign manager Andrew Vargas Vila. Upon hire, an inspection of his social media account was conducted, but obviously not six or seven years back, he said. While Andrew is a different person now, and is extremely embarrassed by this, he does not want to reflect poorly on the mayor or distract from any part of this campaign. The news of Augustuss tweets comes just days after members of the Rhode Island Democratic Partys Womens Caucus criticized Fung for his association with conservative radio personality John DePetro. The former host of a WPRO radio show with a long history of disparaging women, DePetro had announced on Twitter that he would emcee a Women for Fung rally. On Monday, DePetro clarified that he would not be the emcee and that he was just supporting the event. Fung, who has been mayor of Cranston since 2009, is running for governor against Democratic incumbent Gina Raimondo, who has consistently held the lead in the polls. Fung also ran against Raimondo in 2014. This article has been updated to include Augustus resignation. Related Coverage Trumps Midterm Fearmongering Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. A 6.1 magnitude earthquake rattled parts of central New Zealand Tuesday, where British royals Meghan and Harry are on tour, but officials said it caused no major damage. The quake was felt in Wellington during a session of parliament, prompting lawmakers to stop deliberations and seek refuge as a precaution. There was no tsunami threat and the quake was not strongly felt in Auckland, where the touring royals continued with a public walkabout on the city's waterfront. Reporters travelling with the couple said they did not feel any tremors during the quake, which the US Geological Survey (USGS) gave a magnitude of 6.1. New Zealand's official GeoNet seismic monitoring service said a 6.2 quake struck at a depth of 207 kilometres (128 miles) in the central North Island about 340 kilometres northeast of Wellington. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said it was widely felt across the centre of the country, despite the depth of the epicentre, and urged Kiwis to "check on those around you". Civil Defence Minister Kris Faafoi said there had been no reports of damage or injuries. "I think some people might be a little nervy and that's understandable but it's just a case of following those safety messages and being prepared," he told reporters. "I think if there was anything major we'd know by now." Faafoi said proceedings in parliament house were temporarily suspended because of heavy shaking in the building. "We all felt it in the house, I was in there at the time... and just for the immediate safety of those in the house (the speaker) saw fit to suspend proceedings," he said. "I think that was the wise thing to do as we felt it quite heavily." New Zealand lies on the boundary of the Australian and Pacific tectonic plates, which form part of the so-called "Ring of Fire", and experiences up to 15,000 tremors a year. A shallow 6.3 quake in the South Island city of Christchurch killed 185 people in 2011, while a 7.8 shake slightly further north in 2016 was the second strongest ever recorded in the country. One irony of the Tree of Life Synagogue killings, the worst anti-Semitic attack in American history, is that Jews have never been more accepted. A Pew thermometer poll last year, in fact, found that Americans feel more warmly toward Jews than any other religious groupone degree higher than Catholics, two higher than mainline Protestants, six higher than Evangelical Christians and 13 higher than Mormons. A 2015 Gallup poll found that 91 percent of Americans would vote for a Jew for president. Just 60 years, fewer than half of the country would have supported a Jewish candidate. We are a long, long way from the days when American Jews fretted over an influx of refugees fleeing Nazi Europe because they worried it would inflame anti-Semitism. It is not too difficult to explain the incongruity of the slaughter in Pittsburgh and these well-documented attitudes. Anti-Semitism has never been eradicated, and probably never could be. It dwells in the crevices and fissures. Largely extinguished in the uppermost reaches of society, it flourishes most among cranks and broken souls on the marginsthose for whom the post-industrial world provides few satisfying occupational or real world communal niches. Jew hatred is a minority phenomenon, to be sure. In an age when AR-15s are easy to come by, even the smallest minority is profoundly dangerous. Anti-Semitic incidents have increased dramatically, up 57 percent in just the last year according to the Anti-Defamation League, and, in fact, hate crimes are up across the board. Statistics show the number of people killed by far-right extremists since Sept. 11 are roughly equal to the number killed in the U.S. by jihadist terroristsa fact that has received little public attention and gone unremarked upon by F.B.I. Director Christopher Wray in his annual testimony before Congress. Hate crimes against Muslims also rose almost 20 percent in 2016 over 2015. Two major developments appear to be driving the increase in acts of hatred. The first is the creation of an extremist community online. Both Robert Bowers, the suspected Pittsburgh shooter, and Cesar Sayoc Jr., who is believed to be responsible for mailing 14 pipe bombs to leading Democrats and CNN, were compulsive netizens. Sayoc had two Facebook profiles and three Twitter accounts. Bowers frequented Gab a social network for white supremacists and Nazis who had been driven off Twitter. Story continues The online world gave these two a home in which they could express sentiments that they dared not advertise widely in their daily lives, though with some acquaintances, Sayoc appears have had less compunction. As weve seen all too often, these online communities have become gigantic amplifiers, emboldening their participants and strengthening them in their most vile convictions. Just as the Internet turbocharged the jihadi universe and created a global support community for ISIS, it has networked and inspired the far-right. The second development that has lit up this increasingly linked and animated extremist world is the advent of Donald Trump. The statistics demonstrate clearly that the biggest bump in hate crimes in recent history coincides with the period since his presidential campaign began. This is not just a matter of correlation but causation. Trumps incendiary rhetoric, from his accusation that Mexicans coming to the U.S. were rapists to his claims that the caravan of impoverished Central American migrants coming north included Middle Easternersaka terroristshas given license to those who peddle hatred to emerge from the shadows. Much as ISIS has done with its far-flung recruits, Trumps conspiracy theories have weaponized mental disability. Sayoc and Bowers seem clearly unhinged, barely functioning and susceptible to any utterance from the Commander-in-Chief. While Bowers wrote that he was concerned Trump was controlled by Jews, both believed his nonsense about a menacing horde coming to attack us. In Bowerss case, his twisted belief that the venerable Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society was a fifth column supporting the caravan, ignited his ghastly bloodletting. Though he was sure to condemn Saturdays attack and last weeks terror, Trump evinces little conviction. He denounces globalists, not Jews, but anyone with eyes to see recognizes the reference to international Jewry one made all the more palpable by his sly attacks on billionaire George Soros and gleeful suggestions that this Holocaust survivor is funding the caravan. His reference to his own former staffer, Gary Cohn, late of Goldman Sachs, as a globalist as well as the closing ad of the 2016 campaign, which vilified Goldman CEO Lloyd Blankfein, Fed Chair Janet Yellen and Soros, a trinity of Jewish capital, all underscore the case. His evident inability to remain solemn for more than five minutesmugging to the crowd about how well he is behaving at the rallies he will never cancelspeaks volumes about concern for public discourse and basic decency. In this way, Trump conjures the memory of an important figure from the 19th century, one of the pioneers of political Anti-Semitism. Karl Lueger served as mayor of Vienna and founded Austrias Christian Social Party. A shrewd opportunist who was later admired by Adolf Hitler, Lueger was happy to exploit growing resentment against wealthy Jewish capitalists who were identified with the dislocations of industrialization and poorer Jews who were moving into cities and competing with small businessmen and craftsmen. Lueger was renowned for working both sides of the aisle. More strident anti-Semites took him to task for having many Jewish friends. Who is a Jew is something I decide, he famously remarked. Similarly, Trump embraces Jewish allies of his own, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and rightwing casino mogul Sheldon Adelson. Complex developments can give hate an open road in our society. Karl Lueger also had no idea of the demons he had helped unleash. Juba (AFP) - South Sudan's rebel leader Riek Machar will return to the capital Juba this week to take part in a peace ceremony, a spokesman said Tuesday. It will be the first time Machar has set foot in the city since he fled two years ago under a hail of gunfire when an earlier peace deal collapsed. Lam Paul Gabriel, a spokesman for Machar's SPLM-IO rebel group, said the leader will "travel to Juba for the peace celebration" due Wednesday. President Salva Kiir, Machar's former ally turned bitter enemy, as well as some regional heads of state are also expected at the ceremony to publicly welcome the most recent peace agreement, signed in September. Machar's previous homecoming, in April 2016, was put off by wrangling over how many bodyguards he could bring with him and what weapons they would carry, but Gabriel said this time Machar would be accompanied by only around 30 political figures. "We are worried for his security in Juba, but the truth is here: we are for peace, and what we are trying to do is build trust. So that is why he is able to leave his forces behind and just go with politicians," Gabriel said. South Sudan's civil war began in December 2013 when Kiir accused Machar -- then his deputy -- of plotting a coup. The conflict has split the country along ethnic lines and seen mass rape, the forced recruitment of child soldiers and attacks on civilians. It has caused one of the world's deepest humanitarian crises. Several ceasefires and peace agreements have so far failed to end the fighting that has killed an estimated 380,000 people, uprooted a third of the population, forced nearly two-and-a-half million into exile as refugees and triggered bouts of deadly famine. From the civil rights movement to protests against the Vietnam War and the fight for womens rights, the youth of America have been at the forefront of advocating for social change. And the young people of today are no different. In a new series titled RISE UP: Celebrating Young Leader Activists, Yahoo News profiles five up-and-coming leaders from the millennials and from Gen Z. Our first installment features 12-year-old Naomi Wadler of Alexandria, Va. Like most kids her age, Naomi knows how to have fun; whether shes working on her skateboarding skills or playing with her younger sister, she has an energetic demeanor and a charming, contagious smile. But make no mistake, when it comes to the issue of gun violence in America, Naomi speaks with a gravity and maturity that belies her young age. After watching the horrific Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in which 17 were killed and 17 injured unfold on her living-room TV, Naomi sat down with her mother to discuss the emotions that began building up inside of her. Desperately wanting to do something about the situation, Naomi decided to get involved especially after she learned that one of the Parkland victims was the daughter of her mothers old high school friend. Watching students from other high schools and middle schools across the country hold walkout protests inspired Naomi. A fifth-grader at the time, she and a friend since kindergarten, Carter Anderson, decided to organize a protest at their school, George Mason Elementary. Not only would the schools students become the youngest to participate in a Parkland-inspired walkout, but this demonstration would be slightly different thanks to a change Naomi implemented: While the majority of the walkouts around the country lasted for 17 minutes to honor the 17 Parkland victims, an extra minute was added to remember Courtlin Arrington, a 17-year old black student who was shot and killed at Huffman High School in Alabama on March 7, 2018. Naomi noticed that Arringtons story, compared with other school shootings, received little media attention. When black women are shot and killed, their names arent remembered, explains Naomi. We didnt want to leave Courtlins story untold. Story continues Related: After the huge success with her walkout, the experience led to Naomi finding her calling as an activist. Her leap from the local news to the national stage started with a phone call from movie star George Clooney. I was really excited and just overwhelmed! recalls Naomi. Clooney had invited her to speak at the March for Our Lives rally in Washington, D.C., where she would be the youngest guest to give a speech. Naomi, expressive and articulate, spoke at length about many black female victims of gun violence whose presence in the media is barely felt and the country took notice. Now, after several appearances on talk shows such as Ellen and at conferences such as Women in the World, Naomi continues to spread her message on a global scale. Most recently, she received a Disruptive Innovation Award at the 2018 Tribeca Film Festival and a standing ovation. As one of the countrys most committed youth leaders, she shows no signs of slowing down, saying, To be a young student leader feels empowering and motivating. There is still work to be done, and we will be the ones to get it done. From the civil rights movement to the Vietnam War protests and the fight for womens rights, the youth of America have been at the forefront of leading and advocating for social change, and the young people of today are no different. In a new series titled RISE UP: Celebrating Young Leader Activists, Yahoo News profiles five up-and-coming leaders from the Gen Z and millennial generations, with our second installment featuring 27-year-old Reyna Montoya of Gilbert, Az. In 2003, when Reyna Montoya was 13 years old, her family fled their homeland of Mexico for the safety and security of the United States. Though she was a smart student gifted in math, Reyna found herself falling behind in school in her new home of Arizona: Getting here and not knowing the language, and kids making fun of me that was something that really hurt me. Growing up, she resented her parents for uprooting her from Mexico. But nine years later, when her father was detained by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, or ICE, Reyna learned the truth of why they crossed the border in the first place. My dad unfortunately had been kidnapped back in Tijuana, explains Reyna. And when he went to the authorities, they pretty much threatened him if he would come back again, they would kill him and his family. I cannot even fathom what was going through his mind when he had to make that brave decision of leaving everything he knew just to make sure that he had safety for his family. Reyna was 22 when she learned of her fathers arrest by ICE, and she immediately felt responsible for her younger siblings. She tears up when she recounts having to comfort her 5-year-old sister, trying to answer her questions of Wheres daddy? Wheres daddy? It was really hurtful having to explain to a 5-year-old all these complicated laws, says Reyna, and for her to just really not know what happened. Reynas father was not released until nine months later. Story continues Like him, Reyna is an undocumented immigrant, but unlike her father shes a beneficiary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy that permits those who immigrated illegally as children to reside and work in the country. For the last few years, she has participated in protests and marches advocating for herself and other Latinx immigrants. In 2016, Reyna founded Aliento, a nonprofit organization that focuses on undocumented youth and families and aims to transform trauma into action through the arts, workshops, leadership development, and advocacy. Aliento literally translates into breath, she explains, but when you give aliento to someone, its like giving words of encouragement. For Reyna, it was important to create a space where the younger generation of Latinx immigrants could find the words to navigate tough conversations like the one she had with her sister. How can we really talk about something that pains us, so we can actually move forward? In the last few years, Reyna has been featured in media outlets such as NBC News and Univision, and in January 2018 she was named a Forbes 30 Under 30 social entrepreneur. Although she welcomes the focus on herself, she hopes for more attention on her cause: Good leadership, for me, means that youre actually enabling other people to find their own inner voice and inner power. I think that so often we think about leaders as this charismatic figure that is bringing masses of people together. But we as leaders need to be able to create spaces where other people can find their inner voice, and their inner power. I really hope that moving forward its not only about [my] activism but we really start taking responsibility as a nation, and really start seeing in each other how were harming each other. Byneset (Norvege) (AFP) - Russia plans to test missiles off Norway this week in an area where NATO is carrying out its biggest military exercises since the end of the Cold War, a move seen as an escalation of tensions in the Far North. "We were notified last week about the planned Russian missile tests outside the coast here," NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters in western Norway where the Trident Juncture 18 exercises are taking place. The manoeuvres are aimed at training the Atlantic Alliance to defend a member state after an aggression. Mobilising some 50,000 troops, 65 ships and 250 aircraft from 31 countries several hundred kilometers (miles) from Norway's border with Russia in the Arctic, the exercises have angered Moscow, which had vowed to "retaliate". "Despite the pretty awkward attempts by representatives of the Alliance and its member states to present this military activity as defensive, it is obvious that this show of force is clearly of an anti-Russian nature," the Russian foreign ministry said. The Russian military announced last week it was deploying four vessels in the North Atlantic for exercises of its own. "Russia has significant naval forces in this area," Stoltenberg said Tuesday. "I expect Russia to behave in a professional way." - NATO downplays it - NATO's chief sought to tone the situation down. "We will of course monitor closely what Russia does but they operate in international waters and they have notified us in the normal way," Stoltenberg said. According to Avinor, the public operator of most civil airports in Norway, Russia sent a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) about the missile tests November 1-3 in the Norwegian Sea. The indicated zone and dates overlap with those of Trident Juncture, which is taking place from October 25 to November 7. An Avinor spokesman, Erik Lodding, said this type of notification in the middle of an exercise zone was "not very common" to his knowledge, but added "there is nothing dramatic" about a NOTAM. Story continues "It's the normal procedure," he told AFP. The missile tests "will not change the plan of our exercise," Stoltenberg said. The two sides are to meet Wednesday in Brussels for talks under the NATO-Russia Council. "When relations between Russia and NATO are difficult, it's especially important to have a dialogue," Stoltenberg said. Norway also tried to avoid any build-up of tension. "To let oneself be irritated by it would be a way of escalating things. They follow the rules and get to train as they wish," Defense Minister Frank Bakke-Jensen told a handful of journalists. - 'New Cold War' - But experts in international relations saw things differently. "It is very clear that what some people have termed 'the new Cold War' has been transplanted to the North in a way very few people expected after the 2014 Ukraine crisis," Julie Wilhelmsen, a Russia expert at the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (Nupi), told AFP. "Four years later, we see that interactions between states in this zone are caught up in an escalation of tensions between NATO and Russia," she said. While Russia has been angered by the exercises, it has also flexed its own military muscle lately. In September, it conducted its biggest ever military exercises, Vostok-2018, with some 300,000 soldiers in eastern Siberia and the Russian far east. "Today, and especially since 2014, the Kremlin is obsessed by what it calls the 'encircling' of Russia, meaning NATO's encroachment on Russia's borders, which is perceived as offensive," Wilhelmsen explained. "In its proximity, Russia will not back down from what it sees as its right to defend its security interests," she said. An advisor to France's Foundation for Strategic Research, Francois Heisbourg meanwhile wondered whether it was a "good idea" for Russia to "actively play into NATO's Trident Juncture scenario." The "Kremlin is doing its utmost to prove to the Nordics that the Russian threat is not a Western artefact," he wrote on Twitter. Shaun White dressed as Special Jack from the movie, Tropic Thunder, for a Halloween party. Some people celebrate Halloween with trick-or-treating and candy or with jack-o-lanterns and ghost stories. Others, like Shaun White, choose offensive costumes. Over the weekend, the Olympic gold medalist posted a now-deleted photo on Instagram of himself dressed up as Simple Jack from the movie Tropic Thunder. Snowboarder Shaun White chose an unfortunate Halloween costume this year. (screenshot via HuffPost) The R-word Jack is a character from the movie within the movie that makes fun of intellectually disabled people. In Tropic Thunder, he is frequently referred to as a retard, something the Special Olympics spoke out against when the film was initially released. When I heard about it, I felt really hurt inside, Special Olympics global messenger Dustin Plunkett said back in 2008. I cannot believe a writer could write something like that. Its the not the way that we want to be portrayed. We have feelings. We dont like the word retard. We are people. Were just like any other people out there. We want to be ourselves and not be discriminated against. Free speech defenders Despite criticism, some did defend the movie after its release, and the character. They said the movie was not meant to mock disabled people, but it was a form of creativity. Robert Downey Jr. stood by Tropic Thunder and its characters when the film was released. (Getty) I think its open to interpretation and thats the great thing, actor Robert Downey Jr. said during the movies premiere. You know, if I want to protest something because it offends me thats my right as an American, and its also any artists right to say and do whatever they wanna do. Criticizing White and response Fans and disability groups immediately criticized White for his costume choice on Monday, leading the snowboarder to take down his post. The Special Olympics later issued a statement to TMZ. We are truly disappointed that Shaun White, an acclaimed Olympian, would choose this costume which is so offensive and causes so much pain, the statement said. Disability is not a joke nor should it be a punchline. We hope that Shaun White and others learn that this just continues stigma, stereotypes and discrimination. Story continues White issued an apology late Monday on Instagram. He acknowledged that he had made a poor decision and was rightly criticized by his fans and by the Special Olympics. White also said that he would use it as a lesson and be more sensitive in the future. More from Yahoo Sports: Ty Montgomery disobeyed orders and fumbled Packers game away Eric Reid says Malcolm Jenkins asked him to stop protesting Rangers roast Dodgers and themselves in viral tweet Seahawks rookie punter ices win in wild end zone play Washington (AFP) - A deadly shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh on Saturday has sparked an outpouring of grief and shock in America's Jewish community, the largest outside Israel. The attack -- which took place during a bris, or baby-naming ceremony, and killed 11 people -- came just days after a pipe bomb was sent to prominent Jewish philanthropist George Soros, who has been the target of what many see as anti-Semitic conspiracy theories. Such conspiracy theories, which accuse Jews of dominating government and finance, are rife among the so-called "alt-right" movement, which is supportive of US President Donald Trump and has gained significant influence in recent years, including through Trump's former chief strategist Steve Bannon. These are some reactions to the shooting: - 'Dangers of unchecked hatred' - "The Museum reminds all Americans of the dangers of unchecked hatred and anti-Semitism which must be confronted wherever they appear and calls on all Americans to actively work to promote social solidarity and respect the dignity of all individuals." -- United States Holocaust Memorial Museum - 'Unthinkable' - "It is simply unconscionable for Jews to be targeted during worship on a Sabbath morning, and unthinkable that it would happen in the United States of America in this day and age." -- Anti-Defamation League - 'Trouble breathing' - "Just devastating to see all the observant Jews I love learning now about what happened today in Pittsburgh. 'I'm having trouble breathing,' my mother just texted me. Her father barely escaped the Nazis." -- Shayndi Raice, Wall Street Journal reporter. - History repeats - "As I told my eight-year-old son tonight about what had happened today, he looked at me utterly bewildered, and said, 'But that doesn't make any sense at all.' And then he asked me, with an innocence that shattered me, about whether Jews had ever been killed at prayer before." -- Rabbi Shai Held Story continues - 'Something in the past' - "Tree of Life in Pittsburgh was our synagogue when I was growing up. It is where I had my bar mitzvah. There were many lectures about anti-Semitism, but we understood it more as something in the past than in 1984." -- Alan Zarembo, editor, Los Angeles Times - 'Profound and emotional moment'- "They were hosting a bris this morning at this synagogue. A bris. Parents, perhaps for the first time, were marking the birth of their son just eight days prior -- a profound and emotional moment in their collective lives -- and some maniac burst in a shot everyone. During a bris." -- Sam Stein, politics editor, The Daily Beast - Loss - "It is impossible to put into words the grief we feel as this Shabbat comes to a close and the Jewish people everywhere learn of the loss of our family, our loved ones, our beloved brothers and sisters, in Pittsburgh at Tree of Life Congregation." -- Hillel International Freetown (AFP) - They have their hands full at the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, where record numbers of orphaned chimps are being delivered to their care, victims of the relentless expansion of human activity. Poachers hunt them for their meat, farmers shoot them to protect their crops and a lack of political will means more and more of their habitat is being surrendered to urban development and forestry. Founder of the sanctuary Bala Amarasekaran does not mince his words. "Over the past 10 years, the environment has suffered much depletion as a result of widespread construction of houses, logging and mining with the approval of corrupt politicians and lands ministry officials," he said. Several species of wildlife around the forest, he added, had been wiped out. The chimps' plight echoes the core message of the WWF's new Living Planet report, released Tuesday: that the devastation of the planet's wildlife is mostly down to "runaway human consumption". Over the past three months, the Sierra Leone sanctuary has received seven orphaned chimps, a record number. But those figures only hint at the true scale of the slaughter, said Amarasekaran. They calculated that for every chimp they received, up to 10 others could have been killed. Over the past three or four months then, between 70 and 100 chimpanzees could have perished. - 'Sometimes they even cry for me' - "Most chimps that arrive at the sanctuary are less than five years old and would still be suckling milk from their mothers," said Mama Posseh Kamara, who acts as surrogate mother to the new arrivals at the sanctuary. "Many have lost their mothers to bush meat hunters, abandoned or illegally sold as pets," she explained. As she spoke, she fed milk to one of her new charges, a four-month-old baby chimp, as several others climbed over her back and head. "I have been doing this job for the past 14 years," she said. "They usually see me as their mother because I feed and clean them daily. Sometimes they even cry for me." Story continues While they do what they can to protect the animals' habitat, their efforts are often frustrated by the actions of local officials, said Amarasekaran. "We planted over 4,000 trees around the National Park area in Freetown," he said. "But city planners gave it away for the construction of dwelling houses, due to lawlessness, greed and corruption. "Government should stop all human activities around our forests to protect biodiversity. If we continue to deplete our environment there will be nothing left for the future." - 'Obsolete' laws - Western chimpanzees are the only critically endangered chimp subspecies. They have already been wiped out in Burkina Faso, Benin, Gambia -- and possibly Togo too. According to The American Journal of Primatology, their population plunged more than 80 percent between 1990 and 2014. And Sierra Leone is home to about 10 percent of an estimated 55,000 still living wild. And the loss of their natural habitat is only making the situation worse. "Sierra Leone is losing a lot of forest cover, due to human activities," the Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) local representative Nyabenyi Tito Tipo told AFP during her visit to the sanctuary. "Our forests need to be protected, regenerated and not depleted," she added. But for Papanie Bai Sesay, biodiversity officer at the Conservation Society of Sierra Leone, there are two problems with Sierra Leone's current conservation laws. "We have obsolete wildlife laws, which date as far back as 1978," he explained. But the other problem was more fundamental, he added. "Our current forest conservation laws and policies are also not enforced by authorities." - Battling deforestation - Beran Forster, an assistant director at Sierra Leone's Environmental Protection Agency, acknowledges the scale of the problem. "The major impact on the environment in Sierra Leone is human expansion into wildlife areas, bush fire to clear lands and hunting wild animals for bush meat," he said. "Deforestation through unsustainable logging practices for exporting of logs is the worst situation the environment is faced with," he added. In response, they were trying to educate local people on the effects of deforestation and replant across the country. International partners, such as the US Embassy in Freetown are also helping. They are financing an agricultural project to improve crop diversity in a sustainable manner, engaging the local villages near the Tacugama Sanctuary. But change needs to come soon, warned Amarasekaran. The Freetown National Park boasts a high level of biodiversity: large numbers of species of both plant and animal life, including snakes, birds, butterflies, chimps and other monkeys, he said. But, he added: "If we continue to deplete our environment there will be nothing left for the future." Johannesburg (AFP) - South Africa's loss-making public broadcaster SABC is considering laying off nearly 1,000 people, or about one third of its fulltime staff, in a bid to cut costs, according to a document seen on Tuesday. The cash-strapped South African Broadcasting Corporation sent a memo to workers informing them of its intention to cut jobs at all levels and in all departments in a bid to save around $30 million a year. In the note seen by AFP, SABC said the broadcaster is in "dire financial straits" and had failed to secure loans from with government or from banks. It warned that unless "drastic measures are taken" the broadcaster would simply not be financially viable. The SABC said it was "overstaffed", currently employing more than 3,370 staff as well as 2,400 freelancers. "Should retrenchments be necessary, it is envisaged that 981 employees may possibly be retrenched as a result of the restructuring," it said, adding that notices to terminate contracts would be issued starting in February. The plans are also intended to correct "many instances of unlawful and irregular promotions and increases afforded to employees," it said. The corporation said it hopes to save around 440 million rand ($30 million) a year if it proceed with the plan. SABC posted losses of 622 million rand ($45 million) in the financial year ending March 2018 after a record loss of nearly one billion rand the year before. The country's auditor-general Kimi Makwetu last month said the broadcaster, which has in recent years relied on government loans to help it get by, was commercially insolvent. The corporation has been mired in corruption and maladministration scandals and parliament has dissolved its board several times in recent years. The SABC was formed 77 years ago. Headquartered in Johannesburg, it has three free-to-air television channels and 18 stations broadcasting in all the country's 11 languages. By Jane Chung SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea has asked the United States for "maximum flexibility" on its request for a waiver to prevent South Korean companies from being affected by renewed U.S. sanctions against Iran, the foreign ministry said. The sanctions against Iranian crude oil exports are set to take effect on Nov. 5 as part of President Donald Trump's efforts to force Tehran to accede to a more restrictive deal on curbing its nuclear and missile program. South Korea, a U.S. ally and one of Asia's biggest buyers of Iranian oil, has already stopped crude imports from Iran. South Korean building firms have also canceled energy-related contracts in Iran due to financing difficulties. Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha asked for the exemption in a telephone call with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo late on Monday, the ministry said in a statement. "Minister Kang requested the U.S. side exert maximum flexibility so that South Korea can secure an exemption to minimize the damage to our companies," the ministry said. Pompeo said he noted Seoul's position and would continue discussions on the matter, the ministry said. The exemption issue is the latest sign of strain between Seoul and Washington over a range of issues, especially the enforcement of sanctions aimed at limiting North Korea's nuclear and missile program. South Korea and Japan have been in talks with the United States in a bid to avoid adverse impacts from the reimposition of U.S. sanctions on Iran. Both countries won waivers during the previous round of sanctions that ended in 2016, but Washington has adopted a more aggressive stance this time. South Korean buyers of Iranian oil have cut their purchases in recent months due to expensive Middle East grades and uncertainty over trade with Iran. Imports of Iranian oil fell to zero in September for the first time since 2012. Another risk for South Korean companies is that sanctions will make it difficult to receive and make payments in dollars for projects linked to Iran. On Monday, Hyundai Engineering & Construction said it scrapped a 595 billion won ($521 million) deal to build a petrochemicals complex in Iran due to lack of financing. In June, Daelim Industrial said a 2.23 trillion won contract to build a refinery project in Iran was canceled due to financing problems. (Reporting By Jane Chung; additional reporting by Hyonhee Shin; Editing by Darren Schuettler) COLOMBO (Reuters) - Sri Lankan police on Monday arrested deposed oil minister Arjuna Ranatunga over a shooting that killed one person on the weekend, police spokesman said. "Colombo Crime division arrested Ranatunga over the shooting incident and he will be produced to the court shortly," police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera told Reuters. President Maithripala Sirisena on Saturday declared that the cabinet had been dissolved with the appointment of a new prime minister a day earlier. Since then, members of trade unions linked to the new prime minister, Mahinda Rajapaksa, have blocked ministers from the old cabinet from entering their ministries. Police said earlier that in an altercation on Sunday, when Ranatunga tried to enter his office, his security guard shot and killed one person and wounded two. (Reporting by Shihar Aneez; Editing by Robert Birsel) LONDON (Reuters) - From a copy of his PhD thesis to his wheelchair, items belonging to Stephen Hawking are headed for auction, offering fans of the late British physicist famed for his work exploring the origins of the universe a chance to buy some of his possessions. Known for his acclaimed research on black holes, the wheelchair-bound Hawking, who suffered from motor neurone disease and used an electronic voice synthesiser, died in March at the age of 76. "On the Shoulders of Giants", which also features documents penned by Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin and Albert Einstein, will feature 22 lots from Hawking's estate, including one of five known copies of his PhD thesis, "Properties of expanding universes", estimated at 100,000-150,000 pounds ($127,480 - $191,220). "Stephen Hawking was a huge personality worldwide. He had this amazing ability to connect with people," Thomas Venning, head of the Books and Manuscripts department at auction house Christie's London, told Reuters. "The whole idea...was to provide something that was accessible to his admirers so that people could connect with him and remember his extraordinary story." Also up for sale are a copy of Hawking's best-selling book "A Brief History of Time" signed with his thumb print, estimated between 2,000 and 3,000 pounds, as well as awards and medals given to the scientist, priced at 10,000-15,000 pounds. Other documents, an invitation for a reception for "Time Travellers" as well as a motorised wheelchair Hawking used, are also being sold in the Oct. 31 - Nov. 8 online auction. It has already attracted interest from Asia, the Middle East, the United States and Australia, according to Venning. "(Hawking) travelled across the world and he has fans in the U.S., he has fans in Asia," he said. ($1 = 0.7844 pounds) (Reporting by Hanna Rantala; Writing by Marie-Louise Gumuchian; Editing by Mark Heinrich) By Chriss Swaney and Jessica Resnick-Ault PITTSBURGH (Reuters) - The man charged in the Pittsburgh synagogue massacre appeared in court shackled to a wheelchair on Monday as some Jewish leaders and the mayor objected to U.S. President Donald Trump's planned visit to the city on the first day of funerals for the victims. Robert Bowers, the man accused of shooting 11 worshipers to death at the Tree of Life synagogue on Saturday, sat stony-faced and mostly silent before a U.S. magistrate judge, who ordered him held without bond in the deadliest attack ever on America's Jewish community. The onetime truck driver, who frequently posted anti-Semitic material online and was described by neighbors as a loner, was charged with 29 federal felony counts and could face the death penalty if convicted. Prosecutors have said they are treating the mass shooting as a hate crime. The bloodshed heightened a national debate over Trump's inflammatory political rhetoric, which his critics say has contributed to fomenting a surge in right-wing extremism in the United States. "Yes, words matter," Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, a Democrat, said during a CNN interview on Monday. Over the weekend, Trump branded Saturday's shooting an act of pure evil but also angered some by telling reporters the slaying might have been prevented had an armed guard been present at the synagogue. The White House nevertheless said the president would visit Pittsburgh on Tuesday with first lady Melania Trump to "express the support of the American people and grieve with the Pittsburgh community." FIRST BURIALS The trip would come just a week before the hotly contested Nov. 6 congressional elections that will determine whether Trump's Republican Party will retain a majority in Congress. It also will coincide with at least the first two funerals scheduled for the slain worshipers - David Rosenthal, 54, and his brother Cecil Rosenthal, 59. The Trump administration has rejected the notion he has encouraged white nationalists and neo-Nazis who have embraced him. But a group of local Jewish leaders told Trump in an open letter on Monday he was "not welcome in Pittsburgh until you fully denounce white nationalism." More than 27,000 people have signed the letter, organized and posted online by the Pittsburgh chapter of Bend the Arc, a Jewish organization devoted to opposing "the immoral agenda of the Trump administration and the Republican Party." Trump drew bipartisan condemnation last year for saying "many sides" were to blame for violence that erupted during a "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, and during a torch-lit march the night before by hundreds of right-wing demonstrators chanting, "White lives matter" and "Jews will not replace us." Peduto said he believed Trump should wait until all the funerals were held before coming to Pittsburgh. He suggested Trump's visit and the additional security measures entailed would distract from the "priority" of burying the dead. Tree of Life Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, said, however, on ABC on Monday that the president of the United States was always welcome to visit. Bowers, 46, is accused of storming into the synagogue in Pittsburgh's heavily Jewish Squirrel Hill section yelling, "All Jews must die" as he opened fire on members of three congregations holding Sabbath prayer services there on Saturday morning. In addition to the 11 mostly elderly worshipers who were killed, six people, including four police officers, were wounded before the suspect was shot by police and surrendered. Two of the surviving victims remained hospitalized in critical condition. "Robert Bowers murdered 11 people who were exercising their religious beliefs," U.S. Attorney Scott Brady said after the Monday's arraignment, adding a grand jury would hear details of the crime within 30 days. The judge ordered Bowers to remain in federal custody and ruled he was entitled to court-appointed counsel. His next hearing was set for Thursday. Bowers' arraignment was marked by a heavy security presence that included police officers with dogs and a team of sharpshooters at the federal courthouse in Pittsburgh. Wearing a blue sweatshirt, gray sweatpants, sandals and white socks, with a crewcut and bald spot, Bowers remained expressionless throughout the brief proceeding. Bowers said nothing except to give his name, acknowledge he understood the charges against him and that he lacked funds to pay for an attorney. He spoke in a calm voice and signed the papers handed to him with a steady hand. Only at the end of the hearing when he was wheeled out of the courtroom did Bowers appear unsettled, turning his head in apparent confusion. According to an affidavit filed in the case by the FBI, three handguns and an AR-15 rifle were recovered at the scene. The complaint quoted Bowers as saying to one law enforcement officer, in substance: "They're committing genocide to my people. I just want to kill Jews." He is charged with 11 counts of obstruction of the exercise of religious beliefs resulting in death and 11 counts of using a firearm to commit murder - one count for each worshiper killed. Seven other counts of civil rights and firearms offenses stem from the injury of police officers during the assault. (Reporting by Chriss Swaney and Jessica Resnick-Ault; Writing by Steve Gorman and Nick Zieminski; Editing by Bill Tarrant, Cynthia Osterman and Peter Cooney) Beirut (AFP) - Hundreds of Kurdish fighters have arrived in eastern Syria to help a US-backed alliance fight the Islamic State group after a major setback last week, a monitor said Tuesday. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish-Arab alliance backed by the US-led coalition, launched an offensive on September 10 to expel IS from their holdout of Hajin on the Iraqi border. They advanced slowly with support from coalition air strikes, but faced sand storms and a vicious fightback including suicide bombers, which forced them to retreat on Sunday. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor, at least 72 SDF fighters were killed in last week's IS counter-attack, one of the jihadist group's deadliest operations this year. The monitoring group said hundreds of Kurdish fighters, men and women, had arrived on the outskirts of the Hajin pocket since then. "Since Sunday, over two days, 500 fighters from the Kurdish special forces, the People's Protection Units and the Women's Protection Units have been sent," Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman said. Later on Tuesday, he said "at least 100 SDF fighters" had arrived from the northern city of Manbij, bringing the total number of reinforcements to arrive over the past two days to 600. Several thousand SDF fighters were already present in the area, he said. An SDF spokesman said Kurdish fighters "experienced in fighting IS" had been sent as reinforcements to the Hajin front, but said he could not confirm numbers. "These units will take part in fighting IS on the Hajin front," Mustefa Bali said. On Sunday, an SDF commander told AFP that military reinforcements and heavy weapons had been sent to the front. He said the alliance would launch a new assault as soon as the reinforcements had arrived. Coalition strikes on the area Tuesday killed at least nine jihadists, the Observatory said. More than 300 SDF fighters and around 500 IS jihadists have been killed in the past seven weeks of fighting, according to the monitor. Story continues The coalition estimates that 2,000 IS fighters remain in the Hajin area. IS overran large swathes of Syria and neighbouring Iraq in 2014, proclaiming a "caliphate" across territory it controlled. But the jihadist group has since lost most of that territory to various offensives in both countries. In Syria, its presence has been reduced to parts of the vast Badia desert and the Hajin pocket. More than 360,000 people have been killed and millions displaced since Syria's war erupted in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests. Donald Trump has sent 5,200 American soldiers to the US-Mexico border in a major escalation of the White House's response to the migrant caravan approaching through Mexico. Homeland Security and Pentagon officials said that the soldiers would focus on helping secure key points of entry into the United States. The deployment has been named 'Operation Faithful Patriot'. The announcement on Monday is likely to help draw attention ahead of the midterm elections back to migration, as Mr Trump faces difficult questions over gun control and inciting violence in the wake of the Pittsburgh mass shooting and politically-motivated mail-bombs. Added to the 2,000 troops already at the border, Mr Trump's announcement means the number of US soldiers on the southern border will roughly be the same as those serving in Syria and Iraq combined. Three helicopters will be deployed and enough barbed wire will be made available to cover 150 miles of the border. The troops will be sent to Texas, Arizona and California by the end of the week. Officials on Monday played down any political motive, saying that it was about safety and deterring the caravan of around 3,500 migrants which is heading to the border. However critics have accused Mr Trump of playing up immigration fears for electoral advantage given that voting in the crucial midterm elections is just a week away. The caravan is not due to reach America for weeks. Mr Trump said on Twitter on Monday that the military would be waiting for the procession - suggesting a far more direct role in confronting the migrants than the Pentagon described. Many Gang Members and some very bad people are mixed into the Caravan heading to our Southern Border. Please go back, you will not be admitted into the United States unless you go through the legal process. This is an invasion of our Country and our Military is waiting for you! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 29, 2018 Mr Trump said the United States would build "tent cities" to house migrants seeking asylum, rather than releasing them while they await court decisions. Story continues "Were going to put tents up all over the place. Were not going to build structures and spend all of this, you know, hundreds of millions of dollars - were going to have tents," he told Fox News in an interview. Several hundred migrants in a separate 'caravan' crossed into Mexico from Guatemala on Monday Credit: CARLOS GARCIA RAWLINS/ REUTERS The president said detaining asylum seekers while their cases are being decided would discourage others from following suit. Robert Bowers, the 46-year-old charged with the mass shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue, appeared in court in a wheelchair on Monday, flanked by marshals and with his hands shackled in his lap. He spoke at the federal courthouse in Pittsburgh to confirm his name, that he had been given a copy of the 29 charges - including 11 counts of murder and requested a court-appointed defence team. Robert Bowers, the suspect in the deadly shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh Credit: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation via AP Yes, he answered in a clear, firm voice each time. He waived his right to a detention hearing which means he will remain in the custody of the marshals service. He is expected back in court on Thursday. Cesar Sayoc, the 56-year-old Florida man accused of posting pipe bombs to leading liberals including the Obamas and the Clintons, was also due in court on Monday. It emerged on Monday that a third suspected bomb targeting the broadcaster CNN had been discovered. The package was intercepted at an Atlanta post office. It is unclear if it is linked to last weeks attacks. In recent weeks Mr Trump has issued a series of escalating warnings over the so-called caravan of migrants walking through Mexico who hope to make it into America. At peak there were an estimated 7,000 people taking part, though estimates are now around 3,500. Donald Trump, the US president Credit: AP Photo/Andrew Harnik The US president has floated the idea of closing the border and dubbed it a national emergency, despite the caravan still being weeks away from reaching the perimeter of the United States. Critics and political opponents, including the former president Barack Obama, have accused Mr Trump of whipping up concerns about illegal immigration for political gain. On November 6, all US House of Representative seats and a third of US Senate seats are up for election, with the Republican majority in both bodies of Congress hanging in the balance. There were reports on Monday that a second group of around 300 migrants, inspired by the first caravan, have left San Salvador, the El Salvador capital, on foot headed for America. Mr Trump will visit Pittsburgh on Tuesday to offer condolences to the Jewish community over the synagogue massacre. Sarah Sanders, the White House press secretary, called anti-Semitism a "plague on humanity" during a press briefing, her voice cracking with emotion at times. She added: "We all have a duty to confront anti-Semitism in all its forms and anywhere and everywhere it appears." Ms Sanders also robustly defended Mr Trump over criticism of his rhetoric in the wake of the episodes of violence in the last week and took swipes at the media. The very first action the president did was condemn these heinous acts. The very first thing that the media did was condemn the president, she said. Abuja (AFP) - At least three people were killed when supporters of an imprisoned Shiite cleric clashed with security forces during a protest march in Abuja, the Nigerian Army said. The military said troops and police "repelled the attack" by members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), who also "fired weapons", threw stones and Molotov cocktails. "Unfortunately during the encounter three members of the sect were killed while four soldiers sustained various degrees of injuries," the army said in a statement on Monday night. The deaths bring to six the number of IMN supporters who have been killed in demonstrations since Saturday and heighten concerns about further crackdowns on the group. On Saturday, three IMN members were also killed during protests in Abuja. The army claimed the protesters attacked a military convoy and tried to steal weapons and ammunition. Monday's clashes happened at a checkpoint as security services stopped the protesters coming into the city. AFP photographs of the aftermath showed several bodies of civilians on the ground near police but it was not clear whether they were dead or injured. IMN spokesman Ibrahim Musa said they had received four bodies but indicated the death toll could be higher as "scores" of people were injured and troops took away others. "We're trying to verify the number," he told AFP. Human rights group Amnesty International said reports that troops fired live bullets at protesters were "very disturbing" and would be unlawful if they were unarmed. The IMN has staged a series of protests demanding the release of its leader Ibrahim Zakzaky, who has been in custody since December 2015 after clashes in the northern city of Zaria. Then, the military was accused of killing more than 300 IMN supporters and burying them in mass graves. Zakzaky has been at loggerheads with Nigeria's secular authorities for years because of his calls for an Iranian-style Islamic revolution. Northern Nigeria is majority Sunni Muslim. Story continues The cleric, who is in his mid-sixties and lost the sight in one eye during the 2015 clashes, has only been seen in public twice since he was detained. Nigeria's government has previously ignored a court order to release Zakzaky and his wife. In April, at least 115 IMN supporters were arrested during protests in Abuja during which police used teargas and water cannon. The Trump administration is sending at least 5,200 active-duty troops to the border this week in what officials said Monday is a necessary response to a roughly 3,500-person migrant caravan still weeks from reaching the United States. The troop deployment, dubbed Operation Faithful Patriot, was announced eight days before the midterm elections. But Kevin McAleenan, commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, dismissed accusations that the move is motivated by politics. This is a law enforcement operation, he said at a press conference. President Donald Trump has repeatedly condemned a migrant caravan making its way from Honduras to the U.S.-Mexico border, and officials are reportedly considering a dramatic crackdown on Central Americans and asylum seekers in response. But first, the administration is using the caravan to justify an eye-popping expansion in the military presence at the border even though the migrants are about 1,000 miles from the U.S., their numbers are already diminishing and many of those headed to the country are expected to seek asylum through a legally protected process at ports of entry. About 800 troops are already en route to help harden the border at and between ports of entry, and more will follow by the end of the week, said Gen. Terrence OShaughnessy, who leads United States Northern Command, at the same press conference. They will join about 2,100 National Guard troops already there to assist CBP efforts. Taken together, thats more troops deployed to the border to address a migrant caravan than there currently are in Iraq and Syria, according to The Wall Street Journal. The president has made it clear that border security is national security, OShaughnessy said. The U.S. military cant carry out immigration arrests under law except in limited circumstances, but it is expected to assist border officers with various forms of engineering, medical and aviation support including identifying people crossing the border, constructing temporary barriers and providing medical services. Troops who are authorized to carry firearms will do so, OShaughnessy said. Story continues The migrant caravan is already shrinking. Once estimated at more than 7,000 people, it now numbers around 3,500, officials said. Still, the size of the caravan and potential for more to follow a second group of migrants tussled with both Guatemalan and Mexican police over the weekend calls for more preparations, McAleenan said. McAleenan said asylum seekers will still be able to request help in the same manner as before at least for now but he encouraged them to take up the offer from the government of Mexico to remain there instead. Many caravan participants have already registered for asylum in Mexico, and others are likely to stay as well, particularly after its president offered protections to those who chose to. Some experts expect only about 1,000 people to ultimately make it to the border, based on past trends. Trump claimed on Monday, without evidence, that gang members are part of the caravan, and called it an invasion of our country. Our military is waiting for you! he tweeted. Many Gang Members and some very bad people are mixed into the Caravan heading to our Southern Border. Please go back, you will not be admitted into the United States unless you go through the legal process. This is an invasion of our Country and our Military is waiting for you! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 29, 2018 CBP, which includes Border Patrol and officers at ports of entry, apprehended about 520,000 people on the southwest border last fiscal year, about 40 percent of whom were families and unaccompanied minors. Although total apprehensions were higher than Trumps first year in office, 2018s numbers arent unprecedented CBP apprehended more than 550,000 people in the 2016 fiscal year, for example, and more than 1 million in 2000. Nearly a quarter of those apprehended last year were picked up at ports of entry after being deemed inadmissible, a number that includes asylum seekers following a legal process. U.S. and international law allows people who fear persecution in their native countries to seek asylum. The administration has struggled to quickly deport those it apprehends because a larger proportion are Central American asylum-seeking families and children, who have more protections to have their claims heard before they can be sent back. Immigrant rights advocates argue that the border needs more resources to process asylum seekers, not more militarization. President Trump has chosen just before midterm elections to force the military into furthering his anti-immigrant agenda of fear and division, Shaw Drake, policy counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union Border Rights Center in El Paso, Texas, said in a statement. But this harmful action is nothing more than Trumps latest aggression against immigrant families with children who seek our protection. These migrants need water, diapers, and basic necessities not an army division. Also on HuffPost Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. A Honduran migrant drinks soup during a new leg of their travel in Tecun Uman, Guatemala, on Oct. 18, 2018. Honduran migrants rest inside a shelter in Tecun Uman. A moment alone. Migrant children take shelter from rain. Migrants lift each other into the back of a truck. People wait in line as they continue their journey northward. Another truck packed with people weaves through Central America. A young migrant child is confronted by police. A man feeds his child in the back of a truck. People clutch children and belongings as they wade through currents. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. By Phil Stewart and Yeganeh Torbati WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States said on Monday it will send over 5,200 troops to help secure the border with Mexico, a far larger-than-expected deployment as President Donald Trump hardens his stance on immigration ahead of Nov. 6 mid-term elections. The deployment will create an active-duty force comparable in size to the U.S. military contingent in Iraq, as Trump's administration draws attention to a caravan of migrants that is trekking through Mexico toward the United States. General Terrence O'Shaughnessy, the head of U.S. Northern Command, said 800 U.S. troops were already en route to the Texas border and more were headed to the borders in California and Arizona. "The president has made it clear that border security is national security," O'Shaughnessy said, as he detailed a much larger deployment that the 800 to 1,000 troops predicted by U.S. officials last week. O'Shaughnessy said some soldiers would be armed although it was unclear who, beyond U.S. military police, might need those weapons. U.S. officials have stressed that the troops would not police the border and instead carry out support roles like building tents and barricades, and flying U.S. customs personnel to locations along the border. Trump railed against illegal immigration to win the 2016 U.S. presidential election and has seized on the caravan of Central American migrants at campaign rallies in the run-up to next week's vote, firing up support for his Republican Party. Trump said the United States would build "tent cities" to house migrants seeking asylum, rather than releasing them while they await court decisions. "Were going to put tents up all over the place. Were not going to build structures and spend all of this, you know, hundreds of millions of dollars - were going to have tents," he told Fox News in an interview. Trump said detaining asylum seekers while their cases are being decided would discourage others from following suit. ARMED SOLDIERS If the Republicans lose control of the House of Representatives or the Senate, it could become much harder for Trump to pursue his policy agenda in his remaining two years in office. According to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in late September and early October, 75 percent of Republican voters said illegal immigration is a very big problem, compared with 19 percent of Democratic voters. Although Trump's supporters in Congress praised the deployment of troops, the American Civil Liberties Union derided it as a political stunt. "President Trump has chosen just before midterm elections to force the military into furthering his anti-immigrant agenda of fear and division," said Shaw Drake, policy counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union Border Rights Center in El Paso, Texas. Trump said on Twitter on Monday that the military would be waiting for the procession -- suggesting a far more direct role in confronting the migrants than the Pentagon described. "Many Gang Members and some very bad people are mixed into the Caravan heading to our Southern Border," Trump tweeted. "Please go back, you will not be admitted into the United States unless you go through the legal process. This is an invasion of our Country and our Military is waiting for you!" he added. Trump administration officials have been discussing other options to address the caravan and a surge in border crossings, including having Trump use his authority under the Immigration and Nationality Act to declare certain migrants ineligible for asylum for national security reasons. Officials said no decisions had been made. Kevin McAleenan, the U.S. commissioner of Customs and Border Protection, said a group of approximately 3,500 immigrants were traveling through southern Mexico with the intent of reaching the U.S. border. A second caravan of about 3,000 people were at the Guatemala-Mexico border, McAleenan said. At the same time, over the last three weeks, border agents have encountered nearly 1,900 people per day either crossing the border illegally or presenting themselves at ports of entry, with over half of them being children alone or parents and children traveling together, McAleenan said. "We are already facing a border security and humanitarian crisis at our southwest border," he said. Some migrants have abandoned the journey, deterred by the hardships or the possibility instead of making a new life in Mexico. Others joined it in southern Mexico. Trump's decision to call in the military appears to be a departure from past practice, at least in recent years, in which such operations were carried out by National Guard forces -- largely part-time military members who are often called upon to serve in response to domestic emergencies. There are already 2,100 U.S. National Guard forces at the border, sent after a previous Trump request in April. The latest deployment would be in addition to those forces. The decision to send active duty forces this time gives the Pentagon the ability to more rapidly mobilize greater capability than would be immediately available with the Guard, officials told Reuters. But it also injects the military, which prides itself in being non-partisan, into a highly charged political issue just days ahead of an election. (Reporting by Phil Stewart, Yeganeh Torbati; Additional reporting by Idrees Ali, Eric Beech, Mohammad Zargham, Steve Holland and David Alexander; Editing by Leslie Adler and Lisa Shumaker) Tunis (AFP) - A suicide attack by an unemployed graduate woman on a busy street in the Tunisian capital this week was an "isolated act", a government minister said Tuesday. Mna Guebla detonated explosives Monday near a gathering of police cars in the upmarket Avenue Habib Bourguiba in central Tunis, wounding 15 officers and two teenagers in the first such attack in the city since 2015. Interior Minister Hichem Fourati, whose ministry is on the same street, said Guebla was not on a watch-list of potential extremists "and was not known for her religious background or affiliation". "It was an isolated act, the security services were on the alert, they intervened very quickly," he told AFP. Police sources said the assailant appeared to have used a homemade bomb rather than an explosive belt. A source at the interior ministry said there was a hunt for suspected accomplices. Guebla, from the eastern region of Mahdia, was an unemployed business English graduate aged 30, said prosecution spokesman Sofiene Sliti, who also represents the country's anti-terrorism unit. Police had questioned her two younger brothers, according to their parents, who said their daughter was "naive" and had been "manipulated". They described her as a "model" young woman, who spent a lot of time at the computer. Her family said that in the three years since she graduated, she had been unable to find a job and had instead occasionally worked as a shepherdess. Nearly eight years since a revolution that toppled longtime dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, Tunisia's economy is stagnant and around a third of young graduates are unemployed. Authorities had not previously identified Guebla as a potential extremist, Sliti told AFP. The prosecution spokesman said there had not yet been any arrests in connection with Monday's attack. - Security beefed up - Authorities said nobody was seriously injured in the explosion. Story continues Tunis returned to normal on Tuesday apart from a reinforced police presence around the blast site, on a major artery and close to the French embassy. Municipal workers had used high-pressure water hoses to clean the area, where tourists were walking again and cafes had re-opened. Organisers of the Carthage Film Festival, set to begin Saturday at venues on the same road, said it would go ahead as planned. Since 2011, jihadists have been waging a campaign of attacks targeting Tunisian security forces, particularly in the mountainous region near the Algerian border. But Monday's attack was the first in Tunis since November 2015, when a suicide bombing killed 12 security agents on a bus for presidential guards, a few hundred metres (yards) from the site of the latest attack. The 2015 attack was claimed by the Islamic State jihadist group. In June 2015, a student went on a shooting rampage in the coastal resort of Sousse and killed 38 people, including 30 Britons. An attack in March that year on the Bardo National Museum in Tunis left 22 people dead, all but one of them foreign tourists. Those attacks, also claimed by IS, devastated Tunisia's crucial tourism sector, which made up seven percent of gross domestic product. The country has been under a state of emergency since the November 2015 bus attack. The state of emergency was extended this month until November 6, amid a tense political climate ahead of legislative and presidential elections planned for next year. Ankara (AFP) - Turkey has completed preparations for a new operation in northern Syria to "destroy" a US-backed Kurdish militia that Ankara considers a terrorist group, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Tuesday. The Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) holds territory east of the Euphrates River, where Turkey has repeatedly threatened to launch a fresh offensive against the militia. "We are going to destroy the terrorist structure in the east of the Euphrates. We have completed our preparations, plans, programmes regarding this issue," Erdogan told lawmakers from his ruling party in parliament. Erdogan appeared to indirectly confirm Turkish state media reports that Turkey's military fired artillery shells at YPG positions east of the Euphrates in the Kobane region of northern Syria on Sunday. The YPG has held the area since 2015. "In fact, in the past few days, we have begun real interventions against the terror organisation," Erdogan said, without giving further details. "We are going to breathe down the necks of the terror organisation with comprehensive and effective operations soon. As I have always said, we can come suddenly one night." Erdogan has previously made similar threats and on Friday gave the YPG a "final warning". YPG spokesman Nuri Mahmud told AFP: "Each time Turkey sees the situation in Syria moving towards stability and a political solution, it threatens areas east of the Euphrates and regions in northern Syria. "The People's Protection Units will respond to any threat or attack," he warned, calling such a response "legitimate defense". The YPG has worked closely with the United States in the fight against the Islamic State jihadists in Syria, straining relations between Washington and Ankara, which says the militia is a "terrorist offshoot" of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). The PKK has waged a deadly insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984 and is blacklisted as a terror group by Turkey, the United States and the European Union. Story continues - Joint US-Turkey patrols - In a bid to lower tensions, the United States and Turkey in June agreed to work together in Manbij, west of the Euphrates, after Ankara repeatedly threatened to attack the city. The YPG holds swathes of territory in Syria's north and northeast. Manbij is controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), an umbrella group dominated by the YPG. Turkey and the US agreed to conduct independent, coordinated patrols while troops from both countries began training together earlier this month. Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said Tuesday that training had been completed and joint patrols would begin. Akar added that Turkey's next target would be east of the Euphrates. Earlier this year, Turkish military forces supported Syrian opposition fighters in retaking the western Afrin region from the YPG during a two-month air and ground offensive dubbed "Olive Branch". Ankara previously launched an offensive between 2016 and 2017 against IS on its border with Syria, as well as stopping areas under YPG control from linking up. Following several years of tension, there were signs of relations easing between Washington and Ankara after an American pastor, who had been detained in Turkey for two years, was released on October 12. Geneva (AFP) - The UN rights chief called Tuesday for "international experts" to help investigate the murder of Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, and called on Riyadh to reveal the whereabouts of his body. "For an investigation to be carried out free of any appearance of political considerations, the involvement of international experts, with full access to evidence and witnesses, would be highly desirable," Michelle Bachelet said in a statement. Khashoggi, a 59-year-old Saudi journalist and Washington Post contributor, was killed after entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2 to obtain paperwork ahead of his upcoming wedding. His body has not yet been found. His death has brought near unprecedented international scrutiny on Saudi Arabia and its powerful Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman. The journalist's fiancee has accused the regime of a massive cover-up. Bachelet stressed the importance of ensuring the murder be investigated in an independent and impartial manner. "I welcome the steps taken by Turkish and Saudi authorities to investigate and prosecute the alleged perpetrators of Mr. Khashoggis murder," the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said. "But given the information that high-level officials in Saudi Arabia were apparently involved, and it took place in the Consulate of Saudi Arabia, the bar must be set very high to ensure meaningful accountability and justice for such a shockingly brazen crime against a journalist and government critic," she insisted. Bachelet added that it was important to determine whether "serious human rights violations such as torture, summary execution or enforced disappearance were committed and to identify all those implicated in this crime, irrespective of their official capacity." She called on authorities in both Turkey and Saudi Arabia to cooperate in ensuring that the full truth about Khashoggi's murder comes to light. Story continues "Forensic examination, including an autopsy on the body of the victim is a crucial element in any investigation into a killing, and I urge the Saudi authorities to reveal the whereabouts of his body without further delay or prevarication," she said. Bachelet's statement marks the third time she has commented on Khashoggi's disappearance and murder. It comes after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on Saudi Arabia's chief prosecutor, who visited the consulate in Istanbul Tuesday, to find out who ordered the journalist's murder, and not spare "certain people" in his investigation. Saudi Arabia is seeking to draw a line under the crisis after offering a series of differing narratives following the journalist's disappearance. Since admitting the murder was premeditated, the Saudi leadership has blamed a "rogue operation" for the killing of Khashoggi, who was once an insider in Saudi royal circles and had lived in self-imposed exile in the United States since 2017. The US Defense Department announced on October 29 that it would send 5,200 troops to the southern border by the end of the week. The troops were expected to join 2,000 National Guard members already deployed there, assembling a force exceeding the US military footprint in Iraq and Syria, the Wall Street Journal reported. The move came as US President Donald Trump repeatedly called attention to a migrant caravan moving through Central America, using speeches and tweets to refer to it as an invasion. The caravan is currently hundreds of miles from the border and is not expected to arrive there for two months. This footage shows crews and equipment preparing to leave Fort Knox, Kentucky, to be deployed to the southwest border region as part of the effort to support border security, in an operation dubbed Faithful Patriot. Credit: TSgt Laura Beckley via Storyful Washington (AFP) - The number of active-duty troops the Pentagon is sending to the US border with Mexico will swell beyond the figure of more than 5,000 announced this week, a top general said Tuesday. US authorities on Monday said more than 5,200 troops would head south to bolster border security, in a bid to prevent a caravan of Central American migrants from illegally crossing. General Terrence O'Shaughnessy, head of the US military's Northern Command, told Pentagon reporters Tuesday that the precise number is currently 5,239 troops -- and that the figure would grow. "What I can confirm is there will be additional force over and above the 5,239. The magnitude of that difference, I don't have an answer for it now," he said. President Donald Trump in recent weeks has repeatedly said more troops are needed to tighten border security, and he has made political capital of the caravan ahead of crucial midterm congressional elections that could see the Democrats regain some degree of power. In April, Trump ordered up to 4,000 National Guardsmen to head to the border as a different migrant caravan wound its way north. About 2,100 have deployed. Yaounde (AFP) - An American missionary died Tuesday after his vehicle was "riddled with bullets" in northwest Cameroon's restive anglophone region, a religious official from the local archdiocese told AFP. A hospital source confirmed that the victim "died this afternoon" of his wounds in hospital in the regional capital Bamenda, following Tuesday's attack. Security forces were visible around the hospital on Tuesday. In Washington State Department spokesman Robert Palladino later confirmed "the death of a United States citizen in Bamenda," adding that "we are providing all appropriate consular services but out of respect for the family during these difficult times we have nothing further on that". The missionary's widow, Stephanie Wesco, tweeted that her husband Charles was now "with the Savior he adored and faithfully served for many years" "My heart is broken," she added. "I want to wake up from a horrific nightmare". The two anglophone regions in western Cameroon are the site of an uprising by armed separatists, who have also called for a boycott of local schools. They argue that the French-language education system penalises English-speaking students in the largely francophone central African nation. The violence, which erupted last year, has claimed the lives of at least 420 civilians, 175 members of the security forces and an unknown number of separatists, according to the International Crisis Group (ICG) think-tank. It was impossible to determine on Tuesday which side of the conflict was responsible for the attack. On Thursday, gunmen killed a linguistics professor in the same area. University staff said the murder of the academic, who was also in charge of administration, bore the hallmarks of the "Amba boys," or separatists fighting for an independent English-speaking state called Ambazonia. The government has refused to engage in dialogue with the anglophone separatists, whom it called "terrorists" and has sent forces into the area to restore order. Story continues More than 300,000 people have fled the violence, some to neighbouring Nigeria. The voter turnout for this month's presidential election was very low in both anglophone regions, though longtime ruler Paul Biya won more than two-thirds of the votes cast, according to official results. Biya, 85, has been in power since 1982 and was re-elected for a seventh term with 71 percent of the votes nationwide. BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) A group of Venezuelan migrants living in Colombia's capital says their homes were ransacked by a mob that beat one of their friends to death while shouting slurs against foreigners. The attack occurred last week after rumors emerged on social media that Venezuelans living in the crime-ridden slums overlooking southern Bogota were kidnapping children. Cellphone videos taken during the attack show dozens of angry people pelting a bleeding man with rocks and kicking him as he lies on the ground. Police intervene and whisk the man off on a motorcycle. Police said the man, who had been living in Colombia for three months, died in the hospital. Residents of the Acapulco neighborhood where the attack took place were loath to discuss the incident. But survivors of the attack said Tuesday that the mob also targeted the homes of other Venezuelan migrants who lived nearby, apparently trying to run them out of the neighborhood. "They broke our windows and stole our furniture," said Jason Zabala, a Venezuelan coffee vendor who survived the attack by hiding in a neighbor's home. Zabala, 25, is now sleeping with a group of 10 migrants outside a hospital in Ciudad Bolivar and said he plans to return to Venezuela as soon as his brother, who was stabbed four times, is released from the hospital. He said he has no money for a bus ticket and has been begging for food for the past few days. "We might have to return to Venezuela by foot, and we might go hungry once we get there," Zabala said. "But at least we will not be humiliated anymore." Police said they are investigating the incident, in which six police officers were also injured. Bogota's police chief said claims of Venezuelans stealing children were baseless. More than 1.9 million people have left Venezuela over the past five years to escape an economic crisis marked by food shortages and inflation soon expected to surpass 1 million percent. Story continues Many of the migrants have ended up in Colombia, which has given temporary residence permits to more than a half million Venezuelans over the past two years. But as Venezuelans continue to stream into Colombia and other South American countries, discrimination is on the rise. Brazilian troops were deployed in August to protect migrants after a mob burned down their tent city. ___ Associated Press writer Cesar Garcia contributed to this report. For a company that famously deals in delicacysuch as the Welsh-gold wedding ring made for American actress Meghan Markles marriage to Prince Harry in MayWartski has a reputation for brutalism, at least when it comes to architecture. Our two previous London shops were quite brutalist, designed by Sir Denys Lasdun, whose best-known building is the Royal National Theatre, and John Bruckland, says Katherine Purcell, a joint managing director of the legendary London-based antique-and-vintage fine jewelry firm, which was founded in Wales in 1865 by Morris Wartski, a Polish immigrant, and is now headed by his great-grandson Nicholas Snowman. The new shop, which opened a few weeks ago, follows in those modernist footsteps, though not at first glance. This is the first time in 80 years that weve been in a building with a historic exterior, which rather took us aback, Purcell explains. The structure at 60 St. Jamess Street is a 1910 work by Henry John Treadwell and Leonard Martin of Treadwell & Martin, including the fanciful wood-and-glass shop front that Wartski now occupies on the buildings ground floor. Plus, as a prerenovation heritage-context report on the property, part of the St. Jamess Conservation Area, noted, unsympathetic alteration will be resisted. Its the sort of comment that would seem to put a crimp in any architects creativitybut that didnt stop Tom Bartlett of Waldo Works, a London architecture and design firm known for a mod aesthetic spirit. Photo: Irina Boersma As Purcell explains, Bartlett was slightly bemused by the new location. At first I thought Wartski would want a Fragonard version of a salon, which made me shiver, he says. Boldly, he made a suggestion that thrilled the firms directors. If Wartski merely installed a cutting-edge interior behind the folderol facade, the firm would seem to be, Purcell recalls, apologizing for the shop front. Instead, Bartletts idea was to bring that Edwardian elegance indoors, replicating its material, carvings, and other details on the reverse inner wall, proceeding inward for a foot or so, and then establishing a dramatic cut linebeyond which would be conjured a modern intervention that honors Wartskis brutalist legacy. Think of it as a time and space portal like that magical armoire in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Story continues Photo: Irina Boersma Jesmonite, a natural resin composite (rather like Coade stone, Bartlett says) that is a nontoxic alternative to fiberglass, coats most of Wartskis new interior walls now. They are gray, angled, and tilted as if shifted by tectonic forcesa nice allusion, given the pressure thats necessary to turn carbon into diamondsand peppered with chips of Welsh slate, the same stone that borders the forest-green carpeting below. I love the Welshness of the firm, since Im Welsh myself, says the architect, noting that the stone is quarried near Bangor, where Wartski opened his very first shop. Bartlett also textured the Jesmonite with vertical ridges that allude to the cutting of diamonds and other stones as well as the guilloche enameling on the Carl Faberge objets dart that have been a constant at the firm since the 1920s, when an array were snapped up by Wartski after the Russian Revolution. I wanted the shop to feel cavelike, like a bank vault, secure and stony, Bartlett explains, and the contrast between the ribbed Jesmonite with the Faberge pieces just seemed weirdly right. Photo: Irina Boersma Faceted shapes fracture the ceilings into deep coffers, while others project out over frameless built-in display cases, each equipped with glass panels that silently slide into the walls electronically rather than open out on hinges. (Very James Bond, Purcell observes.) The objects are displayed like relics in a church, the architect says, noting that the shops open barbell-shaped floor planfront gallery, central corridor lined with cases, and an eye-catching rear gallery with an illuminated full-length showcase that is lined with green silkis a bit like a church, as if you are going down to the altar. Photo: Irina Boersma Adjacent to the rear gallery is what could be calledto continue with the ecclesiastical metaphorthe holy of holies: a tiny private viewing chamber for publicity-shy clients. There, the gray Jesmonite gives way to gray velvet, secret panels and hidden display cases are set into the walls, and a three-quarter-length portrait of Queen Alexandra, wife of Edward VII, hangs as a reminder that Wartski has counted six generations of British royalty as clients. It was painted by Wartski relation Isaac Snowman in 1901, the year the subjects husband acceded to the throne. Purcell is especially pleased by the special effects that Bartlett finessed in the private viewing room. After the clients sit down, the lights are turned off, and the cases automatically slide open to reveal the jewelry they have asked to see, perfectly illuminated. Its very dramatic, like a theater. As for the shop itself, it has a very Zen feel about it, she continues. One expects it to feel forbidding, but it doesnt. It feels very special. And very Wartski. More from AD PRO: Has Instagram Made Design Shows Better? Sign up for the AD PRO newsletter for all the design news you need to know (CBC) Despite a return to profitability in its most recent quarter, the chief executive of WestJet Airlines Ltd. said he is far from satisfied with the airlines financial performance as it continues through the early stages of a turnaround effort. Todays results is nowhere near where we believe our business could and should perform, WestJet chief executive Ed Sims said on a conference call with analysts on Tuesday following the release of third quarter results. Were in the early stages of turning around our financial results and we are taking a prudent and proactive approach to margin expansion for both cost reduction and revenue improvement. WestJet reported net income of $45.9 million, or 40 cents per diluted share, in the three month period ending September 30. While it was a marked improvement from its second quarter performance, which saw the airline report its first quarterly loss in 13 years, it represented a 66 per cent decrease in profitability from the same time last year, when net income hit $135.9 million, or $1.15 per diluted share. The decline in net income was due to a combination of factors, Sim said, including soaring fuel prices, overcapacity in the domestic market, and lingering effects from a threatened pilots strike earlier this year. WestJets revenue per available seat mile (RASM) fell 5.6 per cent from the same time last year to 14.2 cents, while cost per available seat mile (CASM), a measure of how much it costs an airline to fly passengers, increased 5.9 per cent to 13.32 cents. WestJet is in the midst of pursuing a growth strategy that includes cornering the price-sensitive end of the market through its ultra low-cost carrier (ULCC) Swoop, while also launching a widebody expansion project with the purchase of at least 10 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. The bold strategy has been met by skepticism from some analysts. Still, WestJets CEO told analysts he is confident in the companys strategic direction. Story continues We are in a turnaround. Our strategy has effectively been sharpened in terms of its focus by the operating and economic environment that weve undergone through the last 12 months, Sims said. We are committed, effectively, to a journey of being a low-fare domestic network that feeds and is fed by a premium international network. National Bank Financial analyst Cameron Doerksen warned in a note sent to clients Tuesday that WestJet may face more competitive pressure going forward. One of our concerns for WestJet is that we believe it is more at risk of seeing downward yield pressure as it competes more directly with new (ultra low-cost carrier) capacity using its Swoop arm, Doerksen said. WestJets strategy to take market share versus well established players as it grows internationally may also subject it to more yield pressure in the coming years. Earlier this month, the airline announced that Calgary, Alta. would be the home based of its first three Dreamliner jets, offering non-stop service to London (Gatwick), Paris and Dublin beginning in late spring next year. On Tuesday WestJet also announced a new non-stop service from Toronto to Barcelona that will begin flying three times a week beginning May 24. In the meantime, after being unable to reach an agreement through mediation and conciliation services, WestJet and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) union are moving to binding arbitration for its first contract. WestJet is also expected to begin bargaining with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents the companys flight attendants, in the first half of next year. Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android. Even as a growing number of political candidates have embraced marijuana decriminalization some promote it as a way of combatting the opioid crisis, others as a part of criminal justice reform many say theyre still making up their minds. A handful of pro-pot Democrats have been attacked on the issue, which is why some progressives want Democratic leaders to fully embrace cannabis so the party can show a unified front. Unlike establishment partisan positions on taxes or healthcare where parties write the play-books with pot, individual politicians are making it up as they go. And some say theyre going to lose votes as a result. The Democratic Party has yet to grasp that marijuana is an issue that moves a core segment of voters which they keep on claiming they want to target, which are white men, Justin Strekal, political director for marijuana advocacy group NORML, tells Rolling Stone. When it comes to marijuana, theres been no leadership from Washington, even as polls reveal more than 60 percent of Americans want legalization. Though Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer introduced his own marijuana bill to decriminalize and regulate at the federal level, he wont commit to bringing it up for a vote if he becomes majority leader. Its the same story in the House when asked if shed bring a marijuana bill up for a vote, Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi wavered. I dont know where the president is on any of this. So any decision about how we go forward would have to reflect where we can get the result, she said. Youve heard me say it, over and over: Public sentiment is everything. With Democratic leaders refusing to commit to even voting on marijuana, their candidates positions on it are as much of a patchwork as the nations disparate marijuana laws and it could affect some of the most contested races in the country. Story continues This year the battle for New Yorks 19th District is nasty. First-term Republican John Faso, who is pretty mum on marijuana, has supported a series of blatant race-baiting ads highlighting his Democratic opponent, Antonio Delgados short lived hip-hop career. Faso has accused Delgado of glorifying drug use and, while widely decried, his allies say the ads have had an impact. That was evident on a recent Friday evening at a voter registration event for college students in New Paltz, New York. In his stump speech about shaking up the status quo, Delgado brought up the opioid crisis as evidence that Washingtons broken. But in this region that witnessed an 80 percent increase in opioid deaths from 2015-2016, the tall, handsome man refused to acknowledge that marijuana which is increasingly being found to be an effective way to curb opioid use could be a solution. My focus on the response is making sure that we actually fund drug treatment centers, that we actually fund health facilities and mental health facilities, and that we give these young individuals a chance to recover, he told Rolling Stone. When pressed on whether marijuana could be a solution, he responded that he did not follow the line of questions. He also added that he only supports medical marijuana. This apparent fear of attack ads being labeled a pro-drug candidate is partly why Democratic leaders are being nudged to make marijuana reform part of their agenda. That way, candidates will be better prepared to talk pot politics, even when their opponents try to distort their position and portray them as wanting to loosen restrictions on all drugs. Some Democrats are still leery of publicly supporting marijuana policy reform for fear of backlash from Republican opponents, but they shouldnt be, says Morgan Fox, media relations director of the National Cannabis Industry Association. Supporting marijuana policy reform pretty much guarantees a boost of several points in the polls for candidates of either party. Yet in some red states, marijuana is being used to lure voters to the Democratic side. Six hundred miles southwest of Delgado, in West Virginias Third District, Democrat Richard Ojedas made marijuana a centerpiece of his shockingly close race deep in Trump country. The burly, tattooed veteran and state senator successfully ushered medicinal marijuana through his highly conservative legislature. Hes now running for an open seat in the House, and argues anyone who doesnt connect marijuana to the opioid crisis is in the pocket of the pharmaceutical industry. How about people stop being politicians and start being leaders? says Ojeda, who now advocates for decriminalization, in part to end mass incarceration. Because right now thats what weve got: Politicians who want to tell people what they think people want to hear. In May, Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz used his Democratic challenger Rep. Beto ORourkes support of decriminalization in ads where a narrator says Beto ORourke said we should consider legalizing all narcotics, including heroin. Even as the ads were running this summer the young Democrat didnt waver, and he was able to tighten the race. But in New Jersey where officials are also gearing up to legalize recreational marijuana Democratic congressional candidates cant seem to find a center of the issue. In the Seventh District, five-term Republican Congressman Leonard Lance supports medicinal marijuana, but he opposes recreational. His Democratic challenger, Tom Malinowski, supports Sen. Cory Bookers Marijuana Justice Act, which retroactively decriminalizes marijuana while incentivizing states to decrease their prison populations. Theres no good rationale for locking up a lot of young people up for marijuana, says Malinowski, a human rights activist. And if thats going to be our judgement going forward then we also need justice looking backward. About an hour south on I-95, in the Third District, incumbent Republican Tom MacArthur has been a vocal opponent of recreational marijuana. While MacArthurs Democratic opponent, Andrew Kim, wants to remove marijuana from the federal list of controlled substances where its currently listed next to heroin, he wants to see more scientific data before Congress acts beyond that. When I see stats out there saying that states that allow for medicinal marijuana have 25 percent less opioid related fatalities, that is something that catches my attention and makes me think that this is something that we need to look into and research and do in a responsible way, Kim told me from a back office in the old bank hes converted into his headquarters. Kim is perplexed to learn that Democratic leaders in Washington dont even want to bring marijuana bills to the floor, especially the ones to merely increase research that have Republican support too. Thats absolutely a signal that this is an opportunity for us to be able advance this and be able to figure out the right way to go about doing this, says Kim, who has called for new Democratic Party leaders. So many people in our district are disenchanted with politics, frankly on both sides of the aisle, and what theyre asking for is a fresh start. Yahoo News photo Illustration; photos: AP, Getty Images WASHINGTON In mock battles at the Armys massive combat training centers in Californias Mojave Desert, Louisianas pine forests and Germanys mud, the service is spending less time preparing troops for meetings with village elders and more time training soldiers how to respond to artillery barrages and attacks from enemy fighter bombers. After spending the last 17 years fighting grinding counterinsurgencies in places like Iraq and Afghanistan, the Army is shifting its gaze. This years National Defense Strategy charged the military with preparing for high-intensity conflict against major nation-state threats like Russia, China, Iran and North Korea. The Army is falling in line. The change is popular with the current crop of generals, to judge from their comments at the recent Association of the U.S. Army annual meeting and exposition in Washington, D.C. But if the militarys post-Korean War history is any guide, the Armys next war is more likely to be another messy insurgency than a conflict with a major power. Army senior leaders say that they can prepare adequately for both. Others are not so sure. We have a bad habit of not being able to stop the pendulum in the middle, said retired Col. Joe Collins, a professor at the National War College. That context has some observers including the general arguably most associated with the Iraq and Afghanistan wars cautioning that as the Army gears up for war on the European plains, it must not forget the lessons it has paid such a high price in blood to learn. It is reasonable to refocus a fair amount on higher-end tasks on which we didnt focus a great deal during the years of back-to-back deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, said retired Gen. David Petraeus, who at different periods was the senior U.S. commander for each of those wars. But we do need to retain the lessons that we learned too often the hard way in those counterinsurgency campaigns. The Army has been here before. After withdrawing from Vietnam in the mid-1970s, the service turned its attention to preparing for war in Europe against the Soviet Union and wanted nothing more to do with the sort of battles it had fought in the jungles of southeast Asia. We did walk away from it, said retired Lt. Gen. Guy Swan, vice president of education at the Association of the U.S. Army. The only lesson the Army seemed to learn from Vietnam was that it didnt want to fight a counterinsurgency again. Story continues But the Army doesnt get to pick its wars. When President George W. Bush nominated Gen. George Casey to lead the military effort in Iraq in June 2004 as that country was starting its slide into anarchic civil war, he was selecting a general who had achieved four-star rank without ever reading a book on guerrilla warfare. Its unlikely that Casey was alone in that regard among the Armys senior leaders. The full cost of that institutional amnesia became clear only as the United States and its allies lost control of Iraq to Sunni insurgents and Iranian-sponsored Shia militias. By the time the U.S. military had climbed back up the steep counterinsurgency learning curve towards the end of 2007, almost 4,000 American troops were dead. One of the faulty assumptions that Army officers made in the years between Vietnam and Iraq was that units trained for high-intensity conflict would be able to handle anything else. If we can face the Russians, then we can handle these guerrillas, was how Swan described their attitude. And that was not the case. Todays senior Army leaders seem convinced that the service can combine training for tank-on-tank battles with preparation for counterinsurgency and other forms of low-intensity conflict. Gen. Stephen Townsend, head of Army Training and Doctrine Command, acknowledged that the service could not afford to completely turn its back on the sort of warfare it had been conducting in Afghanistan and Iraq. The future of war will be a hybrid threat, he told reporters at the recent Army association meeting in Washington, D.C. . Therell be everything from tanks and missiles and fighter-bombers down to criminal gangs, terrorists, suicide bombers and guerrilla cells. Were going to have to do all of that, the full spectrum of conflict. Other generals sounded the same theme. But occasionally there were faint echoes of the post-Vietnam mantra that, as Swan put it, any tank unit can handle guerrillas. We dont forget the lessons learned from Iraq and Afghanistan, said Brig. Gen. Christopher LaNeve, who heads 7th Army Training Command in Grafenwoehr, Germany. But its easy to transition from a high-intensity fight to a counterinsurgency, he told an audience at the meeting. Its harder, he said, to make the opposite switch. Todays colonels and generals made their careers conducting counterinsurgency campaigns, but the Army has always been more comfortable preparing for high-intensity, artillery-intensive warfare than for the dirty, messy business of putting down insurgencies, not to mention peacekeeping (now almost officially a dirty word in the service). As the Armys commitment to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq began to wind down, there was almost a sense of relief that we can go back to real soldiering, like after Vietnam, said Petraeus. Army officers simply have a greater comfort level with conventional wars, he said, and its about getting resources, he said. And big wars get you big resources. Swan said there was some truth to that theory, but he argued the major reason the Army defaults to high-intensity conflict is because that sort of war is the most dangerous to American interests, even if a less likely scenario. If youre an army thats expected to fight and win the nations wars, I think you have to lean towards the higher end of the spectrum, Swan said. Even Petraeus, who as a lieutenant general oversaw the 2006 publication of the services counterinsurgency doctrine manual, says it is reasonable for the Army to refocus on high-end conflict. But, he added, the service must remember that all operations include a mix of offense, defense and stability. Todays senior Army leaders say that wont happen again. Whether we want to or not, were going to find ourselves doing a peacekeeping operation or doing a stability operation, doing another counterinsurgency somewhere in the world, Townsend said. Others are not so sure. Im concerned that while the Army says were not going to do that, theyre not making the adjustments in our education and our training that ensure that our forces and our junior officers and [non-commissioned officers] see this as not a binary but a continuum which theyve got to be prepared to fight in, said retired Col. John Agoglia, who was the director of the Counterinsurgency Training Center in Kabul, Afghanistan from 2008 to 2010. That training and education will grow in importance in the coming years as fewer and fewer soldiers will have firsthand experience of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Already, comparatively few junior officers and enlisted soldiers have the benefit of that experience. That might present the Army with a challenge, said Swan, who cited as an example his son, a first lieutenant who graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point two years ago. He hasnt deployed to Afghanistan or Iraq, and what hes been doing has been tank gunnery, Swan said. He is focused on Russians and other high-end competitors. The training centers, which include permanent opposing forces (essentially home teams that visiting units train against), could shift back to a counterinsurgency scenario very quickly, said Mario Hoffmann of the Training and Doctrine Commands intelligence directorate. However, doing so would require an enormous increase in the number of role players involved (who usually play civilians on the battlefield) as well as an expansion of the facilities for training units in urban warfare, he said at the AUSA annual meeting. Even now, Hoffmann said, even though most training is focused on the metal-on-metal combined arms threat, every unit rotating through every combat training center should be fighting elements of irregular warfare, to include insurgencies or guerrillas or terrorists. But how should the Army prepare to fight across the full spectrum of conflict when there is an inevitable zero-sum element to decisions about how to spend training resources, particularly the resource of time? A day spent on counterinsurgency, perhaps by training how best to interact with Afghan village elders, is a day not spent training for tank warfare on the plains of Europe. The Army is, in part, answering this question by creating conventional Army units that specialize in low-intensity conflict, a task that has been normally carried out by Special Forces. Scarred by the experience of trying and failing to win counterinsurgency campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq with its own combat formations, the service is planning for campaigns in which its role is to advise and assist host nation forces in putting down insurgencies, rather than to do the fighting itself. We think the United States Army in particular but the military writ large will be in an advise-and-assist role for years and decades to come, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley told reporters. He acknowledged that the Armys traditional experts at this work are its Special Forces, who call it foreign internal defense. However, Milley said, theres simply not enough of them to handle the workload on their own. Milleys solution to this problem is the Security Force Assistance Brigade, a new type of unit that includes the officers and sergeants of a regular infantry brigade, but not the junior soldiers. The idea is that the SFABs will train and advise foreign militaries, to include accompanying their partner units into combat. One is already in Afghanistan, another is scheduled to deploy next spring, three more are planned for the active force and one for the National Guard. Each SFAB (pronounced ess-fab) will have about 800 soldiers, and the Army is putting significant resources towards its goal of filling them with some of the Armys most talented soldiers. That is a big change from what you saw after Vietnam, said Guy Swan. Theyre putting the best and brightest in those units, at the expense of a lot of other missions, in the process causing some angst in the rest of the Army, he said. The SFABs are a demonstrable symbol that the Armys leaders recognize that the service will continue to be involved in low-intensity conflicts, and we have to capture those lessons learned and we have to put them into a formation, said Maj. Gen. Charles Flynn, the assistant deputy chief of staff in the Armys operations directorate, at an event hosted by Defense One. However, while the SFABs appear to be evidence that the Army is preparing for a future characterized by low-intensity conflicts, Milley suggested that at least as important to him was that the SFABs would free up for high-intensity operations upwards of half-a-dozen brigades that are currently deployed on advise-and-assist missions. What these SFABs do there is as we deploy them we should be able to recoup or get back the conventional brigades that weve ripped apart, Milley said. Another advantage is that if the service needs to rapidly expand the number of combat brigades in a national emergency, the SFABs, could be quickly fleshed out with junior soldiers, according to Swan. Those outfits were a way to husband end strength and key billets, he said. If the next chief sees that same logic, then I think they will survive. One test of how much priority the Army will continue to place on counterinsurgency is whether the colonels who command SFABs get promoted to one-star generals and selected for key jobs like assistant division commander at the same rate as their peers who command regular infantry, armor and artillery brigades, Petraeus said. When the Army stood up much smaller advisor teams in Iraq and Afghanistan, the colonels who commanded them were promoted at a much lower rate than their combat arms peers. The Army doesnt have a brilliant track record with a lot of these programs like that, said Agoglia. SFABs? he said. Theyre only going to last until the next chief of staff comes in and maybe he gets tired of it. _____ Read more from Yahoo News: Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Introducing himself before a meeting Monday on the issue of missing Native women in Washington state, Craig Bill mentioned the main reason for the gathering at the Yakima Convention Center. Its really about listening, said Bill, who is executive director of the Governors Office of Indian Affairs. And for more than three hours that afternoon, he and Capt. Monica Alexander of the Washington State Patrol, along with state Rep. Gina Mosbrucker, R-Goldendale, and dozens of others heard stories of sisters and mothers and daughters and cousins who have gone missing. Some women recalled their own horrifying experiences of being raped or barely escaping dangerous situations, and of suspicious deaths of loved ones deaths without resolution and without justice after years, decades even. We want actions taken. We want to see things happen, said Charlene Tillequots, a member of the Yakama Nation Tribal Council and its Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Committee. She and fellow committee members Athena Sanchey-Yallup, Esther Moses-Hyipeer and Lottie Sam sat with Alexander and Mosbrucker at the table at the head of the room. Approximately 225 people attended the session. The crowd was big enough that organizers took a brief break while convention center employees opened up a temporary wall and doubled the size of the room. As you can see, weve outgrown the room, said Mathew Tomaskin, Yakama Nation legislative liaison, who worked with Alexander and others to organize the meeting. This is the largest crowd theyve had, and theyve been around the state. No one knows exactly how many Native girls and women have gone missing on or near the 1.3-million-acre Yakama reservation. Many cases of missing people or mysterious deaths of women and men remain unsolved. During an FBI investigation spurred by rumors of a serial killer, investigators found as many as 32 cases dating back to 1980. Its something weve been struggling with for the past 30, 40 years, because many of those cases arent solved, Tomaskin said. Various efforts over time to address those cases just fell by the wayside, he said. Now, we feel we have something to move forward with, he added. Time does nothing to diminish the anguish of those left behind or who have been preyed upon. I was not out there asking to get raped, said Lila Whitefoot, who was attacked in her home in the early 1970s. She pressed charges and the man, a rancher who lived in the area, served three years in prison, she said. Whitefoot also has a sister who is missing. We are Gods given children and we dont deserve to be treated like that, she said with emotion. We deserve justice. The women deserve justice because we are human. Nobody deserves to be brutalized. Mondays meeting is among several happening as a result of Washington House Bill 2951, which requires the State Patrol to work with the Office of Indian Affairs, federally recognized tribes, tribal and other law enforcement and tribal leaders to determine how to increase reporting and investigation of missing Native American women. The legislation also requires the state to collect data, for the first time, on the numbers of missing Native women. The State Patrol must report the results of its study to the Legislature by June 1. This must include data and analysis on the number of missing Native American women in the state, identification of barriers in providing state resources to address the issue, and recommendations to improve safety and reporting. Officials had planned to hold Mondays meeting in the event center at Legends Casino in Toppenish but changed the venue a couple weeks ago to ensure there would be enough room. Were just reaching out to you. What can we do to help? Mosbrucker asked. Captain Alexander she cares. Shes tenacious. Were not letting go of this. Elizabeth Sanchey noted recent reports of children and women being followed amid stories from years ago. All deserve attention. Thank you, State Patrol, for being here. Thank you for stepping up, she said. I really hope we can work together. Were all one race. Were all human. Many who attended Mondays meeting, Sam said, came because they have suffered the loss of a loved one. They could leave knowing that something is taking place to ensure that doesnt continue. We dont want it to be normal. We want something to be done, she said. Lets get started. Lets do something wonderful for our future. Swastikas scrawled into Jewish students' notebooks. Headstones toppled and desecrated by vandals at Jewish cemeteries. Jews falsely blamed for challenges facing the nation. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter The shooting rampage that killed 11 people at Pittsburgh's Tree of Life Synagogue on Saturday is being decried as the deadliest attack on Jews in US history, allegedly carried out by a virulently anti-Semitic gunman. The carnage, however unprecedented, is not an aberration. Year after year, decade after decade, anti-Semitism proves to be among the most entrenched and pervasive forms of hatred and bigotry in the United States. Site of Pittsburgh attack (Photo: AFP) Jews make up only about 2 percent of the US population, but in annual FBI data they repeatedly account for more than half of the Americans targeted by hate crimes committed due to religious bias. The Anti-Defamation League identified 1,986 anti-Semitic incidents in the US in 2017, up from 1,267 in 2016, and also reported a major increase in anti-Semitic online harassment. Anti-Semitism surfaces often in the research conducted by the Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks various US hate groups, including neo-Nazis, white nationalists, skinheads and others. "They're all anti-Semitesthat's the tie that binds them," said Heidi Beirich, director of the center's Intelligence Project. "They believe Jews are pulling the strings behind bad things happening in this country." Of the thousands of anti-Semitic incidents in the US in recent decades, only a handful were deadly. In June 2009, a gunman who had anti-Semitic writings in his car killed a security guard while trying to enter the US Holocaust Memorial Museum. In April 2014, Frazier Glenn Miller Jr. fatally shot a 69-year-old man and his 14-year-old grandson at a Jewish community center in suburban Kansas City, then killed a woman at the nearby Village Shalom retirement center. Long before those incidents, many synagogues and Jewish organizations in the US had been ramping up security measures. Fifteen years ago, the Anti-Defamation League issued a 132-page guidebook titled, "Protecting Your Jewish Institution: Security Strategies for Today's Dangerous World." It includes detailed advice on controlling access to the premises, and also urged leaders of institutions to think carefully about whether or not they wanted to hire armed guards. After hearing news of the Pittsburgh shooting, President Donald Trump speculated that the death toll would have been smaller if an armed guard had been in the building. Stephen Cohen, a co-president of one of the congregations that used the Tree of Life Synagogue, said leaders of the facility had conducted active shooter drills in the past, and considered themselves well-trained in how to handle security crises. However, a rabbi-emeritus at the synagogue, Alvin Berkun, said guardswhile used during the major Jewish holy dayswere not on duty Saturday. Many US synagogues do employ armed guards; others have taken alternative measures to tighten security. "I doubt there's a synagogue in the US that doesn't think seriously about security," said Beirich of the Southern Poverty Law Center. "It's really sad that you can't go to a house of worship without thinking you're taking your life in your hands." Anti-Semitism has deep roots in many places far from the US, including Western Europe. In Germany, which recorded 1,453 anti-Semitic incidents in 2017, police officers are often stationed outside synagogues and other Jewish institutions. Similarly in France, where anti-Semitic violence increased by 25 percent last year, police and military patrols are deployed to help protect synagogues. Matthew Berger of Hillel International, a worldwide Jewish student organization, said there has been an increased focus on security in recent years. "By and large, we want to be an open and engaging community," he said. "We work tirelessly to balance that desire to be available and open with the security needs of our community." According to the Anti-Defamation League, anti-Semitic incidents on college and university campuses in the US nearly doubled in 2017, rising to 204 from 108 in 2016. At K-12 schools, 457 anti-Semitic incidents were reported, including swastika graffiti and playground bullying. In a separate report, released last week, the ADL said far-right extremists have ramped up an intimidating wave of anti-Semitic online harassment against Jewish journalists, political candidates and others ahead of the November 6 midterm elections. ADL researchers analyzed more than 7.5 million Twitter messages from August 31 to September 17 and found nearly 30 percent of the accounts repeatedly tweeting derogatory terms about Jews appeared to be automated bots. But accounts controlled by real-life humans often mount the most "worrisome and harmful" anti-Semitic attacks, sometimes orchestrated by leaders of neo-Nazi or white nationalist groups, the researchers said. The Palestine Liberation Organization's (PLO) Central Council called on Monday to end the security coordination between with Israel and suspend the recognition of the Jewish state until it recognizes the Palestinian state. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter However, the PLO Central Council left the decision on whether to implement its recommendations to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and the PLO Executive Committee. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (Photo: AFP) Such decisions have been made by the PLO Central Council in the past, but Abbas has yet to adopt them. Security cooperation, largely aimed at Abbas' rival, the Islamic militant Hamas, is unpopular among Palestinians, but has survived repeated crises and years of deadlock in talks with Israel on setting up a Palestinian state. Abbas' self-rule government in parts of the West Bank would likely collapse if he cuts ties with Israel. The only time in which the PLO's security coordination with Israel was suspended was when Israel placed metal detectors at the entrance to the Temple Mount in 2017. However, Abbas made that decision independently of the PLO Central Council. Speaking at the opening of the PLO Central Council meeting on Sunday, Abbas hinted on additional decisions that will redefine the organization's relations with Israel, Gaza and the US administration. "The period we are in is the most dangerous time for the Palestinian people. We are going to make decisions that are very important and difficult," said the Palestinian president. He also rejected what he said were American and Israeli attempts to create "a mini-state in Gaza and autonomy in the West Bank." "I again stress that no state will be established in Gaza, no state will be established without Gaza, and no state will be established with temporary borders. We went through a difficult time in 1984 and the PLO was on the verge of collapse. But thanks to the Palestinian people, we survived," he added. Abbas called to "implement the decisions we have made in the past regarding our relations with the United States, Israel, and Hamas. We must not give in to negotiations and pressure; we are at a historic point in time." He also slammed several Palestinian factions that decided to boycott the conference, calling on "everybody to unite and come together under the PLO Central Council. I turn to Hamas and say: unity is more important than what you are doing, so we can achieve our goalthe recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine." Addressing the US administration without naming it, Abbas said, "They are still talking about the deal of the era, and that they will present it after a month or two, but what's left of the deal? You transferred the embassy to Jerusalem, you destroyed the rights of the refugees and UNRWA, and you said that there are only 40,000 refugees. Your house will be destroyed40,000 Palestinians? In 1948, 950,000 refugees left Palestine. Today they are six million. You say 40,000? You only say this to eliminate the refugee problem." Police arrested five residents of east Jerusalem aged 14-50 on Tuesday who are suspected of throwing stones at a homes of Jewish families. They will be brought in front of a judge for a remand extension hearing later in the day. Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has warned the government to expect a negative reaction from Indonesia if Australia follows the United States by shifting its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Turnbull spoke to reporters after meeting Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo on the tourist island of Bali on Monday to discuss a bilateral free trade deal. "The president expressed to me ... the very serious concern held in Indonesia about the prospect of the Australian Embassy in Israel being moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem," Turnbull told Australian Broadcasting Corp. in an interview aired on Tuesday. "There's no question that were that move to occur, it would be met with a very negative reaction in Indonesia." "This is after all the largest ... majority-Muslim country in the world, so we have to be very clear-eyed about that and we have to take into account Australia's national interest and our interests in the region when we ... consider decisions like this," he added. SEOUL - South Korea has asked the United States for "maximum flexibility" on its request for a waiver to prevent South Korean companies from being affected by renewed US sanctions against Iran, the foreign ministry said. Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha asked for the exemption in a telephone call with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo late on Monday, the ministry said in a statement. "Minister Kang requested the US side exert maximum flexibility so that South Korea can secure an exemption to minimize the damage to our companies," the ministry said. Pompeo said he noted Seoul's position and would continue discussions on the matter, the ministry said. WASHINGTON - A rabbi invited to pray at a Michigan campaign stop with Vice President Mike Pence on Monday referenced "Jesus the Messiah" at the event. Rabbi Loren Jacobs of Messianic congregation Shema Yisrael offered prayers for the victims of the Pittsburgh synagogue massacre. Messianic Jews follow Jewish law but believe that Jesus is the Messiah. The major denominations of Judaism reject Messianic Judaism as a form of Judaism, and Jacobs' participation was condemned by Jews on social media. A Pence aide told The Associated Press that Jacobs was invited to pray at the event in suburban Detroit's Waterford Township by GOP congressional candidate Lena Epstein and said Pence did not know who he was when he invited Jacobs back onstage to offer another a prayer for the victims, their families and the nation. As Pence stood next to him, Jacobs ended his prayer by saying, "in the name of Jesus." Polls opened on Tuesday morning for Israel's municipal elections, where a record number of 6,653,808 eligible voters can cast their ballots for one of 863 candidates for mayor and some 3,400 candidates for regional council heads. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter Polling stations, which opened at 7am, will close at 10pm in most places. Communities with 350 residents or less will close their polls at 8pm. For the first time, elections for cities will take place on the same time as regional councils, meaning elections are being held at 251 of the 257 municipalities in Israel. File photo (Photo: Avi Rokach) Israelis will be able to cast their vote in one of some 11,000 ballot boxes at some 4,000 polling stations across the country. Voting for mayor will be done on yellow ballots, while voting for a party in the city council will be done with a white ballot. At regional councils, residents will be able to vote for town council members with blue ballots. If none of the mayoral candidates receives 40 percent or more of the votes, residents will be called to vote in a second round on November 13, choosing between the two leading candidates. Incumbent Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav votes One of the main goals set by the Interior Ministry, which is entrusted with the municipal elections, is raising the voting rate, which is traditionally around 50 percentsignificantly lower than the national elections, which have a 70 percent voting rate. To that end, the municipal elections day was made a sabbatical for the first time since 1986. Incumbent Tel Aviv Ron Huldai and Deputy Mayor Asaf Zamir, who is running against his boss, vote (Photos: Motti Kimchi, Tal Shahar) In another first, some 10,000 prisoners in 27 prisons and jails will be able to cast their ballot. Voting at IDF cases, where police and Prison Service personnel can also vote, began on Saturday night and will end on Wednesday. The Interior Ministry also planned to hold elections for the first time in four Druze municipalities in the Golan HeightsBuq'ata, Mas'ade, Ein Qiniyye and Majdal Shams, but all candidates quit the race in both Buq'ata and Mas'ade, apparently after receiving threats, and there will be no elections in those towns. Protest in Majdal Shams The Interior Ministry is employing some 17,000 people on Election Day. In addition, over 16,000 police, Border Police and volunteers will be stationed at polling stations to maintain order. Sole candidates Seventeen municipalities only have a single candidate running for mayor: Kiryat Bialik, Acre, Modi'in-Maccabim-Re'ut, Givatayim, Rehovot, Kiryat Ata, Even Yehuda, Mevaseret Zion, Ma'ale Adumim, Nazareth Illit, Ma'ale Efrayim, Rekhasim, Ghajar, Kiryat Ye'arim, Rameh, Kaukab Abu al-Hija and Kisra-Sumei. In those municipalities, voting with a green ballot would mean a vote against the sole candidate. If there are more votes cast against the candidate than for them, the elected city council members will choose the mayor. Ma'ale Efrayim, Rekhasim, Ghajar and Kiryat Ye'arim will not hold elections at all as only one party has submitted its candidacy for the city council as well. Eleven regional councils also have a sole candidate, and they will only hold elections for the council members and for the town council: Brenner, Menashe, Sdot Dan, Sdot Negev, Nahal Sorek, Hevel Eilot, Ramat Negev, Merhavim, Yoav, Megilot and Hof HaSharon. CANBERRA - Australia's former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull has warned the government to expect a negative reaction from Indonesia if Australia follows the United States by moving its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter Turnbull spoke to reporters after meeting Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo on Monday on the tourist island of Bali to discuss a bilateral free trade deal. "The president expressed to me ... the very serious concern held in Indonesia about the prospect of the Australian Embassy in Israel being moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem," Turnbull told Australian Broadcasting Corp. in an interview aired on Tuesday. "There's no question that were that move to occur, it would be met with a very negative reaction in Indonesia." Indonesian President Joko Widodo and former Australia prime minister Malcolm Turnbull (Photo: EPA) "This is after all the largest ... majority-Muslim country in the world, so we have to be very clear-eyed about that and we have to take into account Australia's national interest and our interests in the region when we ... consider decisions like this," he added. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Tuesday no decision had been made yet on the embassy's location. Morrison sent his predecessor to represent Australia at a climate change conference in Bali because of Turnbull's close personal rapport with the Indonesian leader, who had been disappointed that Turnbull's government colleagues replaced him in August in response to poor opinion polling. Turnbull said he was confident that the free trade deal between Australia, a nation of 25 million people, and Indonesia, a near-neighbor with a population of more than 260 million people, would be signed within weeks. Turnbull also said Australia should stick with a policy of more than 40 years that its embassy should be in Tel Aviv. Morrison, a long-time ally of Turnbull who had argued against replacing him in a leadership ballot of government lawmakers, floated the idea of shifting the embassy days before a by-election in a Sydney electorate with a large Jewish population. The government lost the by-election, forced by Turnbull's resignation from Parliament, and its single-seat majority in the House of Representatives. "Australia will always make our decisions on our foreign policy based on our interests and we'll do that as a sovereign nation," Morrison told reporters. We'll consult, we'll listen to others, but at the end of the day ... I will always put our interests first," he added. The Trump administration turned its back on decades of US policy last December by recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital and in May, it moved the US Embassy from Tel Aviv. The decision angered the Muslim world and was a setback for Palestinian aspirations for statehood. Palestinians see east Jerusalem, captured by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War, as the capital of a future independent state. Morrison said Australia remained committed to finding a two-state solution. When Morrison became prime minister, he made his first overseas trip to Indonesia, an ardent supporter of the Palestinian cause, in a sign of the importance Australia places on the bilateral relationship. We should have seen it coming. The massacre in Pittsburgh, the most deadly anti-Semitic attack in American history, had its roots in Charlottesville. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter Most people recall the the chaos in Charlottesville's streets: the torches, the scuffles between opposing groups, and of course, the murder of counter-protester Heather Heyer in a vehicle attack. But a quieter, yet very menacing event occurred that same day at the Beth Israel synagogue in Charlottesville. According to the account of the synagogue president, three armed men stalked the building throughout Shabbat morning services. Their behavior was so threatening that the congregants felt compelled to leave through the back door and remove the Torah scrolls for safekeeping. Fortunately, no violence came to pass. Memorials at the scene of the massacre (Photo: AP) Jews will not replace us! , many American Jews felt something new: an actual physical insecurity. While anti-Semitism has not been absent from the American scene, and vandalism with anti-Semitic messaging is unfortunately common, cases of physical violence against Jews in synagogues have been rare. Don't worry, some said, these losers just march and chant meaningless slogans. No one's going to actually attack a synagogue. Now we know better. Think of the validation that came from hearing President Trump talk about "good people on both sides." Think of how those words empower people, whether unstable or evil, inclined to move from hate speech to violent action. I dont mean that Trump is responsible for the shooting in Pittsburgh. The murderer bears that responsibility alone. And Trump is not an anti-Semite. But his words and signals contribute to an atmosphere in which hate against othersMuslims, Mexicans, gays, and yes, Jewsis normalized. A president should try to calm those tensions, not stoke them. He is not doing that. There is anti-Semitism on the left and on the right. We should be equally clear in opposing both. The dangers of left-wing anti-Semitism are clearest in Britain, where Jeremy Corbyn could bring such views to Downing Street. But such voices are also heard on in the United States, on college campuses and from Louis Farrakhan and others. We must oppose them all. Israelis mourn the death of the Pittsburgh massacre victims (Photo: AP) But no one has a bigger megaphone than the President of the United States. His condemnation after the attack is not enough. He needs to make racists and anti-Semites feel like their views are unacceptable. He does the opposite. And people who make excuses for him are not listening. The idea that American Jews could be unsafe while praying in our synagogues was once unthinkable. Now, many Jewish institutions will need much tighter security. And we feel vulnerable in a way we have not before. Israeli expressions of sympathy and support have been very moving. Israelis should understand that even with the new sense of vulnerability, most American Jews continue to feel very at home in America. They believe that anti-Semitism is not something to run from, but a problem that must be solved in America, together with non-Jewish partners, of which we have many. Deputy Minister Michael Oren has suggested that the Israeli government should recognize the Reform and Conservative movements, the two streams that most American Jews belong to. I believe that should happen anyway. But it would indeed be a meaningful gesture after this attack. The Jews killed in prayer in the Tree of Life synagogue were as Jewish as you can bein life, and in their tragic deaths, which occurred only because they were Jews. What better way to honor them? A delegation of senior Egyptian intelligence officials arrived in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday for a meeting with the Hamas leadership. The meeting is part of the Egyptian efforts to reach ceasefire agreement between the terror group and Israeli government. Hundreds of Druze Arabs, some carrying Syrian flags, gathered outside the gates of a polling station on the Golan Heights on Tuesday, trying to block their townspeople from voting in municipal elections. The police wearing helmets and carrying tear gas launchers cleared a path for would-be voters outside the balloting centre in Majdal Shams. Hundreds of Druze Arabs, some carrying Syrian flags, gathered outside the gates of a polling station on the Golan Heights on Tuesday, trying to block their townspeople from voting in municipal elections. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter Israeli police wearing helmets and carrying tear gas launchers cleared a path for would-be voters outside the balloting center in Majdal Shams. The town is the largest Druze community in the area of mountainous plateau that Israel captured from Syria in the 1967 Six-Day War, unilaterally annexing it in 1981 in a move not recognized internationally. Druze and Syrian flags in Majdal Shams (: AFP) "The Golan's identity is Arab and Syrian," chanted the protesters as they put a banner on the entrance reading: "No to elections." Inside the building, election officials sat in mostly empty rooms with blue ballot boxes bearing Israeli insignia. Empty polling stations in Majdal Shams (Photo: Reuters) Some voters made it past the protest. "It's my right to vote. I'm free to choose the right person," said one man as he emerged from the polling station carrying a child. Glancing at the crowd, he refused to give his name. The Druze are a fiercely independent Arab minority who practice an offshoot of Islam. Around 22,000 Druze live on the Golan. Druze protesters clash with police (Photo: EPA) Israel, seeking to further integrate them, has offered citizenship but most Druze rejected it. Many regard themselves as Syrian, even after more than half a century of life under Israeli rule. After an election eve town center meeting and march featuring dozens of rainbow Druze flags, the community's elders issued a prohibition against candidates standing and people voting, threatening to make outcasts of anyone who took part. "Candidates and those who come to vote will have a religious and social prohibition put upon them," said Sheikh Khamis Khanjar. "What bigger punishment is there than this?" Druze religious elders at the protest (Photo: EPA) In an interview with Al Mayadeen, senior Hamas official Mahmoud al-Zahar called on the Druze residents of the Golan Heights "to take up arms and rise against the Zionist regime. It is the only want to end the occupation." But many Druze have enjoyed economic prosperity on the other side of the front line from their brethren in war-torn Syria. "When you are in a state that is giving you all your rights, why wouldn't you vote," said Sahar Said Ahmed as she watched the election eve protest in a town square dominated by the statue of a Druze leader who fought French forces during the colonial era. Outside the polling station, Druze religious elders wearing their distinctive maroon and white caps urged youths not to confront the police. One concern was that the issue of taking part in Israeli elections was dividing the community. "For more than 50 years Israel has been trying to sow disputes by divide and rule and it is happy at the differences that are surfacing," said Moenis Abdullah. Eight people, including children, were killed on Tuesday afternoon in a car collision on route 90, between the Dead Sea and Ein Gedi. This was the most lethal car accident in Israel in six years. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter One of the vehicles, an eight-seat commercial van, caught fire, and all of the passengers on board, members of the same family, were killed. Scene of the accident (: ) X In the second car, a Toyota Land Cruiser, a mother, 53, and her daughter, 12, were moderately injured, while the father, 50, was lightly hurt. The mother and daughter were airlifted to the Soroka Medical Center in Be'er Sheva, while the father was evacuated in an ambulance. "The father was hysteric and crying, saying 'I killed them, I killed them,'" said Sarah Israeli, an MDA paramedic who was first on the scene. MDA spokesman Zaki Heller told Ynet that "when our medics and paramedics arrived on the scene, the car was on fire and unfortunately it was not possible to rescue them. Sadly no one survived in that vehicle." Shlomo Landor, a volunteer with an emergency response team from ZAKA, described the scene of the accident as "horrible sights that take me back 20 years to the time of terror bombings. We still can't extract the bodies; they're still trapped inside the burned vehicle." The commander of the Arad police station, Guy Hayun, told Ynet that it was early to say what had happened and who was to blame, as the road is new and had wide margins. (Photo: Fire Department) The father, who drove the Toyota Land Cruiser, told police at the hospital, "I don't remember what happened there. I know I killed people. I'm never driving again." "I have nothing to hide," he also told them. "You know exactly what happened. This is the first time this happens to me." (Photo: Fire Department) Route 90 was closed for traffic between Ein Gedi to Ein Bokek in both directions because of the accident. According to the Israel National Road Safety Authority, 240 people have been killed in car accidents in 2018 so far, compared to 310 in the same time period in 2017. According to the Or Yarok Association for Safer Driving in Israel, there have been some 1,350 car accidents on route 90 over the past decade, with 120 people killed on that road. Over 4,000 people were injured, 374 of them seriously. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that the 11 Jewish victims of the Pittsburgh shooting attack were killed in a "synagogue," taking a veiled swipe at the country's ultra-Orthodox chief rabbi, who had refused to designate the Conservative Jewish congregation as such. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter The exchange exposed some of the recent strains between Israel and the more liberal Jewish Diaspora, even in the wake of the deadliest anti-Semitic attack against Jews in US history. Flowers outside the Tree of Life synagogue (Photo: AP) The shooting has drawn fierce condemnations and calls for unity among Jews in Israel and around the world. Several ultra-Orthodox Israeli newspapers, however, refrained from calling Pittsburgh's Tree of Life Synagogue a Jewish place of worship since they don't recognize non-Orthodox denominations, instead mostly referring to it as a "Jewish center." Similarly, Chief Rabbi David Lau told a local newspaper that the shooting attack was "unforgivable" but also referred to the Conservative synagogue merely as "a place with a profound Jewish flavor." Chief Rabbi David Lau In a tweet, Netanyahu seemed to rebuff him. "Jews were killed in a synagogue. They were killed because they are Jews. The location was chosen because it is a synagogue. We must never forget that. We are one," he wrote. Israel's ultra-Orthodox authorities maintain a strict monopoly over daily Jewish life in Israel, including oversight of weddings, divorces, conversions and burials. They often question the faith and practices of the more liberal Reform and Conservative streams of Judaism, to which most American Jews belong. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Photo: Emil Salman) A government decision to scrap plans for a mixed-gender prayer area at Jerusalem's Western Wall, and insults hurled at those pushing for it, has led American Jewish leaders to warn that it could undermine their long-standing political, financial and emotional support for Israel. The recent passing of the controversial Nation-State Law enshrining the state's Jewish character, which critics at home and abroad say has undercut the country's traditional democratic values, has also irked American Jews, who increasingly find themselves at odds with the government's nationalist, religious and pro-settlement bent. Scene of the shooting after the attack (Photo: AFP) "The state of Israel bows its heads for their deaths, but this is not enough. Not only in their deaths are they Jews like us, but in their lives. Not only in their deaths should the government respect them, but also in their lives," Yapis said. Denmark said on Tuesday it suspected an Iranian government intelligence service had tried to carry out a plot to assassinate an Iranian Arab opposition figure on its soil. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter The alleged plot, which Denmarks foreign minister said he believed the Iranian government was behind, prompted the Nordic country to call for fresh European Union-wide sanctions against the Islamic Republic. A Norwegian citizen of Iranian background was arrested in Sweden on October 21 in connection with the plot and extradited to neighboring Denmark, Swedish security police said. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani (Photo: AFP , shutterstock) The suspect has denied wrongdoing and is being held in pre-trial custody until November 8th. The Iranian government also denied any connection with the alleged plot. The attack was meant to target the leader of the Danish branch of the Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahvaz (ASMLA), Danish intelligence chief Finn Borch Andersen said. ASMLA seeks a separate state for ethnic Arabs in Irans oil-producing southwestern province of Khuzestan. Arabs are a minority in Iran, and some see themselves as under Persian occupation and want independence or autonomy. We are dealing with an Iranian intelligence agency planning an attack on Danish soil. Obviously, we cant and wont accept that, Andersen told a news conference. Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qasemi dismissed the accusations. This is a continuation of enemies plots to damage Iranian relations with Europe at this critical time, Tasnim news agency quoted him as saying. The EU is trying to save big powers 2015 deal with Iran that curbed its nuclear activity in exchange for the lifting of international sanctions after the United States withdrew from the pact and reimposed far-flung financial penalties on Tehran. Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen called the planned attack totally unacceptable and said British Prime Minister Theresa May had voiced her support for Denmark during a meeting in Olso. Danish Foreign Minister Anders Samuelsen (Photo: AP) Danish Foreign Minister Anders Samuelsen told a press conference he believed the Iranian government was behind the attempted attack. In light of the latest development, Denmark will now push for a discussion in the EU on the need for further sanctions against Iran, Samuelsen said. Denmarks ambassador in Tehran had been recalled for consultations, he added. We congratulate the government of Denmark on its arrest of an Iranian regime assassin, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a tweet. We call on our allies and partners to confront the full range of Irans threats to peace and security. Andersen said the arrested Norwegian citizen had denied charges in court of helping a foreign intelligence service plot an assassination in Denmark. On September 28, Danish police shut two major bridges to traffic and halted ferry services from Denmark to Sweden and Germany in a nationwide police operation to prevent a possible attack. A few days earlier, the Norwegian suspect had been observed photographing and watching the Danish home of the ASMLA leader, police said. In November 2017, Ahmad Mola Nissi, an Iranian exile who established ASMLA, was shot dead in the Netherlands. The Danish security service then bolstered police protection of the ASMLA leader in Denmark and two associates. Last month, Iran summoned the envoys of the Netherlands, Denmark and Britain over a September 22 shooting attack on a military parade in Khuzestan in which 25 people were killed. The terror attack on the military parade in the Iranian city of Ahvaz. (Photo: AP) Iran accused the three countries of harboring Iranian opposition groups. Another Arab opposition group, the Ahwaz National Resistance, and the Islamic State militant group both claimed responsibility for the parade attack, though neither has provided conclusive evidence to back up their claim. This is the second time in a few months that Iran is blamed for attempting to hurt Iranian opposition activists abroad. In June, Iran planned an attack on an Iranian opposition meeting in Paris. The attempt was thwarted with the help of the Israeli Mossad. Following the event, France froze Iranian intelligence assets on its soil and ordered French diplomats to refrain from traveling to Iran unless necessary. Minister of Religious Services David Azoulay passed away on Tuesday at the age of 64. Azoulay, who served as a member of the Knesset from 1996 to March this year, has been battling cancer recently. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter According to the Government Secretariat his funeral will take place at 11:00pm Tuesday in the Sanhedria cemetery in Jerusalem. Religious Services Minister David Azoulay (Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg) "I am crying for my dear friend, my beloved, my partner for decades, who has now passed away after enduring horrible pain at the age of 64. Rabbi David, the honest, modest, merciful man, the man of action, a true tzaddik, died and left his family, the family of Shas and the people of Israel, hurt and lacking. may his memory be a blessing," Interior Minister Aryeh Deri (Shas) said. Azoulay was born in 1954 in the city of Meknes, Morocco. When he was 9 years-old he immigrated with his family to Israel. After graduating from a yeshiva high school, he enlisted in the IDF and served as a combat medic. After he was discharged, the minister studied at a teachers' seminar and was worked in education until 1993. At the same time, Azoulay served as a council member in Acre between 1978 and 1993. Among other things, he was in charge of social services in the municipality of Acre and was a member of the local community centers' management team. Azoulay served on behalf of the Ministry of the Interior as deputy head of the Nahal Iron Regional Council and later as head of the Council. The minister was also a member of the appointed committee of the Kiryat Ata Religious Council and a member of the appointed council in Hatzerot Yesef, which was established north of Acre for the use of Ethiopian immigrants. (Photo: he Knesset Spokesperson's Office) In 1996, Azoulay was elected to the Knesset for the first time as a member of Shas. For almost 22 years he served in a long line of positions, including Chairman of the Internal Affairs and Environment Internal Affairs in the 15th and 18th Knesset, Chairman of the Internal Security Subcommittee, the chairman of the Special Knesset Committee for Public Inquiries, the Ethics Committee and others. When he worked at the Internal Affair Committee Azoulay was especially devoted to the issue of convicts rights, and used to visit prisons often. In Azoulays 20 years in the Knesset he filed 780 bills, and was a member of the Lobby for Children and Youth at Risk, the Lobby for Closing the Social Gaps, the Lobby for Strengthening the Jewish People, the Lobby for the Promotion of a Solution for the Israeli Arab Conflict, the Environmental-Social Lobby and more. (Photo: Hilel Meir/TPS) In Ariel Sharon's government, which was formed in 2001, Azoulay was Deputy Minister of the Interior and since May 2015 he has served as Minister of Religious Services. In March 2018 Azoulay resigned from the Knesset due to his illness, but continued to serve as a minister. The minister lived in Acre for decades. Two years ago he moved to Kiryat Shmuel, a neighborhood located in the Krayot area. He left behind a wife and four children, one of whom is MK Yinon Azulay, who replaced his father as a MK on behalf of Shas. "David was one of the most moving politicians. He was connected to all of Israel's tribes. He was a man from Acre who dealt with the needs of the public all his life. He showed endless devotion to his wonderful family. Recently he has been bravely dealing with his illness, but continued to serve the public as best he can. We will carry his memory in our hearts," President Reuven said Tuesday. (Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg) The Sephardi Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, also said a few words in memory of Azoulay. "The world of the rabbinate and religious services has lost one of its greatest supporters and admirers. Rabbi Azoulay worked tirelessly and in a unique fashion to preserve the honor of the rabbinate and the Jewish tradition," he said. The people of Israel lost a unique man who worked decades for the welfare of the country, quietly and modestly," fellow Shas member, MK Michael Malchieli said. On a personal note, I lost my teacher for public service. I had the privilege to be his chief of staff at the Religious Services Ministry, and thats where I learned what is public devotion," he continued He would not rest until any citizens complaint was taken cared of in the best way possible. Later when I became MK, he guided me in every step, concluded Malchieli. (Photo: Elad Gershgoren) Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein also eulogized Azoulay. David and I were both elected for a second term in the Knesset 22 years ago, and since then we have worked for joint causes together. He was a wonderful minister and a devoted MK, more than thathe was a good person with strong values. I will miss him," he said. Isaac Herzog, chairman of the Jewish Agency told of Azoulay: He was a model public servant, a pleasant man with a loving personality. Its a shame to lose him, my condolences to his son MK Yinon Azoulay and to his dear family. May he rest in peace. Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qasemi addressed Tuesday Denmark's suspicions that Iranian intelligence tried to assassinate an Iranian opposition figure on its soil. This is a continuation of enemies plots to damage Iranian relations with Europe at this critical time, Tasnim news agency quoted him as saying. The names of the victims who died in the fatal car crash near the Dead Sea have been published: Yariv (45) and Shoshi (47) Atar and their six childrenYaakov Yisroel (12), Ateres (11), Ayala (9), Moriah (7), Yedid (5) and Avigayil (3). Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter Half a day after the most lethal car accident in Israel in six years, the driver of the second vehicle was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. Yariv and Shoshi Atar and their six children (Photo: Courtesy of the family) The driver, who was lightly wounded and whose wife and daughter were also injured in the crash, was presented with the preliminary findings of the investigation. His vehicle was taken for mechanical tests in order to rule out other causes for the crash. He is not cooperating with police investigators. "The father was hysterical and crying, saying 'I killed them, I killed them,'" said Sarah Israeli, an MDA paramedic who was first on the scene. Yariv and Shoshi Atar (Photo: Courtesy of the family) According to testimonies given at the scene, the suspect ran to the other vehicle and tried to help the family members who had been trapped in a car that had caught fire and soon burned down completely. The Atar family settled in Psagot about 13 years ago, shortly after Yariv and Shoshi got married. The father worked for a computer company and was a special education teacher at Keren Or in Jerusalem, a center for blind children with multiple disabilities. Five of the children attended the elementary school and kindergartens in Psagot, and their eldest son, Yaakov Israel, 12, studied at the Yeshiva High School of Mateh Binyamin in Beit El. Scene of the accident (Photo: Robby Hendel) Following the fatal accident, community gatherings were held in Psagot, together with the professional staff, the community's rabbi and the welfare and social services staff of Mateh Binyamin Regional Council. Scene of the accident (: ) X MDA spokesman Zaki Heller told Ynet that "when our medics and paramedics arrived on the scene, the car was on fire and unfortunately it was not possible to rescue them. Sadly no one survived in that vehicle. Shlomo Landor, a volunteer with an emergency response team from ZAKA, described the scene of the accident as "horrible sights that take me back 20 years to the time of terror bombings. We still can't extract the bodies; they're still trapped inside the burned vehicle." The commander of the Arad police station, Guy Hayun, told Ynet that it was early to say what had happened and who was to blame, as the road is new and had wide margins. (Photo: Robby Hendel) The father, who drove the Toyota Land Cruiser, told police at the hospital, "I don't remember what happened there. I know I killed people. I'm never driving again." "I have nothing to hide," he also told them. "You know exactly what happened. This is the first time this happens to me." "A deviation of one of the vehicles caused a fatal crash. We are currently investigating the circumstances of the incident. As a result of the head-on collision, one vehicle caught fire while all of its passengers were on board. Consequently, all passengers, eight members of the same family, were killed on the spot. The incident is under preliminary investigation of the district examiners' unit," Shimon Botbol, a traffic police officer from the Southern District Police, said following the accident The Jewish people are being torn apart over the Pittsburgh shooting. It allows us a peek into the biggest fracture we have known since the divergence between the Kingdom of Judah and the Kingdom of Israel. We are being led to this disaster by the nose, by irresponsible politicos. We are being led to this disaster, but no one is leading. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter On Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tweeted about being one nation, and said that Jews in Pittsburgh were killed because they are Jews. Flowers outside the Pittsburgh Synagogue (: AFP) This was a good response for the Chief Rabbis remarks, who expressed his condolences, but had a hard time designating the Conservative Jewish congregation as a 'synagogue.' One of the weakest accusations, published in Haaretz Newspaper, was that Education Minister Naftali Bennett and the Israeli right are closer to the murderer than the victims. Beyond the stupidity of this claim and the horrible timing, it also shows complete ignorance when it comes to understanding Israeli society. Bennett, who grew up in a conservative family, and Netanyahu, who spent most of his time in the US around conservative and secular communities, are closer to those communities than any secular Israeli. They understand it, speak its language and know its codes of speech and silence. The so called religionization that the secular forum keeps warning us about is the daily lifestyle of these American Jewish communities, as are the Jewish texts, customs and the Jewish educational system. Zionist Israel led by Netanyahu is closer to Conservative and Reform communities than to ultra-Orthodox communities. So are the lifestyles of most ministers and most Israelis. We are being led to an absurd place: A rift that has nothing to do with our wishes and belief system, but with plain incompetence. The split between Israel and US Jewry has two leading forces. There are two groups that have difficulty with nationalismand thus with practical Zionism that characterizes Israel. Women of the Wall at the Western Wall. (Photo: AP) The progressive American Jews would rather live in a world where Israel is an ideal rather than a country that fights terror organizations and Gaza protesters. They prefer the notion of Tikun Olam to the reality of Israels Iron Dome. They prefer talks of conflict resolution to the daily management of a bloody conflict, because there is no other way. The second group is the Israeli ultra-Orthodox community, who cannot handle the 70 faces of the Torah or any interpretation that isnt the Shulchan Aruch. They prefer "captured infants (Tinok shenishbaJews who sin unknowingly as a result of being raised without Judaism practices) and seculars who can live with the ultra-Orthodox seeing them as an empty wagonwhile Orthodox carry the entire historic Jewish load. And so, beyond the feeling of partnership, the Pittsburgh shooting caused some awkward reactions regarding the synagogue and the community that suffered. The two groups I mentioned cannot recognize reality: they live in a world of religious and theoretic ideas, outside reality. The elected government in the Jewish state was supposed to put things in order; a Jewish state for all Jews, just like Netanyahu said. It is allowed and even necessary, to argue with US Jewry about their political stance and their criticism towards Israel. If they are interested in determining Israeli policy, they are welcome to leave the luxuries of the US and make Aliyah. Here they can vote and make a difference. An emergency debate about light-rail public works on Shabbat. However, what we cannot do is exclude their Jewish identity and their connection to the holy places and symbols, and only allow one Jewish movement to make political moves. The ultra-Orthodox parties are unable to be that responsible. Its exactly like the recurring crisis about public work on Shabbateveryone knows that crucial work happens on Shabbat, but when it comes out in the media they are left with no choice but to threaten and create a political crisis. This is why the government is the only one who can limit the ultra-Orthodox involvement in Jewish politics, and the only one who can heal the divide to determine a new status quo within the Jewish state and to acknowledge we are not alone in the Jewish world. Forget the self-hate debate about the motives of the Nazi who murdered Jews in Pittsburgh. Arabs who murder Jews and Nazis who murder Jews are the same enemy. Anyone who tries understanding them is an accomplice, no matter who he votes for. Enemies are easy to destroy, but dangerous historical trends are a tenacious, and a lot harder to break. US President Donald Trump, shrugging off objections from some critics that he was unwelcome, arrived in Pittsburgh on Tuesday to offer condolences for the 11 Jewish worshipers shot to death in their synagogue, as thousands of mourners attended the first funerals for victims of the massacre. Trump, who opponents say has stoked a toxic political climate conducive to acts of violence, planned to visit hospitalized police officers and other people wounded in Saturday's attack by an avowed anti-Semite at the Tree of Life temple in Pittsburgh. Members of Pittsburgh's Jewish community held a protest march against Trump as his visit began. China's Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said Monday it will impose anti-dumping duties on ethanolamines imported from the United States, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and Thailand. In a final ruling on anti-dumping investigations into the imports, the MOC said domestic industries have been subject to substantial damages due to the dumping of these products. Duties will be collected at rates ranging from 10.1 percent to 97.1 percent starting from Tuesday for a five-year period, according to a MOC statement. The MOC launched anti-dumping investigations into the products in October 2017 after receiving complaints from domestic producers. Ethanolamines are widely used in the production of surfactants, pesticide and pharmaceutical intermediates, chemical necessities, and personal hygiene products. OWNERS OF the Hokans cabins since the 1930s reunited at the Ontonagon Rotary meeting Wednesday. From left are Dick and Marlene Lambert, Robert and Kim Miller, Sue Hokans, Wendy and Chuck Peterson. By JAN TUCKER [email protected] Ontonagon - Edwin Hokans was a shop teacher at the Ontonagon School in the 1930s when he and his wife, Esther, decided to build a cabin on their property one and one-half miles outside of Ontonagon. One cabin led to another and eventually a motel was added, with the complex known as Hokans Cabins and Motel. Since that time, with its location on Lake Superior, the cabins have changed hands many times. All the owners since Edwin Hokans Sr. gathered at the Ontonagon Rotary Club Wednesday to welcome the latest owners, Robert and Kim Miller, of Jonesville and Hillsdale. In the early days, Ed Hokans Jr. and his wife, Sue, were living in Oshkosh, Wis., and after some deliberation, returned to Ontonagon to help Ed Sr. with the operation. Dick Lambert was a skier and he and his wife, Marlene, frequently came to the western U.P. to hit the different hills. They lived in the same area Ed Jr. had lived and Ed asked Dick if he had ever skied the Porkies. "I gave it a try and I loved it," Dick Lambert said. The couple returned each winter and stayed at the Hokans' cabins. When Sue and Ed said they wanted to sell the cabins, Dick said his first thought was "then I could ski everyday." He came to Ontonagon in 1979 and although they had been in the area each winter, they had never seen it in the summer. They were blown away with that lake and the beauty of the area and the Lamberts became the next owners of the cabins in 1979 and bought the motel in 1987. Wendy and Chuck Peterson had decided they wanted to buy some recreation property in the U.P. and toured several motels and cabins that were available, but not Lamberts'. At the last minute in 1997, they stopped at Lamberts. "As soon as I walked into the place, I said to Chuck, 'This is it.'" She said she just knew this was meant to be. They sold their home and became the next owners of the cabins. Enter 2018 and the Petersons were ready to retire. Robert Miller had recently retired from the Department of Corrections and his wife, Kim, retired as a legal secretary for 20 years. "We ran out of things to do and were looking for some real estate in the Upper Peninsula and the Silver City area," she said. They found what they wanted when they met the Petersons on Tuesday and signed the papers to purchase the cabins on Friday. That same day their house downstate sold. "It was like fate," Kim Miller said. They, too, were attracted by the big lake and the people of the area. All the previous owners got together with the Rotary members Wednesday and exchanged memories of the little cabins that began as a project for a shop teacher and drew others to Lake Superior. The Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) recently reported that Melbournes median house price remains stable. While a slowdown in auction clearance rates and a weakening property market were observed, Victorias capital saw 0.6% and 13.6% hikes in the value of homes sold at auction and on the private market, respectively. REIV President Robyn Waters added that Melbournes property market median house price tracked higher by 5% amid the doom and gloom commentary regarding the citys property market. The property boom of 2017 could not be sustained and a levelling or correction of the market is a good thing in the context of housing affordability already being a pressing issue in Melbourne, he added. Delving into the data gathered in different regions, it was revealed that Regional Victoria generated a higher median house price increase of 9.1% compared to Melbourne. In Outer Melbourne, the median house price hiked 7.1% and the unit median rose 9.8%. For reference, the industry groups September quarterly data showed that the median house price in Melbourne remained unchanged at $834,000, while the unit median was higher by 0.2% to $640,000. In the July-September quarter, the median house price in Regional Victoria fell 0.6% to $416,500. The unit price, on the other hand, dropped 4.1% to $292,500. These downward shifts follow a 4.0% gain in the median house price and 3.7% increase in the unit median in the March-June quarter. The top performing suburbs within this quarter were found in the middle and outer ring. These include Mount Eliza, Essendon, Keysborough, Coburg, Greenvale and Narre Warren South. Two other suburbs in the Inner Melbourne, meanwhile, completed the top 20 growth list. Commenting on the results, Waters said that buyers turned to Outer Melbourne and Regional Victoria due to affordability. Properties are being tightly held in Inner Melbourne as vendors wait out this period while the market in Outer Melbourne and Regional Victoria are stronger as buyers are inclined to snap up more affordable options, he noted. Tighter lending conditions significantly affected the market, as incentives for first homebuyers, which entice the purchase of affordable properties, were more likely to be found in Outer Melbourne or Regional Victoria. News Salt Lake City, Utah - This dynamic conference brings together global leaders across the aerospace, defense, and security sectors. Learn more and Register on the site. Seize the opportunity to: Latest News Washington, DC - Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs Kevin E. Moley will travel to New York and Montreal from October 29 to November 1. In New York, the Assistant Secretary will hold consultations with officials at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations. In Montreal, the Assistant Secretary will meet with senior leadership of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and attend a session of the ICAO Council. In his discussions with ICAO officials, the Assistant Secretary will underscore U.S. priorities at the Organization, including management reform and continuing efforts to strengthen aviation security. . . , , ... Our directory features more than 18 million business listings from across the entire US. However, if we're missing your business, add your business by clicking on Add Your Business. American Consumer News, LLC dba MarketBeat 2010-2021. 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Previous Next The following companies are subsidiares of Textron: AAI Corporation, AAI Services Corporation, ALSTOM Gears, Able Aerospace, Able Aerospace Services Inc., Able Engineering & Component Services, Aeronautical Accessories LLC, Airborne Tactical Advantage Company LLC, Arctic Cat, Arctic Cat ACE Holding GmbH, Arctic Cat France SARL, Arctic Cat GmbH, Arctic Cat Inc., Arctic Cat Production LLC, Arctic Cat Production Support LLC, Arctic Cat Sales Inc., Arctic Cat Shared Services LLC, Arctic Cat UK Ltd., Arkansas Aerospace Inc., Avco Corporation, Aviation Service servis letal doo Ljubljana, Aylesbury Automation, B/K Navigational Equipment sro, Beech Aircraft Corporation, Beech Holdings, Beechcraft Defense Support Holding LLC, Beechcraft Domestic Service Company, Beechcraft Germany GmbH, Beechcraft International Holding LLC, Beechcraft International Service Company, Beechcraft New Zealand, Beechcraft Service Company UK Limited, Bell Helicopter GK, Bell Helicopter KK, Bell Textron Asia (Pte.) Ltd., Bell Textron Canada International Inc., Bell Textron Canada Limited/Limitee, Bell Textron Inc., Bell Textron Korea Inc., Bell Textron Miami Inc, Bell Textron Prague a.s., Bell Textron Rhode Island Inc., Bell Textron Services Inc, Bell Textron Supply Center BV, Bell Textron Technical Services Inc., Benzlers, Brazaco Mapri Industrias, Burkland, Cessna Aircraft Company, Cessna Citation European Service Center SAS, Cessna Dusseldorf Citation Service Center GmbH, Cessna Finance Corporation, Cessna Finance Export Corporation, Cessna Mexico S de RL de CV, Cessna Spanish Citation Service Center SLU, Cessna Zurich Citation Service Center GmbH, Citation Parts Distribution International Inc., Cushman Inc., Datacom Technologies, David Brown Group, Doncaster Citation Service Centre Limited, E-Z-GO Canada Limited, Energy Manufacturing, Flexalloy, HBC LLC, Hawker Beech de Mexico S de RL de CV, Hawker Beechcraft Argentina SA, Howe & Howe Inc., Howe and Howe Technologies, Industrial Technology Inc., InteSys Technologies, International Product Support Inc., KSB Annecy SAS, Kautex (Changchun) Plastics Technology Co. Ltd., Kautex (Chongqing) Plastic Technology Co. Ltd., Kautex (Guangzhou) Plastic Technology Co. Ltd., Kautex (Pinghu) Plastic Technology Co. Ltd., Kautex (Shanghai) Plastic Technology Co. Ltd., Kautex (Wuhan) Plastic Technology Co. Ltd., Kautex Corporation, Kautex Craiova srl, Kautex Germany Holding GmbH, Kautex Inc., Kautex Japan KK, Kautex Shanghai GmbH, Kautex Textron (UK) Limited, Kautex Textron Benelux BVBA, Kautex Textron Bohemia spol sro, Kautex Textron CVS Limited, Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG, Kautex Textron Iberica SL, Kautex Textron Italia Srl, Kautex Textron Management Services Company de Puebla S. de RL de CV, Kautex Textron Portugal Produtos Plasticos Sociedade Unipessoal Lda., Kautex Textron de Mexico S de RL de CV, Kautex Textron do Brasil Ltda., Kautex of Georgia Inc., Kaywood Products Corp., Klauke, LCI Corporation International, LLC Textron RUS, Maag, McCord Corporation, Mechtronix, Medical Numerics Inc., Midland Industrial Plastics, MillenWorks, MillenWorks Themed Technologies, MotorFist LLC, OPINICUS Simulation and Training Services LLC, OmniQuip International, Opinicus, Optical Boring Co., Opto-Electronics, Opto-Electronics Inc., Overwatch Systems Ltd., PEINER Umformtechnik, Pirelli Tyres - General Rubber Goods (GRG) division, Premiair Aviation Maintenance Pty Ltd, Progressive Electronics, Ransomes, Ransomes Inc., Ransomes Investment LLC, Ransomes Jacobsen France SAS, Ransomes Jacobsen Limited, Ransomes Limited, Ransomes Pensions Trustee Company Limited, Replacement Part Solutions LLC, Response Technologies LLC, Rotor Blades Limited, Sukosim Verbindungselemente, TRU Simulation & Training Spain SL, TRU Simulation + Training Inc., TRU Simulation + Training LLC, TekGPS Engineering Srl, Textron Airland LLC, Textron Atlantic LLC, Textron Aviation Australia Pty. 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Ltd., Textron UK Pension Trustee Limited, Textron Verwaltungs-GmbH, Turbine Engine Components Textron (Newington Operations) Inc., United Industrial Corporation, Westminster Insurance Company, Williams Machine & Tool, Wuxi Textron Specialized Vehicles Co. Ltd., and Zhenjiang Bell Textron Aviation Services Limited. Standard Chartered PLC, together with its subsidiaries, provides various banking products and services primarily in Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East. The company operates through Corporate & Institutional Banking, Retail banking, Commercial Banking, and Private Banking segments. It offers retail products, such as deposits, savings, mortgages, credit cards, and personal loans; wealth management products and services that include investments, portfolio management, insurance and advices, and planning services; and transaction banking services, such as cash management, payments and transactions, and trade financing products. The company also provides corporate finance products and services that comprise structured and project financing, strategic advising, and mergers and acquisitions; and financial market services, such as investment, risk management, debt capital markets, and securities services. In addition, it offers digital banking solutions. The company serves corporations, financial institutions, governments, investors, small businesses, and individuals. It operates through approximately 1,026 branches. The company was founded in 1853 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom. Read More Busy Internet is a Ghanaian internet service provider (ISP) providing a number of services including ADSL broadband, data hosting and internet cafe in Ghana. Busy Internet contact was founded in 2001. It is located at Ring Road East in Accra. Busy Internet has won itself several awards as the best internet service provider in Ghana for four consecutive times in the year 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012. Busy Internet contact Ghana serves as a bridge to the public who want to access the services of the organization and have their queries concerning the services handled. considering the fact that these days, being without a computer and some access to an internet connection is almost unheard of. Increasingly travel-friendly laptops are being released, and smartphones and other handheld devices make Internet access easy. Get in touch with Busy Internet for solutions with your connection. You should use Busy Internet contact number to reach out. Busy Internet Ghana is an internet service provider company that is Ghanas next generation lasting solution. A 4G internet provider that is focused on creating platforms and opportunities that empower the youth and businesses to make great things happen in Ghana. Busy Internet Ghana facilitates easier communication between the public and itself even as it serves customers diligently. Busys journey started 14 years ago when a group of like-minded people came together and decided to help Ghanaians to get online, to get connected and stay connected. This has always been the main idea behind Busy Internet's existence, to connect Ghanaian culture, knowledge and innovation with the rest of the world. With the right Busy Internet customer service number, anyone in need of reliable internet can get started by making the first call. READ ALSO: Busy Internet bundles prices and coverage in Ghana Busy Internet Ghana Vision The company's vision is to Become the number one 4G Next Generation Operator in Ghana. As such, it strives to deliver this through great customer experience, quality network and best-in-class customer service delivered by an involved and motivated organization. Organization goal The company's goal is to provide; Extensive and qualitative experience High quality blanket coverage 4G network Exceptional customer experience Motivated and driven organizational culture Focus on key segments Youth and SMEs Voice over Wi-Fi (VoWi-Fi) capability Voice over LTE (VoLTE) capability Busy Internet Ghana believes that the great women and men of tomorrow, reside in the everyday communities around us. The new brand, has renewed the company's vigor in creating a community that cares about your personal future, and the collective future of the society. I continues to fight as the champions of small business and remain devoted simply to help you as an individual achieve your dream, however big or small. This comes from the very core of the brand and the origins of the business. READ ALSO: Busy internet MiFi - ultimate user guide Why Busy Internet The reason why you should consider using the services from busy internet is because the services are; Affordable Convenient Reliable Flexible High speed Network On site support 24 * 7 Help desk Types of Business Busy Internet Ghana conducts several businesses that most people know it for. This includes providing different internet packages of data and the sale of different devices. Delivering on its commitment of enriching lives through limitless connectivity, internet service provider, Busy Internet has launched its mobile app for the android devices. The mobile app, known as My Busy4G is aimed at enhancing the customer experience for all Busy 4G users while empowering them to enjoy self-service at all times. Customers can now download the app from Google play store and log into the self-care service using their unique log-in details. Users can easily top up and bundle data, track their data usage and take full control of their data usage on the Busy 4G network with the app. With the above services, it is only reasonable that you get the right contact for Busy Internet to facilitate your own connectivity. Busy Internet contact Ghana store locations For the individuals who want to explore Busy in Ghana are required to enter a city, address or simply by selecting your current location. Search for all our outlets and stay connected with busy because stores that meet your needs will be displayed according to your current location. There are so many store locations all over the country and they include: 1. Hisense Junction Mall Address: Mokwe St Accra, Accra Contact:(+233) 800 300 800 Email: care@busy.com.gh Hours: Monday-Saturday 08:00 20:00/ Sunday 13:00 20:00 Store services: Starter Pack Sales 2. Tema Service Center Address: Meridian Rd Tema, Tema. Contact: (+233)800 300 800 Email: care@busy.com.gh Hours: Monday Saturday: 08:00 17:00/ Sundays closed Store Services: Recharge Voucher Sales, Smartphone Tablet Sales,Starter Pack Sales 3. Busy Kiosk Kisense Lapaz Address: George W Bush Hwy Accra, Accra Contact: (+233)800 300 800 Email:care@busy.com.gh Hours: Monday Saturday: 09:00 17:00/ Sundays closed 4. Busy Kiosk Hisense Kasoa Address: Mankessim Accra Rd Ngleshi, Amanfro, Accra. Contact : (+233)800 300 800 Email: care@busy.com.gh Hours: Monday Saturday: 08:00 17:00/Sundays closed 5. Busy Kiosk Hisense Accra Central Address: Kwame Nkrumah Ave Accra, Accra Contact: 800 300 800 Email: care@busy.com.gh Hours: Monday Saturday: 09:00 17:00/ Sundays closed 6. Busy Kiosk Hisense East Logon Address: Freetown Avenue Accra, Accra Contact: (+233)800 300 800 Email: care@busy.com.gh Hours: Monday Saturday: 08:00 17:00/ Sundays closed 8. Busy Kiosk Palace Shopping Mall Spintex Address: Palace Shopping Mall Spintex Nii, Martey Tsuru St Accra, Accra Contact: (+233)800 300 800 Email: care@busy.com.gh Hours: Monday Saturday 08:00 21:00/ Sunday: 09:00 18:00 9. Busy Kiosk Palace Shopping Mall Achimota Address: Palace Shopping Mall Achimota Nsawam Road Accra, Accra Contact: (+233)800 300 800 Email: care@busy.com.gh Hours: Monday Saturday: 08:00 21:00/ Sunday: 08:00 -21:00 10. Busy Kiosk Hisense Baatsona Address: Spintex Rd Accra, Accra Contact: (+233)800 300 800 Email: care@busy.com.gh Hours: Monday Saturday: 08:00 20:00/ Sundays closed 11. Busy Kiosk Maxmart Address: 37 Liberation Road Crescent, Liberation Cres Accra Contact: (+233)800 300 800 Email: care@busy.com.gh Hours: Monday Saturday: 08:00 20:00/ Sunday: 13:00 -19:00 READ ALSO: Vodafone X packages and bundle subscription Busy Internet Ghana contact and address The contact information here is very useful to you when in the attempt of getting the BusyInternet contact Ghana so that you can benefit from the wonderful services offered by the company. Address: Ring Road Central, Accra, Ghana Telephone: (+233)0302 258800/0302 258525/0302 909856/0302 909654 Fax:(+233) 0302 258811 Email: info@busyinternet.com Twitter: @busy_gh Facebook : Busy Ghana Website: www.busyinternet.com Busy self care With the right Busy Internet contact you are in a position to get the services that the company offers. You can get your business connected to the internet by simply giving Busy internet a call or writing them an email and they will set you up. With the right internet connection, it is possible to get the connection or business deal you need. Find out if the company has a package that will work for you first. READ ALSO: Samsung Ghana contact number and service centres Source: Yen News - A news reporter has been reportedly assaulted by a security officer in ex-president Mahama's detail - The reporter was denied access into a meeting involving Mahama and some school authorities - He was reportedly slapped and left with a teary eye A Joy News reporter, Parker Wilson, has been assaulted in the line of duty by a member of the security detail of Ex-president John Mahama Monday during a campaign tour in Greater Accra. According to a report sighted by YEN.com.gh on Myjoyonline.com, Parker Wilson was allegedly slapped by the security detail whose identity is yet to be ascertained. The report had it that the assault left the journalist visibly bruised with part of his face swollen and his right eye teary. Parker Wilson. Credit: Myjoyonline.com Source: UGC READ ALSO: Asamoah Gyan reportedly files for divorce from Gifty Gyan; demands DNA test to determine he is kids father Narrating what had happened, Parker said he was with the former president while he (Mahama) was campaigning at the Pentecost University as part of his five-day tour of the Greater Accra Region. After speaking to the students, it was announced that the ex-president was going to meet the authorities of the university, and Parker wanted to report on the said meeting. However, one of the security detail protecting the ex-president refused to allow Parker and his camera man access into the meeting citing that journalists were not invited. An attempt by Parker to explain to the security officer that he was with the ex-president and had been covering all his activities reportedly did not go down well with the officer. Credit: Myjoyonline.com Source: UGC READ ALSO: Nduom resigns from all boards of GN firms in Ghana You are challenging my authority he quoted the security detail as saying. He started pushing me Parker narrated and added that he was then given a hefty slap which made him fall. Parker added that the slap had left him with pain and a teary right eye. The office of the ex-president has however apologized to Parker Wilson for the unfortunate incident. A statement issued and signed by spokesperson for the ex-president, James Agyenim Boateng shortly after the incident and added that the issue was under investigation. The attack on Wilson comes at a time when another Joy News journalist Latif Iddrisu is nursing a cracked skull after being assaulted by police early this year. READ ALSO: Stonebwoy shares beautiful photo of his daughter rocking a BHIM T-shirt Watch: Atakorah Story: I Am the Headmaster With Only a J.S.S Certificate - Faces of Ghana | Yen.com.gh Have national and human interest issues to discuss? Know someone who is extremely talented and needs recognition? Your stories and photos are always welcome. Get interactive via our Facebook page. Source: Yen.com.gh - Sad news in Brazil as Sao Paolo attacking midfielder on loan at Sao Bento was found dead over the weekend with multiple wounds found on his remains. - He was also said to have been mutilated with some parts of his body missing and the authorities have now commenced investigation on the matter Brazil midfielder Daniel Correa Freitas has been reportedly found dead in the southern part of the south American country. The 24-year-old Sao Paulo star joined second-division side Sao Bento on a loan deal in 2018 and was only able to make two appearances with the club. Authorities in the country have now launched an investigation into the cause of the death of the attacking midfielder, who died was found dead on Saturday. READ ALSO: Asamoah Gyan reportedly files for divorce from Gifty Gyan; demands DNA test to determine he is kids father According to ESPN, multiple gun wounds were found on the late player, who was also said to be badly mutilated by his culprits. But, the local police are not willing to give additional details about the death of the former star. His parent club, Sao Paulo while reacting to the death of their player said they: "lament the passing of Daniel and offer their support to his friends and family in this moment of suffering." READ ALSO: Ghanas finest heptathlete Margaret Simpson now sells cooking oil to make a living Sao Bento said the club "stands in solidarity with the family and friends of the player in the time of profound sadness." Meanwhile, Authorities in the state of Parana, where the body was found, said investigations are in the advanced stages. Freitas began his career at Cruzeiro and played for Botafogo from 2013-2015 before signing for Sao Paulo. He also played for Ponte Preta. Legit.ng earlier reported that French League side Saint-Etienne have confirmed the death of former player 19-year-old defender William Gomis. The France international was said to have been shot dead in a shooting that occured in La Seyne-sur-Mer, Cote d'Azur, on Sunday night. According to SunSport, a 14-year-old boy was killed in a similar incident earlier, with police finding 24 Kalashnikov cases at the scene. Watch: Atakorah Story: I Am the Headmaster With Only a J.S.S Certificate - Faces of Ghana | Yen.com.gh Your stories and photos are always welcome. Send us a message via YEN's official Facebook page. Source: Yen.com.gh - 25 employees of TV3 Network have been sacked by the company - The sacked workers were allegedly given two months' salary in lieu of the notice - This contradicts existing labour laws which require that affected workers should be given three months' salary in lieu of notice Information available to YEN.com.gh shows that the Media General Group, owners of TV3 Network, has sacked 25 workers of the television station. According to a report by MyNewsGH.com, this formed part of the latest retrenchment exercise carried out by the company. It has been confirmed that the affected staff started receiving their dismissal letters from Friday, October 26, 2018. Ray Nkwe, CEO of TV3 Network Source: oilcitytoday.com Source: UGC READ ALSO: Asamoah Gyan files for divorce and demands a DNA test YEN.com.gh understands that senior officials such as the Station Head of 3FM, Ackah Kwarteng, have been affected by the decision. Some staff of Onua FM, as well as the marketing department of the company, are also facing the sack, and have been given letters to that effect. The affected staff, have allegedly been given two months salary in lieu of notice, in contravention to labour laws which stipulate that three months salary should be given in such a situation. In August 2017, a similar incident occurred in which over 100 workers lost their jobs. The dismissed workers were made up of 40 management-level employers and 60 junior workers. READ ALSO: Popular journalist assaulted by John Mahama's security officials Atakorah Story: I Am the Headmaster With Only a J.S.S Certificate - Faces of Ghana | 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.com.gh Bishop Daniel Obinim says his prayers have revealed to him that there is going to be an invasion of evil spirits in the country. Obinim, who is the head of the International God's Way Church, is known to make controversial comments bordering on spirituality. It would seem this new one is following the trend. Mynewsgh.com reports that the Christian preacher said these spirits will be looking to take valuable lives. Obinim is said to have made this prediction in front of a faithful congregation at a church service over the weekend. He called on all Ghanaians to pray and be steadfast in God because that is the only way they can be saved. READ ALSO: I killed him because he did not show respect to elders - Suspected murderer Bishop Daniel Obinim and wife, Florence. Photo credit: Google Photos Source: UGC He is quoted as saying: Jesus Christ has had a conversation with me. What Im about to say does not matter whether you are religious or not. "The Lord said there will be mysterious deaths in the country and that is orchestrated by Satan and his people. There is the need for you to wake up and pray or else death will take someone important from your life. It will not be the first time the preacher is claiming direct revelation from Jesus Christ. He even claimed to have seen the biblical Moses and Adam and Eve. READ ALSO: 9 angelic photos of the beautiful woman Asamoah Gyan is wickedly divorcing Through all of these controversies, his congregation has stood firmly with him. Atakorah Story: I Am the Headmaster With Only a J.S.S Certificate - Faces of Ghana | Yen.com.gh Your stories and photos are always welcome. Get interactive via our Facebook page Source: Yen - John Mahama has apologised to a reporter who was assaulted during his campaign - The reporter was denied access into a meeting involving Mahama and some school authorities - He was reportedly slapped and left with a teary eye Ex-president John Dramani Mahama, has apologised to Joy News reporter Parker Wilson, who was assaulted in the line of duty by a member of the security detail of the former head of state on Monday during a campaign tour in Greater Accra. According to a report sighted by YEN.com.gh on Myjoyonline.com, Parker Wilson was slapped by the security guard whose identity is yet to be ascertained. The report had it that the assault left the journalist visibly bruised with part of his face swollen and his right eye teary. READ ALSO: Brazil star Daniel Freitas found dead in a strange way The office of the ex-president has however apologised to Parker Wilson for the unfortunate incident. A statement issued and signed by spokesperson for the ex-president, James Agyenim Boateng, shortly after the incident, added that the issue was under investigation. Narrating what had happened, Parker said he was with Mahama while he was campaigning at the Pentecost University as part of his five-day tour of the Greater Accra Region. After speaking to the students, it was announced that the ex-president was going to meet the authorities of the university, and Parker wanted to report on the said meeting. READ ALSO: 25 workers of TV3 fired by management One member of the security detail protecting the ex-president refused to allow Parker and his camera man access into the meeting, saying that journalists were not invited. An attempt by Parker to explain to the security guard that he was with the ex-president and had been covering all his activities reportedly did not go down well with the officer. Parker added that he was slapped by the security guard, which left him with pain and a teary right eye. The attack on Wilson follows a similar assault on another Joy News journalist, Latif Iddrisu, by the police earlier in the year. READ ALSO: 6 hot photos of the lady alleged to be behind Asamoah Gyans divorce Watch: Atakorah Story: I Am the Headmaster With Only a J.S.S Certificate - Faces of Ghana | Yen.com.gh Have national and human interest issues to discuss? Know someone who is extremely talented and needs recognition? Your stories and photos are always welcome. Get interactive via our Facebook page. Source: Yen - A Ghsplash blogger, Candy, has been arrested for publishing fake news - She claimed Ghanaian actor Liwin had knocked down an individual in front of Peace FM with his customized vehicle A journalist, identified as Candy, has been arrested in connection with publishing fake news about Kumawood actor Kojo Nkansah, popularly known in showbiz circles as Liwin The blogger, who runs ghsplash.com, claimed in her story that the actor had run down an individual with his customized vehicle. The incident is reported to have occurred in front of the Peace FM building at Tesano in Accra, yesterday, October 29, 2018. Candy of Ghsplash Source: MyNewsGH.com Source: UGC READ ALSO: South Africa minister Malusi Gigaba adult video leaks online Checks by broadcaster Abeiku Santana, who happened to work within the same building revealed that no such incident occurred, as stated in the report. Abeiku further revealed that the actor in question was actually at the station on the said date but did not drive to the premises. In a video cited by YEN.com.gh on my MyNewsgh.com, the blogger was later in the day lured to the premises of Peace FM and embarrassed on live TV, as she could not provide answers to the story she published on her blog. READ ALSO: 25 workers of TV3 fired by management All she could say was the headline had no relation whatsoever with the story she published. If you read the headline, it is different from the body. The content says Liwin parked his car an someone hit it. Pressed to substantiate her claim, she fumbled and stated that she was sorry. In response, Liwin expressed disappointment at the level at which bloggers wrote and published false news about people. He added those who did such an act should be prosecuted to deter others from doing same. READ ALSO: Asamoah Gyan reportedly files for divorce from Gifty Gyan; demands DNA test to determine he is kids father Ghana News Today: Musical Performances at the Glo Concert: Davido, Stonebwoy and Sarkodie Yen.com.gh For more news and trending happenings in Ghana and beyond visit Yen.com.gh Also get interactive on our Facebook/ Instagram pages Source: Yen.com.gh - Former president John Mahama accused the Akufo-Addo administration of hypocrisy - Mahama's remark comes after President Akufo-Addo stated that his administration would continue to borrow money to put up projects in the country -Akufo-Addo and Vice-President Bawumia had accused Mahama of excessive borrowing when he was president Former president John Dramani Mahama has criticised President Akufo-Addo for comments he made at a forum in Nigeria insisting every country needed to borrow money to put up assets. According to Mahama, the hypocrisy exhibited by the president only angers Ghanaians, since he once said there was no need to borrow because there was money in the country for development. Mahama, speaking with National Democratic Congress delegates in Amasaman in the Greater Accra Region, said the Akufo-Addo administration owed Ghanaians an apology for turning his back on what he earlier said. John Dramani Mahama Source: Facebook READ ALSO: Blogger arrested for publishing false news about 'Liwin' It is the hypocrisy that Ghanaians are angry with and we have all your quotations about borrowing. You said any idiot can borrow. That is what you said. so today if you have turned around and you see that you can borrow and invest in assets, the first thing you do is apologise, the first thing you do is apologise to Ghanaians and say you didnt know, " Mahama said. This comments comes after President Akufo-Addo said in a forum held in Nigeria that every country borrows money for projects and Ghana was no exception. We will borrow money; everybody borrows money. The United States of America is one of the biggest debtors in the world. So borrowing money is not necessarily a betrayal of the concept of independence. The key for us in borrowing money is that we borrow money to create assets that will allow us to pay the money back". President Nana Akufo-Addo Source: UGC READ ALSO: Asamoah Gyan reportedly files for divorce from Gifty Gyan; demands DNA test to determine he is kids father He added that if money was borrowed and used properly, it would become an asset to expand the economy and infrastructure of the country. This was in response to the question asked on why Ghana went for loans from China despite trumpeting the Ghana Beyond Aid mantra. President Akufo-Addo explained saying, Borrowing money is not aid. What President Xi Jinping offered is a $60 billion fund which African countries can access, not as aid but as loans. "If you can produce a project that the Chinese think is worth supporting, you can have access to that money, but you have to pay it back. READ ALSO: South Sudan tycoon Kok Alat offers 500 cows, 3 V8 cars as dowry for 17-yr-old girl Nyalong (Photo) Ghana News Today: Musical Performances at the Glo Concert: Davido, Stonebwoy and Sarkodie Yen.com.gh: For more news and trending happenings in Ghana and beyond visit Yen.com.gh Also get interactive on our Facebook/ Instagram pages Source: Yen News Member of Parliament (MP) for the Korle-Klottey constituency, Dr. Zanetor Rawlings, has called for funeral attendances to be included in the official duties of all Ghanaian legislators. She said it is very important that lawmakers find time to attend the funerals of their constituents since it is a culture. According to her, if funeral attendances is what will make the people happy, then MPs must begin to make themselves available. Dr Zanetor Agyeman Rawlings. Source: Youtube Source: UGC READ ALSO: 25 workers of TV3 fired by management This comes after Dr. Zenator Rawlings reportedly revealed that she has attended more funerals in her two years as an MP than she did previously. The legislator is now advocating for funeral attendance to be made an official duty of her colleague Parliamentarians. There is the cultural aspect. Funerals are so important. If you underestimate the value of funerals to the community, you might actually find yourself wanting, she is quoted as saying. I almost feel like though in talking about the role of an MP, we really need to add that officially. It is something you cant run away from. I think I have attended more funerals now than I have in my entire life which is an interesting experience because it is a whole cultural experience to actually get involved in the funerals and everything else. But by and large one wish one could do more. She added that whiles the job of an MP is mainly to make laws and oversee development, all legislators also have an oversight role to play in their societies. READ ALSO: Defeated NDC national youth organiser aspirant wails in shock This, she said, includes helping out community members with some infrastructure, as well as programmes. I think sometimes this hybrid system compromises our ability to take on to take on that role as an oversight over the executive. But with the culture of our cultural setting, the MP also ends up being an agent of development. Even though you have the local government you have the assemblies in you various districts and the various constituencies, you find out that the MP still have to do quite a lot to help with members of the community with some of the infrastructure programs and so on and so forth, she added. Atakorah Story: I Am the Headmaster With Only a J.S.S Certificate - Faces of Ghana | Yen.com.gh READ ALSO: Cedi begins appreciating against the dollar Your stories and photos are always welcome. Get interactive via our Facebook page. Source: Yen.com.gh Reports reaching YEN.com.gh indicates that many customers of embattled gold dealership firm, Menzgold Ghana Limited, have rejected a payment plan proposed by the firm. The woes of the embattled gold collectibles firm appear to be far from over with the turn of events which has led customers to reportedly reject a proposed 15 percent initial payment on their principal. Board of the gold dealership proposed the 15 percent payment during a meeting with customers and other key stakeholders of the company over the weekend at Zylofon Cash Office in Accra. Menzgold building. Credit: Graphic.com.gh Source: UGC READ ALSO: Mahama is coming back because we don't want any concert in 2020 - NDC Chairman According to a report sighted by YEN.com.gh on Dailyguideafrica.com, some nine interest groups and investors of Menzgold, attended the said meeting to discuss pertinent issues and come out with solutions. The meeting is said to have started around 4:15pm and ended at about 6:35pm. It was was chaired by Nana Offei, Corporate Affairs Manager of the gold firm, who was in the company of Shadrack Fordjour, Marketing Manager and Clive Ofosuhene, IT Manager. In deep consultations with the Board, operations and management, the company has decided to give 15% initial payment to all customers who wish to terminate their contract, Mr. Offei was quoted to have said during the meeting. Among many other things that were discussed, the proposed 15 percent principal payment was to be paid by 9th November, 2018. However, the proposal was said to have been flatly rejected by about 80 percent of the customers of the firm who were apparently gutted by the way in which the company was handling their investments. READ ALSO: 9 beautiful photos of Asamoah Gyan's kids he wants to do DNA test on Leaders of the various stakeholder groups that took part in the meeting reportedly attempted to negotiate for 20 percent to 25 percent payment but their suggestion was not fruitful. Not too long ago, YEN.com.gh reported that Menzgold was set to resume full operations on November 5, 2018. In a press release, the company said it was going to launch a new collectibles trading product that would make it possible for existing transactions to be migrated onto that platform for immediate and prompt extra value and principal payments. It would be recalled that the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) in September 2018 ordered Menzgold Ghana Limited to suspend its gold trading operations with the public. The directive, according to SEC, was based on the fact that Menzgold had been dealing in the purchase and deposit of gold collectibles from the public and issuing contracts with guaranteed returns with clients without a valid licence from the Commission. READ ALSO: 6 hot photos of the lady alleged to be behind Asamoah Gyans divorce Watch: Atakorah Story: I Am the Headmaster With Only a J.S.S Certificate - Faces of Ghana | Yen.com.gh Have national and human interest issues to discuss? Know someone who is extremely talented and needs recognition? Your stories and photos are always welcome. Get interactive via our Facebook page. Source: Yen Archbishop of Kampala City, Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, has made a call on the government of Uganda to deduct tithe from workers salaries. According to the Catholic Archbishop, many Christians for the past years have failed to pay their tithes and that has affected the growth of the church. The Archbishop cited a mechanism in Germany as basis for his calls. He said he wanted Ugandans who are registered as Catholics, Protestants or Jews have a church tax that the government deducts from income source. According to Citinewsroom.com, the German system is known as Kirchensteuer, where eight or nine per cent is deducted from annual incomes. READ ALSO: 9 beautiful photos of Asamoah Gyan's kids he wants to do DNA test on The Archbishop is quoted as saying: Whenever we ask for tithe, everyone gives only what they have at that time. But the Bible says a tenth of whatever you earn belongs to the church" Give me your support as I front this proposal because it is good for us. Arent you tired of putting money in the baskets all the time? Meanwhile, in Ghana, the debate over churches and taxes is being had the other way round. READ ALSO: Four serious reasons why women play "hard to get" The Commissioner-General of Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Emmanuel Kofi Nti has said that churches which run businesses will be taxed. This has become an issue as some pastors and individuals have spoken against it. Some clergy in orthodox churches have asked the government to rethink its intentions. It has moved Prophet Badu Kobi of God Wave Church to refer to President Akufo Addo as a "fool". Atakorah Story: I Am the Headmaster With Only a J.S.S Certificate - Faces of Ghana | Yen.com.gh Your stories and photos are always welcome. Get interactive via our Facebook page Source: Yen - Students of Nkwanta SHS have attacked school authorities as well as police officials - The incident occurred after mobile phones were seized from some of them on Monday, October 10, 2018 - 30 students have been arrested in connection with the incident Information available to YEN.com.gh shows that some students of Nkwanta Senior High School (SHS) in the Volta Region, have destroyed properties over the seizure of mobile phones. The incident occurred on the evening of Monday, October 29, 2018, at around 10pm. It was as a result of the intent of school authorities to resort to compliance with rules governing the use of cell phones on campus. Source: Supplied Source: UGC READ ALSO: I killed him because he doesn't respect elders - Suspected murderer drops a bombshell They seized some of the devices from the boys dormitory, and this led to a decision by the students to resort to violence. According to the Nkwanta South District Police Commander, ASP Williams Ayensu, the students pelted stones at the teachers, smashed windscreens of schools buses and classroom windows and vandalized other properties. He noted that properties damaged included four school buses, 16 motorbikes, smashed classroom windows and other properties at teachers bungalows. ASP Ayensu added that a police vehicle was vandalized by the rampaging students, while some hurled stones at the police. He went on to say that 30 students involved in the rioting have been arrested pending investigations. The headmaster of the school, BP Nyarko, said he had to run for cover when the students started the riot around 10 pm. He revealed that all lights and pipelines have been destroyed and authorities had to Meanwhile, the District Security Council at Nkwanta South will be meeting on the matter to decide the fate of the school and students. READ ALSO: 25 workers of TV3 Network have been sacked Atakorah Story: I Am the Headmaster With Only a J.S.S Certificate - Faces of Ghana | 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 The China International Import Expo is probably the most important international expo to date due to China's stance as the largest manufacturing base in the world, Lim Guan Eng, Malaysian Minister of Finance, told People's Daily Online in a recent interview. Malaysian Minister of Finance, Lim Guan Eng. (Photo/Wei Zhuoxin) Guan explained that the expo is of enormous importance to Malaysian business not only thanks to China's colossal manufacturing abilities, but also due to the fact China is going high-tech, especially in terms of AI and robotics. Datuk Bahria Mohd Tamil is a senior director of the Bilateral Economic and Trade Relations Division of Malaysia's Ministry of International Trade and Industry. Talking to a group of journalists recently, she said, CIIE is, for me, one of the most important starting points for China with other countries. With this kind of program, China is saying that it is so strong and that it is willing to promote other countries' products. Datuk Bahria Mohd Tamil(C), Senior Director of the Bilateral Economic and Trade Relations Division of Malaysia's Ministry of International Trade and Industry. (Photo/Liu Ning) Guan added that he believes this expo will be beneficial, not only to Malaysia and China, but also to other ASEAN countries. He explains, When you trade together and earn money together, you become more successful together. Echoing Guan's point, Unny Sankar Ravi Sankar, Director of Belt and Road National Secretariat Malaysia, explained that China should look at Malaysia as the gateway to ASEAN.Malaysia strongly feels that the CIIE will provide opportunities for ASEAN member countries and China should look at Malaysia as a stepping stone to ASEAN. On Malaysia's current trade with China, Guan says that he's happy with the way things are already, but events like the CIIE will help push business further between the two countries. He explains, China's our largest trading partner. We are very comfortable with the relationship between China and Malaysia, but like all relationships, it can always be improved. We want to have closer ties; we want more people-to-people interaction, we want to have more business investments here. The first ever China International Import Expo, which will run from Nov. 5 10 in Shanghai, will focus on high-end and intelligent equipment. Sankar concludes, Since the CIIE focuses on high-end products, investors can also look at downstream products that can be sourced from Malaysia. Stress for Siegburg commuters : ICE passengers annoyed with Deutsche Bahn Siegburg The Siegburg train station is practically cut off from all long distance connections, since the fire on the ICE fast track between Cologne and Frankfurt. Passengers report delays and overcrowded trains, already prior to the ICE fire. Teilen Teilen Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Tweeten Tweeten Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Drucken Siegburg commuters are annoyed. They are writing letters of protest to the Deutsche Bahn, asking customer service portals about details and exchanging their opinions on social networks. As reported, the Siegburg train station is practically cut off from all long distance connections, since the fire on the ICE fast track between Cologne and Frankfurt. For many commuters this means that they have to consider working from home, taking remaining holidays or accepting time-consuming detours around Cologne, as it appears from what the people concerned report to the General-Anzeiger newspaper. According to a press release of the Deutsche Bahn, the second rail of the fast track will be open again from November 18. The ICE trains will resume their regular timetable then, as usual, the statement read. Although due to some speed limits some short delays of a few minutes might still occur. At the start of December the entire route should be back to normal. Im commuting for over ten years on a daily basis from Siegburg to Frankfurt, as are many hundreds of other people, whom I see on the trains for years and kind of know by now, said one person affected, who lives in Sankt Augustin. The daily commute is based on the original assumption that the connection works without any problems, each day. That was the case during the first few years. You could rely on the trains being on time, getting a seat and arriving on time at your planned destination, said the commuter. For the last few month, commuting turned into a stressful affair. It started with trains arriving only as one-piece trains. The Sankt Augustin man reports of technical problems and delays. And says that often the trains dont continue due to overcrowded carriages. Fellow passengers who didnt get a seat, have to leave the train. Because that doesnt happen voluntarily obviously, the Bahn is trying to convince people by handing out vouchers. If that isnt enough, trains get cleared by the Federal Police or the train waits until enough passengers get off. Since the ICE fire there are practically no direct connections to Frankfurt: One at 5.41am and the next one at 9.48am. Changing at Cologne is not a feasible alternative for most passengers. The entire route then exceeds the amount of time that a commuter allows on a daily basis, especially because changing each additional time causes a lot more stress, sad the customer. One man from Konigswinter-Vinxel reports that he has experienced trains being overcrowded since the timetable change. The Deutsche Bahn didnt have enough trains of the type ICE 3 even before the high speed track between Berlin and Munich was established. As that connection is politically important, the Bahn saves money where there is no public focus. And that unfortunately is the Cologne-Frankfurt route. He does not understand the current missed stops in Siegburg/Bonn and fears that the Deutsche Bahn is testing the missing stops situation for 2019: With the next timetable change the much slower ICE 4 will be used for the Cologne-Rhine/Main route. With that, four ICE stops will be taken out in Siegburg. The commuters are not happy with the Deutsche Bahns crisis management. I can understand that one needs to do repairs after an accident. But we get the impression that the Deutsche Bahn considers the paying customers an annoying extra, said the man from Vinxel. One reader from Hangelar already approached the Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Sieg (VRS), because the situation in the regional trains worsened so much: Hundreds of long distance travellers going to Siegburg are now trying to squeeze into already packed regional trains and trams in Cologne. In one minute, what happens in Shandong Province? In one minute, 10 people climb up Mount Tai. In one minute, 20 people stop at Penglai and enjoy the scenery. In one minute, 17 people walk into the Confucius Residence, Temple and Cemetery to explore Confucianism. In one minute, 5 people savor the autumn sights at Daming Lake. In one minute, 15.5 kiloliters of Tsingtao Beer are consumed. In one minute, 18 tons of seafood are loaded on ships. In one minute, 8,562kg of Shouguang vegetables enter kitchens. In one minute, 25 square meters of new land appears at the estuary of the Yellow River. In one minute, Qingdao Oriental Movie Metropolis produces 30,000 frames of film. In one minute, 11 Weifang kites are sold abroad. In one minute, Weichai Power equips a heavy truck with an engine. In one minute, the Sunway exascale computer prototype calculates 2.4 billion times. In one minute, the special rope developed by Qingdao sends the submersible Jiaolong into the sea, reaching depths of up to 50 meters. In one minute, the drilling rig Blue Whale #1 extracts an average of 3.6 cubic meters of natural gas in the combustible ice test area. In one minute, 95 passengers leave for abroad from Shandong Airport. In one minute, 16 cars drive to the cross-sea bridge and through Jiaozhou Bay. In one minute, two containers depart from the Port of Qingdao. In one minute, trade to Japan and South Korea reaches 96,000 US dollars. 40 years of reform and opening-up reveals the marvelous development of Shandong Province. In one minute, appreciate Shandong culture. In one minute, set sail on a new journey. In one minute, savor Shandong cuisine. In one minute, experience the intangible cultural heritage. In one minute, witness the power of innovation. In one minute, overlook the land of Shandong. Shandong in one minute, it is always ready for a new outlook. Leading Ohio Investors Share Insights to Support Thriving Startup Economy and Shape the Next Generation of Innovation COLUMBUS, Ohio, Oct. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Executives from Ohio Innovation Fund (OIF), a leading venture capital firm that leverages Silicon Valley experience to help create the next generation of companies and industries in Ohio and throughout the Midwest, will speak at three events at The Ohio State University in November. OIF managing director Bill Baumel and partner Jill Raderstorf will share knowledge with students, entrepreneurs and other members of the Columbus community, furthering their mission to help foster a thriving startup culture and shape the next generation of innovation and investment in the state. These speaking engagements support OIFs commitment to raise visibility for Ohio and the Midwest as a leading hub for venture capital activity, with world-class research, leading innovators and partners in sectors such as healthcare, financial services, industrial products and consumer packaged goods, and a talented, and highly productive employee base. Bill Baumel and Jill Raderstorf will host a session titled Is VC Investment Right For You? at The Starting Line powered by The Innovation Studio at The Ohio State University College of Nursing. Greg Moran, Chief Operating Officer at OIF cybersecurity portfolio company Wiretap, will also speak to their decision to take on venture capital, and the strategic and operational implications of doing so. When: Tuesday, Nov. 13 at 1:00 p.m. Where: Idea Foundry, 421 W. State St., Columbus, Ohio Jill Raderstorf will speak at an ideation event for undergraduate students hosted by OHI/O , a program dedicated to fostering technology culture at Ohio State. Raderstorf will discuss the lean business canvas, an entrepreneur-focused business plan that places an emphasis on problems, solutions, key metrics and competitive advantages. When: Thursday, Nov. 15 at 6:00 p.m. Where: OSUs Center for Design and Manufacturing Excellence (CDME), 1314 Kinnear Road, Columbus, Ohio Bill Baumel and Jill Raderstorf will speak to an entrepreneurial business-focused class at the Michael E. Moritz College of Law at Ohio State. They will discuss the state of the VC ecosystem in Ohio and how OIF has guided its portfolio companies to scale, and increase revenues. When: Thursday, Nov. 15 at 3:15 p.m. Where: Moritz College of Law, 55 W 12th Ave, Room 351, Columbus, Ohio To learn more about these upcoming speaking engagements, or to read highlights from earlier speaking engagements, visit the Ohio Innovation Fund Growth and Prosperity blog , or read up on Ohio Innovation Fund and its diverse roster of portfolio companies . There youll find summaries of last months speaking engagements, including the Kent State College of Business Administrations Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation's 2018 CEBIdea Pitch Competition , and the annual Deal Flow event hosted by Northeast Ohio Student Venture Fund (NEOSVF). About The Ohio Innovation Fund The Ohio Innovation Fund (OIF) provides venture capital and strategic, operational, and financial expertise to high-growth companies in the SaaS, Data Science, Cyber Security, and Med Tech markets. With more than twenty years of Silicon Valley venture capital experience, and close ties with a significant network of key Silicon Valley leaders, the partners of OIF have successful exits via several multi-billion-dollar valuation Initial Public Offerings as well as acquisitions by companies such as Medtronic, Dell, SAP, Intuit, and Stryker. OIF's companies have been featured by CNN, Forbes and The Wall Street Journal among others. For more information please visit www.ohioinnovationfund.com . Tonganoxie, KS, Oct. 30, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, luxury clothing brand Peruvian Connection , unveils the 10th edition of their gift book, a thoughtful collection of handcrafted pieces you will be delighted to give and eager to add to your own wish list. This years gift collection features a curated selection of gifts for men and women and includes something at every price point, making luxury gifts affordable for all. You can find cozy warmers of all kinds hats, gloves, scarves, muffs, capelets, neckwarmers handwarmers and legwarmers, plus cloud soft pajamas of the finest pima cotton and Suri Alpaca fur slippers lined with plush shearling. Handmade accessories abound in the book, including artisan-made earrings, necklaces, bracelets, belts and handbags. For the hostess, Peruvian Connection has commissioned collectible rugs and throw pillows hand woven by Andean artisans, along with snuggly soft blankets of brushed alpaca. The heart of the gift collection is Peruvian Connections famous heirloom quality clothing. Velvet jackets that are right on trend and beautiful dresses with sexy silhouettes are perfect for the stylemakers in your life. Hand knit sweaters of painted yarns and the finest outwear of alpaca and wool make luxury gift-giving easier than ever. Peruvian Connection was born from the desire to give my mother a thoughtful gift that was one of a kind, said Annie Hurlbut, founder of Peruvian Connection. I hand-picked each item in this collection, so you could gift your loved-ones something special and truly unique. Something they cannot find anywhere else. Highlights of the gift collection include the Vallnord Alpaca Fur Hat a favorite of Princess Kate Middleton and just $99, the 100% royal alpaca Luxe Waffle Tunic at $199 and the design that inspired the creation of Peruvian Connection: the Biddy Sweater Coat at $550. Gifts That Give Back Peruvian Connection has a rich history of giving back. This holiday season, we are partnering with Dress for Success to help women achieve financial independence. November 4th through November 10th, Peruvian Connection will donate 15% of all purchase proceeds made by Dress for Success supporters. And on Giving Tuesday (November 27th, 2018) two of Peruvian Connections exquisitely constructed alpaca and wool coats will be designated as a power pieces. On that day 20% of sales from those two items will benefit Dress for Success. We encourage you to join us in-store or online to purchase these gifts that give back. About Peruvian Connection Peruvian Connection was founded in 1976 by Annie Hurlbut and her mother, Biddy. An anthropologist by trade, Annie was fascinated by the extraordinary hand-woven pieces she found in the markets while studying in Peru. After gifting her mother a luxurious Peruvian alpaca sweater coat trimmed with fur, friends and family wanted to purchase Peruvian sweaters as well. They started importing a few sweaters, then created a catalog and more than 40 years later Peruvian Connections collections are available in the brands retail stores, online and by catalog. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OTTAWA, Oct. 30, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canadian Forces veteran Riley McGee, President of AbbaMedix Corp, a Licensed Cannabis Producer and Alex Kroon, President of Canada House Clinics, a leading Canadian provider of Cannabinoid Therapy services, will be appearing before the Senate Veterans Affairs Subcommittee to discuss the positive and life renewing effects of cannabis treatment on Canadian Veterans and front-line emergency and safety workers. They will be discussing the cannabis treatment regimes that Canada House has been tracking, particularly with veterans, over the last 5 years and the results of transferring patients from chemical based pharmaceuticals to natural and safe cannabis treatment strains. WHAT: Appearance before Senate Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs WHEN: October 31, 2018 12:00PM EDT WHERE: Room 2, The Victoria Building, 140 Wellington St, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A4 WHY: Presentation on the study of the services and benefits provided to members of the Canadian Forces; to veterans; to members and former members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and their families Mr. McGee and Mr. Kroon are available for interviews with members of the media following their presentation. Please make requests to the contact below. Canada House Clinics (formerly MFT) and AbbaMedix Corp are divisions of publicly traded parent company Canada House Wellness Group Inc. (CSE symbol: CHV) www.canadahouse.ca For further information and media inquiries: Former President Jimmy Carter, a Georgia native, wrote a letter to GOP gubernatorial nominee Brian Kemp asking him to step down as secretary of state and hand off oversight of the state's elections to someone else since he is currently running for governor of the state."In Georgia's upcoming gubernatorial election, popular confidence is threatened not only by the undeniable racial discrimination of the past and the serious questions that the federal courts have raised about the security of Georgia's voting machines, but also because you are now overseeing the election in which you are a candidate," Carter wrote in a letter to Kemp dated October 22.His letter to Kemp came as the Republican has received sweeping criticism for his oversight of the elections this year and faces accusations of suppressing the minority vote. Kemp's Democratic opponent, Stacey Abrams, has likewise called for him to resign ahead of the election this November. Andrew Gillum's Appeal Ron DeSantis' Struggles The Race Factor in Florida's Election How Hurricane Michael Could Impact Florida's Election Florida doesn't appear to offer fertile ground for liberal Democrats. Republicans have won the last five straight elections for governor and 19 of the last 20 races for statewide executive offices.Yet Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, who is running for governor with a progressive platform that includes universal health care, impeaching President Donald Trump and abolishing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, has led all but one of more than 20 polls conducted since the August primary.The Democrat's current lead against Republican Ron DeSantis is 3 points, according to thepolling average."Gillum is too liberal to have won any Florida statewide election in the past 30 years, but he is well on his way to winning this one," says Aubrey Jewett, a political scientist at the University of Central Florida.There's no question, however, that DeSantis could come out ahead. As of Monday, more registered Republicans cast ballots than Democrats in early voting. The last two races for Florida governor -- as well as the last two presidential contests in the state -- were decided by a single percentage point.But DeSantis hasn't been able to achieve any momentum following his easy win in the GOP primary. Since August, he has been engulfed in controversies about race and shaking up his campaign's leadership."DeSantis could still pull it out," says Susan MacManus, a retired political scientist at the University of South Florida at Tampa. "But if he loses, people are going to understand why."Florida is the only highly populated state with a competitive race for governor this year. Democrats appear certain to hold onto California and New York, while Republican Gov. Greg Abbott should easily win a second term in Texas. Meanwhile, money is freely flowing into Florida from prominent billionaire donors, such as Sheldon Adelson and the Koch brothers on the Republican side and early Gillum backer Tom Steyer.Both President Trump and former President Obama are making campaign appearances in Florida this week.When Gillum outpaced a field of more moderate candidates in the primary, even some Democrats worried that the party had blown a winnable race by nominating someone so far to the left. But he has a strong chance to pull off one of the most surprising wins of the year, likely becoming a national star for his party in the process.Only two African-Americans have ever been elected governor of any state: Deval Patrick of Massachusetts, who first won in 2006, and Doug Wilder of Virginia, in 1989. Gillum is in a stronger position than his fellow black Democratic nominees this year. Stacey Abrams narrowly trails a tight race in Georgia that appears to be heading for a runoff, while Maryland GOP Gov. Larry Hogan holds a double-digit lead over Ben Jealous."There is maybe a little bit of momentum behind Gillum because he could be the first black governor of Florida and people want to be a part of that," says Ryan Wiggins, a Republican consultant in Florida. "It shows acceptance, and it's historic."In terms of in-person early voting thus far, black turnout is up about 250 percent, compared to 2014, while turnout among Hispanics has tripled. Turnout among whites is up 97 percent.Like other Democrats around the country, Gillum is hoping to boost turnout among not only African-Americans but young voters -- another demographic group that traditionally fails to turn out in high numbers for midterm elections. Gillum is 39, and his progressive agenda has generated excitement among many younger Floridians. Voters born after 1965 -- Gen Xers and Millennials -- now make up a majority of the state's registered voters."This generational replacement is taking place, and the younger generations are more favorably disposed to an acceptance of diversity," says MacManus. "They were Bernie Sanders voters, many of them, and they've been energized by Gillum."With Gillum running on a hard-left agenda and DeSantis running as a staunch conservative, Florida is perhaps the year's premier "base vs. base" race."In Florida this year, we have one candidate who's more Bernie Sanders and one who is more Donald Trump," says Wiggins.But in Florida, independents -- who register as having "no partisan affiliation," or NPA -- account for 3 million registered voters, more than a quarter of the total. Independents can't vote in Florida's primary. Since then, polls have shown an advantage for Gillum among independents, whose early vote totals are also surging this year."The swing vote is NPAs, and the bulk of the NPAs are young," MacManus says.As for Democratic voters, they have united behind Gillum, despite his plurality victory in the crowded primary."In some other years, there might be some more moderate to conservative Democrats who might say they can't vote for a progressive like this," says Jewett, "but in the age of Trump, they're feeling loyalty to their party regardless."Still, Gillum faces some headwinds.Aside from the state's Republican tilt, an FBI investigation into corruption in Tallahassee has ensnared a once-close Gillum associate. Last week, news reports revealed that Gillum himself accepted a ticket to the Broadway show "Hamilton" from an undercover FBI agent. Soon after, news broke that an agent posing as a developer looking to do business with the city had paid the catering bill for a 2016 Gillum fundraiser. "This is a guy who has consistently used public office to feather his own next," DeSantis said on Monday.DeSantis also continually points out that Tallahassee experienced a record number of murders last year, although Gillum counters that the city's overall crime rate has come down.DeSantis has hitched his wagon closely to Trump's star. That was a big advantage for him among Republican primary voters but has proven to be less helpful in the fall."I think everyone recognizes that DeSantis won the primary for one reason, which is Trump's support," says Mike Haridopolos, a Republican who was formerly president of the Florida Senate. "That means he gets all of Trump's supporters, but he also gets all the Trump opponents as well."DeSantis, who was a founding member of the ultraconservative Freedom Caucus in the U.S. House, stepped down from his congressional seat in September, soon after winning the Republican primary.DeSantis appeared to come out of nowhere in that race. The early favorite was state Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, a fixture in Florida GOP politics for more than 20 years and the favorite of business groups and most party leaders.DeSantis spent a great deal of his time in Washington making regular appearances on Fox News, typically defending Trump. He ran an ad during the primary race showing him explaining concepts like "make America great again" and "build the wall" to his young children.But DeSantis spent little time campaigning in Florida before leaving Congress, rarely talking about state issues other than the condition of the Everglades. While Putnam had spent years wooing conservative activists throughout the state, that wasn't true of DeSantis. Trump's endorsement was enough to propel DeSantis to an easy primary win, but it didn't help him build a competitive campaign infrastructure."Even though DeSantis won the primary handily, he didn't have any ground game," says Haridopolos.Haridopolos says that DeSantis will get a boost from the stronger campaign organization set up by GOP Gov. Rick Scott for his U.S. Senate race. Since winning the primary, DeSantis has shaken up his own campaign team, hiring a new campaign chair, who in turn has changed media consultants. Some Republicans are convinced he's found better footing."The campaign, while maybe being slow to pick up and go, has improved significantly," says Pete Dunbar, a Tallahassee lobbyist who has served in the state legislature and as a gubernatorial chief of staff. "The last month to five weeks have been good for him. He has gone from being down by double digits to making it a horse race."But some observers contend that DeSantis has made the same mistake that Hillary Clinton made in her 2016 campaign against Trump: trying to paint his opponent as unacceptable, without making much of a positive case for himself. Meanwhile, DeSantis' policy agenda on central issues has been vague. He didn't put a health plan on his campaign website, for example, until last week."He hasn't presented in my mind a lot of compelling reasons to vote for him," says Jewett. "It's more attacks on Gillum."Race has emerged as a major factor in the election.The day after the primary, while extolling Florida's economy, DeSantis warned voters not to "monkey this up" by electing Gillum. DeSantis denied that he intended the comment as a racial slur, but not everyone was convinced.Gillum has confronted DeSantis with accusations that he facilitated a Facebook group that hosted anti-Semitic posts, that he spoke at a conference alongside white supremacists and that he refused to return a contribution from a donor who referred to Obama using the n-word."Now, I'm not calling Mr. DeSantis a racist. I'm simply saying the racists believe he's a racist," Gillum said during a debate last week.DeSantis dismissed Gillum's remarks as "nonsense" and went back on the attack, accusing Gillum of supporting an anti-law enforcement agenda.DeSantis continually suggests that Gillum could ruin Florida, turning it into something resembling a failed socialist state like Venezuela. Such attacks aren't convincing all voters, suggests Wiggins, the GOP consultant.For one thing, some of Gillum's ideas that garner the most attention, such as impeaching Trump and abolishing ICE, aren't within the purview of any governor. Tax increases certainly are, but Republicans appear certain to keep control of the state House, even if the state Senate may be at risk. That minimizes the potential harm Gillum can do, even in the eyes of voters who think he's too far left."Gillum's going to be held in check by a Republican legislature," says Wiggins. "There are some people looking at it as, 'he's not that much of a threat.'"But Republicans are hoping that a recent ruling leaving the replacement of three retiring state Supreme Court justices up to the next governor will help fire up their voters."Gillum would have difficulty as governor passing legislation, but he could greatly influence the court," says Haridopolos.Some Republican voters could have a hard time voting at all. Hurricane Michael did its worst damage along the Panhandle, tearing through several solidly Republican counties.Haridopolos says that he's optimistic that the month between the storm making landfall and Election Day will be enough time for people to vote. And one of Trump's Florida appearances will be in Pensacola on Saturday, just west of the hardest-hit areas.Still, many polling places have been wrecked and, for people just starting to rebuild their lives, taking the time to vote might not be a top priority."It's absolutely huge," says Wiggins. "The Panhandle doesn't win the state for anyone, but a Republican cannot win the state without the Panhandle."The fact that it's practically impossible at this point to poll the Panhandle means that DeSantis' strength might be understated in surveys. After two single-point races for governor, no one is predicting a blowout this year, in which case there's no telling who might win.But Gillum's appeal among typically low-turnout voters and DeSantis' struggles give Democrats real reasons to hope that next Tuesday's election will bring two decades of unbroken Republican control to an end. For a century and a half in New Hampshire, citizens could sue their state if they believed its actions were illegal or unconstitutional -- regardless of whether it violated their personal rights. Then, in 2014, the state Supreme Court ended that right.But on Tuesday, Granite Staters revived it with their approval of Question 1 on the state's ballot. This gives taxpayers back their power to sue state or local government -- even if their personal rights were not violated by the alleged injustice. The measure had 83 percent of the vote, with 83 percent of precincts reporting."We want to restore a right that citizens have had for over a century and frequently exercised," Democratic state Rep. Bob Backus, who sits on the board of the Yes on NH 1 committee, said before the vote.Unlike most pieces of legislation, the measure was supported by the state's Democratic and Republican parties, and the language for the proposed constitutional amendment was approved with overwhelming majorities in the state legislature. It passed the state House 309-9 and the state Senate 22-2. There was no organized opposition to it.Still, Democratic state Rep. Timothy Smith, who described himself as "very torn" on Question 1, said the amendment will create "potential for the judicial branch -- at least in the short and medium term -- to get clogged up with frivolous lawsuits.""Its not hard to imagine people using this newfound constitutional standing to sue the state government and say every individual penny of the property tax is unconstitutional for whatever reason," Smith said. "Even if theyre found to be frivolous and dismissed, they still have to go through due process."It's a debate states around the country are having.Just this summer, the Arkansas Supreme Court reaffirmed its commitment to the principle of "sovereign immunity," ruling for a second time that state agencies can't be sued by residents. There are similar sovereign immunity clauses -- with exceptions -- in the constitutions of states like Alabama and West Virginia. The Georgia Supreme Court ruled last year that "sovereign immunity forbids our courts to entertain a lawsuit against the State without its consent."The ruling that prompted New Hampshire's Question 1 came when Bill Duncan, a Democrat and former state Board of Education member, argued that education tax credits violated the state's constitution by giving taxpayer money to religious schools. The court ruled that Duncan lacked standing because he failed to "identify any personal injury" from the tax credits. The constitutional amendment states that a taxpayer "shall not have to demonstrate that his or her personal rights were impaired or prejudiced beyond his or her status as a taxpayer."University of New Hampshire law professor Albert Scherr isnt surprised the measure passed since its goal is in keeping with the state's libertarian tradition."It's another way of having a check on the government," he said. "That's really what it comes down to." Following through on an early campaign vow, independent gubernatorial candidate Alan Caron -- conceding that he had no chance to win -- withdrew from the race on Monday to endorse Attorney General Janet Mills, the Democratic nominee.Caron, an economic consultant and former Democrat, announced his campaign in the fall of 2017. He qualified for the general election ballot by submitting more than 4,000 signatures on June 1. He and his wife provided the vast majority of his campaign's funding.The announcement was a stark acknowledgment of the so-called spoiler discussion that has dominated the last three races for governor. Maine enacted ranked-choice voting as a partial response to the two plurality wins for Gov. Paul LePage, but it won't be used in the general election to decide his successor because of constitutional issues.When he entered the race, Caron, a former Democrat, said he would drop out if he didn't believe he could win. Pressed on that statement last week, he said he would decide the fate of his campaign after Sunday's penultimate televised gubernatorial debate.He did that on Monday at a news conference at Portland Public Library, where Mills appeared in the room on cue after he announced that he would help the Democrat win "in every way I can," saying it was "abundantly clear" that Mills was the best candidate to unite Maine."I am not going to win this race," he said. "Janet is going to win this race."Caron's run for the Blaine House included an ambitious and detailed economic plan that involved transitioning the state to complete energy independence over the next 30 years, slashing government spending by 10 percent, and establishing a two-year loan plan for college and university students that could be forgiven incrementally each year a student chose to stay and work in Maine after graduating.However, his candidacy never caught on. He pulled back in the final weeks of the race without running TV ads after he and his wife, Kristina Egan, made $725,000 available for the run. Caron's name will appear on the ballot, but on Monday he told Secretary of State Matt Dunlap's office that he would file a withdrawal notice with the state, which would notify voters at polling places that he withdrew and count any ballots cast for him as blank.The most recent public poll of the race showed Caron with 2.3 percent of the vote, badly trailing Mills and Republican businessman Shawn Moody. The other independent in the race, State Treasurer Terry Hayes, also polled in single digits, although she was faring better than Caron.Hayes, who is also a former Democrat, has been courting Republican and Democratic voters at different times during her race, but she has vowed to stay in until the end as Democrats have urged Caron and Hayes to drop out of the race, suggesting that the independents would siphon votes from Mills to potentially swing the outcome to Moody in a plurality race.Neither Caron nor Mills explicitly said that Hayes should get out on Monday. He said only that Hayes should "find a few moments away from the vortex of the campaign to think about what she could do best to help move this state forward." Mills said she has "every right to run."Hayes encouraged Caron supporters to rally behind her in a statement, saying electing a partisan "guarantees more fighting and gridlock in Augusta."Moody's campaign treated Caron's announcement as no surprise, with strategist Brent Littlefield saying in a statement that if people want "politics as usual they can pick Mills or Hayes."BDN writer Alex Acquisto contributed to this report.For a roundup of Maine political news, click here for the Daily Brief. Click here to get Maine's only newsletter on state politics via email on weekday mornings. Some straight-ticket voters have reported that voting machines recorded them selecting the candidate of another party for U.S. Senate, exposing a potential problem with the integrity of the state's high-profile contest between U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and Congressman Beto O'Rourke and leading good government groups to sound the alarm.Several Democratic voters, for example, have complained the voting system indicated they were about to cast a vote for Cruz, a Republican, instead of Democrat O'Rourke as they prepared to send it. Some said they were able to get help from staff at the polling place and change their votes back to what they intended before finalizing their ballots.Most of the 15 to 20 people who have complained to the state so far said that their straight-ticket ballot left their vote for U.S. Senate blank, according to Sam Taylor, communications director for the Secretary of State. A spokesman for the Texas Civil Rights Project said the group has received about a half dozen complaints, mostly of Democratic straight ticket voters whose ballots erroneously included a vote for Cruz, and one Republican straight ticket voter whose ballot tabulated a vote for O'Rourke.The problem occurs on the Hart eSlate voting machine when voters turn a selection dial and hit the "enter" button simultaneously, according to the state. Eighty-two of the 254 counties in Texas have these machines, although complaints have only come from Fort Bend, Harris, McLennan, Montgomery, Tarrant and Travis counties, according to TaylorThe issue with the eSlate machine first surfaced in the 2016 presidential election. The Secretary of State's office described it as user error at that time, and said the same of this year's problems in an advisory sent to election workers issued this week."It does pop up from time to time," said Taylor. Voters should "double and triple check and slow down" before casting their ballots, he said.Although the state sent the advisory, the Civil Rights Project contends that more should be done to ensure voters understand the potential for wrongly recorded votes.The group is pushing the state to post advisories to inform voters at the polls about the problem, and how to detect it."This is not an isolated issue but a symptom of a wider breakdown in Texas's election systems," said Beth Stevens, the organization's voting rights director. "Texas voters should have full confidence that when they use a voting machine they are indeed casting their ballot of choice."The Hart eSlate voting machines in Texas were last certified in 2009, meaning most of this equipment is at least that old, Taylor said. Upgrading the machines is costly: $50 million would just cover costs to upgrade machines in Harris, Dallas and Tarrant Counties, he said."It wouldn't even put a dent" in the cost of upgrading machines statewide, Taylor said.Harris County officials have echoed that the issue is a voter error and not a problem with the machines. Some voters who have tried to cast a straight ticket ballot for Republicans have also found the machine erased the vote for Cruz and records no selection for U.S. Senate."It reinforces how vital it is for every voter to carefully review their selections before casting the ballot to ensure it accurately reflects who you want to vote for," read a statement from the Texas Civil Rights Project on Thursday. "Triple check your ballot before casting it."Bexar County uses a different brand of voting machines, but complaints from concerned voters are still coming in amid concern for voting problems with the Hart eSlate machines, said elections administrator Jacque Callanen. When voters cast straight ticket ballots, the machines leave blank any race in which their favored party doesn't have a candidate, she said."Every time we have a straight party election, we have that confusion," said Callanen.This is the last major election Texans will have the choice to vote straight ticket. The Legislature opted to ban the practice beginning in the 2020 election. Washingtons tariff policy couldnt solve its own trade imbalance, and starting a trade war could harm the competitiveness of the American enterprises, hurt the interests of US consumers and bring negative influence to the US economy, said a senior researcher on global economy. A big part of the Chinese products subjected to the $200 billion tariffs are intermediate goods for American industry chains, David Dollar, a senior fellow of John L. Thornton China Center and global economic development project of Brookings Institution, told Peoples Daily. The additional tariffs will become a heavy burden for the US enterprises, he said, noting that if the tariff rate is elevated to 25 percent next year as planned, the American economy will have to pay high price for this, and the consumers will strongly feel the impact. He took the auto industry as an example, saying the high tariffs will increase the cost of auto parts and therefore cause a rise of auto prices, which will eventually be a burden on the consumers. The trade war wont narrow the US trade deficit with China, Dollar pointed out. The surplus or deficit of a countrys current account is decided by the balance between its savings and investment. To cut current-account deficit, a country has to enlarge savings, and the most effective way to achieve this is tax increase. However, the Trump administration is moving toward the opposite direction, Dollar pointed out, adding that because of Trumps tax cut, the US is facing higher trade deficit pressure this year. The researcher said he doesnt believe that the current-account deficit or surplus means a great issue for China and the US. Chinas economy shows much lower dependence on foreign trade, and its growth is mainly driven by domestic demand he explained. Dollar said the trade frictions between the two largest economies will possibly impact global economic growth this year. The American researcher, who has been in China for 9 years as World Bank's Country Director for China and Mongolia, an economic and financial emissary of the US Department of the Treasury, is a witness of Chinas reform and opening- up course. Dollar said China has undergone great changes in the last 40 years. A large proportion of the Chinese export value is created by private-owned enterprises, he stressed, adding that Chinas development and changes have proved the success of reform and opening-up. The trade war was started because of political reasons in the US, Dollar said, suggesting the US resolve economic and trade frictions, as well as appeals through dialogue and negotiations. The trade war goes against the common interests of the China and the US. Even the allies of the US are not for it initiating the trade war unilaterally, he said, warning that such move of Washington has in fact isolated itself in the international community. A federal judge ruled Friday that the Memphis Police Department violated a consent decree between the City of Memphis and the ACLU of Tennessee by spying on political protesters.The Tennessee chapter of the ACLU filed a lawsuit against the Memphis Police Department on Feb. 22, 2017, for keeping a list of people to monitor by social media and other means.The list included members of the Black Lives Matter movement, the mother of Darrius Stewart, a teen killed by Memphis police, and local political organizers.The court imposed sanctions to ensure the city's future compliance with the agreement."This important decision ensures that activists in Memphis can continue to fight the good fight without fear of unwarranted police surveillance," ACLU of Tennessee Executive Director Hedy Weinberg said in a statement."The right to free speech is crucial to our ability to speak out against injustice and to hold the government accountable. Especially in this day and age, being able to truly engage in dialogue about important issues without the threat of intimidation is vital to our democracy."The City of Memphis issued a statement responding to the ruling, saying that it is taking steps to make sure it is in compliance with the decree."The Court noted that the violation of the consent decree was not intentional but stems from a 'shared misunderstanding rather than political favoritism,'" it said. "It also points out that officers have demonstrated their dedication to protecting First Amendment rights." Description GIS 30 October, 2018: The implementation of International Health Regulations (IHR) is in the interest of all of us. We live in a global village where passengers, cargos, vectors and diseases travel at jet speed around the world and are easily spread. Hence the importance of evaluating our IHR core capacities so that we can meet international standards. The implementation of International Health Regulations (IHR) is in the interest of all of us. We live in a global village where passengers, cargos, vectors and diseases travel at jet speed around the world and are easily spread. Hence the importance of evaluating our IHR core capacities so that we can meet international standards. This statement was made yesterday by the Minister of Health and Quality of Life, Dr Anwar Husnoo, at the opening of a four-day validation workshop on the Joint External Evaluation to assess the implementation of the IHR (2005) held at Sofitel Mauritius LImperial Resort & Spa, Flic en Flac. He underlined that the IHR require all member states to reach international standards in 12 core capacities adding that Mauritius has proactively taken the necessary steps to strengthen the required core capacities. He pointed out that Mauritius has continuously assessed its core capacities and will now be conducting its self-assessment by an external team. Referring to IHR 2005, Dr Husnoo highlighted that it is a set of international legal instrument that covers measures to prevent public health emergency of international concerns and at the same time to limit interference with travel and trade. This new IHR 2005 has been updated from IHR 1969 which only looked at four diseases. The new IHR 2005 has been formulated in light of events that have happened in the world particularly the outbreak of SARS Virus in 2006 and other public health emergency like radioactivity and chemical intoxications, he said. The Health Minister also dwelt on the need for a multisectoral approach to detect, assess, report and respond to any public health emergency of international concern. According to him, notable progress has been made in areas such as legislation, preparedness, coordination, control at border, and chemical safety. They include: modification of existing Quarantine and Public Health Regulation to meet the requirement of IHR 2005; formulation of action plans to respond to public health emergency; setting up of an intersectoral committee to deal with IHR related matters; modification of Quarantaine law to meet the IHR requirement for border control particularly for ship sanitation and maritime declaration; and signing of an international protocol and having a response planned to deal with a chemical event. International Health Regulations In response to the exponential increase in international travel and trade, and emergence and reemergence of international disease threats and other health risks, 194 countries across the globe have agreed to implement the IHR 2005. This binding instrument of international law entered into force on 15 June 2007. The stated purpose and scope of the IHR are "to prevent, protect against, control and provide a public health response to the international spread of disease in ways that are commensurate with and restricted to public health risks, and which avoid unnecessary interference with international traffic and trade." Because the IHR are not limited to specific diseases, but are applicable to health risks, irrespective of their origin or source, they will follow the evolution of diseases and the factors affecting their emergence and transmission. The IHR also require States to strengthen core surveillance and response capacities at the primary, intermediate and national level, as well as at designated international ports, airports and ground crossings. They further introduce a series of health documents, including ship sanitation certificates and an international certificate of vaccination or prophylaxis for travelers. Finally, this second edition includes a new foreword and the Health Part of the Aircraft General Declaration (as revised by the International Civil Aviation Organization), as well as Appendices listing States Parties to the IHR and reservations, objections and declarations received from States Parties. Description GIS 30 October, 2018: The Vice Chairman of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC), Mr. Wang Yongqing The Vice Chairman of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC), Mr. Wang Yongqing paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister, Minister of Home Affairs, External Communications and National Development Unit and Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, yesterday afternoon at the New Treasury Building in Port Louis. Mr. Wang Yongqing is leading a 15-member delegation to Mauritius. His visit follows the recent mission of Prime Minister Jugnauth to China in September 2018 where he participated in the 3rd Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit. In a statement, Vice Chairman Yongqing highlighted that he had a fruitful discussion with the Prime Minister as regards investing in Mauritius and using the country as a regional headquarter for doing business in Africa. He also expressed the interests of China to cooperate with Mauritius in various sectors with a view to further strengthening bilateral and economic relations between both countries. The ACFIC is a peoples organisation composed of Chinas industrialists and businessmen, which has as amongst its objectives to build communication channels between the government and the non-public economy. The organisation has established ties with more than 400 groups, institutions, chambers of commerce and enterprises of over 100 countries and regions. When people talk about local government, they tend to lump cities, counties and special districts into one indistinguishable mass.But they operate pretty differently from one another. Take this data, gathered from the 2018 Digital Cities project the results of which will be published Thursday which show how cities spend their technology budgets.Compared with counties , cities spend less of their IT budgets on telecommunications (9 percent for cities, 16 percent for counties), more on software (15 percent versus 9 percent) and a little more on IT services (18 percent versus 15 percent).Counties also spend 3 percent more of their budget on internal IT staff than cities.The data comes from survey responses from counties and cities, which submit information for annual projects conducted by the Center for Digital Government*. The areas are broad, which helps gather information across a multitude of jurisdictions that all do things differently.More data from Digital Cities as well as the winners in each population category will be released on Friday.Government Technology Nine cities have won the Bloomberg Philanthropies U.S. Mayors Challenge , which comes with $1 million for each jurisdiction to put toward implementing solutions to civic issues they face.The awards come after a year-long competition, during which city leaders proposed, tested and developed projects capable of solving local problems projects that also could be scaled for national use. The $1 million is specifically intended to be used to begin implementation of the winning projects, which address a wide range of challenges, including homelessness, climate change, the opioid crisis and more.The winning jurisdictions are as follows: Denver Durham, N.C.; Fort Collins, Colo .; Georgetown, Texas Los Angeles ; New Rochelle, N.Y.; Philadelphia ; and South Bend, Ind.The projects are notably diverse, with no two winners so much as sharing the same general subject matter. Denver is putting in air pollution sensors around schools. Durham is incentivizing alternate transportation behaviors for single car commuters. Georgetown is partnering with residents to boost use of solar energy. Los Angeles is incentivizing the addition of new housing units on existing properties for the homeless. New Rochelle is developing its downtown with virtual reality tech. Philadelphia is creating new trauma facilities for children. And South Bend is helping low-income and part-time workers get to their jobs by matching up ride-share providers with employers.In the wake of the award announcements,spoke with two of the mayors from the winning towns. Mayor Steve Williams of Huntington discussed his jurisdictions project, which supports first responders embroiled in the opioid crisis by embedding mental health professionals within their departments.Huntington, like many cities and towns throughout the nation, is dealing with an opioid epidemic the likes of which has never been seen before. What this means for first responders, is an unprecedented number of overdoses and near overdoses, a veritable stream of psychological trauma every day on the job.To address this, Huntington is building a system that will see mental health professionals working daily with first responders, so that they can learn what they go through and also intimately acquaint themselves with the rigors of addressing the crisis.Its to help fight the opioid epidemic, but its also to help protect those who are helping us, Williams said.Williams said that even before the winners were announced, working with Bloomberg Philanthropies had helped his city develop this idea, guiding their efforts with data throughout.Whats been wonderful about working with Bloomberg Philanthropies is that they bring technical support to the table and really stretch you, Williams said. Data rules. They like the saying, In God we trust, but with everyone else we demand data.' Theyre really data-driven in measuring what can be done, how it can be scaled and set up so it can be replicated elsewhere.All of this is key to the mission of the U.S. Mayors Challenge, especially the last bit about replicating these projects elsewhere. Its nigh-universally accepted within government innovation circles that many jurisdictions face similar problems. Huntington, for example, is far from the only city facing a large-scale opioid epidemic, and so the first responders in Huntington are also not the first at risk of facing burnout. Essentially, if the $1 million Huntington uses to develop this program works, they could create a blueprint to be used in any number of other towns.Mayor Wade Troxell of Fort Collins project was also selected. The project is a public-private partnership that seeks to make rental housing safer and more energy efficient by offering landlords a mix of low-cost financing, simpler underwriting and a group of pre-screened and reliable contractors. All of that is aimed at helping them make energy efficiency upgrades to their rental properties, things like improve insulation and weather sealing that will reduce utility bills for residents while also leading to cleaner air.Part of it is scalability, not only for our community but for other cities, Troxell said. One of the points of the Bloomberg Mayors Challenge is sharing. So, upon our success well share with other cities.He said that other cities had already reached out to inquire about the project before it was selected as one of the nine winners.This is essentially the fourth cohort of Mayors Challenge winners. The contest is conducted regionally, with a 2013 challenge having taken place in the United States, 2014 in Europe and 2016 in Latin America and the Caribbean. New to the contest this year was a testing phase, during which 35 cities received up to $100,000 and technical advice from organizers to support and build out their ideas. The nine winners today were chosen from that group. (TNS) Nathan Mock stayed home from school Sept. 19, but it wasnt a Ferris Bueller kind of day off.The South Vermillion High School freshman had plenty of assignments, which he completed using his school-issued iPad.He wasnt alone. Districtwide, students stayed home as part of South Vermillions practice eLearning day, the first of three approved by the state and school board. The next practice day is Oct. 24 and the last will be Nov. 28.One of the goals is to be able to use eLearning days if inclement weather forces students and staff to stay home, said South Vermillion superintendent Dave Chapman.Mock believes the eLearning days are going to be a good alternative to snow days and it will help schools stay on schedule.Conducting practice sessions enables the district to work out any bugs, and there were a few.I think the teachers might not have been totally aware of how much work they assigned, Mock said. I heard that from many classmates.He also heard there were some issues with the technology. Im sure it will get better over time, he said.While its more comfortable having school at home, its not something he would want to do every day, Mock said.I think there are a lot of things that cant be done outside of class that involve personal interaction, including class discussion or group work, Mock said.Some students gathered at the Clinton McDonalds or public library, which have wifi, to do their work. Meanwhile, South Vermillion teachers were at school Sept. 19, available to respond to students questions or problems but also participating in their own professional development.eLearning growing statewideThe use of eLearning days is growing in Indiana. Currently, 278 school districts or schools including 101 nonpublic schools and 177 public are approved for using eLearning days, said Candice Dodson, director of eLearning with the Indiana Department of Education.Last year, 229 schools or districts were approved.The program can be used on a day of inclement weather, on a make-up day for poor weather or on a planned day for other reasons including teacher training.It has been around for about seven years and, over that time, schools ability to provide learning away from a brick and mortar facility has increased, Dodson said. More than half of all school corporations have brought their student/device ratio up to one device per student at either all or some grade levels, according to the IDOE website.More and more districts each day are using blended learning that includes applications and other online resources, so it becomes much easier to do that away from the building, Dodson saideLearning days have been a really positive catalyst in Indiana, she said. It has really helped families, teachers and students see how we really can use technology to broaden what we think of in terms of teaching and learning.Its enabling students to learn really good skills needed in todays world, she said. It really has been an exciting program for Indiana.Schools must meet several requirements to participate:They must demonstrate access to the internet for students and teachers away from school buildings.Parents and students can reach teachers directly to support e-instruction.Students will be informed of their learning targets for the day by 9 a.m.Students work will cover content that would have been addressed if school were in session in a traditional setting.All students who have accommodations for instruction will be provided with or have access to those accommodations, which includes those with disabilities and limited English proficient students.To be successful, schools must communicate with families and communities so they are prepared, Dodson said. They need to know what the expectations are and also be familiar with the tools.Also, students and teachers must be comfortable using the digital tools in school to be successful outside of the traditional setting.Some of the challenges districts report include teachers initially assigning too much work, or not enough work; they need to find the right balance. Also, accessibility can be an issue because not everyone has access to internet away from school, Dodson said.There are ways around that lack of accessibility, she said. Assignments can be downloaded onto devices prior to the eLearning day, with the work done offline then uploaded when they return to school. On planned eLearning days, some schools may provide opportunities for those without access to come into a school setting that is supervised.Some districts to a wonderful job of enlisting community partners ... to make sure they are aware eLearning days are happening and they may see kids in their buildings, especially on planned days, Dodson said. Those partners might include Boys and Girls Clubs, churches, libraries, or businesses that have wifi.While some students might be tempted to goof off on stay-at-home eLearning days, there are ways to document student activity. For schools using online learning management systems, students need to log in and schools can keep track of how much time students were engaged in learning, Dodson said.Wabash Valley districts among those approvedWabash Valley districts using, or practicing, eLearning days include South Vermillion Community School Corp., Southwest Parke Community Schools, North Vermillion Community School Corp. and Southwest Sullivan School Corp.We learned a lot from the first one [Sept. 19] and made some adjustments, said Chapman, South Vermillion superintendent. Future practice days are Wednesday and Nov. 28 and the goal is to have any bugs worked out so that eLearning days could potentially be used if inclement weather forces students and staff to stay home this winter season.The Sept. 19 practice session went better than expected, Chapman said. We had hotlines set up for connectivity issues or other issues that students and/or parents might have.One of the issues involved students logging in for attendance. In some cases, there may have been connectivity or software issues. We got a number of calls in the morning, but by mid-day, there were no calls coming in, Chapman said.Some students dont have Internet connection at home and had to make adjustments. Some kids got together at the local McDonalds and did their and assignments there. Others gathered at the Clinton Public Library.>The next day, teachers talked to each other about what worked and what didnt. They also talked to students about any problems.It was a learning experience, Chapman said.This year, the district is using a new, cloud-based learning management system, Canvas, that connects digital tools and resources teachers use in one place. It replaced Google classroom.The district is taking into account that some students lack connectivity at home, and those students will have extra time to complete assignments, if needed, Chapman said. The district also will work with students who have disabilities to ensure they have necessary accommodations.More than 80 percent of South Vermillion students have some type of internet connectivity or access, Chapman has said.Use of eLearning days will work best if the district knows at least a day ahead of time that classes may have to be canceled because of bad weather. Students will know to take iPads home, and teachers would have adequate time to prepare and post assignments.If bad weather sneaks up on us and school has to be canceled at the last minute, those are more likely to be snow days with no eLearning.We dont want to put undue pressure on students and staff, Chapman said.In the event of a harsh winter, eLearning days help ensure the district wont have to have an extended school year beyond whats scheduled.Southwest Parke Community Schools uses one eLearning day in the spring for its Southwest Parke Awakening & Redefining Curriculum Conference [SPARC], which is for district staff and surrounding districts. Meanwhile, students stay home and participate in eLearning projects.The district has chosen to use eLearning days just for teacher training at this time, said Phil Harrison, Southwest Parke superintendent. The way we do eLearning for our students is a very involved process.For students that dont have internet access at home, We open schools buildings and have computer labs staffed for the eLearning day. Thats harder to do on emergency snow days, he said. The district also provides transportation for those students as well as lunch.Because we go to such lengths to make sure students are cared for, we use them only for professional development. It gives teachers plenty of time to plan for a high-quality experience, Harrison said.Rachel Porter, Southwest Parke digital curriculum integration specialist, said eLearning lessons look very different in primary grades, with more audio support for online components and more work offline.As far as challenges, Weve learned we have to cut back on our content as it seems to take students far longer to do things independently at home than it would take in class. We are committed to making sure our eLearning lessons are truly lessons. There must be a teaching or review component. It cannot just be assignments given or busy work. This aspect is what takes the most time for teachers to prepare.The district uses iPads in kindergarten classrooms but has transitioned to Chromebooks in grades 1-6. Riverton Parke Junior/Senior High School is BYOD [bring your own device], with classroom sets of Chromebooks available.The North Vermillion school district uses eLearning days for weather-related cancellations, said Superintendent Dan Nelson. We are also looking at incorporating eLearning days for staff professional development during the 2019-2020 school year as well.Southwest Sullivan schools have used eLearning days for both professional development and inclement weather make-up days, according to Superintendent Chris Stitzle.At one students homeJennifer Mock, Nathans mother, is a South Vermillion School Corp. substitute teacher and was home on the Sept. 19 eLearning day.I think its a great substitute for snow days, she said. I think they have a few bugs to work out, but that is true with anything new. I think each practice will get a little better.The day out of traditional classes also gave them an opportunity to take Nathan to a doctors appointment.Her son spoke with the school staff about his experiences on the first eLearning day.It wasnt bad by any means. Nathan had a lot of work to do. He is in honors classes, so a lot of work was expected. But it was a lot more than he thought there would be, she said.She added, It wasnt by any means a free day. (TNS) Palm Coast, Fla.'s information technology team has a new head of operations.The city last week hired Chuck Burkhart, an IT team builder with nearly 30 years of experience, city spokeswoman Cindi Lane announced Monday in a media release.Burkhart came to Palm Coast most recently from Medi-Share, a Melbourne insurance company where he spent 20 months as director of IT operations. His application indicates he relocated to Palm Coast to be closer to family. He replaces Steve Viscardi, the city's former IT director who resigned in July. He was being paid $110,157 at the time.Burkhart began Oct. 22. He will receive an annual salary of $107,500, Lane said.The Indiana-bred tech executive takes the helm of a department on the rise. The city's $3-million IT branch includes 14-employees divvied into four separate teams applications, operations, GIS and special projects. They support technology resources for the citywide staff of 400 employees.Palm Coast's current administration has made technological innovation a key focus, emphasizing plans to expand the city's fiber optic and wireless infrastructure and "Smart City" applications. Burkhart also will be a member of the city's executive team."Chuck Burkhart has a strong record of effectively developing creative strategies and solutions to improve processes using technology," Interim City Manager Beau Falgout said in Monday's release. "We're excited to have him as part of the Palm Coast team and look forward to his leadership in this critical area."City officials in April included those upgrades as part of the goals it set for year, and last month, council members finalized its 2018-19 spending plan, which added $500,000 to the IT budget to pay for some of the improvements."This is an exciting time to be involved in the city's technology direction," Burkhart said in a prepared statement. "I'm anxious to use my experience leveraging technology to drive business goals for the benefit of the city of Palm Coast."Burkhart was born in Seoul, Korea before his military family moved to southern Indiana where he was reared. His resume includes an array of IT jobs across the country with more than 20 years of managerial positions. He came to Florida in 2012 following a short stint in Denver to take over as the IT director for the Family Support Services of North Florida, an adoption and foster care agency in Jacksonville.Burkhart graduated from the University of Evansville in Indiana and spent the first nine years of his career as an analyst and project manager in the Hoosier State. He then moved to Atlanta in 1997 to be near family and worked his way up the ranks there for the next 14 years, according to his resume.Lane noted Burkhart also underwent executive leadership training at Emory University's Goizueta Business School. (TNS) Peoria, Ill's Notre Dame High School was targeted by a cyberattack that has drawn the attention of federal investigators.In a letter to parents, school Principal Randy Simmons explained the school was the target of a "Denial of Service" attack sometime before Oct. 4. Then, he told parents, the school changed some of its technology but the attacks continued a few more times in October.It's unclear what the cybercriminals were trying to do, though the principal did say the attacks posed a very "serious threat to the school and to day to day operations." Simmons said local law enforcement as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation have been contacted and are on the case."Several factors indicate that the attacks are specifically targeting PND, and likely perpetrated by an individual or individuals known to PND. While to some it may seem unlikely that a student or adult would have the wherewithal to perform such an attack, news reports provide ample evidence to the contrary. The same reports also confirm the severity of the criminal charges brought against those involved in the attacks," he said in his letter. Max Verstappen was powered to victory in Mexico by anger. That is the claim of his father Jos, who said the Red Bull driver was furious after missing out on pole despite otherwise dominating last weekend. "I saw him on Sunday morning and he told me straight away that he had slept very badly," Jos, a former F1 driver, told the Dutch broadcaster Ziggo Sport. "Max was annoyed about the car and missing the pole. But also by Ricciardo," he revealed. "He (Daniel Ricciardo) celebrated his pole position with the exuberance of having become world champion. He (Max) was very angry and wanted only one thing: to win," Jos added. (GMM) China-US trade friction would have negative impacts on related industries of Alaska, Bill Popp, president and CEO of the Alaska-based Anchorage Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) told Peoples Daily in a recent interview. Popp gave a long list of industries that might be impacted, including seafood, minerals, energy, logistics and tourism. We are concerned about the tariffs and the current trade tensions, because we think that may take away the opportunities that we have worked very hard to build up over the last few years, he said. Popp believes that his company sees significant opportunities in Chinas development, as Alaska is the closest state in the US to China. AEDC is a nonprofit corporation devoted to seeking external market opportunities for the benefit of 265 local companies and over 50,000 employees, Popp introduced, adding that China is one of the corporations most important partners. Speaking of the recent remarks on US-China relations made by a US leader in Washington, which claimed that the US is losing in trade with China, Popp said that his company is against such mentality. Alaska has a different point of view on the national debate on trade with China, Popp said. Alaska has an economic aggregate of about $52.8 billion, and its exportation to China totaled $1.3 billion in 2017, according to Popp. I know that there is strong interest from a number of both small businesses and larger businesses in Alaska to seeking our trade opportunities, he noted. However, the trade disputes started by the US government have brought great uncertainties to all these visions. To Popp, trade disputes would not merely strike relevant industries; they would be more of a source of damage to cooperative opportunities, which would lead to unemployment and significant impact on the life of many local people, especially those who live in the rural areas. Popp disclosed that seafood business serves as an economic foundation for Alaskas coastal regions. In order to develop their market in China, Popp and his team have resorted to Chinas largest e-commerce company Alibaba for negotiation. Many southwestern and southeastern coastal areas of Alaska would suffer direct impacts if seafood export drops because of the trade dispute, Popp told Peoples Daily. In addition, the intensifying trade conflict between the two countries would probably have an impact on Alaskas efforts to continue seeking opportunities in Chinese market, and it would be very difficult to find an alternative market which takes at least a few years. Airborne logistics, according to Popp, would be another field that could be damaged by the trade disputes. Thanks to the unique geographical advantage, the close distance to Asia, Anchorage, Alaskas biggest city is now the worlds fifth largest port for air cargoes. 80 percent of air cargoes from Asia to America arrive at the Anchorage airport first. Popp told Peoples Daily that the airport was the major job creator of Anchorage, and 10 percent of the local jobs were involved in air transportation. A comprehensive trade dispute will obviously have an impact on the airport, which would probably result in a dramatic decrease of air cargoes from China, said Popp, adding that they placed high attention on the situation. Looking into the future, Popp hopes that the two countries could deal with disagreements through rational means and continue to push forward with the win-win cooperation. It is not just for improving economic and trade ties, but also for the enhancement of the exchanges between the two peoples, such as the promotion of mutual understanding on fundamental issues like who we are, what we are interested in and what common grounds we share, Popp explained. Eel. Its whats for dinner. Photo: Melissa Hom Eel is big business in Japan, where over 100,000 tons of unagi, or freshwater eel, are consumed every year. Unagi no kabayaki, or grilled eel with a sweet and savory glaze, even gets a holiday to itself (the Day of the Ox), while there are entire restaurants devoted to the speciality. Chef Okuno Hachibeis relatives have run unagi stands in Japan for the last eight decades, so it makes sense that hes lending his name (and expertise) to a new all-eel restaurant that will open this week in Manhattan. Opening this Friday, the eponymous Unagi-Ya Hachibei is tucked away like a secret on the second floor of a midtown building. Its stark black walls, slate-gray floor, and red curtains draped along one wall help give it the feel of a canteen run for First Order soldiers, but the owners arent so sinister: Theyre the same people behind restaurants like the East Villages late-night spot Ichibantei and have brought Hachibei on as a consulting chef. No windows to distract you from the eel. Photo: Melissa Hom Here, the menu consists of one option only: a set meal, available in both regular and large portions ($25 or $45 during lunch, $55 or $75 during dinner), built around unagi no kabayaki. The freshwater eel is butterflied and skewered, dipped in sauce made from Hachibeis own recipe, and grilled while brushed with more of that same sauce. Its served on top of rice, and the rest of the meal is rounded out by a salad, clear soup, chilled tofu with scallion and ginger, and daikon pickles. Down the line, they also plan to introduce beer, wine, sake, and cocktails. During lunch, only 100 orders of the dish will be served, a move designed to help conserve some of the eel. The European Commission has considered a ban on fishing in the Atlantic, and in 2014, the International Union for Conservation of Nature announced that the American eel was at risk of extinction in the wild. (Eel-smuggling has become a lucrative business.) In Japan, the government found in 2013 that wild eel populations had declined by roughly 90 percent in only three decades and declared the species endangered. Last year, the countrys Fisheries Agency said that the cultivation of glass eels (baby eels) had dropped from 15.4 tons to 8.9 tons. All of which is to say that eating eel is as fraught as eating bluefin tuna. When asked about this situation, a rep for the restaurant responded with a statement attributed to Hachibei acknowledging the issue and saying the restaurant works as environmentally consciously as possible with eel farms. Eating eel is a centuries old tradition and an important part of our culinary heritage that we want to share with New Yorkers, it reads. Grilled unagi is delicious and hopefully we can manage our tastes for it. Hachibei, 238 E. 53rd St. 2nd Floor, nr. Second Ave.; 212-888-8003 Photo: Bialetti The moka pot has lost its steam. On Friday, the stove-top coffee makers producer Bialetti announced measures to take $77,3165,680 in debt, and that it has doubts about its business continuity. In other words, the moka could go the way of the dodo. To save itself, and arguably even coffee, Bialetti (which reportedly owes thousands in taxes and salary) has applied for bankruptcy and is negotiating a $39,824,750 million loan from an American hedge fund. An icon of design, the moka pot was patented by Alfonso Bialetti in 1933 and became synonymous with making coffee in cultures that include Italy, of course, and also Cuba. Those who use the moka swear by it with fealty, and one Italian woman who works abroad tells The Telegraph that making coffee with the moka is also just part of being Italian. (If you doubt this, consider that Alfsonos son Renato had his ashes stored in a giant moka pot.) According to the head of Italian coffee company Filicori Zecchini, who spoke to The Sydney Morning Herald about the crisis, 70 percent of Italian families own a moka. So what went so wrong? Apparently, its the inevitable march of no, not progress everything turning to shit. Analysts say that the moka pot is being whopped by coffee pods from the likes of Nespresso. Ground-coffee sales are declining, while capsule sales are going up. Grub understands that things change, but really, Italy, the country that stubbornly insists food cannot change? Pods are already killing the environment. Dont let them kill the moka, too. Opinion Biden-Xi meeting mirrors new reality The virtual meeting between United States President John Biden and Chinas Xi Jinping on Tuesday was one between leaders of two most powerful countries in terms of the size of the economies US is the largest and China the second largest and each (HedgeCo.Net) The Securities and Exchange Commission has charged an investment adviser with a history of violating the securities laws for defrauding his close friends and community members. According to the SECs complaint filed Tuesday, from at least 2014 through at least 2017, Bruce J. Fixelle solicited investments from close friends he met through a local community organization, telling them that he was going to invest their money in initial and secondary offerings, which he would then sell before the end of the trading day. Fixelle described his trading strategy as safe and successful. In reality, rather than investing these funds, he allegedly used investor money to pay mounting personal debt and personal expenses. In 2014, Fixelle and a company he controlled, Genesis Advisory Services Corp., were charged by the Commission with violations of Rule 105 of Regulation M. Among other sanctions, they agreed to pay disgorgement, prejudgment interest, and civil penalties of over $1.5 million. Fraud often occurs where investors least expect it with close friends, family members, and in trust-based communities,said Marc P. Berger, Regional Director of the SECs New York Office. Investors are encouraged to use publicly available tools to gather information about individuals who are attempting to sell them securities. The SECs Retail Strategy Task Force and Office of Investor Education and Advocacy (OIEA) encourage investors to check the background of anyone selling or offering them an investment using the free and simple search tool on Investor.gov. Investors can also use the SALI feature to find information about certain people who have had judgments or orders issued against them in SEC court actions or administrative proceedings. The SECs complaint, filed in federal district court in New Jersey, charges Fixelle, Genesis, and another company he controlled, Aurora Capital Management LLC, with violating the antifraud provisions of the federal securities laws. hennemusic archive Nov 2021 (76) Oct 2021 (119) Sep 2021 (119) Aug 2021 (87) Jul 2021 (82) Jun 2021 (99) May 2021 (104) Apr 2021 (82) Mar 2021 (87) Feb 2021 (80) Jan 2021 (71) Dec 2020 (89) Nov 2020 (81) Oct 2020 (113) Sep 2020 (89) Aug 2020 (99) Jul 2020 (110) Jun 2020 (77) May 2020 (128) Apr 2020 (118) Mar 2020 (108) Feb 2020 (85) Jan 2020 (118) Dec 2019 (94) Nov 2019 (74) Oct 2019 (116) Sep 2019 (107) Aug 2019 (83) Jul 2019 (86) Jun 2019 (108) May 2019 (105) Apr 2019 (98) Mar 2019 (95) Feb 2019 (106) Jan 2019 (91) Dec 2018 (117) Nov 2018 (110) Oct 2018 (132) Sep 2018 (118) Aug 2018 (116) Jul 2018 (106) Jun 2018 (92) May 2018 (112) Apr 2018 (99) Mar 2018 (96) Feb 2018 (90) Jan 2018 (90) Dec 2017 (84) Nov 2017 (85) Oct 2017 (102) Sep 2017 (95) Aug 2017 (95) Jul 2017 (83) Jun 2017 (76) May 2017 (90) Apr 2017 (72) Mar 2017 (75) Feb 2017 (62) Jan 2017 (76) Dec 2016 (80) Nov 2016 (97) Oct 2016 (101) Sep 2016 (103) Aug 2016 (113) Jul 2016 (92) Jun 2016 (108) May 2016 (112) Apr 2016 (111) Mar 2016 (118) Feb 2016 (97) Jan 2016 (112) Dec 2015 (104) Nov 2015 (98) Oct 2015 (119) Sep 2015 (129) Aug 2015 (111) Jul 2015 (122) Jun 2015 (140) May 2015 (114) Apr 2015 (148) Mar 2015 (149) Feb 2015 (120) Jan 2015 (123) Dec 2014 (130) Nov 2014 (180) Oct 2014 (179) Sep 2014 (189) Aug 2014 (181) Jul 2014 (203) Jun 2014 (192) May 2014 (221) Apr 2014 (205) Mar 2014 (223) Feb 2014 (217) Jan 2014 (203) Dec 2013 (179) Nov 2013 (189) Oct 2013 (214) Sep 2013 (185) Aug 2013 (160) Jul 2013 (183) Jun 2013 (205) May 2013 (211) Apr 2013 (203) Mar 2013 (213) Feb 2013 (158) Jan 2013 (172) Dec 2012 (172) Nov 2012 (186) Oct 2012 (199) Sep 2012 (166) Aug 2012 (178) Jul 2012 (145) Jun 2012 (162) May 2012 (186) Apr 2012 (154) Mar 2012 (161) Feb 2012 (170) Jan 2012 (187) Dec 2011 (226) Nov 2011 (194) Oct 2011 (288) Sep 2011 (199) Aug 2011 (180) Jul 2011 (133) Jun 2011 (132) May 2011 (157) Apr 2011 (140) Mar 2011 (186) Feb 2011 (196) Jan 2011 (214) Dec 2010 (206) Nov 2010 (201) Oct 2010 (146) Sep 2010 (109) Aug 2010 (80) Jul 2010 (41) Jun 2010 (39) May 2010 (44) Apr 2010 (39) Mar 2010 (34) Feb 2010 (31) China would speed up the legislation of its new foreign investment law, as part of its efforts to boost investment liberalization and facilitation, the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) told a regular press conference on Thursday. China will keep its policies stable, fair, transparent and predictable as it better protects the legitimate rights and interests of foreign-invested enterprises, MOC spokesman Gao Feng said, adding that China would provide more convenient services for them and bolster their confidence in Chinese market. New estimates from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) show that the global foreign direct investment (FDI) dropped 41 percent year on year in the first half of 2018 to hit a decade low. Despite the drop, China was the largest recipient of FDI in the world for the period, UNCTAD said in the Global Investment Trends Monitor. Trade volume between China and economies participating in the Belt and Road Initiative amounted to 6.08 trillion yuan ($875 billion) in the first three quarters, an increase of 13.2 percent year-on-year, Gao said. The growth rate, according to him, was 3.3 percentage points higher than the country's overall trade expansion during the same period. Chinas export to Belt and Road countries recorded 3.38 trillion yuan, up 7.7 percent year-on-year, while imports were 2.7 trillion yuan, rising 20.9 percent from a year earlier, the spokesperson illustrated. In the first nine months, Chinese enterprises' non-financial direct investment into Belt and Road economies increased 12.3 percent year-on-year to $10.78 billion. The turnover of the engineering contracts signed by them in Belt and Road countries was $58.49 billion in the same period, a rise of 18.4 percent year on year. China had also co-built free trade zones with interested countries to facilitate trade and investment, Gao said, elaborating that it had completed free trade agreement negotiations with Mauritius, pushed ahead the negotiations on Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), discussed the upgrade of free trade agreement with Singapore, and consulted on free trade agreement with Moldova. The tariff-cut amendment of the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA) became effective, which allowed six APTA members including China, India, the Republic of Korea and Sri Lanka to cut tariffs by 33 percent on average for products under over 10,000 tariff codes. Additionally, a series of big projects including Addis AbabaDjibouti Railway, Port of Piraeus and Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway had been put into operation, while construction of Hinkley Point C nuclear power station in Britain, China-Laos railway, and rail line between Serbian capital Belgrade and the Hungarian capital of Budapest were moving ahead smoothly. Chinas e-commerce maintained a relatively high growth since the beginning of this year, according to Gao, who said that online retail sales totaled about 6.28 trillion yuan in the first nine months, up 27 percent year-on-year. Of the total amount, physical commodities registered an online retail sales of 4.79 trillion yuan, rising 27.7 percent year on year. The figure made up 17.5 percent of the total retail sales of consumer goods, and contributed 44.6 percent to the growth of the accumulative number. Gao added that the e-commerce law released by China this August offered a legal guarantee for sustainable and healthy development of e-commerce industry. The US has drawn wide criticism from the international community after its President Donald Trump announced on Oct. 20 that Washington would pull out of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF Treaty). Relevant parties, including the NATO allies of the US, believe that Washingtons choice of withdrawing from the INF Treaty would put the whole world in an arms control crisis and bring negative impacts to global strategic stability. This could be the most risky move Trump administration has ever taken, and it would influence the survival, the Reuters commented. The INF Treaty is an important pact for arms control and disarmament signed between the Soviet Union and the US in the 1980s. It has played an important role in alleviating international relations, pushing forward nuclear disarmament process, and promoting global strategic balance and stability. The treaty is of realistic significance for global strategic stability even today. As a traditional ally of the US, Germany declared first that the US administrations move posed a hard challenge for itself and Europe. The European External Action Service (EEAS) noted in a statement that the INF Treaty constituted a pillar of European security architecture. The EEAS expected the US to consider the consequences of its possible withdrawal from the INF on its own security, on the security of its allies and of the whole world. Before the INF Treaty was signed, the US was opposed for deploying the Pershing II missile in Europe, because the latter didnt want to be involved in the arms race between major countries. Today, it still hopes so in voicing against the US withdrawal. Washingtons increasingly risky mindset on nuclear weapons and arms control has become more obvious to the international community. In the beginning of this year, it released the latest Nuclear Posture Review, which focused on geopolitics and competition between major countries, stressed the role of nuclear weapons in security policies, and disregarded its own special and prioritized responsibility for nuclear disarmament. The report also proposed to develop low-yield weapons, and lower nuclear threshold. The new policies only increase the chances of blundering into a nuclear war, said Bruce Blair, a Princeton University nuclear scholar. The decision of withdrawal from the INF has reflected that multilateralism is on the rise in the US government. For a time, it has become a routine diplomacy of the US to maximize its interests through blackmailing and pressuring other countries. Some US analysts believe that the US announcing its withdrawal from the INF Treaty is a bluff on the eve of the midterm elections, as well as an approach to pressure other countries in major country relations. The US was acting strong against Russia by ditching the INF, which was politically useful, the Bloomberg wrote, adding that it went with Washingtons attempt to look for more leverage under the background of China-US trade frictions. The US government has been stirring up troubles on major country relations. More and more American strategists are confused whether the US is ready for confrontations with other major powers, and does this situation go with its interests. To answer these questions, Washington needs not only a strategic thinking, but also a clear understanding on the pattern of the time and future of the world. The US is suggested to think twice when addressing global issues, and the unilateral and risky mentality will lead the country to nowhere. (Zhong Sheng, a homonym in Chinese for voice of China, is a pen name often used by Peoples Daily to express its views on foreign policy) No part of Robert E. Lees record as a Confederate general has occasioned more criticism than his decision to launch Picketts Charge F ollowing the carnage of Maj. Gen. George Picketts failed frontal assault against the Union center at Gettysburg on July 3, 1863, General Robert E. Lee rode among survivors of Picketts Division as they returned to the sheltering slopes of Seminary Ridge. Luckily for future students of the battle, Sir Arthur James Lyon Fremantle, the British observer and diarist temporarily attached to James Longstreets headquarters, was on the scene to record Lee engaged in rallying and in encouraging the broken troops. When Brig. Gen. Cadmus M. Wilcox approached the commanding general, almost crying in Fremantles judgment, Lee immediately shook hands with him and said, cheerfully, Never mind, General, all this has been MY faultit is I that have lost this fight, and you must help me out of it in the best way you can. This example of Lees willingness to take responsibility for his own decisionsit was his faultprovides powerful evidence of his style of generalships gruesome cost. As friendly a witness as Edward Porter Alexander, who considered Lee a supremely gifted officer, judged his old chiefs tactical offensive on the third day at Gettysburg harshly: [C]ertainly in the place & dispositions for the assault on the 3rd day, I think, it will undoubtedly be held that he unnecessarily took the most desperate chances & the bloodiest road. Confederate cavalry general Wade Hampton, while recovering from wounds incurred at Gettysburg, wrote that the Pennsylvania Campaign was a complete failure during which Lee resorted to unimaginative offensive tactics. The position of the Yankees there, the South Carolinian insisted, was the strongest I ever saw & it was in vain to attack it. Fury on the Third Day: Pennsylvania artist Peter Rothermel completed this depiction of Picketts Charge 1n 1870. This is a copy print of the original painting, which is still displayed in the State Museum of Pennsylvania. (Chronicle/Alamy Stock Photo) Why did Lee select such a risky and potentially costly course? The prudent decision, as Porter Alexander pointed out, would have been to shift to the defensive following the Confederate tactical victory on July 1. But Lee overlooked the Federals superior ground, waived off objections from James Longstreet, and, frustrated by what he considered substandard performances from J.E.B. Stuart, Richard S. Ewell, and A.P. Hill, decided to risk a great deal on the afternoon of July 3. In the end, a breathtaking confidence in his infantry likely proved the decisive factor in dictating Lees course on July 3. A memorable episode at Chancellorsville two months earlier helps explain Lees behavior at Gettysburg. Heavy fighting forced a Federal withdrawal on the morning of May 3, and Lee rode northward from Hazel Grove to the Plank Road, then turned east toward Chancellorsville crossroads. A miles ride carried him to a scene that no artist could improve. Confederate artillery south of the Plank Road sent deadly missiles into the ranks of retreating Federals. Smoke from woods set afire by musketry and shells drifted skyward. Just north of the Plank Road, in a clearing that had been the center of Hookers line, stood the Chancellor House, itself ablaze with flames licking at its sides. Lee guided Traveller through thousands of Confederate infantrymen, general and mount dominating a remarkable tableau of victory. Emotions flowed freely as the soldiers, nearly 9,000 of whose comrades had fallen in the mornings fighting, shouted their devotion to Lee, who acknowledged their cheers by removing his hat. Why did Lee select such a risky and potentially costly course? Seldom has the bond between a successful commander and his troops achieved more dramatic display. Colonel Charles Marshall of Lees staff captured the moment: The fierce soldiers with their faces blackened with the smoke of battle, the wounded crawling with feeble limbs from the fury of the devouring flames, all seemed possessed with a common impulse. One long, unbroken cheer, in which the feeble cry of those who lay helpless on the earth blended with the strong voices of those who still fought, rose high above the roar of battle, and hailed the presence of the victorious chief. Lee basked in the full realization of all that soldiers dream oftriumph. Chancellorsville marked the apogee of Lees career as a general and cemented the reciprocal trust between him and his men that helped make the Army of Northern Virginia a formidable military instrument. That trust impressed many observers as the Confederates entered Pennsylvania in June. Ample testimony about soaring confidence in the Army of Northern Virginia lends credence to the idea that Lee believed his infantry could do anything he asked. Fremantle addressed morale in his diary. Over supper on the evening of July 1, Longstreet discussed the reasons attacks might fail; however, added Fremantle, in the ranks the universal feeling in the army was one of profound contempt for an enemy whom they have beaten so constantly, and under so many disadvantages. The mens attitude, together with Lees great faith in them, implied a degree of scorn for the Federals noted by Fremantles fellow foreign observer, Captain Justus Scheibert of the Prussian army: Excessive disdain for the enemycaused the simplest plan of a direct attack upon the position at Gettysburg to prevail and deprived the army of victory. Two of Lees statements at the time suggest the centrality of his unbridled confidence in the armys rank-and-file. He wrote his wife on July 26 that the army had accomplished all that could reasonably be expected. It ought not to have been expected to perform impossibilities, he admitted in a sentence that could be taken as self-criticism, or to have fulfilled the anticipations of the thoughtless and unreasonable. Five days later, Lee wrote in the same vein to Jefferson Davis: No blame can be attached to the army for its failure to accomplish what was projected by me.I am alone to blame, in perhaps expecting too much of its prowess & valour. On July 3, Lee concluded that his infantry could overcome the recalcitrance of his lieutenants, difficulties of terrain, and everything else to achieve great results. Fourteen years after the battle, former division commander Henry Heth succinctly summed up what had happened in Pennsylvania: The fact is, General Lee believed the Army of Northern Virginia, as it then existed, could accomplish anything. Both Union and Confederate soldiers brought suffering to this Shenandoah valley hamlet Trailside is produced in partnership with Civil War Trails Inc., which connects visitors to lesser-known sites and allows them to follow in the footsteps of the great campaigns. Civil War Trails has to date 1,552 sites across five states and produces more than a dozen maps. Visit civilwartrails.org and check in at your favorite sign #civilwartrails. In the spring of 1862, Confederate Maj. Gen. Thomas J. Stonewall Jackson understood all too well the strategic importance of Virginias Shenandoah Valley. Its proximity to Washington, D.C., and its navigable transportation and supply routes made it valuable to both armies. The Valleys fertile ground made it the most important wheat-growing region in the South and, coupled with plentiful cornfields, orchards, and herds of cattle, sheep, and hogs, earned it the nickname The Breadbasket of the Confederacy. Rebel troops were fed from the land for years. If the Valley is lost, Jackson declared, Virginia is lost! During his Valley Campaign (March 22June 9, 1862), Jackson marched his 17,000 troops 650 miles through the Valley and pitted them against three Union armies in five battles and numerous skirmishes. In 1863, Robert E. Lees troops used the Valley as an avenue to advance north during the Gettysburg Campaign. And in 1864, Union General Philip Sheridan won a series of battles in a campaign that wrested control of the Valley away from the Confederates and left stretches of the region in ruins. Located at the crossroads of two key highways through the region, Harrisonburg was almost constantly affected by the war, housing military prisoners, wounded soldiers, and even playing host to a skirmish on June 6, 1862, that claimed the life of beloved Confederate cavalry hero Turner Ashby. The city, today still nestled amid scenic mountain views, is recognized as the home of the acclaimed James Madison University. The 40-block district of historic downtown retains its Civil Warera charm and celebrates its connections to the war with guided tours, a Civil War Orientation Center, several area museums with displays highlighting local involvement in the war, monuments, a soldiers cemetery, and a half-dozen Civil War Trails signs scattered across town. As the Rockingham County seat, Harrisonburg has always had a large number of hotels for travelers to the area. Visitors can consider themselves among famed, historic company, including Confederate spy Belle Boyd, who reportedly spent a few nights in town in early June 1863. Melissa A. Winn Confederate General Hospital 345 S. Main St. Several buildings in Harrisonburg were used as temporary hospitals during the Civil War, most notably the Harrisonburg Female Academy on Main Street, now the site of a Harrisonburg municipal building. The academy building was converted to hospital use in 1861, and Harrisonburg physician Dr. W.W.S. Butler was appointed surgeon in charge. The building became an official Confederate General Hospital in October 1862. As troops retreated from Gettysburg in 1863, there were so many sick and wounded in Harrisonburg, the hospital couldnt hold them all. Only a little time elapsedbefore the building used as a school house in days of peace was converted into a hospital, and from that time until the summer of 1865 it was never without the sick and wounded, one local woman recorded. Turner Ashbys Death Site 1164 Turner Ashby Lane General Turner Ashby was mortally wounded near this spot atop Chestnut Ridge during the Battle of Harrisonburg June 6, 1862. A monument to Ashby marks the spot. During the skirmish, Pennsylvania Bucktails under Colonel Thomas Kane were defeated by the 58th Virginia and the 1st Maryland Infantry CSA. After Ashbys horse was shot from under him, he rose up and ordered his men to use the bayonet, yelling, Charge, men! For Gods sake charge! A Union bullet penetrated his side and passed through his chest. He fell dead, while his men cleared the Federals from the woodline, which is clearly visible today in the small park that remains at the site. Hardesty-Higgins House Visitor Center 212 S. Main St. Home to the towns first mayor, Isaac Hardesty, this house was briefly used as headquarters for Union Maj. Gen. Nathaniel Banks as he tried to corner Stonewall Jackson in 1862. A must-see for visitors to the area, it now houses a Civil War Orientation Center that offers the stories of individuals, battles, and campaigns in the Shenandoah Valley through film and interpretation. The house also holds the Valley Turnpike Museum, which highlights the historical importance of Route 11, including during the Civil War. Woodbine Cemetery 212 Reservoir St. Chartered in 1850, Woodbine Cemetery was developed as Harrisonburgs main cemetery. The deaths of soldiers at nearby engagements and of the wounded soldiers treated at Harrisonburgs Confederate General Hospital prompted a city merchant to donate an extra acre for a soldiers cemetery here. Eventually, about 250 Confederate soldiers were buried in the cemetery, including Joseph Latimer, the Boy Major. In 1876, the Ladies Memorial Association erected a 23-foot high monument in grateful remembrance of the gallant Confederate soldiers, who lie here. Meigs Historic Site End of Meigs Lane, Off VA Route 24 On October 3, 1864, on this site just past the Harrisonburg city line into neighboring Dayton, Va., Lieutenant John Rodgers Meigs was killed in a fight with Confederate scouts. Meigs was the eldest son of Montgomery Meigs, quartermaster general of the U.S. Army, and was a member of Maj. Gen. Philip Sheridans staff. Believing Meigs death was caused by bushwackers, Sheridan retaliated by ordering that buildings over a large area, including Dayton, be burned to the ground. The order was later rescinded, but not before more than 30 homes were destroyed, in what would become known as the Burnt District. Today, sightseers can visit a monument to John Meigs and small sitting area at the site. Heritage on Display The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Historical Society is located minutes from downtown Harrisonburg in the buildings that make up The Heritage Museum, which lays claim to an impressive collection of historical displays and artifacts, including a Union Civil War drum and the 10th Virginia Infantry regimental flag. It also houses a 14-foot vertical electric map illuminating Stonewall Jacksons 1862 Valley Campaign. The site is open Mon.Sat. 10 a.m.5 p.m. and seasonal Sundays 1 p.m.5 p.m. 382 High St. Virginia Quilt Museum 301 S. Main St. The Virginia Quilt Museum is housed in the historic Warren-Sipe House, home of Edward T.H. Warren, a Harrisonburg attorney and descendant of Thomas Harrison, the founder of Harrisonburg. Warren commanded the 10th Virginia Infantry and fought in many of the fiercest battles of the Civil War, including the Second Battle of Manassas, Gettysburg, and the Wilderness, where he was killed. In July 1863, the Warren family cared for Confederate artillerist Joseph W. Latimer, the Boy Major, who was injured at Gettysburg and died here in August of gangrene. The Virginia Quilt Museums collection includes several Civil Warera quilts and an interpretive display relating the history of the building and its Civil War connections, as well as the wars impact on Harrisonburg. Signages for the CIIE in Pudong, Shanghai (Zhou Dongchao/People's Daily Online) More than 2,800 enterprises from 130 countries and regions will participate in the first China International Import Expo (CIIE) scheduled for early November, providing a convenient way for Chinese customers to shop the world without going abroad. The five-day-long CIIE, which kicks off on Nov. 5, will hold eight feature sections including national and industry exhibitions including automobiles, costumes, high-end equipment, home appliances, food and agricultural products, medicine, services and trade. All participating countries and companies will bring their feature products to China. Taking Bulgaria as an example, small and medium enterprises from Bulgaria will bring traditional specialties including wine, dairy products, honey, coffee, rosewater and essential oils to the exhibition area. A man tries a new keyboard instrument. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe) Senegal treats the CIIE as an excellent opportunity to expand exports to China and boost bilateral economic and trade cooperation. Exhibitors from Senegal will present their agricultural, textile, handicraft and fishing products during the Expo. American brands such as Whirlpool, Qualcomm and General Electric are also coming to Shanghai with high-end kitchen and sanitary products, advanced 5G products and AI (artificial intelligence) products, to seek cooperation with Chinese enterprises in upgrading. Chinese people have high expectations for the upcoming Expo. For example, Chen, a medical equipment salesperson of 20 years, is looking forward to seeing the worlds smallest pacemaker made by Medtronic, a US medical service company with world-leading medical technology. He said that the new coin-size pacemaker eliminates the wire which was necessary in the traditional model, thus providing significant benefits for patients. He also believes that the first CIIE is a chance to introduce world-class medical technology to Chinese patients. Lu Shanshan, a 26-year-old from Beijing, told Peoples Daily Overseas Edition that her focus is on imported cosmetics and skincare products. During the CIIE, leading Japanese cosmetics brand Kao will launch its skin care brand SOFINA in China. The much-anticipated Expo will not only embrace a large number of international brands and cutting-edge commodities and services, but also stimulate Chinas import and export market and healthy competition on a global scale. A customer talks with an exhibitor of the first CIIE. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe) Japanese media outlet The Diplomat said on its website that the CIIE affirms Chinas determination and the promise of inclusive globalization in the context of the USs move towards unilateralism. Against rising trade protectionism and increasing uncertainties, the CIIE is of unique significance, said Li Hao, researcher at the China-ASEAN Collaborative Innovation Center for Regional Development at southwest Chinas Guangxi University. It will echo Chinas attitude toward opening wide to the world, and inject dynamism to the world economy, said Li. Subscribing to our services is a three step process. First you have to create an account and then you have to pick if you want to subscribe to digital and or print. Some people only want to be a digital subscriber to get access online and others want to also receive the print edition. If you are already a print subscriber and want online access, it is free, you simply have to create an online account and then attach your print subscription account number to the online account you create. Apple has launched an investigation amid allegations that one of its suppliers was illegally employing students to make Apple Watches at a factory in Chongqing. Hong Kong based labor rights group Sacom issued a report last week claiming Apple supplier Quanta Computer has been illegally using students on the Apple Watch production line at its factory in Chongqing. "We are like robots" Sacom says it interviewed 28 high school students at the Quanta Chongqing plant. The students said they were sent by their schools to the plant for "internships," yet did the same jobs of a production line worker, mostly irrelevant to their majors and often with illegal overtime and night shifts. "We are like robots on the production lines. We repeat the same procedure hundreds or thousands of times every day, like a robot," said an 18-year-old student who works at the Apple Watch assembly line. Many students said they were warned by their schools or teachers that if they refused to do the "internship" they would have problems receiving their graduation certificates. The Sacom report suggests that at least half of production line workers are student in the Quanta Chongqing plant, with many of them aged 16 to 18. "Basically, this department is composed of student workers from my school, as well as a few senior staff. At least three production lines in this department are operated by students from my school. There are around 120 students in the three lines and more in others," said the student. "We are investigating" Apple issued a statement on Monday, saying it has launched an investigation into these allegations from the Sacom report, according to CNN. "We are urgently investigating the report that student interns added in September are working overtime and night shifts," Apple said. "We have zero tolerance for failure to comply with our standards and we ensure swift action and appropriate remediation if we discover code violations." The world's most valuable company also says it has audited Quanta's factory in Chongqing three times between March and June and found "no student interns working on Apple products at that time." According to Apple's Supplier Responsibility Standards, suppliers should ensure that all work performed by student workers is voluntary and relevant to their field of study. Meantime, Quanta Computer has denied that it takes high school students on internships. The company says it is working closely with Apple on the probe. "Not its first time" The allegations echo another student labor scandal involving Apple last year in its Foxconn factory in Zhengzhou, where both Apple and Foxconn admitted student interns illegally worked overtime to assemble the iPhone X. The two companies vowed at that time to end the practice. Sacom says it has been monitoring Apple's alleged practice of using student interns to replace regular workers in China since 2012. The group claims it discovered an Apple plan to relocate its Watch production with illegal student labor to Quanta Computer's Chongqing factory last year, which has been denied by the two companies. Sacom claims it conducted a further investigation into the issue this summer and found the existence of illegal student labor. The Chinese government has been cracking down on illegal use of student and non-contract temporary laborers in recent years. According to the country's regulation on internships of vocational school students, students' internship should be related to their major and there should be no overtime work and night shifts during the internship. Hoosac Valley High School Principal Colleen Byrd said the school was rated at 75 percent meeting targets. Middle school Principal Christopher Sposato said his school was at 52 percent in hitting targets. Elementary School Principal Michele Colvin was happy to announce that her school hit 100 percent of meeting targets. PreviousNext Adams-Cheshire Principals Share Positive MCAS Scores The Adams-Cheshire Regional School Committee hears more details on MCAS testing in the district's three schools. CHESHIRE, Mass. Students in the Adams-Cheshire Regional School District have improved overall in scoring on the state's standardized tests. "Last meeting, I gave you the overview, but we will have the experts up here tonight to answer any questions you may have," Superintendent John Vosburgh said Monday at the School Committee meeting. "We are going to talk about strengths, struggles and what we are doing in response to those struggles." Students took the so-called MCAS 2.0 (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System) that differs from previous iterations of the test. Instead of receiving a level, schools and districts are now notified if they need assistance. Overall, the district received a rating of 59 percent "partially meeting targets" which translates into not requiring "assistance or intervention." Previously the district was a Level 3 district, which triggered state intervention. Before turning it over to individual principals, Vosburgh said 90 percent of districts in the state were designated as not requiring assistance or intervention, 7 percent were designated as in need of intervention and 3 percent had insufficient data. At a school level, 74 percent of schools were designated as not requiring assistance or intervention, 14 percent were designated as in need of intervention and 12 percent were designated as insufficient data. Hoosac Valley High School Principal Colleen Byrd said the school was rated at 75 percent meeting targets. "You can see that we are meeting targets and we are no longer in need of assistance or intervention which is good news," she said. She said targets were met in Grade 8 English language arts and that Grade 10 exceeded targets. The high-needs subgroup also saw a 5.6 percent increase in scoring. In math, Grade 8 students exceeded targets and the economically disadvantaged subgroup also showed an increase of 5.6 percent from 2017. Grade 10 met targets in math. In the new science section, Grade 8 students met targets and both high needs and economically disadvantaged subgroups also made gains of 6.5 percent and 9.7 percent, respectively, from 2017. Grade 9 students also exceeded targets science and the high needs subgroup made a 7.1 percent gain. Byrd said the plan is to continue the work started to improve upon where students have struggled especially with the high-needs subgroup. The school also wants to better handle behavioral problems and keep students in the classroom as much as possible. "The teachers are really focused on behaviors that they can handle in the classrooms as opposed to sending them out right away," she said. "If they need some attention rather than going to the office they can go to this Student Alternate Learning Center, where they can meet with a teacher to de-escalate." She added that they will continue preventive work to foster a positive school environment. Middle school Principal Christopher Sposato said his school was at 52 percent in hitting targets. "So we are really happy we are not requiring assistance or intervention we are meeting targets and eventually we want to be exceeding those targets," he said. In ELA, all grade levels met targets and students with disabilities exceeded targets. He did add that they did not make the strides they needed to in math and this will be a continued focus this year. "Math across the levels was our biggest challenge and we really want to hit that 500 mark," he said. "That is something that we are working on." He said class time in math and English has been increased by 25 percent to help bolster instruction and the curriculum has been better aligned. He said specific professional development will also help improve test scores. Elementary School Principal Michele Colvin was happy to announce that her school hit 100 percent of meeting targets. "We are so excited to say that we are 100 percent hitting our targets and that is something we have not been able to say in previous years," she said. "All of the credit really goes to the teachers who are in the trenches we are definitely seeing the fruits of our labor." She said the school's high-needs population did backslide a bit but by using MCAS data to better inform the curriculum, teachers feel they can turn this around. School Committee Chairman Paul Butler said he was happy to see all the schools, but specifically Hoosac Valley Elementary, improve. "This is very good news and for many years I got the sense that there was some frustration among teachers that no matter what they tried it just wasnt making it," he said. "It is nice to see some positive improvements so thank you all." CHP Berkshire Pediatrics Expands Primary Care Team PITTSFIELD, Mass. CHP Berkshire Pediatrics welcomes Jamie L. Berkowitz, physician assistant, to its pediatric primary care team in Pittsfield. Berkowitz holds a master's degree in physician assistant studies from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She has a second master's degree in neuroscience and behavior from UMass-Amherst, as well as a B.S. in biology from UMass-Amherst. She has previously worked as a primary care/urgent care practitioner at 510 Medical Walk-In in Pittsfield, and earlier, for the practice of Pittsfield pediatrician Dr. Michael Fabrizio. She holds state and national certification as a physician assistant and is a fellow member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Massachusetts Association of Physician Assistants. She is also a national affiliate member of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Berkowitz is accepting new patients at CHP Berkshire Pediatrics at 413-499-8531. This is the tallest building in Malaysia, Exchange 106. Its construction is implemented by the China State Construction Engineering Corporation and it will be completed by the end of 2018. With a height of 452 meters, Exchange 106 tops its skyscraper counterpart in Kuala Lumpur, the famous Petronas Twin Towers, by a tiny 10 cm. The two landmark buildings are only 2.5 km away from each other, together propping up Kuala Lumpur's skyline. Aerial view of Exchange 106, the tallest building in Malaysia. (Photo/CSCEC) The skyscraper has taken less than 3 years to build; just half the average construction period of the tallest buildings around the world, displaying a fast China Speed for construction. Cao Peng, Exchange 106 Project Manager under the China State Construction Engineering Corporation, explained, "Malaysia is an important country involved in the Belt and Road Initiative. This construction project, in terms of its implementation, is in line with our Belt and Road development path in the local area. It has boosted the export of equipment and technology of many Chinese companies to Malaysia, including the steel frame, large-scale construction facilities like concrete pumps, construction elevators, concrete placing booms and cranes." Exchange 106 in night view. (Photo/CSCEC) The project has been widely acknowledged and well received by locals, and has helped promote Chinese construction in Malaysia. Cao adds, "In terms of social profits in the local area, the project has greatly displayed China's construction capabilities and its national power." Newsrooms of the state-owned media in Sri Lanka were targeted and editorial staff harassed following the controversial appointment of former president Mahinda Rajapaksha as the new Prime Minister by President Maithripala Sirisena on October 26, 2018. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate the Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association (SLWJA) to expressing serious concerns over the implications of ongoing political situation on media and journalists; and urges all to uphold press freedom, editorial independence and journalists rights. Sri Lanka's former president and new prime minister Mahinda Rajapakse (2R) arrives at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy on October 28, 2018. Sri Lanka's sacked prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe resisted moves to evict him from his official residence on October 28, defiantly summoning allies for a crisis meeting as a thousand supporters stood guard. Credit: LAKRUWAN WANNIARACHCHI / AFP After Mahinda Rajapaksha was sworn-in on October 26, members of the unions loyal to Rajapakshas Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) moved in to take control of state-owned institutions. Senior editorial staff at the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC), the Independent Television Network (ITN), the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) and the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited (ANCL) kept away from the offices. According to reports, a group of SLPP loyalists within ANCL barged into the layout section of the Daily News on October 26 night and changed the layout telling that they were acting under orders from the PMs office. Similarly, the staff at the Sunday Observer, were pressured to publish a story of Rajapaksa being sworn in, and warned not to report any stories regarding Wickremesinghe. Senior journalists at the paper had tweeted protest against it. At ITN, several journalists were also forced out. Subash Jayawardena, ITNs Deputy General Manager (DGM) News and Current Affairs, told the Sunday Times: I was warned to leave... As we were leaving in the office vehicle, we were stopped at the gate by Rajapaksa supporters who ordered us out of the vehicle, shouting that our time was done. However, some other ITN staff members intervened and they managed to help us leave the premises safely. The government announced appointments of new acting chairs at state media institutions, including Wasanthapriya Ramanayake at the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited (ANCL), Dr. Somarathna Dissanayake at ITN and Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) and Sarath Kongahage at Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC). Duminda Sampath, the SLWJA President, said: The SLWJA has been reported that the state media institutions have been attacked outsiders and interfered their works illegally and unethically, and sacked the journalists the SLWJA strongly condemn the ongoing harassment of the journalists. The SLWJA also called for unity among journalists for their career, pride and protection of journalists reminding all of the proud history of journalists who bravely performed their duties despite difficult political situation. The IFJ said: The IFJ is seriously concerned by the ongoing political crisis in Sri Lanka, and the harassment of journalists at the state media institutions by politically motivated members. Upholding press freedom, editorial independence and journalists rights is a basic component of a democracy and the IFJ urges all to respect it, and ensure that the pillar of democracy is not affected. In recent years, the number of corporate scandals occurring at listed Japanese companies has been increasing. These risk not only damaging the company itself but potentially might also result in a loss of credibility of the capital market as a whole. With that in mind, it has become increasingly necessary for listed companies to implement continuous measures to prevent such scandals from occurring. On March 30 2018, the Japan Exchange Group announced the Principle for the Prevention of Corporate Scandals at Listed Companies (Principle) to assist Japanese corporations with their efforts. The Principle is intended to act as a guide, from the viewpoint of preventing the impairment of corporate value, for all listed companies in Japan taking measures to prevent the occurrence of scandals and to prioritise the expected principles of conduct. The Principle includes the following six tenets of conduct to serve as the basis for the prevention of corporate scandals at listed companies. Although only brief descriptions are provided, the general content of each principle is as follows. Principle 1: Understanding the actual conditions; Principle 2: Fulfilling responsibilities purposefully; Principle 3: Two-way communication; Principle 4: Detecting 'the seeds of fraud' and responding quickly; Principle 5: Applying consistent management to the group as a whole; and Principle 6: Maintaining a sense of responsibility for the entire supply chain. Principle 1 sets out the importance of ascertaining the state of compliance in the listed company as the first step in efforts to prevent corporate scandals. Principle 2 explains the importance of fulfilling the responsibilities of management and the auditing and supervisory functions. Principle 3 explains the need to foster a sense of unity throughout the company by enhancing communication between management and front-line departments. Principle 4 explains that compliance violations, which can lead to serious scandals, are 'the seeds of fraud' and that, through the efforts in Principles 1 to 3, perceiving and responding quickly to these violations is at the core of the prevention of corporate scandals. Principle 5 discusses the importance of ensuring that effective compliance management is carried out across an entire group. Principle 6 concerns issues in the modern trading structure, focusing on the possibility that corporate scandals involving parties other than the company itself may still impact the company's main business. Listed companies are not mandatorily required to comply with the Principle, but rather the Principle is positioned as a voluntary policy. Accordingly, no penalties or sanctions will be imposed on any listed companies if they do not adhere to the Principle. However, if the management of a listed company fails to respond in a genuine fashion to the Principle, it is likely to be subject to strict evaluation by the stakeholders. It should be noted that if a corporate scandal resulting in impairment of corporate value and damage to the stakeholders occurs in a non-compliant company, the Principle may be referred to in determining management's breach of its duty of care regarding its legal responsibility to the stakeholders. As mentioned above, the Principle merely provides guidelines for listed companies and does not provide any specific measures. The actual implementation of the Principle is left to the discretion of each listed company. Yosuke Konno 2021 Euromoney Institutional Investor PLC. For help please see our FAQs. Share this article Within the framework of its overall goal of diversifying the local economy, the Macau SAR (MSAR) government aims to revitalise the financial leasing system. It has submitted a draft bill to the Legislative Council (LegCo) on a new regime for financial leasing companies, which will replace the existing Decree-Law 51/93/M of September 20. According to the draft bill, which legislators have already approved in general, the financial leasing companies may engage, not only in the business of financial leasing per se, but also in the disposal and management of leased assets, in exchange operations, and in other activities that are authorised by the supervisory body: the Monetary Authority of Macau (AMCM). Banks and financial leasing companies authorised to operate in the MSAR may also incorporate subsidiaries to hold and manage specific financial leasing projects, subject only to advance communication of their intentions to the AMCM. Both financial leasing companies and subsidiaries qualify as financial institutions, hence they are subject to the financial system legal regime (Decree Law 32/93/M, of July 5). Under the previous regime they qualified as credit institutions, therefore the supervision rules for these types of entities have been relaxed under the new legislation. The LegCo has also approved in general a draft bill on a new tax incentive regime for financial leasing, to replace the existing Decree-Law 1/94/M of May 23. It provides an exemption of stamp duty for the company's incorporation and share capital increase(s), and for equipment-related leasing contracts. The purchase of a company's first real estate property is also exempt from stamp duty, provided it is used exclusively by the company as its office. In respect of complementary income tax, it should be noted in particular that a fixed rate of five percent applies to the income generated by financial leasing activity, and that there is an exemption as regards the lessor's income generated abroad both apply to the lessor's shareholders. Joao Nuno Riquito Bruno Almeida 2021 Euromoney Institutional Investor PLC. For help please see our FAQs. Share this article Republic Act 11057 or the Personal Property Security Act (PPSA) was signed into law on August 17 2018. It provides for new means and requirements for creating, perfecting, and registering security over personal property in the Philippines. The PPSA amended or repealed certain laws that are inconsistent with the new law. This includes those laws relating to the creation of pledges and chattel mortgages and the registration procedures for security interests over personal property in the Philippines. Under the PPSA, a security interest over personal property is created by a security agreement. In creating a security interest, it would be sufficient that the collateral be reasonably identified, whether in a general or specific manner. A security agreement may also provide for security interests in future property, but the security interest in that property will be created only when the grantor acquires rights in it or the power to encumber it. The PPSA further provides that security interest over personal property may be perfected to bind third parties through the following means: (a) the registration of a notice with the registry; (b) possession of the collateral by the secured creditor; and, (c) control of investment property and deposit accounts. For tangible assets, a security interest may be perfected by registration or possession. On the other hand, security interests in investment property and deposit accounts may be perfected by registration or control. The PPSA also sets out a new set of rules for determining priority of security interest. This depends on the nature and kind of property involved, and is not entirely dependent on prior registration at the registry. With regard to enforcement, a secured creditor may now sell or otherwise dispose of the collateral, publicly or privately. The debtor is also required to satisfy any deficiency. Previously, Philippine rules governing pledges provided that the foreclosure of a pledge extinguished the debt, and the secured creditor was no longer entitled to recover any deficiency. The Philippine Land Registration Authority (LRA) has to establish a new registry that will enable registration and the searching of notices on security interests, and to make it operational before the PPSA is implemented. During the transitional period (that is, from the date the PPSA becomes effective until the date when the registry is established and operational) existing laws will continue to apply. The Philippine department of finance, in coordination with the Philippine department of justice, through the LRA, is tasked to promulgate the rules and regulations to implement the PPSA. John Paul V De Leon Bong Paulo A Macasaet 2021 Euromoney Institutional Investor PLC. For help please see our FAQs. Share this article The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a body of European legislation of considerable complexity, especially when it comes to its practical implementation. However, Slovakia still lacks models and guidelines from the Office for Personal Data Protection of the Slovak Republic that would make the implementation of the GDPR easier and resolve several open questions. When Slovak law was revised before the implementation of the GDPR, it was hoped that the GDPR would bring about a reduction in obligations and a simplification of mandatory documentation, especially for smaller firms. It now appears from developments in the guidelines of the Office for Personal Data Protection that this might not be the case. Instead of notification requirements, record-keeping and registration duties being completely eliminated, a new obligation to keep records of processing activities has been introduced. In the context of the GDPR, the recording of processing activities is similar to the record-keeping duties previously required. The model issued by the Office for Personal Data Protection clearly indicates that in Slovakia the records will need to be more detailed. For example, the payroll and personnel management information system was previously considered one purpose and an employer provided information on access to the payroll and personnel management information processes as one system. Under the new rules, the recommended model advises breaking this down into sub-categories such as health and social insurance contributions, attendance, meal vouchers, and so on. This will mean that the information provided to employees must also be more detailed. Another new feature introduced is the obligation to state the duration of data archiving for each purpose, which companies were not previously required to address under personal data protection legislation. One of the fundamental tasks in personal data processing is to identify the legal grounds for processing a given type of personal data. This might include, for example, whether that processing is based on the data subject's consent, a legal obligation, a concluded contract, a legitimate interest of the company, or other grounds defined in the GDPR. Although the GDPR did not substantially redefine the legal grounds involved in the process, there has been a shift in how the Office for Personal Data Protection interprets them since the GDPR entered into effect. While previously the Office would accept legislation as grounds in cases where a law declared personal data processing a permitted action or possibility, it now requires that the law expressly orders the processing of personal data. This means that if, for example, an employer installs cameras to monitor a workplace, the employer must justify it on grounds of the company's legitimate interests, and conduct a test of proportionality. The test of proportionality is an innovation introduced by the GDPR and it is not yet clear how the Office for Personal Data Protection will evaluate these tests in practice. The GDPR does not specify the form a test of proportionality should take and merely states that personal data can only be processed on grounds of legitimate interest if the legitimate interest prevails over the fundamental rights and freedom of the data subject whose personal data are being processed. It is not stipulated that a test of proportionality must be conducted in written form, or even that the Office or the data subject need to be informed of it. On the other hand, the guidelines of Article 29 of the Data Protection Working Party (now replaced by the European Data Protection Board) indicate that a data controller may provide information from the test of proportionality to data subjects. In our experience, a data controller is required to do this if a data subject objects to personal data processing based on a legitimate interest, because disclosure enables the data controller to prove to the data subject that it has satisfied the legal requirements for processing personal data based on a legitimate interest. The priorities in obtaining consent for personal data processing are transparency and obtaining consent for each purpose individually. In many cases, consent given under the old system remains in force under the GDPR because the old legislation was interpreted such that an active expression of will was required to indicate consent for each purpose. What is new is the stronger emphasis on providing detailed information when defining the purpose of personal data processing. As an example, if a company obtains consent to process personal data for marketing purposes that it intends to share with other firms in its group, it must also obtain separate consent for that sharing of personal data with a business partner. Radka Slavikova-Gerzova Zuzana Lenzova 2021 Euromoney Institutional Investor PLC. For help please see our FAQs. Share this article President Muhammadu Buhari has assured Nigerians that the forthcoming 2019 general election will be free and fair. According to the President, who would also be battling in the presidential election to retain his seat, Nigerians are free to vote for whoever they want. In a statement by President Buhari on Monday, he stated that, Nigerians should be assures that no one will trample on their will, adding that the era of vote buying, is long gone. In his words: Nigerians will enjoy free and fair elections in 2019. The President has only one vote, governors have a vote each, just like anybody else. Let the people vote for whoever they choose, without their will being tampered with. The era of awarding votes is well and truly behind us. The debate on whether president Muhammadu Buhari has his academic certificate has been a hot one among many Nigerians. The debate on the matter enjoyed a boost recently after the president again failed to submit his certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). In an affidavit sworn by the president and submitted to INEC, Buhari stated that his certificate was with the military, also claimed in 2015. However, a prominent opposition voice against Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) led federal government, Reno Omokri, has proffered ways in which Buhari can prove he has a WAEC certificate. See below: * As C-in-C, order army to release it * Request replacement copy from WAEC * Ask his secondary school for statement of results * Present photocopy * show dated documents from the army acknowledging receipt of his WAEC certificate Parents of the abducted Chibok school girls have debunked reports 57 girls were sighted in Sambisa Forest. Speaking to newsmen in Maiduguri, the Spokesperson of the parents, Mr Ayuba Alamson, said a lady, whom he identified as Jummai Abouku, who escaped from Boko Haram captivity, said she stayed with only six girls in the forest. According to Jummai Abouku, who was recently by the military to her family after profiling and screening said some of the Chibok Girls she said are married with kids. Jummai, a mother of six was abducted together with her elder son by the insurgents at Askira Uba in 2014. Jumai told us that six of the girls were married to the insurgents, one of them is pregnant with one child and another one has a baby, while the remaining four were married without children. Few months before her escape, Jumai was also forced to marry one of the insurgents and she is now pregnant. She escaped with her son and stayed in a camp in Bama, before they were released to their family in Chibok. This is what she narrated to us and we do not know the source of the information about the 57 girls sighted in Cameroon. We are happy over the development, it rekindles our hope that the remaining girls in the insurgents captivity are alive and would be released. The Belt and Road Global Chambers of Commerce and Associations Conference was held in Beijing on Monday, Oct 30. Aiming to converge non-governmental resources of the Belt and Road and promote common development for chambers of commerce and associations, the conference was attended by governmental deputies, chambers presidents, heads of international organizations and scholars from over 60 countries and regions. Under the guidance from the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce and the Belt and Road Portal, the event was organized by Peoples Daily Online and Global Times, hosted by Global Times Online and assisted by Zhejiang China Commodities City Group. Editor-in-chief of Peoples Daily Online Yu Qingchu said in his welcome speech that 2018 marks the fifth anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative, and the initiative has turned from vision to reality, providing a new platform for promoting world peace and joint development. Editor-in-chief of Peoples Daily Online Yu Qingchu gives a welcome speech. (Photo/Huanqiu.com) He stressed that non-governmental organizations are a vital force for economic and social development, international cooperation and global governance. The event will offer comprehensive services in interconnectivity, service integration, program docking, and brand display, by hosting various activities and taking full advantage of the media. The Belt and Road has been a key focus point for Global Times, introduced Xie Rongbin, deputy editor-in-chief of Global Times, adding that the newspaper has made a series of reports on Belt and Road projects such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Gwadar Port, and the China-Thailand high-speed railway. He said the Belt and Road Global Chambers of Commerce and Associations Conference is a positive exploration to gather global social organizations, and will better facilitate the integrated development of Chinese chambers of commerce and associations and those from Belt and Road countries. Xie Rongbin, deputy editor-in-chief of Global Times gives a speech. (Photo/Huanqiu.com) Nearly 20 summits and seminars, as well as 60 keynote speeches, high-end dialogues and roundtables will be held during the event, covering multiple areas such as the digital economy, Chinas new economy, international investment and trade, and synergetic development of chambers of commerce and associations. The opposition Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) has said that the fretting and jittery by the presidency over the West African School Certificate (WASC) of president Muhammadu Buhari means they have something to hide. The opposition party in its statement on Tuesday said if the president had nothing to hide, it should put all confrontation to rest by writing the military, to make public the certificate. In the statement entitled Buhari Certificate Saga, the PDP said Buhari should be aware that, he isnt the retired military personnel to vie for public office, and non has ever cone forth with such excuse. See statement below The fretting and jittering in the Presidency whenever the issue of President Muhammadu Buharis academic certificate is mentioned confirms assertions by Nigerians that Mr. President is morally burdened and ostensibly has something to hide. If Mr. President Buhari has nothing to hide, he should end the confrontations by his presidency and show integrity by writing the military authorities to make public the said certificate. In failing to do so, Mr. President Buhari is opening himself to public opprobrium particularly as millions of Nigerian youths see such as grossly undesirable of a leader, expected to set examples. Moreover, President Buhari should know that Nigerians are aware that he is not the only retired military officer to aspire for elective office in the country and none of them brought the claims of their certificates being held by the military. Immediate past governor of Ekiti state, Ayodele Fayose has hailed former President Goodluck Jonathan as the last democrat to rule Nigeria. The former governor, who was recently granted bail after being at the custody of the Economic and Financial crimes Commission (EFCC), over charges of corruption said this as he reacted to the news of army and Shiite protesters clashing in Abuja. According to the former governor, the news was disturbing and queried why the protest ended up being bloody. He wrote; Disturbing news about shooting of protesting Shiite Muslims. Dont we have civilised way of addressing protests by citizens of Nigeria? Fayose, also narrated how a sitting governor, was stoned in Bauchi state under the former president and nothing happened, therefore hailing Jonathan as In his words: In this country, convoy of a sitting president was attacked with stones in Bauchi, no one was shot. God bless Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, the last democrat to rule Nigeria. In spite of the speculations that his marriage to his Colombian wife, Sonia Ogbonna is in trouble, Nollywood actor, IK Ogbonna is not worried as he drops a hint that hes back in the market. Sharing this cute photo of himself on Instagram, he wrote: EVERYDAY OPENS UP DOORS TO NEW BLESSINGS. #HUSBANDMATERIAL50000000YARDS. Recall that Sonia, mother of his son, Ace, has since dropped his last name. She edited her name from Sonia Ogbonna Morales to Sonia LaReina on all her social media accounts and has stopped wearing her wedding ring. Nikki Ogunnaike is the go-to style expert for the 25 million+ users, fans, and followers of what is now the largest fashion and beauty magazine website. She also represents the brand on television and in ELLE.com videos. Anytime you need a mix of style that is equal parts accessible and forward-thinking, Ogunnaike is on it. The Nigerian-American editor cut her teeth at InStyle as an Assistant Editor and Vanity Fair as a fashion assistant before moving to Glamour.com as their Senior Fashion Editor. Date: Saturday, November 10th, 2018. Time: 12:00 Noon 1:00PM Venue: Plot 1, Water Corporation Drive, Oniru Estate, Victoria Island, Lagos. Nikki will be at the GTBank Fashion Weekend to discuss Diversity in Fashion. To register for her master class click here. Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode has reacted to the recent killing of members of Shiite Muslims by members of the Nigerian army. However, in their report, the military said they were attacked with stones by members of an Islamic movement at Zuba bridge on Saturday, 27th October, 2018. According to the army, Troops of Army Headquarters Garrison on official duty escorting ammunitions and missiles from Abuja to Kaduna, when they were attacked. However, in his reaction, Fani-Kayode accused the army of killing innocent Nigerians who were on a peaceful protest. He said that was the same thing they did to members of the Indigenous People of Biafra(IPOB). See statement below Many more Shiite Muslim youths were killed today by the Nigerian Army in Abuja simply for protesting peacefully. This has been going on for 3 years.The Army have been shooting to death IPOB youths over the last 3 years too.What happens when these youths decide to fight back? What happens if the protestors stop being peaceful as a consequence of the killings? What happens if they hit back? What happens if, God forbid, someone puts 1 million AK 47s in their hands and these youths decide to defend themselves against the military? Shooting protesting civilians to death in cold blood is unacceptable and dangerous. If it continues what will emerge and rise up will be far worse and far more deadly than Boko Haram. Can you imagine a Shia Muslim Hezbollah-like militia or an IPOB militia? Nobody wants that but that is what Buhari is toying with.He must show restraint and stop the killings.We do not want war. We cannot continue to slaughter our youths simply because we do not like their politics or faith.Armies are meant to defend civilians and not kill them. The Shiite Muslims and IPOB youths do not carry arms and have not killed anyone over the last 3 years yet they are being treated like terrorists and are being slaughtered. Why are the Fulani herdsmen that carry arms and that have killed thousands not treated in the same way? Vanguard Human rights activist and renowned lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has said that Nigeria is the only oil producing country in the world that does not know how much oil she produces. The Nation A police officer has been arrested for allegedly shooting a commercial bus driver over N50 bribe.The incident occurred at Isuaniocha in Awka North Council Area of Anambra State.The victim, Udoka Ezeme, was reportedly shot about 1:30pm at a police checkpoint in the area.The Nation learnt that the victim was accosted by policemen at the junction while conveying passengers from Mgbakwu to Unizik tempsite. ThisDay Members of the organised labour Tuesday began series of actions aimed at drawing public attention to the lingering negotiations on new national minimum wage. In Abuja, Labour held a rally from where workers poured into the streets to protest against the delay by the Federal Government in approving the proposed The Sun Air traffic controllers in Nigeria have raised the alarm over the collapse of radio communication equipment in some of the countrys airports, saying the trend poses threat to air safety. President of the National Airtraffic Communicators Association of Nigeria (NACAN), Mr. Nkambo George, who disclosed this said the malfunction of it The Authority The Young Christian Forum (YCF), Abuja chapter, has condemned activities of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, otherwise known as Shiites Daily Times Nigeria has left that era in which democratic norms are brazenly subverted, with votes awarded to those favoured by the authorities, and the short-changed Daily Trust The Presidency has described as absolute disgraceful and diversionary, attempts by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to challenge the authenticity of President Muhammadu Buharis West African School Certificate (WASC) in the court. Malam Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, said this in a statement in Abuja. Tribune THE Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, says President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC), are fully committed to the well-being, welfare and safety of Nigerian youths. Senate President, Bukola Saraki has reacted to the recent Shiite/military clash in Abuja. The Senate President revealed that the ongoing protest is escalating and as such has led to a significant loss of life and damage of properties. The military had reported on Saturday, that some of its members moving ammunitions from one point to another were attacked by members of Islamic Movement of Nigeria, a situation which degenerate into crisis. Speaking via his Twitter handle on Tuesday evening, Saraki urged those protesting and security agent to shun violence and embrace peace. In his words: From the reports I have received, the ongoing protest in Abuja is escalating with significant loss of lives and damage to property. Right now, I call on the protesters and our security agents to exercise extreme restraint and tow the path of peace. Obiageli Oby Ezekwesili, the presidential candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN) has called to question Atiku Abubakars unexplainable wealth. Abubakar was Nigerias former Vice President and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Ezekwesili said this yesterday while delivering her state of the campaign speech titled, To those who say we cannot win: Unveiling the Oby Ezekwesili Roadmap to 2019. The former Education and Solid Minerals Minister urged Nigerians to vote for individuals with competence, capacity, and character while warning them not to fall for the Anything but Buhari mantra which has got the country nowhere. In her speech, Ezekwesili quoted a portion of US investigators report which alleged that Abubakars income are proceeds of corrupt practices while within and around government. And these are the people you want to put in charge of the national treasury? In charge of the money for your childrens education? Of the resources for our countrys hospitals? Of the budget for our depleted army and our impoverished police force? she asked rhetorically. If we dive into all the filthy issues involving the PDP candidate from the PTDF saga to the $2.8 million Siemens bribery scandal we may spend the entire day here today and I simply do not have that time, she added. Ezekwesili who was the former Vice President of the World Bank for Africa urged citizens to let their voice be heard by voting out the Siamese twins of President Muhammadu Buhari and Alhaji Atiku during the incoming elections in February. I decided to join this race because I wanted you, and me, to have no excuse. We have in this race a candidate who has excelled in Corporate Nigeria, excelled in national government, excelled in private enterprise, excelled in international development, and then dedicated her life to fighting for every Nigerian from Chibok to Jos, from Abia to Ikot Ekpene. A candidate who is one of the very small tribe of Nigerians who have served in government but who have no allegation of corruption against them. I dont mean court case o. I mean allegation. Zero. None. Not one, Ezekwesili said in a speech that was streamed live on her social media handles. Oby Ezekwesili is a good governance advocate and a co-founder of Transparency International, a global corruption watchdog. warsaw poland 320 x 215 The VAT acts of member states are subject to harmonisation upon which EU VAT law is being standardized. This, however, is not aimed at eliminating the national law systems. The VAT directive (2006/112/EC) is binding to each EU country, but leaves the choice of form and methods to the national authorities who transpose it into national legislation. Consequently, member states VAT acts of are not fully coherent and unique rules and solutions can be found. There are many VAT rules in Poland which do not stem directly from the EU VAT Directive, and therefore we could ask whether these laws are compliant. Polish VAT law includes, among others, additional requirements which must be fulfilled to reduce the taxable amount in the case of non-payment by the other contracting party (so-called bad debt relief). However, the most frequently discussed VAT issue in Poland is the restriction of the period for input VAT deduction with respect to transactions settled using the reverse charge mechanism (e.g. intra-community acquisitions (ICA) or imports of services). Until the end of 2016, Polish taxable persons could report input and output tax resulting from ICAs and the import of services in the same VAT return, irrespective of when the invoice was received and when the output VAT was reported. Such VAT treatment made purchases of goods from the EU and service imports neutral even if they were not reported on time. New regulations have been enforced The situation changed from January 1 2017.Since then, taxpayers have been entitled to deduct input VAT paid on a transaction for which the reverse charge mechanism applies, provided that the output VAT from this transaction is reported in their VAT return within a maximum of three months from the end of the month in which the tax became chargeable. If the output tax is reported later, input VAT can be deducted in the VAT return for which the filing deadline is still pending (current VAT return). Output VAT, however, must still be reported in the VAT return submitted for the month in which the tax became chargeable. Practical aspects of the new regulations The practical impact of this is that where a reverse charge transaction is reported after the three-month time limit, the input and output tax are reported in VAT returns for different periods. This can lead to tax and interest arrears. As invoices documenting ICAs and imports of services are usually received with some delay, reporting output VAT within this time limit is not always possible. So, many taxable persons in Poland face the problem of being obliged to pay interest due to not reporting these transactions on time. Moreover, to meet the (three-month) deadline for reporting input and output VAT from a reverse-charge transaction in the same VAT return, and avoid any negative consequences, taxpayers need to correct their VAT returns by this rather short deadline. A subsequent correction of VAT returns is usually required when additional invoices are received. This causes a lot of administrative work for taxpayers. Divergent judgements In the judgements from September 29, 2017 and May 15, 2018, the Polish provincial administrative courts held that taxable persons shall not be obliged to pay interest due to reporting ICAs after three months (case no. I SA/Kr 709/17 and no. III SA/Wa 2488/17). It was pointed out that, in accordance with the principle of neutrality, taxable persons cannot bear the economic burden of VAT. Moreover, taxable persons cannot report output VAT until the invoice is received, and it is the supplier who must be blamed for the delay in providing it. Therefore, the regulations were considered to be non-compliant with EU law. Despite this tax-friendly approach of the administrative courts in Poland, the regulations not been changed and nobody has yet submitted a preliminary ruling to the European Court of Justice. Moreover, in August 2018 one of the provincial administrative courts presented a negative opinion in this respect (I SA/Op 246/18). Given that the tax authorities and taxable persons are obliged to obey the provisions of the Polish VAT Act, as long as the rules remain unchanged then interest will have to be paid. Will the tax-friendly approach of administrative courts have an influence on the lawmakers? Or will the preliminary ruling to the ECJ be submitted? These are some of the questions raised. Olga Palczewska olga.palczewska@wtssaja.pl Doradztwo Podatkowe WTS&SAJA Sp. z o.o. ul. Roosevelta 22 60-829 Poznan Lidia Adamek-Baczynska lidia.adamek@wtssaja.pl Doradztwo Podatkowe WTS&SAJA Sp. z o.o. ul. Roosevelta 22 60-829 Poznan The material on this site is for financial institutions, professional investors and their professional advisers. It is for information only. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy before using the site. All material subject to strictly enforced copyright laws. 2021 Euromoney Institutional Investor PLC. For help please see our FAQ. Share this article uk-budget-hammond-320x215 The UK is set to join a growing list of countries to introduce unilateral tax rules for online platforms. Hammond has justified the decision by saying the big tech companies need to pay their fair share at a time when the country needs more tax revenue to fund its public services. The budget also included some welcome news for businesses as Hammond announced a delay to the off-payroll working rules, known as IR35, until April 2020. In addition, changes to the diverted profits tax rules, permanent establishment definition, VAT registration threshold and VAT group rules were unveiled in accompanying budget documents, as well as a proposal to transpose the EU Anti-tax Avoidance Directive into domestic law. There was also a sigh of relief among those operating in the North Sea oil industry as the chancellor did not pick their pockets to pay for the planned corporate tax rate cut to 17% by 2020, which is still planned to go ahead and received mixed reactions. The UKs digital services tax The UKs digital tax plan is to introduce a levy of 2% from April 2020 to raise an estimated 440 million ($560 million) a year. It will apply to organisations with a global turnover of more than 500 million a year and be designed to exclude start-ups. A safe harbour to exempt lossmaking companies and reduce the effective tax rate for businesses with very low-profit margins. The safe harbour is important given the high-tech sector has given rise to a number of high-revenue, lossmaking platforms. For example, Airbnb has only just marked its first profitable year and its unclear if the 2% tax will push the company back into a lossmaking position. Meanwhile, apps like Uber and Deliveroo have yet to turn a profit at all. However, the UKs proposal is less than the EUs interim proposal of a 3% tax on turnover. Nevertheless, the chancellor was quick to clarify that the UKs DST would not function as a tax on goods sold online, but rather a tax on the gross revenue of the biggest tech companies. Wendy Nicholls, partner at Grant Thornton, described the decision as a big shift from all the international tax standards, whereby corporate taxes are based on profits. Richard Asquith, global VP of indirect tax at Avalara, warned of the pitfalls of the proposal. A DST will be difficult to implement practically, he said. In taxing turnover instead of profits, its economically uncompetitive. It would also require heavy and intrusive data reporting and measurement its not clear if that would get past the new EU GDPR data protection rules. The bigger risk is retaliation from the US which could use tariffs or similar taxes on UK businesses to greater effect, he added. Hammond stressed, however, that the UK will continue to work with the OECD and the G20 to reach a global agreement on digital tax. If the OECD comes up with a proposal, the UK will repeal its DST in favour of the global standard. Catherine Hall, partner at Mazars, observed that the UK has set itself the task of trying to address an international dilemma with local fiscal measures. The first step will be to consult businesses on the fine print of the proposal. It will be interesting to see the detail of the consultation document and the proposals put forward and, in particular, whether the tax will hit the targeted digital platform giants or, as with recent anti-avoidance legislation, be far wider reaching with the associated accidental implication, Hall said. However, its an issue that is not going away, and there is a strong economic and social case for developing a fair and practical solution for all parties, she added. Every country may want a global agreement on digital tax, but clearly not every country can wait for such a global consensus to be established. As Hammond said in his speech to Parliament, the progress on finding such an agreement is painfully slow. Putting IR35 on hold One piece of good news for businesses was that the postponement of the IR35 changes until April 2020. The government will be holding a consultation with companies and other stakeholders in the meantime. The decision to extend the IR35 rules to the private sector was not a surprise to Chris Sanger, head of tax policy at EY, who suggested the new timeline gave businesses some reprieve over having to deal with these new rules right at the time the UK was leaving the EU. Its also better for the government. The period between now and April 2020 allows it to address the problems that are present in the current scheme that applies to the public sector, before the new rules are implemented across the UK economy. Without this, there is a strong risk that the implementation will be problematic and potentially undermine the availability of the UKs flexible workforce, Sanger said. Meanwhile, others saw the budget as an attempt to buy-off core constituents. Positive announcements aimed at swing voters were everywhere, said Jonathan Riley, head of tax at Grant Thornton. And, where tax is being raised the measures were aimed at larger companies whether in respect to off payroll workers or even the new digital services tax. Cutting corporate tax One of Hammonds silent announcements was that the UK will continue to cut its corporate tax rate. The budget document confirms that the UK will reduce the rate from 19% to 17% in 2020. This is after months of speculation that the chancellor was planning to scrap the tax cut in preparation for Brexit. Heather Self, partner at Blick Rothenberg, was slightly surprised to find that the rate cut was not dropped. The dog that didnt bark [the] biggest corporate tax measure is the one that wasnt announced, she tweeted. [Corporation tax] to fall to 17% from 2020 will go ahead. The surprise continues a decade of tax cuts. The country had a headline rate of 28% in 2010, and a 17% rate comes at a cost to the Exchequer. Scrapping the rate cut could save an estimated 5 billion a year after 2021. As Bill Dodwell, senior adviser at the Office of Tax Simplification (OTS), told ITR in the run up to the budget: Removing the corporation tax cut to 17% and reinvesting some of that money in supporting business investment would still leave the UK as the most competitive G20 economy, whilst raising some much-needed cash. At the same time, Hammond made a point of announcing that the oil and gas tax regime would remain unchanged. Before the budget, there was speculation that the UK government might raid North Sea oil to cover the losses of a corporate tax cut. Diverted profits tax Much like corporate tax, Hammond did not mention the diverted profits tax (DPT) in his speech, yet his plan includes amendments to the measure. With effect from October 29 2018, Part 3 of the Finance Act 2015 will be amend to: Close opportunities to amend corporate tax returns after the review period has ended and the DPT time limits have expired (sections 82 to 85, 88 and 93); Clarify that diverted profits will only be taxed under either the diverted profits tax or corporation tax rules, but not both (section 100A); Extend the review period that HMRC and taxpayers have to work collaboratively to determine the extent of diverted profits from 12 to 15 months (section 101); Extend a companys right to amend their corporation tax return during the first 12 months of the extended 15 month review period, but only for the purposes of including the diverted profits into a corporation tax charge; and Clarify that diverted profits liable to the diverted profits tax can be reduced by amending to the companys corporation tax return during the first 12 months of the review period. This is just as the UK government sets about implementing the EUs Anti-Tax Avoidance Directive (ATAD) and reforming its definition of permanent establishment. The chancellor was keen to talk up the UKs role in cracking down on international tax avoidance. Even with the digital services tax, the UK may be ready to see more on-shoring as the country continues the race to the bottom in corporate tax and looks to reduce the opportunities for abusive practices. Photo credit: UK Treasury The material on this site is for financial institutions, professional investors and their professional advisers. It is for information only. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy before using the site. All material subject to strictly enforced copyright laws. 2021 Euromoney Institutional Investor PLC. For help please see our FAQ. Share this article As part of his four-day visit to Germany, Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi visited on Monday the German parliament (Bundestag) headquarters in Berlin, where he met with parliament speaker Wolfgang Schauble. The German parliament speaker praised the special relationship between the Egyptian and German peoples, stressing his country's keenness to support Egypt's efforts to achieve comprehensive development and democracy, Egyptian presidential spokesperson Bassam Rady said. The Egyptian president stressed the importance of cooperation between the two countries' parliaments by strengthening the role of parliamentary friendship groups in the Bundestag and in the Egyptian House of Representatives, which contributes to enhancing communication between the peoples of the two countries and developing bilateral relations. El-Sisi and Schauble discussed the latest developments regarding the restoration of stability and achieving comprehensive development in Egypt, as well as developments in the Middle East and Egypt's vision on fighting terrorism and curbing irregular migration. The German parliament speaker expressed his support for the efforts of the Egyptian president to reform religious discourse in Egypt, stressing the importance of the international community standing united to eliminate extremism and terrorism. El-Sisi arrived in Berlin on Sunday for a four-day official visit, where has met with a number of German officials to discuss issues of mutual concern. During his visit, he is expected to participate in the G20 Compact with Africa summit. El-Sisi is also scheduled to meet with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Tuesday. Search Keywords: Short link: For the past two years, C.Y. Stephens Auditorium in Ames has been showcasing local singing and songwriting talent in conjunction wit Fred Hubbell, 2018 Democratic candidate for Governor of Iowa, speaks with a supporter in the free speech zone on Oct. 23. Hubbell supports labor unions and hardworking men and women in the labor union, lowering tuition, weeding out tax credits, exemption, and deductions where costs to the state outweigh benefits and much more. Opinion Policies Editorials are longer opinion pieces that are written by a group of community members recruited across campus who address relevant issues on a local, national and international level. Editorials are research-based. The purpose of the Editorial Board is to promote discussion concerning relevant issues in the community while advising on possible solutions. Topics are chosen via relevancy and interests of the members, which are then discussed by the Editorial Board in order to reach a general consensus concerning the topic or issue. Feedback policy If you have a grievance concerning the content or argument of the Editorial Board, please contact either Opinion Editor Peyton Hamel (peyton.hamel@iowastatedaily.com) or the Editorial Board as a whole (editorialboard@iowastatedaily.com). Those wanting to respond to editorials can also submit a letter to the editor through the Iowa State Daily website or by emailing the letter to Opinion Editor Peyton Hamel (peyton.hamel@iowastatedaily.com) or Editor-in-Chief Sage Smith (sage.smith@iowastatedaily.com). Column Policy Columns are hyper-specific to opinion and are written by only columnists employed by the Iowa State Daily. Columnists are unique because they have a specific writing day and only publish on those writing days. Each column undergoes a thorough editing process ensuring the integrity of the writer, and their claim is maintained while remaining research-based and respectful. Columns may be submitted from community members. These are labelled as Guest Columns. These contain similar research-based content and need to be at least 400 words in length. The following requirements should be met: first and last name, email and relation or position to Iowa State. Emails must be tied to the submitted guest column or it will not be accepted or published. Pseudonyms are prohibited and the writer will be banned from submissions. Read our full Opinion Policies here. Updated on 10/7/2020 Suppose you are at a party, perhaps you are 21, perhaps you arent. Things are going fine. That is, until someone takes one drink too many. Now some minor is blacked out and breathing funny. What do you do? You might suggest a call to emergency medical services. Everyone agrees except for the host. They are afraid of getting in trouble for giving alcohol to a minor. The host is in charge, so everyone reluctantly listens. No one calls the paramedics. You leave the party later that night. On the way out, you catch a glimpse through a cracked door of that minor passed out and "backpacked" on a bed. You dont think too much of it. A couple of days later you find out the underage student died later that night. Their blood alcohol level was 0.35. Worse than that, they asphyxiated on their own vomit. At a high enough blood alcohol content level, the gag reflex no longer works, and "backpacking" that student was pointless. Unfortunately, it wouldnt be too hard for any student to find themselves in this very situation. College can create a culture where the safety of the group is put before the safety of an individual, even when that individuals safety means life or death. Now, it is without a doubt wrong to not call emergency medical services when someone is in need. But what if there was a way to remove everyones fear of getting in trouble? Imagine when the police and medics show up, they simply broke up the party. Someone could make that necessary call knowing that for the most part people wouldnt be held liable for their actions that night. Medical amnesty laws across the country accomplish this very thing. They remove the fear of getting in trouble, empowering students to do the right thing when parties take a turn for the worse. Unfortunately, Iowa lags far behind much of the rest of the country with our lacking medical amnesty laws. There is no good reason not to have these laws. They dont encourage underage drinking, and they dont enable procuring for minors. They allow students in sticky situations to see that calling 911 is the best option for everyone. Medical amnesty laws allow students to put the safety of others before their own fears. Medical amnesty laws are a logical and easy step in protecting the lives of young adults. Iowa should catch up with the rest of the country and pass its own version of these laws. Apple announced the new 11- and 12.9-inch iPad Pro earlier today. The new devices are already up for preorder, as is the new Apple Pencil to go along with the new tablets. And now so are the folio cases for both models. You can preorder the new Smart Keyboard Folio and Smart Folio case options beginning right now. Each model of the 2018 iPad Pro has its own accessory option, with price changing depending on the size of the tablet you have. The Smart Keyboard Folio, which protects the front of the tablet when closed, along with the back at all times and offers a full-size keyboard, is available in one color and is priced at $179.00 for the 11-inch iPad Pro. The Smart Keyboard Folio (pictured at the top of this article) for the new 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd Generation) is priced at $199.00 and only comes in one color as well. Both of the Smart Keyboard Folios offer support for U.S. English, Arabic, British English, Chinese (Pinyin), Danish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Swiss, Traditional Chinese (Cangjie & Zhuyin), and Spanish. If you dont prefer the keyboard accessory, you can also opt for the Smart Folio case. This still protects the back of the 11- or 12.9-inch iPad Pro at all times, and will protect the display when its closed. It also offers open-to-wake and close-to-sleep functionality (which is also available for the Smart Keyboard Folio as well). The Smart Folio Case for the 11-inch iPad Pro is available in Charcoal, Pink Sand, and White. Its priced at $79.00. Meanwhile, the same case for the 12.9-inch variant is priced at $99.00 and only available in Charcoal and White. The new folio cases will arrive as quickly as Thursday, November 1, if you order fastest delivery. Free delivery sees the accessories arriving Friday, November 2 a few days before the new iPad Pro launches. The Smart Keyboard Folio for the 11-inch iPad Pro is priced at $179.00, while the model for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro costs $199.00. Both models will deliver by Wednesday, November 7 (the same day the iPad Pro itself launches). UPDATE Moore attended Baileys party for Seagrams Escapes on Thursday night and was wearing a mic for the event. Page Six. She attended as a guest and may or may not appear in the final edit as her appearance did not impact the story. She was not invited by producers, the insider told. She attended as a guest and may or may not appear in the final edit as her appearance did not impact the story. According to the publication, Baileys RHOA co-stars NeNe Leakes, Kandi Burruss, Porsha Williams, Shamea Morton, Eva Marcille, Shamari De Voe, Tanya Sam and Yovanna Logan were also in attendance. Kenya Moore may no longer be a cast member on, but according to a new report, the former Miss USA beauty queen was spotted miced up and filming at Cynthia Bailey's recent event for the Bravo hit reality show's upcoming eleventh season.The event took place at Cynthia Baileys exotic escape party as she revealed her signature Peach Bellini drink with Seagrams Escapes. Sources say that all of Baileys fellow Housewives were in attendance.At the event, sources reveal that Kenya tried to confront NeNe at the party for air time. That didnt work because NeNe wants nothing to do with her, the source toldNeNe avoided Kenya the whole night and she and Bravo have made it clear that no matter what kind of tricks Kenya tires to come up with, theyre onto her and shes not coming back to the show, said the source.Kenya is not coming back, the insider revealed. She filmed one time and she wasnt paid and the network might not even allow the footage to air.The source added: Kenya overplayed her cards, the insider said. She thought by showing up and creating drama it would get her back on the show.As previously reported, Kenya recently confirmed her departure from RHOA. After allegedly months of back and forth negotiations, Moore confirmed she was leaving the show after five years. I have decided to take this season off to focus on my high risk pregnancy in a healthy and drama free environment," Kenya toldin a statement."I thank Bravo for this amazing platform that has allowed me to grow, flourish and appreciate the value of what is truly important in life."Kenya also thanked her fans for all of the love they have shown her during her time on the Bravo hit reality series in her statement. "And to #TeamTwirl: Thank you for your loving and relentless support you will see me soon!" Kenya gushed, adding a reminder that her first child, #BabyDaly, is on the way.What are your thoughts? Sound off in the comments below!Photo Credit: Bravo Engineering Jobs 2018 in Saudi Arabia Latest Saudi Services For Electro Mechanical Works Company Engineering Posts Saudi Arabia 2021 A leading and well known Saudi Services For Electro Mechanical Works Company required technical and experienced candidates for the posts 0f Protection Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Mechanical Engineer in Saudi Arabia. How to Apply on Saudi Services For Electro Mechanical Works Company 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. Telephone: 051-458 Note: Beware of Fraudulent Recruiting Activities. If the employer asks you to pay money for any purpose including processing to shortlisting, do not pay at all and report us using our contact us form. Apply as per instuctions & dates mentioned in official job ad. Govt jobs cannot be applied online here. Error & omissions excepted. The final quarter of 2021 is on its way and theres so much positivity about the rapid growth of the... Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi is due to hold talks with Germanys Angela Merkel in Berlin on Tuesday as part of his multi-day visit to the German capital for a summit of African nations. The pair is expected to discuss Germany's support to Egypt's economy and education, its efforts to encourage German investors to put money in Egypt as well as Egypt's efforts to combat illegal migration and terrorism, the website of Egypt's state television said. El-Sisi is one of 10 African leaders taking part in the G20 Investment Summit in Berlin on Tuesday, part of the G20 Compact with Africa (CwA) an initiative launched in 2017 under the German presidency of the G20 group of nations to attract private investors to Africa. The CwA brings together African countries, international organisations and certain G20 countries to sponsor reforms and promote investment opportunities in the continent. El-Sisi met on Monday, the second day of his four-day visit, with German Minister of Economic Affairs and Energy Peter Altmaier where they discussed means to boost economic cooperation and bilateral relations. Search Keywords: Short link: Israel has appointed diplomat Amira Oron as its first female ambassador to Egypt since the two countries signed a peace accord in 1979, according to a statement published on the Israeli foreign ministry's Facebook page. The statement said that Oron is the second woman to serve as an ambassador to an Arab state. The first was Einat Klein, who served as ambassador to Jordan. "Oron is a diplomat with extensive experience. She started working at the foreign ministry 27 years ago," the statement said. The diplomat has occupied several positions including deputy director of the Arabic media department at the Israeli embassy in Egypt. From 2014 to 2016, Turkey lowered the status of Israels ambassador to that of an embassy official a position which Oron filled, becoming the first woman to be appointed as head of the embassy in Turkey. Oron studied Islamic and Middle Eastern studies and is fluent in Arabic. Oron will succeed diplomat David Govrin, who has been serving as Israels ambassador to Cairo since 2016. Search Keywords: Short link: We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Judy Klassen speaks during a media availability in Winnipeg on Tuesday, July 11, 2017. The Speaker of the Manitoba legislature has rejected a request to forbid politicians from discussing their opponents' criminal convictions and other troubles. Myrna Driedger says freedom of speech is integral to the parliamentary system, and legislature members have the right to speak their minds in debate. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Steve Lambert Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi said on Tuesday in a press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel that Egypt aims to boost investment and trade with Germany, and that the two countries have agreed to develop joint security and military cooperation. During the presser, El-Sisi hailed Germany's support for Egypt's battle against terrorism, extremism as well as the economic reform programme Egypt started implementing in 2016. The two leaders said that they discussed irregular migration, combating terrorism, as well as international and regional issues of mutual concern. El-Sisi also highlighted that the security option alone is not enough to solve the issue of irregular migration. The Egyptian president has been discussing ways to combat irregular migration with German officials over the past few days. El-Sisi said that during the talks, he discussed the heavy burden that Egypt bears when it comes to this issue given its location and the fact that it hosts millions refugees. He also highlighted that the country has made huge strides in stopping migration from its shores to Europe since 2016. The Egyptian president is on a four-day official visit to Berlin his third since he took office in 2014 that started on Sunday, where he met with a number of German officials to discuss strengthening relations and boosting cooperation. During the joint press conference, El-Sisi expressed his happiness with the rise in German tourism to Egypt, which he says is returning to its previous levels. In 2015, a number of European countries, including Germany, introduced restrictions on flights to Sharm El-Sheikh over security concerns after a Russian passenger jet crashed in Sinai, killing 224 people, most of whom were holidaymakers. Germany lifted its flight restrictions in 2017. Chancellor Merkel said that she and President El-Sisi discussed the current challenges facing Egypt, stressing that "Germany is keen to support Egypt and its stability." She has also pledged to offer the second tranche of a 500 million euro grant that the Egyptian government has been receiving since 2017 to support medium and small enterprises. "There are renewed and diverse developments in relations in the areas of culture, society and development," Merkel said. According to the German Chancellor, the two leaders also discussed the situations in Libya and Syria, stressing the importance of supporting the efforts of the UN envoy in Syria. Search Keywords: Short link: Sebelum Anda bermain, Anda perlu mengetahui apa yang Anda butuhkan untuk masuk ke dalam permainan roulette kasino online ini. Jika Anda sudah mendaftar di situs judi casino online dan sudah memberikan user ID, login terlebih dahulu dan pilih menu live casino yang tertera di situs judi tersebut. Pertama pilih dealer dan putuskan sendiri, lalu pilih meja atau kursi di dalam ruangan. Jika namanya tertera dan berwarna coklat, maka kursi tersebut sudah ditempati oleh pemain lain, dan pilihlah kursi kosong berwarna hitam. Kasino Roulette adalah salah satu permainan paling populer di situs perjudian kasino. Jadi dalam permainan ini kamu harus menebak angka berapa yang akan keluar. Ada 36 nomor berbeda dalam permainan populer ini di mana sebuah bola kecil diputar dan dilemparkan ke dalam mesin roulette. Anda harus menebak dari mana bola kecil itu masuk dan di nomor berapa ia berhenti. Ada banyak jenis pilihan angka dari 0-36, dan mereka dihitung secara berbeda. Sebagai agen casino terpercaya, panduan permainan roulette ini juga memberikan informasi tentang jenis pilihan dan nama permainan roulette casino online sebagai berikut: Jika Anda ingin bermain roulette di situs kasino online, caranya sangat sederhana. Anda dapat bermain di Kasino ION, Kasino Sbobet, dan Situs Kasino. Di bawah ini adalah artikel panduan bermain di mana Anda dapat mempelajari roulette langsung dan memainkannya di situs judi online mana pun. tangkapan layar Sebelum Anda bermain, Anda perlu mengetahui apa yang Anda butuhkan untuk masuk ke dalam permainan roulette kasino online ini. Jika Anda sudah mendaftar di situs judi casino online dan sudah memberikan user ID, login terlebih dahulu dan pilih menu live casino yang tertera di situs judi online tersebut. Pertama pilih dealer dan putuskan sendiri, lalu pilih meja atau kursi di dalam ruangan. Jika namanya tertera dan berwarna coklat, maka kursi tersebut sudah ditempati oleh pemain lain, dan pilihlah kursi kosong berwarna hitam. Panduan Bermain Online Kasino Roulette Kasino Roulette adalah salah satu permainan paling populer di situs perjudian kasino. Jadi dalam permainan ini kamu harus menebak angka berapa yang akan keluar. Ada 36 nomor berbeda dalam permainan populer ini di mana sebuah bola kecil diputar dan dilemparkan ke dalam mesin roulette. Anda harus menebak dari mana bola kecil itu masuk dan di nomor berapa ia berhenti. Ada banyak jenis pilihan angka dari 0-36, dan mereka dihitung secara berbeda. Sebagai agen casino terpercaya, panduan permainan roulette ini juga memberikan informasi tentang jenis pilihan dan nama permainan roulette casino online sebagai berikut: 1. Straight Up: Penempatan angka tunggal dari 0 hingga 36. Contoh perhitungan straight up adalah mengalikan taruhan dengan 35. Ini adalah jenis taruhan tertinggi dalam permainan roulette kasino, jadi 50 dikalikan dengan 35 memberi Anda 1750, mengapa jenis taruhan ini menghasilkan pengembalian yang begitu tinggi? Hal ini karena tidak mudah untuk memenangkan pilihan nomor dengan memilih hanya satu nomor dari banyak. 2. Taruhan split: Jenis taruhan yang ditempatkan pada dua angka atau di antara dua angka yang berbeda. Misalnya, menempatkan di sela-sela angka 9 dan 12 atau 13d dan 14 dihitung sebagai jenis taruhan split. Setiap nomor dapat ditempatkan dalam jenis ini selama nomor tersebut berdekatan dan persis seperti Gambar A dan B. Untuk taruhan ini, jika Anda memenangkan contoh dan mengalikannya dengan 850, Anda akan menerima jumlah taruhan yang dikalikan dengan 17. . 3. Taruhan jalanan: bertaruh dengan 3 angka ke bawah, misalnya 1,2,3 atau 10,11,12. Semua taruhan jalan akan menerima kemenangan dikalikan dengan 11. Misalnya, 50 dikalikan 550. 4. Taruhan sudut: Jenis taruhan di mana empat angka ditempatkan saling berhadapan, seperti 13,14,16,17 atau 19,20,22,23. Semua angka valid karena terdiri dari 4 angka yang diisi seperti kotak dan taruhan dikalikan 8 (misalnya 50 kali 800). 5. Taruhan baris: Atau, Anda dapat mengatakan bahwa ada 6 jenis taruhan yang terdiri dari 2 baris, tetapi 6 poin dengan 2 peregangan, seperti taruhan jalanan. Misalnya, jika Anda memilih angka 7 hingga 12 dan 13 hingga 18, taruhan 50 adalah 5 kali dan kemudian dikalikan dengan 250 kemenangan. 6. Kolom Inner Bet: Jenis taruhan vertikal dengan 12 poin berturut-turut, seperti kolom numerik 1,4,7,10,13,19,22,25,25,28,22,24,34 atau kolom lainnya. Dan jika dia memenangkan kolom, 50 taruhan digandakan dan 100 taruhan. 7. Lusin : Jenis taruhan menempatkan 12 angka tetapi menempatkannya pada kotak berbentuk seperti contoh Kolom A dengan angka 1 sampai 12 dan odds dengan kolom lain untuk dipilih dengan memilih 1 kotak pertama untuk Kolom A. Kalikan dengan 2, 50 taruhan 100. 8. Zero part : Cara bertaruh 0.1,2,3 sama persis seperti di gambar, karena berdekatan dengan angka 0, anda hanya bisa bertaruh 0.1,2,3. Menempatkan taruhan ini mengalikannya dengan 50. hingga 8. 9. Zero Corner: Bertaruh pada angka 0.1,2 atau 0.2,3 adalah dua pilihan karena Anda hanya bertaruh mendekati angka nol. Jenis taruhan ini dikalikan 11 jika taruhan menang. 10. Two Dozen: Jenis taruhan dengan hanya dua pilihan: 1-18 atau 19-36. Jika taruhan Anda adalah 50, itu dikalikan dengan 1 hingga 50 jika Anda menang. 11. Merah atau Hitam: Masukkan taruhan Anda dengan memilih Merah atau Hitam sebagai warna angka yang muncul saat taruhan 50. 12. Genap/Ganjil: Pilih angka yang menghasilkan jumlah jenis taruhan ganjil. An Egyptian misdemeanour court has sentenced two women to three years in prison and one man to one year over negligence that led to the killing of three children in Giza last July. On 10 July, the bodies of the three children were found in Talbiya Giza, almost decomposed and wrapped in two plastic bags and a carpet and dumped on a roadside. The children, aged two, four and five, had died in an apartment fire a few days earlier when the mother and her flatmate were out. The defendants were charged by the prosecution with negligence leading to the children's deaths, as well as failing to notify authorities and discarding the bodies without burial. The husband of the flatmate was sentenced to one year in prison. The verdict is subject to appeal. Search Keywords: Short link: The new MathSEE Center bundles mathematical research conducted by KIT scien-tists in different disciplines. (Photo: Markus Breig/KIT) Mathematics is a fundamental component in science: applications and methods, such as simulations, data evaluations, or computer-based systems, would not be possible without arith-metics, algebra or statistics. At Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), scientists from various disciplines use mathematics in their research. They now contribute their expertise to the new Center Mathematics in Sciences, Engineering, and Economics (MathSEE): the platform bundles interdisciplinary mathematical research at KIT. Inauguration of the new KIT Center Mathematics in Sciences, Engineering, and Economics (MathSEE) (Photo: Amadeus Bramsiepe/KIT) Vice-President Prof. Oliver Kraft at the inaugural event for the new KIT Center MathSEE (Photo: Amadeus Bramsiepe/KIT) Within MathSEE, scientists from mathematics, natural sciences, engineering, and economics will cooperate to further develop and establish new research collaborations and projects. For this pur-pose, the KIT Center will offer specific scientific events and initial funding for research projects. Mathematical research is increasingly interconnected with other natural and engineering sciences, says Professor Oliver Kraft, KIT Vice-President for Research. With MathSEE, we give this trend an internationally unique shape that will sustainably advance KITs mission to strengthen fundamental research, create knowledge for society, and enable research-based education. Professor Martin Frank, Scientific Spokesperson of MathSEE and Director of the Steinbuch Centre for Computing (SCC) of KIT, adds: As key technology of digitization, mathematics essentially contributed to coping with challenges of our time. Apart from computer-based sciences, this includes data-driven methods, such as machine learning, which are mainly based on statistics and optimization. Moreover, we hope that interesting questions in applications will trigger the development of new mathematical methods. The Center will start with 60 scientists from 22 institutes of KIT. Their research is structured in four areas with different methodological approaches: Mathematical modeling, differential equations, numerical analysis and simulation Inverse problems, optimization Mathematical structures: shapes, geometry, number theory and algebra Stochastic modeling, statistical data analysis and prediction In addition, the Graduate School MathSEED will offer structured events and courses for doctoral researchers. Interdisciplinary support of junior scientists is, among others, the focus of the SiMET Research Training Group: engineers and mathematicians jointly support doctoral candidates working on the modeling and simulation of lithiumion battery cells. More information: www.simet.kit.edu (in German only) KITs strength in mathematical research is reflected for example by the Collaborative Research Center Wave phenomena. Here, mathematicians and scientists from photon and quantum electronics collaborate to analytically understand, numerically simulate, and eventually manipulate the propagation of light and sound waves under realistic scenarios. More information: www.waves.kit.edu/index.php Details on the KIT Center MathSEE: www.mathsee.kit.edu/english/index.php 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. Shenandoah, IA (51601) Today Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. Low 33F. S winds at 15 to 25 mph, decreasing to 5 to 10 mph. Higher wind gusts possible.. Tonight Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. Low 33F. S winds at 15 to 25 mph, decreasing to 5 to 10 mph. Higher wind gusts possible. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi participated in the afternoon session of the Africa investment summit in Berlin in the presence of German Chancellor Angela Merkel and a number of African leaders. The session discussed turning African countries into attractive markets for investment and the guarantees needed to boost the confidence of investors in the African investment environment, a move that will contribute to establishing various development projects. Addressing the session, the German chancellor asserted her keenness on seeing stability in Africa and supporting its development march. Merkel said that she is keen to offer help to several African countries that suffer from poverty and water scarcity. The G20 Africa Partnership initiative aims to remove obstacles facing investors and take measures to overcome bureaucracy, Merkel said. The German chancellor expressed appreciation of the efforts exerted by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank to co-finance the G20 Africa Partnership initiative. On that score, she voiced hope that Japan, which will chair the G20 in 2019, will continue giving attention to this initiative. Merkel also asserted her countrys keenness to provide all forms of support to African countries in the fields of education, training and modern development policy. She added that Berlin is also keen to cooperate with local civil society organisations, which she said have a role in achieving sustainable development. Germany also supports small and medium enterprises, she said. The German chancellor also commended the role played by China in cooperating with African states. Search Keywords: Short link: Actor Ma Dong-seok stars in the upcoming thriller "The Villagers." / Courtesy of Little Big Pictures By Park Jin-hai Ma Dong-seok, a Korean-American actor with bulging muscles best known for his appearance in "Train to Busan," returns to the big screen with thriller "The Villagers." The 47-year-old action star, who is often compared to Dwayne Johnson for their similarity in masculine appearance, will take the role of a physical education teacher named Yeok Gi-cheol who comes to a high school in the countryside. When a schoolgirl disappears, and no one in the small village takes issue with it, he tracks down all leads to find the truth behind her disappearance. Ma, a late bloomer who only recently shot to stardom since his 2005 debut, has known about the film's director Im Jin-sun and his scenario for the past five or so years. "Many of my recent films are what I've been involved in from the pre-planning. For The Villagers, I've developed many ideas with its director when I was an unknown actor," the actor said during a press conference at a local theater in Seoul, Monday. "Although it is a small budget film, I'm confident I've done my best under the given circumstances." Rising star Kim Sae-ron plays a schoolmate who questions her friend's sudden disappearance, while actor Lee Sang-yeob takes on the role of a popular yet mysterious art teacher. Im calls his film a "humanistic" thriller. "The plot looks like something predictable. But, in the format of a strong thriller, I have strived hard to make it a good drama, too," he said. "Looking at many cases and incidents that people give just blind eyes to instead of trying to communicate with each other, I thought no grown-up should behave like that. I wanted to tell the message through my characters and their stories naturally." Like Ma's recent films like "Along with the Gods: The Last 49 Days" and "Champion," the actor in his new film will flex his muscles in powerful action scenes. Regarding concerns that Ma has been portraying the same action star image, he said he's heard such opinions for over a decade. "I've heard I'm just portraying the same muscular image since 10 years ago. But still I think if there is a director or producer who wants Ma Dong-seok-brand action characters, I should do my best to meet their needs," he said. "If you ask if I want to attempt a totally different character, my answer is yes. Currently, I'm preparing to take on a character that I've never done before." "The Villagers" will hit local theaters on Nov. 7. Svetlana Zakharova, left, and Denis Rodkin pose for a photo during a press conference for ballet "La Bayadere" at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, Monday. Courtesy of Sejong Center for the Performing Arts By Kwon Mee-yoo Top Russian ballet dancer Svetlana Zakharova and Bolshoi Ballet principal dancer Denis Rodkin will dance the tragic love story of temple dancer Nikiya and Solor in "La Bayadere" with the Universal Ballet Company (UBC) in Seoul on Nov. 1 and 4. Korea's first-ever private ballet company, which celebrated its 34th anniversary this year, will stage Marius Petipa's "La Bayadere" at the Grand Theater of Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in central Seoul from Nov. 1 to 4. Julia Moon, president and director of UBC, said the company and Sejong Center have a long relationship with "La Bayadere" since UBC introduced the large-scale piece to Korea in 1999. "This year marks the 40th anniversary of Sejong Center as well as the 200th anniversary of Petipa's birth. We are excited to present one of the largest classical ballet repertoires here," Moon said at a press conference Monday. This is the second time for Zakharova to visit Korea, after Bolshoi Ballet's "Giselle." The dancer said she rehearsed with the UBC the day after arriving in Korea. "Though I am still jetlagged, the Korean ballet company was almost equivalent to European dance companies. I think ballet is the same across the globe with the same techniques and expressions and I am excited for this new adventure with the UBC," Zakharova said. Zakharova said she has to portray three different sides of Nikiya on stage. "In the first act, she is a temple dancer praying to the gods. Then I have to portray a woman betrayed by her lover. In the third act, I dance in classical ballet blanc style. It is interesting in terms of acting, but requires many different techniques, which could be difficult for a dancer," she said. Rodkin, 27, won the Benois de la Danse for his role of Solor in "La Bayadere" last year and expectations are high for his performance here. Zakharova and Rodkin have been dancing together for a few years after Zakharova invited young Rodkin as her partner for "Carmen Suite" in 2014. "He is a dancer of potential and learns quickly," Zakharova said of her partner. Along with Zakharova and Rodkin, UBC's principal dancers Kang Mi-sun, Hong Hyang-gee and newcomer Kim Yu-jin will dance Nikiya, while Konstantin Novoselov, Rhee Hyon-jun, Lee Dong-tak take on Solor. Lim Sun-u, Korea's first Billy Elliot, will perform the Golden Idol on Nov. 3. Shinhan Bank CEO Wi Sung-ho, left, shows a strategic partnership agreement for digital business in Indonesia with Akulaku Chairman William Li during a signing ceremony at the lender's headquarters in Seoul, Tuesday. The Korean lender seeks to enhance digital banking. Akulaku is Indonesia's largest mobile financial services provider. / Courtesy of Shinhan Bank Hana Financial Group CEO Kim Jung-tai, center, raises his fist with KEB Hana Bank CEO Ham Young-joo, sixth from left, and senior executives from the group and its affiliates, at a ceremony to declare "digital transformation" at the group's data center in Cheongna International City in Incheon, Tuesday. Courtesy of Hana Financial Group Officials from the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) speak at the Korea Medical & Wellness Travel Mart in Dubai, in this 2017 photo. This year, the KTO will host the Korea Culture & Tourism Festival in Abu Dhabi. / Courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization By Jung Hae-myoung The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) will hold the Korea Culture & Tourism Festival in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), from Nov. 1 to 3, to attract more Middle Eastern visitors, the tourism body said Tuesday. The festival's theme is "Korea Happiness Festival" reflecting Middle Eastern culture which values family to target family tourists. Top Korean medical institutions and agencies, including the Asan Medical Center and the Jaseng Hospital of Korean Medicine, will take part to promote medical tourism to Korea. More than 40 companies and travel agencies, such as The Face Shop and Etude House, will join in to attract female consumers. In 2017, about 3,400 medical tourists from the UAE visited Korea. Their average expenditure per person was 10.7 million won ($9,332), which was 5.4 times the amount spent by medical tourists from other countries. "People in Middle Eastern countries are showing a growing interest in Korean culture, and the number of tourists from those countries to Korea is growing," said Kim Man-jin, head of the KTO's international tourism strategy team. "With the event, we'll strengthen promotion and marketing of Korean tourism." By Robert Neff Just a little over a century ago, an American missionary described Korea as the most haunted place upon the planet. That was long time, however, and people today are no longer frightened by superstitions and ghosts. Or are they? Koreans often revere the elderly but, in some cases, they also fear and vilify them. In the early 1980s, whispered tales of "gumiho" (nine-tailed fox) disguised as an elderly woman, circulated amongst children in the southern provinces. This malevolent creature hunted children for their livers and was especially drawn to those wearing yellow or red. One woman who, oddly enough, lived in Gumi City - recalled that as a child she was careful never to wear yellow or red and was quite relieved when her family moved to Seoul in early 1984. That relief was short-lived. In summer 1984, whispers of an elderly woman a gumiho hunting children also began to circulate. Suspicion fell upon a fox at the small zoo in Children's Grand Park. In an attempt to ascertain the validity of these rumors, anxious parents and children contacted the media prompting the DongA Ilbo to publish an article dismissing the claims as preposterous. Of course, gumiho were not the only ones to terrorize Korean children in the 1980s. In 1989, the ghost of Hong Kong Grandmother an elderly cat-loving woman who perished in an airplane accident became popular in Korea. She prowled the streets at night and would attempt to trick children into showing their fingernails upon which she would kill them. One middle-aged Korean homemaker confessed that as a child she was careful not to show her fingers to strangers and slept with her hands under her pillow in case the Hong Kong Grandmother broke into her room. Dining out can also be dangerous. In 1921, near Seoul's Tapgol Park, a very popular restaurant patronized mainly by Japanese officials began experiencing strange events including blood leaking from the ceiling onto patrons and restaurant staff. Business plummeted and by the end of the year the restaurant was closed and the once prosperous proprietress was reduced to roaming the streets, mentally unbalanced and penniless. More recently, a popular restaurant in Sinchon is alleged to have a ghost haunting its bathroom. But aside from its startling appearance or rather its disappearance it has not caused any harm. But not all bathroom ghosts are harmless. For some, knocking on the bathroom door before entering is not a matter of courtesy, but self-preservation. The "cheuksin," a malevolent female spirit, sulks in the bathroom (presumably near the ceiling) - angered at the events that led to her taking her own life - and does not like to be surprised when the door is suddenly opened. When her victims are most vulnerable (using the facilities), she wraps her long black hair around their neck and strangles them. Any mishap that occurs in the bathroom is attributed to her. It isn't only children and drunks who encounter ghosts. About a decade ago, members of the National Assembly and their staff complained of ghostly molestations at night. It was determined the wandering spirits of palace women who had been buried on the grounds were the cause. Only the erection of a large phallus-shaped stone could appease their unrest. It was immense and cost nearly $190,000 but didn't last long - it was not popular with some of the more religious members of the National Assembly and was removed. Foreigners in Seoul are not exempt from ghostly encounters. The first Western adviser to the Joseon government, von Mollendorff, was provided as his living quarters a house widely believed to be haunted. Von Mollendorff was apparently unimpressed with whatever ghosts may have dwelt there for he did not write about it. Others in the foreign community, such as Horace Allen, found haunted houses in Seoul to be advantageous as they could be purchased for a relatively cheap price. Even the Jeong-dong compound where the U.S. ambassador resides is said to have been haunted. One American who has resided for several decades in a hanok (Korean traditional house) in Seoul believes his home was haunted by a young woman who hanged herself from the rafters in the 1920s. The ghost used to stomp about the house, rattle doors and scatter papers but over the years she has become quiet and rarely makes an appearance - perhaps she has become content with the passing of time. Dark Side of Seoul offers . When asked if he thought there were ghosts, Shawn Morrissey replied: "With the idea that ghosts are memories of tragedy and hardship still creeping in otherwise forgotten places [then] I'd say yes, Seoul has long been haunted." Tour operator Joe McPherson acknowledges that many of his guests, while on the tour, have had the eerie feeling of being followed by a woman. One incident that "freaked [McPherson] out" was when a guest turned around and took a picture that revealed "under a hazy lamppost was the figure of a woman" watching them. Even though technology is advancing constantly and our knowledge of our world is increasing, nothing is more powerful than belief and for this reason ghosts will always be part of our society. Robert Neff is a historian and columnist for The Korea Times. He can be reached at robertneff103@gmail.com Attendees of a mandatory seminar for foreign English teachers in Gyeonggi Province on Oct. 20 stand for the Korean national anthem. / Courtesy of Joe McPherson By Ko Dong-hwan and Jon Dunbar Foreign English teachers across Gyeonggi Province woke up extra early on Saturday, Oct. 20, many before sunrise, to attend a seminar they were told was mandatory. The seminar, held in the remote provincial town Icheon, started at 8:30 a.m., requiring many teachers from the far-flung corners of the province to find their own way there, as they had to leave before public transportation opened. Joe McPherson, a longtime resident of Korea on an F-5 permanent resident visa, was up at 6 a.m., leaving behind his Korean wife and children in Gimpo and driving his car to what he called the "Dirty Foreigner Seminar." "This isn't about career enrichment," said McPherson, a restaurateur and owner of a successful tourism company who teaches on the side to make ends meet. "It's because of the stereotype that we're all sexual deviants." Ji-young Kim, an F-4 visa holder based in Paju, was up at 5 a.m. "It's as though they simply didn't care about having to get us up at 5 a.m. and for most, find our own transportation. Luckily for my hagwon, the director rented us a bus." Attendees arriving at Icheon Art Hall signed in for the event to verify their attendance. The schedule started with a video inviting them to the Icheon Rice Festival afterwards happening nearby, then they stood for the Korean national anthem. Then, they sat through Korean-language speeches by various dignitaries including Icheon Mayor Um Tae-jun who even sang a song, cultural performances, and lectures on immigration law, Korean culture and teaching. Everything wrapped up by 11:45 a.m., which McPherson suspects was so they wouldn't have to provide food. Icheon Mayor Eam Tae-jun greets foreign teachers at a seminar in Icheon Art Hall on Oct. 20. / Courtesy of Joe McPherson "We don't have the budget for preparing snacks or meals," said the Gyeonggi Foreign Hagwon Association (GFHA) chairwoman, who has overseen these seminars since 2014. She withheld her name. "In a previous year, because our association is not rich, hagwon principals chipped in some money to prepare sandwiches for those who came to the seminar early. But we saw many of the teachers throwing out leftovers. We are not going to prepare foods for the teachers to their tastes." The cultural education included materials presented by the Korean Spirit and Culture Promotion Project (KSCPP) on Korean brass bowls said to kill E. coli, King Sejong's inventions which were juxtaposed with modern digital technology and drones, and Japan's claimed zero scientific achievements before 1500. There was also a percussion performance and a performance of the folk song "Arirang." "Some of my co-workers commented on how nice the performances were," Kim said. "In the end though, most of them said it was a complete waste of time. I've seen enough Nanta performances to do it myself, and I've been here for 12 years, so if I wanted to go to the Rice Festival I would have gone by now." Throughout the talks, attendees were reminded numerous times not to sexually harass students, although little instruction was given on what sexual harassment was and how to avoid it. "This reinforces the stereotype that foreigners are by nature potential sexual predators and drug fiends," McPherson said. "Do teachers really need to be told that molesting children is wrong?" "We sometimes teach things they already know by reminding them again and again. That's our job. If we don't inform them what they need to know, we commit crimes of false charge," the GFHA chairwoman said. "In Korea, sexual harassment is a grave crime, and we are responsible for teaching foreign instructors to abide by Korean law. Some foreign teachers, not aware of local sensitivity, had unintentionally caused some kids to feel sexually molested. We are responsible for informing the teachers about such incidents." One speaker giving a talk on "Learn how to be a good teacher" shared a story about his youth, being inspired to learn English because his teacher wore short skirts. "I didn't appreciate the last presenter starting his story off by saying how he and his friends went up to the board to write an answer just to look at their thin, pretty teacher's legs because she was wearing a short skirt," Kim said. "And that's how they were motivated to learn English." "I had 200 hagwon principals sitting next to me in the seminar and none of them had anything to say about that bit," the GFHA chairwoman said. "Should I buy an opinion of a person who happened to dislike that part of the story? A good educator knows how to deeply reflect on what others say and ponder about applying them to himnself. All the presenters in the seminar were certified. We even contacted foreign affairs bureau at police stations in the province to select the most eligible speakers for the foreign instructors." A seminar on Oct. 20 in Icheon Art Hall for foreign teachers in Gyeonggi Province offers "Tips to Successful Life in Korea." / Courtesy of Joe McPherson A representative from Suwon Immigration Office spoke reminding those present not to sexually harass students, and spoke about E-2 visa rules, irritating those in the audience with longer-term visas. The immigration officer also got a strong reaction when he said the teachers weren't mandated by law to be there. "My employer told me that by law we were required to attend, then the immigration officer said that it was not law, so everyone lost their cool," Kim said. "I trust my managers so either they were misinformed or the government lied." The KFHA head explained, "Whether the teachers attended the Saturday's seminar had no effect on their immigration status. Hearing this from the immigration officer, some teachers later complained to me. I explained that this is for their employers, the hagwon principals, to abide by the bylaw by having them attend this seminar." An invitation shared on social media cited "Article 15 Subsection 4 of the law governing academy foundation, management and extracurricular work." But this passage is irrelevant to the mandatory seminar. The letter probably meant to cite Article 13 Paragraph 3 of the Act on the Establishment and Operation of Private Teaching Institutes and Extracurricular Lessons, or "Hagwon Bill," which states: "In the case of foreign instructors training will be conducted more than once after entering the country to improve their skills as those responsible for social education and aid them in adapting to Korean culture." According to Matt VanVolkenburg, a Canadian researcher of Korean history, the seminars are the result of media bias against foreigners. The amendment to the relevant law was first suggested in 2009 and made legal in 2011, mandating the seminars as well as drug tests for foreign instructors. "As the number of foreign teachers rose, peaking in 2011, fears of foreign teachers committing crimes, especially sex crimes against children, were stoked by journalists and politicians," VanVolkenburg said. The seminar itself repeated some of these sensational stories, including the 2007 arrest of Canadian pedophile Christopher Paul Neil who had worked in Korea, as well as cases of drug smuggling . "In 2013, the story of a foreign teacher suspected of having sexually assaulted a minor who was extradited to the U.S. was covered by 80 news articles half of them TV news reports," VanVolkenburg said. "In contrast, the case of a Korean elementary school vice principal who was sentenced to six years in prison for molesting nine elementary school students appeared in only 14 news reports none of which were on TV." While the number of crimes committed by foreigners has been increasing, it has stayed in proportion with the increasing foreign population, VanVolkenburg claims, citing his research . What's more, he adds, the foreign crime rate is markedly lower than the Korean crime rate. According to the GFHA chairwoman, the Gyeonggi Province Office of Education (GPOE) established its own bylaw on Sept. 1, 2017, obligating principals of English academies to send their foreign teachers to the seminar. However, it is unclear how the employers are punished for their teachers' nonattendance. She said Gyeonggi Province has about 3,500 foreign instructors, and around 1,800 were required to attend the seminar. Icheon Art Hall was chosen simply for its availability and seating capacity of 1,200. She said foreign teachers who can prove they took the seminar since 2014 didn't have to attend, unless they left the country and returned with a new visa. "Regarding the Saturday seminar, I got calls from about 100 foreign teachers who claimed they had already attended a seminar and wondered whether they had to take this year's seminar as well," she said. "I tried to allow them all not to come, once I confirmed whether they attended any past seminar within the four years." The chairwoman took her position in 2014, back when the seminars were not mandatory. She said foreign teachers who don't attend won't face disadvantages such as with immigration, but their employers will face unspecified disadvantages. As a result, most employment contracts foreign instructors sign will stipulate attendance in the seminars. "No disrespect to the people who put this together. I'm sure it wasn't easy. But it was a waste of everyone's time," Kim said. "I do believe they were trying to make this useful while appeasing...whomever they are working for. They just did a very poor job making it useful." She and McPherson both admit the potential for these seminars to be useful. "Since most of the teachers don't have teaching degrees, true teacher training is crucial. It's a crime that nothing is being done to help them proper teaching techniques. Basic child psychology would be useful. Tips for how to positively control a class, how to make a class plan, even giving examples of silly songs and games would be useful," McPherson said. "A lot of problems with English teachers happen because they don't know that they can get in trouble for things like libel or working in locations that aren't on their visas. They also don't know what their legal rights are in Korean labor law and in human rights laws. I doubt the Hagwon Association would want them to know that anyway." A handout offering tips for foreign English teachers tells them "Nobody cares about your own loneliness. / Courtesy of Joe McPherson Cyber University of Korea President Kim Jin-sung, left, and President and Publisher of The Korea Times Lee Byeong-eon shake hands during the memorandum of understanding signing ceremony at the newspaper company's building in central Seoul, Tuesday. / Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk By Kim Jae-heun The nation's oldest English newspaper The Korea Times has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Cyber University of Korea (CUK) to promote the latter's online Korean language lectures on its website. The online university will provide its free learning program "Quick Korean" to The Korea Times, which will share it on its online news platform for foreign visitors to use. "The Korea Times is the nation's first English news daily and we are also the first cyber university established in Korea," CUK President Kim Jin-sung said during the MOU signing ceremony held in The Korea Times' office in central Seoul, Tuesday. "As we, both are pioneers in each sector and have come together to collaborate on promoting the Korean language, I believe we will make a good outcome out of it." Saudi public prosecutor Saud Al Mojeb visited Istanbul's main court house on Tuesday as part of an investigation into the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Turkish broadcaster NTV reported. Khashoggi's death at the consulate four weeks ago has escalated into a crisis for the world's top oil exporter, which initially denied any knowledge of or a role in his death. Mojeb arrived in Istanbul on Sunday night and held talks on Monday with Istanbul's chief prosecutor, days after he contradicted weeks of Saudi statements by saying that Khashoggi's killing was premeditated. He will hold a second round of talks with the Turkish prosecutor, Irfan Fidan, at the court house on Tuesday, NTV said. Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist and a critic of Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was killed inside the consulate after he went there to get documents for his forthcoming marriage. Saudi officials initially insisted that Khashoggi left the compound on Oct. 2 after completing his paperwork. Turkish officials, however, said they believed he was killed inside by a team sent from Saudi Arabia. Search Keywords: Short link: The Supreme Court reaffirmed Tuesday a 2013 ruling that ordered a Japanese steelmaker to compensate four South Koreans for wartime forced labor and unpaid work. The top court upheld the damages claims filed by the four victims and ordered Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corp. (NSSM) to pay each victim 100 million won ($87,720). Tuesday's ruling provides effective closure to a long-pending case that began more than 13 years ago. The top court ruled that the Japanese court's decision that dismissed the victims' claims was based on the disputable premise that its 1910-45 colonial rule of Korea was legal, which is contrary to the South Korean Constitution. It also maintained the previous ruling that the 1965 bilateral treaty signed between South Korea and Japan to settle colonial-era issues does not terminate individual rights to damages. (Yonhap) Nippon Steel 'regrets' the ruling Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corp said on Tuesday a ruling by Korea's top court that the Japanese company should compensate four South Koreans for their forced labour during World War Two is "deeply regrettable." Nippon Steel said it would carefully review the court decision, taking into account the Japanese government's response. (Reuters) Lee Chun-sik, right, the last surviving plaintiff in a compensation lawsuit filed by Korean forced laborers against Nippon Steel, sheds tears outside the Supreme Court in southern Seoul, after winning the suit, Tuesday. On the left is the widow of Kim Kyu-soo, one of the deceased plaintiffs. / Korea Times photo by Shin Sang-soon Supreme Court affirms lower court ruling against Nippon Steel By Lee Suh-yoon In a long-delayed ruling likely to strain relations with Japan, Korea's top court ordered a Japanese steel firm, Tuesday, to compensate four Koreans who were forced to work in its factories during the 1910-45 Japanese occupation of the country. A panel of 13 judges, including Chief Justice Kim Myeong-su, rejected an appeal submitted by Nippon Steel and Sumitomo Metal Corp., thus affirming a lower court ruling that ordered the company to pay 100 million won ($87,000) to each victim. The 13-year-long legal battle started after Japanese courts previously dismissed the case in 1997, saying the compensation issue was "already solved" by the 1965 treaty normalizing diplomatic ties between the two countries. The victims then took it up with a Korean court in 2005. A local and an appellate court followed the original verdict of the Japanese courts. But the Supreme Court rejected the prior rulings in 2012, saying the Japanese courts' rulings went against Korea's Constitution. It ordered a retrial in a lower court, which also ruled in favor of the Korean victims, and then the Japanese company appealed. In Tuesday's verdict, the Supreme Court found that the Japanese courts' decision was based on the disputable premise that its occupation of Korea was legal, which contradicts the Korean Constitution. In the video report jointly produced by and its investigative team Sherlock, a former employee of Korean online file-sharing site follows Yang Jin-ho, the company's largest shareholder, to an office crowded with white-collar workers. There, Yang condemns the man in front the workers for leaving critical comments on a bulletin board on the company's website. The businessman then slaps the former IT developer twice and demands a "sincere apology." As the man, whose name was withheld, kneeled and apologized, Yang beats the back of his head, demanding more sincerity. Yang, the chairman of and the largest shareholder of another online file-sharing site Filenori, doesn't accept the man's apology. No one in the room tries to stop Yang from beating the man and all remained seated staring at computer screens. The video, made on Apr. 8, 2015 at the WeDisk office in Bundang-gu in Seongnam, was recorded by one of the firm's employees on Yang's orders to "leave it as a souvenir." News Tapa recently received an anonymous tip about the video. In February that year, after quitting the company, the victim left the comments at the company's open-to-all bulletin board with an ID parodying Yang's name. The comments said he will "raise salaries if anyone worked hard every time" and "it would have been better if he (Yang) showed leadership to his subordinates too." In this June 2016 photo, Korean cars wait at the Port of Incheon to be exported. Korea Times file By Ko Dong-hwan Poor security at the Port of Incheon on Korea's west coast has been blamed for allowing two foreignsailors to enter the country illegally in the past week. A Chinese sailor, 53, entered through Dongbang storage yard at the international harbor's North Port at 9 a.m. on Oct. 22. Incheon Port Security said its personnel appear to have led the man through the port's main entrance after thinking he was a Korean working at an unloading dock. On Oct. 28, a Vietnamese sailor, 24, slipped through port security. He arrived on the Belize-registered ship JIGUI three days before. The sailor made his move at Hyundai Steel Wharf at the North Port. Security cameras showed he "walked away" through the port's main entrance. The city's immigration office has started searching for the sailors. The Port of Incheon said it was investigating how the two could have left the port unchecked while security personnel were in position. "We are very perplexed over these repeated incidents as we had mentioned before about the importance of gate-keeping over foreign sailors," a Port of Incheon official told Aju News. A day after the Vietnamese sailor left the port, Incheon Port Security's union members protested in front of the National Assembly. They condemned the port and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries for changing shift schedules to reduce working hours without consulting workers and refusing to give several contract workers regular employment status. They claimed the issues had weakened immigration control inside the port. In this Dec. 30, 2017, photo, foreign passengers disembark a cruise ship at the Port of Incheon. Korea Times file Presidential Chief of Staff Im Jong-seok, right, shakes hands with U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun before the start of their in-person meeting at Cheong Wa Dae, late Monday. Yonhap By Kim Yoo-chul Washington appears to have asked Seoul to backtrack "a bit" on President Moon Jae-in's headlong approach emphasizing dialogue and engagement with North Korea, a government official said Tuesday. U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun met with Presidential Chief of Staff Im Jong-seok, late Monday, at the presidential office and the two had "intensive talks" on various issues including steps to achieve the complete and verifiable denuclearization of the North, Cheong Wa Dae said. But what made the meeting "something special" is that the U.S. envoy requested the in-person session with Im, which many political analysts in Seoul interpreted as "very rare" because National Security Office chief (NSO) Chung Eui-yong has been playing a central role in the denuclearization talks since the very beginning. By Lee Min-hyung Rep. Kim Sung-tae, floor leader of the main opposition Liberty Korea Party (LKP), rapped Presidential Chief of Staff Im Jong-seok Tuesday for getting "too big-headed" during the President's absence on his recent European tour. The criticism came as Im visited the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on the inter-Korean border Oct. 17, in what Cheong Wa Dae said was aimed at a field-inspection on demining activities there. At that time, President Moon Jae-in was on an eight-day European tour. But Im came under fire for "playing politics" by accompanying Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo and ranking military officials during his visit to "Arrow Hill" in Cheorwon, Gangwon Province. "Im should never forget that he is not in a position to perform political behaviors on the inter-Korean border area," Kim said, adding "Im needs to be more careful." Bareunmirae Party chief Sohn Hak-kyu also stepped up his criticism on Im for exuding too much political influence by bringing together not just the defense chief, but Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon and National Intelligence Service chief Suh Hoon. Im's visit to the DMZ shows the "evil politics" under the de facto regal power of President Moon Jae-in, Sohn said. The floor leader of the nation's largest opposition party also denounced the presidential house for its pro-North Korean stance. "Ri Son-gwon, chairman of the Committee for the Peaceful reunification of the County of North Korea, slapped South Korean conglomerate leaders in Pyongyang last month when President Moon was attending a three-day summit with his northern counterpart Kim Jong-un," Rep. Kim said. Ri is known to have urged the top South Korean conglomerate leaders, including Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong, to make investments in North Korea during a luncheon meeting on the sidelines of this year's third-ever inter-Korean summit in the North Korean capital. Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon shakes hands with U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun ahead of a meeting at the ministry building in Seoul, Tuesday. / Yonhap By Lee Min-hyung Defense chiefs from South Korea and the United States will discuss top security issues during their annual defense meeting, or the Security Consultative Meeting (SCM), Wednesday (local time). South Korean Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo and his Washington counterpart Jim Mattis, are expected to narrow their differences with a keen focus on the upcoming transfer of the Operational Control Command Control (OPCON). "The two defense heads plan to have an in-depth discussion on the condition-based OPCON transfer from Washington to Seoul and the ongoing suspension of the joint military drills," an official from the Ministry of National Defense said. The SCM marks its 50th anniversary this year. The two defense leaders will also discuss measures to achieve complete denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula amid rare peace signals from North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. "Seoul and Washington will continue to seek ways to tighten the bilateral defense alliance in a future-oriented way," said the official. This year's SCM came at a critical time when the two Koreas are on track for a rapid reconciliation. Last year, former South Korean Defense Minister Song Young-moo strongly denounced North Korea for conducting the regime's sixth nuclear testing during his meeting with Mattis. But with Kim Jong-un expressing signals for peace on the peninsula this year, Pyongyang has not staged any military provocation against Seoul. Unlike last year, Jeong and Mattis will likely narrow their difference on when to resume the Seoul-Washington joint drill. Following the historic June 12 Washington-Pyongyang summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Kim, Seoul and Washington have not staged any joint military exercises. Meanwhile, the Pentagon came to terms with its South Korean counterpart over suspending their joint air defense drill, Vigilant Ace. The air exercise had taken place each year in December to maintain the allies' air defense readiness against possible provocations from North Korea. By Shlomo Ben-Ami TEL AVIV This summer, Israel passed a controversial new "nation-state law" that asserted that "the right [to exercise] national self-determination" is "unique to the Jewish people" and established Hebrew as Israel's official language, downgrading Arabic to a "special status." But the drive to impose a homogeneous identity on a diverse society is hardly unique to Israel. On the contrary, it can be seen across the Western world and it does not bode well for peace. In the last few decades of rapid globalization, nationalism never really left, but it did take a backseat to hopes of greater economic prosperity. Yet the recent backlash against globalization triggered not only by economic insecurity and inequality, but also by fears of social and demographic change has brought a resurgence of old-fashioned ethnic nationalism. This trend is reflected in and reinforced by what some experts call a "memory boom" or "commemorative fever": the proliferation of museums, memorials, heritage sites, and other features of public space emphasizing links with local identities and history. Rather than celebrating diversity, people are increasingly eager to embrace a particular and exclusive identity. In the United States, white people increasingly view the prospect that they will become a minority a milestone expected to be reached in 2045 as an existential threat, and often act as if they are a disadvantaged group. U.S. President Donald Trump capitalized on such feelings to win support, and his Republican Party is now relying on overzealous purges of "inactive" voters, stringent voter ID laws, and closures of polling places to make it more difficult for minorities to vote. Meanwhile, support for the European Union's enlightened values has eroded. Now, somewhat ironically, a grand alliance of right-wing nationalist parties has been established to improve their chances in the May 2019 European Parliament elections. Such forces rail against "identity politics" (while speaking to predominantly white crowds who insist that they are their nation's true representatives). This rhetoric has gained sympathy from some intellectuals on both the left and the right. Multiculturalism and international cooperation, authors such as Mark Lilla and Francis Fukuyama argue, turned out to be a fantasy of the liberal elites. Similarly, the British philosopher John Gray, who has long decried "hyper-liberalism," has attempted to turn the Brexit vote a clear outburst of nativism and xenophobia on its head. According to Gray, by pushing for a "transnational government" that most Europeans did not want, the EU was responsible for the rise of the worst kinds of nationalism. Resisting Brexit, he insists, would restore a "dark European past." Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair's anti-terror laws, enacted after the 2005 al-Qaida-inspired suicide bombings in London, made him the first Western leader to repudiate so-called hyper-liberalism. Today, such repudiation can be seen across the Western world, from Trump's administration and the "illiberalism" of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and de facto Polish leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski to Italy's populist coalition government. Ethnic nationalism like that enshrined by Israel's nation-state law has long been a staple of politics in Central and Eastern Europe. Blood and religion, not citizenship, was what defined the nation during periods of subjugation. After the devastation of World War II, many of the region's nations recovered sovereignty through large-scale ethnic cleansing. Postwar European integration failed to resuscitate Central and Eastern Europe's fin de siecle multi-ethnic dream. Instead, the ghosts of xenophobia and ultra-nationalism have been revived, exemplified in Germany by surging support for the far-right Alternative fur Deutschland, which rejects postwar Germany's expiations. German Chancellor Angela Merkel's enlightened refugee policies might thus turn out to be the last manifestation of Germany's politics of guilt. Similarly, in Austria which, to be sure, never admitted guilt in the first place Chancellor Sebastian Kurz's far-right, anti-immigration coalition is poised to end the EU's politics of "identity annihilation." Western Europe was supposed to be free of ethnic nationalism. Modern nation-states were shaped along civic, not ethnic, lines, and the nation was defined as a community of citizens. Race, color, and gender were never supposed to be obstacles to full and equal civic participation. Moreover, Western Europe is largely secular, whereas much of Central and Eastern Europe (not to mention the U.S.) is more likely to link its identity to a religion-based moral order. Given these factors, in Western Europe, the rise of radical ethnic nationalism as a response to fears of terrorism and mass migration represents a more fundamentally transformative crisis. This is all the more true of Northern Europe's traditionally moral superpowers. The rise of the far-right Danish People's Party and Sweden Democrats, with their roots in Swedish fascism and their nostalgia for the mythic white Sweden of the 1950s, amounts to a devastating blow to the most perfect model of social democracy that Europe has ever produced. The social-welfare state, the nationalists claim, cannot substitute for ethnic identity. A recent study published in the journal Democratization shows that the overall level of liberal democracy worldwide now matches that recorded shortly after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. There has been a "democratic recession," as Fukuyama calls it, but it is concentrated in the more democratic regions of the world: Western Europe and North America, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Eastern Europe. Given these regions' importance to upholding the liberal world order, the rise of (white) ethnic nationalism has potentially serious consequences. Unless these countries devise a new way to balance liberal democratic values and people's craving for a sense of belonging, they will end up paving a path to disaster. Shlomo Ben-Ami, a former Israeli foreign minister, is vice president of the Toledo International Center for Peace. He is the author of "Scars of War, Wounds of Peace: The Israeli-Arab Tragedy." Copyright belongs to Project Syndicate (www.project-syndicate.org). Government's haste will fatten only overseas firms' pockets Foreign businesses are eroding Korea's renewable energy market, which is growing rapidly thanks to the government's policy to phase out nuclear power plants. According to a report submitted by the Korea Energy Agency to Rep. Yoon Han-hong of the opposition Liberty Korea Party, the use rate of domestic wind power equipment, which stood at 100 percent in 2014, plunged to 30 percent in September. Vestas, a Danish maker of wind turbines, took 45 percent of the domestic market share, with German and Spanish suppliers also increasing their shares. The situation was not much different for photovoltaic lighting systems. The market share of locally made solar panels dropped from 83 percent to 67 percent over the period. The fall was due mainly to Korean makers' weakened price competitiveness because of the influx of cheap Chinese products, whose adoption rate doubled to 33 percent. The government announced an ambitious plan last year, titled 2030 Energy Shift Policy, which called for expanding the portion of renewable energy from 7 percent to 20 percent by 2030. We can't help but worry, however, the plan will end up only fattening the pockets of foreign companies, as the nation has yet to foster a proper industrial ecosystem. To increase the generation capacity of wind and solar power, Korea should speed up investment, but the poor industrial foundation will likely deepen dependency on foreign suppliers. For instance, domestic makers complain they cannot even test wind power equipment because of complaints about noise and environmental destruction. In the case of solar energy, the nation does not even have regulations or specialized firms regarding the disposal of solar panels damaged by typhoons and discarded. Officials estimate the total investment needed to attain the 3020 project to be as much as 110 trillion won ($96.3 billion). Given the weak domestic renewable energy industry and the market erosion by foreign competitors, the risk of draining "national wealth" is too high. The Moon Jae-in administration should readjust the pace of implementing its policy, taking such a reality into account. The government's haste may likely make Korean businesses sandwiched between tech-savvy European companies and price-competitive Chinese firms. Israel's communications minister called for "peace and security" on Tuesday during a visit to the United Arab Emirates. "Peace and security in every state... with economic and scientific progress is what guarantees a future for the coming generations," Ayoub Kara said at a telecommunications conference in Dubai. Kara's statement follows visits by Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Oman on Thursday and Culture Minister Miri Regev to Abu Dhabi at the weekend. Neither Oman nor the UAE has diplomatic ties with Israel. Normalising ties with Israel -- or recognising it as a state -- remains the most controversial policy debate in the Arab world, which largely boycotts Israel over its occupation of Palestinian territory. Regev, known for controversial comments about Arabs, on Sunday toured the famed Sheikh Zayed mosque in Abu Dhabi -- wearing a red full-length abaya and white headscarf and speaking to the camera in Hebrew. "This is the first time that an Israeli minister is here on a visit," Regev said, surrounded by a group of people in traditional Emirati dress. Regev is a member of Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party. Israel's national anthem was also played at a judo tournament in Abu Dhabi on Sunday after one of its athletes won gold -- believed to be the first time the anthem has been played publicly in an Arab Gulf state. Netanyahu has long sought a rapprochement with Arab states, citing in part concerns over their common enemy Iran. The Palestinian Central Council, a body of the Palestine Liberation Organisation, on Monday authorised the PLO to suspend recognition of Israel and stop security coordination with Tel Aviv. Palestinian authorities have accused Israel of excessive force after an air strike killed three teenagers on the Gaza border on Sunday. Another Palestinian was shot dead by Israeli fire in Gaza border clashes on Monday. Kara was speaking at the International Telecommunication Union Plenipotentiary Conference in Dubai on Tuesday. *This story was edited by Ahram Online Search Keywords: Short link: Supreme Court orders Japanese firm to compensate The Supreme Court delivered Tuesday a final verdict on the lawsuit against a Japanese company by four victims of forced labor during the 1910-45 Japanese occupation. The top court upheld the Seoul High Court's 2013 ruling which ordered the steelmaker Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal (NNSM) Corporation to pay 100 million won ($88,000) per victim for forced labor and unpaid wages. Out of the four plaintiffs, who first lodged the litigation in 2005, only one is still alive. The ruling was welcomed by various civic groups fighting for the victims of Japanese imperialism. It gives hope to the people who suffered under the Japanese occupation and offers belated consolation, although it is uncertain whether they will actually receive the money. Previously, the highest court in Osaka confirmed that NNSM was not responsible for the liabilities of the company's predecessors. Tuesday's ruling, however, did not recognize the effect of the Japanese court's ruling. The Supreme Court's verdict is noteworthy in that it reaffirmed that the 1965 Korea-Japan bilateral treaty, in which the two countries settled issues from the colonial period, did not terminate individuals' rights to seek compensation for damages incurred during the Japanese occupation. The verdict is likely to influence similar damages suits against Japanese companies regarding forced labor pending in local courts. The victims of the wartime sexual slavery, some of who have also lodged damages suit, also welcomed the ruling, However, the verdict is expected to further complicate Korea-Japan relations, which have soured in recent years due to their differences over the so-called comfort women and a foundation set up for them based on a Korea-Japan deal made between the administrations of President Park Geun-hye and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2015. Japan is likely to lodge a strong complaint on the verdict. Despite the ruling, Japan's position is expected to remain unchanged. It has maintained that all compensation related to the Japanese occupation was settled through the 1965 Korea-Japan basic treaty signed under the Park Chung-hee administration. Based on the treaty, the Tokyo paid $500 million to Seoul for a final settlement. But the Korean government has claimed the treaty did not cover all the issues. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it had conveyed to the Japanese side about the need to not let the verdict negatively influence bilateral relations. At a critical juncture on the Korean Peninsula, Seoul and Tokyo need to refrain from inflaming a historical row. By Lee Seong-hyon BEIJING International affairs surrounding Northeast Asia face a high level of unprecedented uncertainty. The U.S. under the Trump administration emphasizes "America First" and alienates its allies, disrupting an alliance system it architected. In this time of uncertainty, North Korea has switched gears, from a nuclear brinkmanship to an epoch-making negotiation with the U.S. that could potentially lead to its denuclearization. China seeks to recover international order in the region in which North Korea is located based on the past "Sino-centralism." Meanwhile, Japan strengthens its military power with a banner of becoming a "normal country." There is a brooding sense that "internationalism" is still preached but being replaced with "nationalism," and "free trade" is replaced with "protectionism." The sense of a world "reset" is felt more pronounced than any other time in modern history, not only due to the changes within Asia but also those in Europe including Brexit. Unfortunately, it is uncertain where the geopolitical order in East Asia is headed. Today we do not live in a world vigorously maintained by the singular American leadership. Under the Trump administration, the U.S.' positioning away from its traditional role of exercising global leadership in the international society is clear. At the same time, China has yet to substitute the American role through its "rise." The competitive and conflicting structure between the U.S. and China for dominance in Northeast Asia is likely to persist, and unfortunately, will continue its downward spiral. It will have ramifications on the Korean Peninsula. The U.S. and China are the two primary outside variables that influence Korean geopolitics. As such, it is necessary to understand the nature of their relationship its past, present, and future especially as there is an unprecedented uncertainty in their relationship today, amid deepening trade conflict, the Taiwan issue, the South China Sea, and cyber espionage. There is a widening understanding that the U.S. engagement policy toward China for the past 40 years has failed. In other words, the U.S. effort to tame China into the international order designed by Washington was a failure. Moreover, some argue that it was only "wishful thinking" on the part of the U.S. that, in fact, unwittingly "allowed" China to now become the most threatening competitor to America. The sense of U.S. policy miscalculation and its perception of competition against China have expanded since the U.S. "pivot to Asia" around the late 2011 to this day. Such is the case despite favorable personal impressions expressed by Trump toward Chinese leader Xi Jinping during their Mar-a-Lago summit in April 2017. Pundits hyped a "bromance" between Trump and Xi, but the purported romance fizzled out soon amid increasing rivalry, competition, and mistrust between the U.S. and China. The fundamental reason the U.S.-China relationship chills even further can be attributable to the fact that their relationship is increasingly becoming "locked" in a trap that is structural in nature. For instance, the old formula of mutual trade dependence no longer works as Chinese products are technologically innovative and now directly competing with American high-tech sectors. In the security realm, the increasingly competitive nature will manifest through the issues such as the North Korean nuclear issue. Now, they are even competing in the extraterrestrial space. China is still militarily weaker than America. Therefore, China may occasionally back down in a tactful display of compromise in the short term but it is unlikely to be a sustained posture by the Chinese. China's actions could be subtle and discreet. For instance, it may affirm its continuing commitment to the U.N. economic sanctions against North Korea, while leaving a backdoor open in reality. It should be noted that the "worsening" relations between Trump and Xi does not necessarily mean that it will inevitably lead to a war between the U.S. and China. However, even if that were the case, it does not bode well for those small and medium nations that are "stuck" between the two giants, particularly the countries in East Asia, and notably South Korea. Even a "low-level conflict" between the U.S. and China can amount to a national level challenge. The discord between Seoul and Beijing over the deployment of THAAD was a case in point. Even if it was inherently a competing power projection between Washington and Beijing over strategic dominance in East Asia, Seoul that has borne the brunt of it as China retaliated against Seoul, not Washington. Lee Seong-hyon (sunnybbsfs@gmail.com), Ph.D., is the director, Center for Chinese Studies; and also the director, Department of Unification Strategy at Sejong Institute. By Oh Young-jin SAN FRANCISCO In the 1987 Hollywood film "Wall Street," the protagonist, Gordon Gekko, famously says, " greed is, for the lack of a better word, good. Greed clarifies, cuts through and captures the evolutionary path." Fast forward 32 years to now in this town whose hippie tradition has surely inspired the current tech boom, Gekko, the fictional corporate raider, is coming back to life in Robert Caruso. The real-life former leader of Select Equity, a hedge fund managing $20 billion, appears far more advanced on the evolutionary path than Gekko as Caruso obviously is giving a Samaritan face to the naked ugly face of capitalism or attempting it for the better. Even if few notice it, Caruso's experiment took place under the "big tent" of SOCAP 2018 at Fort Mason Center near the Golden Gate Bridge. SOCAP stands for Social Capital Markets and this year's conference is its 11th edition to bring together under one roof a diversity of people related to philanthropy. From my impressions of the first two out of the four-day event, it felt like a socialist version of Davos (Disclaimer: I have never been to the World Economic Forum nor have I been a socialist in my entire life). The conference captures the latest developments in giving, any traces of whose original form are hard to find. The concept of teaching how to fish would sound ancient here. Now it is about impact investing connecting holders of big capital, whether corporations, banks or governments, with nonprofit organizations to direct resources to social, environment and other pressing issues and making a real difference. True, the concept is not new but it has caught on amid the atmosphere in which corporations need to help improve social value or face the public's wrath. Caruso is not the creator of impact investing. Ed Emerson, the author of the new book, "The Purpose of Capital," is closer to that mantle. Emerson has been promoting double bottom line management calling for the addition of social return on investment (SROI), and is a roving preacher with rock star status. He sometimes talks about the prospect of impact investing being taken seriously by Wall Street but implies that social and environmental bottom lines, given time and historical reflections, may eventually be taken as seriously as the conventional bottom line for different but equally important reasons. Emerson started as a social worker and ran a private equity's philanthropic operation. There is no need to tell which one is the better between Emerson and Caruso. But the latter is the facilitator for sure. He has seen more than social good when he quit Wall Street to cross over to nonprofit territory. It is said that Caruso decided to switch his job after he overheard his child telling a playmate that his father's job was making money. But his motivation is evidently making money, while doing a world of good. At this point, Gekko's for-greed declaration sounds primitive, for the lack of a better word. Here are some of what Caruso, owner of the conference under his Intentional Media firm, had to say for the conference: We are "standing at the intersection of money, business and meaning to accelerate a transition to an economy that ensures our social, environmental and economic systems thrive together." 4) 80 percent of global consumers prefer firms that play a role in social issues, while 70 percent of businesses make sustainability a key part of their mission and values. So what does all this boil down to except that Emerson's dream may be coming true thanks to the former hedge fund manager? Some fears and some hopes. The fears include one primordial one of turning philanthropy into a new money-making formula, nonprofits settling for a cozy seat on the corporate board and being too busy emulating their wealthy fat cats. Their hustle and bustle would give a false impression that impact is being made on real issues. But we can't afford to look the gift horse in the mouth and say whether it is a raw deal or not. That is a dilemma whose consequences we will have to live with for now. Oh Young-jin ( ) is the digital managing editor of The Korea Times. 1) Capital in impact investing would grow from $60 billion to $1 trillion by 2020.2) Women control 75 percent of disposable income with 76 percent of them preferring to invest in organizations that promote social wellbeing.3) 93 percent of millennials consider companies' social and environmental impact is the key to their investment decisions. Bradley Buckwalter, president and general manager of Jonson Controls Korea, speaks during a press conference at the Four Seasons Hotel, Seoul, Tuesday. / Courtesy of Johnson Controls Korea By Baek Byung-yeul Johnson Controls, a U.S.-based building management company, is seeking to expand its presence in emerging smart building system business, said the chief of its Korean branch Tuesday. "Buildings are operated by very complicated and sensitive equipment so they are not easy to manage. Johnson Controls Korea has offered its customers smarter and energy efficient building management products and services," Bradely Buckwalter, president and general manager of Johnson Controls Korea, told reporters in fluent Korean during a press conference at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul. Established in 1885, Johnson Controls is a building management giant, providing its systems to more than 150 countries in the world. The firm began operating businesses here in 1999. The Korean unit has been providing its building management products and services at various places here including Lotte World Tower and LG Science Park. "Our mission is to provide safe, comfortable and sustainable business management products and services," said Buckwalter. After the firm took over a fire safety company Tyco in 2016, Johnson Controls has a business portfolio of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), industrial refrigeration, building automation systems, fire protection and the security sector in building management. With the merger, the firm generated revenue of $30 billion in its 2017 fiscal year. With the advancement of technology, more building management firms are combining IT technologies to provide more integrated management products and services. In Korea, there has been increasing awareness of the smart building systems which refer to a highly efficient and eco-friendly buildings equipped with security systems based on ICT and automation. Clay Nesler, vice president of Global Sustainability and Industry Initiatives at Johnson Controls said Building Technologies, said the firm recognized growing needs of adopting smart building technology among Korean facility and management executives. "In our annual energy and facility indicator survey, 61 percent of Korean facility and management executives answered they would invest in energy efficiency, renewable energy and smart building technology," said Nesler. The firm conducted a survey of 1,901 executives of building management facilities in 20 countries. Companies are teaming up to develop their smart building systems to apply emerging technologies such as internet of things (IoT), big data and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to smart city development projects. Nesler said Johnson Controls has partnered with Microsoft to develop Microsoft's AI assistant Cortana-powered smart thermostat, which can control not only home or building temperatures but also monitor air quality. Samsung Electronics employees take part in volunteer activities at Salakpra Wildlife Sanctuary in Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand, Oct. 4 and 5. / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics By Baek Byung-yeul Samsung Electronics employees spent two days outdoors in Thailand carrying out volunteering activities to clean up a wildlife sanctuary on Oct. 4 and 5. The employees of the tech giant's Thailand branch voted to support the Salakpra Wildlife Sanctuary in Kanchanaburi Province to improve the residential environment of animals there and improve water resources in the national conservation site. Established in 1965, Salakpra Wildlife Sanctuary is Thailand's oldest wildlife sanctuary. The Thailand government created the area to protect the rich forest, animals and the River Kwai. Though the sanctuary, which covers an area of about 860 square kilometers, is also home to over 150 elephants and hundreds of endangered species, the place has been diminished over the years due to overexploitation of humans. For the two-day volunteering activities, about 60 Samsung employees helped in the construction of a small dam in preparation for water shortage in the dry season and installed artificial salt licks so that wild animals can get essential mineral nutrients. Those licks are important in the ecosystems with poor general availability of nutrients. For employees working at the Salakpra Wildlife Sanctuary, Samsung employees also presented various kinds of supplies including tents and shoes. A manager who is responsible for employees at the forest reserve said these volunteering activities can have a positive influence on Thai people regarding environmental protection. "We sincerely thank Samsung Electronics' employees who gave respect to nature and wildlife," the manager said. "I hope Samsung's effort to protect environment can change public attitudes regarding environmental protection." A Samsung employee said they were all satisfied with the volunteering work as they could contribute to the Thai community. "As an employee of Samsung Electronics volunteering was so meaningful as we could contribute to the local Thai community," the employee said. "We also felt proud of the company while taking part in volunteering activities with colleagues." Samsung Electronics' employees pose for a photo while taking part in volunteer activity Salakpra Wildlife Sanctuary in Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand, Oct. 4 and 5. / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics LG Chem's Naphtha Cracking Center in Yeosu, South Jeolla Province / Courtesy of LG Chem LG Chem is seeking to become one of the global top five chemical companies by the end of 2025 by advancing its business structure and enhancing research and development. A Hanwha Q CELLS Korea worker monitors a solar module at the solar cell manufacturer's factory in Jincheon, North Chungcheong Province, in this file photo. / Courtesy of Hanwha Q CELLS Korea By Park Jae-hyuk JINCHEON, North Chungcheong Province Hanwha Q CELLS Korea is bracing for deteriorating business conditions at home and abroad amid the prolonged solar panel supply glut caused mainly by Chinese makers, the company said Tuesday. In addition, U.S. safeguard duties of up to 30 percent on imports of solar cells and modules and Europe's decision to scrap import controls on Chinese solar panels have made things worse for the solar cell manufacturing unit of Hanwha Group. During a press conference at its main factory here, Tuesday, the company said the size of the global solar product market this year will be smaller than the initial expectation of IHS Markit, a London-based global information provider. "The size of the global solar product market will be smaller than 104 gigawatts this year," said Yoon Joo, head of global sales planning at Hanwha Q CELLS. "Although the market will continue its growth, the growth rate will be sluggish due to the safeguard and several other unfavorable factors." The U.S. government will impose tariffs on solar cells and modules imported from almost all over the world, except some products from several developing countries. The rate will be 30 percent in the first year, and will go down by 5 percent every year thereafter. Yoon said his company has suffered damages from Washington's measure as it also has a factory in China, the country engaging in a trade war with the world's largest economy. He cited China cutting subsidies to solar power generation as another reason for the market decline. Expecting the market will undergo severe restructuring until 2020, the executive said only a few companies with efficient business structures will survive until then. To show the company's efforts to survive as a market leader with high efficiency, Hanwha Q CELLS Korea proudly unveiled its smart factory to local news outlets that day. Inside the factory was an automated production line that was busy producing solar cells with wafers. Hanwha Q CELLS Korea said the manufacturing facility produces 2.2 million solar cells a day. President Moon Jae-in visited the factory in February, praising Hanwha for creating jobs with the factory. However, the automated factory needs only 55 workers for each shift, according to Hanwha Q CELLS Korea. Moreover, Hanwha Q CELLS Korea will open a new solar module manufacturing plant in Georgia in the first half of 2019 to cope with U.S. protectionist policies. The company's plan to build the U.S. factory was criticized by lawmakers, who regard it as an example of the exodus of Korean manufacturers. German Chancellor Angela Merkel during a press conference after the board meeting of Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party in Berlin, Germany, 29 October 2018. EPA Germany's Angela Merkel said that her fourth term as chancellor would be her last and that she would step down as leader of the Christian Democrats (CDU), heralding the end of a 13-year era in which she has dominated European politics. Merkel, who has been CDU chairwoman since 2000 and chancellor since 2005, announced the decision after her party suffered its second regional election setback in as many weeks. "I have the firm feeling that today the time has come to open a new chapter," Merkel, looking serious but calm, told reporters in Berlin after a meeting of the CDU's leadership on Monday. Merkel, 64, made the announcement a day after Sunday's vote in the state of Hesse, at which the CDU came first but suffered a slump from the last election there in 2013. Her authority has already been dented this year by the two election setbacks and a close ally losing his role as leader of her conservatives' parliamentary group. Following the CDU's result in Hesse and dissatisfaction with her coalition, she said: "Firstly, at the next CDU party congress in December in Hamburg, I will not put myself forward again as candidate for the CDU chair." "Secondly, this fourth term is my last as German chancellor. At the federal election in 2021, I will not stand," she added. The move sets in motion the process for the CDU to settle on and prepare Merkel's successor. The euro fell briefly and German government bond yields rose on the news. Stepping down as CDU chairwoman further undermines Merkel's authority, as she had previously said the party chair and chancellery should be held by the same person. Merkel has loomed large on the European stage since 2005, helping guide the EU through the euro zone crisis and opening Germany's doors to migrants fleeing war in the Middle East in 2015 - a move that still divides the bloc and Germany. "We are witnessing a continuation of the pattern in place ever since Merkel's mistakes in the 2015 migration crisis: the gradual but steady erosion of her political power," said Carsten Nickel, managing director at Teneo, a consultancy. "Rather than outright instability in Germany and Europe, it simply means a continuation of the current leadership vacuum." Monday's news came as a surprise to CDU party officials, who had expected Merkel to seek re-election as chairwoman at a party congress in Hamburg in early December. Merkel is under pressure from her Social Democrat coalition partners to deliver more policy results and the centre-left party could yet pull out of the government at a mid-term review next year. The shock move starts the race in the CDU to succeed Merkel and raises questions about whether she can stage-manage a smooth exit. Germany's other leading CDU chancellors, Konrad Adenauer and Helmut Kohl, both had messy ends to their time in office. German newspapers said the move marked the end of what many saw as an era in the country's history. By naming the time of her departure, Merkel had made herself "the driver of events, not the person driven," the Koelner Stadt-Anzeiger newspaper said. "If all goes to plan, Merkel ends her time in office as a historic figure: not just as the first woman in the Chancellery ... but as the first German head of government to leave of her own accord, not by being deposed or in a scandal," it added. Merkel's move will allow a new CDU chairman or chairwoman to build a profile before the next national election and she said CDU party Secretary General Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer and Health Minister Jens Spahn, one of her leading critics, had announced they would seek the party chair. Party sources said Friedrich Merz, a former parliamentary leader of Merkel's conservative alliance, would also run. Armin Laschet, who as conservative premier of the 17 million population state of North Rhine Westphalia, Germany's largest, would be a frontrunner in any race, also declined to rule himself out. He said only that the party had to decide on its direction before choosing its new leadership. Merkel's weakness at home may limit her capacity to lead in the European Union at a time when the bloc is dealing with Brexit, a budget crisis in Italy and the prospect of populist parties making gains at European parliament elections next May. When Merkel came into office in 2005, George W. Bush was U.S. president, Jacques Chirac was in the Elysee Palace in Paris and Tony Blair was British prime minister. (Reuters) German Chancellor Angela Merkel delivers a speech during the 'G20 Compact with Africa Conference' in Berlin, Germany, Oct. 30, 2018. AP Chancellor Angela Merkel on Tuesday urged companies to take a closer look at Africa's "huge" economic opportunities, as Germany hopes that development of the continent will help curb illegal migration to Europe. "For many years we have been very focused on Asia. I think that in future we should turn our sights more on Africa," Merkel said at an investment forum in Berlin, stressing Africa's "huge potential for growth". The gathering, attended by leaders from around a dozen African countries, is part of Merkel's so-called "Compact with Africa" initiative launched last year during Germany's stint as G20 president. The ambitious scheme aims to help African countries attract private investment along with technical and financial assistance, in return for reforms that improve the business climate, such as fighting corruption or improving rule of law. "It is of great interest to Europeans that African states have good economic prospects," Merkel told the audience, which included Rwandan President Paul Kagame and South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa. "That requires public but especially private investments." Merkel has placed a strong emphasis on African diplomacy in recent months, backing efforts to boost prosperity on the continent in order to dissuade its people, especially the young, from setting off for Europe. The veteran chancellor has come under intense pressure at home to stem the flow of migrants after the arrival of more than a million asylum seekers since 2015 deeply polarised Germany. Most of the migrants came from conflict-torn Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq but many thousands also arrived from impoverished African countries even though their chances of winning political asylum are slim. Addressing the conference, Rwandan leader Kagame welcomed investments by the likes of Volkswagen and Siemens in his country, which he said had spurred interest from other foreign companies as well. Ghana, Tunisia and Ivory Coast have together already received 365 million euros ($414 million) in financial assistance under the "Compact with Africa" initiative, mainly in the form of low-interest loans. Critics however complain that the project is not aimed at helping Africa's poorest nations, focusing instead on countries whose living standards are already improving and are a more interesting destination for export champions like Germany. Der Spiegel weekly also slammed the conference for putting business above politics by inviting autocratic leaders such as Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi "who has thrown thousands of regime critics in jail and suppressed civil society." (AFP) Hundreds of Druze Arabs, some carrying Syrian flags, gathered outside the gates of a polling station on the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights on Tuesday, trying to block their townspeople from voting in municipal elections. Israeli police wearing helmets cleared a path for would-be voters outside the balloting centre in Majdal Shams. As protesters continued to prevent people from entering, police fired teargas to disperse the crowd. No one was hurt or arrested. The town is the largest Druze community in the area of mountainous plateau that Israel captured from Syria in a 1967 war, unilaterally annexing it in 1981 in a move not recognised internationally. "The Golans identity is Arab and Syrian," chanted the protesters as they put a banner on the entrance reading: "No to elections." Inside the building election officials sat in mostly empty rooms with blue ballot boxes bearing Israeli insignia. Some voters made it past the protest. "Its my right to vote. Im free to choose the right person," said one man as he emerged from the polling station carrying a child. Glancing at the crowd, he refused to give his name. The Druze are a fiercely independent Arab minority. Around 22,000 Druze live on the Israeli-occupied Golan. Israel, seeking to further integrate them, has offered citizenship but most Druze rejected it. Many regard themselves as Syrian, even after more than half a century of life under Israeli occupation rule. After an election eve town centre meeting and march featuring dozens of rainbow Druze flags, the communitys elders issued a prohibition against candidates standing and people voting, threatening to make outcasts of anyone who took part. "Candidates and those who come to vote will have a religious and social prohibition put upon them," said Sheikh Khamis Khanjar. "What bigger punishment is there than this?" Many Druze have enjoyed economic prosperity on the other side of the front line from their brethren in war-torn Syria. "When you are in a state that is giving you all your rights, why wouldn't you vote," said Sahar Said Ahmed as she watched the election eve protest in a town square dominated by the statue of a Druze leader who fought French forces during the colonial era. Outside the polling station Druze religious elders wearing their distinctive maroon and white caps urged youths not to confront the police. One concern was that the issue of taking part in Israeli elections was dividing the community. "For more than 50 years Israel has been trying to sow disputes by divide and rule and it is happy at the differences that are surfacing," said Moenis Abdullah. Search Keywords: Short link: Freely accessible local news is vital. Please power our reporters and help keep us independent with a donation today. Start your day with LAist Sign up for the Morning Brief, delivered weekdays. Subscribe If you live in cities like Fullerton, Diamond Bar or Placentia, you may have noticed the fierce competition between Republican Young Kim and Democrat Gil Cisneros fighting for an open seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. The 39th Congressional District is one of the most competitive races in the country. It falls mainly in northern Orange County but takes in parts of Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. Its current representative, Republican Ed Royce, is stepping down. Democrats targeted Royce after Hillary Clinton won the district over Donald Trump in 2016, a sign of the shifting political and demographic changes in the 39th, where about two-thirds of the population are now Latino or Asian-American. Midterm elections are often a referendum on the sitting president and Trump may be the deciding factor for many in this district where the candidates themselves are not widely known. Kim, an ex-Royce adviser and former state Assembly member, calls herself a moderate Republican and has been trying to distance herself from some of Trump's more far-right policies. This is perhaps clearest in the positions she takes on immigration, a top issue in this district where President Trump's strict enforcement policies are embraced by some and denigrated by others. Here's how the candidates stand -- how they are alike and how they differ -- on immigration issues: FAMILY SEPARATION Both candidates are against separating immigrant children from their parents at the border, as the Trump administration has done. Cisneros: Opposes family separation Cisneros, a Mexican-American, whose family has lived in the U.S. for generations, said: "The parents were in the United States, but yet the children were still being kept at these facilities as nothing more than a means to ... really just send a message that, 'Don't come here to the United States with your kids because we're going to take them away if you do. That's what's going to happen.'" "And it's just inhumane," he adds. Kim: Opposes family separation Kim, a South Korean immigrant, said: "I disagree with [the Trump] administration's family separation policy." "We do need to take care of those issues in a humane way. But, you know, what we witnessed is not the humane way and it's totally against our American values ... ." "But when I talk about immigration, it needs to be fair. The same way that my family came here, many of us, and many still, wait in line, thousands and thousands of them, to come to United States to realize the American dream." SANCTUARY LAWS Cisneros: Supports sanctuary state policies Unlike Kim, Cisneros supports California's limits on local law enforcement cooperation with federal ICE agents under the so-called state sanctuary law. He emphasizes the need for police to build trust with members of the immigrant community. "They feel comfortable coming to us when they see a crime, or so they can report a crime. And if we start enforcing immigration laws, that's not going to happen," he said. "In the 39th, it's really about a safety issue and ... allowing the police to be able to do their job in a safe manner." Kim: Opposes sanctuary state policies. "I do not want the local law enforcement's hands to be tied, the ability to cooperate and coordinate with our federal agents. They are doing their job, they're trying to enforce the laws that we have," she said. "Let the law enforcement do their jobs." BORDER WALL Cisneros: Opposes Trump's border wall He says he would vote against any bill that funds it. "The addition of a wall would do relatively little to help protect Americans, and would be a complete waste of our taxpayers' time and money," his website reads. "For years after 9/11, America has spent a large sum of money helping to secure our borders, by investing in border troops and other tools to help keep our borders secure ... In order to secure our border, we need to help to fortify the tools we have in place so that we can address the needs of our country," the website says. Kim: Supports Trump's border wall Kim said she would support the president's wall as part of a larger strategy on border protection. "If we are talking about securing the border, I believe we need to talk about maybe beefing up the border with ... the border's agents and that's probably one of the ways that I will be advocating for." "What we need to do is come up with the immigration policy that works. That will secure the border but allow legal immigrants to come to United States in the fair way, but we will be compassionate when we deal with them," she said. WHO WILL WIN? Based on latest registration numbers alone, the race will likely be close. Democrats make up 33.99 percent of all registered voters in the district and Republicans make up 34.15 percent. Meanwhile, recent polls show Cisneros and Kim are nearly deadlocked with about a week to go before the Nov. 6 election. The Cook Political Report, rating the House contests, labels the race as a toss-up. Get ready for the Nov. 6 election. Here at LAist, we want to make sure Angelenos have all the information they need to cast their votes. To get prepped on deadlines, candidates and ballot measures, check out our Voter Game Plan. And if you liked this election guide, consider supporting us! You can donate here. Freely accessible local news is vital. Please power our reporters and help keep us independent with a donation today. Start your day with LAist Sign up for the Morning Brief, delivered weekdays. Subscribe If you're one of those people who likes to cast your ballot at your neighborhood polling place, you might want to savor your experience at next Tuesday's general election. Beginning in 2020, Los Angeles County will shut down thousands of polling locations and replace them with voting centers that would stay open for more than a week. Back in 2016, the Golden State passed the California Voter's Choice Act to give voters more options for how, when and where to cast their ballots. Think of it as an effort to revamp an old model for 21st century lives. Sacramento County and a handful of other counties began making changes this year. Los Angeles County's voting system will get a facelift, too, just in time for California's primary elections in March 2020. WHAT EXACTLY WILL CHANGE? There are about 4,000 polling locations in Los Angeles County. Registrar of Voters Dean Logan tells KPCC/LAist that, by 2020, the number will be cut by about 75 percent. Many neighborhood polling places will be replaced by vote centers. Centers will be open for 11 days, and voters will be able to vote or drop off mail-in ballots at any center in L.A. County. If you misplace your ballot or forget to register to vote, workers can help you with that too. There will be drop boxes across the county where mail-in ballots can be deposited. HAVE OTHER ROLLOUTS BEEN SUCCESSFUL? For the most part, yes. There were a few awkward instances in Sacramento where drop off locations weren't open early enough for voters. At one library, frustrated voters stuffed their ballots under the door and peaced out. Yes, their votes were still counted. BUT I DON'T LIKE CHANGE! You're not alone. Mindy Romero, director of USC's California Civic Engagement Project told LAist that surveys conducted in 2017, ahead of the five-county rollout, revealed communities of color were especially wary. "Because the change was so significant, it made them wonder why the significant change was happening and could they trust it," she said. It's a concern echoed by Luis Sanchez with Power California, a group that mobilizes young people and communities of color to vote. "Yeah, I think we need to put it in context of the Trump Administration, right?" Sanchez said. "You hear the conversation on the national TV. It says like, well, they're trying to take our right to vote away in Texas and Georgia -- is that happening in California?" Voters could also become confused if their polling place changes. "Because if you've actually changed the polling location for someone who's been voting for 10, 20 years, and all of a sudden they show up and that's not the place they have to vote, will they actually find the new polling location or voting center?" he asks. Sanchez is hoping that L.A. County will work with groups like his to get the word out about the changes. The rollout will be preceded by community outreach. Logan said the county has already hosted community meetings and completed analysis with community organizations on the best places to put vote centers. "That's the meat of the work that's being done now so that when we're ready to implement in 2020, we feel confident that we're well covered," he said. If you'd like to make a suggestion, you can do it here. To learn more about upcoming changes, check out the Secretary of State's website here. Get ready for the Nov. 6 election. Here at LAist, we want to make sure Angelenos have all the information they need to cast their votes. To get prepped on deadlines, candidates and ballot measures, check out our Voter Game Plan. And if you liked this election guide, consider supporting us! You can donate here. Freely accessible local news is vital. Please power our reporters and help keep us independent with a donation today. Start your day with LAist Sign up for the Morning Brief, delivered weekdays. Subscribe Notorious Boston mobster James "Whitey" Bulger was found dead in prison Tuesday morning after being transferred to a West Virginia penitentiary, according to the Associated Press. The 89-year-old had once led a largely Irish mob involved in drugs, gambling, and loan-sharking, and was known as a ruthless killer. He was captured in Santa Monica in 2011 after hiding from authorities for 16 years. He was caught at 81 years old outside his apartment near the beach, alongside his longtime girlfriend Catherine Greig. File: Members of the media stand outside outside the apartment where Bulger and his longtime companion Catherine Greig were arrested in Santa Monica, Calif., Thursday, June 23, 2011. (Photo by Damian Dovarganes/AP) They'd been living undercover at that two-bedroom rent-controlled apartment for 15 years using the names Charles and Carol Gasko. When the apartment was searched, FBI agents found $800,000 in cash -- meanwhile he'd been paying a rent-controlled rate of $1,145 a month. And he always paid in cash. He'd previously been an informant for the FBI on his enemies -- and was tipped off that he was about to be indicted by his FBI handler, leading to him going on the run. He was on the Ten Most Wanted list, right behind Osama bin Laden, with a $2 million reward out for him. File: This undated file FBI photo found in Boston during an evidence search and released Dec. 30, 1998, shows James "Whitey" Bulger. (FBI via AP, File) After he was arrested, authorities also found more than 30 guns, many of them hidden in holes in the walls of the apartment. The arrest was just days after the FBI had started a new publicity campaign around Greig, noting that she'd been known to frequent beauty salons and get her teeth cleaned once a month. They were caught thanks to a former Miss Iceland who also appeared in Noxzema shaving cream commercials in the '70s. She saw report on CNN about the efforts to find Greig and called in a tip, leading agents to the couple. His Hollywood connections go beyond living here -- he was also an inspiration for popular culture, including serving as the model for Jack Nicholson's crime boss in 2006's The Departed. His story was dramatized in the 2015 Johnny Depp movie Black Mass. This story includes information from the Associated Press. It was originally published at 11:40 a.m. Hey, thanks. You read the entire story. And we love you for that. Here at LAist, our goal is to cover the stories that matter to you, not advertisers. We don't have paywalls, but we do have payments (aka bills). So if you love independent, local journalism, join us. Let's make the world a better place, together. Donate now. Freely accessible local news is vital. Please power our reporters and help keep us independent with a donation today. Start your day with LAist Sign up for the Morning Brief, delivered weekdays. Subscribe Wilshire Boulevard Temple, the oldest Jewish congregation in Los Angeles. (Photo by Karen via Flickr Creative Commons) The Pittsburgh synagogue shooting is believed to be the deadliest attack on Jews in America's history. It comes amid an increase in anti-Semitic incidents around the country, including in Los Angeles County. Of the 101 religiously motivated hate crimes reported last year in L.A. County, 72 percent targeted the Jewish community, according to L.A. County's Commission on Human Relations. That's up from 69 percent in 2016. The rate of violence for religious crimes is much lower than for hate crimes motivated by race, gender or sexual orientation. "Religion-motivated crimes and anti-Semitic incidents tend to be more vandalism, threats and harassment," said Amanda Susskind, regional director with the Anti-Defamation League. "Now, of course, this weekend is a massive exception." Sixty percent of anti-Semitic crimes in Los Angeles County last year were acts of vandalism, like slurs spray-painted on a kosher market in West Los Angeles and swastikas drawn on a power pole outside a Pomona synagogue. Others included acts of disorderly conduct and intimidation, including a bomb threat made to a Hollywood comedy club hosting a special Rosh Hashanah event. The Anti-Defamation League reported about anti-Semitic 2,000 "hate incidents" across the country last year, a 57 percent increase from 2016. In California, there were 268 anti-Semitic incidents during 2017 compared to 211 during 2016. Those incidents included someone spray-painting "Hitler did nothing wrong" on a wall in Van Nuys, an anti-Semitic flyer displayed on a college campus, and a man yelling "white power" while driving past a Jewish high school. Incidents reported to the organization were not all prosecuted as hate crimes. The uptick in anti-Semitism worries Brian Levin, who runs the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University, San Bernardino. He says hate incidents against Jews were on the decline before 2014. "We've had dramatic demographic changes, we've had the rise of white nationalism and this growing distrust in the institutions have held us together," said Levin. "If there's an anti-elitist bent in the air or some kind of over-the-top nationalism, Jews typically become the scapegoat." African-Americans remain the group most targeted in L.A. County hate crimes, followed by those who are gay, lesbian and transgender, but Levin says Jewish communities continue to be targeted, especially in large cities like New York and Los Angeles. "Jews are going to be among the more prominent targets in major cities in part because white nationalists are taking their fight to blue places," Levin said. "But also because Jews tend to be represented more in major cities." The Anti-Defamation League found anti-Semitic incidents at schools and colleges nationwide nearly doubled in 2017, for the second year in a row. Hey, thanks. You read the entire story. And we love you for that. Here at LAist, our goal is to cover the stories that matter to you, not advertisers. We don't have paywalls, but we do have payments (aka bills). So if you love independent, local journalism, join us. Let's make the world a better place, together. Donate now. In outrage and in grief over the deadliest attack on the Jewish people in U.S. history, nearly 2,500 people jammed University Citys Congregation Beth Israel on Monday evening, Oct. 29. Two days earlier, 11 innocent Sabbath worshipers were slaughtered while attending a baby-naming ceremony at Pittsburghs Tree of Life Temple. The suspected gunman, armed with an AR-15 rifle and three handguns, reportedly told an officer he wanted all Jews to die.Not only are bigotry and anti-Semitism unacceptable, they are profoundly un-American, said San Diego mayor Kevin Faulconer, flanked on the Beth Israel bema by Council members Barbara Bry and Lorie Zapf, County sheriff Bill Gore, County district attorney Summer Stephan, Congress member Scott Peters, Assembly member Todd Gloria and school board president Kevin Beiser. There is no place for hate here, Faulconer continued after 30 seconds of applause died down, not in San Diego, not in Pittsburgh and not anywhere in our brave country. Any act of violence or discrimination in our community will not be tolerated. Faulconer encouraged the audience to join together and not let the actions of one individual define who we are. Rabbi Michael Berk addresses the capacity crowd. COREY LEVITAN Earlier in the service, the names of all 11 victims who ranged in age from 54 to 97 and included brothers and a married couple received a poignant reading by Beth Israel rabbi Michael Berk. Each name was followed by 60 seconds of silence. I grew up in Southern California and hardly ever experienced any episodes of anti-Semitism, the rabbi told the Light before the service. While in some ways, something inside the Jewish soul says, Something like this has always happened to Jews, as American Jews, its still a real shock. The Beth Israel service was organized by the Anti-Defamation League, which reported a 57 percent increase nationwide in anti-Semitic incidents in 2017. Indeed, security at Beth Israel was airport-tight, with bag checks and wandings performed on everyone including priests, reverends and other rabbis at two entrances. A security guard searches all who wish to enter the Beth Israel grounds. COREY LEVITAN Although police said no threats were made against San Diego houses of worship, they significantly stepped up patrols of Jewish temples and gathering places in the days following the massacre. Weve been trying to make people feel safe, assistant police chief Terence Charlot told the Light in the Beth Israel parking lot. We want them to be able to worship without feeling threatened. As for any permanent new security measures that might be undertaken by the synagogues themselves, none contacted by the Light indicated anything specific yet. Ultimately, everybody has to up their security and awareness in the modern world we live in today, said Chabad of La Jolla rabbi Baruch Shalom Ezagui. However, the answer doesnt lie in security. You can never stop a gun with a gun. You can stop a gun with a transformation in how we think. Our response has to be what more can we do to continue to inspire a world of more tolerance. About 400 people gained entrance to the grounds but were stuck outside the service due to overcrowding inside the sanctuary. COREY LEVITAN About 400 disappointed people made it onto the Beth Israel grounds but not into its sanctuary, which locked its doors for being over capacity. Another 50 made it to the parking lot but not the grounds. They included Point Loma Nazarene University professor Linda Beail and her 15-year-old daughter, Caroline. Beail said they came because a daughter of their close friend in Milwaukee was bat-mitzvahed on the same morning as the massacre. We were already thinking about her when we woke up and then we heard about Pittsburgh, Beail said. It was heartbreaking anyway, but the juxtaposition of this great celebration for someone we love with this horrible thing happening at another synagogue was just too much. People should be safe in their houses of worship, Beail continued. Whether its a mosque, a synagogue or a church, they should be safe. Its part of what this country and freedom of religion are about. Being denied entry onto the temple grounds didn't stop these 100 strangers from sharing a message of interfaith hope. COREY LEVITAN By 7:30 p.m., police locked the gates to the entire complex to deter any more people from entering. But that didnt stop about 100 from expressing the spirit of communion at least as well as anything happening inside the sanctuary. This group of castoffs formed a prayer circle outside Beth Israels westernmost driveway gate. For at least an hour, the strangers stood some arm-in-arm singing Jewish hymns including Oseh Shalom (A Prayer for Peace), Ani Maamin (I Believe) and Hatikvah (the Israeli national anthem). Even more hopeful was who organized and led this prayer group: a man named Jon Huckins. Israel's army said Tuesday it has opened a military police investigation into the killing of a Palestinian medical volunteer along the Gaza border in June. Razan al-Najjar, 21, was fatally shot on June 1 near the southern Gaza town of Khan Yunis during protests and clashes along the border. The Palestinian Medical Relief Society said at the time she was hit "as she was attempting to provide first aid to an injured protester", adding that three other first responders were also hit by live fire on the same day. Israel's army said in the days after her death that its troops did not deliberately shoot her, but the incident was further reviewed by the military advocate general. "A military police investigation has been opened regarding the death of the volunteer medic Razan al-Najjar," the army said in Tuesday's statement, noting the probe was ordered following the advocate general's review. At least 218 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in the months of demonstrations and clashes. One Israeli soldier has been killed along the border since the protests began on March 30. Israel says its actions are necessary to defend the border and stop infiltrations and attacks, which it accuses Hamas, the Islamist movement that runs the Gaza Strip, of seeking to orchestrate. Palestinians and rights groups say protesters have been shot while posing little threat. Israel launched three military offensives against Gaza since 2008. *This story was edited by Ahram Online. Search Keywords: Short link: A Russian scientist working in Antarctica is facing attempted murder charges after allegedly stabbing a colleague for telling him the endings of books he wanted to read. Sergey Savitsky, an engineer, is accused of stabbing welder Oleg Beloguzov in the chest, the Sun reports. Beloguzov was evacuated to Chile for medical treatment, and his life is reportedly not in danger. The stabbing took place at Bellingshausen Station, a Russian research station in the South Shetland Islands in Antarctica. Savitsky, the alleged attacker, was taken to St. Petersburg and arrested. The alleged attack was said to be the result of an argument between the two over Beloguzovs habit of spoiling the endings of books that hed read from the remote outposts library. Advertisement Although he faces criminal charges in the Russian city, Savitsky will probably have access to plenty of books that Beloguzov hasnt already read. The Russian news agency Interfax reported that Savitsky surrendered on his own and without resistance to the station manager. Alexander Klepikov, the deputy director of the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute, said of Savitsky and Beloguzov, They are both professional scientists who have been working in our expeditions, spending yearlong seasons at the station. It is down to investigators to figure out what sparked the conflict, but both men are members of our team. Some reports suggest that alcohol was involved. California struck a blow for intelligent public health policy in 2015, when the state abolished all personal belief exemptions from child vaccine mandates. The new rules were designed to put a stop to the stupid and irresponsible behavior of parents whose casual approach to getting their children vaccinated against a host of communicable diseases chiefly measles, mumps and rubella places their neighbors children and their entire communities at risk. The new policy bore almost immediate fruit, as its sponsor, state Sen. Richard Pan (D-Sacramento), recently wrote in the journal Pediatrics. (Pan is a physician.) But Pan also reported that some parents who took advantage of personal exemptions in the old days have found a way to circumvent the rules and some California doctors are helping them. Personal exemptions have all but disappeared, but medical exemptions are on the rise. As my colleague Karen Kaplan reports, many of those medical exemptions are bogus. The point isnt to punish your child or your family its to protect other children. State Sen. Richard Pan Advertisement The statistics on medical exemptions come from a study, also published in Pediatrics, which found that personal belief exemptions have been eradicated but medical exemptions are on the rise. Not all of these are fake, but the total is higher than can reasonably be expected. (My colleagues Soumya Karlamangla and Sandra Poindexter spotted this trend in its infancy last year.) Pan reports that a rise in medical exemptions had been expected after the crackdown on personal belief exemptions, because many families eligible for medical exemptions had opted for personal belief exemptions, which didnt require the same level of paperwork. But the surge has taken public health officials by surprise. MEs more than tripled, he writes, with some schools reporting medical exemption rates higher than 20%, revealing that many students received inappropriate MEs. Whats especially alarming about this finding is that cases of measles are again on the rise in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 142 cases as of Oct. 6, the highest figure since the 188 cases in 2015; if current trends continue, the caseload could exceed that figure to become the highest since the outbreak of 667 cases in 2014. The CDC reported 11 individual outbreaks in 25 states and the District of Columbia. The majority of sufferers were unvaccinated. Among the most severe outbreaks is in Rockland County, N.Y., which has recorded 33 cases and asked unvaccinated pupils to stay home from school. The trend line even prompted Scott Gottlieb, commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, to warn via Twitter that measles puts young children at significant risk. He connected the spate of outbreaks and the risk of a worsening spread of the disease to debunked skepticism of MMR vaccine and our negligent accommodation of those theories. Gottliebs reference is to the handiwork of Andrew Wakefield, a British physician who lost his license for fraudulently promoting a nonexistent link between the MMR vaccine and autism. His claim has been utterly discredited, but still is capable of gaining the attention of credulous individuals like Jenny McCarthy and Donald Trump. Californias experience with tightened vaccination regulations demonstrates their effectiveness and the remaining challenges. Pans Senate Bill 277 eliminated nonmedical exemptions for vaccination as a prerequisite for school attendance. In 2014-2015, only 90.4% of California kindergartners were fully immunized, below the 94% judged to be the minimum to confer herd immunity, or to protect even those who couldnt be immunized for legitimate reasons. Another tragic outbreak of Measles puts young children at significant risk. These rising outbreaks, and the growing threat of worsening spread, are a direct consequence of debunked skepticism of MMR vaccine and our negligent accommodation of those theories https://t.co/Th3CV0H55L Scott Gottlieb, M.D. (@SGottliebFDA) October 29, 2018 After the measure was signed by Gov. Jerry Brown in 2015, according to researchers from the University of Pennsylvania, Johns Hopkins, and Emory, the proportion of California kindergarten students reported to have received all required vaccines increased from 92.8% in 20152016 to 95.1% in 20172018. But the proportion of pupils receiving medical exemptions rose to 0.7% from 0.2% with the sharpest increases tending to occur in districts that previously had been hotbeds of personal belief exemptions. That led the researchers to conjecture that the increase was due in part to the willingness of some physicians to write medical exemptions for parents who are vaccine hesitant [but] whose children may lack scientifically justified medical contraindications. Pan acknowledged that SB 277 made no changes in the law related to medical exemptions, which gives the authority to licensed physicians who turn over the paperwork to parents for submission directly to school boards. Thats an imperfect arrangement, Pan says. Granting MEs to legally required vaccines is not the practice of medicine but a delegation of state authority to licensed physicians to protect public health and individuals. Essentially, physicians are fulfilling an administrative role. Its also a problem for state and county public health officials, who have no way to gauge whether the authority is being abused by individual doctors, and for state medical regulators, who have little ability to ferret out abusers. The Medical Board of California, as Pan told me, generally acts on the basis of complaints from patients. In these cases, however, the patients family is in cahoots with the medical provider vaccine resisters arent likely to file complaints against the doctors who gave them what they wanted. If the board wished to discipline a doctor for issuing bogus exemptions, it would have to go to court to obtain patient records, a lengthy, costly and uncertain process. More kindergartners got their shots after California tightened the law, but medical exemptions soared. (CDPH) Indeed, the Pediatrics researchers found that among health officers they interviewed, many participants wanted the California Medical Board to take a more active role in disciplining physicians who were writing medical exemptions that they perceived to be problematic. The Medical Board told the researchers, however, that a majority of the 60 complaints it had received about bogus medical exemptions since the advent of SB 277 had been closed because of no violations being found, insufficient evidence to pursue disciplinary action, or the inability to proceed because of a lack of supporting evidence. The most notable exception was the discipline imposed on Orange County pediatrician Bob Sears, a well-known facilitator of vaccine resistors who was slapped this year with 35 months probation for issuing a medical exemption for a 2-year-old boy without first conducting an exam. Hopefully thats a reminder to physicians that what some of them are doing is unprofessional and would have consequences, Pan says. US measles cases have been on the rise since 2016, thanks to unvaccinated persons; if cases continue to rise this years toll may soon be the highest since 2014. (CDC) One legislative solution would be eliminating the authority for doctors to issue exemptions on their own, placing it instead in the hands of local or state health officials theyd examine the doctors finding, then decide whether to issue the exemption. That also would give the officials the data theyd need to identify the sources of excessive exemptions, which they could then pass on to the medical board for disciplinary action. That change would require legislation. Pan says that may be in the offing, but hes reluctant to act just yet, partly because SB 277 generally has worked well. If the rate of medical exemptions continues to rise, however, placing communities again at risk, legislation may be needed perhaps giving health officials the authority to invalidate medical exemptions and to publish lists of doctors whose right to issue them has been revoked. People need to remember that the purpose of our vaccination laws is to keep all children safe at school, Pan says. The point isnt to punish your child or your family its to protect other children. The purpose is to protect children who are vulnerable to these preventable diseases. Part of our duty as members of society is to help protect each other. Thats why we have these requirements. Its about keeping kids safe. Keep up to date with Michael Hiltzik. Follow @hiltzikm on Twitter, see his Facebook page, or email michael.hiltzik@latimes.com. Return to Michael Hiltziks blog. General Electric Co.s new chief executive got off to a rocky start with Wall Street as the company revealed that it faces an expanded accounting investigation by U.S. regulators. The Securities and Exchange Commission is expanding its investigation of the companys accounting to look at a $22-billion charge in the power-equipment unit, the company said Tuesday as it reported earnings for the first time since CEO Larry Culp took the reins. The Justice Department is also examining the write-down, which stems from goodwill impairment. The investigation adds to the pressure on GE, which is already contending with one of the deepest slumps in its 126-year history amid cash-flow shortfalls and declining demand for its gas turbines. Culp, who was appointed in a surprise announcement Oct. 1, also unveiled the first steps of his turnaround plan, with a major dividend cut to a penny per quarter, from 12 cents and a reorganization of the companys power division. Hell also have to deal with federal investigators. Yes, its a surprise and, yes, they slipped it in during the call, said Karen Ubelhart, an analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence. But we just dont know how big it could be. Advertisement The shares slid early in the trading day but erased that loss and was up 2% at $11.39 shortly after 10 a.m. Eastern Time. GE shares have dived about 33% this year to levels last seen shortly after the recession in 2009. Culps appointment sparked a mini-rally this month, but that fizzled recently. Company cooperation GE said in January that the SEC was looking at accounting in the power division and an old insurance portfolio that prompted a $6.2-billion charge. The Boston company said its cooperating with the probes. Staff from the [Department of Justice] are also investigating these matters, and we are providing them with requested documents and information as well, GE said in a regulatory filing. Culp was tasked with accelerating a turnaround plan centered on cost cuts and a more focused portfolio of manufacturing businesses. Until Tuesday, he hadnt publicly addressed shareholders or offered insight into the direction hed take, making the earnings report and subsequent conference call among the companys most highly anticipated. Although the dividend cut was a blow to investors, it wasnt unexpected. Former CEO John Flannery had suggested a reduction was likely, following a separation of the healthcare unit in another year. Many analysts had predicted the move would come sooner once Culp was ushered in. Culp, who joined GEs board in April, has been visiting the companys businesses since taking over. GE has said his comments Tuesday would include a preliminary assessment of what he has learned but that he wont give a thorough analysis until early next year. The new CEO did, however, move to resuscitate the gasping power unit by splitting it in two. A unified business will combine the gas product and services groups, while a second unit will hold the portfolio of GE Powers other assets, including steam, nuclear, grid solutions and power conversion. The power units difficulties will persist longer and with deeper impact than expected, Chief Financial Officer Jamie Miller said. As a result, GE will miss its full-year target for cash flow by a significant amount, she said. Third-quarter sales plunged 33% in the operation. The division has been hampered by a broad market slump, exacerbated by GEs ill-timed 2015 acquisition of Alstom SAs energy unit for $10 billion. More recently, GE disclosed that its flagship gas turbines are suffering from an oxidation issue. GE Aviation, one of the bright spots for the company, boosted sales 12% as it rolls out a new engine for narrow-body commercial jets. Total sales dropped 3.6% to $29.6 billion, GE said in a statement. Adjusted earnings fell to 14 cents a share, well shy of the 20-cent average of analyst estimates compiled by Bloomberg. A Florida man sued Tesla Inc. on Tuesday, saying the vehicles semiautonomous Autopilot feature failed to detect a disabled car on a highway, leading to a crash that left him with permanent injuries. Shawn Hudson said in the lawsuit filed in state court in Orlando, Fla., that Tesla made false statements about the safety of the Autopilot feature on his Tesla Model S. Its the second such lawsuit in as many months: A Utah driver filed a similar complaint last month. Hudson and his attorney told reporters that Tesla lulls drivers into a false sense of security, causing them to believe the cars can drive themselves when the Autopilot function is used. But when there is a danger on the road, they said, drivers have no time to react. The Palo Alto automaker has repeatedly called Autopilot an assist feature. It has said that while using Autopilot, drivers must keep their hands on the wheel at all times and be prepared to take over if necessary. Advertisement According to attorney Mike Morgan, the companys message is: We told you, were going to drive you. Dont worry about the road, watch it, but were also going to put this giant 20-inch screen right here with web-browsing capabilities so you can be distracted the entire time, but if you crash, thats your fault. Hudson said he suffers pain from fractured vertebrae and has some cognitive problems since the crash two weeks ago on the Florida Turnpike. Hudson, who lives in Orlando and has a two-hour commute to Fort Pierce for his job as the general manager of a Nissan dealership, said the Autopilot feature appealed to him because he could get some work done during his commute. Hudson had his hands on the wheel as the car traveled 80 mph, but he also was looking at his phone in the moments before his Model S slammed into an unoccupied Ford Fiesta, he said. I was looking up, looking down, looking up, looking down, and I look up and the car is disabled in the passing lane, Hudson said. When youre traveling that fast, its like hitting a wall. A Tesla spokeswoman said in an email that theres no reason to believe the Autopilot feature malfunctioned and that drivers should always maintain control of the vehicle when using Autopilot. The spokeswoman, who didnt want her name used, said the car was incapable of transmitting log data to Tesla, which prevented the company from reviewing what happened in the accident. Tesla has always been clear that Autopilot doesnt make the car impervious to all accidents, and Tesla goes to great lengths to provide clear instructions about what Autopilot is and is not, the spokeswoman said. Hudsons attorneys said there is a disconnect between the official company policy and what salespeople tell customers in showrooms. What they say to federal regulators is very different from what you hear on the Tesla lot, Morgan said. Its very different from what Mr. Hudson was told when he was buying his car. Tuesdays lawsuit puts Teslas driver-assistance system back in the headlines for legal reasons, rather than for a development that Chief Executive Elon Musk would prefer receive the attention: a major Autopilot software update. The company announced last week what it called our most advanced Autopilot feature ever, dubbed Navigate on Autopilot, which guides Tesla cars from highway onramps to offramps. Scrutiny of Tesla Autopilot was at a fever pitch earlier this year when multiple crashes involving the system including that of a Model X SUV whose driver died after the vehicle hit a highway barrier in March drew investigations by U.S. safety agencies. Bloomberg was used in compiling this report. UPDATES: 3:35 p.m.: This article was updated throughout with additional details. This article was originally published at 10:50 a.m. Facebook Inc. didnt hit it out of the ballpark with its latest quarterly report, but the hopes arent so high these days for the image-battered social networking giant. The Menlo Park, Calif., company reported a slight revenue miss but stronger-than-expected profit for the July-through-September period. Coming three months after its stock suffered its biggest one-day drop in history, which wiped out $119 billion of its market value, the mixed results were perhaps not the redemption Facebook hoped for. But shares rose in after-hours trading after Facebook announced its results suggesting, at least, that the social media giant didnt further spook investors. With the myriad problems Facebook is facing, thats what passes for good news these days. Overall, given all the challenges Facebook has faced this year, this is a decent earnings report, EMarketer analyst Debra Aho Williamson said. Advertisement Facebook said it had 2.27 billion monthly active users at the end of the quarter, below the 2.29 billion that analysts expected. The company said it changed the way it calculates users, which reduced the total slightly. Its user base was still up 10% from 2.07 billion monthly active users a year earlier. The companys audience continued to stall in the United States and in Europe. It had 185 million daily users in the United States and Canada, the same as it did the two previous quarters. It lost 1 million daily users in Europe, after losing 3 million in the previous quarter because of new privacy regulations that went into effect in the region. The social network continued to see broad gains in the rest of the world, upping the number of people who log in daily to 1.49 billion. The company does not break down user growth numbers for its other services, including WhatsApp, Instagram and Messenger. Facebook posted profit of $5.14 billion, or $1.76 a share, up 9% from $4.71 billion, or $1.59 a share, in the year-earlier quarter. Revenue for the quarter was $13.73 billion, an increase of 33%. Analysts had expected earnings of $1.46 a share on revenue of $13.77 billion, according to FactSet. Last quarter, the company warned that its revenue growth will slow significantly for at least the rest of this year and that its expenses will continue to balloon. The next day the stock plunged 19%. It was the biggest one-day plunge in Facebook history, and the shares have since fallen further amid a broader decline in tech stocks. Facebooks investors, users, employees and executives have been grappling not just with questions over how much money the company makes and how many people use it, but also with the social networks effects on users mental health and worries over what its doing to political discourse and elections around the world. The problems have been relentless for the last two years. Facebook can hardly crawl its way out of one before another comes up. It began with fake news and its effects on the 2016 presidential election (a notion Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg initially dismissed) and continued with conservatives alleging bias. Then theres hate speech, hacks and a massive privacy scandal in which Facebook exposed the data of as many as 87 million users to data-mining firm Cambridge Analytica, along with resulting moves toward government regulation of social media. And there have been sophisticated attempts from Russia and Iran to interfere with elections and stir up political discord in the United States. Business challenges are also piling up. There are stricter privacy regulations in Europe that can impede how much data Facebook collects on users. Facebook and other tech companies face a new digital tax in Britain. The company is spending heavily to boost security, moderating content and investing in new technologies such as artificial intelligence. On Tuesday, Arjuna Capital and the New York State Common Retirement Fund filed a shareholder proposal asking Facebook to publish a report on its policies for governing what is posted on its platform and explain what it is doing to address content that threatens democracy, human rights, and freedom of expression. Young users are deleting the app, and all users are taking breaks from Facebook, said Natasha Lamb, managing partner at Arjuna Capital. When you start to see users turn away from the platform, thats when investors get concerned. A recent Pew Research Center survey found that more than a quarter of U.S. Facebook users have deleted the app from their phones and 42% have taken a break for at least a few weeks. Younger users were much more likely to delete the app than their older counterparts. Nonetheless, Facebook is still enjoying healthy user growth outside the United States. Facebooks shares climbed 4% to $152 in after-hours trading after rising $4.13, or 2.9%, to $146.22 in regular trading Tuesday. The Washington Post was used in compiling this report. The stark white room is punctuated by abstract black forms jagged, organic, dramatic and playful that sprout up from the floor or dangle languidly from the ceiling. Glimpsed out of the corner of your eye, they shift ever so slightly as you walk down the long gallery space, a former bank building. Around each corner, a new surprise. This is a new exhibition of work by Alexander Calder, one of the most iconic American artists of the 20th century, at Hauser & Wirths Los Angeles location. Titled Calder: Nonspace, it brings together 30 sculptures spanning 1939 to 1976, the year the artist died. Almost every work is painted black, allowing visitors to focus on the interplay of positive and negative shapes that Calder so deftly created from sheets of metal and wire rods. Alexander Calder, 3 Segments, 1973. (Calder Foundation New York / Art Resource, New York) The exhibitions title comes from a 1963 essay by novelist James Jones, who noted that Calders sculptures are able to fill a given space without occupying it, through their juxtapositions of solid and void. Standing before one of Calders monumental public sculptures, Jones suggested he was terrified to walk through it because he didnt know where he would come out on the other side, spiritually not physically, says Alexander S.C. Rower, founder and president of the Calder Foundation, and also the artists grandson. He felt that energy that Calder presents. Advertisement Nonspace includes both mobiles the term coined in 1931 by Marcel Duchamp to describe Calders kinetic sculptures that move in response to air currents and gravity as well as their static cousins, stabiles. They range in size from table-top maquettes to large-scale sculptures, five of which tower over visitors in the gallerys outdoor central courtyard. In a few instances, both the model and the finished sculpture are on view, providing a glimpse into Calders process. Its about creating a space of personal access, about the tension when the steel meets the air. Alexander S.C. Rower A larger exhibition of Calders work, Calder and Abstraction: From Avant-Garde to Iconic, was mounted at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in 2013, complementing this more focused show with a wider look at his career. That was a broad stroke about abstraction in his work; this is a microcosm, says Rower. Its about creating a space of personal access, about the tension when the steel meets the air, thats supposed to engage you and bring you into the show. Although Calder may be more often associated with Philadelphia, where he was born, than Los Angeles, Nonspace can also be considered something of a homecoming for Calder, who spent a brief but formative period of his youth in Pasadena. His family moved there in 1906, when he was 8, and stayed for a few years before moving back East. When you think of the freedom of his work, the idea of the mobile, this sculpture that is released to take its own path through the air, theres a kind of California ethos, this free-spirited, experimental California feeling, says Jed Perl, author of the definitive biography of the artist, Calder: The Conquest of Time. Alexander Calder, Untitled, 1939 (Calder Foundation New York / Art Resource, New York) Perl also notes that in the early 20th century, Pasadena was the American capital of the Arts & Crafts movement, which prioritized a kind of pre-industrial artisanal craftsmanship in architecture, the arts and design. Calders parents, who were both artists, surely came into contact with these trends, passing along a love of the handmade to their young son. The point was to get away from the routinized, industrialized world, to try to get back to individual, the making of things by hand, Perl says. Although Calder used industrial materials sheet metal, rivets, bolts the hand of the artist, or one of the skilled metal workers he employed, was always apparent. Sitting in the courtyard of Hauser & Wirth, Rower points out the weld beads on a sculpture, where one piece of steel meets another. It shows that these abstract forms are not factory produced, but objects made by human work and sweat. The weld beads are left visible, he loved the process to be shown, he says. He loved to show the craftsmanship of these technicians. The works on view were originally located as far away as France, Beirut or India, but for Perl, they still show the lessons Calder learned in Southern California. He worked very closely with the iron workers, Perl says. There has to be a direct link between the artist and the making. The artisanal quality of his work, his connection to craft of metal work, comes from those early years in Pasadena. Part of the intimacy of the show is accomplished by the masterful exhibition design by architect Stephanie Goto, who lowered the gallerys cavernous ceilings by hanging a scrim, and slightly angled the platforms on which the sculptures are placed, giving the impression of accessibility. The artisanal quality of his work, his connection to craft of metal work, comes from those early years in Pasadena. Jed Perl Despite his emphasis on personal interaction with these works, Rower cautions against blowing on the mobiles, as countless museumgoers are tempted to do. Mobiles are not supposed to move, except when they do, he quips. The public who comes into a show gives maybe a minute to each sculpture and wants instant gratification. You have to slow yourself down and bring yourself to the work. Eventually, youll have the experience of activity. Theyre not machines. Neither are they depictions of nature, according to Rower, even though their curvilinear elements may resemble leaves and their spiky points mountaintops. Calder said he was not an abstract artist, taking something known and creating an image out of it, Rower notes. He created images from his own intuition, his own experience. Not the tree, but the force of the wind on the tree, the unseen force. A mobile is a tool that helps us define these unseen forces. Those forces are constantly at work in Nonspace, even if we dont perceive them, which provides for a captivating viewing experience. The most extraordinary experience is when you sit there and youre present to the mobile, having an intimate experience, Rower says excitedly. You look at it and its static. You look away and you look back and its in a totally different position, but not moving. Installation photo from Hauser & Wirths Los Angeles Calder: Nonspace exhibit devoted to renowned artist Alexander Calder. (Fredrik Nilsen / Hauser and Wirth) Calder: Nonspace Where: Hauser & Wirth, 901 E. 3rd St., Los Angeles When: 11 a.m.-6 p.m., closed Mondays. Through Jan. 6 Info: www.hauserwirth.com Cars Land is already a bit absurd. For it is a place, themed to Route 66 culture, that is populated with talking, human-like cars who are neither machine nor mammal. At Halloween, however, Cars Land at the Disneyland Resorts Disney California Adventure goes from odd and slightly goofy to a full-on celebration of weirdness and individuality. More than scares, Cars Land right now is like the best sort of Halloween party, one where the characters have the chance to play dress-up and inhabit different sides of their personalities. Its perhaps the only time, for instance, that a Disney park fully embraces punk rock, with the typically bro-ish party car known as DJ bringing out his inner rebel. Theres also just some plain ol insanity, such as a courthouse that becomes fully alive via jumper cables to the tune of Screamin Jay Hawkins I Put a Spell on You. This is the time of year when theme parks all over Southern California shift their focus from rides to scare zones and haunted mazes. Its also an opportunity for parks to experiment, whether its a haunted labyrinth themed to Stranger Things at Universal Studios or the creature-filled caves beneath an abandoned harbor port at Knotts Berry Farm. The experiences tread close to interactive theater, allowing guests to roam among pop-up attractions without a safety lap bar and a track. Advertisement A reliance on actors adds a sense of improvisation and unpredictability to the typical tightly controlled theme park experience. The more family-friendly Disneyland Resort has thus far avoided such a trend, favoring its popular Mickeys Halloween Party, which puts the focus on costumed characters, trick-or-treating, Disney villains and a seasonal parade and fireworks. But if Disneylands Halloween celebrations de-emphasize frights (full disclosure: Im way too scared to do a maze at Universal or Knotts), for the past two years Halloween has given Disney creatives the chance to get weird. Modern theme parks, after all, are tightly choreographed affairs that follow the rules of established properties Star Wars, Guardians of the Galaxy, the worlds of Harry Potter, etc. If during the rest of the year Cars Land adheres to a general outline sketched by the films, at Halloween the land becomes Cars unscripted. All signs point to something sinister having occurred inside the Cozy Cone Motel during Halloween at Disneyland. (Joshua Sudock / Disneyland Resort) More than that, Halloween allows the cars to show their true selves. The hippie Fillmore is normally played for laughs but at Halloween becomes a full-on artist, as his 2-D metal art conjures a world of car ghosts and his organic fuel has been used to burn images into oil drums. And, through a little investigation, guests can learn that the curio-shop owner, Lizzie, is cursed with a broken heart, to the point that shes letting her sadness control her. This ultimately results in one of the lands showcase items and an allusion to some less-than-ethical actions. We really had to get in the mind of the cars, says Dave Caranci, a creative executive with Walt Disney Imagineering, who has overseen Halloween at California Adventure. We had to think about each car and what they would do because theyre individual characters. What would that character do? The result is that set pieces take on even greater theatricality. Outside Lizzies shop, for instance, lies a broken car in the style of a Ford Model T. Its rising from the ground around a tree, and would appear to be something of a zombie car. Only the reality is a bit more macabre. Lizzie has taken some of Fillmores coolant thats gone bad ghoul-ant, because everything in Cars Land is a pun and is trying to bring long-dead cars back to life. The goal: to raise her deceased husband, Stanley. We have the zombie car out front that shes resurrecting, and the zombie car every few minutes is trying to come back to life, Caranci says. Youll hear the engine start to turn over and the lights will come on, but theyre very dim. The radio will play old tunes from when Stanley and Lizzie were in their heyday. As much as the car wants to come back to life, it dies out with a big puff of smoke. Until she gets it just right, shes not going to try it on Stanley, Caranci continues. So shes experimenting on other cars, bringing them back to life. This poor car just cant seem to get the engine going, so she hasnt quite made it. A zombie car in Cars Land, the result of another car suffering from a broken heart. (Todd Martens / Los Angeles Times) ALSO: Theme parks find new ways to scare up money from Halloween fans Thats grim and rather selfish but it uses Halloween not as a costume or a scare, but as character development. Likewise, across the street, Ramones House of Body Art becomes a way to explore Latin culture via nods to Dia de los Muertos (Dia de los Motors?) complete with a sugar car. Inside the shop sits an ofrenda, where the altar honors the fallen car Doc Hudson. Theres a bit of a continuity error here in the lands showcase ride, Radiator Springs Racers, Doc is alive and well. Or maybe Lizzie has gotten the coolant mixture right by the time the race begins? Maybe that plot point will be smoothed out in years to come, but what makes Cars Land at Halloween so ripe for exploration is the sense of mystery it brings to the park asking guests not only to learn more about its inhabitants but to piece together stray storylines. I appreciate DJs newfound punk look, and though Lizzie is misguided in her lovelorn quest, who cant relate to heartache? At a resort dedicated to the romantic notion of happily-ever-after, its a refreshing scene piece, one that tells guests its OK to wear your heart on your sleeve. And yes, sure, theres some good ol Halloween darkness. Check out the lobby of the Cozy Cone Motel, for instance, which has been splattered with oil stains. A decoration, or perhaps the remnants of a bloody car that implies something sinister went down in this hotel? Caranci isnt saying. We want our guests to use their imagination and their creativity, he says. We dont want to tell a story thats so precise and so exact that theres no thinking involved. We want a mystery, and we want our guests to say, I wonder what this means. ALSO An early Disneyland designer won over Walt Disney with his rebel reputation. Now he laments: The park is gone This is your brain on Disneyland: A Disney addicts quest to discover why he loves the parks so much How Disneys Paradise Pier, the antithesis of Walt, became California Adventures Pixar Pier Two Bit Circus will bring an indoor game-focused theme park to downtown Los Angeles Designers from Disney, Knotts, Efteling and more preach the importance of play over technology Todd.Martens@latimes.com Follow me on Twitter: @toddmartens The United States said on Monday it will send over 5,200 troops to help secure the border with Mexico, a far larger-than-expected deployment as President Donald Trump hardens his stance on immigration ahead of Nov. 6 mid-term elections. The deployment will create an active-duty force comparable in size to the U.S. military contingent in Iraq, as Trumps administration draws attention to a caravan of migrants that is trekking through Mexico toward the United States. General Terrence OShaughnessy, the head of U.S. Northern Command, said 800 U.S. troops were already en route to the Texas border and more were headed to the borders in California and Arizona. The president has made it clear that border security is national security, OShaughnessy said, as he detailed a much larger deployment that the 800 to 1,000 troops predicted by U.S. officials last week. OShaughnessy said some soldiers would be armed although it was unclear who, beyond U.S. military police, might need those weapons. U.S. officials have stressed that the troops would not police the border and instead carry out support roles like building tents and barricades, and flying U.S. customs personnel to locations along the border. Trump railed against illegal immigration to win the 2016 U.S. presidential election and has seized on the caravan of Central American migrants at campaign rallies in the run-up to next weeks vote, firing up support for his Republican Party. Trump said the United States would build tent cities to house migrants seeking asylum, rather than releasing them while they await court decisions. Were going to put tents up all over the place. Were not going to build structures and spend all of this, you know, hundreds of millions of dollars - were going to have tents, he told Fox News in an interview. Trump said detaining asylum seekers while their cases are being decided would discourage others from following suit. Armed Soldiers If the Republicans lose control of the House of Representatives or the Senate, it could become much harder for Trump to pursue his policy agenda in his remaining two years in office. According to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in late September and early October, 75 percent of Republican voters said illegal immigration is a very big problem, compared with 19 percent of Democratic voters. Although Trumps supporters in Congress praised the deployment of troops, the American Civil Liberties Union derided it as a political stunt. President Trump has chosen just before midterm elections to force the military into furthering his anti-immigrant agenda of fear and division, said Shaw Drake, policy counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union Border Rights Center in El Paso, Texas. Trump said on Twitter on Monday that the military would be waiting for the procession suggesting a far more direct role in confronting the migrants than the Pentagon described. Officials said no decisions had been made. Kevin McAleenan, the U.S. commissioner of Customs and Border Protection, said a group of approximately 3,500 immigrants were traveling through southern Mexico with the intent of reaching the U.S. border. A second caravan of about 3,000 people were at the Guatemala-Mexico border, McAleenan said. At the same time, over the last three weeks, border agents have encountered nearly 1,900 people per day either crossing the border illegally or presenting themselves at ports of entry, with over half of them being children alone or parents and children traveling together, McAleenan said. We are already facing a border security and humanitarian crisis at our southwest border, he said. Some migrants have abandoned the journey, deterred by the hardships or the possibility instead of making a new life in Mexico. Others joined it in southern Mexico. Trumps decision to call in the military appears to be a departure from past practice, at least in recent years, in which such operations were carried out by National Guard forces largely part-time military members who are often called upon to serve in response to domestic emergencies. There are already 2,100 U.S. National Guard forces at the border, sent after a previous Trump request in April. The latest deployment would be in addition to those forces. The decision to send active duty forces this time gives the Pentagon the ability to more rapidly mobilize greater capability than would be immediately available with the Guard, officials told Reuters. But it also injects the military, which prides itself in being non-partisan, into a highly charged political issue just days ahead of an election. Search Keywords: Short link: If youve watched any of Making a Murderer: Part 2, the follow-up to Netflixs hit 2015 documentary series, its likely Kathleen Zellner has left an impression on you. The first season of the series followed the 2007 trial of Steven Avery for the murder of photographer Teresa Halbach in a small Wisconsin town. Avery, along with his nephew Brendan Dassey, was found guilty. Avery, who maintains his innocence, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The second part of the docu-series tracks the post-conviction process for both Avery and Dassey as they seek to overturn the rulings. And Zellner, whom viewers are introduced to as the new attorney representing Avery, has people talking (and tweeting). Advertisement The 61-year-old Chicago-based lawyer specializes in wrongful conviction cases. Shes had 19 convictions overturned and is determined to add Avery to the list. Her impatience for what she views as ineptitude, her fervor to re-create events to find holes in the prosecutions theories and, well, her fashion sense have made her a standout of the series. The Times spoke to Zellner about taking on the case, using Twitter as a tool, and whatever happened with that biopic about her that was going to star Jessica Biel. On why she wanted to be a lawyer ... When I started out in the very beginning, I was going to be a journalist, and thats how I ended up at the University of Missouri [she would go on to graduate from Canadas Concordia University and get her law degree at Northern Illinois University]. I felt an interest in history, thought I would be a history professor. I guess I was always interested in the psychology of criminal cases. What motivated or made people do what they did. But I saw myself more as being a prosecutor or somebody who would go after the bad guy. Then I had the experience of getting appointed on somebody who turned out to be a serial killer [Larry Eyler]. [Since] then, I really did not want to be involved in anything like that. I ended up getting someones case who was innocent and was a few months away from being executed, but I still had a whole other practice. I had a litigation practice medical malpractice and rape victims. I was the general counsel for a large HMO, so my world did not narrow to just wrongful convictions for a period of time after I started my own law firm. On watching Making a Murderer Heres what happened. I didnt watch it when it came out. I was extremely busy. A client of mine, Ryan Ferguson I had gotten his conviction overturned in Missouri kept texting me about it. We were in the middle of his civil rights case. He kept saying, Heres this new series out, its really interesting and maybe you would like to watch it. And then hed say, Did you watch it yet? and Id say, No, I havent had time; Im really busy. And then he said, Well, could you just watch Episode 3? Because it reminded him of something in his case. My husband and I decided wed just sit down and start watching it, and we ended up watching it pretty much straight; we watched over several days. Steven Avery had already contacted me a couple of years before that, and he flunked our screen, because at that point, there was so many pieces of forensic evidence that seemed to implicate him in the case, we were like, theres no way were going to do that. Then when I watched [the show], I was seeing all these things about the forensic evidence, I knew there was a huge problem. Like when I heard the testimony of the state experts, most of them were people that were not well-credentialed. The testimony was not very precise. I had just gotten someone exonerated on blood spatter, and blood spatter [in Averys case] made absolutely no sense. I was very focused on Steven Averys demeanor, because Ive learned, over the years, particularly when the verdict came in, youll see people that are guilty be really histrionic and sobbing and all that, but theres a certain look that you just would have to have seen it a bunch of times like I have. And it really struck me when I saw that, that he could well be innocent. So I came in the office the next week and I pulled the letters from our system that hed written me, and I asked him if I could come and visit with him. And I explained to him that if I took the case, Id want to do all the scientific testing. At that time, I was saying to him, Id probably want you to do a polygraph before Id even accept it, blah, blah, blah. And he was like, Anything you want to do. Anything that you want to do. That is never what someone guilty tells you, ever. So just in the first meeting with him, I was very struck with that. Kathleen Zellner, surrounded by reporters, in Making a Murderer: Part 2. (Netflix) On how the documentarys popularity has hurt or helped Averys case ... I dont know. The way I see it is, I do think educating the public about the way the conviction process and what happens and with the second [part], the post-conviction process shows how important the trial is. I mean, there should have been experts. The state had 14 experts. The defense had one, who wasnt very good. Once youre convicted, the odds are just so stacked against you. The first series, if anything, I think Wisconsin really dug in, that they werent going to give up their conviction. They felt like theyd been put on the spot. But statistically, from the National Registry of Exonerations, theres a strong correlation between exonerations and a lot of publicity. And I know on Ryan Fergusons case, it was a key component in his case getting overturned. So on balance, do I think if I was innocent, Id want a lot of publicity? Yeah. Absolutely. Because, I mean, theres no question those cases tend to get overturned more frequently. On using Twitter as a tool ... Id never done that before in a case, but I didnt want to do interviews. So when I got the case in January of 2016, I was flooded with interview requests, and reporters, people were flying in from New York and just showing up in our reception area to interview me, and I decided I wasnt gonna do any interviews. And then I thought, because I love jury trials and Ive done a lot of civil cases, that Twitter would be like a mock trial experiment for me. So I always mock try my cases. So I thought, Ill just walk through the evidence, like the fact theres blood in the car but his fingerprints arent in the car. And theres no blood in his bedroom, where supposedly her throat is cut I wanted to see what the publics reaction was to it. So I would put something up about the bullet, or Id put something up about the blood or the incredibly damaging press conference that the prosecutor did. Twitter was my way of not doing interviews and just seeing what the public thought. And even now, in this last week, I have 150,000 new followers, but theyre sending me all their ideas. Some of them are really good. Kathleen Zellner, right, in Making a Murderer: Part 2. (Netflix) On her experiment process ... What you have to do on post-conviction is I try to take each piece of the states case, and I deconstruct it. The main thing Im trying to do is: Can I re-create what the state said happened? So, can I get blood and get in the car and just drip in six places and not leave any fingerprints? How does that work? And so Im trying to duplicate what they said happened, and Im also trying to figure out what happened. And weve got even more information than what was in the series, because they stopped in July and Ive just kept working on it. On reading theories from viewers of the documentary ... My clerks [read them]. We have 500 emails this week. We sort through them for tips and ideas and people. We have a company in England volunteering cellphone tower expertise. Scientists contact us. My clerks can separate pretty quickly whats not helpful, but we can also see what people are thinking. Because I believe in the jury system, and this gives you insight into the average person and how theyre viewing this. On the status of Averys post-conviction process Were in the process of appealing it to the appellate court. We file our brief on Dec. 20. And I would say 98% of all exonerations are achieved at the appellate level. Were about 10 years behind where Brendan Dassey is because Steven didnt have an attorney for years. The longest Ive been in one of these is four years. So Im at the two-and-a-half-year mark right now with Steven. Im hoping that we can get the appellate court to overturn it. At least send it back for an evidentiary hearing. If I get a new trial, he will not be convicted. I still am very hopeful about this. But were in the early stage of the whole thing. On the movie about her that was going to star Jessica Biel and whether shed consider another offer ... She and I didnt have the same view of it that the producer had. We didnt want to do something that just turned into a slasher movie. It was before she married Justin Timberlake. She and I both saw it the same way, that we didnt like the way, ultimately, they wanted to do the movie, so I just didnt renew the contract with them. Im just doing my work. Ive got so much else to do right now. I like to do things like a documentary that educate the public, but Ive got all these cases, and people depending on me to try to help them get out. So thats not a priority with me right now. Saw Kathleen Zellner wearing this hat and pretty sure Im going as her for Halloween. Everyone catch up on #makingamurderer so my costume is relevant on Saturday! pic.twitter.com/qy1Qmgo6Nx Earnest Gay Thoughts (@JayMalsky) October 25, 2018 Seeing Kathleen Zellners driver open her car door for her while she emerges in her furry collar coat & black wide-brimmed hat just brilliantly sums up her total badassery. #MakingAMurderer2 Tanya Turner (@tanya_renea) October 21, 2018 On people admiring her fashion sense ... I like clothes. Everyone has different tastes, but I love clothes particularly because of the work Im doing. Its just a diversion for me. I can be at the junkyard, but I dont have to be dressed like I am ... It makes me feel better, given that the work is fairly grim. So, I like clothes. I always have. And, yeah, I wasnt really aware of that, of people noticing all that. I have a million pair of sunglasses When youre doing this kind of work thats just so grim, it just makes you feel better too. Making a Murderer Where: Netflix When: Any time Rating: TV-14 (may be unsuitable for children under the age of 14) yvonne.villarreal@latimes.com Twitter: @villarrealy A mistrial was declared Monday in the case of two Pomona police officers charged in a violent encounter with an unarmed teenager during an incident that a bystander captured on video. Cpl. Chad Jensen, a 21-year veteran of the Pomona department, faced charges that he used excessive force against Christian Aguilar, then 16, at the Los Angeles County Fair three years ago. Jensen and his partner, Officer Prince Hutchinson, were also accused of lying in reports and court testimony to cover up the two blows Jensen delivered to Aguilars face while trying to detain the teen. A separate trial for a third officer, who faces charges stemming from how he conducted the departments internal investigation into the incident, is scheduled for next month. Advertisement The jury was divided 11-1 in favor of conviction, said Thom Mrozek, a spokesman for the U.S. attorneys office. U.S. District Judge Andre Birotte declared the mistrial Monday evening after deciding further deliberations by the jury would not sway the lone holdout. The jury had deliberated for little more than a day when it announced it was deadlocked. Frances Lewis, one of the prosecutors in the case, said the government intends to retry both officers on the same charges they faced in the weeklong trial that concluded Friday. Attorneys for Jensen and Hutchinson could not be reached for comment. The officers were indicted last year after a lengthy FBI investigation into what happened on the night in September 2015 when Aguilar and his family attended the fair at the Pomona Fairplex. When Aguilars father and another adult relative were arrested for public intoxication, a group of Pomona officers escorted the men off the fairgrounds. Aguilar followed with several other people and began recording with his phone. The trial turned in large part on what Jensen and Hutchinson said they saw as they approached the scene. On Aguilars video Jensen is heard politely asking the teen to stay back from the officers who were escorting the arrested men. Aguilar brushes off the request and says he is going ahead. Seconds later, Jensen grabs the teen and the video ends. Jensen then leads Aguilar into a nearby alcove. In their reports, Jensen and Hutchinson claimed Aguilar had moved quickly toward the officers holding his father, drawn close and appeared to be intent on interfering with them. Prosecutors tried to convince jurors these claims were gross exaggerations and that Aguilar had done nothing to justify Jensens forceful response. A bystander recorded a video showing the officer putting the teen against a wall, swinging him around and striking him hard two times twice in quick succession. In the video, Aguilar, who was left with a bloodied lip and other injuries, is seen keeping his arms by his side as he is hit. In their reports and in testimony during proceedings against Aguilar in juvenile court, Jensen and Hutchinson claimed the teen had tried to strike Jensen, requiring the officer to subdue him with the blows. In opening and closing statements, prosecutors and defense attorneys sparred over what the videos showed, with both sides claiming the footage supported their case. joel.rubin@latimes.com Follow @joelrubin on Twitter UPDATES: 8:10 p.m.: This article has been updated with additional details about the trial and the evidence presented to jurors. This article was originally published at 6:20 p.m. There is nothing quite like the last days of a close campaign, when hope, anxiety and fatigue collide. Even personal hygiene can take a hit. Ive been wearing the same clothes for two days, said Joni Nichols, whose wardrobe lately has consisted entirely of rotating Harley Rouda T-shirts and jeans. I have a triple X size for sleeping. I bumped into Nichols on Sunday, while driving around ultra-conservative Balboa Island, looking for signs of a blue wave. Balboa, part of the hotly contested 48th Congressional District, is nestled in the middle of sparkling Newport Bay, home to some of the richest Californians. With about 3,000 residents squeezed into a mere 128 or so acres, Balboa Island has a higher population density than San Francisco. The houses here, on small lots, are cheek-by-jowl, with small frontyards and no backyards to speak of. They might be overbuilt Italianate mini-villas, Cape Cod fantasies or old wooden beach shacks, but they are all very expensive. Residents, for the most part, are affluent, older, white and Republican. They fly a lot of flags. American flags, mostly, but a lot of USC flags, too. Advertisement On Diamond Avenue, I spotted Nichols house. How could you miss it? Will California flip the House? The key races to watch Her second-story balcony is festooned with a giant black-and-white banner: Dump Dana Rohrabacher 2018. A sign on her white picket fence declares 30 Years is enough! Say no to Rohrabacher. In her small frontyard, Nichols, 68, a wiry midwife and doula who lived and delivered babies in Guadalajara for many years, was explaining to volunteers how to knock on doors, how to talk to voters and how to record voter interactions. The effort is aimed at electing the neophyte Democratic candidate Harley Rouda, who is trying to unseat the longtime Republican incumbent congressman, Dana Rohrabacher. Nichols, who described herself as something between room mother, mayor, commander, confessor, debriefer and homemade bread maker, has opened her home to Rouda volunteers every Sunday since the end of August. Some of her neighbors, she said, have been less than approving about her activism. But a few, she said, have told her they will vote for Rouda out of respect for her dedication. The race is one of the most closely watched in the country. Polls show it is a virtual tie. Flipping the reliably Republican 48th District is something Democrats have not really dared to dream about. Until now. A statue of President Reagan adorns a Balboa Island waterfront home in Newport Beach. U.S. Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, facing a serious challenge for the first time in 30 years, was a speechwriter for Reagan. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) There is so much vibrant energy here, Nichols said. Just a real clamor to do something. That may be, but at least one house on the island had a sign declaring President Trumps supporters the silent majority. Fonda Berosini came from Hollywood to canvass for Rouda. In the same way that many people were not vocal about their support for Trump, she thinks Rohrabacher may have more support than meets the eye. People supporting Harley are more proud of it, she said, than the people supporting Dana. :: Rohrabacher is a 71-year-old surfer and self-described free spirit whose libertarian streak has devolved over the years into something approaching parody. Hes pro-cannabis, pro-Russia and pro-offshore oil drilling. He thinks global warming is a total fraud. He said the deadly pro-Nazi demonstration in Charlottesville was a total hoax and a set-up for these dumb Civil War reenactors. He has been seen as so sympathetic to Vladimir Putin that in 2012, he was warned by the FBI that Russians were trying to recruit him as a spy. Recently, a group of Realtors rescinded its endorsement of him after he said that homeowners should not have to sell to gay buyers if they dont like their lifestyle. He has uttered so many off-the-wall statements that Roudas campaign has collected them into a little red book, We Wont Get Fooled Again: 48 Baffling and Dangerous Quotes From Dana Rohrabacher. A video, featuring celebrities such as Cheryl Hines, Chelsea Handler and Eric McCormack reading the quotes, has been making the rounds on social media. Balboa Island resident Dennis Bress, a Democrat who is volunteering with the Harley Rouda campaign, has been making and giving out Republicans for Harley signs in Newport Beach. He cant keep up with demand. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) :: Rouda, 56, is a real estate magnate who moved from Ohio to Laguna Beach 10 years ago, at his wifes insistence. Kaira Rouda is a writer and, as it happens, a lifelong Democrat. Her most recent novel, Best Day Ever, she told me, is a domestic thriller, featuring a seemingly perfect husband who spirits away his wife for a special weekend. Her husband came to the party slowly. He was a registered Republican until 1997, then changed his status to independent. In 2016, he registered as a Democrat. In some ways, his evolution is a mirror of the 48th District itself, which is slowly morphing into a less conservative place. Rouda describes himself as a centrist and pragmatist who has been buoyed not just by voters disdain for Trump, but what he perceives as voter fatigue and frustration with Rohrabacher, an immigration hardliner who voted 17 times to repeal Obamacare, and is now touting his commitment to healthcare coverage for those with preexisting conditions, an awkward dance many endangered Republicans are attempting this cycle. Rouda was also helped by a last-minute cash infusion from former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who pumped $4.4 million into ads attacking Rohrabacher for his stance on global warming. I want to share some good news, Rouda told dozens of upbeat volunteers Sunday at his Costa Mesa headquarters. The polls either have me down two or up one. All the polls are based on voter turnout models. Which means what? If we get out the vote, we win. :: I wanted to spend some time with Rohrabacher supporters, but his campaign spokesman told me the congressman had no events on Sunday that I could attend. He said he would consider any questions I might have. When I asked for a brief interview with Rohrabacher instead, the spokesman did not respond. The calculation, I assume, is that there is no upside in talking to journalists. That disengagement has extended to constituents, which has cost him. I just dont feel like hes representing the people of Orange County, said Cliff Wendt, 65, who lives in the Seaview neighborhood of Newport Beach. He had just finished knocking on doors for Rouda, and was encouraged by what he heard. I thought my neighborhood was red, but it isnt, he said. People are disgusted with the political atmosphere, and all the manufactured outrage. Still, the challenge facing Rouda is bigger than voters feelings about Rohrabacher. For many voters, the calculation is about control of the House, and the potential return of that liberal demon, Nancy Pelosi. Late Sunday afternoon, as Nichols chatted with the volunteers, including Dennis Bress, a neighbor and sign maker who cannot keep up with the demand for Republicans for Harley signs, an older man who said his name was Tom stopped for a moment as he walked by. Tom said he was tired of Rohrabacher really doesnt like the guy but he wasnt sure he could vote for Rouda. I dont want Nancy Pelosi, he said. I dont want socialism. Nichols raised her eyebrows, but didnt respond. When Tom strolled off, she told me about a spat that one of her Balboa Island friends had with a neighbor who without permission put a Rohrabacher sign on her tall hedge. The friend called police to get it down. When Nichols helped her friend replace it with a Harley Rouda sign, the next-door neighbor came outside and called them [expletive] communists. Ah well, it is Orange County, after all. robin.abcarian@latimes.com Twitter: @AbcarianLAT California spent $4 billion on Medi-Cal coverage between 2014 and 2017 for people who may not have been eligible for the government-funded health plan, according to a state audit released Tuesday. Medi-Cal provides health coverage to 13.1 million Californians, approximately one-third of the states population. To qualify, a single adult must make less than $16,754 annually. County workers typically determine whether someone is eligible for health coverage under Medi-Cal, then send that information to the state. But the records dont always match up. The audit found 453,000 beneficiaries who were marked as eligible in the states system, but not in the counties indicating that they may not have actually been eligible for Medi-Cal. These beneficiaries may have died, moved or begun making more money and no longer qualified for Medi-Cal. Advertisement Yet the states Department of Health Care Services paid $4 billion to health plans and doctors for those patients medical care over four years. The audit found that 57% of the discrepancies lasted for more than two years. In one instance, a Los Angeles County resident died in December 2013, yet the state continued to make monthly payments to the beneficiarys Medi-Cal health plan until August of this year. The state ultimately paid the plan $383,000 for a person who the state should have known was no longer in need of services, according to the audit. Although Health Care Services has established a process for notifying counties of beneficiary records that require follow-up, gaps in this process allowed the problems we identified to persist, State Auditor Elaine Howle wrote in a letter to the Legislature accompanying the audit. The audit also found 54,000 people who were marked eligible in the county system but not the state, which may have delayed or made it difficult for them to access services for which they did qualify. These individuals may have experienced hardships in accessing health care services, as they would have been denied benefits until the system discrepancies were resolved, the audit says. The audit recommended that the department implement a better system by the end of the year and recover erroneous payments by June. The department said it agreed with the recommendations but could not comply with them within that timeline. soumya.karlamangla@latimes.com Twitter: @skarlamangla James J. Whitey Bulger Jr., the ruthless Boston mobster who topped the FBIs most-wanted list and was found quietly living as a fugitive near the ocean in Santa Monica in 2011, has died in prison, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons. He was 89. Bulger was found unresponsive early Tuesday in his prison cell at United States Penitentiary Hazelton, a high-security prison in West Virginia where the aging mobster had been moved just the day before. A prison union official said Bulgers death is being investigated as a homicide. The FBI is investigating. Bulger and his longtime girlfriend, Catherine Greig, lived under assumed names for nearly 16 years in a two-bedroom apartment near Santa Monicas Third Street Promenade. They were known as Charlie and Carol Gasko, and their acquaintances thought they were retirees from Chicago. In fact, Bulger had been the subject of a global manhunt since fleeing Boston in 1995 after he was tipped off to his federal indictment by a former FBI agent. Bulger claimed after his capture that federal authorities had secretly granted him immunity from prosecution for all crimes past and present, but his argument was thrown out of court in 2013 and a Boston jury found Bulger guilty of 11 murders and numerous counts of extortion and racketeering. Advertisement His case was the subject of a congressional inquiry on whether FBI agents in Boston enabled their underworld informants to do whatever they felt advanced their illicit businesses, including murder. John Connolly Jr., Bulgers main FBI handler, was later sent to prison for his role in Bulgers flight and in a Florida killing. Born in Boston on Sept. 3, 1929, James Joseph Bulger Jr. was raised in tough South Boston and dropped out of school in the ninth grade. He served in the Air Force and later did time at Alcatraz and other federal prisons for bank robberies. His brother William Bulger became one of the most powerful politicians in Massachusetts, serving 18 years as president of the Massachusetts Senate and eight years as president of the University of Massachusetts. Bulger inspired many TV and movie productions, including the 2006 Academy Award-winning film The Departed. Bulger managed for 16 years to elude federal authorities, who had targeted him with a $2-million reward and tracked down false leads of his fleeting presence on nearly every continent. When Osama bin Laden was killed in 2011, Bulger moved to the top of the FBIs most-wanted. Two years later, Bulger was convicted in Boston of 11 murders as well as extortion and racketeering schemes that allegedly netted him more than $25 million. Greig was sentenced to eight years in prison for helping Bulger in his flight. An additional 21 months was added to her sentence in 2016 when she refused to testify before a grand jury. Since 1996, Bulger had hidden in plain sight as Charlie Gasko, an avuncular geezer who handed out miniature flashlights to neighbors but also warded them off with a Do Not Disturb sign on his apartment door. Bulger as Gasko was cantankerous, but friendly enough to give a black Stetson hat to his guitar-playing apartment manager. He loved to stroll Santa Monicas busy Third Street Promenade and he was lucky enough to rent an affordable apartment just blocks away. Ultimately, the charismatic hoodlum who ran a criminal empire under the nose of federal authorities and whose lavish gifts to FBI agents were exposed in criminal and congressional hearings, was brought down by his girlfriends concern for a stray cat. In 1995, Bulger and Greig fled Boston after former FBI agent Connolly, an old family friend who grew up in Bulgers tough South Boston neighborhood, tipped him to his coming federal indictment. Traveling around the country for more than a year under various aliases, the couple found their apartment in a Santa Monica building called the Princess Eugenia. Agents who raided Apartment 303 on June 22, 2011, found 30 guns and more than $822,000 in cash stashed in holes Bulger had cut neatly in the walls. An unfinished memoir was on the nightstand. Bulger had been featured 15 times on the Americas Most Wanted TV show. An FBI task force had sought him for years. But in 2011, when authorities ran daytime TV ads that focused on Greig, an acquaintance named Anna Bjornsdottir responded immediately. Bjornsdottir, a yoga instructor and former Miss Iceland, knew Greig as Carol Gasko, the nice woman from across the street who befriended an abandoned tabby named Tiger. She knew Bulger as Charlie Gasko, a sour, bigoted old man who dropped no hints about his past. Bulgers story had epic qualities. He grew up poor in a family that became one of the most powerful in Massachusetts. Younger brother William was forced out of his university post by his fugitive brothers notoriety. Meanwhile, Whitey, whose nickname reflected his boyhood shock of blond hair, had become a bank robber and served time in Alcatraz. Drifting back to the neighborhood after his parole in 1965, he was seen by some as a kind of Robin Hood, a criminal who protected his weaker neighbors and stole mostly from those who were thought not to deserve deserve their good fortune. You had a husband giving a wife a hard time, thats the stuff you went to him for, Peggy Davis-Mullen, a Boston City Council member from Bulgers old neighborhood, told The Times in 1999. You knew that he was a guy involved in organized crime but you also had Ive got to be honest with you regard for the man. I dont know what he did when he was doing his business, whatever his business was, but I know that he was a guy on the street and that he was good to people who were poor. The portrait of him that emerged at his 2013 trial wasnt quite so exemplary. Bulger was convicted of fatally shooting rival gangsters, suspected informants and bystanders who simply got in the way. He chained alleged jewel thief Arthur Bucky Barrett to a chair, interrogated him about hidden cash and then shot him in the head. He strangled Deborah Hussey, the daughter of his henchman Stephen Flemmis girlfriend, because he thought she had a big mouth and would implicate him in crimes. In testimony and court filings, witnesses described Bulgers murders not only as business decisions but also as acts that he relished, sometimes taking a nap while Flemmi yanked out the teeth of the dead to make identifying them more difficult. Others spoke of threats: Bulger telling a restaurant owner that hed cut off his ears and stuff them in his mouth if he didnt come up with his loan payments; Bulger taking over a South Boston liquor store after plunking his gun on a table, hoisting the owners 2-year-old daughter onto his lap, and saying it would be a shame to not see her grow up. Over the years, Bulgers cinematic life story drew interest from Hollywood. With Jack Nicholson portraying a Boston mob boss based partly on Bulger, The Departed won four Academy Awards in 2006, for best picture, screenplay, editing and directing by Martin Scorsese. In 2015, Johnny Depp played the Bulger-inspired character in Black Mass. Bulger was the son of a laborer who lost an arm hopping a train. As a boy, Bulger fought constantly and broke into homes. A year after he left reform school in 1948, he enlisted in the Air Force and, despite a spotty disciplinary record, was honorably discharged in 1953. Back on the streets, he robbed banks in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Indiana, and did time in several federal prisons, including one in Atlanta where he participated in a researchers LSD experiments. He served nine years of a 20-year sentence, securing an early release with the help of his brother William, then a Massachusetts state representative, lobbying U.S. House Speaker John McCormack, according to Dick Lehr and Gerard ONeill, authors of a 2013 biography, Whitey: The Life of Americas Most Notorious Mob Boss. Returning to Boston, Bulger became a leading light in the underworld. According to court testimony, he gave information to Connolly about New Englands entrenched Mafia families. When it came to Bulgers illicit dealings, Connolly and other agents looked the other way. Informants like these come along once in a lifetime, Connolly told the Washington Post in 1999. And Im sorry, theyre never going to be angels. Theyre going to be sociopaths. Connolly, who accepted a diamond ring, a $10,000 retirement bonus and other gifts from Bulger, said his superiors allowed Bulger and Flemmi to run gambling, loan-sharking and extortion operations without interference. But not serious violence, he said. You know violence violence. In 2002, the retired FBI agent was convicted of racketeering and obstruction of justice for helping Bulger flee. In 2008, he was handed an additional 40-year sentence for giving Bulger information that led to a Florida killing. At his own trial, Bulger never took the stand. During a jury break, he told U.S. District Judge Denise J. Casper that she had made the proceedings a sham by throwing out his main argument: a purported deal with a federal prosecutor that granted him immunity for all crimes past and present in exchange for information that had saved the prosecutors life. The judge declared that such a deal would have been illegal. Besides, she said, there was no evidence of the arrangement Bulger claimed he had struck with U.S. Atty. Jeremiah OSullivan, who died in 2009. As Casper handed down Bulgers sentence for acts of almost unfathomable depravity, she bristled over the admiration he had drawn in the past. You have over time and in certain quarters become a face of this city, the judge told him. That is regrettable. You, sir, do not represent this city. UPDATES: 4:05 p.m.: The article was updated with additional information about Bulgers death. 12:35 p.m.: This article was updated with information about the circumstances of Bulgers death. This article was originally published at 10:10 a.m. A Los Angeles immigration activist whose arrest last year sparked protests and allegations of misconduct against federal law enforcement officials is now suing the Department of Homeland Security, claiming her application for protection from deportation as a Dreamer was unfairly rejected on the basis of her activism. Claudia Rueda, a 23-year-old Cal State L.A. student, filed the federal lawsuit Tuesday alleging that the government violated its own policies in rejecting her application under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program in October of last year. The only discernible difference between Ms. Rueda and the hundreds of thousands of others who have been approved for DACA status is her political speech and activism against defendants immigration practices, the lawsuit said. Rueda first gained attention across Southern California in May 2017, when she and six others were arrested outside her home by agents with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Advertisement At the time, Rueda and other local activists said she was arrested in retaliation for her advocacy on behalf of her mother, Teresa Vidal-Jaime, who had been swept up in a drug raid carried out by the Border Patrol and the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department a month earlier. Although law enforcement officials said Vidal-Jaime had nothing to do with the alleged drug activity, she was held on a civil immigration violation. Rueda led protests objecting to her mothers detention, and Vidal-Jaime was released from federal custody on May 12, 2017, over the objections of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The Border Patrol arrested Rueda outside her home six days later, and she spent several weeks in federal custody. Speaking at a news conference in downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday morning, Rueda wore a shirt that read ICE out of LA! and teared up as she spoke. Rueda said her arrest last year, which she often refers to as a kidnapping, left her traumatized, taking a toll on both her physical and mental health. Im here today because the Department of Homeland Security is targeting me, she said. They want to deport me, they want to silence me for my political activism, but Im not going to stay silent. A spokeswoman for the Border Patrols San Diego field office would not immediately comment on the suit. The Department of Homeland Security referred questions to the Department of Justice, which declined to comment on the case. Attorneys representing Rueda said her complaint is the first lawsuit challenging a rejected application under DACA, an Obama-era program that has protected nearly 800,000 young immigrants in the country illegally after they were brought to the United States when they were children. The DACA program has been the subject of intense legal fights since last year, with the Trump administration seeking to end the program despite polls showing a majority of Americans oppose the idea of deporting the so-called Dreamers. U.S. Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions announced the program would cease accepting new applications in September 2017, kicking off a series of court battles that have produced conflicting rulings. Currently, those who had prior protections under the DACA program can still seek renewals. Rueda first applied for DACA protection in July 2017, prior to Sessions announcement, so she would have been eligible at the time. Allegations of retaliatory conduct by immigration authorities have become more common in the last two years. Earlier this month, a number of immigrant rights groups filed a federal lawsuit in Seattle accusing ICE of repeatedly arresting people who have advocated on behalf of undocumented immigrants. The lawsuit highlighted a number of purportedly vindictive arrests made by ICE, including several in which activists in the country illegally were arrested shortly after organizing demonstrations or making comments to the media. Earlier this year, the Southern Poverty Law Center filed a petition alleging that a Memphis journalist had been detained by ICE because of his critical reporting on local immigration enforcement. Rueda said she hopes her lawsuit will stop ICE and the Border Patrol from responding to criticism with what she believes are unjustified arrests. Ruedas ordeal began in April of last year when Vidal-Jaime, 54, was arrested during a raid at a Boyle Heights apartment complex where more than 30 pounds of cocaine and $600,000 in cash were found. Vidal-Jaimes husband, Hugo Rueda, and three other men were arrested on suspicion of drug possession. Though investigators said Vidal-Jaime was not involved with the alleged drug trafficking, she was held for several weeks in federal custody. Rueda began to organize demonstrations protesting her mothers detention. Her mother was released on $2,000 bail. Claudia Rueda hugs fellow Cal State student Alicia Moseley, after a news conference in front of the Roybal Federal Building in Los Angeles. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) Six days later, Rueda was one of seven people arrested as part of an investigation into what the Border Patrol called a cross-border narcotics smuggling operation. All seven, however, were arrested on suspicion of immigration violations, not drug offenses, the Border Patrol said last year. Mark Endicott, a supervisor with the Border Patrol in San Diego, told The Times last year that Rueda was part of a support network for a drug organization. Rueda and her attorneys have vehemently denied she has any links to criminal activity, and none of those arrested have been charged with drug offenses in the year since the incident, attorneys said. Both Ruedas and her mothers cases are still winding their way through the immigration court system, said Ruedas immigration attorney, Monika Langarica. According to the lawsuit, the rejection of Ruedas DACA application violated the Department of Homeland Securitys internal policies because immigration authorities did not make a request for evidence or provide Rueda with a notice of their intent to deny her application. A copy of the rejection letter, which was reviewed by The Times, includes only a one-line denial with no explanation. John Ulin, an attorney representing Rueda, described her as a fierce advocate for her community and for fellow students. She is the ideal Dreamer, Ulin said. Shes a kid who grew up in Los Angeles, became a model student. Rueda said she knows bringing the suit could stoke further action from immigration authorities. For me, fighting is the only way to show whats going on, Rueda said. To show how immigration activists are being politically repressed for speaking out. Times staff writer Marisa Gerber contributed to this report. james.queally@latimes.com Follow @JamesQueallyLAT for crime and police news in California. UPDATES: 12:35 p.m.: This story was updated with comments made during a news conference in downtown L.A. This story was first published at 11:00 a.m. Following the high-profile removal of an illegal tent city near Angel Stadium, representatives of 13 cities in north Orange County on Monday say they are stepping up to offer a regional solution to temporary housing for the homeless with Santa Ana leading the way. A shelter with 200 beds is nearly ready to open at an unnamed location in Santa Ana, according to officials. The staff at the nonprofit Mercy House whose mission is to end homelessness locally will be contracted to run the facility. The federal judge handling the civil rights lawsuits over the clearance of the homeless encampments called the plan a role model for the county. On Monday, Judge David O. Carter said to residents, officials and supporters of the homeless at a hearing that he has toured the site twice. He said the efforts being made to help street populations in the area represent a journey no other county has taken. Costa Mesa will sign on soon to a 12-bed crisis center and a 50 bed-facility expected to open by next summer. Tustin is planning for a 50-bed shelter run by the Orange County Rescue Mission. Anaheim is partnering with the Salvation Army to launch a 200-bed operation and has another 125-bed project planned on private property owned by businessman Bill Taormina. Advertisement This means that more of the homeless will be inside at the start of the rainy season, said Brooke Weitzman, an attorney representing seven homeless adults against the county and several cities, who sought to prevent their evictions from the illegal encampment. We are so glad to see that these cities are showing goodwill, and especially that Santa Ana has cut through the red tape to assemble a team to take quick action. The legal settlement between advocates for the homeless and officials from Orange County stalled at the hearing Monday, while many cities in south Orange County have refused to offer temporary housing. Lawyers for the homeless and the county unveiled a draft agreement last week that committed to shelter options suited for a range of homeless needs, including for those who are victims of domestic abuse and violence. Areas of ongoing negotiation include: Developing procedures to guarantee due process for the indigent. Figuring out how to store property seized from individuals and couples. Creating guidelines to respond to those seeking accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act. In a separate lawsuit filed in February, the Legal Aid Society of Orange County, working on behalf of the Peoples Homeless Task Force and seven disabled adults who lived at the riverbed, maintained that evictions are discriminatory and that officials didnt have adequate services in place for their clients with special needs. Plaintiffs in both cases accused officials of trying to criminalize homelessness. At the hearing Monday, cities in the southern part of the county came under attack for their inaction. I will not support a settlement without all cities named in the lawsuit, said Andrew Do, chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. North and central Orange County are building homeless shelter space, while south county is rewarded for fear-mongering and obstruction. Santa Ana, Orange, Costa Mesa and Anaheim cannot continue to bear the full burden of this countywide crisis. anh.do@latimes.com Twitter: @newsterrier Scientists have discovered an octopus nursery of sorts in Monterey Bay. More than 1,000 of the cephalopods were seen last week clustered in a previously unexplored, federally protected area off Californias coast, their bodies tucked upside down into nooks with their tentacles inverted and covering clusters of white eggs. Researchers were awed by the sight of the large, rocky landscape speckled with hundreds of the sea creatures, which looked like bright dots glowing in the dark ocean. Scientists and educators were among those who observed images from remotely operated vehicles aboard the Ocean Exploration Trusts Nautilus, a 211-foot vessel that has been charting previously unseen marine life and capturing it on a 24-hour livestream since June. Advertisement To find something like this in our sanctuary, let alone in the West Coast, is pretty mind blowing, said Chad King, a marine biologist with the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and lead scientist for the expedition. The researchers said that this type of gathering of deep-sea octopuses has been reported only once before, when a smaller group of about 100 were brooding eggs in hydrothermal water off Costa Rica. During the hour that the Nautilus research team observed the octopuses off the California coast, King said, the scientists saw no end to creatures lined up in the cracks of the rocks, from which an unknown shimmering fluid was seeping. There are more questions than answers as they left the area. The clear pattern of where the octopuses were located indicates a relationship between the fluid seeping out of the rocks and where they chose to lay their eggs. What we dont know is why, he said. Some people may assume its because [the fluid] is warm or theres higher oxygen levels or maybe it cleans their eggs. The researchers were unable to take the waters temperature or detect what other chemicals might be flowing out of the rocks, King said, so the reason for the choice of nursing ground will remain a mystery until more research is done. alejandra.reyesvelarde@latimes.com Twitter: @r_valejandra A San Fernando Valley man wanted by Los Angeles police in connection with a fatal shooting in Woodland Hills last week was taken into custody Saturday at a German airport. Federal authorities and German police detained Sohrob Morshedi, 22, on a murder warrant in Munich as he disembarked from a flight that had arrived at the airport from Mexico, LAPD Officer Greg Kraft said. Police say Morshedi shot 22-year-old Dexterkane Justice James several times before he got in James car and ran over the wounded man as he drove off on Oct. 23. When officers arrived at the 23000 block of Leonora Drive about 8 p.m., they found James lying in the street. He was pronounced dead at the scene, Kraft said. Police found the car abandoned several blocks away that night, but a suspect was not immediately found. It is not clear how authorities linked Morshedi to the incident. Advertisement The FBI, German authorities and the Los Angeles County district attorneys office will work together to extradite Morshedi to the United States, Kraft said. Detectives initially theorized that the shooting was the result of a carjacking, although now they suspect James and the gunman may have known each other. Witness Sam Kindseth told KABC-TV that he heard gunshots and saw James body being dragged by the moving car. The driver was trying to pull the guy into his car, almost to like, hide the evidence, but maybe he couldnt get him in the car, and he just ran out of time and he took off and ran him over, Kindseth told the station at the time. hannah.fry@latimes.com Twitter: @Hannahnfry A married couple who fell to their deaths in Yosemite National Park last week were taking a picture of themselves at the time, the mans brother said Tuesday. Vishnu Viswanath, 29, and his wife, Meenakshi Moorthy, 30, died after plunging from Taft Point, a popular hiking destination, the Fresno Bee reported, citing park officials. The husband and wife were citizens of India who were living in the U.S., according to the Bee. Cisco India said Viswanath was a software engineer at the companys San Jose headquarters. Viswanaths brother, Jishnu Viswanath, told the Associated Press the couple had set up a tripod-mounted camera near the ledge of Taft Point on the evening of Oct. 23. Advertisement Park visitors saw the camera the next morning and alerted rangers, who used high-powered binoculars to find them and used helicopters to airlift the bodies, he said. The couple ran a travel blog called Holidays and Happily Ever Afters, which chronicled their adventures in scenic spots around the world, and ran an Instagram account with the same name that had more than 12,000 followers. On the blog, Moorthy, who had pink hair, described herself as a mermaid-haired wanderess who loves to waltz with words and Viswanath as Captain Creative who wows me and everyone with his phantasmagoric photographic skills. The couple, she wrote, had been diagnosed with a curious case of interminable travel bug. In March, Moorthy posted a photo of herself on Instagram, sitting on a cliff at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in a shirt that said Sunset Chaser. In the caption, she wrote about the dangers of taking dramatic daredevilry photos for likes on social media. A lot of us including yours truly is a fan of daredevilry attempts of standing at the edge of cliffs and skyscrapers, but did you know that wind gusts can be FATAL??? Moorthy wrote. Is our life just worth one photo? Sean Matteson, a Yosemite visitor from Oakland, said he noticed Moorthy around sunset at Taft Point, saying she stood out because of her bright pink hair. She was very close to the edge, but it looked like she was enjoying herself, Matteson said. She gave me the willies. There arent any railings. I was not about to get that close to the edge. But she seemed comfortable. She didnt seem like she was in distress or anything. Matteson said he captured pictures of Moorthy in the background of two photos he snapped of himself and his girlfriend. The National Park Service is investigating how the pair fell. Their bodies were discovered Thursday about 800 feet below Taft Point. This recovery operation involved park rangers using technical climbing and rappelling techniques, in addition to helicopter support from the California Highway Patrol, the park service wrote in a statement. The College of Engineering, Chengannur, in India wrote in a Facebook post that the couple were alumni of a computer science and engineering program. Our hearts go out to the friends and family members of this lovely couple, the college wrote. May their souls rest in peace. The Associated Press contributed to this report. hailey.branson@latimes.com Twitter: @haileybranson UPDATES: 1:50 p.m.: This article was updated with reports from family members and comments from a witness. This article was originally published at 8:55 p.m. Oct. 29. U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan said on Tuesday that it was not possible to end birthright citizenship with an executive order, after President Donald Trump said he was considering such a move, the Washington Post reported. "You cannot end birthright citizenship with an executive order," Ryan, the top Republican in Congress, said in an interview with radio station WVLK, according to the Post. Most people born in the United States are legally entitled to U.S. citizenship, according to the U.S. Constitution and court decisions. Search Keywords: Short link: The shooting massacre of 11 worshipers at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh Saturday was the deadliest attack on Jewish people in U.S. history. It is difficult not to see the attack which was carried out by a man whose social media posts made clear he wanted to eradicate Jews as the extreme tip of a trend. Anti-Semitism has always been present in American society, but in the last two years it has been especially visible. Jewish community centers around the country received dozens of bomb threats last year. The 2016 presidential campaign included anti-Jewish imagery. White supremacists have marched through the streets of Charlottesville, Va., with torches chanting, Jews will not replace us! Data show the problem getting worse. The number of anti-Semitic incidents and crimes has been rising rapidly after years of decline, though the most recent annual tallies are still below the peaks of the last two decades. Advertisement The Anti-Defamation League has tracked anti-Semitic incidents since 1979, drawing on reports from victims, police and news publications. The worst year was 1994, with 2,066 incidents. By 2013, the total fell to 751. It has been rising ever since, with the biggest all-time annual jump coming last year, when the tally climbed 57% to 1,986. The majority of those incidents were harassment, which rose 41% to 1,015 incidents, including 163 bomb threats against Jewish community centers and synagogues. Vandalism rose 86% to 952 cases. (Los Angeles Times) The number of physical assaults actually fell 47% from 36 to 19. Were not necessarily seeing a historic rise in anti-Semitism when you zoom out, said Brian Levin, director of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at Cal State San Bernardino. But the anti-Semites and white supremacists are more emboldened. The FBI began monitoring hate crimes, including anti-Semitism, in 1992. It defines a hate crime as a criminal offense against a person or property motivated in whole or in part by an offenders bias against a race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender, or gender identity. Hate crimes targeting Jews peaked at 1,013 in 2008 and declined to a low of 609 in 2014. The total increased the next year to 664 and again in 2016 to 684. The 2017 numbers are expected to be released next month. Anti-Semitic crime has risen and fallen with hate crime in general, consistently accounting for at least half of all those involving religion. The Southern Poverty Law Centers 2017 count of hate groups, released in February, showed that the number of white supremacist and neo-Nazi groups rose to 121 a 22% increase from the 99 a year earlier. Some of those groups, such as Vanguard America, took part in that summers Charlottesville rally, which jarred the country with one of the most public demonstrations of anti-Semitism and racism in decades. Most anti-Semitic incidents in the U.S. do not happen at large events or through deadly violence. Earlier this year, the Anti-Defamation League reported that 4.2 million anti-Semitic tweets were shared or re-shared in English on Twitter over a yearlong period ending in January. A lot of anti-Semitism has now gone from public spaces to virtual spaces, Levin said. We have a fragmentation of hate groups. We now have loners, autonomous actors and small local groups filling the gap where the largest groups had previously exerted some kind of prominence. Not anymore. The Anti-Defamation League and other civil rights groups have pointed out that the steep rise in anti-Semitic incidents corresponds to President Trumps rise to power and blame him for fueling anti-Jewish sentiment. The groups said the presidents anti-immigrant and anti-refugee pronouncements have emboldened white supremacist groups, which have embraced him. The president has also tweeted anti-Jewish and anti-Muslim memes from known extremists, including a campaign tweet that featured a symbol similar to the Star of David, images of cash and the phrase most corrupt candidate ever to describe Hillary Clinton. Late last year, Trump tweeted anti-Muslim videos from the far-right group Britain First, drawing condemnation from Prime Minister Theresa May. Activists said Trumps vilification of liberal philanthropist George Soros, whom he has accused of hiring people to protest conservative causes, has played into conspiracy theories about wealthy Jews. Trumps supporters deny that he has stoked hate, pointing out that hate crimes were already rising before he took office and that he has denounced anti-Semitism, most recently after the Pittsburgh shooting, and has a Jewish daughter and son-in-law. Trump adores Jewish Americans as part of his own family, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Monday. The president is scheduled to visit Pittsburgh on Tuesday. Amid the debate, one question has been whether the violence carried out by a small number of extremists represents more widespread feelings against Jews. One study suggested that such sentiments are limited and on the decline. A Pew Research Center survey last year found that of all major U.S. religious groups, Americans gave Jewish people the highest favorability ratings. In the survey, respondents rated Jewish people compared to Catholics, mainline Protestants, evangelical Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, Mormons, atheists and Muslims. In the survey, which asked a representative group of 4,248 U.S. adults to evaluate religious groups on a feelings thermometer, in which warmer ratings corresponded to more positive views, Jews received a rating of 67 out of 100. That was an improvement over the last such poll. Jews and Catholics continue to be among the groups that receive the warmest ratings even warmer than in 2014, the report noted. More national headlines In reviving the debate on birthright citizenship for children of those who immigrate to the U.S. illegally, President Trump on Tuesday claimed the nation is the only country in the world where a person comes in and has a baby, and the baby is essentially a citizen of the United States for 85 years with all of those benefits. Thats far from true. The U.S. is among more than 30 countries that give automatic citizenship to children born to nearly anybody living within a countrys borders, according to the National Constitution Center, which was established by Congress to educate Americans about the Constitution. In the early 17th century, the principle of birthright citizenship was established pretty definitively in England and that was exported to a number of British Empire colonies, including America, said Bernadette Meyler, a professor at Stanford Law School. Advertisement Today, birthright citizenship, with few exceptions, is the norm in countries whose laws were crafted based on English common law, including Canada, Jamaica and Pakistan. Nearly every country in Central and South America provides birthright citizenship, too. At the same time, several nations have been moving away from birthright citizenship, many in response to immigration. India, which once allowed birthright citizenship, gradually began doing away with it in the 1980s and almost completely ended it in 2004. Today, the law requires that children be granted citizenship only if a parent is a citizen. Australia, New Zealand and the Dominican Republic have also chipped away at birthright citizenship over the decades. And since the 1980s, the United Kingdom, the source of the birthright tradition, has imposed a rule that a child must have one parent who is a citizen in order to receive citizenship. Other countries in Europe also generally do not allow birthright citizenship. Birthright citizenship in the U.S. is based on the 14th Amendment, which was adopted after the Civil War to address the rights of freed slaves. It invalidated the Supreme Courts 1857 Dred Scott case, which said descendants of African slaves were not citizens. The citizenship clause of the amendment says, All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. The law was reaffirmed in a 1898 Supreme Court case, which held that birthright citizenship was already common law before it was written into the Constitution. But in the U.S. and elsewhere, illegal immigration has brought debates over changing citizenship requirements. According to the Pew Research Center analysis of government data, 275,000 babies were born to immigrants living in the U.S. illegally in 2014. Birthright citizenship was common law even before it was written into the Constitution, according to an 1898 Supreme Court ruling. (J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press) The same debate that is now happening here has been going on elsewhere for the same reasons, Meyler said. Heres a sampling of how the U.S. compares to other nations on citizenship requirements. Canada Anyone born in Canada is a citizen, regardless of their parents citizenship. The countrys Conservative Party has complained about the law and what it describes as birth tourism, when pregnant women come to Canada so their children will gain citizenship. But the party had been unsuccessful in changing the rule. Mexico Mexican law says that anyone born within the Republics territory whatever their parents nationality might be is a Mexican national. Mexico does not consider people to be citizens even if their parents are until they turn 18, which is when they can vote, hold office or join the military. Israel The country is unique for its citizenship rules. The Law of Return, in place since 1950, allows any Jew the right to immigrate to Israel and become a citizen. But a child born in Israel is a citizen only if a parent has citizenship. France Children born in France to foreign parents are not automatically citizens. But they become citizens when they turn 18, as long as they have lived in the country for five years since age 11. Germany A child born to a non-German citizen can be a citizen from birth only if a parent has been in the country for eight years with the legal status of unlimited residency. Children are also allowed to keep their parents citizenship until age 21, if the other nation allows it, though there are exceptions that allow dual citizenship for longer. Japan Unlike the U.S. or European nations that tend to allow a mix of citizenship by birth and by blood, Japans strict rules give children citizenship only if born to a Japanese national. There are a few exceptions, including cases where a parents nationality cannot be determined. Brazil South Americas most populous country is similar to the U.S. in bestowing citizenship to any child born within its borders. Australia Until 1986, anyone born in Australia was a citizen. Today, children become citizens at birth only if a parent is a citizen or permanent resident. China In the vast majority of cases, a newborn gets citizenship only if a parent is a Chinese national. jaweed.kaleem@latimes.com Twitter: @jaweedkaleem For the first time in her life, Cathy Greenman has planted a blue political campaign sign in her yard on a quiet country road in middle Georgia. Its a lone sign here for Stacey Abrams, the Democratic candidate for Georgia governor who is locked in a razor-close gubernatorial contest against Brian Kemp, a brash conservative Republican who aligns himself with President Trump. Trump won this rural stretch of Upson County overwhelmingly in 2016. But the retired elementary school teacher is hopeful that some, at least, of her neighbors are now leaning toward voting for an entirely different kind of candidate. At an early-vote rally last week for Abrams at a historic African American church in Thomaston, Ga., Greenman, who is white, was surprised to spot friends, former co-workers, and old high school classmates squeezed into the wooden pews. Democrats for so long have been quiet, she said. But people are tired of the lying and the good ol boys. Were getting fired up. Advertisement If Abrams wins, she would be the first Democrat elected to lead this Deep South state in two decades, reversing a long era of Republican domination. She would also make history as the nations first black female governor. With many hailing Abrams as a key to forging a path for Democrats in the South, a stream of celebrities, including former President Obama, Oprah Winfrey and actor and comedian Will Ferrell, have stormed into Georgia in recent days to knock on doors and stump for her. Republicans, in turn, are trying to bolster the party faithful with visits from President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence. A host of high-powered political and entertainment industry figures have been turning out around the country in battleground states to stump for candidates. On Thursday, Winfrey knocked on doors for Abrams her first time canvassing for any politician -- and reached out to voters at town halls in the Atlanta suburbs of Marietta and Decatur. Georgia, you have been on my mind, Winfrey said in Marietta, a traditionally conservative but rapidly diversifying suburb north of Atlanta that Hillary Clinton won in 2016. I was just sitting at home in California, minding my own business, but I could not stop thinking about whats going on down here. You all are on the precipice of a historical election. Hailing Abrams as a change-maker and a bodacious Georgia warrior woman, Winfrey urged Georgians not to waste their votes. Vote your values, she said in a shout out to women in the audience, noting that it has been less than a century since women won the right to vote. Only when we unite as sisters and I dont just mean sistas I mean sisters black sisters, brown sisters, white sisters, Asian sisters, LGBTQ sisters. When we all unite, I know for sure a change is going to come. Pence did not hesitate to mock Abrams celebrity supporters as he stumped for Kemp in Dalton, Ga. I got a message for all of Stacey Abrams liberal, Hollywood friends, he said to a roaring crowd of supporters. This aint Hollywood. This is Georgia. Abrams, a 44-year-old former state house minority leader, faces a daunting challenge in Georgia, which Trump won two years ago by a 5% margin. To beat Kemp, Abrams has to fire up minority voters and millennials who do not typically vote in midterms by positioning herself as a substantial break from the status quo. At the same time, she has to convince moderates, particularly white suburban women and college-educated swing voters, that she will be a steady, competent leader. Polls show a neck-and-neck race. An Atlanta Journal-Constitution/Channel 2 Action News poll released Thursday showed Abrams at 46.9% and Kemp at 46.7%, a statistically insignificant difference within the margin of error. A third candidate, Libertarian Ted Metz, has 1.6% of the vote. For many voters, the race is an epic showdown of political identity, a stark choice between a black female Ivy league Southern Democrat who grew up in poverty and a white male Republican who describes himself as politically incorrect and has run brazen TV ads in which he brandishes a shotgun and brags about owning a big truck in case he needs to round up criminal illegals. Stacey Abrams and Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp debate on Oct. 23. They are running neck-and-neck in recent polls. (John Bazemore / Associated Press) Throughout the campaign, Kemp has painted Abrams as a radical extremist with a socialist agenda. She wants higher taxes, bigger government, a single-payer radical government takeover of healthcare, he said last week in their first televised debate. And those are her moderate positions. Although Abrams positions herself as unapologetically liberal, eschewing the idea that Democrats should compromise on their values, she is not exactly a firebrand radical. Shes a progressive pragmatist, said Andra Gillespie, associate professor of political science at Emory University, who noted that as a state legislator Abrams earned a track record of reaching across the aisle to cut deals with Republicans. If she were running in Georgia as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez did in New York, she wouldnt have made it past the primary. The daughter of two Methodist ministers, Abrams peppers her stump speeches with proverbs from the Bible. She also draws on her side gig as a romance novelist, weaving in personal stories of growing up in poverty and her parents commitment to church and community. Often, she begins with the story of when she graduated in 1991 as valedictorian of her high school in suburban Atlanta. Her parents did not have a working car, so they traveled by bus to a reception at the governors mansion. We walked up the driveway as these cars are coming in bringing in all the valedictorians from across the state, she said last week at a rally. And we get to the guard gate. He looks at me and he looks at my parents and he says, This is a private event. You dont belong here. Abramss parents pushed back, engaging the man about his life choices, even warning him he might spend eternity in a place that was far warmer than Georgia. Eventually, the guard checked his list, found her name and let them inside. I dont remember meeting the governor, she said. The only thing I remember about that day was the man standing in front of the most powerful place in Georgia, looking at me and telling me I dont belong. In her quest to take the governors mansion, Abrams has focused on giving a voice to those who feel left out of the political process, registering and mobilizing tens of thousands of new voters. The state has seen a massive surge in early voting in recent weeks, with more than 1.6 million Georgia residents casting a ballot so far a 137% higher turnout than at the same time in 2014. A former tax attorney, Abrams seeks to ground her policies in precise, methodical economic calculation. She pitches her key campaign platform expanding Medicaid as a common sense move she says will not only help cover half a million Georgians who are uninsured, but also cut everyones health insurance rates, create 56,000 jobs across the state, and save rural hospitals now on the brink of closure. As one of 17 states that have declined additional federal funds for the problem, Georgia has one of the nations highest rates of uninsured residents. Georgia forfeits $8 million a day because we wont expand Medicaid. $3 billion dollars a year. she told a crowd in Newnan. If I said, You give me a dollar and Ill give you $9 back, whod say no? Brian Kemp. Hes saying no to $3 billion. Kemp slams Abrams healthcare policy as a reckless expansion of government, proposing instead to boost a rural hospital tax credit program and seek federal waivers to the Affordable Care Act to help stabilize insurance premiums. Polling suggests more than 70% of Georgians and half of Republicans support expanding Medicaid. Though Abrams is not shy to mention the historic nature of her bid, she is quick to stress that she wants to win on her individual merits. I dont want anybody to elect me because Im black and I dont want anyone to vote for me because Im a woman, she said last week to thunderous applause in Thomaston, a small town 60 miles south of Atlanta. I should win because Im better. Georgia has become more purple in recent years as its Latino population has exploded and a diverse range of transplants have moved to the state. Minorities now make up 40% of the states population, up 10% percent from just two decades ago. The question is whether Georgia is leaning Democratic fast enough for Abrams to win. The issue of race and voter suppression has loomed over the campaign. Earlier this month, a coalition of civil rights groups filed a federal lawsuit accusing Kemp, who as secretary of state has introduced a raft of strict voting rules, of undermining the voting rights of minority Georgians by blocking more than 50,000 voter registrations mostly minority residents. About 80% of pending applications were submitted by African Americans, Latinos and Asian Americans. Kemp has dismissed the lawsuit as a farce and a manufactured crisis, noting that voter registration and minority participation in Georgia elections have climbed in recent years. Abrams, in turn, has called on Kemp to resign as secretary of state and has not shied away from assailing her opponent on the campaign trail as an architect of voter suppression. Last week, former President Jimmy Carter waded in, writing a personal letter to Kemp urging him to step down as secretary of state to avoid damaging public confidence in the fairness of the election. Although much of Abrams support is concentrated in cities, about a third of rural Georgians are Democrats. At stops in conservative pockets of the state, Abrams has focused on bread-and-butter issues, from access to rural healthcare to giving law enforcement officers a living wage. In Thomaston, she touted her Bold Start Scholarship program, which would make quality child care more affordable. In Newnan, she vowed to create tens of thousands of renewable energy jobs (climate change is real, yall). In Carrollton, she called for a living wage and vowed to make college debt-free across Georgia. I know this is a slightly red county, but yall know yall are blue inside, Abrams said in Thomaston as more than 200 people, from mothers cradling babies to elderly women with canes, packed the St. Mary African Methodist Episcopal Churchs wooden pews, backed up against the white-washed walls, filled the upper balcony. History is being made, said Neisha M. Davis, the churchs pastor, noting that the church had not had seen a standing-room-only crowd for its 150th anniversary last year. This here proves many are desperate for change. jenny.jarvie@latimes.com @jennyjarvie UPDATES: 7:45 p.m. Nov 1: This article was updated with the latest poll numbers. 2:05 p.m. Nov. 1: This article has been updated with Winfrey and Obama visits, and new figures on early voting. This article was originally published at 3 a.m. Oct. 30. David Rosenthal loved the police. When his scanner broke, he begged his family to fix it. When they went to the flea market, he always bought the same thing: mirrored sunglasses. When he called his brother-in-law, he had a familiar greeting. Hey, Michael, Rosenthal would say. The police are looking for you. Michael Hirt let the laughs from about 1,400 people roll through the packed the Rodef Shalom Synagogue on Tuesday. It was a vintage David Rosenthal moment. It wouldve been difficult enough if Hirt were just eulogizing Rosenthal, 54. But this was a funeral for two and Hirt still had to talk about Cecil Rosenthal, 59. The two brothers were among 11 people killed over the weekend in the mass shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, the deadliest attack on Jewish people in U.S. history. Advertisement The Rosenthals, both of whom were intellectually disabled, were described as having gentle souls and distinct personalities. David was orderly and neat and prone to banter. Cecil was described as a consummate politician who knew everyones business but also cared deeply about the welfare of those in his Squirrel Hill neighborhood, the historical hub of Pittsburghs Jewish community. Elsewhere in the city on Tuesday, funerals were held for a leader of the synagogue and a beloved family doctor, while outside the Tree of Life Synagogue, President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump visited a makeshift memorial as hundreds in the city took to the streets to protest his visit, holding signs and chanting, This Land is Your Land. At the 45-minute Rosenthal service, Hirt weaved funny stories about his brothers-in-law. But he struggled to get through one story in particular. He said he had always wondered why Cecil Rosenthal liked to go to the store and buy greeting cards. After all, he couldnt read or write though he had mastered writing his name. But one day, Hirt got a letter. He said it had been addressed by Rosenthals supervisor. When he opened it up, he was moved. Hirt paused at the bimah, trying not to break down. The card contained nothing but a jumble of random letters, Hirt said, his voice wavering. But somewhere in the middle of the jumble was his name. Diane Hirt, sister to Cecil and David Rosenthal, said they were gentle giants. She cried when she spoke. No one ever expects to write a eulogy for a sibling, let alone two siblings at the same time especially under such tragic and horrific circumstances, she said. Tree of Life Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, who was in the synagogue when the massacre began, had said on Sunday that he wasnt sure how he would get through the funerals. He would be doing a few more this week. But the death of the brothers hit him especially hard. Myers said he saw the pair at Tree of Life all the time. The synagogue, still cordoned off by police tape, was like their home and the two were usually ready to pray even before the rabbi showed up. No matter how early Id get there, Cecil was always there, Myers said. David was setting everything in order. The books had to be just right. Myers said it would feel empty without the Rosenthals around. Before the funeral began, several hundred people waited outside the synagogue to meet and greet family members. Some stood patiently for as long as 90 minutes as the line snaked through streets with trees whose leaves were still turning rust and falling to the sidewalks. Both of the boys as the brothers were known were Pittsburgh Steelers fans, and members of the team arrived to pay their respects. Before the service, several uniformed first responders approached the caskets and saluted the brothers. Rodef Shalom Rabbi Aaron Bisno said it was the biggest crowd hed ever seen in his temple. An incredible outpouring, he said. Also on Tuesday, a funeral took place at Pittsburghs Jewish Community Center for Jerry Rabinowitz, a 66-year-old doctor remembered for being a compassionate caregiver. A private service was held for temple leader Daniel Stein, 71. At Rodef Shalom, there was talk about the pending visit of Trump, who had upset some people by arriving on the same day as the city and state were still trying to assist the families of the shooting victims. Trump arrived in the late afternoon with the first lady and they placed a white flower and small stone on each star erected in memory of the 11 dead at the makeshift memorial outside the Tree of Life. Both also made visits to hospitals to see the four police officers wounded in the rampage. Suspect Robert Bowers, who was wounded before being arrested, had posted anti-Semitic screeds on social media before the attack. He is due in court for a preliminary hearing Thursday. Protesters lined the presidents route at times as it went through Pittsburgh, with some of them shouting and holding signs. We didnt invite you here, one man holding a baby was heard shouting. Signs said Words Matter and Your Hate Speech Has Consequences. Rabbi Myers, who said the president would be welcomed and who accompanied him during a portion of the visit, according to local pool reports, emphasized that the way the brothers lived their lives was a repudiation of hate. The two, he said, didnt have an ounce of hate in them. Michal Gray-Schaffer, who knew the Rosenthals from when she was a cantor at Tree of Life, said the tragedy had caused her to think about how she lived her life moment to moment. She said she still regretted how she once saw David Rosenthal walking and offered him a ride. Gray-Schaffer said he got in and proceeded to ask her for 75 cents for a soda. She only had $1 on her, so she didnt give it to him, she recalled. Sitting in the temple, her eyes began to fill with tears. I wish I had given him the 75 cents, she said. There are no small moments in life. Brother-in-law Hirt said everyone learned and was better from knowing the Rosenthal brothers. We were much more enriched by them than they were by us, Hirt said. They were kind, thoughtful. They were pure souls who bore no ill will toward anyone. Myers, addressing the Rosenthal family, looked directly at them when he spoke from the bimah. Parents arent supposed to bury their children. I say to you, you gave us this beautiful gift in Cecil and David. We thank you for sharing that gift with us. The gift was taken back way too soon. But look at how much richer our lives are because you gave us Cecil and David. The funeral procession was escorted by local and state police and Myers presided over the burial at Tree of Life Memorial Park. He said that under Jewish custom, each person would shovel a pile of dirt with the shovel turned upside down. It is a way to signify a difficult task, he said. Also, because the brothers couldnt be buried in Israel, he added, a handful of dirt from Israel would be thrown in by their parents, Elie and Joy Rosenthal. Joy Rosenthal, 80, needed a walker and it was a minor miracle it could hold the weight of her grief. She took the handful of dirt and stared into the ground. She sobbed and staggered just a little bit before tossing it onto the casket. Then she did the unthinkable. She walked a few steps to the casket containing her other son. Took a scoop of dirt and did it again. She wept. Two sons killed in an instant and now mourned forever. Times staff writer Eli Stokols contributed to this report. david.montero@latimes.com @DaveMontero UPDATES: 7:15 p.m.: The story was updated with staff reporting. 3:35 p.m.: The story was updated with details of President Trumps arrival. The story was originally published at 12:52 p.m. German Chancellor Angela Merkel is the de facto leader of the European Union and, in the wake of U.S. abdication, of Western liberalism. Her announced departure in 2021 throws the future of both enterprises into doubt. It can be difficult for Americans to grasp the importance of the transatlantic alliance that for nearly three-quarters of a century has protected democracy, prosperity and peace here, in Europe and, intermittently, around the globe. American ambivalence and sometimes outright hostility toward this nations role in the world fueled the rise of Donald Trump, who as president heaped scorn on NATO and other institutions of international cooperation. With Britain already planning its exit from Europe, Merkel was left with the task of keeping the continents liberal democracies together, shoring up its weaker economies, taking in Syrian war refugees (and in so doing, expressing long-standing Western humanitarian values) and, importantly, providing a counterweight and counterexample to a belligerent Russia and an increasingly influential China. With Britain already planning its exit from Europe, Merkel was left with the task of keeping the continents liberal democracies together. Advertisement There came a point a year ago when Merkel, acknowledging that the U.S. under Trump had become an unreliable partner and an absent leader, declared that Europeans must take their destinies into their own hands. She would, in effect, grab the torch of liberty and economic liberalism that American presidents once carried but that Trump cast aside. But she was not strong enough to lift it. Not without the U.S. as senior partner, not with the rise of right-wing populism and authoritarianism now on display in Hungary and Poland, and gaining ground in Italy, Austria and her own country. Thanks especially to the migrant crisis, Merkel lost the confidence of many of her German constituents, as shown by a series of disastrous election losses. Her brief time as leader of the free world is coming to an end. Who will replace her? Liberalisms remaining champions French President Emmanuel Macron, for example lack Merkels presence or her nations economic might. Meanwhile, Russia looms over Europe, and although it may be economically weak and possess a mere shadow of the military might of the old Soviet Union, it is apparently powerful enough to seduce the American president away from this nations erstwhile friends and fracture not just the Atlantic alliance but Europe itself. That ought to matter to Americans. For centuries, Europe was defined by the deadly struggle among its nations for land, wealth and allegiance. The creation of the European Union bringing together, among others, the bitter enemies France and Germany, along with Britain and smaller neighbors demonstrated that political and economic liberty along the American model could deliver not just wealth but security. The U.S. has been both a sponsor of and a beneficiary of those blessings. Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute from L.A. Times Opinion In his book The Jungle Grows Back, Brookings Institution Senior Fellow Robert Kagan asserts that freedom and prosperity have been the rule in the Western world for the last seven decades not because they are the inevitable fate of humankind, but because the U.S. has been willing to pay the ongoing maintenance costs the never ending work of cutting back the relentlessly growing jungle of chaos, dictatorship and war. Germany, Europe, rich as they are, cannot pay those costs alone. The jungle is growing back in places like Brazil, where voters in Sunday elected far-right populist Jair Bolsonaro. The new president worked with and has celebrated the military dictatorship that ruled the huge South American nation before democracy was restored there in the 1980s. Strains of nativism and authoritarianism are evident in the leaders of nations like the Philippines and Mexico. Many of these leaders and would-be leaders such as Frances right-wing politician Marine Le Pen are openly lauded by Trump. Once giving up its leadership, the U.S. may find it is a hard thing to win back. Merkel has handled it as best she could during the period of American retrenchment. We can only hope that her European successor will do the same. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook If President Trump were a different and better man, he would have reacted to the sickening slaughter of 11 congregants at a Pittsburgh synagogue by engaging in some sober self-examination and refraining from incendiary comments that might energize other violent extremists. After all, Robert D. Bowers, a virulent anti-Semite who is accused of Saturdays rampage at the Tree of Life Synagogue, reportedly was angry about a so-called caravan of Central American migrants heading for the U.S. border which Trump, Fox News and others have been harping on incessantly in recent weeks as the midterm elections approach. Trump has claimed, without presenting any evidence, that the caravan is harboring gang members and Middle Eastern terrorists; guests on Fox News and others have suggested that the caravan is being funded or organized by George Soros, a philanthropist and Jewish survivor of the Holocaust. Trump rightly denounced the massacre in Pittsburgh as a wicked act of mass murder (after suggesting dubiously that the results would have been far better if the synagogue had employed an armed guard). But there is no sign that he has developed any second thoughts about his divisive and dishonest rhetoric. On Monday, Trump was already back at it, saying that some very bad people are heading to to our Southern Border. He even referred to an invasion of the country. Never mind that a similar distortion of reality had apparently just animated a mass murderer; the president refuses to connect the dots. Trump responded with similar nonchalance last week to the arrest of Cesar Sayoc Jr., one of his supporters who is accused of sending explosive devices to more than a dozen opponents or critics of the president, including former President Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton (or Crooked Hillary, as Trump calls her), Rep. Maxine Walters and hedge-fund billionaire Tom Steyer, who has been campaigning for Trumps impeachment. Trump praised law enforcement for apprehending Sayoc, but rejected the suggestion that his own behavior was in any way to blame for the bombs sent to a Whos Who of his critics. (As for Steyer, the president on Sunday described him on Twitter as a crazed & stumbling lunatic.) Advertisement Violence is the predictable result of comments that fuel the violent fantasies and irrational hatreds of unstable individuals. So who, other than the perpetrators themselves, is responsible for what Trump on Sunday called the division and hatred that has been going on for so long in our Country? You guessed it: the news media. According to Trump, their fake and dishonest reporting . . . is causing problems far greater than they understand. On Monday the president tweeted: The Fake News Media, the true Enemy of the People, must stop the open & obvious hostility & report the news accurately & fairly. That will do much to put out the flame of Anger and Outrage and we will then be able to bring all sides together in Peace and Harmony. Its not surprising that the president would seek to deflect responsibility for the anger and outrage he himself has kindled with his demonization of Mexicans, Muslims, refugees, asylum seekers and his critics and political opponents. Nor is it surprising that he would blame the media. Undermining legitimate news reporting, contradicting established facts, branding reporters as liars, devaluing verifiable truth these are by now the familiar tactics of a man who is as incapable of introspection as he is of uniting the country at a time of trauma. He is by his very nature a divider, a pugilist, a blamer of others. His instinct, even in a moment of national mourning, is to attack his perceived enemies and double down on his most divisive pronouncements. Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute from L.A. Times Opinion Obviously the primary responsibility for acts of violence and terrorism belongs with those who commit the crimes. No one can argue that either Bowers or Sayoc acted as Trumps agent. (Bowers apparently thinks that Trump is a globalist, not a nationalist who is in the thrall of Jewish advisors.) As we suggested in a previous editorial, even Trumps most ugly, provocative and inaccurate comments fall far short of the criminal standard for incitement to violence. Even so, violence is the predictable result of comments that fuel the violent fantasies and irrational hatreds of unstable individuals; it is the foreseeable outcome of our increasingly toxic politics. Yet the presidents irresponsible behavior continues, and the allies and advisors who should be criticizing him are instead enabling his excesses. The other day Vice President Mike Pence dismissed the idea of any connection between Trumps rhetoric and acts of violence, noting primly that everyone has their own style, and frankly, people on both sides of the aisle use strong language about our political differences. What Pence calls Trumps style is a grievous character flaw that continues to put the nation at risk. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinionand Facebook Whatever concerns motivated thousands of Central American migrants to form a caravan to the United States in the last few weeks, their trek has undeniably become a political demonstration and media circus. The caravan couldnt have been better timed to stir anti-immigrant frenzy days before a critical midterm election. On Monday, in clashes between caravan trekkers and Mexican border guards at the Mexico-Guatemala border, a migrant died. In Washington, the Trump administration announced it had begun deploying more than 5,000 active duty troops to keep the asylum seekers and migrants out of the U.S. The caravan raises real issues on all sides of the immigration debate. Both the United States and Mexico express legitimate concerns that larger-than-normal groups crossing borders represent a security threat. The caravan may contribute to domestic problems, including homelessness, and each government rightly wonders what it owes foreigners. The United States also asks whether Mexico, the country of transit, ought to take responsibility for screening asylum seekers. On the other side, the well-documented failure of El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala to protect their people from violence and abuse in part perpetrated by U.S.-funded and trained security forces establishes bona fide grounds for at least some trekkers to seek asylum. Advertisement There is a U.S. immigration backlog of about 750,000 cases. Can these competing concerns be reconciled? Are we faced, as some politicians suggest, with a binary choice between completely open or completely closed borders? We have answers from history and current practice. At the close of World War II, when the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was agreed upon as the foundation for a more humane world order, the tension between state sovereignty and individual rights was reflected in a paradox: The declaration enshrined the right of anyone to leave one country, but it did not guarantee a right to enter another. There was an exception: the right to seek and enjoy asylum from persecution. No country wants a refugee influx. Lebanon didnt ask to add to its population a million Syrians fleeing war. Bangladesh didnt invite 700,000 Rohingya refugees to cross from Myanmar over the course of a few weeks last year. Colombia didnt authorize 3,000 Venezuelans to enter every day in recent months. But these and other countries have tried, however imperfectly, to strike the balance required to protect refugees, most commonly with blanket temporary protection while restricting migrants movements or otherwise screening them for security threats. Germany, which received 772,400 asylum applications during the mass migration of 2016, took a different approach, making 573,600 individual decisions in 2017. By contrast, the United States received 331,700 new asylum applications in 2017 and only made substantive decisions on 65,600 cases. There is a U.S. immigration backlog of about 750,000 cases. Refugees have the right to seek asylum, but not the right to choose the asylum country. The United States has a safe-third-country agreement with Canada. It can decline to examine an asylum claim of someone travelling through Canada, because Canada, with comparable standards and procedures, has committed to taking that responsibility. But thats not the case with Mexico. Although Mexicos asylum system has improved in recent years, its police and immigration forces continue to block access to its under-resourced asylum procedures. Mexico cannot now be relied upon to provide effective protection to asylum seekers. Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute from L.A. Times Opinion In dealing with a mass influx, U.S. courts have given authorities great leeway to detain people while assessing their claims. The government used that leeway during the 125,000-person Mariel boatlift from Cuba in 1980. But do several thousand people walking 1,400 miles, in fact, represent a mass influx? During the last decade, the United States has apprehended on average 450,000 irregular border-crossers yearly about 1,200 people per day and placed them in deportation proceedings. Its not clear that the caravan would represent a massively larger influx. Detention is an option for those who could be dangerous or who might not show up for court proceedings, but reasonable and effective alternatives to detention exist, including community-supported release. Data show that when asylum seekers have confidence that a system is in place that will provide protection to those who qualify, they are not likely to abscond. Like other refugee-receiving countries, the United States did not ask for this challenge. But as much as the U.S. has the right to decide who is allowed to enter and stay within its borders, it is also obligated by treaty not to return anyone, no matter their economic circumstances, to face real threats to their lives and freedom. How it treats those escaping poverty and misery, but not persecution and conflict, is a political choice that hinges on humanitarian considerations and economic interests, not legal obligation. In neither case is the choice simply a matter of open or closed borders. It is instead about managing migration and human rights. Securing borders is not incompatible with protecting refugees. The United States, like other countries, is capable of doing both. Bill Frelick is the refugee rights director at Human Rights Watch. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook. The debate over whether or not President Trump encouraged the man who allegedly set out to kill Jews at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh really isnt a debate at all. Its a shouting match. Yes, he did! No, he didnt! It will only make things worse, as each side grows increasingly deaf to its own heated rhetoric and ever more furious at the others. Advertisement Heres a better question: Is Trump helping? The answer, obviously, is no. Let us stipulate that the pro-Israel father of Ivanka Trump, who converted to Judaism when she married Jared Kushner, is not literally Hitler. But lets also stipulate that theres something about Trump and his MAGA nationalism thats been, and remains, very attractive to bigots. This doesnt mean that everyone who jumped aboard the Trump train is a bigot. Far from it. But it is simply true that some who did are bigots, and that Trump and his team have been unconcerned about this fact. Every day Trump fuels a sense of chaos, a feeling that none of the norms or rules need apply anymore. I have some personal experience here. When the alt-right first rallied around Trump, starting in 2015, I was one of their targets. I was besieged with anti-Semitic filth. I ranked sixth on the Anti-Defamation Leagues list of targeted Jewish journalists. Once, when I mentioned that my brother had died, I was pelted with jokes asking if hed been turned into soap or a lampshade. While the attacks shocked me, I was more dismayed by how little so many of my fellow conservatives seemed to care about the phenomenon. This was back when Steve Bannon who would later become the Trump campaigns CEO and, eventually, the presidents senior advisor still wanted to turn Breitbart.com into the platform for the alt-right. The best defense of Trump at the time was ignorance and, ironically, bigotry toward Republicans. A lifelong New York Democrat, Trump had no real understanding of what traditional conservatives and Republicans believed. In 2000, when he vied for the Reform Partys presidential nomination, he said he was trying to keep bigots from taking over the party. Hes obviously been having a love affair with Adolf Hitler, he said of his opponent Pat Buchanan. Trumps dream running mate: Oprah. In 2016, after years of attracting support for his birtherism, he still believed many of the liberal stereotypes of the GOP as a hothouse of bigotry. Hence his reluctance to repudiate David Duke. Trump let Putins and the alt-rights troll armies fight in his name; he thought he needed them. Trump is even more ignorant about how to be presidential. Hes the first president who doesnt even know how to pretend to be a unifying figure, at least for longer than it takes to read a statement off a teleprompter. Instead, hes enraptured by the rapture of his base, feeding them red meat, dog whistles and wedge issues anything to keep the attention on him. He often states that it would be so easy to be presidential, but, as he said at a rally in March, youd all be out of here right now, youd be so bored. Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute from L.A. Times Opinion All of this has had a transformative effect on Trump, on his base and on his opponents. Trump long resisted calling himself a nationalist. Now he embraces it. The media has gone from being biased (it is), to being fake (its not), to being the enemy of the people and tantamount to a fifth column. Many in the Trumpified right-wing media amplify and reinforce all of this because they, too, are addicted to the same base. Amid the mail-bomb scare last week, Trump tweeted that it was unfair that CNN can criticize him, yet when I criticize them, they go wild and scream, Its just not Presidential! The false equivalence is lost on him and on his defenders. CNN isnt the president. Its in a different lane. And while its coverage is worthy of criticism, that coverage shouldnt be a warrant for Trump to leave his lane. I dont think Trump deliberately encouraged this slaughter in Pittsburgh. But every day he fuels a sense of chaos, a feeling that none of the norms or rules need apply anymore. And that is bad enough. It certainly isnt helping. jgoldberg@latimescolumnists.com Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion or Facebook To a boy, the synagogue at the corner of Shady and Wilkins avenues in Pittsburghs Squirrel Hill neighborhood was enormous. It contained worlds within worlds. To the right, the three floors of classrooms that you advanced down by the year, aleph to hay, starting at the same third floor where Robert Bowers holed up after allegedly killing 11 worshipers with an AK-15 and 3 Glocks. To the left, the main sanctuary, off-limits to us little pishers except for actual services and finally, our bar or bat mitzvahs, our turn to take our place in the room where Bowers opened fire on a mostly older crowd of early-arriving congregants. Having shifted impatiently in those seats as an 8-year-old, and steered my aging mother to them as an adult, I felt able compelled on Saturday to imagine the horrific scene as it played out for the victims. Confusion turning to incredulity turning to terror in the realization they were being massacred, like Jews before them, but now in their hometown synagogue in America. I knew one of the victims, Joyce Fienberg, for decades. A lovely sweet-souled woman, she was saying Kaddish for her husband, Stephen, even though he had died two years earlier and the statutory period for mourning had long passed. May her memory be a blessing. Advertisement Jews of course were at risk in the world, but the United States was a safe haven. For me, the Tree of Life compound got downsized to its real proportions when I returned to Pittsburgh, Rip Van Winkle-like, after being away for 20 years. I came back as a United States attorney, heading the same office that will now bring hate crime charges, and probably seek the death penalty, against Bowers starting this week. I had become one of the machers working with across religious groups to promote interfaith dialogue and build trust for federal, state and local law enforcement. That sort of work will be much needed in the wake of the Tree of Life tragedy. Pittsburgh, famously cohesive, decent and down to earth, will no doubt pull it off. Now Tree of Life is once again strangely outsized for me, a national and even international symbol as the site of the worst act of anti-Semitic violence in U.S. history. Video and photographs of the corner I know like the back of my hand were broadcast nonstop over the weekend. The 1950s building has become a monument to terror as much as a house of worship. America itself is experiencing a similar sort of sine curve, a queasy reality for a country that, save only for Israel, has been the most secure and accepting of Jews in history. I was raised by parents and teachers for whom the Holocaust was a living memory. As a boy in Pittsburgh, I had a childs ingenuous, wide-eyed fear that Nazis would come and take us in the middle of the night. I planned escape routes and calibrated who would hide me in their basement. Coming of age, that all seemed a childish fear. Jews of course were at risk in the world, but the United States was a safe haven. Anti-Semitism had been reduced to a mild condescending form among an older white-shoe elite. The more virulent strains were socially unacceptable, and despite occasional outrages a gunman at the Jewish Community Center in L.A., a bludgeoning in Seattle there seemed little prospect it would ripen into a mass killing of American synagogue-goers. Not that our Jewish otherness was forgotten. It made Jews quick to identify with and support the downtrodden. Jewish voters are the one group in American political life that consistently casts ballots against their economic interests. They tend to follow the biblical injunction, love you therefore the stranger; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. Now, crazily, that foundation feels newly unstable. As of Saturday, my children are less secure than were their parents. The threat is not existential, but it is real and vivid all the same. Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute from L.A. Times Opinion Guards will be posted outside synagogues as a matter of course, as they are in Israel and France. Congregants will quicken their steps and look around for suspicious figures as they arrive to pray. I expect Squirrel Hill and Jewish communities everywhere to rebound with hope, resolve and sechel good sense; and yet the anxiety of being Jewish will increase. Our royal schmuck of a president, and the gonifs in the Republican caucus who enable him, surely bear some of the blame. It is beyond argument that Trump seeks to polarize and stoke the grievances of the Robert Bowerses of the world; it is a conscious political strategy. Now a self-proclaimed nationalist never a good term to Jewish ears Trump is, at best, indifferent to the effect of his dog-whistle demonizing on his more rabid followers. Tuesday he travels to Pittsburgh, where Jewish leaders have announced he is not welcome until he renounces white nationalism. Their pleas will accomplish bupkis. It remains to be seen whether this nation will return to pre-Trumpian levels of decency and tolerance. For now, American Jews find themselves wondering, as they havent in 70 years, from where the next gunshots will come. Harry Litman is a former U.S. attorney and deputy attorney general. He practices law and teaches at UC San Diego. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinionand Facebook To the editor: I am deeply saddened that President Trump is so frightened of immigrants who have nothing, and who have no way of defending themselves. He is sending 5,200 more active-duty troops to the U.S. border with Mexico, a higher number than immigrants expected to arrive. The migrants are coming from Central America seeking a better way of life, one offering security and a way to provide for their families with dignity and hope. The countries they come from are in chaos a chaos that has been, in some way, created by the United States. What is our country, our president, doing to assist in bringing stability to the Central American countries? People tend not to want to pick up and leave their homes; they would stay if they felt secure and could provide for their families. Diane Smith, Los Angeles Advertisement .. To the editor: Although Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto did not do what the Trump administration wanted, which was to physically stop the caravan from crossing into Mexico, he did the next best thing. By offering everyone in the caravan provisional residency permits, work papers and access to healthcare and schools, he undercut fully and completely any legal argument for refugee status in the U.S. With this offer by Pena Nieto, there can be no argument that the caravan hasnt reached safety in Mexico. Thus, all the lawyers who were preparing to gather on our southern border to advise the members of the caravan on their rights will have nothing to say. George A. Vandeman, Playa del Rey .. To the editor: Our president, as is his wont, likes to frighten us. Warning about the invasion of thousands of abused people, shedding everything they own and know in a quest for safety and a desire to contribute to our country by applying for refugee status here, is one (one!) of the latest examples. If past is prologue, perhaps 900 invading souls from this caravan might eventually make it to the richest, most generous country on Earth. Those 900 invaders would fill a third of the seats at Carnegie Hall and would be considered a disastrous attendance at the Hollywood Bowl. Golly. David Chambers, Los Angeles .. To the editor: Last fiscal year, we gave a paltry $144 million in aid to Honduras, about $229 million to Guatemala and about $91 million to El Salvador, according to USAID. What if we gave these countries part of our $590-billion military budget? What if we gave a fraction of the more than $5 trillion projected to be spent on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan? I doubt we would need the thousands of military troops at our border to protect us from these desperate people seeking jobs, security and a better life. John Wynne, Garden Grove Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook Thousands of mourners on Tuesday attended the first funerals for victims of a mass shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue, as protesters prepared to greet U.S. President Donald Trump amid accusations his rhetoric encouraged anti-Semitic extremists. About 2,000 people from across the United States came to offer condolences to the relatives of David Rosenthal, 54, and Cecil Rosenthal, 59, at the Rodef Shalom synagogue in the Pennsylvania city as police officers stood outside. The two brothers were among the 11 mostly elderly congregants shot to death on Saturday at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill neighborhood. Services were also held for Jerry Rabinowitz, a 66-year-old family physician, and Daniel Stein, a 71-year-old retiree. Nurses in surgical scrubs were among the crowd of about 2,000 mourners at Rabinowitz's funeral. "He was just precious. I feel like I've lost a father figure and I have a father, said Michele Bucher, a 54-year-old patient of Rabinowitz. Robert Bowers, 46, is accused of storming into the Tree of Life synagogue yelling "All Jews must die" and opening fire on members of three congregations holding Sabbath prayer services there. A federal judge on Monday ordered Bowers held without bail. The attack, which the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) described as the deadliest targeting Jews in the United States, has heightened a national debate over Trump's rhetoric, which critics say has contributed to a surge in white nationalist and neo-Nazi activity. The Trump administration has rejected the notion that he has encouraged far-right extremists who have embraced him. Trump's visit comes just seven days before elections that will determine the balance of power in Congress. The Republicans currently control both the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Republican president said he would visit hospitalized police officers and other people wounded in the shooting. "I'm just going to pay my respects," Trump told Fox News on Monday night. "I would have done it even sooner, but I didnt want to disrupt anymore than they already had disruption." The top four U.S. congressional leaders - Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Democratic Senate leader Chuck Schumer, Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan and House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi - declined to join Trump in Pittsburgh, two sources familiar with the planning said. An aide to McConnell said the Kentucky Republican was unable to attend because of a conflict with events in his home state. An aide to Ryan said he was not able to travel to Pittsburgh on such short notice. The ADL, a nonprofit group dedicated to fighting anti-Semitism and all forms of hate, said last week that far-right extremists had stepped up "online propaganda offensives" in the run-up to the elections to attack and to try to intimidate Jews. "I spend half of each year in Germany. I have seen how another country with a much tougher background has dealt with this, starting at ground zero," said Walter Jacob, a rabbi at Rodef Shalom. 'YOU ARE NOT WELCOME' Members of Pittsburgh's Jewish community said they would protest against Trump on Tuesday afternoon. "The gunman who tore apart our neighborhood believed your lies about the immigrant caravan in Mexico," protest organizers said in an announcement, referring to a group of migrants who are trekking through Mexico toward the United States. "He believed anti-Semitic lies that Jews were funding the caravan" In a social media post on Saturday, Bowers, the suspect, had accused the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS), a group that helps refugees, of bringing "invaders in that kill our people." The protest announcement echoed an open letter from a group of local Jewish leaders who told Trump: "You are not welcome in Pittsburgh until you fully denounce white nationalism." More than 74,500 people have signed the letter, organized and posted online by the Pittsburgh chapter of Bend the Arc, a Jewish organization opposed to what it calls "the immoral agenda of the Trump administration and the Republican Party." Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto said he was also against Trump's visit because it would coincide with the first funerals. Peduto, a Democrat, said Trump should wait until all the funerals were held, adding that the visit and additional security measures entailed would distract attention from the "priority" of burying the dead. On Monday, Bowers, a onetime truck driver who frequently posted anti-Semitic material online and was described by neighbors as a loner, was charged with 29 federal felony counts. If convicted, he could face the death penalty. Prosecutors have said they are treating the mass shooting as a hate crime. In addition to the 11 worshipers who were killed, six people, including four police officers, were wounded before Bowers was shot by police and surrendered. Four people, including two police officers, remained hospitalized on Tuesday afternoon, according to a spokeswoman for UPMC Presbyterian hospital. Search Keywords: Short link: California big, bounteous, beautiful is pretty much used to irrelevancy come election day. Sure, the state has produced many leaders of national import and helped countless more finance their political pursuits. But its been two decades since California was a presidential battleground, and longer still since the state played a meaningful role choosing a major party presidential nominee. Successive congressional wave elections have come and passed, cresting without ever breaching the Sierra Nevada. This year is different. Advertisement Unaccustomed as it may be, California stands at the center of the fight for control of the House, with at least half a dozen seats up for grabs, or more than a quarter of the 23 that Democrats need to seize the majority. A handful more could tip the partys way if Nov. 6 produces a blue tsunami. Will California flip the House? The key races to watch History favors the Democrats. With rare exception, the party holding the presidency loses House seats at the midpoint of a presidents first term. The current occupant could, of course, defy expectations; Donald Trump wouldnt be in the Oval Office if he hadnt managed to upend a number of political verities. Trump won the White House while buried in a California landslide no surprise there and six of the seven congressional districts he lost to Hillary Clinton are key to Democrats hopes of taking over the House, which they last controlled in 2010. (The seventh, the mostly rural Central Valley district represented by three-term GOP incumbent and perennial target David Valadao, seems like a considerably further reach.) Midterm elections are typically a referendum on the nations chief executive, and that dynamic has not helped Republicans in California, where the president remains deeply unpopular. Call it the Trump undertow. Heres a look at the 11 propositions California voters will weigh on Nov. 6 Embattled GOP Reps. Mimi Walters in Orange County and Jeff Denham in the San Joaquin Valley would probably be headed to relatively easy reelection if the president hadnt stirred such an outpouring of Democratic antipathy. Republicans would also be much better positioned to hang on to the northern Orange County seat of Rep. Ed Royce, who is retiring after more than 20 years in office. Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, who hasnt faced much of a threat since his first election during the Reagan era, might not have his back to the wall in coastal Orange County but for his cozy relationship with Russia, which interfered in the 2016 election to benefit Trump. Setting the president aside, the competition also reflects political and demographic changes that have transformed California. The states burgeoning Latino population has grown more politically active and pro-Democratic in response to the belligerent tone sounded by many Republicans. The GOPs embrace of religious conservatism also pushed many live-and-let-live Californians away from the party. That helped turn Orange County, a onetime Republican bastion, into a congressional battleground, along with the high desert outside Los Angeles, where two-term GOP incumbent Steve Knight is fighting for reelection, and northern San Diego County, where Republicans are struggling to hold the seat being vacated by Rep. Darrell Issa after nine terms. But none of that would matter as much if California voters hadnt taken matters into their own hands. For decades, lawmakers drew the states political boundaries, using those powers to benefit incumbent lawmakers by all but eradicating serious competition. Between 2002 and 2010, only a single California House seat changed parties despite three national wave elections. Fed up, voters turned the line drawing after the last census over to a nonpartisan, independent commission that ended the congressional free ride. The result is something many living here have never seen: an election in which the rest of the country will stay up late, watching to see what happens when the final polls close in California. VOTER GUIDE Californias down-ballot races could shape the states politics and policy for years to come Heres a look at the 11 propositions California voters will weigh on Nov. 6 Here are the candidates running for statewide office in California Will California flip the House? The key races to watch Global warming is nonsense and the tax scam is a massive middle finger to families: House candidates on the issues Heres how the candidates see whats next for California Find full election coverage at Decision California. mark.barabak@latimes.com @markzbarabak on Twitter Before 2016, the closest Katie Kalvoda got to political activism was paying $18 for a Barack Obama T-shirt. Kalvoda, then a working mother living in tony Laguna Hills, believed she was doing her civic duty just by voting. She was an independent and in the 2016 election, she split her ballot: Democrat Hillary Clinton for president and Republican Mimi Walters for Congress. But when President Trump was elected, the stakes started to feel different. A mother from her daughters school e-mailed a couple of dozen women, including Kalvoda, proposing they get together to vent, drink wine and write letters to Congress. That email planted the seeds of a movement. After dropping off their kids at school, about 12 moms met up at a San Juan Capistrano Mexican restaurant a favorite of Richard Nixons where they talked about turning their anger and frustration into action. Most had never been politically active before, but with Trump, that had changed. Advertisement In a heated midterm election widely viewed as a referendum on Trump, some wealthy, educated suburban women in Orange County like peers across the country are going above and beyond showing up at marches and protests and voting to show disapproval for the president. They are cutting their own political ads, organizing candidate forums and hosting fundraisers bringing in tens of thousands of dollars in a single night. Will California flip the House? The key races to watch Like Kalvoda, 43, who retired in 2016 from running an investment management firm, many of the disaffected mothers were current or former working professional women with unparalleled organizational and multitasking skills. They were lawyers, professors, business owners and P.R. reps ready to roll up their sleeves and dive head-first into politics. The mothers formed a super PAC and went from one immaculately decorated Orange County living room to the next, recruiting a handful of women at a time to their cause. Two years later, the political action committee Women for American Values and Ethics has grown to more than 700 members. Four of the women are running for office, including a candidate for state assembly. WAVE raised more than $200,000 for the midterm elections; members collected tens of thousands more by hosting individual fundraisers. I thought, is this what the womens suffrage movement was like? Kalvoda said. We have this underground network, either drinking coffee and eating Danishes during the day, or drinking wine and eating hummus in the evening. This election cycle, WAVE is running get-out-the-vote efforts at high schools and on local radio stations, creating and sending out campaign mailers and social media ads. They have maxed out donations to Democratic congressional candidates in three of the tightly contested Orange County races, and hundreds are volunteering on the ground for campaigns. These Orange County women reflect a nationwide phenomenon of grassroots organizations that sprang up after Trumps election. Theda Skocpol, a sociology professor at Harvard, studied political resistance groups that emerged in conservative communities in North Carolina, Ohio, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania after 2016 and found that women were the dominant driving force in most of them. Skocpol said pollsters and political strategists often mistakenly think of suburban women as a voting bloc to be targeted rather than as individuals who can get things done. The myth on the left is its all young people and minorities. Thats coming from analysts who think in terms of demographic categories of voters, she said. What counts is who organizes and contacts others through social networks. She said the post-Trump movement was similar to the rise of the tea party after Obamas election, which included groups largely led by men but were nonetheless organized on the ground by women, she found. We harnessed the energy of women with these incredibly successful careers who are now stay-at-home moms, tapping into their time, experience and professionalism, said Joanna Weiss, 46, who sent the initial email that led to formation of WAVE. Weiss, an attorney who stopped practicing full time because of her three young children, said its members range in age from a high school junior to 92, and the vast majority are mothers. WAVE has directed many of its resources to the 45th Congressional District, a wealthy suburban area including Irvine and Mission Viejo, where the race is between two working mothers whose life stories mirror those of many of these women. First-time candidate Democrat Katie Porter is a single mother of three and a law professor, and Rep. Walters is a former investment banker who began serving in Californias state legislature when her four children were all school-aged. Walters has highlighted legislation she worked on relating to sex-trafficking and domestic violence victims. Porter has attacked Walters as voting against women for her vote to repeal the sweeping healthcare law enacted under President Obama and support for an investigation into Planned Parenthood. She often introduces herself as Cubmaster of her sons Cub Scout pack. Political operatives hoping to get Democrats like Porter elected into Republican-held seats in Congress have targeted suburban women, banking on Trumps track record of alienating women with his divisive rhetoric and policies. Porters campaign has harped on how closely Walters voting record hews to Trumps positions, while his name and image have been all but excised from Walters campaign materials. WAVE has endorsed Porter and spent thousands to place digital ads against Walters, saying she votes with Trump 99% of the time. Working mothers are good at multitasking. Before they were in the PTA, now theyre in politics. Cathy Han, retired ob-gyn and mother Polls have consistently shown women, particularly those with college degrees, turning away from the GOP by growing margins since Trumps election. A CNN poll released this month found likely women voters favored Democratic candidates by a 63-33 margin. One WAVE member, Cathy Han, 48, a retired ob-gyn with three children, went door to door canvassing for the first time in her life this month. She said she is seeing similar political energy in Facebook groups for physicians who are working mothers. Han said she was particularly motivated by the Brett Kavanaugh hearings because she has treated many sexual assault victims. Working mothers are good at multitasking. Before they were in the PTA, now theyre in politics, she said. Mothers are fired up. Katherine Amoukhteh, 53, a lifelong registered Republican who joined WAVE, was outraged by the Trump administrations immigration policies, which affected many of her in-laws because her husband is Iranian American. Amoukhteh, an engineer and vice president at an e-sports company, now finds herself approaching strangers in malls and grocery stores to talk politics. I used to throw birthday parties; now I throw political parties, she said. When the delivery man arrived with the dozens of chairs for her fundraiser, she talked to him at length about voting. Kaldova had leaned liberal in college almost inevitable, when youre an undergraduate at UC Berkeley but had remained an independent voter for most of her adult life, believing checks and balances in government were important. She retired two years ago to spend more time with her two daughters and oversee a family foundation that invests in and donates to causes in Orange County. She turned her focus to organizing events for her daughters school and throwing 300-person Christmas parties in her expansive Laguna Hills backyard. Then came WAVE. Kalvoda said for her, it was about wanting to return decency and humanity to the way the country is run. She also cares deeply about the environment, and is concerned about Trump administration policies rolling back regulations and protections. She used her professional skills from years of investor meetings and put together a pitch book about WAVE for prospective members, and cold-called politicians to ask them to headline her fundraisers the way she once cold-called owners of buildings she wanted to buy. She began hosting political events it helped that she already owned table linens and 200 champagne glasses. She raised more than $30,000 in one afternoon for Porter and Katie Hill, the Democratic candidate in the 25th District north of Los Angeles, by throwing a wine-and-cheese event co-hosted with other WAVE members. Her husband, a Republican, has taken to jokingly asking if this is her new career. Our husbands are really afraid of us. They have definitely seen a side of us they havent seen before, Kalvoda said. Some of them are reconciling that, going Whoa, who are you? On a Thursday afternoon not long before the election, Kalvoda drove from her home in Laguna Hills to Gil Cisneros campaign headquarters in a Brea strip mall to meet with deputy political director Allen Chen about organizing phone banks and fundraisers. Her 8-year-old daughter, familiar with the routine, beelined for the kitchen where there are always snacks. She pulled out her homework from her pink sequin-lined backpack, grabbed a pencil and half-heartedly scribbled away. They next headed to a Fountain Valley cafe where Kalvoda delivered $2,000 in sponsorship checks from WAVE and from herself for a rock the vote concert the Vietnamese American Democratic Club was organizing that weekend. As the night wore on, the girl folded over onto her mothers lap. Kalvoda stroked her back and kept talking. Asked how many of these meetings her mom has dragged her to, the girl replied: I dont know, a million? Kalvoda took her two daughters the older one is 10 to all the primary debates and most of her afternoon meetings. They may not appreciate it now, but she hopes that when theyre grown, they wont make the mistake she did and sit on the sidelines for decades. victoria.kim@latimes.com For more California news, follow me on Twitter @vicjkim The time has come to say good night to NASAs revolutionary Kepler space telescope. For nearly a decade, the intrepid planet-hunter has peered deep into the sky to reveal a universe teeming with previously unknown worlds around distant stars. By discovering more than 2,600 confirmed planets, Kepler launched a new era of exploration and redefined humanitys place in the cosmos, said Paul Hertz, director of NASAs astrophysics division in Washington, D.C. But now the spacecraft is out of fuel. Advertisement NASA officials will send the final commands to turn off its transmitter and disable its default protections within the next week, they announced Tuesday. Then Kepler will drift into an eternal sleep in a safe orbit around the sun, trailing the Earth at a distance of 94 million miles. We collected every last bit of science data, and in the end, we didnt have a drop of fuel left over for anything else, said Charlie Sobeck, the Kepler missions former project manager and chief engineer at NASAs Ames Research Center in Mountain View, Calif. Before Kepler launched in 2009, nobody knew whether planets like the ones in our solar system were common or rare in the cosmos. The telescopes steady, persistent gaze revealed that there are more planets than stars in our galaxy. In addition, data collected by Kepler suggest that 20% to 50% of those stars should have at least one Earth-sized planet at the right distance from its star to allow water to pool on its surface. Scientists believe this is a prerequisite for life as we know it. Kepler also showed astronomers that the universe is made up of a great diversity of planets, including many that have no counterpart in our solar system, said Jessie Dotson, the Kepler project scientist at Ames Research Center. Among the menagerie, Kepler found small planets orbiting their stars so quickly that rocks would melt, and gas giants so much bigger than Jupiter that they would rival small stars. The telescope also discovered a new class of previously unknown planets: super-Earths, which are bigger than our planet but smaller than Neptune. Among some of its more unusual finds was Kepler-16b, which orbits a binary star system. If you were to stand on the surface of this planet, you would see two suns in the sky. Kepler-22b is a world blanketed by a liquid ocean. Kepler-444 is an ancient solar system that hosts five rocky planets formed 2 billion years before our own. Its almost like imagination is not the limit at all, Dotson said. (NASA) Scientists and engineers consider the mission a huge success, but it was not without its share of obstacles. The telescope launched on March 6, 2009, with an initial mission that was scheduled to last 3 years. Its first assignment was to focus on about 150,000 stars clustered in the constellation Cygnus. Kepler detected potential planets by watching for minuscule dips in starlight that result when a planet passes in front of its parent star. Its like trying to detect a flea crawling in front of a car headlight, when the car is 100 miles away, said William Borucki, the architect of the Kepler mission who retired three years ago. To achieve this level of precise observation, the telescope had to remain extremely still, which it did with the help of four reaction wheels. One of those wheels failed in 2012, but the remaining three were enough to prevent Kepler from wobbling. Then a second wheel failed in 2013, threatening to bring the mission to an end. That prospect brought some scientists to tears. Then engineers came up with a clever fix, using pressure from tiny particles of sunlight to help hold the spacecraft in place. With this virtual third wheel, Kepler was back in business for a new mission, dubbed K2. In a nine-day engineering test to see whether the new positioning method would work, the telescope spotted a super-Earth that was 2 times wider than Earth with about 12 times as much mass. I thought of it as the little spacecraft that could, Dotson said. It always did everything we asked of it, and sometimes more. In its second life, Kepler shifted its position every few months. It examined a variety of targets that included proto-stars, galaxy clusters and supernovae. By the time the K2 mission ended, Kepler had surveyed more than half a million stars, NASA said. Mission engineers knew that Kepler wouldnt function forever. The space telescope relies on fuel-powered thrusters to turn it toward Earth to downlink data, and that fuel would one day run out. Sobeck said his team started watching the fuel carefully over the summer when they got the first indications that it might be running low. By mid-September they realized the spacecraft could no longer point with its customary precision. By mid-October, it was running on fumes. But even as the Kepler mission comes to a close, NASAs next planet-hunting space telescope is already scouring the skies for planets around 200,000 nearby stars. The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, or TESS, launched in April and is focused on finding stars just 300 light-years away, or about 10 times closer than most of the stars surveyed by Kepler. Scientists have started analyzing the first sets of data that TESS has sent down and are already finding promising planet candidates, said Padi Boyd, a TESS project scientist at NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. Future missions, including the James Webb Space Telescope, will further investigate these planets to see whether there are any indications of life. But Kepler will always have the distinction of being the first space telescope to prove that planets are abundant in the universe. Sobeck said that as a kid watching Star Trek, he had no problem believing that there were planets of all kinds in the cosmos. Even so, Keplers evidence that they exist hit him like a sledgehammer to the chest. There is a big difference between believing a thing and knowing it, he said. deborah.netburn@latimes.com Do you love science? I do! Follow me @DeborahNetburn and like Los Angeles Times Science & Health on Facebook. MORE IN SCIENCE UPDATES: 7:32 p.m.: This article has been updated with additional information throughout. 2:10 p.m. This article has been updated with additional comments from scientists and information about the K2 mission. 1:20 p.m. This article has been updated with comments from scientists and additional information about the Kepler mission. This article was originally published at 12:25 p.m. Well, Ive never seen so many aviator sunglasses or leather jackets assembled in one place before! But that was the scene Oct. 25 when the La Canada Flintridge Chamber of Commerce held its Night on the Red Carpet at the local UA/Regal Cinemas theater. The evenings featured film was the vintage Top Gun, starring Tom Cruise, Kelly McGillis, Val Kilmer, Anthony Edwards and Tom Skerritt. Yes, the film was first shown in 1986, but last Thursday there was such excitement about seeing it again on the big screen in a movie theater. Tyler Wright, director of the YMCA of the Foothills and a member of the chambers board, carried the theme a little bit further by wearing a flight suit with the name of Goose on it. And, yep, he had his aviator glasses on. I had a chance to have a chat with Wright before the evening took off into the wild blue yonder and he told me that he actually was in the film when it was shooting in San Diego. He was an actor, had some lines and was a SAG member. He told me he was thrilled to have the opportunity as an actor but unfortunately the two scenes he appeared in ended up on the cutting room floor. Greeting guests to the event along with Wright were Pat Anderson, chief executive of the Chamber and her two assistants, Nancy Rappard and Courtney La Marr-Stewart. North Shore Burger owner Michael Davitt and his crew did a fabulous job serving up hamburgers, cheeseburgers and veggieburgers to the crowd. Davitt wears another important hat in town as a member of the LCF City Council. David Silversparre, an accomplished pianist, provided the music and the entire crowd enthusiastically joined in the song, Youve Lost that Loving Feeling. Was anybody singing on on key? I dont think so, but everyone sang with great gusto! When guests moved into the two theaters screening the film the lights dimmed and the magic took over. I have seen this movie countless times but it really was a thrill to see it once again on the big screen. Thank you, Chamber folks. More than 150 people came to have their breaths taken away again. Just some of those supporting the Chamber that evening were Mayor Terry Walker and her husband Woody, Elizabeth Ramirez, Carrie Grochow, Steven Hronek, Karl Johnson, Orlando Sanchez, Adam Liebelt, Harriet Hammons, Rob Fuelling, Charlie and Taleen Kamar, Bent Hansen, Sookie Mathews, Sheri and David Morton, Pat Liddell, Brenda and Len Pieroni (our mayor pro-tem), Marissa Castro-Salvati, Adam Ralphs, Barbara Marshall, Zac Jennings, Cecilia Pyzow, Jennifer Hronek, Lynne and Joe Thompson, Tina Daley, Trish McRae and Alice Perez, and Analily and Ed Park. Jane Napier Neely covers the La Canada Flintridge social scene. Email her at jnvalleysun@aol.com with news of your special event. It was a bare-bones cabin, powered by a generator that was more trouble than it was worth. I burned oak in the old Franklin stove, circa 1932. Since oak is a slow burner, I turned the coals and a warm morning fire popped. Under the glow of a lantern, I made a delicious breakfast and prepared to finish the last 40 pages of my novel. It was barely 6 a.m., and although the cabin was tucked in a grove of dogwood, oak, maple and aspen, I didnt see the palette of fall colors waiting outside my door because it was still too dark. The cabin, which belongs to a buddy of mine, lies west of Chinese Camp, the remnant of a California Gold Rush town. In the 1850s, Chinese Camp was home to more than 5,000 Chinese laborers who worked the gold fields of the Southern Sierra. The sign that hung on State Route 120 outside of town noted: Population 126. The morning light showed large yellow leaves falling softly to fulfill their destiny with the earth. I set a page break and began Chapter 54 of my novel. I intended to imitate the antics of Thoreau and sequester myself until I had finished. I had good intentions, but the words of Robert Burns once again proved to be true: The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry. I grabbed my coat and started driving through the glorious October color, headed to Hetch Hetchy Valley in the northwest corner of Yosemite National Park. The aspen, alder, big leaf maples and deer brush were vividly yellow, the sugar maples and dogwood were red and the poison oak had turned purple. This display was a spectacular backdrop to the stately green pine, hemlock oak and cedar trees. The air was clean and crisp, full of promise. I knew that something special was going to happen. In 1923, the park service built the OShaughnessy dam that blocked the natural flow of the Tuolumne River, subsequently flooding Hetch Hetchy Valley. Their intent was to bring water to the burgeoning population of San Francisco. I have read many accounts that Hetch Hetchy Valley was as beautiful as the iconic Yosemite Valley. During the fall of 1962 I accompanied my English teacher, Brother Jean Martel Baptiste, to his familys farm in the Berkshire Mountains of Western Massachusetts. It was a life-changing experience, which I wrote of in my memoir Eleven Stories from the Block. Since that New England autumn with Brother Jean, I have luxuriated in the fall colors. I headed to the valley to walk the Merced River under the shadow of Half Dome. To everything, there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven (Ecclesiastes). Spring is birth, summer exuberance, fall decline and winter, death. The thoughts of author Joe Wheeler came to mind: Time remorselessly rambles down the corridors and streets of our lives, but it is not until autumn that most of us become aware that our tickets are stamped with a terminal destination. I had cleared a tree line and stepped into a small sunlit meadow where golden leaves fell abundantly. Excuse me, sir, a voice called out. I turned, and a young couple, Filipp and Alina, beckoned, asking that I take their picture. We just got engaged, Alina said with exuberance. She showed me her ring. Standing amid the meadow, the falling leaves around them and with Half Dome in the background, they held each other. A mere photograph could never capture the love that radiated from them. But I readily saw it. There was an aura that encircled them. I lack the poetry of imagination to explain their joy. Alinas eyes were the very definition of love, hope and promise. It was their gift to the earth. I had experienced a reincarnation of Dantes La Vita Nuova and finished my journey richer than when I began. I knew something special would happen on that beautiful autumn day. Joe Puglia is a practicing counselor, a retired professor of education and a former officer in the Marines. Reach him at doctorjoe@ymail.com. Visit his website at doctorjoe.us. When: Tuesday, 7 p.m. PDT. On the air: TV: FS West; Radio: 830. Update: The Ducks finally earned a point Sunday in a 4-3 overtime loss to the San Jose Sharks, but their losing streak was extended to five games. Anaheim faces a Flyers team that is giving up a league-worst 4.18 goals a game. The Ducks and Flyers split two games last season, the road team winning each time. Forget stars homes. These tours visit pot growers and bong makers By Hugo Martin In Napa and Sonoma, tour bus operators ferry oenophiles between tasting rooms and vineyards. In Hollywood and environs, they shepherd the starstruck past the homes of the rich and famous. Now theyre giving customers a mind-expanding look at one of Los Angeles burgeoning industries: pot. Since recreational use of marijuana became legal a year ago, a pot tourism business has emerged, taking visitors behind the scenes of Californias estimated $7-billion cannabis industry. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Plans for a state-backed pot bank arent feasible, a study says By Sam Dean Hopes that California might create a public bank to serve the states legal marijuana industry are nothing but a pipe dream, the authors of a new feasibility study told state officials Thursday. In the end we were not able to find any approach to doing this that makes any sense whatsoever, said William Roetzheim, founder and chief executive of Level 4 Ventures, the consulting firm hired to carry out the study for the State Treasurers Cannabis Banking Working Group. California voters approved Proposition 64 in 2016 to legalize growing, possessing and selling marijuana for recreational use. But since cannabis remains illegal under federal law, most banks which are federally chartered and insured by the FDIC refuse to hold weed money. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Santa Cruz marijuana company fined $50,000 for explosion that badly burned employee By Hannah Fry A Santa Cruz-based marijuana manufacturing company is being fined more than $50,000 by state regulators for safety violations after an employee was severely burned in a propane explosion, officials have announced. An employee at Future2 Labs Health Services was working alone inside a 128-square-foot portable storage container in Watsonville on June 19, extracting oil from cannabis leaves with propane, when a spark ignited the tank and it exploded. The worker was hospitalized with severe burns, according to the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health. The process of using a highly flammable gas to extract oil from cannabis leaves is dangerous, Cal/OSHA Chief Juliann Sum said Thursday in a prepared statement. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print FDA casts shadow on hemp win, calling CBD products illegal By Associated Press The hemp industry still has work ahead to win legal status for hemp-derived cannabidiol, or CBD oil, as an ingredient in food or dietary supplements despite the big farm bill President Trump signed this week designating hemp as an agricultural crop. CBD oils have become increasingly popular in lotions, tinctures and foods, but their legal status has been murky and the Food and Drug Administration has sent warning letters to some companies making health claims for CBD. In a statement following Thursdays bill signing in Washington, FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb restated his agencys stance that CBD is a drug ingredient and therefore illegal to add to food or health products without approval from his agency. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement One year of legal pot sales and California doesnt have the bustling industry it expected. Heres why By Patrick McGreevy When Californians voted in 2016 to allow the sale of recreational marijuana, advocates of the move envisioned thousands of pot shops and cannabis farms obtaining state licenses, making the drug easily available to all adults within a short drive. But as the first year of licensed sales comes to a close, Californias legal market hasnt performed as state officials and the cannabis industry had hoped. Retailers and growers say theyve been stunted by complex regulations, high taxes and decisions by most cities to ban cannabis shops. At the same time, many residents are going to city halls and courts to fight pot businesses they see as nuisances, and police chiefs are raising concerns about crime triggered by the marijuana trade. Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom, who played a large role in the legalization of cannabis, will inherit the numerous challenges when he takes office in January as legislators hope to send him a raft of bills next year to provide banking for the pot industry, ease the tax burden on retailers and crack down on sales to minors. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Hemp is about to be legal under the 2018 farm bill. You cant get high from it but you can wear it By Kurtis Lee Hemp a close relative of marijuana that can be used to make textiles and other products has long been classified as a Schedule I drug by the federal government. Thats set to change. President Trump is soon expected to sign a farm bill that includes a section that legalizes the commercial cultivation of hemp nationwide. The bill, years in the making, comes as public support for cannabis legalization has increased over the years, offering a cover of sorts to politicians who see the potential for boosting state tax revenue. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Students sent home after Marysville middle schooler brings pot brownies for class to eat By Alejandra Reyes-Velarde Several students at a middle school in Marysville, Calif., were sent home this week after eating marijuana-laced brownies, officials said. Staff at Anna McKenney Intermediate School called police Wednesday morning after learning that a 13-year-old girl had passed out the brownies to her classmates, said Marysville Police Sgt. Jason Garringer. Nine students were sent home, Garringer said, but no one who ate the brownies showed obvious signs of being under the influence. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Mistletoke, luxe vape cases and other gift suggestions for the cannabis enthusiast on your nice list By Adam Tschorn Now that some form of cannabis use is legal in 33 U.S. states and the District of Columbia and Californias era of legal adult-use weed is almost a year old (though it remains illegal under federal law), its easier than ever to find a little something special for the cannabis consumer on your nice list. Below are a few items that with the exception of the first item which is available in L.A. only are legal, widely available and, if ordered soon, can still be under the tree in the U.S. by Christmas Day. For those who want to do good while feeling good and score a little holiday decor at the same time L.A.-based Zoma Cannabis is prepared to send some lucky L.A. residents a limited-edition floral-meets-cannabis Mistletoke arrangement that intertwines sprigs of mistletoe with three trimmed buds (roughly five grams total) of its Santa Cruz-grown True OG and/or Gelato strain cannabis flower all tied up in a big red Santa-worthy bow. No purchase is necessary, but recipients are highly encouraged to make a donation to the charity reforestation group One Tree Planted to aid in the recovery efforts from the 2017 and 2018 California fires. Zoma will match donations dollar for dollar. Each dollar donated means one tree gets planted, and that means the green you donate for its green means a greener Golden State moving forward. Zoma is set to deliver the decor right to your door if you live in L.A., are over the age of 21 and are one of the first 50 folks to fire off an email to info@zomacannabis.com with the word Mistletoke in the subject line. Supplies willing, orders placed as late as Dec. 20 will arrive in time to make your Christmas very merry indeed. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement 3 marijuana businesses win OK in Costa Mesa as another is put on hold By Bradley Zint The Costa Mesa Planning Commission this week approved three new marijuana facilities but postponed a decision on a fourth due to the absence of one commissioner, whose vote likely will decide the fate of the business. After two commissioners expressed support and two expressed opposition for Triiads proposal for a marijuana distribution facility, the panel voted 3-1 on Monday night, with Commissioner Jeffrey Harlan absent, to hold a special meeting Monday to reexamine the matter. Commissioner Carla Navarro Woods dissented. The proposed location at 3525 Hyland Ave., Suite 265, is in Hyland Plaza, north of South Coast Collection in an area identified under city law as permissible for marijuana uses. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Marlboro cigarette maker places a $2.4-billion bet on marijuana By Associated Press Altria Group Inc., one of the worlds biggest tobacco companies, is diving into the cannabis market with a $2.4 billion buy-in. The Marlboro cigarette maker is taking a 45% stake in Cronos Group Inc., the Canadian medical and recreational marijuana provider said Friday. Altria will pay an additional $1.4 billion for warrants that, if exercised, would give Altria a 55% ownership stake in the Toronto company. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Utah voters approved medical marijuana in November. State lawmakers just passed big changes to the ballot measure By Associated Press Lawmakers in Utah passed sweeping changes Monday to a voter-approved medical marijuana ballot measure under a planned compromise that secured the support of the influential Mormon Church but sparked a backlash from pot advocates. Supporters of the compromise cheered the vote, saying it would help suffering patients while creating safeguards against broader recreational use. I believe this agreement was a landmark day for our state, and we are helping people, said outgoing Republican House Speaker Greg Hughes, who sponsored the legislation and helped bring together the players for talks. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Los Angeles County sheriffs deputy, two others arrested on drug charges after heist at pot warehouse By Maya Lau The Los Angeles sheriffs deputy pulled up to the pot-filled warehouse just after three in the morning. He held up an official-looking document to a guard, who promptly unlocked a gate. The deputy and two other men, each of them armed and dressed in sheriffs jackets, got out. After locking the guard and two other employees in the back of the deputys SUV, the men went to work lugging bags of marijuana from the warehouse. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Cannary West dispensary to host Higher Standards pop-up shop Saturday through Feb. 28 By Adam Tschorn The Higher Standards X Cannary West pop-up is slated to run from Saturday through Feb. 28. (Higher Standards) Following its successful (and still running) pop-up space inside the Pottery dispensary in L.A.s Mid-City, purveyor of luxury-level cannabis accoutrements Higher Standards has announced plans to take up temporary residence inside the Cannary West dispensary in the Rancho Park neighborhood just in time for the holidays. On track to pop-up on Saturday (with a 20% opening day discount) and run through the end of February, itll serve up a similar curated mix of high-end smoking tools and accessories from brands like Marley Naturals, Grav Labs, Dr. Dabber and Puffco (makers of the futuristic-looking Peak dab rig) as well as home goods for the discerning head by Jonathan Adler, Malin+Goetz and Forestry Wool. Higher Standards X Cannary West Where: 2435 Military Ave., Los Angeles. Entry is restricted to those 21 and older. Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays from Saturday through Feb. 28. Info: cannarywest.com, higherstandards.com Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print I fell off the way. A charismatic pastor-turned-marijuana smuggler heads to prison By Kristina Davis On Easter Sunday 2007, Pastor John Lee Bishop drew about 15,000 worshipers to a sports arena in Portland, Ore. With a flair for showmanship, Bishop a jeans-clad minister sporting a youthful, moppish haircut relished building buzz around his Living Hope Church, based in Vancouver, Wash., on the north bank of the Columbia River. One time, it was bringing a Bengal tiger onstage. Another, according to an account in the Columbian newspaper, it was advertising a sermon series with the word sex prominently facing a busy street. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print For all your weed needs, theres now a pot superstore in Las Vegas By David Montero The employee in the red shirt counseled the two men on what or what not to buy. Now, if you start thinking dolphins are talking to you, that might be too much, she explained. The two young men nodded slowly. One stroked his beard. Neither had ever talked to dolphins before. Or even yelled at them on Sundays when they play against the New England Patriots. Above them, the continuous light show on the ceiling was like an electric lava lamp orbs expanding and dividing in an endless trip. Then it was gone and replaced by flowers and a Saturn-like planet floating in the sky. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement 4 more marijuana permit applications await Costa Mesa Planning Commission review By Luke Money The recent parade of permit applications from marijuana manufacturing and distribution businesses looking to open in Costa Mesa will continue next week, when the city Planning Commission is scheduled to review four more. All the requests on Mondays agenda are for conditional use permits, which are among several approvals required to open a cannabis company in the city. Here is the latest lineup of applicants: Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print With Jeff Sessions out at the Justice Dept., the marijuana movement exhales By Kurtis Lee He described marijuana as a very real danger and has said its effects are only slightly less awful than those of heroin. Once, during a drug hearing when he was a Senator, he said he wanted to send a clear message: Good people dont smoke marijuana. So when Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions was ousted recently, a collective sigh of relief rose up from proponents of legalized pot activists, politicians, investors who felt targeted by the nations top law enforcement officer. Sessionss departure has translated into spiking stocks for cannabis companies and a reset of sorts for the legalization movement which, since 2012, has seen nearly a dozen states pass recreational pot measures. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print This is what a cannabis executives party pad looks like By Kavita Daswani Dont expect to find bongs, water pipes and empty packets of Funyuns at the Los Angeles-area home of Will Htun. When we asked to look inside the home of the CEO of cannabis brand Sherbinskis, we found a sleek and minimal space where he could host chef-catered, cannabis-paired dinners on the rooftop and take meetings in a high-ceilinged front room. Htun, 34, moved into the 2,700-square-foot townhouse in July 2016, after he and brand founder Mario Sherbinski, who is based in San Francisco, decided it would make an ideal live/work space. With its three en-suite bedrooms, Htun opens up the home to associates in town for business instead of housing them in a serviced apartment. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print First recreational pot shops in Eastern U.S. to open in Massachusetts By Associated Press Two marijuana stores in Massachusetts have been given the green light to begin selling to recreational customers, making them the first commercial pot shops in the eastern United States. Both stores, one located in Northampton and the other in Leicester, said they would open Tuesday morning after the Cannabis Control Commission, the states marijuana regulatory agency, on Friday authorized them to begin operations. The announcement ended a long wait for commercial sales to begin in Massachusetts. The states voters legalized the use of recreational marijuana by adults 21 and older in 2016, but its taken more than two years for state legislators and regulators to reach the point where the first stores can finally open. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Heres whats behind Mexicos radical move toward legalizing marijuana during its war on drugs By Kate Linthicum Mexico may soon legalize marijuana, a radical shift for a country whose prohibition on narcotics has been at the heart of its long and violent war against drug traffickers. Legislation submitted to Congress last week by the party of leftist President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador would regulate cannabis, allowing it to be grown, sold and consumed for recreational use. Proponents of legalization say it would reduce bloodshed in Mexico by weakening drug cartels and freeing up police officers and prosecutors to focus on more serious crimes. But the proposal has critics, including the Catholic Church, which holds significant sway in Mexican politics. A poll in Mexico last year showed a majority of respondents opposed legalizing marijuana. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Curious about all the CBD-infused products you see? By Kavita Daswani Some chew it, or place a few drops under the tongue or let it soak in through the skin. There are numerous ways to consume cannabidiol better known as CBD. Its touted for its therapeutic effects, but, unlike its better-known cousin THC, does not get you high. Hemp-derived CBD is increasingly in the limelight these days, at natural products stores and even fashion boutiques, catering to widening demand from consumers who find it helps them with pain, anxiety and insomnia. Despite Californias marijuana-friendly laws, however, the state announced earlier this year it is waiting for the federal government to rule on the use of CBD oils and products before giving the green light to sales. Critics, meanwhile, have been asking for clarity, to help consumers who want options. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 6 cannabis cookbooks with recipes from basic to gourmet By Amy Scattergood As cannabis is legalized although it remains illegal under federal law and goes mainstream in California and other states, the cookbook industry has churned into high gear with books on what ways to use jazz cabbage beyond the bong. What to look for? A lot depends on your level of expertise not just in the kitchen but with cannabis itself. If youve been making batches of pot brownies and want to expand your repertoire to, say, French macarons, there are cookbooks to help you out. Many books have lengthy introductions that outline the specifics of cooking with cannabis, so find one that fits with what you know or dont know. Bong Appetit: Mastering the Art of Cooking With Weed by the editors of Munchies (Ten Speed Press, $30) This book, based on the Munchies and Viceland television series Bong Appetit, was published in October by Ten Speed Press. (This is in itself notable, as Ten Speed is one of the best cookbook publishers around, and continues the legitimate trajectory of the cannabis cooking genre.) The book has a comprehensive introduction that includes topics such as dosing, techniques, methods of decarboxylation and infusion, cannabis pairing tips, questions to ask your dispensary, tips on equipment and more. The recipes are sourced from the Munchies test kitchen and from many well-known chefs, whose recipes are recalibrated to add cannabis. Thus: Korean fried chicken from Deuki Hong of San Franciscos Sunday Bird; fried soft-shell crab with shishito pepper mole from Daniela Soto-Innes of Cosme and Atla; and (my favorite) Joan Nathans preserved lemons. The Munchies test kitchen also has some fun ones, including herb focaccia with, well, herb; and confit octopus, in which a whole octopus is poached in cannabis-infused olive oil. If that sounds too aspirational, there are instructions for making an apple bong a hollowed-out apple filled with weed-infused mezcal at the end of the drinks chapter. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Sativa or indica? CBD or THC? What to know before cooking with cannabis By Brette Warshaw Dont know the difference between MSG and THC? Heres a guide to the terminology youll encounter. Cannabis sativa and cannabis indica are two of the three species of cannabis. (The third species, cannabis ruderalis, is less attractive due to its smaller stature and low concentration of THC.) Sativa is a warm-weather species characterized by tall plants and thin leaves. The plant takes 10 to 15 weeks to mature and is known for a cerebral, energetic and invigorating high thats particularly suited for daytime use. Medically, it can be used to help people with depression and chronic pain. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement California pot tax revenue improves but is still short of projections (Mathew Sumner / Associated Press) The amount of money collected by the state from taxes on cannabis grown and sold legally in California continues to increase but is still falling short of budget estimates, according to figures released Wednesday. Tax revenue reported from the cannabis industry totaled $93.1 million for the three months ending Sept. 30, according to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. That is an increase from the $80.2 million collected during the second quarter of the year. If revenue continues to grow by the same 16% per quarter, pot taxes will bring in $471 million during the fiscal year that began July 1, while the budget approved by the governor and Legislature estimates the taxes would bring in $630 million during the fiscal year. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Eaze launches (nearly) nationwide delivery of hemp-derived CBD products By Adam Tschorn Eaze Wellness offers non-psychoactive CBD products derived from hemp. (Eaze) Eaze, the San Francisco-based technology platform thats been coordinating dispensary-to-consumer home deliveries of cannabis in Los Angeles since April, has expanded its reach for CBD-containing products, that is to most of the United States. (CBD, a.k.a cannabidiol, is a cannabis compound said to have anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety properties but none of the high associated with THC. These claims have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.) Through the just-launched Eaze Wellness website, consumers over the age of 21 in 41 states and the District of Columbia can order a range of hemp-derived CBD tinctures, tablets, balms, bath bombs, patches, vape pens and pet products for delivery within four to six days. (Shipping is free for orders $50 and up; otherwise, itll cost you $5.) Much like its in-state marijuana-delivery service, which coordinates deliveries with local dispensaries, Eaze isnt doing the shipping itself, but rather working with a third-party partner to get goods from brands such as Plant People, Cannuka, BeTru Wellness and Vital Leaf from point A to point B. Although the laws surrounding the legality of CBD are murky at best (a loophole in federal law has been widely interpreted as making CBD derived from hemp grown for research purposes legal), one point B that Eaze Wellness wont be coordinating shipping to is its home state of California. (The company cites state regulations as the reason.) Yes, California, where cannabis even the kind that gets you high has been legal under state law since the beginning of the year. Additional information is available at www.eazewellness.com. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print What THC-infused edibles are most popular? Fruit-flavored gummies and chocolate-covered coffee beans for starters By Adam Tschorn Nearly a year in to the state-legal cannabis scene, theres no shortage of THC-infused items on the market for 21-and-older consumers, from sachets of herbal tea and cans of citrus-flavored soda to honey mustard pretzels, with analysts and dispensary owners seeing it as a growing side of the business. Since recreational use was legalized in January, edibles have seen a 20%-30% hike in sales, said Nick Danias, managing partner of the Pottery and Cannary West dispensaries in Los Angeles, who added that edibles have proved particularly popular with new cannabis users who might be reluctant to start experimenting by smoking cannabis flower. Edibles companies have been able to offer consumers micro dosing that allows for a controlled amount of THC to be ingested, he said. (State law requires that edibles be portioned or scored into servings that contain no more than 10 milligrams of THC per piece and no more than 100 milligrams of THC per package.) Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 5 more marijuana permit applications await Costa Mesa Planning Commission By Luke Money The torrent of applications from marijuana manufacturing and distribution facilities looking to open in Costa Mesa continues Thursday, when city planning commissioners will review five more during a special meeting. Should the commission grant all the requested conditional use permits, it would bring the total number of marijuana facilities with such approvals to 22 including nine in the past month. The applications up for review this time are: Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Two shot and killed in Koreatown marijuana dispensary By James Queally Two people were shot and killed early Monday morning after gunfire erupted inside a Koreatown marijuana dispensary, authorities said. Officers responded to reports of a shooting in the 400 block of Western Avenue in Koreatown around 4:20 a.m. Monday, according to a statement issued by the Los Angeles Police Department. There, they found a locked and sealed marijuana dispensary, according to the statement. A female employee told police she and several customers were inside the dispensary when they heard gunshots in the waiting room. They fled through the back of the building, and when officers gained entry, they found two people who were pronounced dead at the scene. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Party of Mexicos president-elect wants to legalize marijuana By Associated Press The party of Mexicos president-elect submitted legislation Thursday that would legalize marijuana possession, public use, growing and sales. Sen. Olga Sanchez Cordero presented the measure, saying that everyone should have the right to carry up to 30 grams [1 ounce] of cannabis. People could carry more than an ounce if they obtained a permit to do so under the proposal. From the point of view of negative effects, there is no reason why marijuana should not be legal, if alcohol and tobacco are, according to the bill. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Want to grow your own marijuana? This class will show you how By Jeanette Marantos California law lets anyone over 21 grow up to six marijuana plants in their yard or home, as long as the plants are not accessible to the public. (Check your City Hall for any additional local rules.) Unsure how to start? Check out Fig Earth Supplys two-hour workshops, Cannabis Cultivation for the Home Grower, on Nov. 10 or Nov. 17, taught by professional cannabis growers. Attendees must be at least 21. No plants or seeds will be sold. Workshops cost $95 and start at 5 p.m. at 3577 N. Figueroa St., Los Angeles. More info: figearthsupply.com Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Whats that smell? Survey asks Venice Beach denizens if theyre vexed by odor of marijuana By Joseph Serna They descended on free-wheeling Venice Beach with clipboards and questions in hand. Their goal: to gauge humanitys tolerance for the smell and sight of public pot smoking. Akbar Karriem considered them ridiculous. Everybody be smoking, Karriem said as he sat on the boardwalk and lit a marijuana pipe. Its part of the culture here. Its like a religion. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Las Vegas newest and biggest pot shop aims to entertain By Jay Jones Prepare to be entertained at Las Vegas newest and biggest cannabis store a mile west of the Strip. Planet 13 combines light shows and fog-making fountains to wow visitors at the shop, which sells recreational pot, cannabis extracts and cannabis-infused products. The idea is to meld a cannabis shop with an entertainment complex. Visitors, who must be at least 21, can change the colors of 13 giant LED-lighted lotus flowers blooming on the roof of the building. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print CBD-infused products are being sold everywhere in California but are they legal? By Laura Newberry Greg and Gary Avetisyan make no secret of it: They proudly sell all manner of products infused with CBD, from essential oils to bath bombs to fruity tea-like beverages that promise calming relief in a frantic world. CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a molecule derived from cannabis. But unlike its chemical cousin THC, it wont get you high. What it might do, according to some research, is alleviate anxiety, seizures, chronic pain and dozens of other ailments. The Avetisyan brothers belief in the alleged benefits of the extract is so steadfast that they opened Californias first CBD-only store, Topikal, in Tarzana last year and opened a second along the Venice Beach boardwalk in April. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Review: Documentary Weed the People looks at cannabis and pediatric cancer By Kimber Myers An urgent cry for help, Weed the People explores the effects of cannabis on pediatric cancer, as well as the establishments disinterest in researching its efficacy. With the lack of scientific studies available, Abby Epsteins moving documentary primarily devotes its time to five children and their families who are trying to survive using the alternative treatment. Weed the People doesnt ease into its multi-story narrative, wasting no time in sharing the stories of these kids with cancer. With parents desperate for their children to feel better, they turn to medical marijuana to ease the pain, as well as directly addressing the cancer cells. Without studies and lack of nationwide legalization, there is little regulation in the industry. Enter Mara Gordon, a former process engineer who brings precision and rigor to her medical cannabis company, offering the families hope for healing. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Denver verdict on pot odor and property values could discourage homeowners from filing RICO lawsuits By Associated Press A Colorado jury likely threw cold water on future legal challenges against cannabis companies by homeowners who consider filing racketeering lawsuits alleging that proximity to pot operations hurts their property values, analysts and industry lawyers said Thursday. A federal jury in Denver on Wednesday rejected claims involving the odor from a pot farm made in a case that was closely watched by the marijuana industry. It was the first such lawsuit to reach a jury. Three others are pending in California, Massachusetts and Oregon. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Santa Barbara County Sheriffs Office makes its largest seizure of illegal marijuana plants By Joseph Serna An estimated 400,000 marijuana plants were destroyed by Santa Barbara County sheriffs investigators this week in what authorities are calling the countys largest seizure of pot plants at one site. The plants were hidden among farmland in Santa Maria and discovered by sheriffs investigators on Monday, the sheriffs office said in a statement. The crop belonged to a resident who, authorities said, had applied for a temporary state cannabis license using false information and did not have a valid cannabis license. Investigators found the 400,000 plants in various levels of maturity and tapped state Department of Fish and Wildlife personnel to help in the case. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Is Rohrabacher trying to lose Republican voters by caving on marijuana policy? To the editor: I was disappointed to read in a column on voters trying to flip an Orange County congressional district that Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Costa Mesa) wants to weaken federal laws against marijuana. Recently-approved state laws legalizing marijuana have not been beneficial. In Colorado, following the legalization of recreational marijuana, the number of traffic fatalities involving marijuana-impaired drivers more than doubled. Surveys have found a majority of marijuana users in Colorado do not believe driving high is dangerous, leading some to get behind the wheel impaired. As a retired law enforcement officer who has had the opportunity to work with people impacted by drug addiction, and as a lifelong Republican, I feel Rohrabacher is making a mistake. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Berners Melrose birthday bash celebrates a new dispensary and a collaboration with the G Pen Gio By Adam Tschorn The Cookies dispensary at 8360 Melrose Ave. celebrated its grand opening on Saturday. (Grenco Science) On Saturday morning, the lines were stretching around the corner and down the block outside the bright blue Beverly Grove storefront with the word Cookies above the door. The enthusiastic members of the crowd werent queued up for baked goods, though. They were waiting to get into a new cannabis dispensary and to help celebrate the birthday of its founding partner, Bay Area rapper and entrepreneur Berner (born Gilbert Millam Jr.). Minimalist, awash in natural light and appointed in the brands blue and white color scheme and emblazoned with the cookie-with-a-bite-missing logo, it marks the second Cookies dispensary in Los Angeles County; the first, Cookies Los Angeles, is located in Maywood. Like that one, its stocked with a wide variety of cannabis flower, oils, edibles and the like, with a particular emphasis on the proprietary strains from the Cookie Family collective (the growers who originated the strain formerly known as Girl Scout Cookies as well as other dessert-named strains such as Gelato and Sunset Sherbet). It also stocks three different Cookies-logoed colors (blue, white and black) of the new G Pen Gio ($29.95), a vaporizer pen that uses cannabis concentrate cartridges for a super-simple, draw-activated plug-and-puff experience. The Cookies G Pen Gio from Grenco Science x Berner collaboration officially launched at the Saturday Berner bash, and includes Gio cannabis-oil cartridges filled with Gelato, London Poundcake, Sunset Sherbet or Snowman strains ($60 for 500 mg, which Tim Patenaude, Grencos vice president of marketing, says marks the first time those Cookie strains have been commercially available as concentrates. (Gio pod cartridges are now available at 500 dispensaries across 12 states, according to Patenaude, including MedMen, BARC and the Pottery locally, as well as through the Eaze delivery service.) Shown are Berners blue-and-white birthday cake, left, and vape pens and cartridges from his Cookies G Pen Gio collaboration. (Grenco Science) Patenaude says the partnership with Berner has its roots in Grencos 2014 partnership with another rapper Wiz Khalifa (Wiz Khalifas weed guy was Berner, Patenaude said, and thats how we first met him.). He calls Berner the most important person in cannabis today, citing not only Berner and his partners wildly successful strains, but the rapper/entrepreneurs brand-building abilities outside of the cannabis space. His Cookies clothing label is sold in every Zumiez in every mall in America, Patenaude said. In a chat with the Los Angeles Times Rolling Paper, Berner said that the Cookies SF streetwear label he launched out of his garage less than a decade ago saw $12.8 million in revenue in 2017 and that hes aiming to open a store next door to the dispensary hopefully in time for the Black Friday shopping season. (Theres currently a single flagship store in San Francisco.) He also said the dispensary opening bash was a good way to usher in his 35th year on the planet. Man, I couldnt be happier, he said. Were turning [over] customers left and right, theres no holdup anywhere, everyone is super-juiced and there was a line down the block and wrapped around [the corner] at 6 a.m. You cant ask for anything else. Cookies Melrose, 8360 Melrose Ave. (at North Kings Road), Los Angeles. Additional information on the G Pen Gio (including local availability) is at gpen.com. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print 2 Chainz wants to put a THC tiger in your tank with his new cannabis brand Gas By Adam Tschorn Rapper 2 Chainz attends the launch party for Gas, his fuel-themed cannabis line now available in flower and pre-rolled joints. (Adam Tschorn / Los Angeles Times) Rolling into the Friday launch party for his new cannabis brand Gas, the first thing Grammy-winning rapper 2 Chainz did was brandish a joint in one hand and a smartphone in the other to record the rows of boldly packaged cannabis flower and pre-rolled joints in a video to share with his 5.7 million Instagram followers. The second thing he did was stand back and take in the moment. I cant believe it, thats why I was over here just trying to take it all in, 2 Chainz said about seeing all the green, yellow and black plastic pouches filled with marijuana, and a jerrycan converted into a display tray overflowing with green buds. Ive been told for over a year that we were doing this line, so now Im just trying to live in the moment. I dont do that a lot. The launch party took place at the Mid-Wilshire offices of Green Street Agency, a cannabis-focused branding and licensing company that is one of the rappers two Southern California partners in the venture. The other is L.A.-based Mazel Management Group (owners of the Westside Station dispensary in Van Nuys). Before joining the throng of well-wishers, industry friends and employees dressed in logo-emblazoned overalls, 2 Chainz (born Tauheed Epps), chatted with the Los Angeles Times Rolling Paper about his new project, how cannabis branding is like music and what took so long for the project to come to fruition. (Hint: There was lots of taste-testing). The Rolling Paper: Where does the name of your line Gas come from and what does it mean? 2 Chainz: Its Atlanta lingo that we use that basically signifies that this is a stronger type of flower a stronger cannabis. Ive been saying it since I came into the rap game and Ive used it in a few verses of a few songs. At first people were like: What do you mean by [the line] gas in the ashtray? After it caught on and basically went mainstream, I figured why veer off from what got me here? So we started a legal line of cannabis called Gas. TRP: Ive heard that you were pretty picky in the development process. 2C: It took months and months and about 30 different kinds of [cannabis] flower. I think I was looking for that first impression that first pull how it made me feel. Were there fireworks or no fireworks? What kind of memory did it create? Thats what I was looking for. TRP: The three different types of flower youre launching with dont have names but numbers 87, 89 and 93 are those supposed to be kind of like octane ratings but for marijuana? 2C: Thats a great way of describing it. The 87, for example [a Petrol OG hybrid, with a THC content of 14%] is for functioning throughout the day, [and for] people who are on the go [or] at work and cant get that whole indica sleepy feeling during the middle of the day. I think 87 will be sufficient. The 89 [a Sour Gas hybrid, 17% THC] is for when people go out for cocktails after work, when they want to get ready for the wind-down it signifies the medium [strength]. And the 93 [an indica called Gods Fuel No. 2 with a THC level of 20%] Id definitely say is the strongest. Thats for night-night. TRP: How did the fuel theme and octane ratings and all that evolve from the name? 2C: I approached this the way I do in my music which was come up with the concept and follow all the way through with it. So, when you have Gas, you have to have the gas cans and the imagery that actually represents the gas pumps and things that tie in to the brand itself. I think that gives it legs gives it a little more substance and sustainability. And I used these colors because I knew they would be very catching and appealing to the eye and I know that I will kind of have to muscle my way in as far as getting where I need to be on [dispensary] shelves these days. I figure I could be on the back of the shelf and you could still see this green, this yellow and this black packaging. Gas prices range from $12 to $14 (for 1-gram pre-rolled joints) and $36 to $48 for 3.5 gram packages of flower. Currently available at Westside Station, 7022 Valjean Ave., Van Nuys. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement A chemical found in liverwort has surprising similarities to the THC in marijuana By Noga Tarnopolsky Its an amazing plant that produces hypnotic effects, according to online testimonials. Some people who have ingested it or inhaled its smoke say it gave them a mild, marijuana-like high. Now scientists have weighed in. In experiments with more than 100 mice, they found that chemicals in the liverwort plant produced four of the same key effects as THC, the primary psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. An hour after being injected with the experimental chemicals, the mice entered a trance-like state, lost some of their ability to move, became less responsive to pain and experienced a drop in body temperature, according to a study published this week in the journal Science Advances. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Hours-long standoff at Tarzana weed dispensary ends after police learn building is empty By Hailey Branson-Potts The police standoff lasted more than six hours, shutting down a busy six-lane stretch of Ventura Boulevard in Tarzana for most of the evening. An armed robbery suspect, authorities said, had barricaded himself inside an illegal marijuana dispensary in a strip mall in the 18300 block of Ventura Boulevard. He was believed to be one of four suspects and was thought to have a female hostage. But when officers searched the building after 8:20 p.m., there was no one inside, said Officer Mike Lopez, a spokesman for the Los Angeles Police Department. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print State officials decline to drop plan to allow home deliveries of pot in California cities that ban marijuana stores Cities and law enforcement leaders say a state proposal to allow pot delivery to homes would increase crime. (Mathew Sumner / Associated Press) Despite objections from cities and police chiefs, state officials on Friday declined to drop a proposal allowing marijuana firms to deliver to homes everywhere in California, including in areas that have banned pot shops. The proposed rule, which was made public in July, was opposed by the League of California Cities, which represents the states 482 municipalities, and the California Police Chiefs Assn., which said it would jeopardize public safety. But the state Bureau of Cannabis Control announced Friday that it is moving forward with the proposed rule after a series of public hearings and after weighing hundreds of comments from residents and interested parties. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print San Diego plans to crack down on marijuana ads, especially billboards By David Garrick San Diego officials say they plan to crack down on marijuana advertising, particularly the billboard ads that have become increasingly common with recreational use of the drug now legal in California. Legislation proposed by City Councilman Chris Cate aims to keep marijuana billboard ads out of areas where young people congregate and to prevent illegal marijuana businesses from advertising anywhere. The proposal, which would go beyond relatively new state laws that govern marijuana advertising, will be included in a series of city code updates that Mayor Kevin Faulconers staff plans to present to the City Council next year. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Drinking before a flight is common. Now some fliers are turning to pot before takeoff By Hugo Martin Commercial flights can be so stressful cramped seats, delays, turbulence, loud seatmates that more than 60% of travelers in a recent survey said they down a drink or two before heading to the airport. But the survey by a drug treatment organization found that nearly as many fliers are now turning to marijuana to relax before getting on a plane. The online survey of 1,137 people who have flown in the past year was taken by Florida-based Delphi Behavioral Health Group. It found that nearly 30% of respondents said they had smoked marijuana and another 25% had consumed pot-infused snacks before arriving at an airport. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Marijuana issues dominate Costa Mesa Planning Commission agenda By Luke Money Cannabis-related companies will be front and center in Costa Mesa again Monday, when city planning commissioners will consider four applications for proposed marijuana manufacturing and distribution facilities. Should the Planning Commission OK all the requests, it would bring the number of marijuana businesses with city-approved conditional use permits to 17. First up will be Aureus LLC, which is looking to open in a 5,556-square-foot industrial space at 3505 Cadillac Ave., Building A. The company proposes to manufacture cannabis concentrates, particularly oils intended for use in vaporizer cartridges, according to city planning documents. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Canada is now the worlds largest legal marijuana marketplace By Associated Press Ian Power was among the first to buy legal recreational marijuana in Canada but he has no plans to smoke it. He plans to frame it. Canada became the largest country with a legal national marijuana marketplace as sales began early Wednesday in Newfoundland. Power was first in line at a store in St. Johns, Newfoundland. I am going to frame it and hang it on my wall. Im not even going to smoke it. Im just going to save it forever, Power said. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Bloom Farms doubles its meal donations on Oct. 16 in observance of World Food Day By Adam Tschorn Bloom Farms Pineapple Single Origin vape cartridge is a World Food Day exclusive that will be available only in October. (Bloom Farms) In recognition of the United Nations designation of Oct. 16 as World Food Day 2018, Oakland-based cannabis company Bloom Farms is doubling its usual meal-donation-per-sale for purchase made through the Eaze delivery service (which is doing its part by offering a day-long 20% discount on all Bloom Farms products) as well as participating dispensaries statewide (including Buds & Roses, Urban Treez and Green Dot locally). The company says that since 2014 it has donated about 1.4 million meals to food banks statewide through its one-for-one program, with a goal of donating 5 million meals. World Harvest Food Bank in Los Angeles and the San Diego Food Bank are among the SoCal beneficiaries of the Bloom Farm donations. Although the double-down on meal donations lasts only one day, Bloom Farms has a couple of slightly less time-sensitive promotions to raise awareness and drive donations in furtherance of the U.N.s mission of a zero-hunger world by 2030. One is a partnership with vaporizer maker Pax which has pledged $10,000 to fund meal donations that includes a free Pax Era vape pen (custom-engraved on-site) with the purchase of two Bloom Farms Pax pods at special dispensary events throughout the month, the second is an exclusive, October-only Pineapple Single Origin vape cartridge that, after the purchase of any two Bloom Farms products can be purchased for just a penny. Additional information and a calendar of dispensary events and demonstrations can be found at getbloomfarms.com/events. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Screened at U.S. border, Canadians who are honest about using marijuana could be banned from the U.S. By Kurtis Lee Bill Powers flipped through the sworn statement he gave to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the printed pages taking him back to that August afternoon back to the border checkpoint into Washington state where agents asked if he had ever smoked marijuana. Yes, he answered, not initially thinking much of the question. The 57-year-old Canadian has a license for medical marijuana, and pot had been legal in Washington for six years. Like that, U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents turned him away with an extreme decree: He had been banned from the United States. Its absolutely out of control. Here I am being honest with the United States and I get the boot, Powers said on a recent afternoon as he stood in his driveway in this farming town an hour east of Vancouver. I have a license yet theyre turning people away for pot? It makes not a single bit of sense. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Newport mayor says he wants to sell his boat factory site, not grow marijuana on it By Hillary Davis Despite having local and state approvals to cultivate or distribute medical marijuana on the site of his boat factory in San Bernardino County, Newport Beach Mayor Marshall Duffy Duffield says he isnt a pot farmer. Rather, he says, he sought the entitlements to make the property more attractive to buyers so he can move his factory to Utah. Duffield said in a statement emailed to the Daily Pilot on Sunday that he split his 4.7-acre property in Adelanto into thirds and sought a cannabis distribution permit from the California Bureau of Cannabis Control to take advantage of increased property values that followed Adelantos passage of a medicinal cultivation ordinance in 2015 and creation of a cultivation zone in 2016 that later expanded to include the factory site. As a property owner, I am trying to maximize the value to sell the land, not grow pot, Duffield said. I am actively manufacturing electric boats at the plant and there is no room to be growing pot. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print NHL: Legal pot in Canada wont affect league policy By Associated Press Now a handful of years into retirement from more than a decade of junior and pro hockey, former enforcer Riley Cote is a proponent of cannabis and its oils as an alternative to more addictive drugs commonly used by athletes to play through pain. Marijuana can be detected in a persons system for more than 30 days, is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency without a specific therapeutic use exemption and is illegal in much of the United States. Canada on Wednesday will become the largest country in the world to legalize recreational marijuana. That means it will be available under the law in seven more NHL cities (its been legal to adults in Denver since 2012). The move is a step forward for those who, like Cote, believe marijuana has been stigmatized and should be accepted as a form of treatment. It was so tainted for a long time, Ottawa Senators forward Matt Duchene said. And now people are starting to learn a little bit more about it and there is definitely some positive uses to different elements of it. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Costa Mesa council to review marijuana permit decision By Luke Money Costa Mesas review process for marijuana-related businesses will enter uncharted territory Tuesday when the City Council takes a second look at an earlier decision to award a required permit. So far, whats separated this particular application by Pivot Naturals LLC from the dozen other marijuana manufacturing and distribution facilities that previously sailed through City Hall isnt so much the question of whether the business should be allowed to open, but when. City planning commissioners decided last month to grant the business a conditional use permit to operate within a 5,283-square-foot industrial space in Suite 101 at 3595 Cadillac Ave. However, they added a new wrinkle by restricting hours to 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Business linked to Newport mayor paid councilman to help create marijuana facility in Inland Empire, records show By Hillary Davis A business linked to Newport Beach Mayor Marshall Duffy Duffield paid his City Council colleague Scott Peotter to help convert part of Duffields boat manufacturing facility in San Bernardino County to a medical marijuana cultivation or distribution hub, records show. Peotter made at least $10,000 from DC Developments, a Duffield-associated company, according to Peotters state-required statement of economic interest forms. A string of corporations that financially tie the two together appears to answer a question has Peotter ever worked for Duffield? that has dogged them for weeks as they seek reelection in November. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Following California, pot legalization campaigns across the U.S. aim to throw out old convictions By Kurtis Lee Rob Jenkins tried for four years to find a job, scouring the internet for anything that seemed at all appealing a maintenance position at a Chevron refinery, a counselor for foster kids, a clerk at Hertz. Some employers seemed interested, until they found out about his 2008 misdemeanor conviction for growing marijuana. I was stuck, recalled the 37-year-old college graduate. No job opportunities were coming in. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Canada is about to legalize marijuana. How did that happen? Justin Trudeau, for starters By Kurtis Lee Politicians herald it as transformative. Residents offer resounding support in the polls. Investors see billions of dollars on the horizon. When Canada legalizes marijuana on Oct. 17, it will join Uruguay as the only countries to allow recreational cannabis nationwide. The South American country became the first in 2013. The effort, years in the making, is unlike the piecemeal approaches to marijuana legalization that have been passed in the United States and the Netherlands. For pot proponents around the world, Canadas implementation of legal marijuana is being closely watched. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Can you carry marijuana in LAX? Yes, but its more complicated than that By Chris Erskine LAX wants you to know this about the marijuana you may be taking with you on your trip: Whats legal on the street is also legal in the terminals. Up to a point. Travelers can carry the legal amount of marijuana in California up to 28.5 grams through the airport areas that are under city supervision, that is up to pre-security checkpoints. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Dont you dare light up at Las Vegas new cannabis museum By Jay Jones Inhale we mean through your nose in the new marijuana museum in Las Vegas. You wont smell a thing, even though recreational pot is legal in Nevada. Signs in the elevators at Neonopolis, the downtown entertainment, dining and retail center thats home to the immersive Cannabition museum, make it clear that consumption in public is still against the law. Just steps away, a colorful mural covering the museums exterior depicts the changing attitudes toward marijuana, from the scare tactics of the 1930s to strict law enforcement in the 80s to growing tolerance today. That history is depicted in greater detail once youre inside. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Costa Mesa Planning Commission awards permit to 13th marijuana business By Luke Money A 13th marijuana manufacturing and distribution facility took a step closer to opening in Costa Mesa after the city Planning Commission decided Monday to grant it a required permit. The 3-2 vote, with Chairman Stephan Andranian and Vice Chairman Byron de Arakal opposed, awards a conditional use permit to Pivot Naturals LLC to operate in an existing 5,283-square-foot industrial space in Suite 101 at 3595 Cadillac Ave. Pivot Naturals intends to process cannabis oils into a powder for use in a variety of products, including tablets, food and beverages. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Kindergartner can take cannabis drug to school, judge says By Associated Press A kindergartner can keep bringing a cannabis-based drug used for emergency treatment of a rare form of epilepsy to her public school, a judge ruled Friday. The Santa Rosa Press Democrat reported that a judge sided with the family of 5-year-old Brooke Adams. The Rincon Valley Union School District in Santa Rosa sought to ban the ointment from school grounds because it contains the active ingredient in marijuana. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Glendale police seize hundreds of marijuana plants after reportedly discovering elaborate grow operation By Andy Nguyen What started as a routine wellness check by Glendale police officers on Monday led to the alleged discovery of an illegal marijuana grow operation and the seizure of more than 600 plants. Officers with the Glendale Police Department were in the 100 block of Wonderview Drive at around 12:40 a.m. after receiving a call about a person yelling for help from one of the homes in the neighborhood. After speaking with the homes occupant, 38-year-old Rui Yun Guan, officers entered the residence and discovered it had been converted into an elaborate marijuana grow operation, according to Tahnee Lightfoot, a spokeswoman for the department. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Tilrays wild ride shows how hyped pot stocks are catching up to the crypto craze By Craig Giammona Tilray Inc. investors could probably use a bit of the companys products right now. The Canadian maker of medicinal cannabis extracts finished a whipsaw session Wednesday with its share price 38% higher. But Tilray was up as much as 94% earlier in the day, peaking at $300. Fifty-three minutes and four trading halts later, it was in negative territory. The closing flourish that added $63 to the share price it finished up $59.08 to $214.06 took just six minutes. It left a sea of bodies, both longs and shorts, behind in its wake, said Dave Lutz, managing director at JonesTrading. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Marijuana industry fights stoner, pot and other words that stigmatizes people By Gary Robbins Theres a badge on her uniform, possibly a gun on her hip, and her arms are spread a little, suggesting shes ready for anything. You might think that youre looking at a police officer walking a beat. But what youve seen on billboards and, more recently, the internet is an effort by MedMen Enterprises of Culver City to remind you that marijuana users come from all walks of life. They can be cops, nurses, teachers, scientists, construction foremen and grandmothers. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Police arrest eight people after searching illegal cannabis store in San Fernando Valley By Alejandra Reyes-Velarde Los Angeles police arrested eight people at an illegal cannabis store in the San Fernando Valley after serving a search warrant, officials said Wednesday. About 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, the Los Angeles Police Departments Mission Area Narcotics Unit searched a cannabis retail shop in the 15400 block of Devonshire Street and confiscated several items of evidence and contraband, police said in a news release. The store was operating without proper permits and was considered a nuisance location, authorities said. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print More than 2 million U.S. middle and high school students have vaped marijuana, study finds By Karen Kaplan Electronic cigarettes are the most popular tobacco product among U.S. teens, but tobacco isnt the only thing theyre vaping. A new report from researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that more than 2 million middle and high school students have used an e-cigarette to vape marijuana. That figure is based on survey results from the 2016 National Youth Tobacco Survey, which polls a representative sample of American students in grades 6 through 12. Among the questions the 20,675 participants were asked in 2016 was, Have you ever used an e-cigarette device with a substance besides nicotine? One of the possible answers was this: Yes, I have used an e-cigarette device with marijuana, THC or hash oil, or THC wax. (THC, short for tetrahydrocannabinol, is the mind-altering chemical that produces marijuanas high.) Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Police chiefs warn of increased crime if California allows pot deliveries statewide By Patrick McGreevy The prospect of vans loaded with pot delivering to homes in quiet Morgan Hill makes Police Chief David Swing uneasy. Like most cities in the state, the upscale San Jose suburb has banned pot shops. But now, as California considers a proposal to allow marijuana businesses to send home-delivery vans into communities where retail stores are prohibited, Swing and others in law enforcement say they are preparing for the worst. This will make it easier and more lucrative to rob a delivery person than a liquor store, said Swing, who is president of the California Police Chiefs Assn. He notes drivers would be allowed to carry up to $10,000 in cash. Robberies are the tip of the iceberg. They can lead to other crimes, including aggravated assaults and homicides. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Tesla erupts in chaos after senior executives leave and Elon Musk tokes up By Dana Hull The turmoil at Tesla Inc. reached a fever pitch Friday, as news emerged that two senior executives will leave Elon Musks electric-car maker a matter of hours after he smoked marijuana during an hours-long interview with a comedian. Chief Accounting Officer Dave Morton gave notice Tuesday that he was resigning less than a month into the job, according to a filing. Teslas stock plunged, then extended declines after Gabrielle Toledano, the head of human resources whos been on a leave of absence, told Bloomberg News that she wont rejoin the company. Morton, a former chief financial officer for computer-drive maker Seagate Technology Plc, joined Tesla the day before Chief Executive Musk tweeted that he was considering buying out some investors at $420 a share and taking the company private. Musk abandoned that take-private effort 17 days later, and in the process drew a subpoena from the Securities and Exchange Commission and a series of lawsuits alleging market manipulation. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Elon Musk smokes a blunt live on YouTube with podcaster Joe Rogan By Russ Mitchell Elon Musk apparently smoked dope with comedian and podcaster Joe Rogan live on YouTube late Thursday night, then giggled about turning Mars into a big Jamaica. I mean, its legal, right? Musk said, accepting a lit blunt from Rogan in the Los Angeles studio, where The Joe Rogan Experience is webcast live. Rogan told Musk hed rolled marijuana in tobacco leaves. Musk took a single deep toke. If the pair were joking about what they were smoking, they didnt say so. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print L.A. launches crackdown on unlicensed marijuana businesses; more than 500 people are charged By Joseph Serna A police crackdown on local unlicensed marijuana businesses has ended with misdemeanor charges against more than 500 people in Los Angeles, the city attorneys office said. In 120 criminal cases filed since May, City Atty. Mike Feuer has charged 515 people in connection with 105 illegal marijuana businesses, grow sites, extraction labs and delivery companies located throughout the city, his office announced Friday. All of the defendants were charged with unlicensed commercial cannabis activity within the city, which carries a potential sentence of six months in jail and $1,000 in fines. Local judges have been hearing the cases since May with arraignments scheduled through the end of October, Feuers office said. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement 12th marijuana business wins permit approval in Costa Mesa By Luke Money Costa Mesa planning commissioners Monday evening gave their blessing to another local marijuana manufacturing and distribution facility, bringing the total number of approvals to 12. On a 4-0 vote with Chairman Stephan Andranian absent the commission awarded a conditional use permit to Pure Labs Inc., which is looking to open in a 2,025-square-foot space in Unit M-103 at 3505 Cadillac Ave. The decision is final unless appealed to the City Council within seven days. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Former L.A. mayor Villaraigosa joins board of local cannabis firm MedMen By James Rufus Koren Former L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is joining the board of publicly traded cannabis company MedMen, marking his return to the business world following a resounding defeat in Junes Democratic gubernatorial primary. MedMen, a Culver City company that operates high-end cannabis shops in California, Nevada and New York and has aggressive expansion plans, announced Villaraigosas appointment Wednesday morning. Villaraigosa adds political and governmental experience to a board made up of branding, entertainment and accounting executives. Other recent additions to the companys board include Stacey Hallerman, a former executive at the conglomerate that owns luxury brands Montblanc and Cartier, and Jay Brown, the chief executive of of RocNation, the entertainment company co-founded by Shawn Jay Z Carter. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Newport man accused of operating illegal marijuana dispensary in Costa Mesa By Luke Money A Newport Beach man is accused of operating an illegal marijuana dispensary in Costa Mesa, according to authorities. Omid Delkash, 47, was charged Monday with four misdemeanor counts of unlawful transportation, sale and furnishing of marijuana. He pleaded not guilty and is in custody at Orange County Jail, records show. He is scheduled to appear in court Friday for a pretrial hearing. Costa Mesa law prohibits the retail sale of marijuana or marijuana products anywhere in the city. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement California lawmakers want the state to collect data on drivers under the influence of pot By Patrick McGreevy After she was injured in a car accident allegedly caused by a driver impaired by pot, state Controller Betty Yee is backing a bill approved Monday by the Legislature that aims to begin addressing the problem of drugged driving on California roads. The measure sent to Gov. Jerry Brown would require the California Highway Patrol to report on how many motorists stopped for impaired driving are allegedly under the influence of marijuana. Its what other states have done like Colorado and Washington to at least start collecting state-level data, Yee said. They just want to understand the extent of cannabis-impaired driving. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Marijuana use is rising among pregnant patients. Not so fast, doctors warn By Jenny Gold Marijuana may be losing its image as a dangerous drug, but mounting research suggests women should steer clear of it if they are pregnant or breastfeeding, according to new recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics. The advice comes as more than half of the states, including California, have legalized marijuana for medical or recreational use. Growing acceptance of the drug has made it seem harmless, or even beneficial. As a result, doctors fret that more and more babies are being exposed to the drug. The march toward legalization has outpaced scientific research about marijuanas health effects. Because it is a Schedule 1 drug one with potential for abuse and no approved medical use studies have been limited by federal law. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Mormon Church ramps up opposition to medical marijuana effort in Utah, speaking out publicly By Kurtis Lee The Mormon Church has played a quiet role in the fight against an effort to legalize medical marijuana in Utah, releasing measured statements and helping to bankroll lawsuits. But on Thursday, leaders of the powerful Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints came out from behind the scenes. We are deeply concerned by the history of other states that have allowed medical and recreational use of this drug and have experienced serious consequences to the health of its citizens, Elder Jack N. Gerard, flanked by politicians, medical professionals and other church leaders, said at a news conference at the state Capitol. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print California lawmakers move to help expunge pot-related convictions California lawmakers voted Wednesday to ease the process for clearing the records of those convicted in the past of marijuana offenses. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) With recreational marijuana legalized by the states voters, Californians with past convictions for cannabis-related offenses would get state help in expunging their records under a bill sent by lawmakers to the governor on Wednesday. Proposition 64, which state voters approved in 2016, legalized the sale and use of marijuana for recreational use and permitted those with past convictions for the activity to petition the courts to clear their records. But state Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) told his colleagues Wednesday that the process is complicated, and many with pot convictions do not know about the opportunity. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement By next year, you can buy medical marijuana in Hawaii, but youll still have to jump through some hoops By Jay Jones Out-of-state medical marijuana users next year will be able to buy cannabis products at dispensaries in Hawaii. The only hitches: Visitors will need to apply online and pay $45 (plus a $4.50 processing fee) for a temporary Hawaii medical marijuana card thats valid for 60 days. Weve been fielding a lot of calls daily about reciprocity, said George Bullock, director of the Cure Oahu marijuana dispensary in Waikiki. We really look forward to being able to serve them in the future. The Hawaii Department of Health plans to allow medical marijuana cardholders from other states to make purchases at dispensaries on Oahu, Maui and Kauai. But state officials are not using the word reciprocity because those out-of-state cards wont work. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Teen sold weed from her bedroom, with her parents as suppliers, Merced County officials say By Joseph Serna A teenage girl who sold marijuana out of her bedroom was using her gun-toting parents as her suppliers, the Merced County Sheriffs Office said. On Friday, deputies served a search warrant on the home of Jose Reyes Martinez, 44, and his wife in Delhi, Calif., where they found 80 pounds of packaged marijuana and a dozen large plants along with two firearms, officials said on Facebook. The packaged weed was found in the master bedroom closet alongside a loaded AK-47, deputies said. A makeshift greenhouse in the backyard held a dozen large plants, authorities said. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Newport Beach sues to halt what city calls a marijuana dispensary at Church of the Holy Grail By Hannah Fry Newport Beach officials are asking an Orange County Superior Court judge to block an operation that identifies itself as a church but the city says is a marijuana dispensary violating local law. Brick-and-mortar marijuana dispensaries are prohibited in Newport Beach under municipal code. Cultivation, processing, distribution and delivery of cannabis have been banned in the city since 2016. A civil lawsuit Newport filed June 25 seeks an injunction to forbid the organization known as Church of the Holy Grail from operating at 2072 Bristol St. It isnt clear how long it has been operating, though the lawsuit states the location has been running without a business license since at least Jan. 24. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Proposal to create state-chartered banks for California marijuana industry fails to advance Virgil Grant arranges containers of various strains of medical marijuana in a display case at a dispensary he runs in Los Angeles. (Frederic J. Brown / AFP/Getty Images) California lawmakers on Thursday shelved a proposal to allow the state to license private banks to handle the billions of dollars expected to be generated by the states legal marijuana industry amid questions about the plans feasibility. Voters approved Proposition 64 in 2016 to legalize growing, possessing and selling marijuana for recreational use, but newly licensed pot shops and farms say they cannot put their money in federally chartered banks because cannabis remains illegal under federal law. Sen. Bob Hertzberg (D-Los Angeles) proposed that the state could license special privately financed banks that would issue checks to the businesses to pay rent and state and local taxes and fees, and to compensate vendors for goods and services provided to their businesses. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Parent of Corona beer bets $3.8 billion on U.S. love of marijuana By Bloomberg Constellation Brands Inc., which for seven decades has made its money off beer, wine and whiskey, sees its future in a marijuana leaf. In the biggest (legal) marijuana deal, the Victor, N.Y., beverage company will spend about $3.8 billion to boost its stake in Canadian grower Canopy Growth Corp., betting legalization will gain traction around the world and especially in the United States. This is rocket fuel, Canopy Chief Executive Bruce Linton said on the companys earnings call Wednesday. Were going to be way more global. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Marijuana is not really legal in California if residents dont have a reasonable way to buy it By The Times Editorial Board California law allows adults to buy marijuana. It allows licensed businesses to deliver marijuana to customers, and it says specifically that cities and counties cannot prevent delivery services from traveling on public roads. Yet even though cities cant stop deliveries traveling through their jurisdiction, many cities currently ban deliveries to their jurisdiction. That means that unlike deliveries of virtually every other legal, adult-use product including alcohol and cigarettes, which can be ordered over the internet in California marijuana deliveries are barred. The practical effect is that residents in some places have little to no access to legal medical or recreational cannabis products because of local regulations which seems contrary to the intent of Proposition 64. Roughly half of Californians live in cities or counties that prohibit marijuana stores and delivery services form opening in their jurisdictions. An analysis by the Sacramento Bee earlier this year found residents in 40% of the state had to drive 60 miles or more to find a licensed dispensary to buy legal marijuana medical or recreational. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print California cities oppose plan to allow pot delivery in areas where sales are banned California cities are objecting to changes in the states rules on marijuana that they say undermine local control. (Mathew Sumner / Associated Press) California cities on Monday objected to a state proposal that would allow marijuana delivery to homes in areas where storefront pot sales have been banned locally. The changes, which are being considered by the state Bureau of Cannabis Control, will undermine a citys ability to effectively regulate cannabis at the local level, Charles Harvey, a legislative representative for the League of California Cities, said in a letter to the bureau. The cities group, which represents the states 482 municipalities, supports other changes to clarify the rules of Proposition 64, which was approved by voters in 2016 and allows the growing and sale of marijuana for recreational use. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Cypress Hills B-Real set to open a Sylmar dispensary, as Cannary West takes flight Saturday By Adam Tschorn B-Real, from left, Kenji Fujishima and Rojo Desantis in front of the soon-to-open Dr. Greenthumbs dispensary in Sylmar. (Dr. Greenthumbs) Rapper and marijuana entrepreneur Louis Freese, better known as Cypress Hill frontman B-Real, plans to celebrate the grand opening of his flagship dispensary in Sylmar with a day-long bash next Wednesday. Called Dr. Greenthumbs a name music fans will recognize as the title of a 1998 Cypress Hill song the Foothill Boulevard dispensary will be heavy on strains from B-Reals Insane brand of cannabis as well his Phuncky Feel Tips product line (glass tips designed to fit the business end of a hand-rolled joint). It will also serve as the home base for the rappers online BReal.TV network. According to todays announcement, the Wednesday event will be open to the public (though youll need to be at least 21 or 18 with a medical marijuana card) and feature a line-up of BRealTVs DJs as well as a slew of surprise guests [making] appearances throughout the day. A second Dr. Greenthumbs is expected to open in Cathedral City later this year. Dr. Greenthumbs grand-opening party, Aug. 15 from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., 12751 Foothill Blvd., Sylmar (just west of the 210 freeway between Arroyo and Vaughn streets). Cannary West In other dispensary-opening news, a rebooted and relocated Cannary West (this version by the folks behind the stylish, upscale Venice Blvd. dispensary the Pottery), officially opens its doors Saturday. Although parts of the space in the Rancho Park neighborhood are still under construction, its only because plans include adding sustainable on-site cultivation (a process also underway at the Pottery), it does already have one of Los Angeles real estates most enviable features a dedicated off-street parking lot for customers around back. To mark the grand opening, the first 200 customers who spend $30 or more after the dispensary opens for business at 10 a.m. will receive a little something special for their efforts. Cannary West, grand opening, Aug. 11 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., 2435 Military Avenue, Los Angeles (just south of Pico and two blocks east of Sepulveda). Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement As budget remedies, Huntington Beach may explore marijuana-related revenue and boosting fines for illegal short-term rentals By Priscella Vega With general-fund revenue increases projected to taper off in coming years, the Huntington Beach Finance Commission this week recommended several potential budget-tightening and revenue-generating solutions. Among them are increasing fines for illegal short-term rentals, reducing city staff and exploring opportunities for marijuana-related revenue. Some recommendations will be unpopular with employees, but at the same time we hope they realize implementing some recommendations may make funding available for salary increases, Finance Commission Chairman Nouha Hreish told the City Council during a study session Monday. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print High Times rolls out new online video network By Adam Tschorn High Times, which launched as a print magazine in 1974, has added a streaming video service to its offerings. (High Times TV) Los Angeles-based cannabis media brand High Times, which launched as a print magazine in 1974, has added a streaming video service to its offerings. Announced Thursday, the ad-supported web channel High Times TV is both a showcase for the brands own content (behind-the-scenes videos from its Cannabis Cup events, for example, and how-to videos for ganja guacamole) as well as a platform for an assortment of independent cannabis-content creators like the Stoner Mom (a Colorado mother with a family of six who focuses on living a responsible cannabis lifestyle), StrainCentral (a strain review site founded by Joshua Young) and That High Couple (Hollywood-based couple Alice and Clark who chronicle their THC-infused life via social media). While High Times newest venture is hardly a unique move- there isnt a legacy media brand out there that isnt trying to capitalize on streaming video it could end up being a lifeline for the independents in the stoner space who have seen their traditional social media channels (particularly YouTube) threatened, restricted or suspended in a cannabis-content crackdown that began earlier this year. High Times TV is now available as an app on Android, Roku and Apple TV as well as online at tv.hightimes.com. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Newport Beach lawsuit seeks to ban marijuana business that operated in residential neighborhoods By Hannah Fry Newport Beach officials are asking an Orange County Superior Court judge to block a marijuana business from operating in two homes in violation of city law. A civil lawsuit filed May 4 seeks an injunction to forbid the business known as OC Healing House, Bud Man OC and Bud Man Newport Beach from operating at a home on Drakes Bay Drive in Corona del Mar and a home on Promontory Drive in Newports Promontory Point community. The city attorneys office says the business was using the homes for marijuana delivery and distribution. The lawsuit calls the business a public nuisance. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Marijuana is a gift from God. A battle over pot pits the Mormon Church against an unlikely group: other Mormons By Kurtis Lee Brian Stoll faced a dilemma as his wedding day approached. For more than a year, he had been smoking marijuana to treat severe back pain, but to remain in good standing with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and get married in the temple, he had to stop using pot. Since marijuana was illegal under Utah law, church leaders told him, it was forbidden. Stoll turned to an opioid painkiller and has continued using it since his marriage three years ago, despite unpleasant side effects and its inability to match the soothing qualities of marijuana. This was devastating ... I had to choose between my health and my fiancee, Stoll said recently. It seemed asinine that if I lived in another state, I wouldnt have to make such a difficult decision. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Roommates were unaware of drug lab operation in Glendale home, police say By Andy Nguyen Authorities arrested a man on Friday suspected of operating an illegal butane honey-oil lab out of a Glendale home. John Kelly, 52, was taken into custody after the Glendale Police Department received a tip about the suspected manufacturing operation in the 1400 block of Randall Street. The information was derived from an ongoing narcotics investigation, according to Sgt. Dan Suttles, a spokesman for the department. Butane honey oil is a type of concentrated cannabis product made when marijuana is soaked in butane in order to extract the plants essential oils. The process can lead to explosions if the butane gas builds up in an enclosed area and ignites from a spark. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Rams guard Jamon Brown says marijuana is reason for suspension By Gary Klein Rams starting right guard Jamon Brown, suspended for the first two games of the season for violating the NFLs substance-abuse policy, said Thursday that the suspension stemmed from a 2017 incident in Kentucky that involved marijuana. Brown still worked with the first-team offense Thursday as the Rams held their first training camp practice at UC Irvine. Brown, a fourth-year pro from Louisville, said that before last season he was pulled over for speeding and that police found marijuana in the car. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Democrats still havent figured out that legal weed is a winning issue By Tom Angell Every Democratic U.S. senator rumored to be considering a 2020 presidential run supports marijuana legalization. So do 77% of Democratic voters. The partys 2016 national platform backs states rights on cannabis and calls for a reasoned pathway for future legalization. So why is the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee the entity charged with winning back control of the U.S. House attacking a Republican congressman over his support for marijuana reform? And why is it citing a right-wing magazine to make the case? Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Costa Mesa) has a cult-like fixation on marijuana, said a National Review article excerpt the Democratic committee highlighted in a tweet posted Monday. The party organ said the GOP congressmans cannabis advocacy is one reason why [Democratic nominee] @HarleyRouda needs your help flipping this seat...from #RedToBlue. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print They worked at Apple, Amazon and Lyft. Now theyre working to get you stoned By Tracey Lien For much of her career, Natasha Pecor followed a path well-worn by tech workers. She built her reputation with her first employer in the industry, earning the title head of platform at Yelp. Then she jumped to one of the giants, Amazon, where she worked as a product manager. Most recently she parlayed that experience into a leadership role at a smaller start-up a common move among techies willing to take a risk for a new challenge and perhaps a big payday. But this start-up wasnt exactly a tech company. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Fountain Valley man sentenced to life in prison in kidnapping and torture of marijuana dispensary owner By Hannah Fry A Fountain Valley man was sentenced Friday to spend the rest of his life behind bars for kidnapping a medical marijuana dispensary owner and his roommate in 2012 and torturing the dispensary owner as part of a plot to extort money. Orange County Superior Court Judge Gregg Prickett gave Kyle Shirakawa Handley, 39, the maximum sentence of life in state prison. A Superior Court jury in January swiftly found Handley guilty of of kidnapping, aggravated mayhem and torture, all felonies. Prosecutors contended that Handley, a marijuana grower who supplied the victims dispensary, and three other defendants kidnapped the man and his female roommate from their 25th Street home on the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach on Oct. 2, 2012. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print More California kids are having pot-related health scares, poison control officials warn By Patrick McGreevy State and local officials say they are alarmed by a spike in calls they have received to report children and teenagers ingesting marijuana products since California legalized cannabis for recreational use by adults in 2016. The number of calls to poison control centers involving people 19 and younger who were exposed to marijuana has steadily risen from 347 three years ago to 588 last year. In the first six months of this year, there have been 386 calls to poison control centers involving marijuana exposure by underage people. If that trend continues, there could be more than double the reports in 2018 as there were 2015. Nearly half of the calls received last year 256 involved children 5 and younger, including 38 children under 12 months old, and 64 toddlers who were a year old, according to Stuart E. Heard, executive director of the California Poison Control System. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print With marijuana legal, California flooded with dubious health claims about the drug By Gary Robbins Spend a few minutes surfing Twitter and youre likely to encounter a startling claim that comes without proof: Cannabis cures cancer. The online world is awash with such posts, startling scientists and physicians who are urging weeds proselytizers to tap the brakes. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Gov. Jerry Brown appoints members to new cannabis permit appeals panel Marijuana on display at the Harborside dispensary in Oakland. (Mathew Sumner / Associated Press) Six months after California began licensing growing and selling marijuana, Gov. Jerry Brown on July 3 appointed the first members of a new Cannabis Control Appeals Panel to consider objections from those denied permits or those facing penalties for violating regulations. The governor gets to name three of the five members of the panel and appointed county prosecutor Sabrina D. Ashjian of Fresno, college lecturer Diandra Bremond of Los Angeles, and a staff attorney for the governor, Adrian Carpenter of Plumas Lake. The other two appointments will be made by the Senate Rules Committee and the speaker of the Assembly. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Federal law? State law? Which takes precedence when you want to travel with cannabis? By Catharine Hamm You cant take it with you. Actually, you can. But its not a good idea when youre traveling, especially for the risk-averse. We speak, of course, of cannabis; its use was approved by 57% of California voters in November 2016. Proposition 64, known as the Adult Use of Marijuana Act, allows the recreational use of marijuana in the Golden State; medical marijuana had been legal for about a decade before that. Legal, it should be noted, in California. Not legal according to federal law, although President Trump has signaled his willingness to support legislation that, according to an L.A. Times article, would end the federal ban on marijuana. Read More Facebook Twit The Alaska Railroad is revving up for winter service, increasing the number of trains for the fifth year in a row. The biggest bump in service will occur in March, when the railroad will offer service six days a week along the 360-mile line between Anchorage and Fairbanks. The Aurora Winter Train will add a northbound journey on Thursdays and a southbound trip on Fridays between Feb. 28 and March 29. That will be in addition to northbound trains on Saturdays and Tuesdays, returning to Anchorage on Sundays and Wednesdays. More trains will also be added around the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Advertisement With Denali, the continents highest mountain peak, dominating the backdrop, the Aurora Winter Train plies its 360-mile route between Anchorage and Fairbanks. (Kevin Burkholder / Alaska Railroad) Gone are summers double-decker rail cars with their wraparound windows upstairs for taking in the spectacular scenery. Cars on the winter train are slightly more utilitarian, with only one class of service from late September to early May. But plenty of sightseeing still awaits. The white backdrop of snow means better chances for spotting wildlife such as moose. And clearer skies during the cold months provide better odds of spotting Denali, formerly Mt. McKinley, North Americas highest mountain peak at 20,310 feet in elevation. A dining car provides breakfast, lunch and dinner with meals prepared on board throughout the year. One-way fares on the Aurora Train from Anchorage to Fairbanks cost $200, half that for kids 2-11 and seniors 65 and older. Passengers exit the Anchorage depot in preparation for boarding the Alaska Winter Train. The journey north to Fairbanks takes nearly 12 hours. (Jay Jones) Fairbanks is buzzing in winter. The bitterly-cold temperatures are perfect for hosting an ice sculpture park. And Alaskas interior boasts terrific opportunities to view the northern lights. The train trip to Fairbanks takes 11.5 hours, so travelers often opt to take the train one way and fly back. Visitors who dont want to go all the way to Fairbanks can consider overnighting in Talkeetna, a rustic town in the shadow of Denali National Park. A variety of indoor and outdoor pursuits await year-round, such as flightseeing trips to Denali. Info: Aurora Winter Train, (800) 544-0552 ALSO Alabamas Unclaimed Baggage Center to offer 9,000 lost-luggage bargains during its annual winter sale Travel may be the key to ending your unhealthy love affair with your electronic devices No need to go to Mexico to mark the Day of the Dead. U.S. cities come alive with altars, skeletons and sweet pan de muerto Yua: Henri Matisse and the Inner Arctic Spirit, which opened Monday at the Heard Museum in Phoenix, tells several stories, not the least of which is the unusual pairing of the French artists Inuit portraits and traditional Native Alaskan masks. Matisse is one of the few non-Native Americans whose work is being highlighted at the museum dedicated to Native American art. Its a one-of-a-kind exhibition that marks the first time Matisses Inuit portraits have been displayed in the U.S. It also marks the first time in more than a century that masks, often created in pairs or sets by the Yupik, one of the indigenous Alaskan peoples, have been reunited. But back to Matisse. I first learned about the story in 1998, when I met a member of the Matisse family, said the museums director and chief executive, David Roche. It was and remains a little-known story in the broader scope of art history. Advertisement Portraits, each titled Esquimau, were created by Henri Matisse. (2018 Succession H. Matisse / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York) Matisses portraits share the spotlight with Native Alaskan masks in a rare exhibition at the Heard Museum. (2018 Succession H. Matisse / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York) The portraits are likely as little known as the masks made by Yupiks, one of the indigenous Alaskan peoples, which were traditionally used in performances to tell rich spiritual stories dominated by animals and nature. After World War II, Matisses son-in-law, Georges Duthuit, an art critic and collector in New York City, had Yupik masks and other artifacts brought them to France. Duthuit and the artists daughter, Marguerite, asked Matisse to illustrate a book they had planned about the Arctic. He made 50 illustrations, among them the portraits. Roche thinks the French artist, upon seeing the native art, immediately connected with the shamans who made them. I think when Matisse saw these masks, he found kindred spirits, [people] who made these halfway across the world. Some would have been the artists contemporaries. Matisse sketched the faces not from the masks but from photographs of Inuits from the fifth Thule expedition to the Arctic in the early 1920s led by Knud Rasmussen. His work will now be displayed side-by-side with photos and artifacts of early Arctic dwellers. The word yua in the exhibitions title, by the way, refers to the spiritual interconnectedness of all living things that keeps life in balance, according to a museum news release. A Yupik dance mask, representing the moon-woman, circa 1870. (Private collection / photo by Craig Smith) Sean Mooney, who co-created the show with Yupik artist and elder Chuna McIntyre, said the storytelling masks were separated in the early 20th century when Gold Rush-era treasure hunters turned to collecting them and selling them to museums. Through the masks, Mooney said, you invoke the spirit of those animals to return to you in spring so you can survive next year. In a series of wind-talking masks known as the four winds, only three had ever been reunited and displayed together. That was until McIntyre found the missing fourth while doing research at UCLAs Fowler Museum. The Heard Museum will be the only place to see this show, which partnered with the Matisse Museum in Le Cateau-Cambresis, France, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, the Fowler Museum and others. The show runs through Feb. 3. Tickets cost $25 for museum admission and the exhibition. Info: The Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix; (602) 252-8840 travel@latimes.com @latimestravel The two young engineering graduates had just been told by a job recruiter that theyd aced their interviews, but on the overnight train back to their hometown in southern India, they began to wonder if it was too good to be true. After struggling to find decent work, the 26-year-olds seemed close to landing good jobs with the state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corp., one of Indias biggest companies. Pulling out a cellphone in the clattering train car, they tapped out a web search for ONGC and fake jobs. They had heard about graduates conned into paying recruiters for jobs that didnt exist. And the recruiter who summoned them was asking for thousands of dollars. But their search turned up nothing nefarious, so they relaxed and emptied their parents bank accounts before reporting to work in March, offer letters in hand. Advertisement Their initial suspicions proved well-founded: The letters were fake. The pair had been taken in by a job scam, the kind that has swept India as con men capitalize on the anxieties of a young generation struggling in the shadows of the worlds fastest growing major economy. Indias shiny growth statistics mask a gloomy paradox: Surveys show unemployment is rising, wages remain low and the most educated are the least likely to find work. More than four years after Prime Minister Narendra Modi swept into office pledging to meet the demands of the millions of fresh graduates entering the labor market every year, his efforts to boost manufacturing and the digital economy have failed to generate significant numbers of new jobs. And the share of Indians who are gainfully employed appears to be shrinking. About 426 million Indians were employed or looking for work this year, down from nearly 440 million in 2016-17, surveys show. In 2015, the most recent year for which data were available, more than 16% of Indians with graduate degrees were jobless, three times the national average, according to a report by the Center for Sustainable Employment at Azim Premji University in Bangalore. Laborers carry wood piles to prepare for a Make in India summit in Mumbai, India, in 2016. The much touted manufacturing initiative has failed to generate significant numbers of new jobs. (Rafiq Maqbool / Associated Press) The only bright spot is a vast government sector, which pays better and affords more stability than nearly any private industry resulting in intense competition for posts. This year, when state police in northern India posted an opening for a peon a lowly messenger job requiring a fifth-grade education and paying less than $300 a month more than 93,000 people reportedly applied, including 3,700 PhD holders. Many public sector applicants turn to recruitment agencies, an unregulated market rife with cheaters. We have a very deep and large unmet demand for work, and for jobs of a particular kind, and criminals are preying on that, said Amit Basole, an associate professor of economics at Azim Premji University. A recent story in the Economic Times described job rackets as a booming industry and described how scammers created fraudulent websites, disguised their email addresses and infiltrated company offices to trick job seekers. The New Delhi hoax was particularly audacious because the crooks lured graduates to interviews inside the secured offices of a government ministry in the heart of the capital. Conspiring with low-level ministry staff, they created fake offer letters using the oil companys logo, email addresses and digitized copies of official signatures. Investigators believe at least 20 job seekers were duped, forking over hundreds of thousands of dollars. This scam was not just daring but also intelligently executed, Delhi deputy police commissioner Bhisham Singh said. We have a very deep and large unmet demand for work...and criminals are preying on that. Amit Basole, economics professor Victims say their lives have been ruined. My family doesnt want to speak to me, said Sampat, who lost more than 1.2 million rupees, or about $17,000, including all the money his parents had saved for his sisters wedding. His friend and former classmate Jivan both men, fearing retribution from the scammers for reporting them to police, spoke on condition that their full names not be published liquidated his own familys long-term savings account, about $8,000. They had received the money in 2010 as a settlement when Jivans father died in a workplace accident at a rice factory. Jivan, while an undergraduate, had worked evenings at the factory to support his mother and two siblings, earning about $5 per day. In 2016, he earned a masters degree in civil engineering from a private college a few miles from his house in Telangana state. The school is among many of questionable quality that have sprung up across India to meet the growing demand for higher education. Jivan was unemployed when a recruiter who identified himself as Ravi Chandra phoned in April 2017. Together, he and Sampat went to visit Chandra in an office inside a glass building above a BMW dealership in the city of Hyderabad. Victims of a fake jobs scam say the recruiter, now wanted by police, worked out of an office above this BMW showroom in Hyderabad, India. (Shashank Bengali / Los Angeles Times) As about a dozen other young applicants milled about, Chandra trim, well dressed, pleasantly chatty showed copies of offers he said hed gotten for recent graduates. It looked good, recalled Jivan, his square jaw twitching. He had other clients, and he said there were lots of government jobs. Chandra eventually introduced them to another man, identified as Randhir Singh, who said he was recruiting for the oil company. Singh and Chandra said their fees would total $20,000 each more than double what the jobs would pay in a year. Still, the young men believed they were being offered tickets to stability for their families. Jivans mother could quit the janitorial work she had taken on after his father died; Sampat, the eldest of three, figured he could finance his brothers studies. After each had paid about half what the recruiters were asking, they were invited to New Delhi for further interviews. The emails came from an oil company address and told them to report to Krishi Bhavan, a sprawling government office complex near the Indian Parliament. Last August, after a 26-hour train journey, Sampat and Jivan met a clerk outside Krishi Bhavan who led them through security and into the building. Another took them to a ground-floor office where five people were seated around a table. A metal plate reading ONGC hung from the wall, but Sampat recalled being confused signs outside the door said the office belonged to the Ministry of Rural Development. The interviewers said a certain number of jobs at the oil company were set aside for the ministry, which would be making the selections. Investigators would later learn that the scammers had used spoofing technology that made it seem like their calls and emails were coming from ONGC offices. The ministry clerks were in on the con too, tasked with finding offices whose occupants were away. In such a large building, nobody noticed what was happening, said Singh, the police official. Bhisham Singh, deputy police commissioner in New Delhi, said the job scam was not just daring but also intelligently executed. (Niha Masih / For The Times) After they got back home, Jivan brought his mother to meet Randhir Singh. By this point he had spent the entire payment from his fathers death and theyd had to borrow more from relatives. Five months would pass before they were called back to New Delhi in early February. The same clerk met them at the entrance but led them on a circuitous path to a different meeting room. Only later would Sampat reason that the clerk was probably trying to avoid CCTV cameras. The interviewers presented them with photocopies of offer letters, printed on bond paper with the oil company logo. They traveled to a famed Hindu temple at Rishikesh, north of New Delhi, to receive blessings, and the following month they took an eight-hour bus trip to the coastal city of Kakinada to report for work. Recalling the moment an ONGC human resources officer told them their letters were fake, Jivans voice grew quiet. Tears welled in his eyes. He wondered why hed fallen for the scam. People started questioning me when I got home, saying, Why did you have to give them so much money? he said. I thought, this is India. This is what you have to do. He locked himself in the familys one-room apartment for a week. His mother was hospitalized for stress. Even seven months later, he sometimes hears her lying awake at night, crying. Read more: Why millions of Indian workers staged one of the biggest labor strikes in history In September, acting on the pairs information, Delhi police arrested seven suspects, including the clerks and the man who called himself Randhir Singh, a name that turned out to be fake. Chandra and another suspect, who took part in the interviews, remain at large. To fight scams, some companies have begun posting samples of fake letters on their websites, stamping their correspondence with digital QR codes and reminding applicants that they dont demand money from potential hires. Investigators have yet to trace the money Jivan, Sampat and other victims lost. Sampats parents were so angry that he moved out and has yet to return, even after he found a job. Jivan, too, recently found work through a relative, a construction job that pays one-quarter of what he thought hed make at the oil company. Catching the criminals makes no difference, he said, unless we get our money back. Masih is a special correspondent. shashank.bengali@latimes.com Shashank Bengali is South Asia correspondent for The Times. Follow him on Twitter at @SBengali Brazil's President-elect Jair Bolsonaro will travel to Brasilia to meet with current President Michel Temer on Tuesday next week, his future chief of staff Onyx Lorenzoni said. Proposed economy minister Paulo Guedes, speaking in Rio de Janeiro alongside Lorenzoni, said it is better if pension reform happens sooner rather than later. Search Keywords: Short link: Russias only aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, was damaged Tuesday when a floating dry dock berthing the massive vessel suddenly took on water and sank in the frigid waters of Russias Arctic region. Four yard workers were injured and one was said to be missing in the accident, which caused a crane to topple onto the carrier. The flagship of the Russian navy, the Admiral Kuznetsov was undergoing extensive renovations aboard the floating workshop when the accident occurred. The dock was apparently tied into the local electrical grid when a sudden power outage led to its ballast tanks taking on water, sending both the dock and the Admiral Kuznetsov into a dramatic roll. We are still assessing the scale of the damage, Alexsey Rakhmanov, head of Russias United Shipbuilding Corp., told Russian news agencies on Tuesday. A crane fell onto the flight deck from a height of 15 meters [about 49 feet], and it is understood that there is a hole in the hull and on the flight deck, he said, adding that the damage was not critical and could easily be repaired. The incident has bolstered the aircraft carriers reputation as Russias unluckiest ship. When dispatched on a flag-waving cruise to Syrias Mediterranean Coast in 2016, it lost two of its planes -- a MiG-29 and an Su-33 -- when its arrestor wire, which snags airplanes landing on the flight deck, snapped and sent them tumbling into the sea. Advertisement When deployed on far-reaching patrols, the Admiral Kuznetsov has been escorted by a tugboat, the Nikolai Chiker. On more than one occasion, it has towed the aircraft carrier to safety when its diesel propulsion system repeatedly failed. The ship also was the scene of an engine room fire in which a crew member was killed and an oil slick formed off the coast of Ireland. The loss of the PD-50 dry dock -- Russias largest -- also underscored the poor safety record of Russian shipyards in recent years. Several ships have been damaged by fires during repair or construction, including the loss of the missile cruiser Kerch during repairs in the Crimean port of Sevastopol in 2014. The greatest danger a Russian ship faces is not from adversaries at sea, said Michael Kofman, an expert on the Russian navy at the CNA think tank in Virginia, but from Russias own shipbuilding and overhaul facilities, where many a ship has been lost or damaged in such accidents over the years. Rakhmanov and other sources quoted by the Russian media suggested that the aircraft carrier was preparing to leave the dock when the incident took place. But it had been mounted atop the floating dock for an expensive and lengthy overhaul that began this summer and there was no indication that it was ready to move. Izvestia newspaper, citing unidentified yard sources, reported that only a skeleton crew was aboard that saved the ship from going down with the dock, though it took on several thousand tons of water. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in Moscow that the Kremlin was deferring to the United Shipbuilding Corp. for information on the incident. Russias Investigative Committee, a law enforcement body, has opened a criminal case into the cause of the docks sinking. The loss of the dry dock could have a significant impact on the Russian navys ongoing modernization efforts. Rakhmanov said that this dock is used not only for Admiral Kuznetsov, but also for other [big] ships, so other repair work this year will be stopped. The dock was built by Sweden for the former Soviet Union, and though there are other large docks and yards in the Russian Arctic and Far East, they lack the width and infrastructure to house a ship like the Admiral Kuznetsov -- about 1,000 feet long and 236 feet wide. The aircraft carrier itself was originally built in Ukraine. The other dry docks are already tied up with renovation projects including the refit of a Soviet-era nuclear battle cruiser, a cornerstone of Russian naval modernization efforts known as the Admiral Nakhimov. The dock is owned by Russias state oil monopoly Rosneft, and Rakhmanov says his company will have to sue Rosneft to cover any damages incurred. The accident, said analyst Kofman, will not only delay Kuznetsovs modernization, but the loss of PD-50 will inevitably affect the overhaul, repair and refit tempo of the entire Russian Northern Fleet. Bodner is a special correspondent. UPDATES: 10:40 a.m.: This article has been updated with staff reporting about the incident and background on the carrier. This article was originally published at 9:30 a.m. Hundreds of Central American immigrants Monday forded the fast-moving Suchiate River to cross illegally into Mexico a day after violent clashes at the Guatemala-Mexico border left one man dead and dozens of people injured. The migrants, who struggled through shoulder-deep currents as a police helicopter buzzed overhead, managed to cross onto Mexican soil. But they were met by dozens of Mexican federal police officers and immigration agents, who took many of the migrants into custody. The dramatic scene at Mexicos southern border came more than one week after an even larger caravan of immigrants illegally crossed the Suchiate and began the long trek toward the United States. That caravan, which consists of about 4,000 migrants many from Honduras prompted President Trump to order thousands of soldiers to the U.S.-Mexico border. As of Monday, it was still about 900 miles away, in the southern Mexico town of Niltepec. The caravan, which has not been stopped by Mexican authorities since it crossed the river Oct. 20, has inspired thousands of other Central American immigrants fleeing poverty and violence to set out together in recent days in large groups heading north. Advertisement The most recent caravan arrived over the weekend in the Guatemalan town of Tecun Uman, just across the Mexican border. At first, migrants found themselves unable to cross the river, which on Saturday was being patrolled by Mexican soldiers and more than a dozen Mexican marine boats, and unable to access the bridge that leads to a legal border crossing into Mexico. The border crossing in the Mexican town of Ciudad Hidalgo has not been fully operational since members of the first caravan clashed there with police last week. On Sunday, members of the new caravan tore down a chain-link fence that Guatemalan officials had erected to prohibit entry onto the bridge. They pushed past dozens of Guatemalan forces who sought to deter them with shields and rounds of tear gas. Hundreds of migrants then began streaming onto the bridge toward the Mexican side, where they were met with several other metal fences and dozens of federal police. Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto ordered hundreds of police to the border this month after Trump threatened to back out of a pending North American free trade deal if Mexico did not stop immigrants from crossing the border. Some migrants threw rocks and glass bottles at police and officers responded by firing rubber bullets, according to migrants and journalists who were at the scene. A Mexican police helicopter circled overhead, they said, dropping tear gas onto the crowd. Henry Diaz, a 26-year-old Honduran shot on Guatemalas border with Mexico, is carried toward medics by fellow migrants moments after being hit in the temple by a rubber bullet. He died at a hospital. (Jeff Abbott / For The Times) A 26-year-old name Henry Diaz was hit in the head in the scuffle. Rescuers took him to a hospital, where he died. Journalists and migrants at the scene said Diaz, who was from Tegucigalpa, the Honduran capital, was hit by a rubber bullet fired by Mexican police. On Monday, Mexicos interior secretary disputed that claim, insisting that police officers were not armed. The police did not have weapons, did not intend to attack any person, and the instruments used were deterrents so that no women, children or young people would suffer any harm, the secretary, Alfonso Navarrete Prida, said in an interview with journalists. Navarrete said that migrants had thrown Molotov cocktails at police and that Diaz had been photographed trying to knock down the entrance gate to Mexico with a battering ram. Authorities said 10 police officers were injured, two of them seriously. Local news reports said at least 100 immigrants were injured as well. Times staff writer Linthicum reported from Mexico City and special correspondent Abbott from Tecun Uman. kate.linthicum@latimes.com Twitter: @katelinthicum UPDATES: 5:05 p.m.: This article was updated with additional information about the status of the migrants. This article was originally published at 3:30 p.m. Stock Market News US Economic Data - US Treasury yields move higher as investors await economic data, auctions 30-10-2018 02:57 Stock News headlines are gathered from financial news sources around the web. Views and opinions on each item are from their respective authors and website. They are not opinions of LiveCharts.co.uk Motoring Oct 30, 2018 | By Joe Lim The brand new Monte Carlo Yachts 96 makes its stunning, grand debut in the tropical destination of Pattaya, Thailand. Simpson Marines Thailand division is delighted to announce the recent arrival of the brand new Monte Carlo Yachts 96 to Pattaya, Thailand. This beautiful yacht, which is the first MCY 96 in Asia, will now be based at Ocean Marina Pattaya. Simpson Marine concluded the sale of the yacht to a Thailand-based repeat Monte Carlo Yachts (MCY) client prior to her official launch to press in January 2017. Im very proud to have sold this new MCY 96 to an existing Monte Carlo Yachts owner, who was looking to upgrade his previous yacht for a bigger model, says Sergio Loiacono, Simpson Marine Thailand Country Sales Manager. The new model MCY 96 was a natural choice and a perfect fit, and the fact the owner has chosen to buy an MCY design once again are a testament to the strong client support and excellent after-sales programme that this pedigree brand provides its customers. Having launched from Monfalcone, Italy, in July 2018, the yacht made its way to Asia, arriving in Pattaya at the end of September. We are delighted to have her here and we are looking forward to seeing her actively cruising through Thai waters, adds Loiacono. The new MCY 96 has been designed according to the highest standards on the market and complies with RINA Pleasure or RINA Charter Class certifications. Upon request, the new model can also be certified according to CE-A category standards to be utilised as a pleasure boat or according to MCA MGN 280. Having the choice of type of certification is a rare feature and also represents significant added value for the owner. Like all Monte Carlo Yachts models, the design of the MCY 96 was once again entrusted to the renowned Nuvolari Lenard superyacht design studio. The companys development of the MCY collections Future Classic award-winning design philosophy is visible throughout every nuance and detail of the Monte Carlo Yachts line and maximises visionary concepts and design elements to achieve unprecedented results in its category. The new MCY 96 stands out for its smooth lines, high bow and deceptively low profile that give its external profile a timeless, contemporary allure that is a natural evolution of the iconic MCY lines, while still keeping a coherent consistency with the rest of the collection. Designer Statement Carlo Nuvolari and Dan Lenard Through the MCY 96, we sought to identify a common thread that links all of our Monte Carlo Yachts models, so they would be identifiable as a family, regardless of the overt style and technicalities. That common thread was beauty, and the sensation felt by those who see the yachts and cannot forget them. Beauty is found in balanced design and harmony in proportions, not aggressive lines or those that merely suggest speed. Beauty is never restricted by the narrow rules of architecture and design, but it is found in the feelings of those who experience something that we have designed. The proximity of our design studio to the Monte Carlo Yachts shipyard in Trieste is a huge benefit for clients, who can conveniently visit both companies on a single trip. Owners acquiring a yacht such as the MCY 96 are able to adapt and hone the final product in a way that is completely unique to our design and construction collaboration. The new MCY 96 features sporty and contemporary looks, while still preserving the brands elegant and smooth lines. Upon boarding an instant sense of spaciousness becomes apparent. The cockpit is very generous, comparable to those on much larger yachts, and provides access to the very spacious flybridge that can be entirely customised for each client. The cockpit, flybridge and the signature bow area all confirm that the outdoor areas on the MCY 96 are best in its class. Likewise, the interiors impress with the same amount of space and with light coming through wide side windows and saloon balconies. An unprecedented choice of possible layouts ensures added customisation options to suit each individual owner. Continuing this theme of space the master cabin, situated on the main deck bow area, is bigger than most master suites found on larger yachts. Below deck, the guest cabins are generous in size and perfect for relaxation after an active day on the water. Large hull windows in all the guest cabins fill these spaces with an abundance of natural light. As is the case on every single Monte Carlo Yacht, the interior design of this new MCY 96 has been entirely tailored to her owners tastes and preferences. The furniture selection comes from the best Italian design brands including Giorgetti, B&B, Minotti, Poliform, Paola Lenti and Tribu. Interior decor includes brushed oak and lacquered wood selections in various shades of brown and bronze including metallic and pearl finishes, all working harmoniously with the choice of creme marbles and yellow onyx. Accommodation is styled with creme upholsteries and grey tones with beautiful finishes in red, blue or green coral and seashell themes providing a tasteful connection to the surrounding seas. Monte Carlo Yachts success in Asia is largely due to the ability of the shipyard to respond quickly to buyers requests for customisation, and accommodate numerous special features, explains Richard Allen, Simpson Marine General Manager. The shipyard management and designers are always ready to fly out to Asia to meet buyers in person, listen to their needs and preferences, and make sure these are incorporated in the final design of their yacht. Monte Carlo Yachts personal approach is very much appreciated by Asian yacht buyers. Other strong points are the outstanding after-sales support that the shipyard provides to all owners around the world and the short delivery time guaranteed by their innovative building technology. We see strong growth of the MCY brand in all parts of Asia, which shows that the market has learnt to appreciate the exceptional service and shipyard support which is the hallmark of this very stylish, award-winning range of luxury yachts, adds Allen. The MCY 96 has quickly proved a huge success, with six units already sold. The first Monte Carlo Yachts 96 in Asia will celebrate her official launch at the 2018 Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show held on 29 November to 2 December. For more information in Asia, Monte Carlo Yachts are available exclusively via www.simpsonmarine.com Download Image: Web Lycoming College is excited to host Emmanuel Bruno Jean-Francois, Ph.D., Marian Trygve Freed Early Career Professor of French and Francophone Studies, and Comparative Literature at Pennsylvania State University (PSU), for a special lecture titled Transoceanic Connections: Creole Imaginaries and Narratives of Displacement, on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018 at 5 p.m. in the Fine Arts Lecture Hall on the Lycoming College campus. Based on Creole literature and expressive cultures from the Mascarene and Caribbean regions, Jean-Francoiss lecture will explore how transnational imaginaries further extend to contemporary experiences of displacement, touching specifically upon questions of migration, precarity, and ethical hospitality. His research background in multi-ethnic societies and Creolization will shed a unique light on how historical and contemporary oppression translates in international modern societies. After receiving his doctorate from the University of Mauritius in 2012, Jean-Francois held positions as a lecturer at the Mauritius Institute of Education, then as a Mellon Fellow and visiting assistant professor at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). The recipient of the 2014 UCLA Chancellors Award for Postdoctoral Research and the 2015-2016 PSU King Faculty Research Award, he is the author of Poetiques de la violence et recits francophones contemporains, as well as a number of journal articles and book chapters. This event is sponsored by Lycoming Colleges department of modern languages studies, the office of the provost, and the Languages of the World Affinity House, and will be free and open to the public. Chavit group buys into broadband firm posted October 30, 2018 at 07:00 pm by Manila Standard Business October 30, 2018 at 07:00 pm The LCSTierOne Consortium of businessman and politician Luis Chavit Singson has signed an agreement to buy into an operator of next-generation high throughput broadband satellites. Singson and TierOne Consortium chair Jonathon Bentley-Stevens signed the agreement overseas. The consortium declined to name the operator due to the highly-sensitive nature of the on-going search for the new major telecommunications player. LCS TierOne is now assured it will be able to provide the entire Philippine archipelago access to satellite-based broadband at much lower costs.The consortium said it now also had an earth station gatewaya facility which takes time to setupalready in place in the country, enabling it to quickly use the broadband satellite services. We are committed to giving Filipinos the connectivity they need and demand, whether they are from Ilocos in the North, where I am from; or Davao in the South, where Jonathon has been living for decades now, Singson said. COMMENT DISCLAIMER: Reader comments posted on this Web site are not in any way endorsed by Manila Standard. Comments are views by manilastandard.net readers who exercise their right to free expression and they do not necessarily represent or reflect the position or viewpoint of manilastandard.net. While reserving this publications right to delete comments that are deemed offensive, indecent or inconsistent with Manila Standard editorial standards, Manila Standard may not be held liable for any false information posted by readers in this comments section. Immigration authorities held an African who tried to leave the Ninoy Aquino International Airport using a fake Canadian visa. The foreigner, identified as Abdul Wahab Issah of Ghana, attempted to board Philippine Airlines flight to Toronto, Canada when immigration officers noticed that his passport was fake. BI Port Operations Division Chief Grifton Medina said Issah admitted that he bought the passport for $6,000 USD from a visa fraud syndicate in his country. Due to his apprehension, we were able to foil another attempt to use Manila as a jump-off point for smuggling illegal aliens to Canada, Medina said. Issah is currently detained at the BI detention facility while undergoing deportation proceedings. Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente has instructed immigration officers in all ports nationwide to increase their vigilance in monitoring foreign travelers to ensure that syndicates will be unable to take advantage of the coming holidays to smuggle illegal aliens in and out of the country.Meanwhile, Medina announced that as part of the bureaus efforts to combat corruption, the BI recently reshuffled some 200 members of the Travel Control and Enforcement Unit at the NAIA and other international airports throughout the country. The TCEU is a special team of immigration officers whose task is to conduct secondary inspection of arriving and departing international passengers. This includes arriving foreigners who have doubtful purpose in entering the country and departing Filipino tourists who may be victimized by human traffickers and illegal recruiters. Medina said the reshuffle was one of the numerous changes he plans to implement to prevent fraternization, which has been pinpointed as a major source of corruption in government agencies. US Elections May Trigger Major Stock Market Bottom Almost like clockwork, our research team, at Technical Traders Ltd., predicted on September 17) the US stock market would turn lower and attempt a 5~8% downside move on or after September 21 headed into the US mid-term elections. Our analysis of the potential downside move was related to our price modeling systems expectations that a common predicted downside target existed between -5% and -8%. Our researchers did not believe the markets would fall much below -10% before hammering out a price bottom and finding support. Today, we wanted to alert you to the fact that we are just 7~10 days away from the US mid-term elections and if our predictions hold true, we will be establishing a price bottom in the US stock markets over the next 5+ trading days and begin a new upside price rally fairly quickly after the election results are known. We could interpret this as a period of uncertainty that is mixed with economic and news data which results in investors pulling out of the markets ahead of these types of global events. In all reality, the US elections are really a global event for many investors. Policies, regulations, taxes, objectives, and execution become a very big question for many as these elections take place. Hundreds of billions of dollars are exposed to risk in the weeks headed into US elections and, thus, global investors and traders are always cautious headed into a major US election. Our theory is that this phenomenon has become even more volatile in recent years and global political ideals have become further polarized. We believe when a sitting US president that has served for two terms is leaving office, far greater volatility enters the global markets typically. We believe that mid-term US elections, depending on the political climate at the time, may or may not reflect in broad global market concerns and volatility. Weve highlighted major US Presidential elections and US Mid-Term elections on the chart below so you can see how volatility and price rotation increase or decrease depending on the political climate and uncertainty associated with these US elections. Weve highlighted 6+ months (or longer) before Presidential elections and a few months before mid-term elections. The current election event, November 6, 2018, is somewhat unique as it also coincides with the US Fed having raised FFR rates considerably over the past 2+ years as well as after a dramatic price increase in the US equities markets following the election of President Donald J. Trump. You can clearly see from the chart below that the QQQ has increased by nearly $80+ over the past two years while that same $80 increase existed over the entire Obama stock market recovery (8 years). This reflects the amount of increased volatility and activity that is within the current global capital market. This QQQ Weekly chart highlights what we believe to be the core elements of this election cycle rotation. On this Weekly chart, the overall price trend is still BULLISH (see the DARKER GREEN blocks near the bottom of the chart) and the bullish price trigger level near $163 is still valid. Yes, the shorter term price trend is currently BEARISH and has been so since the week of October 8. You can see the bearish price trigger level near $179 (in red) that was recently breached and the downside price target level (in blue) near $166. Our expectations from our predictions that the markets would be rotated lower by 5~8% were that the markets would move towards the lower YELLOW price channel level and stall near these levels (or just below these levels). We did not expect the extended price decline that was a result of earnings data and housing data being released last week. We still believe this move has already reached its downside objectives and is in the process of setting up a major bottom formation. We believe the extended move was an emotional price reaction to a hyper-election environment in the US and extended anticipation of caution in the global capital markets. In the next segment of this research article, well take a look at additional technical, price and modeling systems that support our belief of a major bottom formation setting up in the US equity markets and how election cycle events should be played for success. This current downside price rotation has extended to below our expected levels much like a deeper washout low price formation. We continue to believe the next 7+ trading days will hammer out a bottom formation and that the US equities markets will resume an upside advance shortly after the elections are completed and throughout the remainder of 2018. Please take a minute to visit www.TheTechnicalTraders.com to learn more about how we help our members find and execute success and how we can help you navigate these market rotations. Our predictive modeling systems called this move nearly 4 weeks in advance and now they are calling for a bottom to set up near November 10th and a price rally to resume throughout the rest of 2018. If you want to find out how these incredible tools can help you find and execute better trades, then visit www.TheTechnicalTraders.com to learn more. Chris Vermeulen www.TheTechnicalTraders.com Chris Vermeulen has been involved in the markets since 1997 and is the founder of Technical Traders Ltd. He is an internationally recognized technical analyst, trader, and is the author of the book: 7 Steps to Win With Logic Through years of research, trading and helping individual traders around the world. He learned that many traders have great trading ideas, but they lack one thing, they struggle to execute trades in a systematic way for consistent results. Chris helps educate traders with a three-hour video course that can change your trading results for the better. His mission is to help his clients boost their trading performance while reducing market exposure and portfolio volatility. He is a regular speaker on HoweStreet.com, and the FinancialSurvivorNetwork radio shows. Chris was also featured on the cover of AmalgaTrader Magazine, and contributes articles to several leading financial hubs like MarketOracle.co.uk Disclaimer: Nothing in this report should be construed as a solicitation to buy or sell any securities mentioned. Technical Traders Ltd., its owners and the author of this report are not registered broker-dealers or financial advisors. Before investing in any securities, you should consult with your financial advisor and a registered broker-dealer. Never make an investment based solely on what you read in an online or printed report, including this report, especially if the investment involves a small, thinly-traded company that isnt well known. Technical Traders Ltd. and the author of this report has been paid by Cardiff Energy Corp. In addition, the author owns shares of Cardiff Energy Corp. and would also benefit from volume and price appreciation of its stock. The information provided here within should not be construed as a financial analysis but rather as an advertisement. The authors views and opinions regarding the companies featured in reports are his own views and are based on information that he has researched independently and has received, which the author assumes to be reliable. Technical Traders Ltd. and the author of this report do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any content of this report, nor its fitness for any particular purpose. Lastly, the author does not guarantee that any of the companies mentioned in the reports will perform as expected, and any comparisons made to other companies may not be valid or come into effect. Chris Vermeulen Archive 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication. Google will give away $25 million to projects that propose ways to use the artificial intelligence of computers to help create a more humane society. The grant program announced Monday is part of a broader Google initiative called "AI for Social Good" that aims to ease concerns that advances in artificial intelligence will eliminate jobs and perhaps even be autonomously deployed by militaries to kill people. So as a part of AI for Social Good, were also launching the Google AI Impact Challenge http://ai.google/social-good/impact-challenge , a global call for nonprofits, academics, and social enterprises from around the world to submit proposals on how they could use AI to help address some of the worlds greatest social, humanitarian and environmental problems. https://www.blog.google/outreach-initiatives/google-org/ai-social-good/ The MDT Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program encourages and supports the participation of companies owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals in transportation contracts. They touch every area of the university, ranging from Montana State Universitys first female mathematics teacher to one of the countrys first Extension poultry experts to MSUs first female president. And now the public can know more about the stories of the Extraordinary Ordinary women who have molded the history of MSU with an exhibit at the MSU Library and an expansive website. The 125 "Extraordinary Ordinary Women" who impacted the university were selected this summer by the MSU Presidents Commission on the Status of University Women from nominations submitted by the public is part of the universitys yearlong quasquicentennial celebration. http://www.montana.edu/news/18145/list-of-125-msu-extraordinary-ordinary-women-who-contributed-to-university-history-now-on-display Mahen Seeruttun a pris la parole le 7 septembre 2021 a la FSC House en seconde partie du 7 septembre 2021 lors de la ceremonie de la National Insurance Claims Database a Maurice. I am very pleased to address this distinguished audience for this awareness event on the introduction of a National Insurance Claims Database. We have the honour of welcoming virtually distinguished personalities from regulatory bodies across Africa, Middle East and Asia. Your presence today bears testimony to the relevance of this project across continents. This event reflects our common vision to create a progressive and dynamic insurance industry in Mauritius, an industry in which all of us have an important role to play in service to the nation. Ladies and Gentlemen, When we took the helm of this Government, we billed ourselves as a Government of change, a Caring Government, a Government which will deliver on its promises. Our Government Programme 2020-2024 spells out our agenda for a peaceful, safe and secure Mauritius. Numerous initiatives have been introduced, some of which launched by the Honourable Prime Minister himself such as Ensam Pa Laisse Koltar Touy Nou Fami. Among our list of priorities, we are very much concerned about motor insurance. Since it is mandatory for drivers to purchase motor insurance, it goes without saying that there is a corresponding responsibility on Government to create such a marketplace that offers fair and reasonably priced policies to the people. Ladies and Gentlemen, Motor insurance serves such a vital social purpose. It is most probably the single class of general insurance business that generates the most interest in the population. Lets look at some metrics: (i) At the end of June 2021, the number of vehicles registered at the National Land Transport Authority stood at 610,658. (ii) We have probably one of the most concentrated vehicle density in the world 200 vehicles per square kilometre! And the more vehicles we have, the higher the risk of accidents particularly with more and more high-performance engines on our roads. (iii) The first semester of 2021 has been a bumpy ride with 12,488 road accidents. (iv) And, from January to June this year, we mourned over 50 fatalities. The social cost is enormous. Pain, suffering, traumas, disabilities and fatalities hitting both the young and old. There are too many of our countrymen who are grieving the loss of a dear one, whether a parent, a child, a spouse or a friend. It is socially unacceptable. Ladies and Gentlemen, One accident is one too many. There is a crying need to instill a stronger sense of social responsibility among all motorists and road users. Government has relentlessly legislated and introduced policies and stronger penalties to make our roads safer. We have been advocating Zero Tolerance policies. There is still much to be done. Ladies and Gentlemen, I am happy to announce that we are gearing up for a definite turning point in the history of the insurance industry. My Ministry, in collaboration with the FSC, is steering the implementation of the National Insurance Claims Database and will put in motion a Reward-Penalty system which will both ensure a better-focused, more accountable structure to protect Mauritian citizens. These projects are set to shake up the very foundations of the industry and bring tremendous benefits to all. I will not go in the details of the projects which have been canvassed by the Chairperson and the Chief Executive of the FSC. I will briefly mention some more promising gains I see coming up post-implementation. Firstly, the system will go a very long way in improving road safety. We shall now have an intelligent platform to which stakeholders will be connected that will give important details such as claims history of each and every driver. There will be no escape from details being logged on the system. As such, I have every reason to believe that the system will promote a more responsible driving culture in the country. We all want to see better attitudes and road etiquettes. It will be good for drivers, good for passengers, good for road users. To reckless, dangerous and accident-prone drivers, I would say a bon entendeur, salut! Secondly, Ladies and Gentlemen, in a highly competitive and limited market such as ours, a commitment to Customer Obsession is critical for businesses. Today, insurers are offering policies mostly on the basis of pricing policies. The system will henceforth bring a level playing field for all, the same data will be available to every insurance company. Pricing models will take into account pertinent information such as driver profile, as well as vehicle type, not readily available till now. The natural consequence would be competition on both Service and Cost. Mr Maraye, the Ombudsperson for Financial Services, here with us will surely agree to what I am saying. I have no doubt that insurers will improve their role from managing costs to delivering greater care to their customers, better service in terms of swift payment of valid claims and improve response time to customer queries. In turn, this will lead to better adherence to the Insurance Code of Practice. Mr Ramkhalawon, Secretary General of the Insurance Association of Mauritius, has been talking about the merits of the Claims Database as well as the Bonus-Malus system and I am comforted that the whole community of insurers are well behind us in these initiatives. Thirdly, Ladies and Gentlemen, transparency will generate more fairness and swiftness. I am aware of the degree of public concern surrounding the issue of motor insurance. There is a strong customer perception that insurers always try to wriggle out of payment. I hear from my constituents all the time and I receive many complainants in my office ever since I joined this Ministry saying: lassurance pas oule paye or lassurance pe tarde pou paye. There are so many outstanding recoveries, so many deadlock cases as well as protracted periods for Motor Vehicle Insurance Arbitration Committee (MVIAC) to provide its rulings. This is indeed a very sore area which I believe has been left to fester for too long. We shall be acting on improving this situation decisively and swiftly. As mentioned by the Chief Executive in his address, a Steering Committee is being set up. This Steering Committee will be chaired by Mr Purmessur, Permanent Secretary of my Ministry, and I am confident that under his able leadership the introduction of the Claims Database will be expedited. Fourth, Ladies and Gentlemen, is data availability. Better data will lead to better policies to better serve society. In less than two months, my Ministry has been at the heart of three initiatives aimed at improving data capture and data quality which testifies the commitment of this Government to foster a data quality culture. Data forms the very basis of everything Government does from our services, our decisions to our policies. It is, therefore, vital that we have data we can trust. And Trust, ladies and gentlemen, will help enhance customer confidence and reliability in insurers, brokers and adjusters. The FSC, in its role as regulator, watchdog and protector of the insurance industry, will be publishing analysis of the data gathered by the database which will feed into planning and enable data-driven policy orientation. For instance, the regulator will have a better understanding of the causes of any future peaks and troughs in policy pricing and call for any remedial action required by its regulatees. And Fifth, Ladies and Gentlemen, is Certainty and Swiftness. The ultimate objective is that we need greater certainty on outcomes of claims. International experience from countries having implemented such a system shows that the outcome of claims can be predicted with reasonable certainty. Claimants will have confidence that claims will be paid swiftly. There will be less reason to occasion delays or engage in long-drawn adversarial proceedings which adds to financial burdens. On the strength of digitalisation, we should envision such a state where claims would be sent and settled even before a car is towed away. And indeed, there will be better certainty on the condition of vehicles. As surprising as it may be, in this day and age, we may still not know whether a car was once a total loss! Ladies and Gentlemen, The arguments are clear and logical. Government will use its very best endeavours to amplify its social purpose with the implementation of such initiatives. Our Vision is to see the National Insurance Claims Database cast its net beyond motor insurance to other classes of general insurance business. I would wish to extend my gratitude to the Insurers Association of Mauritius, to the leadership of Insurance Companies and Brokers for working together with the FSC and my Ministry to shape the claims landscape in a way that is fair, legitimate and affordable. I am profoundly optimistic that this once-in-a-generation industry reform will serve the country well and that generations to come will live to see a better world. I thank you all for your kind attention. We attempted to send a notification to your email address but we were unable to verify that you provided a valid email address. Please click here to update your email address if you wish to receive notifications. Otherwise, you may click here to disable notifications and hide this message. Education Montgomery County Community College will present the spring installment of the interview/talk show program Issues and Insights April 20 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. in Science Center room 214, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The programs will be simulcast to the Colleges West Campus in South Hall room 216, 101 College Drive, Pottstown. Dr. Kolsky will offer a humorous presentation, Carrots, Sticks and Politics: A State of the Nation and the World Message. In this speech, he will provide his interpretation of domestic and international politics and then welcome questions from the audience for discussion. Issues and Insights, is free and open to the public. For information, contact Dr. Thomas Kolsky, professor of political science, at 215-641-6380 or tkolsky@mc3.edu. Montgomery County Community Colleges STEM Scholars Program will host a STEM Jam! open house April 25 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Advanced Technology Center at the Colleges Central Campus, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The drop-in event is designed for students interested in learning more about careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Activities will include STEM program information and career advising, STEM speakers throughout the day from industry and academia, micro-helicopter and robotics competitive obstacle courses and demonstrations and static models of STEM student and faculty work. For more information about STEM Jam! or STEM programs at MCCC, contact William Brownlowe at wbrownlowe@mc3.edu or 215-641-6644, or Robin Zuhlke at 215-619-7440 or rzuhlke@mc3.edu. Temple Ambler, located at 580 Meetinghouse Road, presents the following events: International Club Global Bazaar April 15 from 5 to 8 p.m. The Ambler Campus International Club invites all students, faculty, staff and the community to celebrate a multitude of diverse cultures, which will be showcased at the organizations Global Bazaar. This family friendly event will highlight cultural traditions and celebrations in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, South American, North America and Africa through music, entertainment, food and informative displays developed and presented by students at the Ambler Campus. Young visitors will be provided with passports, which they may get stamped at each country they visit. Prizes will be awarded to world travelers who talk to cultural representatives, answer questions about the countries theyve visited and take part in fun-filled activities designed to help them learn about the rich diversity of cultures found throughout the world. Refreshments will be served. The event is free. For more information, call 267-468-8108 or e-mail tuc36466@temple.edu. EarthFest 2011 April 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. More than 75 exhibitors, including the Philadelphia Zoo, The Franklin Institute, the Academy of Natural Sciences, the Elmwood Park Zoo and the Insectarium, will take part in EarthFest 2011. School students of all ages are invited to attend and develop displays of their own. EarthFest partner the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society also offers its Kids Grow Expo, featuring the Junior Flower Show, as part of the event. For more information, call 267-468-8108 or e-mail duffyj@temple.edu. Annual Spring Plant Sale May 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The plant sale an Ambler Campus tradition dating back to the early 1900s will feature woody plants and perennials in portable sizes, hardy trees, shrubs, and vines, native plants that are attractive to wildlife, herbs, and hanging baskets. There will also be numerous special plants for sale to highlight Amblers special anniversary year. Garden books and garden tools will also be available for sale. Students, staff, and volunteers from the Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture and the Ambler Arboretum Advisory Committee will be available to answer questions. All proceeds from the Spring Plant Sale will support the Ambler Arboretum Fund and the Pi Alpha Xi National Honor Society. Information: 267-468-8001 or judy.shatz@temple.edu. Learn more at www.ambler.temple.edu/anniversary. June Homecoming/Louise Bush-Brown Garden Dedication June 5 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. (June Homecoming), Bright Hall Lounge; 2 p.m. (Garden Dedication), Ambler Campus Formal Perennial Gardens. Tickets June Homecoming: Participant $18 per person; Sustainer $25 per person; Benefactor $40 per person. The 2011 June Homecoming, sponsored by the School of Environmental Design Alumni Association, will include the Alumni Association annual meeting and luncheon. June Homecoming will be followed by the formal dedication of Temple University Amblers Formal Perennial Gardens as the Louise Bush-Brown Formal Gardens. During this 100th anniversary of the campus, Temple University Ambler and the Ambler Arboretum of the Temple University is honoring Louise Bush-Browns many contributions to the history of the campus by formally dedicating the gardens in her honor. During the program, campus Executive William Parshall will welcome guests, Ambler Arboretum Director Jenny Rose Carey will speak about the Bush-Browns and the history of the garden, and an official ribbon cutting will be held for the Louise Bush-Brown Formal Garden. Following the ribbon cutting, guests are invited to take a tour of the gardens, which will wend their way to the Campus Greenhouse for the School of Environmental Designs annual Plant Auction. Information (Garden Dedication): 267-468-8001 or judy.shatz@temple.edu. Information (June Homecoming): 215-482-0722. Learn more at www.ambler.temple.edu/anniversary. Northview Garden Tour and Fundraiser for the Ambler Arboretum June 12 from noon to 5 p.m. Call for reservations. Tickets: $15 per person or $20 at the door. In addition to the gardens of the Ambler Arboretum of Temple University, Arboretum Director Jenny Rose Carey has a garden oasis all her own right in Ambler Northview. Visitors will have the opportunity to take self-guided tours throughout the many gardens, where garden experts will be available to answer questions about the various designs. The Ambler Keystone Chapter of the Womans National Farm and Garden Association will also provide tea and refreshments. All proceeds from the tours will support the Ambler Arboretum of Temple University. Information or to register: 267-468-8001 or judy.shatz@temple.edu. Learn more at www.ambler.temple.edu/anniversary. The Senior Adult Activities Center of Montgomery County, 536 George Street, Norristown, will hold the following events: SAAC Adult Day Care, an alternative to Nursing Home Care is available for information call 610-275-1960 Volunteers are needed for Meals on Wheels Program (call the number above) SAACs Fifth Avenue Boutique opens Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Exercise with Theresa will be held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1 p.m. Dance class is held every Monday at 10 a.m. Tai Chi is held every Monday at 10 a.m. Yoga is held every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. Line Dancing is held every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Dancing with Joan is held every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. Sculpture Class is held Wednesdays from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Why Should I Learn Spanish? will be held Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. Generations On-Line computer classes for seniors will be held Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. 4 p.m. computers are available during those hours. Health Living will be held every Tuesday at 1 p.m. Boomer U will hold the following events. Boomer U is located at 45 Forest Avenue, Ambler. Registration & payment is required for all events: 215-619-8863. Pilates Class is held Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:30 a.m. First class is free; please bring a mat. For information call 610-291-5376. Blue Bell School of Dance, 921 Penllyn Blue Bell Pike, Blue Bell, hosts Argentine Tango Classes and a Milonga dance party every Friday evening. Lessons start at 8:30 p.m. followed by dancing at 9:30 p.m. Andrew Conway, master Argentine Tango dancer, instructor and performer and his partner Linda Chase will instruct. All levels welcome and no partner is needed. Refreshments will be served. Fee is $12 per person and includes lesson and dancing. Information: 215-634-1101 or www.amoretango.com. The Montgomery Hospital Medical Center will offer the following classes: Childbirth Education Class- all parents are invited to participate, including those who are delivering at other hospitals. For more information on maternity services or classes, call 610-270-2020. CPR and First Aid Courses are offered for beginners to experiences health care providers. Call 610-270-2313. The Ambler SAAC (Senior Adult Activities Center), located at 45 Forest Ave in Ambler will hold the following events: Tai Chi every Monday and Thursday at 11 a.m. Yoga is every Tuesday at 1 p.m. and Friday at 10:30 a.m. Strength and balance training every Wednesday at 10 a.m. Armchair Aerobics is held every Monday at 10 a.m. Gourmet Weight Wise every Thursday at 12:30. Fitness Center and Pool Room open daily 8 a.m.-4 p.m. The Diabetes Education Center will offer day and evening classes each month. Health insurance pays for diabetes education classes. Preregistration is required. Call 610-270-2301. For Kids & Families The Ambler Kiwanis Club will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt April 26 at 10 a.m. in Ambler Borough Park, located just off of the intersection of Hendricks Street and Valley Brook Road. Members of the Wissahickon Key Club will assist Kiwanians in hiding thousands of wrapped chocolate eggs in a designated area of the park. Also hidden will be plastic colored eggs, which are redeemed for prizes. Elementary school children are separated by age. Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation will hold its 21st annual Storybook Egg-Stravaganza April 15 fom 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Upper Dublin Township Building. Toddlers and preschoolers love this annual event where photo opportunities with favorite friends abound! Treasures are collected from UDP&Rs assortment of lifesize cutouts of favorite cartoon characters from Disney, Sesame Street, Nickelodeon and other well-known animation. Children can have their picture taken with Bugsy OHare; bring your own camera. And dont forget a basket for goodies! $7 for UD residents; $12 for non-residents. Pre-register at 215-643-1600 ext. 3443. Splash Week is a free week-long program that teaches children and families basic swimming skills and water safety practices. All YMCA branches will host multiple classes each day from April 11 to 15. For more information, contact the Ambler Area YMCA at 215-628-9950. Healthy Kids Day is April 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The day is filled with fun, engaging and artistic activities that cultivate healthy living as part of the YMCAs larger efforts to help more kids and families become physically active. All activities are free and open to the community. For more information, contact the Ambler YMCA at 215-628-9950. No reservation is required. The Ambler Area YMCA has added several new programs for area youngsters. Classes are held late afternoons or evenings on various weekdays. For more information, visit philaymca.org or call 215-628-9950. Basic Beading: Ages: 10+. Wednesdays 7 to 7:45 p.m. This class will teach you the fundamentals of wiring and stringing along with how color can be used to create unique and vibrant beadwork design. You will create various jewelry including earrings, bracelets, charm pendants and much more! Supplies will be provided. Bringing your own jewelry pliers or tools would be a plus. Messin with the Masters: Ages: 8-12. Thursdays 7 to 7:45 p.m. Learn about some of the worlds greatest artists. You will be inspired to create your own Starry Night with oil pastels and tempera paints, a tissue paper painted Monet garden, a Picasso head using scraps of paper, a Georgia OKeeffe clay flower bowl and a Rousseau jungle collage. Super Scientist: Ages: 5-7. Mondays 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Well be concocting chemistry experiments such as making slime, mixing potions and having fun with magnet magic. Your budding little scientist will enhance his/her creative thinking and motor skills and to top it off will learn that science can be serious fun. Wacky Junk Art: Ages: 8-12. Thursdays 6 to 6:45 p.m. Why throw it away! Instead join us to make household junk into aliens from outer space, wacky specs, crazy hats, body masks or a recycled train. Globe Trotters: Ages: 4-6. Tuesdays 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Youre never too young to start thinking globally. Each week, we explore a new country through crafts, games, music, stories and even some taste-testing. A perfect introduction to our great big world! Crazy about Crafts: Ages: 5-7, Thursdays 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Let your childs creative juices flow with our fun arts and crafts projects each week. Fine motor skills and creative thinking skills will be enhanced with this crafty class. Come out and join the Ambler Area YMCAs Teen and Junior Leaders Club. Participants are given the freedom to plan community service projects year round and truly make a difference in the lives of people in need. Those in Teen and Junior Leaders also attend leadership retreats all along the East Coast three times a year and meet other leaders who are doing the same great work in their respective areas. Dont miss out on this inspiring opportunity. Teen Leaders, ages 13-17, meet every Wednesday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Junior Leaders, ages 10-12, will begin in the spring and will meet every Monday. For more information, contact Mike Miles, Teen Director, 215- 628-9950 x 1540 or mmiles@philaymca.org. Did you know that the new Ambler Area YMCA holds childrens birthday parties at its site for members and non members as well. The Ambler Y does all the work from start to finish and birthday parties include a personalized cake, ice cream, beverage and paper products. Parties are held on Saturday and Sunday afternoons and include two party hosts to lead activities, set-up, clean-up and assist with serving. You can have a Splash Party for children ages six to 12 in the new zero depth entry pool with water slide and spray fountains. Up to 25 children have exclusive use of the pool area with 30 minutes in the party room. Sports Parties are offered for kids ages four to 12 with age appropriate activities and games, and sports such as floor hockey, soccer, basketball or dodge ball. Children ages three to five years of age will enjoy parties in the Family Active Center with use of the Moon Bounce and organized activities, such as parachute play and songs. For information, 215-628-9950 ext. 1583. Community Events at the Ambler Y: -YAchievers YMCA Achievers is a developmentally based, extracurricular, educational and team mentoring program designed to help students in grades five through 12 prepare for fulfilled livelihoods in college and beyond. Participation is free and all students in this program receive a free YMCA membership. Registration for the 2009 program begins now. You do not need to be a YMCA member to utilize these special services. Call 215-628-9950 to register. Greater Norristown Art Leagues Childrens Weeklong Summer Art Camps will be held at 800 West Germantown Pike in East Norriton, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday throughout the summer. The cost per session is $125 per student for ages 6 and up. Jo Ann Cooksey Bono teaches an introduction to basic drawing skills and techniques from 10 a.m. until the lunch break each day. In the afternoon sessions, Mary Vogel Lozinak involves the students in hands on projects such as collage, papermaking, T-shirt printing, 3D design and sculpy clay. Fridays Graduation Day includes an art show, awards ceremony and reception for parents, siblings, grandparents and friends. All supplies are included. Students provide their own lunch. A refrigerator is available and the building is air-conditioned. This is the 15th year to run this successful program. Both instructors are professional artists with State Police and Child Abuse Clearances. To register, call Jo Ann at 610-279-1008, or register on-line at www.gnal.org. Health Dresher Physical Therapy is hosting an interactive seminar discussing its Golf Assessment Progam April 30 from 10 a.m. to noon at Dresher Physical Therapy, 1075 Virginia Drive, Suite 200, Fort Washington. Physical therapist Chris Miller, certified through the Titleist Performance Institute, will discuss why your body may be the most important piece of golf equipment you invest in and how this can drastically improve your game. $10 in advance; $15 at the door. Call 215-619-4545 to reserve your spot. The Chestnut Hill Center for Enrichment, Center on the Hill and Chestnut Hill Hospital will host a Senior Health and Resource Fair April 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Chestnut Hill Presbyterian Church, 8855 Germantown Ave. The event is free. For more information, call 215-248-0180 or e-mail chseniors@cavtel.net. The Ambler Senior Adult Activities Center is hosting Help Yourself to Health, a new six-week workshop for older adults with ongoing health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, anxiety, heart disease and others. The free workshop will take place at the Ambler Senior Adult Activities Center, 45 Forest Ave. on six Thursdays, May 12 through June 16 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Although there is no charge to participate, registration is required. To register, call 215-619-8863. The Ambler Senior Adult Activities Center is sponsoring an eight-week program called A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls. Presented by the Montgomery County Health Department, this workshop will be held on Tuesdays, May 3 to June 21 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Ambler Center, 45 Forest Ave. If you pre-register by April 27, the fee is only $5! Registration at the first class is $10. (Checks should be payable to SAAC and will benefit our Meals on Wheels program that serves homebound seniors.) A workbook will be provided and refreshments will be served. Call 215-619-8863 to register or for more information. Fort Washington Wellness Center classes are ongoing. There are several offered during lunch or right after work, for your convenience: Boot Camp from noon to 1 p.m. on Monday; Zumba is MWF from 11 a.m. to noon and Friday at 4 p.m.; there are 25 cycling classes; Ashtanga and Vinyasana Yoga and Pilates; and a group Womens Strength Training class M-F from 10 to 11 a.m. Questions, call Cathy DeMarco at 215-641-1245. Following the success of other local area programs, Impact Sports and Upper Dublin Parks and Recreation are delighted to team up again to offer a spring program for the 2011 season! Upper Dublin area children ages 3-5 years old can attend a Sports Program featuring their favorite sports games; soccer, rugby, hockey, track and field, basketball, and more. The program will start on April 27 and run through June 1. Cost for the program is $85 for the six weeks. The classes will be running 12- 1 p.m.; 1- 2 p.m.; 2- 3 p.m. For more info or to register, call Upper Dublin Township on 215 643 1600 or visit their website a http://www.upperdublin.net. Spring Aquatic Programs UDHS Pool: -Summer is just around the corner Community Aquatic Programs at the UDHS Pool can help get you into shape! Programs begin in March; preregistration is required. Shallow Water Aerobics Two 5-week programs, Wednesday nights, 8-8:45 p.m., $40R/$50NR. Adult Swim Instructions Two 5-week programs, Wednesday nights, 7-8 p.m., $50R/$60NR -Open Rec Swims are fun for the whole family! Come out on Fridays from 7-9 p.m. or Saturdays from 1-4 p.m. and enjoy use of the pool and diving area. Fridays are offered through June 17; Saturdays are offered March 12-May 21. -Join a growing group of adult lap swimmers and water walkers. Lanes are set aside evenings and weekends for use; lanes are shared. Monday Thursday from 7:30-9:30 p.m.; Fridays from 7-9 p.m. and Saturdays (March 12-May 21) from 1-4 p.m. -Private Swimming & Diving Lessons for ages 3-adult are offered at the UDHS Pool through a partnership with the Upper Dublin Aquatic Club (UDAC). Visit the UDAC website for more information, www.udac.us, and click the link to UDHS Private Lessons. -Looking for local programs for US Masters Swimming (adults) or Water Polo (all ages)? UDAC and UDSD are working together to develop programs that will be offered at the UDHS Pool. Add your name to Interest Lists by emailing slohoefer@upperdublin.net. emails will be sent about clinics and program start dates. Questions about Community Aquatic Programs at the UDHS Pool, group use of the pool or pool rental? Contact Susan Lohoefer, Facility & Community Affairs Manager at slohoefer@upperdublin.net or call 215-643-8800 x8994. SilverSneakers Fitness Program. The Healthyways SilverSneakers Fitness Program is a result-oriented program that enables older adults to take charge of their health. The program is an innovative blend of physical activity, healthy lifestyle and socially oriented programing. Members of the program are eligible for a free YMCA membership, with use of the pool and exercise equipment, along with customized classes designed for older adults who want to improve their strength, flexibility, balance and endurance. If you are a subscriber to Independence Blue Cross (Personal Choice 65 PPO) or Keystone 65 HMO, Bravo Health, or Health Options Programs (HOP), call the Ambler Area YMCA, 215-628-9950 or Hatboro Area YMCA, 215-674-4545. You can also visit www.silversneakers.com. Zumba Fitness offers Zumba dance/fitness classes at Academy of Dance and Music/BBAD Studio located at 1524 DeKalb Pike in Blue Bell (behind Sherwin Williams). Classes are offered three times a week: Tuesdays at 6 p.m., Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 8 a.m. For a free trial pass for your first class, email us at info@danceandmusic.biz or call 610-277-2557. For more info, visit our site at www.academyofdanceandmusic.org. Chestnut Hill Health Systems presents the following Health Education Programs: FITNESS CLASSES Golden Yoga: A Breathing, Stretching and Relaxation Class. Fridays, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Lea Auditorium, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave. Registration for four classes at a time required. Golden Yoga is Classical Yoga, adapted by the SKY Foundation, to accommodate those who have difficulty getting up and down from the floor. The program includes postures, breathing, relaxation and meditation techniques, all performed while sitting in a chair and standing. Registration required. Call 215-247-3029. Cost: $20 for 4 classes per month. Tai Chi: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8:30 9:30 a.m. Springfield Residence, 8601 Stenton Ave. Classes, for the novice or beginner/intermediate student, are designed to improve balance, power, posture, coordination, flexibility and mental focus. Slow, gentle movements are modified to most everyones abilities. For more information or to sign up for a free introductory class, call 215-882-2804. Cost: $8 per class/paid monthly. SUPPORT GROUPS Weight Loss Surgery Support Group: Fourth Wednesday of the month, 7-8 p.m. Williams Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia. Join us for a monthly get-together where well share information for those interested in weight loss surgery, learn from guest speakers discussing current news on issues including lifestyle modification, nutrition and exercise and provide ongoing support for those who have completed surgery. Registration required. Call 215-753-2000. Breast Cancer Networking Group: Fourth Tuesday of the month 5:30 7 p.m. Williams Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia. A free, confidential support group for women living with a diagnosis of breast cancer designed to provide a forum for sharing information, feelings and concerns associated with breast cancer. Facilitated by Tish Wakefield, LCSW, Oncology Social Worker. Registration required. To register or for more information, call 215-248-8047. New Moms Support Groups Tuesdays 10:30 a.m. 12 p.m.; contact Jeanine ORourke, MSW or 2:30 4 p.m.; contact Susan Schack, Ph.D Volunteer Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave. The Center for Postpartum Depression at Chestnut Hill Hospital is pleased to offer two new support groups to support new moms. Both groups will be run by experienced mental health professionals who really get it when it comes to new motherhood and juggling relationships, extended family, work/family balance and self-care. If you are experiencing new mom challenges that often heighten anxiety and involve hormonally driven depression, join us for an informative and supportive forum to connect with other moms. Infants are welcome. $30 per session (flexible based on need). Registration is required. Call Dr. Schack, 646-265-2484, or Ms. ORourke, 215-206-2931. Man to Man Prostate Cancer Support Group Third Thursday of the month 8-9 a.m. Williams Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave. A networking group for men diagnosed with prostate cancer designed to provide education, support and encouragement. Spouses and partners welcome. Harry M. Baer, MD, Chief, Urology Division, will host Ask the Doctor. Registration required. Call 215-248-8325. Contact the Senior Center by phone 215-248-0180 or email (chseniors@cavtel.net) with your questions about these programs or any of our on-going activities and classes. Holy Redeemer HomeCare and Hospice seeks compassionate and emotionally mature volunteers to provide support to local hospice patients and their families in Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. Volunteers may also assist with pet therapy and administrative work within the hospice department and are requested to have daytime availability. Hospice patient care volunteers visit with patients in their homes or nursing facilities once a week for two to three hours. They provide emotional support and companionship to patients and family members, assist with errands or provide respite for caregivers. Bereavement volunteers support the families of hospice patients following the loss of a loved one, while administrative volunteers assist with typing, mailings and/or filing. Hospice care workers provide a great service to families and loved ones of hospice patients. Many volunteers also report a great deal of personal satisfaction as a result of their services. Patient care and bereavement volunteers complete an application and attend an 18-hour volunteer training program that covers the medical, psychological and spiritual aspects of hospice volunteering. Day and evening training programs are offered. To sign up for volunteer opportunities in Pennsylvania, contact Holy Redeemer Volunteer Coordinator Jean Francis at 215-698-3737 or email jfrancis@holyredeemer.com. Librarytalk Upper Dublin Public Library, 805 Loch Alsh Avenue, Ft. Washington, 215-628-8744 www.upperdublinlibrary.org APRIL CHILDRENS PROGRAMS: Storytimes: Please register in the library. o Wee Ones: 0 to 23 months Thursdays and Fridays 10:30 to 10:50 a.m. o Tiny Tots: age 2. Wednesdays 10:30 to 10:50 a.m. and Fridays 11 to 11:20 a.m. o Jr. Book Lovers: ages 3 to 6. Tuesdays 10:30 to 11 a.m. o Bedtime Storytimes: 7 to 7:30 p.m. April 20 and 27. Wear your jammies, bring your teddy & hear Miss Barbara read bedtime stories! For ages 3 to 6. APRIL TEEN PROGRAMS: North Hills Library Teens April 28 from 4 to 6 p.m. Movie Matinee APRIL UDPL ADULT PROGRAMS: NEW! ESL Conversation Group. Tuesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. Interested in practicing your English in a safe and caring environment? Come to our conversation group and improve your skills! Please register with Kay Klocko at 215-628-8744 or kklocko@mclinc.org. One-on-One Computer Mentoring. Get personalized assistance from experienced computer volunteers! Sign-up for a one-hour session. Limit one session per month. Please register contact info above. Book Groups Please register with Kay Klocko 215-628-8744. o Daytimers: April 21 at 1:30 p.m. Tired of book groups where you all read the same book? Read any fiction or non-fiction book on this months theme: Explorers. Please register. Meetings: Annual Meeting of the Friends of UDPL: April 14 at 1 p.m. Board of Directors: April 20 at 7 p.m. Blue Bell Library www.wvpl.org Upcoming Events: The Wissahickon Valley Public Library, 650 Skippack Pike (Route 73) in Blue Bell, is diagonally across from the Blue Bell Inn. Call 215-643-1320 or visit their website at www.wvpl.org. For children and teens at Blue Bell: * Story times with guitar music by Miss Michelle, the singing librarian. * Mondays at 10:30 a.m. for all ages. * Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. for all ages. * Fridays at 10:30 a.m. for all ages. * Family Movies, new releases, second Saturdays of the month at 1:30 p.m. * May 14 Despicable Me * June 11 Alpha and Omega * Special Events * April watch for date of spring/Easter events * April 14 at 4:30 p.m. Junior Lego Club for children ages 3 through 5. Parents and caregivers need to stay with children. * April 14 at 7 p.m. Jeopardy for ages 11 to 18. Test your book and library knowledge for prizes. Sign up to be a contestant. No sign up to be in the audience. Snacks provided. * April 16 at 1 p.m. Adult Mystery Book Group discussing The Beekeepers Apprentice by Laurie King. * April 16 at 1:30 p.m. Childrens event for One Book, Every Young Child celebration. Story and craft for book Whose Shoes? * April 19 at 7 p.m. and April 26 at 1:30 p.m.- Adult book group discusses The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester. Group led by Adam Button. * April 30 through May 3 Friends book sale with about 10,000 items for sale for children, teens and adults. * May sign up for Science in the Summer * June sign up for Enrichment Programs for Elementary-Age children * June sign up for Summer Reading, all ages For adults at Blue Bell: * Daytime Book Discussion Group fourth Tuesday, Jan April at 1:30 p.m. * April 26 The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester * Night-time Book Discussion Group third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. o April 19 The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester * Art Series with Dr. Sheldon Weintraub, docent at The Barnes and speaker at local colleges o April 27 at 2 p.m. The Art of Looking at Art-Is She Nude or Is She Naked? *Mystery Book Discussion Group, third Saturday of the month at 1 p.m.; new mystery theme each month; www.wvpl.org/programs * Yoga on Mondays at 1:30 p.m. $20 for eight classes; $5 per drop-in class. * Tai Chi on Mondays at 3 p.m. with Dr. Kurt Findeisen. $20 for eight classes; $5 per drop in class. * Philadelphia Museum of Art presents class on their Marc Chagall exhibit, April 13 at 2 p.m. * Giant Book Sale, April 29 May 3 o Starts with almost 10,000 items for children and adults! o Held during library hours. o Preview for members of the Friends of the Library, April 28 at 7 p.m. o Join the Friends and attend the preview sale. Modest fee to join. * Blooms at Blue Bell Gardening Series o May 11 at 1 p.m. Summer Bulbs by PA Horticultural Society * Knitting group Mondays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Work on your project or observe and learn. The groups continue year-round in the community room. * Socrates Cafe discussion group every Monday at 7 p.m. You pick the topic to discuss each week. No sign-up, nothing to read. * Bridge every Friday at 12:30 p.m. New players welcome. * Mah Jong every Wednesday at 1 p.m. New players welcome. *Chess every Wednesday at 7p.m. for adults and teens 14 and older. * Movie Matinee showing recent releases every Thursday at 2 p.m. April 14: Maos Last Dancer; April 21: Welcome to the Rileys; April 28: Conviction; May 5: Inception; May 12: Inside Job; May 19 The Kings Speech; May 26 The Fighter; June 2 Rabbit Hole; June 9 Black Swan; June 16 127 Hours * Ongoing like-new, year-round book sale for adults & children during library hours * Library opening at 10 a.m. Monday through Saturday! Ambler Library, a branch of the Wissahickon Valley Public Library, 209 Race St., 215-646-1072. www.wvpl.org. All the following events occur at the Ambler Library. * Story times with guitar music by Miss Michelle, the singing librarian. * Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. for all ages. * Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. for all ages. * For adults: * Beading Group meets the first and third Monday of every month at 1 p.m. Work on your own projects or come to watch and learn. * Free Family History Lookup with Connie Briggs. Email Connie for an appointment at the Ambler Library. conniebriggs@comcast.net * Special Events: * April 14 at 1:30 p.m. Book Group discusses Skeletons at the Feast by Chris Bohjalian. * April 19 at 7 p.m. Travel to Paris with world traveler Harry Balin. Tea and scones at 6:30 p.m. * April 21 at 7 p.m. Art with Sara for children in fourth through seventh grades. *May 2 at 6:30 p.m. Discuss the movie Lone Star with Temple Professor Lisa Hawkins. Watch the movie ahead of time. *May 10 Robert Capucci discusses Art into Fashion. Tea and scones served at 6:30 p.m. Program at 7 p.m. *May 12 at 1:30p.m. Book Group discusses The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman. *May 17 Tour the gardens of Devon and Southwest England with Lois McMullen. Tea and Scones at 6:30 p.m. Program at 7 p.m. *June 13 at 6:30 p.m. Discuss the movie Blade Runner with Temple Professor Lisa Hawkins. Watch the movie ahead of time. Meetings and Lectures The Unisys Blue Bell Retiree Group will meet in the Church on the Mall in the Plymouth Meeting Mall April 14 at 1:30 p.m. Kathy Sacket Young, director/trainer with the North Penn YMCA, will speak on Keeping Fit in Retirement. For more information, contact Membership Committee Chairperson Jerry Feldscher at 610-275-3538 or President Al Rollin at 215-368-4833. The next FWBA meeting will be April 28 at the Hilton Garden Inn Fort Washington. Networking begins at 11:30 a.m.; meeting from noon to 1 p.m. Leon Singletary, Principal, First Contact HR and FWBA Executive Board, will present: Social Media: How to Use It To Get More Business. Lunch is provided courtesy of the Hilton Garden Inn Fort Washington. Members are welcome to bring a guest. An RSVP is requested by return email or 215-628-0313. Big Brothers Big Sisters Southeastern PA is hosting a information sessions over the next few weeks on how to become a Big Brother. The information sessions will take place: April 16 at noon, April 19 at 8 a.m. and April 28 at 6 p.m. All sessions will be held at the groups Norristown Office,t 530 DeKalb St., Norristown. For more information, call 610-277-2200. The North Penn Chapter of the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) normally meets on the third Tuesday of each month from now until May. Meetings are held at the William Penn Inn on Route 202 and Sumneytown Pike, Upper Gwynedd, PA. Social hour starts at 5:30 p.m., dinner is served at 6:30 p.m., and the technical program begins at 7 p.m. Cost with reservation is $28 for members. Members without reservations and guests pay $30. Students with reservations pay $15. Reservations may be made by noon on the Monday preceding the meeting by phoning 215-371-1854 or emailing the reservation to northpennima@yahoo.com northpennima@yahoo.com. Information about the North Penn Chapter is available at http://northpenn.imanet.org/. LeTip, a professional organization of men and women who are dedicated to the highest standards of competence and service meets every Tuesday at Cedar Brook Country Club, 180 Penllyn Pike, Blue Bell at 7 a.m. -meeting officially starts at 7:16 a.m. and ends at 8:31 a.m. Our purpose is the exchange of business tips, leads, and referrals. Each business category is represented by one member and conflicts of interest are disallowed. Guests are welcome to visit any of our breakfast meetings. Every third Thursday of month, Sunrise Assisted Living of Blue Bell (795 Penllyn Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422, 215-619-2777) serves as a satellite site to 148th Legislative district PA congressman Mike Gerber from 10 a.m. to noon. Stop by for help needed with things such as disability placards and license plates, vehicle registration, utilities issues, birth/death certificates,property tax/rent rebates, etc. Notary services arranged by appointment. The Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce is an action-oriented organization dedicated to promoting its members and the economic health of eastern Montgomery county. The Chamber is committed to serving as a catalyst by uniting business, community agencies, government and education to make our county a great place to live and work. For information, call 215-887-5122 or visit www.emccc.org. Do you have a fear of public speaking? Blue Bell Toastmasters Club can help. We meet from 7 to 9 p.m., on the second and fourth Tuesday at the Marriott Courtyard, located on Route 202, directly across from the Montgomeryville Mall. Learn how to improve communication and leadership skills in a friendly and supportive environment. Guests are welcome. Admission fee: $5. For more info, visit www.bbtoast.org. The PennSuburban Chamber of Commerce will hold the following meetings (for reservations to any of the following, email info@PennSuburban.org) -Breakfast News Network, 7:30-8:45 a.m. at Normandy Farm Hotel (1401 Morris Road, Blue Bell, PA 19422) $15 members, includes full buffet breakfast. Join us for a networking program at Normandy Farm Hotel every Thursday morning for breakfast, business news, informative speakers, and plenty of networking. The cost includes a full breakfast buffet. Copies of the business cards will be made available to those who would like them. The BNI, Fort Washington Chapter meets every Monday at The Hilton Garden Inn, 520 Pennsylvania Ave., Fort Washington for a networking meeting. Meetings are from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. Visitors are welcome. The only cost to attend is the cost of your meal. For information or a reservation to attend, please call Luanne Cram at 215-947-7784, or visit our Internet site at: http://www.BNIDVR.Com and click on the menu item Find a Chapter. For the past seven years, people have enjoyed participating in WVWAs Adopt-a-Tree program. Individuals can support the Association in its reforestation efforts by purchasing native trees to be planted. Supporters can plant their adopted tree or have WVWA volunteers will plant it. Trees cost $30 each. If you would like to volunteer or purchase a tree(s), please contact: Bob Adams at Bob@wvwa.org or call: 215-646-8866 for more information. Check www.WVWA.org for directions and maps. Sustainable Upper Dublin, http://sustainableupperdublin.org, meets the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m., at the Upper Dublin Township Building, 801 Loch Alsh Avenue, Fort Washington, PA 19034. Please send any questions to suec@sustainableupperdublin.org or call 610-996-6316. To learn more about Sustainable Upper Dublin, view or join the discussion at http://googlegroups.com/group/sustainableupperdublin. Special Events The Mattie N. Dixon Community Cupboard will hold its first nutrition class April 19 at 10 a.m. at the Community Cupboard, 150 N. Main St., Ambler. Lynne Sinclair, a nutritionist from Abington Memorial Hospital specializing in diabetic nutrition, will conduct the class. Topics will include healthy eating, beneficial foods, recipes, making meals with every day foods, and how to use unfamiliar produce. A healthy snack will be provided.The class is is open to all residents in Montgomery County. The Historical Society of Fort Washington presents The History of Conshohocken April 19 at 8 p.m. at the Clifton House, 473 Bethlehem Pike, Fort Washington. Jack Coll will present an illustrated program on the history of the Borough of Conshohocken. Coll is a longtime resident of Conshohocken and a member of the Conshohocken Historical Society. He is co-author with his son, Brian, of the Arcadia Then and Now Series book Conshohocken. He has also done books Conshohocken and West Conshohocken Sports and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Italian Feast. He has taken many photos for the Conshohocken Record and the Norristown Times Herald. This program is free. Refreshments will be served. For additional information, call 215-646-6065. Taste of the White House Soiree featuring former White House Chef Walter Scheib will take place April 29 at 6 p.m. at Manufacturers Golf & Country Club in Fort Washington to celebrate HealthLinks 10th anniversary and honor its founders, the Eugene Jackson Family. The evening will heat up with a Chef Meet & Greet, followed by a specially selected presidential menu. Gala tickets are $150 per person. Proceeds benefit HealthLink, a free clinic providing compassionate, quality medical and dental care to uninsured, working adults in Bucks and Montgomery counties who fall in between the health care cracks. Go to http://tasteofthewhitehouse.charityhappenings.org to make reservations online or lend support through sponsorship. For event information, call 267-699-0124 or email jmarushak@healthlinkmedical.org. The Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association will hold an open house at the Evans-Mumbower Mill April 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. The Mill is at the corner of Swedesford and Township Line Roads in Upper Gwynedd. The open house is free but donations are welcome. For more information, call 215-646-8866 o email info@wvwa.org. The Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce will host Breakfast With Your County Commissioners and State Representatives April 21 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Fort Washington, 432 W. Pennasylvania Ave. Commissioners: James R. Matthews (Chairman), Joseph M. Hoeffel (Vice Chair), State Representatives: Todd Stephens (District 151) and Josh Shapiro (District 153). Register onlineat www.emccc.org. $10 for EMCCC member; $20 for non-members. Upper Dublins Districtwide Allied Art Show will be held April 27 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. in the Upper Dublin High School Athletic Complex. The Rev. Alfred Muli, chaplain at Fort Washington Estates, will be the featured speaker at the Kiwanis sponsored breakfast observing the National Day of Prayer May 5 at 7 a.m. at the William Penn Inn. The breakfast is open to the public ($15). Reservations can be made by calling 215-646-4356 or by emailing georgesaurman@Juno.com. The Upper Dublin Shade Tree Commission invites people to participate in its spring bare root planting events, sponsored in part by Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation and Friends of Robbins Park. On April 9, zix trees will be planted at the Evelyn B. Wright Park & Community Pool, 401 Logan Ave., North Hills, at 9 a.m., followed by the planting of 10 trees at Sheeleigh Park, Loch Alsh Avenue and Douglas Street, Ambler, at 10:15 a.m. On April 29, students from Upper Dublin High School will join the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society to plant 16 trees in Robbins Park, Butler Pike and Meetinghouse Road, Ambler, to help launch the societys Million Trees campaign. This event will occur in conjunction with Temple Amblers EarthFest. Experienced tree-tenders are sought to assist the students. For more information,contact Ron Ayres at 215-653-0421 or 215-483-4348. The Friends of the Wissahickon and the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association are teaming up once again to clean the Wissahickon Creek from top to bottom April 30 from 9 a.m. to noon. This spring marks the 41st anniversary of Wissahickon Valley Watershed Associations annual Creek Clean Up, and the second year that FOW has teamed up with WVWA. Volunteers of all ages will clean the creek, the surrounding trails and the many tributaries of the Wissahickon Creek. Armed with bags, volunteers will be assigned to sections of the creek. Following the clean up, all volunteers are invited to WVWAs Talkin Trash picnic in Fort Washington State Park, with food provided by Whole Foods Market of North Wales. The pavilion is located on Mill Road in Flourtown. To help out in Montgomery County, all volunteers must be pre-assigned a section of the Wissahickon Creek to clean. Please contact Bob Adams, WVWA director of stewardship, at 215-646-8866 ext. 14 or bob@wvwa.org. To work with the Friends of the Wissahickon in Philadelphia, meet at the pavilion along Forbidden Drive, a short distance south of the intersection of Forbidden Drive and Northwestern Avenue. Limited parking is available along Northwestern Avenue and other nearby streets. Volunteers are encouraged to bike or carpool to the event. To participate, register at www.fow.org. Contact Kevin Groves with questions at 215-247-0417 ext. 105 or groves@fow.org. Montgomery County Community Colleges International Club invites the community to the second annual International Festival April 20 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Central Campus, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The rain date is April 26. The International Club will transform the outside quad area into multicultural celebration with various performances by dancers, singers and musicians. Artists will share their artwork at various display tables. Activities include games, raffles, Easter egg decorating and henna tattoos. Students will have samples of international cuisine at tables representing different countries and will serve food from various local ethnic restaurants. Throughout the evening, volunteers will accept donations and will raffle gift baskets and prizes to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity. Donations of food, international clothes and prizes are needed. Volunteers, including artists and performers, are welcome. For more information or to sponsor an activity, contact Gillian Nel, International Club president, at gnel9277@students.mc3.edu or 267-974-0163. The Arts and Humanities Division at Montgomery County Community College is partnering with the Philadelphia Writers Conference to host Memoirs Matter: How Life Stories (Including Yours) Can Transform Your Relationship to Literature April 23 from 1 to 3 p.m. in Advanced Technology Center room 101, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The event is free and open to the public. In the first part of this two-hour seminar, professor and author Robert Waxler will explain how writing his two memoirs affected his life as well as his relationship to literature. In the second part, blogger and workshop leader Jerry Waxler will present a sequence of steps to help writers find their own story. For information, contact Dana Resente at dresente@mc3.edu. The Maple Glen Garden Club will hold its fourth annual Plant Sale on May 7 from 8 to 11 a.m. Perennials, shrubs, vegetables and native plants grown by the club members will be sold. The club uses the plant sale proceeds to fund community projects, a college scholarship and community plantings. The sale will be held in the 500 block of Coach Road, Horsham, as part of a neighborhood garage sale. Plants will be sold at bargain prices. For more information, email MapleGlenGardenClub@gmail.com. The Relay for Life Craft Show is looking for local crafters to participate in show, which will be May 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Wissahickon High School track, 521 Houston Road, Ambler. There is a $10 entry fee, and 20 percent of sales are donated to the American Cancer Society. Participants will receive a 6-foot table under a tent. For information, contact Joanne at joannescoles@comcast.net or Mindy at mcamsilver@comcast.net. Spring House Estates is hosting its annual book fair on April 18 from 4 to 7 p.m. and April 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Included will be hardback and paperback used books. Spring House Estates is located at 728 Norristown Road, Lower Gwynedd. The PennSuburban Chamber of Commerce will present the Penn Suburban/Hatfield Joint Business Card Exchange April 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Univest Bank Lansdale Area Financial Service Center, 120 Forty Foot Road, Hatfield. The event is free. To make reservations, visit PennSuburban.org/Events. Join Univest National Bank and Trust Co. for a spring-inspired Business Card Exchange at its newest office in the Hatfield Pointe Shopping Center. Come out and meet members of Univests executive management team while enjoying fine food and beverages. 13th Annual Community Reading Day Kick-off Breakfast Get Together April 26 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the North Wales Area Library, 233 Swartley St., North Wales. The event is free. To make reservations, visit PennSuburban.org/Events. For more information, contact the chamber office at 215-362-9200 or info@pennsuburban.org. Join presenting sponsor Verizon, chamber staff and fellow members for the Community Reading Day volunteer get together. The Community Reading Day program allows volunteers to read a designated book to second-grade students throughout 38 area public and private schools and present the book as a gift to each class. Even if you are not a volunteer, you are cordially invited to stop by to network, enjoy coffee and pastries. Ambler Mennonite Church is hosting a Spring Craft Show and Flea Market May 21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rain date will be May 28. The community is invited to shop the great craft booths, find some gifts and deals, as well as enjoy home baked goods and tasty lunch specials. Childrens activities are planned. All vendors are encouraged to contact the church at 215-643-4876 or AmblerMennonite@verizon.net. Advertising, signage, customer parking and a shuttle to auxiliary parking at nearby lots for vendors will be provided. 10 foot by 10 foot spaces can be rented for $5 each and tables for an additional $5 each. All proceeds from space and table rentals go toward school kits for children around the world. The church is located at the corner of East Mt. Pleasant Avenue and North Spring Garden Street, Ambler. The Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association presents The Life & Times of Aquatic Insects in the Wissahickon Creek April 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. Join WVWA for a hands-on program. RSVP required: www.wvwa.org or 215-646-8866. WVWA member fee: $5 per person / $15 per family. Non-WVWA member fee: $10 per person / $20 per family. The photography exhibition Natures Palette by photo-artist Judy Miller will run March 18 to May 19 at the Art in the Storefront gallery, 41 E. Butler Pike, Ambler. JPRN Networking For People in Transition & People Who Can Help Them Unemployment remains high. JPRN, the Jarrettown Professional Relationship Network can help. Are you trying to network your way to a new job? Do you have expertise or contacts that can help people in transition? Is your company or organization looking for people in the area? This is a free outreach program to support those seeking work, involve people with contacts and networking know how, and involve local companies. Meetings held monthly at Jarrettown United Methodist Church, Limekiln Pike. Pennsylvanias Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) grant program is now open for the 2010-11 heating season. Grants are based on income, family size, type of heating fuel and region. Additional information, such as specific income limits, and applications for LIHEAP grants are available online via the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Access to Social Services (COMPASS) website at www.compass.state.pa.us. Applications are available at most public officals district offices, county assistance offices, local utility companies and community service agencies, such as Area Agencies on Aging or community action agencies. Begin your holiday shopping at Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation! Entertainment books for 2011, Philadelphia North, are now on sale at $30 each. Regal/United Artists movie tickets are on sale for just $7.50 each, and tickets to the Adventure Aquarium, Baltimore Aquarium, and the Philadelphia Zoo are also available. Discounted ski vouchers to area mountains will be arriving in December; call 215-643-1600 x3443 for more information. Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. RSVP of Montgomery County and the Wissahickon Valley Public Library have partnered again to offer the public their popular free mock interview sessions. The mock interviews are conducted by RSVP volunteers who are retired professionals, some of whom were in hiring positions themselves. Packets of information which include a sample employment application and interviewing tips with mock interview questions are available at the library to pick up prior to a scheduled mock interview or will be sent via email once the interview is scheduled. To schedule your interview, please contact Janis Glusman at RSVP 610-834-1040, ext. 16. The library is also offering a free resume review service. Bring in your current resume and the professional reference staff will assist you with hints and tips on capturing your work history accurately. Registration for Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation summer playgrounds, Camp B.I.G. and Small Folks, X-Zone, and sports camps has began. Register online at www.upperdublin.net/store, or at the UDP&R office, 801 Loch Alsh Avenue, Fort Washington. Call 215-643-1600 x3443 for more information. Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation and Danielles Espresso Cafe presents Mornings at Mondaug Bark Park April 16 and May 21 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Meet fellow dog lovers. These events include complimentary coffee, treats for people and pups and raffles/giveaways. Upper Dublins Annual Spring Flea Market will be held June 4 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Reserve a table, or come and shop. Tables are $15 for UD residents, $20 for non-residents. This successful event occurs rain or shine. Refreshments available. Call 215-643-1600 ext. 3443 to register for a table. Regal movie tickets available for purchase at Upper Dublin Township Parks & Recreation. Reduced rate: $7.50 per ticket. Some restrictions apply. Call 215-643-1600 x3443. Whitpain Township Parks & Recreation movie tickets $7.50 Regal Cinemas, United Artist & Edwards Cinemas on sale throughout the year Monday Friday from 9 a.m. 4 p.m. Whitpain Township Parks & Recreation Camp Sign-ups for Stony Creek Day Camp Stony Creek Tracers and Park n Tots. Register on-line at www.whitpaintownship.org OrCome to Township Building with check or Visa MasterCard Monday Friday from 9 a.m. 4 p.m. For additional information call 610.277-2400 ext. 374 Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation offers exciting new programs for the fall: -Returning favorites include UK Elite Petite Soccer, Tiny Dancers, Kiddie Tennis, Fun-nastics, Messy Playtime, Little Chefs, and more. Babysitters Training will be offered in November and December. Continuing Adult Fitness Classes include Cardio Circuit, Core & More, Yoga, Boxing, and Adult G.Y.M. For more information call 215-643-1600 x3443. Register for programs online at www.upperdublin.net/store. Music and Theater The community is invited to a Cantors Concert April 16 at 8 p.m. Congregation Beth Or, 239 Welsh Road, Maple Glen. Listen and hum-along to the Yiddish, pop tunes and classical music performed by Congregation Beth Ors own Cantor David Green and his special guest, Cantor Irvin Bell, from Temple Beth Israel in Deerfield Beach, Fla. The cantors will be accompanied by Mark Sobol and his Klezmer musicians. Tickets are $18 in advance and $25 at the door. RSVP with payment to Barb Murtha, 239 Welsh Road, Maple Glen, PA 19002, or call 215-646-5806 ext. 220. Gwynedd Friends Coffeehouse will host the Jameson Sisters May 14. Doors open at 7:30 pm, performance at 8:00 pm. Gwynedd Friends Coffeehouse is located at the corner of Rte. 202 & Sumneytown Pike, Gwynedd. $5 suggested donation. Light refreshment available at a modest cost. For further information, call 215-393-9576 or visit gwyneddmeeting.org/coffeehouse.html. Celebrate patriotism through song with Gwynedd-Mercy Colleges choir, the Voices of Gwynedd, as it presents Hear America Singing April 15 at 8 p.m. The choir will perform song selections from all over the country, including Georgia on My Mind, New York State of Mind, and a medley including Philadelphia Freedom and Allentown. The performance will end with When the Saints Go Marching In to acknowledge the choirs upcoming tour in New Orleans. Hear America Singing will take place in the Julia Ball Auditorium, located in St. Bernard Hall. Parking is available in lots A, C and D. Admission is free. The Choristers will present Anton Dvoraks Stabat Mater April 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Upper Dublin Lutheran Church in Ambler. The choir will be accompanied by a 41-piece orchestra. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for senior citizens, $10 for students and children are free. Tickets will be sold in advance or at the door. For more information, call 215-542-7871 or visit TheChoristers.org Religious News The Staircase Gallery at Or Hadash: A Reconstructionist Congregation in Fort Washington will feature the work of Emily Ennuat-Lustine. The artist will be showing paintings and graphics inspired by her own personal spiritual journey and quest for meaning. Some of the works to be shown have been inspired by Biblical Psalms and writings. Her work has been shown at Abington Art Center, Cheltenham Arts Center and Old City Gallery of Jewish Art among others. The exhibition is open Friday evenings starting Feb. 18 after Shabbat services. Gallery hours are: Mondays through Thursdays 10-4:30, Fridays 10-3 and following Shabbat Services and Sundays 10-1. The synagogue is located at 190 Camp Hill Road in Fort Washington. For additional information contact the synagogue office at 215-283-0276. Reunions St. Matthews High School Conshohocken Class of 1961 is looking for classmates. For details, contact Greg Marincola at 215-646-2239, 215-740-1296 or gregcola@comcast.net. Olney High School Class of 1971 is Lloking for classmates for a 40th reunion Oct. 28. For details, contact Judy at ohsclassof71@yahoo.com or 215-870-7572. Abington High School Class of 1961 is seeking classmates for a 50-year reunion to be held Oct. 14-15, 2011.Visit the website, www.abington61.com, for details or call 215-947-1779. Overbrook High School class of January 1956 is having a 55 year reunion on May 22, 2011 at the Bala Golf Club in Philadelphia. For information please contact overbrookreunion56@comcast.net Germantown High School Class Of January 1961 is looking for classmates for 50th year reunion to take place in May of 2011. Please contact: 215-362-9148, 856-577-0659 or samdelcomo@comcast.net The June 1961 class of Germantown High School is holding their 50th reunion on May 15, which will be a brunch. For further details please contact Linda Dorfman Alten at lindaalten@yahoo.com or call 215-441-8411. Support New Life Presbyterian Church in Dresher, will host GriefShare, a special seminar and support group which will run on Monday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m., from March 7 through June 6. At each meeting there will be a DVD about the grief process, discussion and reference to a grief workbook. Preregistration is required to secure a place in the group and to purchase a GriefShare notebook (for a one-time fee of $15). The notebook goes along with the 13-week schedule covering such topics as: living with grief, the effects of grief, and stuck in grief. For more information or to register, call: Sandy Elder at 215-884-5149. PUPS (People Understanding Parkinsons) A self-help group for those adjusting to a new diagnosis or dealing with the early stages of Parkinsons Disease. Meets fourth Tuesday of the month from 1 to 2:30 p.m., at Abington Health Center, Schilling Campus, Willowood Building, 2510 Maryland Road, Suite 251, Willow Grove. For more information or to RSVP, contact Lorna at 215-542-2931. The North Penn Visiting Nurse Associations Meals on Wheels program is looking for volunteers to pack or deliver meals to the elderly and infirmed. Meals are packed and delivered mornings, Monday through Friday. You can volunteer for as many days per week or month as you would like. Packaging meals requires approximately 2-1/2 hours of your time each day and involves making sandwiches, packaging food into individual serving containers and packing coolers with the meals. Delivering meals requires approximately 1-1/2 hours of your time each day and involves loading coolers into your car and delivering a route of approximately 10 to 15 stops. The Meals on Wheels program is also in need of emergency, winter-weather volunteers to pack and deliver meals in bad weather. North Penn VNA is located at 51 Medical Campus Drive in Lansdale and delivers meals in the Lansdale, North Wales and Blue Bell areas. For more information or to volunteer, please call Bridget, North Penn VNA Meals on Wheels coordinator at 215-855-8296. Elkins Park Area CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) meets the first Tuesday of every month, 7- 8:30 p.m., at Einstein at Elkins Park Hospital in Elkins Park. For information on CHADD or ADHD, please see our website www.chadd.net/249 or call Claire Noyes at: 215-779-6656. Center for Loss and Bereavement, 3847 Skippack Pike, Skippack (610-222-4110) www.bereavementcenter.org Offers professional counseling for individuals, couples, children and families dealing with issues of loss and bereavement. Six-week adult support groups: Newly forming young adult grief support group every other Wednesday, 7 8:15 p.m. (free of charge); Monthly loss of child support second Mondays, 7-8:15 p.m.; Six-week young loss of spouse/partner Thursdays, 10-11:15 a.m.; Other groups scheduled as interest is shown for suicide loss support, adult loss of parent, motherless daughters, adult loss of sibling, coping with chronic illness and disability and mens loss of spouse. Nellos Corner Family Bereavement program offers peer grief support groups for ages 4 through teen and their caregivers Every other Tuesday or Wednesday (free of charge) Local chapter of Parents of Murdered Children also meets at the Center. Registration required. Call for further information. CHADD is a national organization for children & adults with Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder, providing education, advocacy and support for individuals and their families with AD/HD. Einstein at Elkins Park Hospital, 60 Township Line Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027, will host children & adults with Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder on the First Tuesday of each month 7 8:30 p.m. Free, no childcare provided. The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphias Kehillah of Old York Road is sponsoring a free Caregiver Support Group for individuals who care for an elderly person with cognitive and/or physical impairments. The group meets at SarahCare Adult Day Care Center, 101 Washington Lane, Suite G-6, Jenkintown, Pa., on the first Wednesday of each month. Patty Rich, After the Thanksgiving feast next week, the shopping frenzy begins, along with the pressure of finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Come to think about it, hasnt it already begun? Ive noticed the lines at the stores... Veterans Day program at Pennridge North Middle School thanks those who served Friends on the Run hit the trail again The 41 North Film Festival, which features more than 20 films, along with filmmakers, special events and music, opens its four-day run on Thursday at Michigan Technological University's Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts. What may seem far away is often closer than we think. Arizona mining history tied to our own industrial past, health care providers in a rural area much like the Upper Peninsula, and undocumented Dreamers in a new film by Keweenaw-native Heather Courtney (Where Soldiers Come From), are among the highlights of this years festival. Now in its 14th year, the 41 North Film Festival, Nov. 1 to Nov. 4, brings award-winning independent films, and some of the fascinating individuals who create them to the Keweenaw Peninsula. The festival, which is free and open to the public, begins Thursday. While this years films focus on a variety of topics from solar-powered flight to the bizarre world of industrial musicals, as always, there are films that will be of particular interest to Copper Country audiences. A Tragic and Complicated Past Described by critics as a ghost story by way of a documentary, Robert Greenes Bisbee 17 looks at a former copper mining communitys attempt to grapple with its tragic and complicated past. A brutal act of retaliation against labor organizing efforts in 1917, still haunts the town and defines the relationship of the community to its ancestors. Although Bisbee is 2,000 miles from the Keweenaw, the Bisbee mining district was built by men from Calumet, Michigan. The Calumet and Arizona Mining Company, which cooperated with the other companies in orchestrating the ruthless events of 1917, had officers with close family ties to our local copper mines. It is a story that will be both new and familiar to those interested in local mining history. Bisbee 17 will be shown at 7:30 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 3). Following the screening there will be a Q&A and panel discussion with the films director Robert Greene (via Skype), Sarah Fayen Scarlett and LouAnn Wurst from Michigan Techs Department of Social Sciences and Jo Urion Holt from the Keweenaw National Historical Park. Also of particular interest to Keweenaw audiences, is Copperdog (working title) which follows four women mushers and their dogs as they train for the annual CopperDog 80/150. Director Laurie Little and cinematographer Justin Jones (CCM 12), will be in attendance for this special work-in-progress screening of their film. Some four-legged special guests will be on hand as well. Health Care in a Rural Area Set against the backdrop of the physician shortage and opioid epidemic in rural America, The Providers (2018) follows three health care professionals working in a remote area much like ours. With intimate access, the documentary shows the transformative power of providers relationships with marginalized patients, raising as many questions as it answers about health care challenges facing rural communities today. Dr. Leslie Hayes, who is featured in the film, will join Ray Sharp from the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department for a discussion following the filmscreening at 2 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 3). Dr. Hayes was recognized by the White House in 2016 as a Champion of Change and is married to Michigan Tech alumnus David Rich (CS 86). As happens almost every year, says festival director Erin Smith, we have an unexpected and serendipitous connection with one of the films. I had already booked The Providers when the director found out about the Michigan Tech connection with Dr. Hayes. Heather Courtney and the Dreamers While many in the Keweenaw may feel far removed from the hardships of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students profiled in The Unafraid, they are certainly familiar with one of the filmmakers. The 90-minute documentary is the latest work by the director/producer of the award-winning Where Soldiers Come From, Keweenaw native Heather Courtney. As in Where Soldiers Come From, Courtney and co-director Anayansi Prado, delve deeply into the lives and challenges of this countrys youth. The Unafraid follows the lives of three DACA students in Georgia, a state that has banned them from attending their top state universities and disqualified them from receiving in-state tuition at any other public college. Shot in an observational style over four years, this film takes an intimate look at the lives of Alejandro, Silvia and Aldo as they pursue their right to education and fight for the rights of their families and communities. Smith says, Heather Courtney is the kind of thoughtful and committed documentarian who is able to bring us close to her subjects because of her profound respect for them. In her hands, huge, often polarizing issues like war or immigration become grounded in the experiences of people who help us imagine their more subtle and complicated dimensions. In addition to the screening of their documentary at 7:30 p.m. Friday (Nov. 2), Courtney and one of the students from the film will participate in a question and answer session. A reception for them follows the event. STEM in the Spotlight This year, 41 North will screen five films delving into history, issues and accomplishments relating to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) innovation. The featured films look at high school students competing for an international prize (Science Fair), an early Silicon Valley startup (General Magic"), internet censorship (The Cleaners), the first photograph of the moon taken from space (Earthrise) and the first solar-powered flight around the world (Point of No Return). Documentaries can bring important context and perspective to our understanding of STEM fields and their impact on the world. The films this year tell both celebratory and cautionary tales that should be both inspiring and thought provoking, says Smith. Following the showing of Science Fair at 7 p.m. Thursday (Nov. 1) there will be a discussion featuring a panel of STEM educators. A Little Something for Everyone With more than 20 films to choose from, the 41 North Film Festival offers a little something for everyone. However, Smith challenges festival goers to choose at least one film that doesnt seem like something that would interest them. After every festival, one of the things I hear the most is how surprised someone was to discover that they loved a film that wasnt high on their list. Use the festival as an opportunity to explore something new. A complete list of the films along with a schedule of events can be found at 41northfilmfest.org. 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. Political class must sacrifice in the ... Arshad Khan By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha on Monday asked Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to include Air Turbine Fuel (ATF or jet fuel) under the GST framework. Sinha said that bringing the ATF under the GST ambit will provide a relief to airline players who, at present, are facing financial woes. The Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Ministry of Petroleum have asked the Ministry of Finance and all the states to consider bringing the ATF under the GST framework. We would very much like that to happen, so we held discussions on it, Sinha said. The final call, however, will be taken by the GST Council. The issue is likely to be taken up at the councils 31st meeting in November. While jet fuel prices have increased about 40 per cent in the last one year, a combination of taxes by Central and state governments makes it even more expensive. At present, ATF is priced at 72,605 per kl, up from Rs 53,045 per kl in October last year. At present, the government charges 11 per cent excise duty on ATF. On top of this, some states charge up to 30 per cent sales tax or VAT. Tamil Nadu taxes ATF at 29 per cent, Maharashtra and Delhi at 25 per cent and Karnataka at 28 per cent. Sources said bringing ATF under GST would mean that the jet fuel would be taxed at a maximum of 28 per cent, and this would lead to a massive revenue loss for some states. A way out could be allowing the states to levy some VAT on top of the peak rate. Not just on ATF, states have so far rejected the Centres plea to work on bringing petrol and diesel under the GST ambit to check on the rising retail fuel prices. In the meeting, Sinha also apprised the Finance Minister about the deepening financial woes of the aviation sector. Owing to fuel prices that had been rising, fluctuations in rupee value and intense competition, airline players are bleeding with debt and losses. While Mumbai-based Jet Airways is struggling to remain operational, budget carrier IndiGo posted losses for the first time this quarter after it went public three years ago. Partners supportive, says Jet After delaying salary payment to employees, cash-strapped Jet Airways has defaulted on payments to aircraft lessors. The airline has received a show cause notice by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for payment delays. Responding to the notice, Jet said it is actively engaged with all its partners including lessors and airport operators, and regularly provides them updates on efforts undertaken by the company to improve its liquidity. Our partners understand the challenges faced by the Indian aviation industry and have been supportive of our effort, the airline said. Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal has approached Reliance Industries Ltds chairman Mukesh Ambani and chairman emeritus of Tata Group Ratan Tata to raise capital for his airline. By Reuters NEW DELHI: Indian government officials are very upset with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for publicly talking about a rift with the government, fearing it could tarnish the country's image among investors, senior officials said on Monday. On Friday night, the RBI Deputy Governor Viral Acharya warned that undermining a central bank's independence could be "potentially catastrophic", in an indication that it is pushing back hard against government pressure to relax its policies and reduce its powers. In a speech to top industrialists, Acharya cited the Argentine government's meddling in its central bank's affairs in 2010 as an example of what can go wrong. That led to a surge in bond yields that badly hurt the South American economy. "Governments that do not respect central bank independence will sooner or later incur the wrath of financial markets, ignite economic fire, and come to rue the day they undermined an important regulatory institution," Acharya said. The government officials Reuters spoke to on Monday declined to be identified because of the sensitivity of the subject. One said that it was vital that what happened between the government in New Delhi and the RBI in Mumbai was kept confidential. "The government respects the autonomy and independence of the RBI but they must understand their responsibility," the official said. A second official, based in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's office, said it was "very unfortunate" that the RBI took the matters public. "The government is very upset. It was not expected from the RBI," the official added. An RBI spokesman was not immediately available for comments after business hours. Government officials have recently called for the RBI to relax its lending restrictions on some banks, and New Delhi has also been trying to trim the RBI's regulatory powers by setting up a new regulator for the country's payments system. The Modi administration has also been pushing the central bank to part with some of its 3.6 trillion rupees ($49 billion)surplus to help bridge the fiscal deficit and finance its welfare programmes. JAPAN TRIP The officials in New Delhi were particularly angry that Acharya launched the attack while Modi was about to head to Japan for talks with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the first source said. Finance ministry officials remained largely silent in response to the speech at the weekend, as they didn't want to aggravate the issue when Modi and top officials were in Japan, this official said. Government officials believe that RBI Governor Urjit Patel has some responsibility for the controversy, and he cannot expect an extension of his current three-year term - which ends next September - "as his right", one of the officials added. Acharya had three of his fellow deputy governors in the audience and also thanked Governor Patel for his "suggestion to explore this theme for a speech", in a show of unity from an institution typically known for its restraint. The official in the prime minister's office said Patel could face a tough time when he appears before a parliamentary standing committee on Nov. 12. Top government officials said they were surprised that Patel, who was appointed by the Modi administration in 2016, and initially cooperated with New Delhi, is creating tensions when the government is facing criticism over handling of the economy before a national election, due by next May. On Monday, a third government source said the finance ministry was worried how markets would respond to Acharya's public comments, but felt more relaxed after they rose. The gains were largely a result of a separate announcement by the RBI about an injection of liquidity through government bond buying. The benchmark stock index .BSESN rose as much as 2.15 percent and the yields on the 10-year benchmark fell to 7.81 percent, compared with 7.88 percent on Friday. Modi's government is pushing the RBI to relax lending norms for small businesses and pump more liquidity into the market to bolster economic growth before key state elections due in the next few weeks and the general election. It is worried that the central bank's hawkish monetary stance and stringent regulations on lending by state banks could push economic growth below 7 percent in the October-December quarter - the last quarter for which data would be available ahead of the general election. "When we are facing problems on the external front like high crude oil prices, trade tensions putting pressure on our current account balance, can we afford another domestic crisis?" the third government source said. By PTI KOCHI: The foundation for the country's largest dry dock at Cochin Shipyard was laid by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan here Tuesday. The dry dock, being constructed at a cost of Rs 1,799 crore, would give an impetus to the 'Make in India' initiative under Sagarmala and raise India's share in global shipbuilding market to two per cent from 0.66 at present, officials said. ALSO READ | Larsen and Toubro Construction bags orders worth Rs 1,504 crore Speaking at a function on the occasion, the Union Minister for Shipping, Road Transport and Highways said the government has no plans to privatise CSL and other profit making Public Sector Units in the country. "The profit-making Cochin Shipyard will not be privatised. We don't make any profit-making institution to privatisation. We will never allow any private person to take this because the Cochin Shipyard (CSL) is in good profit," he said. He said the dry dock project is likely to increase India's share in global shipbuilding to two per cent. The dry dock will give an impetus to 'Make in India' initiative under Sagarmala, Gadkari added. At present, India occupies 0.66 per cent share in the global shipbuilding market. The commercial shipbuilding industry in the country is Rs 3,200 crore and focuses primarily on small-medium sized off-shore vessels and cargo/bulk carriers. Chief Minister Vijayan said CSL's project would pave the way for the development of India along with the growth of Kerala. "This achievement will be a challenge to the foreign countries. The Kerala government is giving great importance to inland water transport. With the completion of Vizhinjam harbour project, Kerala will play a major role in the tourism industry", Vijayan said. At present, Cochin Shipyard has two dry docks, one predominantly used for shipbuilding of size 255m x 43 x 43 x 9m and capacity 1, 10,000 DWT and the other one for ship repair of size 270 x 45 x 12m and capacity 1,25,000 DWT. The project is expected to be completed by May 2021 and generate employment opportunities for about 2,000 people. Equipped with the dry dock, Cochin Shipyard will be able to build specialised and technologically advanced large vessels like LNG Carriers, drill ships, Jack-up rigs, aircraft carriers for the Indian Navy and High Research Vessels. The dry dock will be 310 metres long, 75 metres wide and have a depth of 13 meters. it will be designed to handle both shipbuilding and repairs and bear a load up to 600 T/m with international safety standards. The dock will also have a water treatment plant and Green Belt Development. The project is expected to be completed by May 2021 and generate employment opportunities for about 2000 people, said Madhu S Nair, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Cochin Shipyard. On the occasion, two 500 capacity passenger vessels built by CSL for Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration were also launched by Kanchan Gadkari, wife of Nitin Gadkari. These vessels will help enhance intra-island connectivity. By Express News Service HYDERABAD: Look up in the sky! Its a bird, its a plane.... Nope, it was a parachute that dropped right out of the sky onto a forest area in Vikarabad on Monday morning. The bizarre event created a flutter in nearby villages. The bright orange parachute became an instant attraction with many people coming down to see it and, obviously, take selfies with it. It was later understood that the parachute belonged to the Balloon Facility of Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Hyderabad located at ECIL. Speaking to Express, a TIFR official said that the institute had released a balloon on Sunday night around 9pm with equipment on board to record data on ozone levels and for research into infrared astronomy. The balloon was in the atmosphere for 8-9 hours. Once enough data was recorded, researchers on the ground gave commands for detachment of on-board equipment from the balloon and for its descent towards earth with help of a parachute. This is the regular procedure whenever a balloon is launched. The TIFR official said, Descent of the equipment with help of parachute is planned, to a secluded location where it would be safe for landing. Once the equipment reaches on ground, its exact location will be known through a transponder which will send coordinates of where the equipment landed. The parachute landed in Vikarabad after which TIFR scientists visited the spot and collected the equipment. By Express News Service HYDERABAD: IT was an action scene right out of a comedy movie. Armed with a toy gun, dummy bomb and acid bottle, a former BPO employee tried to rob the Manikonda Branch of Karur Vysya Bank in broad daylight on Monday. Though he put up a good show, brave customers overpowered him while he was on the way out of the bank, and handed him over to Raidurgam police. The accused, David Praveen holds an account in the bank. Inquiries have revealed that Praveen lost his job about four months ago. He was reeling under a financial crisis. He wanted to start a private finance business but was short of funds. Desperate to start a new business and also pay the school fee of his two children, Praveen decided to make the heist. Police say that around 4.30 pm, an unidentified person clad in burqa entered the bank and threatened other customers and staff with a knife, gun, bomb and acid bottle. When the customers raised an alarm the branch manager KL Mahendra Kumar rushed out. By then, the suspect had already assaulted cashier Shivashankar. He held the cashier at gunpoint and demanded money. He got a bag filled with cash and ran out of the bank. By then the customers who were terror struck till then recovered and started chasing him. They pelted stones at him and overpowered him. He was later handed over to the police, after being roughed up. The cops then identified him as David Praveen. The gun and the bomb were dummy. The only weapons he had were the knife and the acid bottle. We have seized the Rs 2.5 lakh that he stole from the bank. He has been arrested and will be produced in court, said inspector M Rambabu. By Express News Service KOCHI: A 10-member team from the Southern Naval Command (SNC) has conquered the 6,443-metre-high Mount Menthosa, the second highest peak in the Lahaul-Spiti province of Himachal Pradesh. The mountaineering team, which returned to Kochi on Monday was felicitated by Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Vice Admiral Anil Kumar Chawla. The team led by Lt Commander Shivesh Kumar Sanam unfurled the tricolour as well as the naval ensign atop Mount Menthosa on October 16. The team comprised of three officers and seven sailors from different units of the Southern Naval Command. The flag-in ceremony marked the formal culmination of the expedition with the team leader returning the ceremonial ice axe and naval ensign. Vice Admiral Chawla congratulated the team on its success and said all members had shown great courage and determination in overcoming the adverse terrain and extreme weather conditions. Prior to embarking on the expedition, the team had a stint at IMF, New Delhi, to sharpen their mountaineering and climbing skills. The actual climb started from Urgos village in the Lahaul Spiti region. The local weather conditions, extremely low temperatures (-25C), soft snow conditions and wind speeds of 20 knots proved challenging. The team started its summit attempt at 2 am on October 16. From the summit camp, it took eight hours for the team to reach the summit which they accomplished by 10:30 am. The team returned to Urgos village over the next three days. The team members Lt Commander Shivesh Kumar Sanam, Lt Cdr Sahil Verma, Lt Cdr Neelam Kandpal, Petty Officers Mahesh Kumar and Bhaskar Pal, Leading Seamen Vysakh KS, Abhishek Inge, OD Sharma, Praveen Sardar and medical assistant Sagar Salunkhe. Steni Simon By Express News Service THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : The Save Lake Vellayani, the brainchild of Kenyan artist Dave Ojay is gaining momentum in the city. On Saturday, members of the campaign, held a cycle rally which started at 6.30 am from Manaveeyam Veedhi. The event which was held in partnership with Indus Cycle Embassy ended at kanthari international institute of social change. Ojay who is a participant of the leadership training programme at kanthari says that he decided to go ahead with the campaign when he realised that just like Lake Victoria in Kenya, Lake Vellayani was also facing issues of pollution and sand mining. So we decided to conduct an exhibition and workshop along with the cleaning drive to create awareness on the project. More than 190 volunteers from schools, SCT Engineering College, Green Army, NSS and local NGOs like HOPE participated at the event. The volunteers divided themselves into three groups. Some were engaged in plucking deadly water weeds deep out of the lake in front of kanthari institute. They were armed with boats and safety jackets. Some did a shoreline cleanliness drive to collect plastic, paper and hyacinth. They also collected plastic from public places, cleared the shore off hyacinth and built a sculpture out of the collected waste. The last group was also engaged in converting the waste into art. Each volunteer group consisted of 40 t0 65 people. We cleaned up about 500 metre sq area of the lake and about two kilometre near the shore side along with the waste near the roadside, Dave said. The volunteers hope to sustain the campaign with Sustera Foundation and plan to hold similar activities every Saturday for two hours.The cleanliness drive also include workshops, performances and documentary screenings. There were solo performances by Manaveeyam Art Collective.A public interaction with environmentalist Piyush Manush was also held. Dave said that when he returns to Kenya he will host a festival titled My Lake My Future and show people there what they did at Vellayani and Titicaca. There are people who have interest in taking up social causes but are not aware of how to do it. We will work with them, he said. By Express News Service VIJAYAWADA: Alleging that the AP State investigative agency is probing the attack on him at Visakhapatnam airport in a malafide, preemptive and predetermined manner, YSRC chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Monday sought the intervention of Uni on Home Minister Rajnath Singh in investigation of the case by entrusting the inquiry to an agency which is not under the control of the AP government. This (entrusting the probe to a Central agency) would unravel the real reasons behind the attack and bring the perpetrators to justice, Jagan, who responded to the attack on him and the subsequent events for the first time, said in a letter addressed to Rajnath Singh. The letter was handed over to the Home Minister by a YSRC delegation led by Rajya Sabha MP V Vijayasai Reddy, in Delhi on Monday. Jagan said the assailant (J Srinivasa Rao) approached him on the pretext of taking a selfie in the VIP lounge of the airport. Jagan, as reported by Express, said, In a reflexive defensive action, I shielded my neck with my left shoulder and in the process my left shoulder sustained a deep cut of around 3 cm to 4 cm. The YSRC chief said for the comfort of the people regarding his safety, he changed his blood-soaked shirt and after getting minimum first aid, he went to Hyderabad. Detailing the sequence of events after he went to Hyderabad, Jagan said the investigation initiated by the State government is being undertaken in a predetermined and deficient manner. The investigation team has purportedly arrived at a premature conclusion and sought to portray the incident as an internal ploy of the YSRC. Shortly after the attack, DGP RP Thakur issued a statement claiming that the investigation indicated that the attack was solely motivated by the attackers desire to get some political attention, Jagan said. Further, the Chief Minister (Chandrababu Naidu) stated that an alleged 10-page letter retrieved from the assailant, had revealed that he is a sympathiser of YSRC and when the assailants house was searched, a photograph of late YS Rajasekhara Reddy was found. Through this statement, the Chief Minister alleged that the attack was a plot by the YSRC to garner sympathy, Jagan noted. He also said that the Chief Minister further went on to add that the attack was part of the script of so-called Operation Garuda and described it as a conspiracy hatched by the YSRC and BJP to destabilise the affairs of the State. Jagan Mohan Reddy said that the statements of the Chief Minister and the DGP are clear and definite indications of lack of impartial and fair investigation into the attack. Meanwhile, in another letter addressed to the Union Home Minister, the Opposition Leader said that the amount required to take up Titli cyclone relief works in the affected areas could be significantly higher than what was conveyed by the State government and asked the Centre to provide adequate assistance to AP. By Express News Service BENGALURU: The Karnataka High Court on Monday upheld the decision of the Election Commission of India to hold bypolls to three parliamentary constituencies of Karnataka. A division bench of Chief Justice Dinesh Maheshwari and Justice S Sujatha upheld the ECIs decision by dismissing the public interest litigations filed by advocate AP Ranganatha and another person questioning the bypolls. Ranganatha contended that declaring byelections to Shivamogga, Ballari and Mandya is violative of Section 151-A of the Representation of Peoples Act. He also contended that the very object of introducing Section 151-A of the Representation of the People Act is to ensure that for shorter terms, more particularly when it is less than one year, the elections ought not to have been held stands defeated if the notification is given effect to. The necessary effect will be on the state exchequer to a tune of `24 crore. In counter, the ECI contended that seat of elected members of Ballari and Shivamogga constituencies had become vacant on May 18, 2018 and Mandya on May 21, 2018 because of resignation of the members. To discharge its statutory duties imposed by the constitution and the Representation of People Act and as the remainder of the term of the members of those constituencies is more than a year, bypolls have been announced, it said. Rinku Gupta By Express News Service Nandita Swetha was thrilled when she landed in Mauritius for the shoot of Devi 2, directed by Vijay. In the film, the actor gets to dance for two songs with her dancing idol, Prabhudheva. Nandita began preparing for the song shoot with day-long rehearsals with Prabhudheva, who was also choreographing the songs. But halfway through rehearsals, things began to go wrong. Prabhudeva and Nandita Swetha on the sets of Devi 2 (Photo | Instagram) I had a previous ligament tear in one leg. As it was getting strained, I was putting more weight on the other leg. Due to the constant pressure, I started getting cramps in the other leg. Before I knew it, both my legs just refused to move, she recalls. Director Vijay came to her aid and immediately saw to it that she got medical attention. But later, in her hotel room she spent some anxious moments in tears, worried that she might lose her much-awaited chance of dancing alongside Prabhudheva. However, at the shoot the next morning, a surprise awaited her. Prabhudheva had noticed what had happened. He and director Vijay decided to change the steps so that I could manage them without straining my legs. It was such a sweet gesture on their part! I was completely overwhelmed, says Nandita, who was able to complete the song shoot in five days. The shoot also had its lighter, more enjoyable moments, she tells us. Tamannaah and Nandita on the sets of Devi 2 (Photo | Instagram) Prabhudheva sir is a real foodie. He brought so many types of pickles, chutneys and powders with him from India that we all had with lavish helpings of rice and ghee. Director Vijay would make sure we were well fed. In fact, I put on weight by the end of the Mautitius schedule! By PTI NAGPUR: The BJP in Maharashtra once again reached out to its estranged alliance partner Shiv Sena for forging an alliance for the Lok Sabha elections in 2019 "to prevent division of votes". BJP state unit president Raosaheb Danve said in Nagpur that the alliance with Sena could happen on a formula that had been agreed upon by BJP leader Pramod Mahajan and Sena patriarch Bal Thackeray (both deceased now) (in 1990). However, he clarified that the number of seats to be contested by each parties would be decided through deliberations. Responding to a query of reporters on whether BJP will fight the upcoming polls in alliance with the Sena, Danve said, "It is our wish to contest the polls jointly with Sena because that party is our old ally of many years. We also want to prevent division of votes". He said the BJP and Sena had fought all elections together with an exception of 2014 state assembly elections. When asked if the BJP is keen to contest with its allies because it is not sure of victory in 2019, Danve referred to the first NDA (National Democratic Alliance) alliance government that had came to power under Atal Bihari Vajpayee. "From the time of Vajpayee (now deceased),the BJP has the ability to form government with the alliance partners. Vajpayee had run the NDA government comprising 23 alliance partners," he said. "We feel that all alliance partners should stay together and contest elections jointly," he said, adding that the BJP is strong and not helpless. "However, it is our wish to contest the elections with alliance partners," said Danve. Citing an internal survey conducted by his party, Danve said the BJP would win 200 seats in the 288-member Maharashtra assembly and emerge as the largest party in the state in elections due in October next year. In 2014 assembly polls, the BJP had won 122 seats and the Sena 62. In the Lok Sabha polls held that year, the BJP bagged the highest 23 seats and Sena (18) of the total 48 seats. Among remaining seats, the Congress won 2 and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) 4, while one seat went to Swabhimani Paksha of Raju Shetty. When asked if construction of Ram Mandir would be the BJP's agenda for upcoming elections, he said party would contest on the plank of development, but at the same time would not drop the issue of the temple. Recently, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar have expressed hope the Sena will tie up with the BJP for the 2019 assembly and Lok Sabha elections. BJP president Amit Shah had met Thackeray at the latter's residence in Mumbai in June this year, apparently to placate the recalcitrant ally. By PTI NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court Tuesday directed the Hyderabad Police to provide adequate security to businessman Satish Sana, complainant in the alleged bribery case against CBI Special Director Rakesh Asthana. A bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices U U Lalit and K M Joseph refused to stay the CBI summons against him and also rejected his plea for recording of his statement in presence of retired former Supreme Court judge A K Patnaik. Sana, on whose complaint an FIR was registered against the CBI Special Director, had moved the apex court on Monday seeking police protection and a stay on the notice issued by the agency summoning him for interrogation. The CBI had booked Asthana on October 15 on the basis of a complaint from Sana, facing probe in a 2017 case involving meat exporter Moin Qureshi, claiming that the special director had allegedly helped him to get a clean chit from the probe agency. Besides seeking a stay on CBI's summons against him, Sana in his petition had expressed fear for his life and sought police protection during the pendency of the inquiry against Asthana, who along side CBI Director Alok Verma has been divested of duties and sent on leave by the Central government. The businessman, in his plea, had referred to the apex court's October 26 order on the petition of the CBI Director by which the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) was asked to conclude inquiry against Verma within two weeks under the supervision of former apex court judge Justice A K Patnaik. READ| Here's a quick recap of how war within CBI unfolded He had said that the CBI moved "in haste" to issue notice to him under Section 160 of the CrPC (Code Of Criminal Procedure) to attend the proceedings on October 29 before the probe agency and said that the same be recorded before Justice Patnaik. Sana had said that he gave a statement under section 161 before the CBI on a October 20 and on the same day, under section 164 statement was recorded before the Metropolitan Magistrate in Saket Court and the relevant statements of the applicant are already in record. He had said that he has written a letter to Justice (retired) Patnaik, who would be supervising the CVC's inquiry into the allegations against Verma, stating readiness and willingness to give statements under his supervision. He had sought the court's direction that he be questioned only under the supervision of Justice Patnaik. "This will ensure that the interests of justice are met since the applicant came forward as a whistle blower trusting the officials of the CBI. "Without casting any aspersions on the present Investigating Officer, the applicant fears that the change in IO and other surrounding circumstances may put his life in danger and therefore seeks a direction to the Hyderabad SP to provide police protection to the applicant till such time as the inquiry mandated by the top court is completed," the plea had said. Sana had also said that he was willing to cooperate with the investigation by coming to Delhi as and when directed by the judge supervising the enquiry. The feud between Verma and Asthana escalated recently leading to registration of an FIR against Asthana and others including Deputy Superintendent of Police Devender Kumar, who is in the CBI custody in an alleged bribery case. The FIR was lodged on a written complaint of Sana on October 15. It alleged that Kumar, the investigating officer (IO) in a case, was repeatedly calling him to the CBI office to harass and compel him to pay bribe of Rs 5 crore for giving him clean chit. Earlier, CBI Deputy SP AK Bassi, the former probe officer in the alleged corruption case against Special Director Rakesh Asthana, moved the Supreme Court Tuesday against his transfer. Amit Agnihotri By Express News Service NEW DELHI: The Congress is preparing to stage nationwide protests on the second anniversary of demonetisation on November 8. We will observe November 8 as a black day and hold protests in all states, a senior AICC functionary told TNIE. Party insiders said they need to target the government over a disastrous economic policy decision like demonetisation and the poor handling of the economy at a time when elections in five states are just weeks away. Rahul Gandhi may lead the protest in Delhi, while former prime minister Manmohan Singh or former finance minister P Chidambaram might be fielded to attack the government over demonetisation. The Congress strategy will focus on how all the listed objectives of demonetisation - curbing black money, curbing terror funding and reducing fake currency in circulation - have not been met. The party will particularly point out that making a lot of noise about black money in India dented the countrys image abroad but most of the demonetised currency came back in the banks, leaving experts wondering why the reckless decision was taken at all. The Congress will also highlight the fact that note ban took away lakhs of jobs from the informal sector. It will be yet another anniversary to mourn the reckless decision of an irresponsible PM who was insensitive in inflicting pains on tens of millions of people leading to not only deaths of almost 150 citizens but a large number of suicides across the country," senior Congress leader Anand Sharma said. Ejaz Kaiser By Express News Service RAIPUR: In a second major attack within a week, two policemen and a Doordarshan (DD) cameraman were killed in the Maoist ambush at forested terrain of Nilavaya close to Aranpur in one of the worst Maoist affected Dantewada district, south Chhattisgarh on Tuesday morning. The security forces out on a routine anti-Maoist operation were trapped in an ambush. Doordarshan team reportedly accompanying the troopers was caught in a crossfire when the naxalites opened fire on the security forces. A three-member DD team, according to the Dantewada superintendent of police Abhishek Pallav, had come from Delhi for election coverage in the region. The deceased cameraman Achuyatanand Sahoo belonged to Badgad district of Odisha. "Two police personnel and a DD cameraman were killed in the attack. Three other security personnel sustained injuries and rushed to Dantewada hospital. Their condition are stated to be stable", Pallava said. Prasar Bharati parivar condoles the death of Cameraman Achyutananda Sahu earlier today near Dantewada in Chhatisgarh. Our prayers with his family during this difficult moment. pic.twitter.com/BQOMg4Jo04 Prasar Bharati (@prasarbharati) October 30, 2018 Unconfirmed report stated that the forces were offering security to the DD team when the Maoists opened fire. The two jawans killed were identified as assistant sub inspector Rudra Pratap Singh and a constable Mangal Ram. Dantewada Naxal attack: Two security personnel who were injured brought to hospital. Two security personnel and a DD cameraman lost their lives in the attack. #Chhattisgarh pic.twitter.com/ZiqbwiNbNs ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2018 Additional forces have been rushed the spot from the nearby places and the area has been cordoned off, said the DIG (state intelligence branch) P Sunderraj. With the threat of Maoists' poll boycott call and the assembly elections earlier marred by the rebels' violence, the holding of peaceful election yet again poses stiff challenge for the Election Commission (EC) and the administration. On Saturday last, four jawans of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were killed in Maoist attack at Basaguda in the strife-torn Bijapur district about 350 km south of Raipur. The first phase of election covering 12 constituencies of conflict zone of Bastar and six seats of Rajnandgaon district will be held on November 12. As many 190 candidates are in the fray for the first phase of Chhattisgarh polls. Namita Bajpai By Express News Service LUCKNOW: A day after Supreme Court of India deferred hearing in Ayodhya title suit by three months till January next year, CM Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday felt that sometimes justice delayed was justice denied but he appealed the saints and seers of the temple town to have patience and join efforts to find an amicable solution to the vexed issue through peaceful means. "The issue of land dispute related to Ramjanmabhoomi should be resolved through consensus among all the stakeholders but if that option is feasible, there are others routes as well," said CM Yogi while expressing his views over the deferment of hearing in title suit of 2.77-acre land caught in the decades-old imbroglio. Seemingly miffed and disappointed with the delay in regular hearing and subsequent order in the issue, CM Yogi felt that justice delayed sometimes becomes injustice. "Samay se mila nyay, nyay kehlata hai. Der se mila nyay kabhi kabhi anyay ke saman ho jata hai (Justice delivered in time is called the genuine justice. Justice delayed sometimes becomes injustice)," said the CM. He added that the majority community was pinning hopes on the Supreme Court expecting an early solution to the vexed issue but it has been deferred by another three months. "I personally feel that the majority sentiment should be honoured in such cases," averred Yogi. Striking a sympathetic note with the saints and seers of the temple town, the CM tried to calm them down. "I respect the saints and seers and they have always blessed the BJP," he claimed, adding that one must not lose patience in troubled times and should face the problems with a calm mind. The CM urged the seers to be patient as it was the transition period which demanded their constructive participation in genuine and positive efforts being made towards the resolution of the issue. When asked if he supported the ordinance route to the temple construction, CM Yogi Adityanath did not rule out the possibility but favoured consensus through mutual dialogue among the stakeholders as the best option. "I would want an urgent resolution of the Ram Janmabhoomi issue. Since Ayodhya is in Uttar Pradesh, the responsibility of maintaining law and order in the state is on us and we will fulfil our duties," said the CM. He batted for peaceful settlement of the issue respecting the constitutional framework of the country. Notably, the Hindu outfits have been mounting pressure on the Centre to take the ordinance route to facilitate temple construction in Ayodhya. Such voices grew shriller after SC's stance over the issue on Monday. However, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, in his address on Vijay Dashmi, renewed a tone for temple construction by asking the Modi government to formulate a law for the purpose. By PTI Mumbai, Oct 30 (PTI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ruled out the possibility of shifting the proposed Chhatrapati Shivaji Memorial from its present location in the Arabian Sea off Mumbai coast. On October 24, one person had died when a boat carrying 25 people capsized in the Arabian Sea off the Mumbai coast when it was heading to the site of the proposed Chhatrapati Shivaji memorial, where work was to begin that day. The tragedy has revived the demand to shift the ambitious project on land in the city. READ| Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis reaches out to sugarcane farmers "There is no reason for changing the location (of Shivaji memorial). The memorial will take shape at the same place. We have (already) begun the work," Fadnavis said while interacting with select media persons Monday night. Terming the last week's accident as unfortunate, Fadnavis said, "Initial probe into it has suggested that the accident took place after the boat operator took a short cut en route to the memorial site". The project has got all the requisite permissions, granted after all its aspects, including its location, were considered, he added. Fadnavis, whose government will complete four years in office on Wednesday, noted that the warrior king Shivaji had built several forts in the sea years ago and that too at difficult locations. "And we have got such a convenient location and still we debate on it? How come we are so timid about (building) the memorial of the king, who built so many forts in the sea?" he asked. Raising safety concerns in the event of the incident, some pro-Maratha groups, as well as Kankavli MLA Nitesh Rane, had demanded that the memorial be built on some other location like the premises of the Raj Bhavan here or at Sindhudurga fort in Konkan. By PTI NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday refused to entertain a plea seeking a direction to the Centre and Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to utilise Aadhaar biometrics of unidentified dead bodies to trace their identity. A bench of justices Madan B Lokur, S Abdul Nazeer and Deepak Gupta said that petitioner Amit Sahni should approach the Delhi High Court as he has already filed a plea there for using Aadhaar biometrics for the purpose of tracing and re-uniting missing and mentally challenged persons with their families. "We are not inclined to entertain this plea," the bench said after which the petitioner withdrew his petition. In his plea, Sahni had sought a direction to the Centre, UIDAI, National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) and all the states to scan biometrics of unidentified dead bodies and process them with Aadhaar portal to trace any pre-existing biometric details. He had sought directions to the Centre and UIDAI to share pre-existing Aadhaar details, if already there, without any delay with the NCRB and states for identification of dead bodies. "In case the biometrics of the dead body, pre-exists on Aadhaar biometrics/portal, then directions be issued to share Aadhaar details of such dead persons with the respondents immediately without any delay, so as to ensure, the handing over the dead body to the family/relatives of such deceased so that respectable and dignified exit could be ensured by performing last rites of such dead bodies by affected family/persons," the plea had said. It had sought directions to constitute special courts for speedy disposal of cases pertaining to unidentified dead bodies under Aadhaar Act on the same day or the next day, irrespective of holiday. A five-judge Constitution bench of the apex court had on September 26 declared the Centre's flagship Aadhaar scheme as constitutionally valid but had struck down some of its provisions including its linking with bank accounts, mobile phones and school admissions. The bench had held that while Aadhaar would remain mandatory for filing of Income Tax returns and allotment of Permanent Account Number (PAN), it will not be compulsory to link Aadhaar to bank accounts and telecom service providers cannot seek its linking for mobile connections. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: In a relief to businessman Satish Sana, a complainant in the alleged bribery case against CBI special director Rakesh Asthana who has been sent on leave, the Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the Hyderabad Police to provide him adequate security. However, a bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices U U Lalit and K M Joseph refused to stay the CBI summons against Sana and also rejected his plea for the recording of his statement in the presence of retired former apex court judge A K Patnaik. During the hearing, senior advocate Raju Ramachandran, appearing for Sana, said the businessman needed protection as there was a threat to his life. The bench accepted the plea and said, We will say here is a citizen who claims to be a whistleblower and fears for his life. And he should be given adequate security. The CBI had booked Asthana on October 15 on the basis of a complaint from Sana, facing probe in a 2017 case involving meat exporter Moin Qureshi. Meanwhile, CBI deputy SP A K Bassi, the former investigating officer in the alleged corruption case against Asthana, moved the Supreme Court against his transfer to Port Blair. He said his transfer was malafide and aimed at derailing a sensitive probe. Bassi said he had incriminating evidence against Asthana in the bribery case and requested the SC to call for evidence of technical surveillance. He also sought setting up a special investigating team (SIT) to investigate charges against Asthana. Illegal gratification was given on December 10 and 13, 2017, to Asthana after which the summons to businessman Sathish Sana stopped. However, there was pressure to pay remaining amount as part of a deal. This is evidenced in Whatsapp messages, Bassis application said. Fayaz Wani By Express News Service SRINAGAR: Two militants of terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), suspected to be part of the outfits sniper squad, were killed in a gunfight with security forces in the Tral area of south Kashmirs Pulwama district on Tuesday, police said. A police officer said acting on a tip-off, a team consisting of members of the Army, the CRPF and the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) police entered the Chaanketaar village in Tral to institute a search operation. As the security men were conducting searches and approaching a house where they suspected that militants were present, they came under fire. This triggered a gunfight, said the officer, adding that the encounter lasted for over five hours. The house in which the militants were hiding was damaged during the gunfight, the official added. They both belonged to Jaish and their identities are being ascertained, he said. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir SP Pani told TNIE that the operation was in its final stages and that searches were going on. Sources familiar with the investigation said the deceased may have been a part of the JeMs sniper squad, which carried out three separate attacks on security personnel in the Valley last week, killing three security men and injuring one more. They said an M-4 sniper rifle and an AK-47 have been recovered from the encounter site. Sana Shakil By Express News Service NEW DELHI: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged the government to make the marriageable age for both men and women uniform, saying the move will go a long way in stopping child marriages in the country. The NHRC, however, has not specified what that age should be. At present, the legal marriageable age in India is 18 years for women and 21 years for men. In a report submitted to the Union ministries of Law, Women and Child Development (WCD) and Education, NHRC has also made several other recommendations to stop child marriage, such as making free education mandatory for children up to the age of 18 years or until Class 12. At present, the government provides free education to children up to the age of 14 years or till he/she is in class 10. The NHRC Secretary-General, Ambuj Sharma, said, We have suggested that the marriageable age for both the genders be made the same. We submitted a report to the government on Friday and asked them to examine the aspect of keeping uniform the age for marriage for both men and women, as is the practice in about 125 countries in the world. Another important recommendation is for the appointment of child marriage prohibition officers for every village in the country. Some states like Karnataka are already doing this. They have around 50,000 child prohibition officers in Karnataka and other states should follow the recommendation, said Sharma. Sources said that the idea behind these recommendations was to empower women and also remove certain loopholes in the current legal framework. The legal marriageable age for men and women were fixed decades ago. The idea behind keeping the age lesser for women was the belief that girls reach puberty earlier as compared to men and therefore, she becomes mature at an early age as compared to boys. That logic does not hold much relevance in todays modern context and needs to be reviewed, said a source. In 2008, the Law Commission had made a recommendation in favour of a uniform marriageable age for men and women. The law panel had recommended that the legal age for marriage for both sexes, cutting across religions, should be fixed at 18 years. The thought process The NHRCs recommendations are based on two days of deliberations held during the National Conference of Child Marriage organized by it in collaboration with South Asia Initiative to End Violence Against Children on August 29th and 30th. Various stakeholders, including ten states, legal experts, and non-governmental organisations took part in the conference. Aishik Chanda By Express News Service KOLKATA: Alleging that Bengalis and Biharis were being systematically expelled from Assam and Gujarat respectively by the state BJP governments, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday said that the doors of West Bengal are open for all expelled people. Speaking at an administrative review meeting in Assam-bordering Coochbehar district of West Bengal on Tuesday, the Trinamool Congress supremo said: "While they are driving away Bengalis in Assam, they are also ousting Biharis from Gujarat. Bengal will stand by everybody. We have room for everyone. Bengal loves everyone. It does not drive out anyone."This is the first time the aspiring anti-BJP Federal Front leader spoke on the exodus of over 60,000 Hindi-speaking migrants from Gujarat sparked by the rape of a 14-year-old girl allegedly by a Bihar native at Sabarkantha district of Gujarat on September 28. Lashing out at the BJP over NRC-related suicides, she added: "Reports of people committing suicide because their names were missing from NRC list are unfortunate. We love the people from Assam and Bengal. We never discriminate as we are neighbours. I am saddened. The name of one person is not in NRC but the names of his wife and children are in the list. This drove him to commit suicide."The TMC supremo also accused BJP of distorting the history of the country to create religious tensions among the people in the wake of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. "Those trying to distort our secular history should know that the people of Bengal will neither encourage nor allow divisive politics," she added. The West Bengal Chief Minister asked the Coochbehar administration to speed up the allotment of land records to dwellers of the enclaves that were exchanged with Bangladesh in a landmark land exchange agreement three years ago. Responding to the TMC supremo, state BJP general secretary Sayantan Basu said: "She should focus on the law and order situation of her own state before meddling with affairs of other states. In West Bengal, TMC cadres are killing not only members of other political parties but also their own party men." Anand ST Das By Express News Service PATNA: Another case of poor condition at government-run hospitals emerged on Tuesday in Bihar, where a nine-day-old infant died after being allegedly bitten by rats on fingers and toes. Bihar health minister Mangal Pandey, however, refuted the charges. "It was not a case of rats biting the infant. I spoke to the hospital authorities, and they said the bandages were put because of the injections the infant had been administered," he said. But, the infant's death at the Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) did no good to state-run hospitals, especially a week after a stray dog entered the operation theatre of another government hospital and ran away with a patient's amputated leg. The infant, admitted at the neo-natal intensive care unit, succumbed to the injuries and infection caused because of rats biting its limbs, said the baby's distraught father, Phuran Chaupal. "The baby was born with a heart defect. We expected that he would be alright through treatment at the DMCH. But, we found rats nibbling at his limbs, which led to his death," a sobbing Chaupal said, showing journalists the bandaged fingers and toes of the infant. He accused DMCH authorities of utter negligence and apathy. "Strict action should be taken against the hospital authorities for such negligence. How can the poor trust government hospitals?" Chaupal and his wife lodged a complaint at the Darbhanga district magistrate's office about their infant son's death. Deputy development commissioner Kari Prasad Mahto said a probe was ordered to look into the couple's allegations. While DMCH doctors admitted that some sections of the hospital were infested with rodents, they denied that the infant's death was due to rat bites. "The infant was already in a serious condition because of a heart ailment, due to which oxygen supply to his brain was not normal. We tried to revive the baby but failed," said Dr Om Prakash, a paediatrics specialist at DMCH. "It is true that some areas of the hospital are infested with rodents, but this infant was not bitten by rodents. The allegations are baseless." Donita Jose By Express News Service HYDERABAD: Seven young women, including an aeronautical engineer, who were allegedly confined in an ashram run by Om Jai Baba in Keesara were rescued on Sunday night and sent for medical examination to Gandhi Hospital after complaints of alleged sexual abuse were raised by one of the parents. The high voltage drama began unfolding in the Om Jai Baba Ashram at Keesara on Sunday afternoon when the mother of one of the girls raised an alarm after not being allowed to meet her daughter. The police based on the complaint attempted to check the ashram premises, but were not allowed inside by the officials. But they managed to get inside the ashram and rescued all the seven girls. They were sent for medical examination on Monday and later before Medchal magistrate. Police registered cases against the Baba and are likely to arrest him. The women who were rescued in a late night operation, however denied any abuse in the ashram. The daughter of the complainant also denied any sort of coercion from the ashram authorities and wanted to go back. The girls have been vehement that there was no abuse and maintained that meditation and yoga were the only things they took part. In fact the girls and the parents had also signed legal documents during their admission, stating that they are willfully staying there, police said. Preliminary investigations revealed that there was no abuse. No traces of drugs were also found on them, ACP K Shiva Kumar said. The reports have been sent to forensic lab for further investigations. However, as the parents of the girls were forbidden from meeting them, a case has been filed against the ashram authorities under Section 420,506,406 and 342 for forcibly confining the girls and not allowing the parents to meet, said the officers investgating the matter. By Express News Service SHIVAMOGGA: BJP leader and Sorab MLA Kumar Bangarappa said that Chief Minister Kumaraswamy may soon face allegations of exploitation under the #MeToo campaign if he continues to criticise him personally. Kumar also took the name of actress Radhika Kumaraswamy and questioned why Radhika is not being fielded in elections on the lines of Anitha Kumaraswamy. The Chief Minister reacted sharply to these comments while at a function in Kundapur and said that he did not like personal matters of family being brought into the political battlefield. Kumar Bangarappa Kumar told reporters here on Tuesday that Kumaraswamy had accused him of disregarding his parents. Kumaraswamy levelled false allegations standing in front of the grave of my father S Bangarappa. Let him do politics but he should not make personal allegations. If he does so he will also be one of the accused under #MeToo campaign, and the victim will come forward." When asked who the victim is, Kumar said, Everybody knows it. Photos are also shared widely on social media. He makes his wife a Zilla Panchayat member and a candidate in by-election. Let him treat Radhika Kumaraswamy also equally. Why he is not introducing her as his family member. Take her for campaigning. Field her in Hassan or somewhere else, Kumar said. Kumar clarified that he raised this matter as Kumaraswamy had levelled false allegations against his personal life. Being a CM he alleged that I disregarded my father. This kind of allegations are uncalled for. Allegations are common in politics. However, Kumaraswamy is using Bangarappas name again and again. If Kumaraswamy has regard for Bangarappa, let him take his name in Mandya, Bengaluru and Ramanagara as my father passed an ordinance in Cauvery water dispute, he said. Kumar also said that efforts are being made to create further difference in his family. He said that was why his sister Geetha, the wife of actor Shivarajkumar, was not invited to campaign in Shivamogga. Bechu S By Online Desk When Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the state would easily overcome the post-flood crisis if all Malayalis worldwide could contribute a month's earnings to the flood relief fund, his message was simple -- make use of your skills for the common goal. That is exactly what Kochi-based artist TK Nandakumar did, but the outcome seems to be better than what he had hoped for. Nandakumar, who was aware of the potentials of Facebook, put a simple message in the social media platform -- donate Rs 1,500 or more to the CMDRF. As tokens of appreciation, he would present the donors their digital portrait once he gets the receipt. Relying on his rich experience in the field of art and vast reach on cyberspace, he launched his "CMDRF - Portrait pic campaign" and by the time it was concluded on October 16, he had compiled Rs 95,900 to the relief fund! Nandakumar started the campaign over Facebook after he realised that drawings, caricatures or any such hand-drawn images as Facebook profile pictures had become a trend among Keralites. "I am basically an artist. Upon receiving Facebook's birthday notifications, I used to draw pictures by using Adobe's Illustrator and Photoshop for my friends and post them on their timeline as surprise gifts from me. I have given such illustrations to as many as 100 friends. READ | Cochin International Airport donates to CMs flood relief fund After I put up the FB post in August end, 32 people participated in the campaign on proposed dates, and it took me one and a half month to complete it," says Nandakumar. Recounting the campaign days, the graphic designer, who also works as an art director in the film industry said, "I used to draw up to 3 pictures a day. A single drawing will take at least three hours to finish. I used to wake up early and worked late-nights as well. Fortunately, I was able to manage everything and the campaign didn't affect my personal affairs." READ | 'Reach World Wide' NGO comes to the aid of Kerala flood victims "Ernakulam Lalit Kala Academy had conducted a painting exhibition featuring many artists across Kerala for contributing to the relief fund. But they couldn't give me a slot as the registration was already closed by the time I approached them. Though it was saddening, the experience gave me the inspiration do something of my own and started to think seriously about what my friends had suggested," he said. When the heavy rains and flash floods wreaked havoc, Nandakumar was cut off from Kochi and was stuck in his hometown. His wife Sariga is the vice principal at Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya in Kanyakumari and daughter Rithu studies in 4th grade at the same school. Although he contributed in both cash and kind, he wasn't satisfied with his contribution and efforts. "I wanted to visit camps and do whatever needed, but the situation wasn't favourable. Then the CMDRF portal was opened... " But 32 people paying Rs 1,500 each make it only Rs 48,000. Nandakumar could find more generous people during the campaign who contributed more than he asked for. He eventually managed to double the amount. However, this humble artist denies the credit for himself. READ | Salary challenge: Employees can contribute any amount, but not entitled to concessions "There are people who had already donated tens and thousands to the CMDRF but yet paid the sum to be part of the programme. A few NRIs too joined the campaing by contributing more than Rs 20,000 for the cause," he remembers with courtesy. Nandakumar, who is now busy with his job, however expressed his willingness to relaunch the effort if a similar crisis situation re-emerges. By Express News Service KOCHI: Reiterating that the state government is liable to abide by the Supreme Court verdict on the Sabarimala womens entry issue, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said if the court stays the order after hearing the review petition, then the government is committed to implementing it.The CM was speaking after inaugurating a public meeting organised by the LDF here on Monday. Though the LDF is in favour of allowing women of all ages to enter Sabarimala, if the SC comes up with a decision against it after hearing the review petition, the government is bound to obey it, he said. Criticising the stance taken by the Congress, Pinarayi said in Kerala, the BJP has become a stopover for Congress leaders. That is why Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala is backing the BJP at all possible venues. The Congress should realise that by supporting the BJP, they are moving towards self-destruction, he said. He said Kerala is a not a place where things will progress as per Amit Shahs wishes. We knew he has done many things at many places. However, Kerala is different. Keralites are the successors of the renaissance launched by Sree Narayana Guru, Chattambi Swamikal and Ayyankali. If the Sangh Parivar tries to create tension here after hearing Amit Shahs words, they will have to face the consequences, he said. In an apparent dig at Ayyappa Dharma Sena president Rahul Easwar, the CM said, One of the guys who led the protests at Sabarimala said that they have a Plan B to prevent the entry of women at Sabarimala. He said if blood or urine falls on the temple, it has to be closed. Since he does not have the courage to make a cut on the hand and shed blood, his plan might have been definitely to urinate. The CM said devotees wont face any difficulties. The government is with the believers and true devotees. We have already appointed a committee to study the Sabarimala master plan. The committee headed by T K A Nair former adviser to the Prime Minister and a true Ayyappa devotee will soon submit its report, said Pinarayi. Our focus will be to deal with the heavy rush during the pilgrimage season. Steps including online booking facility and base camp at Nilakkal to provide accommodation to thousands will be launched, he added. By PTI RAMESWARAM: As many as 17 fishermen from Tamil Nadu were arrested Tuesday by the Sri Lankan Navy for fishing off Neduntheevu, a fishermen association leader said. ALSO READ | Sri Lankan turmoil cause of concern for Tamil Nadu fishermen: MK Stalin The fishermen from Ramanathapuram and Pudukottai districts were arrested at gunpoint, while they were fishing in the Lankan waters early this morning. They were then taken to Kangesanthurai port in the island nation, Rameswaram Fishermen Association President, S Emerit told reporters here. Their boats were also impounded, he said. He urged the Centre to ensure that fishermen from the state be allowed to fish in the traditional areas of Palk Strait. On Monday, 11 fishermen from the state were arrested by the Lankan Naval personnel for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line and fishing near Neduntheevu. R Rajasekhar Rao By Express News Service HYDERABAD: In a significant development, the Supreme Court bench on Monday directed the Central government to issue notification for bifurcation of the existing common high court in Hyderabad basing on the progress of construction of new high court building at Amaravati. The AP government told the Apex Court that the new building for AP High Court would be ready by Dec 15 this year. The Apex Court bench comprising Justice AK Sikri and Justice Ashok Bhushan was passing this order in a special leave petition filed by the Centre challenging the 2015 judgment of the High Court division bench headed by then Chief Justice Kalyan Jyoti Sengupta which ruled that the high court for AP, whether temporary or permanent, should be set up only on the territory of AP. During the course of hearing, the bench did not agree with the opinion of senior counsel Fali Nariman, appearing for AP state, for comparing Punjab and Haryana High Court with Hyderabad High Court. The AP Reorganization Act has clearly stated that there shall be separate high courts for both AP and Telangana, the bench reminded. Senior counsel Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Telangana state, pointed out that the AP government has been delaying the bifurcation of the existing high court. The AP government claims that it would have new building for interim high court by Dec 15 and that the court staff would be shifted by April. Further, it says that the accommodation for high court judges and staff would be ready by Aug next year, and a new building to house a permanent high court would be constructed in the Justice City at Amaravati. This delay has been affecting various issues such as appointment of judges, other staff and so on, he noted.Responding to the above submission, the bench said: We want it to be bifurcated at the earliest. By AFP DHAKA: Bangladesh and Myanmar agreed Tuesday to start returning Rohingya refugees in November, less than a week after UN investigators warned that a genocide against the Muslim minority was still ongoing. More than 720,000 of Myanmar's stateless Rohingya fled a brutal military crackdown in August last year, taking shelter in crowded camps in Bangladesh and bringing with them harrowing tales of rape, murder and arson in a military crackdown. Investigators have said senior Myanmar military officials should be prosecuted for genocide in Rakhine state, but the country has rejected these calls, insisting it was defending itself against militants. ALSO READ: Australia slaps sanctions on Myanmar army generals over violence against Rohingya Myanmar and Bangladesh announced a large-scale repatriation plan in November 2017. But the process hit bureaucratic hurdles almost immediately and it failed to take off, as both sides blamed the other for the delay and rights group warned returning the Rohingya to Myanmar would condemn them to further reprisals. Authorities in Buddhist-majority Myanmar say more than 100 displaced Rohingya have returned in recent months, but Bangladesh insists that the official process has not commenced. "We are looking forward to starting the repatriation by mid-November," Bangladesh foreign secretary Shahidul Haque said after talks in Dhaka between officials from both countries. "It is the first phase." Myanmar's permanent secretary of foreign affairs Myint Thu, who attended the talks, said both sides agreed to a "very concrete" plan to start the process next month. "We have shown our political will, flexibility and accommodation in order to commence the repatriation at the earliest possible date," he told reporters. Myanmar's government has trumpeted every occasion where a Rohingya family has returned, though rights groups have questioned whether the refugees did so voluntarily. ALSO READ: Six dead in fire at Rohingya camp in Myanmar Many fear returning to Myanmar without guaranteed rights such as citizenship, access to health care and freedom of movement -- rights that were denied to them long before last year's crackdown. The pledge to begin returning the Rohingya comes just days after UN investigators warned of an "ongoing genocide" against the Muslim minority in Myanmar. Marzuki Darusman, chairman of the UN Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar, said that beyond mass killings, the conflict included the ostracization of the population, prevention of births, and widespread displacement in camps. The UN says the return of the Rohingya must be voluntary and conducted in dignity and security. It conducted a survey of conditions in northern Rakhine state last month and reported "mistrust, fear of neighbouring communities and a sense of insecurity" prevalent in many areas. By AFP DHAKA: A Bangladesh court on Tuesday doubled a jail term for imprisoned opposition leader Khaleda Zia from five to 10 years following a prosecution appeal. The decision came the day after Zia, 73, was ordered jailed for seven years in a separate case, piling pressure on the opposition ahead of a national election. The increased term was ordered over embezzlement charges for which Zia, arch-rival of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, was sentenced in February. "The high court has upheld the lower court verdict and raised the jail sentence from original five years to 10 years," anti-corruption commission prosecutor Khurshid A Khan told AFP. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the main opposition movement that Zia still leads from behind bars, has vowed nationwide marches later Tuesday to protest the verdict. The latest court ruling deals a crushing blow to the BNP and its embattled leader, who despite being jailed had clung to a faint hope of running against Hasina in election slated for December. ALSO READ | Khaleda Zia's son sentenced to life in 2004 grenade attack on Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina "She cannot contest the elections unless the conviction is set aside by a higher court," Bangladesh's attorney general Mahbubey Alam told AFP. Zia was originally found guilty and sentenced to five years for embezzling money meant for an orphanage, a charge her supporters say is politically motivated. That verdict in February triggered violent clashes in major cities across the Muslim-majority democracy of 160 million, with opposition demonstrators clashing with police and activists from the ruling party. Zia, widow of assassinated military dictator Ziaur Rahman, faces dozens of separate charges related to violence and corruption that her lawyers insist are baseless. Her son and heir-apparent Tarique Rahman was jailed for life in absentia this month over a 2004 grenade attack on a Hasina political rally. Rahman lives in exile in London. In recent months, her health has deteriorated inside the abandoned 19th-century jail -- where she is the only inmate -- with a physician saying that arthritis has rendered Zia's left hand useless. Her lawyers have accused the government of putting her health at risk by refusing her specialised care in prison. By PTI COLOMBO: Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and appointed former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa as the new premier. Sirisena's move has triggered a constitutional crisis in the country. Here are some points about the unfolding crisis and the role of key players: Government - Sri Lanka has a semi-presidential system of government in which a president exists alongside a prime minister and a cabinet. The prime minister is responsible to the legislature of the country. Sri Lanka has an executive presidency which is more powerful than the US presidency. Executive power lies with the president, who may summon, suspend or prorogue a legislative session. The president appoints the prime minister, the leader of the majority party in parliament. The Cabinet is appointed by the president in consultation with the prime minister. Parliament consists of 225 members elected under an electoral district based proportional representation to serve a five-year term. Of these, 196 MPs are elected from 22 electoral districts based on proportional votes, with the remaining 29 seats decided on the basis of the proportion of the national cumulative vote received by each party. Major players - Maithripala Sirisena, the current president whose broader political front United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) withdrew from the unity government. Ranil Wickremesinghe, the senior leader of the United National Party (UNP), who was sacked as the prime minister by the president last week. Mahinda Rajapaksa, the former two-time president, who was appointed as the new prime minister by the incumbent president in a dramatic move. Political background - Sirisena secured a surprise victory in the presidential elections in 2015, defeating two-time president Rajapaksa. Sirisena and Wickremesinghe joined hands to form a government of national unity in 2015 to bring in constitutional and governance reforms including a new Constitution to address the long-standing issues of the Tamil minority. Sirisena had to defeat Rajapaksa in the election. Sirisena on Friday sacked his ally Wickremesinghe and appointed former rival Rajapaksa as the new prime minister. Sirisena also suspended parliament till November 16 after Wickremesinghe sought an emergency session to prove his majority. Constitution Sri Lanka's current Constitution stipulates the political system as a republic and a unitary state governed by a semi-presidential system. The system differs from India where the president is a purely ceremonial head. Why there is a political crisis in Lanka? - According to the 19th Amendment enacted in 2015, the president no longer enjoys the power to remove the prime minister at his discretion. The prime minister can only be dismissed if the Cabinet is dismissed or the prime minister resigns or the prime minister ceases to be a member of parliament. The president can remove a minister only on the advice of the prime minister. Parliament's Speaker Karu Jayasuriya has refused to endorse Wickremesinghe's sacking as the prime minister. In a letter, Jayasuriya questioned the president's decision to suspend Parliament till November 16, saying it will have "serious and undesirable" consequences on the country. What political parties say - President Sirisena's camp says that the Cabinet ceased to exist the moment the UPFA withdrew from the national government. When there is no Cabinet, the president has the power to appoint the person whom he thinks commands the majority in parliament as the prime minister. According to Wickremesinghe, what Sirisena did was unconstitutional because as per Article 46 (2) of the 19th Amendment of the constitution, the president cannot sack a prime minister who enjoys majority support in parliament. Wickremesinghe asserts that he has majority support in parliament. Parties tally: Wickremesinghe's United National Front has 106 MPs while Rajapaksa has 95 MPs of the United Peoples' Progressive Alliance (UPFA). Rajapaksa needs 18 more MPs to give him a simple majority of 113 in the House of 225 members. Rajapaksa has already got the support of two UNP MPs on Friday Vasantha Senanayake and Ananda Aluthgamage. Main Tamil Party Tamil National Alliance has 16 MPs and the Janatha Vimukthi PeramunaJVP, a communist and Marxist Leninist party, has 6. By PTI LONDON: British MPs have made a renewed attempt to raise the profile of a long-standing campaign for declaring the festivals of Diwali and Eid public holidays in the UK with a debate in the House of Commons complex. The debate on Monday was in response to e-petitions on the Parliament's official website calling for such a move, with the petition for Eid attracting over 46,500 signatures and the one in favour a Diwali holiday attracting over 11,700 signatures. "It is fair to say that the petitions are essentially about the same issue: establishing public holidays for religious occasions," said Scottish National Party (SNP) MP and member of the Parliament's Petitions Committee Martyn Day, as he opened the debate at Westminster Hall. "The Muslim and Hindu faiths are the second and third largest religions in the UK, the first being the Christian faith, which has public holidays during its major religious festivals at Easter and Christmas. The celebration of festivals is very important to worshippers of the faiths concerned," he said. Conservative Party MP Bob Blackman, who represents the north London constituency of Harrow which has a large Hindu population, has been campaigning in favour of religious holidays for many years. "We are coming up to Diwali; indeed, the big holiday will not be Diwali itself, but the day after, which is the Hindu new year," he said during Monday's debate. "That is when people of the Hindu, Jain, Sikh and Buddhist faiths will all go to their temples to pray for health, wealth and happiness in the new year, and will meet their families in the afternoon a day when the people of those religions will, frankly, not be working anyway. Why not recognise that fact and give everyone the opportunity to have a day off and recharge on that basis," he said. In reference to Eid, Blackman added that at the end of Ramadan, people are exhausted from the days of fasting and a day of prayer is important to them. "Why should that not also be a public holiday, particularly given the range of Muslims now in this country? We should recognise that fact and lead on to it," he said. Opposition Labour party MP Gareth Thomas also spoke out in favour of the motion, alluding to the positive impact on India-UK ties by declaring Diwali a public holiday. "It is worth spelling it out that the festival of Diwali is already an official holiday in a number of countries around the world, many of which have hugely close links to the UK. If it can be achieved that Diwali is marked in other countries, why cannot it be marked in the UK," he said. Westminster Hall debates are aimed at raising the profile of a campaign in an attempt to influence decision-making in government and Parliament. A similar debate on the issue of declaring Diwali and Eid public holidays had last been held in 2014 and the UK government response has remained largely unchanged, dismissing any such additional holidays due to "considerable" costs to the economy. Under the UK's current system of public holidays, referred to as "bank holidays", there are eight permanent holidays in England and Wales, nine in Scotland and 10 in Northern Ireland. The UK's Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971 allows for other special, one-off holidays to be declared. "The costs to the economy of introducing new public holidays are considerable," said Conservative Party MP Kelly Tolhurst, representing the government in the debate as minister in the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy department. "The most recent assessment of an additional holiday for the Diamond Jubilee [to mark Queen Elizabeth II's 60 years of reign in 2012 showed a total cost to employers of around 1.2 billion pounds". "Depending on the nature of the holiday that is being proposed, costs may be partially offset by increased revenues for businesses in the leisure and tourism sectors, and by a boost in retail spending. However, it is not expected that public holidays for Eid or Diwali would result in an increase in tourism," she said. By AFP ISTANBUL: Saudi Arabia's chief prosecutor on Tuesday visited the consulate in Istanbul where journalist Jamal Khashoggi was murdered, according to an AFP journalist at the scene. The head of the Saudi investigation, Attorney General Sheikh Saud al-Mojeb, who last week acknowledged that the killing was "premeditated", did not make a statement as he arrived at the diplomatic compound. Earlier in the day, he met Istanbul chief prosecutor Irfan Fidan for the second time. On Monday, Mojeb had asked to be given the full findings of the Turkish investigation, including all images and audio recordings, Turkish broadcaster TRT reported. ALSO READ: Saudi Arabia rejects Turkey call to extradite Jamal Khashoggi killers The Turkish investigators rejected the request, TRT said, instead of calling on the Saudi prosecutor to reveal information about the location of Khashoggi's body, which has not yet been found. They also repeated President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's call for the 18 suspects arrested by Saudi Arabia over the murder be sent to Turkey for trial, according to TRT. Riyadh has refused the request. The case has sparked a PR crisis for the oil-rich Gulf nation, which is seeking to draw a line under the case as Western powers demand answers. ALSO READ: Turkey to Saudi Arabia: Where is Jamal Khashoggi's body? Khashoggi, a Washington Post contributor who had criticised Saudi Arabia's powerful Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, has not been seen after entering the consulate on October 2 to obtain paperwork for his marriage to his Turkish fiancee Hatice Cengiz. On Monday she hit out at the US President Donald Trump's response to the murder, saying he must not let Riyadh cover up the killing. "I am extremely disappointed by the stance of the leadership of many countries, particularly in the US," she told a memorial event in London. She said she believed the Saudi regime knew where Khashoggi's body was, and called for the "evil criminals and their cowardly political masters" to be held to account. Trump has called the case "one of the worst cover-ups in history", but warned against halting a Saudi arms deal to increase the pressure, saying it would harm US jobs. By PTI PESHAWAR: A principal of a private school in Pakistan was sentenced to a total of 105 years in prison on Tuesday by a local court for sexually exploiting schoolchildren and filming them with secret cameras installed on campus. Attaullah Marwat, who is also the school's owner, was arrested in this city after police registered a case against him on July 14, 2017, on the complaint of a boy student. A sessions court here handed a total of 105 years in prison to the principal on charges of child abuse, pornography, rape, blackmail and maintaining illicit relations. Marwat was also fined Rs 1.4 million in addition to the jail terms. A trial court had framed charges against him on eight counts under the Pakistan Penal Code. He was found guilty of all charges and handed various jail sentences under each section - resulting in a total prison term of 105 years. One of the charges against the convict was that he had forced, persuaded, coerced and enticed girl students under the age of 18 to engage in sexual activities and was involved in the explicit sexual conduct and abuse of minor schoolgirls. Following his arrest last year, the accused had recorded his confessional statement before a judicial magistrate, wherein he had admitted that it was his "hobby" to make videos of his sexual activities. He had also admitted that the videos were stored in his personal computer. The police had recovered memory cards and USBs. By PTI COLOMBO: Sri Lanka on Tuesday braced for a protest called by ousted prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's party against what it said was a "coup" by President Maithripala Sirisena which has triggered a political crisis in the country. Sri Lanka, a Buddhist-majority nation in the Indian Ocean, was plunged into chaos on Friday when President Sirisena sacked Prime Minister Wickremesinghe in a surprise move. He also suspended parliament in an apparent bid to shore up support for newly appointed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. Sirisena is under increasing political and diplomatic pressure to reconvene parliament and resolve the constitutional crisis. Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP) is set to hold a protest on Tuesday in the capital, Colombo. Sri Lanka's sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickeremesinghe attends a media briefing in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018. (Photo | AP) "We are calling upon all sections of the society who believe in democracy and rule of law to gather and protest," Champika Ranawaka, a former minister said. Mangala Samaraweera, the ex-finance minister under Wickremesinghe said, "This was a constitutional coup and it is our duty to protect democracy and sovereignty of people". Speaker Karu Jayasuriya urged the president to let Wickremesinghe prove his majority support on the parliament floor. The supporters of Rajapaksa, a former president, are confident that he would be able to prove majority support on the parliament floor as they are sure that members of Wickremesinghe's UNP would defect. "We are waiting for more UNP members to join us. We have the numbers," Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena, a Rajapaksa loyalist, said. Wickremesinghe has said that he still commands the majority. However, he suffered a setback after four lawmakers from his party, who had pledged allegiance to him in the public, took a U-turn and accepted ministerial positions in the Rajapaksa government. "We have the majority despite four of them joining Rajapaksa," Ranjith Madduma Bandara, an ex-minister, said. Speaker Jayasuriya has called for a meeting of all party leaders to assess the current political situation. At least 128 members had written to him calling for reconvening of parliament. Jayasuriya has insisted that the issue needs to be settled within parliament. The crisis turned deadly on Sunday when the bodyguard of a former cabinet minister fired on a crowd, killing at least one person and wounding two others. Newly appointed Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, centre, leaves a Buddhist temple after meeting his supporters in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. (Photo | AP) Under Sri Lanka's constitution, the president, who maintains executive powers, can appoint a new prime minister once the current premier has lost control of parliament. Wickremesinghe argues he cannot legally be dismissed until he loses the support of parliament. His party, which holds a plurality of seats in the 225-member assembly, was prevented from holding a vote when Sirisena abruptly suspended parliament on Saturday until 16 November. Wickremesinghe claimed in a Facebook post on Monday he had obtained the signatures of 126 MPs calling for parliament to be returned immediately to end the political standoff. Both camps are working to secure their numbers in parliament. Rajapaksa's tenure as president was marred by allegations of authoritarianism, corruption and human rights abuses, especially against the country's Tamil minority. He was defeated at the 2015 presidential elections when Wickremesinghe and Sirisena formed an unlikely coalition, and their government initiated several investigations into alleged Rajapaksa-era crimes. By Associated Press COPENHAGEN (DENMARK): NATO's secretary general said Tuesday he is confident the Western military alliance and Russia "will act in a respectable way" as both hold training exercises in the same area off Norway's coast. "This is not a Cold War situation," Jens Stoltenberg said as he attended the Trident Juncture war games NATO is holding with around 50,000 personnel and a goal that is "purely to prevent, not to provoke." The alliance is conducting its largest military exercise since the end of the Cold War in central and eastern Norway, the North Atlantic and the Baltic Sea until Nov. 7. Russia has said its navy plans to test missiles Nov. 1-3 in international waters off western Norway. Russia was briefed by NATO in advance and invited to monitor the exercises, but the West's military display angered Moscow, which thinks the alliance is behaving provocatively near its borders. The maneuvers that started Thursday come amid persistent tensions between NATO and Russia. "This is a necessary exercise" to "send a strong signal of unity," Stoltenberg told reporters as he visited the NATO maneuvers involving military personnel from all 29 NATO members, plus partners Finland and Sweden. There are 65 ships, 250 aircraft and 10,000 vehicles responding to a hypothetical scenario that involves restoring Norway's sovereignty after an attack by a "fictitious aggressor." The US Navy admiral commanding the war games said Russia has been monitoring the maneuvers with "curiosity," judging from recent regional movements of Russian troops in the air and at sea. He did not elaborate. "I have no issue with that as long as it doesn't interfere with what we do," Adm. James Foggo told reporters in Finland on Friday, adding that he expected Moscow to take a "professional" stance and to dispatch military observers. Hundreds of Finnish and Swedish air, infantry and naval troops were participating in Trident Juncture. The countries have been alarmed by neighboring Russia's substantially increased military maneuvers in the region during the past few years. The Russian Foreign Ministry told the Sweden and Finland last week that NATO's drill "fits within the policy of the United States toward making Europe less secure." In conjunction with Trident Juncture, the USS Harry S. Truman, a massive aircraft carrier, was leading a US strike carrier group conducting air, surface and underwater exercises in the rough Arctic seas, Foggo said. It was the first time since the end of the Cold War that a US aircraft carrier sailed so far above the Arctic Circle, he said. Humanitarian supplies are loaded onto a transport aircraft at an airport in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, before being transported to Kathmandu, Nepal, after an earthquake in the country in 2015. ZHOU JIANHUA/FOR CHINA DAILY The Kunlun Eagle Group is increasingly providing assistance overseas. Wang Keju reports from Yichang, Hubei province. It was 4 am and fog shrouded the southern Indian Ocean, famous for its roaring westerly winds and unsettled weather. Even though he was flying just 420 meters above the surface of the water and battling heavy turbulence in a bank of cloud, Colonel Li Sheng, pilot of a People's Liberation Army Air Force Ilyushin Il-76 transport plane, decided to descend a further 100 meters. Li, a chief navigator with the Air Force's transport squadron in the Central Theater Command, was part of a seven-country search for traces of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, two weeks after the Boeing 777 disappeared. MH370 was carrying 239 passengers and crew, including 154 Chinese citizens, when it disappeared from radar screens during a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing on March 8, 2014. "Conditions were extremely bumpy, and the aircraft was so close to the surface of the ocean that I felt as though I could reach out my hand and touch it," the 42-year-old said. "But in order to get a clearer view of any objects in the sea, we had to risk flying at lower altitude." After two hours of flying at low altitude and staring at the sea, the crew had nothing to show for their efforts but sore eyes. On the return flight to Perth, state capital of Western Australia, when they were supposed to take a break, the aircrew continued to search. Finally, they noticed two square, white objects floating in the water. The crew and Australian experts onboard analyzed photos they had taken, and confirmed the objects as suspected wreckage, which made China the first of the seven countries involved, including Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia, to discover possible flight debris. In the past 40 years of deepening and advancing reform and opening-up, the squadron has followed the Air Force's "going out" call, and undertaken many overseas missions around the world. More than 300 members of the transport squadron have traveled to 32 countries on tasks such as providing humanitarian aid, international rescue and relief, and taking part in joint military exercises. The remains of soldiers from the Chinese People's Volunteer Army who died in the Korean War are carried to the group's plane at Incheon Airport in Korea in 2015. CHINA DAILY Adaptation, upgrading "We will adapt to the trend of a new global military revolution and to national security needs; we will upgrade our military capabilities and see that by the year 2020 mechanization has basically been achieved, IT application has come a long way and strategic capabilities have seen a big improvement," said Xi Jinping, chairman of the Central Military Commission, at the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in October last year. Xi's words galvanized members of the PLA Air Force transport squadron, which was founded in 1952. In 1953 and the decade that followed, the squadron trained on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau many times, but the harsh conditions - including complex terrain, climatic changes, poor equipment, incomplete data and altitude sickness - didn't intimidate the flight crews. They conquered the challenge of flying over the Kunlun Mountains, classified as an extremely dangerous flying zone at the time, opened up 25 plateau routes and made thousands of flights. In 1964, the PLA Air Force awarded the squadron the title "Kunlun Eagle Group" because of the fearlessness and toughness of its members. During the search for MH370, Li and 37 other pilots and aircrew embraced the spirit passed down by previous generations of the squadron - "Be afraid of nothing and fly to places where people need our help most" - and overcame almost every difficulty they encountered. By the time the search ended about six weeks later, the squadron had spent about 260 flying hours covering about 210,000 square kilometers of the southern Indian Ocean, and had provided the Malaysian authorities with 65 sightings of possible debris for further investigation. "The speed with which we fitted into the ongoing arrangements, the technical ability and responsiveness of our team, and the collaborative spirit of the whole exercise were a fine example of international cooperation," Li said. As their participation grew and they began to play a more important role in global activities, the squadron's members developed the habit of keeping an eye on news from around the world. Whenever a disaster is reported on the television, they immediately prepare to be sent to the spot. Members of the squadron take part in an international search mission for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 above the southern Indian Ocean in 2014. SHEN LING/FOR CHINA DAILY Overseas assistance In February 2011, Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi was toppled. The ensuing upsurge in violence could easily have turned into a fully fledged civil war. Watching the images of the deteriorating security situation in the country, Liu Shukui, a 55-year-old navigator in the squadron, was deeply worried about the thousands of Chinese living there, and hoped he would be sent to evacuate them. After receiving orders from the Central Military Commission on Feb 28, Liu had just one day to prepare before he piloted an Ilyushin Il-76 to assist the evacuation. During the journey from the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region to Libya, the temperature rose by more than 50 C. "When we departed Urumqi, the regional capital, I could not stop shivering, even though I was wearing a leather jacket, but when we refueled in Sudan, even a sleeveless shirt was too much. My face became one huge salt crystal and my hair was as hard as if I had used hairspray," he said. After flying 9,500 kilometers in about 30 hours, the four planes arrived at Sebha International Airport, in the capital of south Libya's Sehba district. Liu remembers seeing armed soldiers everywhere as a result of the insurgency, and the smell of war pervaded the air. "But the intensity quickly faded away when I stepped out of my plane and heard the thunderous applause and cheers from my fellow Chinese," Li said. The four transport planes carried 287 people back to China, while another 1,655 were safely ferried to Sudan. It was the first time the PLA Air Force had evacuated Chinese nationals from overseas. "Years have passed, but every time I think of a middle-aged man who kissed the ground after getting off the plane in Beijing, I am reminded me of my responsibilities and the honor of being a member of the PLA," Li said. Aircrew and pilots who were members of the squadron in 1964, when it was awarded the title 'Kunlun Eagle Group'. CHINA DAILY Traditions Flying techniques, overseas experience and, most important, the qualities of courage, responsibility and serving the people have been handed down since the squadron was founded. Senior Colonel Lyu Jibo has been teaching new pilots for about 20 years. In his 30 years of flying, he has taken part in many operations, such as providing disaster relief after a magnitude 6.9 earthquake hit Yushu, Qinghai province, in 2010, and a mudslide in Zhouqu county, Gansu province, in the same year. "In fact, we (modern members) are not that good - the older generation opened up the routes on the plateau, flew over the site of a nuclear test to collect air samples, and made many, many other achievements," the 50-year-old pilot and trainer said. "Our predecessors cultivated us, and just like my teacher, I will give everything I have to our younger members." Lyu, who is now just about seven years from retirement, said he will do all he can to ensure that the group's new pilots inherit the good traditions of previous generations and strive for even greater achievements. The Fourth China-Latin America High-level Defense Forum kicks off at the International College of Defense Studies (ICDS) of the National Defense University (NDU) of the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) on the morning of October 29, 2018. (mod.gov.cn) BEIJING, Oct. 30 (ChinaMil) -- The Fourth China-Latin America High-level Defense Forum was launched at the International College of Defense Studies (ICDS) of the National Defense University (NDU) of the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) on Monday morning. The Bolivian defense minister, Costa Rican security minister, chief of Uruguays Defense General Staff as well as other leaders from Latin American defense (security) departments and militaries attended the forum. Major General Shao Yuanming, Vice-Chief of Staff at the Joint Staff Department of Chinas Central Military Commission (CMC), attended the opening ceremony and delivered a speech. Shao said that China and Latin American countries have had frequent high-level reciprocal visits, deepened economic and trade cooperation, worked closely to cooperate in international affairs, and made breakthroughs in their overall cooperation in recent years. The China-Latin America High-level Defense Forum reflects Chinas sincere desire to develop China-Latin America defense and military relations. In accordance with the guidelines of Chinese President Xi Jinpings thought on diplomacy, the Chinese side will work with Latin American friends to build a community of shared future for China and Latin American countries, with a view to jointly pushing the China-Latin America comprehensive cooperative partnership to a new stage, he said. General Juan Jose Saavedra Fernandez, chief of Uruguays Defense General Staff, spoke as a representative of the foreign parties to the forum. He said that Chinas achievements, which are obvious to all, promoted world peace and development. China and Latin America share a common vision for military exchanges and cooperation, and all Latin American countries including Uruguay, hope to turn this good vision into reality, he added. Under the theme of enhancing understanding and promoting cooperation, the forum adopted special lectures and interactive exchanges to discuss diplomatic, economic and social development issues to which China and Latin American countries are paying attention in the context of globalization, and to introduce such special topics as Chinas reform and opening up and President Xi Jinpings governance and the Belt and Road Initiative. Through this, the representatives of the participating countries will be able to understand Chinas foreign policy and military development, enhance their mutual trust and friendship, and expand exchanges and cooperation. Lieutenant General Wu Jieming, Political Commissar of the NDU of the Chinese PLA, and the envoys of Latin American countries to China, also attended the opening ceremony. The Fourth China-Latin America High-level Defense Forum kicks off at the International College of Defense Studies (ICDS) of the National Defense University (NDU) of the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) on the morning of October 29, 2018. (mod.gov.cn) Reporter Noelle McGee is a Danville-based reporter at The News-Gazette. Her email is nmcgee@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@n_mcgee). Reporter Debra Pressey is a reporter covering health care at The News-Gazette. Her email is dpressey@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@DLPressey). The picture shows the scene of the closing ceremony of the "Peace and Friendship 2018" joint military drill among China, Malaysia and Thailand. (Photo by Yi Ding) By Li Xiaobo MALAYSIA, Oct. 30 (ChinaMil) -- The 10-day "Peace and Friendship 2018" joint military drill, involving China, Malaysia and Thailand, concluded at Port Dickson of Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia on Monday. All the subjects of the drill were completed and all three parties achieved the goals. The closing ceremony was held at the Army Academy in Port Dickson at 10:30 a.m. The national anthems of China, Malaysia and Thailand were played at the scene, and the exercise coordinators from the three countries made closing remarks. Major General Li Weiya, exercise coordinator from China, said at the closing ceremony that the "Peace and Friendship 2018" joint military drill is a high-level multinational force joint military exercise. It is the first time that the exercise with "joint and compulsory peace operations" as the subject was held in the joint staff department. It is the first time that the long-range air delivery via Hong Kong International Airport was held. It is also the first time that the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Macao Garrison participated in such joint exercise. Li said that this exercise has changed from a bilateral exercise between China and Malaysia to a joint drill among China, Malaysia and Thailand. Mutual exchanges, communications and reflections are very meaningful and have broadened their horizons. The consensus on some major issues will produce special enthusiasm and the power of common advancement, added Li. According to the consensus reached by the Chinese, Malaysian and Thai armed forces, the "Peace and Friendship 2018" joint military drill was held in Malaysia from October 20 to 29. The exercise consists of the staff headquarters exercise and the actual combat training. The army special operations troops and naval ships of the three countries carried out onshore, port and maritime exercises respectively. During the drill, the three parties also carried out various forms of cultural exchanges and ship opening activities. Lt Gen Suphot Malaniyom, exercise coordinator from Thailand, spoke highly of Chinese participating officers and soldiers of the drill. He said that the Chinese military now has the capability to send troops to any place in need around the world, and can help those friendly nations in need. He believed that this drill will further enhance the capability of Chinese troops to implement their missions. Malaysian Armed Forces Joint Force Commander Vice Admiral Syed Zahiruddin Putra also spoke highly of the excellent performance of the Chinese participating officers and soldiers. He said that this drill truly reflects the solidarity and cooperation of the three countries and enhances their friendship. The joint drill is of great significance to effectively solving the current global security challenges. The "Peace and Friendship 2018" is a planned joint exercise program within this year. The joint drill is not targeted at any third party and has nothing to do with the current regional situation. After the closing ceremony, the participating troops from the three countries will return to their home countries successively from October 30 to 31. DOCTORS and HIV and Aids activists have warned that Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries leader Walter Magaya risks rolling back progress that has been made in the fight against the scourge through anti-retroviral treatment by claiming that he has found a cure for the pandemic. The church leader, who commands a huge following and is not new to controversy, stunned the nation on Sunday when he told his congregants during a church service that he would soon release a cure for HIV, which he said he developed from an Aguma herb with the help of his Indian partners. The revelations, however, have torched a storm as, by his own admission, the cure was still to undergo clinical trials by regulatory authorities. Aids activists and health authorities said the youthful preacher had no medical right to claim that he had found a cure for the disease as that required clinical trials before going public. Secretary for Health and Child Care Gerald Gwinji yesterday told NewsDay that such discoveries have to undergo the requisite regulatory processes. While the ministry values and looks forward to new discoveries in all areas of disease, including therapeutics, thereof, we are forced, for safety, quality and ethical reasons to demand that such prospective discoveries or developments are subjected to well designed and appropriately regulated processes before a product is put out for use on humans, he said. Neither the medicines register nor the register of clinical trials kept by the ministry has a record of the cited medicine. Herbal medicines now require approval by the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ), and the produce has not yet been submitted for review and assessment. The relevant authorities are urgently looking into the matter and the ministry will soon advise the nation on the said claims. National Aids Council (NAC) spokesperson Tadiwa Pfupa yesterday said the council was not aware of any clinical trials that have been conducted to buttress Magayas assertions. NAC is not aware of any such clinical trials locally or globally that have been conducted showing efficacy in the management of HIV. Those that claim to have discovered a cure must provide sufficient scientific evidence and regulatory approvals before going public with their claims, she said. Zimbabwe currently has an estimated 1,2 million people receiving life-saving ART (anti-retroviral therapy) and it is important that we do not unnecessarily endanger their lives by claims of a cure that is unsubstantiated. Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights (ZADHR) said, while Magaya had his right and liberty to freedom of worship and entitled to his beliefs, claims to cure Aids must only be made in the presence of irrefutable scientific evidence that is obtained through proper and ethical research methodologies. Such unverified claims have the potential to increase the number of anti-retroviral therapy defaulters, increased risky behaviour practices and exposure to potentially harmful side effects of the herbs, the association said in a statement. ZADHR calls upon Prophet Magaya to publicly reverse his claims that he had a cure for HIV and Aids, as there is no empirical research that proves his claims the minister of Health Obadiah Moyo to publicly censure Magaya and also institute an investigation into the safety of the herbs he is claiming to have. Magaya said he had submitted his herb to medical tests and was ready to work with government. People living with HIV also joined in the attack, saying Magaya had no clinical authority to make such bold claims, as this exposed many antiretroviral drugs takers. Pan African Positive Women Coalition co-ordinator Tendai Westerhof said she was very concerned with such claims from Magaya and other healers before any clinical or laboratory tests were conducted and approval given by the MCAZ. We are concerned with such claims from many spiritual healers and prophets who claim they can cure Aids, and this misinformation has seen many people living with the disease default their treatment. We do not want to give a false hope and make them believe they can be cured with a drug which has not been proven or tested, Westerhof said. Prophet Magaya is a highly influential person in society, who has many followers and his utterances have a danger of derailing gains made in the fight against HIV and Aids in the last three decades. Therefore, we hold public figures responsible for the utterances which might lead to loss of life as they create a false sense that they have found a cure for HIV. Zimbabwe People Living with HIV/Aids board member Evelyn Chamisa said: As representatives of people living with HIV, we are lobbying the government to enact a legislation to protect our people from such shenanigans, she said. The Retail Pharmacists Association weighed in, urging patients to continue taking their medication. They said medicines derived from plants should be subjected to independent verification under the guidance of MCAZ and the Medical Research Council, which they said has not been done in this case. In as much as some plants have shown medicinal properties, it is imperative that any claims to their effectiveness be made after an acceptable independent verification has been done. In Zimbabwe, we have competent authorities in the form of the MCAZ and Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe, who handle such. It is, therefore, worrisome should a claim be made before the said bodies have registered the medicine or complimentary medicine, the statement read in part. Zimbabwe Aids Network and its partners, the Zimbabwe National Network of People Living with HIV (ZNNP+) as well as Zimbabwe Young Positives, however, appealed for patience so that the relevant authorities could ascertain the validity of Magayas claims. PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has urged depositors not to panic over the value of their Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) balances and bond notes as there is no change in policy to warrant offloading them. The President said this yesterday during the breakfast engagement with bankers and captains of industry and commerce at State House in Harare. This comes amid heightened panic by depositors keen to get rid of their RTGS balances and bond notes by way of buying foreign currency on the parallel market and/ or buying whatever goods they lay their hands on in shops. While the country is going through difficult times mainly because of lack of foreign currency to meet the growing demand for foreign exchange across all the sectors of the economy, I would like to assure you all that the current multicurrency system is here to stay. All your RTGS balances at banks and bond notes in circulation, are safe and secure. There should be no pressure to exchange or offload these balances as Government policy has not changed to warrant such anxiety, said President Mnangagwa. He said the fear to lose wealth and savings as happened at the peak of the 2008 economic challenges were current but unnecessary. President Mnangagwa said he appreciates and understands the concerns of citizens and Government was working around the clock to stabilise the economy. Some of the measures that Government has put in place to address economic challenges include suspension of Statutory Instrument 122 of 2017 to allow for the importation of basic goods to supplement local production, and raising funds required to support the huge demand for foreign currency associated with the end of year requirements by industry and commerce. President of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) Professor Benedict Oramah, Senior Advisor Lazard Freres and Dr Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, were in the country last Thursday to provide assurances that the bank will provide Zimbabwe with the much-needed financial support. As part of arresting economic challenges, Government is also putting in place measures aimed at reducing fiscal deficits that have continued to increase aggregate demand exerting pressure on foreign currency resources and the exchange rates. President Mnangagwa said the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe have been directed to come up with a framework to securitise the Government debt created by the issuance of Treasury Bills (TBs) in order to re-balance the debt obligation through various techniques and incentives. The domestic debt has soared to $7,4 billion from $285 million in 2012, mainly spurred by the issuance of TBs. I therefore call upon all Zimbabweans to rally together and to work for the common good of the country. We have to have unity of purpose not divergent views. No scape-goating. We need to overcome these difficulties and put national interests ahead of personal interests. It is not in our national interest to spread fake news that is meant to tarnish our country and to bring anguish to others, that is not being patriotic. He urged citizens to remain steadfast as measures were being taken to stabilise the supply of goods and services. Herald Econet Wireless bid to compel former NetOne chief executive Mr Reward Kangai to testify in the base stations dispute hit a brick wall after the Supreme Court threw out the request as an abuse of the court process. Econet claims the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) was favouring NetOne by allowing it to import its base stations without paying duty while other mobile network operators were obliged to pay import duty. To that end, Econet sued NetOne and Zimra over discrimination at the Fiscal Appeal Court and obtained an order compelling Mr Kangai to give evidence on how the taxman was showing favour to NetOne. The Fiscal Appeal Court also ordered Mr Kangai to bring several bulky documents relevant to the case. However, NetOne appealed to the Supreme Court arguing that the subpoena issued was too wide and meant to pursue an ulterior motive other than securing relevant evidence. NetOne also argued that the subpoena issued was in violation of its right to privacy and that it was an abuse of court process. Advocate Thabani Mpofu, instructed by Mhishi Legal Practice, represented NetOne in the Supreme Court appeal. The team led by Adv Mpofu convinced the court that the order was indeed incompetent. Justice Mary Anne Gowora sitting with Justices Susan Mavangira and Ben Hlatshwayo allowed the appeal and set aside the Fiscal Appeal Court decision. The instant appeal succeeds. The judgment of the court a quo is set aside and in its place is substituted by the following: The application is granted in terms of the draft order and accordingly: The subpoena duces tecum issued in this matter by the registrar of the Fiscal Court on the 9th of February, 2015 be and is hereby set aside. The subpoena duces tecum issued in this matter by the registrar of the Fiscal Court on the 9th of February, 2015 be and is hereby set aside. The first respondent (Econet) shall bear the costs of suit. The first respondent (Econet) shall bear the costs of suit. Justice Hlatshwayo and Mavangira concurred with the judgment. The Supreme Court blasted Econet for abusing court process. The view I take is that, the subpoena does not constitute a genuine exercise by a litigant to prosecute a dispute. It was not shown in the court below that the subpoena, wide as it is, was necessary for disposing fairly of the cause or matter. It cannot be allowed to stand in the circumstances because it is clearly an abuse of process and the court has inherent power to prevent this abuse, the court ruled. It Was the 'Largest Crowdfunding Initiative' Ever. And It Failed (Newser) A man with a firearm may have stopped a burglary, or perhaps something worse, at an Alabama McDonald's. The man, who hasn't been named, was leaving the fast-food eatery in Birmingham with his two sons at around 10:45pm Saturday, report Fox News and AL.com. WBRC notes that a masked gunman burst into the restaurant as a worker opened the door for the family to exit, opening fire. The father whipped out his own pistol and returned fire; an employee who hid in the store's freezer with another worker says he heard more than 15 shots fired. "All we hear is like different gunfire, so ... I'm imagining everybody is dead," Markus Washington tells WBRC, who said he was making hamburgers when the chaos broke out. story continues below He adds that as he and his co-worker cowered in the freezer, they were sure the gunman was "looking for us." But the gunman was felled in the shooting, later dying from his injuries. The dad and one of his sons were also hit; the son's injuries weren't life-threatening, while it's not clear on the father's condition. Sgt. Bryan Shelton, a rep for the Birmingham Police, tells WVTM they're still not sure if the gunman meant to rob the Mickey Dee's, ambush an employee, or just start shooting. "It's not easy being a father and watching your child get injured ... like that," Shelton says. "It's a really heart-wrenching experience." Washington, meanwhile, calls the pistol-toting dad his "hero": "If he wasn't armed, we might not be here having this interview." (A Florida man tried to use a stun-gun on two Muslim students outside a McDonald's.) (Newser) Looks like America's biggest #MeToo case is faltering. A vortex of recent developmentsincluding a dismissed charge and a detective who apparently failed to reveal vital informationhas some analysts saying Harvey Weinstein could walk scot-free, the New York Times reports. Much of it hinges on a charge by marketing executive Lucia Evans, who says Weinstein made her give him oral sex in 2004 when she was an aspiring actor. But prosecutors say Nicholas DiGaudio, the case's lead detective, never told them about an Evans friend who said Evans gave the oral sex willingly for a film part. A judge dismissed Evans' claim in early October, the Daily News reported, leaving five criminal charges against the 66-year-old film producer. story continues below But a defense lawyer might tarnish the whole case with that dismissal, says a former prosecutor and law teacher: "To have this, post-indictment, is a horror," she explains. What's more, DiGaudiowho also told a Weinstein accuser to remove embarrassing information from a cellphonemay be too compromised to appear as a witness. "That cop completely jeopardized the district attorneys case," says a former Queens prosecutor. Meanwhile, Weinstein has released emails suggesting he had a consensual affair with his second accuser, who says he raped her in 2013. The third case, another accusation of forced oral sex, may boil down to he said-she said. Yet lead prosecutor Joan Illuzzi isn't giving up: "We are moving full speed ahead," she says. (One actor says she's been "plotting revenge" against Weinstein for 20 years.) (Newser) Shaun White knows how to snowboardbut dress up for Halloween? Not so much, it seems. The three-time winner of Olympic gold went out this weekend as Simple Jack, the disabled character from the movie Tropic Thunder, and promptly issued an apology Monday, People reports. "I owe everyone in the Special Olympics community an apology for my poor choice of Halloween costume the other night," he tweeted. "It was a last minute decision. It was the wrong one. The Special Olympics are right to call me out on it. They do great work supporting many tremendous athletes and I am so sorry for being insensitive. Lesson learned. story continues below A Special Olympics spokesperson told TMZ that the costume, which White shared on social media, wasn't funny: "We are truly disappointed that Shaun White, an acclaimed Olympian, would choose this costume which is so offensive and causes so much pain." Advocates for the disabled had also protested Ben Stiller's character back when Tropic Thunder came out in 2008, Reuters recalls. "We are asking people not to go to the movie and hope to bring a consciousness to people about using derogatory words about this population," a Special Olympics rep said at the time. As for White's costume, he pulled the image from Instagrambut you can see it here. (One company yanked a costume with a controversial "dead" name.) (Newser) Investigators are still looking for answers in the case of Rotana and Tala Farea, the sisters whose bodies were found duct-taped together on the banks of the Hudson River last week. Police have disclosed that the sisters, who lived in Fairfax, Virginia, were from Saudi Arabia and had recently requested asylum in the US, the New York Times reports. Rotana, 22, and Tala, 16, had a history of going missing, but police don't know how they ended up in the river. "We do not know that a crime took place," NYPD Chief of Detectives Dermot F. Shea said Thursday. "We have a terrible tragedy for sure." story continues below Sources tell the New York Daily News that the sisters had been in the US since 2015 and were once placed in a shelter after running away from home. The sources say the mother told police that the sisters disappeared after the entire family, which also includes two brothers, was ordered back to Saudi Arabia. A relative tells Arab News that the sisters were part of a happy family. "They never had any issues and the eldest was sent to college in New York City with her familys blessing," says the relative, who rejects suggestions that the sisters died in a suicide pact. A police official tells the Times that they are still seeking "what might have been their entry point into the water." Read more on the case here. (Read more Hudson River stories.) (Newser) Police investigators on Monday were trying to determine whether a decaying human head found in an Oakland backyard belongs to a recently discovered headless corpse, the AP reports. People visiting an Oakland apartment complex last week found the head in the grassless yard with a couple of trees and took it to a police station, Oakland Officer Johnna Watson said. Officers at the police station initially thought it was a Halloween prank but then saw the head inside the car of the people who found it, Sgt. Michael Cardoza told reporters after the discovery. story continues below "I can say in my years of service, I've never had a human skull delivered to the police station," Cardoza told KGO-TV. Homicide detectives interviewed all the residents of the three-apartment building, and it didn't appear they were involved, he said. It's unclear how long the head had been in yard, but Cardoza said it was decomposed and "had a little bit of flesh on it." The Alameda County coroner's office is working to identify the remains and determine whether it's connected to a decapitated body found in "close proximity" in late September. (In August, another headless corpse was found in a fish tank in a San Francisco home.) (Newser) A 16-year-old boy is dead and another is facing a first-degree murder charge after a school shooting that officials say was the result of "out of control" bullying. Police say Jatwan Craig Cuffie was taken into custody after Bobby McKeithen was fatally shot during a fight early Monday in a hallway outside the cafeteria at Butler High School in Matthews, NC, the Charlotte Observer reports. "First reports indicate that the conflict began with bullying that escalated out of control and as fear took over, a young person brought a gun to solve the problems," Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Superintendent Dr. Clayton Wilcox said Monday, per USA Today. Police did not disclose which student was the alleged bully, but said the shooting was "something that built up" over time, the New York Times reports. story continues below "Several people knew about itnot knew there was going to be a shooting, but knew there was going to be a likelihood of some sort of altercation this morning," police Capt. Stason Tyrrell told reporters Monday. He said that within minutes of the shooting, a teacher informed officers that she was with the shooter, who wished to surrender. Wilcox said the district, which does not use metal detectors at its schools, is going to review security procedures. "I don't know how a young person gets a handgun in the state of North Carolina but we'll look into all those things and make sure it doesn't happen again," he said. (A mother in New Jersey may have prevented a school shooting in another state.) The Korea Composite Stock Price Index closed below the psychologically significant 2,000 mark for the first time in nearly two years on Monday. The benchmark KOSPI closed at 1,996.05 points, down 1.5 percent and marking a fifth straight session of decline. The junior Kosdaq also plunged by over 5 percent to close below 630, its lowest level since August 2017. (Newser) Mike Pence is taking flak for what critics say was an extremely insensitive choice of rabbi at a campaign event Monday night. The vice president invited Rabbi Loren Jacobs to the stage at the event in suburban Detroit to offer a prayer for victims of the Pittsburgh mass shooting, and Jacobs invoked "Jesus the Messiah" in his opening remarks. Jacobs practices Messianic Judaism, which Jewish leaders consider a form of Christianity, the Washington Post reports. There are more than 60 rabbis in the state directory, "and yet the only rabbi they could find to offer a prayer for the 11 Jewish victims in Pittsburgh at the Mike Pence Rally was a local Jew for Jesus rabbi? That's pathetic!" Detroit-area Rabbi Jason Miller wrote in a Facebook post. In other developments: Wheelchair for court appearance. Alleged shooter Robert Bowers, who was injured in an exchange of fire with police, was in a wheelchair during a brief court appearance Monday, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. He was ordered held without bail after the federal judge gave an overview of the 29 charges against him, some of which carry the death penalty. His next hearing will be Thursday morning. The 46-year-old also faces state murder charges. He showed no clear signs of injury during the appearance, though he didn't move very much, the New York Times reports. story continues below Trump will visit Pittsburgh . White House press secretary Sarah Sanders confirmed Monday afternoon that President and Melania Trump will visit Pittsburgh on Tuesday, CBS reports. "This atrocity was a chilling act of mass murder," Sanders said in her first press briefing since Oct. 3. "It was an act of hatred, and above all it was an act of evil." . White House press secretary Sarah Sanders confirmed Monday afternoon that President and Melania Trump will visit Pittsburgh on Tuesday, CBS reports. "This atrocity was a chilling act of mass murder," Sanders said in her first press briefing since Oct. 3. "It was an act of hatred, and above all it was an act of evil." First burials . David and Cecil Rosenthal, two intellectually disabled brothers, will be buried together Tuesday in one of the first funerals for victims of the Tree of Life synagogue massacre, the AP reports. At 54 and 59 years old respectively, David and Cecil were the youngest of the 11 victims. . David and Cecil Rosenthal, two intellectually disabled brothers, will be buried together Tuesday in one of the first funerals for victims of the Tree of Life synagogue massacre, the AP reports. At 54 and 59 years old respectively, David and Cecil were the youngest of the 11 victims. Strict rituals. The New York Times looks at the challenges the biggest mass murder of Jews in modern US history poses for religious leaders following strict rituals. Volunteers led by Rabbi Daniel Wasserman plan to remove every trace of human remains from the synagogue early Tuesday. "We would be looking for any flesh, any blood, any organic material to give it the proper honor with the bodies," Wasserman said. "Thats going to be one of the most difficult things." Stories of victims . CNN has more on David and Cecil Rosenthal, and the stories of other victims, including Bernice and Sylvan Simon. The couple, 84 and 86 years old respectively, were married at the Tree of Life synagogue in 1956. . CNN has more on David and Cecil Rosenthal, and the stories of other victims, including Bernice and Sylvan Simon. The couple, 84 and 86 years old respectively, were married at the Tree of Life synagogue in 1956. Radicalized online? The Guardian looks at the beliefs of Bowers, believed to have been a figure on the fringe of white supremacist and anti-Semitic circles. His postings on the Gab social network reveal that he believed Jews "were committing a genocide to his people." He allegedly told a police officer that "genocide" was his motivation for the massacre. The Guardian looks at the beliefs of Bowers, believed to have been a figure on the fringe of white supremacist and anti-Semitic circles. His postings on the Gab social network reveal that he believed Jews "were committing a genocide to his people." He allegedly told a police officer that "genocide" was his motivation for the massacre. Pence defended. Lena Epstein, the Republican House candidate whose event Pence was at Monday night, defended him amid the "fake Jews" controversy, NBC reports. Epstein, who says she aims to become the only Jewish Republican woman in Congress, says she, not Pence invited Jacobs to the event "because we must unite as a nation." Jarrod Agen, the vice president's chief of staff, says Pence invited the rabbi on stage after hearing him pray earlier in the evening. (Some Jewish leaders are welcoming Trump's visit to Pittsburgh, while others have started a petition calling for him to stay away until he "fully" denounces white nationalism .) (Newser) If "gynecologist keeps his license after dyeing employee's vagina purple as a 'joke'" isn't a headline that catches your attention, stop reading. For everyone else: This case out of Colorado, in which even the judge uttered an "oh my God," involves Dr. Barry King, formerly of Mesa County, who pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor harassment charge Friday after an accusation by one of his ex-admins. Per the Daily Sentinel, the victim, a breast cancer survivor, told Judge Michael Grattan she'd found a vaginal lesion in 2017; her own doctor had retired, so she asked King, her boss, if he'd check it out. After the exam, he told her: "When you get home tonight, I want you to have [your husband] take a look at it." She was confused, but when she used the bathroom later, the TP turned purple. The next day, she said King acted "giddy," then admitted he'd dyed her vagina as "a joke" for her husband. story continues below "I was sexually objectified as a prank on my husband in hopes that his penis would be stained purple," she told Grattan, adding King's "disgusting" actions included telling others at work about his prank. She added the only reason King wasn't hit with a more serious sexual assault charge was because "I cannot attest to the status of [my husband's] penis" (and prosecutors didn't think they could prove sexual intent). In court Friday, King didn't say anything, but his lawyer noted, "I know that if Dr. King could go back to January 2017, he wouldn't have acted in the way he did." His plea deal involves 100 hours of community service, a $500 donation to a child-sex-abuse victims group, and a written apology to his former staffer. On doctor ratings site Vitals.com, one commenter on a page seemingly for King simply remarked, "Who does that?" (This doctor balked at a patient's breastfeeding.) (Newser) "Is our life just worth one photo?" travel blogger Meenakshi "Minaxi" Moorthy mused after a visit to the Grand Canyon in March. One half of the team behind Holidays and Happily Ever Afters, Moorthy described herself as "a fan of daredevilry attempts of standing at the edge of cliffs and skyscrapers" but also noted the dangers: "Did you know that wind gusts can be FATAL???" she wrote, per NPR. It's a discussion getting renewed focus following the deaths of 30-year-old Moorthy and her 29-year-old husband, Vishnu Viswanath, at Yosemite National Park last Wednesday. The Bay Area couple originally from India were at Taft Point, a cliff overlooking Yosemite Valley, when they fell some 800 feet. story continues below "When you come to a place like Yosemite National Park and you go to places with majestic, scenic views, there is an inherent level of personal risk," a park rep tells the San Jose Mercury News. But "we still don't have any clear idea exactly what happened" to the couple; an ongoing investigation is expected to take weeks. Meanwhile, the Indian school where the couple met and studied engineering is paying tribute. "Our hearts go to the friends and family members of this lovely couple. May their souls rest in peace," reads a statement from the College of Engineering, Chengannur. The pair graduated in 2010 before marrying in 2014, per the Mercury News. The avid travelers had recently moved from New York City. (They fell at a spot with no railing.) (Newser) Boston mobster Whitey Bulger has been found dead in prison at age 89. How he died remains unclear, but both the Boston Herald and Boston's WBZ report that he "was killed" shortly after being transferred to a prison in West Virginia. The Boston Globe spoke with three sources who said an inmate with links to the Mafia is being looked at for the murder. The official word is this: "The US Attorneys Office in the Northern District of West Virginia and the FBI will be conducting an investigation into the death of James Bulger. No other information will be released at this time." Bulger had previously been imprisoned in Florida, and it was unclear why he'd been moved. story continues below Bulger, who was serving a life sentence, spent 16 years on the lam as a fugitive before his capture in 2011; the AP notes he appeared on the FBI's "Ten Most Wanted" criminals list just below Osama bin Laden. "My memory of him is anybody, good or bad, who had anything to do with him got hurt," a widow whose husband was murdered by Bulger's gang tells the Herald. "But he's a legend. Like Al Capone and Billy the Kid. He will always be remembered but in a bad way." Bulger gained notoriety leading the Winter Hill Gang, and his life of crime inspired movies including The Departed, an Oscar winner in 2006. (Bulger's girlfriend remains locked up.) (Newser) Robert Mueller's office says somebody is offering women money to make false allegations of sexual harassment against him, and it's asking the FBI to investigate. The tale is a convoluted one, and it involves one of Mueller's most vocal critics on the right, a self-identified lobbyist named Jack Burkman, reports CNBC. Multiple journalists told Mueller's office that they had been approached by a woman who said Burkman offered her about $20,000 to make accusations of sexual misconduct and workplace harassment against Robert Mueller," according to her email to them, obtained by the Atlantic. The woman, who had previously worked for Mueller as a paralegal in the 1970s, said she had been approached by a man "with a British accent" making the offer on Burkman's behalf. story continues below Burkman, for his part, denies knowing the woman who sent the email to journalists. However, in a tweet, he promised to reveal the name of a woman Thursday who is a sex-assault victim of Mueller. A spokesman for Mueller says the claims are false. "It's just a stupid hoax," tweeted journalist Jane Mayer of the New Yorker, who worked on the Brett Kavanaugh and Eric Schneiderman stories with Ronan Farrow. Burkman is no stranger to conspiracy theories: The Hill notes that he conducted his own investigation into the death of Democratic National Committee staffer Seth Rich, only to have Rich's parents distance themselves from him, and the Washington Times reported that he offered $25,000 earlier this year to anyone who could prove criminal wrongdoing related to Mueller's inquiry. (Burkman also once sought to ban gay players from the NFL.) (Newser) Ice cream maker Ben & Jerry's is taking a stand against what it calls the Trump administration's regressive policies by rebranding one of its flavors Pecan Resist, the AP reports. The company and its founders unveiled the limited batch ice cream flavor Pecan Resist Tuesday in Washington ahead of the midterm elections. The company says Pecan Resist, chocolate ice cream with white and dark fudge chunks, pecans, walnuts, and fudge-covered almonds, celebrates activists who are resisting oppression, harmful environmental practices, and injustice. As part of the campaign, Ben & Jerry's is giving $25,000 each to four activist entities: Color of Change, Honor the Earth, Women's March, and multi-media platform Neta. The company said it "cannot be silent in the face of policies that attack and attempt to roll back decades of progress on racial and gender equity, climate change, LGBTQ rights, and refugee and immigrant rights." story continues below Founded in Vermont in 1978 but currently owned by English consumer goods conglomerate Unilever, Ben & Jerry's has not shied away from social causes. While many businesses tread lightly in politics for fear of alienating customers, the ice cream maker has taken the opposite approach. "All of our employees here and around the world, all of the people we serve, are not only hoping, they are expecting us to speak up as businesses," said Ben & Jerry's CEO Matthew McCarthy. In 2015, Save Our Swirled debuted to bring awareness to climate change. That same year, the company changed the name of its Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream to I Dough, I Dough in celebration of the Supreme Court's decision to strike down states' ban on same-sex marriage. Pecan Resist, a play on the phrase "we can resist," is a rebranding of New York Super Fudge Chunk, Elite Daily notes. (Ben and Jerry themselves were arrested at a DC protest.) Korea's Supreme Court is set to rule on a compensation suit against Nippon Steel filed by four Korean victims of forced labor during Japan's colonial rule of Korea. Tokyo maintains that a 1965 lump-sum payment that normalized ties between the two countries settled the issue of individuals' right to seek compensation. But the Supreme Court in 2012 ruled that an agreement between the two governments cannot void individual compensation claims. In 2013, the Seoul High Court ordered Japan to pay compensation to the Korean individuals, drawing vehement protest from the Japanese government. The ongoing construction and development works of Bahrains Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) port will be completed by end 2018, confirmed Oil Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa. The USD741 million new port, Minister said, with a capacity of 800 million cubic feet a day by next year and operated by the National Oil and Gas Authority (NOGA), has crossed 90 per cent completion. The port consists of a floating storage unit, a seaport and an LNG delivery terminal, in addition to an LNG liquefaction platform, underwater pipelines to transport gas from the platform to the shore, a landfill facility and a nitrogen processing plant. As per the deal, Shaikh Mohammed explained that the port is the property of Bahrain LNG WLL and is a joint project of the Oil and Gas Holding Company (30pc) and the consortium of companies Teekay LNG, Samsung and the Gulf Investment Corporation (70pc). The project, implemented under the BOOT system within the Khalifa bin Salman Port facility in Hidd Industrial Area, aims to support Bahrains domestic gas production to meet growing demand for gas and to obtain LNG at competitive rates. A consortium of nine regional and international banks financed the USD741 million project for a period over 20 years. Korean commercial insurance company has covered nearly 80pc of the risks of financing, while Standard Chartered Bank and the Korean Development Bank are consulting firms. The project aims at increasing the gas resources in Bahrain, as Bahrains entire gas production goes for power generation as well as industrial production. According to the annual report of NOGA, Bahrains natural gas production grew by 2.9pc to reach 514, 389 billion cubic feet in 2017 compared to 499, 884 billion cubic feet in 2016. However, the figures showed that Bahrains production of associated gas decreased by 0.11pc to 243, 641 billion cubic feet in 2017, compared to 243, 919 billion cubic feet in 2016. Bahrain Airport Company will showcase the Airport Modernisation Programmes (AMP) latest developments in front of the global aerospace community at the Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS) 2018, which is the biggest to date. The BAC is a Gold Sponsor of the commercially-focused biennial airshow, which brings together leading civil and military aviation companies and senior government figures from around the world to conduct business and explore potential partnerships. This years BIAS marks a milestone for the AMP with a number of agreements for strategic projects and key concessions at the new Passenger Terminal Building set to be awarded during the event. Representatives from renowned local, regional, and international companies will sign the agreements alongside the Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, Kamal Ahmed, and BAC Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah. The Organising Committee of the Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS) 2018 has announced details of the largest ever US participation, including the visit of Apollo 15 Command Module Pilot, Col Al Worden, USAF-Ret, who will be visiting Bahrain for the first time as a goodwill ambassador for the US aerospace industry. A total of 35 US companies from across the aerospace and defense sectors will be joining the inaugural Partnership Pavilion, which is being organized by the shows new US representative, Kallman Worldwide. Pavilion participants include Harris Corp, Northrop Grumman, and Pratt and Whitney to small-and-medium-sized enterprises supporting a broad range of military and commercial equipment, components, technologies, and services. The High Appeals Court has rejected the appeals of 14 men convicted of murdering two police officers in Sitra. The appellants were among 22 Bahraini nationals held guilty in connection with an explosion that targeted a police bus in Sitra on July 28, 2015, killing officers Hamed Rasool Aref and Naweed Ahmed Nazer. Two of them were handed down the death penalty for orchestrating the attack, while five others have been sentenced to life behind bars for premeditated murder, joining a terrorist group and detonating a bomb. Another six, including former MP Hassan Marzooq, were jailed for 10 years each for being part of the terror cell responsible for the bombing outside Gurnata Primary School for Girls. One man was jailed for five years, two were sentenced to three years in prison, another two were jailed for two years, and four defendants received six months in jail for their role in the attack. However, the court acquitted two men of all charges due to lack of proof. Out of the 24 charged in the case, only 14 appealed the initial verdicts because the rest are at large and were tried in absentia. The first man of the two who received the death penalty is said to have received militia training in camps belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Iran and the Iraqi branch of Hizbollah before he recruited others to the cell. Kuwait Finance House Bahrain has launched a new update to its Jazeel application which will offer new and unique features as community banking services, KFH said in a statement. The service provided through the Jazeel application will be free of charge and include the launch of the Bahraini talent development programme Bahrain Talent for the first time in November. In its first version, KFH-Bahrain will work in partnership with Devji Aurum jewellers and the National Institute for Design (NID) from India to select 20 participants to take part in an apprenticeship programme for jewellery design, which will commence in December. This initiative grants the top three winners of the programme cash prizes and an opportunity to work fulltime at Devji Aurum jewellery. On this occasion, Deputy Head of Retail Banking at KFH-Bahrain, Subah Abdul-Latif Al Zayani said, Our digital strategy supports the efforts exerted by the Kingdom of Bahrain in developing and further energising the FinTech sector. General Motors' CEO is expected to visit Korea amid rumors of the automaker's possible pullout from Korea. The rumors started after it decided to establish a research and development company, seen as a possible signal of a retreat from the country. GM Korea and its union said Monday that CEO Mary Barra sent a letter to the union informing it of her willingness to visit Korea "at some point soon." Workers at GM Korea earlier sent Barra a letter expressing their concern about the plan to set up a separate R&D company, and demanded a meeting with her. But a GM Korea staffer said, "We have yet to discuss specific plans or an itinerary for [Barra's] visit." State-run Korea Development Bank, GM Korea's second-largest shareholder, has threatened legal action over the automaker's plan to establish the company. The last time a GM chief visited Korea was in 2002, when Jack Smith came here as the U.S. automaker was in the process of acquiring bankrupt Daewoo Motor. Arab Financial Services (AFS), a payment solutions provider and FinTech enabler in the Middle East and Africa region, and Ahli United Bank (AUB) have signed a strategic partnership agreement whereby AFS will provide innovative merchant acquiring solutions to AUB. As part of this partnership, AFS will introduce world-class payment acceptance solutions to the market. This will be enabled through Android POS devices that support international and domestic payment schemes and FinTech payment options including contactless cards, NFC, QR and bwallet. At the agreement signing ceremony, AFS Chairman Sael Al Waary commented: The launch of AFS merchant acquiring business represents an important milestone as we bring market-leading technology to the Bahrain market. AFS will launch the latest Android POS devices to the market, over the coming months. This is alongside the various support and value-added services that AFS will provide AUB. Abdulla Al-Raeesi, Deputy Group CEO-Retail Banking, AUB said that the move is in line with the national objective of increasing the quantum of e-payments & e-services by promoting cashless payment transactions. This is an exciting journey that we are embarking on and yet another step by AFS to support the Kingdoms vision of becoming a digital economy, added AFS Chief Executive Officer B Chandrasekhar. AFS is owned by 39 banks and financial institutions and regulated by the CBB. A Japanese princess gave up her royal status on Monday as she tied the knot with a commoner in a traditional Shinto ceremony at a Tokyo shrine. Princess Ayako, 28, the youngest daughter of a late cousin of Emperor Akihito, married Kei Moriya, a 32-year-old employee of Nippon Yusen, the shipping company. While the marriage was celebrated widely in Japanese media, the union a and Princess Ayakoas departure from the royal family a cast a firm spotlight on Japanas Imperial succession law. Despite a looming succession crisis as the Imperial family shrinks in size, laws continue to dictate that female members are unable to inherit the throne or maintain their royal status after marrying a commoner, unlike their male counterparts. Princess Ayakoas wedding took place in the serene confines of Meiji Jingu, a shrine surrounded by forests in central Tokyo which is dedicated to the spirit of the brideas great grandfather Emperor Meiji. The bride was dressed in traditional court clothing, including an intricately decorated kimono robe and wide layered trousers, while her hair was sleeked back in distinct aristocratic style. Chinese bike-sharing company partners with UK operator From:ChinaDaily | 2018-10-30 01:25 Chinese bike-sharing company Youon will form a joint venture with United Kingdom operator Cycle.Land and roll out 1,000 new dockless bicycles in London in March, the enterprises announced on Monday. The companies have signed a strategic partnership and will soon establish a UK-based joint venture company. Youon will provide the bicycles and Cycle.Land will operate and maintain the new scheme. Jiangsu-based Youon has 42.5 million registered users and runs both dockless and docked bike-sharing schemes in 220 Chinese cities. In October 2017, Youon acquired China's third-largest dockless operator, Hellobike, and, in December, Alibaba-owned Ant Financial became the largest stakeholder in the company when it increased its share of ownership to 32 percent with an investment of 2 billion yuan ($290 million). Unlike domestic rivals Ofo and Mobike, which control all aspects of their international schemes, Youon has chosen to enter foreign markets via partnerships with local companies. The joint venture with Cycle.Land means Youon now operates in four international territories, following similar cooperation agreements with transport companies in Russia, India, and Malaysia. Cycle.Land is a peer-to-peer bike-lending service that was founded in 2016 by University of Oxford graduates. The company runs an online marketplace where users rent out and hire bicycles from each other. Cycle.Land also provides management services to bike-sharing operators. "What makes this partnership work is that Youon has the scale, and we can bring a lot of local knowledge that is invaluable," said Cycle.Land co-founder Agne Milukaite. She said Cycle.Land already has permission from local authorities to run the new scheme. "It's important to work with local decision-makers to understand the city," Milukaite said. "It's important to ensure that the bikes are managed well, that the community perceives them as an asset, and are educated on the benefits of the scheme. And you have to work with local councils to understand the best placement for the bikes." Milukaite said Cycle.Land and Youon plan on working together in other cities in Europe following the London launch. Youon's dockless bikes are unlocked and paid for using a mobile application. In London, the company will compete with two other Chinese companiesMobike and Ofo as well as domestic operators. Mobike and Ofo operate around 2,000 bicycles each in London, while Dublin-based Urbo has 500 bikes in the capital. London's docked bike share scheme, Santander Cycles, runs 13,000 bikes in the capital. After a rapid expansion that saw 9,000 bicycles deployed across Britain in less than a year, vandalism and low rates of usage have caused Ofo and Mobike to scale back operations in the UK. Mobike pulled out of Manchester in September due to high rates of theft and vandalism, while Ofo cancelled its launch in Leeds and pulled out of Sheffield and Norwich. The company said that, while the Norwich scheme began strongly, usage was not high enough to keep the service in the city. Ofo will instead focus on growing its London user-base. Kelp forests around Britain are as large as broadleaved forested areas on land, and they are some of the most productive ecosystems on the planet. They support a huge variety of other seaweeds and animals, and serve as nurseries for fish species including Atlantic cod and pollock. Kelp also protects the Scottish coastline from erosion. An Ayr-based company called Marine Biopolymers (MBL) is now seeking a licence from Marine Scotland to take kelp from the Scottish seabed using a large mechanical arm. MBL commercially extracts polymers from seaweed for use in industries including food and pharmaceuticals. Their dredging method would harvest seaweed using a mechanical comb, making it a new industry in Scottish waters. Prof Juliet Brodie, a merit researcher at the Museum, has been studying the seaweeds of Britain for decades, and has recently turned her attention to analysing Scottish kelps. She says she was 'heartbroken' when she heard that the application had been made. She says, 'Kelp forests are unique and precious. Mechanical removal of kelp from the seabed will destroy this unique habitat. There will be no nurseries for fish, no protection of our coasts and the world will be a poorer place. We need to wake up to the destruction of these ecosystems before it is too late.' The executive members of Anambra state chapter of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has restated their support for the former governor of the state, Mr Peter Obi over his nomination as the running mate of PDP presidential flag bearer, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.The party also said that all those who emerged from the partys primary would have all the support needed to win their elections as the joint ticket of Atiku and Obi.The stand of the Anambra PDP is contained in a press release signed by the Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Nnamdi Nwagwu made available to journalists yesterday.The release noted that the nomination of Mr Peter Obi as the running mate of Atiku is a prayer answered and dream come true and that members of the party in the state are excited about the development.The combination of Atiku and Obi according to the release would enjoy a solid backing from the PDP faithful and friends of the party in the state.The PDP statement read in part: Over the years, Mr Peter Obi has demonstrated his clear commitment to progressive values, hard work and visionary leadership in support of the common man and the nation. With his youthfulness, energy and knowledge, he has what it takes to be a great vice president.We also congratulate all PDP candidates who have emerged in the recently concluded primaries. We assure every one of our support, as we work hard to get them elected into their various positions. The All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed confidence in the ability of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to conduct a free and fair election contrary to the assertion of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.The Partys acting National Chairman, Otunba Niyi Adebayo made the disclosure when he received a 2019 election exploratory delegation of the European Union to Nigeria on Monday at the Partys National Secretariat in Abuja.The same EU team in previous meetings with the PDP had been told that the APC was bearing down on the party and the opposition in the country. The EU team met with the PDP national chairman, Prince Uche Secondus and Vice-Presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi.Otunba Adebayo who is the APCs Deputy National Chairman (South) thanked the European Union for their longstanding interest and developmental support for the countrys electioneering process.Responding to the EU delegations enquiries on APCs assessment of the countrys election management body and the justice system ahead of the elections, Otunba Adebayo expressed confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ability to conduct free, fair and credible elections and the judiciary to resolve disputes that may arise for the election process.Nicolay Paus, the European Delegation Exploratory Team Leader who spoke on behalf of the delegation said the team has already met with other election stakeholders in the country to recommend whether the EU would deploy election observers to monitor the 2019 general elections.We have met with a range of electoral stakeholders INEC, some political parties, ministries of foreign affairs and information, civil society and some of the international organisations working on electoral support. The purpose is really to collect as much information as possible to recommend whether to deploy an observer mission for the 2019 elections. This decision will be taken in Brussels. As you may remember in 2015, there was a mission here which arrived around six weeks before the elections and stayed some weeks after the elections. We also had a number of long-term observers who followed the electoral process as well. Nicolay Paus stated.Other members of the delegation were the Head of Politics, EU Delegation in Nigeria, Olivier Huot; Policy Officer, Jose-Antonio Torres-Lacasa; Election analyst, Hannah Roberts and Political Adviser, Osaro Odemwingie. The Minister of Information and Culture, Alh. Lai Mohammed, Tuesday, described media reports that Nigerian troops fighting Boko Haram in the North East were starving and ill-kitted, as fake news.He told a press conference, in Abuja, that the troops were being fed centrally, thrice daily and that it was, therefore, not possible, for any of them to starve, as claimed in the report.Alh. Mohammed said that the troops were making great sacrifices for the nation and that the public should support and pray for them.His words, Recall, gentlemen, that a little over three months ago, precisely on July 11th 2018, we launched a National Campaign Against Fake News.At the launch, we said the campaign is to sensitize all Nigerians to the dangers posed to the peace and security, and indeed the corporate existence of Nigeria, by the phenomenon. We said that each and everyNigerian has a role to play in curtailing the spread of fake news. We also said Nigerians should not share any information they cannot verify.Two months and 10 days after the launch, specifically on Sept.21st 2018, an online publication reported alleged deplorable conditions of the troops who are fighting Boko Haram in the North East.Quoting a phantom Corporal, with the pseudonym Gandoki, said to be serving with one of the Special Forces Units in the theatre ofoperation, the publication alleged that troops deployed in particular along Gubio Road and the Brig.-Gen. Maimalari Secondary School were begging for food to survive, were poorly kitted with some wearing slippers and were facing irregular/short payment of their allowances. The publication also reported non-serviceable equipment in the theatre.These allegations have grave implications for the security of the nation, hence the allegations were takenseriously by the President and Commander-in-Chief, who subsequently ordered an investigation to determine the veracity or otherwise of the claims in the publication.The investigation has since been concluded and, in line with the transparent stance of this Administration, I have invited you here today to share with you the outcome.The summary of the findings is that there is no case of hunger, starvation or begging among the troops fighting in the North East, and in particular in the Armed Forces Special Forces Battalion that was referenced in thepublication.There is also no irregular/short payment of allowances, while claims of poor equipment, inadequate kitting and accommodation are found to be ill-conceived and unfounded.Let me elaborate. The troops in question, deployed at Brig.-Gen. Maimalari Secondary School along Gubio Road, are being fed centrally three times a day, and are kitted immediately after their training before they are deployed in the theatre.How then can soldiers who are fed centrally be starving or begging for food? Concerning the paymentof allowances, the monthly allowances of troops of the AFSF Battalion are being paid directly into their various accounts from the Defence Headquarters, hence they cannot be shortchanged.On the allegation of poor equipment and inadequate kitting, it was found that the inflow of logistics into the theatre in the past six months showed an enormous quantity of material was distributed to troops in the theatre. Needless to say that no army in the world has all the requisite equipment to prosecute a counter-insurgencyoperationThere is no issue of hunger, improper kitting of soldiers, non-payment or short-payment of soldiers allowances and poor equipment at the AFSF Battalion or in any other units within OPERATION LAFIYA DOLE theatre.On the claim of poor accommodation in the operational environment, the minister said, By their training, soldiers in theatres of war are usually in trenches, tents or other makeshift structures. Fighting insurgency is not a walk in the park and the gallant men and women in uniform who are engaged in counter-insurgency operation in the North East are not on a luxurious expedition. The battlefront is no playground.The minister noted that Nigerians troops engaged in the war against the terrorists were making great sacrifices and that the general public owed them prayers and support.He said, Our men and women in uniform are making great sacrifices for us as a nation. They stay awake and are constantly in harms way so that you and I can sleep well and be safe. I saw this first hand when I took over 30 local and international journalists to the North East in December 2015.As we drove from Maiduguri to Bama, passing through Konduga, Kaure and other towns along the way, we saw gallant troops deployed on desolate roads and bushes. We saw them perched on very high towers, where they stay for hours on end. We marveled at the sacrifices they are all making on our behalf. The least we can do is to support and pray for them.Engaging in the publication of what I can now call fake news about the troops on Sept. 21st 2018 is not only a great disservice to the nation, but a terrible downplay of the kind of sacrifices being made by our gallant troops. Such reports amount to collaborating with fifth columnists and enemies of the nation to weaken the fightingspirit of our fighting forces. In short, they (the reports) represent a clear and present danger to the nations security.Alh. Mohammed appealed to the media to check the veracity of whatever information they received from any source before publishing such.According to him, It is particularly necessary to double-check with the government before publishing any information from the theatre of operation in the North East. President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Mr Jair Bolsonaro on his victory in Brazils presidential election run-off on Sunday.Malam Garba Shehu, the presidents Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, issued the congratulatory message in Abuja on Tuesday.The President also felicitated with the people of Brazil for successfully going through the two rounds of the election and making their choice, thereby enhancing the democratic credentials of their country.He noted that Nigeria shares historical and cultural ties with Brazil.According to him, his administration looks forward to deepening such relations as well as expanding current political, trade and military ties with the South American powerhouse.The Nigerian leader wished Bolsonaro, who takes oath of office in Jan. 2019, a successful tenure in confronting his countrys current socio-economic challenges. The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Monday chided President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress, APC for allegedly waging a campaign of calumny against its Presidential candidate in the 2019 general elections, Atiku Abubakar, saying Nigerians have resolved to elect the former Vice President.The party said the woeful performance of President Muhammadu Buhari in office will remain the referendum for the 2019 presidential election regardless of moves on the part of the ruling party to compromise the electoral process.In a statement issued by its spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan yesterday, the party tasked the Presidency to focus on delivering services to the people rather than dwelling on Atiku all day.The statement read: It is shameful that instead of channelling the nations resources to productive ventures, the APC and the Presidency have remained fixated on Atiku Abubakar, even when it has become clear that Nigerians can no longer be deceived, having seen through their lies, fabrications and beguilement.Nigerians are also aware that since the emergence of Atiku as our Presidential candidate; the attendant spontaneous jubilation across the country and massive influx of millions of supporters into our party, the Presidency has been on panic mode, knowing that President Buhari is no match for our candidate.Having failed in the attempt to paint and label Atiku as corrupt, the APC has now started creating seemingly independent groups to commence a fresh attack on the personal image of our candidate.The party claimed that it is aware of an alleged procurement of devious groups and individuals, who have been paid millions of naira, to attempt to directly impugn on the character and reputation of our candidate with a view to bringing him to public disrepute ahead of the elections adding that two top officials of the APC, two Presidential aides and two APC governors have been detailed to coordinate this agenda against our candidate.Their strategies include using the procured groups and hirelings to release strings of fabrications against our candidate ahead of the elections.Their strategies include using the procured groups and hirelings to release strings of fabrications against our candidate ahead of the elections.The PDP therefore counsels the APC and the Buhari Presidency to get ready to face an imminent electoral indignation and defeat from Nigerians as rewards for their basket of unfulfilled promises and empty scorecards.These desperate plots to divert attention from manifest failures and incompetence in governance will not work, the PDP said. Former nurse Niels Hoegel admitted Tuesday to killing 100 patients in his care, on the first day of his trial in the biggest serial killing case in Germanys post-war history.Hoegel, 41, has already spent nearly a decade in prison on a life term for other patient deaths, and is accused of intentionally administering medical overdoses to victims so he could bring them back to life at the last moment.As the proceedings opened in the northern city of Oldenburg, presiding judge Sebastian Buehrmann asked whether the charges against him were accurate. Hoegel replied quietly yes.What I have admitted took place, he told the courtroom crowded with dozens of grieving relatives.Buehrmann said the main aim of the trial was to establish the full scope of the murder spree that was allowed to go unchecked for years at two German hospitals.It is like a house with dark rooms we want to bring light into the darkness, he said.After a minute of silence in the courtroom for the victims, the bearded, heavyset Hoegel listened impassively, his head lowered, as public prosecutor Daniela Schiereck-Bohlmann read out the name of each dead patient and the charges against the defendant. Little, vulnerable mass murderer Prosecutors say at least 36 patients were killed at a hospital in Oldenburg where he worked, and about 64 more at a clinic in nearby Delmenhorst, between 2000 and 2005.More than 130 bodies of patients who died on Hoegels watch have been exhumed, in a case investigators have called unprecedented in Germany to our knowledge.One of the more than 100 co-plaintiffs in the trial, Christian Marbach, said it was a scandal that Hoegel had been allowed to kill with impunity for such an extended period of time without hospital authorities or law enforcement intervening.They had everything they needed (to stop him) you dont have to be Sherlock Holmes, Marbach, the grandson of one of the patients, told AFP.Hoegel told the court he was surprised when a superior at the Oldenburg hospital asked him to resign in late 2002, saying he would get a positive recommendation and holiday pay if he left voluntarily.I felt bad, like I had been caught, Hoegel said, adding however that he was never explicitly told why they wanted him gone.Marbach said the defendant seemed remarkably composed as he admitted to the extraordinary list of killings.He looks like a little, vulnerable mass murderer. 200 victims? Caught in 2005 while injecting an unprescribed medication into a patient in Delmenhorst, Hoegel was sentenced in 2008 to seven years in prison for attempted murder.A second trial followed in 2014-15 under pressure from alleged victims families.He was found guilty of murder and attempted murder of five other victims and given the maximum sentence of 15 years.It was then that Hoegel confessed to his psychiatrist at least 30 more murders committed in Delmenhorst. That prompted investigators to take a closer look at suspicious deaths in Oldenburg.Taking the stand Tuesday, Hoegel said he began taking painkillers shortly after becoming a nurse in 1999 as he felt overwhelmed by the stress of working in the intensive care unit.I should have quit, he said.Asked by the judge why he didnt admit to the remaining murders before now, Hoegel said it was out of shame and because it took him a long time to face up to what he had done at the first hospital.It was only through reading the court files and in therapy that I started to recognise the full dimension, he said.Investigators say the final toll could top 200 but fear they might never know for sure because the bodies of many possible victims were cremated.Hoegel appears to have followed a similar procedure each time, first injecting a medication that triggered cardiac arrest, followed by an often futile attempt at resuscitation.Prosecutors say he was motivated by vanity, to show off his skills at saving human lives, and by simple boredom.The choice of victim appears to have been entirely random, with their ages ranging from 34 to 96. World Laureates Forum kicks off in Shanghai By:Zheng Qian | From:english.eastday.com | 2018-10-29 17:32 The World Laureates Forum kicked off in Shanghai on 29 October. 26 Nobel Prize winners and many world-leading scientists, including winners of world famous academic awards such as the Wolf Prize, Lasker Award, and Turing Award, are taking part in the event. The theme of this forum is "Technology, for the common destiny of mankind." At the opening ceremony, Shanghai Mayor Ying Yong said that Shanghai is constructing a Science and Technology Innovation Center and welcoming the world's outstanding scientists. Roger Kornberg, winner of the 2006 Nobel Prize in Chemistry and president of the World Laureates Association, expressed his wishes that scientists could strengthen communication and more basic research results will enter people's lives. He hopes this forum will become the annual meeting of the world's top scientists in the future. The four thematic forums respectively focus on the frontier areas of photonic science and industry, life sciences and industry, innovative drug development, translational medicine (interdisciplinary field that assists predicting, preventing, diagnosing and treating diseases), brain science and artificial intelligence. A member of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Michael Adedeji, who was shot in the head by gunmen on Friday has died in the hospital.Adedeji, 40, representing the Ekiti South-West constituency II, was shot by gunmen who attacked him while returning to Ado Ekiti, the state capital from Akure, Ondo State capital.The Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeniran Alagbada, confirmed his death to journalists on Monday.He said the lawmaker died Monday morning at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti, where he was receiving treatment.He had earlier been treated at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti.Speaking with journalists on the matter, the Speaker, who alleged that his attackers were assassins, said, Nothing of his belongings was taken away by the assailants. Some people threatened him on Facebook that they would deal with him for betraying ex-Governor (Ayodele) Fayose before he was shot. They were not happy with the way he was cooperating with Fayemi.They trailed him from Akure and when he thought he could reverse and escape, they shot him at close range, so the killing was predetermined.Alagbada alleged that another lawmaker, Mrs Cecilia Dada, was being threatened by members of the Osoko Mass Movement, a political platform of Mr Fayose, that they would deal with her.We have prepared a letter to security agencies and we are going to hold a plenary to decide when the burial will hold.Meanwhile, Governor Kayode Fayemi has described the killing as unfortunate and shocking, urging the security agencies to fish out the killers and also stop all politically-motivated killings.Fayemi spoke while swearing in the new Secretary to the State Government, Mr Biodun Oyebanji; Chief of Staff, Biodun Omoleye; Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Wale Fapohunda and Dapo Kolawole as Commissioner for Finance.He said the state would put up new security measures to tackle all forms of killings in the state.This death came to us as unfortunate and shocking. But we are going to put up new security measures to ensure that Ekiti is safe for all of us. The kind of security we are going to put in place wont be one that will make government part of security agents like we have in the past. We will allow them do their jobs while we provide the needed logistics.This is a challenge that the security agencies must do more to protect our people. They have to be alive to their responsibilities, he said. The Federal High Court in Lagos has fixed December 4, 2018, for hearing in the suit filed by MTN Nigeria Communications Limited to challenge the $8,134,312,397.63 being demanded by the Central Bank of Nigeria over the alleged forex remittances.At the Tuesday proceedings in the case, MTN was represented by Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), who led 14 other lawyers, including Prof Fabian Ajogwu (SAN), Mr Damian Dodo (SAN), Mr Adeniyi Adegbonmire (SAN), and Mr Bode Olanipekun (SAN).On the CBN legal team were Messrs Seyi Sowemimo (SAN) and Ademola Akerele (SAN).The Attorney General of the Federation, Mr Abubakar Malami (SAN), who was joined as the 2nd defendant in the suit was absent and was not represented in court.While adjourning the suit till December 4, 2018, for the hearing of all pending applications, Justice Saliu Saidu directed that hearing notice should be served on the Attorney General of the Federation.In the suit, marked FHC/L/CS/1475/2018, MTN is seeking a court declaration that it is not liable to refund $8,134,312,397.63 to the coffers of the 1st defendant (CBN) premised on the decisions reached in the 1st defendants letter of 28/8/2018.The telecommunications giant is urging the court to declare that that the 1st defendants decision in its letter of August 28, 2018 with Ref No GBD/GOV/COM/DGF/118/121 addressed to the plaintiff and titled, Investigation into the remittance of foreign exchange on the basis of the illegal capital importation certificates issued to MTN Nigeria Communications Limited was reached in breach of the plaintiffs right to fair hearing.The firm wants Justice Saidu to hold that the CBN lacks the power to determine the civil obligations or penal liabilities of the plaintiff.It is urging the court to declare that the CBN acted ultra vires its statutory powers when it wrote the August 18 letter to it demanding a refund of $8.1bn.The firm wants the court to hold that the $8.1bn demand was illegal, oppressive, abusive, unauthorised and unconstitutional.It also wants the court to void the September 3, 2018, letter written to it by the AGF demanding $8.1bn as penalties for the offence of infraction of forex remittances. Peter Obi, running mate to Atiku Abubakar, presiedential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), says the period Nigeria is i... Peter Obi, running mate to Atiku Abubakar, presiedential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), says the period Nigeria is in calls for sober reflection and not for dancing Shaku Shaku. Shaku Shaku is a popular dance step common among entertainers and young Nigerians. Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo had said he is learning the dance step ahead of the 2019 general election. Speaking with journalists at the Nnamdi Azikiwe airport in Abuja upon his arrival from Dubai on Monday, Obi said the Atiku team is spending its time thinking of how to create jobs and not learning how to dance Shaku Shaku. I have not had the opportunity of reading his comments as I havent seen the dailies. I know Vice-President Osibanjo is a gentleman and may not have made such a comment, Obi said. However, while I am not against people dancing or learning how to dance Shaku Shaku, as I believe it is one of those things that is keeping our people going on in this very difficult times, I believe that the crossroads that we have found ourselves in as a nation requires sober reflection. For me in particular, this period calls for sober reflection not dancing or learning how to dance as there are many challenges facing our nation at the moment. Not the least being recently having our country named the world headquarters of extreme poverty with over eighty seven million people. Worse still millions more are losing their jobs, with four million by the third quarter of this year alone. Millions of Nigerians go to bed hungry not knowing where the meal for the next day will come from, hundreds of thousands risk death by crossing the Sahara and the Mediterranean Sea to wherever they can make a living. A patrol van of the police was set ablaze in Abuja on Wednesday by suspected members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN). For t... A patrol van of the police was set ablaze in Abuja on Wednesday by suspected members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN). For three days now, the IMN members, better known as Shiites, have been protesting the continued detention of Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, their leader. The clashes have led to loss of lives and left many injured. There is currently tension in Abuja. Security was beefed up around the presidential villa in Abuja earlier in the day. Witnesses revealed that trouble began on Wednesday when the protesters proceeded towards Amingo area in Wuse 2, amid heavy security presence. The security personnel reportedly intercepted them, forcing the Shiites to pelt them with stones. The security operatives responded by firing several gunshots into the air in an attempt to disperse them. The incident which lasted well over an hour caused chaos in the area, with passersby scampering for safety. El-Zakzaky has been in custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since December 2015, despite court orders for his release. He was arrested at the time after his followers and some soldiers clashed in Zaria, Kaduna state. The Nigerian army says three members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) were killed after they attacked troops deployed to a checkp... The Nigerian army says three members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) were killed after they attacked troops deployed to a checkpoint at Kugbo/Karu bridge in Abuja. The army said four soldiers were wounded in the altercation which took place on Monday. The IMN members were conducting the Arbaeen Trek when the fracas occurred. The army, in a Facebook post, said the troops stationed at the checkpoint repelled the Shiites after they attacked them and police officers on duty. Troops of the Nigerian army deployed on routine duty at Kugbo/ Karu bridge checkpoint of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were attacked by the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) sect at about 3:00pm on 29th October 2018, the statement read. The sect in massive numbers forced their way into the troops checkpoint after overrunning the police force. The police withdrew back to own troops position to join efforts to repel them. They fired weapons at own troops, throwing bottle cannisters with fuel, large stones, catapults with dangerous objects and other dangerous items at troops causing bodily harm and stopping motorist movement, breaking their windscreen and causing heavy traffic. However, troops repelled the attack in conjunction with the Nigerian Police Force to stop the situation from further deteriorating. Unfortunately, during the encounter three members of the sect were killed while four soldiers sustained various degrees of injuries and are being treated at a military medical facility. Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo has said that Nigerians will never find him and President Muhammadu Buhari deceiving Nigerians. ... Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo has said that Nigerians will never find him and President Muhammadu Buhari deceiving Nigerians. According to Osinbajo, the Buhari administration was concerned about the plight of ordinary Nigerians and would continue to carry out programmes that would improve their lives. Osinbajo said this on Monday when he appeared on Brekete Family, Reality Radio Talk Magazine programme on Human Rights Radio, Abuja, where he was featured. Osinbajos speech was forwarded by a Senior Special Assistant to the President, (Office of the Vice President) Laolu Akande. He said, The focus of our government is on how things can be better for the common man. We are not in the business of trying to deceive Nigerians. You can accuse myself and the President of anything, but you will never find us deceiving Nigerians. While making references to the Buhari administrations National Social Investment Programme (N-SIP), the VP noted that the administration is able to do so much more with less resources. This he said was possible because, The President has ensured that nobody steals money from the treasury. The major problem Nigeria had before now was the fact that people stole from the nations coffers. Once the country is able to stop corruption, it would be better. The first thing we did was tackle unemployment by employing young men and women through the N-Power job scheme, which has so far employed 500,000 young graduates. Every state has N-Power, noting that there are plans to employ more because of the number of graduates. This is a social safety net for young unemployed Nigerian graduates. So far, we have given about 400,000 MarketMoni loans, but the target is to give 1 million loans to artisans and traders, while TraderMoni loans is a N10,000 interest-free loans to petty traders, of which 2 million are expected to be reached in the first phase. He also highlighted the Federal Governments Energizing Economies Initiative, which provides clean, affordable, and constant power to economic clusters such as big markets and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria. Last week Friday, the Vice President commissioned the Sura market Independent Power Project in Sura shopping complex in Lagos State; a 1.5MW independent mini-grid power supply system to provide clean and affordable electricity to over 1,000 shops in the market. The Buhari administrations Energizing Economies Initiative, which is being implemented by Rural Electrification Agency (REA), is designed to provide clean, stable and affordable electricity to Nigerians in these economic clusters. So far, thousand of shops in Sabon Gari in Kano State, Ariaria market in Aba, Isinkan market in Akure, Ondo State, Edaiken market in Benin, Edo State, and Sura market, Lagos, have been provided solar power through the initiative. Power is a major problem in Nigeria and our efforts is to solve this through alternative energy such as solar power. We are not relying on the national grid alone. We are also encouraging the private sector to provide power. The new strategy of the government is to put power in different places so as to make life easy for Nigerians without relying on the national grid. We are still working on the national grid. This country is very big, thats why we have to decentralize, Prof. Osinbajo said. Speaking further on the benefits of the N-SIP, the Vice President assured Nigerians that the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme was authentic and was a major part of the administrations plan to improve lives of Nigerians. Currently, it feeds daily over 9 million schoolchildren in public primary schools in 26 states. Also, the products are sourced from local farmers, which improve local economy, he said. Two major issues that have received the biggest coverage on the front pages of major Nepali and English broadsheet dailies published from Kathmandu are Prime Minister KP Sharma Olis admission at the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital for treatment of his chest infection and a memorandum of understanding signed between Nepal and Malaysia to facilitate the migration of Nepali workers to Malaysia for employment. After highlighting different dimensions of the rape and murder of Nirmala Pant in Kanchanpur district of fast western Nepal around three months ago, the newspapers seems to have dropped the idea of continuing the advocacy. Nevertheless, Naya Patrika has significantly covered the issue today as well. The arrest of three suspects in connection with the one-year-old murder of Sharad Kumar Gauchan has also received significant priority. Other contemporary issues from political, sociocultural and economic spheres have been featured on the front pages of the broadsheets today. Important Oli to stay in hospital for three more days Republica claims Oli will stay in the hospital for at least next three days as recommended by the attending doctors. Though he is in the coronary care unit of the hospital, doctors have said his condition is now normal. Meanwhile, Kantipur lead story claims the Prime Ministers busy schedule during Dashain holidays resulted in the chest infection in him. Naya Patrika explains problems the doctors faced in his treatment due to presence of multiple diseases. Disgruntled groups condition for talks Gorkhapatra and Republica have published reports about obstacles faced by a government team formed to hold talks with protesting political groups. Gorkhapatra in its anchor story informs that the talks with different groups are delayed as the groups demanded withdrawal of cases filed against their cadres. Likewise, they also want the release of their arrested cadres, adds Republica. The team led by lawmaker Som Prasad Pandey has begun negotiations with 17 of the total 32 identified political groups, according to the newspaper reports. Hundreds to undergo DNA tests for Nirmala Pant murder probe Investigators look helpless as they have been unable to make any conclusion about the perpetrators of July murder. Therefore, they are carrying out DNA tests of hundreds of other locals in a bid to find who raped and killed the teenage girl, according to Naya Patrika. In the first phase, four new suspects will undergo the test today. Earlier, DNA tests of sacked SP Dilli Raj Bista and others were carried out. But, the results did not match the vaginal swab of the victim. Ignored Province 2 govt introduces yet another controversial bill Days after its new provincial police law created a controversy in the countrys political atmosphere, the Province 2 government has introduced a new bill that includes a provision contradicting the constitution, reports The Kathmandu Post in a four column story. The Bill on Madrasa Education Board proposes receiving foreign funds to operate traditional schools for Muslim children though the constitution clearly mentions that the provincial government should take consent of the centre to receive foreign funds. Biplav Maoists prepare for mass assembly in November Nepal Samacharpatra reports in a three column story that Neptra Bikram Chand Biplav-led Maoist party is organising a mass assembly in Kathmandu next month in its fresh bid to show its strength. The party says more than 100,000 people will participate in the meeting, according to the report. Meanwhile, the party has also invited veteran Maoist leader Mohan Baidya Kiran to the event. Biplav had split Kirans party owing to some fundamental differences few years ago. Interesting Additional 277 schools to launch technical courses As of today, 449 academic institutions across the country have run technical education programmes at the school level. The number is going to increase by 277 this year, reports Karobar. The Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training and the Department of Education are running the courses in 127 and 150 schools respectively, according to the report. Kathmandu, October 30 A person has been killed and several others injured in a clash between supporters of the ruling Communist Party of Nepal and the main opposition, the Nepali Congress in Ramnagar-4 of Sarlahi District. Fifty-year-old Ram Bilas Mahato succumbed to bullet injury, said Province 2 police chief DIG Hari Bahadur Pal. The officer added that at least four others have been injured. According to sources, the incident took place a day after NCP supporters debated with local ward chief Ram Naresh Mahato of Nepali Congress over the issuance of a citizenship certificate. During the debate, the NCP supporters had assaulted the ward chief. A day after the incident, supporters of the rival parties clashed over the same issue, said local police. Ram Bilas Mahato, a local, was killed when an unidentified person opened fire, sources said. Police said that a search is on for the gunman. The local administration has mobilised police in large numbers following the incident. Sixty-five personnel from Janakpur and 15 from Rautahat have been sent to Ramnagar to take the situation under control. More than 200 personnel are reported to have been deployed in the area. Local people have refused to conduct funeral rites for the deceased demanding action against the gunman. Danpheko Katha, a story of a mountain man and the Himalayan monal around him, was one of Subas Tamangs most favourite stories during his school days. But as soon as he grew up and learned to think critically, the chapter he found in his brothers textbook frustrated him as he saw the political agenda of rulers that time. Tamang has now emerged as a professional fine artist, and expresses dissatisfaction with the textbook in an installation art titled Mahendra Mala. Six artists, including Lama, are currently exhibiting similar work that express their desire for alternative discourses of Nepals history and culture at a three-week exhibition, Opposite Dreams: The Politics of Local. Exploration of alternative histories In Danpheko Katha, Lama Dai shoos the bird towards the high mountains and stops it from flying to the plains, Tamang, who grew up in Morang district of southern Nepal explains, But, in reality, the mountainous region is the natural habitat for the bird. The story does not mention this. Instead, the Lama Dai has been presented as someone cruel to other creatures. To highlight the hidden political agenda of the education system then, I carved such stories on slates which people in our ethnic group, mostly living in high hills, use to roof houses, Lama says. Because wood carving has also been a medium of established history, I chose this form. I too want to establish my version of the history quite strongly. The exhibition, which opened last Saturday at the working studio of ArTree in Tripureshwor of Kathmandu, will continue till November 17. Six artworks, one each by six members of ArTree, a five-year-old collective, have been exhibited. Each work communicates the shared theme of presenting opposite dreams. However, their media and contexts are different. For example, Lavkant Chaudhary in his Masinya depicts how prejudiced legal system discriminated and dehumanised some ethnic groups. He uses ghailas, pots used in household activities of Tharu and some other communities of Nepal, to decode the message. In his creation, clauses of laws introduced before and during the Rana regime are written on the surface of these ghailaspointing at laws that affected the daily life of these people. The clauses, however, are not seen easily, they are hiddenmeaning their manipulation of peoples mind was covert and indirect. Those laws categorised citizens into two broad groupstagadhari and matawali. Among matawalis also, there were two subgroupsmasinya and namasinya, the artist explains the title, Masinya means anyone who can be destroyed; or you do not face any action even if they kill them. The group includes Tamang and Tharu communities among others. Mekh Limbus How I Forgot My Mother Tongue and Hit Man Gurungs How Many Times I Have to Burn It? depict the artists experiences of being linguistically and politically suppressed. Both of them have used photographs, video and audio as well in their artworks. Gurungs work is quite unique in its form. He has burned newspaper clips in a special way so that the letters can be read while it is all ashes. Then, he has photographed the ashes and connected them into a story. No fundamentalist agenda Theoretically, a single truth also has multiple faces and each of them is politically charged. Because the title of exhibition also includes politics, some visitors are likely to get an impression that this project is launched by some political parties or interest groups to fuel their movements. The six artists belong to different janajati communities, and this fact also adds to the suspicion. However, the artists are not ready to accept the charge. Gurung argues that the absence of non-janajati members in his team is a mere coincidence. Of course, we do not make arts that are meaningless. All our artworks are about sociopolitical and cultural causes, but we are not fundamentalists. We are against all forms of fundamentalism as we believe each others dreams are opposite. Gurung cites two other artworks being exhibited at the showCultural Colonisation by Sheelasha Rajbhandari and Death of Civilisation by Bikas Shresthato prove that their project is not a janajati rights movement. Rajbhandaris installation art is a depiction of foreign cultures attack on Nepal. She has used traditional Nepali attires and patched tags of foreign brands on their surfaces to show how other cultures in different forms have deteriorated art, beauty, and richness of Nepali culture. Many historical and religious texts talk about the beauty of Nepali textiles, which is evidence that we were good at this industry. But, it collapsed in a very short time, the artist explains, Now, we have to search for reasons behind such change. We have to look at the system of standardisation that we are used to today, and create opposite dreams. Likewise, Shresthas project shows the impacts of industrialisation and development on historical and archaeological heritage sites, durbar squares of Kathmandu in particular. The impression of tyres on the map carved on a wooden surface rightly communicates the message. Heading to an international audience These six artworks are being exhibited in an international event in Austria next year. Christian Schicklgruber, Director of Welt Museum Wien in Vienna, is currently in Kathmandu to prepare for the exhibition that he plans to begin on April 10. Schicklgruber says he is working on this project for past three years to showcase contemporary Nepali artworks in front of the European audience. The event, which will last for six months, will exhibit a total of 85 artworks including paintings, installation arts, scriptures and videos from 25 Nepali art studios. ArTree is just one of them. Rajbhandari claims it will be the biggest international forum that has even been available for Nepali artists. Therefore, Tamang is excited about the exhibition. While his Danpheko Katha will travel to Vienna next year, danphes of his mountains will not follow the story. However, no one will accuse Tamang of chasing away the danphes from Vienna. He will be free of any charge that his Lama Dai had to face years agofor he has created an opposite story on the stones that will last for ages. Parasi, October 30 The Province 5 government has initiated developing a master plan for the promotion of tourism industry here. In this connection, discussions are being held with thematic experts, Investment Board and the federal government regularly, shared province governments spokesperson and Minister for Physical Infrastructure Development Baija Nath Chaudhary. At a district level programme as part of the national campaign targeted for Nepal Tourism Year 2020 in Sunawal in Nawalparasi, Minister Chaudhary said the province government would formulate tourism master plan, focusing on tourism and agriculture, the main pillars for prosperity. He also informed that the province government had come up with a plan to operate electric and tourism buses. The electric and tourist buses would come into operation in Lumbini Buddha Circuit from this year, he said, adding the government was also making preparations to run electric and touristes bus on Swargadwari-Thakurdwara and Ramgram-Triveni roads after Bhairahawa-based Gautam Buddha International Airport would come into operation. Chief District Officer of Nawalparasi, Devendra Lamichhane, stressed the need to make wider publicity of diverse cultures of the country to attract foreign tourists. The federal government has announced to mark the year 2020 as Nepal Tourism Year with the target of bringing two million tourists. It is the responsibility of all sides to join hands to meet the national target, said central chairperson of Federation of Tourism Journalists, Dhaniram Sharma. The Federation has put in place a national campaign in all 77 districts as part of its collaboration with the government. RSS #KORUS FTA S. Korea, U.S. agree upon new dialogue channels on supply chains South Korea and the United States on Friday agreed to establish new dialogue channels to enhance cooperation on supply chains and other trade issues of mutual concern, the two side... #Netflix Netflix raises subscription fees in S. Korea amid controversies over network usage Netflix has raised its monthly subscription fees in South Korea as a vice parliamentary speaker proposed a bill to keep the U.S. streaming giant from getting a free ride on network... Harris County shatters early voting record for midterm election The Harris County Clerks Office reported record-breaking numbers on the first day of early voting for a midterm election. The first day of early voting (Oct. 22) in Harris County drew more than 63,000 voters to the polls, smashing the 2010 record by more than 35,000 votes, officials said Monday. Add in the number of mail-in ballots, and that number easily surpasses 115,000 registered voters who cast early ballots. The larger-than-normal voting numbers for a midterm election was somewhat anticipated, with more than 55,000 people in Harris County registering to vote between March and October, according to the Texas Secretary of States Office. Those numbers were reflective of the entire state, with more than 400,000 people registering to vote in the Lone Star State. When the polls opened on Monday, elections judges were greeted with long lines, which stayed pretty constant in many Houston area communities. In Kingwood, more than 2,000 voters showed up to cast their votes. The next day, there were even more, with 2,123. More than 1,250 Atascocita residents voted on Monday, and there were more there the next day as well; 1,381 to be exact. Almost 1,300 voted in Humble at the Octavia Fields Branch Library on Monday, and that number swelled to 1,545 on Tuesday. I couldnt wait to vote, said Jennifer Cook, a college student who lives in Clear Lake. Ive gotta vote for Beto. She cast her vote for Beto ORourke, mostly out of defiance of what she said are draconian Trump policies, and less out of anything she heard from ORourke or Sen. Ted Cruz. While the contentious senate race is driving many to vote, there are a number of important issues on the ballot in other communities. In Houston, theres the Proposition B initiative with firefighters demanding pay parity. In Montgomery County, voters are choosing a new county judge, and in Kingwood, Spring and Humble they are casting ballots for someone to replace the retiring Ted Poe for the District 2 Congressional seat. In nearly every community there are school board elections, city council elections, or some form of bond election, and those issues are also important to a segment of the voting population. Our district is growing fast, and we need the right people on our school board, said one Tomball voter who asked not to be named. Im voting for Cruz, but there are other important issues, too. Early voting continues through Nov. 2, so theres plenty of time to cast your ballot. This story comes to us from our news partner, Patch.com. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. Ahlstrom-Munksjo Plans to Close Paper Machine 1 at Stenay Mill in France Ahlstrom-Munksjo's Stenay mill, located in the northeastern part of France, manufactures one-side coated grades for label and graphic applications as well as paper for the food packaging industry. The mill has two paper machines, PM1 and PM3. Oct. 30, 2018 (Press Release) - Ahlstrom-Munksjo plans to significantly improve the competitiveness of its one-side coated paper segment. The company contemplates a plan to optimize its production capacity and product offering to meet the profitable demand and investigates the closure of one paper machine (PM1) in Stenay, France. Employee consultation processes will start on October 30, 2018, and are expected to be completed in January 2019. One-side coated product segment, a part of the Food Packaging business in the Specialties business area, is a segment where the markets have significant overcapacity globally, especially in Europe and the company's offering is not optimally aligned with the strategy of niche orientation in customized solutions. While Ahlstrom-Munksjo has proceeded with key measures to improve the situation, the operating environment has further deteriorated mainly due to increased raw material costs. By concentrating orders to the larger paper machine (PM3) at the Stenay plant, cost savings can also be achieved from higher raw material, energy and waste efficiency, as well as improved inventory management. Annual impact of the planned turnaround program would be approximately EUR 13 million. Restructuring costs will be specified during the process. The Stenay plant manufactures one-side coated grades for label and graphic applications as well as paper for the food packaging industry. The Stenay plant, located in the northeastern part of France, has approximately 200 employees. We regret the impact of the contemplated measures on our employees. However, in order to significantly improve our competitiveness, and in the light of the challenging market environment and given the machine capabilities we need to take severe measures. It is the only way forward for a sustainable future, said Omar Hoek, EVP Specialties business area. The Specialties business area produces materials for food and beverage packaging, laboratory filters and life science diagnostics, water filtration, tape products and medical fabrics. Within business area Specialties in France, the company has announced earlier this year an investment in rebuilding a converting line of sterilization wrap at the Pont Audemer plant. At Saint Severin plant, Ahlstrom-Munksjo is finalizing its investment to meet the growing demand for Genuine Vegetable Parchment (GVP) products used mainly in baking and cooking papers as well as in other food packaging solutions. In France, Ahlstrom-Munksjo has some 1,800 employees, eight productions sites, two global R&D centers and a sales office. Measured by the amount of employees, France is the second largest country of operations in the Group after the USA and before Sweden. Ahlstrom-Munksjo is a global leader in fiber-based materials. The company's offerings include decor paper, filter media, release liners, abrasive backings, nonwovens, electrotechnical paper, glass fiber materials, food packaging and labeling, tape, as well as a range of specialty papers for industrial and consumer end-uses. To learn more, please visit: www.ahlstrom-munksjo.com . SOURCE: Ahlstrom-Munksjo U.S. Department of Justice Clears WestRock's Acquisition of KapStone WestRock and KapStone expect the pending acquisition to close on November 2, 2018, subject to customary closing conditions. Oct. 30, 2018 - WestRock Company (NYSE: WRK) and KapStone Paper and Packaging Corporation (NYSE: KS) today announced that the U.S. Department of Justice has cleared WestRock's pending acquisition of KapStone through Whiskey Holdco, Inc. (Holdco). As this was the last antitrust approval required to complete the pending acquisition, WestRock and KapStone expect the pending acquisition to close on November 2, 2018, subject to customary closing conditions. As a result of the acquisition, among other things, Holdco will become the ultimate parent of WestRock, KapStone and their respective subsidiaries. Assuming the acquisition closes as expected, former KapStone stockholders will have the right to receive, with respect to each share of KapStone common stock they hold, either $35.00 in cash or, if they made and did not revoke a valid election in respect thereof by the election deadline at 5:00 p.m. New York City time on September 5, 2018, 0.4981 shares of Holdco common stock and cash in lieu of fractional shares. WestRock expects that shares of KapStone common stock will cease trading on the New York Stock Exchange prior to market open on November 5, 2018. WestRock partners with its customers to provide differentiated paper and packaging solutions that help them win in the marketplace. WestRock's 45,000 team members support customers around the world from more than 300 operating and business locations spanning North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. To learn more, please visit: www.westrock.com . SOURCE: WestRock Company Go to a related story on paperAge.com: WestRock Signs Definitive Agreement to Acquire KapStone Paper and Packaging - Jan. 29, 2018 What do you get when a Druid decides to hold a public ritual in a small rural town in Tennessee? Controversy thats not unexpected but still disappointing in 2018. Several weeks ago Angela Wilson, Archdruid of the Wayist Druid Order, announced plans to hold a Samhain ritual in a public park on a Saturday afternoon in Athens, Tennessee. As soon as the word got around, some local churches started complaining and planning events to counter the ritual. Television stations in Chattanooga (40 miles to the south) and Knoxville (60 miles to the north) ran news features. The Wild Hunt had a brief write-up last Wednesday. Heres a preview from the local newspaper. Heres one of the TV reports on Christian opposition. Rather than attempt to summarize the news, I want to offer my own perspective as a Druid and as someone with ties to the area. Athens, Tennessee Everybody knows about Athens, Georgia. Its the home of the B-52s, REM, and the Georgia Bulldogs. The population is 127,064. Not so many people know theres also an Athens, Tennessee. If you look at a map, its on I-75, about half way between Chattanooga and Knoxville. The population is 13,615. In 1960 the population was 12,103. Things change slowly in small rural towns. I grew up in Chattanooga and lived there most of my life, until a job change sent me to Indiana in 1995. Ive been to Athens many times I still have extended family in the area. Its a small rural town, typical not just of the South but of pretty much any rural area in the United States. This story could be playing out anywhere, but its playing out here. The Wayist Druid Order When people ask me about Druidry, I usually refer them to the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids (OBOD), which is the largest Druid order in the world. Or I refer them to Ar nDraiocht Fein (ADF), the largest Druid order in this country. I know of a handful of other Druid orders and traditions. But Druidry is like Wicca in that for every large well-known tradition, there are dozens and perhaps hundreds of smaller, lesser-known traditions and groups. The Wayist Druid Order is one of those smaller groups. Because I knew nothing about it, I asked Archdruid Angela Wilson for some background information. The tradition claims heritage from families who followed the old ways in Britain and immigrated to North America in the early colonial period. Some were deists or Freemasons. One of their leaders received teachings in Tibet in the early 20th century. Several families formalized the order at a meeting in Kentucky in the 1940s. There are Wayist groups in the United States, Canada, and Europe. The Canadian and European groups are closed, but the American groups are open to new members. Those interested should contact Angela Wilson, who was elected Archdruid following the death of her initiator Fr. David Springer. How much of this is historical and how much is apocryphal is impossible to say, and not particularly important to this story and this event. We still dont know if Gerald Gardner really was initiated into an existing coven in 1938 and that hasnt stopped Wicca from becoming a major religious movement. And for that matter, there is still no conclusive evidence Jesus of Nazareth was a historical person. Following The Way The group is called Wayist because their members follow The Way a way of life, that is also our religion. Here are a few quotes from the document Angela shared with me. We believe in honoring our word, respecting all life, and taking responsibility for ones own actions. We believe in doing the right thing no matter the outcome, every time. We believe in our individual and our community service to our Gods, Aspects, Concepts and Precepts of our Gods, along with our Ancestors and all of Nature around us. We venerate the Nature that is all around us, and we also believe in ourselves as well as others through the Awen. We honor an oral teaching, through our traditional religion, with stories and teachings to honor them, by remembering them throughout their history, as handed down to us in an oral fashion, thus teaching and learning of The Way. The group claims no lineage from other Druid orders, but they are clearly in the spiritual tradition of the Revival Druids of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The willfully ignorant opposition This is one of the times when the phrase marketplace of religions is quite accurate because some religions use false advertising including those whose sacred text includes the commandment thou shalt not lie. In an interview with WTVC, Richard White, pastor at Athens Christian Church (which appears to be a non-denominational church) claimed the Wayist Druids are satanic and involves human sacrifice. Another local Christian claimed the ritual would bring forth demons. They presented no evidence whatsoever for these slanderous claims: nothing from the Wayist announcement, nothing from their teachings, nothing from past events by the Wayists or even from other Druid groups. No, they remembered that someone somewhere claimed the Druids practiced human sacrifice. That was Julius Caesar, seeking moral justification for invading Britain. Not exactly an unbiased source, much less a current source. And they assumed that any religion that isnt theirs is satanic. Its one thing to point out that another religion is different from your own. It is quite another thing to make up lies about another religion and attempt to hinder them from gathering in peace. Fortunately, the local government fulfilled their responsibility to make public facilities open to people of all religions. And some Christians were confident enough in their faith to understand that a religious event from a different religion was no threat to them. The ritual The theme of the ritual was Find Your Tribe. Angela said So many Pagans in my area are alone and fearful thinking that they are alone. So I decided to do this to show they arent they in fact do have a tribe. The event went off peacefully. The opposition held their own prayer meeting at the courthouse and the Wayist Druid ritual was undisturbed. About 250 people came out and participated. Theres a cell phone video of the ritual on YouTube. The ritual was talky but thats what youd expect for a public Pagan ritual in a place where many people have never seen anything like it. I asked Angela what she would say to those who worry about being Pagan in small towns all over the country. This was her response. Be brave, be bold, and know you are protected by the constitution. We arent promised tomorrow so dont live one day in fear. Work with your government first if you plan an event they will help you. Be kind and cheerful if unkind words are thrown at you. Exercise your freedom of religion muscles they will only get stronger. The Wayist Druid Order is not my path, but Im happy to have them in the wider Druid family, and Im happy their ritual was a success. IRAN: A Grand Ayatollah Is Chastised For Meeting With Reform-Minded Politicians 10/29/18 Source: Radio Farda The Chairman of the Society of Seminary Teachers of Qom has lambasted a Grand Ayatollah for meeting with a handful of pro-reform political figures, including former President Mohammad Khatami. In an open letter, 87-year old Ayatollah Mohammad Yazdi has harshly criticized 90-year old Grand Ayatollah Moussa Shobeiri Zanjani for meeting with the pro-reform politicians during a visit to the Iranian capital Tehran. Grand Ayatollah Moussa Shobeiri Zanjani (source: Iranian daily Etemad) Iranians on social media, including younger clerics attacked Yazdi for his inappropriate language and one high-ranking cleric, Ayatollah Mohammad Andalib Hamadani, resigned from the society of seminary teachers in protest to Yazdi's action. Earlier, images had been circulated showing Grand Ayatollah Shobeiri Zanjani meeting with his former students who later became high-level government officials. They included mid-ranking clergy and former President Khatami (1997-2005), former Attorney-General of Iran and the mentor of the "students" who stormed the U.S. Embassy in 1979 and taking 52 American diplomats hostage, Mohammad Mousavi Khoeiniha, former Minister of Interior, Abdollah Nouri and former the former Minister of Culture, Abdolmajid Moadikhah (1981-82), as well as former Qom seminary student and Mayor of Tehran, Gholamhossein Karbaschi (1990-98). Ayatollah Mohammad Yazdi. (File photo) Yazdi, who leads the influential Society of Seminary Teachers of Qom described the former officials as "troublesome individuals". The society led by Yazdi and fully supported by the Islamic Republic's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is a college of the so-called ultraconservative senior clergy who solidly back the Supreme Leader's positions on all issues, especially his tough line even against those within the regime who might have a different opinion. In his open letter, Mohammad Yazdi has argued that since he had not received any "convincing response" to his previous correspondence, he decided to publicly circulate his latest letter. "Your high position and status relies on having respect for the Islamic establishment, its leader and the dignity of the position of the [Shi'ites] source of emulation," Yazdi has reiterated, warning, "Therefore, you should necessarily respect the position and the requirements of a source of emulation; and take relevant measures to avoid such incidents (receiving "troublesome" political figures). Yazdi is known for his bad temper that has been repeatedly criticized by the people and state officials such as former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani who said sarcastically in response to his insults against other clerics that "He is not feeling well, but would get better, I'm sure." Yazdi has lost most of his positions including that of Tehran's Friday prayers leader during the past years because of his bad temper and bad language. The head of Society of Seminary Teachers of Qom is appointed by the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic. The body dominates the Supreme Council of Qom seminaries, and proposes judges to the judiciary. It has also demoted dozens of clergy over the last four decades, including pro-reform Ayatollah Yousef Sane'ei for his solidarity with the Iranian Green Movement, whose leaders have been under house arrest since 2011. The conservative body demoted Sane'ei's from the position of marja' to hojatoleslam (lower ranking Shi'ite clergy). While all "officially recognized" Ayatollahs and Grand Ayatollahs strictly follow the guidelines of the Society, the majority of the "popularly recognized" high-ranking clergy and sources of emulation have always done their best to remain apolitical since the advent of the Islamic Republic in 1978. Millions Of Shi'ite Pilgrims Stream Toward Karbala, Iraq For Arbaeen Festival 10/30/18 Source: RFE/RL Millions of Shi'ite Muslims from around the world are making their way this week to their sect's holy shrines in the Iraqi city of Karbala in an annual holy festival known as Arbaeen or Ziara. Shi'ite Muslim pilgrims at the Imam Al-Hussein shrine in Karbala. (source: Iranian daily Shahrvand) The shrines commemorate two revered Shi'ite imams -- Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, and his half-brother Abbas -- and the event, which draws 10 million to 20 million pilgrims each year, will reach its peak on October 30. By comparison, the hajj, a pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia's Mecca that all able-bodied Muslims are required to make once in their lifetime, saw only 2.4 million pilgrims this year. Pilgrims stream toward Karbala on foot from Iraq, Iran, and places farther afield, resting along the way in tents. Some pilgrims come from as far away as Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Pakistan, though not all make the journey on foot. Along the roads, stalls set up by charities, mosques, and devotional groups see to it that no traveler goes hungry. Cooks prepare vast amounts of stewed lamb, grilled fish, fresh bread, and rice for the pilgrims, refusing payment for the meals. Pilgrims heading to Karbala on foot (source: Iranian daily Javan) The pilgrimage marks the 40th day of mourning of the anniversary of Hussein's 7th-century death at the hands of the Muslim Umayyad forces in the Battle of Karbala, during the tumultuous first century of Islam's history. Hussein was seen by his followers as the rightful heir of the prophet's legacy. When he refused to pledge allegiance to the Umayyad caliphate, he and his followers were killed in the battle, cementing the schism between Sunni and Shi'ite Islam. Sunnis today outnumber Shi'a by a wide margin among the world's estimated 1.5 billion Muslims, and Shi'ite rituals are less well-known. While the hajj is considered one of the five pillars of Islam and is an obligation for all Muslims, Sunni and Shi'ite, the Ziara is voluntary and holds little significance in Sunni tradition. The march was forbidden for many years under former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, who fought a devastating war with Iran in the 1980s. Restrictions were only lifted after his ouster in 2003. With the formation of an Iraqi state where the post of prime minister is held by a Shi'a, the march quickly became one of the most popular pilgrimages in the world. This year's pilgrimage is the first since Iraq's government declared victory over the Islamic State group in January, but the threat of insurgent attacks still lingers. The militant Sunni group targeted Shi'a in past attacks during the pilgrimage, as well as in high-profile attacks in the last year in Iran, Iraq, and elsewhere. Thousands of Iraqi soldiers and special police forces have been deployed to protect the pilgrims along their travel routes. Iranian religious affairs official Hussein Zulfighari was quoted by Iran's Fars news agency as saying that 1.7 million Iranians have already crossed into Iraq for the pilgrimage, including 50,000 Afghan Shi'a living in Iran. Tight regulation of the hajj by Saudi authorities has driven up costs for pilgrims and deprived it of some of the spontaneity seen in the Ziara. For many Muslims who cannot afford to go on the hajj or cannot get a Saudi visa, the Ziara has become an alternative. With reporting by AFP and AP Persian leopard seen for 3rd time in 2 years in north-central Iran 10/30/18 Source: Tehran Times A Persian leopard has been spotted for the third time within two years in Taleqan, a rural district located in Alborz province, north-central part of the country, ISNA reported on Sunday. Farzin Hakimi the provincial department of environment chief said that rangers patrolling the area have observed a leopard laying on the mountain range and captured some photos. Taleqan is a desirable habitat for the leopards, as it is the third time environmentalists have succeeded sighting a leopard and capturing photos of this valuable species, he highlighted. Referring to the role and importance of the precious species in wildlife habitats, Hakimi called on local environmental advocates to cooperate with the enviornmtal forces in protecting this wildlife valuable species. On January 1, 2017, locals had taken pictures of a leopard in the protected area of Taleqan for the first time, and a year later on February 19, a leopard footprint had been spotted. The footprint picture is taken on February 19, and the leopard's image on January 1, 2017 in Taleqan protected area. Persian leopard is one of the nine sub-species of the world's leopards, which is considered to be the largest, and is among the most endangered species in the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Reducing the species feeding the leopards due to illegal hunting, changing habitats due to road construction and mining activities, fire, domestic animal hunting and illegal hunting of such precious species due to its skin are among the reasons led to their being endangered. Although, the largest population survived in Iran among the Middle East. Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, Minister of Food and Agriculture, has inaugurated a GH43 million dam for the Komokli Community, a farming village, near Oterkporlu in the Yilo Krobo Municipality of the Eastern Region. The dam is expected to irrigate over 60 hectares of farmland in the community to improve the yields of crops grown there. The minister, as part of his two-day working visit to the region, handed over pumping machines for the dam and over 50 bags of organic fertilizer to the farmers. Later at a durbar at Obawale, the minister announced that the sale of subsidized fertilizer, under the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ), would end on December 31. He urged fertilizer distributors who have exceeded their targets to contact the ministrys extension officers for supply. He said the subsidy also covered Urea and not NPK alone and expressed excitement over the performance of the Eastern Region under the Planting for Food and Job programme. He said records indicate that the number of beneficiaries in the region had increased from 17,000 in the first year to more than 54,000 farmers this year. Dr Akoto said Planting for Food and Job was targeting 500,000 farmers, this year but his tour of six regions showed that the project had already achieved the target, adding that he is yet to visit Western, Central, Greater Accra and the Volta Regions. He said the ministry had awarded a contract for the construction of 80 warehouses across the country to provide storage for the excess food expected under the planting for food and job. He said he would seek Cabinets approval for the construction of 80 more warehouses next year. Dr Akoto said the government would soon receive large consignments of agriculture machinery for small-scale farmers from Brazil and India to enhance food production in the country. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video For the fourth year running, Somalia has been declared the worst country in the world when it comes to prosecuting people who kill journalists. The report, published by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), comes at a time when rights groups have condemned the killing of a Somali radio journalist in the capital, Mogadishu, on Saturday afternoon. Abdullahi Mire Hashi, a breakfast host for a local broadcaster, was the third journalist to be killed in Somalia this year. Their deaths have been blamed variously on both government forces and al-Shabab militants. Two countries, Afghanistan and Colombia, re-join the list of offenders. In Afghanistan, a recent case saw a suicide attacker targeted a group of journalists in Kabul, killing nine. In Colombia, alleged drug traffickers recently kidnapped an Ecuadoran news crew near the border and killed them in Colombian territory. Both nations had fallen off the index in recent years as violent conflict receded, the statement posted on their web site said. Source: BBC Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Tieku Baah Mintah Come for your stone.... A one-man protest at KNUST fell on deaf ears until deafening sound of rioting students caught national attention. Harvey Baah Mintah, a student had picked and pitched at school events with a placard drawing attention to systematic oppression and demanding the Vice-Chancellor Prof Obiri Danso be removed. The Vice-Chancellor known by the students as Kumasi Adolf Hitler had become a symbol of a culture of oppression, the students have said. His placards read: KNUST:The New Animal Farm Four legs good, two legs bad and students are living in fear. The protesting student affiliated with Continental Hall had also been calling for a students forum where concerns could be raised and addressed as he appeared to have scant regard for the capacity of SRC to represent student views. The one-man protest continued on October 15 in the presence of former President Jerry John Rawlings who delivered the keynote address at the 2018 KNUST SRC organised TEKTALK event. But the language of non-violent protest appears to have had limit impact beyond facebook likes. Seething student issues at KNUST came to the fore after hardliners within the student movement went on a rampage destroying school properties and damaging cars. Since the Monday incident, KNUST has had five consecutive days of national media attention. The campus is now a ghost town as it has been closed indefinitely. The schools governing council has been dissolved as government has not without controversy appointed an interim council. The Student Representative Council has announced that management has made sweeping concessions to them during negotiations with the Vice-Chancellor. They include the reversal of four oppressive policies and actions taken by the university such as the reinstatement of some student leaders they unilaterally removed from office. The Vice-Chancellor is facing pressure to resign and has now made sweeping concessions to the students following negotiations with the SRC. Harvey Baah Mintah is at home with more than 45,000 Ghanaian students at KNUST as the government and school authorities find an amicable solution to the conflict. Following Mondays protest, Mr. Mintah is being hailed by his colleagues as an unsung hero. A post on facebook wall read Tieku Baah Mintah, come for your stone. Source: JFM/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Former President John Mahama has offered his personal apologies to a Joy FM staff, Kwesi Parker Wilson, his camp has said, following an assault on the journalist by security detail. The incident is said to have occured during the start of Mr Mahamas five-day tour of the Greater Accra Region ahead of the December 7 presidential primary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). A statement signed by James Agyenim Boateng, Spokesperson for the Mahama 2020 Campaign said the in-charge security has been informed about the incident. "Our attention has been drawn to an unfortunate incident involving a security personnel and a reporter from Joy FM, Mr Kwesi Parker Wilson, during our meeting with delegates today at the Pentecost University College in the Anya Sowutuom constituency. The in-charge of security has been informed and the matter is duly being investigated. In the mean time, Former President John Dramani Mahama, has offered his personal apologies to Mr Parker Wilson for the unfortunate incident," the statement read. How It Happened Meanwhile details are emerging of the incident following the release of a video shot by a citizen journalist and posted on the websites iReport platform. It shows gory details of how the journalist was slapped and severely manhandled after he tried taking a photograph of the former President at a campaign tour on Monday. The reporter had, among other things, sought to get an exclusive interview with the former President and also attempted taking a photo of the former President to aid him in a report he was filing on the 5-day campaign tour of John Dramani Mahama in the capital, Accra. But even before the reporter could piece together a report for his stations evening bulletin, scores of sympathizers pounced on him and assaulted him after he was seen taking a photo of the former President. Parker-Wilson was left dazed by the assault, as is evident in the video even as some persons close to the scene of the incident moved him away from the parameter of the former President and flagbearer hopeful of the largest opposition party in the country, the NDC. Watch video of the incident below: This will not be the first time a journalist is suffering such an attack by members or sympathizers of various political parties in Ghana.Earlier in the year, some reporters of TV3, Citi FM and GhanaWeb were brutally assaulted by members of the governing NPPs Invisible Forces. The reporters who got a hint of a planned protest by some members of the ruling New Patriotic Party from the Ellembele constituency to demand a clean register ahead of their elections in January 2018 went to the party office to cover the incident.But in the discharge of their duties, as mandated by law, the journalists were beaten.The well-built members of the Invisible Forces allegedly slapped and hit a camera operator with GhanaWeb causing him to fall to the ground. He was then kicked on the ground severely and his camera seized for attempting to shoot without permission. For purposes of evidence, below are eleven other incidents of attacks on journalists from January 2017 to March 2018: February 27, 2017 Kotoko Express Reporter Attacked: A photojournalist of the Asante Kotoko Expressnewspaper, Gideon Botchway was subjected to physical abuse by a fan and a steward of Ashgold football club in Obuasi during a match between Ashgold and Asante Kotoko. March 5, 2017 Photo Journalist Attacked, Expelled from Stadium: Officials of Accra Great Olympics attacked a photojournalist, Senyuidzorm Adadevor, at the Accra Sports Stadium during the Accra Great Olympics-WAFA football match. March 6, 2017 Soldiers attack a freelance journalist: Soldiers attacked a freelance journalist, Kendrick Ofei during Ghanas 60th Independence Day celebration at the Independence Square in Accra. June 27, 2017 Journalist Physically Attacked, Equipment Seized: A journalist, Isaac Nsiah Foster with Otec FM in Kumasi was attacked by workers at a construction site where he had gone to investigate complaints by local residents about the siting of a project meant for a fuel station. July 2, 2017 TV3 Crew Attacked: A three-member crew from TV3 (Myepaul Sowah, Richmond Tanoh and Peter Asare were assaulted by some suspected land guards while investigating encroachment on a piece of public land at Teshie, Accra. July 3: Photo journalist Assaulted, Camera Destroyed: Some supporters of Asante Kotoko football club attacked a photojournalist with Hearts News,a bi-weekly published by Accra Hearts of Oak Football Club during a ceremonial match between the two clubs. The hooligans also seized the camera of the victim, Daniel Anane Boakye-Yiadom and destroyed it. October 10, 2017- Chief Assaults Journalist over WhatsApp Criticism: The Omanhene of the Wassa Akropong, Tetre Akuamoah Sekyim II,forced Larry Saint, a journalist with Rivers FM, to kneelin the sun for hours for criticizing him on WhatsApp. October 18, 2017 Newspaper Office Attacked by Rampaging Youth: A group of irate youth calling themselves Kumasi Youth Assocaition (KuYA), attacked the regional office of the Daily Guide newspaper, in Kumasi Kumasi, over publications carried by the newspaper on Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. Dec 2, 2017 Thugs Storm Radio Justice, Attack Presenter: Thugs stormed the studio of Radio Justice, based in Tamale, and assaulted the presenter of a programme and his three panelists, disrupting the live broadcast in the process. The attackers injured the presenter, Yunus Yiripha, and vandalized the console, microphones, computers and furniture. December 21, 2017 NPP Security Guards Physically Assault Journalists: Four journalists were physically attacked by some security officers manning the NPP party Headquarters in Accra. The four journalists from TV3, Citi FM and Ghanaweb.com were brutalised by the security guards for covering a protest at the premises of the party headquarters. February 23, 2018 Police Brutalise Journalist: Christopher Kevin Asima, a presenter of A1 Radio in Bolgatanga, was attacked by police while he was covering a fire outbreak incident. Sadly from all the incidents listed above and several others, no perpetrators have been punished. At best, the cases die with mere assurances of investigations by the police. Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video A talented musician who passed himself off as a girl during music exams at a high school in Kenya has been arrested, local media report. He wore a girls uniform and attracted the attention of other students "as he played instruments with dexterity, unlike the rest of them", Kenya's Daily Nation newspaper reports. The boy involved has not been named. The incident took place at Mukuyu Girls' Secondary School in Kakamega County in western Kenya. The musician was a student in neighbouring Uasin Gishu County. The principal at the girls' school as well as the school's music teacher have also been arrested. Source: BBC Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Audio Attachment: Listen to Kwesi Pratt Jnr. Seasoned journalist, Kwesi Pratt has taken a swipe at the government for dissolving the Governing Council of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) following the recent crisis on the campus involving the authorities and students. The students embarked on a protest to register their displeasure with certain decisions taken by the University authorities at the behest of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Kwasi Obiri-Danso. The demonstration turned violent as the protesters destroyed private and public properties on campus. Following the incident, the government sent a delegation with the Minister of Education, Matthew Opoku Prempeh, as leader to meet with the authorities and stakeholders to resolve the conflict. The Governing Council of the school was subsequently dissolved and the government set up a 7-member interim Council with oversight responsibilities over the University. But government's decision received a strong backlash with some groups like University Association of Ghana (UTAG), Teachers & Educational Workers Union of Ghana (TEWU) and Occupy Ghana as well as a section of the public, questioning the basis for the interim Council, and further saying the dissolution of the main Council was illegal. Kwesi Pratt, speaking on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo", also questioned the legality of the dissolution of the main Council and the constitution of the interim Council to oversee the affairs of the University, saying the government cannot usurp any of the powers vested by law in the appointing authorities. The emergency powers conferred on the President will never allow him to violate the constitution. Because even emergency powers, it is regulated by lawbut we have lawyers today who are saying, under the circumstances, the President can invoke his emergency powers, dismiss Vice Chancellor, set aside the University Council and do what he likesIs what happened at KNUST a national emergency warranting the invocation of the emergency powers of the President? he quizzed. He further wondered how the government would dissolve the Council by removing some members but maintain four members it appointed before the incident at the University, on the interim Council. Mr. Pratt also criticized the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Kwasi Obiri-Danso and the University Council saying the students don't deserve to be treated as children and for that matter make certain strict rules for them. He believed that the students' aggression stemmed from the fact that the authorities were running the University as a Senior High School. He sought to understand how the authorities would decide to mix the male halls with females and send males to female halls without any confrontation from the students. To him, the decisions of the authorities which called for demonstration by the students do not make "sense". You want to increase the population of females. At the female residence, youre now admitting men there and transferring to the male residence. I cant simply understand thisIn the same breath, we want to increase the population of women on the campuses, but the existing facilities of women were giving it to the men or mixing it with men, he told host Kwami Sefa Kayi. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Minister of Communication, Mrs Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has today, Tuesday, 30 October delivered a high-level statement on behalf of the government of Ghana at the Plenipotentiary Conference of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) being held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Giving her statement, Mrs Owusu-Ekuful said Ghana, under the leadership of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, was pursuing the Digital Ghana Agenda for a massive transformation of the countrys economy through technology and broadband development, stressing the fact that the president, as the Co-Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Advocacy Group, was a form of advocate for the utilisation of technology for the realisation of all the SDGs. The Minister further said that Ghana was working actively towards improving the efficiency of service delivery with particular attention to rural and underserved communities, women and gender parity and opportunities for the youth, and went on to list various ICT initiatives which the government had implemented since 2017. She said to encourage the adoption of these ICT initiatives and to protect users, the government was also committed to promoting safe cyber hygiene practices with the establishment of a National Cyber Security Secretariat and an equally strong focus on Child Online Protection. Mrs Owusu-Ekuful joined other heads of delegations who delivered high-level statements expressing their countrys ICT achievements and their previous and future contributions regarding the use of ICT in advancing developments. In soliciting support for Ghanas re-election to the ITU Council, she went on further to inform delegates that Ghana was an active member of the ITU and the Council; and was fully committed to the decisions of the 2018 Session of the Council. Mrs Owusu-Ekuful reiterated Ghanas commitment to supporting ITUs strategic plan and was hopeful that increased partnerships and investment would help to bridge the digital divide. Before ending her speech, Mrs Owusu-Ekuful expressed her condolences to the government and people of Indonesia over the recent air disaster which claimed 100 passengers. The Plenipotentiary Conference is the highest decision-making body of ITU, the United Nations specialised agency for ICTs. Held every four years, the Conference is the key event at which ITU Member States build consensus on key international ICT issues, elect leaders for the Union's top posts, and decide on a roadmap for ITU's work over the next four-year period, including strategic and financial plans. The Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, joined the ITU Secretary-General, Mr Houlin Zhao in welcoming international delegates for three weeks of intensive decision-making on the future of global ICT. Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Dr. Alexandra Bain, director of Families Against Violent Extremism (FAVE) and John Letts, father of Jack Letts, a British Muslim convert and an alleged member of ISIS, announce plans to secure repatriation of Canadians who travelled to Syria during a press conference on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick In this Aug. 24, 2006 picture, a mountain pine beetle crawls out of a ponderosa pine tree while another, right, remains in its hole in Green Mountain Falls, Colo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/The Gazette, Hunter McRae Philippine Airlines (PAL) petition to charge fuel surcharge on December 2017. | Copyright Photo: Angelo Agcamaran/PPSG Cebu Pacific Air submitted a petition to charge fuel surcharge 6 months after PAL submitted their petition. | Copyright Photo: Dirk Grothe, Aviation Photography In 2015, under Resolution No. 79, the CAB lifted the authority of domestic airlines and international airlines operating to and from the Philippines, to impose fuel surcharges on international and domestic flights. They mentioned that there is a substantial and continuous decrease of fuel in the world market which may deemed necessary to discontinue the charging of fuel surcharge. However, fuel prices has rose to $85.16 per barrel in April which is 25.24% higher compared to $63.66 in the same period from the previous year. All passengers are expected to be charged of the fuel surcharge except for infants without seats. Airline tickets are set to increase as the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) allowed local airlines to impose fuel surcharges on their local and international flights. The resolution was issued on September 10th, 2018, Monday, granting the petition submitted by Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air and Philippines AirAsia.The continuous rise of aviation fuel had led Philippine Airlines (PAL) to submit a petition ending last year to impose the fuel surcharge between Php 51 to Php 207. The price will also change depending on the current market prices according to Jaime Bautista, president and Chief Operating Officer (CEO) of PAL. Lance Gokongwei, CEO of Cebu Pacific Air, mentioned that they are losing about Php 500 million due to the cost of fuel, led them to follow suite. Philippines AirAsia also has filed their petition but CEO Dexter Commendador did not provide any details on their petition. MAKERERE- H.E Stephanie Rivoal, the French ambassador to Uganda has emphasized the importance of freedom of speech and rights to participate in open discussions during a two-day Kampala Geopolitics event. Rivoal said such rights are of essence to democracy. Rivoal said that Ugandans have to aver right and the liberty to debate openly on any topic without fearing sanctions from the government. Where you can debate, you can have freedom. Where you can have freedom, you can have peace, where you can have it all, you live in a democracy, remarked the Ambassador during the Opening Ceremony of the Kampala Geopolitics Conference held on Friday 26th October 2018 at Makerere University. The Kampala Geopolitics conference was organized by the Embassy of France in Uganda in partnership with Makerere University, Konrad Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), Alliance Francaise de Kampala (AFK), UN Women and the Institute for International and Strategic Affairs (iRiS). The two days conference 26 to 27, October 2018 brings together professionals from all walks of life including researchers, politicians, diplomats, journalists, activists and key leaders to engage in an interactive debate on the contemporary local and international issues. The Ambassador also called for an intensive discussion to find solutions to the challenges that affect the world at large. Geopolitics is all about understanding the world. Ignoring it is short-sided because soon enough it will catch up with you. You may want to close your eyes to climate change, but it is coming. You may want to ignore terrorism, but it is happening. You may choose to brush aside social inequalities, but they are growing, she explained adding that the debate between genuine leaders will bring them closer by providing the opportunity to clear misunderstandings, build bridges between cultures, personal views, and ideologies. Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor, revealed that the shifting geopolitics of the region has significantly affected the higher education sector and that some of the ideas raised during the conference would inform the ongoing process of formulating the next ten-year 2020-2030 Makerere University Strategic Plan. Participants were thrilled by an interactive session involving Ugandas best comedians Daniel Omara and Pablo. Related BY Julius Odeke LIRA- In the Bible, God once told Abraham and his descendants, lift up now thine eyes, and look northward. God simply wanted to give Abraham a land rich with pasture since he was rich in cattle, silver and in gold. Today, for the benefit of Ugandans, I say, lets look northward, behold there is Lira University, a beacon of hope to the training of health workers. Lira University was established as a Public University by Statutory Instrument No. three years ago to expand equitable higher education in the country. It was not set up just as another Public University in Uganda but Lira University to respond to the critical development needs. This is underscored by the type of programmes that are drawn to run in the University. The University has identified Public Health of the community and the safety of lives at birth as areas where an intervention is critically needed. It is therefore not by guesswork that our first programmes are addressing Public, Maternal and Neonatal health. The Universitys VC, Prof. Jasper Ogwal-Okeng said, Lira University will be the first public University in Uganda to mount bachelors programmes in Midwifery and Public health with its the first intake to the midwifery programmes starting in the third year, while those of Public Health are now in the second year of their study. The University has sourced experienced administrators like Dr. Evelyn Karindiriza as its Academic Registrar and Prof. Okaka Opio Dokotum the DVC Academic Affairs. Prof Okaka, before served with a distinction for 23 years in Kyambogo University. So the university is moving in the right academic direction. Government under the able leadership of President Yoweri Museveni gave express permission for the establishment of Lira University which is located in the in the North of the country. The university is destined to become an academic centre for science training. When I set foot on the universitys large compound last week, I saw the nicely constructed buildings of the university from which medical personnel shall be trained from in order to treat our people. This will hopefully increase the lifespan of Ugandans. Uganda has a young population with the biggest percentage being the unemployed youth, possibly due to the courses that they took at university. But now Lira University is, The Beacon Centre of Applied Sciences and Technology is going to bridge that gap by training professional health (science) workers which president Museveni has been championing for long. The University is located five kilometres away from the town with a beautiful green and lush environment, not more than five minutes drive. Its approximately 325 kilometres north of Uganda and is easily accessed by road in about four hours. It has an excellent road network provided by various highways that transcends the north linking major towns in the country. I deliberately chose to visit Lira University because I want to see it for myself and tell the story about what I saw in this upcoming magnificent institution of learning that is bringing hope to Ugandans. Northern Uganda for a long time lagged behind in many spheres of life and education was totally crippled. Chatting with the University Secretary Mr. Augustine Oyang Atubo, he said: We are recruiting highly trained lecturers to come and work in Lira University with a mindset of serving all Ugandans. And in deed, the skeleton and technical staff on that day of my visit was busy conducting interviews with an aim of selecting the cream of the best people. Oyang Atubo exclaimed that Lira University has five main objectives that it aims to fulfill. He then enumerated them as: a) To ensure equitable access to relevant and quality higher education and training, b) To ensure effective higher education governance, c) To promote the conduction and publication of basic and applied research, d) To promote creativity, innovations and technological advancement, and e) To promote socio-economic transformation for economic growth. With the aforementioned objectives, once implemented fully, Lira University will help to deliver a 21st-century education to both local and international students who will come and pursue their education in Lira University. The universitys motto is The Beacon and Macmillan dictionary explains the word beacon as a bright light that shines in the dark, showing them the way somewhere. This means Lira University will encourage and give Ugandans a good example to follow. The universitys mission is quite an impressive one: To provide access to quality higher education, research and conduct professional training for the delivery of appropriate health services directed towards sustainable health and environment. This mission is essential to ending poverty and ensuring a productive life for people world over. In that, Lira University has come at the right time to offer Ugandans a fresh start. Building on this vision, Lira University is undergoing a major transformation of its campus to provide new state-of-the-art research, teaching and offering better student facilities. Barely three years old Lira University has so far engaged many unemployed youths into bodaboda business and women who operate small medium enterprises such as hotel and restaurant businesses around the university. Dont be surprised to hear stories on how old women and motorists educated their children in Lira University. So, lets embrace the University and government should come to support this institution for its going to transform the lives of Ugandans. Government can do this through improving and expanding the student loan scheme with a goal of helping students to pursue science courses. This will keep educational institutions sustainable. Science courses were neglected in the past but now since there is a crash programme to increase the pay of science workers, this will help to fill the gap that was created through the exportation of labour to other countries that offered them good pay. The universitys administration should create a network of international partnerships through forming a tight-knit collaboration with other elite global universities to promote research and share best practices. So far, the University has inked a MoU with Bournemouth University. ================================================================ Julius Odeke is a journalist and Assistant Lecturer at Kampala International University Related Two officers with the Elk Grove (CA) Police Department were "caught in the act" of helping an 82-year-old man clear some overgrown shrubs and tree limbs from his property. Image courtesy of Elk Grove PD / Facebook. Two officers with the Elk Grove (CA) Police Department were "caught in the act" of helping an 82-year-old man clear some overgrown shrubs and tree limbs from his property. According to a department Facebook post, Officers Meyerdick and Freitas were clearing a call for service when they noticed that the man was "in need of a hand" and without hesitation "jumped right in and assisted the community member finish the job." The department said that they would never have known about the impromptu act of service had the man not called the agency to say thank you. "We are grateful for the community member calling us and for our officers jumping in to assist our community member," the department said. "Together, we can continue to make Elk Grove a special place to call home." Four officers with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police who were injured while responding to the deadliest attack on Jews in United States history are reportedly recovering, according to USA Today. Two officers have been released, while two remain at an area hospitalone of whom is listed in critical condition in the intensive care unit. The other officer still in the hospital is listed in stable condition. Officers were hit during the gunfight with the suspect at the Tree of Life Synagogue on Saturday morning. Officers pinned down the gunman and took 46-year-old Robert Bowerswho also suffered gunshot wounds in the exchangeinto custody. "They're all heroes," Pittsburgh Police Chief Scott Shubert said, "Who knows what would've happened if he got out in the streets." Embed from Getty Images Approximately 5,000 U.S. troops will be deploying to the southern border in response to the 'migrant caravan' pushing north through Mexico, according to Fox News. The troops are reportedly support troops such as medical personnel and military police working in a "force protection" capacity, and may arrive as early as Tuesday. In a Tweet, President Donald Trump said, "Many Gang Members and some very bad people are mixed into the Caravan heading to our Southern Border. Please go back, you will not be admitted into the United States unless you go through the legal process. This is an invasion of our Country and our Military is waiting for you!" The caravan of Central American migrants is still roughly 1,000 miles away from the southern border. The Dublin (GA) Police Department posted images to its Facebook page showing methamphetamine pills that are "stamped and resembled to look like specific candies," the department said. Image courtesy of Dublin PD / Facebook. In recent years, the prospect of having illegal narcotics dropped into the bags of trick-or-treaters has become a real danger. An Ohio boy was reportedly sickened by a trick-or-treat candy tainted with what is suspected to be methamphetamine in Galion, which held trick-or-treating on Sunday evening. The Galion (OH) Police Department posted to Facebook a statement saying, "We currently have an open case in reference to a question as to whether there was some candy given out in Galion that may have been 'laced' with something." The boy had been taken to the hospital after he suffered a suspected seizure. The boy's mother reportedly said that the left side of the boy's face was "droopy and he couldnt move his left arm." Meanwhilenearly 800 miles due south of Galionthe Dublin (GA) Police Department posted images to its Facebook page showing methamphetamine pills that are "stamped and resembled to look like specific candies," the department said. "Please look through your child(rens) candies during this holiday season. Any suspicions, please call our office or 911 to report," the post said. "If shared with other counties, please contact your local police department or Sheriff's Department," Dublin PD said. The boy in Ohio has since been treated and released from the hospitalhe is expected to be OK. An officer with the Seattle Police Department was on foot patrol at a local park when he stepped on a dirty needle. The needle pierced the sole of his patrol boot, and penetrated into his foot. The officerwho has not been identifiedwas then taken to a hospital to be examined, and is undergoing treatment to prevent HIV and hepatitis, according to MyNorthwest.com. "The men and women of the Seattle Police Department put themselves on the line every day and one of the hazards of working in public safety is the risk of injury," Seattle Police Sergeant Sean Whitcomb said. "We're very disheartened that this officer was injured and all of us here are hoping for a speedy recovery." WILMINGTON, Del., Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Chemours Company (Chemours) (NYSE: CC), a global chemistry company with leading market positions in titanium technologies, fluoroproducts, and chemical solutions, today announced that it has issued its first Corporate Responsibility Commitment (CRC) Report. The report expresses Chemours' corporate responsibility commitment - an extension of the company's growth strategy - as ten ambitious goals targeted for completion by 2030. The goals span eight areas: safety excellence, vibrant communities, empowered employees, climate, water quality, waste, sustainable offerings, and a sustainable supply chain. As part of this social responsibility initiative Chemours has signed on to the United Nations Global Compact, the world's largest voluntary corporate citizenship and sustainability pact. Chemours is now one of more than 8,000 participating companies that have pledged to operate responsibly and in alignment with universally accepted sustainability principles , to take actions that support the betterment of society, to engage locally where the company has a presence, and to report annually on Chemours' ongoing efforts. "Chemours is a performance driven company dedicated to making chemistry as responsible as it is essential to everyday life," said Chemours President and CEO Mark Vergnano. "We are already taking meaningful steps towards achieving our 2030 goals and will report our progress every step of the way. We are fully committed to being a new kind of chemistry company for a world that demands more." The full CRC report is available to download at chemours.com . According to Paul Kirsch, president of Chemours' Fluoroproducts business and executive sponsor of this initiative: "Our report is another demonstration that for Chemours, social responsibility is not an option, it's simply the right thing to do. It is who we are and how we operate." About The Chemours Company The Chemours Company (NYSE: CC) helps create a colorful, capable and cleaner world through the power of chemistry. Chemours is a global leader in titanium technologies, fluoroproducts and chemical solutions, providing its customers with solutions in a wide range of industries with market-defining products, application expertise and chemistry-based innovations. Chemours ingredients are found in plastics and coatings, refrigeration and air conditioning, mining and general industrial manufacturing. Our flagship products include prominent brands such as Teflon(TM), Ti-Pure(TM), Krytox(TM), Viton(TM), Opteon(TM), Freon(TM) and Nafion(TM). Chemours has approximately 7,000 employees and 26 manufacturing sites serving approximately 4,000 customers in North America, Latin America, Asia-Pacific and Europe. Chemours is headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware and is listed on the NYSE under the symbol CC. For more information please visit chemours.com, or follow us on Twitter @Chemours, or LinkedIn. About the United Nations Global Compact The United Nations Global Compact is a call to companies everywhere to align their operations and strategies with ten universally accepted principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption, and to take action in support of UN goals and issues embodied in the Sustainable Development Goals. The UN Global Compact is a leadership platform for the development, implementation and disclosure of responsible corporate practices. Launched in 2000, it is the largest corporate sustainability initiative in the world, with more than 9,500 companies and 3,000 non-business signatories based in over 160 countries, and nearly 70 Local Networks. For more information, follow @globalcompact on social media. Join us for the conversation on social media by using hashtag #SDGpioneers. CONTACT: NEWS MEDIA Alvenia Scarborough Sr. Director of Corporate Communications and Brand Marketing +1.302.773.4507 [email protected] INVESTORS Jonathan Lock VP, Corporate Development and Investor Relations +1.302.773.2263 [email protected] SOURCE The Chemours Company Legal cannabis industry leaders join forces to educate new market entrants at regional InterCannAlliance Symposia in Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa SYDNEY, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- New Frontier Data, the authority in data, analytics and business intelligence in the global cannabis industry, in conjunction with CannaTech and leading companies representing the key building sectors of any legal cannabis market, announces the creation of the InterCannAlliance (ICA). Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/776666/ICA_Logo.jpg The ICA has been established to educate and inform future regional market and thought leaders interested in the cannabis industry, fostering responsible, transparent and effective market practices learned across more mature North American cannabis sectors. "The InterCannAlliance is a much-needed effort," said New Frontier Data Founder & CEO Giadha Aguirre de Carcer, "as we now have dozens of nations around the world simultaneously decriminalizing or legalizing cannabis, in response to the increasing acceptance, support and demand of millions of patients around the globe. The Alliance will help empower and engage government and commercial stakeholders by sharing what current leaders have learned in the past decade. Given the speed to market we are seeing, it is imperative to avoid the pitfalls and be aware of expected challenges across each of these unique regions, while understanding where the opportunities will come from, and how to best capitalize on them as they arise. " Multinational Cannabis market leaders exclusively sharing their expertise at one-day, invitation-only, regional ICA symposia, will include: VicenteSederberg, Policy Hoban Law Group, Regulation CohnReznick, Taxation SteepHill Labs, Lab Testing Simplifya, Compliance Lift, Distribution and Customer Education Cultivation and Processing global enterprises which will only be announced to attendees And New Frontier Data, Data & Reporting ICA has committed to working with local partners and decision-makers across the Latin American, Asia-Pacific and African regions, starting with the Latin America ICA Symposium in 2019. "New Frontier Data is proud to have partnered with CannaTech who has been fostering education and connectivity across the international cannabis space for almost a decade," added Aguirre de Carcer. "CannaTech will organize and coordinate locally for all regional ICA events." About InterCannAlliance: The International Cannabis Alliance (InterCannAlliance) was created in March of 2018 to bring advancements from existing legal cannabis markets to new and evolving legal cannabis markets around the globe. As established and emerging markets look to cannabis to reinvigorate their economies, healthcare and a range of industries, InterCannAlliance unites recognized leaders from industry segments considered to be critical building blocks for any cannabis market. The organization seeks to simplify the complex and inconsistent regulatory environments being implemented across and within nations and to help emerging markets capitalize on lessons learned elsewhere. The InterCannAlliance conducts invitation-only quarterly regional symposia to facilitate collaboration among governments, non-government organizations and large commercial enterprises to expedite access to and assessment of opportunities while accelerating growth. For more information, visit www.intercannalliance.com. About New Frontier Data: New Frontier Data is an independent, technology-driven analytics company specializing in the cannabis industry. It offers vetted data, actionable business intelligence and risk management solutions for investors, operators, researchers and policymakers. New Frontier Data's reports and data have been cited in over 69 countries around the world to inform industry leaders. Founded in 2014, New Frontier Data is headquartered in Washington, D.C. with additional offices in Denver, CO, London, UK, Bogota, Colombia, and Hong Kong. New Frontier Data does not take a position on the merits of cannabis legalization. Rather, its mission and mandate are to inform cannabis-related policy and business decisions through rigorous, issue-neutral and comprehensive analysis of the legal cannabis industry worldwide. For more information about New Frontier Data please visit: http://www.NewFrontierData.com. About CannaTech: CannaTech is widely recognized as the premier cannabis event, designed to deliver the most sophisticated conference experience in cannabis today. CannaTech showcases leading thinkers and influencers from across the globe and presents the most relevant conversations industry wide. The company features dynamic presentations that focus on science, research, finance, medicine, tech, agriculture, innovation and government policy. For more information about CannaTech, please visit http://www.canna-tech.co. Related Links http://www.NewFrontierData.com SOURCE New Frontier Data Focused on establishment of local pilot zones to stimulate trade cooperation JIAOZHOU, China, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- China (Qingdao) SCO + Trade and Investment Liberalization and Facilitation Summit was held in Jiaozhou, a city adjacent to Qingdao, in Shandong Province, China, on the morning of October 28. More than 300 attendees, including influential trade and investment leaders, representatives from Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member countries and Middle Eastern countries targeted by the One Belt, One Road initiative, as well as executives from entrepreneurial firms in Beijing, Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang, assembled in Jiaozhou to discuss issues concerning the establishment and operation of local pilot zones meant to stimulate trade cooperation among SCO members as well as between SCO members and other countries. Shi Jun, member of the Standing Committee of the Twelfth CPPCC National Committee and deputy director of CPPCC - Subcommittee of Economy, elaborated on Qingdao's unique advantages in terms of basic services, infrastructure and incentive in relation to integrated development. Yang Xiong, Deputy Director of UNIDO Shanghai Global Science and Technology Innovation Center, said that the establishment of China-SCO pilot zones with the intent to foster trade cooperation, in partnership with seven SCO member countries, can be expected to inject new energy into the history-rich city of Jiaozhou. Ye Tan, a financial commentator who writes for leading publications, gave a detailed presentation on the opportunities the pilot zones could bring to Jiaozhou in terms of improved traffic conditions and the urbanization rate, as well as to the surrounding Bohai Economic Rim, saying the pilot zones will become vital to the city's ongoing development. The organizer invited attendees to tour several local facilities including Qingdao Transfar Smart Road-Port, Jingdong E-commerce Industrial Park, South Korean maker Nongshim's cutting-edge processing plant and Innova's railway transportation hub, all of which left a deep impression on the attendees. Looking forward, the pilot zones will, in tandem with related national policies, create a fair and friendly international business environment and, with the backing of its larger neighbor, the city of Qingdao, as well as the SCO, build an "one-stop-shop", open platform targeting the Asia Pacific region, the Eurasian landmass, Africa and Latin America, in addition to facilitating the continued implementation of the One Belt, One Road initiative. SOURCE China (Qingdao) SCO + Trade and Investment Liberalization and Facilitation Summit TORONTO, October 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- (In United States dollars, except where noted otherwise) First Quantum Minerals Ltd. ("First Quantum" or the "Company", TSX Symbol "FM") today reported comparative earnings[1] of $128 million ($0.19 per share[1]), net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Company[1] of $61 million ($0.09 per share) and cash flows from operating activities of $439 million ($0.64 per share[1]) for the three months ended September 30, 2018. The results include a $31 million gain realized under the corporate copper sales hedge program. SUMMARY: Operations Continue to Deliver Solid Results; Production Guidance Increased for Copper; Costs remain in-line with full year guidance 151,241 tonnes of copper [ 2 ] produced: Year-over-year production increases at Kansanshi, Sentinel and Guelb Moghrein. Copper production guidance for 2018 increased to 595,000 tonnes. Scheduled maintenance shutdown at Las Cruces and resolution of grinding thickener issue completed in September, production remains on-track to deliver on full year guidance. Unit cost of copper production [ 3 ] : All-in sustaining cost ("AISC") = $1.83 per pound; Cash cost ("C1") = $1.34 per pound; Total cost ("C3") = $2.14 per pound. Improved Operating Cash Flows and Continued Strong Liquidity $439 million of cash flows generated from operating activities ( $0.64 per share) during the quarter, an increase of 8% compared to the second quarter of 2018 and a 64% increase from the comparable prior year period. Ended the quarter with $753 million in net unrestricted cash and cash equivalents, $1,120 million of committed undrawn facilities and in full compliance with all financial covenants. Key Milestones Achieved at the Cobre Panama Project; Over 80% Complete Power station construction completed, commissioning and ramp up progressing. Set 1 power station generated power at nameplate capacity of 150MW. Set 2 power station successfully completed steam blows. Process plant and mine site are 74% complete with commissioning activities continuing in the quarter. Conveyor belt pulling commenced in the process plant. Mechanical completion of the first in-pit primary crusher. Engineering is now considered complete and significant advancement on procurement was achieved. Oth er In late September 2018 , the Government of the Republic of Zambia announced changes to the Zambian mining tax regime scheduled to take effect January 2019. The Company continues to assess the potential impact on its Zambian operations and maintains a dialogue with Government. Changes include: Increase in mineral royalty rates on copper by 1.5% at all levels of the existing scale; Royalties will no longer be tax deductible; Introduction of a new fourth tier rate of 10% when copper price exceeds $7,500 per tonne; 5% import duty on copper and cobalt concentrates; export levy on precious metals including gold of 15%; Non-refundable sales tax to replace Value Added Tax with no detail on sales tax levels which is expected to be introduced in April 2019 . Also in late September 2018 , the Supreme Court of Panama announced a ruling in connection with the constitutionality of Law 9 [ 4 ] of 1997. The Company understands that the ruling relates to the enactment of Law 9 and not the legality of the Company's mining concession contract which remains in effect and allows for the continuation of the development of Cobre Panama. Following the ruling, the Government of Panama issued a news release affirming support for the Cobre Panama project and that the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MICI) considers the mining concession contract and its extension to be in effect in all its parts. The Company continues to work with appropriate parties to identify suitable remedies and to clarify the legal position of Law 9 and is confident of a resolution in the near-medium term. [1] Net earnings (loss) attributable to shareholders of the Company has been adjusted to exclude items which are not reflective of underlying performance to arrive at comparative earnings (loss). Comparative earnings (loss), comparative earnings (loss) per share, comparative EBITDA and cash flows per share are not measures recognized under IFRS and do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS. The Company has disclosed these measures to assist with the understanding of results and to provide further financial information about the results to investors. Refer to the "Regulatory Disclosures" section in the MD&A for the quarter ended September 30, 2018 for further information. [2] Production is presented on a copper contained basis, and is presented prior to processing through the Kansanshi smelter. [3] AISC, C1 and C3 costs per pound are not recognized under IFRS. Refer to the "Regulatory Disclosures" section in the MD&A for the quarter ended September 30, 2018 for further information. [4] Law 9 was passed by the Panamanian National Assembly on February 26, 1997, and granted the status of national law to the mining concession contract relating to the Cobre Panama project. CEO'S COMMENTS "Our operations continued to deliver in the third quarter relative to plan. Development of our Cobre Panama project progressed on schedule with some significant milestones achieved," noted Philip Pascall, Chairman and CEO. "Our financial results reflect the positive operational quarter, increased sales volumes and a higher realized copper price which was positively affected by our copper sales hedge program. "The success in the quarter provided the opportunity to increase our copper and zinc production guidance, slightly adjust our gold production expectation while maintaining our projected low unit cost of production. We also remain on track to deliver significant production growth in the coming years with the development of Cobre Panama." Mr. Pascall concluded. OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS Three months ended Nine months ended September 30 September 30 (U.S. dollars where applicable) 2018 2017 2018 2017 COPPER - Production (tonnes) 151,241 145,376 447,549 419,644 - Sales (tonnes) 151,342 148,894 441,766 428,225 - Cost of production: o AISC (per lb) $1.83 $1.75 $1.77 $1.62 o C1 (per lb) $1.34 $1.21 $1.30 $1.20 o C3 (per lb) $2.14 $2.03 $2.13 $2.01 - Realized price (per lb) $2.84 $2.37 $2.85 $2.28 GOLD - Production (ounces) 44,979 47,213 137,375 147,832 - Sales (ounces) 42,864 51,729 139,851 150,653 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Three months ended Nine months ended September 30 September 30 (U.S. dollars millions, except where noted otherwise) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Sales revenues 978 877 2,912 2,425 Gross profit 246 83 698 218 Net earnings (loss) attributable to shareholders of the Company 61 (52) 243 (201) Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share $0.09 ($0.08) $0.35 ($0.29) Comparative EBITDA[1] 427 304 1,256 836 Comparative earnings (loss)[1] 128 (28) 305 (75) Comparative earnings (loss) per share[1] $0.19 ($0.04) $0.44 ($0.11) Cash flow from operating activities 439 267 1,642 711 CONFERENCE CALL & WEBCAST Conference call and webcast details are as follows: Date: October 30, 2018 Time: 9:00 am (EDT); 1:00 pm (GMT); 6:00 am (PDT) Please note the time of the call in the United Kingdom reflects the reversion to GMT. Webcast: http://www.first-quantum.com Dial in: North America: (toll free) (877) 291-4570 North America and international: 1 (647) 788-4919 United Kingdom: (toll free) 0-800-051-7107 Available from noon (EDT) on October 30, 2018 until 11:59 pm (EST) on November Replay: 13, 2018 North America: (toll free) (800) 585-8367 North America and international: 1 (416) 621-4642 Passcode: 5499405 COMPLETE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS The complete consolidated financial statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis for the quarter ended September 30, 2018 are available at http://www.first-quantum.com and should be read in conjunction with this news release. On Behalf of the Board of Directors of First Quantum Minerals Ltd. G. Clive Newall President CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION Certain statements and information herein, including all statements that are not historical facts, contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements include estimates, forecasts and statements as to the Company's expectations of production and sales volumes, and expected timing of completion of project development at Cobre Panama and Enterprise and are subject to the impact of ore grades on future production, the potential of production disruptions, capital expenditure and mine production costs, the outcome of mine permitting, other required permitting, the outcome of legal proceedings which involve the Company, information with respect to the future price of copper, gold, nickel, zinc, pyrite, cobalt, iron and sulphuric acid, estimated mineral reserves and mineral resources, First Quantum's exploration and development program, estimated future expenses, exploration and development capital requirements, the Company's hedging policy, and goals and strategies. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements or information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate" or "believes" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. With respect to forward-looking statements and information contained herein, the Company has made numerous assumptions including among other things, assumptions about continuing production at all operating facilities, the price of copper, gold, nickel, zinc, pyrite, cobalt, iron and sulphuric acid, anticipated costs and expenditures and the ability to achieve the Company's goals. Forward-looking statements and information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. These factors include, but are not limited to, future production volumes and costs, the temporary or permanent closure of uneconomic operations, costs for inputs such as oil, power and sulphur, political stability in Zambia, Peru, Mauritania, Finland, Spain, Turkey, Panama, Argentina and Australia, adverse weather conditions in Zambia, Finland, Spain, Turkey, Mauritania and Panama, labour disruptions, potential social and environmental challenges, power supply, mechanical failures, water supply, procurement and delivery of parts and supplies to the operations, and the production of off-spec material. See the Company's Annual Information Form for additional information on risks, uncertainties and other factors relating to the forward-looking statements and information. Although the Company has attempted to identify factors that would cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those disclosed in the forward-looking statements or information, there may be other factors that cause actual results, performances, achievements or events not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. Also, many of these factors are beyond First Quantum's control. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company undertakes no obligation to reissue or update forward-looking statements or information as a result of new information or events after the date hereof except as may be required by law. All forward-looking statements and information made herein are qualified by this cautionary statement. For further information visit our website at http://www.first-quantum.com ; North American contact: Lisa Doddridge, Director, Investor Relations, Tel: +1(416)361-3752, Toll Free: +1(888688-6577, E-Mail: lisa.doddridge@fqml.com ; United Kingdom contact: Clive Newall, President, Tel: +44-140-327-3484, E-Mail: clive.newall@fqml.com SOURCE First Quantum Minerals Ltd. Venture building firm backs digital trade and investment platform Orbitt LONDON and SINGAPORE, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- GTR Ventures, the world's first investment and venture-building platform specialized in trade and supply chain, has announced an investment in Orbitt -- an African-focused fintech deals platform. GTR Ventures will strengthen Orbitt's trade finance capabilities from a product and innovation perspective, as well as develop its relationships with global and digital trade financiers. The announcement falls during the Global Trade Review (GTR) Africa Trade and Investment Conference in London, which has become a key annual gathering for international trade, export and project finance professionals interested in the continent. "Our partnership with GTR Ventures comes at an exciting time for us," said Lanre Oloniniyi, CEO and Co-Founder of Orbitt. "Africa's trade finance gap exceeds $100bn. By leveraging GTR's tremendous footprint in Africa -- Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, and Zambia, we see Orbitt working alongside banks and funds, in bridging this gap." Singapore-based Kelvin Tan, CIO of GTR Ventures adds, "Africa-Asia trade today stands at $500 bn, annually. However, capital providers to Africa remain hampered by the lack of financial tools and access to data. Orbitt's technology can help lenders manage their risks, and to complete timely transactions in otherwise disconnected markets. We welcome partnerships with all stakeholders to improve credit transparency on the continent." About GTR Ventures (Contact: info@gtrventures.vc, website: www.gtrventures.vc) Based out of London, Singapore and Hong Kong, GTR Ventures is the world's first investment platform dedicated to trade and supply chain. In exclusive partnership with Global Trade Review (GTR), the world's leader in global trade and trade finance intelligence, publishing, news and events, GTR Ventures mobilizes private capital for trade and trade finance, investing in and supporting the development of trade-focused fintech companies (tradetechs) while working with multiple stakeholders to integrate technology into trade. About Orbitt (Contact: Theo Cooke -- tcooke@orbitt.capital , website www.orbitt.capital ) Orbitt is a digital deal origination and processing platform that matches global investors with Africa's growing companies to increase the efficient allocation of capital across the continent. Through smart-matching technology and by digitising the African investment ecosystem, Orbitt is tackling the challenges of reach, time and business development across the continent. Orbitt is based in London with operations in Mauritius and a user-base across 28 countries in Africa. Photo https://drive.google.com/file/d/1I7FDfTXM9vob_Gnt8ZEgTU-APA_WrGrH/view?usp=sharing Caption: Founders of GTR Ventures and Orbitt announce their partnership. From left: Rupert Sayer, Co-Founder and CEO of GTR Ventures, Lanre Oloniniyi, Co-Founder and CEO of Orbitt, Kelvin Tan, Co-Founder and CIO of GTR Ventures Related Links http://www.gtrventures.vc SOURCE GTR Ventures If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here Welcome Guest! You Are Here: Rebuilding Median By LaGuardia Kicking off construction of a project to rebuild and beautify the Ditmars Blvd medians between 78th Street and the airport (82nd Street), a press conference... Marathon 2021 Runners of all racing stripes took part in the 2021 TCS New York City Marathon on November 7. Racing categories in this, the largest marathon... Mount Sinai Queens Opening New Infusion Center The last week of October was marked by an expansion of health care capacity in the borough, as Mount Sinai Queens celebrated the opening of... Appeal against Crimea deputy prime ministers detention set for November 14 RIA Novosti, Evgeniya Novozhenina 11:53 30/10/2018 MOSCOW, October 30 (RAPSI) The Moscow City Court will consider an appeal against detention of Crimeas deputy prime minister Vitaly Nakhlupin involved in a bribery case on November 14, the spokesperson of Moscows Basmanny District Court Yunona Tsareva told RAPSI on Tuesday. On October 18, the official was detained until December 16. Nakhlupin stands charged with receiving bribes on an especially large scale. He pleads not guilty. Crimean leader Sergey Aksenov earlier wrote on his Facebook page that investigation concerned other officials as well. According to the republics head, investigative actions were conducted in the committee on road industry and competition policy, highway service and in Crimeagasseti and Krymenergo companies. Moscow court upholds detention for alleged Norwegian spy flickr.com/Victor Velez 12:54 30/10/2018 MOSCOW, October 30 (RAPSI) The Moscow City Court on Tuesday upheld detention of Norwegian citizen Frode Berg charged with espionage, the courts press service told RAPSI. Berg will stay jailed until December 5. Earlier, his attorney Ilya Novikov said that the Norwegian national may be swapped for Mikhail Bochkarev, a Russian citizen arrested on the same allegations in Norway. But in October, charges against Bochkarev were dropped and he was released; therefore, the exchange turned out to be impossible. According to information in the public domain, Berg was arrested when receiving secret documents containing information on Russian navy in December 2017. These papers were allegedly given to him by Russian national Alexey Zhitnyuk, who was detained in December 2017 on suspicion of treason. The Norwegian citizen could face up to 20 years in Russian prison if convicted. However, he has pleaded not guilty. In September, Russian investigators authorized a supplementary expert examination in the case against Berg. According to the defense, authorization of a new examination is either an additional reason for extension of the defendants detention or indication of investigators poor job. Detention of defendants in St. Petersburg metro terror act case upheld flickr.com/Damien 16:53 30/10/2018 MOSCOW, October 30 (RAPSI) The Moscow City Court has upheld extension of detention for 11 defendants in the in St. Petersburg metro terror attack case until January 3, 2019, RAPSI has learnt in the courts press service. According to Olga Dinze, the lawyer of one of the defendants, defense attorneys hope that the case will be transferred to court for hearing before the end of the year. Currently, defense lawyers are reading case papers, Dinze told RAPSI in early October. 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. Russian lawmakers propose $80 fines for false fire reports RIA Novosti, Valery Melnikov 15:54 30/10/2018 MOSCOW, October 30 (RAPSI) A bill fixing 5,000-ruble fines (about $80) for false reports of fire has been submitted to the lower house of Russian parliament. The documents version has been published on the State Duma database. Amendments are proposed by a group of lawmakers to the Code on Administrative Offenses. The bill envisages fines for deliberately false reports leading to fire alarm actuation and evacuation from a building. Under the draft law, a deliberately false report means that a person reporting the fire knew about non-fire conditions which may be confirmed by testimony from witnesses, absence of damage caused by fire and security cameras. The PCA framework was revised and tightened in April 2017, but there was no discussion in any board meeting. The government does not know the rationale behind revising the framework and how the RBI arrived at it. Similarly, there was no discussion in the board meeting on the revised NPA framework, said an official. Amid differences between the Reserve Bank of India and the finance ministry, officials said the government was upset with the central bank for not consulting it before finalising norms for prompt corrective action (PCA) and classification of non-performing assets (NPAs). The RBI did not discuss these at its board meetings either, a senior government official said. The PCA framework was revised and tightened in April 2017, but there was no discussion in any board meeting. The government does not know the rationale behind revising the framework and how the RBI arrived at it. Similarly, there was no discussion in the board meeting on the revised NPA framework, said an official. One of the main areas of contention between the RBI and the government is the revised PCA framework, notified by the regulator in April last year. The government wants the RBI to align the PCA norms with the globally-accepted Basel regulations. However, the RBI feels imposing the PCA helped in stabilising the banks at risk; any relaxation could be avoided at this stage. This issue was discussed at length at the RBI board meeting last Tuesday. Economic Affairs Secretary S C Garg and Financial Services Secretary Rajiv Kumar, who are government nominees on the board, were at the meeting. The RBI has argued it would require at least 8-12 quarters to show good results of the PCA, sources said. However, government sources said PCA norms are putting stress on banks in the rural network. Not only on the lending side, the RBI also want restrictions on deposit taking by these PCA banks as excessive deposits become a matter of risk. This is something that the government nominees on the RBI board were against, the source added. During the board meeting, the government nominees also demanded from the RBI a special re-finance window to provide liquidity to non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) but the RBI opposed it as it felt it is not a systematic issue. Another area of contention between the RBI and the government is the procedural delay in getting approval for hedging requirements and for external commercial borrowings. The government nominees do not have voting rights on any decision taken by the RBI board. So the board is independent. Flagging some issues does not take away its independence, another government official said. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Saturday emphasised the need for holding detailed discussions for regulators to arrive at policy decisions. I think, for any regulatory mechanism, stakeholder consultation has to be of a very high quality, which will probably lead to a revisiting of traditional thoughts and opinions, Jaitley had said during an event. The RBI took the decision to tighten the PCA framework last year, following recommendations of a sub-committee of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) in December 2014. The meeting, chaired by the then RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan, was also attended by senior officials in the finance ministry. Jaitleys statement came a day after RBI Deputy Governor Viral Acharya made a case for granting more independence to the regulator. Acharya said the central bank must have more powers to supervise public sector banks, keep its balance sheet strong, and have adequate regulatory scope. This independence, he said, was necessary to secure greater financial and macroeconomic stability. The government had also demanded the RBI relax its February 12 circular directing lenders to undertake insolvency resolution of defaulting companies within a strict timeline. However, not only was the RBI relentless, it did not send its representative to attend a crucial meeting of the high-powered committee for resolving stress in the power sector on directions of the Allahabad high court. A senior government official said the RBI had equal regulatory and supervisory powers over both state-run banks and private lenders. The official said the selection of board members of PSBs starts with the Banks Board Bureau (BBB), which has an RBI nominee. The BBB sends its recommendation to the government. The government also takes the approval of the RBI. For private banks, their boards select their own chief executives and take the RBIs approval directly, the official said. In case of removing chief executives of PSBs from their post, the government has agreed to the RBIs demands in the past, the official added. The official cited the example of the Rs 144-billion fraud case at Punjab National Bank (PNB). The government had sacked Allahabad Bank Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Usha Ananthasubramanian on her last day before retirement. She was PNB MD and CEO in her previous tenure. This was following the RBIs criminal case against Ananthasubramanian, exercising its power under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, for her involvement in the PNB fraud. Similar action was taken against two PNB executive directors. However, the action was taken as the RBI and the Central Bureau of Investigation could not have acted against these executives, who are public servants, without sanctions from the government. The official also said the merger of New Bank of India with PNB in 1993 was based on recommendations of the RBI. In the case of amalgamation of Bank of Baroda, Vijaya Bank and Dena Bank, the government took the permission of the RBI even before approaching the banks. After the proposal was approved by their respective boards, it was sent to the RBI for in-principle approval, the official said, adding a final approval will also be taken from the RBI. (With inputs from Anup Roy) Photograph: Anindito Mukherjee/Reuters. Indonesia-based Lion Air Flight JT610, a three-month old 737 MAX 8, took off from capital Jakarta at 6.20 am local time on Monday and lost contact 13 minutes later when it was at an altitude of about 3,000 feet. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Indian aviation regulator, has sought information from Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the US on the Lion Air crash, which resulted in the deaths of 189 passengers aboard on Monday. The DGCA is in touch with Boeing and the FAA to find out more about the unfortunate incident, a DGCA spokesperson said. Delhi native Bhavye Suneja, bottom, was the captain of the two-month-old Boeing 737 MAX aircraft which lost contact with air traffic control 13 minutes after take-off from Jakarta. The Boeing was on a scheduled flight to popular tourist destination of Pangkal Pinang, off the coast of Sumatra. Six aircraft of the same type (five with Jet Airways, one with SpiceJet) operate in India. Both the airlines have more than 200 737 Max 8 on orders each. First delivered last year, the narrow-body MAX family of aircraft is popular with airlines, and has racked up an order backlog of over 4,000 planes. The latest version of the 737 family competes against Airbus A320neo, which is also very popular among Asian airlines that have witnessed high passenger growth over the last decade. According to Indonesias National Search and Rescue Agency (NSRA), Indonesia-based Lion Air Flight JT610, a three-month old 737 MAX 8, took off from capital Jakarta at 6.20 am local time on Monday and lost contact 13 minutes later when it was at an altitude of about 3,000 feet. The NSRA said it expects no survivors from the crash and bodies of most victims were probably trapped inside the fuselage of the plane in the seabed. Rescuers have so far been able to recover only body parts, plane debris, and some belongings of passengers, agencys Operations Deputy Bambang Suryo Aji told reporters in Jakarta. Lion Air reported the aircraft encountered a technical problem, the crew was about to return to Jakarta. There had also been a technical problem on the previous flight. This problem however, was 'fixed'. This plane previously flew from Denpasar to Jakarta. There was a report of a technical issue which had been resolved according to procedure, the airlines chief executive Edward Sirait said. Photograph: Beawiharta/Reuters 'The jurisprudence of a modern secular State has to be strictly rational.' 'Rather than aastha and aqeedah, our jurisprudence as well as the executive and legislature have to act in accordance with Constitutional rationality,' argues Mohammad Sajjad. The Supreme Court, in its forthcoming hearings on the issue of the Babri Masjid, has to decide about the title suit, that is, the proprietary right to the disputed land. It is, therefore, quite irrelevant if a mosque is really essential in Islam. In my considered view, any misgiving among any section that the recent judgment against the essentiality of a mosque in Islam may really impact upon the judicial pronouncements, therefore, is absolutely unfounded. Besides the proprietary rights, some more points need to be clarified. The most important and challenging aspect of the issue is to penalise those culprits who pulled down the mosque, a heritage monument, on December 6, 1992, instigated by certain political leaders. The Supreme Court has already stated earlier that the act of demolition of the mosque was an act of 'national shame' and that it did not only demolish an ancient structure, but the faith of the minorities in the sense of justice and fair play of the majority. The Supreme Court has to decide this issue of vandalism as well. The judiciary of a secular State has to be guided by Constitutional rationality and modern principles of jurisprudence rather than by aastha/aqeedah (or faith) which must remain strictly a private matter of individuals or groups. The 'existing archaeological and literary evidence indicate that the present day Ayodhya was known as Saket before the fifth century AD. The Ayodhya of Valmiki's Ramayana, even if it did exist, was possibly not the same as the Ayodhya that was historically identifiable later,' said historian K N Panikkar. When the historicity of a town is so difficult to ascertain, how can a specific point in the town be ascertained as the birthplace of Lord Ram? These aspects have been examined in great details in long, well-researched essays collected in the book, Anatomy of a Confrontation: The Babri Masjid-Ramjanmabhumi Issue (1990), which was edited by historian Dr Sarvepalli Gopal. Moreover, legal experts and commentators have expressed their opinion on possible flaws in the recent judgment denying the essentiality of a mosque in Islam: 1. This does not 'give any evidence from Islamic scriptures' to justify its declaration that mosques are not essential to Islam. It thus ignores the 'essential practices doctrine' laid down in a Supreme Court judgment of 1954 according to which 'what constitutes the essential part of a religion is primarily to be ascertained with reference to the doctrines of that religion itself'. Subsequently, in 1972, the Supreme Court further elaborated upon it by asking to accommodate 'practices which are regarded by the community as a part of its religion'. 2. So far as careful readings of the Quran and authenticated Hadees are concerned, even during the days of Prophet Mohammed, 'mosques went beyond the "ritualism of worship". They were spiritual, humanitarian and educational centres open to all people irrespective of their social, financial or racial status, or gender, thus emphasising the importance of equality for social progress,' says A Faizur Rahman in his article Essentiality of Mosque in The Hindu (external link). Rahman further informs us that the Prophet did insist on offering prayers in mosques as it had 27 times more premium, and that even a blind person was advised to prefer a congregational prayer in a mosque. Thus, the recent judgment denying the essentiality of mosques disregarded the Supreme Court verdicts of 1954 and 1972. 3. Such a pronouncement also violates Articles 25 and 26 of our Constitution which guarantees fundamental rights. Adding to this, just for the sake of advancing the argument, please consider this hypothetical instance and then make a logical scrutiny of the issue of criminal vandalisation of the Babri Masjid in 1992, combined with the recent judgment declaring the non-essentiality of mosques in Islam. A nomad happens to have owned a piece of land, constructs a house and starts living in it. Subsequently, a bunch of criminals come and snatch it away. The nomad-turned-sedentary goes to the court of law where he is told that since a home and sedentary life are not essential for a nomad, the criminal occupation of his house is justified. The point being made here is that the jurisprudence of a modern secular State has to be strictly rational. Rather than aastha and aqeedah, our jurisprudence as well as the executive and legislature have to act in accordance with Constitutional rationality. This sacred document, which the people of India gave to themselves, encompasses the experiences of humanity over a span of many decades of evolving struggles against colonialism as the socio-cultural base of the people's struggles kept expanding and deepening. This document did not come out of an individual's pen. It is wrong to assume that an oligarchy drafted it. Those who drafted it had taken into account the experiences of the national movement as well as the experiences gathered by people in different parts of the globe. Only because of pressures from a frenzied majoritarian reaction, India and its institutions cannot afford to trample upon Constitutional rationalities. Let us remain optimistic that the collective wisdom of India will not choose a perilous and self-destructive path for itself. Professor Mohammad Sajjad, who is at the Centre of Advanced Study in History, Aligarh Muslim University, has published two books: Muslim Politics in Bihar: Changing Contours and Contesting Colonialism and Separatism: Muslims of Muzaffarpur since 1857. 'Both Japan and China face a common challenge: How to deal with Trump.' The trade war with the US seems to have facilitated/hastened Abe's China visit, the first by a Japanese prime minister since 2011,' points out Dr Rajaram Panda. IMAGE: Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, left, greets China's President Xi Jinping in Beijing, October 26, 2018. It was the first visit by a Japanese prime minister to China in seven years. Photograph: Kyodo via Reuters Northeast Asia is witnessing an interesting geopolitical churning with leaders of each country trying to reach out to the other to address bilateral and regional challenges confronting them. The political situation has emerged conducive to conduct such high-level diplomacy. The new situation that was ushered with the dawn of the New Year has been dramatically different from the preceding year when the diatribe and vitriolic exchange of words between US President Donald J Trump and North Korea's Kim Jong Un raised the spectre of a major regional conflict with potential to assume a global dimension. The first in a series of summit diplomacy was between Moon Jae-in, the South Korean president, and Kim Jong Un in April 2018 followed by two summits in succession. Then was the big event, a summit between Trump and Kim in Singapore in June 2018, with talks now for another summit, the dates and venue of which remain undecided. At a time when leaders are engaged to address North Korea's nuclear and missile issue, Japan, a potential adversary in a possible conflict situation centering in the Korean peninsula, is reaching out to China, North Korea's main benefactor. Japan's Prime Minister Abe Shinzo is also trying to mend fences with Russia, reaching out to President Vladimir Putin to resolve territorial disputes and sign a peace treaty with Russia. In this matrix of power relations and issues creating conflictual relationships, Abe's tasks are cut out. Seen one way, Japan sits in a vital position to address these issues and provides Abe a huge challenge as well as opportunity to demonstrate his leadership to the region and the world. Against this background, Abe's visit to China and summit diplomacy with Chinese President Xi Jinping, immediately followed by Prime Minister Narendra Damodardas Modi's visit to Japan, needs critical analysis. With a view to mend fences between the two traditional rivals, Abe made a rare visit to Beijing on October 23, 2018 with the hope to improve relations and seek new vistas for economic partnerships and common ground in the wake of both nations coming under US pressure on trade. Trump has levied tariffs on imports both from Japan and China with a view to correct the trade imbalance. It was an opportunity for Abe and Xi to discuss how to cope with this new challenge thrown up by Trump. Since both sides are on the same side on the trade issue, if Japan leans away from the US because of decreased economic opportunities, the prospects of both Japan and China getting closer would be enhanced. The trade war with the US seems to have facilitated/hastened Abe's China visit, the first by a Japanese prime minister since 2011. Though Abe visited China in 2016 to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Beijing, this visit was the first formal journey to the Middle Kingdom by a Japanese prime minister in seven years. The timing of Abe's visit is significant as October 23 marked the 40th anniversary of the Treaty of Japan-China Peace and Friendship that took effect in 1978, and follows Prime Minister Li Keqiang's visit to Japan in May 2018 for a three-way summit among Japan, China and South Korea. The bilateral accord was described by then Japanese prime minister Takeo Fukuda as 'an iron bridge that evolved from a suspension bridge.' The 1972 joint communique that established diplomatic ties between Tokyo and Beijing was thus strengthened into a full treaty. With Abe's visit, the two sides are poised to develop their relations further. Abe's visit was part of a long process to repair ties in the wake of a disastrous falling out in 2012, when Tokyo 'nationalised' disputed islands claimed by Beijing. The incident prompted anti-Japanese riots in China and kicked off a frosty spell that has only gradually and recently begun to thaw. A chance encounter between Abe and Xi on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok in September paved the way for ministerial visits by both sides and a softening of rhetoric. Indeed, Abe's Beijing visit provided a 'historic opportunity' to work on multifarious bilateral issues. Xi observed this opportunity to make 'a new historic orientation for the development of Sino-Japanese relations'. Abe reciprocated Xi's desire by expressing to switch relations from 'competition to collaboration.' IMAGE: JapanesePrime Minister Shinzo Abe and China's Supreme Leader Xi Jinping at the Diaoyutai state fuesthouse in Beijing, October 26, 2018. Photograph: Nicolas Asfouri/Reuters The Abe-Xi bonhomie is being interpreted by analysts as an attempt to hedge the risks thrown by Trump. Such an interpretation stems from the fact that both focused on cooperation on trade and avoided the issue of disputes over islands in East China Sea. Abe was accompanied by around 500 Japanese business leaders. Both leaders signed a dozen deals including a currency swap worth $30.29 billion effective until 2021. The pacts were reached as both nations looked to carve out new areas of cooperation and seek ways to promote trust which has been fragile at times after diplomatic relations resumed in 1972. Deals worth $18 billion signed between Chinese and Japanese companies reflected the 'bright prospects' for cooperation between the two countries. A deal towards establishing a yuan clearing bank was also inked. The revival of a currency swap arrangement with a new currency pact after a four-year hiatus between the Bank of Japan and the People's Bank of China will allow the yen to be swapped for the yuan and vice versa in times of a financial crisis and keep the financial system stable. The previous pact, concluded in 2002, expired in 2013 after deterioration in bilateral relations due to tensions over the Senkaku Islands. With momentum gathering for improvement in relations, both sides agreed to study reviving the currency pact when Premier Li visited Japan in May. The central banks of both Japan and China also exchanged memoranda of understanding to exchange information on the establishment in Japan of a yuan clearinghouse, which settles the Chinese currency-denominated transactions outside China. The moot point to boost economic ties followed the Sino-US standoff over tariff issues as both Abe and Xi resolved to safeguard long-term healthy and stable bilateral ties. The tit-for-tat tariff battle between the US and China can have serious implications for Japan, which Abe wanted to address in his talks with Xi. An agreement to boost cooperation in the securities markets including the listing of exchange-trade funds and facilitate smoother customs clearance was another highlight of the more than 50 deals and agreements signed between the two Asian neighbours. Abe and Xi agreed that both sides should accelerate talks on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and on a China-Japan-Korea trade zone. The RCEP is a free trade agreement proposed by China with Southeast Asia and various countries on the Pacific Rim including Japan. The Belt and Road Initiative has been Xi's pet project and obviously this figured prominently in the Abe-Xi talks. Abe signaled some interest in the BRI, which funds major infrastructure works. While Japanese business is keen to have increased access to China's massive market, Beijing is interested in Japanese technology and corporate knowhow. Since both are complementary economies, they can derive mutual dividends by deepening trade and investment ties. Japanese firms -- including big auto companies like Toyota -- are excited that improvement in ties with China can help them compete with their US and European rivals in that country. On its part, Beijing expects Tokyo to endorse its ambitious BRI programme, an initiative that Xi hopes will further boost trade and transport links with other countries. The government of Japan needs to remain circumspect, but should back its private sector and let the companies make their own decisions. It is too risky for the State to get involved too far. Japanese companies can accumulate experience on how to deal with the BRI as they cooperate with companies from other countries. Denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula also figured in the Abe-Xi discussion. This probably influenced both leaders to undertake a more in-depth strategic dialogue. The mutual threat perception that bedeviled Sino-Japanese ties was relegated to the backburner. Abe informed Xi of Japan's determination to normalise diplomatic relations with North Korea, but only if preconditions were met, including denuclearisation and the release of kidnapped Japanese citizens. Abe was trying to send China a message that it is the responsibility of both countries to work towards maintaining peace and stability in the region. An invitation by Abe to Xi to visit Japan in 2019 could materialise soon. Xi has promised to 'seriously consider' the invitation. However, territorial issues are unlikely to go away so soon. In fact, days before Abe's trip, Tokyo lodged an official complaint after Chinese ships cruised around the disputed islands that Tokyo calls the Senkaku and Beijing labels the Diaoyu islands. In September, Japan conducted its first submarine drills in the disputed South China Sea. Though Japan has no claims on this oceanic space, it has expressed concern about Chinese military activities in the South China Sea. When Abe returned to power in his second stint as prime minister in 2012, Sino-Japanese ties were at its nadir because of the feud over the East China Sea islands and the territorial dispute, which was a key source of friction between the two countries. Despite a host of economic deals, Abe was categorical in telling his counterpart Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang that there would be 'no genuine improvement' in bilateral ties unless there was 'stability in the East China Sea'. Abe's position is tricky. While worried about China's growing naval power, his keenness to build close economic ties with Japan's biggest trading partner has merit. However, Abe faces the difficult task to balance Japan's rapprochement with China without upsetting Japan's key security ally, the US, with which it has trade problems of its own. Seen differently, the sudden chill in China's relations with the US over trade issues meant China was looking for friends and Abe seized the opportunity and use it to nudge XI toward policies that support global norms of economic and diplomatic cooperation. On the surface, it appeared Abe scored the first round with a series of economic deals and if implemented sincerely, both would benefit as also the rest of the world. Both Japan and China face a common challenge: How to deal with Trump. While China faces a wall of US tariffs and responded with retaliatory measures, Japan has also been bullied by the Trump administration in a smaller way, forcing it into bilateral trade talks, scheduled to begin in January 2019. Thus, a new situation emerges where two historical rivals -- Japan and China -- seek influence across Asia to checkmate a power -- the US -- that is disrupting the established world order. This new situation presents China an opportunity to seek a special ally in Japan. If Abe and Xi remain sincere in their commitments to what they resolved to address during Abe's visit, their standing as world statesman would have received a boost. Dr Rajaram Panda is a Lok Sabha Research Fellow, Parliament of India, New Delhi. 'Hindu unity is possible without any external forces playing any role if their faith is questioned.' IMAGE: The Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala. Photograph: PTI Photo Prayar Gopalakrishnan -- former president of the Kerala Devaswom Board and a member of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee -- is at the forefront of the agitation against the Supreme Court judgment on the Sabarimala shrine in Kerala. "There are umpteen judgments which were not implemented at all, but the state government wanted to take this upon themselves as their duty to implement it immediately," Gopalakrishnan tells Rediff.com's Shobha Warrier. As a former president of the Kerala Devaswom Board, how do you look at what is happening in Sabarimala? It was painful, at the same time I saw the unity of all believers in Sabarimala. When I say believers, it includes not just Hindu believers, but believers from other religions. They too have become part of the believers of Ayyappa. I also saw the secular face of India at Sabarimala through Lord Ayyappa. Sabarimala heralded the victory of all the believers, eclipsing all the conspiracies and conspirators. And who created such an opportunity? This government itself. Do you think the state government was eager to implement this verdict? Yes, all the people associated with this government are atheists and materialists. That was why they blindly thought they could destroy all beliefs easily. What we saw at Sabarimala in the last five days, and what the bhaktas, the public and even the officers experienced, was the result of what they purposely welcomed. This kind of tension would not have happened if not for their short sightedness. It is essential for all the believers to stop what these people are trying to do because beliefs are above everything else. I am glad that a situation arose at Sabarimala so that all the believers could unite against these forces. What you have to understand is, what you saw at Sabarimala, the unity of all believers, the unity of all Ayyappas did not happen because of anybody's effort, because of any external force; it was spontaneous. I am glad it was the conspiracies by these vested interests that resulted in this unity. Did it surprise you when Ayyappa devotees who had come from various states stood guard for six days without going back, that so many women came out on the streets protesting against the verdict? Personally, these happenings did not surprise me at all. The conspiracy to let young women enter Sabarimala started in 2006 when the LDF (Left Democratic Front) was in power. When some lawyers approached the Supreme Court in 2006, it was the government under Achuthananadan Sir (then chief minister V S Achuthanandan) that submitted the affidavit that women of all ages could enter Sabarimala. This case remained silent for a decade or so. On November 13, 2015, my party gave me the opportunity or, let me put it this way, Lord Ayyappa gave me the blessing to be the president of the Devaswom Board. That was when I could understand everything about this case. When I came to know what the case was all about, I let the Supreme Court lawyer K K Venugopal (now India's attorney general) know our desire to file another affidavit. He then told me that we would not be able to win the case unless we withdrew the affidavit filed in 2007. I immediately let (then) chief minister Oommen Chandy sir know about the situation and he made corrections in the affidavit filed in 2007. The new affidavit explained that nobody should do anything against the traditions followed at Sabarimala, and that the Devaswom Board also decided to handle the case with utmost seriousness. When the Supreme Court judgment came now in 2018, it was as if this government was waiting for such a judgment to come. From the very next day, they showed extreme eagerness to implement it. You have to remember that there are umpteen number of judgments which were not implemented at all, but they wanted to take this upon themselves as their duty to implement it immediately. As there was no instruction from the Supreme Court to implement this order from a particular date, the LDF government started working on this from the very next day. You have been in the forefront against the implementation of this order. Many Congress leaders also have taken this stand. Why? Because India is secular country, the Constitution of this country has given the right to every citizen to choose a religion of his choice and also follow the traditions associated with the religion. So, he should have the right to observe the traditions and the government is obliged to let him do so. Our view is that this right should be protected. Do you feel the verdict did not understand the tradition followed at the Ayyappa temples in Sabarimala? That is why we said we would go for a review petition; to make the court understand our traditions and rituals. I am the first person who said we would give a review petition. I was at the Trivandrum Press Club when the Supreme Court judgment came and then itself, I said we would file a review petition. The most important period at Sabarimala is the Mandala-Makara Vilakku time. Sabarimala opens for five days before that in the Malayalam month of Thulam and you saw what kind of ruckus this government created. Rahul Easwar was the only person who stood by me on this issue. We were peacefully chanting Ayyappa Saranam in front of the forest guard room at Pampa when the police pounced on us and arrested all of us. I was given bail when I was at the police station itself, but after making me sit for 12 hours. Rahul Easwar has been sent for 14 days custody. Do you know how cruel the police had been to him? Is this the way a believer is treated in this country? The police escorted two women the very next day after providing them police uniforms... If you look at the Police Act, you will see that it is a punishable offence to give their uniform to common people. The most important lesson to be learnt is that Hindu unity is possible without any external forces playing any role if their faith is questioned. We saw the first indication when people assembled in the thousands at the Hanuman Kshetram near the assembly on the 2nd of October. We had expected only 100, 200 people for the prayers, but around 2,000 people joined us. The biggest change happened when the Pandalam royal family decided to have a protest march there. Surprising even the family, 25,000 people assembled and when the NSS (Nair Service Society After seeing this kind of outpouring of people, many political parties -- even those who had different opinions on the judgment -- joined the protest. Many people say it is an upper caste movement and those belonging to the backward communities are not with the protest, that the agenda of the upper castes is to distance the other communities from Sabarimala... These are the arguments of those who do want to shut their eyes to the changes happening in our society. Anyway, they also saw the reality. The LDF government should realise that people have woken up to maintain the sanctity of the Sabarimala temple. I think the Devaswom should give a review petition urgently and the government should not use the police force at least during the Makara Vilakku period. I am of the opinion that the central government should come out with a special Act for Sabarimala. While the Congress in Kerala supports the believers, at the national level both the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress have not extended the same support. That is because our temples have tantrika, aagamana, satachara pratishta deities, but it is not so in the northern part of India. So, they do not understand our system. The case went against us because the judges did not comprehend the traditions and rituals followed in our temples. Only Justice Indu Malhotra understood this. Unfortunately, the lone voice of a woman was ignored even though the judgment was concerning women. Two policemen and a cameraperson of Doordarshan were killed and two others were injured in a Maoist attack on Tuesday in poll-bound Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district. IMAGE: DD News cameraman Achyutanand Sahu from Delhi was with his team reporting on the upcoming elections in the state. Photograph: ANI Two naxals were also believed to be killed in retaliatory action by the security forces after the ambush in a forest area near Nilawaya village, around 450 kms from Raipur, the police said. The incident took place at around 11 am when a squad of local police was carrying out patrolling on motor cycles from Sameli camp towards Nilawaya on Tuesday morning, deputy inspector general (anti-naxal operations) Sundarraj P said. A three-member team of Doordarshan was travelling for election-related news coverage at the same time and was caught in the cross-fire, he said. In the attack, sub inspector Rudra Pratap Singh, assistant constable Mangalu and DD News cameraman Achyutanand Sahu were killed, Sundarraj said. Sahu had come from New Delhi for coverage of assembly elections to be held next month, he said. Other two members of the DD team, including a journalist, were safe, the officer said. Constable Vishnu Netam and assistant constable Rakesh Kaushal sustained injuries in the gunfight, he added. The injured have been admitted to Dantewada district hospital, he said, adding that if required, they would be airlifted to Raipur for further medication. D M Awashti, Special Director General (anti-naxal operations), said the exchange of fire between the maoists and security forces went on for about an hour. The naxals then retreated into a village, with the security forces chased them, he said. The security forces saw two people being dragged away by the maoists, which indicated that they were killed in the retaliatory action. After the gunbattle, the security forces recovered 8 to 10 improvised explosive devices, which were later defused, Awasthi said. He said the attack was not linked to the upocoming assembly elections but was aimed at discouraging men and contractors working on a road construction project. "I would like to clarify once again that these two incidents -- one which took place this morning and another which took place three days back -- do not have any direct or indirect conection with the ensuing elections in the state," Awasthi said. He said road construction work is underway at several places aross the naxal-affected areas over the last three years and this attack was aimed at thwarting the workers and contractors. Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore condemned the attack and said the insurgents won't be able to weaken the government resolve. "Strongly condemn the Naxal attack on @DDNewsLive crew in Dantewada. Deeply saddened by the demise of our cameraman Achyuta Nanda Sahu and two jawans of @crpfindia. These insurgents will NOT weaken our resolve. We WILL prevail," the minister tweeted. He also announced financial assistance of Rs 15 lakh to the next of kin of the DD News cameraman. Rathore said that Rs 10 lakh would be given as ex gratia by Doordarshan and Rs 5 lakh would be from the Journalist Welfare Fund of the Press Information Bureau, according to an official statement. Teams of Central Reserve Police Force, Special Task Force and District Reserve Guard were immediately rushed to the forest to trace the ultras, the DIG added. On October 27, four CRPF personnel were killed and two others were injured when Maoists blew up their bullet proof bunker vehicle in Awapalli area of Bijapur district. The next day, a BJP leader and member of Dantewada Zila Panchayat Nandlal Mudiyami was seriously injured after ultras attacked him with sharp edged weapons at his village Palnar in Dantwada. The state is going to polls next month and naxalites have asked voters to boycott the exercise. The first phase of polls covering 18 constituencies of eight naxal-affected districts Bastar, Kanker Sukma, Bijapur, Dantewada, Narayanpur, Kondagaon and Rajnandgaon will be held on November 12. The remaining 72 constituencies will witness polling on November 20. The counting of votes will take place on December 11. Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and appointed former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa as the new premier. Sirisenas move has triggered a constitutional crisis in the country. Here are some points about the unfolding crisis and the role of key players: IMAGE: A man walks past a poster of Sri Lanka's newly appointed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and President Maithripala Sirisena on a main road in Colombo. Photograph: Dinuka Liyanawatte/Reuters Government Sri Lanka has a semi-presidential system of government in which a president exists alongside a prime minister and a cabinet. The prime minister is responsible to the legislature of the country. Sri Lanka has an executive presidency which is more powerful than the United States presidency. Executive power lies with the president, who may summon, suspend or prorogue a legislative session. The president appoints the prime minister, the leader of the majority party in parliament. The Cabinet is appointed by the president in consultation with the prime minister. Parliament consists of 225 members elected under an electoral district based proportional representation to serve a five-year term. Of these, 196 MPs are elected from 22 electoral districts based on proportional votes, with the remaining 29 seats decided on the basis of the proportion of the national cumulative vote received by each party. Major players Maithripala Sirisena, the current president whose broader political front United Peoples Freedom Alliance withdrew from the unity government. Ranil Wickremesinghe, the senior leader of the United National Party, who was sacked as the prime minister by the president last week. Mahinda Rajapaksa, the former two-time president, who was appointed as the new prime minister by the incumbent president in a dramatic move. IMAGE: Sri Lanka's newly appointed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa is blessed by Buddhist monks during the ceremony to assume duties at the Prime Minister office in Colombo. Photograph: Dinuka Liyanawatte/Reuters Political background Sirisena secured a surprise victory in the presidential elections in 2015, defeating two-time president Rajapaksa. Sirisena and Wickremesinghe joined hands to form a government of national unity in 2015 to bring in constitutional and governance reforms including a new Constitution to address the long-standing issues of the Tamil minority. Sirisena had defeated Rajapaksa in the election. Sirisena on Friday sacked his ally Wickremesinghe and appointed former rival Rajapaksa as the new prime minister. Sirisena also suspended parliament till November 16 after Wickremesinghe sought an emergency session to prove his majority. Constitution Sri Lankas current Constitution stipulates the political system as a republic and a unitary state governed by a semi-presidential system. The system differs from India where the president is a purely ceremonial head. IMAGE: Sri Lanka's ousted Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe reacts during a news conference. Photograph: Dinuka Liyanawatte/Reuters Why is there a political crisis in Lanka According to the 19th Amendment enacted in 2015, the president no longer enjoys the power to remove the prime minister at his discretion. The prime minister can only be dismissed if the Cabinet is dismissed or the prime minister resigns or the prime minister ceases to be a member of parliament. The president can remove a minister only on the advice of the prime minister. Parliaments Speaker Karu Jayasuriya has refused to endorse Wickremesinghes sacking as the prime minister. In a letter, Jayasuriya questioned the presidents decision to suspend Parliament till November 16, saying it will have serious and undesirable consequences on the country. What political parties say President Sirisenas camp says that the Cabinet ceased to exist the moment the UPFA withdrew from the national government. When there is no Cabinet, the president has the power to appoint the person whom he thinks commands the majority in parliament as the prime minister. According to Wickemesinghe, what Sirisena did was unconstitutional because as per Article 46 (2) of the 19th Amendment of the constitution, the president cannot sack a prime minister who enjoys majority support in parliament. Wickremesinghe asserts that he has majority support in parliament. Parties tally Wickremesinghes United National Front has 106 MPs while Rajapaksa has 95 MPs of the United Peoples Progressive Alliance. Rajapaksa needs 18 more MPs to give him a simple majority of 113 in the House of 225 members. Rajapaksa has already got the support of two UNP MPs on Friday Vasantha Senanayake and Ananda Aluthgamage. Main Tamil Party Tamil National Alliance has 16 MPs and the Janatha Vimukthi PeramunaJVP, a communist and MarxistLeninist party, has 6. Pragya Singh Thakur remained at the back of the courtroom during Tuesdays framing of the charges, her face serene, quite different from the fiery person one read about or saw on television. But once the days proceedings were over and she was wheeled out, the sadhvi decided she actually was very keen to meet the media and headed right out into the melee, says Vaihayasi Pande Daniel/Rediff.com. IMAGE: 2008 Malegaon blast case accused Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur leaves the special NIA court after she was charged for terror conspiracy, murder, and other related offences, in Mumbai, Tuesday, Oct 30, 2018. Photograph: Shashank Parade / PTI Photo Pragya Singh Thakur, one of the accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, sitting on a red blanket, was wheeled into Judge Vinod S Padalkars NIA Courtroom 26 on the fifth floor of the Mumbai city civil and sessions court, Kala Ghoda, in a black wheelchair on October 30, Tuesday. She was a study in bright saffron from head to toe. Across her forehead was an intricate band of orange, punctuated by two red tikkas, that must daily take 10 minutes out of her life to paint onto her face. The palms of her hands had orange circles inscribed on them. Her ear lobes were daubed with haldi (turmeric). Three chunky malas and/or rudrakshas sat around her neck -- one of orange-brown beads, another sienna-brown and the last had clear plastic or glass beads. A rudraksha was also wrapped around her wrist. She wore a gold ring on the fourth finger of her right hand. Spectacles were perched on her nose. A silver ring shone on the big toe of the sadhvis left foot and her slightly puffy feet were jammed into laced, heeled sandals. She is said to be paralysed below her waist. The sadhvis voluminous orange robes, that had a light zari edging, concealed a thick-set figure. Her face was framed by a boy cut, and her wrists and arms were chunky. She was a benign, quiet presence in the back of the courtroom, through the hearing, her face serene, quite different from the fiery person one read about or saw on television. She emitted a soothing fragrance that seemed closest to baby talc. The other motley six accused in this case, who were granted bail by the high court in 2017 along with Pragya -- the court clerk referred to one of them as Swamiji -- occupied two benches near the sadhvi at the back of the courtroom at the command of the judge. Some were in dhotis, some in orange robes, many in kurtas, some sporting saphas (scarves wrapped around the head) or gold earrings (the men). The room was full of tikkas and tilaks. Plenty of reds and oranges presided too. And uch Hindi. Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Shrikant Purohit, a man of short stature and one of the last to enter the room, strode over to occupy the bench the judge had designated for the aropi/accused (given that the box was too small for seven). He looked out of place in his sober white shirt and grey-black pants, a decorative steel chain looped between his shirt pocket and its buttons, among that crowd. One usually knows when Purohit is visiting the sessions court because the television cameras, on tripods outside, multiply and his security detail floods the narrow lane outside the court. Turbaned soldiers pace about while guards hoisting menacing AK47s stand by. And the courts own security is on its toes, checking bags and purses assiduously. It is a signal that someone important is within the building. But Tuesday in the courtroom, sitting along with the other accused on a rickety bench, some of Purohits importance had been taken away from him, even if his military demeanour and erect posture set him apart from the rest of that bunch. The September 29, 2008, Malegaon blast case, one of the most prominent cases of alleged saffron terror in which six were killed and 101 injured by an explosive strapped to a motorcycle in a central Maharashtra, Muslim-dominated town, has been occupying headlines for the past 10 years now -- initially while a tediously long investigation unfolded and more recently when charges against only seven out of 12 remained and when the fate of the commencement of the trial was tied up by orders and counter orders from higher courts. (You would be forgiven for being quite surprised to hear that 10 years later the trial has not even begun.) But the stern-mannered Judge Padalkar, recently appointed, who runs a very starchy, efficient, newly-renovated courtroom, had had enough. He told the court as much Tuesday when he framed the charges that set the trial on its way when he announced, I am going to frame the charges today only! His announcement came after the defence lawyers made a last-ditch attempt to stall the start of the trial. IMAGE: Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Purohit leaves the special NIA court after he was charged for terror conspiracy, murder, and other related offences, in Mumbai, on Tuesday. Photograph: Shashank Parade / PTI Photo Purohits lawyer Shrikant Shivade made a manful attempt to request the court to wait another four days to a week for an answer from the higher court though the Bombay high court had refused to stay the framing of the charges in Courtroom 26. All will be washed out if my challenge in the high court succeeds. He went on to speak about Purohits extremely meritorious record and how he had been injured several times on the border and that an ex-Pakistani army chief had demanded his custody. Yet he had spent more than seven years in jail. Speaking for Purohit, Shivade declared that framing charges was worse than a death sentence for him, given honour was at stake. The prosecution advocate Avinash Rasal countered Shivades argument in a few sentences and asked, Is it not that you delayed the process? Shivade responded: Every time we moved for bail (we were) told the investigation is pending Asking for time to move a higher court Shivade said, Just give me four days time. Four days wont make a difference in eight years! With that he closed his plea and sat down. Given the ebb and flow of arguments in a courtroom, with each view sounding utterly convincing till the next is tabled, it looked like Purohits lawyer might have made some impact on the judge. But Judge Padalkar, after carefully hearing out both advocates and making very precise notes himself, firmly stated he had no intention of delaying, for even one minute longer, the business of framing the charges which he said were prepared and ready -- and beginning the trial. (Four days) makes a difference to this court. With that he set the ball rolling. Each of the accused was asked to identify himself/herself, supply his/her age, profession and confirm the address the court already had on record. One of the accused had not yet reached court though it was already 1 pm and his lawyer sheepishly announced he was just reaching Kala Ghoda (a few minutes away). Two other accused -- Sandeep Dange and Ramchandra Kalsangra -- have been absconding for many years, with their relatives alleging that they have been killed. IMAGE: Malegaon blast 2008 accused and religious leader Dayanand Pandey leaves the special NIA court after he was charged for terror conspiracy, murder and other related offences, in Mumbai, Tuesday, October 30, 2018. Photograph: Shashank Parade / PTI Photo IMAGE: Malegaon blast 2008 accused and religious leader Dayanand Pandey leaves the special NIA court after he was charged for terror conspiracy, murder and other related offences, in Mumbai, Tuesday, October 30, 2018. The professions of the accused were mixed -- sanyasin/sanyasi, social work (samajik kaam), small business owner, army service. The ages varied between 45 and 60 something. Said Pragya in Hindi 47. 48 chal raha hai. The addresses of the accused ranged from Pune, Mumbai to Bhopal and Haridwar. Great emphasis was made, by some of the accused, to inform the court that Bhopal was in Madhya Pradesh and Haridwar in Uttarakhand, seeming to give the subtle message that a Mumbai court might be weak on north Indian geography. Accused Major (retired) Ramesh Upadhyay got up to give his age and said he was from Gurgaon, Haryana. As the judge was noting it down, Upadhyay added pointedly that the place was now called Gurugram. The judge looked up at him, momentarily pausing his writing. Upadhyay took it as a sign to help explain his geographical location better and said succinct words to the effect: Gurugram, where a Christian killed a judges wife and son. The judge ignored him. Judge Padalkar then asked the accused in which language he should announce the charges and if they either understood English or Marathi. A whole bunch of murmuring started up among the accused (barring Purohit whose English is fairly impeccable) as they indignantly announced they didnt know English or Marathi and would like to hear the charges in Hindi. The chorus: Hindi sabko aati hai (Everyone knows Hindi). The refrain for Hindi was again it seemed, an effort to make statement. Later many of those demanding the court speak to them in Hindi were speaking excellent English in the corridors outside the court. The judge lost patience and muttered something to the effect of Arre bhaiya Upadhyay, like an irritating smartie-pants classroom back bencher, popped up again to announce that the judges usage of the word bhaiya was an insult given the words connotation in Mumbai. But this time Upadhyay had gone too far. Judge Padalkar began reprimanding Upadhyay. Someone dug an elbow into Upadhyay whispering to him to apologise and Upadhyay offered a half-hearted, lame I had not intended to say that. The judge carefully read out the charges -- the accused had been charged with being part of a terrorist act under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, and for participating in a criminal conspiracy and murder under the Indian Penal Code. Judge Padalkar asked the accused to appear before the NIA court by November 2. With that the proceedings wrapped up. Colonel Purohit, whose wife Aparna was in the courtroom with him, approached the judge to say that he was upset that the charges were still being framed against him: I never expected this. He went on to say that it was about my integrity and honesty and how no one could doubt it. Disappointed he left. One by one the other accused exited the courtroom. The sadhvi was taken down to the ground floor by lift. Her reverential handlers then debated which path to use to leave the building. Several advised them to not try departing from the front entrance because the media had gheraoed it. But the sadhvi decided she actually was very keen to meet the media and headed right out into the melee. As she was carefully brought down the ramp, towards the entrance gates, television crews, in less than a split second, noticed her arrival and scrambled (leapt) over to her side, in a mad dash mowing down anyone in their path. They began sticking mics and cameras through the bars of the court gate for significant sound bites from her, edging suffocatingly closer. Passers-by, seeing the hyperkinetic media enthusiasm on the street, stopped in their tracks and migrated over to this spectacle, peering at the sanyasin through the bars of the courts boundary fence. The bewilderment on their faces said it all. This celeb in her orange clothes was no Bollywood star or neta. They were baffled. Who was she? The sadhvi took off in a loud voice, back to the fiery persona one had read about: Lekin hum shanti purvak sab prakar ka kaam karte hain. Humare desh mein, Hinduo ke desh mein, Hinduvadi desh mein, Hinduon ke dharti par koi terror kaise phela sakte hai (We work peacefully. In our country, in our Hindu country, our country of Hindu followers, on the earth of Hindus, how can one spread terror)? She was then wheeled over to her vehicle as the media scrimmage made a Usain Bolt-style dash towards Purohit who was exiting from another gate. On November 2, 2018, ten years after the terror attack, the trial in the Malegaon 2008 blast case will finally begin in Mumbai. 'I am not a Hinduwadi leader, but a nationalist leader. I am a leader of every religion, every caste, every language and every class' IMAGE: Congress President Rahul Gandhi offer prayers at Mahakaleshwar temple during his two-day tour to Malwa-Nimar region, in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. Photograph: PTI Photo Asserting that he does not need the Bharatiya Janata Party's "certificate" to visit temples, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi said on Tuesday he understands the Hindu religion better than the saffron party does and he is a "nationalist leader" who respects every religion. "I am not a 'Hinduwadi' leader, but a nationalist leader. I am a leader of every religion, every caste, every language and every class," he said. A day after the BJP's barb that Gandhi was "exhibiting fancy dress Hinduism" with his temple visits in the poll-bound Madhya Pradesh and in other states earlier, the Congress leader retorted, "Are the country's temples the sole property of the BJP and the RSS? Have only Modi and Shah got the contract to visit temples?" Interacting with select journalists in Indore, Gandhi said the BJP remains silent whenever Prime Minister Narendra Modi or the BJP president Amit Shah visit a temple wearing clothes as per that temple's tradition. "But when Kamal Nath, Jyotiraditya Scindia and I wear clothes as per the temple's tradition, it is said that we are exhibiting fancy dress Hinduism," he said. Gandhi had started his two-day tour of Madhya Pradesh on Monday after offering prayers at Ujjain's famous Mahakaleshwar temple. Hours after Gandhi's temple visit, BJP spokesman Sambit Patra had alleged, "... Rahul Gandhi is exhibiting fancy dress Hinduism continuously. To mislead the Hindus, he is sporting a "janeu" (sacred thread) over the shirt. We demand that 'janeudhari' Rahul Gandhi clarify to which 'gotra' (clan) does he belong to." Gandhi said, "If I feel like going to a temple and offering prayers to God then I will definitely visit it. I don't need a certificate from the BJP. I understand Hindu religion better than the BJP does." Replying to a question, he said he visits mosques, gurudwaras, churches and other places of worship as he respects every religion. Describing Hinduism and Hindutva as two different concepts, he said, "Hinduism is a liberal and progressive concept that teaches love and respect for others, while there is hatred, insecurity and anger in the foundation of the BJP's idea of Hindutva." "The BJP has ownership of Hindutva. But no one can claim sole ownership of Hinduism because it is a great concept. No one group can have a monopoly over it... We are a party which believes not in Hindutva, but in Hinduism," he said. "When I visited temples during the Gujarat elections, the BJP went mad thinking how did I go there, although I had been to temples earlier. I had also visited Ayodhya," he said. On a question regarding efforts to bring the issue of Ram temple into focus ahead of the upcoming polls, he said, "The Modi government has failed to fulfil the promises of ending corruption, bringing good days, providing jobs to youths and right prices to the farmers for their produce." "This government can see only one way to save itself. But it will not be able to save itself," he said. Later, canvassing for the Congress in Dhar in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, Gandhi alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has "failed" to keep his electoral promise of ushering in acche din (good days) and people are feeling "betrayed" now. Gandhi also accused the prime minister of helping only select industrialists while neglecting farmers, tribals and youth of the country. Gandhi said the ruling BJP wanted to create two types of Hindustan -- one for the rich and another for the poor. "On the contrary, the Congress believes in one Hindustan where if loan of rich people is waived similarly the debt of farmers will also be waived," he said. The state BJP unit, however, said Gandhi was levelling "false and fabricated" allegations as the Modi government has done a lot for youth of the country by facilitating setting up of new factories and start-ups, while a number of schemes have been launched to help the poor and tribals. In his speech, Gandhi said people of India, especially youths, had voted Modi to power by trusting him for the promises he had made. The Congress chief began a two-day tour of the Malwa-Nimar region, a BJP stronghold, in the central Indian state, from Ujjain on Monday. The Congress has been out of power in Madhya Pradesh since 2003 and is trying to make a comeback in the forthcoming assembly elections, scheduled to be held on November 28. Gandhi said the Congress will waive loans of farmers in Madhya Pradesh within ten days if it is voted to power in the state. "If new chief minister (of Congress) delays waiving loans of farmers even by one day (beyond the promised ten days), we will install a new chief minister," he said. The Congress president also promised to set up food processing units near farms so that farmers could avail good price for their produce and their wards get employment. Continuing his attack on the BJP government at the Centre, Gandhi said, "After coming to power, prime minister Narendra Modi failed to help tribals, youths, labourers and farmers, and instead helped only 10-15 industrialists like Anil Ambani, Nirav Modi, as a result of which people are feeling betrayed." He said, "I wanted to ask you how many youths were given employment by Ambani and Nirav Modi. Life of how many farmers have they changed?" While the BJP and the government have rejected these allegations, Gandhi has been accusing the Modi government of allowing liquor baron Vijay Mallya, who is facing loan default cases, as well as businessmen Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi flee the country. Besides, he has been alleging undue benefits in the Rafale deal to Anil Ambani's Reliance group, which has rejected the charges. Nirav Modi and Choksi are accused in the alleged multi-crore PNB fraud. "While he (Modi) has given Rs 35,000-40,000 crore to industrialists then why couldn't he give the money to you and your children for their education? What wrong have you done? (for not getting the monetary aid)?" Gandhi asked. "Earlier Modiji used to say acche din aayenge (good days will come) but now people are saying chowkidar chor hai. This is the state of affairs of the country in just four years," he said. BJP have strongly reacted to similar allegations made by Gandhi in the past and has accused him of using abusive language for the prime minister. Reacting to Gandhi's speech, the state BJP spokesman Rahul Kothari said these he was levelling "false and fabricated" allegations on performance of the Modi government. "The Modi government has done a lot for youths of the country by establishing new factories and start-ups. These steps have started yielding results," he said. "The government has launched schemes like the 'Prime Minister Housing Scheme' and the 'Ujjwala Yojana' (for providing LPG connections to women of BPL families) for the poor and tribals in a big way to help them," he said. Kothari also countered Gandhi on the issue of development. "Rahul Gandhi only talks about setting up mobile phone manufacturing factories in his speeches, but the Modi government has taken the number of such units from just two to 120 after coming to power," Kothari said. All the accused, present in the court when the judge read out the charges against them, pleaded not guilty in the case. IMAGE: Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Purohit leaves the special NIA court after he was charged for terror conspiracy, murder, and other related offenses, in Mumbai. Photograph: Shashank Parade/PTI Photo A special court on Tuesday framed terror charges against Lt Col Prasad Purohit, Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur and five other accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, setting the stage for their trial that will commence on Friday. Observing that the organisation named Abhinav Bharat was formed by the accused with the common object to "spread terrorism", the court in Mumbai also framed charges of criminal conspiracy and murder, among other offences. Six people were killed and over 100 injured when an explosive device strapped on a motorcycle went off near a mosque in Malegaon, a town about 200 km from Mumbai in north Maharashtra, on September 29, 2008. Judge Vinod Padalkar, presiding over the special National Investigation Agency court, framed charges against all the seven accused under relevant sections of the stringent Unlawful Activities Prevention Act and the Indian Penal Code. After framing of the charges, the court posted the case on November 2 for the trial to commence. Framing of charges is a process after which the trial in a criminal case starts. Apart from Purohit and Sadhvi, the other accused are -- Major (retired) Ramesh Upadhyay, Ajay Rahirkar, Sudhakar Dwivedi, Sudhakar Chaturvedi and Sameer Kulkarni. All the accused were present in the court when the judge read out the charges against them. They pleaded not guilty in the case. The accused were charged under sections 16 (committing terrorist act) and 18 (conspiring to commit terrorist act) of the UAPA. Under the IPC, they were charged under sections 120 (b) (criminal conspiracy), 302 (murder), 307 (attempt to murder), 324 (voluntarily causing hurt) and 153 (a) (promoting enmity between two religious groups). If convicted under these sections, the maximum punishment can be life imprisonment or death. The accused were also charged under relevant sections of the Explosive Substances Act. The judge, while reading out the charges against the accused persons said, "The Abhinav Bharat organisation was formed with the common object to spread terrorism and a bomb with RDX was planted on a motorcycle in Malegaon that killed six persons and injured 101 others." "The accused persons came together to hatch a conspiracy to commit a terrorist act and procured explosives to further their conspiracy," Padalkar said. According to the prosecution, the accused persons had formed the right-wing group Abhinav Bharat and held meetings under this group's name at various places in the country, where the alleged conspiracy was hatched. Purohit told the court he never expected the charges to be framed against him and said, "No one can doubt my honesty, integrity and service record." Thakur, after the court proceedings, told reporters that the investigating agency had given her a "clean chit" in the case. "Despite that charges have been framed against me. My struggle against this will continue. I will eventually win because I am right," she said. IMAGE: Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur leaves the special NIA court. Photograph: Shashank Parade/PTI Photo On December 27 last year, the special NIA court had dismissed pleas filed by Purohit, Thakur and others seeking to be discharged from the case. The NIA, after taking over the case, filed a charge sheet in 2016 giving a clean chit to Sadhvi and three others--Shyam Sahu, Praveen Takalki and Shivnarayan Kalsangra--saying it found no evidence against them and they should be discharged from the case. The NIA court, however, absolved only Sahu, Kalsangra and Takalki, and said Sadhvi will have to face the charges. At that time, the special court had dropped stringent charges under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act against the accused, but had said they will face charges under the UAPA and other sections of the IPC, including murder and criminal conspiracy. The accused later challenged the validity of the UAPA against them. Earlier this month, the special court rejected their pleas challenging the applicability of the UAPA against them. Purohit last week approached the Bombay high court challenging the lower court order. He sought a stay of the process of framing of charges till his appeal is heard and decided. On Monday, the high court, however, refused to do so and posted the petition for hearing on November 21 and sought the NIA's response. The high court refused Purohit's request for staying the proceedings in the trial court, noting that in the past, both the Supreme Court and the Bombay High Court had passed orders directing the trial court to expedite the hearing in the case. Purohit, however, argued through his counsel Shrikant Shivade that he cannot be prosecuted in the case since the sanction granted by the government to prosecute him was "wrong in law". A prior government sanction for Purohit's prosecution was required since he was a serving Army officer at the time of his arrest. The sanction was issued by the additional chief secretary of the Maharashtra home department on January 17, 2009. Shivade claimed that under the UAPA, the state law and judiciary department, which is the sanctioning authority, has to constitute an appropriate authority and seek its report first. In his case, the sanction was given in January 2009, but the authority was appointed only in October 2010, he argued. The sanction in Purohit's case thus was not valid under the UAPA, Shivade maintained. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's son Kartikey filed a criminal defamation suit on Tuesday against Congress chief Rahul Gandhi in a local court, accusing the Congress leader of intentionally making a false allegation about his name being in Panama Papers of alleged tax evaders. IMAGE: Congress president Rahul Gandhi addresses a rally in Khargone, Madhya Pradesh. Photograph: Kind courtesy @INCIndia/Twitter Gandhi, who had made these comments during an election rally in Jhabua on Monday, sought to clarify his remarks saying he had got "confused" and the Madhya Pradesh chief minister's son had no link to the Panama Papers case. In the suit filed in the Special Court of Additional District Judge Suresh Singh through his lawyer Shirish Shrivastava, Kartikey Chouhan has alleged that Gandhi intentionally gave the statement to defame him. The criminal defamation case was filed under sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code. Under these sections, a person guilty of criminal defamation can be sent to jail for two years. The court has posted the matter for November 3 when Kartikey's statement will be recorded. The Panama papers refer to 11.5 million leaked documents published by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists in 2016 with details of offshore entities set up by a Panama-based legal firm. The list included several Indian individuals and entities, many of whom are facing investigation. Addressing a rally in Jhabua district of poll-bound Madhya Pradesh on Monday, Gandhi had alleged the name of the son of 'mamaji' had figured in the Panama Papers but no action was taken against him. Chief Minister Chouhan is often referred to as 'mamaji', though Gandhi did not specifically name him. Hours after Gandhi's allegations, Kartikey Chouhan had rejected the allegations. "Rahul Gandhi has made a false allegation of my involvement in Panama Papers. I am aggrieved as the image of mine and my family were damaged in a childish manner," he had said, while warning of "strict legal action" if the Congress leader did not apologise within 48 hours. Kartikey's counsel said Gandhi's statement was intended to defame Chouhan and his family as the Congress has failed to make a dent in the popularity of the chief minister. "Now they are levelling allegations against his family and children. It was a clear cut intention. It was a well-planned statement," Shrivastava said. Speaking to a select group of journalists in Indore, Rahul sought to clarify his remarks and said, "For campaigning I am touring Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan these days. The ruling BJP has indulged in so many scams and corruption that yesterday, I got confused." "In Panama Paper leak case, Madhya Pradesh chief minister has no role," Gandhi said, but alleged that the BJP chief minister had a role in scams like Vyapam and e-tendering, among others. The Vyapam scam refers to massive irregularities in state government jobs recruitment and selection in medical courses done by the Madhya Pradesh Professional Examination Board. The main Opposition party has also been alleging large-scale corruption through e-tendering in Madhya Pradesh. It has claimed massive irregularities in grant of state government procurement and other works through a website developed by two private IT companies. The ruling party has denied these allegations. A massive fire broke out at a slum in suburban Mumbais Bandra on Tuesday morning, fire brigade official said. All photographs: Hitesh Harisinghani/Rediff.com No loss of life has been reported so far and eight water tankers, nine fire engines as well as 10 fire tenders have been rushed to the spot to put out the blaze, the official said. The incident was reported at 11.50 am in Nargis Dutt Nagar slum, located opposite Bandra fire station in Bandra (West), the disaster management cell of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation said in a statement. WATCH: Fire engines, tenders rush to the spot to douse the flames A joint team of fire brigade, ward staffers and Mumbai Police personnel has been mobilised to douse the flames, it added. Local MLA and Mumbai Bharatiya Janata Party chief Ashish Shelar, who is overseeing the rescue operation, said prima facie the blaze was triggered by a cylinder blast in the slum. The statue has been built using over 70,000 tonnes of cement, 18,500 tonnes of reinforcement steel, 6,000 tonnes of structural steel and 1,700 metric tonnes of bronze, which was used for the outer cladding of the structure. The Statue of Unity, a 182-metre giant structure built in honour of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, will be dedicated to the nation on Wednesday by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The imposing monument, touted as the world's tallest statue, is twice the height of Statue of Liberty and is built on an islet, Sadhu Bet, near the Sardar Sarovar Dam in Narmada district. After Modi unveils the statue, three Indian Air Force planes would fly past and create the tricolour in the sky by emitting saffron, white and green colours, said an official release Tuesday. Modi would also inaugurate the 'Wall of Unity' (a monument defining India's unity) near the statue. At that time, three Jaguar fighter jets would fly past the structure at a low altitude, said the release. After inaugurating the Wall of Unity, Modi would offer floral tributes to Patel, whose birth anniversary falls on October 31. At the same time, two MI-17 helicopters would shower flowers on the statue, it said. On the occasion, cultural and musical programmes will be performed by the bands of Gujarat Police, armed and paramilitary forces. There will be dance and musical performances by artistes drawn from 29 states and two Union Territories. Some of other major attractions include inauguration of a 17-km-long Valley of Flowers, a tent city for tourists near the statue and a museum dedicated to the life and times of Patel. A viewing gallery at a height of 135 metres has been created inside the statue to enable tourists to have a view of the dam and nearby mountain ranges. The statue has been built using over 70,000 tonnes of cement, 18,500 tonnes of reinforcement steel, 6,000 tonnes of structural steel and 1,700 metric tonnes of bronze, which was used for the outer cladding of the structure, according to the government statement. The statue's construction had received opposition from some tribal groups in Narmada district. Meanwhile, local tribal leaders have announced a boycott of Wednesday's event claiming "mass destruction" of natural resources due to the project. In an open letter addressed to Modi, sarpanches of 22 villages situated near the Sardar Sarovar dam on the Narmada river have said villagers will not welcome the prime minister when he arrives for the function. "We villagers want to tell you with extreme grief that we will not welcome you on October 31. Even if you come here like an unwanted guest, you are not welcome here," said the common letter signed by sarpanches of the villages of Narmada district, located around 200 km from Ahmedabad. The area still lacks basic facilities like schools, hospitals and drinking water, they alleged. Photographs: ANI The saffron party will use Lord Ayyappa the same way it made use of Lord Ram in the north to take away the Nair vote and make electoral inroads in the state, observes Shine Jacob. IMAGE: Devotees wait in queue inside the Sabarimala temple in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. The state has witnessed violent protests after the Supreme Court in a judgment allowed women aged 10-50 to enter the premises. Photograph: Sivaram V/Reuters Sabarimala is considered one of the largest pilgrimage centres in the world, attracting more than 20 million people a year. However, what grabbed the headlines recently were a Supreme Court order that allowed the entry of women in the age group of 10-50 to the temple, built before the 12th century, and the protests by organisations and political parties led by the Bharatiya Janata Party. While protests are at their peak, with even women journalists being manhandled, many believe this may well set the stage for the BJPs electoral triumph in Kerala, where the party couldnt mark its presence for decades, despite having one of the strongest bases of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. According to reports, the RSS has the maximum number of shakhas -- of more than 5,000 per day -- in Kerala, taking into account all its prants (regions), much higher than the 1,000 per day in Prime Minister Narendra Modis home turf, Gujarat. It was through a judgment in 1991 that the Kerala high court restricted the entry of women of the age group 10-50 to the Sabarimala shrine because they were of the menstruating age. One of the major issues cited then was the celibate status of the deity Lord Ayyappa. Interestingly, the case was then triggered by the shooting of a Tamil film called Nambinor Keduvathillai, in which four young actresses were allegedly made to dance in sacred pathinettam padi (18 steps), according to a report by manoramaonline. A local court had then imposed fines on the actresses and also the Devaswom Board (governing the temples in Kerala) for allowing permission to shoot. Despite having the advantage of being an RSS stronghold for decades, the BJP failed to make electoral inroads into this southern state. Political analysts say the protests at Sabarimala may well be opening the door for the party, which had been struggling to find an issue to give them political leverage in the state. This comes after almost a failed attempt by the party to launch a national campaign on the political murders in Kannur -- in which both the Communist Party of India-Marxist and the BJP are to be blamed equally. After the failure of the Kannur campaign, the party is trying to use Lord Ayyappa in south India in the same way it made use of Lord Ram in the north. It may be successful this time, especially in taking away a good share of Nair votes, said B R P Bhaskar, a political analyst. According to the official data, around 21 per cent of Keralas population are the Ezhavas, while the Nairs account for 12 per cent. An ally of the BJP, the Bharat Dharma Jana Sena, floated by Vellapally Nateshan of the Sree Narayana Dharama Paripalana Yogam (a body of Ezhavas), was instrumental in increasing the BJPs vote share from a mere 6.1 per cent in 2011 to 15.3 per cent in the assembly elections in 2016. Many political analysts say the current issue may attract more upper-caste and Nair votes, traditionally shared equally between the Congress and the Left parties, towards the BJP. The BJP has more than 800 gram panchayat members, close to 240 municipal members, 51 corporation councillors, 28 block panchayat members and three district panchayat members in Kerala. There is no political motive for the BJP in these protests. Other organisations started them. The state government should have blocked such a war-like situation, which is hurting public sentiments, said B Gopalakrishnan, the state spokesperson for the BJP. He added after the judgment, the state should have filed an affidavit to maintain the status quo until the review petition was heard or could have come up with an ordinance. One has to take into account that even the Devaswom Board has upper-caste superiority, with the Nair community, Thantri family and the Pandalam Royals. So far, the BJP failed to make inroads into Kerala owing to the renaissance thoughts in the last two centuries, which were not divisive, Bhaskar said, adding that the trend has changed, and that could kindle the BJPs hopes in making inroads into south India. A day after the Supreme Court deferred hearing the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute, a Haryana minister mocked the apex court's decision and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said justice delayed can be justice denied. "The matter pertaining to Shri Ram Janmabhoomi is before the Supreme Court. Justice delivered timely is considered to be the best justice. Delay in justice sometimes amounts to injustice," Adityanath tweeted Tuesday in Hindi. But at the same time, the tweet appealed to the seers demanding early construction of a Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya to exercise patience. The UP chief minister stopped short of demanding that the Centre bring legislation to allow the construction of the Ram temple, while suggesting that all alternatives to resolve the issue should be explored. But the demand for a law was reiterated Tuesday by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad. It's up to the Centre whether they bring an ordinance or a bill. We want a law which ensures that rights of the land are transferred to Shriram Janmabhoomi Mukti Yajna Samiti for construction of the Ram temple," VHP's international working president Alok Kumar told PTI. Legal experts do not back the demand for an ordinance, voiced by some other saffron outfits as well. Senior jurists Rakesh Dwivedi and Ajit Kumar Sinha said there is no bar on the Centre to bring an ordinance for early construction of a Ram temple but propriety demanded that the government should wait for the Supreme Court's verdict. While Adityanath told reporters on the sidelines of an event in Lucknow that it would have been better had the Supreme Court decided to hear the land dispute early, a BJP colleague in Haryana went a step further. Supreme Court mahan hai (The Supreme Court is great), Haryana's Health Minister Anil Vij said, using the phrase twice in a tweet that seemed to mock the apex court decision. He compared the decision to defer the Ayodhya title suit hearing to the late-night hearing on a plea to delay the hanging of Mumbai attacks convict Yakub Memon. If it so wishes, it can open its doors on 29 July 2014 for an appeal to delay the death sentence awarded to 1993 Mumbai serial blasts convict Yakub Memon. And if it wants, it can give a date on the issue of Ram Mandir, for which crores of Indians are eagerly waiting. The Supreme Court is great, the Haryana minister's tweet in Hindi read. The pre-dawn Yakub Memon hearing actually took place on July 30, 2015. The apex court Monday said the course of hearings in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute will be decided in the first week of January by an appropriate bench. The court decision intensified demands by the RSS and its affiliated organisation that the government should bring a law allowing construction of a Ram temple at the disputed site. United States President Donald Trump is unable to participate as Chief Guest of Indias Republic Day celebrations next year due to scheduling constraints, the White House has said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited President Trump for a bilateral visit to India during their talks in Washington, DC last year. White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders had, in July, said that Trump has received an invitation to visit India, but no decision has been taken yet. President Trump was honoured by Prime Minister Modis invitation for him to be Chief Guest of Indias Republic Day on January 26, 2019 but is unable to participate due to scheduling constraints, a White House spokesperson said on Monday, when asked about Trumps decision on Modis invitation. It is said that the annual State of the Union address to both Houses of the US Congress by Trump is likely to be around the time India will celebrate its Republic Day. The SOTU is normally delivered in the last week of January or first week of February. The spokesperson said that the US President and Modi enjoy a strong personal rapport and Trump is committed to deepening the India-US relationship. The President enjoys a strong personal rapport with Prime Minister Modi developed through two meetings and several phone calls and remains committed to deepening the US-India strategic partnership, the spokesperson said. The President very much looks forward to meeting Prime Minister Modi again at the earliest opportunity, the White House spokesperson said. Modi and Trump are scheduled to attend the G-20 Summit in Argentina on November 30 and December 1. It is possible that the two leaders might meet and discuss bilateral relationship there. Every year, India invites world leaders to attend its Republic Day celebrations. In 2015, the then US president Barack Obama had attended it as the chief guest which was his second visit to India as American president. This year, leaders from 10 ASEAN countries had attended the Republic Day celebrations. In 2016, the then French president Francois Hollande was the chief guest of the parade while Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was the chief guest at the celebrations in 2014. The heads of state and government who have attended the Republic Day celebrations include Nicolas Sarkozy, Vladimir Putin, Nelson Mandela, John Major, Mohammed Khatami and Jacques Chirac. On Wednesday October 31, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unveil the world's tallest statue, called the 'Statue of Unity', dedicated to late independence leader Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The towering monument, being erected at Sadhu Bet, 3.32 kilometre from the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada river at Kevadia, stands at a height of 182 metre. Ahead of its grand inauguration, we reproduce this feature on the creator of this massive statue, Ram Vanji Sutar. IMAGE: Touted as one of the best sculptors of India, Sutar has been a recipient of both the Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri award. Photograph: Kind courtesy RamVSutar/Facebook He may be history's most prolific monumental sculptor, and now he hopes to win what may be one of history's largest artistic commissions. Ram V Sutar, 93, has already created more than 200 distinct statues, many of them massive. Now, he is a leading contender for the commission to produce the world's largest statue: A 597-foot tall rendering of Sardar Patel, an independence leader who played a crucial role in uniting India's fractious states. It would be nearly twice as high as the Statue of Liberty. In July 2014, India's new government set aside $33 million towards this behemoth's completion, which will require more than 2,500 tonne of bronze alone. IMAGE: Ram Sutar with his son Anil Sutar in front of the Statue of Unity. Photograph: Kind courtesy RamVSutar/Facebook Called the Statue of Unity, the work is to be placed in Gujarat, home state of prime minister, Narendra Modi. Modi has long pushed for the project, and his party's landslide electoral victory in May vastly improved prospects for its completion. Selection of the artist could be made within weeks. "It's impossible to know if he's the most prolific monumental sculptor in human history, but if he's not, he's got to be pretty close," Melia Belli Bose, an assistant professor of Asian art history at the University of Texas at Arlington, said of Sutar. "He's certainly the most prolific of the last century." Sutar's productivity has slowed recently. IMAGE: From Jawaharlal Nehru to Swami Vivekananda, Sutar has already created more than 200 distinct statues, many of them massive. Photograph: Kind courtesy RamVSutar/Facebook Seven years ago, he employed 250 workers and cast more than five tons of bronze every day, seven days a week. The work force in his studio and foundry in this town on the eastern outskirts of New Delhi has since fallen to 35, and he often takes Sundays off. But even now, few artists in the world could match his productivity. Contributing to the demand for his works has been a continuing battle in India to enshrine competing national heroes and narratives. Political parties have associated themselves with differing independence leaders, and officials have used Sutar's sculptures to enhance their own status by further aggrandising their party's favorites. Dalit leaders have seen his solemn monuments as particularly useful in almost deifying leaders who came from this group, once known as untouchables. IMAGE: Sutar has also been awarded with the prestigious Tagore Award for Cultural Harmony 2016 by the Union ministry of culture. In this photo, culture minister Mahesh Sharma felicitates Sutar in Noida on October 25, 2018. Photograph: PTI Photo One reason for making the statue of Sardar Patel (1875-1950) so enormous is to elevate above all others, an independence leader who is not closely associated with the Nehru-Gandhi family dynasty, which still leads the Indian National Congress Party, the chief rival of Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party. Despite his extraordinary success, Sutar expressed profound regret in a lengthy interview about how his more modernist proposals have never been commissioned. During a tour of his studio, he took pains to show abstractions that were never purchased or realised. Art critics deride the almost photographic quality of his commissioned work, which is in socialist realist style. But his son and business partner, Anil Sutar, shrugged when asked about his father's modernist ambitions. "My father has been doing realistic sculptures his whole life, and he will continue to do realistic sculptures," Anil Sutar said. "We don't have time to work on modern sculpture. I have a six-month backlog of orders just for his clay models." IMAGE: "Sculpture is not like painting. It often involves a lot of hard, physical work. And I think I can keep going for a long time," Sutar says. Photograph: Kind courtesy RamVSutar/Facebook The elder Sutar's career has benefited from a continuing struggle over India's past. His most important patron was Mayawati, former leader of the eastern state of Uttar Pradesh, and few artists have had a more demanding or generous benefactor. She bought more than $33 million in sculptures from him, but her tight deadlines meant that his foundry operated around the clock and he worked more than 80 hours a week through his mid-80s. Her insistence that sculptures be inaugurated on days deemed auspicious by astrologers sometimes led to panicked installations, including one in which a huge statue of a seated Bhimrao Ambedkar, the Dalit drafter of India's constitution, sank the cranes trying to raise it during an intense rainstorm. IMAGE: Sutar receives a Padamshree Award in 1999 from the then President K R Narayanan. Photograph: Kind courtesy RamVSutar/Facebook The sculpture, a deliberate echo of the statue in the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, was finally mounted on its plinth at 11:30 pm, when Mayawati happily garlanded it. The intent of Mayawati's commissions was to immortalise herself and other Dalit leaders, and that meant making sure anyone gazing upon the sculptures recognised the faces. She even instructed Sutar to cast in extra-thick bronze to prevent the works from being taken down or damaged by successors. Some sculptures were beheaded in 2012 after she lost re-election, but nearly all have survived her defeat. "The messages of propaganda have to be clear and can't be subtle," said Bose of the University of Texas. "Ram Sutar's heart may be in the abstract work, but his patrons were interested in political messaging, not art for art's sake." That kind of messaging has long damaged Sutar's reputation as an artist. He was chased out of a cooperative studio early in his career because colleagues deemed his work too commercial. IMAGE: The Statue of Unity would be nearly twice as high as the Statue of Liberty. Photograph: Kind courtesy RamVSutar/Facebook "He is India's official statue maker, and the sheer volume of his work is phenomenal," said Tapati Guha-Thakurta, professor of history at the Center for Studies in Social Sciences, Calcutta. "But he is an artisan, not an artist." Sutar was born in 1925 in a village in northern Maharashtra, the son of a carpenter and blacksmith. Some of his first works were murals painted with cow dung on the mud walls of his family home. He carved a relief of a Hindu goddess on a school writing slate, a likeness that won a prize in an art competition in Mumbai (then known as Bombay). IMAGE: Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati poses under the statues of Dalit icons B R Ambedkar, Kanshi Ram and of herself after inaugurating the Rashtriya Dalit Prerna Sthal park in Noida on the outskirts of New Delhi. Photograph: Parivartan Sharma/Reuters With the financial help of friends, he graduated from one of India's most prestigious art schools and got a job restoring ancient Hindu statues in the Ellora and Ajanta caves. His breakthrough came when he agreed to create a 45-foot statue of a Hindu river goddess beside a dam in northern India for just Rs 10,000, or about $166 now. Few thought he would complete the commission. He moved his wife and young son to that remote site and spent 18 months in the early 1960s chiseling a huge block of concrete. IMAGE: Ram V Sutar is a leading contender for the job. Photograph: Kind courtesy RamVSutar/Facebook The statue's completion led to a stream of commissions and introductions to many of India's leaders, including Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi. His most successful piece is a contemplative bust of Mohandas K Gandhi, bronze copies of which the Indian government has sent as gifts to hundreds of cities around the world. Other statues adorn the Indian Parliament and state capitols throughout India. All of his sculptures start as clay models, which he usually takes about two months to complete. IMAGE: Sutar works on the sculpture of Mahatma Gandhi. Photograph: Kind courtesy RamVSutar/Facebook A mold of the model is made with plaster of Paris, which is used to create a fiberglass replica. It once required months, precise measurements and myriad calculations to enlarge his initial work into gigantic forms that never reflected the models precisely. But an oversize computer-controlled drill that bores into titanic blocks of plastic foam has reduced from months to days the time needed to scale up his models. "Sculpture is not like painting," Sutar said. "It often involves a lot of hard, physical work. And I think I can keep going for a long time." Generations of Indians don't quite grasp that there would barely be an India had it not been for the Sardar whose steadfastness and guile stitched together that which had been united only in philosophy and spirituality and sometimes not even then -- for thousands of years. A fascinating excerpt from Hindol Sengupta's The Man Who Saved India, Sardar Patel and His Idea of India. Patel died on 15 December 1950. It was in the ten years between 1940 and 1950 that this 65-year-old man (his age in 1940, but it could well have been more since the exact year of his birth is a bit of an assumption) changed the cartographic destiny of India. Faced with a division of the country that none of the Congress leaders wanted, and Gandhi never agreed to till the end, Patel took it upon himself to save, indeed salvage and rescue, the rest of the country from breaking up into pieces. The journey through these ten years is over a bitter path, fraught with quarrels, heartbreak and schisms that all but broke the ties between the men who won India its freedom. IMAGE: Mahatma Gandhi in Bombay, August 9, 1942, the day he issued the call to the British empire to Quit India. In tone and verve, freedom for India would assume mythical proportions in everything -- from the cataclysmic hatred, bloodshed and shenanigans to the epic morality and courage, superhuman tenacity and the debris that glows ominously even seventy years later. In the end, freedom, for Gandhi certainly, and for the subcontinent, would be a pyrrhic victory -- India would never be the same again. But generations of Indians don't quite grasp that there would barely be an India had it not been for the Sardar whose steadfastness and guile stitched together that which had been united only in philosophy and spirituality and sometimes not even then -- for thousands of years. IMAGE: Lord Louis Mountbatten, the last British viceroy, addresses the Independence Day session of the Constituent Assembly, August 15, 1947. Patel had spent the 1930s not only clashing with the British for India's freedom but also facing some of the most vicious attacks, including attempts on his life, and fighting for democracy in the princely states of India ruled by an assorted bunch of rajas and maharajas operating under a British umbrella. In October 1935, in Madras, he spoke about how the people of the princely states had the same rights to freedom as citizens living in those parts of India under direct British control. In June 1936, writing from Ooty, he said, '[I]t is quite unsafe for the princes to believe that they can maintain a despotic rule.' In 1937, he visited the princely states of Mysore and Rajkot to push them for a more representative government for their subjects. In May 1938, he was in Sangli, Rajasthan, where he spelled out, 'There are six hundred native states in India. There is no country in the world which has so many states. Some states are so small that even a person who rules over six or seven villages announces himself a ruler. Simply because the kings wear a crown, they do not become totally independent. They are also slaves, and we who are their subjects are slaves of slaves.' 'Though there are so many native states, India is a unit which has unity of a unique type. All the differences have been created by the foreign government in order to firmly establish their rule here.' Patel blamed the British for allowing despotic rule in many of the states. 'The atrocities committed by native state rulers knowingly or unknowingly are under the impression that the [British] empire is at their back. But only corpses can be ruled like that. Everywhere despots are being overthrown.' IMAGE: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, right, Jawaharlal Nehru, centre, and Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, left. In August 1938, at Rajkot, he warned his listeners: 'Today in Rajkot the law of the jungle prevails... Today there is revolt in the whole world. Kings hearing echoes of the revolt. They have understood by now that they are doomed so they are giving us least dose of atrocities. So we have to view Rajkot situation from that point of view.' In Baroda in October 1938, Patel used the old carrot-and-stick when he said, 'In the country there are many people who believe that now native states should be totally abolished. People like me and Gandhiji are dreaming that the rulers will again become like the kings of the Puranic Age and ideal Ram Rajya conception will be implemented.' The interesting thing in this speech is the duality -- on one hand the talk of the dream of Ram Rajya and a policy of friendly ties, and on the other he describes some states and their administration as garbage. This sort of optimism and pessimism sums up the kind of relationship Patel had with many of the princely states. 'This is the policy of the Congress and Congress wants to have friendly relations with the rulers as far as possible. The state of Kathiawad is garbage, and the states of Central India are like gutters... The ruler has so much distrust over his own people that he thinks his own people will snatch the kingdom from him... To me the state is like a fruit which is attractive from outside, but it is rotten from inside. I want to stop that rot.' In Rajkot in November 1938, he egged people on: 'In Rajkot there is not a single person who is pro-ruler. How long the ruler will indulge in lathi-charging? One day, two days, but on the third day the head of the devil will be crushed. If one who wields lathi is stoned, abused, then the devil will turn wild. But if without opposing him if he suffers, then there is a change of heart, and that is the significance of satyagraha.' By December 1938, Patel had got what he wanted, at least to a degree. A meeting with the local ruler that resulted in amnesty for all political prisoners who had been arrested for protesting the misdeeds of the ruler, the Thakore Saheb, and a remission of all fines. A procession of 50,000 residents of Rajkot marched through the city in celebrate this. IMAGE: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in the Constituent Assembly. Photograph: Kind courtesy University of Texas But sometimes this kind of activism extracted its price. Members of the royal entourage (more often than not Hindu) in different states incited mobs by telling them that Patel and Gandhi were against Muslims. And armed gangs came looking for Patel and, once, even Gandhi. But Patel survived and persisted, constantly telling the various rajas that they could not escape the advancing wave of democracy. One can see why by the time the 1940s came along, Sardar Patel had become a figure of awe and fear among the native princes. And Patel would use this power ruthlessly to build the India he wanted. But in 1940, he was already disagreeing on the fundamental ideas of the future independent Indian State with Mahatma Gandhi, and even on the question of nonviolence in this, the seemingly last leg, of the freedom movement. Excerpted from The Man Who Saved India, Sardar Patel and His Idea of India, by Hindol Sengupta, Penguin RandomHouse, with the publisher's kind permission. Managua, Nicaragua -- (ReleaseWire) -- 10/30/2018 --tip4good, an innovative social impact start-up in the field of sustainable fashion, launched an Indiegogo campaign on Tuesday, October, 16th in the Community Human Rights section. According to CEO Roger Lacayo Gurdian, the start-up is "a mobile digital payments platform that lets every consumer thank the factory workers who made the garment they purchased by paying them a gratuity with guaranteed transparency and traceability." As revealed through validation studies undertaken at the Singularity University Spring 2018 Incubator in Silicon Valley, tip4good has proven merits: It works. It is scalable. It is transparent. Consumers are willing to do it. Participating brands make their customers happy. This new app is an opportunity for millions of consumers to give additional income directly to the honest, hardworking people who make their clothing. Garment workers in the developing world are not paid living wages despite the often steep profits of many major clothing companies. It is well known that clothing labels and retailers inflate garment costs to increase their profits, yet garment workers are only paid a small fraction of the purchase price. tip4good offers a simple yet far-reaching solution to this problem. When consumers can tip workers directly, they are finally empowered to do something about unfair wages. This also empowers garment workers by helping them to support their own families and communities with well-deserved income. That's the idea behind tip4good a fortuitous intersection of philanthropy and mobile payments technology harnessed to enhance the livelihoods of garment workers. It's based on individual generosity and will not inflate garment costs. tip4good is excited to gauge the support out there for this idea. They encourage people to visit the campaign page, contribute if they are inspired by this project, and spread the word on their networks and share the link www.tip4good.org on social media. tip4good Thank The Maker tip4good is a start-up app dedicated to the 60 million garment workers in the developing world who assemble our clothes, yet who don't earn living wages. For the first time ever, consumers will be able to thank these workers by directly giving them a gratuity, guaranteed to reach them on a 100% transparent and traceable mobile digital payment platform. It is their goal to provide every person with the opportunity to help directly. These workers deserve it! Plantation, FL -- (ReleaseWire) -- 10/30/2018 --Headquartered in Florida, Knight Insurance is an independent insurance agency which provides the policies from numerous insurance companies. Knight Insurance has connections with multiple well-known insurance service providers, and therefore they can help the client in choosing the best policy. The main aim of the company is to offer comprehensive insurance coverage to all businesses and individuals and that too at reasonably priced rates. As an independent agency, the organization focuses only on the client instead of any specific insurance company. The experienced agents at Knight Insurance try to make the experience of buying, selling and owning car insurance in Coconut Creek and Coral Springs Florida a stress-free and easy process. The presence of the devoted customer service, competent insurance agents, and cost-effective plans promises policyholders that they are in safe hands. In addition to this, the agents at Knight Insurance need to go through training on a constant basis so that they can stay updated with the current industry trends. As Knight Insurance works with a wide-ranging network of trustworthy and significant insurance service providers, the clients here get the opportunity of choosing the policy that will suit them the most. The company offers a vast range of policies that comprise business insurance and homeowners insurance in Davie and Fort Lauderdale Florida. The presence of several insurance options in all these categories guarantees that the benefits of the clients are given priority rather than anything else. To get more information on the insurance policies or to know about the insurance products that Knight Insurance offers, one can reach the company at 954-382-5244. The insurance agents here are always ready to help the customers in finding the best insurance policy at the cost-effective price. Also, by visiting the website of Knight Insurance one can also ask for free quotes. About Knight Insurance Knight Insurance has emerged to be a renowned independent insurance agency that serves the residents of Davie, Coral Springs, Pembroke Pines, Weston, Sunrise, Plantation and surrounding cities. Savannah, GA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 10/30/2018 --Lee Hill and Rowe Insurors is a family owned insurance agency located in Georgia. Being an independent agency, it represents numerous dependable and dependable insurance carriers. It also offers the policies and products of various companies for sale. Founded in 1999, the company has been working in the insurance sector for almost two decades now. They offer auto, home, life, commercial, and health insurance in Pooler and Richmond Hill Georgia. Across the state of Georgia, the agency has offered more than five thousand businesses, families and individuals with wide-ranging insurance coverage. Lee Hill and Rowe Insurors is the agency that provides the top quality insurance services and solutions in Savannah, Statesboro, Hinesville, and Brunswick. Through sound advice, outstanding service and practical solutions, Lee Hill and Rowe Insurors seek to build long-lasting and productive relations with all its clients. Purchasing car insurance in Hinesville and Pooler Georgia that is reasonably priced and has outstanding coverage is every car owner's primary concern. Lee, Hill, and Rowe Insurors helps car owners to purchase high quality and reasonably priced auto insurance policies. The company has been able to grow and develop because of its longstanding referrals and relationships. Known for providing top class service to the customers from the very beginning, Lee Hill and Rowe Insurors boast a very high rate of client satisfaction. After a car is purchased, most people tend to contact the insurance carrier initially which manages to get their attention through an advertisement. This is for the reason that people live busy lives and most of them do not have the time to call insurance providers to ask for quotes so that they can compare. This is where Lee Hill and Rowe Insurors can assist the individuals by carrying out all the research on their behalf and offering them with the most wide-ranging coverage at the lowest price. To get in touch with Lee Hill and Rowe Insurors one can call at 912-525-3360. About Lee Hill and Rowe Insurors Lee Hill and Rowe Insurors is a leading independent insurance agency that offers car, business, home, health and life insurance to individuals and organizations. Savannah, GA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 10/30/2018 --Lee, Hill & Rowe Insurors is a family owned, Savannah-based and operated insurance agency that has been in business since the year 1999, just a little less than two decades. They provide flood, life, auto, health, commercial, home and car insurance in Hinesville and Pooler Georgia. They have offered insurance coverage to more than five thousand businesses and individuals in regions across the state of Georgia. They provide their insurance services and solutions in places such as Brunswick, Savannah, Hinesville, Statesboro, Richmond Hill, and Pooler. Through sound advice, outstanding service and practical financial solutions, Lee, Hill & Rowe Insurors aim to build long-lasting and stable relationships with its clients. With a team of knowledgeable and licensed insurance agents and dedicated sales and service personnel, Lee, Hill & Rowe Insurors is an agency that is well equipped to manage all of their coverage requirements and clients' insurance. Besides, they only recruit insurance agents who care about the clients and are dedicated to offering them sound advice and personalized service. They aim to provide complete insurance coverage to all the businesses and residents of the area. As an independent insurance agent, Lee, Hill & Rowe Insurors works with several established and reputed insurance companies. Consequently, they can modify the optimal coverage for every individual or business looking to buy insurance in Pooler and Richmond Hill Georgia at the most reasonable and affordable rates. The insurance products offered by them include home insurance, automobile insurance, commercial insurance, flood insurance, life insurance, rental properties insurance, health insurance and many more. Not only does the agency offer a broad and diverse product line, but their agents also have the needed expertise and experience to meet each client's insurance requirements adeptly. To have any queries answered, one can contact Lee, Hill & Rowe Insurors at 912-525-3360 or can also visit the website of the company. About Lee, Hill & Rowe Insurors Lee, Hill & Rowe Insurors is an independent, family-owned insurance agency based in Savannah, Georgia. The company also serves the close by communities of Pooler, Rincon, Hinesville and Richmond Hill. This year the Hellaby-based company has already added nine clients to its roster and invested more than 325,000 in new technology, software and site upgrades to support its ongoing growth.Parseq specialises in mobile and online banking software and technology-led outsourcing services. Every year, it digitises 25 million customer correspondence documents and processes 15 billion of electronic payments. In August, the firm completed the sale of its contact centre division to focus on its Rotherham-based finance and administration division.Tracy Ridgard joins Parseq as an account manager, bringing more than 15 years' experience delivering BPO services to customers across the financial services, media and retail sectors.Prior to Parseq, Tracy held senior account management roles with outsourcers Williams Lea Tag and RR Donnelley. Tracy will work to help Parseq's existing clients access back-office solutions that improve customer experience and deliver cost savings to their business. Images: Parseq Meanwhile, Parseq has added two new members to its business development team to help the company further expand its client portfolio across its existing and target markets, which include FTSE 100 financial services companies and leading utilities and energy providers.Nick Wise joins as a business development consultant, bringing 30 years of experience in the BPO industry, with a background in transaction processing, information management and data archiving. Nick was previously BPO Sales Manager for document management specialists Restore.Last month, the company also welcomed Giles Chambers as a business development consultant. Giles holds more than a decade of experience in digital transformation across the public and private sector and was formerly a Business Development Manager for the UK division of global document management firm Swiss Post.Craig Naylor-Smith, managing director at Parseq, said: "Tracy, Nick and Giles not only bring track-records of delivering exceptional customer service to their clients, but also a wealth of hard-earned insight and sector knowledge."Tracy's background working with clients in the financial services sector, along with Nick and Giles experience with cutting-edge digital document management solutions perfectly complements our service offering. Their addition to the team will only strengthen our ability to offer efficiency-driving solutions that are truly bespoke to our clients' businesses." A spokesman for the special counsel's office revealed Tuesday the FBI has been asked to investigate allegations women were offered money to fabricate sexual assault allegations against Robert Mueller. "When we learned last week of allegations that women were offered money to make false claims about the Special Counsel, we immediately referred the matter to the FBI for investigation," spokesman Peter Carr said in a statement. The news comes on the heels of reports Mueller is expected to issue findings on core aspects of his investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election after next week's midterm elections. A report from The Atlantic said the scheme was brought to the attention of the special counsel's office by several journalists who had been told by a woman that she was offered money to make up sexual harassment claims against Mueller. The woman, who told journalists she worked for Mueller as a paralegal at the Pillsbury, Madison, and Sutro law firm in 1974, claimed conservative commentator Jack Burkman offered her roughly $20,000 to make the accusations. Burkman claimed in a post on Twitter earlier on Tuesday that he would reveal the "first of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's sex assault victims" on Thursday. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News India and Japan will start a 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue involving their respective foreign and defence ministers to work for peace and stability in the world, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Narendra Modi said on Monday. "Without the cooperation between India and Japan, the 21st century cannot be an Asian century," Modi said in a joint address to the media with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe following their annual bilateral summit here. "Abe-san and I have agreed to start a 2+2 Dialogue between our foreign and defence ministers," he said. "Its aim is to further boost peace and stability in the world." India started a similar 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue with the US last month in which External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defence Secretary Jim Mattis participated. Describing Japan as the confluence of the best aspects of eastern and western civilisations, Modi said that the country has taught that the path to the development of mankind is not a conflict between the ancient and the new, but its co-existence and creation. "The relations between India and Japan are as deep and wide as the Indian and Pacific Oceans," he said. "These relations are based on shared commitment to democratic values and freedom and the rule of law." Modi said that he and Abe agreed that from digital partnership to cyberspace, health to defence and from oceans to space, both sides will strengthen their partnership. "I have been told that today Japanese investors have announced that they will invest $2.5 billion in India," the Indian Prime Minister. "This will help boost employment generation." On his part, Abe said that cooperation between the naval forces of the two countries will increase. He also said that to boost regional connectivity, Japan and India will work together in third countries like Bangladesh. Following the talks, agreements were signed on cooperation between the naval forces of the two countries, healthcare, digital and new technologies, and food processing. Tokyo: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the ceremony for signing and exchange of agreements in Tokyo, Japan on Oct 29, 2018. (Photo: IANS/PIB) Photo: Presiding over the Focal Points meeting yesterday, from left to right: Francesco La Camera (Italys minister for environment, land and sea), Heidi Schroderus-Fox (Director UN-ORLLS), Faimalotoa Kika Iemaima Stowers (Minister for Women, Community and Social Development in Samoa), Ali Naseer Mohammed (UN Representative for Maldives, chair AOSIS) and Liu Zhenmin (USG UN-DESA). In an effort to better coordinate SAMOA Pathway initiatives, a team of delegates developed a list of national focal points on Monday. Leading the development of the focal points was Heidi Schroderus-Fox, Director of the Office of the High Representative for Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS). Ms. Schroderus-Fox said she was impressed by the enthusiasm she saw and the ideas she heard in the session on focal points. We are going back to New York with a lot of homework, she said. The idea for the focal points began when some member States said there was a need for better coordination of what countries are doing nationally, what regional organisations are doing and what the U.N. agencies are doing in support of the SAMOA Pathway. The mandate was given to our office (O.H.R.L.L.S.) to ensure better coordination and also coherence in implementing the SAMOA Pathway and sustainable development goals, which is the big U.N. agenda, Ms. Schroderus-Fox said. The system of national focal points has been in use across least developed countries for some time now, she added, and has successfully coordinated people working at the ground level in these nations and ensuring they are in regular contact. They get together once or twice a year, together with the U.N. system to talk about how they are implementing, what are their lessons learned, what their capacity is and so on. Following the successful launch of the small island version of the concept, Ms. Schroderus-Fox said its time to think about how to implement the expectations of the member states. It was a very good, positive concrete move that has come out of this SAMOA Pathway meeting, she said. The thing is always to keep at it. We cannot always have these big meetings; the important thing is what happens between the meetings where we continue working on the partnerships that exist and finding new partnerships as well. The UN-OHRLLS acts as a contact point between nations to help develop partnerships, and even engaging the private sector in these relationships as well, Ms. Schroderus-Fox added. From Portland Oregon in America to Samoa in the Pacific Islands, Carol Robbins and her team were on a special mission when they flew in last weekend. Ms. Robbins, the owner of the Pearl MedSpa of Portland Oregon, have been supporting Samoa Victim Support Group (S.V.S.G.) from afar with her staff. They have fundraised to help run the Campus of Hope for abused and abandoned children. But the more she got to know S.V.S.G. and its work through Mama Lina, the S.V.S.G. president Siliniu Lina Chang, the stronger was her belief to see the place for herself, and she took that leap of faith. Closing down Pearl MedSpa branches in Portland Oregon and Scottsdale Arizona, Carol and her 14-member team and branch managers arrived in Samoa last Saturday on a hopeful mission to understand the work of SVSG better so that they can better provide support. Celebrating 11 years of health and wellness from inside out, the Pearl MedSpa is two years shy of the S.V.S.G. first getting setup in 2005. But there was a connection from the start and it all came down to love for the children. We came here to bless the children, see how we can be part of the hopeful mission, however, we were blessed in return. Those smiles, its simply amazing, said Ms. Robbins. She was accompanied by Pearl MedSpas general manager, Leuso McKenzie, who has travelled back and forth over the years to visit the children, discuss with the S.V.S.G. executive the needs to sustain the shelter operation, and organise fundraising events in Portland for the children in Samoa. The Pearl MedSpa team was welcomed by the S.V.S.G. Board during an ava ceremony performed by the S.V.S.G. village representatives, upon arrival last Saturday. This was followed with a visit to the S.V.S.G. family at the Campus of Hope, where the board chair, Georgina Lui, thanked Carol and the Pearl MedSpa for showing S.V.S.G. that they care. What you have done through this trip is to reaffirm our belief here at S.V.S.G. that distance and circumstances dont matter, it is all about the heart and the will to lend a helping hand, she said. As part of the visit, SVSG staff and members underwent training on trauma and how to deal with traumatized children by Dr. Bret Fuller, a psychologist that provides therapy for addiction, depression, anxiety, and a whole host of other life issues. A container of donated goods was also devanned at the Campus as part of the trip by the Pearl MedSpa with the Pearl MedSpa team also taking on carer roles at the Campus after they arrived. The Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Lopaoo Natanielu Mua says he is no longer a shareholder of any company found on a government website, which states that he has interests. Ministers and Associate Ministers have come under increasing scrutiny in the last month over their failure to divest themselves of shareholdings in family companies upon their appointment. But Lopaoo, in an interview with the Samoa Observer yesterday, said he does not own shares in any company. I dont own anymore companies and I have disposed all of my shares to my children. I gave all of that up, when I was elected by my constituency as their respective representative, he said. However, the Ministry of Commerce Industry and Labor (M.C.I.L.) website shows there are four companies which allegedly list the Minister down as a shareholder. The Ministrys website record show that Lopaoo has 22,500 shares with Dan Mua Investments Limited, plus 15,000 parcels with Mua I'uafi Enterprises Limited and 160,000 shares at Mua National Carrier Construction Limited. The Minister, who left for China on Monday night, blamed the M.C.I.L. for not updating their records. I will not be blamed for M.C.I.L.s inability to update their records. I dont own any companies I can assure you of that, and if you print anything in the paper I will come back from China and take you to court, he added. This article will create unnecessary pressure on my family because someone did not do their job. Lopaoo said when an article was published by this newspaper a week ago regarding Cabinet Ministers involved in businesses, he acted. I rang the M.C.I.L. and told them you better update your records because I dont own any companies anymore and yet it appears they have not done that, he said. The Samoa Observer contacted the M.C.I.L. Chief Executive Officer, Pulotu Lyndon Chiu Ling, for a comment but he was yet to respond at the time of going to press. Lopaoo also told this newspaper that the companies that are allegedly connected to him as per the data on the Ministrys website are no longer active. Transwork Limited is the only company operation and it is own by my family and they know, I have already disposed my shares to them and I resigned as general manager and managing director the night I won the election, he said. On the night of 4 March, 2016 when I was elected by my respective constituency; I resigned from the said company and the Parliament Clerk can attest to the fact that every time my childrens companies are involved in a project, I recuse myself. But the M.C.I.L. records show that Transwork Limited does not have Lopaoo as a shareholder. He said when Transwork Limited puts in a bid before Cabinet for its consideration, he excuses himself from the meeting and leaves the room. The smallest of the island states need more financial investment and help from the United Nations, says Tuvalus permanent representative to the U.N, Samelu Laloniu. Mr. Laloniu is part of the SAMOA Pathway meeting held in Apia this week. In an interactive session for delegate to raise issues they are facing, he told the gathering how his small nation of 10,000 people cannot attract investment with such a small economic base. Mr. Laloniu said he wants the U.N. and its department of economics and social affairs (U.N.D.E.S.A.) to help bring small islands like his together under one economic umbrella for sub-regional projects to help them access big grants. He told the Samoa Observer donor countries and private sectors arent interested in investing in a small economy like Tuvalu. The economies of scale are just not there. Having a project of all the micro-States together to bring the population up might bring the scale that private investors would like to get involved, he said. Civil aviation and shipping are two areas which small island states cannot provide without investment, he said. The U.N. knows very well, but this is not well reflected in the current draft of the SAMOA Pathway, he said. In their work, in New York, I hope they are mindful of the need to bring micro-states together for the economy of scale. The smaller island states are Tuvalu, Cook Islands, Kiribati, Niue, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, and the Federated States of Micronesia From Mr. Lalonius perspective, it is all a matter of sitting down as the smaller islands and agreeing on a project and having it progress through the U.N. system. Valentino Wichman from the Cook Islands aired similar sentiments, saying the S.I.D.S. grouping was established because of the unique vulnerabilities of the S.I.D.S. But there are also peculiarities for states within S.I.D.S., which are smaller than the average small island developing State, she added. Those nations need address those peculiarities and vulnerabilities together in some kind of forum, Ms. Wichman said. If you band together there is a stronger voice, and that is the point of getting a regional forum on this, she said. In backing up, Mr. Lalonius point on the U.Ns role in helping the smallest islands make up a critical economic mass, Ms. Wichman said its their obligation to help. AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) Rain, wind and a distant earthquake didn't seem to dampen the enthusiasm of New Zealanders who turned out to see Prince Harry and wife Meghan on Tuesday. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex met with people in Auckland during a walkabout on the penultimate day of the couple's South Pacific tour. Hannah Sergel was overjoyed after Meghan stopped to hug her. Sergel said she traveled from Christchurch for the event and had followed Meghan on Instagram before the royal had to deactivate her account. "It means the world to me," Sergel said. "I am so shaky and flustered. When I first saw her I cried." People got rained upon waiting for the couple but were thankful the rain held off during the walkabout. Prince Harry and Meghan had earlier taken part in a gumboot-tossing competition with children. The couple was visiting the head office of the charity Pillars in Auckland when a strong but deep earthquake struck the central North Island. There were no reports of major damage or injuries after the magnitude 6.1 quake. Many thousands of people across the country felt the quake, although those attending the event with the royals said they didn't feel it there. When Prince Harry and Meghan got married, they asked that people donate to a charity instead of giving them wedding gifts, and so New Zealand's government donated money to Pillars. The charity supports children who have a parent in prison through mentoring schemes and in-home support. The couple finishes their 16-day tour on Wednesday. They arrived in New Zealand on Sunday after earlier visiting Australia, Fiji and Tonga. Prince Harry is scheduled to give a speech Tuesday night during a reception at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, and on Wednesday the couple is scheduled to visit a visit a hatchery for the national bird, the kiwi. New Zealand Post has marked the couple's visit with a special issue of commemorative stamps. PHOENIX (AP) The 5,200 active-duty troops being sent by President Donald Trump to the U.S.-Mexico border will be limited in what they can do under a federal law that restricts the military from engaging in law enforcement on American soil. That means the troops will not be allowed to detain immigrants, seize drugs from smugglers or have any direct involvement in stopping a migrant caravan that is still about 1,000 miles from the nearest border crossing. Instead, their role will largely mirror that of the existing National Guard troops about 2,000 in all deployed to the border over the past six months, including providing helicopter support for border missions, installing concrete barriers and repairing and maintaining vehicles. The new troops will include military police, combat engineers and helicopter companies equipped with advanced technology to help detect people at night. The extraordinary military operation comes a week before the Nov. 6 midterm elections as Trump has sought to transform fears about the caravan and immigration into electoral gains. On Tuesday, he stepped up his dire warnings, calling the band of migrants fleeing poverty and violence in Central America an "invasion." "Our Military is waiting for you!" he tweeted. Traveling mostly on foot, the caravan of some 4,000 migrants and a much smaller group of hundreds more are still weeks, if not months, before reaching the U.S. border. Thousands have already dropped out, applying for refugee status in Mexico or taking the Mexican government up on free bus rides back home, and the group is likely to dwindle even more during the arduous journey ahead. Another smaller caravan earlier this year numbered only a couple hundred by the time it arrived at the Tijuana-San Diego crossing. And despite the heightened rhetoric, the number of immigrants apprehended at the border is dramatically lower than past years. Border Patrol agents this year made only a quarter of the arrests they made in 2000 at the height of illegal immigration, when the agency had half of the staffing it does today. The demographics have also drastically changed, from mostly Mexican men traveling alone, to Central American families with children. Migrants arriving at the border will now see a sizable U.S. military presence more than double the 2,000 who are in Syria fighting the Islamic State group even though their mission will be largely a support role. That's because the military is bound by the Posse Comitatus Act, a 19th- century federal law that restricts participation in law enforcement activities. Unless Congress specifically authorizes it, military personnel can't have direct contact with civilians, including immigrants, said Scott R. Anderson of The Brookings Institution. Instead, the large troop deployment will be limited to performing similar support functions as the National Guardsmen and women Trump has already sent to the border. These include 1,500 flight hours logged by about 600 National Guard troops in Arizona since they were deployed this spring. Members of the guard have also repaired more than 1,000 Border Patrol vehicles and completed 1,000 hours of supply and inventory, according to Customs and Border Protection. In one case, a group of Border Patrol agents tracking drug smugglers in the remote Arizona desert in August called on a National Guard helicopter to keep an eye on the suspects and guide agents on the ground until they had them in custody. That operation resulted in several arrests and the seizure of 465 pounds of marijuana. In addition to the 5,200 troops being deployed this week, the Pentagon has put another 2,000 to 3,000 active-duty troops on standby in case they also are needed at the border, a U.S. official said Tuesday, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss a detail that has not been publicly announced. The troops were being sent initially to staging bases in California, Texas and Arizona while Customs and Border Protection works out precisely where it wants the troops positioned. It remains unclear why the administration was choosing to send active-duty troops given that they will be limited to performing the support functions the Guard already is doing. "Sending active military forces to our southern border is not only a huge waste of taxpayer money but an unnecessary course of action that will further terrorize and militarize our border communities," said Shaw Drake, policy counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union's border rights center at El Paso, Texas. The California National Guard has pledged up to 400 troops to the president's border mission through March 31. Jerry Brown, the only Democratic governor in the four states bordering Mexico and a frequent Trump critic, conditioned his support on the troops having nothing to do with immigration enforcement or building border barriers. Brown said the California troops would help fight transnational criminal gangs and drug and firearms smugglers. In New Mexico, 118 Guard troops have been helping with vehicle maintenance and repair, cargo inspection operations, surveillance and communications. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott pledged 400 troops to the border in April. Maj. Gen. John Nichols, the head of the Texas National Guard, told Congress in July that his troops served in a "variety of support roles," including driving vehicles, security monitoring, and administration. When San Diego native Dominique Waltower was 13, he says he was choked by his mother so hard that he passed out. As he would learn later, both of his parents were steeped in the abusive behavior they watched their parents carry out, thus keeping the toxic patterns going in the family. Living with domestic violence set in motion for Waltower a chain of events in which abuse became part of his fabric. That included two relationships with women in which he was both abuser and abused. It wasnt until he was arrested and served time in jail for hurting his former wife when he was in his mid-20s that Waltower realized he had to take responsibility for his behavior and make some changes. Advertisement For the past four years, Waltower has been speaking to groups made up mostly of men about domestic violence, opening up conversations about it and looking to end it. Waltower was a featured speaker Monday morning in El Cajon as part of the annual HOPE Rally for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The rally included more than 50 people marching from the El Cajon Police Department to Prescott Promenade in the center of downtown to call attention to domestic violence. My job is to engage men, Waltower said. Anywhere there is a captive audience. Men are the ones who primarily need to hear this message but I want to engage as many people as possible. He has spoken to law enforcement officials, military members and professional athletes about domestic violence. Waltower said that he asks the men to consider how important their jobs and families are to them and explain that those can be quickly lost if they are violent to their partners. Dominique Waltower (Karen Pearlman/U-T) Domestic violence includes physical violence, verbal abuse, ritual abuse, withholding money or access to money, denying a partner access to friends or family, threatening physical violence if rules are not obeyed, stalking, sexual assault, not allowing a partner to seek employment or destroying property. As they made their way down Magnolia Avenue and up Main Street, participants shouted slogans such as Break the silence of domestic violence and Theres no excuse for domestic abuse and carrying signs that read Love Shouldnt Hurt, We Will Make It Stop and Stop the Violence. Crisis House, the Southern Indian Health Council, the San Diego District Attorneys Office and the Center for Community Solutions had tables lined with pamphlets at Prescott Promenade that explained how to spot an abuser, how to help friends caught up in a dangerous relationship and how to break up safely. They all shared phone numbers people can turn to for help, including the National Domestic Violence Hotline, 1-800-799-SAFE. There were about 10 men at the rally, including Waltower, who told the crowd that its past time for men to be educated on domestic violence, especially as men do not think of domestic violence as their issue. He said it wasnt until week 38 of a court-ordered 52-week rehabilitation, counseling and education program that he saw the problem with his behavior was his to accept and to change. Jessica Lees of the San Diego County District Attorneys Office said that 1 of every 4 females and 1 of every 7 males are a victim of domestic violence. Lees said her offices goal is to hold offenders accountable and prosecute them or rehabilitate them, when possible. She said the DAs office wants families to be given the tools they need and encouraged victims to speak up. Now is the time, Lees said. According to Terra Marroquin, spokesperson for the San Diego Domestic Violence Council, there were more than 17,000 domestic violence incidents reported in San Diego County in 2017. There were also 8 domestic violence-related homicide victims for which the suspect was a current or former partner in 2017; that number is down from 12 deaths in 2016 and 16 in 2015, according to the County of San Diego Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team. The SDDVFRT counts the criminal justice system, social services, health care organizations and educators among its members. The group has been tracking domestic violence incidents since 1997. karen.pearlman@sduniontribune.com At the historic Rancho Buena Vista Adobe, visitors can see a treasure trove of historical artifacts, photographs, artwork and classic rancho architecture. But its what they cant see that makes the Adobe a popular destination this Halloween night. Over the past eight years, paranormal researchers and tour groups have reported dozens of ghostly encounters and unexplained sounds and voices at the 166-year-old city-owned home. These experiences have included disembodied voices, ethereal apparitions of spectral women in period dress floating past doorways and through walls, the rustle of petticoats, the sounds of childrens voices, women singing, galloping horse hooves, strange smells, unexplained cold spots in rooms and the sensation of an invisible hand touching the head, hair or shoulder of passers-by. Many of these spooky goings-on have occurred during the Spirits of the Adobe tours, which take place at the adobe once a month. This months tours are at 7 and 9:30 p.m. Oct. 31. The cost is $25, which benefit the adobes maintenance fund. Advertisement The tours are conducted by the San Diego Paranormal Research Society, which was co-founded in 2009 by Tierrasanta resident Nicole Strickland and Fallbrook resident Ali Schreiber. Over the years, the longtime friends have volunteered their services conducting numerous paranormal investigations aboard the Queen Mary cruise ship in Long Beach, at Vistas Avo Playhouse, the Escondido Public Library and several private homes. But no property theyve ever researched has yielded more spiritual energy than the adobe. Strickland said she believes the historic rancho an 1836 Spanish land grant that passed through a dozen hands before the city bought it in 1989 could be a portal connecting the living and spirit worlds. Yet while spirit portals in horror movies usually admit murderous demons, Strickland said that if any portal exists at the adobe, it has only welcomed happy ghosts. With our research and intuition we would say theres energy here thats very peaceful and very contented, Strickland said. If there are earthbound energies here, this was a place they loved. 1 / 13 Exterior view of the Rancho Buena Vista Adobe at sundown. The historic property, owned by the city of Vista, will host two tours on Halloween night focused on the 1852 buildings haunted history. (Charlie Neuman / San Diego Union-Tribune) 2 / 13 Paranormal researcher Nicole Strickland stands near a doorway to the master bedroom of the Rancho Buena Vista Adobe. She leads monthly tours of the adobe and has written a book about the hauntings of the historic dwelling. Many visitors have seen ghostly figures of men and women standing in or passing through doorways at the end of halls. (Charlie Neuman / San Diego Union-Tribune) 3 / 13 Paranormal researcher Nicole Strickland in a childrens bedroom of the Rancho Buena Vista Adobe. Shes written a book about the hauntings of the historic dwelling. (Charlie Neuman / San Diego Union-Tribune) 4 / 13 Detail view of a window and furniture in the main living room known as the Sala of the Rancho Buena Vista Adobe. (Charlie Neuman / San Diego Union-Tribune) 5 / 13 Late afternoon view of a childrens bedroom of the Rancho Buena Vista Adobe. This is the original adobe room built in 1852 and is known among staff and visitors as the stinky room because visitors associate it with the smell of horse manure and feed. (Charlie Neuman / San Diego Union-Tribune) 6 / 13 View of the gathering room of the Rancho Buena Vista Adobe. Paranormal researchers heard the disembodied voice of a young boy. The cross shape in the wood shutters was actually a gun sight to deter horse thieves. (Charlie Neuman / San Diego Union-Tribune) 7 / 13 A doll stands in a window of a childrens bedroom of the Rancho Buena Vista Adobe. (Charlie Neuman / San Diego Union-Tribune) 8 / 13 OA portrait of Chalmers Scott is displayed on a wall in the main bedroom of the Rancho Buena Vista Adobe. He owned the adobe from 1876 to 1891. (Charlie Neuman / San Diego Union-Tribune) 9 / 13 View of the covered veranda and center courtyard at the Rancho Buena Vista Adobe. (Charlie Neuman / San Diego Union-Tribune) 10 / 13 View of a covered patio near the kitchen at the Rancho Buena Vista Adobe. A walled-off root cellar was situated underneath this walkway in the 1800s. Spirits on the property have said that men were kept captive in the root cellar. (Charlie Neuman / San Diego Union-Tribune) 11 / 13 Paranormal researcher Nicole Strickland in the master bedroom of the Rancho Buena Vista Adobe. Shes written a book about the hauntings of the historic dwelling. (Charlie Neuman / San Diego Union-Tribune) 12 / 13 Paranormal researcher Nicole Strickland stands in a childrens bedroom of the Rancho Buena Vista Adobe known as the Stinky Room. The 1852 one-room adobe was once used to house the stallion of Cave Couts Jr. Today, visitors can hear the whinny and gallop of horses and smell horse hay and manure. (Charlie Neuman / San Diego Union-Tribune) 13 / 13 Paranormal researcher Nicole Strickland in the master bedroom of the Rancho Buena Vista Adobe. Shes written a book about the hauntings of the historic dwelling. (Charlie Neuman / San Diego Union-Tribune) Strickland is accustomed to skeptics and says shes skeptical too until she can assemble the facts and recordings to back up her theories. Still, she prefaces most of her statements with phrases like theres no proof, but . She had her first spiritual encounter at age 5 when she had a visit from an old man dressed in Gold Rush-era attire. When she was 21, she had a more profound and extended interaction with the ghost of her grandmother that eventually led her to shelve a career in counseling to focus on paranormal research and writing. I was born into the field with an innate passion for ghosts, hauntings and the spiritual realm, she said. I was always intuitive and an empath. In September, Strickland published Spirits of Rancho Buena Vista Adobe. Available in the adobes gift shop, its the seventh book shes written for Haunted America about paranormal activities in Southern California. In the 124-page book, she describes the many experiences she, Schreiber and others have had in virtually every room of the L-shaped adobe structure. Frank Rojano, a longtime city employee who has frequently worked on the adobe property, describes several spooky experiences in the book. In the early 2000s, he heard mysteriously slamming doors, saw a television turn itself on twice, and saw a painting inexplicably fly across a room and smash into a door. Strickland believes some of the adobes ghosts may be the spirits of women and men who lived and worked on the property in the late 1800s. The adobes most famous owner was Cave Johnson Couts, the Mexican War veteran who acquired the property in 1866 for ranching, but lived with his family three miles away at the Rancho Guajome Adobe. Strickland said Couts widow, Ysidora Dona Bandini de Couts, and five of her children may be among the spirits inhabiting the Rancho Buena Vista Adobe property. There have also been communications with a man named Juan (possibly Gonzalez) who worked for the Couts family in the 1800s. Its possible he was held prisoner in the adobes now-walled-off root cellar and might have been killed on the property. Theres a legend that an electrician installing electrical wiring in the adobes majordomo room in the 1920s discovered a skeleton hanging from a noose inside a wall that could have been that of Juan. Many of Strickland and Schreibers theories came from archival research, sightings and conversations recorded with the help of the equipment they use both in their private investigations and during the monthly tours. Disembodied voices, known as electronic voice phenomena or EVP, are captured via audio recorders, video cameras, a spirit box (which rapidly scans AM/FM radio signals for talking spirits) and the Ovilus X, a synthesizer that supposedly converts spiritual energy into recognizable words. They also use dowsing rods (L-shaped copper wires) to detect spiritual energy. Strickland said she knows many people doubt the scientific veracity of these devices, but most of the people who sign up for the two-hour tours are not among them. They arrive here open to the possibilities, she said. For information on paranormal tours coming up on Oct. 31, Nov. 9 and Dec. 21, call (760) 643-5275 or visit cityofvista.com/residents/rancho-buena-vista-adobe/spirits-of-the-adobe. Tours are limited to 10 people, ages 18 and up only. pam.kragen@sduniontribune.com Two lawsuits challenging the countys recent approval of the Newland Sierra housing development have been filed in Superior Court. The lawsuits contend the 2,135-home development, which would be built on land just west of Interstate 15 in North County, poses a threat to the community and wildlife. Both legal claims say the nearly 2,000-acre site of the proposed development roughly five miles northwest of downtown Escondido and north of Deer Springs Road is crucial for the migration of wildlife and is located in a high-risk fire area. When a fire threatens the area, the result could be traffic gridlock and death during an evacuation, they allege. The plaintiffs in one suit are the Center for Biological Diversity and the Endangered Habitats League. The other has a laundry lists of plaintiffs that include the Buena Creek Action Group, the California Native Plant Society, the Twin Oaks Valley Action Group, the Friends of the Hidden Valley Zen Center, the Deer Springs Oaks Action Group, Golden Door Properties, LLC, and 25 individual community members. Advertisement The countys reckless approval of this destructive development will sacrifice the safety of local communities and harm our wildlife, said Aruna Prabhala, director of the Center for Biological Diversitys Urban Wildlands program. This leapfrog development will destroy crucial animal habitat and put thousands of new residents in the heart of wildfire country while making evacuation more difficult for everyone else. Thats just unacceptable. The Board of Supervisors approved the project by a 4-0 vote on Sept. 26. The lawsuits were filed within the 30 days necessary to legally challenge the vote. Meanwhile, the Registrar of Voters is still verifying more than 117,000 signatures on petitions calling for a countywide vote in 2020 that would overturn the supervisors approval. Attorneys and representatives of opponents of the project have said all along that should the project be approved, they would challenge the decision both in the courts and at the ballot box. The county does not comment on pending litigation, but Rita Brandin, vice president of Newland Communities, issued a statement Monday. Despite the expensive, years-long effort by the billionaire owners of the Golden Door to derail Sierra, our project was rightfully approved by county planning staff, the county planning commission and the Board of Supervisors, which unanimously endorsed it, Brandin said. Now, the next derailment tactic is the filing of these lawsuits. We will vigorously defend the merits of this great community so that someday we can bring much-needed housing to San Diegos working families. The Golden Door, a luxury spa located on the south side of Deer Springs Road across from where Newland Sierra would be constructed, financed the signature-gathering drive for the referendum and have been challenging the development in court for years. jharry.jones@sduniontribune.com; 760/529-4931; Twitter: @jharryjones As Vista enters its first district-based election, two incumbent city councilmen will face challengers for their seats. Councilman John Aguilera is campaigning for re-election against community activist Corinna Contreras in District 1, in the northwest portion of the city, adjacent to Oceanside. Councilman John Franklin will compete against local business consultant Tazheen Nizam and James Stuckrad to represent District 4, the southernmost district in the city, between San Marcos and Carlsbad. DISTRICT 1 Advertisement Aguilera, 51, has served on the council since 2010, and is currently deputy mayor. He is also chair of the North County Transit Board, and is an alternate on the board for the San Diego County Association of Governments. He said he earned his bachelors degree in economics from UC San Diego, and works as a certified financial planner. Vista Councilman John Aguilera (Courtesy of John Aguilera) If hes re-elected, Aguilera said he hopes to improve infrastructure in his district, noting that the city has already invested $1 million in sidewalks and $5 million in parks in District 1. This will be the first year we start with districts, so I look forward to meeting with constituents and business owners and hearing their needs, he said. As voters deliberate on the future of marijuana sales in Vista, Aguilera said city officials should be vigilant about the industrys impacts on local businesses and neighborhoods. The city needs to maintain local control and decide how people can legally access so as not to degrade our downtown and affect our residential neighborhoods, he said. The city should set the regulations and be able to enforce the regulations and setbacks for the community if the community chooses to have marijuana in the city. With the ongoing redevelopment of the downtown Paseo Santa Fe area, he said the city is investing in flood control, undergrounding utilities, expanding sidewalks and slowing traffic, to keep shopper, diners and other pedestrians safe. We look to make this an arts district that will be a destination area instead of a cut-through to somewhere else, he said. Contreras did not respond to questions from The San Diego Union-Tribune. In a previous story, however, she said she hopes to encourage entrepreneurship among younger residents. Contreras, 29, grew up in Vista and graduated from Vista High School and returned to the city after graduating from UC Santa Barbara. She owns a business called Millennial Farmer, which promotes regenerative farming practices. She is vice president of North County Latino Democrats, and became involved in local politics after the 2016 election. Her campaign issues include community policing, pedestrian safety and supporting small business owners. In District 4, two challengers are vying with incumbent John Franklin for a council seat. Vista Councilman John Franklin (photo courtesy of John Franklin) Franklin, 39, has served served on the council for six years, owns a small business, and holds a bachelors degree from American University. During his years in office, he said, the council reduced budget deficits, increased the number of sheriffs deputies policing the city, and boosted Vistas emergency reserves to 29 percent of its annual budget. Our city is operating efficiently, effectively and with fiscal accountability, and I hope to keep it that way, he said. If re-elected, he said, he wants to preserve the balanced budget and add sheriffs deputies. Hiring a deputy this year and a plan to hire another next year is just the beginning of my success in building agreement among my colleagues that we must better address our policing needs, he said. Decreasing traffic congestion and responding in an effective and compassionate way to the homelessness crisis impacting Vista, along with the rest of California, are major priorities also. He said he recognizes that many Vista voters want legal access to marijuana, but said he opposes the citizens marijuana initiative, saying it essentially completely (deregulates) marijuana, and would harm neighborhoods and property values. He said hes excited to see new flagship restaurants open in downtown Vista, and is exploring a public-private partnership to finance a parking structure. Downtown Vista is finally a destination again, a clear indicator that Vista is headed in the right direction, he said. Adequately addressing the parking demand will be the councils next major challenge in Downtown. DISTRICT 4 Nizam, 45, is a business consultant, and holds a masters degree in business administration. She said she would like to increase government transparency and community input on city decisions, and ensure financial stability and environmental sustainability. I actively support in bringing a cost-effective and a sustainable climate action plan to reduce our greenhouse emissions and transition to 100 percent renewable energy by 2035, she said. My vision for Vista is to have a growing economy, a thriving business sector and a flourishing downtown while increasing our revenue. Nizam said she believes in integrated medicine and supports safe, regulated access to medical marijuana. We must legalize medical cannabis so Vistans in medical need can have safe and regulated access in Vista instead of driving out of town, she said. This will allow us to keep it out of the hands of children and only give access to adults who rely on cannabis for the medical benefits. She hopes to increase the number of art shows, festivals and theater events downtown, as well as pedestrian access to the area, in order to attract people to downtown restaurants and breweries. An evening spent in downtown Vista may consist of a stroll through an art exhibit, dinner at one of the many restaurants and a show at the Moonlight amphitheater or the Cinepolis, she said. Increasing walkability will lead to more people visiting local business, thus increasing tax revenue for the city and bringing in new business. James Stuckrad, 53, is also challenging Franklin for the seat in District 4. Stuckrad said he previously worked for the City of Carlsbad Parks & Recreation Department and is currently homeowner association president for his neighborhood. He said that with no prior elected experience, he would approach the council with an open mind. I have not held any public office before which I feel gives me the opportunity to govern with no preconceived notions, he said. I will always listen and I will always check the facts and my votes will always be for what the people of Vista want. He said he hopes to enhance Vistas public safety with more sheriffs deputies and firefighters, and enable deputies to engage in community policing in addition to responding to emergency calls. I would like to see the addition of a paramedic ambulance and paramedics to operate out of station 5 on South Melrose Drive, reducing the number of responses to our district from our neighboring cities and reducing response times to our residents, he said. More sheriffs deputies would allow the department to once again become a proactive force instead of a reactive force, which they are now. Corinna Contreras and Tazheen Nizam declined to submit photographs. deborah.brennan@sduniontribune.com Twitter@deborahsbrennan The San Ysidro School District will pay as much as $9,750 for training and manuals on student attendance reporting in an effort to not repeat a past error. The mistake occurred when the district over reported attendance for the 2015-16 school year by 262 students. As a result of the miscalculation, the state, which doles out funds to schools based on attendance, overpaid the San Ysidro district about $5.2 million. In February, the school board agreed to repay the state. Now the board has approved a contract with a firm that will help the district ensure employees, from teachers to administrators, property record and report attendance. Advertisement This is a step forward, said Chief Business Official Marilyn Adrianzen, who was hired in July. Its a big step forward. In the coming months, the firm, Wenger & Associates, will review the adequacy of the online system that the district uses to log attendance and generate data to report to the state. A key task will be to ensure the codes the district uses such as the code for an unexcused absence are in line with the states guidelines on attendance reporting. Wenger & Associates will also develop customized manuals for teachers, school attendance clerks and other district employees. Training, which will take place once the materials are finalized, will include two workshops and web conferences. The manuals will be used by Wenger & Associates to help the district become certified by the state in attendance reporting. The contract with the firm, approved unanimously by trustees on Oct. 11, runs through June. Under the agreement, the costs for the firms services will not exceed $9,750. We needed to bring in Wenger & Associates so that everyone is on the same page and trained in all of the areas of (student attendance) accounting, Adrianzen said. She noted the district of about 5,000 students, which has faced leadership and financial troubles in recent years, is working to improve in many areas with a new superintendent, Gina Potter, at the helm. Potter was hired in May. Were trying to put the district back together, Adrianzen said. The districts error in 2016 occurred under the leadership of former Superintendent Julio Fonseca, who resigned in September. An audit completed in June found he and former Assistant Superintendent Arturo-Sanchez-Macias were each overpaid more than $160,000, mostly in insurance and vacation payouts, during their two-year tenure with the district. The incorrect student attendance figure for the 2015-16 school year was used to calculate the districts funding for two consecutive years. The state uses the larger number between the current and previous year, and the attendance inaccurately reported for 2015-16 year was greater than the attendance for the 2016-17 year. When the error was discovered as part of a routine audit in 2016, the district decided to put the funds aside and dispute the findings. In November, interim Chief Business Official Peter Wong determined the audit was accurate and recommended the board approve an agreement to repay the state. The board approved a four-year payment plan on Feb. 8. Email: david.hernandez@sduniontribune.com Phone: (619) 293-1876 Twitter: @D4VIDHernandez October 30, 1915 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 30, 1915 In 1915 inventor Thomas Alva Edison and automaker Henry Ford drew an enthusiastic crowd while attending San Diego's Panama-California Exposition. Here are the first few paragraphs of the story: 2000 PUPILS ENCIRCLE EDISON WITH WALL OF FLOWERS Welcome Stirs Great Inventors Heart; Ford Voices Plea for Peace Distinguished Visitors Greeted by Thousands Upon Arrival At Exposition; Menlo Park Wizard Declines to Give Interview; Party Will Leave Tomorrow HAPPINESS which radiated from the kindly face of Thomas Alva Edison, the worlds greatest inventor, penetrated hears of thousands of San Diegans and visitors at Panama-California Exposition yesterday afternoon when 12,000 school children nearly buried him from view under an avalanche of fragrant flowers. It was the welcome of the school children that touched him more deeply than the applause of the thousands of grown-ups who had assembled to add their welcome to that of the children. Between Edison and the children there seemed to exist that sympathetic understanding which made each child believe he had been given especial notice. Standing on the platform before the Sacramento building under a beautiful pergola of green, banked with yellow chrysanthemums, built for the occasion by the San Diego park board, Edison was nearly hidden from view of the crowd after the children had passed and each one had deposited his bouquet. Nearly 4000 bouquets were taken from the grounds of Balboa park by members of the park commission. These were also showered on Edison and his party. Many Seek Vantage Points The welcome of the children to Edison was one of the prettiest functions of the kind ever given at the Exposition. With flowers strewn about him on every side, with great bunches of them in his arms, he smiled and bowed his pleasure to his young friends. Long before the hour set for the arrival of Edison and Henry Ford, Detroit automobile manufacturer, hundreds crowded the steps of the Sacrament building, many brought their own chairs. When the automobile bearing Edison and Ford turned into the Plaza de Panama, a thousand voices cried, Here they come! And thousands of other voices were raised in ringing cheers.When Edison alighted nimbly from the car he was met by Norman Hackett Barber Mary Elizabeth Pendleton and Marjorie Rice, a trio of happy youngsters who had been selected to greet him. They pressed great bunches of flowers into his hands and he smiled his thanks. Then came the school children with a ton of flowers which were banked about him and which permeated the air with their fragrance, Im solid for children, said Edison, the only remark he made. 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. A 49-year-old Napa man was found dead at a vineyard Monday afternoon after an incident involving a grape-harvesting machine, authorities said. Officials with the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration were called to Deconinck Vineyards in Napa around 12:30 p.m. Monday after they received a report that a field worker was involved in a fatal accident with a grape harvesting machine, according to Luke Brown, a spokesman for Cal/OSHA. The victim died at the scene, according to Brown, who would not comment on exactly how the man died. Henry Wofford, a public information officer for the Napa County Sheriffs Office, identified the victim as Leon Marcelo Lua, 49, of Napa. Advertisement No one else was injured, Brown said. Attempts to contact the vineyard for comment were unsuccessful Tuesday. james.queally@latimes.com Follow @JamesQueallyLAT for crime and police news in California. A 61-year-old Oxnard man who had been arrested in connection with the violation of a restraining order was killed by his cellmate inside the Ventura County jail last week, authorities said. Michael Larios Torres, 61, of Oxnard, was found dead shortly after 6 p.m. Thursday, according to a news release issued by the Ventura County Sheriffs Office. Torres, who was awaiting trial on charges of violating a domestic violence restraining order, died after suffering blunt force trauma and neck compression, according to Sgt. Eric Buschow. Investigators ruled his death a homicide Monday and think Torres was killed by his cellmate. Buschow said the suspects name was not released because he has not been formally arrested in connection with Torres death. Buschow did not offer a motive for the killing and or say why the suspect was in jail. Advertisement In this case we have time, because hes already incarcerated, to do some additional follow-up, said Buschow, noting that once the suspect is arrested, police would have only 48 hours to present a case to the Ventura County district attorneys office. Torres was arrested by Oxnard police in early October. Its not unusual for us to have assaults in the jail. Unfortunately its actually fairly common, Buschow said. It is unusual for us to have an assault that results in a homicide. james.queally@latimes.com Follow @JamesQueallyLAT for crime and police news in California. A San Clemente man died of his injuries after a yacht and sportfishing boat collided last week about nine miles off the coast of Imperial Beach, a Coast Guard spokesman said Monday. Richard Neff, 66, was pronounced dead about four hours after the crash Friday, according to the San Diego County Medical Examiners Office. Coast Guard officials learned of his death a day later, Petty Officer 2nd Class Joel Guzman said. Neff was injured a little before 6 p.m. Friday when the 322-foot vessel Attessa IV, a so-called superyacht, collided with the 65-foot sportfishing boat Prowler near the international maritime boundary, authorities said. The yachts crew contacted the Coast Guard in San Diego about 7:50 p.m. Friday to report the crash. Advertisement Neff, who was on a fishing trip with friends, fell some distance and struck his head, according to the medical examiner. A helicopter crew airlifted Neff from the boat with grave injuries and took him to UC San Diego Medical Center in Hillcrest, where he died despite aggressive resuscitative efforts. He was pronounced dead at 10:24 p.m. Figueroa writes for the San Diego Union Tribune. Union-Tribune staff writer Alex Riggins contributed to this report. Figueroa writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune. teri.figueroa@sduniontribune.com A San Diego judge on Tuesday said she wants a month to decide whether prosecutors can try a man for a third time on charges he shot an off-duty deputy and a passerby last year. The judge declared a mistrial on Friday when a second jury was unable to decide whether the defendant, Ray Pitoau, or San Diego County sheriffs Deputy Jason Philpot caused the revolver to fire twice as they struggled over the gun. Deputy District Attorney Michael Reilly said he believes investigators can track down an elusive witness and present new evidence that could persuade a third jury to convict Pitoau. Deputy Public Defender Jessica Marshall argued that the prosecutor was merely speculating on a possible outcome. Advertisement Thats not a decision I want to make without some further thought, said San Diego Superior Court Judge Melinda Lasater. She ordered the attorneys to return to court on Nov. 27 for her decision. Philpot got into the violent confrontation on Island Avenue early on Aug. 7, 2017, after he and his two brothers left a Metallica concert at Petco Park and hit a couple of bars. Prosecutors say the brothers and two friends both Escondido police officers walked past Pitoau, who traded insults with Philpots brother Joshua before aiming a revolver at him. Philpot testified that he charged at the gunman to keep him from shooting Joshua. In an up-close struggle between Philpot and Pitoau, the gun went off. One round pierced Philpots upper chest and right arm. A second round also passed through his right arm. One of the rounds ricocheted and hit Vladimir Shvets, a visitor from Hawaii in San Diego for a convention. Pitoau ran off after the shooting and fled to Mexico. He was arrested a month later and turned over to San Diego police. He was charged with three counts of assault with a deadly weapon, being a felon in possession of a firearm, carrying a loaded firearm in public and carrying a concealed firearm. Pitoaus first trial ended in July with a jury convicting him of the three firearms charges. One juror held out against convicting him on the three assault charges. Reilly said Pitoau faces up to 29 years to life in prison on the firearms charges and for having several prior felony convictions. If Pitoau were to be convicted of the assault charges as well, the prosecutor said, the combined sentences could add up to 91 years to life in prison. The second trial, on the charges of assault with a deadly weapon, ended Friday with eight jurors favoring a not-guilty verdict. The judge on Tuesday set Pitoaus sentencing date on the firearms charges for Nov. 27, the day she will decide whether there is to be a third trial. Pitoau testified that he had grabbed the gun from his friend, Emory Zinga, in self-defense because Philpot and his companions were advancing on him. Reilly said investigators have not been able to find Zinga, but he believes they can and that Zinga could provide important testimony in a third trial. pauline.repard@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @pdrepard About a month after he attended a new conference alongside sheriffs investigators seeking information on his missing wife, a Vista man pleaded not guilty Monday to one count of murder in her death. As it turns out, Maria Elena Guzman-Cordovas remains had been found in the days before the media event. Hector Garcia Martinez is accused of killing his 38-year-old wife in the family home on Oct. 13, 2017, Deputy District Attorney Marnie Layon said after his arraignment in Vista Superior Court. And, she said, the couples youngest daughter about age 4 at the time may also have been in the residence at the time of the slaying. Advertisement The prosecutor said authorities believe Guzman-Cordovas body may have been in the trunk of the car when Martinez took their youngest daughter to his parents home the following morning. Authorities suspect that after dropping off the little girl, Martinez went on to dispose of the body somewhere in the Palomar Mountain area, Layon said. Superior Court Judge James Simmons, Jr. granted the prosecutors request to keep Martinez jailed without bail, finding by clear and convincing evidence that he is a danger to the community, Simmons said. If convicted, Martinez could face 25 years to life in prison. For about a year, sheriffs homicide detectives officially investigated Guzman-Cordovas disappearance as a missing-persons case. Authorities said her husband told them that he and Guzman-Cordova had argued, and that she walked out of the familys North Santa Fe Avenue apartment about 9 p.m. on Oct. 13, 2017. She didnt take her wallet, phone, or anything else she might need. Their youngest daughter was asleep in the residence at the time. According to Layon, Guzman-Cordova had told people that she wanted to leave Martinez. Guzman-Cordovas remains were found in mid-September before the Sept. 27 news conference at the Sheriffs Department seeking information about her whereabouts. Her family did not know she already had been found, Layon said. Her husband and daughters attended the news conference. There, speaking through a Spanish-speaking interpreter, Martinez told reporters that his life had been difficult without his wife and as a single parent. A foreman at a roofing company, Martinez said he and his wife, who worked as a house cleaner, had the usual problems in a marriage. However, he declined to elaborate. She loved her daughters very much, Martinez told reporters at the time. We just want to know where she is. In announcing Martinezs arrest last week, Sheriffs Lt. Rich Williams said Guzman-Cordovas remains had been identified through DNA. He also said the countys Medical Examiners Office was not able to determine the cause or manner of her death. Williams said evidence gathered over the course of the year-long investigation linked Martinez to his wifes death. The lieutenant also said investigators believe Martinez drove either a white four-door sedan or burgundy SUV to dump his wifes body in the wilderness. Martinez is due back in court in early November. teri.figueroa@sduniontribune.com (760) 529-4945 Twitter: @TeriFigueroaUT The Trump administration ordered 5,200 additional troops to the Southwest border Monday, more than doubling the military presence there and widening the Pentagons role in domestic policing operations. The move is in response to a caravan of Central American migrants who may seek to enter the United States through Mexico, officials said. President Trump has characterized the group as an invasion and falsely claimed it included terrorists and was organized by Democrats handing out money, despite denials by national security experts. Trumps critics dismissed the unusually heavy deployment of military troops to assist in border protection as a political ploy by the administration to appeal to its base ahead of the Nov. 6 midterm election. The armed troops will help the Border Patrol harden points of entry and address key gaps around points of entry to keep members of the caravan from crossing the border, Gen. Terrence OShaughnessy, head of the U.S. Northern Command, said at a news conference with the Border Patrol. Advertisement The rapid timetable of the operation would have the 5,200 troops in place by the end of the week. The caravan of approximately 3,500 migrants is still moving through southern Mexico, about 900 miles from the U.S. border, and is steadily declining in numbers. Trump has seized on the immigration issue ahead of next weeks midterm election, even though illegal immigration this year is on pace to be lower than in all but four of the previous 45 years. The president has tweeted repeatedly about the threat posed by the caravan, a characterization that may have played a role in Saturdays deadly synagogue attack in Pittsburgh. In online postings, the purported shooter, Robert Bowers, accused Jewish groups of aiding invaders by helping immigrants and refugees settle in the United States. Though Pentagon officials in the past have emphasized that the military was playing only a supporting role in assisting civilian authorities along the border, OShaughnessy portrayed the military as taking a far more active operational role. As we sit here today, we have about 800 soldiers that are on their way right now. Theyre coming from from Ft. Campbell. Theyre coming from Ft. Knox. Theyre moving closer to the border and are ready to be employed on the border. The first wave of 800 troops will be followed in coming days by additional deployments in Arizona and California. They will include active-duty military personnel from three combat engineering battalions and three helicopter units. About 2,000 National Guard troops are already assisting at the border under a previous Pentagon operation. Among other roles, Black Hawk helicopters equipped with night sensors will be available to ferry Border Patrol personnel exactly where they need to be to spot groups and to fast-rope down to intercept migrants trying to cross the border. Military aircraft will conduct surveillance. The Pentagon is also sending engineers who could build vehicle barriers, walls and razor-wire fencing around the entry points. Soldiers arriving at the border were bringing 22 miles of concertina wire and would have another 150 miles available, OShaughnessy said. The Pentagon is sending riot gear, ready-to-eat meals and tents to equip, feed and house additional Border Patrol agents sent to the border. In addition, the Pentagon is sending four larger transport planes, including three C-130s and a C-17 to ferry the agency personnel to spots along the border where migrants may seek to cross illegally, officials said. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Kevin McAleenan said that the agency is tracking two large groups of between 3,000 and 3,500 migrants each in southern Mexico. He said the groups were preparing to enter the United States within the next few weeks. The Pentagon and the Border Patrol are focusing initially on building up security measures at points of entry across the border, McAleenan said. If the migrants seek to cross the border at more remote locations, the Border Patrol has an additional 830 agents to move to those locations with military assistance, he said. The agency also has two dozen of its aircraft patrolling the Southwest border, he added. Asked why so many troops were needed, McAleenan said migrant groups that had crossed the Guatemalan-Mexico border had recently used violent tactics to overwhelm border guards who attempted to block them. Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen have vowed to stop the caravan, but its been unclear whether the Border Patrol would be able to cope, given an influx of asylum-seeking families this year that recently accelerated. As the president and Secretary Nielsen have made clear, we will not allow a large group to enter the United States in an unsafe and unlawful manner, McAleenan told reporters. In recent days, the Border Patrol had deployed 100 special response team operators to prepare plans to beef up security at each of the 26 points of entry along the border, he said. An additional 1,000 officers, including 250 with training in riot control, are ready to move to the border as well, he said. But the agency sought assistance from the Pentagon due to the large size of the potential caravans that may arrive, McAleenan said. The Pentagon deployment up from an original estimate of 800 that officials said was likely last week would be double the 2,500 U.S. troops in Syria. Critics called the operation a politically motivated misuse of American military. The men and women of the U.S. military work hard to protect us from real threats. It is beyond cynical, and sets a terrible precedent, to exploit them for political stagecraft in the run-up to an election, said Adam Isacson, director for defense oversight at the Washington Office on Latin America, an advocacy group that focuses on Latin America. The migrant caravan is mostly children and families. Most plan to ask for asylum if they make it to the U.S. border, and most will not make it. By the time they get here, the so-called caravan may be just a few hundred people. Unless soldiers are being trained to fill in asylum forms and to care for kids and moms, this is the very opposite of what the U.S. militarys mission is, he added. OShaughnessy said the Pentagon was carrying out Trumps wishes. I think the president has made it clear that border security is national security, he said, adding that our orders are very clear: Were going to secure the border. Under pressure from U.S. authorities to halt the northward flow of migrants, Mexican authorities have broken up one attempted migrant caravan near the countrys southern border and offered temporary residency to Central Americans who agree to remain in the country. McAleenan urged migrants still making their way to the United States to seek asylum in Mexico, rather than attempt to cross the border. Asked whether U.S. officials would permit people in the caravan to seek asylum in the United States, he said, You can only process a certain number of people at a time. The troops will not be involved in interacting with migrants seeking to cross the border, the officials said. Using troops in a support role means they would not violate the Posse Comitatus Act, which bars the federal government from using the military for domestic policing. But the heavier support role suggests that military personnel may come in closer contact with migrants than they have in other recent operations. The Pentagon is sending active-duty troops, rather than National Guard soldiers, because they can mobilize faster and have more aircraft than reservists, officials said. Use of active-duty troops also enables the Trump administration to bypass California Gov. Jerry Brown, who has resisted use of troops along the border in the past. The Pentagon operation is limited to 45 days, meaning the troops would depart in December unless the mission is extended, officials said. david.cloud@latimes.com Twitter: @davidcloudLAT UPDATES: 5:25 p.m.: This article was updated with comments from the news conference and other reaction. This article was originally published at 11:30 a.m. President Trump, who has been campaigning intensely against immigration ahead of next weeks elections, said in a television interview that he is in the process of preparing an executive order to end the right to citizenship for children born in the United States to parents who are here illegally. Itll happen, he said in an interview with Axios scheduled to air on HBO this weekend. The news site released a portion of the interview Tuesday morning. Trump did not lay out specifics, including a timeline, making his plans uncertain. In the past, he has promised to take up some issues in short order and then failed to do so. At other times, his public comments foretell actual policy plans. Trumps words have been especially unreliable in the run-up to the midterm elections, promising, for example, that Congress would approve a new tax cut before next weeks election, even though the House and Senate are not in session. Advertisement Two people close to the administration who spoke anonymously said Tuesday that the citizenship policy had been in discussion for weeks. The idea, which Trump and many of his advisors believe could help boost conservative turnout in the final days before the midterm election, has been driven by Stephen Miller, Trumps most hard-line anti-immigration advisor, both people said. Following the murders at a Pittsburgh synagogue on Saturday and a spate of attempted mail bombs targeting Democratic leaders and other prominent Trump critics, White House aides debated whether to put the policy on hold until after the election, one person said. But the administration gave the proposed executive order a green light during a Monday afternoon staff meeting, according to one of the two people who spoke about the discussions, and whose account was backed up by the second. Trump and many of his advisors believe the attention they have brought to a migrant caravan heading toward the U.S.-Mexico border has helped motivate his base voters and think that proposing the birthright order now would increase the momentum. Now youre in a position where if you want to fire up the base, boom! Thats one way to do it, said the person. Others have cautioned against starting a divisive constitutional fight while the nation is still shaken from the recent acts of political and religious hate. In issuing any such order, however, Trump would be wading into a contentious legal dispute. Most legal scholars have said that eliminating birthright citizenship would require a constitutional amendment. Even those who have argued that Congress could act without changing the Constitution havent said a president could do so by fiat. The Constitutions 14th Amendment, adopted in 1868, states that all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside. That language has been widely interpreted to guarantee the right to citizenship for those born on American soil. Trump now claims otherwise. It was always told to me that you needed a constitutional amendment. Guess what? You dont, Trump said in the interview. You can definitely do it with an act of Congress. But now theyre saying I can do it just with an executive order, Trump said, without specifying who the they referred to. Omar Jadwat, director of the American Civil Liberties Unions Immigrants Rights Project, accused Trump of trying to sow division and fan the flames of anti-immigrant hatred in the days ahead of the midterms. The president cannot erase the Constitution with an executive order, and the 14th Amendments citizenship guarantee is clear, he said. The Republican House leader, Speaker Paul D. Ryan of Wisconsin, agreed. You cannot end birthright citizenship with an executive order, he told radio station WVLK in Lexington, Ky. Vice President Mike Pence, speaking Tuesday at an event sponsored by Politico, amplified the presidents argument, calling birthright citizenship one of many loopholes that has led to a crisis on the border. The Trump administration said last week that a combined 521,090 people were either stopped at the border or deemed inadmissible after arriving at a legal port of entry in the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30. That was a jump of more than 100,000 since the prior year, but below the totals in two of the last five years and lower than the levels in most years of recent decades. Its unclear how far the administration has gotten in crafting actual language or whether the Justice Departments Office of Legal Counsel has signed off, a legal requirement for a strategy that is certain to drag out in the courts. Donald McGahn, Trumps White House counsel, recently left the administration, making the challenge even more uncertain. Administration officials would not comment. Many were hoping to keep the days focus on Trumps trip to Pittsburgh on Tuesday. The trip was intended to console the community where 11 Jewish people were killed in a synagogue on Saturday. Robert Bowers, the accused gunman, had echoed some of Trumps hard-line immigration views and used social media to attack HIAS, a group founded by Jews that helps resettle refugees. Trump condemned the attack, but he returned quickly to his anti-immigrant rhetoric, even using the term invasion the same word allegedly used by Bowers in his social media posts to describe a migrant caravan that is about 900 miles from the southern U.S. border. Trump has long seen political value in hard-line immigration proposals. He differentiated himself from a crowded Republican primary field by promising in 2015 to end birthright citizenship ... the biggest magnet for illegal immigration. The strong position forced his opponents to either adopt Trumps views, and look like they were copying him, or confront him and defend against his accusations that they were weak on immigration a defining issue among Republican voters. Trumps tactics hardened the Republican Partys stance and helped him secure the nomination. Republicans had traditionally advocated for immigration, but started splitting on the issue in the 1990s. In 1996, for example, the party platform endorsed an end to birthright citizenship, but the Republican presidential nominee, Sen. Bob Dole, renounced the idea. Immigration groups who press for restricting legal immigration, and were for a long time on the fringes of the debate, have rejoiced under Trump. This is a turning point. This issue is going to be front and center and its not going to go away, said activist Ted Hilton, who has advocated ending birthright citizenship for more than 30 years. The San Diego native launched a California ballot initiative in 2009 targeting children born to people who are in the country illegally. It was put on hold after anti-illegal-immigration activists failed to garner enough signatures to make the California ballot the following year. Hilton said he believes the Supreme Court will ultimately rule on the issue, the strategy he has long advocated. Roy Beck, president of NumbersUSA, said taking away the automatic right to citizenship helps groups such as his in other immigration fights as well, because they can better counter advocates for immigrants rights, who argue that families are being torn apart when parents of children born in the United States are deported. Theres never been anybody in the White House thats really pushed it, until Trump, Beck said. Liberal groups condemned Trumps proposal. Heidi Hess, co-director of the progressive group CREDO Action, called it another unconstitutional power-grab from a man who is desperate to whip Republicans into an anti-immigrant frenzy in advance of the midterm elections. Polls this year have shown immigration to be a strong motivator for Republican voters, although not for others. A recent Kaiser Family Foundation poll, for example, found that more Republican voters, 25%, chose immigration as the most important issue in deciding who to vote for in next weeks elections. The issue ranked just ahead of the economy and jobs for Republican voters. But the poll also showed how the issue moves Trumps core supporters more than the rest of the public. Among Democrats, only 9% ranked immigration as the top issue while among independents, only 15% said that. Those two groups were far more interested in healthcare. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi of San Francisco argued that Trump is using the immigration issue as a political ploy to distract from healthcare, which Democrats are emphasizing. President Trumps new claim he can unilaterally end the Constitutions guarantee of citizenship shows Republicans spiraling desperation to distract from their assault on Medicare, Medicaid and people with preexisting conditions, she said. Los Angeles Times staff writer Cindy Carcamo in Santa Ana contributed to this report. UPDATES: 1 p.m.: This article was updated with a comment by Ted Hilton. 10:45 a.m.: This article was updated with comments from Rep. Paul D. Ryan, Vice President Mike Pence, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, immigration restrictionist Roy Beck and immigration advocate Heidi Hess. 8:45 a.m.: This article was updated with background about the administrations internal debate over when to announce the executive order. 7:30 a.m.: This article was updated with Los Angeles Times staff reporting, a comment from the ACLU and additional details. This article was originally published at 3:50 a.m. Notorious Boston mob boss and FBI rat Whitey Bulgers life sentence ended early and ugly. The once-feared Irish-American gangster, who survived decades on the street and 16 years on the lam, didnt last 24 hours inside a West Virginia penitentiary before he was savagely beaten to death early Tuesday, according to reports. The Boston Globe reported that a Mafia-affiliated inmate whacked Bulger, who famously ratted out Bostons Italian organized crime operations while both working as an FBI snitch and running his own Irish crime syndicate the Winter Hill Gang. Bulger, 89, was found unresponsive at 8:20 a.m. inside his cell and pronounced dead at the high-security Hazelton, W. Va., facility, according to the Bureau of Prisons. He was transferred inside just one day earlier. Advertisement Life-saving measures were initiated immediately by responding staff, said a statement from the Bureau of Prisons. The Federal Bureau of Investigation was notified and an investigation has been initiated. No other details were provided surrounding his sudden, shocking and violent demise, and no arrests were made. But it seems like a case of live by the sword, die by the sword for Bulger, convicted five years ago of 11 homicides after the elusive fugitive was busted at his beachfront California apartment. The Globe, citing sources, said Springfield, Mass. mobster Fotios Freddy Geas, who was serving a life sentence at the same prison, was a suspect in Bulgers death. The sources said Bulger may have been killed by Geas and other inmates as punishment for his one-time role as an informant. This file June 23, 2011, booking photo provided by the U.S. Marshals Service shows James Whitey Bulger. (/ AP) The missing Bulger had ranked No. 2 on the FBI Most Wanted list right behind 9/11 terrorist Osama Bin Laden. His lawyer, J.W. Carney Jr., laid the blame for Bulgers violent demise on BOP officials. Though Bulger was sentenced to life in prison as a result of decisions by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, that sentence has been changed to the death penalty, Carney said in a statement. Relatives of Bulgers murder victims shed no tears or raised a glass. Wherever he is, Im sure its really hot, said Tom Donahue, 44, whose dad Michael was among the dead. I hope hes bent over right now getting a pitchfork in the a--. My mom wants to get a bottle of champagne. If the Mafia was involved, revenge was indeed a dish served cold as Bulgers time as an FBI informant dates back to 1975 when he signed on with FBI agent John Connolly. The cozy, corrupt relationship between the fed and the felon became the movie Black Mass, with Johnny Depp hair slicked back and sunglasses perched on his nose playing Bulger. Connolly became an FBI star by using Bulgers intel to target Bostons Mafia. The feds, in return for Bulgers inside information, turned a blind eye to the brutal boss criminal activities from gambling to prostitution to drugs. And murder after murder after murder. There was one more perk: Connolly tipped Whitey that the feds were coming with handcuffs in December 1995. Bulger bolted, living on the lam (with a $2 million reward for his capture) until his 2011 arrest. The Bulger mystique only grew as the gangster evaded arrest despite endless sightings around the U.S. and the world. One tipster insisted spying Bulger inside a Boston movie theater in 2006, watching the Martin Scorsese movie The Departed where Jack Nicholson played a mob boss based on the fugitive son of South Boston. He was busted in 2011 and convicted two years later for an assortment of crimes including the homicides, extortion and money-laundering on a long-awaited day of reckoning for the relatives of his victims. His sentence at age 84: Two consecutive life terms plus five years. On the streets of South Boston, where Bulger once ruled as an urban Robin Hood wrapped in an Irish flag, few mourned his passing. I dont think anyone is sorry to see him dead, said Willie Spann, who recalls one of Whiteys henchmen putting a gun to his head one night in a drunken incident. Another longtime Southie resident, standing outside Bulgers old Rotary Liquor Store, described Whiteys killing as destiny. He got what he deserved, the man said. He was a f---ing mobster. What do you expect? BRIDGEPORT, Conn. The mother of a Connecticut college student who choked to death on pancakes during an eating contest on campus last year has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the university. Rosanne Nelson sued Sacred Heart University on Monday in Bridgeport state court over the death of her daughter, 20-year-old Caitlin Nelson, of Clark, New Jersey. The lawsuit seeks an undisclosed amount of money and accuses the school of approving the contest despite the dangers and failing to provide adequate medical personnel. Officials at the Catholic university in Fairfield declined to comment. Caitlin Nelson was a junior social work major whose father, police officer James Nelson, was killed in the Sept. 11 attacks in Manhattan. She died at a New York City hospital three days after participating in the eating contest. Organised crime group dismantled with assistance from Eurojust Romanian and UK authorities successfully took down an organised crime group involved in human trafficking for exploitation - forced labour, false imprisonment and money laundering. In a series of early morning raids carried out on 16 October in east London by the Met's Modern Slavery and Kidnap Unit, eight premises were searched. Eight suspects were arrested. Four suspects appeared in court on 18 October, charged with conspiring to hold a person in slavery or servitude and money laundering. They were remanded in custody. The other four suspects arrested in the UK were released under investigation, and further enquiries are ongoing in relation to their involvement in trafficking offences. On the same day, seven searches were simultaneously carried out in Romania by the Directorate for Investigation of Organized Crime and Terrorism, Territorial Office of Vrancea and Romanian Police. Seized in the searches were five automobiles, approximately GBP 37 000 (in Romanian and UK currency), gold jewelry, several laptops and mobile telephones, as well as bank documents and cards issued by the UK authorities. Additionally, in Romania, two men and two women have been heard on suspicion of modern slavery and money laundering offences and placed under judicial control. Eurojust, via the Romanian and UK Desks, supported this case from the beginning, and held a coordination meeting to map out the judicial strategy. A joint investigation team (JIT) between the UK and Romania was formed in September 2017 and was extended for one year. Funding for the JIT was provided by Eurojust. Thirty-three potential victims of trafficking were rescued (24 men, 4 women and 5 children) from the London addresses and brought to safety. Photo Shutterstock A Canadian mother has been reunited with her son 31 years after he was abducted as a toddler. Lyneth Mann-Lewis said Monday that one of the first things she did was cook a meal for her now-33-year-old son, Jermaine, after flying down to Connecticut to see him for the first time since he went missing in 1987. I am the proof that after 31 long years of suffering, one should never give up, she said at a press conference, according to Global News. Be patient, be strong, and believe that all things are possible and that anything can transpire. Mann went missing in June 1987 during a scheduled visitation with his father, Allan Mann, when he was 21 months old. Advertisement As he grew up, his father told him that his mother had died. His mother never stopped searching, but it wasnt until 2016 that Toronto police and the U.S. Marshals Service began collaborating after a joint training session. Officials offered few details, but said that the elder Mann had been arrested Friday after being tracked down using facial recognition technology. He had been living just outside of Hartford, Conn., allegedly having used counterfeit birth certificates for himself and his son for decades. Allan Mann faces federal charges including making false statements in transactions with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. They lived, basically, a life of lies as to who they were and what they did, unbeknownst to Jermaine, Toronto Police Det. Wayne Banks said. Mann-Lewis said she spent hours in a hotel meeting her adult son and cooking for him; Mann, a vegetarian, even ate the chicken she made. The words your son is alive, we found him, that is breathtaking, she said. Constant worry is finally over. The grateful mother also shared the first words she heard from her son: Mommy you have my eyes. With News Wire Services An Illinois couple who went missing last week are now presumed dead, police announced Monday. Susan Brill de Ramirez and Antonio Ramirez Barron, both 63, were last seen on Thursday, but their disappearance was not made official until police reported to their Princeville home Sunday night after a call about a possible burglary. Peoria County Sheriff Brian Asbell said the two, who both worked at Bradley University, could have been dead since Friday morning. The couples son, 21-year-old Jose Ramirez, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and Matthew Roberts, 20, was charged with concealment of homicidal death and obstruction of justice. Advertisement Asbell said blood was found at the couples home and some items were missing. He called the deaths an isolated incident and said police are not looking for any more suspects. The Peoria County Sheriffs Office is now working with the Department of Natural Resources and the Henry County Sheriffs Office in a recovery effort for the couples remains. The race for the 50th Congressional District is tightening, as Democratic challenger Ammar Campa-Najjar has gained six percentage points in the past two months against Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Alpine. Hunter remains in the lead, with 48 percent of voters surveyed saying they are voting for him, compared to 45 percent for Campa-Najjar. The spread is within the margin of error for the survey of plus or minus 4.8 percentage points. The survey was conducted by SurveyUSA for The San Diego Union-Tribune and 10News. Eight hundred adults were surveyed from Oct. 25 to 29. The survey took place amid early voting by many in the district, which includes El Cajon, Alpine, Escondido and parts of Riverside County. Of those voters who said they have already returned a ballot, 49 percent said they voted for Hunter, compared to 48 percent for Campa-Najjar. Advertisement Hunter is under federal indictment with his wife, Margaret, for allegedly stealing $250,000 of campaign funds for personal use. Both have pleaded not guilty, and Hunter says the August timing of the indictment indicates a partisan witch hunt by the Department of Justice. The last U-T/10News poll on the race was taken August 22 to 26, in the days after Hunters August 21 indictment. At that time, Hunter stood at 47 percent support and Campa-Najjar at 39 percent. The latest results show a strong correlation between those who support Republican President Donald Trump and those who support Hunter. Trump has sounded very similar notes in his criticism of the Department of Justice for its handling of an investigation of alleged ties between the Trump campaign and Russian operatives. Similarly, there is a strong correlation between those who oppose the president and those who support Campa-Najjar, who was a White House and Department of Labor aide under former Democratic President Barack Obama. Despite a strong Republican voter registration advantage in the district, the federal case has made a close race for the Marine veteran and longtime incumbent, first elected to replace his father of the same name in 2008. Hunters lead in the survey results comes despite 53 percent of voters saying they believe he broke the law, compared to 19 percent of voters saying he did not. The pollster offered this breakdown of how the two candidates are faring among segments of voters: If Hunter wins re-election, which he well may, it will be because men (among whom Hunter leads by 10 points), evangelicals (among whom Hunter leads by 57 points), voters in military households (among whom Hunter leads by 28 points), voters who approve of the job Donald Trump is doing as President (among whom Hunter leads by 78 points), affluent voters (among whom Hunter leads by 15 points), rural voters (among whom Hunter leads by 26 points), voters focused on immigration (among whom Hunter leads by 80 points), and voters focused on taxes (among whom Hunter leads by 50 points) turn out in large numbers. If Campa-Najjar stuns with a political upset, it will be because suburban women (among whom Campa-Najjar leads by 12 points), lower-income voters (among whom Campa-Najjar leads by 13 points), voters who disapprove of President Trump (among whom Campa-Najjar leads by 79 points), voters focused on corruption (among whom Campa-Najjar leads by 56 points), voters focused on health care (among whom Campa-Najjar leads by 61 points), and voters focused on the Presidency (among whom Campa-Najjar leads by 27 points), turn out in large numbers. Full interactive crosstabs of the results are available online. Thousands of San Diegans packed the Congregation Beth Israel synagogue in University City Monday night for a vigil to honor those who were killed and wounded in Saturdays mass shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. The attack in Pittsburgh was an attack on all of us, said Rabbi Michael Berk, speaking at his home synagogue alongside Jewish leaders and leaders of other faiths from across San Diego. The Anti-Defamation League has described the attack that killed 11 and wounded six, including four law enforcement officers, as the deadliest attack on the Jewish community in the history of the United States. Tammy Gillies, regional director of the Anti-Defamation League, did not shy away from blaming the attack on political rhetoric, like the kind used by President Donald Trump, who tweeted in June that Democrats want unauthorized immigrants to pour into and infest our Country. Advertisement This is what happens when hate is left unchecked, Gillies said of Saturdays massacre, drawing loud applause. (This is what happens) when we call people termites and we use the word infestation. An overflow crowd attends the Standing Together Against Hate: A Community Vigil for the Pittsburgh shooting victims and the broader Jewish community at Congregation Beth Israel in University City. (K.C. Alfred / San Diego Union-Tribune) But, Gillies added, while we cant control the rhetoric used by political leaders, we can control the type of speech we use and that which we allow other people to get away with using. It matters what you say, how you say it, how you stand up for your neighbors, she said. We have to be allies for each other. Joining the rabbis and others at Monday nights vigil were San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, San Diego Police Chief David Nisleit and Sheriff Bill Gore. Gillies said she was driving Saturday morning when she heard news of the shooting on the radio and pulled her car over. My phone rings, and the first call I got was from Chief David Nisleit, Gillies said. He said, Were here for you. Law enforcement are here for the Jewish community. What can we do for you? Faulconer told the crowd, which filled the main hall of the synagogue and overflowed into an outside courtyard, that the actions of the shooter on Saturday were an attack on American values, but the fact that you are here in overwhelming numbers shows we are stronger than that. Authorities say the attack was driven by anti-Semitism. Locally, the Anti-Defamation League, which tracks all kinds of hate groups and incidents, reported 51 hate incidents in the San Diego-area since the start of last year, including 31 anti-Semitic incidents, according to the groups Hate, Extremism, anti-Semitism and Terrorism (H.E.A.T) Map. Several of the anti-Semitic hate incidents happened in quick succession last November and December, including a violent threat in an email sent to a local synagogue, a swastika drawn on a Jewish schools property and anti-Semitic harassment of businesses by phone and on Facebook. Imam Taha Hassane of the Islamic Center of San Diego called an attack on a house of worship the most despicable kind of attack and left the standing-room-only crowd with a simple message: Dont only preach peace and justice, do peace and justice. Twitter: @Alex_Riggins (619) 293-1710 alex.riggins@sduniontribune.com Legal scholars were quick to dismiss President Trumps plan to reject birthright citizenship by executive order as more of a political stunt than a serious challenge. Thats because the U.S. Constitution, the Supreme Court and federal law all say that children born within this country are citizens at birth, regardless of the citizenship status of their parents. In 1866, the Reconstruction Congress passed the first Civil Rights Act, which said that all persons born in the United States and not subject to any foreign power, excluding Indians not taxed, are hereby declared to be citizens of the United States; and such citizens, of every race and color ... shall have the same right to full and equal benefit of all laws as is enjoyed by white citizens. This same principle was then written into the Constitution in the 14th Amendment of 1868. All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they shall reside. Advertisement In the next decades, Congress adopted severe restrictions on Chinese laborers entering the country, but the generally conservative Supreme Court at the time nonetheless ruled in 1898 that a child of Chinese parents born in San Francisco was a citizen of the United States. As appears upon the face of the [14th] Amendment, as well as from the history of the times, this was not intended to impose any new restrictions upon citizenship, or to prevent any persons from becoming citizens by the fact of birth within the United States, the court said in U.S. vs. Wong Kim Ark. The opening sentence of the Fourteenth Amendment is throughout affirmative and declaratory, intended to allay doubts and to settle controversies, the court added. It did that for a century or more. Congress and the Justice Department throughout the 20th century said native-born children were U.S. citizens at birth, even if their parents were here illegally. On Tuesday, constitutional experts reacted with sharp skepticism to Trumps proposal. No doubt the White House can produce at least three stooges to say that the executive order is lawful and then claim that legal experts are divided on this issue. Its a lie, Gerard N. Magliocca, a 14th Amendment scholar at the Indiana University law school, wrote on a legal blog. There are many legal issues that divide liberal and conservative scholars. Birthright citizenship is not one of those issues, said Josh Blackman, a professor at South Texas College of Law in Houston. There is a broad but not unanimous consensus that the 14th Amendment grants citizenship to people born in the United States, regardless of their parents citizenship. He said Trumps talk may be geared just for the midterm election. It is not clear whether lawyers in the Trump administration have been consulted and are ready to defend Trumps proposal. Walter Dellinger, a former White House lawyer in the Clinton administration and Duke law professor, voiced doubt in a tweet. It would be shocking if executive branch officials violated the statute and the Constitution on Trumps order, he wrote. Immigration lawyers were equally caustic. Beth Lyon, an immigration law professor at Cornell, called Trumps proposed order a deeply unethical political stunt that will fail in the courts because it is unconstitutional. Critics of birthright citizenship say the framers of the 14th Amendment did not mean to apply its provisions to foreigners who were in the country illegally. John Eastman, a law professor at Chapman University in Orange County, described the legal consensus on this issue as being based on a faulty premise. He said the Supreme Courts 1898 decision rested on the idea that the Chinese parents were lawful residents. Michael Anton, a former Trump administration official, urged the president this summer to take on the issue. The notion that simply being born within the geographical limits of the United States automatically confers U.S. citizenship is an absurdityhistorically, constitutionally, philosophically and practically, he wrote in the Washington Post in July. This problem can be easily fixed. Congress could clarify legislatively that the children of non-citizens are not subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and thus not citizens under the 14th Amendment. And if Congress refused, Trump should do so through an executive order, he said. Anton and Eastman argued the children of immigrants in this country illegally are not subject to the jurisdiction of the laws, and therefore are not entitled to citizenship. But James C. Ho, a newly appointed Trump judge on the 5th Circuit Court, disagreed with this narrow view in a 2006 article entitled Defining American. He said the phrase subject to the jurisdiction has a simple and broad meaning. It covers the vast majority of persons within our borders who are required to obey U.S. laws. And obedience, of course, does not turn on immigration status, national allegiance or past compliance. All must obey, he wrote. Ho concluded that the only way to end birthright citizenship is to amend the Constitution. As it stands now, he wrote, that birthright is protected no less for children of undocumented persons than for descendants of Mayflower passengers. The latest from Washington More stories from David G. Savage david.savage@latimes.com Twitter: DavidGSavage Gao Gaos gone. The eldest of three giant pandas at the San Diego Zoo, Gao Gao left Tuesday morning to return to China, where he was born. The departure concludes a long-term loan from China to the zoo. By all accounts, it was a highly successful one. Along with matriarch Bai Yun, the panda pair produced five cubs, the youngest of which, Xiao Liwu, remains behind with his mother. Gao Gaos departure was kept under wraps for safety reasons, the zoo said. It was so secretive that the zoo wouldnt disclose what time he left, or mode of transportation or route. Advertisement The tight security matched Gao Gaos status. Pandas are a Chinese cultural icon as well as a rare species. Then theres Gao Gaos condition. Hes about 28, making him a senior panda citizen. He has had health problems in recent years. So the zoo wanted nothing out of the ordinary to occur that would upset or stress him, such as a gawking public or protests from animal-rights activists. Gao Gao gets a checkup. (Ken Bohn) Transporting such a prized diplomatic cargo thousands of miles requires intense logistical planning, including training Gao Gao to accept confinement in a crate and to ignore the loud sounds around him. Gao Gao is traveling with an experienced keeper and a veterinarian who have looked after him for years. They are senior keeper Kathy Hawk, and veterinarian Meg Sutherland-Smith. We prepare (pandas) intensely for a trip, Hawk said last week during preparations for the trip. Crate training, getting used to any noises like forklifts or confined spaces and everything. So we start well in advance prior to the trip. Add to that preparation the rapport the keepers develop with their charges. Ive seen this bear just stay focused on you, if youre hand feeding him or giving him a favorite treat, Hawk said. A forklift can go by. He may glance at it, but he stays absolutely focused. Gao Gao. (Ken Bohn) Cultural heritage Both the zoo and the Chinese government have been carefully planning for this day for some time, said Carmi G. Penny, the zoos director of Collections Husbandry Science. Since China only loans pandas, its expected from the day of their arrival that they will one day return. This includes pandas born elsewhere under a loan agreement all are property of China. Once in China, Gao Gao will first go through quarantine, then be admitted to the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Penny said. Its in Dujiangyan, located in central China. Pandas there are housed in individual enclosed areas, with access to large outside spaces, Penny said. The details of Gao Gaos life there will be up to his Chinese keepers. Pandas have immense cultural significance for the Chinese, said Edward Dong, a Chinese-American businessman with extensive professional ties to China. He is founding chair of the US-China Committee, part of the International Leadership Foundation, a non-profit focused on developing civic and cultural leaders in the Asia-Pacific region. Pandas are regarded in a sense as Chinese citizens, said Dong, who was born in China and lives in San Diego. Bringing Gao Gao home to live out his last years on Chinese soil is extremely meaningful to the Chinese people, said Dong, who earned a masters degree in public administration in 2015 from Harvard Universitys Kennedy School of Government. That said, neither the Chinese government nor the zoo would risk repatriation if Gao Gao werent in a condition to withstand travel, Dong said. Its also true that the Chinese government uses its strategic loans of pandas as part of its soft diplomacy, Dong said. Panda loans are a visible sign of good relations between China and their host countries. Contributions Besides five offspring, Gao Gao also gave panda researchers at the zoo and elsewhere a wealth of information about what makes a successful panda papa. And panda populations in the wild and captivity have mushroomed. Because of his age, Gao Gaos breeding years are behind him. In 2014, his cancerous right testicle was removed. It was a non-aggressive type of tumor, called a seminoma, which generally does not metastasize. He also takes medication for a heart condition. So Gao Gao has been off exhibit for the last few years. In retirement, Gao Gao had his own private patio, with tree stumps to climb if he was in the mood, food, and even hay to lie down in. Gao Gao also had an indoor area to which he was brought during the night, a sort of den where he would be more easily watched over. Last Saturday morning, Gao Gao got up for an early meal, then lazily lay down sideways. His eyes closed, his pink tongue flickering in and out. He got up, turned around, then once again lay back down. Its unknown whether another panda or pandas will be sent to replace Gao Gao. There has to be a legitimate research purpose, Penny said. If so, the zoo is prepared: its panda center can accommodate up to six pandas, Penny said. Successful history China has sent pandas to other countries for centuries. They were originally sent as gifts, but in recent decades China has made only panda loans, retaining ownership and requiring their eventual return. So called panda diplomacy brought a gift of the pandas Hsing-Hsing, a male, and female Ling-Ling to the United States in 1972. They were sent to the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., where they lived for many years. The gift came in response to President Richard Nixons historic trip to China earlier that year. That initiative helped thaw relations between the two governments, which had previously been on unfriendly terms for decades. However, while Ling-Ling bore cubs, none of them survived more than a few days. No panda cub born in the United States survived to adulthood until 1999, when Hua Mei was born at the San Diego Zoo to Bai Yun. The San Diego Zoos first panda loan took place in 1987, when Basi and Yuan Yuan were hosted for 200 days to much excitement. For the next decade, the zoo pursued a more long-term arrangement. That had to be approved by both the Chinese and U.S. governments. The zoo submitted a proposal to study panda procreation, so they asked for a male and female. Bai Yun arrived with Shi Shi in 1996. But he wasnt at all interested in Bai Yuns amorous advances. Their only child was born by artificially inseminating Bai Yun. Gao Gao arrived at the zoo in January 2003, as a replacement for Bai Yuns first intended partner, Shi Shi. Gao Gao proved more proficient at procreation, fathering five cubs with Bai Yun, all the natural way. With advancing age and the ailments of age, Gao Gao went off public viewing. He was moved to the Giant Panda Research Building, not far away from Bai Yun and Xiao Liwu, their last cub. Dong, the Chinese-American businessman, said the zoo has a decent chance of getting another panda. The existing agreement covering Bai Yun and Xiao Liwu was recently extended until next year, while the next phase of the partnership is being worked out. While politics and diplomacy have their influence on panda loans, Dong said the zoos long-term contributions to understanding, propagating and protecting pandas weighs heavily in its favor. These relationships have underscored how valuable are the contribution San Diego has made to the conservation efforts for the pandas, Dong said. Former Alaska governor Sarah Palin says The Good Book not gun control is the answer to the kind of violence that left 11 worshipers dead in a Pittsburgh synagogue over the weekend. Thats the most appalling and atrocious thing that happened there in Pittsburgh, Palin told a TMZ cameraman who caught up with her at LAX airport. The 54-year-old politician, who ran as the late John McCains vice presidential candidate in 2008, told the gossip site that she hates to see mass shootings politicized. She also refused to say the nation has a gun problem. Its not the tool itself thats used in manifesting evil, its the evil itself, she said. Palin said the real issue was an age-old battle of good versus evil and light and truth versus darkness and lies, which she further explained in her own unique fashion. Advertisement The darkness has to flee when the light switch is turned on and people are asking today, Well, where is the light, what is this light? Palin asked. You have to go back to the founders of our nation who understood its the Good Book that is God Almighty who is the light and when we invoke Gods protection and his blessing, its a matter of the heart. Palin wouldnt blame President Trumps fiery rhetoric, either, and said its the bad guys she holds responsible for violence. It has to change, people are hurtin, she said. People are lookin for answers. The San Diego Union-Tribune recently e-mailed questions to the candidates running for state constitutional offices in the Nov. 6 election. Republican candidate Mark Meuser is challenging incumbent Alex Padilla, a Democrat, for the office of secretary of state. Padilla has not provided responses. Here are Meusers responses. Union-Tribune: The implementation of the motor voter law has gone badly at the Department of Motor Vehicles. Does the Secretary of States Office, with its responsibility for elections, deserve any blame as well? What could it have done better? MEUSER: Yes, the secretary of state deserves the lions share of the blame for the failure of the motor voter program. The secretary of state is the chief election officer of the state and is required to maintain the voter rolls. By blaming the Department of Motor Vehicles, the current secretary of state is attempting to pass the buck when the buck should stop with him. In 2016, DMV testified that it was not ready to handle motor voter. It was the secretary of state who earlier this year, signed a consent decree that mandated motor voter to begin in the middle of an election year. In implementing the motor voter program, the secretary of state failed to ensure that the DMV and voter registration databases were properly communicating. The secretary of state failed to test the system to anticipate all the interactions that Californians would have with the DMV and how these various interactions would affect the voter rolls. The secretary of state simply abdicated his responsibility to maintain the voter rolls and allowed DMV to register everyone without putting any safeguards in place to ensure that California law was followed as individuals interacted with the DMV. Advertisement Union-Tribune: The Secretary of States Office has in recent years emphasized trying to use technology to make its business program bureaucracy work better and be more business-friendly. How has it done? MEUSER: The Secretary of States Office is the first government agency that any entrepreneur must interact with when starting their business. The need to modernize the Secretary of States Office was a campaign promise made by Pete Peterson in 2014 that the current secretary of state has been parroting for the last four years. The last major modernization of business registrations occurred when Bill Jones was secretary of state. The process of registering a business in California can take up to three weeks and require an attorney. Meanwhile, in states like Nevada, a new company can be filed within 10 minutes. We need to stop talking about modernizing the business registration process and start acting. Talk is cheap. Union-Tribune: What more can be done to make it easier to open a business in California? MEUSER: The process of opening a new business in California needs to be automated. The systems to automate business registration have been established in many states. We do not need to reinvent the wheel, we simply need to choose which system will work best for us and implement it. Union-Tribune: Hackers working for foreign nations or other parties have for years sought to hack into U.S. election systems. How confident should Californians be in the integrity of the states election system? MEUSER: The good news is that according to testimony given before Congress, not a single vote in 2016 was changed as a result of foreign hackers. However, it has been well-established that foreign governments have looked for vulnerabilities in the voter registration databases. It is important that the secretary of state implement the highest level of encryption to the voter registration rolls. Many security experts have stated that we are not protecting our voter registration rolls like our banks protect our money and doctors protect our health records. Hacking of vote-counting machines is a different but very important issue. We need to make sure we have more audits in place to help ensure that anyone who attempts to hack a vote counting machine will be caught. Having sufficient audits is one of the best deterrents to anyone attempting to hack vote-counting machines. Unfortunately, in 2017, California passed legislation that weakened our auditing process. This increases the opportunity for those who wish to steal our elections from being caught. Union-Tribune: Theres an expectation that the federal government will pay for improving the security of state election systems. Is this reasonable? If the federal government doesnt pay, shouldnt the state step up and fund needed improvements? MEUSER: The integrity of our elections should be funded. With federal spending comes federal oversight. If California does not want Donald J. Trump investigating every aspect of Californias elections, then it must be proactive in putting the proper security in place. Re Proposition 10: Vote no on rent control, a solution that worsens housing crisis (Sept. 13): Relationships matter. This is the missing piece in the rent control debate. I have observed both the tenant and landlord perspective of rent-controlled and non-controlled units. I can generalize that rent control causes or contributes to an adversarial relationship between the landlord and the tenant. With rent control, there is no incentive for the landlord to make the tenant/client happy with unit upgrades or responding to tenant requests. The landlord is actually looking for ways to circumvent the law and/or evict the tenant. For tenants, rent increases are fixed, so there is no incentive to do things that would please the landlord. They are more likely to resort to a lawsuit rather than developing a working relationship. Rent control thereby creates an us versus them battle rather than a client-service relationship. Chris Olson Advertisement Pacific Beach I have not seen any comments about the innate unfairness about using landlords as a way to subsidize rental costs. There is a problem with high rents but any plan to help renters should be shared by all residents of a city. What do you think the reaction would be if home owners were told they were restricted on how much they could sell their homes for? Robert DeYoung San Diego --> Letters and commentary policy The U-T welcomes and encourages community dialogue on important public matters. Please visit this page for more details on our letters and commentaries policy. You can email letters@sduniontribune.com or leave a comment below. Follow @UTLetters on Twitter and UTOpinion on Facebook. Last week will go down as one of the most awful in recent American history because of the murders of 11 Jewish worshipers at a synagogue in Pittsburgh and of two African-American shoppers at a grocery store in Kentucky and the pipe bombs mailed to at least 14 prominent Democrats and national security figures perceived by the CNN sucks crowd to be constant critics of President Donald Trump. These heinous acts created a sense of a violent nation spinning out of control. With each crime, the suspects hate-filled views came into sharper, shocking focus. Yes, as White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Monday, its wrong to hold the president responsible for the acts of deranged individuals. But it is not wrong to hold the nations leader responsible for setting a terrible example with his constant attempts to divide Americans. Instead of trying to act as a unifying force, he gleefully governs by ostracizing entire groups. Even after the unspeakable synagogue murders, Trumps disavowal was overshadowed by more vituperative rhetoric. His Monday tweets denouncing the media as the true enemy of the people were unfathomable given the hate crimes preceding them. This is not an excuse for the displays of gross incivility on the left. Broad condemnations of the tens of millions of people who voted for Trump and harassment of conservatives based on binary political boundaries isnt close to killing, but its close-minded and intolerable, too. Still, the half-hearted way Trump condemns evil is uniquely corrosive. What he loves above all else is belittling his critics. That should be beneath the office of the presidency. Unfortunately, there is fresh evidence that Trump is a symptom not the cause of powerful forces creating upheaval around the world. The global wave of populist nationalism that led to Trumps election in 2016 also led to Great Britains vote to leave the European Union and to the rise of authoritarian regimes in Turkey and Hungary. On Sunday, Brazil elected as its president Jair Bolsonaro. Labeled the Trump of the Tropics by the media, he openly espouses political violence to create a Christian nationalist state. If a minority is against it, then move! he said last year. Minorities must fit in or simply disappear! Disappear? Advertisement Then on Monday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel seen by many as the moral leader of what might be called the old world order announced she would not seek another term in office. This was widely seen as Merkels acknowledgment of her fading popularity and her struggles to run a coalition government amid a strong backlash to her welcoming hundreds of thousands of refugees. Tribalism? Racism? A biologically hard-wired fear of the other? However labeled, it is increasingly clear that in many developed nations, there are many who prefer homogeneity to diversity who see new arrivals as subtracting from, not adding to, a nations social and economic capital and whose hostility is increasingly open. Whats also clear is that a nation extolled as an example of a healthy democracy must regain its way. Heres an idea: Far from the fringes, there is still room for common understanding. This can start by talking to a neighbor or following someone on Twitter with whom you disagree. It can continue with avoiding inflammatory language when discussing issues of the day and with bipartisan support for the least toxic politicians like Sens. Dianne Feinstein, D-California, and Ben Sasse, R-Nebraska. Developing empathy for people with different views may be difficult in an era in which technology makes it easy to live in an echo chamber. But putting hatred and mutual loathing in their place is a start. A cancer is eating our country. Dont let it. Twitter: @sdutIdeas Facebook: San Diego Union-Tribune Ideas & Opinion Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 San Jose, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/30/2018 -- Eyewear consists of products used to aid in vision correction, cosmetic enhancement and protection of the eyes.Corrective eyewear can be used to correct and alleviate refractive errors. Spectacles and contact lenses are the most common form of corrective eyewear, and are usually prescribed by an optometrist, ophthalmologist, or optician. They aim to improve the quality of life of patients, and can also be used for eye protection. Factors such as rapid modernization in urban areas and rising consciousness about eye health conditions are responsible for driving the growth of the eyewear market in the Middle East.Consumers, especially the younger generation, are likely to try out newproducts as long as they provide real added value and contribute to their quality of life. Moreover, with a higher percentage of population being able to afford luxury goods, increasing disposable income is a major driving force for the expansion of the eyewear market. Colored contact lenses, high index eyeglasses, and high-end spectacle frames are now within the reach of a large section of the population. Customers frequently replace spectacle lenses by getting customized lenses to fit the same frame. Since lenses have a higher retail margin than frames, there is high renewal rate of lenses among consumers. Considering all these factors, the eyewear market in the Middle East is likely to grow at a significant rate during the forecast period. However, increasing acceptance rate towards refractive surgeries and treatments are expected to inhibit market growth, as these methodologies provide a complete alternative to the usage of corrective eyewear products. These procedures require a one-time investment, and omit periodicexpenses of eyewear and eye care products. Eyewear productsare marketed through different distribution channels including optical shops, hypermarkets, department shops and online stores. Increasing availability of these products in stores and supermarkets are also promoting the growth of the eyewear market in the Middle East.Optical shops are having a substantial advantage over other channels. Click Here to Get the Sample Copy of the Report@ https://www.xploremr.com/connectus/sample/1913 Leading chains such as YateemOpticals, Al Jaber, and MagrabiOpticals are increasing their number of outlets in the Middle East.Strong marketing efforts, social media advertising, special offers and the promotion of new designs and concentration on recent trends are some of the major strategies implemented by these optical shops. However, affordable eye check-ups and increased awareness amongst the public are necessaryfor the widespread use of eyeglasses and contact lenses. This market research study analyzes the eyewear market in the Middle Eastand provides estimates in terms of revenue (USD Million) from 2014 to 2023. It emphasizeson the drivers and restraints responsible for the growth of the industry and examines their impact during the forecast period from 2015 to 2023. Moreover, it recognizes the important opportunities for the market expansion in the upcoming years. The report segments the eyewear market based on product type which includes spectacles, contact lenses and plano sunglasses. The spectacles segment is segmented into spectacle lenses and spectacle frames. The contact lenses segment is subdivided into rigid contact lenses and soft contact lenses. The plano sunglasses segment is further bifurcated into polarized and non-polarized plano sunglasses.By countries, the eyewear market in the Middle East is classified into Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and rest of the Middle East. The report offers company market share analysis of key industry participants. Major players have been profiled on the basis of company overview, financial overview, business strategies and key developments.Leading market players profiled in this report areLuxottica S.p.A. (Italy), Safilo Group (Italy), Essilor International (France), Johnson and Johnson Vision Care (U.S.) and Carl Zeiss A.G. (Germany). Buy Now Full Report @ Valley Cottage, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/29/2018 -- According to the latest market report published by Future Market Insights titled "Palletizers Market: Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2018-2028," Palletizers being a highly productive material handling solution is expected to be the prime driver of the global palletizers market during the forecast period, 2018-2028. Globally, the revenue generated from sales of palletizers has been estimated to be around US$ 2,084.4 Mn in 2018, and is projected to increase at a CAGR of 4.9%, during the forecast period 2018-2028. The palletizers market in the developed region of North America and Western Europe together estimated to account for around 40% of the global palletizers market and are projected to witness low growth during the forecast period. The developed countries of North America and Western Europe region has high adoption rate for recently developed technology. This has resulted into high demand of advanced technology for robotic palletizers as compared to other regions. Large number of palletizers manufacturers are based in these regions only. Although, the manufacturing output growth in these regions have matured, the continuous developments introduced in the robotic palletizers and the end-user industries aiming highest automation possible has propelled the palletizers market in North America and Western Europe. Request to Sample of Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-7084 China, India and South Korea are some of the rapidly developing manufacturing industries in the world and large market for robotics in the world. These countries are estimated to account for more than 85% of the APEJ palletizers market. Although, China is the largest palletizers market and the largest robotics market in the world, the industrial robot density of China is below global average. Millions of manufacturing and warehousing facilities, and huge domestic production of economical palletizers has created large opportunity for the palletizers market in the country. Japan is exhibited to possess similar characteristics as that of North America and Western Europe, which are maturing the demand of palletizers, large palletizers market share and rapid adoption of technology. Fanuc, Kuka and other globally leading companies in robotics industry and providing palletizers are based in Japan. Central Europe & Baltics region includes countries such as Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Croatia and others. The total labour force in the region has remained almost constant since 2002 while the manufacturing output in the region has expanded by around 2.7 times. This has created immense opportunity in the region for palletizers market and other industrial automation solutions. Availability of economical and skilled labour in Poland has attracted manufacturing industries in the Western Europe region to shift their production facility to Poland and other countries in the Central Europe and Baltics region. Request to Report Methodology @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-7084 In the MEA region, Turkey and GCC region are estimated to account for around 60% of the MEA palletizers market in 2018 and are further expected to expand palletizers market at a significantly high pace as compared to African countries. MEA region has considerably higher demand share of conventional palletizers as compared to other regions. The rapidly developing pharmaceutical industry in the North Africa and GCC region has propelled the demand of palletizers in the region. Due to lack of manufacturing capability, the majority of the demand of palletizers is served by imports from Asia Pacific and Western European countries. The market volume for global palletizers is expected to expand at 1.6X over the forecast period 2018-2028 Detailed profiles of palletizers companies are also included in the report to evaluate their strategies, key product offerings and recent developments. The key players of the global palletizers market are Premier Tech Chronos Ltd., ABB Ltd., FANUC Corp., Kion Group, Kuka Group, Honeywell International Inc., Okura Yusoki Co., Ltd., Columbia Machine, Inc., Fuji Yusoki Kogyo Co., Ltd. and Concetti S.P.A. In global palletizers market report, we have discussed individual strategies followed by these companies in terms of enhancing their product portfolio, creating new marketing techniques, mergers and acquisitions. The 'Competitive Landscape' section is included to provide report audiences with a dashboard view and company share collectively. Get full report now @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/checkout/7084 San Jose, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/30/2018 -- Raw milk vending machine consists of an automatic dispenser which dispenses 'raw milk' to a container/bottle after successful payment from the end-user. Some vending machines also provide container/bottle with the milk. Raw milk vending machine dispenses milk collected from cows, buffaloes, goats and sheep. The report provides both revenue and volume for each sub-geographic region. In terms of geographical regions, the report segments the Europe raw milk vending machine market into EU7, Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and Rest of Europe. EU7 is further segmented into the U.K., Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, while CIS is divided into Russia and Rest of CIS. Majority of Western European countries follow strict regulations regarding the consumption and sale of raw milk whereas Eastern European countries primarily do not comply with any regulation. Considering this variation in regulations across countries, the report also includes analysis of regulatory environment in the Europe market. Click Here to Get the Sample Copy of the Report@ https://www.xploremr.com/connectus/sample/1920 The raw milk is directly sold to customers at farm in countries such as France, Germany, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia, Lithuania, Ireland and the U.K. Many dairy farmers produce traditional cheese, buttermilk, yogurt and chocolate from raw milk in their farms. The major countries that have adopted raw milk vending machine include Italy, France, Romania, Germany, the U.K., Slovakia, Slovenia and Czech Republic. The key reason for adoption of raw milk vending machine was due to the revisions in regulations of respective countries regarding raw milk sale. Furthermore, majority of end-users in these countries prefer drinking raw milk and consuming raw milk related products due to their nutritional benefits. Spain, Poland and Norway restrict the sale of raw milk due to reported cases of food poisoning. During the coming years, in order to help small farmers, these countries are anticipated to ease the regulations pertaining to the sale of raw milk through vending machines. Furthermore, the report analyzes the factors that drive and restrain the growth of the raw milk vending machine market for each sub-region. The report also discusses the prevailing market trends, prospective growth opportunities, and major strategies increasing the popularity of raw milk vending machines. Also provided is the market share analysis and competitive strategies adopted by key players in the Europe raw milk vending machine market. Furthermore, the report also provide market share analysis of key players for each sub-geographic region. Major business strategies adopted by key players, their market positioning, and product offerings have also been identified in the research report. The prominent manufacturers who offer raw milk vending machine in Europe include DF Italia S.R.L., Brunimat GmbH, Letina Inox D.O.O., Milk Automation S.R.O. and Risto Gbr. Buy Now Full Report @ https://www.xploremr.com/cart/reports/buynow/1920 The 2,850-passenger Celebrity Eclipses maiden season in Australia will chalk up another first it will be the first time Celebrity has based a ship in Melbourne. Following a 14-night Singapore to Sydney repositioning via Australias east coast, Eclipse arrives in Sydney on December 8, 2020 and will sail a two-night sampler voyage before departing on a 13-night cruise to Melbourne via New Zealand. She arrives in Melbourne on December 23 and will operate round trips, ranging between eight and 14 nights, to destinations in the South Pacific, New Zealand, Queensland, Tasmania and South Australia. Inaugural Australian season Eclipses inaugural Australian season ends on April 4, 2021 with a 19-night voyage from Melbourne to Honolulu. Meanwhile, Celebrity Solstice, which began her annual extended season in Australia in 2012/13, arrives in Sydney on October 16, 2020 after a 17-night repositioning voyage from Honolulu via Tahiti. She will operate round cruises to other Australian ports, the South Pacific and New Zealand. Solstice's ninth annual season Her ninth annual season ends on April 14, 2021 when she sails on a 19-night repositioning voyage from Sydney to Honolulu. The company operated two successful seasons Down Under with Celebrity Mercury in 2007/08 and Celebrity Millennium in 2008/09. It returned to Australia for the 2011/12 season with Celebrity Century, which was replaced by Celebrity Solstice in 2012/13. Susan Bonner, vp and md RCL Cruises Australia and New Zealand, said the decision to homeport two Solstice-class ships is a testament to the strength of the industry in Australia and its popularity with international and domestic tourists. Itineraries for the two ships will be released when the 2020/21 programme goes on sale November 7. The deepwater pier is expected to be fully completed by February 2019, APM Terminals said in a statement. The first vessel to arrive at the port was the 3,947-teu Polar Mexico arrived from Panama with a load of bananas and pineapples from Del Monte and Fyffes companies, destined to North Europe. Meanwhile, Cap Beatrice arrived at port with 2,500 empty refrigerated containers last Saturday morning to leave at around 10pm local time with Costa Rican fruit. "Thanks to Moin Container Terminal (TCM) we will no longer be a port for small vessels that require the merchandise to be transhipped to reach its final destination, but a port that can receive the largest container ships currently with direct connections and links reliable intermodal to key markets, said APM Terminals CEO Kenneth Waugh. The National Council of Concessions of Costa Rica gave authorisation for the first calls at the terminal. The number of vessels served will gradually increase until February 2019, when the project will be completed and the TMC will officially open, said APM Terminals. The permit, which is subject to comply with all safety and service requirements, will allow the transfer of all commercial container vessels currently in service in Puerto Limon and Puerto Moin to TCM. This will take place once APM Terminals delivers the first phase of the dock that includes two moorings and 40 hectares of artificial islands that will be inaugurated in February 2019. "The authorization of CNC to start receiving commercial vessels represents a significant change in the logistics of maritime cargo handling in Costa Rica and a great leap towards the improvement of national competitiveness, said Waugh. In its second specific warning this year ReCAAP said that it had been advised by the Philippines Coast Guard that a group of approximately 10 ASG (Abu Sayyaf Group) members armed with pistol, rifles and grenade launcher is planning to conduct kidnapping activities at any opportune time in undisclosed areas in Sabah primarily targeting businessmen or ship's crew of foreign vessels passing through the area. It said, They are using unmarked coloured blue and white motorbanca locally known as jungkong. In a warning to shipping in the region ReCAAP said: Ship masters and crew are strongly urged to exercise extra vigilance when transiting the waters off Eastern Sabah and Sulu-Celebes Seas. In May this year that members of Abu Sayaaf planned to abduct crew members for merchant vessels off Sabah in East Malaysia, marking a return of the separatist in attacking commercial shipping to kidnap for ransom. ReCAAP in specific warning of Abu Sayaaf plans to kidnap seafarers off East Malaysia In its third quarter report ReCAAP said that in first nine months 2018 there had been two incidents of kidnap for ransom Sulu-Celebes Seas and waters off Eastern Sabah, comprising one actual incident, and one attempted kidnapping. The centre warned threat of abduction of crew in the area remained imminent. Between March 2016 and April 2017 attacks on merchant ships to abduct crew for ransom in the southern Philippines, claimed largely by Abu Sayaaf, saw 59 seafarers kidnapped from 13 vessels in the region. Read more: 'Very serious concern' over kidnapping of seafarers in Southern Philippines: ReCAAP Press Release October 30, 2018 De Lima welcomes QC ordinance fining violators instead of jailing them Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has welcomed the Quezon City (QC) Council's approval of an ordinance that could ease overcrowding in the detention cells of police stations by fining violators for minor offenses instead of detaining them outright. De Lima, who has been pushing for prison reforms, said the passage of the ordinance in Quezon City is laudable because it will address the worsening subhuman conditions and congestion inside the country's jails and penitentiaries. "It is no secret that jail congestion is a perennial problem in our jails and prisons all over the country," she said. "I commend the QC local government and its officials for coming up with this ingenious and practical solution that may help in easing the overcrowding of the city jail, and in effect de-clogging of court dockets, as well," she added. A report of the QC Police Department shows a record of an overwhelming total number of 235,427 ordinance violators. Of this total, 205,339 were warned, 2,044 were fined and 28,044 were charged. With Ordinance No. SP-2752 signed by QC Mayor Herbert Bautista last Oct. 4, she noted that in lieu of a jail term or detention, ordinance violators will get the chance to close their case by paying the corresponding fine or rendering equivalent community service, if he/she is insolvent. Under the newly-approved ordinance, a case will only be filed against a violator when the person fails to pay the fine within the five days of issuance of the Ordinance Violation Receipt (OVR) or when the individual contests his/her apprehension. The said violations include smoking in public places, drinking of liquor in public places and being half-naked in public places, among others. Based on their respective official figures, the Bureau of Corrections registered an overall congestion rate of 130 percent across all eight penitentiaries, prison and penal farms, while the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology has an alarming congestion rate of 582.37 percent nationwide. "This condition of our jails and prisons definitely violates our Constitution's prohibition against the 'use of substandard or inadequate penal facilities under subhuman conditions,' and runs afoul of the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners," she lamented. With the impending implementation of the city ordinance on Nov. 16, De Lima urged other LGUs to follow the move of the QC government and "do their share in improving the system that would ameliorate the deplorable conditions of our inmates." Last July, De Lima filed Senate Bill No. 1879 on unified corrections and jail management system, which seeks to integrate jails and prisons under one central authority and address the problem of highly fragmented corrections and jail management system in our jails and prisons. The Senator from Bicol also intends to file a parallel bill that will propose a policy of decongesting and improving the country's prisons and detention facilities, while introducing an improved system of custody and rehabilitation of the prisoners. Press Release October 30, 2018 Fight against cancer gets boost Significant steps have been taken in the fight against cancer with the passage of a bill seeking to institutionalize a national integrated cancer control program in the country. Senate Bill No. 1850, sponsored by Senator Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito, is expected to pass on third and final reading when Senate will resume session on November 12. Ejercito, chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, said the bill seeks to address various gaps in cancer care and integrate policies and programs for its prevention, detection, correct diagnosis, treatment and palliative care, pain management and survivorship or end of life. "Through the National Integrated Cancer Control Act, we can give cancer patients a choice, we can give them hope - hope that they will have an equitable and affordable cancer treatment and care especially for the underprivileged and marginalized Filipinos," Ejercito said. According to Ejercito, cancer is the third leading cause of adult death in the Philippines and fourth in child morbidity. The Department of Health (DOH) estimated up to eight deaths per day for childhood cancer and up to 11 new cases and seven deaths every hour for adult cancer. This computes to a figure of approximately 110,000 new cancer cases and over 66,000 cancer deaths each year. A recent study conducted by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) showed that mortality ratio among the poor was quite high. The study attributed the high number of deaths among patients with cancer to weak health systems, limited access to quality cancer care and partly to the late diagnosis of common cancers. "Undoubtedly, cancer has become a global health and incidence rates are rising. The study estimates that in 2012 more than 6.7 million people developed the disease and that this will rise by almost 60 percent translating to over 10.8 million people who will be diagnosed with cancer in the next 14 years," Ejercito said. Senator Sonny Angara, co-sponsor of the bill, said a study conducted by the George Institute for Global Health found out that of the 908 Filipino cancer patients who participated in the study, majority experienced economic hardships. "Cancer pushes Filipino families deeper into poverty. The associated costs of screening and treatment are catastrophic. The economic burden imposed is overwhelming," Angara said in his sponsorship speech. "This bill will establish a National Integrated Cancer Control Council whose sole focus is to implement programs that will not only provide comprehensive, accessible and affordable cancer treatments for all cancer patients, but will also work on minimizing the incidence of preventable cancer cases," he added. Under the bill, the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) shall expand the benefit packages to include screening, detection, diagnosis, treatment assistance, supportive care, survivorship follow-up care and rehabilitation, and end of-life-care, for all types and stages of cancer in both adults and children. Angara said PhilHealth has currently packages providing for leukemia, breast and prostate cancer treatments but these are limited and reportedly only covers about 11 percent of total health expenditures. Once the bill is passed into law, all Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) would be required to cover genetic counseling and testing, cancer screening, diagnostic and palliative care. Cancer-related absences from work of member employees as well as voluntary members shall be covered and compensated by the sickness benefits of the Social Security System (SSS) and the disability benefits of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). The bill would mandate the DOH, in collaboration with other concerned agencies, to encourage the underprivileged and marginalized people living with cancer to undergo the necessary treatment and care. The bill shall also mandate the establishment of the Philippine Cancer Center, under the control and supervision of the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH), for the treatment and accommodation of cancer patients. The center shall also initiate research, in collaboration with other universities, hospital and institutions, for cancer prevention and cure. Likewise, regional cancer centers shall be established nationwide for the treatment and care of cancer patients. The center shall also undertake and support the training of physicians, nurses, medical technicians, pharmacists, health officers and social workers on good practice models for the delivery of responsive, multidisciplinary, integrated cancer services. The bill also calls for the establishment of the Cancer Assistance Fund to support the cancer medicine and treatment assistance program. The fund shall ensure a steady supply of cancer drugs and cancer control related vaccines to patients. "We need to fight cancer as a nation: We must integrate cancer consciousness into our schools' curriculum in a more systematic and enduring way. We must increase public funding for robust prevention of cancer, better screening and make cancer treatment and care affordable for all," Senator Joel Villanueva, co-sponsor of the bill, said. Aside from Ejercito, Angara and Villanueva, authors of the bill include Senate President Vicente Sotto III, Senate Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon and Senators Maria Lourdes Nancy Binay, Leila De Lima, Loren Legarda, Antonio "Sonny" Trillanes IV, Grace Poe, Cynthia Villar, Paolo Benigno "Bam" Aquino IV, Sherwin Gatchalian, Richard Gordon, Gregorio Honasan II, Risa Hontiveros, Panfilo Lacson, Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao, Francis Pangilinan and Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III. The Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership trade and investment pact will come into effect next month after Australia's ratification pushed the deal across the minimum acceptance threshold. The deal has been ratified by New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Japan and Singapore. Australia's confirmation started the 60-day countdown for the first round of tariff cuts now scheduled to come into effect from Dec. 30. "The timing means there will be the added bonus of a second round of tariff cuts on 1 January 2019 for New Zealand exporters into those markets which apply a calendar tariff year," Trade and Export Minister David Parker said in a statement. "In the case of Japan, this second round of tariff cuts would fall due on 1 April 2019." New Zealand's Parliament passed legislation ratifying the deal last week. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade's national interest analysis estimated the agreement will boost the economy by between $1.2 billion and $4 billion, due largely to the removal of tariffs and non-tariff barriers to trade. The countries that have ratified the deal account for about $14.65 billion of New Zealand's annual exports, the bulk of which goes to Australia, and about $13.67 billion of imports. The CPTPP morphed out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement. Countries including New Zealand and Japan tried to revive the Asia-Pacific trade and investment pact after US President Donald Trump walked away from the initial deal. The Labour-led administration was wary of the TPP, and was reluctant to sign unless it could restrict foreign buyers of residential property and water down some of the more onerous Investor State Dispute Resolution provisions. New Zealand has signed side letters with Australia, Peru, Malaysia, Vietnam and Brunei excluding the use of ISDS provisions. Brunei Darussalam, Chile, Malaysia, Peru and Vietnam haven't yet ratified the deal. (BusinessDesk) Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: 19th November 2021 Morning Report Ryman Healthcare Limited (NZX: RYM) unaudited first half underlying profit of $95.9m Steel & Tube Holdings Limited (NZX: STU) Earnings Guidance 1H FY22 My Food Bag Group Limited (NZX: MFB) achieves record earnings; confirms dividend Turners Automotive Group Limited (NZX: TRA) delivers 24% increase in HY22 earnings AFT Pharmaceuticals Limited (NZX: AFT) reaffirms guidance and progresses growth plan 18th November 2021 Morning Report Blis Technologies Limited (NZX: BLT) Challenging market conditions in US impact half year result EROAD Limited (NZX: ERD) NZ Commerce Commission Clears Coretex Acquisition NZME Limited (NZX: NZM) Digital acceleration delivering on NZME's 2023 strategy What links Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba, 11 Maori wine and food businesses, three NZ government organisations and digital transaction system blockchain? The answer is a soon-to-be-launched initiative to provide wary Chinese online shoppers wanting to buy premium New Zealand goods like honey and wine with a way to be sure the product that arrives on their doorstep is the real deal. NZ Post, AsureQuality and NZ Trade and Enterprise have joined forces to develop a delivery system for New Zealand products bought online, which includes a digital record of where each product has come from. A woman in Shanghai buying a pot of manuka honey for her mother through Alibaba will be able to check its real manuka honey. Trust - or lack of it - is one problem New Zealand SMEs face going into the China market. There are plenty of fake and sometimes dangerous food products being sold there. But another problem for small companies here is finding customers in China without going through several intermediaries, each of which takes a mark-up. Selling through Alibabas premium e-commerce platform Tmall solves the latter problem for the 11 members of the new HUI Maori Collective, Dene Green, NZ Post's general manager for international strategy and partnerships, told BusinessDesk. And having sign-off from New Zealands SOE food testing company AsureQuality solves the first. The export and tracking service will be launched in China in time for Singles Day on November 11, with blockchain being added into the mix before the Chinese New Year holiday in February next year. Blockchain is an online public record of transactions, which isnt controlled by a single organisation but is available to all the computers on that blockchain network. In the case of products from the HUI Maori Collective, it will allow individual buyers in China to scan QR codes on the product when it arrives and see exactly where their jar of honey, bottle of wine, natural snack bar or sparkling drink is from. Blockchain adds value in determining an indisputable chain of information for a product - a single source of truth, Green says. In China there is a problem with trust, so blockchain authenticates that what they have received is what they ordered, and quality is part of that story. Green said Chinese consumers trust New Zealand products, and Maori values like mana and guardianship resonate with many of them. But rip-off products are a big problem. Counterfeit production devalues our brand and impacts our reputation, he said. A good example is that more manuka honey is sold in China every year than New Zealand produces, and authentic pure manuka honey is only produced here. Auckland-based developer TrackBack is providing the blockchain technology and expertise for the HUI Maori Collective project which, if successful, will act as a pilot for other New Zealand companies wanting to sell their products on any number of global e-commerce platforms. Trackback director David McDonald says its about taking that Sunday market feeling of a trusted connection between buyer and seller, and exporting this to the world, potentially at massive scale. He says there are plenty of high-quality Kiwi producers wanting access to big markets like China. Green says the Food Trust Framework partnership between AsureQuality, NZ Post and NZTE could be a game changer for NZ Inc, because there are customers all over the world prepared to pay a premium for goods, if they can be sure of their authenticity. But at the moment, many high-quality New Zealand food products find themselves in China via Australia and the Daigou - buying on behalf of - grey market. Green says the Daigou market for New Zealand products is worth hundreds of millions of dollars a year, and Kiwi companies arent able to cash in on the quality premiums when exports go this way. Chinese customers, many of whom are younger women buying for family and for gifts, are paying a lot for products like manuka honey and New Zealand wine. But we know they are willing to pay a bit more for trust. Theres not much trust for Daigou products. Once the HUI collective pilot is up-and-running, the verification and delivery system can be expanded, Green says. Once we are in position, we will take it to all NZ Inc companies that want to export from a trust perspective. Id like to think that in three to five years time the size of the verified market is equal to that of the Daigou channels - hundreds of millions of dollars. (BusinessDesk) Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: 19th November 2021 Morning Report Ryman Healthcare Limited (NZX: RYM) unaudited first half underlying profit of $95.9m Steel & Tube Holdings Limited (NZX: STU) Earnings Guidance 1H FY22 My Food Bag Group Limited (NZX: MFB) achieves record earnings; confirms dividend Turners Automotive Group Limited (NZX: TRA) delivers 24% increase in HY22 earnings AFT Pharmaceuticals Limited (NZX: AFT) reaffirms guidance and progresses growth plan 18th November 2021 Morning Report Blis Technologies Limited (NZX: BLT) Challenging market conditions in US impact half year result EROAD Limited (NZX: ERD) NZ Commerce Commission Clears Coretex Acquisition NZME Limited (NZX: NZM) Digital acceleration delivering on NZME's 2023 strategy Shower and tapware designer Methven says the new financial year has started well with a 6 percent lift in September quarter revenue and net profit growth for the period of $560,000. The company, which has added China to its international expansion, now gets most of its sales in Australia. Strong growth there, the UK and China has seen international sales grow at a compound annual rate of 4.7 percent the past three years, while earnings before interest and tax increased almost 58 percent on the same metric. Methven told shareholders today it expects net profit growth of at least 10 percent this year. It is expecting international sales to drive increasingly strong revenue growth this year. September quarter sales in China rose to 3.9 million renminbi, from 3.4 million in the June quarter and 569,000 a year earlier. The company said new product development was yet to benefit the New Zealand business, although it saw evidence of modest growth here in the second half of the financial year. Methven shares rose a cent to $1.17 and have gained about 10 percent this year. The company reported a 22 percent increase in net profit to $6.6 million in the year ended June 30. Earnings before interest and tax lifted 20 percent to $10.7 million, and revenue rose 5 percent to $105.1 million, even as New Zealand sales fell 7.2 percent to $32.5 million. Today the company said fixing the New Zealand business, where it had hoped to increase sales last year, remained an area of significant activity and focus. It also aims to accelerate its international growth, particularly in China, which it wants to make a strong fourth leg of the business. (BusinessDesk) Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. 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Related News: 19th November 2021 Morning Report Ryman Healthcare Limited (NZX: RYM) unaudited first half underlying profit of $95.9m Steel & Tube Holdings Limited (NZX: STU) Earnings Guidance 1H FY22 My Food Bag Group Limited (NZX: MFB) achieves record earnings; confirms dividend Turners Automotive Group Limited (NZX: TRA) delivers 24% increase in HY22 earnings AFT Pharmaceuticals Limited (NZX: AFT) reaffirms guidance and progresses growth plan 18th November 2021 Morning Report Blis Technologies Limited (NZX: BLT) Challenging market conditions in US impact half year result EROAD Limited (NZX: ERD) NZ Commerce Commission Clears Coretex Acquisition NZME Limited (NZX: NZM) Digital acceleration delivering on NZME's 2023 strategy The government has provided KiwiRail an extra $35 million to restore its fleet of ageing electric locomotives on the North Islands main trunk line. The money will be used to refurbish the 30-year-old trains during the next four years. Only eight of the units are currently operational and they had been due to be decommissioned in March 2019 following a decision by the KiwiRail board in December 2016. Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters also Minister of State-owned Enterprises - said refurbishing the trains, rather than replacing them with modern diesel units, was the right decision long-term. By refurbishing these locomotives here, were creating jobs in KiwiRails Hutt Workshop and supporting our local rail industry. It just makes sense, Peters said in a joint statement with Transport Minister Phil Twyford and associate minister James Shaw. The $35 million refurbishment cost is almost three-times the figure touted by unions and other groups who had argued against ending the electric service. It is additional to funding the government has already announced for regional rail upgrade projects and commuter service upgrades. KiwiRail, starved of investment capital for decades, had favoured replacing the electric units with modern diesels as part of a strategy to improve reliability and speed on the Auckland to Wellington link and simplify its fleet. The electric units run only between Palmerston North and Te Rapa and the time taken to change engines increases travel time. The company had planned to keep the electric overheads in place and maintained to enable the decision to be revisited. Acting chief executive Todd Moyle said the 2016 decision had not been taken lightly and reflected the funding available to the company at the time. The government has shown a clear commitment to rail, including NZTA funding business cases for further electrification of the Auckland rail network from Papakura to Pukekohe and adding a Third Main line in Auckland," he said today. KiwiRail has been talking with the government about the possibility of further electrification and is also exploring the use of other fuel sources. Electrification of transport and industry are considered key to meeting the countrys 2050 emission targets. Rail is also an area where lower-emission fuels, including natural gas, liquefied natural gas and hydrogen are being trialled internationally. KiwiRail had argued that using modern diesels as part of a more efficient rail freight service would have done more for emissions by taking more trucks off the countrys roads. Buying new electric units would have taken several years and would have also been more expensive than new diesel units. Electrifying the rest of the route between Auckland and Wellington, another option then favoured by parties now in government, was estimated at more than a $1 billion and would have still required diesel units through the rest of the North Island. Moyle noted the electric units are still breaking down about every 30,000 kilometres compared with companys fleet target of 50,000 kilometres. He said the restoration work, which will also include upgrades of the electronic control systems, will extend their lives by about 10 years. The work will create between four and eight extra jobs at the firms Hutt workshops, he said. (BusinessDesk) Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: 19th November 2021 Morning Report Ryman Healthcare Limited (NZX: RYM) unaudited first half underlying profit of $95.9m Steel & Tube Holdings Limited (NZX: STU) Earnings Guidance 1H FY22 My Food Bag Group Limited (NZX: MFB) achieves record earnings; confirms dividend Turners Automotive Group Limited (NZX: TRA) delivers 24% increase in HY22 earnings AFT Pharmaceuticals Limited (NZX: AFT) reaffirms guidance and progresses growth plan 18th November 2021 Morning Report Blis Technologies Limited (NZX: BLT) Challenging market conditions in US impact half year result EROAD Limited (NZX: ERD) NZ Commerce Commission Clears Coretex Acquisition NZME Limited (NZX: NZM) Digital acceleration delivering on NZME's 2023 strategy PGG Wrightson shareholders have overwhelmingly backed a deal to sell its seeds unit for $434 million, which will free up cash for a return to investors. A resolution approving the sale of the seeds division to Danish cooperative DLF Seeds passed with 96.9 percent support at today's combined annual and special meeting in Christchurch. Of the votes cast, about 462.8 million were in favour, 14.7 million opposed and 3.7 million abstained. The New Zealand Shareholders' Association voted against the transaction, saying the short-term gain for investors was offset by the remaining business being half the size and inferior to the seeds unit. The transaction is still subject to a number of conditions, but if it goes ahead, Wrightson plans to return $292 million to shareholders. Deputy chair Trevor Burt told shareholders the transaction delivered compelling value to the company and allowed for a continuing relationship with DLF. He said the company is still reviewing the remaining businesses and still has First NZ Capital on retainer to "explore options for PGW's business, growth opportunities, capital and balance sheet requirements and potentially shareholding structure." Wrightson's cornerstone shareholder Agria Corp owns 50.2 percent of the rural services firm. That stake became problematic when the Overseas Investment Office said it was reviewing the company's 'good character' status due to an ongoing probe by the US Securities and Exchange Commission over the accuracy of disclosures and accusations of share price manipulation. Agria recognised a provision of US$3.8 million as at June 30 for what it estimates it will have to pay the SEC to settle the probe, including legal costs. In a filing to the SEC earlier this month, Agria said it was cooperating with the US regulator and nearing a potential settlement over claims "The company has advised the OIO that it will notify it of any settlement with the SEC as soon as the terms are agreed in principle, and it is possible that the OIO may recommence its investigation before any settlement is publicly announced," Agria said in the Oct. 12 filing. Agria's principal Alan Lai yesterday stepped down as chair of Wrightson, with Joo Hai Lee appointed as interim chair, effective from today. Agria expects to recognise a capital gain of US$92 million from today's transaction. Burt thanked Lai for his leadership at today's meeting and said the board's make-up and governance will be reviewed in due course. Wrightson shareholders also approved the re-election of Kean Seang U and Ronald Seah to the board today. The shares fell 1.7 percent to 57 cents, valuing the company at $190.9 million, less than the proposed capital return. (BusinessDesk) Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: 19th November 2021 Morning Report Ryman Healthcare Limited (NZX: RYM) unaudited first half underlying profit of $95.9m Steel & Tube Holdings Limited (NZX: STU) Earnings Guidance 1H FY22 My Food Bag Group Limited (NZX: MFB) achieves record earnings; confirms dividend Turners Automotive Group Limited (NZX: TRA) delivers 24% increase in HY22 earnings AFT Pharmaceuticals Limited (NZX: AFT) reaffirms guidance and progresses growth plan 18th November 2021 Morning Report Blis Technologies Limited (NZX: BLT) Challenging market conditions in US impact half year result EROAD Limited (NZX: ERD) NZ Commerce Commission Clears Coretex Acquisition NZME Limited (NZX: NZM) Digital acceleration delivering on NZME's 2023 strategy Formerly shaky mobile engagement software company Plexure Group has reported its first profit, seen its share price jump from a low base, and says there are signs of more positive things to come. Plexure saw revenue increase 51 percent for the six months ended Sept. 30, to $8.1 million, and net profit hit $1.1 million. This compares with an equivalent half-year loss of $195,000 in 2017. Cash reserves increased from $2.4 million to $6.1 million. The listed entity Plexure is the company-formerly-known-as-VMob, which had a chequered history. VMob emerged in 2012 from a number of reverse takeovers, originating strangely enough from a horse breeding outfit. The company designs and builds software allowing businesses - mainly retailers and fast food outlets - to target customers via their mobile phones. VMob racked up a series of losses, became Plexure in 2016 and saw founder Scott Bradley replaced as CEO by former BNZ retail banking and marketing director Craig Herbison in September 2017. Herbison told BusinessDesk the company suffered in the past from being early to market, focusing too broadly in terms of product and sales, and having a proposition that customers and the public didnt necessarily understand. He says there are actually lots of easy-to-grasp applications for his companys software. For example: McDonalds customers in some overseas markets have a Plexure-built app which gives them loyalty offers through their smartphones. Others can order their Maccas online and have cooking start when their phones GPS tells the kitchen they are close by. Australian 7-Eleven fuel customers can lock in a weekly petrol price using a Plexure mobile app. While interesting, investors havent until now been particularly convinced by the Plexure story, particularly as the company racked up million dollar losses. Since listing in mid-2016, the companys share price has never got over 35 cents and it hovered between 10 cents and 13 cents right through the latter part of 2017. Todays news saw the stock jump almost 23 percent to 19 cents, having traded at 13 cents a week ago. More than one million shares changed hands, the most in more than two years and a stark contrast to 90-day average of 54,000. Herbison says his first goals when he took on the CEO role involved getting costs under control, becoming cash flow positive, and stashing money in the bank. We needed a stable company to get ready for next phase. We pulled away from some sales activities, and trimmed back on software engineering staff who were involved in building products that werent immediately being purchased by customers. He says the company intends to remain profitable and wont be looking to raise more capital for the time being. However, it will start using cash reserves to work on its core technology platform and on new products including: mobile wallets; messaging platforms - such as WhatsApp; chatbots - such as Alexa; smart speakers; and artificial intelligence. Its up to the market to decide if they have confidence in the story we are articulating, particularly our vision out to 2020-2021. Herbison says the company isnt giving financial guidance, but says Plexure is cheap compared with other listed tech companies. The company trades at a low price-sales ratio - it was just over one before todays spike, compared to two, three or even four-times for some similar-stage stocks, he says. We are a small New Zealand company but with significant scale around our work - 85 million customers in 40 countries. We are in the black, have cash reserves to fund our own growth, and present good buying opportunities for people l wanting to invest in the sector. (BusinessDesk) Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. 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Related News: 19th November 2021 Morning Report Ryman Healthcare Limited (NZX: RYM) unaudited first half underlying profit of $95.9m Steel & Tube Holdings Limited (NZX: STU) Earnings Guidance 1H FY22 My Food Bag Group Limited (NZX: MFB) achieves record earnings; confirms dividend Turners Automotive Group Limited (NZX: TRA) delivers 24% increase in HY22 earnings AFT Pharmaceuticals Limited (NZX: AFT) reaffirms guidance and progresses growth plan 18th November 2021 Morning Report Blis Technologies Limited (NZX: BLT) Challenging market conditions in US impact half year result EROAD Limited (NZX: ERD) NZ Commerce Commission Clears Coretex Acquisition NZME Limited (NZX: NZM) Digital acceleration delivering on NZME's 2023 strategy Sivakumar was mercilessly trolled on social media and netizens also condemned him for smacking away the mobile phone from a youngster who tried to take a selfie with the actor. In his statement, Sivakumar said: Taking selfies is something that involves the own interests as it might be something to relish with memories across your vacations and celebratory moments. I have no allegations or claims to make upon ones personal interests. But when it comes to treating a socialite or a celebrity, it shouldnt be the same there, where they deserve their privacy and respect too. It happened that from the moment I stepped out of the car and walked into the venue that was occupied with 200-300 people, I felt little disappointed to see around 20-25 people clicking selfies by pushing the volunteers and guards who accompanied me there. What I personally feel is that it is a courtesy to ask any celebrity or any person before they start clicking photos with them. A celebrity cannot be treated or taken for granted as a public property. I am someone, who has never hesitated to take photos at the airport and any gatherings with hundreds and thousands of people. I am not claiming myself as Buddha or a saint, but an ordinary person like you and am leading a life that I love. Moreover, I am not requesting anyone to accept me as their leader or an inspiring hero. Everyone is a hero in their own lives with their own ideologies, but at the same time, we should think at least for a while on how some of our deeds might affect others. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe during their summit talks also sought "expeditious and meaningful" reforms of the United Nations. : Japan on Monday backed India's membership bid to join the elite Nuclear Suppliers Group, which is opposed by China. "After India's full accession to three international export control regimes, the two leaders pledged to continue working together for India's membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, with the aim of strengthening the global non-proliferation efforts," according to the India-Japan Vision Statement issued after the talks. India is already a member of the Australia Group, the Wassenaar Arrangement and the Missile Technology Control Regime. "India and Japan seek expeditious and meaningful reforms of the United Nations, in particular the comprehensive reform of the United Nations Security Council, to make it more legitimate, effective and representative, taking into account the contemporary realities of the 21st century," it said. India, Japan, Brazil and Germany have formed the G4 grouping to support each other's bids for permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council. The two leaders also expressed their determination to accelerate the process of UN reforms, including the launch of text-based negotiations in the intergovernmental negotiations in the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly, it added. Modi and Abe welcomed recent developments in the Korean Peninsula, including the US-North Korea Summit at Singapore in June and three inter-Korean Summits this year as a step towards the comprehensive resolution of the outstanding issues regarding North Korea. System error error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. context: ... 21: 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: 28: 29: ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25 /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm:951 /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17 /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:149 Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 129 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 160 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fddd2a110)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 951 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fe07b27f8)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fddd2a110)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1305 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 958 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fe07b27f8)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 149 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fddce7828)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1303 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 436 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fe07b27f8)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fe07b27f8)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fdd38af70)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f3fdf38a9a8)') called at (eval 487) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f3fdf38a9a8)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0 System error error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. context: ... 21: 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: 28:
29: ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25 /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm:951 /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17 /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:149 Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 129 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 160 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fdd85d840)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 951 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fdd8d4ac8)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fdd85d840)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1305 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 958 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fdd8d4ac8)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 149 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fdd86ce20)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1303 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 436 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fdd8d4ac8)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fdd8d4ac8)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fdd38add8)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f3fcb1b55f0)') called at (eval 487) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f3fcb1b55f0)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0 System error error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. context: ... 21: 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: 28:
29: ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25 /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm:951 /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17 /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:149 Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 129 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 160 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fddcb7700)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 951 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fddc9fec0)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fddcb7700)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1305 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 958 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fddc9fec0)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 149 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fddcede58)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1303 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 436 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fddc9fec0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fddc9fec0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fdd38b298)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f3fddcedae0)') called at (eval 487) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f3fddcedae0)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0 System error error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. context: ... 21: 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: 28:
29: ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25 /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm:951 /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17 /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:149 Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 129 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 160 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fdd85d850)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 951 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fddcdb530)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fdd85d850)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1305 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 958 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fddcdb530)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 149 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fdd86c9e0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1303 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 436 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fddcdb530)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fddcdb530)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fdd38a778)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f3fddcfbec0)') called at (eval 487) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f3fddcfbec0)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0 ABSTRACT Scholars have pointed out both positive and negative effects ethnical networks could have on immigrant business performance. By statistically analyzing the difference in income among Chinese and Korean entrepreneurs, this study focuses on the impact of a strong network on immigrant business performance. The results indicate that higher network quality and quantity have negative impacts on business owners incomes, yet these negative effects could be offset by stronger overall networks. Keywords: Economics, Chinese, Korean, California, Immigrants, Entrepreneurship, Networks 1. Introduction From Chinese restaurants to Korean laundromats, immigrant-owned businesses are ubiquitous in everyday American life. Immigrants have proven to be more entrepreneurial than their native counterparts [1] . The number of immigrant businesses rose from 2.7 million in 1997 to 3.3 million in 2002 [2] . This is an annual increase of 4 percent, while the yearly growth for all U.S. firms is 2 percent. However, immigrant-owned businesses are smaller in general. According to the 2007 Survey of Business Owners and Self-Employed Persons, immigrant-owned businesses have 4.5 fewer employees than the national average. However, these immigrant-owned businesses still make substantial and growing contributions to job and wealth creation. Total business income for immigrants is $121 billion, representing 15 percent of all business income in the United States [3] . Bigger firms in the STEM fields also have impressive performances. For example, in Silicon Valley, a hub for immigrant entrepreneurs, immigrant-run companies collectively accounted for more than $16.8 billion in sales and 58,282 jobs in 1998. Moreover, due to the centrality of self-employment with regards to upward economic mobility, these businesses play an important role in bridging the wage-gap between natives and immigrants, promoting economic assimilation for immigrants. They unquestionably have the ability to influence the U.S. economy in terms of both growth and allocation. Every profit-seeking firm relies on its business performance to survive and make economic contributions possible. In order to better understand the economic contribution of immigrant businesses, examining the driving force of their business performance becomes crucial. The United States welcomes immigrant entrepreneurs by giving special preferences for admission to immigrants who invest $1 million in businesses and provide or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S workers. Identifying the factors that affect immigrant business performance can help the U.S. government when it comes to screening these immigrant entrepreneurs and granting entry to the most beneficial individuals. Scholars have found certain factors contributing to above-average business performances for some immigrant-owned firms. It is argued that Asian-owned businesses outperform non-Hispanic white owned businesses due to higher levels of owner education and startup capital [4] . Besides capital and education, another often unobservable, and less discussed factor that might also affect immigrant business performance is networks formed among immigrants. Critics have pointed out both the advantages and disadvantages of migrant networks and ethnical enclaves. Using statistical analysis, this paper looks into the impact of immigrant networks on immigrant entrepreneurship performance. To quantitatively study this question, I chose Chinese and Korean entrepreneurs in California as the target of this investigation. Coming from East-Asia and possessing similar cultural influences, both groups are highly educated, entrepreneurial, and motivated. These two groups of immigrants possess many similar characteristics, yet different immigrant networks. I have concluded that Koreans have stronger networks, likely through their common religious beliefs. In my analysis, I examined the income of business owners from these two groups, and through my regression results, I found that immigrant entrepreneurs with a strong ethnical network do earn more than those without one. This indicates the positive relationship between immigrant networks and business performances. Finally, I will discuss conclusions and limitations of this research. By studying the relationship between immigrant networks and business performance, we will be one step closer to understanding the keys to establish successful immigrant-owned firms. Successful firms, in turn, lead to economic growth for immigrants and non-immigrants alike, as well as immigrant assimilation. The methods used in this paper, while only being applied in this example to Chinese and Koreans in California, could also be used to compare other ethnic enclaves of similar size in communities around the United States. This research also contributes to the broader investigation of benefits and costs of immigrant networks, which further provides insight into whether it is more advantageous for immigrant entrepreneurs to branch out from their communities, or stay within them. 2. Background Some immigrant-run businesses are more successful than others in terms of generating profits, and this is not simply due to individual characteristics or coincidence. On average, immigrant firms have lower sales than non-immigrant firms. On the other hand, studies also find high levels of business earnings among Asian immigrant groups. Using data from the Characteristics of Business Owners, it was found that Asian-owned businesses, which are 80 percent immigrant owned, have higher sales and profits, and they are more likely to survive and hire employees than non-Hispanic white owned businesses. Also, startup capital explains at least 50 percent, and high levels of education explain 8 - 26 percent of why Asian-owned businesses perform better on average [4] . Capital and the education level of owners represent only part of the ultimate equation for running a successful business as an immigrant. Networking is another indispensable factor. The overall effect of networks on immigrant entrepreneurship and business performance is double-sided, yet networks undoubtedly play an important role in increasing earning opportunities for immigrants. Some scholars believe that networks represent entrepreneurial resources that expand economic opportunities immigrants encounter in destination economics [5] . These networks support co-ethnic entrepreneurship in three principal ways discussed below. First, these networks feed low cost co-ethnic labor to immigrant entrepreneurs, reducing costs for employers [6] . Immigrant entrepreneurs often employ co-ethnic individuals, including relatives, at a significantly high rate. For example, it was reported that 30.8% of the Korean immigrants in Los Angeles were employees of Korean-owned firms, while Koreans only made up 1 percent of the total population in Los Angeles County at that time [7] . It was also shown that ethnic networks helped Mexican migrants find jobs in low-wage, labor-intensive sectors [8] . This low-cost labor brought by immigrant networks usually possessed the same language and cultural values as the business owner, which further aided smooth operation of these firms, reduced overall production costs, and led to greater business performance. Second, migration networks feed economic information to immigrant entrepreneurs and aspiring immigrant entrepreneurs, providing a protected market for certain goods. By studying the garment industry in New York, Bailey and Waldinger pointed out that immigrant networks and enclaves served as an external, informal training system that shape[d] the employment relationship and increase[d] the availability and quality of information for workers and employers [9] . As mentioned previously, newcomers tend to work in immigrant firms, train and become familiarized within the market of the host country. Workers who have gained skills and information by working for their co-ethnic owners often set up new businesses of their own, which creates an informal training system for both immigrant entrepreneurs and employees. This is valuable in terms of generating sales for an immigrant-owned business as it forms a rather exclusive information system and product markets. Third, studies have confirmed immigrant networks usefulness in dealing with business problems. Migration networks provide access to various kinds of mutual assistance including information, as well as starting capital and business support. Small businesses are the main avenue for economic mobility for minority groups. Self-employment is a mobility ladder, but sometimes, it is also an economic lifeboat for those who are unable to find jobs in a formal sector. Immigrant networks encourage these people by providing access to microfinance or informal lending markets through programs such as rotating credit associations [10] . Networks help newcomers in mobilizing monetary resources and raising business capital. Some other factors immigrant networks can provide are, but not limited to: the ability to purchase goods and services at advantageous prices, assistance in dealing with public bureaucracies, improved labor relations, access to industrial engineering, and marketing services. However, the effects of immigrant networks on business performance are not all positive. It has been demonstrated that entry by potential immigrant entrepreneurs may become difficult as established immigrants could exert monopoly power and block the entry of those who have arrived more recently [2] . Moreover, ethnical enclaves are sometimes located in economically disadvantageous areas where the purchasing power of the residents is lower than the national average, which could set a ceiling for growth of a business within the enclave. In both cases, we can see how immigrant networks could possibly impede the development of new immigrant-owned businesses and lead to below-average business performance of these firms, which makes the overall effect of networks more complicated. The relation between networks and immigrant business performance remains unclear since the strength of networks is difficult to measure. It is not simply a matter of population. Different ethnic groups have vastly different networks, and the quality of these networks is often unobservable. The fact that the geographical boundaries for most ethnical enclaves are rather ambiguous adds further difficulties to the study. Quantity of a social network is measured as the number of people the minority individual interacts with through this language, and quality of the social network is measured by counting the number of people in this language group who use welfare [2] [11] . This paper will adapt this measurement, which will be introduced and discussed in the following section. 3. Methods In order to understand the importance of networks, ideally, we want to examine two groups of entrepreneurs with similar characteristics, yet different immigrant networksone stronger and the other, weaker. It is impossible in reality to find a perfect counterpart for any group of immigrants. However, I find that Chinese and Korean immigrants in California represent a good pair for comparison in this study. The characteristics of Korean and Chinese immigrant business owners are similar. In terms of culture, Chinese and Korean are two ethnic groups heavily influenced by Confucianism. Instilled with the same ideology, they share many common unobservable characteristics such as motivation and attitudes towards kinship. For example, Table A2 and Table A3 show the distribution of weeks worked last year for Chinese and Korean immigrants. A majority number in both groups worked 50 to 52 weeks in the past year. Moreover, both groups are highly educated in comparison to other ethnic groups. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, the shares of population with less than a high school education are 12% and 2% for Chinese and Korean immigrants, respectively. This number is 38% for Cambodian immigrants, another group that also has high rates of self-employment (12%). Moreover, businesses owned by Chinese and Korean immigrants both have above-average starting capital, which is a crucial factor in promoting better business performances. Restaurants and other food services, as well as dry cleaning and laundry facilities are popular industries for both self-employed Chinese and Koreans. Networks are the product of shared language, ideologies and beliefs. The difference between networks of these two groups is also obvious, due to the fact that most Korean immigrants are religious while Chinese immigrants are not. Korean immigrants historically have had a very strong Christian heritage. More than 70% Korean Americans identify themselves as Christian; 60% of those consist of immigrants who were already Christians at the time of their arrival in the United States. There are about 4000 Korean Christian churches in the United States, while the estimated number of Chinese Christian churches is 1200 [12] . A wide variety of studies have indicated that common religious preference serves as a strong social bond. For example, using the national Survey of Parents and Youth (1998-199) data, it was found that participation in religious congregations increases network closure between the parents of youth and their childrens friends [13] . Studies also indicate that Korean immigrants maintain higher levels of ethnic attachment than other Asian immigrant groups. The affiliation of the majority of Korean immigrants with Korean churches, their cultural homogeneity, and their concentration in small businesses contribute to their high ethnic attachment. Korean immigrants in Los Angeles preserve an even higher level of ethnicity than those in other parts of the U.S. partly because of the existence of Korea Town as a territorial base and partly because of a large concentration of Koreans in the city [14] . Ethnic network is defined as the interaction between the size of the network and the quality of the network [2] [11] . Below is a mathematical representation: Network jk = E jk Q k where E jk is the ethnic enclave of a person from a country of origin group k living in area j, defined as follows: E jk = Number of people from group k in area j Total population in area j Number of people from group k Total population in country Q k stands for the quality of the network, or the knowledge and attitude of others from the country origin group k (China or Korean) has towards entrepreneurship. This is measured by the logarithm of the self-employment rate of the group in certain metropolitan areas, divided by the national self-employment rate for the specific group, which is 12% and 24% for Chinese and Koreans, respectively. Q jK = ln Number of self-employed people from group k in area j Total population of group k in area j Numer of self-employed people from group k in country Total population of group k in country I chose California as the sample for my study because E jk for both Chinese and Korean immigrants are equally high in this area. I generated this enclave indicator for immigrants at different metropolitan areas in California and controlled for the fixed effect of these metropolitan areas to add another degree of variation. In Table A2, we can see that the majority of Chinese and Korean immigrant entrepreneurs are located in three metropolitan areas: Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, and San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara. See Appendix 2 for the full list of metropolitan areas in California. My data comes from the Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) file created for the 2013 American Community Survey (ACS). Another relevant survey available is the 2007 Survey of Business Owners and Self-Employed Persons (SBO). The 2007 SBO includes information on whether the business owner is an immigrant. It further collects information on gender, ethnicity and educational attainment of business owners and includes information on the sales, starting capital, employment, language spoken in transactions, and industries of the business. The SBO is a good resource to analyze immigrant business performances since it directly captures sales, an essential measurement of performance. Appendix 1 includes summary statistics from the dataset. However, the 2007 SBO does not include detailed country-level birthplace information, which makes the dataset not useful in this study. The 2007 SBO also lacks data about metropolitan areas, which again, unfortunately, eliminates possibility to analyze the concentration of immigrant-owned businesses in Californian metropolitan areas to determine if certain ones are more likely to attract immigrant entrepreneurs. The next best substitute for the SBO is the 2013 ACS, which contains individual-level information including birthplace, employment classification (work for wages or self-employed), total income, working hours, and total personal income. I perform regression analysis on hourly income for self-employed male working-age (21 - 65) Chinese and Korean immigrants, using Koreans as the dummy variable. I control for education level, years in the U.S., years in the U.S. squared, age, age squared, ability to speak English, and the network indicator introduced above. I dropped income outliers (the top and bottom 5 percent). The regression model is: = 0 + 1 Korean + 2 Network indicator + 3 Korean Network indicator + 6 Years in the U .S . + 7 Years in the U .S . 2 + 8 age + 9 age 2 + 10 education + 10 Speak English I also developed an alternative model, in which the dependent variable is the logarithm of instead of personal income: ln ( Hourlypersonalincome ) = 0 + 1 Korean + 2 Network indicator + 3 Korean Network indicator + 6 Years in the U .S . + 7 Years in the U .S . 2 + 8 age + 9 age 2 + 10 education + 10 Speak English As the network indicator that captures both the quantity and quality of the network is controlled in the regression, 1 and 3 together should reflect the impact of a strong network has on the income of immigrant entrepreneurs. 4. Results and Conclusion According to the regression results (see Appendix 3), 1 the Korean dummy variable is negative and significant for both regression models. 2 , the network indicator, is also negative and significant. This means that for both Chinese and Korean entrepreneurs, a higher quality and quantity network would negatively impact the entrepreneurs income. This result supports the hypothesis that potential immigrant entrepreneurs may be blocked by established immigrants with monopoly power. As the immigrant network becomes larger and more immigrants within the network choose to become self-employed, immigrant entrepreneurs within that network on average experience a decline in their income. However, the interaction terms between the Korean dummy variable and the network indicator, 3 is positive and significant. Even though its magnitude is not large enough to offset the negative effect of 2 , this indicates that being Koreanor in other words, staying in a network with stronger bondsdoes have positive returns. The negative effect of a big network is reduced for Koreans. For instance, a Korean-born entrepreneur on average earns more than his or her Chinese-born counterpart within a network that has same quality quantity level. As Korean immigrants have stronger networks through their common religious beliefs, these networks yield better business performance and/or overall personal income for Korean business owners in California. Even though the negative network externalities of a big and highly entrepreneurial immigrant network might still outweigh the positive externality of having a strong network, a more close-knit community does have a positive influence on immigrant business performance. This positive influence will expand as the network indicator becomes larger, which indicates that within a large but strong community, the negative effects of being in a large group will be offset by the positive effect of social bonds. Despite its statistical significance, this regression analysis is not without flaws. First, total personal income is not the best indicator for business performances since personal income is affected by many other factors and owners may reinvest business revenues. Yet again, this is due to data limitations. Other possible confounding variables include the size of the firm and the starting capital. These two variables are crucial for business performances and could vary across the two groups, so it would be helpful to control for them in our regression model. Unfortunately, ACS data does not have information about firm size or starting capital. Further studies could expand this analysis to the national level to see if the results still hold in the U.S. in general. Conflicts of Interest The authors declare no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this paper. Cite this paper Xu, Y.X. (2018) Does Networking Promote Immigrant Business Performance?The Case of Chinese and Korean Immigrants in California. Modern Economy, 9, 1716-1727. https://doi.org/10.4236/me.2018.910108 References 1. Hunt, J. (2011) Which Immigrants Are Most Innovative and Entrepreneurial? Distinctions by Entry Visa. Journal of Labor Economics, 29, 417-457. https://doi.org/10.1086/659409 2. Toussaint-Comeau, M. (2008) Do Ethnic Enclaves and Networks Promote Immigrant Self-Employment? Economic Perspectives, 32, 30-50. 3. Fairlie, R.W. and Lofstrom, M. (2013) Immigration and Entrepreneurship. IZA Discussion Paper, Bonn. 4. Fairlie, R.W., and Robb, A.M. (2008) Race and Entrepreneurial Success. The MIT Press, Cambridge. 5. Light, I.H. and Bhachu, P. (1993) Migration Networks and Immigrant Entrepreneurship. Immigration and Entrepreneurship: Culture, Capital, and Ethnic Networks, New Brunswick. 6. Borjas, G.J. (1986) The Self-Employment Experience of Immigrants. The Journal of Human Resources, 21, 485-506. https://doi.org/10.2307/145764 7. Min, P.G. (1989) Review: Immigrant Entrepreneurs: Koreans in Los Angeles, 1965-1982. International Migration Review, 23, 728-729. 8. Munshi, K. (2003) Networks in the Modern Economy: Mexican Migrants in the U. S. Labor Market. The Quarterly Journal of Economics, 118, 549-599. https://doi.org/10.1162/003355303321675455 9. Bailey, T. (1991) Primary, Secondary, and Enclave Labor Markets: A Training Systems Approach. American Sociological Review, 56, 432-445. https://doi.org/10.2307/2096266 10. Light, I., Kwuon, I.J. and Zhong, D. (1990) Korean Rotating Credit Associations in Los Angeles. Amerasia Journal, 16, 35-54. https://doi.org/10.17953/amer.16.2.k28607504u763847 11. Bertrand, M., Luttmer, E.F.P. and Mullainathan, S. (2000) Network Effects and Welfare Cultures. Quarterly Journal of Economics, 115, 1019-1055. https://doi.org/10.1162/003355300554971 12. Yoo, D. and Chung, R.H. (2008) Religion and Spirituality in Korean America. U of Illinois, Urbana. 13. Smith, C. (2003) Religious Participation and Network Closure among American Adolescents. Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, 42, 259-267. https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-5906.00177 14. Moon, S.-J. and Park, C.Y. (2007) Media Effects on Acculturation and Biculturalism: A Case Study of Korean Immigrants in Los Angeles Koreatown. Mass Communication and Society, 10, 319-343. https://doi.org/10.1080/15205430701407330 Appendix 1 Summary Statistics from the 2007 Survey of Business Owners Table A1. Number of businesses under different categories. Appendix 2 List of Metropolitan Areas in California in the 2013 ACS Bakersfield, Chico, El Centro, Fresno, Hanford-Corcoran, Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, Madera, Merced, Modesto, Napa, Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, Redding, Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, Sacramento-Roseville-Arden-Arcade, Salinas, San Diego-Carlsbad, San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, Santa Cruz-Watsonville, Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, Santa Rosa, Stockton-Lodi, Vallejo-Fairfield, Visalia-Porterville, Yuba City. Table A2. Number of Chinese and Korean self-employed males by metropolitan area (unweighted). Appendix 3 Table A3. Weeks worked last year for Chinese Self-employed Immigrants. Table A4. Weeks worked last year for Korean Self-employed Immigrants. Standard errors in parentheses. ***p < 0.01, **p < 0.05, *p < 0.1. Brazil's Bolsonaro to merge environment, farm ministries Rio de Janeiro, Oct 30 (AFP) Oct 30, 2018 Brazil's far-right President-elect Jair Bolsonaro will merge the environment and agriculture ministries, an adviser confirmed Tuesday, a move activists have warned could imperil the country's natural resources, including the Amazon rainforest. "Agriculture and environment will be in the same ministry, as we've said from the beginning," Onyx Lorenzoni, Bolsonaro's pick for chief of staff, told journalists after the president-elect huddled with top advisers to start forming his new government. Bolsonaro, who is backed by Brazil's powerful agrobusiness lobby, had proposed the idea in the past, saying, "Let's be clear: the future ministry will come from the productive sector. We won't have any more fights over this." But the former army captain had struck a more conciliatory tone in the final days of the campaign, saying, "I'm open to negotiation on that issue." Bolsonaro, who rode a wave of anti-establishment anger to victory in Sunday's election, wants to slash the number of ministries from 29 to 15, in the name of reining in public spending. But activists see grave consequences in merging these two ministries in particular: one responsible for the agricultural industry, the other responsible for making sure that same industry does not wreck the environment, among other things. The move "will be a triple disaster," said former environment minister Marina Silva. "We are entering a tragic time in which environmental protection will amount to nothing. The Bolsonaro government hasn't even started and the backsliding is already incalculable," she tweeted. Bolsonaro, who outraged many with his vitriolic and intolerant rhetoric during the campaign, had struck a more conciliatory tone in the home stretch. His quick reversal on the environment ministry will likely raise fears he will stick to his hardline conservative stance on other issues, too. Environmentalists had warned prior to the final decision that the implications would reach far beyond Brazil. The Amazon, which is being deforested at an annual rate of some 52,000 square kilometers (20,000 square miles) -- an area the size of Costa Rica -- is vital to the exchange of oxygen for carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, a check on global warming. "To increase deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions is to leave each and every one of us more vulnerable to an increasing risk of climate extremes," said Carlos Rittl, executive secretary of the Brazilian Climate Observatory. Facebook quarterly profit climbs 9 percent to $5.14 bn San Francisco, Oct 30 (AFP) Oct 30, 2018 Facebook reported Tuesday that its quarterly profit climbed in the recently ended quarter, but the world's leading social network -- mired in a spate of controversies -- gained fewer users than analysts had expected. The company said profit had climbed nine percent to $5.14 billion on revenue that leaped 33 percent to $13.7 billion in the quarter that ended September 30. The number of people who used Facebook monthly rose 10 percent to 2.27 billion, but analysts had expected that figure to be slightly higher. Facebook announced the results as it strives to fend off concerns about how well it protects the data of users and defends against use of the site to spread misinformation aimed at swaying elections. Controversies that have battered Facebook since the 2016 presidential election in the US have even caused some to question whether co-founder Mark Zuckerberg should keep his post as chief executive. "Our community and business continue to grow quickly, and now more than two billion people use at least one of our services every day," Zuckerberg said in the earnings release. "We're building the best services for private messaging and stories, and there are huge opportunities ahead in video and commerce as well." - Big spender - Facebook shares dove 5.4 percent to $138.33 in after-market trading, during an earnings call in which Zuckerberg said he expected 2019 to be "another year of significant investment" for Facebook and executives projected revenue growth to slow. Facebook said it finished the quarter with 33,606 employees in a 45 increase percent over the number of workers it had the same time last year. Just weeks ago, Facebook activated a "war room" as a nerve center to halt misinformation and manipulation of the largest social network by foreign actors trying to influence elections in the United States and elsewhere. The war room at the company's Menlo Park headquarters in California is part of stepped up security that will be adding some 20,000 employees. Last week, Facebook said it had taken down accounts linked to an Iranian effort to influence US and British politics with messages about charged topics such as immigration and race relations. The social network identified 82 pages, groups and accounts that originated in Iran and violated policy on coordinated "inauthentic" behavior, Facebook head of cybersecurity policy Nathaniel Gleicher said. Gleicher said there was overlap with accounts taken down earlier this year and linked to Iran state media, but the identity of the culprits had yet to be determined. Spending on security and election-related defenses were likely part of the reason overall costs and expenses reported in the quarter rose 53 percent to $7.95 billion from $5.2 billion a year earlier. In what could wind up costing Facebook more money, British finance minister Philip Hammond said he planned to introduce a digital services tax aimed at tech giants from 2020, responding to public outrage over low tax payments by US tech giants. "It is only right that these global giants with profitable businesses in the UK pay their fair share," he told lawmakers on Monday in a move aimed at helping British businesses struggling against fierce online competition. Thousands of US troops head for southern border Washington, Oct 30 (AFP) Oct 30, 2018 The Pentagon is deploying 5,200 active-duty troops to beef up security along the US-Mexico border, officials announced Monday, in a bid to prevent a caravan of Central American migrants from illegally crossing the frontier. The move represents a massive military buildup along the border, where some 2,000 National Guardsmen are already working to provide assistance to overwhelmed authorities. Trump in recent weeks has repeatedly said more troops are needed to tighten border security, and he has made political capital of the caravan ahead of crucial midterm congressional elections that could see the Democrats regain some degree of power. According to US Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Kevin McAleenan, US authorities are tracking a group of about 3,500 people traveling north through the Chiapas-Oaxaca area in southern Mexico. Additionally, officials were monitoring another group of about 3,000 people that had gathered at a border crossing between Guatemala and Mexico. Even as US officials unveiled details of the military deployment, migrants were trying to cross the Suchiate River from Guatemala into Mexico on rafts made from truck tires, or by forming human chains to avoid being swept away. Others swam across after Mexican authorities refused to open a border bridge. McAleenan described the situation along the US-Mexico frontier as a "border security and humanitarian crisis," and said border agents over the past three weeks had apprehended about 1,900 people per day illegally crossing. "Over half of these arrivals have been made up of family units and unaccompanied children who place themselves in the hands of violent human smugglers, paying 7,000 (dollars) per person to make the journey," McAleenan said. The massive deployment marks a sharp increase from initial estimates last week, when US officials said about 800 active-duty troops would head south. It means that within days, the US military will have more than three times as many troops along the southern border as it does fighting the Islamic State group in Syria. - 'Please go back' - Trump last week expressed frustration that the issue, which had been attracting growing cable news attention, had slipped from front pages as top figures in the Democratic Party were targeted by a series of mail bombs. He took to Twitter on Monday to again blast the migrant caravan, which is comprised mainly of Hondurans -- many of whom are fleeing horrific gang violence. "Many Gang Members and some very bad people are mixed into the Caravan heading to our Southern Border," Trump wrote without providing evidence, doubling down on the hardline anti-immigrant rhetoric that helped fuel his 2016 election victory. "Please go back, you will not be admitted into the United States unless you go through the legal process. This is an invasion of our Country and our Military is waiting for you!" Trump has been campaigning intensively for weeks, frequently hammering on the migrant caravan issue and stoking anti-immigrant concerns among voters. He is expected to hold 11 rallies in the days ahead of the November 6 midterms, which Washington pundits are characterizing as a referendum on his presidency. The American Civil Liberties Union blasted Trump's decision to send troops, calling the move a political one to fuel "his anti-immigrant agenda of fear and division" ahead of the midterms. "These migrants need water, diapers, and basic necessities -- not an army division," ACLU lawyer Shaw Drake said. New York Times columnist Paul Krugman called the move "grotesque," saying it used "the military for purely political purposes." The Democrats, for their part, have been caught largely flat-footed by Trump's messaging on the caravan and struggled to present coherent alternatives. The Southern Poverty Law Center called the deployment an act of "defiance" that would not make the US safer. In April, Trump ordered up to 4,000 National Guardsmen to head to the border as a different migrant caravan wound its way north. About 2,100 have deployed. - 'Harden' the border - Air Force General Terrence O'Shaughnessy, head of the US military's Northern Command, told reporters the 5,200 troops would focus on trying to "harden" border crossings and surrounding areas, with work done by combat engineering battalions with experience building temporary fencing. Additionally, the Pentagon is sending military police and three helicopter companies equipped with high-tech sensors and night-vision capabilities. They will bring border personnel "exactly where they need to be, regardless of the conditions," O'Shaughnessy said. Though soldiers are not conducting direct law-enforcement operations and will ostensibly be in a support role, they will nonetheless be deployed with their weapons, officials noted. In addition to the main caravans in southern Mexico, a group of around 300 migrants left San Salvador, the El Salvador capital, on foot Sunday heading for the border with Guatemala in the hope of eventually reaching the United States. Russia to test missiles in NATO exercise zone Byneset, Norvege, Oct 30 (AFP) Oct 30, 2018 Russia plans to test missiles off Norway this week in an area where NATO is carrying out its biggest military exercises since the end of the Cold War, NATO's chief said Tuesday, downplaying the situation. "We were notified last week about the planned Russian missile tests outside the coast here," NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters in western Norway where the Trident Juncture 18 exercises are taking place. "I expect Russia to behave in a professional way," he said. "We will of course monitor closely what Russia does but they operate in international waters and they have notified us in the normal way," he added. Russia sent a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) to inform them of the missile tests November 1-3 in the Norwegian Sea, said Avinor, the public operator of most civil airports in Norway. The indicated zone covers part of the area where Trident Juncture is taking place from October 25 to November 7, in which some 50,000 troops, 65 ships and 250 aircraft from 31 countries are participating. The manoeuvres, taking place several hundred kilometers (miles) from Norway's border with Russia in the far north, are aimed at training the Atlantic Alliance to defend a member state after an aggression. The missile tests "will not change the plan of our exercise," Stoltenberg said. An Avinor spokesman, Erik Lodding, said this type of notification in the middle of an exercise zone was "not very common" to his knowledge, but added "there is nothing dramatic" about it. "It's the normal procedure," he told AFP. Israeli film pulled from Iraqi festival competition Arbil, Iraq, Oct 30 (AFP) Oct 30, 2018 A film festival in Iraqi Kurdistan has removed an Israel picture from its official competition, prompting the jury to protest by refusing to present a top award. Israeli director Yona Rozenkier's "The Dive", which portrays three brothers carrying out their father's last wish, was screened this month at the Duhok International Film Festival in northern Iraq. But festival organisers said Saturday they had "unwillingly" withdrawn the film from the world cinema competition, "due to regional complications and considerations". The move led the jury to refuse to announce a winner for the best international feature film, saying in an online statement the change to the selection "compromised our ability to make a final decision". Jury president Kristian Feigelson said in a separate statement that the film's withdrawal was the result of "political pressure coming officially from Baghdad". But Iraq's culture ministry denied interfering in the festival. "We have not been contacted by the organisers of the festival and we have not been involved at any level in the holding of this event," a ministry spokesman told AFP. Like all but two Arab states, Iraq does not formally recognise the state of Israel and the countries are technically still at war. Last year a former Miss Iraq caused a scandal by taking a photo with Miss Israel. But Israel has far better relations with Iraqi Kurdistan and was the only country to support the autonomous region's independence referendum last year, which was branded illegal by Baghdad. DR Congo 'not ready' for December polls: opposition Kinshasa, Oct 30 (AFP) Oct 30, 2018 The Democratic Republic of Congo is "not ready" to hold long-delayed elections in December, the main opposition party said Tuesday, the day after the army handed over 150 trucks and a dozen aircraft for use by the electoral commission. "One hundred fifty trucks can't cover our vast national territory which doesn't even have the road infrastructure," said Augustin Kabuya, spokesman of the main opposition Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS). The conflict-ridden DR Congo sprawls over 2.3 million square kilometres (890,000 square miles), making it the largest country in sub-Saharan Africa, some two-thirds the size of Western Europe. The former Belgian colony boasts just 27,877 kilometres (17,322 miles) of roads, President Joseph Kabila said in July. By comparison, France alone has more than a million kilometres. Kabuya said the handover of the trucks, planes and helicopters, conducted with great fanfare on Monday, was "staged" to lend international credibility to the elections. "We know (however) that... Corneille Nangaa is not ready to organise the elections on December 23," Kabuya told AFP, referring to the head of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI). During Monday's ceremony, the Congolese authorities said the vote -- postponed in 2016 and again last year -- would go ahead without help from the international community. Previous elections, in 2006 and 2011, took place with material and logistical support from the UN mission to the DR Congo known as MONUSCO. However relations between MONUSCO, the world's largest peacekeeping operation, and Kabila's government have long been strained. Kinshasa has repeatedly demanded the winding down of the mission, whose military observers were deployed in 2000 during the Second Congo War. The force now counts more than 15,000 troops, 1,000 police and 2,500 civilians in its ranks. Conflict persists notably in the North Kivu province on the country's eastern border, which has been subject to consecutive waves of bloodshed and brutality involving militias, rebel groups and government forces for more than 20 years. - Kabila protege in the running - Speaking at the UN General Assembly in September, Kabila vowed to "oppose any interference in the electoral process under way" and said that his country would cover the full cost of the December polls. Asked to comment on Tuesday, MONUSCO spokeswoman Florence Marchal said the mission would provide logistical support if asked. "But so far there has been no request," Marchal told AFP. The presidential, legislative and municipal elections, set for December 23, will notably yield a successor to Kabila, who is barred by term limits from seeking re-election. Kabila, 47, has been in power since 2001. His second and final elected term in office ended nearly two years ago, but he stayed in office thanks to a caretaker clause in the constitution. Months of feverish speculation over his intentions, marked by protests that were bloodily repressed at a cost of dozens of lives, ended in August when he threw his weight behind Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, a hardline former interior minister. UDPS leader Felix Tshisekedi is also among the 21 presidential candidates. The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2018 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. Privacy Statement Optimization Are you frustrated with a slow pc or a hard disk not performing as it should? Try SLOW-PCfighter to speed up boot time on a slow PC, or try a free scan of FULL-DISKfighter to recover space on a full disk. The latest offering is DRIVERfighter to update your driver updater. Get complete PC optimization and extend the life of your PC with these must-have software tools. Brexit Talks It's Time to Make Concessions to Britain In the Brexit negotiations, Britain has been forced to make concessions on almost every issue. Now, though, it is time for the EU to soften its stance. An orderly withdrawal is paramount for good future relations. A New Cold War? U.S. Withdrawal from Nuke Treaty Worries Europeans U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to back his country out of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty has European leaders worried about a return of the Cold War. But the decision may have less to do with Russia and more to do with China. By DER SPIEGEL Staff Berlin (Germany), Oct 30 , 2018 (SPS) - The representative of the Frente POLISARIO, Aliyen Habib Ketaoui, pointed out that Germany is the scene of a broad campaign to paralyze the illegal exploitation of the natural resources of Western Sahara, as long as it does not end to the process of decolonization sponsored by the UN. "The campaign is being promoted by politician, members of committees supporting the Saharawi people and parliamentarians in several federal states," said the Saharawi representative. Speaking to the Sahara Press Service, Kentaoui cited the recent complaint made by the president of the Senate of Bremen, Carsten Sieling, against the inclusion of the occupied areas of Western Sahara in any agreement between the European Union and Morocco. In his message, the mayor of the federal state, Sieling, called on all European parliamentarians to defend the ruling of the European Court of Justice and to demand compliance with international legality in Western Sahara. The Saharawi diplomat affirmed that the European Union is facing a great challenge and must assume its responsibility to enforce the judgments of its courts and prevent Morocco from continuing its intransigence in the face of its international obligations. In the same sense, Kentaoui stresses that "compliance with international legality in Western Sahara is the only key to a stable and prosperous region, not only for Africa, but also for Europe and the world." SPS 125/090/TRA 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. Deadly storms lash Italy leaving Venice afloat Venice, Oct 29 (AFP) Oct 29, 2018 At least five people died Monday in Italy as fierce winds and rains lashed much of the country and caused waters in the canal-ringed city of Venice to reach historic high levels. Falling trees killed two people in their car not far from Rome, a man south of the capital and another in the Naples region, authorities said. Near Savona in the northwest meanwhile, a falling piece of cornice struck and killed an elderly lady. In Venice, rain-soaked tourists were barred from St. Mark's Square where local authorities said the "acqua alta" (high water) peaked at 156 centimetres (61 inches) by early afternoon. Elevated wooden platforms usually placed on main passageways in the Renaissance city were not high enough to ensure safe passage in the low-lying square. Families carried children on their shoulders through the surrounding streets. While some tourists donned thigh-high wellies, others had opted to take off their shoes and wade through the water. The waters have only topped 150 centimetres five times before in recorded history. In 1966, when floods swept through the country, famously devastating Florence's historic centre, the waters reached 194 centimetres in Venice. Nearly all of northern Italy was on alert due to the storms, with wind gusts up to 100 kilometres per hour and rainfall in some places equivalent to the amount that falls over several months. Luca Zaia, head of the Veneto region, said the situation could be worse than when huge floods struck in 2010. "The ground is already saturated with water, the rivers are full and due to sirocco (a strong hot wind from Northern Africa), the sea is not absorbing (the waters), he said. Schools were closed in Genoa, Rome and Veneto, as well as in several northern towns and the Sicilian port of Messina. Quake rattles New Zealand as Harry and Meghan visit Wellington, Oct 30 (AFP) Oct 30, 2018 A 6.2 magnitude earthquake rattled parts of New Zealand's North Island Tuesday, where British royals Meghan and Harry are on tour. The quake was felt in Wellington during a session of parliament, prompting lawmakers to stop deliberations and seek refuge as a precaution. There were no initial reports of major damage and the quake does not appear to have been strongly felt in Auckland, where the royals had been taking part in a "welly wanging" contest with schoolchildren. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said it was "widely felt across central NZ," despite the epicentre being at a depth of over 200 kilometres (125 miles). She urged Kiwis to "check on those around you". The epicentre of the quake was just to the east of Waitara, a coastal town halfway between the North Island cities of Auckland and Wellington. There were no immediate reports of damage in the nearby coastal town of New Plymouth. "Apparently some people felt it," a receptionist at a local hotel told AFP. if the people of Biafra want Republic of Biafra, it will be a reality during my administration. ----Donald Trump Donald Trump I wi... Sections of the French press wondered if Asterixs adventures, which first appeared in 1959, had fallen victim to censorship in Europes heated political climate and the debate over mass migration, when its 37th volume was published a year ago. With the series famous opening pages omitted from the volume meaning Asterix and Obelix were no longer introduced as Gauls who resist the invader some media outlets questioned whether its publisher had felt that this phrase, which is emblematic of the saga, is today too controversial to be delivered to an audience of millions? The president of the Czech Republic, Andrej Babis, was interviewed in the French press about the right to defend European borders against Islamic invaders making their way to the continent as illegal immigrants, and the article reveals that one of France's most famous comic strips, Asterix (which the politician compared the fight for defending borders to), may have been victimized by the kind of censorship that's eating up western Europe now:It's sadly and entirely possible Hachette - current publisher following the prior Dargaud - caved, as this kind of political correctness has become all too common and rampant in the cowardice consuming Europe today, and I'm sure it's not the only European/French/Belgian comic that could be victimized by modern censorship. Co-creating cartoonist Albert Uderzo sold the publication rights a number of years ago, and now, that could end up leading further to its ruination. Labels: comic strips, Europe and Asia, islam and jihad, politics, terrorism Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Andrew Steer (The Jakarta Post) Nusa Dua, Bali Tue, October 30, 2018 11:02 1116 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b308779e1adb 3 Opinion ocean,ocean-environment,Our-Ocean-Conference,ecosystem Free When international leaders meet in Indonesia this week to discuss how to address the global ocean crisis, they will gather in a country both blessed and challenged by its elemental relationship with the sea. Indonesias estimated 266 million people, living on nearly a thousand islands, depend on fish and seafood for more than half their animal protein, and 2.8 million households are directly involved in the marine commodity industry. The archipelago is part of the Coral Triangle, which contains more than three-fourths of the worlds coral species and more than one-third of the global coral reef fish species. The country supplies about 10 percent of global marine commodities, but overfishing and depleting stocks put that trade and Indonesian livelihoods at risk. It has been estimated that Indonesia is also the second largest contributor to marine plastic debris worldwide, after China. The geography that made Indonesia a historic trading center also makes it vulnerable to sea-level rise, severe storms, earthquakes and tsunamis. And while the waters that surround it go by many names, they are all part of one globe-spanning ocean that is interconnected with the rest of the world. The interconnected ocean is also an engine of economic growth: ocean-related goods and services amount to about US$2.5 trillion annually, a number expected to double by 2030, making the ocean the seventh largest economy on Earth in terms of gross domestic product (GDP). As host of the Our Ocean conference in Bali, Indonesia has made the fate of the ocean a prime component of its development plans; notably President Joko Widodos maritime axis doctrine meant to rebuild the countrys maritime culture while cooperating with other nations to maintain and manage ocean resources. All of these efforts can support the Ocean Action Agenda 2030, a global approach initiated by World Resources Institute to align work on the ocean and the sustainable development goals (SDG) to foster a New Ocean Economy: A world where sustainable economic development and ocean protection go hand in hand. This connection is not waiting for some distant future. Right now, we know that the $190 billion global seafood industry depends on healthy fish habitats, while scuba diving, fishing and other tourism boosts coastal economies. Mangroves are fish factories for the 210 million people who live near them; Indonesia has the worlds largest area of mangrove forests, which sequester five times the carbon per hectare as tropical forests. Coral reefs reduce 97 percent of wave energy, acting as storm barriers. They and other natural barriers save money and reduce erosion and coastal flooding. Think of it in terms of one animal: a single sharks value if fished has an estimated value of $108. But its estimated lifetime value to the economy and the ocean ecosystem and the communities that depend on it is over $1 million. To somebody taking the shark out of the water to sell, $108 may seem like a vast sum. Whats needed is the investment infrastructure and communications know-how to make the case for keeping the shark swimming and generating higher revenue streams over a longer period of time. Knowing the interrelated nature of the ocean and the economy, and the urgent requirement to achieve SDG number 14 conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development we need nothing less than a Paris-like moment for the ocean. The forces that converged to bring about the Paris Agreement on climate change must be mobilized to focus on the only ocean well ever have. This can happen by bringing together leaders from government, business, financial institutions and civil society to catalyze ocean action. This action will address critical ocean issues including ocean plastics, sustainable fisheries, tourism, climate change, marine protected areas, shipping and trade, government and institutions, among other critical concerns. A new 12-country High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, co-chaired by the Republic of Palau and Norway, aims to address precisely these issues. How to address the critical situation of the ocean today in a manner that enables more prosperity, jobs, food security and better health for people, marine species and the ocean itself. There are huge opportunities, but they will require a different way of thinking and acting. Addressing the ocean crisis means getting a better understanding that economic production and ecosystem protection must be mutually supporting, which in turn requires a growing focus on a sustainable ocean economy. Many of the dire problems the ocean now faces overfishing, pollution, uncontrolled coastal development, coral reef dieback and some of the severe consequences of a changing climate are at heart market and governance failures. Done right, however, a new sustainable ocean economy can provide lasting growth and prosperity. Achieving this sustainable economy is critical to realizing the ocean SDG, and will contribute to reaching seven other SDGs. More than 3 billion people depend on the ocean to survive. Now is the moment to ensure it continues to sustain them and the rest of the planet. *** The writer is president and CEO of World Resources Institute. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Jean-Francois Guyot (Agence France-Presse) Paris Tue, October 30, 2018 06:02 1116 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b308779d3890 2 Lifestyle Catherine-Deneuve,actress,France,YSL Free French screen legend Catherine Deneuve announced Monday she was set to auction off her personal clothing collection designed by her friend Yves Saint Laurent, the late fashion icon. Deneuve, who has just turned 75, said she was selling her country home in northern France where she kept a wardrobe full of Saint Laurent items and had decided to offload some of the clothes too "not without some sadness". "These are the designs of such a talented man who designed only to make women more beautiful," Deneuve said in a message shared by the auction house Christie's, which will handle the sale. Around 150 items, including coats, dresses and accessories -- some of them unique pieces designed for Deneuve -- will be auctioned at the end of January during Haute Couture fashion week in Paris. A second sale of the remaining items is set to take place online afterwards. Read also: Museums give peek into secret world of Yves Saint Laurent Deneuve was often described as a muse for Saint Laurent and was a leading figure in the designer's circle of glamorous female friends which included Princess Grace of Monaco, Wallis Simpson and Paloma Picasso. After meeting when she was only 22, Deneuve enjoyed an intense 40-year friendship with Saint Laurent until his death in 2008, telling him at a major exhibition of his work in 2002 that "my biggest ever love affair is you". Oscar-nominated Deneuve hit the headlines in January when she signed an open letter objecting to the #MeToo movement that has seen women worldwide go public with allegations of sexual assault and rape over the last 12 months. The star of the classic 1967 film "Belle du Jour", in which she plays a bored housewife who spends her afternoons as a prostitute, wrote in favour of men's freedom to "hit on" women. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Yoon Min-sik (The Korea Herald/Asia News Network) Tue, October 30, 2018 05:03 1117 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b308779d3210 2 Art & Culture ssireum,wrestling,Korean-wrestling Free Korean authorities are closing in on their bid to include ssireum, a traditional form of wrestling, on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural assets, as the evaluation body of the UNESCO recommended its inscription. According to the Cultural Heritage Administration, the assessment panel of the international body recommended the inscription for 29 of the 40 applicants, including ssireum. Whether Korean wrestling will be included in the list will be confirmed after a deliberation at the 13th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, slated for Nov. 26-Dec. 1 in Port Louis, Mauritius. If ssireum is inscribed, it will bring the number of South Korean intangible assets on the UNESCO list to 20. The latest application for Seoul coincides with North Koreas separate application for ssireum. South Korean authorities have been seeking to merge the two Koreas bids. Ive suggested to the North that South and North Koreas should jointly apply for ssireums application for the intangible cultural heritage, to which they responded in a positive manner, the CHA chief Chung Jae-suk had said during her recent meeting with local reporters. Read also: Pencak silat fever spreads all the way to UK The CHA officials said further discussion between Seoul, Pyongyang and the UNESCO is in order to hammer out the details. Ssireum is a sport that dates back to the Three Kingdoms era (52 BC-AD 680) of Goguryeo, Silla and Baekje. Ssireum is still practised in Korea, with wrestlers competing in a semi-professional league. Topics : This article appeared on The Korea Herald newspaper website, which is a member of Asia News Network and a media partner of The Jakarta Post Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, October 30, 2018 15:36 1116 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b308779ee71c 1 Environment Bunaken,coral-reefs,environment,national-park Free More than 75 members of 32 organizations participated in a coral planting event, which was held on Bunaken Island on Saturday. Aimed to restore the islands coral reef ecosystem, the event was held to celebrate Youth Pledge Day and the 27th anniversary of Bunaken being declared a national park. The event was held in cooperation with the Bunaken National Park Agency, the government, Manado city administration, Bunaken Island Subprecinct Police (Polsek), dive centers, village supervisory non-commissioned officers (Babinsa), voluntary organizations (LSM), higher education institutions and the public. As reported by KompasTravel (https://travel.kompas.com/read/2018/10/29/081600527/rayakan-sumpah-pemuda-tn-bunaken-lakukan-penanaman-karang-massal), the coral planting utilized a coral asexual restoration method and transplanting baby corals to natural dead coral substrate. Read also: Seven lesser-known dive areas in Indonesia The locations included Fukui, Alban and the Tawara dive spot. In a statement, Bunaken National Park Agency head Farianna Prabandari encouraged all parties to commit themselves and work together to preserve the marine environment and help restore the ecosystem. "This event is also meant to educate people about the environment, so that they can better enjoy it," she said. (iru/kes) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Beijing, China Wed, October 31, 2018 01:06 1116 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b308779f835f 2 Environment China,France,satellite,climate,climate-change,Science,space Free China sent its first ever satellite built in partnership with another country into space on Monday, a device tasked with helping scientists better predict dangerous cyclones and climate change by monitoring ocean surface winds and waves. A Long March 2C carrier rocket blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwest China's Gobi Desert at 0043 GMT, according to China's State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defence. The 650-kilogram China-France Oceanography Satellite (CFOSAT) is the first satellite jointly built by China and France and will allow climate scientists to better understand interactions between oceans and the atmosphere. It's fitted with two radars: the French-made SWIM spectrometer, which will measure the direction and the wavelength of waves, and China's SCAT, a scatterometer that will analyse the force and direction of winds. The data will be collected and analysed in both countries. The instruments will allow scientists to collect information about winds and waves of the same location simultaneously for the first time, Wang Lili, chief designer of the satellite with the China Academy of Space Technology, said, according to the official Xinhua news agency. "It will help increase the observation and prediction of catastrophic sea states, such as huge waves and tropical storms, and provide security support for offshore operations and engineering, ship navigation, fisheries, and coastal management," said Zhao Jian, a senior official at the China National Space Administration. The rocket successfully put the satellite into orbit 520 kilometers above the Earth. Read also: Japan launches environment monitoring satellite - 'Historic' - Chinese leader Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron exchanged congratulations in a phone call, according to Xinhua. "It's historic. It's the first satellite China has made through international cooperation," Jean-Yves Le Gall, president of France's National Centre for Space Studies, told AFP. "This satellite will help make considerable progress in understanding climate change." The project began in 2007. The two countries are also working together on the Space Variable Objects Monitor (SVOM) mission, which will launch a satellite in 2021 to detect and study gamma-ray bursts. China and France already cooperate in space, with a French cardiovascular device aboard China's Tiangong-2 space lab to monitor a crew's hearts. The lab is expected to de-orbit after July 2019. Le Gall said France is also working with China on cooperating in exploration missions to the moon and Mars. China plans to have a crewed space station by 2022 and send a manned mission to the moon in the future. "The (CFOSAT) launch shows that the international community is more and more willing to consider China as a full partner," said Jacqueline Myrrhe, a space expert at GoTaikonauts.com, which specializes in China's space program. "It will also allow (France) to have launch opportunities and privileged access to space cooperation with China. And who knows, maybe to put a French astronaut in the future Chinese space station," Myrrhe said. Some three hours after the joint Chinese French launch, Japan's space agency sent a rocket carrying a satellite that will monitor greenhouse gases. The satellite is officially named GOSAT-2, short for "greenhouse gases observing satellite-2", and is intended to provide data that will help Japan create and publish "emission inventories" of the CO2 output of various countries, as outlined in the Paris climate accord. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Patrick Galey (Agence France-Presse) Paris, France Tue, October 30, 2018 12:09 1116 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b308779e4df6 2 Food chocolate,ecuador,history,discovery Free Humans have hankered after chocolate for centuries longer than previously thought, scientists said Monday, tracing the earliest known consumption of its key ingredient to more than 5,000 years ago in South America. Archaeologists have long believed that ancient civilizations in Central America started drinking concoctions of cacao -- the bean-like seeds from which cocoa and chocolate are made -- from around 3,900 years ago. But in a study that shifts the origins of chocolate centuries backwards, a team of scientists traveled to Santa Ana-La Florida, in modern day Ecuador, the earliest known archaeological site of the Mayo-Chinchipe civilisation. They analysed artifacts from tombs and ceremonial pyres including ceramic bowls, jars and bottles as well as stone bowls and mortars for theobromine, a bitter chemical found in cacao. The team found starch grains characteristic of cacao in around a third of items examined, including the charred residue of a ceramic receptacle dated to be 5,450 years old. That suggests that humans have been consuming cacao for roughly 1,500 years longer than previously thought, and locates its discovery in the upper Amazon region. "This is the oldest trace of cacao identified so far and it's also the only archeological trace of the use of cacao discovered in South America," Claire Lanaud, geneticist at the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development and the study's co-author, told AFP. Unlike the sugar and fat-laden creations of chocolatiers today, cacao drinks were prized for their medicinal value and often served during religious ceremonies. Cacao was also a key trading commodity and its seeds were even used as payment and as currency in some parts of Central America. "Since these ceramic vessels are found in ceremonial locations, including as offerings in tombs, it is likely that cacao was an important component of ritually significant drinks," said Michael Blake, from the University of British Columbia's Department of Anthropology. Read also: Black coffee and dark chocolate: Enjoying the after taste - 'Part of human history' - "There is a great deal of evidence that cacao was very important to peoples in northeast Peru, northwest Brazil and south Colombia and more," he told reporters. "The medicinal uses are well documented and there are some accounts of people making fermented beverages from the sweet pulp." Last week research by a US-based team found evidence that cacao trees have been cultivated by humans for at least 3,600 years. Blake said the findings of his team's study -- published in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution -- could be of use to botanists today trying to understand how cacao can adapt to our changing climate and receding rain forests. "As a major crop today, used by most of the world's population for an enormous variety of purposes, cacao is of great interest to humanity," he said. "It is a major part of our human story, one intimately linked to the history and ongoing cultures of indigenous south and central Americans where cacao is still grown and used today." Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Dylan Amirio (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, October 30, 2018 10:13 1116 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b308779df0b4 1 Entertainment pop-culture,Indonesia-comic-con,Star-Wars,cosplay,Game-of-Thrones Free The colorful Indonesia Comic Con returned to Jakarta over the weekend, offering the citys pop culture enthusiasts yet another place where they could truly express themselves and bask in their nerdy interests outside of their bedrooms. Held at the Jakarta Convention Center on Saturday and Sunday, the venue was full to bursting with visitors and exhibitors, who all shared a love for comic books, films, anime, games and overall pop creativity. The added spice to these conventions is usually the overseas guests, with the main draw this year being Kristian Nairn of the highly popular HBO television series Game of Thrones. Nairn was a particular highlight as he plays one of the shows most popular and loveable characters, the gentle giant Hodor. His character in the series was expertly and emotionally expressed despite the relative handicap of his only being able to say his name. During the multiple sharing sessions on the Comic Con main stage, Nairn talked about his time on Game of Thrones and the story behind his casting as well as sharing his ongoing love for his profession as a DJ. In the audition tape for Game of Thrones, they just wanted me to say Hodor a couple of times in different, funny ways and I was like, OK. My mum was particularly stoked when she heard I was cast as Hodor because she read the books as well, he explained. Nairn is used to having people wanting him to say his line and while looking bemused, he would politely oblige. He said he did not actually use the word outside of the show. I dont just randomly say Hodor, he laughed. My life is so strange, yeah, he jokingly added. He was joined by two other foreign guest stars, namely Amanda Righetti who has played roles in Captain America: The First Avenger, The OC and crime drama The Mentalist, as well as Adrian Pasdar who is best known for his role as Glenn Talbot in the Marvel: Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D series and as morally ambiguous senator Nathan Petrelli in Heroes. Comic Cons atmosphere was incredibly lively, thanks to visitors who took on the conventions full spirit of pop culture. The most impressive sights came from the numerous cosplayers roaming the event, with many taking incredibly detailed care to pull off their intended looks. Spider-men were abundant whether dressed in the classic Peter Parker-era costumes or in modified versions, especially those one worn by character Miles Morales. Deadpools, Gamoras and Captain Americas were also in plentiful supply, but the majority of cosplaying visitors and exhibitors chose to dress as their favorite anime characters: from Umaru Doma from Himouto Umaru-Chan! to Kesshoban Platelet from the manga Cells at Work! and Ichigo Kurasaki from Bleach to name a few. Cosplaying seems to be the major draw for many visitors as the art of cosplaying itself has long been appreciated at not only Comic Con but the numerous pop culture conventions in Jakarta. This was evident also by the invitation of several overseas cosplay legends such as Leon Chiro, King TW and Chihiro Chang. The event also works as a space for fellow creatives to exchange ideas and inspirations with one another, with comic-drawing booths by guest illustrators set up to be as interactive as possible for visitors. Take your pick: A visitor browses comic books at Indonesia Comic Con in Jakarta. (JP/Umair Rizaludin) Several visitors to these booths brought their own illustrations for the guest illustrators to comment on and encourage. This year, an amalgam of comic book illustrators were at the tables, including some Indonesians who are currently drawing for comic series overseas such as Ario Anindito, Iwan Nazif, Jasmine Hanny Sukartty, Arif Prianto and Yasmine Putri. This years Comic Con also featured the announcements of two prominent and highly anticipated films based on classic 1960s Indonesian comic book series, helmed by two of Indonesias most celebrated film directors. Director Timo Tjahjanto revealed details of his upcoming film Si Buta Dari Gua Hantu (The Blind Man from The Haunted Cave). Based on the comics by Ganes TH, the new Timo-helmed film will direct its focus mainly on the origin stories of the main protagonist, the silat warrior Si Buta and his nemesis, the wise but cruel Mata Malaikat. The director admitted that while he was not very familiar with the original comic book series, he was drawn to making the film because he felt that the characters had very strong personalities, that were shaped by the situation and environments that they lived in. Whats interesting about the series is that Si Buta is set during the hardest days of the colonial era. It was colonialism at its peak and Indonesia was far from gaining its freedom. The side that is shown in this story is the struggle of Indonesians in a survival of the fittest atmosphere, which is explicitly very true, Timo said. Details surrounding the cast or release date were not revealed, as it seems the film is still in its conceptual phase. This will be Timos next film after striking success with the bloody The Night Comes for Us. Read also: 'The Night Comes for Us': Innovating the art of violence Meanwhile on Sunday, Joko Anwars highly anticipated superhero film Gundala had its first teaser trailer revealed at the event, as well as the publication of his films primary cast members Muzakki Ramdhan, Tara Basro, Bront Palarae and Abimana Aryasatya. The cast had been kept under wraps by Joko since he announced the film earlier in the year, with many actors, including action star Iko Uwais, rumored to play the title character before Joko revealed on Sunday that Abimana would in fact play Gundala. Based on the comic book series by Harya Suryaminata, the film will reboot the superhero according to current relevancies and sensibilities in order to give the series new life. Joko said the film would follow a new story. It will be released sometime in mid-2019, as the film is in the process of being shot. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Sebastian Partogi and I Wayan Juniarta (The Jakarta Post) Ubud Tue, October 30, 2018 09:12 1116 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b308779dcba6 4 Books ubud-writers-readers-festival,Ubud,Literature,Dewi-Lestari,literary-festival,UWRF-2018,#books Free The 15th Ubud Writers and Readers Festival ended on a high note on Sunday night with founder and director Janet DeNeefe thanking patrons, writers and readers for their continuous support for the countrys longest-running international literary gathering. Without your support, we wouldnt be able to stand where we are now. Thank you, she said. Held at the spacious and manicured lawn of the Blanco Renaissance Museum, the closing party was a jubilant affair highlighted with energetic musical performances from Celtic Room, Filastin & Nova and Sup K as well as a breathtaking video-mapping show. Gaya Gayo, an Aceh-based music and dance group, performed a contemporary version of the famous traditional dance of Saman to a thunderous applause from the audience. Earlier in the afternoon, in one of the last panels of the festival, DeNeefe and general manager Kadek Purnami talked about the challenges the festival had to overcome throughout the years, ranging from a lack of funding to the shifting demographic of literary lovers. They also reiterated the festivals commitment to serve as a platform that would allow the countrys emerging writers to gain international recognition. Since 2008, the festival has flown in to Ubud more than 150 emerging writers from across the archipelago to speak alongside their more established international counterparts as well as translate and publish their works into an annual bilingual anthology. So far, the festival has published 11 anthologies. I believe the festival will keep growing in the future and it will not be solely a literary festival, but also a human rights and arts festival, DeNeefe said. Panel discussions and performances on Saturday and Sunday had indeed shown that the festival has gradually transformed into a multidisciplinary art event. In one such performance, Indian writer and dancer Tishani Doshi mesmerized spectators at the Betel Nut restaurant and art hub. She moved her body gracefully while displaying a mournful face to the audience while a recording of her recitation of her poem Girls Are Coming Out of the Woods was broadcast through loudspeakers. Doshi danced along to the poem, which is dedicated to her friend and Indian perfumer Monika Ghurde, who was raped and murdered in 2016. The piece protests against gender-based violence. The dance climaxed with Doshi covering her face as if being in despair but ended with a more uplifting tone as she displayed a warrior pose at the end of her dance as the final line of her poem was read: Girls are coming out of the woods, they are coming, they are coming. The line and the pose suggests that women should always fight for their rights. The urgency for women and other marginalized groups to fight for their rights through literature and the arts was a salient theme on the final day of the festival. Australian writer Clementine Ford discussed her book Boys Will be Boys: Power, Patriarchy and the Toxic Bonds of Mateship, which addresses how gender socialization turns men into emotionally numb individuals who have to resort to violence to express their masculinity. Storytellers: Indonesian author Dewi Lestari (left) shares the stage with Australian writer Isobelle Carmody during one of the festivals sessions. (JP/Anggara Mahendra) She pointed out that many men who claimed to be feminists actually had blind spots when it came to admitting their own sexist biases. She urged for women to take a primary role in the fight against patriarchy. People used to say, Oh, we need men as our allies. But we actually dont! In the suffragette movement in the west, did they ask the men to help them? No! These women even died while fighting for their right [to vote] and were successful in the end. Even today, many women still die every day fighting for their rights, Ford said passionately. She urged men to let go of their defensiveness, pick up her book and discuss its content. Even if they dont agree with what I say, they should form book clubs on it. How many men actually form book clubs and start talking about issues openly? she said. Separately, Emmanuel Shinta, an environmentalist and writer from Kalimantan, talked about how she used documentary films to engage indigenous community youngsters in the fight against big companies that were destroying their land and livelihoods through slash-and-burn practices. Freedom for artists and writers, however, has recently been threatened by the rise of Muslim radicalism. Balinese sculptor Nyoman Nuarta, who just finished constructing Garuda Wisnu Kencana, the second-biggest statue in the world, recounted in one session moderated by senior writer and journalist Leila S. Chudori how Muslim vigilantes demolished his statue in Bekasi, West Java. We already explained [to the radicals] what that statue symbolized in terms of the environment, but they refused to try to understand. We could not open up any discussions with them, Nyoman explained. Leila also pointed out how, recently, vigilante groups dispersed literary and film discussions focusing on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) and 1965 communist purge issues, as the police stood idly by. We have to change how the [Police Law No. 28/1997] defines the task of the police. Currently, they define it as merely maintaining order, which they interpret as clamping down on the minority groups [to appease the vigilantes]. Instead, the law should define the polices task as defending the civil rights of every human in this country, pluralist activist Yenny Wahid said. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, October 30, 2018 08:19 1116 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b308779d8807 1 City MRT-Jakarta,transjakarta,restructuration,Transportation,BUMD Free The Jakarta administration restructured on Monday the management of two city-owned companies specializing in transportation, PT MRT Jakarta and PT Transjakarta. The operator of the citys MRT, PT MRT Jakarta, announced changes to its board of directors and board of commissioners in Jakarta on Monday, as stated in a press statement made available to The Jakarta Post. The announcement was made following a shareholders meeting held on Friday. Muhammad Effendi was appointed as director of operation and maintenance replacing Agung Wicaksono, who now serves as president director of city bus operator PT Transjakarta. In PT Transjakarta, Agung is replacing Budi Kaliwono, who had served in the position since early 2016. Ghamal Peris was appointed as MRT Jakartas director of business development and support. Ghamal had served as senior adviser in MRT Jakarta since early 2018. The shareholders meeting also appointed Mukhtasor as MRT Jakartas new commissioner. The job handover was held on Monday in the companys head office in Central Jakarta. Separately, the PT Transjakarta shareholder's meeting appointed a member of the Governors Team for Accelerated Development (TGUPP), Achmad Izzul Waro, as director of development and service. Transportation expert Danang Parikesit was appointed as commissioner, replacing Andri Yansyah, who is serving as the head of the Jakarta Manpower Agency. Also, Welfizon Yuza, who previously served double positions as director of finance and director of service and development, is now focused as the director of finance. The Jakarta supervisory head of regional-owned companies, Yurianto, expressed hope that the new management would be more solid and professional in order to provide better performance. PT Transportasi Jakarta and PT MRT Jakarta are expected to contribute more to the citys economy, he said as quoted by Antara. (sau) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Arya Dipa (The Jakarta Post) Bandung Tue, October 30, 2018 06:43 1116 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b308779d40c9 1 National Lion-Air,airplane-crash,#LionAirJT610,JT610,accident,Transportation Free Public servant with the Finance Ministry Sony Setiawan could not hold back his emotions as he started to cry upon hearing the news about the ill-fated Lion Air flight JT 610 from Jakarta to Pangkalpinang, Bangka Belitung Islands. Sony, who was posted on Pangkalpinang, was supposed to board the plane to be at work on time on Monday morning. He divided his time between Pangkalpinang and Bandung, West Java, to spend time with his family. Usually, he would arrive hours before the scheduled flight at Soekarno Hatta International Airport in Tangerang. But the traffic was unusually jammed on the Cikampek toll road early on Monday and he didn't arrive at the airport until 6:30 a.m. The flight took off from Jakarta at 6:20 a.m. and contact was lost at 6:33 a.m. Read also: Lion Air JT610 crash: What we know so far Sony later bought a ticket for a 9:40 a.m. flight with another airline and arrived in Pangkalpinang at 10:45 a.m. I cried when I heard the news because my friends were aboard the flight, he said as quoted by Antara on Monday. The Finance Ministry announced later on Monday that 21 of its employees were among the 181 passengers on board the ill-fated plane. The National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) has begun search efforts to locate the victims. Debris of the plane has been reported to be located in Java Sea, 7 nautical miles (12.96 kilometers) north of Tanjung Bungin, Karawang, West Java. (swd) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, October 30, 2018 07:51 1116 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b308779d6046 1 National zumi-zola,KPK,bribery,graft,PAN Free Non-active Jambi governor Zumi Zola Zulkifli has plead guilty in two different cases to bribery and gratuity. Im guilty [as charged], Your Honor], Zumi said during a hearing at the Jakarta Corruption Court on Monday, as quoted by kompas.com. Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) prosecutors indicted Zumi of channeling Rp 16 billion (US$1 million) in bribes to dozens of Jambi Legislative Council members in order to influence the deliberations of the 2017 and 2018 provincial budgets. The non-active governor was also accused of accepting unlawful gifts amounting to more than Rp 40 billion in connection to infrastructure projects in Jambi from 2016 to 2017. During the hearing, Zumi also alleged that officials of the National Mandate Party (PAN) in Jambi once made a request to him to be granted an infrastructure project in the province valued at around Rp 100 billion. I heard word of the request from Asrul although it was not granted. I dont know which project they were talking about, Zumi said, referring to his aide Asrul Pandapotan Sihotang. Asrul allegedly received the request from PAN councilor Supriyono. The corruption court found the councilor guilty of accepting bribes and sentenced him to six years behind bars in a separate case. The non-active governor said he had handed over a Burberry coat, valued at around Rp 3 million, as well as a luxury car he obtained through Asrul to investigators. He said he believed the items were part of the unlawful gifts given by contractors. (kuk/swd) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, October 30, 2018 20:30 1116 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b308779f6b81 2 City waste-bank,Jakarta-administration,jakarta,North-Jakarta,waste-management,waste Free Two-hundred-and-forty schools, from elementary to high School level, in North Jakarta have installed waste banks that are expected to have a positive impact on the environment as well as educate students on waste management. Establishing waste banks was the right method in which to introduce a waste management system, North Jakarta Mayor Syamsuddin Lologau said. [To have 240 waste banks] is extraordinary as it means every school has a waste bank. I hope it can educate the students [on waste management], he said on Tuesday as reported by Wartakota.tribunnews.com. A waste bank is a collection point for trash, where residents can dispose of their sorted household waste in return for cash. Residents must first divide their waste into organic and non-organic items. Organic waste is turned into compost, while non-organic waste is divided further into three categories: plastic, paper, and bottles and metal. Syamsuddin said waste banks have many benefits as they contribute to the environment and provide economic benefits for residents. He added the administration aimed at promoting the installation of waste banks in local communities in a bid to cut waste and implement a better waste management system in North Jakarta. We hope that the students will participate and members of the public will operate waste banks in their neighborhoods. If it is implemented, we can reduce our waste and North Jakarta will be cleaner, he added. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, October 30, 2018 20:05 1116 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b308779f5d29 2 City anies-baswedan,Tanah-Abang,Tanah-Abang-Market,jatibaru-closure Free Drivers of angkot (public minivans) operating in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, have dropped their lawsuit against Governor Anies Baswedan over the road closure of Jl. Jatibaru Raya. As the hearing proceeded, the city administration reopened the road, Desnadya, the attorney representing the drivers, said on Tuesday as reported by tempo.co. Nadya said the decision was made as the drivers could pass through the road again after it was opened temporarily on Oct. 15. Even though the city administration closed Jl. Jatibaru Raya again from Oct. 17, Nadya said it was not a legal violation, as the initial closure was aimed at providing commercial space for street vendors. The citys transportation agency acting head Sigit Wijatmoko said the agency could not yet fully open the road because of safety concerns, as the skybridge is being constructed above the road. A staff member of the citys legal bureau, Adityo, said the city administration welcomed the decision that ended the legal proceedings against the governor. The drivers filed the legal challenge against Anies in March following his decision to close Jl. Jatibaru Raya in the famous textile market area to accommodate street vendors in December last year. The city administration is completing the construction of the skybridge connecting Tanah Abang railway station to the textile market. Vendors will be given space to sell their goods on the skybridge while vehicles can pass underneath. Teams from United States-based aircraft company Boeing and the US government are on the way to Indonesia to join the investigation into the plane crash involving a Boeing 737 Max 8 belonging to Lion Air, the National Transportation Safety Commission (KNKT) said on Tuesday. They are slated to arrive on Wednesday. The teams will join the national team and a team from Singapore that arrived on Monday evening. KNKT flight accident investigator Ony S. Wibowo said Argentina, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia, had also offered their help in search and investigation. The team from the US government consists of personnel from the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). A technician and engineer will come from Boeing, they will be accredited representatives in the investigation, he said. Ony added that at least 10 people would join the investigation team. The team from Singapore consists of three personnel who will focus on helping to find the aircrafts flight recorder, or black box. They will be equipped with a hydrophone that can help detect the sound of an Underwater Locator Beacon (ULB) that is attached to the black box. This [ULB] is the thing we are searching for. Hopefully the ULB has not become separated from the black box. If we know where the black box is, we hope the plane body will be nearby, said Ony. (evi) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Riska Rahman (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, October 30, 2018 09:28 1116 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b308779dd035 1 National JT610,Lion-Air,plane-crash,#LionAirJT610,#LionAir,accident Free Twenty-six-year-old Kezia Saroinsong bowed her head in grief while standing silently in front of the Halim Perdanakusumah Airport maintenace office in East Jakarta, waiting for the latest update on her brother, Hizkia Jorry Saroinsong, 23. Hizkia, a student of the University of Indonesia, was aboard the Lion Air flight JT610 traveling from Jakarta to Pangkalpinang, Bangka Belitung Islands, to attend an event as a representative of AIESEC, an international non-profit youth organization focusing on developing leadership skills. He traveled all the time, Kezia told The Jakarta Post on Monday. He just got back from Bandung last weekend before traveling to the scheduled event in Pangkalpinang. He updated us in the family group chat before he departed in the morning. It was the last thing we heard from him, she said. Kezia held high hopes that her brother might have survived the crash, but she went quiet, perhaps realizing that the chances were low. Read also: Lion Air JT610 crash: What we know so far Other families or friends of the victims sobbed silently while waiting for updates on the search efforts at the crisis center set up by the airline at the airport. Alvian, an official from state-owned insurance firm Jasa Raharja, who helped the airline register the victims, said over 100 people had arrived at the crisis center to get reliable information surrounding the fate of their loved ones. One-hundred-and-eighty-one passengers and eight crew members were aboard the plane that went missing on Monday morning. He did not have much information that he could share with them. Some decided to stay at the center and wait, but 40-year-old Dewi chose to go home after waiting for two hours at the center. Dewi, her daughter and mother decided to stay at home and watch the news to get an update on her cousin, Man Sihombing, who worked as an area manager at the Depati Amir Airport in Pangkalpinang. She said Man had divided his time between Jakarta and Pangkalpinang as his family lived on the outskirt of Jakarta. He usually flew to Jakarta on weekends to see his wife and three kids and catch the earliest flight on Monday morning so he could go back to work, she said. Traveling between the two cities was part of Mans routine, but the last trip was rather special for the family because he had come back especially to attend his sons confirmation ceremony. The Lion Air flight JT610 was the earliest flight available from Jakarta to Pangkalpinang at 6:20 a.m., making it popular among people working in the city. Among the passengers were government officials with the Finance Ministry, the Supreme Audit Agency and the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry, as well as local councillors. President Joko Jokowi Widodo took his time on the sidelines of an international conference in Bali and shared his deep empathy for the families of the victims. I can feel the anxiety of the families of the victims. But we hope the families can wait patiently, he said. The news about the JT610 flight also came as a bolt from the blue for Ramlan Manik, 60, and his whole family. Only two days earlier, his son-in-law Rudi Lumbantoruan, who was aboard the plane, celebrated his 11th wedding anniversary with his wife and two children in his hometown Sibolga, North Sumatra. Rudi, who came from Deli Serdang regency, worked as a plantation manager in Pangkalpinang. Ramlan would never forget Rudis last words to his sister-in-law, who was planning her wedding. This is a present for you, a pair of shoes, in case I wont be able to come home for your wedding because I have used all of my annual leave days. Apriadi Gunawan in Medan contributed to the story Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ivany Atina Arbi and Riska Rahman (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, October 30, 2018 14:13 1116 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b308779e9e81 1 National #LionAirJT610,DNA-test,DNA,victims,family,aviation,Lion-Air,plane-crash Free The police have begun DNA testing to identify victims of Lion Air flight JT610, which crashed into the Java Sea on Monday morning, and had gathered DNA samples from 152 relatives at Bhayangkara Police Hospital in Kramat Jati, East Jakarta. National Police deputy chief Comr. Gen. Ari Dono Sukamto said that at least 15 forensic doctors and DNA experts were working to identify the body parts that the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) had recovered from the Java Sea. Joint personnel have so far collected 24 body bags, [some] containing parts of the victims' bodies not intact bodies, Ari told a press conference on Tuesday. Basarnas head M. Syaugi stated that 10 body bags contained body parts, and that the remaining 14 bags contained debris from the plane and personal items presumed to belong to the crash victims. Grief is palpable at the hospital facility as families cry silently while holding diplomas, family identity cards and other documents that might help in identifying the victims. Read also: Distraught families recall JT610 passengers' last words Air traffic control Soekarno-Hatta International Airport lost contact with the plane shortly after it took off at 6:20 a.m. on Monday. The plane was scheduled to arrive at 7:20 a.m. at Depati Amir Airport in Pangkalpinang, Bangka Belitung Islands. The plane carried 189 people on board, comprising 178 adult passengers, three minors, two pilots and six cabin crew. Separately, West Java Police chief Insp. Gen. Agung Budi Maryoto called on local residents to assist authorities in the search-and-rescue (SAR) operation to locate crew and passengers of the downed aircraft. "I ask residents and fishermen to join a beach patrol along the coastline, because the waves come in this direction [to Pakisjaya Beach]," Agung said as quoted by Antara news agency. Those who discover plane debris or the bodies of victims should report immediately to the joint team on standby at a post on Pakisjaya Beach, Agung advised, adding that the information would be passed on to the SAR command post at Tanjung Priok Port in North Jakarta. (afr) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Stefanno Reinard Sulaiman (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, October 30, 2018 09:34 1116 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b308779de121 1 Business Masela,master-plan,approval,2018,Djoko-Siswanto Free The Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry's oil and gas director general, Djoko Siswanto, said on Monday that the gas-rich Masela blocks operator, Japanese oil firm Inpex, had pledged to submit the block's development plan by next month. Djoko said Inpex made the commitment when he visited the company's headquarters in Japan recently. One of the things we discussed at the meeting was the POD [plan of development] of the Masela block, which Inpex agreed to submit next month, he said. Djoko said that in principal, the government had agreed to grant a 20-year contract extension to Inpex for the Masela block, but a definite decision would not be made until November, 10 years before the current contract expires in November 2028. Inpex and Royal Dutch Shell own 65 percent and 35 percent shares in the Masela block, respectively. The onshore Masela block is worth around US$19 billion. The Masela block is projected to produce 150 million standard cubic feet per day of natural gas and 9.5 million tons per annum of liquefied natural gas once it comes on stream in 2027. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Gemma Holliani Cahya (The Jakarta Post) Nusa Dua, Bali Tue, October 30, 2018 12:07 1116 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b308779e4349 1 National Ocean-Conference,ocean,Jokowi,Susilo-Bambang-Yudhoyono,conservation,#ocean Free President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo opened the 2018 Our Ocean Conference at the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center by announcing that the nation had realized its ambitious target of establishing 20 million hectares of ocean for conservation. This is two years earlier than targeted, Jokowi said during his opening speech on Monday. It took nine years for the government to realize the target. The ambitious objective was announced by then-president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in 2009 as the nations commitment during that year's World Ocean Conference. In his speech Jokowi said the government was determined to play a key role in the global maritime force through the country's maritime policy and action plan. The 20-million-hectare achievement is part of the nations commitment to marine protection and sustainability. The government must be brave to make a concrete commitment to conservation, he said. (evi) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Dian Septiari (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, October 30, 2018 16:46 1116 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b308779f19c4 1 World Saudi-Arabia,Indonesia,MigrantCare,migrant-protection,execution,consular-assistance,moratorium,Foreign-Ministry,Manpower-Ministry Free The Migrant CARE advocacy group has called on the Manpower Ministry to cancel a recent agreement with Saudi Arabia to send Indonesian migrant workers to the kingdom in limited numbers, following the execution of Indonesian worker Tuti Tursilawati on Monday. Migrant CARE executive director Wahyu Susilo strongly condemned the execution of Tuti by Saudi authorities and urged President Joko Jokowi Widodo to take significant diplomatic measures in protest of Riyadh, such as scrapping a pilot project to send a limited number of migrant workers to Saudi Arabia. President Jokowi must cancel the agreement between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia on the One Channel System [because the execution is] proof that Saudi Arabia does not fulfill the terms and conditions pertaining to the protection of the rights of migrant domestic workers, Wahyu said in a statement on Tuesday. The assured protection of migrant workers rights was an explicit requirement in documents signed by Manpower Minister Hanif Dhakiri and his Saudi counterpart Ahmed Sulaiman Al Rajhi on Oct. 11, the rights activist said. The One Channel System was a scheme agreed upon by the labor ministers that would allow Indonesia to send a certain number of workers to the Middle Eastern kingdom, bypassing a 2015 moratorium. Tuti was sentenced to death in 2011 for beating her employer to death with a stick in self-defense against attempted rape. She ran away but was raped instead by nine Saudi men before the police brought her into custody, tribunnews.com reported. She was executed on Monday without prior notification to her family and Indonesian officials. During a recent joint commission meeting between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi requested the cooperation of Riyadh to provide consular notifications in accordance with the 1963 Vienna Convention on consular relations. President Jokowi also asked Saudi Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed Al Jubeir for assurances that Indonesian migrant workers rights be protected. Jokowi must be truly serious in responding to a situation like this. When he met with the Saudi foreign minister, the President asked Saudi Arabia to provide protection for Indonesian migrant workers and work to resolve the [murder of journalist Jamal] Khashoggi in earnest, Wahyu said. It turns out the request was simply ignored. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Stefanno Reinard Sulaiman (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, October 30 2018 The government may claim that it has had great success making geothermal energy a champion of investment in Indonesias renewable energy sector, but business players involved in the area are not convinced as they consider no significant progress to have been made after many years. Indonesian Geothermal Association (API) chairman Prijandaru Effendi pointed out that what was claimed as success by the government needed more than three decades to achieve. We started in 1980 with a 30-megawatt [MW] geothermal power plant installed in Kamojang [West Java], and after 38 years we only have around 2,000 MW [installed capacity]. Do you think that is fast enough? he expressed his disappointment in a text message to The Jakarta Post on Monday. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Kharishar Kahfi (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, October 30, 2018 17:53 1116 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b308779f3d4b 1 National KPK,graft,palm-oil,Sinar-Mas,BinasawitAbadiPratama Free Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) investigators raided the offices of palm oil company PT Sinar Mas Agro Resources and Technology (SMART) and PT Binasawit Abadi Pratama (BAP) in Jakarta on Tuesday as part of their investigation into an alleged bribery case in Central Kalimantan. KPK spokesman Febri Diansyah said investigators had conducted searches in the offices of both corporations, which are subsidiaries of Singapore-listed palm oil company Golden Agri-Resources Ltd., from Monday afternoon until early Tuesday morning. During the raids, investigators seized documents related to permits [for palm oil plantations], other documents related to the corporations as well as laptops and hard disks, Febri said on Tuesday. Apart from the offices in Jakarta, graft busters also conducted searches of three other locations in Central Kalimantan, namely the offices of the provincial regional council, forestry agency and one-stop integrated agency. The spokesman added that investigators would examine the seized evidence looking for more information relating to the case, including information about the roles of various parties who allegedly bribed the provincial regional council and the process of decision-making regarding the bribery in each corporation. The KPK named seven individuals, including BAP president director and SMART deputy director Edy Saputra Suradja and councilor Borak Milton, as suspects in alleged bribery to influence the councils supervision of the palm oil companys plantation around Sembuluh Lake in Seruyan regency. In a statement issued after the suspects' arrests, Golden Agri said the company would cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation and hopes that the issues can be resolved as quickly as possible". Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Kharishar Kahfi (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, October 30, 2018 13:58 1116 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b308779e8750 1 National KPK,Lippo-group,James-Riady,meikarta-bribery-case Free Lippo Group CEO James Riady has fulfilled the Corruption Eradication Commission's (KPK) summons to appear on Tuesday at its Jakarta headquarters for questioning in connection with the corruption case on the Meikarta mega development project in Bekasi, West Java. Investigators were also scheduled on Tuesday to question Neneng as a suspect in the case. The business tycoon arrived at around 9:30 a.m. and had still not left the building by 12:15 p.m., presumably because he was still being questioned. KPK spokesman Febri Diansyah said on Monday that its investigators would question James as a witness in connection with the nine suspects in the case, including Bekasi Regent Neneng Hasanah Yasin and Lippo Group operational director Billy Sindoro. The antigraft body has alleged that Billy instructed his subordinates to promise a "commitment fee" of Rp 13 billion (US$853,884) to Neneng. Other Bekasi officials and Lippo Group consultants and employees were also named suspects in the case. (dmr) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Nusa Dua, Bali Tue, October 30, 2018 08:59 1116 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b308779daea4 4 National Our-Ocean-Conference,Jokowi,Jokowi-administration,maritime-diplomacy,maritime-affairs-and-fisheries-ministry Free Some two weeks after he addressed the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group Annual Meetings on Oct. 12 in Bali, President Joko Jokowi Widodo returned to the island on Monday to open the 2018 Our Ocean Conference (OOC). The atmosphere, however, was gloomy due to the Lion Air JT610 tragedy, which had occurred only a few hours before the opening ceremony. In fact, the start of the conference was delayed for about an hour because the President had chosen to deal with early updates of the crash. His arrival at the OOC was greeted by Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister Luhut Panjaitan, Maritime and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti and Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi. The event began with a cultural performance from dancers from various regions. The President used the opportunity to highlight his achievements in the mission to turn Indonesia into a leading maritime power in the world. He said one of the keys to success was the mental revolution, which he introduced during his four-year presidency. Jokowi underlined that Indonesia was determined to play a key role in the global maritime force through the Indonesia Maritime Policy and Action Plan, which covers the improvement of sea connectivity, the development of and upgrading of 477 seaports and drastically reduced marine plastic waste. He pointed out that the government had developed 20 million hectares of marine conservation areas this year, mostly located in the eastern part of Indonesia. In the future, Indonesia would also like to enhance maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. Together with ASEAN and ASEAN partners, Indonesia is developing the Indo-Pacific cooperation concept by reiterating the habit of dialogue and cooperation, inclusivity and respect for international law, said the President. He briefly reiterated his concern over the situation in the South China Sea, although he did not specifically mention China, which has claimed most of the resource-rich territory. Indonesia is not a claimant of the region, but it could potentially clash with the Asian superpower over the Natuna waters, located in the formers exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Overlapping maritime claims, if not resolved through negotiations based on international law, may pose a threat to stability. International law must be a guide in the settlement of maritime affairs. Jokowi also warned about the rise of crimes at sea, including piracy, human trafficking, drug smuggling, slavery and illegal fishing activities. He then pointed out that the oceans health was also rapidly worsening due to climate change, water pollution and plastic waste. We need a mental revolution to address the challenges facing our oceans and to manage them in a sustainable manner. The OOC must be the driving engine behind a global mental revolution to nurture our oceans, he said. Indonesia was able to host the fifth Our Ocean Conference thanks to the dedicated diplomatic approach of Susi and Retno, who took the stage together prior to the Presidents speech. In their opening remarks, they jokingly referred to themselves as millennial girls, triggering laughs in the audience, including Jokowi. In recent years, Indonesias maritime diplomacy has also been clearer; it has become an integral part of [the countrys] foreign policy, complimenting and enhancing our active diplomacy on peace and humanitarian issues at the regional and global level, said Retno. The hosting of this conference is a concrete example of Indonesias commitment to addressing various challenges facing our oceans. Taking over the microphone from her colleague, Susi vowed that the government would do everything it could to ensure that the conference bore concrete results. Im standing here with confidence to talk and to discuss with all of us, to continue and protect our oceans for future generations, she said. I want this conference to send a clear [message of] commitment and transparency, and to develop a concrete mechanism to track the deliveries of our commitments. [In this] OOC, we will come together for better, healthier and more productive oceans. The conference ends on Tuesday evening. It is still not clear at the time of writing whether the participants will issue a joint declaration. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ivany Atina Arbi and Riza Roidila Mufti (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, October 30, 2018 19:49 1116 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b308779f48ed 1 National #LionAirJT610,Java-Sea,plane-crash,Lion-Air,karawang,Basarnas,search-and-rescue,Polri,TNI,black-box Free Despite some 900 personnel, including 50 divers, from the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), the Indonesian Military (TNI), the National Police and local fishermen working hand-in-hand to recover debris and bodies from Lion Air flight JT610, which crashed into the Java Sea on Monday morning, few significant findings have been made. A team from Singapore with specialized equipment to locate the plane's black box has joined the search while Malaysian and Argentinian governments have also offered help. As of Tuesday afternoon, the search and rescue team--assisted by four multipurpose research vessels, 35 smaller vessels and two helicoptershad only been able to find bits of wreckage, several body parts and personal belongings believed to belong to passengers. The findings were collected in 24 body bags that have been transported to Kramatjati Police Hospital, East Jakarta, for further investigation. Meanwhile, the fuselage of the plane, inside which the bodies of most of the victims are believed to be, has not been located. Basarnas, therefore, expanded the search area to 10 nautical miles from the place where the plane is thought to have gone down on Tuesday, from the previous 5 nautical miles on Monday. The agency has also called on fishermen who find anything related to the planes crash to report their findings to a post set up in Tanjung Karawang, West Java. Weve expanded the search area today in the hope that we can find the planes main body and the victims believed to be inside it, a senior official at Basarnas, Didi Hamzar, said in a press conference. Didi further said that two additional body bags were on their way to the Police Hospital on Tuesday afternoon. None of the bags contained intact bodies. Air traffic control at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport lost contact with JT610 shortly after it took off at 6:20 a.m. on Monday. The plane, carrying 189 people on board, was scheduled to arrive at 7:20 a.m. at Depati Amir Airport in Pangkalpinang, Bangka Belitung Islands. The National Transportation Safety Commission (KNKT)--involved in the search and rescue process as well as the accidents investigation--said separately that it had made some progress but nothing significant. Up until now we havent got significant data [on the crash]. Please give us sufficient time to find the answers to the incident and to look into all of the data we have gathered, flight accident investigator at the KNKT, Ony S. Wibowo, said. The KNKT stated that it had collected basic data, including reports from the pilots who flew the plane from Denpasar in Bali to Jakarta on Sunday night, and a recording of the JT610 pilot requesting a return to base shortly after leaving Soekarno-Hatta airport. However, we cannot reveal much for now, he said. (evi) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Paul Handley (Agence France-Presse) Washington, United States Tue, October 30, 2018 08:38 1116 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b308779d9b8d 2 World #USA,#radicalism,USA,white-supremacist,synagogue,shooting,Donald-Trump Free The murder of 11 people at a Pittsburgh synagogue has cast the spotlight on a racist, neo-Nazi and anti-Semitic fringe in American society -- and rekindled a bitter debate over whether it is being enabled by President Donald Trump. - Who are America's right-wing extremists? - A subculture of far-right and neo-Nazi extremism has long existed in the United States. It picked up strength after the September 11, 2001 attacks, fuelled by anti-Muslim sentiment, and gained a deeper foundation in 2010 when extremist ideologue Richard Spencer founded the website AlternativeRight.com. The new "alt-right" was mainly about white and male supremacy, the racial and cultural threat of immigration, and an unalloyed nationalism. Anti-Semitic Spencer, who touts his dedication "to the heritage, identity and future of people of European descent in the United States," gave neo-Nazis more legitimacy than they previously had. Excluded from mainstream media, they built communities around new websites and social media that did not censor their views, like 4-chan, Reddit and Gab. When future Trump advisor Steve Bannon took control of Breitbart News and made the publication a hub for all things extreme-right, the alt-right fringe suddenly hit the mainstream. Bannon understudy Milo Yiannopoulos defined the movement as "mostly white, mostly male middle-American radicals, who are unapologetically embracing a new identity politics that prioritises the interests of their own demographic." The movement spanned a variety of different groups, some rejecting anti-Semitism, others rejecting racism, and some espousing violence. But they all fit under the new alt-right umbrella. Tellingly, Yiannopoulos, who is gay and rejects anti-Semitism, was filmed in 2016 singing the anthem "America the Beautiful" while Spencer and others held their arms out in the Nazi salute in a Dallas bar. A Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) ID picture of Robert Bowers, the suspect of the attack at the Tree of Life synagogue during a baby naming ceremony in Pittsburgh, Pensylvania. Eleven people were killed and six injured in a Pittsburgh synagogue shooting, the city's public safety director Wendell Hissrich said, an attack the FBI is investigating as a federal hate crime. Authorities confirmed the suspect in custody was Robert Bowers, whose actions Scott Brady, the US attorney for Pennsylvania's Western District, said (AFP/-) - How did the Pittsburgh suspect fit in? Neither the suspect in Saturday's shooting, Robert Bowers, nor Cesar Sayoc, the Trump fan arrested last week for mailing parcel bombs to Democrats and critics of the president, have been identified as members of specific extreme-right groups. But both apparently spewed typical alt-right sentiments on social media: anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim and anti-Semitic. Bowers found Trump -- who was elected on a hardline anti-immigrant platform -- too compromising for his extreme views. The main target of his vitriol was the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, which supports needy newcomers to the United States. "They are committing genocide to my people. I just want to kill Jews," he allegedly told police after he was captured. - How big is the alt-right? Formerly limited to the fringe of society, the alt-right got a huge boost to its visibility when Trump joined the presidential race in 2015, with Bannon and Breitbart in support. In the run-up to the 2016 election, Trump's anti-immigrant, "America First" platform powerfully resonated with, and helped mobilize the white supremacists of the alt-right. While the precise number of alt-right sympathizers is difficult to pin down, by the time Trump took office in January 2017, experts said such groups collectively had active members numbering in the tens of thousands, and tacit supporters in the hundreds of thousands, all connecting online. "They are acting in concert right now," Spencer Sunshine of Political Research Associates, which monitors right-wing groups, said in an interview last year. "The rising tide of Trump-ist racism is raising their boats." - What was 'Unite the Right'? The movement appeared to hit a peak in the summer of 2017, when Spencer, Jason Kessler, a member of the violent Proud Boys group, and others organized the "Unite The Right" march in Charlottesville, Virginia. The August 11-12 event was the largest extreme right gathering in the country in decades, drawing numerous openly neo-Nazi and white supremacist groups such as the Traditionalist Workers Party and the Ku Klux Klan. To counter them, thousands of anti-extremism activists flocked to the city as well. The rally dissolved into street battles which culminated when an alt-right activist plowed his car into a crowd of progressive demonstrators, killing a woman. Charlottesville was arguably the apex of the alt-right's resurgence. Afterwards various alt-right leaders decried what happened and pointed the finger each-other, while the Justice Department moved to charge those involved in the worst violence. - Where does Trump stand? Trump, whose daughter and son-in-law are Jewish, has repeatedly and strongly condemned anti-Semitism. But his attitude towards the alt-right in general has been much more ambivalent. After the Charlottesville events, the president infamously took 48 hours to respond only to blame "both sides" despite overwhelming evidence that neo-Nazis were the principal source of violence. Trump declared there were "very fine people on both sides" -- comments critics said were empowering to the alt-right. More broadly, Trump has been accused of fanning violence through almost daily tweets and speeches lambasting immigrants, opponents and journalists in divisive and hardline language. Critics accuse him of stoking prejudice by calling Latin American immigrants "rapists" and criminals, by targeting Muslim immigrants with a series of travel bans, and by labelling African nations "shithole" countries. Meanwhile he and members of his White House have demonized billionaire Democrat supporter George Soros -- notably accusing him of paying protesters and funding a caravan of Central American migrants -- in language similar to that used by anti-Semitic conspiracy theorists. Trump and his White House strongly reject the suggestion he has fomented hatred, instead blaming "dishonest" media for whipping up "anger" and divisions. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, October 30, 2018 07:02 1116 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b308779d59c1 4 News Inner-Mongolia,China,tourism,tourists,travel,destination,Indonesia Free Inner Mongolia, which sits at the southern border of both Mongolia and Russia, is an autonomous region with Hohhot as its capital. Currently, China is intensively introducing tourist destinations in Mongolia to Indonesian tourists, including through the recently held 2018 China-Hohhot Tourism Promotion in Jakarta, as reported by kompas.com. One of the travel agencies that often takes Indonesian tourists to Inner Mongolia is Grand China Travel. Khoe Ting Tjen, director of Grand China Travel, said currently the company uses chartered flight service Citilink from Jakarta to Ordos every Friday with a stopover in Batam to refuel. The total flight length from Jakarta to Mongolia is around seven and a half hours. "This is a second year of our flight charter. We charter for a year but can only use it for six to seven months. Mongolia cannot be visited at the end of the year because it is very cold. Indonesian guests are happy with Ordos and Hohhot," he said. Inner Mongolia is not for tourists who love shopping or even a suitable destination for children, he added. "What is seen is scenery and deserts; it's not a city nor a shopping destination. It's a different [experience] for tourists than visiting Shanghai and Beijing [for example]. In Mongolia, tourists can see life in the desert and the green of grasslands filled with cows and sheep," he said. Read also: China: One foot in the past and both eyes on the future Jakarta tourists who tend to visit Inner Mongolia are those who like history and deserts, he added. "Throughout Inner Mongolia, almost all the views are of the desert. Here there are camels. Camels in Mongolia have two humps. In Dubai they have one. Tourists really like riding camels in the Mongolian desert. At night they stay in tents," he said. The best time to visit Mongolia is is from June to August during the summer, he said, adding that a Chinese visa is needed to enter the autonomous region. "The currency in Inner Mongolia is the yuan, the same as in China," he said. Khoe Ting Tjen added that the main requirement to visit Mongolia is physical preparation. "Moreover, when visiting in October, the temperature there is around 3 to 5 degrees Celsius. For shoes, use comfortable ones," he suggested. At the event, four Indonesian travel agencies also signed a partnership with tour operators from Inner Mongolia. Osean A. Untung, executive vice president of Ayowisata, one of the travel agents that participated, explained that the cooperation focused on making tour packages to Mongolia. "We want to sell Mongolian tour packages to Indonesian tourists who like deserts and grassland, not to go shopping. Mongolia is suitable for those with a sense of adventure and young adults," Osean said. (liz/kes) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Nedi Putra AW (The Jakarta Post) Batu, East Java Tue, October 30, 2018 11:34 1116 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b308779e33d2 1 News Halloween,Pennywise,clown,It,Batu,Malang,East-Java Free Although Halloween is typically an American holiday that is celebrated on Oct. 31, it has been growing in popularity in Indonesia, and the East Java city of Batu is no exception. Martha Sirait, a visitor from Jakarta, was pleasantly surprised by the celebrations held over the weekend at the Museum Angkut (Transportation Museum) in Batu. "I didn't think there would be such an exciting Halloween party here," said Martha, adding that she saw many people in costumes in the area. The museum's operational manager, Endang A. Shobirin, said that while Halloween parties are known for people dressing up in scary costumes, he wanted to offer visitors something more. "The theme we picked this year is clowns, which was inspired by the character Pennywise the Dancing Clown from the film It," said Endang, referring to the 2017 film adaptation of the Stephen King novel. Read also: Three places to celebrate Halloween in Jakarta He added that the museum's Halloween celebration took place on Oct. 26-28, with an added touch. "We emphasized education, which is why there was also a competition at this event," he said. The competition included makeup and costume contests, as well as clown-themed decorations. Endang said that the competition, which saw at least 300 participants, aimed to foster a creative and artistic spirit, and that the theme was different each year. Last year's event took on the theme of "local myths", the belief that ghosts appear during the Senja Kala (Dark Noon), which prompted costumes, make-up and decorations dominated by local ghosts. Endang said that the museum, which had a collection of more than 200 antique cars, continued with its aim to educate visitors on transportation and vehicular equipment through the various cars it displayed during the Halloween party. The event's ghost parades, as well as theatrical performances, also involved vehicles from the museum's collection. "The old luxury cars in our collection are not just for display, and most of them still run," he said. (liz/kes) Toronto, Oct. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global wildlife populations have declined by 60 per cent on average in just over 40 years, according to World Wildlife Funds new global Living Planet Report. The report, released today, presents a sobering picture of the harmful human impacts on wildlife, forests, oceans, rivers and climate. It underlines the rapidly closing window for action and the urgent need for widescale adoption of new approaches to valuing, protecting and restoring nature. Canadian context Canadian wildlife are not exempt from this global biodiversity crisis. WWFs recent Living Planet Report Canada found that half of monitored vertebrate species in this country are declining, and of those, the decline is 83 per cent. This report also found that federally protected at-risk species have continued to decline since the Species at Risk Act became law. Megan Leslie, WWF-Canadas president and CEO, says: Our constantly increasing demands on nature are driving wildlife to extinction. Its not just elephants, freshwater dolphins and rhinos, but Canadian wildlife too. Caribou, southern resident killer whales, burrowing owls: These Canadian species have been pushed to the brink by human impacts on nature. We are at a pivotal moment. We still have a chance to turn around our impact on nature and begin to reverse the decline on wildlife. Canada has committed to new land protections the size of Alberta by 2020. If we do this right, by choosing connected areas that have maximum value for wildlife, we could make meaningful progress on supporting biodiversity here at home. But if we squander this opportunity, we will condemn many more species to population loss and even extinction. The science The Living Planet Report 2018 presents a comprehensive overview of the state of our natural world, 20 years after the flagship report was first published. Through indicators such as the Living Planet Index, provided by the Zoological Society of London, the Species Habitat Index, the IUCN Red List Index and the Biodiversity Intactness Index, as well as planetary boundaries and the ecological footprint, the report paints a disturbing picture: Human activity is pushing the planets natural systems that support life on Earth to the edge. What is driving global species loss? Habitat loss due to agriculture and overexploitation of species remain the biggest threats to biodiversity and ecosystems globally. These threats are particularly evident in the tropics, resulting in more significant wildlife loss in those areas. Only one-quarter of land on Earth is free from impacts of human activities and that number is projected to decline to just one- tenth by 2050. Habitat loss is the greatest threat to Canadian wildlife as well from forestry, agriculture, urbanization and industrial development. Boreal forests and wetlands both substantial carbon sinks have experienced considerable disruption in Canada. Climate change is a growing threat, already having an effect at an ecosystem and species level. What can be done? This Living Planet Report echoes the urgency heard from the recent International Panel on Climate Changes report Global Warming of 1.5C: We are in the midst of a planetary crisis caused by human activities and we are still trending in the wrong direction. To date, the loss of 60 per cent of our wildlife worldwide has failed to galvanize governments, businesses and individuals. Like climate change, bending the curve on biodiversity loss requires immediate action. Governments at all levels, business, industry and the public must immediately join forces to meet Canadas baseline commitments on biodiversity, protected areas and climate change. Failure to do so will result in continuing wildlife losses, with many species heading towards extinction. Specifically, we must: Create new high-quality networks of protected areas for terrestrial and inland waters, that prioritize species at risk, benefit the highest number of wildlife and act as massive carbon sinks. Create new networks of marine protected areas that prioritize critical habitat and foraging areas for species at risk, while keeping harmful development and extractive activities such as oil and gas exploration out of marine protected areas and marine refuges. Demonstrate political will and use the tools in the Species at Risk Act to prevent the extinction of our most vulnerable species (for example, issue an emergency order for southern resident killer whales). Stop delaying on the promise to phase out fossil-fuel subsidies and transition that funding to support habitat-friendly renewable energy development and jobs instead. Update Bill C-69 the Impact Assessment Act to ensure that all major development decisions are evaluated based on climate and biodiversity impacts, including: A carbon budget that limits emissions to 1.5C warming. Strategic, regional assessments that consider cumulative effects on ecosystems and wildlife. Two recent federal decisions have created increased protections for Canadas wildlife: Fish and other freshwater species habitat will be better protected in the new Fisheries Act (passed in the House of Commons this past June), which safeguards the flow of water essential for healthy freshwater systems and wildlife. Marine mammals, forage fish and other marine wildlife will be better protected once the recommendations from the National Advisory Panel on Marine Protected Area Standards are passed into law, as it brings Canadas marine protected areas in line with international standards by, among other things, banning activities such as oil and gas development. Key findings from Living Planet Report Wildlife population declines are especially pronounced in the tropics, with South and Central America and the Caribbean suffering 89 per cent loss since 1970. Habitat degradation and loss is consistently the most reported global threat to biodiversity. Freshwater species numbers have also declined dramatically, with the Freshwater Index showing an 83 per cent decline since 1970. Key findings from Living Planet Report Canada Mammals: Populations dropped 43 per cent. Populations dropped 43 per cent. Amphibians and reptiles: Populations dropped 34 per cent. Populations dropped 34 per cent. Fish: Populations declined by 20 per cent. Populations declined by 20 per cent. Birds: While some groups of birds are showing signs of recovery, others arent faring as well. Monitored populations of grassland birds dropped 69 per cent, aerial insectivores fell 51 per cent, and shorebird populations declined by 43 per cent. About World Wildlife Fund Canada WWF-Canada creates solutions to the environmental challenges that matter most for Canadians. We work in places that are unique and ecologically important, so that nature, wildlife and people thrive together. Because we are all wildlife. For more information, visit wwf.ca. For further information Rebecca Spring, senior communications specialist, rspring@wwfcanada.org, +1 647-338-6274 Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, October 30, 2018 12:32 1116 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b308779e5cad 4 News Yogyakarta,Malioboro,bicycle,travel,JogjaBike,tourism Free Known as one of the most popular destinations in Yogyakarta, Jl Malioboro, now has a bike-sharing facility as an alternative option for travelers to explore the area. Visitors can download the JogjaBike app on Google Play before heading to the ShelterPit where they can get the bicycle by scanning the QR code. The service comes with a smart lock, live location and anti-theft system. JogjaBike currently has 20 bicycles at four locations, namely the Loco Cafe, Malioboro Mall, Kepatihan and Vrederburg Fort from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Around 1,000 bicycles are set to be available at other public facilities and tourist destinations. Read also: Five highlights of delightful Malioboro Muhammad Aditya, one of the service's initiators, said the app was free for people to use. When they download the app, they will get a voucher that can be topped up, Aditya told kompas.com, adding that they always evaluate the app and charge per hour to use the bike. JogjaBike aims to boost tourism in Yogyakarta and lower the pollution level as well as traffic jams. Its all made in Indonesia, from the bikes to the app, Aditya said. (wir/kes) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ni Nyoman Wira (The Jakarta Post) Cirebon, West Java Tue, October 30, 2018 10:33 1116 882ab4bc56dbda08a069b308779e10b9 1 Destinations Cirebon,Jakpost-explores,#Jakpostexplores,travel,Indonesia Free The port city of Cirebon in West Java is one of the tourist destinations that still maintains its history of Islam. It is located near the border between West Java and Central Java. How to get there The Cirebon railway station. (JP/Ni Nyoman Wira) Cirebon is only three hours away from the capital by train, which leaves daily from Gambir (executive and priority trains) and Pasar Senen (economy train) railway stations in Central Jakarta. They will arrive in Cirebon and Cirebon Prujakan railway stations, respectively. Best times to visit Cirebon can be visited all year round as the weather is similar to Jakarta. The peak season is usually during religious holidays, especially the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, which falls on Nov. 20 this year and on Idul Fitri. Climate The temperature in Cirebon can reach 35 degrees Celsius during the dry season with little chance of rain. Popular areas Sunyaragi Cave The king's throne (right) at Sunyaragi Cave in Cirebon, West Java. (JP/Ni Nyoman Wira) Sunyaragi Cave is a great destination to learn about the history of Cirebon. It was built in 1703 by Prince Kararangen who is the great-grandchild of Sunan Gunungjati, one of the nine propagators of Islam in Java, and it used to be surrounded by a moat. The name Sunyaragi comes from sunya (quiet) and ragi (soul or body), meaning that the cave was used to meditate. Covering a 1.5-hectare area, the cave still maintains its original shape and comprises 10 smaller caverns with their own names. Visitors may explore the caverns and imagine the glorious days of the cave. Goa Arga Jumut (Arga Jumut cave) at Sunyaragi Cave in Cirebon, West Java. (JP/Ni Nyoman Wira) Some interesting spots to visit at Sunyaragi Cave include a secret tunnel to Gunungjati district, special rooms for those who want to go to Mecca and China, a cave that enlightens your soul, a 300-year-old longan tree and a sculpture that is believed to be forbidden for virgins to touch. Entrance tickets start from Rp 10,000 (66 US cent) with tips for guides costing you around Rp 50,000. Read also: Jakpost explores Bandung Keraton Kasepuhan The front lawn of Kasepuhan Palace in Cirebon, West Java. (kasepuhan.com/File) Cirebon has three keraton (palaces) and the oldest one is Keraton Kasepuhan. There are various stories about the origins of Keraton Kasepuhan, but all of them name Sunan Gunungjati as one of the important figures who established the palace. Sunan Gunungjati is the grandson of Prabu Siliwangi, king of the Padjajaran Kingdom. The kings of Keraton Kasepuhan are called Sultan Sepuh, with the current king, PRA. Arief Natadiningrat, as the 14th Sultan Sepuh. The palace still maintains its original materials, especially its walls and teak pillars. Its architecture was influenced by the Chinese and Hindu kingdoms of the time. Among the areas that you may visit are Siti Hinggil (higher ground) where the king witnessed events in an alun-alun (square), located near the entrance gate, and Bangsal Keraton, where main activities took place. However, some of the rooms are prohibited, but they can still be seen through glass doors. An ancient text displayed at Museum Pusaka at Keraton Kasepuhan in Cirebon, West Java. Most of the artifacts are kept inside glass boxes, including the Singa Barong royal carriage. (JP/Ni Nyoman Wira) The sultanate is the home of the modern-designed Museum Pusaka, which displays various sacred objects, including the Singa Barong royal carriage, gamelan (traditional orchestra) sets, weapons and ancient texts. It has a room at the back to keep important objects owned by Sunan Gunungjati and his wife, Princess Ong Tien from China. It is open to the public on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Keraton Kasepuhan is located near the historical Great Mosque of Cirebon, or Masjid Agung Cipta Rasa. Entrance tickets start from Rp 20,000 for foreign travelers, and another Rp 25,000 ticket must be bought to enter Museum Pusaka. Up-and-coming areas Keraton Kanoman Located behind Kanoman traditional market, Keraton Kanoman has a stark white exterior with ancient Chinese plates adorning its walls. (JP/Ni Nyoman Wira) Keraton Kanoman is said to be the extension of Keraton Kasepuhan and whose kings are called Sultan Anom. Located behind the Kanoman traditional market, the palace's exterior is all white and has ancient Chinese plates adorning its walls. It has several wells that serve different purposes, one of which is to wash sacred items during the Prophet Muhammad's birthday. Keraton Kacirebonan Inside Keraton Kacirebonan. (JP/Ni Nyoman Wira) Believed to be the extension of Keraton Kasepuhan as well, Keraton Kacirebonan was built in 1814 with Sultan Kacirebonan I as its first king. This building is much simpler compared to the aforementioned palaces and visitors can marvel at photos of its kings, a gamelan set, traditional weapons, jewelry and the kings sword. The entrance fee to this palace starts from Rp 10,000. The city also has Cirebon Waterland Ade Irma Suryani, located not too far from Kejawanan Beach. Launched in 2015 and designed as a family destination, it has swimming pools and cottages. Cuisines Tahu gejrot (fried tofu in sweet, spicy sauce) is a must-try snack in Cirebon. It is sold almost everywhere around the city, especially in the Kanoman traditional market. "Nasi jamblang" from Nasi Jamblang Ibu Nur in Cirebon, West Java. The rice, sides and the slight bitterness from the teak leaf are a flavorful combination. (JP/Ni Nyoman Wira) For something heavier, try nasi jamblang (teak leaf-wrapped rice with sides); the rice, sides and slight bitterness from the teak leaf are a flavorful combination. Cirebon has many nasi jamblang restaurants, one of which is Nasi Jamblang Ibu Nur, which is quite packed during lunchtime. The price of your meal will depend on the side dishes; for instance, two portions of rice, shrimp satay, chicken intestine satay, beef tongue stew and perkedel kentang (fried potato patties) will cost Rp 35,000. Empal gentong and empal asam are also a great option for lunch. Empal gentong is an aromatic beef soup with coconut milk-based broth, while empal asam is cooked without coconut milk but mixed with the sour belimbing wuluh (starfruit). At Empal Gentong H. Apud restaurant, the price for one portion of empal gentong starts from Rp 23,000. It also has canned empal gentong that lasts for a year, with prices starting from Rp 35,000. Read also: What to do in Cirebon besides visit the palace "Nasi Lengko" at Nasi Lengko H. Barno is Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan's favorite Cirebon dish. (JP/Ni Nyoman Wira) For a more filling lunch, try nasi lengko. Commonly served with lamb satay, nasi lengko comprises rice mixed with tempeh, tofu, bean sprouts, cucumber and chives topped with peanut sauce. At Nasi Lengko H. Barno, the price for a generous portion of nasi lengko starts from Rp 15,000. The restaurant is a must-visit for Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan whenever he travels to the city, according to Antara news agency. What to bring back Cirebon is known for its batik, which boast a mega mendung pattern. Batik Trusmi is a one-stop shopping destination for batik, souvenirs and traditional snacks. Trusmi provides a wide array of batik cloth, from premium materials to the more affordable ones, with the average price of Rp 200,000. The average price for a traditional snack, including the citys famous terasi (shrimp paste), is Rp 20,000. The area is surrounded by other batik shops as well, which can be reached by foot. Batik Trusmi (left) in Cirebon, West Java, is a one-stop shopping destination for batik, souvenirs and traditional snacks. (JP/Ni Nyoman Wira) You may also want to bring back some ketan gurih (glutinous rice topped with sweet-savory sauce) from Rumah Kue Ny. One portion costs Rp 10,000, but you have to make a reservation beforehand. Another place to buy ketan gurih is Kampoeng Tjaroeban near the Kanoman traditional market; it sells the delicacy for Rp 8,000 per portion. Where to stay Cirebon has many options when it comes to hotels, either budget or four-star ones. Among them are the Luxton Cirebon Hotel & Convention, Cirebon Plaza Hotel and Hotel Santika Cirebon. Many are located within a walking distance from the Cirebon railway station. Tips: Alun-alun Kejaksan is frequented by locals as a meeting point or jogging area. Located in front of Masjid Raya At-Taqwa, it also has a special area for street food hawkers. Most travel sites list the opening hour of most keraton as 8 a.m., but it is best to come at 10 a.m. or later as many of the guides will be available at those times. The tip for the guides depends on the destination and the guides performance throughout your visit, but it varies from Rp 20,000 to Rp 100,000. It is usually given at the end of the tour. The Kanoman traditional market can be packed with people in the morning and will be less busy after lunch. Be careful when strolling around the market because its main street is filled with pedestrians, motorcycle drivers and becak (pedicabs). An alternative was to explore the city is by becak, which can be found everywhere. But be ready to bargain and remember that the fare depends on the distance you will travel. (mut) Oct 30 2018 8:46 am A press conference was held in Lakewood Monday evening with Congressman Chris Smith, in the wake of the attack in Pittsburgh. Also in attendance, were County Freeholders Little and Haines, as well as Sheriff Mastronardy and local officials. The following was Smiths message: Words are inadequate to convey myouroutrage and profound sorrow over the loss of eleven precious lives and the wounding of 6 others including four courageous police officers at the Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh. Attacked simply because they were Jewish, this barbaric manifestation of anti-Semitism underscores a dangerous and escalating trend both here in the United States and throughout the world. Americans must unite as never before against anti-Semitism in all of its ugly forms. Americans must leave no stone unturned in calling out and condemning the purveyors of anti-Semitism on the internet including social media. Working with local police and homeland security at both the state and federal level, we must employ all best practices and the means to achieve maximum security regardless of cost, to protect Jewish persons, synagogues, places of learning and cemeteries. At one of the many congressional hearings Ive chaired on combatting anti-Semitism, Dr. Shimon Samuels of the Wiesenthal Center in Paris testified in 2002 and said: The Holocaust for 30 years after the war acted as a protective Teflon against blatant anti-Semitic expressionThat Teflon has erodedand can end as Molotov cocktails against synagogues. Abraham Lincoln once said that to sin by silence when they should protest makes cowards of men. In the face of escalating anti-Semitism, silence is not an option. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 30, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- International Cobalt Corp . (CSE: CO, the Company or International Cobalt) is pleased to announce that it has retained Spektra Drilling of Val dOr, Quebec (Spektra) to complete a 2000-metre diamond drilling program on the Companys Ramsay Project in New Brunswick, Canada. The drilling program is designed to test for potential extensions of cobalt intercepts drilled by previous operators. Previous workers reported intervals of 0.8m grading 0.956% cobalt within a 4.8m core interval grading 0.352% cobalt drilled in 2004. Such higher-grade zones typically occur within wider core intervals ranging to 24.8 m grading 0.180% cobalt and 0.182% copper. (See news release dated March 13, 2018). The cobalt-copper mineralization described above is associated with a well-defined Induced Polarization (IP) anomaly survey detected by a survey that is currently in progress. This anomaly was detected over a strike length of 400 m on all 3 lines completed to date and is open in both directions. The drilling program will follow this anomaly to track the known cobalt mineralization along strike. The IP survey has been expanded to include a potential new zone 2 km to the south where crews sampled angular float material that returned 581 ppm Co, 1300 ppm As and 22.7 % Fe. NI 43-101 DISCLOSURE All rock samples from the Ramsay Cobalt Project sampling program were sent to AGAT Labs in Mississauga, Ontario. All samples were subjected to Sodium Peroxide Fusion - with ICP-OES/ICP-MS Finish. Mike Taylor P.Geo, a qualified person a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, supervised the preparation of the technical information for the Ramsay Cobalt Project contained in this news release. ABOUT THE RAMSAY PROJECT The 8,000-hectare Ramsay project is well situated in the prolific Bathurst mining camp (BMC) located in northern New Brunswick, approximately 25 kilometers west of the Caribou mine operated by Trevali Mining Corp. It straddles highway 430, locally known as the Road to Resources. With paved road access and nearby electric power, the project is close to well-developed infrastructure in a mining-friendly jurisdiction. ABOUT INTERNATIONAL COBALT CORP International Cobalt Corp. (CSE: CO) is a Canadian based mineral exploration and development business focusing on the burgeoning cobalt sector. The Company seeks to add shareholder value by sourcing and developing projects in safe, progressive jurisdictions adhering to strict environmental and social standards. The company has projects in the Idaho Cobalt belt, one of the premier locations to explore for primary cobalt deposits and in Atlantic Canada with a rich history of mine development and operation. International Cobalt is well funded to pursue its objectives and currently holds in excess of $8 million in treasury at the time of this publication. ABOUT THE COBALT MARKET Cobalt prices recently reached a 10 year high of $42.75 US per pound and have shown a steady increase since the mid-point of 2015. As a vital component of many of the lithium-ion batteries used in a wide range of applications from cell phones to electric vehicles (EV), demand for Cobalt is anticipated to remain strong. Currently over 60% of the global supply of cobalt is sourced from mines operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Political instability in the DRC coupled with social-economic issues have led many consumers towards securing supply in safer regions. On behalf of: INTERNATIONAL COBALT CORP. Timothy Johnson Timothy Johnson, President Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This release includes certain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address future production, reserve potential, exploration and development activities and events or developments that the Company expects, are forwardlooking statements. Although management believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploration and development successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Please see our public filings at www.sedar.com for further information. Contact: International Cobalt Corp. T: 604-687-2038 F: 604-687-3141 www.internationalcobalt.com English Latvian From October 30 through November 8, Chairman of the JSC Olainfarm Supervisory Council Mr.Pavels Rebenoks, Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Council Ms.Irina Maligina and advisor to the Board of JSC Olainfarm Mr. Salvis Lapins will have annual road show to update investors about Olainfarm's performance and near future intentions. Presentations will be held in cities of six countries, this year for the first time also in Riga and Gothenburg. Following our annual tradition of road shows, this is the fifth year in a row when at the end of October, we organize road show to meet our investors. We report on what has happened during the year and discuss our vision about our future development. I am delighted that the event is becoming increasingly popular among the investors and that the geography of interest is also expanding, says Salvis Lapins, Advisor to the Olainfarms Board. Meetings are planned in Tallinn, Helsinki, Riga, Stockholm, Gothenburg, Warsaw and Vilnius. Thirty meetings have been scheduled so far and during those meetings the enclosed presentation will be distributed. JSC Olainfarm is one of the biggest pharmaceutical companies in Latvia with more than 45 years of experience in the production of medication and chemical and pharmaceutical products. A basic principle of company's operations is to produce reliable and effective top quality products for Latvia and the rest of the world. Products made by the Group are being exported to more than 60 countries worldwide, including the Baltics, Russia, other CIS, Europe, Asia, North America, and Australia. Information prepared by: Inga Krukle Member of the Board JSC Olainfarm Ph.: +371 28698449 inga.krukle@olainfarm.com Attachment You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close TORONTO, Oct. 30, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gowest Gold Ltd. ("Gowest" or the "Company") (TSX-VENTURE: GWA) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a definitive Custom Milling Agreement (the Agreement) with QMX Gold Corporation (QMX) pursuant to which QMX will process material from the Companys Bradshaw Gold Deposit (Bradshaw) at its Aurbel Mill (the Mill) located in Val dOr, Quebec. Pursuant to the Agreement, Gowest will be obligated to fund certain upgrade permits and capital expenditures necessary to use the Mill to process Bradshaw material as part of its bulk sample and pre-production program, followed by production at Bradshaw. Assuming all necessary permits are received and upgrades are performed, the Agreement will have a four (4) year term with an option to extend. Gowest has already stockpiled over 28,000 tonnes of development material on surface in preparation for ore-sorting. (See Gowest news release dated April 16, 2018.) The Company intends to truck sorted mineralized material to the Mill for toll milling into a high-grade gold concentrate. Gowest will then ship the gold concentrate to the Humon Smelter, Shandong Province China (see Gowest news release dated February 14, 2018) for final processing and sale. With the execution of the definitive agreement, QMX and Gowest will immediately form a Technical Committee made up of individuals from both parties that will oversee the application and receipt of necessary permits required by the Province of Quebec to process third party material and start up of the Mill. At this time, it is expected that processing will begin mid-2019. In conjunction with preparing the Mill for start up, the Company intends to crush and sort the material on surface at the Bradshaw site, continue the infill drill program and continue preparations for underground mining. Gowest will provide updates on its progress and timing as information becomes available. Gowest President & CEO, Greg Romain said, We are very pleased to have reached this agreement with QMX, which represents a vital milestone in our development of Bradshaw and in our goal of advancing it into a commercial gold mine. Mr. Romain added, The termination of the previously executed agreement for toll milling prevented the Company from moving the project into the next phase of mining and financing. Now that we have closed the loop, we will be able to finalize discussions on completing the necessary funding of the project. Qualified Person The technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Jeremy Niemi, P.Geo., Gowests Director of Exploration, who is the Qualified Person for the technical information in this news release under National Instrument 43101 standards. About Gowest Gowest is a Canadian gold exploration and development company focused on the delineation and development of its 100% owned Bradshaw Gold Deposit (Bradshaw), on the Frankfield Property, part of the Corporations North Timmins Gold Project (NTGP). Gowest is exploring additional gold targets on its +100-squarekilometre NTGP land package and continues to evaluate the area, which is part of the prolific Timmins, Ontario gold camp. Currently, Bradshaw contains a National Instrument 43-101 Indicated Resource estimated at 2.1 million tonnes (t) grading 6.19 grams per tonne gold (g/t Au) containing 422 thousand ounces (oz) Au and an Inferred Resource of 3.6 million t grading 6.47 g/t Au containing 755 thousand oz Au. Further, based on the Pre-Feasibility Study produced by Stantec Mining and announced on June 9, 2015, Bradshaw contains Mineral Reserves (Mineral Resources are inclusive of Mineral Reserves) in the probable category, using a 3 g/t Au cut-off and utilizing a gold price of US$1,200 / oz, totaling 1.8 million t grading 4.82 g/t Au for 277 thousand oz Au. Forward-Looking Statements This news release may contain certain forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that 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 statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this news release and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OF THIS RELEASE. For further information please contact: MAtv, Videotrons community channel, invites Quebec viewers to visit its brand new website, matv.ca a regionalized platform perfect for online viewing on any device, where they can watch MAtv programs and enjoy a wide variety of distinctive local content, all for free. A platform for todays viewers With the goal of making its content more accessible, the new website has been designed to promote online viewing. As MAtv Senior Director Steve Desgagne explains, By renewing its web platform, MAtv is reaffirming its role as a hyperlocal media outlet. Technology and television are evolving at warp speed, and MAtv intends to pursue its mission as a community medium that stands out for its uniquely local character and its closeness to the communitys citizens. Dont miss anything! In addition to offering smooth, user-friendly navigation, MAtvs new web platform has a Videos section where viewers can access all of the content available on the site, including complete episodes, excerpts, and clips. This section also includes a powerful search engine letting viewers find videos in the categories which interest them, including Art of Living, Public Affairs, Sports, Culture, Services and Citizens Voice. The sites Programs and Schedules sections are very popular with the public; easy to access, they provide lots of useful information about MAtvs programming. Dare to participate! In developing its new website design, MAtv made sure to give top priority to its primary mission: citizen participation. The new Participate section lets citizens who are interested in community television find all the necessary information about submitting TV projects to MAtv and about its My Volunteering program, which gives them the chance to do volunteer work and receive training in various media trades at MAtvs own TV studio. A prestige showcase for content from Quebecs regions In addition to letting visitors discover a wide variety of content produced by local TV artists and artisans in their own region of Quebec, the MAtv website gives them access to many programs from all nine of the Quebec regions that MAtv serves. And its all just a few clicks away! MAtv, an exclusive service for Videotron customers, serves the community by reflecting Quebecs diversity. MAtv Videotron AB remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. TORONTO, Oct. 30, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leaders of the $15 and Fairness movement, including a family physician, a mother who lost her 2-year old son to influenza and a former temp agency worker, will be speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, October 30, 2018 at 1:30 pm in the Queens Park media studio. Last week Doug Ford government tabled Bill 47, seeking to repeal almost all of the new workplace protections that were adopted a year ago, which aimed to ensure safety and well being on the job. If passed, Bill 47 will: eliminate 2 paid sick days and reduce access to personal emergency leave lower penalties assigned to employers for violating workplace laws make it easier to deny workers any employment standards protections -- including EI, CPP and WSIB -- by misclassifying them as self-employed contractors, instead of employees make it easier for employers to fire workers who decline last-minute shifts impose a real dollar wage cut for Ontarios lowest paid workers by delaying a $15 minimum wage in Ontario to 2025 allow employers to pay part-time and temporary agency workers a lower wage than their full-time or directly-hired counterparts, which will lead to an increase in precarious jobs with no benefits When: Press Conference on Tuesday, October 30, 2018 at 1:30 pm Where: Queens Park Media Studio Speakers: Dr. Danyaal Raza, a family physician and member of Decent Work & Health Network, Jill Promoli, mother of Jude who died at the age of two due to influenza, Navi Aujla, former temp agency worker and Deena Ladd, Workers Action Centre. MBABANE When two leaders communicate, great ideas are orchestrated. Yesterday morning, His Majesty King Mswati III received a friendly and bilateral call from President Tsai of the Republic of China (Taiwan). According to the Chief Officer of the Kings Office, Dr Vincent Mhlanga, the two leaders engaged on matters of mutual interest between the two countries, during which they reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the bilateral relations that have happily existed between the two countries for the past 50 years. Mhlanga reported that His Majesty congratulated Taiwan on successfully hosting the National Day celebrations, which were held on October 1, 2018. He also applauded the remarkable development that had taken place in Taiwan, that had elevated the country to a First World status. Mhlanga elaborated that the achievement had been spearheaded by a highly-developed ICT sector, which had seen the kingdom become one of the top destinations for artificial intelligence, through computer systems that can perform multiple tasks, such as speech recognition and translation between languages. The chief officer also mentioned that His Majesty commended the president for the recent recognition of two Taiwanese Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) who were named on the Harvard list of best performing CEOs. Mhlanga said his majesty hailed this remarkable accomplishment as confirmation of the high efficacy of the Taiwanese people, which was also evident in the building of a strong tourism sector that boasts of one of the biggest arts venues in the world at Kaohsiung. Mhlanga said the venue housed an Opera House, Concert Hall and other world class facilities. Taiwan was further commended for continuing to surge forward on a positive socio-economic trajectory through the astute leadership of her Excellency President Tsai who, in her second year of leadership, had ensured Taiwan progresses with a strong economy, while its people continue to strive for excellence. Mhlanga elaborated that the King praised the president for demonstrating her commitment to cementing existing ties with the Kingdom of Eswatini by honouring an invitation to attend the nations 50-50 Golden Jubilee celebrations. He said the king extended his appreciation of Taiwans support to education, where emaSwati have been afforded an opportunity to attain high quality tertiary education. He further said the king extended his condolences to the president for the loss of 18 lives and injuries inflicted on hundreds of people during a crash of the Puyama Express Train in Yilan County. Mhlanga said the conversation was concluded by the kings commitment to supporting and lobbying for the inclusive participation of Taiwan within the international community. Mhlanga said in turn, her Excellency praised the king and the people of Eswatini for hosting peaceful and successful National Elections and the recent peoples parliament (Sibaya), where key national issues were pronounced by His Majesty. LOBAMBA Calm. This is one word that could best describe the swearing-in ceremony of the new leader of government business in Parliament. It was around 3:15pm when the countrys new Prime Minister, Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini, walked into the House of Assembly to officially assume his position as not only an MP, but premier. Dressed in a simple grey suit and a red tie, Dlamini was as cool as a cucumber when he took up the oath of alligience. Already escorted by about six police officers, the PM was fetched by Clerk to Parliament from the Parliament corridors and immediately entered the House. He was not allowed to take a seat until the Attorney General, Sifiso Khumalo ,administered the oath. His wife, Portia, was allowed to view the proceedings about 10 metres away from him as he promised to serve the King, his heirs and successors. The calm Dlamini recited the oath after the AG as everyone in the chamber listened to him. He held on to the Bible and made history as the first none political PM. LOBAMBA Parliament will not be a bed of roses for the newly-appointed Prime Minister Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini. This reality was pointed out to the PM by veteran Lobamba Lomdzala MP Marwick Khumalo yesterday after the premier officially took the oath of allegiance and was sworn in as an MP. This is Parliament, do not be surprised when things change and the tone is different from all the nice things we are saying today, said Khumalo. Arguments He said arguments in Parliament were the nature of the business and in some instances, the PM would lose out on government motions which would leave him bruised. Utohle uphuma ePhalamende uhhudlekile, advised MP Khumalo. He stressed that the PM needed to establish a rapport with the legislators, especially those who would not be chosen as Cabinet ministers. Your Excellency, there are different brains here and once you tell yourself that you have chosen the best and they are with you then there will be a challenge, said MP Khumalo. He said the people who would not make it to Cabinet also had brains and he must note that there would be a Cabinet left behind in the House. Khumalo said the PM should allow himself to be criticised. We hope that you will be a friendly PM who will sometimes even come to the canteen, said Khumalo. The MP informed the PM that his appointment was not different from being tekaed as a traditional wife. He informed Dlamini that the past had been nasty as ministers had failed to come to the House if the PM was not around. Let us move away from the past because it was not nice as ministers would not come to Parliament and we have had a problem of forming a quorum as Parliament was not a priority, said Khumalo. He said during the Ninth Parliament under former PM Absalom Themba AT Dlaminis tenure, the ministers would come to the House, but during the last term, it was a different story as ministers hardly showed up. We are all equals here and although you are above us, allow yourself to be criticised, he said. On a positive note, Khumalo said he had a lot of faith in the PM and he had an extra advantage of being a breath of fresh air in politics with no excess baggage. Comment We welcome the new Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini, Ambrose Dlamini, to office and we wish him success in carrying out the mammoth task that lies ahead of him. Dlamini possesses all the attributes required for the position to deliver on the mandate of the high office. These qualities will need to hold him in good stead as his predecessor has not done him any favours by leaving behind a country virtually crawling on its knees economically, flooded with a myriad of social challenges and an empty vault. This while the public sector is in urgent need of a resolve to their two-year cost of living adjustments and the private sector awaiting government to come good on its multi-billion debt that has crippled business in this country. Parliamentarians set the tone for what awaits by warning him to seek full cooperation and not confrontation in setting out to raise this country back on its feet. Today, the parliamentarians meet His Majesty the King after which possible candidates for cabinet positions will be identified. This is largely where the reign of the PM succeeds or fails. We wish to reiterate that the PM is spoilt for choice given the quality of the current crop of legislators. However, we must caution that the country can do without several of these ministries whose duties can easily be incorporated into others to maximise efficiency while reducing expenditure. Doing so would serve as a strong statement of intent to do things differently as mandated by His Majesty the King at the cattle byre, Sibaya. It cannot be business as usual. It is at Sibaya that sound advice was in good supply. PM Ambrose Dlamini could do well for himself and this country by becoming one of the very few PMs to ever listen to the people and implement the workable solutions that have always been on offer for the taking. It is time for hard decisions Mr Dlamini. Hard decisions include putting aside all the projects that have no immediate benefit to the economy while concerted efforts are made to channel the meagre resources towards quick-win initiatives. It is also time to deal harshly with - among many others - corruption, the unnecessary expansion of the security forces, uncontrolled travel, a free-for-all government fleet, unsustainable perks of Circular No 2 for politicians, as well as all the investor unfriendly regulations! Do the right thing Mr PM; our lives depend on it! Ron DiNicola, the democratic candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in Congressional District 16, sat at a table with a small group of supporters Monday night during the final push of his campaign before election day. Signs Custom Milling Agreement With Gowest Gold TORONTO, Oct. 30, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- QMX Gold Corporation (QMX or the Company) (TSX:V:QMX) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a custom milling agreement for the Aurbel Mill in Val dOr, Quebec with Gowest Gold (Gowest) (TSX:V:GWA). Highlights of the agreement: Milling of an initial Pilot Program of up to 120,000 tonnes of ore from Gowests Bradshaw Deposit for a period of one year; A Commercial Production term of three years for the milling up to 220,000 tonnes of ore per annum; and Funding for the restart of the Aurbel Mill subject to conditions set out in the agreement. The arrangement is conditional on obtaining an amended permit to receive and process third-party material and the successful restart of the Aurbel Mill. Gowest has committed to funding the restart of the crushing, grinding and flotation circuits, which were winterized in mid-2016 following the termination of mining activities at the Lac Herbin Mine. The Aurbel Mill is located 15 kilometres east of Val dOr and 8 kilometres north of highway 117. The processing plant utilizes conventional crushing, grinding, gravity, flotation and cyanide leach circuits to process gold-bearing material. The facility is also amenable to modification and customization in order to tailor throughput and target recoveries to the specific metallurgical requirements of the feed material. Brad Humphrey, President and CEO, commented, We look forward to working with Gowest over the coming months as we restart the Aurbel Mill. This agreement allows us to leverage an asset in the company that has previously seen little to no value despite it being strategically located in the Val dOr Mining Camp. This transaction creates a revenue generating business unit for QMX, adding diversification and reducing financial risk. The agreement not only provides a solid anchor contract that QMX can now build from, but also reinvigorates the Bourlamaque region, where QMX plans to restart its exploration activities in 2019. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f574d488-0d3b-43fe-9cd7-81df39824818 Board Update QMX Gold is pleased to welcome Andrew Cheatle to the Board of Directors. Mr. Cheatle is a highly regarded exploration geologist and mining executive. Mr. Cheatle will replace Bruce Humphrey who has elected to step down from the Board of Directors effective immediately in order to pursue other opportunities. We would like to thank Mr. Humphrey for his valuable contribution throughout the significant restructuring QMX Gold underwent in 2016 and the restart of our exploration activities. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors. About QMX Gold Corporation QMX Gold Corporation is a Canadian based resource company traded on the TSX-V under the symbol QMX. The Company is systematically exploring its extensive property position in the Val dOr mining camp in the Abitibi District of Quebec. QMX is currently drilling in the Val dOr East portion of its land package focused on the Bonnefond plug and in and around the Bevcon Intrusive. In addition to its extensive land package QMX owns the strategically located Aurbel gold mill and tailings facility. Contact Information: Brad Humphrey Louis Baribeau President and CEO Public Relations Tel: (416) 861-5887 Tel: (514) 667-2304 Toll free: +1 877-717-3027 Email: info@qmxgold.ca Website: www.qmxgold.ca Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information: This press release contains or may be deemed to contain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding future plans, operations and activities, projected mineralization; the entering into of the custom milling agreement with Gowest; the specifications of the mill; the ability of the Company to generate revenue as a result of the custom million agreement; and the appointment and resignation of directors. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as plans, expects or does not expect, is expected, budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, intends, anticipates or does not anticipate, or believes, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company, its properties and/or its projects to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to those risks described in the disclosure documents of the Company filed under the Companys profile on SEDAR. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly. readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Sorare Entre dans le futur du foot : collectionne des cartes de foot et gagne de l'argent avec Sorare. Greeks are known to be philosophers and innovators greekreporter.com notes in the following article, adding that there is another side to the Greeks: the side where traditional beliefs, many of which are rooted in ancient times, overtake all sense of reason. Here are some of the funniest and weirdest Greek beliefs and traditions. 1. Sneezing prevents you from getting pregnant This isnt just some old wives tale, you see. Soranus, an ancient Greek physician, actually believed that women sneezing would act as a form of contraception, thus preventing pregnancy. Consequently, after making love, he instructed women to squat, sneeze, and rinse. 2. Ancient Greeces plan B If the sneezing method didnt do the trick, Soranus advised women to try plan B the next time around: rubbing cedar resin or honey over their genitals. For obvious reasons (like the fact that it was a mess, and, of course, that it didnt work), Greek women no longer follow such advice... 3. Magical sweat was a cure-all Ancient Greeks admired their athletes and saw them as celebrities of a sort. Not only were they revered, they were also thought to possess magical sweat. How it worked: The athletes all performed naked and rubbed with olive oil. The sweat which the expelled during competitions was considered to have magical healing powers. Slaves would scrape the sweaty skin of athletes after competitions. This sweat/oil mixture was called gloios. The gloios was in turn bottled and sold as an all-healing ointment for aches and pains. 4. There is evil in the air There is one ancient Greek superstition is totally interwoven into modern Greek society. Generations upon generations have passed down the belief of the evil eye, or mati. There is proof of the evil eye having influence in Greek society as far back as the 6th century BC, when it commonly appeared on drinking vessels. It is believed that someone can cast the evil eye onto another human out of envy (either good or bad) and jealousy. You are believed to be matiasmenos (hexed with the evil eye) if you are dizzy or if you have a headache and yawn a lot. The good news is that you can have the spell broken by someone who knows how to perform a special ritual involving oil, water and prayers. 5. Spitting for good luck Along with the ancient tradition and belief in the evil eye, another old practice still observed in Greece today is none other than spitting. In fact, spitting had a medical and superstitious place in primitive society, as ancient Greeks believed that problems with ones eyesight could be cured by rubbing the eyes with the spit of someone who had been fasting. Currently, Greeks still practice the ancient belief that spitting on someone is a way of diminishing any form of evil energy or presence. Its actually more of a sound effect than an expulsion of saliva, FTOO, FTOO, FTOO, so just be aware. Greeks apply the spitting superstition to weddings as well. If someone compliments the brides dress they must spit out ftoo three times to ward off any negative forces that might be at work. In fact, it is not uncommon to hear a chorus of ftoo, ftoo, ftoo! as the bride glides down the aisle. 6. Party island Mykonos is a breeding ground for vampires Prior to the Age of Enlightenment in the 18th century, there were creatures noted in Greek folklore that were considered to be dangerous. These walking dead creatures were called vrykolakes. As the legend goes, vrykolakes would leave their graves at night and knock at the doors of their presumptive victims, saying their names aloud. If there was no answer after the first knock, no harm came to the innocent. Nevertheless, if one was unfortunate enough to answer, they died after a few days and would then transform into a vrykolakes. Understandably, this is why until this day in numerous Greek villages there is a superstition that you should never answer the door on the first knock... Read more at thenationalherald.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: FocalPoint License: CC-BY-SA Most prospective buyers from China who are seeking to purchase property in Greece are motivated by the countrys warm climate, rich history, and culture of hospitality The recent real estate boom in Athens, precipitated by the thousands of Chinese citizens visiting Athens seeking out a bargain on property, was the focus of an extensive report published recently by Reuters. As reported by the international wire service, Chinese investors are seeking out houses and apartments worth more than 250,000 ($285,000). Chinese visitors, who are arriving in the Greek capital by the hundreds every week, are welcomed with open arms by the citys real estate agents. The aim of these prospective buyers is to take advantage of Greeces generous golden visa scheme, which allows non-EU nationals to attain a Greek residence permit if they invest more than 250,000 in Greek real estate. The acquisition of legal residency in Greece would permit Chinese investors to easily access the remaining 26 European Union states that are members of the Schengen area. After the financial collapse of 2009, Greek properties have lost about 40 percent of their value, making the Greek real estate market one of the most competitive in the EU. The Chinese investors are not only interested in Greeces generous golden visa program, nevertheless. As reported by Reuters, most prospective buyers from China who are seeking to purchase property in Greece are motivated by the countrys warm climate, rich history, and culture of hospitality. It is this strong interest in Athenian real estate on the part of Chinese buyers that has increased optimism of a turnaround in the local real estate market. Read more at thenationalherald.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: flickr.com Copyright: Rory Boon /Zscout370/SeNeKa 76 percent of Greeks noted that their nationality is defined by Christianity Greece has ranked fourth among 34 European countries in terms of the percentage of their populations that consider religion a key component of their national identity, according to a Pew Research Center poll carried out in 2015-17 and published on Monday. More specifically, 76 percent of Greeks noted that their nationality is defined by Christianity, behind Armenia (82 percent), Georgia (81 percent) and Serbia (78 percent). The contrast with Western Europe was intense , with most people in France and the United Kingdom saying they dont feel that religion is a major part of their national identity. In France and the UK, for example, most (65 percent in both countries) said it is not vital to be Christian to be truly French or truly British. The survey also highlighted a marked difference between Eastern and Western Europe with regard to sentiments on religion, with Greek views coinciding more with those held in countries that were once behind the Iron Curtain. An impressive 92 percent of Greek believe in the existence of God, ahead of the Russians (75 percent). On the other end of the scale, a mere 36 percent of Swedes said they believe in God. Greece and Latvia had the highest rate of those that believe in the evil eye, with each on 66 percent ahead of countries in Central and Eastern Europe such as Ukraine (60 percent), Armenia (59 percent), Moldova (57 percent), Russia (56 percent) and Bulgaria (55 percent) while only 9 percent of Swedes expressed the same belief. Another difference between East and West pertained to perception of cultural superiority over others, with Greece ranking first (89 percent), ahead of Armenia (84 percent) and Russia (69 percent). The survey recorded that Western Europeans hold humbler views when it comes to cultural superiority for example only 36 percent of the French and 45 percent of Germans believe so. Moreover, only 31 percent Greeks would accept a Muslim as a member of their family while 35 percent would accept a Jew. 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: Diliff License: CC-BY-SA Abu Dhabi Governments economic diversification plan will boost the stock of Dh108 billion ($29.4 billion) foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow into Abu Dhabi and the emirates Dh331.13 billion ($90 billion) foreign trade, according to the Statistics Centre of Abu Dhabi (SCAD). Officials at a press conference announced the details of the forthcoming Abu Dhabi Investment Conference that takes place at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec) on November 1. Held under the patronage of Abu Dhabi Investment Office (Adio) and organised by Dome Exhibitions, Abu Dhabi Investment Conference that runs in conjunction with the International Real Estate and Investment Show (IREIS) at Adnec will highlight the key economic growth areas. It will also focus on potential investment opportunities for foreign investors and financial institutions that will help boost the FDI inflow into the emirate of Abu Dhabi, which consists of a number of cities including Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain, Ruwais, Madinat Zayed, Mirfa and many other towns in the Western Region, known as Gharbia the largest base of oil and gas production. The three-day multi-faceted IREIS event will also host Citizenship by Investment (CBI) exhibition that highlights business immigration facilities across the world as well as highlight the real estate market trends, investment potential, real estate market policies and regulations, real estate trust fund, announcement of new investment opportunities. Abu Dhabi, which has a proven oil reserve of 92 billion barrels, will serve its economy for the next 93 years, as per the current production rate. The emirate, under the Vision 2030, is utilising its oil wealth to diversify economy to make it more sustainable by expanding downstream petrochemicals and associated industries, manufacturing, tourism, healthcare, aviation and financial services. A 37 per cent jump in average oil prices in 2018 is leading to a marked turnaround in external balances of the GCC countries and other Middle East and North African oil exporters, according to the Institute of International Finance (IIF). With oil prices hovering above $80 per barrel and poised to hit $100 within months, the combined current account surplus of the 10 Mena oil exporters is projected to rise by about $150 billion to $197 billion in 2018, IIF said in their Mena Economic Outlook report. For the GCC, the current account surplus will widen from $49 billion in 2017 to $188 billion in 2018, equivalent to 10 per cent of GDP. Financial soundness indicators suggest that the banking systems remain sound. Capital adequacy ratios exceed 16 per cent in the six GCC countries. These factors are good enough indicators of a robust economy and the huge current account surplus is expected to be invested in infrastructure and housing, that will create additional demand and investment and thus boost FDI inflow. Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) earlier this year announced investment of Dh165 billion into downstream petrochemical sector that will create 15,000 well-paid jobs in the new industrial cluster in Ruwais where a Chemical City is being developed. The UAE is expected to spend Dh400billion over the next five years in the downstream sector as well as in developing Abu Dhabi's gas reserves. Abu Dhabi Investment Office (Adio), the investment arm of the Abu Dhabi Government, will be announcing new investment opportunities at the Abu Dhabi Investment Conference in the wake of recent investor-friendly economic reforms and how to capitalise on the opportunities these reforms will bring. More than 200 senior officials and investment experts from public and private sectors will gather and brainstorm the future path of UAEs knowledge-based economy at the Abu Dhabi Investment Conference. The intelligent utilisation of the hydrocarbon resources will help create new downstream petrochemicals industries that will help set up hundreds of manufacturing and industrial units across the emirate, said Antoine Georges, managing director of Dome Exhibitions, at the press conference held at Adnec. Abu Dhabi currently manufactures aircraft components for Boeing and Airbus and we will soon see the emirate set up industries to manufacture and supply parts and components to the global automobiles industries, said Georges. Abu Dhabi Investment Conference will highlight the key investment opportunities in the growing economy of Abu Dhabi that is opening up key sectors for foreign investment. The conference takes place at the backdrop of massive investment announced by Abu Dhabi Government and major investment entities in recent months that is expected to boost FDI inflow into the emirate. Major international players are already exploring investment into key development and industrial areas such as Ruwais and Kizad that are attracting massive investment. Adnoc in May announced investment of Dh165 billion in downstream petrochemicals sector that will help create new industries and employment in the region. Earlier this year, Shaheen Chem Investment, owned by investors from the UAE and Oman, announced a new chemical complex with an investment of Dh4 billion ($1.1 billion) at Kizad. These investments reflect a new beginning for the industrialisation in Abu Dhabi and we are going to see an exciting time ahead for the economy of Abu Dhabi a sleeping giant that will change the economy of the Gulf region for the better, he added. International Real Estate and Investment Show (IREIS) that runs concurrently with the Abu Dhabi Investment Conference will see brisk sales and networking activities as sales of properties are permitted. IREIS brings leading local and foreign real estate developers, investors and agents under one roof will attract investors from various parts of the world. The show is expecting over 125 high-end exhibitors and more than 12,000 visitors. To give a greater value to the exhibitors and visitors, the associated events that will complement the main IREIS Abu Dhabi 2018 are International Real Estate Conference, Citizenship & Residency Expo and the Real Estate Developer - Agent Meet. TradeArabia News Service Eagle Hills, an Abu Dhabi-based private real estate investment and development company, has signed an agreement with Marriott International for The St Regis Tamuda Bay. Located in the stylish epicentre of Tamuda Bay on Morocco's northwestern coast, the hotel is slated to open in mid-2020. The property will be part of La Bahia Blanca, a landmark lifestyle resort development being built by Eagle Hills. The resort will exude Moroccan charm and pay tribute to the Andalusian cultural legacy through elevated design, exceptional service and unique food and beverage offerings. The rich heritage and cultural and historic legacy of Morocco has long been alluring to the luxury traveller. The St Regis Tamuda Bay represents an exciting moment for St Regis as the brand continues to grow globally in destinations welcoming a new generation of luxury travellers, said Alex Kyriakidis, president and managing director, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International. We are delighted to strengthen our relationship with Eagle Hills, and look forward to offering guests an unparalleled experience both befitting of the destination and true to the St. Regis legacy. Poised to become the citys best address, The St. Regis Tamuda Bay will offer easy access to one of the worlds most magnificent beaches. The hotel will include 100 luxuriously-appointed guestrooms and suites with unobstructed sea views and will feature hallmarks of the renowned brand, including the signature St. Regis Butler Service. The resorts sophisticated culinary offerings will include a specialty restaurant, an all-day dining restaurant featuring a wide range of gourmet selections, and an iconic St Regis Bar inspired by the King Cole Bar at the brands flagship in New York, where the world-renowned Bloody Mary cocktail was born in 1934. Leisure facilities will include a spa, pool, and state-of-the-art fitness centre. The St Regis Tamuda Bay will also offer unrivalled event and meeting spaces, an ideal setting for small and large-scale events. We are very excited to take our partnership with Marriott International to the next level with the St Regis legacy and the brands renowned bespoke service, said MHammed El Merini, general manager, Eagle Hills. The St Regis Tamuda Bay will set a new standard for service and sophistication in Morocco, and we look forward to welcoming guests to experience the resorts unrivalled luxury. La Bahia Blanca, which will be an exclusive lifestyle resort on the Moroccan coast, will combine luxury hospitality and a select number of beachfront residential villas with high-end leisure facilities including a beach, a park and a childrens play area. - TradeArabia News Service The winners of the Dubai Maritime Innovation Award were revealed in a special awarding ceremony held at Dubai Maritime Summit 2018, a high-level gathering of experts being staged during the UAE Maritime Week 2018. The award recipients consisting of national, regional, and international companies were honoured for their pioneering efforts to advance creativity and innovation in the local maritime sector. The attendees praised Dubais pioneering position as an incubator for innovation and creativity across all sectors, especially the maritime sector, which is an important and vital source of the global economy. Sultan Ahmad Bin Sulayem, chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation and chairman of Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA), said: We recognised the contributions of innovators and distinguished individuals to Dubai's steady rise on the global stage. Creativity and innovation play a key role in the local maritime communitys comprehensive growth, attractiveness, and competitiveness. Promoting them in the maritime industry is in response to the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who said, The UAE has adopted innovation as an institutional approach and a community culture, he said. We are pleased that the Dubai Maritime Summit hosted the Dubai Maritime Innovation Award once again. The contributions and initiatives of this years winners have further driven the sectors growth, development, and prosperity, using innovation and creativity as tools to achieve their objectives. We thank them for helping us steer Dubai and the UAE towards becoming the leading maritime centres in the world, he added. Bin Sulayem continued: We are proud of this year's edition of the awards, particularly in the move to recognise the efforts and exemplary leadership of Dr Engineer Abdullah Balheif Al Nuaimi, who has largely contributed to the continuing development of the UAE maritime industry. We are also grateful for the important role he played in the UAE's winning of Category B Membership in the International Maritime Organization Council a first-of-its-kind achievement in the Arab world, he added. The ceremony included the distribution of awards of appreciation for companies that included Bahri from Saudi Arabia, Clarksons Platou DMCC from the UK, Gulf Energy Maritime GEM from the UAE, LUKOIL Marine Lubricants (DMCC) from Russia, and Maersk from Denmark. Amer Ali, executive director, DMCA, said: We value the efforts directed towards promoting the sectors growth, development, and prosperity using innovation and creativity, which is aligned with our relentless efforts to achieve the objectives of Dubai Innovation Strategy to make the emirate among the most innovative cities in the world. The award reflects Dubai and its journey towards becoming an international centre for excellence and maritime innovation. We thank all the winners for their commitment to foster innovation, promote research and development, and enhance the local maritime communitys competitiveness, comprehensiveness and attractiveness, he added. The ongoing Dubai Maritime Summit 2018 will run until November 1. International Decision and policy makers, government officials, experts, and maritime leaders have gathered for the summit to discuss the latest industry developments and explore the most promising solutions and opportunities across Dubais maritime sector. Besides the summit, other ongoing events are the Maritime Future Leaders Seminar; the Emirates Maritime Arbitration Conference; the Sea Trade Middle East Maritime Exhibition, the largest maritime exhibition in the Middle East; the Maritime Innovation Day organised by the DMCA in cooperation with Det Norske Veritas GL (DNV GL); and the Overseas Conference organised by Clarksons Platou, it stated. TradeArabia News Service Oman has announced its intention to join TIR, a global customs transit system for moving goods across international borders. The pending ratification of the global standard for customs transit is now poised to transform the countrys road transport, intermodal and trade potential, bringing it ever closer to becoming a major global logistics hub, said a statement. With a view to achieving the Oman Logistics Strategy, next steps after ratification are to implement TIR in order to improve the countrys soft infrastructure, support mechanisms and institutions to facilitate trade. Omans strategic location, suggests huge potential for trade acceleration. Adopting the global standard also sends a strong signal to investors, increasing their confidence in transit and trade opportunities in Oman. Umberto de Pretto, secretary general of IRU, said: With the IRU World Congress in Muscat taking place next week, we share a common and certain conviction with our partners in Oman that modernising road transport services and harmonising the customs procedures will offer a powerful platform to address broader issues of regional trade development, sustainability and economic growth. The activation of TIR will see benefits of seamless cross-border connectivity, and with Bahrain looking to join the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) TIR network, Oman is set to play a strategic role in lifting regional trade prospects. IRU, the worlds road transport organisation, will work closely with the relevant Omani agencies to develop a digital TIR system that applies the latest technologies and is at the core of efforts to ensure a transparent and more efficient supply chain. Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Futaisi, Minister of Transport and Communication of Oman, said: There is no doubt that this step will improve transport services, and be a major contribution to achieving the National Logistics Strategy to facilitate sustainable trade activities and attract investment into Oman. GCC transport and trade prospects are taking centre stage at the 2018 IRU World Congress in Muscat next week, including a focus on new intermodal corridors that connect Africa, Asia and Europe via GCC countries using the TIR system. Bilateral trade between Arab countries is currently as low as 10 percent, presenting the opportunity now for TIR to be adopted by every country in the region to maximise its potential for facilitating trade. The selection of Oman to host the IRU World Congress highlights the countrys modern transport infrastructure, its geopolitical role in the Gulf region and beyond, and its ambitious vision for growth in trade and the logistics sector, makes it an ideal venue for engaging transport and trade leaders from around the world. TradeArabia News Service HRH Crown Prince and HRH the Premier at the Cabinet meeting Bahrain's cabinet yesterday (October 29) approved 100 per cent ownership of firms offering oil spill treatment services by foreign companies and investors. The approval was granted in the light of a memorandum submitted by the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, and based on a proposal by the Minister of Oil, said a Bahrain News Agency report. The Cabinet meeting was chaired by His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and attended by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier. The Cabinet also agreed to allow Thai nationals to carry out commercial activities by 100 per cent ownership in the Dragon City mall, based a proposal by the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism. The request, which was approved by the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, was submitted by the Diyar Al-Muharraq Company. Meanwhile, the Cabinet instructed all ministries and government departments to submit reports to the Ministerial Committee for Financial Affairs and Rationalisation of Expenditure on their achievements regarding their programmes to reduce in the short and medium terms. Constance Hotels & Resorts, the Mauritian group specialised in luxury hotels, has announced the launch of its new lifestyle brand "C Resorts". C Resorts will be a collection of vibrant, convivial, upper upscale lifestyle hotels aimed primarily at those travellers born between 1965 and 1982 - an age group who want to escape from the challenges of everyday existence. At C Resorts, they reconnect with their inner child and revive the true value of play in an environment that allows them to let go and relax. "C Resorts shares the same core values of excellence and inventiveness as Constance Hotels & Resorts but is the cool, younger sister, expressing its own personality through an atmosphere of fun and limitless creativity. We want it to be a place where guests can regain the free spirit of their youth and let go of their adult concerns, said Jean-Jacques Vallet, CEO of the group. The concept behind the brand, Natures Playground, combines two complementary forces: the beauty and simplicity of the natural surroundings with a lively and sociable atmosphere. This duality has resulted in the creation of 12 original guest experiences on offer the Cignatures that will differentiate a holiday at C Resorts. These include Cwing - grown-up swings scattered throughout the grounds; Cascade - a giant musical shower on the beach, Circuit - an outdoor fitness studio using equipment made from natural materials; C Trek - sociable group hikes; Club House - an activity centre on the beach with endless games and giant floating mattresses and Sessions by the C - party nights on the beach until the moonrise. Even the concept of room service will be turned on its head with the addition of Cpicerie a bustling deli and cafe in the heart of the resort where urban escapists can still order their barista coffees and freshly baked patisseries, taking it out on the beach or soaking up the buzz of the Cpicerie itself. The first hotel, C Mauritius, opening on the eastern coast of the island, will have a soft opening on December 15, and will be fully operational in March 2019. C Mauritius will embody the C Resorts concept and lifestyle and will be the prototype for all other new properties opening under this brand to follow. Constance aims to open two C Resorts each year over the next five years and is looking to expand the brand throughout the Indian Ocean, Africa and Southeast Asia. The French interior designer Marc Hertrich has worked on the design, alongside Indian Ocean based architect Marie Ange Kreitman Taylor and together they have created a warm ambience and stylish decor that combines comfort and style in a contemporary way. C Mauritius is located at Palmar and overlooks a beautiful lagoon and sandy beach. The hotel is currently undergoing extension works and will feature in total 116 rooms, three pools, three restaurants and a spa. The hotel will be run on a premium all-inclusive basis, further adding to the social and lively environment. - TradeArabia News Service OAKVILLE, Ontario, Oct. 30, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MADD Canada welcomes special guests to Halifax Police Headquarters on Thursday, November 1st for the launch of our annual Project Red Ribbon campaign to promote sober driving throughout the holidays. Running from November 1 to the beginning of January, Project Red Ribbon raises awareness about the risks of impaired driving and encourages motorists to always drive sober. The sober driving message is especially crucial in this, the first holiday season following the legalization of cannabis. Media are welcome to attend the national launch event: Date & Time: Thursday, November 1, 2018 at 10 a.m. Location: Halifax Regional Police Headquarters 1975 Gottingen St., Halifax, NS B3J 2H1 Special Guests: Mayor Mike Savage, Halifax Regional Municipality Halifax Regional Police Superintendent Don MacLean Chief Superintendent Marlene Snowman, RCMP Matt Conrad, Agency Manager, Allstate Insurance Company of Canada Mike MacMichael, Irving Oil Patricia Hynes-Coates, MADD Canada National President Photo opportunities: Traditional red ribbon cutting and tying of red ribbons on Irving Oil tanker and police cars. Absolute Charters tour bus wrapped in MADD Canada messaging. A sobriety checkpoint on Angus L. Macdonald Bridge following the official ceremony. Throughout the campaign, MADD Canada volunteers in communities across Canada distribute millions of red ribbons and red ribbon car decals to the public to use as a symbol of their commitment to always drive sober. The ribbons also serve as a powerful tribute to the thousands of Canadians killed and injured in crashes involving alcohol and/or drugs each year. To RSVP, please contact: Deb Kelly, Communications Manager, MADD Canada: Tel: 1-800-665-6233, ext. 240; E-mail: dkelly@madd.ca Oman Air has commenced its new daily direct service between Russia and Oman, with its first flight departing Muscat International Airport to Moscow Domodedovo Airport on October 30. The inaugural flight, WY 181 departed Muscat International Airport at 14:55 after a cake cutting ceremony. The flight arrived in Moscow at 19:55. With a flight time of 5 hours and 35 minutes, WY182 departs Moscow Domodedovo Airport at 00.20, arriving into the award-winning new passenger terminal at Muscat International Airport at 06.55 on October 31. Oman Airs official delegation to Moscow included its chief executive officer Engineer Abdulaziz Al Raisi and chief commercial officer Paul Starrs, and a number of its senior management team. Dmitry Dogadkin, the ambassador of Russia in Oman, also accompanied the delegation to Moscow. Upon arrival at Moscow Domodedovo Airport, the Oman Air delegation was received by top-ranking officials. Al Raisi said: I am pleased to announce the addition of a new long-awaited route to our network. Russia is an increasingly important destination from Oman, and since we announced this route earlier in the year, we have seen strong interest, both from Oman travellers and from customers transitting through our Muscat hub from cities around the world. Connecting Muscat with Moscow, we expect this daily service to further stimulate economic, trade and business relations between the two friendly countries." "Trade between Oman and Russia continues to rise and we are happy to be able to facilitate this further with the start of this service. Oman is turning into a very important regional logistics hub with world-class infrastructure and we are sure this is recognised by the business enterprises in Russia. Apart from strengthening and opening up new business opportunities between Russia and Oman, our flights will also open the gates for Russian tourists to come and enjoy our beautiful country, he said. This new route will be serviced by Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, designed to offer exceptional performance, flexibility and efficiency. Configured with 162 seats in a two-class configuration: 12 in business and 150 in economy with significant enhancements across both cabins the MAX aircraft is an example of Oman Airs commitment to continually upgrading its products and services to deliver guest satisfaction. Starrs said: Our new service will provide more choice and greater convenience as more travellers look to Russia for a holiday getaway. We have done a great deal of preparation before commencing this route through several niche events and agent meet-ups and I am confident that this new addition will be another successful destination for Oman Air. We are sure that there will be demand for both business and leisure traffic, allowing us to showcase our own beautiful country to Russian visitors. Our Russian guests will also be able to take advantage of our fantastic new passenger terminal in Muscat Airport which houses Oman Airs bespoke premium lounges, 6,000 square metres of Duty Free shopping, 96 check-in counters and a modern 90-room airside hotel. The new service between Moscow and Muscat is the airlines third route launched this year after Istanbul and Casablanca and is part of Oman Airs exciting fleet and network expansion programme, which will see the airline operate up to 70 aircraft to around 60 destinations by 2022. - TradeArabia News Service One of the more recent terms emerging from the kaleidoscope of colored economies (brown, black, orange) is the Blue Economy. While it may seem like following on the latest buzz of the development community, there are very tangible advantages for small islands to pivot their national development strategy towards the sustainable use of the ocean. In this 2-part blog series, we first introduce the concept and its advantages, then we discuss innovative financing mechanisms that can be used to direct investment to the sector. A 4-Point Policy Checklist for Diving Deeper into the Blue Economy The earths oceans have been described as the last economic frontier. Globally, ocean-based activities generated over US$1.5 trillion in economic output in 2010 and were directly responsible for over 31 million jobs, primarily in fisheries, tourism, off-shore oil and gas exploration and port activities. By 2030, on current trajectories, the oceans value added is expected to rise to US$3 trillion, and associated employment to over 40 million. However, the state of the worlds oceans and seas threatens these benefits. Climate change, pollution and overfishing pose significant threats to the sustainability of the oceans and the economic rents they could provide. For small island states where the oceans role as a source of subsistence and income is magnified, business as usual cannot continue. What can we do differently? How can Caribbean countries more effectively leverage their ocean and coastal assets for economic and social development, while protecting these assets? This is the topic of the research paper, Financing the Blue Economy: A Caribbean Development Opportunity, produced jointly by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Adopting a blue economy approach (in which the economic value of marine assets is maximised while the health of marine and coastal ecosystems is protected) could help usher in a new development paradigm for the Caribbean. The paper proposes four key sectors for highly targeted interventions over the coming years: fisheries and aquaculture, tourism, renewable marine energy, and marine transport. What does this imply in practice? And crucially, what can Caribbean policy-makers and the international community do to create an environment where the blue economy can thrive? Here are four ways: 1. Proactively manage coastal and marine resources The absence of a strong policy framework for managing coastal and ocean resources, and weak enforcement of existing legislation have hindered expansion of the blue economy. Smart, integrated coastal management considers the long-term sustainability of economic activities, ensuring that growth in one sector does not diminish the long-term viability of other sectors. Plans to grow the blue economy should involve strategies to protect the marine space and to tangibly share dividends with coastal communities. Grenada leads the region with its Blue Growth Coastal Master Plan and the associated Integrated Coastal Zone Management Policy. 2. De-Risk (climate-smart) blue investments In the blue economy space, challenges associated with small markets and infrastructural deficiencies are compounded by higher risks associated with investing in coastal and ocean assets that are directly threatened by environmental degradation and climate change. These lead to elevated financing costs. Policymakers can put in place a package of targeted public interventions to address risks and thereby reduce financing costs. These interventions include strategies to reduce risk (e.g. through better renewable energy policy design, institutional capacity building); strategies to transfer risk (e.g. through loan guarantees issued by public development banks); or strategies to compensate for risk (e.g. through price premiums). UNDPs Derisking Renewable Energy Investment framework assists policymakers to implement a different mix of policy and financial instruments so as to address renewable energy investment risks and cost-effectively achieve a risk-return profile that catalyses private sector investment at-scale. 3. Improve the ease of Doing Business in the Blue Economy On average, CDBs borrowing member countries rank 123 out of the 190 countries in the World Banks 2018 Ease of Doing Business Index. In many states, entrepreneurs have to contend with difficulties accessing credit, registering property, enforcing contracts, and realising cross-border trade, among other things. As in other economic sectors, this hampers economic diversification and also domestic and foreign investment in the blue economy. Implementing policies to improve the ease of establishing and operating businesses in the blue economy will be vital to simulate private sector-led growth, investment, and employment. Such policies may include reducing the cost and the administrative and legal processes for establishing and financing new businesses; introducing tax incentives for businesses that help to build coastal resilience; and liberalising certain markets (e.g., marine passenger transport). 4. Collaborate Regionally to Sustainably Exploit our Shared Space The Caribbeans ocean resources are shared and activities within one countrys exclusive economic zone can have significant impacts on the health and value of resources in the marine space of its neighbours. Both domestically and regionally, public rights of access and shared benefit of the coasts and oceans introduce another layer of complexity that needs to be addressed in countries blue economy development strategies. A regional approach is critical to develop a cohesive and effective strategy to sustainably exploit these resources. The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and World Bank are implementing a Caribbean Regional Ocean Policy to facilitate co-operation for transitioning to a blue economy. The CDB/UNDP paper also advocates for a regional policy approach to ensure maximum benefits are achieved and shared across the region. Beyond these policy strategies, one of the major difficulties rests in determining how to scale-up early investments in key blue economy sectors in a context in which fiscal space is severely constrained, public debt is elevated and aid resources are limited. Cash-strapped Caribbean governments still have to think creatively about how new investment can be catalysed, especially from the private sector, and how aid resources could be more strategically blended with private sector investment. Look out for part two of this blog, where we will delve more into financing strategies for blue economy initiatives. DALLAS, Oct. 30, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via OTC PR WIRE -- Alternet Systems, Inc. (USOTC: ALYI) (ALYI) today announced a new Electric Vehicles Motor Market 2018 Industry Research Report that management views as a validation of the companys electric vehicle strategy. The Industry includes a global forecast to 2024 with electric vehicle growth anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 20% through 2023. Alternet has recently announced 2018 revenue reaching $1 million in conjunction with current orders for ReVolt Electric Motorcyles. Goldman Small Cap Research recently issued an updated research report on ALYI. The report includes a 'speculative-buy' rating with a target price-per-share of $0.09. The report provides an in-depth overview and analysis of Alternet's new strategy, new orders, and upcoming milestones. To view the report, along with disclosures and disclaimers, visit https://www.alternetsystemsinc.com/research-rpt/ or http://www.GoldmanResearch.com. Management indicates that the company will engage Goldman to issue another update in the event the company reaches its first million in revenue by year end, 2018. Alternet Launches Hemp Supercapacitor Initiative Alternet recently announced engaging Clarkson University Professor David Mitlin as part of a new initiative to explore hemp-based technologies for energy storage. Professor Mitlin is a leading expert in electrochemistry and a pioneer in the use of hemp as a clean, renewable energy in the form of a supercapacitor. Supercapacitors are ideal components for electric vehicles and other high impact electric applications. Mitlin has successfully used hemp bast - the fiber left over from processing hemp - to construct carbon nanosheets that compete with, and in some respects, outperform the supercapacitor performance derived from graphene nanosheets. About Alternet Systems, Inc.: Alternet Systems, Inc. (OTC - ALYI) is focused on offering varied, environmentally sustainable, energy storage solutions for targeted markets, including consumer electric vehicles and military applications. The first product category is lithium battery-powered motorcycles, to be followed by motorbikes. These products are released through its newly launched ReVolt Electric Motorbikes subsidiary. http://www.AlternetSystemsInc.com Learn more about ReVolt Electric Motorbikes: http://www.revoltmotorbikes.com Disclaimer/Safe Harbor: This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Litigation Reform Act. The statements reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events that involve risks and uncertainties. Among others, these risks include the expectation that any of the companies mentioned herein will achieve significant sales, the failure to meet schedule or performance requirements of the companies' contracts, the companies' liquidity position, the companies' ability to obtain new contracts, the emergence of competitors with greater financial resources and the impact of competitive pricing. In the light of these uncertainties, the forward-looking events referred to in this release might not occur. Contact: Alternet Systems, Inc. Randell Torno info@lithiumip.com +1-800-713-0297 English French THIS PRESS RELEASE IS INTENDED FOR DISTRIBUTION IN CANADA ONLY AND IS NOT AUTHORIZED FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES BY PRESS AGENCIES OR FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES. LAVAL, Quebec, Oct. 30, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AXE EXPLORATION INC. (the "Corporation") announces that it will make a rights offering (the "Rights") to each of its holders of common shares (the "Common Shares") registered as at October 25, 2018 at closing of the registry ("Closing Date"), on the basis of one (1) Right for each Common Share held by the Shareholders of the Corporation, 1 to 1 (the "Rights Offering"). Each Right entitles the holder thereof to subscribe to one (1) Common Share upon payment of the subscription price of $ 0.04 per Common Share ($ 0.64 per consolidated Common Share upon the closing of the transaction and the consolidation announced July 24, 2018). The Rights will be transferable but will not trade on any stock exchange. The Rights Offering and the exercise period of the Rights by the Shareholders will begin on November 28, 2018 and end on February 26, 2019, 17:00 p.m. at which time the Rights will expire (the "Expiry Time"). Rights that have not been exercised before the Expiry Time will be null and void. Shareholders who exercise all of their Rights will not be entitled to subscribe for additional Common Shares that have not been subscribed by other holders of Rights prior to the Expiry Time. All details of the Rights Offering will be set out in the Rights Offering Circular and the Rights Offering Notice which will be filed under the Corporation's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The Rights Offering Notice and its related Rights certificate will be mailed to each registered Shareholder that is a resident of Canada on the Closing Date. Registered Shareholders wishing to exercise their Rights will be required to complete and send the Rights Certificate, together with the applicable payment, to Computershare Investors Services Inc. who will act as Rights issue agent for the Offering of Rights, by the Expiry Time, at the very latest. Shareholders who hold their Common Shares through a broker, portfolio advisor, bank or trust company will receive relevant documentation and instructions from their intermediary. The Corporation will not issue Rights to Shareholders resident in any jurisdiction outside of Canada (the "Ineligible Holders") unless such Shareholder can demonstrate that it has a prospectus exemption under the applicable legislation in the Shareholders jurisdiction of residence. The Corporation has not retained the services of any party to solicit subscriptions for its Common Shares under the Rights Offering. The Corporation currently has 62,932,645 Common Shares issued and outstanding. If all Rights issued under the Rights Offering are validly exercised, the gross proceeds of the Rights Offering will be $ 2,517,306. The Corporation intends to use the net proceeds of the Rights Offering for its working capital. Debt settlement Under a management agreement and a consulting agreement entered into in October 2007 and January 2011 respectively among the Corporation and Ressources Lutsvisky Inc. ("Lutsvisky), Lutsvisky is entitled to receive an amount of $361,300 in the event of their unilateral termination by the Corporation. Lutsvisky is a privately held corporation wholly owned by David McDonald who is also President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of the Corporation. The Corporation announces having agreed that it will pay to Lutsvisky (after a reduction and renunciation of $86,300) an aggregate amount of $ 275,000 in payment of debts payable in Common Shares at a deemed price of $ 0.05 per Common Share. A number of 5,500,000 Common Shares is therefore linked to this debt settlement. Common Shares will be subject to a statutory four-month hold period. Neither the CSE, the TSX Venture Exchange/NEX nor their regulation services providers (as that term is defined in their respective policies) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. This news release may contain forward-looking information. 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 these statements. For further information, please contact: GLO.ACT partners hold meeting with the European Union Vientiane, Lao PDR - 30 October 2018 - Partner agencies of the Global Action against Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants ( GLO.ACT) held their quarterly interagency meeting with the European Union (EU), on 12 October 2018. GLO.ACT implementing agencies, including UNODC and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), met with Mr. Francois Pravongviengkham, Political Affairs Officer of the EU Delegation to Lao PDR. While the third GLO.ACT partner, United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), was unable to attend the meeting, updates were submitted on their behalf. These quarterly meetings are an opportunity for GLO.ACT partners to share updates on individual project activities and discuss current challenges, while also providing a forum to emphasize EU priorities associated with project implementation and the commemoration of the coming EU Anti-Trafficking Day on Oct 18 each year. IOM National Project Officer, Ms. Sourivonexay Phrommala began the meeting by providing developments on the recent success of IOM's first GLO.ACT activity on the National Referral Mechanism (NRM). This initiative aimed to develop a set of Standard Operating Procedures to improve coordination among government and NGO organizations and provide stronger support for victims of trafficking. Held at the end of September, the Consultation Workshop on the NRM brought together multiple counterparts including the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Village Focus International (VFI), United Nations Action for Cooperation Against Trafficking in Persons (UN-ACT), Lao Women's Union (LWU), the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (MoLSW), and members from Thailand's Social Work Section. The latter counterpart engaged workshop participants in Thailand's referral mechanism by sharing her experience in Thai shelters, generating various questions and discussions which will help in the development of Lao PDR's NRM. Ms. Phrommala indicated the NRM will now undergo several internal reviews with the LWU before it is expected to be completed in the beginning of the New Year. Ms. Siliphaithoun Xayamoungkhoun, National Project Officer for UNODC, reported on UNODC's recently completed GLO.ACT activities. Focusing on strengthening criminal justice responses to Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and Smuggling of Migrants (SOM), these activities included a consultation meeting on the role of lawyers in human trafficking proceedings, and a corresponding three-day capacity building training on TIP and SOM for those working directly in the field of protection and justice. In addition, Ms. Xayamoungkhoun highlighted three upcoming GLO.ACT activities that are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2018. These initiatives consist of a consultation meeting with government counterparts to provide assistance in coordinating TIP and SOM data collection, to help establish a concrete channel of data sharing and emphasize the connection of TIP and SOM data for prevention activities. A 3-day workshop will also be held to review, revise, and endorse the draft "Investigating Sexual Exploitation of Children Manual," and develop a training module to be used at the technical level early next year. Finally, UNODC will coordinate a 3-day study tour to Thailand for Lao government and development partners to learn about the situation of Lao victims of trafficking and migrants in the Thai legal system, and to strengthen existing cooperation mechanisms. While Ms. Souphavone Dalavong, the National Project Officer for UNICEF, was unable to attend the meeting, she was able to share UNICEF updates on GLO.ACT initiatives in writing. These included updates on the counselling training being provided to the Lao Women's Union team in Salavanh Province; the Victim Identification Training for the Provincial Anti-Trafficking Unit of Savanhnaket; and the prevention campaign in hot spot villages of Vientiane, Bolikhamxay and Xiengkhaong Province, together with the Para Social Worker training to the Provincial Social Welfare Office in Xiengkhouang Province. The next interagency cooperation and coordination meeting will take place at the beginning of the New Year. 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. More information about GLO.ACT is available here. For more information, please contact: Ms. Siliphaithoun Xayamoungkhoun GLO.ACT National Project Officer Email: siliphaithoun.xayamoungkhoun@un.org Website: www.unodc.org/unodc/en/human-trafficking/glo-act/ Email: glo.act@un.org Twitter: @glo_act Students in the UTSA Department of Educational Psychology collaborate on a project. (Oct. 30, 2018) -- Current UTSA graduate students, as well as practicing professionals, are now able to develop skills in program evaluation through a new graduate certificate program in the UTSA College of Education and Human Developments Department of Educational Psychology (EDP). The Graduate Certificate in Program Evaluation, which began this fall, is designed to help graduate students and professionals develop foundational skills in research methods and program evaluation and assessment. The 15-hour program, led by co-coordinators Drs. Michael Karcher and Guan Saw, provides practical experience collecting and analyzing data, and is aligned with the American Evaluation Associations Program Evaluation Standards and Guiding Principles. This is a cross-disciplinary program with a focus on the core knowledge and skills of evaluation, said Saw, EDP assistant professor. We currently have students enrolled in the program from different departments across the college, including the Departments of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, Bicultural-Bilingual Studies, and Educational Psychology. Current degree-seeking students can apply to waive two foundational courses with courses that they have already taken in their respective degree programs. These students would be able to complete the graduate certificate program in as little as nine hours by taking two core courses and one practicum course on program evaluation. The program is open to all graduate students in education, psychology, public policy and administration, sociology, and social work, as well as practicing professionals in the community. In all of these fields, there is a high demand for professionals who have an understanding of evaluation and data analysis, said Dr. Jeremy Sullivan, EDP department chair. STEM Professionals Meet UW Students in Speed Mentoring Event Mentor Rhiannan Rubino, left, a physical therapist with the Spine and Injury Clinic of Laramie, meets with students Sarah Rich, from Powell, and Hunter Hasskamp, of Casper, during the UW STEM speed mentoring event on campus. (Annie Bergman Photo) University of Wyoming undergraduates received firsthand guidance from 25 professionals in a variety of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) disciplines during the UW STEM speed mentoring event Thursday, Oct. 25, on the UW campus. The event was aimed at undergraduate students who are involved in STEM research and was sponsored by the UW Science Initiative, the Wyoming IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence, Wyoming NASA Space Grant Consortium, McNair Scholars Program, the College of Engineering and Applied Science, and the Honors College. The speed mentoring format is based on speed dating, with undergraduate research students meeting with mentors in short nine-minute rounds, and then rotating to talk with new mentors. Speed mentoring was followed by a dinner at which Ed Synakowski, UWs vice president for research and economic development, spoke to the audience of students and mentors. He was the evenings keynote speaker. The Science Initiatives Wyoming Research Scholars Program (WRSP) held our first speed mentoring event in March. We received a lot of positive feedback, and suggestions to expand it. So, this fall, we partnered with other undergraduate research programs on campus to hold a larger event, with many more students and mentors, says WRSP Director Jamie Crait, who credited the UW Foundation for helping launch the idea. This is a unique opportunity for groups and professionals across campus and the state to come together to strengthen our learning community and inspire the next generation of STEM professionals, says Teddi Freedman, the K-14 project coordinator in the UW College of Engineering and Applied Science. We are grateful for our participating mentors and the enthusiasm they share to connect and support our students. STEM speed mentoring events and similar professional development opportunities provide insights and information for students as they transition from college to STEM careers, helping them to be successful, says Shawna McBride, senior research scientist in the UW Department of Physics and Astronomy and with the Wyoming NASA Space Grant Consortium. These types of programs and support are especially important for women in STEM, so that they can picture themselves in these fields and feel confident going into a STEM career, she adds. Meeting and interacting with female role models and mentors -- professional women in STEM fields -- provide examples of women succeeding in these fields, and that is a powerful connection. To view a complete biography of each UW professional in the speed mentoring event, visit www.uwyo.edu/wrsp/_files/mentoring-program-f2018.pdf. The professionals who met with the WRSP students were: -- Amy Allen, director of engineering for the city of Cheyenne and president of the Wyoming Engineering Society. -- Christina Barrineau, an aquatic habitat biologist with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, leading river restoration projects. -- Aviva Braun, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Cheyenne, specializing in fire weather. -- Katie Cheesbrough, a habitat biologist for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, working closely with both the Baggs and Platte Valley mule deer initiatives. -- Kristin Di Bona, the co-founder of Wyonics LLC, focused on developing sustainable technologies. -- Bob Grieve, a member of the Science Initiative Task Force, overseeing the Wyoming Research Scholars Program. -- Michelle Hilaire, associate dean of students in the College of Health Sciences and chair of pharmacy practice. -- Paul Johnson, a former professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. -- Lyman McDonald, co-founder and senior biometrician with Western EcoSystems Technology Inc. The firm oversees rangewide aerial surveys of the lesser prairie chicken population sizes in five states. -- Ivy McLeod, who works at the NASA Johnson Space Center as a flight controller for the International Space Station. -- Cheryl Eddy Miller, the U.S. Geological Survey Wyoming-Montana Water Science Centers communications specialist and outreach coordinator. -- Kara Nazminia, a third-year pharmacy student and the president of her pharmacy class, working as an intern at the Cheyenne Veterans Administration Medical Center. -- Gregory Nickerson, a writer and filmmaker for the Wyoming Migration Initiative at UW, who educates the public about big-game migration research. -- Andy Ommen, the quality control manager for the MilliporeSigma site in Laramie. -- Kennan Oyen, a physiological ecologist and founder of IoTherm. -- Lorna Pehl, the director of systems engineering at Metrohm Raman in Laramie, which produces spectrometers. -- Erin Radosevich, a structural engineer and project manager for Malone Belton Abel. -- Tammy Reed, the business unit manager for the infrastructure and water/wastewater department at Trihydro Corp. -- Rhiannan Rubino, a physical therapist at the Spine and Injury Clinic of Laramie. -- Steve Russell, the assistant dean of the College of Business. -- Ed Synakowski, the vice president for research and economic development at UW. -- Mikey Tabak, who works for the U.S. Department of Agriculture researching the risk associated with invasive wild pigs in North America. -- Kurt Tuggle, a UW graduate in civil engineering who serves as executive vice president and chief operations officer with Trihydro. -- Eileen Vandergrift, who maintains a private practice in individual psychotherapy and developed a grief program in Colorado. -- Mark Wefel, a family medicine physician at Family Physicians of Laramie. For more about the speed mentoring event, call Crait at (307) 766-6310 or email craitj@uwyo.edu. UW in the News State, national and international media frequently feature the University of Wyoming and members of its community in stories. Here is a summary of some of the recent articles: The BBC interviewed several UW personnel for an article, titled Matthew Shepard: The Murder that Changed America. UW research suggests that migrating animals avoid human disturbance, which could be a detriment to their nutritional needs, according to EurekAlert! The research was led by Assistant Professor Kevin Monteith in UWs Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources. To read UWs release, click here. Online Schools Report ranks UWs online business administration bachelors degree program as the 13th best in the nation based on, among part of the criteria, the quality of the program judged, in part, by student engagement and faculty credentials. Ray Reutzel, UW College of Education dean, told The Casper Star-Tribune (CS-T) that fewer teachers graduating from the university is a warning sign of a looming teaching shortage for the state. K2 Radio published the Associated Press version of the CS-T piece. The CS-T reported that a poll conducted by the Wyoming Survey and Analysis Center at UW indicates that nearly half of Wyomingites now support recreational marijuana use. High Times, Cannabis Business Executive and New York Dispensaries published similar articles. A Japanese consulting firm hired by the UW School of Energy Resources is studying the Japanese coal market as the countrys power companies look for cleaner sources of coal and the Powder River Basin can fill that need, according to Steel Guru. Womens Health cited a UW study that looked at college-level wrestlers whose power and flexibility increased after completing dynamic stretching warm-up routines prior to workouts. The article is titled Mobility Versus Flexibility: Whats The Most Important? Thomas Foulke, a UW agricultural economist research scientist, oversees a pilot project to grow some of the worlds oldest strains of grain, which helps local food producers, particularly breweries, to add to their repertoire of brews, noted The New Food Economy for an article detailing the emerging craft beer industry in Wyoming. Wyoming Public Media noted that UW and state partners are teaming up to share data that will reveal what helps and hinders students on their journey through Wyomings education system. County 10 also published a similar article on its website. UW Faculty Senate members voted in favor of changing a UW regulation that would force all professors to give straight letter grades and not using a plus/minus grade, reported The Laramie Boomerang. The Boomerang also noted that a recently released strategic plan specific to the Office of Academic Affairs sets a goal of increasing overall graduate and professional program enrollment in the future. Among UW releases published on Sheridan Medias website are: the Landscape Discussion on Energy Law and Policy in the Rockies at UW last week; UWs research highlighting the first-ever atlas of ungulate migration in the region; the Wyoming Research Scholars Program pairs UW mentors with students; UW spin-out company GlycoBac LLC recently partnered with a company to offer a rhabdovirus-free insect platform for viral vaccines and gene therapy development; the Fisher Innovation Launchpad winners were named; and results of a poll from UWs Ruckelshaus Institute of Environment and Natural Resources indicate that Wyoming residents favor conservation efforts in the state. Montana Untamed also published UWs research highlighting the first-ever atlas of ungulate migration in the region. Chad Baldwin, UW communications and marketing associate vice president, told Sheridan Media that more work is needed to both encourage reporting and to reduce the incidence of sexual assault on the UW campus. The Boomerang noted that UW officials are focusing strategies to offer more dining options away from Washakie Dining Center to other locations on campus. Chris Nicholson, director of Water Resource Data Systems and the Wyoming State Climate Office, located at UW, told The Newcastle Letter Journal that the town is no longer categorized as being in drought conditions, unlike other parts of Weston County. The Boomerang featured the Bronze Boot Run involving UW ROTC members last week. Austin, Texas, Oct. 30, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Austin-based Legacy International, a full-service sales and marketing partner for resort-style, master planned communities globally, today announced it has promoted Mandy van Streepen to be its first Chief Operating Officer. Philip Jalufka, CEO, founded Legacy International over 10 years ago with a mission to provide world-class sales and marketing solutions for residential developers around the world and has grown his company into the nationally recognized powerhouse that it is today. The success of Legacy International caught the attention of a prominent investor who commissioned Jalufka to exclusively oversee his real estate sales for his investment portfolio, steadily pursuing and acquiring new positions. This ambitious venture led to the creation of Legacy Performance Capital (LPC), an asset management and opportunity fund acquiring various real estate investment assets throughout the nation and beyond. Jalufka is passionate about finding opportunities for his team to grow and advance their careers within the Legacy platform. With a new focus on the establishment of Legacy Performance Capital he took the largest step in Legacys 10-year history and created an executive-level position for Mandy van Streepen to lead full operations of Legacy International. Mandy is a perfect fit for the COO position, said Jalufka. Over the past three years, we have been impressed by her commitment, focus and work ethic. She demands and delivers nothing less than world-class performance. She is passionate about people and relationships, an excellent strategist, and creating procedures to ensure goals are met. Thats a rare combination of talents. As Legacy Internationals COO, van Streepen will support all levels of the Legacy senior leadership in the companys daily operations. The four pillars of Legacy International revolve around people, training, strategy, and accountability. Mandy will focus on growing and enhancing the Legacy sales team, assessing the companys current position, setting goals for the coming year, and implementing innovative programs and strategies to achieve robust sales activities. That includes being more accountable to Legacys developers and pivoting when needed to meet the needs and demands of each client. A native of South Africa, in pursuit of her American Dream, Mandy moved to the United States and served as Director of Marketing for Legacy Internationals McCombs Properties Portfolio backed by Texas billionaire Red McCombs. For the past three years, she has been the driving force behind launching the McCombs Properties brand and setting and achieving the portfolios goals. In this role, she used her extensive marketing, operations and project management experience, working with the sales teams, marketing companies, developers, builders and various vendors. Its all about creating opportunities for the excellent team we have said van Streepen. My signature initiative is to expand on our established Boot Camp and Professional Selling System by growing the Training Innovation Program. Well also identify where we need to add the most talented, dedicated people for the Legacy leadership, sales and operations team. Legacy International is focused on growing and disrupting the industry, said Jalufka. Our three main goals are people, people and people. We want to change lives by helping our team members and homeowners reach their greatest. Philip graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and proudly served his country as a commissioned, special operations aviation officer. The support for our nations heroes runs deep within the culture of Legacy and is tangibly demonstrated through generous contributions to the Wounded Warrior Project and Heroes for Freedom Foundation. Over the past few years, Mandy has been highly effective in helping us enhance and enrich the lives of our employees and philanthropic partners, Jalufka stated. Legacy is privileged to have an influential woman of Mandys caliber leading the organization and she will be even more impactful as COO. ### About Legacy International Legacy provides custom real estate solutions for active adult, metropolitan, luxury resort and residential developments with a suite of services including world-class consulting, sales knowledge, marketing expertise and brokerage operations for master planned developers. The Legacy portfolio includes over 50 projects with 23 teams deployed, generating $1 billion in listings and 60 percent growth year over year. Legacys single objective is to maximize the return on investment to the developer through strategic management of the comprehensive sales and marketing process. With a center of gravity in Texas, Legacy has sales and marketing teams deployed in Arizona, Florida and throughout the Americas. A number of new developments will be breaking ground across the nation in 2019. To learn more visit www.legacyirp.com or call 512.266.9311. About Legacy Performance Capital A passionate real estate team with decades of experience in residential, resort and multi-family development has identified a pipeline of diverse opportunities. This team provides a full suite of functional area services with a systems-based platform, alongside industry leading strategic partners. To capitalize on these innovative real estate opportunities, team leadership organizes an asset management and opportunity fund, with a significant business development, working capital and acquisitions investment. This capital, known as Legacy Performance Capital (LPC), will resource various real estate ventures achieving optimum return rates. With a center of gravity in Texas and an active presence through the United States and the Americas, this will create new and enhanced opportunities for the Team and future owners while maximizing profit for the investment partners. To learn more visit www.legacyperformancecapital.com or call 512.266.9311. Attachments PORTLAND, Ore., Oct. 30, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Golden Leaf Holdings Ltd. (Golden Leaf or the Company) (CSE:GLH) (OTCQB:GLDFF), a cannabis company with cultivation, production and retail operations built around recognized brands, today announced that it received its cultivation license from the Oregon Liquor Control Commission OLCC for its much anticipated Bald Peak facility in Oregon. Construction of the facility is substantially complete, with the build-out of an adjacent shop and nursery scheduled for completion by the end of Q1-2019 and Q2-2019 respectively. Located in the heart of Oregons wine country, up in the Chelahem Mountains, this premier facility has 10,000 sq.ft of flowering canopy space with an estimated annual yield of 2,000 Lbs of cannabis flower. Transfer of plant stock will commence in early November and the Company expects its first harvest by the third quarter of 2019, at which time it will be at full flowering capacity. At over 1,600 ft elevation, this expertly designed and superb location offers seclusion from urban and farm pollution, has abundant airflow and sunshine with high water quality, and is above the valley fog line. The facility has high levels of automation, monitoring and control, inspired by a mix of best practice and proprietary cultivation methods that help prevent cross contamination with minimal labor and maximum efficiency. Chief Executive Officer, William Simpson said, I am delighted with the opening of Bald Peak. Given its location, the facility is purpose-built to house our unique hand-picked strains, which I personally oversaw and which were curated and preserved for over a decade. With the expertise of our Director of Cultivation, we will be able to produce consistent top-quality A-grade cannabis featuring premium strains that will principally be available at our 6 premier Chalice Farms stores. Being true to our strategy, we are fulfilling our seed-to-sale philosophy of being able to offer our craft, small-batch offering of Chalice-branded flower in our retail stores, complementing the top-quality cannabis we already buy from other premier Oregon farms. This completes a significant portion of our infrastructure goals in Oregon with boutique cultivation southwest of Portland, a top-quality edibles and extractions facility in the City of Portland, and our award-winning Chalice Farms stores in and around the Portland metro area. Flower from this cultivation facility will help improve our retail margins in Oregon. We remain focused on advancing this strategy in major US jurisdictions as well as Canada. Its about building our trusted brands and offering safe, high-quality products, as well as educating our customers about cannabis. To be added to the distribution list please email ir@goldenxtrx.com with GLH in the subject line. About Golden Leaf Holdings Golden Leaf Holdings Ltd. is a Canadian company with operations in multiple jurisdictions including Oregon, Nevada and Canada, with cultivation, production and retail operations built around recognized brands. Golden Leaf distributes its products through its branded Chalice Farms retail dispensaries, as well as through third-party dispensaries. Golden Leafs cannabis retail operations and products are designed with the customer in mind, focused on superlative in-store experience and quality products. Visit goldenleafholdings.com to learn more. Investor Relations: Craig Eastwood Chief Financial Officer Golden Leaf Holdings Ltd. 503-201-0659 ir@goldenxtrx.com Media Relations: Anne Donohoe / Nick Opich KCSA Strategic Communications adonohoe@kcsa.com / nopich @kcsa.com 212-896-1265 / 212-896-1206 Disclaimer: This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the Companys future business operations, the establishment of, and the future scope and scale of, the Chalice Farms retail system, the level of funding needed to establish the Chalice Farms franchise model, that the Chalice Farms franchise model will be successful and generate positive cash flows, the opinions or beliefs of management and future business goals. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to general business, economic and competitive uncertainties, regulatory risks including risks related to the expected timing of the Companys participation in the adult use market, market risks, risks inherent in manufacturing operations, difficulties of establishing a successful franchise model and other risks of the cannabis industry. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is provided herein for the purpose of presenting information about managements current expectations relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purpose. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. This press release does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States, and such securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration or an exemption from registration. On 22 October, the President of the Palestine Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, went on an official visit to Oman. His visit was hot on the heels of that of the Israeli Head of State, Benjamin Netanyahu, who visited just four days before. Oman didnt used to have diplomatic relations with Israel. Mr Netanyahus visit had been kept a secret. Inflicted by an aggressive cancer, Sultan Qabous has been very seriously ill for three years. It was on account of these visits that he made his first public appearances. On October 27, Yusuf bin Alawi, Omans Minister for Foreign Affairs of Oman, (photo), participating in the interviews at Manama (Bahrain), called on the other Arab leaders to acknowledge what was going down on the ground and to recognize that Israel was a state. Bahrains Sovereign, King Hamed ben Issa Al Khalifa, endorsed Alawys position. The following day, Sultan Qabous sent a delegation to Ramallah (Palestine), to deliver a letter to President Abbas. It seems that this diplomatic agitation bears some connection with a possible Saudi initiative linked to the White Houses Peace Plan. The visit of Chinese vice-president Wang Qishan to Israel, Palestine, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates is aimed at developing the New Silk Road . In the autumn of 2013, China made public its project for the creation of maritime and especially terrestrial communication routes across the world. It unblocked colossal sums of money and began to realise its plan at a rapid rate. The main axes will cross either Asia or Russia towards Western Europe. But it is also planning routes across Africa and Latin America. The obstacles to the New Silk Road The project is going to meet two obstacles, one of them economic, the other strategic. From the Chinese point of view, this project is aimed at exporting its products according to the model of the ancient Silk Road which, from the 2nd to the 15th century, linked China to Europe via the Ferghana Valley, Iran and Syria. At the time, this concerned transporting products from town to town, so that at each stage they were exchanged for other goods according to the needs of the local merchants. However, today, on the contrary, China hopes to sell directly to Europe and the world. But their products are no longer exotic wares (silks, spices, etc.) but identical to those of the Europeans, and often of superior quality. The commercial route has been transformed into a super-highway. While Marco Polo was dazzled by the silks from the Far East without their equivalent in Italy, Angela Merkel is terrified at the idea of seeing her automobile industry destroyed by her Chinese competitors. The developed countries are therefore going to have to do business with Beijing, and at the same time, protect their industries from economic shock. By massively exporting its production, China will take over the commercial place that the United Kingdom - at first alone, then with the United States - has occupied since the industrial revolution. It was specifically to maintain this supremacy that Churchill and Roosevelt signed the Atlantic Charter and the United States engaged in the Second World War. It is therefore probable that the Anglo-Saxons will not hesitate to employ military force in order to hinder the Chinese project [1], just as they did in 1941 when faced with the German and Japanese projects. Already in 2013, the Pentagon published the Wright plan, which programmed the creation of a new state straddling Iraq and Syria in order to cut the Silk Road between Baghdad and Damascus. This mission was carried out by Daesh - China therefore modified the layout of its route. Beijing finally decided to build the route through Egypt, and invested in the doubling of the Suez Canal and the creation of a vast industrial zone 120 kilometres from Cairo [2]. Similarly, the Pentagon organised a colour revolution in Ukraine in order to cut the European route, and stirred up trouble in Nicaragua in order to prevent the construction of a new canal linking the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Despite the unprecedented importance of Chinese investment in the New Silk Road, we have to remember that in the 15th century, China launched a formidable navy in order to secure its markets. Admiral Zheng He, the eunuch with three gems , fought the pirates of Sri Lanka,built pagodas in Ethiopia and made the pilgrimage to Mecca. Notwithstanding, on his return, for reasons of interior politics, the Emperor abandoned the Silk Road and burned his ships. China then withdrew into itself. So we should not imagine that, from the Chinese point of view, the current project is a pre-ordained success. In the recent past, China invested in the Middle East with the sole idea of ensuring its supply of oil. It built refineries in Iraq which were inconveniently destroyed either by Daesh or by the Western Forces who were pretending to combat the Islamists. Beijing also became the main buyer of Saudi Arabias black gold . It also constructed in the Kingdom the gigantic oil complex of Yasref-Yanbu for 10 billion dollars. Israel and the New Silk Road The links between Israel and China date from the mandate of Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, whose parents had fled the Nazis in order to settle in Shanghai. Benjamin Netanyahus predecessor had tried to establish strong relations with Beijing, but his efforts were nullified by his support for one of the Somali pirate groups tasked by Washington with disturbing Russian and Chinese maritime traffic at the exit of the Red Sea [3]. A scandal was avoided by inches. China was authorised to establish a naval base in Djibouti, and Ehud Olmert was excluded from political life. China has been negotiating a free-trade treaty with Israel since 2016. In this context, the Shanghai International Port Group has bought the concession for the exploitation of the ports of Haifa and Ashdod, so that by 2021,China will control 90 % of Israeli commercial exchanges. Bright Food has already acquired 56 % of the Tnuva kibbutzim cooperative, and could increase its participation, so that China would control most of the Israeli agricultural market. The founder of the on-line store Ali Baba , Jack Ma, who came to Tel-Aviv as part of the official Chinese delegation, did not hide his intention to buy up a number of Israeli start-ups in order to recuperate their high technology. Armament is the only important sector of the Israeli economy still preserved from the Chinese appetite. In September, with the aid of the US Hudson Institute, professor Shaul Horev organised a conference at Haifa university in order to alert the Pentagons general staff to the consequences of Chinese investment. In particular, the speakers emphasised that these contracts exposed the country to the risk of intensive spying, making it difficult to exploit the port for its nuclear missile-launching submarines, as well as its links with the US 6th Fleet. The ex-director of Mossad, Ephraim Halevy, known for his proximity to the United States, pointed out that the National Security Council had never deliberated on these investments, but that the decision had been made solely for reasons of commercial opportunity. This raises the question of whether or not Washington had authorised the rapprochement between Tel-Aviv and Beijing. We should make no mistake about the reasons which allowed China to implant a military base in Djibouti, and it seems unlikely that Beijing concluded a secret agreement with Washington for the layout of this new Silk Road. Certainly, the United States will not be too worried about an economic collapse of the European Union. However, in the long term, China and Russia are obliged to maintain good relations in order to protect themselves from the Western powers. History has shown that the latter have done, and continue to do everything possible to dismantle these major powers. Consequently, if a China-US alliance would be in favour of Beijing in the short and medium term, it would lead thereafter to the successive elimination of Russia and China itself. The Chinese-Israeli agreements suggest that, as Lenin said, the capitalists will sell us the rope we shall use to hang them . If or when Yemens civil war draws to a close, another one may well be waiting. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have different end games in mind, despite fighting in the same coalition against the Iranian-sponsored Houthis. In fact, their shared interest in Yemen begins and ends with eliminating, or at least curbing, Irans influence on the Arabian Peninsula . Their diverging needs already have led to clashes between Emirati- and Saudi-backed forces in Yemen. In January, for example, a fight broke out between members of the Southern Transitional Council, a secessionist group supported by the UAE, and forces loyal to President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi, head of Yemens internationally recognized and Saudi-approved government. And on Oct. 3, the STC took aim at the exiled president once again, calling for an uprising against his government. The latest incident highlighted the cracks in the Saudi-UAE alliance, which will probably only grow as the Yemeni conflict continues . Different Goals Understanding why the STC and government forces are beginning to turn on each other after fighting on the same side of the civil war requires an understanding of their patrons interests in Yemen. The Houthis , an Iranian proxy group, pose an immediate threat to Saudi Arabia, which shares a border with Yemen. To prevent a hostile regime from taking power just across its southern boundary, the kingdom is working to install a more sympathetic government in Yemen. Doing so, however, requires that the state remain unified. With that goal in mind, Saudi Arabia has joined forces with Islah, a Muslim Brotherhood affiliate that also wants to maintain Yemens unity. The UAE, on the other hand, is concerned less with the proximity of the Houthis after all, it does not border Yemen than with their access to critical shipping channels in the region. The Houthi presence in the port of Hodeida puts sea lanes in the Red Sea and Suez Canal, which Saudi Arabia and the UAE depend on in their energy trade with North America and Europe, at risk. It also jeopardizes the naval bases that the UAE has established along the Horn of Africa during the course of the Yemeni conflict. (The ports in Assab, Eritrea, and Berbera, Somaliland, offer the UAE some flexibility in case Iran interrupts its trade through the Persian Gulf.) To maintain supply routes to the bases, Emirati forces need control of Yemens southern coast, especially the port of Aden, and its western shores on the strategic Bab el-Mandeb strait. From Nighty Night. Photo: BBC Video Looking for some quality comedy entertainment to check out? Who better to turn to for under-the-radar comedy recommendations than comedians? In our recurring series Underrated, we chat with writers and performers from the comedy world about an unsung comedy moment of their choosing that they think deserves more praise. David Cross is not one to shy away from ugliness. Whether its hairplug-rejecting Tobias Funke on Arrested Development or voicing Lakeith Stanfields white voice in Sorry to Bother You, Cross is not afraid of discomfort. So it makes sense that hes a fan of the British bleak cringe comedy of the early aughts. Awkward, provocative, and downright gnarly comedy ruled England from the late 80s on. Shows like Knowing Me, Knowing You, The Office, and Snuff Box stretched the limits of unlikable protagonists. But Julia Davis out-yikesed them all with Nighty Night. The first episode sets the tone for the rest of the show. In a doctors office, Daviss character Jill sobs, I mean why, why me? Her husband Terry consoles her, reminding Jill that hes the one with cancer. Jill immediately starts online dating for Terrys replacement, refusing to listen when Terrys prognosis actually looks pretty good. She also immediately starts lusting after her neighbor, Don. Packed with British comedy Thems, Nighty Night was consistently the darkest and most outlandish show on telly. Jill was casually rude to strangers and sociopathic to her friends. David Cross is currently on his international Oh Come On tour. He spoke with Vulture about the glory of Julia Davis, the bravery of British comedy, and why hes not a political comedian. Youre recommending a show about a compulsively lying, racist narcissist ruled by their most base instincts. What feels relevant about that now? Oh, I see what youre saying. I never really saw it like that. I just, sort of, enjoyed it. How dare you just enjoy something! What did you enjoy about it? Its one of the funniest things Ive ever seen, and Ive seen a lot of quotefunny showsunquote. Julia Davis is just amazing, and people really should seek her stuff out. Shes just phenomenal. Its very dark, and its one of those things you cant really imagine on American television, at least not ten years ago. Her acting is perfect, the writing goes beyond where you think it might go, [especially with] her character, Jill. You know, my wife and I will often go Jee-ull at each other, like her husband Terry. Shes just repellent. And the supporting cast are cream of the crop from British comedy. We gave out [the first series] as a cast-and-crew gift when Bob Odenkirk and I did the Netflix show, because I dont think many people would know about it or hear about it. And its just one of the best. It comes from that era where there were a lot of chances being taken in British comedy. She has several shows, but she did this half-hour TV movie called Lizzie and Sarah that she did with Jessica Hynes thats also amazing. Really dark. What distinguishes Nighty Night as being one of the best comedies, or even the best of Julia Davis? There are so many levels of funny to it. Her husbands funeral, where she rides in on the horse, is one of my favorite things. You would possibly discuss that in a writers room in America. But you could see people pulling back on it, saying, Thats a bit much. But she does all of those things, and has her character do all those things and say terrible things. You never really are rooting for her, but its still such a great, fun thing to watch the torture she puts people through. Thats really interesting that you said the show is full of ideas that would get killed in an American writers room, because Julia Davis wrote the British version of Camping. It recently got remade as an HBO show. Yeah. She went to the writers room for like a week, and she said that every time she pitched something, it was always the complete opposite of where they were going. Oh, Im sure. That doesnt surprise me at all. I dont know what the exact experience was, but that would be my guess. And that applies to pretty much everything, across the board, that was British but got turned into an American show. Did you ever see Pulling? Sharon Horgan and Dennis Kellys show? I think I saw the first episode. Oh, its great. You should watch the whole thing. When I got approached for this, Nighty Night and Pulling were the two things that immediately popped into my head. More people might know Sharons back catalogue now that Catastrophe and Divorce were big hits. Shes blowing up over here, as well she should. But Pulling is great, and they made an American version, and I saw it. And its just terrible. They took out all the stuff you would like about it and softened the edges. It didnt resemble the original one at all. Why do you think when Americans take a British source material, they always soften the edges and make the characters redeemable? Well, because theyre trying to make money. And in Britain, theyre not necessarily trying to make money. Thats not the first and foremost reason people are making television in Britain. They are doing it for the art of it. In America, you have sponsors, you have ad revenue, you have stockholders. A man or woman can have this great idea for a new kind of comedy or drama, or something that might be a little more difficult or realistic or hard. And theres only a few steps between that person slaving away in their office, creating this thing, and somebody going, No actually, 3M has a big stake in this network and we dont want to upset their shareholders. Todd Margaret was an American-British production. What did you find the difference was making shows over there? With Todd Margaret, it was about the actual physical production. That was IFC and Channel 4 for the first series, but the second two were just IFC. The differences I found were more about production. The actual physical production and the day-to-day the actors, the crew, getting set locations and things like that. And those differences are: You have way less money, and its just not as comfortable of a situation. Not that anybody gives a shit. If its cold, youre going to be cold. Theres not a lot of warming tents. You get one warming tent and craft services are a tin of cookies and some tea. Also, its sort of understood that you dont work quite as long there. In the States, you work till youre done. I mean, you get paid for it, but you can work a 14-hour day. Youre not supposed to, but youre certainly not working less than 12 hours. In the U.K., its a little less than that. But everybody busts their ass and theres no complaining. And thats the other thing: Nobody complains. Nobody. Theres no union guys bitching about making $62 an hour sitting in their car for nine hours. Theres nobody bitching, which is really nice. I did this other show for Sky, which was all British. It had nothing to do with the States at all. Although Sky is kind of a bigger deal, so it was a little closer to a network, a little more notes. And they have ads on Sky, its not publicly funded. I mean, they dont have ads in the show, but they have ads in between the shows on Sky, dont they? Thats how they do it on Channel 4, too. They have one act break in the middle, and they play two to three minutes of ads, and thats it. Its not like you have a minute and a half of ads every 20 seconds. Do you think even that structural change makes a difference, artistically? Huge, huge, huge difference. Massive. I cant understate it. Heres an example: When we did the pilot for Todd Margaret, for Channel 4 and IFC, IFC was just kind of starting out, getting their feet wet. We shot the pilot for two entities: one in the U.K., one in America, that didnt have commercials. We finished it, and IFC called us and said, Great news guys! Were going to switch over and be an ad-driven channel. So now there will be more money for production! But it also meant I had to go and take what we saw as a 28-minute story that was really complicated, and had all the tons of exposition and important information that was going to pay off later, and chop out like five minutes out of it. Its just terrible. I watch the first episode of Todd Margaret, and it makes me cringe. Theres no air in anything. We had to lose tons of jokes and scenes because we had to get that information in there for it to pay off later. So thats a great example. Compared to what we had before, it just seems manic and over-the-top and ridiculous. Theres no nuance at all, in that pilot, and thats the difference. Then you have to go back and find inorganic outpoints to come in and out, that you didnt write for. Once we had series two and three, we knew what we were dealing with, so we were able to know that at around page eight wed need to take an act break. But in the pilot, they just come because they had to. Like in the middle of a scene. Bringing it back to Nighty Night, I think one reason theres these huge setpieces like the coffee morning with the pole dance and the horse into the funeral is because they have time to breathe, before and after. Yeah, exactly. And thats one of the great things about the original Office. Those moments breathe. They talk about cringe humor, cringeworthy, whatever the phrase is thats because those moments sit there and youre sitting there with that character stewing in that moment. And in the American version, youre jumping out of there super-quick. You dont spend any time there. They utilize that documentary talking-to-camera thing constantly to get them out of a scene. Thats as good an example as youll get of the difference between British network comedy and American network comedy. Just cramming those ads for Chevy and Casper online mattress or whatever the fuck it is. Nighty Night was the subject of a lot think pieces when it came out. I read one where they asked women comedians in Britain whether that show had ruined or changed the sitcom forever. Well thats just lazy journalism. Theyre just looking for something to write about. Youre also no stranger to being the subject of think pieces. Do you let that affect you? How do you deal with being put through potentially lazy journalism? You try to be diplomatic about it. I remember I got my first taste of it when whoever the first person was who coined the phrase alternative comedy. Every interview you did from that point forward talked about alternative comedy like it was a real thing, like there were office in Hollywood where the president of alternative comedy met with the board. It was just this presumption that it was a real thing that we all got together and created, which was not the case at all. And when I say lazy, I mean people just seeing something and going Okay, I guess thats a thing. Not doing their homework about the reality of what that phrase or general idea is. But people would eventually have this presumption that everybody in that scene were all good friends, we all hung out, we decided to create this thing, and decided how we were going to do it and why we were doing it. And that wasnt the case at all. Or, when Im doing press for a stand-up tour, roughly half the time Ill get So youre a political comedian. What is it like in this [era]? And Im not a political comedian at all. I never will be. Im a comic who talks about politics within a small section of my set always have, always will but Im not a political comedian. And thats kind of lazy. Can you think of somebody who is a political comedian? Yeah, Lewis Black. Bill Maher. Id say if 65 percent of your set or more is about politics, then youre a political comic. It applies to all kind of stuff. If your identity is [65 percent of your material], if youre Jewish or queer or black or this or that, youre a Whatever You Call Yourself Comedian. And there are plenty of people who do, but thats just not my thing. Im not going to do an hour of Jewish jokes. Thats not my thing. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. Shaun White. Photo: Mike Lawrie/Getty Images In one of those classic scenarios that makes you realize 2008 was one thousand years ago, snowboarder Shaun White apologized Monday to the Special Olympics after being called out for dressing up as Tropic Thunders Simple Jack, a mentally disabled character portrayed by Ben Stillers Tugg Speedman in a desperate bid for professional legitimacy. While Stillers Jack was intended as a send-up of actors portraying mentally disabled people as Oscar bait, the character was also criticized at the time by disability rights advocates. Because, well, yikes: Snowboarder Shaun White chose an unfortunate Halloween costume this year. https://t.co/8zoqOxTRLW pic.twitter.com/aUX1k7REao HuffPost Sports (@HuffPostSports) October 29, 2018 We are truly disappointed that Shaun White, an acclaimed Olympian, would choose this costume which is so offensive and causes so much pain, a Special Olympics representative told TMZ on Monday. Disability is not a joke nor should it be a punchline. We hope that Shaun White and others learn that this just continues stigma, stereotypes and discrimination. After feeling the backlash, White took down the photo from his social media and posted an apology in its stead. I owe everyone in the Special Olympics community an apology for my poor choice of Halloween costume the other night, he wrote. It was a last minute decision. It was the wrong one. The Special Olympics were right to call me out on it. They do great work supporting so many tremendous athletes and I am sorry for being insensitive. Lesson learned. In October 2018, the WCO provided strategic support to the Republic of Kazakhstan State Revenue Committee (SRC). Work during the week focussed on the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) implementation. Meetings with key staff responsible for implementation and a site visit to the main SRC facility in Astana, led to a number of recommendations to complete implementation of the TFA. In addition, work also commenced on a roadmap that prioritises and guides management of the activities needed to maximise several trade facilitation measures. More than 20 SRC officials and several stakeholders contributed to the assessment. The assessment actually began one-month prior to the in-country meetings. Prior to arriving, the SRC provided useful information including relevant legislation, statistics and work plans. The general analysis found examples where the SRC has progressed many of the measures contained in the TFA. The meetings and drafting was successful in delivering a methodology, processes and a draft roadmap that provides a reference for SRC initiatives and activities over the next 2-3 years. Fourteen protesters were arrested outside the Metropolitan Republican Club in the Upper East Side on Tuesday, following a sit-in demanding that the GOP confront and expel white nationalists from its own party. The action, organized by Jewish activists affiliated with a range of progressive organizations, was held in response to this weekend's synagogue shooting in Pittsburghthe single most deadly attack on American Jews in the country's history. As protesters sat shiva for the 11 victims, they sang Kaddish and banged on the doors of the GOP headquarters, while urging Republican leaders to more forcefully denounce violent extremism. Jewish activists are literally banging on the doors of the @GOP asking them to denounce white nationalism. The doors remain closed. #WeAreHere pic.twitter.com/FBXBTOmO14 Ilana Levinson (@IlanaLevinson) October 30, 2018 In addition to condemning the daily incitements and apparent cluelessness of the Trump administration, the protesters also directed much of their rage at the local Republicans who invited Gavin McInnes and the Proud Boys ("Baby's First Brownshirts," as one organizer put it.) to the Metropolitan Republican Club. Following that appearancein which McInnes reenacted the assassination of Japanese socialist Inejiro Asanumamembers of the Proud Boys clashed with antifascists in the streets, with members of the ultranationalist group yelling Homophobic slurs and bragging about beating foreigners. In spite of this, the Metropolitan Republican Club has continued to defend the Proud Boys, while state GOP Chairman Ed Cox has seemed primarily focused on the vandalism of the club. "We came out because nowhere feels safe anymore," David Klion, a writer living in Brooklyn, told Gothamist afterward. "The right is murdering and assaulting us in our own communities, so we wanted to hold the Republican Party directly accountable for the hate theyve been stoking." The Metropolitan Republican Club windows are a pretty good chronical of this month. <2 weeks ago they were vandalized ahead of the club hosting the Proud Boys. After a Proud Boy brawl + bad press, club pulled campaign posters from windows. Now, post Pittsburgh massacre: pic.twitter.com/nFRQO9SG0I Kelly Weill (@KELLYWEILL) October 30, 2018 "As Jews, we know that we are only safe when we are in solidarity with everyone else who white nationalists want to destroy," added Emma Saltzberg, another participant in the protest. "We came to mourn our lossesour fellow Jews as well as the two people who were killed in Louisville last week for being black Americansand to say: we are here, and we and white nationalisms other targets will not be cowed." A spokesperson for the NYPD could not immediately confirm the number of protesters arrested or what charges they'll face. The demonstration is one of several actions to happen in New York City in the wake of Pittsburgh's mass shooting. On Saturday, hundreds of New Yorkers gathered in Union Square to say Kaddish for victims of the massacre. If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now! Submit Calvert City Jingle All the Way 5k and Fun Run set for December 4 Email To : Multiple e-mail addresses must be separated with a comma character(maximum 200 characters) Email To is required. Your Full Name: (optional) Your Email Address: Your Email Address is required. Advertisement By West Kentucky Star Staff Oct. 29, 2018 | WESTERN KENTUCKY By West Kentucky Star Staff Oct. 29, 2018 | 06:01 PM | WESTERN KENTUCKY Calloway and Hickman Counties are receiving money for paving improvements. In separate press releases, Governor Matt Bevin's office announced that Calloway County will receive $204,435 and Hickman County will receive $74,534. Calloway County Fiscal Court will be responsible for administering the resurfacing work to .8 miles Lax Drive (County Road 1240) and 1.8 miles of Short Road (County Road 1410), and KYTC will reimburse the county. Calloway County Judge-Executive Kenny Imes thanked Gov. Bevin, saying Safe transportation is a top priority for us, and I look forward to this work beginning. In similar fashion, Hickman County Fiscal Court will pave .8 miles of Latta Lane (County Road 1123) and .6 miles of Murphy Pond Road (County Road 1016). The state will also reimburse the county government. Hickman County Judge-Executive Wilson said, For smaller counties like ours, finding money for necessary infrastructure maintenance and improvements is a challenge. These additional funds are a welcome investment in making our county roads safer routes for our families and businesses. Projects submitted to the Department of Rural and Municipal Aid for discretionary fund consideration were evaluated by the KYTC district staff to assess the condition of roads and determine the most critical needs based on factors such as safety, economic impact, and traffic volumes. By West Kentucky Star Staff Oct. 30, 2018 | 05:36 AM | GRAVES COUNTY A two-vehicle crash Monday in Graves County resulted in the arrest of a Fancy Farm woman on drug and alcohol charges. The Graves County Sheriff's Office says deputies responded to a two-vehicle collision on US 45 North and KY 1241. Deputies say Ashley Daugherty was traveling south when she collided with the rear of a trailer being pulled by Randall Burchard, of Hickory. Daugherty was arrested and charged with DUI, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of an open alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle. Daugherty was lodged in the Graves County Jail. One year ago, an alleged terrorist drove a pickup truck down the Hudson River Greenway, killing eight pedestrians and cyclists and injuring 12 more. People are not going to have their lives changed by someone who is trying to undermine our society, Mayor Bill de Blasio told CNNs Chris Cuomo two days after the attack, vowing to add more physical barriers throughout the city and keep improving our defenses. But in the year since New Yorks deadliest terrorist attack since 9/11, the city and the state have taken expensive, clumsy, and sometimes nonsensical steps to harden target areas. Most of these efforts boil down to placing thousands of bollards around high pedestrian areas, with seemingly little foresight on how it will forever alter some of the most crowded and vibrant places in New York City. Nor does there seem to be any steps to re-imagine how increased security can be tied into larger Vision Zero efforts that reduce pedestrian risk not just from terrorists, but from everyday motorists. So far, the city has budgeted $150 million towards the installation of approximately 4,500 bollards and other security barriers around the city, according to a city spokesperson, for an average cost of about $33,000 per bollard (bollards in other cities tend to cost $5,000 or so per post, although the citys $33,000 figure may include other expenditures such as navigating the labyrinth of subterranean pipes and electrical grid). The city declined to say where exactly these 4,500 bollards are going to go, citing security concerns, but back in January Mayor de Blasio announced that a slew of them would go in Times Square. Yet, its far from clear that bollards alone are a tenable solution, in much the same way that metal detectors arent an answer to mass shootings. The aftermath of the attack on the Hudson River Greenway that killed eight people on October 31, 2017 (Scott Heins / Gothamist) Professor Jon Coaffee of the University of Warwick, who studies urban design and security measures, cautions that cities like New York are installing bollards after terrorist attacks without adequate reflection on alternative security approaches that might limit vehicle access in subtler ways. Security experts like Coaffee recommend design solutions instead, such as incorporating more bends and turns in roads to prevent vehicles from achieving higher speeds. Or, as senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute Nicole Gelinas wrote at CityLab recently, Anti-terror infrastructure should ease walking, biking, and public transit use, not impede it. Better to fully pedestrianize high-target areas, Gelinas suggests, which would not only reduce the amount of physical barriers required to keep it safefewer roads means fewer bollardsbut also create an opportunity for a more coordinated effort between transportation officials at DOT and the NYPD to find barriers that not only perform a security purpose but also fit in with the city. Mayor de Blasio announces the installation of more bollards in Times Square in January (Ed Reed / Mayoral Photography Office) Which is what makes Times Square an ironic location for de Blasio to announce an increased bollard expenditure (150 of them, according to City Hall). Its one of the few examples of urban security redesign done right. Yes, this area is bounded by steel sentries, Coaffee noted, but has also successfully incorporated more invisible security measures into its remodelling in the form of granite benches that do not detract from the vibrancy of the square. Combined with the pedestrianization, Coaffee praised Times Square for becoming a safe and secure space but without the fortress feel of ubiquitous bollardification. Indeed, the bollards in Times Square did their job when a driver rammed into one at high speed in May 2017. One person died and 22 were injured, but it would have been far more if not for the bollards. The takeaway from this incident ought to have been it worked, but instead the city's response is seemingly, more bollards. Most indicative of the governments reactionary approach has been on the Greenway itself. In the days after the attack, the New York State Department of Transportationbecause the Greenway is state landdropped jersey barriers along the path. Cyclists pedal past jersey barriers on the Greenway (Stephen Nessen / Gothamist) At first, many of the barriers were placed diagonally, as Streetsblog reported at the time, blocking off most of the path. In some locations, the barriers obstructed so much space it would have been comicalif it wasnt along the busiest bike path in the country. Eventually, they straightened out the jersey barriers, Transportation Alternatives spokesman Joe Cutrufo told Gothamist. That was a step in the right direction. First billed as a temporary solution, the barriers remained on the greenway for more than seven months, with the first bollards installed in June. We weren't alone in calling it hamfisted, Cutrufo said. It was clearly a temporary solution, but it was crude and it lasted a long time. Cutrufo emphasized that Transportation Alternatives understands and applauds the effort to harden a location that's full of pedestrian and bicyclist traffic in the attacks wake, but he couldnt excuse basic design mistakes in the name of security. Old bollards at West Street and North Moore Street (Stephen Nessen / Gothamist) Most of the jersey barriers have since been replaced by bollardsCutrufo added that as of last week there were still a few jersey barriers on the greenway, and NYS DOT told Gothamist the remainder wont be finished until the spring. Although bollards are a standard solution to keeping vehicles off greenways, the ones along our greenway were deployed in a non-standard way. NYS DOT installed the bollards only four feet apart, which is wide enough for one cyclist but not two, or, in some cases, for bike trailers carrying children. More importantly, given the Greenways width, reducing the separation from five feet to four means there are three narrow riding lanes instead of two wide ones. This creates a fundamental unpredictability, forcing cyclists to compete for space, and has resulted in at least one crash so far. This conflict, Transportation Alternatives and Streetsblog have noted repeatedly, was completely avoidable by adhering to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials guidelines whereby bollards are separated by five feet. More generous spacing wouldnt have jeopardized security; even a Smart car is more than five feet wide. A spokesperson for NYS DOT told Gothamist, We conferred with numerous federal, state and local officials to develop a permanent solution to prevent future attacks, enhance safety, and enable both cyclists and pedestrians to enjoy this very popular facility. The spokesperson noted that the four-foot bollard placement was a feature, not a bug, because it will have the added benefit of encouraging cyclists to proceed with caution and slow down at the many intersections where pedestrians are crossing. New bollards dot the Greenway (Stephen Nessen / Gothamist) "The thing I don't like about them is sometime they're not exactly in the central path, and that's annoying because they'll narrow down an area," cyclist Sarah Goler, who commutes on the Greenway from Inwood to Lower Manhattan, told Gothamist on a recent Monday morning. "Of course it was much nicer without any barricades and now you're just constantly reminded [about] what happened here," said Wan Chi, who commutes on the Greenway from Hudson Yards to Lower Manhattan. Frank Auriemma has been biking from the Upper East Side to Battery Park every day for the past five years and said the attacks "hit me hard." But he called the jersey barriers "extremely dangerous." "I understand the haste to put them in," Auriemma said. "The metal [bollards] don't bother me so much; I feel I can get around them, but the full size 12-foot jersey barriers and the fact they have a flat face is definitely a hazard." Auriemma added, "Some foresight would've been nice." "I've gotten used to them, but I think they're in the way. It can get pretty crowded, especially in the summer," said Noah Gall, who commutes from Jersey City to NYU. "It's good they keep cars off." A makeshift memorial to the eight people killed on the Greenway last year (Stephen Nessen / Gothamist) Since these security barriers will become permanent fixtures to our cityscape, there are ways to design them so theyre not visual sacrifices we make in the name of security. Right here in New York City, the Department of Transportation has a barrier beautification program where groups paint jersey barriers and other protective walls. On the more expensive side, robust planters and bronze sculptures are just two of many examples of security barriers that either blend into the street or add an artistic angle to the bollard. But physical barriers that dont look like expensive anti-terrorism devices wont serve the political purpose of reminding everyone the city is hard at work preventing terrorism. In his several media appearances after the Greenway attack, de Blasio never failed to mention his promise to deploy a lot of officers with long gunsa euphemism for assault riflesin an effort to make New Yorkers feel safer. He added that, to him, New Yorkers find the sight of such weaponry reassuring. Bollards deployed strategically in conjunction with pedestrianized areas and design solutions can be an effective security measure, but bollards themselves installed by the thousands are not, which is why security expert Bruce Schneier calls them largely security theater. Unless the city has a plan to make sure every car is physically separated from every pedestrian, Schneier warns, all bollards can do is force any would-be driver to go somewhere else to run over people. Additional reporting by Stephen Nessen. By West Kentucky Star Staff Oct. 30, 2018 | 10:47 AM | MARSHALL COUNTY A Marshall County man is facing an assault charge after a weekend stabbing. The Marshall County Sheriff's Office said deputies responded on Sunday to a home on Falcon Circle in reference to an assault. The investigation into what turned out to be a stabbing resulted in the arrest of Jordon M. Zamora of Benton. Zamora was charged with 2nd degree assault. He was lodged in the Marshall County Detention Center. Police did not release the male victim's name, but said he was taken by private vehicle to Marshall County Hospital for treatment of a wound to the arm. I know it's early to bombard you with everyone's favoriteI would say underused?phrase, FAKE NEWS, but: The Columbia Journalism Review invites you to stare into the abyss with a trip to its fake news stand, on display in Bryant Park until 2 p.m. today. Why? Because in one tidy visual assault, you will experience all the erroneous stories, the conspiracy theories, the frankly dangerous pieces of propaganda that have snaked their way into our mainstream news cycle these past few years, and appreciate the pernicious nature of the problem. All your faves are here: That story circulating about a toddler fight club run by daycare workers in any number of different states, splashed across a fake tabloid; some nonsense about Hillary Clinton commanding the FBI to deliver uranium to the Russians, and about an "illegal immigrant" casting not one but five ballots in her favor; an NY Post mockup warning against the Dems' plan to force good, God-fearing Christians to identify themselves with "scarlet cross" badges; a New York magazine-style cover announcing Texas's induction as a Mexican state. Confronted with this little shop of horrors, all I can really think to say is TRIGGER WARNING! And also, that there's value to it. Bill Murray: Not launching a presidential bid. (Courtesy of the Columbia Journalism Review) The CJR did not construct its fake news stand to scare youwell, maybe just a little, as long as The Fear propels you to your polling site on November 6th. Rather, through its use of real "false stories taken from the Internet," it aims to highlight the sneaky way in which utter bullshit has degraded legitimate discourse, and how difficult it can be to tell the difference between what's real and what's not. "We embarked on this initiative to help people spot disinformation," Kyle Pope, editor and publisher of the CJR, said in a press release. Translating fake stories that exploded online to the "physical space," placing them in an authentic news setting, "makes these stories tangible in a way that forces you to think about the source of the information." To that end, the CJRthe foremost publication reporting on the journalism industryincluded a lesson on spotting fake news in its installation, on view at the corner of 42nd Street and 6th Avenue today only. "Misinformation is being created and distributed with the intention to mislead you," read the inside of CJR's hoax mags. "Misinformation erodes the public's trust. It makes all news suspect. Even factual, diligent reporting." (Courtesy of the Columbia Journalism Review) In order to identify fake news, CJR advises, first suspend your emotional kneejerk reaction, acknowledge your personal bias, and consider the source: Did you find this story on a news outlet, and if so, which one? Is it labeled opinion, or do you see a "satire" tag anywhere? Can you fact check the existence and credentials of its reporter, and if so, do they traffic in conspiracy theories? Then, think about the content: Are you being barraged with an overtly partisan message, or do you read the writer's ALL CAPS TYPEFACE AS SCREAMING SOMETHING AT YOU? Can you trace the story back to an original source, and can you corroborate its contents with info from other, reputable media outlets? What reputation does the original source hold? (Courtesy of the Columbia Journalism Review) These are important questions to ask ourselves in an age when fake stories have been proven to beat out the truth in readers' minds, especially when circulated widely online. We know this pattern has real consequences: A lone gunman driving to Washington, D.C. to shoot up a pizza parlor; a series of pipe bombs mailed to prominent Democrats; 11 people dead after an anti-Semitic gunman, motivated by panic Trump cultivated around the migrant caravan and looking for a scapegoat, opened fire on a Pittsburgh synagogue. As we head into the midterm elections, and as our president continues to brandish alarmist lies as a means of catalyzing his base, it has never been more important to know the difference between fact and fiction, something thatas the CJR points outonly 30 percent of U.S. adults can do. So maybe take a field trip to the fake newsstand today, and test your skills. Are Hollywood elites really using baby blood to get high? Just because it sounds true doesn't mean it is. (Courtesy of the Columbia Journalism Review) A controversial social network popular among neo-Nazis and members of the alt-right has gone offline, for now, days after it was revealed that the suspect accused of opening fire in a Pittsburgh synagogue was a frequent user of the platformroutinely spewing anti-Semitic conspiracy theories, sharing racist memes, and issuing threats that seemed vague until they weren't. "I can't sit by and watch my people get slaughtered," Robert Bowers wrote, moments before allegedly killing 11 Jewish worshipers during a Shabbat service on Saturday. "Screw your optics, I'm going in." By Monday, Gab had gone dark, replaced with a message from CEO Andrew Torba promising that the site"the most censored, smeared, and no-platformed startup in history"would return online soon. Its domain provider, GoDaddy, reportedly gave Gab 24 hours to relocate, after it "discovered" that the site was bursting with content that "promotes and encourages violence against people." Payment processors Stripe and PayPal also pulled their services, citing similar reasonsdespite having previously ignored explicit warnings about violent threats issued on Gab. Robert Bowers On Tuesday afternoon, the company's verified Twitter account shared an update, claiming that a new host had been secured, and that Gab would likely return to the internet by this weekend, if not sooner. Shortly after, the account posted about how the "lying media is the enemy of The People and of freedom." The social network, which bills itself as a "free speech" alternative to Twitter, was established in 2016 in response to what its founder saw as left-wing censorship and "ultra-PC culture" afflicting other online spaces. From the outset, it attracted right-wing trolls and explicit white supremacistsmany of whom had been banned from Facebook and Twitter, as the networks scrambled to downplay their own roles in stoking extremism and spreading misinformation. In SEC filings from earlier this year, Gab described its target market as the "over 50 million conservative, libertarian, nationalist, and populist internet users...seeking alternative media platforms like Breitbart.com, DrudgeReport.com, Infowars.com and others." Over 394,000 people used the platform in its first two years, producing more than 1.5 million posts per month, according to site operators. Early Gab users included well-known neo-Nazis like Richard Spencer and Andrew Anglin, along with former Breitbart editor Milo Yiannopoulos, who'd been kicked off Twitter for inciting racist harassment campaigns (He's set to speak at NYU on Wednesday.) Christopher Cantwell, a white nationalist who was arrested after last year's Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Va., is also a committed Gabber. Closer to home, the campaign of Vickie Paladino, a longshot state Senate candidate in Queens, makes use of the platform to recruit volunteers and martial support among far-right individuals. "It's a meme clearinghouse for people who got thrown off Twitter," explained the candidate's son and campaign director, Thomas Paladino, when asked by Gothamist about his own history of sharing racist and anti-Semitic content. "Any post I've made on Gab has been in the spirit of stirring the pot." Paladino has since suggested that Cesar Sayoc's alleged mail bombing campaign was a false flag, while other Paladino supporters haven't exactly hid their anti-Semitic leanings. With Gab down, here's state Senate candidate Vickie Paladino's son/campaign director suggesting the mail bombs were false flags. Also, one of the campaign's supporters calling me a "jewish fella" after our story ran last month https://t.co/m3xs1LihNN pic.twitter.com/bO6qDqtCYr Jake Offenhartz (@jangelooff) October 30, 2018 The alleged Pittsburgh shooter's deep hatred toward Jews was even less subtle. After joining Gab in January of this year, Robert Bowers quickly began sharing a range of anti-Semitic contentmemes featuring doctored images of Auschwitz, with text reading, "Lies Make Money;" posts condemning the "filthy EVIL jews Bringing the Filthy EVIL Muslims into the Country!!" His bio, which featured a verified blue check mark, declared that "Jews are the children of Satan." His background photo included a reference to "1488," a neo-Nazi slogan used by other mass killers, including those responsible for the Charleston church shooting and the Wisconsin Sikh temple shooting. That the posts did not trigger any red flags on the platform is hardly a surprise: As anyone who's ever spent any time on Gab can confirm, Bowers's seething hatred and violent fantasies are hardly out of line with a significant portion of the site's content. And after years spent offering bigots a sanctuary and a megaphone for their extremism, the site's founder can't convincingly feign shock when its users follow through on the violence they've long promised. "The internet is not reality," argues Torba, in a post that currently greets visitors on the site. If it weren't already obvious, the last week in America proves that's far from the case. ANC will go to the polls with only one major asset: its president Ramaphosa It is common cause that the performance of South Africas government, led by the African National Congress (ANC), has been worse than abysmal. Under former President Jacob Zuma, ANC functionaries pillaged numerous institutions of state. They enabled state owned institutions to be looted, mismanaged the provision of basic services and presided over an alarming downward spiral of the economy. Evidence keeps mounting of dishonesty and profligacy. The unfolding scandal around VBS Bank has shone a spotlight on the ANC as a nest of thieves. In addition, a commission of inquiry is relentlessly exposing how Zumas henchmen amassed huge riches from state capture. And another inquiry into the South African Revenue Services is revealing how the states capacity to raise revenue from the politically powerful and influential was systematically undermined. All in all, the ANC has completely forfeited its right to be reelected in 2019. It knows it, and is running very scared. But the odds are that it will still win, even though with its smallest majority yet. What the party does have going for it is its president Cyril Ramaphosa. He is the ANCs one big pull. And much to the chagrin of the Zuma faction, the party is going to have to build its election campaign around him precisely because he is far more popular than the party. Indeed, South Africa can expect the 2019 election to bring the most presidential-style campaign yet. The irony is that Ramaphosa will privately welcome a smaller rather than a larger ANC majority. A thumping reduction in the ANCs vote will serve as a popular rebuff of the Zuma faction, and erode its base in the party. An ANC which knows that it may have lost its majority had it not been for Ramaphosas personal popularity will be an ANC in which he will at last be able to assert his authority. A troubled party Ramaphosa sits atop a party which has long been in a state of internal factional turmoil. He defeated his rival for the presidency, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, at the ANCs five yearly congress with an excruciatingly narrow vote. He lacks control over the partys national executive (its highest decision-making body between conferences) where Zumas supporters remain strong. And, he is facing a robust fight back campaign by Zumas acolytes in provinces around the country. Zuma himself, like Banquos ghost, remains an ambiguous and dangerous presence. He professes innocence of all crimes as well as continuing loyalty to the party. But, behind the scenes hes seemingly still pulling the strings of his puppets. With the party in a state of continuing internal war, the scramble for positions on both its national and provincial electoral lists will be overt, in some places violent, and overall, very probably, embarrassing. Nonetheless, come the election campaign, it is more than a little likely that its competing factions will forge something of a truce, and preach a new-found unity. The ANC may be divided over policies, positions and spoils, but one thing it is united about is the necessity of retaining power. It will prove ruthless in doing so. One of the few things it knows how to do well is to run an election campaign, and how to induce or scare its popular constituency into voting for it. Even so, it is uncomfortably aware that its base is eroding. The loyalty of its traditional supporters is declining; it is failing to attract support among born-frees (those born after Mandelas release in 1990); its narrative of having liberated the country from apartheid is wearing tired and thin; and the different commissions of inquiry are going to uncover more and more dirt as the campaign goes on. So, what is the party going to be doing to win back the vote of the disillusioned? The campaign ANC elections head Fikile Mbalula recently acknowledged that the party has allowed itself to become mired in the sins of incumbency, to have become distanced from its base, arrogant and unaccountable. Under Ramaphosa, therefore, it will be making fulsome promises of renewal. The ANC will claim that the establishment of the various commissions of inquiry signal a determined assault on corruption, and indicate that the partys bad apples will be thrown out. Meanwhile, in all humility, the ANC is promising to renew its bonds with the people. This will involve a country wide process of consultation with what Mbalula has referred to as strategic sectors of society in a bid to broaden and deepen participation the drawing up of a Peoples Manifesto. Amid all this, the party will be promising to build on Ramaphosas various reform initiatives to return the economy to growth. The ANCs major problem is that none of this is going to be particularly convincing. The gospel of the partys commitment to virtue and renewal is going to be a hard sell to a corruption-weary electorate. Its base divided and increasingly cynical, the ANC knows that it is going to have to look for support beyond its normal boundaries. It knows all too well that it is likely to lose important ground to the radical Economic Freedom Fighters. It knows that it may have a hard time in getting the voters out in KwaZulu-Natal, where support for Zuma remains strong. It knows that many of its traditional supporters may be tempted to record their disgust with the party by staying at home. Given all this, the ANC knows that it will have to play to Ramaphosa as its one major asset. A Ramaphosa-centred strategy is likely to work because there is no credible alternative as a party of government to the ANC. The main opposition Democratic Alliance will again go unchallenged in the Western Cape, and may do surprisingly well in provincial elections in provinces such as Gauteng and Eastern Cape, based upon its better-than-the-ANC record in local government. But at the same time it may well suffer at national level because its conservative constituency fear the prospect of the ANC losing its majority and being forced into a coalition with Julius Malema and the EFF. In short, some will hold their noses, and vote for Ramaphosa and the ANC. Roger Southall, Professor of Sociology, University of the Witwatersrand. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Cost of accessing academic research is way too high In the last week of October each year, libraries and open access activists around the world celebrate Open Access Week. Its a week dedicated to increasing access to knowledge resources hosted by libraries, such as online journals and academic books. Open access is very beneficial to society because research and knowledge is shared widely at no cost to the user. Ordinarily, a great deal of research and information is locked behind paywalls, where its only accessible at a high fee. Open Access gives users access to material under an open licence. This means that copyright permission need not be obtained each time material is used or reused. Globally, the scholarly publishing system is in dire need of financial and legislative change. To address this issue, the Max Planck Digital Library in Munich has produced a White Paper that aims to completely reform the business model of academic journals. The paper proposes that individual countries change the underlying legal and financial structures that challenge the high subscription fees levied by publishers. Could a country like South Africa manage the changes as advocated in the White Paper? Getting new financial models going will be difficult because of the complexity of the industrys internal workings and a shortage of data on actual expenditure. However, the country is making headway on the legal framework front. Whats missing Theres been a marked shift over the past five decades in how academic publishers do business. Initially, every subscriber paid the same price. Then some price discrimination was introduced: libraries pay more than individuals; and consumers are asked to pay a unique price based on how much they can afford. But the system isnt transparent because publishers require institutions to sign non-disclosure agreements about payment. This is done to protect business models and pricing structures. It means theres no transparency and we simply dont know how much publicly funded universities are paying to commercial publishing houses. To get a snapshot of whats being paid in South Africa one of us did a quick survey to establish what the estimated expenditure for resources and copyright would be for South African public universities. We asked libraries to provide this information for 2018. Fifteen institutions responded to a request for estimated expenditure in 2018 relating to e-resources, book budgets and copyright fees. It emerged that 15 of the countrys 26 higher education libraries will pay just over R1 billion (USD$69 million) in 2018 towards electronic and printed resources. This amount increases by 5% per year on average with the exchange rate of these international resources adding to the expense. In addition, 14 of the 15 mentioned institutions will pay about R31 million (USD$1.8 million) to the Dramatic, Artistic and Literary Rights Organisation for copyright licences on prescribed works. The fact that knowledge resources expenditure for research and teaching purposes in the South African higher education sector is runs into the billions should be an issue of major concern. But the fact that theres little collated information available makes it difficult for the tertiary sector to lobby for national licences, fee reductions, and sector reform. Since an estimated 80% of the collections in academic libraries are purchased from international publishers, the majority of money flows out of the country to publishers in developed countries. Moreover a great deal of research produced locally is published internationally and forms part of the cohort of knowledge that is given to international publishers for free. These publishers legally become the copyright holders through publishing agreements and sell back information to libraries and institutions. Getting new financial models going will be difficult. This is because theres no national initiative tracking payments that universities and research councils make to national and international publishers for books, electronic resources, interlibrary loans, copyright fees, and other costs. This is a problem because journal publishers raise about 75% of their revenue from library subscriptions. And the academic knowledge contained in those journals is estimated to be worth billions of dollars. This knowledge is controlled by five monopoly publishers, despite the fact that the research itself is mostly funded by governments, and paid for by the taxpayer. Legislative shifts The Copyright Amendment Bill offers some hope for change. The current Act is restrictive and allows only for limited exceptions. Should the bill pass, it will be the first time in four decades that South Africa has taken steps to update its copyright law. This will align legislation to the digital era with improvements relating to limitations, exceptions, and fair use. The new law will facilitate access to academic knowledge in the educational and library sectors through fair use provisions. It also introduces a generous number of educational exceptions to the exclusive rights of authors and creators. These legal flexibilities will help university libraries service delivery, disseminate information, and preserve their collections. The bill has received overwhelming support from the library, archival, and higher education sectors both nationally and internationally. This is important because South Africa is party to various international intellectual property agreements that require the same standards to be applied in member countries. The Amendment Bill, if passed, will allow educators to improve their range of teaching resources. And, finally, its hoped that access and resource-sharing will improve. This can happen through a more balanced copyright law, the creation of new open access works, and lower subscription fees. This will happen if national site-licences are negotiated, and fair use is enforced. Leti Kleyn, Research Fellow, University of Pretoria and Denise Rosemary Nicholson, Scholarly Communications Librarian, University of the Witwatersrand. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Maintaining 65k open connections in a single Ruby process Posted on October 29, 2018 by wjwh In the Ruby world, the Rack protocol is the specification for how web servers should communicate with applications. In the core it is quite simple: an application is an object that responds to the call method, taking the environment hash as a parameter, and returning an Array with three elements. It will be called for every HTTP request. The environment mentioned is a giant hash containing all the parameters like the HTTP method, the path requested, the request headers, etc. It must return an array of the form ['200', {'Content-Type' => 'text/html'}, ['A barebones rack app.']] . Almost every Ruby application that serves anything over HTTP will be of this form, from the largest Rails application to a single method Sinatra app. This simplicity makes it very straightforward to implement simple web servers, but comes with some important drawbacks: it works on the level of a single HTTP request. Almost every common server for Ruby/Rack uses either a process per request model or a thread per request model. Both of these models take quite a bit more resources than required for just holding a connection open, for example if you want to work with websockets or Server Sent Events (SSE). In this post I will outline a simple method of managing a large amount of connections to a single Ruby process that can be used as the basis for more advanced protocols. We will make a simple program that does nothing but receive connections and send the string BEEP to each connected client every three seconds. Hijacking the Rack socket Luckily, Rack provides an escape hatch for if you want to do more complicated things than just sending a HTTP response with a known length. The hijacking API works through the env hash passed into your app by the server. You can check whether the server supports hijacking by calling env['rack.hijack?'] , which should contain a boolean. If the server support hijacking, you can perform a full hijack by calling env['rack.hijack'].call , after which you can access the socket in env['rack.hijack_io'] . You will be responsible for emitting both headers and the response body and you will have to close the socket yourself. It is also possible to perform a partial hijack by assigning a lambda to the rack.hijack response header. This lambda will be called after the server has sent out headers and will receive the socket as an argument. Any response body will be completely ignored by the server. As with full hijacking, you are responsible for closing the socket yourself. What if we never close the socket? For this demo we will use the Puma server. It is a threaded server using a single thread per request. For efficiency (and to prevent Puma from using too many resources), threads are reused from a single thread pool with a default maximum size of 16 threads. Any additional incoming requests will have to wait until there is a thread available. However, we can improve this concurrency considerably with socket hijacking. If we perform a full or partial hijack, the thread of execution will still be inside the thread from the Puma thread pool and so we would not gain anything. Letting the thread end does not help either, as the socket will be closed by the garbage collector. However, by storing the socket in a globally available Array, we can make sure that the socket will never be collected by the garbage collector and will live at least as long as it is present in the array. Using a partial hijack, this looks as follows: require 'puma' require 'rack' = [] conn_storage = lambda do | env | appenv = {} response_headers [ 'Transfer-Encoding' ] = 'binary' response_headers [ "Content-Type" ] = "text/plain" response_headers [ "rack.hijack" ] = lambda do | io | response_headersio << io conn_waiting_areaio end [ 200 , response_headers, nil ] , response_headers, end We can then use a separate thread to iterate over the array with each every few seconds and do something with each connection. We also need to make sure to remove the socket again from the array. For now well just remove it whenever anything goes wrong: Thread.new do loop do sleep 3 start_time = Time.now conn_storage.each do |c| begin c << "BEEP " rescue conn_storage.delete(c) end end end_time = Time.now puts "Number of clients connected: #{conn_storage.length}" puts "Time for entire write run: #{end_time - start_time}" end end Testing our new server To test this simple setup I copied it into a file called c10k.ru on a smallish Linux server we had lying around and then ran it with rackup c10k.ru . Then, using the apache benchmark tool ( ab for short), I tried establishing as much connections to it as I could. Sadly, the ab tool can only open up to 20000 concurrent connections and our toy server easily handled that many. It used quite a lot of memory though; about 350 MB per 10k open connections, measured by comparing the memory use of a new server process versus the steady state memory use of a process with 20k connections open. Apparently NGINX can do it with only 2.5 MB per 10k connections, but were doing pretty well so far with 30 lines in pure Ruby so Im not worried. Since I wanted to test the limits, I got knee deep into writing my own testing tool that could establish more than 20k connections before a passing coworker suggested just running multiple instances of ab . This was clearly a good idea and we got onto it straight away. Sadly, this bumped into problems where we were running out of ephemeral IP ports on the system. Eventually we got it working by using four servers each running a single instance of ab in addition to the one running our Ruby process. The maximum amount of connections achieved was 65523, just 13 short of 2^16. This is the theoretical maximum number of connections for a single IP address on a single port, so I was pretty happy about that. Iterating through all 65k connections took about 750 milliseconds, which was also not too bad. There were some small problems with race conditions, where multiple connections would be inserted into the conn_storage array. This was easily fixed by using a Queue as a staging area for new connections, as it is a thread safe data structure. Removing a socket from the array also took an excessive amount of time with larger amounts of connections, so that got switched for a Set to speed up deleting. The complete file with more comments can be found here. Conclusion In very little code we have a system that can easily take in excess of 65 thousand connections, even though it is not very economical in its memory usage. This is meant as a simple exploration of how you can use the internals of Rack and Ruby to get more out of a system than you should be able to get. It is amazing that a problem which took huge engineering efforts to solve back in the early 2000s can now be solved easily by anyone in just a handful lines of code. China News on Women Sorry, the page you requested was not found. If you're having trouble locating a destination on Womenofchina.cn, try visiting the Womenofchina Home page Ask a Reporter is an occasional series about civic engagement in and around the city. Do you have a question about how you can make a difference in your neighborhood, city or state? What about voting, the elections or navigating civic life in New York? Ask us! We want to help you get involved by answering your questions. Q: "A new participatory budgeting round's begun. My 'hood won in 2015, but the project is still undone. How can we demand carry-through?" A: Ill wager that thousands of other city residents are wondering this very thing because, as it turns out, the vast majority of projects funded through participatory budgeting since the program began in 2012 are still in progress. And I mean almost all of them. According to publicly available data, less than six percent have been completed. I made a few phone calls to city agencies and the City Council to try to check this, and theres a chance the number could be higher than that that the data may be a little behind whats happening on the ground but not by much. So, why such a tiny amount? Its a good time to question the process. The New York City Council is in the early stages of the next round of participatory budgeting. Before we explore why so few projects have been completed, and get at the essential question of how to demand follow-through, some basic background on participatory budgeting is needed. Unless you are really into it and there are people who are reeaaalllllly into it you may have no idea what were even talking about here. Quick Primer on Participatory Budgeting Imagine a world where regular people get to decide directly, with a vote! how to spend taxpayer money. This is participatory budgeting. Programs like it exist all over the world. In New York City, participatory budgeting is run by the City Council as a voluntary program. Council districts choose whether to participate, and each one is managed independently. The process begins with community members offering ideas for projects and culminates with a vote on how to allocate capital funds each spring. This period can take months to complete. Popular projects funded over the years include smart boards and technology upgrades for schools; security cameras on the streets; and renovations of public spaces.The City Council uses the adage: If you can kick it, you can fund it through participatory budgeting. The program launched seven years ago with participation from just four council members. Now 32 council members are taking part, each putting at least $1,000,000 of their discretionary capital funds toward the process. One of the best things about participatory budgeting, in my mind, is the inclusivity. Anyone age 11 or older can vote. 11-year-olds! You dont have to be a registered voter. You dont have to be a U.S. citizen. You just have to be a resident of the council district. In fact, this Ask a Reporter question came from Ruth Mullen, a Riverdale resident who wanted to follow up on a school auditorium renovation that she voted for back in 2015. When the City Council started up another call for project ideas this fall, the school auditorium project clicked in Mullens mind. Somewhere I saw a flyer that we were having these meetings now, Mullen said. And that got me to thinking again: What happened? What happened to our auditorium? Welcome to Capital Projects in New York City Mullens daughter participated in a community theater program that used the auditorium at the Riverdale Kingsbridge Academy. It needed overhauling, said Mullen namely new seats, air conditioning, fresh paint and a proper sound system. In 2015, community voters agreed, and they allocated funds through the participatory budgeting program to renovate the space. Like all other projects that were approved, a budget line item was created within the city agency tasked with executing the project and, Voila!, the next phase of could begin. However. At this point, a lovely exercise in direct democracy met the bureaucracy of city agencies. Capital projects, like building a park bathroom, renovating a school space or getting a new playground, take a long time to complete. A very, very long time. Set your sights on six years, City Council officials say, give or take. Before even breaking ground, these types of projects have to clear many hurdles, among them: a design phase (which may include another community engagement process), a protocol for the bids, a legal review of the contracts, and more. Even procuring equipment, which is a much faster process than construction, can also take longer than expected. Science carts for classrooms and countdown clocks for bus stops may take well over a year to be put in place once funding is approved. (And other times, to be fair, these projects do get implemented expediently. I hear technology upgrades for classrooms happen pretty quickly.) Councilmember Andrew Cohen, who represents Mullens district, said the capital process is long and tortured, and could definitely be streamlined. There is an enormous amount of bureaucracy, said Cohen, who gave the example of contracts passing through multiple legal teams across city departments before moving forward. Some checks on government spending, implemented to prevent corruption, that may have made sense in the past are, perhaps, outdated and overly duplicative now, he said. I do think that technology now allows us to watch these things in a more efficient manner, Cohen said. And now there are city residents, such as Ruth Mullen, raising concerns about a process that leads to what they view as stalled projects. And thats not a bad thing, said Brad Lander, a Brooklyn City Councilmember and major participatory budgeting enthusiast. Having people engaged with the frustrations of city capital projects is actually a positive feature of P.B., he said. Those frustrations could lead to good changes. Whats Up With My Project? Contact your Council representative directly to inquire about projects in your district. Members generally seek regular updates from city agencies about their districts participatory budgeting projects. The city also posts information about participatory budgeting on its open data portal, and you can view a project tracker online. Its useful, but it doesnt provide a comprehensive analysis about popular projects or project completion. The Parks Department and School Construction Authority each has its own tracker of capital projects, too. But these tools include all of their projects, and are not specific to participatory budgeting (nor do they indicate which projects were spurred by participatory budgeting). The citys open data portal may not be completely up to date, though. I cross-checked some school's projects on the portal with the School Construction Authority and found that some classroom technology upgrades approved in fiscal year 2016 were actually complete, even though the data portal listed them as still in progress. For outside perspective, I turned to the Participatory Budgeting Project, a non-profit group based in Brooklyn that helped the City Council implement participatory budgeting for the first several years of the program. As an organization, the same question that you got, we get all the time: What happened to this project I voted on last year? said Melissa Appleton, project manager at the organization. People also ask, Is it feasible? or Has this won in other places? Appleton said. And we realized that New York City has a lot of open data, but they didn't have a clear tool for tracking for showing information about a project that had been on the ballot, she said. So the organization built a tracking tool that launched in March. Bitsy Bentley is the one who analyzed the data and built the tool, and she helped confirm for me the puny number of completed projects. Out of 970 projects allocated funding between 2012 and 2018, 54 have been completed, according to the publicly available data. Bentley said the tool is meant to help people track projects and strategize about what to put on a participatory budgeting ballot in the future. Of the projects that are on the ballot, libraries and schools projects are more likely to receive funding, Bentley said. Both Appleton and Bentley said its important to manage peoples expectations. Sharing information about which projects get a green light and the status of their progress is important for a program that relies on community participation. Enthusiasm for Participatory Budgeting Is On an Upswing Anyway The tortured execution of capital projects doesnt seem to be dampening the energy around participatory budgeting. Cohen said its important to understand that the key purpose of the program is to set funding priorities from the ground up. I always tell people its about idea-generation, Cohen said. Its about having people in the community come up with ideas. They know better than me a lot of times their block, their street, this particular corner, theres a problem. That feedback is very helpful. Mayor Bill de Blasio is expanding participatory budgeting to high schools by giving each school $2,000 to allocate through the process. And theres increased cohesion around the program within the City Council this year. Carlos Menchaca, a City Councilmember whose Brooklyn district includes Sunset Park and Red Hook, is playing a new role as the Councils point person on participatory budgeting. Last year, Menchacas participatory budgeting program had the highest number of voters around 11,000 people of any city council district. He is a strong devotee of the process. I tell my staff every day, We can get everything else wrong, but this we get right, Menchaca said. And this is why you get so much participation, because we think about it most every day. Faiza Ali manages a small staff in the community engagement division of the City Council Speakers office thats dedicated to working on participatory budgeting year-round. She said they plan to work with Menchaca to absorb lessons learned over the last seven years of the program, including how to make the progress of each project more transparent to city residents. He's made this a point of conversation for us to have with the agencies. How do we streamline the P.B. projects? Ali said. Is there a way in which we can prioritize certain P.B. projects over others? And as participatory budgeting expands in the City Council this year, and members work to improve the process, its important to note that the city through the mayors office could take participatory budgeting to another level. A ballot measure that will be up for a vote on November 6 establishes a civic engagement commission, which would implement a citywide participatory budgeting program by 2020. If it passes, New York City could potentially have the largest participatory budgeting process in the world, according to the Participatory Budgeting Project. But that is, of course, up to New York City voters. For more, listen to WNYC's story right here: Warning over fake Poppy Appeal merchandise This article is old - Published: Tuesday, Oct 30th, 2018 A warning has been issued for members of the public to be aware and report fake Poppy Appeal merchandise. With the Royal British Legions (RBL) annual Poppy Appeal underway many residents will be thinking of supporting the campaign by buying and wearing a poppy. However the public is being warned of counterfeit goods being sold, particularly online. The Royal British Legions (RBL) online Poppy Shop and their corporate partners are reliable sources for anyone looking to to support this years appeal. The RBL have registered their rights for the poppy goods to prevent such counterfeiting. You should look out for counterfeit goods that are in the shape of or bearing the image of the RBLs two petal red poppy . To help identify scammers the following tips have been issued to avoid buying fake poppy merchandise online: Be a responsible buyer buy from official channels and The Royal British Legions corporate partners. You can check them out here Avoid cheaper priced products. If the price is too good to be true, it usually is The Royal British Legion works with a number of corporate partners. Only corporate partners are authorised by the Royal British Legion to sell poppy merchandise If in doubt, buy through The Royal British Legion or The Royal British Legion official eBay or Amazon pages you will then be sure of the authenticity Cllr David Griffiths, Armed Forces Champion, said: Its a very sad fact that people will try to make money out of other peoples good causes. The annual Poppy Appeal is no exception and I hope every penny that people donate to the armed forces, their families and veterans by buying a poppy finds its way into the hands of the Royal British Legion and not a fraudster. If you think youve spotted fake poppy merchandise call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or report it online here if you spot anyone selling what you believe to be fake poppy products. Before being abruptly cut off by an Ecuadorian government lawyer during a court hearing on Monday, WikiLeaks founder and publisher Julian Assange accused that government of seeking to end his asylum in its London embassy and hand him over to the United States. Assange spoke from the tiny embassy via teleconference to a hearing in Quito of a lawsuit in which he is challenging a draconian protocol that President Lenin Morenos government has sought to impose on him. Julian Assange Assange said the new rules were a sign Ecuador was trying to push him out, and that Moreno had already decided to end his asylum but had not yet officially given the order. Before Assange could say any more, Ecuadors top government lawyer, Inigo Salvador, interrupted him and warned him not to make political statements during the proceedings. It was the first time the WikiLeaks publisher has been able to speak to the world since March, when Morenos government cut off all his communications after he criticised the detention of Catalan politicians. For more than seven months, Assange has been subjected to a regime of confinement worse than that inflicted on convicted criminals in maximum-security prisons, preventing him from communicating even with his own children and parents. In line with this silencing of Assange, court officials told journalists they could not record any of the statements made during the hearing. Nevertheless, reports of Assanges warning of the move against him were broadcast internationally. This is an indication of the widespread global support for the courageous journalist and for WikiLeaks, which continues to publish leaks exposing the crimes of the US and other governments, along with the corporate giants that work closely with them. Assange launched the legal challenge this month, accusing the Moreno government of violating his fundamental rights and freedoms with its new stipulations. The protocol forbids him from engaging in activities that could be considered political or interfering with the internal affairs of other states and declares that his asylum will be terminated unless he scrupulously adheres to all its terms. Ecuadorian judge Karina Martinez swiftly rejected the lawsuit, saying the countrys foreign ministry was in charge of determining Assanges living conditions. Assanges legal team immediately appealed the ruling. The Ecuadorian state has an international responsibility to protect Assange, attorney Carlos Poveda said. Significantly, Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Jose Valencia, who has supervised the preparation of the new protocol, declined to comment on Assanges assertion that Ecuador sought to hand him over to the United States. The protocolcontemptuously depicted by many corporate media outlets as being about trivial issues such as Assanges cat and personal hygieneis a clear violation of the right to political asylum. It not only prohibits the WikiLeaks founder from making any political comments deemed detrimental to Ecuador or its good relations with any other state. It also makes clear that he and his communications, as well as anyone who visits him, will be subjected to surveillance, with the results shared with US and British spy agencies. The protocol further stipulates that Assange undergo a medical examination every three months, at his own expense, and states that doctors can recommend he be evacuated from the embassy if they conclude that he requires urgent treatment. Exploiting Assanges deteriorating health after more than six years of confinement in a tiny space, these requirements are obviously designed to force him to quit the embassy or provide a pretext to evict him. The WikiLeaks founder was forced to seek refuge in the embassy in 2012 after trumped-up Swedish government allegations of sexual misconduct were brought forward as a pretext for his imprisonment in Britain. This would have been followed by extradition to the US to face concocted espionage charges that could see him jailed for life or even executed. Assange, an Australian citizen, was compelled to turn to Ecuador because the Labor Party-led government in Australia fully lined up with the Obama administration and denied Assange his right to assistance and protection against persecutiona stand continued to this day by the present Liberal-National government. The groundless Swedish allegationsno charges were ever laidwere finally dropped last year, but the British courts refused to lift their charges that Assange had skipped bail on a European arrest warrant. The British government has repeatedly refused to guarantee that Assange will not be extradited to the US. The pressure from Washington for Assanges removal from the embassy has increased in recent weeks. In a departure from Ecuadors previous practice of maintaining dialogue with British authorities over Assanges situation, Valencia told Reuters last week that the government would no longer intervene on his behalf. That was after two leading members of the US House Foreign Relations Committee sent a threatening letter to Moreno insisting that he hand over Assange to the proper authorities as a precondition for improving relations with the United States. The bipartisan letter branded the prize-winning journalist and publisher a dangerous criminal and a threat to global security. US federal prosecutors in Alexandria, Virginia, have maintained a long-running grand jury investigation into WikiLeaks, which began when the site published thousands of secret US files exposing war crimes in Afghanistan and Iraq, and US regime-change operations and mass surveillance around the world. According to one source cited by Reuters, the investigation now includes a probe into leaks of CIA documents that revealed its computer hacking and cyber warfare capacities. In recent months, WikiLeaks has also published material exposing how Amazon cloud data centres serve the US intelligence agencies, the repressive operations of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency and French arms deals to Gulf state dictatorships. Ongoing attempts are being made by US Democrats to drag Assange into a supposed Russian conspiracy to manipulate the 2016 US presidential election. Based on amalgams, distortions and outright lies, these allegations stem from WikiLeaks publication of emails exposing the Democratic National Committees efforts to rig the partys 2016 presidential primaries in favour of Hillary Clinton, and transcripts of Clintons speeches to bankers documenting her role as a stooge of Wall Street and a warmonger. The intensifying moves against Assange and WikiLeaks are directly bound up with the drive by the US government and the major technology corporations to impose a regime of censorship on the internet, restricting access to anti-war, anti-government and socialist views. More broadly, in preparation for major wars abroad and repression at home, the capitalist establishment wants to lock away Assange for good in order to intimidate all those who are fighting against militarism, social inequality and the assault on democratic rights. That is why the mounting threats against Assange must be answered by the broadest possible mobilisation of the international working class to demand his immediate and unconditional freedom, as part of a broader struggle to overturn the capitalist system and its wars, inequality and censorship. The author also recommends: In the face of mounting threats, the working class must defend Julian Assange [25 October 2018] The US governments decision to deploy the military against thousands of migrants and refugees from Central America has not dissuaded Central Americans from continuing their journey north. Many new caravans have formed in recent days as workers and peasants desperately seek to escape the region ravaged by a century of imperialist war and exploitation. One young man, Henry Adalid Diaz Reyes, was shot in the head with a rubber bullet yesterday by Mexican police. The Honduran, who was 26 years old, died en route to a hospital. Several reports from US officials indicate that the Pentagon is preparing to send over 5,000 troops to the US-Mexico border after Donald Trump called the migrant wave an invasion. Equipment is already being sent, while contingents of the Customs and Border Patrol with full anti-riot gear, helicopters and high-caliber weapons have been temporarily halting traffic at the port of entry between Ciudad Juarez and El Paso for daily test runs to confront the caravan. Moreover, its expected that Trump will announce Tuesday a set of measures against migrants and refugees, all seemingly illegal under international and US federal law. Officials who spoke anonymously to the New York Times indicate that Trump plans to proclaim the caravan a national emergency, place a blanket travel ban against Hondurans, Salvadorans and Guatemalans for bogus national security reasons, bar asylum requests by migrants from the region, and cut aid to these countries. Despite the US threats and the militarized operations by the Guatemalan and Mexican governments, Central American migrants continue to leave in the hundreds and thousands. This continuous exodus is an irrefutable demonstration of the intolerable living conditions for the bulk of the 30 million people that live in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. Workers, peasants and youth in the region only see a future of hunger, unemployment, gang and state violence, lack of access to basic services, official neglect and devastation after fierce hurricanes and storms, and largely non-existent democratic rights. A young Honduran who scrapes by as a bricklayer and works at an NGO against violence in the town of Comayaguela spoke anonymously to the Costa Rican Nacion: There is an environment in which people want to leave the country because everything going on is a blow against the people. Many are feeling asphyxiated because they spend years without a job, and staple goods are getting more expensive. Many say that since they are already expected to die in Honduras, its better to just go die somewhere else, he noted. On Sunday, about three hundred migrants left El Salvador after organizing on Facebook and WhatsApp to travel together to the United States. They entered successfully into Guatemala yesterday morning. During the weekend, the second major caravan that has left Honduras this month reached the border between Guatemala and Mexico. Several of its participants said they hoped to catch up with the main caravan that is currently about 200 miles north. In a repetition of what occurred eight days before with the first caravan, the 2,000 migrants broke through a fence and a small group of police on the Guatemalan side only to be quickly bombarded with tear gas from the Mexican federal police. Several migrants, including elderly and children, were overcome by the gas and had to be sent to the hospital, including a 4-month-old baby. Dozens of angry, young migrants responded by throwing rocks, other objects and reportedly one Molotov cocktail against the tear-gas canisters and rubber bullets from the Mexican police. About three dozen migrants and a handful of police were injured. Alongside the deceased Henry Diaz, another man received third degree burns when a tear-gas canister was shot at his genitals. There is another report of a third migrant injured from a firearm. The Mexican government insists that officials didnt carry weapons either for live or rubber ammunition. On Monday morning, about 600 migrants decided to risk crossing the river Suchiate under the port of entry, while boats with navy troops sought to intimidate them and a police helicopter flew within a few feet from the river to generate waves, which almost washed away entire familiesfatigued, dehydrated and hungryalong with journalists. The Mexican police stopped them at the shore and held them there for about three hours until they were forced to form lines to march to the port of entry in order to apply for asylum and be sent to a detention shelter, all under a heavy police presence. About 2,000 migrants stayed at the border town in Guatemala to wait for larger numbers before crossing. On Friday, Mexican president Enrique Pena Nieto offered temporary work permits for migrants who apply for asylum inside of the southern states of Chiapas and Oaxaca, that is, before they reach Mexico City. However, the approximately 2,000 migrants who have agreed to apply for asylum in Mexico and stay at shelters have been sent to what is now widely recognized as a detention center guarded by the federal police and the Navy in Tapachula, Chiapas. Journalists are not being allowed to enter and family members cant communicate with the inmates. The National Immigration Institute (INM) announced Monday that six other detention facilities are being prepared for more migrants. Brisa Ochoa from the Fray Matias Human Rights Center in Tapachula warned El Proceso that the migrants are being detained arbitrarily. In short, promises that the migrants can submit their asylum applications and then travel and work freely in Mexico while being processed are lies. What is taking place is that the Mexican authorities are responding to the caravans by rapidly accelerated the building of an enormous web for mass detention and deportations along the Guatemala-Mexico border. Since the Obama and Pena Nieto administrations set up the Southern Border Plan in July 2014, the US and Mexican governments have invested hundreds of millions of dollars to block migrants from Central America. Over 750,000 Central Americans have been detained and 658,000 deported by the Pena Nieto administration. A report published by Amnesty International earlier this year found that Mexico is deporting Central American immigrants illegally with thousands being ignored and forced back year after year despite reporting credible fear of persecution and threats to their lives and human rights. In August, a US Congressional Research Service report on the Southern Border Program noted, Mexico has established 12 naval bases on the countrys [southern] rivers, three security cordons stretching more than 100 miles north of the Mexico-Guatemala and Mexico-Belize borders, and a drone surveillance program. Yesterday, a group of 29 migrants detained by the police in Pijijiapan even set fire to their mattresses in a local detention center for migrants, clearly as a desperate distress signal. They were sent to the Tapachula shelter. On Friday, the six thousand migrants still at the head of the main caravan gathered into a mass assembly at the central plaza of Arriaga, Chiapas, to discuss Pena Nietos proposal. Pro-immigrant activists and caravan participants noted that existing laws already should provide for the temporary protections offered but they are simply not followed, and that the intention of the government is to put the brake on the mass exodus behind them. They voted by show of hands to continue the trip north. Large sectors of the caravan expressed interest in discussing the proposal made by Mexican president elect, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who has made vague promises of visas for Central Americans. The warning must be made that Lopez Obradors main concern is appeasing the Trump administration by discouraging further migration northward from Central America. After betraying all of his major campaign promisesfrom revoking the privatization of the energy industry and the regressive education reform to removing the military from Mexican streetsthe incoming presidents words are as empty and deceitful as those coming from Pena Nieto. On Saturday, about 100 Mexican gendarmes in riot gear stopped the caravan for three hours to try to force the migrants to take Pena Nietos offer before they left the state of Chiapas. More perniciously, adopting the methods of death squads, IMN officials have been driving vans with tinted windows before dawn to pick up individual migrants or small groups, as was reported in videos by neighbors in Arriaga. In Huixtla, last Tuesday, the municipality decided to fumigate the streets, presumably against disease-carrying mosquitos, the one night when thousands of families with children, elderly and pregnant women were trying to rest. Terrified migrants noted that they received no warning or even an explanation of what chemicals they were being drenched with. After long discussions among caravan members about each new obstacle and provocation, they voted in another mass assembly on Sunday to form a 300-strong and unarmed security commission, a cleaning commission and a communications group. While the government escalates the repression, the response by ordinary Mexicans has been the opposite. As the main caravan approached Oaxaca, a banner hanging from an overpass said, Your hearts are brave, dont give up. Mexicans are now humorously joking to their partners, Darling, if you dont treat me right, Ill leave with the caravan, while children ask their parents if we can go with them. The encouragement and material support given by Mexican workers and peasants has demonstrated a profound empathy and class solidarity. In another sign of rapidly rising US-China tensions and the danger of conflict, President Xi Jinping has told his countrys military to prepare for war. His speech last Thursday to the Peoples Liberation Armys (PLA) Southern Theatre Command was a response to the Trump administrations aggressive actions not just in intensifying trade war, but overtly readying for military conflict with both China and Russia. Xi, who is also the Chinese military commander-in-chief, stressed the need for military forces that can fight and win wars and told the command to concentrate [on] preparations for fighting a war. He declared: We have to step up combat readiness exercises, joint exercises and confrontational exercises to enhance servicemens capabilities and preparation for war. Youre constantly working at the front line, and playing key roles in protecting national territorial sovereignty and maritime interests, Xi declared. The command had a heavy military responsibility to take all complex situations into consideration and make emergency plans accordingly, he said. The PLAs Southern Theatre Command is responsible for the South China Sea and the Taiwan Straittwo dangerous flashpoints for war. Under the Trump administration, the Pentagon already has conducted more provocative Freedom of Navigation operations in the South China Seaeight in allthan under President Barack Obama. A US Carrier strike group, Photo Credit: US Navy The latest US provocation, earlier this month, resulted in a close encounter between a Chinese warship and the USS Decatur, which deliberately challenged Chinese maritime claims by sailing within the 12-nautical mile limit of Chinese-controlled islets in the Spratly Islands. Needless to say, if Chinese warships conducted such operations off the US coastline in the vicinity of sensitive military bases, that would provoke an outcry in Washington and a clamour for retaliation. The US is also sending an increasing number of warships through the narrow Taiwan Strait that separates China from Taiwan, which Beijing has long claimed at its territory. The Trump administration is deliberately inflaming tensions over Taiwan by strengthening military ties with Taipei. Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe declared last week that Taiwan touches upon Chinas core interests. He bluntly warned: On this issue, it is extremely dangerous to repeatedly challenge Chinas bottom line. If someone tries to separate out Taiwan, Chinas military will take the necessary actions at any cost. Yet that is exactly what the Trump administration is doing. Earlier this month, CNN reported that the US Navy was preparing for a major show of force in November as a warning to China. The draft proposal recommended a concentrated series of operations over a week involving the dispatch of US warships and warplanes near Chinese territorial waters in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait. Such plans are part of far broader US preparations for war with China, which along with Russia, the Pentagon branded at the beginning of the year as a revisionist power and strategic competitor. In a bellicose speech earlier this month, US Vice President Mike Pence signalled a dramatic escalation in the Trump administrations confrontation with China, which has already led to a worsening trade war. The Trump administration has also taken two major military steps this month that certainly would have sounded alarm bells in Beijing. A day after Pences speech, the Pentagon released a report that can be interpreted only as the economic preparation for total war. It urged an end to US dependence on imports of strategic materials and items, particularly from rivals such as China, and the establishment of a solid defence industrial base and resilient supply chains in order to sustain a protracted military conflict. The second moveTrumps decision to pull out of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treatyis even more inflammatory. The treaty signed between the US and the former Soviet Union in 1987 formally prohibited the development of short- and medium-range nuclear missiles. By pulling out of the agreement, Donald Trump signalled his intention to massively expand the US nuclear arsenal directed not only against Russia, but above all, at ringing China with nuclear weapons based in Asia. The growing danger of a nuclear conflict between the US and China was the subject of an article in the latest edition of Foreign Affairs entitled Beijings nuclear option: Why a US-Chinese war could spiral out of control. Analyst Caitlin Talmadge concluded that any US conventional conflict would necessarily threaten Chinas relatively small nuclear arsenal. If that were the case, the Chinese military would be confronted with the choice of using its nuclear weapons or losing its ability to retaliate against a US nuclear attack. Talmadge dismissed the Pentagons routine assurances that there was no likelihood of a nuclear war between the US and China. If deployed against China, the Pentagons preferred style of conventional war [to knock out an enemys military assets] would be a recipe for nuclear escalation, he warned. There is nothing progressive about the response of Xi Jinping and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to the threat of US aggression. The CCP regime represents the interests of the tiny layer of super-rich oligarchs who have amassed enormous wealth though the processes of capitalist restoration that began in 1978. As such, Beijing is organically incapable of making any appeal to the working class in China and internationally to mount a unified class offensive against capitalism and its outmoded nation-state system. Instead, Xi has sought to appease US imperialism, offering concessions, while at the same time accelerating Chinas own military build-upa recipe for war. The US drive to war against China, initiated under Obama and accelerated under Trump, is a product of the deepening crisis of global capitalism, centred in the United States. In a desperate attempt to counteract its own historic decline, US imperialism regards China as the chief current threat to its world hegemony and will stop at nothing to subordinate China to its economic and strategic interests. The rising danger of nuclear war must be answered through the building of a unified anti-war movement of the working class in China, the United States and internationally based on a socialist perspective to put an end to the capitalist system that threatens to plunge humanity into barbarism. Jeffersontown Police Chief Sam Rogers visited the First Baptist Church Sunday to tell the congregation that the gunman who attempted to attack the black church last week and then went on a shooting rampage at a nearby Kroger store was a white racist. Gregory Alan Bush, 51, was arrested and charged in the shooting deaths of Maurice Stallard, 69, and Vickie Lee Jones, 67, who were both black. During the shooting spree, Bush made statements to the effect that whites dont kill whites and he was targeting only African-Americans. Bush had approached the church on the morning of October 24, shortly after a church service attended by some 70 people had let out. Less than a dozen people remained, and the doors had been locked. Those inside saw him on the surveillance cameras pounding on the doors and refused to let him in. Eventually he turned away. Chief Rogers told the congregation, I wont stand here and pretend that none of us know what could have happened if that evil man had gotten in the doors of this church. Ten or fifteen minutes after leaving the church, Bush walked up to Maurice Stallard at a Kroger supermarket and shot him multiple times. He then left the store and shot and killed Vickie Lee Jones in the parking lot. A bystander who was armed fired back at Bush and he fled the store. Police arrested him a few minutes later. According to press reports, Bush had a history of both mental illness and violence, frequently accompanied by racist outbursts, many directed at his ex-wife, who was African-American. A conviction for domestic violence resulted in a judicial order stripping him of the right to possess firearms, but this did not stop him from regularly carrying a gun. He was hospitalized at least twice for mental health issues, including a suicide attempt in 2000, and he had several encounters with the judicial system over violence or threats of violence: a protective order in 2001 for his ex-wife, a conviction for misdemeanor menacing in 2003, and an assault conviction for domestic violence against both his parents, then in their 70s, in 2009, after which he was sent to Central State Hospital for a psychiatric evaluation. Bush had worked as a package handler at the huge UPS facility in Louisville until 2000, when he was fired, allegedly for sexual assault against a co-worker. According to a Facebook posting, Bush had paranoid schizophrenia and got into trouble when he did not take his prescribed medications. US Attorney Russell Coleman said last week that federal investigators were examining this matter from the perspective of federal criminal law, which includes potential civil rights violations such as hate crimes. Senator Mitch McConnell chimed in with a call for application of the death penalty if Bush was convicted of the two killings. An 18-year-old man has turned himself in for the horrifying sex abuse on a D train earlier this month. Police said that on October 1st a 27-year-old woman had been on a southbound train when she realized that a male passenger had been standing very close to her after he boarded the train at 59th Street-Columbus Circle. At 47th Street-Rockefeller Center, she realized that he "ejaculated onto her buttocks and her backpack," according to the NYPD. The woman described the incident to WABC 7: "I noticed him by 59th Street and I look back," and thought, "You're really too close to me at this point." She also said he "bumped into her again, breathed on her, and touched her hand while she was holding onto the pole." And when she sat down, he sat down as well. The woman had taken a photograph of the passenger, which the NYPD shared with the media (she also turned over her backpack to police). Ibrahim Mehsin of the Bronx "surrendered to cops at the 50th Precinct in the Bronx on Monday after seeing his picture on the news," reports the Post. Mehsin was charged with third-degree sexual abuse. If you see or experience sexual misconduct in the subway (this includes seeing a masturbator, being groped, being grinded on, etc.), you can report it to the MTA and police on this website. There's also a place for you to upload photos and/or video. Don't let the perverts win. There were major swings on Wall Street yesterday, with the Dow moving in a range of 900 points, in response to a report that US President Donald Trump is planning to impose a tariff on all Chinese goods if he does not receive a satisfactory trade offer from President Xi Jinping. The two leaders are set to meet on the sidelines of the G20 summit meeting in Buenos Aires, Argentina, at the end of next month, with the US demanding that China present a list of actions it is prepared to carry out to meet its demands. These demands centre on measures against the alleged theft of intellectual property rights, forced technology transfers and state subsidies to major industries that the US claims distort international markets. Bloomberg, citing three people familiar with the matter, reported that the administration was planning to announce tariffs covering all remaining Chinese imports if talks between Trump and Xi failed to ease the trade war. The response on Wall Street was to send the Dow plunging after it had opened by more than 300 points up. At one stage, the index was down by more than 550 points before ending the day 245 points lower. The S&P 500 index swung by nearly 4 percent from its high to the low in the trading session, with tech stocks and Boeing particularly hard hit. According to the Bloomberg report, the new list would cover the $257 billion worth of Chinese goods not already affected by tariffs and would come into effect by February, following a 60-day public comment period. The US has already levied tariffs of 25 percent on $50 billion worth of Chinese goods, mainly industrial products, plus a tariff of 10 percent on another $200 billion worth of imports imposed in September that is set to rise to 25 percent at the start of next year. While the proposed new tariffs have yet to be confirmed, the Bloomberg report is in line with a Wall Street Journal report last week that the US was refusing to resume trade negotiations with China until Beijing comes up with a concrete proposal to address Washingtons complaints about forced technology transfers and other issues. The newspaper noted that US businesses had been hoping there would be sufficient progress at the G20 meeting between Trump and Xi to at least bring about a suspension of the planned escalation of the tariff hike on the $200 billion worth of Chinese goods, many of them consumer goods and components for US products, set for January 1. That prospect now seems highly unlikely. If China wants [the G20 session] to be a meaningful meeting, we need to do the groundwork, a senior White House official told the newspaper. And if they dont give us any information, its just hard to see how that becomes fruitful. The Chinese are not willing to provide the US with a list, having been badly burned on that score in the past. They fear that Trump would make any offer public and weaken their negotiating position. That took place in 1999 during negotiations for Chinas entry into the World Trade Organisation. The Clinton administration made public a negotiating offer by the then Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji, which led to him being pilloried at home for offering too many concessions. The experience has been repeated this year. In May, Chinese negotiators thought they had reached an agreement with the US for China to buy $100 billion worth of additional US goods, a deal which US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said had put the trade war on hold. However, Trump overturned the deal a few days later on the grounds that it was not sufficient. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal last week, Chinas ambassador to the US Cui Tiankai said Beijing wanted more discussions before it would make a specific offer. People have to sit down together, he said. Then each side should make its own proposal. You cannot have some tentative agreement one day and reject it the next. China is seeking assurances from the US that if it does offer a list of concessions, then the US will respond with offers to reduce tariffs. But US officials have given no indication that they are prepared to do that. A senior White House official claimed that China will sort of commit to things that will sound good but arent meaningful. The conflict goes far beyond negotiating tactics, however. The basic issue, as set out in a list of initial demands presented last May, is that the US is demanding that China roll back, or at least severely curtail, its program for advanced industrial and technological development under its Made in China 2025 plan. This would involve Beijing ceasing the acquisition of new technologies, which the US claims involves theft and forced transfers from firms operating in China, and ending market distorting subsidies to major industries. In other words, the US is insisting that China must not pursue the path of economic development that has been taken by other capitalist economies, including the US, Japan and South Korea, in the past. So far as the US is concerned, China should be reduced to a semi-colonial status as a supplier of cheap consumer goods, and must not be allowed to develop industries and technologies that could challenge US economic and military supremacy. This is a demand that the Chinese regime cannot meet. The issue is often put in terms of the loss of face by the Chinese leadership if it backs downa position advanced by historian Niall Ferguson in an interview on the business channel CNBC yesterday as he pointed to the intractable character of the US-China trade conflict. But far more is involved. The vast economic expansion of China has seen an explosive growth in the working class that threatens the stability of the Chinese regime if economic growth does not proceed. Having completely abandoned any claim to promote social equality, let alone bring about an advance to socialism, the Chinese regime is widely regarded as representing an ultra-wealthy capitalist oligarchy. It enjoys any legitimacy in the eyes of the working masses only to the extent that it continues the expansion of the economy. This means it must press ahead with technological and industrial development, a course that has now brought about a direct collision with the US. For its part, the US is determined that Chinas economic development cannot be allowed to reach a point where it can challenge American dominancea position that Washington will seek to maintain by all means, including intensified trade war and ultimately military conflict. On Monday, the Trump administration and the Pentagon announced the deployment of 5,200 soldiers across the US-Mexico border by the end of the week. This will be the largest combat-ready military mobilization on US soil since the urban rebellions of the late 1960s. The military has given the initiative the mission name Operation Faithful Patriot. Thousands of troops and billions of dollars worth of equipment are being mobilized in advance of a major national address by Trump announcing further restrictions on immigration. The deployment is a direct threat to the lives of thousands of workers fleeing Central American countries ravaged by over a century of US imperialist exploitation, dictatorship and war. With no opposition from any section of the US political establishment, the government is preparing a confrontation with unarmed men, women and children that could rapidly result in US troops shooting, wounding and killing refugees seeking asylum at the US border. Last Thursday, Trump declared the caravan a national emergency. The administration is seeking to manufacture a national security state-of-siege crisis on the eve of the November 6 midterm elections. The aim is to whip up a climate of fear and panic and encourage further right-wing violence in order to stampede voters behind a far-right agenda to be carried out in the aftermath of the vote. At the same time, Trump and his fascistic advisers are working to create the basis for an extra-parliamentary extreme-right movement. Election Day is to be held in the shadow of a war-like military deployment on US soil, establishing a further precedent for the militarization of US politics and every aspect of social life. At a press conference yesterday afternoon, General Terrence OShaughnessy and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) Commissioner Kevin McAleenan outlined what amounts to plans for an offensive military assault that will play out as early voting takes place nationwide. McAleenan said CBP was preparing for riot control and added that the agency was calling in thousands of additional officers to man the front lines in the fight against immigrants. General OShaughnessy said the Pentagon was deploying three companies of Black Hawk assault helicopters armed with the latest technology, as well as other aviational assets, including transport planes and drones. The mobilization will include US Marines as well as military police and medical assistanceforces that are deployed only when the military is preparing for potential combat. The units are deploying with weapons, OShaughnessy said, as well as hundreds of miles of razor wire, barricades and building material. This is just the start of the operation, he added, noting that troop levels can be increased as needed. President Trump and leading government officials are speaking the language of Hitler and Goebbels. Many Gang Members and some very bad people are mixed into the Caravan heading to our Southern Border, Trump tweeted yesterday. Please go back, you will not be admitted into the United States unless you go through the legal process. This is an invasion of our Country and our Military is waiting for you! In a Sunday television appearance, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen used language normally reserved for threats of war abroad: [E]very possible action is on the table with regard to the caravan, she said, just days after threatening that the military and border patrol have the ability of force to defend themselves. In a remarkable press conference Monday afternoon, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders refused to deny that the administration might suspend habeas corpus and posse comitatus, the law barring the deployment of the military to carry out policing functions on US soil, to confront the caravan. As one reporter pointed out during the press conference, Trumps use of the term invasion has constitutional significance, since Article One of the Constitution refers twice to Congress power to abrogate basic democratic rights in the face of an invasion. Invaders was also the term employed on social media by Robert Bowers, who killed 11 Jewish people at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh on Saturday, in the worst anti-Semitic attack in US history. Bowers specifically targeted the synagogue because of its defense of caravan participants, who he said were out to kill our people. Trumps fascistic language also inspired right-wing loner Cesar Sayoc to mail pipe bombs to Democratic Party figures last week and Gregory Bush to kill two African-American people at a grocery store in Kentucky. Trumps authoritarian measures are being met with broad popular opposition, proving that the constituency for such initiatives comes not from the masses of people, but from within the ruling class itself. This is part of a universal process. Around the world, governments are coming under the control of far-right forces promoted by leading sections of the ruling class and its traditional political parties and cultivated from within the state and military-intelligence apparatus. In Brazil, ex-military captain Jair Bolsonaro was elected president Sunday after praising the military dictatorship that ruled the country from 1964 to 1985 and pledging to clean up what he called red criminals. In Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel announced yesterday she would step down as leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) after the ruling CDU-Social Democratic Party (SPD) grand coalition was battered in another state election, this time in Hesse. The results strengthened the neo-Nazi Alternative for Germany (AfD), which has been promoted and defended by the grand coalition. In Italy, Sweden and Eastern Europe, recent elections have strengthened the parties of the extreme-right, which scapegoat immigrants, demand mass deportations and instigate racist and xenophobic violence. These gains for far-right parties are not the result of mass popular support. Rather, they are the product of mass disillusionment and disgust for traditional ruling parties that have carried out relentless attacks on working class living standards and engineered an immense growth of social inequality. The election of Trump in the US is the product of the same process. Millions of workers abandoned the Democratic Party because of widespread hatred of Hillary Clinton and hostility to the pro-Wall Street, pro-war policies of the Obama administration. The Democratic Party has given Trump the green light to conduct unprecedented attacks on immigrants, urging its House and Senate candidates to ignore the immigration issue and pledge their support for border security. A particularly criminal role has been played by self-proclaimed socialists such as Bernie Sanders, who said earlier this year, I dont think theres anybody who disagrees that we need strong border security. If the president wants to work with us to make sure we have strong border security, lets do that. The Socialist Equality Party (US) opposes the deployment of troops to the US-Mexico border. It is a major step in the preparations for war and dictatorship. It is a further warning that without a socialist revolution, the world confronts a repetition of the worst crimes of the 20th century on an even greater scale. But the same crisis of the capitalist system that generates the drive to fascism and world war also impels the working class into struggle and creates the objective conditions for the alternativesocialist revolution. The first three quarters of 2018 have seen the highest level of strike activity in years. On an international scale, the working class is looking for a way to fight the corporations and banks and their political representatives. It is this process, drawing the international working class together in a common struggle for democratic rights and social equality, which can bring an end to fascist violence and guarantee the rights of immigrants to travel the world and live where they please. The editorial published Sunday by the New York Times on the massacre of 11 Jewish congregants at a synagogue in Pittsburgh is an expression of political bankruptcy and cowardice. The leading US newspaper, the longtime voice of the Democratic Party and the agenda-setter for the bulk of the corporate media, effectively absolves President Trump of any political responsibility for the anti-Semitic atrocity on Saturday and the mail bombs sent to more than a dozen prominent Democrats and other Trump targets last week. Under the headline The Hate Poisoning America, the editorial treats anti-Semitism as a psychological disorder, not a specific form of ultra-right-wing politics that has invariably been whipped up by factions within the capitalist ruling elite in preparation for war and dictatorship. It notes that the killer, Robert Bowers, was a gun enthusiast and an active user of social media, drawing the conclusion that laws or regulations should be enacted to crack down on both the hardware of hate and its softwarei.e., guns and social media. The editorial thus seeks to direct popular revulsion over the Pittsburgh massacre in a reactionary, anti-democratic direction, bolstering the campaign for internet censorship launched by the Times and the Democratic Party based on bogus allegations of Russian meddling in the 2016 US presidential election. As for Trump, the moral author of the Pittsburgh massacre, the Times has this to say: So it was reassuring to hear President Trump condemn the attack in Pittsburgh, as he did the pipe bombs. And it was disappointing to see him immediately head back out on the campaign trail, as he did on Saturday, to disparage his opponents and critics all over again. As a candidate and as president Mr. Trump has failed to consistently, unequivocally reject bigotry, and he has even encouraged violence at some of his rallies. He has adopted a temporizing moral equivalency in the face of anti-Semitic hate, most notoriously after neo-Nazis and white supremacists marched in Charlottesville last year The Times editors present Trump as an inconsistent opponent of bigotry, rather than an avid promoter of it. They claim to find it reassuring when he utters, in perfunctory language devoid of any sincerity, the words of condemnation drafted by his White House spin doctors, and disappointing when he drops the presidential mask and begins his usual ranting, including, only hours after the massacre, the vilification of several prominent Jewish critics. The editors must take the Times readers for complete fools. At the heart of this willful blindness is the refusal to characterize the politics of Trump and his ultra-right followers. The Times focuses on Trumps smashmouth tactics and his incitement of supporters to think of his critics as traitors and enemies. But the editorial does not use the word fascist, and makes no analysis of the actual connections, established through aides like Stephen Bannon and Stephen Miller and publications like Breitbart News, between the Trump administration and the fascist elements who masquerade under the label alt-right. Similarly, the editors refuse to characterize the political nature of the crime committed in Pittsburgh and the political perspective that evidently animated the actions of Robert Bowers, the gunman who attacked the synagogue. Bowers is an anti-Semite and neo-Nazi, who sympathizes with the Trump administrations actions persecuting immigrants, but regards them as insufficient. He decided to take matters into his own hands, targeting the Tree of Life synagogue because of its affiliation with a Jewish charity that helps resettle immigrants and refugees in the United States. The Times, which has the closest and most active ties to the US intelligence establishment, does not want to alert the working class to the severity and urgency of the danger it faces to its basic democratic rights. The Times editorial cites a statement by Rabbi Marvin Hier of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, who told the newspaper, Im afraid to say that we may be at the beginning of what has happened to Europe, the consistent anti-Semitic attacks. But that is the only reference to Europe, and the Times makes no mention of Germany, where for the first time since the defeat of Nazism and the death of Hitler, an openly fascistic party, Alternative for Germany, has entered parliament and is playing a major role in politics, spearheading racist attacks on Jews, Muslims and immigrants. Sundays editorial is not an aberration on that score. The Times has consistently downplayed or directly covered up the growth of fascist and neo-Nazi political movements in Europe, particularly in Germany, but also in Hungary, Austria, Poland, Italy and France. This is itself to be explained politically: the Times is aligned with those bourgeois parties, mainly the Social Democrats and Christian Democrats, whose embrace of austerity policies and attacks on workers jobs and living standards has opened the way for the ultra-right to make gains by posturing as the defender of the masses against the elites. The Democratic Party plays the same role in the United States, and it was eight years of the Obama administration, which funneled trillions into bailing out Wall Street while imposing brutal austerity on the working class, which made Trumps victory in 2016 possible. The Times editors seek to cover up this connection as part of their campaign for the Democratic Party in the November 6 midterm elections. Only three days prior to their groveling before Trump after the Pittsburgh massacre, the same newspaper published an editorial headlined, How a Democratic House Could Work With Trump. This editorial set out a perspective for collaboration between the Democrats and Trump if the Democratic Party wins at least a narrow majority in the House of Representatives next Tuesday. The editors claimed that under pressure of the election, Mr. Trump has also begun revisiting broadly popular policy themes of the sort that he campaigned on in 2016 but then largely abandonedor actively worked againstonce he settled into the Oval Office. These supposedly include protecting health insurance coverage for pre-existing conditions, reducing the high cost of prescription drugs, and investing in public infrastructure such as roads and mass transit. The Times expresses the hope that this could constitute a starter map to policies on which the president and Democratic lawmakers might actually be able to get something done, and even, if the Republican-controlled Senate rejects such measures, drive a wedge between Republican lawmakers and the president. For all their hand-wringing about the evils of anti-Semitism and the horrors of the synagogue massacre, the Times is mainly concerned that the atrocity in Pittsburgh could become a roadblock to their perspective of future Democratic Party collaboration with the Trump administration. Vigils continued Monday across the US in the wake of the mass killings Saturday at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which left 11 people dead and six injured. Since the shooting tragedy, vigils and other gatherings have been held in many cities, including San Francisco, Detroit, Boston and New York. Funerals for the eight men and three women who were killed are set to begin Tuesday. The victims range in age from 54 to 97 and include a married couple and two brothers. Robert Bowers, the gunman, appeared in Federal Court Monday afternoon for an arraignment and was denied bail while he is being held over for trial. He faces at least 29 federal charges and the US attorneys office said it will seek the death penalty. At the vigils, the common theme has been solidarity with the victims, the survivors and the Squirrel Hill community where the synagogue is located. But they have also expressed hostility to the hate speech from President Trump and the belief that the president has incited incidents of violence over the past week. Last Wednesday, police arrested Gregory A. Bush in connection with the shooting deaths of two black people at a grocery store in Kentucky. He had tried to enter a predominantly black church just minutes before the fatal shootings. On Monday, a suspicious package addressed to CNN headquarters in Atlanta was intercepted. The FBI said the package was similar in appearance to the 14 pipe bombs addressed to prominent Democrats and Trump critics and recently intercepted. Cesar Sayoc, 56, of Aventura, Florida, faces five federal charges in connection with the bomb packages. At a press conference Monday afternoon, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders doubled down on White House claims that the presidents whipping up of anti-immigrant and xenophobic sentiments, and his incitements to violence, had nothing to do with the recent killings and mail bombs. Asked by CNNs Jim Acosta to identify those in the media to whom the president was referring when he claimed that the fake media was fueling violence, Sanders replied: I think its irresponsible of a news organization, like yours, to blame responsibility of a pipe bomb that was not sent by the presidentnot just blame the president, but blame members of his administration for those heinous acts. I think that is outrageous and I think its irresponsible. Sanders also announced that the president and Melania Trump would be visiting Pittsburgh on Tuesday. There is widespread opposition in Pittsburgh to the Trumps making such a visit to the city. According to the Washington Post, more than 35,000 people have signed an open letter by Pittsburgh Jewish leaders to President Trump opposing his coming to Pittsburgh until he denounces white nationalism and ends his attacks on minorities and his continuing assault on immigrants and refugees. President Trump, you are not welcome in Pittsburgh until you fully denounce white nationalism, reads the letter. It continues: President Trump, you are not welcome in Pittsburgh until you stop targeting and endangering all minorities [and] until you cease your assault on immigrants and refugees. The letter was first circulated Sunday by the Pittsburgh Chapter of Bend the Arc, a Jewish organization that describes itself as uniting progressive Jewish voices across America to fight for justice for all. The former president of the Tree of Life synagogue, Lynette Lederman, told CNN on Monday: The country can stop the hate speech. We know that it comes from the top I do not welcome this president to my city because hes the purveyor of hate speech. A protest against Trumps appearance has been set for noon to 3 pm Tuesday in Pittsburgh. As of Monday evening, the location was being worked out with city officials. Bend the Arc largely supports the Democratic Party. But the points raised in its open letter and the vast support it has received stand in stark contrast to the positions being taken by the Democratic Party, both locally in Pittsburgh and across the country. A review of the statements, web sites and twitter accounts of local and state Democratic officials shows that they have made no mention of immigration or the refugee crisis. Nor have they clearly linked the anti-immigrant and anti-Semitic rhetoric used by Trump and the actions of far-right elements within his political base. This is despite the fact that social media posts by Bowers show that he specifically targeted the Tree of Life synagogue because of its work with HIAS (formally known as the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) to relocate refugees from war-torn Syria, Latin America and other parts of the world to the Pittsburgh area. He also used Trumps phrase, invaders, to characterize the Central American workers in the caravan making its way through Mexico to the US border. On the web and Twitter pages of Senator Bob Casey, Representatives Mike Doyle (Pittsburgh) and Conor Lamb (western Pennsylvania), Governor Tom Wolf and Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, none of them make a single reference to Bowers being motivated by the anti-immigrant rants and anti-Semitic allusions of the president. Casey, Wolf, Doyle and Peduto all posted statements to the effect that more had to be done on gun control. Mayor Peduto mentioned Trump, but only to refute his proposal that synagogues employ armed guards. None of them denounce Trumps persecution of immigrants or defend the impoverished workers in the caravan. The silence of the Democratic Party officials is not an accident or merely an election maneuver. Rather, the Democrats, like their Republican counterparts, support the crackdown on immigrants as a way to divert attention from the economic crisis and prepare similar attacks against the working class as a whole. In Pittsburgh, a vigil has been ongoing since Sunday outside the Tree of Life Synagogue, where a gunman murdered 11 people Saturday morning. Streams of people came to lay flowers, light candles and leave remarks on the sidewalk and street. Impromptu vigils have also been held outside the homes of many of the victims, with people stopping to leave flowers, write messages and show their support. Bouquets for David and Cecil Rosentha At one such vigil outside the home of Cecil Rosenthal and David Rosenthal, two brothers killed in the attack, Val, a young woman who had left a comment opposing Trumps hate speech, told the World Socialist Web Site: Through solidarity we can regain any sense of humanity we had. Hate is not new. It is there because of leaders like Trump who encourages racism in a way that incites hatred and violence towards our brothers and sisters of all faiths, identities, backgrounds, here and all around the world. When you have a military or fascist-type leader anywhere in the world, it is a problem for the whole world. They are using the same type of hate speech against people whom they seek to victimize. I dont think the Democrats are doing anything to oppose Trumps message. I dont have any confidence in what they are doing. They dont want to bring up the topics of migrant workers and immigrants and that is what we want. Everyone has to be welcomed. Another person at the vigil who didnt want to leave her name for fear of reprisals said, I dont understand how someone could go into a place of love and sanctuary and do so much harm and hate. Referring to Trumps statements, she said: I definitely think that this country is more divided and that this is fueling hate. I dont know why this man did this and I dont want to say why, but Trump is trying to make people hate immigrants and minorities. I wholeheartedly support immigrants right to come to the United States. People are being forced to flee their home not because they want to, but because of the violence and wars, much of which has been caused by the United States. New York City Coby Hundreds of students waited outside the Kimmel Center at New York University to attend a vigil held for victims of the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting. Coby, who studies film and television at NYU, said, It is really a sad thing that someone could do this because of someones religion. Anesa Anesa, an NYU student majoring in cultural studies, said, I am going to the vigil because it is everyones responsibility to stand up and condemn white supremacist violence. It is sad to hear about all the communities that suffer from this violence and expect it but feel powerless to stop it. Looking at how our country is being run, the elections in Brazil, and the violence around the world is alarming. There are not really places people can go to feel safe. Detroit A participant in a Detroit vigil said, Its not just American society where this is happening. Brazil just elected a fascist. Germany is struggling with neo-Nazis in their government. We all have the same history. A hundred years ago, it was anti-Catholic because we didnt have Latinos then. The capitalists will do it to anybody. White people were forced into the coal mines and their children were used as labor. Its not about race. While we are fighting each other according to race, they stuff money in their pockets. Why should I be afraid of some caravan? TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - The Florida Department of Education and independent booksellers across the state are joining together for the Re-book to Re-build: Hurricane Relief Fundraiser. The fundraiser is aimed to help school districts hit hardest by Hurricane Michael. Floridians are encouraged to visit one of the participating bookstores on November 3rd or 4th and simply buy books. A percentage of the sale proceeds will be invested in local literacy grants for school districts and educators to purchase books for schools. Those in the Big Bend area can stop by the Midtown Reader in Tallahassee, located on Thomasville Road. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (The News Service of Florida) - Florida voters are being asked this year to settle a long-running dispute that could result in the elimination of dog racing in the state. Among a long list of proposed constitutional amendments is a measure that, if passed, would end greyhound races at dog tracks by the end of 2020. The proposed ban, placed on the ballot by the Florida Constitution Revision Commission, has drawn bipartisan support, as well as opposition. The measure is opposed by the Florida Greyhound Association, which represents owners and breeders in the racing industry. It is also opposed by a coalition of farmers and sportsmen who contend the proposal is broader than banning dog racing because it includes language that declares, The humane treatment of animals is a fundamental value of the people of the state of Florida. National Rifle Association lobbyist Marion Hammer calls the greyhound racing ban just camouflage by supporters who could use the amendment to do such things as try to ban hunting and fishing. The real intent behind Amendment 13 is to give animal rights radicals a legal foothold in the constitution," said Hammer. Supporters of the plan, including Kate MacFall with the Humane Society of the United States, call the concerns a scare tactic. The opposition is out of talking points, because we know that dogs are dying and they are in harms way," said MacFall. "The humane community has won the debate on the humane treatment of animals. So, theyre just desperate it seems. Florida is one of a handful of places in the country with dog racing, and passage of the amendment would be a serious blow for an industry that has been in the state for decades. Yes, you can transfer your domain to any registrar or hosting company once you have purchased it. Since domain transfers are a manual process, it can take up to 5 days to transfer the domain. Domains purchased with payment plans are not eligible to transfer until all payments have been made. Please remember that our 30-day money back guarantee is void once a domain has been transferred. For transfer instructions to GoDaddy, please click here. From now until Election Day, The Brian Lehrer Show is hosting a series called 30 Issues in 30 Days. The idea is to dive deep on one issue a day to give voters a sense of what candidates are saying about the policies that affect their lives. The next issue up: Protections for trans New Yorkers. The day after the public learned that the Trump administration was considering changes to Title IX that could leave transgender individuals without standard civil rights protections, protests erupted around the country. In New York hundreds of LGBTQ New Yorkers and their allies gathered at Washington Square Park in Manhattan for a rally, decrying the memo and urging lawmakers to take a stand against the federal government. State Senator Brad Hoylman, the only openly gay State Senator in New York, said, Trump and his allies are trying to dismantle protections for transgender individuals, and its more important than ever that New York step in and fill the void. The thing is though: For years New York has been having its own issues fully protecting trans individuals under state law, because a Republican controlled State Senate has continually blocked legislation. Whats the issue, and why does it matter in November? This past May the State Assembly voted for the 11th consecutive time to pass The Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA), legislation to include gender identity and gender expression in the state's list of qualities protected under New York State's anti-discrimination law, which currently includes race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and disability. For the 11th time the State Senate refused to take up the issue. Right now, no statewide law explicitly prohibits discrimination against transgender and gender non-conforming people, State Senator Hoylman told WNYC. That means that people who are fired from their jobs, denied housing, mistreated in the workplace, or refused service in stores and in restaurants because of their appearance or gender identity do not have clear legal protection, Hoylman argues that the State Senates refusal to pass GENDA is not unique: over the last four years the Republican majority in the Senate has killed every piece of legislation making reference to sexual orientation or gender identity - even when such legislation has bipartisan support. Examples of legislation that received support in the Assembly and were blocked by the Senate include officially prohibiting conversion therapy on LGBT minors, and requiring medical coverage for HIV medication, among others. Under current state law transgender New Yorkers do have some recourse if they feel theyve experienced discrimination on the basis of gender identity. In 2015, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed an executive order protecting transgender people from discrimination in New York. But Senator Hoylman argues its not enough"the order hasnt been tested in court and it could be overturned by another Governor"and protections need to be enshrined in law. If Democrats take the Senate that will be a top priority. What about at the federal level? At a federal level House and Senate Democrats are pushing for The Equality Act (first introduced in 2017) which would amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other pieces of federal legislation to make discrimination on the basis gender identity illegal. If it passed it would make Trumps most recent interpretation of Title IX illegal. The Equality ACT currently has 200 total sponsors, 46 of whom are in the Senate (all of them Democrat). In a recent speech, Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) said passing the Equality Act would be a top priority if Democrats win the House of Representatives. For more on all this, listen to Brian Lehrer's segment right here: Loading... President Trump will be in Macon on November 4th. It is unclear if Mr. Kemp will be in attendence at the time, as he is currently scheduled to participate in a debate between himself, Democratic opponent Stacey Abrams, and Libertarian Ted Metz. PELHAM, Ga. (WALB) - Residents are speaking out after a shooting happened in the Bennetta Cockran Homes community on Saturday night. Residents said although a life was not taken in the incident, they are concerned gangs and crimes are on the rise in their community. "It's people who don't even live out up here that's terrorizing us, that's torturing us. It's not fair," said resident Terry Williams. Terry Williams and a few of her neighbors in the Bennetta Cockran Homes community said they are fed up with the shootings and crimes happening in their area. "There has been some incidents as recent as this weekend where there was someone that came up there and fired several shots," said Rod Williams. Terry Williams said in the past two months, people have came in their community and shot at homes, cars, and even vandalized vehicles. But she says this Saturday was the last straw. "I was sitting in the house watching TV and I just started hearing gunshots just going off," said Terry. Terry came outside to find her car with a bullet hole, something she said could have ended her granddaughters life. "If we would have came home at the same time, my granddaughter would've been sitting right there," said Terry. Residents said they believe the senseless crimes are being done at night since many lights and cameras are broken, but Pelham Police officials said they are working hard to protect the community. "We definitely take it seriously and give every effort to patrol and protect that community," said Rod Williams. This community said before a life is taken, they want officers to step in and end what they believe is gang violence. "I want some justice. I want something to be done," said Terry. The assistant chief at the Pelham Police Department said Monday morning they had a meeting with the Housing Authority folks to discuss putting more cameras and lights in that community. They said in the meantime, it's important for everyone to report any incident immediately. JACKSON COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) - A traffic stop led law enforcement to finding methamphetamine and a AR-15 style rifle with a bunch of ammunition inside of a man's car. Gary Goss, 35, of Hickory, Mississippi, was arrested by the Jackson County Sheriff's Office on Monday. On Monday, deputies conducted a probable cause traffic stop for a seatbelt violation on Goss. When deputies made contact with Goss, he was informed why he was stopped. Goss provided deputies with information about his identity and after doing so, he began to show signs of being visibly nervous and excessively sweat. Goss admitted to deputies that his license was expired and there was a firearm inside the vehicle. Goss told deputies that he was in the area helping with relief efforts and was not from the area. However, when asked by deputies, he was unable to remember how to spell his last name and then said he had a different last name than what he previously stated. When deputies were trying to confirm Gross's identity, he was fidgeting around the front of the marked patrol vehicle. When deputies got a closer look, they saw a clear bag with methamphetamine had been placed in the opening of the patrol vehicles grill. Deputies then conducted a search of the vehicle and found a glass smoking pipe, with suspected methamphetamine residue in the center console of the vehicle. Deputies also found another firearm which was an AR-15 style rifle inside the trunk of the vehicle with a bunch of ammunition. Goss has an active warrant out of Mississippi for a parole violation and is also a convicted felon out of Mississippi. He is being charged with: two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon two counts of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon possession of methamphetamine possession of drug paraphernalia/narcotic equipment providing false identification information to a law enforcement officer resisting arrest without violence He was taken to the Jackson County Correctional Facility to await first appearance on his charges. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-29 21:54:23|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close Australian Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham (L) receives an interview in Canberra, Australia, Oct. 17, 2018. The China International Import Expo (CIIE), to be held on Nov. 5-10, is a great opportunity for businesses from around the world, Australian Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham. (Xinhua/Pan Xiangyue) CANBERRA, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- The China International Import Expo (CIIE), to be held on Nov. 5-10, is a great opportunity for businesses from around the world, Australian Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham. "The Expo is a great opportunity for, of course, China to showcase your economic strength and the opportunities that will exist from continued growth in China's economy and development," Birmingham said in a recent interview with a group of Chinese journalists ahead of his trip to the CIIE. "Australia thinks it is a great celebration of ... the economic contribution that China makes to the region and the world. That is why we're delighted that some 180 Australian businesses and brands are participating," he said. Recognizing China as Australia's largest trading partner, he observed that the liberalization of trade and the breaking down of trade barriers brought forth enormous advances in terms of people's living standards, especially in China. "I recognize -- and our government recognizes -- that one of the amazing success stories of our generation is to have seen millions of people given economic empowerment, lifted out of poverty. And a large part of that is because of more open trading markets," he said. "Australia would only expect and welcome continued growth in Chinese economy and the continued strong contribution that China makes to the economy of our region and the world. A strong China helps to make a strong region, a strong Australia, and a strong world," said Birmingham, adding that he was father of two young daughters, and both of the girls have been learning Mandarin from the age of about three. "That is recognition across Australia, we do see those strong cultural ties as being important as well as the economic ties between our two countries," he said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 00:05:00|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close A job applicant is interviewed by a staff member of Roton Africa at a career fair of Chinese companies in Nairobi, Kenya, on Oct. 29, 2018. An organization of Chinese companies in Kenya on Monday opened a career fair here offering more than 1,000 job opportunities to Kenyans. (Xinhua/Zhang Yu) NAIROBI, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- An organization of Chinese companies in Kenya on Monday opened a career fair in Nairobi offering more than 1,000 job opportunities to Kenyans. Li Xuhang, charge d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Kenya, said at the job fair that Chinese multinational companies will provide Kenyan talents with the best offers. "There are over 50 Chinese companies providing more than 1,000 job opportunities," Li said during the "Hand in Hand for Common Growth" job fair held by Kenya-China Economic and Trade Association (KCETA). Chinese companies, under their umbrella body KCETA, and with the support from the Chinese Embassy in Kenya, organized the day-long career fair in a bid to attract future employees and build relationships with the Kenyan youth. Some of the leading companies that showcased their businesses include Power Construction Corporation of China (POWERCHINA), China Road and Bridge Corporation, China Wuyi, Huawei Kenya and AVIC International. Li said that the event is an ideal platform for more bright young people to land their dream jobs and for Chinese companies to find their needed talents. KCETA statistics showed that by the end of 2016, more than 42,000 local employees were working for 73 KCETA member companies. Wang Yantao, representative of the KCETA and executive vice president of POWERCHINA International Group Limited, said that his organization is always encouraging Chinese firms to embrace localization in order to create more job opportunities for Kenyans, improve capacity building of human resources by training and technical support activities. Wang said that the job fair is an appropriate platform that provides a unique opportunity for engagement, networking and potential partnerships between employers and the applicants. "I have a strong belief that the career fair will be a win-win event for everyone and employers will find the best applicants and the applicants will find a place to realize their personal achievements," he added. Wang observed that the career fair will also be a great event to improve employment and boost the economic growth in Kenya. According to Wang, Chinese firms are happy to witness the dynamic economy and social growth and development of Kenya in the last decades and are proud to be engaged in the Kenyan economy. He said that Chinese firms always recognize and appreciate the opportunities that Kenya has offered them. Christopher Chika, director of Asia and Australasia Directorate at Kenya's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that the Chinese job fair came at a time when there are a lot of worry about Chinese involvement in Kenya and Africa. "A lot of this is misinformed because China is coming into the global scene in a positive way and we are seeing the results of involvement," Chika said. He observed that the standard gauge railway is the most famous evidence of the positive role that China has made in Kenya. He noted that Kenya's relations with China is both comprehensive and strategic and it is growing from strength to strength. Chika said that there are over 400 Chinese enterprises in the Kenyan economy which provide many jobs to Kenyans and this number will increase because China is here to stay for the long haul. He noted that Kenya is keen to partner with China so that it can borrow from the experiences that the Asian nation has gained over the past decades of its economic growth. The Kenyan official said that China and Kenya are already developing industrial parks and special economic zones that will result in a lot of manufacturing activity and jobs for the youth. According to the KCETA, the Chinese companies received more than 3,300 copies of resumes from local job seekers. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 00:50:12|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close BUCHAREST, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- The European commissioner for Regional Policy on Monday called on the Romanian authorities to step up the absorption and use of European funds to promote the construction of transportation infrastructure. According to Corina Cretu, a Romanian politician and the incumbent European commissioner, it is indeed a "priority" for the European Commission (EC) to complete Romania's international transport network, including the link between the Republic of Moldova and Western Europe, as well as the Sibiu-Pitesti portion in central Romania, which is the missing link between Rotterdam and Constanta, the two most important seaports in western and eastern Europe. "In the transport master plan adopted by the Romanian government... the Sibiu-Pitesti, Targu Mures-Iasi, the Bucharest ring road, the Pitesti-Craiova motorway portions, Braila bridge are all seen as priorities," she mentioned, pointing out that "when they are ready as projects, we are ready to receive them." "European funds provide funding for about 60-65 percent of public investment in Romania," said Cretu, stressing that there were problems with project implementation in Romania, such as cumbersome procedures and reduced administrative capacity. Romania has lost between 1.8 and 2 billion euros (2.05 and 2.28 billion U.S. dollars) from a total allocated funds of 19.5 billion euro for the period 2007-2014, in its most sensitive area, the transport infrastructure, she said, underlining that in the current financial cycle Romania has a total allocation of about 31 billion euros, including money for agriculture. The EC commissioner is on a two-day visit to Romania on Monday and Tuesday. (1 euro=1.14 U.S. dollars) Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 00:50:12|Editor: Yurou Video Player Close HONG KONG, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- China's reform and opening-up is the most inspiring story of the country with profound global significance, and China's Hong Kong has made historic contribution in the process, according to global experts who convened at a conference held here on Monday. The conference, China's 40 Years of Reform and Opening-up: Implications for the World and Role of Hong Kong, was jointly hosted by the Commissioner's Office of China's Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), and the Better Hong Kong Foundation. At the opening, HKSAR Chief Executive Carrie Lam said Hong Kong is a contributor as well as a beneficiary in the country's reform and opening-up. "As a contributor, we shared our experience with the mainland and contributed to the rapid modernization of the country in different aspects," she said. "Having served as our country's window to the world in the past 40 years, Hong Kong is a beneficiary of the country's reform and opening-up. The city has successfully transformed herself into an important bridge linking the mainland and the global market," she noted, adding that Hong Kong has established and reinforced its present position as an international commercial, logistics, shipping, financial and professional service center. Hong Kong has made historic contribution to the country's reform and opening-up and it also has seized valuable opportunities from the process to create even greater splendor, said Xie Feng, Commissioner of China's Foreign Ministry in the HKSAR. "Reform and opening-up in the new era needs Hong Kong's participation, and will also enable Hong Kong to make further accomplishment. Today, Hong Kong continues to be the most open and competitive city in the world and a major global financial, trading and shipping center," he said. Li Zhaoxing, Honorary President of Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs and former foreign minister of China, said Hong Kong is truly essential and unique in the historic process of the country's reform and opening-up and the Hong Kong compatriots have made an enormous contribution in this regard. Participants also believe China has been taking growing responsibility on the global stage. In the last decade China successfully entered some main economic institutions as a major pillar of global prosperity, while it took rising responsibility in building a more peaceful and stable globalization, said former French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin. The Belt and Road Initiative is a symbol for China's ambition to internationalize its economy and take responsibility in the global balance of powers, and the project could have a massive impact on the future of cross-border stability, he noted. Former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama said that China's reform and opening-up has benefited neighbors, including Japan, and Japan's cooperation with China, for example in the Belt and Road Initiative, will be meaningful not only to China, but also to Japan. Charlene Barshefsky, former United States Trade Representative, believed China's entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO) was a milestone in the reforms and opening-up. "China's reforms, coupled with its entry into the WTO, has let one in every ten people on this planet out of poverty. Could there be any question that this is one of the greatest achievements?" she asked. "We see major changes during the 40 years of the reform and opening-up of China, crossing from milestone to milestone. At the beginning, from the household responsibility system to the consolidation of the state-owned-enterprises, accession of China into the WTO, now we are talking more and more about the Belt and Road Initiative," said Tran Thanh Huan, Vietnamese consul-general in the HKSAR. "As the neighbor of China, Vietnam has been benefiting from the reform and opening-up of China. In Vietnam, we also have been implementing renovation, equivalent to the reform and opening-up of China. We are learning from the Chinese experiences to apply renovation according to Vietnam characteristics," he said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 01:20:17|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close by Olatunji Saliu ABUJA, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Pa Thomas Sekibo stood awestruck in front of the brand new international terminal at the Port Harcourt International Airport, a China-assisted project to boost Nigeria's economic prosperity, ready to take a picture of the glittering building. The 82-year-old retired aviation worker had earlier walked around the building with his grandson who guided him to the commissioning of the international airport terminal by President Muhammadu Buhari, last Thursday. "This is not only an architectural masterpiece, but it is also a beauty to behold! I am glad this was built in my lifetime. It is a day of joy for me, I will rejoice and be glad in it," Pa Sekibo told Xinhua. Still wonderstruck, the octogenarian beckoned to his grandson who further led him into the main building where they took more pictures. Due to his age, Pa Sekibo's voice was weak and his footsteps were slow. His movement inside and outside the building was aided by a walking stick, with his grandson showing him the way to go. The infectious smile on Pa Sekibo's face reflected a great feeling of joy as he walked past the hi-tech facilities built inside the airport terminal. "As a former aviation worker, I can say this building will pass for the most beautiful airport terminal in Nigeria right now. "This is not so different from what we see in other parts of the world. I'm looking forward to my next trip abroad, using this facility," he said. The international airport terminal project was executed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) which is involved in many ongoing infrastructural projects, including rail and road construction in Nigeria. Construction of the new 600-million-U.S. dollar airport terminal in Port Harcourt, the country's oil hub and capital of the southern state of Rivers, is expected to open more convenient air routes as well as contribute immensely to the economic and infrastructure development of Nigeria. The project was done in partnership with the Chinese government, involving a loan of 500 million U.S. dollars from the Export-Import Bank of China and 100 million dollars in counterpart funding from the Nigerian government. The facility is one of four new international airport terminals built in the country's major airports to modernize operation and passenger facilitation. It is to enable the Nigerian government to realize its set objective to elevate the aviation industry to meet international standards and for the sector to be one of the first 20 by 2020. Travelers and users of the major airports in Nigeria have always complained about congestion, insufficient facilities, and outdated equipment, describing the airports as a disgrace for a country desirous of promoting tourism. The structure of the new two-story terminal building includes the apron, a cargo terminal building, external works, and other ancillary works. Speaking at the well-attended commissioning of the new terminal on Oct. 25, Buhari described the world-class facility as "a significant landmark" for international travelers in the most populous country in Africa. He also said the construction of the international terminal came at the right time for Nigeria, as the Federal Government responded to a global trend in which aviation became a catalyst for economic growth as a result of massive and speedy movement of persons, goods, and services in a safe and secure manner. Many other Nigerians have hailed the project as one that will boost the economy of Nigeria, considering the strategic status of Port Harcourt city as the country's oil hub and home to thousands of expatriates and oil multinationals. The Port Harcourt International Airport is the third-busiest airport in Nigeria. "This new international airport terminal will bring about prosperity in our economy. It will strengthen foreign trade, cultural exchanges with foreign countries and the development of tourism. I think it will also strengthen the links between Port Harcourt and other states within Nigeria, as well as external links abroad," said Funmilola Oloyede, an international businesswoman. Oloyede said from her own point of view as a businesswoman, the airport terminal will help in accelerating the process of economic and social development through the development of civil air transport. Michael Jiang, a managing director of CCECC in Nigeria, told Xinhua the new airport terminal would help Nigeria achieve the major objective of connecting people through air routes, land, sea routes and promoting economic prosperity. On August 18, 2006, the old international airport terminal in Port Harcourt was closed for repairs. Nigeria's aviation authorities said the emergency shutdown was in order to overhaul the runway and build a fence around the facility. In December 2007, the airport was reopened to a limited capacity but operations were restricted to daytime until the first quarter of 2008. On Dec. 3, 2012, the contract for the construction of the new international airport terminal was signed, but large-scale construction commenced on March 1, 2014. Nigeria's Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika said that with the new facility set for use, Nigeria has achieved a milestone in the implementation of its aviation roadmap. The old international airport terminal had the capacity to handle 1,081,587 passengers annually, but Sirika said this new airport terminal has the capacity to handle seven million passengers yearly. Russia's President Vladimir Putin (L) shakes hands with his Turkey's counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan during their meeting in Tehran on September 7, 2018. (AFP Photo) MOSCOW, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said Monday that Russia and Turkey have been effective in addressing urgent regional and international issues. He made the remarks in a message of greetings to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the 95th anniversary of the establishment of Turkey, according to the Kremlin. The foundation of "friendly and neighborly" relations between the two countries was laid in the early days of Turkey, and Moscow and Ankara continue to develop constructive cooperation in all spheres today, Putin said. Russia imposed a number of restrictions on Turkey and froze bilateral projects after Turkey shot down a Russian Su-24M fighter bomber in November 2015, but bilateral relations gradually recovered after Erdogan apologized in June 2016. The two countries are actively mediating a political settlement of the Syrian crisis. They are also implementing joint energy projects, including the Turkish Stream gas pipeline and Turkey's Akkuyu nuclear power plant, the country's first nuclear power plant. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 01:40:24|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close RIGA, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- A Member of Parliament (MP) of Latvia's ruling centrist Union of Greens and Farmers Party has appealed the results of the Baltic country's 2019 parliamentary election, representatives of the Supreme Court of Latvia said Monday. After election results which were disappointing both for him and his party, MP Janis Klauza, who ran for re-election but lost his seat in the Oct. 6 vote, filed two applications with the Supreme Court last week. One of them called for the annulment of the election result and the other for the invalidation of a decision taken by the Central Election Commission of Latvia. Earlier, Klauza had asked the election authority to recount the votes cast for him in the election, but his request was declined as the election commission found no irregularities in the tallying process. Klauza had also informed the election commission and the security police about his suspicions of an interference in vote counting. The Supreme Court's is due to rule on Klauza's applications on Tuesday. Latvians went to the polls to elect the new parliament, the 13th Saeima, on Oct. 6. In all, seven political parties won mandates in the new parliament, including the ruling Union of Greens and Farmers, but its representation in the Saeima considerably decreased. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 01:50:27|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close JERUSALEM, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- A senior Israeli official said on Monday that the military has continued its airstrikes in Syria, even after the downing of a Russian intelligence plane in September. "The army's coordination with the Russian military continues exactly as it did before the incident," the official told Xinhua on condition of anonymity. On Sept. 17, a Syrian missile mistakenly shot down a Russian Il-20 surveillance plane in Syria's western province of Latakia while Israel was conducting an airstrike in the province, killing all 15 soldiers aboard. The incident caused a diplomatic crisis between Russia and Israel, and eventually led Moscow to provide advanced S-300 anti-aircraft systems for Syria. About three weeks ago, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he and Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to meet. But the meeting has not yet taken place. Netanyahu and other senior government and military officials have repeatedly said Israel will continue to halt Iran's efforts to develop a military foothold in Syria. Israel has carried out at least 200 airstrikes on what it claims as Iranian sites in Syria over the last 18 months. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 02:05:31|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close BERLIN, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Germany has one of the highest amount of premature deaths from air pollution in Europe, a report published by the European Environment Agency (EEA) on Monday showed. Arne Fellermann, expert in transport policy and air quality at the German environmental organization BUND/Friends of the Earth Germany, told Xinhua on Monday that "the German government has done too little to effectively reduce pollutant emissions, particularly with regard to nitrogen dioxides." According to the EEA report, 62,300 people in Germany died prematurely from air pollution caused by particulate matter, 13,100 from nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and 3,000 from ground-level ozone in 2015. The EEA states that these pollutants cause or aggravate respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease or cancer, and shorten life expectancy. The report lists road transport, energy production, agriculture, industry and households as the main sources of air pollution. "Cars are the main cause of NO2 emissions in Germany," Fellermann affirmed. Before the "dieselgate" emissions scandal in Germany, wherein car manufacturers were installing defeat devices in order to pass emissions tests, there would have been "no attempts to check the emissions data provided by manufacturers," Fellermann said. "Even now the problem has not yet been solved," Fellermann added. "Emissions from road transport are often worse than those from other sources," said EEA director Hans Bruyninckx on Monday, as they are emitted at ground level and are often found in cities and close to humans. But the EEA report also points out that stricter regulations on air pollution control and improved standards for vehicle emissions as well as industry and energy production have already halved premature deaths since 1990. "The limits for air pollution which are determined by the EU have existed for a long time. Basically, they no longer correspond to today's scientific findings," Fellermann said. The recommended limit for particulate matter set by the World Health Organization (WHO), for example, was far below the current limit set by the EU. WHO is convening the first "Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health" in the Swiss city of Geneva from Oct. 29 until Nov. 1 to "rally the world towards major commitments to fight this problem". The conference seeks to raise awareness of the growing public health challenge and share information and tools on the health risks of air pollution and its interventions. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 02:30:36|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close Palestinian protesters clash with Israeli troops on a beach near the border with Israel in northern Gaza Strip, on Oct. 29, 2018. One Palestinian was killed and several others wounded on Monday during clashes between hundreds of demonstrators and Israeli soldiers in northern Gaza Strip, medics said. (Xinhua) GAZA, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- One Palestinian was killed and several others wounded on Monday during clashes between hundreds of demonstrators and Israeli soldiers in northern Gaza Strip, medics said. Ashraf al-Qedra, Health Ministry spokesman in Gaza, said that Mohamed Abu Obada, 27 years old, was shot dead in the anti-Israel weekly protests in northwestern Gaza Strip, close to the border with Israel. He said that dozens injured by gunfire and others suffered suffocation after inhaling tear gas fired by Israeli soldiers at Palestinians demonstrating on the beach. Several fishing boats also sailed off the northern cost of the enclave, together with the protest on the beach of Gaza close to the border with Israel, which takes place every Monday. The protests on Monday and the marches on Friday are part of the "Great March of Return" event that started on March 30, which call on Israel to end around 12 years of a tight blockade that deteriorated the daily living situation in the territory. Al-Qedra said that since the start of the marches, the Israeli army forces have killed 217 Palestinians and wounded 23,000 others. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 03:10:41|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close GENEVA, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- The salaries of self-employed doctors in Switzerland are around a third higher than previously thought, according to a study released on Monday by the Federal Office of Public Health. "The incomes of doctors in Switzerland are significantly higher than the previous analyzes suggested," the study said. The study showed that independent specialists received an annual median income of 257,000 Swiss francs (257,000 U.S. dollars). However, certain specialists can earn considerably more such as neurosurgeons, who take home a median salary of 697,000 Swiss francs and gastroenterologists of 627,000 Swiss francs. Oncologists, anesthetists, maxillofacial surgeons and radiologists all earn more than 500,000 Swiss francs, said the report. It said the median figure marks the point at which half the doctors make more money and the other half make less. It can be a more effective measure than the average, which is distorted by extremely high salaries. The self-employed medical specialists who earn the least are psychiatrists and psychotherapists for adults who earned some 195,000 Swiss francs and those for children, 183,000 Swiss francs. General practitioners, who provide primary health care, are paid a median salary of 237,000 Swiss francs. A total of 118 doctors were found to earn more than 1 million Swiss francs, although this is probably an underestimate, the authors said. The study is based on income subject to old-age insurance from 2009-2014 of almost 8,000 self-employed doctors. It also shows that female medical professionals systematically earn less than their male counterparts. The income gap, allowing for experience and discipline, is 29 percent said the report. Previous studies had been carried out into salaries of self-employed medical professionals, but these were criticized for methodological weaknesses. For example, the increasing proportion of part-time work had not been factored in and the number of doctors assessed was small. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 03:40:51|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close German Chancellor Angela Merkel attends a press conference at the headquarters of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in Berlin, capital of Germany, on Oct. 29, 2018. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Monday that she would not run for another term as chancellor in 2021 when the current term ends. (Xinhua/Lian zhen) By Ren Ke, Zhang Yuan BERLIN, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Angela Merkel, the veteran German Chancellor and crisis manager, on Monday announced her withdrawal from political career after the chancellorship term ends. The 64-year-old Merkel told a press conference at the headquarters of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) that she will remain as chancellor for the remainder of the legislature, which started this March and will end in 2021. In addition, she announced that she will not run again for CDU leadership at the party's next federal conference in Hamburg in December. In general, a CDU chancellor is at the same time leader of the party in a bid to govern easily, and Merkel also said before the two positions should belong in one hand. "It's time to open a new chapter!" said Merkel at the press conference. She added that she will not take any other political positions after the chancellorship term ends, dispelling some reports that she will serve in Brussels. Merkel has informed her decision to Horst Seehofer, leader of Christian Social Union (CSU) and Andrea Nahles, chairwoman of the German Social Democratic Party (SPD), the two parties in the current German federal coalition government. Merkel is CDU chairwoman since April 2000 and German Chancellor since November 2005. On March 14 this year she was sworn in for the fourth term as Chancellor in German federal parliament. She successfully led the country to withstand the 2007/2008 international financial crisis, and led the EU out of a Eurozone debt crisis, winning worldwide prestige of her leadership. Her leadership, however, began to wither since the 2015 European refugee crisis, when she welcomed over one million refugees to enter Germany, triggering the rise of right-populist politics and the fragmentation of the country's party politics. Merkel's Christian Democrats suffered a significant drop in 2017 September federal elections, but she could not help win back voters lost as she promised. Instead, the Merkel-led coalition government was stuck into quarrels over migration policy, an issue called as Merkel's Achilles Heel. Her announcement of initiating political withdrawal came after the state election in Hesse on Sunday, in which the CDU's votes decreased by more than 10 percent compared to the last election five years ago, while the environmentalist Green Party became the greatest winner and the right-populist Alternative fuer Deutschland (AfD) has successfully crossed the 5-percent threshold and entered all state parliaments in Germany. The setback in Hesse followed the similar one earlier this month that CSU, CDU's Bavaria-only ally, lost absolute majority in the state election. "The image given by the government is unacceptable...As chancellor and the chairwoman of the CDU, I carry the responsibility both for the successes and for the failures," Merkel told the press conference, describing the results in Hesse as bitter and disappointing. "I am convinced that we have to stop," said Merkel, referring to the state elections in Hesse. "And I wish that we take yesterday's election day as a break, that we put everything to the test, which we have said and done since the election of the Bundestag until today." Merkel also confirmed the candidacy for the new CDU party leadership, including the party's secretary-general Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer and German Federal Health Minister Jens Spahn. "I want my party gets the freedom to prepare well for the future," said Merkel. Merkel's renunciation as CDU leader put the coalition government at risk. A Merkel loyalist and successor like Kramp-Karrenbauer will probably last longer, while a CDU leader like Spahn, a Merkel critic, will bring more uncertainties. SPD chairwoman Andrea Nahles said she saw no direct effects on the coalition government. She said Merkel has done an "extraordinary" job at the helm of the CDU, steering it out of deep crises. Nahles said Merkel not only withstood criticism but also reorganized the content of the CDU and established a new style of leadership. The CSU chairman Seehofer regretted the Merkel's renunciation as CDU chairwoman. "It's a pity," Seehofer was quoted by DPA, "We have had some discussions, but it has always been a trusting, mutually respectful cooperation...And in that respect, I think it's a shame that this caesura should take place." The Greens' leader Annalena Baerbock praised that Merkel has opened the party for a modern image of society. The Free Democratic Party (FDP) leader Christian Lindner, however, said at a press conference on Monday that Merkel gave up the wrong office, but the chancellorship. AfD leader Joerg Meuthen said that Merkel's decision to give up the CDU chairmanship was "good news," saying that he expected her to "give up her chancellorship soon." Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 04:05:55|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close PARIS, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Electricity was cut, roads were closed and people called to to avoid moving on the French island of Corisca on Monday as strong winds swept the region, the regional authorities said. A storm "of exceptional magnitude" and high winds of up 163 km per hour was forecast on the Mediterranean island that "could generate very strong waves,"according to French weather agency. It had put Corsica on red alert and decided to maintain the alert system in the zone till Tuesday afternoon. Cited by local media, Corsica prefect Josiane Chevalier announced that the island's four airports as well as the ports were closed on Monday. Local authorities also ordered the closure of schools and parks in the region where 16,500 homes remained without electricity. "One have to avoid any movement ... There are a lot of tree falls,"recommended Chevalier, adding that one person was wounded due to the storm. On his twitter account, Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said "the commitment of the state is total," adding "the inter-ministerial crisis management operational center...monitors the situation in Corsica and in all affected departments in real time." Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 04:15:59|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close by Tan Jingjing LOS ANGELES, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- More than 1,000 Chinese tourists trapped by Super Typhoon Yutu in Saipan were back home as of Monday. Yutu, which hit the island territories overnight on Wednesday, led to the shutdown of local airport and port due to damages. About 3,200 foreign tourists were stranded, including some 1,500 Chinese. After the airport resumed operation for civil airplanes on Sunday morning, Chinese airlines including Sichuan Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Beijing Capital Airlines and Hong Kong Express sent charter flights to evacuate Chinese tourists. The first Chinese charter flight of Sichuan Airlines arrived in Saipan on Sunday morning, carrying 245 Chinese tourists back home. Another three Chinese flights took a total of nearly 700 stranded Chinese tourists home on Sunday. Two more airplanes of Sichuan Airlines and China Eastern Airlines took off from Saipan on Monday to take back the rest of Chinese tourists. Another airplane of Hong Kong Express is scheduled to fly inbound on Tuesday, which will be the last commercial Chinese flight for evacuation mission. There were very few Chinese tourists who did not take charter flights back home due to personal willingness and documentation reasons, according to the Consulate General of China in Los Angeles. Chinese tourists were very excited when they heard the news they could start to fly back home on Sunday, said Tom Liu, president of Saipan Travel Inc. "The evacuation went very well," said Liu. "Sichuan Airlines and other Chinese airline companies made good preparations for sending flights to Saipan. As soon as local airport resumed service, Chinese flights flew inbound immediately." A tourist surnamed Wang suffered from fracture in Saipan, and was unable to get treatment as medical centers had been restricted by Yutu. She searched for help from the consulate general and finally boarded charter flight of Sichuan Airlines. "The motherland is our strong backup. Thanks to the support of the country and help from various sectors, I was lucky to return back home so quickly," she said, bursting into tears. Zhang Yongchen, scriptwriter and producer of a TV series shot in Saipan, told Xinhua the crew flew to Saipan with over 100 boxes of camera equipment via an Asiana aircraft. It will be very difficult if they have to take return flight of Asiana airlines, because they had to transfer in Seoul and have all the camera equipment go through customs formalities. Zhang turned to China Eastern Airlines for help, and successfully got 16 members of the crew as well as all the equipment aboard their flight. Local airport will only allow in-bound passengers who are residents or relief effort personnel, after foreign airlines evacuated all the foreign tourists, said a release of the governor office. With sustained winds of over 270 km per hour, the powerful storm caused one death and several injuries, tearing up roofs and pulling down trees and power lines in the Marianas. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 04:21:02|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close MADRID, Oct. 29 (XINHUA) -- The Chinese high-tech company Huawei and the Spanish National Cybersecurity Institute (INCIBE) launched a competition on cybersecurity to encourage young talents on the "key area for a safer society", Huawei CEO in Spain Tony Jin Yong said during a presentation to Xinhua. "The purpose is not so useful for Huawei, but for society, we need to promote cybersecurity in Spain, we have to inspire them to contribute to cybersecurity, this is just the beginning," he said. Registration period for the contest called Cybersecurity Talent Challenge will be open from Oct. 30 to Nov. 18. According to Jin Yong, cybersecurity is a requirement for the digital world. "The whole society is turning to the digital world and we need to secure networks to carry out this change," he said. The contest is the first of its kind in the collaboration between Huawei and INCIBE, which signed an agreement in 2016. Alberto Hernandez, director of INCIBE, stressed that Spain is a prepared country against cyber attacks, but has a deficit in the number of young people trained to work in this area. "Cybersecurity is a challenge for national security and we are all working together to protect our businesses, citizens and infrastructure, but we must continue to promote this talent, to obtain all of the above, we need people well trained in cybersecurity," he said. "It is an area with a very large potential, it is an opportunity for our country to create jobs and create new companies, so we are investing a lot of public funds to promote research and capacity development," said Hernandez. The first three classified will win Huawei devices such as laptops or smartphones. Huawei devices are among the most popular digital products in Spain. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 04:26:03|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close TUNIS, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- The number of injured in a suicide bombing on Monday by a 30-year-old woman in capital Tunis rose to 20, including 15 policemen and five civilians, Tunisian Interior Minister Hichem Fourati announced in a television speech. The five wounded civilians included two children, Fourati said, describing the suicide attack as an individual act and "amateur" while admitting the woman who blew herself up had no criminal record or involvement in extremist cases. The attack took place near a fixed patrol at Bourguiba Avenue, in front of the Municipal Theater of Tunis, a busy spot lined with shops and hotels, as well as a cathedral and the headquarters of the French Embassy. Bourguiba Avenue has been cordoned off with heavy security forces, including special units such as the anti-terror brigade and the special unit of the National Guard. Tunisian Prime Minister Youssef Chahed condemned the attack, saying "far from being exclusive to the security apparatus, the fight against terrorism remains a responsibility for all Tunisian people." Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 05:06:15|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close TUNIS, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi condemned the suicide bombing that occurred on Monday in capital Tunis. "We believed that terrorism was eradicated, but it is striking in the city center and in the heart of the capital," said Essebsi in a video broadcasted by Tunisian National Television, while in Berlin in preparation for the conference on G20 Compact with Africa. Describing it as a tragic act, Essebsi assured that Tunisia has not finished with terrorism. "Once again, the security forces pay the bill," insisted Essebsi. "Violence is gaining ground around the world. Today's attack has damaged the Tunisian state, its authorities and its sovereignty," said Essebsi. The Tunisian president said the responsibility remains shared by all concerned parties including the government and political parties. Perpetrated by a 30-year-old woman from Mahdia, the coastal province in eastern Tunisia, the suicide bombing caused 20 wounded, including 15 policemen and five civilians. The attack is also strongly condemned by political parties from the country. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 06:01:27|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close MAPUTO, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Mozambique's National Television (TVM) announced on Monday to broadcast national news in 15 local languages throughout the country henceforth. According to the administrator for TVM's Content Area, Claudio Jone, in the first phase the channel will broadcast news from Monday to Friday, with daily information being transmitted in three languages, reaching 15 languages in total by the end of the week. "The broadcasting of Mozambican languages on TVM aims to respond to a demand from viewers, who at the moment do not have access to information in their own mother languages," he said. The administrator said that the introduction of content in local languages will also extend the space for democratic participation of Mozambicans. "We already broadcast the news in local languages, but with a limited coverage, this time we will expand the coverage and there is possibility of opening more channels and extending broadcasting hours," he said. Although in a Portuguese-speaking country, the administrator said that the broadcast project in local languages is being consolidated with migration from the public channel to the digital age. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 06:26:33|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close ROME, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- At least six people died, one is missing and several were injured due to a wave of adverse weather that has been battering Italy since the weekend, local media and rescue services reported on Monday. The Atlantic storm front brought torrential rains that caused flooding as rivers rose up and down the Mediterranean peninsula, while winds of up to 149 km/h uprooted trees, signage, and wind turbines, and authorities ordered some areas evacuated as tornadoes whipped up churning seas that invaded coastal areas. Three people were killed by trees that fell on their cars: one in the southern city of Terracina, where a tornado tore through the city center and left at least two people seriously injured, and two in the central city of Frosinone, according to RAI public broadcaster and to firefighters on Twitter. A woman died in a small town near the northwestern city of Savona after she was hit by flying debris churned up by a tornado, which also tore up some lamp-posts, and a 21-year-old engineering student died after being crushed by a tree while walking to school in Naples, Italian news agency ANSA and La Repubblica newspaper reported. One person was killed by a tree uprooted by a tornado near the city of Belluno in the northeastern Veneto region, private broadcaster TGcom24 and Corriere del Veneto newspaper reported. Authorities are still searching for a man who went missing in heavy seas Sunday on his sailboat off the coastal city of Catanzaro in the Calabria region in the tip of Italy's boot, firefighters tweeted. The Civil Protection Agency said in a statement that Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has signed an extraordinary mobilization order for the Veneto region where Venice is located, allowing the Agency to coordinate mobile columns from Italy's other regions plus the national volunteer corps "in response to exceptionally critical situations". Veneto Governor Luca Zaia has declared a state of emergency and shut schools down Monday and Tuesday in the region, where 110,000 people are reported without electricity and residents in various towns and cities, both in the mountains and in the plains, have been advised to get away from bodies of water and to evacuate ground-floor apartments due to violent high-altitude storms that are expected to cause rivers to flood low-lying areas during the night between Monday and Tuesday, reported Corriere del Veneto, the regional edition of Corriere della Sera paper. Schools were also shut down in Rome, where a firefighter chief was injured by debris while in action, and in the nearby coastal cities of Ostia and Latina, where RAI reported several people were injured, two of them seriously, in a tornado that destroyed shops and seaside facilities and tore roofs off warehouses. Also in the North, the access road to Milan's Linate Airport was blocked by a fallen tree, causing passengers to get out and walk to the terminals, and a ceiling at the city's prestigious Polytechnic University caved in during class, fortunately leaving the students unharmed, according to footage shown on Sky TG24 private broadcaster. The Civil Protection Agency has issued a red alert across Italy's northern regions and an orange alert in many southern and central regions for Tuesday. Red and orange alerts are the top two out of four levels, and both warn against possible loss of life and extensive damage to infrastructure from critical events such as storms. At least 16.6 percent of Italy's territory, equal to 50,000 square kilometers, is at high risk of landslides and floods during adverse weather, according to the Superior Institute for Environmental Protection (ISPRA). Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 06:31:34|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close RAMALLAH, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- The Central Council of Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) decided on Monday to end the Palestinian commitment to the peace accords signed with Israel and to stop all types of security coordination. An official statement issued in the aftermath of a two-day meeting of the council held in Ramallah said that it decided to end the commitments of the PLO toward all agreements it had signed with Israel. The official Palestinian News Agency WAFA published the statement. The decision includes the suspension of recognizing the state of Israel until Israel recognizes the state of Palestine established on the territories it occupied in 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital. The council also decided "to stop all types and kinds of security cooperation with Israel and to severe economic ties considering that the interim economic agreement signed in Paris in 1995 is not valid anymore." The central council, authorized Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and the PLO Executive Committee, will carry on with the guarantees to implement the decisions of the council. The council also stressed that it rejected the plan of the United States for peace in the Middle East which is called "deal of the century," and to confront it by all means. The statement said that the United States is a partner with the government of the Israeli occupation and became part of the problem and not part of the solution. The PLO central council is the second highest Palestinian establishment after the Palestinian National Council. Meanwhile, the statement said that any cease-fire agreement with Israel "is the responsibility of the PLO and not the responsibility of one faction or political power." The statement also stressed that any cease-fire deal to be reached "must be based on the cease-fire fire agreement the PLO signed with Israel in Cairo at the end of the 2014 war Israel waged on the Gaza Strip under Egypt's sponsorship." The PLO central council meeting was held for two days in Ramallah, amid the boycott of two PLO left-wing groups, Hamas and the Islamic Jihad, which are refrained from joining the PLO. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 06:41:37|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem (Rear) attends a meeting with delegations participating in the meetings of the Executive Committee of the World Peace Council and the International Young Democrat Union in Damascus, capital of Syria, on Oct. 29, 2018. Walid al-Muallem said Monday that the Syrian government is working hard to find a political solution to the more than seven-year-long crisis, according to the state news agency SANA. (Xinhua/Ammar Safarjalani) DAMASCUS, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Syria's Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem said Monday that the Syrian government is working hard to find a political solution to the more than seven-year-long crisis, according to the state news agency SANA. Al-Muallem said the Syrian government side has taken part in all international meetings that had been convened to discuss the Syrian issue, the latest of which is supporting the efforts to form a constitutional committee. The minister made the remarks during his meeting in Damascus with delegations participating in the meetings of the Executive Committee of the World Peace Council and the International Young Democrat Union. He stressed that the decisions regarding the political solution should be without foreign interference, particularly in the matter of the country's constitution. The Syrian government has made it clear recently during UN envoy to Syria de Staffan de Mistura's visit to Damascus that the constitution is a sovereign Syrian matter and should be discussed and dealt with in Syria without foreign interference. The minister also mentioned the situation in the northwestern Idlib province, where a demilitarized zone was imposed by Russia and Turkey. He said the Turkish side has so far failed to push the radical rebels to withdraw from the buffer zone, "which indicates the Turkish reluctance to live up to its pledges and thus Idlib is still under the control of the Turkish-Western terrorism." Meanwhile, the minister slammed the U.S. intervention in Syria, charging that the U.S. is supporting the Islamic State (IS). "The U.S. is fighting all but the Daesh (IS) and moreover, the U.S. is flagrantly supporting Daesh," he said, using the Arabic acronym of IS. He said the U.S. support to IS has enabled the group to reach the Syrian-Iraqi border, adding that Washington and its Western allies want to prolong the Syrian war. Additionally, the minister said the government is exerting efforts to rehabilitate infrastructure in war-torn areas to facilitate the return of Syrian refugees to their homes. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 07:29:13|Editor: Yurou Video Player Close Workers process sorghum grains at a distillery of Kweichow Moutai in Maotai town in the city of Renhuai in southwest China's Guizhou Province, Oct. 23, 2018. Maotai is a small town in Renhuai City in mountainous Guizhou. What distinguishes it from other Chinese small towns is that it produces a famous brand of Chinese liquor Moutai, which often served on official occasions and at state banquets. The spirit, made from sorghum and wheat, takes up to five years for the whole production process, involving nine times of steaming, eight times of fermentation and seven times of distillation, before aged in clay pots. Moutai is also considered a luxury item that has long been a popular gift. China's alcohol industry earned about 1 trillion yuan in revenue in 2017. The total profits rose by 36 percent year on year to over 100 billion yuan, according to China National Light Industry Council. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin) Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 07:21:44|Editor: ZD Video Player Close SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Top U.S. online retailer Amazon announced Monday that it has donated 100 million U.S. dollars to charitable organizations through the AmazonSmile program since its launch five years ago. Amazon said AmazonSmile is a way for customers to support their favorite charity by shopping at its online website with part of their purchases going to the organizations they choose. In order to encourage greater support for charities from its customers, Amazon decided to donate 5 percent, or 10 times more than the typical donation rate, of the purchase price of eligible products to their designated charity organization when customers buy those items at its online shop from Monday through Nov. 2. "Hundreds of thousands of charities have been able to expand their meaningful work thanks to the donations they've received through AmazonSmile," said Jeff Wilke, Amazon CEO Worldwide Consumer. Amazon did not specify which charity groups have received the donated money, but it said customers can select from more than 1 million charities, from local and national humanitarian organizations to schools, hospitals, cultural organizations and pet shelters. AmazonSmile donations have helped more than 42,000 people around the world get access to clean water, said Scott Harrison, founder of New York-based non-profit "charity: water", in a statement. The impact AmazonSmile has made is far-reaching as it helps women and girls who wasted hours every day walking to collect dirty water have the chance to go to school or spend more time with their families, Harrison said. Demonstrators hold posters with picture of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi outside the Saudi Arabia consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, Oct. 25, 2018. (REUTERS Photo) WASHINGTON, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- The United States is weighing "different options" concerning the death of a Saudi journalist and will announce its decision of action, said the White House on Monday. In a press briefing, White House spokesperson Sarah Sanders said that U.S. President Donald Trump had met last week with CIA Director Gina Haspel "after having gathered additional intelligence on her overseas trip." "The administration is weighing different options, and we'll make an announcement about what the decision of that action is," she said. "The administration is considering what action we will take moving forward based on that information and the briefing that the President received last week," she added, refusing to predict what the actual action would be and when that will happen. Khashoggi, a columnist for The Washington Post, disappeared during a visit to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, on Oct. 2. After two weeks of denial, Riyadh admitted that the journalist was killed during a physical fight with the people in the Saudi consulate, but did not give any explanation about the cause of his death. In his first public comments since the journalist's death, the Saudi crown prince promised on Wednesday that Khashoggi's killers would be brought to justice. So far, 18 Saudis have been arrested in connection with the incident. Trump said earlier this month that he will impose severe punishment if Saudi Arabia is confirmed to be behind Khashoggi's death. However, he refused to list what measures he would take, only saying that he would not choose to impose sanctions on the country for fear of losing its military sales orders with U.S. companies. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 07:37:54|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close Israelis mourn for the victims of U.S. Pittsburgh synagogue shooting in Modi'in, on Oct. 29, 2018. At least 11 people were killed and six others were injured after a gunman opened fire Saturday morning inside a synagogue in Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill neighborhood. The Pittsburgh synagogue shooting is believed to be the deadliest attack on Jews in the U.S. history. (Xinhua/Gil Cohen Magen) Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 07:37:56|Editor: Yurou Video Player Close Photo taken on Oct. 29, 2018 show the scene of a blessing ceremony at the fifth World Buddhist Forum in Putian, southeast China's Fujian Province. Over 1,000 Buddhists, scholars and representatives from 55 countries and regions attended the forum, jointly hosted by the Buddhist Association of China and the China Religious Culture Communication Association. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan) Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 10:22:14|Editor: Yurou Video Player Close SHIJIAZHUANG, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Yuan Longping, the "father of hybrid rice," and his team have set a new world record in super hybrid rice output, the science and technology department of north China's Hebei Province said Monday. The new world record was set in test fields in the city of Handan, which achieved an average yield of 1,203.36 kilograms of rice per mu (about 0.07 hectares) of farmland. The tested rice variety was Xiangliangyou 900. Yuan, who developed the world's first hybrid rice in 1974, has set multiple world records in hybrid rice yield in previous years. In 2017, he achieved a yield of 1,149.02 kilograms of rice per mu with the same variety in the same test fields. Since the beginning of 2016, Yuan's team has managed 42 hybrid rice test fields in 16 provincial regions across China, including Yunnan, Sichuan, Shaanxi, Guangdong, Chongqing and Hunan. About 65 percent of Chinese depend on rice as a staple food. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 11:52:35|Editor: ZD Video Player Close SYDNEY, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- An Australian hospital has used alpacas as "animal therapy," with the wooly guests proving to be a welcome distraction for patients and staff alike. Ed Sheeren and Pancake, two alpacas from a nearby farm, visit the Beaudesert Hospital in Queensland state once a month to assist in the recovery and wellbeing of patients, a program which organizers describe as a big success. "Visits from any therapy animals are uplifting for the patients, it boosts their spirits and gives them a smile," nursing and midwifery director Jacqueline Smith told Xinhua. Smith described the duo as delightful to interact with and says that despite what some may think, the animals are very clean and don't bite or spit. "The alpacas who come to see us love people and love to be patted," Smith said. "They feel woolly but softer than a sheep and much cleaner, but it is the hilarious noises they make - like a loud hum - when they are talking to each other that has our patients smiling." Evidence around animal assisted therapy shows that it reduces anxiety and lowers blood pressure, stimulates cognitive functioning and motivates patients with wellness. Originally it was a patient that clued staff into the possibility of the visits, and Smith says that now the alpacas know exactly where to go and stride through the corridors with confidence. "Because the alpacas are such a surprise to see in a hospital setting, it is wonderful to watch the expressions on the faces of our patients, their families and also our staff," Smith said. "It really is the most amazing and diversional experience for all of us." Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 12:07:37|Editor: ZD Video Player Close COLOMBO, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka dismissed allegations made by a local political legislator claiming that China was funding certain parliamentarians amid current political crisis in the island nation. In a statement released to Xinhua on Monday, the embassy said such allegations were groundless and irresponsible. "As a friendly neighbor, China is paying close attention to the situation change in Sri Lanka," the embassy said. "It is a matter of internal affairs, and China has consistently supported the principle of non-interference in other country's internal affairs. We believe that the Sri Lankan government, parties and people have the wits and ways needed to deal with the current situation," it added. Sri Lanka has been plunged into a political crisis after President Maithripala Sirisena sacked his Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe last Friday, and appointed former President Mahinda Rajapakse to the post. Wickremesinghe has called the move illegal and called on Parliament Speaker Karu Jayasuriya to summon the parliament immediately so he could prove his majority. President Sirisena has suspend the parliament till Nov. 16. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 12:17:41|Editor: ZD Video Player Close BEIJING, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Ai Wenli, former vice chairman of the Hebei Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, has been arrested on suspicion of bribery, the Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) announced Tuesday. The National Supervisory Commission has finished an investigation of Ai's case and handed it to the procuratorial organ for review and prosecution, the SPP said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 12:22:43|Editor: ZD Video Player Close TRIPOLI, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Islamic State (IS) militant group on Monday claimed responsibility for an attack on Libya's central town of Fug'ha in the Jufra District. "The soldiers of the caliphate launched a large-scale attack on the town of the Fug'ha that is under the control of the apostate Haftar militias," IS media arm A'maq tweeted late Monday. The terrorist organization said it killed and captured several army soldiers and burned their homes before withdrawing without losses. Five people were killed at dawn on Monday in an attack on government buildings in the area, some 650 km southeast of the capital Tripoli, a military source said. The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) condemned the terrorist attack, and called for the protection of civilians, urging all parties to the conflict to "cease targeting civilians and civilian objects in compliance with International Humanitarian Law." Linking the Libyan cities of the west, east and south, Jufra has been under the control of the eastern-based army, led by Khalifa Haftar, since June 2017 when the area was cleared of militant groups. In February, a suicide attack on a checkpoint in Jufra killed three army soldiers and destroyed the checkpoint as well as a number of vehicles. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 13:17:51|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close SYDNEY, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Tasmanian salmon producers have been granted approval to expand their operations on the East Coast of Australia's island state, despite concern from some environmental groups. Approval was granted on Monday for companies Huon Aquaculture and Tassal to expand their operations in Storm Bay near state capital, Hobart with a review panel concluding that "environmental effects associated with marine farming operations can be effectively managed under the development plans and conditions of an environmental licence granted by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA)." State Premier William Hodgson said in a statement that the expanded operations are expected to create a further 180 jobs for the region and "signals a new frontier for salmon aquaculture." However environmental groups continue to condemn the farming practice as having both seen and unseen effects on the environment which jeopardize Tasmania's fragile coastal ecosystems. The Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) recently downgraded Tasmanian farmed Atlantic salmon from "Think Twice," to "Say No" in their sustainable seafood guide, citing an overexpansion of operations on the state's West Coast which they say is damaging the environment. At the time, AMCS sustainable seafood program manager Adrian Meder said, "we are supportive of sustainable aquaculture and this is an important source of seafood for Australia in the future, but it needs to be done within the bounds of which an environment can support." According to Hodgson, in order to mitigate environmental issues, companies will now apply for marine farming leases, as well as marine farming licences. "When lease areas are issued, Huon Aquaculture and Tassal will then also need to demonstrate they can meet requirements in relation to engineering, emergency management and biosecurity before obtaining marine farming licences," Hodgson said. "Both operators will then also be required to apply for an environmental licence from the EPA and comply with the authority's requirements in relation to environmental management of the site before any fish can be farmed on these lease areas." Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 13:17:52|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close CANBERRA, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Nearly 50 million phone calls to Australia's national welfare agency, Centrelink, went unanswered in the 12 months to June 2018. The Department of Human Services (DHS) revealed that 48 million calls were not answered during a series of Senate hearings, saying that it was a slight improvement from the 55 million unanswered calls in 2016-17. "We thought it was high when we were getting to 22 million, and that was 2014-15, so we've still got a significant way to go," Greens Senator Rachel Siewart told the hearing. "It's good to see it's come down but sorry if I'm not popping any party poppers yet." Customer satisfaction with the agency fell to 46.5 percent, 10 percent below that Centrelink hoped to achieve. The government on Tuesday announced it would privatize 800 Centrelink call center jobs in an attempt to improve the agency's efficiency. Centrelink is responsible for delivering a range of government payments for retirees, the unemployed, students, indigenous Australians, carers and families among others. DHS secretary Renee Leon said her department did not consider the 2017-18 figures as "mission accomplished." "I don't know that we're going to solve it this year, but I hope that we will continue to drive it down," she said. The number of calls to Centrelink soared in 2016-17 in response to the agency's debt recovery controversy. Between July and December 2016 Centrelink sent out 169,000 debt recovery letters, up from the previous average of 20,000 per year. The spike came after Centrelink automated its data-matching with the Australian Taxation Office. Under the revised scheme, the onus was shifted from Centrelink needing to prove the data was accurate to individuals to prove they did not owe the funds, resulting in tens of thousands of complaints. According to the recent hearings, there were 237,000 complaints made about Centrelink in 2017-18, up 68,000 from the previous year. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 13:27:56|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close SEOUL, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's highest court on Tuesday ordered a Japanese firm to offer compensation for the victims' forced labor during the World War II, according to local media reports. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 13:43:03|Editor: mym Video Player Close CHICAGO, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- A leader of the Chinese community in the Greater Chicago area was given an award late Sunday for his contribution to minorities' rights and well-being. Wang Xingwu, director of Chinese American Association of Greater Chicago (CAAGC), received the award set up by U.S. Congressman Danny K. Davis, who currently represents the Illinois 7th Congressional District. Themed "Congressional Salute to our Community Heroes", an award gala was held to celebrate the achievements of minorities in the Greater Chicago Area. Over 1,000 guests attended the gala, celebrating those who demonstrate excellence in various fields, such as doctors, community activists, business people, writers, and many others who have made great contributions to their communities. On receiving the award, Wang said that it is an encouragement for him to serve local Chinese community and promote understanding and friendship between the United States and China. "Congratulations to Wang, and it is a high praise for his long time dedication to local community. It is also a positive recognition of Chinese community. I feel so proud," said Zheng Zheng, Chairwoman of the CAAGC. Wang is one of the founders of the CAAGC, established in 1998 and now the biggest organization in the Chicago Chinese community. The organization is now composed of over 130 local Chinese organizations and has more than 500 individual members. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 13:48:04|Editor: mym Video Player Close URUMQI, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- When Xu Zhihong and his wife Zhou Xihua heard their twin son Xu Jian say his first word, they both wept. The couple had waited so long to hear him speak; his first utterance came 10-months later than what they were told was "ordinary." They felt they couldn't ask for more from a child born without hearing. Or could they? BREAKING THE SILENCE On Sept. 7, 1994, when Zhou and Xu welcomed their twins into the world in their home region of Xinjiang in northwest China, the couple were ecstatic. They named them Jian and Kang, the Chinese characters for healthiness. But life did not turn out like what they had wished for. "At first, we noticed that Xu Jian never reacted to the sound of bike bells," Xu Zhihong said, recalling how little Jian was unresponsive to noises. When they took him to see the doctor, the diagnosis was what they had feared. "Our boy can't hear a thing. He can only feel vibrations" said Xu. They took Jian to the best hospitals in Beijing and Shanghai, and even tried alternate therapy. No matter what they did, where they went, the answer was always the same -- there was no cure, and the only way for Jian to learn to communicate was through sign language. But his vocal system was intact, they couldn't comprehend why he couldn't be taught to talk, just like everyone else. In their search, they transcribed Helen Keller's autobiography, "The Story of My Life." Keller's teacher Anne Sullivan always took pens with her, and so did Xu and Zhou. When they would see a tree, they wrote down the Chinese character "shu" for "tree" on the boy's hands and on their arms, and shouted again and again, "Shu! S-H-U!" To show him how his vocal cords and tongue worked, they put Jian's hand on their throats and tongues so he could feel every syllable. To teach Jian the word for "cattle", his first word, they took him to see a herd daily and told him; "Niu! N-I-U!" Xu said that one occasion is burnt into his memory. The family sat on the slope, waiting for the herd to show up, and a heavy sadness washed across Xu. He could hear the babbling of a brook down the hill, birds chirping in the trees, tree leaves rustling in the evening breeze. But in his son's world there was just silence. Jian's breakthrough came three months later when he uttered the word "niu". Xu and Zhou were thrilled, knowing that their notes and labels, which were pinned and stuck everywhere at home, were working. Within a year of that first word, Jian had a vocabulary of 300 Chinese words and was able to have simple conversations. Just as the family were celebrating their success, a cruel twist of fate came again. Jian's brother caught a cold and was left deaf by medicine. Pulling themselves together, the couple began to teach Kang in the same way, with the same dedication. As teachers at a local primary school, Xu and Zhou once barely made ends meet. They sold almost everything and moved a dozen times for cheaper rents. They channeled all their focus on teaching their sons, using methods they created themselves. They managed to scrimp and save to pay for a cochlear implant for Jian in 2006 and later a hearing-aid for Kang. The two boys attended mainstream school. They have just graduated from college and are now starting their careers as special education teachers. HELPING THE DESPERATE Soon after Xu and Zhou helped their sons talk, desperate parents were knocking at their door for help. The couple did not turn away one person. They became well-known among parents whose children suffer from hearing defects. Over the past two decades, they have helped and inspired more than 200 children, who still affectionately call them Papa Xu and Mama Zhou. Xinjiang is home to 47 ethnic groups. Although the autonomous region today has more nursing and caring support for disabled children, special education schools are still short of teachers who can speak both Mandarin and at least one local ethnic minority language. In 2000, four-year-old Lu Yanzi was brought to the couple for help. Xu said OK without hesitation. "I wanted to help the family, just as many people had helped me," said Xu, "Looking at the yearning in their eyes, how could I refuse them?" Lu was the couple's first student on special education. Born without hearing, Lu hardly ever smiled and had behavioral difficulties, said Lu's parents. The first thing Lu's parents need to do was to rebuild the confidence. "We must be the cheering team. We must keep encouraging the kids," said Xu. They would reassure each child that they were not much different from others. "If you are short-sighted, you can wear glasses. If you can't hear, you can wear an hearing-aid. You are just the same as everyone else," said Xu. Within six-months, Lu had made her first sound. "Life is better than a textbook," said Xu. They took the children to the park and the field and let them see, touch and smell everything, and feel the wind and sunshine. Lu's success was their best advertisement. For a while their home was so crowded with children that they had to rent another house. Every day they got up at 7 am to go to work and wouldn't bed down until 2 am the next day. After Xu and Zhou established their center for the hearing impaired in 2007, the miracles kept happening. Three-year-old Gulifila learned to sing 40 songs within three months. Six-year-old Ulan made his father cry when he learned to say "dad" in a month. 16-year-old Dandan managed to find a job after six months' training. The local government granted the center special education school status in 2011. Today Xu, Zhou and 16 teachers offer free education to 73 students. Nazray Tulusbek, 8, and her brother Alapar Tulusbek, 10, have been studying here for four years. Their father Tulusbek Hamit, a herder, still remembers how difficult it was balancing the nomadic lifestyle with the needs of his children. "I would have given anything to help them talk, even sell my flock," he said. He was advised to send the children to Xu's training center. One day, when he came to collect them up for the weekend. "As I walked in, I heard Alapar call me 'dad'. It was just three weeks!" said the father. He asked his son to keep saying "dad" all the way back home. In 2016, the brother and sister received a government grant for a cochlear implant, which costs at least 140,000 yuan (20,550 U.S. dollars). It was a huge sum of money to a poor family. Xu and Zhou remain committed to helping children make the most of their lives. "We must teach them to become real people. They must be taught that they are not a burden, and that they can be independent and kind, and live like everyone else," said Xu. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 13:48:05|Editor: mym Video Player Close DUBAI, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- The visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan is expected to strengthen the UAE-China comprehensive strategic partnership, a senior UAE official said on Monday. Wang is currently on a visit to the UAE that started on Sunday, following his visits to Israel, Palestine and Egypt. Anwar Gargash, UAE minister of state for foreign affairs, told Xinhua in an exclusive interview that the UAE is honored to welcome the visit of the Chinese vice president and the Chinese delegation. He recalled that Wang's visit came after the "historic visit" to the UAE by Chinese President Xi Jinping in July, during which the two countries agreed to build a comprehensive strategic partnership. Gargash said the two visits by Chinese leaders to the UAE in such a short period show the great driving force behind the UAE-China relations. He said that Wang's visit will give a new boost to the UAE-China friendly ties, as the two sides could follow up on the important results of President Xi's visit and discuss the latest developments of regional issues of common concern. On the one hand, the UAE expects the two sides to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership being built, Gargash said. On the other hand, the UAE looks forward to exploring more ways of enhancing bilateral practical cooperation within the framework of China's "creative" and "visionary" Belt and Road Initiative, he added. Gargash noted that the UAE would like to congratulate China on the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up policy, which has achieved huge success and brought about tremendous changes to the country. The UAE official said that the UAE welcomes and looks forward to receiving more Chinese tourists to the Gulf state, as the two countries have adopted the visa-free policy for each other's citizens. China has emerged as the fastest growing source market for the UAE tourism. In 2017, the number of Chinese tourists to the UAE exceeded 1 million. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 13:53:08|Editor: Chengcheng Video Player Close SEOUL, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's highest court on Tuesday ordered a Japanese firm to provide compensation for the victims'forced labor during WWII, according to local media. The Supreme Court, attended by all 13 judges, ordered Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corp. to pay 100 million won (87,740 U.S. dollars) per plaintiff. Four South Korea victims of wartime forced labor under the 1910-1945 Japanese colonial rule filed a damages lawsuit against the Japanese steelmaker in 2005. One of the victims passed away in 2014. Hundreds of thousands of Koreans were mobilized as forced labor or sex slaves under the Japanese colonization of the Korean Peninsula. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 14:03:11|Editor: Chengcheng Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- As the ongoing investigation of the Saudi journalist's death continued to perplex the world, U.S. experts say the incident is unlikely to lead to a fundamental change for the U.S.-Saudi ties. Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a columnist for Washington Post, has not been seen since he entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2. Riyadh admitted that the 59-year-old was killed inside the consulate and 18 people were arrested over their alleged connections to the killing afterward. In its latest public statement, the White House said on Monday that the Trump administration "is weighing different options" in response to the case and will make an announcement later. Since the disclosure of Khashoggi's murder, Washington has criticized the Saudi authorities for its handling of the case while President Donald Trump himself showed certain restraint on vocal attack against Riyadh. Trump and his senior advisor Jared Kushner are key strong supporters of the Saudis while others may hold a different view, Darrell West, a Brookings Institution Senior Fellow, told Xinhua. U.S. Congress soured on alliance with Riyadh following the case, calling for sanctions and a ban of arms sales to the kingdom. "Obviously we're going through a period of tension and uncertainty and strain," said David Pollock, a scholar at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. For Ford O'Connell , a Republican strategist and TV personality, Washington has to "make a stand here." "The rest of the world is watching. And if he (Trump) doesn't take some sort of proportional action, it's going to send a message to the rest of the Arab world," O'Connell told Xinhua. Pollock observed that there were already some "symbols" demonstrating America's disapproval of what happened to Khashoggi, including some individual sanctions and cancellation of some official meetings. The U.S. State Department announced last week that it was revoking visas of Saudi officials suspected of involvement in the death of Khashoggi, a first concrete step of punishment taken by the U.S. government. But the move has been criticized as quite symbolic and bearing little practical consequence. "On the whole, I think the administration seems pretty set on maintaining the basic elements of this relationship," Pollock told Xinhua. Wayne White, a former U.S. State Department official, shared a similar view. "President Trump likely still hopes to get past the Khashoggi affair without serious damage to the U.S.-Saudi relationship," he said. Experts believe that the vital role Riyadh plays in Washington's comprehensive strategy of containing Iran would make the Trump administration reluctant to distance itself from the ally. "Any U.S. plans to confront Iran forcefully depend heavily on Saudi Arabia for basing, refueling, overflight rights, among others," noted White, who once served as deputy director of the Middle East Intelligence Office of the State Department. "The change in atmosphere (regarding U.S.-Saudi ties) is going to add another layer of complexity to the U.S. government's effort to contain and isolate and counter Iran, but it's not going to change the basic approach," Pollack said. "As a result of the murder and cover-up, it will be harder to use Saudi Arabia to pursue American interests in the Middle East," noted West. (Matthew Rusling from Washington also contributed to the story.) Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 14:13:14|Editor: Chengcheng Video Player Close DHAKA, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ruling Bangladesh Awami League (AL) party has invited for talks with a newly floated major opposition alliance over the general election slated for December. AL's office Secretary Abdus Sobhan Golap Tuesday morning hand-delivered an invitation letter to the opposition alliance leader Kamal Hossain. According to the letter, the talks will begin at 7:00 p.m. local time on Nov. 1 at the prime minister's official residence in Dhaka. Obaidul Quader, AL general secretary and the country's road transport and bridges minister, had earlier said Hasina decided to sit in talks as the alliance's leader Hossain Sunday wrote a letter to the premier seeking a dialogue. Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) earlier this month forged the alliance "Jatiya Oikya Front (United National Front)". The alliance led by Hossain, a former foreign minister and a prominent lawyer who drafted Bangladesh constitution after the country's independence in 1971, has been demanding the upcoming 11th national election under a nonpartisan government and the immediate release of all political prisoners including BNP chairperson Zia, who has been in jail since February in a corruption case. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 14:13:14|Editor: Chengcheng Video Player Close by Grandesso Federico BRUSSELS, Oct. 29 ( Xinhua) -- The U.S. exit from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty creates uncertainties with consequences including threatening regional and global stability and nuclear disarmament, according to a senior Italian expert. Washington will issue a formal notice of its withdrawal from the 1987 treaty with Moscow on eliminating their intermediate-range and shorter-range missiles "in due course", U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton said after President Donald Trump announced the decision on Oct. 20. "This is not a good message for global stability and the world's nuclear disarmament strategy," said Stefano Silvestri, former Italian undersecretary of state for defense and senior scientific advisor at the Institute for International Affairs, in a recent interview with Xinhua. For its withdrawal, the United States has cited Russian violations of the bilateral arms control agreement in recent years. In this regard, Silvestri thinks negotiation is a better way to deal with the situation. "It would have been better for the U.S. to stay in the treaty and underline eventual Russian violations and oblige Russia to come to the technical commissions in order to discuss such violations -- this extreme decision has the effect of blocking any positive ongoing negotiations," he said. The U.S. move has drawn criticisms and caused security concern in Washington's European allies. In Silvestri's view, it may further endanger the transatlantic ties. "If President Trump is thinking to deploy missiles in Europe, this initiative will cause big problems with NATO while, on the other hand, if the U.S. gives a free hand to Russia to develop mid-range missiles because the treaty is over, Europe, like in the 1980s, could face serious challenges," he said. "In both cases, this decision will put transatlantic relations in serious danger," the senior Italian expert noted. Silvestri said the U.S. move to quit the INF treaty will put more pressure on the nonnuclear members of NATO such as Italy, Germany and Poland. "For the moment, I don't see a rearmament race in Europe, even if in the future the scenario could change with important political consequences," said the Italian expert, who noticed the speculation that Washington may start developing intermediate-range missiles. According to him, then there will be the problem that "such missiles should be hosted in Europe or Asian countries." Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 14:23:17|Editor: Chengcheng Video Player Close SYDNEY, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Dentistry students at Australia's University of Newcastle (UoN) can practice administering dental injections in a virtual environment before they take on real life patients, thanks to ground breaking virtual reality (VR) technology. The system is a world first for the field and was devised at UoN by oral health lecturer Denise Higgins, who explained on Tuesday that previously students would go straight from lectures, to practicing on each other, and then patients. "From listening to student feedback over the years, I knew they felt they were missing something between the theory and practising on their peers and patients," Higgins said. "Administering anaesthetic needles is an incredibly intricate process, and not something many feel confident doing without extensive practice." As well as innovating with VR, Higgins has also developed lifelike dummies for students to practice on, experimenting with materials until she found the right mix to replicate a human mouth. "The material is made out of salt, water and fibre, which makes a material similar to the lining inside the mouth," Higgins said. "I developed my idea from proof of concept, to playdough model, to design document and was able to collaborate with a company who brought it to life." "To our knowledge, nothing of its kind exists in the same format we have here - the whole process has revolutionized our teaching and has been incredibly rewarding," she said. UoN innovation team manager Craig Williams said the virtual anesthesia program was developed to imitate real-world situations that students would face in the workplace. "Simulation is a wonderful teaching resource as students can participate in a controlled, standardised and safe environment," Williams said. "We hope the tool will be useful on a global scale and may eventually apply to anyone working in the field." Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 14:23:18|Editor: Chengcheng Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- The Pentagon will deploy 5,200 active-duty troops to the border with Mexico this week in order to deter members of a migrant caravan from illegally entering the United States, an air force general said Monday. "By the end of the week, we will deploy over 5,200 soldiers to the southwest border," Air Force General Terrence O'Shaughnessy, commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command, told a press conference Monday afternoon. "As we sit right here today, we have about 800 soldiers that are on their way to Texas right now," O'Shaughnessy said. More will head toward states of Arizona and California this week. The general said the troops will help "harden the points of entry and address key gaps around the points of entry." According to a U.S. law, the military are prohibited from performing law enforcement activities within the country. Therefore, these troops will be in support roles only, without arresting power or interacting with migrants. But some soldiers will be armed and will be deployed with heavy equipment such as helicopters, officials said. Those deployed will include engineers, planners, military police, pilots, cooks and medical personnel. Some of them will help build camps to house personnel of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection along the Mexican border. The newly-announced deployment represents a sharp increase from estimates last week, when U.S. administration officials said they were considering a plan to send up to 1,000 active-duty troops to the border. Earlier this year, more than 2,000 members of the National Guard were sent to the region to provide assistance to U.S. customs officials who oversee the processing of trade, migrants and pedestrian travel daily. The announcement came as a caravan of migrants is slowly making its way from Central America to the southwest border of the United States. The migrant caravan has been moving north from Central America and its numbers have been dwindling. There are approximately 3,500 people in the group currently at the Chiapas-Oaxaca border in southern Mexico, Andrew Meehan, assistant commissioner of public affairs of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, told reporters. Another group of about 3,000 migrants is at the border crossing between Guatemala and Mexico, he added. U.S. President Donald Trump has been warning against the caravan for weeks. "Many Gang Members and some very bad people are mixed into the Caravan heading to our Southern Border," the president tweeted. "Please go back, you will not be admitted into the United States unless you go through the legal process," he said. "This is an invasion of our Country and our Military is waiting for you!" The president has stepped up his focus on immigration in the days leading up to the midterm elections. "This will be the election of the caravans, the Kavanaughs, law and order, tax cuts, and you know what else? It's going to be the election of common sense," Trump told a rally in state of Illinois on Saturday night. Last week, the Pentagon approved a request for additional troops at the U.S.-Mexico border. The White House on Monday said it is also weighing other border security measures. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 14:33:20|Editor: Chengcheng Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- High national wealth does not guarantee equal access to a quality education, according to a release by the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) on Monday. The UN body said it would issue a report over the issue on Tuesday, shedding more light on education equality in rich countries. The report incorporates new data from 41 wealthy members of the European Union and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Countries were assessed on their children's access to quality education, and differences in performance among children from preschool to primary school levels. According to the report, some of the countries surveyed, such as Latvia and Lithuania, demonstrate higher preschool enrollment and more compatible reading performance among its students than wealthier countries. The survey was conducted by the UNICEF Office of Research-Innocenti. Dr. Priscilla Idele, director for the research center, said in the release that rich countries "can and must" ramp up their efforts to ensure children from disadvantaged families meeting education standards, as they are most likely to fall behind. The report advises modifications to early education programs, aid to low income families to reduce socio-economic disparities, and production of more data on the subject via longer, in-depth studies, to improve overall education accessibility and performance. This report is part of the Innocenti Report Card initiative, designed to monitor and compare the performance of wealthy countries in securing the rights of children. This research is intended to help ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education by 2030, a central focus of Sustainable Development Goal 4 one of 17 global goals set by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 14:43:22|Editor: mym Video Player Close ZHENGZHOU, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Roaming around in the countryside of central China's Henan Province, one is surely to be greeted by slogans painted on village walls. As the national crackdown on criminal gangs gained momentum, Ma Liubin, 68, began busily painting the walls in his village at the very beginning of this year. Born in Dama County, Ma has been interested in Chinese calligraphy since his childhood and been painting slogans on walls for almost five decades. "All of these are the courtyard walls of villagers. I always tell them before I come to paint slogans, and they are all supportive of my voluntary work," said Ma. Villages often adopted the practice of painting slogans on walls to document milestone moments since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, creating a unique cultural scenery in rural areas. "The slogan is like a mirror reflecting the social mores and political language of the times. It is history on the walls. The villagers learn about the political climate at that time through the slogans," said Lang Junli, deputy party secretary of Henan's Weishi County. HISTORY ON THE WALLS Another slogan painter, 60-year-old Bu Xiansheng from Weishi, still remembers the day he painted the famous slogan that read, "Practice is the sole criterion for testing truth" in boldface. In 1978, the slogan, which aimed to emancipate Chinese people's minds, ignited a nationwide debate, and later helped lay the ideological foundation for the country's reform and opening-up. It was the last day of the summer harvest when Bu painted the sentence, "Keep your crop surplus after you fulfill state and local commune quotas" on walls in the late 1970s. A crowd of villagers craning their necks eagerly awaited behind him to see the slogan. In the early 1980s, under the household contract responsibility system that replaced the collective labor and meal in People's Commune, the land was leased to farmers by contracts, and each household was required to return a proportional amount of grain to the government. The most written-about slogans in Bu's memory, however, are those about the one-child policy, such as, "All couples should have one child only." "We painted about family planning, a basic national policy, on the walls for over 30 years," said Liu Guozhan, 62, former curator of a local culture center in Weishi County. By the early 1990s, a series of slogans that discourage gender discrimination towards newborn babies had been painted, which helped change the mindset of male preference in rural areas, according to Liu. In recent years, catchphrases that advocate for tackling poverty also emerged, encouraging villagers to earn a well-off life through their hard work, instead of merely depending on government subsidies, said Bu. NEW ERA OF ADVERTISEMENTS Since the early 1990s, commercial advertisements from shopping centers, car dealers and insurance companies began showing up on walls as businesses flocked into the rural market. "At the very beginning, commercial ads promoting household appliances including refrigerators, color televisions and washing machines were mainstream. Recently, there have been more and more ads for cars and houses, and especially for e-commerce sites like Taobao," said Ma. Statistics show that the number of advertisements for agricultural products dropped dramatically from around three quarters in 2011 to no more than one tenth, while ads on automobiles saw a sharp increase from 3 percent to over 20 percent. E-commerce ads now account for over 40 percent. Slogans are no longer the only thing one can see on village walls nowadays. More paintings and poems that promote traditional Chinese culture and values are showing up in rural areas as well. "As people's lives are getting better, the walls in the villages will become more beautiful," said Qi Baodong, a villager in Neixiang County, also in Henan. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 14:58:24|Editor: mym Video Player Close THE HAGUE, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Representatives of two villages in China's southeastern province of Fujian will speak at a court in Amsterdam on Wednesday to argue against a Dutch collector over a Song-dynasty mummy buddha statue, which they believed had been stolen from their village temple. It is a final hearing before the Dutch court delivers a judgement of this repatriation case of religious, cultural and ethical significance. The villagers and the defendant have submitted several rounds of written statements and evidence to the court since the case was brought in May 2016. "As the plaintiffs (the villagers) would need to address new facts and evidence, including experts opinions, it would not have been a fair hearing without the plaintiffs having been able to comment on these facts," Dutch lawyer Jan Holthuis representing the Chinese villagers told Xinhua. Six villagers have been granted visa by the Consulate of the Netherlands in Guangzhou. "We are buying high-speed train ticket now. Hopefully we will reach Guangzhou tonight and get our passports tomorrow morning. Then we will fly to Amsterdam," Lin Kaiwang, one of the villagers told Xinhua over the phone on Monday. The two villages where Lin and his pals live sit 1,000 km to the north of Guangzhou. In their village temple, a Buddha statue, with an intact mummified body inside, had been worshipped for over 1,000 years. In December 1995, the statue, called Zhanggong Zushi, or Monk Master Zhang Gong, disappeared. In March 2015, villagers saw in TV news that a statue was on exhibition in Hungary and immediately recognized it as their lost Buddha. Amsterdam inhabitant Oscar van Overeem, who apparently bought the statue in mid 1996, agrees that the statue comes from the province of Fujian, but insists that it is not the statue stolen from the villagers' temple. He once agreed to return it if his conditions were met. When negotiations failed, the Chinese villagers filed a lawsuit against him in the Dutch court. "That the VO (Oscar Overeem) statue and the Villagers statue are the same needs to be established by the plaintiffs first before the case can go to further argumentation on whether VO was in good faith and obtained ownership thereof," said Holthuis. Before this coming hearing, the villagers have submitted six new items of evidence, including an investigation report by the Fujian Relics Authentication Center dated April 28 2018. "This report sets out, in a very structural and detailed way, why the statue of VO is Zhanggong Zushi," said the Dutch lawyer. At the last hearing on July 14, 2017, the Dutch collector stated that he had reached an oral deal and exchanged the statue for other artworks with a "collector-investor-intermediary", who "is aware of the mummy controversy and political sensitivities and prefers to remain anonymous". The villagers asked the court to declare that the party with whom VO apparently exchanged the statue would legally not be in good faith, and would therefore not be able to obtain ownership of the statue. The court allowed a new round of submissions and Van Overeem refused to provide clear evidence on the exchange and the identity of the new owner. The court then granted permission to a motion filed by the plaintiffs, to preserve evidence by seizing certain specifically defined data on the computer of VO. "These seized data are secured and safe with a third independent party. The most important is that we might have secured data on VO's computer with respect to the exchange arrangement with a third party exchanger. Whether the judge will eventually grant the villagers access to these data is part of the ongoing proceedings," Holthuis told Xinhua. After the hearing on Wednesday, there will be a judgment. "It can be a final judgment or an interim judgment, for instance a judgment that orders one of the parties to provide proof of a position in fact," according to the Dutch lawyer. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 15:53:41|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close by Raimundo Urrechaga HAVANA, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Cuba plans to put on a big show at the upcoming China International Import Expo (CIIE) in a bid to expand its export market, Vice President of Cuba's Chamber of Commerce Ruben Ramos told Xinhua in a recent interview. Havana sees China's first import expo, to be held in Shanghai from Nov. 5 to 10, as an opportunity to reach new buyers and promote free trade amid rising protectionism in some major economies, said Ramos. "We are going to participate in the Shanghai expo with a delegation comprised of 34 Cuban firms and 40 business representatives," said Ramos, who will be leading the group. "Our country will have a 136-square-meter stand and be represented by Cuba's most important export sectors," he said. The delegation features Cuban exporters in the areas of agriculture, food, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical services, information technology and telecommunications. "This is an event at which China is willing to expand its ties with the world and we have very high expectations, based on the fact that its pace of economic growth calls for the resources to maintain it," said Ramos. Cuba will showcase products it has traditionally exported to China, because it still has room to grow through new import and distribution partners, he said. "The potential (for growth) is there and Cuban companies attending the expo are very clear about that objective. We want to identify new partners and markets to introduce our exportable products, both traditional and new ones, as well as our professional services," he said. Cuba's top export products, such as premium cigars and rum, enjoy "great acceptance" in the Asian nation thanks to their "indisputable quality," so the idea is to export more "dynamically" to the Chinese market, said Ramos, adding that Cuba is also looking to "identify new partners in order to increase exports" of seafood, minerals and sugar. While Cuba plans to tout its traditional strengths at the expo, it also intends to introduce its ground-breaking biotechnology products such as CIMAvax-EGF, a therapeutic vaccine against lung cancer and Heberprot-P, a unique treatment for diabetic foot ulcers. "There is something that distinguishes the products in which Cuba has become strong in the Chinese market: quality. Today China seeks higher quality imports and that is what we will be offering at the event," he said. "We are going to Shanghai to expand our ties of cooperation and explore new opportunities in the Chinese market," he said. China is the Caribbean nation's second-largest trading partner, with strong economic ties and cooperation in various sectors such as renewable energy, agriculture, tourism, mining, transportation and infrastructure. According to Chinese customs statistics, bilateral trade amounted to 1.76 billion U.S. dollars in 2017. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 15:58:42|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close JERUSALEM, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Autonomous vehicle Israeli company Mobileye and German automaker Volkswagen announced a joint infrastructure-project for shared-autonomous vehicles in Israel with the support of the state's government. The project will begin in 2019 after obtaining the necessary approvals, according to the announcement on Monday. The Volkswagen Group will supply the electric vehicles. Mobileye, subsidiary company of Intel Corporation, will provide the autonomous driving equipment, maps and handling of the regulatory procedures. Champion Motors, Volkswagen's representative in Israel, will operate the electric vehicle fleet. According to the announcement, the Israeli government has undertaken to provide support for the project in terms of regulatory, infrastructure and computerization. The project will undergo three years of experimentation until its full and formal deployment expected in 2022. Herbert Diess, CEO of the Volkswagen Group, said that "an autonomous electric vehicle will offer a safe, clean, accessible and convenient solution to the cities of Israel and worldwide." Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 16:03:45|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close KUALA LUMPUR, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia will lower the threshold to report on daily cash transaction to fight against financial crimes, said its central bank governor Nor Shamsiah Yunus Tuesday. Currently, Malaysian banks are required to disclose cash transactions above 50,000 ringgit (11,961 U.S. dollars). The threshold will be lowered to 25,000 ringgit (5,981 U.S. dollars) effective January 2019. Speaking at an international conference on financial crime and terrorism financing, the governor said it is timely for the central bank to look at ways to strengthen the controls to mitigate financial crimes, namely the cash threshold reporting requirement. "When we compare Malaysia with other countries, our current threshold is too high," she said, adding that the adjustment will bring the cash threshold report in Malaysia to be more at par with other countries. Nor Shamsiah did not anticipate any impact in terms of economic activity but an increase in effectiveness in taming the black economy that is heavily reliant on cash transactions. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 16:13:49|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close SEOUL, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's top court on Tuesday ordered a Japanese firm to provide compensation for the victims' forced labor during World War II, according to the court's press release. The Supreme Court, attended by all 13 judges, ordered Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corp. to pay 100 million won (87,740 U.S. dollars) per plaintiff in compensation. Four South Korean victims of wartime forced labor under the 1910-45 Japanese colonial rule filed a damages lawsuit against the Japanese steelmaker in February 2005. One of the victims passed away in 2014. The victims were forced into labor between 1941 and 1943 during the Pacific War. The top court said the victims' right to claim damages against the Japanese company, which forcibly mobilized the victims, cannot be applied to the 1965 treaty that normalized diplomatic relations between South Korea and Japan. The Japanese government insisted that all claims between Seoul and Tokyo were resolved through the treaty, under which Japan offered reparations. The court ruling, however, recognized individuals' rights to claim damages against Japanese firms. Some of the victims filed a damages suit in Japan in 1997, but it was finally rejected by Japan's top court in 2003. The damages lawsuit filed in South Korea in 2005 by the victims were rejected by the low and high courts, but the Supreme Court ruled in 2012 that the ruling by the Japanese courts was unconstitutional, sending the case to the Seoul High Court. The high court judged in 2013 that the Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corp. should pay 100 million won per the victim in compensation in accordance with the top court's ruling. The Japanese steelmaker appealed the ruling, saying the verdict denied the 1965 accord. The final ruling by the Supreme Court, however, has been delayed amid allegations that the previous government of impeached President Park Geun-hye demanded the delay on concern about frayed ties between Seoul and Tokyo. In August this year, the Supreme Court resumed hearings on the damages suit, delivering the final verdict Tuesday. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 16:18:50|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close KUALA LUMPUR, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- China's Belt and Road Initiative could help bridge the infrastructure and connectivity gap in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Malaysia's Economic Affairs Minister Mohamed Azmin Ali said Tuesday. The Belt and Road Initiative has opened up doors for Malaysia to its ASEAN neighbours and the rest of the world, said Azmin amid the launching of the joint report on "Belt and Road Initiative and Southeast Asia" by the ASEAN Research Institute of Malaysia's CIMB Bank and LSE IDEAS, the foreign policy think tank of the London School of Economics and Political Science. "Indeed, Malaysia supports this vision of a connected ASEAN, and as a developing country and trading nation, infrastructure connectivity is of paramount importance to Malaysia so as to facilitate seamless movement of goods, services and people," he added. Proposed by China in 2013, the initiative aims to build trade and infrastructure networks connecting Asia with Europe and Africa on and beyond the ancient Silk Road routes. It comprises the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. "The vision of Belt and Road Initiative is being promoted at a time when ASEAN too is moving towards greater integration, with the formation of the ASEAN Economic Community," said Azmin. The motivation for the regional connectivity agenda is also fuelled by the rapidly increasing demand of the digital economy, which has the potential of adding 1 trillion U.S. dollars to ASEAN's current combined GDP by 2025, he added. According to him, ASEAN has annual infrastructure needs of over 110 billion U.S. dollars, which is two to six times of historical annual expenditure on infrastructure. The minister also reiterated that Malaysia welcomes investments from China, particularly foreign direct investments that would bring capital, technology, value creation and jobs and skills transfer for Malaysians. China is an economic giant with which Malaysia has enjoyed enduring diplomatic relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1974, he said. China has been Malaysia's top trading partner since 2009. It was also estimated that the value of Chinese investments in Malaysia came up to a total of 134 billion U.S. dollars as of 2017. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 16:18:51|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close Indonesian Search and Rescue (SAR) members carry debris and personal items of the crashed Lion Air JT 610, at the Tanjung Priok port, Jakarta, Indonesia, Oct. 30. 2018. The Lion Air plane with 189 people aboard that crashed on Monday into sea off western Indonesia has been crushed into pieces from severe impact with sea surface, Indonesian authorities said Tuesday. (Xinhua/Veri Sanovri) JAKARTA, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Lion Air plane with 189 people aboard that crashed on Monday into sea off western Indonesia has been crushed into pieces from severe impact with sea surface, Indonesian authorities said Tuesday. The Boeing 737 Max 8 plane that crashed in waters near the capital city disintegrated due to the severe impact with sea surface after it dived at a rapid speed, allegedly from 3,000-feet (900-meter) height. The almost new plane was en route to Pangkal Pinang, capital of the Bangka Belitung province. Rescuers have retrieved 24 bags of body parts. Indonesian National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) Operational Director Bambang Suryo Aji on Monday ruled out the possibility that the plane exploded in the sky as there has been no burnt signs on the debris and body parts found floating around the crash site. He said the chance was slim to find any survivors among 189 passengers and crew members of the ill-fated JT 610 flight. On a separate occasion, head of the Indonesian Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) Soerjanto Tjahjono said that plane sped up fast at 340 knot, or 629.68 km per hour, before plunging into the sea. Speaking at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta international airport, Soerjanto said such a speed was too fast for a plane in its category. It was not known whether the plane's captain Bhavye Suneja, an Indian pilot, was intentionally increased the speed on purpose or not. He added the pilot had asked for Return To Base (RTB) at a height of 1,700 feet (500 meters) two minutes after takeoff, saying that there was something wrong with the plane that made him decide to return to the airport. The plane took off from the airport at 6:20 a.m. and lost contact with the air traffic control 13 minutes later, reports said. Lion Air spokesperson Danang Mandala Prihantoro said the captain was a seasoned pilot with 6,000 flying hours, while his co-pilot has 5,000 flying hours. The low-cost carrier said the plane arrived in Jakarta on Aug. 15, registered with Indonesian plane code of PK-LQP. It immediately commenced its flight service for the Lion Air on domestic routes. Lion Air ordered as many as 218 units of the Boeing 737 Max 8 for its fleet, making it the first in Indonesia to operate the plane which made its factory maiden flight in 2017. In global air transport, Lion Air was among six airlines of several countries that fly the new Boeing 737 model. Lion Air denied that the plane was unfit to fly due to a technical problem that occurred on its previous flight from the Denpasar airport in Bali to Jakarta. "There was a report on technical issue indeed. The checking was referred to maintenance procedure made by the plane factory," the airline's President Director Edward Sirait told a press conference on Monday. He stressed the airline would not allow it to fly should the problem still exists with the plane. According to information issued by flightradar24.com, the plane experienced a delay for almost three hours on its previous flight from Bali to Jakarta due to the technical problem. Indonesian divers were racing against time to search for the crashed plane's Cockpit Voice Recorder and Flight Data Recorder, known as the black boxes, debris of the plane and bodies of passengers as the operation will last for seven days with additional three more days if necessary. The joint search operation was conducted by navy, police, Basarnas and other related agencies in the alleged crash site. The search team deployed experienced divers as well as using the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) to spot underwater objects. Head of Basarnas Muhammad Syaugi said the search operation encountered difficulties due to absence of Emergency Local Transmitter (ELT) beacon that supposedly installed in the aircraft. The ELT will automatically emit radio signal should the aircraft encounters emergency situations. "One thing for sure, the plane's ELT did not emit distress signals ... (therefore) Basarnas' Earth Orbital Local User Terminal could not detect whereabouts of the crashed plane," Syauqi said on Monday. The search operation resumed on Tuesday morning after it was suspended on Monday night due to bad weather and low visibility. Indonesian authorities have set up command posts at Jakarta airport, Halim Perdanakusumah airport, police hospital, Tanjung Priok and Tanjung Pakis ports to carry out different tasks. The sea ports were assigned to receive and collect findings from the crashed plane, while the posts at the airports and police hospital would take care of passengers' complaints and identification of bodies from the plane crash. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 16:28:53|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close KHOST, Afghanistan, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- A Taliban shadow district chief for Amna district in the eastern Paktika province was killed in an unmanned plane attack against Taliban hideout on Monday night, provincial government spokesman Shah Mahmoud Aryan said Tuesday. The drone attack, according to the official, was conducted on a tip off against Mullah Mutawakil, the shadow district chief of Taliban for Amna district, late on Monday night, killing him on the spot. Taliban militants have yet to make comments. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 16:28:54|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close KATHMANDU, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- An international Hydro Expo is scheduled to be held in Kathmandu in January 2019, the Independent Power Producers' Association Nepal (IPPAN), a representative body of Nepal's private power developers, said on Monday. The IPPAN is preparing the "Himalayan Hydro Expo" on Jan. 18-20 where over 150 exhibitors related to hydropower developers, associated technology equipment manufacturers and suppliers, investors, banks, insurance companies, construction companies are expected to participate in the event. The IPPAN had organized the similar expo in January this year, where around 100 exhibitors including seven from China had participated. "We expect increased participation of equipment manufacturers from China and India this year because companies from these countries are largely active in supplying equipments to hydropower projects in Nepal," Ananda Chaudhary, treasurer of the IPPAN, told Xinhua. According to IPPAN, hydropower projects with combined capacity of 3,000 MW are under construction from the private sector. Despite being rich in water resources, Nepal has so far failed to utilize them in developing power. As of last fiscal year 2017-18 that concluded in mid-July, the Himalayan country has developed just 1073 MW of hydropower projects, according to the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation. The country has targeted to produce 15,000 MW in the next 10 years and sought both domestic and foreign investment. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 16:33:54|Editor: mmm Video Player Close JINAN, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- An exhibition on ancient teaching items has opened in the city of Qufu, the birthplace of ancient Chinese educator and philosopher Confucius. The exhibits include a guqin (Chinese zither) from the Confucius mansion in the Tang Dynasty, a rare edition of the Analects, as well as text books, teaching tools and teacher certificates from various dynasties. All the exhibits were donated by individuals or cultural institutions from home and abroad, including the Confucius Institute and the Republic of Korea's Confucianism Culture Museum, according to Qi Wanxue, Party chief of Qufu Normal University, where the exhibition is held. Luo Chenglie, an 83-year-old professor of the university, has donated more than 2,700 Confucius' badges, statues and portraits to the exhibition. Qi said all items displayed would be collected by China's first teachers' museum, whose architectural designs have recently been finished. Covering 40 hectares and with a floor space of 20,000 square meters, the museum will be built on the western campus of Qufu Normal University. Confucius (551-479 BC) founded Confucianism, a school of thought that deeply influenced later generations. He was also the first Chinese person to set up private schools enrolling students from all walks of life. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 17:14:01|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close SUVA, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- About 6,000 Fijians from 16 urban settlements around the island nation are part of a program funded by the United Nations Adaptation Fund Board to improve their livelihoods in the face of climate change. The UN Adaptation Fund Board has given 4.2 million Fijian dollars (about 1.95 million U.S. dollars) out of which 2.6 million Fijian dollars (about 1.2 million U.S. dollars) has been utilized to fund these highly vulnerable settlements. UN Habitat Urban Resilience Team Leader Silvia Gallo told Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (FBC) on Tuesday that the team had completed the households assessment and consultation in Fiji. The agreement of cooperation regarding the four-year program was signed this year between Fiji and UN Habitat. The 16 informal settlements are situated in Viti Levu, Fiji's largest island and includes the areas in Nadi, Lami, Lautoka and Sigatoka. According to the Fijian government, Fiji, like its neighbors across the South Pacific, remains one of the smallest contributors to global carbon emissions, yet faces some of the most devastating consequences of extreme weather patterns. According to Fiji's National Climate Change Policy, global sea level changes will more than double by the end of the century. Since 1993, Fiji has recorded a 6 millimeter increase in its sea level per year, higher than the global average. The rapid rise in sea levels and the resulting saltwater intrusion that stems from the increased ferocity of coastal floods have made portions of the island nation uninhabitable. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 17:59:13|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close DOHA, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Qatar and India have signed a joint declaration to establish a joint commission after discussing latest developments of the ongoing Gulf crisis, state-run Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported on Monday. The declaration was signed by Qatar's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani and India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj who is currently on an official visit in Doha. According to a statement issued by Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during the meeting, the two sides discussed latest developments of the Gulf crisis, Kuwaiti mediation efforts, as well as regional and international issues of common concerns. The two ministers also discussed bilateral relations and ways to boost them. The new joint commission will be charged with tasks of formulating the required basis to strengthen the relations between the two countries. It will also facilitate the exchange of information and expertise as well as encourage bilateral consultation between the two countries. Qatar and India established diplomatic relations in 1973. Qatar is India's biggest exporter of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). India's exports to Qatar are approximately 1.2 billion dollars per year, in particular after the imposition of the blockade on Qatar by its Gulf neighbors. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 18:14:18|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close BEIJING, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang will hold a roundtable meeting with the leaders of six major international economic and financial institutions in Beijing on Nov. 6, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang announced Tuesday. They will discuss topics such as the current trend of the world economy, safeguarding the multilateral trade system, China's economy and reform and opening-up. The six leaders are World Bank President Jim Yong Kim, International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde, World Trade Organization Director-General Roberto Azevedo, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Secretary-General Angel Gurria, Financial Stability Board Chairman Mark Carney and International Labor Organization Deputy Director-General Deborah Greenfield. It will be the third roundtable meeting for Li and leaders of the six institutions. The previous two meetings were held in 2016 and 2017 respectively. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 18:49:24|Editor: Yang Yi Video Player Close Jean Baptiste Mbanzabugabo, dean of the Faculty of Business and Information Technology of the University of Tourism, Technology and Business Studies of Rwanda (UTB), holds a booklet of Alibaba's Global eCommerce Talent Program, in Kigali, capital of Rwanda, on Oct. 29, 2018. (Xinhua/Lyu Tianran) by Xinhua writer Lyu Tianran KIGALI, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- A startup hub on the 4th floor of a commercial building in Rwandan capital city Kigali is where Dioscore Shikama incubates his agri-tech e-commerce company. The 26-year-old set up a target to serve global farmers after participating in a training program for e-commerce business founders provided by China's e-commerce giant Alibaba in China last November. Founded in 2016, GO Ltd provides farmers with advisory services via mobile and allow them keeping records of farming costs through its electronic platform AgriGO. AgriGO also plans to launch a marketplace service next year, where farmers can post their harvests and buyer can select farming products. Considering the fact that many farmers in Rwanda don't have smartphones but only have feature phones, AgriGO basically operates based on SMS and USSD, or unstructured supplementary service data, while AgriGO's partner organizations and companies use AgriGO's smartphone application to provide information to farmers. Alibaba's training program eFounders Fellowship, created to find and empower 1,000 platform builders who can leverage Alibaba's experience in China, opened his vision, Shikama told Xinhua. The two-week course provides first-hand exposure to and learning about e-commerce innovations from China and around the world that enabled growth and a more inclusive development model for all. The program motivates him to "acting locally, but thinking globally," Shikama said. "When we develop our platform, we consider farmers in Brazil, China and other areas in the world, who were not applied to before I went to China," he added. The course also helps the young entrepreneur know how to develop a team from a startup to a bigger company and gives him a better understanding of data. For example, Alibaba's online payment platform Alipay inspires him to have an idea of a payment solution for farmers, by which buyers can pay through two-dimensional barcodes, or QR code, to farmers bank accounts, he said. "Alibaba is bringing in experience and skills transfer," he added. Alibaba not only provides training to business founders but also e-commerce educators. An e-commerce club to prepare students for online business opportunities and to impact them the knowledge of starting e-business and trade online has been set up at the University of Tourism, Technology and Business Studies of Rwanda (UTB), after its three teachers attended Alibaba's training program for educators. Jean Baptiste Mbanzabugabo, dean of the Faculty of Business and Information Technology of UTB, together with his two colleagues in August attended Alibaba's Global eCommerce Talent Program, an intensive learning session for trainers and professors who are looking to develop an e-commerce course in their home country. After completing the program held in Rwanda, Mbanzabugabo proposed a UTB's global e-commerce talent program to the management of the university, which seeks to bridge the skills gap of young professionals to meet employability and entrepreneurship needs of Rwandan economies, business and entrepreneurs, while shaping young digital talents and small and medium enterprises to better understand the e-commerce model and ecosystem, as well as operational, business analytical and entrepreneurship skills. The educator plans to integrate this program into the university's curricula, as well as set up a standalone certification program to all other entities willing to join the program. "Alibaba's training for educators comes at the right time as the world is going high today when electronic (utilization) comes as number one," said Mbanzabugabo. Trained educators are able to instruct business founders who are not able to afford premises to have an online platform, he said. They can also impact students with business and IT skills to have entrepreneurship skills of starting an online business, he added. Both the young e-commerce founder and the educator hold a positive view toward the impact of e-commerce on Rwanda's economy, a landlocked country located in the heart of Africa. E-commerce is just getting started in Rwanda, but it will create more jobs for young people, open the market for Rwandan sellers and introduce Rwandan products to the world, said Shikama. "I'm hoping it will help export, so that it can bridge the gap between import and export," he added. E-commerce provides people who can't afford setting up premises and infrastructures for doing business with opportunity to start an online business, said Mbanzabugabo. It also enables business people to expand their business boundaries and "meet potential customers from all over the world," he said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 18:54:25|Editor: mmm Video Player Close KATHMANDU, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- The total paddy production in Nepal has reached 5.23 million metric tons this year, the highest harvest in the country's history and the country's Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has attributed the record-high paddy output to cultivation of Chinese hybrid rice. Timely rainfall and availability of developed seeds and chemical fertilizers have attributed to the rise in paddy production by nearly 30 percent as compared to the harvest of 2017-18 fiscal year, officials claimed. Though the Nepali government had projected the paddy production of only 5 million metric tons, the higher output has been regarded as a significant contributor to the gross domestic product (GDP) of the country and economic growth in overall. The agriculture sector constitutes 33 percent of the total GDP in which paddy accounts for as high as 20 percent. According to the agriculture ministry, the record harvest would help cutting down the rice imports from different countries and contribute to reduction of rice deficit. The optimism comes at a time when the Chinese hybrid rice, spreading over 300 hectares of land, is doing excellent performance in the country. On Monday, a team of government officials from both Nepal and China, and research scientists and representatives of the World Food Program (WFP) visited the high-yield demonstration field of Chinese hybrid rice located within the premise of the National Agricultural Research Council in Lalitpur. Noting that the performance of Chinese hybrid rice is excellent in Nepal, the Nepali side expressed willingness to produce hybrid rice in large scale to have large yields and resolve rice scarcity. "The performance of Chinese hybrid rice is very nice and exciting," Baidya Nath Mahato, executive director of the Nepal Agricultural Research Council, told Xinhua. Under the first phase of three-year long China-Nepal agricultural technical cooperation project that started in February 2016, China has been providing economic and technical assistance in the agricultural sector for Nepal, especially for cultivating rice and maize. The Chinese government has also been helping Nepal promote adoption of hybrid rice varieties and conducting technical demonstration and training on post-harvest processing technology, farm machinery operation and maintenance technology. For this end, Yuan Longping High-tech Agriculture Co. Ltd, a Chinese implementing agency, is working in cooperation with the Nepal Agricultural Research Council. According to the officials, in the past two years, 67 hybrid rice varieties have been introduced from China and tested in various parts of Nepal. Among them, one variety has already been approved by the Seed Quality Control Centre under Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development. Chinese hybrid rice has been popular among the farmers of the country due to higher yield, strong tillering ability, straight leaves with no drooping, more effective panicles per unit area, more grains and good taste, among others. Ananda Kumar Gautam, a senior scientist of the Nepal Agricultural Research Council, told Xinhua that "we are very much impressed by the performance of Chinese hybrid rice and the response from the farmers is very positive." In the budget for the current fiscal year, the Nepali government has announced a plan to make the country self-reliant in food within next few years. Experts believe that Chinese hybrid rice can resolve the food deficit and help Nepal ensure food security. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 19:24:32|Editor: mmm Video Player Close BEIJING, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a message of condolences to Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Tuesday over the crash of the Lion Air plane that had 189 people on board. In the message, Xi said he was deeply saddened upon learning of the plane crash. Xi added that on behalf of the Chinese government and people, as well as in his own name, he would like to convey the deepest condolences over the loss of lives, and to those who have lost their loved ones. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 19:29:32|Editor: mmm Video Player Close Xi Jinping, Li Keqiang, Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Wang Huning, Zhao Leji and Han Zheng attend the opening of the 12th National Women's Congress (NWC) in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 30, 2018. (Xinhua/Ju Peng) BEIJING, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- The 12th National Women's Congress (NWC) opened in Beijing on Tuesday. President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, attended the opening of the congress at the Great Hall of the People. The meeting was also attended by other leaders of the CPC and the state including Li Keqiang, Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Wang Huning and Han Zheng, all of whom are members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee. Zhao Leji, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, delivered a speech on behalf of the CPC Central Committee. A total of 1,637 delegates from all walks of life and 79 specially-invited delegates from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) and the Macao SAR, attended the congress. Shen Yueyue, vice chairperson of the National People's Congress Standing Committee and executive chairperson of the presidium of the 12th NWC, announced the opening of the meeting. Women's federations at all levels have taken Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as a guide, and made new contributions to the development of the women's cause and consolidating public support for the Party's governance since the 11th NWC, Zhao said. Xi's discourses about women and the work of women have provided fundamental rules for the cause of women and the work of women's federations in the new era, he noted. Zhao called on Chinese women to have firm ideals and convictions, act under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, contribute to the new era, advance the great cause, and continue their efforts to achieve the two centenary goals and the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation. When making a report on behalf of the 11th Executive Committee of the All-China Women's Federation (ACWF), Huang Xiaowei, executive chairperson of the presidium of the 12th NWC, called for holding high the great banner of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and contributing to securing a decisive victory in building a moderately prosperous society in all respects and realizing the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation. A draft amendment to the ACWF constitution was submitted to the delegates for deliberation. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 19:44:35|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close MOSCOW, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) said Tuesday it has detained 18 suspected members of the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group in the Republic of Tatarstan for plotting terrorist attacks. The FSB said in a statement that the detainees were suspected of forming a secret cell coordinated by the IS from abroad. They intended to commit "headline-making" terrorist acts in Russia and join militants in Syria afterwards, according to the FSB. They also allegedly recruited supporters from among radical youths. The FSB said it had seized firearms and ammunition, extremist literature and IS symbols at the residences of the suspects. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 19:44:36|Editor: mmm Video Player Close MONROVIA, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Liberian President George Weah and a senior Chinese political advisor met here on Monday, pledging to strengthen cooperation between their countries. Wan Gang, vice chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, conveyed to Weah greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping. China and Liberia are good friends that support each other and partners in joint development, Wan said, adding the friendship is deeply rooted in the hearts of the two peoples and that cooperation in economy and trade has been expanding. Wan said his country has attached great importance to the comprehensive cooperative partnership with Liberia and is ready to work with the Liberian side to strengthen cooperation in various areas in accordance with the consensus between Xi and Weah. Weah asked Wan to convey his greetings to Xi. The president reaffirmed that Liberia will staunchly uphold the one-China principle. He said his country thanked the Chinese side for its long-term support, and that, in particular, the Liberian side will always remember that China was one of the first countries who rushed to its aid to contain the Ebola virus. Liberia stands ready to join China in dovetailing its five-year plan to get rid of poverty and achieve prosperity with the Belt and Road Initiative, strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation, and advance the implementation of projects so as to better benefit the two peoples. Wan, during his visit, also met with Speaker of the House of Representatives Bhofal Chambers and President Pro Tempore of the Senate Albert Chie. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 19:49:37|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close ULAN BATOR, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia will stand firm on combating money laundering and terrorist financing, the country's Prime Minister Ukhnaa Khurelsukh said Tuesday. "Money laundering and terrorist financing activities have negatively affected countries' economic growth and efforts to achieve sustainable development and eliminate poverty," he said. What's more, he said that Mongolia, "with a vulnerable economy which is directly dependent on external factors," needs to pay special attention to fighting money laundering and terrorist financing. Khurelsukh made the remarks at the opening ceremony of an international scientific conference on fighting money laundering, according to the government's press office. According to data from Mongolia's National Police Agency, 26 cases of money laundering were recorded in the first half of this year, while only seven cases of this kind were reported last year in Mongolia. Most of the money laundering cases in Mongolia are linked to fraud, embezzlement, bribery, tax evasion and drug trafficking, the agency said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 19:49:37|Editor: mmm Video Player Close ZHENGZHOU, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Lu Enguang, a former official of the Ministry of Justice, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison on bribery and corporate bribery charges. The Intermediate People's Court of the city of Anyang, Henan Province handed down the verdict Tuesday to Lu, formerly the head of the ministry's political division. The court found that between 1992 and 2016, Lu allegedly asked state employees to help him join the Communist Party of China via dishonest means, secure an identity as a teacher as well as obtain benefits such as honorary titles, promotions, and position transfers. In return, he offered bribes totaling 12.78 million yuan (about 1.84 million U.S. dollars) to those employees on multiple occasions. It was also found Lu gave bribes worth over 7.97 million yuan between 1996 and 2016 to ease the way for companies under his control in obtaining loans, acquiring underpriced assets, lowering tax payments and evading debt. The bribes were offered either by Lu himself or by company staff under Lu's instructions. Lu was also fined three million yuan and had his illegal gains confiscated. The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the Communist Party of China announced that Lu was under investigation for serious disciplinary offenses in December, 2016. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 19:54:38|Editor: mmm Video Player Close BUDAPEST, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- The upcoming China International Import Expo (CIIE) contributes greatly to the fight against global protectionism and will bring win-win outcomes for the participants, a Hungarian expert has said. "It is obvious that the CIIE is an excellent tool against protectionism. It is evident, because so many common interests bind us together," Peter Ondre, managing director of the Hungarian Agrar Marketing Centrum, said in a recent interview with Xinhua. While Hungarians could learn many things from their Chinese partners, Hungarians could also contribute to the pace of China's progress, the expert said, noting that the CIIE will greatly boost the development of Chinese-Hungarian business relations. "A win-win situation is the result of the strengthening of business, virtual and direct relationships between the two nations, as the Chinese and the Hungarian people are not merely friends, but also have mutual respect for each other," he said. The expert also underlined that Hungary would be present at the expo as a guest of honor, an honor shared only with 11 other countries, saying that the CIIE is aimed at promoting global trade and global growth, enhancing trade liberalization and economic globalization, and opening the Chinese market to the world. Ondre said Hungary's primary goal at the 256-square-meter Hungarian pavilion is to present its products and services to the Chinese market and introduce Hungary as a tourist and investment destination. In view of the exponentially growing Chinese economy, he said Hungary is focusing on delicacy and comfort products, making premium-grade Hungarian product groups available to the increasingly demanding Chinese consumer. He added that the number of Chinese tourists visiting Hungary nearly tripled from 2011 to 2017. The CIIE, the first import-themed state-level expo in the world, will be held from Nov. 5 to 10 in Shanghai, gathering more than 3,000 companies, including over 200 enterprises that are leading in their industries from over 130 different countries and regions. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 20:14:43|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close YANGON, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI) called on the European Union (EU) to deliberate on its intended trade sanctions on the country, expecting a balanced assessment with the issue after meeting with representatives from all sectors, according to a press release of the UMFCCI Tuesday. An EU monitoring team, in its mission to observe and assess facts if it should withdraw its Generalized Scheme of Preference (GSP) previously offered to Myanmar, met with business circle, led by the UMFCCI, in Yangon Monday. The UMFCCI urged for support from the international community including the EU for the long-term development of the country's present status, while Myanmar is in a democratic transition with momentum, assisted by the EU. According to official statistics, in last FY 2017-2018, the country earned about 2.5 billion U.S. dollars from garment exports. The country's garment is mostly exported to Japanese and European markets as well as markets of China, South Korea and the United States. There are over 400 garment factories with more than 300,000 workers in the industry. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 20:19:45|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close YANGON, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar will hold a wildlife festival "Voices for Wildlife" in Yangon on Friday to support the government's combat on illegal wildlife trade and to raise awareness of wildlife conservation in the country. The festival will take place at the Mahabandoola Park in downtown Yangon. Yangon region authorities have recently announced a ban on all illegal sales across the region. "Wildlife trafficking is the fourth biggest transnational crime after drugs, weapons and human trafficking. We congratulate the regional government of Yangon on taking this step to end this crime across the region and will continue working closely with the national, regional and state governments to support the roll out of this ban nationwide," Christy Williams, country director of World Wildlife Fund (WWF)- Myanmar said at Tuesday's media conference. The festival will bring a wide range of wildlife-themed activities for the people, displaying wildlife-themed artworks and musical and dance performances by local artists as well as screening of a short film "Bo Bo and Mo Mo" which portrays the love between a boy named Bo Bo and a young elephant. "Our wildlife is our true wealth, more precious than gold and it is our responsibility to protect this wealth, our natural heritage for future generations," said local street artist Arker Kyaw. Meanwhile, Myanmar has signed the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) to protect wild elephants, setting aside 9,205 square miles for elephant sanctuaries. Myanmar government has also planned to shut down illegal wildlife trade markets in Golden Triangle border region, which is between Myanmar, Thailand and Laos, by 2020 with the help of the wildlife conservation groups. Local and international non-governmental organizations are accelerating efforts to expand the area of land for wildlife reserve in the country. At present, about 42 protected areas which accounts for 5.79 percent of total country area have been designated so far in Myanmar. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 20:34:49|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close PHNOM PENH, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia on Tuesday broke ground for the construction of a new building in the China-Cambodia Friendship Preah Kossamak Hospital in Phnom Penh. Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Yim Chhay Ly, Cambodian Health Minister Mam Bunheng and Chinese Embassy to Cambodia's Economic and Commercial Counsellor Li An presided over the ceremony. Yim Chhay Ly said that this hospital will become a new modern hospital which has high-technology medical equipment. "This achievement will help to provide high efficiency of health service for the Cambodian people," he said. He added that the ground breaking is at the same time when both countries celebrated the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. "China is a good friend of Cambodia in all circumstances. All the aid from China not only contributes to the development, but also helps to strengthen ownership and independence of Cambodia," Yim Chhay Ly said. The 11-floor building with 400 beds is expected to be completed in 40 months. Li An said that the health sector is significant in Cambodia. So far, the Chinese government has granted aid, and sent its medical personnel to provide health check, treatment for the Cambodian people and children which suffered from congenital heart disease. "All these projects have brought the Chinese people's kindness and friendship to the Cambodian people," Li An said. The Preah Kossamak Hopsital in Phnom Penh is one of the oldest hospitals in Cambodia. The hospital has been renamed the China-Cambodia Friendship Preah Kossamak Hospital. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 20:34:50|Editor: mmm Video Player Close BEIJING, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Xu Qiliang, a vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, said on Tuesday that China and Australia should deepen practical cooperation and add positive elements to the steady development of bilateral ties. Xu made the remarks when meeting with Australia's Chief of the Defense Force Angus Campbell and Secretary of the Department of Defense Greg Moriarty, who were on a visit to Beijing to attend the 21st Defense Strategic Consultation between the two countries. Xu said the common interests shared by China and Australia -- two countries with neither historical animosity nor fundamental conflict of interest -- outweighed their contradictions and differences. When handling bilateral ties, the two sides should consider the history, think in big-picture terms and see things in the light of their development. A new approach should be explored for bilateral relations, in which the two countries can respect each other, seek common ground while reserving differences and achieve cooperation and win-win results, said Xu. Xu spoke highly of the steady advancement the two sides have made in recent years in high-level mutual visits between the two militaries, consultation and dialogue, personnel exchange and joint exercises and training. Xu also expressed his hope that the two sides can meet each other half way, enhance communication and mutual trust, manage differences and deepen practical cooperation, so as to add positive elements to the steady development of bilateral relations. Campbell and Moriarty said the Australian side was committed to pushing forward bilateral dialogue and communication between the two militaries, and the two sides should work together to promote the advancement of relations between the two countries and their militaries. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 20:49:52|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close ALGIERS, Oct 30 (Xinhua) -- Algeria on Tuesday strongly condemned the attack that targeted a police patrol in the Tunisian capital. Algerian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Abdelaziz Benali Cherif said in a statement that Algeria condemned the suicide bombing that targeted a Tunisian police patrol in downtown Tunis on Monday. Cherif extended deepest condolences to the victims' families and wished a speedy recovery to the injured, affirming "full solidarity and constant support to the brotherly government and people of Tunisia in the face of this abhorrent scourge." He also expressed "Algeria's confidence that a strong Tunisia with its institutions and cohesion of its people is capable of raising up the challenge to confront and eradicate terrorism." On Monday, a 30-year-old woman blew herself up near a police patrol at Bourguiba Avenue with an explosive belt, injuring 20 people including 15 security guards, according to Tunisian Interior Ministry. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 21:04:58|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close NICOSIA, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- A group of 17 Syrian refugees were rescued by Cypriot marine police overnight, a statement said on Tuesday. It said the group included 11 men, one woman and five children aged between three and 15. One three-year-old girl was taken to hospital with a fever condition. The statement said the refugee vessel was spotted on radar 50 nautical miles off the southeastern coast of Cyprus and a police boat was then sent to reach it. The rescuers said they had to transfer the 17 refugees on board their boast as it was considered too dangerous to tow the five-meter fibre glass vessel in high waves. The statement said the refugees told authorities that they all intend to seek asylum in Cyprus. They said they sailed from Lebanon on Monday after paying a trafficker 1,000 euros each to take them aboard. The refugees were picked up after darkness fell and arrived later at the southern city of Larnaca. They were processed by local police and were later led to a refugee centre near the capital Nicosia, which hosts hundreds of people who arrived recently in boats which had also sailed from Lebanon. Cypriot Interior Minister Constantinos Petrides told a conference in Nicosia on the weekend that with almost 16,000 people arriving over the past few years, the small eastern Mediterranean island has reached its capacity in caring for refugees. He said that considering its just over 1 million population, Cyprus is the third European Union country with the biggest number of refugees. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 21:04:59|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close BUCHAREST, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Moldovan government decided to raise the salary by 45 percent for the teachers with experience up to three years, starting Dec. 1, according to news reaching here Tuesday from the Moldovan media. "The young who graduated Ion Creanga Teaching University can get employed now. Previously, the beginner salary was 4,179 lei (244 U.S. dollars), now they will have 6,067 lei," Minister of Finances Octavian Armasu was quoted as saying Tuesday by local news site publika.md. The authorities hoped that the lack of teachers in schools and kindergartens will be solved by the higher salaries. The government has also recently decided that more than 1,500 young specialists, assigned to education institutions in the country, will receive increased allowances in the first three years of their work. According to the Ministry of Education, the state institutions have a shortage of two thousand teachers. "We need teachers of Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Physical Education, Romanian language, Foreign languages," said Angela Cutasevici, state secretary at the Ministry of Education. "Starting Dec. 1, the situation will completely change," said Nicolae Chicus, the rector of Ion Creanga University. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 21:05:00|Editor: mmm Video Player Close BEIJING, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- China has fewer "left-behind children" in the countryside, due to government policies helping bring migrant families together, a ministry official said Tuesday. "The number of rural left-behind children had dropped to 6.97 million as of the end of August, down 22.7 percent from two years ago when the government started tracking the numbers," said Ni Chunxia, deputy head of the social affairs department of the Ministry of Civil Affairs. Ni said that about 70 percent of left-behind children stayed in seven provinces in central and southwest China. Sichuan topped the list, reporting 765,000 left-behind children. More than half of the children are boys, Ni said, adding that almost all of them are healthy. Ni credited the drop in numbers to the anti-poverty campaign, urbanization, and rural revitalization strategy, which helped urban migrants bring their children to the cities, or inspired them to return to start their own businesses in the countryside. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 21:10:01|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close NAIROBI, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Kenya plans to focus on the blue economy in order to achieve prosperity for its people, an official said on Tuesday. Macharia Kamau, principal secretary in the ministry of foreign affairs, told journalists in Nairobi that for the last 50 years Kenya has focused on the brown economy and neglected the oceans and seas. "We need to build the capability of those living in the oceans and sea so that they can exploit opportunities that exist in the blue economy," Kamau said during a ceremony where Qatar gave a donation of some 500,000 U.S. dollars towards the hosting of the High Level Conference on Sustainable Blue Economy which will take place from Nov. 26 to 28. The outcome of the conference is expected to form part of the global conversation on sustainable development of the blue economy. Kamau said that Kenya has faced many challenges in trying to exploit its marine resources despite having a sea front that is 1,000 kilometers long. He noted that over 80 percent of fish products consumed locally come from lakes and rivers with the remainder from the oceans. "We have not been able to exploit our own oceans so that we ensure that at least 90 percent of proteins come from the oceans and seas like other countries," he added. Kamau said that beyond fish there are many other resources such as minerals in the ocean that can create wealth and employment opportunities for Kenyans. According to the government official, preparations for the High Level Conference on Sustainable Blue Economy are now complete. "We are now working on the logistics of the conference and matters of execution of the program itself," he added. Kenya expects about 190 countries to participate, out of which 129 have confirmed so far with about three weeks to go. In addition, Kamau said that in the next few days all those who registered through the United Nations are expected to come on board the conference. He revealed that at the moment 4,200 participants have signed up with another 2,000 expected to register in the next few days. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 21:15:01|Editor: mmm Video Player Close BEIRUT, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- A total of 30 students from Lebanon, Palestine and Jordan have recently received scholarships to specialize in mechanical engineering and business administration in China's Shaanxi Province, an official told Xinhua on Tuesday. "The scholarships include tuition fees, accommodation, and monthly allowances from University of Chang'an and Northwestern Polytechnique University (NPU)," said Jinane Saleh, director of Youth Affairs at Arab Chinese Cooperation and Development Association (ACCDA). This initiative was launched by the Silk Road Chamber of International Commerce (SRCIC) in cooperation with ACCDA. The scholarships were granted in September. Some of the students have already traveled to China. Saleh said that degrees from China are accredited in Lebanon. Students can come back after their graduation to join professional syndicates. Saleh emphasized the importance of engaging Chinese and Arab youth together because youngsters are essential elements of societies. "With the energy and power of youth, joint efforts can be exerted to bring this world together," she told Xinhua. "To empower youth, we need education first as it is a factor to change one's life. With education, they can set their directions in life, set goals for themselves and strive to achieve them," she added. Hasan Rihan, an 18-year-old student from south Lebanon, told Xinhua that he is happy to be selected for this scholarship. Rihan, who will specialize in mechanical engineering, said he always dreamt of traveling and studying outside Lebanon. "It is a dream come true to study in a country as advanced as China," he said. "I plan to finish my education and try to find work in China." Haroun Yassin, another student who was selected for the scholarship, said he is excited to get to know about the Chinese culture. "I am very happy. I will be the first one to speak Chinese in my town in Bekaa," he said. According to Saleh, there is a plan to increase the number of scholarships next year to cover other Arab countries and additional programs such as masters and PhD. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 21:20:03|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close KAMPALA, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Uganda's Entebbe International Airport has recorded an increase of international and transit passengers, with the figure expected to grow further, according to authorities. Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the country's air transport regulator, said in a statement on Tuesday that while the airport recorded close to 1.1 million international and transit passengers during the period January to August 2017, it has so far recorded about 1.2 million international and transit passengers from January to August 2018, representing an increment of over 120,000 passengers so far. "The figures are likely to increase even more by the end of the year considering that the last quarter of the year (October to December) is usually busier in terms of air travel," the CAA statement said. The increase in the number of passengers is attributed to the country's recent conclusion of new bilateral air service agreements with different countries such as Saudi Arabia, Israel, Switzerland and Canada. "Some of Canada's airlines are already having code-share agreements with international operators to Uganda. Air Tanzania recently resumed operations to Uganda and discussions are ongoing with several potential air operators to Entebbe including one who plans flights to the United Kingdom," the statement said. Several air operators such as Emirates, Qatar and Rwandair recently changed aircraft to Entebbe from smaller to bigger ones. Other airlines also increased flights between Entebbe and other international destinations. A total of 1.6 million international and transit passengers were recorded in 2017 and the air transport regulator is hopeful the number will be surpassed by end of 2018. "All these developments, including increase in frequencies by air operators and change of aircraft type from smaller to bigger types, show the growth in Uganda's air transport industry," the statement said. Uganda with financing from China is upgrading Entebbe International Airport to handle more traffic and cargo. The expansion includes an extension of the passenger terminal, construction of a new cargo center and refurbishment of the airport's two runways. File Photo: Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (R) presents U.S. President Donald Trump with the Collar of Abdulaziz Al Saud Medal at the Royal Court in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia May 20, 2017. (Xinhua/REUTERS) WASHINGTON, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- As the ongoing investigation of the Saudi journalist's death continued to perplex the world, U.S. experts say the incident is unlikely to lead to a fundamental change for the U.S.-Saudi ties. Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a columnist for Washington Post, has not been seen since he entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2. Riyadh admitted that the 59-year-old was killed inside the consulate and 18 people were arrested over their alleged connections to the killing afterward. In its latest public statement, the White House said on Monday that the Trump administration "is weighing different options" in response to the case and will make an announcement later. Since the disclosure of Khashoggi's murder, Washington has criticized the Saudi authorities for its handling of the case while President Donald Trump himself showed certain restraint on vocal attack against Riyadh. Trump and his senior advisor Jared Kushner are key strong supporters of the Saudis while others may hold a different view, Darrell West, a Brookings Institution Senior Fellow, told Xinhua. U.S. Congress soured on alliance with Riyadh following the case, calling for sanctions and a ban of arms sales to the kingdom. "Obviously we're going through a period of tension and uncertainty and strain," said David Pollock, a scholar at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. For Ford O'Connell , a Republican strategist and TV personality, Washington has to "make a stand here." "The rest of the world is watching. And if he (Trump) doesn't take some sort of proportional action, it's going to send a message to the rest of the Arab world," O'Connell told Xinhua. Pollock observed that there were already some "symbols" demonstrating America's disapproval of what happened to Khashoggi, including some individual sanctions and cancellation of some official meetings. The U.S. State Department announced last week that it was revoking visas of Saudi officials suspected of involvement in the death of Khashoggi, a first concrete step of punishment taken by the U.S. government. But the move has been criticized as quite symbolic and bearing little practical consequence. "On the whole, I think the administration seems pretty set on maintaining the basic elements of this relationship," Pollock toldXinhua. Wayne White, a former U.S. State Department official, shared a similar view. "President Trump likely still hopes to get past the Khashoggi affair without serious damage to the U.S.-Saudi relationship," he said. Experts believe that the vital role Riyadh plays in Washington's comprehensive strategy of containing Iran would make the Trump administration reluctant to distance itself from the ally. "Any U.S. plans to confront Iran forcefully depend heavily on Saudi Arabia for basing, refueling, overflight rights, among others," noted White, who once served as deputy director of the Middle East Intelligence Office of the State Department. "The change in atmosphere (regarding U.S.-Saudi ties) is going to add another layer of complexity to the U.S. government's effort to contain and isolate and counter Iran, but it's not going to change the basic approach," Pollack said. "As a result of the murder and cover-up, it will be harder to use Saudi Arabia to pursue American interests in the Middle East," noted West. (Matthew Rusling from Washington also contributed to the story.) Honduran migrants onboard a truck take part in a caravan heading to the U.S., near Huehuetan, on their way from Tapachula to Huixtla, Chiapas state, Mexico, on Oct. 22, 2018. (Xinhua/AFP) WASHINGTON, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- The Pentagon will deploy 5,200 active-duty troops to the border with Mexico this week in order to deter members of a migrant caravan from illegally entering the United States, an air force general said Monday. "By the end of the week, we will deploy over 5,200 soldiers to the southwest border," Air Force General Terrence O'Shaughnessy, commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command, told a press conference Monday afternoon. "As we sit right here today, we have about 800 soldiers that are on their way to Texas right now," O'Shaughnessy said. More will head toward states of Arizona and California this week. The general said the troops will help "harden the points of entry and address key gaps around the points of entry." According to a U.S. law, the military are prohibited from performing law enforcement activities within the country. Therefore, these troops will be in support roles only, without arresting power or interacting with migrants. But some soldiers will be armed and will be deployed with heavy equipment such as helicopters, officials said. Those deployed will include engineers, planners, military police, pilots, cooks and medical personnel. Some of them will help build camps to house personnel of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection along the Mexican border. The newly-announced deployment represents a sharp increase from estimates last week, when U.S. administration officials said they were considering a plan to send up to 1,000 active-duty troops to the border. Earlier this year, more than 2,000 members of the National Guard were sent to the region to provide assistance to U.S. customs officials who oversee the processing of trade, migrants and pedestrian travel daily. The announcement came as a caravan of migrants is slowly making its way from Central America to the southwest border of the United States. The migrant caravan has been moving north from Central America and its numbers have been dwindling. There are approximately 3,500 people in the group currently at the Chiapas-Oaxaca border in southern Mexico, Andrew Meehan, assistant commissioner of public affairs of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, told reporters. Another group of about 3,000 migrants is at the border crossing between Guatemala and Mexico, he added. U.S. President Donald Trump has been warning against the caravan for weeks. "Many Gang Members and some very bad people are mixed into the Caravan heading to our Southern Border," the president tweeted. "Please go back, you will not be admitted into the United States unless you go through the legal process," he said. "This is an invasion of our Country and our Military is waiting for you!" The president has stepped up his focus on immigration in the days leading up to the midterm elections. "This will be the election of the caravans, the Kavanaughs, law and order, tax cuts, and you know what else? It's going to be the election of common sense," Trump told a rally in state of Illinois on Saturday night. Last week, the Pentagon approved a request for additional troops at the U.S.-Mexico border. The White House on Monday said it is also weighing other border security measures. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 21:35:08|Editor: Yamei Video Player Close Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan (L) meets with Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oct. 29, 2018. Invited by the UAE government, Wang paid a visit to the UAE from Oct. 28 to 30. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei) ABU DHABI, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan agreed with leaders of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to further boost cooperation between the two countries during a three-day visit that concluded on Tuesday. Wang, who had been invited by the UAE government, met with Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, and UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum in Dubai, respectively. The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi received Wang with a welcome ceremony at the presidential palace. In the meeting with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Wang said that the decision by Chinese President Xi Jinping and the UAE leaders to promote the bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership has laid the foundation and will serve as a blueprint for the relations. Wang said the UAE has followed a unique path of development by pursuing economic diversity, social openness and cultural inclusiveness and integrating the traditional and the modern. China appreciates the UAE's pursuit of friendly ties with China and is willing to work with the UAE to constantly expand the pragmatic cooperation and cultural and people-to-people exchanges, Wang said. China is willing to work closely with the UAE side on its planned introduction of Chinese courses in 200 schools so that the aim can be achieved as soon as possible, the Chinese vice president said. The Chinese side is willing to strengthen coordination with the UAE side so that the free trade talks between China and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) may soon resume and produce an agreement, Wang said. The UAE has China's steadfast support in its pursuit of stability in the country and a constructive role in regional affairs, Wang said. China strongly believes that, with joint efforts, the exchanges and cooperation between China and the UAE will expand and the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership will further grow, Wang said. The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi said the recent state visit by President Xi has raised bilateral cooperation to a new level and sent a positive signal. He said that China has had admirable achievements in development and the UAE believes in and looks forward to an increasingly important role for China in international and Middle East affairs. The UAE regards its relations with China as a key part of its international policies and would like to work together with the Chinese side to explore the potential and further boost the cooperation and exchanges, he said. During his meeting with the UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Wang said that the UAE has a strong leadership, a prosperous economy and a harmonious and stable society. The achievements of the UAE in development have been remarkable, he said. In particular, Dubai has been pursuing sustainable development and has been successful in its transformation, and the young and vibrant city is now a new icon of the UAE, Wang said. Wang said his visit is aimed at maintaining the momentum in the high-level visits and exchanges and promote bilateral cooperation. Specifically, it is aimed at promoting concrete cooperation in various fields in line with the key consensus achieved by the leaders of the two countries and at consolidating the comprehensive strategic partnership. He said China is willing to support the UAE in hosting the Expo 2020 Dubai and share its experience in organizing such an event. China and the UAE have had great achievements in cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative and the two sides should further promote their cooperation in finance, innovation and artificial intelligence, Wang said. The two sides should also work together to speed up the seawater rice project to benefit the two peoples and even the world, Wang said. The UAE leader and Dubai ruler said the UAE attaches great importance to its relations with China and cherishes the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership. The UAE thanks China for its long-term support, he said. China is now the top trading partner of the UAE and the achievements in cooperation between the two sides have been remarkable, he said. He said the UAE side is willing to work together with the Chinese side to further promote cooperation in line with the leaders' consensus. The UAE government leader thanked China for the support it has given to the UAE for the Expo 2020 Dubai. China is warmly welcome to participate in the Expo and use the opportunity to further boost bilateral friendship and cooperation, he said. Wang was on a visit to the Middle East from Oct. 22 to 30, which took him to Israel, Palestine, Egypt and the UAE. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 21:40:09|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close SANAA, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi rebels fired a ballistic missile toward the Saudi border province of Asir on Tuesday, the rebels said in a statement. "The Badr-1 missile targeted a gathering of enemy soldiers in a military camp in Asir," according to the statement carried by the rebel-controlled Saba news agency. The statement did not provide further details, while there was no comment yet from Saudi Arabia. The attack was the latest attempt by the Houthis targeting the Saudi territory. Although the frequency of the missile attacks has increased recently, most of them were intercepted and destroyed without causing casualties. Saudi Arabia has been targeted by Yemeni Houthi rebels for having been leading a war against them since 2015. The Houthis say their missile attacks were launched in response to the coalition airstrikes on Houthi-controlled lands in Yemen. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 21:50:11|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close HERAT, Afghanistan, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- At least five Taliban militants including a local commander Mullah Nabi have been killed as government forces launched operations in Pashtun Zarghon district in the western Herat province on Monday, provincial government spokesman Jilani Farhad said Tuesday. According to the official, aimed at stabilizing security in the restive district, the operations launched Monday morning had led to the physical elimination of five insurgents including local commander Mullah Nabi who had also served as the shadow district chief in Pashtun Zarghon. Three more insurgents have been injured in the ongoing operations, the official added without providing information on the possible casualties of the security forces. The Taliban outfit has not commented yet. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 21:50:11|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close WELLINGTON, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand Research, Science and Innovation Minister Megan Woods on Tuesday welcomed a new agreement with Europe's largest aeronautics and space company, Airbus, on developing capability in New Zealand's emerging Unmanned Aircraft (UA) and space data technology sectors. The Letter of Intent, between Airbus and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, sets out a commitment to seek opportunities for Airbus to test and trial its UA technologies in New Zealand, and to work together to support the development and adoption of new and innovative space data technologies and applications. "Airbus has committed to collaborate on innovation challenges that combine UA and space data technologies. These challenges will generate solutions for real problems, catalyze innovation and increase our R&D capabilities in UAs and space data technologies and applications," Woods said. "Airbus is an international leader in innovation, with deep knowledge and great access to data and specific technical tools, all things that we can leverage to build our own R&D capabilities," she said. Airbus is already building strong connections within New Zealand's innovation and space ecosystems, including a recent agreement that establishes the Center of Space Science Technology in Alexandra in the South Island as the primary provider of Airbus satellite data and products in New Zealand, the minister said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 21:55:14|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close BERLIN, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- An announcement by Angela Merkel to step down from the leadership of the ruling Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and leave German politics after her current term as chancellor has been met with concern in many European capitals over its wider implications for the continent. French president Emmanuel Macron described the gradual retreat which Merkel initiated during a meeting of senior CDU officials on Monday as "extremely graceful" and praised her long-standing engagement on behalf of the European Union (EU). However, he also warned that the development was "not re-assuring" during a time when far-right movements were gaining traction throughout the bloc. Poland's foreign minister Jacek Czaputowicz similarly expressed respect for Merkel's decision, while vowing that his country would continue to cooperate closely her while she remained in power. He added that the 64-year-old was guaranteed a place in history books for the "important role" she had played in the EU during past years. The Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera wrote that Europe would mourn Merkel's departure as a whole. "The Germans who had her as chancellor since 2005 have survived the worst economic crisis of a century unharmed. And we European, who have experienced her hesitancy, but also her ability to always do the right thing when it was necessary and there was no alternative." Although Merkel's decision not to run for a fifth term as chancellor may not be surprising in itself, her surrender of the CDU leadership in the middle of the current legislative period was seen by some as a development which could significantly weaken her hand in Brussels. "Much will be determined by who succeeds her in the CDU leadership," Guntram Wolff, director of the Bruegel think-tank, said. Wolff predicted that she could struggle to make further progress with reforms of joint EU migration policy and the Eurozone single currency area unless the role is filled by an ally of the chancellor who backs her positions in the German federal parliament as well. In light of such concerns, the Spanish daily El Mundo cautioned that the reverberations of Merkel's gradual resignation were unlikely to be confined to Germany alone. "Merkel is not just Europe. Together with France. She has vigorously defended values for many years which have made Europe to one of the areas in the democratic world with the greatest prosperity and progress. El Mundo added that Merkel's retreat was also bad news for the EU because it faced "difficult challenges in the coming years", such as the departure of the United Kingdom and the consolidation of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU). Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 22:00:15|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close MADRID, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- A joint operation between Spanish National Police and Customs officers has led to the seizure of 3,250 kg of hashish and the arrest of eight people, the Spanish Interior Ministry confirmed on Tuesday. The Ministry said that the operation, which took place in an area known as the "Campo de Gibraltar" on the southwest coast of Spain, also saw the seizure of a "semi-rigid launch and three stolen vehicles which were prepared to transport the hashish." The communique explains the operation was made possible "thanks to the vigilance" of both police and customs officers and the "help of aircraft which found the launch and considered it could be used for transporting drugs." Thanks to the discovery of the launch, authorities surprised the drug traffickers as they were unloading their cargo on a beach. The hashish was divided into 102 packets "with total weight of approximately 3,250 kilos." The Interior Ministry reports that the traffickers attempted to escape "at high speed" and that one of their vehicles "rammed a police car," but police were "finally able to catch them and detain the drivers." This is the third major drugs haul reported in Spain in a week following two important seizures of cocaine, with one involving 1,400 kg on Oct. 23 and the other on Oct. 24 netting 6,000 kg. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 22:10:18|Editor: mmm Video Player Close BEIJING, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- The United States should do more to help developing countries, China's Foreign Ministry has said. "The United States should put itself in the shoes of developing countries and do more concrete things for them with no political strings attached," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said at a routine press briefing on Tuesday. Lu's comment came in response to U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's recent remarks about China's economic engagement in Latin America as well as comments by national leaders of several Carribean countries. During his trip to Latin America earlier this month, Pompeo accused China of "predatory economic activity" in the region. Gaston Browne, prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda, said that Pompeo's remarks were "confounding black and white," and that the United States should be "shameful" of its policies and activities in Latin America. Browne is reported to have said that without China's assistance, the Carribean countries will find it impossible to have such a promising future for regional development. Lu said: "It was commented by Antigua and Barbuda's media that the country wishes the United States to do concrete things for the Carribean countries in real earnest the same way as China does." "Justice naturally inhabits man's heart. It's not the first time the United States was given a serious reminder about its truth-distorting remarks on China's cooperation with other developing countries at large by relevant countries. "The United States may receive more praise and less reminders if it genuinely puts itself in the shoes of developing countries and does more concrete things for them with no political strings attached, just as the developing countries wish." Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 22:15:19|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close JAKARTA, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Italian government demanded the Indonesian authorities and the airlines, Lion Air, to carry out a thorough and transparent investigation into the plane crash that killed one of its citizen who boarded on the plane that crashed on Monday. The demand was expressed by Federico Novellino, head of the political section of the Italian embassy in Jakarta on Tuesday. "We also demand the Indonesian authorities and Lion Air to provide full assistance for families of the victims," he said. An Italian citizen Andrea Manfredi was reported to be among the 189 people onboard the Boeing 737 Max 8 operated by Lion Air with flight code JT 610 that crashed during its flight from Indonesia's international airport Soekarno-Hatta (CGK) to Pangkalpinang's Depati Amir airport (PGK). Novellino said that the Italian foreign minister has contacted the family of the 26 year-old professional cyclist related to the plane crash. The flight that used Boeing 737 Max 8 plane crashed in waters off West Java province's regency of Karawang at around 06:30 a.m. on Monday (2330 GMT Sunday). The Indonesian authorities feared that all passengers and crews of the plane were killed as debris of the plane were found severely disintegrated, littered in the surface of the waters. The authorities predicted that the plane broke into pieces after it hit sea surface at a high speed resulting from its dive from 3,000 feet high. The Lion Air plane coded PL-LQP, Boeing 737 Max 8, was a brand new variant of Boeing 737 family which made its maiden flight in 2017. PK-LQP started to serve Lion Air's domestic routes shortly after its arrival in Indonesia on Aug. 15. Kenyan applicants fill in forms in front of Chinese recruiters in a career fair organized by Chinese firms in Nairobi,capital of Kenya,Oct.29, 2018. NAIROBI, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- An organization of Chinese companies in Kenya on Monday opened a career fair in Nairobi offering more than 1,000 job opportunities to Kenyans. Li Xuhang, charge d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Kenya, said at the job fair that Chinese multinational companies will provide Kenyan talents with the best offers. "There are over 50 Chinese companies providing more than 1,000 job opportunities," Li said during the "Hand in Hand for Common Growth" job fair held by Kenya-China Economic and Trade Association (KCETA). Chinese companies, under their umbrella body KCETA, and with the support from the Chinese Embassy in Kenya, organized the day-long career fair in a bid to attract future employees and build relationships with the Kenyan youth. Some of the leading companies that showcased their businesses include Power Construction Corporation of China (POWERCHINA), China Road and Bridge Corporation, China Wuyi, Huawei Kenya and AVIC International. Li said that the event is an ideal platform for more bright young people to land their dream jobs and for Chinese companies to find their needed talents. KCETA statistics showed that by the end of 2016, more than 42,000 local employees were working for 73 KCETA member companies. Wang Yantao, representative of the KCETA and executive vice president of POWERCHINA International Group Limited, said that his organization is always encouraging Chinese firms to embrace localization in order to create more job opportunities for Kenyans, improve capacity building of human resources by training and technical support activities. Wang said that the job fair is an appropriate platform that provides a unique opportunity for engagement, networking and potential partnerships between employers and the applicants. "I have a strong belief that the career fair will be a win-win event for everyone and employers will find the best applicants and the applicants will find a place to realize their personal achievements," he added. Wang observed that the career fair will also be a great event to improve employment and boost the economic growth in Kenya. According to Wang, Chinese firms are happy to witness the dynamic economy and social growth and development of Kenya in the last decades and are proud to be engaged in the Kenyan economy. He said that Chinese firms always recognize and appreciate the opportunities that Kenya has offered them. Christopher Chika, director of Asia and Australasia Directorate at Kenya's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that the Chinese job fair came at a time when there are a lot of worry about Chinese involvement in Kenya and Africa. "A lot of this is misinformed because China is coming into the global scene in a positive way and we are seeing the results of involvement," Chika said. He observed that the standard gauge railway is the most famous evidence of the positive role that China has made in Kenya. He noted that Kenya's relations with China is both comprehensive and strategic and it is growing from strength to strength. Chika said that there are over 400 Chinese enterprises in the Kenyan economy which provide many jobs to Kenyans and this number will increase because China is here to stay for the long haul. He noted that Kenya is keen to partner with China so that it can borrow from the experiences that the Asian nation has gained over the past decades of its economic growth. The Kenyan official said that China and Kenya are already developing industrial parks and special economic zones that will result in a lot of manufacturing activity and jobs for the youth. According to the KCETA, the Chinese companies received more than 3,300 copies of resumes from local job seekers. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 22:30:29|Editor: ZD Video Player Close MOSCOW, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- The first China International Import Expo (CIIE) demonstrates China's commitment to international cooperation and further opening up its market to foreign partners, Russian Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov has said. For Russian companies and regions, the first CIIE scheduled for Nov. 5-10 in Shanghai is one of the most significant and long-awaited events in recent years, Manturov told Xinhua in a recent interview. The Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade, along with the Ministry of Economic Development and the Russian Export Center, are preparing for the CIIE, he said. "The Russian exposition will present industrial, commercial and investment opportunities of our country as well as promising Russian-Chinese projects," said Manturov, who will also visit the expo. One of the 12 "Guests of Honor," Russia will have an area of over 2,250 square meters at the expo, the minister said. He said this area will feature a photo exhibition on Russia and stands of companies representing food and agricultural products, medical equipment, health products, high-tech equipment, consumer goods and services. In order to stimulate the Russian-Chinese economic and trade partnership, Manturov said Russia has prepared an extensive program, including business sessions on tourism and inter-regional cooperation. He said he believes that the expo will serve as an effective platform for strengthening Russian-Chinese business ties. "We also expect that the participation of Russian companies and regions in the CIIE will contribute to the growth of Russian exports not only in China, but also in countries along the Silk Road," he said. In his opinion, China has demonstrated to the world that it is committed to the policy of reform and opening-up. China champions an open world economy and a multilateral trading system and opposes one-sidedness and protectionism, and Russia shares this position, Manturov said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 22:30:30|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close SHANGHAI, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Disney and the Shanghai Museum have jointly released a series of cultural and creative products based on Mickey Mouse and a 3,000-year-old bronze food vessel. This year marks the 90th anniversary of Mickey, Disney's classic cartoon figure. Mickey made a surprise appearance Monday night, wearing the graceful, wavy patterns of the body of the bronzeware. The bronzeware, named Da Ke Ding, is the most precious collection in the Shanghai Museum. It is also one of the most famous and cherished ancient Chinese bronze containers in the world. In a short video released by Disney, Mickey had an adventure on Da Ke Ding, surfing on its waves while traveling through space and time. Six categories of creative products surrounding Mickey and the bronzeware, including toys, stationery, sliding plate bags, scarves and jewelry, have been launched. "The crossover is a way to pay our respects to China's splendid bronze civilization and to remind us of our childhoods accompanied by Disney cartoons," said Yang Zhigang, curator of the Shanghai Museum. China has planned to develop 50 museum brands of cultural creativity and 10 product research and development bases by 2020. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 22:30:31|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close HARBIN, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- China's self-developed autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) was used for the first time to probe into waters on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the Harbin Engineering University said Tuesday. The scientific investigation, conducted by Harbin Engineering University, Qinghai University and Tsinghua University, aims to detect water quality and collect data in Sanjiangyuan, home of the headwaters of the Yangtze River, the Yellow River and Lancang (Mekong) River. The investigation was completed in September. Scientists are currently studying the data to analyze the impacts that rising temperatures on the plateau have had on atmospheric circulation, to promote the protection and restoration of water ecology and to safeguard the water ecological environment on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The AUV was co-developed by Harbin Engineering University and Tsinghua University, which is capable of conducting highly-automated underwater investigations for long periods of time. Sun Yushan, a professor at the Harbin Engineering University, said the AUV can collect real-time water quality data and can work well in most weather conditions, making up for the deficiency of manual data collection. The AUV has collected important hydrographic and water quality information in specified waters including topography, water flow rates, temperatures, salinity, turbidity and pH levels, according to Sun. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 22:35:36|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close ARUSHA, Tanzania, Oct.30 (Xinhua) -- A 40-year-old farmer has been killed by elephants in southern Tanzania's district of Tunduru, authorities said on Tuesday. Limbega Ally, Tunduru District Wildlife Officer, said the incident occurred in a remote village of Twendembele in Tunduru District, Ruvuma Region, about 1,205 kilometers from Tanzania's commercial capital Dar es Salaam. The wildlife official said that incident occurred on Monday evening at around 5 a.m. local time. "On the fateful day the man was busy working on his farm located on Kapecha River bank when unidentified number of elephants attacked him," Ally told Xinhua in a telephone interview. The elephants are believed to have been strayed from the Selous Game Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. According to him, the deceased was attacked in an area located 2.5 kilometers from the sanctuary as the largest mammals are getting out of the reserve in search for pastures and water. Juma Homera, Tunduru District Commissioner said: "We've dispatched a team of rangers into the affected areas to help return all the elephants to their natural environment." Homera also cited the increase in poaching incidents is among the reasons for elephants to stray from their natural environments. In August last year, a 25-year-old grape farmer was trampled to death by a stray elephant in Tanzania's central district of Chamwino, 187 kilometers from the country's capital, Dodoma. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 22:35:37|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close ADEN, Yemen, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's newly-appointed Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalik along with other high-ranking government officials arrived in the southern port city of Aden on Tuesday from Saudi Arabia. The Saudi-backed prime minister is expected to lead his government members and resume work from the temporary headquarters in Aden province, according to local observers. "The return of the prime minister and his government will play a vital role in addressing the economic crisis which is considered as a priority for all the people," said Hussein Hanshy, head of Aden's strategic studies. On Oct. 15, Maeen was appointed as prime minister by Yemen's President Abdu-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, replacing his sacked predecessor Ahmed Obeid bin Daghr. President Hadi sacked Ahmed Obeid bin Daghr over sharp economic crisis and currency slump, and referred him to investigation over "carelessness and failure" of his government. Earlier in October, the pro-secesssion Southern Transitional Council blamed the Yemeni government for rampant corruption, calling for a public uprising in the port city of Aden and other neighboring main cities. The southern port city of Aden, where Yemen's government is temporarily based, has been suffering from frequent power outages and lack of basic services including water, leading to public anger against the local authorities. The impoverished Arab country has been locked into a civil war since the Shiite Houthi rebels overran much of the country militarily and seized all northern provinces, including the capital Sanaa, in late 2014. Shanghai (Gasgoo)-Changan Automobile will no longer build new non-connected vehicles from 2020 on and all of its vehicles will be internet connected, according to the automakers Dubhe intelligent strategy. Besides, all on-board functions of Changan vehicles can be controlled by voice in 2025. At the 2018 Changan Automobile Intelligent Strategy Press Conference, the automaker released its Dubhe intelligent strategy and the 4+1 inniative. Under the guidance of the Dubhe strategy, Changan will transform from a traditional automaker to an intelligent mobility technology company. According to Changans vision, in 2025, it is unnecessary for users to drive vehicles to 4S shops because vehicles can conduct remote diagnosis, upgrading and realize software fixing and iteration all by themselves. At that conference, Changan formed intelligent strategic alliance with many tech companies at home and abroad. The automaker will set up 5 user experience centers around the globe. Apart from the intelligent strategy, Changan also announced its strategy in new energy vehicle (NEV) segment a year a year ago. In October, 2017, Changan announced its Shangri-La Plan. By 2020, the automaker will build three NEV dedicated platforms and plans to ban the sales of traditional fuel-powered vehicles in 2025. Whats more, Changan will invest RMB 100 billion in this segment. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 22:40:37|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close GENEVA, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- The vocational education and training program in China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region should be viewed as a constructive effort to help eliminate the soil that breeds terrorism and extremism, said Zhang Nan, a researcher at the Anti-Terrorism Law School of the Northwest University of Political Science and Law. At a meeting titled "Practice of Human Rights Protection in China" jointly organized by the China Society for Human Rights Studies and the Permanent Mission of China to UN in Geneva on Monday, Zhang said that it is groundless to view this effort as "illegal detention of a certain ethnic group". "The United Nations Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism proposes to provide people affected by violent extremism educational and economic opportunities so as to help them get rid of the control of extremism, and Xinjiang's vocational education and training program is very much compatible with such concept," he noted. He said that many countries have tried various means to combat terrorism by increasing military forces, but they have so far failed in eliminating the threat of terrorism and sometimes even fallen into a worse vicious circle. "Therefore, it is widely recognized that combating terrorism cannot be limited to 'hard measures' and it is necessary to fully integrate 'soft means' to play a prevention and intervention role," he stressed. He told the audience that the trainees under the vocational education and training program are only limited to those who are influenced by terrorism and extremism, suspected of minor criminal offenses and can be dealt with leniently. For those people, he said, Xinjiang has provided them with free vocational education and training to help improve their ability to obtain more knowledge and information through mastering the country's common language, acquire legal knowledge to distinguish illegal behaviors, and get jobs through commanding vocational skills. "By doing so, the trainee's rights to survival and development will be protected better, and the soil that breeds terrorism and extremism will be further eliminated," Zhang said. With major achievements in fighting terrorism and safeguarding stability having been scored, the expert said, in the past 21 months no violent terrorist attacks have occurred in Xinjiang, and the number of visiting tourists has increased by more than 30 percent for two consecutive years, expected to reach 150 million this year. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 22:45:40|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close JUBA, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan authorities on Tuesday beefed up security in Juba and its environs to ensure a crime-free environment during peace deal celebrations to be attended by regional leaders. Lul Ruai Koang, the government army spokesman, told Xinhua in Juba that the deployment of the joint security forces is to provide maximum protection to all residents, including the invited foreign dignitaries, regional Heads of States and government. "All the military arrangements have been completed for the day as instructed by the leadership. A joint security has been set up and deployed in several areas of the town, including Juba airport, hotels and markets to provide safety," Koang said. He said the joint security patrols will also be enhanced around the capital to ensure a crime-free environment and urged members of the residents not to panic during the peace pact celebrations. Rebel leader Riek Machar is expected to attend the celebrations aimed at showcasing the recently signed peace deal to South Sudanese. "The security is tightened. Every place in this country is secured. The South Sudan People's Defense Forces (SSPDF) will be deployed to supervise overall security in Juba and across the nation," Koang said. President Salva Kiir, his former deputy and turned-foe Machar, and several other opposition groups signed a power-sharing deal in September in Ethiopia to end hostilities that claimed thousands of lives while creating one of the world's biggest refugee crises. Presidential candidate Jair Bolsonaro waves to his supporters as he leaves a polling station in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Oct. 28, 2018. Right-wing candidate Jair Bolsonaro won Brazil's presidential run-off on Sunday. (Xinhua/Li Ming) WASHINGTON, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spoke with Brazilian President-Elect Jair Bolsonaro over phone on Monday to discuss bilateral ties and collaboration on Venezuela. Pompeo congratulated Bolsonaro on his win and "reinforced the vibrant partnership between the United States and Brazil based on our mutual commitment to promote security, democracy, economic prosperity, and human rights," said a statement issued by State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert. They have discussed collaboration on "priority foreign policy issues including Venezuela, countering transnational crime, and ways to strengthen economic ties between the United States and Brazil, the two largest economies in the Western Hemisphere," the statement read. Earlier Monday, Nauert said in a separate statement that the United States congratulates Bolsonaro on his election win. "As two of the largest democracies and economies in the world, we are working together to address the 21st century's most pressing global and regional challenges," she said. Earlier on Sunday, the White House spokesperson Sarah Sanders said in a statement that U.S. President Donald Trump had called Bolsonaro to congratulate him on the elections. "Both expressed a strong commitment to work side-by-side to improve the lives of the people of the United States and Brazil, and as regional leaders, of the Americas," the statement read. Brazil's right-wing candidate Bolsonaro of the Social Liberal Party won the country's presidential run-off on Sunday, with a 55.13 percent of the valid votes against 44.87 percent for his rival Fernando Haddad of the left-leaning Workers' Party. Bolsonaro, 63, said he planned to govern "following the teachings of God, alongside the Brazilian constitution and with good technical advice, without political leanings." The transition of power began on Monday at the cultural center of the Bank of Brazil. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 22:55:41|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close WUHAN, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Changjiang Civilization Museum on Tuesday signed a contract to join the Global Water Museum Network. The museum in Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei province, is the second Chinese museum to join the network after the National Water Museum of China. The signing took place during the 2018 Great Rivers Forum (GRF), which concluded on Tuesday. The Global Water Museum Network proposed by Italy last year aims to encourage member institutions to protect their rich and unique water heritage and present them to the world. In June, the initiative was approved by the UNESCO International Hydrological Program. It now includes more than 60 museums and research centers around the world. Philippe Pypaert, a specialist with UNESCO Beijing Office, said he welcomed the museum into the network, commenting that China has devoted much effort to protecting rivers in recent years. Wu Hongtang, curator of the Changjiang Civilization Museum, said the museum, which opened in September 2015, exhibits and studies the ecology and civilization of the Yangtze River and other major rivers in the world. With more than 9,000 pieces in their collections, the museum had by the end of 2017 received 1.9 million people. Running from Oct. 28 to 30, the 2018 Great Rivers Forum was held under the theme of "Confluence: Great Rivers Civilizations-High Quality Development for a Sustainable Future." The forum is jointly organized by the municipal government of Wuhan and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) through its Beijing office. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 22:55:41|Editor: Yurou Video Player Close Photo taken on Oct. 30, 2018 shows the exterior of the renovated Museum of Fine Arts in downtown Budapest, Hungary. After three years of renovation, the Hungarian Museum of Fine Arts reopened on Tuesday with a ceremony attended by many dignitaries including Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. (Xinhua/Attila Volgyi) BUDAPEST, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- After three years of renovation, the Hungarian Museum of Fine Arts reopened on Tuesday with a ceremony attended by many dignitaries including Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. The General Director of the museum Laszlo Baan expressed gratitude to people who worked restlessly during the three-year reconstruction of the museum, the country's first permanent museum of fine art that opened in 1906. "The renovated Museum of Fine Arts is a cathedral dedicated to art," said Baan, adding "Art is one way of forgetting the threat of the shortness of human life." Prime Minister Orban highlighted the importance of the cultural identity at the ceremony, saying "We must now defend our cultural identity and sovereignty in the swirling of the European cultural warfare." He hinted at the division in the EU between liberals. "We live in peace with our own culture and our own history, and this is a thing for which we must be grateful," he concluded. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 23:00:44|Editor: Yang Yi Video Player Close Chinese Vice Premier Sun Chunlan (R) and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova co-chair the 19th session of the China-Russia Committee on Humanities Cooperation in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 30, 2018. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) BEIJING, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Sun Chunlan and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova on Tuesday co-chaired the 19th session of the China-Russia Committee on Humanities Cooperation in Beijing, calling on the two sides to strengthen people-to-people exchanges. Next year is the 70th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between China and Russia. Sun said that the two sides should pass down the concept of everlasting friendship from generation to generation and promote cooperation in education, culture, health, sports, film, media, tourism, youth and archives to achieve more pragmatic results. The two sides should deepen humanities exchanges under the framework of "China's Northeast-Russia's Far East" and "Yangtze River-Volga River" regional cooperation mechanisms, she said. Golikova said that Russia-China relations have shown a strong momentum of growth over recent years, and the two sides should continue to deepen pragmatic cooperation on humanities. The two sides signed nine cooperative documents during the meeting. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 23:10:49|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close BERLIN, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- A German company dedicated to AI technologies has said in a recent interview with Xinhua that Germany is lagging behind in AI sector. "The AI sector is, in my opinion, one of the industries of the future in which Germany is lagging behind most dramatically," said Dirk Gratzel, founder and CEO of Precire Technologies, Germany's leading company for AI-based language analysis. "Germany is a country of engineers and mechanics, and we are excellent at that. However, it is not without reason that there is no such thing as a world-class German AI company. Innovations in this sector coming from German companies are very rare," Gratzel said. According to Gratzel, this is mainly due to a lack of access to capital for start-ups. Other countries, such as the United States, invest a much larger share of their gross national product in venture capital than Germany. German bureaucracy's "complicated official channels and unattractive processes" make it even more difficult for young entrepreneurs, especially in the digital sector, where time is of the essence. In July, the German government adopted the first key points of its "master plan" for artificial intelligence, which was stipulated in the coalition agreement of the current government. This master plan is intended, among other things, to support new professorships for AI-related university degrees and "promote the networking of existing competence centers with research institutions". The Precire CEO warned that the booming economy in Germany has led to the complacent conclusion that good times are here to stay. But if the economic situation in Germany deteriorated, it would be very difficult to catch up with other countries, especially in the AI sector. "The advantage other countries have is gigantic," Gratzel stated. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 23:10:51|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close GENEVA, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese experts introduced their observations on human rights practice in China on Monday during a meeting held here jointly by the China Society for Human Rights Studies and the Chinese Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva. Zhang Yonghe, executive director of the Human Rights Research Institute of the Southwest University of Political Science and Law, said that as one of the basic rights, China's anti-poverty achievement is a comprehensive utilization of various efforts, including the high priority given by the government, the growth-driven poverty reduction and a strong policy support system. Over the past 40 years of reform and opening-up, more than 700 million poor people in China have been lifted out of poverty, and the rural poverty rate in China has fallen from 97.5 percent in 1978 to 4.5 percent in 2016. Zuliyati Simayi, deputy dean of the College of Politics and Public Administration of Xinjiang University, said at the meeting that employment is the biggest welfare for people's livelihood, and the right to work and employment is an important part of the right of human development. At present, she said, through the focus on those deep poverty-hit areas, investment promotion, employment training and various models to improve the employment rate, the overall employment situation of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang has been improved. Li Changlin, a professor at the Southwest University of Political Science and Law, said that in the past 30 years, China has established a relatively complete juvenile criminal justice system, which embraces specialized and professional juvenile criminal justice personnel and organizations. "China has made outstanding achievements in the protection of the legal rights of minors, especially juvenile criminal suspects and defendants," he said. Dawa Cairen, a researcher at the Institute of Religious Studies at the China Tibetology Research Center, said that over the years, the central government and the Tibet Autonomous Region government have fully respected citizens' rights to freedom of religious belief. All religions in Tibet are equally respected and protected, he said, adding that normal religious activities and religious beliefs are also well protected by law. With a total of 1,787 religious places and more than 46,000 monks and nuns, Tibetan religious believers enjoy full freedom to carry out normal religious activities, he noted. Zhang Nan, a researcher at the School of Anti-Terrorism Law at Northwest University of Political Science and Law, said that Xinjiang's vocational education and training program should be viewed as a constructive practice to help eliminate the soil that breeds terrorism and extremism. He said that the trainees under the vocational education and training program are only limited to those who are influenced by terrorism and extremism, suspected of minor criminal offenses and can be dealt with leniently. For those people, he said, Xinjiang has provided them with free vocational education and training to help improve their ability to obtain more knowledge and information through mastering the country's common language, acquire legal knowledge to distinguish illegal behaviors, and get jobs through commanding vocational skills. Wu Wenyang, a lecturer at the Institute of Human Rights at the China University of Political Science and Law, said that China has taken various measures to actively eliminate poverty, which has not only fundamentally improved people's living standards, but also provided more access to education, knowledge and information for the poor, thus helped them participate in a richer and more diverse spiritual and cultural life and create a safer and more stable social environment. Some 50 diplomats and officials from the relevant international organizations attended the meeting on Monday. Before the meeting, China's Experts on human rights held discussions in Geneva with diplomats from the European Union, Denmark, Ireland, Egypt, etc. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 23:10:52|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close ANKARA, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Turkey will soon launch large-scale operations against Kurdish militants' presence east of the Euphrates River in Syria, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Tuesday. Speaking to parliamentary group of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), the president said that Turkey have finished preparations for the military operations, which aim at "destroying the terror organization in the east of Euphrates." Ankara considers the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) as a terrorist organization affiliated to the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) banned in Turkey. Turkish army has started active intervention against YPG in the area and will launch more extensive operations soon, the president added. According to state-run Anadolu Agency, Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) on Sunday targeted YPG positions on the eastern banks of the Euphrates with artillery shells. Earlier this year, Turkey carried out Operation Olive Branch to seize control of Syria's Afrin region from the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia. The YPG also controls the Syrian region east of the Euphrates. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan addresses members of parliament from his ruling AK Party (AKP) during a meeting at the Turkish parliament in Ankara, Turkey, October 30, 2018. (Reuters photo) ANKARA, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Turkey will soon launch large-scale operations against Kurdish militants' presence east of the Euphrates River in Syria, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Tuesday. Speaking to parliamentary group of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), the president said that Turkey have finished preparations for the military operations, which aim at "destroying the terror organization in the east of Euphrates." Ankara considers the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) as a terrorist organization affiliated to the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) banned in Turkey. Turkish army has started active intervention against YPG in the area and will launch more extensive operations soon, the president added. According to state-run Anadolu Agency, Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) on Sunday targeted YPG positions on the eastern banks of the Euphrates with artillery shells. Earlier this year, Turkey carried out Operation Olive Branch to seize control of Syria's Afrin region from the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia. The YPG also controls the Syrian region east of the Euphrates. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 23:20:54|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close JERUSALEM, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Eight family members were killed on Tuesday as two cars collided near Dead Sea, Israeli authorities said. The victims were identified as a family from the Jewish settlement of Psagot, south of Ramallah, an official with the local council said in a statement sent to Xinhua. Israeli police said in a statement that the eight were trapped inside their vehicle after a frontal collision with another car. The family, including at least three children, perished, Israel's ZKA medical emergency service said in a statement. The other car also carried a family. Three members of that family, including a 12-year-old girl as well as an adult man and a woman, sustained light to moderate injuries. "It was a shocking and difficult accident," said Zaki Heller, spokesperson with Israeli Emergency Services Magen David Adom. "When our medics and paramedics arrived, the vehicle in which the eight family members were traveling was burning, and it was impossible to rescue them. Sadly, no one survived in the vehicle," he added. Israeli media widely reported that it was the deadliest car accident in Israel over the past 20 years. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 23:25:55|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close BERLIN, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) announced on Tuesday that she wants to create new incentives to boost German private investment in Africa. Speaking at an economic conference in Berlin, Merkel promised to make additional government funds available to German companies as insurance against political and commercial risks in their foreign endeavors. Additionally, the federal government would seek to sign new bilateral treaties to prevent double-taxation, as well as establishing a new fund designed specifically to assist small and mid-sized European and African enterprises by extending loans and providing share capital. "We want to send a strong signal together here that we are interested in a good and profitable neighborhood between Africa and Europe," Merkel told an audience of conference which included German business leaders and African heads of state. It was unclear on Tuesday how much money exactly her federal government would make available towards that end. Last year, Merkel launched a wider initiative to boost investment in Africa as part of Germany's G20 presidency. In a first concrete attempt to intensify economic cooperation with African countries, Berlin has since taken steps to lower the insurance excess shouldered by domestic small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) in trade with regional countries which have signed onto the initiative. Stefan Liebing, the president of the German-African Business Association, welcomed the presentation of new incentives on Tuesday as being "an almost historical announcement" by Merkel. "Now we have a basis to start from," Liebing added. The German-African Business Association has estimated that previously-unveiled regulatory changes under the G20 initiative have more than doubled the volume of export guarantees for African trade to 1.09 billion euros (1.24 billion U.S. dollars) during the first half of 2018. For 2018, the association believes that German companies could make investment decisions worth 1 billion euros on the continent. Liebing emphasized that mid-sized firms in particular would have to be supported if the government wanted to double or even triple that figure. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 23:40:59|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close Wang Yang (R, front), a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), meets with a delegation of HKCPPCC (Provincial) Members Association in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 30, 2018. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling) BEIJING, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Top political advisor Wang Yang met with a delegation of a Hong Kong political advisor association Tuesday. Wang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), met and welcomed the delegation of HKCPPCC (Provincial) Members Association in Beijing. Upholding the goals of serving the country, Hong Kong and the political advisors, the association has been establishing extensive links with political advisors from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and people from all walks of life there, as well as taking an active role in social affairs in Hong Kong and nation-building, Wang said. He expressed the hope that members of the association and political advisors from Hong Kong will continue to take the lead to publicize and implement the principle of "one country, two systems," and support the government and chief executive of HKSAR in exercising law-based governance and working in an active effort. He encouraged them to continue participating in and promoting the exchanges and cooperation between Hong Kong and the mainland and support Hong Kong in integrating its own development into the overall development of the country. Wang also encouraged them to further support and take part in the country's reform and opening up and play their due role in realizing the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation. You Quan and Xia Baolong also attended the meeting. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-30 23:46:00|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close ISTANBUL, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Arabia's top prosecutor on Tuesday visited the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul, where Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was murdered, local media reported. The Saudi prosecutor Sheikh Saud al-Mojeb arrived at the consulate building, as part of the investigation into the death of Khashoggi, after his meeting with Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor Irfan Fidan for the second time, the state-run Anadolu News Agency said. On the previous day, the pair exchanged information about the murder of Khashoggi, who has not been seen since he entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2. According to the broadcaster TRT, the Saudi prosecutor asked the Turkish side to reveal all the images and videos related to the murder, but Turkish prosecutors rejected the request. Saudi Arabia earlier admitted that the journalist was killed inside the kingdom's consulate and 18 people were arrested in the country over their alleged connections to the killing as a result of an internal investigation into the case. Turkish prosecutors requested last week for the extradition of the suspects for trial in Turkey, while the Saudi side said they would be prosecuted in Saudi Arabia. Turkish police and crime scene investigators have conducted searches in the Saudi consulate, the residence of the Saudi consul general as well as a forest in Istanbul, trying to find the body of Khashoggi. Aerial photo taken on Oct. 19, 2018 shows the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the main venue to held the upcoming first China International Import Expo (CIIE), scheduled to be held from Nov. 5 to 10, in Shanghai, east China. (Xinhua/Fan Jun) BUDAPEST, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- The upcoming China International Import Expo (CIIE) contributes greatly to the fight against global protectionism and will bring win-win outcomes for the participants, a Hungarian expert has said. "It is obvious that the CIIE is an excellent tool against protectionism. It is evident, because so many common interests bind us together," Peter Ondre, managing director of the Hungarian Agrar Marketing Centrum, said in a recent interview with Xinhua. While Hungarians could learn many things from their Chinese partners, Hungarians could also contribute to the pace of China's progress, the expert said, noting that the CIIE will greatly boost the development of Chinese-Hungarian business relations. "A win-win situation is the result of the strengthening of business, virtual and direct relationships between the two nations, as the Chinese and the Hungarian people are not merely friends, but also have mutual respect for each other," he said. The expert also underlined that Hungary would be present at the expo as a guest of honor, an honor shared only with 11 other countries, saying that the CIIE is aimed at promoting global trade and global growth, enhancing trade liberalization and economic globalization, and opening the Chinese market to the world. Ondre said Hungary's primary goal at the 256-square-meter Hungarian pavilion is to present its products and services to the Chinese market and introduce Hungary as a tourist and investment destination. In view of the exponentially growing Chinese economy, he said Hungary is focusing on delicacy and comfort products, making premium-grade Hungarian product groups available to the increasingly demanding Chinese consumer. He added that the number of Chinese tourists visiting Hungary nearly tripled from 2011 to 2017. The CIIE, the first import-themed state-level expo in the world, will be held from Nov. 5 to 10 in Shanghai, gathering more than 3,000 companies, including over 200 enterprises that are leading in their industries from over 130 different countries and regions. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-31 00:06:04|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close CAPE TOWN, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- The South African government stressed the urgency on Tuesday to stem rising gender-based violence (GBV) that "has reached worrying proportions." "Government and civil society agree that the time has come for gender-based violence and femicide to be given the urgency it deserves by all South Africans," government spokesperson Phumla Williams said. The government calls on all citizens and communities to take a stand and support efforts that contribute towards ending GBV and report cases of violence to the authorities, said Williams, who is also Acting Director-General of the Government Information and Communication System (GICS). She was speaking after Statistics South Africa released a report which shows that 70,813 South African women experienced sexual offences in 2016/2017, as compared to 31,665 in 2015/2016, a more than 100-percent increase. To stem GBV, the government has made a number of interventions ranging from legislation, policies, programs, community-based dialogues and awareness campaigns in communities over the past few years, Williams said. Despite the interventions, the country continues to witness high levels of violence against women and children, Williams said. She said the government will host a GBV Summit on November 1-2 in Centurion near Johannesburg. Invitations have been sent to various representatives from civil society organizations, traditional leaders, academics, faith-based organizations, labor, business, development agencies, media and advertising sector, according to Williams. Over 1,000 delegates are expected to attend the summit which will create a platform of engagement to reflect critically on initiatives to date and identify actions of improvement, Williams said. The summit, she said, will outline a roadmap to free South Africa from GBV, align different initiatives to create mechanisms and processes for effective coordination and establish a commitment to resourcing and accountability. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-31 00:06:08|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump plans to remove the right to citizenship for babies of non-citizens and unauthorized immigrants born in the United States, according to an interview excerpt released Tuesday. Trump told "Axios on HBO" that he has run the idea of ending birthright citizenship by his counsel and plans to proceed with the move, which would certainly stir controversy and spark a court fight. "We're the only country in the world where a person comes in and has a baby, and the baby is essentially a citizen of the United States... with all of those benefits," Trump said. "It's ridiculous. And it has to end." The 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to citizenship for all born on U.S. soil to immigrant parents - whether they are in the country legally or not. More than 30 countries, most in the Western Hemisphere, provide birthright citizenship, according to Axios. To change the constitution requires a two thirds majority in Congress, but Trump insisted that he can do it with an executive order. "It was always told to me that you needed a constitutional amendment. Guess what? You don't," Trump said. "You can definitely do it with an Act of Congress. But now they're saying I can do it just with an executive order." "It's in the process. It'll happen... with an executive order," he added. Trump's comments were released a week ahead of the highly-contested midterm elections, which could see Democrats seizing control of at least part of the Republican-held Congress. Trump has been seeking to place the issue of immigration front and center in the elections. He has long called for an end to birthright citizenship, as have many conservatives. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-31 00:06:09|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close This is a file photo of Jin Yong. Famous Chinese martial arts novelist Louis Cha Leung-yung, more widely known by his pen name Jin Yong, died at 94 at a hospital in Hong Kong on Tuesday. Cha created many widespread martial arts novels between 1955 and 1972. Cha, who also co-founded the Hong Kong daily newspaper Ming Pao, has been regarded as one of the greatest and most popular martial arts writers. (Xinhua) HONG KONG, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Famous Chinese martial arts novelist Louis Cha Leung-yung, more widely known by his pen name Jin Yong, died at 94 at a hospital in Hong Kong on Tuesday. Sources close to Cha confirmed the death to Xinhua. Cha was born on March 10, 1924, in Haining in Zhejiang Province and moved to Hong Kong in the 1940s. In 1955, he published his first martial arts novel The Book and the Sword, in New Evening Post, under the pen name Jin Yong coincidentally. The novel was an instant success, and he went on to create 14 extremely popular martial arts novels, ending with The Deer and the Cauldron in 1972. His martial arts novels have inspired production of movies, TV series, radio dramas, stage dramas, video games and various cultural and creative products, deeply influencing the development of popular culture in China over the past decades. Cha's martial arts and chivalry stories have widespread followers in Chinese-speaking regions and communities, and have been translated into Korean, English, Japanese, French, Vietnamese, Indonesian and several other languages. A distinguished literary writer aside, Cha was also a prominent figure in the press, social politics and history study. He co-founded the Hong Kong daily newspaper Ming Pao in 1959. He then wrote editorials and did translation, essays and reviews on films and dramas for the newspaper in about two decades. In 2000, Cha received the Grand Bauhinia Medal, the highest award under the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) honors and awards system, to recognize his life-long and highly significant contribution to the well-being of Hong Kong. HKSAR Chief Executive Carrie Lam expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Cha. A learned man and an acclaimed writer of martial arts novels, Cha's works inherited the tradition of Chinese classics with the integration of history and culture, and are very popular among the Chinese in various parts of the world, she said. She was grieved to learn of Cha's death. "On behalf of the HKSAR government, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to his family," she said. Wang Zhimin, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, sent a message of condolences to Cha's family. Hailing Cha as a famous writer and an outstanding newsman, Wang said Cha inherited the essence of classical martial arts novels and created a new genre of martial arts and chivalry novels. His works, with devotion to family and nation, have influenced the Chinese at home and abroad in a profound way, he said. Poon Yiu-Ming knew Cha for the first time in 1991 when he was handpicked by Cha as the chief editor of Ming Pao Monthly, a publication that covers academic and cultural topics. He holds great respect and gratitude towards Cha. The last time he saw Cha was three years ago when he visited him at home. He was glad to see that Cha was healthy, but had difficulties in fluent expression. Poon was impressed by Cha's diligence and his skillful mastery of languages including English and French. Cha often read and bought books at airports during business trips and his offices and home are full of books, he said. Cha was successful in press, writing and business, Poon said, with his achievements never been approached before and will never be approached in the future. An asteroid was named after Jin Yong in 2001. A permanent exhibition of Jin Yong Gallery in the Hong Kong Heritage Museum was set up last year to showcase the creation process behind his martial arts novels and the impact the novels have had on Hong Kong's popular culture. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-31 00:11:11|Editor: Yurou Video Player Close Rescuers work at the site where a training plane crashed in Antalya province, southern Turkey, on Oct. 30, 2018. Two people were killed after a training plane crashed in Antalya on Tuesday, local Demiroren News Agency (DHA) reported. (Xinhua) ANKARA, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Two people were killed after a training plane crashed in Turkey's southern province of Antalya on Tuesday, local Demiroren News Agency (DHA) reported. The pilot and co-pilot were killed when a TC KIM training plane fell to the ground at Manavgat district of Antalya. Their bodies were retrieved from the wreckage, Mustafa Yigit, Governor of Manavgat district, said in a statement. Gendarmeries and rescue teams were dispatched to the scene after the accident. The cause of the crash has not been determined yet. The single-engine Cessna-type TC KIM training aircraft, which belonged to Star Aircraft company, crashed reportedly during a low-altitude flight in western province of Izmir last summer. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-31 00:16:12|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close CAPE TOWN, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- South Africa's unemployment rate increased to 27.5 percent in the third quarter of 2018, an increase of 0.3 percentage point over the second quarter, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) announced on Tuesday. Unemployment among South Africans between the ages of 15 and 24 was even higher, standing at 52.8 percent in the third quarter of this year, compared with 52.4 percent in the second quarter, Stats SA said in its Quarterly Labor Force Survey. While there were 446,000 people employed in the mining industry in the third quarter of 2017, this had fallen to 406,000 in the most recent data, a decrease of 8.9 percent. On an annual quarter-on-quarter basis, jobs in the construction industry increased by over 10 percent, from 1.36 million, to 1.5 million. The survey also showed that the South African working-age population increased by 153,000 or 0.4 percent in the third quarter of 2018, compared to the second quarter of 2018, the survey showed. The number of employed persons increased by 92,000 to 16.4 million and the number of unemployed persons rose by 127,000 to 6.2 million in the third quarter of 2018, according to the survey. The province with the lowest unemployment rate was Limpopo, at 18.9 percent, followed by the Western Cape at 20.4 percent and KwaZulu-Natal at 23 percent. The Free State had the highest provincial unemployment rate at 36.3 percent. The dire job situation does not bode well for the government's drive to create jobs. The government hosted the Jobs Summit in early October, launching high-impact interventions to drive job creation, job retention and economic growth. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-31 00:21:13|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close ISTANBUL, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Turkey is implementing as planned the agreement on Syria's Idlib reached with Russia last month, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Tuesday. "Right now, there is no problem regarding implementation of this memorandum," the minister was quoted as saying by the state-run Anadolu Agency following a meeting with his Iranian and Azerbaijani counterparts in Istanbul. He cited as an example two roads connecting respectively Aleppo to Hama and Aleppo to Latakia in Syria to be opened by the end of this year. "Everything is on track right now," Cavusoglu said at a joint press conference with his Iranian and Azerbaijani colleagues, adding his country will be the first to intervene against any terror or radical groups trying to cross the line. Under the Turkish-Russian deal, a buffer zone was established in Syria's Idlib province, in which heavy weapons and jihadists are to be cleared. As quoted by state news agency SANA, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem said on Monday that the Turkish side had so far failed to push the radical rebels to withdraw from the buffer zone, "which indicates the Turkish reluctance to live up to its pledges and thus Idlib is still under the control of the Turkish-Western terrorism." Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-31 00:21:13|Editor: Yurou Video Player Close MANILA, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Two Abu Sayyaf militants were killed, while two others were wounded and captured, in a gun battle between the group and military troops in Sulu in southern Philippines, the military said on Tuesday. Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief Lt. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, said the clash happened shortly after 5:00 am Tuesday in the village of Lihbug Kabaw, Panglima Estino, Sulu. According to the top official, the military troops were conducting a focused military operation when they ran into more than 100 Abu Sayyaf militants, led by the one-armed leader, Radullan Sahiron. The 3-hour firefight resulted in the deaths of two militants and the capture of another two, who were wounded in the gun battle. No one in the military side was killed or wounded, dela Vega added. "I commend the troops of the Joint Task Force Sulu for their unrelenting efforts to eradicate the menace of society," dela Vega said. The focused military operation was executed to rescue the 10 remaining hostages, who are still held hostage by the Abu Sayyaf militants in Sulu, including two foreigners -- one Dutch and one Vietnamese -- and eight Filipinos. Abu Sayyaf, a radical Islamist group in the Philippines, often carries out kidnappings, bombings and beheadings in western Mindanao, particularly in their lair in the island provinces of Basilan and Sulu. Police officers stand in front of the Weser-Ems-Hallen building where the trial of former nurse Niels Hoegel, who is accused of killing more than 100 patients in his care, starts on October 2018 in Oldenburg, northern Germany. Hoegel, 41, has already spent nearly a decade in prison for other patient deaths, and is accused of intentionally administering medical overdoses to victims so he could bring them back to life at the last moment. Around 126 relatives will be co-plaintiffs in the new trial and are expected to fill the specially designated courtroom in Oldenburg, along with about 80 journalists. (Photo by AFP) BERLIN, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Niels Hoegel, a former nurse at German clinics in Delmenhorst and Oldenburg, has confessed to murdering 100 of his patients during the first day of a trial at the Oldenburg Regional Court on Tuesday. Questioned by presiding Judge Sebastian Buehrmann whether the 100 cases of patient abuse with lethal consequences against him were largely accurate, Hoegel answered with a simple "yes". The court case is being held at a re-functioned conference center due to the unusually large number of bereaved families attending. Hoegel has already been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of six other patients at the Delmenhorst clinic during a separate trial held three years ago. Prior to this, he was first found guilty in 2008 of attempted murder and sentenced to seven and a half years in prison. Prosecutors believe, however, that the 41-year-old convict is also to blame for a further 100 deaths recorded between 2000 and 2005 at his former work stations. In the 2015 case, Hoegel was found guilty of having murdered patients by injecting them with lethal amounts of drugs. According to the verdict, the nurse wanted to combat boredom and impress colleagues by resuscitating the victims but repeatedly failed to save them from his abuse. The larger trial which began on Tuesday is an effort to clarify outstanding questions in the case and is widely considered to be one of the most complex of its kind in Germany. State prosecutors have invited 23 witnesses, as well as 11 toxicological and forensic experts to produce their accounts of the harrowing events before the court. Christian Marbach, the spokesperson for the bereaved families, said that relatives of the victims had "fought for this trial for four years". His grandfather was among the patients allegedly poisoned by the ex-nurse. Investigators believe that a large number of the murders could have been prevented. Despite the statistics which showed that the number of deaths and re-animations rose suspiciously during Hoegel's shifts, the Oldenburg clinic did not warn the Delmenhorst clinic to which he subsequently transferred. Instead, the convicted murderer received a positive professional reference upon his departure. The German Foundation for the Protection of Patients (Deutsche Stiftung Patientenschutz) has described the case as a large-scale failure on the part of health care authorities and complained that screening mechanisms at hospitals in Germany were inadequate. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-31 02:51:45|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close AMMAN, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Jordan and Canada on Tuesday discussed efforts to attain peace in the Middle East and the latest developments in the region. During their talks in the capital Amman, Jordanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi and his visiting Canadian counterpart Chrystia Freeland compared notes on the crisis in Syria and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Safadi voiced appreciation for Canada's support for the two-state solution which will lead to the creation of an independent Palestinian state, as the Palestinian issue is central to the region. Jordan and Canada see eye to eye on the need to end the stalemate in the peace process and launch serious and effective peace talks over the two-state solution, he said. The Jordanian minister also hailed Canada's support for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, as it has helped offset the UN agency's budget deficit. On Syria, Safadi said Canada and Jordan agree on the need for a political solution that preserves the unity of Syria and its territorial integrity. For her part, the Canadian official stressed her country's continued support to Jordan. Freeland voiced appreciation for Jordan's assistance to Syrian refugees, saying Canada is keen on supporting the refugees in Jordan. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-31 03:46:58|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- A week ahead of the midterm elections, U.S. President Donald Trump is trying to bolster his anti-immigration platform by declaring a plan to remove the right to citizenship for babies of non-citizens and unauthorized immigrants born in the United States. According to his interview with Axios, released in part on Tuesday, Trump revealed that he has run the idea of ending birthright citizenship by his counsel and plans to proceed with the move, which has already stirred controversy and would certainly spark a court fight. "We're the only country in the world where a person comes in and has a baby, and the baby is essentially a citizen of the United States... with all of those benefits," Trump said. "It's ridiculous. And it has to end." Birthright citizenship in the United States is enshrined in the 14th Amendment to the constitution, which allows for "all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside." It is also a provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, which reinforced the practice, according to the Center for Immigration Studies. A 2010 study from the Washington D.C.-based think tank, which supports immigration restrictions, showed that 30 countries offered birthright citizenship. To change the constitution requires a two thirds majority in Congress, but Trump insisted that he can do it with an executive order. "It was always told to me that you needed a constitutional amendment. Guess what? You don't," Trump said. "You can definitely do it with an Act of Congress. But now they're saying I can do it just with an executive order." "It's in the process. It'll happen... with an executive order," he added. The president has long called for an end to birthright citizenship, as have many conservatives. The proposal has immediately won support within the GOP, while some lawmakers, both Democrats and Republicans, were questioning whether he could use executive order to do away with birthright citizenship. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of the president, said he plans to introduce legislation "along the same lines" as the proposed executive order from Trump. Granting citizenship based on location of birth is "a magnet for illegal immigration" and "needs to come to an end," the South Carolina senator tweeted. Vice President Mike Pence said the Trump plan may not be unconstitutional, telling Politico in an interview that while "we all cherish" the 14th amendment, the nation's top court has not weighed in on the issue entirely. "The Supreme Court of the United States has never ruled on whether or not the language of the 14th amendment, subject to the jurisdiction thereof, applies specifically to people who are in the country illegally," Pence said. However, House Speaker Paul Ryan said the president can't end birthright citizenship on his own. The top Republican tells a local radio station in state of Kentucky, "Well you obviously cannot do that. You cannot end birthright citizenship with an executive order." Democratic Senator Mark Warner said Trump has the right to raise the debate, but "no serious legal scholar thinks that's real." Warner, of Virginia, told CNN that Trump was trying to "bring back fears around immigration" in the last week before the midterm elections, which was a key factor in his victory in the 2016 presidential election. "This is a blatantly unconstitutional attempt to fan the flames of anti-immigrant hatred in the days ahead of the midterms," the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) said of the proposed executive order on Twitter. "The 14th Amendment's citizenship guarantee is clear," the ACLU tweeted. "You can't erase the Constitution with an executive order." White House lawyers reportedly expect to work with the Department of Justice Department to develop a legal justification for the action. Administration officials said there likely would be no decisions until after the midterms. Trump's comments were made public as the highly-contested midterm elections are drawing near, which could see Democrats seizing control of at least part of the Republican-held Congress. Trump has been seeking to place the issue of immigration front and center in the elections, repeatedly warning against a caravan of Central American migrants making its way to the U.S.-Mexico border. On Monday, the Pentagon announced to deploy 5,200 active duty troops to the U.S.-Mexico border by the end of this week in a bid to deter members of the migrant caravan from illegally entering the country. "Please go back, you will not be admitted into the United States unless you go through the legal process," the president tweeted Monday. "This is an invasion of our Country and our Military is waiting for you!" He also told a rally in state of Illinois on Saturday that the midterms will be "the election of the caravans, the Kavanaughs, law and order, tax cuts," as well as "the election of common sense." Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-31 04:27:05|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close LIMA, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Peru-China cooperation should be based on a long-term outlook that goes beyond current affairs and circumstances, according to Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra. At a meeting with foreign correspondents in Lima on Monday, Vizcarra responded to a query on bilateral trade and investment ties by saying "obviously, we have to work with a vision of the future, always keeping in mind the great power that is China." Peru is now preparing to take part in the first ever China International Import Expo (CIIE), which will take place in Shanghai starting next week. "China is interested in a series of investments in Peru (and) we have said investment is welcome," said Vizcarra. The South American country has opened its doors to foreign investment from China and other parts of the globe within the framework of national regulations. "Part of the investment we have registered to date has come from Chinese capital," said the president. Vizcarra highlighted certain national projects that are of particular interest to investors, including the Las Bambas mine in southern Apurimac department (state), a project estimated to be worth some 10 billion U.S. dollars. Asked about the upcoming meeting of leaders from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), taking place Nov. 17 and 18, Vizcarra said Peru will continue to promote open markets. "Our economy is open to the world and we will once again demonstrate that with our participation at the APEC Forum in Papua New Guinea," said Vizcarra. Peru and China have had a free-trade agreement in place since 2010. In 2017, Peru's exports to China amounted to 11.455 billion U.S. dollars, a 36-percent increase over the year before, according to figures from the Lima Chamber of Commerce. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-31 04:32:08|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close STOCKHOLM, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Denmark is recalling its ambassador to Iran and will call for EU-wide sanctions against the country following a suspected attempt by Iranian intelligence services to attack exiled Iranians living in Denmark. In response, the Iranian foreign ministry dismissed the allegations by Denmark. At a press conference on Tuesday, Danish foreign minister Anders Samuelsen said the suspected plans for an attack on Danish soil were "completely unacceptable", Swedish Radio reported on Tuesday. "It is completely unacceptable for a foreign power to plan to assassinate a person in another country," Samuelsen said, adding that the decision to recall Denmark's ambassador to Tehran was "a powerful and unusual measure". Earlier on Tuesday, Finn Borch Andersen, chief of Danish security service, said that Denmark has "suspected that an Iranian intelligence service had tried to carry out an attack on an Iranian Arab opposition figure on its soil." "A Norwegian citizen of Iranian background has been arrested," he added, quoted by Swedish media. The attack was meant to target the leader of the Danish branch of the Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahwaz, Andersen told a news conference. The case will now be discussed with like-minded countries that share Denmark's concerns over Iran, Samuelsen said, adding that Denmark will push those countries to join together to take common measures against Iran, which on its part denies that its intelligence services planned an attack in Denmark. The Danish foreign ministry also held a meeting with Iran's ambassador to Denmark on Tuesday. Iran, however, denies allegations of assassination attempt on dissident in Denmark. "The allegations are the enemies' conspiracy to influence the expanding Iran-Europe relations under the current special circumstances," Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qasemi was quoted as saying by official IRNA news agency. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-31 04:37:10|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close KIEV, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Ukrainian government sees a potential to attract 12 billion euro (about 13.6 billion U.S. dollars) of investment in renewable energy projects, the cabinet's press service said Tuesday in a statement. According to the statement, the development of green energy will allow Ukraine to boost its energy security, modernize utilities and cut reliance on traditional energy sources. Over the past three years, the East European country has attracted about 1.3 billion dollars in green energy projects, which included the installation of biogas units and the construction of a biomass power station. In May, Sergiy Savchuk, head of Ukraine's state agency for energy efficiency, said Ukraine is interested in a joint implementation of about 100 green energy projects with China, which require an investment of about 3.95 billion dollars. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-31 05:17:21|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close ADEN, Yemen, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Saudi-led coalition on Tuesday night launched airstrikes on a training camp of the Shiite Houthi rebels in Yemen's Red Sea coastal city of Hodeidah, killing 150 of them, a pro-government military force reported. The Houthis cordened off the bombing site in Marouah area, the pro-government Giants Brigades forces said in a press statement on its official news website alamalika.net. Several vehicles were seen transporting the Houthi casualties to different hospitals in Hodeidah, the statement added. Sky News Arabia TV channel based in Dubai also reported the deadly airstrikes in Hodeidah. Houthi sources are yet not available for comment on the airstrikes. The Yemeni government is seeking to expel Houthi rebels out of the strategic city of Hodeidah in recent days despite warnings by international humanitarian agencies. The impoverished Arab country has been locked into a civil war since the Iran-backed Shiite Houthi rebels overran much of the country militarily and seized all northern provinces, including the capital Sanaa, in 2014. 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. The United Nations has listed Yemen as the country with world's biggest humanitarian crisis, with 7 million Yemenis on the brink of famine and cholera causing more than 2,000 deaths. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-31 05:22:22|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close RABAT, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Moroccan police said on Tuesday that a Portuguese national was arrested at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca for suspected cocaine trafficking. A total of 1.11 kg of cocaine filled in 100 capsules was removed from the stomach of the suspect at the Casablanca Ibn Rochd university hospital, the police said in a statement. The suspect was arrested upon his arrival onboard a flight from Sao Paulo, Brazil, the statement added. Morocco seized a record 2.84 tons of cocaine in 2017, 1.5 tons more than the amount seized in 2016. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-31 05:27:24|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close RABAT, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Moroccan Government Secretary General Mohamed Hajoui and Spanish Justice Minister Dolores Delgado Garcia discussed on Tuesday the means to cement judicial cooperation between the two countries. During their meeting, the two officials expressed their satisfaction with the implementation of cooperative actions, and agreed to build on these achievements to further develop and diversify cooperation. They also highlighted the historical relations between the two countries, stressing that they are marked by understanding and mutually beneficial cooperation. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-31 06:22:33|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close HAVANA, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov said here on Tuesday that Russia is committed to long-term cooperation in Cuba's development plans, according to a release from the island's government. In a meeting with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, the senior Russian official reaffirmed Moscow's willingness to "actively participate in the long-term development plans," the government said. Cuba described the meeting as "friendly" and said Borisov hailed the excellent state of bilateral ties, especially in the economic sphere. Borisov is heading Russia's delegation to Cuba's biggest annual trade show, the 2018 Havana International Fair, which lasts till Friday. He is also presiding over the 16th session of the Cuban-Russian Intergovernmental Commission for economic-commercial and scientific-technical collaboration, which is taking place at the same time. On Monday, Borisov met with Ricardo Cabrisas, Vice President of Cuba's Council of Ministers, to discuss expanding bilateral ties and Russia's participation in the government's 2030 Economic and Social Development Plan. The two officials reviewed the status of several projects considered priorities for the Caribbean nation in the sectors of energy, transport, industry, communications, health and agriculture, in which Russia has a "relevant" role. Cuba and Russia have been close allies since the Cold War era. Ties lapsed somewhat following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, but strengthened again in the 2000s. New citizen Khadijatul Rahman, 29 from Bangladesh, holds her two week old baby Zavyaan, as her daughter Labeebah, 6, looks on, after a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Naturalization ceremony at One World Observatory in Manhattan, New York, the United States, Aug. 15, 2017. (REUTERS Photo) SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Attorney General (AG) Bob Ferguson of Washington state vowed Tuesday to sue U.S. President Donald Trump's administration if Trump enforces a plan to revoke birthright citizenship of babies born to some non-citizens. Ferguson said in a statement that he would bring a lawsuit against Trump if he follows through his intent to end the right to citizenship for the children of unauthorized immigrants born on U.S. territory. "No matter how much he may want to appeal to the Alt-Right, President Trump can't alter the Constitution through executive order. If he tries, we will immediately take him to court - and defeat him again," Ferguson said. In a TV interview with Axios on Monday, Trump said he planned to sign an executive order to remove the right to citizenship for babies on U.S. soil. "It was always told to me that you needed a constitutional amendment. Guess what? You don't," Trump said in the interview, declaring he can do it by executive order. Trump did not give any details about his plan or when he would sign the executive order. Trump's critics said the U.S. president has no right to overturn the ruling of the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which states that "All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside." Ferguson's office said the Washington AG has filed 32 lawsuits against the Trump administration and has not lost a case. Ferguson has won 14 legal victories against the federal government, and eight of those cases are finished and cannot be appealed. "The Trump Administration has or may appeal the other six, which include lawsuits involving Dreamers, 3D-printed guns and the transgender military ban," Ferguson's office said. As an outspoken Democrat who often criticizes Trump's policy, Ferguson is viewed as a possible candidate for governor in 2020 elections in Washington state. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-31 06:37:35|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close HELSINKI, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Finland will host in spring 2019 a two-month-long international military exercise on information and guidance technologies, Finnish media reported on Tuesday. Sami Nurmi, chief spokesman for the defense forces told newspaper Helsingin Sanomat on Tuesday that the "Bold Quest" exercise will be unusually expensive in Finnish conditions. Nurmi elaborated that the maneuver will require over two million euros worth investments that will then remain at the disposal of Finland, for use by the Finnish military after the exercise. The cost of Bold Quest will take 40 percent of the budget for participation in international exercises in 2019. "Bold Quest" will be hardly visible to the public as its 2,000 participants "will sit in underground facilities". "This will be a unique and very technically oriented maneuver", he said. Even though hosted by Finland, the exercise will be led by the United States. "This is only the third time Bold Quest will be arranged outside the U.S.", Nurmi said. The exercise in Finland will gather military from 19 countries, and 700 servicepersons will be from Finland. The announcement of the 2019 Bold Quest coincided with the local TV coverage of Finnish marines carrying out a landing in Norway as part of the current Trident Juncture maneuver there. Shown against the backdrop of the Finnish marines landing in Norway, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said: "We can decide to act together, but we do not have the same obligation to do it as within NATO," Stoltenberg said. Finland is not a NATO member as Norway is. (1 euro = 1.13 U.S.dollars) Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-31 06:42:37|Editor: Yang Yi Video Player Close A Belgian journalist films a photo exhibition on tourism of Harbin at the China Cultural Center in Brussels, Belgium, Oct. 30, 2018. Harbin, the capital city of Heilongjiang province in northeast China famous for its ice and snow tourism, is keen to attract more European tourists. A delegation from the city held a press conference in Brussels on Tuesday to introduce its tourist attractions, which is the latest in a host of tourism promotions featuring the 2018 China-EU tourism year. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong) BRUSSELS, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Harbin, the capital city of Heilongjiang province in northeast China famous for its ice and snow tourism, is keen to attract more European tourists. A delegation from the city sent out the message to Europe at a press conference here on Tuesday. The press conference is followed by a photo exhibition and a promotional video introducing the tourist attractions of the city. The event is the latest in a host of tourism promotions featuring the 2018 China-EU tourism year. "We would like to introduce Harbin's unique all-season tourism resources and the annually-held Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival," stressed Yan Honglei, director of the tourism and development commission of Harbin City. As a popular tourist stop, the city received 77.12 million tourists in 2017 and made revenue of 117 billion yuan (17 billion U.S dollars), according to Yan. "At present, Harbin has had 31 sister cities in 26 countries around the world. We hope to introduce Harbin to more European friends...and carry out multi-level tourism cooperation," she said. Pierre Coenegrachts, deputy general manager of Belgian Tourist Office( Wallonia Belgium Tourism), said Wallonia warmly welcomes the arrival of Chinese tourists, underlining that some tourism companies even launched high-quality tailor-made products for Chinese tourists. "Wallonia is willing to nurture close ties with Asia, especially China," he said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-31 07:18:32|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close Visitors select books at the Chinese pavilion at the 23rd International Book Fair of Algiers, in Algiers, Algeria, Oct. 30, 2018. The book fair kicked off on Monday. As the guest of honor at the book fair, China presented over 2,500 books both in Arabic and English. (Xinhua) Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-29 19:38:59|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close Search and Rescue officers collect the debris and passengers'personal items of the Lion Air JT610 that crashed into the sea off Karawang of West Java province in the base of Search and Rescue at the Tanjung Priok port, Jakarta, Oct. 29, 2018. Indonesia's national Search and Rescue Agency said on Monday that all the 189 people onboard a Lion Air plane that crashed into the sea off western Indonesia may have died. (Xinhua/Veri Sanovri) JAKARTA, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia's national Search and Rescue Agency said on Monday that all the 189 people onboard a Lion Air plane that crashed into the sea off western Indonesia may have died. Director of Operations at the National Search and Rescue Agency Brigadier General Bambang Suryo Aji said that the prediction was based on the condition of the body parts recovered from the surface of the waters. "My projection is there is no survivor. Because the condition of the bodies of the victims already found were not intact anymore. And this has been several hours after the incident. It is very likely that all the 189 people have been dead," he told a press conference at the agency headquarters. The director said more than 40 divers were doing their best to find the main body of the plane under water, so far, and a ship with a detector was also searching for the precise position of the plane wreckage of the Boeing 737 Max 8 plane. "I predict many bodies remain inside the plane." The search and rescue operation would continue during the day and the night, he added. Parts of human bodies have been discovered in the waters off Indonesia's West Java province where the Lion Air plane with 189 people aboard crashed, a rescue official said. "Several parts of human bodies and things have been found on the scene," Yusuf Latief, head of communication for media of the national search and rescue office, told Xinhua by phone. The findings would be brought to the newly set up crisis center in Tanjung Periuk port of Jakarta before being shifted to the police hospital, Yusuf said. The chief rescuer could not give a specific number of the retrieved bodies. Two babies and one child were among the people onboard the JT 610 flight, which crashed into the sea off Karawang of West Java province shortly after taking off from Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta international airport, according to the Transport Ministry. Indonesian President Joko Widodo has ordered the National Commission for Transportation Safety to investigate the cause of the plane crash. While attending a conference in Bali on Monday, the Indonesia president said rescuers were making their best efforts to find victims. Responding to reports that the plane had a technical problem on its last flight, Lion Air's President Director Edward Sirait said the technical problem on the plane was resolved in accordance with the manufacturer's procedures. An Indian pilot was among the people onboard the crashed plane. The pilot joined the low-cost carrier in March 2011, the Indian media reported. Left-wing commentators see a litmus test in the governments handing of the CEU affair; one explains why the Prime Minister feels he cannot compromise on that matter, while pro-government outlets ridicule the protests over the planned transfer of most CEU courses to Vienna. In Nepszava, Judit N. Kosa wonders what future CEU graduates will write in their theses about what is happening to their university these days. She believes they will describe todays government as guilty of recklessness by clinging to power. They may also describe it as an unfortunate coincidence that the American ambassador who tried to negotiate with the government was an inexperienced businessman. What she finds difficult to imagine is how future authors will explain the origin of the idea to chase the CEU away. Did the decision-makers consider that Hungarians tolerated the expulsion of CEU, because they had been sufficiently indoctrinated by the government to hate knowledge, liberty and autonomous thinking, she asks. Her bitter answer is that the person who had the idea has been proven right by the events. In a highly emotional column on Merce, Zsolt Kapelner sees the practically certain departure of CEU from Budapest as proof that the rule of tyranny is complete and writes that with CEU Hungary is losing one of its last remaining advanced, high level and Western-like institutions. The wings of the soul burning in the wind are being slowly pulverised, he writes, and human thought and mind lie buried in the depths of a marsh of servility and intellectual emptiness. Kapelner welcomes the demonstration held by Momentum in front of the CEU building on Friday under the slogan we will not let our future go, but thinks that their battle is already lost. The CEU is leaving. We have lost, he concludes. Gondola reproduces excerpts from Kapelners article in its absurdity of the day column, under the title the brain of a young CEU man. In its subtitle the pro-government site quotes as obvious nonsense the description of the current Hungarian political system by Kapelner as a semi-peripheral one turning into post-fascist terror. On Pesti Sracok, Balazs Dezse thinks that the protesters have no real reason to complain, because their Hungarian degree courses may continue in Hungary even if those offering US degrees will be transferred to Vienna. Those who intend to get Hungarian Masters degrees at CEU will therefore not lose anything, he argues, while for the American students, it is much the same whether they study in future in Budapest or in Vienna. On this basis, Dezse finds that it was completely baseless for the speakers at Fridays demonstration to accuse the government of intending to chase young generations away from Hungary. On the site of the opposition TV channel ATV, former Nepszabadsag journalist Ildiko Csuhaj explains that Prime Minister Viktor Orban would confuse his own supporters if he made a concession in favour of the Soros-founded Budapest Central European University. The anti-Soros campaigns conducted by the government over the past year would make it difficult for the Prime Minister to yield to international pressure, including sustained efforts by the new American ambassador. Instead, the government suggests that the CEU should issue joint degrees with a U.S. based University and thus the law that prescribes the existence of a mother University for foreign institutions to issue degrees in Hungary could be circumvented. Summarising the latest developments, an unnamed government source told Csuhaj that Michael Ignatieff, the president of the CEU has pointed a gun at the head of the Prime Minister but that gun has no bullets. 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 Related articles: Video: CEU Wants To Comply With Hungarian Laws CEU To Start Recruitment For 2019-20 Academic Year CEU Plans To Stay In Hungary CEU Signals Move From Budapest To Vienna CEU In Talks Regarding Vienna Campus Facem ce facem si tot la Mirel Radoi ajungem Ratarea calificarii la Mondialul din Qatar 2022 parea un final de ciclu, scurt de altfel, la echipa nationala. Mirel Radoi a anuntat ca nu vrea sa mai continue, ca nici sotia nu l-ar face sa se... [citeste mai departe] Shares of Rite Aid, the Camp Hill, Pa.-based drugstore chain, rose 3 cents to $1.08 in trading Tuesday after 84 percent of shareholders voted against the company's proposed executive pay package including a $3 million bonus for chief executive John T. Standley, according to the International Brotherhood of Teamsters labor union, which represents some Rite Aid workers and holds shares in the struggling company. While such votes are typically not binding on managers, the Rite Aid outcome shows investor disgust with the company, whose shares have fallen from over $7 a share in 2017 to less than $1 last month after merger deals with rival Walgreens and with Acme's owner Albertsons unraveled. Rite Aid and other discount drug chains also face strong retail competition and market and insurer resistance to higher drug prices. Standley has agreed to step down as chairman of Rite Aid, now a 2,000-store chain after selling stores to Walgreens' in lieu of a sale last year. His replacement as chairman is Bruce G. Bodaken, a former chairman and CEO of Blue Shield of California. Standley remains as Rite Aid chief executive officer. "CEO Standley must rebuild trust," said Ken Hall, general secretary of the Teamsters, in a statement. "Anybody else in CEO Standley's position would be out of a job by now," he added. He said executives' attempts to reward themselves at many times the salaries hourly workers earn, at a time when Rite Aid has been closing stores, "erodes morale." A company spokesman was not immediately available for comment. Troubled corporations often justify extra pay on grounds it is hard to recruit and keep executives when they are worried a company could be the subject of negative publicity. Companies also justify large bonuses when a company is doing well. Christopher Scott, president of Howard McCray, poses at the company's commercial refrigeration manufacturing facility in Philadelphia. The tax cuts that President Trump pushed through Congress last year sharply reduced the tax burden on businesses. Yet, Scott says that for his company, the higher tariffs, which are taxes on imports, have largely nullified any benefit he expected from the tax cuts. Read more Sitting in his office beside photos of grandchildren decked in Flyers jerseys, Christopher Scott shakes his head. Another email has come in from another supplier. It wants to raise prices to cover the cost of President Trump's tariffs. For weeks, emails and letters have been arriving in a steady stream at Howard-McCray, the small Juniata Park factory Scott runs with about 85 workers. It's mostly bad news. One supplier is charging more for shelving brackets, another for electrical switches, a third for wheeled casters. Howard-McCray needs those parts for the refrigerated display cases it produces for convenience stores and restaurants. Since Trump imposed tariffs on imported steel and aluminum and on Chinese products, Scott, like many other American manufacturers, has had to rapidly switch gears. He had been optimistic about 2018, with plans for hiring and investment in new machinery. He had hoped, for example, to replace two 30-year-old machines that cut holes in stainless steel sheets with a newer version that uses lasers and works twice as fast. All that's now on hold. This year, Howard-McCray has slashed in half its spending on large equipment. Scott is also leaving four jobs unfilled and instead adding more overtime for his current staff. "That's what the tariffs are doing to us," Scott, 59, said while giving a visitor a tour this month of the factory floor, straining to be heard above the pneumatic drills and hydraulic equipment. "We're just going to delay it until they come off." Tax cuts that Trump pushed through Congress last year sharply reduced the tax burden on businesses. The administration argued that lower taxes would accelerate investment in machinery and high-tech equipment. Over time, such capital spending tends to make workers more productive and speed the economy's growth. Yet, Scott says that for his company, the higher tariffs which are taxes on imports have largely nullified any benefit from the tax cuts. There is growing evidence that other companies are feeling similar strains. Business investment in large machinery and other equipment grew just 0.4 percent in the July-September quarter, the government said Friday. It was the slowest pace in nearly two years. And demand for computers, industrial equipment, and other capital goods has dropped in the past two months. "The prospect of a full-blown trade war with China and tariffs more generally are prompting some companies to delay investments for next year," noted Diane Swonk, an economist at Grant Thornton. The tariffs have also injected a new layer of uncertainty into Scott's business. Right now, for instance, Scott is trying to calculate prices to quote for two potential customers. Should he pass on to those customers the higher costs of the tariffs or eat them, as he is doing now? "If you price the tariffs in now, you risk losing the account," he says. "If you don't price them in, you risk losing money on the account." The stated goal of the Trump administration's 25 percent tariffs on steel and 10 percent on aluminum, imposed June 1, was to limit cheap imports and spur hiring and growth in America's metals industries. In imposing the tariffs, Trump invoked national security: His reasoning was that low-priced imports hurt America's ability to produce items needed for national defense. Many critics have disputed that assertion. Some companies have indeed benefited. Braidy Industries, an aluminum manufacturer, has broken ground on a plant in Kentucky that it says will create 600 jobs. U.S. Steel is spending $750 million on modernizing a factory in Gary, Ind. But across more industries, higher costs for businesses have begun spreading and leading economists to predict slower economic growth next year. And Trump has also imposed tariffs on roughly half the goods the United States imports from China. In the meantime, with costs rising, Scott has had to scramble to limit his company's expenses. When he traveled to Las Vegas this month for a trade show, only he and his wife and co-owner, Diane, went, rather than the half-dozen from his company who attended last year. It meant their booth wasn't fully staffed at times during the show. Rob Martin, an economist at UBS, notes that U.S. tariffs are now at their highest levels since 1971. And back in the early '70s, trade constituted a much smaller portion of the economy. Now, import taxes are rising at a time when the U.S. has become far more integrated with the global economy, which means tariffs now tend to inflict heavier damage. "No one has seen this phenomenon in the U.S.," Martin said. Though Scott has absorbed his higher costs for now, he hopes to eventually pass some of them on to his customers, which include Shell Oil's convenience stores and Texas Roadhouse restaurants. First, though, he wants to see how his larger competitors handle the higher costs. "Little Howard-McCray can't go out and raise prices 10 percent and lose all the market share that we've worked so hard to gain," Scott said. Howard-McCray buys its parts from distributors that acquire them from other manufacturers. If its American suppliers were to acquire their parts from China or some another country, Scott wouldn't always know about it maybe not until an email arrived announcing a price hike to reflect new tariffs. Like a family shopping at a department store that might find only clothes or toys imported from China, Scott didn't choose to acquire parts from overseas. "The source of where their factories are is very hard for us to stay on top of," Scott says, standing before dozens of bins holding screws, wiring, and electrical components. For many products, there aren't any alternative U.S. suppliers. "We are still buying Chinese," Scott says. "If there was an American manufacturer that made a shelf bracket, we would shift to that." The new American Water Works Co. headquarters. left, is under construction in Camden. American's New Jersey subsidiary received a water rate increase on Monday. Read more New Jersey regulators have approved a $40 million rate increase for American Water customers, about a third of what the utility requested when it originally filed its request more than a year ago. Monthly bills will increase $2.76 to $56.34, or 5.2 percent for a typical New Jersey American residential water customer using 6,000 gallons a month, according to a settlement approved Monday by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. For all customers combined, rates will go up about 6.2 percent. The new rates go into effect immediately. The water utility initially requested an increase of $129.3 million, or 17.5 percent, which was revised down to about $117 million to reflect lower corporate federal taxes after Congress approved the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. When no agreement was reached after nine months, the company was allowed to impose a provisional rate increase of $75 million on June 15. In the settlement approved Monday, New Jersey American agreed to refund the amount it over-collected from each customer for the last four months, plus interest, in an upcoming one-time bill credit. While most residential water customers will receive a 5.1 percent increase, some customers in areas more recently acquired by the utility, such as Haddonfield, may experience greater increases as their rates are brought closer into line with the broader population of customers. Sewer rates will increase on average about 6.3 percent under the agreement, which was negotiated with the BPU's staff and with customer advocates. In a prepared statement, the company expressed satisfaction with the rate agreement. New Jersey American has 631,000 customers across the state, and 41,000 wastewater customers. New Jersey American Water is a subsidiary of American Water Works Co. Inc., the nation's largest water utility, which is moving its headquarters from Voorhees to Camden. Kevin Corbett, 48, and his daughter Erica Corbett, 7, buy a Halloween costume at the Spirit Halloween on Chestnut Street on Friday. October 26. Read more After collecting everything she needed for a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles costume on Friday, Erica Corbett, 7, found what she was originally looking for: the kids vampire section. She had planned to be Dracula's daughter, Mavis, from the Hotel Transylvania movie series, although each outfit inside the packed Spirit Halloween store on Chestnut Street seemed like an exciting possibility. Erica, along with her father, Kevin Corbett, 48, of West Philly, finally settled on a hooded "spider sorceress" dress for $26.99 and a witch's broom for $7.99. They were among some of the 175 million Americans who are planning to participate in Halloween activities this year, according to the National Retail Federation. Total spending is expected to reach $9 billion, on par with last year's record high of $9.1 billion, with each person planning to spend an average of $86.79. "The mood in the air bodes well for Halloween this year, both locally and nationally," William Park, Greater Philadelphia retail leader at Deloitte & Touche LLP, said. "Consumers are upbeat about both the economy and their personal finances." The annual NRF survey, conducted by Proper Insights & Analytics, also found that more than 31 million Americans plan to dress their pets, almost 20 percent of those celebrating, up from last year's 16 percent. Millennials, defined by Proper as ages 25 to 34, are the most likely to dress pets, with the most popular costumes being a pumpkin, hot dog, bumble bee, and devil. "One of the biggest trends this year is the growth of spending on pet costumes," Prosper Insights executive vice president of strategy Phil Rist said in a statement. He called the number of people planning to dress their pets "the highest we have seen in the history of our surveys." Of those celebrating, most will be handing out candy, half plan on decorating their home or yard, 48 percent will be dressed in costume, 45 percent want to carve pumpkins, and 30 percent plan to take their children trick-or-treating. In Philadelphia, costume inspiration may come from the Flyers new mascot: Gritty. However, it might be hard to get the necessary materials to create a Gritty mascot because, as staff writer Bethany Ao wrote "the orange fur material that is the very essence of Gritty is in very short supply around Philadelphia because everyone wants to be him for Halloween." When searching for costume ideas, people looked online and in physical stores. Social media searches included Pinterest, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram, with women more likely to look at Pinterest and men more likely to look on YouTube. "Pop culture continues to be a source of inspiration," the NRF wrote. Once people decided on a costume, almost 45 percent planned to visit a discount store and almost 35 percent planned to go to a specialty Halloween or costume store. For children, the top costumes were princess, superhero, Batman, and a Star Wars character. Adults were likely to say they were dressing as a witch, vampire, zombie, or pirate. This year's Halloween is the first one that Charlette Crutchfield, 23, of the Kensington-Allegheny neighborhood, will be celebrating. Her parents don't celebrate Halloween, and she did not go trick-or-treating as a child, she explained while waiting in line at Spirit Halloween to buy pieces for a catwoman outfit. Along with a corset leotard, an eye mask, gloves, cat ears, black tail, and black leggings, she planned to watch YouTube makeup tutorials and ask friends who are makeup artists for help doing "special effects." "It's special for me because I feel like the fun was taken out of it when I was a kid," Crutchfield said. She said she is excited to "dress up, have fun, and not be yourself for a few hours." Paige Jaffe, who works in CBRE's Philadelphia's office as first vice president of retail services, said Rittenhouse Row does "a great job" of attracting consumers to the area and into the stores for Halloween activities. While people are shopping for costumes in the lead-up to Halloween, Jaffe said they may notice something else in the stores. "Halloween," she said, "starts off the holiday shopping season." Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust (PREIT), which owns six malls in the Philadelphia region, has added seasonal tenants for Halloween shopping. Egg Harbor, N.J.-based Spirit Halloween has pop-up stores in Cumberland Mall, Plymouth Meeting Mall, Exton Mall, and Moorestown Mall, and Halloween Express is at Valley View Mall, the company said in a news release. In the Spirit Halloween store, Erica, still in her Gesu Catholic School uniform, was demonstrating to how to fly on the broom by placing it between her legs and moving through an aisle. Her dad, Kevin, asked whether she was ready to check out. Embracing her chosen costume she said, "This is my magic broom. Hocus pocus, turn you into a frog." President Trump says he wants to order the end of the constitutional right to citizenship for babies of non-citizens and unauthorized immigrants born in the United States. Read more President Trump's plan to pen an executive order that would stop granting citizenship to children born to noncitizens in the United States is more than a swipe at immigrants. It is an attack on African Americans. That's because the Constitution's 14th Amendment, which grants citizenship to "all persons born or naturalized in the United States," was written specifically to protect the rights of formerly enslaved people. At the time of its passage in 1868, political violence was a reality, and recently freed blacks trying to eke out an existence faced brutal reprisals both from defeated Confederates and Northern racists. Blacks face a similar moment now, but we don't face it alone. As recent mail bombs and shootings have shown us, political dissenters are not safe in their offices, Jews are not safe in their synagogues, blacks are not safe in grocery stores, and none of us can safely assume that law equals justice. That kind of existential uncertainty won't be limited to minority groups if Trump is allowed to independently change the Constitution's meaning. All of us will be in danger. That's how some experts on race and the law are viewing this. Among them is Dr. Tim Golden, director of the Donald Blake Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity, and Culture at Walla Walla University in Washington state. "The notion that executive power could be used to nullify explicit constitutional text should be frightening to anybody black or white," said Golden, a former criminal defense attorney. "It should be especially disturbing to black people. What it says is the historical origins of the amendment don't really matter. Black people are erased, but the targets here are immigrants. "It says that you can sort of take your pick of an oppressed group and wipe out their status with the stroke of a pen." Most legal experts say the president's plan to strip away birthright citizenship through the use of an executive order is unconstitutional. Still, Sen. Lindsay Graham (R., S.C.), upon hearing Trump's plan, said that he would introduce legislation mirroring the president's proposal. Though many political observers say it's all a publicity stunt meant to excite the GOP base on the eve of the all-important midterm elections, let's suppose for a moment that Trump and his allies actually follow through. The results would go well beyond the immigrant community. That's because the 14th Amendment is about more than birthright citizenship. In fact, it is one of the most frequently cited amendments in Supreme Court cases, because it also guarantees due process and equal treatment under the law. And if Trump, or any president, can eradicate such safeguards with the stroke of a pen, no one in America will be safe from government tyranny. African Americans know this well. Or at least we should, because it was the unequal treatment of blacks that necessitated the 14th Amendment in the first place. In 1865, shortly after the 13th Amendment abolished slavery and involuntary servitude except as a punishment for crime, Mississippi and South Carolina two of the vanquished states in the Confederacy penned a group of laws known as the Black Codes. Those laws made it a crime for blacks to be vagrant or without a job. The laws were used to force blacks into signing yearly contracts to work for extremely low wages. If they didn't sign, they risked arrest, and if they were arrested, they could be made to work for free. The 14th Amendment was meant to alleviate some of the legal discrimination that blacks faced, by providing freed slaves with citizenship, due process, and equal treatment. Now the president seeks to ignore that very amendment while stripping away the rights of immigrants. But if he's allowed to do so, who's next? Will he decide that Jews are no longer in vogue? Will he decide that Native Americans must be eradicated? Will he decide that Muslims can no longer be Americans, or that men can subjugate women? None of these things is beyond the realm of possibility, and while an executive order from the president would surely make its way to the Supreme Court, the court with its conservative majority could very well agree with the president. "If the Supreme Court says the president can do this, it does two things," Golden said. "It says African Americans have no rights as citizens given the historical origins of the 14th Amendment, and it also says we can substitute immigrants for African Americans and we can deny citizenship rights to people who were born in this country." Neither of those two things is acceptable to me. They shouldn't be acceptable to any of us. Pittsburgh's Tree of Life synagogue was a gun-free zone until an anti-Semite with guns turned it into a sea of death. After offering condolences, President Trump said that "if" the synagogue had armed guards, the outcome "might" have been different. The usual critics blasted Trump for blaming the victims. I'm no fan of Trump, but I'm also no fan of demonizing. He was speculating, not blaming. And he may have a point. It's fair to have a discussion about armed security in houses of worship, a continuation of the unfinished discussion of armed guards in schools. But to have that conversation, we must leave our biases at the door. On his MSNBC show Monday night, talking about armed guards with Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, Chris Matthews said, "I've been to bar mitzvahs and bat mitzvahs, and I just can't imagine some guy standing there with a gun in the midst of a religious ceremony like that. It doesn't seem right." The liberal Matthews couldn't even imagine it. "Well, after Sept. 11," said Peduto quietly, "during the High Holy Days we have had police at our synagogues. We have had synagogues which have hired guards." If armed guards are unimaginable to Matthews and to those who think as he does, why do we have them at airports, in Congress, and in banks? More than 40 percent of U.S. schools have armed guards, at least part of the time. So can we have the discussion? Let's start with this: Those fighting the expansion of good-guy guns into our society are locking a barn that the horse left long ago. Would they endorse removing guards from sanctuaries that have them? Synagogues are loath to discuss their security arrangements. Laura Frank, spokesperson for the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, told me it's unlikely that any have "full-time armed guards." However, many either ask local police for help during High Holy Days or hire private security, she said. Philadelphia police declined to discuss what kind of security is provided to houses of worship and under what circumstances. At an interfaith service Sunday evening at Rodeph Shalom on North Broad Street near Mount Vernon, one congregant saw at least a dozen police, including "some inside the sanctuary, and I have never seen that before," he told me. Rabbi Bob Alper, who used to lead a congregation in Glenside before moving to Vermont, is also a stand-up comedian who plays about 25 dates a year, often in synagogues. "Half the time there's a guard or two, particularly in Florida," he told me. On visits to the 150-year-old Central Synagogue in New York, he's noticed "police cars, sometimes one, sometimes more, in the front," and plainclothes police inside. You may not like the idea of cops and guns in a house of worship. Who does? The reality is that among our 325 million Americans, a handful are dangerous, are murderous, and want to hurt us. We can't pretend that wanting peace from those burning with hate will get us peace. The Pittsburgh mayor, who seems to be a good soul, bemoans having guards in synagogues. He fears that America might become an armed camp. I'd prefer an armed camp to an abattoir where worshipers become victims. This is how things are going in America right now: One week before arguably the most important and most fraught midterm election in decades, the book that best captures the zeitgeist is a tome about U.S. congressmen and senators staging rolling fistfights and brawls across the disgusting tobacco-spit-stained carpet of the Capitol, pulling knives or the occasional pistol on each other, or clobbering a colleague with a cane to within an inch of his life. At this point I should mention that these events as much as they may sound like potential breaking news alerts on CNN actually occurred in the 1830s, 1840s and and 1850s. The wanton violence on Capitol Hill did eventually stop but only after a four-year civil war that claimed the lives of more than 600,000 everyday Americans. Still, as Yale historian Joanne Freeman tours to promote Field of Blood: Violence in Congress and the Road to Civil War, she readily admits no one could have predicted a book based on her academic research into the mid-19th Century would so often be described as "timely" that Americans in 2018 would be asking some of the same questions our forerunners asked circa 1858: Are we coming apart at the seams? Is the American Experiment on the brink of failure? Freeman, who came to Villanova on Monday night for a high-powered academic panel on both the history and chaotic current state of American democracy, said today's political crises haven't quite devolved to an 1861-level total breakdown but "we're on the edge of it." The roots of the problem a lack of trust in our institutions and in each other, and poor communication between two deeply divided sides are essentially the same now as they were then. "Where people lose faith in the system to address their needs, where people lose faith in other Americans and begin to "Other" them you know, 'You're not American and I am'" is how Freeman described the scenario to me after the panel. "Once that kind of breaks down, the national discourse breaks, too,. If you see the other side as the enemy and you see the stakes as this high, it kind of makes sense that those tend to be violent moments." In researching Congress in the eventful three decades that led directly to the Civil War, Freeman surprised even herself by uncovering 70 separate acts of physical violence between lawmakers during those tense debates inside the Capitol. The incidents range from the famous the brutal 1856 caning of Massachusetts abolitionist Sen. Charles Sumner by a pro-slavery South Carolina congressman to the obscure, such as a literal floor fight in the House in 1841, when fisticuffs between two lawmakers turned into a wild melee involving nearly every member. The recovery of this nearly forgotten, violent past could certainly inspire some clucking that things can't be that bad today if they were that much out of control back in 1856. But it shouldn't. Times have certainly changed, but while a 21st Century Congress member doesn't (usually) reach for his or her switchblade anymore, the average citizen now has enough access to low-grade conspiracy theories and high-grade weaponry to take matters into his own hands. We've just finished one of the worst weeks on modern American history the hunting down of two random black grocery shoppers by an angry white man outside of Louisville, the Florida pro-President-Trump-fanatic who mailed potentially-deadly-but-thankfully-ineffective pipe bombs to Democratic senators, donors and Trump's media bete noire of CNN, and finally the Pittsburgh anti-Semite who entered a synagogue Saturday and murdered 11, in the worst hate crime targeting Jews in America's long history. It was so much to process that this seemed the perfect moment to take a step back the opportunity afforded by Monday's panel on "Histories of Democracy" that was sponsored by Villanova University's Lepage Center for History in the Public Interest and think about how we got into this mess in the first place. What was striking about the panel discussion was the loud echo of William Faulkner's famed dictum that "the past is never deadit's not even past." And so Swarthmore College historian Allison Dorsey, whose work has focused on African-Americans in Georgia and South Carolina coping with 19th-Century Jim Crow laws including voting curbs like the poll tax and the literacy test, said she's closely watching the current Georgia governor's race; there, Stacey Abrams, seeking to become the state's first black woman governor, is struggling to overcome modern voter suppression. "Once again," Dorsey said, "African Americans are on the brink of where we were before." And Villanova's Paul Rosier, a specialist in Native American history, noted that GOP lawmakers in North Dakota passed a law making it harder for tribal members to vote. The bottom line was this: The fundamental questions that have come up again and again in American history, regarding who is an American citizen and who has the right to vote were never fully resolved, no matter when your high school history textbook (assuming you even had one) rolled off the printing press. We're still fighting these battles outside polling places in Georgia and on our newly (and ridiculously) militarized southern border. For the Baby Boomers of my generation raised in the shadow of victory in World War II and amid middle-class prosperity, who witnessed the end of segregation in the 1960s it was too easy to lazily assume that social progress was scientific and organic, not something that ebbed and flowed or that you had to go out there and take real risks, and fight for it. It happened, Freeman and the other panelists (including my Inquirer colleague Jonathan Lai, who covers voting rights today) agreed, in the 1790s, when the Founders struggled with the meanings of partisanship and true democracy, and in the 1850s over slavery, and in the 1960s over civil rights and Vietnam. And now we're in the middle of it again. Today's causes can't be defined in one word, but you can see the clear fault lines around race, gender and immigration, and how we're divided yet again over who is a citizen, who gets to vote, and whose votes really count. Just because America didn't implode in 1800 or 1863 or 1968 is no guarantee that it can't happen today. Freeman an expert on Alexander Hamilton who advised the Broadway musical said Hamilton warned that the one thing that could destroy the Founders' vision of democratic republic was the rise of a demagogue who could sway the public with emotion and crush the system of checks and balances. And you don't need a weatherman to know which way that wind is blowing. Tuesday's midterm election could be the ultimate test not so much over who wins, as the panelists noted, but whether the losing side is able to accept the results. The warning signs lack of faith in the integrity of voting machines and voting officials, or in the news media, to name just a few are not good. Freeman told me after the panel that the most troubling similarity between the antebellum years and 2018 is that it's a moment "when people who've been abiding by the rules start to believe that they shouldn't abide by the rules anymore that the stakes are too high." The result of the kind of breakdown that we saw in Congress with the flawed, ramrod confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, where it was a miracle that no one got caned. But unlike the 1850s, the final chapters of 2010's rough and occasionally violent political history haven't been written yet. "In reality, it's on the ground," Freeman said. "It's on us." Democracy will have to be saved by the couch potatoes who were never taught while growing up that saving democracy was going to be such hard work. And yet we, the people, are the ones who will have to write this history hopefully with a voting pen, and not on a field of blood. Some schools are all in for Halloween, with parades, classroom parties, and costume contests. But others have chosen to downplay the holiday, either skipping celebrations or hosting "harvest festivals" or alternate parties, in a nod to students who don't mark Oct. 31 as anything special. In an increasingly diverse nation, there's growing awareness that some families don't view the holiday as a harmless fall tradition. Around the region and across the country, some have interpreted the holiday as having religious connotations and therefore being inappropriate for public schools. That's ruffled some feathers. Others worry about students who don't have the means to buy costumes, about the message of potentially bringing toy weapons to school as part of costumes, about food allergies, about kids with sensory issues, or about the logistics of teachers getting kids in and out of costumes and having a school day taken over by Halloween. Locally, schools are all over the map. Megan Lello, a spokeswoman for the Philadelphia School District, said she knows of no system-wide policy about Halloween celebrations, but said the practice "is always to provide consideration and other opportunities for students who are not participating in certain holiday events, and to communicate cultural competence no matter the holiday." At Sheridan Elementary in Kensington, children will have a Literacy Day parade, dressing up as characters from their favorite books in a school-wide celebration of reading a move a number of schools will make as a way to keep the focus off a holiday not everyone celebrates. "We're in an area that's not the best after dark," said Lisa Sandner, the school's head literacy teacher, explaining why some students don't celebrate Halloween. "For some kids, it's religious reasons. They'll say, 'I'm going to church on Halloween night.'" In the past, large numbers of Sheridan parents would keep their children at home on Halloween, and Sandner and principal Awilda Balbuena wanted to find a way to get kids excited to come to school if the holiday wasn't their thing. Wednesday will be the first Literacy Day at Sheridan. (In the past, "we would do Fall Fest, Harvest Fest, anything that's not Halloween," Balbuena said.) The buzz for the alternate event is mounting throughout the K-4 school, the principal said, with classes making their costumes in school, inspired by favorite books The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Mrs. Nelson Is Missing, Curious George. "Everyone is so excited," said Balbuena. But in some places, Halloween still reigns. Beeler Elementary in Marlton is "gung-ho for Halloween," said Lainie Andrews, whose son is a second grader there. There was a pumpkin-carving event last week, and on Halloween morning, there will be a "trunk or treat" parked cars with trunks decorated for the holiday, filled with candy then class Halloween parties. Everyone, including teachers, comes in costume. At Tawanka Elementary in Feasterville, there are plenty of festivities, but most occur outside of school, said Debby Disandro, the Parent Teacher Organization president. The PTO sponsors a Halloween roller-skating party and a pumpkin fest at a local farm with corn maze and bonfire, all outside of school hours. During the school day, there will be no parade, costumes or candy. "The teachers and administration tried to figure out what was best," said Disandro. "There's a lot of kids who don't celebrate, and we didn't want them to feel left out, and we have so many allergy issues, too. It's not like when we were kids." During the school day, the PTO will sell pumpkin pretzels, and some classes may have a "party in a bag," Disandro said basically, teachers allowing students to enjoy a special snack they bring from home. Anne Frank Elementary, a public school in Northeast Philadelphia, has a school-wide costume parade, with students who don't celebrate the holiday gathering in another spot for non-Halloween activities. Meredith Elementary in Queen Village has a kindergarten parade, harvest or Halloween classroom parties, and a middle-school dance with spooky music. Plenty of parents are just fine with schools that have moved away from overt Halloween celebrations in class less sugar, fewer allergy worries, and, if it's a holiday they celebrate, they can still do so at home. But others are unsettled by the change that's taken hold over the past decade or so. Kimberly Greer-Rivera, whose son is a fourth grader at Mayfair Elementary in the Northeast, laments the fact that there's no Halloween festivities at his school. "I just think all religions and holidays should be taught," said Greer-Rivera, who grew up celebrating Halloween in Philadelphia schools. "He's missing out, and it needs to change." Jay Margolis, 66, shown here at his Radnor home, is partially retired, and has health insurance through his wife's employer. When the couple's premium doubled, they considered whether Jay should switch to Medicare. Read more When their monthly health-insurance premium doubled from $600 to $1,200, Jay and Marya Margolis of Radnor considered their options to lessen the blow. Perhaps Jay, who's 66 and a dependent on the plan offered by Marya's employer, could switch to Medicare the publicly funded health program would have a lower premium. Jay requires an injected medication that costs thousands a year, though, and his drug costs under Medicare could be higher. "The question became, with what I need, do I stay on my wife's insurance? Or do I go to Medicare?" he said. It's a question that's coming up with growing frequency, as more people work past the traditional retirement age, into their late 60s and 70s. Almost everyone is eligible for Medicare at age 65, and if you're already receiving Social Security benefits, you'll be automatically enrolled. But people who haven't begun receiving Social Security benefits will need to sign up when the time comes, and if you miss your initial enrollment period or don't qualify for a special enrollment period later, you could wind up paying penalties for the duration of your coverage under the program. But many people who keep working are allowed under Medicare rules to keep their employer-sponsored health plan without penalty until they retire and they may find this is a cheaper alternative to enrolling in Medicare right away. Deciding whether that's the most cost-effective option will involve a lot of number-crunching. It's confusing even for Jay Margolis, who spent his career as a pharmaceutical data analyst, knee-deep in insurance jargon. "It's not like I'm going in there naive, but even for somebody like me, because of all the different companies that are out there and they each have different ways they model their plans, it really is very difficult for the layperson. You'd have to put a lot of time into studying," he said. The process may seem daunting, and exposing your age by asking your employer for clarification may be uncomfortable. But ignore at your own peril, enrollment experts warn. People who are required to sign up for Medicare have a seven-month window surrounding their birth dates. If they don't, they will pay a penalty for the duration of their coverage under Medicare. The amount of the penalties vary because they are based on the length of time a person went without coverage. "The cost of missing the window is quite high, if you don't realize your employer requires you to have Medicare coverage and you don't enroll," said Lina Walker, vice president of health security at AARP Public Policy Institute. Baby boomers in their 60s and 70s are the fastest-growing demographic in the workforce. Employment among people age 65 to 74 is expected to rise 55 percent between 2014 and 2024, far outpacing the overall workforce growth rate, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The trend is fueled by a number of factors: People are healthier, which means they're physically able to continue working and expect to live longer, meaning they will need extra savings. After the last decade's recession struck at their peak earning potential, many find they can't yet afford to retire. The age at which people can collect their full Social Security benefits has been creeping up it's now 66 and many people choose to continue working until then. "Most of the people I'm meeting are working past 65," said James Long, a broker-manager with Young's Insurance Services Inc. in Fairview Village, Montgomery County. "It's the majority now." And the first question they ask, Long said, is when to transition to Medicare. The first step is to figure out whether your employer requires you to enroll in Medicare when you turn 65. People who have health insurance through an employer with at least 20 employees and who are actively employed by the company can keep their private insurance without penalty. Those working for small companies with fewer than 20 employees need to transition to Medicare when they become eligible at 65. If you have the option of holding onto health insurance through work, deciding whether you should will require comparing the total cost of your current plan not just the premium to your Medicare options. Some details to consider, in addition to the premium, are the plan's deductible, coinsurance and copays; how the plan covers the medications you take; and whether you can continue seeing your doctors. Employer-sponsored plans pay about 80 percent of the cost of health insurance for employees, but they often require employees to pay a greater share of the cost of covering dependents. So if you are over 65 and covered by a spouse's employer-sponsored plan, it's worth finding out how that plan pays for dependents. "The whole Medicare puzzle is kind of difficult to untangle when you're first starting out," said Judith Cooper, of Philadelphia, who is in her 70s. "I feel like I'm in a maze." Cooper retired at the end of October from her job as executive director of Play and Learn, an early-childhood education organization in Montgomery County that she helped establish in the 1980s. Cooper held onto the organization's health plan after turning 65 because the benefits were good, and when it came time to think about retirement and Medicare she turned to a broker guide her through that maze. The Margolises also found that it was cheaper to keep their private insurance, despite the sharp premium increase. Jay Margolis takes Repatha, an injected medication that retails for $14,000 a year to control high cholesterol. Margolis is allergic to the lower-cost statins more commonly prescribed for people with high cholesterol. Through a rebate program by the drug's maker, Amgen, he pays just $5 a month for the medication. But the program is available only to patients with private insurance with Medicare, Margolis would owe a lot more every month for the drug, his broker, James Long, determined. Another wrinkle for Margolis was the amount he would owe for Medicare's Part B premium, which covers medical services outside the hospital. Regardless of whether you choose traditional Medicare or Medicare Advantage (in which benefits are administered by a private insurer), everyone pays the Part B premium. For most people, that will be $135.50 a month in 2019, but people with a high monthly income will pay more. Jay Margolis concluded that the cost of his medication, plus the amount he'd owe for the Part B premium, made private insurance the better option. But just recently, Amgen announced plans to slash the price of Repatha by 60 percent, to $5,850 a year, in response to slow sales, especially among Medicare-age customers. The change will send Margolis back to the broker's office to evaluate his options again. Walker, of the AARP Public Policy Institute, said it's important to give yourself plenty of time to review your options. If you feel stuck, don't be shy about asking for help. Every state has programs to provide free Medicare enrollment assistance. Independent brokers also can help, though it's important to understand how brokers are paid and whether they have incentive to recommend certain plans over others. "It is a big decision, and there are a lot of choices," Walker said. "It's not surprising people have a lot of questions and are a little anxious about it." The World Wildlife Fund released a report Monday saying it has found an "astonishing" 60 percent decline in wildlife populations globally over the last 40 years, mostly due to human activity, including climate change and habitat loss. "This report sounds a warning shot across our bow. Natural systems essential to our survival forests, oceans, and rivers remain in decline. Wildlife around the world continue to dwindle," said Carter Roberts, president and chief executive officer of WWF-US. "It reminds us we need to change course. It's time to balance our consumption with the needs of nature, and to protect the only planet that is our home." The group's biennial report said it measured trends in 16,704 populations of 4,005 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. The biggest declines were among creatures that live in fresh water, which faced an even bigger 83 percent drop. South and Central America were hit hardest as rain forests shrank, with 20 percent of the Amazon disappearing. "Humanity and the way we feed, fuel, and finance our societies and economies is pushing nature and the services that power and sustain us to the brink," the report states. Human activity has had an impact on oceans, forests, coral reefs, wetlands, and mangroves, the report says. The globe has lost about half its shallow-water corals in the last 30 years. "From rivers and rain forests, to mangroves and mountainsides, across the planet our work shows that wildlife abundance has declined dramatically since 1970," said Ken Norris, director of science at the Zoological Society of London, which provided one of three indexes used to write the report. "The statistics are scary, but all hope is not lost. We have an opportunity to design a new path forward that allows us to coexist sustainably with the wildlife we depend upon. Our report sets out an ambitious agenda for change." As an example of the trend, Temple University biologist S. Blair Hedges reported Tuesday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that he and a team of researchers had found a near-total loss of Haiti's primary forest and a mass extinction of species. Hedges and his colleagues scrutinized aerial photography and Landsat images from 1988 to 2016, finding that forests covered 4.4 percent of Haiti's land in 1988. That plunged to 0.32 percent by 2016. John Cecil, vice president for stewardship at New Jersey Audubon, said that he had not yet seen the World Wildlife Fund report, but that it was in line with previous research. "We're finding a broad decline in species across the board," Cecil said, noting exceptions, such as white-tailed deer and Canada geese. "There are a lot of species out there not threatened with immediate extinction, but compared to 50 or 100 years ago, their populations have declined dramatically." Previously, habitat loss was by far the biggest driver of species loss, he said. Now, he cites climate change and invasive species as among the top reasons. Both alter the habitat, for example, of birds who can no longer find the insects they once fed on or plant life they depended on because "they're all interconnected." "The birds are failing where the non-native species are taking over," Cecil said. "We're seeing major changes. These global trends are consistent in the United States and East Coast." More positively, the World Wildlife Fund report said habitat restoration and other actions have worked, citing population increases in giant pandas, mountain gorillas, and endangered dolphins. It singled out the U.S. Endangered Species Act of 1973 as helping "an estimated 99 percent of listed species avoid extinction." Among other findings: The Cukers (from left) Shalom, 12, Adam, Lev, 9, and Amy, bought their 1929 stone home in Elkins Park in 2010 and have updated it for modern living. Read more Amy and Adam Cuker's Elkins Park home seamlessly melds modern-day convenience and sustainability with its stately circa 1929 origins. Enthralled with the home's bold architecture and yard, the neighborhood's diversity, and the Cheltenham Township school system, the couple bought the roughly 3,500-square-foot stone house in 2010. But the house needed updating to fit the family's lifestyle. First on the list: a bathroom on the first floor. "Our West Philadelphia rowhouse did not have a first-floor bathroom, and I potty-trained child number one without it," recalled Amy, 42, who owns a sustainable design company called Down2Earth. "I didn't feel like potty-training another child without one." So they turned a small coat closet into a kid-sized powder room with a low sink, light switch, and towel bar, allowing the children to be self-sufficient. One problem solved but another created: They were now without a coat closet, "putting our shoes in the pantry," Amy said. That led to phase two: a large, organized mudroom and a complete kitchen renovation, with upgraded appliances, sleek cabinetry, and a maintenance-free quartz countertop. The home's original kitchen was small and closed off. By removing walls and a butler's pantry, they created an open space, with an expandable dining table made of reclaimed spalted maple. ("You actually go and meet your slab," Amy said.) "I love using natural materials," added Adam, 42, a hematologist. "We went to this guy's workshop [Stable Tables], and they had all sorts of slabs from fallen timber, and we got to pick out the grain and contrast we liked." The space is also used for food prep, eating, entertaining, and homework for sons Shalom, 12, and Lev, 9. "If I'm making dinner and they have questions, we're all in the same space," Amy said. The couple also replaced windows and added insulation throughout the house, installed air-conditioning and radiant floor heating on the first floor, and added two exterior doors in the mudroom to be able to more conveniently access the driveway from the back of the house. To ensure a green design something very important to the Cukers they worked with local workers, included Energy Star appliances, and used low or no-VOC paint, LED lighting, and high-durability materials. The mudroom's beautiful vaulted wooden ceiling was designed by Phase II Design in Jenkintown to match the existing floor. "For all of the new materials in the house, I made sure I chose things that carried through from the existing parts of the house so it all looked contextual," Amy said. She considered the mudroom a blank canvas, which forced her to be organized from the start. Taking stock of the things to be stored there, she measured an exact space for the dog kennel for Muttilda, a rescue from Puerto Rico, and for the kids' cubbies. She labeled basket-filled bins for accessories such as sunblock, take-out menus, umbrellas, hats, and mittens. "Every detail of that mudroom is customized to our family," she said. "Down to the fact that I measured the height of my boots to determine how tall their cubby needed to be." One of her favorite rooms is the sunroom, filled with comfy furniture surrounding a wood-burning fireplace. Unfortunately, it doesn't get a lot of use. "It's only comfortable in October and April, because in winter it's an ice box and in the summer we just bake in there," she said. The couple's favorite accessories include stained glass inspired by Barcelona's La Sagrada Familia church, which she commissioned from local artist Andy Meoli, and a hutch that was part of Adam's grandparents' dining-room set. "We used to spend holidays there and have nice meals with family, so it's meaningful to me," he said. The home's interior includes lots of wood and mostly white walls, with deep-purple exterior doors. "I think a strong color used strategically goes a long way," Amy said. Colorful walls also adorn the four upstairs bedrooms. The couple met at the Cornell University kosher dining hall in 1996: "Every Jewish mother's dream, I brought home the Hillel president," said Amy, laughing. "I was attracted to her right away," said Adam, who admitted he thought he was dating up. "We had great conversations, and a love of folk music was something that we bonded over." Their shared religion and values made them a perfect match, she said, and they married in 2001. The Cukers enjoy entertaining, especially hosting Shabbat dinners, and also open the home to camps or other groups important to them. "We have the space, and I'm always happy to open up the house for something like that," Amy said. Is your house a Haven? Nominate your home by email (and send some digital photographs) at properties@phillynews.com. She may only be 20, but Tori DiSimone has already retired. DiSimone is a former YouTube star known online as Tori Sterling who boasts more than 475,000 YouTube subscribers and who at the height of her internet fame signed brand deals that netted her up to $37,000. She left it all behind to become co-owner of Stride Spin & Fitness, a Phoenixville fitness studio. DiSimone's time on YouTube turned her into a sort of celebrity. Fans have come from as far as Idaho and California to attend her spin classes, and she attributes much of the studio's early buzz to her online following. Her decision to shift careers means she's potentially leaving a lot of money on the table. YouTubers like DiSimone create videos in which they promote products. (Agreements to do additional promotion on Instagram or avoid using competitors' products can tack on thousands more.) Brands typically pay a YouTuber with 500,000 subscribers between $10,000 and $25,000 per deal, according to Brittany Hennessy, author of Influencer: Building Your Personal Brand in the Age of Social Media. "You're easily making six figures a year," Hennessy said. Brands are willing to pay big bucks to YouTubers because of the relationships they have with their audiences. Pick the right YouTuber to promote a brand, and the product doesn't just do well. It sells out. DiSimone is still active on Instagram, but she hasn't posted on YouTube in four months a video sponsored by Tampax. Five months ago, she posted a video about why she no longer does makeup tutorials. Such tutorials an exceedingly popular genre on YouTube fascinated a seventh-grade DiSimone. A year later, her mom suggested she start her own channel. She created one under the name "Tori Sterling" and began posting "Get ready with me" videos and tutorials.. By her sophomore year, DiSimone was traveling for events and receiving sponsorship offers. Subscribers and brand-deal money were pouring in. DiSimone thought she had found what she wanted to do with her life. After finishing her junior year of high school, she transferred to an online high school and moved to L.A. to live with other YouTubers and keep building her brand. Three months later, she was back home. "I just hated it, so then when I got back to school, I was like, 'OK, I guess I'll go to college,' " she said. "I didn't really know what else to do." She headed south to the University of Alabama and left YouTube behind. But by the end of the semester, she realized college wasn't for her, either. She moved back to Pennsylvania and picked up her camera again. This time though, her focus was different. She had discovered spin and fitness in L.A. and fallen in love with it. Home again, she began training to become a spin instructor at a local studio and posting videos about her eating habits and fitness routines. "I started YouTube when I was 14, so, like, can you imagine?" DiSimone said. "I was playing softball, and I was into makeup when I was 14. I don't play softball anymore. I'm not really into makeup anymore." Last fall, DiSimone got the itch to make another shift. As soon as she walked into her first fitness studio, she knew she wanted to own one. "But I always thought it'd be when I was like 24 or 25," DiSimone said. "But when I was 19, I wanted to leave my old studio, and I didn't know where else to go." She approached Jess Vierow, a friend and fellow spin instructor, about opening their own studio. Vierow, 31, said she never had doubts about partnering with the young DiSimone. "Tori's age is just a number," Vierow said. "It didn't mean really anything to me because I knew her so personally. She's always been so determined to do big things with her life." DiSimone's parents were on board, too. "She's always taken the path less traveled," DiSimone's mom, Karen, said. "It was our job to help her hold the machete and forge a new path instead of steering her toward one that she didn't want to take." As DiSimone began making plans for the studio, YouTube had to take a backseat, she says. "Honestly, I just lost time to do it. My days were so busy to the point where I wouldn't even look at my phone all day. How could I pick up a camera and follow my whole day around when I couldn't even keep up with myself?" Stride opened Aug. 4, an experience DiSimone described as euphoric. She expected that after the opening she'd have more time for YouTube, but that hasn't been the case. "I know you prioritize what you want to make time for, and I guess it's just not a priority for me right now, and I'm OK with that," she said. Hennessy said DiSimone's desire to take a step back from YouTube isn't surprising. "After a certain point, I think people start to feel empty. A lot of YouTubers start looking for something tangible. They can scale way back, still make a lot of money, and go pursue another passion." DiSimone is hesitant to say she's closed the door on YouTube, but she doesn't mind putting less of herself on the internet these days. "If I could redo it all, I probably wouldn't do YouTube, because I just don't like being in the spotlight. It brought me to where I am today, so I'm really grateful for it, but there's definitely times that I wish things were just more private." She admits there have been downsides to entering adulthood so quickly. Her jobs and the responsibilities they entail have never been confined to 9 to 5, and she says she struggles to relate to people her own age. In Stride, though, DiSimone has discovered not only a passion, but a family. She refers repeatedly to it as home and says the hardest part of her job is navigating the blurred line between being a friend and a boss to her employees. If anything, DiSimone's youth seems to have empowered her to dream bigger. She and Vierow hope to expand Stride to multiple locations, maybe even across the country. "When I've had this business for five years, I'm only going to be 25," DiSimone said. "I have my whole life ahead of me." Davon Hayes, a Pittsburgh man serving a life sentence for a crime he's always denied committing, recently received an opportunity that's almost lottery-win rare: a second shot at a federal habeas petition, the last resort for those seeking exoneration. He learned in 2016 that the nephew of William Anderson, a candy store owner who was shot and killed in 2003, had told police the day of the shooting that Hayes was not one of the three men he saw before and after the crime evidence Hayes alleges the police and prosecutors have withheld for the last 15 years. But in the middle of this time-sensitive battle, Hayes is facing a new obstacle. His lawyer at the federal public defender's office will no longer send him legal mail, for fear that new mail-handling practices at the state Department of Corrections violate requirements for privileged communication. Under the policy, announced in September along with a number of other measures designed to close off avenues for drug smuggling, staff are to photocopy inmate mail and secure the originals for disposal by third-party vendors. >>READ MORE: PA prisons' unprecedented security crackdown: 5 things you need to know On Tuesday, Hayes and a group of nonprofit legal-services organizations filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania seeking an injunction against the state prison system and alleging that the legal mail policy is unprecedented and "an exaggerated, irrational response to a nonproblem that deprives Mr. Hayes of an indispensable and often the only viable means of communicating with his attorneys." An accompanying lawsuit names the Pennsylvania ACLU, the Pennsylvania Institutional Law Project, Abolitionist Law Center and Amistad Law Project as plaintiffs who say the policy violates their First Amendment rights. "We've taken the position, based on professional ethics advice, that we can't use the mail to communicate because it is insufficiently confidential," Pennsylvania ACLU legal director Witold J. Walczak said. The phone hasn't been a reliable alternative, as lawyers say some prisons are declining to work with them to schedule confidential calls. And even when lawyers do make in-person visits, they have at times been barred from bringing in documents to review with prisoners, he said. The organizations together represent thousands of inmates in lawsuits against the Department of Corrections, such as a class action of 153 prisoners who are challenging the practice of permanently housing death-sentenced prisoners in solitary confinement. "We have an offer from the DOC, which we can't communicate to our clients via the mail," he said. "It's really impairing our ability to effectively and zealously represent our clients." >>READ MORE: Is life in solitary inhumane? Lawsuit seeks end to 'death row' in Pennsylvania The lawyers said they hope to get a hearing for a preliminary injunction in December. The outcome of the lawsuits may turn on whether the restrictions in the policy serve a legitimate security purpose. The plaintiffs allege that the "DOC is not aware of any instance whereby attorneys have introduced contraband into DOC facilities via legal mail," though the department told them there was at least one occasion in which a third party attempted to mail in contraband in an envelope falsely labeled as legal mail. Amy Worden, a department spokesperson, said that legal mail had been a source of contraband, including synthetic cannabinoids, and that the solution the department came up with was "the only process that would both ensure confidentiality of privileged communications and prevent the introduction of drugs into the prison." The department said in an Oct. 19 statement that the various security measures, including the elimination of all postal mail, increased screening for visitors, and even drone detection gear, are working, noting an approximately 50 percent decline in the number of positive drug tests, drug finds within the prison, and drug-related inmate misconducts. Those figures compared September against August 2018, when drug-related incidents had spiked. Worden said all legal mail is being processed either the day it arrives or the next business day. And, she said, all state prisons have received "explicit direction" not to prevent attorneys from providing paperwork to their clients going forward. One holdover from the previous policy is a requirement that staff determine whether the content of the mail is true legal mail. For instance, a copy of a published case or law review article would not count. While it hasn't been an issue in the past, it could problematic, said the Pennsylvania Institutional Law Project's Alexandra Morgan-Kurtz. "There are court cases that have previously found that having any kind of requirement that officers verify legal mail violates confidentiality, because you can't verify something is not legal mail without at least skimming it." Another concern is that the policy requires each prison to contract with a third-party vendor to secure and dispose of original documents. Though Worden said the "majority" of prisons have such contracts in place, Hayes told the legal team that his prison, Smithfield, does not leaving his mail unsecured. Morgan-Kurtz said that for her organization, which provides legal advice to 800 inmates each year, the new practices raise grave questions about the future. "We have a growing pile [of documents from people] who are pursuing cases on their own, pro se, and now have no access to legal advice from anyone. As this policy continues, the burden will only grow," she said. Already, the firm has struggled to prepare its clients for depositions, postponed filing claims and completing settlement agreements, and declined to provide advice to self-represented prisoners who face pressing deadlines. "Just to manage having confidential conversations with existing clients is going to eat up the time we otherwise would have been able to use for new clients," she said. "My fear and the fear of a lot of other people is that if this policy continues for too much longer we'll have to start rejecting cases." Pallbearers carry the caskets of Cecil and David Rosenthal following the funeral at Rodef Shalom Congregation on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2018, in Shadyside. Read more Funeral services were held Tuesday for some of the victims of Saturday's mass shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue. Mourners found long lines at the Jewish Community Center in Squirrel Hill and at Congregation Rodef Shalom in Shadyside where services are being held for Jerry Rabinowitz, 66, of Edgewood, and brothers Cecil, 59, and David Rosenthal, 54, of Squirrel Hill, respectively. The services for Dr. Rabinowitz and the Rosenthals are the first of the funerals for the 11 worshipers slain at the Tree of Life/Or L'Simcha congregation while they and two other congregations were sharing the Squirrel Hill building. Here are reports from two of the services on Tuesday (a third service in the evening for Daniel Stein was private): Dr. Jerry Rabinowitz, Pittsburgh Jewish Community Center, Squirrel Hill One did not need to be inside the Pittsburgh Jewish Community Center to know a funeral service was about to begin. The grief literally overflowed from the brick building and stretched more than a block down Darlington Road, and then onto Murray Avenue in Squirrel Hill. People were queued up outside more than half an hour before the 11 a.m. service was to start. No doubt, the turnout topping 1,000 was owed in part to the shocking magnitude of the mass shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue several blocks away. But it also was plain from the grieving faces waiting in the morning chill that it was Dr. Rabinowitz himself, and what he meant to his community, that drove how many people left work on a weekday to attend. mong them was UPMC-affiliated cardiologist Saul Silver, still wearing a white lab coat he had donned for work that day. He had tried to keep his attention focused on this job in the lab, but could not. "I couldn't go on. I couldn't concentrate on my work. It wasn't fair to my patients," he said. "I had to be here." He said he had known Dr. Rabinowitz, a physician from Edgewood, since the late 1980s. He recalled the man's character and compassion for people and for their diseases, even if the world itself was not ready to extend the same empathy. That was true of HIV patients, shunned by many at the time. "He would give 'em a hug and shake their hand without gloves," Dr. Silver said. "That was Jerry." The scene outside the community center complex Tuesday was a peaceful contrast in sunshine to the violence that unfolded Saturday morning at the synagogue in one of the worst anti-Semitic killings in U.S. history. Dr. Rabinowitz, 66, was among those attending a morning service when a gunman barged in and sprayed gunfire. Pittsburgh police officers stood silent watch outside, near a parked hearse and the growing line. Four fellow officers were wounded Saturday before the suspect, Robert Bowers, 46 a high school dropout and trucker who had espoused anti-Semitic views was shot and apprehended. Inside the center, mourners filled up the main-floor Katz Theater and an adjacent gymnasium, with others standing on stairs leading to the second floor. Some wore bow ties, no doubt in honor of the man who in life had a penchant for them. "He liked to be called 'Doc,' " said funeral director Daniel D'Alessandro. He expected an overflow crowd Tuesday and was not disappointed. "He deserved it," Mr. D'Alessandro said. To some who shared memories, Dr. Rabinowitz was the family doctor who treated them or a loved one, or the person they knew from some form of community service, or just from around the neighborhood. But others who never met the UPMC-affiliated doctor showed up, too, said Myriam Gumerman, 68. "They felt they had to be there," she said. Ms. Gumerman, whose late husband Lewis was a physician like Dr. Rabinowitz, said she got to know him through worship after moving to Pittsburgh. She recalled how fond her husband and Dr. Rabinowitz were of each other, sharing both a profession and their love for Torah study, she said. "I'm numb," she said after the service concluded. "We're dumbfounded by the fact that we could be praying and somebody would do that." Ms. Gumerman said her family had to leave Morocco during a period of persecution of Jews. And while she never imagined something so frightening would happen in America, she was heartened by the city's reaction. "We are strong," she said. W. Duff McCrady, a member of the board of UMPC, said he and Dr. Rabinowitz served the Shadyside Hospital Foundation together, and he recalled how Dr. Rabinowitz was the doctor for his daughter and son-in-law. He said what he will most remember "is his humor. He always had a smile." Reporters and photographers, who were asked to stay outside the center, captured the scene from a block away. The main celebrant for the hour-long service was Rabbi Cheryl Klein from Dor Hadash, one of three congregations that share the Tree of Life synagogue. And the message delivered to mourners? ""It was to make sure we all love each other. I think it was to show more compassion for our neighbors," said Mr. McCrady. "What was said made sense, and I think everybody in that room was brought together." One woman crossing Darlington before the service appeared surprised when she looked up and saw how large the line had become. "Wow," she said. At the conclusion of the service, the hearse carrying the body of Dr. Rabinowitz left the JCC passing a movie house as it turned onto Murray. The building's marquee read: "Pgh is Stronger than Hate." Behind the hearse, mourners on foot marched toward Homewood Cemetery, followed by a long procession of cars. Bill Schackner Cecil and David Rosenthal, Congregation Rodef Shalom, Shadyside The service for the Rosenthal brothers was held in Rodef Shalom's large ornate sanctuary. The congregation offered the space due to its large capacity and the anticipated attendance. Hundreds of mourners were on hand for the noon funeral, as visitors filled the 1,000-seat sanctuary and many more lined the side walls. Outside before the service began, numerous police officers and vehicles were visible outside, offering a sense of security following the deadliest anti-Semitic attack in U.S. history. Two wooden caskets were placed in the front of the sanctuary and beneath a soaring arch displaying the Jewish profession of faith: "Hear O Israel, the Eternal is our God, the Eternal is One." Rabbi Jeffrey Myers chanted a poignant funeral prayer in Hebrew and paid tribute to the brothers. They could illustrate a dictionary definition for "pure souls," he told the packed service. They had "not an ounce of hate in them, something we're terribly missing in society today," said Rabbi Myers, himself a survivor of the attack. To their parents, he said: "You gave us this beautiful gift of Cecil and David. We thank you for sharing that gift with us. The gift was taken way too soon, but how rich our lives have been" for them. There were only a couple of references to how they died. But throughout the service, people paying tributes to the brothers described their warm, innocent and welcoming spirit, the exact opposite of the malevolence that claimed theirs and nine other lives. Speakers paid tribute to the brothers, who lived together at a community home for adults with developmental disabilities, as "gentle giants" who had distinct personalities and had a shared spirit of welcome and impish senses of humor. Rabbi Jonathan Berkun of Florida, who grew up with the Rosenthal brothers at Tree of Life as the son of now Rabbi-Emeritus Alvin Berkun, recited the 23rd Psalm in Hebrew in a high tenor chant before reading it in English, beginning with, "The Lord is my Shepherd." And the elder Rabbi Berkun said the brothers were faithful attendees at synagogue services every week for 35 years. "No stranger would walk into our shul (synagogue)" without the brothers providing a greeting and a prayer book, he said. He said if he were to ask the brothers where they would want to spend their last moments, he's certain they would want to be at Tree of Life. "Our brothers, Cecil and David, were men, but as most people here know, we referred to them as 'the boys,'" said one of their sisters, Diane Rosenthal. "Maybe this was because they were in a sense like boys, not hardened like men oftentimes become with age and experience." They would embrace "joy and love and happiness, without any judgment or resenting people or hate. " Michael Hirt, their brother-in-law, said David was an "intensely hard worker" at every job, whether cleaning at work or at helping in his mother's kitchen. "He was fanatical about keeping things clean," he said. He loved to carry a police scanner with him. "David loved anything relating to the Police or the Fire Department," he said. He said their phone conversations often began with David saying, "Michael, the police are looking for you," with the reply, "No, David, they're looking for you." "Cecil Rosenthal was the "consummate politician," said Mr. Hirt. "He knew everyone's business. He knew if your mother was sick or if your grandmother had died." Under other circumstances, he said, David might have been a movie star, Cecil the "mayor of Squirrel Hill," he said. Mr. Hirt said in his last phone conversation he had with the brothers, they were looking forward to the annual family Thanksgiving in Florida. "Thanksgiving will never be the same for me," Mr. Hirt said. "We were much more enriched by them than they were by us." The service drew mourners from near and far, and some in the congregation were Christian ministers wearing clerical collars. "We're from all walks of life, and we need to stand together," said the Rev. Jack Lolla, a local Presbyterian minister. Tomer Hillel traveled here on a bus with about 35 people from Beth Sholom, a congregation in Potomac, Md. The group came to show "solidarity," said Mr. Hillel, who wore an Israeli flag on his shoulders and is an Israeli representative to the Jewish community in the Washington area. At the end of the service, pallbearers brought the caskets up the two center aisles of the sanctuary. A funeral procession then left to the Tree of Life Memorial Park in the North Hills. Rabbi Aaron Bisno of Tree of Life read a letter of condolence from Roman Catholic Bishop David Zubik of Pittsburgh, a friend of the Rosenthal family who has been to their home for Shabbat dinner. He told David and Cecil's parents, Joy and Eliezer Rosenthal: "There are not enough words for me to express my heartfelt pain with you. Thank God, we can share with each other at this tender time the language of the heart, which contains within it the power of God's consoling love." Peter Smith Bill Schackner: bschackner@post-gazette.com, 412-263-1977 and on Twitter: @Bschackner. Peter Smith: petersmith@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1416; Twitter @PG_PeterSmith. Three men were killed Monday evening in separate shootings that happened within an hour in Philadelphia, police said. The first fatal shooting happened just after 6 p.m., when a 20-year-old man and two teens were shot while sitting in a car with a fourth male on the 4700 block of North 11th Street in the city's Logan section. The man, identified Tuesday as Tony Pitts, of the 1200 block of Sanger Street, was wounded at least eight times. Police rushed him to Einstein Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 6:18. The teenage victims a 17-year-old boy who was wounded in the left buttock and a 16-year-old boy who was shot three times in the right arm and once in the back were reported in stable condition at Einstein. Police said they were looking for a single gunman who was dressed in all-black clothing. Around the same time, a 24-year-old man was shot in the head by a woman on the 1200 block of West Tucker Street in North Philadelphia, police said. The victim, identified as Michael Gaffney, who lived on the block, was taken to Temple University Hospital. where he was pronounced dead at 6:22 p.m. Then, shortly before 7 p.m., a 29-year-old man was shot once in the buttocks by an unknown assailant on the 5400 block of Euclid Street in Overbrook. The victim, identified as Durrell Miller, of the 5300 block of Berks Street, was taken to Lankenau Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 7:22 p.m. No arrests have been announced in any of the homicides. Earlier Monday afternoon, a 16-year-old girl was shot but survived in West Philadelphia. That shooting occurred around 3:30 p.m. in the 5500 block of Baltimore Avenue. The girl was taken by private vehicle to Mercy Philadelphia Hospital with wounds to her left shoulder and left torso. She was listed in stable condition. In this March 15, 2010, file photo, Ali Charaf Damache arrives at the courthouse in Waterford, Ireland. Read more An al-Qaeda operative who recruited a Montgomery County woman known as "Jihad Jane" for a 2009 plot to assassinate a Swedish cartoonist was sentenced Tuesday by a federal judge in Philadelphia to 15 years in prison. Ali Charaf Damache, 53, pleaded guilty in July to conspiring to provide material support and resources to terrorists, and agreed to the 15-year maximum prison term. On Tuesday, District Judge Petrese Tucker formally accepted the deal. Damache was indicted in 2011, and has been in custody in Philadelphia since his extradition from Spain last year. Damache, wrapped in a drab olive jumpsuit and wearing black-frame eyeglasses, told the judge that he believes in freedom and knows "it is never given on a silver plate." "I am strong believer in democracy," the Algerian-born Damache said. "And all that rubbish had said against me has no sense. I have never been to any country where I practiced for the jihad whatsoever." Tucker granted Damache's request to be extradited back to Ireland after he finishes his sentence. Damache has dual citizenship in Ireland and Algeria. The judge said he could serve his sentence in a prison in the Northeastern United States, as he requested. "Mr. Damache was the driving force behind this conspiracy," said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams. "He preyed on vulnerable Americans in order to get them to fly out to Europe and join a violent terrorist cell that he was forming." Damache is the fourth and final defendant to receive his sentence in the controversial case, which has spanned more than nine years and stretches back to the early days of the war on terror. During the late 2000s, he recruited U.S. citizens and brought them to Europe as part of a plan to train them in explosives and send them to Western countries to conduct violent acts, hoping they could more easily move across borders. His first recruit was Colleen LaRose, a Pennsburg woman who drew attention after converting to Islam online, and then for participating in fiery extremist rhetoric in online Muslim communities under the user name "Jihad Jane." Damache, using the name "theblackflag," found LaRose along with Jamie Paulin Ramirez, a single mother from Colorado, and Mohammad Hassan Khalid, a former high school honors student from Maryland. In 2009, Damache persuaded LaRose and Ramirez to join him in Ireland, where he said they would prepare an attack on Lars Vilks, a Swedish artist whose work depicting Muhammad's head on the body of a dog offended some Muslims. LaRose became disenchanted and left the group before an attack could be carried out, calling an FBI tip line seeking money to return home. LaRose, 55, was sentenced in January in Philadelphia to 10 years in federal prison. Ramirez, 39, and Khalid, 24, were released after serving their sentences. Joshua Yannuzzi, 24, of Honey Brook, Pa., accused of secretly videotaping dozens of women in restrooms spanning Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland. Read more A West Chester University student secretly recorded dozens of women in a campus arts center restroom as well as restrooms in area theaters and homes over the last two years, and uploaded at least one video to a website for others to watch, authorities said Tuesday. Joshua Yannuzzi, 24, was charged with more than 100 counts of crimes including invasion of privacy, wiretap violations, and distribution of obscene materials, according to the Chester County District Attorney's Office. Yannuzzi, of Honey Brook, has been banned from the university, where he studied musical theater, authorities said. Investigators have tracked down more than 20 women who were recorded, and said there are potentially many more. Yannuzzi, who actively participated in the West Chester theater community, targeted young women he knew through theater and other activities and surreptitiously taped his smart phone to various surfaces in bathrooms to record them using the toilet, authorities said. Police began investigating Oct. 10, when a woman using a gender-neutral bathroom at the university's E.O. Bull Center for the Arts noticed a phone was taped to the bottom of the sink and was recording video with an app. She alerted university police, who in turn contacted Chester County Detectives' computer forensic unit. Investigators traced the phone to Yannuzzi. When questioned by police, he admitted he began filming women in the campus bathroom during the spring of 2018 and made 30 to 50 recordings, authorities said. In a search of his phone, investigators recovered more than 90 "bathroom voyeurism" videos taken in 10 bathrooms. In addition to the one on campus, Yannuzzi recorded in bathrooms at the Footlighters Theater in Berwyn, Genesius Theatre in Reading, and Street Lamp Productions in Rising Sun, Md., police said. He also is suspected of making recordings in home bathrooms in West Chester, Reading, Philadelphia, and Rehoboth Beach, Del. According to the criminal complaint, at least 45 of the videos were taken in the arts center bathroom, which has no stalls. Anyone who lived or worked with Yannuzzi in theater productions could be a potential victim, investigators said, and should contact Chester County Detective Robert Balchunis at 610-344-6866. St. Cyril of Alexandria Roman Catholic Church in East Lansdowne has been the backdrop for some of the most important moments of Amanda Lynch Titerence's life. Baptisms, First Communions, weddings, all held in the cavernous, gilded church studded with rainbow-hued windows. There were funerals, too, providing comfort and grace in times of sadness after the deaths of her grandfather and brother. The church, she said, is a mainstay in the small, mostly Catholic borough. "People from kindergarten to 90 years old people in this area know St. Cyril's," said Titerence, 35. But the future of St. Cyril's, founded in 1928, remains uncertain. The church's pastor says the building urgently needs repairs that far exceed what the congregation can afford. Leaks have damaged the interior and people can no longer come in through the main entrance, the Rev. Paul Castellani said in a recent memo to parishioners. He did not specify the cost of repairs, but said it was prohibitive. As a consequence, he said, St. Cyril's would hold its last Mass on Christmas. He stopped short of saying the church, which came under nearby St. Philomena's parish in a 2013 merger, would shut down. Reached by phone, Castellani deferred to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Ken Gavin, spokesman for the archdiocese, said any decision to close the church after Christmas Mass would hinge on a formal canonical process called a "request for relegation." "As that process has not yet been initiated, I would not be able to comment further at this time on that matter," Gavin said in an email. Longtime current and former parishioners, including many from the borough's thriving Haitian community, had long suspected that the church was not doing well. Recent years, parishioners say, have not been kind to St. Cyril's or to several other local churches that have closed or merged with nearby parishes amid dwindling attendance and a sex-abuse scandal that has roiled the Catholic Church for more than a decade. "I don't want to see the plug necessarily pulled, but I fear that's what's going to happen," said former parishioner Nicholas Hoyt. He was baptized at St. Cyril's, but when he married in 2006, the service was held at St. Philomena's, about a mile away in Lansdowne. Titerence, too, was baptized at St. Cyril's. She remembers when there were daily Masses at the church. Today, there are just two Masses each week: one in English, the other in Haitian Creole. "It's a time to gather with our own community," said Walky Joseph, who has attended the Haitian Mass at St. Cyril's for 12 years. "We are all Haitian. We gather, we do the same things, we have the same goals." But over time, parishioners said, many faithful attendees have moved away, leaving behind thinly filled pews. At a recent Sunday morning Mass, parishioners quietly greeted each other, then turned to kneel in prayer, some clasping their hands to their foreheads. As the church doors closed at the start of Mass, the sparsely filled hall fell silent as the familiar communal prayers began. Titerence, a longtime Delaware County resident, nearly winces, thinking that St. Cyril could shut down. "Generations of my family have gone there," she said as she sat at a lacquered wooden booth in a nearby coffee shop on a recent sunny afternoon. "We would go every Sunday. My grandparents would be in the choir and sing beautifully. I mean, the church would be packed. Every Sunday." Titerence, a mother of four, hopes the church will stay open long enough that one day her children could get married there. "It's the pillar, the backbone, of East Lansdowne," she said. Titerence recalls how, in 2006, when the parish school was threatened with closure, Tommy Geromichalos, a St. Cyril sixth grader who was battling cystic fibrosis, implored through the Make-a-Wish Foundation that his school remain open, contrary to the plans of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. It worked. Donations poured in and the doors stayed open. Years later, the school, though no longer affiliated with the archdiocese, still stands. Now, with the pastor's memo in mind, Titerence said, she and others are looking for ways to raise money for the church. "It's a shame it sometimes takes something like this to open people's eyes," she said. The future of the church ultimately lies largely with Castellani, who in tandem with his parish finance and pastoral council advisory bodies makes decisions for St. Cyril, Gavin said. Propelled by her attachment to St. Cyril, Titerence is looking for any way to keep the church going. She's got two months. "For it to fall apart in shambles like this," she said, "it's just heartbreaking." PITTSBURGH A mourning family doesn't want to meet him. Top members of his own party refuse to join him. The mayor has explicitly asked him not to come. And yet President Trump plans to visit this grief-stricken city Tuesday, amid accusations that he and his administration continue to fuel the anti-Semitism that inspired Saturday's massacre inside a synagogue. The president and first lady Melania Trump are scheduled to arrive in the late afternoon, several hours after the first funerals are held for the 11 victims of the mass shooting at Tree of Life synagogue. More than 1,000 people have so far signed up for a demonstration at the same time declaring Trump "unwelcome in our city and in our country." Congressional leaders from both parties Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.), Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.), and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D.-Calif.) have all declined invitations to join Trump on his visit, according to three officials familiar with matter. So had at least one of the victims' families. Trump offered to visit with the family of Daniel Stein, a 71-year-old who had just become a grandfather when he was gunned down at Tree of Life. Stein's nephew, Stephen Halle, said the family declined. It was in part because of the comments Trump made in the immediate aftermath of the shooting, when he suggested the synagogue should have had an armed guard. "Everybody feels that they were inappropriate," Halle said Tuesday the same day his uncle was set to be buried of Trump's remarks about security. "He was blaming the community. "A church, a synagogue, should not be a fortress. It should be an open welcoming place to feel safe. " Trump has not announced whether he will visit Squirrel Hill the predominantly Jewish neighborhood where the synagogue is located and many victims lived. Tree of Life has been closed since Saturday's rampage, which was allegedly carried out by a man who had ranted online that Jews were bringing "invaders in that kill our people. " The suspect, Robert Bowers, was referring to a Jewish group that worked with refugees in the United States. Trump has repeatedly referred to migrants as dangerous invaders, and did so again in a tweet on Monday. The president has also repeatedly denigrated "globalists" despite warnings from Jewish groups that the word is code for Jews in anti-Semitic circles, and appeared in one of Bowers' online rants. Trump's supporters, however, paint him as a friend to Jews, pointing out his support for the Israeli government and his strong condemnations of "evil" anti-Semitism on Saturday. "I'm just going to pay my respects," Trump said in a Fox News interview Monday evening. "I'm also going to the hospital to see the officers and some of the people that were so badly hurt. So, and I really look forward to going. I would have done it even sooner, but I didn't want to disrupt anymore than they already had disruption." Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, who has called out "hate" in U.S. political speech since some of his congregants were gunned down, has said he plans to welcome the president. The accused gunman is an avowed anti-Semite. "Hate is not political. It is not blue or red, it's not male or female, it doesn't know any of those divisions," Myers told The Washington Post on Monday. However, Tree of Life's former rabbi, Chuck Diamond, told the Daily Beast that Trump's rhetoric was "awful." Like Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto (D), Diamond asked the president to postpone his trip until the community has finished mourning. "I would plead with the president to wait," Diamond said. "I also hope he would come in and offer his condolences after we have buried them and had a chance to mourn. " Funerals are scheduled to run at least through Friday. Tens of thousands of people have signed an open letter published by a progressive Jewish organization, Bend the Arc, saying that Trump would not be welcome unless he denounced white nationalism and stopped "targeting" minorities in his rhetoric and policies. "For the past three years your words and your policies have emboldened a growing white nationalist movement," the letter says. "You yourself called the murderer evil, but yesterday's violence is the direct culmination of your influence. " Aside from his rhetoric, Trump has been criticized for repeatedly responded to mass shootings by suggesting that more armed people could have changed the outcomes, even though armed officers have been present at multiple rampages in recent years, including at a Parkland, Fla., high school, an Orlando nightclub and the Fort Lauderdale airport. Trump made the same suggestion after the attack on the synagogue, although the gunman shot three police officers before he was captured. The White House woke up to a new furor on Tuesday morning, as video spread virally from a Monday evening rally in which Vice President Pence prayed for the synagogue's victims with the leader of a "Messianic synagogue" who urges Jews to accept Jesus as the Messiah a movement condemned by Jewish leaders as Christian evangelism in disguise. A Pence aide told The Post that Rabbi Loren Jacobs was invited to the Michigan rally by Lena Epstein, a Republican congressional candidate, and said Pence did not know who the religious leader was when he called him onstage "to deliver a message of unity. " As The Post's Isaac Stanley-Becker reported, Jacobs invoked "Jesus the Messiah" and "Savior Yeshua" another name for Jesus at the rally as he offered a prayer for the dead and wounded in Pittsburgh. "God of Abraham, God of Isaac, God of Jacob, God and Father of my Lord and Savior Yeshua, Jesus the Messiah, and my God and Father, too," he intoned. The first funeral of two brothers, Cecil Rosenthal, 59, and David Rosenthal, 54, who had gone to Tree of Life synagogue since they were young boys is expected to take place Tuesday. Peduto asked the White House to consider "the will of the families" before deciding to visit and to contact them to see "if they want the president to be here. " Peduto said "all attention [Tuesday] should be on the victims." He also pointed to the logistical issues raised by a presidential visit, which requires intense security measures. "We do not have enough public safety officials to provide enough protection at the funerals and to be able at the same time draw attention to a potential presidential visit," Peduto told reporters Monday. The man accused in the attack the deadliest on Jews in American history made his first court appearance Monday, two days after the massacre. Robert Bowers, a 46-year-old truck driver, was using a wheelchair in federal court because of injuries he sustained in a gun battle with police at the synagogue in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood. He allegedly told authorities upon his arrest that he was seeking to kill Jews, and repeated that pronouncement when he arrived in the emergency room at Allegheny General Hospital, where some of the doctors and nurses who treated him were Jewish. Magistrate Judge Robert C. Mitchell read the charges against Bowers, including obstruction of exercise of religious belief resulting in death. Bowers, dressed in a blue sweatshirt and gray sweatpants, appeared coherent and alert. He said little, answering "yes" when the judge asked whether he had requested a public defender because he could not afford an attorney. He was being held without bail. It did not appear that Bowers had any friends or family members present at the courthouse. The federal public defender's office did not respond to requests for comment about the case. One person who did attend the hearing was Jon Pushinsky, 64, a member of one of the congregations that meets at Tree of Life. "It was important to be here to show our congregation remains strong and will stand up, even in the face of evil," Pushinsky said. White House press secretary Sarah Sanders announced Monday that Trump and the first lady planned to visit Pittsburgh to "express the support of the American people and grieve with the Pittsburgh community. " White House officials had said earlier in the day that they were pushing the president to cancel a potential speech Tuesday on immigration and visit this city instead. The president, who has four "Make America Great Again" rallies scheduled this week, is clamoring to get back on the campaign trail, they said. Critics of Trump have said that his incendiary rhetoric has contributed to a rise in extremism and could be perceived by radicals as a green light for violence. Last week, a South Florida man who has been a fervent Trump supporter, Cesar Sayoc, was charged with mailing more than a dozen pipe bombs to people and organizations that Trump has criticized. But Trump on Monday blamed the news media which he again described in a tweet as "the true Enemy of the People" for the divisions in U.S. society. Sanders echoed that during a testy White House news briefing. Selk and Berman reported from Washington. Kayla Epstein and Tim Craig contributed reporting from Pittsburgh. Seung Min Kim, Josh Dawsey, Alice Crites, Julie Tate, Joel Achenbach, Isaac Stanley-Becker, Amy B Wang, Annie Gowen, Felicia Sonmez, Sari Horwitz and Aaron C. Davis contributed from Washington. Robert Bowers cut short his time in high school, worked for a small trucking firm, and became enamored of extremist theories circulated online. He moved through the Pittsburgh area, primarily the South Hills, leaving relatively little impression before he emerged Saturday as the suspect charged in the fatal shooting of 11 people at the Tree of Life Congregation in Squirrel Hill. Mr. Bowers' family has not communicated with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, but online resources suggest a troubled early life. There were recent warning signs, but they may have been invisible, except to those in a remote corner of the social media landscape. The Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks the activities of extremists, on Monday released an analysis of Mr. Bowers' online social media activity. The center found that, "in the 19 days before Bowers carried out his act of mass murder, he posted or reposted memes and comments at least 68 times." Many of those reflected "antisemitic conspiracy theories that have long been in circulation among neo-Nazis and white nationalists," the center found. The analysis indicated that Mr. Bowers seemed to be influenced by white nationalist fixations on the caravan of Central Americans moving through Mexico, and by fringe "white genocide" theories that Jews and minorities were, in combination, threatening whites with "extinction." Mr. Bowers, in his posts, did not support President Donald Trump, and circulated memes characterizing the president as a puppet of Jewish interests, the analysis indicated. Two days before the attack, Mr. Bowers reposted on Gab.com a meme expressing disappointment with the federal conspiracy and rioting indictments against some participants and organizers of the Rise Above Movement, in relation to the August 2017 Unite the Right rally that led to the death of one counter-protester. "First Trump came for the Charlottesville 4 but I kept supporting Trump because he is better than Hillary Clinton," it read, in part. "Then Trump came for me and the [sic] was no one left " In the last sentence posted on his Gab.com account "Screw your optics, I'm going in" Mr. Bowers was almost certainly referring to a debate in the white nationalist movement over whether adherents should be concerned with public opinion, according to the analysis. Mr. Bowers, 46, of Baldwin Borough, is accused in the shooting deaths and charged with 29 federal counts, including obstruction of exercise of religious beliefs resulting in death and use of a firearm to commit murder during a crime of violence, among others. He also faces charges at the state level, including 11 counts of homicide, six counts of attempted homicide, aggravated assault and ethnic intimidation. An online family tree posted by a member of Mr. Bowers' extended clan indicates that his father was the late Randall G. Bowers. News reports from 1979 indicate that Randall G. Bowers, then 27, was charged in 1979 with rape, and was found six months later in a picnic area near the Tionesta Dam, dead from an apparently self-inflicted rifle wound to the chest. The Baldwin-Whitehall School District on Monday confirmed that Mr. Bowers attended the district's high school, but not for four full years. The only mention of Mr. Bowers the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette was able to find in his high school yearbooks was a junior year portrait, in Baldwin High School's 1989 yearbook. He is not listed as taking part in any clubs or activities, and classmates reached by the newspaper said they had no recollection of him. According to one list of area trucking workers, Mr. Bowers has worked at B. Keppel Trucking in Pittsburgh's Fairywood neighborhood. No one answered phones or doors there on Monday morning. In 2015, when Mr. Bowers was ticketed in Cranberry for operating a vehicle without the proper identification marker displayed, he was driving a white International truck owned by Pam Transport Inc., out of Tahlequah, Okla. According to the ticket, he was living then on Fieldcrest Drive in Whitehall. A Pam Transport spokeswoman could not be immediately reached for comment. Although police say he possessed four guns at the time of the attack, he is not known among area firearms aficionados, according to several sources with deep knowledge of the Second Amendment community. The school district, in a statement from Superintendent Randal A. Lutz, indicated that Mr. Bowers, attended the high school from August 1986 to November 1989. That timeline suggests that he did not graduate, but the district indicated that any other details are considered confidential. "It is my firm belief that our focus must remain, not on the gunman, but on honoring the lives of the victims and offering our unwavering support to the victims' families," wrote Mr. Lutz. "I know the entire Baldwin-Whitehall community feels a deep sense of shock and sadness and we grieve together with the victims' families, our neighbors in Squirrel Hill and our friends in the Jewish faith." He added: "By learning to see our classmates, coworkers, and neighbors as ourselves, we each take one step closer to living in a stronger, safer, and more loving community. When we value one another despite our differences, the idea of harming another becomes unthinkable." Federal prosecutors have begun seeking approval to pursue the death penaltyfor Mr. Bowers, according to the U.S. attorney's office in Pittsburgh. City officials have called Saturday's attack the "darkest day in Pittsburgh's history." Mr. Bowers appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert C. Mitchell Monday afternoon at the federal courthouse in Downtown. Mr. Bowers, who authorities said went into the Tree of Life synagogue armed with an AR-15-style assault rifle and three handguns, was shot by police during Saturday's incident. He underwent surgery. According to the affidavit of probable cause, Mr. Bowers told authorities while he was receiving medical treatment that "he wanted all Jews to die and also that they (Jews) were committing genocide to his people." Authorities say Mr. Bowers also used a social networking site Gab.com to express hatred for Jews and immigrants in the weeks prior to Saturday's shootings. Mr. Bowers was released from Allegheny General Hospital at 9:45 a.m., and was taken immediately to the federal courthouse, Downtown, for his initial appearance on hate crime charges and other charges related to Saturday's shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in Squirrel Hill that left 11 dead and six others injured. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. For the last 16 years, Alfredo Bedolla has been harvesting mushrooms at Mother Earth Organic Farms in Chester County, a dirty job that requires waking up before dawn and working for up to 12 hours in cramped spaces with manure compost. The cremini and portabella mushrooms at Mother Earth grow in wooden beds stacked about two feet apart, forcing those who pick them to bend and crouch in uncomfortable positions in darkened rooms. Amid the loud music playing while the harvesters pick mushrooms, there is also political talk. Those in Chester County's mushroom business have a big stake in the midterm elections. >> VOTERS GUIDE: View candidates in the 2018 midterm election based on your address, or browse all the action in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware >> SIGN UP: Get daily text messages on key issues leading up to the election Workers at the Mother Earth farm can't take more than one day a week off. The reason: Stricter limits on immigration under the Trump administration have made it harder for the county's four dozen mushroom farmers to hire all the employees they need. "It used to be that even if people didn't have all their papers squared away, they could still come and go and get jobs," Bedolla said in his native Spanish. "Now with the government system we have, it's more difficult." Bedolla immigrated from Mexico to the United States to work in the 1980s and eventually achieved legal status. His children, educated at American schools, have no interest in picking mushrooms, and neither do most of the children of the other immigrants who currently work at the farms. So far, the farms have not had any luck in trying to recruit workers born in the U.S. to harvest mushrooms. Bedolla said that he's seen Americans white and black try the job and quit two days later. And it's not the pay.The wages at the farms are reasonable (an average $14 an hour, depending on how fast a worker can pick), in addition to health care and retirement benefits. The employees receive no overtime pay. For generations, mushroom harvesting in the U.S. has been the work of immigrants, first Italians, then Puerto Ricans and, in the last two or three decades, Mexicans. The region's 47 growers say they are short about 1,000 workers. "We would all like to expand, we would like to grow, we would like to build more houses and employ more people, but we're not doing that because we don't know if we can even finish picking the houses we already have," said Meghan Klotzbach, a sixth generation farmer who is regulatory manager at Mother Earth Organic Mushrooms in West Grove. "The demand is there. We want to produce for the country, we want to grow our company, but we just can't." With the Trump administration cracking down and prioritizing immigrants with specialized, high-tech skills, the mushroom growers say year-round farmers like them need help. The mushroom industry has been pressing Democrat Chrissy Houlahan and Republican Greg McCauley, who are vying for the open and newly drawn Sixth Congressional District seat, for help when one of them gets to Washington. The candidates have heard from the growers and the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce about the crisis, but they have not discussed it much publicly. When asked about it, McCauley said he would push for an immigration plan that would allow undocumented immigrants to apply for a work visa that would let them remain in this county legally while pursuing citizenship. "They would be able to work for the farmers, and they would have a great job and the industry would have the workers it needs to survive," McCauley said. One of the main federal visas used for agriculture, the H2A, is for seasonal or temporary workers; mushroom growers say they need year-round workers. There are other ways to get a green card, but according to immigration lawyers it's a process that can take years. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services spokesman Michael Bars said in a statement that each year many "law-abiding individuals" who are seeking better opportunities in the U.S. are allowed to come here and work. He said decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. "The administration has been relentlessly pursuing merit-based policy and regulatory immigration reforms, including a thorough review of employment based visa programs so they benefit the American people to the greatest extent possible in fulfillment of the President's Buy American, Hire American Executive Order," Bars said. Peter Gray, a manager at Phillips Mushroom Farm in Kennett Square, one of the largest growers, said it is short about 60 harvesters. And it's not for lack of trying. "I'm so short I pretty much have to hire anybody that's still walking and can do some work, and it's slim pickings," Gray said. For the first time in decades, the mushroom industry in Pennsylvania saw annual production drop in 2016, from 587 million pounds, to 573 million pounds, and again slightly dropped in 2017. Things aren't looking any better in 2018. "That's what a lot of these politicians don't seem to understand. It's all 'Oh these immigrants are taking American jobs,'" Gray said. "Well, I'm not finding Americans who want to do this work. I hire them. They come two or three days and then that's it, they don't show up." Wendy Castor Hess, a Philadelphia-based immigration attorney, said she is hearing the same from many other mushroom farmers. "Bottom line is, U.S. workers don't want to cob manure at 1 a.m. This is hard agriculture labor," Hess said. "Now, what you have is the old timers who were legalized under the special agricultural worker program in the '80s, and there's no new source to bring in new workers." The Southern Chester County Chamber created a Mushroom/Agriculture Labor Crisis Task Force to help the mushroom farmers seek alternative labor solutions. Mother Earth has partnered with the Coatesville VA Hospital to train and employ veterans in mushroom farming. So far, four employees have come from that partnership, but they are working on the operations side, not picking mushrooms, which is the real need. On a recent day, Bedolla was supervising a group of 10 harvesters in a nearly 9,000-square-foot room full of mushrooms ready to be picked. There should've been a crew of 20. They need to allow more Hispanic people to come, because they might actually want the jobs but cant come here, he said. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania lay stones at a memorial for victims of the massacre at Tree of Life synagogue, Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, in Squirrel Hill. At right is Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, who survived the shooting. Read more President Donald Trump and his family visited the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh this afternoon to pay respects to those affected by the Saturday shooting in the synagogue that left 11 dead. Tree of Life Rabbi Jeffrey Myers accompanied the president and his family inside. They came out at 5:01 p.m., after about 18 minutes. Rabbi Myers led them down the Wilkins Avenue sidewalk and stopped at the memorial on the corner of Shady Avenue in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood. One by one, the president and first lady moved down the line of memorial stars signifying the names of the 11 victims. Mr. Trump placed a stone at each memorial; the first lady placed a white rose. Then the motorcade left for UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Oakland, where they entered for a private visit with wounded victims. Air Force One touched down at 3:42 p.m at the Pennsylvania Air National Guard's 171st Air Refueling Wing in Coraopolis. Mr. Trump exited the plane with First Lady Melania Trump, followed by his daughter, Ivanka, and son-in-law Jared Kushner. The president's motorcade then traveled through Squirrel Hill. Mr. Trump told Fox News Monday evening he would "go to the hospital to see the officers and some of the people that were so badly hurt" in the shooting this past Saturday at the synagogue. Shortly before Mr. Trump arrived at the synagogue, a crowd was continuing to grow at Northumberland Street and Shady Avenue. Traffic slowed more than usual. Police told people to get out of the street and onto the sidewalk. "I don't want to be here for Trump," one woman told a friend. One man used strong language to criticize the president for indirectly causing the shooting. "We're burying our friends!" A woman disagreed with him. They calmed. Police radios crackled. Buses smoked past. One man who said he lives nearby addressed one corner, saying, "I don't want to let Trump in. I don't think he should have a photo op on our grief." Tensions spiked at this intersection as marchers coming from Beechwood Boulevard met police with sirens blazing and at least one man was wrestled away by officers. Protest organizers using a microphone connected to speakers ordered the group, "Turn your back and follow the march!" "Turn your back and follow the march!" over and over. The sirens stopped. The crowd calmed. And the march proceeded down Northumberland, singing softly its prayer as before. The Pittsburgh Public Safety Department asked residents and commuters to avoid the East End this afternoon and to be patient when encountering traffic delays due to temporary road closures for Mr. Trump's visit. "We understand protests are planned, but we are confident all involved will spend today focusing on the victims and their families, some of whom are burying loved ones today," the department said in its statement. Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto declined a White House invitation to appear with Mr. Trump during the president's visit today, Peduto spokesman Timothy McNulty confirmed. That's because the mayor's "sole focus is on the funerals" after the mass shooting Saturday at the Tree of Life synagogue in Squirrel Hill, Mr. McNulty said Tuesday morning. The White House also invited top leaders of the House and Senate to join the president in Pittsburgh but all declined. Their offices gave various reasons, although one Washington source familiar with the event plans said Mayor Bill Peduto's wishes played a role in their decisions. A spokesman for House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi confirmed that along with similar postponement requests by other local officials - was her reason for declining. A spokesman for House Speaker Paul Ryan said the invitation came on Monday and he wasn't able to travel on such short notice. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell's spokeswoman said the event conflicted with two events in Kentucky where he was scheduled to speak. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer's office also cited a scheduling conflict. "The city's sole focus is on supporting the families," Mr. McNulty said. Mr. Peduto was to attend a service today for Cecil and David Rosenthal, two of the 11 people who died. The Peduto administration said late Monday that the mayor would not appear with Mr. Trump. Earlier in the day, Mr. Peduto said the White House should consult with families before finalizing a visit. He said a presidential visit right now would strain public safety resources in the city, asking that Mr. Trump hold off while funerals are happening. At least two were expected today. The Public Safety Department's statement issued Tuesday afternoon said "We assure residents that Public Safety is prepared for this visit, thanks in part to assistance from multiple partner law enforcement agencies." Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald also is not meeting with Mr. Trump, county spokeswoman Amie Downs said in a message. Gov. Tom Wolf doesn't plan to appear with him, either. His campaign spokeswoman, Beth Melena, said the governor based his decision on input from the victims' families who told him they did not want the president to be there on the day their loved ones were being buried. The White House has not released an itinerary for Mr. Trump's visit. Air Force One is expected to arrive at Pittsburgh International Airport shortly before 4 p.m. The president is traveling "to express the support of the American people and to grieve with the Pittsburgh community," the White House said in a statement Monday. "Well, I'm just going to pay my respects," Mr. Trump told Fox News Channel's Laura Ingraham. "I'm also going to the hospital to see the officers and some of the people that were so badly hurt." Mr. Trump has called the attack a "wicked act of mass murder" that "is pure evil, hard to believe and frankly something that is unimaginable." Anti-Semitism "must be confronted anywhere and everywhere it appears," he has said. This story is developing. Check back for updates. Adam Smeltz: 412-263-2625, asmeltz@post-gazette.com, @asmeltz. Bob Batz and Andrew Goldstein contributed to this report. In a standing-room-only Philadelphia courtroom on Tuesday, Michael White, charged with the stabbing death of developer Sean Schellenger near Rittenhouse Square, was held for trial on third-degree murder. New details about the high-profile case emerged when two witnesses testified that they saw White, 21, a food deliveryman, holding a knife as Schellenger grabbed him and lifted him off the ground. Municipal Court Judge Charles Hayden ruled that there was enough evidence to hold White for trial on charges of third-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, and possessing an instrument of crime. Erik Peterson, a server at Spice Finch, a restaurant at 17th and Chancellor Streets, said that shortly before 11 p.m. on July 12 he saw two men, one black and one white, talking on Chancellor when White, delivering food on a red bicycle, "inserted himself in the conversation." After Schellenger turned to White, Peterson said, he couldn't hear what was said. But he said he saw White draw a knife in his right hand and hold it slightly behind his hip, the two men a few feet apart. White moved back, holding up his left hand as if signaling to stop, Peterson said. Schellenger, 37, lowered his head and "charged" White, who raised the knife higher, Peterson said. The men fell to the ground, Peterson said. "I saw the fall and rising of the knife, but that's when I turned away," he said. White, dressed in a cream shirt, striped tie, and sweater jacket, did not say anything openly during the hearing. He appeared solemn. Outside the courthouse, Schellenger's mother, Linda, said, "Justice was served today." The judge "listened to the facts, and he made sure justice is occurring," she said. "People didn't know the facts. They know them today." The family had been worried that the judge would toss out the third-degree charge and hold White only for manslaughter. "While Sean isn't coming back, I hope that we can help pave the way for violent crimes to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and find a voice for victims and their families in this city that Sean loved," she said. >>READ MORE: Anatomy of a deadly clash Hayden took White off house arrest and ordered that he report in person to the probation office every two weeks, a move that upset Schellenger. "I'm sad for the streets we walk," she said. Tanya James, White's aunt, did not respond to requests for comment. Her nephew has been living with her and her husband at their Overbrook home while under house arrest. Schellenger's death brought together parallel lives in a neighborhood of trendy restaurants and put a spotlight on what divided him and White race and money, success and desperation. In Courtroom 306, Schellenger's family and friends wore blue oval buttons that read, "Justice for Sean." White's supporters donned white T-shirts with the words, "Freedom for Michael." They sat shoulder to shoulder, while latecomers stood against the wall in the stuffy courtroom, where several sheriff's deputies kept watch. Norris Jordan, the other witness Tuesday and a longtime friend of the developer, also described the deadly encounter. After leaving Rouge, a bistro on Rittenhouse Square, before 11 p.m., Jordan drove Schellenger and another man up Chancellor toward 17th, and were blocked by a beige car, he said. Schellenger got out and asked the driver to move. White interjected himself into the discussion, Jordan said. Their voices grew louder, and White went to "grab for his backpack and try to open it," Jordan said. "He was frustrated that it wouldn't open at first, but he pulled it a few times and it opened." "You want this?" Jordan said he heard White ask Schellenger. Then he warned, "You don't want this." Schellenger, a high school wrestling champ, wrapped his arms around White's waist "in what looked like a wrestling move," Jordan testified, and lifted White's feet off the ground. In "a very strong, aggressive move," White went over Schellenger's back and they fell to the ground, Jordan said. Anthony Voci Jr., chief of the homicide unit at the District Attorney's Office, said a toxicology report showed that Schellenger's blood alcohol level was 0.199, which is more than twice the legal definition for drunken driving. A vitreous test, which samples the fluid in the eyeball, turned up a trace of cocaine, Voci said Tuesday. "This was a street fight that turned deadly," White's attorney, Dan Stevenson, said at the preliminary hearing. "What has caused the press to parachute in and the courtroom to be packed is the intersection of class and race." "A very large, a very drunk, rich white man" tackled a "poor black kid who was defending himself in a physical assault," Stevenson said in court. After the hearing, Voci said, "Race and class has nothing to do with this case. It's two human beings who got into a verbal confrontation and ended with one dead. The reality is, no one is going to know what was going through Sean's mind at that time." He added: "He was trying to disarm a dangerous person who had drawn a knife for no reason whatsoever after interjecting himself into an argument." Father Dennis Gill, center, speaks during a press conference to unveil the tomb for St. Katharine Drexel, at left, inside the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia. Read more The relocated tomb of St. Katharine Drexel, the Philadelphia heiress who gave up her fortune for a life devoted to helping marginalized communities, was unveiled by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia on Tuesday in its new home at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul in Center City. The modest sarcophagus of beige sandstone was moved in August from the 44-acre Bensalem estate of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, a religious community founded by St. Katharine in 1891. Her remains had been at the Bucks County shrine for 63 years, but the religious order has suffered a crippling decline in membership. The nuns can no longer maintain the estate and are selling the property. In a news conference, the Rev. Dennis Gill, rector of the cathedral, described the move as St. Katharine "coming home" to a house of worship that was important to her and her family. The tomb, now open to the public, is on the chapel-side aisle in the rear of the cathedral, next to an altar dedicated to the Drexel family. It sits below an arch-shape mosaic commemorating the 41st International Eucharistic Congress, held in Philadelphia in 1976. The mosaic depicts Catholic life in Philadelphia, including an image of St. Katharine. The archdiocese will officially mark the installation of the remains with a Mass scheduled for 11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 18, at the cathedral, with Archbishop Charles J. Chaput presiding. >>READ MORE: Remains of St. Katharine Drexel to be moved to the Cathedral "The fact that she is no longer at the Motherhouse is a loss for me," said Sister Donna Breslin, president of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. "But I believe many people will come to know about her in her new home. Most important, they will know about the mission that God entrusted to her and her community." The religious community has an agreement of sale with Bucks County-based Aquinas Realty Partners, which plans to build a senior housing complex on the parcel. Another property owned by the order, of 2,200 acres, has a prospective buyer, Breslin said. Proceeds from the sale will be used to fund international charitable initiatives and care for the order's aging nuns. The community has 87 sisters, ranging in age from the early 50s to nearly 100. Most live at Paul's Run, a continuing care community in Northeast Philadelphia. The order's administrative offices remain on the Bensalem estate. >>READ MORE: St. Katharine Drexel shrine estate under contract to developer St. Katharine was the daughter of a wealthy investment banker. The socially prominent Drexels regularly distributed food, clothing, and monetary support to poor families, and St. Katharine and her sisters participated in the philanthropic efforts as children and adults. When she asked Pope Leo XIII for help staffing an American Indian mission she was supporting, the pontiff suggested she become a missionary. St. Katharine decided to devote her life to assisting American Indians, African Americans, and poor people. She entered the Sisters of Mercy convent in Pittsburgh in 1889 and founded the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament two years later. She was canonized in 2000. The tomb's construction was underwritten by a grant from the Connelly Foundation, a nonprofit charitable organization based in West Conshohocken. The donation also will also fund a new communications and education program about St. Katharine. Frank Wenzel, a sixth-grade math teacher at Tamaqua Area Middle School and head of the teacher's union, opposes arming teachers and school employees. Tamaqua Area School District in Schuylkill County has become the first in the state to pass a policy providing for teachers and other school employees to carry firearms. Read more TAMAQUA, Pa. The school board president said he imagines a sign posted outside each building, something like: "Staff members at this school are armed. If you wish to do harm, enter at your own risk." Others in the Schuylkill County town imagine very different scenes when they think of the Tamaqua Area School District's new policy to arm employees: A student stealing a teacher's gun. An employee accidentally firing a loaded weapon. A chaotic hallway, a stampede of students, a teacher not sure exactly who to aim at. The main drag in this once-thriving coal town alternates between empty storefronts and local businesses. A memorial stands to long-gone anthracite railroad workers. Hills rise around the borough; a train lumbers through carrying a few loads of the still-mined coal. After Columbine, the school district got metal detectors, which are no longer used. Now, students carry transparent backpacks. In the wake of the Parkland, Fla., school shooting, the Tamaqua board decided that wasn't enough. Last month, it unanimously passed a policy allowing teachers and other employees in their four schools to carry firearms, becoming the first in the state to do so. The measure reflects national anxiety about school shootings as well as the sharp disagreements about how to prevent them. "We're not trained law enforcement officers," said Frank Wenzel, head of the teachers' union. Teachers "might target shoot, but that's not the same as someone who's dealt with situations like a police officer would've. We're trained to educate and to teach, not react with a firearm in a dangerous situation." Nicholas Boyle, the 29-year-old school board member who spearheaded the new policy, says it is the best way to stop an active shooter. With enough staffers participating, a shooter wouldn't know who was armed and might be deterred from targeting the campus at all. "This is the end-game policy for, what if the apocalypse happens," Boyle said. "They say 'Our job's to teach,' and I agree with that, but as soon as the gunshots start happening, nobody's going to be teaching anymore." Guns have long been a way of life in this part of the state. Under the policy, administrators, teachers, or other employees of the district could volunteer to carry firearms during the school day. Boyle and school board president Larry Wittig hope to sign up about 20 to 30 staffers for training, then assign them to rotations so about 12 people three per school building are armed at a time. Public worry about school shootings heightened after 17 were killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland on Valentine's Day. In that tragedy's wake, gun-control advocates pushed universal background checks and other steps. Gun-rights proponents proposed arming teachers and fortifying schools, ideas supported by the National Rifle Association. At least 15 states already allow school employees to be armed, and 16 others allow school districts to approve armed-staffer policies, according to an early 2018 Vice News analysis. After the December 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, legislation to arm teachers or other school employees was introduced in 33 states, including Pennsylvania. But no law passed in the Keystone State; a proposal this session died in the House without a vote. Current state law does not specifically permit a school board to pass an armed-employee policy, nor does it explicitly prohibit it. Possessing weapons on school grounds is approved for a "lawful purpose," but that purpose is undefined. Tamaqua schools, which have about 2,500 students, have never had a mass shooting. Under the policy, the district's armed school staffers would be required to carry their handguns in holsters on their bodies. They would regularly complete firearms training courses, including instructions on when the use of deadly force is justified, along with lethal weapons training by the state police. Though the policy contains rules for "district-issued weapons," Wittig said they'd like teachers to use their personal firearms. The board also passed a separate policy providing a $2,000 yearly stipend and $250,000 in insurance for each employee who signs up. Boyle, heading the board's security committee, drafted the policy after reading about recent school shooters and examining area school districts that use resource officers, he said. Those designated armed guards would be too expensive for his district, Boyle said, based on a salary estimate of $120,000 per guard with five to 12 guards for the four schools. Some critics of the policy questioned the board's research and cost analysis. Liz Pinkey, a 45-year-old mother of three, said she thought the board should start the conversation over and involve local law enforcement, teaching staff, parents, and other community members. She is among a group of mothers who would prefer school resource officers and mental health services. "I don't think they honestly can say they've explored every other option," Pinkey said. "We do need to have a conversation about how is best to keep our kids safe but the best way to do that isn't two or three people in a room making deals." Boyle said employees would cover more ground than a school resource officer could; he and Wittig said the teachers would be better trained than police officers because their training will be specific to the local school buildings, an assertion critics questioned. Boyle said about 11 people had told him they were interested in carrying. "We will have, in essence, a Tamaqua School District police force," said Wittig, who stepped down last year as chairman of the state Board of Education after Inquirer reports about his past sexual relationships with teens, but remains the local school board president. The policy was passed at a sparsely attended school board meeting in September. After locals found out about it from an article this month in a newspaper, several showed up to a board meeting to protest. "The majority of teachers are against this policy. We do not want it; we do not feel that it is our responsibility to hold a gun and take this under our additional duties as teachers," Wenzel said at the meeting. The board has set a special meeting for Nov. 7 to hear alternative proposals. "I want to have this public discussion," Boyle said. "The policy could be rewritten, it could be changed, it could be thrown out. If somebody has a solution, I want to hear it." Meanwhile, Boyle said, district officials are moving forward, surveying staffers about their interest in participating and setting up training. The board will also work with police to prepare an emergency plan for a mass casualty situation. Blue Mountain School District, about 25 minutes southwest of Tamaqua, passed a confidential policy allowing for armed staffers in 2013, but it does not encourage the training and arming of teachers. The district has four armed custodial employees. "Our philosophy is that teachers' primary responsibility is to secure the safety of the students, not to engage in armed intruders. We do not have any teachers [armed] nor do we have plans to arm any teachers," said superintendent David Helsel. The Pennsylvania State Education Association, like the National Education Association, opposes arming teachers, and is conducting a legal review of the Tamaqua policy, a spokesman said. Three-quarters of American educators oppose the idea, according to a poll of NEA members. "I don't feel that it's the teachers' responsibility to have to carry guns to protect students," said Karen Tharp, 49, a former teacher and mother of Tamaqua graduates, who currently has one child and three grandchildren enrolled in district schools. "There are just hundreds of things that can go wrong in this scenario if this is not what you're trained to do." Tharp and other critics of the policy said they don't view it as a political or gun control issue. "This isn't pro-gun or anti-gun. This has nothing to do with whether I like guns," said Pinkey, who describes her family as gun-loving. "This is just not good, safe gun handling. It has to be loaded and immediately accessible, and that is just not what you want to have in a room full of 5-year-olds." This story has been updated to include information about Blue Mountain School District. Frank Wenzel, a sixth-grade math teacher at Tamaqua Area Middle School and head of the teacher's union, opposes arming teachers and school employees. Tamaqua Area School District in Schuylkill County has become the first in the state to pass a policy providing for teachers and other school employees to carry firearms. Read more Throughout our region, Jewish communities spent Monday honoring those lost in this weekend's mass shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue. Today, President Trump is set to visit the city and, for many, the grieving process is just beginning, so there is much more to come as Squirrel Hill looks for ways to move forward. Meanwhile, this morning we have an all-too-timely report on a Pennsylvania school district that's reacting to mass shootings by allowing teachers to carry guns. The school board may have passed the landmark policy, but the debate is far from over in Schuylkill County. By the way, if you're a smart speaker fan and want to listen to your morning news, I'm happy to report that you can now hear the Philadelphia Inquirer on Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and your favorite podcast apps. Reading this online? Sign up here to get this newsletter delivered to your inbox every morning. Aubrey Nagle (@aubsn, morningnewsletter@philly.com) READ MORE: This Pa. school district is set to be first where teachers carry guns Last month, the school board for Tamaqua Area School District in Schuylkill County, Pa., passed a landmark policy allowing teachers and employees to carry firearms. Guns are a way of life in rural Schuylkill County, but this reaction to national school shootings has highlighted the region's sharp disagreements about how to prevent them. Where some see teachers saving lives in the event of a tragedy, others see more opportunities for things to go dangerously wrong. READ MORE: Hebrew day school students start week with prayers for Pittsburgh shooting victims Students at Jewish schools and academies throughout the region began their week memorializing the 11 people killed at Pittsburgh's Tree of Life synagogue Saturday. They sang songs of solidarity, recited psalms, or wrote prayers while teachers tried to answer their tough questions. Residents of the Squirrel Hill neighborhood where the anti-Semitic attack took place continue to grieve. One friend has found comfort hearing the voice of one of the victims in an old voicemail. President Trump will travel to Pittsburgh today but so far leaders at Tree of Life have been split on whether they'd welcome his visit. Meanwhile, a preliminary hearing for the accused mass shooter is set for Thursday morning. READ MORE: In contrast to Pa., N.J. House contests, a very different Trump effect defines key Senate races This election season the Philadelphia region has been dominated by House races which, across the country, show a path to a potential Democratic majority. But those campaigns have found their polar opposite in key Senate races where Republicans are hopeful of keeping their stronghold and are embracing Trump's agenda. Looking for more information ahead of next week's elections? Don't miss our voters guide and check out Clout, a weekly newsletter from our politics team. What you need to know today Through Your Eyes | #OurPhilly Those light trails give the Society Hill Towers a fresh look, @datleib. Tag your Instagram posts or tweets with #OurPhilly and we'll pick our favorite each day to feature in this newsletter and give you a shout out! Thats Interesting Opinions "We can give people a chance at a better life, whether they are born in Philly or Aleppo or Tegucigalpa, in Keren or Kuringu or Khartoum. America is a place that people go when they have nowhere else. That cannot be erased by a bloody morning in Pittsburgh." Rona Buchalter, director of Refugee Programming and Planning for HIAS Pennsylvania, on Following this weekend's shooting in Pittsburgh, Shira Goodman of gun violence prevention organization CeaseFirePA has compiled a list of questions those tired of gun violence should be asking their elected officials. Cartoonists around the country have captured America's fear following last week's pipe bomb mailings and the Pittsburgh shooting. What were reading Your Daily Dose of | Glamour Philadelphia's own James Galanos may be America's most unsung fashion designer, columnist Elizabeth Wellington writes. Now Drexel University is showing off his glamorous garments. Dhaka: Bangladesh and Myanmar agreed on Tuesday to begin by November the repatriation of hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims who fled to Bangladesh to escape a Myanmar army crackdown, though doubts about a speedy return are likely to persist. More than 700,000 Rohingya refugees crossed from the west of mostly Buddhist Myanmar into Bangladesh from August last year after Rohingya insurgent attacks on the Myanmar security forces triggered a sweeping military response. "We are looking forward to start the repatriation by mid-November," Bangladesh`s Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haque told reporters in Dhaka after a meeting with a Myanmar delegation led by senior foreign ministry official Myint Thu. Myint Thu hailed what he called a "very concrete result on the commencement of the repatriation". "We have put in place a number of measures to make sure that the returnees will have a secure environment for their return," he told reporters. However, the U.N. refugee agency said conditions in Rakhine state were "not yet conducive for returns", stressing that they must be voluntary. Necessary safeguards are "absent" in the region, where it has had only limited access amid continuing restrictions for media and other independent observers, it said. "It is critical that returns are not rushed or premature," UNHCR spokesman Andrej Mahecic told Reuters in Geneva. "We would advise against imposing any timetable or target figures for repatriation." CITIZENSHIP DEMANDS Leaders of the largely stateless Rohingya community have said they will not return without various demands being met, including the right to Myanmar citizenship. "We have some demands but the government of Myanmar didn`t do anything to meet them. How can we go back?" said Mohib Ullah, a Rohingya leader now living in southeast Bangladesh. "What about our citizenships, our rights and our demand to go back to our land ... our own houses?" The Myanmar delegation will visit the Rohingya camps in the border district of Coxs Bazaar on Wednesday. Earlier this month, Bangladesh`s foreign minister said Myanmar had cleared the list of 8,000 Rohingya people sent by Dhaka for verification after last years deal. The two countries first reached a deal last November to begin repatriation within two months, but it has not started. Rohingya are still crossing the border into Bangladesh, with nearly 14,000 arriving this year, according to U.N. officials. U.N. rights investigators issued a report in August accusing Myanmars military of acting with "genocidal intent" and calling for the countrys commander-in-chief, Min Aung Hlaing, and five generals to be prosecuted under international law. Myanmar has denied accusations of ethnic cleansing and says its actions were part of a fight against terrorism. Bangladesh`s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina told Reuters last month that under no circumstance would the refugees be allowed to remain permanently. Hasina, who faces a general election at the end of the year, also accused Myanmar of finding new excuses to delay the return. Myanmar, however, has blamed Bangladesh for the delay and says it is ready to take back the refugees and has built transit centres to house them initially on their return. Given the delays, Bangladesh has been preparing new homes on a remote island called Bhasan Char, which rights groups have said could be subject to flooding. The Congress party on Tuesday released a music video, mocking Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje. A parody of a popular Rajasthani folk song Holiya mein ude re gulal the song refers to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader as ahankari Maharani (arrogant queen). The video, released by the Congress party in the run up to the Rajasthan Assembly elections, also takes a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah, referring to them as jumla waalo. Several allegations have also been levelled on the Rajasthan Chief Minister in the video. The first line of the song itself alleges that Raje has brought the state in a poor shape. Raje has also been accused of making false promises in the name of Kaushal Vikas and Swachhta Abhiyan. It has further been alleged that the conditions of roads have worsened while the burden on the state exchequer has also increased. The video also refers to the alleged ties between Raje and former Indian Premier League chairman Lalit Modi, who has fled the country. Apart from these, the video alleges nexus between Raje government in Rajasthan and the mining mafia. The video has been released amid fierce campaign by all parties for the Rajasthan Assembly elections. The polling for 200-seat Rajasthan Assembly will be held on December 7 and the result will be declared on December 11. This was a term which came to be known during the time the UPA was the ruling dispensation, Digvijay Singh used it liberally trying to name every attack as 'Saffron Terror'. This colour of terror was sought to be attributed to every terror attack which happened when the UPA was at the helm. The common refrain was terror has no religion. Terrorism, whatever may be the cause, is not acceptable. But in the same breath, Mecca Masjid, Samjautha Express, Malegaon, Ajmer Sharif and other terror attacks were branded as 'Saffron Terror'. In 2010, Mr P Chidambaram had eloquently spoken on the vice of saffron from the Deoband seminary in Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh. Digvijay Singh did use it repeatedly as I have stated above. Sushil Kumar Shinde, the Home Minister who succeeded P Chidambaram also publicly stated the existence of 'Saffron Terror' in 2013. 'Saffron Terror' or 'Hindu Terror'? On quite a few occasions, I have been asked about the existence of 'Saffron Terror'. My common refrain would be there was no 'Hindu Terror'. Are they different? Indeed, they are. However, my fear was that if the saffron terror existence or its genesis is explained to them they will immediately divert and misconstrue. Next day headlines would presumably be 'former MHA Internal Security official confirms existence of Saffron Terror'. Even without that, even when the 26/11 Mumbai attacks were actually happening, a book titled '26/11/2008 - RSS ki Saazish' was under print. But it took a backseat due to the capture of Ajmal Kasab and overwhelming evidence, in spite of P Chidambaram not sharing the full inventory of evidences with Pakistan (refer to Answer to Lok Sabha Starred Question No. 78 answered on 2.3.2010). What actually is 'Saffron Terror'? Readers may like to recall that 90 percent of India's saffron is grown in the Kashmir Valley. Particularly, a place called Pampore in the Kashmir Valley is where highest concentration of saffron plantation is. I earnestly mean saffron as a cash crop. We also know that saffron as a commodity is valued and worth its weight in gold. Such is the high value of the saffron proceeds. Genocide of 1990s and the Rubaiya Saeed kidnapping Now may I take the readers to the genocide of Kashmiri Pandits beginning 19th January, 1990, onwards. May I also recall for the benefit of the readers that few days prior to that the kidnap drama of Rubaiya Mufti had also been enacted. The Government of India was headed by Vishwanath Pratap Singh, with Mufti Mohammad Saeed as the Home Minister who was also the father of allegedly kidnapped victim. Hence, with little effort at negotiation the Pakistani assets were released in exchange. Joining the dots All these facts may look totally disconnected but they are all connected. How? Let us get it here. Rubaiya Saeed's sister Mehbooba, who is the political heir of her father, has been always batting for cross-border trade with PoK and the Muzaffarabad-Srinagar road connections and such other things. I have already brought out in my earlier blog that when on August 12, 2008, the Amarnath agitation was at its peak, she illegally entered PoK and came back with protestors. She should have been arrested there and then, but the government chose not to do so. Trade route to PoK Trade between the Kashmir Valley and PoK and Pakistan by proxy is thriving, irrespective of the Government of India's nod. This also enables the vice of overstating the quantities and overstating the price as well as over-invoicing and hence resulting in money laundering. You may recall arrest of a trader Devinder Singh Behl by NIA in 2017 is one standing evidence of this malaise. This laundered money was used for terror funding in the Kashmir Valley in the 1990s. The Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) was the pioneer in cornering this laundered money for their nefarious activities. Lashkar-e-Toiba, Hizbul Mujahideen, Harkat-ul-Mujahideen, Teherik-e-Kashmir were others who were benefiting from this. Funding of terror in 1990s in the Valley The reason for this way of fund raising was that in the 1990s there was no internet, internet banking, core banking, Western Union money transfers, or bank branches all over the country for easy transfer of money. Saffron was a high value item and would fetch huge amounts required for funding such activities. Also, it was an agricultural product with no definite input-output norms. Therefore, it could easily facilitate the over invoicing. How genocide suited their agenda Why then was the genocide of Kashmiri Pandits carried out? The mujahids' repulsions for the Pandits was one reason. But more importantly, many of the Pandits displaced had landholdings with saffron, apricot and chinar as cash crops. Hence, to drive the Pandits out was a necessity to perpetuate and expand this money laundering, which was required for funding the terrorism. Larger Islamisation of the Valley indeed was one primary purpose and driving them out of the Valley meant killing two birds with one stone for the Kashmiri terrorist. Mufti family's interests Here is how the Mufti family played into the stage-managed kidnapping. Mehbooba, as I have already explained, was always hobnobbing with the lobby wanting trade over the border of the Valley and PoK, although they knew it meant trade by proxy with Pakistan. With Pakistan's unholy designs, it was indeed known to these persons that Islamabad would pay an incentivised price through which they could also line their pockets. It is evident from the fact that 21 separatist leaders who raided by NIA as late as 2017 had amassed assets which could put any industrialist to shame. Indeed, this input was there with the government in 2007, and again in 2009 and 2010. But the government chose to look the other way. This is the reason terrorism in Kashmir was funded by money laundered through saffron cultivation. The driving out of Pandits was a ruse to perpetuate this besides fitting into their agenda. This is the true 'Saffron Terror'. It had nothing to do with religion. But Digvijaya Singh, P Chidambaram and Sushil Kumar Shinde conveniently used it to malign Hindus. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) RAIPUR: A Doordarshan cameraman and two security forces personnel were killed in an attack by Naxals in Aranpur in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district on Tuesday. A cameraman from national broadcaster Doordarshan died after his crew was attacked by Maoists in election-bound Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district, according to news agency ANI. #UPDATE Two security personnel have also lost their lives in the attack by Naxals in Dantewada's Aranpur #Chhattisgarh https://t.co/VbvIfLHkFn ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2018 The deceased cameraman was identified as Achyutananda Sahu. Prasar Bharti, in a tweet, condoled his untimely death. Prasar Bharati parivar condoles the death of Cameraman Achyutananda Sahu earlier today near Dantewada in Chhatisgarh. Our prayers with his family during this difficult moment. pic.twitter.com/BQOMg4Jo04 Prasar Bharati (@prasarbharati) October 30, 2018 Sharing more information, DIG P Sundarraj said, ''Today our patrolling party was ambushed by Naxals in Aranpur. Two of our personnel were martyred and a DD cameraman was also injured and later succumbed to injuries. Two more personnel were injured in the attack.'' Two injured security personnel were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment, he said. Dantewada Naxal attack: Two security personnel who were injured brought to hospital. Two security personnel and a DD cameraman lost their lives in the attack. #Chhattisgarh pic.twitter.com/ZiqbwiNbNs ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2018 The Union I&B Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore too expressed shock and grief over his death. ''We stand in solidarity with the family of the cameraman, we will take care of his family. We salute all those mediapersons who go for coverage in such dangerous situations, remember their bravery,'' Rathore told ANI. The fresh attack by the home-grown rebels comes three days after four soldiers of the Central Reserve Police Force were blown up in a powerful blast by the Maoists in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district. The incident took place after the Maoists blew up their anti-landmine vehicle. Two other CRPF jawans were also seriously injured in the improvised explosive device blast. The CRPF personnel killed by the Naxals included one Assistant Sub-Inspector, one head constable and two constables. Anti-Naxal Operation DIG P Sundar Raj later said, "Four Central Reserve Police Force personnel (one ASI, one head-constable, two constables of 168 Battalion) lost their lives in an IED blast in Awapalli Police Station area in Bijapur. Two injured jawans were sent for medical treatment." Fresh Naxal attacks have come at a time when the state is due to hold elections for 90-seat assembly in two phases - November 12 and November 20. The Maoist-affected districts of southern Chhattisgarh will vote in the first phase of polling. Interestingly, on Monday, Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had claimed that the number of Maoist-affected districts has reduced from 150 to 78-80 over the years. Prasad said this while campaigning in Chhattisgarh. NEW DELHI: The government in Delhi has orders the closure of as many as 417 polluting units as the air quality deteriorated further in the national capital on Monday. The decision in this regard was taken after pollution levels were recorded at the alarming levels in Delhi and predicted to soon come under the ''severe '' category. During a meeting held on Monday, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal directed the authorities to shut down at least 113 polluting industries, including 67 in highly-polluted Bawana and Narela, for not converting to piped natural gas. The meeting was attended by Delhi Environment Minister Imran Hussain and Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA) Chairman Bhure Lal, among others. During the meeting, Delhi Pollution Control Committee officials informed that they have deputed environment marshals for night patrolling in several pollution hotspots including Bawana, Narela, Mundka, Nangloi, Punjabi Bagh, Dwarka, Anand Vihar, Bhalaswa and Ghazipur. Baijal directed more deployments of environment marshals. Meanwhile, the health experts have cautioned people to abstain from any form of brisk physical activity even in indoor gymnasiums as the air quality declined in Delhi and NCR. The Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi was at 367 points on Monday against 366 on Sunday and in "very poor" category. However, it varied in different parts of the city. The AQI for Ghaziabad was worst in the entire NCR at 430 points, a rise of 15 points in 24 hours, and remains in the "severe" category. It was most polluted also in terms of PM2.5 at 347 units. In Gurugram, the AQI was 389 or "very poor" against 403 or "severe" on Sunday. TK Joshi, an Environment Health Advisor with the Union Ministry of Environment, said that contrary to the common perception, indoor exercise including in gyms is unlikely to lessen the effects of pollution. "In these conditions, physical exertion, especially indoor gyming, is not good for the cardiovascular system and should be avoided. The houses or indoor gyms are not air-tight and most of the time they are as polluted as the outdoors, particularly if there are limited vents in buildings," Joshi said. "Only leisure walking in parks, which are at least 500 meters away from major roads, or walking in parks having good green cover is a better option," he added. Joshi said even masks may also not be of much use given the high levels of pollutants. "Masks would rather harm those with heart and lung ailments. Even efficacy of N95 or N99 masks depends on how it fits on the face. It can tackle only particles to a limited extent and not gases," Joshi said. Polash Mukherjee, a Senior Research Associate with the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), said that any kind of cardiovascular exercise, "even if done indoors, will have an adverse effect on health". Almost all places in the NCR saw a rise in the major pollutants - PM2.5 and PM10 - in the air with diameters less than 2.5mm and 10mm, respectively. She said some international studies have noted that particle pollutants have a direct effect on life expectancy. The average concentration of PM2.5 and 10 in Delhi on Monday was 228 microgrammes per cubic meters and 420 units, against 217 and 402, respectively, on Sunday. Across 48 areas in NCR, the average PM10 volumes saw a spike up to 407 units from 394 units a day earlier. PM2.5 levels were 221 on Monday and 234 on Sunday. The safe limit for PM2.5 is 60 units as per national standards and 25 units according to the international standards. For PM10, up to 100 units is safe from national standards and 50 units international standards. In Delhi, 17 of 36 regions had "severe" or "severe-plus" air quality at 7 p.m on Monday, based on the high levels of particle pollution. Rohini in west Delhi was the most polluted with PM2.5 recorded at 366 units. Six other regions in the national capital -- Jahangirpuri (323) and Vivek Vihar (315) in east Delhi, Narela (310) in west, Anand Vihar (315) in east and Punjabi Bagh (312) in north - also had PM2.5 levels over 300 units. (With IANS inputs) Panaji: Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has called for a cabinet meeting at his residence in Panaji on Wednesday. "Chief Minister Parrikar has called for a cabinet meeting at his residence tomorrow. This goes to prove that the Chief Minister is working and is committed towards good governance," Goa Minister Vijay Sardesai told ANI on Tuesday. Earlier in the day, Parrikar chaired the Goa Investment Promotion Board (GIPB) meeting at his residence to discuss and approve projects before the board. On Monday, Goa Congress spokesperson Jeetendra Deshprabhu had claimed that Parrikar, who has not been seen publicly in the last few days, may not be alive. Deshprabhu`s statement came a day after Goa`s health minister Vishwajit Rane had revealed that Parrikar`s is suffering from pancreatic cancer. The Goa Chief Minister was discharged from Delhi`s All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on October 14 after undergoing treatment for a pancreatic ailment. Parrikar`s ill health has resulted in the Congress claiming that there is a leadership crisis in the state. The party has also been demanding that they should be allowed to form the government owing to the alleged lack of stability. MUMBAI: All seven accused in the 2008 Malegaon blasts case were on Tuesday charged with terror conspiracy, murder and other offences by an NIA court. The next date of hearing in the case is November 2. The trial court had earlier in the day rejected one of the accused Lt Col Prasad Shrikant Purohit's plea to defer the framing of charges and said that the charges are ready. Soon after the trial court framed the charges, all seven accused pleaded not guilty. Earlier on Monday, the Bombay High Court had refused to stay framing of charges by the trial court. However, it had agreed to hear a petition filed by Purohit challenging his prosecution under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The court fixed November 21 as the date of hearing and directed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) counsel Sandesh Patil to file a reply to the accused's plea by then. HC noted that in the past, both the Supreme Court and the Bombay HC had passed orders directing the trial court to expedite the hearing in the case. The trial in a criminal case commences after charges are framed. Six persons were killed and over a 100 injured when an explosive device strapped on a motorcycle went off near a mosque in Malegaon on September 29, 2008. Besides Purohit, the other accused in the case are Pragya Singh Thakur, Major (retd) Ramesh Upadhyay, Sameer Kulkarni, Ajay Rahirkar, Sudhakar Dwivedi and Sudhakar Chaturvedi. Hyderabad: Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday urged Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu to form a united front along with the Congress. In a telephonic conversation, Akhilesh stressed the need for an alliance and to bring other parties under a single umbrella. He also mentioned that it is the responsibility of all to protect the democracy in the country. Both the leaders further discussed the contemporary political scenario and developments. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav had a telephonic conversation with TDP chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu today. Both the leaders discussed about present political developments. Yadav stressed for need of unity of all opposition parties. (File pics) pic.twitter.com/HEqrWJGXLv ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2018 Earlier, Naidu had claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) government was complicit in the Rafale scam. Akhilesh and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati had also, in unison, blamed the state BJP cadre for the increase in crime in Uttar Pradesh. As the battle lines for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls are being drawn, the politicians have become proactive in looking for prospective alliances. Last week, Naidu had met a number of leaders in the national capital, including Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, former union minister BJP leader Yashwant Sinha, National Conference (NC) Chief Farooq Abdullah and Mayawati, among others. New Delhi: Bhavye Suneja's family was eagerly waiting for him to return home for Diwali, a feature at their Delhi residence that has continued for years. That wait tragically ended Monday for all times to come. Suneja, 31, was flying the Lion Air flight JT610 which lost contact with ground officials, 13 minutes after taking off from an airport in Indonesia, and crashed into the Java Sea, tragically ending all possibilities of his homecoming. The distraught family struggled to accept the news, when they saw on television that the plane Bhavye was flying had crashed. His mother, Sangeeta Suneja, was in tears. With folded hands, she requested mediapersons gathered outside their Mayur Vihar residence to "please pray for us". Neighbours recalled Bhavye as a "sweet boy". They had seen him grow and were shocked on hearing about his sudden death. "My daughter studied with Bhavye in school. Today, she called me from Dubai to say, 'Bhavye died' and expressed her shock," said the family's neighbour P K Sinha. "Bhavye's father has been putting up a brave front and has not cried but we know what he is going through." Sinha said Bhavye visited home for Diwali every year, and even this year he was to come. After he completed his studies at Ahlcon Public School in Mayur Vihar, Bhavye received his flying licence in 2009. His father, Gulshan Suneja, is a chartered accountant and his mother, Sangeeta, works with Air India. An Air India official said Sangeeta Suneja is working with passenger handling department of the airline at Delhi Airport. Bhavye married in 2016 and was based in Jakarta with his wife Garima Sethi, a former manager at the Indian Express. Bhavye's younger sister, Ruhaani, aspired to become a pilot, just like her brother, neighbours said. "The Sunejas had gone to visit Bhavye for Raksha Bandhan and were very happy. He would always acknowledge elders and we would often see him around Diwali," said Renu Nagpal, another neighbour. "He was to come for Diwali on November 5. Ruhaani and my daughter are school friends and she was here till late on Sunday night discussing about her brother and Diwali plans." One of Sangeeta Suneja's friends, who requested anonymity, said Bhavye's sister "has been in denial" and the family still hopes he could be alive and return to them. The Indian Embassy in Jakarta confirmed Monday afternoon Bhavye died in the crash. "Our deepest condolences on the tragic loss of lives in the Lion Air Plane crash, off the coast of Jakarta today. Most unfortunate that Indian Pilot Bhavye Suneja who was flying JT610 also lost his life," the embassy said in a tweet. Recalling his memories of Bhavye, Anil Gupta, another neighbour, said he used to play with him when Bhavye was a kid. "His mother was leaving for work when they heard about the plane crash on television and since then, they have been hoping that Bhavye is fine," Gupta said. Kalicharan, a washerman who has known the family for 25 years, said, "Kuch log achhe hote hain aur kuch bahut achhe. Yeh log bahut achhe hain." (Some people are nice, but some are very nice. This family is very nice.) He said Bhavye was an "ever-smiling" person and then he broke down. The Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft that Bhavye was flying en-route to Pangkal Pinang city crashed near Kerawang, 32 miles east of Jakarta. He had an experience of 6,000 flight hours and the co-pilot more than 5,000 flight hours, the airline said in a statement. According to Bhavye's LinkedIn profile, he had been working at Lion Air since March 2011 and was also a trainee pilot with Emirates between September and December 2010. GANDHINAGAR: Former Gujarat chief minister and Shankersinh Vaghela has taken a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his ambitious 'Statue of Unity' project and called it a "marketing gimmick" of the BJP government. The veteran Gujarat leader even asked the PM to first unite the CBI and the RBI both are currently at the loggerheads with the Centre before unveiling the 'Statue of Unity', which is a tribute to the country's first Home Minister Sardar Valabhbhai Patel. "Which unity are you talking about?" the former BJP leader asked while talking to reporters here. "First unite the CBI, the RBI. Unite for saving the downfall of the Indian rupee, unite for bringing down fuel prices," he said. The caustic remarks from the veteran leader came at a time when the Prime Minister is slated to unveil 182-metre 'Statue of Unity' the tallest statue in the world - at Kevadia in Narmada district on the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel on Wednesday. Further commenting on the reported infighting between the top brass of leading institutions like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Vaghela said that the PM should deal with this crisis first and then speak of unity. "When you are talking about Sardar, release the jailed Patidar youth," Vaghela asserted, referring to Alpesh Kathiriya, a close associate of firebrand Patidar leader Hardik Patel, who is in jail on sedition charges. PAAS leader Hardik Patel too faces similar charges. "There can be no comparison between the simplicity and austerity of the 'Iron Man of India', Sardar Patel, and the construction and the motive behind the 'State of Unity'. The project is of around Rs 3,000 crore, a sheer wastage and unproductive expense of public money when Gujarat is laden with a public debt of Rs 2,50,000 crore," Vaghela said. Vaghela, who was credited with building the BJP in Gujarat with Narendra Modi in tow in the late 80s and early 90s, asked, "Why the sudden love for Sardar whose very name you did not like once?" Recalling a past instance, Vaghela said that there was a time when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat and during an event on the naming of the Ahmedabad airport as the Sardar Patel International Airport, the BJP members dressed in black and waving black flags had vehemently opposed the event right in front of then Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda. "One shouldn't have the impression that these people love Sardar... This is just using his name to market themselves. They make a hue and cry of injustice meted out to the Iron Man. When I met Maniben, Sardar Patel's daughter, she said there was never any injustice to Sardar. He didn't even have the aspirations to be the PM. Which injustice are you talking about?" asked Vaghela. "I challenge these people to show me one instance of injustice to the great man," he said. "I see the unveiling of the Statue of Unity as a desperate attempt by the BJP to gain political mileage and nothing else. They are losing public support. Not a single work was done by this government in four-and-half years for the common man,'' Vaghela said. He stated that the ''tribals are unhappy, farmers are committing suicides... The government should listen to them before undertaking such a massive project.'' The Indian Army launched an attack on the Pakistani Army's administrative establishment in retaliation to the mortar shelling in Poonch and Jhallas on October 23, news agency ANI reported. The offices of the Pakistani Army which were targetted were based along the Line of Control (LoC) near Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir. The news agency also shared a video of the attack showing the establishment which were targetted. #WATCH: Pakistan army administrative HQ targeted along LoC near Poonch by Indian Army in retaliation to Pakistans mortar shelling of Poonch and Jhallas on October 23 pic.twitter.com/o0C6UJQqcr ANI (@ANI) October 29, 2018 On 23 October, an explosion took place inside an Army camp in Poonch district. Defence Ministry spokesman confirmed that it was caused by Pakistani shelling. "Today, approximately at 10.30 a.m., in a ceasefire violation, Pakistan troops fired a rocket-propelled grenade and also resorted small arms firing. One round landed on a barrel-type store shelter in Poonch, causing fire," Lieutenant Colonel Devender Anand had said on October 23. Initial analysis indicated that calibre 105/106 mm remote-controlled launcher was used by Pakistan troops to target the shelter. There were no casualties reported in the incident. "In Krishna Ghati (KG) sector also, at 5.35 p.m., one round of 82mm shell landed at Jhalas area. One muffled blast occurred at 6 p.m. This was misconstrued as a blast in the KG garrison." ** For the most up-to-date information on this topic, please click here . About a week ago I was reading some information with regards to... New Delhi: Civil aviation regulator - DGCA - has said that Boeing 737 Max aircraft with India-based airlines have not faced any technical issues. The comments from a senior Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) official came after a Lion Air operated Boeing 737Max 8 aircraft with 188 passengers onboard crashed into the sea shortly after take-off from Indonesia`s capital Jakarta on Monday. "Since six Boeing 737Max are operating with two Indian operators, i.e. Jet Airways and Spicejet, DGCA is in touch with M/s Boeing and FAA ((US aviation regulator) to know more details about the unfortunate accident," the official said. "Boeing has informed that as on September 2018, 219 737Max airplanes have been delivered across the world. As far as the operation of B737Max with Indian operators is concerned, no technical issue has been experienced by the operators." NEW DELHI: Senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal on Tuesday attacked the BJP and accused it of raking up the Ram Temple issue for political gains. The veteran Congress, who is also a noted lawyer in the Supreme Court, said that no one has stopped the ruling party from bringing a law for construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh. However, he was quipped ''have they (BJP) been sleeping for the past 4 years.'' Amid growing demands for a law on the vexed issues, Sibal said that the matter would be decided by the court concerned. ''Court will decide when will Ayodhya case be heard. It cant be decided by BJP or Congress. If they want to make a law, then make it. Congress hasnt stopped them. This issue is raised as elections approach. Have they been sleeping for last 4 years?,'' Sibal said while speaking to ANI. Court will decide when will #Ayodhya case be heard. It cant be decided by BJP or Congress. If they want to make a law, then make it. Congress hasnt stopped them. This issue is raised as elections approach. Have they been sleeping for last 4 years?: Kapil Sibal, Congress pic.twitter.com/8JIWPrH88w ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2018 Remarks from Sibal came hours after the Supreme Court deferred the Ayodhya Ram Janmabhoomi title suit hearing till January, triggering a debate on whether the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre must bring an ordinance to start the construction of the temple before 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government at the Centre must bring a legislation to pave the way for the construction of Ram temple. According to news agency IANS, Arun Kumar, Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh of the RSS, said that the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya will create a harmonious atmosphere, urging the Supreme Court to decide on the issue at the earliest. "The RSS is of the view that Ram temple must be constructed at the birthplace of Lord Ram and the place should be given to Ram Janmbhoomi Nyas. The construction of a temple will create a harmonious atmosphere. Taking this into account, the Supreme Court should take a decision at the earliest," the RSS communications in-charge said. "However, the government must bring a legislation to pave the way in case of any obstacles. The saints and the Dharm Sansad have been spearheading the Ram temple movement since the beginning and the RSS has supported them. We will stand by whatever steps they take," he further said. The Modi government is facing a stiff resistance from several corners, including some opposition parties. Speaking to Zee News, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Monday dared the ruling BJP to bring an ordinance on the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya. He said that any such move would violate the norms of the Constitution. The Hyderabad MP further said that the decision of the Supreme Court to defer the hearing in the Ayodhya Ram Janmabhoomi case till January 2019 must be respected. MUMBAI: After framing of charges in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, accused Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur has blamed Congress for the 'conspiracy'. She said that she was earlier given a clean chit but has been charged now. "Earlier, the NIA had given me a clean chit. Now, charges have been framed against me. This was a conspiracy by Congress but I am confident that I'll come out innocent as the truth always wins," Sadhvi Pragya Thakur said. She along with Lt Col Prasad Shrikant Purohit and five others were charged by the NIA court on Tuesday for terror conspiracy, murder and other offences. The next date of hearing in the case is November 2. All the accused were present in the court when the judge read out the charges against them and all seven of them pleaded not guilty of the charges. Six persons were killed and over a 100 injured when an explosive device strapped on a motorcycle went off near a mosque in Malegaon on September 29, 2008. Besides Purohit, the other accused in the case are Pragya Singh Thakur, Major (retd) Ramesh Upadhyay, Sameer Kulkarni, Ajay Rahirkar, Sudhakar Dwivedi and Sudhakar Chaturvedi. NEW DELHI: In a major development, the Supreme Court on Tuesday modified its previous ruling on the bursting of firecrackers on Diwali and allowed the state government to fix the timing for doing so during big festivals. The top court modified its earlier order by which bursting of firecrackers was allowed between 8 PM to 10 PM on Diwali, according to news agency ANI. The top court even allowed the state governments to fix the timing with a rider that the total timing must not exceed beyond two hours in a day. Supreme Court ordered the bursting of firecrackers in Tamil Nadu during Diwali for two hours. The two-hour slot has to be decided by the state government. ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2018 The top court also clarified that its order on burning green firecrackers will be applicable only in Delhi. The top court passed the order while responding to a petition filed by the Tamil Nadu government in which urged it to allow bursting of firecrackers on Diwali morning as per religious practices in the state, besides the already permitted period between 8 PM to 10 PM. The plea, filed through advocate B Vinod Khanna, sought modification of apex court order that allowed bursting of firecrackers from 8 PM to 10 PM on Diwali and other festivals and said the state should be given permission between 4.30 AM to 6.30 AM as well. According to the petition, as far as Diwali celebrations are concerned, each state or sect has a separate set of beliefs, traditions and culture and the apex court's restriction would amount to "rejecting the people with their due religious rights and would subject the people of the state into much hardship". "Diwali is a practice religiously and scrupulously followed by the Hindus from time immemorial and it had become a core and essential religious practice which is also protected under Article 25 of the Constitution as their fundamental right," it said. Diwali is celebrated in the state early in the morning to commemorate the death of Narakashura, the evil slain by the Goddess in the early hours of dawn, it said. The plea contended that the modification sought by it was in the interest of the environment. "It would be in the interest of environment not to subject the entire population to burst firecrackers within a stipulated short time as it would lead to la arger volume of emissions within a short span. Permitting people to burst firecrackers at two different times with due intervals would facilitate dissemination of the smoke. "Further, making fire and rescue facilities available in case of any mishap would also be convenient when crackers are burst at different points of time with intervals than in the case of the entire mass bursting crackers within limited hours," it said. The petition also sought permission to allow people to continue to celebrate Diwali in their traditional way by bursting firecrackers in the early morning as well as during the time fixed by the top court. "In view of the presence of large population of people from other states of India in Tamil Nadu, it is necessary to permit them to celebrate Diwali as per their religious practice in the evening hours," it said. The top court had on October 23, said that people in the country can burst firecrackers from 8 PM to 10 PM only on Diwali and other festivals and had allowed manufacture and sale of just "green crackers" which have a low emission of light, sound and harmful chemicals. It had carved out an exception for the Christmas and the New Year eve saying that crackers for these occasions would be burst between 11.55 PM and 12.30 AM, since these celebrations start at midnight. It also banned the manufacture, sale and use of joined firecrackers (series crackers or laris) saying that they cause "huge air, noise and solid waste problems". The apex court had said the noise and smoke emission limits of the crackers will have to be approved by the Petroleum and Explosive Safety Organization (PESO), under the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Ministry of Commerce and Industry. (With Agency Inputs) Washington: US President Donald Trump is unable to participate as Chief Guest of India's Republic Day celebrations next year due to scheduling constraints, the White House has said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited President Trump for a bilateral visit to India during their talks in Washington last year. White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders had, in July, said that Trump has received an invitation to visit India, but no decision has been taken yet. "President Trump was honoured by Prime Minister Modi's invitation for him to be Chief Guest of India's Republic Day on January 26, 2019 but is unable to participate due to scheduling constraints," a White House spokesperson told PTI on Monday, when asked about Trump's decision on Modi's invitation. It is said that the annual State of the Union (SOTU) address to both Houses of the US Congress by Trump is likely to be around the time India will celebrate its Republic Day. The SOTU is normally delivered in the last week of January or first week of February. The spokesperson said that the US President and Modi enjoy a strong personal rapport and Trump is committed to deepening the India-US relationship. "The President enjoys a strong personal rapport with Prime Minister Modi developed through two meetings and several phone calls and remains committed to deepening the US-India strategic partnership," the spokesperson said. "The President very much looks forward to meeting Prime Minister Modi again at the earliest opportunity," the White House spokesperson said. Modi and Trump are scheduled to attend the G-20 Summit in Argentina on November 30 and December 1. It is possible that the two leaders might meet and discuss bilateral relationship there. Every year, India invites world leaders to attend its Republic Day celebrations. In 2015, the then US president Barack Obama had attended it as the chief guest which was his second visit to India as American president. This year, leaders from 10 ASEAN countries had attended the Republic Day celebrations. In 2016, the then French president Francois Hollande was the chief guest of the parade while Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was the chief guest at the celebrations in 2014. The heads of state and government who have attended the Republic Day celebrations include Nicolas Sarkozy, Vladimir Putin, Nelson Mandela, John Major, Mohammed Khatami and Jacques Chirac. JAMMU: A fierce gunbattle is currently underway between the security forces and terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Tuesday. The gunbattle erupted after a group of armed terrorists opened fire on a search party in Tral in Pulwama. Encounter breaks out between security forces and terrorists in Chaanketaar village of Pulwama's Tral. J&K Police said terrorists fired on searching party during a cordon & search operation in the area. #JammuAndKashmir ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2018 The search party was attacked in Chaanketaar village during a cordon and search operation in the area. More details are awaited. Indore: Asserting that he does not need the BJP's "certificate" to visit temples, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi said on Tuesday he understands the Hindu religion better than the saffron party does and he is a "nationalist leader" who respects every religion. "I am not a 'Hinduwadi' leader, but a nationalist leader. I am a leader of every religion, every caste, every language and every class," he said. A day after the BJP's barb that Gandhi was "exhibiting fancy dress Hinduism" with his temple visits in the poll-bound Madhya Pradesh and in other states earlier, the Congress leader retorted, "Are the country's temples the sole property of the BJP and the RSS? Have only Modi and Shah got the contract to visit temples?" Interacting with select journalists here, Gandhi said the BJP remains silent whenever Prime Minister Narendra Modi or the BJP president Amit Shah visit a temple wearing clothes as per that temple's tradition. "But when Kamal Nath, Jyotiraditya Scindia and I wear clothes as per the temple's tradition, it is said that we are exhibiting fancy dress Hinduism," he said. Gandhi had started his two-day tour of Madhya Pradesh on Monday after offering prayers at Ujjain's famous Mahakaleshwar temple. Hours after Gandhi's temple visit, BJP spokesman Sambit Patra had alleged, "... Rahul Gandhi is exhibiting fancy dress Hinduism continuously. To mislead the Hindus, he is sporting a "janeu" (sacred thread) over the shirt. We demand that 'janeudhari' Rahul Gandhi clarify to which 'gotra' (clan) does he belong to." Gandhi said, "If I feel like going to a temple and offering prayers to God then I will definitely visit it. I don't need a certificate from the BJP. I understand Hindu religion better than the BJP does." Replying to a question, he said he visits mosques, gurudwaras, churches and other places of worship as he respects every religion. Describing Hinduism and Hindutva as two different concepts, he said, "Hinduism is a liberal and progressive concept that teaches love and respect for others, while there is hatred, insecurity and anger in the foundation of the BJP's idea of Hindutva." "The BJP has ownership of Hindutva. But no one can claim sole ownership of Hinduism because it is a great concept. No one group can have a monopoly over it... We are a party which believes not in Hindutva, but in Hinduism," he said. "When I visited temples during the Gujarat elections, the BJP went mad thinking how did I go there, although I had been to temples earlier. I had also visited Ayodhya," he said. On a question regarding efforts to bring the issue of Ram temple into focus ahead of the upcoming polls, he said, "The Modi government has failed to fulfil the promises of ending corruption, bringing good days, providing jobs to youths and right prices to the farmers for their produce." "This government can see only one way to save itself. But it will not be able to save itself," he said. Jhabua: Congress president Rahul Gandhi, who is on a two-day whirlwind tour of the BJP-dominated Malwa region in the poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, made a scathing veiled attack on state's Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan who, he alleged, was involved in deep-neck corruption. Addressing a public meeting in Jhabua, Rahul said that there is "rampant corruption" in the state under the incumbent Shivraj government. He claimed that the name of the son of 'mamaji' (the chief minister) had figured in the Panama Papers but no action was taken against him. "Udhar Chowkidar, Idhar Mamaji. Mamaji ke jo bete hai, Panama Papers me unka naam nikalta hai. (On one side, you have the watchman (apparently referring to Modi), on the other side you have 'mamaji'. The name of the son of 'mamaji' figured in Panama Papers)," Rahul said. "Nawaz Sharif Pakistan ke Prime Minister ka naam nikalta hai..Pakistan jaise desh me unko jail me daal dete hai. Magar Yahan ke chief minister ka beta, uska naam Panama Papers me nikalta hai to koi karyawai nahi hoti (The name of former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif appears in Panama Papers. In a country like Pakistan, he is jailed. Here, the name of the son of a CM figures in Panama Papers but no action is taken)," the Congress chief added. Name of the son of CM Shivraj Singh Chauhan surfaced in the Panama papers, but no action was taken. Even a country like Pakistan punished its former PM when he was named in the Panama papers: Rahul Gandhi in Jhabua yesterday. #MadhyaPradesh pic.twitter.com/WJ6OOQ3SCT ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2018 Though he did not name Shivraj, it was widely believed that Rahul was apparently referring to MP CM. Rahul further alleged that "rampant corruption took place in the state under the Chief Minister Chouhan including Vyapam, e-tendering and Mahakumbh Mela." The Gandhi scion also renewed his attack on PM Narendra Modi, alleging that demonetisation in 2016 was carried out to "convert black money of a few rich people into white" and that PM was a "magician" who performed this act. "The exercise was carried out to convert black money of a few rich people into white," he said. Alleging that Modi was the "magician" who converted black money into white, the Congress chief said, "Kaisa jadugar hai. Kamaal ka jadugar hai. Ameeron ke liye jadu karta hai, (What a magician he (PM) is. Amazing magician. He does magic for rich people)." He alleged that "Chowkidar ne chori karwa di (The watchman ensured theft)." Addressing the gathering, Rahul asked, "When demonetisation was announced, did mothers sitting here stand in queues? Did you see any rich person standing in a queue those days? In the initial two-three days, people had thought that it was a right exercise but after two-three months they realized what happened actually." The Congress president reiterated that if his party comes to power in Madhya Pradesh, the farmers' loan will be waived within 10 days and "not 11 days". Criticising BJP and RSS for having two flags, he said that Congress believes in one flag only that is of the nation for which a large number of people including tribals like Birsa Munda among others sacrificed their lives. However, he was criticised by BJP national general secretary Kailash Vijaywargiya, who termed his allegations as "baseless". "Probably, Rahul, after visiting Mahakal Temple in Ujjain and after having 'prasad', got influenced by it and levelled these baseless allegations,'' Vijaywargiya said. BHOPAL: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's son Kartikey Chouhan on Tuesday filed a defamation case against Congress chief Rahul Gandhi. The Congress president had alleged that Kartikey's name was mentioned in the Panama papers scam but the government took no action against him. Rahul later withdrew the allegation saying he was confused about which scam Kartikey was involved in. After filing the case, the CM's son said that not just Rahul but the entire party was confused. "Rahul Gandhi said he was confused. Congress party is confused. Rahul Gandhi is confused, his party workers here are confused that who's their leader. Leaders are confused that whom should they give ticket. I don't hold him responsible," he said. "Allegations by him are completely baseless, he himself accepted that. But he criticised my family and me at a public platform. We'll take appropriate legal allegations and go to the court," he said. After facing objections by the MP CM, Rahul had said that he confused due to the multiple cases of corruption against the BJP across the country. "There is such widespread corruption in the BJP that I got confused. Madhya Pradesh CM's son was not involved in Panama papers case but in the e-tendering and Vyapam scam," he alleged. While addressing a rally in Jhabua, Rahul had alleged that the CM's son was named in the Panama scam but no action was taken. "Name of the son of Mamaji (CM Shivraj Singh Chauhan) surfaced in the Panama Papers, but no action was taken. Even a country like Pakistan punished its former PM when he was named in the Panama Papers." "On one side, you have the watchman (apparently referring to Modi), on the other side you have 'mamaji'. The name of the son of 'mamaji' figured in Panama Papers)," Rahul said. "The name of former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif appears in Panama Papers. In a country like Pakistan, he is jailed. Here, the name of the son of a CM figures in Panama Papers but no action is taken)," the Congress chief added. Shivraj had launched a scathing attack on Rahul threatening him with legal action. "If a junior leader made these allegations, it would have been different, but Congress President levelling such allegations is unfortunate. Will file a defamation case. Will consider if he apologises," Shivraj had said. Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday posted a link of a story about the achievement of girls in Mizoram. Little did he know that a congratulatory message for them would make him the subject of criticism on Twitter, yet again. While applauding the girls, Rahul referred to the story as that of Manipur instead of Mizoram. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was quick to spot the error and put the Congress president in the dock. BJP's IT cell chief Amit Malviya pointed out the error and said that the tweet reflected Rahul's ignorance about the Northeast and called it 'so problematic'. "Rahul Gandhi shares an article on Mizoram and writes Manipur. It is this ignorance about the Northeast that is so problematic!" he tweeted. Soon after, the Congress realised the error and the tweeted was taken down. However, the BJP kept mounting its attack. Malviya tweeted again and this time even gave the Congress chief a punishment, just like in school. "Rahul Gandhi go and write this a hundred times, Mizoram and Manipur are two different states in the North East of India and I will remember that for the rest of my term as President of the Congress party! (Edits note after being called out!)," he tweeted. The BJP has mocked Rahul on several occasions in the past and listed out the gaffes made by him to target the Congress. During the campaign for the Karnataka elections, the BJP had also referred to him as their 'star campaigner. "Oye Rahul, You prove your silliness by wanting to base your campaign on a slip of tongue! Btw, unlike you we have no secrets, we believe in complete transparency. Visit https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi to know our star campaigner, gifted to us by India's most corrupt dynasty," BJP had tweeted. It was in response to a video tweeted by Rahul in which BJP president Amit Shah mistakenly called his party's former CM Yeddyurappa 'most corrupt' instead of naming Congress leader Siddaramaiah. "Gifted to us by the BJP President, our campaign in Karnataka is off to a fabulous start. He says Yeddyurappa ran the most corrupt Govt ever...True," Rahul had tweeted. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- GAC Group posted a year-on-year (YoY) growth of 2.79% with its revenues for the first three quarters totaling RMB52.822 billion. Meanwhile, its cumulative net profits attributable to shareholders rose 10.02% over a year ago to RMB9.86 billion, according to the official financial report released on October 30. In the third quarter, the automaker saw its quarterly operation revenues fell 3.67% from a year earlier to RMB16.116 billion and the net profits attributable to shareholders reached RMB2.947 billion with a YoY increase of 6.03%. GAC Group attributed its profit growth to the continuous increase in the sales of self-owned models, the improvement in R&D capability and the faster launching of new products. Besides, the joint ventures also generated blooming economic benefits thanks to the overall sales growth driven by such lucrative models as the eight-generation Camry and the Outlander. GAC Group posted a year-on-year (YoY) growth of 5.84% in sales with 198,034 vehicles delivered in September. From January to September, the group delivered 1,558,105 vehicles in total, achieving a YoY increase of 6.24%. GAC Motor saw its sales fall 6.0% from a year earlier to 43,427 units last month, while climbed 4.88% over a year ago to 394,592 units for the first nine months. By the end of September, the company has completed 56.4% of the 700,000-unit sales goal. The all-new Trumpchi GS5 made its world's debut at Paris Motor Show 2018, which drew lots of attention with its catchy design and advanced powertrain. GAC Toyota's deliveries in September soared 48.4% over the year-ago period to 60,808 units. It sales from January to September aggregated 421,854 units with a YoY jump of 24.44%, a comparatively outstanding performance over other subsidiaries. GAC Honda gained a YoY increase of 3.8% with 69,660 vehicles handed over in September. During the past three quarters, 69.4% of the annual sale target (750,000 units) has been finished with its cumulative sales totaling 520,627 units. According to the sales data from Honda China, the Accord, the Odyssey and the Fit had sales of 16,369 units, 5,165 units and 13,560 units for September with positive YoY growth of 25.2%, 59.4% and 51.9% respectively. According to relevant data, the group's expenses in marketing, management and R&D reached RMB4.453 billion, RMB2.403 billion and RMB619 million for the first nine months, apparently climbing 30.28%, 15.29% and 37.65% over the year-ago period respectively. BANSWARA: Rajasthan Minister of State for Rural Development Dhan Singh, who had stirred a controversy by seeking votes on the basis of religion, has been booked for violating the Model Code of Conduct which is in force in the poll-bound state. According to ANI, an FIR has been registered against Dhan Singh over his speech on October 26 during which he had said, ''In Rajasthan, all Hindus should vote for the BJP. If Muslims can vote en masse for the Congress, all Hindus should do so for the BJP''. Banswara: FIR registered against Rajasthan Minister Dhan Singh over his speech on October 26 where he had said 'In Rajasthan, all Hindus should vote for the BJP. If Muslims can vote en masse for the Congress, all Hindus should do so for the BJP' ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2018 Singh made these remarks while addressing a rally in connection with the upcoming state assembly polls on December 7. The tenure of the current assembly ends on January 20, next year. Later, brushing aside his statement, Rajasthan Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria said that the BJP has never sought votes on the basis of religion. "A voter has no religion. He votes for a person who works for the development of the country. Our party has never sought votes on the basis of religion," Kataria said this on Sunday in Jaipur. The counting of votes will be done on December 11. A scientist, researching at Russias Antarctic station, allegedly stabbed and injured a colleague following an emotional breakdown after the latter kept on revealing endings of books he was reading. Fifty-five-year-old Sergey Savitsky and his 52-year-old colleague Oleg Beloguzov passed the long lonely hours in a remote outpost in Antarctica by reading. Often, Beloguzov would keep revealing book endings, annoying Savitsky to no end. On October 9, in the canteen of Bellingshausen station on King George Island, Savitsky allegedly attacked Beloguzov with a knife, causing serious injuries. He later surrendered to the station manager voluntarily. Savitsky has been charged with attempted murder at the station and placed under house arrest until December 8, reported Russian news agency Interfax. The injured researcher has been sent to a hospital in Chile. Antartica (Image Courtesy: Pixabay) This reportedly the first instance of a man being charged with a murder bid in the Antartica. Bellingshausen Station is a Russian Antarctic station at Collins Harbour, on King George Island of the South Shetland Islands. Temperatures here dip to 6.5 C in cold months and attains a high of 1.5 C in its warmest month. SYDNEY: Australia must restrict some firms from providing equipment for its 5G mobile communications network because it is such critical infrastructure, the head of the domestic intelligence agency said, helping to explain why China`s Huawei was banned. Australia expanded its national security rules in August to include telecommunication equipment suppliers, an order that prevented Huawei Technologies Co Ltd from participating in the country`s forthcoming domestic broadband network. Australia said the decision was needed as some companies answer to foreign governments, an assertion that soured bilateral relations between Canberra and China. "5G technology will underpin the communications that Australians rely on every day, from our health systems and the potential applications of remote surgery, to self-driving cars and through to the operation of our power and water supply," Mike Burgess, director-general of the Australian Signals Directorate, said in rare public comments late on Monday. "A potential threat anywhere in the network will be a threat to the whole network," he said in a speech that did not mention Huawei or any other firms by name. A spokesman for Huawei did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The company has previously denied it answers to Beijing. Western intelligence agencies have raised concerns for years that Huawei, the world`s largest maker of telecommunications network gear, is beholden to the Chinese government, raising the risk of espionage. The United States in August restricted access for Huawei and compatriot ZTE Corp to its lucrative market for similar reasons. Australia previously banned Huawei from providing equipment for its fibre-optic network and moved to block it from laying submarine cables in the Pacific. Although widely expected, the move added to tensions in bilateral ties as Canberra had previously accused China of meddling in its domestic politics, which soured trade ties. Washington: President Donald Trump has said he will seek to end the right of citizenship to children born in the United States to non-citizens and illegal immigrants in his latest bid to dramatically reshape immigration policies as he seeks to shore up Republicans ahead of next week`s congressional elections. Trump would target the citizenship right through an executive order, he told Axios in an interview published on Tuesday, a move that would prompt a legal fight. The right of US citizenship is granted to US-born children under the 14th Amendment of the Constitution, which cannot be changed by the president. It was unclear what specific action his order would pursue, and Trump gave no details. Representatives for the White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. "This is blatantly unconstitutional," Omar Jadwat, head of the ACLU Immigrants Rights Project told Reuters. "The president obviously cannot overturn the Constitution by executive order. The notion that he would even try is absurd." Changing an amendment in the Constitution would require the support of two-thirds of the US House of Representatives and the Senate and the backing of three-fourths of US state legislatures at a constitutional convention. But Trump said he has talked to his legal counsel and was advised he could enact the change on his own. Asked about the dispute over such presidential powers, Trump said stood by his comments. "It`s in the process. It`ll happen," he told Axios in the interview, which will air in full on the HBO pay cable channel on Sunday. Some conservatives have long pushed for an end to the guarantee of birthright citizenship, a view Trump echoed. "It`s ridiculous. It`s ridiculous. And it has to end," Trump told Axios. Trump, whose hard-line immigration stance helped him win the White House, has seized on the issue in recent weeks in the run-up to the Nov. 6 vote that has Americans sharply divided and grappling with race and national identity. His latest comments also come after the deadliest attack on Jews in US history on Saturday and a series of bombs sent to top Democrats and other Trump critics last week. Democrats and other critics have condemned the president`s rhetoric as inflammatory, urging Trump to tone down his language and calling on voters to use the elections as a way to reject such policies. US Senator Chris Coons, a Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told MSNBC that Trump "was driving a false narrative on immigration" in many ways to stoke fear and turn it into an election issue. On Monday, the administration moved to send more than 5,200 troops to help secure the border with Mexico as a caravan of Central American migrants, mostly on foot, makes its way there, although it is unclear how many would arrive at the border or when. The 14th Amendment allows for "all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside." A legal challenge would prompt the nation`s courts to weigh in on what would be one of the most sweeping moves of the Trump administration. It has already targeted immigration through a travel ban from several Muslim-majority countries, child-parent separations for migrants, refugee policies and other actions. In 1898, the US Supreme Court reaffirmed the right of citizenship to children born to legal permanent residents. But conservatives say it should not apply to everyone, including immigrants in the country illegally or those with temporary legal status, Axios reported. NEW DELHI: India, caught flatfooted by the appointment of Mahinda Rajapaksa as Sri Lanka`s premier, has opened urgent diplomatic and political contacts with the strongman who drew close to China during his previous tenure as president, officials said. The tear-shaped island, located off the southern tip of India, has become an arena of tussle between New Delhi and Beijing, which has built ports, power stations and highways as part of its Belt and Road Initiative of trade and transport links across Asia. Rajapaksa had opened up Sri Lanka`s main port to Chinese naval submarines when he was president, which stoked anger in India. His return to power in a surprise move by current President Maithripala Sirisena has drawn concern in New Delhi that China would tighten its grip on the island that lies along busy shipping lanes. "It is advantage China at the moment," said Srikanth Kondappali, a specialist on India-China ties at New Delhi`s Jawaharlal Nehru University who closely tracks the regional rivalry between the Asian giants. He said Beijing had invested in Rajapaksa and in his political constituency of Hambantota in the south of Sri Lanka where it has built a $1.5 billion deep water port, an airport and also planned an industrial zone. China`s ambassador to Sri Lanka, Cheng Xueyuan, was among the first diplomats to meet Rajapaksa soon after he was sworn in as prime minister and he presented a congratulatory message from Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang. Sirisena sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Friday and named Rajapaksa to replace him, breaking up a fragile coalition governing the island. Wickremesinghe, who was seen as pro-India, said his sacking was illegal and he has maintained that he is still prime minister and had majority support in parliament. Sri Lanka is one of a chain of countries where the India-China rivalry is playing out, stretching from Bangladesh, Nepal to the Maldives, where a pro-China leader was voted out in a surprise election result last month that was welcomed by India, the United States and the European Union. Indian diplomats were in contact with Rajapaksa`s camp, officials in New Delhi said, adding they were ready to do business with the new leader so long as his appointment was in line with the country`s constitution. "India will continue to extend our developmental assistance to the people of Sri Lanka," an Indian foreign ministry spokesman said on Monday. Separately, leaders of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the ideological parent of Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s governing Hindu nationalist-led alliance, have reached out to Rajapaksa to promote ties, party sources said. PREDATORY Seshadri Chari, an RSS leader involved in the track two diplomacy, said he was confident New Delhi and Colombo will work for better relations under the new leadership in Sri Lanka. "In the changed geo-political realities, we have to be practical and pragmatic to protect our national self-interest and do better business," he said. The RSS wields influence in the Modi administration and has acted as an unofficial intermediary with some neighbouring countries. China has in recent years faced criticism that many of its investments in Sri Lanka, the Maldives and other countries run the risk of driving smaller nations into debt and potentially impinge on their sovereignty. "We are seeing an international pushback against China`s predatory practices. It can only intensify and in that backdrop it`s hard to see Sri Lanka doling out more projects even under Rajapaksa," said an Indian government source. China`s Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said Beijing believes the people and government of Sri Lanka have the wisdom to "appropriately handle" the situation, and China hopes all sides can resolve differences via dialogue, to protect the country`s stability. Harinda Vidanage, director of the Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies, a thinktank in Colombo, said Sri Lanka had become a greater strategic prize after the pro-China president of the Maldives, Abdulla Yameen, lost the election. "For China, both Sri Lanka and Maldives were very important in their effort to gain a foothold in the Indian Ocean. China to certain extent lost the Maldivian connection when Yameen lost the elections," he said. Shailesh Kumar, Asia director at the Eurasia group, said the changes in Sri Lanka would benefit China. "While Beijing lost a pro-Chinese government earlier this month in the Maldives, it will make up ground in South Asia with the change of guard in Sri Lanka," he said, adding that it came as Sri Lanka`s economy was in financial difficulties. "The decision to bring Rajapaksa back into the mainstream is likely intended to open the flow of Chinese funds, given the close relationship he cultivated with the Chinese leadership." A school principal in Peshawar in Pakistan has been awarded jail term for 105 years. Attaullah Marwat, the principal of a private school in Peshawar, was charged with child abuse, pornography, rape, blackmail and illicit relationship. He was awarded the jail term by a sessions court in Peshawar. A fine of Rs 1.4 million was also imposed on him by the court. According to a report on Pakistan-based Dawn News, the school principal after a complaint filed by a boy in July. He had accused the principal of sexually exploiting students, including girls. The boy had also alleged that the man had installed secret cameras on school campus with which he filmed students. The man had forced girl students, under the age of 18, to expose their bodies and engage in sexual activities, said the Dawn News report. He also filmed the act on his mobile phone and later saved them on pen drives. The school principal reportedly blackmailed some of the victims with the video and even threatened to kill them if they revealed his deeds before anyone. During the interrogation, he confessed that he had 26 videos of his act saved on his personal computer. Not just students, but some teachers of the school were also assaulted and blackmailed by him. The crime was committed in three rooms of the school. Several memory cards and pen drives were recovered from his possession by the authorities. The militants used grenade launchers, machine guns and small arms Open source On October 29, the militants in Donbas combat area shelled Ukrainian positions seven times. The press office of the Joint Forces Operation reported this on Facebook. The enemy opened adjusted fire from grenade launchers of various systems, heavy machine guns and small arms. The highest combat activity was recorded near Lebedynske. The Joint Forces monitors recorded enemy fire in the areas of Verkhnyotoretske, Krasnohorivka, Pisky, Chermalyk, Vodiane and Lebedynske, reads the message. None of the Ukrainian servicemen were injured during the hostilities. As we reported earlier, on October 28, one serviceman of the Armed Forces of Ukraine sustained injuries in the Joint Forces Operation zone. Also, she was put on the wanted list Zhovtnevy Court of Mariupol, Donetsk region, has convicted the so-called Finance Minister of Donetsk Peoples Republic to ten years of the imprisonment in absentia as Ukraines Security Service reported. The law enforcers established that since November 2014, a citizen of temporarily occupied Donetsk is heading the fake Finance Ministry of the terrorists and actively promote the criminal activity of the illegal armed formations, the message said. According to the law enforcers, the villain gathers the funds to the republican budget, carry out the orders of the heads of the militants and tutors from Russia, providing the functioning of the finance system of the pseudo-formation along with the power unit. The court found the villain guilty in the commitment in the crimes such as the terrorist act that led to the serious consequences and attack on the territorial integrity and inviolability of Ukraine that led to the death of people and convicted her to 10 years of the imprisonment, the message said. The so-called Finance Minister is put on the wanted list. According to the media, Kateryna Matyshchenko is currently holding this position. As we reported, the militants decreased the number of the attacks before the so-called elections to show that, allegedly, this elections are held in a democratic way. Also, in Donetsk, the pro-Russian militants have released ex-member of the Party of Regions and secretary of the city council Serhiy Bohachev. Related video: It is surprising how accurately the zones of influence of international organizations in the Eastern European and South Caucasian post-Soviet space correlate with the territorial integrity of the states of this region. At present, there are two large blocs in Eastern Europe: NATO and the EU on the one hand, and the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) on the other. Four countries that are not part of any of these unions, namely Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Moldova (abbreviated as GUAM), do not fully control their territories. Vague prospects In contrast, NATO and EU member countries with large Russian minorities and restrictive citizenship laws, such as Estonia and Latvia, as well as some economically weak CSTO and EAEU member states, for example, Belarus and Armenia - they were able to maintain their internationally recognized borders. But in Nagorno-Karabakh in Azerbaijan, Transnistria in Moldova, South Ossetia and Abkhazia in Georgia, as well as in the Donets Basin (Donbas) in Ukraine, six quasi-states were created with direct or indirect help of the Kremlin. Crimea, which belonged to Ukraine, was simply annexed. The prospects for an early expansion of the EU and NATO to the east are vague. The UN, OSCE and the Council of Europe, despite clear statements in support of Ukraine and Georgia, made in recent years, have demonstrated their inability to solve the fundamental security problem that determines the situation in the gray zone of Eastern Europe. Various unsuccessful attempts to create common Eastern European security structures undertaken in the past twenty-five years have shown that in the end, only US involvement in the process can get things moving. The active participation of Washington is crucial for the political stability of not only Western, but also Eastern Europe. This is demonstrated, for example, by the Baltic and Adriatic Charters, signed by the United States and various post-communist countries in 1998 and, respectively, in 2003. Thanks to this temporary alliance with the United States, in the framework of the Baltic Charter, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia joined NATO in 2004. In the west of the Balkan Peninsula, the US-initiated Adriatic Charter had a very positive effect on the situation which took place twenty years ago. In 2009, Croatia, a state that had not existed two decades ago, and Albania, one of the most brutal dictatorships of Europe, became members of NATO. In 2017, Montenegro, which was bombarded by NATO aircraft twenty years ago as part of Serbia, became the 29th member of NATO. At present, accession of Macedonia, as well as Bosnia and Herzegovina, is also being prepared. Transitional Coalition The United States learned its lessons from these successes, as well as from the Russian-Georgian war of 2008. It signed bilateral charters on strategic partnership - in December 2008 with Ukraine and in January 2009 with Georgia. These agreements support Kyiv and Tbilisi in integrating into Euro-Atlantic structures, security cooperation, as well as in preparing these countries for NATO membership. So far, these bilateral charters could be expanded into the multilateral quasi-alliance of all non-affiliated Eastern European states and the United States by analogy with the Baltic and Adriatic Charters. During a transitional period of further expansion of the EU and NATO to the east, this US-GUAM Charter could give an elementary organizational structure to the gray zone of Eastern Europe. Such a temporary coalition of the GUAM and Washington, guided by the Baltic and Adriatic charters, could help to survive the period until the states of the gray zone become full-fledged members of leading international organizations and join the international system. Even a carefully worded American charter with the GUAM countries would have great symbolic significance. It would strengthen the architecture of Eastern European security, and would also increase the risk for Moscow to encounter resistance if it decides to contribute to the growth of tension in the post-Soviet gray zone. Read original article at Neue Zurcher Zeitung Open source The current state of the world financial markets is rather problematical and does not appear encouraging among the investors. And at this moment Ukraine can become quite attractive. Ukraines State Property Fund is going to sell the maximum number of objects in order to gain the planned 760 million USD by the end of this year, but it is unlikely that it will be able to succeed. And it's not a matter of time. The Cabinet of Ministers of Volodymyr Groysman should implement a fundamental policy. The key question is, why does the government conduct large-scale privatization of 2018-2020? Now is the time to develop a real private market economy. Denationalization is an essential step in order to create a solid foundation for an effective market economy with a predominance of private property. But how can Ukraine do it practically? Does it have enough competence and political will? For example, our local oligarchic strategist will not buy PJSC Centrenergo (power generating company, Ed.) for 213 million USD, it is too much for him. PJSC Centrenergo is the leading producer of electricity in our country, its structure includes Trypilska Power Station, Zmiivska Power Station, and Vuhlehirska Power Station (their total capacity is 7665 MW or 14% of Ukraine's generating capacity). The company supplies electricity to the Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Donetsk regions. Yes, the object of privatization with a 78.289% stake looks very attractive. However, the Ukrainian State Property Fund and the Antimonopoly Committee are intending to sell this absolute stake to one person again. Well, dont you know that monopoly does not lead to anything good ?! In this regard, I want to remind you how in the mid-90s, MP Natalya Vitrenko was harshly criticizing the trust companies (TCs), as these TCs were the real vampires of Ukraine. As a result, Vitrenko managed to create a loud and bright show with magnificent hype: in 1995, Ukrainian PMs not only hollowed money trusts out but also banned the licensed activities of trust companies in Ukraine. Soon, lawmakers changed the methods of privatizing state property, allowing commercial banks to mediate in this previously exceptional case (and of course, PrivatBank has received the first license). From that moment on, financial-industrial groups of well-known big capitalists from the current Forbes list started growing rapidly. What should we do, how can we change the situation for the better? We urgently need to adopt the bill 9035 "On capital markets" and to replace State Property Fund advisers attract in the process of organizing the placement of state-owned shares. It should be done by the investment firms with underwriting functions and with guarantees of redemption of the under-placed portion of shares. And, of course, Ukraine should put up stakes on the stock exchanges. And the tender for the sale of the state-owned shares of PJSC Centrenergo, scheduled for December 13, 2018, most likely will not determine the winner, which means the initial price will become even lower. Is the process of such free privatization really irreversible? Yes, this is a serious problem, which undermines the credibility of Ukraines entire market. And we have just a lot of such negative examples, they specifically kill the investors confidence. And whenever I meet with businessmen, everyone talks about fraud in the public sector; everyone talks about corruption schemes at state-owned enterprises. Now it is a real threat to both the State Property Fund and the potential investors. It should be somehow decided by Groysmans Cabinet of Ministers. Of course, this is extremely difficult to avoid this. Recall the recent arrests, court decisions, and scandals, which took place before the start of the tender for the sale of Odesa Port Plant. And as a result, foreign investors refused to participate in this competition on the terms of the State Property Fund. In general, it is necessary for the government and the Verkhovna Rada to realize that the protection of private capital is of great importance. In fact, we need to come up with mechanisms and ways, how to ensure not only capital protection in the new conditions of large-scale privatization, as well as to create Ukraines attractive profitability. Foreign investors feel their strength, which is based on undivided financial power. Well, since the center of the world economy began to move to East Asia, to the east coast of the Pacific Ocean, the world finances are also moving there. These billionaires from China, work at several world markets at once (in the U.S., Europe, Asia, and other regions), extracting superprofits from the site, which seems to be the most promising at this stage. So they are carefully eyeing Ukraine now. How can we, Ukrainians, derive great benefits from this situation? For example, for many years, the entire economy of China was built on the policy of low yuan rate. We should also make an attractive investment environment for us in Ukraine (especially during the privatization period 2018-2020). While we do not have a favorable investment environment, the protection of private capital is rather weak. And the main thing is that it is necessary to focus not on oligarchs, but on national joint investment institutions and private equity funds. The main investment objective of such investment funds is the increase in the value of privatized enterprises. Read the original text at 112.ua. This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or 112.International and its owners. According to Olena Zerkal, the termination will not provide additional rights to Ukraine Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine on European Integration Olena Zerkal claimed that the denunciation of the Treaty between Ukraine and Russia dated 2003 on cooperation in the use of the Sea of Azov and Kerch Strait will not provide additional rights to Ukraine but can lead to a new territorial dispute as Ukrinform reported. Concerning the treaty, it consists of five articles. One of them was never implemented, particularly, the delimitation of the Sea of Azov. From the point of view of the additional rights, Ukraine will not get them, she claimed. According to Zerkal, the lawsuit of Ukraine against the Russian Federation is based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea despite the fact that the bilateral treaty with Russia existed. In my view, this treaty was concluded wrongfully from the point of view of the international maritime convention but the tribunal should give a response and we wait for it next year, she explained. On October 25, the European Parliament has approved the resolution, which condemns Russia's aggressive actions in the Sea of Azov. Over the past three months, Russia's activity in the Sea of Azov has increased significantly. The Russians do not allow commercial vessels going to and leaving Ukrainian ports to pass through the Kerch Strait without hindrance. Moreover, in July, Russia detained 148 ships for inspection in the Sea of Azov. Due to this, President Poroshenko entrusted the Defence Minister, the Head of the General Staff, and Command of Ukraines Naval Forces to take measures to stop Russian provocations concerning the blockade of Ukrainian ships in the Sea of Azov. Related video: He filed a lawsuit due to the change of the rules of his stay at the Embassy of Ecuador in London Founder of Wikileaks Julian Assange claimed that the authorities of Ecuador want to deprive him of the refuge and extradite to the U.S. as Reuters reported. Assange spoke from the embassy via teleconference at a hearing in Quito of a lawsuit challenging the Ecuadorean government. During the hearing, Assange said the new rules were a sign Ecuador was trying to push him out, the message said. He disputes new rules according to which, he has to pay for medical and phone bills and take care of his cat. A judge declined the lawsuit pointing out that the foreign ministry is responsible for the establishment of his living conditions. She also reminded that the stay of Assange cost $6 million for the country. Earlier we reported that Ecuador government tried to appoint Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, to the post of the political counselor at the Embassy of Ecuador in Moscow. Julian Assange has been on the territory of Ecuadors Embassy in London since 2012. He can not leave the territory of the diplomatic mission as he fears arrest under Swedens request and further extradition in the US. The American authorities accuse Assange of publishing secret data of the State Department. He faces 35 years of imprisonment and even a death penalty. Assange himself denies the accusations. In March, Assange was deprived of all the communication means due to the violation of a written commitment as of 2017 not to spread statements which would suppose the involvement in the relations with other states. He spread information about Russias guiltlessness in Skripals case. As Trident Juncture military exercise is in full swing, NATO armed formations trained in specific conditions of the Norwegian coastline. The troops apparently practiced in performing defensive maneuvers in the area of Trondheim. 'The military demonstration at a wind-blown waterfront site near Trondheim was part of the massive, two-week Trident Juncture exercise and displayed the allies combined firepower to NATO dignitaries, foreign observers and the international media. Military officials have stated that the exercise is not targeting any one country. But the fictitious scenario involves repelling a 'near-peer' threat in Europe. NATO has been reassuring its allies in Eastern Europe against potential threats posed by Russia, whose military has grown more assertive since it annexed Ukraines Crimean Peninsula in 2014,' reads the story by Stars and Stripes. 'Last week, Moscow informed NATO that it plans to conduct a missile test in the North Atlantic, in the vicinity of where much of Trident Juncture is taking place. That announcement comes following Russias largest war games since the 1980s, together with China and Mongolia, as part of the Vostok-18 drills in eastern Siberia and the Far East in September,' the outlet wrote. As we reported, NATO strategic drills Trident Juncture 2018 begun in Norway on October 26. It will one of the largest military exercise held by the alliance after the Cold War. 50,000 soldiers, 10 vehicles, 250 aircraft and 65 vessels from 31 countries participate in the drills. Besides the NATO countries, Finland, Sweden and Ukraine also take part in the exercises. The main goal of the drills is to check and test the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force and other follow-on forces. It should urgently respond to the threat posed to the allies countries-members. The Task Force was established in 2014 after the annexation of Crimea by Russia. At the moment, the Russian Federation does not hold the long check of the vessels aiming to the Ukrainian ports Open source The Russian Federation does not hold the long check of the vessels in the Sea of Azov aiming to the Ukrainian ports as Sergiy Nayev, the Commander of the Joint Forces Operation, reported this to BBC Ukraine. Answering the question about the estimation of the situation in the Azov region after the strengthening of the military presence by Ukraine, Nayev said: The situation has changed. The Russian Federation does not hold the long check of the vessels aiming to the Ukrainian ports. We have immediately noticed it, he noted. Also, Nayev said that in the area of his responsibility in the Sea of Azov, the fortifications were strengthened at the coast, particularly, the minefields along the sites considered to be dangerous for the Marine Corps. On October 25, the European Parliament has approved the resolution, which condemns Russia's aggressive actions in the Sea of Azov. Over the past three months, Russia's activity in the Sea of Azov has increased significantly. The Russians do not allow commercial vessels going to and leaving Ukrainian ports to pass through the Kerch Strait without hindrance. Moreover, in July, Russia detained 148 ships for inspection in the Sea of Azov. Due to this, President Poroshenko entrusted the Defence Minister, the Head of the General Staff, and Command of Ukraines Naval Forces to take measures to stop Russian provocations concerning the blockade of Ukrainian ships in the Sea of Azov. Related video: Grigol Vashadze, one of the candidates for the presidency in Georgia, made a statement during his speech on October 28, which gives a possibility to a disgraced politician to return to his motherland Mikheil Saakashvili, the former president of Georgia and governor of Odesa region, Ukraine, can return to his motherland as Euronews reported. Grigol Vashadze, one of the candidates for the presidency in Georgia made a statement during his speech on October 28, which gives a possibility to a disgraced politician to return to his motherland. Vashadze originates from the United National Movement founded by Saakashvili and reached 37,7% at the current election. While his main rival Salome Zurabishvili got 38,66% of the votes. However, the situation is not clear as the third partaker of the election, David Bakradze, with 11% of the votes claimed to support Vashadze in the case he enters the run-off vote. The experts stated that Vashadze as the president can use the powers to pardon Saakashvili and Merabishvili, former interior minister of Georgia. Also, they said that the return of ex-president will be too controversial and can lead to some negative consequences. Petro Poroshenko, President of Ukraine, revoked the Ukrainian citizenship of Saakashvili last July on the basis of the false data that was indicated in the form for the Migration Service. On Sep. 22, 2017, the Mostysky court in Lviv found Saakashvili guilty of unlawfully crossing Ukraines border. In January 2018, the District administrative court of Kyiv refused Saakashvilis appeal to the Migration service as to recognizing him a refugee. On Feb. 6, the court denied this claim again. As we reported on February 12, Saakashvili was detained by the task force of the Border Guard Service in a restaurant in downtown Kyiv. Also, Mikheil Saakashvili, a former Governor of Odesa region and ex-President of Georgia, was readmitted to Poland, from where he illegally came to Ukraine last September. Later Saakashvili came to the Netherlands and got the ID card there that allowed living and working in the EU. The crew of Nord vessel freely moved across the Ukrainian territory, no one detained or captured them, the Ukrainian official said Ukraine's presidential envoy for human rights Lyudmyla Denisova officially confirmed that seven sailors from two Ukrainian vessels, YAMK-0041 and YAOD 21-05 are getting home after detention in Crimea. She posted this on Facebook on Tuesday evening. 'They are coming home now. I'm talking about the three crew members of YAMK-0041, Serhiy Kalinichenko, Oleg Blok and Ruslan Skrypnyk, and four crew members of YAOD 21-05, Oleksandr Lyseniuk, Hennadiy Ongurov, Oleg Ivashchenko, and Vyacheslav Ivasenko', she wrote. According to the Ombudswoman, the Ukrainians had their passports collected, which made their return home impossible. 'I would like to stress the following: it wasn't an exchange. Nord vessel's sailors who also returned to Crimea, freely moved across the territory of Ukraine. No one took them by force, unlike the Ukrainians in Crimea,' Denisova concluded. Ukraine's State Border Guard added that the entry procedure took place at Kalanchak checkpoint on the administrative border with Crimea. The authority claimed that all sailors, including Nord's crew are the Ukrainian citizens. The Chechen of Ukrainian origin, Okueva is remembered as a devoted fighter for the independence of Ichkeriya and Ukraine; like her surviving husband Adam Osmaev, she is credited as the Kremlin's fierce adversary October 30 marks the anniversary of the tragic death of Amina Okueva, the well-known military volunteer. In the early stage of the Russian aggression in spring 2014, she joined the Ukrainian army as a combat medic and a sniper. Born in Odesa, southern Ukraine, Okueva was the Chechen of the Ukrainian origin. She is remembered as a devoted fighter for the independence of Ichkeriya (the independent state in the North Caucasus that fought the Russian aggression in the 1990s, - 112 International) and Ukraine, which faced extremely tough military pressure from Russia. Okueva was brutally murdered in an attack in Hlevakha, Kyiv region, on October 30, 2017. She was sitting in the car next to her husband and comrade-in-arms Adam Osmaev, when the car was ambushed. The shooters opened fire from assault rifles and disappeared immediately; Osmaev survived, suffering light injuries, and Okueva died instantly due to a headshot wound. The investigation into Okueva's case is underway; the law enforcers suspect a Russian trial, as both Okueva and Osmaev are credited as the Kremlin's fierce adversary. Osmaev is known for being a suspect in preparing the assassination of Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Both of Chechens served with the International Peacekeeping Battalion named after Dzhokhar Dudaev (the paramilitary formation led by Adam Osmaev, which recruits fighters to stand against the Kremlin's aggression; since 2014, the formation has served in Donbas conflict on the side of the Ukrainian military, - 112 International). The FSB of Russia has found a suspect in the sale of the information from the private database on the departures from Russia of GRU officers Anatoly Chepiga (Ruslan Boshirov) and Aleksandr Mishkin (Aleksandr Petrov) as Rosbalt reported citing the sources. However, officially the detentions took place in the cases not connected with these persons. According to the source, the law enforcers held more than 60 searches. Firstly they came to the private investigators and so-called verifiers, those who were spotted at the trade of the information from the private databases. All these took place following the same manner: a search took place early in the morning then the detention. However, almost anybody was arrested; they constrained with the signed undertaking not to leave place of residence. A lot of the criminal cases due to the illegal getting and disclosure of the data which is commercial, fiscal or bank secrecy, abuse of authority by a private investigator, violation of the inviolability of private life were opened. According to my information, a worker of the border service in Northwest Region and a worker of one of the departments of the Federal Tax Service were detained right at their working places. The first one supposedly sold the information about the movement of Petrov, Boshirov and number of other people abroad, the source claimed. However, according to him, all criminal cases officially not connected with Petrov and Boshirov. The issue in them is about the leaking of the information and it is obvious that the verifiers provided the closed data about a lot of people. But, everybody, of course, understood the reason for such events. Also, the source supposed the use of the leakage by the Ukrainian special services. There were some serious incidents when such data was used by the representatives of the criminal world and foreign special services, including the Ukrainian. Suffice it to say the list of Myrotvorets website, which contains the personal data of people. Very serious measures will be assumed against people who allowed the leakage, he noted. The Crown Prosecution Service of the U.K. called the names of the suspects in the poisoning of the ex-GRU officer Sergey Skripal and his daughter Yulia as Evening Standard reported. The police suspected Russians Alexander Petrov and Ruslan Boshirov, accused of the conspiracy with the aim to kill Sergey Skripal, attempted murder of the ex-intelligence agent, Yulia Skripal and Nick Bailey, in use and possession of Novichok against the chemical weapons act, infliction of the bodily harm. Related: Theresa May calls suspects in Skripals poisoning officers of GRU Earlier the police of United Kingdom declare that they have identified perpetrators of the attempted assassination of Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Salisbury. As it was reported earlier, one of the suspects of poisoning Sergei Skripal in British Salisbury, Russian Ruslan Boshirov turned out to be Colonel of the Main Intelligence Directorate of Russia Anatoliy Chepiga. Aleksandr Petrov, suspected of poisoning Sergei Skripal, is actually a military doctor of Russian Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) Aleksandr Mishkin. According to Igor Voronchenko, there are 120 Ukrainian vessels and boats, only 36 of which can actually operate Ukraines Navy Commander Reuters Ukraines Navy Commander Igor Voronchenko stated that the situation in the Sea of Azov remains tense, as Interfax Ukraine reports. There are at least 120 Ukrainian vessels and boats, but there are only 36 of those which can operate or maintain the vessels and have arms, and 24 of those which have enough arms We have enhanced our efforts, we have transferred a boat group there for now, it is carrying out a combat task, Voronchenko said. According to him, this influences the situation with security in Pryazovia, trade and shipping industry. He added that the Ukrainian vessels did not stop over the past week. I think that the further escalation in the Black Sea might take place, Voronchenko said. On October 25, the EP adopted a resolution which condemns Russias actions in the Sea of Azov. It should be noted that the Russian activity in the Sea of Azov increased over the last three months. Russians do not allow the trade vessels heading to and emerging from the Ukrainian ports to freely pass through the Kerch Strait. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko commissioned the Minister of Defense, the Chief of the General Staff and the HQ of the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to take measures to stop the Russian provocations in relation to blocking the entry of vessels into Ukrainian ports in the Sea of Azov. Ukraine's Ministry of Infrastructure developed a set of measures in response to Russia's actions which includes the limit of passenger traffic with Russia. Seven Ukrainians and seven Russians returned to their home countries; Nord's captain Volodymyr Horbenko remains in Ukraine, as he is a convict in the criminal case An exchange took place on October 30, as fourteen sailors from Ukraine and Russia returned home after detention - in Russia and Ukraine, respectively. Seven Russian sailors from Nord vessel were exchanged on seven crew members of Ukraine's YAMK-0041 ship. Tatyana Moskalkova, the Russian ombudswoman said this as quoted by the media. 'Today, seven Russian sailors from Nord vessel are exchanged on seven Ukrainian sailors from YAMK-0041 ship; our sailors are in Crimea already', Moskalkova's press office said. The spokesman specified that Nord's captain Volodymyr Horbenko remains in Ukraine, as he is a convict in the criminal case. The Ukrainian side has not yet commented on the information. It is found that the captain of the Nord vessel deliberately violated the order of entry and exit the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine, repeatedly was leaving the closed Kerch seaport on his vessel to the territory of temporarily occupied Crimea with the intention to harm the interest of Ukraine, in particular doing the illegal fishing. The circumstances of committing offenses are proved by collected evidence during the pre-trial investigation, in particular, the conclusion of the expertise, the witness testimony etc. Reportedly, the Ukrainian border guards arrested fishing vessel-violator under the Russian flag in the Sea of Azov on March 25. The Nord vessel was stopped in 15 miles from the Obytichna sandspit. The inspection defined that the vessel was registered in the temporarily occupied Crimea. Besides, the members of the crew violated the order of the exit from the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine. All of them had the so-called Russian passports, issued in Kerch. Later, the court arrested the arrested vessel. Ukrainian border guards detained Volodymyr Gorbenko on April 4. Also, the captain of the vessel was detained but later was released on bail. The other members of the crew tried to leave the territory of Ukraine with the help of representatives of diplomatic institutions of the Russian Federation and get to occupied Crimea. Ukrainian border police didnt let them through because the crew didnt have legal documents with them, which would verify their identity. Although, two crew members of the Nord vessel arrived in Crimea. Court has returned the crew of Nord vessel Russian passports on June 19. Yet the lawyer of the sailors noted that his defendants cant leave Ukraine because there is no final court decision on the case. The same day, the court refused to extend the ban on the captain of the vessel to travel to Crimea. It is expected that the final schedule of the train will be announced soon The trains on the route Kyiv-Pasazhyrsky Boryspil Airport will be running every 30-40 minutes at peak times and with interval 40 minutes-hour and a half at other time. Yevhen Kravtsov, the acting head of Ukrzaliznytsia (state railway company) revealed this information as LIGA.net reported. At the first stage, we plan that the periodicity of traffic of the express will be 30-40 minutes. At the less busy traffic, from 40 minutes up to an hour and a half, Kravtsov said. According to him, now they discuss the frequency of the trains operation from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. There is an issue of the number of the flights at nights. As far as I know, there are not many of them. So does it make sense to launch the night express or we just need to increase the intervals? But as a matter of course, we work out round-the-clock mode of operation, he noted. It is expected that the final schedule of the train will be announced soon. Now we agree on the timetable. We consider that after the launch of the express, the patch of the road between Darnytsya and Boryspil will one of the tensest in Ukraine. There will be a great number of the passenger suburban traffic and the express will be added to it, Kravtsov noted. Earlier Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman claimed that the construction of the high-speed railway between Boryspil Airport and Kyiv will be finished until December 1. As we reported, the railway platforms are constructed near the left wing of the landing hall of Boryspil International Airport's Terminal D. It was specified that the two platforms will service the transfers between the Ukrainian capital and the airport itself. Related video: Preliminary hearing for Yanukovych's state treason case, May 4, 2017 112 Agency Kyiv Obolon District Court completed debates on the case of Yanukovychs state treason, as Vladyslav Devyatko, presiding judge, stated during the court session on Tuesday, Ukrainian News reported. Lawyer Oleksandr Baydyk continued his debate speech, which he began voicing on October 13. Given that he started announcing the protocols of questioning of the witnesses for the second time and stating the same petitions, the judge decided to interrupt him. The court considers necessary to stop the speech of Baydyk, he said accusing the lawyer of purposeful protraction of case. Baydyk stressed that the legislation does not prohibit him from reading the same testimony several times. The court did not agree with his position and noted that the other four lawyers of Yanukovych did not come to the court and announced the end of the debates which began on August 16. The lawyers Oleksandr Goroshynsky and Baydyk protested against the decision. Later, the judge announced about the break in the hearing till November 19. On this day, the court wants to hear the last plea of the accused. Then, the court will leave to the deliberations room to deliver the sentence. Devyatko noted that the Ukrainian legislation allows the court to not hear the last plea of the accused, who is being tried in absentia. At the same time, the court decided to follow the norms of the Convention on Human Rights and let Yanukovych say his last plea on a video-conference. The courtwill provide Yanukovych with a right to appeal to the court with his last plea, Devyatko announced the courts decision. The session is scheduled for 10 am, November 19. The court will not cancel or postpone it. On the same day, the court will decide on the sentence. As it was reported earlier, the Chief Military Prosecutors Office asks the court to sentence ex-President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych to 15 years of imprisonment in the case on state treason, as Prosecutor Maksym Krym said during the debates in the court on Thursday, August 16. Reportedly, fee-based lawyers of Viktor Yanukovych started a skirmish with police in the building of Obolon District Court of Kyiv, where the next court hearing in the case of treason against former Ukrainian President took place. Earlier we reported that Olexandr Horoshynsky, the lawyer of former officers of special unit Berkut has become a new lawyer of Ukraine's ex-president Viktor Yanukovych. Yanukovych is charged with state treason, assistance in deliberate actions against Ukraines state border, sovereignty and territorial integrity and assistance in leading the aggressive war against Ukraine. Now, the name of the post is not about the development of one of the regions, but about the cooperation of two neighboring border regions Open source Hungary has changed the name of the minister for Zakarpattia. The decision was published by Hungarian Justice Ministry on October 29, as EPravda reported referring to the copy of the document. The order has officially changed the post to minister responsible for the development of the cooperation of Szabolcs-Szatmar-Bereg and Zakarpattia regions and coordination of the development program for education facilities for children of Zakarpattia region. Now, the name of the post is not about the development of one of the regions, but about the cooperation of two neighboring border regions. Hungary has basically returned the name of the post, which existed till spring, 2018 adding to the functions of the deputy minister the work with office administration of Zakarpattia region. Reportedly, Foreign Ministry declared the Hungarian consul in Berehove, Ukraine's Zakarpattia region, persona non-grata and obliged him to leave Ukraine within 72 hours. Ukrainians are considering other states where they can earn more Open source Poland anticipates a sudden outflow of the Ukrainian migrant workers to the countries of Western Europe, as Rzeczpospolita reports. The Polish economy, which is rapidly developing, requires labor force, mostly, these are the Ukrainians. Ukrainians also helped to deal with staffing problems in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, yet the demand continues growing. According to the UN, since 2015, 7% of the labor force left Ukraine. In the coming years, such labor migration might undermine the stability and economic growth in Ukraine. Ukrainian migrant workers became a strong support of the labor market in Poland. Yet, according to PKO Bank Polski, Poland's largest bank, the potential of the migration from Ukraine is gradually fraying. And the migrants who are already working in Poland, are considering West to move for a job to Germany and other EU states. According to Work Service estimations, up to 59% of Ukrainian labor migrants might leave Poland. Its a huge threat to Polish economy. In two-three months, staffing problems might increase from 165,000 to half-million, the President of Personnel Service stated. According to him, this might be followed by a huge pressure and decline in the competitiveness of the Polish companies. They can earn much more in Germany legally. Poland wont attract them anymore. Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary are already taking the Ukrainians from us. These countries have solved the issues with employment and offer better labor conditions, Work Service Head said. It should be noted that since 2019, the minimum salary in Poland will be more than $590,7. Pavlo Viktor, a science teacher in Odesa, Ukraine, started posting his lectures on YouTube for absent students. He never expected the videos to gain millions of views beyond his classroom. For five years, he has been recording the videos for the students of the secondary and high school, and now he has more than 167,000 subscribers and more than 8 million of the views. The story of Viktor has begun with the Skype-conferences for the absent children but later he decided to learn technologies. Also, the leadership of the lyceum, where he works, decided to support a teacher and bought professional equipment for his broadcasts. Today, despite the unbelievable popularity of the content, Pavlo Viktor refuses to monetize his channel as he thinks that the education should be free. Read the original article at Radio Liberty. Valery Zubitsky arrives at the airport in his native Odesa dumskaya.net A sailor Valery Zubitsky, who was taken prisoner by the Nigerian pirates with a part of the crew of a Swiss commercial ship MV Glarus, returned home to Odesa, as Dumskaya reported. He left the arrivals area with two people wearing civilian clothes. Probably, those were the law enforcers. The sailor refused to comment anything. He only said that he felt fine. Valery left the airport in a car. Ukraines Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin informed about Valerys return earlier. Reportedly, on September 22, the pirates captured the Swiss merchant vessel MV Glarus. It was carrying a wheat, left Lagos, Nigeria and headed to Port Harcourt. The pirates boarded the vessel on the way to the southwest of Bonny Island having captured 12 crew members out of 19. Symonov was detained on October 9 at around 9 pm in Pryluky The court fined Oleksandr Symonov, the commander of the squadron of 1479 military unit (the arsenal of the Defence Ministry) near Ichnia, Chernihiv region, for drunk driving on the day when explosions occurred in ammo depots. The amount of the fine is $364,3, as the court decided, Ukrainian News reported. It was noted that on October 9, when the fire started, Simonov was detained at around 9 pm in Prylukym Chernihiv region, while driving in a state of intoxication. The man did not show up at the court session, yet he sent a statement where he agreed with the charges and admitted his guilt. The court decided to fine Simonov for $364,3 with deprivation of a right to drive for one year. Reportedly, an explosion at the sixth armory occurred in Ichnia on October 9. The air-space within 30 km was shut down, traffic and railway movement are stopped due to the emergency situation. The Military Prosecutors Office of the Central Region opened a criminal proceeding on the case of explosions at the ammunition depot in Ichnia. Since October 10, ten demining groups have been working on the territory of the armoury. 70% of the administrative territory was cleared. On October 11, the fire was completely eliminated. Over the past four years, it's been the fifth accident with the ammunition stocks in Ukraine exploding; the incidents took place in Balakliya (Kharkiv region), Svatove (Luhansk region), and Kalynivka (Vinnytsia region). Open source The Foreign Ministry of Ukraine protests against another strengthening of the repressions against the citizens of Ukraine in Crimea annexed by Russia, as the press service of the ministry reported. Ukraine strongly protests against another strengthening of the repressions by Russia against the citizens of Ukraine at the territory of temporarily occupied Autonomous Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol, the message said. On October 27, the Russian law enforcers interrupted the session of Crimean Solidarity union in Simferopol. According to the information of the ministry, the law enforcers of Russia accuse lawyer Edem Semedlyaev, human rights defender Liliya Gemedzhi, and coordinator of Crimean Solidarity Dilyaver Memetov of the violation of the anti-terrorist and anti-extremist legislation. The Foreign Ministry of Ukraine finds such accusations as another attempt of the intimidation. Also, the ministry expressed the concern about the new searches at the house of the Crimean Tatars. Ukraine claims about the impermissibility of the intentions of the Russian occupation authority to pass the property of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatars to Spiritual Office of Muslims of Crimea governed from Moscow. It is the continuation of the deliberate discrimination policy of the occupation forces against the Crimean Tatars, the native people of Crimea, the message said. Earlier we reported at least 12,000 Ukrainians were illegally drafted to the Russian Army since 2015. Later it was stated that the residents of the annexed Crimea will not be prosecuted for this. Related video: The Spokesperson of the Permanent Representation of Ukraine to the UN Oleg Nikolenko wrote on Facebook that the UN Security Council was to conduct an open session on Ukraine issues on Tuesday, October 30. "The UN Security Council will hold an open session dedicated to the situation on the occupied territories of Ukraine on Tuesday, October 30," the diplomat stated. It was specified that the session would take place at 9 pm Kyiv time. Besides, this month Ukraine claimed an unprecedented Russia's militarization of Crimea. The Security Council has discussed the issues of Russia's aggression against Ukraine on May 29. Ukraine news on 112.international Tropical weather forecasting startup Ignitia closed a $1.1 million Series A round led by early-stage SF-based firm Hack VC with participation from early-stage social impact investors FINCA Ventures and Stockholm-based tech-focused impact investor Norrsken Foundation. Regardless of where a farmer is located, knowing what Mother Nature may have in store is a key aspect of planning day-to-day management as well as long-term decisionmaking. Factor in the havoc that climate change has wreaked through less predictable weather patterns and harsher extremes, and these data become invaluable. We have been pretty successful in our B2C business selling weather forecasts to farmers, but we are starting to sell B2B, founder and managing director Liisa Smits told AgFunderNews. This money will be used for that kind of new sales, which will focus on input providers like seed companies, fertilizer companies, and anyone who has direct contact with farmers on a daily or seasonal basis. What we are looking for is partners who we can bundle our information with for smallscale farmers. For this round of funding, Sweden-based Ignitia took a selective approach opting for investors that had strategic alignment with the startups goals and ethos. The ability to introduce Ignitia to new networks or to provide further insight into its customer demographics were particularly attractive. FINCA is one of our investors and they are running a microloan program in many countries and also targeting farmers. Clearly, we are hunting for the same kind of customers and they already had a lot of info around them, Smits explains. In the long term, we can perhaps help with decreasing risks associated with agricultural loans to this demographic using weather data. The new round of capital will be used to focus on expanding Ignitias presence in Nigeria as well as seeking out new partnerships throughout the agricultural supply chain. It already operates in Mali and Ghana, with Smits describing the company as self-sustaining and generating sufficient revenue regardless of whether its scale-up in Nigeria is a success. Its the first new dose of funding that the company has received since closing a seed round with five angel investors in 2014. Nigeria is a focus for the company because it comprises 75% of West Africa and it was a natural progression after establishing in Ghana. Its already entered into partnerships with major telecommunication companies in the region like MTN Ghana and 9mobile in Nigeria to pinpoint its customers exact locations. They deliver text messages to customers on a daily basis and we partner with them to launch different information campaigns describing our service. They see, as we do, that 80% of the workforce in these countries are smallscale farmers and that this is a very valuable service for a lot of them. We enter into a revenue share agreement with the telecommunications companies, so they also receive a profit. VCs are no stranger to agriculture-focused weather forecasting models, with a number of startups sprinkled across the globe raising noteworthy rounds in recent years, including the poster child of the agtech industry Climate Corp, which started out life as Weather Bill and was acquired by Monsanto in 2013. In December 2017, Indias Skymet raised a $10 million Series C for its service that provides climate, weather, and crop analytics to insurance companies, banks, and agribusiness for the public sector. And in November 2015, US-based aWhere raised a $7 million Series A for its agronomic weather software platform. Still, Smits and the team experience some challenges when it comes to explaining its core technology to investors. Any investor we would speak with would say, We dont know anything about the weather industry. This is, of course, super tough as it is an extremely niche business. We are not just a typical weather company that repackages existing weather forecasts. We start by creating them from scratch and then we have arguably the worlds poorest customers, Smits says. Ignitias technology is designed to provide hyper-local weather forecasts for over 450,000 active subscribers who are mostly small-scale farmers. Delivered via SMS, the company reports a forecast accuracy rate of 84% for areas as small as 3 km. The core technology lies in Ignitias algorithms, which Smits and a team of interdisciplinary physicists spent three years developing. We have our own supercomputer that does the calculations. We couldnt use the same algorithm that predicts weather in the tropics because there are no high-pressure, low-pressure, or fronts to generate weather. Everything is governed by the sun heating up the earth and the earth heating the area above it. Hot air rises and you get thunderstorms that can develop as rapidly as 30 minutes. Having consistent accurate weather forecasts helps farmers to make better-informed decisions to improve their farming practices, thus increasing their yields and maximizing their profits to play a key part in stabilizing the value chain as a whole. According to one study from UC Berkeley, the service increases yields by 65% across all crops. That data, however, is only as good as the farmers ability to understand it. Next to developing its tropics-focused algorithm, Ignitia had to figure out a way to communicate weather updates to a population that suffers from widespread illiteracy. Most likely, you are illiterate if you are one of our customers, which means instead of reading a text, we use word recognition. Over 90% of our users have learned 7 keywords over the course of a year that communicates the timing of rain and the intensity of the rain event, Smits explains. We build up curiosity with the farmer to learn more and there is always someone in the village who can read. Farmers dont need smartphones to receive the texts and Ignitia reports that in many villages the cell phone penetration level exceeds 100%, meaning many folks have two or more cell phones. As for competition, there are a variety of digital platforms that provide weather data in addition to other insight-producing information as well as private weather forecast companies that repackage global weather data and sell it further or provide it to the public through a website. While Ignitia is focused squarely on Nigeria, Smits reports that the team has broader ambitions for the rest of the tropical belt. The bigger plan is to expand to new continents in the tropics. And we already have partners that provide other services, such as Orange in Mali which has launched an ag platform that includes our weather data as part of an advisory service. And our weather technology would not work in the developed world because it is on mid-latitudes where there is no need for tropical weather forecasting. We plan to stay in the tropical belt, which is actually where 40% of the worlds population lives. Its not a small place by any means. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Changan Automobiles sales revenue totaled RMB 49.85 billion in the first nine months, down 3% compared with the same period of last year. During the period, the automakers net profit plunged nearly 80% to RMB 1.16 billion. For the third quarter, the company posted sales revenue of RMB 14.21 billion, falling 20.51% year on year while the net profit nosedived to RMB 450 million by 137.51 percent from a year ago. Sales decline is the main contributor to the result. In the first nine months, Changan sold 1,647,616 new vehicles, down 20% compared with 2,058,204 of the same period last year. The companys self-owned brand and joint ventures both saw stagnant sales. After undergoing continual slowdown from March, Changan Ford September sales were nearly halved to 308,597units. Even though Changan Mazda, another joint venture with foreign automakers, had a stable sales performance, the joint ventures sales has been at a low level. The sales decline of Changan brand widened to 17.5% with the lowest sales of the year. But in September, several models, such as CS55, CS75 and CS35, saw sales improvement, which, to certain degree, revived the brands overall sales to a month-on-month jump of 32%. In the automakers half-year results report, Changan has pointed out that even though the self-owned brand has improved its ability to make profit, the profit of joint ventures slumped sharply, which resulted in decrease in half-year results. "We cannot sacrifice the fight against corruption just for the desire to avoid confrontation," the Head of State told foreign reporters on Monday. Concerning Fuerza Popular opposition party and its leader Keiko Fujimori, the top official indicated the proposals for dialogue were suggested by the Executive Branch and not by the counterpart. "This proposal has been on the table for seven months , and after all this time, now they say it is valid," he said in this sense. The statesman recalled that while Fujimori was requesting a meeting the Inca country's citizens found out about Fuerza Popular's Telegram chats and their mistreatment towards the Head of State. However, the top official reaffirmed his willingness to set the foundations for dialogue with the opposition. In this sense, the top leader seemed to be in favor of a bill allowing elderly inmates to serve their sentence under house arrest. Last week, Vizcarra said he believes the Inca country does need a statute that authorizes elderly people with health issues to serve their sentence under that premise. On that occasion, he added this should be debated in depth to prevent people who are deemed as a danger to society to be released under such law. As is known, Fujimori was granted a humanitarian pardon by ex-President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski on December 24, 2017. He had served 12 years of the 25-year sentence for the Barrios Altos and La Cantuta cases, which involved human rights abuses. In August, the Judicial Branch admitted the request of La Cantuta and Barrios Altos victims' relatives to review the process, in accordance with a resolution issued by the Court. (END) FHG/DTK/MVB YEREVAN, OCTOBER 30, ARMENPRESS. President of Artsakh Bako Sahakyan sent a congratulatory address today to the "Mayroutyun" (Motherhood) non-governmental organization on its 30th anniversary of foundation. "Dear friends, I am glad to welcome you and extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of you on the 30th anniversary of the "Mayroutyun" non-governmental organization. This is a significant event in the life of our republic, as being a part of our nation, the organization has been standing by our compatriots for all these years, has lived with their pains and worries, has helped and assisted great many people with maternal care and warmth. The organization is the coeval of the Artsakh National-Liberation Movement; many of its members have been standing at the origins of the nationwide struggle and have brought their worthy contribution to forging the victory of that struggle, the establishment and development of the free and independent Artsakh Republic. Even today you actively participate in the social and political life of our country and through your patriotic activities contribute greatly to the strengthening and developing our statehood. Your work is very important and demanded for our homeland and people. I once again congratulate you and wish you peace, good health and great success on the path of fulfilling your patriotic mission," Sahakyan said in the address, as reported by his office. YEREVAN, OCTOBER 30, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Genocide survivor Sirvard Kurdian from Toronto has passed way at the age of 106, Horizon Weekly reports. She was born three years before the forced deportations began, when she was forced with her siblings and mother to walk from Erzerum in eastern Turkey to Mosul in Iraq. The journey took six months. Her father was killed by Turks in 1915. When the family reached Mosul, in what is now Iraq, they were welcomed by Arabs. After a while they moved on to Aleppo in Syria, where more than 100,000 Armenian survivors settled, including orphans. There, Sirvard attended school and rose to the top of her class, enthusiastically reading and reciting poetry. At 15, she met and married a young orphaned Armenian man, Khatchik Kurdian. In 1974 Khatchik Kurdian passed away. In 1991 Sirvard moved with her family to Canada. YEREVAN, OCTOBER 30, ARMENPRESS. The Republican Party of Armenia faction of the Parliament remains committed to its previously announced position and will not nominate a candidate for Prime Minister for the second round of election, RPA faction MP Armen Ashotyan told ARMENPRESS. We have announced our decision weeks before. Its obvious that we are not going to nominate a candidate for PM. Why should the party change its position within a week, he said. The deadline for nominating a candidate for PM is October 30. At the moment acting PM Nikol Pashinyan is the only candidate for PM. He has been nominated by the Yelk and Tsarukyan factions. Several lawmakers from the RPA faction have also joined them. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan resigned on October 16 in order to launch the process of holding snap parliamentary elections. On October 24 the first round of electing a prime minister was held in the Parliament: Pashinyan was the only candidate, however, he was not elected. If the Parliament fails to elect a PM during the second round, it will be dissolved by virtue of law, and early parliamentary elections will be held. YEREVAN, OCTOBER 30, ARMENPRESS/BELTA. President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko has confirmed the friendly nature of the Armenian-Belarussian relations during the meeting with Armenian President Armen Sarkissian in Minsk, BelTA reported. Despite all kinds of views in the democratic Armenia, Belarus has always been and will be your good and reliable friend. We both work in the common economic space our Eurasian Economic Union and the CSTO military and political bloc. No matter what some people say or write, we strictly abide by our agreements, by everything that is envisaged by these organizations, Alexander Lukashenko said. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian arrived in Belarus on October 29 on a working visit. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, OCTOBER 30, ARMENPRESS. Speaker of Parliament of Armenia Ara Babloyan hopes that the CSTO Parliamentary Assemblys Council and plenary sessions will be held in Armenia in the nearest future, reports Armenpress. While delivering remarks at the CSTO PA Council session in Moscow, Speaker Babloyan expressed regret over shifting of the CSTO PA Council and plenary session from Yerevan to Moscow. I would like to express my regret over the move of the CSTO PA Council and plenary session from Yerevan. Yes, the domestic political situation in Armenia can lead to the dissolution of the Parliament and snap elections as a consequence. But despite this, we were ready to fulfill our duties and host the events scheduled in our country. In line with his, we respect the consensus decision on delaying the Yerevan session. I hope the CSTO PA Council and plenary sessions will be held in Armenia in the nearest future, Ara Babloyan said. The Speaker assured that Armenias foreign policy vector will not change by the results of the possible snap parliamentary elections in the country, as there is a consensus among the people over Armenias membership to the CSTO. In his turn Chairman of the Russian State Duma Vyacheslav Volodin told the Speaker that they will discuss the possibility of holding the sessions in Armenia if there is such application by the new Armenian Parliament. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, OCTOBER 30, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian government has displayed flexibility and pragmatism in cooperating with the European Union, EU Ambassador to Armenia Piotr Switalski told reporters today, mentioning that he is pleased with the cooperation. We recommended the government to revise previously discussed issues after the domestic political changes. And I understand that the new government was very busy during the summer months. I can say that the 2018 action plan mostly reflects our previously implemented work. Since the new government displayed flexibility and pragmatism, I can say that I am satisfied with our cooperation, he said, adding that they have discussions with the new government over the 2019 action plan. The Ambassador noted that the government has outlines rather broad boundaries for defining priorities. The EU has also recommended revising budgetary assistance programs. This, certainly was unprecedented. We usually dont take such actions with new governments. But we understand that a change has taken place. We received new documents about the developments of various sectors from the government. We are satisfied over them [documents]. Ive had a good first impression from these proposals. Their demands are acceptable for us, the EU Ambassador said. He described the contacts of the two parties as rather constructive. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, OCTOBER 30, ARMENPRESS. The European Union will continue supporting Armenias agriculture sector progress. At the moment discussions are underway with the Armenian government over a program on making investments in the field of organic agriculture in the northern provinces, EU Ambassador to Armenia Piotr Switalski told reporters in Vayots Dzor province, reports Armenpress. The EU is the largest donor in Armenias agriculture sector. We are committed to continue that support. We believe that Armenias organic agriculture can ensure great progress for Armenia, the Armenian agricultural goods can enter into the market of different countries. We are holding discussions with the new government over the 2018 agriculture strategy. The agriculture sector is one of the priority issues. We are discussing different ideas, including making investments in organic agriculture sector in Armenias northern provinces Tavush, Shirak and Lori, the EU official said, expressing hope that these discussions will end soon. The Organic Agriculture Support Initiative EU program will be completed soon, but Piotr Switalski assured that they will continue supporting Armenia for progress. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, OCTOBER 30, ARMENPRESS. Artsakh Republic President Bako Sahakyan on October 30 attended an event dedicated to the Day of the Worker of the State Service on Emergency Situations, the Artsakh Presidential Office told Armenpress. In his congratulatory remarks the President said the staff members of the structure carry out an important and responsible job, are ready to respond to various emergency situations, help our citizens, and solve diverse problems. It requires relevant professional training, enhancement of skills and capabilities, application of innovations in the sphere, closer communication with the central and regional structures of the system, systematic interaction with all the concerned institutions, Bako Sahakyan said. Bako Sahakyan underlined that the state kept the activity of the State Service on Emergency Situations in the spotlight, and during these years large-scale projects have been carried out to improve the working conditions of the department, upgrade its material and technical base, improve social conditions of the staff servicemen. An awarding ceremony was held during the event. YEREVAN, OCTOBER 30, ARMENPRESS. The meeting of Armenian President Armen Sarkissian and his Belarussian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko was held in Minsk on October 30, the Armenian Presidential Office told Armenpress. The President of Belarus welcomed Armen Sarkissians visit to Minsk, stating that he is happy to host his Armenian counterpart on the sidelines of the meeting of the Core Group of the Munich Security Conference. Your visit to Belarus is very welcomed. Tomorrow we have an important even on security matters which will take place within the frames of the Munich Group. Your visit to Minsk and participation to the meeting on this topic shows that Armenia is not just concerned over this issue, but it is also very important for the Armenian people. You should know that regardless of all kinds of views, you had and will always have good and reliable friends in a democratic Armenia in the person of Belarus. We both work in the common economic space the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), the CSTO, and consistently fulfill our agreements and everything that is envisaged by these organizations. As for the foundations of our relations, the trade turnover, it should be noted that it is growing. Last year we recorded high growth, which comprises nearly 45-50 million USD. This is a good result, but if we talk about the potential in terms of the goods which are in high demand in Armenia and the goods which are in high demand in Belarus, then its not a great figure. Today we could have 150 million USD trade turnover which would raise our relations to a high level. You know our opportunities, and we know yours. Therefore, we will observe any proposal by Armenia in a short period of time and will make a respective decision. I know that currently you are facing complicated democratic changes, you cant avoid it, and of course, its very important for me to receive first-hand information from my friend, counterpart, the Belarussian President said. He added that it was very important for Belarus to follow the developments in Armenia. We see a person in the person of you who is objective, realistic and ready to support the relations with Belarus, and we give mutual response to this. In his turn the Armenian President thanked for the reception and stated: I also would like to start from the dramatic days of April-May and use the chance here, in perfect Minsk, to personally thank you for the support and friendship you showed during that days. I, both as a President and as an individual will not forget the attention I have received from you. Your telephone calls were not just diplomatic or political calls: they were calls from a friend, who was not only interested, but also was sad and happy, a man who wants to know and help. That was a great support for me during that days when major changes were taking place in our country. It seemed, everything was good, without any dramas, human losses, but in any case it wasnt easy. And I highly value your support and want to inform you about that, therefore I want to personally thank you. Yes, I arrived here to participate in the Munich Security Conference. Its very nice to be in Minsk which is a unique city. I think today Belarus is an example of stability and predictability. One can find such qualities very randomly in this new world where we live. The world is not just the regions, the world has become unpredictable, unstable, and the states, which in reality have these two qualities, are highly appreciated by me, my Belarussian friends and the world community in general. Its not a coincidence that the Munich conference, one of the leading conferences in the world, is taking place here in Minsk. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, OCTOBER 30, ARMENPRESS. On 30 October Artsakh Republic President Bako Sahakyan visited the Victory Square of capital Stepanakert and got acquainted with the renovation of the buildings located in the adjacent streets, Sahakyans office said in a press release. The Head of the State noted that the improvement of the capital would be of continuous nature, expressing gratitude to the philanthropists involved in this process. Minister of municipal engineering Karen Shahramanyan and other officials accompanied the President. Authority rejigs outlay as global donors go cold The National Reconstruction Authority (NRA) on Monday said it is in the final stages of revising its financial outlay for carrying out the remaining reconstruction works. YEREVAN, OCTOBER 30, ARMENPRESS. Armenias delegation led by Speaker of Parliament Ara Babloyan on October 30 participated in the 11th plenary session of the CSTO Parliamentary Assembly in Moscow, the Parliament told Armenpress. During the session a number of model draft laws, instructions and other legal acts were discussed. In his remarks Speaker Babloyan said regardless of the domestic political situation in Armenia, the cooperation within the CSTO will continue developing: that is the will of the Armenian people, the stable position of the Republic of Armenia. The Parliament Speaker expressed hope that the newly-elected Parliament will support his invitation to hold the next plenary sessions of the CSTO PA Council and Assembly in Armenia. The Armenian delegation includes Vice Speaker of Parliament Eduard Sharmazanov, MPs Khosrov Harutyunyan and Koryun Nahapetyan. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, OCTOBER 30, ARMENPRESS. Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh Masis Mayilian received the delegation headed by Member of the Belgian Federal Parliament Jean Jacques Flahaux, the Artsakh MFA told Armenpress. At the request of the guests, the FM briefed on the priorities of the foreign policy of Artsakh, in particular, the activities aimed at the international recognition of the Republic of Artsakh and expansion of international cooperation, as well as the current stage of the Azerbaijan-Karabakh conflict settlement process. Masis Mayilian stressed the role of parliamentary diplomacy in involving the Republic in international processes and raising the awareness about Artsakh abroad. In this context, the minister noted the importance of the Friendship Group and the Friendship Circle with Artsakh established in Belgiums Flemish Parliament and in Brussels Walloon Parliament, which gives an opportunity to expand the frameworks of international cooperation of Artsakh. The sides also exchanged views on a range of issues related to the strengthening and development of cooperation with Belgium. Representatives of the European Armenian Federation for Justice and Democracy, headed by the Federations President, Kaspar Karampetyan, were present at the meeting. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, OCTOBER 30, ARMENPRESS. Global wildlife populations have fallen by 60% in just over four decades, as accelerating pollution, deforestation, climate change and other manmade factors have created a "mindblowing" crisis, the World Wildlife Fund has warned in a new report, CNN reports. The total numbers of more than 4,000 mammal, bird, fish, reptile and amphibian species declined rapidly between 1970 and 2014, the Living Planet Report 2018 says. Current rates of species extinction are now up to 1,000 times higher than before human involvement in animal ecosystems became a factor. The proportion of the planet's land that is free from human impact is projected to drop from a quarter to a tenth by 2050, as habitat removal, hunting, pollution, disease and climate change continue to spread, the organization added. The group has called for an international treaty, modeled on the Paris climate agreement, to be drafted to protect wildlife and reverse human impacts on nature. It warned that current efforts to protect the natural world are not keeping up with the speed of manmade destruction. The crisis is "unprecedented in its speed, in its scale and because it is single-handed," said Marco Lambertini, the WWF's director general. "It's mindblowing. ... We're talking about 40 years. It's not even a blink of an eye compared to the history of life on Earth." "Now that we have the power to control and even damage nature, we continue to (use) it as if we were the hunters and gatherers of 20,000 years ago, with the technology of the 21st century," he added. "We're still taking nature for granted, and it has to stop." YEREVAN, OCTOBER 30, ARMENPRESS. An Armenian military delegation led by Lt. General A. Davtyan the Chief of the General Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces, participated in the CSTO military committee sitting in Almaty chaired by Kazakhstans first deputy defense minister chief of the general staff. Issues of further development of CSTOs military component were discussed, the defense ministry said. Ideas were exchanged over CSTO collective security, particularly matters of the military political situation in the Caucasian and Central-Asian region. The session especially focused on the situation developing in the Tajik-Afghan border, threats to military security and issues related to air defense and anti-missile defense in the CSTO collective security area. On the sidelines of the session, Lt. General Davtyan and his Kazakh counterpart Lt. General M. Maykeev held a one on one meeting to discuss bilateral cooperation issues. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, OCTOBER 30, ARMENPRESS. Armenia and Belarus should activate scientific cooperation in the sphere of digital and laser technologies, cyber security, nuclear energy use and pharmaceuticals, Armenian President Armen Sarkissian announced in a meeting with President of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus Vladimir Gusakov in Minsk. Armen Sarkissian was impressed by the results of the scientific activities of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus. He noted that he first visited the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus when he was still young, in 1976 and participated in the works of an international conference in the area of physics. The friendship between the academies of sciences of our countries has a great value, Sarkissian said. Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan YEREVAN, OCTOBER 30, ARMENPRESS. President of Artsakh Bako Sahakyan received the delegation of the Belgian Federal Parliament at the head of Jean-Jacques Flahaux on October 30. As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the Artsakh Presdients Office, diverse issues on the Belgium-Artsakh relations were on the discussion agenda. The President commended the dynamic development of relations with Belgium, especially in terms of inter-parliamentary relations, noting its significance and relevance for Artsakh. The meeting also addressed a range of issues related to Artsakh domestic and foreign policy as well as regional developments. Foreign minister Masis Mayilyan, head of the European Armenian Federation for Justice and Democracy head Kaspar Karapetyan and other officials took part at the meeting. Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan YEREVAN, OCTOBER 30, ARMENPRESS. The deadline for nominating candidate for PM has expired and acting PM Nikol Pashinyan is the only candidate, ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the parliament of Armenia. The deadline expired at 18:00, October 30. The parliament will be dissolved by virtue of law if it fails to elect a prime minister in the second and final round also. Pashinyans nomination as a candidate is a technicality and he himself urged lawmakers to vote him down to disband the parliament. If the second round fails to elect a premier, this will be the first time in the history of Armenia when a parliament is being disbanded. He was nominated by the Yelk and Tsarukyan factions, and the MPs who have abandoned the Republican Party. Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan YEREVAN, OCTOBER 30, ARMENPRESS. Acting Prime Minister of Armenia NIkol Pashinyan received on October 30 President of Prime Healthcare company, U.S.-Armenian philanthropist Mike Sarian, who is a prominent figure in the healthcare system of the USA and the head of a major network of hospitals in 14 States with overall 45 hospitals. As ARMENPRESS was informed from the official website of the Prime Minister of Armenia, welcoming the first visit of Mike Sarian to Armenia, the acting PM highly assessed the long years of his professional activities, as well as his role in the lives of the U.S.-Armenians and the development projects in Armenia and Artsakh. Nikol Pashinyan expressed confidence that an effective cooperation will be established with the Healthcare Ministry of Armenia, which will foster the reforms in the sphere. Mike Sarian thanked for the reception and noted that he is proud to have the opportunity to contribute to the progress of his motherland. He expressed readiness to support the Government and the Healthcare Ministry of Armenia for bringing the reforms into life and to serve his experience and professional skills to the development of the healthcare system of Armenia and implementation of concrete projects. Acting PM Pashinyan saluted Mike Sarians readiness to contribute to the development of the Motherland and emphasized the importance of making use of the potentials of the Diaspora-Armenians in this new and important period. The sides exchanged views over cooperation opportunities in the sphere of healthcare and agreed that the opportunities of implementation of concrete projects will be discussed more thoroughly during the meeting of Mike Sarian and the acting Healthcare Minister tomorrow. Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan Ex PNGDF chief Singirok - "I was a seasoned soldier with a future, but a soft target for the government" JERRY SINGIROK | Facebook MADANG - As Bougainville is gearing up for a referendum in 2019 and as time passes - time being the biggest healer - I reflect on the journey we took from which there are very important lessons to learn. Firstly we should never have had the Bougainville crisis. The government had no negotiating power against a multi-million corporate giant like Rio Tinto. Collectively we destroyed a province, communities and displaced and disintegrated hundreds of families. Many mothers are now widowed and raising children without their fathers. Communities are split and deep emotions run through the minds of people affected directly or indirectly. I was a seasoned soldier with a future in front of me, but I was a soft target for the government to bring more misery to an already broken community. I was wounded badly at Panguna mine in 1994. I rescued women and children with troops under my command. My troops were human and vulnerable but had a duty, and under the circumstances did what they were supposed to do. I revolted against a government who did not put people's welfare first. The government was too swift to end my career in 2000. But I made my mark as commander of the PNG Defence Force. While Chinese stocks are plunging, Chinese property prices are going in the other direction, and fast. New home prices grew by 7.9% in the year to September, including 0.9% over the month. China's government, through the state-run Xinhua news agency, has told speculators to "lose the illusion" that "there will be a reignition of house prices". While Chinese stocks are in the midst of an ugly bear market, the same can't be said for China's housing market, at least according to official data from the government. They're still continuing to climb, defying a raft of policy restrictions rolled out to prevent a potential housing bubble. According to China's National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), new home prices in 70 major cities across the country rose by 0.9% in September, leaving the 7.9% in the year to September, the fastest annual since August 2017. The continued upswing in prices, already from an elevated base following strong growth in prior cycles, suggests that some Chinese investors are looking to escape the carnage in stocks by plowing their capital into property. Several cuts to the required reserve ratio for Chinese lenders this year may also be a factor. However, for those looking to speculate on the future direction of prices, the Chinese government, courtesy of the state-run Xinhua news agency, has a warning for you: don't bank on buying and selling restrictions being watered down anytime soon. "Speculative buyers, land revenue addicts, and even the entire society need to recognise the general trend and lose the illusion that the regulation will be relaxed due to the downward pressure on the economy, that there will be a reignition of house prices, Xinhua said, according to a report from Reuters. [We] will not allow any relaxation of regulatory policies that are already established, nor allow house prices to rise." The Xinhua report said policymakers were also studying whether a nationwide property tax should be implemented, an idea that has been floated, and subsequently postponed, on several occasions in the past. Reuters has more here. Bangladesh court doubles former PM's jail term to 10 years A Bangladesh court on Tuesday doubled to 10 years a jail term for former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia for graft, ruling out her chances of contesting a general election in December, lawyers said. One of Australia's top spies has given a speech outlining why Chinese companies -- some of the world's largest and most experienced -- are being prevented from competing to build 5G infrastructure. Mike Burgess, head of the Australian Signals Directorate -- which monitors communications across Australia and around the world -- explained that 5G would be critical infrastructure for all manner of systems. "The distinction between core and edge collapses in 5G networks. That means that a potential threat anywhere in the network will be a threat to the whole network," he said. It follows an executive decision in August to ban Huawei from participating in 5G rollout, a call made by now Prime Minister Scott Morrison in his temporary capacity as Home Affairs minister. One of Australia's top spies said the electricity grid, water supplies and other critical infrastructure could not have been adequately protected if China's Huawei or ZTE were allowed to build the country's new 5G mobile networks. In the strongest comments by a government officials since the ban was handed down on Chinese companies during the leadership turmoil of mid-August, the director general of the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD), Mike Burgess, said the stakes in 5G "could not be higher". "Getting security right for our critical infrastructure is paramount," he said. His warning coincided with a new report from The Australian Strategic Policy Institute, which revealed Australian universities were collaborating with Chinese military scientists at unprecedented levels and failing to mitigate national security risks. The report found as many as 2,500 scientists associated with the People's Liberation Army (PLA) - often hiding behind civilian research "fronts" to obscure their military links - had been sent to universities in Australia and other western nations. In outlining a new, more open posture for ASD during a speech in Canberra on Monday night, Mr Burgess said 5G would soon sit at the top of Australia's critical infrastructure list. Story continues The ASD also joined Twitter yesterday, posting a playful first message: https://twitter.com/ASDGovAu/status/1056712961148895232 He said 5G was not just about faster data, but the new network would eventually be used to operate everything from power and water networks to self-driving cars and remote surgery. "This is about more than just protecting the confidentiality of our information - it is also about integrity and availability of the data and systems on which we depend," he said. Mr Burgess did not specifically mention Huawei or ZTE, but said it was no longer sufficient to confine "high-risk vendors" to the edges of a telecommunications network. "The distinction between core and edge collapses in 5G networks. That means that a potential threat anywhere in the network will be a threat to the whole network," he said. While the federal government banned Huawei from bidding on the national broadband network, the vendor supplied 4G equipment to Optus and Vodafone and was pushing to be a supplier to non-core parts of the 5G network. In issuing the ban in mid-August, the federal government did not identify the Chinese companies by name, but said it would prevent vendors bidding that were "subject to extrajudicial directions from a foreign government that conflict with Australian law". Of the four main 5G vendors globally only Huawei and ZTE were subject to such laws. Mr Burgess confirmed ASD has advised the government to "exclude high-risk vendors from the entirety of evolving 5G networks". In a speech designed to partially bring ASD out from the shadows, Mr Burgess also warned businesses, which had been hacked, from mounting their own offensive cyber operations and said over the past year his organisation had discovered sophisticated cyber threats "affecting a range of Australian interests". "We have identified and dealt with hackers on government networks, across the private sector through to academia," he said. The ASPI report, authored by researcher Alex Joske, estimates over 2500 Chinese military scientists have been sent abroad as students or visiting scholars in the past decade. "To date, there's been no significant public discussion on why universities should be directly contributing to the technology of a non-allied military," the report warns. "Importantly, there's also little evidence that universities are making any meaningful distinction between collaboration with the Chinese military and the rest of their collaboration with China." The report will touch a raw nerve with Australia's university sector which, mindful of protecting revenue streams from overseas students, has been dismissive or defensive in response to concerns Beijing is clandestinely interfering in the tertiary sector to assert political control over Chinese students or harvest research for strategic purposes. Mr Joske's report seizes on figures suggesting "five eyes" countries - Western allies who share intelligence - are the biggest hosts of Chinese military scientists, led by Australia on a per capital basis. The figures are partly based on a comprehensive review of academic publications and LinkedIn profiles and may be partly explained by Australia's proximity to China and the fact that the five eyes nations host the world's leading universities. The ASPI report does not identify any actual breaches involving Australian universities. But Mr Joske said that nine academics from a contingent of 40 Chinese military scientists who presented papers at a UNSW conference on Mobile Mapping Technology in 2015 may have sought to obscure their involvement with a PLA institute. A consistent complaint from university and business insiders briefed by Australia's security agencies about Chinese government interference efforts has been the lack of concrete examples. The tertiary sector lobbied the federal government and dismissed hawkish security commentators over counter-interference reforms that universities have warned may impinge on academic freedom. A senior university insider who spoke to Fairfax Media said the sector was terrified of losing revenue, but acknowledged that his own university had collected information raising concerns about the true purpose of one academic collaboration project. Mr Joske said efforts by China's military to obscure its researchers' backgrounds was an obvious red flag for Australian universities. "A document published by NUDT [National University of Defence Technology] for students hoping to study abroad advises them that, when providing documentation in their applications to foreign institutions, 'military and political courses can be excluded' from their academic records," Mr Joske's report found. Fairfax Media is investigating cyber hacking incidents in corporate Australia. Tip off our team confidentially via this secure online system. This article first appeared at The Australian Financial Review. Read the original article. Follow the AFR on Twitter. A 6.2 magnitude earthquake has struck New Zealands North Island. Residents across the capital Wellington and in the city of New Plymouth were rattled by the 207km-deep tremor. It was centred 25km southwest of Taumarunui and described as strong, according to GeoNet. New Zealands parliament, which is sitting at the moment, was suspended after the prolonged rumble to allow for the precincts buildings to be checked. Residents across the capital Wellington and in the city of New Plymouth were rattled by the 207km-deep tremor. Image: Twitter/EMS Tens of thousands of people across the centre of the country have reported feeling the shaking. Fire and Emergency New Zealand said there had been no reports of damage and there is no tsunami risk, according to civil defence. The quake did not disrupt an event in Auckland attended by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Prince Harry and wife Meghan were visiting the head office of a charity dedicated to supporting the children of prisoners. To those who felt the quake GNS have confirmed their assessment that it was M6.2 and 25km SW of Taumarunui. Widely felt across central NZ. Grabbing updates from officials but in the meantime, do check on those around you! Jacinda Ardern (@jacindaardern) October 30, 2018 South Africa's cash-strapped public broadcaster SABC is considering laying off nearly 1,000 people, or about one third of its full-time staff, in a bid to turn around its "dire" finances, according to a document seen on Tuesday. The South African Broadcasting Corporation sent a memo to workers informing them of its intention to cut jobs at all levels and in all departments in a bid to save around $30 million a year. In the note seen by AFP, SABC said the broadcaster is in "dire financial straits" and was unable to borrow from either the government or banks. As a result of corruption and maladministration scandals, parliament has dissolved SABC's board several times in recent years. The company's financial distress deepened during the tenure of its former chief operating officer, Hlaudi Motsoeneng, an ally of ex-president Jacob Zuma who falsely claimed to have finished high school. The SABC, which is the primary news source for millions of people, was accused of banning footage of violent protests, blocking opposition campaign adverts and avoiding criticism of the government during Zuma's reign. The memo warned that unless "drastic measures are taken" the broadcaster would not be financially viable. While it said SABC intends to correct "many instances of unlawful and irregular promotions and increases afforded to employees", its main focus was on belt-tightening. The SABC said it was "overstaffed", currently employing more than 3,370 staff as well as 2,400 freelancers. "Should retrenchments be necessary, it is envisaged that 981 employees may possibly be retrenched as a result of the restructuring," it said, adding that notices to terminate contracts would be issued starting in February. The corporation said it hoped to save around 440 million rand ($30 million) a year if it proceeds with the plan. SABC posted losses of 622 million rand ($45 million) in the financial year ending March 2018 after a record loss of nearly one billion rand the year before. - 'Not well thought out' - The country's auditor-general Kimi Makwetu last month said the broadcaster, which has in recent years relied on government loans for its survival, was commercially insolvent. The SABC was formed 77 years ago. Headquartered in Johannesburg, it has three free-to-air television channels and 18 stations broadcasting in all the country's 11 official languages. News of the planned redundancies came as South Africa's unemployment rate grew to 27.5 percent in the third quarter of this year, up from 26.7 percent in the first quarter, according to official statistics. Unions have vowed to fight the planned lay-offs in the courts and with industrial action. "It is concerning that such a big number of people have been targeted. This is not a well thought through process," said Hannes du Buisson, president of the Broadcasting, Electronic, Media and Allied Workers Union (BEMAWU). "It is because of political interference with the SABC editorial content by deploying African National Congress (supporters) inside the SABC that has caused the SABC to collapse," Du Buisson told AFP, adding that viewers had abandoned the broadcaster over its diminished impartiality. "A lot of viewers are no longer interested in the SABC and that is being followed by advertisers." The main opposition Democratic Alliance urged an independent staff and salaries audit, describing the management rescue plan as "haphazard and illogical". SABC posted losses of 622 million rand ($45 million) in the financial year ending March 2018 A Bangladesh court Tuesday doubled a jail term for imprisoned opposition leader Khaleda Zia from five to 10 years for what her supporters say are trumped-up corruption charges. The decision came a day after Zia, arch-rival of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, was handed a separate seven-year term for other graft charges. The prosecution told AFP that Zia, 73, will serve the sentences concurrently. Her lawyers said the former prime minister would appeal the latest ruling in Bangladesh's highest court. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which Zia has led from Dhaka Central Jail since being incarcerated in February, protested against the decision and vowed nationwide demonstrations later Tuesday. The February corruption verdict triggered clashes between police and thousands of BNP loyalists. The prosecution had demanded Zia serve more time for embezzling orphanage money -- an appeal a higher court granted Tuesday. "The high court has upheld the lower court verdict and raised the jail sentence from original five years to 10 years," anti-corruption commission prosecutor Khurshid A Khan told AFP. Zia has always denied the charges, and many others she faces, saying she is being pursued in court to prevent her challenging Hasina in a general election slated for December. Zia boycotted the 2014 general election which Hasina won, sparking violence across the Muslim-majority democracy of 160 million. The latest court ruling deals a crushing blow to the BNP and its embattled leader, who is running out of time to appeal the courts to let her run. "She cannot contest the elections unless the conviction is set aside by a higher court," Bangladesh's attorney general Mahbubey Alam told AFP. Her lawyer, Sanaullah Mia, said Zia questioned whether her appeal would get a fair hearing in the Supreme Court. "She had already expressed fear that she would not receive justice, and then this happens. There is no justice," he said. - Health concerns - This latest court ruling comes as the independence of Bangladesh's judiciary is under question. In a recently published memoir, a former chief justice alleged he was forced into exile last year after disagreeing with Bangladesh's powerful intelligence services over a case. Another judge, who also lives in exile in Malaysia, made similar remarks in a television interview, alleging he was threatened to hand down a guilty verdict against Zia's son Tarique Rahman. Rahman was jailed for life in absentia this month over a 2004 grenade attack on a Hasina political rally. He lives in exile in London. In recent months, Zia's health has deteriorated inside the abandoned 19th-century jail where she is the only inmate. A physician said she was suffering from diabetes and that arthritis had rendered her left hand useless. Lawyers for Zia, widow of assassinated military dictator Ziaur Rahman, have accused the government of putting her health at risk by refusing her specialised care in prison. The latest verdict throws up more hurdles for the opposition, which says 4,000 of its supporters have been arrested since September in a pre-election crackdown. Hasina's rule has been marred by allegations of stifling dissent. Critics of her administration, including a prominent photojournalist and lawyers and journalists, have been detained since major anti-government protests in August brought hundreds of thousands to the streets. But the ruling party has agreed to hold talks on the looming election with an opposition alliance that includes the BNP, a minister announced hours after Monday's verdict was announced. The ruling Awami League had previously rejected such talks. The Jatiya Oikya Front (United National Front) has demanded that the election be held under an interim neutral government. But Awami League deputy chief and influential minister, Obaidul Quader, said his side had agreed to talks "without giving in to anyone's pressure". The talks are set to be held on Thursday. Bangladesh main opposition leader Khaleda Zia (C) has always denied the charges, and many others she faces The increased term was ordered over embezzlement charges for which imprisoned opposition leader Khaleda Zia was sentenced in February The decision came a day after Zia, arch-rival of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, was handed a separate seven-year term for other corruption charges Brazil's far-right President-elect Jair Bolsonaro started rolling out key points in his hardline agenda Tuesday, including a move to merge the agriculture and environment ministries that activists warned would imperil the Amazon rainforest. The former army captain huddled with his inner circle at the home of a wealthy backer in Rio de Janeiro to start forming what advisor Gustavo Bebianno called "a combat vanguard" for the new administration. But as Bolsonaro made plans for his government following his big election win, thousands of his opponents flooded one of Sao Paulo's largest avenues, chanting "Not him, not ever!" The protesters marched in the evening with a banner reading "Dictatorship, never again" -- a reference to Bolsonaro's outspoken admiration for the brutal military regime that ruled Brazil from 1964 to 1985. In one of the incoming administration's first major policy announcements, Bolsonaro's pick for chief of staff, Onyx Lorenzoni, confirmed the agriculture and environment ministries would be combined. The president-elect, who is backed by Brazil's powerful agribusiness lobby, had floated the idea in the past, saying, "Let's be clear: the future ministry will come from the productive sector. We won't have any more fights over this." After activists warned the move would undermine the environment ministry's controls on business, Bolsonaro, 63, had struck a more conciliatory tone in the final days of the campaign, saying he was "open to negotiation on that issue." His quick reversal will likely raise fears he will stick to his hardline conservative stance on other issues, too, after dialing back his vitriolic and derogatory rhetoric in the campaign's final stretch. Activists swiftly condemned the move -- a "triple disaster," in the words of respected former environment minister Marina Silva. "We are entering a tragic time in which environmental protection will amount to nothing. The Bolsonaro government hasn't even started and the backsliding is already incalculable," she tweeted. Activists are particularly worried about the implications for the Amazon rainforest, the "lungs of the planet," which is already losing an area the size of Costa Rica to deforestation each year. - More guns - Bolsonaro's top economic adviser, free-market guru Paulo Guedes, also confirmed a decision to create an economy "super-ministry" combining finance, planning, industry and trade. Guedes, who is well-liked by the markets, will head it. The Sao Paulo stock market closed up 3.69 percent on the news. On the diplomatic front, Lorenzoni said Bolsonaro's first foreign trips would be to Chile, Israel and the United States, countries that "share our worldview." Bolsonaro also doubled down on his most radical proposal for fighting Brazil's soaring crime rate: loosening gun laws so "good people" can take justice into their own hands. "The country is at war," he said late Monday in his first interview as president-elect, vowing to lower the minimum age for firearm permits from 25 to 21 and eliminate red tape for gun ownership. "Those who don't respect the law need to understand they will be held responsible, either before the law or by being taken down," he said. - Crusading judge in cabinet? - Bolsonaro also said he wanted to name anti-corruption crusader Sergio Moro as justice minister, or else nominate the judge -- the head of the massive "Car Wash" graft probe -- to the Supreme Court. Since it was launched in 2014, the sprawling probe has uncovered the large-scale looting of state oil company Petrobras, and landed a laundry list of corrupt politicians and business executives in jail. Moro said he was "honored" and would consider any formal offer -- likely to fuel accusations that his investigation is politically motivated. Although politicians of all stripes have fallen in the "Car Wash" probe, Moro has been accused of being particularly merciless on the left -- especially former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Moro sentenced Lula -- a hugely divisive but enduringly popular figure who was trying to stage a presidential comeback this year -- for taking bribes from a Petrobras contractor. Now serving 12 years in prison, Lula was barred from running in the election. His once-mighty Workers' Party said Tuesday the election was tainted by Moro's probe, and vowed "resistance" to Bolsonaro's government. "The election result is a fact, but the process that led to that result was full of malfeasance and fraud," said party leader Gleisi Hoffmann. Brazil's President-elect Jair Bolsonaro is finalizing his cabinet choices Biography of Jair Bolsonaro, the new president-elect of Brazil Bolsonaro's chief economic advisor Paulo Guedes, shown here attending the president-elect's session with his top aides, confirmed a decision had been made to create an economy "super-ministry" combining finance, planning, industry and trade Bolsonaro also said he wanted to name anti-corruption crusader Sergio Moro (seen here) as justice minister, or else nominate the judge -- the head of the massive "Car Wash" graft probe -- to the Supreme Court Chayan Kumar Chaudhary flicked through photographs captured on a hidden camera in the jungle, hoping his favourite big cat -- dubbed "selfie tiger" for its love of the limelight -- had made another appearance. Thousands of camera traps have helped conservationists track Nepal's wild tiger population, which has nearly doubled in recent years as the big cats claw their way back from the verge of extinction. After a nine-year push to protect tigers, an exhaustive census across 2,700 kilometres (1,700 miles) of Nepal's lowlands completed earlier this year revealed the population has grown from 121 in 2009 to an estimated 235 adult cats today. On the frontline of the painstaking survey were trained locals like Chaudhary in western Nepal's Bardia National Park where tiger numbers have grown nearly fivefold. The 25-year-old helped track and record wild tiger movements through the park by scanning images taken by cameras hidden in the jungle's undergrowth. "It was very exciting when we checked the (memory) cards and found photos of tigers," Chaudhary told AFP. "It felt like we are part of something big." Nepal's southern lowlands, home to five national parks, were mapped into grids, each fitted with a pair of camera traps to record any tiger activity. More than 3,200 of these special camera traps were installed, some by field workers on elephants to navigate the dense jungle. "It was not an easy process and risky as well," said Man Bahadur Khadka, head of Nepal's department of wildlife and national parks. These cameras were equipped with sensors that triggered a click whenever any movement or a change in temperature was detected. Soon the photos started to trickle in: lone tigers walking past, mothers with their playful cubs and the occasional tiger feasting on a fresh kill. And Chaudhary's favourite: a big cat that seemed to enjoy preening in front of the lens. The census began in November 2017 and by the following March, more than 4,000 images of tigers had been collected. "We then began analysing the photos," Khadka said. "Just like our fingerprints, tigers have unique stripes. No two tigers are alike." - 'Our wealth' - Conservationists say that behind Nepal's success was a strategy to turn tiger-fearing villagers -- who could earn thousands of dollars for poaching a big cat -- into the animal's protectors. A century ago, Nepal's lush jungles were a playground for the country's rulers and visiting British dignitaries who came to hunt the Royal Bengal tiger. In 1900, more than 100,000 tigers were estimated to roam the planet. But that fell to a record low of 3,200 globally in 2010. Nepal's tiger numbers hit rock bottom following the decade-long civil war, which ended in 2006, when poachers ran amok across the southern plains. In 2009, the government changed tack, enlisting community groups to protect the animals. Hundreds of young volunteers were recruited to guard Nepal's national parks, patrolling against poachers, raising awareness and protecting the natural habitat. "Tigers are our wealth, we have to protect them," said Sanju Pariyar, 22, who was just a teen when she joined an anti-poaching group. "People understand that if our tiger and rhino numbers grow, tourists will come and bring opportunities. It is good for us." Armed with a stick, Pariyar regularly goes out on patrol to search for traps laid by poachers. The locals have also become informants, alerting park officials if they see anything, or anyone, suspicious. Nepal has tough punishments for poachers -- up to 15 years in jail and a heavy fine -- and it has recently started a genetic database of its tigers to aid investigations. In March, police arrested a poacher who had been on the run for five years after being caught with five tiger pelts and 114 kilos (251 pounds) of bones. The contraband was believed to have been destined for China, a top market for wildlife smugglers, where rare animal parts are used in traditional medicine. In 2010, Nepal and 12 other countries with tiger populations signed an agreement to double their big cat numbers by 2022. The Himalayan nation is set to be the first to achieve this target. "If a country like Nepal -- small, least developed, with lots of challenges -- can do it, the others can do it," said Nepal's WWF representative, Ghana Gurung. But conservationists are aware that rising tiger numbers are also good news for poachers and the lucrative black market they supply with endangered animal parts. Tiger poaching is difficult to track because unlike with rhinos, nothing of the cat is left behind after it is killed. "It is now more important than ever to stay vigilant," said national park warden Ashok Bhandari. A Bengal tiger in Nepal's Bardia National Park is captured in a camera trap Nepal's southern lowlands, home to five national parks, were mapped into grids, each fitted with a pair of camera traps to record the tigers Nepal's tiger numbers hit rock bottom following a decade-long civil war, which ended in 2006, when poachers ran amok across the southern plains In 2010, Nepal and 12 other countries with tiger populations signed an agreement to double their big cat numbers by 2022 and the Himalayan nation is set to be the first to achieve the target Olive farmer Andreas Fotiou steered carefully along a dusty lane in southwest Cyprus, en route from his village to nearby groves -- locations that could have clashing trade regimes, post-Brexit. He fears he could lose out on vital EU subsidies, and even be forced to pay crippling tariffs, if London and Brussels fail to finalise a withdrawal agreement or trade deal. Fotiou is one of thousands of Cypriot farmers who work on British military bases, part of Britain's sovereign territory, and which sprawl over about three percent of the Mediterranean island. "If the UK leaves the EU on bad terms... (it) spells disaster for the communities that are on the British bases," said the 54-year-old. "We cannot afford to pay extra taxes," he added, amid uncertainty about tariffs that generally apply when produce is imported from so-called "third party countries" into EU territory. The European Commission's online trade and customs database flags duties of 15.2 percent for olive imports from nations outside the EU with no agreed trade deals. Historically, relations between local farmers and the British military have been "excellent", Fotiou said, standing in the shade of an olive tree. "When there are problems we sit at the table and solve it on the spot." But "no one has informed us what will happen after Brexit, what the status will be," he added. His picturesque village of Avdimou borders Akrotiri -- one of two military bases Britain kept on the island after Cyprus gained independence in 1960. The other, Dhekelia, is in the east. Olives, grapes and potatoes are key crops on extended non-militarised stretches of these British sovereign territories, while farmers also keep livestock. Fellow villager Constantina Pieroua, who grazes 600 sheep on Akrotiri, said she is stressed about the future. "A lot of farmers are afraid. Our farm is on the base and maybe we don't have a job after Brexit ? it is a dangerous situation for us," the 41-year-old said. - Cyprus protocol 'developed' - The farmers' sense of insecurity is compounded by losing their original lands after Turkey?s 1974 invasion of Cyprus, which came in response to a Greece-sponsored military coup. Displaced from what is now the Turkish-occupied northern third of the island, Fotiou and Pieroua said their families were among some 1,000 people re-homed in Avdimou, many of whom came to farm on Akrotiri base. Negotiations between London and Brussels over an EU withdrawal agreement have been running parallel to talks between Britain and Cyprus, which joined the EU in 2004, on an annex to the main exit deal. Prime Minister Theresa May told parliament last week that the Cypriot protocol has now been "developed". But the European Commission has long maintained that "nothing is agreed until everything is agreed", indicating that the Cyprus protocol would be inapplicable if ongoing negotiations over the wider UK-EU withdrawal deal fail. Cyprus's foreign ministry told AFP "the rights and interests of Cypriots residing in the bases should and will be safeguarded", even if there is no withdrawal agreement. Cyprus has "plans for addressing all scenarios", the ministry said in a statement to AFP. It cited the former British colony's 1960 Treaty of Establishment, which stipulates that there be no customs barriers between the bases and the Republic of Cyprus. - Legal ambiguities - But others point to uncertainties surrounding Cypriot, EU and world trade law. One legal expert who has followed the Cypriot negotiations closely said "the scenario of farmers paying tariffs cannot be ruled out". The laws of the EU's Customs Union apply on the bases, but a key UK parliamentary committee has warned that arrangement will lapse after Brexit. "Goods will no longer be able to flow freely" between the bases and the Republic of Cyprus, the European Scrutiny Committee said in July. "Instead, EU law will require Cyprus to apply customs and regulatory controls on crossing between the two for the first time," it added. There have also been reports that the passage of British military supplies through Cyprus and onto the sovereign bases could be compromised by a no-deal Brexit. The London daily The Times said in August that British officials had concluded they would need to extend a small existing port on Akrotiri significantly, to avoid complications at Cypriot ports. But one analyst told AFP that under a no-deal scenario, the EU would be likely to agree exemptions. The bases fall under "security cooperation, which both the UK and the EU agree should remain largely unaffected irrespective of future arrangements", said Kit Nicholl, a security analyst for IHS Markit in London. Britain's Ministry of Defence said "constructive discussions" had taken place with Cyprus "to safeguard the effective military functioning of the bases, and minimise disruption and uncertainty for citizens, businesses, and residents". "We look forward to working with the Republic of Cyprus and our European partners to build an enduring and mutually beneficial future relationship," a spokesman said in comments emailed to AFP. A farmer displays olives on a grove on RAF Akrotiri in southwestern Cyprus -- British sovereign territory that could be hit by regulatory uncertainties, under a no-deal Brexit Farmer Andreas Fotiou farms olives on Akrotiri and fears he could miss out on vital subsidies or even be forced to pay tariffs, if Britain crashes out of the EU without a withdrawal agreement Sheep and other livestock are kept by Cypriot farmers on the British Sovereign Base Area of Akrotiri, where the rules of the EU's Customs Union currently apply Olives are processed into oil at a factory just outside the British Sovereign Base Area of Akrotiri in southwestern Cyprus, using produce grown in groves on the base's territory Denmark on Tuesday recalled its ambassador to Iran after it accused Tehran of plotting a foiled "attack" against three Iranians living in the Scandinavian country. "I have decided to recall Denmark's ambassador in Tehran for consultations... Denmark can in no way accept that people with ties to Iran's intelligence service plot attacks against people in Denmark," Danish Foreign Minister Anders Samuelsen told reporters. "It is the Iranian government, it is the Iranian state that is behind" the plot, Samuelsen said. He added that he was consulting with "partners and allies", including the EU, about possible sanctions. Earlier Tuesday, the head of Denmark's intelligence service PET, Finn Borch Andersen, said his agency believed the Iranian intelligence service "was planning an attack in Denmark" against three Iranians suspected of belonging to the Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahvaz. A Norwegian of Iranian origin was arrested on October 21 for allegedly planning the attack and spying for Iran. The suspect was detained in the southwestern Swedish city of Goteborg, according to the Swedish security service Sapo. Iran has denied the Danish allegations, with foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi saying they were part of a European conspiracy against Iran. In late September, Tehran accused Denmark, the Netherlands and Britain of "hosting several members of the terrorist group" that Iran holds responsible for an attack in the mainly ethnic Arab city of Ahvaz in southwestern Iran. The September 22 attack, during which five commandos opened fire on a military parade, left 24 people dead. The so-called Islamic State group and a separatist Arab group claimed responsibility, and Iran staged several operations in Iraq and Syria in response. - 'Will stand up to Iran' - Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen echoed Samuelsen's comments, writing on Twitter: "It is totally unacceptable that Iran or any other foreign state plans assassinations on Danish soil. Further actions against Iran will be discussed in the EU." In Oslo, where he was meeting other Northern European leaders, Rasmussen spoke with British counterpart Theresa May, whom he said expressed "support" for Denmark. "In close collaboration with UK and other countries we will stand up to Iran," he added. Iran's ambassador to Denmark was summoned to the foreign ministry Tuesday for an explanation. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the US also stood behind Denmark. "We congratulate the government of Denmark on its arrest of an Iranian regime assassin. For nearly 40 years, Europe has been the target of Iran-sponsored terrorist attacks. We call on our allies and partners to confront the full range of Iran's threats to peace and security," Pompeo wrote on Twitter. The US and European countries nonetheless have different approaches to engagement with Iran. In May, the US pulled out of a 2015 international accord on Iran's nuclear programme and in August it reimposed sanctions against Tehran. A second wave of sanctions is to take effect on November 5. EU countries, China and Russia want to preserve the 2015 agreement and maintain trade ties with Iran however. PET's announcement ended weeks of speculation about why Denmark shut down bridges and ferries to Sweden on September 28 during a manhunt that mobilised hundreds of police and the military. The shutdown was aimed at foiling the Iranian operation, PET acknowledged on Tuesday. Denmark has recalled its ambassador to Iran following an alleged assassination plot foiled in late September that forced the shut down of bridges and ferries to Sweden Danish shipping group Maersk Tankers said in May that it would cease activities in Iran due to a US decision to reimpose sanctions against Tehran Province-2 introduces controversial bill to allow foreign funding for Muslim schools Contrary to the constitutional requirement for the central governments consent for any kind of international funding, the Province 2 government has introduced a bill to create a body that receives foreign funds to operate schools for Muslim children in the eight Tarai districts. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called on Saudi Arabia's chief prosecutor, who visited on Tuesday the consulate in Istanbul where Jamal Khashoggi was murdered, to investigate who ordered the hit on the journalist. Khashoggi's death has brought near unprecedented international scrutiny on Saudi Arabia and its powerful Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, and the journalist's fiancee has accused the regime of a massive cover-up. Erdogan, who says a 15-person team travelled from Riyadh to Istanbul to kill Khashoggi, has pressed Saudi authorities to reveal the truth -- including the location of the Washington Post contributor's missing body. "Who sent these 15 people? As Saudi public prosecutor, you have to ask that question, so you can reveal it," Erdogan told reporters in Ankara on Tuesday, shortly after the head of the Saudi investigation entered the kingdom's consulate. "Now we have to solve this case. No need to prevaricate, it makes no sense to try to save certain people," said Erdogan, who has stopped short of directly blaming the Saudi government. Saudi Arabia is seeking to draw a line under the crisis after offering a series of differing narratives following the journalist's disappearance. Attorney General Sheikh Saud al-Mojeb travelled to Istanbul this week after being the first Saudi official to acknowledge the killing was "premeditated" based on the results of Turkey's investigation. He met Istanbul chief prosecutor Irfan Fidan on Monday and asked to be given the full findings of the Turkish investigation, including all images and audio recordings, Turkish broadcaster TRT reported. The Turkish investigators rejected the request, TRT said, instead calling on the Saudi prosecutor to reveal information about the location of Khashoggi's body. They also repeated Erdogan's call for the 18 suspects detained by Saudi Arabia over the murder be sent to Turkey for trial, according to TRT. Riyadh has refused the request. Mojeb met with Turkish investigators again on Tuesday before visiting the consulate for around an hour and a half and leaving without making a statement. - 'Covered up' - Khashoggi, 59, was an insider in Saudi royal circles before going into self-imposed exile in the United States last year after falling out with the crown prince. He entered the consulate to obtain paperwork for his marriage to his Turkish fiancee Hatice Cengiz. On Monday, Cengiz called on world leaders -- and in particular US President Donald Trump -- to do more to expose what really happened. "I am extremely disappointed by the stance of the leadership of many countries, particularly in the US," Cengiz told a memorial event in London. "President Trump should help reveal the truth and ensure justice be served. He should not allow my fiance's murder to be covered up." She said she believed the Saudi regime knew where Khashoggi's body was and called for the "evil criminals and their cowardly political masters" to be held to account. Trump has called the case "one of the worst cover-ups in history", but warned against halting a Saudi arms deal to increase pressure on Riyadh, saying it would harm US jobs. - 'Local co-conspirators'? - Riyadh initially insisted that Khashoggi left the consulate unharmed, but as pressure grew, Saudi state media changed the story and said Khashoggi died when an argument descended into a brawl. The story was undercut by footage, which Erdogan confirmed, of a Saudi official acting as a body double for Khashoggi, wearing the journalist's clothes when leaving the consulate to pretend to be the dead man. The Saudi leadership has since blamed a "rogue operation". The search for Khashoggi's body continues, after gruesome reports in the Turkish media alleged it was cut up into multiple pieces. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on Tuesday called for international experts to take part in the investigation. "The participation of international experts, with full access to evidence and witnesses, would be highly desirable," Michelle Bachelet said in a statement. "I urge the Saudi authorities to reveal the whereabouts of the body without delay," she added. Beyond the detention of the 18 suspects, five Saudi intelligence chiefs have been sacked, including two who were part of Prince Mohammed's inner circle. The affair has tarnished the image the crown prince, the de facto leader of the oil-rich Gulf nation, who has positioned himself as a Saudi reformer. He has denounced the murder as "repulsive" and strongly denied any involvement. Jamal Khashoggi, a Washington Post contributor, was killed on October 2 after a visit to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul The head of the Saudi investigation into the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Attorney General Sheikh Saud al-Mojeb (L) left the Saudi-Arabian consulate by car in Istanbul Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says a 15-person team travelled from Riyadh to kill journalist Jamil Khashoggi, who had criticised Saudi Arabia's powerful Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman Khashoggi, a Washington Post contributor who had criticised Saudi Arabia's powerful Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, has not been seen after entering the consulate on October 2 Eight European countries denounced Tuesday next month's planned elections in two breakaway regions of eastern Ukraine as "illegitimate" and called on Russia to use its clout to halt them, in a major setback for Moscow. The countries, which included United Nations Security Council members Britain, France, Poland, Netherlands and Sweden, said the votes would "violate Ukrainian law," and urged Russia to "bring its considerable influence to bear to stop the 'elections' from taking place." "We condemn the illegitimate 'elections' planned for 11 November in the non-government controlled territories of the so-called 'Luhansk People's Republic' and 'Donetsk People's Republic,'" they added in a statement. Italy, which held a rotating Security Council seat last year, signed the statement as well, along with Belgium and Germany, which will sit on the UN's highest body in January. "We urge the separatists to abandon the plans for 'elections,'" the statement added, saying "Russia must play its part by ending its financial and military support to the separatists and withdrawing its armed forces and military equipment from Ukrainian territory." The European states also voiced fears about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the region. The statement was read out by British envoy Karen Pierce just before the start of a Security Council meeting dedicated to the crisis in the Ukraine. The Europeans had demanded a closed-door meeting, but Russia insisted on the session being public. The two separatists entities have said they will hold an election to choose a new leader to replace pro-Russian strongman Alexander Zakharchenko, who was killed in a bomb attack at a Donetsk cafe in August. The four-year conflict between pro-Russian separatists and the Ukrainian army has left more than 10,000 people dead since 2014. Thousands attended the funeral of the assassinated leader of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic in September 2018 Tens of thousands of activists blocked the centre of Colombo on Tuesday to protest the sacking of Ranil Wickremesinghe as prime minister. Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP) staged the protest outside his official residence where he has remained since President Maithripala Sirisena dismissed him Friday. Sirisena named former authoritarian president Mahinda Rajapakse as head of government, triggering a constitutional crisis. The party said about 100,000 people took part in the protests while police sources gave a figure of 25,000, though many busloads were still arriving. "We are against the sacking, the people did not vote for Sirisena to act in this manner," Wickremesinghe told supporters from a makeshift stage. "We will resist what the president has done." Crowds chanted "down with the rogue PM", referring to Rajapakse, and "respect the mandate, recall parliament." Effigies of Sirisena were torn up in a symbolic protest against the president's move which has been described by many local newspapers as a "constitutional coup." Large crowds, many wearing caps in green, the UNP party colour, took part in the hurriedly arranged rally that forced the closure of several roads. More than 2,600 police and 10 units of Special Task Force commandos were deployed for the protest, police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera said. Parliament speaker Karu Jayasuriya has warned that the crisis could lead to a "bloodbath" on the streets unless Sirisena ends a suspension of parliament to let MPs choose between Wickremesinghe and Rajapakse. Wickremesinghe has demanded that parliament meet so that he can prove he has majority backing. The party of Sri Lanka's ousted prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has staged a protest in Colombo against his sacking last week Brazil's far-right President-elect Jair Bolsonaro is likely to tap army generals and an ultra-free-market economist for key roles in his cabinet. The former army captain styles himself as an outsider -- even though he has spent a long career in Congress -- and has mostly sought prospective ministers with little political experience. Bolsonaro, 63, wants to slash the number of ministries from 29 to 15, and has vowed to end the practice of using cabinet appointments as bargaining chips to build a coalition with other parties -- long a basic rule of the political game in Brazil. "He wants to reinvent the way the country is governed by ending the 'presidency by coalition.' It will be his biggest challenge," said Marcos Coimbra, a political strategist at Mackenzie Presbyterian University in Brasilia. The cabinet will have "four or five generals," according to the head of Bolsonaro's Social Liberal Party, Gustavo Bebianno. That is likely to be controversial in a country still scarred by a brutal military dictatorship that lasted from 1964 to 1985. "By promising to name generals to his government, he is trying to create an image of order, but a lot of the likely picks have zero political experience. That will make it hard to negotiate with Congress," said Geraldo Monteiro, a political scientist at Rio de Janeiro State University. Here is a look at some of the likely picks to run Latin America's largest country and the world's eighth-largest economy when Bolsonaro takes office on January 1. - The 'Chicago boy' - Bolsonaro's economic guru is Paulo Guedes, a liberal economist trained at the University of Chicago -- long the high cathedral of free-market economics. He has been a popular pick with the business sector, ensuring that the markets welcomed Bolsonaro's march to the presidency with a surge. Bolsonaro himself has confessed he understands "nothing" about economics, and says he will name Guedes, 69, to head a "super-ministry" bringing together the current ministries of finance, trade and planning, plus the secretariat for public investment. A debt hawk, Guedes held a press conference immediately after Bolsonaro's victory during which he vowed to overhaul Brazil's economic model, reform the bloated pension system and privatize state enterprises. - The operator - The one experienced political operative in the lineup is Onyx Lorenzoni, tipped to be named chief of staff -- responsible for navigating the lion's den of politics in Brasilia. "He has extensive experience in Congress, he knows how it operates," said Coimbra. Lorenzoni, 64, is a veteran lawmaker -- first in the state legislature of Rio Grande do Sul, then in the lower house of Congress -- and was a chief strategist on Bolsonaro's campaign. - The role model - Bolsonaro is a gushing admirer of Augusto Heleno Ribeiro, his military academy instructor in the 1970s and probable defense minister. The general, 71, was the first commander of Brazil's United Nations peacekeeping mission in Haiti, launched in 2004. Bolsonaro wanted him to be his runningmate, but Heleno's PRP party rejected the overture -- so the candidate instead gave the vice presidential nod to another general, Hamilton Mourao. Bolsonaro said in an interview last year that Heleno could have "any post he wants" in his government, and that he would have loved to be a minister in a Heleno presidency. - Mr Environment - Another general, Oswaldo Ferreira, 64, is tipped for transport minister. The former head of the army's department of engineering and construction, he would be responsible for infrastructure and its environmental impact under Bolsonaro. In a recent interview, he said that in his road-building days in the 1970s, "there was no prosecutor's office or Ibama (the environmental agency) to bust everyone's balls." - The astronaut - Marcos Pontes is a national hero in Brazil: the fighter pilot and astronaut, 55, was the first Brazilian in outer space. In 2006, he spent a week aboard the International Space Station, ferried there by a Russian Soyuz rocket. An avid Bolsonaro backer, he has been floated for the post of science minister. Brazil's far-right President-elect Jair Bolsonaro is likely to tap army generals and an ultra-free-market economist for key roles in his cabinet Bolsonaro plans to name Paulo Guedes to head a "super-ministry" bringing together the current ministries of finance, trade and planning, plus the secretariat for public investment Onyx Lorenzoni is tipped to be named Bolsonaro's chief of staff Augusto Heleno Ribeiro, Bolsonaro's military academy instructor in the 1970s, is his probable defense minister An avid Bolsonaro backer, Marcos Pontes has been floated for the post of science minister Former nurse Niels Hoegel admitted Tuesday to killing 100 patients in his care, on the first day of his trial in the biggest serial killing case in Germany's post-war history. Hoegel, 41, has already spent nearly a decade in prison on a life term for other patient deaths, and is accused of intentionally administering medical overdoses to victims so he could bring them back to life at the last moment. As the proceedings opened in the northern city of Oldenburg, presiding judge Sebastian Buehrmann asked whether the charges against him were accurate. Hoegel replied quietly "yes". "What I have admitted took place," he told the courtroom crowded with dozens of grieving relatives. Buehrmann said the main aim of the trial was to establish the full scope of the murder spree that was allowed to go unchecked for years at two German hospitals. "It is like a house with dark rooms -- we want to bring light into the darkness," he said. After a minute of silence in the courtroom for the victims, the bearded, heavyset Hoegel listened impassively, his head lowered, as public prosecutor Daniela Schiereck-Bohlmann read out the name of each dead patient and the charges against the defendant. - 'Little, vulnerable mass murderer' - Prosecutors say at least 36 patients were killed at a hospital in Oldenburg where he worked, and about 64 more at a clinic in nearby Delmenhorst, between 2000 and 2005. More than 130 bodies of patients who died on Hoegel's watch have been exhumed, in a case investigators have called "unprecedented in Germany to our knowledge". One of the more than 100 co-plaintiffs in the trial, Christian Marbach, said it was a scandal that Hoegel had been allowed to kill with impunity for such an extended period of time without hospital authorities or law enforcement intervening. "They had everything they needed (to stop him) -- you don't have to be Sherlock Holmes," Marbach, the grandson of one of the patients, told AFP. Hoegel told the court he was "surprised" when a superior at the Oldenburg hospital asked him to resign in late 2002, saying he would get a positive recommendation and holiday pay if he left voluntarily. "I felt bad, like I had been caught," Hoegel said, adding however that he was never explicitly told why they wanted him gone. Marbach said the defendant seemed remarkably composed as he admitted to the extraordinary list of killings. "He looks like a little, vulnerable mass murderer." - 200 victims? - Caught in 2005 while injecting an unprescribed medication into a patient in Delmenhorst, Hoegel was sentenced in 2008 to seven years in prison for attempted murder. A second trial followed in 2014-15 under pressure from alleged victims' families. He was found guilty of murder and attempted murder of five other victims and given the maximum sentence of 15 years. It was then that Hoegel confessed to his psychiatrist at least 30 more murders committed in Delmenhorst. That prompted investigators to take a closer look at suspicious deaths in Oldenburg. Taking the stand Tuesday, Hoegel said he began taking painkillers shortly after becoming a nurse in 1999 as he felt overwhelmed by the stress of working in the intensive care unit. "I should have quit," he said. Asked by the judge why he didn't admit to the remaining murders before now, Hoegel said it was "out of shame" and because it took him a long time to face up to what he had done at the first hospital. It was only through reading the court files and in therapy that "I started to recognise the full dimension", he said. Investigators say the final toll could top 200 but fear they might never know for sure because the bodies of many possible victims were cremated. Hoegel appears to have followed a similar procedure each time, first injecting a medication that triggered cardiac arrest, followed by an often futile attempt at resuscitation. Prosecutors say he was motivated by vanity, to show off his skills at saving human lives, and by simple "boredom". The choice of victim appears to have been entirely random, with their ages ranging from 34 to 96. Former nurse Niels Hoegel is accused of intentionally administering medical overdoses to victims so he could bring them back to life at the last moment The trial of former nurse Niels Hoegel is expected to run until at least May Presiding judge Sebastian Buehrmann said 'We want to bring light into the darkness' The internet has applauded a man who went viral this week for holding a strangers sleeping baby while the mother filled out paperwork in a doctors waiting room. My heart Melted!!! Natasha Wilson, who captured the sweet moment in the US state of Alabama, wrote on Facebook on Tuesday. Racism is still VERY real in our society today BUT THIS MAN GAVE ME HOPE & a sweet memory Ill never forget!! According to Ms Wilsons account, the man asked the mother from across the room if she would like him to hold her baby while she filled out her forms. The woman smiled and said that would be great. The picture has been shared more than 420,000 times and received more than 77,000 comments on Facebook. Source: Natasha Crittenden Wilson/ Facebook Once he was holding the baby, the man rocked and loved on the baby like he was his, according to Ms Wilsons post. If you know this man tell him what an amazing person he is!! Ms Wilson wrote on Facebook. It turns out, she later identified him as Joe Hale, ABC 33/40 reports. People on Facebook and Twitter saw the photo as a sign that theres still good in the world, and one Facebook commenter said, maybe there IS hope for humanity. [Its] nice to read a nice story like this after all the hate being spread right now, another Facebook commenter wrote. What was originally thought to be Halloween prank has turned into a grim discovery for police. A decaying human head was found in the backyard of an apartment complex in Oakland, California on Friday. People visiting the building found the head and took it to a police station. Officers at the police station initially thought it was a Halloween prank, but then saw the head inside the car of the people who found it, Sergeant Michael Cardoza told reporters. I can say in my years of service, Ive never had a human skull delivered to the police station, Sgt Cardoza told KGO-TV. A decaying human head was found in the backyard of an apartment complex in Oakland, California on Friday. Source: ABC 7 Homicide detectives interviewed all the residents of the three-apartment building, and it didnt appear they were involved, he said. Its unclear how long the head had been in yard, but Sgt Cardoza said it was decomposed and had a little bit of flesh on it. The Alameda County coroners office is working to identify the remains and determine whether its connected to a decapitated body found in close proximity in late September. Resident Manul told KTVU said he had no idea how the head got to an area of the backyard that tenants dont frequent. They come into my house while Im eating dinner they come in and tell me something about a head. I dont know nothing about no head, he said. A man has been arrested after allegedly breaking into the house of a missing teenager just hours before mourners attended her parents funeral. Jayme Closs, 13, has been missing from her Wisconsin, US, home since October 15, when both her parents were shot dead by an intruder. On Monday, 32-year-old Kyle Jaenke-Annis was arrested and charged with burglary and bail jumping after allegedly breaking into the family home two days earlier. Kyle Jaenke-Annis was arrested and charged with breaking into the house of a missing teenager just hours before mourners attended her parents funeral. Source: Barron County Sheriffs Office It was just hours before Jaymes parents, James and Denise Cross, were to be laid to rest. Jaenke-Annis has been cleared of any involvement with Jayme Crosss disappearance, The Star Tribune reports. He allegedly told police at Barron County Sheriffs Office that he noticed the house unlocked, walked inside and stole some of the missing teenagers clothes. The teens disappearance has sparked a nationwide manhunt. Wisconsin teen Jayme Closs has been missing since October 15. Source: Business Insider On the day of Jaymes disappearance, police received a 911 call from the phone of her mother, 46-year-old Denise Closs. After hearing sounds of distress on the other end of the line, the 911 operator got in touch with local police. Three officers were dispatched to the familys home in Barron, where they found the front door kicked in, Jayme gone, and her parents shot to death. Since October 15, police have received more than 1000 tips from the public but she has yet to be found. Police are offering a US$50,000 ($70,500) reward for her return. Biratnagar customs opens unfinished check post facility The Customs Department has allowed containers to pass through the Integrated Check Post (ICP) in Biratnagar even though it is still under construction. The department said a high volume of cargo traffic at the eastern border point was leading to massive congestion, prompting them to open the unfinished ICP. A man who catches the same flight every Monday morning is grateful he was stuck in unusually bad traffic and missed the doomed Lion Air flight that crashed into the Java Sea carrying 189 passengers and crew. Sony Setiawan, an employee of the Indonesian Ministry of Finance, got stuck in traffic Monday morning, causing him to arrive more than three hours late to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta. Sony Setiawan (centre) was late to the airport, missing Lion Air flight JT 610 which then crashed into the Java Sea. Source: Getty Images I usually take [flight] JT610 my friends and I always take this plane, Setiawan told Agence France-Presse (AFP). I dont know why the traffic at the toll road was so bad. I usually arrive in Jakarta at 3am, but this morning I arrived at the airport at 6.20am and I missed the flight. Setiawan was scheduled to board the hour-long flight to Pangkal Pinang, along with the 181 passengers, which included three children and eight crew members. He only learned about the crash after the flight he subsequently boarded touched down in Pangkal Pinang. My family was in shock and my mother cried, but I told them I was safe, so I just have to be grateful, Setiawan told the press agency. An undergarment floats in the area where a Lion Air flight crashed into the Java Sea. Source: Getty According to CNN, 13 minutes into Lion Air flight, the aircraft, a brand-new Boeing 737 MAX 8 that had been operating for less than three months, went off radar. So far, six bodies have been rescued from the water and officials say there are not likely to be any survivors. My prediction is that no-one survived because we only managed to retrieve body parts, Bambang Suryo Aji, of the search-and-rescue government agency Basarnas, said in a news conference, according to CNN. It has been a few hours since the crash so it is possible all 189 people were killed. Additionally, 21 body bags containing human remains and crash debris were sent to a local hospital for identification. Lion Air flight JT 610 crashed into the Java Sea on Monday. Source: Getty Images Lion Air CEO Edward Sirait told reporters that the night before the crash, the same plane experienced problems on a flight from Denpasar to Jakarta, but the issues were reportedly resolved after repair work was carried out. Along with other airlines, Lion Air was also placed on a European Union list of banned air carriers due to safety concerns in 2007 and removed in 2016. The first time I heard I cried, Setiawan said, according to CBS News. I know my friends were on that flight. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are wrapping up their last days in New Zealand as part of the final leg of their international royal tour. As expected, the newlyweds had an itinerary packed full of formalities including a welcome dinner at Government House in Wellington, followed by a day of touring hot spots like the iconic Maranui Cafe, and scenic Abel Tasman National Park. Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex arrive at the Wellington International Airport, New Zealand. From being escorted by bodyguards, to adhering to royal protocols, and talking all things womens rights and environmental conservation, its fair to say this trip was certainly a very different experience to Meghan Markles previous carefree visit to New Zealand. Before her days of royalty, the former Suits actress embarked on a two-week road trip travelling across the country in a campervan, making several stops along the way. It was back in 2014 after Meghan separated from her first husband Trevor Engelson the year before and luckily for us, we have managed to recover a blog post she wrote on her now-defunct lifestyle site, The Tig, Meghan Markle first visited New Zealand in 2014 for a two-week road trip. Source: The Tig.com The post detailed the best of her spectacular Kiwi adventure across Queenstown, Lake Wanaka, Franz Josef Glacier, Marlborough, Kaikoura and Akaroa, as well as Waiheke Island, and frankly, looks like a ball. Channelling her inner girl scout, Meghan did everything from fly fishing and climbing glaciers to wine tastings at local vineyards, swimming with dolphins and hiking mountains. Meghan Markle pictured with crampons on her shoes for her glacier hike. Source: The Tig.com With a landscape that ranges from stunning lakes, welcoming wine country, glaciers, forest, farmland and beaches, New Zealand is undoubtedly spectacular, Meghan wrote on her blog. And given she had the freedom to wear what she wanted, Meghan opted for comfort over style, dressing in ugg boots, mini-shorts and a zip-up tracksuit jumper. Meghan Markle rocked a very relaxed style compared to her regal fashion we see now. Source: Meghan Markle/The Tig.com Meghan Markle spent the last of her 2014 New Zealand trip in a vacation house by the beach. Source: Meghan Markle/The Tig.com Its a stark contrast to her regal fashion choices we see now including a custom-made black formal gown by Gabriela Hearst paired with a symbolic pendant necklace worth over $15,000, which she wore at Government House. Story continues Meghan Markle wore a custom-made Gabriela Hearst dress for her first night in New Zealand with Prince Harry. Source: Getty Today, Prince Harry and Meghan will visit New Zealands Pillars charity, supporting children who have a parent in prison by providing special mentoring schemes. They will also meet members of the public at Viaduct harbour and attend a reception hosted by the Prime Minister tonight at the Auckland War Museum. Got a story tip? Send it to tips@oath.com Want more lifestyle and celebrity news? Follow Yahoo Lifestyle on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Or sign up to our daily newsletter here. Nigerian police fired shots and tear gas at thousands of supporters of an imprisoned Shiite cleric in Abuja on Tuesday, just a day after three people were killed in similar clashes that sparked warnings to the government that a heavy-handed crackdown could radicalise the group. At least six Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) supporters have now been killed since Saturday during protests calling for the release of Ibrahim Zakzaky, who has been in custody since December 2015. Several thousand IMN members were marching peacefully in central Abuja but then armed police fired into the crowd to disperse the procession, said AFP reporters at the scene. At least six injured IMN members were taken away in cars while the area was patrolled by dozens of police, they added. "A lot of our people had been injured, so far we don't have any record of death," IMN spokesman Ibrahim Musa told AFP. Nigeria's military said three IMN supporters were killed during another protest on the outskirts of Abuja on Monday. The army said troops and police "repelled the attack" and that IMN "fired weapons" and threw stones and Molotov cocktails. AFP photographs of the aftermath showed several bodies of civilians on the ground near police but it was unclear whether they were dead or injured. On Saturday, three other IMN members were killed during protests in Abuja. The army claimed the protesters attacked a military convoy and tried to steal weapons and ammunition -- an account the IMN "categorically" denies. IMN spokesman Musa claimed 27 people have been killed since Saturday and that the death toll could be higher since "scores" of people were injured and troops took away others. "We are working towards their release to us for burial," Musa said. - Long-running opposition - Human rights group Amnesty International said on Monday that reports that troops fired live bullets at protesters were "very disturbing" and would be unlawful if they were unarmed. The IMN has staged a series of demonstrations demanding the release of leader Zakzaky, who has been detained since bloody clashes broke out in the northern city of Zaria in 2015. Then, the military was accused of killing more than 300 IMN supporters and burying them in mass graves. Zakzaky has been at loggerheads with Nigeria's secular authorities for years because of his calls for an Iranian-style Islamic revolution. Northern Nigeria is majority Sunni Muslim. The cleric, who is in his mid-sixties and lost the sight in one eye during the 2015 clashes, has been seen in public only twice since he was detained. Nigeria's government has previously ignored a court order to release Zakzaky and his wife. In April, at least 115 IMN supporters were arrested during protests in Abuja during which police used tear gas and water cannon. IMN processions for the annual Ashura festival have frequently been flashpoints. In November 2016, at least 10 people were killed when police opened fire near the northern city of Kano. - Radicalisation warning - Sustained clashes and the military's use of deadly force have raised fears of a repeat of the 2009 crackdown on the Islamist group Boko Haram in northeast Nigeria. Then, some 800 people, including Boko Haram leader Mohammed Yusuf, were killed in the Borno state capital Maiduguri, forcing the group underground. They then re-emerged a more deadly force under Yusuf's deputy, Abubakar Shekau. The insurgency since then has killed more than 27,000 people and displaced more than two million others. Amaechi Nwokolo, a security analyst at the Roman Institute for International Studies in Abuja, said: "It appears we are not learning from our past mistakes." He said the security forces had "no right to use that maximum force" on unarmed protesters, warning that it might "motivate others to radicalise". "If we go back to the formative days of Boko Haram, it was the killing of some innocent people that actually galvanised recruitment. That's how terrorism works." Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari, a former military ruler, was elected in 2015 on a promise to defeat Boko Haram and bring greater security. But although weakened, Boko Haram has persisted in its attacks. In addition, there has been a resurgence of violence in the long-running resources conflict between sedentary farmers and nomadic herders. The Islamic Movement of Nigeria has staged a series of protests demanding the release of its leader Ibrahim Zakzaky Six members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria have been killed in demonstrations since Saturday Traffic lined up because of the clashes between Nigerian soldiers and members of Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) The death toll from fierce storms battering Italy has risen to 11, civil protection authorities said Tuesday, as wild weather swept parts of Europe, leaving motorists and tourists stranded. Road were blocked and thousands of people were left without power in southern and central Europe, as rains and violent winds sparked flooding and tore trees from their roots. Thick snow has also cloaked French and Italian mountain regions, trapping hundreds of drivers in their cars and tourists in hotels. In Italy, where Venice was inundated by near-record flooding and ferocious storms drove high winds reaching up to 180 kilometres (110 miles) an hour, authorities announced a further six deaths, after confirming five people had died on Monday. "We are facing one of the most complex meteorological situations of the past 50 to 60 years," said Angelo Borrelli, head of the national civil protection agency. Luxury yachts lay smashed in the harbour of Rapallo near Genoa after a dam broke under pressure. "It was like a tsunami," one stunned port worker was quoted as saying by Italian media. - Coastal surge - "We thought the danger would come from the mountains, we thought the problem would be landslides," said Liguria head Giovanni Toti. "Instead, we get a coastal storm surge the likes of which we've never seen," he said. Authorities Tuesday reported a woman died when her home was engulfed by a mudslide in the northern region of Trentino, a man was killed in the northeastern Veneto region by a falling tree, and a firefighter died during relief operations in South Tyrol. Elsewhere, a man was killed while kitesurfing on Monday near the town of Cattolica on the Adriatic coast, while the body of another man was recovered Tuesday in Lake Levico in the north. A man was also missing at sea off Calabria in the southwest, while the body of another was found in a stream in northern Italy. Italian media reported that around 170 people, tourists and hotel staff, were stranded by heavy snowfall at the Stelvio Pass on the Swiss border. Meanwhile in Friuli Venezia Giulia, local authorities said some 23,000 people were without power. - Hundreds stranded - In France, more than 1,000 drivers were trapped in their cars for the night in the mountains of the Massif Central region as the roads were engulfed in snowstorms. Another 400 had to spend the night in train carriages at the main station in the eastern city of Lyon after heavy snow blocked the tracks. About 60,000 homes still remained without power on Tuesday evening across France -- mostly in the east and centre. Another 21,000 homes were also cut off on the Mediterranean island of Corsica, which was placed on red alert Monday for powerful winds, shutting its airports and ports. Croatia's Adriatic coast has also been battered by gale-force winds and heavy rains that have flooded streets, cut off power and ensnared road and maritime traffic. Meanwhile, a Slovenian surfer who went missing on Monday in the sea off Croatia's northern Istria peninsula was rescued Tuesday after being swept south to the Italian bay of Trieste. In Spain, over 100 soldiers were helping electrical repair crews to reach isolated areas of the northern region of Asturias, blanketed by heavy snowfall at the weekend. - Venice swamped - Italy's canal city of Venice was swamped as heavy rainfall pushed the water levels to near record levels on Monday. Tourists were barred from St Mark's Square as local authorities said the "acqua alta" (high water) peaked at 156 centimetres (61 inches). The waters have only topped 150 centimetres five times before in recorded history. Art experts were racing to evaluate the damage to thousand-year old mosaics in St Mark's Basilica after the Bapistry and Zen Chapel flooded. Two paintings by Spanish artist Joan Miro were damaged at the Palazzo Zaguri, where they had been waiting to be hung. Meteorologists expect the harsh weather to gradually ease in Italy. Storms have also swept into Switzerland, buffeting the Ticino region near the Italian border overnight, according to public broadcaster RTS. Roads were blocked by fallen trees and flooding, while strong winds ripped roof sections off buildings, including in Giubiasco where police said part of a firm's roof had smashed into a moving train and a house, without causing injury. In southern Austria, authorities have deployed hundreds of mobile anti-flooding dams as rivers burst their banks, while in the city of Salzburg a roof section from the mediaeval ramparts flew off in high winds. An 80-year-old driver and his passenger, 76, were killed Tuesday in an accident caused by a landslide on a road near Maribor in Slovenia. burs-ide/nla Ferocious storms lashed Italy, with winds up to 180 kilometres an hour (110 mph) in some areas Luxury yachts lay smashed in the harbour of Rapallo near Genoa after a dam broke under pressure Heavy snow blocked roads in central and eastern France In several areas of France roads were engulfed by snowstorms Storms tore trees from their roots and whipped up debris in Italy Rain-soaked tourists were barred from St Mark's Square in Venice While we all might dream of living in a palace, that might become a reality for one Kiwi teenager, who was offered a job by Prince Harry. Lucia Kennedy, a 19-year-old studying at Victoria University of Wellington, met the royal and his 37-year-old wife when they visited Maranui Cafe in Wellington on Monday, after being welcomed to the country on Sunday with a traditional New Zealand ceremony. The student admitted to Stuff.co.nz that she was initially a bundle of nerves at the prospect of hosting the couple on the day, but those jitters quickly subsided when the 34-year-old prince told her theres a job waiting for her in London if she wants it. Prince Harry offered 19-year-old Lucia Kennedy a job at Kensington Palace. Photo: Getty Images They came up the stairs in the Maranui Cafe, I was introduced and basically had a chat to them, Lucia said. Then I took them around all the participants and kept the conversation going at the next two tables. The confident teenager then turned to Prince Harry and said: I finish uni in two years, Id love to come and work for you. The Prince replied saying they would love to have her working for them at Kensington Palace. Just give us a yell when you come over well sort it out, Prince Harry told the student. The royal couple visited the cafe to meet with young people from a number of mental health projects operating in New Zealand. Prince Harry told Lucia Kennedy theres a job waiting for her in London if she wants it. Photo: Getty Images The royal couple visited the cafe to meet with young people from a number of mental health projects operating in New Zealand. Photo: Getty Images Cafe owner Bronwyn Kelly told Newstalk ZB that she couldnt believe royal security had been in her cafe earlier this year to check out how appropriate it was for an official visit. We didnt believe it, we thought it was a fairytale, for us it was completely out of the blue, she said. Staff from the royal palace when they were doing the pre-planning came to Maranui, they really loved the vibe, the atmosphere and I think that its because its right beside the beach, it really offered something that coastal but unique sort of feeling. The couple were pictured enjoying breakfast at the Lyall Bay cafe, before making their way outside to meet a line of young children who had patiently waited for the royals all morning. Story continues Then, they flew to Abel Tasman National Park on the tip of New Zealands South Island, where they visited some of the conservation initiative managed by the Department of Conservation and embarked on a brief bush walk with one of the park rangers. Today, the royals will visit Pillars charity in New Zealand, which supports children who have a parent in prison by providing special mentoring schemes. They will also meet members of the public at Viaduct harbor and attend a reception hosted by the Prime Minister tonight at the Auckland War Museum. Got a story tip? Send it to tips@oath.com Want more lifestyle and celebrity news? Follow Yahoo Lifestyle on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Or sign up to our daily newsletter here. Russia plans to test missiles off Norway this week in an area where NATO is carrying out its biggest military exercises since the end of the Cold War, a move seen as an escalation of tensions in the Far North. "We were notified last week about the planned Russian missile tests outside the coast here," NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters in western Norway where the Trident Juncture 18 exercises are taking place. The manoeuvres are aimed at training the Atlantic Alliance to defend a member state after an aggression. Mobilising some 50,000 troops, 65 ships and 250 aircraft from 31 countries several hundred kilometers (miles) from Norway's border with Russia in the Arctic, the exercises have angered Moscow, which had vowed to "retaliate". "Despite the pretty awkward attempts by representatives of the Alliance and its member states to present this military activity as defensive, it is obvious that this show of force is clearly of an anti-Russian nature," the Russian foreign ministry said. The Russian military announced last week it was deploying four vessels in the North Atlantic for exercises of its own. "Russia has significant naval forces in this area," Stoltenberg said Tuesday. "I expect Russia to behave in a professional way." - NATO downplays it - NATO's chief sought to tone the situation down. "We will of course monitor closely what Russia does but they operate in international waters and they have notified us in the normal way," Stoltenberg said. According to Avinor, the public operator of most civil airports in Norway, Russia sent a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) about the missile tests November 1-3 in the Norwegian Sea. The indicated zone and dates overlap with those of Trident Juncture, which is taking place from October 25 to November 7. An Avinor spokesman, Erik Lodding, said this type of notification in the middle of an exercise zone was "not very common" to his knowledge, but added "there is nothing dramatic" about a NOTAM. "It's the normal procedure," he told AFP. The missile tests "will not change the plan of our exercise," Stoltenberg said. The two sides are to meet Wednesday in Brussels for talks under the NATO-Russia Council. "When relations between Russia and NATO are difficult, it's especially important to have a dialogue," Stoltenberg said. Norway also tried to avoid any build-up of tension. "To let oneself be irritated by it would be a way of escalating things. They follow the rules and get to train as they wish," Defense Minister Frank Bakke-Jensen told a handful of journalists. - 'New Cold War' - But experts in international relations saw things differently. "It is very clear that what some people have termed 'the new Cold War' has been transplanted to the North in a way very few people expected after the 2014 Ukraine crisis," Julie Wilhelmsen, a Russia expert at the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (Nupi), told AFP. "Four years later, we see that interactions between states in this zone are caught up in an escalation of tensions between NATO and Russia," she said. While Russia has been angered by the exercises, it has also flexed its own military muscle lately. In September, it conducted its biggest ever military exercises, Vostok-2018, with some 300,000 soldiers in eastern Siberia and the Russian far east. "Today, and especially since 2014, the Kremlin is obsessed by what it calls the 'encircling' of Russia, meaning NATO's encroachment on Russia's borders, which is perceived as offensive," Wilhelmsen explained. "In its proximity, Russia will not back down from what it sees as its right to defend its security interests," she said. An advisor to France's Foundation for Strategic Research, Francois Heisbourg meanwhile wondered whether it was a "good idea" for Russia to "actively play into NATO's Trident Juncture scenario." The "Kremlin is doing its utmost to prove to the Nordics that the Russian threat is not a Western artefact," he wrote on Twitter. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg looks at a Tac 50 Mac Millan sniper riffle as he meets with members of the Canadian Army Patrol Pathfinder Map of Europe showing the areas in Norway where NATO will conduct the "Trident Juncture" military manoeuvres which start on Thursday. Castles in the air Will Nepal be able to eradicate poverty by 2030 as it has promised? The Saudi-led military coalition in Yemen has sent more than 10,000 new troops towards a vital rebel-held port city ahead of a new assault, Yemeni government officials said Tuesday. The pro-government coalition deployed the reinforcements to the Red Sea coast ahead of a new offensive on Hodeida "within days", a military official told AFP. He said they would also "secure areas liberated" from the Iran-linked Huthi rebels, and that forces from Sudan, part of the coalition, had moved in to "secure" areas around the city. Huthi rebels have for the past 10 days been stationing fighters on rooftops of buildings in Hodeida city, government military officials told AFP. The adjacent port is the entry point for more than 70 percent of imports to the impoverished country, which is teetering on the edge of famine. More than 22 million Yemenis -- three quarters of the population -- are in need of humanitarian assistance. People struggling to survive are also confronted with a collapsed economy, leaving government clerks without pay and state institutions practically crippled. The newly appointed Yemeni prime minister said on Tuesday that the government was committed to improving the country's economic situation. "It will focus on addressing the flaws in management and the economy... and on the flaws in state institutions," Moeen Abulmalik Saeed told the state-run Saba news agency on his first official visit to the government's de facto capital Aden. The Yemeni riyal has lost more than two-thirds of its value against the dollar since 2015, when Saudi Arabia and its allies joined the government's fight against the Huthi rebels. The coalition has been waging an aerial bombing campaign in Yemen aimed at pushing the Huthis back, but the rebels still hold Hodeida and the capital Sanaa. After UN-backed talks collapsed in September, the coalition announced it was relaunching an assault on Hodeida. The fighting has since eased and Saudi-led forces have focused their raids on the city limits and other parts of the surrounding province. But last week strikes in the province killed dozens of civilians, the United Nations said, as the Huthis blamed aerial bombardment by the Saudi-led coalition. The coalition has drawn heavy global criticism for the high civilian death toll from its bombing campaign in Yemen. The war has left almost 10,000 people dead since the coalition intervened, and sparked what the UN has labelled the world's worst humanitarian crisis. The world body warned last week that 14 million people in Yemen now face a serious threat of famine. Saudi-led coalition forces patrol the southern Yemeni port of Aden on October 29, 2018 Tens of thousands of supporters of sacked prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe blocked roads in Sri Lanka's capital on Tuesday, stepping up a showdown with a former strongman accused of rights abuses -- who also claims to head the country's government. Wickremesinghe left his official residence for the first time since Friday to condemn President Maithripala Sirisena for dismissing him and appointing Mahinda Rajapakse, a former president accused of grave human rights violations and corruption. Wickremesinghe's party said about 100,000 people flooded the streets, while police sources estimated 25,000 even as scores of buses brought more demonstrators to the biggest rally since the constitutional crisis erupted. The army of followers chanted "Down With the Rogue PM" as they targeted Rajapakse, who Sirisena has brought back into frontline politics as his prime minister. Effigies of Sirisena were torn up in a symbolic protest against the president, who has faced international calls to end a suspension of parliament so it can hold a vote on the rival prime ministers. "We are against the sacking, the people did not vote for Sirisena to act in this manner," Wickremesinghe told supporters from a makeshift stage. "We will resist what the president has done." Parliament speaker Karu Jayasuriya has warned that the crisis could lead to a "bloodbath" on the streets if the assembly does not hold a vote. But the rally remained peaceful, watched by more than 2,600 police and special task force commandos, before it dispersed. Behind the scenes, the rivals battled to tempt lawmakers from opposing sides to bolster their numbers if a vote is held. Rajapakse, 72, gave four legislators from Wickremesinghe's party ministerial portfolios in his cabinet after persuading them to defect on Monday. Another defected on Tuesday and was made a state minister but Rajapakse was unable to name a full cabinet. Wickremesinghe has also convinced at least two lawmakers from Sirisena's camp to join his United National Party. Following the latest defection, Wickremesinghe has 104 MPs in the 225-seat chamber while Rajapakse and Sirisena together have 99. A majority of the 22 remaining MPs are expected to back Wickremesinghe in any vote but the horse-trading is sure to intensify, observers said. A deputy minister in Wickremesinghe's administration, Ranjan Ramanayake, accused China of paying for Rajapakse -- who favoured a pro-Beijing policy during his decade-long tenure as president -- to buy legislators. "I am telling China not to spend their millions to buy MPs in Sri Lanka. They want to buy the country wholesale," he said. - China denies interference - The Chinese embassy in Colombo denied the claims in a statement to AFP. "Recent allegations about China by MP Ranjan Ramanayake are groundless and irresponsible," the statement said, adding that Beijing follows "the principle of non-interference in other country's internal affairs." With Sirisena showing no sign of lifting the parliamentary suspension which runs until November 16, Wickremesinghe's finance minister Mangala Samaraweera said the president was trying to buy time to secure votes for Rajapakse. Speaker Jayasuriya followed up his "bloodbath" warning by officially calling on Sirisena to recall parliament or risk unrest. "If you do not, we will not be able to stop people taking alternate action to protect their democratic rights," Jayasuriya said in the letter seen by AFP. Tensions have been heightened by the killing of one activist in the capital on Sunday. The army has insisted however that it will let politicians solve the crisis. Sri Lanka's army chief Mahesh Senanayake told AFP the military expected politicians to "constitutionally and legally" end the dispute. "The army will not get involved," he said, responding to queries on the role of security forces as the constitutional crisis drags on. "The police are responsible for maintaining law and order and only if they require our assistance, we will help." Sirisena appointed a 12-member cabinet late Monday, giving the powerful finance portfolio to Rajapakse. Rajapakse -- whose rule was marked by allegations of rights abuses and authoritarianism -- said Monday he was given the job because his predecessor's party "engaged in a quest to sell off valuable state assets and enterprises to foreign companies". "I was aware that at this moment of national peril, the people expected our leadership and protection," Rajapakse said. "Hence, I accepted the invitation." Sri Lanka's newly appointed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse has given four legislators from his political rival's party ministerial portfolios Sri Lanka's ousted prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has convinced two lawmakers to join his party as the constitutional crisis continues The Parliament speaker has warned of a "bloodbath" if parliament is not reconvened to end the crisis The murder of 11 people at a Pittsburgh synagogue has cast the spotlight on a racist, neo-Nazi and anti-Semitic fringe in American society -- and rekindled a bitter debate over whether it is being enabled by President Donald Trump. - Who are America's right-wing extremists? - A subculture of far-right and neo-Nazi extremism has long existed in the United States. It picked up strength after the September 11, 2001 attacks, fuelled by anti-Muslim sentiment, and gained a deeper foundation in 2010 when extremist ideologue Richard Spencer founded the website AlternativeRight.com. The new "alt-right" was mainly about white and male supremacy, the racial and cultural threat of immigration, and an unalloyed nationalism. Anti-Semitic Spencer, who touts his dedication "to the heritage, identity and future of people of European descent in the United States," gave neo-Nazis more legitimacy than they previously had. Excluded from mainstream media, they built communities around new websites and social media that did not censor their views, like 4-chan, Reddit and Gab. When future Trump advisor Steve Bannon took control of Breitbart News and made the publication a hub for all things extreme-right, the alt-right fringe suddenly hit the mainstream. Bannon understudy Milo Yiannopoulos defined the movement as "mostly white, mostly male middle-American radicals, who are unapologetically embracing a new identity politics that prioritises the interests of their own demographic." The movement spanned a variety of different groups, some rejecting anti-Semitism, others rejecting racism, and some espousing violence. But they all fit under the new alt-right umbrella. Tellingly, Yiannopoulos, who is gay and rejects anti-Semitism, was filmed in 2016 singing the anthem "America the Beautiful" while Spencer and others held their arms out in the Nazi salute in a Dallas bar. - How did the Pittsburgh suspect fit in? Neither the suspect in Saturday's shooting, Robert Bowers, nor Cesar Sayoc, the Trump fan arrested last week for mailing parcel bombs to Democrats and critics of the president, have been identified as members of specific extreme-right groups. But both apparently spewed typical alt-right sentiments on social media: anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim and anti-Semitic. Bowers found Trump -- who was elected on a hardline anti-immigrant platform -- too compromising for his extreme views. The main target of his vitriol was the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, which supports needy newcomers to the United States. "They are committing genocide to my people. I just want to kill Jews," he allegedly told police after he was captured. - How big is the alt-right? Formerly limited to the fringe of society, the alt-right got a huge boost to its visibility when Trump joined the presidential race in 2015, with Bannon and Breitbart in support. In the run-up to the 2016 election, Trump's anti-immigrant, "America First" platform powerfully resonated with, and helped mobilize the white supremacists of the alt-right. While the precise number of alt-right sympathizers is difficult to pin down, by the time Trump took office in January 2017, experts said such groups collectively had active members numbering in the tens of thousands, and tacit supporters in the hundreds of thousands, all connecting online. "They are acting in concert right now," Spencer Sunshine of Political Research Associates, which monitors right-wing groups, said in an interview last year. "The rising tide of Trump-ist racism is raising their boats." - What was 'Unite the Right'? The movement appeared to hit a peak in the summer of 2017, when Spencer, Jason Kessler, a member of the violent Proud Boys group, and others organized the "Unite The Right" march in Charlottesville, Virginia. The August 11-12 event was the largest extreme right gathering in the country in decades, drawing numerous openly neo-Nazi and white supremacist groups such as the Traditionalist Workers Party and the Ku Klux Klan. To counter them, thousands of anti-extremism activists flocked to the city as well. The rally dissolved into street battles which culminated when an alt-right activist plowed his car into a crowd of progressive demonstrators, killing a woman. Charlottesville was arguably the apex of the alt-right's resurgence. Afterwards various alt-right leaders decried what happened and pointed the finger each-other, while the Justice Department moved to charge those involved in the worst violence. - Where does Trump stand? Trump, whose daughter and son-in-law are Jewish, has repeatedly and strongly condemned anti-Semitism. But his attitude towards the alt-right in general has been much more ambivalent. After the Charlottesville events, the president infamously took 48 hours to respond only to blame "both sides" despite overwhelming evidence that neo-Nazis were the principal source of violence. Trump declared there were "very fine people on both sides" -- comments critics said were empowering to the alt-right. More broadly, Trump has been accused of fanning violence through almost daily tweets and speeches lambasting immigrants, opponents and journalists in divisive and hardline language. Critics accuse him of stoking prejudice by calling Latin American immigrants "rapists" and criminals, by targeting Muslim immigrants with a series of travel bans, and by labelling African nations "shithole" countries. Meanwhile he and members of his White House have demonized billionaire Democrat supporter George Soros -- notably accusing him of paying protesters and funding a caravan of Central American migrants -- in language similar to that used by anti-Semitic conspiracy theorists. Trump and his White House strongly reject the suggestion he has fomented hatred, instead blaming "dishonest" media for whipping up "anger" and divisions. The "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville, Virginia in August 2017 was the largest extreme-right gathering in the United States in decades, drawing numerous neo-Nazi and white supremacist groups -- and thousands of anti-extremism activists Robert Bowers, who could face the death penalty over Saturday's synagogue shooting, allegedly spewed anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim and anti-Semitic hatred on the online platform Gab Joey Gibson, the founder of the far-right Patriot Prayer group seen here in August 2018, is running as a Republican for the US Senate "Antifa" activists protest an alt-right rally on August 5, 2018 in downtown Berkeley, California Turkey has completed preparations for a new operation in northern Syria to "destroy" a US-backed Kurdish militia that Ankara considers a terrorist group, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Tuesday. The Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) holds territory east of the Euphrates River, where Turkey has repeatedly threatened to launch a fresh offensive against the militia. "We are going to destroy the terrorist structure in the east of the Euphrates. We have completed our preparations, plans, programmes regarding this issue," Erdogan told lawmakers from his ruling party in parliament. Erdogan appeared to indirectly confirm Turkish state media reports that Turkey's military fired artillery shells at YPG positions east of the Euphrates in the Kobane region of northern Syria on Sunday. The YPG has held the area since 2015. "In fact, in the past few days, we have begun real interventions against the terror organisation," Erdogan said, without giving further details. "We are going to breathe down the necks of the terror organisation with comprehensive and effective operations soon. As I have always said, we can come suddenly one night." Erdogan has previously made similar threats and on Friday gave the YPG a "final warning". YPG spokesman Nuri Mahmud told AFP: "Each time Turkey sees the situation in Syria moving towards stability and a political solution, it threatens areas east of the Euphrates and regions in northern Syria. "The People's Protection Units will respond to any threat or attack," he warned, calling such a response "legitimate defense". The YPG has worked closely with the United States in the fight against the Islamic State jihadists in Syria, straining relations between Washington and Ankara, which says the militia is a "terrorist offshoot" of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). The PKK has waged a deadly insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984 and is blacklisted as a terror group by Turkey, the United States and the European Union. - Joint US-Turkey patrols - In a bid to lower tensions, the United States and Turkey in June agreed to work together in Manbij, west of the Euphrates, after Ankara repeatedly threatened to attack the city. The YPG holds swathes of territory in Syria's north and northeast. Manbij is controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), an umbrella group dominated by the YPG. Turkey and the US agreed to conduct independent, coordinated patrols while troops from both countries began training together earlier this month. Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said Tuesday that training had been completed and joint patrols would begin. Akar added that Turkey's next target would be east of the Euphrates. Earlier this year, Turkish military forces supported Syrian opposition fighters in retaking the western Afrin region from the YPG during a two-month air and ground offensive dubbed "Olive Branch". Ankara previously launched an offensive between 2016 and 2017 against IS on its border with Syria, as well as stopping areas under YPG control from linking up. Following several years of tension, there were signs of relations easing between Washington and Ankara after an American pastor, who had been detained in Turkey for two years, was released on October 12. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan appeared to indirectly confirm reports that the Turkish military fired artillery shells at YPG positions in northern Syria on Sunday The US Commerce Department on Monday targeted a Chinese tech company with restrictions to cut off access to US technology, saying the firm could harm US security. President Donald Trump has painted China as an economic threat to the United States and American companies and based his aggressive tariff strategy on the goal of preventing the country from becoming dominant in key technology sectors. The new restrictions mean US firms will need special approval to export products intended for use by state-owned Fujian Jinhua Integrated Circuit Company, Ltd., according to a statement. The firm is nearing completion of substantial production capacity for dynamic random access memory (DRAM) integrated circuits, likely to be based on US-technology. However, that production "threatens the long term economic viability of US suppliers of these essential components of US military systems," the Commerce Department said. "When a foreign company engages in activity contrary to our national security interests, we will take strong action to protect our national security," Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said in a statement. He said the export restrictions would limit Jinhua's "ability to threaten the supply chain for essential components in our military systems." China established Jinhua in February 2016 in a bid to make its own home-produced chips, with the firm investing 37 billion yuan ($5.6 billion) that year to build a production line. Semiconductors are among China's biggest imports, rivaling oil, and have become a stark reminder of its dependence on US technology. Earlier this year, Washington banned Chinese telecom and smartphone giant ZTE from purchasing crucial US components for seven years, threatening its survival, as punishment for breaking US export controls. In a politically charged settlement, Washington then allowed ZTE to resume imports under tough conditions. "When a foreign company engages in activity contrary to our national security interests, we will take strong action to protect our national security," Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said in a statement US spending on intelligence has soared under President Donald Trump, figures released on Tuesday showed, as the government stepped up cyber warfare activities and boosted spying on North Korea, China and Russia. Spending on civilian and military intelligence jumped by 11.6 percent to $81.5 billion in fiscal 2018, which ended on September 30, according to the Department of Defense and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Spending for the National Intelligence Program, which spans some 16 agencies including the Central Intelligence Agency, National Security Agency, some defense operations and reconnaissance from space, rose to $59.4 billion from $54.6 billion in fiscal 2017. The Military Intelligence Budget came in at $22.1 billion, up from $18.4 billion in fiscal 2017. The Trump administration has sharply increased both military and intelligence outlays, spending more on personnel, equipment and operations. Under Trump, the CIA has resumed paramilitary actions like drone strikes in conflict zones, and also expanded investments into human intelligence. There has also been a focused expansion of investment into offensive cyber capabilities, with the aim of blunting hacking attacks by China, Russia, North Korea and Iran. But besides revealing the gross figure for expenditures, neither the Pentagon nor the Office of the Director of National Intelligence would provide any details on where the money goes, saying "such disclosures could harm national security." The headquarters of the top-secret National Security Agency in Fort Meade, Maryland: US spending on intelligence is rising sharply John Mannion and four other Democratic candidates in competitive state Senate races are receiving fundraising help from a prominent activist and former gubernatorial hopeful. Cynthia Nixon, who lost to Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary, wrote an email Monday to her campaign list urging them to donate to Mannion, Andrew Gounardes, Anna Kaplan, Jen Metzger and James Skoufis. The quintet is endorsed by the Working Families Party, which supported Nixon during her primary bid, and they are running for seats held by Republicans. In her email, Nixon highlighted the importance of supporting the candidates. She noted that Democrats need to flip one seat to win control of the state Senate. "And many more seats than that are winnable if we make sure progressive candidates have the resources to fight back and win," she wrote. The email directs recipients to a fundraising page where they can donate to the candidates, or split their donation among each of the contenders. Kaplan, a Democrat, is challenging Republican state Sen. Elaine Phillips in the 7th Senate District on Long Island. Gounardes is the Democratic nominee in the 22nd Senate District race against Sen. Martin Golden. The remaining candidates are running in upstate districts. Metzger, a Democrat, is competing with Republican Ann Rabbitt in the 42nd district. The seat is being vacated by retiring GOP state Sen. John Bonacic. There's a similar situation in the 39th district, where Skoufis is going up against Republican candidate Thomas Basile. The race will determine who succeeds retiring state Sen. William Larkin, a Republican. Mannion will face Republican candidate Bob Antonacci in the 50th Senate District race. State Sen. John DeFrancisco, a Republican, has represented the district for more than 25 years. He chose to not seek re-election this year. Nixon's email hailed the defeat of six members of the now-defunct Independent Democratic Conference. But with Republicans in control of the state Senate, she said, legislation to pass single-payer health insurance and bolster reproductive rights "will continue to be stymied." "That's why we must take back the state Senate from Republicans and replace them with a new progressive majority that will fight for the many, not the few," she wrote. Love 1 Funny 2 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 As he makes his final pitch to voters in the 50th Senate District, Democratic candidate John Mannion decided to inject some humor into the race. Mannion released a new 30-second TV ad Tuesday that parodies the slew of negative commercials airing in the Syracuse area. His wife, Jennifer, and three children make appearances in the ad, which is airing on broadcast outlets in the region. The ad is set as an "undercover" inquiry to get negative information about Mannion. Jennifer Mannion jokes, "I thought politicians were supposed to get rich, but John doesn't care about money." That's a nod to the first television commercial released by Mannion in September in which he mentions that he knows central New York families are struggling, he's not a career politician and he doesn't want to be rich. Quinn, Mannion's daughter, adds: "My dad says he wants to clean up Albany, but he didn't get Brady (his son) to clean his room." The commercial then summarizes Mannion as a devoted dad, a first-time who doesn't want to get rich from politics and whose children don't listen. "Wait, is that the worst we could find?" a narrator says as Mannion is shown winking at the camera. In a statement announcing the campaign commercial, Mannion said central New Yorkers are "fed up with the nasty campaign attacks and the heightened rhetoric of political silly season." There have been several ads and mailers in the 50th district targeting Mannion and his Republican opponent, Bob Antonacci. Groups supporting the Democratic hopeful have aired TV commercials and funded mailers critical of Antonacci. GOP-friendly groups have slammed Mannion in separate ads and literature. The 50th district race is already an expensive contest, with the two campaigns spending nearly $900,000. That's not including the money spent by outside groups. With Election Day one week away, Mannion wants to shift the focus away from the negative ads. "Voters want public servants who will work for them, not professional mudslingers who just want to tear opponents down," Mannion said. "I have been amazed at the negativity, baseless attacks, and outright lies that have been hurled throughout this campaign. I am running for state Senate because I want to help my community and rebuild central New York." Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 2 A Seneca Falls man who led police on a motorcycle chase that ended in helicopter flights to the hospital for himself and his passenger in September was charged with numerous related crimes Friday, police said in a release. The Seneca County Sheriff's Office charged Joshua A. Jones, 25, of 62 Green St., with a felony and multiple misdemeanors for a Sept. 13 incident that began with a chase and ended with two weeks in a Rochester hospital. After being observed by Geneva Police pulling a wheelie on his motorcycle, Jones fled south on state Route 96A, where his high rate of speed and reckless manner forced police to abandon the chase. However, farther along on Route 96A in the town of Fayette, Geneva police found Jones and his passenger seriously injured on the side of the road next to the wrecked motorcycle. The two were treated by North Seneca Ambulance before Jones was airlifted by Lifenet to Strong Memorial Hospital and his passenger was taken to the same hospital by Mercy Flight. Jones sustained fractures to his neck, back, left arm and ribs while his passenger suffered multiple abrasion burn injuries requiring skin grafts. Both were admitted to Strong for approximately two weeks but have since been discharged. Seneca County deputies charged Jones with aggravated vehicular assault, a class C felony, driving while intoxicated, aggravated driving while intoxicated, reckless driving and speeding. He was arraigned at the county correctional facility and was released on his own recognizance due to his injuries with a later appearance scheduled in Fayette Town Court. Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 2 Chinese citizen held with undeclared USD 126,400 A Chinese citizen has been arrested in possession of undeclared USD 126,400 from Tribhuvan International Airport on Monday. In a showdown with the Donald Trump administration over a far-reaching new net neutrality law signed by Governor Jerry Brown at the end of September, the state of California has blinked first. Late last week, state Attorney General Xavier Becerra struck a deal with the Justice Department to delay enforcing the new rulesdesigned to prevent internet service providers from favoring internet traffic from some sites over othersuntil a related lawsuit in Washington, D.C., is decided by a federal appellate court there, according to CNN. Effective in June, the Republican-controlled Federal Communications Commission ditched the rules, which would prevent such practices as paid prioritization, under which ISPs can charge certain content providers a premium feewhich would then be passed on to internet userswhile sites that cannot afford to pay, or choose not to, would see access to their content slowed or blocked. The new California law reinstated those rules on a state level, as AVN.com has reported, but faced an immediate lawsuit from the Trump administration, claiming that the FCC ruling renders any state law null and void. But a separate lawsuit over that issue, brought by Mozillamakers of the web browser Firefoxis now under way in Washington, D.C. Becerra agreed that the results of that lawsuit will determine whether California can go ahead with its net neutrality law. But until that case is decided, which will likely take more than a year, California will put its new net neutrality law on ice. Ajit Pai, the Trump-appointed FCC Chair who led the drive to repeal the net neutrality rules that had been in place since 2015, gloated over Californias decision. This substantial concession reflects the strength of the case made by the United States earlier this month, Pai said, as quoted by The Verge. It also demonstrates, contrary to the claims of the laws supporters, that there is no urgent problem that these regulations are needed to address. Scott Wiener, the San Francisco state senator who authored the Californa bill, said that he supported Becerras decision, but expected the D.C. court to rule that states do, in fact, have the right to put their own net neutrality legislation in placeand that the federal lawsuit over the states rules would go ahead at that time. After the DC Circuit appeal is resolved, the litigation relating to Californias net neutrality law will then move forward, Wiener said. I look forward to successful litigation on this issue and to the restoration of strong net neutrality protections in our state. Under a 1946 law known as the Hobbs Act, only the federal appeal court in Washington, D.C., may rule on the validity of FCC decisions, meaning that the lawsuit filed by the feds against California would have been decided by that court in any event. Photo By Cory Doctorow / Wikimedia Commons The Associated Press is reporting on a new lawsuit that alleges a Republican state lawmaker in New Hampshire wanted to appear in a porn film, but when the scenes that he shot failed to go to his liking, he beat up his business partner, who was the producer of the film. The suit was filed by Simi Valley, California, by Jonathan Carter. According to the lawsuit, Republican state house rep Frank Sapareto formed a business partnership with Carter to go into the porn business, but one of the conditions was that Sapareto would star in the first adult video that they produced together. Sapareto, pictured above, allegedly filmed scenes for the video in California. But for some reason, he was not pleased with how the shoot went. As a result, the AP reported, Sapareto visited Carter at his Simi Valley home the day after the shoot and hit him in the head, face and body, giving Carter a concussion. The assault allegedly occurred in June. Sapareto flatly denied the allegations in an AP interview. I dont know what youre talking about, the legislator said in the interview. Wow, thats a great story. I havent heard that one. I thought we were all done going after men. The lawsuit was filed on Friday. On Monday afternoon, Simi Valley police said that the Ventura Country District Attorneys office was declining to charge Saparetto criminally, due to insufficient evidence, even though police had slapped Sapareto with a misdemeanor battery citation earlier. But Sapareto also denied that he knew Carter at all, or that he had ever been involved in the porn business. Asked by the AP about the citation, Sapareto said that it was the result of a traffic violation. But a police report cited by the AP says that Sapareto told them he partnered with Carter, whom he met online, in a porn production, but denied assaulting him. He did visit Carters home after the shoot, he told police according to the report, but only to return camera equipment. Sapareto chairs the New Hampshire House Criminal Justice Committeedespite the fact that he, himself, was convicted of an earlier assault, reportedly for pushing the daughter of his then-girlfriend in 2013. Sapareto served no time behind bars for the assault conviction, however. As a legislator, he once introduced a bill to reduce penalties for fighting, as long as the parties were fighting by mutual consent. But the bill failed to pass. The political site Citizens Count lists Sapareto as divorced and the father of two children. Photo via Frank Sapareto Twitter Egyptian Streets (Link: No one issued orders to oper prisons in 2011) During the retrial of ex-president Mohamed Morsi on charges of prison breakout, former interior minister Habib El Adly testified on court on Sunday that there were no orders issued by anyone in the Ministry of Interior to open the prisons during the 25 Jan protests in 2011, Al Ahram reports. The ex minister added that these prison breakouts were part of a clear conspiracy to destroy the Egyptian state by Islamist groups like Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood. Initially, El Adly stated that the ministry received information on 28 January that several marches were about to take place across the country, so he ordered for these marches to be controlled by unarmed personnel. However, the ministry was then taken by surprise after some armed foreign elements began to infiltrate these marches, El Adly adds. The vehicles armed with cannons infiltrated the eastern borders and had started attacking police departments, prisons and state security buildings, which prove there was a pre-set plan to destroy the state, he said. The former interior minister also referred to a meeting that took place in 2009 between Hamas leader Khaled Mashal and Khaled Farouk, a leading Muslim Brotherhood member, which set out plans to depose the Egyptian regime. Members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard were also given fake passports by Khaled Mashal in order to allow them to enter Egypt during the revolution, El Adly noted. The prison breakout occurred on 30 January during the 2011 protests, when thousands of prisoners escaped from at least four jails across the country. Among those who escaped were 30 leaders of Egypts Muslim Brotherhood and ex president Mohamed Morsi. At the time, many Egyptians claimed that these prison breakouts were orchestrated by the government in order to create chaos in the streets and reduce the likelihood of people protesting. In 2015, a Cairo criminal court sentenced Morsi and other top Brotherhood figures, to death on charges of damaging and setting fire to prison buildings and escaping from the Wadi Al-Natroun prison during the 2011 uprisings. Families of plane crash victims to get $158,565 Nepal deposited its instrument of accession to the Montreal Convention 1999 (MC99) at the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) that stipulates a nearly eight-fold increase in compensation for airline passenger death involving international flights to $158,565. Over the last few decades, the number of college administrators has grown far more than the numbers of students and faculty. Amid this administrative bloat, the greatest growth has been in "diversity" officials. Even community colleges have begun hiring Chief Diversity Officers (CDO).A persistent question, however, is whether having a CDO and other diversity administrators accomplishes anything of educational value. American colleges and universities are as inclusive and "welcoming" to students and faculty of all races and backgrounds as any institutions on the planet, so exactly how does a CDO make things any better?More than ten years ago, Peter Wood and Ashley Thorne of the National Association of Scholars asked " What Does a Chief Diversity Officer Actually Do? " and in an "emperor is wearing no clothes" fashion, answered that their jobs are pointless and self-serving. Among their observations were that the CDO must "ignore or trivialize any rational objections to the institutionalization of the diversity ideology" and toWood and Thorne, in sum, found no educational value at all in college diversity bureaucracies.Another skeptic regarding the CDO is David Frum.Writing two years ago in The Atlantic , Frum noted that what many minority students (and many non-minority ones) really need if they're to succeed in college is not a "Chief Diversity Officer," but intensive teaching and mentoring. Unfortunately, diversity officers don't involve themselves with such nuts and bolts matters.Instead, Frum wrote,Diversity administrators are, Frum notes, "an already thriving growth industry" that has considerably "bulked up" in the last few years, but they do little except to raise the cost of college.And quite recently, a paper published by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) casts doubt on the belief that CDOs have any impact on the hiring of "diverse" faculty members.Four Baylor University economists, Steven Bradley, James Garven, Wilson Law, and James West looked for any statistical evidence to show that having a CDO did anything to increase the hiring of "underrepresented racial/ethnic minority groups" for faculty positions. (The paper is gated, so I will quote from it extensively for the benefit of readers who don't have NBER access.)the authors write,That belief is widespread. In 2016, the paper reports, more than two-thirds of major American universities have a CDO. Those administrators, it is thought, promote the hiring of minority faculty members, which is beneficial becauseWhether that belief is true isn't the focus of the paper, but it is one of those "empty suppositions" Wood and Thorne mentioned as being crucial supports for the whole diversity enterprise. A serious study that looked for proof of the supposition that "congruency" of student and professor race/ethnicity produces better educational results would be very useful.The authors proceed to point out that there are several theories as to why it might be true that minority students learn better if they are taught by people of similar race/ethnicity, but state that they all suffer from "an inability to credibly control for the likelihood of self-selection." They also note that there have been some studies that found no educational benefit from student/teacher congruence as to race, gender, and ethnicity.Putting aside the issue of the benefits of diversity, the authors then investigate whether colleges with CDOs do in fact ramp up the hiring of minority faculty members. Their conclusion:The key phrase here is "preexisting trends." Pressure to hire more minority faculty and administrators has been a fact of life in American higher education for many years. Most deans and provosts have been on board with the diversity agenda for decades and don't need additional prodding from a CDO to hire applicants who, because of their ancestry, "add to diversity" rather than applicants who don't.One obvious reason why hiring a CDO won't necessarily lead to more faculty diversity is the limited number of minority individuals who have the necessary credentials. The authors observe that there is a limited supply of diverse PhD job candidates for faculty positions and further that roughly half of those who do accept employment outside of academia.state the authors.In other words, it's impossible for every college to become more "diverse" no matter how vigorous its CDO may be.Will this NBER paper have any effect? I doubt it very much. That's because the hiring of a CDO is primarily a virtue-signaling statement-a way for a college's leadership to say,It is possible, however, that the president or chancellor of a cash-strapped school might be able to resist demands that they hire a CDO by pointing to the NBER study and arguing that the money would be better spent elsewhere.That's not the best argument against hiring a CDO, but it might be the most effective. In the aftermath of the deadliest anti-Semitic shooting in American history in Pittsburgh on Saturday, the media have leapt to push the narrative that President Trump is somehow responsible. That's a tough narrative to sell, given that the shooter was outspokenly anti-Trump - he was enraged at Trump for being too pro-Semitic, in fact. The shooter tweeted, "There is no #MAGA, as long as there is a kike infestation." Trump has, in fact, been historically pro-Israel - by far the most pro-Israel president in American history - and has spoken in glowing terms about Jews and in harsh terms against anti-Semitism. His statement after the shooting was extraordinarily strong:Anti-Semitism and the widespread persecution of Jews represents one of the ugliest and darkest features in human history. Anti-Semitism must be condemned and confronted everywhere and anywhere it appears.This was far stronger than the tepid, milquetoast rhetoric of President Obama, who simply lumped in Jew-hatred with all other types of hatred, as though all hatreds are the same or spring from a similar place:This would be the same Obama who once labeled an anti-Semitic attack on a kosher French supermarket "random."So, what's the evidence that Trump should be linked to the Pittsburgh shooting? Presumably, that Trump winked at the alt-right during the 2016 campaign and the 2017 Charlottesville killing. That's at least the case made by Julia Ioffe, among others, in The Washington Post.Now, Trump did that. I remember. I was there. I was the leading target of the alt-right that Trump refused to condemn during the campaign, according to the Anti-Defamation League; Trump studiously avoided slamming those who, in anti-Semitic fashion, attacked Leftist journalist Julia Ioffe, who wrote a piece about Melania he didn't like. This led Ioffe to reason that Trump's rhetoric was responsible for the shooting.Of course, Ioffe also said "gentiles" shouldn't comment on the situation, and then blamed Jews who voted for Trump:Presumably, according to Ioffe, Jews who voted for Trump traded his Jerusalem position for the rhetoric that caused the shooting. This is purely despicable stuff.But let's parse all of this, because several things can be true at once.Trump did wink at the alt-right throughout his campaign, from his unwillingness to condemn David Duke on CNN to his unwillingness to condemn alt-right attacks on Ioffe to his campaign chief strategist, Steve Bannon, bragging about turning Breitbart News into a gathering place for the alt-right. I know this - I was heavily targeted by the alt-right for my lack of Trump support during the 2016 campaign (the most heavily targeted Jewish journalist in America, by the ADL's measure). Trump's statements in the hours following the Charlottesville alt-right march provided aid and comfort to white supremacists. Trump isn't a white supremacist or an anti-Semite - he just has a pathological aversion to criticizing anyone who says anything nice about him (see Putin, Vladimir and Kim Jung Un).White supremacism and attendant anti-Semitism long predate Trump's existence on the political scene. The alt-right is a fairly recent development. White supremacists shooting up Jewish targets aren't. In 1999, a white supremacist drove past the high school I later attended, scoping it for a shooting; he went on to shoot up the West Valley JCC. That same year, six Orthodox Jews were shot in Chicago , as was a black man, as were several Asians, by a white supremacist. White supremacists have been a fringe part of America for decades. Trump had no hand in that.Trump is not the avatar for the alt-right. The alt-right may have been warm on Trump during the 2016 campaign, but they've been tossed out of the White House on their ear over the course of Trump's administration. Members of the alt-right are despondent about this. They believed Trump would implement their political agenda while mirroring their worldview. He didn't, and he doesn't. Read their websites if you don't believe me.While the Left condemns Trump's old flirtation with the alt-right, the mainstream Democratic Party continues to welcome anti-Semites with open arms. Bill Clinton appeared onstage with Louis Farrakhan just weeks ago. Linda Sarsour introduced Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) at a recent rally. Keith Ellison nearly became Democratic National Committee chair. Members of the Democratic Party routinely hobnob with Jew-haters. Anti-Semitism is actually far more at home in the halls of power of the Democratic Party than the Republican Party, to the discomfort of members of the media who have been telling the opposite story.President Trump's pro-Israel policy is the strongest in the history of the country. Not only did Trump move the American embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, he has cut off aid to the anti-Semitic, terror-supporting Palestinian Authority, and fought the Obama administration's Iran deal tooth and nail. He has never kowtowed to the radical Muslim world's anti-Semitic biases in the way his predecessors did. And Trump's warmth toward the Jewish community in the United States has been obvious.As I've been saying for years, it is unfair to blame politicians for violence unless they are calling for that violence. With that said, Trump should never have winked at the alt-right, nor should he spend his days fulminating about the press as the "enemy of the people" (ripping them for their obvious and ridiculous bias is fair game, of course). But if we're now going to start blaming presidents for violence against Jews, Trump comes in last on the list. President Obama's entire foreign policy in the Middle East was built around the idea that Israel had to be contained, and that Israel had to be forced to make concessions to its terrorist enemies.It's fair to criticize President Trump's rhetoric. It's necessary to do so. I've done so continuously for years, with special focus on his alt-right associations in 2015-2017. But to blame him for a terrorist attack on a synagogue is not only inaccurate, it's partisan hackery at its finest - and a blatant attempt to twist an evil event into a club with which to beat Trump. Farmers upset as dairies decrease milk collection Dairy farmers in western Nawalparasi are hugely worried as they have not been able to sell their milk because buyers have declared a milk holiday even during the off season when production is slow. Free jobs in Malaysia for Nepali workers The new labour agreement between Nepal and Malaysia has relieved Nepali workers of all the expenses, including recruitment service charge, airfare, visa fee, and medical check-up and security screening costs, which Malaysia-bound workers were required to pay earlier. A 14-year-old girl in Czechia has attempted suicide due to racist bullying 30. 10. 2018 cas cteni 1 minuta A 14-year-old Roma girl with excellent academic results cut her wrists in a school toilet, trying to commit suicide due to racist bullying by her fellow-students, who systematically mocked her for being a Roma. The girl was forced to leave the school. Source in Czech Meanwhile, on Sunday 28th October, on the occasion of the centenary of the foundation of the Czechoslovak Republic on 28th October 1918, Czech President Milos Zeman decorated Ivanka Kohoutova, the headmistress of the secondary nursing school in Prague 10, who had expelled a Somali student for submitting a complaint that the school was preventing her from wearing a hijab. Zeman gave Ms Kohoutova a medal for her "struggle with an intolerant ideology and for acting in the interest of the Czech state". A 14-year-old Roma girl with excellent academic results cut her wrists in a school toilet, trying to commit suicide due to racist bullying by her fellow-students, who systematically mocked her for being a Roma. The girl was forced to leave the school.Source in Czech HERE Zeman's press spokesperson Jiri Ovcacek explained the rationale behind the award: "An intolerant ideology is being disseminated by those individuals who are trying to destroy human beings in the interest of their 'truth'. For several years now, the headmistress has been the target of a brutal campaign orchestrated by the Czech Republic's Obmudsman, by a number of NGOs and by some media." Czech Republic is the most intolerant country in East Central Europe with regard to its attitudes to muslims. Only 12 per cent Czechs would agree to accept a muslim in their family, according to Pew Research: 0 6990 Anna Sabatova, the Czech Ombudsman, pointed out at the time that Czech law does not give the headmistress the right to ban the wearing of hijab on school premises. A low level Czech court has dismissed the complaint of the student, saying that the ban on wearing the hijab is not religious discrimination. Islamophobic activists organised demonstrations against the girl on the court's premises.Source in Czech HERE The cruel hunting practices that the National Park Service is trying to reinstate in Alaska include killing hibernating mother bears and their cubs with the aid of artificial lights, shooting wolf and coyote pups and mothers at their dens, using fetid baits to attract brown and black bears, shooting vulnerable swimming caribou, and using packs of hounds to hunt black bears. Photo by Jos Bakker 1.9K shares We need your help urgently to stop a proposal that would roll back an Obama-era regulation prohibiting cruel and controversial trophy hunting and predator control methods on 20 million acres of national preserve lands in Alaska. These practices, condemned by most Americans, include killing hibernating mother bears and their cubs with the aid of artificial lights, shooting wolf and coyote pups and mothers at their dens, using fetid baits to attract brown and black bears, shooting vulnerable swimming caribou, and using packs of hounds to hunt black bears. The National Park Service, which has proposed this change, will shortly close public comment, and wed like to ask you to weigh in no later than the end of this week. Alaskas national preserve lands belong to all Americans, and we cannot stand by as our government turns them into playgrounds and killing fields for trophy hunters. In April, we got a taste of just what will happen if this rule is allowed to go into effect, when a poacher and his son were caught on camera in a remote area of Alaska allegedly shooting a sleeping mother bear in her den and in front of her two shrieking cubs who then were also shot. These terrible methods of hunting are utterly contrary even to the agencys own statutory mandates to conserve native species on behalf of the American public. If bears and wolves cannot thrive, safe from such barbaric killing practices, on our national preserves, where are they expected to live? Alaska has been trying for years to expand the use of fringe hunting methods to prioritize trophy hunting and predator control over conservation, but the NPS, which has clear statutory directives from Congress to protect wildlife on national preserves, had pushed back, recognizing the importance of conserving our native carnivore species for the benefit of all of the American public. However, after a new administration took office, the agency did a complete about-face. Department of Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke ordered that hunting opportunities on federal lands should be expanded. But a secretarial order cannot legally override congressional directives, and Congress clearly directed NPS to protect wildlife in perpetuity. Support for this proposal is lacking among many stakeholders, including biologists, who have condemned it in large numbers, and Alaskans themselves. A May 2018 poll shows that a supermajority of Alaskas residents oppose allowing cruel hunting methods in their state. Some 71 percent of Alaskan voters oppose allowing hunters to kill hibernating mother black bears and their cubs in the den with the aid of artificial lights. Sixty-nine percent oppose hunting black bears with packs of hounds, and 75 percent oppose hunting swimming caribou with the aid of motorboats. Sixty percent of Alaskan voters oppose the baiting of bears with pet food, grease, rotting game or fish or other high-calorie foods, and 57 percent oppose killing whole packs of wolves and coyotes when they are raising their pups in their dens. If we dont speak up for Americas carnivores now, it could be too late. Please tell the Department of Interior that you do not support this handout for trophy hunters and urge them to keep in place the prohibitions on these cruel and unsporting hunting and trapping methods on Alaskas national preserve lands. Keep Alaskas wildlife safe from cruel hunting methods California Net Neutrality Law Put On Hold Pending Federal Litigation FindLaw columnist Eric Sinrod writes regularly in this section on legal developments surrounding technology and the internet. California recently passed what some argue to be the most robust net neutrality state law in the United States. That law has not yet gone into effect. The very same day that California Governor Jerry Brown signed the net neutrality bill into law, the US Department of Justice was quick to filed a federal lawsuit, among other goals, to block implementation of the law. And last week, the Department of Justice and California Attorney General Xavier Becerra entered into an agreement to further postpone implementation of the California net neutrality law until the federal lawsuit is concluded. So, what is at stake here? The California net neutrality law is intended to replace Federal Communications Commission rules from the Obama administration that barred internet service providers from blocking or otherwise discrimination against legal content. Why does California have an interest in replacing these FCC rules? Because the FCC under the Trump Administration last year eliminated those rules. Furthermore, the FCC has banned states from passing their own net neutrality laws; however, it is not entirely apparent whether the FCC has such power. The repealing of the Obama-era net neutrality rules currently is at the heart of major litigation involving the FCC, state attorneys general, tech interests, and consumer groups. If this litigation results in the reinstatement of the FCC net neutrality rules, then the California net neutrality law may not be necessary. And even if the litigation results in upholding the FCC's abolishment of the net neutrality rules, the litigation nevertheless could conclude with the FCC not being able to ban states from going forward with their own net neutrality laws at the state level. Thus, there is reason behind putting the California net neutrality law on hold pending the federal litigation. Nevertheless, the end result of the litigation may not finally end matters with California. For example, as reported by Wired, US Attorney General Jeff Sessions additionally has asserted that California's net neutrality law wrongly seeks to regulate interstate commerce -- a province only suited for federal regulation. Moreover, Congressional efforts to restore the FCC net neutrality laws (especially depending on how the mid-term elections play out), could moot the California law. Obviously, more time needs to pass to see where all of this ends up. Until we get there, it is worth pointing out that other states have passed their own laws or have issued executive orders supporting net neutrality. Eric Sinrod (@EricSinrod on Twitter) is a partner in the San Francisco office of Duane Morris LLP, where he focuses on litigation matters of various types, including information technology and intellectual property disputes. You can read his professional biography here. To receive a weekly email link to Mr. Sinrod's columns, please email him at ejsinrod@duanemorris.com with Subscribe in the Subject line. This column is prepared and published for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. The views expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the author's law firm or its individual partners. Related Resources: When Wisconsin governor Scott Walker announced a $3 billion corporate welfare plan for a new Foxconn plant in his state, Foxconn watchers warned that the company had a long history of breaking its new factory promises after sucking up billions in taxpayer dollars. Walker didn't believe the warnings: instead, he started bulldozing Wisconsonites' family homes to make way for Foxconn's promised factory. Hey, guess what? The bill for Foxconn's taxpayer-funded subsidy has gone up to more than $4.1 billion. Also: Foxconn has scaled the factory plan waaaay back: instead of a $10 billion "Generation 10.5" plant, it will build a much smaller "Generation 6" plant. Nearly all the work in a Gen 6 plant is robotic. Foxconn is a notorious polluter, leaving behind uninhabitable toxic wastelands where it builds. Scott Walker has exempted Foxconn from state environmental laws, "allowing it to discharge materials into wetlands and reroute streams during construction and operation." Walker also waived the requirement for an environmental impact statement prior to construction. The plant will use 7,000,000 gallons of Great Lakes water. In retrospect, it's clear that Walker had a strong hand to play in negotiations with Foxconn. The company had to locate in a Great Lakes state because of the huge amount of water needed to clean the glass used in manufacturing LCD screens. And no other Great Lakes state came close to offering the $4.1 billion Foxconn is getting. Michigan came the closest, offering $2.3 billion, but it was partly a tax subsidy rather than cash. As for Ohio, fellow Republican Gov. John Kasich condemned the Wisconsin deal. "I'll tell you one thing," he said, "it's not going to take us 40 years to make back the investment we make. We don't buy deals." Over the summer, Walker's response to such criticism was pointed. "There's a whole lot of people out there scrambling to try and come up with a reason not to like this," he said in July of last year. "They can go suck lemons. The rest of us are going to cheer and figure out how we are going to get this thing going forward." Several weeks later, he called the deal a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" that will be "transformational" for the state. "These LCD displays will be made in America for the very first time, right here in the state of Wisconsin." The Walker administration did not return repeated requests for comment about when taxpayers would recoup the Foxconn subsidies. Wisconsin's $4.1 billion Foxconn factory boondoggle [Bruce Murphy/The Verge] (via Super Punch) Americans are confident local poll workers will run elections smoothly and that votes will be counted accurately, but they are less sure about nationwide elections and worry about foreign hacking. A new report from Pew Research, out just one week before the U.S. midterm elections, indicates that a majority of Americans aren't confident that our national election systems are secure from hacking. But as Election Day approaches, most Americans *are* confident their local election authorities are capable of ensuring that local elections are run smoothly, and that votes in local (as contrasted with national) elections will be counted accurately. From the report analysis at Pew Research: Nearly nine-in-ten (89%) have confidence in poll workers in their community to do a good job, and majorities say the same about local and state election officials. Yet the public expresses less confidence that elections across the United States will be handled as well as local ones. And Americans are deeply concerned about whether the midterms will be secure from foreign hacking. Two years after Russia interfered with the 2016 presidential election, 67% of Americans say it is very or somewhat likely that either Russia or other foreign governments will try to influence the midterm elections. Fewer than half (45%) are very or somewhat confident that election systems are secure from hacking, with just 8% saying they are very confident in the security of election systems nationwide. A major new survey of public attitudes on voting and elections in the U.S. was conducted by Pew Research Center from Sept. 24-Oct. 7 among 10,683 adults, supported by a grant from the Democracy Fund. It finds that, despite concerns over election security, Americans have very positive feelings about voting: Fully 91% say voting in elections is "important," while 68% say that "voting gives people like me some say about how government runs things." Far more Democrats than Republicans favor making it easy for all to voteIn addition, a substantial majority (80%) of adults say they expect it will be very or somewhat easy for them to vote in next week's congressional elections, though just 38% anticipate the experience will be very easy. These sentiments are notably bipartisan. For example, identical shares in both parties (69% each) say voting gives people a say in government. Yet there are deep partisan disagreements over other aspects of elections in this country, and many are centered on fundamental questions about the voting process. Elections in America: Concerns Over Security, Divisions Over Expanding Access to Voting When I need to futz with an Android device, OnePlus is the company that I typically turn to. For the money, you won't find a more capable handset in North America. The OnePlus 6, thanks largely to its zippy performance and Android Oreo's being a joy to use, was the first Android device I was able to live with as my daily driver. The OnePlus 6T is, with the exception of a few minor tweaks, very much the same handset as its predecessor. I'm very OK with this. Under the hood, there's not much to see: OnePlus has used the same Snapdragon 845 processor. The version of the 6T that I took for a spin comes packing 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. It's a speedy-feeling set of specs that served me well with the OnePlus 6 and now, the 6T. Apps, fly open, I've yet to see any interface lag and I've no complaints about how quickly either smartphone does anything. With the OnePlus 6T, users get a 3,700mAh battery. Given that I've grown accustomed to the low level of battery that my aging iPhone 7 Plus leaves me with at the end of the day, I was pretty pleased with how much juice was still left in the 6T when I set it down for the night. While it might not come with wireless charging baked into it, the OnePlus 6T's Dash quick charging technology more than made up for its absence. I'll take a rapid charge over the simplicity of not having to plug a cord into my hardware any day. Everything looks frigging great on this phone's 6.4-inch AMOLED (2340 x 1080) display. Movies, text and photos all pop. The notch on the 6T is the smallest I've personally encountered, on any handset, so far. Within moments of picking it up to tap and swipe away at, I found that the notch all but disappeared into the display's ample real estate. It's a definite improvement over the OnePlus 6 or even what the Google Pixel and the latest iPhones have to offer. One of the most talked about features of the OnePlus 6T is its in-display fingerprint scanner. It is indeed in the display and it does scan fingerprints. After a week of using it, I've noted that it isn't quite as fast as traditional fingerprint readers can be. There's a wee bit of lag to it, as you wait to unlock the phonenot enough that it's a pain in the ass, but it's there. I suspect that this could be sorted out in a future software update. That said, tapping on the display feels like a step backwards: having the scanner right there to pass a finger over it, on the back panel of a phone, with the same hand that you're holding the device with, felt more natural. One area where OnePlus still can't compete with the big boys is in the area of camera performance. Like its predecessor, the 6T comes packing a dual lens (16-MP & 20-MP) setup. The photo quality is OK, even good at times. But it can't hold a candle to the shooters in a current generation Apple or Google branded device. This go 'round, OnePlus has added a night shooting mode to their camera's photographic arsenal. By taking multiple shots of the same scene at multiple exposures, the camera app is able to create a composite that boasts less noise and more low-light detail. It works sort of. I found most shots I took using this mode ended up with a weird red coloration, no matter what I pointed my camera at. It's a shortcoming that I can live with, however, considering the price bump that moving up to a flagship handset from Google or Apple would cost. In the U.S., the OnePlus 6T will set you back $549 for the 6GB/128GB, $579 with 8GB of RAM and 128GB storage, or $629 for 8GB and 256GB. For specs and performance, camera aside, like the 6T offers, that's stupid cheap. With iPhones going up in price to a level that I don't think I can stomach, it's heartening to know that while phones like the OnePlus 6T aren't perfect, they're available for far less coin and feel, in use, almost as good. All images via Seamus Bellamy This morning, Duke Energy mailroom employees in Charlotte, North Carolina called police after noticing an unusual small package with a handwritten address on it at their facility. Police cleared the area, shut down roads, and deployed a K-9 unit. According to CBS17, "police and the bomb squad investigated the package, which contained a cassette tape by the band Journey." I will return soon, PM Oli says from hospital bed Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli from the hospital bed has said that he will return soon and expressed his commitment to work actively to fulfill the dream of making Nepal a prosperous nation. Predpol (previously) is a "predictive policing" company that sells police forces predictive analytics tools that take in police data about crimes and arrests and spits out guesses about where the police should go to find future crimes. Predpol has drawn sharp criticism for algorithmic discrimination, in which data from racist policing practices are laundered through an algorithm that gives them the veneer of empirical impartiality: feeding faulty data to a predictive algorithm produces faulty analysis. "Garbage in, garbage out" is an iron law of computing that has not been repealed by machine learning techniques. Even as Predpol and its competitors, like Palantir (previously) have expanded their operations, concerned citizens have successfully pushed for local laws requiring cities to engage in public consultation before procuring services that feed private corporations policing and surveillance data in order to direct policing operations. However, in most markets, Predpol and its competitors operate in obscurity. The cop who stopped you this week (or who didn't come to your neighborhood at all) might have been acting on orders from an AI oracle provided by Predpol to your local police, whose tax-funded revenues are a close-kept secret. An anonymous security researcher recently contacted me with what may be a list of Predpol's customers. This researcher had seen that Predpol assigns easy-to-guess subdomains to each Predpol customer, in the form of CITYNAME.predpol.com, for example, baltimore.predpol.com. This researcher wrote a script that combined the name of every US city and town with ".predpol.com" and checked to see whether this domain existed. The full list of cities that had Predpol domains is both short and confusing: longbeach.predpol.com indianapolis.predpol.com hollywood.predpol.com albany.predpol.com southjordan.predpol.com berkeley.predpol.com frederick.predpol.com baltimore.predpol.com pleasanton.predpol.com modesto.predpol.com tacoma.predpol.com elmonte.predpol.com elgin.predpol.com livermore.predpol.com reading.predpol.com merced.predpol.com haverhill.predpol.com Many of these cities have already publicly disclosed that they are using Predpol's services (Baltimore, MD; Pleasanton, CA; Modesto, CA; Tacoma, WA; El Monte, CA; Elgin, IL; Livermore, CA; Reading, PA; Merced, CA and Haverhill, MA). Two of the remaining domains are easy to understand: berkeley.predpol.com refers to the UC Berkeley campus police, who have purchased Predpol's services (Predpol's Board of Directors includes Tom Jorde, Professor Emeritus of Law at UC Berkeley). Frederick, MD cheerfully admits that they are a Predpol customer. The remainder are a mystery, though. None of the police departments for any of the US cities called Long Beach or Albany (there are several!) admit to using Predpol's services. The press officer for the Indianapolis, IN police department was definitive that his department wasn't a Predpol customer. I left several messages for the press officer for the South Jordan, UT police, but never heard back. The "hollywood.predpol.com" domain seems to refer to Hollywood, CA, which is under LAPD jurisdiction (the LAPD has a publicly disclosed relationship with Predpol). Predpol itself was tight-lipped in the extreme: they initially ignored all press requests, then sent a terse "neither confirm nor deny" response to my questions about this list. They wouldn't even confirm whether the login forms at these domains were secure, despite repeated warnings from me that I would be making them public, requesting that they ensure that these forms require strong logins and passwords to avoid exposing sensitive policing data. The list raises more questions than it answers. Does Predpol really have fewer than two dozen customers in the USA? What are we to make of the cities with subdomains who have never procured services from Predpol? Predpol sells services to publicly funded policing organizations that make predictions about where crime will occur. Everything about this process is a secret: which police departments procure Predpol's services, what data they provide Predpol with, how Predpol arrives at its oracular pronouncements, and how much public money they receive for this service. What we do know is that policing predictions are self-fulfilling prophecy: if the police ask everyone on a given corner to turn out their pockets, or stop and search every car going down a certain road, they will, eventually, find crime. What we don't know is whether Predpol's predictions are better at finding crime than random chance. We also know that machine learning predictions are no better than the data used to generate their models. If the data used to train Predpol's models come from biased policing, then Predpol's predictions will be biased, too: but their machine-learning pedigree is a kind of empirical facewash that makes them seem "scientific." (Image: Wapcaplet, CC-BY-SA) News / International by Mandla Ndlovu Shepherd Machaya - a second year Management of Information Technology and Information Systems student - at the Dublin City University (DCU) in Ireland fears for his life should he have to return to Zimbabwe.Machaya who received the deportation order in September, a few days before he was due to go back to college been backed by fellow students and the university President Prof Brian MacCraith in campaigning against his deportation.According to DCU student newspaper, College View, Machaya feels his life would be in danger should he have to return to Zimbabwe."They tortured me. I was tortured," he said.Machaya says he was attacked because he was vocal against the leading political party, ZANU-PF. He described one individual who he said had "ZANUPF in his heart" as "vicious like an animal"."Unfortunately, one of my friends, he even died. Many people don't really know what happens in Zimbabwe," he said. "Zimbabwe is not a safe country."DCU Students' Union launched the Save Our Shepherd' campaign as an emotive appeal. They have circulated a petition, currently signed by over 13,000, and written an open letter to Minister for Justice and Equality Charlie Flanagan.DCU SU President Vito Moloney Burke said the students didn't want to say they didn't do enough to help Machaya."He's done so much to contribute to this country and develop himself as an individual," he said."I just can't stop think about what will happen if we're not successful."The President of DCU, Prof Brian MacCraith, has voiced his support for Shepherd's case."I am calling on the Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan to review Shepherd's case with a view to allowing him to remain in Ireland in order that he may complete his course of studies at DCU," he said.DCU became Ireland's first University of Sanctuary' two years ago. The designation, with the aid of significant philanthropic support, has established a number academic scholarships, with a particular focus on those seeking asylum in reception centres in Ireland. News / National by Staff reporterq MEDIA, Information and Broadcasting Services ministry secretary Ndavaningi Mangwana last week came under parliamentary grilling over his request for $220 000 to be channelled towards national commemorations like Independence Day at a time the country was experiencing serious challenges like drug shortages."In 2018, we budgeted for $220 000 for commemorations and obituaries whenever we lost a hero, and we used $158 000. We have retained the projection that this year we will need $220 000," Mangwana said.But Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Media chairperson Prince Dubeko Sibanda shot down the proposal, saying priority should be given to critical areas like procurement of drugs, fuel and other necessities.Mangwana, however, insisted that the commemorations were important.He assured the committee that his ministry was committed to aligning media laws to the Constitution."That will need meeting with all stakeholders, the private media, the Media Institute of Southern Africa and others, and in order for us to get that, we should have a conversation. However, all that costs money. We intend to open up the airwaves by licensing more broadcasters, particularly for television and community radio stations," Mangwana said.He said the digitisation programme was a top priority in the 2019 budget, adding that it was not a luxury, but a must to ensure that it succeeded."We believe it is a travesty of justice that our country has one television channel. We need this project to run as soon as possible because it does not make logical sense for us to license new television stations when we are running on analogue and they need further transmitters and frequencies," Mangwana said."The priority for our country is to complete this project and for us to do that, we need Parliament support to get the right allocation of $100 million.[There was] $45 million allocated to digitisation, which means if 20 more transmitters for digitisation were installed throughout the country, it would require $42 million, and the lion's share of the budget will be gobbled up by Transmedia and the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ), which are running the project."Transmedia chief executive officer Florence Sigudu-Matambo said they were in preliminary discussions with Econet Wireless for the acquisition of set-top boxes to complete the digitisation programme.BAZ chief executive officer Obert Muganyura said approximately, 1,5 million set-top boxes would be needed for households to become digitised. News / National by newzimbabwe.com President Mnangagwa yesterday held candid discussions with captains of industry, retailers, bankers and consumers with a view to locate challenges and possible solutions to problems faced in production of goods and services. The no holds-barred discussions were held from 0830hrs to about 1230hrs at State House in Harare.Journalists only covered President Mnangagwa's keynote address, before being asked to leave the interactive session between Government and business. The media were then invited for the closing remarks by the President.Mnangagwa got a reality check on local business's frustrations over his government's ruinous policies and poor communication lines that have seen party proxies such Acie Lumumba make startling pronouncements on key matters.This was after the state leader had invited executives for a crisis meeting at State House in the wake of a government impasse with business over pricing and goods availability.Sources who attended the explosive meeting said business leaders took turns to express dissatisfaction with government's propensity to ambush them with unilateral decisions on far reaching matters and expect immediate compliance without questions asked.Last week, Zanu-PF apologist Acie Lumumba, real name William Gerald Mutumanje, did not wait to have his appointment as Finance Ministry Communications Taskforce chair to be regularised when he poured out profusely on social media, claiming four named top central bank executives were among the mysterious lords behind Zimbabwe's multi-billion dollar black market foreign currency scandal.The now axed Lumumba's knowledge of the goings-on within inner corridors of the country's apex bank were too startling for someone who has never been a state actor.On his part, Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce chief executive, Christopher Mugaga also confirmed this was also broached during the meeting with the President urged to rein in the discord which has seen government issues being deliberated anyhow."The ongoing confusion which has seen the likes of Acie Lumumba taking charge of making announcements on official issues was also raised as there is need to avoid associated confusion. But overally the discussion was fruitful," he said.The uproar comes just under a week after Oil Expressers Association of Zimbabwe President, Busisa Moyo ripped into government for displaying half-hearted intentions to rebuild the struggling economy as often said by the Zanu-PF led administration and its apologists."We need to call a spade a spade gentlemen, I have often had government officials talking about Rwanda as an example but let us know that this (Rwanda) nation only achieved its current status after going through a meticulous planning system where they worked collectively to restrategise their economy," he said at a Harare business meeting. News / National by Staff reporter MDC leader Nelson Chamisa has said his party will not hesitate to weed out mayors who build "nicodemus" and corrupt relations with Zanu-PF bigwigs for personal gain.Chamisa was reacting to allegations that he has unlawfully axed mayors in Victoria Falls, Chitungwiza and Masvingo.The opposition leader said mayors are not elected by residents and his party has powers to recall individuals who do not perform in line with party protocol.Chamisa said it has become a cause concern that there are some Zanu-PF officials who go behind the MDC's back and forge "dodgy and corrupt deals" with elected mayors in the local authorities."Zanu-PF has made way to convince certain of our members to advance corruption and we say no to that. We want are an accountable party and we want to be accountable to our people," he said."I am not going to mention names but you know in Masvingo there is a Zanu-PF bigwig that interfered. They seek to benefit through shady deals and corruption and you expect us to fold our hands and watch as that happens. We will never allow these behind-the-scenes, power sharing deals which are done nicodemously," he said."No mayor was elected by the residents. We do not have executive mayors. Residents elect councillors who then sit and elect the chairperson who in turn becomes the mayor."Media reports indicated that residents in Victoria Falls were against the MDC leadership's decision to replace the resort town's mayor Somvelo Dhlamini with the party's preferred candidate, Margaret Varley.The resolution was reportedly made by about 300 residents who gathered at Chinotimba Hall on Friday evening to discuss challenges of water and importation of labour.According to the reports, residents had no kind words for the opposition leadership as they accused Chamisa of imposing an "arrogant" person, who did not even speak their language.Last month, Chamisa ordered Masvingo mayor Advocate Collins Maboke to step down, accusing him of supping with Zanu-PF and disregarding a party directive to choose councillor Godfrey Mberikunashe as mayor.Residents of Masvingo town reportedly threatened to stage protests against Chamisa's decision to recall the mayor.The MDC leader summoned Maboke and chided him for disregarding a party directive on the choice of Masvingo mayor before ordering him to step down in place of councillor Godfrey Mberikunashe.Chitungwiza mayor Gift Tsverere and his deputy Jabulani Mtunzi have also consented to their recall by the MDC leadership, to open for new elections. News / National by Staff reporter Former President Robert Mugabe and his wife Grace have filed High Court papers challenging an application by three Mazowe farmers evicted from Teviotdale Farm in 2009 to pave way for the ex-first family's company Gushungo Holdings (Private) Limited.In their application, the three farmers - Adonia Makombe, Sahungwe Hungwe and Nyika Chifamba - cited Mugabe, his wife Grace, Gushungo Holdings, Lands minister Perrance Shiri, Home Affairs minister Cain Mathema, police commissioner-general Godwin Matanga, chief superintendents only identified as Nhubu and Kunene, as respondents.The three told the court that they grabbed Lot 1A Teviotdale Farm in Mazowe District of Mashonaland Central Province at the height of the land reform programme in 2000 and were given government offer letters in 2009 before being kicked out by police on Mugabe's orders in 2009.They are now seeking Mugabe, Grace and their company's eviction from the property, situated in Mashonaland Central Province and payment of $25 000 in damages to Makombe, $7 000 each to Hungwe and Chifamba. They are also demanding $3 000 in holding over damages for every month, calculated from the date of the judgment to the date when the former first family vacates the property.However, the Mugabes have tendered a special plea to the application, demanding the dismissal of the application."The first, second and third defendants (Gushungo Holdings, Mugabe and Grace) have raised a special plea in bar on the grounds that the claim is prescribed, no cause of action or legal right of occupation has been shown and there is a misjoinder of the second and third defendants (Mugabe and Grace)," the court heard.They told the court that a debt or a cause of action prescribes after three years in terms of Section 15 (a) of the Prescription Act and cannot be pursued beyond thisperiod."The plaintiffs by their own admission, were evicted in 2009, their claim should have been brought within three years. It is submitted that the plaintiffs' claim is prescribed and should be dismissed with costs," the Mugabes argued.They further said that the application fails to disclose a cause of action against the defendants."It is categorically stated in the declaration that the State owns the land in question and it is the State that evicted them. The defendants can then not be called upon to answer for actions that were performed by the State as the owner of the land," they said.High Court judge Jester Charewa, yesterday conducted a pre-trial conference for the matter. News / National by Margaret Matibiri for Mail & Telegraph (mailandtelegraph.com) Harare - President Emmerson Mngangagwea's would be' assassinator who is also a self-proclaimed prophet has been sentenced to 16-years behind bars by a Harare magistrate.The gun-wielding bogus security agent, who last year allegedly breached Mnangagwa's close security during a State function at the renaming of KGVI Barracks to Josiah Magama Tongogara was sentenced to 16-years in jail by Harare magistrate Estery Chivese.Guthrie Chirodzero (40) was facing charges of possession of a firearm at a public gathering, impersonating a public official, forgery, possession of articles for criminal use and driving without a licence.On the first charge, he was sentenced to five years behind bars, on the second charge he was sentenced to another five years of which one was suspended on condition of good behaviour.On his third charge, he was sentenced to four years in prison, and of the four, two were suspended on condition of good behaviour.He was also sentenced to one year in jail on his forth charge and on the final charge he was sentenced to another year in prison and six months were suspended on condition of good behaviour.Of the 16-years, 12 and half years were effected.The State led by Michael Reza quashed Chirodzero's mitigations for any sentence besides a custodial one saying he wanted to play God."The court should give this man a stiffer penalty because he committed a serious offence."He came within meters of the leader of the State with a loaded gun, seeing that he is a clergy man, he wanted to play God following the scripture according to Daniel."He was playing God because he knows that it is only God who appoints and removes kings which is what he intended to do on the day in question.The State proved that Chirodzero sneaked into State House on December 4 during the swearing in of Cabinet ministers.It also proved that during the time of his arrest, he was trying to disguise his identity by controlling movement of people during the renaming of King George (KGVI) Barracks to Josiah Magama Tongogara Barracks in Harare.Chirodzero impersonated a state security agent and was even spotted near the podium controlling traffic.The military personnel also established that Chirodzero was a bogus CIO operative and he had a 38mm special Amando Rossi South African revolver with three live rounds of ammunition and two spent cartridges. News / National by Mandla Ndlovu Siphosami Malunga the son of the late National Hero Sydney Malunga has called for an International Commission of inquiry into the Gukurahundi massacre that claimed the lives of an estimated 20 000 people in Midlands and Matabeleland.Malunga who is the Executive Director at Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa said, " I am persuaded that we need an International Commission of Inquiry into Gukurahundi. It's never too late, the matter is going nowhere and we have a good precedent in the (Kgalema) Monthlante Commission."Malunga further called for the state to drop charges against members of the Mthwakazi Republic Party who were arrested in Bulawayo last week at the Kgalema Motlanthe led Commission of Inquiry into the 1 August killings."The case against these young people from Mthwakazi Republican Party must be dropped. It is not a crime to talk about a crime that has been committed against you or your loved ones. Their parents were killed by Gukurahundi!"Why can't they talk about this and must the world not know about it? They chose an opportunity that worked for them albeit embarrassing for the authorities. The worst that can happen is for the Monthlante Commission to ignore their testimony with regards to its enquiry.But no crime has been committed here. A greater crime has been committed against these young people. Where are the diplomats, journalists, political actors, civil society groups and others that came out when my brother Tendai Biti and others were arrested in August? Where are the human rights lawyers? The violation of the rights of one is the violation of the rights of all."The accused Wisdom Mkhwanazi who is facing charges of undermining the authority of the President, Marshal Sibiya, Welcome Moyo and Venat Ncube who are facing public violence charges as defined in section 36 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act are out on bail. Seattle Named Worst City In The US For For Finding Love Trending News: This Is The Worst US City For Finding Love Cuffing season is in full swing, and many people aren't looking for a little fling as they were under the summer sunshine, they want love or at least somebody to cuddle with all winter. But if you happen to live in the northwest, then good luck (you'll need it). A podcast, The Great Love Debate with Brian Howie, gathered opinions and demographic data from the over 92,000 singles who attended its live Town Hall-style theatrical events over the last five years. In total, the show made 347 stops in 87 different cities worldwide. It turned out that of all these places, Seattle is the most frustrating city to be single in. Related: Try One Of These (Actually Good) Dating Sites "Of all the places where the disconnect grew wider this year, Seattle's grew the widest; leaving a gloomy puddle of aggravated women, socially-awkward men, and rainwater," the show's host said. Other cities that suck for finding love include San Jose, Phoenix, Portland, Denver, Philadelphia, Dallas, Las Vegas, New York and Los Angeles. Here's what Howie had to say about each of place: SEATTLE "Of all the places where the disconnect grew wider this year, Seattle's grew the widest; leaving a gloomy puddle of aggravated women, socially-awkward men, and rain water." SAN JOSE "A sorry stalemate between women who think they're too good for him and men who think they're entitled to her." PHOENIX "Go ahead guys, offer to take her on a date. She will take that offer and shop it around till she can find a better one." PORTLAND "Trying to be the center of the Beard & Beer Universe is never a good way to show you actually care about dating." DENVER "Our 2017 Worst City, and still home to the most passive men in America. Only an extremely communicative and accommodating group of women kept the Mile High City out of the basement this year." PHILADELPHIA "Hard to find love in a place where the women believe all the men are jerks, and the men all believe that's a compliment." DALLAS "The city with the best women in America - and a collection of men who hide from them, and a whole lot else, beneath those big hats." LAS VEGAS "People go to Vegas to have fun. Nobody goes to Vegas to be happy." NEW YORK "New York women watched Sex And The City for a decade hoping Carrie would end up with Mr. Big. Lots of NYC men noticed, and act like Big, but don't look anything like Chris Noth." LOS ANGELES "It's simply too nice, and too self-absorbed, day in and day out for Angelenos to get too involved with another human being." Howie added that finding love is hard anywhere, but these 10 cities really stood out as being harder than most. "2018 was unquestionably a challenging year for the dating dynamic between men and women throughout the country, and these 10 cities definitely stood out as not being up to the challenge." But there's good news if you live in one of these cities you should probably take this with a grain of salt. In another recent survey, this one by Apartment List, none of these cities appeared as the worst places to find a date. In fact, Denver actually appeared as one of the best places to find a date. So wherever you are, don't fret. There's a fish in the sea just for you. You Might Also Dig What Is Banter? And Is It Sexist? Heres A Guide Trending News: Is Your Office Banter An Issue? Here's What This Guide Has To Say What does banter mean to you? Is it playful teasing that helps you bond with new friends and workmates? Or is it a form of bullying, used to humiliate and ridicule outsiders? It turns out, your interpretation probably depends on whether youre on the giving or receiving end of what has been said. Thats the gist of a story published yesterday in The Independent that what one person might describe as playful banter, another might readily describe as abuse. Maybe youve engaged in what you call banter. And its not necessarily a bad thing. Banter is an important means of social bonding, Doctor Natalie Hanna, lecturer at the University of Liverpool, told the Indy. But it becomes problematic when vulnerable groups become the target of jokes by more socially powerful, or dominant groups. The Independent piece takes place against the background of Topshop boss Sir Philip Greens defense against allegations of sexual harassment and racism in the workplace, saying he was only involved in banter. OFFICE SPACE Banter in the office is exactly where it can be most hurtful. The built-in hierarchies of a business can render one person more vulnerable than another, and explaining away demeaning comments as banter all of a sudden becomes a subtle weapon to keep juniors in their place. It becomes particularly nasty when the individual being victimized is a marginalized group banter then becomes a bonding exercise involving discrimination against a vulnerable other. THE WEINSTEIN FACTOR Banter, of course, tends to be a gendered term, more typically associated with men. And were living in a post #metoo moment with the Harvey Weinstein scandal illustrating that workplace harassment is still very much a problem. In short, if theres a culture of banter among the men at your workplace, theres a reasonable chance its toxic and you need to help stamp it out. If you and your workmates 'guy' talk is offending someone in the office, and theyre painted as a problem or a bad egg, theyre not you guys probably are. What about if you witness banter that could be interpreted as sexual harassment and dont know what to do? Everyday Health has given you a guide. Read The Independent story in full here. You Might Also Dig Indonesia deploys divers, 'pinger locators' in hunt for doomed plane's cockpit recorders Indonesian divers resumed a search on Tuesday for an airliner that crashed with 189 people on board, as pinger locators tried to zero in on its cockpit recorders and uncover why an almost-new plane went down in the sea minutes after take-off. A Catholic priest in Calgary has been placed on leave following allegations of sexual misconduct. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary released a statement on the weekend saying it has received allegations of sexual misconduct against Father Malcolm D'Souza. The alleged incidents involved two minors and several adults and happened during the priest's tenure at St. Mark Catholic Church on Madigan Drive in the northeast between 2010 and 2016. The statement is published on the diocese website, and it was read aloud this weekend in all churches where the alleged offender has served. "The Diocese of Calgary has contacted law enforcement authorities in accordance with its policy document of the sexual misconduct committee of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary," the statement says. The Calgary Police Service's sex crimes unit told CBC News that it is unaware of any pending allegations or reports in reference to this case. Second priest to be suspended D'Souza has been removed from service at the St. Bernard's and Assumption parishes where he has most recently worked. The statement says there will be no further comment from the diocese. This weekend's announcement follows a similar statement released about another Catholic priest earlier this month. A Calgary priest was suspended following allegations of sexual misconduct in a Vancouver parish between 1998 and 2003. The diocese launched a campaign and a hotline in August encouraging people to report sexual misconduct or abuse Canada's prison watchdog is sounding the alarm over the Correctional Service of Canada's internal investigations after concluding the agency's probe into the deadly riot at the Saskatchewan Penitentiary lacked transparency and credibility. CSC's investigation into the 2016 riot at the Prince Albert penitentiary, which left one inmate dead and two more seriously injured, was the subject of a special section in the Office of the Correctional Investigator's 2017-18 annual report, which was released Tuesday. "It wasn't thorough; it wasn't credible; and it was very superficial," said federal correctional investigator Ivan Zinger, of the CSC internal review. Zinger has previously pointed to inmate complaints about the quality of food and meals being too small as contributing factors to the event, in which 131 of the facility's 475 medium-security inmates rioted, causing $3.5 million in damages. CSC's National Board of Investigation also investigated the riot and, according to the correctional investigator's office annual report, "it was obvious that the board's interpretation of these events differed significantly." The board found the riot was random and "unrelated" to food issues. The report describes the board's failure to properly investigate food quality, food shortages and meal portion size as "self-serving." "The moment you say something is random and spontaneous and you cannot prevent it from happening, that means you don't have to look at anything in terms of area of improvement," Zinger told CBC Saskatchewan Afternoon Edition host Garth Materie. "But I think it's important for even the staff to understand that if the internal investigation isn't credible, and there are no lessons learned, that this could happen again." Only 1 inmate interviewed The board only interviewed one inmate and "relied mostly on management's interpretation of events for its frame of reference," it says. Story continues The watchdog's report details how the riot took place in five sections, or ranges, of the prison and two general population units, which housed a comparatively large number of inmates who were connected to gangs and a higher number of Indigenous prisoners. Moreover, the board labelled 21 inmates as instigators of the riot 18 of whom were Indigenous and 11 of whom were tied to gangs, according to the annual report. It concludes the board did not assess these demographics. "The Office contends that the rage and violence unleashed in the riot's rampage cannot be fully understood or explained without accounting for the presence, influence and concentration of gang-affiliated inmates on the implicated ranges." It concluded the board's finding the riot was random was "highly improbable, superficial and self-serving." The watchdog also said the internal report which did not identify food issues as a factor in the riot differed from the account provided publicly, with the report calling that discrepancy "an exercise in public relations and damage control." Little focus on underlying causes: ombudsman Zinger's office also recommends the minister of public safety conduct a review of the National Board of Investigation, with Zinger saying that he believed CSC had forfeited the right to investigate itself in cases involving deadly riots, deaths in segregation or deaths resulting from use of force. He also recommended CSC do an external audit of a food-services initiative. "A lot of the report is concerned with assessing staff and management's response in quelling the riot," the ombudsman's report says. "A great deal of effort, attention and detail also went into identifying and assessing the degree of culpability of each of the 21 principal instigators," it reads. "Comparatively little attention, rigour or insight is brought to bear on identifying or understanding the riot's underlying triggers, causes or catalysts." In response to the watchdog's report, Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale said in a statement to CBC that an examination of CSC's internal review process is underway and the findings are expected this fall. The statement goes on to say that changes have also already been made to the board since the riot. Corrections Canada responded to the report online, saying an audit of its food services was done in July and the findings would be published "in the coming months." LONDON (Reuters) - The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) urgently needs reform in order to best serve clean athletes following the decision to reinstate Russia's testing body, leaders of 18 national anti-doping organizations said on Monday. The group met at an emergency summit in Paris following last month's decision by WADA to reinstate the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) which was suspended in 2015 after evidence of doping in Russian sport was published in the McLaren Report. The lifting of RUSADA's ban opened a pathway for Russia to compete in international sport again, a possibility that has led to criticism from international athletes. A WADA governance group last week made recommendations to update the organization of the body, but the national anti-doping agencies said these reforms did not go far enough.. "Given the athletes concerns in WADAs decision-making and governance process, and after all that we have regrettably witnessed in the wake of the Russian doping crisis, WADAs limited proposals for governance reform fall far short of what the worlds athletes and other champions of clean sport have been calling for these past two years, and there should be a rethink," the anti-doping agency leaders said in a statement. "We urge WADA not to repeat the mistakes it made in the process to reinstate RUSADA, and to conduct its actions in a more transparent and open fashion. "WADA will rise once again, but only when it embraces global athlete community concerns." WADA's leadership is set to change next year when president Craig Reedie steps down at the end of his second term in office. The body has previously said failure to allow access to stored urine samples at the Moscow anti-doping laboratory by the year's end would lead to a renewed ban for RUSADA. WADA's governance group will present its recommendations to its foundation board at meetings in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Nov. 15. (Reporting by Christian Radnedge, editing by Ed Osmond) By Philip Blenkinsop BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Union governments are seeking more time to debate whether and when to scrap the twice-yearly clock change, dismissing an EU executive proposal to do so in 2019. Last month, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker announced a plan to stop changing Europe's clocks next year, after millions of people responded to a survey by calling for the decades-old practice to end. Norbert Hofer, transport minister of Austria, whose country holds the six-month rotating presidency of the European Union, told reporters after a meeting of fellow transport ministers in Graz, Austria, on Monday that 2019 was too soon. Hofer said there was broad support for Austria's proposal that the switch to permanent winter or summer time should take place instead in 2021. The airline industry, for example, had said it needed 18 months to prepare, he said. Hofer said Austria agreed that the switch should take place, given studies showing clock changes had a negative effect on people and animals and that they did not meet their original goal of saving energy. "There was a majority of countries for ending clock changes. Three countries were skeptical and one was concerned that we could end up with a patchwork of different time zones," Hofer told a news conference a day after clocks went back an hour for winter. The skeptics were Britain, Sweden and Poland. Britain will have no say in the matter come March, when it leaves the Union -- though whatever decision the EU eventually takes, London may find hard to ignore. Monday's meeting was a first informal discussion with no decision due. The transport ministers' next formal meeting is on Dec. 3. The Commission wants each EU government to decide by April which time zone they want to be in permanently -- whether in October 2019 they want to stay in summer time year-round or turn their clocks back one last time to permanent winter time. However, EU Transport Commissioner Violeta Bulc said there was now a possibility that more time might be needed. Danish Transport Minister Ole Birk Olesen said there needed to be a full public debate on the issue, which had not yet happened in Denmark, and it was not realistic to scrap clock changes next year. Luxembourg, where nearly half the local workforce actually lives in Belgium, France or Germany, urged a continued harmonized system, its minister saying it would be "catastrophic" if those countries were on different time zones. Countries in the north, with sharper seasonal differences in hours of daylight, and notably those like Britain and Sweden with big differences between north and south, may face especially difficult choices. Even in countries where there is a consensus to scrap clock changes, there is not necessarily agreement on whether to pick summer or winter time. Estonian minister Kadri Simson forecast a "heated debate" over which time to pick. (Editing by Alastair Macdonald, Larry King) Relatives numbed by grief provided samples for DNA tests to help identify victims of the Lion Air plane crash that killed 189 people in Indonesia, as accounts emerged Tuesday of problems on the jet's previous flight that included rapid, terrifying descents. Hundreds of rescue personnel searched the Java Sea where the plane crashed, sending more than three dozen body bags to identification experts, while the airline flew dozens of grieving relatives to the capital of Jakarta. The two-month-old Boeing 737 MAX 8 jet plunged into the sea early Monday, just 13 minutes after taking off from Jakarta for an island off Sumatra. Its pilot requested clearance to return to the airport two to three minutes after takeoff, indicating a problem, though the cause of the crash is still uncertain. Aircraft debris and personal belongings including ID cards, clothing and bags found scattered in the sea were spread out on tarps at a port in north Jakarta and sorted into evidence bags. Arthur Tampi, chief of the police medical unit, said it has received dozens of body parts for identification and is awaiting results of DNA tests, expected to take four to eight days. Plane dropped suddenly during previous flight The disaster has reignited concerns about safety in Indonesia's fast-growing aviation industry, which was recently removed from European Union and U.S. blacklists. Two passengers on the plane's previous flight from Bali to Jakarta on Sunday have described issues that caused frustration and alarm. Fauzy Chaniago/Associated Press Alon Soetanto told TVOne the plane dropped suddenly several times in the first few minutes of its flight. "About three to eight minutes after it took off, I felt like the plane was losing power and unable to rise. That happened several times during the flight," he said. "We felt like in a roller coaster. Some passengers began to panic and vomit." 'Unusual' engine roar His account is consistent with data from flight-tracking sites that show erratic speed, altitude and direction in the minutes after the jet took off. A similar pattern is also seen in data pinged from Monday's fatal flight. Safety experts cautioned, however, that the data must be checked for accuracy against the plane's so-called black boxes, which officials are confident will be recovered. Story continues Lion Air president Edward Sirait said there were reports of technical problems with the flight from Bali, but they had been resolved in accordance with the plane manufacturer's procedures. The airline didn't respond to requests to verify a document purporting to be a company maintenance report, dated Sunday, that described inaccurate airspeed and altitude readings after takeoff. CBC News In a detailed post online, Indonesian TV presenter Conchita Caroline said boarding of Sunday's flight was delayed by more than an hour and when the plane was being towed, a technical problem forced it to return to its parking space. She said passengers sat in the cabin without air conditioning for at least 30 minutes listening to an "unusual" engine roar, while some children vomited from the overbearing heat, until staff faced with rising anger let them disembark. Experienced pilots in fine weather After about 30 minutes of passengers waiting on the tarmac, they were told to board again while an engine was checked. Caroline said she queried a staff member but was met with a defensive response. "He just showed me the flight permit that he had signed and he said the problem had been settled," she said. "He treated me like a passenger full of disturbing dramas even though what I was asking represented friends and confused tourists who didn't understand Indonesian." Distraught family members struggled to comprehend the sudden loss of loved ones in the crash of a plane with experienced pilots in fine weather. Underwater vehicle deployed "This is a very difficult time for our family," said Leo Sihombing, outside a crisis centre set up for family members at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta airport. "We know that it is very unlikely that my cousin is still alive, but no one can provide any certainty or explanation," he said as other family members wept and hugged each other. Tatan Syuflana/Associated Press "What we hope now is rescuers can find his body, so we can bury him properly, and authorities can reveal what caused the plane crash," Sihombing said. Specialist ships and a remotely operated underwater vehicle have been deployed to search for the plane's hull and flight recorder. Plane in relatively shallow water Search and Rescue Agency chief Muhammad Syaugi has said he's certain it won't take long to locate the hull of the aircraft and its flight recorders due to the relatively shallow 30-metre depth of the waters where it crashed. The crash is the worst airline disaster in Indonesia since an AirAsia flight from Surabaya to Singapore plunged into the sea in December 2014, killing all 162 on board. Anushree Fadnavis/Reuters Indonesian airlines were barred in 2007 from flying to Europe because of safety concerns, though several were allowed to resume services in the following decade. The ban was completely lifted in June. The U.S. lifted a decade-long ban in 2016. Lion Air, a discount carrier, is one of Indonesia's youngest and biggest airlines, flying to dozens of domestic and international destinations. Earlier this year it confirmed a deal to buy 50 new Boeing narrow-body aircraft worth an estimated $6.2 billion US. It has been expanding aggressively in Southeast Asia, a fast-growing region of more than 600 million people. Nearly 64 years after his death, Henri Matisse has become one of the few non-Native Americans to have an exhibition at a Phoenix museum dedicated to Native American culture. The little-known intersection of one of the 20th century's greatest artists and Inuit in the Arctic region is at the heart of a show opening Monday at the Heard Museum. It spans centuries, cultures and continents. - David Roche, director of Heard Museum "It's a story I didn't know much about until 1998 when I became friendly with a member of the Matisse family," said museum director David Roche. "It truly took several years to absorb it all. It spans centuries, cultures and continents." "Yua: Henri Matisse and the Inner Arctic Spirit" will feature Matisse's portraits of the Inuit people, which have never been displayed in the U.S. But the French artist, who died in 1954, will share the spotlight with Alaska Natives who influenced him. Yup'ik masks made by Alaskan Natives, some of which were collected by Matisse's son-in-law during World War II, will be just as much a part of the exhibit. The Associated Press The Heard is the only place showcasing the unconventional pairing. "We have a lot of historic firsts in this particular work," said curator Sean Mooney. "We're kind of doing an exhibition within an exhibition by having these two parallel displays of historic Yup'ik masks and this very specific historic body of work by Matisse." Matisse is more widely lauded as a pioneer in Fauvism a style characterized by vivid colours and less controlled brush strokes. But he became interested in Indigenous cultures in the 1940s. Son-in-law Georges Duthuit had acquired an array of the masks and other materials while living in New York City as World War II broke out, Mooney said. In 1946, Duthuit returned to France with his collection. He and Matisse's daughter, Marguerite, suggested Matisse do three illustrations for a proposed book on the Arctic people. He made 50. Story continues The Associated Press Matisse, according to Mooney, looked at masks made of wood, feathers and other materials, and two books with photographs of Inuit men and women. The museum will have several black-and-white portraits, including charcoal drawings and lithographs. Taken with the culture, Matisse even began referring to any portrait he did as a mask. "With a stroke, he created what he called masks," said co-curator Chuna McIntyre, who is Central Yup'ik. "He got the essence. It's amazing pared down, quiet interior, personal creations." Villagers would traditionally tell stories with the masks through song or dance, paying respect to "yua." According to the Yup'ik culture, "yua" means spirit but can also refer to the spirit inside living creatures, inanimate objects and their connection to each other. "Everything that exists in this universe has the potential of yua because it exists here. That's an old concept in Yup'ik," McIntyre said. "There's a whole gravity to it. Yua it's in a being, it's in a person." The Associated Press Yup'ik Eskimos comprise one of 11 distinct cultures among Alaska Natives in the southwest part of the state, according to the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Marge Nakak, a cultural host at the centre, said masks are traditionally worn at annual festivals between Native villages during a gathering known as a potlatch. Historically, the masks were discarded after a ceremony. Sometimes they were burned or left on the tundra, Nakak said. Some American Indigenous cultures would not consider showing ceremonial items such as masks because they consider them to be living beings not meant for display. Yup'ik people, on the other hand, tend to be more transparent, McIntyre said. He said the masks always have been intended to be shared in public performance. "We Yup'iks feel in terms of museum collections, museums are caretakers of our civilizations' treasures. That's important to say," McIntyre said. In the early 20th century, the masks and Native cultures in general gained a following among traders and collectors who were interested in preservation, Mooney said. Many masks ended up in museums. George Gustav Heye, whose vast collection of Native American objects shaped the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian, was one of the leaders in bringing artifacts to New York City, where they came into the orbit of the French intelligentsia. The Associated Press Masks typically are created in pairs or other groupings to represent symbolic relationships such as male and female, or night and day. So, the show will mean reuniting masks that have been separated for, in some cases, a century, museum director Roche said. After the exhibition closes Feb. 3, some masks will go on display in Alaska. Some people may question giving space at a museum for American Indian artists to a white, European one. But Roche said the exhibition has immense support because of its duality. "The Heard has been a leader in presenting American Indian art with great sensitivity," Roche said. "I think it's meaningful that we are working in this way. I think stories, to be told well, often have to be told from multiple perspectives." Matisse will likely draw people who normally wouldn't go to the Heard and expose them to Alaskan Native cultures. "That's wonderful because the only thing that is taught in the Lower 48 states is that Eskimos live in igloos. Period," said Nakak, of the Alaska Native Heritage Center. "That's it." SaskPower is working toward a new deal with Manitoba Hydro that would see up to an additional 215 megawatts of hydroelectric energy be made available for customers in Saskatchewan. A new termsheet outlines a purchase agreement that would allow SaskPower to buy 190 megawatts of energy from Manitoba Hydro, with an option to add an additional 25 megawatts at a later date. The deal "represents a significant step forward when it comes to reaching our goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions," SaskPower president and CEO Mike Marsh said in a press release. SaskPower aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 40 per cent by 2030. A final contract is expected to be drawn up by mid-2019. The deal would take effect in 2022 and last up to 30 years. Neither SaskPower nor Manitoba Hydro have disclosed the financial details of the purchase agreement. SaskPower has two existing power purchase agreements with Manitoba Hydro. Liping road repairs begin The China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) has started repair works at the Liping road in Sindhupalchok. The link was damaged in the Gorkha Earthquake of 2015 and the Bhote Koshi river floods the next year. By Ali Kucukgocmen ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkey called on Monday for the full truth surrounding the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi to be revealed, as Saudi Arabia's public prosecutor held talks in Istanbul. Khashoggi's death at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul nearly four weeks ago has escalated into a crisis for the world's top oil exporter, which initially denied any knowledge of or role in his death. Saudi public prosecutor Saud Al Mojeb arrived in Istanbul overnight, days after he contradicted weeks of Saudi statements by saying that Khashoggi's killing was premeditated. On Monday he met Istanbul's chief prosecutor. "The whole truth must be revealed," Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told a news conference. "We believe this visit is important for these truths to come out." Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist and a critic of Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was killed inside the consulate after he went there to get documents for his forthcoming marriage. Saudi officials initially insisted that Khashoggi left the compound on Oct. 2 after completing his paperwork. Turkish officials, however, said they believed he was killed inside by a team sent from Saudi Arabia. Riyadh's numerous shifting accounts of the killing have undermined Prince Mohammed's standing in the West. Cavusoglu called on Riyadh to conclude the investigation as soon as possible. Turkey's state broadcaster TRT Haber said Saudi officials at Monday's meeting asked for the whole investigation folder, including evidence, statements and footage, be given to them. TRT said the Saudi request was denied. Turkish prosecutors at the meeting, which lasted slightly over an hour, repeated Ankara's request that 18 suspects be brought to Turkey and that the location of Khashoggi's body be revealed, it said. Turkey's Anadolu news agency said Mojeb was expected to inspect the Saudi consulate. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has expressed scepticism about Saudi's changing explanations of the killing and has called on the kingdom to hold to account all those responsible, no matter how highly placed. The suspects Turkey wants extradited include a 15-man security team that it says flew in hours before the killing and carried it out. Erdogan said on Saturday the extradition request was being relayed to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said those behind the killing would be prosecuted in the kingdom. Turkey has said it shared information regarding the investigation with other countries, including the United States, Germany, France and Russia. (Additional reporting by Stephen Kalin in Riyadh; Editing by Dominic Evans and John Stonestreet) A coalition of 35 community groups advocating against racism is demanding organizers of a Toronto debate series scrap a November event featuring Steve Bannon, the controversial former chief strategist to U.S. President Donald Trump, in the wake of the Pittsburgh synagogue massacre. The coalition ramped up its call during a Tuesday morning news conference, saying having Bannon participate in the sold out Munk Debate gives him a platform to "normalize his hateful ideology" however, the organizers are standing by the event. Dozens of students from the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, at the University of Toronto, have also signed an online petition against Bannon's appearance, arguing hateful rhetoric is being presented and defended under the guise of free speech. "Bannon is not just stopping by for a chat," said Maya Menezes, who is with the Toronto chapter of No One Is Illegal, a national advocacy group for immigrants and refugees. "This is part of his failing world tour to create a foundation called 'The Movement' aimed at supporting right-wing parties throughout the world." The group also urged ticket holders to "rethink" their support and to boycott the event. Menezes says the debate's organizers shouldn't be benefiting from handing over a stage to "dangerous white men propagating hateful white supremacy and violence." The semi-annual Munk debates founded by the late Peter Munk and his wife, Melanie tend to focus on polarizing topics and have been attended by a number of controversial guests since launching in 2008. 'Opposing this kind of hate and the violence it fosters is not up for debate.' - Rachel Epstein, United Jewish People's Order She wasn't alone in condemning the debate. "The hate we are witnessing is serious. In fact, it is deadly," said Rachel Epstein, executive director of the United Jewish People's Order. Story continues Eleven people were killed last Saturday when a gunman walked into the Tree of Life synagogue during worship services and opened fire while expressing hatred of Jews. The deadly rampage rocked the Pittsburgh Jewish community and those abroad. "Opposing this kind of hate and the violence it fosters is not up for debate," Epstein said. The coalition also plans to rally outside Roy Thomson Hall, where the debate, called "The Rise of Populism," is set to take place on Nov. 2. Munk Debate 'providing a public service' The chair of the Munk Debates defended the event Tuesday, issuing a statement saying he looks forward to bringing together the "sharply different views on populism" of Bannon and conservative commentator David Frum. Rudyard Griffiths said the event aims to offer a neutral public form to discuss controversial issues. "In this context, the rise of populist politics in western societies was an obvious topic to tackle at our upcoming debate," Griffiths said in a statement. "We believe we are providing a public service by allowing their ideas to be vigorously contested and letting the public draw their own conclusions from the debate." Banning Bannon may actually help his cause, expert says James Turk, the director of Ryerson University's Centre of Free Expression, says he doesn't agree with Bannon but isn't sure cancelling the debate is the right move. "We have populism sweeping the globe and we aren't able to analyze it and see what's wrong with it," he said. A debate, Turk said, may actually be the right format to challenge Bannon's ideology and the hateful statements he's made in the past. Banning Bannon from speaking, however, could actually boost his popularity among his followers. "Suppressing hateful speech or racist speech is not an effective way of bringing it to an end," Turk said. Stoking racial divisions While the coalition says it supports debate of controversial topics, Nigel Barriffe, president of Urban Alliance for Race Relations, believes Bannon's participation "undermines democratic principles" because it encourages "white nationalist violence." "Providing him a high-profile Canadian platform contradicts the democratic freedoms we cherish," he told reporters. Critics have attacked Bannon, a former White House aide and ex-chairman of conservative news site, Breitbart News Network, for stoking racial divisions and advocating for far-right ideas. Bannon is expected to argue in favour of populism during the debate against Frum a former speechwriter for George W. Bush, who served as president from 2001 to 2009. "I want to bring everything crashing down and destroy all of today's establishment," Bannon is quoted as saying on the website promoting the event. Jonathan Bachman/Reuters In September, The New Yorker magazine dropped its plan to have Bannon as a featured guest at its annual festival after facing sharp backlash from readers and celebrities. Within hours of making the announcement, New Yorker editor David Remnick cancelled the interview, saying he didn't want Bannon to "propel further the ideas of white nationalism, racism, anti-Semitism and illiberalism." Earlier this week, a federal NDP politician called on organizers of the Toronto debate series to cancel the event "out of respect for the victims in Pittsburgh." "It isn't acceptable to give provocateurs like Mr. Bannon the opportunity to present their extreme views," said MP Charlie Angus. Photo - Tronson du Coudrays Tropical Sunrise donation at Tweed Hospital Childrens Ward Three nation states have clearly defined fertility rate issues and many are not far behind and this has created a spate of news media articles, documentaries and radio commentary. The 'fertility rate' as a term refers to the number of babies born in any given year as compared to the nation's population. There are sub-cultural issues associated with fertility rate statistics and these too need to be considered. The first issue is to detail these three nation states who have fertility rate issues: Fiji The Fijian fertility rate issue is an imported one from last century and which grew exponentially without the home Government of Fiji quite knowing what to do about the issue until it got to such a situation of alarm when a military coup was enacted. The indigenous Fijian population by the eighties were finding themselves becoming out-numbered by the historic Indian immigrants, some of whom had been in Fijian for several generations if not more. The birth rate of these historic Indian peoples was significantly higher than the indigenous Fijians which further acerbated the drama unfolding. The perception by the Fijians was that they were losing control of their homeland homeland security took on a whole new meaning. Photo - Tronson du Coudrays Horizons Exhibition (8) Israel In 1948 when Israel's was founded the then first Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion, to secure Israel's future as a Jewish State made endless appeals for historic ultra orthodox traditional Jews to migrate, establish communities, maintain the rituals of the Jewish religion, propagate and here's the rub, pay no taxes. The ultra Orthodox Jews are a most difficult group of people to deal with as they have no understanding of the idea of compromise. Their rule is one way. Their way. For example, they disagree with Zionism. They now have many elected politicians in the Parliament. They are demanding a greater political say in the life of the nation. When larger political voices need to make up a coalition in order to run a Government the ultra Orthodox group force a tight deal. Now in relation to fertility rates, the ultra Orthodox Jews have very large families, it is common for their families to have eight or nine children and they have become an horrendous financial burden upon the State. In effect they are on a very high rate of social security as it covers health care and education to name just two. Japan The third example is Japan where they have very strict immigration rules and I have written on this previously as to the lack of a Muslim problem in that country. Japan's fertility rate problem is associated with its dwindling birth rate. Recently The Global Mail ran an article titled 'What happens when half the world stops making babies'. One staggering prediction from UNs Population Division projections, is that Japans population will most likely fall by a quarter as their fertility rate is way below replacement levels. Like many western countries its young people are viewing life style way above any national consideration. The claim is that this projection may well be understating things. The current rate of reproduction would see Japans population more than halve, from around 125 million in 2010 to about 55 million in 2100. Moreover is the political reality of that nation's aversion to immigration. Photo - Tronson du Coudrays Horizons Exhibition (10) Australia These three very different examples of fertility rate issues illustrate the nature of the problem and its diversity. For Fiji it's a national identity crisis. For Israel its a fiscal dilemma. For Japan its a life style choice issue. Much has been said in relation to Australia's Population debate and asylum seekers and the figures being predicted by 2040 is a doubling of the population and it's not through fertility rates by 'economic Australia'. There are two Australia's one is an economic Australia, where there are those who a fair share to sustain a satisfying life. The other Australia is not necessarily poor Australia, rather it is an immigrant Australia that is brining in threatening political, legal and social mores that have every likelihood of altering the Australia many grew up in. This is one of the consequences of a fertility rate issue in Australia amongst the vast majority, who like the Japanese, require more out of life, than simply being baby machines. Evangelical thought The evangelical wing of the Christian church is itself in two minds over this fertility issue. First, many evangelicals hold dear to the biblical announcement to go forth and multiply with the proviso that it doesn't affect them economically too much and if they do, then as former Federal Treasurer Peter Costello said, one for the husband, one for the wife and one for the nation - as long as the Government foots the bill. Another side of the evangelical wing of the Christian church sees immigration as a heaven sent captured audience for the Gospel message and one only needs to drive past many inner city churches to see church signs identifying just that. The problem area is when such migrants retain their religion and cultures and in effect require the majority to cater for them, even in making protective laws. The fertility rate is an issue that clearly affects every Christian household whereby for a host of reasons decisions are made for individual home situations. Former Attorney General George Brandis said, the State is not in the business of making family decisions, a view concurred by current Australian politicians. Photo - Tronson du Coudrays Victory Dr Mark Tronson is a Baptist minister (retired) who served as the Australian cricket team chaplain for 17 years (2000 ret) and established Life After Cricket in 2001. He was recognised by the Olympic Ministry Medal in 2009 presented by Carl Lewis Olympian of the Century. He mentors young writers and has written 24 books, and enjoys writing. He is married to Delma, with four adult children and grand-children. Dr Tronson writes a daily article for Christian Today Australia (since 2008) and in November 2016 established Christian Today New Zealand. Mark Tronson's archive of articles can be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/mark-tronson.html A young Pakistan Christian has been sentenced to life imprisonment for burning a booklet containing verses of the Quran. Yaqoob Bashir Masih, 25, was sentenced more than three years after he was first arrested in 2015. District Courts Mirpur Khas The court building at Mirpur Khas, where Yaqoob Bashir Masih was sentenced. Yaqoob has a learning disability and was receiving treatment in a mental health facility in Hyderabad before the alleged incident, according to International Christian Concern (ICC). He was punished for using derogatory language against the prophet Mohammad, but found not guilty of desecrating the Quran. During the three years and three months of his imprisonment before his conviction, there were 96 hearings into his case, ICC said. He was attacked by fellow inmates on several occasions and his family has been targeted by extremists. His mother Kasur Bibi told ICC: 'My son is innocent. He did not insult or do blasphemy. He does not care much of these issues as his mind works differently than that of a normal person's.' Pakistan's notorious blasphemy law is frequently used against Christians and other minorities. 'The blasphemy laws need reform,' Imtiaz Amanat, legal aid coordinator at Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace, told ICC. 'There are a number of case studies where these laws have been misused against the most vulnerable segments of the society. Yet, these laws are mute about mentally disabled persons, children, and intention. Because of this, these laws have created an atmosphere of fear in Pakistan.. He concluded: 'Keeping mentally disabled persons in mind, the government should introduce amendments to these laws and extend relief to innocent citizens.' Mentally impaired Yaqoob Bashir Masih was only 20 years old when he was accused of committing blasphemy in June 2015. He has been in prison ever since, and now his hometown District and Sessions Court in Mirpur Khas, a small district in Pakistan's Sindh province, has sentenced him to life-long imprisonment for burning a booklet that contained verses of the Quran. According to International Christian Concern, two appeals from the family to release him on bail were filed, but the trial court and later the Sindh High Court rejected them. Masih, locally known by the name "Kala", is known to have learning difficulties. After he was charged, Mushtaq Masih*, Yaqoob's next-door neighbour in the Mehmoodabad area, told World Watch Monitor what happened: "It was around 7pm and I was sitting with my wife on our camel cart. We were discussing how earning our daily living had become so tough when we started hearing the noise of a group of a people. "I heard Yaqoob's elder brother asking him, 'Where is the copy of the Quran which the cleric gave you this morning?' "Yaqoob was not telling them, and he kept naming a few other neighbours. The mob were severely beating him, but Yaqoob did not tell them where the Quran was. In the end, some of them doused him with kerosene oil and told him that they would set him on fire if he would not tell them. Then he told them that he had burned it in the morning and then buried it." Some locals reported that "Yaqoob used to go to the cleric, who had told him that his mental condition would improve if he recited the Quran". Mushtaq Masih went on: "That morning Yaqoob requested the cleric to give him the copy of the Quran, saying that his two sisters would read it to him. But rather than bringing it home, he burned it." It was reported that a few students of a nearby madrassah (an Islamic seminary) had seen him burning the Quran, after which they informed a cleric. Mushtaq Masih explained: "About two years ago Yaqoob had started learning 'black magic' and, since then, he sometimes acted quite erratically. Most of the time he was fine but sometimes he behaved as if he had no control over himself. "For instance, his mother told the crowd that only three days before the incident, Yaqoob had torn the Bible into four pieces and thrown it on the floor. "The police were informed of Yaqoob's confession and they arrived to arrest him. But still a mob was gathering." In Pakistan, blasphemy against Islam is an extremely sensitive subject, with allegations often leading to mob violence. For this reason, even police officers fear reprisals for investigating blasphemy cases, or judges for finding in favour of those accused. Imtiaz Amanat, Legal Aid Coordinator at the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace, told ICC that Pakistan's "blasphemy laws need reform. There are a number of case studies where these laws have been misused against the most vulnerable segments of the society." Following the conviction, a petition on Masih's behalf will be filed within a month in the Sindh High Court to challenge the decision. However, it will likely take years before his petition will be heard and he could be released. Asia Bibi, a Christian woman accused of blasphemy in 2009, was sentenced to death in 2010 and is still awaiting the outcome of her appeal. Some years ago, I was invited to meet Holocaust survivor Sabina Citron. She had just authored her book The Indictment and her publisher arranged for us to meet at the Menachem Begin Heritage Centre. The location itself was worth the visit but Citron was a national Jewish hero and I looked forward to our interview. The breath-taking view from the Centre overlooked the Jerusalem skyline. Ms Citron arrived and arranged for us to enjoy lunch on the balcony with that breathtaking panorama. I had previously googled Sabina Citron to gather background for our chat and was shocked to find that more entries referred to her being a nazi-hunter than an author or holocaust survivor. During our lunch, there were more shocks to come. Auschwitz She was an Auschwitz survivor, and I had visited that concentration camp many times. Its a gut-wrenching experience just to walk around. I could only imagine the horrors but often survivors were our guides and they portrayed the evil from personal experience. More than once I had to hang back from our tour group to shed a tear, gather myself and of course to pray. On one visit I met an elderly man who was so grateful Christians had made it possible for him to live in Israel. He had been a small boy in Auschwitz where the evil Dr Josef Mengele had performed painful experiments on him. Although I have lived and worked overseas, I have not known the terrible hunger, violence, pain and persecution others experienced in the Holocaust and in various locations around the world today. Christians are being persecuted for their faith in more than forty nations. The Christian Post reports more than 8 million children under the age of 5 die every year from causes stemming from extreme poverty. I baulk at the extravagance of Christmas and even the expense of the fireworks at New Year when I think of the massive need of innocent victims. Sabina described it so well. The survivors of the Holocaust know all there is to know about indifference! We were persecuted, humiliated beyond description and eventually put to death while the world remained indifferent. Most of us still find it impossible to understand how a civilized world could close its eyes and ears, and pretend not to see or hear the voices of the doomed. She said this to me in 2009. I wonder what the persecuted of this generation will say about our civilised response to their crisis in years to come. How will our apathy and do-nothingness be described by the Sabina Citrons of tomorrow? We were taken to Auschwitz. We were given striped clothing like criminals and some wooden shoes, and then taken to the showers. We were told to strip naked and leave all our belongings behind. Her words prompt deep sorrow and concern. But even as I reflect on them now, she may well be speaking to so many persecuted innocents suffering today. Anti-Semitism She was extremely critical of Christian anti-semitism prevalent before World War II. Sabina described replacement theology or supersessionism as a contributing factor to the Holocaust evil. The Churchs continued accusation of Jewish guilt in Jesus death at the cross fuelled the flames of hatred, which only seemed to grow with time. That Jesus was crucified by the Romans, as were other rebellious Jews, was apparently never acknowledged, she wrote in The Indictment. Earlier she wrote about the Lord. Jesus was a kind man who preached love and understanding, a man who was seen as a Messiah by some, she observed. Jesus as a Jew, was flogged by the Romans as he proceeded to his crucifixion, a punishment regularly used by the Romans, Sabine wrote. Sabina left Europe and lived in Canada. She founded the Canadian Holocaust Remembrance Association. In latter years she returned to live in Israel. My visit with her was a joy. She shared her heart with me. The memory of that encounter brings the persecuted vividly to mind. I pray we will not to continue to ignore their plight in the midst of celebrating the joys of Christmas. After all a famous carol begins, Joy to the world I believe we have a Kingdom responsibility to play our very active part. Ron Ross is a Middle East consultant for United Christian Broadcasters (Vision FM). Previously he was radio news editor for Bridges for Peace in Jerusalem, Israel. His career started at WINTV (Email: ronandyvonne@mac.com) Ron Ross previous articles may be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/ron-ross.html I was working away at repairing a machine in a shopping center at work when two guys approached us, asking how long it would be until they could use it. My guard answered them saying it would be quite some time sorry, to which one of the two commented to the other, in a negatively worded fashion, that the ATM was always breaking down and proceeded to make a comment about my skin color and how I cant fix you get the idea. My guard quickly moved them on in a professional manner and I finished the job. I thought about these comments for a while afterwards and told my guard I felt that was actually really racist of them to make that comment, that was not something I would ever dream of saying to anybody for any reason. My guard, who regularly does other guarding work such as night clubs and catching thieves at retail stores, said in his experience, it is common for people of color to make those kind of statements and he gets it quite regularly before stating thats just the way it is mate. To be OK Fast forward a few days and I am reading the morning paper, and how Pauline Hanson, whom I would consider an Australian right wing politician with interesting ways of doing things, put up a vote in parliament asking members of parliament to vote on Its OK to be white. The vote was initially slightly defeated, by 31-28 in the senate, after which almost everybody who voted yes changed their votes to a no blaming an administrative process failure for accidentally voting the wrong way. What? Although I felt this whole vote to be a little ridiculous, it was quite interesting to read and I recall Lauren Southern making headlines a while ago for wearing an Its OK to be white shirt upon arrival in the country, to see what peoples reaction would be. Why is it not okay to be white? Or black? Or any color? And why did our politicians just ignore the vote rather than make a point of voting no? Were they afraid they would be labelled racist if they voted yes? And how is voting yes even racist? And lastly, if the vote was Its OK to be black would have they voted no? This summarized to myself that for some strange reason, it is totally ok, and approved by our own government, to say anything of a racist sense towards the majority in Australia a white skinned person. Isnt this more than just a little hypocritical? I used to disregard the likes of Canadian Lauren Southern and Australian MP Pauline Hansons comments on racism against white people, thinking it to be largely nonexistent, but I am not so sure any more. Again, when I look around and even reflect on the occasional personal experience, it is definitely there, being perpetrated by those who claim to despise racism hypocritically that it is still seems ok against certain people. Other than reinforce no racism is acceptable; it still seems to be acceptable against some. Going deeper So why would this be? Were white people more violent or racist in the past? It certainly feels like some sort of revenge against white people white racist people of the past maybe? History is plagued with people of all races enslaving others, being racist and bad to each other so I cant see how it is that. Whenever I ponder such things such as this, I am reminded of the scripture in Matthew chapter 4, verses 8 to 12: Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. All this I will give you, he said, if you will bow down and worship me. Jesus said to him, Away from me, Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only. This reminds me that the devil is in the world, controlling and directing worldly activities and probably the architect behind such hypocrisies. Jesus reply to being offered the world? Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only is gold. This reminds me that we Christians are just passing through this world and should not be distracted from serving our God. Times will come when we will be persecuted, John Chapter 15 verse 18, If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. I feel this is just another piece of the framework being setup by the world to try and eliminate us Christians and put us into persecution by essentially turning things that are labelled bad from God, into things that are good by the world and make Gods standard in some cases even illegal for Christians to follow. The recent attacks on marriage, gender, abortion etc. just reinforce this the world setting itself in complete opposition to Gods word and standards set out in the Bible. I cant help but wonder if one day a Christian will be labelled a bigoted, sexist, homophobic, pro-life, xenophobic racist? References https://www.news.com.au/national/politics/government-tries-to-explain-away-its-support-for-its-ok-to-be-white-motion/news-story/f951c0f92d3929d6856636be6a35ad65 https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/national/why-would-government-vote-its-not-ok-to-be-white/video/c736f1b665e9b99b6e373c654eef782c Michael Dahlenburg is an Electronics Technician currently working in the ATM industry. He is non-denominational and has previously been involved in church plants and assisting those in ministry. His interests include; enjoying family, home DIY, gardening, most things tech-related and driving his wife crazy with a constant stream of inventions! He lives with his wife Michelle and three children in Gods own land of Southern Adelaide, Australia. Michael Dahlenburgs previous articles may be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/michael-dahlenburg.html MONDAY, Oct. 29, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- Many injured workers turn to opioid painkillers for relief, and nearly 30 percent may still be taking them three months after their injury -- increasing the odds of addiction, a new study suggests. "The increased likelihood of persistent opioid use among strain and sprain injuries is potentially concerning, particularly given the limited evidence to support opioid therapy for these injuries," said study lead author Nathan O'Hara. He's a research associate at the University of Maryland School of Medicine's department of orthopedics, in Baltimore. Common injuries for which people claiming workers' compensation received opioids include crushes, strains and sprains, permanent disability and chronic joint pain, the researchers reported. Because many workers use opioids for work-related injuries, and given the danger of addiction, O'Hara believes it's a big and possibly growing problem. Common opioids include OxyContin and Vicodin. "Since persistent opioid use does not correlate well with injury severity, consideration should be given to not initiating opioid use for non-severe injuries," he said. The main concern shared by doctors is the use of opioids for non-acute pain, said senior researcher Dr. Gerard Slobogean, an assistant professor of orthopedics at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. "Physical therapy, other complementary and alternative therapies, as well as non-opioid medical therapies, should be considered for many injured workers," he said. For the study, the researchers collected data on nearly 9,600 injured workers who filed workers' compensation claims in Maryland from 2008 to 2016. All patients were initially treated with opioids. Other factors linked to persistent opioid use included being older and having a yearly income of more than $60,000, the researchers found. Lindsey Vuolo is associate director for health law and policy at the Center on Addiction. "The high rate of persistent opioid use among injured workers in this study is concerning because such use may signify misuse, a risk factor for opioid use disorder," she said. The progression from misuse to use of illicit opioids, such as heroin and fentanyl, is a hallmark of America's opioid crisis, said Vuolo, who was not part of the study. In 2016, more than 11.5 million Americans reported misuse of prescription opioids, with more than 14,000 people dying from overdoses involving prescription opioids, the researchers noted. What's more, opioids are often ineffective for long-term pain management, Vuolo said. Safer treatment options, such as non-opioid painkillers and physical therapy, should be tried first to manage chronic pain, she said. Dr. Jianguo Cheng, director of the multidisciplinary pain medicine fellowship program at the Cleveland Clinic and president of the American Academy of Pain Medicine, agreed. Doctors need to get out of the habit of prescribing opioids as the first option to treat pain, said Cheng, who was not involved with the study. "Minimize exposure and use in terms of dose and frequency," he recommended. "However, for certain patients who have failed other treatments, opioids are still an option and can be effective. So patients should not be denied this treatment option." The report was published online Oct. 26 in the journal JAMA Network Open. More information Visit the U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse for more on opioids. Microbus hit kills biker in Lazimpat A motorcyclist died after being hit by a microbus at Lazimpat in Kathmandu on Tuesday. TUESDAY, Oct. 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- Three experimental Ebola vaccines trigger an immune response that lasts for more than two years against the deadly disease, researchers report. In addition to being welcome news for the Ebola outbreak that's now spreading throughout the Democratic Republic of Congo, this success story is spurring research into the development of similar vaccines for other infectious diseases, the researchers added. In the new study, British scientists analyzed blood samples taken from healthy volunteers who had received one of the three Ebola vaccine regimens more than two years earlier. The results showed that all three vaccines "were still producing a strong antibody response to the disease two-and-a-half years after immunization, which is really good news," said study co-author Katie Ewer, from Oxford University in the United Kingdom. The study was presented Monday at the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene's annual meeting, in New Orleans. One of the vaccines is already being used to fight the outbreak in the Congo that aid workers are struggling to contain because it is unfolding in a highly dangerous conflict zone. With 155 deaths already confirmed since Ebola was declared in the country's northern region in August, fears of a cross-border epidemic are rising with new cases reported close to the Ugandan frontier, The Telegraph reported this week. Meanwhile, the other two Ebola vaccines are being used as platforms for new vaccines against several other diseases with the potential to cause epidemics, including Lassa fever, Nipah virus disease, and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). "The Ebola vaccine work that intensified after the outbreak in West Africa [2013-2016] has produced an explosion of vaccine development that could leave us much better prepared to fight other outbreaks of infectious diseases," Ewer said in a society news release. "It has helped policy makers and funders understand the need. And that support has helped validate new vaccine platforms, including one that is adaptable for a number of viral diseases," Ewer explained. Study co-author Dr. Matthew Snape, who's also from Oxford, said the findings "will be invaluable when deciding which strategy to use to induce long-lasting protection, for example in health care workers in areas at ongoing risk of Ebola outbreaks." Snape added that "another important question is whether the persistence of this immune response can be enhanced by giving a 'late-booster' dose of vaccine 3 to 4 years after the initial immunization, and we will be studying this in further work in the U.K. and Senegal in the coming year." Research presented at meetings should be considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal. More information The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on Ebola. Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by the editors of HealthDay: Texas Lesbian Couple Is First to Both Carry Same Baby Using a special type of in-vitro fertilization, two women in a same-sex couple became the first to both carry their baby. "This represents the first time that two women have both physically carried their child together," fertility specialist Dr. Kathy Doody of The Center for Assisted Reproduction, who works with husband Dr. Kevin Doody, told CBS News. Ashleigh and Bliss Coulter of North Texas had their son Stetson through what's called effortless IVF, using Bliss' eggs and a donor's sperm. Instead of placing the sperm and eggs into incubators, they are put into a device called an INVOcell that's placed in the body for five days where the eggs are fertilized and early embryo development begins. In this case, Bliss carried the INVOcell. The embryos were frozen and one was transferred to Ashleigh, who carried the baby to term, CBS News reported. The couple refer to 5-month-old Stetson as their miracle baby. "The way that Mr. Stetson came into this world was pretty special," Ashleigh said. "This is a revolutionary type of IVF," Kevin Doody told CBS News. "It's more accessible, it's more affordable and it's truly more natural." This the first time the Doodys have had a same-sex couple go through Effortless IVF, but they've performed the process for around 200 heterosexual couples. Effortless IVF typically costs about half as much as traditional IVF, according to the Doodys. ----- Infection Control Team Sent to NJ Rehab Facility Where 9 Children Died Infection control experts are being sent to a New Jersey rehabilitation facility where an adenovirus outbreak has killed nine children, state health officials said Monday. "A total of 25 pediatric cases have been associated with this outbreak," at the Wanaque Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation in Haskell. "A staff member at the facility -- who has since recovered -- also became ill as part of the outbreak," according to the state health department, NBC News reported. Adenovirus typically causes cold-like symptoms, but can be fatal in weakened patients. The children at Wanaque have developmental disorders or immune deficiencies. The infection control experts will also visit other facilities similar to the Wanaque Center, as well as a public hospital where a different type of infection occurred in four premature babies. One of the babies died, NBC News reported. "The team will visit University Hospital, Wanaque Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation in Haskell, Voorhees Pediatric Facility in Voorhees, and Children's Specialized Hospital in Toms River and Mountainside," the health department said. The team will reinforce basic infection control procedures, Dr. Shereef Elnahal, the state's health commissioner, told NBC News. ----- Food Labels May be Required to List Sesame Allergen: FDA Sesame may become the latest food allergen that has to be listed on labels, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says. Currently, eight major food allergens must be declared on labels: eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat and soybeans, CNN reported. "Unfortunately, we're beginning to see evidence that sesame allergies may be a growing concern in the US," FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb said Monday. "A handful of studies, for example, suggest that the prevalence of sesame allergies in the U.S. is more than 0.1 percent, on par with allergies to soy and fish." The undeclared presence of allergens is a public health issue and one of the main causes of food recalls, according to the FDA. Research suggests that more than 300,000 Americans have sesame allergy, according to Lisa Gable, CEO of the nonprofit group Food Allergy Research and Education. "The consensus of both doctors and advocacy groups that support people with food allergies is that sesame is growing into being a national problem and should absolutely be added as one of the allergens to be disclosed on labeling," she told CNN. Allergic reactions to sesame vary from person to person and can range from mild to life-threatening, according to the group. Currently, sesame "could be in an ingredient list under a word like tahini or even under a very generic term like 'natural flavor,' so the worry is that it could be something that even a very careful patient or family might not know is in the food," Dr. Robert Wood, president of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, told CNN. The FDA is seeking more information from allergy and food experts "so we can learn more about the prevalence and severity of sesame allergies in the U.S., as well as the prevalence of sesame-containing foods sold in this country. These include foods that, under current regulations, may not be required to disclose sesame as an ingredient." "I think there's enough evidence to suggest that sesame allergy is as common as a lot of the other foods that are already included in the labeling law, if not more common," Dr. Scott Sicherer, director of the Jaffe Food Allergy Institute and professor of pediatrics at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, told CNN. "Including it as part of our U.S. labeling laws makes perfect sense to me," he said. ----- NIH Halts Stem Cell Trial for Heart Failure Due to Concerns About Fake Data A clinical trial assessing the use of stem cells to treat heart failure patients has been paused by the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute because it's based partly on what may be falsified or fabricated data from the laboratory of a Harvard Medical School-affiliated researcher. The $63-million CONCERT-HF trial will remain on hold while its data and safety monitoring board conducts a review to ensure the trial meets the "the highest standards for participant safety and scientific integrity," the NHLBI said Monday. The patients in the study are being notified and the follow-up protocol of the trial will be continued for all patients who have already been treated. The trial was launched to investigate whether a certain type of cardiac stem cell, either alone or in combination with other stem cells from the bone marrow, is safe and benefits patients with chronic heart failure, who have few treatment options. Heart failure patients have a low quality of life and about half die within five years of diagnosis, according to NHLBI. The clinical trial is based on research from a number of laboratories, including that of Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital heart researcher Piero Anversa. But the university recently announced that a years-long investigation discovered "falsified and/or fabricated data" in 31 papers from Anversa's laboratory, the Washington Post reported. Anversa worked at the hospital until 2015. Last year, the hospital reached a $10 million settlement with the Justice Department to settle allegations that fake data was used by Anversa's laboratory in grant applications for federal funding. Before working at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Anversa worked at New York Medical College. The college released a statement saying it launched an investigation after "serious concerns" had been raised about a 17-year-old study, the Post reported. Last week, the New England Journal of Medicine retracted one Anversa laboratory paper and flagged two others with an "expression of concern," and is waiting for more information on those two papers. Before the NHLBI announcement, scientists had called for the study to be stopped. "I think that the trial should be halted, and they should have an external review," Darryl Davis, a cardiologist at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute studying how to regenerate heart tissue, told the Post. "The Anversa data comprised part of the rationale for that trial, and I think we have to understand better what these cells actually can do before we subject the patients to the risk of having an invasive procedure," Davis said. Anversa's lawyer said his client stands by his studies' findings and that Anversa only learned from the Harvard probe that a longtime colleague who left his lab in 2013 had improperly altered images, the Post reported. In many cases, those images can be replaced with correct images, and the results will still be valid, according to Anversa, his lawyer said. "There is nothing wrong with c-kit positive cardiac stem cells, and the trial will answer the questions concerning their efficacy in patients," Anversa said in an email, the Post reported. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp LinkedIn Email Telegram Abidjan, Ivory Coast, October 30, 2018Authorities in Cameroon should immediately release or disclose charges against Michel Biem Tong, editor of the privately owned Hurinews website, who was detained on October 23 after being summoned to the State Secretariat for Defense in the capital, Yaounde, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Prior to his arrest, Tong had published articles criticizing the Cameroonian governments handling of grievances of Anglophone Cameroonians from the western regions of the country in the run-up to presidential elections on October 7, according to a friend of the journalist who spoke to CPJ on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal. Michel Biem Tong has been in detention for a week and Cameroonian officials have yet to give any reason for his arrest, said Muthoki Momo, CPJs sub-Saharan Africa representative. Journalists in Cameroon are too often arrested for simply trying to keep the population informed about the political and economic situation in the country. According to a letter Tong sent before his arrest to the same friend, the journalist had anticipated his arrest after he received repeated calls from a Cameroonian military official known as Colonel Joel Emile Bamkoui to present himself at the State Secretariat for Defense, known by its French acronym, SED. The summons were connected to an alleged audio recording in which Tong expressed sympathies toward the Anglophone separatists in western Cameroon, according to the friend. In his letter, Tong denied having made any such recording. CPJ could not immediately determine whether Tong had been granted access to a lawyer. We are concerned about the arrest of Michael Biem Tong and we have been discussing with authorities to know why he has been arrested, said Denis Nkwebo, president of the Cameroonian journalists trade union, of which Tong is a member. Hurinews published a statement by a Gabonese network of civil society organizations, known by its French acronym ROLBG, calling for Tongs release and extolling his numerous writings supported by credible and richly documented information about the governments alleged human rights violations in the Anglophone regions. CPJs repeated calls to the Cameroonian minister of information, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, went unanswered, and calls to Cameroonian police went unanswered. When contacted by CPJ, Bamkoui declined to comment on Tongs case. Since 2016, Cameroon has repeatedly jailed journalists for reporting in the western regions of the country, according to CPJ research. Cameroonian President Paul Biya was in early October re-elected for a seventh term. Nirmala rape-murder: Police collect DNA samples of four more suspects Police have collected DNA samples of four more suspects in the ongoing investigation into the rape and murder of 13-year-old Nirmala Panta of Kanchanpur. Angela Merkel will stand down as German Chancellor when her current term comes to an end in 2021, a source inside her CDU party has said.Merkel, who has held the office since 2005, will leave the post as her party haemorrhages support in the wake of her handling of the migrant crisis.The move comes just hours after she announced she will not seek reelection as leader of the Christian Democrats in December, having held that post since 2000.Merkel has also ruled out running for a senior EU position in the future, party sources added, meaning her political career is coming to an end after more than a decade at the top of German politics.A former parliamentary group leader of Merkel's conservative bloc, Friedrich Merz, wants to join the race to replace the German chancellor, conservative politicians told Reuters today.Annegret Kramp-KarrenbauerThe current secretary general of the CDU and a close ally of Merkel, aides have said Kramp-Karrenbauer is eager to take over from her as leader of the party in December.She previously served as the Minister President for the state of Saarland, increasing the CDU's vote there in 2017 even as it fell nationally.Jens SpahnSpahn currently serves as the Health Minister and has advocated pulling the CDU further to the right from Merkel's centrist approach.He has sparred with Merkel in the past and has taken a hard line over immigration, which has become a losing issue for his party.Friedrich MerzMerz, a fierce and longtime critic of Merkel, was the first name to emerge as her possible replacement.A former member of the European Parliament, Merz also previously served as the chairman of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group until he was replaced by Merkel in 2002.He left the Bundestag in 2009 and now sit on the board of several prominent companies, including the German arm of BlackRock.Merz was parliamentary leader of the CDU/CSU alliance from 2000 until 2002 and also a member of the European Parliament.He now serves as chairman of BlackRock Germany.This comes as she is been facing calls to quit from her own conservatives to cede the party's leadership today, further eroding her authority after painful losses in a regional election.Merkel's CDU came first in Sunday's election in the western state of Hesse but support fell by more than 11 points, reigniting a succession debate by conservatives unhappy with the chancellor's grip on power.She also faces pressure from her Social Democrat (SPD) junior coalition partners, who have also bled support in Hesse and are under pressure to rethink their alliance with Merkel.SPD leader Andrea Nahles, whose party saw support fall to its lowest since 1946, threatened to end the alliance with Merkel's conservatives if there is no improvement on policy.Merkel, chancellor for 13 years, will have to invest her political capital and tactical acumen to keep together her loveless coalition, borne out of necessity seven months ago after an inconclusive federal election last year.This will distract her from tending to major challenges at home and abroad - ranging from overcoming a digital deficit and pushing the German car industry toward cleaner mobility to seeing through euro zone reforms and managing Britain's planned departure from the European Union.'The election results show that people expect renewal from the CDU,' conservative lawmaker Matern von Marschall told the Stuttgarter newspaper.His CDU colleague Christian von Steffen was more blunt: 'We need a meaningful programme with a clear path and new faces.'A senior CDU member told Reuters that party leaders wanted to discuss the possibility of Merkel reversing her decision to seek re-election as party chairwoman in December.'This should be discussed,' the member of the CDU governing board told Reuters on the condition of anonymity. CDU leaders will meet next Sunday to prepare for a summit in December where party members will vote for a new chairman.Nahles is also feeling the heat from SPD members still disgruntled with their leaders' decision to join Merkel instead of fulfilling an election promise to sit in opposition if they fail to win the federal vote.Nahles said on Sunday she would propose a roadmap to allow the SPD to measure the progress of the ruling coalition, which has been plagued by infighting, at a mid-term review next year.Her proposal did little to appease the head of the SPD's youth wing, who said the election in Hesse was a clear signal that the ruling coalition was not viable.'The final verdict on the coalition has been spoken,' Kevin Kuehnert wrote in Twitter. 'Voters don't want 'business as usual.'Merkel's coalition was twice on the brink of collapse, once over immigration policy and then over a dispute about the fate of the domestic intelligence chief who was accused of harbouring far-right views.The instability has further eroded the credibility of the conservatives and the SPD in the eyes of German voters, who are increasingly turning to smaller parties on the right and on the left.In Hesse, where Merkel's CDU rule with the ecologist Greens, the two biggest winners were the Greens and the far-right Alternative for Germany. A far-right lawmaker has won Brazil's presidential election, riding a wave of frustration over corruption and crime that brought a dramatic swing to the right in the world's fourth-largest democracy.With 94 percent of ballots counted, Jair Bolsonaro had 56 per cent of the votes in the run-off election against left-wing hopeful Fernando Haddad of the Workers Party (PT), who had 44 per cent, according to the electoral authority TSE.'We cannot continue flirting with communism ... We are going to change the destiny of Brazil,' Bolsonaro said in an acceptance address in which he vowed to carry out his campaign promises to stamp out corruption after years of leftist rule.The former army captain's rise has been propelled by rejection of the leftist PT that ran Brazil for 13 of the last 15 years and was ousted two years ago in the midst of a deep recession and political graft scandal.Thousands of Bolsonaro supporters cheered and set off fireworks outside his home in Rio de Janeiro's Barra de Tijuca beachfront neighborhood as his victory was announced.In Brazil's commercial capital of Sao Paulo, Bolsonaro's win was greeted with fireworks and the honking of car horns.'Brazil is partying. Brazil's good people are celebrating,' said Carmen Flores, local president of Bolsonaro's PSL party.The vote had been calm and orderly across the country, said Laura Chinchilla, the former president of Costa Rica who is head of the Organization of American States' Electoral Observation Mission.Brazil has suffered a spate of partisan violence during the polarized campaign.Many Brazilians are concerned that Bolsonaro, an admirer of Brazil's 1964-1985 military dictatorship and a defender of its use of torture on leftist opponents, will trample on human rights, curtail civil liberties and muzzle freedom of speech.The 63-year-old seven-term congressman has vowed to crack down on crime in Brazil's cities and farm belt by granting police more autonomy to shoot at criminals.He also wants to let more Brazilians buy weapons to fight crime.In a highly unusual moment, the chief justice of Brazil's supreme court, Jose Dias Toffoli, read out part of the constitution to reporters after he voted.'The future president must respect institutions, must respect democracy, the rule of law, the judiciary branch, the national congress and the legislative branch,' Toffoli said, in remarks many took to be a rebuke of Bolsonaro and his more extreme positions. Some of New Zealand's most picturesque environments await the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as they take the final leg of their regional tour further south.Having received a rousing traditional welcome and gifts from adoring crowds in Wellington over the weekend, Prince Harry and Meghan will on Monday make their way to the Abel Tasman National Park, in the north of the South Island.The area is noted for its bush walks and golden beaches, and the pair will spend the day learning about local conservation efforts, and they will also be planting trees.But continuing their work in Australia - and also taking in Wellington's vibrant restaurant scene - the royals will begin their day with a cafe meeting with youths working on various mental health projects throughout the capital.Later this week, they'll travel to Auckland and then Rotorua - in the central North Island - before ending their 16-day tour across Australia, Tonga, Fiji, and New Zealand on Wednesday. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry appear poised to become perfect first-time parents, taking the time to comfort a shy child who broke down in tears ahead of meeting them.Joe Young, five, wiped away his tears as the Duchess of Sussex knelt down to comfort him.The little boy, who attends Houghton Valley School in Wellington, New Zealand, was lined up with other children outside Wellington's Maranui Cafe, hoping to get a glimpse of the royal couple.He and a handful of fellow students were lucky enough to meet the Duke and Duchess and lined up patiently.Scroll down for videoThey took turns shaking the hands of the royals and introducing themselves.Little Joe, who was the last in the line, could barely bring himself to look up from his wide-brimmed hat when a teacher stepped in to give him a much-needed cuddle.As Meghan made her way down the line, she noticed the adorable child and attempted to comfort him, offering a warm smile and gentle hand to his chest.Slowly but surely, the little boy came around and took his hands away from his face.The pair were then joined by Prince Harry, who mirrored Meghan's maternal instincts by kneeling and attempting to speak with the little boy.He, too, reached out to pat little Joe and tickle his belly.Stuff reported the Houghton Bay school principal Monica Mercury attempted to coerce the little one into shaking Harry's hand.'I was trying to get Harry to shake hands with him. Harry said: 'Don't worry about it he's shy'.'Meghan told him he was 'really cute and really shy,' Ms Mercury added.'Joe was very nervous and Harry was very nice with him too.'The young student's meeting with the Duke and Duchess wasn't pre-planned.Michelle Pontifex, a teacher at the school the children attend, decided to walk them down to the cafe, saying the opportunity was too good to miss.'It's just an experience, it's not every day they get to experience something like this in their neighbourhood.''What little girl and what little boy doesn't want to see a princess and a prince. It's almost fairytale like.'Mother-to-be Meghan, wearing black Outland jeans, a Jac+Jack top and a grey Club Monaco coat, gifted the youngsters with cakes from inside the cafe.The loved-up royals met with the hard workers who dedicate their time to advocating for and supporting people who struggle with mental health issues.Inside the cafe, they flitted between tables discussing the plight of the individuals who had joined them, with Prince Harry discussing the necessity to normalise discussions surrounding mental illness.Read more: Live: Prince Harry and wife Meghan's royal tour in New Zealand | Stuff.co.nz A sex offender parolee who killed a University of Utah student and track athlete had been lurking on campus for days trying to confront the woman who had broken up with him weeks earlier when she discovered his criminal background.Melvin Rowland, 37, spent the hours before the fatal shooting last week in victim Lauren McCluskey's dorm building socialising with her friends, university police chief Dale Brophy said.He later confronted the 21-year-old McCluskey in the parking lot, dragged her into a car and shot her multiple times in the back seat, Brophy said at a news conference.Rowland killed himself hours later in a church as police closed in.The killing of McCluskey came weeks after she broke off her month-long relationship with Rowland and filed a complaint with campus police alleging he had demanded money in exchange for not posting compromising pictures of the couple online. She had sent $1,000 to an account in hopes of preserving her reputation, Brophy said.Police were investigating the case as sexual extortion and knew Rowland was a sex offender but not that he was on parole, Brophy said.McCluskey reported receiving numerous emails and messages using different names trying to lure her to locations. Investigators now believe they all came from Rowland, who Brophy called a master manipulator.After shooting McCluskey, Rowland was picked up on campus by a woman he met online. They went to dinner, visited the state Capitol and went to her apartment where Rowland took a shower.Later that night, after the woman dropped Rowland at a coffee shop, police tracked him to the church where he killed himself.The woman had called police when she saw photos of the man being sought for the campus shooting.Rowland got the gun by telling an acquaintance that his girlfriend wanted to learn to shoot.Brophy said it appears the woman who picked up Rowland on campus and the person who loaned him the gun had been duped and are not expected to face charges.'Rowland was a manipulator. If his lips were moving, he was lying,' Brophy said. 'I don't think he told the truth to anybody based on our investigation.'Kaitlin Felsted, a spokeswoman for the Utah Department of Corrections, said police didn't make parole officers aware of the complaint filed by McCluskey.Brophy said police didn't start the formal extortion investigation until six days after her October 13 report due to workload issues.In the early stages of the investigation, they didn't have enough information to pass on to any other law enforcement, Brophy said, adding that there were no indications from McCluskey that Rowland was threatening physical violence.University of Utah president Ruth Watkins said outside investigations are being launched to assess campus security and police protocols to determine if improvements can be made to prevent future shootings.Watkins said so far she has found no mistakes in how police handled the case. Brophy said he welcomes the reviews.Governor Gary Herbert said corrections and parole officials had approved independent investigations into the handling of Rowland's parole.'Clearly in hindsight, we're going to say, 'You should have done this, you should have done that,'' Herbert said during his monthly televised news conference at KUED-TV.He noted, however, 'You never know when these things are going to occur.'Rowland was paroled in April when he told the parole board that he was a changed man after being a peer leader in prison had helped him tap into his empathy and learn to follow the rules.He spent nearly a decade in prison after pleading guilty in 2004 to trying to lure an underage girl online and attempted sex abuse charges, according to court records.After he was charged, a woman came forward to report he had sexually assaulted her after a separate online meeting a few days earlier.Rowland, a native of New York, was twice sent back to prison for parole violations that included possessing pornography and failure to complete therapy.He blamed his 'thinking errors' for the actions that kept sending him back in prison, according to recordings of parole hearings from 2010 to 2018 released this week by the Utah Board of Parole and Pardons.Rowland said at a hearing in 2012 that he was a womaniser who manipulated women to get what he wanted.Brophy offered the same assessment. He said McCluskey met Rowland at a bar where he was working security and started dating him. He visited her often in her dorm and made friends with other students in the building.'He was very, very good at getting people to trust him,' Brophy said. 'Lauren was no different.'Watkins said she gave McCluskey's parents a posthumous degree for their daughter, a senior from Pullman, Washington, who was majoring in communication.With AP South Australia's Liberal government officially opened the country's biggest support scheme for household battery storage, with up to 40,000 homes able to access grants and low-interest finance for both battery storage and new rooftop solar installations.The $200 million scheme - half in grants and the other half in loans provided by the Clean Energy Finance Corporation - delivers on a pre-election promise from the newly elected Marshall government, but is heavily modified after the then Labor government proposed a similar scheme, but with more focus on low-income housing and more connection between installations.South Australia - as most people are aware - is leading the country and possible the world in terms of penetration of wind and solar, with more than 50 per cent of its generation coming from these variable resources, and the Australian Energy Market Operator predicts that share could rise to near 100 per cent by 2025.While much of the focus has been on the state's large-scale renewable investments, the state also boasts the highest penetration of rooftop solar, with more than 930MW, and this is starting to have an impact on the way the grid is managed.Last Sunday, the widespread adoption of rooftop solar pushed grid demand down to yet another record low of 594MW - a fact acknowledged by the Australian Energy Market Operator in its own report.Rooftop solar is now providing up to 45 per cent of generation at certain times of the day, and the growing amounts of solar could push that grid demand to zero in coming years, causing AEMO to look for ways to try and orchestrate this resource for the overall benefit of the grid.The scheme could add up to 400MWh of storage to the grid - not quite four times the size of the 100MW/129MWh Tesla big battery next to the Hornsdale wind farm that has dominated interest from operators and market players - and this could time shift the output of solar, and provide essential grid services.South Australia's minister for energy and mining Dan van Holst Pellekaan says the scheme will benefit all South Australians, because it will add to grid security.'Not only will up to 40,000 households enjoy reduced electricity prices by purchasing a home battery system, but the installation of these systems will reduce demand on the network,' van Holst Pellekaan said in a statement.'This will ultimately result in lower prices for all South Australian households'.Premier Steve Marshall also talked up the investment and job benefits from the scheme, with German battery storage maker Sonnen due to start manufacturing (assembling) batteries at the old GM car plant in Elisabeth in November, with some 400 jobs.Sonnen had indicated its intention to do so with the previous Labor government, and made its final commitment after the new government committed to its scheme, and promised priority for locally made equipment. It plans to make deliver 10,000 batteries a year from the Adelaide operations.Sonnen batteries are available from today, and other battery storage makers will be available after a nine week period.The battery storage grant scheme is offering grants on a scaled basis, of $600/kWh for concession card holders and $500/kWh for all others. Up to $6,000 can be granted to a 10kWh battery, and $3,000 for a 5kWh battery.The amount of subsidy is also expected to reduce quickly as prices of battery storage fall as the market takes hold, and will need to: the $100 million of grant funding allocated is not nearly enough money for 40,000 households at this price.'We are creating jobs and attracting new business to our state by giving priority to qualified system providers who commit to installing approved battery systems that are manufactured or assembled in South Australia,' Marshall said. These providers will be afforded a nine-week priority period meaning their products will be exclusively available to households.Several other battery storage scheme are also going ahead in South Australia, mostly focused on using the devices to create virtual power plants that can deliver grid services and help marshall resources to meet peak demand.Tesla is installation 1,100 battery storage installations as part of the first two stages of a proposed 250MW VPP unveiled by the previous Labor government. It is unclear yet whether the final stage of nearly 50,000 homes will go ahead now that the new scheme has been unveiled.AGL is also working on a separate VPP, using Solar Edge, LG and Tesla as its preferred suppliers, although the future of this scheme is not clear given that the company's New Energy division has been disbanded.Victoria has also added a battery storage component in the lead up to next month's state elections, although its focus is still heavily in favour of rooftop solar, with plans to encourage another 650,000 homes add 2.6GW of rooftop solar over the next decade.The CEFC low-interest loans and the grants and the grants will be administered by Australian lending company RateSetter. So far, 12 different providers have been authorised.'Home battery solutions, which help householders get more out of their rooftop solar PV, can help cut energy costs and reduce carbon emissions making both good economic and environmental sense, CEFC CEO Ian Learmonth said in a statement.More information on the Home Battery Scheme is available at www.homebatteryscheme.sa.gov.au or call 8463 3555. Businesses interested in becoming system providers can do so at www.homebatteryscheme.sa.gov.au/become-a-provider Spain has scrapped a tax widely criticised for undermining solar power in Europe's sunniest country, in the latest energy policy reversal by the country's new socialist government which has also dimmed the outlook for coal power.The full scale of the new government's plans will be revealed by the delayed publication of a draft climate change and energy transition law, expected in early November, and the government's forthcoming National Energy and Climate Plan.The new energy outlook in Spain is being driven by Teresa Ribera, the government's minister for ecological transition, a new position that merges energy and environmental policy. Since taking office after the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party won last June's election, Ribera has moved quickly to overturn a number of the previous government's policies.First, Spain switched sides in a European Union debate on the ambition of new EU renewable energy targets. Previously, the government had aligned with Poland against more ambitious targets, but Ribera pushed for a renewables target of more than 30% of energy use in 2030. In the end, the EU adopted a goal of 32%.Last week's decision to scrap the 'solar tax' underlines the government's support for renewables and should boost the country's long-suffering solar energy industry.Under the tax, all new and existing solar systems bigger than 10kW had to pay a generation charge, even when the electricity was consumed on site, and all rooftop installation projects faced prohibitive red tape. As well as scrapping the tax, the new decree simplified the technical and administrative requirements for installing small-scale renewables.Next, Ribera may turn her attention to coal, where the government has already made some significant moves.In June, Ribera hinted at a Spanish coal phaseout, mentioning a 2025 date proposed by a panel advising the government.Then, in September, Spain flipped from opposing an EU ban on state aid for coal power plants under so-called capacity markets to supporting such a ban.Indicating the scale of the reversal, Spain's previous government had proposed a veto on coal power plant closures, apparently to prevent Spanish utility Iberdrola from closing its last two remaining coal power plants. That proposal was recently dropped, after failing to win a majority in Parliament.The new government has doubled down on an expected end to coal mining, under a longstanding EU policy to end mining subsidies. On Wednesday, the government signed a 'just transition' agreement with the mining regions of Spain, which would see all mines in Asturias, Aragon, Castilla and Leon close by the end of this year.More dramatic would be a firm proposal to reduce or even phase out coal-fired power generation, which might prompt Endesa to reconsider plans to upgrade its existing power plants.Currently, the utility plans to extend to 2030 or beyond the lives of three coal power plants, Litoral, As Pontes and units 3 and 4 at Alcudia, in southeast and northeast Spain and Mallorca, respectively.Those life-extension investments, which will cost an estimated 400 million, are needed to bring the power plants into compliance with stricter EU pollution emissions standards that come into force in 2021.The upgrades have been completed at Litoral, but work only recently started at As Pontes. Endesa has committed 220 million towards upgrades at As Pontes, but has only spent 16 million to date, as of June 30 2018.The utility says it has no plans yet to delay the As Pontes upgrades. Still, the investor relations team acknowledged in correspondence for this blog that if Spain agreed a coal phaseout, Endesa would 'analyse the best options.'We've warned previously at IEEFA about the risk to utility investors in extending the life of ageing coal power plants beyond 2021.In particular, these investments may be stranded by a cocktail of coal headwinds, which include coal phaseout and other anti-coal policies, a coal divestment trend, growth in renewable energy, energy market reforms that favour batteries, interconnection and demand-response, and perhaps most important of all just now in Europe, rising carbon prices.Endesa should weigh its planned As Pontes life extension investment against these headwinds. The new Spanish government is developing a forward-looking energy policy more in tune with the rest of Europe than its predecessor, in an obvious cause for concern for coal investors.Source: IEEFA. Reproduced with permission. Nirmalas parents demand punitive action against Bista and Bhatta Family members of Nirmala Pant, who was raped and murdered in Kanchanpur on July 26, say the government was too lenient on the two police officers under whose command possible clues and evidence related to the case were destroyed. Goa: Fish imports for processing plants under scanner October 30,2018 | Source: The Times of India In a move to curb formalin-laced fish from entering the state, the state government on Monday ordered that all vehicles transporting fish meant for export and processing, must carry a transporters licence under Food Safety and Standards Regulations besides complying with the directorate of food and drugs administration (FDA) directives. The governments move is being seen as a counter to allegations that outstation vehicles transporting fish to fish meal plants, have been delivering their consignments to the fish markets in Goa. It maybe noted here that after public furore over formalin-laced fish erupted in Goa, the government banned all fish imports a day before convening the monsoon session of the assembly in July. But, three trucks carrying fish consignments entered through the Karnataka border and were stopped by locals at Cuncolim. After the opposition MLAs had raised the issue in the assembly, chief minister Manohar Parrikar had replied that the trucks were headed for a fish meal plant. Parrikar had said that there was no ban on using fish as raw material and the government doesnt check raw material for fish meal plants. Last Friday, health minister Vishwajit Rane had issued a directive to the police and transport departments for checking of fish consignments at the border. But, as the order lacked in clarity, the health department issued a corrigendum on Monday. It clarified that vehicles arriving with imported fish will be allowed entry into the state only if they hold a transporters licence obtained from the directorate of food and drugs administration (FDA) in Goa or from the FDA in their respective state with immediate effect. It further stated that the police and the transport department should check vehicles carrying fish at the checkposts and entry points of Polem, Patradevi, Molem, Naibag, Kiranpani, Querim, and any other entry points or checkposts as deemed necessary by the police department. The health departments order, which comes into effect from 12am on October 30, states that the police and transport department teams will keep a watch at all checkpoints and stamp challans, invoices and documents pertaining to consignments carried by vehicles to indicate that they have entered Goa only after police verification. Until last week, none of the trucks transporting fish into Goa had registered with the FDA for a transporters licence even though the directive was issued in July. Rane had said that the FDA would start issuing permissions no sooner there is compliance of its directives. PETALING JAYA: Retired Court of Appeal judge Mah Weng Kwai believes that the death penalty is not a deterrent and that there are other ways to prevent crimes from being committed. Recalling an execution he witnessed 35 years ago when he was a rookie magistrate, Mah said that unless the execution was made known to the press or to the public, it would not have served as a deterrent. Was it (the execution) ever made known to the press or to the public? If it wasnt, what good is it to say that it will serve as a deterrent when there is no information for the public to make an informed decision? Mah asked the audience at a talk on whether the death penalty served as a deterrent. The talk was organised by the St Ignatius Church and the Catholic Lawyers Society. Mah also vividly recounted his experience witnessing the execution. He said in 1973, as a magistrate, he not only had to visit prisons, but also witnessed executions. He recalled the execution of two brothers, aged 19 and 21, who had been sentenced to death over the murder of a policeman. The two boys, Mah said, had attempted to rob a policeman of a revolver, after which a struggle ensued, the gun went off, and the policeman died. Mah said to his horror, he, the imam and a doctor had to walk past the death row cells. The two boys were very quickly taken out of the cell, their hands cuffed behind them. Their heads were covered with a cloth. They stood on the trap door, with the rope around their heads, the next thing you know, the trap door opens, and then bang! It was the loudest bang I have ever heard. After that, there was silence. No one said a word. Can you imagine. One moment, the two guys are walking, alive, and the next thing you know, they are dropping, he said. Mah said he had also noticed a chart behind him, where the weight and height of those who would be executed were used to determine the length of the rope that would be needed. Mah said within seconds of the trap door opening, the person will lose consciousness, but does not immediately die. In reference to the two boys, Mah said their bodies were left hanging for 30 minutes before they were taken down and certified medically dead. After the execution, the prison governor invited us to go to the office for a cup of coffee. Can you imagine, after just witnessing two guys being killed, and to have the bodies remain hanging, and the prison governor invites us for coffee, he said. Mah further pointed to the double standards practised by the public. He said that in general, the public did not like seeing a public execution of a person, and they would call it uncivilised and inhuman. However, if the person had, for instance, murdered someone, they believed that the murderer should be hanged, but in prison. Mah said executions generally go by unnoticed unless there was a big clemency drive. De facto law minister VK Liew had reportedly said that amendments to abolish the death penalty would be tabled at the current Parliament sitting. Liew had also said that death row inmates would serve 30 years life imprisonment under the proposed abolition of the death penalty. | 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 Opposed to Capital Punishment? Help us keep this blog up and running! DONATE! "One is absolutely sickened, not by the crimes that the wicked have committed, but by the punishments that the good have inflicted." -- Oscar Wilde The death penalty has existed for as long as there have been laws. In the 18th century BC in Babylon, the Code of King Hammurabi laid out the ultimate punishment for 25 different crimes . The practice continues in the US today, sanctioned by 30 states and federal law. Still, only one person has ever been sentenced to death for hate crimes under federal law, and thats self-declared white supremacist Dylann Roof , who shot nine people in a historically black church in Charleston, South Carolina, in 2015. Now, it seems a second such sentence could be handed down to Robert Bowers, who is charged with killing 11 people at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on Oct. 27. In a statement issued after the shooting on Saturday, US attorney general Jeff Sessions condemned the violence, saying every American has the right to safely attend a house of worship. These alleged crimes are reprehensible and utterly repugnant to the values of this nation, he said. Accordingly, the Department of Justice will file hate crimes and other criminal charges against the defendant, including charges that could lead to the death penalty. Federal death row Currently, there are 63 people on death row under federal law. Many of them have pending appeals. To date, only three people have been executed under a federal capital punishment statute enacted in 1988 and expanded in 1994. Between 1972 and 1988, there was a moratorium on federal executions after a series of cases in the US Supreme Court challenged the constitutionality of state death penalty laws. Although the high court didnt ban executions altogether, it found various laws allowing the punishment deficient for different reasons. The federal statute in place then suffered from the same deficiencies. In 1988, a new US death penalty statute was enacted. US president Bill Clinton expanded the federal death penalty in 1994 with the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act. It applies to 60 crimes, three of whichespionage, treason, and drug trafficking in large amountsdo not include murder. Under the expanded federal statute, there have been three executions. In 2001, Timothy McVeigh was executed for the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing that left 168 people dead. That same year, Juan Raul Garza , convicted of killing three people and running a marijuana drug ring in Texas, was put to death. And in 2003, Louis Jones was executed for the kidnapping and murder of 19-year-old army private Tracie McBride. None of those executions involved hate crimes, however. History of US hate-crime law The first federal statute codifying prosecution for a crime predicated on race, color, religion, or national origin was enacted in 1968. The following year, that act was expanded to include crimes committed against victims based on an actual or perceived disability. And in 2009, US president Barack Obama further expanded the protections of federal statute to include crimes targeting victims for gender identity and sexual orientation under the Shepard Byrd Act. At that time, Sessions was an Alabama senator and opposed the expansion of the statute. But hate-crime prosecutions seem to have remained a priority for the Justice Department since Sessions appointment as attorney general. In a hate-crime prosecution, the government must show that the charged crime was motivated by hate for a protected group. In the case of Roof, who identified as a white supremacist and targeted a black church, this additional element of intent was evident. Likewise, in the recent synagogue shooting, prosecutors should not have too much trouble proving the defendant, Bowers, was driven by his anti-Semitism. Not only did Bowers target a Jewish place of worship, but he reportedly told police that all these Jews need to die. The 46-year-old suspect left other traces of his hate that will support the charges. He posted anti-Semitic comments on Gab, a social media platform favored by the alt-right. Although his account was removed from the site, reporters managed to capture screen shots of some of Bowers posts before that happened, including his response to the work of the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, a nonprofit which helps refugees of all backgrounds resettle; HIAS, he stated, likes to bring invaders that kill our people. Bowers faces 29 federal charges, including 11 counts of obstruction of exercise of religious beliefs resulting in death. The criminal complaint filed on Oct. 27 against Bowers says he made statements evincing an animus towards people of the Jewish faith. Among other proof of this hate, the filing notes that Bowers commented to one law enforcement officer, in substance, theyre committing genocide to my people. I just want to kill Jews.' | 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 Opposed to Capital Punishment? Help us keep this blog up and running! DONATE! A Grab driver waits for clients on a street in Hanoi. Photo by Shutterstock Claims of losses suffered by taxi firm Vinasun at the hands of ride-hailing firm Grab will be verified before verdict. A HCMC court Monday postponed until next month the announcement of a verdict in the case between Vietnam's top taxi firm Vinasun and ride-hailing Grab. As requested by the HCMC Peoples Procuracy, Vinasun offered more details of losses it had suffered since Grab entered the Vietnamese market in 2015. Over 12,000 Vinasun drivers had quit because of Grabs policy to recruit them, a company representative said, adding that Vinasun has just 8,000 drivers now. Grab has offered promotions, reduced fares to zero in some cases and constantly increased its number of vehicles, resulting in a loss of VND42 billion (nearly $1.8 million) for Vinasun, the representative added. The taxi firm said that a total of 2,779 of its cars have been inactive from 2016 till the end of June last year due to Grabs presence in the market. Vinasun said the figures were compiled by an inspection agency, which was not present at the court. In response, Grab demanded that the court reconsider the inspection results presented by Vinasun, saying the figures were incorrect. Grabs lawyer said that although the court had asked the company to examine its losses, it had hired a third party to do the job. Vinasuns claim that its stocks price were down because of Grab was incorrect, because the stocks are owned by shareholders, not the company, the lawyer argued. After discussions, the court adjourned the case until November 22 to verify the loss claims made by Vinasun. Vinasun filed the suit against Grab in June last year, accusing the Malaysia-based firm of abusing the Ministry of Transports pilot scheme and committing violations. It said Grab's illegal activities were responsible for nearly VND42 billion (nearly $1.8 million) of the VND76 billion ($3.25 million) in losses that it suffered in 2016 and the first half of 2017. The trial began last February, but was adjourned a month later to allow for more evidence to be gathered. Another adjournment happened last month when Grab protested against the evaluation of Vinasun's losses and refused to attend the trial. Last Tuesday, prosecutors asked the court to accept Vinasuns petition for compensation of nearly VND42 billion (nearly $1.8 million) in one payment, dismissing Grabs claim to be a tech firm and not a taxi company. Grab responded two days letter by sending a letter to Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, saying that identifying Grab as a taxi firm would be a step backwards from Industry 4.0. Under the latest draft of a decree prepared by the Transport Ministry, transport firms offering services with under 9-seater cars should be registered as taxi firms before they can apply ride-hailing technologies. This means that Grab and other ride-hailing firms would have to register their services again as taxi businesses and comply with corresponding legal responsibilities regarding their operating licenses, drivers profiles and tax duties. 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. The Vietnam-EU trade pact can diversify export markets and help reduce reliance on China and the U.S., experts say. On October 17, the European Commission submitted the EVFTA for signature and conclusion to the European Council. Once authorized by the Council, the agreement will be signed and presented by the end of this year to the European Parliament for ratification. The European Parliament is set to ratify the EVFTA early next year. The trade pact, which has been negotiated since June 2012, is considered a game changer as it would eliminate almost all trade tariffs between the two sides. Luu Bich Ho, former head of the Vietnam Institute for Development Strategies under the Ministry of Planning and Investment, said that the deal would play a major role in reducing Vietnams reliance on the U.S. and China, the worlds two largest economies. This is obviously an opportunity for Vietnam to increase export [to the EU] to avoid being affected should the U.S. seek to limit imports from Vietnam, Ho told VnExpress International. Its also a chance for Vietnam to diversify its markets as it is still heavily dependent on China in trade, he added. In the first nine months this year, the U.S. was Vietnams largest export market, accounting for 19.5 percent of Vietnams total exports, a growth of 13.2 percent year-on-year, according to Vietnam Customs. Although the EU came second and accounted for 17.4 percent, this market has the smallest growth rate among Vietnams top six export markets at 10.5 percent. China was the third largest export market, had the highest growth rate of 29.9 percent. It was also Vietnams largest import market, accounting for 27.3 percent of Vietnams total imports. Experts have expressed concern that Vietnam will be negatively affected by the ongoing U.S.-China trade war, with the U.S. limiting exports from Vietnam as part of its protectionist policy and China could export its goods via Vietnam to the U.S. to avoid President Trumps tariffs. In this context, the EVFTA opens the door to a more diverse market for Vietnam. Le Dang Doanh, former head of the Central Institute for Economic Management, said that the trade pact will be an opportunity for Vietnam to see strong growth in its major export sectors, such as textile, fisheries and footwear. The EVFTA, when ratified, will immediately remove tariffs on 65 percent of the value of EU exports, with the remaining tariffs being gradually eliminated over the next decade. Meanwhile, 71 percent of EU imports from Vietnam will be tariff-free once the EVFTA enters into force, rising to more than 99 percent over the following 7 years. In July, Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh said that the 99 percent tariff-free rate for exports will be the highest rate for Vietnam in any FTA. Anh told reporters that if the EVFTA goes into effect next year, exports from Vietnam into the EU could increase by $16 billion in the first one or two years, and reach $75-76 billion in 2028. Last year, trade turnover between Vietnam and the EU reached $50.4 billion, in which Vietnams exports to EU reached $38.3 billion and EUs exports to Vietnam reached $12.1 billion. However, others experts have cautioned about the difficulties that Vietnam will face in complying with the new trade pact. Nguyen Mai, chairman of the Vietnam Association of Foreign Investment Enterprises, said that Vietnam needs to pay close attention to the intellectual property rights as the EU has strict regulations concerning this matter. The country also needs to improve its labor rights to make sure that workers are protected and not oppressed. We need to guarantee good living conditions for Vietnamese workers, as thats what the EVFTA requires, he told VnExpress International. A foreigner whos survived a year begging on Saigon streets has angered expats and locals. Is beg-packing a growing trend? Tim Bennett is an angry man, and he is not alone. Bennett, a retail store owner, recently shared on his Facebook page a video clip of a young white man standing in a Saigon street corner, holding a sign in Vietnamese that says he needs money. The beggar, who unconfirmed reports say is Tim Stile from New York, has apparently begged on Saigon streets for over a year. Expats outraged as American man begs on Saigon streets Expats outraged as American man begs on Saigon streets Bennett wrote in his Facebook post that he and his wife has seen the beggar wander around Saigon streets for a year now. The man has apparently gained sympathy from locals and foreign tourists by saying that he has lost his personal identification papers and money while traveling in the country and cannot afford a trip back home. Some Vietnamese people have said that theyve given him some money and/or food, only to see him beg again. While one remarked without anger that someone who can manage to get a sign done in Vietnamese should also be able to approach his countrys embassy or consulate for help, another has slammed it as a disgrace. It has been reported that when some passers-by suggested that they take him to the U.S. Consulate Generals office in Ho Chi Minh City to seek support, hes refused the offer and turned away. "I told everyone that next time I saw this, I was going to pull over and stop it. Scumbag tourist begging for money in a poor country like Vietnam. Not gonna happen, Bennet fumed in his post on October 24. The video has attracted thousands of views and elicited a storm of negative responses, mainly among the expat community who find it shameful and unacceptable. They felt this man was undermining the image of international tourists in the eyes of Vietnamese people. These people are such an embarrassment to the Westerners in this country. If you really needed the money, you can do anyone of the occupations that the millions of poor here do. He can go around and pick up plastic or whatever. I hate young rich beggars, commented Facebook user James Wolf. Another one, Verity Popovic, remarked ironically: Got money to use internet to google translate a sign, but not enough money to google embassy or search for a job. Several expats say the man has begged on Dien Bien Phu and Le Lai streets over the past year but refused support from the consulate. They have warned people that he is a dupe. Debate, speculation Beg-packing, mainly by Western visitors, has been a much-discussed topic in other Southeast Asian countries with strong tourism sectors, like Thailand and Singapore. While some have sympathized with or remained neutral about people wanting to travel the world for free as an unconventional approach, others have argued that it takes unfair advantage of people in poorer countries where overseas travel is a luxury. Last year, the photo of a Russian woman in a meditation posture next to a pot and a sign asking for money in Vietnams southern Phu Quoc Island went viral on social media. A Facebook photo shows a Russian woman sitting on a sidewalk in Phu Quoc with a pot to receive money. Reports said the woman had toured through Cambodia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, spending nights in parks or jungles and begging for money during the day to pay for food and other goods before reaching in Vietnam. In March last year, infamous German beggar Benjamin Holst was back in Saigon, with locals sharing photos of him begging for money on the street even as he published posts from beer shops and fancy restaurants, spending the money others gave him. While the city was lenient, other countries got tough. In September 2014, he was deported and banned from returning to Thailand. Other countries in the region have thrown him out, too. A Finnish man also faced online backlash in November last year after scores of locals and expats called him a fraud for carrying a sign asking for money on many streets in Saigon, but declined help from his consulate. Between January and May this year, 33 foreigners have been caught begging in HCMC, according to the city's labor department. So far, the authorities have not taken tough measures against these people, only contacting respective consulates and requesting that they are sent back home. The Thai government has issued a regulation requiring foreign tourists to prove their financial capacity before visiting the country in a bid to curb the beg-packing phenomenon. Whether this assumes greater proportions or remains a fringe problem as countries look to attract more and more tourists remains to be seen. PM Groysman: About 7 mln households in Ukraine entitled to utilities subsidies Special commissions have been set up at social security agencies to consider all the circumstances of each family seeking a subsidy. If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter Kremlin not willing to renegotiate with Ukraine deal on Sea of Azov Press Secretary of the President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Peskov believes that there is no need to renew the agreement, taking into account the annexation of Crimea and the opening of the Kerch Straight bridge. If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter Ukraine buys gas worth almost $2 bln abroad in eight months Gas imported by Ukraine in the 12 months of 2017 was estimated at $3.23 billion. If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter Prime Minister Oli getting better: Hospital The health condition of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who was hospitalised after suffering from lower respiratory tract infection, has improved further, doctors involved in his treatment said on Tuesday. President Sarkissian meets Armenian community representatives in Belarus (video) President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian, who is in Belarus on a working visit, and his delegation met on October 29 met with the Armenian community representatives in Minsk, the Presidential Office told Armenpress. The Armenian President welcomed the meeting participants, who were representing both the community structures and the business and scientific circles of Belarus. Its important and pleasant for me to start my foreign trips with the meetings with the Armenian community as they give feeling of being in your own home. I would like a dialogue and to hear your issues of concern and your expectations from Armenias leadership, President Sarkissian said. During the meeting issues relating to the Armenian-Belarussian relations, the role of the Armenian community on deepening the bilateral economic and cultural ties, the opportunities to implement joint programs, as well as issues relating to the community life were discussed. The meeting also touched upon the Armenia-Diaspora ties, the opportunities to use the Diasporas potential, as well as Armenias development prospects. The President answered to the questions relating to Armenias domestic and foreign policy, as well as provided information on the meetings scheduled on the sidelines of the visit. As for the Armenian delegations participation in the meeting of the Core Group of the Munich Security Conference to be held in Minsk, the President attached importance to Armenias presence in different international organizations and leading platforms which will enable the country to be presented in international relations in a new way. The community representatives highlighted such contacts with the Armenian leadership, stating that these allow to feel themselves as part of the homeland, to be informed about the ongoing processes in Armenia and to be maximally engaged in the process of building an economically powerful and prosperous country Currently you are facing complicated democratic changes, you cant avoid it - Lukashenko to Armenian President The meeting of Armenian President Armen Sarkissian and his Belarussian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko was held in Minsk on October 30, the Armenian Presidential Office told Armenpress. The President of Belarus welcomed Armen Sarkissians visit to Minsk, stating that he is happy to host his Armenian counterpart on the sidelines of the meeting of the Core Group of the Munich Security Conference. Your visit to Belarus is very welcomed. Tomorrow we have an important even on security matters which will take place within the frames of the Munich Group. Your visit to Minsk and participation to the meeting on this topic shows that Armenia is not just concerned over this issue, but it is also very important for the Armenian people. You should know that regardless of all kinds of views, you had and will always have good and reliable friends in a democratic Armenia in the person of Belarus. We both work in the common economic space the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), the CSTO, and consistently fulfill our agreements and everything that is envisaged by these organizations. As for the foundations of our relations, the trade turnover, it should be noted that it is growing. Last year we recorded high growth, which comprises nearly 45-50 million USD. This is a good result, but if we talk about the potential in terms of the goods which are in high demand in Armenia and the goods which are in high demand in Belarus, then its not a great figure. Today we could have 150 million USD trade turnover which would raise our relations to a high level. You know our opportunities, and we know yours. Therefore, we will observe any proposal by Armenia in a short period of time and will make a respective decision. I know that currently you are facing complicated democratic changes, you cant avoid it, and of course, its very important for me to receive first-hand information from my friend, counterpart, the Belarussian President said. He added that it was very important for Belarus to follow the developments in Armenia. We see a person in the person of you who is objective, realistic and ready to support the relations with Belarus, and we give mutual response to this. In his turn the Armenian President thanked for the reception and stated: I also would like to start from the dramatic days of April-May and use the chance here, in perfect Minsk, to personally thank you for the support and friendship you showed during that days. I, both as a President and as an individual will not forget the attention I have received from you. Your telephone calls were not just diplomatic or political calls: they were calls from a friend, who was not only interested, but also was sad and happy, a man who wants to know and help. That was a great support for me during that days when major changes were taking place in our country. It seemed, everything was good, without any dramas, human losses, but in any case it wasnt easy. And I highly value your support and want to inform you about that, therefore I want to personally thank you. Yes, I arrived here to participate in the Munich Security Conference. Its very nice to be in Minsk which is a unique city. I think today Belarus is an example of stability and predictability. One can find such qualities very randomly in this new world where we live. The world is not just the regions, the world has become unpredictable, unstable, and the states, which in reality have these two qualities, are highly appreciated by me, my Belarussian friends and the world community in general. Its not a coincidence that the Munich conference, one of the leading conferences in the world, is taking place here in Minsk. Statement nn the ongoing Aggression by Azerbaijan against the Republic of Armenia "We condemn any attempts at borderisation, as observed since the incursion of Azerbaijani troops into Armenian territory on 12 May" Joint statement The United States is deeply concerned about reports of intensive fighting today between Armenia and Azerbaijan.ANTONY J. BLINKEN Statement of the MFA of Armenia Ookla has awarded Ucom with The fastest fixedline network in Armenia award 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 Google Ad 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 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 Anil Giri is a reporter covering diplomacy, international relations and national politics for The Kathmandu Post. Giri has been working as a journalist for a decade-and-a-half, contributing to numerous national and international media outlets. The UN Security Council will hold an open session on the Ukraine issue on Tuesday, October 30, Ukraine's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Oleh Nikolayenko has announced. "On Tuesday, October 30, the UN Security Council will hold an open session to discuss the situation in the occupied territories of Ukraine," Nikolayenko said in a post on his page on Facebook. He said that the session is scheduled to start at 9 PM Kyiv time. As was earlier reported, Ukraine has been calling to bring a UN peacekeeping mission into Donbas to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe there and protect civilians. This was in particular mentioned by Iryna Heraschenko, the Ukrainian president's commissioner for a peaceful resolution of the situation in Donetsk and Luhansk regions, in her address during the open debates at the UN Security Council on October 25. She said that Ukraine also calls for the UN General Assembly to pass a resolution about the violation of human rights in the occupied Crimea and on the militarization of Crimea and the Sea of Azov. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko will hold talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on November 1 as part of her visit to Ukraine at the invitation of the head of the Ukrainian state, according to the official website of the president. "Important attention during the talks will be paid to the situation in Donbas, in the occupied Crimea, the Sea of Azov and the Kerch Strait. The leaders will coordinate further joint steps to ensure the implementation of the Minsk agreements and strengthen the international coalition as part of countering ongoing Russian aggression," the report says. In addition, it is planned to discuss European and Euro-Atlantic integration of Ukraine, as well as strengthening the energy security of Ukraine and the EU "as an integral component of the European and world security system." The talks will also focus on strengthening trade, economic and investment cooperation between Ukraine and Germany, as well as on strengthening Germany's practical support for the reform process in Ukraine, according to the website of the Ukrainian president. Merkel's upcoming visit to Ukraine will be the second in the past four years. She last visited the country in August 2014. Deputy spokesperson for the German government Ulrike Demmer said last week that Merkel would visit Kyiv on November 1 and would discuss with Poroshenko the Minsk agreements among other things and that bilateral relations between Ukraine and Germany would be at the center of negotiations. Merkel said on Monday, October 29, that she would not run for the Bundestag in 2021 and wound not stand for a new chancellor's term. In addition, she said that at a congress of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) on December 7-8 she would be nominated for the post of party chairperson. At the same time, Merkel stated that she was ready to work as German chancellor until the end of her term. Yuliya Tymoshenko, leader of the All-Ukrainian union Batkivschyna (Fatherland) party, has announced that they have started the formation of a War Cabinet whose composition will be made public closer to the presidential elections. "Our team has started creating real strategic documents and bills that will ensure their implementation in keeping with the planned schedule. To perform this job and develop a detailed strategy of peace, I herewith declare the start of the formation of a War Cabinet whose composition will be made public by the E-Day of the presidential elections," Tymoshenko said at a forum named "The New Course of Ukraine" in Kyiv on October 29. She said that Andriy Senchenko, a member of Batkivschyna and a former MP, will coordinate the formation of that cabinet. At the same time, Tymoshenko criticized the fact that the military doctrine of Ukraine was approved by the president of Ukraine only 18 months after the combat actions in Donbas started. The next presidential and parliamentary elections in Ukraine are scheduled for 2019. Secretary of State to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne has assured that France during the chairmanship in the G7 group (the Group of Seven) will keep attention to the issue of supporting Ukraine. "France was, is and will support Ukraine. It will chair the G7 group from January 1 next year. You all know what contribution this body makes in supporting reforms in Ukraine, ensuring a better economic and political environment in Ukraine. France at the head of this group will keep attention in order to ensure our common advance," Lemoyne said at a briefing in Kyiv on Tuesday. The state secretary added that in the framework of bilateral relations with Ukraine, issues in the transport sector, infrastructure, energy and new technologies remain priorities for France. The ProZorro e-procurement system has launched a mechanism of risk indicators allowing the identification of violation in procurement without suspending the procurement process, Deputy Head of the State Audit Service of Ukraine Oleksandr Shkuropatov has said. "The system has been operating for about a month and a half in the test mode. We will launch it this week in the full mode," he said at a press briefing in Kyiv on Tuesday. Information from the automatic search for suspicious procurement deals will be sent to the State Audit Service. The system will respond to 35 risk indicators. After one or several of them have triggered, the service will decide to conduct monitoring. "The State Audit Service will focus on preventing violations," Shkuropatov said. Prior to that, the State Audit Service could only respond to violations after the tenders, and the exchange of information between customers and controllers took place only in paper form. The new monitoring mechanism provides for requests for information in electronic form, without direct contact with the customer, he said. The denunciation of the 2003 treaty between Russia and Ukraine on cooperation in using the Sea of Azov and the Kerch Strait may lead to a new territorial dispute involving the delimitation of the Sea of Azov, Olena Zerkal , Ukraine's Deputy Foreign Minister for European Integration, has announced. "The treaty itself is composed of five articles, one of which has never been implemented, that is the delimitation of the Sea of Azov has never been carried out. From the viewpoint of additional rights, Ukraine will not get anything [by denouncing the treaty] but we can get into a new territorial dispute with the Russian Federation as to how to do the delimitation of the Sea of Azov," she said during a talk show named "Freedom of Speech" that was broadcast live on October 29 night. She said that Ukraine's lawsuit against the Russian Federation is based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea even though there was a bilateral treaty with Russia. "Indeed, I think that that treaty was not compiled in accordance with the law from the viewpoint of the Convention on the Law of the Sea; however, the questions to it have to be answered by the Tribunal, and we expect this answer to arrive as early as next year," Zerkal said. Kharkiv-based Morozov Design Bureau, part of Ukroboronprom State Concern, has transferred the first batch of seven domestic-made BTR-4 armored vehicles to the Armed Forces, the state concern's press service has reported. According to the report, the manufacture of BTR-4 cases from the brand new "71" grade steel that meets the latest international standards has been set up by Morozov bureau together with Central Research Institute of Structural Materials Prometey at the facilities of Lozova Forging Mechanical Plant. According to the plant, today there are about 40 armored personnel carrier cases in production. They are manufactured from new special steel in cooperation with Malyshev Plant, Morozov Design Bureau, and Kyiv Armored Plant. "The specialists of these enterprises are now working at Lozova Forging Mechanical Plant, gaining experience for launching the production of cases at their plants," the press service said. "This gives confidence that the tasks set for the enterprises for production of armored vehicles in 2019 will be fulfilled," it stated. Kharkiv-based Morozov Design Bureau is the leading developer of armored vehicles of Ukraine. It has been part of Ukroboronprom state concern under the decision of the government since 2011. Metinvest, the largest Ukrainian mining and smelting company, has joined the Association of Industrial Automation of Ukraine to obtain additional opportunities for interaction and cooperation in the field of automated process control and IT with other participants of the high-tech industrial ecosystem. According to a press release of the group, among the priority areas of cooperation is to bring technical policies in the field of industrial automation and IT integration into line with the international standards IEC/ISO. In particular, it is planned to consider initiatives to introduce cybersecurity standards for control systems, as well as the integration of automated process control systems with MES/MOM. Metinvest intends to develop innovations at its enterprises, as well as support national programs and initiatives of the Industry 4.0 movement. A center of industrial automation expertise will be formed at Metinvest Digital, a new IT company in Metinvest Group, which was established in September of this year. "The driver for the development of industrial high-tech systems and Industry 4.0 in Ukraine today is big industrial brands," the press service said. Hungary has changed the name of the post of government envoy for Transcarpathia, which provoked resistance from Ukraine, to "the authorized minister responsible for the development of cooperation between the Szabolcs-Szatmar-Bereg county and the Zakarpattia region, as well as for coordinating the program of children's educational institutions of the Carpathian region." According to a report posted on the website of the Ukrayinska Pravda e-zine on Tuesday, a respective decision was published in the official journal of the Hungarian Justice Ministry on October 29. The e-zine published a scanned copy of the text of the decision. This post is still occupied by Istvan Grezsa. "So now the title of the post is not about the development of one region, but about cooperation between two neighboring border regions. Hungary actually returned the name of the post of Grezsa, which existed until spring of the current year, adding to the envoy's functions the work with children's educational institutions of Transcarpathia," the report says. As reported, on August 31, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin said that he had a talk with his Hungarian counterpart Peter Szijjarto, following which the Hungarian side agreed to change the name of the post of its "envoy for Transcarpathia." In early August, Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Vasyl Bodnar said that Kyiv might urge its international partners to intervene following the Hungarian government's decision to institute the office of minister plenipotentiary for the development of the Transcarpathian region and might impose an entry ban on Istvan Grezsa, who occupies this post, if Budapest does not change the title and does not offer explanations. Batkivschyna Party leader Yulia Tymoshenko has proposed setting up a special commission to study global risks and nominates Batkivschyna deputy head Hryhoriy Nemyria for the post of its coordinator. "I am now putting forward a new initiative to create a special commission to study global risks. I think that later this commission will be under the president of Ukraine. I suggest that Hryhoriy Nemyria become the coordinator of this commission," Tymoshenko said at the New Strategy for Peace and Security forum in Kyiv on Tuesday. She expressed confidence that this commission would work in full force after the presidential election. The next presidential and parliamentary elections in Ukraine are scheduled for 2019. Achyut Wagle holds PhD in economics and is currently a professor at the Kathmandu University School of Management. He is an econo-political analyst, writing for The Kathmandu Post for many years. Batkivschyna Party leader Yulia Tymoshenko has called for formalizing Ukraine's aspiration to join NATO with a referendum and a constitutional amendment. "The issue of Ukraine's entry into NATO is still dividing Ukraine. A final decision should be made in the Verkhovna Rada, by including this provision in a constitutional amendment, as well as in an all-Ukraine referendum," Tymoshenko said at the forum "A New Peace and Security Strategy" in Kyiv on Tuesday. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has appointed Oleksandr Tereschuk the new head of Kyiv Regional State Administration instead of Oleksandr Horhan, who was dismissed from this post. The respective presidential decrees (No. 348/2018 and No. 349/2018) of October 30, 2018 have been posted on the website of the head of the Ukrainian state. "To appoint Oleksandr Dmytrovych Tereschuk the head of Kyiv Regional State Administration from October 30, 2018 with a salary set in accordance with the law," the document says. Horhan was dismissed as head of Kyiv Regional State Administration according to a letter of resignation submitted by him. Mykhailo Volynets, chairman of the Independent Trade Union of Coal Miners of Ukraine, has announced that President Petro Poroshenko of Ukraine has instructed the government to solve urgent issues in the coal industry and that he is going to discuss such issues in detail soon. "I have just talked to President Poroshenko on the phone to discuss the situation that has taken shape in the coal industry. The president said that he had called on the government to take measures to solve urgent issues and suggested that the issues that could not be solved on the phone be discussed after he returns to Kyiv," Volynets wrote on Facebook. As was reported earlier, the coal miners at the Kapustin coal mine demand that their wages for the past four months be paid off in full. According to Volynets, the wage arrears already reached UAH 170 million. The miners started their strike on October 19, 2018. Yuliya Tymoshenko, leader of the All-Ukrainian union Batkivschyna (Fatherland) party, has announced that there is a need to create an intelligence council under the president of Ukraine. "We need to create a coordination body called an intelligence council under the president of Ukraine to ensure successful communications for the sake of national security and making important decisions. This body must become a professional working agency that will coordinate the activities of all the intelligence bodies of the country," Tymoshenko said at a forum named "A New Strategy of Peace and Security" in Kyiv on October 30. She said that the intelligence bodies of Ukraine (the military intelligence service and the external intelligence service) must get access to "a full arsenal of opportunities for an effective implementation of tasks given to them and use it to create the inner and outer perimeters of the security of Ukraine." "A strong intelligence service is only necessary for Ukraine," Tymoshenko said. Batkivschyna party leader Yulia Tymoshenko has announced the preparation of a foreign policy concept for Ukraine and spoke in favor of a new approach to cooperation with the G7 countries. "We will elaborate with you the concept of Ukraine's foreign policy. And now the development of its project will be handled by the committee coordinated by Hryhoriy Nemyria [MP from the Batkivschyna faction, head of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Human Rights Hryhoriy Nemyria]. We need a single strategic document that would determine the main directions of foreign policy, its goal, objectives and resources," she said, speaking at the forum New Strategy of Peace and Security in Kyiv on Tuesday. The leader of Batkivschyna also speaks in favor of a new approach to cooperation with the G7 countries in order to attract foreign direct investment. "This will be absolutely impossible without convincing results of the fight against corruption and the establishment of the rule of law and independent justice," she added. Tymoshenko stressed that the future of Ukraine is in the European Union, and security is in the framework of NATO. The politician also called inadmissible any practices of external administration of Ukraine. "External control for a sovereign independent European state will not be allowed in any context. And if it exists today, it will be very diplomatically removed, without much ado," said the leader of Batkivschyna. Klimkin hopes for assistance to communities of Ukraine, Hungary after changing name of post of government envoy for Zakarpattia Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin has expressed hope that the governments of Ukraine and Hungary will be able to help the Ukrainian and Hungarian communities after changing the name of the post of government commissioner for Zakarpattia. "Hungary has changed the name of its representative. Now, I hope, we can really cooperate, and our governments together will simultaneously help the Ukrainian and Hungarian communities," Klimkin wrote on Twitter on Tuesday. As reported, Hungary changed the name of the post of government envoy for Transcarpathia, which provoked resistance from Ukraine, to "the authorized minister responsible for the development of cooperation between the Szabolcs-Szatmar-Bereg county and Zakarpattia region, as well as for coordinating the program of children's educational institutions of the Carpathian region." A respective decision was published in the official journal of the Hungarian Justice Ministry on October 29. This post is still occupied by Istvan Grezsa. The state must guarantee a safe return home to IDPs, said Yulia Tymoshenko, leader of the All-Ukrainian Batkivschyna union party has said. "The constituent of our peace strategy is the state-guaranteed opportunity for the safe return of internally displaced persons, internal refugees to their homes. We will create an absolutely transparent procedure for restoring the right of ownership to housing, land and property, and return to people all the things that have been dishonestly taken away with weapons," Tymoshenko said at the forum New Strategy for Peace and Security in Kyiv on Tuesday. She also promised to create a "fund for the payment of material compensation, including for drugs and medical care." Tymoshenko also stressed the need for close cooperation in resolving humanitarian issues with the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, with other international organizations and Ukrainian non-governmental organizations. Ukrainians need to start a public discussion about the possibility of being citizens of several countries, but military commanders will not be able to have dual citizenship, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin has said. "Now we should start a public discussion in Ukraine about the possibility of being a citizen of several countries. We need to honestly say this. However, we cannot even talk about dual citizenship with Russia during the de facto war with it," the minister was quoted as saying by the European Pravda during his speech in Lviv on October 25. According to him, dual citizenship cannot be obtained by military commanders. "Those who have Russian passports have to hand them over. As for the rest, it's the issue for discussion. Dual citizenship can only be under clear conditions. It cannot be obtained by military commanders. It does not allow holding certain positions," said the minister. He recalled that dual citizenship is practiced in some European countries. "And Ukrainian people, who have such an option, violate the law, although this does not mean that they are criminals," noted Klimkin. Seven members of the Nord crew, who are citizens of Ukraine and who had no restrictions on movement, have returned home to the temporarily Crimean territory according to the current legislation of Ukraine, in turn, the occupation authorities of the peninsula released seven citizens of Ukraine, the State Border Service of Ukraine has reported. Information about the alleged exchange of seven citizens of Ukraine, detained by Russian border guards, for members of the crew of the fishing vessel Nord does not correspond to reality, the website of the State Border Service of Ukraine reported. "Today, on October 30, members of the Nord team have arrived at the Kalanchak checkpoint, whose Ukrainian citizenship was established during the administrative hearings in courts. Seven citizens of Ukraine received the right to return home to the temporarily occupied territory in Crimea, and the documents for leaving the mainland in accordance with applicable law were issued," the website of the State Border Service said on Tuesday. The Ukrainian border department emphasize that there are no restrictions in movement in respect of these crew members. "In turn, the occupation authorities of Crimea released seven citizens of Ukraine. All of them were detained in different cases by the border service of the FSB of the Russian Federation in the Azov and Black seas for allegedly illegal fishing or approaching the shores of the annexed peninsula. Thus, the invaders try to present the situation as an exchange which took place on the administrative border," the border agency of Ukraine said. On Tuesday, October 30, at 11.00, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency will host a press conference entitled "Results' Presentation of Second Wave of All-Ukrainian Study "3D Portraits of 2019 Presidential Elections Participants." Participants include head of think tank "Practice of Power," Vice President of Ukrainian PR-League, PhD in economics Olena Derevianko (8/5a Reitarska Street). The study was conducted by the sociological company "Center for Applied Research" on October 1-12, 2018. Details by phone: (098) 799 5892 (Tetiana). Press accreditation at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Mv2ddnk4z04D9DQOiH5ndpWlZNaD9L3jju-ks8lTiiI/viewform?edit_requested=true The sky is the limit Indias refusal to grant two-way western air routes is a barrier for Nepali airlines On Wednesday, October 31, at 12.30, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency will host a press conference entitled "Freedom of Movement and Free Choice of Place of Residence: What Does a New Bill Change?" Participants include Ukrainian MP Serhiy Berezenko, the author of the law on freedom of movement and free choice of place of residence in Ukraine, former Minister of the Interior and Public Administration of Slovenia Gregor Virant, head of the Administrative Services Reform Office (EDGE Canada) Volodymyr Semenikhin (8/5a Reitarska Street). Additional information by phone: (097) 909 1111 (Khrystyna Cherneha). Registration requires press accreditation. (Change in participants) On Wednesday, October 31, at 10.00, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency will host a press briefing entitled "How to Prevent Losses of the 2019 Harvest due to Farmers' Refusal to Fertilize Land?" Participants include Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine Viktor Sheremeta, Head of the Agrarian Union of Ukraine and the Association of Farmers and Private Landowners Hennadiy Novikov, Deputy Director of the Institute of Agrarian Economics of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine Vitaliy Sabluk, Deputy Head of the All-Ukrainian Agrarian Council Mykhailo Sokolov, president's advisor from the Union of Chemists of Ukraine Ihor Holchenko (8/5a Reitarska Street). Accreditation of journalists by phone: (068) 956 9968. KYIV. Oct 30 (Interfax-Ukraine) - Batkivschyna Party leader Yulia Tymoshenko has the highest approval rating among presidential candidates - 15%, whereas 9% of voters are ready to support incumbent Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, 8% - showman Volodymyr Zelensky, and 7% - Civil Position Party leader Anatoliy Hrytsenko. Such data was obtained during the second wave of an all-Ukrainian survey "3D Portraits of 2019 Presidential Elections Participants" conducted by the Center for Applied Sciences sociological company at the initiated of the Power Matters think tank and presented at a press conference at the Interfax-Ukraine news agency on Tuesday. According to the survey, 5% of respondents are now ready to vote for co-chairman of the Opposition Bloc Yuriy Boiko, 5% for For Life Party leader Vadym Rabinovych, 4% for rock musician and public figure Svyatoslav Vakarchuk, and 4% for Radical Party leader Oleh Liashko. Some 3% of respondents are ready to back Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman, 3% Lviv Mayor and Samopomich Party leader Andriy Sadovy, and 2% Nashi Party leader and MP Yevhen Murayev. At the same time, during the first wave of the study from May 25 to June 5, 2018, 9% of respondents expressed their readiness to support Tymoshenko, 8% - Hrytsenko, 7% - Poroshenko, 6% - Zelensky, 5% - Vakarchuk, 4% - Groysman, and 3% each Liashko, Boiko and Rabinovych. At the same time, in October, the number of those who did not make their choice significantly decreased, to 27.7% (from 38.5% in May-June 2018). The study was conducted by the Center for Applied Sciences during October 1-12, 2018 throughout the entire territory under Ukraine's control. A total of 2,100 respondents were interviewed. The poll's margin of error is 3%. Another young woman who took off her headscarf on Monday, October 29, to protest compulsory hijab in Tehran, has been arrested by police, social media reports say. Video clips show a young girl, carrying a bunch of balloons, standing at the center of the dome shaped monument in the square, taking off her headscarf for a few minutes, and wave it in the air with the balloons. Social media footage also shows that a policeman rushes to the spot, ordering the woman to come down to be taken to the nearest police station. Meanwhile, many bystanders cheer and support the girl. There is no information available about the identity of the young protester or her legal status, as of Mid-day, October 30. Meanwhile, Radio Farda cannot independently confirm the time and the date of the incident. Social media video showing the defiant woman on Enqelab square. Public protests against compulsory hijab revved up immediately before the widespread anti-Islamic Republic establishment unrest that shook the clergy dominated Iran for more than ten days late last December in more than 100 cities across the country. The movement was initiated by a young lady in her early thirties, Vida Movahhed, who stood at the top of an electricity box in the crowded Enqelab (Revolution) avenue in Tehran, took off her headscarf, tied it to a stick and waved it in the air, until the security forces rushed in and took her away. Soon, Vida Movahed and several other young girls who followed her footsteps, including Narges Hosseini, Azam Jangravi, Shaparak Shajarizadeh and Maryam Shariatmadari, were branded as the "Girls of Enqelab avenue" and the epitomes of anti-hijab movement in Iran. They were all arrested, some of them sentenced and an unknown number released on bail, pending trial. Reportedly, more than forty young women have been arrested for publicly taking off their headscarves since the movement began late last December. The Islamic Republic's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah ali Khamenei, has described the "Girls of Enqelab avenue" as "deceived" and dismissed their movement as "contemptible", resulting from "mind blowing exorbitant and voluminous propaganda of the enemy". The "enemy" in the Islamic Republic's jargon usually refers to the U.S. and its allies. Nearly four decades ago, almost immediately after the downfall of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and the establishment of the Islamic Republic, women in Iran were forced by the new clergy dominated government to cover their heads, hide their arms, legs and all curves of their bodies under a heavy flowing dress, called "manto" (manteaux). Nevertheless, there are Twelver Shi'ite scholars, sources of emulation and Grand Ayatollahs who are against forcing women to cover themselves with hijab. 88-year old Grand Ayatollah Mohammad Is'haq al- Fayadh, one of the four most senior Twelver Shi'ites sources of emulation based in Najaf, Iraq, is the most senior Shi'a clergy against forcing women to follow the hijab regulation. In a meeting with the head of the Islamic Republic's judiciary, mid-ranking Ayatollah Sadeq Amoli Larijani in Najaf, Iraq, al- Fayadh reminded him that forcing women cover themselves is not "effective" and "productive". The elderly Grand Ayatollah also insisted that forcing women to wear hijab will not make the dress code "popular. The advice fell on deaf ears, and the practice continued. On February 6, 2018, twelve Shi'ite scholars, described as "religious intellectuals", issued a statement against compulsory hijab, insisting that the Islamic Republic's policies in that respect had no outcome, but, "high financial costs, discrediting the religion and spiritual values as well as wasting social assets". Denmark has accused Iran of plotting to assassinate an Iranian Arab opposition leader on the European Union members territory and will push for fresh EU-wide sanctions against Iran, Foreign Minister Anders Samuelsen said on Tuesday. Denmark also recalled its ambassador to Iran, as the Iranian foreign ministry denied any connection with the alleged plot. Danish intelligence head Finn Borch Andersen had earlier on Tuesday told journalists that a man with a Norwegian passport and an Iranian background is being held after he was arrested on October 21 in neighboring Sweden. He was apprehended under suspicion of helping to plot an attack on the leader of the Danish branch of ASMLA, the Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Al-Ahvaz. It is totally unacceptable that Iran or any other foreign state plans assassinations on Danish soil. Further actions against Iran will be discussed in the EU, Danish Prime Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen said in a tweet. Iran has previously objected to Denmark for the presence of members of ASMLA, which is seeking a separate state for ethnic Arabs in the southwestern Iranian province of Khuzestan. Last year another Iranian-Arab separatist leader was gunned down in the Hague and Iran was suspected to be behind the assassination. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi called the Danish allegations "a continuation of enemies' plots to damage Iranian relations with Europe at this critical time," according to the Tasnim news agency. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo congratulated Denmark in a tweet for uncovering the plot and said that for 40 years Iran has made Europe a target of terror attacks. Khuzestan Province, home to around 80 percent of Iran's oil fields and 60 percent of the country's gas reserves, borders Iraq. Ethnic Arabs, which in total make up about 3 percent of Iran's population, have long complained of social, political, and economic discrimination. Iranian officials, who often blame foreign enemies for unrest in the country, have claimed in the past that Persian Gulf countries are provoking ethnic strife in Khuzestan by attempting to exploit the legitimate demands and grievances of the people. Last month an attack on a military parade in the province killed 25 people and wounded dozens of others when gunmen dressed in army uniforms opened fire at a military parade in Khuzestans capital, Ahvaz. A separate Iranian Arab opposition group, the Ahwaz National Resistance, and the extremist group Islamic State both claimed responsibility for the parade attack. Tehran summoned diplomats from Denmark, the Netherlands, and Britain for allegedly hosting members of groups suspected of links to government resistance. In November 2017, an Iranian exile who established the ASMLA, was killed in the Netherlands, prompting Danish security officials to increase police protection of several ASMLA officials. With reporting by Reuters, and AP U.S. State Department spokesperson, Heather Nauert has called on Iran to show tolerance towards religious minorities. She tweeted on October 29, which is Cyrus Day, asking the Islamic Republic to follow the example of the first Achaemenid king, who is known to have protected the religious freedom of numerous groups and nationalities in his vast empire, around 500 BC. Although Iran officially recognizes traditional Christian churches, Judaism and the ancient Iranian religion of Zoroastrianism as official minority religions, it persecutes others; such as Bahais, Moslems who convert to Christianity and Islamic sects, such as Dervishes. Irans Islamic government has been regularly condemned in the past three decades by international organizations and Western governments for its violations of human rights, including persecution of religious minorities. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 30 By Taleh Mursagulov Trend: The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway is a very big achievement, not only of regional, but also of world importance, National Secretary of the Transport Cooperation Program (TRACECA - Transport Corridor Europe Caucasus Asia) for Azerbaijan Akif Mustafayev told Trend. Mustafayev emphasized that BTK was implemented thanks to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyevs principled stance and political will. "Azerbaijan, thanks to the BTK railway, ensured a direct railway communication with fraternal Turkey and Europe," he said. Speaking about the advantages of the project, Mustafayev stressed that earlier, cargo had to be supplied to the Black Sea ports of Georgia and from there via ferries to Europe. It was a very long way and it was necessary to transfer goods from one type of transport to another, he added. Mustafayev also stressed that thanks to BTK, trains from Asia to Europe began to run on the shortest route. Moreover, he added that some regions of Russia began to supply their goods through BTK, as it turned out to be more profitable than to supply the same goods through their traditional routes. "These are mainly the regions that are closer to Kazakhstan and the regions of the North Caucasus," Mustafayev said, adding that Russia is a strategic partner of Azerbaijan, and Azerbaijan is interested in Russias support for BTK. The opening of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway was held on October 30, 2017 at the Baku International Sea Trade Port. The BTK railway was built on the basis of the Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkey intergovernmental agreement. The railways peak capacity will be 17 million tons of cargo per year. At an initial stage, this figure will be one million passengers and 6.5 million tons of cargo. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 30 Trend: In accordance with the mandate of the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, on October 31, 2018, the implementation of the regular monitoring on the contact line between the troops of Azerbaijan and Armenia, in the direction of Agdam district is being planned, the press service of the Ministry of Defense said Oct. 30. The field assistants of the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office Mikhail Olaru and Simon Tiller will conduct monitoring on the Azerbaijani side. The monitoring on Azerbaijani territory occupied and controlled by the Armenian armed forces will be held by Personal Representative Andrzey Kasprzyk and his field assistant Ghenadie Petrica, OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs Igor Popov, Stephane Visconti and his personal assistant Quentin de Rancourt, as well as Andrew Schofer and his personal assistant David Bernstein. 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.30 By Leman Zeynalova Trend: During the visit to the South Caucasus region, the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs will urge the sides of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict to build upon the reduction in tensions, OSCE told Trend. The Minsk Group co-chairs are visiting the region now, as a part of their mandate. During the visit they are reviewing the current situation in the region, urging the sides to build upon the reduction in tensions that has followed the arrangements reached by the leaders in Dushanbe in September, and discussing ways to intensify the negotiation process and other next steps, said the organization. The co-chairs remain actively engaged in helping the sides reach a negotiated peaceful settlement of the conflict and this visit is a continuation of those efforts, said OSCE. 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. 30 By Elchin Mehdiyev Trend: Azerbaijani MP Zahid Oruj has proposed to create a new format for the settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. My proposal may be resonant, Oruj said at a plenary session of the Azerbaijani parliament on Oct. 30. But the decision is up to the state and the society. The MP said that negotiations must be held directly between the leadership of Azerbaijan and Armenia without third parties, that is, the intervention of international circles should be neutralized. "For this purpose, a commission can be created, he added. Later, the Azerbaijani and Armenian communities of the Nagorno-Karabakh region can join these meetings." The MP added that he is more confident in the results of such an approach than the OSCE Minsk Group. 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. Travelling light Nepal-Malaysia labour pact eases the financial burden of Nepali workers Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 30 By Samir Ali Trend: The illegal visit of the heads of municipalities of France to the occupied territories of Azerbaijan casts a shadow on the Azerbaijani-French relations, the Member of the Parliament of Azerbaijan, secretary of the commission on international relations of the New Azerbaijan Party, doctor of political sciences, professor Elman Nasirov told Trend. He noted that the visit in September-October of this year of the heads of municipalities of the French cities of Alfortville, Valence, Saint-Etienne and Arnouville to the occupied territories of Azerbaijan, as well as the intense contacts of the former French MP Francois Rochebloine, who has been a tool in the hands of the Armenian lobby for 30 years, are a disrespect for and a flagrant violation of international norms and principles, important requirements of Azerbaijani legislation, and international obligations assumed by France. Nasirov said these steps in general mean propaganda and encouragement not only of extremism and terrorism, but also of separatism, in this particular case - in the occupied Nagorno-Karabakh. "These illegal actions, as well as the signing in Shusha and Lachin, which are the historical centers of Karabakh, of the "Charter of Friendship" by the French mayors with representatives of the separatist regime, ultimately cast a shadow on both past and present and future friendship and partnership between Azerbaijan and France," Nasirov said. The Azerbaijani MP said that Azerbaijan is interested in expanding mutually beneficial cooperation with France, but, unfortunately, some political circles of France ignored the interests of the country and preferred to adhere to the position of protecting the small and narrow interests of Armenians. The Azerbaijani MP added that the behavior of these so-called politicians, dancing to the tune of the 500-thousand strong Armenian diaspora and lobby, undoubtedly contradicts the mediation mission of France in settling the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. "Impartiality and objectivity are the main philosophy of the institution of mediation. In the current situation, the repeated illegal visits to the occupied territories of Azerbaijan by French officials should be regarded as disrespect for international obligations assumed by official Paris to resolve the conflict, and as fulfillment of its mission in a biased and non-objective form," Nasirov said. Nasirov added that the French state and its leadership, proceeding from their large national interests, as well as from the point of view of global security, must demonstrate integrity and decisiveness with respect to such provocative actions as supporting and encouraging the separatism. All countries of the world should coordinate their activities against separatism. The struggle should be conducted on the basis of the everywhere and always principle. The classification of the separatists into bad and good separatists is unacceptable. Otherwise, it is inevitable that in a global confrontation, the uncivilized world, which rests on separatism and terrorism, will prevail over the civilized one," the Azerbaijani MP added. Nasirov said France not only should not allow for implementation of the actions in support of the separatism in Nagorno-Karabakh, but first of all, should demand that Armenia would put an end to the aggressive policy and should take legal, practical and organizational steps in this direction. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 30 Trend: On the sidelines of the Seventh Trilateral Meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Georgia and the Republic of Turkey held in Istanbul, Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov met with his Georgian counterpart, Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said in a message. The ministers highlighted the importance of the meetings traditionally held in the trilateral format in terms of the development of cooperation relations between the countries in the region. The ministers underlined the importance of further strengthening the cooperation based on the strategic partnership and good neighbourliness and emphasized that the existing conflicts in South Caucasus region undermine peace, security, stability and economic development, thus status quo is neither sustainable nor acceptable. To this end, the ministers reiterated the support to each-others territorial integrity and sovereignty within internationally recognized borders of Azerbaijan and Georgia in accordance with the norms and principles of international law. Exchanging their views on the significant projects implemented in the region the ministers stressed their confidence that the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, inaugurated on October 30, 2017 will contribute greatly to the economic development of the region. Furthermore, the sides exchanged their views over the agenda of bilateral cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, energy, as well as other regional issues of mutual interest. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 30 Trend: Co-organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Azerbaijani Embassy in London, an official reception on the 100th anniversary of the proclamation of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic has been held in London, the UK. Participants in the event included Executive Director of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Anar Alakbarov, Co-Chair of the Anglo-Azerbaijani Society Nargiz Pashayeva, representatives of diplomatic corps accredited in the UK, government officials, MPs, and businessmen. Addressing the event, Azerbaijani Ambassador to the UK Tahir Taghizade highlighted the history and accomplishments of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic over the 23 months of its existence. Ambassador Taghizade hailed the rapidly developing Azerbaijan-UK bilateral relations, describing the UK as a reliable partner for Azerbaijan. Highlighting cooperation in the field of education, the ambassador pointed out the achievements of the Nizami Ganjavi Scientific Center at the University of Oxford, as well as Academician Nargiz Pashayeva's solemn admission as a permanent member of the University of Oxford Chancellors Court of Benefactors (CCB), which is headed by Lord Patten of Barnes, on October 11. He also noted that by the decision of the University of Oxford management and Scientific Council, the name of the British Foundation for the Study of Azerbaijan and the Caucasus was engraved on the Memorial Plaque on the Arch of the 17th century Clarendon Building as a permanent member of the Chancellors Charity Commission. The UK Prime Minister's Trade Envoy, member of the House of Lords Baroness Emma Nicholson congratulated the event participants and the people of Azerbaijan on the centenary of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic. She described the founding of the first democratic republic in the East 100 years ago as a landmark historic event. Baroness Nicholson noted that granting the women right to vote was one of the milestone achievements of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic. She hailed relations between Azerbaijan and the UK in energy, education, culture and military areas. Baroness Nicholson also pointed out the bilateral diplomatic ties between Azerbaijan and the UK, expressing her countrys satisfaction with the level of cooperation with Azerbaijan in all areas. The event also featured a photo and video exhibition, as well as the screening of a documentary highlighting the history of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic. Baroness Emma Nicholson hailed high-level relations between Azerbaijan and the UK. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 30 By Samir Ali Trend: The Baku International Humanitarian Forum is an event that is important for Azerbaijan, the international community and developed countries, Azerbaijani MP Tahir Rzayev told Trend. Rzayev stressed that by holding this forum, Azerbaijan proved to the world that it is an international country. "Azerbaijan has proved that it is a country that values multiculturalism and is making efforts for its development, he said. Azerbaijan is a country that is making efforts to develop different cultures, bring people closer and establish peace, tranquility, brotherhood, friendship. In his speech, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev also stressed that Azerbaijan wants to constantly contact the countries and develop intercultural dialogue, he said. These thoughts were also heard at the plenary sessions held within the forum and other meetings, he said. "Participation of delegations, famous scientists, intelligentsia, politicians from 86 countries in the forum gives impetus to the growth of Azerbaijans authority in the international arena, Rzayev said. Therefore, the Baku International Humanitarian Forum has historical significance for Azerbaijan." The 6th Baku International Humanitarian Forum held Oct. 25-26 brought together 581 delegates from 86 countries and 24 international organizations. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 30 By Elchin Mehdiyev Trend: The Azerbaijani parliament passed a bill on Psychological assistance in the first reading during the plenary meeting on Oct. 30. According to this bill, the legal basis for rendering psychological assistance in Azerbaijan, the rights and obligations of people receiving psychological assistance and psychologists, regulates relations in this field in accordance with the first paragraph of the first part of Article 94 of the Constitution. The bill was put to vote and passed. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 30 Trend: A delegation led by Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov has left for an official visit to Sofia, Bulgaria, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry said in a message Oct. 30. The delegation includes representatives of the Azerbaijani parliament, the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Transport, Communications and High Technologies. As part of the visit, Mammadyarov will meet with high-ranking officials of Bulgaria, as well as the first meeting of strategic dialogue between Azerbaijan and Bulgaria will take place. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 30 Trend: The co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group will visit Azerbaijan on November 1, Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov told reporters, Nezavisimaya Gazeta reported. "They held meetings in Yerevan yesterday, and will visit Baku on November 1," he said. Minister added that he intends to meet with his Armenian counterpart before the end of 2018. 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.30 Trend: Students of Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS) continuously gain more experience and achieve more successes in international contests. In November 2018, they will participate in prestigious global competitions to be held in the United Kingdom and Thailand next month. The first team comprises of BHOS Chemical Engineering students Elmar Askarzada, Husseyn Aliyev, Murad Rahimov, Alexander Oborovsky and their research supervisor, associate professor Amir Reza Vakhshouri. At the ClimateLaunchpad Azerbaijan 2018, they presented an innovative ThermoNorth project and became the winners of the contest. The BHOS team will represent Azerbaijan at the Grand Final of the ClimateLaunchpad, the worlds biggest clean-tech business idea competition. It will be held in Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, on November 1-2. Another student team entitled Robo-sapience will participate in the World Robot Olympiad (WRO), which will take place in Chiang Mai, the capital of Chiang Mai Province, Thailand, on November 16-18. BHOS students became the winners of the second national Olympiad of robots and, thus, received the right to represent Azerbaijan at the WRO 2018 International Final. The BHOS team consists of second-year Process Automation Engineering (PAE) students Khalida Aliyeva, Eyvaz Najafli, Ramil Abbaszada; their mentors, third-year PAE students Farid Gamidov and Nariman Taghizada; and the supervisor, Senior Lecturer of the Process Automation Engineering department, Head of Internet of Things laboratory Abbas Alili. We wish both BHOS teams every success in representing the country at the finals of these global competitions for youth. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 30 Trend: Jonas Astrup, the Chief Technical Advisor of the International Labor Organization (ILO) in Uzbekistan, has commented on the decision of the President of Uzbekistan to dismiss Deputy Prime Minister Zoyir Mirzayev, Podrobno.uz reported. "This is a strong, clear and correct decision of the government: such behavior cannot be tolerated. No one, regardless of rank or status, is above the law. Uzbekistan is still firmly committed to eradicating the forced labor," he wrote on his Twitter account. The day before, the President of Uzbekistan signed a decree on increasing the responsibility of heads of state authorities at all levels for preventing and eradicating any manifestations and all forms of forced labor. In accordance with that decree, Zoyir Mirzayev, the Deputy Prime Minister, Head of the Complex for Agriculture and Water Management, Processing of Agricultural and Food Products under the Uzbek Government, has been dismissed from his post for serious shortcomings in the organization of work on sowing and irrigating of winter cereals. The Prosecutor General was instructed to verify the facts of violation of the law during agricultural work, the Prime Minister, the heads of state authorities and business associations at the local level were charged with ensuring the effective implementation of measures to eradicate all forms and any manifestations of the forced labor. 2 women sentenced to life in prison for killing man The Makwanpur District Court has slapped life imprisonment to two women for killing a man. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 30 By Elnur Baghishov - Trend: In the first five months of the current Iranian year (started March 21), Iran imported 204,718 shaving machines and spare parts for them, Mizan News Agency reported citing the Customs Administration of Iran (IRICA). The report claims that more than $2.85 million were spent on the import of shaving machines. Shaving machines and their spare parts were imported from Spain, China, South Korea, England, North Korea, Hong Kong etc. According to the Customs Administration, the products were mainly imported from China. So, 102,685 shaving machines and spare parts worth $586,681 were imported from this country. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 30 Trend: The use of digital technologies in tax administration, especially the advantages of artificial intelligence and blockchain technology, has become requirements, Azerbaijani Minister of Taxes Mikayil Jabbarov said. Jabbarov made the remarks at the session "Tax administration after 10-15 years: how to adapt to the changing pace" within the tax summit on the digital economy in Lisbon. As for the work carried out in the field of creating digital economy and digitalization of tax administration in Azerbaijan, Jabbarov stressed that e-tax declarations have been in use for many years, and e-invoices are used in the country. Also, he said, numerous e-services are rendered to taxpayers. The tax administration must be adapted to the changing economic sphere, he said. Today, the tax burden of entities of digital economy is less than the tax burden of participants of traditional economy and one of the main problems facing tax administrations over the next 10 years is the correct formulation of tax policy in this direction. The minister stressed that tax policy must be adapted to the pace of change in the digital economy. He also stressed the importance of raising public awareness on tax issues and added that this issue will be one of the priorities for the next years. The importance of rendering adequate services to taxpayers was emphasized. Jabbarov also answered participants questions during discussions. Responding to a question about whether digital economy participants are competitors or partners, the minister unequivocally stressed the importance of establishing partnership relations and spoke about the regulatory role of the tax authority as an important element of this process. Representatives of more than 76 tax bodies of the member-states of the Intra-European Organisation of Tax Administrations (IOTA), the Inter-American Center of Tax Administration (CIAT), as well as representatives of 26 different organizations attended the event. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 30 By Rashid Shirinov Trend: Businessmen of Kazakhstan and Malaysia have discussed prospects of bilateral cooperation in Kazakhstans city of Almaty, Kazinform reported. "The purpose of our visit is to increase the recognition of Malaysian companies in the Kazakh market, find potential partners in Kazakhstan and develop cooperation, in particular, to increase exports from Malaysia to Kazakhstan, not only in the supply of goods, but also services" said Mohammed Mustafa Abdul Aziz, Director of the Exports Promotion and Market Access Division at Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation. He noted that there is an increase in trade turnover between the two countries. For example, in 2017, it grew by 60 percent, reaching more than $80 million. Abdul Aziz noted that the businesses of the two countries can cooperate in the areas of tourism, Islamic finance, education and digital economy. Malaysian Ambassador to Kazakhstan Syed Mohamad Bakri, in turn, stressed that now Malaysians understand the potential of the Kazakh market. He also reminded that over 320 Malaysian companies participated in the EXPO 2017 in Astana. Nurlan Kabishchev, head of the office of the Chamber of Entrepreneurs of Almaty, presented the business opportunities in Kazakhstan to the representatives of Malaysian business community. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 30 Trend: SIAL Paris, the worlds largest food innovation exhibition, has ended in Paris, Azerbaijans Economy Ministry said in a message Oct. 30. Products of 23 Azerbaijani companies were represented at the Made in Azerbaijan stand, the message said. Just like at previous exhibitions, at SIAL Paris, Azerbaijani products attracted the attention of visitors and foreign companies by its quality and taste. As part of the exhibition, a preliminary agreement was reached on the export of wine and other alcoholic beverages of the Azerbaijani company A+Co to Norway, as well as export of the products of the Goygol Wine Factory to the US, Cambodia and China. Negotiations were held on the export of products of Azerbaijani companies Aznar and Agro-Azerinvest to Brazil, Ukraine and Germany. Tovuz Baltiya company conducted negotiations with companies from Japan, Italy, China, Romania and Cambodia to export its products. In addition, the Azerbaijani company Mars-FK reached an agreement on exporting 36 tons of nuts to France, 18 tons to Djibouti and also 18 tons of nuts per week to Poland. This is while Kaslar company has reached an agreement to export 40 tons of nuts to Poland. In the near future, the export of products to the respective countries will begin. In addition, an agreement was reached between the Azerbaijani company Eco-Dry and Al-Camil company from Djibouti to sign an agreement on the export of apples. The company Azerstar, which produces fruits and vegetables, reached an agreement to export its products to Russia, Italy and France, while AZ-Granata company reached an agreement to export pomegranate juice to Israel, the US, and pomegranate wine to Spain. Balkhurma company continues negotiations with wholesale companies in France, Portugal, Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland and Romania, as well as with Horeca chain of stores operating in Italy, Dubai, Egypt and Japan, for the export of its products. The exhibition in Paris was attended by 7,020 companies from 109 countries. Tehran, Iran, Oct.30 Trend: The presence of multinational and foreign companies as competitors in at the Energy Exchange is necessary for stability and security of the economy, and nobody should worry about it, a former Member of Iran Parliament told Trend. "Launch of the exchange of oil was a step forward. The platform for the presence of trade and commerce activists in oil sector should be provided, said Asgar Jalalian. "Iran has high potential as far as oil goes, so we need to take the necessary measures to remove obstacles, he said. Referring to the plan of offering oil via Energy Exchange he said that when he was an active member of the Parliament and the Energy Commission, he was always following this plan, which, unfortunately, was not realized before due to legal obstacles. "I am now happy to see it finally being launched," Jalalian said. Referring to the presence of foreign companies as oil buyers in the Energy Exchange, he said that trade has no borders, and the transnational trade is sustainable. "Therefore, the route should be open to boost the foreign exchange in accordance with the regulations and laws," he said. The presence of multinational corporations and foreign companies is somehow a cause for stability and economic security, and Iran must celebrate it, said Jalalian. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 30 By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend: Turkey is embarking on oil and gas exploration in the Mediterranean sea, the Turkish media reported Oct. 30. The report said that a new seismic survey vessel entitled as Fatih, was set afloat today in order to begin oil and gas exploration. It is expected that onshore oil and gas exploration will also begin in the Turkish province of Mersin in the coming months, the message says. The law permitting oil exploration in forests and national parks came into force in Turkey in April 2014. According to the report of the ministry, a total of 56 wells have been drilled as part of exploration of new oil and gas fields in Turkey since 2014, of which 54 are onshore, and two are offshore. In 2017, 1863 exploration projects were carried out in Turkey to search for new oil and gas fields. Turkey also plans to establish a new company for the exploration of oil and gas abroad. The new company is expected to be engaged in oil and gas exploration in Central Asia and Africa. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 30 Trend: The draft decree on the development of space activities of Uzbekistan has been published for public discussion, Gazeta.uz reported. Uzbekistan has experience, intellectual resources and basic infrastructure necessary for the development of space research and technologies, the message says. The Agency for Space Research and Technologies under the Cabinet of Ministers, the establishment of which is being planned, will act as the regulator of the industry. It will function as a state administrative body responsible for the development and implementation of a unified state policy and strategic objectives in the development and use of the space industry. It is planned to establish a Scientific-Technological and Expert Council under the Uzbekcosmos Agency. It will include representatives of the ministries of development of information technologies and communications, defense, innovative development, the state committees for land resources, geodesy, cartography and state cadastre, for geology and mineral resources, and the Academy of Sciences. It is expected that decisions on development of the space industry will be adopted based on the conclusions of the Scientific-Technological and Expert Council of Uzbekcosmos. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 30 By Huseyn Veliyev - Trend: The Azintelecom LLC is working to receive a certificate of compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), the company told Trend Oct. 30. The company said this is included in the company's priority plans for 2019 and the work in this area is already underway. The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is associated with monetary transactions, which falls within the scope of interests of financial institutions. The presence of a PCI DSS certificate is one of the most important factors when the cloud services are chosen by the banking organizations and enterprises engaged in processing of personal data related to plastic cards. The PCI DSS requirements must be compulsorily complied with by any companies dealing with payment systems (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, etc.). These requirements guarantee protection against theft of customer information and other fraudulent actions usually committed during implementation of the banking transactions. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @h_veliyev Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 30 By Fikret Dolukhanov Trend: Beginning from Oct. 30, 2018, Uzbekistan Airways will increase the number of the Tashkent-Paris flights to two times a week for the winter flight schedule, the airlines press service said. Flights will be operated on Tuesdays and Fridays on Boeing 757/767 aircraft. The flight HY-251 will depart from Tashkent at 14:30 and arrive in Paris at 17:40. The flight HY-252 will depart from Paris at 19:10 and arrive in Tashkent at 06:00. The cost of a ticket in both directions will be 508.50 euros. From Oct. 30, 2018, the Tashkent-Paris flights will be transferred from Terminal 2C to Terminal 2A of the Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. On Oct. 5, Uzbekistan introduced a visa-free regime for French citizens for a period of 30 days from the date of entry. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @FDolukhanov Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Oct. 30 By Huseyn Hasanov Trend: The government delegation of Turkmenistan has taken part in the World Investment Forum (WIF-2018) in Geneva, organized by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the Turkmen Foreign Ministry said in a statement. The World Investment Forum is the leading global platform for investment and development, which is held every two years. Turkmenistan presented its economic opportunities, investment potential and acquainted the forum participants with major international projects implemented in the country in the fields of energy, transport and industry, the message says. Also, a high-level event on attracting direct foreign investments in landlocked countries was held within the forum. Turkmenistan ranks fourth in the world in terms of natural gas reserves and at this stage, sells this raw material to China and Iran, the report of British Petroleum (BP) company says. At the same time, Russia, the traditional buyer, stopped purchasing gas from Turkmenistan in 2016. Ashgabat has set a course for diversification of the local economy, the textile industry and the manufacture of oil products have advanced, the oil- and gas-chemical industries and the building materials production sector are actively developing. The private business is being involved to the development of electronic industry and import-substituting production in the country. 1. Yes. Council members appear to have taken time to review each section carefully. 2. Yes. The council has set up town halls and a public hearing to inform the residents. 3. No. The council should have set up a charter review committee, including residents. 4. No. Some of the items proposed so far benefit the council more than the community. 5. Unsure. Its hard to say until after the public has had more opportunities to weigh in. Vote View Results Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Oct. 30 By Huseyn Hasanov Trend: An OSCE-organized joint Turkmen-Afghan workshop on combating illicit trafficking in cultural property concluded in Ashgabat, the organizer of the event, the OSCEs Ashgabat office said in a statement. The three-day workshop brought together border officials from Turkmenistan and Afghanistan, experts from the OSCE Secretariat, the OSCE Border Management Staff College (BMSC), UNESCO, EUROPOL and an international expert on combating illicit trafficking in cultural property. Illicit trafficking in cultural property is a threat to security, the identity of nations and the diversity of cultural expression, said Natalya Drozd, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat. Combating illicit trafficking in cultural property is high on the agenda of the OSCE Italian Chairmanship in 2018. The seminar participants paid attention to the gravity and extent of illicit trafficking in cultural property, as well as the importance of regional and international co-operation to effectively address this dangerous phenomenon. Dr. Maria Acetoso of the UNESCO Office in Kabul noted that nations stay alive when their cultural heritage stays alive. Vernon Rapley, an international expert from the United Kingdom, touched upon the transnational aspects of illicit trafficking in cultural property. The expert emphasized the need for education and community involvement, and the need for sharing information to address the phenomenon. The workshop was organized with financial support from the governments of Germany, Italy and Japan. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 30 Trend: The South Korean Ajou University plans to open its branch in Tashkent, Podrobno.uz reported. This became known after the talks of Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance of Uzbekistan Jamshid Kuchkarov with representatives of the Ajou University, which took place the day before in Tashkent. During the meeting, the issues of establishing the campus of Ajou University and a branch of this educational institution in Tashkent were discussed. It is assumed that the students will be trained at this branch in such areas as architecture, electronic engineering, construction of engineering systems. Admission of students is expected to begin in the autumn of 2019, the quota is designed for 420 students. The training will be conducted in English. In addition, the introduction of a program of instruction in Korean language has been scheduled for September 2020. The Ajou University was founded in 1973. The university has more than 14,000 students. The university has been widely recognized for its innovative international programs and the support of international students. The Ajou University cooperates with more than 200 universities in 58 countries of the world and is widely specialized in engineering, medicine and information technologies. Minister of Science, Research and Technology Mansour Gholami said that grounds are prepared for cooperation between Iran and Belarus in the field of technology, IRNA reports. In a meeting with Belarusian Ambassador to Iran Yury Lazarchik, he announced holding of the Seventh Iran-Belarus Joint Scientific Cooperation Commission. Iran attaches high importance to Belarus in international relations, Gholami said, noting that they were well-coordinated in regional and international issues. They have also had good cooperation in the economic and trade fields, although they have the possibility for improving, Gholami said. Given the high capacities of the two countries scientific centers, there are suitable areas of collaboration between the two nations, he said. He also called on the Belarusian students to continue their studies in their favorite courses in the Iranian universities and undertake joint works with their Iranian counterparts. Lazarchik, for his part, recalled holding of the Sixth Iran-Belarus Joint Scientific Cooperation Commission in summer 2016, saying that objectives and protocols devised during the event were significant. During the Sixth Iran-Belarus Joint Scientific Cooperation Commission, a roadmap was worked out for the years 2018-2020 based on which mutual cooperation will improve to fulfill the objectives. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 30 By Elnur Baghishov - Trend: A conference will be held in two months in Irans Chabahar Port with the participation of the port and maritime officials of the countries of the region, Mohammad Ali Hassanzadeh, deputy head of Irans Ports and Maritime Organization, told Trend. He said that at the meeting held in Tehran on October 23 between Iranian, Indian and Afghan officials, it was decided to organize Chabahar Promotion and Marketing Conference and to invite businessmen of different countries, including Russia, Azerbaijan and Central Asia, to the conference. It is envisaged that at the conference, they will hold discussions with Irans maritime companies, operators and businessmen, and get closely acquainted with the potential of the Chabahar Port. He added that it was decided at the Tehran meeting to hold regular meetings of working groups between Iran, India and Afghanistan. At these meetings, the prospects for the development and prosperity of trade in the region will be discussed, considering the potential of the Chabahar Port, he said. He noted that Russian and Central Asian port and maritime officials, as well as Director General of Baku International Sea Trade Port Taleh Ziyadov will be invited to the meeting in the Chabahar Port. Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qasemi on Tuesday dismissed claims of a Danish official against Iran and said it is enemies' conspiracy to influence the ever expanding Iran-Europe relations, IRNA reported. Qasemi strongly rejected the 'hostile' reports regarding the failed attempt against an Iranian opposition in Denmark and the claim that it was linked to the Islamic Republic of Iran. He said such a claim is in line with the enemies' plots and conspiracies against the good and ever growing Iran-Europe relations under present grave and special conditions. Without providing any evidence, Danish police on Tuesday linked the so-called Iranian agents of attacking a person in the country. Denmark's foreign ministry then announced in a statement that it had summoned Iran's Ambassador to Copenhagen Morteza Moradian to Denmark's foreign ministry in that connection. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 30 By Matanat Nasibova - Trend: In the system of international relations and global politics, Azerbaijan is distinguished by its principled state strategy, which aims to support the foreign policy balance in the region and in the world. This is also recognized by the leading powers, with which Azerbaijan is building partnership relations and versatile cooperation. Such a policy of the Azerbaijani state gives positive results and, which is extremely important, shapes the correct picture of Azerbaijan in different parts of the world. The leading world powers perceive Azerbaijan as a reliable partner that is capable of long-term and mutually beneficial cooperation. This fact was also confirmed by the recent visit of US Presidents National Security Adviser John Bolton to Azerbaijan as part of his South Caucasus tour. The fact that the visit of a high-ranking representative of the US foreign policy started namely from Azerbaijan is a clear indicator of Washingtons priorities in this strategically important region. US priorities in Azerbaijan The first visit of John Bolton to Azerbaijan is primarily an indicator of bilateral interests in the economic, energy and many other areas of diverse cooperation. This includes the large-scale Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) project, joint efforts in the fight against international terrorism, as well as the security problem in the region, which is directly related to the unresolved Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The US is committed to the conflicts peaceful settlement through negotiations, and this position of the US was once again confirmed during the visit of John Bolton to Azerbaijan. This problem was discussed during Bolton's meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, and was later touched upon at a briefing in Baku. The US believes that the conflicts successful resolution is important for both Azerbaijan and Armenia, and also has strategic consequences on a global scale, Bolton said, noting that the US takes its mediation role in the OSCE Minsk Group seriously. US interest in SGC As expected, John Bolton confirmed the support of the US for the Southern Gas Corridor. Bolton said the US considers this project extremely important and promising, and highly appreciates Azerbaijan's role as an alternative supplier of energy resources. The fact that the US is interested in creation of a route transporting Caspian gas to European markets is quite clear and explainable. The senior US officials, including President Donald Trump, have repeatedly stated this. This confirms the high status of the project in terms of ensuring the energy security of Europe and the desire to maintain stability in the South Caucasus region, which increases its geo-economic and geo-political significance. This is also logical, since 10 billion cubic meters of Azerbaijani gas, with the prospect of bringing the volume to 31 billion cubic meters, will be transported to European markets and meet the domestic demand for gas in some countries of the Old World. Strategic Security Partnership The agenda of John Bolton's visit to Azerbaijan, in addition to cooperation in energy, included issues of combating international terrorism, human trafficking etc. This was also expected, because Azerbaijan was one of the first countries to express support for the US in the fight against international terrorism. For many years, Azerbaijan has been an active participant in various programs of international importance aimed at ensuring security in the region and the world. In this direction, cooperation between Azerbaijan and NATO, as well as Azerbaijans contribution to the NATO International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), participation in NATO operations K-4, ISAF, and Azerbaijans contribution to the Resolute Support Mission are of particular importance. Azerbaijan and Section 907 It is not surprising that the US politician also paid attention to respect for human rights and democracy, which are considered a part of US foreign policy. Attaching great importance to respect for human rights and foundations of democracy, the US is conducting an active dialogue with Azerbaijan on this issue, he said. Bolton said he sees many opportunities for cooperation and believes it is possible to learn a lot from each other. By this message, Bolton made it clear that in the issues of democracy and respect for human rights, the sides have an understanding and points of contact. The US diplomat did not ignore the issue related to Section 907, which limits US assistance to Azerbaijan. In an interview with Voice of America, Bolton stated that Section 907, restricting US assistance to Azerbaijan, is a law passed by Congress. This is not necessarily entirely the policy of the executive power, he said. He stressed that in accordance with the US constitution, it is the president who establishes foreign policy. In October 1992, the US Congress passed a law, called the Freedom Support Act, which regulates state assistance to the former Soviet republics. According to Section 907 of this law, the US government was forbidden to assist the Azerbaijani official structures. On the whole, Bolton's visit to Azerbaijan confirmed the US readiness to further develop cooperation in many areas. US interests in Georgia In neighboring Georgia, the outcome of John Boltons visit was regarded quite positively. According to the Georgian media, the sides spoke about the prospects for intensification of bilateral cooperation in the context of regional threats, as well as the reform of Georgias security sector. Reportedly, the US side reaffirmed its support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia and stressed Georgias contribution to the international mission in Afghanistan. It is not surprising as Tbilisi and Washington have been cooperating since 1992 in politics, economics, trade, and since the late 1990s in defense and security. In January 2009, a charter of strategic partnership of the two countries was issued in Washington, which provides for cooperation in security, defense, economy, trade, culture. Nevertheless, whatever the outcome of the visit of the American diplomat to Georgia, one should not ignore the fact that some well-known Georgian politicians favor Georgias pursuing a policy of non-alignment with the military-political blocs and distancing it from the United States. Yerevan once again resorts to policy of blackmail It seems that Bolton's visit to Armenia greatly impressed Yerevan. After the recent harsh statements by former US ambassador Robert Mills on Karabakh conflict (which are completely contrary to the interests of Armenia in this matter), they awaited the visit of the American diplomat in Yerevan warily and cautiously. Therefore, it is not surprising that immediately after the departure of Bolton, a curious version was voiced in Yerevan that the US is trying to pull Armenia into the American influence in order to annoy Russia. It is clear that the message from Yerevan is addressed to Russia - they say Armenia is in the zone of interests of the Americans. And this is a kind of PR stunt. But the unequivocal statements of the former ambassador Mills in Yerevan and Bolton in Baku about the US commitment to a peaceful resolution of the Karabakh conflict (in the context of supporting the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan) put Armenia to a nonplus. Yerevan is surely aware that the priority for Americans is cooperation with Azerbaijan, rather than with Armenia, and the fact that the US sees the solution to the Karabakh problem in the return of the Azerbaijani territories, occupied by Armenia, is, in essence, the failure of Armenian and the triumph of Azerbaijani politics and diplomacy. It also means that the Americans do not intend to support Armenia in maintaining the status quo, which for Yerevan is like a red rag for the bull. Therefore, it is possible that Bolton's visit to Yerevan only consolidated the vision of the American side on the Karabakh conflict's settlement. In this situation, when relations with Russia have noticeably deteriorated, Armenia traditionally tries to resort to a policy of blackmail in order to increase its importance in the region in fears that it is definitely losing. --- Matanat Nasibova, Trend columnist Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 30 By Azer Ahmadbayli Trend: For the past seven years, Assad preferred not to leave, although he could do it several times. During these years, about half a million of his compatriots were killed or went missing and more than five million became refugees. Who is the least interested in political settlement of the Syrian crisis today? The resolution of the conflict in Syria should include a political process under the auspices of the United Nations, according to the communique of the summit (Germany, France, Turkey, Russia) on the Syrian settlement, held in Istanbul on Saturday, October 27. The parties called for the convening of the Syrian Constitutional Committee by the end of the year, which will work on constitutional reform. The completion of this process should be resulted in free elections, which should be accessible to all Syrians, including the Diaspora, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said during the summit. What does political resolution, which the four countries agreed to accelerate, hold for Assads regime? President Assad knows for certain that if fair and transparent elections under strict control of the UN and the international community are held in the country, he has little chance of remaining in power. Or rather, the chance would hypothetically remain, in case of physical extermination of the entire opposition, primarily armed. Therefore, it would be consistent with Assads objective to launch military operation in an attempt to annihilate the opposition forces concentrated in Idlib province - the last haven of the most dangerous internal enemies that threaten his power. But he was prevented to do so by Turkey's proposal, supported by Russia, to suspend the fighting in Idlib, to establish a de-escalation zone there, to separate terrorist groups from the moderate opposition and to create conditions for further political dialogue. Assad is, without a doubt, acquainted with what was discussed and said at the summit in Istanbul. And if he did not like the words of President Macron that the Syrian regime does not represent the entire people of Syria, then he certainly liked President Putin's words that in the case of armed provocations from the Idlib zone, Russia reserves the right to react harshly. However, he probably should've heard Putin's other words too, who, as well as his colleagues, believes that first of all it is necessary to launch the work of the Constitutional Committee in Geneva, which will consider the fundamental issues of the future State structure of Syria, and that such a Committee, undoubtedly, should be recognized as legitimate by all Syrian sides. President Erdogan, in his turn, stressed that the more countries will join this process, the faster it is possible to achieve a solution to the crisis. Indeed, in this case, the degree of mutual responsibility for the decisions taken will increase otherwise, reputation losses can be too great. President Macron added that within the framework of the constitutional process, it is necessary to create conditions for all Syrians to participate in it. And when we implement this process, we have one requirement. The people should be free to express their opinion. Will Assad remain in power or not it's not for us to decide. Assads regime is under the threat again. In 2015, Russia helped him maintain an overall grip on power by military means. But this time, the threat to Bashar al-Assad is hidden in the ceasefire regime, stabilization of the situation and the transition to a political settlement based on UN Security Council resolution 2254 and the decisions of the Congress of the Syrian national dialogue, as a result of which all Syrians, including more than 5 million refugees, will be able to express their will within the future elections. Today, Assad, more than anyone else, is believed to be interested in attacks by militants from the province of Idlib, as was the case a few days ago, when Aleppo was shelled. French President warned about this, saying that the world powers will closely monitor the events in Syria. We know that today the Syrian regime believes that this military intervention [in Idlib] can lead to a solution. Undoubtedly, a military attack or military operation by the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad will be unacceptable regarding the settlement of the Idlib issue. Assad, however, has likely nothing to do but to discredit the established truce and push Russia back to turn on the engines of its combat aircraft. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 30 Trend: Acting Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is the only candidate to head the Cabinet of Ministers, Knyaz Saroyan, head of the information and public relations department of the parliament, told RIA Novosti. The deadline for nominations has expired, and there are no other candidates for the position, except for Pashinyan, said Saroyan. The voting is scheduled for Nov. 1. On Oct. 16, Pashinyan resigned for a snap parliamentary election in December. Under the Constitution of Armenia, the parliamentary factions are entitled to nominate prime minister candidates within seven days after the incumbent tenders his resignation or the post remains vacant otherwise. In case of a failure to elect a chief to cabinet, the National Assembly conducts a new voting allowing only the candidate enjoying no less than a third of the parliaments support to vie for the top government office. If no candidate is elected with a general majority of votes, the National Assembly is dissolved. Under the pretext of protecting Kurds, the US is setting up military bases and aerodromes in Syria's east, which signals their intention to prolong the armed conflict, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem told a press conference, TASS reports. SANA news agency quoted Muallem as saying that the US is using its base in Al-Tanf on the Syrian-Iraqi border to train former members of the Islamic State (IS) terrorist organization (outlawed in Russia) in order to include them later into units fighting against the Syrian army. The foreign minister noted that the government forces and their allies are "the only real force fighting against IS groups and Jebhat al-Nusra extremist group [outlawed in Russia] on the Syrian territory." Muallem also said that terrorists from the Jebhat al-Nusra group (outlawed in Russia) still remain in the area where the Idlib demilitarized zone should have been established. "This is a signal that Ankara does not want to fulfill its obligations in the framework of Russian-Turkish agreements on Idlib," he said. The foreign minister noted that Idlib, located in 320 kilometers from Damascus, remains under the control of terrorists who are supported by Turkey and the West. "We remain in close coordination with Russian friends regarding the situation in Syria's north-west," he added. Muallem also reminded that the agreement on Idlib is temporary, and the Syrian government has a legal right to return the province under its sovereignty. According to the Russian-Turkish memorandum signed in Sochi on September 17 after talks between the presidents of Russia and Turkey, the demilitarized zone 15-20 kilometers deep in Idlib should have been established by October 15. However, Turkey asked to postpone joint patrolling in Idlib due to its inability to guarantee security from its side. More: http://tass.com/world/1028434 A European Union plan to counter money laundering at banks urges a review of a series of recent high-profile cases but defers a comprehensive reform, a draft document seen by Reuters showed. The plan is a response to alleged money-laundering scandals involving banks in Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Spain, the Netherlands, Britain and Cyprus, with schemes often executed through foreign branches inside the EU. The preliminary document which is subject to changes until its adoption in early December, mandates the European Central Bank (ECB) and the European Commission to review alleged money-laundering cases by mid-2019 with a view to possible additional actions to bolster the EU legal framework. The document outlining the plan lists a number of short-term non-legislative measures to be taken by the end of next year to improve the EUs ability to prevent and counter financial crime. EU supervisors would have clearer powers to assess whether bank managers are fit for their job and to withdraw banking licences for serious breaches of anti money-laundering rules. In a recent case involving Maltas Pilatus Bank, the ECB is facing legal hurdles to revoke the lenders licence after its chairman was arrested in March in the United States for alleged money laundering and bank fraud. He denies the accusations. EU sources said that the delay was caused by unclear rules and excessive discretionary powers for national supervisors. The plan says that a clear sign should be sent to banks that money laundering risks will be taken into consideration when the ECB assesses lenders financial stability. Denmark said on Tuesday it suspected an Iranian government intelligence service had tried to carry out a plot to assassinate an Iranian Arab opposition figure on its soil, Reuters reported. The alleged plot, which Denmarks foreign minister said he believed the Iranian government was behind, prompted the Nordic country to call for fresh European Union-wide sanctions against the Islamic Republic. A Norwegian citizen of Iranian background was arrested in Sweden on Oct. 21 in connection with the plot and extradited to neighboring Denmark, Swedish security police said. The Norwegian has denied the charges and the Iranian government also denied any connection with the alleged plot. The attack was meant to target the leader of the Danish branch of the Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahvaz (ASMLA), Danish intelligence chief Finn Borch Andersen said. We are dealing with an Iranian intelligence agency planning an attack on Danish soil. Obviously, we cant and wont accept that, Andersen told a news conference. The EU is trying to save big powers 2015 deal with Iran that curbed its nuclear activity in exchange for the lifting of international sanctions after the United States withdrew from the pact and reimposed far-flung financial penalties on Tehran. Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen called the planned attack totally unacceptable and said British Prime Minister Theresa May had voiced her support for Denmark during a meeting in Olso. Foreign Minister Anders Samuelsen told a press conference he believed the Iranian government was behind the attempted attack. Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on the eve of new round of US sanctions against Iran underlined the significance of maintaining and implementing the nuclear deal, saying, we will support JCPOA, IRNA reported. Conte who is currently in India to attend an economic meeting told India Today that implementation of the nuclear deal can help improve regional and international security and strengthen mutual confidence. Asked about reinstatement of US sanctions against Iran, he said that sanctions are instruments not objectives. Sanctions make sense when they lead to a political solution, but it cannot replace diplomatic solution. He further noted that his country is seeking to find ways for maintaining nuclear deal and economic cooperation with Iran. Meanwhile, Conte on the sidelines of the 73rd Meeting of United Nations General Assembly in New York underlined the importance of JCPOA, saying that nuclear deal with Iran should not be set aside. Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) announced today that it had been awarded $550 million contract for the army of an Asian country to provide its Sky Capture Air Defense system, Globes reports. IAI did not disclose the name of the country concerned, but it is believed to be India. The contract will be carried out over four years, during which IAI will deliver the Sky Capture system and connect it to the local weapons system. Sky Capture is a command and control system for anti-aircraft systems, which transforms the customers legacy air defense systems into highly accurate and effective systems. It has advanced command and control capabilities, as well as information fusion based on multiple sensors, including advanced fire control and detection radars and electro-optical sensors all made by IAI and its Elta subsidiary. The command and control system provides accurate target data for the interceptors and manages the threat and firing detection in an optimal manner according to the target type. India has signed several large contracts with Israeli defense companies in the past. Only last week, IAI signed a huge deal to supply the marine version of its Barak 8 air and missile defense system to the Indian Navy. IAI executive vice president and general manager of the Systems, Missiles & Space Group Boaz Levi said, We thank our customers for their confidence in the system and the unique solution developed for their operational requirements. Our proposal and development was based on the future generation of very short-range air defense systems. Sky capture combines several aerial interception methodologies, reflecting the extensive capabilities of IAIs air defense know how. The system sold under this contract uses air defense cannons and is also designed, if needed, to manage short-range missiles and laser interception systems." Indonesia on Tuesday stepped up a search for an airliner that plunged into the sea with all 189 aboard feared dead, deploying underwater beacons to trace its black box recorders and uncover why an almost-new plane crashed minutes after take-off, Reuters reports. Indonesia, one of the worlds fastest-growing aviation markets, has a patchy safety record. With the now almost certain prospect of all on board having died, the crash is set to rank as the countrys second-worst air disaster. Ground staff lost contact with flight JT610 of budget airline Lion Air 13 minutes after the Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft took off early on Monday from the airport in Jakarta, the capital, on its way to Indonesias tin-mining region. Hopefully this morning we can find the wreckage or fuselage, Soerjanto Tjahjono, the head of a national transport safety panel, told Reuters, adding that an underwater acoustic beacon was deployed to locate the main body of the plane. The search and rescue agency added that four sonar detectors were also being used in areas where aircraft debris was found a day earlier off the shore of Karawang, West Java, and 15 vessels were scouring the sea surface. A helicopter circled over five rubber boats carrying about 36 rescuers, as some donned rubber suits, readying to dive. The United States withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF Treaty) would be undesirable, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said at a plenary meeting of the parliaments upper house on Tuesday, TASS reports. According to Abe, "Japan highly values the treatys historic role in the disarmament process." "We believe it is an undesirable situation when the Unites States announces its plans to pull out of the treaty and claims that Russia has been violating it," the Japanese prime minister added. At the same time, Abe declined to comment on talks between Washington and Moscow on the issue and the two countries arguments. Brazils newly elected President Jair Bolsonaro rejected the idea of supporting military intervention in Venezuela in an interview with Record television on Tuesday, TASS reports. "For our part, we dont have [the plans for intervention in Venezuela]," Bolsonaro said, stressing that "Brazil will always search for peaceful means of resolving problems." The president-elect said after his victory in the runoff of the presidential election on Sunday, representatives of some countries discussed with him the issue of the crisis in Venezuela. They voiced hope that Brazil "will take part in resolving this problem in some form," he said. Bolsonaro emphasized that his country is committed to solving issues through talks, saying that Brazil is interested in cooperation for ending the Venezuelan crisis. "They are our brothers, who are facing very serious problems due to the dictatorship of [Venezuelan President Nicolas] Maduro," he said. The newly elected president said if Brazil had fulfilled its task when the left-wing Workers Party was in power, the crisis in Venezuela would have been resolved. "However, the Workers Party has always admired the government of [late Hugo] Chavez and then Maduro. So we have this situation when poor [Venezuelans] suffer and flee even to Brazil as they have nothing to eat in their country," the politician said. India will work with Iran and Russia to operationalize the North-South Corridor, Indias Commerce and Industry Minister said, IRNA reports an Indian daily. Suresh Prabhu said that the country intends to cooperate with Iran and Russia to activate the North-South Corridor, the Business Standard wrote. Prabhu, during a meeting with a Russian business delegation, said India, Russia and Iran will hold a trilateral meeting on the International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC) on November 23 to make the 7,200-km-long ship, road, and rail route operational soon. He stressed: 'all issues may be resolved in order to operationalize the route as early as possible'. Prabhu said that the corridor is an important initiative taken by India, Russia and Iran to promote transport cooperation and to enhance connectivity with central Asian countries. 'The INSTC is the shortest multimodal transportation route linking the Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf via Iran to Russia and North Europe,' the Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry said in the statement. 'The estimated capacity of the corridor is 20 to 30 million tons of goods per year and will reduce time and cost by 30 percent to 40 percent,' it added. Russia has invested $1.2 billion in India between 2000 and 2017 mainly in oil and gas, defense equipment supplies, power and energy and large-scale infrastructure projects. In 2017, total trade between India and Russia was at $10.13 billion. The last week decision of the United Nations to postpone life-saving aid delivery to a camp housing displaced Syrians near Jordan's border was prompted by a real security threat to the convoy, a UN envoy said on Tuesday, Sputnik reported. "The decision to postpone the Rukban humanitarian convoy, which was planned for 27 October 2018, is based on available information of real security threat against the convoy," Ali Zaatari, the UN humanitarian coordinator in Syria, said in a statement. He also confirmed that a discussion was underway to "identify means to deliver the humanitarian assistance while ensuring the safety of the humanitarian workers." Zaatari's comments follow UN aid chief's Mark Lowcock statement made on Monday that the joint UN-Syrian Red Crescent convoy from Damascus was to deliver assistance for 50,000 people and vaccines for 10,000 children, but reports of insecurity along the route put the plans on hold. The camp has been without much-needed assistance since last January and the sense of desperation is growing as more children continue to die due to lack of healthcare and poor sanitary conditions, Lowcock warned. Bilateral trade turonver between Japan and Russia grew by almost 18% this year and reached $14 bln, Deputy Prime Minister and Russian presidential envoy for the Far Eastern Federal District Yury Trutnev told the roundtable with Japanese businesses on Tuesday, TASS reports. "Japan has traditionally been one of Russia's main economic partners in the Asia Pacific. The volume of our [trade] relations is growing. Since the beginning of the year, trade grew by 17.7% and reached $14 bln," Trutnev said. "The growth for the Far Eastern region is even more considerable - 23% The Far East is responsible for one third of trade turnover between Japan and Russia," he added. Trutnev noted that several large-scale projects were implemented on the Russian territory with participation of Japanese companies, such as automobile giants Nissan, Toyota, Mazda, and Mitsubishi. "There is interest in cooperation from the Japanese side, and there is a general course on cooperation laid out by our leaders. There are all grounds for success," he noted. Trutnev said that Russia is actively improving its investment climate and involving foreign partners in cooperation. Russia and China possess all necessary capabilities to develop effective mechanisms to overcome the negative effects of US sanctions, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said on Tuesday, TASS reports. "I must say that our strategic partnership with China is developing in the conditions of those sanctions that are imposed on both our countries. Our relations should only grow stronger, we should develop mechanisms to withstand these sanctions," Golikova said at the meeting with students from Peking Unviersity. According to the Russian official, Russia and China "have all chances to overcome these challenges" that arise in connection with increasing pressure from the US White House. Golikova has arrived on a visit to Beijing ahead of Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev's official visit to China on November 5-7. The Russian and Chinese government heads will discuss visa-free regime for representatives for the Russia-Chinese cultural and humanitarian cooperation soon, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said on Tuesday, TASS reports. "I think that this issue will be discussed at the level of the government heads as well," she said at a meeting with Peking University students. "We know about this problem and will try very hard to solve it." Both sides will work in this area to create comfortable conditions to organize foreign trips for students and scientists from both countries, the deputy prime minister said. Golikova arrived to Beijing ahead of Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedevs visit to China, which will take place on November 5-7. During her stay in the Chinese capital the deputy prime minister will hold negotiations with Vice Premier of the People's Republic of China Sun Chunlan, attend the 19th session of the Russian-Chinese Commission for Humanitarian Cooperation, the ceremony of the establishment of the Russian-Chinese Association for Cooperation in the Sphere of Television, as well as the launch of an online column on humanitarian ties and cooperation between Russia and China in a mobile application. The Kremlin believes that despite difficulties there are no threats that the Russian-Turkish deal on Syrias Idlib may be disrupted, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told on Tuesday, TASS reports. "No, we dont see any threat now," Peskov said. The Kremlin spokesman noted that Putin had mentioned that the situation in the region was complicated and the shellings continued. "Unfortunately, not everything is in line with the plan, I mean the ideal plan, which our Turkish colleagues had," Peskov said. "Putin said that we understand this as the situation is really very difficult." Peskov stressed that it is most important and Russia confirms this that "the Turkish side is making great efforts to fulfill all agreements." "This effort has been carried out constantly," he said. According to the Russian-Turkish memorandum signed in Sochi on September 17 after talks between the presidents of Russia and Turkey, the demilitarized zone 15-20 kilometers deep in Idlib should have been established by October 15. However, Turkey asked to postpone joint patrolling in Idlib due to its inability to guarantee security from its side. Representatives for some Russian and Chinese agencies and state structures signed on Tuesday nine documents on cooperation in the sphere of humanitarian contacts, education, culture, tourism, cinema, health care and sports. The signing ceremony was held at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in central Beijing in the presence of Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova and Vice Premier of the People's Republic of China Sun Chunlan, TASS reports. "The cooperation between our countries has entered a completely new stage. It will have a positive influence over pragmatic contacts between China and Russia," Sun Chunlan stressed. She noted that both sides are constantly working on new projects and expressed hope for their successful implementation in the future. Among the important signed documents are "The agreement on the intention to hold the Russian-Chinese student festival of winter sports" and "The memorandum of cooperation in the spheres of additional education for children and the organization of childrens recreation and health care." Tatyana Golikova arrived in Beijing ahead of Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedevs visit to China, which will take place on November 5-7. During her stay in the Chinese capital the deputy prime minister held negotiations with Vice Premier of the People's Republic of China Sun Chunlan and attended the 19th session of the Russian-Chinese Commission for Humanitarian Cooperation, the ceremony of the establishment of the Russian-Chinese Association for Cooperation in the Sphere of Television, as well as the launch of an online column on humanitarian ties and cooperation between Russia and China in a mobile application. Russian President Vladimir Putins agenda for his November 11 visit to Paris does not include a bilateral meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but the two leaders may hold a brief conversation during the days events, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told, TASS reports. "The Paris visits agenda includes only one bilateral meeting, which will be with [US President Donald] Trump," he said, adding that preparations for the meeting "are underway." "Apart from that, Putin is scheduled to attend memorial events [marking the 100th anniversary of the World War I Armistice - TASS], so he will have an opportunity to hold brief conversations with other participants, including Netanyahu," the Russian presidential spokesman noted. "A bilateral meeting [between Putin and Netanyahu] will depend on the decisions that the [Russian President] and the [Israeli] prime ministers will make, but the current agenda does not include it," Peskov said. According to him, "the president will be unable to arrive in France one day prior [to the celebrations] as he has other plans, and France has prepared a lot of activities that will take place on the very day [of the memorial events]." "This is why there is currently no clear understanding in this regard," the Kremlin spokesman concluded. On Monday, Israeli media reported that the countrys prime minister intended to meet with the Russian leader in Paris. Netanyahu said on October 7 that he had held a telephone conversation with Putin and arranged a meeting with him, which would be their first one following the downing of Russias Ilyushin Il-20 aircraft crash over the Mediterranean Sea on September 17. Russia has blocked establishment of a conciliation panel in WTO in a pork dispute with the European Union because it earlier made all measures in line with the decision of WTOs Dispute Settlement Body (DSB), press service of the Ministry of Economic Development said on Tuesday, TASS reports. "The Russian Federation blocked establishment of a conciliation panel at the next meeting of the WTOs dispute resolution authority within the framework of Dispute DS475 Measures on the Importation of Live Pigs, Pork and Other Pig Products from the European Union. The relevant request was send by the EU to WTO in connection with alleged failure of Russia to perform the decision taken earlier by the DSB and the WTO appeal authority in the said dispute," the Ministry says. . "Russia completely aligned its measures with rules of the organization subject to conclusions of the dispute resolution authority as early as in December 2017. All the necessary information about specific steps undertaken by Russia believes such step of the EU is unjustified, the ministry notes Russia was sent to the DSB and the EU also in December 2017," it reports. Russia imposed a ban on imports of live pigs and pig-breeding products in early 2014 over an outbreak of African swine fever in Lithuania. In August 2016, the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) of the WTO ruled that Russias ban was non-compliant with the WTO rules. Russia challenged this ruling but its motion was dismissed in February 2017. On December 6, 2017, Russias veterinary watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor said it removed the ban on EU pork imports at the WTO request, though the ban on imports of such products would stay in force as these products fall under Russias food embargo. In July 2014, the European Union and the United States imposed sanctions against Russia over the developments in neighboring Ukraine. The sanctions have been regularly extended and expanded ever since. On August 7, 2014, Russia imposed a package of counter measures against the European Union, the United States, Australia, Canada and Norway. Thus, it banned imports of fruits, vegetables, dairy and meat products from these countries for a period of one year. The ban was subsequently extended as well. Russias Economic Development Ministry said earlier on Monday that the EUs call for compensation amounting to 1.39 bln euros per year over Russias ban on pork imports is groundless since the country has met the WTOs demands and lifted the veterinarian ban imposed over the outbreaks of African swine fever. Russia will grant children from Syria a possibility to study at cadet schools of the Defense Ministry for free, according to a bilateral agreement posted on the Russian governments legal information web portal on Tuesday, TASS reports. The document was signed in Moscow on September 20 and entered into force on October 20, 2018. As the agreement stipulates, the Syrian children will study on the basis of contracts concluded by the authorized bodies of Russia and Syria and pursuant to the curricula developed for Russian cadets of these schools. The cadet schools will offer classroom instruction in the Russian language for Syrian children. The Syrian children will study on a gratuitous basis. The education expenses will be borne by the Russian side. At the same time, enrolment to cadet schools will be on a competitive basis. Candidates for the studies will be selected by the Syrian side. The fiancee of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi has said Saudi authorities are responsible for his murder, and the kingdom should give more details so that those who ordered and carried out the killing can be brought to justice, Reuters reports. The death of Khashoggi - a Washington Post columnist and a critic of Saudi Arabias de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman - sparked global outrage and pitched the worlds top oil exporter into crisis. When asked who was ultimately responsible for the killing, his fiancee, Hatice Cengiz, told Reuters in Turkish: This took place inside a Saudi diplomatic mission ... In such circumstances, the Saudi Arabian authorities are responsible for this. This incident, this assassination, took place in the Saudi consulate, she said, speaking through a translator. So the Saudi authorities probably know how such a murder took place. They need to explain what happened, said Cengiz, who was somber, guarded and appeared at times on the verge of tears. U.S. President Donald Trump has said Prince Mohammed, who has consolidated control over Saudi security and intelligence agencies over the past three years, bore ultimate responsibility for the operation that led to Khashoggis killing. When asked what she would say to Prince Mohammed if she ever got the chance to speak to him, she said: I dont think that will ever happen. Cengiz later told an audience she was disappointed with Trumps response to the killing, suggesting U.S. business ties with Riyadh had influenced his approach to the case. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 30 By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend: As part of the fight against the terrorist movement FETO (the movement of Fethullah Gulen), 40 servicemen of the Turkish Ground Forces have been detained, Turkish media reported on Oct. 30. There are high-ranking military officials among the detainees, reports read. The names and positions of the detainees are not revealed. Fethullah Gulen and his supporters are accused of a military coup attempt in Turkey. A group of rebels attempted a military coup on the night of July 16, 2016 in Turkey. The main fighting took place in Ankara and Istanbul. More than 250 Turkish citizens were killed, more than 2,000 people were injured, the rebellion was suppressed. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 30 By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend: Istanbul's new airport, which is also called "Istanbul", will be a transport hub of the region, President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan said during a speech in the country's parliament in Ankara. At the initial stage of the project's implementation, few people believed in the successful completion of the construction of the third airport in Istanbul, Erdogan said. The president noted that while the construction of the Istanbul airport was completed within 42 months, in Germany, which is the most developed country of Europe, the airport construction is still ongoing. The opening ceremony of the new airport in Istanbul was held on October 29 and was attended by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Minister of Transport and Infrastructure of Turkey Mehmet Cahit Turhan. The Ataturk Airport in Istanbul will end operating flights at 00:00 (GMT +3) on Dec. 31. Beginning from 00:00 (GMT +3) on Dec. 31, all passenger and cargo flights will be operated from the third airport of Istanbul. The third airport was built near the Lake Terkos in northern Istanbul. The first airport in Turkey was built in 1912 and was used for military purposes. In 1953, Istanbul airport was opened for international flights for the first time, and in 1985 it was renamed in honor of the founder of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu By ABUBAKER KIRUNDA. The embattled Busoga University based in Iganga District has been ordered to refund Shs50.5million pledged by President Yoweri Museveni. The directive is contained in a letter signed by the Deputy inspector general of Government Mariam Wangadya The letter dated September 17 seen by Daily monitor is addressed to the Busoga University Vice Chancellor Prof LamekaKibikyo. The IGG said this money was supposed to go to Makutu Seed Secondary School in the newly created Bugweri District but the University took it. This was after the ministry of education sent the money to Iganga District collection account for release to both Busoga University and Makutu Seed School as pledged by the president in 2011. This money included Shs1.2billlion for Busoga University and Shs151million for Makutu Seed School according. Efforts to get a comment from Prof Kibikyo were futile as several calls were made to his mobile phone but he did not pick. Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 30 By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend: The start of Turkey's new military operation in Syria against the YPG/PYD terrorists as well as the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) is a matter of time, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in Ankara while giving a speech in the countrys parliament. Erdogan said the Armed Forces of Turkey, as before, are ready to start a new military operation in Syria. The process of preparing for the start of new military operations against YPG/PYD in Syria has been completed, said Erdogan. On Oct. 28, the Turkish Armed Forces shelled the positions of the YPG/PYD terrorists in northern Syria. An artillery strike was inflicted on the positions of terrorists in the Zor Magar district of Ayn al-Arab (Kobani) city in northern Syria. Zor Magar is located on the eastern bank of the Euphrates River and represents a strategically important height from which the border with Turkey can be seen. Earlier, Erdogan said the US did not keep its promises regarding the withdrawal of the PYD/YPG terrorists from the Syrian Manbij. "According to the agreements reached by Turkey and the US, the detachments of the PYD/YPG fighters were to leave the Syrian city of Manbij in 90 days, but this did not happen," Erdogan added. On June 4, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo discussed a road map on Manbij during talks in Washington. Also, Pompeo and Cavusoglu met in Brussels and discussed the Operation Olive Branch, as well as other issues. On Jan. 20, the Turkish Armed Forces, together with the Free Syrian Army, launched the Operation Olive Branch in Afrin, Syria. On Aug. 24, 2016, units of the Turkish Armed Forces began the Operation Euphrates Shield against the "Islamic State" and with the support of the Syrian opposition liberated the border town of Jarablus in northern Syria, as well as al-Bab. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will travel Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Tuesday following Saturdays mass shooting in a synagogue, the White House spokeswoman told reporters on Monday, Sputnik reports. Tomorrow the president and First Lady will travel to Pennsylvania to express the support of the American people and grieve with the Pittsburgh community, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said. Earlier, reacting to the deadly attack, Donald Trump called it a "wicked act of mass murder," that is "pure evil," and "something that is unimaginable." The president said he will personally travel to Pittsburgh to commemorate the victims. The tragedy took place on Saturday, when a gunman opened fire inside a synagogue, killing 11 people and injuring another six. He was wounded in a shootout with police before surrendering to security forces. During his arrest, Bowers was reportedly shouting anti-Semitic slogans. According to media reports, he chased people from the main hall into the synagogue's basement, armed with a rifle and three handguns. Bowers has been charged with 29 federal counts, and, according to Attorney General Jeff Sessions, will most likely face a death penalty. With congressional elections a week away, President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he will seek to scrap the right of citizenship for U.S.-born children of non-citizens and illegal immigrants as he tries again to dramatically reshape immigration policies, Reuters reported. Reviving his support for a legally questionable theory, Trump told the Axios news website he would issue an executive order on so-called birthright citizenship, an issue that has long rankled some conservative Republicans. Trumps previous calls to end the practice have resonated with his political base, but moderate Republicans and some legal experts say Trump is running afoul of the U.S. Constitution. Under the Constitutions 14th Amendment, enacted in the wake of the Civil War to ensure that black Americans previously subject to slavery had full citizenship rights, citizenship is granted to all persons born or naturalized in the United States. It has been routinely interpreted over the years to confer citizenship to people born in the United States whose parents are illegal immigrants. Trump, who has made rhetoric against illegal immigrants a central plank of his presidency, originally spoke out against birthright citizenship when he first started running for president in 2015. One Republican member of Congress, frequent Trump ally Senator Lindsey Graham, said he would move to introduce legislation along the same lines as Trumps order. Neither Graham nor Trump gave any details about the latest plan. The White House did not respond to a request for comment. Other Republicans were critical. U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan said Trump could not scrap the right with the stroke of a pen. You cannot end birthright citizenship with an executive order, Ryan, the top Republican in Congress, said in an interview with radio station WVLK, the Washington Post reported. In the run-up to the Nov. 6 congressional elections, Trump has seized on a caravan of migrants from Central America who are trekking through Mexico toward the United States, calling the migrants a threat. On Monday, the United States said it would send over 5,200 troops to help secure the border with Mexico. KYODO NEWS - Oct 30, 2018 - 20:50 | All, Japan About 70 dignitaries including imperial family members and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Tuesday attended the wedding banquet of the former Princess Ayako, the youngest daughter of Emperor Akihito's late cousin, and her husband Kei Moriya in Tokyo following their marriage the previous day. (Crown Prince Naruhito, front R, and former Princess Ayako, center)(Pool photo) Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako were also among the participants at the event held at a luxury hotel in Tokyo. At the outset, the prime minister delivered a congratulatory speech and the crown prince gave a toast. "Please make a joyous family full of smiles by taking care of each other," said the crown prince, who also spoke about his experience of meeting with Moriya's grandparents while he was studying in Britain. The 28-year-old daughter of late Prince Takamado lost her royal status after marrying Moriya, a 32-year-old employee of shipping company Nippon Yusen K.K. The couple are starting their new life at a residence in Tokyo's Minato Ward, according to a source close to them. (Pool photo) (Pool photo) KYODO NEWS - Oct 30, 2018 - 19:25 | World, Urgent, All South Korea's Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld a lower court ruling from several years ago that ordered a Japanese steel firm to compensate four South Koreans who were victims of forced labor during Japanese colonial rule. The ruling against Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corp. is likely to aggravate bilateral ties, already strained over a territorial dispute and the issue of women forced to work at wartime Japanese brothels. (Labor group members and police officers square off near the Japanese Consulate General in Busan, South Korea, on May 1, 2018, over the erection of a statue symbolizing Korean forced workers taken to Japan during its 1910-1945 colonial rule) The Japanese government, maintaining its position that the issue of compensation was resolved under a 1965 bilateral accord, quickly condemned the ruling, with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe pledging a "firm" response. Foreign Minister Taro Kono, who said in a statement that the ruling would overturn the legal basis on which the two countries have built "friendly and cooperative relationship," summoned the South Korean ambassador in Tokyo to lodge a formal diplomatic protest. South Korean Prime Minister Lee Nak Yeon said he will work with experts to come up with the government's measures on the result. He added that South Korea hopes to improve ties with Japan. In dismissing the appeal lodged by Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal, the top court said the right of individuals to claim damages was not terminated by the accord, which stipulates that issues relating to property and claims between the two countries and their peoples have been settled "completely and finally." It ordered the Japanese firm to pay 400 million won ($350,000) in compensation to each plaintiff, only one of whom is still alive, as the Seoul High Court had ordered in its July 2013 ruling. The four men claimed they were deprived of their human rights when they were forced to work at a steel mill that belonged to Japan Iron & Steel Co., which was later known as Nippon Steel Corp. until it merged with another steelmaker in 2012 to form Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal. Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal contended that the issue of compensation had been settled under the bilateral agreement, which was attached to the 1965 treaty that established diplomatic ties between Japan and South Korea. The Korean Peninsula was colonized by Japan from 1910 to 1945. Lee Chun Sik, 94, the sole living plaintiff, told reporters after the ruling, "I feel so heartbroken to be the only one to see the final ruling." The company issued a statement calling the ruling "extremely regrettable," adding that it will respond "properly" after examining the contents of the ruling and taking the Japanese government's response into account. The top court's decision represents the first final ruling in South Korea concerning a compensation order against a Japanese company emanating from a post-World War II compensation lawsuit. Among 14 other similar lawsuits against Japanese companies, the defendants are expected to lose in 11 of them in which orders of compensation were already issued at lower courts. Among the other Japanese firms that have lost their cases in lower courts in South Korea are Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. and Hitachi Zosen Corp. Some of the four plaintiffs originally filed a damages suit with a court in Osaka but lost in 2003. Two years later, they filed a similar suit against Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal in South Korea. They lost the first two court rulings, with the courts citing the previous rulings against Korean forced laborers in Japan and the expiration of the statute of limitations. However, in 2012 the Supreme Court reversed the previous rulings and ordered a retrial, ruling that their right to seek compensation was not invalidated by the 1965 treaty. KYODO NEWS - Oct 30, 2018 - 22:38 | World, Urgent, All The Lion Air aircraft that crashed in the Java Sea off Jakarta on Monday had reported a flight control problem two minutes after takeoff, Indonesian authorities said Tuesday as the search for the ill-fated plane continued. Flight JT610 went down after taking off from Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport at 6:20 a.m. with 189 passengers and crew on board, bound for the island of Bangka off southeastern Sumatra. Body parts have already been recovered from the crash site, with no survivors expected to be found among the 181 passengers and eight crew members. Haryo Satmiko, deputy chief of the National Transportation Safety Committee, said that at 6:22 a.m. Monday, the plane's Indian pilot Bhavye Suneja contacted Jakarta's air traffic control to report a "flight control problem" while flying at an altitude of 518 meters and requesting permission to climb to 1,524 meters. The request was approved, but moments later a separate request was made to return to Jakarta. Contact with the Boeing 737 MAX 8 was lost at 6:33 a.m. Flight tracking service FlightRadar24 said "preliminary data show an increase in speed and decrease in altitude at last transmission." The data issued by FlightRadar24 showed that the plane took off and ascended normally, but minutes later, it kept ascending and descending several times before plunging into the Java Sea. A total of 37 bags containing body parts of an unknown number of people on board as well as others containing debris of the plane arrived Tuesday morning at Jakarta's Tanjung Priok Harbor. The body parts were immediately sent to Bhayangkara Police Hospital for identification. A total of 812 military personnel from various branches, seven ships and three helicopters have been deployed to the scene of the crash, with the search focused on recovering the plane's black boxes. Lion Air President Edward Sirait acknowledged that the plane had a technical problem on a flight from Bali to Jakarta on Sunday, but said it had been "resolved through maintenance procedures issued by the aircraft's factory." A television presenter who was on Sunday's flight posted on Instagram that the plane left behind schedule and there were problems with the air conditioning before it left. The narrow-body, twin-engine passenger aircraft was almost new. It was only delivered to Lion Air on Aug. 15 this year and had only 800 hours of flying time. Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi on Tuesday ordered both national carrier Garuda Indonesia and Lion Air to inspect their Boeing 737 MAX 8 planes. Garuda has one, while Lion Air has eight. "Any problems with the plane over the last one month and other details needs to be reported to the authorities," Budi told a press conference. "The report, along with the results of investigation by the National Transportation Safety Committee, will be used to determine the cause of the crash," he added. Ony Suryo Wibowo, an investigator at the National Transportation Safety Committee, told a press conference that a U.S. team of investigators including personnel from the National Transportation Safety Board and Boeing will arrive in Jakarta on Wednesday. Offers of assistance from Argentina, Malaysia, Singapore and Saudi Arabia have also been received. "We quickly responded to their offers and they sent the equipment we need," Ony said. Among the equipment on loan from the countries, according to the investigator, is a "hydrophone" that can listen for ping signals from the underwater locator beacon attached to the black boxes. "Hopefully, it is still attached to the black boxes, so we can find the wreckage that may be located near them," he said. The Jakarta-based budget carrier has been involved in a series of incidents, including one in 2004 in which 26 people were killed after its plane skidded at an airport in the town of Solo in Central Java Province. Catch all the action from the Sporting World. By Ritah Kemigisa. The opposition Democratic Party has pulled out from the much anticipated national dialogue due in November. Addressing journalists the party President Norbert Mao said the party is not satisfied with the way the dialogue is being organized. Mao says the current sabotage of opposition events by the police and the torture of Ugandans the latest being of Yusuf Kawooya is a signal that government is not willing to listen to the views of the opposition. Mao maintains that as a long as the framework and parameters for convening the dialogue are not clear enough it is a waste of time for them to attend. He says they have already written to the inter religious council notifying them about their decision. Recently the opposition came up with a common position of seven points which they want followed before the dialogue can go on. New Delhi. After Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed power since 2014 for the PM's post, he had begun to improve India's relations with countries around the world. Now the positive impact of his efforts has also started to appear as many countries of the world have been looking for opportunities to associate with India on various occasions as well for several business opportunities. In this wake today, the Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte is also going to arrive in India. In fact, the Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte following his one-day visit will meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the national capital, Delhi, to hold an important dialogue with him. Along with this, he will also participate in the India-Italy Technology Summit will be held in Delhi. In his talks with PM Modi, the main aim of the leaders of the two countries will be to promote mutual cooperation between countries like investment and trade. Through this visit, Italy's Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, the entire country, including the central government, is likely to deepen and strengthen the relationship between the two sides. At the same time, he will also be the main attraction of this 24th edition of 'India-Italy Technology Summit'. This conference focuses primarily on health, aerospace, clean technology, renewable energy, and education. PM Narendra Modi held talks with Italian PM Giuseppe Conte on Tuesday . Both leaders Reviewed bilateral relations & agreed to work together on expanding the partnership between two nations in trade & investment, defence & security, S&T, renewable energy, counter-terrorism, regional & global issues. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Italian counterpart addressed at valedictory session of India-Italy Technology Summit held in the national capital New Delhi. In his address Italian PM Giuseppe Conte said, Before Tech summit, I had a fruitful meeting with PM Modi where we reviewed all the areas of our bilateral partnership. Regarding our economic partnership, we've explored possible Italian contribution to 'Make In India'. On the other hand PM Modi in his address said that India has made technology a medium of social justice, empowerment, inclusion, competent government machinery and transparency. He added that Effective Government Service of Last Mile Delivery is being ensured through technology. PM Modi asserted that Digital payments are increasing at a speed of 250 crore transactions per month. Worth mention here in the past 4 years in India, the price of 1 GB data has reduced by more than 90 per cent. India is now moving forward to take the IT Software Power's identity to the next level. PM Modi We are insisting on developing Technological Temperament from Scientific Temper in India.A network of such youth is being prepared across the country through the Atal Innovation Mission, PM Modi lauded at summit. PM Modi also said that many facilities are available online from Birth Certificate to old age pension certificate. He added that More than 300 centers and state government services have been brought on a platform through Umang App and more than 3 lakh Common Service Centers across the country are providing online services in villages. By Ruth Anderah. Woman MP representing Kalungu district Elizabeth Karungi has been dragged to High Court in Kampala for allegedly poisoning a parliamentary receptionist. Court documents indicate that on September 1st 2018 at cafe Pap restaurant at parliamentary avenue, through a waitress, Karungi administered poison in a mineral water bottle to Donna Kamuli, whom she suspected of having an affair with her estranged husband Allan Kamugisha. Kamuli says on the fateful afternoon she got a call from the MP asking her to meet at the said restaurant to have a woman to woman talk. That while there ,the MP narrated to the Kamuli of how her husband Kamugisha is seeing a fairly young brown lady whom he picks from a hotel in Makerere Kikoni and drops her at Parliament . Kamuli contends that the MP disclosed to her that she had put a price of 20 million shillings for people to trail and kill that young woman who is distablizing her marriage. She says however immediately after taking the water, she experienced untold stomach ache prompting her to carry out a thorough medical check up and examination at the Government analytical laboratory and it showed out that a pesticide -Deltamethrin was administered in her drink . Now through her lawyer Ladislous Rwakafuuzi ; Kamuli now asks court to order MP Karungi to pay her damages for causing permanent damage to her intestines , eyes and the entire nervous system because according to medical orders the poisonous substance detected in (Kamulis) body has no cure . This guy called Adam Cooke linkedin.com/in/adam-cooke-753b13171 sent me these messages: Hello. .hope you are fine today? My name is Adam Cooke. I love your profile and would like to get acquainted with you. Am a Portfolio Fund Management Consultant working and residing in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Uk. I solicit for your partnership and co-operation in a business investment program of mutual benefit. If interested, kindly send me your email id. so that i will email you details of the business investment plan or you contact me through my email { ddf.bett@gmail.com }, it' s important and urgent. Adam Cooke ddf.bett@gmail.com > Date: Tue, Oct 23, 2018, 11:13 PM Subject: Re: Business investment program from Adam Cooke From:Date: Tue, Oct 23, 2018, 11:13 PMSubject: Re: Business investment program from Adam Cooke In lieu of our communication on Linkedin regarding my intention of seeking a reliable partner for a joint business investment program, i must say am pleased to create an acquaintance with you. My name is Adam Cooke, I' m a Portfolio Fund Management Consultant from Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK. I feel obliged writing this mail to you. Do accept my apology if this mail does not suit your personal or business ethics, considering the fact that there wasn' t earlier information regarding my mail. I ' m establishing direct communication with you soliciting for your partnership and co-operation in a business investment financial program. My idea is targeted at partnering with someone, individuals and corporate bodies alike in great business opportunities. I am currently seeking means of building business interest in any of the Following sectors: banking, real estate, stock speculation and mining, crude oil, transportation, health care, tourism, manufacturing, agriculture, tobacco etc. More so, I am willing to facilitate and fund any already existing business or new business that is capable of generating 5% to 10% Annual Return on Investment (AROI). If you think you have a solid background and idea of making good profit in any of the above mentioned business sectors or any other profitable business at your country, kindly revert to me on Email: { Thank you for your time and attention. Best regards, Adam. Hello,In lieu of our communication on Linkedin regarding my intention of seeking a reliable partner for a joint business investment program, i must say am pleased to create an acquaintance with you. My name is Adam Cooke, I' m a Portfolio Fund Management Consultant from Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK. I feel obliged writing this mail to you. Do accept my apology if this mail does not suit your personal or business ethics, considering the fact that there wasn' t earlier information regarding my mail.I ' m establishing direct communication with you soliciting for your partnership and co-operation in a business investment financial program. My idea is targeted at partnering with someone, individuals and corporate bodies alike in great business opportunities. I am currently seeking means of building business interest in any of the Following sectors: banking, real estate, stock speculation and mining, crude oil, transportation, health care, tourism, manufacturing, agriculture, tobacco etc.More so, I am willing to facilitate and fund any already existing business or new business that is capable of generating 5% to 10% Annual Return on Investment (AROI).If you think you have a solid background and idea of making good profit in any of the above mentioned business sectors or any other profitable business at your country, kindly revert to me on Email: { ddf.bett@gmail.com }, for possible business co-operation.Thank you for your time and attention.Best regards,Adam. Adam Cooke ddf.bett@gmail.com > Date: Thu, Oct 25, 2018, 12:05 AM Subject: Re: Details of the business-Your feedback awaited From:Date: Thu, Oct 25, 2018, 12:05 AMSubject: Re: Details of the business-Your feedback awaited Greetings Dear, I am in acknowledgement of your email response towards the business investment program. Actually, as a Portfolio Fund Manager, there is some fund under my discretion which i would want to entrust to your care under mutual trust and confidence for business investment partnership with you. I seek your partnership to invest this fund in any of the under listed business investment option {banking, real estate, stock speculation and mining, crude oil, transportation, health care, tourism, manufacturing, agriculture, tobacco, etc.} or any other new business sector in your country or any part of the world which you are certain is capable of generating 5% to 10% Annual Return on Investment (AROI). The fund amount for the investment plan is $25,000,000.00 USD (Twenty Five Million United States Dollars) which i presume will probably be enough to set up any business. The fund is a dormant investment fund which I managed for a Syrian oil business magnet before his demise. The fund is well secured and insured in a finance institution here in UK and needs a reliable investor who is capable and ready to invest the funds in good profitable business sector. I chose you to assist me invest the fund following the fact of my poor knowledge of commercial investments and for that reason, i decided to involve you to guide me and handle the investment directly. At the end of every business year, we shall set aside the Annual Profit, we remove 20% of the Annual Profit for/as running cost of the business investment, then we share the remaining 80% evenly i.e 40% for you and 40% for myself, then we reinvest the main principle amount being $25,000,000.00 USD (Twenty Five Million United States Dollars). You as the active partner will be solely responsible to draw the business investment plan where we shall invest the fund, as i will not be involved in drawing the business investment plan following my poor knowledge of business investments. This project is 100% risk free but needs confidentiality. I need an investor who is transparent, direct, serious minded and dedicated. I need an investor who will represent me anywhere in this project. I will change all documents of deposit in your name as soon as you are confirmed my potential investor. Having been well intimated on the details of the business investment program, if you are still willing to forge ahead with me and invest this fund wisely, do get back to me asap and indicate your ability on how you will manage and utilize this fund valued at $25M USD (Twenty Five Million United States Dollars) in your country or perhaps at any part of the world. My particulars are as states: Name: Adam Cooke Profession: Portfolio Fund Manager Age: 53 years Nationality: Irish Country of resident: Northern Ireland, United Kingdom Phone: +447742823334 Finally, I am counting on your sense of confidentiality, as it is my desire that you keep this business to yourself. Thanks for your understanding co-operation. I would appreciate your prompt feedback. Best regards, Adam. Adam Cooke ddf.bett@gmail.com > Date: Fri, Oct 26, 2018, 11:35 PM Subject: Re: Next step forward/Requirements for the investment progress From:Date: Fri, Oct 26, 2018, 11:35 PMSubject: Re: Next step forward/Requirements for the investment progress Hello dear, I am pleased to receive your email indicating your willingness to partner with me in this profitable venture. Firstly, you must agree with me that every life event or activity has phases/stages through which it is attained, as such, we must first focus on the first phase of this business program. Now, the first phase of this business program is to ensure that the fund for the business investment program is made available at your disposal there as my liaison partner for without the fund in hand we cannot start off anything. Once i successfully oversee from here that the fund for the business investment program is moved down to your country, i will then fly down there for further dialogue with you in lieu of investing the fund proper. I want to inform you that this very investment program is 100% genuine and risk free, what I only need from you is your trust and willingness to finalize this very deal with me, so that you will not sit or betray me at the conclusion of this very deal. You know am doing this very deal in an unflinching confidence and for the feasibility study of it's success. More so, I must let you know that we have little time to carry out this business investment program, thus, this business must take precedence over every other of your engagements until we accomplish our goal. At this stage, to enable us proceed with the processing of the release of the business investment fund in your name from the fund paying financial institution, i will like you to provide me with the below details, so that I can through my attorney forward it to the appropriate authority for securing the necessary legalities and documents for the onward release and transfer of the fund to you. The required personal information are: Your Full Name (surname first). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Contact Address. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Country. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Private Phone number. . . . . . . . Date of Birth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marital Status. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Occupation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I wish to reassure you once again that this transaction is 100% risk free and there is nothing to worry about as I have put in place all modalities to ensure a hitch free transaction, rather confidentiality must be your watchword as regards this transaction. I sincerely hope you will oblige with my modalities of this transaction to ensure a successful completion of this project. Feel free to ask me questions via my direct line +447742823334 or email me at anytime so that we can dialogue any issue relating to building a good long lasting business relationship. Hope to hear from you soon with the needful information. Kind regards, Adam. Adam Cooke ddf.bett@gmail.com > Date: Sat, Oct 27, 2018, 10:50 AM Subject: Re: Sign the attached agreement and submit back immediately with your ID-Proof From:Date: Sat, Oct 27, 2018, 10:50 AMSubject: Re: Sign the attached agreement and submit back immediately with your ID-Proof Dear , How are you today? Hope well? Like the saying goes, good planning is the only way to ensure a successful project and you ought to have understood that I have perfectly planned for the success of this undertaking. I wish to inform you that my business representative Attorney has finally secured an Agreement Letter today. In scanned attachment is a Power of Attorney Agreement Letter, kindly download and print out, then you sign in the space provided for you, and return it to me, so that my Attorney will go to the BANK here in London, United Kingdom to submit it with an authorization letter, for the processing release of the business investment fund to you in your name. Please am still begging you in God's name, don' t betray me because it will hurt me so much. so let's work with truth and love. I will be here to guide you and back you up until fund release approval of the business investment fund is secured in your name from the fund paying bank here in Uk, then I will immediately put a resignation letter and retire from my work because am not getting any younger anymore, and board a flight to meet you face to face in your country, for investing of the fund proper in the agreed business investment sector, upon your directives. Once you sign the attached Power of Attorney Agreement which is the paramount prerequisite that will legally empower you as the beneficiary to the business investment fund, kindly scan it and submit back immediately alongside with any of your Proof of Identity which can be either Your scanned work ID-CARD or Passport and send to me through E-mail ONLY, once am in receipt of it, I will immediately forward it to my Attorney Barrister Paul Franklin. I have trust in you as you have promised not to betray me in the end of this very transaction, I believe you. In my next communication to you, after you must have signed the attached document and submitted back with your scanned id-proof, i will then direct you on how you will establish communication to the fund paying bank for the processing of the business investment fund release to you in your name. I await your return e-mail with the signed document and your scanned id-proof for us to proceed immediately without much wasting of time or delay because I want this very transaction to be concluded within the shortest possible time frame unfailingly by special grace of God. Best regards, Adam. Adam Cooke ddf.bett@gmail.com > Date: Sat, Oct 27, 2018, 7:41 PM Subject: Re: Contact the HSBC Bank immediately for the fund release in your favour From:Date: Sat, Oct 27, 2018, 7:41 PMSubject: Re: Contact the HSBC Bank immediately for the fund release in your favour I am in acknowledgment your return email with enclosed scanned ID-Proof and duly signed agreement. Well, at this point I'm confident moving forward with you in this business project and having you as my confident liaison partner there at your country. I have forwarded the signed agreement and your scanned id-proof alongside with your earlier submitted bio data to the fund release bank, HSBC Bank Plc. here in London through my business representative attorney, Barrister Paul Franklin, for his legal representation in your behalf at the HSBC Bank here in London for the authorization of the fund release to you in your favour and he has also reported back to me that things are working progressively as planned in your favour in lieu of the fund release to you in your name. At this stage, you are required to use the below File Number to contact the HSBC Accounts Executive Director by Email, so that he will acknowledge and endorse the same to start the processing of the immediate fund release in your favour, which will be executed within 2-3 banking days. Below are the coordinates of the Accountant, Head of Foreign Operations, HSBC Bank Plc. London. HSBC BANK PLC 28 Borough High Street, London SE1 1YB, United Kingdom Internet Banking CONTACT US: +44 1792 496 941 TELEPHONE BANKING: +44 1226 260 878 Chief Executive/Manager: Mr. John Flint UK/0800 032 1770; www.hsbc.co.uk Email: {inte.hsbc@accountant.com } File Number: HSBC/UK/281200-1458 It is also imperative to inform you that this fund will not be transferred directly to your Bank Account at your country through bank to bank electronic transfer because considering the magnitude of fund involved compared to your government' s strict Cash control policy, we gathered that if this fund transfer is expedited through Bank to Bank from here in UK to your Bank account there at your country, we stand high risk of getting the fund confiscated by your government once it hits your bank account. Moreover, here in London, United Kingdom there are strict laws governing the release of fund from UK especially when it exceeds A500,000.00 GBP. In this instance the fund in question being a huge amount of fund, must definitely attract very high VAT (Value Added Tax) on the fund from the British government. Thus, having considered all the hurdles/risk surrounding bank to bank wire transfer, my attorney and I in collaboration with the fund paying bank liaised on a more secured, easy and safer means to move this fund through the ATM PREPAID MASTERCARD mode of fund release. At this instance, once the bank releases the $25M USD in your favour at the due time of the fund approval, every other formalities shall follow suite and they will CREDIT the whole fund into their ATM Prepaid MasterCard and then dispatch it to you at your country of resident address, through their attache accredited security courier agency, without any worries because they will have all immunity license that will cover the ATM Parcel, without any odds or disadvantages. Furthermore, the ATM MasterCard will contain an INTERNET Banking Login for Mobile transfers. As soon as, the total fund is credited by the HSBC Bank of London into their ATM MASTERCARD, they will deliver it to you alongside with the Statement of Account, the ATM MasterCard PIN, all duly packaged in a Parcel and delivered to you at your country of resident address by their attache accredited security courier agency. Based on candid information gathered from the HSBC Bank, the withdrawal limit of the MASTERCARD per day is $50,000 USD because it will be upgraded to an International MasterCard Standard. The HSBC Bank will also activate the ATM INTERNET BANKING for you whereby you can use your mobile phone to make a daily transfer of $80,000 USD - $250,000 USD to your local bank account in your country or any designated account anywhere in the world. The ATM Prepaid MasterCard system of fund release is 100% legal and risk free and there is nothing to worry about as I have put in place all modalities to ensure a hitch free transaction. It is a fair means of CASH TRANSFER without any risk attached on either on your part or on my part, which will be executed under official and legal norms of the IMF that will protect us from any breach of the law now and in future, so be rest assured that I have perfectly planned for the success undertaking of this deal. . Contact the bank now on Email: {inte.hsbc@accountant.com }, as i have instructed you and keep me posted once you have done that. May God bless you and your family in Jesus name, Amen. . Best regards, Adam. Dear ,I am in acknowledgment your return email with enclosed scanned ID-Proof and duly signed agreement. Well, at this point I'm confident moving forward with you in this business project and having you as my confident liaison partner there at your country. I have forwarded the signed agreement and your scanned id-proof alongside with your earlier submitted bio data to the fund release bank, HSBC Bank Plc. here in London through my business representative attorney, Barrister Paul Franklin, for his legal representation in your behalf at the HSBC Bank here in London for the authorization of the fund release to you in your favour and he has also reported back to me that things are working progressively as planned in your favour in lieu of the fund release to you in your name.At this stage, you are required to use the below File Number to contact the HSBC Accounts Executive Director by Email, so that he will acknowledge and endorse the same to start the processing of the immediate fund release in your favour, which will be executed within 2-3 banking days.Below are the coordinates of the Accountant, Head of Foreign Operations, HSBC Bank Plc. London.HSBC BANK PLC28 Borough High Street, LondonSE1 1YB, United KingdomInternet Banking CONTACT US: +44 1792 496 941TELEPHONE BANKING: +44 1226 260 878Chief Executive/Manager: Mr. John FlintUK/0800 032 1770; www.hsbc.co.ukFurthermore, the ATM MasterCard will contain an INTERNET Banking Login for Mobile transfers. As soon as, the total fund is credited by the HSBC Bank of London into their ATM MASTERCARD, they will deliver it to you alongside with the Statement of Account, the ATM MasterCard PIN, all duly packaged in a Parcel and delivered to you at your country of resident address by their attache accredited security courier agency. Based on candid information gathered from the HSBC Bank, the withdrawal limit of the MASTERCARD per day is $50,000 USD because it will be upgraded to an International MasterCard Standard. The HSBC Bank will also activate the ATM INTERNET BANKING for you whereby you can use your mobile phone to make a daily transfer of $80,000 USD - $250,000 USD to your local bank account in your country or any designated account anywhere in the world. The ATM Prepaid MasterCard system of fund release is 100% legal and risk free and there is nothing to worry about as I have put in place all modalities to ensure a hitch free transaction. It is a fair means of CASH TRANSFER without any risk attached on either on your part or on my part, which will be executed under official and legal norms of the IMF that will protect us from any breach of the law now and in future, so be rest assured that I have perfectly planned for the success undertaking of this deal. .Contact the bank now onas i have instructed you and keep me posted once you have done that. May God bless you and your family in Jesus name, Amen. .Best regards,Adam. Adam Cooke ddf.bett@gmail.com > Date: Sat, Oct 27, 2018, 10:04 PM Subject: Re: Thanks for the update From:Date: Sat, Oct 27, 2018, 10:04 PMSubject: Re: Thanks for the update Thanks for the update . Keep me posted as you received further email correspondence from the bank. Adam. Dear , HSBC BANK PLC. LONDON UK inte.hsbc@accountant.com > Date: Sat, Oct 27, 2018, 10:29 PM Subject: Re: FROM HSBC BANK From:Date: Sat, Oct 27, 2018, 10:29 PMSubject: Re: FROM HSBC BANK HSBC BANK PLC 28 Borough High Street, London SE1 1YB, United Kingdom Internet Banking: +44 1792 496 941 Telephone Banking: +44 1226 260 878 UK/0800 032 1770; www.hsbc.co.uk Dated: 27th October, 2018 Dear customer, We are delighted to inform you that we received an application letter from Barrister Paul Franklin here in our office for the release of the sum of $25,000,000.00 USD (Twenty five million United States Dollars) only in your favor. The fund is still in our custody and it' s placed in an Escrow account here in HSBC Bank Plc. London, United Kingdom, waiting for release approval. We will need the below credentials before we can proceed in releasing the money to you. Reconfirm to us with your detailed information so that we can correspond it with the one that is being sent to our office here to enable us open an ATM Account and INTERNET Banking Account in your name, and also release the Login Details to you, so as to enable you have access to withdrawals from your ATM MasterCard aswel as make transfers of your fund to any designated Bank Account of your choice anywhere in the world. Full name:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Address:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . State:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Country:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mobile number:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marital status:. . . . . . . . . Date of birth:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thus, once we confirm your status as the true beneficiary to the fund, we will issue immediate direct order for the release process of the fund starting from the time of the receipt of your credentials as requested above, which will be released to you via our ATM MasterCard. Thanks for being with us. Sincerely, Mr. John Flint Chief Executive Director Working Days: Monday to Friday. Time: 9am to 4pm Saturday Banking: 10am to 4pm = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = DISCLAIMER This email and any attachments are confidential and may also be privileged. If you are not the addressee, do not disclose, copy, circulate or in any other way use or rely on the information contained in this email or any attachments. If received in error, notify the sender immediately and delete this email and any attachments from your system. Emails cannot be guaranteed to be secure or error free as the message and any attachments could be intercepted, corrupted, lost, delayed, incomplete or amended. HSBC Bank Plc. London and its subsidiaries do not accept liability for damage caused by this email or any attachments and may monitor email traffic. Adam Cooke ddf.bett@gmail.com > Date: Sat, Oct 27, 2018, 11:53 PM Subject: Re: Thanks for the update-keep it up From:Date: Sat, Oct 27, 2018, 11:53 PMSubject: Re: Thanks for the update-keep it up Dear , I thank you for your update message which shows that the bank have fully established communication with you regarding the processing of the fund release to you in your name. Do ensure to always keep me posted by forwarding to me detailed content of any future email message you will receive from the bank in lieu of the processing of the fund release in your favour, so that i will always guide you accordingly in your response to them in order to avoid any mistake from your side in your responses to them which may jeopardize the progress fruition of the fund release in your favour. God bless. Adam. HSBC BANK PLC. LONDON UK inte.hsbc@accountant.com > Date: Mon, Oct 29, 2018, 10:28 AM Subject: Re: FROM HSBC BANK From:Date: Mon, Oct 29, 2018, 10:28 AMSubject: Re: FROM HSBC BANK HSBC BANK PLC 28 Borough High Street, London SE1 1YB, United Kingdom Internet Banking: +44 1792 496 941 Telephone Banking: +44 1226 260 878 UK/0800 032 1770; www.hsbc.co.uk Dated: 29th October, 2018 Dear We acknowledge the submission of your detailed information as requested for the processing release of your fund. We are also delighted to inform you that we have concluded our validation process of your data alongside with all the files forwarded to us in your favour regarding the release of your fund and have found everything about you satisfactory. We shall credit your fund in an ATM MasterCard which will be completed within 2-3 banking days. Once we finish crediting your fund into the ATM MasterCard, we will package it with the Statement of Account, ATM MasterCard Pin and all the fund release document and then courier the parcel to you at your designated country of resident address at Iran. Once you receive the parcel, you must then follow the Manual instructions for withdrawals and Telephone Banking Transfers. The daily withdrawal limit of the MASTERCARD is $50,000 USD, because it's an International MasterCard. We shall also activate your E-Banking and Telephone Banking as well, to enable you dial *112*1# from your mobile Phone and follow the voice prompt, so that you can make a Transfer limit of $80,000 USD - $500,000.00 USD to any designated Bank Account of your choice anywhere around the world. Attached to this letter is a scanned copy of our ATM Banking Application Form, download and print it out, then carefully fill it up with pen accordingly and then scan and return it back to us through email within the next 72 hours, to enable us process the form immediately for the commencement of your fund crediting into the ATM MasterCard. Thanks for being with us. Sincerely, Mr. John Flint Chief Executive Director Working Days: Monday to Friday. Time: 9am to 4pm Saturday Banking: 10am to 4pm = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = DISCLAIMER This email and any attachments are confidential and may also be privileged. If you are not the addressee, do not disclose, copy, circulate or in any other way use or rely on the information contained in this email or any attachments. If received in error, notify the sender immediately and delete this email and any attachments from your system. Emails cannot be guaranteed to be secure or error free as the message and any attachments could be intercepted, corrupted, lost, delayed, incomplete or amended. HSBC Bank Plc. London and its subsidiaries do not accept liability for damage caused by this email or any attachments and may monitor email traffic. ATM PREPAID APPLICATION FORM (To be filled in by the Applicant in Block Letters) Date: PERSONAL DETAILS Surname: First Name: .. Monthly Salary#: . Yearly Income#: ... Date of Birth: Occupation: . Sex/Gender: ... . Marital Status: ... . Residential Address: ... .. . State of Origin: Nationality: .. .. ... TELEPHONE BANKING ALERTZ Receive notification of transactions made on your accounts by filling in the below spaces (Deposits and withdrawals). SMS Number:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Email: . DECLARATION I Mr . .. confirmed that the above details are accurate and correct, the Bank is authorized to execute their duties as I have provided my information to them by the signature herewith without any contradictions. Date: ...Beneficiary Signature FOR BANK USE ONLY VERIFIED BY AUTHORISED BY Name: .. Name: ... Signature: Signature: .. Employee No: . Employee No: TERMS AND CONDITIONS 1. Remitting Bank shall not be liable for any loss of damage arising or resulting from delay in transmission delivery or non-delivery of Electronic message or any mistake, omission, or error in transmission or delivery thereof or in deciphering the message from any cause whatsoever or from its misinterpretation received or the action of the designated Bank or any act or even beyond control. 2. All payment instructions should be extensively checked by the remitter. 3. Messages received after cut-off time will be sent in the next batch. Adam Cooke ddf.bett@gmail.com > Date: Mon, Oct 29, 2018 at 10:55 AM Subject: Re: Fill up the form and submit back to the bank From:Date: Mon, Oct 29, 2018 at 10:55 AMSubject: Re: Fill up the form and submit back to the bank Dear , Am in acknowledgement of your update message from the bank in lieu of the processing of the fund release in your name. I urge you to proceed and fill up the ATM Prepaid Application form immediately and submit back to the bank with your photo affixed at the top right column of the form , as they demanded, in order to enable them commence the processing of the fund release. Kindly leave blank any column you are not too sure of the information to fill in, in order to avoid any mistake from your side which may possibly jeopardize the progress fruition of the fund release in your name. Keep me posted once you submit the form back to them accordingly as required. Best regards, Adam. 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.... A large-scale, long-term experiment on kelp forests off Southern California brings new insight to how the biodiversity of coastal ecosystems could be impacted over time as a changing climate potentially increases the frequency of ocean storms. Researchers at the University of Virginia and the University of California, Santa Barbara experimentally mimicked the loss of undersea giant kelp forests at four locations off the coast of Santa Barbara and found that increasing storm frequency - as predicted by some climate change models - could dramatically alter the ratios and types of sea life that live along the California coastline. "We found that the frequency of disturbance was the most important factor influencing kelp forest biodiversity, whereas the severity of disturbance in a given year played a minor role," said lead researcher Max Castorani, a professor of environmental sciences at UVA. The study appears online Oct. 30 in the journal Ecology, and comes as scientists are trying to anticipate the ecological consequences of a changing climate. It is among the few long-term experiments to look into how kelp forests, which are major coastal marine habitats throughout the world, could change over time if climate model predictions play out in nature as many scientists expect. Some climate forecasts indicate that storm frequency and severity will increase, as already is happening in some regions. To arrive at their findings, the researchers counted and measured more than 200 species of plants, invertebrates and fishes in large experimental and control kelp forests off Santa Barbara every three months over a nine-year period. They found that annual disturbances where kelp forests were experimentally cut back and reduced year-after-year, as happens during severe winter storms involving large waves, resulted in a doubling of smaller plants and invertebrates attached to the seafloor (algae, corals, anemones, sponges), but also resulted in 30 to 61 percent fewer fish and shellfish, such as clams, sea urchins, starfish, lobsters and crabs. "Our findings surprised us because we expected that a single severe winter storm would result in big changes to kelp forest biodiversity," Castorani said. "Instead, the number of disturbances over time had the greatest impact because frequent disturbances suppress the recovery of giant kelp, with large consequences for the surrounding sea life." As the largest of all algae, giant kelp grows up to 100 feet from the sea floor to the water's surface, creating a dense canopy, much like a terrestrial forest, that provides shading and shelter to organisms farther down in the water column and on the sea bottom. When the forest is destroyed by a large storm, the "understory" becomes brighter with sunlight, but is less physically complex and productive overall, affecting the balance of species diversity. While it is normal for this to periodically happen when large offshore storms drive destructive waves to the coastline, the forests typically recover rapidly. But greater frequency of storms would repeatedly hamper recovery, eventually resulting in vastly altered marine life. Climate change forecasts predict increases in the frequency and severity of storms over the coming decades, potentially resulting in profound changes to kelp forest biodiversity, as the new study suggests. The repeated loss of giant kelp creates ecological "winners and losers," Castorani said. "Understory" creatures - the seaweeds, sponges, anemones and sea fans - are more likely to thrive, while several commercially and recreationally desirable fishes, crabs, lobsters, whelks and clams could decline. The experiment was conducted at the National Science Foundation's Santa Barbara Coastal Long-Term Ecological Research site. The NSF funds numerous long-term research projects around the world designed to gain a big-picture view of changes to ecosystems over decades and beyond. "It's a significant finding that the severity and frequency of disturbances influence kelp bed communities in different ways," said David Garrison, a director of the NSF's Long-Term Ecological Research program, which funded the study. "We need this kind of research to predict what future kelp bed communities will look like, and what ecosystem services they will provide." Castorani said the nine-year study demonstrates the value of long-term ecological research for understanding environmental change as it occurs, like viewing a film of the environment rather than taking a snapshot that captures only a moment in time. "Much of the focus of prior research has been on the response to a single event, but our new experiment shows the importance of studying repeated disturbances over many years," he said. "We would not have been able to understand the ecology of this system without the long-term support of NSF's LTER program." ### In addition to his research in California, Castorani also conducts studies of biodiversity at UVA's Anheuser-Busch Coastal Research Center, located on Virginia's Eastern Shore, where NSF has long funded a Long-Term Ecological Research project at The Nature Conservancy's Virginia Coast Reserve since 1987. Photo credit: David McNew - Getty Images From Popular Mechanics The United States already uses its unmatched fleet of cargo planes to project its influence and move its forces across the globe. But what if they did the same thing with rockets? Thanks to the emergence of the American private space industry, the United States Air Force can consider a wild-sounding possibility: rocket launches that blast cargo into space to land anywhere in the world within half an hour. Last week, at a military conference outside Dallas, Air Force officials confirmed that the service has met with private space companies to discuss the possibility. They have talked about moving cargo in space, and weve sat down with SpaceX and had that discussion, Gen. Maryanne Miller, the commander of Air Force Material Command, told reporters. Apparently sensing the joy she'd stirred in our hearts, she immediately added, but its really just discussion at this point. She also pointed out that the Pentagon hasnt yet put any money on the table. We wont commit any resources, she said. But weve committed to work with them to see how quickly they progress." With Blue Origin and Virgin Orbital also discussing the militarization of their suborbital launch hardware, the possibility of this idea making it to reality is legitimate. And that's exciting. Virgin head Richard Branson even made an appearance at the conference. The Case for Space The argument for cargo delivery by space starts with speed. A C-5 aircraft can carry 150 tons of supplies to the other side of the globe in 10 hours, which is pretty impressive. But a rocket could launch a capsule that delivers the same amount in half an hour. In cases of extreme emergencies-for example, moving antidotes for toxic weapons, replacements for damaged gear, or a fresh load of ammunition-speed equals saved lives and successful missions. The U.S. Air Force already has the relevant experience. It manages not only satellite launches and orbital traffic, but also the American arsenal of nuclear ICBMs. While you may not immediately think of them this way, intercontinental ballistic missiles are spacecraft. They cruise along a ballistic trajectory higher than the International Space Station that can drop them anywhere in the world in a half hour, and they can be reprogrammed to hit new targets in minutes. So delivering supplies by rocket is actually just a small twist on what the Air Force can do now-albeit without the nuclear warheads. Story continues The cargo rockets would be larger than ICBMs to carry heavier loads. The Air Force has said the SpaceX Big Falcon Rocket, currently in development, would be one option to replace a C-5 mission. In theory, the U.S. could eventually create a network of prepositioned supplies at spaceports, ready for quick packaging into a spacecraft. As for recovery, the math of a ballistic launch can already place capsules and warheads with dependable accuracy. The new craft would maneuver in atmosphere to make a pinpoint landing from space. This could take the form of capsules fixed with flight control surfaces for precision glides or steerable parachutes for more pinpoint landings. While the cost of launching rockets is daunting, so is the cost of running fleets of sophisticated cargo planes. With launch prices falling, particularly with air-launched rockets such as the ones Virgin offers, space delivery could be an emergency option that pays off. Millers predecessor, Gen. Carlton Everhart, said earlier this year that the cost estimates he had heard were in line with using and flying a C-5 Galaxy aircraft. From Commercial to Military The Pentagon traditionally issues its requirements for a system and then buys the hardware from the private space industry as exclusive operators. This is a more off-the-shelf approach to acquisition, one that leverages the creativity of the surging commercial launch industry to dominate space. So if this doesn't happen, we can take out or disappointment on private space company engineers. Whatever future exists for these systems seems to rest in their hands, says Todd Harrison, the director of the Aerospace Security Project at the think tank CSIS. And the possibilities don't end with cargo. "Companies like Blue Origin, SpaceX and Virgin are already developing suborbital spacecraft for commercial passengers," Harrison says. "Its not too much of a stretch to think that in 10 to 15 years, the military could ask these companies to adapt what they have already developed to serve military missions. One day, deployment could mean boarding a rocket. ('You Might Also Like',) (Adds quote, details) HONG KONG, Oct 30 (Reuters) - Airbus plans to deliver its delayed A330-900 aircraft to launch customer TAP Portugal "imminently", an executive with the European planemaker said on Tuesday. The 290-seat aircraft is part of the A330neo series - an upgrade of the A330 wide-body jet with new engines designed to blunt sales of the lightweight Boeing 787. A smaller 250-seat sister plane, the A330-800, is close to staging its first flight, Mark Pearman-Wright, head of leasing and investor marketing at Airbus, added while speaking at the Airline Economics conference in Hong Kong. Rolls-Royce said last week that it faced production delays with engines for the A330neo. Airbus and Boeing have been locked in a fierce battle for sales of relatively small wide-body jets like the A330neo, which has been struggling to win orders against the 787 Dreamliner. Airbus earlier this month said it had won an order from Kuwait Airways for eight A330-800s, which had been left without customers after Hawaiian Airlines defected to the Boeing 787. Some conference delegates said this may have been at the expense of at least part of its pending order for newer A350 aircraft. "Airbus may be ready to give up a few A350s to keep the A330 going," a leasing executive said, asking not to be named. Airbus has said the replacement cycle for earlier models of A330 aircraft, as they retire, will lift demand for the A330neo. Airbus is relying on the jet to continue a profitable but declining wide-body franchise and to keep commercial depth to an airframe that it needs to keep building for military customers. (Reporting by Tim Hepher; Editing by Sudip Kar-Gupta and Mark John) A whale leaps out of the water in what is called breaching, as seen from a whale watching boat operated by the Pacific Whale Foundation in the channel off the town of Lahaina on the island of Maui in Hawaii on Sunday, Jan. 23, 2005. Whale watching season in Hawaii is December to May, with peak season around January and February. An estimated 4,000 to 5,000 humpbacks migrate some 3,000 miles from the frigid North Pacific to warm Hawaiian waters to breed and calve. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon) Google is funding a new $25 million competition to encourage the development of artificial intelligence to address societal issues. The competition, called Google AI Impact challenge, is part of the companys new AI for Social Good program. In 2019, an international panel of reviewers will assess proposals that use AI to attack some of the worlds greatest social, humanitarian and environmental problems, the company wrote in a blog post today (Oct. 29). In addition to a portion of the $25 million pot, accepted proposals will receive Google Cloud credits for computing costs, as well as guidance from Google Cloud and DataKind, a data science nonprofit. You dont have to be an AI expert to apply. Google has released a guide to help identify projects that might be worthy of a prize, as well as examples of AI projects that fall within the scope of what Google is hoping to see. Past projects include a mobile app for detecting plant disease for farmers in Africa, and mapping fishing worldwide to create more sustainable policy. In addition to the competition, the company announced today a project for detecting humpback whales in recordings made over the last 15 years, meant to help marine researchers better understand whale populations and behaviors. Sign up for the Quartz Daily Brief, our free daily newsletter with the worlds most important and interesting news. (Bloomberg) -- Some Google employees are planning to walk out from their jobs because theyre dissatisfied with Chief Executive Officer Sundar Pichais response to a report about the companys handling of alleged sexual harassment by executives, according to people familiar with the matter. The workers are planning to leave their desks at the same time and gather. Timing of the protest is still being set, but it may happen on Thursday. The organizers have a list of requests for the company to consider. They declined to specify the demands, but one of the people said the requests aim to help anyone who might be affected by sexual harassment or power dynamics at work. The people asked not to be identified discussing a private matter. More than 200 Google engineers are participating, according to BuzzFeed, which reported the plans earlier on Monday. A Google spokesman didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. Pichai tried to reassure employees on Friday after the New York Times reported the company paid a $90 million exit package to Android chief Andy Rubin after a worker accused him of coercing her into performing oral sex in a hotel room in 2013. Rubin called the report a smear campaign and tweeted that he never coerced a woman to have sex in a hotel room. The newspaper said other executives also received lenient treatment after misconduct. The Times story was widely discussed within the company. Employees are upset, taking the claims seriously and expressing support for victims who are named, according to a person familiar with the discussions. Another Google employee said they had not yet seen evidence that Google has changed the way it deals with alleged executive misconduct. Google has updated its policy to require all vice presidents and senior vice presidents to disclose any relationship with a co-worker regardless of reporting line or presence of conflict, Pichai and vice president of people operations Eileen Naughton wrote in an email to staff on Thursday. They also said the company has terminated 48 people in the last two years for sexual harassment, including 13 who were senior managers and above. Story continues We want to assure you that we review every single complaint about sexual harassment or inappropriate conduct, we investigate and we take action, they added. (Updates with details from BuzzFeed report in third paragraph.) To contact the author of this story: Ellen Huet in San Francisco at ehuet4@bloomberg.net To contact the editor responsible for this story: Alistair Barr at abarr18@bloomberg.net For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com 2018 Bloomberg L.P. JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) Relatives numbed by grief provided samples for DNA tests to help identify victims of the Lion Air plane crash that killed 189 people in Indonesia, as accounts emerged Tuesday of problems on the jet's previous flight including rapid descents that terrified passengers. Hundreds of rescue personnel searched seas where the plane crashed, sending more than three dozen body bags to identification experts, while the airline flew dozens of grieving relatives to the country's capital, Jakarta. The 2-month-old Boeing 737 MAX 8 jet plunged into the Java Sea early Monday, just 13 minutes after taking off from Jakarta for an island off Sumatra. Its pilot requested clearance to return to the airport 2-3 minutes after takeoff, indicating a problem, though the cause is still uncertain. Aircraft debris and personal belongings including ID cards, clothing and bags found scattered in the sea were spread out on tarps at a port in north Jakarta and sorted into evidence bags. The chief of the police's medical unit, Arthur Tampi, said it has received dozens of body parts for identification and is awaiting results of DNA tests, expected to take 4-8 days. The disaster has reignited concerns about safety in Indonesia's fast-growing aviation industry, which was recently removed from European Union and U.S. blacklists. Two passengers on the plane's previous flight from Bali to Jakarta on Sunday described issues that caused annoyance and alarm. Alon Soetanto told TVOne the plane dropped suddenly several times in the first few minutes of its flight. "About three to eight minutes after it took off, I felt like the plane was losing power and unable to rise. That happened several times during the flight," he said. "We felt like in a roller coaster. Some passengers began to panic and vomit." His account is consistent with data from flight-tracking sites that show erratic speed, altitude and direction in the minutes after the jet took off. A similar pattern is also seen in data pinged from Monday's fatal flight. Safety experts cautioned, however, that the data must be checked for accuracy against the plane's "black boxes," which officials are confident will be recovered. Story continues Lion Air president Edward Sirait said there were reports of technical problems with the flight from Bali but they had been resolved in accordance with the plane manufacturer's procedures. The airline didn't respond to requests to verify a document purporting to be a Lion Air maintenance report, dated Sunday, that described inaccurate airspeed and altitude readings after takeoff. In a detailed post online, Indonesian TV presenter Conchita Caroline, who was on Sunday's flight, said boarding was delayed by more than an hour and when the plane was being towed, a technical problem forced it to return to its parking space. She said passengers sat in the cabin without air conditioning for at least 30 minutes listening to an "unusual" engine roar, while some children vomited from the overbearing heat, until staff faced with rising anger let them disembark. After the passengers waited on the tarmac for about 30 minutes, they were told to board again while an engine was checked. Caroline said she queried a staff member and received a defensive response. "He just showed me the flight permit that he had signed and he said the problem had been settled," she said. "He treated me like a passenger full of disturbing dramas even though what I was asking represented friends and confused tourists who didn't understand Indonesian." On Tuesday, distraught family members struggled to comprehend the sudden loss of loved ones in the crash of a new plane with experienced pilots in fine weather. Many went to a police hospital where authorities asked they provide medical and dental records and samples for DNA testing to help with identification of victims. Risko, who uses a single name, wept outside the building as he waited with relatives. "My father was onboard but we still don't know. We're still hoping for the best because there hasn't been an official statement from Lion Air. So we're still hoping for the best," he said. Experts from Boeing Co. were expected to arrive in Jakarta on Wednesday to help with the accident investigation, Indonesia's National Transportation Safety Committee said. The Transport Ministry has ordered an inspection of all Boeing 737 MAX 8 planes in Indonesia. Air accident investigator Ony Suryo Wibowo told a news conference that officials have only a small amount of information so far and don't know if it's correct. He implored the public to be patient. "To all Indonesian people, we are saddened and offer condolences but give us time to investigate why the plane crashed," he said. "Give us a chance to look deeply, to look at the whole problem, so the responsibility given to us by the government can be carried out." More than 800 people from multiple agencies are involved in the search, which was expanded Tuesday to a 15 nautical mile area. Specialist ships and remotely operated underwater vehicles have been deployed to search for the plane's hull and flight recorders. Search and Rescue Agency chief Muhammad Syaugi said search teams are going "all out" to locate the aircraft's fuselage. He has said he's certain it won't take long to locate the hull of the aircraft and its flight recorders due to the relatively shallow 30 meter (100 foot) depth of the waters where it crashed. The crash is the worst airline disaster in Indonesia since an AirAsia flight from Surabaya to Singapore plunged into the sea in December 2014, killing all 162 on board. Indonesian airlines were barred in 2007 from flying to Europe because of safety concerns, though several were allowed to resume services in the following decade. The ban was completely lifted in June. The U.S. lifted a decadelong ban in 2016. Lion Air, a discount carrier, is one of Indonesia's youngest and biggest airlines, flying to dozens of domestic and international destinations. Earlier this year it confirmed a deal to buy 50 new Boeing narrow-body aircraft worth an estimated $6.2 billion. It has been expanding aggressively in Southeast Asia, a fast-growing region of more than 600 million people. ___ AP journalists Andi Jatmiko and Ali Kotarumalos in Jakarta, Indonesia, contributed to this report. Former Fed Chair Janet Yellen and other big names in the financial regulatory space are expressing concern over the systemic risk of leveraged loans. Lenders will originate leveraged loans to companies looking to finance large transactions, such as a merger. Those lenders then bundle those loans into collateralized loan obligations, which are shopped and traded among investors as securities. Yellen recently told the Financial Times that she has seen a huge deterioration in lending standards in the $1.3 trillion market for leveraged loans, which has only expanded since the financial crisis. If we have a downturn in the economy, there are a lot of firms that will go bankrupt, I think, because of this debt, Yellen said. It would probably worsen a downturn. Former Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen told the Financial Times that she is concerned about the risk of leveraged lending. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/File Photo Yellen is not alone in flagging the leveraged loan market. In a September 2018 paper, the Bank for International Settlements published a report warning that as monetary policy normalizes, floating rates on leveraged loans could worsen borrowers debt coverage ratios and decrease the amount of loan recovery rates in the event of a downturn. Collateralized loan obligations, once seen as an attractive source of yield in a low-rate environment, have also seen their spreads tighten as the Fed steadily raises rates. An August report from Moodys said that leveraged finance is also suffering from deteriorating credit quality. Moodys added that leveraged loan recoveries would likely fall to 61% during the next downturn, compared to the average recovery rate of 77%, citing a growth in the number of lower-rated borrowers and changing preferences for leveraged loans over high-yield bonds. Borrowers prefer leveraged loan credit agreements over high-yield bond indentures. Credit: Moodys Investors Service This structural convergence between bonds and loans will have negative consequences for investors, including worse recoveries, when the markets turn, Moodys wrote. Worse recoveries = systemic risk? The Loan Syndications and Trading Association, an advocate group for leveraged loans, points out that collateralized loan obligations rated AA-rated or better have never defaulted, even during the crisis. People are jumping to conclusions by focusing on credit risk but not looking at much lower systemic risk, which does not support those conclusions, Elliot Ganz, general counsel of the LSTA, told Yahoo Finance. Story continues And even though the securitized structure for leveraged lending resembles the mortgage-backed securities model that contributed to the 2008 crisis, collateralized loan obligations and their underlying leveraged loans are high-risk by nature, meaning that investors are generally aware of the default risk they are signing up for. Shawn Thomas, a professor of finance at the University of Pittsburgh, said regulators should still keep a close eye on leveraged loans. From a regulatory standpoint these are the loans that are most worth monitoring and scrutinizing because we know if there is a downturn, the most leveraged companies are the most fragile and the ones that face distress the soonest, Thomas said. In 2013, Yellen and the two other bank regulators issued guidance that discouraged banks from underwriting loans with more than six times debt-to-EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization). But the Trump-appointed bank regulators have indicated interest in rescinding that numerical guideline. Comptroller of the Currency Joseph Otting said banks can do what they want with regard to leveraged lending, as long as they have sufficient capital. The Jerome Powell-led Fed has still expressed some interest in watching leveraged lending, Bloomberg reported. For her part, Yellen told the FT that she is worried about the changing attitude to broad financial regulation. There are a lot of weaknesses in the system, and instead of looking to remedy those weaknesses I feel things have turned in a very deregulatory direction, Yellen said. Brian Cheung is a reporter covering the banking industry and the intersection of finance and policy for Yahoo Finance. You can follow him on Twitter @bcheungz. Read more: A single word reveals how the Fed is thinking about the market rout Fed Vice Chair Quarles prefers more gradual rate hikes Prudential Financial to shed its post-crisis too big to fail label Indonesia ordered the inspection of all Boeing 737-MAX airliners on Tuesday as rescue teams recovered more victims from a brand new Lion Air jet that plunged into the sea with 189 people on board. On a Jakarta dockside, officials took up the grim task of separating human remains from plane debris and recovered personal effects, sending the body parts -- including from an infant -- to hospital for DNA testing. Stretched out along the dock was a growing collection of items plucked from the sea -- single shoes, torn pieces of clothing, wallets and bags scattered among aircraft seats stripped of their blue covers by the sheer impact of the crash. The Boeing-737 MAX, which went into service just a few months ago, crashed into the Java Sea off Indonesia's northern coast moments after it had asked to return to Jakarta on Monday. Flight JT610 sped up as it suddenly lost altitude and then vanished from radar 12 minutes after take-off, with witnesses saying the single-aisle jet plunged into the water. The accident has resurrected concerns about Indonesia's patchy air safety record which led to a now-lifted ban on its planes entering US and European airspace. On Tuesday Indonesia's transport minister ordered an inspection of all 737-MAX aircraft but he stopped short of grounding the new models. Dozens of divers were taking part in the recovery effort along with helicopters and ships. Authorities are trying to pinpoint the smashed jet's location and flight data recorders expected to be crucial to the crash investigation. - Grieving relatives - Scores of relatives thronged a hospital building being used for victim identification. "My daughter has no husband, my grandchild no longer has a father," a grieving Hari Setiyono said at the police hospital, referring to his missing son-in-law. Febby Mellysa had four relatives aboard the doomed jet, including her cousin, his wife and their five-year-old son. "We tried to call my cousin and his wife so many times, but their phone wasn't active," she told AFP. Story continues "The whole family is confused about what to do next." Indonesia's search and rescue agency said it was prioritising finding the main wreckage using sonar metal detectors, and all but ruled out finding any survivors from the high-impact crash in water some 30-40 metres deep. The plane was en route to Pangkal Pinang city, a jumping off point for beach-and-sun seeking tourists on nearby Belitung island, when it dropped out of contact around 6:30 am (2330 GMT). The pilot and co-pilot had more than 11,000 hours flying time between them and had undergone recent medical checkups and drug testing, the carrier said. Aviation experts said it was too early to determine what caused the accident. But investigators would look at everything from catastrophic mechanical failure and pilot error to weather conditions or unusual cockpit activity that could point to a hijacking or pilot suicide, they said. "Locating the so-called black boxes is most important now," said Terence Fan, an aviation expert at the Singapore Management University. "That should show how the aircraft and pilots actually behaved." On Monday, Lion Air acknowledged the plane had an unspecified technical issue fixed in Bali before it was flown back to Jakarta, calling it "normal procedure". Data from that flight suggested the plane may have flown erratically and a technical log circulating on social media pointed to different speed and altitude readings on the captain and first officer's instruments. - 'Critical system' - Lion maintenance staff would have consulted Boeing on how to fix any problem with the new jet's pitot-static system, which determines speed and altitude among other measurements, said Stephen Wright, an aviation expert at the University of Leeds. "It's a critical system -- you don't muck about with it... There are fixed procedures," he told AFP. On its last flight, the jet was travelling at a much faster speed than would be expected, but the pilot did not declare an emergency or attempt a water landing. "That might mean the plane was out of control," said aviation analyst Dudi Sudibyo. Boeing suspended release of the fuel-efficient 737 MAX just days before its first commercial delivery last year due to an issue with engines. Lion Air, Indonesia's biggest budget airline which has been engaged in huge expansion, announced earlier this year it was buying 50 Boeing 737-MAX 10 jets for $6.24 billion. It currently has 10 737-MAXs in its fleet while national carrier Garuda has one. In 2014, an AirAsia crash in the Java Sea during stormy weather killed 162 people. Lion has been involved in a number of incidents including a fatal 2004 crash and a collision between two Lion Air planes at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta airport. A string of fake news stories have been circulating about the crash, including one that falsely claims to show a baby who survived. By Julie Gordon and Scott DiSavino VANCOUVER/NEW YORK, Oct 30 (Reuters) - The delay of a U.S. Gulf Coast liquefied natural gas (LNG) export project has crystallized fears that the U.S. trade battle with China is hampering efforts to line up buyers needed to move ahead with multi-billion-dollar builds. The United States is positioning itself as the dominant provider of the supercooled fuel as Asian nations shift away from dirtier power sources like coal, and this month's approval of a giant Canadian project led by Royal Dutch Shell bolstered enthusiasm for the sector overall in North America. That optimism took a hit on Monday, when Australia's LNG Ltd delayed until next year a planned decision on whether to build its Louisiana-based Magnolia LNG plant due to problems lining up Chinese customers. And it comes when bankers and analysts in the sector had already questioned whether the next wave of projects in the pipeline would pass muster with investors. "Chinese LNG demand growth is the largest piece of demand growth out there, and Chinese buyers have got to feel reluctant to commit to U.S. capacity when the U.S. government sees trade as a means of exerting political leverage," said Bob Ineson, managing director of North American natural gas at IHS Markit. China set a 10 percent tariff on U.S. LNG imports last month, extending a trade scuffle in which U.S. President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on $250 billion worth of imported Chinese goods and China retaliated with duties on $110 billion worth of U.S. goods. China's LNG demand has skyrocketed in recent years on Beijing's pollution crackdown, with imports nearly tripling since 2015. Last year it overtook South Korea as the world's No. 2 importer of LNG. That boom, along with rising demand from other Asian nations, has helped gobble up an anticipated LNG glut and boosted spot prices to near four-year highs, breaking a multi-year freeze on new project investment. By the mid-2020s, global LNG demand is forecast to range from 360 million to 450 million tonnes, up from about 290 million tonnes in 2017. With China leading that growth, signing deals with its companies is viewed as imperative to get larger projects done. Story continues But the tariffs are having a chilling effect, according to two U.S. industry sources. China is not signing any long-term deals with U.S. projects until the spat is resolved, they said. That's not good news when there are at least six other new builds or expansions in North America on the cusp of a construction decision, with a handful more eyeing go-aheads by 2020, representing more than $100 billion worth of potential construction. The first wave of U.S. LNG projects was able to leverage underutilized infrastructure and cheap gas to get a foothold in what had been a closely held global market. But second-wave newcomers like Tellurian Inc, NextDecade Corp and Venture Global LNG face a range of challenges from financing to contract pricing to pipeline access, experts told Reuters. With so many horses in the race, big builds backed by established players or expansions of existing export facilities will likely fare better than upstarts. This favors energy giants like Shell, Exxon Mobil Corp and Qatar Petroleum, all of which have projects in the works, along with Cheniere Energy, the leading independent U.S. LNG company. Shell and its partners this month approved the C$40 billion ($31 billion) LNG Canada mega project, promising 14 million tonnes per annum of new capacity before 2025, with the option to double that output. "My instinct would tell me that the larger companies have the resources and relationships to get these things approved, because they're just enormous projects," said Charlie Cone, an LNG analyst with energy data firm Genscape. LNG Canada's chief executive, Andy Calitz, said last week that U.S. rivals could end up "dead in the water" as long as China keeps its tariff on U.S. imports. That could be a boon for Canada's tiny Woodfibre LNG on the west coast and Pieridae Energy Ltd's Goldboro LNG on the east coast. Non-Chinese buyers are also cautious about long-term deals due to changing trade policy, said IHS's Ineson. "This conflict could lead to many developers of U.S.-based projects missing this window," he said. ($1 = 1.3037 Canadian dollars) (Reporting by Julie Gordon in Vancouver and Scott DiSavino in New York Additional reporting by Jarrett Renshaw, David French and Jessica Resnick-Ault in New York, and Gary McWilliams in Houston Editing by Leslie Adler) Snacks and beverages giant PepsiCo has time and again been accused of over-exploiting water resources in India. The bottling plants of the fizzy-drink maker are said to be water guzzlers. Last year, the company, along with rival Coca-Cola, faced public protests in the southern state of Tamil Nadu over the issue. But as consumers across the world become increasingly concerned about what happens from farm to fork, food and beverage (F&B) companies are compelled to enable sustainable agricultural methods. At PepsiCo, Christine Daugherty heads a team tasked with ensuring responsible agriculture sourcing solutionsor using crops farmed through less resource-intensive methods. PepsiCo India has been sourcing large volumes of potato and rice for its brands such as Lays potato chips, Kurkure corn snack and Quaker Oats for close to three decades now. It works with over 24,000 farmers in states like Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Now it wants to take this a step further. The company has launched pilot programmes to digitise its supply chain by connecting the farming community with its in-house agronomists using tablet computers. This will help farmers manage their crops, and receive agriculture-related advice, besides helping the company monitor yields better. PepsiCo plans to invest $5 million (Rs36 crore) in its agriculture supply chain in India over the next few years. Quartz spoke to Daugherty, global vice-president for sustainable agriculture at PepsiCo, about the companys water usage and why consumers are pushing firms to be more transparent. How important is sustainability across various verticals of your company? Consumers today want to know where the food they consume is sourced from and even possibly connect to the farming community. So for PepsiCo, having that transparency is critical. And as part of our sustainable agriculture programme, if we are working closely with our farmers on good practices, then we have built that relationship with the farmer. We now know they are producing those products responsibly. For some of our products, we have to go through brokers and traders. We partner with them to make sure everyone along the value chain is producing responsibly. Story continues What kind of innovations do you plan to implement in your engagement with Indian farmers? Digitisation is something we are looking at in a big way. When we started sourcing from India, many years ago, we would rely on manual inputs. To transfer information (regarding crop requirements etc) to the farmer in a timely manner is really difficult when you have to physically write it down and get there. So now we are working with providing our in-house agronomists with tablets. We are in an advanced stage of implementing digitisation in agronomy, wherein all activities of the agronomists and all growers and contract farmers will come into a digitised system. So it gives a different level of reach in terms of managing crops and advising and monitoring crops. Beyond just digitisation, what are PepsiCos other innovation programmes involving Indian farmers? Our sustainable farming programme involves assessing farmer profiles and determining what the farmer needs to move him or her on to a professional scale. For India, we are now developing items such as training material, and more visuals and pictures, that talk about best practices in farming. Another thing we are doing here in India, as a pilot, is demonstration farming. Thats where we work with a lead farmer and then we bring in our other agro partnersirrigation equipment makers, pesticide firmsand in a section of their land we put forward the best practices and then invite surrounding farmers in the community to come and look. This is a pilot unique to India because of the number of small farm holders we work with here, they are also less mechanised here compared to various other markets. So what are your investments in agriculture going to be in India? By 2020 we will look to invest $5 million into the farming programmes (mentioned above). Over the next few years, climate change is likely to impact farmer income, especially in markets like India. What is PepsiCo doing to ensure the clusters it works with are safe? When we work with the agricultural supply chain, many of the sustainable farming practices have a direct relation to climate change. If we can improve soil health through better management practices, then those farmers will be more resilient when environmental factors change. It is part of our holistic programme. PepsiCo is a huge user of sugarcane, which is a water-intensive crop. Is PepsiCo doing anything to use better practices to reduce water usage? So as part of PepsiCos commitment by 2020, we plan to source cane through Bonsucro certification which is an (international) third-party standard for sustainably growing the sugarcane crop. This looks at practices such as water management, soil health etc. In India, the supply of the certified cane is not enough, and we are working to engage with those farmers so that they can become Bonsucro-certified. Sign up for the Quartz Daily Brief, our free daily newsletter with the worlds most important and interesting news. (Bloomberg) -- Just months after Uber Technologies Inc. persuaded a London judge to allow it to keep operating in the city, the ride-hailing company is back in court. At stake during two days of hearings at the Court of Appeal in London is an issue that could strike at the core of the U.K.s burgeoning gig economy: whether Ubers drivers are really self-employed. James Farrar and Yaseen Aslam, the Uber drivers spearheading the London case, say they should be classed as the companys workers, meaning theyre entitled to the minimum wage and vacation pay -- though they dont claim to be "employees," a category that wouldve given them even more rights such as parental leave. The case could have a big effect for everybody in the gig economy, according to James Murray, an employment lawyer at Kingsley Napley in London, who isnt involved in the hearing. If Uber is forced to treat drivers as workers, companies with similar models such as the Deliveroo food service may have to do the same, he said. A lower court erred when it found drivers were working at Ubers disposal just by being logged on to the app in the right place and ready and willing to accept trips, even if they arent on a trip, the company said in filings for Tuesdays hearing. Uber drivers havent agreed to perform any work or services for Uber, the companys attorney, Dinah Rose, told the judges. The contract between Uber and drivers is essentially a licensing agreement that allows drivers to use the companys app if they meet Ubers conditions, she said. At the Core Uber Chief Executive Officer Dara Khosrowshahi told reporters at a briefing last week that the lawsuit covers an issue thats at the core of the service. We think were in the right here but sometimes well have to go to court to preserve our rights, he said. If drivers were classed as workers they would inevitably lose some of the freedom and flexibility that comes with being their own boss, the San Francisco-based company said in a statement. Story continues Farrar, whos now stopped working for Uber, says thats a false choice. Setting up that distinction is the neatest trick the gig economy has pulled off, he said. I dont accept that trade-off and I dont think anybody should. The case is incredibly important because its going to be the case that sets the tone for the gig economy, said Paul Jennings, an attorney at the London-based law firm Bates Wells Braithwaite, which is representing Farrar and Aslam on a pro-bono basis. Mischief Ubers court filings said that if it had to recognize drivers as workers when they were logged on to the app, drivers could log on to rival ride-hailing firms apps at the same time as its own and claim the minimum wage from two or more app operators in respect of the same period of time. The suggestion that drivers could carry out such mischief is more theoretical than real, lawyers for Farrar and Aslam said in their court filings. If a driver tried to play the system by doing that, it should be treated as a discipline issue, they said. The risk that it could happen shouldnt be used to deny worker status to the vast majority of drivers who in good faith make themselves available to Uber. Two Defeats Uber, which has already lost two U.K. lower court rulings in the case, said that the most recent defeat was due to a fundamental misunderstanding of how we operate. Other lawsuits have found in favor of employment rights for those in the gig economy. The Uber case could be even more significant, however, because its app-based model is more typical of the industry, meaning the case could have wider consequences, according to Kingsley Napleys Murray. The U.K.s top court ruled in June that Pimlico Plumbers Ltd. should have treated a tradesman as a worker, giving him the right to vacation pay and to sue the company. In May, the U.K. car service Addison Lee lost an appeal in a case over drivers rights and in 2017 a London employment tribunal found a cycle courier working for CitySprint UK Ltd. was a worker. One Way The mood is going one way with the courts, and thats towards giving workers their rights, Murray said. Farrar and Aslam are whats known as test claimants whose cases have been chosen to represent an estimated 150 other drivers whove brought similar lawsuits. If Uber loses the case, those drivers will automatically also be entitled to back-pay for the minimum wage, Jennings said. On top of that, there could be class action-style cases by more drivers which potentially could be very, very large and very, very valuable, Jennings said. (Updates with details of court filings from 12th paragraph.) To contact the reporters on this story: Kaye Wiggins in London at kwiggins4@bloomberg.net;Nate Lanxon in London at nlanxon@bloomberg.net To contact the editors responsible for this story: Anthony Aarons at aaarons@bloomberg.net, Peter Chapman, Molly Schuetz For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com 2018 Bloomberg L.P. Aurora Cannabis Inc (TSE:ACB) is a company that focuses on Cannabis production. The business guru has its headquarters in Edmonton and already has the license to operate in about 18 countries. Polish Ministry of Health has approved the company to undertake its business activities in Poland .From now moving forward the company will be shipping medical cannabis to the country. A close outlook Reports indicate that currently Aurora is getting ready to make the first shipment of its goods. It ships the products to one of the hospitals in Warsaw and in a trusted pain treatment center in the country. Market observers gave a joint statement terming the move a major step forward .That was for the large number of patients struggling with serious medical conditions in the country. These analysts believe that the patients will take advantage of the opportunity to lead healthier lives. For the company, this is a new dawn. It is the first time the body grants a non-government run entity such an honor. The business guru hopes it will move about easily in its medical cannabis products distribution activities in Poland. The turn of events The Polish legislation has its terms well stipulated. It provides that physicians have the full rights to give medical cannabis prescriptions to patients. These patients can visit the nearest registered pharmacies to obtain the wide range of the companys products. The Head of Business Development for the company Maximilian Weinberg opined, We are thrilled to have successfully navigated the complexities of the Polish regulatory framework, and are proud to become the first company to supply a Polish hospital with medical cannabis. The official outlines that so far they have forged meaningful relationships with medical professionals, local foundations and wholesalers in Poland. It was also today that Aurora Cannabis disclosed that its shares plunged by about 15%. It was not the only one affected. Reports show that quite a significant number of the cannabis stocks declined over a period of one week. The company seeks to generate high revenues. It says that its move to buy more cannabis startups will help it achieve its set objectives. Yamana Gold Inc (NYSE:AUY) is a company that focuses on gold production activities. It carries out its business operations in Canada. The business guru today disclosed details regarding the sale of its Gualcamayo Mine. Yamanas and its business transactions Market observers applauded the business for its entry into its latest definitive purchase agreement. It is in this deal that Yamana sells out a huge deal of its interest in the Gualcamayo mine. Mineros S.A is the buyer of this mine situated in San Juan Province. Yamana seems quite flexible in its dealings with Mineros. It outlines that it is willing to let Mineros purchase interest of up to 51% from the La Pepa project. Mineros has the choice to make the purchase over a period of four years. Later on it could pay the remaining upon the pronouncement of the call option. The Sale Transaction in question provides immediate value and payments. It also provides future value and payments. The Company seeks to focus a great deal of its attention towards progressive projects and operations. It sees the certainty of the projects as a major factor to consider. This is certainty in terms of the capital requirements, longer life, costs and production. The Company acknowledges the two NSRs. It seeks to preserve a substantial upside value from the structure. A close outlook Yamanas third quarter results are impressive. The business guru unveiled these operational and financial results today outlining they will consider them in strategizing for the future. The substantial reduction in the non-cash accounting carrying value is something the company looks into with a lot of seriousness. The final figure stood at about $75.0 million factoring in the after-tax. Market observers supported the sale of this Gualcamayo mine in large numbers. Reports show that the company produced gold and copper in significant amounts from the mines. In fact, it harvested about 28.6 million pounds of copper. It ended up with 246,788 ounces of gold which is impressive. Yamana says that its yearly silver production guidance currently stands at about 7.55 million ounces .That is a decline considering that it initially stood at 8.15 million ounces. STORIES YOU MIGHT LIKE Images | Akorda Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev wrapped up his working trip to Almaty city with a visit to Alatau Creative Hub innovative center, the presidential press office said on Friday. Unveiled in December 2020, the center has everything in place to develop programming skills, creative potential and virtual art. It offers 25 study clubs catering to all tastes. During the visit, President Tokayev familiarized with the centers library, childrens game zone, a vocal studio, an IT laboratory, a multimedia center of traditional music and other amenities. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev chatted and posed for photos with employees and visitors of the center. In addition, akim (mayor) of Almaty city Bakytzhan Sagintayev reported to the President on the development of the citys transport system. German prosecutors have charged a 26-year-old former officer in Afghanistan's military with war crimes, alleging he played a role in the abuse of prisoners. The Federal Prosecutor's Office said in a statement on October 29 that the man, identified as Ahmad Zaheer D., is accused of presiding over the interrogation of three "enemy fighters" who had previously been captured in Afghanistan. He is alleged to have pulled one of the prisoners by the hair and punched him, while a soldier stood guard with an assault rifle. Another soldier is alleged to have hit a prisoner with a plastic pipe and to have knocked another to the floor and beaten him. It was not clear when and where the alleged abuse of the prisoners took place. The accused was arrested on October 25 in the southern German district of Ebersberg, near Munich, and has since been placed in pretrial detention. His apartment was also searched. Based on reporting by AP Both of Colorados major-party candidates for governor have made big bets on their own campaigns and they have the means to do it. But while its clear that Democrat Jared Polis and Republican Walker Stapleton are wealthy men, thanks to their business successes, they have refused to tell voters how wealthy and government rules dont make them. City Editor Tom Roeder is the Gazette's City Editor. In Colorado Springs since 2003, Tom has covered the military at home and overseas and has covered statehouses in Denver and Olympia, Wash. His main job, though, is being dad to two great kids. Two Colorado Springs Jewish congregations will hold a prayer vigil Monday night for the victims of the shooting in which 11 people were killed at a Pittsburgh synagogue. The vigil will feature prayers of healing for those victims who survived the attack and are still being treated for their wounds. All members of the community are welcome to attend the vigil, which will begin at 5:30 p.m., at at Temple Shalom, 1523 E. Monument St. Participants will include local clergy, elected officials, and other civic leaders. The planned Colorado Springs prayer vigil follows a Sunday night vigil at Temple Emanuel in Denver, which was attended by Governor John Hickenlooper and Denver Mayor Michael Hancock. Flags in Colorado have also been lowered in honor of those killed in Saturday's shooting. Hickenlooper says Colorado flags will remain at half-staff at public buildings through sunset on Wednesday. The Associated Press contributed to this report Hundreds of people of untold faiths Judaism, yes, but Islam and Christianity, too gathered under one synagogues roof Monday evening, calling for an end to the hate that left 11 people slain in another synagogue hundreds of miles away. Singing a mourners Kaddish, a crowd that spilled through the doorways of Temple Shalom in central Colorado Springs lamented the deadliest attack on Jews in the nations history. Their vigil marked the latest of countless held across the country, including one Sunday evening in Denver that drew more than 3,000 people, including Gov. John Hickenlooper. Mondays gathering was, at turns, a solemn call for peaceful unity and a rally against todays vitriolic political rhetoric. Many orators punctuated their tributes with calls to end the nations epidemic of gun violence, which has turned an ever-growing list of worship houses Christian churches, a Sikh temple and a synagogue into massacre sites. Flanked by a Christian minister and an Islamic leader, Rabbi Jay Sherwood repeated the same phrase again and again: We are stronger than hate. What an unbelievable show of community, said Sherwood, of Temple Shalom. Dozens of clergy members from myriad faiths offered a show of solidarity. Just days before the Pittsburgh synagogue attack Saturday, a man in Kentucky reportedly sought to commit a similar massacre at a predominantly black church. When no one was there, authorities say, he left and shot dead two black people shopping at a nearby Kroger store. The Rev. Ben Anderson of Solid Rock Christian Center praised the community for gathering in unity and in spirit, seeking an end to the drumbeat of mass shootings. We must continue to march toward love, Anderson said. Arshad Yousufi, spokesman for the Islamic Society of Colorado Springs, issued a call to action against such hate, reminding the hundreds before him of the similarities their faiths share. We should pray, but also along with the prayer, there should be this action, so we can convey a message of respect and tolerance and peace, Yousufi said. The prayer vigil came as anti-Semitic attacks are on the rise, along with an increase in public displays by white supremacists. In Colorado, anti-Semitic incidents rose from 18 in 2015 to 45 the following year and 57 last year, said Scott L. Levin, regional director of the Anti-Defamation League. The state is on track to roughly equal last years total. The incidents include assaults, verbal harassment and swastika graffiti, he said. The ADL also has counted about 50 public expressions from white supremacists this year, such as passing out leaflets or hanging banners on overpasses. Leaflets were circulated about two weeks ago at Pikes Peak Community College, as well as twice in September, once at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and again at Colorado College. Only a year ago, vandals hit Temple Beit Torah, where a swastika and other anti-Semitic messages including a Nazi salute were spray-painted on the synagogue. Several nearby cars, homes and buildings also were vandalized. For many, the massacre in Pittsburgh bore echoes of past persecution. The synagogue shootings came just two weeks shy of the 80th anniversary of Kristallnacht the infamous Night of Broken Glass when mobs in Nazi Germany rounded up and killed Jews, beginning the Holocaust, which resulted in the murders of about 6 million Jews. Daniel Schnees grandfather was in Germany when the violence erupted, and he survived the subsequent trip to a concentration camp before finding safety in America. Hearing of the shooting in the Pittsburgh synagogue immediately summoned fears of a return to that night. Eighty years ago, and yet here we sit again, and I have the uneasy feeling that we are in a similar crossroads in our country today as Germany was 80 years ago, said Schnee, president of Temple Shalom. Its unbelievable to think that thats true, but it is true. In a statement earlier Monday, Mayor John Suthers called the attacks disgusting acts of cowardice. His deputy chief of staff, Bret Waters, was just as blunt during the vigil. There is no place for hatred and discrimination here. Even so, for the local Jewish community, the attack invoked horrifying memories of the long history of persecution against Jews across the world. When you come to temple, you wonder if its going to happen, said Jeremy Loew, who has attended the synagogue for eight years. Its not unexpected. Leah Rachlis voice quaked as she described the attack. As a Jewish woman, a Jewish mother, a Jewish daughter, the horror of the Holocaust is ingrained in my being, said Rachlis, who has attended Temple Beit Torah for decades. My parents are first-generation Americans. All of my grandparents left Europe because of the atrocities there. My grief is for our community for my children and my childrens children and I have to stand up. Echoes of that lost sense of security were evident Monday evening. Several police officers patrolled the synagogues grounds during the service. Inside, Chief Pete Carey called for an end to the hate and violence, saying simply: Enough. I learned that as a family, a police department, a community or a nation, what we ignore or dont take seriously, we ultimately accept as part of our lives, Carey said. While no community is immune to hate or violence, we cant continue to accept it as a risk we live with each and every day. We will be relentless in our work to prevent these evil deeds and prosecute those that are responsible. In his experience, Colorado Springs has been welcoming toward the Jewish community, said Harold Eichenbaum, a nearly 50-year resident and a founding member of Temple Beit Torah. But all it takes is one depraved person to shatter it all, he said. I came here to be a part of the community and to mourn what went on, because it affects everyone all over the country, all over the world. Our lives will never be the same again. We dont know when theres going to be another crazy person. But, he was quick to clarify: Were not running scared. Surrounded by dozens of other religious leaders, local rabbis vowed to stand strong. Gathered before the hundreds keeping vigil, their arms over 11 white roses, they prayed together while the names of the 11 slain worshippers in Pittsburgh were read for everyone to hear. Their prayer ended with the names of the two people killed days earlier in Kentucky. In Pittsburgh, we had a madman seeking to destroy, seeking to kill, Schnee said. In this room, we have a gallery of people who come in peace, who go in peace and who will work for peace. -- EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been changed to reflect the correct relative of Schnee who survived the Holocaust, as well as the correct attribution for the final quote. Washington, DC, Oct. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Ninth Payer Exchange Summit on Oncology Payment Reform, hosted by the Community Oncology Alliance (COA), convenes today. The COA Summit series is a unique gathering of more than 200 cancer stakeholders who come together to share ideas that will advance meaningful oncology payment reform. Attendees include providers, payers, employers, employer health groups, policy makers, and industry leaders from across the cancer care system who are involved in ongoing payment and delivery reform efforts. They will discuss barriers to value-based care, strategies for overcoming them, and how the community oncology system can better work together to implement system-wide payment reform. The Summit is an invitation only two-day meeting that enables networking and idea sharing to provide patients with high quality care while implementing cost efficient programs that will lower the cost of care. During the Summit attendees are discussing in-depth reports on payment reform pilot projects and exchanging ideas on what has worked, what has not, and what needs to be done to craft viable, truly patient-centric solutions. Attendees are actively working on solutions to high drug prices and the cost of cancer care by relying on the real-world expertise of every segment of those in the cancer care delivery system. The COA Payer Exchange Summit on Oncology Payment Reform agenda and presentations will be available on CommunityOncology.org. Since the first COA Payer Exchange Summit, held in 2014, numerous oncology payment reform initiatives first discussed at the Summits have become a reality in both the Medicare and private sectors. Sessions at the current Summit are focused on updates from the Oncology Care Model (OCM) and attempts to develop a single national model that aligns Medicare, private payers, and providers. Featured presentations will include regional and local reform systems and programs already in implementation in Florida, Indiana, Michigan, and Washington. The Summit is part of COAs continued commitment to oncology payment reform leadership, enhancing the quality and patient experience of cancer care, and to making cancer care more cost-effective and affordable. COA has been at the forefront of exploration of payment reform options and works with the congressional committees of Medicare jurisdiction, private payers, self-insured employers, and other cancer organizations on oncology payment reform options. A standing COA committee comprised of payers, oncology providers, patient advocates, and industry representatives has already developed specific measures of cancer care quality and value, including a truly reflective patient satisfaction measurement survey system. Slides, the agenda, and coverage of the COA Payer Exchange Summit on Oncology Payment Reform agenda will soon be available on CommunityOncology.org. The next Payer Exchange Summit will be held during the annual Community Oncology Conference taking place April 4-5, 2019 in Orlando, Florida. The Conference theme is Ensuring Quality, Affordable & Accessible Cancer Care. More information will be available at www.COAConference.org. About the Community Oncology Alliance: The majority of Americans battling cancer receive treatment in the community oncology setting. Keeping patients close to their homes, families, and support networks lessens the impact of this devastating disease. Community oncology practices do this while delivering high-quality, cutting-edge cancer care at a fraction of the cost of the hospital setting. The Community Oncology Alliance (COA) advocates for community oncology and smart public policy that ensures the community cancer care system remains healthy and able to provide all Americans with access to local, quality, affordable cancer care. Learn more at www.CommunityOncology.org. Attachments TORONTO, Oct. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MPX Bioceutical Corporation (MPX or the Company) (CSE: MPX; OTC: MPXEF) announced that the Company will open a new Health for Life dispensary in Nottingham, Maryland which is located at 4741 Ridge Rd, Nottingham, Maryland, 21236. The dispensary is operated by MPXs indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, S8 Management LLC, through a management agreement with LMS Wellness, Benefit LLC (LMS), which provides all management services typically required by a dispensary facility to successfully operate. This is the Companys third dispensary in Maryland, following the opening of its flagship Health for Life dispensary in Bethesda , in August 2018 and Health for Life dispen sary in Baltimore , in October 2018. The dispensary, in line with others under the Health for Life brand, features copper accents, rustic wood paneling and navy blue walls, is prepared to welcome upward of 100 patients during its first week of business. Fully-trained consultants will be available to inform and assist Maryland patients holding a medical cannabis commission ID card with information regarding the flower, topicals, concentrates and other forms permitted under Maryland regulations, offered at the dispensary. Marylanders are increasingly familiar with The Health for Life brand and the impact it has on their community, said Julie Winter, MPXs Senior Vice President of East Coast Operations. They are now able to find us in three locations and have come to rely on us as a reputable source for patient education and reliable information on cannabis, as well as quality, consistent medicine. The Health for Life White Marsh dispensary is located off of the highly-trafficked Ridge Road in the community of Nottingham and within two miles of the White Marsh Mall. Health for Life White Marsh is open to patients Sunday through Saturday. Operating hours can be found in the Health for Life website . About MPX Bioceutical Corporation MPX, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries in the U.S., provides substantial management, staffing, procurement, advisory, financial, real estate rental, logistics and administrative services to three medicinal cannabis enterprises in Arizona operating under the Health for Life (dispensaries) and the award-winning Melting Point Extracts (high-margin concentrates wholesale) brands. The successful Health for Life brand operates in the rapidly growing Phoenix Metropolitan Statistical Area. With the acquisition of The Holistic Center, MPX added another operating medical cannabis enterprise to its footprint in Arizona. GreenMart of Nevada NLV, LLC (GreenMart NV) is an award winning licensed cultivation, production and wholesale business, licensed for both the medical and adult use sectors in Las Vegas, Nevada, and is already selling wholesale into the Nevada medical cannabis market. GreenMart NV has also optioned suitable locations and intends to enter the higher-margin retail arena by applying for at least two dispensary licenses in the Las Vegas market which will operate under the Health for Life brand. In Massachusetts, MPX is building out and will operate a cultivation and production facility as well as up to three dispensaries and manages three full service dispensaries and one producer in Maryland. In Canada, MPX has acquired Canveda, which has received its cultivation license from Health Canada, will operate a cultivation and production facility in Peterborough, Ontario. The Company also leases a property in Owen Sound, Ontario, for which an application to Health Canada has been made for a cannabis production and sales license. In addition, the Company will continue its efforts to develop its legacy nutraceuticals business. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release includes certain forward-looking statements under applicable Canadian securities legislation that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, MPXs objectives and intentions. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: general business, economic and social uncertainties; litigation, legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; delay or failure to receive board, shareholder or regulatory approvals; those additional risks set out in MPXs public documents filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com ; and other matters discussed in this news release. Although MPX believes that the assumptions and factors 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 time frames or at all. Except where required by law, MPX disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. On behalf of the Board of Directors MPX Bioceutical Corporation (formerly The Canadian Bioceutical Corporation) W. Scott Boyes, Chairman, President and CEO For further information, please contact: MPX Bioceutical Corporation (formerly The Canadian Bioceutical Corporation) W. Scott Boyes, Chairman, President and CEO T: +1-416-840-3725 info@mpxbioceutical.com www.mpxbioceutical.com Media Contact: Anne Donohoe KCSA Strategic Communications 212-896-1265 adonohoe@kcsa.com Investor Contact: Phil Carlson / Elizabeth Barker KCSA Strategic Communications 212-896-1233 / 212-896-1203 pcarlson@kcsa.com / ebarker@kcsa.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/89fd66b1-2163-4401-aa99-242cc000d271 English Japanese TOKYO, Oct. 30, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NETELLER, the digital wallet which is offered by the leading global payments provider Paysafe Group, is now live in Japan. Having been issued a licence from the Kanto Local Finance Bureau (KLFB), the popular wallet service is available for merchants and consumers across the country. The Japanese roll-out of the NETELLER digital wallet follows the Japanese government setting the target of doubling the percentage of cashless payments to 40% over the coming decade . This comes as part of broader efforts to reduce Japans dependency on cash. Millions of consumers around the world already use NETELLER to pay at thousands of websites and send money internationally by making cost-effective, instant money transfers. Customers have a number of online and offline withdrawal and spending options, and access to rewards. Businesses using NETELLER have the option to accept and make payments in environments where traditional payment methods may not work. Lorenzo Pellegrino, CEO of NETELLER, Skrill and Income Access at Paysafe, commented: As a country which has been largely cash based to date, there is an exciting opportunity in Japan to support the growth of e-commerce and digital payments locally and we believe our tried and tested NETELLER digital wallet will provide an important new payment choice. Were looking forward to working with businesses to offer more ways for Japanese consumers to pay. To find out more about NETELLER or sign up for a NETELLER digital wallet, please visit www.neteller.com . About Paysafe Group Paysafe Group (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. With over 20 years of online payment experience, an annualized transactional volume of over US $80 billion, 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. 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. Visit us at www.paysafe.com . For Media Inquiries: Anna Howard Head of Corporate Communications, Europe and Asia T: +44 (0) 7585 967 772 / Anna.Howard@paysafe.com Richmond Hill, ON, Oct. 30, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Real Property Management (RPM) welcomes Mustafa Ranalawala to its network of franchisees. Ranalawala has opened Real Property Management Accord to service clients in Richmond Hill and the surrounding areas. Ranalawala has been associated with the residential property management business since 2013. With an analytical mind and a focus in finance, he will be able to help his homeowners and investors budget for all future growth and endeavours. Property management is a very demanding, service oriented, 24/7 business. I am hoping to capture clients who are looking for a loyal organization to partner with. explains Ranalawala. RPM is already an established leader in residential property management in USA and Canada, and their solid experience, matched with my business acumen will only help me achieve my business dream, and support the needs of my clients. During his first year of operation, Ranalawala plans to add 30 properties to their portfolio. He plans to activate his business network to achieve his expansion goals. Mustafa has the drive and focus to provide exceptional customer service and support to property owners and tenants says Kap Hiroti, Managing Director at Real Property Management. With increasing demand for professional property management services in the GTA, the Real Property Management Accord office is poised for success. In his spare time, Ranalawala acts as associate secretary for community based food distribution. He has served his community since 2002, and loves the diversification of one of Canada most demanding housing markets. Real Property Management Accord welcomes clients in Richmond Hill and the surrounding areas. You can reach Mustafa Ranalawala at accord@realpropertymgt.ca or rpmaccord.ca. About Real Property Management Real Property Management Limited Partnership (realpropertymgt.ca) is a residential property management master franchisor with complete rights to the Real Property Management brand in Canada. Real Property Management is the largest residential property management company in North America, managing tens of thousands of properties for individuals, investors, and institutions throughout the continent. For the past 30 years, Real Property Management has refined and streamlined the business of property management for the benefit of our clients. With over 300 locations throughout North America, Real Property Management are the leaders in property management. Entrepreneur Magazine ranked us #1 in Property Management, and Forbes recognized Real Property Management as a Top 10 Franchise, $0-$150,000 investment. In addition, we have been ranked in the Franchise 500 for seven consecutive years, and the Inc 500 for four consecutive years. We have also earned awards for franchise worthiness for veterans and for franchisee satisfaction. Real Property Managements purpose is to continuously elevate property management standards in a professional and consistent manner. English Norwegian The Group's comprehensive income in the third quarter amounted to NOK 434 million after tax, compared with NOK 483 million in the second quarter. The underlying earnings development is satisfactory and is driven by strong loan growth, stable margins, good cost control and stable credit quality. Earnings development in the third quarter is characterized by positive seasonal and non-recurring factors in the second quarter, in addition to increased provisions due to normalized provisioning in Sweden and to account for an ECL model correction in Finland. The strong customer and loan growth continued in the third quarter, with loan growth of NOK 1.6 billion, while deposits increased NOK 1.7 billion. The bank recruited 71,000 new customers in the third quarter. At the end of the third quarter, the bank had a customer base of 1,463,800 customers, divided among 1,070,800 credit card customers, 195,100 instalment loan customers and 197,900 deposit customers. As announced separately, Bank Norwegian has entered into an agreement with Axactor to transfer a portfolio of non-performing loans in Finland with an outstanding balance of approximately EUR 160 million. The transaction is estimated to close November 30, 2018 and is expected to have an immaterial earnings impact. The transaction will yield cost savings and eliminates uncertainty regarding the recovery of outstanding claims. Bank Norwegian started its operations in November 2007 and offers instalment loans, credit cards and deposit accounts to retail customers distributed through the Internet in the Nordic market. Bank Norwegian offers, in cooperation with the airline Norwegian, a combined credit card and reward card. The bank started operations in Sweden in May 2013. In December 2015 the bank launched instalment loans and deposit accounts in Denmark and Finland, while credit cards were launched in June 2016. Bank Norwegian is a digital bank that offers simple and competitive products to the retail market. The strategy is based on leading digital solutions, synergies with the airline Norwegian, attractive terms for our customers, cost-effective operations and effective risk selection. For further information, see Report for the third quarter 2018 and Investor Presentation for the third quarter 2018, which are available at: https://www.banknorwegian.no/OmOss/InvestorRelations For any questions please call: CEO Tine Wollebekk; phone: +47 40805557 CFO Pal Svenkerud; phone: +47 93403904 Head of Communications and Public Affairs Kai-Morten Terning; phone: +47 90531898 https://www.banknorwegian.no This information is disclosable under the Norwegian Securities Trading Act section 5-12. DALLAS, Oct. 30, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to a new market report published by Lucintel, the future of the optical film market looks attractive with opportunities in the markets of televisions, monitors, notebooks, and mobile phones. The global optical film market is expected to reach an estimated $21.8 billion by 2023 and is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% from 2018 to 2023. The major growth driver for this market are increasing demand for larger screen sized televisions and mobile phones. Browse 105 market data tables and 122 figures spread through 203 pages and in-depth TOC on Global Optical Film Market" at https://www.lucintel.com/optical-film-market-2018.aspx In this market, polarizer film, BLU film, and ITO film are used for optical film manufacturing for product. Lucintel forecasts that polarizer film is expected to remain the largest segment and it is also expected to witness the highest growth in the forecast period supported by increasing demand for television, mobile, and notebook displays. Download Free PDF Brochure @ https://www.lucintel.com/optical-film-market-2018.aspx#/ Asia Pacific is expected to remain the largest market by value and volume and is also expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period. Economic expansion, growth in per capita income, urbanization, and increase in living standards across the region, particularly in India and China, are leading the demand for televisions, mobile phones, monitors, and other electronics. Pre-Purchase Query click https://www.lucintel.com/optical-film-market-2018.aspx#/ Emerging trends, which have a direct impact on the dynamics of the optical film industry, include the development of ultra-thin polarizers and the development of blue light high transmission polarizers. Nitto Denko, Sumitomo, LG Chem, Fujifilm, and Mntech and others are among the major suppliers of optical film. Within the optical film market, television is expected to remain the largest end use market due to the continuous growth in demand for larger display televisions and declining panel prices. TORONTO, Oct. 30, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Florida has overtaken New Hampshire as the state with the highest level of economic freedom, finds a new report released today by the Fraser Institute, an independent, non-partisan Canadian public policy think-tank. The Sunshine State scored 7.87 out of 10 in this years report, beating out New Hampshire (2nd), which had ranked 1st for the past three years. The Economic Freedom of North America report measures government spending, taxation and labor market restrictions using data from 2016, the most recent year of available comparable data. The freest economies operate with comparatively less government interference, relying more on personal choice and markets to decide whats produced, how its produced and how much is produced. As government imposes restrictions on these choices, theres less economic freedom, said Fred McMahon, the Dr. Michael A. Walker Research Chair in Economic Freedom at the Fraser Institute and report co-author. Rounding out the top five freest states are Texas (3rd), Tennessee (4th) and South Dakota (5th). For the fourth year in a row, New York was ranked least free (50th), followed by Kentucky (49th), West Virginia (48th), California (47th) and Alaska (46th). The report also includes an additional all-government ranking, which adds federal government policy to the index and includes the 50 U.S. states, 32 Mexican states and 10 Canadian provinces. From 2004 to 2015, the average score for U.S. states in the all-government index fell from 8.24 to 7.78, but increased slightly to 7.9 out of 10 this year, driven largely by changes at the federal level. In the most-free states, the average per capita income in 2016 was 7.3 per cent above the national average compared to roughly 10.5 per cent below the national average in the least-free states. The evidence is clearlower levels of economic freedom lead to less prosperity, slower economic growth, less investment and fewer jobs and opportunities, said Dean Stansel, economics professor at Southern Methodist University and co-author of the report The Economic Freedom of North America report, also co-authored by Jose Torra, the head of research at the Mexico City-based Caminos de la Libertad, is an offshoot of the Fraser Institutes Economic Freedom of the World index, the result of more than a quarter century of work by more than 60 scholars including three Nobel laureates. Detailed tables for each country and subnational jurisdiction can be found at www.fraserinstitute.org . MEDIA CONTACTS: Dean Stansel Research Associate Professor, ONeil Center for Global Markets and Freedom Cox School of Business, Southern Methodist University Tel: 214-768-3492 dean.b.stansel@gmail.com Fred McMahon Dr. Michael A. Walker Research Chair in Economic Freedom, Fraser Institute Tel: (416) 363-6575 ext. 226 Mobile: (416) 727-7138 fred.mcmahon@fraserinstitute.org Follow the Fraser Institute on Twitter | Like us on Facebook The Fraser Institute is an independent Canadian public policy research and educational organization with offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Montreal and ties to a global network of think-tanks in 87 countries. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for Canadians, their families and future generations by studying, measuring and broadly communicating the effects of government policies, entrepreneurship and choice on their well-being. To protect the Institutes independence, it does not accept grants from governments or contracts for research. Visit www.fraserinstitute.org . Program Developed in Lab of Renowned Cannabis Researcher Dr. Nephi Stella- Lead Candidate for Glioblastoma to Begin Clinical Testing in 2019 VANCOUVER, B.C. and SEATTLE, Oct. 30, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pascal Biosciences Inc. (TSX.V:PAS) (Pascal or the Company), a drug discovery and development company, is pleased to announce that the Company has entered into an exclusive license agreement with the University of Washington (UW) in Seattle to develop a cannabinoid-based product for the treatment of glioblastoma multiform and brain metastases. The program, developed in the lab of renowned cannabis researcher Dr. Nephi Stella, founder and co-director of the UW Center for Cannabis Research, includes a lead therapeutic, ST-403. Pascal plans to begin human clinical studies of ST-403 in 2019. I believe the ST-403 program has great potential to help patients diagnosed with glioblastoma, brain metastases and other devastating cancers, said Dr. Stella. Im excited to have Pascal advancing this promising program and, furthermore, I am honoured to help with the future development of Pascals broad immune-oncology program, as I believe cannabinoid-based compounds have great potential when combined with checkpoint inhibitors. Dr. Stella began developing ST compounds based on scientific reports that cannabis-derived compounds may have benefit for glioblastoma, and he collaborated with Associate Professor Dr. Philippe Diaz of the University of Montana (UM) Department of Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Sciences. CoMotion, UWs collaborative innovation hub, supported the work through two CoMotion Innovation Gap Fund grants and letters of support for a variety of other funding. CoMotion and joint owner (University of Montana), worked together in order to secure exclusive rights to license the compound to the company. ST compounds utilize a unique mechanism of action to kill cancer cells that may prove synergistic when used in combination with chemotherapeutics. In a preclinical model of glioblastoma, mice are treated with radiation and temozolomide, which is the standard of care for human patients; ST compounds synergize with these treatments to reduce tumour size and extend life. These compounds also demonstrated a favourable safety profile. These results support Pascals plans to begin clinical trials with ST-403 in 2019. ST-403 is a very promising therapeutic candidate that is an ideal fit with our cannabinoid immune activation program that we announced in February, said Dr. Patrick Gray, CEO of Pascal. Both programs have great potential in treating cancer, and we are fortunate to have access to and support from Dr. Stella to help facilitate the advancement of this great science into meaningful therapeutics for cancer. Pascals exclusive license agreement with the UW covers the ST-403 program, all related compounds, and a strong patent portfolio. If ST-403 has demonstrated benefit for glioblastoma patients, its commercial potential is significant: Temozolomide is now off patent protection, but previously had sales over $1B per year. About ST-403 ST-403 is a mitosis inhibitor that blocks cell division. Drugs of this class disrupt microtubules, which are the structures that pull chromosomes apart during cell division. There are several mitotic inhibitors approved for cancer treatment, including paclitaxel and vinblastine, and they have substantial benefit on solid tumours when combined with other chemotherapeutics. However, unlike ST-403, none of these agents cross the blood brain barrier and therefore have no activity on glioblastoma or other brain cancers. About Glioblastoma Glioblastoma multiforme is a devastating disease for patients due to the high rate of recurrence, limited treatment options and aggressive nature of the disease. According to the National Brain Tumor Society, glioblastoma strikes about 15,000 patients each year in North America with a median survival rate of 12 to 17 months. Therapies to treat glioblastoma are limited to surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, and more recently tumour treating fields. The only chemotherapeutic approved for glioblastoma is temozolomide, which was developed over 50 years ago and extends survival by only two months. Temozolomide kills tumour cells by causing DNA damage, a mechanism that is different from ST compounds. About Pascal Biosciences Inc. Pascal Biosciences is a biotechnology company focused on advancing innovative approaches for the treatment of cancer including cannabinoid-based therapeutics and targeted therapies. The companys leading cannabinoid portfolio comprises a small molecule therapeutic, ST-403, that is advancing into clinical trials for the treatment of glioblastoma, and an immuno-stimulatory molecule. In addition, Pascal Biosciences is developing a B-cell targeted antibody for acute lymphoblastic leukemia and an antibody for calcium channels expressed by the immune system. For more information, visit www.pascalbiosciences.com. About the University of Washington and CoMotion Recently ranked by Reuters as the #1 most innovative public university in the U.S., the University of Washington (UW) is a leading recipient of federal funding research, producing innovations that have the power to change the worldfrom biofuel alternatives, to more effective treatments for Alzheimers disease and brain cancer, to purification technology for drinking water in the developing world. CoMotion at the UW is the collaborative innovation hub dedicated to expanding the economic and societal impact of the UW community. By developing and connecting to local and global innovation ecosystems, CoMotion helps innovators achieve the greatest impact from their ideas and discoveries. About the University of Montana The University of Montana receives approximately $100M in research funding annually in areas intended for impactful societal change. Areas of national recognition include ecology, the environment, wildlife biology, and health and medicine. On Behalf of the Board of Directors Dr. Patrick W. Gray, President & CEO Investors: invest@pascalbiosciences.com Media Contact: Julie Rathbun info@pascalbiosciences.com Tel: 206-769-9219 DISCLAIMER Certain statements in this press release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 or forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation that may not be based on historical fact, including without limitation statements containing the words believe, may, plan, will, estimate, continue, anticipate, intend, expect and similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements or information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, events or developments, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, events or developments express or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. Such factors include, among others, our stage of development, lack of any product revenues, additional capital requirements, risk associated with the completion of clinical trials and obtaining regulatory approval to market our products, the ability to protect our intellectual property, dependence on collaborative partners and the prospects for negotiating additional corporate collaborations or licensing arrangements and their timing. Specifically, certain risks and uncertainties that could cause such actual events or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from any future events or results expressed or implied by such statements and information include, but are not limited to, the risks and uncertainties that: products that we develop may not succeed in preclinical or clinical trials, or future products in our targeted corporate objectives; our future operating results are uncertain and likely to fluctuate; we may not be able to raise additional capital; we may not be successful in establishing additional corporate collaborations or licensing arrangements; we may not be able to establish marketing and the costs of launching our products may be greater than anticipated; we have no experience in commercial manufacturing; we may face unknown risks related to intellectual property matters; we face increased competition from pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies; and other factors as described in detail in our filings with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities at www.sedar.com . Given these risks and uncertainties, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements and information, which are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. All forward-looking statements and information made herein are based on our current expectations and we undertake no obligation to revise or update such forward- looking statements and information to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, 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 Vegalab Inc., to Bring Van Iperens Specialty Fertilizers and High Performing Solutions to American Farmers and Growers AH OUD-BEIJERLAND, The Netherlands, and Nevada, Oct. 30, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NEWMEDIAWIRE -- Vegalab, Inc . ("the Company"), (OTCQB: VEGL), today announced the Company has signed a distribution agreement with Van Iperen International B.V. , the foremost specialty fertilizer and high performance agricultural solutions producer in The Netherlands. Van Iperen Group, a company with impressive continuous growth, recorded income (turnover) of US $278 Million in 2017. According the agreement, Vegalab will begin to distribute Van Iperen Internationals high tech Dutch agricultural products beginning calendar year 2019. Van Iperen International B.V., is a privately held, family-owned company with over 100 years of experience providing high-tech solutions to the Dutch agriculture sector. According to the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality , The Netherlands is one of the worlds largest agricultural producers, exporting 65 billion Euros worth of vegetables, fruit, flowers, meat and dairy products each year. With 150 employees, of which 40 are extensively trained agronomists, Van Iperens teams comprehensive knowledge of crop needs, will help advance plant yields in American markets. Vegalabs sales and marketing force will educate American growers on best practices and advanced applications of Van Iperens products that have a successful track record of improving the output of many Dutch farms. Erik van den Bergh, CEO and Managing Director of Van Iperen International, stated, We are excited to have the opportunity to work with Vegalab as a partner in the United States. We have tailored our products to maximize production and consistent with the mission of Vegalab, we are committed to the environment and sustainable agriculture. We will work together to supply better, earth-friendly products which, improve overall produce yields, year after year. David Selakovic, CEO of Vegalab, said, We have been in conversations with the team at Van Iperen International for some time. The Vegalab management team was widely aware the Netherlands has become an agricultural powerhouse and their farmers have developed many of the most advanced farming techniques deployed worldwide. The team at Van Iperen and their products are well-known across the Netherlands, however; their specialty fertilizers and solutions, have not been widely available to the farming community in the United States. Vegalab looks forward to introducing the American farmers and growers on how to improve their crops with Van Iperen and Vegalab products, while protecting the biome. About Vegalab, Inc . Vegalab, Inc. is the exclusive distributor in North and South America of a line of all-natural, biologically derived pesticides, fertilizers, and specialty agricultural products. Vegalabs pesticides are highly effective against targeted organisms, non-toxic to beneficial organisms, and safe for the environment. Vegalabs products support a healthy soil biome and are cost competitive with synthetic chemicals that do just the opposite. The Company operates in two segments of the food industry. The Agronomy Business involves the manufacture and distribution of all-natural crop protection, crop health, and soil enhancement products: and The Packing Business is the operation of a citrus packing facility. About Van Iperen International B.V. Van Iperen International and its partners are like a family. The company is part of the Thesis Group, a family owned business with about 100 years of experience supplying Dutch growers and producing fertilizers. We operate worldwide with our headquarters and factories in The Netherlands and subsidiaries in France, China, United States, Lebanon and Serbia. Van Iperen International is a worldwide player, but not a multinational. We work together with local partners and operate close to our clients. Our employees represent 17 nationalities, speak 22 languages and serve clients in over 100 countries. We have crop specialists for all relevant crops and conditions in Europe as well as in (sub) tropical areas. Safe Harbor for Forward-looking Statements Any statements contained in this press release that do not describe historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify forward-looking statements by words such as anticipate, believe, could, estimate, expect, intend, may, plan, should, would or similar words. You should consider these statements carefully because they discuss our plans, targets, strategies, prospects and expectations concerning our business, operating results, financial condition and other similar matters. These statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, including, but not limited to, risks and uncertainties relating to the Companys ability to develop, market and sell products and services, based on its technology; the expected benefits and efficacy of the Companys products, services and technology; the availability of additional funding for the Company to continue its operations and to conduct research and development, and future product commercialization; and, the Companys business, research, product development, regulatory approval, marketing and distribution plans and strategies; the ability of the Company to execute on a business plan that permits the technologies and innovations businesses to provide sufficient growth, revenue, liquidity and cash flows for sustaining the Companys go-forward business, and the risks identified and discussed under the caption Risk Factors in the Vegalab Annual Report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) and the other documents Vegalab files with the SEC from time to time. There will be events in the future, however, that Vegalab is not able to predict accurately or control. Vegalabs actual results may differ materially from the expectations that Vegalab describes in its forward-looking statements. Factors or events that could cause Vegalabs actual results to materially differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for Vegalab to accurately predict all of them. Any forward-looking statement made by Vegalab in this press release speaks only as of the date on which Vegalab makes it. Vegalab undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Contacts: For Van Iperen International: Philippe Artige (Mobile +1 305 922 4917) Director of Americas Philippe@iperen.com Richard Morris (Mobile + 1 226 348 3029) North American Sales Manager Richard@iperen.com VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 30, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Radius Gold Inc. (TSX-V:RDU) is pleased to announce that the Company has commenced drilling at the Coyote Gold Project located North of Elko, Nevada. The Company acquired a lease to option and purchase the property from Geologic Services Inc. in March of this year (see news release March 21, 2018). The property is located on the Eastern flank of the Independence Valley, an area known for its prolific gold production. The reverse circulation drill program will target deeply penetrating resistive structures with coincident rock and soil geochemical anomalies of antimony/mercury/arsenic and gold, hosted in brecciated surficial sinter deposits of a paleo hot spring. A CSAMT survey conducted in August of this year defined a coherent 950m x 250m resistivity anomaly going to depth which is believed to represent a sheeted vein system, potentially gold-bearing. An initial program of three to six drill holes targeting the potential mineralization 150m to 200m below surface will be conducted. Results will be released once the program is complete. 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 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 exploration plans for the 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, Ont., Oct. 30, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Restaurants Canada, the largest association representing more than 30,000 foodservice and hospitality businesses in Canada, today announced a new partnership with BarterPay, a platform where businesses can buy the products and services that they need, without having to use their own cash instead, they can pay using only their gift cards. Restaurants Canada members will enjoy exclusive program benefits, including reduced activation fees, instant rebates and special promotions within the BarterPay network. In an industry where the average pre-tax profit margin is only 4.2%, restaurateurs are continuously mining for margins, said Troy Taylor, Restaurants Canada Vice President of Operations. Now they can save money by paying for things they would need to buy anyway, in gift cards instead of cash, and even make money from their purchasing interactions by bringing new traffic through the door. Through the BarterPay network, business operators can purchase goods and services that they need, such as renovations or new furniture, by issuing gift cards. BarterPay then converts the gift card amounts dollar for dollar into TRADEdollars, and markets them on the BarterPay network. This means foodservice and hospitality businesses can: Protect their cash flow Leverage food costs to pay for necessary operational expenses Attract a new community of customers and increase sales "Were looking forward to helping members of Restaurants Canada conduct smart business through barter," said John Porter, BarterPay Founder and CEO. Our user-friendly bartering system makes it easy for businesses of any size to make the shift and barter their way to higher profits. "BarterPay has been an amazing asset for our business, said Harrison Hennick of Nique Restaurant in Hamilton, Ontario. It has brought in new customers on a continual basis. We have been using BarterPay to offset costs for our upcoming expansion project. We pay for products and services using BarterPay instead of cash, which saves us money." To learn more about the BarterPay program offer for members of Restaurants Canada, visit https://info.restaurantscanada.org/rc-barterpay. Or call 1-800-387-5649 ext. 8006 and speak to a Member Services representative. About Restaurants Canada Restaurants Canada (formerly CRFA) is a growing community of more than 30,000 foodservice businesses, including restaurants, bars, caterers, institutions and suppliers. We connect our members from coast to coast, through services, research and advocacy for a strong and vibrant restaurant community. Canadas restaurant industry is an $85 billion industry, directly employs 1.2 million Canadians, is the number one source of first jobs and serves 22 million customers every day. About BarterPay BarterPay is Canada's only national business-to-business barter system headquartered in Hamilton, Ontario. Established in 1996, BarterPay helps businesses source goods and services without spending cash by bartering inventory and/or services. In 2018, BarterPay brokered over $35 million in barter transactions between its member businesses. The network currently represents close to 4000 businesses in 18 Canadian cities. BarterPay plans to open 15 new franchised locations and grow to 25,000+ members in the next three years. Learn more at www.barterpay.ca. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 30, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Irving Resources Inc. (CSE:IRV) (Irving or the Company) is pleased to announce it has received approval from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of its Omui Mine Plan covering mining and exploration related activities at its Omui Mining License (Omui). Omui is part of Irvings 100% controlled Omu gold-silver project, Hokkaido, Japan. Approval of this Omui Mine Plan is a very important step and allows Irving to bulk sample and ship the material offsite, and conduct diamond drilling and other advanced exploration activities. Omui is one of Irvings key high grade target areas at Omu. With this approval, Irving must now submit the Omui Mine Safety Regulation for acceptance. Approval of Irvings Omu Sinter drilling permit, a separate application from the Omui Mine Plan, is currently awaited. Omu Sinter is another one of the high priority targets at Omu. As discussed in the Companys news release dated October 19, 2018, Irving is currently working with Mitsui Mineral Development Engineering Co., Ltd. (MINDECO) and Rodren Drilling Ltd. to mobilize a diamond drill to Omu. Further updates about timing of drilling will be provided as these various items are organized. Approval of our Mine Plan by METI is very encouraging, commented Akiko Levinson, President and Director of Irving Resources. Not only does this give us approval to conduct bulk sampling, trenching and diamond drilling, this establishes Irving as a mining company in Japan. Quinton Hennigh (Ph.D., P.Geo.) is the Qualified Person pursuant to National Instrument 43-101 responsible for, and having reviewed and verified, the technical information contained in this news release. Dr. Hennigh is a technical advisor and director of Irving Resources Inc. About Irving Resources Inc.: Irving is a junior exploration company with a focus on gold in Japan. Irving also holds, through a subsidiary, Project Venture Agreements with Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) for joint regional exploration programs in the United Republic of Tanzania, the Republic of Malawi and the Republic of Madagascar. JOGMEC is a government organization established under the law of Japan, administrated by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, and is responsible for stable supply of various resources to Japan through the discovery of sizable economic deposits of base, precious and rare metals. Additional information can be found on the Companys website: www.IRVresources.com . Akiko Levinson, President & Director THE CSE HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS RELEASE. 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As a result, together with early investments obtained from individuals, funding in excess of US$1 million has now been procured for the gold focussed polymetallic Blueberry Project located in the Golden Quadrilateral of Western Romania. The time limit for the procurement of US$1 million funding under EMAs agreement with the vendors of Blueberry Ridge SRL, owner of the Blueberry Project, was recently extended to 30 October 2018 and has therefore been satisfied. The retention by Vast of a 29.41% interest in EMA post issue of shares in EMA to the vendors has therefore now been secured. Andrew Prelea CEO commented: I am delighted to receive confirmation of the support for the Blueberry Project from an institutional investor and that Vasts interest in the Blueberry Project is now confirmed. I look forward to giving further news on drilling and assay results as they become available. **ENDS** For further information, visit www.vastresourcesplc.com or please contact: Vast Resources plc Andrew Prelea (Chief Executive Officer) www.vastresourcesplc.com +44 (0) 20 7236 1177 Beaumont Cornish - Financial & Nominated Adviser Roland Cornish James Biddle www.beaumontcornish.com +44 (0) 020 7628 3396 Brandon Hill Capital Ltd Joint Broker Jonathan Evans www.brandonhillcapital.com +44 (0) 20 3463 5016 SVS Securities Plc Joint Broker Tom Curran Ben Tadd www.svssecurities.com +44 (0) 20 3700 0100 St Brides Partners Ltd Susie Geliher Juliet Earl www.stbridespartners.co.uk +44 (0) 20 7236 1177 The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014 (MAR). Notes Vast Resources plc is an AIM listed mining and resource development company focussed on the rapid advancement of high-quality brownfield projects and recommencing production at previously producing mines in Romania and Zimbabwe. Vast Resources currently owns and operates the Manaila Polymetallic Mine in Romania, which was commissioned in 2015, and is focussed on its expansion through the development of a second open pit operation and new metallurgical complex at the Carlibaba Extension Area. The Companys Romanian portfolio also includes interests in two brownfield development projects; the Baita Plai Polymetallic Mine (80% interest), which has a reported 1,800,000-tonne copper-silver-zinc-lead-gold-tungsten-molybdenum ore body at 6% copper equivalent (Russian Reserves and Resources Reporting System) within the mining licence area; and the Blueberry Project (29.41% interest), a 7.285km brownfield area of prospectivity in the Golden Quadrilateral of Romania located in the immediate vicinity of the now closed Baia de Aries mine. The Company also has interests in a number of projects in Zimbabwe including a controlling 25 per cent. interest in the producing Pickstone-Peerless Gold Mine, a 23.75% economic interest in the Eureka Gold Mine, and an 86.67% interest in a SPV which has a due diligence access agreement and pre-agreed joint venture terms on a diamond concession within the Marange Diamond Fields, widely considered to be one of the richest sources of alluvial diamonds globally. English Icelandic Financial highlights Q3 2018 Siminns revenue amounted to ISK 6,969 million in the third quarter (Q3) of 2018, compared to ISK 6,956 million in the same period 2017. Adjusted for sold operations revenues are up by ISK 51 million YoY. EBITDA amounted to ISK 2,397 million in Q3 2018, compared to ISK 2,387 million in the same period of 2017, up by ISK 10 million The EBITDA ratio was 34.4% in Q3 2018, compared to 34.3% in the same period of 2017. Profit in Q3 2018 amounted to ISK 978 million, compared to ISK 905 million in the same period of 2017. Cash generated by operation amounted to ISK 2,515 million in Q3 2018, compared to ISK 2,618 million in the same period of 2017. Net cash from operating activities amounted to ISK 2,266 million in Q3 2018, compared to ISK 2,178 million in the same period 2017. Interest bearing debt amounted to ISK 17.1 billion at the end of Q3 2018, compared to ISK 18.4 billion at the end of 2017. Net interest-bearing debt amounted to 16.5 billion ISK at the end of Q3 2018, compared to ISK 17.7 billion at the end of 2017. Net financial expenses amounted to ISK 211 million in Q3 2018, compared to ISK 315 million in the same period of 2017. Financial expenses amounted to ISK 246 million, financial income ISK 49 million, and foreign exchange loss ISK 14 million. Siminns equity ratio was 62.1% at the end of Q3 2018 and equity was ISK 37.6 billion. Orri Hauksson, CEO: We are pleased to announce that the operations of Siminn s Group are doing well in most areas. The competition for Icelandic consumers has rarely been tougher, but Siminns customers continue to grow between quarters. Our television products are enjoying an especially favorable run and positive review from our customers, and more mobile consumers are being transferred to Siminn than those who leave us. Particularly it is a pleasure to welcome younger customers who increasingly look towards Siminn as an alternative provider of mobile services, use our kids card product in addition to the pre-paid solution renna. Internet customers have also increased and data usage is increasing steadily, whether on a mobile or a fixed line. The Group's IT division had a good quarter, and Mila continues to build its fiber-optic network in a cost-effective manner. Due to the success of our core product offering on the retail side, revenues, EBITDA and profit for the Group increase slightly year over year for the third quarter, even though both roaming and wholesale decreased over the same period. We also see growth in revenues, EBITDA and profit for the year as a whole. Revenue from our information technology arm continues to fluctuate within the year as before, but increased for Sensa in the third quarter, and Sensa's outlook is strong for the remainder of the year. Mila systematically continues its build-out of its fiber optic system which is proceeding well and customers are switched to new connections in an efficient and stable manner every week. Such a change simplifies the Group's operating environment and reduces operating costs over time. We will use the next few years to ensure future proof world-class quality of connectivity and bitrate for households and companies across the country. While we continually expand our fiber network, we will continue to meet the needs and demands of our customers. Advertising in Siminn's TV offerings now takes into account new technologies and behavioral changes in modern society. Less and less advertisements are now sold in linear television broadcasts, as well as the fact that the government's media operations enjoy a dominant position in Iceland in linear advertising. Now, almost half of Siminn's advertising revenues are provided by a methodology that was not available for television three years ago, but social media had used successfully for extended period of time. Thus, now different targeting groups will see different nonlinear ads at the same time while watching the same content. In the near future, it is planned to link directly TV advertising from Siminn's television systems with the same target groups on other platforms such as mobile apps and other software applications. The Group's operating expenses remain under satisfactory control for the quarter, but on the horizon is a likely increase of various costs. Therefore, our cost is constantly under review, and we feel confident that we will be able to reduce various costs to counteract exchange rate and wage changes. " Further information Orri Hauksson, CEO, tel. 354 550 6003 (orri@siminn.is) Oskar Hauksson, CFO, tel. 354 550 6003 (oskarh@siminn.is) Attachments VANCOUVER, Oct. 30, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mundoro Capital Inc. (TSXV: MUN, www.mundoro.com ) ("Mundoro" or the "Company") is pleased to announce two drill rigs have been mobilized to commence a drill program at the Savinac and Bacevica exploration licenses. The drill program is being sole funded by Freeport-McMoRan Exploration Corporation ("Freeport") as part of an earn-in agreement ("Agreement"), in which Mundoro has granted Freeport an option to earn-in to Mundoros Savinac and Bacevica exploration licenses (the Freeport-Mundoro Projects) located within the southern portion of the Timok Magmatic Complex (Timok) in Serbia. In Phase I of the Agreement, Freeport has the right to earn a 51% interest in the Freeport-Mundoro Projects by sole-funding US$5 million (C$6.6 million) in expenditures by the third anniversary of the Agreement. There is no firm commitment for expenditures in Phase I and Freeport can terminate the Agreement at any time. Timok is one of the most prolific metallogenic domains in the Tethyan Belt with deposits such as the Cukaru-Peki deposit and the Serbian state-operated producing mines, the Bor copper porphyry underground mine and the Veliki Krivelj copper-gold porphyry open-pit mine (Figure 1: Freeport-Mundoro Project Location Map). Highlights The Year 1, Phase I drill program, which is estimated to include up to 3,550 meters of diamond drilling in six drill holes with two drill rigs, aims to test the following four target areas: Savinac License: -- Tilva Rosh: epithermal gold target which contains 12 meters of 30 g/t gold and 171 g/t silver from rock chip sampling. Combined drill results from approximately 2,000 meters of drilling in 2014 and 2017 led Mundoro to interpret the epithermal target to be proximal to a copper-gold porphyry system related to a large area of advanced argillic alteration, highlighted with a molybdenum anomaly followed by outwards zones of lead-zinc geochemical anomalies. -- Markov Kamen: epithermal target identified by several copper-gold-in-soil geochemical anomalies related to a broad zone of argillic and advanced argillic alteration located at the southern portion of the Savinac license. Drilling from 2015, which intersected hydrothermal breccia, massive sulphides and vuggy silica, confirms a high sulphidation style epithermal system of intermediate level controlled by NW structures. Bacevica License: -- Prekostenski: porphyry copper-gold target identified from geochemical analysis of soil sampling and trench results containing 55 meters of 0.28 g/t gold and 0.21% copper located in the western portion of the Bacevica license. The exploration work identified chalcopyrite-magnetite mineralisation hosted by potassic altered andesite. -- Orlovo Brdo: broad zone of phyllic alteration with gold and copper anomalism that remains partially untested at the central portion of Bacevica license. Teo Dechev, CEO & President of Mundoro commented, Based on the meters to be drilled, completion of drilling is expected in December 2018 with a release of results expected in February 2019. We are pleased to initiate as operator the first drill program sole-funded by Freeport one month after closing of the transaction. Exploration License Summary Savinac license Savinac license is a 90 sq.km area that is located 15 km southwest of the Bor Mine. The property contains a significant area of hydrothermally altered andesitic volcanics covering 14 sqkm elongated north-south belt which hosts epithermal and porphyry targets marked by Cu-Mo-Au-Ag-Pb-Zn geochemical anomalies. The 9 km of hydrothermal alteration is defined in field mapping aided by spectral analysis and coincides with an elongate zone of demagnetization of the host andesitic volcanic rocks. Within the hydrothermal alteration, exploration work identified the Tilva Rosh epithermal gold target which contains 12 meters of 30 g/t gold and 171 g/t silver. Drill results from Tilva Rosh identified the continuation of the main north-south trending mineralized structure which strikes towards the north and under a lithocap that remains untested. The targets identified to date either require further exploration work or remain untested. Bacevica license Bacevica license totals 148 sq.km and is located directly south of the Savinac license. The property contains 8 km of hydrothermally altered andesitic volcanics directly linked to the Savinac belt to the north. Mundoro has completed geological mapping, rock and soil sampling, ground magnetics and tested various targets with shallow, reverse circulation, scout drilling. The targets identified to date either require further exploration work or remain untested. On behalf of the Company, Teo Dechev, Chief Executive Officer, President and Director About Mundoro Capital Inc. Mundoro is a Canadian mineral exploration and development public company focused on building value for its shareholders through directly investing in mineral projects that have the ability to generate future returns for shareholders. The Company currently holds a diverse portfolio of projects in two European countries as well as an investment in a producing gold mine in Bulgaria and a feasibility stage gold project in China. The Company has earn-in agreements with: JOGMEC for the Timok North Projects, Freeport for the Freeport-Mundoro Projects, and an option agreement with a private company for the Saje Project in Bulgaria. Mundoros common shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "MUN". For further information please contact: Teo Dechev, CEO, President and Director of Mundoro Capital Inc. at +1-604-669-8055 Qualified Person Technical information contained in this Press Release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. G. Magaranov, P. Geo., Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements This News Release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "will", "expect", "intend", "plan", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe" or "continue" or similar words or the negative thereof, and include the following: completion of the earn-in expenditures and option by Freeport and completion of a definitive joint venture agreement by the parties. The material assumptions that were applied in making the forward looking statements in this News Release include expectations as to the mineral potential of the projects, the Company's future strategy and business plan and execution of the Company's existing plans. We caution readers of this News Release not to place undue reliance on forward looking statements contained in this News Release, as there can be no assurance that they will occur and they are subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include general economic and market conditions, exploration results, commodity prices, changes in law, regulatory processes, the status of Mundoro's assets and financial condition, actions of competitors and the ability to implement business strategies and pursue business opportunities. The forward-looking statements contained in this News Release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements included in this News Release are made as of the date of this News Release and the Board undertakes no obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Shareholders are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and for a more detailed discussion of such risks and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, refer to the Company's filings with the Canadian securities regulators available on www.sedar.com . Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/579d6ed0-1573-4713-8534-8eff241f1a4b Re: According to the new office smoking regulations, only employees who [ #permalink 4 Kudos 2 Bookmarks skim wrote: Unlike the conviction held by many of her colleagues that genes were reatively simple and static, Barbara McClintock adhered to her own more complicated ideas about how genes might operate, and in 1983, at the age of 81, was awarded a Nobel Prize for her discovery that the genes in corn are capable of moving from one chromosomal site to another. (A) Unlike the conviction held by many of her colleagues that genes were (B) Although many of her colleagues were of the conviction of genes being (C) Contrary to many of her colleagues being convinced that genes were (D) Even though many of her colleagues were convinced that genes were (E) Even with many of her colleagues convinced of genes being Let's focus on the splits first, Ill start with the ending splits:Even though the correct answer has this word, "were" in my opinion incorrectly implies that genes had a trait before that they do not have anymore. Because the other options had other, more serious flaws, I picked D anyway but initial assessment of end splits creates uncertainty.. Can we REALLY use "were"?Beginning splits are all over the place here, we seem to have a 2-1-1-1 split. "Unlike" as an introductionary word sounds weird but AFAIK, is not by default wrong. What makes A wrong is that "conviction held by many of her collegues" implies her collegues are holding conviction.. Wrong."Although" is incorrect because it sort of tells us that "even though her collegues believed X, she adhered to her own idea". This is not the intended meaning, the intent is not to tell us what she believes IN SPITE OF the beliefs of her collegues, the intent is to specifically show us that Barbara did not agree with consensus. Therefore B is wrong. Furthermore, "were of the conviction" creates a question mark for us, it isn't necessarily wrong but it sure does sound weird. Since we've already eliminated B for other reasons, we don't need to focus on "were of the conviction"."Contrary" implies that Barbara does something that her collegues do not do. This is the correct intent of the sentence, however "being" and "were" do not follow logically; "being" should be "were" since "adhered" modifies Barbara.. Notice the tense."Even with" implies that "Barbara believes this, even in the cases when her collegues are convinced of".. This is not what the author intends, he or she is not trying to tell us that Barbara adhered to her own ideas in case X, Y and Z. The author is trying to tell us that CONTRARY to her collegues, she believes X.D uses "were" in a correct way to parallel collegues and genes, and it uses "even THOUGH" correctly which says that "she believed X though her collegues believed Y", this is basically another way of saying "CONTRARY to her collegues, Barbara believes X".So even though I was unsure of whether "were" is tense-wise correct, there are almost ALWAYS more than one fault with the other options and therefor you should not impulsively eliminate options just because you are not sure if they are correct. Only when you are 100% certain of a split being wrong should you eliminate it. Username: Password: or Register Back to Forum Reply to This post Post New Thread Thread Rating: 1 Vote(s) - 5 Average 1 2 3 4 5 Page: 1 2 Should the USA Invade MEXICO Once Caravan gets Within 300 miles of the US Border LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 471054 10-30-2018 03:46 PM Post: #1 Should the USA Invade MEXICO Once Caravan gets Within 300 miles of the US Border Advertisement Also should the USA invade Honduras and wipe out that regime, nip it in the bud? We could stop them in Mexico set up tents there and an infrastructure to send them home.Also should the USA invade Honduras and wipe out that regime, nip it in the bud? Hamburgerwagon lop guest User ID: 459265 10-30-2018 03:48 PM Post: #2 RE: Should the USA Invade MEXICO Once Caravan gets Within 300 miles of the US Border LoP Guest Wrote: (10-30-2018 03:46 PM) We could stop them in Mexico set up tents there and an infrastructure to send them home. Also should the USA invade Honduras and wipe out that regime, nip it in the bud? This sounds interesting. We should go back to being land grabbers like we were back in the day. Just take over Mexico and throw all of their corrupt officials in jail and implant our own corrupt officials. Then we could go on down into central America and take that, which would take about 5 minutes. We could make a lot of tax money off the tropical resorts. Yes, I think you are on to something here. This sounds interesting. We should go back to being land grabbers like we were back in the day. Just take over Mexico and throw all of their corrupt officials in jail and implant our own corrupt officials. Then we could go on down into central America and take that, which would take about 5 minutes. We could make a lot of tax money off the tropical resorts.Yes, I think you are on to something here. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 471055 10-30-2018 03:50 PM Post: #3 RE: Should the USA Invade MEXICO Once Caravan gets Within 300 miles of the US Border Hamburgerwagon Wrote: (10-30-2018 03:48 PM) LoP Guest Wrote: (10-30-2018 03:46 PM) We could stop them in Mexico set up tents there and an infrastructure to send them home. Also should the USA invade Honduras and wipe out that regime, nip it in the bud? This sounds interesting. We should go back to being land grabbers like we were back in the day. Just take over Mexico and throw all of their corrupt officials in jail and implant our own corrupt officials. Then we could go on down into central America and take that, which would take about 5 minutes. We could make a lot of tax money off the tropical resorts. Yes, I think you are on to something here. winning winning LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 266097 10-30-2018 03:53 PM Post: #4 RE: Should the USA Invade MEXICO Once Caravan gets Within 300 miles of the US Border LoP Guest Wrote: (10-30-2018 03:46 PM) We could stop them in Mexico set up tents there and an infrastructure to send them home. Also should the USA invade Honduras and wipe out that regime, nip it in the bud? Might as well. If it's ok for them to invade and soak up resources, then it's ok for us to do the same. The argument that they contribute with labor and building our nation should also be mutual. We built plenty of infrastructure in Iraq for example. The same argument made for illegal immigration can be applied to a military invasion and occupation. We could use some more oil and resources. We can just take it. Same argument... Except we go home eventually. Might as well. If it's ok for them to invade and soak up resources, then it's ok for us to do the same. The argument that they contribute with labor and building our nation should also be mutual. We built plenty of infrastructure in Iraq for example. The same argument made for illegal immigration can be applied to a military invasion and occupation. We could use some more oil and resources. We can just take it. Same argument... Except we go home eventually. Hamburgerwagon lop guest User ID: 459265 10-30-2018 03:54 PM Post: #5 RE: Should the USA Invade MEXICO Once Caravan gets Within 300 miles of the US Border LoP Guest Wrote: (10-30-2018 03:53 PM) LoP Guest Wrote: (10-30-2018 03:46 PM) We could stop them in Mexico set up tents there and an infrastructure to send them home. Also should the USA invade Honduras and wipe out that regime, nip it in the bud? Might as well. If it's ok for them to invade and soak up resources, then it's ok for us to do the same. The argument that they contribute with labor and building our nation should also be mutual. We built plenty of infrastructure in Iraq for example. The same argument made for illegal immigration can be applied to a military invasion and occupation. We could use some more oil and resources. We can just take it. Same argument... Except we go home eventually. We should just take what we want. The world hates us anyway and always will. Lets push them around some more. We should just take what we want. The world hates us anyway and always will. Lets push them around some more. Dongfang Shou Registered User User ID: 440008 10-30-2018 04:00 PM Posts: 1,478 Post: #6 RE: Should the USA Invade MEXICO Once Caravan gets Within 300 miles of the US Border LoP Guest Wrote: (10-30-2018 03:46 PM) We could stop them in Mexico set up tents there and an infrastructure to send them home. Also should the USA invade Honduras and wipe out that regime, nip it in the bud? Are you crazy? Are you crazy? LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 467823 10-30-2018 04:01 PM Post: #7 RE: Should the USA Invade MEXICO Once Caravan gets Within 300 miles of the US Border No. Y'all have a nice day. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 266097 10-30-2018 04:10 PM Post: #8 RE: Should the USA Invade MEXICO Once Caravan gets Within 300 miles of the US Border Hamburgerwagon Wrote: (10-30-2018 03:54 PM) LoP Guest Wrote: (10-30-2018 03:53 PM) Might as well. If it's ok for them to invade and soak up resources, then it's ok for us to do the same. The argument that they contribute with labor and building our nation should also be mutual. We built plenty of infrastructure in Iraq for example. The same argument made for illegal immigration can be applied to a military invasion and occupation. We could use some more oil and resources. We can just take it. Same argument... Except we go home eventually. We should just take what we want. The world hates us anyway and always will. Lets push them around some more. We are just pushing back. We can blame it on being a nation with a war machine built by immigrants. Those immigrants are hungry, tired and poor. We have to feed them somehow. The resources it takes to accommodate them doesn't magically appear out of nowhere. Besides, we always leave once their native home is in a better condition than when we found it. They want healthcare? We build hospitals. They want education? We build schools. We can do for them what they obviously can't do for themselves. Make it so nice they won't want to leave. That would be the tough love approach to helping people. Obviously, they are incapable of bettering themselves. Tear em down and rebuild them up. Every azz we've ever kicked has come out for the better. We are just pushing back. We can blame it on being a nation with a war machine built by immigrants. Those immigrants are hungry, tired and poor. We have to feed them somehow. The resources it takes to accommodate them doesn't magically appear out of nowhere. Besides, we always leave once their native home is in a better condition than when we found it. They want healthcare? We build hospitals. They want education? We build schools. We can do for them what they obviously can't do for themselves. Make it so nice they won't want to leave. That would be the tough love approach to helping people. Obviously, they are incapable of bettering themselves. Tear em down and rebuild them up. Every azz we've ever kicked has come out for the better. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 462867 10-30-2018 04:17 PM Post: #9 RE: Should the USA Invade MEXICO Once Caravan gets Within 300 miles of the US Border They've been invading us for years so why not. These folks are a Mexican problem . Let them take care of them instead of shoving off their problem on us. If they don't, President Trump should cancel that new USMCA agreement and just impose a 50% tariff on all goods entering the US from Mexico and 50% tariff on all monies leaving US for Mexico. Enough already. Manifest Destiny lop guest User ID: 342379 10-30-2018 04:21 PM Post: #10 RE: Should the USA Invade MEXICO Once Caravan gets Within 300 miles of the US Border Hamburgerwagon Wrote: (10-30-2018 03:48 PM) LoP Guest Wrote: (10-30-2018 03:46 PM) We could stop them in Mexico set up tents there and an infrastructure to send them home. Also should the USA invade Honduras and wipe out that regime, nip it in the bud? This sounds interesting. We should go back to being land grabbers like we were back in the day. Just take over Mexico and throw all of their corrupt officials in jail and implant our own corrupt officials. Then we could go on down into central America and take that, which would take about 5 minutes. We could make a lot of tax money off the tropical resorts. Yes, I think you are on to something here. Manifest Destiny NOW!!! Ask Me How!!! Manifest Destiny NOW!!! Ask Me How!!! Hamburgerwagon lop guest User ID: 459265 10-30-2018 04:24 PM Post: #11 RE: Should the USA Invade MEXICO Once Caravan gets Within 300 miles of the US Border Yes, instead of taking immigrants let just take their countries! Mexico has so many wasted natural resources we could tap. This is the greatest idea ever. We can have companies go in and tap those resources and use the tax to make Mexico a first world country for once. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 470658 10-30-2018 04:30 PM Post: #12 RE: Should the USA Invade MEXICO Once Caravan gets Within 300 miles of the US Border No More Of this FAKESHIT! YES we SHOULD INVADE and PUT them all in Mexican FOOD SLAVE Labor FACTORIES! Viva Mexican FOOD! I want REAL MEXICAN FOOD!No More Of this FAKESHIT!YES we SHOULD INVADE and PUT themall in Mexican FOOD SLAVE Labor FACTORIES!Viva Mexican FOOD! LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 470658 10-30-2018 04:32 PM Post: #13 RE: Should the USA Invade MEXICO Once Caravan gets Within 300 miles of the US Border Just SEND the PRESIDENT of MEXICO an APPLICATION for STATEHOOD! Then Make Him an OFFER He Cant REFUSE! LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 266097 10-30-2018 04:33 PM Post: #14 RE: Should the USA Invade MEXICO Once Caravan gets Within 300 miles of the US Border Hamburgerwagon Wrote: (10-30-2018 04:24 PM) Yes, instead of taking immigrants let just take their countries! Mexico has so many wasted natural resources we could tap. This is the greatest idea ever. We can have companies go in and tap those resources and use the tax to make Mexico a first world country for once. Venezuela is a real and sad but still a very real prime example of people suffering needlessly. They have so many natural resources but just don't seem to be able to make the best of it. It is a leadership issue they just keep having. Like the people who win the lottery only to screw it up and squander it. Professional athletes actors... Seriously, people do not know how to handle a good thing. Hell, Vietnam is thriving pretty good these days. Japan and Germany made out like bandits. Just like bootcamp, year down and rebuild by those who know what it takes when nothing else works. How long should people sit back and watch people suffer before helping them? Venezuela is a real and sad but still a very real prime example of people suffering needlessly. They have so many natural resources but just don't seem to be able to make the best of it. It is a leadership issue they just keep having. Like the people who win the lottery only to screw it up and squander it. Professional athletes actors... Seriously, people do not know how to handle a good thing. Hell, Vietnam is thriving pretty good these days. Japan and Germany made out like bandits. Just like bootcamp, year down and rebuild by those who know what it takes when nothing else works. How long should people sit back and watch people suffer before helping them? Hamburgerwagon lop guest User ID: 459265 10-30-2018 04:35 PM Post: #15 RE: Should the USA Invade MEXICO Once Caravan gets Within 300 miles of the US Border LoP Guest Wrote: (10-30-2018 04:33 PM) Hamburgerwagon Wrote: (10-30-2018 04:24 PM) Yes, instead of taking immigrants let just take their countries! Mexico has so many wasted natural resources we could tap. This is the greatest idea ever. We can have companies go in and tap those resources and use the tax to make Mexico a first world country for once. Venezuela is a real and sad but still a very real prime example of people suffering needlessly. They have so many natural resources but just don't seem to be able to make the best of it. It is a leadership issue they just keep having. Like the people who win the lottery only to screw it up and squander it. Professional athletes actors... Seriously, people do not know how to handle a good thing. Hell, Vietnam is thriving pretty good these days. Japan and Germany made out like bandits. Just like bootcamp, year down and rebuild by those who know what it takes when nothing else works. How long should people sit back and watch people suffer before helping them? WE can march on down there after we have conquered Central America. For real, why not just take that regime out? I think it would be quite easy. It must benefit the US to have them in such disarray. You know our people like to help people in need but our government doesnt give a crap. They only do thing for the benefit of the power structure. WE can march on down there after we have conquered Central America.For real, why not just take that regime out? I think it would be quite easy. It must benefit the US to have them in such disarray. You know our people like to help people in need but our government doesnt give a crap. They only do thing for the benefit of the power structure. Advertisement Back to Forum Reply to This post Post New Thread IceViking strongly condemns physical attacks and harassment directed towards them. They are also often victims of the Islamic idea. This is true when it comes to the cruel and tragic treatment of Muslim women and children when it is in accord with the Koran, the example of Mohammed and Islamic law, Sharia, which may be applied regardless of where a Muslim male may find himself in the world, whether in a Muslim or non-Muslim country. However, in no way, shape or form should one judge all Muslim men because of what is in Islamic scripture and what constitutes the Islamic law, Sharia. "Race", ethnicity or basically anything that you are "merely" born with should never be a basis for bigotry and discrimination. Apostates from Islam have been executed for 1400 years in accord with the Koran and the words and actions of the Islamic prophet Mohammed and Islamic law, Sharia. They should be lovingly helped. Furthermore, approximately as many as 11,000,000 Muslims may have been killed by other Muslims since 1948. To quote the website The Religion of Peace (TROP), edited by Glen Roberts: While it may be safe to say that a true Muslim would not intentionally kill another true Muslim ( 4:92-93 ), the Quran places no such value on the life of a Muslim who is not true. Consider verse 9:73 : Strive hard against the disbelievers and the hypocrites, and be harsh against them, their abode is Hell. The Arabic for strive hard uses the same root as Jihad - and the context in this sura is holy war (see v. 86 and 91). Thus, there are two distinct classes of people that a true Muslim is to target with harshness: disbelievers and hypocrites. A disbeliever obviously refers to a non-Muslim, so a "hypocrite" must be a Muslim of some sort. In fact, hypocrites are those who say they believe, but do not act as they should. In other words, they are "Muslims", but not true Muslims. They will go to hell just as unbelievers do, and so, according to the verse, their lives matter for naught. The same sura says that a hypocrite can be recognized not just by lack of piety (reluctance to follow Sharia), but by fear of death ( 9:56 ), reluctance to fight ( 9:44-45 ) and even friendliness toward non-believers ( 9:67 ). A true Muslim would thus be a pious person who relishes martyrdom, is eager to fight, and shuns non-believers. Even the Quranic passage that warns against killing "believers" ( 4:88-94 ) is more complicated than it first appears. It never says that a true Muslim is incapable of killing another Muslim, just that it should not be done. In fact, it makes exceptions for the unintentional killing of "believers" in war and mandates the killing of "hypocrites." Verse 17:33 says, "Do not kill anyone which Allah has forbidden, except for a just cause" . The greatest cause of all is that Islam be superior ( 9:33 ), which is exactly what Islamic terrorists say is their goal. Thus believing Muslims are allowed to be collateral damage in the war on unbelievers. There is sadly a phenomena that I`ve noticed in Sweden and elsewhere of people using true facts about Islamic doctrine and history as a cover for all sorts of irrational targeting of Muslims, ranging from xenophobia and racism to verbal abuse and physical attacks. This is strongly condemned by this website and does not in any way serve serious criticism of orthodox Islam and other important work. It`s also important that one tries to express oneself in a civilized way. Words matter. In this bloggers humble opinion the root cause of the problem is the ancient doctrine of orthodox Islam. In simple terms a non-Muslim is a Kafir. " The Koran defines the kafir and kafir is not a neutral word. A kafir is not merely someone who does not agree with Islam, but a kafir is evil, disgusting, the lowest form of life." An exact quote, as stated in the writings of Dr. Bill Warner in the article "Kafir" at http://www.politicalislam.com/kafir . In the perfect Koran (Allah`s direct and literal word as revealed to Mohammed through the angel Jibril), Muslims are told 89 times to emulate Mohammed in all ways (see Koran 33:21 for instance). Mohammed`s example, the Sunna, is found in the Hadith (stories of what Mohammed said and did) and the Sira (biographies of Mohammed). Islamic law, Sharia , is directly derived from these unchanging scriptures. It is based on the Koran`s numerous commands to obey Allah and obey the Messenger, that is Mohammed (see Koran 4:59 for instance). Islam is Sharia. Sharia is Islam. It is a capital crime for Muslims to deny Sharia in any way. A Muslim is someone who submits to Islam and submitting to Islam means obeying the Sharia of Allah. Sharia law includes pronouncements for both Muslims and non-Muslims (Kafirs). Islam is a "complete way of life", a "complete code of life", a "complete system of life". Islam is not just a religion but also a comprehensive ideology. Islam is a supremacist ideology. Islam is a totalitarian and imperialistic ideology akin to Communism and Nazism. Islam is a civilization. Islamic law, Sharia, is a manual for a civilization. Islamic law, Sharia, governs every aspect of life. It has a say about every conceivable human act . Non-Muslims are morally and legally inferior in Islam. Women are morally and legally inferior in Islam. The History of Jihad: From Muhammad to ISIS by Robert Spencer is the first one-volume history of jihad in the English language and a great book on the topic. Allah guarantees Paradise to those who "kill and are killed" for him (Koran 9:111). A hadith depicts a Muslim asking Muhammad: "Instruct me as to such a deed as equals Jihad (in reward)." Muhammad replied, "I do not find such a deed." (Bukhari 4.52.44) Muhammad himself said: I have been commanded to fight against people so long as they do not declare that there is no god but Allah, and he who professed it was guaranteed the protection of his property and life on my behalf except for the right affairs rest with Allah. (Sahih Muslim 30) Freedom of speech, human rights, democracy, science and human lives are all at stake in the fight against the Islamic Jihad. 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 Username: Password: or Register Back to Forum Reply to This post Post New Thread Thread Rating: 2 Vote(s) - 5 Average 1 2 3 4 5 Refugees and Prophecies of Dannion Brinkley LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 471066 10-30-2018 05:28 PM Post: #1 Refugees and Prophecies of Dannion Brinkley Advertisement "People were starving in this vision. They were begging for food on the streets, holding out bowls & cups & even their hands in hopes that someone or something would offer them a scrap to eat. In some of the pictures, people had given up or were too weak to beg & were curled on the ground waiting for the gift of death. I saw civil wars breaking out in Central & South America & the rise of socialist governments in all of these countries before the year 2000. As these wars intensified, millions of refugees streamed across the U.S. border, looking for a new life in North America. Nothing we did could stop these immigrants. They were driven by fear of death & loss of confidence in God. I saw millions of people streaming north out of El Salvador & Nicaragua, & more millions crossing the Rio Grande into Texas. There were so many of them that we had to line the border with troops & force them back across the river. The Mexican economy was broken by these refugees & collapsed under the strain. " https://www.qsl.net/w5www/brinkley.html Visions coming true as published in Saved by the Light 1994"People were starving in this vision. They were begging for food on the streets, holding out bowls & cups & even their hands in hopes that someone or something would offer them a scrap to eat. In some of the pictures, people had given up or were too weak to beg & were curled on the ground waiting for the gift of death. I saw civil wars breaking out in Central & South America & the rise of socialist governments in all of these countries before the year 2000. As these wars intensified, millions of refugees streamed across the U.S. border, looking for a new life in North America. Nothing we did could stop these immigrants. They were driven by fear of death & loss of confidence in God.I saw millions of people streaming north out of El Salvador & Nicaragua, & more millions crossing the Rio Grande into Texas. There were so many of them that we had to line the border with troops & force them back across the river. The Mexican economy was broken by these refugees & collapsed under the strain. " Fu King Registered User User ID: 430765 10-30-2018 05:49 PM Posts: 3,346 Post: #2 RE: Refugees and Prophecies of Dannion Brinkley LoP Guest Wrote: (10-30-2018 05:28 PM) Visions coming true as published in Saved by the Light 1994 "People were starving in this vision. They were begging for food on the streets, holding out bowls & cups & even their hands in hopes that someone or something would offer them a scrap to eat. In some of the pictures, people had given up or were too weak to beg & were curled on the ground waiting for the gift of death. I saw civil wars breaking out in Central & South America & the rise of Communists* governments in all of these countries before the year 2000. As these wars intensified, millions of refugees streamed across the U.S. border, looking for a new life in North America. Nothing we did could stop these immigrants. They were driven by fear of death & loss of confidence in God. I saw millions of people streaming north out of El Salvador & Nicaragua, & more millions crossing the Rio Grande into Texas. There were so many of them that we had to line the border with troops & force them back across the river. The Mexican economy was broken by these refugees & collapsed under the strain. " https://www.qsl.net/w5www/brinkley.html *fixed *fixed LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 470959 10-30-2018 06:10 PM Post: #3 RE: Refugees and Prophecies of Dannion Brinkley So, she can be considered a false prophet working for the Illuminati? That is the opposite of what is happening, as if you look at the picture, there are a large number of fat people, and they are clearly invading the USA. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 397916 10-30-2018 06:28 PM Post: #4 RE: Refugees and Prophecies of Dannion Brinkley LoP Guest Wrote: (10-30-2018 06:10 PM) So, she can be considered a false prophet working for the Illuminati? That is the opposite of what is happening, as if you look at the picture, there are a large number of fat people, and they are clearly invading the USA. Dannion is a he. I don't know what happened to him since he married his ghost writer and took over her family responsibilities and they started to run cruises; "spirituality and chocolate" sheesh. I met him at a talk he gave in nyc before he got so fancy with himself. He reluctantly reached out his hand and touched mine (he doesn't like to touch people because that's how he "knows" them, or did then) and told me things that he should not have known. Based upon my own one non-famous, non-commercialized nde, I can say that nothing, no future, is written in stone. Just an opinion, but kindness, like hatred, goes 'round the world, so we all must choose wisely. I also believe, as some have noted on the ct and ct-like sites, that we seem to now occupy some place between the death of one age and the birth of another, and "here be monsters." Dannion is a he.I don't know what happened to him since he married his ghost writer and took over her family responsibilities and they started to run cruises; "spirituality and chocolate" sheesh.I met him at a talk he gave in nyc before he got so fancy with himself.He reluctantly reached out his hand and touched mine (he doesn't like to touch people because that's how he "knows" them, or did then) and told me things that he should not have known.Based upon my own one non-famous, non-commercialized nde, I can say that nothing, no future, is written in stone.Just an opinion, but kindness, like hatred, goes 'round the world, so we all must choose wisely.I also believe, as some have noted on the ct and ct-like sites, that we seem to now occupy some place between the death of one age and the birth of another, and "here be monsters." LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 470959 10-30-2018 06:45 PM Post: #5 RE: Refugees and Prophecies of Dannion Brinkley LoP Guest Wrote: (10-30-2018 06:28 PM) LoP Guest Wrote: (10-30-2018 06:10 PM) So, she can be considered a false prophet working for the Illuminati? That is the opposite of what is happening, as if you look at the picture, there are a large number of fat people, and they are clearly invading the USA. Dannion is a he. I don't know what happened to him since he married his ghost writer and took over her family responsibilities and they started to run cruises; "spirituality and chocolate" sheesh. I met him at a talk he gave in nyc before he got so fancy with himself. He reluctantly reached out his hand and touched mine (he doesn't like to touch people because that's how he "knows" them, or did then) and told me things that he should not have known. Based upon my own one non-famous, non-commercialized nde, I can say that nothing, no future, is written in stone. Just an opinion, but kindness, like hatred, goes 'round the world, so we all must choose wisely. I also believe, as some have noted on the ct and ct-like sites, that we seem to now occupy some place between the death of one age and the birth of another, and "here be monsters." Like I said, false prophet, work of demons. They have been crafting their script for some time now, but reality is far off the mark, for their claims in their script. It is like the false prophet's of Europe, how they claimed "mass immigrants would come, then Europeans would do unspeakable things bringing about divine punishment....". Personally, I think we are in the middle of a one dollar bet between Ren & Stimpy Satan is creating his script to try and frame us, but reality isn't panning out that way. It doesn't matter if God wins, we are still screwed, and our communities and nations are destroyed, so Satan will be pleased with the end results regardless. Like I said, false prophet, work of demons. They have been crafting their script for some time now, but reality is far off the mark, for their claims in their script. It is like the false prophet's of Europe, how they claimed "mass immigrants would come, then Europeans would do unspeakable things bringing about divine punishment....".Personally, I think we are in the middle of a one dollar bet between Ren & Stimpy Satan is creating his script to try and frame us, but reality isn't panning out that way.It doesn't matter if God wins, we are still screwed, and our communities and nations are destroyed, so Satan will be pleased with the end results regardless. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 471078 10-30-2018 06:49 PM Post: #6 RE: Refugees and Prophecies of Dannion Brinkley LoP Guest Wrote: (10-30-2018 06:10 PM) So, she can be considered a false prophet working for the Illuminati? That is the opposite of what is happening, as if you look at the picture, there are a large number of fat people, and they are clearly invading the USA. Yea, they aint starving. Yea, they aint starving. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 397916 10-30-2018 08:42 PM Post: #7 RE: Refugees and Prophecies of Dannion Brinkley bump for woo PioneerSpirit Registered User User ID: 441578 10-30-2018 08:54 PM Posts: 15,196 Post: #8 RE: Refugees and Prophecies of Dannion Brinkley You don't have to be a prophet with psychic powers to know that this mass open illegal migration from the south was going to happen at some point. There is no border to speak of and millions have just walked across it for years. Now they are out of the shadows. And they have nothing to hold them back or stop them. It was inevitable. "They notice that you notice" - Mothman Prophecies A tradition cannot make an historical claim and then refuse to have it evaluated by history Back to Forum Reply to This post Post New Thread Username: Password: or Register Back to Forum Reply to This post Post New Thread Thread Rating: 0 Vote(s) - 0 Average 1 2 3 4 5 Euro Set to Collapse Amid Italy Crisis LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 443824 10-30-2018 10:28 PM Post: #1 Euro Set to Collapse Amid Italy Crisis Advertisement Eurozone growth is threatening to grind to a complete standstill as the financial crisis in Italy the spams third biggest economy continues to shatter EU confidence in the single currency. The European statistics office Eurostat has released official estimates which revealed economic growth in the 19 countries adopting the euro slowed to 0.2 percent in the third quarter. https://www.infowars.com/euro-set-to-col...ly-crisis/ Germany reportedly unable to bail Italy out.Eurozone growth is threatening to grind to a complete standstill as the financial crisis in Italy the spams third biggest economy continues to shatter EU confidence in the single currency.The European statistics office Eurostat has released official estimates which revealed economic growth in the 19 countries adopting the euro slowed to 0.2 percent in the third quarter. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 471108 10-30-2018 10:35 PM Post: #2 RE: Euro Set to Collapse Amid Italy Crisis The UK is still on the hook if it implodes before 29/3/19. Even though we are not members of the euro we had to help bail out Greece because they claimed it was the integrity of the European Union that was at risk. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 468059 10-30-2018 10:47 PM Post: #3 RE: Euro Set to Collapse Amid Italy Crisis LoP Guest Wrote: (10-30-2018 10:35 PM) The UK is still on the hook if it implodes before 29/3/19. Even though we are not members of the euro we had to help bail out Greece because they claimed it was the integrity of the European Union that was at risk. Nope, put ypur feet up, relax and enjoy it. "The UK has not made a contribution via the EU for the other eurozone bailouts: the three Greek ones, in 2010, 2012 and 2015 and for the Spain and Cyprus bailouts in 2012" "The UK will not pay for future eurozone bailouts. This has already been agreed by EU leaders. " https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-e...m-36456277 Nope, put ypur feet up, relax and enjoy it."The UK has not made a contribution via the EU for the other eurozone bailouts: the three Greek ones, in 2010, 2012 and 2015 and for the Spain and Cyprus bailouts in 2012""The UK will not pay for future eurozone bailouts. This has already been agreed by EU leaders. " LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 420477 10-30-2018 10:52 PM Post: #4 RE: Euro Set to Collapse Amid Italy Crisis LoP Guest Wrote: (10-30-2018 10:35 PM) The UK is still on the hook if it implodes before 29/3/19. Even though we are not members of the euro we had to help bail out Greece because they claimed it was the integrity of the European Union that was at risk. Well, the UK and Italy are already moving closer, while France has switched from building the next gen combat jets with the UK to Germany (sensible considering Brexit) the UK and Italy are pairing up to build a competing combat jets and supporting autonomous combat jets.. So all is shaping up to be... interesting. Well, the UK and Italy are already moving closer, while France has switched from building the next gen combat jets with the UK to Germany (sensible considering Brexit) the UK and Italy are pairing up to build a competing combat jets and supporting autonomous combat jets.. So all is shaping up to be... interesting. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 434753 10-30-2018 10:56 PM Post: #5 RE: Euro Set to Collapse Amid Italy Crisis Yeah, no. The euro will not be collapsing at any time soon. It amazes me at how clueless some people are.. Pinguu Registered User User ID: 466447 10-30-2018 11:02 PM Posts: 6,195 Post: #6 RE: Euro Set to Collapse Amid Italy Crisis LoP Guest Wrote: (10-30-2018 10:28 PM) Germany reportedly unable to bail Italy out. Eurozone growth is threatening to grind to a complete standstill as the financial crisis in Italy the spams third biggest economy continues to shatter EU confidence in the single currency. The European statistics office Eurostat has released official estimates which revealed economic growth in the 19 countries adopting the euro slowed to 0.2 percent in the third quarter. https://www.infowars.com/euro-set-to-col...ly-crisis/ I heard the Russians said they would backstop the Italians......Which all seems rather nice and friendly... I heard the Russians said they would backstop the Italians......Which all seems rather nice and friendly... IF AT FIRST YOU DONT SUCCEED...CLAIM YOU ARE OPPRESSED.. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 443824 10-30-2018 11:04 PM Post: #7 RE: Euro Set to Collapse Amid Italy Crisis Pinguu Wrote: (10-30-2018 11:02 PM) LoP Guest Wrote: (10-30-2018 10:28 PM) Germany reportedly unable to bail Italy out. Eurozone growth is threatening to grind to a complete standstill as the financial crisis in Italy the spams third biggest economy continues to shatter EU confidence in the single currency. The European statistics office Eurostat has released official estimates which revealed economic growth in the 19 countries adopting the euro slowed to 0.2 percent in the third quarter. https://www.infowars.com/euro-set-to-col...ly-crisis/ I heard the Russians said they would backstop the Italians......Which all seems rather nice and friendly... What currency will they use the Lira? What currency will they use the Lira? LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 420477 10-30-2018 11:06 PM Post: #8 RE: Euro Set to Collapse Amid Italy Crisis LoP Guest Wrote: (10-30-2018 10:56 PM) Yeah, no. The euro will not be collapsing at any time soon. It amazes me at how clueless some people are.. It amazes me how close minded to world events some people are... with Merkel stepping down any reform of the EU is now next to impossible... which is what it really needs... You also have 2 predatory nations floating around wanting to outdo each other... (China/US) trade deal with some feel might end up being vehicles to curtail trade with the other.. It's a difficult, mess, and if the UK leaves on a clean break there is a fundemental issue with the 1tn euros in trades that will in effect have no means of being traded.. major concern if there is no deal to cover those trades in euros as the EU has not got enough time to put anything robust enough in place to deal with it... There are way too many risks floating around, people focus on the UK side of that, but obscure the major risks on the other side, like how are European businesses going to enough loans (that is enough volume to cover the entire EU) Worrisome... so much can implode.. It amazes me how close minded to world events some people are... with Merkel stepping down any reform of the EU is now next to impossible... which is what it really needs...You also have 2 predatory nations floating around wanting to outdo each other... (China/US) trade deal with some feel might end up being vehicles to curtail trade with the other..It's a difficult, mess, and if the UK leaves on a clean break there is a fundemental issue with the 1tn euros in trades that will in effect have no means of being traded.. major concern if there is no deal to cover those trades in euros as the EU has not got enough time to put anything robust enough in place to deal with it...There are way too many risks floating around, people focus on the UK side of that, but obscure the major risks on the other side, like how are European businesses going to enough loans (that is enough volume to cover the entire EU)Worrisome... so much can implode.. He Man Subscriber User ID: 426524 10-30-2018 11:06 PM Posts: 39,966 Post: #9 RE: Euro Set to Collapse Amid Italy Crisis Pinguu Wrote: (10-30-2018 11:02 PM) LoP Guest Wrote: (10-30-2018 10:28 PM) Germany reportedly unable to bail Italy out. Eurozone growth is threatening to grind to a complete standstill as the financial crisis in Italy the spams third biggest economy continues to shatter EU confidence in the single currency. The European statistics office Eurostat has released official estimates which revealed economic growth in the 19 countries adopting the euro slowed to 0.2 percent in the third quarter. https://www.infowars.com/euro-set-to-col...ly-crisis/ I heard the Russians said they would backstop the Italians......Which all seems rather nice and friendly... Link? The Russian economy is smaller than France's, don't see how they can do much. Link? The Russian economy is smaller than France's, don't see how they can do much. Making LOP Great again since 06-07-2013! Robert Reich @RBReich "News flash: If you ban mask mandates, outlaw abortions, dictate what educators can teach in schools, and stop people from voting, you're not the party of "limited government."" Pinguu Registered User User ID: 466447 10-30-2018 11:07 PM Posts: 6,195 Post: #10 RE: Euro Set to Collapse Amid Italy Crisis LoP Guest Wrote: (10-30-2018 11:04 PM) Pinguu Wrote: (10-30-2018 11:02 PM) I heard the Russians said they would backstop the Italians......Which all seems rather nice and friendly... What currency will they use the Lira? I didnt read the article past that.....I got bored.....Money isnt real anyways...The Italiens could just as well use Spaghetti and vine tomatos. I didnt read the article past that.....I got bored.....Money isnt real anyways...The Italiens could just as well use Spaghetti and vine tomatos. IF AT FIRST YOU DONT SUCCEED...CLAIM YOU ARE OPPRESSED.. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 420477 10-30-2018 11:11 PM Post: #11 RE: Euro Set to Collapse Amid Italy Crisis Pinguu Wrote: (10-30-2018 11:07 PM) LoP Guest Wrote: (10-30-2018 11:04 PM) What currency will they use the Lira? I didnt read the article past that.....I got bored.....Money isnt real anyways...The Italiens could just as well use Spaghetti and vine tomatos. Given how close they are moving to the UK I am surprised that has not rung any warning bells in Brussels... Given how close they are moving to the UK I am surprised that has not rung any warning bells in Brussels... LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 434753 10-30-2018 11:12 PM Post: #12 RE: Euro Set to Collapse Amid Italy Crisis LoP Guest Wrote: (10-30-2018 11:06 PM) LoP Guest Wrote: (10-30-2018 10:56 PM) Yeah, no. The euro will not be collapsing at any time soon. It amazes me at how clueless some people are.. It amazes me how close minded to world events some people are... with Merkel stepping down any reform of the EU is now next to impossible... which is what it really needs... You also have 2 predatory nations floating around wanting to outdo each other... (China/US) trade deal with some feel might end up being vehicles to curtail trade with the other.. It's a difficult, mess, and if the UK leaves on a clean break there is a fundemental issue with the 1tn euros in trades that will in effect have no means of being traded.. major concern if there is no deal to cover those trades in euros as the EU has not got enough time to put anything robust enough in place to deal with it... There are way too many risks floating around, people focus on the UK side of that, but obscure the major risks on the other side, like how are European businesses going to enough loans (that is enough volume to cover the entire EU) Worrisome... so much can implode.. The UK is irrelevant to the future of the euro currency. The EU could collapse, but the euro can continue - it is designed to be anti-fragile, separated from the nation state;) the euro does not explicitly require the European Union in its present form. The members using the euro have the largest collective gold reserves on the planet, those gold reserves are marked to market for a reason;) can you tell me why?? You will then understand why the euro isn't going anywhere.. The UK is irrelevant to the future of the euro currency.The EU could collapse, but the euro can continue - it is designed to be anti-fragile, separated from the nation state;) the euro does not explicitly require the European Union in its present form.The members using the euro have the largest collective gold reserves on the planet, those gold reserves are marked to market for a reason;) can you tell me why??You will then understand why the euro isn't going anywhere.. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 420477 10-30-2018 11:18 PM Post: #13 RE: Euro Set to Collapse Amid Italy Crisis LoP Guest Wrote: (10-30-2018 11:12 PM) LoP Guest Wrote: (10-30-2018 11:06 PM) It amazes me how close minded to world events some people are... with Merkel stepping down any reform of the EU is now next to impossible... which is what it really needs... You also have 2 predatory nations floating around wanting to outdo each other... (China/US) trade deal with some feel might end up being vehicles to curtail trade with the other.. It's a difficult, mess, and if the UK leaves on a clean break there is a fundemental issue with the 1tn euros in trades that will in effect have no means of being traded.. major concern if there is no deal to cover those trades in euros as the EU has not got enough time to put anything robust enough in place to deal with it... There are way too many risks floating around, people focus on the UK side of that, but obscure the major risks on the other side, like how are European businesses going to enough loans (that is enough volume to cover the entire EU) Worrisome... so much can implode.. The UK is irrelevant to the future of the euro currency. The EU could collapse, but the euro can continue - it is designed to be anti-fragile, separated from the nation state;) the euro does not explicitly require the European Union in its present form. The members using the euro have the largest collective gold reserves on the planet, those gold reserves are marked to market for a reason;) can you tell me why?? You will then understand why the euro isn't going anywhere.. and most of the Trade is cleared through the UK, there is no vehicle post clean Brexit to deal with that 1tn in trade, but hey.... if they can ignore that, and you can ignore that, that's cool... and if you can ignore there is also no vehicle in place to cover the entire volume of business loans they need... but hey, if the Euro can continue when everyone has imploded and gone their separate ways with their gold then that's very impressive... I will clap my hands... I guess in that case the Roman Empire is still going strong since we still see their currency in circulation albeit mostly in Museums, all hail the Roman empire.. and most of the Trade is cleared through the UK, there is no vehicle post clean Brexit to deal with that 1tn in trade, but hey.... if they can ignore that, and you can ignore that, that's cool... and if you can ignore there is also no vehicle in place to cover the entire volume of business loans they need...but hey, if the Euro can continue when everyone has imploded and gone their separate ways with their gold then that's very impressive... I will clap my hands...I guess in that case the Roman Empire is still going strong since we still see their currency in circulation albeit mostly in Museums, all hail the Roman empire.. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 471108 10-30-2018 11:46 PM Post: #14 RE: Euro Set to Collapse Amid Italy Crisis LoP Guest Wrote: (10-30-2018 10:47 PM) LoP Guest Wrote: (10-30-2018 10:35 PM) The UK is still on the hook if it implodes before 29/3/19. Even though we are not members of the euro we had to help bail out Greece because they claimed it was the integrity of the European Union that was at risk. Nope, put ypur feet up, relax and enjoy it. "The UK has not made a contribution via the EU for the other eurozone bailouts: the three Greek ones, in 2010, 2012 and 2015 and for the Spain and Cyprus bailouts in 2012" "The UK will not pay for future eurozone bailouts. This has already been agreed by EU leaders. " https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-e...m-36456277 So the EFSF (All EU countries liable even if not in the euro) seems to have given way to the ESM for the just the euro countries. ( I wonder on the legalities of it though, if the treaty hasn't been amended then we could still be liable even if they create these separate entities for the time being. The EFSF is still active but doesn't give new loans. For now. So the EFSF (All EU countries liable even if not in the euro) seems to have given way to the ESM for the just the euro countries. ( https://www.esm.europa.eu/about-us/history I wonder on the legalities of it though, if the treaty hasn't been amended then we could still be liable even if they create these separate entities for the time being.The EFSF is still active but doesn't give new loans. For now. Back to Forum Reply to This post Post New Thread Hassan Sadeghi and Fatemeh Mosana, who have been tortured and imprisoned multiple times since the mullahs stole power in 1979, are currently serving 15-year prison sentences for commemorating Sadeghis late father, an anti-regime activist. Denial of medical treatment Sadeghi, who is detained in Karajs Rajai Shahr prison, sustained eye injuries under torture when he was first arrested, which have developed into secondary ailments, including glaucoma. He may soon require surgery and has an appointment with an ophthalmologist, but the prosecutors office is refusing to let him leave. Mosana, who is detained in Tehrans Evin prison, suffered a leg injury in 2016 while incarcerated, but authorities ignored complaints of chronic pain and delayed her treatment the simple application of a cast for two and a half months. She was eventually transferred to an outside medical facility where doctors diagnosed her with permanent tendon rupture; something that would never have happened if shed be treated immediately. First arrests Mosana, 41, was first arrested in 1980, when she was just 13, alongside her mother. Both women were charged with Moharebeh [enmity against God] and Baqi [rebellion] for membership in the opposition group, the MEK. They each served three years in prison. Meanwhile three of Mosanas brothers and a sister-in-law were executed for participating in anti-regime activities. Sadeghi, 43, was first arrested in 1981 at the age of 16. During his six-year incarceration, he was severely tortured, both physically and psychologically, with multiple lashings from cables causing a dent in his skull and fracturing his heel bone. He now has to wear gel insoles and orthopaedic shoes to relieve the chronic foot pain, but the prosecutors office bars him from buying them for himself whilst in prison. He also developed an ulcer and gastrointestinal infection. Family incarceration When the pair were first arrested in February 2013, authorities sealed their house and also kept their 19-year-old son Iman in custody for one and a half months and their 10-year-old daughter Fatemeh for three days. Both children are now in the custody of their elderly grandmother. Authorities also ordered the couple to surrender their home and their shop, whilst they were behind bars for a year facing trial. Judge Ahmadzadeh of Revolutionary Court Branch 26 sentenced the t 15 years in prison, a sentence that was upheld on appeal. According to video and pictures released on social media by Iranian Resistance activists, the Iranian Regime blocked the roads leading to Pasargad in Fars province with concrete barriers and security checkpoints that turned back anyone with license plates from different provinces, forcing many to seek out alternate routes on foot across the mountains. Local residents were even given car passes and told that they would be prevented from travelling in the area without their pass. Iranian Resistance group, the Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), reported: The Revolutionary Guards and Intelligence Ministry, along with repressive state security units, have launched numerous checkpoints on all paths leading to Pasargad. The entire security apparatus is currently on high alert and installing cameras to control the roads and prevent Iranians from rallying at the Cyrus the Great tomb site. The Regime also dispatched security units, including the Revolutionary Guards Corps, to the city and nearby areas to monitor, intimidate, and attack people trying to reach the site. Some people were even arrested, as was threatened in advance via anonymous text messages, likely sent by the Iranian Regime, and had their vehicles impounded. The MEK reported: Despite these measures, people are seen rushing to Pasargad in large groups, resulting in heavy traffic in exit routes out of Shiraz. This was a similar response to last year, as the Regime fears that the gathering could turn into an anti-regime protest. In the weeks leading up to the gathering the Revolutionary Guards announced that they would be conducting drills in the area and warned local hospitals to expect increased admissions, in order to prevent people from attending the gathering, according to the National Council of Resistance of Iran. The Regime even resorted to closing other historic sites, like the Takht-e Jamsheed and the Persepolis historical site, in order to prevent protests from beginning there. In Tehran, those who could not get to the tomb held protest gatherings in Valiasr Square, where they chanted against the Iranian Regimes funding of foreign wars and terrorist militias. Iranians gather every year at Cyrus the Greats tomb on October 29 believed to be the day he conquered Babylon to celebrate Cyrus Day. Since the end of last year, thousands upon thousands of Iranians have taken to the streets to protest against the many issues that they are faced with. The protests initially started out as general protests about concerns that are an issue for most of the people. For example, at the start of the protests the regimes handling of the country and the dire economic situation were focused on. But as time went on, the people began to focus on more specific issues. For instance, farmers, factory workers, truckers, teachers, students and shopkeepers all highlighted the very specific problems that they are faced with. Ethnic and religious minorities have also stepped up to highlight the unfair treatment and discrimination they have endured for years. The signatories of the letter are: Mostafa Ahmadian, Maziar Tatiaei, Mosleh Ghorbani, Behrouz Nalbandi, Saleh Nikbakht, Keyvan Azizi, Sajjad Khosravi, Ayat Abbas, Esfandiar Abnoos, Osman Mozayen, Ehsan Hassanpour, Esmaeil Rahimi, Ali Sakeni, Amir Ahmadi, Esmaeil Salaripour, Arash Fattahi Boukani, Massoud Shamsnejad, Arash Rajabi Kermanshahi, Behrouz Vafadar, Shalir Fotoohi-Sara, Asrin Khaledi, Heydar Khodamoradi, Farman Jafari, Amir Salar Davoudi, Behzad Hakimizadeh, Arash Kamangar, Abdollatif Valadbeigi, Abdolbaset Pourzadi, Hassan Ranjbar, Halimeh Khezri, Keyvan Mamepour, Massoud Javadieh, Mohammad Mogheimi, Narmin Hosseinikhah, Shatav Mobtadi, Sadegh Saed Mouchesh, Fouad Motevasel, Koroush Heydari, and Kaveh Alizadeh. The lawyers noted that the judicial authorities have been very harsh with the protesters and have handed out major prison sentences to protesters. They also highlighted that there have been a large number of arrests and they called on the regime to make sure that it stops reacting and retaliating against the people that are doing nothing more than exercising their right to protest. The letter also highlighted that tolerance on both sides is declining. The people will no longer remain passive to the regimes corruption, belligerence and neglect and the regime will not tolerate domestic dissent. The right for civil protest and assembly is rooted in the right to freedom of speech and freedom of assembly which have been asserted in the constitution and numerous international conventions such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The lawyers said that the protesters rights much be protected and respected and said that the authorities must stop using violence to engage with the people. They applaud all of the people that have risen up and called for democracy and said that these social movements and civil protests are precursors to great change in the country. They also reminded the people taking to the streets to ensure that the protests remain peaceful and they expressed their solidarity with the people and social groups that are protesting. We declare our solidarity and support for protesting social groups, and call on them to avoid violent methods. This is the wish of the Iranian people, who have been calling for regime change in nationwide protests since December 2017. The rest of the world should join Giuliani and his group in supporting The Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), the largest and most organised Iranian opposition group, as the regime change that the Iranian people clamour for will take requires organization, leadership, a platform, endurance, competence, and sacrifice. But why should the MEK take up this mantle? Well simply, because the Regime already fears that the MEK will be the cause of their demise. Time and time again, the Iranian Regime had made it clear that they are scared of Maryam Rajavi, the president-elect of the broader coalition of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), of which the MEK is a member. That is why the Regime is hell bent on destroying the MEK, through terrorist plots, assassinations, and even mass executions. In fact, Iranian agents were caught as part of three separate terror plots in Belgium, France, Germany, Albania, and the US during 2018 alone. Each time, they wanted to kill thousands or even hundreds of thousands of MEK members, alongside thousands of dignitaries attending MEK conferences. Giuliani said: Tehran is willing to risk the political backlash of irrational terrorist activity abroad; the desperation of such acts is clear to the international community Why would the regime be so methodical in imprisoning, torturing and killing MEK supporters in Iran, as well as targeting its senior officials in Paris and New York if it didnt feel threatened by it? The regime does not doubt the MEKs strength in Iran and is on record identifying it as the only opposition movement capable of overthrow. The Regime practices and perfects its terrorism on the Iranian people before exporting it around the world, so the international community must stand with the Iranian people and let them know that we support the overthrow of the Regime. After all, Rajavi will lead Iran once the mullahs have fallen and created a democracy out of the ashes of fascism. The US president and his foreign policy team have repeatedly made it clear that they intend to exert maximum pressure on the Islamic Republic through new and re-imposed sanctions, as well as other diplomatic pressures. Zarif attempted to dismiss that goal, reiterating the Iranian regimes assertion that the US is addicted to sanctions and that such measures do not have the intended effect of changing the policies or behaviors of the targeted government. Nevertheless, the foreign minister did acknowledge that US sanctions would increase economic pain, although he insisted that key economic indicators had already bottomed out and that the government had already begun compensating for the forthcoming conditions. CBS noted that the threat of renewed sanctions was alone sufficient to deepen an already ongoing economic crisis in the Islamic Republic, sending the value of Irans national currency, the rial, to record lows. This in turn has contributed to widespread domestic unrest, which has notably taken aim not at the US government and supporters of economic sanctions but at the Iranian regime and its economic mismanagement. This situation belies Zarifs claim, in Sundays interview, that economic sanctions are particularly harmful to the Iranian public and that the Iranian government is fulfilling its obligation to alleviate that harm. Recent anti-government protests specifically allege otherwise, calling attention, for instance, to the clerical regimes extensive long-term spending on the defense of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad and the associated build-up of regional militias tied to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. CBS pointed out that Zarif declined to comment on how the latest round of sanctions might impact the ongoing domestic unrest, but many observers, including activists of the opposition group known as the Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran, believe that US-led sanctions will be a source of encouragement rather than a source of pain. This expectation is based in part on the fact that the IRGC controls the majority of Irans gross domestic product, either directly or through a series of front companies, and as such is one of the main beneficiaries of sanctions relief. Conversely, the return of sanctions and the imposition of new, targeted sanctions may be expected to weaken the IRGC, which is one of the main instruments of repression inside the Islamic Republic, as well as being tasked with the exportation of the Islamic revolution. Soon after taking office, the Trump administration moved more aggressively than its predecessors against the IRGC, opening the entire organization and not merely its foreign expeditionary Quds Force to sanctions focused on the support of international terrorism. Despite this, not all Iran hawks in the US Congress are fully satisfied with the administrations performance in this area, or at least not all of them are prepared to take the White Houses assertive approach for granted. This was the focus of an Associated Press report on Monday, which noted that a number of Republican lawmakers have introduced legislation that would sanction any government or financial institution that continues to do business with Iran through the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication, or SWIFT. The report described the relevant legislators as being angered by the suggestion that the sanctions measures on November 4 may not include barring Iran from this crucial mechanism for international transactions. It also quoted Richard Goldberg of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies as saying, The president asked for maximum pressure, not semi-maximum pressure. Maximum pressure includes disconnecting Iranian banks from SWIFT. Such commentary speaks to the perceived importance of leaving no stone unturned in the effort to isolate the Islamic Republic. And that perception is perhaps underscored by past and ongoing efforts by the Iranian regime and its partners to evade sanctions. The UKs Telegraph recalled attention to one such effort on Monday when it reported upon details surrounding the guilty verdicts for Paul and Iris Attwater, who were reportedly groomed by an intermediary to unwittingly provide aircraft parts to Iranian buyers which also had potential applications to Irans military nuclear program. Although the case dates back to before the nuclear agreement and the suspension of some sanctions, it is indicative of an ongoing pattern of behavior. Multiple American and European intelligence reports have identified dozens of instances of Iranian agents attempting to procure banned equipment in recent years. These and other sanctions-busting efforts are poised to further proliferate after November 4, if neither all nor most of the United States international partners come into compliance with the sanctions and abandon their plans to provide Iran with additional incentives to remain a party to the nuclear deal even in Americas absence. The possibility of greater international assistance for Iranian sanctions evasion may be a motivating factor behind the Republicans efforts to proactively sanction anyone who uses SWIFT to do business with Iran. But the same international defiance may also explain why the White House is allegedly contemplating what Goldberg described as only semi-maximum pressure. That is to say that the Trump administration may be wary of further alienating its European allies after having already butted heads with them over this and other matters. This does not necessarily entail an overall reduction in pressure, provided that the administration compensates for absent measures by imposing others with comparable effect. And fortunately for Iran hawks and Iranian anti-government activists who are frustrated with European conciliation, the current American strategy for Iran is not overly reliant on fellow Western powers. As evidenced by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchins trip to Riyadh last week, the Trump administration is working aggressively to develop an anti-Iranian alliance within the Middle East, the presence of which may intensify the effects of unilateral economic sanctions. Anxiety over Irans regional role has proven to be a powerful motivator for cooperation and reconciliation, and on Saturday Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underscored this fact on a trip to Oman the first by an Israeli leader in 24 years. According to Al Jazeera, Netanyahu praised the increasing closeness between his country and its Gulf Arab neighbors, specifically crediting mutual opposition to Iran for the positive development. The comments came soon after Israeli officials laid the blame squarely on the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps for recent rocket attacks coming out of Gaza. Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus was quoted by the Washington Post as saying that Palestinian Islamic Jihad was receiving guidance, instruction and incentives from the Quds Force in Damascus. The apparently ongoing development of Iranian terrorist networks in the broader Middle East may prove to be a significant disincentive for European efforts to support Irans position with regard to the nuclear deal. But in any event, with the second round of sanctions looming on November 4 and supported by a number of Tehrans adversaries both at home and abroad, there is little reason to believe that the Iranian foreign minister or other officials are sincerely confident when they say the sanctions will have no effect on the regimes policies or behaviors. The Basij has more than earned a spot on the USs blacklist as specially designated global terrorists, after decades of recruiting, training and dispatching hundreds of thousands of child soldiers and Afghan refugees into wars. The Treasury Department said: In addition to its involvement in violent crackdowns and serious human rights abuses in Iran, the Basij recruits and trains fighters for the IRGC-QF, including Iranian children, who then deploy to Syria to support the brutal Assad regime. The full statement reveals that the IRGC used children as young as 12 as cannon fodder in its regional wars and that it has been sending children to fight in Syria since at least 2015. They even included a screenshot from a 2017 broadcast by the state-run IRIB, which showed a 13-year old Basij member in the Syrian border city of Abu Kamal, who said that he was a defender of the shrine. This is a euphemism used by the Iranian Regime to describe fighters it sends to Syria and Iraq. This blacklist enforces sanctions on a number of Iranian companies, but it also freezes and Basij assets held in the US and ban US citizens from doing business with the Basij or any of its front companies. Essentially, the US has now put the Iranian economy in a chokehold, as the Basij is what the Regime rely on for the cash to fund their malign actions. Of course, it isnt just the Treasury who are punishing the Iranian Regime for its use of child soldiers a clear violation of international law. The US ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley blasted Iran in front of the UN Security Council for its use of child soldiers. She said: The use of child soldiers is a moral outrage that every civilized nation rejects while Iran celebrates it Irans economy is increasingly devoted to funding Iranian repression at home and aggression abroad. In this case, Iranian big business and finance are funding the war crime of using child soldiers. This is crony terrorism. Human Rights Watch also criticised Iran for using the children of Afghan refugees in their wars in an October 2017 report, where the group noted that the Iranian Regime was using schoolchildren to sweep minefields in Syria. In the report, they noted that the use of children under 15 in armed conflict is a war crime. Iran-Iraq War This is not a new phenomenon. In fact, the Iranian Regime first began using child soldiers during the Iran-Iraq war, when hundreds of thousands of children were sent to fight after just three months training, with kids of only nine-years-old used in human wave attacks or to clear minefields for IRGC troops to cross. Reza Shafiee, a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), wrote: Iranian child soldiers were sent into the battlefield with plastic keys around their necks. These keys symbolized their so-called permission to enter paradise. Sent ahead of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) troops and armoured vehicles, these children were used as mine-clearers. Most of them were blown up as they charged across the minefields, thereby clearing the way for the IRGC. According to the International Committee of the Red Cross at least 10% of Iranian prisoners of war were underage children, but worse still Iranian military officers captured by Iraqis admitted that 90% of Iranian child soldiers were killed in the battlefields. The US Treasury Department specifically targeted over 20 institutions that have directly funded Irans Basij Resistance Force, the paramilitary wing of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and thus increased Irans malign influence in the Middle East. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said: This vast network provides financial infrastructure to the Basijs efforts to recruit, train, and indoctrinate child soldiers who are coerced into combat under the IRGCs direction. Human Rights Watch explains that the Basij frequently targets children of Afghan migrants in Iran some as young as 14 to recruit them in Irans army with promises of citizenship for them and their family or threats of deportation. The situation is made worse by the up to two million undocumented Afghans and one million Afghan refugees, who are increasingly vulnerable to the Regime. Up to 4,000 Afghans are in the IRGCs Afghan Liwa Fatemiyoun brigade, which is supposedly in Syria to defend the holy shrines, but is actually fighting to prop up the Bashar al-Assad regime. In fact, they are even deployed with little regard for casualties, often sent as first-wave infantry to the most difficult battles with little training. One member of the Liwa Fatemiyoun, Hamid Ali, told Human Rights Watch that the IRGCs Quds Force decided where and when the Afghan soldiers go. He reported that in one recent deployment, 400 Afghan soldiers were sent to the Iraqi border and given little support, which resulted in more than half of the men dying within days of their deployment. He said: They did not give us heavy artillery or anything other than our AK-47s. Many Liwa Fatemiyoun soldiers join because they think they are merely defending shrines, but seek to escape to Europe after being used as cannon fodder by the Iranian Regime. The BBC has even reported on former Liwa Fatemiyoun Afghan refugees in Lesbos and other refugee centres who hold on to their dog tags as evidence of their coerced service. It is clear that so long as Iran continues its malign involvement in the Syrian civil war, it will continue to deploy child soldiers and other members of the Afghan minority. With the ongoing tension between United States and China over the South China Sea, a US Navy senior officer has emphasized the importance of US-Philippines alliance to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Admiral John M. Richardson, US Navy Chief of Naval Operations, who visited the Philippines on October 28 and 29, highlighted the continuing importance of the RP-US alliance in the region. The work the US Navy does with the Philippines every year is critical to the peace and stability of the region and the development of both our militaries, Richardson said, in a statement released by the US Embassy in Manila. Its important that we continue to collaborate with our partner and ally. We look forward to further strengthening our longstanding security cooperation, he added. While in the Philippines, Adm. Richardson met with Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Gen. Carlito Galvez and Flag Officer in Command of the Philippine Navy Vice Adm. Robert Empedrad. The US security official also traveled to Palawan, where he received an update on the security situation in the South China Sea from Lt. Gen. Rozzano Briguez, Commander of the AFPs Western Command.The US Embassy said Adm. Richardsons visit focused on US and Philippine maritime domain awareness and naval capabilities, and the importance of the US-Philippine alliance to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Richardson has held the post of CNO since September 2015. As the Navys senior military officer, Adm. Richardson is responsible for its command and operating efficiency. As a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the CNO is the principal naval adviser to the President of the United States, Secretary of Defense, National Security Council, and Homeland Security Council. Baguio City may soon enjoy more autonomy as the bill revising its charter hurdled the third and final reading approval at the House of Representatives. Principally authored by Rep. Mark Go of Baguio City, House Bill 8240 proposes to revise and codify the old Charter of the City of Baguio, which was enacted into law and made effective on Sept. 1, 1909 by virtue of Sections 2540 to 2574 of the Revised Administrative Code of 1917, as amended. Although Baguio City shall retain its identity as a highly urbanized city and remain part of the Cordillera Administrative Region, Go seeks to develop genuine and meaningful political, social, and fiscal autonomy for the city government to continue to sustain and improve its development as a self-reliant community and a more effective partner in the attainment of national goals. Go, vice chairman of the House Committee on Basic Education and Culture, provides Baguio City with corporate powers, such as the powers to exercise continuous succession in its corporate name; to sue and be sued; and to acquire and convey real and personal property. It also provides for general powers such as to 1) levy taxes, fees, and charges; 2) close and open roads, streets, alleys, parks, or squares; and 3) expropriate or condemn private property for public use, among others. In his bill, Go, member of the House Committee on North Luzon Quadrangle, proposes to settle the City's boundary dispute with the adjoining municipality of Tuba, in the province of Benguet by defining the territorial boundaries to comprise the City's present territorial jurisdiction. Moreover, the bill shall effectively implement the land use development plan of the city government and to address the problem in the disposition of alienable and disposable public lands which are part of the City's Townsite Reservation.Under Article X of the bill, all alienable and disposable lands within the Baguio City Townsite Reservation shall be disposed of and awarded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). This shall be done through the grant of residential free patent, townsite sales, or other modes of disposition pursuant to Republic Act 10023 or the Public Land Act and such laws authorizing the disposition of the lands to qualified actual occupants thereon. The DENR and the City shall coordinate to advance the cost for the conduct of a subdivision survey of all its alienable and disposable public lands which are part of its Townsite Reservation in accordance with the city's land use development plan. Areas shall be segregated for public use such as road systems, greenbelt areas, health center sites, school sites, and danger zones as determined by the geosciences experts from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the DENR. A Special Committee on Lands shall be created to assist the DENR and to serve as venue for the resolution of all land-related issues in the city. The committee will protect the interest of Baguio City and its long-time occupants, especially the review of all ancestral land claims, the conversion of lands, and disposition of public lands. The City Mayor, Vice Mayor or the Committee on Land Use and Urban Development shall chairman the committee, while the DENR serves as co-chairman and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples as vice-chairman. - Celebrity Kris Aquino posted a video on social media that stirred rumors of network transfer - The actress said she really misses her television appearances and exposures - She also wants to work with Kapuso personalities such as Jessica Soho and Willie Revillame PAY ATTENTION: Click "See First" under the "Following" tab to see KAMI news on your News Feed Queen of All Media Kris Aquino once again became the talk-of-the-town in social media after her post attracted rumors that she will be signing a contract with the Kapuso network soon. KAMI learned that the promising celebrity posted a video online which she described as her life update since she discussed important matters about her personal life, struggles, and career. To be able to share what people need to know about her now, she requested an interviewer who then asked the influential star if she misses television appearances. Kris immediately admitted that she misses her television exposures and that she is willing to accept an offer from any network only if there is a limited time for her to shoot every week. The actress expressed that she can no longer spend more time in showbiz like she did before since she is balancing her time for work and for family. She also emphasized that she will seek and even beg for permission from her doctor in Singapore if ever a network offers her a weekly show that will not require a lot of time to make. I do. I miss TV, but TV requires long hours and I cannot give that, the former Feng Shui star explained. Kung magkaroon man anytime in the future and if it is just once a week, I'd grab it. Magmamakaawa ako sa doctor ko sa Singapore, yung health certification, pirmahan niya, she added. 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! However, what sparked the netizens speculations that it is possible for her to sign a contract with GMA-7 was her statement regarding the persons she wants to work with in future projects. Kris quipped that she never had a chance to work with Kapuso artists Willie Revillame and Jessica Soho whom have become close to her heart and she admires the most. There are two people that I have not had a chance to work with that I love to work with. One is Jessica Soho and the other one is Willie Revillame, she said. She was always nice to me. And I got to work with her actually way, way back noong nagkaroon ng Japanese Royal Wedding, nagalingan talaga ko sa kanya from before, she added pertaining to the multi-awarded broadcast-journalist. Both the influential celebrity and the Kapuso network have yet to confirm or issue an official statement that will answer the allegations of possible network transfer. Here is the video: In a previous article by , Kris bravely disclosed her next move after undergoing medication in Singapore. Born on February 14, 1971, Kris is a Filipino talk show host, actress and producer who already starred in several high-grossing films including Sukob, Sisterakas, and Etiquette for Mistresses. POPULAR: Read more news about Kris Aquino! Many of you had asked us to shoot The Nun prank and we did it! So, today we are proud to present you an extraordinary lady, Scary Nun! In this episode, she is going to roam the streets of the Philippines and scare innocent people to death! (Laughs evilly) on HumanMeter! Source: Kami.com.ph - Some pictures of actor Daniel Padilla have been making noise in social media - He was seen spending leisure time with other people before his fame in showbiz - The photos attracted a lot of reactions from netizens PAY ATTENTION: Click "See First" under the "Following" tab to see KAMI news on your News Feed Several photos of the Kapamilya Teen King Daniel Padilla are now circulating online after they showed a glimpse of the life of the said actor before he acquired fame in showbiz. KAMI learned that the photos were uploaded by the celebritys uncle Antonio Aquitania who said that they were taken way back in 2011. In the pictures, Daniel was shown having a good time with some other people with a fresh background of a farm and a mountain. Some of the individuals who were with him did not have their t-shirts on and it was evident that the young actors body was still thin. However, even during that time, it can be seen that the La Luna Sangre star are already fond of wearing sun glasses which makes him more appealing. The post, which used the hashtags, #tbthursday #tambaysacoviariver #sapalibutad #clark and #malutungkabayo attracted a lot of reactions from netizens. 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! Some became surprised to see the early days of Daniel while others still praised the young actor for being handsome even before. Here are the comments from netizens: Di pa masyado sikat si dj. hahaha parang mga tambay sa Tulay lang ah.. Pamangkin nya si dj pinsan sya ni karla mama ni Daniel. Kahit kelan talaga... noon at ngayon ang hot mo po. Hehe. Payat payat pa ni kuya dj dito hahahaha. In a previous article by , the Kapamilya heartthrob and his on and off-screen partner Kathryn Bernardo excitedly revealed their wedding plans to public. Daniel, or Daniel John Ford Padilla in real life, was born on April 26, 1995. He is a famous Filipino actor and endorser who already starred in several highest-grossing films including Barcelona: A Love Untold, She's Dating the Gangster, and The Hows of Us. POPULAR: Read more news about Daniel Padilla! Many of you had asked us to shoot The Nun prank and we did it! So, today we are proud to present you an extraordinary lady, Scary Nun! In this episode, she is going to roam the streets of the Philippines and scare innocent people to death! (Laughs evilly) on HumanMeter! Source: Kami.com.ph Two days before the observance of All Saints Day and All Souls Day, the Interior department urged local government units and its attached agencies to place all hands on deck to ensure a peaceful and safe conduct of the annual tradition. In other developments: Manila International Airport Authority General Manager Eddie Monreal on Tuesday ordered all security officials and personnel to be more vigilant against criminal elements who mix with the passengers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport terminals during the holiday break. Monreal gave the order after receiving information that some suspected members of the Salisi Gang will take advantage of the travel rush in the various terminals. There will be no number coding for vehicles for six consecutive days in the National Capital Region in time for the holiday break, the Metro Manila Development Authority announced on Tuesday. MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim said the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program or the number coding scheme will be suspended from Oct. 31 until Nov. 5 for the long holidays.But Lim said the suspension of the coding scheme will not apply in Las Pinas and Makati, where it will be suspended only on Nov. 1 and 2. Court personnel will have more time to observe the All Saints Day and All Souls Day holidays after Acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio ordered half-day work, or up to 12 noon, in all courts nationwide today, Wednesday, including Thursday and Friday, which are special non-working holidays. An environmentalist group on Tuesday warned people against buying candles with leaded wicks, which it says were hazards to public health. Interior Officer-In-Charge Eduardo Ano said the exodus of people to the provinces and to the cemeteries might entice criminals, so the LGUs and his departments attached agencies must be vigilant. [All Saints Day and All Souls Day] bring everyone together, even the criminals, which is why it is imperative that LGUs and the DILGs attached agencies such as the Philippine National Police and the Bureau of Fire Protection are put on heightened alert to secure the peaceful, orderly and safe observance of All Saints Day this year, Ano said in a statement. County Seeks Input for Distribution of Community Development and Housing Funds WHAT: Officials from the Community Development Commission/Housing Authority of the County of Los Angeles (CDC/HACoLA) invite residents to a Community Meeting & Resource Fair to seek input for the Countys 2019-2020 Action Plan. The Plan will disperse approximately $34 million in housing and community development funds for projects, including the revitalization of community infrastructure, childcare programs, services for senior citizens and persons experiencing homelessness, homebuyer assistance and home repair programs, low-interest business loans, and graffiti removal. Representatives from other County departments and community-based organizations will be available to distribute program information and answer any questions from residents. In addition, a light lunch and refreshments will be provided, with games and activities for all ages. ADVERTISEMENT WHEN: Saturday, November 3, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. WHERE: CDC/HACoLA Headquarters, 700 W. Main Street, Alhambra, CA 91801 Davao City Rep. Karlo Nograles President Rodrigo Duterte is considering Davao City Rep. Karlo Nograles to be his next Cabinet secretary, the Palace said Tuesday.Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the lawmaker was among nominees eyed by Duterte to take over the post vacated by Leoncio Evasco Jr., who is running for Bohol governor in the 2019 midterm elections. He [Nograles] is one of those being considered. The announcement will be made by the President himself, Panelo told a Palace press briefing Tuesday. Lets just wait for the President to announce [it]. Its the Presidents call, he added. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra earlier floated the idea that Nograles would soon become the Cabinet secretary.Nograles, who originally planned to seek an elective post in the elections, dropped his Senate bid. He is on his third and last term at the House of Representatives. His position, as Davao City member of Congress, is being eyed by the Presidents son, former Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte. The Palace, meanwhile, stressed anew that the President would announce his new appointees after the observance of All Saints Day break. Americans learned last week of pipe bombs sent by mail to Democratic Party political leaders and other critics of President Donald Trump. The leaders included former President Barack Obama and his Vice President Joe Biden, former Secretary of State and 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and several current lawmakers. No bombs exploded and no one was hurt. On Friday, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that Cesar Sayoc of Florida was arrested and charged with the crimes. He added that the suspect, a 56-year-old Republican Party member and Trump supporter, in Sessions' words, appears to be a partisan. News of the arrest seemed to give the country a moment to breathe before the Nov. 6 mid-term elections. The voting could change the balance of power in Congress. However, not even 24 hours later, a mass shooter killed 11 people in a Jewish religious center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The gunman, Robert Bowers, said all Jews must die as he surrendered to police. The Hunger Games Its like our country is becoming The Hunger Games, Elisa Karem Parker, an independent voter from Kentucky told the Associated Press. The book and film series The Hunger Games, is set in a future in which citizens watch on television as young people hunt and kill one another in a survival competition. The mail-bomb plot is the latest in a series of attacks against members of both political parties. In June 2017, a liberal activist attacked Republican Party lawmakers and supporters on a ballfield near Washington. The gunman shot and injured Congressman Steve Scalise of Louisiana and several other people. A couple months later, a white supremacist killed a 32-year-old woman and wounded 19 other people in Charlottesville, Virginia. The attacker drove his car into a crowd that had gathered to protest a white supremacist demonstration. More recently, officials accused a former Navy serviceman of mailing letters filled with the poison ricin to President Trump, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, and other members of the administration. I just cant believe the kind of violence that were experiencing in our country, Cindy Jennings of Pittsburgh told the AP at a ceremony to honor the victims of Saturdays shooting. I feel like the leadership in our country right now is just encouraging violence, and I wish that that would stop. Robb Willer is a sociology professor at Stanford University. He said, That is the question of our time: Are we going to choose to continue the war, or are we going to choose peace? Willer suggested that most Americans disliked the political divisions but feel trapped in them. He said, It will get worse before it gets better. Political divisions growing A Pew Research Center study this month of Republican and Democratic voters shows just how wide the political divisions in America have grown. Democratic voters say the most important issues facing the country are mistreatment of minorities, climate change, the divide between rich and poor, gun violence and racism. In contrast, Republicans view illegal immigration, terrorism, crime, federal budget deficit and drug dependence as the biggest problems for the U.S. Seventy-nine percent of voters who support Republicans say they also support the National Rifle Association, a gun rights group. Only 12 percent of Democratic Party voters express support for the NRA. Sixty percent of Democrats describe themselves as feminist. The percentage of Republicans who do so is 14. A little more than 75 percent of Democratic voters call themselves environmentalist, while only 44 percent of Republicans describe themselves as such. Something both Democrats and Republicans agree about? Having their own party in control of Congress after the elections really matters. Im Caty Weaver. Hai Do adapted this story for VOA Learning English based on a report from the Associated Press and information from the Pew Research Center. Caty Weaver was the editor. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story partisan - n. a person who strongly supports a particular leader, group or cause encourage - v. to make someone likely to do something contrast - n. a difference between people feminist - n. the belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities Barcelonas Sagrada Familia cathedral in Barcelona, Spain, is finally getting a building permit, more than 130 years after work on the structure began. City officials announced the permit agreement earlier this month. It ended a long argument over the legality of the continuing work on the cathedral. Under the agreement, the cathedral will pay city officials 36 million euros. The money will be used to help pay for improvements to city streets and Barcelonas public transportation system. Building equipment has long surrounded the tall spires of Spanish architect Antoni Gaudis most famous building. The building of Sagrada Familia began in 1882. It is set to be completed by 2026, 100 years after Gaudis death. He was struck by a vehicle in Barcelona in 1926. He lay on the street in pain for hours. By the time he arrived at a hospital, it was too late. At the time of his death, workers had completed only about 25 percent of the cathedral. Progress has been slow in the years since. Work was stopped during the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s. Many of Gaudis original plans were lost. Building began again in the 1950s. Gaudis design for Sagrada Familia includes modernist, Art Nouveau and traditional Gothic elements. It also includes 18 towers. Eight of them have been built. Barcelona residents have long argued about Sagrada Familia. Many do not like Gaudis design. Others believe it is too costly to complete. But art critics admire it greatly. Art critic Rainier Zerbst said, It is probably impossible to find a church building anything like it in the entire history of art. Famous architecture critic Paul Goldenberger said Sagrada Familia was the best interpretation of Gothic architecture since the Middle Ages. In 2010, Pope Benedict XVI declared Sagrada Familia a basilica, an honor that only the pope can give. Im Caty Weaver. Susan Shand adapted this story for Learning English based on Reuters news reports. Ashley Thompson was the editor. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story cathedral n. the main church of an area that is headed by a bishop architect n. a person who designs buildings spire n. a tall, narrow, pointed structure on the top of a building basilica n. a large church that has a long central part that ends in a curved wall interpretation n. the act or result of explaining or interpreting something church n. a building that is used for Christian religious services Jair Bolsonaro was elected Sunday to be the next president of Brazil. Results showed that the Social Liberal Party candidate won 55 percent of the vote over Workers Party candidate Fernando Haddad. His presidency may help build stronger relationships between Brazil and the United States. U.S. President Donald Trump called to congratulate Bolsonaro on his victory Sunday night. American officials say Bolsonaro and Trump spoke of a strong commitment to work side-by-side on issues affecting Brazil, the United States and beyond. Bolsonaro has been a longtime supporter and fan of Trump. In July, Bolsonaro said of Trump, Just like he wants to make America great, I want to make Brazil great. Bolsonaro ran a campaign that promised to change what he sees as a corrupt political system that has forgotten ordinary citizens. His insulting comments about gays, women and minorities have pleased his followers. They think of him as not afraid to speak the truth even when it may offend some people. Bolsonaro told Reuters last year before his candidacy, Trump faced the same attacks I am facing - that he was a homophobe, a fascist, a racist, a Nazi. But the people believed in his platform. I was rooting for him. Changes on the way Bolsonaro has already made plans to change Brazilian foreign policy. Following the lead of the United States, he has said he will move Brazils embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Similar to Trump, Bolsonaro is rethinking his countrys membership in multinational organizations and agreements. That includes the Mercosur trade group, the BRICS group of large developing economies and the Paris climate agreement. Those changes would undo 13 years of diplomatic efforts led by the countrys Workers Party. Party leaders worked to build relationships with Brazils South American neighbors and other developing countries. Bolsonaro is also questioning Brazils relationship with China. China is Brazils biggest foreign buyer of soybeans, iron ore and other goods. But Bolsonaro is worried by recent Chinese purchases of Brazilian energy and public service companies. The Chinese are not buying in Brazil. They are buying Brazil, Bolsonaro has warned repeatedly. Such talk is likely to please Trump. Recent U.S. taxes on Chinese goods have started a trade war between the two countries. Many people blame the U.S. for unsettling supply systems and economic markets worldwide. Bolsonaro plans to turn a number of Brazils state-owned companies into private companies. He also wants to ease environmental restrictions to make room for more mining and farming. Experts say that, like Trump, Bolsonaro was able to use voters fears and dissatisfaction with the government to win the presidency. Brazil now struggles with high levels of crime. In recent years, an investigation into government activities found corruption at the highest levels. One former president is in jail and another was removed from office. And Brazils economy has yet to fully recover from a large recession. More than 13 million Brazilians are unemployed. Bolsonaro will take office on January 1, 2019. Im Jonathan Evans. Brad Brooks reported this story for the Reuters news service. Jonathan Evans adapted it for Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story commitment n. the attitude of someone who works very hard to do or support something gay n. a person who is homosexual homophobe n. a person who hates, is afraid of, and/or treats badly homosexuals (people who are sexually attracted to people of the same sex) platform n. the official beliefs and goals of a political party or candidate fascist n. one who believes in organizing a society in which a government ruled by a dictator controls the lives of the people and in which people are not allowed to disagree with the government in very harsh control or authority root for v. to express or show support for a person, a team, etc. Germanys Angela Merkel says she will not seek a fifth term as chancellor in 2021. In an announcement on Monday, Merkel also said she would step down as leader of her conservative Christian Democratic Union, or CDU party, in December. Merkel, who is 64, has served as chancellor since 2005. She has led the CDU since 2000. Her decision to step down as party leader came after the CDU suffered setbacks in local elections in recent weeks. Merkel currently leads Germany as part of a grand coalition of the countrys biggest political parties. These include the CDU and its partner in the southern state of Bavaria, the Christian Social Union, or CSU. The center-left Social Democratic Party, or SPD, is also part of the coalition. Her current coalition began its leadership in March after six months of difficult political negotiations. Her partys latest election setback happened Sunday in the central state of Hesse. Merkels CDU party narrowly finished in first place, while suffering an 11-point drop from the last election in 2013. The SPD also suffered losses. Sundays voting followed a state election in Bavaria two weeks ago, in which the SPD and CSU also suffered major setbacks. The losses came as support has increased for Germanys Green Party as well as the anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany, or AfD. Merkel told reporters in Berlin that, after leading the CDU for 18 years, she felt today it is time to start a new chapter. Merkel added that she would not aim for any other political office. Observers had widely expected that Merkel would not seek another term in office after 2021. But her announcement marked the first public confirmation of it. Merkel has said in the past that she believed the chancellor should also serve as party leader. But on Monday, she said she had decided that splitting the two jobs may help strengthen the party. She said she would not interfere in the choice for her successor. Merkel also said she hoped her decision to step down would permit the government to concentrate its strength, finally, on governing well. She added: People rightly demand that. Growing anti-immigrant feelings in Germany have fueled support for the AfD in recent years. In one of her most debated political decisions, Merkel approved the acceptance of more than one million refugees during Europes migrant crisis in 2015. Many of the arrivals were fleeing fighting in Syria. Her decision led to lasting tensions within the conservative movement. Merkel later accepted more restrictive migration policies. Im Bryan Lynn. Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English, based on reports from the Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse. Ashley Thompson was the editor. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story setback n. a problem that makes something happen later or slower than it should chapter n. a period of time during which something happens in history or in someone's life concentrate v. to put all your efforts into thinking very carefully about something Cyrene is an ancient city in eastern Libya that was founded by the Greeks more than 2,600 years ago. The historic site once appealed to tourists. But today, it suffers greatly from damage and lack of care. Cyrene is one of Libyas five UNESCO World Heritage sites -- places that are considered to have special cultural or physical importance. UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. The sites also include the ruins of the Roman city of Leptis Magna and Sabratha, a site famous for its amphitheater. There are also prehistoric rock cuttings in the Akakous mountains in the southern Sahara Desert, near Libyas border with Algeria. But since the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, insecurity and looting have harmed many of these areas. Tourist once walked to Cyrene, a city founded by Greeks and later expanded by Romans. It is in the mountains around 200 kilometers east of Benghazi, within the small community of Shahat. But today, foreign tourists no longer visit Cyrene. Only Libyan families come to its sites. Some locals have taken the land for themselves. Others have written graffiti on the ancient citys structures and walls. Local officials are trying to stop the damage. Ahmad Hussein is an official in eastern Libya. He said, In Cyrene, instead of speaking to one owner, now we speak to 50 He said owners have built houses on the ancient sites. A 2013 law permitted people to reclaim land that was taken from them under Gaddafis rule. That ruling worsened the problem. Some people took the amount of land they felt they deserved. Hussein said he wants to hold those people responsible for their actions. Two governments, few visitors Protecting sites like Cyrene has become more difficult in part because Libya has two governments. One government, in Tripoli, is supported by the United Nations. Eastern Libya has another government. There has been some success, however. Hussein said about 1,700 objects that were stolen from historic sites have been returned. The returned objects had been looted inside the country. Many other objects have been illegally taken out of the country. Leptis Magna is an ancient site in northwestern Libya. It has mostly avoided damage because of local people who are fans of history. The site, which is near the city of Misrata, is also more secure than other places. The site of Sabratha has been repeatedly hit by fighting between warring groups. Last year, UNESCO appealed for help in protecting the site. But the site received no help. In Tripoli, the capital, one director is trying to save 18 Roman graves. The graves are around 1,700 years old. They were found in 1958 in the western town of Janzour. The director is al-Amari Ramadan Mabrouk. He said, There is no support for this site. Sometimes, Libyan families come to the site. But mostly, the graves remain covered with spiders and dust. Mabrouk said, I cannot give a number for tourists who visit Libyabut I can say that, before 2011, tourism was popular in Libya. Im Alice Bryant. Ayman al-Warfalli reported this story for Reuters. Alice Bryant adapted it for Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story site n. the place where something, such as a building, is, was or will be located tourist n. a person who travels to a place for pleasure ruins n. the remaining pieces of something that was destroyed amphitheater n. a large building with seats rising in curved rows around an open space on which games and plays take place loot v. to steal things from a place during a war or after destruction has been caused by fire, rioting or something else (gerund: looting) graffiti n. pictures or words painted or drawn on a wall or building grave n. a hole in the ground for burying a dead body The American president and his wife have visited the Jewish religious center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where a gunman killed 11 people on Saturday. On Tuesday, Donald and Melania Trump spoke with the leader of the Tree of Life synagogue, Jeffrey Myers, and the Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Ron Dermer. The Trumps laid stones on markers honoring the victims, a Jewish tradition. Ivanka Trump, the president's daughter and her husband, Jared Kushner, were also in attendance. Both are Jewish. Nearby, a large crowd of demonstrators protested Trumps visit. Some politicians and Jewish leaders had demanded the president stay away from Pittsburgh until he denounces white nationalism. Pittsburgh Mayor William Peduto, a member of the Democratic Party, said Trump should not come while families are holding funerals. "If the president is looking to come to Pittsburgh," Peduto said, "I would ask that he not do so while we are burying the dead." Top congressional leaders from both political parties rejected invitations from Trump to join him in visiting. The family of one of the victims also rejected meeting with the president. The family said it objected to a statement Trump made about the shooting. The president said an armed guard might have prevented the attack had one been deployed at the synagogue. The man accused of the attack, Robert Bowers, appeared before a federal judge on Monday. Officials say Bowers, who is from Florida, called out "All Jews must die," before he fired at the worshippers in Tree of Life. Bowers faces 29 federal charges, including some hate crimes. He could face the death sentence if found guilty. The Anti-Defamation League has kept records on hatred and violence against Jews since the 1970s. It says the Pittsburgh shooting was the worst attack against the Jewish community in U.S. history. Earlier Tuesday, families buried three victims of the attack. About 1,800 people turned out for the funerals of Cecil and David Rosenthal. The two brothers were loyal members of Tree of Life who would welcome worshippers and newcomers to the synagogue. About 2,000 mourners attended the funeral of Dr. Jerry Rabinowitz. He was known for being friendly and always open to providing medical advice. Im Caty Weaver. VOA News reported this story. Caty Weaver adapted it for VOA Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story synagogue - n. the house of worship and communal center of a Jewish congregation worshipper - n. a person who offers reverence to a divine being or supernatural power From VOA Learning English, this is the Health & Lifestyle report. When trying to make a successful career, which is better: being a generalist or a specialist? In other words, should you generalize and know a little about a lot of things? Or should you specialize and have a deep understanding of only one area? Well, that depends. So, when we think about generalizing versus specializing in our career, were really talking about can you do a broad number of tasks versus do you drill down and do one specific thing really well. That is Natasha Olinger. Olinger is a human resource expert in Washington, D.C. She talks about the benefits of both. However, the main reason for specializing is an important one: more money. "So, generally speaking, the common wisdom out there is its always better to specialize and that you can demand a higher salary if you specialize. To explain her way of thinking, Olinger uses a fairly common situation choosing a restaurant. Say you want to eat a favorite Japanese meal: sushi. If you go to a restaurant that only serves sushi, you can expect high quality products, and you also should expect to pay more. If you go to a place that serves sushi, tacos and pizza, the quality of the sushi may not be so great, but the prices will probably be lower. Olinger says the world of work is not all that different. However, she adds that all is not perfect in the world of the specialist. If there is a drop in economic activity or possibly a recession, a generalist may get more job offers. Though its generally considered better to be a specialist, the recession of 2008 really showed us that there are times when being a generalist translates to job security even though in boom times being a specialist often leads to a higher salary. Size matters So, are some fields best for generalists and others for specialists? Olinger says the size of the organization can be more important than a sector, or industry. I would say the biggest difference -- in terms of, is it better to be a generalist or specialist -- is more the size of the organization, oftentimes, than the sector. So, smaller organizations tend to need more generalists. And larger companies tend to need more specialists. And this is oftentimes regardless of industry. So Olinger suggests thinking about the size and type of business you would like to do it for. Small businesses often need people who can do many things. Also, companies that are just getting started often need people who are able to perform many different tasks. For example, your job description may be that of a graphic designer, but you may also have to do some writing. A person who can do many different things is often called a Jack-of-all-trades and is able to wear many hats. I would say, think about the type of organization in which you want to work. If you want to work for a smaller organization or possibly a start-up where, you know, youre going to have to kind of wear all different kinds of hats...then you would want to focus more on generalizing and learning kind of a broad set of skills. Larger companies can be just the opposite. They often need specialists -- experts in a given field. In fact, they may require that you stay in your lane, meaning you do your job and nothing else. If you really want to go into a much larger corporation you probably want to specialize. Theyre going to be looking for someone who can solve a very specific type of problem that they have. And there probably isnt going to be as much room or really need to wear all those different hats and kind of pinch hit where needed. Know yourself When planning your career path, the best advice might be to know yourself. Some people like to know a little about a lot of things. They might lose interest in working on the same thing day after day. These people might be happier in a career that lets them perform different duties. But what if you really love learning everything there is to know about just one subject? You like the idea of being an expert. In that case, it is probably a good idea for you to specialize. However, if you are preparing to specialize in something, you had better make sure that you really like it. A mix of both may be best But perhaps the best solution is a mix of generalization and specialization. Some career planners call this a T-shaped career. The top of the T would be the generalized part. The upright stem of the T would be the deeper understanding of a persons general knowledge their expertise. Olinger agrees. She suggests that combining the two may be the best answer. I think, ideally, the most successful candidates -- in terms of balancing the ability to demand a higher salary and having their jobs be quote, unquote recession-proof -- tend to balance specialized skills with general skills. She notes, that a lot depends on where you are in your career. It may be easier to be a generalist when you are younger and then slowly specialize as you get older. However, experts advise workers to keep their skills up-to-date and be willing to make changes, when needed -- no matter what industry you work in or how old you are. And thats the Health & Lifestyle report. Im Anna Matteo. When it comes to work, do you like wearing many hats or do you prefer to drill down into one specific area? Let us know in the Comments Section -- where you can also practice using the expressions from this story. ______________________________________________________________ Quiz - Which Is Better for Your Career: Generalizing or Specializing? Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story versus prep. in contrast to or as the alternative of broad adj. including or involving many things or people : wide in range or amount drill down phrasal verb : to look at or examine something in depth restaurant n. a business establishment where meals or refreshments may be purchased boom time n. a period in which there is a surge of prosperity for a person, place, or industry sector n. an area of an economy : a part of an economy that includes certain kinds of jobs to wear many hats idiomatic expression : to have many jobs or roles Jack-(or Jill)-of-all trades idiomatic expression : a person who can do passable work at various tasks : a handy versatile person stay in your lane idiomatic expression : In the workplace, this expression means to do only what you are responsible for doing. pinch hit phrasal verb : to act or serve in place of another expertise n. special skill or knowledge : the skill or knowledge an expert has quote, unquote - idiomatic expression : used in speech to show that one is exactly repeating someone else's words : sometimes used to show you don't agree with something someone has said : She says they are quote "just good friends" unquote. But it is clear they are dating. RAKED OVER THE COALS. Senator Richard Gordon (foreground) chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon committee grills former Customs agent Jimmy Guban during the continuation of the Senate inquiry into the P6.8-billion shabu shipment that allegedly eluded Customs men. Guban, one of the suspects in the shabu smuggling incident, turned state witness. Lino Santos Former Bureau of Customs intelligence agent Jaime Guban has been admitted to the governments Witness Protection Program , Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Tuesday. READ: Shabu mess: Plot thickens He declined to give details, however, on the sworn statement that Guban submitted to the Justice Department as part of the requirement for his admission into the program. Guban is considered a vital witness in the investigation into the P11 billion worth of shabu that allegedly slipped past the Bureau of Customs in August. The Senate Blue Ribbon committee chaired by Senator Richard Gordon turned Guban over to the DOJ after he appeared at a Senate hearing on the smuggled shabu . Guban, who President Rodrigo Duterte earlier ordered arrested for his alleged involvement in illegal activities, was implicated in the release of the contraband, an incident that brought to light the prevalence of corruption at the BOC. The corruption was so serious that President Duterte on Monday ordered the military to take control of the bureau. But Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said Tuesday Duterte only asked the Armed Forces of the Philippines for help to suppress the prevailing state of lawlessness in the corruption-ridden bureau. Let us not also forget that earlier on, the President has declared a state of lawlessness. The provision of the Constitution says when there is lawless violence, then the President can call up the Armed Forces of the Philippines, he said in a Palace press briefing. In his latest argument, Panelo used the terms state of lawlessness and state of lawless violence interchangeably, defending the constitutionality of the military takeover at Customs. Now, the lawless violence certainly would refer to what is happening in BoC. There is a state of lawlessness. If you can bring in hundreds of kilos of drugs, then there must be some grave wrong in that area, he said. And there is state of lawlessness there. It violates the law, it violates the Constitution, Panelo added. When you say lawless violence, its not just physical violence. You do violence to the Constitution, you do violence to the law, he said. Also, Panelo clarified that active soldiers will not be given appointments or designations in the bureau following the critics argument that such a military takeover would violate the Constitution. These people will be there first to make their presence felt and hopefully intimidate those corrupt people there, he said. Panelo said that soldiers will be guarding the activities of BoC personnel. Though they will not formally assume the duties of BoC personnel, the soldiers will still have to learn the bureaus processes. Asked if the military men will formally take over the functions of the BoC agents, Panelo said they do not see the need yet. For now, no. But if it comes to a point that it is needed, the Constitution allows it, he said. Duterte earlier authorized the military to assist the operations in the BoC, hoping the men in uniform can put an end to the bureaus corruption and smuggling activities.In his previous speech, he reiterated that the alleged corruption in BoC are covered by the state of lawlessness. Remember that I have issued during the first days of my term, this is the declaration of lawlessness. Part of the lawless elements are there inside the Bureau of Customs, Duterte said in Davao City Sunday. Dutertes critics, however, were quick to lambast his directive, arguing that military deployment in BoC is unconstitutional as it would violate a Constitutional provision prohibiting members of the armed forces from assuming civilian positions in the government. But Panelo argued that the provision should not take precedence over the constitutional provision that states the prime duty of the government is to serve and protect the people. The President cannot be held hostage by a provision produced as a repercussion of the bygone days and ignore his main constitutional duty of leading the government in serving and protecting the people, he said. Senator Richard Gordon backed the order of President Duterte for the military to take control of the Bureau of Customs, saying the agency is under seige by large-scale drug smuggling. Speaking to reporters after the Blue Ribbon committee hearing of the shabu shipment that was smuggled through the Manila International Container Port, Gordon said it was clear that the smuggling operations are deep. And we are under siege, so President Duterte declared as lawless violence the entry of [illegal] drugs [through] Customs that brings violence to the people, Gordon said. He asked the President, however, to detail what the soldiers will do. Exasperated by the massive corruption and large-scale drug trafficking through the BOC, the President directed the Armed Forces of the Philippines to temporarily take over the bureau. Duterte also placed the entire BOC police led on floating status and required its members to report to the Office of the President and hold office at the Malacanang gymnasium. During the resumption of the hearing, Guban washed his hands of any involvement in the P11-billion shipment initially reported as P6.8 billion. He backtracked on his previous claim that he was involved in bringing the said shipment through the BOC. In an affidavit he read during the hearing, Guban pointed to former Senior Supt. Eduardo Acierto who alerted him of an incoming shipment that contained shabu. He said they even worked together to apprehend ita complete turnaround of his previous claim that it was Acierto who asked him to pick a consignee for shipping two magnetic lifters in Cavite. While his revelations on Tuesday may contradict his previous statements, Guban said that this was only due to his detention in the Senate, fear for the safety of his family and stress brought about the inquiry. I now open myself for more questions regarding this inquiry, Guban added. In his new testimony, Guban said he tried to stop the shipment of drugs from being processed. It was unclear how his reversal would affect his status in the witness protection program. Former Customs chief Isidro Lapena, who was transferred to the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority after the drug smuggling scandal broke, did not attend the Senate hearing Tuesday. The homeless, most of them men but some of them women, seethed and muttered on a desolate stretch of East 7th Street in Austin, Texas. They had gathered blocks away from Austin's downtown hot spots, where those attending the Austin Film Festival and Texas Book Festival talked about movie deals and scripts and writers as they drank fancy drinks and ate hors d'oeuvres. I was walking to a popular Tex-Mex restaurant on the edge of downtown, just past the interstate overpass. Seeing the roiling, ragged group, I looked around for how to avoid them. A man ahead of me did so by walking into the street. When the light changed, I also left the sidewalk the forlorn crew had claimed. As I passed by, none of them said anything. Pungent smells of human need mixed in the air. A couple of men apart from the group reeled, tormented by inner voices. At the next corner, a bedraggled woman asked me for a couple of dollars. Startled, I sold her I didn't have anything. They keep haunting me. Not even a mile away from the majestic State Capitol Dome, the Driskell Hotel and the vibrant bars of Sixth Street, the soaring hotels and office buildings, they drink their cheap wine and wait for the night. Texas, with all of its outrageous prosperity, can't provide them shelter and decent lives. The mega-churches of Texas, with all of their millions of dollars, don't help them. Heading down the interstate from Austin to Dallas, I kept seeing signs for Bible colleges and "houses of worship." I remember Mr. Jesus saying something about taking care of the least of these brothers and sisters. "This concern has been, for many years, secondary." Whats in it for me? is the foremost question in many politicians, or public officials (an oxymoron in this case) minds when considering a policy or implementation issue to be decided upon. So has it been in the Philippine praxis for many many decades. Whats in it for the people is secondary. So it was quite a surprise as I travelled by land from Davao in Southeastern Mindanao to Butuan in the northeast, to see a road-widening project that converted a two-lane highway to a six-lane highway. The last time I traversed this road was Jan. 23, 2015, after then-Mayor Rodrigo Duterte began his listening tour in our hometown, Butuan City. The day before, he spoke to a multi-sectoral group and local media at a forum held at our family-owned events place, expounding on his pet advocacy of federalism, which was well-received by an audience long feeling neglected by imperial Manila. Governor Angelica Amante, who was a staunch Liberal at the time, was in attendance. When the inevitable question was asked of Mayor Duterte, are you running for president? he responded by saying it does not interest me, but if the present candidates fail to respond to the needs of the people, and Inshallah, I might. That iffy statement was enough to send paroxysms of delight to the Mindanao audience long clamoring for one of their own to lead the nation, and likewise end the generations of neglect the southern island has long experienced while it was touted as the land of promise. Pantaleon Bebot Alvarez, at the time a former congressman of Davao del Norte and once transportation secretary and I, along with the formers good friend Edwin Jubahib boarded his SUV and motored to Davao at around four that afternoon. While the Agusan-Davao highway, part of the Pan-Philippine road network that connects Luzon through Eastern Visayas to Mindanao, was started as early as during the time of President Elpidio Quirino, what we Caraganons and Davaoenos had for the longest time since has been a two-lane highway, mostly asphalted with stretches of concrete. Often there were patches of muddied road brought about by landslides. Until Rodrigo Roa Duterte became president. Now, from Davao City to Trento in Agusan del Sur, we have a new concrete six-lane highway. And in Tagum City, Bebot Alvarez home base, pylons have been raised to begin the construction of a flyover that would connect this bustling city to Davao and forego the perennial traffic brought about by continuing progress. The sides of the two-lane stretch from Agusan del Sur to Butuan City are likewise being bulldozed and graded in preparation for a similar six-lane highway. My driver said there are similar road-widening projects in other parts of Caraga, with new two-lane highways being constructed to link Surigao del Sur to Butuan without passing through the circumferential road in Surigao del Norte. Build, build, build! There are similar projects being started all over the country, along with newer or expanded airports, railways in the pipeline, a subway system for Metro Manila soon to break ground. No wonder, I thought, that three in four Filipinos are saying, quite forcefully, that the Philippines is in the right direction under the leadership of Duterte.And despite the rise in prices of many basic commodities from rice to oil, the President, well into his third year in office, is getting astoundingly high approval ratings. They not only sense change. They see change. *** Our driver and I also discussed local politics in Butuan City and the two Agusans. Contrary to what I wrote in an article about dynastic politics some weeks ago, where I gave an example of the Amantes of Agusan del Norte wisely dividing their political territory despite seemingly irreconcilable differences, the opposite is happening. Our beautiful governor, Angel Amante is running for the second district against her brother Erlpe who is the incumbent representative. She has put up Dale Corvera, her vice governor to run for governor in her stead, even if her current term limits are not expiring, just to have a final showdown with her brother. as Erap and FPJ used to say in their action movies. Congressman Erlpe instead put up his son to run for governor against Angels Corvera. But the wily Erlpe just might surprise sister Angel by substituting for his son when the surveys show he would not win against his popular and charming sister. In Butuan City the incumbent mayor, Ron-vic Lagnada, a construction magnate who in 2016 won as mayor (defeating then-incumbent Mayor Ferdinand Amante, Angelicas first cousin) is virtually unchallenged for his second term. Ron-vic., my driver commented. Unless Charlie Gonzales, a bigger contractor from Davao whose paternal roots are Butuanon, enters the fray, he said. But then again, that does not seem to be the case. The genial Charlie seems disinterested in Agusan politics, other than helping his friends who have political ambitions. *** But one can see the glaring difference between Davao City and Davao del Norte in the southeast and the two Agusans and Butuan City to its north. The moment you step into the boundary of the Davaos and into the Agusans, it is as if you have entered a time capsule. In the south, there is progress. In the north, life has hardly changed. From bustling rural and urban progress to rural listlessness and urban decay, where change is only felt because the national government through Mark Villars DPWH is widening the Agusan-Davao highway, and a few Gaisano malls and Jollibees suddenly sprouting in the poblaciones of San Francisco and Bayugan. From progressive and dynamic leadership with a vision for the people, to feudal dynastic leadership with nothing but whats in it for me (or us in the family) as driving purpose. In the Davaos we traversed, there is something for the people. In the Agusans, then and now, perhaps forever, but for crumbs from the table of politics, it remains whats in it for us? "The military won't be able to stop it." The military takeover of the Bureau of Customs definitely raises a lot of questions that demand immediate answers. First, is it even constitutional? Second, will it be effective in eradicating smuggling and corruption? I have gone over the 1987 Constitution many times. All I can see Section 18, Article VII where the President, who is also the Commander in Chief, may call upon the Armed Forces when it is necessary to prevent or suppress lawless violence, invasion or rebellion. The President justified his action on the existing lawlessness at Customs that endangers public safety. But does the President mean that corruption is to be construed as lawless violence? I laughed at the argument of Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo who said the President can do what he likes because he is both the President and the Commander in Chief of the AFP. If that were to be the case, Mr. Duterte may as well place the entire country under martial law. I can agree with the Palace on the need to adopt draconian measures to stop the smuggling of illegal drugs, but I cannot agree on a military takeover. Its not a guarantee; even soldiers are human beings who can be corrupted. Isnt President Duterte aware of the rampant corruption at the AFP? Does he not remember that incoming and outgoing officials get and , respectively? In fact, surveys show that the AFP is perceived to be one of the most corrupt agencies in government. Sure, there are idealists there, but they are likely the exception rather than the rule. I covered Customs in the 1950s and 1960s. I know that when new commissioners get appointed, its happy days are here again for the entrenched syndicates. They run circles around the new chief, who has to spend at least six months learning the ropes. Other commissioners perform dismally. The release of imports gets stalled, for instance, and to a businessman time is money. Hence, businessmen bribe Customs to facilitate the release of imports. I only know too well that it takes two to tango at Customs. Smugglers would not have the nerve to do what they do if they are not in connivance with insiders. Incompetence and negligence are the culprits. This is exactly what happened to the string of commissioners like Nick Faeldon and Sid Lapena. So why did the President transfer and, even promote, Lapena? My gulay, drug syndicates must now be laughing so hard! As for Customs personnel whose positions have been taken over by the military, isnt the President aware that they are civil service-eligibles who cannot be replaced without due process? Its an insult to have them all packed at the Malacanang gym.I find it strange that the President believes military people are saints. His fondness for both the military and police is evident when he visited them soon after getting elected, and when he doubled their salaries and provided them housing. He has not done this to other government workers. Why? *** There are comments on the fact that three former senatorsJuan Ponce Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada and Bong Revilla charged with plunder in connection with the pork barrel scam of Janet Napoles now want to run for the Senate again. Charges against Enrile have been dropped for humanitarian reasons. His age and health conditions were considered. Jinggoy is out on bail and Bong is still facing charges. They remain innocent until proven guilty. Hence they can still run for office. As for, well, every person has the right to vindicate himself. The voters will decide. To those who say Enrile is too oldhe will be 95 next yearI can tell them he is still healthy with a remarkable memory. The chamber can still learn a lot from his experience. *** As a resident of Makati, I appeal to Mayor Jun-jun Binay to let his sister Abby run for reelection. He can still go for the position after her term. I consider myself a good friend of the Binays. In fact I voted for Jojo, the father, when he ran for president in 2016. Abby is doing an excellent job as mayor. She has cleaned up city hall of ghost employees. She has also increased the income of the city and has made Makati crime-free. More importantly, she has started a worthy transport project that could very well be her legacy. The city government under Abby has distributed hygiene and dental kits to thousands of students, and has continued taking care of senior citizens like me. "Here are the findings of Credit Suisse Institute's latest study in global wealth." Would you believe that there are only 24 Filipinos with wealth of $500 million or more, the so-called Ultra High Net Worth individuals? And that the Philippines has 32,354 US dollar millionaires (or high net worth individuals) whose combined wealth is $518 billion, an amount 1.67 times the countrys Gross Domestic Product of $310 billion? The Philippines is a country of 24-million families and a population of 106-million people, of which 62,043,000 (62.043 million) are adults. On average, each adult Filipino (19 or older) has wealth of $8,335 (debts included), according to Credit Suisse. Credit Suisse defines net worth as the value of financial assets, plus non-financial assetsprincipally housing and land, less debts. To be among the wealthiest half of the world in mid-2018, an adult needs only $4,210 in assets, once debts are subtracted. That the Philippines only 32,354 dollar billionaires of which 24 are UHNW is one of the findings of the study conducted this year by the Credit Suisse Research Institute entitled Global Wealth Databook 2018. Credit Suisse is one of the worlds leading banks in wealth management, with a strong presence in its home market, Switzerland, the hiding place of much of the worlds wealth, legal and the mostly illegal. The banks study found the Philippines has only 32,354 US dollar millionaires. Of the 32,354 Filipino millionaires, 27,369 (84.59 percent) have wealth of between $1 million and $5 million; 2,757 (8.5 percent) have wealth of between $5 million and $10 million; 190 (.587 percent) have wealth of $50 million to $100 million; 130 (.4) have wealth of $100 million to $500 million; and 24 individuals (.074 percent) have wealth of $500 million or more. Credit Suisses Global Wealth Databook 2018 indicates the world has 42 million dollar millionaires. Of that number, 17.349 million individuals are in the United States; 3.479 million in China; 2.8 million in Japan; 183,736 in Singapore; 88,845 in Indonesia; 39,814 in Thailand; and 4,943 in Vietnam. The 17.34-million American millionaires have combined wealth of $98,154 billion ($98.15 trillion) or 34.5 percent of the worlds wealth of $285.25 trillion; the 3.47-million Chinese millionaires have combined wealth of $46.49 trillion or 16.3 percent of global wealth; and the 2.8-million Japanese millionaires have combined wealth of $23.88 trillion or 8.4 percent of global wealth. India has 343,075 millionaires. Their combined wealth is $5.25 trillion or 1.85 percent of global wealth. UHNW individuals with net assets above $50 million now number 149,890 worldwide. The United States leads with 47 percent of UHNW adults. China is a distant second with only 11 percent of the total membership.North America is the worlds richest region with total wealth of $97 trillion; followed by Europe $73.66 trillion; the Asia Pacific (outside China and India) $52.9 trillion; China $46.49 trillion; Latin America $8.06 trillion; and India $5.25 trillion. Africa has $2.29 trillion. For mid-2018, CS estimates that 42.0- million HNW adults have wealth between $1 million and $50 million, of whom the vast majority (37.1 million) fall within the $1million5 million range. North America accounts for the greatest number of millionaires, significantly above Europe, which in turn hosts nearly double the number in Asia-Pacific countries, excluding China and India. China now accounts for 8 percent of all HNW individuals, while Latin America, India and Africa together account for only 2 percent of the total. However, a person needs at least $93,170 to belong to the top 10 percent of global wealth holders and $871,320 to be a member of the top one percent. The bottom half of the global population own less than one percent of total wealth. The richest 10 percent hold 85 percent of the worlds wealth, and the top 1 percent alone accounts for 47 percent of global assets. CS visualizes the global wealth distribution in the form of a wealth pyramid which places adults in one of four wealth bands: under $10,000; between $10,000 and $100,000; between $100,000 and $1 million; and over $1 million. The base level of the pyramid contains 3.2-million adults, or 63 percent of the global population, but accounts for only 1.9 percent of global wealth. In contrast, dollar millionaires comprise 0.8 percent of all adults, but collectively own 45 percent of all assets. Credit Suisse has provided estimates of the wealth holdings of households around the world for each year since 2000. While the base of the wealth pyramid is occupied by people from all countries at various stages of their life cycles, HNW and UHNW individuals are heavily concentrated in particular regions and countries, and tend to share more similar lifestyles, participating in the same global markets for luxury goods, even when they reside in different continents. The wealth portfolios of these individuals are also likely to be more similar, with more of a focus on financial assets and, in particular, equity holdings in public companies traded in international markets. More specifically, CS was interested in the distribution within and across nations of individual net worth, defined as the marketable value of financial assets plus non-financial assets (principally housing and land) less debts. The valuations of individual wealth holdings are dominated by financial assets, especially equity holdings in public companies traded in international markets. For practical reasons, less attention is given to non- financial assets apart from major real estate holdings and trophy assets, such as expensive yachts. Even less is knownand hence recordedabout personal debts. There was consternation in several quarters in Libreville and beyond over the weekend as rumors circulated that President Ali Bongo had passed away at a London hospital where he was said to be receiving treatment. As the day wore on, the rumors gained ground after a Cameroonian pro-government Television Channel Vision4 reported that the President was dead. The news soon spread like wild fire in different parts of the oil-rich nation with many Gabonese making frantic social media posts to ascertain the storys accuracy. On Saturday, the presidency however denied the rumors. The governments spokesperson said the 59-year-old president was admitted at a facility in the Saudi capital Riyadh on Thursday. He was hospitalized for mild fatigue, the spokesperson said. Bongo was scheduled to appear Wednesday on a panel at the flagship Future Investment Initiative forum in Riyadh, but he was not seen during the discussion and organizers of the conference offered no explanation. Mohammed Bin Salman, the Saudi Crown Prince has reportedly visited Bongo in hospital. As a reminder, last year, a newsreader for Gabon state television has been taken off the air after mistakenly announcing the death of President Ali Bongo. Journalist Wivine Ovandong made the error during a Gabon Television news bulletin when she read from notes saying that Bongo had died in Barcelona. Bongo took over as leader of the oil-rich equatorial African nation in 2009 on the death of his father Omar Bongo, who had ruled the country for over four decades. Ali Bongo won hotly contested polls in 2016 to secure his second-term in charge. The main opponent Jean Ping unsuccessfully contested the results. Patients with a certain drug-resistant urinary tract infection were more likely to have a relapse of their infection within a week than those with non-resistant infections and were more likely to be prescribed an incorrect antibiotic according to a study published today in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, the journal of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America. "This study adds to the evidence that drug-resistant bacteria are an increasing issue, even in the community and even in patients who have something seemingly uncomplicated, like a urinary tract infection," said Judith Anesi, MD, a clinical epidemiologist and an Infectious Disease fellow at Penn Medicine, and lead author of the study. "These drug-resistant infections are difficult to treat, and our study shows that relapses are common. This is an alarming finding, and interventions to curb antibiotic resistance are urgently needed." Focusing on patients whose infections began outside a healthcare setting, researchers reviewed the records of 151 adult patients at Penn Medicine who were seen in emergency rooms, private practice, or within three days of hospitalization and whose urine cultures were positive for antibiotic-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, a large family of bacteria associated with urinary tract and other common infections. Specifically, the bacteria were resistant to extended-spectrum cephalosporins, a class of antibiotics commonly used to treat bacterial infections. Those patients were compared with 151 similar patients whose lab tests showed non-resistant forms of the bacteria. Researchers found that those with the resistant form of the bacteria were more likely to experience worse clinical outcomes than the control group. Additionally, more than half of all 302 patients in the study failed to receive an appropriate antibiotic within 48 hours of the urine culture, while those with a resistant form of the bacteria were most likely to get the incorrect antibiotic at the outset. Patients whose urine culture was obtained in the emergency department were most likely to get the appropriate treatment from the start. Even when patients initially received an antibiotic that would be effective for the bacteria identified in the lab, patients with resistant bacteria continued to have symptoms or had to be treated again for the same infection within a week. The authors said other explanations for the poor outcomes observed in those with a resistant bacteria included the possibilities of increased virulence of the resistant organisms, unmeasured factors that predisposed these patients to worse outcomes, or more severe baseline infections. "UTIs are one of the most common bacterial infections we see in the outpatient setting, which makes the increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance a significant problem," said Anesi. The study authors concluded that when resistant organisms are identified in urine tests, patients should be followed closely for a longer duration, and patients at risk for resistant bacteria should have urine collected and tested. More information: Judith A. Anesi et al, Poor clinical outcomes associated with community-onset urinary tract infections due to extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology (2018). Judith A. Anesi et al, Poor clinical outcomes associated with community-onset urinary tract infections due to extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacteriaceae,(2018). DOI: 10.1017/ice.2018.254 Credit: CC0 Public Domain Blood pressure and heart rate are not fixed, but rather they adapt to meet physical and social demands placed on the body, according to new research from Binghamton University, State University at New York. Researchers at Binghamton University recorded the blood pressure and heart rate of women in sedentary positions (e.g. secretaries, technicians) over a three-month time framefrom the moment these women woke up until they went to sleep. "The reason why their job matters (sedentary type work) is that it is highly likely that the subjects are going to be doing the same things pretty much every day, so you can set up a hypothesis that similar activities give you the same results," said Gary D. James, SUNY Distinguished Service Professor of anthropology at Binghamton University. The results showed that in these sedentary workers, both blood pressure and heart rate patterns during the day were highly reproducible over three months. The study provided strong evidence that blood pressure and heart rate undergo allostasis, meaning they change to meet demands, and that the body does not defend blood pressure or heart rate setpoints. "The physiological concept of allostasis suggests that some biological functions constantly change to meet the demands of the external environment (both physical and social)," said James. "This principle is in juxtaposition to the concept of homeostasis, which states that biological functions try to maintain a setpoint (a good example is maintaining body core temperature at 98.6 degrees). Blood pressure and heart rate are thought to undergo allostasis. So, if that is true, then someone who goes through the same routine day after day (confronting similar demands each day) should have a reproducible pattern of circadian variation in their blood pressure and heart rate that corresponds to changing daily demands (e.g. going to work, being at home and then sleeping). This sort of study is easy to do in a lab where you have control over the activities, etc., said James. What is unique here is that it shows that reproducible responses actually happen to more broadly defined activity in real life, too. "If the participants had an occupation that required varied activities from day to day, it wouldn't be possible to essentially mimic in real life what happens in the lab," said James. "The results demonstrate that there are repetitive biological responses to repetitive activity patterns. What impact repetitive responses have on long-term health is unknown." The study, "The consistency of circadian blood pressure and heart rate patterns over three months in women employed in sedentary office jobs," was published in the American Journal of Human Biology. Explore further Study finds more belly fat, less muscle after crash dieting More information: Alexandra M. Niclou et al, The consistency of circadian blood pressure and heart rate patterns over three months in women employed in sedentary office jobs, American Journal of Human Biology (2018). Journal information: American Journal of Human Biology Alexandra M. Niclou et al, The consistency of circadian blood pressure and heart rate patterns over three months in women employed in sedentary office jobs,(2018). DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23177 Weber's research has made key contributions to understanding the molecular mechanisms of metastasis. Credit: University of Cincinnati/Colleen Kelley Currently, with a pre-malignant breast cancer diagnosis from a biopsy, there are three options: observation, chemoprevention or surgery, all of which require a patient to make decisions while operating from a place of fear and unknown outcomes. Some patients, for example, with early breast cancer indications, might choose to have mastectomies, rather than live in uncertainty, when the disease state may not have progressed. That is why researchers at the University of Cincinnati (UC) are investigating a molecular diagnostic test to determine whether, after biopsy, someone is at high or low risk for actually developing malignant breast cancer. "The test aids in the decision whether to treat aggressively or wait," says cancer researcher and principal investigator Georg Weber, MD, Ph.D., a professor at UC's James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy. The study, "Osteopontin and Premalignant Breast Lesions," appears in the Oct. 24, 2018 issue of the British Journal of Cancer.In the study, Weber, co-author Elyse Lower, MD, professor of medicine at the UC College of Medicine, director of the UC Cancer Institute's Breast Cancer Center and UC Health oncologist, and colleagues at Wroclaw Medical University in Poland, analyzed variants of the biomarker Osteopontin (OPN) in 434 women with premalignant breast lesions. From the sample, they determined that the presence of Osteopontin variants can very reliably assess the risk group a patient belongs to, thus aiding in the decision on how to proceed. "The value lies in being able to examine invasive potential," says Weber, adding that prognostic biomarkers inform on the probable disease course while predictive biomarkers provide upfront information regarding how likely a patient is to benefit from a specific treatment, and hence may guide the choice of available therapies. Weber attended medical school in Wurzburg, Germany. He worked at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School from 1990 through 2000. He has published over 100 scientific reports, including many in the most respected professional journals, plus various monographs, including textbooks on molecular oncology and anti-cancer drugs. He holds eight patents and has additional applications pending. His research has made key contributions to understanding the molecular mechanisms of metastasis. Explore further Study: Few women told of reduced cancer risk when making decision about breastfeeding Credit: 123RF.com/Rice University An analysis of anti-vaccine witness statements presented during the Texas Legislature's 2017 session revealed recurring misconceptions that need to be challenged, according to an expert at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy. Kirstin Matthews, a fellow in science and technology policy in the Center for Health and Biosciences at the Baker Institute, is available to discuss the science and necessity of vaccinations with the media. She and Baker Institute graduate intern Melody Tan are the authors of two new issue briefs that examine the common anti-vaccine arguments and misconceptions presented during public hearings for two Texas House bills on vaccinations. According to Matthews and Tan, the five recurring misconceptions are vaccines are ineffective, herd immunity is a myth, vaccines "shed" and cause the spread of disease, the impacts of vaccine-preventable diseases are minor and vaccine-exempt children are not spreading disease. "Each of these myths is inaccurate and unscientific," the authors wrote. "Furthermore, the witnesses failed to use accurate scientific data to justify them. The few witnesses who did try to cite research grossly misunderstood or misinterpreted the data." Given these misconceptions, there is a clear need to increase awareness among policymakers and the public of vaccines' positive impact, the negative consequences of an undervaccinated population and how policies can help influence vaccination rates in Texas, the authors said. "One way is to encourage broad public participation in discussions on vaccines that involve physicians, scientists, parents and studentsespecially those who are at risk by being around undervaccinated children," the authors wrote. "In addition, scientists and doctors should share and discuss publicly available data and research on vaccines and their impacts on public health." The authors said that without strong public support for vaccines and vaccine research, Texas runs the risk of allowing more people to opt out for nonmedical reasons, thereby increasing the risk of vaccine-preventable disease. "Vaccines are low-cost solutions to often expensive and debilitating illnesses," the authors wrote. "They reduce the public financial burden and increase public health. They are a critical tool for public health and should be encouraged and promoted by the state Legislature by increasing access, not disparaged by allowing myths to perpetuate unchallenged." Explore further Texas must reduce nonmedical exemptions to vaccinations More information: Scientific Misconceptions and Myths Perpetuated in the 2017 Texas Legislative Session. Scientific Misconceptions and Myths Perpetuated in the 2017 Texas Legislative Session. www.bakerinstitute.org/media/f chb-vaccinemyths.pdf Medical Freedom, Privacy, and Fear of Discrimination: The 2017 Texas Legislative Session Anti-vaccine Arguments. www.bakerinstitute.org/media/f accine-arguments.pdf Although fairly common, management of an isolated lateral malleolus ankle fracture remains challenging for orthopaedic surgeons. A central question remains on determining whether surgery or a non-surgical approach is indicated for a particular patient. A lot rides on whether the ankle is stable or not. However, no clinical examination or imaging strategy stands out as clearly superior for determining ankle stability after such an injury, said Amiethab A. Aiyer, M.D., an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in foot and ankle care at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. "We want to be able to provide clinicians and residents ... with a much more up-to-date overview on what management options are available," Aiyer said. So he and colleagues published a Review Article, "Management of Isolated Lateral Malleous Fractures" in The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. In general, non-surgical treatment is indicated when an ankle is stable after injury. These are often called "Weber A" fractures, or the most stable type of ankle fracture in the Danis-Weber classification system. Weber A fractures occur below the level of the joint connecting the tibia and fibula bones, also known as the level of the syndesmosis. In contrast, when injury occurs above the syndesmosis, these "Weber C" fractures tend to be unstable and require surgery. In between is a clinical "gray area": Weber B fractures at the level of the syndesmosis. Management of these injuries remains a lot less clear-cut, which is why Aiyer and colleagues decided to address these fractures specifically. They recommend assessing the medial clear space (MCS) on radiographs to gauge the presence of medial-sided injury. In general, a wider MCS signals less ankle stability after a fracture. In addition, the severity of patient pain ratings can help guide management. Again, stability is central to assessment. "Unfortunately, determining ankle stability after an isolated lateral malleolus fracture remains a diagnostic dilemma," the researchers wrote. "You have to tease out how to gauge stability," Aiyer said. Determining if the deltoid ligament, the primary stabilizer of the ankle, is another key. Imaging to the Rescue? Dynamic imaging with stress radiographs remains the standard practice to detect tibiotalar instability. The three main optionsmanual external rotation stress radiographs, gravity stress radiographs and weight bearing radiographseach carry their own considerations. For example, because individual clinicians apply pressure with manual stress exams, variability of pressure and reproducibility of findings remain challenges. Gravity stress radiographs, in contrast, rely on the constant force of gravity and cause less pain for patients, the researchers noted. Weight-bearing radiographs can vary by the amount of weight placed by the clinician, but they incorporate the inherent stability of the ankle in a neutral position. "If the patient is able to place weight on their ankle and there is no radiographic evidence of deltoid compromise, generally the ankle injury is stable and does not require surgery." "If they are not able to get a weight-bearing radiograph, in my mind, a gravity stress view may be more important," Aiyer said. He added a caveat: if the patient holds their foot up against gravity because they are guarding against pain, it can cause a false negative result. Choosing the imaging approach best suited for each individual is recommended. "It's particularly important to consider a patient's medical background, the baseline quality of their bone, and the habitus of the patient," Aiyer said. Refer If in Any Doubt Dr. Aiyer and colleagues recommend patients with a suspect isolated lateral malleolar fracture first undergo a history and physical exam. In many instances, particularly in a community setting, orthopaedic surgeons do not have access to weight bearing x-rays. "More often that not, the ability for people to tease this out is pretty good, but if you are not applying the right amount of force or the patient is in a lot of pain, you may miss an injury." "Physicians can refer their patients to our academic medical center, for additional workup or to give patients a second opinion on the best course of action." Future Research Going forward, Aiyer would like to compare outcomes among patients managed with new technologies, including different plating options. Recently manufacturers have release thinner plates, plates made of new materials and nailing devices. He added it would be important to include a cost-benefit analysis when studying these new advances. French Defense Minister Florence Parly on Sunday told Pan-African weekly Magazine Jeune Afrique that Russia has been expanding influence in Central African Republic (CAR) over the past months, but is not likely to stabilize the war-torn former French colony. CAR, one of the worlds poorest countries, has been subjected to a UN Security Council arms embargo since 2013, when an armed, mainly Muslim coalition known as Seleka, seized power. In December 2017, Russia secured an exemption to the Security Council arms embargo, allowing Moscow to deliver arms and training to boost the capabilities of the CARs military and security forces. Russian instructors have thus been involved in a range of tasks, including: escorting convoys of building materials for hospitals; providing security for hospitals donated by Russia; and training police officers. Asked if Russias growing influence in CAR was posing a threat to French interests, French Defense Minister Florence Parly said: Africa belongs to Africans and no one else, no more to the Russians than the French. Russia has asserted its presence in the Central African Republic in recent months, it is true, but I am not sure that this presence and the actions deployed by Moscow, like the agreements negotiated in Khartoum at the end of August, help to stabilize the country. Russia says it is seeking to restore peace in the CAR with the supply of arms and training to government forces. But Moscow has also made no secret of its economic interests in the countrys natural resources. President Putin met CARs President Touadera in St. Petersburg in May. The Russian leader said then that Moscow will be happy to consider various plans to boost our relations, first of all in the economic and humanitarian fields. Earlier this month, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met with Touadera in the Russian city of Sochi. (HealthDay)A standardized community health worker (CHW)-delivered intervention, Individual Management for Patient-Centered Targets, improves patient-perceived quality of care and reduces hospitalizations for low-income patients with chronic diseases, according to a study published online Oct. 22 in JAMA Internal Medicine. Shreya Kangovi, M.D., from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, and colleagues recruited 592 patients from three primary care facilities in a two-armed multicenter randomized clinical trial. Patients residing in a high-poverty ZIP code who were uninsured or publicly insured and had a diagnosis of two or more chronic diseases were recruited and randomly assigned to the CHW intervention or a control arm (goal setting only). The researchers found similar improvements in self-rated physical health in the two arms (mean, 1.8 versus 1.6; P = 0.89). Intervention group patients had an increased likelihood of reporting the highest quality of care (odds ratio, 1.8; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.4 to 2.4; P < 0.001) and spent fewer total days in the hospital at six and nine months (absolute event rate reduction, 69 and 65 percent, respectively). The odds of repeat hospitalizations were lower for patients in the intervention group (odds ratio, 0.4; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.2 to 0.9). "It's remarkable that these results were achieved not by an expensive drug or technology but from good old-fashioned social support," Kangovi said in a statement. Explore further Community health workers can reduce hospitalizations by 65 percent and double patient satisfaction with primary care Copyright 2018 HealthDay. All rights reserved. (HealthDay)Among top-ranked U.S. hospitals, data reveal discrepancies in information provided to patients regarding medical records release processes as well as noncompliance with state and federal regulations, according to a study published online Oct. 5 in JAMA Network Open. Carolyn T. Lye, from the Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut, and colleagues assessed medical records request processes at 83 top-ranked U.S. hospitals in 29 states that had independent medical records request processes and medical records departments reachable by telephone. Scripted interviews with medical records departments were conducted. The researchers found discordance between the information provided on authorization forms and that obtained from simulated patient phone calls in terms of requestable information, formats of release, and costs. As few as 11 percent of hospitals provided the option of selecting one of the categories of information on the form, and only 53 percent of hospitals provided patients with the option to acquire the entire medical record. In contrast, on telephone calls, all 83 hospitals stated they were able to release entire medical records to patients. Further, in information given in telephone calls and on forms, discrepancies existed between the formats hospitals stated they could use to release information (for pickup in person, fax, email, CD, and online patient portals), which demonstrates noncompliance with federal regulations in refusing to provide records in the format requested by the patient. The costs of release at 48 hospitals were greater than the federal recommendation of $6.50 for electronically maintained records, and at least 8 percent of hospitals were noncompliant with state requirements for processing times. "Policies focused on improving patient access may require stricter enforcement to ensure more transparent and less burdensome medical records request processes for patients," conclude the authors. One author disclosed financial ties to the medical device industry. Explore further American hospitals make it too hard for patients to access medical records Copyright 2018 HealthDay. All rights reserved. Credit: CC0 Public Domain Children are more likely to be fatally struck by a vehicle on Halloween than on other nights of the year, according to new research led by the University of British Columbia. The study, published today in JAMA Pediatrics, found a 43-per-cent increase in the risk of pedestrian death on Halloween compared to control days one week earlier and one week later. For children between four and eight years of age, the risk of pedestrian fatality was 10 times higher on Halloween than on control days. "Collecting 'trick-or-treat' candy from neighbours has been a Halloween tradition among children for over a century, and adult Halloween parties have become increasingly popular in bars and on campuses across North America," said lead researcher Dr. John Staples, clinical assistant professor in the UBC faculty of medicine and scientist at UBC's Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences. "We wondered if the combination of dark costumes, excitement and alcohol made the streets more dangerous for pedestrians. Our findings suggest that it does." Dr. Staples and his co-investigators examined 42 years of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data on all fatal traffic crashes in the United States between 1975 and 2016. The researchers compared the number of pedestrian fatalities between 5 p.m. and midnight on Halloween with the number during the same hours on control days one week earlier and one week later. The investigators found that the average Halloween resulted in four additional pedestrian deaths. The increase in risk occurred throughout the U.S. and almost all additional fatalities were children or young adults. The most dangerous time was between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Candace Yip, study co-investigator and UBC undergraduate student in the faculty of science, said the findings suggest a need to improve pedestrian safety throughout the year. "Our findings suggest there are opportunities to improve pedestrian safety on Halloween, but they also highlight ways that traffic safety might be improved on the other 364 days of the year," said Yip. "Residential traffic calming, vehicle speed control, and incorporating reflective patches into outerwear might improve pedestrian safety year-round." Although pedestrian fatalities have improved in recent decades across North America, traffic collisions result in the deaths of more than 4,500 pedestrians in the U.S. annually, said University of Toronto professor and study co-author Dr. Donald Redelmeier. "A dead pedestrian cannot be brought back to life," said Redelmeier. "Yet almost all these deaths can be avoided by a small change in behaviour." The researchers recommend that neighbourhoods consider making their area car-free on Halloween. They hope to remind the public not to drive after consuming alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs. They also urge drivers to slow down in residential neighbourhoods, suggest parents talk to children about street-crossing safety, and recommend that younger children are supervised while trick-or-treating. (HealthDay)Rules for new drivers instituted in Massachusetts back in 2007 have led to fewer car crashes, including fewer deadly crashes, among drivers in their teens. And most of the rules are ones that Moms and Dads can set no matter what state you live in. The Massachusetts "graduated driver licensing program" requires 16- and 17-year-olds to gain a certain level of experience before getting a full license. It includes driver restrictions and education mandates, as well as penalties for infractions. There are also stringent penalties for violating the law that prohibits unsupervised teen driving at night, which was designed to reduce the risk of sleep-related crashes. Parents can set limits on the hours their new driver is behind the wheel at night and establish their own penalty, such as a week's allowance, for breaking the rule. The program calls for significant teen driver education and training. Even though many kids learn to drive from their parents, you might consider paying for at least an abbreviated driving school course for your youngster. Massachusetts increased the required number of hours of supervised driving, added a two-hour driver education course for parents, and upped penalties for many moving and passenger restriction violations. Parents also might spend more hours in the car with their new driver and be extra vigilant about not letting them drive with friends or other youngsters for six to 12 months, even their siblings, regardless of whether your state allows it (many do not during early learning). You can find out whether your state has a graduated driver licensing program on the website of the Governors Highway Safety Association at www.ghsa.org/state-laws/issues n-and-Novice-Drivers. Most of these programs include guidelines for: A learner stage with supervised driving. An intermediate stage with limited unsupervised driving in high-risk situations, such as nighttime driving. A full privilege stage with a standard driver's license. Explore further More needs to be done to keep teen drivers safe, pediatricians say More information: The organization Safe Kids Worldwide has a detailed report on how parents can help The organization Safe Kids Worldwide has a detailed report on how parents can help reduce risks for teen drivers with infographics and tips. Copyright 2018 HealthDay. All rights reserved. Stem Cells and Development is dedicated to communication and objective analysis of developments in the biology, characteristics, and therapeutic utility of stem cells, especially those of the hematopoietic system. Credit: Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers A new study takes a close look at the content and potential implications of the new Texas law HB 810, which aims to expand assess of experimental stem cell interventions outside the realm of clinical trials under FDA oversight. HB 810 represents a new level of deregulation after the Right To Try laws and presents concerns including ambiguity over what constitutes a chronic illness, reporting requirements, and safety concerns, as described in an article in Stem Cells and Development. In the article entitled "Texas H.B. 810: Increased Access to Stem Cell Interventions or an Increase in Unproven Treatments?" coauthors Bhavana Kunisetty and Kirstin Matthews, Ph.D., Rice University, Houston, TX describe HB 810 as the first step toward an expansion of the Right to Try laws. Those laws, in response to the FDA's prolonged approval process, allow terminally ill to request access to experimental drugs without FDA approval. HB 810 gives access to investigational stem cell treatments to patients with certain severe chronic diseases or terminal illnesses. "This important article reaffirms our continuing commitment as a journal to discuss issues germane to the responsible advancement of regenerative medicine," says Editor-in-Chief Graham C. Parker, Ph.D., The Carman and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI. Explore further Stem cells can differentiate into neurons and may be useful post-stroke therapeutics More information: Kirstin Matthews et al, Texas H.B. 810: Increased Access to Stem Cell Interventions or an Increase in Unproven Treatments?, Stem Cells and Development (2018). Journal information: Stem Cells and Development Kirstin Matthews et al, Texas H.B. 810: Increased Access to Stem Cell Interventions or an Increase in Unproven Treatments?,(2018). DOI: 10.1089/scd.2018.0148 When Rafe Poirrier smoked cigarettes, he smoked as soon as he woke, after eating, while driving, and whenever he took a break at work. "I think my favorite (part) was socializinghanging out with smokers outside an office building, at a bar or in a park," said Poirrier, 51, of Houston. Physical cravings, combined with environmental, behavioral and personal triggers like those Poirrier experienced, can make quitting very difficult. In fact, a 2009 study showed that simply viewing an image of a person smoking can trigger someone who has recently quit to abandon their newfound resolve. The classic example of how a trigger works is from Psychology 101: Pavlov's dogs salivated every time they heard Ivan Pavlov ring a bell because the researcher always rang a bell before feeding them. "We too have these conditioned responses," said clinical psychologist Barry J. Jacobs, a Pennsylvania-based clinical psychologist and health care consultant. "Certain stimuli wind up giving us a certain response." Jacobs, who specializes in helping people form good health habits, adds that when a person smokes while drinking coffee, for example, cigarettes and coffee eventually become associated so that when the person drinks coffee he or she automatically wants a cigarette. "Coffee becomes a trigger," he said. Triggers come in a few categories. Etta Short, director of clinical development and support at Optum, a corporate tobacco cessation program, said dependence on the nicotine in tobacco causes physical cravings that become paired with actions and emotions throughout the day. Triggers associated with behaviors include driving, finishing a meal or talking on the phone. Environmental triggers include spending time with smoking friends or being at a bar or music concert. And emotional triggers can include stress, boredom, anger or even pleasurable feelings. For Poirrier, who started smoking at age 20 while on a college exchange program in France, it was a business trip. Although he had quit smoking two years earlier, returning to Paris caused a personal trigger so strong and so unexpected that he relapsed. "I think the need to smoke was fueled by nostalgia," said Poirrier, who smoked for more than two decades. His relapse was short-lived. He walked throughout the city smoking the cigarettes in that single pack for hours, then took the metro back to his hotel, smoked one last cigarette outside and tossed the remainder. That was in 2014. "I haven't smoked since," he said. Poirrier initially quit when his workplace became smoke-free, which caused him to cut back from his three-pack-a-day habit to one pack a day. But he also had a constant cough, struggled to catch his breath when walking up stairs and was concerned about the effects of secondhand smoke on his kids. He said staying focused on the benefits of not smoking helps him to avoid triggers now. Tying your motivation to quit to those types of core values can really help, Short said. "Living up to core values is a strong intrinsic reinforcement that helps the person stick to the plan and not let triggers get in the way of the resolve." Short said the way to turn your back on triggers is to anticipate them and make a plan with coping strategies, such as substitutes for smoking, distractions, relaxation techniques and motivating statements. She also recommends nicotine replacement therapy to manage physical cravings so that the person can stay focused. "The first two to four weeks are the toughest," she said. "But for many people, it takes much longer for all triggers to fade." Copyright is owned or held by the American Heart Association, Inc., and all rights are reserved. If you have questions or comments about this story, please email editor@heart.org. Newsletter Subscribe now to get updates from armenian media & videos... President Donald Trump called Andrew Gillum a "stone cold thief" during an interview on Fox News on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018. President Donald Trump called Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum a "stone cold thief" during an interview on Fox News last night, telling host Laura Ingraham that the Democratic nominee shouldn't be allowed to run for governor. "Here's a guy that, in my opinion, is a stone cold thief, and his city, Tallahassee, is known as the most corrupt in Florida, and one of the most corrupt in the nation," Trump said. Trump justified calling him a "thief," which he first did on Twitter on Monday, by bringing up the Hamilton ticket that was likely given to Gillum by an undercover FBI agent. "The FBI offered him tickets at $1800 a piece and he took 'em," Trump said. "He took a trip with the same FBI agent. I guess he was posing as a developer or something. The man stone cold took this stuff. I don't even think he should be allowed to continue on with the race." Trump also wondered how Gillum could be polling so well, saying that Gillum would turn Florida into Venezuela and that Gillum's Trump-endosrsed opponent, Republican Ron Desantis, is a "very good person." "He's a disaster, and how he's even close to being tied is hard to believe," Trump said of Gillum. You can watch the interview here. With just a week left until the election, and Gillum continuing to hold a narrow lead in the polls, the rhetoric from Trump and his supporters has been heating up. During a Monday press briefing, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders defended Trump's "thief" tweet by saying Gillum "is under FBI investigation." And former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani took to Twitter at 2:22 a.m. today to bash Gillum and the "sickenly (sic) biased" press. The Florida governor's race might be the biggest race of the midterms, but there's a special reason why Trump is so interested in the outcome. DeSantis only made a name for himself by frequently appearing on Fox News to defend Trump, and DeSantis did little to win the Republican primary besides receive Trump's endorsement. If DeSantis loses, the effect on the 2020 presidential race will be "big time, big time," Former White House political strategist Steve Bannon told the Times before a speech to Republicans in Tampa last week. "If Rick Scott was not governor, it would have been very hard for us to win Florida" in 2016, Bannon said. Bannon, a right-wing firebrand, respected how formidable Gillum has been as a candidate, saying that "DeSantis is in the fight of his life." "I think its going to come down to the wire on the last day," Bannon said. "Gillums proven that hes a very tough competitor. They may have miscalculated at first how tough Gillum was going to be. Gillum at the top of the ticket has made the Senate race more competitive and I think its made some of these House races more competitive." Times staff writer William March contributed to this report. They want to burn the house down. And in Florida, Andrew Gillum is their spark. Never-Trumpers, that shrinking segment of the Republican Party that cant fathom to support someone who has shattered every norm of the presidency, are weighing a nuclear option as the Sunshine State approaches the midterm elections. Faced with a choice between an unabashed liberal and a Donald Trump apprentice in the race for governor, they are crossing the thin red line and voting for a candidate who wants to raise the minimum wage and hike corporate taxes. In some cases, Republicans are voting for Gillum not because of anything he says or stands for, but because they believe a defeat for GOP nominee Ron DeSantis would be a high-profile indictment of Trump and the first step toward ending the presidents reign. For those who refuse to cede the direction of the party to someone they view as an emperor without clothes, Gillum is a means to an end. Theres a category of Republicans who Ill call the burn-it-down folks, said veteran Republican consultant Mac Stipanovich, who has blistered Trump even as the rest of the party in Florida has fallen in line. They think that the only thing that can change the momentum that is Trump and Trumpism is defeat. Massive, bitter defeat. And theyre voting straight Democrat tickets. For those in the state party disgusted with Trumps antics and rhetoric, Floridas 2018 midterms present an existential dilemma. DeSantis, a former congressman who broadened his appeal by defending Trump and condemning Robert Muellers Russia probe on FOX News, owes much of his primary win over party-lifer Adam Putnam to the presidents endorsement. And Gov. Rick Scott, whos running to unseat Bill Nelson in the U.S. Senate, chaired a pro-Trump Super PAC in 2016. Read the rest here. In the clearest sign of the national consequences of Floridas races for governor and Congress, former President Barack Obama will join Democrats Andrew Gillum and U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson on Friday in Miami for an appearance that will be sandwiched between visits to the state by President Donald Trump. Obama, whose Miami stop was announced Monday, is scheduled to stump with the two top-of-ticket candidates and other Democrats at the Ice Palace film studios near Overtown only four days before the Nov. 6 election. Democrats are hoping to win back the Florida Governors Mansion for the first time in two decades, and need to keep Nelsons seat in the Senate if they hope to also claw back Congress upper chamber. Obamas appearance is part of his partys get-out-the-vote effort, as are Trumps. But the dueling visits set up a clash between the parties highest profile figures, with Trump in Fort Myers on Halloween with GOP gubernatorial nominee Ron DeSantis and Gov. Rick Scott, and in Pensacola on Saturday. What they both know, what Trump knows and what Obama knows, is whoevers governor has a powerful say in 2020, said John Morgan, a wealthy attorney who for a time contemplated a run for governor as a Democrat. Trump knows that if Nancy Pelosi is the speaker of the House, his life just got worse. And he knows that if DeSantis is elected governor, his life just got better. Read the rest here. eSwatinis King Mswati has appointed Ambrose Dlamini, chief executive of the local unit of telecoms group MTN, as new Prime Minister, local media reported. King Mswati, who has 14 wives and more than 25 children, made the announcement to supporters on Saturday at his royal residence. The new Prime Minister replaces Sibusiso Dlamini, who passed away last month. The move comes a month after winners from the 59 constituencies of the Kingdom took seats in a parliament over which the king has complete control. Political parties were banned outright by the kings father in 1973, and still face severe restrictions despite a 2005 constitution that, in theory, guarantees their rights. Last month, public sector workers clashed with eSwatini police as thousands of protesters joined two days of trade union marches calling for wages increases. The demonstrations in the second city Manzini were broken up by riot police using tear gas and water cannons, and left several people injured. Mswati is Africas last absolute monarch and has tight political control over the impoverished, land-locked nation formerly known as Swaziland. The king chooses the Prime Minister and cabinet members. He also appoints ten members of the parliament. Without warning or consultation, the King changed the countrys name to eSwatini (land of the Swazis) in April. Via @CEOstroff and @AlexTDaugherty President Donald Trump plans to sign an executive order ending birthright citizenship to children born in the U.S. to non-U.S. citizens, Trump told the online news website Axios. The gambit, a plan that constitutional scholars say may not be feasible without changing the Constitution, comes seven days out from the midterm elections where current Republican Florida Gov. Rick Scott is in a tight race against Democratic incumbent Bill Nelson for a U.S. Senate seat. When asked whether he supported Trumps proposed end to birthright citizenship, Scott ignored the question and walked away from a Miami Herald reporter. The question was posed after Scott gave a press conference on Everglades restoration efforts near Everglades Safari Park. Mara Gambineri, Scotts deputy communications director, said the governor had already started walking away when the Heralds question was posed and did not hear the question. After publication Scotts campaign released a statement from the governor: I believe legal immigration makes us a better and stronger country, but illegal immigration does the opposite. I have not seen the details of what the president is suggesting and would need to fully review the proposal. While Ive been clear that Florida is a great melting pot, Americas immigration system is broken and Congress including Senator Nelson has done nothing to fix the problem. My priorities continue to be securing the border and fixing the long-broken immigration system. Read the rest here. In honour of the 60th anniversary of the birth of Brazils esteemed Bossa Nova musical movement, Vancouver Latin American Cultural Centre Society (VLACC) presents a dazzling concert showcasing Brazils multi-faceted musical culture in Aquarela do Brasil: An Explosive Celebration of Music and Dance, November 8 & 9, 2018. Aquarela do Brasil at the Vancouver Playhouse Where: Vancouver Playhouse (600 Hamilton St, Vancouver) When: November 8 & 9 2018 at 8:00pm Tickets: From $20, available online now Created by internationally renowned percussionist Sal Ferreras, an ensemble of award-winning musicians and dancers will ignite the stage with some of Brazils most infectious musical styles, from Rios exuberant carnaval rhythms and Bahias iconic samba-reggae to the fiery steps of Recifes frevo, soulful choro classics, and lyrical Bossa Nova melodies. Photo credit: Arek Saczuk Harkening back to a golden era of vivacious tempos and evocative melodies, Aquarela do Brasil will invigorate audiences with a program of thoughtfully curated musical compositions reflecting Brazils diverse musical heritage, including pulsing samba and frevo numbers, and soulful choro and Bossa Nova tunes. The evenings ensemble will perform fan favourites from Brazilian music legends such as Ary Barroso, Mario Filho, Antonio Carlos Jobim and Vancouvers own Brazilian-Canadian guitarist Celso Machado, whose compositions are infused with the rich knowledge of the traditional music of Brazil. Ferreras will lead a line-up of award-winning and internationally acclaimed performers, featuring trumpeter and bandleader John Korsrud, guitarist Celso Machado, saxophonist Tom Keenlyside, bassist Jodi Proznick, pianist Miles Black, Brazilian tambourine sensation Liam MacDonald, trombonist Rod Murray, percussionist Toto Berriel, and the electric dancers and drummers of Vancouvers Ache Brasil. VLACCs 2018 annual signature cultural event, Aquarela do Brasil will delight enthusiastic audiences with a vast array of beloved musical styles, helping further educate and celebrate the richness of Latin American culture in Canada. Win Tickets I have a 4-pack of tickets to give away to Aquarela do Brasil: An Explosive Celebration of Music and Dance on November 8th. Heres how you can enter to win: Leave a comment on this post (1 entry) Click below to get another entry by posting on Twitter: Click to enter via Twitter Click To Tweet I will draw one winner at 10:00am on Sunday, November 4, 2018. Follow VLACC on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more info. Update The winner is Amandine! The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) launched Thursday at its annual forum the TEFConnect a revolutionary digital community that will connect all African entrepreneurs including the 4,470 African economic revolutionaries that the foundation has empowered since its inception four years ago. For the fourth straight year, TEF gathered in the Nigerian economic capital Lagos, 4,4470 African job creators that it has empowered, trained and funded with $5,000 to $10,000 non-refundable seed grants. As the forum continues to get international attraction with global entities backing up the 10-year program seeking to launch into Africas economy 10,000 job creators, TEF launched on Thursday during the forum, TEFConnect. The digital platform will link up the complete entrepreneurship ecosystem across Africa and beyond. Members of the platform are entrepreneurs and investors and the broader business community. The platform members will connect around three elements: capital, market and business tools. With TEFConnect, we have created a tool that provides a digital platform to host ideas, champions success and demonstrates Africans ability to use the most advanced technologies to take charge of their economic destinies, said Tony Elumelu at the largest gathering of African entrepreneurs. Our Foundation and its unique approach of training, mentoring and funding have proven that entrepreneurship is the key to unlocking economic transformation of our continent. I believe so strongly that success can be democratized and if we can match ambition to opportunities, this extraordinary generation can achieve anything, he added. The event this year was graced by Ghanas President Nana Akufo-Addo who is leading the continents dream for self-reliance with his Africa without Aid motto. The Ghanaian President called for replicates of TEF on the continent and the promotion of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Africa. Nothing is changed or developed on its own. People must get up, speak, have discussions and change the dialogue, he said. NOTICE: TO BE CLEAR: WE HAVE OUTLINED UNDER OUR RECORD MAINTENANCE POLICY WHAT WE BELIEVE TO BE A FAIR PROCESS FOR ALL. SIMPLY PUT: IF THE COURT SAW FIT TO EXPUNGE YOUR RECORD,SO WILL WE, FREE OF CHARGE. ARRESTS DO NOT IMPLY GUILT AND CRIMINAL CHARGES ARE MERELY ACCUSATIONS,EVERYONE IS PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW AND CONVICTED. 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OUR CONTENT REVOLVES AROUND CRIME, ARRESTS AND THE FIRST AMENDMENT. WE BELIEVE IN THE CONSTITUTION AND OUR FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHT TO PUBLISH UNPOPULAR SPEECH. OPEN RECORD LAWS WERE WRITTEN TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC; BY INFORMING THE PUBLIC OF ARRESTS AND TO HOLD LAW ENFORCEMENT ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE HUMANE TREATMENT OF ARRESTEES. MOST OF, IF NOT ALL MUGSHOT LAWS WERE CRAFTED TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC FROM FEES FOR REMOVAL OF ONLINE MUGSHOTS AND TO FURTHER PROTECT THE PRESS FROM THOSE VERY SAME "MUGSHOT LAWS".WE DO NOT ACCEPT PAYMENT FOR REMOVAL OF ARREST INFORMATION AND/OR BOOKING PHOTOGRAPHS. MORE... Las Vegas, NV - Metro Police arrested a man accused of shooting and killing an elderly man. According to officers, 34-year-old Sheldon Thomas faces one count of murder with a deadly weapon. On Sunday, Oct. 28 at approximately 3:31 a.m., patrol officers responded to call of a person attempting to break into a home near the 8100 block of West Charleston Boulevard. When officers arrived in the area, they found some broken wooden fence slats that were on the ground. Police said they also saw Thomas walking away from the scene, so police stopped him and detained him. Officers noticed broken slats on the ground of the residence next door, so they went to check it out, and that's when they found a senior man in the enclosed patio area suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Medical personnel declared the man dead. The investigation initiated by the Metro's homicide detectives found discovered that Thomas had forced his way into the victims yard. The victim was armed with a handgun when he confronted Thomas in the patio area. However, the two struggled over the gun, and that's when the victim was shot. As a result of the investigation, Thomas was arrested and transported to the Clark County Detention Center. The identity of the victim, as well as the cause and manner of death, will be released later by the Clark County Coroners Office. Anyone with any information about this incident is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section by phone at 702-828-3521, or by email at homicide@lvmpd.com. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 702-385-5555, or on the internet at www.crimestoppersofnv.com. ARCHIVED - Misery in northern Spain as snow isolates villages in Asturias The military emergencies unit is deployed as schoolchildren celebrate the cancellation of classes! The last three days have brought unusually heavy snow for the time of year to many parts of northern Spain, and so bad are the conditions that the countrys Military Emergencies Unit has been called in to help deal with the disruption in Asturias. Following the strong winds which battered Menorca over 38,000 people are still without electricity, and the economic cost of the storms, a tornado and water spouts which hit the island is expected to run into millions as new equipment has to be transported to the Balearics from the mainland. But in Asturias it is the snow which is causing the problems, and another 12,500 people are without electric heating to combat the cold. Others in small villages are isolated from the outside world, with telephone lines also down, and at least 1,300 schoolchildren are enjoying an unexpected extra day off before the national holiday on 1st November due to the cancellation of classes. 13 mountain passes remain completely closed to traffic, although the main roads and motorways had been reopened by Tuesday morning. In Galicia, meanwhile, the maritime rescue service are searching for a 24-year-old man who disappeared from the rocky coastline of Camarinas while fishing, despite a yellow alert for high waves and strong winds having been issued, and two others who chose to ignore bad weather warnings have been rescued alive from the mountain peak of Puigpedros in the Pyrenees. They had chosen to climb the 2,915-metre peak despite being strongly advised not to do so, and were fortunate to be rescued alive by a fire brigade mountain rescue team. Meanwhile, the forecast on Tuesday is for a slight increase in temperatures, but with rain, some of it heavy, spreading from west to east across the Iberian Peninsula during the day. Contrary to popular belief the rain in Spain will not remain mainly on the plain, but will be present in practically all areas except the southern Canary Islands! Follow Murcia Today on Facebook to keep up to date with all the latest news, events and information in the Region of Murcia and the rest of Spain: https://www.facebook.com/MurciaToday/ article_detail --> Important stuff you won't get from the liberal media! We do the surfing so you can be informed AND have a life! Bank Zero announced it has been integrated with the national payments system of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) and is set to begin trial runs in preparation for the launch of its banking platform. The banks CFO, Line Wiid, said that settling directly with the SARB rather than through a sponsoring bank allows Bank Zero to control its own payments value chain and nurture a savings culture. Creating a savings culture means shifting mindsets from I want a car; I want expensive credit now to I have a savings goal; Ill buy a car later, Wiid said. Bank Zero CEO Yatin Narsai said that the alpha testing milestone is a major achievement, with most institutions investing billions simply to reach this stage. The banks alpha testing phase will see a small team validating the banks end-to-end live systems and processes. Bank Zero said its approach to building a bank uses precise, laboratory-style testing and focuses on a number of key areas. These focus areas include building an integrated banking app, testing customer experience and on-boarding, completing disaster recovery tests, and complying with all regulatory reporting as required by the SARB. A new generation of bank card Bank Zero also announced it has collaborated with Mastercard to develop a new generation of card aimed at providing cutting-edge security and powerful, unique features. We are excited to be partnering with Bank Zero in driving payment innovation while catering to the evolving needs of todays connected, increasingly mobile and digital customers, said Mastercard South Africa division president Mark Elliott. Mastercard added that it will provide the latest security protocols to protect Bank Zero customers from fraud and identity theft. The bank also announced it has partnered with IBM to implement enterprise-grade security on its servers, although it noted that it leverages a hybrid cloud model to deliver flexibility. Building a bank is hard work; building an innovative bank is exponentially harder, said Bank Zero co-founder and chairman Michael Jordaan. Bank Zero will begin beta testing during the first quarter of 2019 and expects public operations to begin around mid-2019. Border by Kapka Kassabova wins British Academys 25,000 Nayef Al-Rodhan Prize for Global Cultural Understanding 2018 #AlRodhanPrize Extraordinary book by Bulgarian-born writer chosen to receive international award th Nayef Al-Rodhan Prize for Global Cultural Understanding 2018, for her book Border: A Journey to the Edge of Europe. London: Kapka Kassabova is today, Tuesday 30 October, announced as the winner of the British Academys 6Nayef Al-Rodhan Prize for Global Cultural Understanding 2018, for her booke. Border: A Journey to the Edge of Europe, is an exploration of the border zone between Bulgaria, Turkey and Greece a close study of how borders shape peoples lives. Kassabova returns to the land of her childhood, intricately weaving the individual stories of the people she meets there into the wider history of the region. Published by Granta Books,, is an exploration of the border zone between Bulgaria, Turkey and Greece a close study of how borders shape peoples lives. Kassabova returns to the land of her childhood, intricately weaving the individual stories of the people she meets there into the wider history of the region. Kassabova, was born in Sofia, Bulgaria in 1973. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, she emigrated with her family to New Zealand in 1992, where she studied French and Russian Literature at university. In 2005 she moved to Edinburgh and now lives in the Scottish Highlands. She is a writer of poetry, fiction and narrative non-fiction. The 25,000 prize was presented by Chair of the jury and Foreign Secretary of the British Academy, Professor Ash Amin CBE FBA, at a ceremony at the British Academy in central London. Commenting on behalf of the jury he said: Border has an original, compelling narrative which explores the notion of the border, not just as a frontier but as a psychological and cultural dynamic. The book is a description of a meeting place between past and present, peoples, culture and nature, written in a mesmerising style, peopled with vivid characters and full of sharply drawn encounters. Border invests the theme of cultural understanding with a magical quality, mixing observation, biography and lyricism. Kapka Kassabova has written an extraordinary book, an important contribution to the urgent debate about global cultural understanding.has an original, compelling narrative which explores the notion of the border, not just as a frontier but as a psychological and cultural dynamic. The book is a description of a meeting place between past and present, peoples, culture and nature, written in a mesmerising style, peopled with vivid characters and full of sharply drawn encounters.invests the theme of cultural understanding with a magical quality, mixing observation, biography and lyricism. Speaking on behalf of the British Academy, Chief Executive Alun Evans added: The British Academy proudly champions the humanities and social sciences, and these subjects power to illustrate and illuminate. Without well-researched, deeply knowledgeable books like this we cannot begin to get to grips with the important cultural challenges we all face in todays world. We are delighted to award this years Nayef Al-Rodhan Prize to Kapka Kassabova. Border was met with critical acclaim. The Sunday Times called it a smokily intense and quiveringly powerful travel book. On publication,was met with critical acclaim.called it a smokily intense and quiveringly powerful travel book. Financial Times wrote: Kassabova is a poet, and her writing is beautiful - moving and witty by turns... In a world ever more divided, ever more threatened by Mexican walls, restrictive new passports and fear of the unknown, we need books like this. Meanwhile, thewrote: Kassabova is a poet, and her writing is beautiful - moving and witty by turns... In a world ever more divided, ever more threatened by Mexican walls, restrictive new passports and fear of the unknown, we need books like this. Together with Professor Ash Amin, this years judges are historian and political scientist Rana Mitter FBA; social anthropologist Dame Henrietta Moore DBE FBA; writer and broadcaster Professor Patrick Wright FBA and writer Madeleine Bunting. Alongside Kapka Kassabova, the five other books on this years shortlist were: The Islamic Enlightenment: The Modern Struggle Between Faith and Reason by Christopher de Bellaigue, (The Bodley Head); Al-Britannia: A Journey Through Muslim Britain by James Fergusson, (Bantam Press); Black Tudors: The Untold Story by Miranda Kaufmann, (Oneworld); I Was Told to Come Alone: My Journey Behind the Lines of Jihad by Souad Mekhennet, (Virago) and Tears of Rangi: Experiments Across Worlds by Dame Anne Salmond (Auckland University Press). The British Academys prestigious international prize was established in 2013, to reward and celebrate the best works of non-fiction that demonstrate rigour and originality, have contributed to global cultural understanding and illuminate the interconnections and divisions that shape cultural identity worldwide. The Yes initiative, launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa as a government-led programme to combat youth unemployment, has provided feedback on its race selection criteria. The jobs website has come under criticism from Solidarity, as white applicants are not allowed to register. When registering on the Yes website, users are asked three questions: Are they Black, Coloured, or Indian. Are they South African. Are they between 18 and 34. Selecting no to the first question, and yes to the other two questions, produces a pop-up which says: Im sorry. Yes is only available to Black, Indian, or Coloured South Africans who are 1834 years. Redress the skewed economic realities The Yes initiative told MyBroadband that the organisation appreciates how difficult the job-seeking journey is for people of every race. However, Yess approach aims to redress the skewed economic realities created by South Africas past, it stated. The most recent quarterly labour survey from Stats SA shows that the rate of Black, Indian, and Coloured youth who are not in employment, education, or training are significantly higher than those who are white. Black youth experience the highest rate at more than double that of white. Yes stated that thanks to decades of systematic exclusion through apartheid, these youth are also less likely to be able to afford tertiary education, or have access to the networks that give first-time job seekers a leg-up into the working world. For these reasons, the Yes programme focuses on connecting previously disadvantaged youth to job opportunities. Companies can earn points on the B-BBEE scorecard by participating in the Yes programme. We therefore align our race definitions and requirements with B-BBEE legislation, it added. We invite white job-seeking youth to visit the websites of some of our partners, including: www.giraffe.co.za; www.careerjunction.co.za; www.jobstarter.co.za, and www.lulaway.co.za. The Yes movement is bigger than race, it concluded. An investigation by Superlinear reveals political influence by pro-EFF, pro-Radical Economic Transformation, and the International Far Right groups on social media. Superlinear is run by data scientist Kyle Findlay, who publishes his findings on South African society on the website. In his latest investigation Findlay looked at political interference through Twitter which occurred between 2014 and 2018. This was achieved through assessing how many accounts Twitter were suspended across 28 datasets relating to politics, social unrest, and race relations in South Africa. The data was then used to quantify the extent of suspicious activity and to generate some hypotheses around who might be involved and what their agendas are. Findlay highlighted that there is no way of knowing whether the users that were retweeted by suspended authors knew that their tweets were being artificially boosted. Just because an author was retweeted by many suspended accounts does not mean that they were in on the game, he said. Suspended accounts could have retweeted them simply because their content aligned with the bad actors agendas. The findings Findlay found that there are three main groups which were suspended for suspicious activity by Twitter: Pro-EFF This content was shared in many of the datasets by suspended accounts with South African user locations. It is not clear whether these are real users that are being suspended for their divisive content or orchestrated fake accounts. This content was shared in many of the datasets by suspended accounts with South African user locations. It is not clear whether these are real users that are being suspended for their divisive content or orchestrated fake accounts. Pro-Radical Economic Transformation (RET) This group focuses on a variety of issues including attacks on the Ramaphosa faction of the ANC, state capture-related topics such as state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and race relations. (RET) This group focuses on a variety of issues including attacks on the Ramaphosa faction of the ANC, state capture-related topics such as state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and race relations. International Far Right This group focuses on issues relating to white fear such as farm killings and land expropriation. Bots, sock puppets and trolls According to the research there are three types of bad actors which drive discussions of propaganda: Bots Automated accounts that are controlled by computers, algorithms, and rules. They tend to be used to boost the content of other accounts controlled by real people. Automated accounts that are controlled by computers, algorithms, and rules. They tend to be used to boost the content of other accounts controlled by real people. Sock puppets Accounts controlled by real people pretending to be something they are not in order to advance an agenda. Accounts controlled by real people pretending to be something they are not in order to advance an agenda. Trolls Real people that post content to get a rise out of other users. Bigots, racists, misogynists, and generally disagreeable users also fall into this category. South African political interference The investigation found that between 1% and 9% of Twitter posts were authored by suspended users in each dataset. When we add in retweets of suspended authors tweets, their footprints ranged from 2% to 18% of tweets in a given dataset, Findlay said. While a minority in each case, these could have been enough to sway the tide of conversation as in the case of the Guptabots and the Russian IRA sock puppet accounts. The charts below show the interference by suspended and deleted Twitter accounts on the topics which were investigated. What the findings show According to the research, it is very clear that there has been substantial interference within South African politics. His findings are summarised below. The Pro-Radical Economic Transformation actors are prolific. They seem to have their hands in ANC factionalism, anti-DA events and race division. actors are prolific. They seem to have their hands in ANC factionalism, anti-DA events and race division. The pro-EFF actors emerge when issues of real and perceived white racism come up, thus further dividing our country. actors emerge when issues of real and perceived white racism come up, thus further dividing our country. The Far-Right group seems driven by the International Far Right and focuses on stoking white fears and the further polarisation of society. This investigation shows that there is definitely interference in South African politics on Twitter, both by local and international actors, Findlay said. However, the interference does not yet appear to be on the scale experienced in some countries. Read the full analysis here. Now read: Twitter ramps up fight against fake profiles In 2016, Amazon unveiled the future of shopping with its Go store. The store does not require shoppers to go through a checkout point you walk in, pick what you want from the shelves, and walk out. Everything is tracked by computer vision, sensor fusion, and deep learning, and customers are automatically billed via their Amazon account. The first store was launched in Seattle, USA, and offered ready-made meals and grocery items. We created the worlds most advanced shopping technology so you never have to wait in line. No lines, no checkout, said Amazon. In late 2018, Amazon has expanded its Go stores to other areas in the USA and they are now being called the inevitable evolution of supermarket retail. Engadget stated that Amazon Go is a natural extension of existing retail trends, and added that Amazon plans to open 3,000 Go stores by 2021. Not in South Africa While shoppers used to visit a butcher for meat and then travel to a hardware store for tools, todays customer can buy these items from a single outlet like Makro or visit a shopping mall where different types of shops are grouped together. This was a natural progression which made it easier to shop. The argument for cashierless stores is the same, since walking in, taking what you want, and walking out makes the life of the shopper easier. In South Africa, however, it is unlikely that this technology will roll out to retail chains such as Pick n Pay or Checkers in the foreseeable future. The reason for this is that the initial job losses that would be suffered by cashiers and store staff would not be tolerated by workers unions. This was proven in 2016, when Pick n Pay trialed a self-service checkout at a store in Cape Town. The system was set to be tested for six months, and the company would see how it benefited consumers before taking the next step. Cosatu was quick to pressure the company into not expanding the self-service trial, however, as the union stated at the time that it would lead to job losses. Fast forward to 2018, and Pick n Pay told MyBroadband there have been no developments to the system, with no plans to take it forward either. Cosatu told MyBroadband it is still bitterly opposed to the self-service checkout system, as it will decimate much needed jobs in the country. Our unemployment statistics are shocking and we are not going to allow the reckless introduction of mechanisation and automation, said Cosatu. It stated that it will fight the introduction of these systems in South Africa, and it is opposed to technological solutions that are imposed with no regard for local economies and cultures. With workers unions wielding the power to strike and protest, and local companies known for backing down against unions on a regular basis, it is unlikely that Amazons future of shopping will land in South Africa any time soon. Amazon Go The video below provides a quick look at how you can shop at an Amazon Go store. Juliet Vonturi is a silkmaker colorist who prints, hand paints and hand colors pieces of silk. Her work is then used to make clothing, art or other textiles. I have a lot of dreams about silk and color, said Vonturi, who lives in St. Helena. Silk is the best textile for taking color and expressing it in its most exquisite tones, said Vonturi. No other fabric matches this ability. 1. How did you get into this business? Ive always had an affinity for the beauty and refinement of marble stone. After falling in love with textiles, I remember walking by the ocean and getting this epiphany about fusing the fluidity of silks with the strength of stone. My goal is to make silk and natural fiber textiles the preeminent choice for the benefit of mankind. 2. What is the biggest challenge your business has faced? Mills and production resources located elsewhere. 3. If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be? Clean up the toxic processes that hurt the health of thousands of textile workers and the environment. 4. Who do you most admire in the business world? Thomas Keller. 5. Which three people would you most like to have dinner with? -(Renaissance-era textile artist) Mariano Fortuny. -(Chef and author) Donna Hay. -Brother of Jared (from the Book of Mormon). 6. Whats on your to-do list? Open a wonderful silk museum in Saint Helena with botanical color workshops, design talks, vintage and couture textile presentations and a silk fashion show. 7. What is one thing you hope to accomplish in your lifetime that you havent yet? Ride horseback exploring some wild parts of Russia. Ive read so many adventure and romantic novels about doing this! 8. Whats something people might be surprised to know about you? I am related to Lawrence of Arabia through his fathers family. I discovered that in January. I do a lot of family genealogy. 9. What was your childhood ambition? Be a Triple Crown winning jockey. I love horse racing, the challenge, the quick intuitive movement, the union of mind and power. Id love to design silks for steeplechase stables. 10. If you could be anywhere right now, where would you be? In a calm, gorgeous part of a Greek island making superb memories with my loved ones. For more information email juliet.vonturi@gmail.com or visit vonturi.com. The business news you need Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Between the Pet Parade and Dia de los Muertos, Ive had about as much excitement as I can handle over the last few weekends. The Pet Parade is always a highlight, but Dia de los Muertos surprised me with its level of participation, energy and enthusiasm. Hundreds of people crammed into the Napa Valley College Upper Valley Campus, and every one of them having a wonderful time. A true feast for the senses. *** Speaking of Dia de los Muertos (or Day of the Dead), the St. Helena Public Library is holding an all-ages craft and movie night celebrating the Mexican holiday at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1, where you can decorate a sugar skull, watch a beloved animated family movie, and enjoy refreshments courtesy of Friends & Foundation, St. Helena Public Library. *** Heads up, local foodies! If youre reading this in print on Thursday morning, you should hustle to your nearest computer and reserve seats at the Napa Valley Cooking Schools Fall Restaurant. Reservations opened at 6 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 1, and trust me they go fast. Seatings are available at noon and 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays from Nov. 27-Dec. 14. The food is always marvelous. Make your reservation at NapaValleyCookingSchool.org. *** Judy Aschwanden sends word that a pair of St. Helena High School students are spending 22 weeks raising 40 broad-breasted turkeys that could become the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving dinner. Theyve been raising the turkeys since the Fourth of July, and the plan is to process them with help from the Culinary Arts students. You can buy a fresh, student-grown turkey for $100. For another $50, theyll throw in a bottle of wine produced by the Viticulture Class, a set of gourds grown by the Pumpkin Enterprise students, and a wooden crate build by the Ag Mechanics students. To buy a bird and support the students, visit agboosters.org or email jaschwanden@sthelenaunified.org or rmendes@sthelenaunified.org. *** Elle Snow, human trafficking survivor and founder of Game Over, will present the keynote speech at Soroptimists public forum on human trafficking at 5:30 Thursday, Nov. 8, at the St. Helena Performing Arts Center at the high school. Admission is free. To learn more about Snow and her campaign to fight human trafficking, visit itsgameover.org. *** Congratulations to Monica Stevens, co-founder of Jameson Animal Rescue Ranch (JARR), for winning the North Bay Business Journals 2018 Leadership in Non-Profit Award. JARR helped rescue animals during the 2017 wildfires and recently bought property in Carneros that will be the future site of an animal rescue and sanctuary. *** Speaking of animals, if youve never been to St. Helenas We Care Animal Rescue during its public open hours (1-5 p.m., Friday, Saturday & Sunday), then youre missing something pretty special. I went with a friend recently and as soon as I sat down, a cat jumped into my lap, while another two or three or four were rubbing up against me, wanting some attention. It was heavenly and I couldnt hardly pull myself away and I think the cats loved the attention, too. Next up on the shelters calendar is a Holiday Open House, 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, at the shelter, 1345 Charter Oak Ave. Put it on your calendar after you send an RSVP to shelter@wecareanimalrescue.org. *** Do you wish youd been one of the lucky St. Helena High School students who got to watch the mayoral debate between Alan Galbraith and Geoff Ellsworth? Youll be pleased to know the footage has been posted on Youtube. Search for St. Helena Mayoral Debate and 11 videos should pop up, sorted by topic. The St. Helena Curfew segment seems to have stimulated the most discussion. Its well worth a watch. *** I didnt get the word in time for last weeks column, but Oct. 24-31 was Bat Week. Thats right, our often unfairly maligned nocturnal neighbors have their own week in which humans are invited to reflect on the role that bats play in the ecosystem. For one thing, they have a helpful habit of eating mosquitoes before the mosquitoes can eat us. And did you know that the 1,300 species of bats account for almost 20 percent of all mammalian species? For more bat-friendly facts, and instructions on building your very own backyard bat house, go to batweek.org. *** There is so much hate in the world right now that I feel we need to be more mindful of the way we talk. I am a died-in-the-orange-and-black Giants fan, so I was rooting for the Boston Red Sox during the World Series. Thankfully, they won by beating the Los Angeles Dodgers 4 games to 1 on Sunday night. I will not say that I hate the Dodgers, because I dont. Instead, I hate that the Dodgers won a game during the World Series and an 18-inning affair at that. Do you see the difference? I cannot hate the team or a person; instead, I hate that they won a game. It is a subtle difference, and I have Giants broadcaster Mike Krukow to thank for pointing that out. Thanks, Mike! DIA DE LOS MUERTOS The St. Helena Library, 1492 Library Lane, hosts a Dia de los Muertos celebration on Thursday, Nov. 1, at 6:30 p.m. Festivities include crafts and a screening of a Disney film. Free admission. Info, shpl.org; 963-5244. SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE St. Helena Drama Department presents its fall play, Shakespeare in Love opening at 7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 1. Additional performances are Friday and Saturday (Nov. 2-3) at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 4 at 2 p.m. All performances are at the St. Helena Performing Arts Center, 1401 Grayson Ave. Advance tickets, sthelenadrama.com. Info, 967-2711. COMING SOON TO BLUE NOTE Blue Note Napa is a live music jazz club/gourmet restaurant venue occupying the first floor of the historic Napa Valley Opera House, 1030 Main St., Napa. Upcoming acts include Eric Hutchinson & The Believers (Nov. 2); JD & The Straight Shot (Nov. 3); The Struts (Nov. 12); andRagtag Sullivan (Nov. 13). For tickets and additional information, call 880-2300 or visit bluenotenapa.com. SERENDIPITY Caldwell Snyder Gallery, 1328 Main St., St. Helena hosts an opening reception for painter Siddharth Parasnis on Saturday, Nov. 3, from 4-6 p.m.. Free admission. Info, caldwellsnyder.com; 200-5050. STAND-UP COMEDY Stand-up comedian Billy Anderson performs at Charles Krug Winery, 2800 Main St., St. Helena, on Friday, Nov. 2 at 7:30 p.m. as part of the Summer 2018 Stand-Up Comedy Series. Tickets are $28. Info, thelaughcellar.com. CINEMABITES AT CAMEO CINEMA Cameo Cinema, 1340 Main St., hosts another installment of its CinemaBites series on Monday, Nov. 5, at 5 p.m. Theater of Life is a documentary about the remarkable story of how renowned chef Massimo Bottura, joined by 60 of the worlds top chefs, transformed food destined for the dumpster into delicious and nutritious meals for Italys neediest. Tickets are $45. Info, CameoCinema.com; 287-4172. NAPA VALLEY FILM FESTIVAL The Napa Valley Film Festival returns Nov. 7-Nov. 11. This years festival features 90 independent films to be screened in Napa, Yountville, St. Helena and Calistoga. St. Helena venues include Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch, Native Sons Hall, and Cameo Cinema. Festival passes are on sale now. Info, nvff.org. FLU VACCINE CLINIC Napa County Public Health offers free flu vaccines to anyone age 3 years old and older from 3-6 p.m. p.m. at the St. Helena Elementary School, 1325 Adams St., on Wednesday, Nov. 7. Info, countyofnapa.org/publichealth/fluclinics; 253-4270. PARENTING WORKSHOP The St. Helena Unified School District presents Counterintuitive with Tyler Durman on Wednesday, Nov. 7, at the St. Helena High School Performing Arts Center, 1401 Grayson Ave., from 6:30-7:45 p.m. Durman, who has spoken to more than 4 million teenagers, will give proven wisdom and real answers to help parent-child relationships at home, even if theyre currently strained. Free admission. Info, 967-2708; bitesizedwisdom.com. NAPA COUNTY VET CONNECT Vet Connect is held Thursday, Nov. 8, at Napa County Veteran Services Office, 650 Imperial Way, Napa, from 9 a.m.-noon. Vet Connect is a one-stop shop to connect veterans to local resources and services. Info, 253-4558; countyofnapa.org/HHSA/VeteransServices. ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON WEEK The Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, 1490 Library Lane, St Helena, celebrates the life of the acclaimed author during Robert Louis Stevenson week, which kicks off on Thursday, Nov. 8 with a reception for a new exhibit at 6:30 p.m. at the St. Helena Library, 1492 Library Lane. On Saturday, Nov. 10, the museum hosts its annual treasure hunt from 1-4 p.m. Spend the afternoon with your family figuring out the clues and exploring downtown St. Helena. Tour is within walking distance of the RLS Museum. All events are free. Info, stevensonmuseum.org/events/programs. PARENTINGWORKSHOP Soroptimist International Clubs of St. Helena hosts a parenting workshop about keeping kids safe on Thursday, Nov. 8 at the St. Helena High School Auditorium, 1401 Grayson Ave., from 5:30-8:30 p.m. The focus will be on the continued fight against human trafficking. Survivor Elle Snow is the keynote speaker. Free admission. Info, sisthelena.org. NAPA VALLEY DIXIELAND JAZZ SOCIETY The Napa Valley Dixieland Jazz Society performs on Sunday, Nov. 11, at Grant Hall at the California Veterans Home Yountville, 100 California Drive, Yountville from 1-4 p.m. Admission is $15; free for veterans home residents. Info, napatradjazz.org; 939-9018. LIVE MUSIC American classical guitarist Peter Fletcher performs at the St. Helena Library, 1492 Library Lane, on Thursday, Nov. 15, at 6:30 p.m. Free admission. Info, shpl.org; 963-5244. MASTERING RISOTTO Getting risotto to turn out perfectly creamy and al dente every time can take practice and attention to detail. Local chef Janet Fletcher hosts the hands-on cooking course Mastering Risotto at Napa Valley College, 1088 College Ave., St. Helena, on Thursday, Nov. 15 at 6 p.m. The menu includes saffron risotto with butternut squash; and farro risotto with wild mushrooms. The fee is $85. Course Code Number: 74214. Registration required by Nov. 8. To register, visit napavalleycookingschool.org/enthusiast-program-classes.php FREE CONCERT The Generation Gap Big Band Jazz Ensemble performs at the Napa Valley Performing Arts Center at Lincoln Theater, 100 California Drive, Yountville, on Saturday, Nov. 17, at 7 p.m. Joining the band is Bay Area vocalist Janese Powell singing tunes from the Great American songbook. Free admission. Info, lincolntheater.com. IRISH CHRISTMAS Irish dancers, including Caterina Coyne of Riverdance, present An Irish Christmas on Friday, Dec. 7, at the Uptown Theater, 1350 Third St., Napa, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $35-$55. Info, uptowntheatrenapa.com. To include your event in the St. Helena Star community calendar, submit details online at napavalleyregister.com/calendar or contact online editor Samie Hartley at shartley@napanews.com. Hundreds of people gathered at the Napa Valley College Upper Valley Campus on Sunday to celebrate Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Coordinated by the UpValley Family Centers and Nimbus Arts, the event featured altars honoring deceased loves ones, music, face painting, traditional Aztec dancing by Ollin Anahuac, ballet folklorico by Zempoa Xochitl of Napa, food, and traditional arts and crafts. The event was sponsored by the Cave Company, Clark Vineyard Management, Alan and Sarah Galbraith, Jones Family Foundation, Napa Valley Wealth Management, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, and Westamerica Bank. In-kind support was provided by Upper Valley Waste Management Agency, Umpqua Bank, Briana Marie Photography Services, and volunteer support from the Interact Club from St. Helena High School. Harvest 2018 is nearly completed. While some producers are still waiting to bring in Cabernet Sauvignon, many are reporting that most of their fruit will be hitting crush pads shortly. The crisp fall mornings and sunny days are allowing for optimal ripening, and the winemaking community couldnt be happier. It appears yields are higher than anticipated and the quality of the 2018 vintage has been exceptional thus far, according to the Napa Valley Vintners. Despite all the work that remains to be done, some winemakers and members of the wine trade didnt want to miss the recent tasting of 2014 and 2015 Cabernet Sauvignons from five mountain appellations: Mount Veeder, Spring Mountain District, Diamond Mountain, Atlas Peak and Howell Mountain. The wines ranged in price from $62 to $175 a bottle. The tasting was coordinated by the St. Helena Star and the Napa Valley Vintners and held in the Rudd Center at The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone. Panelist comments Some common themes within the panel were the balanced ripeness and concentration of fruit, however, more red fruit aromas were noted than expected. There were several comments highlighting the well-integrated tannins and potential for aging in the wines tasted. One panelist found the first flight (Mount Veeder) the most challenging due to similarities within the wines. Christie Dufault (CIA Wine Faculty) appreciated that the flights were organized by AVA. She experienced with her students that they sometimes become frustrated trying to pinpoint the subtle differences of terroir in the valley. She was most surprised by the well-integrated tannins and noted that some wines appeared ready for earlier drinking and that others would benefit from additional aging for many years. Winemaker Todd Graff of Frank Family Vineyards said, I was expecting bigger and more monstrous wines, and I am impressed with the quality on the first flight (Mount Veeder), surprised to find more red than black fruits flavors. Julie Lumgair of J Moss Wines added, Mountain fruit is showing more consistency and typicity of the place. Panelists included a list of Napa Valleys top winemakers including Laura Barrett (Clif Family Wine), Kristin Belair (Honig), Bill Dyer (Dyer Wines), Thomas Foster (Essere Franco), Janet Myers (Cbrands), Chris Phelps (Ad Vivum/Inglenook) Angela Sterms (Acme Wines), Sean Thompson (J.Davies & Schramsberg) and Josh Widaman (Lewis Cellars), joined by Christie Dufault and Master Sommelier Bob Bath from the CIA, and Peter Stoneberg from the St. Francis Yacht Club. About Cabernet Sauvignon It is one of the worlds most widely recognized red wine grape varieties. From its origins in Bordeaux, Cabernet has successfully spread to almost every winegrowing country in the world. It is now the key grape variety in many first-rate New World wine regions, most notably Napa Valley. Used as frequently in blends as in varietal wines, Cabernet Sauvignon has many common blending partners including Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Cabernet Sauvignon is highly adaptable to different soil types and climates. It is grown at latitudes as disparate as 50 degrees N (Okanagan in Canada) and 20 degrees S (northern Argentina), and in soils as different as the Pessac-Leognan gravels and the iron-rich terra rossa of Coonawarra. Despite the diversity of terroirs in which the vine is grown, Cabernet Sauvignon wines retain an inimitable Cab character, nuanced with hints of provenance in the best-made examples. Cabernet Sauvignon is the acknowledged king of red grapes in the Napa Valley, accounting for 40 percent of our total production and 55 percent of our crop value. This vine is grown throughout the Napa Valley and achieves a variety of expression depending on its vineyard site. Its flavors display a wide variety of black fruits, including currant, cherry and plum, and often show notes of spice from oak aging. On the palate these wines can be dense and powerful in youth but age gracefully. When young they are best matched with robust red meat dishes such as game and braised lamb, while older Cabs are superb accompaniments to simply prepared roasts, steaks and aged cheeses. Following the discussion, the wine scores were revealed. Panelists selected the following first-place wines: Anthem Winery and Vineyards 2014, Mount Veeder ($110) 14.7 percent abv, located at 400 feet in Napa Valleys western hillside. An ultra-premium powerhouse mountain Cab with flavors of blackberry, currant and licorice with hints of spice. Juslyn Vineyards 2015, Spring Mountain District ($175) 15.3 percent abv, aged 1.5 years in 75 percent new French oak. A beautiful Cabernet Sauvignon, with a pleasant balance of acidity and tannin with flavors of blackberry, blackcurrant, black cherry and well-integrated spices from the oak aging. Wallis Family Estate Seraphim 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Diamond Mountain District ($175) 14.7 percent abv. A powerful and deep wine, super-ripe dark cherry, chocolate, mocha and exotic spice are just some of the many notes that run through this super-expressive Diamond Mountain Cabernet. Dos Lagos 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Atlas Peak ($125) 15.5 percent abv, with luscious red and black cherries, cassis, currants, finishing with coffee, cedar and almonds. The soils are ancient and volcanic, and the tuff is white at Dos Lagos. Soils tend to be shallow and easily drained. Vine growth is limited, yielding small berries with thick skins. Structure, stony minerality and complexity are the result. Dos Lagos Vineyards sits on some of the most sought-after soils in all of Cabernet-land. Summit Lake Vineyards Emily Kestrel 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain ($75) 14.5 percent abv. A savory wine with delicious rich blackberry, plum and red and black fruit flavors. The wine is nicely balanced, with a long finish. Pine Ridge Vineyards 2015, Howell Mountain ($150) 14.5 percent abv. A sweet, ripe fruit entry of cherry, plum, and blackberry fruit combines with notes of vanilla cream and cedar spice. Expansive, mouth filling and weighty, this wine finishes long and firm with toasted oak. The Alta Vineyard sits at an elevation of 1,800 feet and features southeast-facing plantings. The rocky, well-drained volcanic soils force the vines to dig deep for water and nutrients, and to produce small, intensely flavored berries. Despite strong afternoon sun, the climate tends to be cool because of the altitude, and acidity is maintained throughout ripening. Editors Note: Regina LaConti, WSET Level 3, is the Student Success Advisor for the Napa Valley Wine Academy. Tuesday, Oct. 23 1038 -- Report of a black Camaro with tinted windows going 60 mph down Money Way. Shop owners have seen the same car do similar things around town. 1049 -- Medical aid for a woman on Charter Oak Avenue. 1102 -- PG&E reported a gas leak on Main Street. Crews were on the scene waiting for a repair team. 1223 -- A person turned in cash they found on the ground on Spring Mountain Road. 1240 -- Report of a coyote on a Main Street property. It wasnt causing any problems, but the caller wanted information about available resources. 1409 -- Report of an older man and woman making out and groping each other at Meily Park. 1551 -- Report of a possible drunk driver swerving on Silverado Trail. Police arrested the 30-year-old Santa Rosa man on suspicion of DUI and driving without a license. Wednesday, Oct. 24 0136 -- Following a traffic stop on Highway 29, police arrested a 30-year-old Calistoga man on suspicion of DUI, DUI while on probation for DUI, and violating probation. 1103 -- Medical aid on Main Street. 1328 -- Report of a reckless driver near Pope/College. 1523 -- A caller asked police to check on his friend on Del Campo Court. 1751 -- A resident received a bill for $35 claiming to be from the Superior Court of California Napa County. Police confirmed that the recipient did not owe the court any money. Police took a report so that others would not fall for the scam mail requesting payment. 1946 -- Benny, a black cat wearing a blue harness and a blue collar, was reported missing from Main Street. Thursday, Oct. 25 0703 -- Non-injury lift assist on Redondo Court. 1203 -- Report of a BMW parked in a Main Street parking lot for about four days. 1227 -- The driver of a red Porsche said she was waiting at a stop sign when her car was hit by another car trying to enter Pope Street. The other driver didnt stop. 1315 -- A caller asked about the consequences, if any, of using a flame thrower as part of his Halloween costume. The torch will not be used inside. It will be shot up into the air while hes out and about on the west side of town. 1401 -- A childs trifold wallet was found on Adams Street. 1613 -- A blue Volkswagen Beetle was abandoned on Silverado Trail at Pope Street. 1724 -- A woman had been sleeping on a bench at Main/Spring until she was awakened this morning when a crew starting cleaning the street. She seemed very confused. 1937 -- Report of a truck parked in the wrong direction on Mitchell Drive, causing a traffic hazard. Friday, Oct. 26 0646 -- Police assisted with an out-of-control juvenile on Main Street. 0745 -- Police checked for speeding cars on Grayson Avenue. 0912 -- A caller asked police to tell construction workers on McCorkle Avenue not to play loud music. Police said they could respond to excessive noise, but they couldnt tell the workers not to play music. 1219 -- A parked car was damaged in a hit-and-run. 1232 -- A driver reportedly hit two stakes where vines were being planted on Crane Avenue. 1542 -- A parked car was damaged by a van near Main/Adams. Both drivers stayed on the scene. 1628 -- Report of trespassing and harassment on Brown Street. 1648 -- Police were asked to check on an elderly woman who appeared to be slouched over in her car near Hunt Avenue. 2043 -- Report of a woman screaming on Pratt Avenue. The caller said a man had dragged her into the house and slammed the door. Police arrested the 44-year-old Paradise Valley, Arizona man on suspicion of domestic battery. Saturday, Oct. 27 0916 -- Report of two Dobermans running east on Madrona Avenue. 0923 -- People reportedly entered a Main Street property and dumped numerous items. They were told to remove their property, but they refused. Police contacted them and convinced them to go back and pick up their trash. 1210 -- Police responded to a loud music complaint on Granada Court. 1229 -- Two mountain bikes were found under a large tree branch on Dowdell Lane. 1241 -- Report of two limo buses parked in a red zone near Main/Hunt. 1620 -- Report of a traffic collision at Main/Alexander. 1712 -- Report of a suspicious truck left unattended in the middle of Hunt Avenue with its door open. 1955 -- Report of a possible drunk driver on northbound Highway 29 near Zinfandel Lane. 2106 -- Report of someone throwing fireworks into the street on Inglewood Avenue. 2109 -- Police picked up an abandoned bike at Lyman Park. 2124 -- Report of one car parked in the wrong direction and another car parked in a red zone near Main/Spring. 2146 -- Report of an ongoing problem with a dog barking on Stockton Street. Sunday, Oct. 28 0209 -- Following a traffic stop at Main/Dowdell, police arrested a 25-year-old Yuba City resident on suspicion of DUI. 0217 -- Report of an ongoing problem with loud music on Sylvaner Avenue. Police issued a citation. 0900 -- Police cleared a tree branch from Sulphur Springs Avenue. 1218 -- A Pratt Avenue resident asked for advice on dealing with neighbors whove been playing extremely loud music. 1321 -- Report of a suspicious woman being verbally abusive toward staff after buying gas on Main Street. 2012 -- Non-injury accident involving a parked car at Oak/Spring. 2319 -- Report of a non-injury hit-and-run on Madrona Avenue. The responsible driver was last seen walking on Hudson Avenue. Monday, Oct. 29 0223 -- Police responded to a non-injury solo vehicle accident in the 1500 block of Main Street. A 33-year-old Santa Rosa man was arrested on suspicion of DUI. 0700 -- Report of a reckless driver swerving into the oncoming lane of Highway 29 near Bale Lane. He turned onto Deer Park Road. 0800 -- Report of a reckless driver traveling on the shoulder of the road and passing other cars illegally on Highway 29 in Yountville. 0837 -- A Hudson Avenue resident reported a constant problem with speeding cars on his street, especially in the mornings before school and work. He said a woman in a Dodge Ram pickup is a constant violator. 0838 -- Medical aid for an elderly woman who fell in her kitchen on Vineyard Avenue. 0936 -- Police were notified of a child custody issue. 1101 -- Police found broken glass in the street near Adams/Railroad. 1820 -- Non-injury hit-and-run involving a parked car at Spring/Oak. 1935 -- Report of a reckless driver tailgating, flashing their lights, and driving aggressively on Silverado Trail. 2211 -- A caller was en route to pick up some dogs on Sulphur Springs Avenue, and was concerned that an argument might ensue. The caller asked police to provide civil standby. 2233 -- Report of a dog barking intermittently for two hours on Grayson Avenue. 2249 -- Report of dogs barking for hours on the south end of St. James Drive. ST. HELENA Last October, some 11,000 firefighters from throughout California and the Western United States came to Sonoma and Napa counties to help fight the Northern California firestorm. As Jerry Dodrill, a photographer and former firefighter, watched homes burn in Santa Rosa, he said he knew he had to do something creative. I was stunned by the overwhelming response from fire departments who came from far away to provide mutual aid, he states on his website. The Bodega-based photographer said he sat on the curb at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa and shot the door panels of many of the trucks that responded to the wildfires. His website said Dodrill captured the names and logos of 192 fire departments of the 500 different fire companies that provided mutual aid. By sending mutual aid, we exhibit a level of support for humankind that transcends the divisions in todays society. I see an underlying optimism here in that during a disaster, we put aside our ideologies and show up to help each other, Dodrill said. Dodrill created a photographic composite from the images and names of the fire companies. Dr. Paul A. Bartlett, former professor of chemistry at the University of California at Berkeley, is an artist whose work is influenced by his research into molecules. He has taken Dodrills images, printed them onto the backs of recycled aluminum cans, cut them apart, scored the back to make them into raised facets, creating a three-dimensional piece of art. Each small piece is then layered into an overlapping pattern and put at different heights onto a piece of acrylic. Two of the pieces, one 26 inches wide by 34 inches high; the other 38 inches wide by 50 inches high; are displayed at St. Helenas Christopher Hill Gallery, 1235 Main St. Not only is this effect cool, but this particular piece, Mutual Aid is especially poignant and wonderfully captured by the photographer, gallery owner Christopher Hill said recently. Looking at the smaller piece, the logo of St. Helena Fire is seen as are San Miguel Fire, Kings County Fire, BLM Fire and a number of Hotshot groups from Tallac, Mendocino and Truckee. Not all the fire companies were from California. Engine 31 from Beaver Dam Littlefield, Arizona responded as did Lakelane Rural Fire Rescue in Oregon. Hill said artist Paul Bartlett had been wanting to display his works in the gallery for quite a while. Mutual Aid caught Hills attention because it was unique, and it is appropriate, because of the gallerys role during the fires. I dont know of any other gallery that opened itself up to house the private collections of people, Hill said, adding that within days of the fires start, the gallery was filled with 40-50 paintings, some antique artwork and antique silverware. The fire started Sunday night, Hill said. He said he had woken up his friend, Cece, and they tried to get up to a clients house to see if we could save anything, and thats when we realized the extent of the fire. On Monday, another client, John Ponte called the gallery and said he was thinking about evacuating St. Helena. He asked if he could drop off the artwork he had just bought from the gallery and store it at the gallery during the fire. Hill said he remembers telling Ponte that he would come pick up the artwork. At that moment, we asked ourselves, Why dont we offer this to other people. Its safer here, the downtown isnt going to burn, he remembers saying. So, they called up their clients and gathered paintings and other valuables. It was a neat time, but scary, he said. The gallery smelled like beef jerky, like smoke for the next week. After the danger of the fire passed, people came and picked up their art. During the recent interview, Hill added that Mutual Aid is a great commemoration of the wildfires. One of those should belong in the firehouse, he said. Kiddingly, this editor said, It seems to me that you would donate it as an upstanding citizen. Hill was laughing as he said, I think our interview has ended. Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. On the 45th anniversary of its sister city relationship with Iwanuma, Japan, Napa hosted a delegation of visitors last week. At a ceremony at City Hall on Friday, Mayor Jill Techel officially welcomed Hiroo Kikuchi, the mayor of Iwanuma, and his group. In addition to introductions and gifts exchanged, a theme was that both cities have experienced disasters and displayed resilience. Techel shared information on Napas most recent flood, earthquake and the fires. Mayor Kikuchi showed a presentation on the earthquake and tsunami that devastated Iwanuma in 2011. The Napa community responded then with a benefit to help its Sister City. On this visit, the Iwanuma Sister City Committee presented a check to Techel to help Napa Countys fire victims. A total of 13 guests from Japan enjoyed touring Napa, with several staying with host families. Charles Rays involvement with the Napa-Iwanuma Sister City was honored at the ceremony. As long-time chairman of the Napa-Iwanuma Sister City Committee, Ray and his late wife Shirley, often with Silverado Ballet Troup students, made numerous trips to Iwanuma and arranged for Sister City exchanges here. Ray recently retired from that leadership role. One of the visitors who helped honor Ray at City Hall was Keizo Ouchi, son of Hideo Ouchi, founder of Iwanumas Sister City Committee. Alan Atkinson is the new chairman of the Napa Sister City Committee. The Sister City agreement was signed by Mayor Hironao Furuuchi and Napa Mayor Ralph Bolin in 1973 after a visit to Japan by Jack Hancock, director Napa County Development Council in 1972. The first official visit saw 43 guests from Iwanuma and two translators arrive in Napa. Their first stop was the Japan Air Lines Training Center, which was then at the Napa Airport. Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Napa has been home to Steve Rozensky for a decade. But before that, home had been the Squirrel Hill area of Pittsburgh, a longtime Jewish enclave he never imagined would be rocked by hate-fueled mass violence until Saturday morning. I turned on the TV and it hit me like a ton of bricks that my old neighborhood had been hit like that, Rozensky said Monday night at Napas Congregation Beth Shalom, before a vigil for the 11 people shot and killed while worshiping at Tree of Life Congregation in his old neighborhood. Youre from there, you grow up there, and you think its the safest place on earth, Rozensky said. If you gave me a list of 100 places in the country where this could happen, I wouldve put Pittsburgh last such an accepting place, I couldnt see that happening. If someone wanted to know a place where they could walk day and night, I would say Squirrel Hill. The vigil, taking place two days after the Pittsburgh shootings, drew more than 240 people to mourn the men and women, ages 54 to 97, who died. The attack is believed to be the deadliest ever against Jews on U.S. soil. These innocent victims were doing nothing but worshiping with one another, celebrating the God they believed in, Rabbi Niles Goldstein told the capacity audience at Congregation Beth Shalom. These are dark days for our country with so much hatred and fear that its pervasive around us. In an apparent admonishment of President Trump, Goldstein, who became the rabbi of the Napa synagogue last year, urged a forceful rebuke of anti-Semitic sentiment that has emboldened people like Robert Bowers, the Pittsburgh shooting suspect who reportedly left a long trail of anti-Jewish screeds and other conspiracy theories on social media before the attack. What we need is leadership starting from the very top, leadership to navigate this crisis we are going through not the kind of leadership that leads to the hate that fuels acts like what we saw on Saturday, Goldstein told the audience. Speakers including Mayor Jill Techel and Police Chief Robert Plummer and local religious leaders decried the attack not only as an act of hate against Jews but an assault on the rights of all Americans. I know we cannot feel this loss and injustice in the same way you will, but any harm to you affects us all, said Pastor Julie Webb of Napa Valley Lutheran Church. When vigil leaders passed the microphone to audience members, anguish and fear and indignation poured out from various mourners as well as a feeling that a sense of security had been ripped away. A young Pittsburgher studying at the Oxbow School described his shock that this could happen in 2018 in my city. An older man, the son of German Holocaust survivors, spoke of renewed fear among his Jewish friends, hoping that we never have to go to that deep dark place that existed 85 years ago. Still another speaker called on the audience to turn words of tolerance into action by voting Nov. 6 and urging friends and family to do the same. Plummer, who took the helm of Napa Police in July, pledged local law enforcements readiness to investigate threats to residents of all faiths, and said he would take seriously not only direct attacks but also online threats of the kind that preceded the Pittsburgh shooting and the attempted mailing of bombs to former President Obama and Democratic leaders. If you see something or hear something, youve got to say something, he said. Because you can never know what bit of information may be the key. Bowers, who faces capital murder and federal hate-crime allegations in the synagogue shooting, had no known criminal record but had made frequent anti-Semitic postings to the right-wing social media site Gab since January. A Gab posting in his name just before the attack raged against HIAS, a Jewish organization that resettles refugees under U.S. government contract, and ended: I cant sit by and watch my people get slaughtered. Screw your optics, Im going in. Toward the end of the Napa vigil, Rabbi Goldstein led the audience in reciting the Mourners Kaddish, calling their attention to 11 white glass candles one for each of the dead in Pittsburgh and reciting each man and womans name before the prayer. I dont want them to be a statistic, he said. These were fathers, mothers, grandfathers, grandmothers, daughters, sons, children the list goes on. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report. Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Union Health Secretary Preeti Sudan inspected the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) site in Guwahati on Sunday and reviewed the progress of work done so far. Informing this on its Twitter handle, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare stated on Monday: Preeti Sudan, Health Secretary inspected the AIIMS Guwahati site and reviewed the progress of works, during her visit this Sunday. It may be recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of a unit of the Delhi-based All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at Changsari in the year 2017. Instead of conducting the ceremony at the site of the institute to be constructed 26 km away from Guwahati, Modi, who was on a whirlwind tour of the State, did it by pressing a remote from the Sarusajai Stadium in Guwahati. To be constructed at a cost of Rs 1,123 crores as part of the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana, the unit is expected to be completed within the next four years. It will have a hospital comprising 750 beds, a medical college for 100 MBBS students annually, a nursing college for 60 students each year and 22 super specialty departments including 16 operation theatres. Setting up of the unit at Changsari has been riddled with controversy with people from Raha, located 76 km east from Guwahati, near Nagaon, demanding that the institute be constructed there. The Middle Assam AIIMS Demand Committee had taken up agitational programmes like blocking of the National Highway 37 (NH 37) demanding that the unit be set up at Raha. The committee had also approached the National Green Tribunal (NGT) seeking a ban on setting up of the unit at Changsari on the ground that the area falls in an eco-sensitive zone. In 2016, a youth was killed in police firing in a demonstration at Raha. Armenia President visits National University of Singapore Gia, wanted by French law-enforcement authorities, found at Armenia's Bagratashen checkpoint Leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia agree to meet in Brussels European Council: Pashinyan and Aliyev agreed to establish direct communication line at level of defense ministers Armenia's Representative to OSCE speaks about Azerbaijan's recent attack at Permanent Council's session Armenia serviceman Meruzhan Harutyunyan, killed in Syunik Province, was buried at Yerablur Military Pantheon Armenian News-NEWS.am's special report: Drive from Kapan to Tchakatashen is 150 km instead of previous 8 km 3 Armenian servicemen killed during Nov. 16 Azerbaijani attack posthumously awarded presidential medals Left-wing trade unions hold protest against Turkey's Erdogan in Izmir Armenia FM presents situation following Azerbaijani attack during meeting with Lithuanian Seimas Vice-President Armenia delegation covers Azerbaijan's Nov. 16 attack during online meeting of CSTO PA Permanent Commissions Armenia PM receives delegation led by Vice President of Lithuanian Seimas Lavrov, Cavusoglu discuss bilateral ties and regional issues Karabakh: Azerbaijani side, in Shushi, transfers bodies of 3 Armenian soldiers killed on Nov. 16 NEWS.am daily digest: 19.11.21 Armenian Embassy in Russia: Armenia citizens - mother and child - evacuated from Afghanistan Georgia refuses to be a part of '3+3' format with regard to South Caucasus The occupied Hadrut of our days (PHOTOS) Arabologist: Photo of map of Turkic world shown by Erdogan and Bahceli is simply a gift for Armenian diplomacy Situation is tense in Armenia's Kasakh, residents protesting against acting village head (LIVE) Opposition With Honor legislature faction MP: No one knows if Armenia petitioned to Russia for military assistance Armenia opposition MP: There is a threat that Baku will always get what it wants through use of force Lavrov is certain that the Russia-Armenia-Azerbaijan summit will take place Ann Linde: OSCE working very closely with Russia to resolve Karabakh conflict Karabakh FM congratulates newly appointed Abkhazia counterpart Dollar relatively stable in Armenia Armenia parliament majority members do not deny possibility of exchange of territories with Azerbaijan Armenia ruling party MP: Public and competent authorities need to know circumstances behind captures of soldiers Armenia ruling party MP assures that situation on the border is currently stable Armenia ruling party MP: Confidentiality of process of preparing for demarcation is strictly necessary Armenia PM: Citizens of EEU countries will be able to receive loans in all territories of member states Armenian serviceman, 19, dies in Georgia's Akhalkalaki Armenia legislature majority faction lawmaker: Russia military intervention is not end in itself High commissioner: Diaspora is considering ways to help hundreds of Ethiopia Armenians Opposition With Honor parliament faction: Armenia authorities trying to push territorial losses issue to backburner Legislature majority faction MP: Armenia authorities do not make any demands on Russia Opposition Armenia Faction in parliament: Authorities are unable to distinguish between priority and secondary issues 3 more die of coronavirus in Artsakh Bruno Retailleau: France must support Armenia more firmly against aggressions by Azerbaijan Armenia parliament majority faction: Border delimitation preparation process will start from point zero PM: Armenia exports to other EEU countries increased by 27.8% Armenias Pashinyan: Azerbaijan provocations are aimed at disrupting arrangements reached by trilateral statements California Armenian couple accused of fraud flee leaving their 3 children behind 799 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Katherine Clark: Azerbaijan must acknowledge and respect Armenian sovereignty Eurasian Intergovernmental Council enlarged meeting underway in Yerevan Russia peacekeepers patrol along Karabakh border delimitation line MOD: According to current data Armenia has 6 military casualties as result of Tuesdays attack by Azerbaijan Turkish Islamic preachers organization denies reports of his death Newspaper: What happened to missing Armenia soldiers during recent hostilities? Armenia MOD dismisses reports about not allowing officers with higher rank than major to go up to combat positions US virtually completes development of new tactical nuclear gravity bomb B61-12 Newspaper: Officers with higher rank than major not allowed to combat positions during recent hostilities in Syunik Opposition MP: Granting corridor to Azerbaijan through Syunik Province will be gravest crime against Armenia US Department of State representative says why Azerbaijan is not invited to Summit for Democracy Armenian human rights activists to submit letters to ECHR regarding soldiers captured and considered missing Armenia FM stresses importance of addressable response to Azerbaijan's actions during talk with Greek counterpart Ex-ruling party official: Armenia authorities found reason for MOD's resignation after his visit to Karabakh Republican Party of Armenia spokesperson: Nikol Pashinyan gave a confessional testimony in parliament yesterday Armenia President talks about states' collective responsibility at Bloomberg New Economy Forum Turkish website reports poisoning of Fetullah Gulen Armenia FM holds phone talks with Cypriot counterpart, presents situation created after Azerbaijani attack Mirzoyan, Zas discuss CSTO's possible actions to stabilize situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border, if necessary Mothers of deceased servicemen demand Armenia PM's resignation Azerbaijani Armed Forces open fire at tractor in Armenia's Verin Shorzha village Putin: Events unfolding on Armenia-Azerbaijan border attest to fact that situation has not calmed down in the region Lithuania supports Armenia's territorial integrity NEWS.am daily digest: 18.11.21 Ex-ruling party official: Incumbent authorities created deliberately organized chaos in Armenia Armenia Prosecutor General's Office to examine news about 6 Azeri servicemen captured and then secretly returned Dollar goes up in Armenia Armenia MOD planning training camps for reservists Sergey Lavrov, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office to discuss assistance to resolve situation in Karabakh High-tech industry minister receives Chinese recipient of Armenia State Prize for global contributions to IT sector Eurasian Intergovernmental Council's narrow-format session kicks off in Yerevan Pashinyan views Eurasian integration as one of Armenia's priorities Two Armenian citizens found in Afghanistan Armenian health ministry gets $ 2.5 million to fight COVID-19 OSCE Chairperson-in-Office has telephone conversation with Jeyhun Bayramov Deceased Armenian soldier Taron Sahakyan's brother refutes news that he was captured and tortured to death Armenia seeks to develop cooperation in food safety within EEU Armenia Ombudsman, UNICEF Representative discuss problems with right of children of borderline villages to education Armenia allocates AMD 462 mln for 4 subvention programs ahead of local self-government elections Major incidents not recorded in Armenia's border zones as of 2 p.m., operative situation is under army's control Armenia parliament approves several legislative amendments PMs discuss prospects for development of Armenia-Kyrgyzstan collaboration Turkish Nationalist Movement Party gifts Erdogan a map of Turkic World, with a part of Russia 'seized' Man, 49, found dead inside truck near Armenia village sand mine Armenia emergency ministry uses off-road vehicles to provide for needs of Syunik Province border villages, says minister There is investment activeness in Syunik Province, says Armenia economy minister Russia PM arrives in Yerevan Minister on Armenia economic growth: We are from optimistic realist to optimist Armenia President, Singapore deputy PM discuss avenues for expanding bilateral cooperation Ombudsman: Armenophobia, propaganda of enmity have reached extremist fascism in Azerbaijan (VIDEO) Russia peacekeepers carry out round-the-clock monitoring of ceasefire in Karabakh 1 more person dies of coronavirus in Artsakh Armenia premier: There is no Syunik Province settlement that is under blockade Office of Armenia commissioner for diaspora, SADA Global Delivery Center sign memorandum of cooperation Armenia government approves 2021-2026 action plan Armenia PM: Russia MOD made proposals on preparatory phase of border delimitation with Azerbaijan European diplomats are warning that enhanced U.S. financial sanctions against Iran run the risk of forcing the rest of the world to create alternative banking systems that could undermine the long-time dominance of the U.S. dollar, Washington Examiner reported. The issue has come up as the Trump administration considers aggressive sanctions aimed at expelling Iran from the international banking system. As the deadline for sanctioning Irans oil industry approaches, the spotlight has shifted to the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication, an entity led by representatives of major banks from the worlds 10 largest economies that helps banks around the world communicate with each other on transactions. The United States doesnt control the global group, but Trump could threaten to ban those board members from working in the U.S. financial system if they help Iranian banks defy U.S. sanctions. That move is potent because SWIFT facilitat[es] global and local financial flows by providing the financial industry a secure way of communicating. By pressuring SWIFT to expel Iran from the network, the U.S. could suffocate the regimes economy. But that possibility is also raising questions about how the world might react. One Western diplomat said the move could be enough to accelerate talks about the need for alternative systems that don't rely on the U.S. dollar and U.S. policy, a move that could eventually end up hurting the U.S. dollar. At the moment, sanctions are effective because of U.S. financial dominance as the global reserve currency forcing SWIFT out of Iran could incentivize China or Russia to establish their own SWIFT system, which is not in any of our interests, the diplomat told the Washington Examiner. The Russian government is finalizing a draft decree introducing special measures against Ukrainian companies and individuals in response to unfriendly actions of this country, a source in the Cabinet said on Tuesday. The document to cover about 360 companies and 50 individuals will soon be presented to Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev for signing, the source said, TASS reported. "The document will be presented to the Prime Minister for signing and published after signing," he said. "Retaliatory measures will apply to about 360 companies and more than 50 individuals," the source said. He did not detail personalized composition of Ukrainian citizens in lists. "There will be many interesting discoveries for citizens of Ukraine, who will see that certain their leaders sticking to radical views, including in respect of relations between two countries and peoples, and their entourage has nothing against making money from these relations at the same time," the source added. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on special economic measures in response to the anti-Russian sanctions of Ukraine on October 22. The Russian government has been instructed to make up the lists of individuals and legal entities the special economic measures are targeted at, as well as to determine special economic measures applicable to individuals and legal entities. Israel has appointed a first female ambassador to Egypt, Israeli Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday. Amira Oron was appointed by the Supreme Appointments Committee of the Foreign Ministry, which is headed by Israeli Foreign Ministry Director-General Yuval Rotem. Oron will be the first woman to serve in the post since the peace treaty between Israel and Egypt was signed in 1979. She will succeed David Govrin, who has been serving as Israel's ambassador to Cairo since 2016. Oron began working for Israeli Foreign Ministry in 1991. She has served as a staff member of the Israeli embassy in Cairo, a deputy spokesperson for Israeli Foreign Ministry and director of the Foreign Ministry's Department of Communications in the Arab World. Between 2015 and 2016, she served as the charge d'affaires at the Israeli Embassy in Turkey amid diplomatic crisis between the two countries in the wake of the 2010 Gaza-bound flotilla incident. In 2016, Israel and Turkey normalised ties and a new ambassador was appointed. Xinhua/NAN Posted by Mark Williams | October 30, 2018 The 2018 Specialty Equipment Market Association Show in Las Vegas is typically a celebration of creativity for truck builders, but sometimes the big pickup manufacturers use the show to float futuristic and/or possible special-edition models in the guise of custom one-off project trucks. This year, that's exactly what Toyota seems to be doing with its two full-size truck offerings. The first of the two custom Tundras was the brainchild of actor Kevin Costner, who called Toyota to see if they could work together on a special outdoors-themed off-road project. Costner, an avid fisherman and outdoorsman, expects to use this vehicle on his ranch in Colorado and even on the set of his current television series, "Yellowstone," which in Montana. The 2017 Tundra Platinum CrewMax on display at the 2018 SEMA Show has a 4.5-inch BDS Suspension lift to accommodate a set of 35-inch Nitto Ridge Grapplers tires, while project fabricators Complete Customs (of McKinney, Texas) built the unique front and rear bumpers and roof rack. The roof rack extends over the ARE V Series truck cap to provide a ton of storage for camping gear, a pullout awning and a canoe rack. Other details include front and rear Warn winches, an LED light bar, a padded sleeping area in the bed, TV monitors and a set of interior lockable safes. Although all the details on this truck were made to Costner's exact specifications, something similar to this truck could become a special-edition Tundra that shows up at your dealer. We're guessing Toyota will be gauging interest at the show before making a final decision. The second Tundra on display is more whimsical, meaning it's not likely to show up on dealer lots, but it could make pizza lovers pretty happy. Called the PIE Pro (as opposed to the TRD Pro, get it?), this is the first full-size pickup powered by a hydrogen fuel cell. Toyota builders modified one of the electric Mirai's hydrogen fuel-cell powertrains for the much heavier and larger modified Tundra platform. For this alternative-fuel experimental pickup, Toyota also partnered with Pizza Hut (a Toyota neighbor in Plano, Texas, where both are headquartered) and Nachi Robotic Systems. The Tundra SR5 is equipped with robot-controlled pizza makers and ovens that can serve up a fresh pizza in just six or seven minutes. One robot arm opens a refrigerator to select the pizza and place it on the oven conveyor, while the second robot arm removes the pizza after it's passed through the high-temp oven, cuts it into six slices and boxes it. As practical and impressive as this one-of-a-kind Tundra PIE Pro is, we don't expect it to make into production anytime soon. We'll get a closer look at these two custom trucks when we walk the SEMA Show floor later this week. The industry-only show runs Tuesday through Friday at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Manufacturer images 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 [] Yes, voter fraud is real and yes, Democrats are behind it: Leftists caught funding illegal voting ring in Texas Four women were arrested in mid-October and now face felony charges for allegedly taking part in an organized vote fraud ring in Fort Worth, according to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxtons office. CBS Dallas-Fort Worth reported that the charges involve a mail-in ballot scheme that occurred during the 2016 primary election in the state in which elderly voters on the north side of Fort Worth were targeted. At the time of the arrests, Paxtons office said his prosecutors were dealing with an organized ring but officials did not say whether the investigation was ongoing and whether additional arrests were expected. Thus far a grand jury has indicted Leticia Sanchez, Leticia Sanchez Tepichin, Maria Solis and Laura Parra on multiple felonious voter fraud charges. The local CBS affiliate reported further: Paxtons office said the women harvested votes, by filling out applications for mail-in ballots, with forged signatures. Then they would either assist the voter with filling out the ballot, or fill it out themselves, and use deception to get the voter to sign the envelope the ballot would be sent back in. Aaron Harris, a political consultant, said Paxtons office developed the case from information he gave investigators during the 2016 election cycle. The harvesters sit around and fill these out by the hundreds, often by the thousands, he told the CBS affiliate in October. He showed investigators documents from 2016 containing signatures that did not match on applications and envelopes. Harris told the affiliate that he personally has identified other people he believes are involved in the vote fraud ring but said he understands that sometimes cases can be hard to make. Just because they may have been indicted on one or two, or 16 counts, doesnt mean they dont have 200 counts but those are the only 16 that can be proven, he said. (Related: Liberal court strikes down voter ID law in latest desperate effort to ensure ILLEGALS get to vote in U.S. elections.) Election officials from Tarrant County said they were cooperating in the investigation. Its always Democrats who are caught doing this The CBS affiliate reported that Deborah Peoples, chairwoman of the Tarrant County Democratic Party, said she has met Leticia Sanchez in the past, which pretty much ties her party to the vote fraud. As the Star-Telegram reported further, a statement from Paxtons office said that the four women face 30 counts of voter fraud. They were allegedly paid by a Democratic operative to target older voters in a scheme to generate a large number of mail ballots and then harvest those ballots for specific candidates in 2016, the statement continued. Ballots by mail are intended to make it easier for Texas seniors to vote, Paxton said, according to the statement. My office is committed to ensuring that paid vote harvesters who fraudulently generate mail ballots, stealing votes from seniors, are held accountable for their despicable actions and for the damage they inflict on the electoral process. The state attorney generals office said vote harvesting schemes work in two phases. First, there is the seeding, then the harvesting. Fraudsters send mail-in ballots to targeted precincts, then harvesters attempt either to intercept the ballots outright or to assist elderly voters in casting their ballots while ensuring that the votes are cast for the candidates of the harvesters choice, the AGs office said, according to the Star-Telegram. Most of the time voters do not even know their votes have been stolen. POTUS Donald Trump delivered on a campaign promise to look into the issue of voter fraud, but the commission he empaneled was stymied by mostly blue (but some red) states at every turn by refusing to provide voter information and other data investigators needed to make determinations. But for Democrats to claim such fraud doesnt exist is not only fantasy but proves that their party is the one that engages most in it which is why they oppose every voter ID law and other efforts to clean up voter registration rolls. Read more about how voting Republican will help solve this problem at VoteRepublican.news. Sources include: CBSDFW.com TheNationalSentinel.com Star-Telegram.com Demon drone is a new unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with a grenade launcher It might not be an actual devil from Hell, but it is definitely a portent of dark times ahead. An article in Rotor Drone Magazine reported on the Demon, an unmanned combat aerial vehicle that can take out squads of soldiers or an armored vehicle with its deadly payload of weapons. The founder of a Ukrainian drone company recently announced an armed variant of one of his companys quadcopter models. Yuri Kasyanov posted on Facebook that his company, Matrix UAV, was now offering the ominously named Demon to interested buyers. Designated as a shock multi-purpose unmanned aerial vehicle, the Demon can carry a pair of disposable rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). A hit with an RPG can destroy any vehicle short of a heavy tank. Alternate payloads for the killer drone include a different grenade launcher, automatic weapons and other small arms, and an 11-pound bomb. If the terrorists responsible for the drone attack in Venezuela had access to this kind of firepower, that country would be short of one president. (Related: ROBO-WARS: DARPA wants to deploy automated drones as coordinated swarms to isolate an urban objective.) A killer aerial drone that can be sent on a suicide bomb attack In his Facebook post, Kasyanov called the Demon a tool for launching ambushes and accurate attacks on enemy military assets. He cited anti-aircraft emplacements, defensive positions, and even tanks as potential targets for the flying menace. He claimed that it could hit a target as far as six miles out if it was armed with a heavy weapon. If the user was willing to sacrifice it, the Demon could be loaded with up to 15 pounds of high explosives and sent on a kamikaze attack on targets that are 12 miles away. The resulting explosion would be much more powerful than mere RPGs. The Demon is powered by a hybrid engine that lets it carry a payload equal to half its empty weight. Kasyanov claimed that the drones maximum range was 55 miles, although he did not provide details. A human operator flies the Demon using real-time video feed. The drone uses a signal transmitter found on other Matrix UAV products such as the Chimera. Matrix also manufactures the earlier Comandor drone. Fitted with eight rotors compared to the Demons four and powered by a gas engine, the Comandor is marketed as a multi-purpose drone. In addition to destroying enemy tanks during firefights, it can also haul much-needed supplies to battlefields and fight actual fires. The skies of Eastern Europe are filling up with combat drones The Demon is not the first RPG-armed quadcopter to appear in an Eastern European country and it is certainly not going to be the last of its kind. In June 2018, Ukraines neighbor Belarus made a show of its crude but functioning armed quadcopter. They took a grenade launcher, slapped four rotors and a control system on it, and called it a day. At the time, the Belarusian machine was dismissed as a ramshackle substitute for highly advanced attack drones, especially the planned Low Power Laser Demonstrator. But it signaled the start of a trend in Eastern Europe, a trend of building flying Frankensteins Monsters with a mix of Cold War era weapons, lightweight engines, and remote control systems. The Belarusian UAV was followed by other models like the Comandor and now the Demon. They are primitive in comparison to the Predators sent after terrorists, but drone technology is advancing at a rapid pace. Ukraine is also still embroiled in hostilities with Russia, another country that likes to use cheap drones in combat. Visit DroneWatchNews.com to find out more about the Ukrainian Demon and other battle drones. Sources include: RotorDroneMag.com C4ISRNet.com ICOs Thailand SEC The Thai Securities and Exchange Commission has issued an investment warning against ICOs operating in the country without its recognition, registration and supervision. The Bangkok Post reports that Thailands premier markets regulator is taking action after discovering a number of unregistered coin sales being promoted in Thailand through social media platforms like Facebook and Youtube. High Investment Risk In its warning, the SEC specifically named nine such unregistered entities offering unrecognised cryptocurrency sales in its jurisdiction. The companies named are: Every Coin, Orientum Coin (ORT Coin), OneCoin and OFC Coin, Tripxchain Coin (TXC Coin), TUC Coin, G2S Expert ICO, Singhcom Enterprise ICO, Adventure hostel Bangkok ICO and Kidstocurrency ICO. According to the regulator, none of these entities has gone through the necessary steps for approval such as making an official application, showing evidence of meeting qualifying criteria and having their smart contracts assessed for adequacy. The SEC categorised these investments as high investment risk, urging investors to refrain from putting their money into them. It will be recalled that in 2017, Thailands SEC released its ICO regulation guidelines which stated in part: ICO fundraising needs to be done through an ICO portal approved by the SEC. The ICO acceptance criteria may include due diligence and screening of funders from dishonest people. The source code of the smart contract will automatically be enforced against the contract. After the sale, the SEC publishes a copy of the statement on the SEC website. Going further, the regulator also mentioned that in all the cases regarding the listed ICOs, the amount of information provided is not enough to conclusively present an investment case, and even worse, there is no evidence that the coins being sold will have enough liquidity to be listed for trading, and as such they cannot be exchanged for fiat or other cryptos. What this means to Thai investors is that they could potentially be investing in digital assets that are completely worthless. Story continues Cross-Border ICO Scams The SEC also noted that the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) had previously issued an investment warning against OneCoin and its affiliated businesses, stating that it was operating without the regulators supervision. OneCoin has also attracted investment warnings in several jurisdictions, indicating that its promoters are likely opportunists making their way around the Southeast Asia region trying to take advantage of naive investors. According to the SEC, their modus operandi is to present cryptocurrency investment schemes that are little more than classic pyramid schemes dressed up in new clothes. These schemes require the addition of more and more investors at an ever-expanding rate to keep functioning. As soon as the number or rate of new additions drops, the entire scheme fails and the promoters abscond with outsized profits, leaving crypto investors holding the metaphorical bag. The post Thailand Regulator Issues Strong Warning Against Unregistered ICOs appeared first on CCN. I'm reading gay-centric novels atm. Finished "A Little Life" a couple of weeks ago, read "The City & The Pillar" last week and I'm about to start "Giovanni's Room". Has anyone read "The Song of Achilles" and/or "Boy Erased"? Reply Thread Link I've read song of Achilles and I would recommend reading Mary Renault's Alexander the Great books instead. That was kind of what I was expecting and it was more like a lol episode of xena Reply Parent Thread Link I really liked The of Song of Achilles. I really enjoy Madeline Millers writing. Reply Parent Thread Link Giovannis Room was super depressing to me. I am in the middle of A Little Life but I cant finish it before its due back at the library. Reply Parent Thread Link Ah shame :( Reply Parent Thread Link I LOVED Song of Achilles, personally I thought it was better than Circe. Reply Parent Thread Link Yas @ all of books. TSOA is great! I had that book!! Reply Parent Thread Link I liked A Song of Achilles Reply Parent Thread Link I really loved "The Song of Achilles" <3 Reply Parent Thread Link the Song of Achilles is fantastic, love it so much Reply Parent Thread Link The Song of Achilles is amazing! Edited at 2018-10-29 10:24 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link Joining the chorus of praise for The Song of Achilles - such a beautiful novel! Reply Parent Thread Link I just finished a choose-your-own-advanture horror book called Death by Halloween. I liked it enough! Some of the endings felt too abrupt, but other parts of the book were really good. I'm not sure what I am gonna read for the challenge... probably The Hen who Dreamed she could Fly, that sounds like something I'd love. Reply Thread Link I love The Strange Library! I can't concentrate on anything right now. I haven't read an entire book in a few months :( Reply Thread Link I read the Uncommon Reader in one sitting, it's soooooooo delightful yes, we'll definitely do it again next year! with new categories hopefully. we'll be taking suggestions! Reply Parent Thread Link we will definitely do it again next year!!! i'm glad you like the challenge <3 Reply Parent Thread Link A lot of these sound really good. I finished The Uninvited by Cat Winters this week for historical spookiness, as well as listened to Carrie Fisher's The Princess Diarist (which I only really enjoyed because she read it). Working my way through Ray Bradbury's Something Wicked This Way Comes, Inkmistress by Audrey Coulthurst, and All the Birds in the Sky by Charlie Jane Anders (which is weird but also weirdly fun) Reply Thread Link I have a couple short novels my dad bought in like the 50s so I'm going to try to read a few of those. Reply Thread Link im making my way through the harry potter audio books right now. im on order of the phoenix Reply Thread Link i put the first one on hold bc i've never read any of the books and i like jim dale. it literally has 500+ holds lmao D: Reply Parent Thread Link jim dale or stephen fry? Reply Parent Thread Link jim dale, hes what audible has. i like him Reply Parent Thread Link I finished The Cheerleaders by Kara Thomas yesterday, and it was a good read. Definitely a faster and more entertaining read than a lot of the YA Ive read this year. Now Im reading Give Me Your Hand by Megan Abbott and only about 50 pages in, but Im here to tell you its amazing and you should read it Reply Thread Link i'm gonna start give me your hand after i finish what i'm reading rn and i'm excited! i love megan abbott. Reply Parent Thread Link I haven't read a book in like 2 weeks. I hate it. I keep having reading spurts and then nothing. I need to read one book before November 4th because it's published then and then I have a book on Overdrive that I have 2 weeks for. I like the sound of The Strange Library. I may read that. Reply Thread Link This is me. I killed it in September and early October and now Im just done. Ive started like three books and dont feel like reading them but I also dont know what I feel like reading. Reply Parent Thread Link im almost done with 'Norwegian wood' right now. im debating whether or not to watch the movie after perro i cant really stand kikos face so idk Reply Thread Link hjalmartazar ...lol. Did you add that short romance for me? Reply Thread Link LOL, That was milfordacademy's pick but I definitely thought of you when I saw it!!! <3 Reply Parent Thread Link I did lol Reply Parent Thread Link I am always disappointed in short books. I end up wanting them to be longer. I'm in such a rut with my reading. I was behind on my challenge so I changed my goal from 75 to 60 and now I'm behind again. Reply Thread Link Ohhh Binti would have been a good choice for this challenge. I haven't decided yet what I'll be reading though, I never got around to October's challenge, I got distracted by other novels lol Anyway, I finished The Girl in the Tower (Winternight Trilogy) last night and loved it. Vasya <3 And with that, I finished my relatively small 26 book Goodreads challenge! Reply Thread Link I'm waiting for the third book in the Winternight trilogy to be published, and then I'll read the Girl in the Tower. I'll have to reread the first one as well lol, because I always end up forgetting who's who and what happened. this is why I don't like picking up unfinished fantasy series! and congratulations on finishing your goodreads challenge!! :D Edited at 2018-10-29 05:16 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link I legit had to read a recap of the first book even though it's been barely a year since I read it, lol, and I'm not sure that was good enough - but I had the book in my hands, I was ready to read it now. I cannot wait until the 3rd book! Thank you :) <3 Reply Parent Thread Link JFC this makes me sick. Reply Thread Link this timeline is just a loop of me being shocked followed by a dove in the fridge moment Reply Thread Link I really hope there is a huge blue wave come next Tuesday because I'm just so sick to my stomach and ready for this shit to get better. Reply Thread Link tbh the closer we get, the less hope I have Reply Parent Thread Link I always find it curious that conservatives want to use music made by "the libs" at their fucking rallies in the first place. Why not stick to tried and true conservative faves like.... Ted Nugent?! Oh right, it's because good musicians generally aren't conservative trashpiles. Reply Thread Link I think thats odd too Reply Parent Thread Link i think trump does it because he knows it'll annoy the artists he's playing. he gets off on being obnoxious. Reply Parent Thread Link Well Melania wont touch him so he has to find other ways. Reply Parent Thread Link Cant this flaming trash heap find dogs sung by right wing musicians to play? Reply Thread Link I know he probably doesn't pick out his own rally music but 45 stays so fucking tone deaf on everything. Reply Thread Link Trying some comedy. Tuba player ridicules KKK with a trolling serenade of slow, lumbering cartoon music then onto Ride of the Valkyries pic.twitter.com/2iWfGnCmyB RiotWomenn (@riotwomennn) August 18, 2017 The soundtrack from this vid should be his official rally music, complete with the "this is what stupid looks like" interjections Reply Thread Link "when the family tree has no branches" lmaooo Reply Parent Thread Link Lmao Reply Parent Thread Link lmao...the hero we deserve Reply Parent Thread Link This is what white allyship looks like Reply Parent Thread Link lmaoooo this should be mandatory at all of their gatherings Reply Parent Thread Link of course he would. cause he is a piece of shit that has no feelings for anyone but himself. i've had enough of these republican assholes using this massacre to sway gop voters by framing another white supremacist terror attack as "an attack on religion" so christians can say they too know what its like to be persecuted...in december when a cashier says "happy holidays" Reply Thread Link 1. Let's talk about how the Trump administration is trying to erase the Jewish dimensions of a Jewish tragedy. The technical term is "de-Judaization" -- fake universalism in the service of suppressing a particular identity. Jeet Heer (@HeerJeet) October 30, 2018 Right? I was reading this thread about this concept yesterday and found it fascinating: Reply Parent Thread Link This guy is usually spot-on and again this time. He's definitely right. Republicans like denying antisemitism just like they like denying hate crimes are what they are. They want to be the only ones being prosecuted. Reply Parent Thread Link He is incapable of empathy or compassion, as are the people in his administration and party who continue to enable him. Reply Thread Link The fact that he's still going to Pittsburgh today even though the political and religious leaders in the city have asked him to wait is fucking disgusting. They want to grieve and bury their dead without having to deal with the logistical nightmare that involves hosting a president (ANY PRESIDENT). Everything has to be about him. Edited at 2018-10-30 06:50 pm (UTC) Reply Thread Link I feel so badly for those families. Reply Parent Thread Link I was going to ask didnt the sound-person or someone else have the common sense to change the planned song after hearing the news, but it must be like the Emperors New clothes to work for that clown. Just agree and go along with the terrible ideas or be fired. Reply Thread Link this is one where i know he didn't pick this himself and i know we have to be logically in our reaction as it was an unfortunate coincidence that was tone deaf but lacked sinister malice. BUT this man is such a monster it's so damn easy to make that leap. he's <> from a snidley whiplash caricature. if you told me there was a bombing and Dumpster-fire rubbed his hands together and cackled, I'd believe it. i'd be able to picture it. the fact we had such a shooting as this not even a week after he did his "I'm a nationalist" bullshit in Texas doesn't surprise me. it breaks my heart, but it doesn't surprise me. the responses he gave that are tone deaf, lack any empathy, and give the massive impression he doesn't give a shit, don't surprise me. I got out of addiction recovery work because i took it personally. you're not supposed to. you help people, put them on the path, and they do the work. i took it personally every time someone relapsed cause i saw how amazing they were and wanted them to be sober and ok. i also would get frustrated with the idea of rock bottom. everyone's is different and some people don't have far to fall to realize they need to get help and get it together. some are in a free fall and redefine they haven't actually hit bottom every day. every. single. day. i mention that because this bullshit reminds me of that. every day i think we've hit rock bottom as a country and can't go lower. we do. sometimes 4-5 times more in a day. Reply Thread Link I'm disgusted everyday I wake up. I have no idea why I did it but I watched footage of his rallies last night. Reply Thread Link [ barbie ] i had thisthat had similar shimmery material Reply Parent Thread Expand Link omg i had this one too! Reply Parent Thread Link I love this description. Reply Parent Thread Link Does anybody find it coincidental that these types of fabrics are in the moment we millennials grew up? Like we were the ones playing with those fabrics in our barbies in the first place. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I just want one skirt or flowy top in that print. It's so pretty. (And nostalgic) Reply Parent Thread Link I like the cover, it's difference from what I usually see. Reply Thread Link SO STOKED FOR VOX LUXXXXX Reply Thread Link You need to rethink that excitement hon! Reply Parent Thread Link noooooo :( Reply Parent Thread Expand Link You should be, it looks fantastic and it's at 90 on Rottentomatoes. I'm sure it's not for everyone, but it looks brilliant. They talked to Brady in the interview: Portman is quite precise, thorough, says Corbet. Ive been working for 20 years, so I can say with some convictionNatalie is the best actor that Ive ever worked with. Its not hyperbole. Its something really incredible when someone comes in and they color in the lines, but the color is denser and more vibrant than what you had initially imagined. Edited at 2018-10-30 10:00 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link I loooove the dress on that cover Reply Thread Link That dress looks just like a damn seashell! This reminds me that I want to watch Annihilation again, I wonder if it's streaming anywhere. I am 100% gonna make a post about "How Kieran Became Our Favorite Culkin". Reply Thread Link I love Keiran, but also Rory. MACAULAY WHO? Reply Parent Thread Link It's on Netflix Reply Parent Thread Link Ugh, apparently not in the US!! The audacity. Ty though! Reply Parent Thread Expand Link lol that made me think "you're late", I feel like he's been the best Culkin for a long time, although I like all of them. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Love that dress! I can't wait for Vox Lux. Reply Thread Link Her quotes are really interesting. "I totally ended up in female tropes, like Lolita. And clearly I was part of the Manic Pixie Dream Girl coining. I find it very upsetting to be part of that. "Does anyone care about anything? Its just constant, you know? Acts of violence are put in the same breath as a pop stars breakup! Who cares about anything anymore? Our president literally had an affair with a porn star and no one cares. Reply Thread Link I thought the "affair" with the porn star was a one night date rape or am I remembering that one wrong? Reply Parent Thread Link I think they're referring to Stormy Reply Parent Thread Link I think technically he met with Stormy more than once (second time was Shark Week I think?) so that might count as an affair? Reply Parent Thread Link Ive always wondered how she feels about that because her character in Garden State is always a top example of the trope. :/ I mean its not her fault. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I feel like that dress is something that would look fucking tacky irl but between her being stupid pretty + nice editorial posing and lighting it looks gorgeous. Reply Thread Link oh, totally Reply Parent Thread Link That's Joan Crawford/movie star lighting and it looks good. I often wonder why they don't do more covers like this, you know, that had some thought and technical expertise put into them. I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that the dress is Dior because I've seen a video about how they make the fabric, and based on that, it's probably very pretty in person. They hand-paint/dye it several times and then send it out to be pleated and then they make the dress. Reply Parent Thread Link Her son is such a mini me of her & Darren Her son is such a mini me of her & Darren Reply Thread Link Her son looks exactly like her. Reply Parent Thread Link OMG he looks exactly like her. Reply Parent Thread Link wow lol twins Reply Parent Thread Link OMG I thought this was a bb picture of her at first Reply Parent Thread Link wow. I thought that was young Pre-Professional Natalie with short hair. Reply Parent Thread Link Same lol Reply Parent Thread Link same ahahah Reply Parent Thread Link I also thought this was her lol Reply Parent Thread Link This fuckin shade. Daren? Reply Parent Thread Link omgg hes so cuteeeee Reply Parent Thread Link I just looked it up, and apparently the last movie I've seen with her in it was 'Black Swan' which I only saw about five years ago, and it came out in 2010. 'Vox Lux' seems interesting from what I've read. I like Natalie in that she doesn't come off as annoying to me...but, then again, I haven't been paying too much attention to her in the last few years! Reply Thread Link Like the set of Beautiful Girlsevery woman in that movie has come forward, she says, referring to her co-stars in the 1996 Miramax film: Mira Sorvino, Uma Thurman, and Lauren Holly, who all went on record with accusations against Harvey Weinstein (Martha Plimpton also condemned him). It didn't even hit me until reading this article that all the actresses from Beautiful Girls came forward, got damn. :/ I remember long time ago on Natalie's appearance of Inside the Actor's Studio, she mentioned she didn't like working with one of the male co-stars, but wouldn't name who. Thinking back on it, I think she might have been referring to Michael Rappaport. Reply Thread Link https://www.theshadowleagu.com/story/michael-rapaport-and-the-era-of-the-disrespectful-white-ally I can't stand Michael. This description of him is so accurate Reply Parent Thread Link Even just thinking about that movie creeps me out. Reply Parent Thread Link Yeah, I tried to rewatch it a while ago and it's just such a gross bummer thinking about Miramax and the hand Harvey played in its production. It's also just a really bad movie that tries to make shitty dudes redeemable by having them sing "Sweet Caroline." It's the kind of lazy, pseudo-misogynist, indie 90's white dude purview that was so popular because other voices just weren't being considered at all. Reply Parent Thread Link I like her dress. Reply Thread Link I love her and I really admire her. I've been following her on instagram for some time and idk people may give her shit, but I can understand why she carried herself the way she did. Reply Thread Link i love her forehead Reply Thread Link Um this photo is terrible, the fuck?? @vanityfair Reply Thread Link IA it looks like they just took her to the backyard and snapped a picture. Also her arms look short and weird Reply Parent Thread Link Crude oil prices have gone up high enough to begin hurting demand for the commodity, the chief of the International Energy Agency, Fatih Birol, said as quoted by Reuters on the sidelines of an industry event in Singapore. Birol noted the adverse effect of higher oil prices on large emerging economies in particular, including India and Indonesia, saying, Many countries current account deficits have been affected by high oil prices. The negative effect has been compounded by a slide in local currencies as well, a development that can also be at least partially traced back to higher oil prices and their effect on current account deficits. The good news, at least for consumer nations, is that this situation cannot continue indefinitely and with dampened demand prices should go down as well at some point. There are two downward pressures on global oil demand growth, Birol told Reuters. One is high oil prices, and in many countries theyre directly related to consumer prices. The second one is global economic growth momentum slowing down. In fact, concern about global economic growthdriven by emerging economies, no lesshas weighed on prices in recent days. It has combined with other factors such as a stock market decline and rising crude oil supply to push Brent and WTI down, although despite this decline both benchmarks remain with cumulative gains of more than 10 percent since the start of the year. Mixed signals from Riyadh concerning production plans have also enhanced price volatility, but it seems the message that prevailed is that the Kingdom will pump as much crude as it can to offset loss of Iranian supply, which has in turn sparked worry about supply. Last week, Khalid al-Falih said the market could swing into a surplus next year, which may have contributed to the worry. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: With a week to go until U.S. sanctions on Irans oil snap back, its not only Iranian crude exports that the United States looks to cut. Irans neighbor Iraq currently trucks small volumes of crude oil from its northern Kirkuk oil field to Iran in exchange for Tehran delivering the same amount of its oil to Iraqs southern ports. In November, Iraq will halt trucking of oil to Iran to comply with the U.S. sanctions, five sources with knowledge of Iraqi oil export plans told Reuters last week. Although Iraqs current export volume to Iran is quite lowless than 30,000 bpd, according to Reuters sourcesthe move to halt even this amount signals that Iraq wont be risking the wrath of an ally which provides security and training. The U.S. sanctions on Iran have been putting Iraq in a tight spoton the one hand, Baghdads trade is closely linked with its neighbor Iran, but on the other hand, the United States is an ally that helps with security. Baghdad has been saying that it would abide by the U.S. sanctions on Iran. Both former Iraqi prime minister Haider al-Abadi and the newly sworn in Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi have said that even if they were not too happy with the sanctions, they would follow them. Mahdi, who was sworn in as prime minister last Thursday, said that Iraq would prioritize its own interest in helping the United States to enforce the sanctions on Iran. According to a Reuters source familiar with Iraqs export plans, the United States has been pressuring Iraq to halt the trucking of oil to Iran and to resume the exports of oil from the northern oil fields to Turkey. If Turkey gets more oil from Iraq, it will be more difficult for Ankara to argue it needs a U.S. waiver to continue buying Iranian oil, the source told Reuters. Around 300,000 bpd of crude oil previously pumped and exported in the Kirkuk province to the Turkish port of Ceyhan have been shut in since the Iraqi federal government moved in October last year to take control over the oil fields in Kirkuk from Kurdish forces. Related: Can Angola Overhaul Its Struggling Oil Industry? The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) reached a deal with the outgoing federal government of Iraq last month to resume those flows, but the deal needs to be approved and signed by the new prime minister and government, according to Reuters sources. Last month, U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry said that Iraq alone could add 300,000 bpd of oil to global supply if it allows Kurdish oil to reach international markets. Saying that the United States wont sell crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), Secretary Perry also noted that he was comfortable that the world supply can absorb the sanctions that are coming. Meanwhile, a week before the U.S. sanctions on Iran return, the Islamic Republic continues to claim that no country has the means to stop Tehran from exporting crude oil. The sanctions, more than harming us, would be hurtful to the US; Trump policies have raised the global oil prices which would not be to our loss, and we have been able to find new customers for our oil, Gholamali Jafarzadeh, a member of Iranian parliament, told the Iranian oil ministrys news service Shana on Sunday. Iran also said that it had started selling in the weekend crude oil on its energy exchange, with eight shipments of 35,000 barrels of crude oil purchased at $74.85 a barrel on Sunday. Related: Innovations Are Rocking The Battery Industry Meanwhile, Irans exports of crude oil and condensate have been falling since June, the EIA said last week, quoting data from ClipperData. Irans exports peaked in June at about 2.7 million bpd, up by 300,000 bpd from the average during the first four months of the year, before the May announcement of the U.S. sanctions. To compare, Irans crude oil and condensate exports fell to 1.9 million bpd in September. U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said earlier this month that it would be more difficult for Iranian oil customers to get waivers from the sanctions than it was during the Obama administration, and the U.S. would issue waivers, if any, only to buyers that have significantly reduced Iranian purchases. The oil market is grappling with two key uncertainties regarding the sanctions on Iranhow much oil will come off the market and how reliable tracking oil exports will be going forward, considering that Iran is said to have already launched the furtive tactics to avoid oil cargo tracking by switching off transponders on board of some ships. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Charles de Gaulle once said: no nation has friends, only interests. Cooperation between Russia and Iran has been increasing over the years. The countries are drifting towards each other due to shared interests over topics such as Syria and opposition to a unipolar world led by the U.S. Although Moscow and Tehran are competitors on the global energy market, U.S. sanctions have created room for collaboration. Russian Iranian relations Since the crisis in Ukraine and the annexation of Crimea, Russia has been facing a united Western front concerning sanctions. Deprived of options and in an effort to assert great power status, Moscow intervened in the Syrian civil war in September 2015. Russian air power together with Iranian support on the ground gave the Syrian army the upper hand on the battlefield, allowing them to retake most of the territories held by the rebels. Strategic alignment on Syria has created the necessary goodwill for further expansion of collaboration. Despite political, economic, and military cooperation, it would be farfetched to call Russian - Iranian relations an alliance. For starters, Tehran is not pleased with the recent rapprochement of Moscow with archenemy Saudi-Arabia. The Iranian regime has also not forgotten Russia using Iran as a bargaining chip as part of its negotiations with the West during the Medvedev presidency. Moscow and Tehran realize that the current situation is based on shared interests and tactical decisions, not a long-term strategy. Russia is able to maximize its strategic position in the Middle East using military, economic, and political resources vis-a-vis the major players in the region. Iran, on the other hand, has a limited number of options. Its opportunities in the region are restricted to a number of isolated and relatively small actors such as Hezbollah and the Syrian government. Internationally the situation is far worse due to Trumps Iran policy and sanctions. Therefore, Tehrans cooperation with Russia is not so much a choice as it is a necessity. American sanctions Iran had its most recent peak of oil exports in April 2018 when it sold 2.4 mb/d to international buyers. According to the International Energy Agency exports have fallen to 1.6 million since then. The new round of sanctions that will be enacted on November 5th could have a significant impact on Irans oil industry. Some analysts predict that an additional amount of 1 million barrels will be taken from the global market. Several major buyers of Iranian oil in primarily Asia such as Japan and South-Korea have already stopped importing. A lot depends on the willingness of Tehrans two biggest customers as to whether sanctions will have the desired effect: India and China. Related: Russia's Latest Geopolitical Power Grab Is Going Unnoticed Primarily Beijings decision to cut back or continue buying oil will determine Washingtons success in coercing Tehran. The trade war between the U.S. and China has been in Irans advantage due to two reasons: first, Chinese importers have stopped buying American oil - which needs to be substituted. Iran is more than happy to lure buyers with discounts if they are able to circumvent American sanctions. Second, China could put pressure on trade negotiations with Washington by increasing imports from Iran. An armada of oil tankers carrying up to 20 million barrels is already on its way to Chinese buyers. While Chinas role is clear, Russias has gone somewhat unnoticed despite close political relations. Due to American sanctions, most western companies are unable to continue doing business in Iran. A rare opportunity looms for Russian and Chinese companies. Russia is ready to invest $50 billion in Irans oil and gas sector, said senior adviser to Irans Supreme Leader Akhbar Velayati after the U.S. withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal. Another option of circumventing sanctions is the reintroduction of the oil-for-goods barter system. Circumventing U.S. sanctions It is unclear what this barter system will look like. There are several options. For starters, oil could be sent to Russia where it would be resold to European and Asian customers. However, due to geographic reasons, this doesn't make sense. Some traders have also said that they are not willing to buy refurbished Iranian oil. In that case, Russian companies could use the oil for their domestic market which would free up more of their own produce for the international market. Another option would be to use Russian tankers to pick up Iranian oil. This would, however, undermine the business of Irans own National Iranian Tanker Company. With Western companies unable to continue doing business, Iran is in a dire need of Russian financial and technological support. Despite Moscow stating its commitment concerning massive investments in Iran's oil and gas industry, Iranians do not have the highest confidence in their northern neighbor. However, their options are limited due to U.S. sanctions. Relations between the Russian Federation and the Islamic Republic of Iran are ambiguous and pragmatic, but as the current situation wont change any time soon, cooperation is likely to continue into the near future. By Vanand Meliksetian for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Oil started out the week seeing some volatility and choppy trading, awaiting more signs of a clear direction. (Click to enlarge) (Click to enlarge) (Click to enlarge) (Click to enlarge) - The EIA forecasts that total global liquids inventories will rise by an average of 200,000 bpd in 2018, followed by a slightly larger surplus in 2019 at 280,000 bpd. - However, the estimate is a rough one, with so many factors at play. Iran sanctions are set to take effect in a week, and the EIA assumes the loss of 1 mb/d of Iranian production relative to the April 2018 peak at 3.8 mb/d. - Furthermore, it is unclear how OPEC will react to the losses. - Meanwhile, the EIA assumes U.S. production will grow by 1 mb/d next year. Market Movers YPF plans to spend $4 billion to $5 billion per year through 2022 in an effort to increase oil and gas production, with a target of 5 to 7 percent production growth per year. Petrobras and a consortium including BP (NYSE: BP) and CNPC began drilling on its first well in the Peroba subsalt area in offshore Brazil. The block could hold as much as 5.3 billion barrels of oil. Cabot Oil & Gas (NYSE: COG) saw its share price jump when it reported higher realized natural gas prices and gains from asset sales. Cabots stock rose nearly 6 percent despite missing earnings expectations. Tuesday October 30, 2018 India, China and Turkey still buying Iranian oil. With just days to go before U.S. sanctions on Iran go into effect, it appears that India, China and Turkey are still resisting demands from Washington to eliminate purchases. Reuters reports that there is tension within the Trump administration over how hard to press these countries, with one camp, led by national security adviser John Bolton, pushing for zero tolerance, and others more in favor of offering some waivers. Several top importers are still set to buy some Iranian oil in November. We have told this to the United States, as well as during Brian Hooks visit, a source from the Indian government told Reuters, referring to the U.S. special envoy. We cannot end oil imports from Iran at a time when alternatives are costly. Related: Irans Worst Nightmare Is Coming True Concerns over global economy weigh on crude. Crude oil posted steep losses over the past two weeks, the result of growing concerns about the health of the global economy. Other commodities, including copper, have also seen volatility. It is often said that when stock markets sneeze, commodities catch a cold. This adage was on full display last week as a global rout on equity gauges dragged the energy complex lower, PVM Oil Associates strategist Stephen Brennock said to Reuters. Market in wait-and-see mode. With Iran sanctions set to take effect in a few days, the market is awaiting further clarity. Saudi Arabia and Russia have vowed to cover any supply shortfall, but Irans oil exports likely wont go to zero. I expect investors will take a wait-and-see stance this week before the return of sanctions on Iran and U.S. midterm elections, Makiko Tsugata, a senior analyst at Mizuho Securities Co., told Bloomberg. Even though Iran is set to lose a significant portion of its exports, if both Saudi Arabia and Russia boost output and U.S. production continues to rise, we could have a supply glut. Russia ill-prepared for IMO rules. Rules from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) set to take effect in 2020, which will lower the allowed concentration of sulfur in marine fuels, pose an enormous threat to Russia. Russia is the worlds largest exporter of sulfurous residual fuel oil and it is ill-prepared to comply with the regulations. Russias oil segment appears to end up among the biggest losers financially, IHS Markit Ltd.s senior research analyst Alexander Scherbakov said, according to Bloomberg. Theres no chance for them to be 100 percent prepared. Hedge funds continue to cut bullish bets. Hedge funds and other money managers continued to liquidate their bullish positions on crude oil futures, a sign that investors are increasingly pessimistic about the trajectory for oil prices. The ratio of long to short positions fell to 6:1, down from 12:1 at the end of September, according to Reuters. Fossil fuel subsidies on the rise again. Global subsidies on fossil fuels rose in 2017 for the first time in years, according to the IEA. After declining by half between 2012 and 2016, subsidies began to creep up again last year as oil prices rose. The IEA says that the value of total subsidies around the world increased by 12 percent in 2017 to more than $300 billion. Moodys: High levels of debt a drag on oilfield services. U.S. oilfield services and drilling companies high debt levels are unsustainable over the long term without a substantial improvement in cash flow, according to a new report from Moodys Investors Service. US oilfield services and drilling companies' high debt levels will continue to constrain their credit quality in 2019 and beyond, said Sreedhar Kona, a Moody's Senior Analyst. The largest firms are significantly better positioned to regain their credit strength next year than the smaller ones, though the threat of balance sheet restructuring will persist, particularly for the latter. An increase in North American drilling activity will help land-focused OFS firms, Moodys said, such as Schlumberger (NYSE: SLB), Halliburton (NYSE: HAL) and Baker Hughes (NYSE: BHGE). Related: The Quiet Swing Producers: Iraq, Libya, Nigeria Gasoline tax in California up for a vote. California passed a 12-cent-per-gallon tax on gasoline last year to help fund transit priorities, but the issue is going to be put before the states voters next week. A referendum, if passed, would repeal the tax. The latest polling has a plurality of voters in favor of keeping the tax. Uber proposes fee in London to fund EV effort. Uber has proposed a 15-pence-per-mile fee on trips in London to help raise money for drivers to switch to electric vehicles. The fee is expected to raise $260 million by 2025, and the revenue will go to incentives for drivers to switch to EVs. Washington State considers carbon tax. Washington State is hoping to become the first in the U.S. to pass a carbon tax. Voters will decide on the measure next week on election day. The oil and gas industry has poured millions of dollars into the state to defeat the proposal. PDVSA makes bond payment. Venezuelas PDVSA made a $949 million bond payment on principal and interest due on a 2020 bond, the only one of its debt issuance not in default, according to Argus Media. The payment saves PDVSA from seeing its U.S.-based subsidiary Citgo put at risk from investor claims. By Tom Kool for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The Philippines said today that the country had short listed three different groups to build and operate its first liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal and hopes to choose one by the end of November. Philippine energy secretary Alfonso Cusi told Reuters that short-listed companies were chosen from 18 groups that submitted proposals for the project, which includes state-owned Philippines National Oil Company (PNOC), which is seeking a partner for the project, while Tokyo Gas has partnered with the Philippines First Gen Corp. He added that state-run China National Offshore Oil Corp (CNOOC) is also in the running and has been in talks with Manila-based Phoenix Petroleum, although it has yet to firm up a local partner. These types of disclosures have been all too common in the Philippines over the past several years. However, they have yet to produce a functional LNG terminal due to governmental red tape and indecision, regulatory hurdles, provincial resistance and demands for extra financial compensation and the inability of interested parties to sign up credit worthy off-takers needed to fund a project. For several years, Australian-based Energy World Corp. (EWC) was reportedly nearing the completion of an LNG receiving terminal and accompanying power station in Quezon province, near Manila. Yet, that projects time of completion has been set back repeatedly over the last two years, while it now appears that it will never become operational. A recent article in the Manila-based Business Mirror said the project, which was 90 percent complete, had hit a dead end, either being trapped in a bureaucratic quagmire or stymied by a group that may be adversely affected by its implementation. According to the report, after a Philippine Senate hearing in April, hurdles from a myriad of government agencies had prevented the project from completion, including the Department of Energy (DOE), National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP), the National Transmission Corp. (Transco) and the Grid Management Committee (GMC). Related: Can U.S. Gas Demand Keep Up With Surging Production? Moreover, at this point, its anybodys guess if EWC can overcome cumbersome, confusing and often conflicting agendas from there various agencies - yet, if history of other energy projects in the country are any indication, its a safe bet that the EWC will remain dead in the water for the foreseeable future. Running out of gas Cusis comments come as the Philippines is still scrambling against a ticking clock to have an operational LNG import facility before gas runs out of its offshore Malampaya natural gas field. Malampayas three gas-fired power plants provide 40 percent to 45 percent of power generation requirements for Luzon the countrys main island, which also includes the capital Manila and its estimated population of 20 million people. Estimates vary, but most experts claim that gas at the Shell-operated field will be depleted within five or six years Without new gas supply to offset Malampayas reserves, the Philippines will have to burn more coal for power generation, even though the government has been advocating using more gas for power generation. However, it lacks the legal power and jurisdiction to enforce its recommendations. Uneasy alliance The loss of Malampaya gas has also put pressure on Manila to seek joint gas exploration with China, its giant neighbor in which it has competing claims in the South China Sea, which the Philippines still calls the Philippine Sea. Manila and Beijing are scheduling bi-lateral talks over a number of issues, including ongoing disputes over these overlapping claims and energy development. Philippine foreign ministry Alan Cayetano told local media in late August that he intended to sign a framework with China for joint oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea within the next two months. He said that any deal would be based on a 6040 sharing formulation, similar to the Philippines Malampaya gas royalty agreement with oil major Anglo-Dutch Shell. However, such a deal is already facing considerable push back from the often-vocal Philippine populace who is worried over more Chinese encroachment in its affairs. By Tim Daiss for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The U.S.-China trade war is throwing off a new liquefied natural gas production plant in North America, as LNG Ltd. loses Chinese customers. Australia-based LNG Ltd. saw its share prices plunge 29 percent after CEO Greg Vesey discussed the problem in a quarterly report. LNG Ltd.s Magnolia plant in Louisiana was counting on Chinese investors to ramp up its capacity of reaching 8 million tons per year of LNG. The company will now be delaying a final decision on whether to build the U.S. plant. The company had been planning to build two plants Magnolia, where it planned to begin exports in 2022, and another in Nova Scotia, Canada. China is a leading global market for LNG. Energy consulting firm Wood Mackenzie forecasted that the market would see its record 8 mt demand last year shoot up to 12 mt this year. That will account for 50 percent of all global LNG demand growth, the firm reported. That growing demand will likely help to offset an LNG global supply glut. China sees LNG as crucial in its efforts to clean up urban air pollution, with the government setting a target of reducing coal usage and having natural gas make up at least 10 percent of its power generation by 2020. The country has already spurred LNG demand along, benefitting global LNG suppliers. Beijings pollution crackdown has spurred Chinese LNG demand in recent years, with imports nearly tripling since 2015. Last year, China surpassed South Korea and to the worlds No. 2 importer of LNG. President Donald Trump had been promoting the U.S. as the dominant supplier of the super-cooled fuel as export demand grows particularly in Asia. Canada has been competing for market share, helping to make the region a strong player in LNG. Royal Dutch Shell just approved a major Canadian project, raising enthusiasm for the North American market. The ongoing trade war between the two nations, and Chinas recent decision to impose an LNG tariff, is taking away interest in China for LNG coming from suppliers like LNG Ltd. The company acknowledged the difficulty of lining up Chinese customers for its fuel. Bankers and analysts in the energy sector have been wondering whether the next wave of projects in the pipeline would find backing from investors. Related: Irans Worst Nightmare Is Coming True LNG Ltd. had been optimistic about its North American plants until the escalating trade was between Beijing and Washington took over. China imposed a 10 percent tariff on imports of U.S. LNG. For us, its strictly been about marketing to China, Vesey had told Reuters in May, prior to the LNG trade sanction was issued by China in September. The company is now targeting final approval for Magnolia in the first part of 2019, depending on how talks to line up contracts go, Vesey said. LNG Ltd. may have to reorganize its strategy and tap into strong demand from other markets. While trade issues with the Chinese market impact our discussions, our negotiations with customers in other parts of the world remain strong, the LNG Ltd. CEO said. The tariffs have put a chilling effect on LNG companies, two U.S. industry sources said. U.S.-based LNG producers had been able to tap into the underutilized infrastructure and cheap natural gas to get a foothold in the global market. But newcomers such as Tellurian Inc, NextDecade Corp., and Venture Global LNG, face challenges ranging from financing to contract pricing to pipeline access. Established players like Shell, Exxon Mobil, Qatar Petroleum, and Cheniere Energy, a leading U.S. LNG company, are in a much better position to weather the trade war than startups. That will support plant construction and expansion of existing export facilities, and each of these four companies have LNG projects in the works. Related: $5 Billion Saudi LNG Investment Plays Into Russias Hands Shell and its partner this month approved the C$40 billion ($31 billion) LNG Canada project. Its expected to produce 14 million tons of new capacity per year before 2025, with the option to double that output. Canada is in a good position to take away CNG share from the U.S. market. Oil giants and new energy companies see great potential in the LNG market with power plant energy demonstrating growing demand, as governments mandate using cleaner fuel than coal. Its also become a transportation fuel option finding growing interest for powering ships and freight-hauling trucks. Compressed natural gas (CNG) has been able to take away some of that interest among fleet operators converting over from diesel trucks, but LNG is still being taken seriously by that market segment. A growing LNG fueling infrastructure and export facilities should help that segment of the market grow, as well. By Jon LeSage for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Right-wing candidate Jair Bolsonaro won the presidential run-off election in Brazil in an expected win over the leftist candidate on Sunday, due to the dissatisfaction of Brazilian voters with corruption and crime and the huge graft scandal at oil firm Petrobras that took place under the rule of the leftists who were in power for most of the past decade and a half. Markets cheered the election outcome, and shares in Petrobras were up more than 7 percent in pre-trading hours on Monday. Bolsonaro is promising a major change of course in Brazil, saying in his acceptance address that We cannot continue flirting with socialism, communism, populism and leftist extremism. According to Kenneth Rapoza, Senior Contributor at Forbes, the presidential election was only Bolsonaros to lose, and the Petrobras bribery scandal contributed a lot to Brazilian voters not backing centrist candidates in the race. Before the run-off on Sunday, the oil industry was cautiously optimistic, expecting that Bolsonaro would keep the current favorable environment for investments in oil and gas in Brazil, according to S&P Global Platts. Bolsonaro represents the current, favorable status quo although there could be some hiccups, an oil industry executive recently told S&P Global Platts. In September, in the last oil auction for Brazils coveted pre-salt layer before the elections, Chevron and Shell led Big Oils big bets on the offshore blocks up for grabs. Bolsonaro has said that he would favor a market-friendly approach and analysts expect him to continue with the policies that have managed to attract big bets from Big Oil in Brazils offshore over the past two years. One concern, Platts notes, is that the president-elect is reportedly considering naming a general as chief executive at Petrobras. Bolsonaro has also been critical of Chinese investments in Brazil, while CNPC and CNOOC are partners in the Libra field, and CNPC has just signed an agreement with a CNPC subsidiary to carry out a feasibility study to assess the investment case for the COMPERJ refinery in Brazil. On the other hand, Bolsonaro supports the divestment plan of Petrobras. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Greenland plans to auction onshore oil and gas blocks in 2021 with two Chinese state majors already expressing interest in bidding, Reuters reports, citing government officials from the island, which is self-governing but under the Danish crown. CNPC and CNOOC are the companies that will likely make offers for exploration in western Greenland, in the area of the Disko Island and the Nuussuaq Peninsula as Greenland seeks to increase its oil and gas revenues by opening up its onshore resources besides its offshore ones. The islands deputy energy minister, Jorn Skov Nielsen, told Reuters They have not been active in Greenland earlier. Its a new approach. We are moving the short-term strategy of licensing onshore. According to a 2008 estimate by the U.S. Geological Survey, Greenlandthe worlds largest islandcould contain as much as 17.53 billion barrels of crude as well as 148.21 trillion cu ft of natural gas. Including natural gas liquid resources, the total hydrocarbon estimate for the island was almost 52 billion barrels of oil equivalent. Yet China is not really the favorite candidate of Copenhagen: Reuters recalls recent concern expressed by both the Danish and the U.S. governments over a proposal by Chinese companies to take part in financing and building airports in Greenland. Ultimately, Greenland quenched the concern by picking Denmark to help it to upgrade two local airports. Still, the autonomous government is naturally interested in pursuing business links with Chinese companies, which have the financial resources and the demand to potentially ensure a long-term market for Greenland oil and gas. According to Nielsen, Greenlands government will set up an office in Beijing within the next 12 months to that end. The island itself, however, has a lot greener plans for its own energy needs: it currently sources 70 percent of its energy from hydropower and will aim to raise this to 100 percent by 2030. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Turkey is sending a ship that will begin drilling for oil and gas in the eastern Mediterranean on Wednesday, two weeks after the latest tension between Turkey and Greece over jurisdictions and over hydrocarbon exploration the area. Turkish drilling ship Fatih will start drilling at the Alanya-1 borehole, 100 kilometers (62 miles) off the southern Turkish province of Antalya, Turkish Energy Minister Fatih Donmez said on Tuesday. We dont have an eye on others resources, our only issue is to present to our people the riches within our territory, Reuters quoted Donmez as saying today. The Turkish drilling site is at some distance from the disputed waters with Greece and with Cyprus, both of which Turkey has admonished in recent weeks over disputes with maritime borders and drilling for oil and gas, respectively. At the beginning of October, ExxonMobil said that it planned to begin drilling for oil and gas offshore Cyprus sometime this quarter, while Turkey warned against exploration offshore Cyprus in what it says is ignoring the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people. Turkey, which recognizes the northern Turkish Cypriot government and doesnt have diplomatic relations with the internationally recognized government of Cyprus, claims that part of the Cyprus offshore area falls under the jurisdiction of Turkish Cypriots or Turkey. Then two weeks ago, Greeces Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the Turkish Antalya station issued an illegal NAVTEX to the effect that the ship Barbaros would be conducting seismic research on a segment of the Greek continental shelf. Related: Big Oil Wont Spend Despite Fat Profits This new provocation on the part of Turkey, demonstrates that it continues to act in a way that causes tension in the Aegean Sea and the eastern Mediterranean, Greece said on October 17. To this, Turkeys Foreign Ministry replied on October 18 that The insistence of Greece on its unrealistic claims will only be counter-productive and harmful as regards bilateral relations and regional stability. Turkey will continue to exercise its sovereign rights and jurisdiction stemming from international law over its continental shelf. In this regard, we recommend Greece to abstain from the acts that would cause an escalation in the region. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Crude oil cargoes delivered to the UK from the U.S. Gulf Coast bounced back from a five-week low, with week-on-week delivered crude oil cargoes into the UK up by around 1 million barrels in the week to October 26, data from S&P Global Platts Analytics showed on Tuesday. Crude oil cargoes from the U.S. Gulf Coast delivered into the UK included two cargoes of 536,000 barrels and one cargo of 501,000 barrels, all of which were delivered in Liverpool. Yet, despite the rise of U.S. Gulf Coast cargoes delivered to the UK, total crude cargoes that arrived in northwest Europe in the week to October 26 were down 262,000 barrels week on week to a total of 2.104 million barrels, according to S&P Global Platts. In recent weeks, demand for crude in the region has declined amid Fall refinery maintenance and surging freight rates. Freight rates for Aframaxes started to increase in early October, and the rates for the USGC-UK Continent route also steadily increased until Friday last week, when the freight rates on the USGC-UK Continent route dropped for the first time since October 5, according to Platts data. Platts fixture logs show that a total of 22 Aframax vessels have been booked so far in October for the USGC-Europe route, up from 15 cargoes last month and from 12 vessels in August. Related: Russia's Latest Geopolitical Power Grab Is Going Unnoticed U.S. Gulf Coast crude oil exports to all destinations have been slowing in recent weeks due to arbitrage constraints because of surging freight rates, S&P Global Platts reported last week, citing market participants expectations of 1.7 million bpd-1.8 million bpd of exports for November. Freight rates started to increase early in October for all ship classes, with rates trending higher due to routes delayed by weather, more lightering activities, and increased ship movement between Mexicos east coast and the U.S. Gulf Coast. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: A New York Times article on the mounting risk of widespread famine in Yemen showed images by photojournalist Tyler Hicks of malnourished, critically ill children amidst the Saudi-led war against Houthi rebels backed by Iran. The article went viral, as people tried to share it on social media. But for most of the day, Facebook blocked the lead image, which showed an emaciated 7-year-old girl, Amal. The image was even blocked from the Facebook page of The New York Times. Facebook users got a message that the image violated its Community Standards, which bars intimate images or any sexual content involving minors. Sexual content? The frail girls rib cage protrudes through her paper-thin skin. The Times had already explained its decision to show the images, calling them brutal, but brutally honest. You may choose not to look at them. But we thought you should be the ones to decide. Facebook, apparently, thought differently. Speaking that day at a PDN Talk, Covering Conflict, photojournalist Alex Potter, who has lived in and covered Yemen before and after the current crisis, called Facebooks action a form of censorship. After numerous users complained, Facebook reversed the block on Hickss images, and issued an apology within a day. It stated that its community guidelines prohibit the display of nude images of minors, but said its algorithms figured out that the Times story is an important image of global significance. Facebook has come under fire for its policies around blocking images before. In April, it announced it was changing its policy against showing womens nipples, and would allow images of breast-feeding, post-mastectomy scarring and bare breasts by protesters. Meanwhile, Facebooks antagonistic relationship with news publishers continues. After years spent accumulating vast influence over the news industry, Facebook announced in January that it would de-emphasize posts by publishers in its News Feed. Since then, publishers have reported steady declines in the traffic referrals from Facebook. Declines in traffic translates to declines in ad revenue. Facebook now uses surveys to identify trusted sources, a change that should benefit large mainstream media outlets like The Times that produce original reporting. But media critics still question Facebooks commitment to quality news. And Facebooks inability to distinguish news images from kiddie porn isnt doing much to allay suspicion. Related Articles Alex Potter on Covering Yemens Humanitarian Crisis European News Agencies to Google, Facebook: Pay Up Instagram Rolls Out New Tools to Combat Trolls Australia's highly secretive signals intelligence agency -- tasked with eavesdropping and decrypting adversaries' communications -- has made a tongue-in-cheek Twitter debut, while issuing a serious warning of security risks from Chinese technology. The Australian Signals Directorate, a sister agency to Britain's GCHQ or America's NSA, took to the social network as part of what it said was a new, more public-facing communications strategy. "Hi internet, ASD here. Long time listener, first time caller," @ASDGovAu tweeted for the first time. Defence officials confirmed the tweet and account were authentic. The debut tweet was followed by an image containing a visual text puzzle, or cryptogram, of the organisation's acronym and excerpts from a speech by director general Mike Burgess. In his talk, Burgess said ASD was coming "out of the shadows" and stridently defended a government decision to bar Chinese telecoms firms Huawei and ZTE from operating Australia's new 5G network. The long-awaited 3.5 GHz system will allow lightning-fast speeds and could allow everyday objects to become intelligent, interconnected devices that feed pools of data -- raising security concerns over who can access it. The decision to ban Huawei and ZTE from running the technology has infuriated Beijing and sparked a PR battle over the trustworthiness of those firms. Both operate with Chinese state backing but are among the biggest technology companies in the world. - Security concerns - Huawei, founded by a People's Liberation Army researcher, and ZTE have been accused by the US Congress of being tools of the Chinese intelligence services. "5G is not just fast data," Burgess explained in his speech. The technology "will underpin the communications that Australians rely on every day, from our health systems and the potential applications of remote surgery, to self-driving cars and through to the operation of our power and water supply". After studying whether the network could be secure if there were any "high-risk" vendors participating, Burgess indicated the ASD assessment was a firm 'no'. "My advice was to exclude high-risk vendors from the entirety of evolving 5G networks," he said. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said Australia should facilitate cooperation between Chinese and Australian companies "instead of citing all sorts of excuses to erect artificial hurdles and enforce discriminatory measures." "We urge the Australian side to abandon its ideological bias and level the playing field for Chinese enterprises' operation in Australia," Lu told a regular press briefing in Beijing. Reforms to Chinese intelligence and President Xi Jinping's drive to expand China's influence overseas have led to increasing friction and competition between intelligence agencies in Beijing and Canberra. The independent Australian Strategic Policy Institute on Tuesday accused the Chinese military of sending 2,500 scientists and engineers overseas to work on potentially sensitive projects -- with the intention of returning to work directly for the People's Liberation Army. Researcher Alex Joske found at least 300 Chinese military scientists came to Australia as PhD students or visiting scholars. They worked in fields including signal processing, radar, explosions and navigation systems, as well as self-driving cars and code-breaking, he wrote. Most PLA scientists do not disguise their background, but the institute said it identified "24 new cases of scientists hiding their military affiliation while travelling outside China, including 17 who came to Australia". Australia is part of the "Five-eyes" intelligence alliance with Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States, who cooperate closely and share sensitive information. THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is ready to follow the order of President Rodrigo Duterte, its commander-in-chief, to temporarily take over civilian functions at the highly corrupt Bureau of THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is ready to follow the order of President Rodrigo Duterte, its commander-in-chief, to temporarily take over civilian functions at the highly corrupt Bureau of Customs (BOC). Whether the move is legal or constitutional is a question best left to Malacanang, AFP spokesperson Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo said Tuesday, October 30. Arevalo said the AFP is taking cognizance of the order of the President. Yung question ng constitutionality and legality I would like to leave that to the Presidents spokesperson. The AFP is just responding to the mandate given to us by the commander-in-chief, Arevalo said. He said the military personnel who will be assigned to the BOC will be sourced from the Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force, Philippine Navy and Marine Corps. However, he said they have yet to be told about the specific tasks and functions of the military personnel at the Customs bureau. We are still in the process of determining exactly what will be the tasks for the soldiers. We will match it on the troops but those qualifications that I initially told you about will be a primordial consideration, he said. Arevalo said the deployment of military personnel in the Bureau of Customs (BOC) will be on a temporary basis only. Temporary lang, depende sa pangangailangan. When we say temporary that is supposed to be during the period na kakailanganin lang ang serbisyo ng armed forces, he said. On Sunday, October 28, President Duterte said he was placing all the BOC personnel on a floating status and assigning soldiers with technical expertise to take over their functions. Duterte made the announcement following the alleged corruption activities in the said agency amid the governments war on drugs. His plan has been criticized as unconstitutional. The 1987 Constitution states: No member of the armed forces in the active service shall, at any time, be appointed or designated in any capacity to a civilian position in the Government including government-owned or controlled corporations or any of their subsidiaries. (SunStar Philippines) FILE PHOTO: Davao First District Representative Karlo Nograles MANILA, Philippines Malacanang confirmed on Tuesday (October 30) that President Rodrigo Duterte is considering Davao First District Representative Karlo Nograles for a position in the Duterte Cabinet. Nograles, the current Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, is being eyed to fill in the vacancy of Cabinet Secretary after Leoncio Jun Evascos exit as he bids for governatorial election for the province of Bohol. He is one of those being considered. The announcement would be made by the President himself as to the other members of the Cabinet who will replace those who have filed their certificates of candidacy, said Presidential Spokesperson and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo. Meanwhile, the President is now looking for somebody to fill in the position vacated by Presidential Political Adviser Francis Tolentino. Marje Pelayo (with reports from Rosalie Coz) The post Palace: Duterte eyes Karlo Nograles for Cabinet Secretary appeared first on UNTV News. Credit: sattahipbeach, Shutterstock Estonian start-up company Spaceit has unveiled next-generation service for control and monitoring of satellites. The company offers an alternative approach to satellite ground communications, enabling customers to use their resources more efficiently via a modern and secure software solution. Software is the key to developing the full potential of space via satellites providing efficient and effective services. The value of software to space systems has greatly increased over the last decades, reflecting the growing functionality and autonomy of spacecraft and the vast amount of mission data to be collected and processed. Under the EU-funded research and innovation programme, the SPACEIT-MCS initiative, the SME Spaceit offers customers a complete turnkey solution. In other words, they provide all the hardware and software necessary to operate, maintain, process, and archive data from satellites. They are focused on providing flawless and automated solutions to satellite missions and system integrators, as well as value-creating activities to ground communication equipment owners. Mission control as a service Recently, there has been a bold shift from dedicated data centres to cloud platforms. Following the example of other small or large companies, space companies are moving towards cloud computing due to its pronounced advantages. By utilising virtual machine technology, cloud providers can host ground system software with a significantly smaller footprint. "Spaceit offers mission control as a service, a one-stop solution for satellite ground communications," notes Silver Lodi, co-founder of Spaceit in Estonia. Taking a low-cost, scalable approach to space, the company provides a complex solution which includes public cloud and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) innovations like pay-as-you-go pricing and hybrid infrastructure for space operations. In addition to the flexible software and service upgrades, the customers receive pre-integrated access to a worldwide network of ground stations, professional satellite control and consultation service. "The cloud-based mission control system is an integral part of our service. Imagine looking at your satellite telemetry from a mobile device from anywhere and at any time without worrying about software development, data backups or operational risks," notes Lodi. Some features of this new mission control system include satellite command delivery, access to telemetry by remote users, efficient data exchange between systems, payload data delivery, and accurate prediction of the satellite orbit. Overcoming challenges Spaceit is simplifying communication services for satellite operators by providing a sophisticated cloud communications platform that enables customers to customise, simplify and scale communications. Although the service can be used on all satellite, regardless of their size, the company targets small satellites that weigh less than 500 kg to enter the market. "Currently, small satellite missions are spending up to 50 percent of the mission budget to the development, upkeep and operations of mission control systems. Due to the lack of viable alternatives on the market, mission control systems are often built in-house from scratch," notes Lodi. However, these solutions often have limited scalability, a few essential features and limited security. Furthermore, they are typically limited to using a small number of ground stations mostly one narrowing down radio coverage. Spaceit's platform allows users to operate multiple satellite missions simultaneously using a worldwide network of ground stations. By eliminating software development, investments into hardware and extra resources for mission control system maintenance, the operational costs are decreased by 50 percent, which translates into a 30 percent decrease in the overall budget of the mission. "Using Spaceit's service, satellite missions will receive wider radio coverage and higher reliability at a lower cost. At the same time, ground stations will have an open marketplace with an access to a customer base to monetise their operations," notes Lodi. With its innovative cloud platform, Spaceit aspires to become the leading provider of mission management systems for small- and medium-sized satellites in the world over the next five years. Explore further NASA, ATLAS to mature portable space communications technology Rupert Stadler, CEO of German car maker Audi, was released after months in custody A German court released Tuesday former Audi chief executive Rupert Stadler after months in custody but he remains under suspicion in connection with parent group Volkswagen's role in the "dieselgate" emissions cheating scandal. The higher state court in the Bavarian capital Munich said in a statement it had "suspended enforcement of a custody order that had been in effect since June 18 in the investigation against Rupert St." However, "the court believes that there are still strong suspicions" against him and that "there remains a danger of a cover-up, the reason he had been imprisoned," it said. Stadler was officially removed as Audi chief executive in early October after months in jail. His arrest came a week after Munich police raided his home over charges of fraud and falsifying documents that allowed diesel vehicles equipped with manipulated software to cheat regulatory emissions tests. Prosecutors said the custody order was aimed at stopping him "seeking to influence witnesses or other suspects" in the probe. On Tuesday, judges said that "refraining from contact with all persons relevant to the investigation has been made a condition" of the release, with Stadler forfeiting a bail payment if he breaches the terms. The allegations are part of the wider "dieselgate" scandal involving 11 million vehicles worldwide from VW and subsidiaries such as Audi, Porsche and Skoda that has gripped Volkswagen since 2015. Volkswagen has yet to find an official successor to Stadler at the head of its high-end brand, after naming Dutch executive Bram Schot interim boss following the arrest. Explore further Volkswagen drops Audi chief accused of diesel fraud 2018 AFP BLACK REPUBLICAN BLOG - The Republican Party is the party of civil rights and the four Fs: faith, family, freedom and fairness. The Democratic Party is the party of the four Ss: slavery, secession, segregation and socialism (Quote By Author Michael Scheuer). Eledone cirrhosa. Credit: Jonas Drotner Mouritsen Among chefs and researchers in gastronomy, there is a growing interest in exploring local waters in order to use resources in a more diverse and sustainable manner, including using the cephalopod population as a counterweight to the dwindling fishing of bonefish, as well as an interest in finding new sources of protein that can replace meat from land animals. "We know that wild fish stocks are threatened and we are finding it difficult to establish new aquaculture because of problems with pollution. At the same time, the global cephalopod population (including squid, octopus and cuttlefish) is growing, which is why we have investigated whether there may be grounds for getting people to eat cephalopods in those parts of the world where there is no widespread tradition for it," says Professor Ole G. Mouritsen from the Department of Food Science at the University of Copenhagen (UCPH FOOD) in Denmark. Together with the chef Klavs Styrbaek, he is the author of the article "Cephalopod GastronomyA Promise for the Future", published in the English scientific journal Frontiers in Communication. The article is part of a worldwide study of cephalopod species under the initiative CephsInAction. "The reason for CephsInAction is that we generally lack knowledge about cephalopods. The project includes broad research into cephalopodssome are carrying out research in psychology, while others are conducting research in how to transfer the movement patterns of cephalopods to robots. We have been invited because there is a need to look at how to make use of the cephalopods in food," says Professor Mouritsen. A good source of healthy nutrition Cephalopods are known for being able to adapt to temperature changes and recent research shows that the global population has been increasing since the 1950s right up to todaypossibly due to climate change and diminishing populations of fish predators. Cephalopods usually only live for 2-3 years, some of them growing to 18 metres long. Thus, they are extremely efficient at converting food into muscle, which means they can contribute with healthy proteins to food for human consumption. One challenge, however, is that they are very difficult to breed in aquaculture because young cephalopods require a very special and very costly food. "The growth in the population applies to all speciesincluding those you can eat. Cephalopods are filled with healthy nutrients like proteins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids and a number of micronutrients, making them an obvious future food resource," says Professor Mouritsen. Poor use of the potential The taste experience from cephalopods is largely related to the umami flavour (meat flavour) and the texture. Cephalopods are most commonly eaten in Southeast Asia and Southern Europe, whereas it is less common in, for example, North America and Northern Europe, even though the local waters contain many edible cephalopod species. In these regions, you most often meet the cephalopod in the form of battered deep-fried rings, which can be quite tough to chew on. But there are a variety of other cooking techniques: boiling, steaming, frying, grilling, marinating, smoking and drying. "A squid ring may have an aesthetic appeal, but you are cutting down the length of the strongest muscle fibres, which is the worst cut if you want to prepare a delicious and tender dish with cephalopods," says Professor Mouritsen. He encourages the eating of cephalopods for the sake of texture and to avoid preparing them so that they become completely dry or completely soft. "Instead, appreciate that dishes with cephalopods offer a certain mouthfeel and that there should be some resistance in the meat, which should also be creamynot tough, hard, dry or mealy." Loligo forbesii with lobster. Credit: Jonas Drotner Mouritsen Fantastic flavours will get us to eat cephalopods Professor Mouritsen believes that we will eat cephalopods in the future and that gastronomy and science in collaboration can pave the way by creating dishes that are both healthy and tasty. He says: "At present we are faced with finding alternative food sources, but it is difficult to get people to eat something they do not like. That is why taste comes first. I believe that cephalopods will become a widespread food around the world if we can succeed in making dishes with cephalopods taste so good that there will also be a commercial market for them. We will eat cephalopods because of the taste experience." Although cephalopods are a traditional part of the food cultures in many parts of the world, there are only a few top chefs and gastronomic entrepreneurs who have been interested in raising them up to Michelin star level. But two things indicate this is changing: Chefs in food cultures where there is no tradition of either fishing or consuming cephalopods are beginning to explore a local cephalopod kitchen; and chefs in countries where there is a long tradition of eating cephalopods have become interested in reinventing the use of cephalopods, for example, by inventing new dishes and using body parts that have previously been regarded as worthless in cooking. Facts: FAO (2014) estimates that the total worldwide catch of cephalopods amounts to about 4.8 million tons per year, but the number is uncertain as not all countries report their catches. Although part of the catch is used for bait for other fishing, the vast majority of the catch is used as food for human consumption. The commercially most important cephalopods come from the flying squid family (Ommastrephidae), in particular Illex argentinus, Dosidicus gigas, and Todarodes pacificus. Half of the world's cephalopod catch is Todarodes pacificus (Japanese flying squid) and this squid is possibly the only wild species that has enough potential to contribute significantly to the world supplies of protein. As it stands today, 2% of humans' global consumption of protein is from cephalopods. Every year, 350,000 tons of wild octopuses are caught with a trade value of 1.5 billion USDmost of it is caught in Asia; in particular in Chinese waters. However, there are also opportunities in Northern European and North American watersbut it will require the fishing industry to adapt their fishing methods to catch cephalopods as the main catch. Pros and cons of using cephalopods as a healthy food source: Pros Cephalopods are a healthy seafood with a lot of protein, only little fat, but mostly polyunsaturated fats Cephalopods are less affected by environmental pollutants than fish All cephalopod populations have stable growth Cephalopods do not have to be tough as food Cephalopods taste good, e.g. umami Cephalopods can balance our meat consumption from land animals There are many different types of cephalopods, each with their gastronomic potential Cephalopods retain their food quality when frozen Against Cephalopods have a reputation for being tough Cephalopods are difficult to grow in aquaculture Some cephalopods are supposed to be intelligent creatures Explore further In changing oceans, cephalopods are booming More information: Ole G. Mouritsen et al, Cephalopod GastronomyA Promise for the Future, Frontiers in Communication (2018). Ole G. Mouritsen et al, Cephalopod GastronomyA Promise for the Future,(2018). DOI: 10.3389/fcomm.2018.00038 Prototype air filtering stations placed in Paris, France, helped to keep the level of particulates below World Health Organization thresholds. Credit: Pollution event in Paris by Tangopaso and Mariordo is licensed under CC0 1.0 A new type of outdoor filter that could cut city air pollution and is scheduled to be debuted at the 2024 Paris Olympics has been awarded the 3 million Horizon Prize on materials for clean air. The prize, which was announced on 30 October at the Innovative Industries for Smart Growth Conference in Vienna, Austria, was launched by the European Union in 2015 to find the most affordable, sustainable and innovative solution to reduce the concentration of particulate matter in urban areas. Jean-Jacques Theron, materials director at the Corning European Technology Center, France, which won the prize for adapting the company's existing technology for use in open air, said that he was inspired by colleagues working in the company's Chinese lab. "It is very well known that particulate pollution levels in Chinese urban areas can sometimes be pretty high," he said. "There are some places where you cannot even see 10 metres ahead of you. It seems not to be that bad in Europe, but when you start to dig into the data especially (when you look at) fine and ultrafine particles, some of them are not even visible but they have a detrimental effect to the health." According to the World Health Organization, air pollution currently poses the biggest environmental risk to human health. "The fact is that locally some pretty high levels have been recorded in Europe, which means that there is a need to clean up the air," said Theron. The ceramic filters have been tested in a prototype system but the final design of a full-size filtration station is still being worked out. Credit: Corning Incorporated To tackle the problem, Theron's team decided to adapt a filter designed to capture vehicle emissions so that it could clean the air of particulates. In line with the prize criteria, they had to ensure that it was sustainable, compatible with the environment and affordable. "We adapted and developed the filter concept which was initially invented at Corning for mobile emissions. The main challenge here, and one of the reasons why we could not just stick it outside, is the large diversity of particles for outdoor applicationsdust, fly ash, smoke, aerosols, fumes, mist and condensing vapoursversus the ones from mobile emissionssoot particles from internal combustion engine emissions," said Theron. Honeycomb The key to the filter is the honeycomb design and ceramic materials. As air passes through the structure, particulate matter sticks to the walls, leaving clean air to be expelled. "The honeycomb structure is geared to obtain a very large filtration area over a very small space," said Theron. "And the ceramics are important firstly because we have the opportunity to manipulate them into honeycomb structures and secondly because the ceramic is porous, which enables it to capture the finer particles." The material that forms the filter is called cordierite it's made from a blend of clay, alumina, talc and silica. "These are all-natural inorganic materials," Theron said. Cordierite has a high melting point, which makes it very durable. Jean-Jacques Theron says that an outdoor air filter needs to be able to deal with a wide variety of particles. Credit: EU The combination of material and design leads to a highly effective filtration system. The design of the final system is still being finalised, but a full-size unit could be around 10 metres tall and deliver 3.6 million cubic metres of purified air every day. The researchers will use some of their prize money to work out how many units would be needed to ensure clean air in a given area, and the stations will be designed to adapt to various pollution levels so the strength of the filtration process can be adjusted. In collaboration with the team in China, Theron's lab placed prototype filter stations in Shanghai, China and north of Paris, France, and monitored their performance. They found that it helped to keep the level of particulates smaller than 2.5 microns below the World Health Organization threshold for clean air of 10 micrograms per cubic metre. The stations also collect air pollution data on a daily basis, providing a high-quality dataset that will allow the scientists to track pollution levels over time and make adjustments to the filtration strength levels as necessary. The technology is still in the prototype phase, but the money from the Horizon Prize will go towards getting it onto the market, hopefully in time for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Theron envisages that the filters will be officially launched at the Olympics, and the stations could be placed in the Olympic Village, with the goal of providing the athletes with a source of high-quality purified air. Explore further Substantial changes in air pollution across China during 2015 to 2017 Tanushree Mitra, assistant professor of computer science at Virginia Tech. Credit: Virginia Tech What do online conspiracy theorists discuss; what are the recurring elements in these conversations; and what do they tell us about the way people think? As Tanushree Mitra, assistant professor of computer science and a faculty member at the Discovery Analytics Center, and Mattia Samory, a post doc in the Department of Computer Science, set out to find answers, they turned to Reddit, a social media platform of thousands of smaller communities or "subreddits" connecting users with similar interests. In the r/conspiracy subreddit, Mitra and Samory analyzed more than 200,000 users and 6 million comments over a 10-year period, focusing on the key elements of a conspiracy theory: conspiratorial agents, the actions they perform, and their targets. They will present their research at the 2018 ACM Conference on Computer-Supported Cooperative Work and Social Computing Nov. 3-7, in New York City. Mitra and Samory extracted 33 topics for their study. Following are some of their findings: "Big pharma," "vaccines," and "GMO" decry corruption of health services while promoting the virtues of a "natural" lifestyle. "U.S. elections" and "email scandal" focus especially on the 2016 elections and include allegations of voter fraud. Distrust in the government is evident in the topic "U.S. Congress and bills," which more broadly discusses policy changes allegedly aimed at harming the public. The nefarious consequences of law enforcement are extreme through the topic "police brutality," which portrays police officers primarily in unwarranted outbursts of physical violence. "NSA Whistleblowers" and "NSA tracking" criticize governmental agencies with three primary allegations: privacy breach through mass surveillance, opinion manipulation through disinformation campaigns, and false flag military operations. "Banks and money" reflect the concern that multinational corporations may circumvent local regulations. "Syria" and the "Israel-Palestine conflict" discuss diplomacy in the Middle East while "Eurozone" discusses how phenomena, such as the immigration crisis, the Greek Depression, and Brexit, may destabilize European politics. Reactions to dramatic events also resonate in r/conspiracy discussion. "Some conspiracy theories on dramatic events remain relevant for decades, as evidenced by the 'JFK. Assassination' topic," said Mitra. Other r/conspiracy discussion is apparent in topics like "Fukushima," "Malaysia Airlines," and "shooting." In particular, topics "9/11 inside job," "WTC demolition," "Australia 9/11 Jews," "9/11 suspects," attempt to frame the 9/11 events as a false flag operation run by Jews, an inside job by the U.S. government, or the outcome of a corporate strategy for profit, among other claims. "By computationally detecting agent-action-target triplets in conspiratorial statements, and by grouping them into semantically coherent clusters, we were able to develop a notion of narrative-motif to detect recurring patterns," Mitra said. A narrative-motif, such as "governmental agency-control-communications," appears in diverse conspiratorial statements alleging that governmental agencies control information to nefarious ends, according to Mitra. Narrative-motifs that focus on minority religions, immigration, war, and globalization all expose perceived threats from the point of view of the "Western world" ingroup. "Country-threatens peace-through military" and "religious group-attacks-population" focus on national and religious outgroups as collective conspirators. These agents perform violent or militaristic actions to defeat a cultural opponent. "Organization-pursues-profit" pictures globalization as a threat to the boundaries that identify a nation. Here, banks and corporations seek profit in a frame of global markets and values to the detriment of their local counterpart. Because leaders have a role in representing public opinion, public trust is a frequent issue in related conspiracy theories. "Political leader-usurps-power" discussions frame powerful political leaders as individuals in a quest for public influence and personal gain. Powerful individuals also appear as conspiratorial agents in the narrative-motif "official-discusses-peer or document." The researchers found that narrative-motifs expose commonalities between multiple conspiracy theories even when they refer to different events or circumstances. References to the 9/11 attacks also allude to larger-scale conspiracy theories involving the U.S. government, foreign intelligence, and religious groups. The topic "climate change" suspects that environmental phenomenon is a machination of lobbying academics and governments. "Adopters of one-conspiracy theory typically believe in more than just one. For example, anti-vaxxers often discuss GMO conspiracy theories," Samory said. "This research suggests a way to find which conspiracy theories are related by uncovering their common narratives. "Our study also suggests that alternative media spreading conspiracy theories appear to better align with anti- and pro-globalism than with left- and right-leaning political ideologies," he said. Read the complete study here. Explore further A new study examines use of twitter to spread or debunk conspiracy theories Professor Yan Jin (left) and postdoctoral researcher Wenjuan Zheng hope to develop new technologies to increase food production using drought-fighting microbes that naturally live in soil. Credit: Evan Krape Some discoveries happen by accident. Consider how Sept. 28, 1928, unfolded: Alexander Fleming, back in the lab after a vacation with the family, was sorting through dirty Petri dishes that hadn't been cleaned before he went away. A mold growing on one of the dishes caught his attentionand so began the story of the world's first antibiotic: penicillin. Recently, at the University of Delaware, the plants didn't get watered one long weekend during a small botany experiment. That has now led to an intriguing finding, especially for areas of the globe hit hard by droughtthe American West, Europe, Australia, portions of Africa, Southeast Asia and South America, among them. Climate scientists say we should expect more frequent and severe droughts in the years ahead, while population experts predict about a 30 percent increase in world population, to more than 9 billion by 2050. How will we grow enough food for everyone under such pressures, and do so sustainably? According to this UD research, the answer may lie right under our feet. Discovering a drought fighter Back to that UD experiment. Returning to the lab that following Monday morning, the postdoctoral associate found one tray of seedlings a wilted, scraggly mess, while the other tray of seedlings stood at attention. The only difference between the trays: the soil of the thriving specimens had been sprayed with Bacillus subtilis (UD1022), a strain of bacteria discovered several years ago at UD by a research team led by Professor Harsh Bais in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences. Bais's team determined that these microbes, which live on the surface of roots and in the surrounding soil, trigger pore-like openings on the leaves, called stomata, to shut tight to keep pathogens out and to protect the plants from dehydrating. After the Bais lab published on the work, Professor Yan Jin, a soil physicist in the department, approached Bais about looking deeper to see if the microbes may impact the actual soil they inhabit. "There's a big gap in our understanding of how benign microbes may affect so-called 'green water'the water in soil that's available to plants," Jin explained. She wanted to know if UD1022 may modify the soil's propertiesits structure, chemistry, how soil pores are distributed and how their sizes changein relation to the green water supply. She wanted to know exactly what was happening in the soil and set out to find the answer. In an article published recently in Water Resources Research, Jin and her team from UD, along with colleagues at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), confirm that the beneficial microbe UD1022 reduces evaporation and increases the soil's ability to hold water. Using state-of-the-art techniques, the study provides detailed analyses of how microbes interact with soil particles to physically change the underground ecosystem and help plants tolerate drought. How microbes hold on to water Experiments were done in both the lab at UD, and using high-powered neutron imaging at NIST to peer into the soil and record what was happening. Credit: Jeffrey Chase In a closed environment chamber at the UD College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, postdoctoral researcher Wenjuan Zheng and master's student Saiqi Zeng worked with two soil samples at a timea control sample and a sample treated with the UD1022 microbesand continuously measured the water retention characteristics of the soil and the water evaporation rate as the soil was dried in the chamber. The experiments were done for different textured soils: sand, sandy soil and clay-rich soil samples, taken from the UD farm and from an agricultural experiment station in Georgetown, Delaware. To determine what was happening in the soil samples, the team relied on the neutron radiography imaging capabilities at NIST. "Neutrons can 'see' water," Jin said. "Because they interact strongly with hydrogen, they provide an ideal non-destructive technique for examining the distribution of water in delicate materials like our soil samples containing microbes, in real time." "We felt very lucky that we found NIST and could use their imaging facilities," Jin added. "This collaboration was critical to our work." Tiny columns were packed with soilone column was treated with the UD1022 microbes and the other column was not treated. Then the columns were saturated with water, and neutron imaging recorded the evaporation process. A total of 1,500 individual images were taken of each sample over about a nine-hour period. They provided a detailed look at the distribution of water in the samples, as well as real-time evaporation dynamics. A high-powered scanning electron microscope (SEM) helped uncover what the microbes were doing in the samples. And just how do these tiny organisms (UD1022) help the soil hold on to water? "This effect is caused by the microbes' ability to form a gelatinous network, a biofilm from a complex mixture of polysaccharides, proteins, lipid, vitamins and sugars," said Zheng, the first author on the paper. She was a postdoctoral associate at the time and is now a senior researcher in the Department of Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering at Southern University of Science and Technology, China. "It's as if the bacteria build these little houses for themselves," Zheng said. The biofilm the bacteria generate acts like a glue to form "soil aggregates" that can retain more water in their pores. These microorganisms and their gluey matrix can more than carry their own weight. "They've been shown to hold water like a sponge, absorbing 10 times as much water as their dry weight," Zheng noted. "This natural biofilm changes the soil properties, leading to slower evaporation. This can make more water available to plants, as well as increase the time available for plants to metabolically adjust to stress from drought." While much of the U.S. East Coast has had a water-logged summer and early fall, other areas of the country and many other nations are suffering from relentless, and in some cases, life-threatening, droughts. Jin hopes that UD1022 can play a positive role in agriculture in these parched regions as global population creeps higher. "What can we do to ensure food security?" Jin asked. "Plants could be genetically modified, but that takes a long time. Lots of companies are selling biofertilizers to overcome these problemssometimes they work, but more often they don't. That's why more basic research is critical to help us understand the mechanisms at work. By understanding the interactions among plant roots and the soil microbiomea largely untapped underground resourcewe hope to develop new technologies that will increase food production and at the same time reduce the use of chemical fertilizer." Explore further Australia needs more carbon in its soil to help farmers through the drought More information: Wenjuan Zheng et al. Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) Reduce Evaporation and Increase Soil Water Retention, Water Resources Research (2018). Journal information: Water Resources Research Wenjuan Zheng et al. Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) Reduce Evaporation and Increase Soil Water Retention,(2018). DOI: 10.1029/2018WR022656 Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond poses for the media as he holds up the traditional red dispatch box, outside his official residence 11 Downing Street before delivering his annual budget speech to Parliament in London, Monday, Oct. 29, 2018.(AP Photo/Frank Augstein) Technology company chiefs have warned that a digital services tax proposed by the European Union would hinder innovation and hurt economic growth. In a letter to finance ministers of the 28-nation European Union, leaders of 16 tech companies including Spotify, Booking.com and Zalando say the proposed tax would undermine the EU's goal of a digital single market and "harm the very businesses that are the catalysts for economic growth and employment in the European economy." Johannes Bahrke, spokesman at the EU's executive Commission, defended the proposal Tuesday, saying it aims to create a "level playing field" for companies whether they are based in or outside the EU. "Our proposal remains fully grounded on the most basic principle of corporate taxation which is that profits should be taxed where the value is created," he said. However, Bahrke added that the commission would prefer an international agreement to a new EU law. The European Commission unveiled its plan in March, insisting that EU member countries should be able to tax firms that make profits on their territory even if they aren't physically present. The proposal was seen as a way of making tech giants like Google and Facebook pay more taxes. Brussels argues that corporate tax rules haven't kept up with the emergence of the borderless digital marketplace that allows some companies to make huge profits in Europe yet pay very little tax. In the EU, foreign companies like Amazon, Google and Facebook pay what tax they owe in the country where they have their regional baseusually a low tax haven like Ireland. Britain, which is scheduled to leave the EU on March 29, announced its own tech tax on Monday. Treasury chief Philip Hammond said the proposed tax would target U.K.-generated revenues of specific digital platform business models. Hammond, like the EU, said he would prefer an international solution. In their letter, tech CEOs warned that the EU proposal "will have a disproportionate impact on European companies, resulting in unfair treatment." They also said the tax will be difficult to implement, could result in double taxation for some businesses and might trigger retaliatory measures from other countries. Addressing EU finance ministers ahead of a Nov. 6 meeting, the letter urged them "not to adopt a measure which would cause material harm to economic growth and to innovation, investment and employment across Europe." Explore further US opposes taxes on big tech firms 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. Taryn Sargent walks her dog Shane, who was recently treated with a new gene therapy injection for chronic pain. Credit: Casey Cass/CU Boulder When Shane the therapy dog was hit by a Jeep, life changed for him and his guardian Taryn Sargent. The impact tore through the cartilage of Shane's left shoulder. Arthritis and scar tissue set in. Despite surgery, acupuncture and several medications, he transformed from a vibrant border collie who kept watch over Sargent on long walks to a fragile pet who needed extensive care. "Sometimes he would just stop walking and I'd have to carry him home," recalls Sargent, who has epilepsy and relies on her walks with Shane to help keep her seizures under control. "It was a struggle to see him in that much pain." Today, 10-year-old Shane's pain and reliance on medication have been dramatically reduced and he's bounding around like a puppy again, 18 months after receiving a single shot of an experimental gene-therapy invented by CU Boulder neuroscientist Linda Watkins Thus far, the opioid-free, long-lasting immune modulator known as XT-150 has been tested in more than 40 Colorado dogs with impressive results and no adverse effects. With human clinical trials now underway in Australia and California, Watkins is hopeful the treatment could someday play a role in addressing the nation's chronic pain epidemic. "I'm hoping the impact on pets, their guardians and people with chronic pain could be significant," said Watkins, who has worked more than 30 years to bring her idea to fruition. "It's been a long time coming." An ancient survival system gone bad Watkins' journey began in the 1980s when, as a new hire in the department of psychology and neuroscience, she began to rock the boat in the field of pain research. Conventional wisdom held that neurons were the key messengers for pain, so most medications targeted them. But Watkins proposed that then-little-understood cells called "glial cells" might be a culprit in chronic pain. Glial cells are immune cells in the brain and spinal cord that make people ache when they're sick. Most of the time, that function protects us. Linda Watkins with Shane. Credit: University of Colorado at Boulder "Glial cells are the reason that when you have the flu, even the bedsheets hurt," explains Watkins. "They make you curl up and rest so you can get better." Watkins proposed that in the case of chronic pain, which can sometimes persist long after the initial injury has healed, that ancient survival circuitry somehow gets stuck in overdrive. She was greeted with skepticism. "The whole field was like 'what on Earth is she talking about?'" She and her students hunkered down in the lab nonetheless, ultimately discovering that activated glial cells produce specific inflammatory compounds which drive pain. They also learned that, after the initial sickness or injury fades, the cells typically produce a compound called Interleukin 10 (IL-10) to dampen the process they started. "IL-10 is Mother Nature's anti-inflammatory," she explains. "But in the onslaught of multiple inflammatory compounds in chronic pain, IL-10's dampening cannot keep pace." Over the years, she and her team experimented with a host of different strategies to boost IL-10. They persisted and, in 2009, Watkins co-founded Xalud Therapeutics. Their flagship technology is an injection, either into the fluid-filled space around the spinal cord or the site of an inflamed joint, that delivers circles of DNA in a sugar/saline solution to cells, instructing them to ramp up IL-10 production. With financial help from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the MayDay Fund and CU's Technology Transfer Office which has provided intellectual property support, assistance with licensing agreements, and help obtaining a $100,000 research grant in 2018 Watkins is edging closer to bringing her idea to clinical practice. Healthy dog, healthy guardian She has teamed up with veterinary chronic pain specialist Rob Landry, owner of the Colorado Center for Animal Pain Management in Westminster, to launch the IL-10 research study in dogs. Rob Landry and Linda Watkins consult as Taryn walks Shane in the background. Credit: University of Colorado at Boulder Their results have not been published yet. But thus far, the researchers say, the results look highly promising. "They're happier, more engaged, more active and they're playing again," said Landry, as he knelt down to scratch Shane's belly after giving him a clean bill of health. With Shane able to accompany her on her walks again, Sargent has also seen her quality of life improve. Her seizures, which increased in frequency when Shane was injured, have subsided again. Because the treatment is so localized and prompts the body's own pain-killing response, it lacks the myriad side effects associated with opioids including constipation and dependency and it can last for many months after a single injection. Ultimately, that could make it an attractive option for people with neuropathic pain or arthritis, Watkins says. This summer, Xalud Therapeutics launched the first human study in Australia, to test the safety, tolerability and efficacy of the compound. Another one-year clinical trial of 32 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee is now underway in Napa, California. More research is necessary in both pets and people, Watkins stresses. But she's hopeful. "If all goes well, this could be a game-changer." More information: Landry and Watkins are seeking dogs with advanced osteoarthritis to participate in the ongoing IL-10 study. If a dog meets the requirements to be selected, the treatment and follow-up assessments are provided at no cost. For further information, contact Landry at (720) 502-5823. A Faribault, Minn., man has admitted faking cancer and spending the money raised for medical bills on marijuana, liquor, video games and dart tournaments. Jeremiah Jon Smith, 38, pleaded guilty Oct. 17 in Rice County District Court to theft by swindle, a felony. He admitted spending more than $23,000 raised for his medical bills through GoFundMe, an online fundraising platform, and benefit events. Swindles like the one Smith pulled raise the question of whether online fundraising is safe, consumer advocates said. "I don't think anyone's got their arms around it," said Ira Rheingold, executive director of the National Association of Consumer Advocates in Washington. "And the GoFundMes of the world pooh-pooh it." GoFundMe claims to have raised more than $5 billion since 2010 and says fraud on its website is minuscule. The company warns potential donors to give only to people they know. "GoFundMe is dedicated to empowering people to help people, and an overwhelming majority of campaigns on our platform are safe and legitimate," the company said in a statement. "Fraudulent campaigns make up less than one-tenth of 1 percent of all campaigns. "In the rare instances where people create campaigns with the intention of taking advantage of others' generosity, GoFundMe takes swift action to resolve the issue." A GoFundMe spokeswoman said the company will refund donations if a campaign organizer or beneficiary is charged with a crime. The company also may refund donations of up to $1,000 if its own investigation finds "misuses" of donations. Scams have always been with us, said Christina Tetreault a staff attorney with Consumers Union, a nonprofit based in Yonkers, N.Y. "I would say that the mode is new, but the scams are old," Tetreault said during a panel discussion on peer-to-peer payments sponsored by the Federal Trade Commission. But the fact that fraud is taking place on the internet doesn't make it any less prosecutable, said Prentiss Cox, an associate professor at the University of Minnesota Law School and the former head of consumer protection with the Minnesota attorney general's office. "There are three kinds of consumer protection cases: scum, scam and skim. And this is scum," Cox said of the cancer swindle. "If someone lies about cancer to take money from people, that's just scum. "And the most effective way to stop it is to make sure people know that if they're going to do this, they're going to jail." That apparently won't happen in Smith's cases. He's scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 9 in Rice County District Court. His plea agreement calls for no jail time, 10 years of probation, full restitution to identifiable victims and 480 hours of community service. Rheingold said GoFundMe and other fundraising platforms have a duty to ensure their campaigns are legitimate, because the platforms make money from them. "What level of duty do they have to the consumers who use it?" he said. "I would argue pretty strenuously that if somebody is using their platform and committing fraud, they need to demonstrate that they have engaged in some level of due diligence." Adrienne Gonzalez runs a site called GoFraudMe that tracks GoFundMe scams. Gonzalez, of Richmond, Va., said she's uncovered more than 220 scams in just over three years. GoFundMe has been better at taking down fraudulent campaigns, she said, but the site still relies on users to report suspected fraud. "GoFundMe says they're the safest fundraising platform," Gonzalez said. "I'm just over here on the other side, saying, 'Look, these things happen.'?" 2018 Star Tribune (Minneapolis) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Credit: CC0 Public Domain University of Alberta sociologists found that over time, people with higher incomes grew less concerned with a range of social issues. In a study of people surveyed multiple times over 25 years, from ages 18 to 43, the researchers found a decline in concern about five social problemsracial discrimination, treatment of Indigenous people, female job discrimination, unemployment and environmental pollution. The only issue that showed no change over time was concern about poverty. The study also showed that post-secondary education was not a significant factor in the decline in social awareness and concern. "What our analysis showed is that the most consistent determining factor was that as people made more money, they started to care less about some of these social concerns," said family ecology researcher Matt Johnson, a co-author of the study. "We really do think higher education makes us more enlightened, exposes us to new ideas and people, and teaches us to think more rationally," said Harvey Krahn, the study's lead author. "At the same time, higher education is a vehicle for upward mobility, which means you move into a higher strata of society, and for various reasons you might become less concerned with the things you were (once) enlightened about." The finding is the latest insight from the comprehensive, long-term Edmonton Transitions Study, in which researchers have been surveying almost 1,000 high-school seniors from working and middle-class neighbourhoods in Edmonton since 1985. As the group came of age in the late '80s and then moved through middle life, participants were surveyed periodically to learn about how they dealt with various life transitions in a rapidly changing social, economic and political environment. Krahn said he was partly interested in finding out whether there is any truth to the old adage, "If you are not a liberal at 25, you have no heart. If you are not a conservative at 45, you have no brain." He said his research group discovered the rising income that typically follows higher educationas much as age itselfis a strong indicator of a person's concern for social issues. While those with post-secondary education may be more aware than others of some social problems, "They do not necessarily support government efforts to reduce such problems," write the study's authors. Attributing their own success to hard work rather than advantage of birth, "More educated people may come to think that the disadvantaged should help themselves and that inequality-reducing government initiatives are counterproductive." Krahn said education in itself is not responsible for the drop in concern. "Instead, educated people may begin to defend the status quo when their incomes rise and they begin to feel their advantaged position is threatened by efforts to reduce social inequalities," he said. Asked whether the type of post-secondary educationprofessional training in engineering, business or medicine as opposed to training in the humanities and social scienceshad anything to do with such attitudes, Krahn said "it made no difference" among his cohort. "As professors in the social sciences, we don't want to give up on the belief that we make a difference. I think the issue is that (the study) looks at social concern with a broad brush," rather than considering the influence higher education can have on individuals. The authors caution their paper is by no means "an argument against attempts to enlighten young people about social issues as they train for employment. "Post-secondary institutions should and must continue to take responsibility for promoting community involvement and good citizenship, as well as progressive social change. The challenge lies in making such efforts stick." "Enlightenment or Status Defence? Education and Social Problem Concerns From Adolescence to Midlife" was published in the British Journal of Sociology of Education. Explore further The effect of social class on interpersonal relationships More information: Harvey J. Krahn et al. Enlightenment or status defence? Education and social problem concerns from adolescence to midlife, British Journal of Sociology of Education (2018). Harvey J. Krahn et al. Enlightenment or status defence? Education and social problem concerns from adolescence to midlife,(2018). DOI: 10.1080/01425692.2018.1429893 Japan's Honda Motor has revised up net profit and sales forecasts Japan's Honda Motor said Tuesday it was raising annual forecasts after first-half profits rose over 19 percent on brisk sales of motorcycles in Asia. Japan's third largest automaker now expects net profit to reach 675 billion yen ($6 billion) for the fiscal year ending March, down from last year but a still an increase from its forecast last quarter. It also revised up annual sales to to 15.8 trillion yen. The company said it was seeing strong growth in the sales of motorbikes in Indonesia, Vietnam and other Asian countries, and touted cost-cutting efforts. It said net profit in the April-September period was up 19.3 percent to 455.1 billion yen while operating profit jumped 21.7 percent to 513.9 billion yen. Sales rose 5.0 percent to 7.87 trillion yen. "Honda enjoyed strong sales of motorcycles... This offset the negative impact of floods in Mexico on its production," Satoru Takada, an analyst at TIW, a Tokyo-based research and consulting firm, told AFP ahead of the results. Honda was forced to temporarily halt operations at its largest auto factory in Mexico due to floods in June, and said at the time that it would lose 50 billion yen as a result. Japanese automakers remain on edge over talk of US tariffs, though immediate action by Washington has been put off for now. "Japanese carmakers are also bracing for the impact of US trade disputes with other major economies," Takada said. 2018 AFP Credit: ESA/BepiColombo/MTM , CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO The 2.5 m long boom carrying the magnetometer sensors onboard ESA's BepiColombo Mercury Planetary Orbiter (MPO) has been successfully deployed. The sensors are now prepared to measure the magnetic field on the way to Mercury. Following launch last weekend, and having completed the 'launch and early orbit phase' on Monday, confirming the spacecraft and systems were healthy and functioning now they are in space, attention has now turned to checking the suite of scientific instruments on the science orbiters. As part of this activity, one more piece of hardware had to be deployed: the magnetometer boom onboard the MPO. The deployment, which took about one minute to complete, was captured in a series of images taken by one of the monitoring cameras onboard the Mercury Transfer Module (MTM). The transfer module is equipped with three monitoring cameras or 'M-CAMs' which provide black-and-white snapshots in 1024x1024 pixel resolution. The magnetometer boom is seen in M-CAM 2. The images were taken with an exposure of 40 milliseconds, and a time interval of six seconds between images, starting at 12:40:09 GMT (14:40:09 CEST) on 25 October. Eleven images were taken in the sequence eight of them capture the motion of the boom, as seen here. At the same time, the sensors in the boom itself recorded the local magnetic field during the deployment. The M-CAMs already returned space 'selfies' in the days after launch, featuring the MTM's deployed solar wings and MPO's antennas activities which were confirmed first by telemetry. A portion of the array can be seen towards the right in this orientation, and the cone-shaped medium-gain antenna is in the lower part of the image on the left. The monitoring cameras will be used at various occasions during the seven year cruise phase. While the MPO is equipped with a high-resolution scientific camera, this can only be operated after separating from the MTM upon arrival at Mercury in late 2025 because, like several of the 11 instrument suites, it is located on the side of the spacecraft fixed to the MTM during cruise. Once at Mercury, the magnetometer will measure the planet's magnetic field, the interaction of the solar wind, and the formation and dynamics of the magnetosphere the magnetic 'bubble' around the planet. Together with measurements captured by a similar instrument suite onboard JAXA's Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter, the spacecraft will provide scientists with data that will help investigate the dynamic environment of the planet, as well as the origin, evolution and current state of the planet's magnetic field and its interior. BepiColombo is a joint endeavour between ESA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, JAXA. It is the first European mission to Mercury, the smallest and least explored planet in the inner Solar System, and the first to send two spacecraft to make complementary measurements of the planet and its dynamic environment at the same time. Explore further BepiColombo monitoring camera test image An artists impression of the TRAPPIST-1 planetary system. Credit: SETI Institute How life could be shared between planets in close proximity to one another has received a greater insight thanks to new analytics based on previously known and new calculations. The findings are allowing researchers to understand how likely life might be on a given planet in such tight-knit systems if that world shows signs of habitability. It began with a blasphemous-at-the-time idea: that life exists throughout the universe, and it can travel without supernatural interference. Anaxagoras, a 5th-century BC Greek philosopher, called this concept 'panspermia'. Kelvin, Helmholtz and Arrhenius advanced the idea in the 19th and 20th centuries by examining how life could be carried to and from Earth. In 2009, Stephen Hawking went beyond our solar system with the idea when he suggested that "Life could spread from planet to planet or from stellar system to stellar system, carried on meteors." Dr. Dimitri Veras, an astrophysicist at the University of Warwick in the UK, and lead author of a new paper on the subject, says that, "Within the last century, [panspermia] has been focused on life transport within the solar system, including Earth." The TRAPPIST-1 system, which is 41 light years away and includes seven planets packed into an orbit smaller than Mercury's, changes this Earth-centric idea. The TRAPPIST-1 sun is an ultra-cool red dwarf, so even though the seven nearby planets orbit closely, they are possibly all still in the habitable zone for life, to varying degrees depending upon the make-up of their atmospheres. That makes them a perfect model for exploring the idea of panspermia, per Hawking, anywhere in the universe. Three stages But back to our solar system, where the "foundation for panspermia-related processes has been established," according to Veras' paper. That includes evidence that life can survive the three stages of traveling from one planet to another: initial ejection, the journey through space between planets, and impact onto a new planet. Each stage presents challenges to the survival of life, of course. The orbits of the planets of the TRAPPIST-1 system are tightly arranged, especially when compared to our Solar System or even the moons of Jupiter, increasing the chances that life could be shared between them. Credit: NASA/JPLCaltech Veras wanted to create an analytical system to quantify each of these parts to create a better understanding of the probability of the whole. He had some information to start with: Microbes can possibly survive ejection from a planet with life on it, as per previous studies, and even a voyage through interplanetary space, if shielded from the radiation and cold. Less is known about how well a microbe that endured space travel could survive impact on a new planet, which would be necessary for life to complete the voyage from one planet to another. Since impact includes more unknowns than ejection and transit between planets, Veras had less-detailed information to work with in this area of his calculations. "The physics of re-entry features complexities that are not present with the ejection and voyage phases through space," he says. "For example, frictional heating during re-entry can lead to the formation of a fusion crust [the outer layer of the meteorite that melts and ablates during atmospheric entry] on the surface of the meteorite." When it came to figuring out how to calculate the tricky physics of atmospheric entry onto a new planet, Veras tells Astrobiology Magazine that, "Equations regarding the physics of impact have already been established and used for solar system applications [so] we converted those for use in a general extra-solar system." To understand the probability of ejected material traveling from one planet to another, Veras combined his equations into analytics as a way to figure out the whole system of panspermia, not just parts of it. "Usually, the dynamics of panspermia is studied with numerical simulations, however, these can be slow to run and must be tailored to an individual system," says Veras. "Alternatively, analytics are much faster to use and are general enough to be applicable to a wide variety of systems." Sharing life Now that there's an observable multi-planet system TRAPPIST-1 with more than one world in the habitable zone, astrobiologists can use these analytics to understand the probability of life being shared between planets in these extra-solar locales. The closeness of the planets in this new system means that the chance they can share material is high. Can Veras' analytics guarantee that, if life began on one of the planets, that life may then existor not exist thanks to panspermia on a given planet? His equations are not meant to do that Veras admits that they are "not exact," but "provide a sufficiently good approximation," but rather their aim is to give astrobiologists another tool with which to assess new planetary systems. Amaya Moro-Martin, an astronomer at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Maryland, who has previously published a paper on the probability of panspermia between different planetary systems, says Veras' analytics are "An impressive piece of work that takes into account a wide range of physical processes that are involved in panspermia." Looking forward, Moro-Martin thinks Veras' work will be useful for when new planetary systems are discovered. "The framework that it establishes will help others assess whether, from the dynamical point of view, panspermia could have been feasible, given the system characteristics," she says. Astrobiologists need to ensure that they are not limiting life to what's already known; aliens could look very different from what we expect. ""The difficulty here is that the experiments that test survival against the hazards of outer space and atmospheric entry will be based on the organisms we are familiar with, and we have no clue what extra-solar organisms might be like," says Moro-Martin, "which opens a fascinating world of possibilities." Explore further Planet Nine could spell doom for solar system More information: Dimitri Veras et al. Dynamical and Biological Panspermia Constraints Within Multiplanet Exosystems, Astrobiology (2018). Journal information: Astrobiology Dimitri Veras et al. Dynamical and Biological Panspermia Constraints Within Multiplanet Exosystems,(2018). DOI: 10.1089/ast.2017.1786 This story is republished courtesy of NASA's Astrobiology Magazine. Explore the Earth and beyond at www.astrobio.net . The PM2.5 monitoring instruments at State Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Boundary Layer Physics and Atmospheric Chemistry (LAPC), Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Credit: TANG Xiao Ambient air quality monitoring data comprise the most important source for public awareness of air quality, and are widely used in many research fields, such as improving air quality forecasting and the analysis of haze episodes. However, there are outliers among such monitoring data, due to instrument malfunctions, the influence of harsh environments, and the limitation of measuring methods. In practice, manual inspection is often applied to identify these outliers. However, as the amount of data grows rapidly, this method becomes increasingly cumbersome. To deal with the problem, Dr. Wu Huangjian and Associate Professor Tang Xiao from the Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, propose a fully automatic outlier detection method based on the probability of residuals. The method adopts multiple regression methods, and the regression residuals are used to discriminate outliers. Based on the standard deviations of the residuals, probabilities of the residuals can be calculated, and the observations with small probabilities are tagged as outliers and removed by a computer program. Their findings are published in Advances in Atmospheric Sciences. "By introducing the probabilities of residuals, multiple rules can be used for identifying outliers on the same framework," says Dr. Wu. "For example, by assuming that the residuals of spatial regression and temporal regression obey a bivariate normal distribution, spatial and temporal consistencies can be simultaneously evaluated for better identification of outliers". The method can flag potentially erroneous data in the hourly observations from 1436 stations of the China National Environmental Monitoring Center (CNEMC) within a minute. Indeed, it has been used in CNEMC's air quality forecasting system, and is going to be integrated into the data management system. The hope is that outliers in the system's real-time air quality data will be removed in the near future. The method is published in Advances in Atmopheric Sciences. Explore further Evaluation method for the impact of wind power fluctuation on power system quality More information: Huangjian Wu et al, Probabilistic Automatic Outlier Detection for Surface Air Quality Measurements from the China National Environmental Monitoring Network, Advances in Atmospheric Sciences (2018). Huangjian Wu et al, Probabilistic Automatic Outlier Detection for Surface Air Quality Measurements from the China National Environmental Monitoring Network,(2018). DOI: 10.1007/s00376-018-8067-9 Production of ammonia via a chemical looping process. Credit: GAO Wenbo A Chinese research team has developed a "milder" way to synthesize ammonia by requiring lower temperature and pressure than the current method. The process offers great promise for saving energy and reducing carbon dioxide emissions. The new process was developed by a research team led by Prof. Chen Ping and Dr. Guo Jianping from the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. It involves a new chemical looping method based on metal hydride and imide. The process operates at atmospheric pressure and 100 to 350 degrees C, in contrast with the Haber-Bosch processcurrently dominating world ammonia productionwhich operates at 100 to 200 bars and 350 to 450 degrees C. Ammonia is important for producing nitrogen fertilizer. It also has the potential to store and transport renewable energy. However, current ammonia production is very energy intensiveconsuming 1 to 2 percent of world energy output. In addition, about 1.9 metric tons of carbon dioxide is produced for every metric ton of ammonia. "In order to address the challenges of the energy and environmental crisis, we developed an alternative process for ammonia synthesis from nitrogen gas, water and renewable energy," said Chen, the study's lead researcher. The process uses alkali and alkaline earth metal imides as nitrogen carriers that mediate ammonia production via a two-step chemical looping process operating under mild conditions. "In the first step, nitrogen was fixed through the reduction of nitrogen gas by alkali or alkaline earth metal hydrides to form imides," said Chen. "In the second step, the imides were hydrogenated to produce ammonia and regenerated the metal hydrides." Chen explained that the two steps could be accelerated by the catalysis of transition metals. "The chemical loop mediated by BaNH and catalyzed by Ni could produce ammonia in the temperature range of 100 to 350 degrees C and atmospheric pressure. The production rate of ammonia was more than one order of magnitude higher than that of the thermocatalytic process," Chen added. Chen noted that the study provides a "promising solution to the efficient harvest and storage of renewable energy." Chen said the process has the advantage of operating at atmospheric pressure and also offers a means of synthesizing ammonia in a localized, distributed manner. Explore further Researchers developing renewable energy approach for producing ammonia More information: Wenbo Gao et al, Production of ammonia via a chemical looping process based on metal imides as nitrogen carriers, Nature Energy (2018). Journal information: Nature Energy Wenbo Gao et al, Production of ammonia via a chemical looping process based on metal imides as nitrogen carriers,(2018). DOI: 10.1038/s41560-018-0268-z Data gathered by Goddard's Cloud-Aerosol Transport System, or CATS, instrument is being used to advance machine-learning algorithms. Credit: NASA Your credit card company contacts you asking if you've purchased something from a retailer you don't normally patronize or spent more than usual. A human didn't identify the atypical transaction. A computerequipped with advanced algorithmstagged the potentially fraudulent purchase and triggered the inquiry. Researchers at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, think scientists and engineers could benefit from the same technology, often referred to as machine learning or neural networks. Considered a subset of artificial intelligence, machine learning and neural networks are actually in the avant-garde. Instead of programming a computer to carry out every task it needs to do, the philosophy behind machine learning is to equip ground- or space-based computer processors with algorithms that, like humans, learn from data, finding and recognizing patterns and trends, but faster, more accurately, and without bias. Wide-Ranging Applications "The benefits are many and the applications are wide ranging," said Goddard Senior Fellow and Assistant Chief for Technology Jacqueline Le Moigne, who has been working in artificial intelligence since her graduate school days in France several years ago. "Scientists could use machine learning to analyze the petabytes of data NASA has already collected over the years, extracting new patterns and new correlations and eventually leading to new science discoveries," she said. "It could also help us monitor the health of a spacecraft, avoid and recover from catastrophic failures, and prevent collisions. It could even assist engineers, providing a wide range of knowledge about past missionsinformation they would need in designing new missions." With funding from several NASA research programs, including the Earth Science Technology Office, or ESTO, Goddard engineers and scientists are researching some of those applications individually or in partnerships with academia and private industry. Their projects run the gamut, everything from how machine learning could help in making real-time crop forecasts or locating wildfires and floods to identifying instrument anomalies and even suitable landing sites for a robotic craft. "People hear artificial intelligence and their minds instantly go to science fiction with machines taking over, but really it's just another tool in our data-analysis toolbox and definitely one we shouldn't neglect because of preconceived notions," said James MacKinnon, a Goddard computer engineer who is involved in several projects involving artificial intelligence. Finding Fires Since joining Goddard a couple years ago, MacKinnon has emerged as one of the technology's most fervent champions. One of the first projects he tackled involved teaching algorithms how to identify wildfires using remote-sensing images collected by the Terra spacecraft's Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer instrument. His neural network accurately detected fires 99 percent of the time. He has since expanded the research to include data gathered by the Joint Polar Satellite System's Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite. His dream is to ultimately deploy a constellation of CubeSats, all equipped with machine-learning algorithms embedded within sensors. With such a capability, the sensors could identify wildfires and send the data back to Earth in real time, providing firefighters and others with up-to-date information that could dramatically improve firefighting efforts. "The key here is processing the data onboard, not only for wildfires but for floods. There are a lot of things you could do with this capability," he said. He is also developing machine-learning techniques to identify single-event upsets in spaceborne electronic devices, which can result in data anomalies, and compiling a library of machine-learning computer models, dataset-generation tools, and visualization aids to make it easier for others to use machine-learning techniques for their missions, he said. "A huge chunk of my time has been spent convincing scientists that these are valid methods for analyzing the massive amounts of data we generate," he said. On Aug. 17, the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft obtained the first images of its target asteroid Bennu from a distance of 1.4 million miles, or almost six times the distance between the Earth and Moon. Bennu is visible inside a green circle against the stars in the constellation Serpens. A NASA-funded team is investigating machine-learning techniques that would allow missions such as OSIRIS-REx to autonomously analyze images and determine safe landing sites. Credit: NASA/ University of Arizona Cutting Through the Noise Goddard scientist Matt McGill doesn't need convincing. An expert in lidar techniques to measure clouds and the tiny particles that make up haze, dust, air pollutants and smoke, McGill is partnering with Slingshot Aerospace. This California-based company is developing platforms that pull data from many types of sensors and use machine-learning algorithms to extract information. Under the ESTO-funded effort, McGill is providing Slingshot with data he gathered with the Cloud-Aerosol Transport System, or CATS, instrument, which retired late last year after spending 33 months aboard the International Space Station. There, CATS measured the vertical structure of clouds and aerosols, which occur naturally during volcanic eruptions and dust storms or anthropogenically through the burning of oil, coal, and wood. A Slingshot-developed machine-learning algorithm is ingesting that data so that it can learn and ultimately begin to recognize patterns, trends, and occurrences that are difficult to capture with standardized processing algorithms. McGill is particularly interested in seeing whether machine-learning techniques can filter out the noise that is common in lidar measurements. Although humans already cull noise from data, current techniques are time-consuming and can take days to accomplishantithetical to the goal of distributing intelligence in real-time. "The idea is that algorithms, once trained, can recognize signals in hours rather than days," McGill said. Just as important, at least to McGill, is the need to miniaturize CATS-like lidar systems. While CATS was roughly the size of a refrigerator, future systems must be much smaller, capable of flying on a constellation of SmallSats to collect simultaneous, multipoint measurements. However, as instruments get smaller, the data can potentially be noisier due to smaller collection apertures, McGill explained. "We have to get smarter in how we analyze our data and we need to develop the capability to generate true real-time data products." Dolphin Stranding Getting smarter in data analysis is also driving Goddard heliophysicist Antti Pulkkinen and engineer Ron Zellar. A couple years ago, Pulkkinen began investigating whether solar storms were causing otherwise healthy whales, dolphins, and porpoisescollectively known as cetaceansto strand along coastal areas worldwide. While he and his team found no correlation, they did find a link between stranding events in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and wind strength. Is it possible that strong winds, which occur during the winter months when dolphins are more likely to beach, stir ocean phytoplankton and other nutrients that feed fish? Are the dolphins simply following their food source? "We can't assume a causal relationship," said Zellar, who, when not working on this project, serves as a mission-systems engineer on the Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer, or OSIRIS-REx, mission. "That's what we're trying to find." With funding from the Goddard Fellows Innovation Challenge, a program that funds the development of potentially revolutionary technologies, the team is applying machine-learning techniques to delve more deeply into environmental data to see if they can prove a cause. Cutting the Umbilical Cord In November, the OSIRIS-REx mission is scheduled to begin a series of complex maneuvers that take the craft closer to asteroid Bennu so that it can begin characterizing the body and snapping images that will inform the best location for collecting a sample and returning it to Earth for analysis. This will require thousands of high-resolution images taken from different angles and then processed manually by a team of experts on the ground. Scientists want to simplify and hasten the processing time. Under a NASA-funded research effort involving Goddard scientists, Dante Lauretta, a University of Arizona professor and OSIRIS-REx principal investigator, and Chris Adami, a machine-learning expert at Michigan State University, a team is investigating the potential of networked algorithms. The goal is to teach onboard sensors to process images and determine an asteroid's shape and featuresinformation needed to autonomously navigate in and around an asteroid and make decisions on where to safely acquire samples. "The point is to cut the computational umbilical cord back to Earth," said Bill Cutlip, a Goddard senior business development manager and team member. "What we're trying to do is train an algorithm to understand what it's seeing, mimicking how the human brain processes information." Such a capability not only would benefit future missions to asteroids, but also those to Mars and the icy moons of Jupiter and Saturn, he said. With advances in field-programmable gate arrays or circuits that can be programmed to perform a specific task and graphics-processing units, the potential is staggering, he added. Explore further Quantum computers tackle big data with machine learning Credit: CC0 Public Domain Sometimes hidden clues beneath our feet can reveal intriguing stories about the impacts of environmental change. Six new species of invertebrates were discovered during a paleontological exploration of rift deposits in southwestern Tanzania by Ohio University professor, Nancy Stevens and her research team. After analyzing invertebrate fossils that were alive 24 to 26 million years ago in the Rukwa Rift Basin, OHIO paleontologists published the first documentation of a rapid diversification of freshwater gastropod species at a time of pivotal environment change in this specific area. Their article, "Morphological diversification of ampullariid gastropods (Nsungwe Formation, Late Oligocene, Rukwa Rift Basin, Tanzania) is coincident with onset of East African rifting," was published in Papers in Palaeontology. "From the very start of this project, I was extremely intrigued because we were working on rare fossils from a geologically interesting location," said Y. Ranjeev Epa, M.S. '17, an Ohio University geology master's student who studied and identified the fossils for his thesis. "These fossils had a lot of interesting stories to tell us and I am very happy that we were able to expand the existing knowledge on the evolutionary history, ecology and biogeography of this family." The new species evolved in what is now known as the East African Rift about 25 million years ago, as the Horn of Africa began splitting away from the mainland due to movements of the earth's plates. This interval in time is called the late Oligocene, a key period of transition between ancient and more modern ecosystems. The research team emphasized how the discovery of these new species can help us understand how organisms respond to environmental change. "The timing of this evolutionary burst is coincident with the onset of the timing of the East African Rift," said Dr. Alycia Stigall, Professor of Geological Sciences, a researcher on the team. "The new rift produced novel environments, and the gastropods very rapidly evolved to exploit new niches." The fossils examined in the study were collected by Stevens and her research group, which has been conducting paleobiological and geological research in the Rukwa Rift Basin in Tanzania for nearly two decades. Their research has produced the most precise age for the onset of rifting in the western branch of the East African Rift System, as well as the earliest evidence of the split between Old World monkeys and apes. Until now, the evolutionary history of invertebrate faunas in this area have barely been studied. Previously, the Rukwa Rift Basin team has reported on the discovery of other new species to science, including dinosaurs and bizarre mammal-like crocs from older deposits in the region. It is clear that the Rukwa Rift preserves a special window into the evolution of ecosystems on the African continent, with potentially even more discoveries to come. Explore further Oldest evidence of split between Old World monkeys and apes discovered More information: Y. Ranjeev Epa et al. Morphological diversification of ampullariid gastropods (Nsungwe Formation, Late Oligocene, Rukwa Rift Basin, Tanzania) is coincident with onset of East African rifting, Papers in Palaeontology (2018). Y. Ranjeev Epa et al. Morphological diversification of ampullariid gastropods (Nsungwe Formation, Late Oligocene, Rukwa Rift Basin, Tanzania) is coincident with onset of East African rifting,(2018). DOI: 10.1002/spp2.1108 This image from the virtual reconstruction shows how the ribs attach to the spine in an inward direction, forcing an even more upright posture than in modern humans. Credit: Gomez-Olivencia, et al An international team of scientists has completed the first 3-D virtual reconstruction of the ribcage of the most complete Neandertal skeleton unearthed to date, potentially shedding new light on how this ancient human moved and breathed. The team, which included researchers from universities in Spain, Israel, and the United States, including the University of Washington, focused on the thoraxthe area of the body containing the rib cage and upper spine, which forms a cavity to house the heart and lungs. Using CT scans of fossils from an approximately 60,000-year-old male skeleton known as Kebara 2, researchers were able to create a 3-D model of the chestone that is different from the longstanding image of the barrel-chested, hunched-over "caveman." The conclusions point to what may have been an upright individual with greater lung capacity and a straighter spine than today's modern human. The study is published Oct. 30 in Nature Communications. "The shape of the thorax is key to understanding how Neandertals moved in their environment because it informs us about their breathing and balance," said Asier Gomez-Olivencia, an Ikerbasque Fellow at the University of the Basque Country and the study's lead author. And how Neandertals moved would have had a direct impact on their ability to survive on the resources available to them, said Patricia Kramer, professor in the UW Department of Anthropology and corresponding author on the paper. "Neandertals are closely related to us with complex cultural adaptations much like those of modern humans, but their physical form is different from us in important ways," she said. "Understanding their adaptations allows us to understand our own evolutionary path better." Neandertals are a type of human that emerged about 400,000 years ago, living mostly from what is today Western Europe to Central Asia. They were hunter-gatherers who, in some areas, lived in caves and who weathered several glacial periods before going extinct about 40,000 years ago. Studies in recent years have suggested that Neandertals and early Homo sapiens interbred, because evidence of Neandertal DNA has turned up in many populations. Patricia Kramer, a University of Washington professor of anthropology, is part of an international team that completed a virtual 3D reconstruction of portions of a Neandertal skeleton. Here, she shows part of the collection of model Neandertal skulls. Credit: Dennis Wise, University of Washington Over the past 150 years, Neandertal remains have been found at many sites in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. This team worked with a skeleton labeled Kebara 2, also known as "Moshe," which was found in Kebara Cave in Northern Israel's Carmel mountain range in 1983. Though the cranium is missing, the remains of the young adult male are considered one of the most complete Neandertal skeleton ever found. Two different forms of dating of the surrounding soil, thermoluminescence and electron spin resonance, put the age at somewhere between 59,000 and 64,000 years. Discoveries and studies of other Neandertal remains in the 19th and early 20th centuries gave rise to theories and images of a stereotypical, hunched-over caveman. Over time, further research clarified scientific understanding of many Neandertal traits, but some debate has lingered over the structure of the thorax, the capacity of the lungs and what conditions Neandertals might have been able to adapt to, or not. Over the past decade, virtual reconstruction has become more commonplace in biological anthropology, Kramer explained. The approach is useful with fossils such as the thorax, where fragile bones make physical reconstruction difficult and risky. Nearly two years ago, the same research team created a virtual reconstruction of the Kebara 2 spine, the first step in updating theories of Neandertal biomechanics. The team's paper, published in the book "Human Paleontology and Prehistory," reaffirmed the likelihood of upright posture but pointed to a straighter spine than that of modern humans. For this model of the thorax, researchers used both direct observations of the Kebara 2 skeleton, currently housed at Tel Aviv University, and medical CT scans of vertebrae, ribs and pelvic bones, along with 3-D software designed for scientific use. "This was meticulous work," said Alon Barash, a lecturer at Bar Ilan University in Israel. "We had to CT scan each vertebra and all of the ribs fragments individually and then reassemble them in 3-D." They then used a technique called morphometric analysis to compare the images of Neandertal bones with medical scans of bones from present-day adult men. "In the reconstruction process, it was necessary to virtually 'cut' and realign some of the parts that showed deformation, and mirror-image some of those that were not so well-preserved in order to get a complete thorax," said Gomez-Olivencia. The reconstruction of the thorax, coupled with the team's earlier finding, shows ribs that connect to the spine in an inward direction, forcing the chest cavity outward and allowing the spine to tilt slightly back, with little of the lumbar curve that is part of the modern human skeletal structure. "The differences between a Neandertal and modern human thorax are striking," said Markus Bastir, senior research scientist at the Laboratory of Virtual Anthropology at the National Museum of Natural History in Spain. Credit: Kiyomi Taguchi, University of Washington "The Neandertal spine is located more inside the thorax, which provides more stability," said Gomez-Olivencia. "Also, the thorax is wider in its lower part." This shape of the rib cage suggests a larger diaphragm and thus, greater lung capacity. "The wide lower thorax of Neandertals and the horizontal orientation of the ribs suggest that Neandertals relied more on their diaphragm for breathing," said senior author Ella Been of Ono Academic College. "Modern humans, on the other hand, rely both on the diaphragm and on the expansion of the rib cage for breathing. Here we see how new technologies in the study of fossil remains is providing new information to understand extinct species." What that means for how Kebara 2 lived is ripe for further research, Kramer said. How did Neandertals breathe, and for what physical demands might they have needed powerful lungs? What does that tell us about how they moved, and the environment in which they lived? Did any of these physical traits make them more or less adaptive to climate change? Reconstructing the thorax was an exercise in starting from scratch, deliberately trying to avoid being influenced by past theories of how Neandertals looked or lived, Kramer said. "Thinking through all the permutations of the different fragments, it was like a jigsaw without all the pieces. What do the pieces tell us?" she said. "People have told you it should be a certain way, but you want to make sure you're not over-reconstructing, or reconstructing it the way you think it should be. You're trying to maintain a neutral approach." Other authors of the study were Daniel Garcia-Martinez of the National Museum of Natural History and Mikel Arlegi, of the University of the Basque Country. Explore further The genomes of five late Neandertals provide insights into Neandertal population history More information: Asier Gomez-Olivencia et al, 3D virtual reconstruction of the Kebara 2 Neandertal thorax, Nature Communications (2018). Journal information: Nature Communications Asier Gomez-Olivencia et al, 3D virtual reconstruction of the Kebara 2 Neandertal thorax,(2018). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06803-z Credit: Max Planck Florida Institute In the suburbs of Valladolid, a city in central Spain, one district is at the forefront of Europe's energy transition. With its 19 residential buildings and a single tower block, surrounded by a small park, it was built in the 1960s for employees of the car manufacturer FASA-Renault, which gave its name to the neighbourhood. The factory workers have long since moved on, and this middle-class district is now home to many retired people. The area is the hub of an ambitious refurbishment plan supported by the EU project REMOURBAN, which aims to promote more sustainable cities. Valladolid hopes to halve energy consumption and to cut the neighbourhood's CO 2 emissions by 80 per cent. Just around the corner from the newly painted facades, only one building has remained untouched. Initially some citizens rejected the refurbishments, and strongly fought the project. However, when the works started in the summer of 2016, and the benefits became clear, many resisters changed their minds, petitioning the mayor to include them. But the EU subsidies had already been allocated to those residents who had been part of the project from its inception. Jose Luis Casaseca Salas, here on the right, is the president of the local landlords' association, and was my guide during the visit. He told me that at the beginning of the project, citizens were sceptical and couldn't believe that the EU and the Valladolid municipality, were ready to cover 70 per cent of the renovation costs. So Jose took the lead and organised several community meetings to discuss the initiative: "I wanted the area to look modern," he said. He observed that the original pipes in the buildings were losing heat, and "losing heat means losing money." But it took him almost two years to convince all the 1,180 residents from 398 individual dwellings. The main interventions included the installation of an external envelope on the building, and an exterior thermal insulation cladding system on the facades and roofs with 60 mm panels, explained experts from Veolia and Acciona Construccion, Spanish companies carrying out the renovations. The installation of a new 850 kW biomass boiler and the replacement of the heating network has reduced the district's energy consumption by 45 per cent, according to the Municipality. Jose and some of his neighbours said that before the project, each flat possessed its own hot-water boiler, paid for separately. Now, to reduce energy costs, the provision has been centralised, with a connection to the central heating network through external pipes. New thermostats have been installed on radiators in each flat, and energy consumption is monitored through a digital platform. The tower was the most impressive part of the visit. The south facade has been covered with 458 m2 of photovoltaic panels, providing energy for the building and the 56 families living in it. Adding LED lighting in communal areas was part of the refurbishment. Each family had to pay 2,939 towards the renovation of the FASA district. But officials from the Valladolid Municipality and my local guide Jose said that this amount will be mitigated by lower energy bills. Savings in energy consumption will therefore end up paying for the renovations. Besides my visit to the FASA district, I toured the city on a silent electric bus, which needed only 20 minutes for a battery recharge. Valladolid's public transport company, AUVASA, now includes five electric buses, two of which were bought by the project REMOURBAN for 400,000. The European Commission covered 40 per cent of this cost. Officials from the Municipality explained that the buses have a hybrid-series arrangement, with a generator based on a Euro 6 diesel combustion engine and an on-board electric power accumulation system, which delivers high-efficiency energy and low emissions. All buses are provided with USB sockets to recharge mobile phones. Inthe past few years, Valladolid has led the way towards smart, sustainable mobility. Measures include tax incentives for businesses that use electric vehicles, free parking, and special access in the historic city centre for the so-called VELID (limited-size electric vehicle). The fleet has about 50 electric vehicles including buses, taxis, electric cars and motorcycles belonging both to citizens and private companies (e.g. hotels, shopping centres). Some of the citizens explained to me that they even set up a WhatsApp group to discuss the best charging points in the city. The city has 34 public charging stations for electric vehicles, with plans to reach 63 points by 2020, thanks to the EU project. These measures are complemented through ICT technologies and strategies like smartphone apps and the implementation of contactless RFID (radio frequency identification) cards to enhance intermodality among buses, rented bicycles and car sharing. Explore further Third parties play a key role to making buildings energy efficient Antennas of CSIROs Australian SKA Pathfinder (ASKAP) radio telescope first picked up the Fast Radio Burst. Credit: CSIRO/Alex Cherney, Author provided Fast radio bursts (FRBs) are just that enormous blasts of radio waves from space that only last for a fraction of a second. This makes pinpointing their source a huge challenge. Our team recently discovered 20 new FRBs using CSIRO's Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder in the Western Australian outback, almost doubling the known number of FRBs. In follow-up research, published today in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, we have taken one of these new detections known as FRB 171020 (the day the radio waves arrived at Earth: October 20, 2017) and narrowed down the location to a galaxy close to our own. This is the closest FRB detected (so far) but we still don't know what causes these mysterious radio bursts that can contain more energy than our Sun produces in decades. Waves in space As radio waves travel through the universe they pass through other galaxies and our own Milky Way before arriving at our telescopes. The longer radio wavelengths are slowed down more than the shorter wavelengths, meaning that there is a slight delay in the arrival time of longer wavelengths. This difference in arrival times is called the dispersion measure and indicates the amount of matter the radio emission has travelled through. FRB 171020 has the lowest dispersion measure of any FRB detected to date, meaning that it hasn't travelled from half way across the universe like most of the other FRBs detected so far. That means it originated from relatively nearby (by astronomical standards). By using models of the distribution of matter in the universe we can put a hard limit on how far the radio signal has travelled. For this particular FRB, we estimate that it could not have originated from further than a billion light years away, and likely occurred much closer. (Our Milky Way galaxy is about 100,000 light years across.) This distance limit, combined with the sky area we know the FRB came from (an area half a square degreeor roughly two full Moons across) enormously narrows down the search volume to look for the host galaxy. Closing in A region of the sky this size typically contains hundreds of galaxies. We used giant optical telescopes in Chile including the appropriately named Very Large Telescope and Gemini South to derive distances to these galaxies by either measuring their redshifts directly, or by using their optical colours to estimate their distance. This allowed us to drastically reduce the number of possible galaxies within the distance limit to just 16. By far the closest, and we believe most likely to host the FRB, is a nearby spiral galaxy called ESO 601-G036. This is 120 million light years away making this FRB host almost our next door neighbour. Optical image of the search area from the Digitized Sky Survey (DSS). The circles mark possible host galaxies for FRB 171020, but these are all much further away than the most likely galaxy ESO 601-G036, shown in the lower left as a three-colour image from the VLT Survey Telescope (VST) ATLAS survey. Credit: ESO, Digitized Sky Survey and VST-ATLAS, Author provided What is particularly striking about this galaxy is that it shares many similar features to the only galaxy known to produce FRBs: FRB 121102. This FRB is also known as the repeating FRB due to its so far unique property of producing multiple bursts. This helped astronomers locate it to a small galaxy about more than 3 billion light years away. ESO 601-G036 is similar in size, and forming new stars at about the same rate, as the host galaxy of the repeating FRB. But there is one intriguing feature of the repeating FRB that we don't see in ESO 601-G036. Other emissions In addition to repeat bursts of radio emission, the repeating FRB emits lower energy radio emission continuously. Using CSIRO's Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA) in Narrabri, NSW, we have searched for this persistent radio emission in ESO 601-G036. If it was anything like the repeater's galaxy, it should have a boomingly bright radio source in it. We saw nothing. Not only did we find that ESO 601-G036 doesn't have any persistent radio emission, but there are no other galaxies in our search volume that show similar properties to that seen in the repeating FRB. This points to the possibility that there are different types of fast radio bursts that may even have different origins. Finding the galaxies that FRBs originate from is a big step towards solving the mystery of what produces these extreme bursts. Most FRBs travel much further distances so finding one so close to Earth allows us to study the environments of FRBs in unprecedented detail. The hunt for more Unfortunately, we can't say with absolute certainty that ESO 601-G036 is the galaxy that FRB 171020 came from. The next big hurdle in understanding what causes FRBs is to pinpoint more of them. If we can do that we'll be able to work out not only exactly which galaxy an FRB occurred in, but even where within the galaxy it occurred. If FRBs occur within the central nuclei of galaxies, this could perhaps point to black holes as their source. Or do they prefer the outskirts of galaxies? Or regions where a lot of new stars have recently formed? There are still so many unknowns about FRBs. Several radio telescopes around the world are commissioning systems to pinpoint bursts. Our study has shown that by combining observations from radio and optical telescopes we'll be able to paint a complete picture of FRB host galaxies, and be able to finally determine what causes these FRBs. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. In this Sept. 26, 2018, photo, visitors walk past a display from Chinese technology firm ZTE at the PT Expo in Beijing. A spy chief said in a speech released Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, that Australia's critical infrastructure including electricity grids, water supplies and hospitals could not have been adequately safeguarded if Chinese-owned telecommunications giants Huawei and ZTE Corp. had been allowed to become involved in rolling out the nation's 5G network. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) Australia's critical infrastructure including electricity grids, water supplies and hospitals could not have been adequately safeguarded if Chinese-owned telecommunications giants Huawei and ZTE Corp. were allowed to help roll out the nation's 5G network, a spy chief said. Mike Burgess, director-general of the Australian Signals Directorate, said his cyber experts had backed the government's decision in August to bar the two Chinese companies that he described as "high-risk vendors." It was the first time the secretive agency had disclosed such information. "My advice was to exclude high-risk vendors from the entirety of evolving 5G networks," Burgess said in a recent speech released by his office on Tuesday. Security agencies had previously protected sensitive information and core functions of Australian telecommunications networks by restricting risky vendors to the edges, Burgess said. "But the distinction between 'core' and 'edge' collapses in 5G networks. That means that a potential threat anywhere in the network will be a threat to the whole network," Burgess said. The next generation of telecommunications networks will be at the top of every country's list of critical national infrastructure, he said. "5G technology will underpin the communications that Australians rely on every day, from our health systems and the potential applications of remote surgery, to self-driving cars and through to the operation of our power and water supply," Burgess said. "The stakes could not be higher." Huawei was banned from bidding for contracts for Australia's broadband network in 2011. ZTE is a Chinese maker of mobile devices. In this Sept. 26, 2018, photo, a staff member uses a laptop computer at a display for 5G wireless technology from Chinese technology firm Huawei at the PT Expo in Beijing. A spy chief said in a speech released Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, that Australia's critical infrastructure including electricity grids, water supplies and hospitals could not have been adequately safeguarded if Chinese-owned telecommunications giants Huawei and ZTE Corp. had been allowed to become involved in rolling out the nation's 5G network. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) The Chinese foreign ministry accused Australia of ideological bias against the Chinese companies. "Cooperation between Chinese and Australian companies is mutually beneficial in nature. Australia should offer convenience for the companies' cooperation between two sides, rather than making various excuses to deliberately obstruct the cooperation, such as taking discriminatory measures," ministry spokesman Lu Kang said. "We urge the Australian side to cast away ideological bias and provide a level playing field for Chinese companies' operations in Australia. We hope Australia will take it seriously," he added. Burgess' warning came as an Australian security think-tank raised concerns on Tuesday about increasing collaboration between Australian universities and China's People's Liberation Army scientists on research programs such as hypersonic missiles and navigation technology. Australian Strategic Policy Institute researcher Alex Joske said some Chinese scientists hide their military backgrounds by claiming to be visiting scholars from non-existent institutions. Since 2007, the PLA has sponsored more than 2,500 military scientist and engineers to study overseas, Joske said in a report. Based on peer-reviewed publications co-authored by PLA and non-Chinese scientists, the United States, Britain, Canada, Australia and Germany were the top five countries engaged in research collaboration with the Chinese military since last year, the report said. The report recommended that universities collaborate with allied countries rather than non-allied militaries on strategic research. In this Sept. 26, 2018, photo, signs promoting 5G wireless technology from Chinese technology firm Huawei are displayed at the PT Expo in Beijing. A spy chief said in a speech released Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, that Australia's critical infrastructure including electricity grids, water supplies and hospitals could not have been adequately safeguarded if Chinese-owned telecommunications giants Huawei and ZTE Corp. had been allowed to become involved in rolling out the nation's 5G network. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) "It's not in our interests to help a non-allied military develop advanced military technology," Joske said. "We need better visa screening to make sure that people who've lied on their visa applications or are seeking to come to Australia to develop better military technology for China aren't let into the country." Education Minister Dan Tehan said Universities were self-governing institutions best able to make decisions about collaboration while also satisfying all relevant Australian laws and security requirements. Australian universities carefully assess applications from students from all countries and liaise with defense and security agencies as needed, the advocacy group Universities Australia said in a statement. "Australian universities help to advance Australia's national interests through their research and education ties with students and researchers all around the world," the statement said. The Defense Trade Controls Act gives the government and Defense Department oversight over providing information on any technology or research with potential military applications. That legislation is under review, and Joske said it should be expanded to prevent Chinese military scientists from learning about sensitive technologies while in Australia. Several governments have scrutinized Huawei's links to the Chinese government. The private Chinese company was founded by a former People's Liberation Army major in 1987. Now the world's biggest telecoms equipment supplier, it suffered a setback in 2012 when a U.S. congressional report said it was a security risk and warned phone companies not to buy its equipment. Shenzhen-based Huawei has said it would never give Australian customer data to Chinese spy agencies. But the Australian government said no combination of security controls sufficiently mitigated the risk. 5G networks will start commercial services in Australia next year. The Australian Signals Directory, formerly the Defense Signals Bureau, became an independent statutory body with a more public profile on July 1. It is responsible for foreign signals intelligence, support to military operations, cyber warfare and information security. Explore further US, Japan and Australia challenge Huawei in Papua New Guinea 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. Credit: CC0 Public Domain Around election season, some politicians try to pass more legislation to give off an air of productivity for voters. But could their policies be impacting more than just their constituents? Penn State professor Bruce Desmarais spearheaded research into the connection between how states influence each other in public policy. "Researchers in political science and public policy for at least 60 years have tried to understand the ways in which different policies spread across states," said Desmarais, associate professor of political science, Institute for CyberScience faculty co-hire, and the William and Monica DeGrandis-McCourtney Early Career Professor in Political Science. "For about 55 of those 60 years, it was assumed that states follow their geographic neighbors in adopting policies. For example, if New York adopts a policy, Pennsylvania's more likely to do it." While Desmarais and fellow researchers believed that geography was the largest factor in how a policy is spread from state to state, the data told a different story. Using more than 100 years of public policy data to pinpoint patterns between any states adopting similar policies, Desmarais found that sizable states, such as California, New York or Florida with the income to invest in creating full-time legislative positions, are generally the starting points for any new legislation. Animation showing how states' legislative influence on other states changed from 1960 to 2008. The size of the font corresponds to how influential a state was during that year. The red lines indicate which states influenced policy adopted in other states that year. Credit: Bruce Desmarais / Penn State States that do not have highly professionalized legislatures seek out these policies to continue innovation. The influence is strong to the point that, oftentimes, large portions of powerful states' legislation are directly copied and inserted into another state's adopted policy, according to Desmarais. "The states vary a lot with how many days their legislators are in session throughout the year and whether their legislators are truly professionalized," Desmarais said. "In New York or California, working as a state legislator is a full-time job that you get a salary for. If you're in New Hampshire, then that is more so a volunteer legislator. They serve very short periods of time and they don't get paid nearly enough to serve that as their full-time job." While the data showcased that geography was not as significant of an influence as once believed, accounting for approximately just 20 percent of the public policy relationships identified, it also showed a shift in where the influencers are located. The hubs for public policy influence have moved out of the Northeast, where Massachusetts was noted as innovative through the 1970s. Large western and southern states like California and Florida are gaining a foothold in influence, as well as states that have received a population influx like Arizona. Desmarais said that information like this can be used by advocacy groups to figure where to spend their lobbying efforts in hopes of creating the biggest impression possible for their policy. "If you want to promote a policy within the states, then you're probably better off focusing your efforts in a few influential states to get those chains of dominos falling, instead of spreading your advocacy efforts evenly across the states or to focus them regionally and try to get neighbors looking at each other," Desmarais said. Explore further California and New Jersey family leave policies improve breastfeeding rates for some women Credit: CC0 Public Domain Three continents. Nine countries. Cemeteries from Antwerp to Barcelona to Hellerup. Thought cemeteries were only for the dead? Not so, say scientists Noah Fierer and Tess Brewer of CU Boulder. Fierer and Brewer found that graveyards are in fact places of the undeadin the form of microbes on tombstones. The researchers, who took samples from the surfaces of 149 gravestones in the Cementerio de Montjuic in Barcelona, Spain; El Queremal Cementario in Valle de Cauca Province, Colombia; Dory Hill Cemetery in Black Hawk, Colorado; and other graveyards, recently published their results in the journal Environmental Microbiology. "Rock surfaces like gravestones are challenging environments for microbes," says Fierer. "But despite exposure to high levels of ultraviolet radiation and sporadic access to water and nutrients, microbes are able to thrive there." Life after death To find out which microbes grow on rock surfaces and how they do so, Fierer and Brewer used toothbrushes to collect samples from tombstones. Several characteristics of each tombstone were recorded, including rock type, length of tombstone exposure (based on date of death), direction of the sampled face (cardinal direction) and surface texture (polished or unpolished). "Grave markers are well-suited to studying the microbial life that grows on rocks," says Brewer. "Tombstones are found around the world, are composed of only a handful of different rock types, and cemeteries harbor markers of various compositions and ages." Scientists have known that microbes are important in the breakdown of rocks into soil, "but this study goes a step farther, showing that microorganisms have different 'tastes' for rock type," says Richard Yuretich, program director in the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Division of Earth Sciences, which funded the research. "Such discoveries can help in a wide range of applications, such as improving soil fertility for agriculture and preserving the stone facings of buildings and monuments," Yuretich says. "The findings also bring a whole new dimension to the question: 'What do you want on your gravestone?'" Tombstone occupants are choosy tenants Fierer and Brewer found that rock type is a good predictor of which microbe species grow on tombstones. For example, microbes that flourish on granite gravestones in Maine are more like those growing on granite gravestones in Belgium than they are to those on limestone tombstones just feet away. "Microbes appear to care more about rock characteristics than climate or how long a tombstone has been standing," says Brewer. The scientists found that granite tombstones hosted microbes capable of acidifying their environmentthen surviving those acidic conditions. When exposed to microbially-produced acids, granite tombstones gradually become pitted as bits of rock are dissolved. "The pits likely serve as mini-domiciles for microbes, conferring some degree of protection against inhospitable conditions," says Fierer. Microbes eking out an existence on granite are also more likely to have genes linked with mobility, a trait that allows them to seek out better micro-environments when necessary. In contrast to the surfaces of granite gravestones, those of limestone tombstones are less acidic. "Limestone surfaces are also more likely to harbor lichenssymbiotic communities composed of fungi and photosynthesizing cyanobacteria or algae," says Brewer. Gravestones as extreme environments The results show that gravestones are great places for understanding microbes' survival on rock surfaces and their contributions to rock weathering, the scientists say. "The occupants of tombstone surfaces can also teach us a lot about the strategies microbes use to survive in inhospitable environments," says Fierer. "At first glance, a gravestone looks like a place where nothing could exist." Although tombstones memorialize the dead, he says, they also host the living. Explore further South Africa cemeteries to microchip tombstones More information: Tess E. Brewer et al. Tales from the tomb: the microbial ecology of exposed rock surfaces, Environmental Microbiology (2017). Journal information: Environmental Microbiology Tess E. Brewer et al. Tales from the tomb: the microbial ecology of exposed rock surfaces,(2017). DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.14024 Shown is a schematic and photo of a thermal regulator designed by Berkeley engineers to passively keep lithium-ion batteries within an optimum temperature range. At higher temperatures, wires made of a shape memory alloy hold batteries down close to a heat sink so that excess heat is dissipated. At lower temperatures, the wires loosen so that the resulting air gap helps the batteries retain heat. Credit: Menglong Hao, UC Berkeley New research by Berkeley engineers may soon make it more practical to use battery-powered vehicles and devices in extreme temperatures, such as in icy-cold winters in Minnesota or stifling-hot summers in Death Valley. Those conditions represent temperature ranges that fall outside the narrow windowtypically 20 to 40 degrees Celsiusneeded for a lithium-ion battery's optimum and safe performance. "The optimum temperature range for lithium-ion batteries may not be a serious issue in the mild climate of the San Francisco Bay Area, but in the middle of winter in New York or Lake Tahoe, it's not unusual for smartphones to automatically switch off because it's too cold," said Chris Dames, a UC Berkeley professor of mechanical engineering and head of the research team that developed a new thermal regulatordescribed in a study in the journal Nature Energythat could resolve this problem. The researchers explained that a battery's usable energy drops dramatically in cold temperatures. At minus 20 degrees Celsius, a typical commercial lithium-ion battery cell can deliver only 20 percent of its room-temperature capacity. High temperatures can also create problems for batteries, which generate their own waste heat when in use. Battery lifetimes typically halve for every 13 degrees Celsius of excess temperature. "What's worse is that overheating can lead to 'thermal runaway,' a failure mode that can lead to the battery fires in electric cars as well as certain mobile phones and electronics that we've heard about in the news," said study lead author Menglong Hao, a postdoctoral researcher in Dames' lab. Managing conflicting temperature needs has been a challenge for thermal packaging. Current methods that keep batteries at their preferred temperatures consume energy and are too expensive or bulky to include in many portable applications. In contrast, the new thermal regulator developed by UC Berkeley engineers keeps batteries at stable temperatures through a passive system that does not consume extra energy. "Active heating and cooling cost energy, energy that you don't want to spend on keeping the battery comfortable when you could've used it to drive another 50 miles," said Dames. The passive system uses a shape memory alloy, a class of material that is characteristically soft and pliable at low temperatures, but hardens back to its original shape at higher temperatures. Such materials are commercially available and routinely used in medical implants. The exact temperature of the transition from soft to hard depends on the mix of the metals. In this case, the researchers chose nickel and titanium alloy wires that transitioned at 35 degrees Celsius. Below that threshold, the wires softened, but above 35 degrees Celsius, the wires stiffened and contracted. The researchers attached the wires to a lithium-ion battery pack such that the "on" position was at the higher temperatures, with the stiffened wires pulling the batteries tightly into contact with a heat sink designed to cool the batteries down. At temperatures below 35 degrees Celsius, the softened wires were in the "off" position, allowing the battery pack to lift away from the heat sink with the help of compressed springs. The resulting air gap provided insulation that helped keep the batteries warm by slowing the dissipation of their own waste heat. The researchers tested the thermal regulator in both vacuum and real-world conditions to confirm that their system could move easily between hot and cold states. At a cold ambient temperature of minus 20 degrees Celsius, they demonstrated that their thermal regulator could increase the battery temperature to 20 degrees Celsius just by retaining the battery's self-generated heat. At the same time, at a hot ambient temperature of 45 degrees Celsius, the thermal regulator kept the batteries from overheating by limiting the temperature rise to about 6 degrees through constant heat dissipation. "All of this was accomplished passively, without any sensors, logic or electrical power consumption," said Hao. "Another benefit is that the shape memory alloy wires are cheap, running only 1 percent of the total cost of the battery, so this is a cost-effective system." In a commentary published in Nature Energy, Carnegie Mellon University professors Jonathan Malen and Venkat Viswanathan said the thermal switch developed at UC Berkeley could improve upon technologies other than batteries that are sensitive to fluctuating temperatures. Those include fuel cells, sensors and lasers. The UC Berkeley researchers said that their thermal regulator system could have major implications for wider adoption of renewable technologies. Lithium-ion batteries power a host of consumer products ranging from electric cars and drones to laptops and smartphones. The batteries also play a key role in stabilizing the electricity grid against fluctuating solar and wind generation by powering renewable energy storage units. The study authors noted that out of the 51 U.S. metropolitan areas with populations over 1 million, 20 typically experience temperatures that fall below zero degrees Fahrenheit, and 11 areas have summer temperatures that routinely rise above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. "By inventing a new type of thermal regulator, we came up with a single design that can work for both Lake Tahoe in January and Death Valley in August," said Dames. Explore further Taking lithium-ion batteries to new extremes More information: Menglong Hao et al. Efficient thermal management of Li-ion batteries with a passive interfacial thermal regulator based on a shape memory alloy, Nature Energy (2018). Journal information: Nature Energy Menglong Hao et al. Efficient thermal management of Li-ion batteries with a passive interfacial thermal regulator based on a shape memory alloy,(2018). DOI: 10.1038/s41560-018-0243-8 The fossil beetle, Propiestus archaicus, preserved in amber. Credit: (c) Field Museum, Shuhei Yamamoto In 2016, Shuhei Yamamoto obtained a penny-sized piece of Burmese amber from Hukawng Valley in northern Myanmar, near China's southern border. He had a hunch that the three-millimeter insect trapped inside the amber could help ansshow why our world today looks the way it does. After carefully cutting and polishing the amber, Yamamoto determined that the insect, smaller than the phone-end of an iPhone charger, was a new species to science. The beetle, which lived 99 million years ago, is a relative of insects alive today that live under tree bark, and it's giving scientists hints about how the Earth's landmasses were arranged millions of years ago. "This is a very rare find," Yamamoto said, a Field Museum researcher and lead author of a paper in the Journal of Systematic Palaeontology describing the new species. The fossil beetle is one of the oldest known members of its familyits name, Propiestus archaicus, refers to the fact that it's an ancient relative of the flat rove beetles in the Piestus genus today of which now dominates the South America. While dinosaurs roamed much of the Earth 99 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous era, Propiestus, with its flattened body and short legs, was busy conquering smaller turf underneath the bark of rotting trees. Its long, slender antennae were the clear giveaway to Yamamoto that Propiestus was lived in this environmentsimilar to today's flat rove beetles. "The antennae probably had a highly sensitive ability as a sensory organ," Yamamoto said. Smaller hair-like structures attached perpendicular to the antennae would have increased its ability to feel out its surroundings. "There wouldn't have been a lot of space available in the beetle's habitat, so it was important to be able to detect everything," he explains. Propiestus is just one of the hundreds of thousands of Burmese amber inclusionsanother word for the objects trapped inside the amberthat scientists have extensively researched over the last 15 years. Many small insects that lived during the Cretaceous era met their maker at the hands of tree sap that engulfed the bugs and hardened into amber. The bugs trapped inside fossilized and remained frozen for millions of years, unaffected by the passage of time. The hardened amber, covered by soil, decayed leaves, and other organic material, eventually blended in with its surroundings. Because of this, amber in nature doesn't look like it does in jewelryin fact, it doesn't look like anything special at all. The small clumps of unpolished amber look like rocks, meaning only those experienced in amber identification, mostly local miners, are able to find them. The fossil beetle in amber, with a pen tip for scale. Credit: (c) Field Museum After miners extract the amber, the clumps are either sold into the jewelry trade or to scientists like Yamamoto to study the inclusions. For Yamamoto's piece of amber, he used sandpaper to carefully polish the amber just enough to make Propiestus clearly visible. "It was very exciting, because the cutting process is very sensitive," Yamamoto said. "If you cut too fast or apply too much pressure, you destroy the inclusion inside very quickly." Once the amber was polished, the beetle was clearly visible, enabling Yamamoto and his colleagues to study the beetle and determine its closest living relatives. Propiestus's flat rove beetle cousins alive today are found mostly in South America, with the exception of one species in Southern Arizona. Myanmar, where Propiestus was found, is literally on the other side of the globe from these places. But it hasn't always been that way. Millions of years ago, Myanmar and South America were actually quite close to each other, all fused together as part of the megacontinent Gondwanaland, which formed when the earlier megacontinent Pangea broke apart. Gondwanaland itself eventually broke apart, helping to form the continents we recognize on a map today. Scientists have a clear sense of which of today's continents and subcontinents would have comprised Gondwanaland and which would have made up its sister continent, Laurasia. However, the detailed timing and pattern of Gondwanaland's split into smaller continents is disputable. Searching for supporting or contrasting evidence means analyzing fossils, some as small as Propiestus, to compare their similarities to other organisms discovered across the globe that might have inhabited the same space long ago. "Like koalas and kangaroos today, certain animals that we think lived in Gondwanaland are only found in one part of the world. Although Propiestus went extinct long ago, our finding probably shows some amazing connections between Southern Hemisphere and Myanmar," Yamamoto said. "Our finding fits well with the hypothesis that, unlike today, Myanmar was once located in the Southern Hemisphere." Many inclusions in Burmese amber that have been researched in the last 15 years, including Propiestus, show signs that show traits in common with insects from Gondwanaland. By studying these tiny creatures trapped in amber, we're finding answers to the questions surrounding Earth's structure and the life it supported millions of years ago. "This fossil helps us understand life in the Mesozoic era," he said. "We need to think about everything from that time, both big and small." Ninety-five percent of the corals were bleached in November 2015, but still alive when the WHOI team visited Jarvis during the peak of the 2015-16 El Nino. Credit: Thomas M. DeCarlo, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution As climate change causes ocean temperatures to rise, coral reefs worldwide are experiencing mass bleaching events and die-offs. For many, this is their first encounter with extreme heat. However for some reefs in the central Pacific, heatwaves caused by El Nino are a way of life. Exactly how these reefs deal with repeated episodes of extreme heat has been unclear. A new study from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), has uncovered the history of bleaching on a reef in the epicenter of El Nino, revealing how some corals have been able to return after facing extreme conditions. The study was published October 26, 2018, in the journal Communications Biology. "These huge marine heat waves, which are being exacerbated by global warming, are equivalent to an atomic bomb in terms of impact on coral reefsthey kill millions of corals across huge areas of ocean in a very short time" says WHOI scientist Anne Cohen, who was principal investigator on the work. "We've seen this play out now globally for the past 30-40 years, and bleaching events have become more frequent and more severe." When water temperatures rise even slightly, symbiotic algae that live inside the cells of the live coral start to create toxic substances and are ejected by the corals. The algae normally provide the corals with food and energy, as well as their bright colors. Without them, the corals appear to be "bleached" white, then starve and die. In their study, Cohen's team traveled to Jarvis Island, a tiny, unpopulated coral reef island 1,400 miles south of Hawaii, to study the effects of extreme climate on the corals there. Because Jarvis is both remote and part of a marine protected area, it has been home to stunningly rich coral reefsbut with its location in the middle of the Pacific, it also experiences more extreme heat waves caused by periodic El Nino events than coral reefs elsewhere. A very old Porites colony on Jarvis has seen many El Nino's. Extreme heat caused by the 2015-16 El Nino killed a significant portion of the coral tissue, but some remained alive, and had started to grow back, green and healthy, by 2016. Credit: Hannah Barkley, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution "The fact that it's placed right at the equator in the central Pacific puts it at epicenter of El Nino dynamics." says NOAA researcher Hannah Barkley, who was a graduate student and later a postdoctoral fellow in Cohen's lab at the time of the study, and is the paper's lead author. "It's subject to incredible variability and extremes in temperature.". Because there is no observational record of bleaching on the reef at Jarvis before 2015, Cohen and Barkley turned to massive old corals that had lived on the reef for more than 100 years. They took core samples from the corals, creating a sort of skeletal biopsy that records the history of the reef. After running the cores through a CT scanner, they found for the first time evidence of multiple bleaching events preserved in the physical structure of the reef. The longest cores revealed bleaching as far back as 1912. "We found that when the reef bleaches, these big old corals lay down "stress bands," or a dense layer of calcium carbonate, the bone-like material that make up the structure of corals. Those bands appear clearly in the CT scan, and correspond with historical heat waves," says Cohen. The memory of past bleaching events on Jarvis is locked into these coralsthey can tell us what has been going even though we weren't there to see it for ourselves." Jarvis has experienced above-average temperatures every four to seven years, going back decades or even centuries. The team discovered that with each heat wave, the reef experienced severe bleaching, yet seems to have bounced back fairly quickly each time. Hannah Barkley extracts a core from a massive Porites colony. The core contains clues about the recovery of the reef after the bleaching event. Credit: Noah Pomeroy, NOAA Fisheries Based on their samples, the group thinks that one major reason for the reef's recovery is the currents nearby. The topography of the ocean floor, combined with the force of trade winds on the surface, brings cold, nutrient-rich water up from the deep. That upwelling feeds a dense array of fish and other aquatic life around the reef, which in turn eat away grassy algae that compete with the corals. In the process, they leave room for new, young coral polyps to eventually settle. "These reefs are resilient, having bleached and recovered many times, " says Dan Thornhill, program director in the National Science Foundation's Division of Ocean Sciences, which funded the research. "But the 2015-2016 bleaching event was particularly severe, so the island is providing us with new insights into how some of the world's most resilient corals are faring in the face of severe bleaching stress." Understanding how coral reefs like Jarvis are able to recover after extensive bleaching will be essential for understanding how other reef ecosystems may grow back in the future, says Barkley. But the 2015 Super El Nino caused Jarvis to heat up more than it ever did before, and the bleaching that ensued was the worst on record. 95 percent of island's corals died. Coral cores waiting to be CAT scanned at WHOI. Credit: Thomas M. DeCarlo, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution "The big question for us is whether the reef can bounce back at all this time," says Barkley. "Even reefs like Jarvis that have regrown in the past have a threshold beyond which they may not recover. What happens over next few years will really help us understand severe bleaching." Still, she's guardedly optimistic. "It's easy to look at a place like Jarvis after the 2015 bleaching event and feel depressed. But the historical record we got from our core samples says we're not beyond hope. Jarvis is just one example: even though we are seeing signs of accelerated bleaching and mortality worldwide, we have a narrow window to address the effects of climate change on corals. Some reefs may be able to persist through huge stress events." "The initial signs of recovery are there," says Cohen. "Now we wait, watch and learn." Explore further Research examines impact of coral bleaching on Western Australia's coastline Dark clouds on the horizon for tech companies in Britain Britain could become the first major world economy to impose a specific tax on tech giants, as international negotiations to overhaul analog-era global tax regulations drag on. The announcement was made in a budget speech on Monday by finance minister Philip Hammond, who said: "The UK has been leading attempts to deliver international corporate tax reform for the digital age. "A new global agreement is the best long-term solution. But progress is painfully slow. We cannot simply talk forever. "So we will now introduce a UK Digital Services Tax," Hammond added. Chancellor of the Exchequer Hammond said Britain would at the same time continue to engage with international partners to come up with a new global agreement, saying this was "the best long-term solution". Zuckerberg as Dracula The 2.0-percent tax levy on sales made by large digital companies in Britain would apply to search engines, social networks and e-commerce channels, the UK Treasury said. There has been public outrage over relatively low levels of tax paid in Britain by giants such as Amazon, Facebook and Google. Hammond said the tax would apply to companies with more than 500 million (561 million euros, $638 million) in global revenues and was expected to raise 400 million a year from 2022. The announcement in the week of Halloween prompted The Sun tabloid to report the news with photo-montage depicting Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg as Dracula. The paper said Hammond had "put the bite on tech giants sucking the lifeblood from British high streets". Experts have warned about the potential impact of the tax. "It's a very bold and surprising move," said Tej Parikh, a senior economist at the Institute of Directors, told the BBC. "There's always a risk you could hamper the competitiveness of the country," he said. 'Modernise tax rules' Some smaller economies have announced similar initiatives. Spain's socialist government earlier this month approved a tax on big internet companies as part of its 2019 budget, hoping to raise up to 1.2 billion euros ($1.4 billion) next year. The tax, which still requires parliamentary approval, will "modernise tax rules" for 21st-century businesses, Finance Minister Maria Jesus Montero told reporters following a weekly cabinet meeting. It calls for a 3.0 percent tax on online advertising, sales of user data and online platforms. The tax will be levied on companies with annual revenues of over 750 million euros worldwide, and at least 3.0 million in Spain. In Italy, a "web tax" of 3.0 percent was adopted by lawmakers last year but the new government has changed tack and said it prefers to wait for EU-wide regulation. Talks have been ongoing on a European level since March. The European Commission, the EU's executive arm, has proposed a 3.0 percent tax on tech giants while an international solution is being worked on by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. But the need for unanimity on an EU level makes progress difficult. Several countries are opposed to the project, most notably Ireland where several tech giants have their European bases. In Asia, Singapore has announced a digital tax but its effect is limited. India is also working on a tax on tech giants, while Malaysia is expected to unveil its own proposals on Friday. "In this complicated landscape, people have contradictory interests and therefore contradictory positions," said Pascal Saint-Amans, head of the OECD's tax policy and administration centre. 'Unfair treatment' A Europe-wide tax was originally called for by Germany during its presidency of the G20 starting in December 2016, Saint-Amans told AFP, but then US president Barack Obama refused to discuss it. Under President Donald Trump, the US administration has shown "active and engaged support" on the issue, he said. Saint-Amans said that "the global solution would be to change all tax regimes, including in the United States, China and Japan... to be able to tax a company that has no physical presence in your country". As the world waits, European tech companies like Spotify, Booking.com and Zalando have expressed serious concern about a possible EU tax in a letter to European finance ministers made public on Tuesday. They argued that big US tech firms could absorb the costs, while European ones would struggle, warning that a digital services tax "will have a disproportionate impact on European companies, resulting in unfair treatment". Explore further Spain backs new tax on internet giants in budget plan 2018 AFP Credit: Wake Forest University When the male bearded manakin snaps its wings at lightning speed, it's more than part of an elaborate, acrobatic mating ritual. The tiny muscle doing the heavy lifting is also the reason this exotic bird has evolved into four distinct species, according to new research published in the journal eLIFE by Wake Forest University biologist Matthew Fuxjager. Fuxjager's previous research showed that the tiny bearded manakin, which measures a little more than four inches long and weighs about half an ounce, has one of the fastest limb muscles of any vertebrate. During an elaborate courtship dance, it uses this muscle the scapulohumeralis caudalis to make a unique "roll-snap" movement at speeds so fast it's undetectable to the human eye. The roll-snap creates a mechanical popping sound when the wings connect above the back, all to catch the female's attention. Fuxjager's new study, "Physiological constraint on acrobatic courtship behavior underlies rapid sympatric speciation in bearded manakins," is funded by the National Science Foundation. The research team includes Wake Forest doctoral student Meredith Miles. Fuxjager, assistant professor of biology at Wake Forest and the study's principal investigator, looks at how the manakins shared a common ancestor 300,000 years ago, but then quickly split into four species: white-bearded manakins to golden-collared manakins, and then to white-collared and orange-collared manakins. The core goal of all his research is to understand how and why animals produce remarkable behaviors. Credit: Wake Forest University This study does something that others rarely if ever do: It examines not only how a small group of animals evolved, but also how they behave overall and how a specific muscle in these organisms performs. This three-pronged approach showed the researchers how muscle speed and performance influenced the split into four species. Fuxjager traveled to Panama and Costa Rica to measure how fast the manakin's scapulohumeralis caudalis expands and contracts when stimulated, and compared recordings of the manakin roll-snap sound display to note variations in speed and duration among species. The patterns show changes in physiology led to changes in behavior and then the evolution of four manakin species. The study of superfast muscles such as the bearded manakin's scapulohumeralis caudalis may inform research into how diseases such as ALS attack muscles in humans, Fuxjager said. "Humans are interested in motor control and muscle performance what makes a muscle fast, what makes it strong, and what might make it both fast and strong," he said. "Understanding how the super-performing muscle in this bird works could lead us to a better understanding of muscle diseases and how to treat them." More information: Meredith C Miles et al. Physiological constraint on acrobatic courtship behavior underlies rapid sympatric speciation in bearded manakins, eLife (2018). Journal information: eLife Meredith C Miles et al. Physiological constraint on acrobatic courtship behavior underlies rapid sympatric speciation in bearded manakins,(2018). DOI: 10.7554/eLife.40630 Katie Carmichael, assistant professor in the Virginia Tech Department of English. Credit: Virginia Tech New Orleans and wordstwo lifelong passions for Katie Carmichael, an assistant professor in the Virginia Tech Department of Englishare melding together through a National Science Foundation grant for collaborative research on post-Hurricane Katrina sociolinguistics. For years, the storm has been the epicenter of her research. When the news about the hurricane first reached Carmichael in August 2005, she was driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway to Northern Virginia to begin a yearlong study-abroad trip to France. Suddenly her phone began beeping with text and voice messages. Pulling over onto an overlook, she returned calls and learned about the storm's havoc on New Orleans, the city of her birth and home to Tulane University, where she was a junior at the time. Although Carmichael had grown up in the Mid-Atlantic, New Orleans, with its colorful history and culture, resonated with her. When she returned to the city for her senior year, she found it transformed. She quickly realized that the hurricane had changed more than the landscape; it had also changed where locals lived, with whom they interacted and, she suspected, the way they spoke. Even before the hurricane, Carmichael had decided to delve into sociolinguistics, the study of how society and culture influence words and speech patterns. "I've always been interested in language," she said, "and what the words you choose to speak reveal about you." And New Orleans interested her, not only because it was her birthplace and where she studied, but because of its unique linguistic phenomena. The city's history as a large port and a center of slave trade had brought together the languages and speech patterns of Creoles, African Americans, European Americans, and Latinos. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Carmichael's research has focused on understanding the deeper linguistic changes that occurred because of the storm. Thanks to the National Science Foundation grant, she will be able to define what the effects of displacement and migration have on language spoken in the city. With collaborator Nathalie Dajko, an assistant professor of anthropology and linguistics at Tulane, and a team of undergraduate researchers from both Virginia Tech and Tulane, Carmichael will interview 200 lifelong residents of different ethnic backgrounds and neighborhood origins to collect the largest and most diverse data sample ever assembled in the city. "Dr. Carmichael's team of undergraduate researchers will work with her in the Virginia Tech Speech Lab," said Bernice Hausman, chair of the Department of English. "While exploring the dynamic changes in New Orleans speech patterns, the students will develop their skills in linguistic analysis and gain insights into the research process." After the hurricane, the city depopulated for a month, and places once delineated by ethnicities and cultural groups emptied. As the city repopulated and recovered, it redefined itself. Gentrification of flood-resistant areas that had once housed lower-income populations changed the culture of each location. With a lack of employment or permanent shelter, many did not return to New Orleans. Although redevelopment in favor of wealthier landowners was a trend in the city before the storm, the hurricane sped these changes, creating lasting displacement and a mass diaspora for many lifelong residents. New cultures arrived in the city, bringing new language patterns and cultural ideals. "This is what I want to study linguistically," Carmichael said. "You have these sociopolitical effects felt by all walks of life in New Orleans." Carmichael's research will explore the social factors that affect language practices. She said divisions between old and new populations are now prevalent, and when these occur, society tends to view certain types of language as more authentic than others. One component of the grant will involve an outreach project that enables the people of New Orleans to characterize their language in their own words and describe what it means to use different phrases and ways of speaking in relation to their personal identities. Their narratives will be captured on a website, and Carmichael will use their stories as part of dialect-awareness presentations she will deliver in the New Orleans school system. "We want people to value the diversity and linguistic expression as part of cultural identity," she said. "Our hope is that if we can talk to younger New Orleanians to instill a sense of pride and identity, we can help turn the tide of creating a valued space for these ways of speaking." Provided by Virginia Tech 00:03 From Dhritarashtra to Duryodhana, each character from the epic Mahabharata is "alive" today, former president Pranab Mukherjee said on Tuesday, even as he hailed Draupadi as a woman of immense substance who possessed inner strength to speak out against "insults and injustice". He was addressing a gathering after the launch of the book "Draupadi and Her Pancala: Re-asserting Their Place in History" at the National Museum in New Delhi. The book has over 20 scholarly pieces on her. Draupadi, one of the most iconic female characters in the Mahabharata, was the daughter of Drupada, ruler of ancient kingdom of Panchala. Mukherjee hailed the character of Draupadi for her qualities and said she is ever relevant today and it was time to recognise and honour this woman of "immense substance". "Nearly all papers bring out her inner strength, challenging all odds, fighting adversity with dignity. And therein lies her inner strength as a woman, which tells her to speak out against insults and injustice," he said. Draupadi's actions and reactions emphasise the place of women in society, another issue that is ever relevant in today's world, he said. "In fact, each character in Mahabharata is as alive today as it was during the period when it happened. You just have to look around in society and you will find a Dhritarashtra, a Duryodhana, a Shakuni, but there will always be one Draupadi, raising voice for justice," Mukherjee said. "We must all give our unending eternal support to her," he said. Dhritarashtra, Duryodhana and Shakuni are among the most well-known characters from the ancient epic. Dhritarashtra is the blind mythical character, who is the king of the Kuru Kingdom, who had hundred sons, including Duryodhana, the eldest of the Kauravas. Shakuni, maternal uncle of Duryodhana, is an extremely intelligent but devious man, as portrayed in the epic. The former president said many people seem to be lost in the misconception and misinterpretation of the 'real Draupadi'. "Today's society needs to know about the real Draupadi and learn from her intellectual and devotional strength. Draupadi is ever relevant and it is time, we recognise and honour this woman of immense substance," he said. Mukherjee also described how Lord Krishna, was Draupadi's "friend, spiritual master and guide" and gave her energy to raise her voice not only to "overcome her trials, but speak up against gender discrimination and all sorts of injustice". He said scholars of various different disciplines have combined work, tracing from the Rig Vedic time to medieval time period, to post-modern period, and "puts her on a pedestal on which she truly belongs". -- PTI Sumo wrestler Takanoiwa has withdrawn a damages suit against former yokozuna Harumafuji, claiming he can no longer tolerate harassment of his family by his fellow Mongolians. Takanoiwa filed suit with the Tokyo District Court demanding about 213,000 dollars from Harumafuji, who is also from Mongolia. Harumafuji hit Takanoiwa with a karaoke machine remote control a year ago in a city in western Japan, causing injuries that required a hospital stay. But the wrestler dropped the suit on Tuesday, according to his lawyer. The lawyer explained that Takanoiwa's family in Mongolia has been subject to harassment far beyond imagination, and that the wrestler wants them to be able to live peacefully. Takanoiwa issued a statement saying he has decided to pay his own medical expenses and that he will now focus on sumo. South Koreaas Supreme Court ordered a Japanese steelmaker on Tuesday to compensate Korean men forced to toil in its factory for Japanas World War II efforts, a landmark ruling that threatened to intensify friction between Americaas two key allies in Asia. The judges upheld a lower-court ruling that Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal must pay 100 million won, or about $88,700, to each of four South Korean men who said they were subject to forced labor for the company between 1941 and 1943. Korea was a Japanese colony from 1910 until Japanas surrender in 1945. The case has been closely followed in both South Korea and Japan, which have been locked in highly sensitive territorial and other disputes rooted in the colonial era. Japan insists that all matters concerning allegations of forced labor were settled under agreements that established bilateral diplomatic ties in 1965. But on Tuesday, the South Korean court ruled that those deals should not impede individual victimsa right to seek redress. If the Japanese company refuses to pay the compensation, the plaintiffs and their families could ask local courts to seize its assets in South Korea. The verdict could also open the floodgates for other victims and their families to file class-action lawsuits against Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal and other Japanese companies accused of capitalizing on forced labor. 26 minutes ago US rests its case against fallen tech star Elizabeth Holmes SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) The government rested its case Friday in the trial of fallen Silicon Valley star Elizabeth Holmes after spending more than two months trying to prove she bamboozled investors and patients into believing that her startup, Theranos, would reshape health care. Holmes and her team of lawyers now have the opportunity to counter evidence introduced by prosecutors that cast her as a greedy, fame-obsessed swindler. Read Article In a blog post released this morning, Coinbase has announced that it has raised $300 million in its latest funding round at a valuation of $8 billion. The equity raise, led by Tiger Global Management, with participation from Y Combinator Continuity, Wellington Management, Andreessen Horowitz, Polychain and others, is its first since 2017. The announcement noted that the company will be using the funds to accelerate adoption, expand their crypto offerings, build new utility applications for the space, and make it easier for institutions to participate. Asiff Hirji, President and COO of Coinbase explained in the post, We see tremendous promise in crypto to build the next great phase of the internet (often referred to as Web 3), which has the power to put control back in the hands of consumers, unleash a new era of innovation, and offer greater access to economic opportunities to more people around the world. Hirji added, We see Coinbases growth as validation that the ecosystem will only continue to grow in size, influence and impact??ultimately ushering in a more open financial system for the world. Fortune also hinted at another potential fundraising round which would offer an additional $200 million or more in common stock. Fortunes source explained, however, that round would be used specifically to allow employees and early investors to cash in their shares and would not contribute to the overcall capital raised by the company. Is Coinbase really preparing to go public? The cash raise reinforces rumors of Coinbases intentions of going public with an $8 billion valuation recently teased by CNBCs Ran Neuner. Though Coinbase has not confirmed idea of an IPO, moves into the institutional space, including its high-profile acquisition of Keystone Capital, which allowed the company to become a regulated broker, suggest the company is getting particularly serious about participating in Wall Street happenings. Additionally, Coinbase is poised to post over $1.3 billion in revenue in 2018, according to documents reviewed by Bloomberg, placing it among some of the worlds top startups. Though the company is set to post only $90 billion in revenue in the third quarter, it is aiming to wrap up the year with a strong finish, estimating that 80 percent of the revenue will come from consumers, 15 percent from institutional clients and 5 percent from undisclosed sources. Its not the first round of rumors of a Coinbase IPO, either. Last December, Asiff Hirji noted, It is certainly in the interest of our investorsand the most obvious path of Coinbase is to go public at some point, but theres a lot for us to do between now and then, whenever that date is. So, I guess the real question here is: has Coinbase done what they needed to do to go public? By Michael Kern via Crypto Insider More Top Reads From Safehaven.com: Trumps new 11th hour mid-term election rallying cry is again taxes, and this time its a deal for those who were left out of the last bonanzathe middle class. But the vague plan is being criticized as a fake, pre-election stunt at worst; and at best, something that could only happen next year, and only if Republicans maintain control Congress. Details on the proposed tax cut part two are lacking, other than to say that middle-income families could get a 10-percent tax break. Of course, if the plan is to cut 10 percent from a specific income bracket, the wealthy will also benefit due to the graduated scale. In Trumps quest to win over middle-class Americans who have not presented themselves as grateful for the first tax cuts that largely benefited corporates and the wealthy, he has likely overstepped by suggesting that Congress would pass this right away. As the New York Times noted, Congress isnt in session until after mid-term elections, and the cat has since been let out on the bag on this one. This tax cut proposal may buy some votes, but its far less likely to see the light of day anytime soon. Republicans themselves were taken by surprise with Trumps sudden announcement that there would be a major tax cut for middle-income people come November. Now the GOP is trying to play catch up and figure out what the details of that promise might entail. Even the GOP knows this isnt going to happen unless the Republicans retain control of the House and Senate. As the Huffington Post noted, Kevin Brady (R-Texas), chairman of the House Ways and Means, stated on Tuesday last week that his tax-writing committee would continue to work on the tax plan to be advanced as Republicans retain the House and Senate. Related: Will Gold Benefit As Rome And Brussels Face Off? In other words, no tax plan is expected if the Republicans do not retain the House and Senate, and at this point that is highly uncertain. Brady, who is the leading lawmaker on taxes for the U.S. House of Representatives, told media Sunday that Trumps new tax cut plan was unlikely to get any attention from Congress this year. More to the point, its unlikely to see any action at all if Republicans failed to keep their majority in mid-term elections. Really common sense tells you that this (Trumps new tax cut plan) is something, that as the Republicans retain the House and the Senate, that will advance in the new Congress, Representative Kevin Brady said on Fox News, as reported by Reuters. Greg Valliere, chief global strategist at Horizon Investments, told Business Insider that the new tax cut plan was the height of cynicism, promising more candy ahead of an election. Similarly, Business Insider cited Compass Point policy analyst Isaac Boltansky as calling Trumps move political theater that wouldnt make it on Broadway as it lacks specificity. The rollout was shambolic, he said, and we knew how it would end the minute it began. Its a tough askeven of Republicans--at a time when growing federal debt is looming large, having hit over $21 trillion, with a deficit thats risen 17 percent for the fiscal year ending September 20th, reaching $779 billion. Thats the highest level since 2012, despite a growing economy. By Fred Dunkley for Safehaven.com More Top Reads From Safehaven.com: Santa Ynez Valley Jewish Community has named Oren Postrel as its new rabbi after the death of Rabbi Lawrence Raphael on March 17, a leader who members say brought a lifetime of teaching and wisdom to the community. Though the Jewish Community has been unable to maintain a full-time rabbi due its smaller sized congregation, they have arranged for the rabbi to visit one weekend a month to lead Sabbath services, teach adult education, and preside over other pastoral duties. "Who Locked Us Up? Examining the Social Meaning of Black Punitiveness" | Main | Plea waivers and ineffectiveness of counsel for failing to appeal come to SCOTUS in Garza v. Idaho October 30, 2018 FAMM laments problems in federal prisons while urging Prez Trump to new head for Bureau of Prisons As detailed in this press release, FAMM President Kevin Ring has now sent this letter to President Trump urging him to appoint a director of for the US Bureau of Prisons ASAP. Here is how this latter gets started: I write today to urge you to appoint a reform-minded individual to serve as Director of the U.S. Bureau of Prisons (BOP) as soon as possible. The BOP has been without a permanent director since General Mark Inchs resignation from the post in May of this year. The void in consistent leadership has caused and exacerbated numerous problems throughout the federal prison system, for both staff and those in custody. FAMM is in contact with over 35,000 federal prisoners and their family members on a regular basis. Through our correspondence, we have learned of continual problems plaguing the BOPs programs and operations. We hear frequently from prisoners and their families about the lack of adequate medical care or medical attention when requested. We continue to hear about lastminute reductions in halfway house time and continued underutilization of home confinement for low-risk individuals. We have seen the BOP routinely neglect its role in identifying eligible candidates for the federal compassionate release program, which would allow the courts to consider resentencing terminally ill or elderly prisoners. We have also learned of several BOP facilities instituting questionable and problematic policies regarding family visits and limiting prisoner access to mail from their loved ones as well as access to books. Because education and strong family ties are proven to help in the rehabilitation of prisoners, these policies pose a significant threat to successful rehabilitation and should be reversed under new leadership. October 30, 2018 at 01:11 AM | Permalink Comments Post a comment FAMM laments problems in federal prisons while urging Prez Trump to new head for Bureau of Prisons | Main | South Dakota completes execution of prison guard murderer who relinquished appeals October 30, 2018 Plea waivers and ineffectiveness of counsel for failing to appeal come to SCOTUS in Garza v. Idaho The Supreme Court will hear argument today in Garza v. Idaho, which presents this criminal procedure question about the application of ineffective assistance of counsel: "Whether the 'presumption of prejudice' recognized in Roe v. Flores-Ortega applies when a criminal defendant instructs his trial counsel to file a notice of appeal but trial counsel decides not to do so because the defendants plea agreement included an appeal waiver." Over at SCOTUSblog, Even Lee has this extended preview under the heading "Can a criminal defense lawyer refuse to file an appeal from a guilty plea because of an appeal waiver?" and here is how it starts and a bit of its noting of some broader implications: The last few decades have seen a sharp rise in the number of plea bargains. The Supreme Court itself has estimated that 97 percent of federal prosecutions and 94 percent of state prosecutions end in plea bargains. This increase in negotiated guilty pleas has accelerated a seeming anomaly appeals from guilty pleas. In turn, prosecutors now commonly insist on the inclusion of appeal waivers in plea agreements. This chain of developments, roughly speaking, has led the U.S. Supreme Court to Garza v. Idaho, which it will hear on October 30. When a defendants trial lawyer fails to file an appeal as the client has instructed on the ground that the plea agreement included an appeal waiver, must the defendant demonstrate prejudice in order to make out a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel? Since the Supreme Courts 2000 decision in Roe v. Flores-Ortega, prejudice has been presumed when a lawyer has failed to file an appeal as directed by the client. But Flores-Ortega, now almost two decades old, did not involve an appeal waiver. Garza gives the court an opportunity to address this situation.... The big policy question that underlies this case is to what degree the courts will enforce appeal waivers. A pronouncement in favor of the broad, if not absolute, enforceability of such waivers would promote the smooth functioning of plea bargaining as the principal method of keeping criminal caseloads under control. On the other hand, every Supreme Court decision allowing a defendant to appeal despite an apparent waiver throws an element of doubt into the plea bargaining market, as it were. Prosecutors arent sure exactly what they are getting in exchange for lighter sentences. Not everybody wants the plea-bargaining market to function smoothly, though. In its amicus brief, the libertarian Cato Institute warns that the mushrooming institution of plea bargaining threatens defendants effective rights to trial under the Sixth Amendment. It argues that allowing attorneys to ignore client instructions to appeal undermines client autonomy as enshrined in the criminal procedure portions of the Bill of Rights. October 30, 2018 at 01:22 AM | Permalink Comments I do see the failure to file the paperwork saying the attorney won't do any more work because there is no appealible issue being deficient performance but I would think Garza would still lose on the prejudice prong of Strickland. And Strickland requires both before relief can be granted. Posted by: Soronel Haetir | Oct 30, 2018 4:51:28 PM "Prosecutors arent sure exactly what they are getting in exchange for lighter sentences." I found this startling. Do prosecutors actually reduce sentences simply and for no other reason than a waiver of appeal? Why? That doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me. As a normative matter, I don't see the argument as to why that should be an outcome that prosecutors should bargain for. Posted by: Humma | Oct 30, 2018 8:48:15 PM Appeal waivers make the plea process far more regular by freeing the prosecutor's office from needing to continue dealing with a case. I doubt it is anything like "we'll take another six months off if you agree to the waiver", it's more like "Any deal is going to include an appeal waiver, you could always take your chances at trial" Posted by: Soronel Haetir | Oct 30, 2018 9:42:58 PM Post a comment South Dakota completes execution of prison guard murderer who relinquished appeals | Main | "Prisoners of Fate: The Challenges of Creating Change for Children of Incarcerated Parents" October 30, 2018 Terrific review of all the criminal justice reforms stories in the 2018 midterm election It is now just a week until Election Day 2018, and everyone should feel a significant responsibility to vote and to encourage everyone they know to vote. (I have long thought we ought to have many more elections and much more voting in the US, but that it a topic for a different post.) Over at Vox, German Lopez has this great extended review of all the notable and different initiatives and candidates on the ballot that could have an impact on local, state and national criminal justice systems. The extended piece is fully headlined "How 2018 voters could change Americas criminal justice system: From marijuana to crime victims rights to prosecutors, the 2018 elections will be big for criminal justice." Here is how the piece gets started and some of its headings that follow: From ballot initiatives to local elections to the state and federal races, the 2018 midterm elections will give voters an opportunity to define the system charged with arresting, prosecuting, and incarcerating people in America. These races usually do not get the attention they deserve, especially state and local elections and particularly races for prosecutors. But they are tremendously important: Despite all the attention that goes to the federal system, the great majority of criminal justice work is done at the local and state level, where Americas police departments operate and most of the people in prison are locked up. A criminal justice reform movement, galvanized by Black Lives Matter, civil rights issues, and prison spendings strain on government budgets, has already led to some changes in recent years, from reforming prisons and police to reducing criminal penalties for certain crimes. The 2018 midterms offer an opportunity to continue the momentum behind criminal justice reform. Here are some of the most pressing criminal justice issues on the ballot this November, covering debates over the war on drugs, mass incarceration, policing, crime victims rights, and more. Criminal justice issues on the ballot in six states... Marijuana legalization in Michigan and North Dakota, and medical pot in Utah and Missouri.... Marsys Law, a crime victims bill of rights, is on the ballot in six states... Prosecutor elections: maybe the most important contests in criminal justice... Prosecutors are driving mass incarceration... Other local and state races will be a big deal too This Vox piece has lots and lots of links to all the initiatives and other races and related points in the piece. Read the whole thing and click through (and share views in the comments on what you consider the most important or consequential matters or people on the ballot). And for another (more visual) view on all these matters, the folks at The Appeal political report have these terrific maps on these election matters: October 30, 2018 at 11:16 AM | Permalink Comments Historic vote for Louisiana on Nov. 6th! https://www.unanimousjury.org/yes-on-2/ Posted by: ashleigh dowden | Oct 30, 2018 5:42:10 PM Historic vote in louisiana on nov. 6th We demand a unanimous jury to convict noncapital offenses https://www.unanimousjury.org/yes-on-2/ Posted by: ashleigh dowden | Oct 30, 2018 5:43:59 PM Post a comment FILE PHOTO: Sri Lanka's President Maithripala Sirisena listens to a speech during a Parliament session marking the 70th anniversary of Sri Lanka's Government, in Colombo FILE PHOTO: Sri Lanka's President Maithripala Sirisena listens to a speech during a Parliament session marking the 70th anniversary of Sri Lanka's Government, in Colombo, Sri Lanka October 3, 2017. REUTERS/Dinuka Liyanawatte/File Photo By Shihar Aneez and Abhirup Roy COLOMBO/MUMBAI (Reuters) - A decision by Sri Lanka's president to fire the prime minister has raised doubts among global investors and credit analysts about the near-term economic health of a country already grappling with slow growth and a falling currency. Among key concerns for investors are Sri Lanka's ability to repay its massive external debt amid the reduced likelihood of continued economic reforms. President Maithripala Sirisena sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and swore in ex-president Mahinda Rajapaksa to replace him, plunging the country into turmoil. Wickremesinghe said his sacking was illegal and he maintained that he was still prime minister and had the support of a majority of members of parliament. Rajapaksa, meanwhile, assumed his duties at the prime minister's office. "The ability to execute reforms could slow down given the political developments and the fact that presidential elections are due by the end of 2019, which would be negative for Sri Lankan assets," DBS analysts said in a note on Monday. According to DBS, Sri Lanka, which relies on foreign support, has debts of $15 billion maturing between 2019 and 2022. Debt service costs are also set to rise given the lower currency, according to a report by Morgan Stanley. India and western countries have expressed concern about Rajapaksa's ties to China, as he ushered in billions of dollars of investments from Beijing during his tenure as president, to help rebuild the country after a 26-year civil war against ethnic Tamil separatists ended in 2009. Those investments have put the country deep in debt and forced it to hand over control of a strategic southern port to China. Credit rating agency Moody's said policy uncertainty could hurt investor sentiments and make it difficult for the country to refinance debt that comes due in early 2019 at an affordable rate. "The current political crisis in Sri Lanka is credit negative for the sovereign," said Matthew Circosta, an analyst with Moody's Sovereign Risk Group. Story continues "And at a time when global financial markets are turbulent, uncertainty about the direction of future policy could have a large and lasting negative impact on international investor confidence." DROUGHTS AND FLOODS Tight monetary and fiscal conditions and a farm sector that has faced a spate of difficult weather - including both droughts and floods - has led to the island nation's stuttering economic growth that fell to a 16-year low of 3.3 percent last year. This month, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) revised down its projection for 2018 economic growth to under 4 percent, from June's forecast of 4 percent. Following a review of Sri Lanka's economic programme supported by a three-year $1.5 billion loan, IMF mission chief Manuela Goretti said given significant vulnerabilities, reforms needed to accelerate to strengthen the economy's resilience. In recent years, the country has introduced tax reforms, financial discipline in government institutions, reforms of loss-making state-owned enterprises, and adopted a fuel price formula that is adjusted monthly. However, Nomura, in a note last month, said Sri Lanka was most at risk of a currency crisis among the 30 countries it covered given its large refinancing needs due to high short-term debt and modest foreign-exchange reserves. On Monday, the Sri Lankan rupee slumped to a record low of 174.30 per dollar. It ended at 173.75/90 per dollar on Monday, compared with its previous close of 173.05/20. The currency has weakened 12.8 percent so far this year, Refinitiv Eikon data shows. Last month, Sri Lanka imposed a raft of measures to restrict imports with immediate effect in an effort to curb dollar outflows and take pressure off the rupee. But with the unfolding political crisis, market sources said traders were bringing their dollar trades forward by purchasing the greenback expecting a further fall in the rupee. ($1 = 173.4000 Sri Lankan rupees) (Editing by Martin Howell and Matthew Mpoke Bigg) On Monday, it was announced that Indonesian ride-hailing platform Go-Jek had just opened a pre-registration portal to attract drivers in Singapore. In a statement, the company explained that individuals who sign up will have the opportunity to be among Go-Jeks first driver-partners in Singapore. Theres already been buzz about the Grab competitor debuting on our shores its just a matter of when. According to The Straits Times, the Jakarta-based start-up is believed to have set its launch date for late November. Go-Jek also revealed that those who toss their names onto the list will get notifications from the firm with information on how to apply to join when the app comes to Singapore. There has been a huge amount of driver interest here in Singapore and we are pleased to take this important first step toward driver recruitment, a spokesman said, adding that the portal is the only official avenue for drivers to indicate their pre-registration interest. In light of this, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) will be reviewing regulations for the private transport sector, Channel NewsAsia reported. This inspection will be completed by mid-2019, after ensuring that drivers have the freedom to choose their employers, new operators have lesser entry barriers, and commuters have more transport options, LTA said. Merely one day after the launch, thousands of drivers have already registered on the portal, a Go-Jek spokesperson told The New Paper. No exact numbers were revealed, but apparently feedback has been positive and there is a great deal of anticipation ahead of [Go-Jeks] arrival, the company said. Just this month, the Singapore Private Hire Car Drivers & Riders Community on Facebook created a poll to ask drivers whether they would remain with Grab or make the jump to Go-Jek. Out of 1,300 votes, 86 percent declared they would move over. Screengrab from Singapore Private Hire Car Drivers & Riders Communitys Facebook page Looks like the ride-hailing war is back on. But it remains to be seen whether Go-Jek can scoop up a lasting share of the market or end up retreating like Uber. The post Apparently, thousands of drivers have already registered with Go-Jek before its Singapore launch appeared first on Coconuts. Beijing tells liaison officials in Hong Kong to learn Cantonese and develop better connection with citys residents More than 200 non-Cantonese speaking officials in Beijings office in Hong Kong have been studying to master the language, on the instruction of Chinese Vice-Premier Han Zheng. A source told the Post that Zheng, who is the top official responsible for affairs in Hong Kong and Macau, pushed for the training so staff could better connect with the citys residents. Wang Zhimin, director of the central governments liaison office in Hong Kong, has been trying to set a good example for the other members of the office. The source said that when the director first arrived in the city from Fujian he did not speak any Cantonese, but he had been trying very hard to learn, and now his command of Cantonese is pretty good. Hong Kong Academy of Management undertook the task of teaching the officials Cantonese, with most classes taking place after regular office hours. According to the source, most officials were very enthusiastic and keen to learn, and with a high attendance rate staff members were passing with good grades. The source said while officials spoke with their own accents, at least we can understand what they are saying. Besides the late night courses, the liaison office has been trying other means to improve the teams Cantonese by organising volunteer events, such as cleaning up Heng Fa Chuen, and Silverstrand beach after Typhoon Mangkhut. The activities provided an opportunity for officials to mingle with the public, so they could practise their Cantonese. This article Beijing tells liaison officials in Hong Kong to learn Cantonese and develop better connection with citys residents first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2018. Every lightning-fast news cycle highlights the turmoil and tension of our current age. Cultures are clashing both in Europe and in the United States as refugees from the Middle East and Central America seek asylum. Americans are deeply polarized. Political dialogue has become toxic. Sometimes the very foundations of a free and open society are met with deep skepticism in the popular media and throughout the larger culture. In order to address these significant issues, the Acton Institute is hosting Crisis in the Public Square, a free two-day international conference at the Institutes headquarters in Grand Rapids, MI. (The event will also be available via livestream for those who cannot attend in person.) This conference will draw upon the work of Abraham Kuyper, the Dutch politician, educator, and theologian to present possible solutions for rediscovering civic virtue and building a society in which all may flourish. Why Kuyper? What does he have to offer to the twenty first century? Kuyper was one of the early proponents of utilizing the concept of a Christian worldview. Kuyper famously said, There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry: Mine!' In this quotation, we hear answers or suggestions of answers to five important questions: Where are we? In Gods world, a creation, claimed by Christ. Who are we? Those who are claimed by Christ. What is wrong? The world and we assert an illusory autonomy. What is the remedy? Recognizing and embracing Christs lordship over all of life. What time is it? It is time to do Christs work in his world, to be the functioning body of Christ. This way of understanding Abraham Kuypers concept of a worldview is exceptionally helpful place to start in addressing the significant challenges of our time. Kuyper provides us a framework that encourages us to have an expansive Christian vision and encourages us towards cultural engagement and transformation. Sometimes it is helpful to employ additional metaphors when thinking about Kuypers worldview concept. For instance, we might use the notion of a picture that always keeps God in the frame, succumbing neither to naturalism (ignoring God altogether in our thinking about contemporary challenges) or to a God-of-the-gaps mentality that brings in God as an explanation, or invokes his mystery, when all other explanations fail. On the evening of November 5, as part of the broader conference, the Acton Institute will confer the Novak Award and its $15,000 prize to the Brazilian academic Prof. Lucas G. Freire of the Center for Economic Freedom at Mackenzie Presbyterian University in Sao Paolo, Brazil. In the annual Calihan Lecture, Professor Freire will speak to the important role churches and intermediary institutions play in promoting free markets and free societies. Thanks to a generous donor, this event including meals and parking is free. Join the Acton Institute in person or via livestream for this exciting conference on November 5 and 6, 2018. Additional information and registration is available here: acton.org/kuyperconf. Melvin Flikkema contributed to this post. Police say that around 10:45 p.m., they received a call that multiple people had been shot at a McDonald's restaurant after an armed man wearing a mask entered the restaurant, WIAT reports. She said she then heard two more shots. Police said the father and his sons were leaving the restaurant as the manager was closing for the night when the masked man burst inside and started shooting. The father and one of his sons were hit in the shooting and sustained injuries that were not-life-threatening. Markus Washington, one of the McDonald's employees who was in the store during the attack, told WBRC that he ran and hid in the freezer as shots rang out. The unidentified gunman later died of his injuries, while the injuries to the father and his son "were not considered life-threatening". "He's looking for us". "We just have to work together and try to find a solution to our issues without resorting to violence." "Right now it appears the victim made a decision that cost his life and the father made a decision that preserved his and children's' life, " Birmingham police spokesman Sgt. Bryan Shelton told AL.com. "We might not be here having this interview", Washington told WBRC. Authorities are working to determine if the gunman meant to rob the restaurant, was targeting an employee or planned something more nefarious. Washington added he was thankful the armed customer was there. "Because I can only imagine how it would've went if he wasn't armed". The father is not expected to face charges, police said. "Things like this are hard for both families. It's a really heartwrenching experience". Olive farmer Andreas Fotiou steered carefully along a dusty lane in southwest Cyprus, en route from his village to nearby groves -- locations that could have clashing trade regimes, post-Brexit. He fears he could lose out on vital EU subsidies, and even be forced to pay crippling tariffs, if London and Brussels fail to finalise a withdrawal agreement or trade deal. Fotiou is one of thousands of Cypriot farmers who work on British military bases, part of Britain's sovereign territory, and which sprawl over about three percent of the Mediterranean island. "If the UK leaves the EU on bad terms... (it) spells disaster for the communities that are on the British bases," said the 54-year-old. "We cannot afford to pay extra taxes," he added, amid uncertainty about tariffs that generally apply when produce is imported from so-called "third party countries" into EU territory. The European Commission's online trade and customs database flags duties of 15.2 percent for olive imports from nations outside the EU with no agreed trade deals. Historically, relations between local farmers and the British military have been "excellent", Fotiou said, standing in the shade of an olive tree. "When there are problems we sit at the table and solve it on the spot." But "no one has informed us what will happen after Brexit, what the status will be," he added. His picturesque village of Avdimou borders Akrotiri -- one of two military bases Britain kept on the island after Cyprus gained independence in 1960. The other, Dhekelia, is in the east. Olives, grapes and potatoes are key crops on extended non-militarised stretches of these British sovereign territories, while farmers also keep livestock. Fellow villager Constantina Pieroua, who grazes 600 sheep on Akrotiri, said she is stressed about the future. "A lot of farmers are afraid. Our farm is on the base and maybe we don't have a job after Brexit it is a dangerous situation for us," the 41-year-old said. - Cyprus protocol 'developed' - The farmers' sense of insecurity is compounded by losing their original lands after Turkeys 1974 invasion of Cyprus, which came in response to a Greece-sponsored military coup. Displaced from what is now the Turkish-occupied northern third of the island, Fotiou and Pieroua said their families were among some 1,000 people re-homed in Avdimou, many of whom came to farm on Akrotiri base. Negotiations between London and Brussels over an EU withdrawal agreement have been running parallel to talks between Britain and Cyprus, which joined the EU in 2004, on an annex to the main exit deal. Prime Minister Theresa May told parliament last week that the Cypriot protocol has now been "developed". But the European Commission has long maintained that "nothing is agreed until everything is agreed", indicating that the Cyprus protocol would be inapplicable if ongoing negotiations over the wider UK-EU withdrawal deal fail. Cyprus's foreign ministry told AFP "the rights and interests of Cypriots residing in the bases should and will be safeguarded", even if there is no withdrawal agreement. Cyprus has "plans for addressing all scenarios", the ministry said in a statement to AFP. It cited the former British colony's 1960 Treaty of Establishment, which stipulates that there be no customs barriers between the bases and the Republic of Cyprus. - Legal ambiguities - But others point to uncertainties surrounding Cypriot, EU and world trade law. One legal expert who has followed the Cypriot negotiations closely said "the scenario of farmers paying tariffs cannot be ruled out". The laws of the EU's Customs Union apply on the bases, but a key UK parliamentary committee has warned that arrangement will lapse after Brexit. "Goods will no longer be able to flow freely" between the bases and the Republic of Cyprus, the European Scrutiny Committee said in July. "Instead, EU law will require Cyprus to apply customs and regulatory controls on crossing between the two for the first time," it added. There have also been reports that the passage of British military supplies through Cyprus and onto the sovereign bases could be compromised by a no-deal Brexit. The London daily The Times said in August that British officials had concluded they would need to extend a small existing port on Akrotiri significantly, to avoid complications at Cypriot ports. But one analyst told AFP that under a no-deal scenario, the EU would be likely to agree exemptions. The bases fall under "security cooperation, which both the UK and the EU agree should remain largely unaffected irrespective of future arrangements", said Kit Nicholl, a security analyst for IHS Markit in London. Britain's Ministry of Defence said "constructive discussions" had taken place with Cyprus "to safeguard the effective military functioning of the bases, and minimise disruption and uncertainty for citizens, businesses, and residents". "We look forward to working with the Republic of Cyprus and our European partners to build an enduring and mutually beneficial future relationship," a spokesman said in comments emailed to AFP. About 880,000 households living in HDB flats here will get the next instalment of the GST Voucher Utilities-Save (U-Save) rebate this month, announced the Ministry on Finance on Monday (2 October)... HDB resale prices could slide by up to 2.0% this year. There could be severe political ramifications if the Singapore government fails to adequately address the downtrend in the prices of HDB resale flats and the loss of their value as the lease dwindles, reported Bloomberg recently. The government has to walk a tight rope on this, said ZACD Group research head and executive director Nicholas Mak, who expects HDB resale prices to slide by 1.0 percent or 2.0 percent for the whole of 2018. Find HDB flats for sale or read our HDB guides and BTO guides The authorities can neither extend the leases of HDB flats for free nor let prices of such properties fall too much, he explained, as its impact on the wealth of homeowners could have serious political consequences. Cushman & Wakefield also thinks that the fall in values would not only dampen public sentiment, but could also negatively affect demand for private homes as fewer HDB flat dwellers will feel comfortable enough to upgrade to private condos. Previously, an HDB flat purchased for around $72,500 in 1985 is now selling for about six times that amount, translating to annual compounded price growth of 5.6 percent. However, the value of HDB resale flats has been declining, while that for private residential properties has recovered in the last five quarters. This has resulted in a price gap of 13.8 percent, or the biggest in over 10 years. Latest data published last Friday (26 Oct) by the Housing Board also shows that the HDB resale price index slid 0.1 percent quarter-on-quarter in Q3 2018. This took place even though the number of resale transactions rose 18.9 percent quarter-on-quarter and 21.6 year-on-year to 7,063 cases. Nonetheless, the government is carrying out measures to tackle this issue. Among them is the Voluntary Early Redevelopment Scheme (VERS), which will allow homeowners to vote on whether to sell their HDB flats to the government once the age of their block hits 70 years before the 99-year lease ends. However, Credit Suisse said VERS wont be implemented for another 20 years and wont apply to all HDB flats. Story continues Meanwhile, the Housing Board announced that it will offer around 3,800 Build-To-Order (BTO) flats in Yishun, Tengah, Tampines, Sengkang and Sembawang next month. It will also hold a concurrent sale of balance flats. In particular, those buying BTO flats in Yishun, Sengkang and Sembawang will have a shorter waiting time of 2.5 years instead of the usual three to four years. Can you afford an HDB flat? Check your affordability now. Romesh Navaratnarajah, Senior Editor at PropertyGuru, edited this story. To contact him about this or other stories, email romesh@propertyguru.com.sg Cathay Pacific Airways is facing its first collective legal action in the wake of a massive data breach after about 200 customers expressed their intention to make claims over the leak, the Post has learned. Hong Kongs flagship carrier is also under tight scrutiny by the local government, with acting chief executive Matthew Cheung Kin-chung threatening on Tuesday to punish the airline if it failed to cooperate with the citys privacy watchdog. Cathay Pacific divulged last Wednesday that in what the privacy commission described as Hong Kongs largest scale of data leak so far personal details belonging to 9.4 million customers had been illegally accessed. The revelation came months after the breach was discovered in March and confirmed in early May. Cheung, who spoke before chairing Tuesdays Executive Council meeting on behalf of Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, said the government was highly concerned about the breach. If Cathay Pacific is not cooperative, the [privacy] commissioner is entitled to take legal action under the ordinance, which carries penalties, he said. [Cathay] has to obey the instructions and fully cooperate with our investigation. On Monday, Privacy Commissioner Stephen Wong Kai-yi accused the airline of ignoring the watchdogs request for information six days after the leak was made public. Cheung said both the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data and the police force had looked into the matter, and time should be allowed for the investigation at this stage. A Cathay Pacific spokeswoman said the airline had notified police and the privacy commissioners office about the incident. "We are cooperating and will continue to cooperate with the authorities in their investigation," she said. Following a police search for evidence at Cathay Pacifics headquarters in Chek Lap Kok on Monday, the Post learned that about 200 customers had expressed their intention to make a claim against the airline. Story continues They are mainly from Hong Kong, some from mainland China and some from the United Kingdom, Tom Goodhead, a partner and barrister at SPG Law, said in an email reply to questions from the Post. The law firm set up a compensation website on October 25 after Cathay Pacific disclosed that data from 9.4 million passengers had been leaked, including names, passport numbers, ID numbers, travel history and credit card numbers. Goodhead earlier told the Post that the firm would file multiple, separate actions and then seek to reach settlement with Cathay. The group action planned in Britain would be restricted to European Union residents. On the website, the firm said the claimants had a right to compensation from Cathay Pacific for the data leak under Article 82 of the European Union General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). For other claimants, like those in Hong Kong and mainland China, Goodhead said the firm would file separately in the Netherlands, which provides a mechanism [by which a] stichting, or a foundation, can represent claimants worldwide on a class action basis. He said the relevant Dutch law, WCAM also called the Collective Settlement procedure had been used in a number of high-profile transnational cases. The law firm is seeking to claim up to 1,500 (HK$15,000) for each person and possibly more based on individual cases. Legal experts in Hong Kong questioned if the overseas collective action would mean a better chance for local residents to seek compensation from the airline. Cathay Pacific declined to comment on the collective legal action. Gary Meggitt, an expert in professional liability and the director of the Asian Institute of International Financial Law at the University of Hong Kong, warned that passengers ran the risk of having to pay legal costs, even if the law firm bought insurance for them. If the airline wins, the airline is not paying its costs, and the costs would be on the passengers bringing the claim Gary Meggit, professional liability expert If the airline wins, the airline is not paying its costs, and the costs would be on the passengers bringing the claim, he said, adding that depending on the policy, there could be a cap to how much passengers were insured for. Although claimants typically do not have to pay lawyers fees, passengers might still have to pay for expenses and be charged for a success fee or bonus, depending on the how the contract was structured, Meggitt said. And while Hong Kong runs a similar common law system to Britain, particularly on commercial disputes, he said, passengers should be aware that the actual operation of evidence or the trial could still vary. The Consumer Council and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner both have mechanisms to provide legal advice to consumers or victims of data breach, or even to bring the matter to court in cases involving actual damage. Individual claimants can also take any monetary dispute involving no more than HK$50,000 (US$6,375) to the Small Claims Tribunal. For a fair trial, lawyers are prohibited from representing either side. This article Hong Kongs Cathay Pacific faces first collective legal action over massive data breach, with 200 customers poised to make claims first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2018. The Hong Kong government should strengthen its ability to claim private land for the citys development by showing the public that the land will be used for their benefit, said Liu Thai Ker, known as the father of Singapores city planning. Liu, 80, was speaking to the Post on the sidelines of the International Conference on New Global Cities in Nanjing on Monday. China could learn from Singapores public housing model When was asked about the Hong Kong governments initiative to reclaim 1,700 hectares of land off Lantau Island the size 70 per cent bigger than in the original plan Liu said Hong Kong was not short of land, considering the ratio of its surface area to population. You can see in satellite images of the territory there is a lot of rural land, Liu said. The problem lies in whether the government can take that land back. Rolled out earlier this month in the second Policy Address by Hong Kongs leader Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, the reclamation initiative of Lantau Tomorrow has sparked much controversy, prompting thousands of people to take to the streets in protest. Opponents of the plan argued that it would drain the citys financial reserves of HK$1 trillion and was prioritising a wrong source of land supply by spurning available brownfield sites and rural lands. Over the past few decades, nationalised land in Singapore has increased from 30 per cent of the citys stock to 80 per cent, according to Liu. Every city has laws to allow the government to take back [private] land, he said. We were able to achieve that because we always fulfilled our promise when planning to benefit residents. The government must win peoples trust by showing them how things get done. Both Hong Kong and Singapore have laws enabling the government to acquire land from private owners for public use by providing compensation. But in Hong Kong, private ownership of property is protected by the citys mini constitution the Basic Law. Lam has openly dismissed suggestions to resort to the Lands Resumption Ordinance, saying that it might prompt a wave of judicial reviews against the government. Story continues From 1997 to 2017, the Hong Kong government used the ordinance 154 times and was engaged in eight judicial reviews. All cases concerned the Urban Renewal Authority with the complainant property owners losing. Liu, who served in the Singapore government for 24 years and oversaw the construction of half a million public housing units as CEO of the Housing and Development Board, said the best city planner should be a prophet who undertakes urban design with a vision, while the worst is like an actor who knows only lip service. To determine a citys vision of development, the planner must first diagnose what ails the city and what the basic needs of residents are, Liu said. Having visited Hong Kong a few months ago, Liu said the city needed to address its peoples needs for adequate housing, and to work more on providing green environments. During his speech at Mondays conference, Liu said it would be better to plan for more people than fewer. Lius recent prediction that Singapore should plan to house 10 million people by 2100 sparked heated discussion in the country. In 1991, Singapore made it a 100-year development plan to have 5.5 million people on a territory of 5.5 million square kilometres, Liu said. But our population reached 5.9 million by 2018. Therefore we should plan for a larger population target, instead of a smaller one. For a city state as small as Singapore, acquiring existing lands would not meet its growth needs. Since the 1950s, Singapore has expanded in size from 560 to over 710 square kilometres, and most of this land came from reclamation, Liu said. Every time we would study the impact on the tides and the ocean lives before we decide where to create a new coastal line. Liu also admitted that roads on reclaimed land could still suffer some extent of deformation despite reinforcements. Lam Chiu-ying, the former head of the Hong Kong Observatory, has openly criticised the Lantau Tomorrow initiative for neglecting its effects on marine ecology and potential risks in a future of increasingly extreme weather. The Hong Kong government, without explaining the reason to expand the plan, has yet to conduct an environmental impact assessment or disclose the budget for the initiative. Liu, who has acted as city planning consultant for a dozen mainland cities including Beijing and Shanghai, said urban planning should take the whole city into account, ranging from its history and nature to what functions districts serve. City planning is not a matter of joining separate, smaller plans, Liu said. You cant build a phoenix by putting five turkeys together. The International Conference on New Global Cities is a two-day forum organised by Chinas foremost think tank the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, to release the annual Global Urban Competitiveness Report it produces in collaboration with the United Nations. Hong Kong was still the most competitive city in China considering both its economic strength and development potential, the latest report has found. Su Xinqi is reporting from Nanjing This article Hong Kong should show public land acquisitions are in their interest, says father of Singapore planning Liu Thai Ker first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2018. By Fathin Ungku and Yuddy Cahya JAVA SEA, Indonesia (Reuters) - Indonesia deployed divers on Tuesday to search for an airliner that crashed with 189 people on board, as "pinger locators" tried to zero in on its cockpit recorders and find out why an almost-new plane went down in the sea minutes after take-off. Indonesia, one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets, has a patchy safety record. With the now almost certain prospect of all on board having died, the crash is set to rank as its second-worst air disaster. Ground staff lost contact with flight JT610 of budget airline Lion Air 13 minutes after the Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft took off early on Monday from the airport in Jakarta, the capital, on its way to the tin-mining town of Pangkal Pinang. Dozens of relatives of those on board gathered at a police hospital where body bags were brought for forensic doctors to try to identify victims, including by taking saliva swabs from family members for DNA tests. "I keep praying for a miracle although logically, the plane has sunk in the ocean," said Toni Priyono Adhi, whose daughter was on the flight. "But as a parent, I want a miracle." A Reuters witness on a boat at the crash site saw about 60 divers scattered in inflatable boats over the slightly choppy waters entering the sea, which is about 35 metres (115 feet) deep. Sonar vessels and an underwater drone have also been hunting for the wreckage of the fuselage, where many victims were feared trapped, officials said. The head of a national transport safety panel, Soerjanto Tjahjono, said that underwater "pinger locators", including equipment from Singapore, were being deployed to help find the aircraft's black boxes. The priority is finding the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder to help determine the cause of the disaster, safety experts said. "The visibility is not good as it's very overcast, a special forces officer said. Story continues Underwater footage released by the national search and rescue agency showed relatively poor visibility. In all, 35 vessels are helping to search. The focus was initially an area within 5 nautical miles of where the plane lost contact, but that was expanded to 10 nautical miles on Tuesday and will be expanded to 15 on Wednesday, a search and rescue agency officer said. But only debris, personal items, including 52 identification cards and passports, and body parts have been found off the shore of Karawang district, east of Jakarta. Police said human remains were collected in 37 body bags after sweeps of the site, roughly 15 km (nine miles) off the coast. Most of those on board were Indonesian but the airline has said an Italian passenger and Indian pilot were on the plane. EARLIER TECHNICAL PROBLEM? The pilot of flight JT610 had asked to return to base shortly after it took off, at about 6.20 a.m. on Monday. Investigators are trying to determine why the pilot issued the request, which was granted. The deputy of the national transportation safety committee told a news conference the plane had technical problems on its previous flight, from the city of Denpasar on Bali island on Sunday, including an issue over "unreliable airspeed". GRAPHIC: Indonesia plane crash https://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/rngs/INDONESIA-CRASH/0100810F1X2/index.html "We are also asking for information from the last pilot who flew from Denpasar to Jakarta, but we have not met the technician," Haryo Satmiko said, referring to the technician who handled the aircraft after it landed on Sunday. The committee also had a recording of the conversation between the pilot of JT610 before it crashed and the control tower at Jakarta, he said. Transport Minister Budi Karya Sumadi told reporters at Jakarta's dock that the investigation would result in sanctions being handed out, but he did not elaborate. Lion had operated 11 Boeing 737 MAX 8s and a transport ministry official said inspections would be made on all of those models operating in Indonesia though they would not be grounded. On Monday, the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board and Boeing Co said they were providing assistance for the investigation. (For details of search, crash inquiry, please click on) The accident is the first to be reported involving the widely sold Boeing 737 MAX, an updated, more fuel-efficient version of the manufacturer's workhorse single-aisle jet. Two witnesses described the plane as swaying or rocking as it came down, adding that the nose hit the water first and there was a tall column of smoke afterwards. The aircraft did not make a noise when it came down, they said. "From a long way off, it was already leaning, said Gauk, a fisherman who uses one name. Privately owned Lion Air, founded in 1999, said the aircraft, which had been in operation since August, was airworthy, with its pilot and co-pilot together having amassed 11,000 hours of flying time. Indonesia's worst air disaster was in 1997, when a Garuda Indonesia A300 crashed in the city of Medan, killing 234 people. (Additional reporting by Cindy Silviana, Bernadette Christina Munthe, Agustinus Beo Da Costa, Fergus Jensen, Fransiska Nangoy, Gayatri Suroyo and Fanny Potkin in JAKARTA; Writing by John Chalmers and Ed Davies; Editing by Clarence Fernandez, Robert Birsel) Finch admitted it was disappointing to come up so short when chasing 151 to win. Carey, promoted to open the innings, smashed two fours and two sixes in Imad Wasim s first over of the innings but they lost wickets at regular intervals. The situation was even worse for Ben McDermott, whose nightmare tour continued when he was run out for the third time in as many games. Shadab (3-19) led the way for Pakistan's bowlers, while opening batsman Babar again tormented the tourists with a classy half-century. "We had our chances in all three games", said Finch. Pakistan won the three-match rubber by the margins of 66 runs, 11 runs and 33 runs. Meanwhile, New Zealand have added second specialist spinner to their T20I squad, with left-armer Ajaz Patel drafted in from New Zealand A side. In response, Australia were bowled out for 117 in 19.1 overs thanks to Shadab Khan's 3/19. Pakistan made 150-5 in their 20 overs with Babar Azam (50), Sahibzada Farhan (39) and Mohammad Hafeez (32 not out) their main run scorers. Young gun Babar was named man of the series after top-scoring for the hosts for the third straight game. The tourists made one change, recalling Nathan Lyon for just his second T20 global - and first since January 2016 - in place of paceman Billy Stanlake. Pakistan raced to 0-54 off the powerplay before Short and Adam Zampa stemmed the bleeding with some disciplined spin bowling. But there was little for the tourists to celebrate as a weak batting performance again proved their downfall. Rescue workers of crashed Lion Air flight JT610 carry a body bag at Tanjung Priok port in Jakarta, Indonesia, October 30, 2018. REUTERS/Edgar Su JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesia's Lion Air said on Tuesday it would meet a team from U.S. plane maker Boeing Co on Wednesday to discuss the fate of its 737 MAX 8 plane that crashed into the sea minutes after takeoff from Jakarta airport. "We have many questions for them ... This was a new plane," Lion Air Director Daniel Putut told reporters at a police hospital where doctors were identifying victim from Monday's crash. Lion Air, one of Boeing's largest customers globally, announced in April a firm order to buy 50 Boeing 737 MAX 10 narrowbody jets with a list price of $6.24 billion. Putut said the next delivery of the 737 MAX aircraft would have to undergo "an evaluation process" following the crash. (Reporting by Bernadette Christina Munthe; Writing by Gayatri Suroyo; Editing by Edmund Blair) JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) Rescuers in inflatable boats retrieved human remains, pieces of aircraft and personal belongings from the Java Sea on Monday after a new-generation Boeing jet operated by an Indonesian budget airline crashed minutes after takeoff, killing all 189 people on board. Distraught family members struggled to comprehend the sudden loss of loved ones in the crash of the 2-month-old Lion Air plane with experienced pilots in fine weather. They gathered at crisis centers set up by the authorities at airports, hoping desperately for a miracle. But a top search official, citing the condition of the remains recovered, said no survivors are expected. The disaster is a setback for Indonesia's airline industry, which just emerged from decadelong bans by the European Union and the U.S. over safety concerns. President Joko Widodo ordered an investigation and urged Indonesians to "keep on praying." The crash of the Boeing 737 Max 8 is the latest in a series of tragedies that have struck Indonesia this year, including earthquakes and a tsunami that killed several thousand people. An air transport official, Novie Riyanto, said the flight was cleared to return to Jakarta after the pilot made a "return to base" request two to three minutes after taking off. It plunged into the sea about 10 minutes later. Weather conditions were normal but the plane, which Lion Air received in August, had experienced an unspecified technical issue on its previous flight. Relatives and friends wept, prayed and hugged each other as they waited at Jakarta's airport and at Pangkal Pinang's airport on Bangka island off Sumatra where the flight was headed. Some including Indonesian Finance Minister Sri Mulyani headed to the search and rescue agency's headquarters in Jakarta for information. About 20 ministry staff were on the flight. Latief Nurbana said he and his wife Yeti Eka Sumiati stayed up late Sunday talking to their 24-year-old son Lutfi Nuramdani, squeezing every moment they could from his weekend visit to Jakarta to catch up on his life in Pangkal Pinang. Story continues Nurbana said they talked until falling asleep and Sumiati woke up early to take their son, a post office worker, to the airport. "Last night, we were chatting together about his wife who is now seven months' pregnant, his plans and his dreams with his own small family until we fell asleep," he said as his wife wept and clung to him. "Now he's gone. We can't believe that he left us this way, we can't believe that his plane crashed. That's something we only see on TV news, now it happened to my son," Nurbana said. "We want to see his body, his face, his remains." More than 300 people including soldiers, police and fishermen are involved in the grim search, retrieving aircraft debris and personal items such as a crumpled cellphone, ID cards and carry-on bags from the seas northeast of Jakarta. Search and Rescue Agency chief Muhammad Syaugi said he's certain it won't take long to locate the hull of the aircraft and its black box due to the relatively shallow 25 to 30 meter (100 to 115 foot) depths of the waters it plunged into. Three specialized search ships, including one from Singapore, were headed to the crash location. The jet, on a 1-hour flight, was carrying 181 passengers, including one child and two babies, and eight crew members. Lion Air said there were two foreigners on the plane: one of the pilots, Indian national Bhavye Suneja, and an Italian citizen. Friends and relatives gathered at the pilot's family home in New Delhi to comfort his immediate family. "His father is stunned and not in a condition to talk or do anything. Sister and mother have not come out. They are distressed," said family friend Anil Gupta. The pilot of Flight 610 had more than 6,000 flying hours while the co-pilot had more than 5,000 hours, according to Lion Air. The Transport Ministry said the plane took off from Jakarta at about 6:20 a.m. and crashed just 13 minutes later. Data from FlightAware showed it had reached an altitude of only 5,200 feet (1,580 meters). Boeing Co. said it was "deeply saddened" by the crash and was prepared to provide technical assistance to Indonesia's crash probe. The 737 Max 8 was leased from China Minsheng Investment Group Leasing Holdings Ltd., according to the official China News Service. Malindo Air, a Malaysian subsidiary of Lion Air, was the first airline to begin using the 737 Max 8 last year. The Max 8 replaced the similar 800 in the Chicago-based plane maker's product line. Lion Air president-director Edward Sirait said the plane had a "technical problem" on its previous flight from Bali to Jakarta but it had been fully remedied. He didn't know specifics of the problem when asked in a TV interview. "Indeed there were reports about a technical problem, and the technical problem has been resolved in accordance with the procedures released by the plane manufacturer," Sirait said. "I did not know exactly but let it be investigated by the authorities." The crash is the worst airline disaster in Indonesia since an AirAsia flight from Surabaya to Singapore plunged into the sea in December 2014, killing all 162 on board. Indonesian airlines were barred in 2007 from flying to Europe because of safety concerns, though several were allowed to resume services in the following decade. The ban was completely lifted in June. The U.S. lifted a decadelong ban in 2016. Lion Air, a discount carrier, is one Indonesia's youngest and biggest airlines, flying to dozens of domestic and international destinations. Earlier this year it confirmed a deal to buy 50 new Boeing narrow-body aircraft worth an estimated $6.2 billion. It has been expanding aggressively in Southeast Asia, a fast-growing region of more than 600 million people. In a record transaction, Lion Air signed a deal to buy 230 Boeing jets for $21.7 billion during a visit by then-President Barack Obama in November 2011 ___ AP journalists Elaine Kurtenbach in Bangkok, Shonal Ganguly in New Delhi and Achmad Ibrahim and Ali Kotarumalos in Jakarta, Indonesia, contributed to this report. In collaboration with Berlin-based co-working space betahaus, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) will launch the pitching competition in Kuala Lumpur MDEC, Malaysia-based digital agency under the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia Malaysia confirmed to bring the global pitch competition BetaPitch to Kuala Lumpur on November 7, 2018. MDEC works alongside betahaus, a Berlin-based co-working space and will kick off with hosting Launchpad to Europe workshop. MDEC mentioned its plan to further the Asian startup ecosystem through the startup competition that is taking place in 12 countries, including in its first Southeast Asia country Malaysia. MDEC has decided to host the first BetaPitch competition with betahaus in Southeast Asia. We believe the partnership with betahaus will help smoothen the way for Southeast Asian startups to enter the German and European markets and allow them to leverage upon betahauss network and expertise, said Norhizam Abdul Kadir, Vice President of Growth Ecosystem Development at MDEC. Also Read: Nusantara Technology raises Series A funding led by Alpha JWC Ventures The startups who join the competition will stand a chance to have a trip to Berlin on November 15, 2018 to attend the Investor Day, and to pitch and compete against the global startup finalists from each local competition. There will be sessions like business matching, investor speed dating, and networking sessions. The prize money at stake is EUR5,000 (US$5,600), followed by a trip to the Silicon Valley, a free co-working space at Berlin-based co-working hub betahaus for a month, and assistance for market access through betahaus European network. Weve watched the startup ecosystem in Malaysia over the last 2 years, and the region is an attractive first point of entry for startups looking to enter SEA. With the help of startup support programs like the ones MDEC is organising, it should be simpler than ever for our German community to expand into the region and vice versa, said Maximilian von der Ahe, Founder of betahaus. Story continues Also Read: Grab just raised US$200M more funding from Booking Earlier this year, MDEC had signed two memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with betahaus and Startup AsiaBerlin (SUAB) in Germany, with the purpose of accelerating the cross-market penetration by businesses and entrepreneurs between the two countries. The BetaPitch Competition in Kuala Lumpur is now open for registration. Photo by Levente Balogh on Unsplash The post Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation brings BetaPitch startup competition to SE Asia appeared first on e27. Korean authorities are reporting that a Malaysian male has been taken into police custody over his alleged role in a scam ring operating in the southern cities of Busan and Daegu. The 18-year-old boy is suspected to be part of a voice-phishing scam with a group of fellow Malaysians, who call up unsuspecting victims telling them that they have parcels to deliver to their address. Two separate incidents were reported on October 11 and 15 to police where two individuals were duped into handing over cash, believing that they were paying for parcels. In total, RM120,000 (US$30,000) was collected from the two crimes. Police arrested the suspect in a Busan hotel room. Officers found the boy after combing through CCTV footage from the alleged parcels pickup area. After authorities interrogated the teen, he revealed that he had entered the country with a group of other Malaysians, to execute a parcel-delivery scam. The post Malaysian teen arrested in Korea for role in parcel scam appeared first on Coconuts. "We'll open the use of e-passport gates at Heathrow and other airports, now only available to EEA nationals, to include visitors from the US, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Japan", he told MPs in the House of Commons. "I can announce a package of measures to stimulate business investment and send a message loud and clear to the rest of the world: Britain is open for business", he said yesterday. To date, only citizens from the UK, European Union, European Economic Area or Switzerland with biometric passports have been able to use the e-passport lanes. Australian High Commissioner to the UK, George Brandis, has welcomed the announcement as the Australian Government had been working towards the change for some time. The electronic gates at Heathrow and other airports are currently only available to European passport holders, but will now open up to visitors from Australia, the US, Canada, New Zealand and Japan. Australian visitors to the United Kingdom can often find themselves in queues for more than two hours - the last thing they feel like doing after spending the best part of a day in the air. Mr Hammond has not yet provided specifics on what guidelines travellers from New Zealand and the other countries he mentioned will have to meet to be eligible to use the gates. The gates use facial recognition technology to compare the passenger's face to a digital image recorded in their passport. The UK government says e-passport gates help speed up arrivals and improve border security. Indonesia ordered the inspection of all Boeing 737-MAX airliners on Tuesday as rescue teams recovered more victims from a brand new Lion Air jet that plunged into the sea with 189 people on board. On a Jakarta dockside, officials took up the grim task of separating human remains from plane debris and recovered personal effects, sending the body parts -- including from an infant -- to hospital for DNA testing. Stretched out along the dock was a growing collection of items plucked from the sea -- single shoes, torn pieces of clothing, wallets and bags scattered among aircraft seats stripped of their blue covers by the sheer impact of the crash. The Boeing-737 MAX, which went into service just a few months ago, crashed into the Java Sea off Indonesia's northern coast moments after it had asked to return to Jakarta on Monday. Flight JT610 sped up as it suddenly lost altitude and then vanished from radar 12 minutes after take-off, with witnesses saying the single-aisle jet plunged into the water. The accident has resurrected concerns about Indonesia's patchy air safety record which led to a now-lifted ban on its planes entering US and European airspace. On Tuesday Indonesia's transport minister ordered an inspection of all 737-MAX aircraft but he stopped short of grounding the new models. Dozens of divers were taking part in the recovery effort along with helicopters and ships. Authorities are trying to pinpoint the smashed jet's location and flight data recorders expected to be crucial to the crash investigation. - Grieving relatives - Scores of relatives thronged a hospital building being used for victim identification. "My daughter has no husband, my grandchild no longer has a father," a grieving Hari Setiyono said at the police hospital, referring to his missing son-in-law. Febby Mellysa had four relatives aboard the doomed jet, including her cousin, his wife and their five-year-old son. "We tried to call my cousin and his wife so many times, but their phone wasn't active," she told AFP. "The whole family is confused about what to do next." Indonesia's search and rescue agency said it was prioritising finding the main wreckage using sonar metal detectors, and all but ruled out finding any survivors from the high-impact crash in water some 30-40 metres deep. The plane was en route to Pangkal Pinang city, a jumping off point for beach-and-sun seeking tourists on nearby Belitung island, when it dropped out of contact around 6:30 am (2330 GMT). The pilot and co-pilot had more than 11,000 hours flying time between them and had undergone recent medical checkups and drug testing, the carrier said. Aviation experts said it was too early to determine what caused the accident. But investigators would look at everything from catastrophic mechanical failure and pilot error to weather conditions or unusual cockpit activity that could point to a hijacking or pilot suicide, they said. "Locating the so-called black boxes is most important now," said Terence Fan, an aviation expert at the Singapore Management University. "That should show how the aircraft and pilots actually behaved." On Monday, Lion Air acknowledged the plane had an unspecified technical issue fixed in Bali before it was flown back to Jakarta, calling it "normal procedure". Data from that flight suggested the plane may have flown erratically and a technical log circulating on social media pointed to different speed and altitude readings on the captain and first officer's instruments. - 'Critical system' - Lion maintenance staff would have consulted Boeing on how to fix any problem with the new jet's pitot-static system, which determines speed and altitude among other measurements, said Stephen Wright, an aviation expert at the University of Leeds. "It's a critical system -- you don't muck about with it... There are fixed procedures," he told AFP. On its last flight, the jet was travelling at a much faster speed than would be expected, but the pilot did not declare an emergency or attempt a water landing. "That might mean the plane was out of control," said aviation analyst Dudi Sudibyo. Boeing suspended release of the fuel-efficient 737 MAX just days before its first commercial delivery last year due to an issue with engines. Lion Air, Indonesia's biggest budget airline which has been engaged in huge expansion, announced earlier this year it was buying 50 Boeing 737-MAX 10 jets for $6.24 billion. It currently has 10 737-MAXs in its fleet while national carrier Garuda has one. In 2014, an AirAsia crash in the Java Sea during stormy weather killed 162 people. Lion has been involved in a number of incidents including a fatal 2004 crash and a collision between two Lion Air planes at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta airport. A string of fake news stories have been circulating about the crash, including one that falsely claims to show a baby who survived. Russia's only aircraft carrier was damaged and a giant floating dock sank after a crane crashed onto the vessel as it was undergoing repairs near the Arctic city of Murmansk on Tuesday. Four people were injured and one person was missing after the accident involving the Admiral Kuznetsov at the PD-50 floating dock, the largest in Russia and one of the largest in the world, local authorities and media said. "We are assessing the extent of the damage. A crane fell onto the deck from a height of about 15 metres (45 feet)," the head of Russia's United Shipbuilding Corporation Alexei Rakhmanov told the TASS news agency. "It is clear there is damage to the hull and the deck. Fortunately, it happened on those parts that are not vital" to the work of the ship. Local media said the floating dock being used to repair the vessel had sunk. The accident occurred at 3:30 am (midnight GMT) at the repair shipyard near Murmansk, the governor of Murmansk region Marina Kovtun said in a video she posted on social media. "Unfortunately, one person is still not found," she said. In a second video, Kovtun said one of the hospitalised workers was in a serious condition and that "doctors are fighting for his life". "Four workers were removed from the water with signs of frostbite and taken to a medical facility," the regional branch of Russia's Investigative Committee said in a statement on its website. It added that the accident could be the result of "violations in the operation" of the ship repair facilities. Rakhmanov later said the incident was caused by a sudden power cut which meant the dock did not function normally. "During the exiting (of the ship) from the dock, the ballasting system did not work properly. This was due, as our colleagues say, to a sudden power cut from the shore," he told TV channel Zvezda. But in a statement on its website, Russian state power company Rosseti said "the networks supplying the shipyard worked in normal mode". The Admiral Kuznetsov is undergoing its first major repairs since 1997. They are expected to be completed by the end of 2020 for the warship to rejoin the Russian Navy in 2021. The vessel was deployed to the Mediterranean in 2016 and early 2017 to strike targets in Syria and help Moscow ally President Bashar al-Assad recapture rebel-held areas in the war-torn country. International media noted that the ship was belching clouds of black smoke as it sailed towards Syria via the English Channel in October 2016. Undeterred by the string of deadly horrors that might have paused another president in campaign mode, Trump is stumping relentlessly in a late push to save the GOP House and Senate majorities, using rallies and Twitter to stoke fear over a group of migrants almost 1,000 miles from the USA border while boosting false claims from Republican candidates about their efforts to tear up one of Obamacare's most popular features. On Sunday, Trump will hold a rally in Macon, Georgia, for Republican Brian Kemp, who's running against Democratic darling Stacey Abrams for the state's governor's mansion. Obama, whose visit was announced Monday, is scheduled to stump with the two top-of-ticket candidates and other Democrats at the Ice Palace film studioes only four days before the November 6 elections. "I'm proud and humbled to have President Obama, my friend and a true patriot, on the campaign trail here in Florida", Gillum said in a statement. "He will also remind Floridians of the critical need to get out and vote for the GOP in the midterm elections". While in the House, Trump's goal is to retain the majority even though with a reduced margin, in the Senate aims at increasing the tally as close as possible to 60, which is the figure required to prevent filibuster. Many on the left, including the media, blame the president's rhetoric for inciting a supporter who has been charged with mailing pipe bombs to prominent Democrats and a Pittsburgh man charged with killing 11 people at a synagogue on Saturday. "The president is going to continue to draw contrasts, particularly as we go into the final days of an election, the differences between the two parties, particularly on policy differences", she said. They previously announced a rally in Fort Myers, Florida on Wednesday. Mr. DeSantis, a House lawmaker, trails Democrat Andrew Gillum by 3.2 percentage points in the average of polling. On Thursday, Trump will be in Columbia, Missouri, to support Republican Josh Hawley, who is trying to unseat Sen. Claire McCaskill, the incumbent Democrat. Brad Parscale, Trump's 2020 campaign manager, said in an interview with CBS This Morning that "the president's not on the ballot but this is about his agenda, and it's about the "America First" agenda and what he's accomplished in two years". This will be Trump's fourth stop in Pensacola since 2015. Sri Lanka's parliament speaker on Tuesday stepped up his warnings to the country's president that unrest could erupt unless lawmakers are allowed to choose between two rival prime ministers. President Maithripala Sirisena suspended parliament after sacking Ranil Wickremesinghe as prime minister and replacing him with former strongman leader Mahinda Rajapakse. Speaker Karu Jayasuriya -- who on Monday warned of a "bloodbath" if parliament remains shut -- said in a letter to Sirisena that he had to recall parliament "in the name of democracy". "If you do not, we will not be able to stop people taking alternate action to protect their democratic rights," Jayasuriya said in the letter seen by AFP. "In the name of democracy, I urge you to reconsider your decision to prorogue parliament and allow justice to be served." Jayasuriya said more than 125 legislators in the 225-member legislature had signed a petition seeking the reconvening of the assembly where Wickremesinghe's party is the biggest. Wickremesinghe says Sirisena has suspended parliament to give Rajapakse time to secure a majority. Tens of thousands of supporters of sacked prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe blocked roads in Sri Lanka's capital on Tuesday, stepping up a showdown with a former strongman accused of rights abuses -- who also claims to head the country's government. Wickremesinghe left his official residence for the first time since Friday to condemn President Maithripala Sirisena for dismissing him and appointing Mahinda Rajapakse, a former president accused of grave human rights violations and corruption. Wickremesinghe's party said about 100,000 people flooded the streets, while police sources estimated 25,000 even as scores of buses brought more demonstrators to the biggest rally since the constitutional crisis erupted. The army of followers chanted "Down With the Rogue PM" as they targeted Rajapakse, who Sirisena has brought back into frontline politics as his prime minister. Effigies of Sirisena were torn up in a symbolic protest against the president, who has faced international calls to end a suspension of parliament so it can hold a vote on the rival prime ministers. "We are against the sacking, the people did not vote for Sirisena to act in this manner," Wickremesinghe told supporters from a makeshift stage. "We will resist what the president has done." Parliament speaker Karu Jayasuriya has warned that the crisis could lead to a "bloodbath" on the streets if the assembly does not hold a vote. But the rally remained peaceful, watched by more than 2,600 police and special task force commandos, before it dispersed. Behind the scenes, the rivals battled to tempt lawmakers from opposing sides to bolster their numbers if a vote is held. Rajapakse, 72, gave four legislators from Wickremesinghe's party ministerial portfolios in his cabinet after persuading them to defect on Monday. Another defected on Tuesday and was made a state minister but Rajapakse was unable to name a full cabinet. Wickremesinghe has also convinced at least two lawmakers from Sirisena's camp to join his United National Party. Following the latest defection, Wickremesinghe has 104 MPs in the 225-seat chamber while Rajapakse and Sirisena together have 99. A majority of the 22 remaining MPs are expected to back Wickremesinghe in any vote but the horse-trading is sure to intensify, observers said. A deputy minister in Wickremesinghe's administration, Ranjan Ramanayake, accused China of paying for Rajapakse -- who favoured a pro-Beijing policy during his decade-long tenure as president -- to buy legislators. "I am telling China not to spend their millions to buy MPs in Sri Lanka. They want to buy the country wholesale," he said. - China denies interference - The Chinese embassy in Colombo denied the claims in a statement to AFP. "Recent allegations about China by MP Ranjan Ramanayake are groundless and irresponsible," the statement said, adding that Beijing follows "the principle of non-interference in other country's internal affairs." With Sirisena showing no sign of lifting the parliamentary suspension which runs until November 16, Wickremesinghe's finance minister Mangala Samaraweera said the president was trying to buy time to secure votes for Rajapakse. Speaker Jayasuriya followed up his "bloodbath" warning by officially calling on Sirisena to recall parliament or risk unrest. "If you do not, we will not be able to stop people taking alternate action to protect their democratic rights," Jayasuriya said in the letter seen by AFP. Tensions have been heightened by the killing of one activist in the capital on Sunday. The army has insisted however that it will let politicians solve the crisis. Sri Lanka's army chief Mahesh Senanayake told AFP the military expected politicians to "constitutionally and legally" end the dispute. "The army will not get involved," he said, responding to queries on the role of security forces as the constitutional crisis drags on. "The police are responsible for maintaining law and order and only if they require our assistance, we will help." Sirisena appointed a 12-member cabinet late Monday, giving the powerful finance portfolio to Rajapakse. Rajapakse -- whose rule was marked by allegations of rights abuses and authoritarianism -- said Monday he was given the job because his predecessor's party "engaged in a quest to sell off valuable state assets and enterprises to foreign companies". "I was aware that at this moment of national peril, the people expected our leadership and protection," Rajapakse said. "Hence, I accepted the invitation." Sri Lanka's rival prime ministers battled to tempt lawmakers from opposing sides Tuesday as they sought numbers to swing any vote of confidence held in parliament to end the country's constitutional crisis. Former strongman Mahinda Rajapakse, who was named head of government by the president on Friday, gave four legislators from rival Ranil Wickremesinghe's party ministerial portfolios after persuading them to defect on Monday. Wickremesinghe, who has remained in the prime minister's residence since he was sacked on Friday, has in turn convinced two lawmakers from President Maithripala Sirisena's camp to join his United National Party. Following the defections, Wickremesinghe has 105 MPs in the 225-seat chamber while Rajapakse and Sirisena together have 98. A majority of the 22 remaining MPs are expected to back Wickremesinghe in any vote but the horse-trading is sure to intensify, observers said. A deputy minister in Wickremesinghes administration, Ranjan Ramanayake, accused China of funding Rajapakses buying of legislators. I am telling China not to spend their millions to buy MPs in Sri Lanka. They want to buy the country wholesale," he said. Rajapakse led a pro-China policy during his 10 years as president up to 2015. But the claim was denied by the Chinese embassy in Colombo. "Recent allegations about China by MP Ranjan Ramanayake are groundless and irresponsible," said an embassy statement to AFP. "It is a matter of internal affairs, and China has consistently supported the principle of non-interference in other country's internal affairs." Despite calls by Wickremesinghe, the United States and other countries for parliament to be called to end the crisis, Sirisena showed no sign of lifting his suspension of parliament meetings which runs until November 16. Wickremesinghe's finance minister Mangala Samaraweera said the president is trying to buy time to secure votes in the legislature to back Rajapakse as prime minister. "If he (the president) has the majority there is no need to keep parliament shut. He wants to buy time to do some horse deals," Samaraweera said. Parliament speaker Karu Jayasuriya, who on Monday warned of a "bloodbath" unless the assembly is allowed to vote for Wickremesighe or Rajapakse, is to meet with political party leaders on Tuesday. Sirisena appointed a 12-member cabinet late Monday giving the powerful finance portfolio to Rajapakse. Aides said the cabinet will be expanded to 30 members on Tuesday. Rajapakse -- whose rule was marked by grave allegations of rights abuses and authoritarianism -- said he was given the job because his predecessor's party "engaged in a quest to sell off valuable state assets and enterprises to foreign companies". "I was aware that at this moment of national peril, the people expected our leadership and protection," Rajapakse said after the cabinet was named. "Hence, I accepted the invitation." By Yimou Lee TAIPEI (Reuters) - Taiwan Air Force Staff Sergeant Jiang Pin-shiuan's pitch to freshmen at Taipei's Tamkang University seemed compelling: join the island's armed forces and get a state-sponsored degree, 110 days of leave each year and annual savings of T$312,500 ($10,200). But many listening students showed little interest, arguing national service was a "waste of time" and prospects of the self-ruled island standing up economically or militarily to an increasingly aggressive China were slim. "China could simply crush Taiwan with its economic power. There's no need for a war, which wastes money," said 18-year-old Chen Fang-yi, an engineering major. "I do not have much confidence and expectation for the national army." From lectures in universities and high schools across the island, life-size dancing dolls to a flash mob performance by a special forces unit, Taiwan's military is working hard to recruit soldiers as it moves to a fully volunteer force after decades of conscription. Taiwan vowed in 2011 to phase out conscription to cut costs and boost the professionalism of its forces as it tries to better deter the Chinese threat through enhanced cyber warfare capabilities and other high-tech weapons. The island's defence ministry said it will be able to reach a target of enlisting 81 percent of the estimated 188,000 volunteer troops needed to defend against any attack by Beijing by year-end. It hopes to raise that to 90 percent by 2020. Beijing sees self-ruled Taiwan as a wayward province and has never renounced the use of force to bring it to heel. But military experts and government auditors say recruitment is proving challenging and the growth in voluntary recruitment isn't fast enough to catch up with a worsening military imbalance across the strait. China, whose official defence budget grew to roughly 15 times that of Taiwan's last year, has alarmed Taipei by flying bombers around the island and luring away members of its dwindling band of diplomatic allies. Story continues In a report from December, three government auditors warned the growth of voluntary recruits had been slow, raising concerns about Taiwan's combat power. "The government needs to think whether it's necessary to bring conscription back if they think national security matters," said Lin Yu-fang, a convener for the Taipei-based National Policy Foundation and former head of Taiwan's congressional defence and foreign committee. "We will pay a heavy price for the move...We won't be able to find enough soldiers." The island's defence ministry told Reuters it will continue to raise the quantity and quality of its armed forces and has made all necessary plans for possible military actions from China. It also urged the public to give "support and encouragement" to the transition. DODGING TRAINING Convincing more young people to join the armed forces is made more difficult by Taiwan's past as a military dictatorship. The death of a young conscript in 2013 after being punished for misconduct, which triggered large protests, also dealt a blow to the army. The service is so unpopular that more than 1,000 reservists were charged in the last three years for dodging mandatory retraining. "It raises a very difficult question about national morale. If there ever is a conflict, what are people going to do?" said William Stanton, professor at National Taiwan University and former head of the de facto U.S. embassy in Taipei. Taiwan last year spent nearly 47 percent of its defence budget of T$319.3 billion on manpower-related costs. Military experts said that squeezed the budget for weapon acquisitions. The island's goal to move to an all volunteer force by 2019 will be "costlier than anticipated", diverting funds from defence acquisition and readiness, the U.S. Defense Department said in a report to Congress in May. Taiwan has shortened its mandatory service to a four-month training, from three years, a move analysts said was made to placate young voters who prioritise personal liberty over civil obligations. But for some, even the reduced training is seen as an exercise in futility. "We won't win a war with China anyway," said 20-year-old graduate Hsu Kai-wen, a reluctant conscript who was recently assigned a four-month service in the navy after drawing lots. "Why do I need to waste my time in the army?" (Additional reporting by Judy Peng and Fabian Hamacher; Editing by Lincoln Feast.) Plus, AnyMind raises US$13.5 million and P&G invests US$30 million into e-center Future Singapore Go-Jek drivers now have a place to sign-up [e27] In the most concrete move of Go-Jeks impending entrance into Singapore, the company has launched a online portal for future drivers to sign up for the service. After registering, they will receive notifications closer to the date about how to officially apply to the platform. Go-Jek has yet to clarify whether it will roll out its own vehicle fleet or lease from third party operators. It is, however, said to be in talks with Singapores largest taxi operator, ComfortDelGro. As of today, Go-Jek is expected to launch in Singapore in late-November. Singapore AdTech company AnyMind Group raises US$13.5 million Series B from LINE [e27] AnyMind Group, a Singapore-based startup that provides adtech, marketing and HR solutions, has raised US$13.5 million in a Series B round led by LINE Corporation and Mirai Creation Fund, a SPARX Group-operated fund backed by Japanese bank SMBC and Toyota Motors. AnyMinds most famous property is AdAsia Holdings, which made waves in 2017 for incredibly fast regional expansion. The company has five subsidiaries under its umbrella: adtech company AdAsia Holdings, influencer marketing platform CastingAsia, recruitment platform TalentMind, and online publisher trading desks FourM and Acqua Media. Indian medical supplies aggregator Medikabazaar raises US$5 million Series A [Press Release] Medikabazaar, a Mumbai company that has become a one-stop-shop for buying medical supplies, announced today it has raised a US$5 million Series A round led by HealthQuad. HealthQuad is a VC-firm that focusses entirely on health-related companies. We have strategically partnered with HealthQuad to strengthen our foothold in the healthcare industry. Our goal of providing affordable, accessible and quality healthcare services is mirrored by HealthQuad, said Vivek Tiwari, the Founder and CEO of Medikabazaar. Story continues The money will be used to improve its technology and hire more employees. OnePlus launches smartphone in US market [CNBC] The luxury Chinese smartphone brand OnePlus has launched in America via a partnership with Qualcomm and T-Mobile, according to CNBC. The report also says that OnePlus is now the number-three customer for Qualcomm chips after Samsung and LG. The decision will receive higher scrutiny because of the recent Huawei fallout in regards to the China-US trade war. However, OnePlus is attacking an entirely different market and will compete more directly with Apple as its phones are considered high-scale. One year after launching, Procter & Gamble puts US$30 million into digital innovation center [e27] A total of US$30 million is being added into Procter & Gambles (P&G) digital innovation center in Singapore just one year after its initial joint launch with the Economic Development Board (EDB). It is a continuation of the initial US$100 million the company supplied in the launch, as reported by Business Times. This new investment is a part of the launch of E-Center 2.0, the moniker used for the expansion project of its existing digital innovation programme with the EDB. Through the E-Center, P&G seeks to support partners and employees by equipping them with relevant skills to leverage digital technology and solve business problems. The post Todays top tech news, October 29: Go-Jek makes serious Singapore move appeared first on e27. WWF said in a statement that Beijing's move would have "devastating consequences globally" and be "an enormous setback to efforts to protect tigers and rhinos in the wild". Such special circumstances permitted by law includes scientific research, resource investigation, education, life-saving medical treatments, relics protection, cultural exchanges and law enforcement, it added. "Regulation on the sales and use of these products will be strengthened. and the trade volume will be strictly controlled", the council said in a statement. China did not relax restrictions on animal parts from wild sources or their import and export - which remain prohibited under global conventions. Rhino horns and tiger bones used in medical research or in healing can only be obtained from farms, not including those raised in zoos, while powdered forms of rhino horn and bones from dead tigers can only be used in qualified hospitals by qualified doctors recognised by the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Rhino horn and tiger products classified as "antiques" could be used in "cultural exchanges" with the approval of culture authorities, although they still may not be sold on the market or exchanged via the internet. Rhino horn is made primary from keratin - a protein found in fingernails and hair - and is said to help treat everything from cancer to hangovers when consumed. Other illegal wildlife products, such as pangolin scales, continue to see demand for their supposed medicinal properties. The council said that horns and bones - which have always been used by practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine - can only be obtained from farmed animals. "It was used in ancient times, but now we have alternative products", he said. Reversing the tiger and rhino parts ban "seems slightly illogical, based on everything else we've seen from China recently", Henry said. Pelham Jones, chairman of South Africa's Private Rhino Owners Association, welcomed the move, saying that the ban had "aided a massive, transnational illegal trade". In all other circumstances, the buying and selling of rhino and tiger parts will remain illegal. "I believe it is going to serve to increase, perpetuate the wildlife trade and crime", he said. Though numbers have increased from 2010 - up from about 3,200 to almost 3,900 - the figure represents a dramatic population decrease from a century ago, when an estimated 100,000 tigers roamed free. Conservation groups say they were stunned by China's reversal, given President Xi Jinping's heartening position on curbing climate change and banning ivory sales previous year. Southern white rhinos are "near threatened" but others such as black and Sumatran rhinos are critically endangered, according to WWF. Instead, conservation groups surmise that the policy will benefit China's industry of tiger farms and rhino ranches, which have flourished outside the scope of official sanctions. The country's ban on ivory sales went into effect in December 2017, an attempt to rein in what used to be the product's largest market in the world. The U.S. State Department, which supported China's recent ivory ban, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. He was transferred to USP Hazelton on Tuesday morning in Bruceton Mills. He had been wanted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation for 16 years before he was captured in 2011 in Santa Monica, California, where he was arrested with his girlfriend, Catherine Greig. Bulger had been moved from a Florida prison, and made a stop at an Oklahoma transfer facility earlier this week. Bureau of Prisons officials and his attorney declined last week to comment on why he was being moved. He had spent more than 16 years on the lam before his capture. He reportedly was scrutinized for his relationship with a female psychologist. In 2013, Bulger was convicted of participating in 11 murders in the 1970s and 1980s and sentenced to two consecutive life sentences. Bulger's one-time henchman, Stephen "The Rifleman" Flemmi, testified during Weadick's trial that he had walked in on Weadick killing DiSarro, but hastily left. The Hazelton prison where he died is "one of the federal system's roughest prisons", reports the West Virginia newspaper. The former leader of South Boston's Winter Hill gang inspired the film Black Mass featuring Johnny Depp, and The Departed which won the Academy Award for best picture in 2006. Bulger absconded from New England in 1995 and was not captured until 2011. She also pleaded guilty to criminal contempt in 2016 for refusing to cooperate with authorities against him. But police said they don't consider him a suspect in the teens disappearance. Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald says 32-year-old Kyle Jaenke-Annis was arrested over the weekend at the home of James and Denise Closs, on the morning of their funeral. She has been missing for two weeks. Police say Jaenke-Annis arrived at the Closs home around 2:30 a.m. and entered through an unlocked patio door, reports CBS Minnesota. And a deputy responding to the scene reported seeing movement inside the residence, several lights on and the blinds and shades open. Jaenke-Annis told police he didn't know the Closs family, but was curious about what size Jayme was and thought nobody would miss the items. The complaint alleges during an interview with Federal Bureau of Investigation and DCI agents, the man - identified as Jaenke - said he had left work that evening and rode his bicycle to a laundromat in Barron. Jaenke has been cleared of any involvement in the disappearance but was charged in Barron County Court today with Burglary and Bail Jumping. Jaenke-Annis, 32, allegedly took tank tops, a dress and underwear belonging to 13-year-old Jayme Closs, who has been missing since the night of October 15, when her parents James and Denise were shot and killed at the same residence. There is a $50,000 reward for her return. John Olivers Last Week Tonight is so reliably outstanding and valuable that its greatest flaw has often been that it only airs once every seven days. A copycat was inevitable, and its finally here, hosted by another The Daily Show alum: Patriot Act With Hasan Minhaj. The half-hour magazine-style political comedy series, which airs on Netflix, finds Minhaj going deep on a topical issue for about 20 minutes at a time. But Patriot Act diverges from its predecessor in one unmistakable way: It lets Minhaj be Minhaji.e., an Indian-American comic whose beliefs and reference points are often influenced by his cultural background and experiences as a brown man in America (also amply demonstrated in the viral Queer Eye crossover that so delighted my colleague Aymann Ismail). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two episodes debuted on Sunday. In the first, Minhaj dives deep into the Harvard affirmative action case with a pair of questions hanging over the segment: How do Asian Americans measure racial inequality, and how do we want to fight against it? In the second episode, Minhaj discusses Mohammad bin Salmans many iniquities beyond the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, and how Minhajs own Muslim faith informs his anger at and disappointment with Saudi Arabias ruler. Minhaj isnt interested in false objectivitya concept that continues to weaken journalisms potency in the Trump erabut with the clarity and insight that comes from a specificity of voice and experience. (Minhajs fathers reaction to the news that the comic had gotten his own show: Great, you can finally save up for grad school.) It probably helps that Patriot Acts head writer is another Indian-American comedian, co-creator Prashanth Venkataramanujam, who also led the writing team for Minhajs excellent 2017 White House Correspondents Dinner act. Advertisement The result is bracing, funny, informative, and occasionally, like Last Week Tonight, a little dry. But its homework that you wanna do, even if you never forget that its ultimately an assignment. I dont consider that description a knock on the show: Every minute in 2018 that Im not glued to the news comes with it a metallic tang of guilt, such is the onslaught of urgent information these days. Considering the hefty length of the issue-driven segments, the writers could organize and frame their data so they build to a more compelling argument or conclusion. But Patriot Act thrives on nearly every other account. It boasts a polish and consistency that forever eluded The Break with Michelle Wolf, Netflixs other (now-canceled) attempt at rallying the #TheResistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Best of all, its got Minhajs aspirational nerd-turned-stand-up relatability on its side. Minhaj stands for the entirety of Patriot Act, and his delivery is almost wildly gesticulatory, giving the series a loose but emphatic energy. In contrast to the antiquated fake-urban backdrop used by Oliver, Seth Meyers, and Stephen Colbert, Minhaj stands againstand on top ofscreens that visually accompany the woke TED Talks (as the comic refers to his segments) in a way that feels ever-moving yet unobtrusive. Practically every detail feels contemporary, from the swagger Minhaj casually exudes to a joke about a seemingly whitewashed portrait of former Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal in a brief segment on bad Indian Americans: He gentrified his face! Noting that Trump employs more Indians than any show on television, Minhaj implicitly breaks down the model-minority myth with real-life examples of Asian-American malefactors like disgraced pharma executive John Kapoor. Rising to the highest ranks of American business is perhaps expected for some Indian Americans. But according to Minhaj, so is complaining about ones ankle monitor getting in the way of ones jogging routine: Isnt that the most uncle shit ever? Minhaj has been a natural performer since his earliest days on The Daily Show, and displayed a knack for emotional storytelling on his spectacular 2017 Netflix special Homecoming King. (His back-to-back projects on the streaming site definitely make the comedian feel like Netflixs latest talent poach.) Given the unceremonious ends that met Wolf and Chelsea Handlers shows, Patriot Act still feels like not quite a sure thing, at least as an entity. But as a showcase for a new perspective, it already feels vital. A few weeks ago, the hosts of my favorite parenting podcast, Slates Mom and Dad Are Fighting, responded to a letter from a listener with a familiar kind of patronizing mirth. The listener, a dad of small children, was concerned that Grandma and Grandpa were giving his kids screen time against his wishes. Raising kids in Berkeley, we saw a lot of this, co-host Carvell Wallace said of screen-free, sugar-free parenting. People hold onto it like youre going to be able to create some transcendent child. Co-host Rebecca Lavoie told a story about the time her co-worker, about to become a parent, reported that she was going to send her baby to a day care that only had wooden toys. You know the reason why day cares have plastic toys is because germs actually come off when you wash a plastic toy with soap? Lavoie remembered asking her co-worker. Experienced parents, Lavoie implied, know better than to choose a day care based on their ideas about what kinds of toys might somehow be more stimulating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I agree that the question of what you can fairly ask babysitting grandparents to do is a tricky one, but I didnt like how the hosts made a gentle mockery of the very idealism that underpinned this readers concern. As a wooden-toy-hoarding, screen-free parent of an almost2-year-old, I know Im the mom whos the target of this kind of message: You are a fool for having ideas about parenting! Its something I hear everywhere, from relatives who predict Ill be giving my daughter J giant bags of candy by her third Halloween, to people on airplanes who promise me she will be obsessed with Disney by age 5, no matter what I do. It seems crazy to have to defend the concept of having ideals, but here I am. Advertisement Advertisement I love Care and Feeding columnist Nicole Cliffe and the hosts of MADAF as much as the next person, and all of these voices are trying to be supportive to parents who feel that exposure to parenting theories and advice makes all of the stresses of their daily lives worse. As a breastfeeding apostate, Ive had the experience of going into a tailspin from the guilt of feeding my baby wrong. The impulse to take pressure off of parents who worry about their parenting is kind and well-meant. Its also intended to be feminist, because its mostly moms who are commenting in Facebook groups with their worries about Tylenol doses and sibling fights and preschool choices. Often the goal of such messages is to reassure moms who find themselves surrounded by examples they worry they cant matchto let them off the hook. Advertisement Advertisement But Im here to tell you that having ideas about parenting has made my first few years of motherhood so much better. Thats because my goal in following a parenting philosophy is different, I think, than what is ascribed to me by those who would pooh-pooh the idea of parenting ideals. Earlier this year, Dan Engber argued on Slate that parenting doesnt matterat least not in a way that can be scientifically measured. His argument is echoed by Cliffes in the tweet above: So long as youre not outrageously abusing your children or doing something he describes as weird (insisting your child only poop at certain times, or that she never hears a word beginning with the letter P ), the science is so inconclusive as to make the certainty of most parenting advice seem ridiculous. Advertisement Advertisement But what this stance about parenting advice assumes is that people who have ideas about parenting follow them in order to maximize their kids potential. This may be true for some parents who follow themand of course, some of my parenting decisions really are about trying to give my child the best chances in life. The resulting sense that people who parent in particular against-the-grain ways are doing it to transform their baby into the transcendent child they deserve, because they think theyre better than everyone else, certainly has something to do with the mistrust and anxiety that kind of ideals-driven parenting generates. But for many, idealistic parenting is not about your kid getting into an Ivy League school. Its sort of about the future, in the sense that these ideals might help create a relationship that makes it so they want to come home for Thanksgiving when theyre 30. But what its really about is making your daily life with a small child better now. Advertisement Advertisement A good example from my own experience is the early bedtime recommended by many sleep books. Melinda Wenner Moyer argued the scientific case for a bedtime between 7 and 8 p.m. for preschoolers and toddlers on Slate a few years ago, and I took her post to heart. J is in bed between 7 and 7:30 every night, without fail. But while this maternal strictness was initially motivated by the cognitive benefits of the 12-hour night for the under-5 crew, weve persisted because of how much it helps make our lives better. Im a schedule-minded person, and it really satisfies me to know that bedtime isnt a question. My husband and I have the time between her bedtime and ours to do all the nonwork, nonchild things we need to do in a day. (If those nonwork, nonchild things are often Watch Castle Rock, thats our business.) That, in turn, makes it easier for us to feel recharged during the times when we are with her. Advertisement The best parenting advice asks you to think about how you want family life to be. The same thing happened with our use of nutritionist Ellyn Satters Division of Responsibility guidelines for children and food. The concept is supposed to help children develop a healthy relationship with food. But it also eliminates a tremendous amount of parental second-guessing. If youre following Satters advice, youre not supposed to coax, cajole, or wheedle children to eat once youve offered them the food youve chosen for them. The relief that descended upon me when I realized that I didnt need to do the whole one more bite dance was immense. And I wouldnt have known about that idea if I hadnt read her book. Ive gravitated toward these kinds of helpful structures, in part, because I came into parenthood without much experience with small children: My siblings were all around my age, and while I babysat a bit as a terrified preteen, I put that behind me when I got into high school. I didnt know when babies might start to sleep through the night, when they can eat solids, when they will sit still in your lap to listen to a book. A little bit of this kind of information goes a long way in helping you adjust expectationsand plan accordingly. I read the Louise Bates Ames book Your One-Year-Old as J approached that milestone. Since it was published in the middle of the previous century, its language was pretty outdated. But I will always remember the diagrams showing how a typical 18-month-old and a typical 3-year-old play in a preschool room full of toys. Watching J zip from spot to spot, I recall the densely layered crisscrossing lines of motion in the first panel of that diagram, and remind myself that in a year and a half she should be much more focused. Between now and then, I can pick things for us to do that dont punish her tendency to bumble around. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the best parenting advice, in my view, doesnt give tips, prescribe schedules, or set expectations. It asks you to think about how you want family life to be. Kim John Paynes Simplicity Parenting moved me not because it told me what to do, but because it talks about parents as architects of family life. Our decision not to look at our phones or watch TV or use tablets when J is awake, while partially driven by our concerns about what screen time might do to her, is also a more holistic choice about how we wanted our weekends to feelfor her, and for us. Ever since we made the no screens around J rule, I am much calmer and more focused when were together. Parenting is about figuring out new ways to livefor the parent as well as the child. Advertisement Theres one more thing that bothers me about the Dont worry about it! crowd. Women who write about childhood and family, work as early-childhood educators, or are stay-at-home moms are involved in a huge, interesting, and significant human project. Mainstream culture regularly pays lip service to this idea (Its the most important job in the world!) and then underpays and discounts the work itself. (Never forget Donald Trump Jr. saying women who are sexually harassed should consider leaving the workforce and become kindergarten teachers.) The Nothing matters! message from allies of women, well-meaning though it may be, carries a subtle undercurrent congruent with our cultures undervaluing of such work: Youre thinking about this too much. This isnt a matter for thought. I submit to you that it is. Advertisement Advertisement I violate my own parenting ideals regularly. Not the 7 p.m. bedtimenever that!but other things. I once thought I would not allow J to eat outside of scheduled snacks and meals, and I now regularly allow her to have bites of whatever Im having when were out and about, even if lunch is imminent. (Ellyn Satter would be shocked!) I believe in the idea that you should enlist your childs participation in diaper changes, in order to make that time into less of a battle and show your child you respect her bodily autonomy, blah blah, but on a lot of days, I just let J make her small protests while I hustle through and get er done. But no matter how many rules I break, Ill always argue that theres no such thing as overthinking parenting. Even if you dont believe you have ideals about parentingeven if you go with the flow and do whateveryoure making choices along the way. Thats what parenting is. Please make some room for me to do the same. This post is part of Outward, Slates home for coverage of LGBTQ life, thought, and culture. Read more here. Six words encapsulated Matthew Shepards interment ceremony in the Washington National Cathedral on Friday. At the end of his homily, the Rt. Rev. V. Gene Robinson, the first openly gay bishop elected to the Episcopal Church, had three things to say to Matt. (This will be the part where I cry, Robinson noted.) The first was his wish for Shepard to gently rest in the cathedral. The second was his reassurance that Shepard was safe now. Before offering the third, he paused. Then, glancing at Shepards ashes and the cathedral walls beyond them, a teary Robinson concluded, as if pointing out the most natural idea in the world, Oh yeah, and Mattwelcome home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That homecoming was decades in the making. It came 20 years after Shepard was tied to a fence, tortured, and left for dead on a remote prairie in Laramie, Wyoming, in October 1998 because he was gay. Thousands packed the cathedral to attend the ceremony. More livestreamed it. Shepards parents, Dennis and Judy Shepard, both attended; Dennis delivered remarks that emphasized his sons belief in equality. The ceremony commemorated an event 20 years in the past, but speakers made sure to note its relevance to today. Robinson, clad in rainbow-colored vestments, urged attendees to vote, advocated support for the transgender community, and opened the ceremony by remarking, This cathedral is actually serious about being a place of prayer for all people. He welcomed people of all faiths (and none) to the cathedral, exhorting them, Let the beauty of this servicethe words and the musicwash over you, and comfort you in whatever ways you need to be comforted. Tearing up, Robinson also welcomed the LGBTQ community, saying, Many of you have been hurt by your own religious communities, and I want to welcome you back. Advertisement Even 20 years after Shepards murder, his interment is a politically powerful act in this American moment, one that demonstrates the intersection of Christianity and politically progressive action. How we choose to remember our pastthrough art, memorials, and other markers and interpretationsis inherently political. There have been plenty of books, plays, songs (with some performed at his interment), and films about Shepard, and he is memorialized in law by the 2009 Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. But until now, there were no physical memorials to him, aside from a single memorial bench at the University of Wyoming, where Shepard was a student. Shepards interment indicates active outreach to, and embrace of, the LGBTQ community. For Shepards family, finding a final resting place for him was a fraught endeavor. The specter of violence followed Shepard and his family even to his funeral in 1998, thanks to the Westboro Baptist Church, and his family held onto his remains, fearful of desecration. Interring him at the cathedral, however, allows the Shepards, who are Episcopalian, to share Matthew with the world in a significant, accessible memorial. It also allows them to shield their son from harm, particularly in an Episcopal churchsomewhere that Matthew, as Dennis Shepard noted, considered a welcoming, safe, place of acceptance for anyone who wanted to enter. Shepards final resting place may not be a standalone memorial, but it allows him to be memorialized respectfully and fittingly. Advertisement Advertisement Beyond the specific arrangements of Shepards final resting place, his interment sends a message of active support for LGBTQ rights. The National Cathedral is much more than the seat of the Episcopal Church. It serves as the bipartisan backdrop for many intersections of religion and politics, from Sen. John McCains funeral to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.s final Sunday sermon. Its stage commands national significance; only about 200 people are interred there, including figures such as Helen Keller and President Woodrow Wilson. Shepards interment cements him as a figure of significance not only to the LGBTQ community but also to the American people. In doing so, the cathedral signals that his fight is Americans fightthat LGBTQ rights are American rights. Advertisement Advertisement The Episcopal Church ordains LGBTQ clergy (such as Robinson) and performs nontraditional marriage; the cathedral views LGBTQ equality as the great civil rights issue of church in the 21st century. The congregations of neither the cathedral nor the greater Episcopal Church are newcomers to this movement, but Shepards interment is still significant. It indicates active outreach to, and embrace of, the LGBTQ communitya community that, as Robinson noted, has not always been welcomed by religious groups. Simultaneously, it sounds this call to the cathedrals bipartisan audience and urges them to heed it. If you are here just to pay your respects and to remember Matthew, its not enough, Robinson said, speaking of the power of memory to animate our actions. If youre not here to be transformed, youve come for the wrong reason. Advertisement Robinsons call for transformative memory, for Christian love and prayer to become political action, does not simply reflect the magnitude of Shepards murder. It also connects Shepards interment into a greater modern movement taking place throughout the Episcopal Church, other branches of Christianity, and other faiths entirely. In recent years, particularly since Donald Trumps election, there has been a rise in faith-driven progressive activism. While Christianity (along with other religions) has been a force behind progressive causes throughout American history, from the abolition of slavery to civil rights, it waned as the conservative evangelical movement emerged as a dominant force in American politics. Yet this spirit now seems to be resurrecting itself in a modern, multifaith incarnation as the religious left. Among the Christian left, from the Red Letter Christians to the Rev. William Barbers Poor Peoples Campaign, this progressive push interprets Jesus message as protecting and uplifting the vulnerable and seeks to apply that message to modern life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The scripture is very clear about where you have to be to be in the moral center, Barber told the Guardian. You have to be on the side of the poor, the working, the sick, the immigrant. While not a direct counterpart to the Christian right, the Christian left rebuts the rights use of Christianity to justify its conservative agenda. We have a moral obligation and a religious obligation to offer a different voice, Doug Pagitt, executive director of the ongoing Vote Common Good campaign, told the Guardian. Our faith compels us to speak out. A church can be powerful tool for action: It evokes a strong, established moral platform; its hierarchy and structure provide a network for organizing and communication within a given community; it can help with logistics, providing resources, space, and sanctuary. Shepards interment represents how these elements can produce a politically powerful act, rooted in compassion and sensitivity, empowering the vulnerable and rebuking the oppressive. Fridays service marks just one instance of how the Episcopal Church, and other branches of Christianity, will carry on Shepards legacynot only providing a welcoming home for all who need it, but also actively working to create a world where such an unconditional welcome exists everywhere for transgender people, for Jewish people, for all under attack. That work can be complex, difficult, even painful. Or it can be something as simple as welcoming Matt home. Two weeks ago, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry touched down in Sydney for their first official tour together: a 16-day trip through the Pacific. The arrival of everyones favorite royal couple (sorry William and Kate) coincided with a Kensington Palace announcement that Markle is pregnant with her first child, but that little bump didnt seem to slow down the duos jampacked itinerary. Their trip Down Under included events in Australia, Fiji, Tonga, and New Zealand, where the couple stopped at Wellingtons Maranui Cafe to meet with representatives of mental health projects. The popular cafe, located in a century-old building that also houses New Zealands second-oldest surf club, is co-owned by Bronwyn Kelly and Katie Richardson. Advertisement Just a few hours after the duke and duchess of Sussex had left the cafe, Slate caught up with Kelly over the phone to find out what exactly goes into planning for a royal visit, including what code names she used for the royal couple. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity. Rachelle Hampton: Im assuming youve had a bit of a day! Could you take me through it? Bronwyn Kelly: Oh yeah, it was a bit of an early start this morning. We got here quite early just to arrange the cafe for the event, which we were hosting, which was about mental health specifically in response to youth with a lot of youth workers from around the area. At about 7:30 the street was all cordoned off and it was filled up with royalists. We had a big coffee cart outside because obviously, us being a cafe, its very important to keep people caffeinated. We understand how important that is. [Laughs.] Then we just had a millionwell no, sorry, thats an exaggerationwe had a lot of media and a lot of police coming through the building. Advertisement It was very exciting. Then they pulled up in their car around the front and they got out, sort of did their wave to a lot of the onlookers, and came up. We introduced ourselves, my business partner, Katie Richardson, and I, and then they went off for a cup of tea and then they went around with these groups and had their discussion. Advertisement What were your impressions of Harry and Meghan? In the room itself, we had quite a few media and [government officials] inside, plus all these participants from this group, and it was all very slightly tense, slightly anxious, quite quiet. Then once Prince Harry and Meghan, the duchess, came in, everyone sort of just relaxed because they were very nice, very smiley, very engaging, and they sort of basically just chatted to everyone and then everyone sort of took a big deep breath and the whole room seemed to just become a much more enjoyable sort of happier environment. Advertisement Advertisement I can imagine there were a lot of nerves building up to the visit. What exactly was the planning process like? We sort of knew about a month ago. To start with, we didnt quite believe it was going to happen because it seemed so far-fetched that a member of the royal family was going to come to your cafe. But then after a couple of weeks, when we realized it was confirmed that it was going to happen, we sort of tried to treat it a bit like a street party to really try to get into the hype of it, the enjoyment of it. There were a few tears at times, of excitement and joy, so it was quite cool. Advertisement Advertisement You said a few tears? Yeah, one of the participants this morning, we had to take her to another room so she could calm down because she was crying. Advertisement You said you were pretty surprised, so how exactly did this visit end up getting planned then? From what I understand, the staff from the royal family came to New Zealand earlier, and they did a sort of preplanning itinerary and they actually came to Maranui Cafe and just really loved the vibe and the atmosphere and the location. Maranui itself is right on the beach in Lyall Bay. We can see the airport on one side and youve got this sweeping sort of ocean right in front of us. I think its quite uniquely got this casual, beachlike feel, and I think it was kind of what they were looking for. Advertisement Advertisement What was your reaction when you first found out? Advertisement Disbelief. When they said a very important couple coming from England, I thought, Oh my gosh, Beckham and Posh, but of course it was the other important couple. It was very exciting when it got finalized. My business partner, Katie, and I, we didnt actually tell anyone for a very long time because we didnt believe it was going to happen. It was just so fairy talelike. I heard you had code names for Harry and Meghan while you were keeping the visit a secret? When you think of the most important people in Britain, you think, Oh, Posh and Becks. And so thats what we nicknamed them: Posh and Becks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What logistics, other than code names, did you have to plan for the visit? All the staff had to be fully vetted, including me as well and my mother who actually does the payroll here. Luckily those all came back fine. We had police out on the beach, there were naval boats out on the ocean, a huge amount of police force, and also the bomb squad came through and turned over every tableliterallywhich was quite amazing. It just goes to show that New Zealanders, or the police and everything, take it very seriously. But it was a little bit embarrassing because we probably hadnt swept everywhere and theres a lot of sand since were off the beach. Advertisement Advertisement Did you change the menu or have anything special? It was a morning tea, and my business partner, Katie Richardson, shes the one that is sort of the baking whiz in the kitchen, she creates menus. It ended up being basically English baking with New Zealand style, New Zealand flavors, local Whittakers chocolate, and just sort of fresh, New Zealand produce. Were you a big royalist before this? I used to really like Princess Di. Growing up I thought she was awesome. I once saw Princess Di and Harry and William when they were just little toddlers: They were at a museum in Paris, and I was like, Wow, thats amazing, Princess Di. And now Ive met Harry and shaken his hand, however many years later. Thats my whole royal story. Advertisement Advertisement Oh, wow, thats really full circle in a way. To see him as a toddler and now to meet him and his wife, whos pregnant. Yeah, it was amazing, really. Could you give me a little background on the Maranui Cafe? The building is quite unique. Its a heritage building. Its quite old in New Zealandits well over 100 years old, which probably sounds pretty new. It operated as a surf lifesaving club, the Maranui Surf Life-Saving Club. We opened within the club in 2003 and then we opened up a cafe, so weve been here for a while. It has a really sort of rustic beach style, retro, quite colorful, and we have a lot of local artists doing work for us. A local artist named Mark Ussher has designed all the tabletops and a lot of artwork on the walls, which is really cool. Advertisement Do you think theres anything else I should know about the visit? Advertisement Well, there was this one thing that Meghan did that I thought was very nice: So obviously we produced quite a lot of beautiful food for them. After their meeting, they went down the stairs and there was this little group of school kids, local school kids. And Meghan and Harry, they crouched down and shook hands with them all and talked to all these kids, and then Meghan asked if we could bring down all the extra baking to give to the kids, which was really sweet. I thought it was really generous of her to even think of that. It was unnecessary but very nice. Advertisement Advertisement Thats really sweet! Was there any other gesture or moment like that that really stuck out for you? Just that they were very nice, and they actually paid attention to everyones names. We all had nametags and Harry, in particular was like, Oh hey, Bronwyn, its nice to meet you. And my cafe manager, Tom, is actually from Britain and of course, you know, he was extra chuffed. Harry at one point was like, Tom, Tom, come stand over here for the photo, and hes like, Oh my gosh, Prince Harry just said my name. Its quite sweet. It was very cool. The Daily Dem Panic Meter is a wildly subjective and speculative daily estimate of how panicked Democrats are, or really should be, leading up to the midterms on Nov 6th. The meter is calibrated to measure Democratic panic in these increments: Very panicked!; Panicked!; Not that panicked; Not panicked; Excited about the future of the party and country! Its eight days until the midterms and a mere 48 hours since there was the deadly shooting inside a Pittsburgh synagogue, so, naturally, President Trump woke up Monday morning with the so-called caravan on his mind. With other real-life problems at home, from mail bombs to a racist shooting in Kentucky, Trump turned his twitter gaze and the resources of the U.S. military towards desperate immigrants a thousand miles away. Advertisement Full screen map of the migrant caravan now available.https://t.co/JNqpRCIXSR Center for Immigration Studies (@CIS_org) October 28, 2018 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group, many of whom are thought to be aiming to seek asylum, is weeks and weeks away from the U.S. border and many of them may never get there at all. But that didnt stop Trump from announcing hes sending 5,200 troops to the U.S.-Mexico border now to secure it. Advertisement Many Gang Members and some very bad people are mixed into the Caravan heading to our Southern Border. Please go back, you will not be admitted into the United States unless you go through the legal process. This is an invasion of our Country and our Military is waiting for you! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 29, 2018 What does deploying troops, in reality, mean? U.S. officials have stressed that the troops would not be involved in policing the border and instead carry out support roles like building tents and barricades, and flying U.S. customs personnel to locations along the border, Reuters reports. Cool, cool. So it sounds like the tents will be totally ready by the time this imminent invasion happens in 6 to 8 weeks. At least this isnt all for show then a week before the midterms. Advertisement Oh right. Just now a Fox News guest says the migrants may have "leprosy" and warns that "they're gonna infect our people in the United States" pic.twitter.com/uflfjVJbc2 Andrew Lawrence (@ndrew_lawrence) October 29, 2018 Advertisement What youve just watched is a classic chicken and egg scenario; which came first, the toxic Trump tweet or the virulent Fox News segment trying to justify Trumps nonsense by scaring the bejesus out of people? But wait! In another galaxy altogether, located on Fox News afternoon coverage, a show called Shepard Smith Reporting provides a voice of reason. Advertisement Shep Smith on the migrant caravan: "There is no invasion. No one is coming to get you. There is nothing at all to worry about." pic.twitter.com/4dLmPuZem0 Jon Passantino (@passantino) October 29, 2018 Advertisement Maybe Shep is the Fox News host weve been waiting for? Shepherd Smiths attempts at instilling sanity over at Fox News didnt save us during the 2016 election. And there are literal troops heading to the border, Wag the Dog-style. So the panic meter remains at: jeez, is it hot in here? Advertisement The Daily Dem Panic Meter is: Slates expanded voting rights coverage is made possible by the support of Slate Plus members and readers like you. Faced with the latest flurry of hardball Republican tactics on voting issues this election cycle, Democrats are grappling with the reality of an opposition that now seems determined to cement long-term minority rule. In order to combat this dynamic, progressives need a plan of their own for the next time they control both houses of Congress and the presidency. The single best step that Democrats could take under a future unified control would be to use the nuclear option to expand voting rights. This would let Democrats, by a simple majority vote, enact wide-ranging voting reform, from restoring a key part of the Voting Rights Act, to automatic voter registration, to statehood for D.C. Advertisement This progressive version of electoral hardballwhich would merely mean killing the filibuster for voting rights legislationis an appropriate response to the hardball tactics Republicans have used to manipulate the U.S. political system in recent years. Consider the most prominent example of recent Republican hardball: the Republican Senate in 2016 denying Obama-nominated Judge Merrick Garland a hearing for a Supreme Court spot after the death of Justice Antonin Scalia. In 2017, meanwhile, the Republican Senate invoked the so-called nuclear option, which lowered from 60 votes to a simple majority the number of senators necessary to confirm a Supreme Court nominee, leading to the confirmations of Justices Neil Gorsuch and, more recently, Brett Kavanaugh. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement GOP hardball has by no means been restricted to the federal level. From Georgia to Kansas to North Carolina to North Dakota, Republican-dominated legislatures have used a variety of means to make it harder for likely Democratic voters to register and vote. Advertisement The Supreme Court has abetted all of these efforts, killing off a key provision of the Voting Rights Act, freeing the wealthy to spend unlimited sums of money to influence elections, and failing to rein in extreme partisan gerrymandering in states like North Carolina and Wisconsin. There is thus a growing fear that all these moves, combined with the bias of the Senate toward small states, will lead to a period of sustained minority rule in the United States. In response, some have proposed radical changes, such as a plan to pack the Supreme Court with liberal justices if and when Democrats take control. Others fear that such tactics by Democrats could cause things to spiral out of control, further eroding democratic norms after a period in which President Donald Trump has attacked courts, the free press, and the integrity of the election system itself. Advertisement In his engaging new book, An Uncivil War, Washington Post columnist Greg Sargent grapples with the challenges to democratic norms and majority rule unleashed by Trump and the Republican Party. Sargent mines the political science and legal literature on norm devolution and constitutional hardball to urge Democrats to think carefully about the kind of change they might undertake should they retake the levers of power in 2021 or beyond. Drawing on the work of professors Joseph Fishkin and David Pozen, Sargent cogently argues that Democrats will have to do whatever they can to, in effect, take the weaponry out of GOP hands (in effect, out of both parties hands) whenever possible. Using the nuclear option to promote democracy makes sense. Sargent is on the right track, and the key is finding the right balance between restoring political equality and fomenting an all-out political war. Rather than begin with a radical step like court packing, Democrats could, by simple majority, vote to adopt a procedure whereby all future voting rights measures need only a simple majority to pass. Not only would killing of the filibuster here be the exact same move that Republicans did to allow for the majority votes on Kavanaugh and Gorsuch, Democrats could correctly claim that such a move will further the values of equality embedded in the 14th and 15th amendments of the Constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Once Democrats go nuclear on voting rights, here are some pieces of legislation that could pass by majority vote: Legislation restoring the preclearance provisions of the Voting Rights Act, which the Supreme Court killed in 2013s Shelby County v. Holder, using a new coverage formula to satisfy the courts standard in that case. Legislation passed under Congresss Article I powers to require states to establish independent redistricting commissions, using neutral standards, for the drawing of congressional district lines. Legislation admitting Puerto Rico and D.C. as states in the union, creating four more Senate seats. Advertisement Legislation giving greater voting rights to American citizens living in U.S. territories. Legislation establishing automatic voter registration for congressional elections, complete with a national registration system that would both ensure that eligible people are registered to vote and that ineligible people are kept off the rolls. Advertisement Legislation establishing generous public financing for elections (perhaps through the use of campaign finance vouchers), barring foreign interference in U.S. elections, requiring greater transparency in political giving, and limiting contributions to independent groups like super PACs. To be sure, some of these measures might be challenged in court, and the conservative Supreme Court would have to decide how much political capital to spend if it wanted to strike them down along partisan lines (all with the threat of court packing in the background). And some might worry that eliminating the filibuster for voting rights could come back to haunt Democrats, because Republicans could then pass laws by simple majority vote contracting voting rights should they take over the political branches again. They could no doubt try to package a strict voter ID law as preserving the voting rights of Americans by citing fraudulent claims of a wave of noncitizen voting. Advertisement The simple answer to this worry is that Republicans already couldand woulddo this if they determined that it was in their political interests. We have seen that whatever norms have existed will not stand in the way of the preservation of their power. In any event, if Democrats are successful in using legislation to expand voting rights, Republicans are going to have a harder time running on a platform of shrinking that growing electorate. Advertisement Advertisement The other risk of course is that Republicans respond by killing the filibuster for everything. This concern is legitimate, because killing the filibuster might let a majority of senators representing a minority of Americans enact more anti-democratic legislation. I expect, though, that Republicans would do that if they wanted, regardless of whether Democrats went nuclear on voting rights first. After all, both Democrats and Republicans went nuclear on judges, and it hasnt yet caused the whole system to collapse. Using the nuclear option to promote democracy makes sense. Its not as far as some Democrats likely would want to go, but it would go a long way toward undoing some of the damage to our democracy over the past few decades, and particularly the past few years. Going nuclear on voting rights wont happen next week, even if Democrats take back the House and (less likely) the Senate. It requires a cooperative president. But its a heck of a platform for the 2020 election season, which starts next week. This article is part of Watching Fox, a Slate series about Fox News. For five or six minutes Monday morning, Fox & Friends got it right. The show began its broadcast with an accurate and concise recap of the Saturday murder of 11 people at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh and the subsequent arrest of the shooter, 46-year-old Robert Bowers. Co-host Brian Kilmeade noted that Bowers had been posting a lot of this anti-Semitic, uh, his beliefs online prior to Saturday, as the chyron ANTI-SEMITIC KILLER DUE IN COURT TODAY appeared on screen. Advertisement Back in 2015, after Dylann Roof killed nine people at a historically African American church in Charleston, South Carolina, I criticized Fox News for failing to explicitly deem the shooting an act of violent racismso I have to give the network a measure of credit here. Bowers is an anti-Semite, and Fox & Friends acknowledged this fact, unequivocally. It was perhaps one of the proudest moments in the shows long and embarrassing history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This aberrant triumph soon faded. Within minutes, the three hosts of Fox & Friends had pivoted back to their two favorite pastimes: reassuring President Trump that he bears no responsibility for anything other than those things that he chooses to take credit for, and criticizing those people who would posit a link between Trumps policies, alliances, and comportment and the rise of violent political extremism in America. While so many people are trying to figure out, you know, what is going on, who is to blame for something like thata lot of people on television yesterday knew exactly who to blame, said Steve Doocy. Advertisement To think that the president could somehow be linked to this, you have to suspend disbelief, especially when he has great links to the Jewish community at home and abroad, said Kilmeade. How about blaming the guy who did this? asked Ainsley Earhardt. This shooter hated Donald Trump. Thought he was a globalist. Didnt vote for him. And never apparently ever owned a MAGA cap, said Doocy. It was 6:07 a.m., and a mornings worth of toxic irrelevance was just getting started. Fox & Friends isnt so much a news program as it is a daily televised support group for early-rising xenophobes. Foremost among these is, of course, Trump himself. Fox & Friends enjoys a symbiotic relationship with the president, who watches the show regularly and often tweets in response to its segments. The Fox & Friends hosts know very well that Trump is tuning in, and it is clear that they are often speaking to him directly, praising his actions and belittling his critics, like courtiers flattering a patron or indulgent parents coddling an insecure child. Advertisement Fox & Friends isnt so much a news program as it is a daily televised support group for early-rising xenophobes. One of their favorite tactics is to shift the terms of debate by endlessly rebutting claims that have not been made, as a means of making Trumps critics look unreasonable. The exchange between Earhardt, Kilmeade, and Doocy, in which they suggest that Democrats are literally blaming Trump for murdering 11 people in Pittsburgh, is a great example of this tactic. No one credible has said that Donald Trump is directly culpable for the Pittsburgh shooting. He isnt. Of course the direct blame for the shooting lies with the shooter. The argument that people are making is that Trump is responsible for fostering and amplifying an atmosphere of partisan resentmentone in which bigots feel empowered to air their hateful grievances, one in which grievances can more easily curdle into violence. Advertisement Advertisement But this argument is not one with which Fox & Friends is willing to engage. Rather, the show takes pains to not just deny any link between Trumps divisive rhetoric and the concurrent acts of violence, but to deny that Trumps rhetoric is divisive at all. Day after day, segment after segment, guest after guest, the objective remains the same: to gaslight the audience while flattering its most prominent member. Advertisement Monday morning was more of the same. Around 6:35 a.m., the show welcomed guest Dan Bongino, a former Secret Service agent and failed congressional candidate who, according to a recent Daily Beast story, has been effectively blackballed from appearing on Foxs hard news programming. Hes still more than welcome on the opinion shows, though, and on Monday, the Fox & Friends hosts showed Bongino a clip of protesters interrupting a moment of silence at a Sunday campaign rally for Tennessee Senate candidate Marsha Blackburn. Democratic incivility in action! Advertisement Bongino responded with appropriate smarm. Is there footage youre gonna see today thats any more gross than this? Bongino asked. A moment of silence for the victims killed in this savage, horrific attack and you are screaming, Marsha Blackburn is a white supremacist? And the insane part of this whole thing is, again, were supposed to take civility lessons from this radical far left? Why be civil? The left started it. Its the same old song. When covering news events that might imply unflattering things about Trump, or might prompt uncomfortable conclusions about the consequences of Trumpism, Fox & Friends will always retreat into a sanctimonious metastory about civility, decorum, or tone. I was just stunned to see how quick everyone was blaming the president and his tone for what happened, said Kilmeade at the top of the 7 oclock hour. Its just crazy to make that leap and get politics into this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A little bit later, Kilmeade and his colleagues welcomed Kellyanne Conway, who bemoaned the kind of rhetoric that is said day in and day out about this White House, the people who work here, the president, the vice president, their familiesits got to stop. On Fox & Friends, the greatest crime of all is not loving our president, or being rude to people who do love our president. Conversely, the exploits of people who do love the president are always worth a segment or two. On Monday, Fox & Friends also devoted several brief segments to lauding the election, in Brazil, of new President-elect Jair Bolsonaro: a racist, homophobic, misogynistic, illiberal strongman who has openly pined for a dictatorship and whose candidacy has riven the nation. Fox & Friends did not mention any of that, of course. Thousands flood the streets of Brazil overnight to celebrate the Trump of the tropics, Steve Doocy enthusiastically reported during the 8 oclock hour. The Trump of the tropics. How about that! Fox & Friends got it right twice in one day. This article is part of Watching Fox, a Slate series about Fox News. Since taking office, President Trump has been very vocal about his hatred of the press, which is a little bit odd considering hes spent his entire adult life trying very hard to get his name in the newspapers. Enemy of the people, he has come to call the nations most respected media outlets, loudly and often, whenever they report accurately on his words and actions. The phrase plays well with his base, which is why Trump keeps returning to itespecially lately, with the midterms only a week away. Advertisement So I was not particularly surprised when Fox & Friends ran a segment about the enemy of the people terminology early on Tuesday mornings program. After all, Fox & Friends is effectively an appendage of the Trump administration: a conduit for Trumps talking points, no matter how insane or odious those talking points might be. Imagine my surprise, then, when it turned out that Fox & Friends was against Trumps insinuation that the independent press constitutes some sort of fifth column. It is unclear what prompted this mild apostasya sudden attack of conscience? A malfunctioning teleprompter?but its nevertheless worth noting, because it does not happen very often. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Fox & Friends hosts were responding to an interview Trump did on Monday night with Laura Ingraham for her Fox News show, The Ingraham Angle. The interview was expansive and at times hard to follow, what with Trump interrupting himself every seven seconds to brag about his accomplishments or whine about people being unfair to him. But he was very clear, in his way, when Ingraham asked him to explain why he refers to the media as the enemy of the people. When I say the enemy of the people, Im talking about the fake news. And you know it better than anybody. You have news out there that is so fake, and I can do the greatest thing everNorth Korea as an example, Trump began, going on to praise himself for averting war with North Korea and complain that he has not yet received sufficient credit for doing so. (Lets just say Trumps view of his North Korean accomplishments is, um, overinflated.) Advertisement Advertisement But how does it help expand your base to call them the enemy of the people? How does it help America heal in times like this? Ingraham asked in a follow-up question that Trump just didnt answer. Advertisement Those supporters know that theyre lying. I watched Meet the Press this weekend. Everything was so falsely put, putting words in peoples mouths, Trump said instead, before coming back to his same old point: When I say enemy of the people, Im talking about the fake news, and it is fake. And the thing is, my people understand. On Tuesday morning, Fox & Friends aired the relevant excerpts from the Ingraham interview and then cut back to the three hosts, who were all sitting outside for some reason. They all looked incredibly uncomfortable, though I could not tell whether Trumps phrasing bothered them personally, whether they were simply nervous that they were about to criticize the president, or whether they were just cold. Advertisement So there he is, talking about his term, enemy of the people, which bothers a lot of people, said Steve Doocy, tapping his hand on a table. I really wish he would lose that term, said Brian Kilmeade. It doesnt help anybody. (This may well be the most reasonable thing that Brian Kilmeade has ever said.) It doesnt push back on the media that he wants to push back on. And I think that it gets too many other people [inaudible] shrapnel with that statement. Because the press isnt the enemy of the people, Kilmeade continued. That broad statement does a lot of damage. Advertisement Well, I think he probably feels like they are not doing him any favors and so he doesnt like them, ultimately, said Doocy. But are they the enemy of the people? I dont think so, either. Advertisement It was a rare, startling moment of sanity for Doocy and his colleagues. It also shouldnt be seen as anything more than an aberration. The show is still more than willing to sign onto Trumps campaign against the press, just as long as the president euphemizes his true meaning. Trump made clear to Ingraham that he considers the term enemy of the people to be synonymous with the phrase fake news, and Fox & Friends is perfectly happy to channel that latter critique. On Monday morning, for example, the Fox & Friends hosts were nodding along as Kellyanne Conway savaged the media for its coverage of the Trump administration. A lot of fake news out there, Ainsley Earhardt said. Advertisement Later on Tuesdays program, the hosts interviewed Dilbert cartoonist Scott Adams, who was on the show to tout the paperback release of his book Win Bigly: Persuasion in a World Where Facts Dont Matter. When [Trump] criticizes the press, he is talking about fake news, said Adams. Advertisement Advertisement Do you think theres fake news? asked Doocy. Clearly. Clearly. Yeah, said Adams, and Doocy did not disagree, because Adams, unlike Trump, had expressed his bad opinions with a veneer of civilityand after all, tone is more important than content. Kilmeade, Doocy, and Earhardt may well have legitimate issues with Trumps use of the term enemy of the people. But its clear that they are, on the whole, on board with Trumps overarching critique of the press. On those rare occasions when Fox & Friends criticizes Donald Trump, its critiques are almost always framed as questions of political efficacyIt doesnt help anybody, etc.rather than propriety. In the context of Trumpism, the terms fake news and enemy of the people both mean the same thing. The difference is that the former term is much more palatable than the latter, and as such, it is more likely to be effective in convincing people to vote the Republican ticket. Fox & Friends doesnt want Trump to stop bashing the media. It wants Trump to refine his message so that it will be easier for the hosts and their viewers to consistently swallow. Boston-area gangster James Whitey Bulger was found dead Tuesday in a federal prison in West Virginia, NBC News and other outlets reported. He was 89. Bulger died one day after being moved to the West Virginia penitentiary from Florida via Oklahoma, according to NBC News. The Boston Globe reported that Bulger had been killed inside the prison, and a fellow inmate with Mafia ties was being investigated in his death. A U.S. Attorneys Office spokesperson confirmed that the feds were investigating but would release no other information. Advertisement Bulger was a notorious racketeer and leader of the Winter Hill Gang for decades before disappearing in 1995. He was apprehended in Santa Monica, California, in 2011, found guilty in 2013 of racketeering and involvement in 11 murders, and sentenced to life in prison. Alongside his criminal activities, Bulger was an informant for the FBIhe went underground when his handler warned him that he would soon be indicted. Bulgers brother, William, was the president of the Massachusetts State Senate for almost 20 years and later the president of the University of Massachusetts. Bulgers life inspired both the Martin Scorsese Best Picture winner The Departed (which was also adapted from the Hong Kong film Infernal Affairs) as well as the Johnny Depp project Black Mass. On Monday, two days after a mass shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue fueled by a toxic cocktail of nativism and anti-Semitism, the Trump administrationpresumably looking to give the impression of compassion for Jewish communities deeply shaken by the attackhad a rabbi open with an invocation before Vice President Mike Pences campaign event in Michigan. However, in possibly the most on-brand move yet from the Trump administration, the Pence team managed to make the prayer not only controversial, but bafflingly offensive as well, by ceding the stage to a Messianic Jewish rabbi, Loren Jacobs of Synagogue Shema Yisrael, to lead a prayer, Jesus the Messiah. Advertisement In response to antisemitic white nationalist attack, Vice President Mike Pence opens campaign event with a Christian Rabbi. pic.twitter.com/5iMLx1V3NH rafael shimunov (@rafaelshimunov) October 30, 2018 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Messianic Jews, commonly known as Jews for Jesus, are not considered Jewish at all by most mainstream Jewish groups, and their embrace by evangelical Christians is often considered offensive, even anti-Semitic. Advertisement Then, rather than praying for the victims and survivors of the Pittsburgh synagogue attack, Mike Pence's Christian Rabbi prays --by name-- for each Republican candidate on a list given to him. pic.twitter.com/nZ5Vj6MQs8 rafael shimunov (@rafaelshimunov) October 30, 2018 When asked about Jacobs inflammatory presence, the vice presidents staff said that he was not invited to speak on behalf of the Jewish community. No kidding. Advertisement Team Pence says: "He was invited by Lena Epstein to offer a prayer at the event, which he did early in the program. The VP invited him back on stage to deliver a message of unity. He was not invited by the VPs office to speak on behalf of the Jewish community. Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) October 30, 2018 These are the guys legit running the country right now. Construction of a partially built new airport for Mexico City is to be halted after it was rejected in a referendum, President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has said. But Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador says he's respecting the result of a referendum by the Mexican people. Situated in the Mexico City suburb of Texcoco, northeast of the capital, the new airport was slated to replace the cramped and aging Benito Juarez International, Latin America's busiest a year ago. Al Jazeera's John Holman reports from Mexico City. Roughly a million people, or about 1.0 percent of Mexico's electorate, participated. It is unclear what will happen to the site at Texcoco where the foundations for the airport have already been built. "We expect actions based on certainties from technical evidence and rational valuation of what is better for Mexico", de Hoyos said. Juan Pablo Castanon, President of Mexico's leading business chamber said the decision "sends a message of uncertainty to worldwide markets, investors and all the citizens". It has been under construction on the drained bed of Lake Texcoco east of Mexico City since 2015. Lopez Obrador said he had received assurances from worldwide experts that the current airport and Santa Lucia could operate simultaneously. Still, given the distances between the current airport, the planned Santa Lucia terminal and the satellite airport in the nearby city of Toluca, it remains unclear how people could make connecting flights within any reasonable amount of time. Pena Nieto said later Monday that his government respects whatever decision Lopez Obrador may make once president, but construction will go ahead until November 30, to meet obligations under bonds that were issued to finance the project. Voters were asked to choose whether the incoming government should finish the new $14.5bn New MexicoInternational Airport (NAIM) project or upgrade a military airbase to be used in addition to the current airport, which is the country's busiest. He warned that if the airport is canceled, it could cost taxpayers. He has led the business community's criticism of Lopez Obrador, who won the presidency in a resounding victory in July. "Where there is democracy, there isn't corruption", Lopez Obrador, who will take office December 1, told reporters Monday. The decision came after four days of public consultation in which citizens voted in favor of the President elect's proposal to cancel the project and instead renovate an existing airport. Some questioned whether such a decision, involving complex issues of air traffic control, should be decided in a referendum. Lake Nabor Carrillo had become a refuge for migratory birds but was too close to the Texcoco site and would have posed a threat of birds hitting jet engines. "He hasn't yet taken office, but he's already managed to cancel the largest infrastructure project in Mexico based on the decision of one percent of the population". Even in a time of grim political news around the world, the past few days have seemed particularly grotesque. Its tempting, as the New York Times Mark Landler does here, to read a global pattern in the madness: Brazil elects Bolsonaro. Germany turns the page on Merkel. Hungarys Orban forces out a university funded by George Soros. Trump is having a good midterm overseas. Mark Landler (@MarkLandler) October 29, 2018 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont mean to single out Lander. This kind of analysis is very common, and Ive engaged in it plenty of times myself, but trying to shoehorn disparate global political events into a Trumpian framework can distort whats really going on. Its true that the past few years have been a golden age for far-right populism and that political institutions and traditional centrist parties everywhere have been struggling to respond. There are also global trends undoubtedly driving this dynamic, including record levels of migration and its attendant backlash to multiculturalism, skyrocketing economic inequality, and the proliferation of social media. But the particular causes of each of the above events are quite specific to each country. Viewing them as wins for Trump obscures more than it illuminates. Advertisement Taking these examples in reverse order, Viktor Orbans sustained assault on the George Sorosfounded Central European University, which this week said it would move most of its courses to Vienna if current Hungarian policies continue, is a disturbing attack on academic freedom from his increasingly authoritarian government. Soros-phobia also serves as a connective tissue for the global far right. But Orban has been in office since 2010 and has been working to cleanse Hungary of Soros supposedly malign influence for years. And Hungarys border fences and detention centers for asylum-seekers demonstrate how Orban has often served as the lead innovator of the international anti-migrant backlash. (No less an authority than Steve Bannon has referred to him as Trump before Trump.) If anything, one could say that the links recently drawn by Trump and his allies between Soros and the Central American migrant caravan take (probably unintentional) inspiration from Orbans rhetoric rather than the other way around. Advertisement Advertisement As for Merkel, who announced this week she will step down as head of Germanys ruling CDU in 2021 and wont seek re-election as chancellor, its certainly tempting to read this as a win for her antagonist Trump, even though she may still be in office for a while. The two have frequently clashed, particularly on refugee issues and trade, and the current U.S. ambassador to Germany has spoken openly of cultivating ties with the European right. On the other hand, the recent setbacks for Merkels party have benefited the left-wing Green Party as much as the far-right AfD. And Merkel has already been in power for 13 years, the longest of any sitting democratic leader in Europe. With or without Trump in the White House, her tenure was destined to end sooner or later. Counting on an effective but not particularly popular or charismatic head of state to remain in office until death does not seem like a very sustainable strategy for the long-term defense of liberal international order. As Griff Witte of the Washington Post writes, by announcing her plans now, Merkel gives her party, and Germanys political establishment generally, a shot at a managed transition to a fresh face. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Bolsonaros case, his blatant authoritarianism and sinister attacks on the media make the Trump of the tropics comparisons inevitable. But there are problems with attempts to position his victory as part of the wave that has brought right-wing populists to power in the U.S. and Europe. For one thing, those victories would have been impossible without the nativist backlash to increased levels of migration. In the Brazilian election, migrantsparticularly the growing numbers of refugees from the political chaos in Venezuelawerent a nonissue, but they were much less of a factor. According to U.N. figures, Brazil had only 736,000 international migrants in 2017, compared with 49,770,000 in the U.S. and 12,165,000 in Germany.* Its foreign-born population remained steady and low at 0.4 percent between 2000 and 2017. And as Yascha Mounk points out, Brazil is already a majority-minority society, the scenario that nationalist supporters of Trump, Orban, and the AfD are trying to prevent in their countries. The circumstances that enabled Bolsonaros rise have more to do with the very specific political events in Brazil in recent years, which saw the controversial impeachment in 2016 of President Dilma Rousseff and the imprisonment this year of its most popular politician, former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Whatever you think of those leaders, its understandable that the countrys voters lost faith in the political establishment and were more open than normal to radical alternatives. Advertisement Advertisement Looking at all of these events as part of a contiguous assault on liberalism led by Trump can cause international observers to overlook the nuances of each episode. For instance, most of the foreign coverage of Swedens recent election focused on immigration and the far-right Sweden Democrats, but the SD underperformed expectations, and voters seemed to be more motivated by concerns about education and health care. Oversimplification can also lead us to overlook countervailing trends, such as in Poland, where the moderate opposition is showing some signs of life. The factors prompting voters to support, or reject, the far right around the world are often quite local and specific, and usually have little to do with the current inhabitant of the Oval Office. Trumpism is a politics of racial demagoguery. America in the age of Donald Trump is more permissive of explicit racism than its been at any point since the civil rights era. And because bigotries rarely dance alone, the presidents nativism is accompanied by anti-black racismfirst seen in his birther crusade against Barack Obamaanti-Muslim prejudice, and anti-Semitism. These ideologies exist on a continuum, with casual prejudice on one end and virulent hatred on the other. But common to every expression is a desire to ostracize, remove, and even eliminate the racialized group. The difference between segregation to isolate black Americans and race riots to remove them is one of degree, not kind. Individual efforts to keep black people out of public space are a soft expression of the same impulse that drives radical calls for a white ethno-state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seen as part of a continuum, the relationship between bigoted rhetoric and bigoted action becomes clearer. The former can facilitate the latter. A society permissive of rhetorical dehumanization is necessarily more vulnerable to actual dehumanization. Allow racial contempt to spread unchallenged, and racist violence will eventually follow. This was the driving dynamic of black American life in the last decades of the 19th century and the first ones of the 20th. In every possible way it was impressed and advertised that the white was superior and the Negro an inferior race, wrote sociologist and historian W.E.B. DuBois in Black Reconstruction in America. Anti-black demagoguery and disrespect were pervasive, sanctioned by politicians, public officials, and prominent private citizens. In that environment, racist violence flourished, with thousands killed in lynchings, riots, and anti-black pogroms. Advertisement American presidents are moral leaders and role models as much as theyre political leaders and heads of statethey are meant to model good citizenship and republican virtue. That era of virulent, violent racism is behind us. But explicit prejudice has returned to public life, ushered in by a wave of racial backlash that gathered increasing strength in the final years of the Obama administration. Donald Trump is a product of this backlasha manifestation of its unleashed ragebut he also acts on it, stoking its flames and shaping its manifestation. And the violence that inevitably accompanies that prejudicethe extreme form of the ideology at handhas returned as well, from the attacks in Charlottesville, Virginia, last year to the events of the past weekend. Advertisement Over the past month, in order to generate support for his political party, the president has tried to generate racial hysteria out of a small caravan of migrants headed for the American border, where they will attempt to claim amnesty. The United States has strongly informed the President of Honduras that if the large Caravan of people heading to the U.S. is not stopped and brought back to Honduras, no more money or aid will be given to Honduras, effective immediately!, said Trump on Twitter. Advertisement Advertisement Right-wing media followed suit, taking the presidents claim, amplifying it, and connecting it to a conspiracy theory accusing liberal philanthropist George Soros of orchestrating the caravan. They are pushing for the destruction of American society and culture, the reordering of it, in an oligarchy where the elites are on top and the rest are under their control, said one guest on conservative pundit Laura Ingrahams Fox News show in a typical segment. This message of dangerous hordes and anti-American conspiracies was meant to inspire fear and hatred. And those inclined to fear and hate picked up the message. One of them, who blamed a Jewish refugee organization for bringing invaders that kill our people, decided to act, killing 11 worshippers at a Pittsburgh synagogue in the worst anti-Semitic terror attack in American history, part of a surge of anti-Semitic hate crimes since 2016. Advertisement Advertisement It was the capstone of a week of far-right violence. In Jeffersontown, Kentucky, a shooter attempted to attack a black church. When he couldnt force himself into the building, he went to a nearby Kroger grocery store, where he killed two black people. And that incident followed an attempted mass assassination of the presidents most prominent critics. After perfunctory (and scripted) remarks calling for national unity, Trump returned to his usual stance of grievance and reaction, blaming news media for the heated political atmosphere and continuing his attacks on migrants and other perceived racial threats. In doubling down, Trump sends a signal to his supporters and allies: These attitudes have a privileged place in mainstream political life, and you should express them. Most of this will be rhetorical, but Americans who hold the more virulent form of Trumps racial ideology could continue to take his rhetoric and free expression of bigotry as a call to action. In turn, his refusal to fully condemn or distance himself from the resulting acts of far-right violencesome very fine people on both sidessets the stage for future acts of terror, which he will almost certainly address in the same equivocating terms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement American presidents are moral leaders and role models as much as theyre political leaders and heads of statethey are meant to model good citizenship and republican virtue. Trump doesnt just reject this expectation, he subverts it. He embraces sectarianism, models racial chauvinism, and above all, embodies the narrow intolerance of his blood-and-soil nationalism. If each president leaves a particular mark on the country, then Trump has brought a culture of hate and demagoguery from the fringes and into the mainstream. President Trump will eventually leave office, but theres no easy return from this new status quo, no obvious way to erase his mark on our political life. With Trump as an example of partial successhe is, after all, the presidentfuture reactionary politicians will likely adopt his methods, and many Americans will move further along the continuum of racist expression. Racial egalitarianism may still be on the horizon, but it will get worse before it gets better. In her new book, Cyberwar: How Russian Hackers and Trolls Helped Elect a President, Kathleen Hall Jamieson argues that the Russian-government directed interference campaign likely provided Donald Trump with his winning margin in the crucial states that allowed for his 2016 Electoral College victory. But in an election with so many moving parts, how can we really know, or even be confident, that the Russian operation made the difference? I recently spoke by phone with Jamieson, who is the director of the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania. During the course of our conversation, which has been edited and condensed for clarity, we discussed the specific aims of the Russian social media campaign, how WikiLeaks helped shape the second presidential debate, and whether her book is skeptical enough about what we still dont know. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Isaac Chotiner: What leads you to be confident enough to make the judgment that Russian interference likely provided Trumps winning margin? Kathleen Hall Jamieson: There are so many different pathways by which the effect on the electoral outcome could have been achieved that the likelihood that some combination of them achieved it is relatively high, and two of the three individual pathways are of themselves significant enough that they could have accomplished that end. What are those pathways? The first, which is the one that is the weakest of the arguments, is the Russian social media interventions. First, they reached 126 million Americans that we know of through Facebook, and there was reach as well, although not that substantial, on other platforms. Advertisement Second, the message aligned with Donald Trump, because my argument isnt that they put new messaging in, but rather that they amplified messaging that was already there. For example, you find very strong anti-immigrant appeals. You also find attacks on Hillary Clinton, or I should say on her candidacy, but also on Hillary Clinton the person, that are consistent with the Trump attacks. Shes corrupt. Shes lying. She should be in prison. Isnt this then a way of saying, Well, you know. Trump could have spent slightly more money, and amplified his message, and that would have made the difference? Advertisement Yes, because the argument about the impact of social media is that it increased the balance of the messaging in a way that on the margins would have made the difference. It is not an argument about new messaging. Advertisement What I argue is that theres strong evidence that they were trying to mobilize evangelical Christians who were white, conservative Catholics, and they were trying to mobilize veterans and military households. Those are traditional Republican constituencies, so if theyre going to vote, theyre much more likely to be voting for the Republican. But if you look at the data in August, what you see is theyre not terribly enthusiastic about Donald Trump. The question is, can the combination of the Trump messaging and also whatever the trolls added be enough to help mobilize those constituencies? Advertisement What if these Trump messages, and Im just asking a hypothetical, were actually Trumps least effective messages, and the way Trump got the 46 percent was by keeping his mouth shut and quieting down occasionally, so actually amplifying these messages did not do his campaign good? How would you control for a scenario like that? Advertisement The first thing youve got to ask is: Are these messages attempting to reach the right people? And what I am arguing is that they are aligned with his need to mobilize and that the messages are consistent with that need. Now, if those two things are true, to argue that doing that didnt have an effect would be to suggest that there was some countervailing factor that undercut them so they were not strategically apt. They were not really persuasive. It creates a backlash. We dont have any evidence of that. They also wanted to demobilize of African Americans, demobilize Sanders supporters, or shift them off to a third-party candidate. Advertisement Then the question is, Well, did the messages follow what we would reasonably say is the theory of persuasion? Theyre certainly visually evocative. They elicited sharing and liking. Theres the fact that their English is not good on some of the sites but if you look at the way in which content works in social media, we usually click and like based on looking at the visual images and the print thats overlaid on them, and there was sharing by people who are sophisticated conservatives, who would not have been sharing things if they thought they were from the Russians. So they were persuasive enough to get sharing from influential conservatives. Advertisement What are the other two arguments, or pathways? The second argument is the hacked content changed the media agenda, and it changed it in ways that were substantial. For example, by virtue of putting the hacked content out as the convention approaches, the ability of the Republicans and also the capacity of reporters to report on evidence that the Democrats and the Democratic National Committee had their thumb on the scale in essence was higher than it otherwise would be, and that content is used at a time in which Hillary Clinton needs to be consolidating the Sanders supporters behind her. Advertisement If the hacked content hadnt been there, he might not have survived the weekend. Youre a journalist. Kathleen Hall Jamieson The second place in which theyve got a change in the media agenda occurs on Oct. 7 when what you have is the confirmation from the DNI and Homeland Security, Johnson and Clapper, that the Russians were behind the hacking. Within the hour, you then have the Washington Post posting the Access Hollywood tape with its lewd remarks by Donald Trump. Then within the next hour you have the drop of the Podesta emails from WikiLeaks Julian Assange. Advertisement What you see on [the] Sunday news shows, and this is the change in the media structure that wouldnt be there had the hacked content not been there, is Rudy Giuliani playing those two against each other and saying, Look. Theyre both flawed candidates. In essence, discount Access Hollywood because its counterbalanced. You may be correct that the media narrative changed in some way, but it seems like there are still two questions. The first is how much the change in the media narrative mattered, and the second is would the media narrative have changed regardless? Yes, but you set up all of the alternative hypotheticals. Im not dealing with alternative hypotheticals. We assume that everything those journalists could have done they actually did. Youve got to constrain this in time or you cant do the analysis. The question is if you took the Podesta hack out of there, whats your hypothesis about what would have come in its place in that two-day period? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why is this two-day period so important? Because its the night of the second debate. Youve got Republicans who are actively talking about taking him off the ticket, putting up an alternative ticket. If the hacked content hadnt been there, he might not have survived the weekend. Youre a journalist. Wouldnt the fact of the Russian hacking being confirmed by the intelligence folks have been in the news cycle in a way giving you two anti-Trump stories and no anti-Clinton story? Advertisement I know, but Trump has bad news stories it seems like every single day, and Im not sure how much effect it has. But what I meant Trump didnt have any stories that were equivalent in the disruptive effect on his campaign, and the demonstrative public statements by Republicans who had been supporting him, who basically withdrew from him. Now, they came back to him after the fact, but they came back to him after the fact, after the Podesta emails were out there. Advertisement Well, right. Or you could argue that they were going to come back inevitably, because thats what Republicans do. They always come back. You could, but you cant tell me that that weekend is not the most traumatic moment for the Trump campaign, given that we had journalists [establishing] that they were thinking about trying to replace him at the top of the ticket. Advertisement Whats the third pathway? Were not there yet. The night of the second debate youve got this framing in the news that has the hacked content in it, and the hacked content is used to frame a question in the debate that asks Hillary Clinton whether basically shes two-faced. This is a press effect based on what they say is WikiLeaks content. They dont attribute it to the Russians. They dont attribute it to Julian Assange. And in that debate moment what you have is a large mass audience able to be exposed to the content and a question they couldnt have gotten there had there been no hacked content, and because the question is taken out of the context of the speech. [Editors note: Clinton was asked whether it was OK for politicians to be two-faced, because a WikiLeaks release of her paid speeches included her saying, in a celebration of Abraham Lincoln, that politicians need both a public and private position on certain issues.] Advertisement Advertisement Hillary Clintons answer looks disingenuous because nothing in the news coverage has said she was talking in the context of Lincoln, Spielbergs film, and she was not saying, Heres what I really am going to do. Im not gonna do the things I say in public. Wall Street, Im going to get rid of Dodd-Frank. Or Heres what Im really going to do when I become president. Im not going to do what Im promising about trade. Im going to do something different. That was a statement in the context of an interpretation of a film about the nature of political engagement. Heres the reason this is important: because that is playing into She says one thing in public and another thing in private. Advertisement Advertisement I know, but it just seems so hard to kind of actually appraise how much one debate question and the follow-up on that mattered. But what you can say is we have polling data that suggests that debate viewers differed from nonviewers in the presence of controls which try to account for the difference between viewers and nonviewers in their assessment of the dimension She says one thing in public and another private, after the second debate. How do we know they attribute that to one question? We know that we can attribute it to debate viewing. We dont know we can attribute it to one question. But we know that it isnt the things that are leading up to that, because the things that have hurt her on that dimension presumably before that happened in September, theyre already baked into the polling data, and thats the deplorable thing. Its saying she had allergies when she had pneumonia. Advertisement Advertisement Whats the third pathway? Were still on the debates. The hacked content is then used in the debate. No, I get it. And then its used in the third debate as well, and there again youve got a press statement that takes something out of context from what is in the WikiLeaks content, and again its the same dimension. Here the assertion is that shes come out for open trade and open borders. Advertisement No, I get that. And you see another polling data point that suggests that that is reflected differently in the assessment of debate viewers and nonviewers. At the same time, youve got the drop in her perceived qualification across the period after the first debate and before Comey reopens the investigation, and if theres something in the news thats damaging her perceived qualification other than the hacked content, that would be an explanation, but I couldnt find it. Advertisement Fair enough. Have you read the book? I have. The third one is the hardest one to digest into simple sentences. But I thought the most convincing. Go on. I think it actually is, but this one takes work because first people dont remember all the context surrounding it. If James Comey, as he says, was influenced to make the public statement he made in July, because there was classified information, and also the Lynch-Clinton tarmac conversation, and if as Lindsey Graham suggested, the classified information was the primary reason for [Comey] making that statement, and if, as Washington Post and other reporters have suggested, [he] was concerned that the [effort] to discredit the FBI and Justice Department was Russian disinformation, alleging that Loretta Lynch said to someone that someone on the Democratic side that they would not be pursuing the Clinton investigation in a way that ultimately would be problematic, then the Russian disinformation had a first effect in making that public statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If it did, then on Oct. 28, 2016, it is plausible to say that for the same reason, if it were leaked, people could plausibly believe that Comey had not done what he needed to do in order to ensure that the public had all of the information it needed to have to judge her before the election. So if there is Russian disinformation at play in that decision, and she drops two and a half points in the polls as a result of press coverage over that nine days of the time theres an investigation, then the Russians disinformation played a very important role in ultimately shaping the outcome. Because youre very close to the election at that point. That drop in the polls is pretty clear. Advertisement I think one thing were seeing in America right now, especially with the Republican Party, is that there are a lot of Republican voters who will find some reason to excuse the presidents behavior or to support Republican policies no matter what. And the reasons are often, Oh, Republicans are angry because the left did this, or Theyre angry because the medias unfair to the president. Theres always kind of some reason given that they are gonna get to where theyre gonna get. When youre looking at an election and youre saying all these different things mattered, this had an effect, how do we know that? The Republicans were gonna come home. Maybe Trump was always going to get to near 46 percent and slightly better just because of demographics in the Midwest and Florida, and Hillary was always going to be at 48 or whatever. Im not saying thats true. Im just saying how do we wrestle with that? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a really important point because historically, party identification predicts vote outcome. Historically, by the time you get to the convention, you pretty much have locked in your votes. Theyve gotten their party views and you can predict whats going to happen in the election. By that argument then, the Democrats would have come home too and African American turnout would have not dropped as substantially as it did. You cant say on that argument, Well, its gonna work only for Trump. If those forces are at play and inevitable, then the African American votes at its historic average, not its Obama average, at its historic average in recent times, and thats higher than it was now. The premise underlying that argument has to account for then why didnt the Democrats do what that argument presupposes Democrats and the most reliable Democratic constituency, African American voters, did? Let me step back. This is a different kind of election from those that we can predict coming out of the convention, and its because first we have a higher proportion of independents. They are less anchored to party. Secondly, we have a higher proportion of people who just dont like either of the two major party candidates. They are really conflicted about casting a vote, and there are Republicans in that group and Democrats in that group. Theyre staying conflicted, and as a result, coming into the last period in the election, we have almost 1 out of 8 who are still undecided. Thats extraordinarily unusual. And we have unprecedented levels of early voting, which means that across that last month, any time you come in with a very strong stimulus, there are people who are actually casting ballots. Every discussion of Donald Trumps purported plan to end birthright citizenship via executive order should begin with one simple fact: He cant. There is no plausible argument that the president can strip American citizenship from children born to unauthorized immigrants on U.S. soilunilaterally, or with the help of Congress. As the Supreme Court has repeatedly held, the 14th Amendment confers citizenship to these children, a constitutional guarantee that no executive order or federal statute may revoke. Trumps claims to the contrary amount to nothing more than xenophobic base-stoking, a desperate effort to galvanize Republican voters one week before the midterm elections. Advertisement Because the argument for rescinding birthright citizenship is so pathetic, so obviously rooted in a willful misreading of the Constitution, it is tempting to ignore Trumps remarks altogether. But we cannot, because a cadre of racists on the academic right continues to peddle the nonsensical claim that it is possible to create a permanent underclass of noncitizens via presidential decree or legislative action. This campaign will fail in the courts. It is, however, worth debunking its central premise, if only to reveal how mendacious and intellectually bankrupt the case against birthright citizenship really is. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Start with the text of the 14th Amendment, whose first sentence declares: All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. This clause, like much of the amendment, was designed to overrule the Supreme Courts odious 1857 decision in Dred Scott, which found that black people could not be American citizens. Dred Scott marked a sea change in constitutional law: For decades, the Supreme Court had recognized birthright citizenship, also known as jus soli, calling it a settled matter. The Dred Scott court departed from this rule in starkly racist terms, dismissing blacks as an inferior order with no rights which the white man was bound to respect. Advertisement As Chief Justice John Roberts has written, Dred Scott was overturned on the battlefields of the Civil War and by constitutional amendment after Appomattox. The Framers of the 14th Amendment intended to elevate birthright citizenship to a constitutional command so that no future Congress, court, or president could abolish it. Their chief aim, to be sure, was to ensure that all newly freed slaves could claim citizenship. But in 1898, the Supreme Court ruled that the amendment also extended citizenship to individuals born in the United States to noncitizen parents. Although the case, United States v. Wong Kim Ark, dealt with the child of authorized immigrants, the courts sweeping language encompassed virtually all children born here, regardless of their parents immigration status. (More on the limited exceptions in a moment.) The Supreme Court confirmed in 1982 and 1985 that the children of unauthorized immigrants receive birthright citizenship. Advertisement Advertisement Because the text and history of the Constitution is so unambiguous, opponents of birthright citizenship base their claim on a lie. They assert that a single phrase, subject to the jurisdiction thereof, excludes the children of noncitizens from jus soli. To do so, they warp the plain meaning of these five words and manipulate the historical record. Advertisement First, the words themselves. As Judge James Ho of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appealsa Trump appointeehas explained, there is no secret significance to this phrase. To be subject to the jurisdiction of the United States is merely to be subject to the authority of the U.S. government. Almost all aliens, whether they reside here legally or not, are subject to Americas laws. An immigrant may not ignore Americas laws on account of unauthorized residency, and the federal government has every right to enforce its laws against nearly anyone in the United States. Advertisement If this phrase does not exclude children of immigrants, what is its purpose? The answer is provided by the congressional debate over the 14th Amendment. Michigan Sen. Jacob Howard, a sponsor of the 1868 amendment, noted that his proposal would exclude two groups: Native Americans who lived under tribal governments or on the frontier, and the children of diplomats. Congress carved out these groups because they are not wholly subject to the jurisdiction of the United States; the federal government has limited ability to enforce its laws against them. Under long-standing principles of international law, diplomats and their offspring hold immunity in their host countries. Moreover, Indian tribes were recognized as separate sovereigns governed by treaties. The children of diplomats and tribal Indians are thus omitted from jus soli, while all other individuals born in the U.S. are subject to [its] jurisdiction and therefore automatic citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Because the text and history of the Constitution is so unambiguous, opponents of birthright citizenship base their claim on a lie. To avoid this conclusion, anti-immigrant advocates have attempted to rewrite this history. They insist, falsely, that the Framers of the 14th Amendment spoke broadly of excluding all children of immigrants, deploying grammatical sleights of hands to bolster their readings. These lies are easy to debunk with a quick reference to the transcript of the Senate floor debate. It seems extremely unlikely that even todays highly conservative Supreme Court would pretend to believe them. Advertisement Why, then, does this bad-faith argument keep resurfacing? Because some very dishonest conservatives promote it relentlessly, providing the intellectual scaffolding that Trump needs to float his executive order. The key culprits here are Peter H. Schuck, John Eastman, Ed Meese, and Michael Anton. Schuck and Eastman are law professors; Meese served as attorney general under Ronald Reagan; and Anton briefly served on Trumps National Security Council. Advertisement In the 1980s, Schuck helped to popularize the antijus soli theory among conservative academics. Eastman and Meese authored an extraordinarily misleading 2004 amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to end birthright citizenship. Anton, meanwhile, was the author of the notorious 2016 election essay The Flight 93 Election, in which he warned that the ceaseless importation of Third World foreigners has made the electorate less Republican, less republican, and less traditionally American with every cycle. Advertisement Together, these men have pushed misleading op-eds designed to shift the Overton window. They seek to downgrade birthright citizenship from a constitutional requirement to an optional public policy, thereby making its abolition an acceptable GOP position. The Washington Post, the New York Times, and National Review have all been complicit in this process. So have the Federalist Society and the Heritage Foundation, which have welcomed Meese onto their boards and helped to mainstream his noxious ideas. But the main force fighting birthright citizenship today is the Claremont Institute, a nativist think tank where Eastman and Anton are senior fellows. (Justice Samuel Alito spoke at a quasi-fundraiser at Claremont in 2017.) Advertisement Republican senators like Mitch McConnell and Lindsey Graham feel comfortable attacking birthright citizenship, at least rhetorically, because of these groups relentless lobbying. Its unclear whether GOP leaders actually have the will to use this topic as anything beyond propaganda. The electorate probably wouldnt tolerate a mass effort to strip citizenshipas well as the rights and privileges it confersfrom Americans because of their parents immigration status. Implementation would be horrific: Millions of suddenly stateless Americans would be subject to deportation, and hospitals would descend into chaos as parents fight for their newborns citizenship. Besides, any concrete steps in that direction would require an ugly legislative fight and a hopeless court battle at great political expense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And yet, in 2018, the issue is on the table. Trumps half-baked assault on jus soli may be a deluded and doomed idea, but it will nonetheless carry a potent message of white nationalism to the presidents base. Legislators and advocates have spent years laying the groundwork for this moment. With a stroke of a pen, Trump could purport to strip 18 million Americans of their citizenship, most of them racial minorities. If he does, every think tank, every media outlet, and every pundit who helped legitimize this unconstitutional scheme will deserve a share of the blame. Three days before the most polarized election in the history of Brazils young democracy, a video making controversial claims about one of the presidential candidates appeared on Facebook. Look what the Workers Party is putting in creches, read the caption. The minute-long video accuses Workers Party candidate Fernando Haddad, who lost Sundays election by 6 percentage points, of planning to distribute baby bottles with penis-shaped teats. Its a part of the gay kit, its Haddads invention, says the videos narrator at one point. Within 48 hours, the rumor-checking website E-Farsas (E-Hoax) said it had been watched more than 3 million times. Advertisement Although fact-checkers debunked the erotic baby bottle story a full day before Brazilians headed to the polls, it likely barely mattered: The 2018 Brazilian election was dominated by false news. Experts suspect that coordinated misinformation efforts may have played a part in Brazils elections as far back as 2010, but this year was supposed to be an improvement, with social media platforms like Facebook working with fact-checking efforts to stem hoaxes and propaganda. It didnt work. Scrambling the discourse around the election even further was WhatsApp, the Facebook-owned encrypted messaging service where the movement of misinformation is untraceable. And it coincided with the rise of Brazils far-right president-elect, Jair Bolsonaro, whose loyal supporters are one of the main groups responsible for spreading misinformation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This campaign showed that political communication is completely vulnerable, especially on WhatsApp because its not monitorable, said Pablo Ortellado, a University of Sao Paulo professor who runs GPOPAI, a research group that studies public policies for information access. The groups study of the information shared in public WhatsApp groups confirms Ortellados suspicions that the platform was likely a huge source of misinformation: Just 8 percent of the most-shared information in groups was correct. There was a frightening amount of low-quality information, he said. On Friday, Oct. 25, the same day the baby-bottle rumor began spreading, the Organization of American States called the spread of fake news via private networks to manipulate the Brazilian electorate perhaps unprecedented. Laura Chinchilla, a former president of Costa Rica who oversaw the OAS mission to observe Brazils elections, said: Its such a new phenomenon and so recent, it is the first time in a democracy we are observing the use of WhatsApp to massively disseminate false news. Advertisement The reference to the gay kit in the baby-bottle rumor wasnt arbitrary: Its been a frequent talking point of Bolsonaro since 2011, when his eventual political adversary Haddad was the countrys minister for education. At the time, Brazils evangelical caucus in its congress had taken issue with a proposed educational initiative to combat homophobia, labeling the School Without Homophobia materials as the gay kit. Bolsonaro, then a National Congress representative for the state of Rio de Janeiro and himself famously homophobic, adopted the cause as his own. In 2011, he sent people to distribute pamphlets outside Copacabanas subway stations, saying that the educational materials would stimulate homophobia instead of fighting it. Six years later, in August 2017, Bolsonaros base had grown and he was gathering momentum to become a presidential candidate. That August, when he posted a video with transgender reality star Ines Brasil declaring their mutual disgust for the gay kit, their meeting went viral. Advertisement Advertisement Brazils 2018 election is the first time in a democracy we are observing the use of WhatsApp to massively disseminate false news. Laura Chinchilla, former president of Costa Rica The actual educational materials were no longer being used by this point. But the gay kit became an important example of how false information could be used to manipulate public policy in Brazil, says Yaso Cordova, an affiliate at Berkman Klein Center at Harvard and a fellow at DigitalHKS at Harvards Kennedy School: The most radicalized people at the time [2011] campaigned strongly with misinformation. Aware that fake news would be a problem in its elections this year, 24 Brazilian media outlets teamed up in July to tackle the spread of false information. Projeto Comprova (Project With Proof) had backing from Google, Facebook, and Harvards Shorenstein Center. Additionally, long-running fact-checking agencies and websites informally collaborated to tackle misinformation, with one such group flagging 50 instances of fake news in 48 hours the weekend before Sundays election. Advertisement What differentiates this election, according to Cordova, was the apparently highly organized spread of misinformation, disseminated across multiple social networks to make it seem more credible. In this election, misinformation campaigns were far more coordinated [than in the past]you had a part of one false story on WhatsApp, another part on YouTube, another on Facebook, another on Twitter, she said. Advertisement Facebook, facing widespread criticism after its alleged role in spreading misinformation everywhere from the U.S. to Myanmar, also came under pressure to act in Brazil following an onslaught of misinformation after the assassination in March of Rio city councillor Marielle Franco. But this isnt a new role for the platform in Brazil, which along with Twitter and 13-year-old social media platform Orkut has played a role in coordinated misinformation campaigns in previous presidential races in Brazil. Advertisement During 2014, more than 100 fake Facebook and Twitter accounts were used to boost support for politicians competing in the election. The long-term strategy, which created profiles a couple of years before they would be used for political purposes, employed real-life people to man multiple false profiles. They posted made-up information about daily life, turning political only when election season came around. A similar strategy was used in 2010, which the BBC revealed that paid-for blogs disseminated fake news favoring Dilma Rousseffs 2010 election campaign via Orkut and Twitter. Rousseff denied the allegations. Advertisement But while Facebook and Twitter were willing to work with Brazilian fact-checkers this time around, one social media giant was not. WhatsApp has an estimated 120 million users in Brazil, a country with around 220 million citizens. And despite being Facebook-owned, WhatsApp has a history of being standoffish toward Brazilian attempts to bring it in lineeven resisting court orders from Brazilian judges in criminal cases in 2016. Advertisement Advertisement One of the biggest difficulties for fact-checking in these elections was to get to the people who most needed it, said Tai Nalon, founder of fact-checking agency Aos Fatos (To the Facts). Nalon says that Aos Fatos was fairly successful via Twitter and Facebook, particularly with its fact-checking bot Fatima, to which users could send dubious links to be checked. But unlike Facebook and Twitter, Nalon said WhatsAppwhich she described as the biggest misinformation engine during elections this yearwas unwilling to take action against fake news on its platform. Businesses, too, are able to use the platform to send out mass messages to clients. In mid-October, an investigation by leading Brazilian newspaper Folha de Sao Paulo discovered a multimillion-dollar anti-Workers Party campaign, funded by a group of Brazilian business owners. With capacity to send out millions of WhatsApp messages instantaneously, the groups activity constituted illegal campaign activity which may have benefitted Bolsonaro. My adversary is seeking to benefit from electoral crimes, Haddad tweeted shortly after the news broke. Advertisement Misinformation could be here to stay for Brazilians. What makes WhatsApp so potent a venue for misinformation? WhatsApp is a private network, but at the same time its mass dissemination, said Ortellado. This means you cant know if a misinformation campaign was launched, you cant make counterpoints to refute it, and you cant determine whos responsible. It could often start with a rumor, overheard in conversation or appearing via other social mediaor perhaps read on blog with decidedly political leanings and little credibility, like the conservative website O Antagonista (The Antagonist). People then warn their friends and family on WhatsApp, or pass on the rumor via group chats on the service. There, away from public notice, unverified information could spread like wildfire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amid concerns over misinformation during the campaign, WhatsApp said that it had been taking proactive measures to isolate accounts that appeared to be spreading misinformation using its own detection mechanisms. However, fact-checker Nalon says the company at no point showed itself willing to sit down and talk with fact-checkers to think about solutions. Misinformation could be here to stay for Brazilians. Social networks such as Facebook and WhatsApp are often included in phone plans due to agreements with network operators. But Cordova says that these plans, used by approximately 70 percent of Brazilians, often offer limited online access to information away from social media platforms. With a lack of local news outlets in rural areas creating information deserts, people depend even more heavily on both social media and interpersonal conversations. In addition to cultural factors, like a public exhaustion with Brazils astounding levels of violent crime and an evangelical population that feels ignored by recent governments, Cordova believes that the continued spread of misinformation helped elect Bolsonaroand the conditions that allowed it to happen are unlikely to change. Advertisement These factors created a yearning for a savior, said Cordova. These yearnings slotted into our election cycle, and ended up electing a populist with dictatorial tendencies. Update, Nov. 1, 2018: After this story published, a spokesperson from WhatsApp sent the following statement: In the run up to the Brazil elections, WhatsApp worked to raise awareness about misinformation through a broad education campaign on the radio, in print, and online. We helped bring Project Comprova onto WhatsApp as one of several organizations conducting fact checking via WhatsApp. Going forward, we will continue to expand these efforts and work with others across society to help address the challenges posed by misinformation. Last week, Google parent company Alphabet was rocked by a detailed report in the New York Times about several high-level male executives who either remained at the company or received hefty golden parachutes after accusations of sexual harassment or assault were leveled against them. The biggest name (and focus of the story) was Andy Rubin, the creator of Android, who reportedly received a $90 million exit package even after Google concluded that a sexual assault claim against him (for coercing an employee to perform oral sex in a hotel room in 2013) was credible. This has ignited an uproar within Google, the Times further reported, with employees criticizing what they see as a culture of impunity for executives. Advertisement One of the incidents that has roiled the company took place within a rarefied corner of Alphabet: X, the experimental moonshot factory charged with creating new, futuristic lines of business. The aftermath of the Times report has been particularly uncomfortable at X because one of the accused executives, Richard DeVaul, is still employed there, two sources within Alphabet told Slate. One of them said DeVaul showed up to work on Friday, after the Times investigation had been published. Google did not respond to a request for comment, including on whether DeVaul remains with the company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the Times reported, DeVaul, whose title is director of rapid evaluation and mad science, told a young female job candidate during a 2013 interview that he was in a polyamorous relationship. Later, when he saw the woman at Burning Man while she was still waiting to hear back about the job, DeVaul asked her if she would take off her shirt for a back massage. When the woman, Star Simpson, reported the incident to Google human resources two years later, an official at X told her, per the Times, that her account was more likely than not true and that appropriate action was taken. Simpson says she was asked by officials at Google not to speak about the incident again. In a statement to the Times, DeVaul apologized for his error of judgment. Advertisement In response to the investigation, Astro Teller, the head of X, wrote an email to employees within the division on Friday. It probably feels hard to trust me and X right now, but I want to reassure you that we do take these issues very seriously, we investigate every allegation we receive, and we do whats right based on the information we have, Teller wrote. I dont have a silver bullet, but I am committed to making X the best possible place to work. That includes holding people who behave badly accountable and keeping those who report bad behavior safe. Advertisement The note from Teller, which Slate obtained and confirmed with two sources at Alphabet, came a day after Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Eileen Naughton, the companys vice president of people operations, said Googles practices toward sexual harassment in the workplace had evolved in recent years. Pichai and Naughton revealed in an email to Google employees on Thursday that the company had fired 48 people, 13 of whom were senior managers, for sexual harassment over the last two yearsand that none of them received exit packages. Its not clear how many claims of sexual harassment were investigated, however, nor how many claims were found credible and led to disciplinary action short of dismissal. Advertisement Advertisement A semi-secret research and development lab, X was started (as Google X) in 2010 by Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin. The idea was to incubate projects that would solve long-term problems but had no near-term potential for profitability. X is where Google Glass was born and where Googles self-driving car division, now called Waymo, was started before it was spun out as a separate company in 2016. X is also home to Loon, a subsidiary working to build giant balloons that beam internet connectivity from the sky, as well as Malta, which aims to store electricity in tanks of molten salt. Advertisement There is a history of interoffice romance at Google and X that goes all the way up to the C-suite. Brin, who hangs around X regularly, had a very public affair-turned-relationship with the former marketing manager of Google Glass, according to a 2014 Vanity Fair story. The Times also reported last week that former Google CEO Eric Schmidt once retained a mistress to work as a company consultant. And according to the Times, David Drummond, Alphabets chief legal officer, had an extramarital relationship with an employee in his department beginning in 2004, which they eventually disclosed to the company. That employee, who had a child with Drummond, was transferred to the sales division and later left Google, while his career at the company flourished. Advertisement Theres an increasing sense that Larry and Sergey may be the problem, said one source within X, who is not authorized to speak with the press and requested anonymity, speaking to a culture of impunity for men who initiate interoffice relationships with women working under them. I dont think theyre abusers, but theyve sheltered them. They clearly think theres some amount of value theyre getting out of these men that outweighs the women theyre preying on. In response to the Times reporting, Alphabet told the paper it takes harassment seriously and that We investigate and take action, including termination. In recent years, weve taken a particularly hard line on inappropriate conduct by people in positions of authority. Were working hard to keep improving how we handle this type of behavior. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, last weeks news has inflamed mistrust among some X employees over managements attitude toward sexual harassment. A poster that contained an image of DeVaul was torn off the wall at X after the Times investigation came out, multiple sources at the company told Slate. Heres the full letter Teller sent to employees: Today was a tough day. The New York Times story was really upsetting for me, and I know it was for many of you too. Thank you to everyone who reached out to me to tell me how you feel and share your reactions. Im listening and Ill keep on listening as we work to make X better. It probably feels hard to trust me and X right now, but I want to reassure you that we do take these issues very seriously, we investigate every allegation we receive, and we do whats right based on the information we have. The Me Too movement has shown us the power of breaking silence. If you experience or see inappropriate behavior, please come forward. Please dont hold it secret and carry that additional burden. Coming forward can be difficult, but it is also an act of bravery. Please know you are safe if you speak up. Were all working at X because we want to make the world a radically better place. But if you dont feel safe here and that includes feeling safe about speaking up nothing else matters. I want X to be a place where we take care of each other and support each other. Where we can all stand up for whats right without fear. I want to know about things that are broken here. I dont have a silver bullet, but I am committed to making X the best possible place to work. That includes holding people who behave badly accountable and keeping those who report bad behavior safe. Astro If you have further information and would like to speak confidentially with this reporter, email april.glaser@slate.com. If you happen to have had a gynecological surgery at a major teaching hospital in the U.S., theres a good chance that after you were given the anesthetic, several medical students used your unresponsive body to learn how to perform a proper pelvic exam. Each student would have inserted two fingers inside your vagina and placed one hand on your abdomen, feeling for abnormalities in your uterus and ovaries. This would have been done entirely for their benefit, not yours. And after the surgery, you would have been sent on your way, with no mention of these exams and with no knowledge of your role as a teaching tool. Advertisement You, like many women, might feel that this constitutes a serious violation of both your body and your trust. This may sound like something that should have been left behind long ago in the days where medical paternalism was the norm. But this practice still appears to be commonplace in many teaching hospitals in this country. While little data has been collected in terms of frequency, medical students across the country are familiar with the practice and engage in heated debates regarding the ethics of the practice in online forums. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I first heard about the practice while teaching ethics at several medical schools in New York. When I asked my students to consider an ethical issue theyd encountered during their training, many of them brought up their experiences practicing pelvic exams on unconscious women who had not consented. Advertisement While discussing the importance of respecting an individuals rights and bodily autonomy, many students agreed that obtaining womens consent before this occurred would be preferable to sneaking in a lesson once theyve been knocked out. Most of them admitted, however, that they would never feel comfortable raising their concerns with their instructors, given the rigid hierarchy that structures medical education as well as the intimate connection between those instructors and their chances at being placed for their residencies the next year. No one wanted to be seen as a troublemaker. When I asked my students to consider an ethical issue theyd encountered during their training, many of them brought up their experiences practicing pelvic exams on unconscious women who had not consented. Interestingly, research shows that while first-year medical students largely find the idea of practicing pelvic exams on women under anesthetic to be morally problematic, the longer they spend in medical school, the less they see it as an issue. Some have labeled this process, which shows up in many aspects of medical education, ethical erosion. Advertisement Unsurprisingly, 100 percent of women say they would prefer to be asked before their pelvis is used as a teaching tool. Some say they would feel assaulted if they werent consulted beforehand. Most also dont have the ability to learn that this has even happened to them. They have no chance to say no, thank youor #MeToo. But in our current era of rethinking consent and the institutions that have perpetrated unfair treatment of women, now is the perfect time to finally end this practice. Advertisement Ive spoken to many people who argue that we cant get consent from every woman before medical students learn how to give a pelvic exam on them, because so few of them would agree to take part that medical students would never learn the technique. Just as the many patients at teaching hospitals share the burden of allowing students to learn the ropes of medicine while caring for them, women having gynecological surgeries at teaching hospitals just need to (unwittingly) do their part for the greater good. Advertisement Advertisement Its not clear that consent is such a barrier to student learning, however. When polled, the majority of women say they would consent to having medical students perform pelvic examinations on them while they are under anesthetic. Moreover, when consent for pelvic exams under anesthetic has been made routine, most women agree to take part. There are also other ways to learn how to perform a pelvic examination. Following public outcry, performing pelvic exams on women without their consent has been banned in California, Virginia, Hawaii, Illinois, and Oregon, and several professional bodies in medicine have condemned it. Teaching hospitals in these places often hire professional patients to guide students through the process of giving a pelvic exam, or they use electronic teaching mannequins. Others have just incorporated specific consent for pelvic exams into medical education. Its time for the rest of the country to catch up. Advertisement Advertisement A pelvic examination has a different moral significance than suturing a wound. Others argue that these exams are no big deal. At teaching hospitals, medical students participate in patient care in all sorts of waysfrom chest drainage to suturingand this is just one more aspect of teaching that takes place. Its far too burdensome to mention any possible involvement that medical students might have during a surgery within the consent form. But theres a difference between these practices and unauthorized pelvic exams on unconscious women, and its that, unlike other forms of treatment, these pelvic exams are done with no medical benefit to the patient. The purpose is purely for students to learn how to perform the exam. A pelvic examination also has a different moral significance than suturing a wound. Women are frequently nervous before pelvic exams, reporting feeling vulnerable, embarrassed, and subordinate. Those who have experienced sexual assault often find the experience particularly distressing. This discomfort is a sign that pelvic exams are sensitive experiences and should be treated as such. Its time to make informed consent for educational pelvic exams on anesthetized women routine. Several legislative documents are available for inspiration, and New Zealand has developed a clear policy requiring written consent before such exams. Rather than just teaching our future doctors how to perform a pelvic exam, lets also teach them how to respect womens bodies. This story was originally published on HuffPost and has been republished here with permission from Climate Desk. The Trump administration is preparing to dispatch 800 troops and has threatened to shut down all entry across the U.S.-Mexico border as a caravan of thousands of Central American migrants travels northward seeking asylum. Its a textbook show of Trumpian drama, a fiery response intended to bolster the Republican case for stronger border protections ahead of next months election, following days of conspiracy-mongering and wall-to-wall Fox News coverage. But within the thunderous saber rattling over would-be asylum-seekers is the overtone of President Donald Trumps apparent long-term policy to deal with the anticipated social and political upheaval of rapidly worsening climate change. Advertisement Now, with the White House poised to gut the federal governments only two major rules to reduce planet-warming emissions and Trump threatening to cut aid to drought- and violence-afflicted Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador, critics say the administrations strategy to deal with climate change is taking shape, frustrating national security experts who say hunkering down and militarizing borders will do little to mitigate global warmings threats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A quasi-fascist policy of fear-mongering about immigration and corresponding militarization of the border is clearly the major thrust of Trumps response to the mounting impacts of climate chaos, said Ashley Dawson, author of Extreme Cities: The Peril and Promise of Urban Life in the Age of Climate Change. Advertisement Despite the repeated dismissals of climate science by the president and many of his top advisers, the Trump administration officially forecasts that the planet is expected to warm by 7 degrees Fahrenheit by the end of the centurya projection buried in a 500-page environmental-impact statement in August. The next migrants are going to be climate migrants. Lina Pohl Thats roughly double the temperature scientists say will cause cataclysmic drought, storms, and sea-level rise, and roughly four times the warming the planet has already experienced since the preindustrial era. Under those conditions, more than 1 billion people globally could be forced to flee their homes by 2050, and up to 2 billion by 2100. Tropical regionswhere many of the roughly 20,000 to 40,000 migrants who crossed the U.S. southern border each month in the past year came fromare expected to be hit the hardest. Advertisement Neither the White House nor the Pentagon responded to requests for comment Friday. Advertisement Migration from the trio of Central American nations surged 25 percent between 2007 and 2015 following the worst drought in 30 years, which left more than 3 million people hungry. The main driver is, yes, desperation, Maria Mendez Libby, the country director of Oxfam Guatemala, told Earther on Thursday. They have seen its not a seasonal desperation. Its an ongoing continuous desperation for their entire life. Its difficult to draw a direct line between climate change and a migrants decision to leave home, and neither the United Nations nor nearly any other major countries currently offer legal avenues for asylum-seekers fleeing the effects of global warming. New Zealand became the first country late last year to create a special status for climate refugees with 100 annual visas as low-lying island nations in its corner of the Pacific face existential threat of sea-level rise. On the opposite side of the ocean, a hotter climate is expected to parch once-fertile lands. In an email, Jennifer Francis, a Rutgers University climate researcher, said, Its likely that increasing drought in Central America is making it more difficult for farmers there to make a living. Advertisement Advertisement Lina Pohl, El Salvadors environment and natural-resources minister, made a similar declaration at a press conference in Panama on Thursday: The next migrants are going to be climate migrants. Advertisement To some, the decision to send troops to the border demonstrates the presidents affinity for a general approach of throwing the military at the problem. The President had willing partners in Congress and could have worked on immigration, border security, DREAMers and all that, Joseph Majkut, director of climate policy at the Niskanen Center, a libertarian think tank, said in an email. But he didnt take advantage of that opportunity. Having missed the chance to seek actual reforms, we now get a militaristic and hasty response to a predictable stress. Advertisement Such a response will do little to quell the long-term national security concerns posed by climate change, said Francesco Femia, president of the Center for Climate & Security. Climate change [is] contributing to make nations unstable, both nations in our neighborhood and others abroad, said Femia, whose Washington-based policy institute includes former top national security advisers. The best way, from a security perspective, is to bolster the resilience of those countries so you reduce the likelihood of instability, reduce the likelihood of conflict, and reduce the likelihood of displacement that might force outward migration. That doesnt seem likely in the near term. The president attempted to cut funding for United States Agency for International Development by 33 percent this year, though bipartisan support for the federal governments dedicated aid agency staved off the proposal. Advertisement Advertisement By deporting thousands of Central Americans from the United States, the administration, like the Obama administration before it, is bolstering gang recruitment in countries like El Salvador, according to a December report from the International Crisis Group. That worsens the violence that many cite as a main reason for fleeing northward. Advertisement Even if the White House backtracks on substantially cutting the combined $500 million in aid the United States gave to Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador last year, Trump has halted payment of the $3 billion the nation pledged under the 2015 Paris Agreement to help poorer countries adapt to climate change. In December, the Trump administration broke with two decades of military planning and removed reference to climate change from the White Houses 56-page National Security Strategy report. But if militarizing the border becomes long-term climate policy, Gwynne Dyer, a Canadian military historian, has said enforcement will require bloodshed. Remember the Iron Curtain? Dyer said in a lengthy 2010 lecture. You can only shut the border if youre willing to kill people. Corporations operating in developing nations are often involved in large infrastructure developments and commercial venturessome high-risk regions present opportunities to create or protect market shares. These environments and risks are making security management practitioners and their expertise increasingly sought after. Whether the threat to foreign corporations in individual developing nations is real or only perceived, unique challenges exist for the expatriate security professional. Tens of thousands of people have seen Tomio Okamura's fake news video. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Tomio Okamura, head of the Czech SPD political party, released a video on October 4 warning people against serious diseases spreading across Europe. He says the diseases, such as the West Nile virus and Monkey plague, were brought to Europe by illegal migrants. However, Okamura's video has one major factual problem. There are no known cases of West Nile virus being transmitted from person to person and the Monkey plague does not exist. The only transmitters of the West Nile virus are animals, in particular mosquitoes. Transmission of the virus between humans is possible only in theory, said Petr Husa, head of the Department of Infectious Diseases at the Brno hospital. Tests have so far confirmed that a man hospitalized in Breclav hospital is suffering from the West Nile virus. In the same hospital, a 70-year-old woman died of West Nile virus in August. However, we cannot blame migrants for spreading the disease. The Czech politician also misled people in the case of the Monkey plague because the disease does not exist. There is only Monkey pox, said Hana Zelena, a virologist with the Ostrava Institute of Health, for the Novy Denik. The Monkey pox has never appeared in the Czech Republic. A case of Monkey pox did occur this year in Great Britain. It was diagnosed in a Nigerian who had stayed in the vicinity of Cornwall's naval base. The second infected person was a man from Blackpool who had returned from Nigeria. As the Daily Mail reported, two of the infected people had brought the virus from Nigeria, the third was a nurse treating the patients. This case was not related to illegal migration either. False alarm A Prague lawyer, working under the pseudonym of Prasman Dunka, has already filed a complaint against the politician for spreading false alarm. "I think the vice-chairman of the Chamber, as one of the highest constitutional figures, should verify the information he gives to the public and he should not spread alarm and fear in society," Dunka told Novy Dennik. The web pages manipulatori.cz and antipropaganda.sk, which reveal fake news and hoaxes, also immediately refuted Okamuras statements contained in the video. It is natural that people would tend to believe the information provided by a well-known person or a constitutional figure. This hoax also found his audience. Okamuras video currently has 36-thousand views and more than five hundred shares. The S&P 500 is now flat. The losses accelerated following a report by Bloomberg that the USA is preparing tariffs on additional Chinese goods, pending a potential meeting between leaders of the two countries. "We're in a trade dispute -I want to use that word because it's a nice, soft word - but we're going to win", Trump said on Saturday at an event in Indiana. The United States has already imposed tariffs on $250 billion worth of Chinese goods, and China has responded with retaliatory duties on $110 billion worth of USA goods. The kiwi has been battered by the US-China trade tensions as China is New Zealand's largest trading partner. "This is more aggressive than the markets were likely expecting, given that many felt the next step would be an escalation of tariffs to 25 percent, up from 10 percent, on the $250 billion already announced", Mona Mahajan, US investment strategist at Allianz Global Investors, told The Post. The aerospace industry, which has seen growing business in China, is among the sectors rattled by the trade talk, due in part to concerns about retaliation. Amazon fell 6.3 percent Monday - continuing a sell-off that began Thursday when the company reported weaker-than-expected third quarter revenues and hinted at a lackluster holiday season. Manufacturers, retailers, and technology firms - many of whom rely on Chinese suppliers - are also exposed. Early gains on Wall Street were wiped out by the closing bell last night after reports that the White House was preparing tariffs on all Chinese exports as early as December if talks next month fail to reach an agreement. Technology companies - which helped power a rally earlier in the year - are also facing increasing calls for regulation, including a new digital services tax proposal in the UK. Netflix and Google parent Alphabet were down 5 percent and 4.8 percent, respectively. Two Hungarians had been detained and interrogated for several hours, but because the police classified them as witnesses, they were eventually released. News: Receive favorite authors articles by email. Try the new feature and turn on the subscription. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled A weapon used to kill investigative reporter Jan Kuciak and his fiancee Martina Kusnirova in February was probably purchased in Hungary. This information comes from the Europol files obtained by the Hungarian Hvg.hu news website. They also suggest that the Slovak police in this respect are interested in two Hungarian citizens, the Sme daily reported. As a result, their Hungarian colleagues became involved in the investigation in September and carried out house searches in several Hungarian municipalities on October 25, including Budapest, Kecskemet and Zebegeny, Sme wrote. Prosecutors office is silent The Slovak police have so far laid charges against four people: Alena Zs., who paid for the murder, Tomas Sz., who acted as a gunman, Miroslav M., who was a driver and Zoltan A., who was a go-between. All of them are currently in custody. Read also: Read also: Accused in Kuciak case says Lipsic may also have been a target Read more Zoltan A. said after his detention that it was actually businessman Marian Kocner who ordered the murder. Kocner is currently in custody due to the charges in another case: the promissory notes issued for the private broadcaster TV Markiza that are said to be false. The prosecutors has not commented on the case yet. The Hungarian police also did not want to provide more details. They only informed that the house searches were related to the international police cooperation, Sme reported. The Hungarians were released According to the media reports, Tomas Sz. purchased a 9-millimetre calibre weapon from a Hungarian citizen identified as K. L. in the village of Zebegeny, close to Sturovo (Nitra Region), for 3,000. The police have information about their mutual calls. It is expected that K. L. obtained the weapon from another Hungarian citizen, identified as K. I. R. The latter reportedly called the former at the time Kuciak was murdered. Read also: Read also: RSF call on Slovak authorities to investigate harassment in Kuciak murder case Read more Both men had been detained and interrogated for several hours but because the police classified them as witnesses, they were released. The police searched for weapons, silencers and cartridge adapters. It was indicated that these kinds of bullets were found in the victims body, Hvg.hu reported. They will stay in the country only until they leave for their target destination. News: Receive favorite authors articles by email. Try the new feature and turn on the subscription. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled As part of its cooperation with the international organisations involved in the programme of helping with the relocation of refugees, Slovakia will temporarily take another 250 refugees. This information comes from the draft agreement published by the Slovak Interior Ministry, the CTK newswire reported. No more than six months Read also: Read also: Pellegrini: We can take Syrian orphans Read more Slovakia will offer shelter to the refugees for no more than six months. They will wait here until they are relocated to their final destination, as per the agreement between the Slovak government, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) that is currently being prepared. Refugees will be living in an asylum facility run by the Interior Ministry, which will cover the costs related to their stay, CTK wrote. Help from Slovakia Based on similar agreements, Slovakia has already carried out six humanitarian transfers since 2009. It has helped more than 1,000 refugees, who came from the refugee camps in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, to be relocated to economically stronger countries, particularly the United States, Canada and Norway. Read also: Read also: Migration Office helps those who have been granted international protection in Slovakia Read more After the migration crisis broke out in the European Union, Slovakia refused to take refugees based on mandatory quotas. However, it helped Austria, which struggled with the influx of refugees three years ago and temporarily housed some asylum seekers in its facilities. Apart from that, it granted asylum to 149 Syrian Christians from Iraq and is considering taking Syrian orphans, CTK reported. Slovakia has been saying that countries should separately decide on their migration policies. It has also declared the need to protect EU external borders. The country received 100 roses to mark this year's important anniversaries. News: Receive favorite authors articles by email. Try the new feature and turn on the subscription. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Bulgaria has presented Slovakia with 100 Damascene Oil roses and other decorative examples from its Rose Valley, on the occasion of its two important anniversaries: 100 years after the establishment of the first Czechoslovak Republic and 25 years of Slovakias independence. The flowers, from the region located south of the Balkan Mountains sandwiched between the eastern part of the lower Sredna Gora chain to the south, were planted in the garden of the Presidential Palace in Bratislava on October 29. With these flowers we express the cordial relations Bulgarians have towards Slovaks, said Bulgarian Ambassador to Slovakia's Jordanka Chobanova, as quoted by the TASR newswire. Roses are the symbol of Bulgaria. Moreover, Damascene rose oil is used to produce rose water, perfumes, confections, honey and liquors. In the food industry, it is used for flavourings and colour. Moreover, the rose has natural factors active in protection from sunlight, while in homeopathy, it is used to treat hay fever, TASR reported. Horseman Joe Edward Black Sr., of Pinckney, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Saturday, October 27 at the age of 82. Joe was born in Lawrenceburg, TN on November 18, 1935, to William and Mary Black. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother and is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jean and their four sons, Joe, Jr. (Kathy), William (Kathy), Mick (Michelle) and Dale (Lindsey). He will also be missed by his six grandchildren Jessica (Evan) Falzon, Kaitlyn, Tyler, Samantha, Mackenzie and Lauren, and a step-grandchild McKenna. Growing up in Tennessee, as a young boy he would pick cotton from the fields. Later, Joe joined the Military Police with the U.S. Army. He served four years, being deployed to Washington State, Germany and Italy before being honourably discharged. He also received medals for Good Conduct and Sharpshooter (Pistol) and was part of Desert Rock VII: Atomic Battlefield in 1957. Once home, he worked as a manager for A&P Stores and JIC Electric where he learned how to weld. Joe married Jean Marie Ulman on December 3, 1956, which was his true love for 62 years. The couple would travel together to Bullhead City, Arizona from November to May and spend their time at the Golden Nugget Casino. Joe was a big winner when he won a Lincoln LS. He just couldnt believe it! Joe met Jim Dunn in 1968 and began his career in Standardbred horse racing. Joe trained many of Howard Niles horses before hitting it out on his own. Doctor Keeran was a big part of getting Joes stable going. They worked together for many years, helping lame horses with rest and retraining. In 1977 Joe started to drive his own horses and prepping other horse to go to Chicago for Pete Guido. Joe drove at Northville, Jackson, Hazel Park, Wolverine (DRC), Saginaw and Toledo Ohio. Some of the best-known horses he drove were Cadillac Jack, Miss Jean Knox, Massager Pick, Little Humper, Embassy Volo, Wolfman Pete, Blacks Image, and Monas Image. Joes training/driving stats are 541 starts, 47 wins, 57 2nds, 59 3rds and $153,008.00 money earned. Joe was a member of the United States Trotting Association and the Michigan Harness Horsemens Association. A gathering of family and friends of Joes will be held on Thursday, November 1 from 4 p.m. 8 p.m. at Shelters Funeral Home, 250 Mill Street, Pinckney, MI that will include sharing stories of love and laughter. Joe Black Sr. will forever be in our hearts, and his smart remarks will always ring in our ears. Love you forever Bad Joe Black. Jean and Joe Richet were very close friends. Jean had written this about their horse: The shoes I wore around the track were given to me by Bad Joe Black. The front ones were to take up the slack, but Im embarrassed by the ones in back. Cadillac Jack. Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Joe Black. (USTA) Roosevelt Raceway and Meadowlands Racetrack longtime blacksmith John Santoro, 70, also known as Santini, passed away on Friday, October 26 at his home In Kansas City, Mo after a long fight with cancer. In the late 1970s and until Roosevelt Raceway closed in 1988, he was considered one of the top blacksmiths at Roosevelt Raceway. Santoros reputation followed him to the Meadowlands, where he developed a reputation as one of the leading practitioners of his craft. He was sought after by national and international trainers, drivers and owners. With his leathered and calloused hands he crafted and molded the horseshoes that enabled champion horses and their drivers, such as Jimmy Cruise Sr., Jimmy Cruise Jr., John Chapman Sr. and Herve Filion (just to name a few), to break harness racing records. Dr. Bernard Brennan, Roosevelts veterinarian, called upon Santoro to work on difficult cases. Todays blacksmith, or farrier, has access to technology and standards that were established throughout the 1960s to the 1990s. In the 1970s and 1980s, Santoro relied on his ingenuity and his ability to see things that others did not. He experimented with developing patches for the horses that had problems such as a quarter crack. As Santoro said, a horse standing in his stall does not earn any money. Patches had already been around, but there was a lot of room for improvement. Santoro explained that the patches did not stick, or stay in place and worst of all, they did not let the horses foot heal. Santoros drive to identify a solution led him to experimenting with proxies for the patch and soaking solutions. Santoro finally found the right mix and developed a soaking solution and patch that saved many horses and races. Over the years, Santoros work at Roosevelt, Yonkers and Meadowlands was never overlooked. Owners, trainers and drivers brought their horses to him because they knew that an improperly shod horse risked developing an awkward stride, back strain, muscle pulls or worse conditions, besides risking the race. As Jimmy Cruise Jr. says, Johnny was the best there was no other like Johnny that could shoe horses like he did. Santoro worked on eight to 12 horses a day for various trainers. Santoro always spoke highly of the man who taught him his craft, David Spence, as he was giant in the world of blacksmiths in harness racing. Santoro forged lifetime friends while crafting his custom-made horseshoes. Jimmy Cruise Sr. and John Chapman Sr. served as mentors for him. Cruise Jr. and Chapman Jr. were like brothers to Santoro. Santoro was a blacksmith for more than 20 years. His determination, self-reliance and self-deprecating humour helped him through many of lifes challenges including his terminal illness that ultimately took his life. His family will be holding a private service in their home state of Missouri. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions in his name be made to the Standardbred Retirement Foundation at www.adoptahorse.org. Personal tributes can be left at www.forevermissed.com/john-f-santoro/#about. Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of John Santoro. (rrtrotting.com) The White House said President Trump was going to "express the support of the American people and grieve with the Pittsburgh community". In Pittsburgh, some progressive Jewish leaders have encouraged the President to stay home. "The only person responsible for carrying out either of these heinous acts are the individuals who carried them out", Sanders said, referring to the Pittsburgh shooting that left 11 dead and the separate, racially motivated shooting death of two black people in Kentucky, and pipe bombs mailed to Democrats last week. This courtroom sketch depicts Robert Gregory Bowers, who was wounded in a gun battle with police as he appeared in a wheelchair at federal court, October 29, 2018, in Pittsburgh. Survivors, meanwhile, began offering harrowing accounts of the mass shooting Saturday inside Tree of Life. A judge ordered him held without bail for a preliminary hearing Thursday, when prosecutors will outline their case. He did not enter a plea. The shooting suspect Robert Bowers appeared in court for the first time yesterday. His hands were untied to enable him to sign his name. The president's visit to the Pittsburgh neighbourhood, where Novy and Dvir live, comes as he struggles to balance appeals for national unity with partisan campaign rhetoric just a week before contentious midterm elections. Trump will travel to Pennsylvania on Tuesday with first lady Melania Trump. Trump wrote. "I said that the 'Fake News (Media) is the Enemy of the People, ' a very big difference". He said the White House should first talk to the families of victims before scheduling a visit. It's a distinction that has been pointed out by Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the White House Press Secretary, as well as other administration figures. "Screw your optics, I'm going in". Speaking to CNN after the Behind the Arc letter was issued, Lynette Lederman, the former president of the Tree of Life synagogue said she agreed with the letter. "I am a citizen". Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway rebuffed the notion that Trump's rhetoric has incited tensions in the United States, telling CNN, "This president, if you go back and read all of his words after every tragedy, even after the natural disasters that have happened on his watch, his words have been very moving and uplifting". When Trump met with family members of the Parkland, Florida, high school shooting earlier this year, he was photographed clutching a notecard with handwritten prompts like "I hear you" and "What would you most want me to know about your experience?" - a signal, at minimum, that some aides anxious the usual signals of empathy may not come easily to him. "It's part of his program to instigate his base", Werber said, and "bigots are coming out of the woodwork". If you're wondering whether Trump and his ilk are to blame for the shooting, maybe you should ask Jews from Pittsburgh? "This is not the place to do it", she said. "Anti-Semitism has always existed". "The people of our Great Country are angry and disillusioned at receiving so much Fake News. The president is trying to heal the country". The youngest of the 11 dead was 54, the oldest 97. The death toll includes a set of brothers, a husband and wife, professors, dentists and a physician. He was also charged under state law with criminal homicide, aggravated assault and ethnic intimidation. We have no use for him. "Ain't that a kick in the trousers?" Cohen, who is also Jewish and a member of Tree of Life synagogue, said he stopped by Bowers' room. "I do believe that it would be best to put the attention on the families this week, and if he (Trump) were to visit, choose a different time to be able to do it", the mayor said. "I will not be meeting with the President". "He said the Federal Bureau of Investigation agent outside Bowers" room told him he didn't think he could have done that. "And I said, "If you were in my shoes I'm sure you could have, '" Cohen said". A crowdfunding campaign called Muslims Unite for Pittsburgh Synagogue raised more than $90,000 for survivors and families, while a fundraiser led by a graduate student in Washington had taken in almost $545,000 as of Monday morning, with funds to go to the congregation. From (left to right) Sam (Bunkface); Nini Yusof; Aiman Tino; Andrew Gnananantham, Chief Marketing Officer, Lazada Malaysia; Sherry Tan, Chief Business Officer, Lazada Malaysia; Sherry Alhadad, Haziq Hussni, Christophe Lejeune, Chief Executive Officer, Lazada Malaysia; Paan (Bunkface), Youk (Bunkface), Bella Astillah at the launch of Lazadas biggest shopping event of the year As of yesterday (29 October 2018), Lazada Malaysia has officially announced its biggest shopping event of the year (yet). Simply called as the Lazada 11.11 Shopping Festival and as the name suggests, the event will begin exactly at 12AM midnight after the end of 10 November 2018. Besides that, shoppers can also tune in to the one-night-only Lazada 11.11 Super Show where they can take part in some live game sessions to win prizes and check out performances from local and international celebrities. The Lazada 11.11 will be taking place in Axiata Arena where viewers can watch on TV3 and ntv7, Tonton, as well as on the Lazada mobile app, to catch their favourite local and international celebrities including Aiman Tino, Haqiem Rusli, Ayda Jebat, Wany Hasrita, Ella, Ziana Zain, Bunkface and other Malaysian and international superstars in person. Wait, you can go to the event in person? How? Easy, just post a picture of the person you want to go with on your Instagram with a caption "Do you want to go to the Lazada 11.11 Super Show with me?" and include the hashtag #MYLazada1111. After that, the person you just tagged must also express their interest to go with you. Only 50 lucky winners will be selected on 1 November 2018, the closing date is 31 October 2018. (From left to right) Christophe Lejeune, Chief Executive Officer, Lazada Malaysia; Andrew Gnananantham, Chief Marketing Officer, Lazada Malaysia; Sherry Tan, Chief Business Officer, Lazada Malaysia officiating the 24-hour online shopping extravaganza As for the prize giveaway online on 10 November 2018, viewers will also be able to receive video calls from their favourite artists and stand a chance to win amazing prizes including two Volkswagen Beetle 1.2 TSI cars! This can be done by playing live games on the Lazada app during the show, to add on to that, other prizes include LOreal Paris, Carlo Rino, Philips, Lactogrow, Sunsilk, Drypers and Xiaomi. By the way, Lazada Malaysia also mentioned that users can start previewing 11.11 prices and start adding the items to the cart now. So don't miss out on vouchers, deals as low as RM0.99, RM200,000 worth of free gifts, 10,000 Surprise Boxes containing products from various brands up to 70% off while stocks last. Of course, there are also the usual All-nighters and early risers to grab low prices, as well as Slash It and Shake It sessions throughout the day. Below is the list of stuff you can do on Lazada app: Shop More to Get More* Wonderland - From 1 to 10 November, Lazada app users will have 20 chances to open treasure boxes of top brand and seller vouchers at 11AM and 5PM every day - From 1 to 10 November, Lazada app users will have 20 chances to open treasure boxes of top brand and seller vouchers at 11AM and 5PM every day Mastercard - Save* your Mastercard (Credit, Debit, Prepaid) for your purchases on Lazada and get 12% cash back in your Lazada Wallet, when you make any purchase. The first 11 Mastercard cardholders every hour using their saved Mastercard to shop on Lazada, will receive RM111 cashback in their Lazada Wallet - Save* your Mastercard (Credit, Debit, Prepaid) for your purchases on Lazada and get 12% cash back in your Lazada Wallet, when you make any purchase. The first 11 Mastercard cardholders every hour using their saved Mastercard to shop on Lazada, will receive RM111 cashback in their Lazada Wallet CIMB - All CIMB credit, debit and prepaid cardholders can look forward to RM20 off, with a minimum spend of RM150 - All CIMB credit, debit and prepaid cardholders can look forward to RM20 off, with a minimum spend of RM150 McDonalds - Show your Lazada app at any McDonalds restaurants and enjoy 11 pcs Chicken McNuggets for only RM11, valid from 5 to 11 November 2018 - Show your Lazada app at any McDonalds restaurants and enjoy 11 pcs Chicken McNuggets for only RM11, valid from 5 to 11 November 2018 GrabPay - Get an RM11 in-app voucher for Lazada with only RM1 GrabPay credits - Get an RM11 in-app voucher for Lazada with only RM1 GrabPay credits Malaysia Airlines - Get 11% discount on Malaysian Airlines airfare and participate in Lazada 11.11 Satellite Golden Lounge Pass Giveaway - Get 11% discount on Malaysian Airlines airfare and participate in Lazada 11.11 Satellite Golden Lounge Pass Giveaway OYO Hotels - Tell us your favourite attraction in Kuala Lumpur! 50 winners will receive two nights hotel stay for a couple, and one selected for a fully-sponsored three nights round trip to Thailand *Terms and Conditions apply *Only Mastercard cards being saved for the first-time on Lazada are eligible Well, happy shopping everyone. Good luck and have fun! Stay tuned for more Lazada news at TechNave.com. Courtesy: University of Southern Queensland The University of Southern Queensland (USQ), Austrak and Laing ORourke are collaborating to develop composite technology in a $10 million project. The consortium has secured $3 million grant from the Australian government Cooperative Research Centre Projects (CRC-P) initiative, to increase innovation and develop new technologies for industries in Australia.The fibre reinforced polymer composites will replace timber bridge transoms, which are subject to warping and rotting, proving costly and disruptive due to constant repair.Australia has the sixth largest rail network in the world and it is estimated that nearly 90 per cent of the existing timber sleepers and transoms will need replacement in the next 10 years, including the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridges rail deck.The project will build on existing research at USQ, to commercialise materials and manufacturing technologies where it has been proven that strategically using polymer composites resulted in sleeper technology that required significantly less volume of material whilst complying with all strength and stiffness requirements of a railway system.USQ Professor Peter Schubel said the research partnership highlighted a successful collaboration that will bring a step-change technology to an otherwise conservative sector. A major gap in the rail industry market was identified, leading to numerous research activities at USQ in transoms for a cost effective, robust and sustainable technology."By working directly with Austrak and Laing ORourke, we can ensure the technology is delivered at the right cost point and commercialised to its full potential to rehabilitate the nations rail network, Schubel said.For the past 20 years, USQ has dedicated significant research effort into developing innovative sleeper and transom technologies based on polymer composite materials, so its extremely rewarding to see the culmination of this work formulate the design and manufacturing of this new technology, Schubel added.Rail sleeper and timber transom replacement is a global industry worth over $1.3 billion per year. It is projected that in the next five years, Australian rail-track asset owners will move from a traditional timber-based system (with a limited lifespan of 15 years) to that of an engineered composites system (with a lifespan of 50 years).Austrak general manager Murray Adams said they were looking forward to exploring the use of polymer composites for railway transoms and sleepers as a commercially viable alternative. We foresee a large demand for innovative technology to replace the traditional bridge transoms in the near future and as the largest railway sleeper producer in Australia, were responding to the rail sectors need for alternative materials to timber.Through the CRC-P programme and in partnership with USQ and Laing ORourke, we would like to improve our understanding of composite technology, so that better designs can be developed to reduce the overall costs of composite transom decks and beams to the point where it is commercially viable, Adams said. (SV) Fibre2Fashion News Desk India PASCAGOULA, Miss. -- When you talk to people who knew Gary 'Chief' Holland, most say he loved his Georgia Bulldogs, fishing and he represented traditional journalism. Holland, 81, died on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, at his home in Pascagoula. After moving to the Mississippi Gulf Coast in 1964, he spent 32 years as editor of The Mississippi Press, (initially The Chronicle). Holland spent his life covering Pascagoula and mentored many young reporters such as Debbie Anglin, Mike Wixon and Nancy Jo Maples. "I started working for Gary Holland in 1977 when I was a senior in high school," Anglin said. "I knew then I wanted to be a reporter and Chief was great at showing us the ropes of finding sources of information for the stories we covered. He was so well liked and so well connected in the community, he knew when big news stories were about to break." According to Wixon, Holland was what an old-school newspaper man was. "I worked for Gary for 21 years and he was interested in not only the news, but also the community," Wixon said. "His reporters were like family -- he gave us duties, but also the freedom to run with our coverage. He took chances on young people and I was one." Wixon finished junior college and said he had no prior experience before working for Holland but said that Holland gave him the opportunity to become a reporter simply because he played sports. "I was a hard-worker and he gave me a shot at it and I eventually became the city editor for the newspaper," Wixon said. For that, I am eternally grateful. He worked hard and he loved everyone and we loved him." Holland left the newspaper business and joined Ingalls Shipbuilding for seven years, writing features about the hard-working employees responsible for building America's military fleet. How did he gain the nickname, 'chief'? "The ladies primarily called him chief, but he gained that nickname out of respect people had for him," Wixon said. "He was a man of integrity and didn't back down from doing the right thing," Anglin said. "We spent many years together putting out a quality product with a quality staff. He will always be our Chief." "We all called him Chief because he was the Chief of our newsroom," Maples said. "He called many of us "sunshine" but the true sunshines of his life were his wife and their precious daughters. As reporters, we were eager to take his guidance in putting forth good journalism as a watchdog for the community." He finished his career at the Sun Herald, part of the news team honored in 2006 with the Pulitzer Gold Medal for Public Service for coverage of Hurricane Katrina. Holland is survived by his wife of 53 years, Ann, and daughters Gina Shelton (George) and Joanna Triplett (David); grandchildren Katherine and Carrick Shelton and Will, Tyler and Tanner Triplett, along with beloved nieces and nephews. Visitation will be at First Baptist Church from 11:30 a.m. -1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2. Service at 1 p.m. followed by burial at Machpelah Cemetery. Memorials can be made to the church. The opening ceremony was attended by several leaders including Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov and Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court on charges of genocide and war crimes. Erdogan ended years of speculation about the name of the new airport, saying that it'll be named "Istanbul Airport". "Istanbul is a attractive jewel between two seas. that's why we called [the airport] Istanbul", he told the participants of the ceremony, which coincided with the 95th anniversary of the Turkish Republic. "We see Istanbul Airport as an investment not only in our country but also in our region and the world", Erdogan said. Istanbul Airport, the "world's new hub" which officially opened Monday, took out a full-page advertisement in The New York Times. When all four construction phases are complete in 2028, the airport will have six runways and two terminal buildings, covering an area of 76 square kilometres, according to operator IGA. "There is no Treasury guarantee or similar commitment in the financing of Istanbul Airport", Erdogan said. "With the operation of Istanbul Airport, European air space will have to be restructured", he said, adding that he expected it to be used for a large number of intercontinental flights. Erdogan has championed the 10.5 billion euro ($12 billion) project in his bid to make Istanbul a global travel hub linking Europe, Asia and Africa and turn flag carrier Turkish Airlines into an aviation giant. According to preliminary 2017 figures from the Airport Council International, Atlanta airport in the United States hosted nearly 104 million passengers a year ago. Next came Beijing on 95.7 million passengers, Dubai 88.2 million, Tokyo 85.4 million and Los Angeles 84.5 million. The airport's maiden voyage will be from Istanbul to the Turkish capital, Ankara, on October 31. "Istanbul New Airport will remain ambitious for growth and we will carry on mastering the challenge to be the biggest and the best". It had been thought the new facility would replace the city's aging Ataturk Airport, but Erdogan said it would remain in service, including for events such as air shows, adding that its unused parts would be transformed into a "national park as promised". The first flight out of the airport will be to the capital, Ankara, on Wednesday while the first worldwide flight will be to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus the following day. Ataturk Airport now handles 64 million people a year. The new airport represents a 10.3 billion ($11.6 billion) investment in all its phases, said Erdogan, adding that it will provide almost 22.2 billion ($25.3 billion) in revenue to the government. According to the Turkish president, "some 4.5 billion of the first phase was financed by three state-run lenders [Halkbank, Ziraat Bankasi, and Vakifbank], plus private lenders". The new airport has been plagued with controversy over working conditions after the labour ministry announced February that dozens of workers had died since the launch of construction in 2015 with hundreds of protestors detained in September. A North Korean official in charge of unification policy may have angered a visiting South Korean delegation when he used a derogatory phrase to describe them as they ate lunch at a renowned restaurant in Pyongyang, according to South Korean lawmakers. North Korea must take steps toward verified denuclearization before achieving the "shared goal" of an official end to the 1950-53 Korean War, a US envoy said on Monday. "And the primary requirement for us to get to the end point is to achieve final, fully, verified denuclearization of North Korea". Following a meeting with his South Korean counterpart Lee Do-hoon, Biegun said that Washington and the South have a shared goal of ending seven decades of hostility on the Korean Peninsula. And so I am absolutely confident that this is within reach. "Because the denuclearisation process is at a critical juncture, we need to meet up as often as possible to make sure there is no daylight whatsoever between our two allies", he said. "North Korea's illicit imports of refined petroleum have substantially breached the UNsanctions cap on refined petroleum by making illicit transfers, and we urge that Member States immediately end all sales of refined petroleum to North Korea", the spokeswoman said. The moves brightened prospect for related high-profile U.S. Biegun's sudden visit prompted speculation that something big could be imminent, or that he might hold working-level talks with his North Korean counterpart. In September he joined top South Korean business executives, including Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Jay Y. Lee at Okryugwan restaurant, South Korean newspaper JoongAng Ilbo reported Monday. The standoff is expected to dominate Monday's ASEAN Regional Forum, a gathering of 27 foreign ministers, including former participants in halted six-party talks on North Korea - Russia, Japan, the United States, China and North and South Korea. South Korean opposition party conservative Chung Jin-suk told reporters South Korean Unification Minister Cho Myung-gyun confirmed Ri made the remark before the visitors. What services does your agency provide, and who generally does it serve? We're an organization that matches a mentor and mentee that get together one hour a week on school grounds. It's meant for the mentee to have a positive role model in their lives. Mentees are children from grades 3-12. 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 30-year old woman blew herself up on Monday near a police patrol in a busy avenue in Tunisias capital. Twenty people were injured in the suicide bombing, 15 law enforcement agents and 5 civilians including two children, according to a latest report released by the spokesman of the Directorate General of National Security, Walid Hekima. Its a primitive terrorist act that has failed, he said. No deaths have been reported and no group has so far claimed responsibility for the suicide attack. The bomber was not previously known to the security services. According to local media, the attacker was wearing a homemade bomb belt with a small quantity of explosives. The bombers body appeared largely intact after the explosion. The suicide attack, which comes at a time when the countrys vital tourism industry is starting to show signs of recovery, happens more than three years after two deadly terror bombings in 2015. The first, an attack on the capitals Bardo Museum in March 2015, left 22 people dead. Just a few months later, in June, another 38 people were killed in a resort in Sousse. Also in 2015, a suicide bomber killed 12 security agents on a bus for presidential guards, prompting Tunisia to decree a state of emergency that has been repeatedly extended. Earlier this month, the state of emergency was extended until November 6. This may not be your 'actual' fifteen minutes of fame, acting all 'diva' isn't going to make your screen idol status any more credible. Here, with some sage words of wisdom from casting agent Tara Donnell, are some of our top tips for correct 'on set' behaviour. Film sets are a much more complicated beast than you may think. This editor has worked on quite a few (of varying budget, quality and scale) and in many different roles. I've been an extra, a stand in, a grip, a sparky, stage hand, camera assistant, script supervisor, voice over (wo)man, subtitles writer, producer, director. I've rubbed shoulders with Sylvie Testud, Mackenzie Crook and a chap called Al Pacino. I've been Charlie Cox and Joseph Fiennes' doubles. I've been spat on by John Sessions and shared a 'Rollie' with Jeremy Irons. I've been a bodyguard, a solider, a farmer, a businessman, a cop. I've been a 'blink and you'll miss it' so many times that I cannot remember them all. I've been applauded, lauded, screamed at, had things thrown at - all in the space of a few scenes. Film sets are a tough place to be. One thing that remains consistent during film shoots is the definite feeling of ebb and flow. Long periods of doing very little are followed by concentrated bursts of activity, snarky walkie-talkie gabbing, pressure point swearing, fevered arm-waving and a whole bunch of shouting. Like a hyper-kinetic family dinner, overlapping stories mix with skewed chronology and a 'must get this done' verve. Learn your place quickly, and, not unlike that 'naughty' child, be seen and not heard....unless you're lucky enough to get a speaking part. But more on that later. Here's a list, with some insider help from Tara Donnell that might make that first foray a little smoother. First thing first: Do - be punctual, your chances of being asked back are greatly reduced if you're unreliable. Don't - swan around like you're the star attraction. Don't - try to get the principal actor's attention (often times they are 'in character'), you'll end up with a name for yourself. Don't - hog everything at the craft table, it's there for all, not only you. Do - as you're told/asked. Sometimes Assistant Directors are blunt. They are busy, stressed and not (always) intentionally rude. Do - respect your costumes and placing. Continuity is key and cocking it up can be costly. Do - always come to costume fittings with underwear on. The costume designers dont want to see your free willy. Don't - call the casting director with a big dramatic excuse why you can't show up at the last minute for filming. They have excellent bullshit detectors, and we all know each other here in Lux, so someone else on set will undoubtedly know where you are and what you are really up to. Do - send photos of yourself how you look now, not how you looked 20 years ago and wish you still looked now. And sending photos of yourself in sunglasses and a hat will not help you get cast if we cant see you, we cant cast you. Don't - sneak off and buy beer or do drugs while on set we always notice when you suddenly switch from the shy guy in the corner to the obnoxious know it all trying to grab everyones ass and furthermore Don't - grab, pinch, slap, or even bring your hand or any other body part NEAR to anyone elses ass unless of course the director wants it, then off you go, all rules of good behaviour fly out the window if the director needs it for a shot. Don't - start telling your life story in the middle of a shoot. Chances are, the casting team actually has work to do, and though I am sure the story would be great, they just dont care right now. Do - bring something with you so that during down time (and there is a lot) you can entertain yourself, quietly and privately. Don't - assume that the glitz and the glamour of Hollywood transcends to small budget movies. Do - listen intently when being given your instructions. Do - hit your marks where and when you are told, don't jostle for prime position. Don't - get selfie-tastic with your squad. Especially not trying to get the leads to pose in your pics. Don't - have a wobbly at the casting director, she, or he, is not ultimately responsible for who will or will not be used not for how long or to what degree. Do - remember, it's not tremendously well paid work, these are also long hours. Don't - assume the rumours of a 'casting couch' that's the stuff of teenage fantasy and niche porn. Do - offer assistance in times where fast location changes are need. Don't - move sets around to get a better placing. It will mess up the shot. Angles are important for framing and continuity. Don't - Post pics of yourself in costume, on set, with lead actors on social media, some, if not all, of the infos on film sets are embargoed. This can get you in deep doo-doo pretty quick. If your interest has been sufficiently piqued, please drop Tara a line, she may just have that golden ticket. I would, though, also read this, just so you know what you're getting in to. UN special envoy to Libya Ghassan Salame held talks Monday in Rabat with Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, focused on the Libya crisis. At a joint press briefing following the meeting, Bourita renewed Moroccos support to an inter-Libyan solution under the aegis of the UN to achieve a final settlement of the crisis in the North African country, while Ghassan Salame vowed to continue consultations with Morocco on all the aspects of the Libyan crisis. Nasser Bourita underscored that Morocco supports a solution formulated by the Libyans themselves and stressed the role of the UN as the unique body empowered to solve the Libyan crisis. Given the Maghreb scope of the Libyan crisis, Morocco attaches particular interest to the settlement of the Libya crisis, in the framework of the Skhirat agreement and the various proposals put on the table to bring this sister country out of the impasse, Bourita said. The UN envoy said his visit to Rabat actually falls in the context of consultations with the Kingdom on how to take advantage of the next steps to help restore stability in Libya. The last few months have been marked by serious incidents in Libya, including in the oil crescent, the worsening of terrorist activity in some areas, including in Tripoli, and the clashes that threatened the stability of the capital last September, the Lebanese diplomat recalled. Expressing hope that the stability currently prevailing would continue to offer propitious conditions to relaunch the political process, Ghassan Salame described the coming steps as important. He mentioned in this connection the international conference scheduled to be held in Palermo, Italy, November 12-13 and the briefing he will shortly make to the UN Security Council on the political situation in Libya. The Palermo international conference on Libya, sponsored by Italy, is meant to come out with a peace plan that would hopefully end the several years of political turmoil that ensued the 2011 NATO-backed revolution, which toppled Muammar Ghaddafi. This international Conference was at the focus of talks that Ghassan Salame held with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte in Rome last Friday. Giuseppe Conte also conferred the same day with Head of Libyas Government of National Accord (GNA) Fayez al-Sarraj on efforts underway to bring together all rival Libyan parties to attend the Palermo conference. Conte had previously said that the meeting is aimed at reasserting the international communitys strong support for the countrys UN-led political process. Before flying to Rome, Ghassan Salame held talks Thursday with Khalifa Haftar, head of self-imposed Libyan National Army (LNA), at the LNA headquarters in al-Rajma on the outskirts of the eastern city of Benghazi. A brief statement from Haftars office said they had discussed the latest local and international developments, while Salame stated that the talks focused on the latest developments in Libya and ways of ending the crisis. Local Problems, Global Tech Photo-Illustration: Stocktrek/Getty Images Common knowledge assures us that cities cant be built in a day. Well, not if so-called geopolitical innovators have anything to do with it. It seems that everywhere you turn, a new high-tech promised land is popping up. Last month, Chinese e-commerce conglomerate JD.com even opened a dedicated research institute specifically to facilitate the development of smart city construction. This time, by promising hoards of use of AI and blockchain technologies of course, because 2018. The goals of these smart-city programs, like most other development programs, is to create an urban area that provides a high quality of life for residents and generates increased economic growth. The smart part is that it does that with the help of data collection, using technology to move cities toward modern standards of transit efficiency, public safety, and overall convenience. According to IESE Business Schools Center for Globalization and Strategys index, a citys smartness is determined by nine major characteristics, such as technology-based infrastructure like digitally backed train times, environmental initiatives, a strong sense of urban planning, a highly functioning transit system, and actual humans to live and work there and use these resources (a more common problem than you might imagine). The fundamental concept of smart cities has to do with connectivity and functionality of basic public services, more so than flashy consumer-facing tech products, explains Garry Golden, a consultant with the research group FutureThink, where he advises companies on the future of infrastructure. In other words, its not so much about disruptive Wi-Fi-enabled shuttle buses, but how a metropolis promises to deal with evolving transportation and transit data, safety, sewage, traffic patterns and the like. Part of the smart-city planning approach is local government seeing itself as a platform of sort to its residents, allowing others like start-ups or corporations to come in and provide everyday services, such as ride shares, to solve the last-mile problem or affordable housing infrastructure, says Golden. Government acting as a platform Golden says that typical smart cities will often depend on contractors to replace public services, for example, having Uber help solve the last-mile problem. Even as far back as 2013, Smart Cities author Anthony Townsend told NPR that while there is concern over handing urban planning to the tech industry, a smart citys success relies on a strong partnership between government (along with its bureaucracy and regulations) and the private sectors innovation efforts. This is because the work to maintain digital, data-driven systems often happens outside of town hall. If a city is looking to improve its most congested streets, it might use cameras from one company, sensors from another, and a cloud server from a third. Contractors may be hired to analyze that data and report it back to the city, which then might hire an app-development company to come up with a solution. If that solution is something like traffic-light countdown clocks, that company is going to have to stay a part of the system for when its software needs updating. The path to smart city starts looking less like a single project and more like a web of partnerships. The way that these projects are structured is that these companies dont just build a system like you would build a road, like a contractor would build a road, and then hand it over to the city to operate and maintain. They stay involved, Townsend said to NPR. Essentially, a city is outsourcing all its operations. And as with other tech innovation within the past few decades, smart cities effects go beyond their physical borders. Similarly, the surge in autonomous and electric vehicles rise has pushed their ramifications to spread wider than just decreasing car ownership. If parking goes away, road capacity increases by, perhaps, several times, and an on-demand ride is the cost of a coffee, then one needs to start thinking much more generally, not just about cars, trucks and roads but cities, land use and real-estate, writes Andreessen Horowitz partner Benedict Evans of autonomous cars second or third order consequences on cities. So can any urban enclave be a smart city? Chances are, you may already be living, breathing, and going to yoga within the ecosystem of an emerging smart city without even knowing it. In fact, one look at any ranking of the worlds top smart cities, and one notices that these spots are not claimed by Alphabets latest initiative. Theyre usually achieved through multi-decade effort and investment by local government. Currently, cities like Tokyo, Reykjavik, Singapore, and Toronto rank as some of the worlds smartest cities of 2018. Even New Yorkers may be surprised to learn that their hometown is considered a smart city, Golden says. Considering it competes among the global smart hubs like Hong Kong and Dubai, for example. While those newly installed subway countdown clocks may have been a long time coming, they alone dont make for a smart city, but are a large part of its foundation. The most basic goal behind developing smart cities is to bring benefits to the overall way they function, with the use of technology integration and data collection. For example, surveying how many Lyft and Ubers head in a specific traffic direction during rush hour is one of the fastest and cheapest ways to plan for future routes, Golden explains. Collecting data from ride-share providers in exchange for allowing them to operate has already proven to be lucrative for growing cities. This information will become especially vital as smart cities forgo expensive road and transit construction projects and incorporate alternatives such as autonomous vehicles, private shuttles, etc. Who exactly are smart cities for? Governments and investors of new smart-city developments will likely get a dose of reality when they find competition in attracting international talent to create a self-sustaining economy as well as actually live, work, and play in their urban oasis. After all, there are only so many cocktail bars and yoga studios as evidenced by Saudi Arabias promotional photos showing women wearing yoga pants and crop tops can offer in lieu of actual culture to dot smart neighborhoods with. These new cities need to invest a lot in their intellectual experience, especially going up against historical ones with deep ties to their natives, Golden explains, stressing that smart-city engineers wont be able to attract and retain residents without a cultural fabric. You cant program that; there is no software for it. Smart City Consulting founder Tom Jones expressed a similar sentiment to Business Insider last year. Ready-made cities generally falter because they lack a sense of place, authenticity, and distinctiveness. They are like an Epcot version of a city, a reference to the Bill Gatesbacked Buckeye, Arizona, smart-city project announced in 2017. In the case of these cities being plopped down in the middle of the desert, such as Saudi Arabias Neom and Arizonas Buckeye, the concern over their lack of established populations and even sustainable water supply is being brought up while construction is underway. For this very reason, the retrofitted smart cities, like New York and San Francisco, may be better off than their built-from-the-ground-up counterparts something to consider before packing up and moving to a promised desert oasis. While historical cities may take years or even decades to develop, their existing populations give them an advantage over glitzier new smart cities, forgoing the need to recruit residents. One prominent trend to emerge from the smart-city rush has been conservative regimes in the Middle East and China where new smart-city projects are concentrated attempting to get in on the ground floor of superficially advanced ventures, like futuristic theme parks and the promise to have more robot residents than human ones. The plans have flashy rollouts and ambiguous funding, and are expected to attract Western technology and urban-planning talent. A perfect example of this was last years $500 billion Neom construction, ambitiously set to launch in 2030 in Saudi Arabia. Projects like Neom have garnered criticism for tainting what a decade ago was considered the appeal of smart cities, which was the vision of bringing together different stakeholders in urban planning. Right now were in a disillusioned phase where youre starting to hear critiques that these so-called smart cities promise exclusive benefits to the global elite, as opposed to building functional urban areas for existing residents, Golden says. As with everything else tech-adjacent, eventually the public will give in and the current wave of criticism will come to an end and shift to a more pragmatic phase, much like the regulatory pushback against Uber and Airbnb as they took off. Eventually, the flashy side of smart cities will become more muted as construction gets underway and some of the overpromised features like robot baristas fall to the wayside, Golden notes. This is also when newer smart cities will emerge as habitable homes to residents. As flood is nothing strange to people in the Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam, local farmers will look forward to the post-flooding season, when floodwaters go down, leaving behind a wide variety of valuable aquatic resources. These days, people in An Giang Province are busy harvesting those gifts brought by the flood season, which are also a source of income that significantly improves their standards of living. In the provinces Chau Doc City, farmers flocked to Vinh Te Canal to catch fish as floodwaters receded. As the area experienced severer floods this year, the amount of natural aquatic resources was also 10-15 percent higher, making farmers very happy, according to Lu Cam Khuong, deputy director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. However, the supply surplus has also resulted in lower prices for the aquatic products, according to local fishermen. For instance, while tinfoil barb cost as much as VND70,000 (US$3) a kg last month, the fish now sells for only VND20,000 ($0.86) to VND25,000 ($1.07) a kg. Fishermen have therefore decided to keep the fish to make fish sauce needed for next years traditional celebrations instead of selling them. Farmers are seen with water lilies in An Giang Province, southern Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre Another valuable resource brought to the Mekong Delta by floods is the water lily. Farmers will collect the aquatic plant to sell, making up to VND200,000 ($8.6) a day. One of the specialties of the delta, water lilies can either be eaten as salad or served with certain hotpot dishes. Water lilies are rooted in soil in bodies of water, with leaves and flowers floating on or emerging from the surface. What is special about water lilies in the Mekong Delta is that the higher the flood level is, the higher the plant will grow. And people just happen to prefer longer water lilies, said Nguyen Thi Loan, a 37-year-old farmer who sells water lilies to make a living during the after-flood season. A woman carries water lilies for sale in An Giang Province, southern Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A court in Ho Chi Minh City on Monday once again adjourned the suit filed by local taxi firm Vinasun against ride-hailing service Grab, which the cab company accuses of unfair business practices, and announced that the trial would resume on November 22 after more evidence is collected. A company hired to evaluate Vinasuns claimed losses was not present at the court to clarify important details in the case that could affect the entire trial, the judges said. There was a large crowd of drivers employed by Vinasun and Mai Linh, another well-known taxi company in Ho Chi Minh City, outside the court on Monday, anxious to know the outcome of the suit, according to the Vietnam News Agency. This was the third adjournment since the lawsuit was first heard in February 2017. Vinasun, once a dominant player in southern Vietnams taxi market, has seen its market share gradually dropping since Grab and Ubers arrival in 2014. Around 2,700 of its taxicabs are now idle because of the unfair competition, it claims. Vinasun said the illegal operations of Grab in Vietnam were to blame for a fall in its revenues by VND41.2 billion (US$1.76 million) in 2016 and 2017, compared to how much it would have earned without the rival. A passenger hails a Grab taxi at the Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Tuoi Tre A Vinasun spokesperson said Grab had exploited the lack of clear regulations for software-based transport services in Vietnam to offer rampant promotion deals and discounts, including zero-fee trips. Around 74 percent of Vinasuns customers have already switched to Grab, Vinasun complained, citing a survey done by a market research company. Vinasun said while it needs to comply with 13 regulations imposed on taxi companies, Grab has to follow only three for being categorized as a tech company, creating unfair competition. Last week, the Peoples Procuracy in Ho Chi Minh City said there is enough evidence to prove that Grab is a taxi company and advised the court to rule in favor of Vinasun in demanding that Grab pay a hefty compensation bill of $1.76 million. Jerry Lim, Grabs CEO in Vietnam, said the procuracy had no business putting a label on a company. He had earlier penned a letter to Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc expressing his concerns about a draft regulation that looked to define Grab and similar services as taxi operators. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Vietnams coffee exports volume for the January-October period is expected to have grown 21.5 percent from the same period a year ago, while rice exports rose an estimated 3.4 percent during the same period, government data showed on Monday. COFFEE Coffee exports from Vietnam will rise an estimated 21.5 percent between January and October from a year ago to 1.58 million tonnes, equal to 26.3 million 60-kg bags, the General Statistics Office said in a report on Monday. Coffee export revenue for Vietnam, the worlds biggest producer of the robusta bean, rose 1.1 percent to $2.98 billion in the 10-month period, the report said. October coffee exports were estimated at 130,000 tonnes, worth $230 million. RICE Rice exports in January-October from Vietnam were forecast to rise 3.4 percent from a year ago to 5.24 million tonnes. Revenue from rice exports in the period was forecast to grow 16.1 percent year-on-year to $2.64 billion. October rice exports from Vietnam, the worlds third-largest shipper of the grain, were recorded at 350,000 tonnes, worth $180 million. ENERGY Vietnams January-October crude oil exports plunged 45.4 percent year-on-year to an estimated 3.22 million tonnes. Crude oil export revenue in the first 10 months of 2018 fell 24.8 percent to $1.82 billion. Oil product imports in the 10-month period were estimated at 10 million tonnes, falling 5.1 percent from the same period last year, while the value of product imports rose 20 percent to $6.77 billion. Vietnams January-to-October liquefied petroleum gas imports increased 5.7 percent from a year earlier to 1.2 million tonnes. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A draft regulation proposed by Vietnams education ministry has given rise to controversy for stipulating that junior college and vocational school students who major in pedagogy must be kicked out of school if they are found selling sex for the fourth time during their academic program. First-time violators will receive a reprimand, while more severe disciplinary actions including stern warnings and temporary suspension from school are applicable to second-time and third-time violators, respectively, according to the proposed regulation. An online version of the draft was uploaded to the ministrys website this month to welcome public feedback, a process slated to last until November 26. However, the document was removed from the website after the proposition regarding students selling sex grabbed local headlines on Monday. The Ministry of Education and Training later the same day released an announcement admitting that there were some irrationalities in the draft regulation, including those concerning prostitution-related violations. It noted that there was a mistake in uploading the document on its website, and that the version was not the most recently updated. It also promised to review the responsibility of those tasked with compiling the document. According to the ministry, the draft regulation is part of an ongoing plan to thoroughly re-organize the legal documents it administers, including those concerning regulations for students at vocational schools, junior colleges, and universities. While the draft regulation, intended for junior college and vocational school students, has not yet been implemented, another document stipulating similar punishments for those found involved in prostitution has been in effect since May 2016 and applicable to all full-time university students in Vietnam. Vietnam outlaws prostitution, and those working as prostitutes are subject to administrative penalties of VND100,000-500,000 (US$4.30-21.40). Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Many residents in Ho Chi Minh City are literally losing sleep as mafia-like debt collectors are using all types of methods, including dirty practices, to force them to pay up. Debt collection has become quite common across the southern metropolis, with agencies acting as agents of creditors and collecting debts for a fee or percentage of the total amount owed. In order to get the job done, these collectors are willing to apply as many measures as they can think of. Q., a resident in Go Vap District, is a rather unfortunate victim as he has had to suffer the consequences left by his sister-in-law over the past four months. She borrowed money from a group of people and later vanished along with her family, Q. stated. The debt collectors have been splashing paint over and throwing rocks at Q.s house, causing the glasses of the windows and doors to crack. My mother was previously hospitalized after suffering hypertension due to stress and fear of being attacked by the collectors, Q. recalled. He has decided to report the case to local police, along with CCTV footage, to seek help. A bag of paint the debt collectors left in front of the house. Photo: Tuoi Tre Another victim, 85-year-old Nguyen Thi Kheo, who resides in District 8, has also been living in terror due to the debt of her daughter-in-law. As the debtor already ran away, along with her husband and children, collectors decided to go after Kheo. One day, up to 20 men gathered in front of her home to pressure the elderly woman. They only left when law enforcement officers arrived at the place. Kheo said she has been unable to eat and sleep, which negatively impacted her health. Nguyen Thi Kheo tells her story to reporters. Photo: Tuoi Tre Meanwhile, L., who lives in a rented house in District 2, recalled one time when debt collectors locked her house from the outside to pressure her family. It took two hours to cut open the lock, L. stated. A group of eight to ten men then arrived at the house the following days to resume their debt collection. After being blocked by competent authorities, they began terrorizing the victims via phone calls, overwhelming her with threats. The municipal People's Committee recently called on the Ministry of Finance to advise the government to add debt collection to the list of prohibited businesses, as it is being transformed into mafia-like activities by some agencies. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Tonight on ABC Ask the Doctor is all about Stress and how to manage it. Stress is the bodys natural response to pressure, when faced with challenging or even dangerous situations. Not all stress is a bad thing. A little can help performance, but if we have too much stress it can have a negative impact on our mood, behaviour and physical health and many of us dont realise how stressed we actually are. Chronic or ongoing stress has long been known to increase the risks of high blood pressure, addiction, anxiety and depression. Sandro admits hes a bit of a stress head, but what effect is stress having on his body? He becomes a lab rat in a Deakin University experiment to find out, by submitting to a series of humiliating and stressful situations. Its as if his worst nightmares have come to life. The tests monitor how much his body reacts to stress in its initial fight or flight response, and then how much of the follow-up hormone cortisol is released. The results are hair-raising! Caroline discovers a ground-breaking program called Burn to Learn thats helping high school students manage stress. Professor David Lubans from the University of Newcastle in New South Wales is looking for a link between student fitness, cognitive performance and stress. Meanwhile, Shalin examines the difference between acute stress and chronic stress. One reduces hunger, the other leads to binge eating. Comfort food is officially a thing, but giving in to it isnt good idea. Shalin shows the best way to combat this. After his earlier stress test, Sandro embraces some stress-busting moves to try out at home, many of them easy and free which wont add to money stresses at least. 8pm Tuesday on ABC. The Australian and Childrens Screen Content review has been with the government since December. Labor has called on Communications Minister Mitch Fifield to release The Australian and Childrens Screen Content review it has held since December. Yesterday Screen Australias Drama Report showed investment in local film and television programs for children dipped to $54 million, down from $100 million in 2016-17. The number of content hours also declined from 111 to 71, well below the five-year average of 109. Animated production dropped by 38 hours to a seven-year low. The government has failed to adapt the policy settings to ensure Australian children have access to a diversity of quality Australian content, Shadow Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland said. Labor acknowledges a number of factors are at play in the decline and urges the minister to act to remove policy uncertainty as a factor. Its clear this out of touch government needs to get its act together on childrens content. Screen Producers Australia: CEO Matt Deaner said regulatory models need to be adapted to ensure our children continue to have access to Australian stories. This is in stark contrast to the regulatory approach in the UK, which recently launched a 60m fund for childrens programming. Expenditure on Online Drama also now exceeds Childrens TV Drama, which has tripled since last year (now $53M). This is an early sign of the shift in audiences towards online, highlighting the importance of local content obligations for new market entrants such as SVODs, he said. The Australian Childrens Television Foundation says a decline in Screen Australias investment in childrens content is making it harder for both high concept, high volume series to get made. ACTF CEO Jenny Buckland says This downward pressure is happening right at the time when high quality, high concept childrens drama is in demand. Its no coincidence that The Bureau of Magical Things is 20 episodes, not 26. Screen Australia effectively no longer invests in 26 x half hour live action childrens series. A spokesperson for Senator Fifield said the government was continuing to work with stakeholders on the issue. Source: SBS Workers yesterday removed TENs logo from its Pyrmont headquarters, ahead of a new look to be unveiled at its Upfronts tomorrow. Rumours widely suggest the TEN lettering will be replaced with a numerical 10. There has also been ongoing chatter about multichannels to be renamed as Boss and Peach. TENs Upfronts will take place tomorrow night in Sydney, attended by Armando Nunez, President & CEO at CBS Global Distribution Group. Source: Twitter Cookies op Tweakers Tweakers maakt gebruik van cookies Tweakers is onderdeel van DPG Media en maakt gebruik van cookies, JavaScript en vergelijkbare technologie om je onder andere een optimale gebruikerservaring te bieden. Functionele en analytische cookies die door Tweakers zelf geplaatst worden, worden gebruikt om de website goed te laten functioneren, bezoekersstatistieken bij te houden en a/b-testen uit te voeren. Ook kan Tweakers hiermee het gedrag van bezoekers vastleggen en analyseren. Cookies kunnen daarnaast worden gebruikt om op Tweakers advertenties te tonen die aansluiten bij je interesses. Daarbij kan gebruikgemaakt worden van bezoekersprofielen die door derden zijn opgesteld. Ook kunnen derden je internetgedrag volgen, zoals bijvoorbeeld het geval is bij embedded videos van YouTube. Tot slot kunnen cookies worden gebruikt om op sites van derden relevante advertenties te tonen. 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We dont want people having armed guards in every door you walk into. New York Mayor Bill de Blasio echoed that sentiment while speaking at an Upper East Side synagogue on Sunday. Houses of worship do not have to have armed guards to be able to practice their religions thats not America, he said, and pledged that the city will defend local synagogues with our lives. But in Manhattan, armed security is already common at indoor gatherings of any size, religious or secular, synagogue services included. In interviews Monday and Tuesday, rabbis were reluctant to discuss the details of their security procedures, but some have long since dealt with their discomfort about having guns around. Were open, and a welcoming community, but were not naive, said Rabbi David Ingber, who oversees Romemu, a nondenominational group associated with the Jewish Renewal movement that meets on the Upper West Side. Ingber said he arranged to have an armed guard at every service after a mentally ill person with a criminal history started attending adult-education classes there. The person didnt intend any harm, Ingber said, but his presence still spooked the others. Ingber compared hiring guards to seeking treatment from a doctor when you get sick, instead of expecting a miraculous healing. We wish we could live in a world where the assumption is that we dont need to protect ourselves, Ingber said. But Im not a pacifist. Benny Rogosnitzky, a cantor at Park East Synagogue, said his community uses a mix of armed and unarmed guards, both during services and at its attached school on weekdays. Another rabbi in the Bronx, who asked to have his identity withheld, said his synagogue depends on a group of more than two dozen congregants who have gone through security training. They dont carry weapons, though some are skilled at hand-to-hand combat. But this week, in light of the Pittsburgh events, the congregation is reconsidering. I think a space feels, (a), safer, but (b), different, when someone with a weapon is standing at the entrance, the rabbi said. During his travels throughout Europe, where its common to see guards with hulking guns standing outside synagogues, those guards have always made him feel both secure and uneasy at the same time. Hes reluctant to introduce that element at his own synagogue, though he added that security is paramount. It changes the tenor of what a synagogue should be. That, by the way, is one of the many horrible consequences. The Bronx synagogue used to keep its doors unlocked on weekdays, the rabbi said, but in recent years, thanks to grants from the Department of Homeland Security, it has installed an electronic key-code system and video surveillance. Other rabbis described using metal detectors and regular security drills. David Pollock, an administrator at the Jewish Community Relations Council who gives security presentations at synagogues, churches, and mosques all over the city, always tells clergy they dont have to choose between hospitableness and security. If someone makes a point of welcoming every guest asking their names, and when, for instance, they were bar mitzvahed it can double as a security measure. But he also extolls the advantages of hiring professional guards. That way youre buying training, experience, and judgment, he said. Theres never been a major attack on a New York City synagogue, Pollock said, but there have been close calls: In 2009, for instance, four men were caught trying to bomb a pair of synagogues in Riverdale; and then in 2011, two men were arrested on charges that they planned to attack an unspecified Manhattan synagogue. Tzemah Yoreh, rabbi of The City Congregation, a Jewish humanist group that meets on the Upper West Side, said he wont consider hiring armed guards for services. He trusts the mayors promise that the NYPD will keep synagogues safe, and he thinks a guards presence would detract from the openness of the environment. As of Friday, he said, his congregation has definitely felt the same way. But now hes not so sure. Pollock has never seen empirical evidence that local synagogues are more likely than churches or mosques to have armed guards but he wouldnt be surprised. I think that Jews have a tendency to be more paranoid than other identifiable groups, he said. But thats probably because we have reasons to be historical reasons. FILE PHOTO: A logo of Airbus is pictured at the entrance of the company's delivery center in Colomiers near Toulouse, France, July 10, 2018. REUTERS/Regis Duvignau HONG KONG (Reuters) - Airbus plans to deliver its delayed A330-900 aircraft to launch customer TAP Portugal "imminently", an executive with the European planemaker said on Tuesday. The 290-seat aircraft is part of the A330neo series - an upgrade of the A330 wide-body jet with new engines designed to blunt sales of the lightweight Boeing 787 . A smaller 250-seat sister plane, the A330-800, is close to staging its first flight, Mark Pearman-Wright, head of leasing and investor marketing at Airbus, added while speaking at the Airline Economics conference in Hong Kong. Rolls-Royce said last week that it faced production delays with engines for the A330neo. Airbus and Boeing have been locked in a fierce battle for sales of relatively small wide-body jets like the A330neo, which has been struggling to win orders against the 787 Dreamliner. Airbus earlier this month said it had won an order from Kuwait Airways for eight A330-800s, which had been left without customers after Hawaiian Airlines defected to the Boeing 787. Some conference delegates said this may have been at the expense of at least part of its pending order for newer A350 aircraft. "Airbus may be ready to give up a few A350s to keep the A330 going," a leasing executive said, asking not to be named. Airbus has said the replacement cycle for earlier models of A330 aircraft, as they retire, will lift demand for the A330neo. Airbus is relying on the jet to continue a profitable but declining wide-body franchise and to keep commercial depth to an airframe that it needs to keep building for military customers. (Reporting by Tim Hepher; Editing by Sudip Kar-Gupta and Mark John) The logo of Brazilian planemaker Embraer SA is seen at the company's headquarters in Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil February 28, 2018. REUTERS/Roosevelt Cassio By Marcelo Rochabrun SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Brazilian planemaker Embraer SA reported a third-quarter net loss of 84 million reais (16.5 million pounds), citing a drop in commercial jet deliveries as it worked to finalise a deal to sell 80 percent of that division to Boeing Co . Results missed the consensus forecast for quarterly profit of 4.2 million reais in a Refinitiv poll of analysts, and was well below a profit of 355 million reais a year earlier. Embraer expects to get government approval and call a shareholders meeting to vote on the deal by December, Chief Executive Officer Paulo Cesar Silva said on a call with analysts. He added the deal is unlikely to close before the second half of 2019. Overall revenue fell 12 percent from a year ago, and commercial aircraft revenue fell 30 percent. The value of firm orders in Embraer's backlog, a gauge of expected revenue, hit a five-year low this quarter, as Jet Blue switched an order to rival Airbus . Embraer also removed a firm order for 100 passenger jets from its backlog due to uncertainty over whether pilots would agree to fly its E175-E2 planes for U.S. regional airlines. Executives told analysts on a call the company does not expect those airlines to prioritise changes to lift restrictions on its planes. Analysts at investment bank BTG Pactual called the results "soft" with "weak margins across the board" as expected. Much now depends on whether Embraer can complete the sale of 80 percent of its commercial aviation business to Boeing. Embraer expects business for the division to remain flat or achieve a small upside next year. The deal was agreed in July. This week, Embraer received clear signals the government was likely to approve the sale, after far-right lawmaker Jair Bolsonaro won Brazil's presidential election. Bolsonaro's likely future defence minister told Reuters the president-elect favoured the tie-up and it could be approved this year. Story continues Shares in the Brazilian planemaker opened 1 percent lower before joining a rally on the benchmark Bovespa stock index <.BVSP>, rising almost 4 percent in late morning trading. "We don't believe Embraer shares are pricing in upside from the (Boeing) deal," the BTG Pactual note said. The sale to Boeing will force Embraer to sustain the company largely on the back of its executive jet and defence divisions. Both have operated at a loss in recent quarters. The business jet division registered an operating loss of 32 million reais for the first nine months of the year; Embraer's defence division had an operating loss of 443 million reais. The company said it expects its business jet division to grow in 2019, but did not address the future of its defence division, which is largely dependent on contracts with Brazil's military. ($1 = 3.7172 reais) (Reporting by Marcelo Rochabrun; Additional reporting by Paula Laier; Editing by David Goodman, Bernadette Baum and David Gregorio) An EU flag flying in front of Big Ben in central London (Getty) The UK government is playing a big hand in a ding-dong over European Commission plans to call time on clock changes, Yahoo Finance UK has learned. The UK was named on Monday as one of three EU countries which are sceptical about the commissions proposal to end seasonal clock changes from next year. But that assessment, given by Austrian transport minister Norbert Hofer, significantly underplayed the UK governments objection to the policy. A UK government spokesperson has now told us: Ministers are actively working to convince other member states to block this proposal. Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker launched the plan to end the practice of clock changing in his annual state of the union speech in September, arguing the practice, which was adopted in the last century to save energy during wars and fuel shortages, is unnecessary. It came after a public consultation on the issue received 4.6 million responses the highest response rate. The majority of respondents in all but two of the 28 EU member states backed scrapping the practice of putting the clocks back by an hour in winter and forward by an hour in summer. Although 80% of UK respondents backed the move, just 0.2% of the 4.6 million responses were from the UK. Labours Lord Rooker branded the consultation rigged on a debate on the issue in the UK parliament on Monday, pointing out a huge number of the responses came from Germany as a result of an organised campaign. Setting out the governments opposition to the plan, Businesses minister Lord Henley said: We will be trying to persuade other member states to see the light on this and I hope we will be able to persuade the Commission to see daylight on this. Lord Henley presented the UK governments case against the change at a meeting of EU ministers in Austria on Monday and won support from Poland, Sweden and Portugal. Lord Henley argued against the plans to scrap clock changes at a meeting of EU ministers on Monday (Reuters) In the discussion that took place just a day after EU citizens had put the clocks back for winter, ministers effectively pressed the snooze button on the proposal by suggesting that the implementation date be moved back by two years to 2021. Story continues We have a very big majority in the EU who feel we no longer need this time change, Hofer told journalists after the meeting. That opens up the possibility that the move could be implemented after any Brexit transition period, meaning the UK would not be forced to adopt the measure. A spokesperson for the Austrian presidency of the European Council said though that the move to delay the implementation was about giving affected businesses, such as airlines, more time to prepare and not Brexit. Even though the UK government may not be obliged to scrap either summer or winter time, Ministers remain concerned about the effect of the change across the rest of the EU. If the policy is implemented across the rest of the EU, Northern Ireland would be forced to choose between having a one-hour time difference with the Republic of Ireland or Great Britain for half the year. Lord Henley said that was part of a host of complications with the commissions proposal. Despite the UK resistance, EU sources remain confident of ringing in the change sooner or later because the proposal does not need to win unanimous support. MORE: UK sceptical about EU move to call time on clock changes By Emil Gjerding Nielson and Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen COPENHAGEN (Reuters) - Denmark said on Tuesday it suspected an Iranian government intelligence service had tried to carry out a plot to assassinate an Iranian Arab opposition figure on its soil. The alleged plot, which Denmark's foreign minister said he believed the Iranian government was behind, prompted the Nordic country to call for fresh European Union-wide sanctions against the Islamic Republic. A Norwegian citizen of Iranian background was arrested in Sweden on Oct. 21 in connection with the plot and extradited to neighbouring Denmark, Swedish security police said. The Norwegian has denied the charges and the Iranian government also denied any connection with the alleged plot. The attack was meant to target the leader of the Danish branch of the Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahvaz (ASMLA), Danish intelligence chief Finn Borch Andersen said. ASMLA seeks a separate state for ethnic Arabs in Iran's oil-producing southwestern province of Khuzestan. Arabs are a minority in Iran, and some see themselves as under Persian occupation and want independence or autonomy. "We are dealing with an Iranian intelligence agency planning an attack on Danish soil. Obviously, we can't and won't accept that," Andersen told a news conference. Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi dismissed the accusations. "This is a continuation of enemies' plots to damage Iranian relations with Europe at this critical time," Tasnim news agency quoted him as saying. The EU is trying to save big powers' 2015 deal with Iran that curbed its nuclear activity in exchange for the lifting of international sanctions after the United States withdrew from the pact and reimposed far-flung financial penalties on Tehran. Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen called the planned attack "totally unacceptable" and said British Prime Minister Theresa May had voiced her support for Denmark during a meeting in Olso. Story continues Foreign Minister Anders Samuelsen told a press conference he believed the Iranian government was behind the attempted attack. CALL FOR EU SANCTIONS "In light of the latest development, Denmark will now push for a discussion in the EU on the need for further sanctions against Iran," Samuelsen said. Denmark's ambassador in Tehran had been recalled for consultations, Samuelsen added. "We congratulate the government of Denmark on its arrest of an Iranian regime assassin," U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a tweet. "We call on our allies and partners to confront the full range of Iran's threats to peace and security." Andersen said the arrested Norwegian citizen had denied charges in court of helping a foreign intelligence service plot an assassination in Denmark. On Sept. 28, Danish police shut two major bridges to traffic and halted ferry services from Denmark to Sweden and Germany in a nationwide police operation to prevent a possible attack. A few days earlier, the Norwegian suspect had been observed photographing and watching the Danish home of the ASMLA leader, police said. In November 2017, Ahmad Mola Nissi, an Iranian exile who established ASMLA, was shot dead in the Netherlands. The Danish security service then bolstered police protection of the ASMLA leader in Denmark and two associates. Last month, Iran summoned the envoys of the Netherlands, Denmark and Britain over a Sept. 22 shooting attack on a military parade in Khuzestan in which 25 people were killed. Iran accused the three countries of harbouring Iranian opposition groups. Another Arab opposition group, the Ahwaz National Resistance, and the Islamic State militant group both claimed responsibility for the parade attack, though neither has provided conclusive evidence to back up their claim. Last week, diplomatic and security sources said France had expelled an Iranian diplomat over a failed plot to carry out a bomb attack on a rally in the Paris area by an exiled Iranian opposition group. (Reporting by Emil Gjerding Nielson, Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen and Teis Jensen with additional reporting by Stine Jacobsen and Terje Solsvik, Bozorgmehr Sharafedin in London, John Irish in Paris; Editing by Mark Heinrich) After 17 students and staff members were shot dead at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., earlier this year, state legislators rushed to set up school safety blue ribbon panels and push bills that mandated more frequent shooter drills, the hiring of more school resource officers, and the arming of teachers. But most states have traditionally left to local officials to fund one of the most vital aspects of school safety: building security. Come Election Day, districts in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Mississippi, and Utah, among other places, will ask their local voters to approve facilities spending that includes features such as new door locks, alarm systems, bulletproof windows, and metal detectors. Its exceedingly difficult to track all of the many local property tax increase requests and borrowing requests that will be on voters ballots next week. But examples from around the country give a glimpse at what local officials are seeking in their quest to harden school buildings in the wake of this years horrific shootings in Parkland, in Sante Fe, Texas, Charlotte, and elsewhere. In Mississippi, the Harrison County school system, which which incorporates parts of Gulfport and Biloxi, will be asking voters to approve a $55 million bond to, among other things, pay for buzz-in systems and double doors in schools where, at the current time, people can walk in unnoticed, according to district officials . Middleton School District in Idaho will be asking voters to provide more than $2.7 million to make security upgrades to all of its schools. Iron County schools in Utah will ask voters to provide the district with $91.5 million, of which $4 million will be used for security upgrades and video surveillance equipment in 15 of the districts schools. And Balsz Elementary School District in Arizona will be asking voter s to provide it $35 million to, among other things, install security cameras and provide students with their own IDs. As weve noted here at Education Week, states have long neglected to fund maintenance, upgrades, and construction of new buildings. Of the $50 billion Americans spend on maintenance and school construction each year, almost 85 percent of school costs come from local coffers, according to the 2016 State of our Schools report from the National Council on School Facilities, the U.S. Green Building Council, and the 21st Century School Fund. An estimated $197 billion is needed to get Americas schools in good condition, according to the study. Local public school advocates have had a hard time getting buy-in from voters typically hostile to more taxes. Thats led to an uneven landscape across America. Where a child lives could ultimately determine how modern or secure his or her school is. Even so, local officials have told me that the Parkland shooting and the ongoing national debate over whether teachers should carry guns has placed school security at the top of voters minds this election season. As a result, many officials are pairing building maintenance and new school construction with new security gadgets. A case in point: In Loveland, Colo., Thompson District officials are asking voters to take out a $149 million loan that, in addition to building a new K-8 school and upgrading schools ventilation systems, would upgrade all its schools security systems. Safety sells well, school board member Pam Howard recently told a gathered group of teachers getting ready to canvass in support of the ballot measure. This will benefit all students. Brazilians watch Bolsonaros victory speech on a hotel television on October 28, 2018. Photo: picture alliance/picture alliance via Getty Image Latin American politics rarely draws sustained attention in the United States, even when its not competing with multiple hate crimes and violent threats against our own political leaders. But the triumph of Jair Bolsonaro in Brazils presidential runoff election on Sunday is a cautionary tale that Americans need to take note of. The situation in Brazil, the worlds fourth-largest democracy, bears some similarities to troubling developments in our own political system, and now theyve elected a far-right leader nicknamed Trump of the tropics. However, Brazils problems are far more intense than ours and in Bolsonaro, theyve found a leader to match. Bolsonaro has explicitly fashioned himself after Trump, down to heavy social media use and floating the idea that fraud could be the only explanation for a potential loss. Many have also noted that both men use incendiary rhetoric though Bolsonaro goes much further. Hes declared he would rather his son die than be gay, told a female colleague shes too ugly to rape, and suggested Afro-Brazilians are fat and lazy. Bolsonaro said years ago that if he ever became president he would perform a coup on the same day, and earlier this month he promised to imprison or exile his political opponents once in office. Like Trump, Bolsonaro plays the outsider, but its largely an act; he has held elected office nonstop since leaving the Brazilian military in the late 80s, and served seven terms in the Brazilian legislature. Its true, though, that his views including the idea that Brazil would be better off under military rule were once seen as impossibly far outside the mainstream. There are also echoes of Trumps rise in the conditions that took Bolsonaro from the far-right fringe to a sure thing in the weeks leading up to Sundays election: corruption, polarization, collapse of institutions, and the return of the military into politics. Corruption, long a fixture in Brazils political system, may not have gotten any worse in recent years, but public perception of it has. Ironically, that has a lot to do with anti-corruption laws and investigations begun during the presidency of Dilma Rousseff, who was removed from office in 2016 and indicted last year. The best-known investigation, Operation Car Wash, has yielded more than 170 indictments of political and business leaders including Rousseff and her predecessor, former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. He is among the more than 80 people who have been convicted in the probe so far. Rousseff and da Silvas Workers Party just lost to Bolsonaro, a member of the Social Liberal Party, in the second round of voting; with 98 percent of the vote counted Bolsonaro had 55 percent to Fernando Haddads 45 percent. Public skepticism about corruption, and about politics, crosses party lines. A year ago, 95 percent of Brazilians told pollsters that corruption was a significant problem and just a quarter thought that political instability would get better any time soon. Those may be just about the only things Brazils left and right agree on. Supporters of the leftist Workers Party, and of the imprisoned former president da Silva, believe that the charges against him are baseless, and politically motivated to prevent him from running for president again. They see Brazils independent judiciary as compromised, indebted to da Silvas political enemies and opposed to his redistributive politics. His opponents and a significant number of alienated middle-class voters figure he was corrupt, and that its time for Brazil to try something dramatically different. The Brazilian right successfully monopolized the rhetoric on the fight against corruption, analyst Chayenne Polimedio told New York. If you were anti-corruption, you were pro-Bolsonaro, whatever you thought of his nasty rhetoric. Add to that a smart political strategy: explicit efforts by Bolsonaro to court Brazils evangelicals as a bloc, and his appeals to security fears among middle-class and women voters; the result is both a uniquely Brazilian landslide and a phenomenon that sounds more than a little familiar. Its Bolsonaros return of the military to politics that should unnerve Americans the most, though. During Brazils 21 years under military dictatorship, from 1964 to 1985, nearly 500 people were disappeared or killed, and thousands more were arrested, tortured, or forced to flee the country. Brazilians and outsiders alike had imagined that those memories were still strong enough to mute the appeal of uniformed law and order. But two things happened. First, crime skyrocketed the murder rate is six times that of the United States. And second, Brazils young people are less confident than their elders that democracy is the best system of government. Last year, Brazilians under age 24 split evenly on whether a temporary return to military rule would be a good idea. Bolsonaros campaign involved the military in ways Brazilians had long considered taboo from an alleged cabal of generals plotting his policies, to a running mate (also a retired general) who has called for tearing up and rewriting the constitution, to his suggestion that the period of dictatorship be renamed the period of struggle against communism. Now, like the many other far-right politicians making gains around the world, Bolsonaro is going to get the chance to remake the country according to this militaristic, undemocratic model. Voters in Brazil threw out record numbers of legislators as well, so he will have a relatively new congress to work with. Reporters are already filing stories about ways Bolsonaros key advisers dont agree with him, and each other, on key policies, such as how to manage Brazils oil industry. President Trump called him promptly to wish him luck. Hell need it. So will Brazilians and the rest of us. FILE PHOTO: The logo of Ecopetrol is pictured at its headquarters in Bogota, Colombia August 11, 2017. REUTERS/Jaime Saldarriaga Thomson Reuters By Luis Jaime Acosta BARRANCABERMEJA, Colombia (Reuters) - Colombia's state oil company Ecopetrol has requested an environmental license to launch a pilot plan to explore for crude oil from unconventional deposits using fracking technology, its chief executive said. Felipe Bayon told Reuters late on Friday the plan, which could triple Colombia's proven reserves, would be supervised by local communities and environmentalists to ensure it meets safety standards. Colombia does not currently carry out oil exploration or exploitation activities with fracking, but President Ivan Duque favors the technique, used to extract oil and gas from unconventional deposits in rock formations that do not allow the movement of fluid. Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, technology fractures rock formations with pressurized liquid. Its use is credited for booming oil and gas production in the United States, but environmental activist have blamed it for water pollution. Local communities and environmentalists in Colombia have opposed the technology. If the permit is granted the pilot would begin in the coming months in Magdalena Medio, an area where the La Luna and Tablazo geological formations converge and which could have between 2 billion to 7 billion barrels of oil, Bayon said during a visit to the Barrancabermeja refinery in central Colombia. This would triple the nation's reserves. Colombia has 1.78 billion barrels of proven reserves of crude. "The Magdalena Medio zone has a potential to be determined, but it could continue to help the country's energy security and self-supply," he said. Bayon declined to say how much money would be invested in the pilot. Colombia, which produced 854,121 barrels of oil per day in 2017, was hurt in recent years by the drop in international oil prices, hitting hard at the economy. (Reporting by Luis Jaime Acosta; Writing by Helen Murphy; Editing by David Gregorio) See Also: Firefighters battled a wildfire which killed at least seven people in the city of George in South Africas Western Cape region on Monday, October 29. The victims, including a pregnant woman and two toddlers, were killed in the Bosdorp community, according to South Africa News24. This video shows huge plumes of smoke billowing from the hills over George, which is located around 230 miles to the east of Cape Town. A spokesman for Working on Fire, a government funded firefighting organisation, warned residents to evacuate areas including; Blanco, Golden Valley and Step Aside, Barrie Road, Glenbarrie, Heatherlands and Glenbarrie. Residents living on the borders of the town and forest are requested to voluntarily evacuate their homes due to danger of smoke inhalation, he said. The fire remains active on the slopes. Credit: Working on Fire via Storyful Families queue for aid at a settlement in Palorinya. The country is home to one of the worlds largest refugee populations. Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images A Ugandan government investigation into alleged fraud over refugee numbers has confirmed that previous figures were exaggerated by 300,000. An official inquiry, conducted since March by the office of the prime minister and the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, found that Uganda hosts 1.1 million refugees rather than 1.4 million. The investigation followed allegations that senior officials had inflated figures and mismanaged the funds meant to support them. Apollo Kazungu, commissioner for refugees in the prime ministers office, and three of his senior staff Walter Omondi, John Baptist Sentamu and Francis Nkwasibwe were suspended over allegations of collusion with staff from the UNHCR and the World Food Programme to inflate refugee figures. The officials allegedly created fake names in refugee settlements and defrauded millions of dollars in aid. There were also some cases of multiple registrations by refugees at the height of the emergency influxes of South Sudanese refugees between mid-2016 and mid-2017, when registration systems were sometimes overwhelmed by the sheer number and speed of arrivals. These cases were identified and removed from the database, the government and UNHCR said in a joint statement on Monday. New food collection procedures have now been rolled out. These procedures mitigate the risk of fraud, ensuring that assistance is well managed and provided only to verified, eligible refugees and asylum seekers, said the statement. Thijs Van Laer, programme director for prevention and resolution of exile at the International Refugee Rights Initiative, said: Its good news that the verification exercise has been concluded. The numbers show that it was necessary, and that Uganda still hosts one of the largest numbers of refugees in the world. We hope that this can be the basis of a more honest discussion about the number of refugees in Uganda and about what should be done to ensure accountable and sufficient funding. Now that there is more clarity, donors should step up their funding, to ensure that Ugandas progressive refugee policy is fully translated into practice. At the same time, the Ugandan government should continue to show that it is willing to improve accountability for the funding it receives. In the end, it is refugees who suffer the negative consequences of any allegations of corruption and funding cuts. Members of the U.S. 56th RQS fly in a HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter in Cazaux REUTERS/Regis Duvignau Seven US airmen were killed in a helicopter crash in Iraq this past March. The Air Force HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter slammed into a power line at 125 knots (around 150 mph) while flying 250 to 270 feet off the ground, a recently-released Air Force report revealed. The crash of an Air Force HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter in March was caused by the aircraft flying into steel power lines strung between two high towers, an investigation into the fatal mishap determined. Seven airmen were killed when the helicopter went down in western Iraq, near the Syrian border. The Pave Hawk ran into the cables while flying at 125 knots at between 250 and 270 feet off the ground, according to the aircraft accident investigation board report, which the Air Force released on Monday. Once the cable became tangled around the main rotor, the helicopter suffered catastrophic structural failures and was completely uncontrollable prior to impact with the ground, the investigation found. On the night of the crash, the HH-60 and another helicopter were flying to an area close to an operation so they could be ready in case needed for rescue missions, according to the investigation report. The investigation identified several errors leading up to the crash. The helicopter accidentally flew past its landing zone when it made a wrong turn, yet the aircrafts crew was sure it was heading in the right direction even though their navigation equipment indicated that they had passed their destination. Part of the confusion stems from the navigation route that the crew planned, according to the investigation. The route contained seven navigational waypoints to help orient the crew, but only the first three led to the landing zone. The remaining four were not part of the mission that night. They were intended to be used only if two helicopters needed to be on alert for rescue missions and were meant to be flown at higher altitudes. Story continues On the way to the landing zone, the helicopters pilot was repeatedly interrupted by his wingman, his crew, and a Joint Terminal Attack Controller at the landing zone, the investigation found. These non-navigation related tasks ate up so much time for the crew of both helicopters that it reduced their time available to identify their navigation error. After talking to the JTAC, both helicopters turned toward a waypoint that was not part of that nights mission, flying past the landing zone in the process, the investigation found. When the helicopter began descending, it ended up between four towers with power lines. Because it was so dark that night, none of the crew could see their power lines with their night vision goggles, according to the investigation. None of the crew called out seeing the power lines before the helicopter flew into them. Both the pilot and co-pilot reacted swiftly and calmly when the main rotor became ensnared, but the aircraft soon began to break up. Based on the estimated acceleration forces, the crash was not survivable, the investigation says. The bright light from the crashs explosion helped the crew of the other helicopter see the power cables in time to avoid them, according to the investigation. This was the first and only time leading up to the mishap any members of the MF [mishap formation] were able to see the cables strung between the different set of towers, the investigation found. NOW WATCH: Take a look inside Renault's EZ-Ultimo concept a luxury self-driving lounge for the rich See Also: The Motion Picture Association of America is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its film ratings. Variety announced the MPAA has released a report on how movies have been rated over the last 50 years. Unsurprisingly, the R rating has been placed on a majority of the movies. The MPAA's anniversary report breaks down statistics over the 50 years film ratings. According to the report, 5,578 films have received M/GP/PG ratings, while 4,913 have been rated PG-13, and 1,500 have received G and NC-17. X ratings, which can only be viewed by moviegoers who are 18 or older, have been placed on 524 films. Of all titles that have received a rating in the last 50 years, only 428 of them have been appealed. Ratings sometimes appealed by studios On average, nine films each year are appealed. MPAA Chairman Charles Rivkin released a statement saying that the 50th anniversary was hard-earned and special. He says the ratings' success comes from a mission to keep the trust of American parents. Films like "Venom," receiving a PG-13 rating instead of R, led to negative fan reactions. Recently, R rated films, such as "Deadpool" and "IT," have done very well. In fact, a shift has taken place toward studios releasing more top-end R rated films, with fewer fears of audiences skipping the trip to the theaters. Ratings result from threat of censorship The ratings first started in 1968. Chairman Jack Valenti, in response to threats of government censorship, within local communities, started up the now-current trend. Valenti faced scandals over "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" and "Blowup." MPAA Senior Vice President, Joan Graves, has said that Valenti's ability to convince different groups to take a chance on those films, is more remarkable today, than back then. Discuss this news on Eunomia Prior to the adoption of the rating system, the industry followed the Production Code. The MPAA provided great detail about the code, discussing some of the restrictions that would be ignored today. Some of those restrictions include scenes of toilets, and depiction of childbirth as "painful." IGN reported that the rating system has been tweaked over the years. The rating system began with G, M, R, and X. The MPAA first debuted the PG-13 rating to find a way to balance the PG and R rating. This was resulting from a controversy over the violence in "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom." The PG-13 rating has led to a reduction in the number of rating appeals. It will be interesting to see what rating Indiana Jones 5, which has new details, will receive. Halloween 2018 arrives in less than 24 hours and while kids everywhere are gearing up to collect as much candy as they can, several businesses are serving up some sweet deals and freebies in honor of All Hallows Eve for children and adults alike. Everyone love freebies, right? Well if you have a sweet tooth, this Halloween is a great chance to take advantage of several great offers. According to a FOX31 report, there are plenty of places you can score some treats with no tricks and many are as easy as 1-2-3! Here are some of the businesses that are in the Halloween spirit! Spooky savings Baskin-Robbins is treating guests to a sweet deal on their favorite ice cream flavor on Monday, October 31st. According to their official website, Baskin-Robbins customers can enjoy all regular and kid-sized ice cream scoops for just $1.31. It is a part of the Baskin-Robbins special Celebrate 31 deal on any ice cream flavor they offer. Freebies and deals are coming this #Halloween2018 Baskin Robbins is one of my favorites deals pic.twitter.com/GT2YJRwEhP iHoliday (@Halloweengal801) October 30, 2018 The Cheesecake Factory and DoorDash are teaming up to provide patrons a freebie this Halloween - and here is how it works. If you place an order from The Cheesecake Factory for $30 or more, you will receive a free slice of Reeses Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake Cheesecake or Hersheys Chocolate Bar Cheesecake. Just use the promo code 'TREATORTREAT' at checkout. Chipotle is returning the $4 Boorito! The fast-food giants official website indicates that all customers who arrive between 3 PM through close wearing a costume will get the discounted price of $4 on any burrito, bowl, salad, or order of tacos. Applebees is offering an adult cocktail dubbed the Dollar Zombie. It is a blue rum-based drink that also will include a gummy candy brain. Discuss this news on Eunomia Price - one dollar! Freebies Krispy Kreme will give everyone one free donut if they are dressed in a Halloween costume. This is the easiest one of all! Show up in Halloween gear and get free donuts! If you like seafood, head to Bubba Gump Shrimp! The BGS official website indicates that kids eat free on Halloween with the purchase of an adult entree. IHOP has free scary face pancakes for kids 12 and under on October 31. You have to hurry though, the deal runs from 7-10 AM only. Last but far from least is BurgerFi. The growing burger palace is offering one free small custard or one free small fries per guest. The only way to collect these freebies is to be in a Halloween costume. Now that you know about these great deals, get out there and take advantage of them! Happy Halloween everyone! First-time voter Destiny Martinez, 18, at an early voting event and festival, in Norwalk, CA. Photo: Mindy Schauer/Digital First Media/Orange County Register via Getty Images Youre right to be disillusioned. The American political system has given young people plenty of cause for deleting its number from our phones, unfriending it on Facebook, and cutting it out of our lives completely in a fit of self-care. Electoral politics promised us a democracy, then let the Supreme Court pick our president; vowed to protect us from terror, then sent our friends to die for the cause of birthing ISIS; seduced us with sweet nothings about upward mobility and the knowledge economy, then buried us in our parents basements under a pile of student debt; gave us hope that an audacious young president would make change we could believe in then bailed out the banks, foreclosed on our families, and delivered us into a nightmare parody of all that he was supposed to save us from. And now this sorry excuse for a republic has the temerity to ask us to study its byzantine voting rules, slip out of a job we cant afford to lose in the middle of a Tuesday, and wait in line for hours to choose between a feckless donkey and a psychopathic elephant. But unfollowing electoral politics wont make it disappear. And our political system will only grow more dangerous without your voice in its ear. So if youre among the 65 percent of those ages 18 to 29 who plan to sit out the midterms, please consider the following five reasons to go to the polls. 1. Playing hard to get will get you nothing. If you dont like how a company does business, boycotting its products can (sometimes) be an effective means of forcing change, because corporations need your money to survive. But if you dont like how politicians govern, boycotting elections will change nothing because the government doesnt need your ballot to stay afloat. When left-wing millennials sit out elections, they dont force Democrats to pay more attention to their interests; they make it easier for the entire political system to ignore their wishes by ensuring that no one in power will be worried about losing their support. 2. The size of your voting bloc matters. There are few things the GOP isnt willing to do to please its donor class, but cutting boomers beloved benefits is one. AARP members owe this immense clout not to the militancy of their street protests or the wit of their Twitter owns, but to their singular propensity for showing up at the polls. If we followed their example, wed have the numbers to make student-debt relief, public day-care, and any of our generations other policy priorities into a source of bipartisan consensus. 3. Voting for the lesser of two evils is great that way you get less evil. The Democratic Party is a deeply flawed institution, complicit in economic inequality in the U.S. and in unjust wars overseas. But if millennials had voted at the same rate as our parents in 2016, in all probability hundreds of thousands of longtime legal U.S. residents wouldnt be in danger of losing the right to live here, thousands of child migrants wouldnt have suffered the trauma of family separation, the Supreme Court wouldnt have approved Republican efforts to disenfranchise nonwhite voters in Ohio and Texas or undermined reproductive rights in California, the Education Department would not be restricting access to federal-student-loan forgiveness while relaxing oversight of predatory for-profit colleges, the EPA would not be comporting itself as a lobbying arm of the fossil-fuel industry, the Treasury would not have forfeited hundreds of billions of dollars to Americas wealthiest taxpayers, and everyone the world over would have been able to continue ignoring the existence of the American presidents Twitter account. 4. Youre (probably) better informed about politics than the average American voter. Many young people say they dont know enough about the issues to vote. But were still far more in touch with reality than our elders. Millennials are more likely to accept that climate change is man-made, less likely to endorse prejudicial views of racial minorities and Islam, and far more liable to recognize Donald Trumps unfitness for high office than any other generation of Americans. We also have important insights into many public-policy issues simply as a function of our lived experience. For example, American housing policy is profoundly biased in favor of homeowners. This fact has generated housing shortages in many cities. The overrepresentation of boomers in the electorate perpetuates these problems because theyre more likely to own homes. Only about a third of millennials are homeowners. If more millennials voted, it would likely increase the salience of renters interests in U.S. politics. Similarly, the existing electorate is much less likely to comprehend the broader material challenges younger Americans face: Despite the U.S. doing far less for its young people (in subsidizing education, job training, housing, and child care) than just about any other advanced democracy, a majority of boomers say the government does enough for young people (but still needs to do more for older folks). 5. If voting changed anything, theyd make it illegal and they are. In 2008, young voters helped deliver North Carolina to Barack Obama. Shortly thereafter, Republicans in the Tar Heel States government revised voter-ID law to exclude student-ID cards. Eight other states have adopted similar restrictions. Just this year, New Hampshire passed a law that effectively imposes a poll tax on college students who wish to vote in the state, Floridas Republican governor (and Senate candidate) Rick Scott tried to block early voting on university campuses, and state legislators in North Dakota have disenfranchised just about everyone who lives on a Native American reservation. Millennials may doubt their ability to effect change at the ballot box, but the powers that be sure dont. Whats at Stake This November? An incomplete list of what the American electorate will be Deciding this fall (with or without your input). Student Loans Should the government help ease your student-loan debt? The Democrats are the only party that has evinced any interest in providing relief to student debtors. If the GOP has a good night on November 6, it will likely lock Dems out of a Senate majority until after youve paid back every cent. Health Insurance Should the market decide what you pay for health insurance? Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he intends to revive efforts to repeal Obamacare if the GOP gains Senate seats. The House has already proposed a bill that would remove limits on what insurers can charge those with preexisting conditions. Gerrymandering Which party should get to decide how much your vote counts? Whichever party wins the bulk of the 36 state gubernatorial races will have a greater hand in setting electoral-district boundaries when maps are redrawn in 2020 thereby determining how much a millennials vote is worth in the next decade of House races. Abortion Should access to abortion be restricted? If Republicans retain the Senate, Trump may be able to add another anti-choice justice to the Supreme Court. In Oregon, voters could ban the use of public funds for abortion, a measure that would limit access for low-income women. Voting Laws Who will get to vote in the future? Nine states will vote on proposals shaping access to the ballot. In Florida, convicted felons who have served their time could regain the right to vote, while in North Carolina, a voter-ID requirement could be added to the state constitution. Marijuana Should you be able to legally smoke marijuana? Five states will hold referenda on legalizing either recreational or medicinal marijuana. In North Dakota, the ballot measure would also expunge the convictions of North Dakotans whose need for weed once got them on the wrong side of the law. Immigration Should states and cities work with federal authorities? This November, Oregon voters will have the opportunity to repeal their sanctuary state law. Meanwhile, the outcome of mayoral elections in several cities could influence how much cooperation police departments give to ICE. Food Stamps Should the government help you eat if you fall on hard times? House Republicans already passed sweeping cuts to food stamps. If the GOP keeps the House and expands its Senate majority, those cuts to nutritional aid could become law. Global Warming Should you have any chance of living on a planet that isnt a hellscape? Five states will consider ballot measures aimed at reducing their reliance on fossil fuels. In some states, including New York, a liberal swing of the statehouse could usher in more aggressive climate legislation. Corruption Should the president have any incentive to follow the law? A Democratic House is likely to investigate, among other things, whether Trumps business interests are influencing his policies, whether his health department is sabotaging Obamacare, and whether the family-separation policy violated U.S. laws. Download a pamphlet version of this article to give to a loved one whos undecided about voting here. *A version of this article appears in the October 29, 2018, issue of New York Magazine. Subscribe Now! Photo: Neville Elder/Corbis The presidency of Donald Trump has presented any number of challenges for the New York Times newsroom, but for the business side of the company, the Trump era has fueled a couple years of remarkable growth. In the week after the 2016 election, 132,000 new subscribers flocked to the paper a number it might expect over a whole quarter. Since then, the Times has continued posting impressive subscriber growth. Revenue was also up in the first half of 2018, and the company booked a $24 million profit in the second quarter. Its stock sits around $25 a share, the highest its been in over a decade. But is the Times simply enjoying a moment of unexpected respite in the eye of the storm? CEO Mark Thompson has called the continued decline of print advertising a significant headwind for the Times hopes for growth, and although the steady rise in digital subscribers numbers is promising, it may not be enough to shelter the Times from broader trends. In the newspaper industry overall during the last two decades, paid weekday print circulation has fallen from a high of almost 60 million to around 35 million in combined print and digital subscriptions. Thompson sees the expiration date for the print edition as about a decade off, so the paper needs to become fully profitable as a website, and soon. In Q2, the Times booked $68 million in print advertising, about 16 percent of its total revenue. Can the Times ace the transition to become the Website of Record? Will new models of journalism like the chart-topping podcast The Daily continue to attract new audiences, or will the Times inevitably become just another player in a crowded market for online attention? We asked two news-business authorities to gauge the companys future, compiling separate conversations into argument form.* Steven Brill, the founder of Court TV and co-CEO at NewsGuard Technologies; and Alan Mutter, a continuing lecturer of media economics at U.C. Berkeleys graduate program in journalism, weigh in on the Times prospects. Buy Its an easy analysis: the Times is one of the best brands in the business of information, their paywall works, and theyre willing to try new things. Ask people, Whats the best news organization? and the Times will always be at the top of the list. The world is increasingly complicated, and there is a limited number of institutions that can do the work they do the with the brand equity they have. They have targeted their customers, not their advertisers, as their future source of revenue: their customers are willing to pay for their product. The Times may have been a little late to the paywall game, but since theyve put theirs up, theyve created a huge, sustainable revenue source. There are now 2.9 million digital-only subscribers, about 76 percent of their total paying readership. Growth rates are hot, too. The Times welcomed 109,000 digital-only subscribers in the second quarter of 2018, and theyve averaged well over 100,000 for each quarter since the election. The papers focus on the subscriber actually helps their advertising in a sort of roundabout way. The argument against a paywall is that you get less clicks, and thus draw in less ad revenue; but the Times has created a premier audience and is able to charge much higher than Id say up to ten times the going rate for CPMs, or cost-per-impressions. Renewal rates are high, which is a test of what theyre doing. (It helps that renewals are automatic, of course.) The Times is also willing to try new things, which is important in a chaotic online market. Perhaps more importantly, theyre okay with saying something didnt work for example, their video collaboration with Facebook Live in 2016 was of a high quality, but it became clear that it wasnt going to pay for itself, and it was phased out. On the other hand, the Times podcasts, especially the extremely popular Daily, are some of the best out there. In under two years, the flagship show has found an audience of over 5 million monthly listeners, and is now syndicated to radio by American Public Media. The Times is going to make the advertising work for that, or experiment with charging people separately for that product. People talk about the Times record numbers following Trumps election as if online readers will flee from their subscriptions once his presidency is over. But I see the end of the Trump era as presenting more of a challenge for TV. If there were a President Pence, youd see a drop-off in TV viewership more significant than that in the Times readership. There are lots of things apart from the Trump Show in the Times, whether its crises in the business world or their excellent reporting on climate change. These pages on their site will continue to drive growth, because other sources of news will continue to get weaker. Steven Brill Sell Im skeptical about the Times growth for several reasons. They still rely heavily on unsustainable print revenue; theyre carrying the weight of a legacy newspaper into the digital space; and they may not understand who their real competition is. We all know that print has collapsed in the last decade or so. In 2000, newspaper ad revenues totaled more than $65 billion; nowadays, its in the mid-teens. That loss is catastrophic, and I doubt that any new form of revenue, whether by podcast, subscriptions, or video, is going to draw the type of audience that can subsidize that loss and support expensive parts of the business like foreign bureaus. Last year, the Times print advertising revenue dropped 14 percent, to $320 million. A full-page color ad in the Sunday magazine costs $107,075. Thats big, easy money the Times will be forgoing if they intend to retire print in ten years. It will be difficult for $100-a-year digital subscriptions to hold the levee as they go full-digital. As a giant paper with lots of expensive legacy costs, the Times is running in an online race with great big rocks in their pockets. Owning printing presses and a roster of strong reporters used to be a strength for the paper. But the way to reach audiences now is not to buy boxcars of eyeballs the mass-media model the Times was built on but to engage with small audiences. The Times isnt set up for that as much as born-digital sites like BuzzFeed or Vox, which can focus on the young demographics that advertisers desire. In terms of advertising, I see massive companies like Facebook as their real competition. And without the scale of a massive publisher like Facebook or Google, their advertising options arent competitive. When you have billions of readers and tons of content and are able to track likes as Facebook does, its easy to generate a lot of revenue without a lot of labor. The computers in the back room are doing it for you, you dont have to pay reporters. The move from print to digital was trading dollars for dimes, and the move from desktop to mobile is trading dimes for pennies, and unfortunately Im worried about the news businesss ability to hang on in the current attention economy. Alan Mutter Buyers Counterpoint I think thats a misunderstanding of who the Times competition is. They cant compete with Facebook for advertising, but they can compete to draw Facebook users willing to pay for their content. Are they the worlds most efficient advertiser if I want to sell toasters? No, but with the paywall model, thats what theyre trying to move away from. The journalists theyre bringing into the online sphere are a strength, not a weight, and the Times is going to continue to attract the best talent across the world. S.B. Sellers Counterpoint Yes, the Times has record-high digital subscriptions, which is lovely. But at the end of the day, if you compare its current revenue sources to those it had at beginning of the millennium, youll see less revenue today about $1.8 billion less. The Times is still operating as a news company, and they need to think of themselves as a tech company. I actually think the Washington Post has done this well, with a content management system, Arc, that theyve sold to publishers around the world. Theyve said it could be a $100 million business in and of itself. When you go into the Post, you go into a tech company that happens to own a paper. When you go into the Times, you see a newspaper company trying to go digital. A.M. *This article has been updated to reflect that this argument was constructed from separate interviews. We publish information about wines grown from certified organic or Biodynamic vineyards that are generally made with sulfites (which are usually added in small amounts to preserve the wine). That includes these certification types: ORGANIC WINE CERTIFICATIONS Made with Organic Grapes Vineyards: certified organic Vinification : less than 100 ppm of sulfites (i.e. a normal range) Winery: certified organic facility Labeling : front or back label Ingredients: Organic Grapes Vineyards : certified organic Vinification: up to 350 ppm of sulfites (same as for any non organic wine) Labeling: back label only BIODYNAMIC CERTIFICATIONS Biodynamic Wine Vineyards : certified biodynamic Yeasts : native Vinification : less than 100 ppm of sulfites; no additives of any kind Winery: certified biodynamic facility Labeling: front or back label; Demeter logo may appear Made with Biodynamic Grapes Vineyards : certified biodynamic Yeasts : native or organic Vinification: less than 100 ppm of sulfites; limited number of additives permitted Winery: certified biodynamic facility Labeling: front or back Note : unlike organically grown wines, for which there is a category called "Ingredients: Organic Grapes," wines sourced from biodynamic grapes may not make any biodynamic claim on the bottle label. Bottle labeling is reserved for Demeter certified wines only. SULFITES IN CONTEXT According to U.C. Davis, t he average among all wines in the U.S. (as well as globally) is 80 ppm. WHAT THE USDA CALLS ORGANIC WINES Unlike any other nation, the U.S. oddly imposes a no sulfite restriction on wines in order for them to be called Organic Wine. These wines are also called NSA or NAS wines (which stands for "No Sulfites Added" or "No Added Sulfites.") From the above description, one can see that there are in fact three types of organically grown wines: 1. Organic Wine (less than 15% of all organically grown wine) 2. Made with Organic Grapes 3. Ingredients: Organic Grapes The vast majority of wines from organic grapes are labeled Made with Organic Grapes, Ingredients: Organic Grapes or are blended with nonorganic grapes and unlabeled. Fine winemakers do not generally make wine without sulfites and a number of large wine retailers like BevMo do not sell wine in the category of "USDA Organic Wine." With rare exceptions, this blog does not cover what the USDA calls "Organic Wine." We are hopeful that the USDA will revise the categorization of organically grown wines and make NSA or NAS wines a category of their own. This would put the U.S. in accord with the rest of the world, where "Organic Wine" means a wine from certified grapes made within limits on sulfites (generally under 100-150 ppm). Agent Alex Suarez with the U.S. Border Patrol Tactical Unit guards the U.S. side of the border wall with Mexico in Brownsville, Texas, earlier this month. Photo: Adrees Latif/REUTERS The Republican Party believes that it would benefit them, politically, if thousands of criminal aliens stormed across the U.S. border right before Election Day, at the behest of the Democratic Party. So, the president of the United States has spent the past several weeks claiming that Democrats are orchestrating an invasion of the United States, using a caravan of Central American asylum-seekers, Middle Eastern terrorists, and known criminals as its shock troops. The White House knows that this is a ridiculous lie (one that just so happens to have neo-Nazi undertones). But, as a senior administration official recently told the Daily Beast, It doesnt matter if its 100 percent accurate. This is the play. And so, the president will bring his play to a climax right before the midterm elections, by sending 5,200 U.S. troops to the border for no defensible reason: The Defense Department will deploy at least 5,200 active-duty troops to the southern border by the end of this week to help harden security there, officials announced on Monday, part of an election-season response by President Trump to hold off a group of Central American migrants moving north through Mexico. An initial group of 800 soldiers already is heading to Texas from Fort Campbell and Fort Knox, according to Terrence J. OShaughnessy, the commander of the United States Northern Command. To see why this is nothing more than a political stunt, consider the following facts: After reaching a peak of around 7,000, the migrant caravan has already thinned to a core of about 3,500 asylum-seekers who are themselves still 900 miles from the southern border of the U.S. Which is to say: It is not clear how many (if any) members of the caravan will actually reach the border, nor that they will do so within the next week. U.S. soldiers are not allowed to enforce civil immigration law, and thus, cannot actually assist border patrol in arresting migrants if they do reach the border and cross it illegally. There is no evidence that the caravan is populated by any significant number of violent criminals; by all accounts, the vast majority are families fleeing persecution, gang violence, or economic hardship in the Northern Triangle. Those fleeing violence or persecution have a legal right to seek asylum in the U.S. and existing law requires them to set foot on U.S. soil before they can invoke that right. Which is to say: The migrant caravan is a legitimate enterprise, and there is no basis for thinking that its members will behave any more violently or uncontrollably than previous waves of asylum-seekers have. Thanks to Trumps draconian cuts to refugee admissions, even if the U.S. did rubber-stamp every migrants claim to asylum, our country would still take in fewer displaced people this year than it did in 2017, or any other year, going back several decades. So: It is not clear that these migrants will ever arrive at the U.S. southern border; if they do, they have legal right to seek asylum and theres no reason to believe they will assert that right in anything but a peaceful manner; America is perfectly capable of absorbing another 3,500 asylum-seekers; and even if none of those things were true, U.S. soldiers still wouldnt be able to provide anything but logistical support to border patrol and its hard to see why 5,200 troops are needed to serve that function. But its relatively easy to see why a political party that believes it can only win elections by sowing paranoid fear would want to engineer headlines about 5,200 troops headed to the border to counter the migrant invasion shortly before Election Day. Modern genetic studies suggest the Roma originated from a single group in northwestern India. Rom living today are closely related throughout Europe. Over seventy percent of males belong to a single genetic lineage that is unique to the Rom. For those of you who do not have the information just at your fingertips, Sanskrit is an ancient language of India in which classical Indian epic poems, like the Rigveda, are written and from which many northern Indian languages are derived. The German scholar Grellmann published a ground-breaking linguistic study in 1783 that demonstrated similarities between the spoken language of the Romani and Sanskrit. As a people, they originated in northern India. Educated Regency folks might well be aware of this. The idea would have been floating around scholarly circles. We meet them from time to time in Regency Romances, sheltering the runaway heroine in their wagons, being colorful as they dance around the campfire, or welcoming the hero, who owns the land they're allowed to camp on. The Romani the Sinti, Manouche, Bohemians, Roma, Gitano, Gypsies were a well-known presence in Europe during the Regency. They would have been a familiar sight, travelling the road or camping in woodlands, from Scotland to Hungary. They seem to have left India about 1500 years ago and spread both east and west. That's 500 CE more or less. Fortune telling by reading coffee grounds Vauxhall 1750 500 CE is the time of the fall of Rome, the old empire given its final push by invading Huns. The Huns stopped off to invade northern India on their way west, making this a good time for north Indian locals to get out of Dodge. Whether the ancestors of the Rom were your average refugee peasants, defeated soldiers, or travelling groups of musicians and performers who were already itinerant in India ... this is when the proto-Romani seem to have hit the road. Basically. I would have left too. Arrival of Romani outside Bern C15 drawn wearing Saracen clothes and weapons What path did they take? There are scattered references to "foreign" wandering groups in the Middle East between CE 500 and CE 1000. Some of these may well be the Romani people. Going at the question linguistically, borrowed words and grammatical structures from Persian, Armenian, and Greek show up in modern Romany dialects across Europe. That's likely the path the Rom took from India. W ritten records show them in Eastern Europe in the early C14. ... a 1378 law passed in the Greek Peloponnese confirming privileges for the "atsingani" is "the first documented record of Romany Gypsies in Europe". Similar documents record them reaching Transylvania in 1416; Hamburg in 1418; and Paris in 1427. A chronicler for a Parisian journal described them as dressed in a manner that the Parisians considered shabby, and reports that the Church had them leave town because they practiced palm reading and fortune telling. (paraphrased from Wikipedia, but that's okay because I contribute money to them every year) Morland, The Benevolent Sportsman 1797 In Scotland, in April 1505, a payment of 20 is authorized from King James IV to the "King of Rowmais". And in 1530, a group of Romanies danced before the Scottish king at Holyrood Palace and a Romani herbalist called Baptista cured the king of an ailment.There's evidence of continual migration into Scotland by Romany through the 1500s and 1600s. Romani people in the south of Scotland enjoyed the protection of the Roslyn family and made an encampment within the Roslyn castle grounds. And Gypsies in England? "One of the earliest indicators of Gypsies in England appears in Thomas More's Dialogue concerning heresies, published in 1529. More refers back to the notorious scandal fifteen years earlier when the anti-clericalist Richard Hunne was found dead in the Lollards' Tower in London. Amid much speculation about how Hunne came to die, More introduces the character of a gentleman who claimed to know a neighbour who in turn knew a remarkable woman who was able to tell many marvelous thingsand therefore I think she could as well tell who killed Hunne as stole a horse. The wise woman's insights evidently came from palmistry the Gypsy style of fortune-telling though one party to the dialogue suggests that her powers came from the devil. Though never identified by name, the fortune-teller was said to be an Egyptian, lodged at Lambeth, who had recently gone over sea Most accounts of Gypsies in England cite this dialogue to mark 1514 as the foundational year of their presence." Trouble with Gypsies in Early Modern England, David Cressy, The Historical Journal, , pp. 45-70. The arrival of the Roma in most countries of Europe was followed in short order by statues to control, imprison, evict, expel or execute them. In 1530, Parliament, under Henry XVIII, passed the Egyptian Act: "an outlandish people, calling themselves Egyptians, using no craft nor feat of merchandise, who have come into this realm, and gone from shire to shire, and place to place, in great company; and used great subtlety and crafty means to deceive the people--bearing them in hand that they, by palmistry, could tell men's and women's fortunes; and so, many times, by craft and subtlety, have deceived the people for their money; and also have committed many heinous felonies and robberies, to the great hurt and deceit of the people that they have come among.... "... the Egyptians now being in this realm, have monition to depart within sixteen days.... from henceforth no such person be suffered to come within this the King's realm and if they do, then they and every of them so doing, shall forfeit to the King our Sovereign Lord all their goods and titles and then to be commanded to avoid the realm within fifteen days under pain of imprisonment...." And always, everywhere they went, the Romani would be subject to the general laws against vagabondage, begging, and just generally annoying the powers that be. Fortunately, by the Regency period most laws on the books in Britain aimed at the Roma were poorly enforced. We have any amount of contemporary paintings that show Gypsies camping in the countryside. They're represented as romantic and exotic folk, maybe a bit raffish, but a familiar part of the English landscape. Two wooden Romany wagons and a canvas- topped wagon Van Gogh, 1888 So the Rom have a place in our Regency books. The iconic, gaily painted, Romani wagons? Not so much. These are called vardos, the word originating from the Ossetic or Eastern Iranian word for cart, vurdon. Obviously one of the words the Rom picked up on their long wandering to the British Isles. The lovely vardo would come late in the Regency period,if at all. The painted-wood, curved-top, live-in gypsy wagon evolved roughly between 1810 and 1830. Wench wagon Dickens describes one in 1840 One half of it...was carpeted, and so partitioned off at the further end as to accommodate a sleeping-place, constructed after the fashion of a berth on board ship, which was shaded, like the windows, with fair white curtains... The other half served for a kitchen, and was fitted up with a stove whose small chimney passed through the roof. It also held a closet or larder, several chests, a great pitcher of water, and a few cooking-utensils and articles of crockery. These latter necessaries hung upon the walls, which in that portion of the establishment devoted to the lady of the caravan, were ornamented with such gayer and lighter decorations as a triangle and a couple of well-thumbed tambourines.' In the Regency, near as I can tell, the Rom mostly travelled with their goods carried on pack horses or in a cart or wagon not much different from the ordinary farm carts of the era. These could be open carts like the ones in the frontispiece of Guy Mannering, above, or carts covered with canvas like the one in this Van Gogh painting to the right. These canvas-covered wagons were not 'living spaces' with windows and doors, stoves and built-in beds, like the vardos. But they'd be covered from the rain and would have been used, along with tents, for sleeping. A small bender tent Several bender tents attached together Some of the tents they slept in were set up with a pole in the middle and looked very much like the tents I slept in as a Girl Scout. Others were "bender tents" like the one to the left. A covering of canvas stretched over supple tree branches. These are the best ones for every day (I wore them as I wrote this). Photo: Courtesy of the retailer Every year around the time Marshalls starts putting out Halloween decorations, I search for wide-fit ankle boots to wear all fall. Its difficult, as ankle boots are almost engineered to look best when narrower, but as someone with wide feet who loves the look, Im always determined to find good candidates. Last year, I wore ASOS low-heeled black leather Chelsea boots until a hole wore in the bottom of the heel. This set the bar for the comfort and versatility I seek in an ankle boot, and I set out to find this seasons pick. I called in samples of 19 different styles, colors, and heel heights, and wore them all for weeks. No reviewers on shopping sites normally go into detail about how much their feet were aching after ten hours of commuting, running to meetings, and going on bad dates, so I challenged myself to wear each pair for at least two days, knowing they wouldnt break in fully in that amount of time, but sacrificing my comfort to share the experience of shoes right out of the box. Here are my 11 favorites (plus a few extras tacked on here and there that didnt make the cut). My favorite everyday ankle boots ASOS ABSOLUTE Wide Fit Leather Chelsea Ankle Boots $60 now 15% off $51 As soon as I put these on, they felt broken in, and were by far the most accommodating for wide feet. (ASOS says they are EE, so double-wide.) They worked with tights or medium-thick socks, and although they werent as cushioned at the bottom as some of my favorites, they had a low heel (a little over one inch) and slipped on and off with elastic rather than dealing with zippers or buckles. Theyre definitely my favorite for everyday wear, even when walking a lot, and I am wearing them right now as I write this. I might even buy a second pair for next season. $51 at ASOS Buy with code: WOW15 Statement ankle boots J. Renee Tunatti $120 I searched high and low for colorful, printed ankle boots in wide widths, and these were one of the few I found on Zappos. They got six compliments at dinner, on the train, and walking to my apartment within the span of a few hours. Definitely go up a half or full size in these because they are a C width, a.k.a. the least wide of wide-width shoes, and can squeeze at the toe. But the metallic block heel and beautiful coral-blue floral embroidery make them a top pick. Once I went up a half size, they were much more comfortable, but are best worn with tights. $120 at Zappos Buy Ankle boots with a built-in massage Easy Spirit Niles Double Gore Heeled Booties $129 now 29% off $91 These are the boots that I leave at my desk for times that I wear rain (or snow) boots to work and need to change into something less clunky. They have raised foam bumps at the ball of the foot, like stick-on candy dots, that gently massage your foot with every step. Its subtle, but effective. There is also more arch support in these boots than others Ive tried, and the stacked heel (at 1.65 inches) is high enough to look nice but low enough to walk for a while. Theres also stretchy side gores and pull-on tabs in addition to the zipper, and a bit of sheen in the leather that shimmers when you walk. They run a little narrow at the toe, so I recommend going half a size up. $91 at Easy Spirit Buy Lavender ankle boots Eloquii Millie Heeled Bootie $60 These were the last pair that I tried, and by far my favorite aesthetically. Lavender may not be the first color you think of when you think of fall, but maybe it should be. These suede boots are nice and wide at the toe, but I still sized up a full size (Eloquii doesnt do half-sizes) to make sure I could wear a slightly thicker sock with them and my toes werent compressed. The block heel is curved, which doesnt really do much for the fit but looks nice and adds a bit to the design. The padded footbed got me through a long day, and the stretchy gore at the ankle can accommodate larger ankles and calves they hit a few inches above my ankle. They also come in tan and plaid, but I think everyone looks good in purple. $60 at Eloquii Buy Microsuede ankle boots Life Stride Womens Peaches Bootie I bet this shoe is called Peaches because it is soft and a little fuzzy. It isnt labeled as a sock boot, but it is one of the only sock boots Ive seen for wide widths. The microsuede is incredibly soft, and the boots lightweight overall. Its stretchy in the ankle but not super wide in the front, so definitely go up half or a full size so your toes dont get squeezed. Theyre best worn with tights or superthin nylon socks. I also liked their Jasmina wine-colored boot with accent buckles, which had a superwide opening at the ankle. Great for people with larger calves or who wear wider-cut jeans. They werent very soft in the sole, but manageable. Buy at Amazon Buy Buy at Amazon Buy Expensive-looking ankle boots Clarks Un Cosmo Up Bootie $150 These Clarks boots have been heavy in my rotation, even past my testing period, but even at half a size up, they do run a bit narrow in the front and cause pinky toe pinching. Why do I keep wearing them then? I think the trade-off of a sore toe for a comfortable two-inch heel and nice ankle support while I walked was worth it. These also looked dressier and more expensive than many of the boots tested. $150 at Nordstrom Buy Ankle boots with an actually stable kitten heel Eloquii Abba Kitten Heel Bootie $60 Ive long avoided kitten heels because I always end up teetering over and losing my balance because its such a small heel, but this bootie is sturdy, and I wore these and wore them for nine hours running around CurvyCon, a plus-size convention, catching compliments left and right. Where did you get those? Are you tripping over yourself? people asked me during the Loft fashion show. Nope. Felt great without a breaking-in period, and the shoes had great distribution of weight, too. The pointed toe does squeeze a little bit, but they only run in full sizes, so I wouldnt recommend sizing up. $60 at Eloquii Buy Wedge ankle boots Dr. Scholls Conquer Boots $90 now 22% off $70 Wedges are my favorite style of heel, but they were tough to track down in wide width, especially in lace-ups. These have a memory-foam insole and a flexible rubberized sole that kept me comfortable and not slipping all day. They note in the details online that they run half a size small, so this is one you definitely have to go a half or full size up for length and width. Dr. Scholls also makes the Dakota, a more feminine version with tassels. I found it fit the same. $70 at Zappos Buy White ankle boots Lane Bryant White Faux Leather Ankle Boot $80 $80 These white square-toed boots did get a little scuffed the first time I wore them, but I took an Eraser Daddy to it and it cleaned right up. The two-inch block heel is enough height to feel polished, but not so high that your foot slides forward and gets totally squished. These are more comfortable than Lane Bryant studded strap booties, which had a pointed toe that was more toe-squishy. $80 at Lane Bryant Buy Best slouch boots Torrid Black Faux Suede Slouch Booties $45 $65 now 31% off $45 The 3.5-inch cone heel on these boots should not have been comfortable, but the interior of the shoe really molded and supported my arch and did not feel like it was a higher heel. The slouchy part of the boot was roomy (it hits at the start of my calf), so you could tuck pants or leggings in. I loved that my foot didnt slide around even though I specifically ordered half a size up, knowing that sometimes heels make your toes get squished at the front of a shoe. It didnt, and the width at the front of the boot was perfect. No bulging, no discomfort. After a long day wearing them, my feet did hurt a bit, but that is to be expected from a higher heel. $45 at Torrid Buy Breathable ankle boots David Tate Kaci Boots $150 now 30% off $105 When I first started testing boots, the weather was transitioning from summer to fall, so leather boots were hot. But these have perforated side panels for breathability, allowing a little wind to circulate around my feet. The cushioned interior, stacked heel, and rubber outsole on these made me feel incredibly comfortable and secure walking up and down slippery stairs after a rainstorm, and I liked that these had a back zipper. $105 at Zappos Buy get the strategist newsletter Actually good deals, smart shopping advice, and exclusive discounts. Email This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Terms & Privacy Notice By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us. The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change. Every editorial product is independently selected. If you buy something through our links, New York may earn an affiliate commission. Sarah Perry at The Paris Review: To understand the literary Gothic to even begin to account for its curious appeal, and its simultaneous qualities of seduction and repulsion it is necessary to undertake a little time travel. We must go back beyond the builders putting the capstone on Pugins Palace of Westminster, and on past the last lick of paint on the iced cake of Horace Walpoles Strawberry Hill House; back again another six hundred years past the rap of the stone-masons hammer on the cathedral at Reims, in order to finally alight on a promontory above the city of Rome in 410AD. The city is on fire. There are bodies in the streets and barbarians at the gates. Pope Innocent I, hedging his bets, has consented to a little pagan worship that is being undertaken in private. Over in Bethlehem, St Jerome hears that Rome has fallen. The city which had taken the whole world, he writes, was itself taken. The old order of decency and lawfulness meted out with repressive colonial cruelty has gone. The Goths have taken the Forum. more here. En espanol | When Ann Ellen Rutherford put on the headset, she suddenly found herself in Paris. The 75-year-old, a resident at Maplewood Senior Living in Weston, Mass., stepped into the Louvre museum, which she had visited years ago. As she turned her head, she took in the scenery and the priceless art surrounding her. It hadnt changed, Rutherford said. After a few minutes of exploration, she asked the activity director at her adult community if she could travel to Italy to revisit Venice, one of her favorite cities. With a few clicks on a computer pad, she had arrived. And while this trip didnt involve a passport, it still felt like a journey, she said. Sometimes I get frustrated that I cant travel. But Im happy I can go back and see beautiful things. Rutherford was experiencing virtual reality (VR), an interactive, three-dimensional immersive computer experience that's typically viewed through goggles. The technology, which first found popularity with video-gaming millennials, is now wowing older Americans, health care professionals and caregivers. Increasingly, adult communities are using VR for enrichment and to help trigger positive memories for patients with dementia, who can use programs like Google Street View to revisit their childhood neighborhoods. Its also aiding patients with macular degeneration and helping train medical professionals, letting them step into their patients shoes to experience how diseases alter how they perceive the world. Perhaps most importantly, it can help reduce social isolation and depression, said Kyle Rand, CEO of Rendever, the company that provided the VR experience used at Rutherfords senior living community. He said that VR can be transformational. You can put it on the person youre caring for, and you can let them do anything and go anywhere. All of a sudden, life is much more than the four walls around you. Benita Johnson loved wine, especially the way that when mixed with good food and good company the drink could transform a meal into a memory. Her problem was the nearest wine shops were more than a 25-minute drive from her home in Richmond, Virginia. Having grown up in a household where her father owned his own bricklaying company, Johnson, 49, knew how to spot an opportunity when she saw one. So, in 2005 she opened the first of two wine shops called Grapes & Barley, which now have morphed into The Vine Wine Club, an online subscription service that delivers wines Johnson handpicks to members's doorsteps. Johnson says starting her own business gave her the chance to shape her own financial future and, more importantly, the opportunity to turn her dreams into reality. You know, youre seeing so much transition in the workforce, says Johnson. I think now is a perfect time to figure out what your passions are and turn those passions into livings. And we can do it. For African Americans who own small businesses, passion is a big part of what drives them to start their own companies. According to a recent survey of more than 2,600 people who either owned a small business or were hoping to start one, 62 percent of African American respondents said the reason they went into business was to pursue a passion. That response was 11 percentage points higher than the number for all respondents. The survey was conducted by Guidant Financial. Twenty-five percent of black small-business owners were between the ages of 50 and 59, with another 16 percent in the 60-69 age range, according to the survey. The survey also suggested, however, that black business owners may face particular challenges with regard to raising money. For example, 80 percent of black respondents said their biggest challenge was lack of capital or cash flow, which was 10 percent higher than all respondents. And, 46 percent of black small-business owners were their only employee, while another 41 percent had 2-5 employees. For many small businesses, a large staff isnt necessary. Jennene Biggins, 52, runs her own consulting firm that specializes in digital marketing for other small businesses. She started J Biggins Consulting in 2001 after owning another small business for years: a boutique that sold womens plus-size clothing, both online and from a small shop she operated in the basement of her home. When the 2009 recession led to a crash in her apparel sales, Biggins realized that she could turn the expertise she developed in online marketing into her current business. Many people with my plus-size businesses were wondering, you know, how did I do it, what was I doing online, she says. So thats kind of how I fell into consulting, you know? Maybe I need to start something to help others. That kind of help and support can be crucial for small-business owners, especially among women and minority communities. The biggest hurdle or challenge is the mentoring, says Beverly Grandison, 38, an Army veteran who now runs Premier Health + Wellness Consulting in Chesapeake, Virginia. Sometimes we feel like were having to just start all over, do it by ourselves. Its harder, it seems like, than it should be. Its a matter of tapping into the resources that are there locally where you are. Grandison recommends that aspiring entrepreneurs take advantage of their local Small Business Development Centers, which are funded in part by the federal Small Business Administration. Biggins recommended SCORE, which is a nonprofit association that helps small-business owners by providing mentoring and other resources. What we know from Sanford's IRS filing: nearly $5B in 2020 earnings 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. PITTSBURGH The victims of the deadliest attack on Jews in U.S. history were doctors and dentists, accountants and academics, retirees and senior citizens who didnt let age get in their way. Two were brothers, another two a married couple. One was 97. All 11 shared a dedication to the Tree of Life synagogue, where they were killed Saturday in a shooting rampage. And they were all very gentle, caring, compassionate, good people, said Brian Schreiber, the president of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh and a member of Tree of Life. Said Stephen Cohen, co-president of one of the congregations that meet there: The loss is incalculable. CECIL AND DAVID ROSENTHAL: SWEET, GENTLE, CARING MEN Cecil and David Rosenthal went through life together with help from a disability-services organization. And an important part of the brothers lives was the Tree of Life Synagogue, where they never missed a Saturday service, people who knew them say. If they were here, they would tell you that is where they were supposed to be, Chris Schopf, a vice president of the organization Achieva, said in a statement. Achieva had worked for decades with Cecil, 59, and David, 54. The developmentally disabled brothers lived independently together in an Achieva building, spokeswoman Lisa Razza told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. David had worked with Achievas cleaning service and at Goodwill Industries, and Cecil was hoping to start working soon, she said. While David was quieter, Cecil had a personality that got him dubbed the honorary mayor of Squirrel Hill, the venerable Jewish enclave where the synagogue sits. Cecil was up for all sorts of activities: a concert, lunch at Eat n Park a regional restaurant chain known for its smiley-face cookies even a trip to the Duquesne University dining hall, recalls David DeFelice, a Duquesne senior who was paired with him in a buddies program three years ago. The two became friends, DeFelice said. He was a very gregarious person loved being social, loved people. You could put him in any situation, and hed make it work, chatting about the weather or asking students about their parents and talking about his own, said DeFelice. And when DeFelice recognized Hebrew letters on Cecils calendar, the elder man was delighted to learn his buddy was also Jewish and soon invited him to Tree of Life. DeFelice joined him on a couple of occasions and could see Cecil cherished his faith and the sense of community he found at temple. Emeritus Rabbi Alvin Berkun saw that, too, in Cecil and David. They really found a home at the synagogue, and people reciprocated, he said. Cecil also frequented the Jewish Community Center, where hed greet Schreiber with a comedic bit: Brian, youre fired! Cecil, youve fired me a thousand times, and I keep coming back to work, Schreiber would respond with a smile. Cecil carried a photo in his wallet of David, whom Schopf remembers as a man with such a gentle spirit. Together, they looked out for each other, she said. Most of all, they were kind, good people with a strong faith and respect for everyone around. The two left an impression on state Rep. Dan Frankel, who sometimes attends services at Tree of Life and whose chief of staff is the Rosenthals sister. They were very sweet, gentle, caring men, Frankel said. I know that this community will really mourn their loss because they were such special people, he added. BERNICE AND SYLVAN SIMON: HELPING OTHERS AS A TEAM Bernice and Sylvan Simon were always ready to help other people, longtime friend and neighbor Jo Stepaniak says, and they always did it with a smile and always did it with graciousness. Anything that they could do, and they did it as a team, she said. The Simons, who were among those massacred Saturday, were fixtures in in the townhome community on the outskirts of Pittsburgh where they had lived for decades. Shed served on the board, and he was a familiar face from his walks around the neighborhood, with the couples dog in years past. Sylvan, 86, was a retired accountant with a good sense of humor the kind of person his former rabbi felt comfortable joking with after Sylvan broke his arm a couple of weeks ago. (The rabbi emeritus, Alvin Berkun, quipped Sylvan had to get better so he could once again lift the Torah, the Jewish holy scripture.) Bernice, 84, a former nurse, loved classical music and devoted time to charitable work, according to Stepaniak and neighbor Inez Miller. And both Simons cared deeply about Tree of Life Synagogue. (They) were very devoted, an active, steady presence, Berkun said. The Simons had married there in a candlelight ceremony nearly 62 years earlier, according to the Tribune-Review. Tragedy has struck their family before: One of the couples sons died in a 2010 motorcycle accident in California. And now the Simons deaths are reverberating through their family and community. Bernice and Sylvan were very good, good-hearted, upstanding, honest, gracious, generous people. They were very dignified and compassionate, Stepaniak said, her voice breaking. Best neighbors that you could ask for. MELVIN WAX: A SWEET, SWEET GUY Melvin Wax was always the first to arrive at New Light Congregation, which rented space in the lower level of Tree of Life, and the last to leave. He was a gem. He was a gentleman, recalled fellow congregant Barry Werber. There was always a smile on his face. Myron Snider remembered Mel as a friend who would stay late to tell jokes with him, a retired accountant who was unfailingly generous, and a pillar of the congregation, filling just about every role except cantor. If somebody didnt come that was supposed to lead services, he could lead the services and do everything. He knew how to do everything at the synagogue. He was really a very learned person, said Snider, a retired pharmacist and chairman of the congregations cemetery committee. He and I used to, at the end of services, try to tell a joke or two to each other. Most of the time they were clean jokes. Most of the time. I wont say all the time. But most of the time. New Light moved to the Tree of Life building about a year ago, when the congregation of about 100 mostly older members could no longer afford its own space, said administrative assistant Marilyn Honigsberg. She said Wax, who lost his wife, Sandra, in 2016, was always there when services began at 9:45 a.m. Snider had just been released from a six-week hospital stay for pneumonia and was not at Saturdays services. He called my wife to get my phone number in the hospital so he could talk to me, Snider said. Just a sweet, sweet guy. JERRY RABINOWITZ: TRUSTED CONFIDANT, HEALER Dr. Jerry Rabinowitz and his partner in his medical practice were seemingly destined to spend their professional lives together. He and Dr. Kenneth Ciesielka had been friends for more than 30 years, since they lived on the same floor at the University of Pennsylvania. Ciesielka was a few years behind Rabinowitz, but whether by fate or design, the two always ended up together. They went to the same college, the same medical school and even had the same residency at UPMC a few years apart. He is one of the finest people Ive ever met. Weve been in practice together for 30 years and friends longer than that, Ciesielka said. His patients are going to miss him terribly. His family is going to miss him terribly and I am going to miss him. He was just one of the kindest, finest people. Former Allegheny County Deputy District Attorney Law Claus remembered Rabinowitz, a 66-year-old personal physician and victim in Saturdays shooting, as more than a physician for him and his family for the last three decades. He was truly a trusted confidant and healer, he wrote in an email to his former co-workers on Sunday. Dr. Jerry Rabinowitz could always be counted upon to provide sage advice whenever he was consulted on medical matters, usually providing that advice with a touch of genuine humor. He had a truly uplifting demeanor, and as a practicing physician he was among the very best. Rabinowitz, 66, was affiliated with UPMC Shadyside hospital, where he was remembered as one of its kindest physicians. The UPMC hospital system said in a statement that it cannot even begin to express the sadness and grief we feel over the loss. Those of us who worked with him respected and admired his devotion to his work and faith. His loss is devastating, chief quality officer Tami Minnier wrote on Twitter. Rabinowitz also was a go-to doctor for HIV patients in the epidemics early and desperate days, a physician who always hugged us as we left his office, according to Michael Kerr, who credits Rabinowitz with helping him survive. Thank you, Kerr wrote on Facebook, for having always been there during the most terrifying and frightening time of my life. You are one of my heroes. Olivia Tucker, who is transgender, went to Rabinowitz for a checkup after he treated her grandmother for cancer. Hes the only doctor who ever has made a misstep about my trans-ness, and followed it up with really insightful questions with the purpose of learning and growth, Tucker said. I felt blessed to have had him. JOYCE FIENBERG: MAGNIFICENT, GENEROUS, CARING Joyce Fienberg and her late husband, Stephen, were intellectual powerhouses, but those who knew them say they were the kind of people who used that intellect to help others. Joyce Fienberg, 75, who was among the victims in Saturdays shooting, spent most of her career at the University of Pittsburghs Learning Research and Development Center, retiring in 2008 from her job as a researcher looking at learning in the classroom and in museums. She worked on several projects including studying the practices of highly effective teachers. Dr. Gaea Leinhardt, who was Fienbergs research partner for decades, said she is devastated by the death of her colleague and friend. Joyce was a magnificent, generous, caring, and profoundly thoughtful human being, she said. The research centers current director, Charles Perfetti, said Fienberg earned her bachelors degree in social psychology from the University of Toronto, in her native Canada. She brought a keen mind, engaging personality and a certain elegance and dignity to the center, Perfetti said. One could have elevated conversations with her that were very interesting, even if they were brief, he said. I was always impressed with her. Stephen, who died in 2016 after a battle with cancer, was a renowned professor of statistics and social science at Carnegie Mellon University. His work was used in shaping national policies in forensic science, education and criminal justice. The couple married in 1965 and had moved to Pittsburgh in the early 1980s. Joyce began her work at the center in 1983. The couple had two sons and several grandchildren. DANIEL STEIN: PASSIONATE ABOUT THE COMMUNITY AND ISRAEL Daniel Stein was a visible member of Pittsburghs Jewish community, where he was a leader in the New Light Congregation and his wife, Sharyn, is the membership vice president of the areas Hadassah chapter. Their Judaism is very important to them, and to him, said chapter co-president Nancy Shuman. Both of them were very passionate about the community and Israel. Stein, 71, was president of the Mens Club at Tree of Life. He also was among a corps of the New Light members who, along with Wax and Richard Gottfried, 65, made up the religious heart of the congregation, said Cohen, the congregation co-president. Steins nephew Steven Halle told the Tribune-Review his uncle was always willing to help anybody. With his generous spirit and dry sense of humor, he was somebody that everybody liked, Halle said. ROSE MALLINGER: SHOOTERS OLDEST VICTIM Rose Mallinger was 97, but youd never know it, Schreiber said. She just had spring in her step, he said. So much so that when congregants at the synagogue were told to stand if they were able, there was no question: Mallinger stood, even while some seniors younger than she stayed seated. She was at services every week, accompanied by her whole family on major holidays. Her faith and her connection to Judaism was very, very important to her, Schreiber said. Mallinger was routinely called on to lead one of the English-language prayers the country, the community and peace that her congregation recited after Hebrew prayers, he said. Her daughter, Andrea Wedner, 61, was among the wounded, the family said. RICHARD GOTTFRIED: READYING FOR RETIREMENT Richard Gottfried was preparing for a new chapter in his life. Gottfried ran a dental office with his wife and practice partner Margaret Peg Durachko Gottfried. He and his wife met at the University of Pittsburgh as dental students, according to the Washington Post, and opened their practice together in 1984. Gottfried, who often did charity work seeing patients who could not otherwise afford dental care, was preparing to retire in the next few months. He, along with Wax and Stein, led the service, they maintained the Torah, they did what needed to be done with the rabbi to make services happen, Cohen said. He died doing what he liked to do most, said Don Salvin, Gottfrieds brother-in-law, told the Washington Post. IRVING YOUNGER: NEVER HAD AN UNKIND WORD A neighbor in Pittsburghs Mount Washington neighborhood on Sunday remembered victim Irving Younger as a really nice guy. Jonathan Voye told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that Younger, 69, was personable and occasionally spoke with him about family or the weather. Im scared for my kids future, Mr. Voye told the Post-Gazette. How can you have that much hate for your fellow neighbor? Tina Prizner, who told the Tribune-Review shes lived next door to Younger for several years, said he was a wonderful father and grandfather. The one-time real estate company owner talked about his daughter and his grandson, always, and he never had an unkind word to say about anybody, Prizner told the Tribune-Review. Beth Markovic, owner of Murray Avenue Kosher grocery and deli, said Younger was a dedicated customer who was especially fond of her meatloaf and chicken salad and asked her to alert him when she was making it. So every time I make those things, I will certainly be thinking of him, Markovic said. I have his phone number right in front of me where I do my work. . So, we feel it. We feel it very much. ___ Lauer reported from Philadelphia, Peltz reported from New York and Dale reported from Pittsburgh. Associated Press journalists Allen G. Breed and Robert Bumsted in Pittsburgh and researcher Monika Mather in Washington contributed to this report. WASHINGTON The Trump administration ordered 5,200 additional troops to the southwest border Monday, more than doubling the military presence there and widening the Pentagons role in domestic policing operations. The move is in response to a caravan of Central American migrants who may seek to enter the U.S. through Mexico, officials said. President Donald Trump has characterized the group as an invasion and falsely claimed it includes terrorists and is organized by Democrats handing out money, despite denials by national security experts. Trumps critics dismissed the unusually heavy deployment of military troops to assist in border protection as a political ploy by the administration to appeal to its base ahead of the Nov. 6 midterm election. The armed troops will help Border Patrol harden points of entry and address key gaps around points of entry to keep members of the caravan from crossing the border, Gen. Terrence OShaughnessy, the head of U.S. Northern Command, said at a joint news conference with the Border Patrol. The rapid timetable of Operation Faithful Patriot would have the 5,200 troops in place by the end of the week. The caravan of approximately 3,500 migrants is still moving through southern Mexico, about 900 miles from the U.S. border, and is steadily declining in numbers. Trump has seized on the immigration issue ahead of next weeks midterm election, even though illegal immigration this year is on pace to be lower than in all but four of the previous 45 years. The president has tweeted repeatedly about the threat posed by the caravan, a characterization that may have played a role in Saturdays deadly synagogue attack in Pittsburgh. In online postings, the alleged shooter, Robert Bowers, accused Jewish groups of aiding invaders by helping immigrants and refugees settle in the U.S. Though Pentagon officials in the past have stressed the military was playing only a supporting role in assisting civilian authorities along the border, OShaughnessy portrayed the military as taking a far more active operational role. As we sit here today, we have about 800 soldiers that are on their way right now. Theyre coming from Fort Campbell. Theyre coming from Fort Knox. Theyre moving closer to the border and are ready to be employed on the border. The first wave of 800 troops will be followed in coming days by additional deployments in Arizona and California. They will include active duty military personnel from three combat engineering battalions and three helicopter units. About 2,000 National Guard troops are already assisting at the border under a previous Pentagon operation. Among other roles, Blackhawk helicopters equipped with night sensors will be available to ferry Border Patrol personnel exactly where they need to be to spot groups and to fast-rope down to intercept migrants seeking crossing the border. Military aircraft will conduct surveillance. The Pentagon is also sending engineers who could build vehicle barriers, walls and razor-wire fencing around the entry points. Soldiers arriving at the border were bringing 22 miles of concertina wire and would have another 150 miles available, OShaughnessy said. It is sending riot gear, ready-to eat-meals and tents to equip, feed and house additional Border Patrol agents sent to the border. In addition, the Pentagon is sending four larger transport planes, including three C-130s and a C-17 to ferry the agency personnel to spots along the border where migrants may seek to cross illegally, officials said. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Kevin McAleenan said that the agency is tracking two large groups of between 3,000 and 3,500 migrants each in southern Mexico. He said the groups were preparing to enter the United States within the next few weeks. The Pentagon and the Border Patrol are focusing initially on building up security measures at points of entry across the border, McAleenan said. If the migrants seek to cross the border at more remote locations, the Border Patrol has an additional 830 agents to move to those locations with military assistance, he said. The agency also has two dozen of its aircraft patrolling the southwest border, he added. Asked why so many troops were needed, McAleenan said migrant groups that had crossed the Guatemalan-Mexico border had recently used violent tactics to overwhelm border guards who attempted to block them. Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen have vowed to stop the caravan, but its been unclear if the Border Patrol would be able to cope, given an influx of asylum-seeking families this year that recently accelerated. As the president and Secretary Nielsen have made clear, we will not allow a large group to enter the United States in an unsafe and unlawful manner, McAleenan told reporters. In recent days, the Border Patrol had deployed 100 special response team operators to prepare plans to beef up security at each of the 26 points of entry along the border, he said. An additional 1,000 officers, including 250 with training in riot control, are ready to move to the border as well, he said. But the agency sought assistance from the Pentagon, due to the large size of the potential caravans that may arrive, McAleenan said. The Pentagon deployment up from an original estimate of 800 that officials said was likely last week would be double the 2,500 U.S. troops currently in Syria. Critics called the operation a politically motivated misuse of American military. The men and women of the U.S. military work hard to protect us from real threats. It is beyond cynical, and sets a terrible precedent, to exploit them for political stagecraft in the run-up to an election, said Adam Isacson, director for defense oversight at the Washington Office on Latin America, an advocacy group that focuses on Latin America. The migrant caravan is mostly children and families. Most plan to ask for asylum if they make it to the U.S. border, and most will not make it. By the time they get here, the so-called caravan may be just a few hundred people. Unless soldiers are being trained to fill in asylum forms and to care for kids and moms, this is the very opposite of what the U.S. militarys mission is, he added. OShaughnessy said the Pentagon was carrying out Trumps wishes. I think the president has made it clear that border security is national security, adding our orders are very clear: Were going to secure the border. Under pressure from U.S. authorities to halt the northward flow of migrants, Mexican authorities have broken up one attempted migrant caravan near the countrys southern border and offered temporary residency to Central Americans who agree to remain in the country. McAleenan urged migrants still making their way to the United States to seek asylum in Mexico, rather than attempt to cross the border. Asked whether U.S. officials would permit people in the caravan to seek asylum in the United States, he said, You can only process a certain number of people at a time. The troops will not be involved in interacting with migrants seeking to cross the border, the officials said. Using troops in a support role means they would not violate the Posse Comitatus Act, which bars the federal government from using the military for domestic policing. (EDITORS: STORY CAN END HERE) But the heavier support role suggests that military personnel may come in closer contact with migrants than they have in other recent operations. The Pentagon is sending active-duty troops, rather than National Guard soldiers, because they can mobilize faster and have more aircraft than reservists, officials said. Use of active-duty troops also enables the Trump administration to bypass California Gov. Jerry Brown, who has resisted use of troops along the border in the past. The Pentagon operation is limited to 45 days, meaning the troops would depart in December unless the mission is extended, officials said. 2018 Los Angeles Times Visit the Los Angeles Times at www.latimes.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. - PHOTO (for help with images, contact 312-222-4194): IMMIGRANTS-CARAVAN The deadly crash of a Lion Air jet in the Java Sea has renewed questions about the safety of Indonesian airlines soon after U.S. and European regulators removed prohibitions against them. A growing middle class and affordable fares have led to a boom in air travel in Asia, putting pressure on airlines, government overseers and infrastructure to keep up. The surge has been particularly keen at Asias budget airlines such as Lion Air, whose Flight 610 disappeared into the sea shortly after takeoff from Jakarta. The Boeing 737 Max 8 carried 189 people and was bound for Pangkal Pinang on a smaller island in the Indonesian archipelago. Data pinged from the plane showed erratic speed, altitude and direction in the minutes after takeoff. Safety experts cautioned, however, that the data must be checked for accuracy against the planes so-called black boxes, if they are recovered. Indonesias aviation industry has a checkered past. The United States and the European Union banned its aircraft from their skies in 2007 after a string of accidents. The Federal Aviation Administration lifted that ban in August 2016. This past June, European regulators who had already allowed Lion Air and a few other Indonesian carriers to resume flying to Europe lifted theirs on remaining Indonesia airlines. A spokesman said Monday that the European Commission has no immediate plans to renew the ban on Lion Air, but Australia told government officials and contractors not to fly on the carrier pending findings from the crash investigation. The bans directly affected few flights, but Europeans were discouraged from flying on Indonesian airlines while visiting the country, where planes are the only practical way to hop among tourist-destination islands including Bali, Java and Sumatra. Among notable Indonesian accidents: In 2015, a turboprop operated by Indonesias Trigana Air crashed in Papua province, killing all 54 people on board. Indonesias safety agency blamed a number of mistakes by the crew and poor regulatory oversight of the airline. In 2014, an Indonesia AirAsia jet flying to Singapore crashed into the Java Sea, killing all 162 passengers and crew members. Investigators blamed a rudder-control system that had malfunctioned nearly two dozen times in the previous year, combined with the pilots response. Miraculously no one was killed in 2013 when a Lion Air jet descended too low, missed the runway and crashed into the sea off Bali, forcing some passengers to swim for their lives. Investigators blamed the crash during poor visibility largely on pilot errors. In the only previous fatal accident of a Lion Air flight, a plane skidded off a rain-slicked runway and crashed into a cemetery in Surakarta in 2004, killing 25 passengers and crew. The airline has had other problems too, including the arrests of four pilots for drug possession in 2011 and 2012. Harro Ranter, who runs the Aviation Safety Network, said Indonesian airlines must contend with difficult terrain in some provinces, frequent bad weather that leads to poor visibility, and shortcomings with air traffic controllers, who have on occasion put two planes on the same active runway. There have also been fears that the country would be unable to train or attract enough qualified pilots and that airlines would struggle to manage rapid growth, he added. Indonesia does stand out they did have some really bad accidents in the past, Ranter said. Its hard to judge if they have made sufficient progress with regard to safety. He said it is difficult to pin a specific accident on the safety culture, but that international regulators will be closely watching the investigation into Flight 610. Boeing and rival Airbus have been stepping up production to meet the seemingly insatiable demand for new planes among global airlines, many of them in Asia. Traffic on the worlds airlines measured in the number of miles or kilometers flown by passengers jumped 8.1 percent last year, the fastest rate of growth since 2005, according to the International Air Transport Association, a trade group for the industry. It marked the third straight year of traffic growth above the long-term average of 5.5 percent growth in traffic. China led the way in most new domestic passengers, by a wide margin. Indonesia ranked sixth. Aircraft operators in the Asia-Pacific region have had the highest number of accidents in the last five years, accounting for about one-fourth of all accidents, according to the trade group. But the accident rate has declined from 2.33 every million flights in 2016 to 1.54 every million flights last year. Southeast Asia and the Pacific have a far lower accident rate than Africa and South America, according to figures from the trade group and the UNs International Civil Aviation Organization. The Lion Air crash appears to be the first involving the Boeing 737 Max 8, a more fuel-efficient update of Boeings popular 737, the best-selling airliner ever. Lion Air received the jet involved in the crash just two months ago. In a statement, Chicago-based Boeing Co. said it was deeply saddened by the crash and was prepared to offer technical help to investigators. Boeing shares fell on news of the accident. They were down $12.47, or 3.5 percent, at $346.80 in early-afternoon trading. Jim Corridore, an analyst for CFRA Research, said Boeing planes have a good safety record and the accident is unlikely to hurt orders for new planes. Lion Air became the first airline to get a 737 Max, in May 2017, and has received 13 of the 201 Max planes that Boeing has delivered, according to the Boeing website. Boeing has taken nearly 4,800 orders for the plane, including 201 from Lion Air. Southwest Airlines was the first U.S. carrier to fly the plane and has taken 23 of them, according to Boeing. ___ David Koenig can be reached at http://twitter.com/airlinewriter PHILADELPHIA Maureen Faulkner stood up in court Monday morning and cried out to the judge who had just given her husbands convicted killer 30 more days to appeal. With all due respect, your honor, Faulkner said to Common Pleas Court Judge Leon Tucker, her voice breaking. I have another 30 days that I have to go through this pain and suffering? Tucker had just extended the appeal hearing of Mumia Abu-Jamal in the fatal shooting of Philadelphia Police Officer Daniel Faulkner on Dec. 9, 1981. Maureen Faulkner had flown in from California, hoping her long ordeal would come to an end. Instead, Tucker granted a 30-day extension to Abu-Jamals attorneys, who say they are trying to recover a document they claim helps to show that former state Supreme Court Justice Ronald D. Castille violated Abu-Jamals constitutional rights when he did not recuse himself from appeal reviews. As sheriffs officers pulled at the sleeve of her maroon sweater and pleaded with her to calm down, her voice rose toward the judge. Ive been fighting back and forth! Have a seat, Tucker said. I have been fighting! Please remove her from the courtroom, Tucker said. Thirty-eight years! Faulkner yelled as she was escorted out. This is wrong! After her exit, the judge said, The courtroom is sensitive to both sides. The court is not going to rush to judgment in this matter, he added. So, just to be clear, no matter how long it takes, this court is going to do the right thing. The now 64-year-old Abu-Jamal is serving a life sentence for the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Daniel Faulkner at 13th and Locust Streets. Abu-Jamal, held at the State Correctional Institution-Mahanoy in Schuylkill County, did not attend the hearing. Its difficult, the judge said. Ill be candid. Its a difficult case. The core argument by Abu-Jamals defense is that because Castille had been involved in the case as Philadelphia district attorney from 1986 to 1991, he should have recused himself as a Supreme Court justice during appeals. The defense is hoping that Tucker finds that Castille was biased, and that Abu-Jamal gets a new appellate review by a higher state court and possibly a new trial. The lawyers contend that two memos written by Castille when he was district attorney showed he had a significant involvement in pushing for Abu-Jamal to be executed. But Assistant District Attorney Tracey Kavanagh, supervisor of the District Attorneys Post Conviction Relief Unit, told Tucker that this allegedly missing memo hasnt been found. Judith Ritter, one of Abu-Jamals lawyers, said she sent a new right-to-know request to the Pennsylvania State Senate Judiciary Committee for documents. She said they are waiting on that request so the judge has all of the information. They also point to a 2016 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in a different case, in which a majority of the justices found that Castille was wrong to have participated in an appeal to the state Supreme Court by another convicted Philadelphia killer. In a hallway after the hearing, Faulkner apologized for her outburst, but said she was tired of the prolonged pain. My emotions got the best of me, she said. I mean, when is this case going to end for us? Meanwhile, more than a dozen protesters on both sides of the case demonstrated outside the courthouse. A low-pressure system approaching from the northwest will bring a burst of wintry weather to parts of northern New Mexico today through Halloween morning, meteorologists from the National Weather Service in Albuquerque said Monday. Rain and high-elevation snow showers will develop along a cold front entering northern New Mexico today, according to Brian Guyer, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service. We do expect rain showers to develop as we go through the day across the high terrain, Guyer said. As temperatures drop later in the day, well see some of that change to snow in the very high terrain. A winter storm watch is in effect from this afternoon through Wednesday afternoon for the northern Sangre de Cristo mountains above 9,500 feet, including Red River, the southern Sangre de Cristo range above 9,500 feet, the eastern slopes of the Sangre de Cristo mountains, Raton Ridge and Johnson Mesa areas that could receive up to 10 inches of snow. Travel on Interstate 25 from Glorieta to Raton Pass and on U.S. 64/87 from Raton to Clayton could be affected tonight. I-25 south of Pueblo, Colo., to the New Mexico border will likely become snowpacked tonight through Wednesday morning. Light snowfall is possible over the northeastern plains and in the upper Rio Grande Valley by early Wednesday. A chance of showers is forecast for the Albuquerque area today. After a projected high in the upper 60s today, lower temperatures will arrive on Halloween in metro Albuquerque and the Rio Grande Valley. High temperatures will be in the low 50s on Halloween, with mostly sunny skies and north winds of 5 to 15 mph. By Halloween evening, the precipitation should shift east of the state, but below-normal temperatures and a northwesterly breeze will feel a little nippy for ghouls, goblins, ghosts and princesses going trick-or-treating. Snow could create slick conditions for undead and living creatures in the northern mountains and the northeast. Temperatures are going to be dropping into the 30s and 40s across a good part of the state, Guyer said. Some folks across the north could encounter slick sidewalks. Definitely bundle up. Albuquerque-area residents should prepare for freezing temperatures Thursday morning. Parts of the middle Rio Grande Valley and the Roswell area could have their first freeze Thursday morning. Residents should continue to monitor forecasts. source: national weather service Precipitation measured in inches. SANTA FE A judge has rejected a prosecution motion that he reconsider his dismissal of the latest case against Tai Chan, a former Santa Fe County sheriffs deputy accused of fatally shooting a fellow deputy in Las Cruces after a night of drinking. But District Court Judge Conrad Perea says in his order that the Las Cruces District Attorneys Office has a remedy available follow New Mexicos court rules. Perea wrote that the state can proceed as it wishes, provided the Rules of Criminal procedure are followed, and notions of fairness and due process are recognized. Last week, Perea threw out a new voluntary manslaughter case against Chan that was filed as a criminal information on Oct. 2. Chan previously was tried twice for murder in the death of Deputy Jeremy Martin, 29, in 2014 at the Hotel Encanto in Las Cruces. Both trials ended in a hung jury. The case was dismissed altogether earlier this year after Perea ruled that trying Chan for murder a third time would represent double jeopardy because of errors by a another judge. Last week, Perea dismissed the new voluntary manslaughter case against Chan. The judge said prosecutors had failed to go to a grand jury or a preliminary court hearing to determine whether there was probable cause for bringing the new charge against Chan, and also cited part of the states Rules of Criminal Procedure that calls for a written statement from the district attorney containing the essential facts of a case when filing a charge via criminal information. The DAs office quickly filed a motion to reconsider. Perea denied that motion Monday, with a reminder that he had dismissed the voluntary manslaughter case without prejudice, meaning it can be refiled. The night Martin was killed, he and Chan were staying in Las Cruces on the way back from delivering a prisoner to Arizona. The two deputies argued and drank heavily at a bar, and then returned to their room at the Hotel Encanto. Martin died after being shot five times in the back and arm. Ten shots were fired from Chans duty weapon. But who shot the gun first and who was the aggressor were disputed at trial. The immigration issue in the U.S. lately has focused on a recent caravan of migrants working its way up from Central America through Mexico en route to the U.S. border. But a bigger ongoing migration out of African countries continues to cause a humanitarian crisis that is felt around the world, particularly in Europe, says Robert K. Hitchcock, an adjunct professor of anthropology at the University of New Mexico. Hitchcock will be the featured speaker at the Friday gathering of the Albuquerque International Association. He will speak on The Humanitarian Crisis in Africa and Its Global Implications, and why migrants are leaving Africa to destinations primarily in Europe. Hitchcock has done extensive work with refugees throughout Africa. His research has concentrated on social and economic change, resettlement, livelihood rights, and the well-being of indigenous people, women, minorities and refugees. He is a board member of the Kalahari Peoples Fund, a nonprofit organization that assists people in southern Africa. Reasons for the exodus include drought, economic downturn, unstable governments, armed conflicts and a desire to seek better living conditions, Hitchcock told the Journal during a phone interview. The numbers of migrants leaving Africa since 2015 has declined, so were not seeing the peak numbers now for a variety of reasons, he said. Among those reasons are the dangers of passing through one country to another and getting caught in the crossfire of neighboring conflicts; of traversing the Sahara in an attempt to get to a coastal country where they can possibly get passage to Europe; and of a Mediterranean transit in overcrowded and unsafe boats. But even overcoming these dangers, there is still the fundamental problem that receiving countries are not as receptive as in the past and are taking in fewer migrants, Hitchcock said. There is a rising sentiment of xenophobia, and a belief that its more important to help your own citizens and worry less about strangers. Migrants from Africa are particularly attracted to Europe by the generous social programs offered to new arrivals, which allows them to survive in cultural ghettos, without jobs and without learning the language or adopting the cultural values of their host country. This has stoked cultural clashes, sometimes violent, between the countrys native-born citizens and its migrants, Hitchcock said. In addition, because many of these countries are members of the European Union, travel from one EU country to another is far easier. That has fueled anger among native citizens that outsiders are competing for limited jobs, draining their social services and putting additional pressures on local economies, and fears that countries have lost control of their borders, Hitchcock said. Hitchcock said he hopes people who attend his talk will leave with a greater understanding and more empathetic view of why people in Africa are migrating. If we help them alleviate the poverty, they will stay at home. Robert K. Hitchcocks lecture, sponsored by the Albuquerque International Association, will be held Friday from 3-5 p.m. in the UNM Continuing Education Conference Center, 1634 University NE. The cost is $15 for AIA members, $20/non-members and free to students (under 30) with a student ID. People can pay online with a credit card at www.abqinternational.org or at the door by cash or check only. NEW YORK Conservative lightning rod Milo Yiannopoulos is set to address a class at New York University about the identity politics of Halloween on Wednesday. Yiannopoulos, a former top editor at Breitbart News, has called for deportations of Muslims residing in Western countries, condoned pedophilia, and encouraged vigilante groups to gun down journalists. Hes scheduled to talk to students of professor Michael Rectenwald, who touts himself as a deplorable a term for diehard supporters of President Donald Trump. The speech will discuss the identity politics of Halloween, according to reports. Rectenwald, a liberal studies clinical professor, has defended his invitation and maintains it is not a publicity stunt. He has also asked socialists to address his class. Yiannopoulos stepped down from his Breitbart gig in February 2017 after he made remarks that appeared to endorse sex between boys as young as 13 and older men. Those relationships could be a coming-of-age relationship in which those older men help those younger boys discover who they are, he said. It remains unclear if the NYU speech will go off. A previous scheduled speech to NYUs College Republicans was canceled in 2016 due to security concerns. Some students are trying to have the school cancel the upcoming speech as well. Milo and his fascist, white supremacist speech which has often included calls to violence are dangerous for many of our students, the NYU Graduate Student Organizing Committee posted on Twitter. For educational workers, this is what a workplace safety struggle looks like. He has no place in any classroom. A NYU spokesman indicated Yiannopoulos would be welcome at the school. At NYU, academic freedom and the free exchange of ideas are fundamental, guiding principles, said spokesman John Beckman. In line with these principles, faculty have wide authority over academic matters, such as their pursuit of their research and the conduct of their classes. Therefore, if a faculty member invites a speaker to his or her class, as professor Michael Rectenwald did in this case, the assumption is that barring insurmountable issues of public safety or disruption the speaker will be able to appear in class and be heard, he added. This is true even when the speaker is controversial. He said that Yiannopoulos has espoused many ideas that are at odds with the values of the NYU community and are offensive to its members, but as an invited speaker, he will be allowed to address professor Rectenwalds class because even in the face of controversy and profound disagreement, adherence to the principles of academic freedom is a core value. 2018 New York Daily News Visit New York Daily News at www.nydailynews.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. - PHOTO (for help with images, contact 312-222-4194): Milo Yiannopoulos The New Mexico Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a statement objecting to a full-page political advertisement concerning abortion in the Sunday Journal that contained a document previously issued by the bishops. The advertisement asked, Are You A Catholic Voter? and was accompanied by the reprint of a March 6, 2017, letter from the bishops titled Statement on the Dignity of Human Life. The advertisement, which also ran in the Santa Fe New Mexican, was paid for and placed by the Hispanic Action Network, based out of Dallas. Phone messages left for Mark Gonzales, listed as founder and president of the Hispanic Action Network on its website, were not returned. We were not aware of plans to publish our statement as part of a political advertisement, the bishops said in their Sunday rebuttal letter. We did not coordinate or pay for this advertisement. Our statement was written a year and half ago and was never intended to be used for political advertising. Allen Sanchez, executive director of the New Mexico Conference of Catholic Bishops, told the Journal on Monday: We dont know anything about the Hispanic Action Network. This is the first time weve heard of them, we dont know who they are affiliated with, but theyre not a Catholic organization. The church does not have a political action committee and absolutely does not endorse political candidates. The 2017 Dignity of Human Life statement was issued in response to statements made by a New Mexico legislator during a hearing on a bill supported by the Catholic Church that would have banned abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy. It said that the Catholic Church works to uphold the dignity of the human person from conception to natural death and that it is not morally permissible for a Catholic to support abortion or doctor-assisted suicide. Rep. Patricia Roybal Caballero, D-Albuquerque, had said during a House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee that her Catholic faith informed her decision to oppose the bill, describing her Roman Catholic upbringing and education. Thank you for reminding me that our Catholic faith teaches that women and men have the right to make their own decisions their own moral decisions based on the dictates of their own consciences, she then told bill supporters. The bishops 2017 statement pointed out that Individuals and groups do not speak for the Catholic Church. As bishops, we do. While encouraging individuals to live and proclaim their faith, they must be steadfast in stating they speak for themselves and do not speak for the Catholic Church. Toward the bottom of Sundays political advertisement, a box featured photos of the two gubernatorial candidates Republican Steve Pearce and Democrat Michelle Lujan Grisham and listed three issues: abortion without restrictions; abortion after 20 weeks; and physician-assisted suicide. The word opposed appeared under Pearces photo on all three issues and supports under Lujan Grishams. Its ironic, Sanchez said, that the Dignity of Human Life statement in part was to tell politicians, individuals and groups that they do not speak for the church; yet, this political advertisement is doing just that speaking for the church, which is contradictory to the very point of the letter. We would hope Rep. Pearce would not condone that kind of advertising, he said. Its an improper use of church documents. Asked whether Pearce condoned the ad, spokesman Kevin Sheridan instead issued a statement that said: Steve Pearce supports people of faith and its not surprising they support him. We would direct questions about independent ads to the groups issuing them. On the Hispanic Action Network website, Gonzales identifies himself as a pastor and says: The Church has been silent for too long and we have lost ground in critical areas of our society. Sunday mornings alone are no longer enough. We must take a stand as people of faith and use our voice to proclaim Gods truth in our communities. Its time to bring transformation to our school boards, city councils, boards and commissions and state capitols across our nation. An Internet search showed that Gonzales is also the founder of the United States Hispanic Prayer Network and has chaired election campaigns from the local to the national level. PITTSBURGH From a distance, the Tree of Life Synagogue now looks like another American crime scene. Police tape blocks off the Wilkins Avenue entrance of the temple and patrol cars guard the perimeter with flashing lights. But just at the yellow-tape barrier, the closest spot to the horror of what happened here Saturday, people have left hundreds of bouquets of flowers, cards and posters with a repeated message: We come in grief and solidarity; we speak for a community that will resist the hatred that killed these victims. I happened to be in Pittsburgh on other business, so I had a chance to pay my respects at this defiled holy place in Squirrel Hill on a rainy Sunday night. I used to live a few miles from here, when I started my career as a journalist, and Pittsburgh is one of those places that never entirely leaves you, even when you go away. Here are the words I read on a hand-lettered poster, drawn on white cardboard moist with raindrops: My tears flow for the Tree of Life Congregation. My heart aches for the city I love. I mourn for my city whose haven of love and possibility is being extinguished by the hate of a few. Nestled among the flowers are different versions of this same message: Hate has no home here. This heinous act does not represent us. A pumpkin has been decorated with the word love written around the orange skin. A flag of Israel has been draped with a rosary and the words: We Christians love the Jews. This city and its neighborhoods display a solidarity that comes from another time. Squirrel Hill has been described as an American shtetl, but there is a similar sense of pride, at once inward-looking but outwardly confident, in the African-American neighborhood of Oakland, or the Italian American district of Mt. Washington, where I lived, or the neighborhoods where Catholic parishes were understood to be Polish, or German, or Croatian, or Irish but always part of the Pittsburgh family. David Shribman, the brilliant editor of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, whose writings helped make this Americas city the past few days, told me once that when he took the job running the paper, rather than haggling over salary, he asked for tickets to the Pirates, Steelers and the symphony. Its that kind of town. As of Monday morning, the sympathy notes sent to the Post-Gazette by readers and published online stretched to 57 screens. One of the ways to understand the sense of community that animated the Tree of Life is to read the synagogues website, which hadnt been updated Sunday night. It was like a time capsule from the world just before Robert Bowers, the accused murderer who proclaimed that he wanted to kill Jews, opened fire with his AR-15. The temple described itself online this way: Where a 3,000-year-old tradition meets a 5-year-olds curiosity. A Family Program had been scheduled for Sunday in nearby Frick Park. Members of the congregation were asked to contribute $18 each to sponsor participants in a 3.6-mile run-walk. The money would be shared between the Humane Animal Rescue Shelter and Clinic, and Jewish Family and Community Services. On the Tree of Life website, a message from Rabbi Jeffrey Myers had been posted on July 19, and it was still there Sunday night. The title was We deserve better. Heres what Myers wrote four months ago, when Bowers anti-Semitism was building toward its gruesome climax. It reads almost like a premonition about our national inability to stop the next horror before it happens. Current news recycles at a dizzying pace, with the important topic of yesterday buried beneath the freshest catch of the day, wrote Myers. The television talking heads pick over each and every juicy bit like vultures over carrion. And yet, the rabbi noted, after Parkland and so many other mass shootings, Americas political leaders seem unable to stop the violence: Despite continuous calls for sensible gun control and mental health care, our elected leaders in Washington knew that it would fade away . Unless there is a dramatic turnaround in the midterm elections, I fear that the status quo will remain unchanged. Rabbi Myers wrote that back in July. At a memorial here Sunday night, Myers, who had lost 11 worshipers a day before, put it simply: My words are not intended as political fodder. I address all equally. Stop the words of hate. It sounds impossible, but lets say it: Never again. Twitter: @IgnatiusPost. (c) 2018, Washington Post Writers Group. MOUNT DORA, Fla. Lori Heath knows the pain of watching a loved one succumb to opioid addiction. The Tavares, Fla., resident has publicly shared her anguish over losing her 28-year-old son, who she said was 16 when he became hooked on prescription painkillers after oral surgery. In 2016, while living in Maryland, he died from an overdose, leaving behind his fiancee and young son, she said. It was heroin cut with fentanyl, she said through tears. He was alone on the floor of a recovery home. Now dedicated to helping others overcome such addictions, Heath was on hand to support retired Boynton Beach firefighter Luis Garcia as he held a training session in Mount Dora on how to administer Narcan, a drug intended to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose within minutes. Though he has never been personally affected by opioid addiction, Garcia said the 3,000 overdose calls he responded to during his 28-year career inspired his retirement mission. The 52-year-old, who works at a fire restoration company, spent $40,000 of his savings to purchase 800 doses of Narcan. During the past couple of years, Garcia has traveled around the state giving away the life-saving nasal spray, and showing law enforcement officers and others how to use Narcan. The drug, also known by its generic name naloxone, works by blocking the opioids from reaching the brain receptors. It is only effective on someone who has opioids in their system and is not harmful if mistakenly administered. On Thursday, 30 people gathered at Saint Philip Lutheran Church and learned how to pump 4 milligrams of Narcan into someones nostril. One dose and they come back to the living, Garcia told the group, adding that 94 lives have been saved by the doses hes given out so far. Were not God, but to see somebody come back from the dead, its just like in the Bible. Recipients of the free Narcan dosages have to promise they will immediately call 911 if they suspect someone has overdosed and must be willing to help a stranger. If you see a homeless person on the street (who has overdosed), you have to help them, said Garcia, who started the South Florida Opioid Crisis Mortality Reduction Project. In the past few years, many Central Florida law enforcement agencies and fire departments have trained first responders to use Narcan on the job and equipped them with portable kits. Earlier this month, Orange County officials launched Project Leave Behind, a program funded by the state Department of Children and Families, that enables firefighters to distribute Narcan kits to relatives when they respond to overdose calls. Garcia has led 52 classes so far in Florida, depleting his original supply of 800 doses and a couple of hundred others he purchased with donations from a GoFundMe account and nonprofit organizations. He estimates that his Narcan stock will run out by mid-February unless he can come up with additional funds to purchase another supply. After her sons death, Heath said she has channeled her grief into helping others as a ministry leader for Celebrate Recovery, a faith-based 12-step program, at First Baptist Church of Umatilla. One of the things that they say in recovery, Heath said, is in giving Narcan, were saving their life until they want to live. Copyright 2018 Albuquerque Journal New Mexico candidates running for the U.S. Senate and in the states southern 2nd Congressional District are divided over President Donald Trumps plan to send additional troops to the border to stop a caravan of Central American migrants. On Monday, the Pentagon announced that it would send 5,200 troops to the border to help block migrants from crossing illegally. The caravan once numbered roughly 7,000 people, but that number is now estimated to have fallen to roughly 3,500 as some migrants decide to stay in Mexico. At least 1,500 people have applied for asylum in Mexico, according to the UNHCR. Another caravan of roughly 600 migrants has formed on the border between Guatemala and Mexico, according to the Associated Press. The Journal asked the five candidates last week whether they supported using the military to stop the caravan at the U.S. border. Three said they supported sending troops to the border, and two opposed such a move. Deploying our troops should never be taken lightly, and we should not use them for political theater, said incumbent Sen. Martin Heinrich, a Democrat. We need to ensure our border communities are safe, but militarizing the border is clearly not the answer. Mick Rich, his Republican opponent, disagreed. I 100 percent support what President Trump is doing, he said. These 5,000 to 10,000 people from Central America are an invading force marching to our border with the intent to force their way into the United States. Like Heinrich, Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson criticized the presidents plan, calling it an inappropriate use of the nations troops. Sending our troops to repel an imaginary invasion is nothing more than political theater, he said. It makes no one safer, inflames an already overheated issue and is an inappropriate use of our amazing men and women in uniform. Yvette Herrell, the Republican candidate running for the open seat in New Mexicos 2nd Congressional District, which runs along the border, is in favor of the presidents plan. I do support President Trump in sending military personnel to assist with the securing and protection of our border, she said. It is a constitutional responsibility to protect the health, safety and welfare of the United States. Without secure borders, we have no country. Americas sovereignty is at stake. Xochitl Torres Small, her Democratic opponent, favors sending troops to help Border Patrol, but in a support role. Our agents are spending too much time on paperwork, rather than stopping violent criminals and traffickers from crossing the border, she said. I support sending additional help to the border to process asylum claims, but that shouldnt distract us from the real, long-term solutions we all need. The caravan has drawn the ire of the president, who on Monday tweeted: This is an invasion of our Country and our Military is waiting for you! Trump called for National Guard troops on the border in April as he battled with Congress to get billions of dollars to build a border wall. There are now roughly 1,200 troops on the border 72 in the El Paso Border Patrol sector, which covers the border along a corner of West Texas and all of the border in New Mexico. The troops serve in support roles, including monitoring cameras, doing maintenance on vehicles and tending to horses used by mounted agents. The duties of any additional troops are not clear. Border enforcement including apprehending people crossing illegally is handled only by Border Patrol agents. Most of the Central American families crossing the border ahead of the caravan go up to agents to ask for asylum; others arrive at legal ports of entry seeking asylum. They say they are fleeing violence in their home countries. The number of Central American families apprehended by the Border Patrol set a record in September at 16,658 family units, according to Customs and Border Protection. But overall migration has steadily dropped and remains near a 50-year low. There were 396,579 apprehensions along the border in fiscal 2018 through September, according to CBP. The caravan that started in Honduras is slowly making its way through southern Mexico, with migrants on foot catching an occasional ride. Copyright 2018 Albuquerque Journal SANTA FE The co-owner of a Bernalillo trucking company testified Monday that Demesia Padilla, the former head of New Mexicos Taxation and Revenue Department, had wide-ranging latitude as the firms accountant to pay its taxes and keep financial records in order. But Harold Dominguez said on the first day of a preliminary hearing that Padilla was not authorized to access the companys bank account to pay herself, even as an economic recession forced the company to fall behind on its taxes and other payments. She had codes to get in the house. She had codes for everything, Dominguez testified at a hearing in Santa Fe Magistrate Court. We treated her like family. Padilla, one of the original members of Gov. Susana Martinezs Cabinet, was charged in June by Attorney General Hector Balderas office with embezzling more than $25,000 from Harolds Grading & Trucking and using her state government position to push for favorable tax treatment. The preliminary hearing that started Monday will determine whether Padilla should stand trial on the charges. She could face up to 25 years in prison and as much as $30,000 in fines if convicted of all eight charges three felonies and five misdemeanors against her. Much of the preliminary hearings opening day focused on technical testimony from bank executives about the trucking companys account, a Padilla credit card account and transactions linking the two accounts. The Attorney Generals Office interviewed nearly a dozen current and former tax department employees and obtained a search warrant for bank records before filing charges. However, the AGs Office has filed a motion to seal roughly 60 pieces of evidence primarily bank statements because they contain taxpayer identification numbers, bank account numbers and more. A judge has not ruled on the motion, but two assistant attorneys general have argued that sealing the evidence is necessary to protect the information from public disclosure. Meanwhile, Padillas attorney, Paul Kennedy of Albuquerque, sought Monday to highlight possible inconsistencies in Dominguezs testimony from when he spoke in 2016 with AGs office investigators. Kennedy also suggested during cross examination that Padilla was owed money by the trucking company for her accounting services and was, in fact, authorized to pay the firms expenses. Dominguez acknowledged during testimony that he had little knowledge of the companys financial affairs his son and daughter-in-law handle most of that work and doesnt know how to use the internet. He said he and other family members involved in running the trucking company confronted Padilla in February 2013 after they noticed unauthorized financial transactions. Padilla, who was a Cabinet secretary at the time, appeared nervous and tried to leave quickly, Dominguez said. We never thought she would do that to us, he added. Dominguez acknowledged during cross examination that the confrontation was a testy one, with at least some family members yelling at Padilla. The charges against Padilla were filed roughly 18 months after state investigators raided the Taxation and Revenue Department in Santa Fe in search of tax documents connected to the former agency head and her husband. Padilla resigned from her post shortly afterward. Several current and former Taxation and Revenue Department employees could be called to testify by prosecutors during the preliminary hearing, which is scheduled to last through at least the end of this week and possibly into next week. SODUS, N.Y. The ex-girlfriend of one of the victims in an upstate New York double homicide has been taken into custody in connection with an unrelated case, authorities said Tuesday. Police launched an intensive investigation after the Oct. 22 shooting deaths of Joshua Niles and Amber Washburn in Sodus, New York, but as of Tuesday they had not made any arrests in the case. Meanwhile, Charlene Childers of Sunray, Texas, who had two children with Niles, was being held without bail in New Yorks Wayne County Jail. She had been sought in Texas on an unrelated warrant accusing her of injuring a child. Childers husband, Timothy Dean, who formerly was police chief in Sunray and nearby Dumas, was jailed in Moore County, Texas, in connection with a May child-injury case, according to Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt. Cindy Barkley. The Wayne County public defender representing Childers has not commented. Police in Texas said it wasnt clear if Dean has a lawyer who could comment on his behalf. Police in New York and Texas havent said if Childers or Dean are connected to the double slaying. Wayne County Sheriff Barry Virts said the investigation is continuing and he had no comment. Niles, 28, and Amber Washington, 24, were killed outside their home in Sodus, a town of about 8,000 in Wayne County on Lake Ontarios southern shore. A neighbor told local news outlets that he saw someone shoot Niles in the couples driveway and then shoot Washburn as she sat in her parked car. The couples 4-year-old son, who was in the car with his mother, wasnt injured. Friends and relatives said Niles and Washburn were also raising a 7-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter who Niles had with Childers. Childers spoke to a Rochester television station during a vigil held for the victims last week. Justice needs to be served, she told WHEC, adding that her children will have to grow up without a dad and thats nothing a kid should ever have to do. Dean was head of the three-member Sunray police force from October 2016 to June 2018, resigning about a month after his arrest on a charge of injury to a child, a town official said. The World Wildlife Fund has released a report saying it has found an astonishing 60 percent decline in wildlife populations globally over the last 40 years, mostly due to human activity, including climate change and habitat loss. This report sounds a warning shot across our bow. Natural systems essential to our survival forests, oceans, and rivers remain in decline. Wildlife around the world continue to dwindle, said Carter Roberts, president and chief executive officer of WWF-US. It reminds us we need to change course. Its time to balance our consumption with the needs of nature, and to protect the only planet that is our home. The groups biennial report, released Monday, said it measured trends in 16,704 populations of 4,005 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and fish. The biggest declines were among creatures that live in fresh water, which faced an even bigger 83 percent drop. South and Central America were hit hardest as rain forests shrank, with 20 percent of the Amazon disappearing. Humanity and the way we feed, fuel, and finance our societies and economies is pushing nature and the services that power and sustain us to the brink, the report states. Human activity has had an impact on oceans, forests, coral reefs, wetlands and mangroves, the report says. The globe has lost about half its shallow-water corals in the last 30 years. From rivers and rain forests, to mangroves and mountainsides, across the planet our work shows that wildlife abundance has declined dramatically since 1970, said Ken Norris, director of science at the Zoological Society of London, which provided one of three indexes used to write the report. The statistics are scary, but all hope is not lost. We have an opportunity to design a new path forward that allows us to coexist sustainably with the wildlife we depend upon. Our report sets out an ambitious agenda for change. As an example of the trend, Temple University biologist S. Blair Hedges reported Tuesday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that he and a team of researchers had found a near-total loss of Haitis primary forest and a mass extinction of species. Hedges and his colleagues scrutinized aerial photography and Landsat images from 1988 to 2016, finding that forests covered 4.4 percent of Haitis land in 1988. That plunged to 0.32 percent by 2016. (EDITORS: BEGIN OPTIONAL TRIM) John Cecil, vice president for stewardship at New Jersey Audubon, said that he had not yet seen the World Wildlife Fund report, but that it was in line with previous research. Were finding a broad decline in species across the board, Cecil said, noting exceptions, such as white-tailed deer and Canada geese. There are a lot of species out there not threatened with immediate extinction, but compared to 50 or 100 years ago, their populations have declined dramatically. Previously, habitat loss was by far the biggest driver of species loss, he said. Now, he cites climate change and invasive species as among the top reasons. Both alter the habitat, for example, of birds who can no longer find the insects they once fed on or plant life they depended on because theyre all interconnected. The birds are failing where the non-native species are taking over, Cecil said. Were seeing major changes. These global trends are consistent in the United States and East Coast. (END OPTIONAL TRIM) More positively, the World Wildlife Fund report said habitat restoration and other actions have worked, citing population increases in giant pandas, mountain gorillas and endangered dolphins. It singled out the U.S. Endangered Species Act of 1973 as helping an estimated 99 percent of listed species avoid extinction. Among other findings: Habitat suitable for mammals dropped 22 percent from 1970 to 2010, with the greatest declines in the Caribbean, where it exceeded 60 percent. The index measuring extinction risk for birds, mammals, amphibians, corals and cycads (an ancient group of plants) showed declines for all groups, with species moving more rapidly toward extinction. Humans have already pushed some areas beyond their limits through climate change, loss of biosphere, nitrogen and phosphorous flows, and land-use change. Ninety percent of the worlds seabirds are estimated to have plastic fragments in their stomachs. 2018 The Philadelphia Inquirer Visit The Philadelphia Inquirer at www.philly.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. - PHOTO (for help with images, contact 312-222-4194): Terri Nikole Baca has been named state president of AT&T New Mexico. Baca will lead all external, government and public affairs efforts in the state, according to a news release from the company. Baca succeeds Jerry Fuentes who previously served as president of AT&T Arizona-New Mexico. Baca has been with AT&T since 2015. Previously, she was senior vice president of public policy at the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce. Baca also spent several years on Capitol Hill serving as legislative counsel to Rep. Ben Ray Lujan, D-N.M. Baca has a bachelors in Finance and a law degree from the University of New Mexico. Baca serves on the boards of New Mexico First, the New Mexico Technology Council and the National Hispanic Cultural Center Foundation and is chair-elect for the UNM Anderson School of Management Alumni Council. Meow Wolf will help nurture a new pack of aspiring entrepreneurs in the next Creative Startups business accelerator. The Santa Fe-based artist collaborative is providing a $50,000 grant plus a few of its own creative wolves to mentor the next cohort of accelerator participants. The City of Albuquerque is also contributing $125,000. The accelerator, which helps people in the creative fields build and grow new businesses, began accepting applications last week for its next eight-week program, scheduled for February. Since launching in 2014, more than 100 startups in the U.S. and elsewhere have graduated from the accelerator, collectively raising nearly $50 million in venture investment and generating about $30 million in revenue, said program manager Julia Youngs. That includes about $20 million raised by Meow Wolf, which created the wildly successful House of Eternal Return, an immersive art exhibit that attracted some 500,000 visitors last year. The collaborative now employs more than 300 people, and its expanding with exhibits in other states. Collaborative founders participated in the accelerators first cohort in 2014. If it werent for Creative Startups, Meow Wolf wouldnt be the business it is today, said CEO Vince Kadlubek. Meow Wolf wants to help more local artists and creative innovators succeed, while also vetting potential future partners, Kadlubek added. Creative Startups could create a pipeline of potential partners that we can collaborate with or invest in, Kadlubek said. Instead of us doing lengthy due diligence when people contact us with, say, a new app or merchandise, we can ask them to go through the accelerator. Theyll learn a lot and, in the end, we can better assess potential business relationships with them. For Albuquerque, supporting creative innovation is a critical part of economic development, said Mayor Tim Keller. This partnership supports our goal of boosting our creative economy by empowering creatives to experiment with new business ideas, Keller said in a statement. Next years cohort will be the fifth one managed from Albuquerque, which has accounted for about 40 of the graduating startups since 2014. The rest have participated in Creative Startups curriculum licensed to entities in other states and countries, including North Carolina, Maryland and Kuwait. And the program will soon launch in Minnesota and in Malaysia. The creative industries are now approaching $3 trillion in economic output globally, said Creative Startups co-founder and CEO Alice Loy. Creative entrepreneurs are leading change and creating growth in communities around the world, Loy said. Cities that invest in their creative economy today will be poised to capture explosive growth tomorrow. SANTA FE A Santa Fe neighborhood association is asking a district court judge to void city governments approval of construction of a 49-home development near downtown, arguing that the city violated its own open meetings resolution and the states Open Meetings Act. The Greater Callecita Neighborhood Association has for decades fought various iterations of proposals to build an upscale housing development on 40.5 acres of property east of Bishops Lodge Road and north of Hyde Park Road. Among its arguments is that the terrain is topographically unsuitable, as new homes would be built in a hilly area above the existing neighborhood. Residents say that the Estancias del Norte subdivision approved by the Planning Commission in March a decision upheld by the City Council in August could leave them vulnerable to rain runoff and erosion that could cause damage to their homes and that the developer would not be liable. Developer Ernie Romero has argued that he has spent tens of thousands of dollars on drainage and erosion control and that he has met all the requirements of the city Land Use Department. The lawsuit states the citys open meetings resolution calls for notice of meetings to be posted 72 hours prior to a meeting, with an agenda available for public view. But by the citys own admission the city Clerks Office inadvertently left notice of the Planning Commissions March 1 meeting off the city website where it normally posts agendas the Friday before. The lawsuit says notice wasnt posted until the day before the meeting at which the Planning Commission approved a preliminary plat and a variance request that allows Estancias del Norte to be built. The neighborhood association is asking a judge to remand the case back to the city with instructions to vacate the Planning Commissions action, rendering it null and void. A spokesman for city government said the city typically does not comment on pending litigation. In states with early voting, many have already headed to the polls to choose the elected officials who will help determine the future of our nation. While elections often underscore what divides us, they also reflect the democratic principle that should unite us as Americans: that no matter who you are, all of us must have an equal voice in shaping our country. Ballots Democracy Discrimination Elections and campaigns Forms of government Government and public administration Politics Sex and gender issues Societal issues Society Voters and voting Voting rights Voting Rights Act The right to vote is the bedrock upon which this principle rests. It is the fundamental promise of our democracy. For more than 200 years, the story of our country has been a journey toward realizing a truer version of that promise. And yet, today in America, this principle and our progress are under steady assault through a concerted effort to strip away voting rights from marginalized Americans. Empowered by the 2013 US Supreme Court decision that gutted Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act, extremist politicians have relentlessly and shamelessly attacked access to the ballot box for millions of Americans. As the leaders of the nation's oldest civil rights organization and America's largest LGBTQ equal rights group, the communities we represent are uniquely impacted by these discriminatory policies. These politicians are closing polling places in precincts with high percentages of voters of color. They are drawing districts that disenfranchise and dilute the vote of communities more likely to vote for a particular party. They have created systems that, in some cases, take decades to restore voting rights for those who have paid their debt to society. They are passing unnecessary restrictions, like voter ID laws, built on the totally disproven myth of "voter fraud" -- disproportionately targeting black, youth, LGBTQ, Native American, disabled and elderly voters. Just weeks after taking office, the Trump administration even went so far as to set up a sham election commission under the leadership of Vice President Mike Pence and Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach to intentionally create suspicions of conspiracies about and among American voters. Ahead of this November's election, Vice President Pence is doubling down on this discrimination with what the Human Rights Campaign has dubbed the "voter suppression tour," stumping across the country for candidates like Kris Kobach and Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp, who have built their careers on undermining the right to vote. One federal court observed that redistricting efforts in North Carolina "target African Americans with almost surgical precision." In Georgia, a voter purge that targets mostly people of color may be the largest in US history. In North Dakota, Native American communities are becoming disenfranchised due to a new physical address requirement that disproportionately affects Natives living on reservations. A recent poll found that African-American and Latino voters were roughly three times as likely as white voters to report trouble finding their polling place. One-third of transgender people report having no identity documents that reflect their gender identity, meaning voter ID laws forcibly out transgender voters to poll workers, putting them at risk for discrimination and harassment, according to the Williams Institute at UCLA. One of the worst-kept secrets in America is that much of this is intentional. The forces who have aligned themselves against progress are doing this for their own narrow political advantage and hateful ideology. At a time when the integrity of our elections is under real threat from autocratic regimes abroad and authoritarian demagogues at home, nothing is more central to the defense of our democracy than protecting the right to vote for all Americans. This is why the NAACP and HRC are fighting to protect voting rights and to support voters across the country in navigating the intentional confusion and discriminatory barriers created by this organized, politically motivated effort. Recently, we've seen some critical victories, with courts striking down blatantly discriminatory laws in states like North Carolina, but too many have fought for too long to simply watch this fundamental right erode away in any state or corner of our country. As voters head to the polls to elect a new Congress and state legislatures, they will be deciding the future of voting rights in America. We will be voting for state legislators who will choose whether to restrict or expand access to the ballot box. We will be electing members of Congress who can pass the Voting Rights Advancement Act, which would not only restore key provisions of the Voting Rights Act but also build on the progress of that legacy statute. Just 53 years ago, John Lewis and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led hundreds across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, to march for a national Voting Rights Act. Despite being bloodied and battered by police, they continued to march forward, bringing with them the hopes of millions more. Decades later, with their work and our progress under siege, this generation has been called to carry the torch forward. Our democracy is on the line, and, in this election, we must answer the call to defend it. (CNN) -- James "Whitey" Bulger, the notorious and much-feared former Boston mob boss, was killed Tuesday morning at the US Penitentiary Hazelton in Bruceton Mills, West Virginia, officials told CNN. "He lived violently and he apparently died violently," Dick Lehr, author of "Whitey: The Life of America's Most Notorious Mob Boss," told CNN. "It marks the full circle of a terrible life." The FBI is investigating the death, which occurred a day after his transfer to the West Virginia facility, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The circumstances of the transfer remain unclear. "Hopefully the seven years he spent in prison as well as his recent death brings some closure to the families of his many victims," Brian Kelly, one of the former federal prosecutors who tried Bulger, said in a statement. Bulger, 89, was found unresponsive at 8:20 a.m., according to a statement from the prisons bureau. He was pronounced dead by the Preston County medical examiner after failed life-saving measures. Bulger, who eluded federal authorities for more than 16 years before his arrest in June 2011, was serving the rest of his life in prison for a litany of crimes that included his role in 11 murders. He was sentenced in November 2013 to two life terms plus five years as architect of a criminal enterprise that, in the words of a federal judge, committed "unfathomable" acts that terrorized a city. A federal jury convicted Bulger that year of 31 counts, including racketeering, extortion, money laundering, drug dealing and weapons possession. The jury found him culpable in 11 killings from 1973 through 1985. His death marks a final chapter in the life of one of the country's most infamous criminals and fugitives. A man who lived by violence, vengeance and intimidation, Bulger would not make eye contact at his sentencing with the relatives of the people he'd killed, nor those who were slain by his accomplices in the treacherous Winter Hill Gang. As they called him a coward, a rat, a punk and Satan, Bulger kept his head down and showed no emotion as he scribbled on a pad. The statements of victims chronicled some of the darkest years of Boston history. "The testimony of human suffering that you and your associates inflicted on others was at times agonizing to hear and painful to watch," US District Judge Denise Casper said at the hearing. "At times, I wish we were watching a movie, that what we were hearing was not real. But as the families of victims know all too well, it's not a movie." At his trial, Bulger snarled, hissed and scowled at prosecutors and witnesses. At one point, he and onetime enforcer Kevin Weeks shouted obscenities at each other when Weeks called Bulger a "rat" during his testimony. Bulger was captured in California a decade and a half after skipping town ahead of a pending indictment. His girlfriend, Catherine Greig, was sentenced to eight years in federal prison in 2012 for identity fraud and helping the mob boss avoid capture. They lived as Charlie and Carol Gasko in Santa Monica, in what Bulger would later describe as a "16-year honeymoon." After fleeing Massachusetts, investigators learned that the longtime South Boston gang leader had been an FBI informant and that Bulger's FBI handler had not only tipped him off to the charges but also gave up another informant, who was later killed. Bulger's brother William, meanwhile, had risen from the family's blue-collar Irish neighborhood to become president of the Massachusetts Senate and head of the University of Massachusetts. But he was forced to resign from the school in 2003 after admitting to a congressional committee he had spoken to his brother while he was on the run, though he denied any knowledge of his sibling's whereabouts or alleged criminal activity. Whitey Bulger denied being an informant, even as he insisted he'd had an immunity deal with the former head of the Justice Department's Organized Crime Strike Force in New England. Prosecutors countered that with a 700-page file outlining how Bulger provided information on murders, drug deals, armed robberies and criminal fugitives that led to several arrests. The tale became the basis for the 2006 Oscar-winning film "The Departed," which starred Jack Nicholson as a character modeled on Bulger. In 2015, actor Johnny Depp played Bulger in the film "Black Mass." In 2016, auctioned items seized from Bulger's Santa Monica, California, apartment raised almost $110,000 to compensate victims' families. Bulger was born September 3, 1929, in Boston. The US Penitentiary Hazelton is a high-security facility housing 1,270 male offenders at Federal Correctional Complex Hazelton. UPDATE 2:29 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018 - A public information officer for Chico State has released the name of the woman found dead in front of Kendall Hall on Tuesday. She has been identified as 55-year-old Linda Blacksten. The investigation is still ongoing. --- UPDATE 5:39 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018 - The University Police Department at Chico State released more information about the body found on campus on Tuesday morning. They received a call around 1:20 a.m. on Tuesday about an argument between a man and woman by Kendall Hall. An officer with the department went to the scene and made contact with the murder suspect, Samuel Johnson. The officer did not see a fight, so he let Johnson go. Around 5 a.m. the victim's body was found in an alcove of Kendall Hall. Due to the previous contact the officer had with Johnson, the department decided to look for him in connection to the crime. Johnson was found around 9 a.m. on Tuesday coming out of a downtown Chico coffee shop with blood on his shoes and lower pants. He was arrested on the scene as a suspect with the crime. The preliminary cause of death appears to be blunt force trauma which is not inconsistent with being kicked in the head while being down, according to the department. The suspect does not have a previous record and has not confessed to the crime. He is expected to be arraigned on Thursday. --- UPDATE 10:50 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018 - Chico State officials are officially calling the death of a woman, whose body was found on campus early Tuesday morning, a homicide. They have identified the suspect as 27-year-old Samuel Eugene Johnson. He was booked into the Butte County Jail with bail set at $1 million. The victim was a 55-year-old woman who died from blunt force trauma. Her name has not yet been released and authorities have not released any information about a possible motive for the killing. --- UPDATE 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018 - A suspect is now in custody following the discovery of the body of a woman on the Chico State campus. A letter distributed to the campus community by Chico State President Gaile Hutchinson and University Police Chief John Reid made the announcement just before 5 p.m. Tuesday. The names of the victim and suspect have not been released but both were apparently homeless. Here is a portion of that letter: "We know todays death on campus was alarming to our campus community. It is being treated as a crime investigation and while the details we can share are minimal, a suspect is in custody and there is no threat to campus. Both the victim and suspect in todays incident were experiencing homelessness and were known to UPD." --- UPDATE 10:25 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018 - University Police have released more information regarding the body found on Chico State's campus. At around 4:40 a.m. police received a report of a welfare check for a person on the ground by Kendall Hall. Police found a woman dead by Kendall Fall. Facts and circumstances led police to think that it is a crime scene. The investigation is ongoing and involved a partnership between the Chico Police Department, Butte County Sheriff's Office and the University Police Department. The woman is not affiliated with campus and the campus is not believed to be in danger, according to John Reid, chief of the University Police Department. --- UPDATE 7:06 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018 - Chico State updated through twitter a deceased person was found on campus. Chico State says the person was not a student. The incident is being investigated as a possible crime scene by UPD/Chico PD. The campus is open and classes are in session. Kendall Hall will remain closed until 11 a.m. Chico State says, based on preliminary information, there is no reason to believe there is an ongoing threat. --- CHICO, Calif. - Chico State sent students an alert that University Police are investigating an incident outside Kendall Hall. The University tweeted out that there is no threat of harm to the campus, but asks students to avoid the area. Action News Now is working to get an update from Chico State Police now. This is a developing story, check back for updates. Residents in Cottonwood said they're relieved that a suspect has been arrested in a string of suspicious fires that's terrorized their town. But none more so than Lulie Lummis. The last time we talked with Lummis, she was exhausted after staying awake at night to keep an eye on her home. But she's doing much better after hearing news that police arrested 19-year-old Samuel Villa Scholfield of Cottonwood in connection with the fires. For the first time, I've slept really well last night, Lummis said. I think I slept about six hours which is really well for me because it felt good not knowing that my house isn't going to go up in flames at any moment. Lummis had been living in fear after two homes burned on her street. One of those fires happened across the street killing 86-year-old Barcie Miller October 7. I seen their family when they were here going through the stuff and the tears they shed, Lummis said. So it was really sad watching that. It broke my heart. I mean for this to happen, there was no reason. Little did anyone know that the suspect lived on Chestnut Street just moments away where the first string of fires began. It makes me outraged and scared because he was so close, Lummis said. It could have been us next. It could have been my home or my neighbor's home. So I'm glad now. I'm happy that they got him. And she said most people she's talked to feel the same. They're happy that they've caught him, Lummis said. They're able to sleep now. They're a little more relaxed. But again, don't let your guard down. Keep your guard up. Anyone with any information or video of the suspect or the fires is asked to contact the Shasta County Sheriff's Office. And they also remind people to stay vigilant. They say continue turning on your lights at night and keep an eye on your neighborhood. Vote in Person Where is my polling place? The address of your polling place is located on the back of the county Voter Education Guide that your county elections official mailed to you. If you did not receive your booklet, contact your local county elections office. You can also text VOTE to GOVOTE (468683) to find the location of your polling place and other local election information. Will I need to bring Identification? In most cases, California voters are not required to bring identification to vote. However, it's a good idea to bring your ID with you when you vote for the first time. A poll worker may ask to see your identification if you mailed your voter registration packet but did not include your driver's license number, California identification number, or the last four digits of your social security number. To see the full list of acceptable forms of identification for first-time voters, CLICK HERE. What if my name is not on the voter list at the polling place? You still have the right to vote on a provisional ballot even if your name is not on the voter list. Your provisional ballot will be counted after the elections officials confirm that you are a registered voter and you did not vote anywhere else. What voting system will I use? Each county elections office has its own system based on an approved list from the Secretary of State's office. To see what voting system your county uses, CLICK HERE. Vote by Mail How do I get my ballot? To request a vote-by-mail ballot, your application must be received no later than seven days before Election Day. You can complete the application in your Voter Information Guide or fill out a California Vote-by-Mail Ballot Application you can print, sign and mail to your local elections office. You can also reach out to your local county elections official to see if you can vote by telephone. If it is less than seven days before Election Day, you will need to apply in person at your county elections office to request a vote-by-mail ballot. When is the last day to return my vote-by-mail ballot? Vote-by-mail ballots that are personally delivered must be delivered no later than the close of polls at 8 p.m. on Election Day. Vote-by-mail ballots that are mailed must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by local county elections offices no later than three days after Election Day. What is the California Voter's Choice Act? The California Voter's Choice Act is a new law passed in 2016 that will modernize elections in California by allowing counties to conduct elections under a new model which provides greater convenience and flexibility for voters. The new model allows voters to choose how, when and where to cast their ballots by: Mailing every voter ballot Expanding early in-person voting Allowing voters to cast a ballot at any vote center within their county For any additional questions about voting, call the Secretary of State's toll-free voter hotline at (800) 345-VOTE. UPDATE 1:35 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018 - According to Cal Fire, the crash occurred around 9:36 a.m. on Tuesday in Cottonwood. The plane did not hit the power lines, although that was initially a concern. A single pilot was transported by ambulance to a medical facility. He is alert and conscious. The plane was heavily damaged. Officials with Cal Fire believe that the Cessna plane was most likely flying from the south near the Bay Area and attempting to land at Lake California Airport. --- COTTONWOOD, Calif. - A small plane made a crash landing in Cottonwood on Monday. The plane landed near Lake California Air Park close to a row of power lines. Viewer Mikayla Jennings sent in a photo of the crash scene. Action News Now is working to learn more about the identity and condition of the pilot. Stay with KHSL Channel 12 and actionnewsnow.com for the latest updates as they become available. Body Found on Chico State's Campus University police are investigating a deceased person found on campus. University officials said the person was not a student. The incident is being investigated as a possible crime scene by the University Police Department and the Chico Police Department. The campus is open and classes are in session, but Kendall Hall will be closed until 11 a.m. Early Morning House Fire in Redding Redding fire said an early morning house fire was caused by an electrical failure. Firefighters said two people escaped the fire unharmed at around 1 a.m. this morning. It happened on Stirling and Candlewood Drives. They say half the home was destroyed and the roof collapsed. Red Flag Warning for Areas of Northern California A Red Flag Warning is in place for much of Northern California. The governor's office of emergency services has positioned strike teams in more than ten counties including Sonoma, Marin, Napa, Contra Costa, Lake and Alameda. PG&E also says it is monitoring weather conditions to determine if power needs to be shut off to any areas. Shasta County Arson Suspect to be Arraigned Tuesday An arson suspect will be arraigned in Shasta County. 19-year-old Samuel Scholfield is accused of starting a string of suspicious fires in Cottonwood, one of which was deadly. Over the last few months, authorities say he may have started more than 40 fires in Cottonwood and Anderson. Butte County Sheriff's Office Searching for Attempted Kidnapper Butte County authorities are searching for an attempted kidnapper. The Sheriff's Office said a man tried to take a woman in his truck in Gridley Monday morning. It happened in an orchard along Highway 99 near Turner Avenue. She managed to fight him off and he took off south, toward Live Oak. Cal OSHA Investigating Worker Killed by Harvesting Machine in Napa Valley Cal OSHA is investigating a napa valley vineyard after a worker was killed by a harvesting machine. It happened at Deconinck Vineyard on Sunday. Family members of 49-year-old Leon Marcelo Lua say he was on the ground next to the machine when a piece of his clothing was caught and pulled him in. Researchers with UC Davis say the automatic harvester is used by around half of the vineyards in Napa Valley. Butte County Hosts Annual Fall Job Fair Butte County is hosting its annual fall job fair. Nearly 40 employers are expected to attend. It's from 12 - 4 p.m. at the Elks Lodge on Manzanita Ave. Make sure to bring your resume and dress to impress! Pentagon Prepares to Deploy Troops to U.S. Border The Pentagon is preparing to deploy more than 5,000 troops to the southern U.S. border. They will assist border patrol agents preparing for the arrival of a large caravan of Central American migrants. President Trump also said he's set to sign an executive order ending the constitutional right to citizenship for babies of non-citizens and unauthorized immigrants born in the United States. President Trump Travels to Pittsburgh After Deadly Synagogue Shooting President Trump will be in Pittsburgh in a show of support after the city's deadly synagogue shooting. The President's visit comes as the first funerals are being held for the 11 victims. On monday, a judge ordered suspect Robert Bowers held prosecutors say they intend to push for the death penalty. Khushaal Talreja, Head of Marketing at LitmusWorld, has been driving the brand and marketing agenda at the award winning technology start-up, which has today grown a big mile. He championed the brand from the first day at work where a Coming soon message flashed on the website to now hosting 125+ brands, interesting client stories and power features of the product. He has been instrumental in building the marketing strategy across all online and offline touchpoints, thereby elevating the brand and redefining the technology landscape globally. Besides managing the digital campaigns, Talreja also manages the industry association and technology partnerships of LitmusWorld. He has completed his Masters in Marketing & Communication, followed by a diploma in Digital Marketing from Westminster Business School, London. Talreja has co-founded and mentored several social entrepreneurship projects. He also led fund-raising campaigns for students across the world to pursue their further studies across business schools in the United Kingdom. What does it takes to climb up the ladder in marketing? Heres Khushaal Talreja in his own words... How did you get into the role you are serving? After my 1st year of working at LitmusWorld as a Marketing Evangelist, where I was handling the brand communication and business generation, I took responsibility to lead the Marketing team in my 2nd year at work. This was aligned with the company roadmap to scale the product and take it across multiple geographies to open new avenues. What particular skill sets do you think you bring to the table? Leadership skills are critical while enabling a team in a fast-paced environment like LitmusWorld. Weve been exponentially growing on the business front, but at the same time our brand touchpoints have only increased from our website to our video series to the industry events we partner with. The agile thinking, along with getting a team together on key initiatives, is critical to my role. I believe just team work isnt enough today, speed and accuracy are needed to hit the right nodes in the market. How did LitmusWorld come about? At my sisters graduation, I met one of the investors that led to an interview. Ever since then, Ive made sure the journey has been worthwhile. When I joined the team, we were operating in a small setup in our current office, but today when I look at two years down the line, weve come a long way! What are the five most productive things that you do in your everyday routine? Read the latest on our domain and industry Spend a dedicated time with every team member and see what I can do to help them win at their job Make sure to talk to at least one external partner media, industry association, client, influencer, etc. What does it take to succeed in a career like marketing? Determination and Patience are the two things that go a long way in any career. Marketing is no different. I do see that people off late have become very impatient. They want to fastrack their career with a higher post and pay. These results in higher attrition, frequently aligning personal goals and eventually, disturbing your own career launchpad. Be determined; hold the patience and success will follow. What would be your advice to youngsters planning to enter this industry? Dont seek immediate rewards. Sow your seeds in the right field very wisely. Invest time in interacting with senior leaders of the industry, this will help you build your character. There is a lot to learn from the mistakes your seniors have made, but you need to be hungry enough to learn and prosper. Where do you see yourself in five years time? If I were to rewind 5 years in my life and imagine myself being here, I would be somewhat satisfied. Today, Im hungry to learn and achieve more; Im hoping 5 years down I remain the same. Ive always felt like being part of something pathbreaking. Its difficult to stay calm with the ordinary marketing job I choose my time very carefully and 5 years from now, I do know that any place I choose to be, will be worth my time. Is there any agency/ organisation that you would like to work with in the future? Google, Apple. Speech by Mukesh Ambani, Chairman & Managing Director, Reliance Industries Limited at MobiCom 2018, the 24th Annual International Conference on Mobile Computing and Networking. A very good morning. I feel honoured and privileged to be invited to the 24th MobiCom conference. MobiCom is the worlds leading forum in domains of mobile computing, networks and algorithms. When Shri Narayana Murthy called and requested me to meet Rohan Murthy and to be the keynote speaker for MobiCom 2018, I readily agreed. I have the highest respect for Shri Narayana Murthy for putting India on the Global IT map. My hearty congratulations to Rohan, Rajeev and the team for organising MobiCom2018. Rohan told me when I saw him in my office that right now he is busy disrupting the business that his father founded. By using algorithms, big data, artificial intelligence to make enterprises, people and processes far more productive. I admired Rohan for what he said. Disrupting the old and constructing the new, which is bigger and better. That is exactly the spirit of the youth of India they are not happy being incrementally innovative but they want to be truly disruptive. Disruption is about creating a new way of life that will make the old way of life completely obsolete. Dear Friends, When the first conference of MobiCom was held in the mid-90s, I was busy in the world of energy and atoms. Not in bits and bytes. It was an altogether different world then the all-pervasive impact of mobile technologies was, at best, science-fiction. Indias GDP in the early 90s was around USD 350 billion. We had just come out of a severe financial crisis in 1991. And very few in the world thought that our countrys prospects were bright. Today our GDP is nearing USD 3 trillion. We are living in an India of unprecedented hope and promise. An India that is poised to embrace an immensely exciting future. And I am delighted that MobiCom chose to host this conference in India. So welcome to all of you. I can say with confidence that if there is one place in the world where the transformative power of digitisation is breaking new ground every day, it is India. India is digitally transforming and its digital transformation is unmatched and unprecedented anywhere in the world. As you have heard from the Honorable Minister and Rohan, in just 24 months, India has taken a leadership position in the world from being 155th in wireless broadband technology adoption and to the number one in the world in last two years. The impact of this unprecedented growth can be seen across all digital domains. Mobile computing as a catalyst is driving massive data consumption and this has given young Indians a fertile ground for disruptive ideas. Cloud computing and network technologies have used broadband as a foundational enabler leading to Indian entrepreneurs starting to make a global impact. In the next two decades, I can confidently say that India shall be leading the world and shall contribute to the next wave of equitable global economic growth. Friends, Let me tell you why I am so optimistic about Indias potential Not just optimistic, I am actually convinced. Earlier, the world had witnessed three industrial revolutions. The first one was powered by coal and steam, The second was fuelled by electricity and oil, And the third used electronics and information technology. During the first two revolutions, India languished on the fringes. It started playing catch-up in the computer-driven Third Industrial Revolution. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is now upon us. It is marked by a fusion of technologies straddling the physical, digital and the biological worlds. I can say with full confidence that India has a chance of not just participating in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, but also leading it. And I say this because of three main reasons: First, The India of today is remarkably different from the India of yesterday. The India of today is a very young nation, infact the youngest in the world 63% of our 1.3 billion population are aged below 35. Indias vast tech-savvy young population is its key strength. Just imagine the kind of connected intelligence India can create if the power of a billion-plus minds is combined! Our nation is more vibrant and ambitious than ever before on the back of its youthful energy and enterprise. Second, India is a democracy and is run on the model of equitable and inclusive growth with society-wide culture of empathy. We have the visionary leadership of our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. During the past few years, he has galvanised India. He has launched more number of transformational schemes than in a comparable period anywhere in the world. Digital India is his vision, which was started by our Honorable Minister when he was Minister of Telecom. And I still remember the day when we launched Digital India and the Minister told me that this is not the time for India and for you to be meek. So, do not hesitate in investing whatever it takes for Digital India to succeed. And I am glad that I took his advice. And today we are where we are. India is openly embracing the digital technologies of tomorrow. With world-class digital infrastructure in place, each one of the 1.3 billion people of India can now productively participate in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Ladies and Gentlemen, you have the developed economies talking about population coverage of 4G. With the initiatives of the government, India and Indian population, 99.9% of the 1.3 billion people of India will have high-speed data coverage by the end of 2019. And this will be far higher than any other country in the world. And this is the new world. If one determines, this change has happened really in one government, with one leadership and one execution in less than four years. And that is how fast technology is moving. With the world-class digital infrastructure in place, each one of the 1.3 billion people of India can now productively participate in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. We can solve the biggest unsolved problems facing humanity right here in India. Third, India is a rich and fertile ground for entrepreneurship. It has already succeeded in creating a healthy ecosystem to nurture entrepreneurs, especially young entrepreneurs. Most significantly, India has emerged as the fastest growing start-up base worldwide. Today, our nation is home to the third largest number of technology-driven start-ups in the world. Never before has India witnessed such an explosion of entrepreneurial spirit. Dear Friends, How can India rise to its full potential, to its desired eminence? There are four major areas, which India needs to focus on and embrace: First, we need to prepare ourselves for a period of information and digital abundance. All Indians will have access to computing on the cloud, and access to information on the planet. I am proud to say that, instead of a digital divide, India today is digitally united. All our 1.3 billion connected minds are going to accelerate our future. Digital platforms make it possible for many consumers to be entrepreneurs at the same time. Imagine a force of 1.3 billion networked consumers and entrepreneurs having access to all the knowledge and all the computational power they want at an extremely affordable price. And also imagine the force of IoT, when nearly 80 billion things worldwide join the network and begin to communicate with each other. Every single aspect of our lives the way we earn our living or conduct our business will undergo a sea transformation not in 30 years. not in 20 years but within the next decade. Early adopters will have the opportunity to leap-frog competition, and create unprecedented societal value. Second, we need to adapt ourselves to the scorching pace of innovation and learn to collaborate on scale. As computational power gets faster, so do networks and sensors, AI and robotics, 3D printing, Synthetic biology, AR/VR and Blockchain All these technologies are accelerating in speed, rate and power. You could be an expert in any one of these, but it's the convergence of two or three or four of these that's transforming existing ways of working. Which means, collaborations will become both a necessity and a requirement for success. You may have a brilliant idea and that has the potential to disrupt an industry. But to do so as will a thousand others have the same idea. We need to quickly transform the idea into a breakthrough innovation. And in order to do that, you have to master the art of collaboration with your peers anywhere in India or in the world, pooling your ideas, and leveraging all your competencies. In the digital world, none of us is as smart as all of us put together. Third, we have to shift from a system of time-bound education to a model of continuous learning. Now, it is both possible and necessary to reorient education for this new kind of productive and creative opportunities. We have to groom our children to be digitally-savvy right from school. Schools should train students in the four C-s critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity. These are the skills required to build the foundation for sustained leadership in the digital age for India. Within a single generation, we can empower and enrich our vast and young human resources to give India a competitive edge in the world. The Fourth major task is closely linked to the third. It is to ensure that the new and disruptive technologies create more employment opportunities than they take away. I have no doubt that they will. However, there is a lot of apprehension to this score. And these very apprehensions could resist or delay digital transformation of our societies. That would be a mistake. Therefore, governments, businesses and civil society organisations should put together an ecosystem for massive upskilling of workforce. Significantly, most of the upskilling can happen on digital platforms. Dear Friends, We now have the opportunity to digitally reinvent all sectors of our economy be it financial services, commerce, manufacturing, agriculture, education and healthcare. India can leapfrog competition and lead the world in each one of these sectors. Let me focus on three important sectors agriculture, education and healthcare. First, I have chosen agriculture because we cannot ignore the reality of the underdevelopment in rural India. Over 60% of Indians still live in villages. And by 2050, there will be 300 million more Indians to feed. Today, our average farm yields are about 20-30% of the best global yields. There is both a pressing need, and a golden opportunity, to create a digital green revolution - an evergreen revolution. India has an unprecedented opportunity to create wealth and new knowledge - rich livelihood opportunities in rural areas By encouraging adoption of technologies for water conservation and management, precision farming, waste reduction To enhance agricultural productivity. I am sure that if we combine digital technology tools and the innate knowledge and wisdom of the Indian farmer, we can usher in an evergreen revolution. The second big digital opportunity is in education. Indias youth is our biggest asset. But we need a good quality education for all to make them a productive asset. We need digital tools and innovations to break geographical, social, language and economic barriers. 58,000 colleges, over 700 universities and 1.9 million schools in India will be digitally connected, with Jio playing a leadership role in connecting all these educational institutions. Any student, even in a remote village, can have access to the best teachers and the latest knowledge in the world. AI-based smart assistants can bring personalised learning adapted to the needs of each student. And which can in fact overcome the gaps and the constraints of classroom education ----- like any age, any time and any subject learning in any language. Thirdly, healthcare is a basic human right for every Indian. Our purpose is to ensure affordable and quality healthcare to all, which is both a national necessity and a national responsibility. For the first time in history, this has become possible because of digital technologies accessible even in remote locations. Today, constraints of budget, physical infrastructure and trained personnel make it difficult to deliver quality healthcare to Indias large and growing population. India can overcome these constraints by adopting digital tools and innovations. As in education, the best doctors and the best diagnostic facilities can become accessible to all citizens anywhere in the country. India can design a path-breaking and affordable healthcare system that will be a model for the rest of the world. Similar disruptive and scale opportunities exist in India in virtually every domain. And I can safely predict that, from now on, every new generation of Indians will live a better, longer and more-fulfilling life than previous generations. Friends, Reliance is a proud participant in Indias rise. And privileged to serve this new India. I have been fortunate to participate in building global-scale Reliance businesses in energy, information and digital services. Jio, our youngest and fastest growing venture, has been conceived not as a business, but as a digital movement. It is on a mission of making Digital Life a reality for 1.3 billion Indians. While India has pole-vaulted into global leadership in the mobile broadband space we still lag behind in the fixed-line broadband. India is ranked quite low at 134th in global ranking for fixed broadband. Jio is determined to move India to among the top 3 in fixed broadband, in the coming years. Our state-of-the-art digital infrastructure provides mobile and broadband connectivity across the country, with the largest fiber optic footprint. We will now extend this fiber connectivity to homes, merchants, small and medium enterprises and large enterprises simultaneously across 1500 cities to offer the most advanced fiber-based broadband connectivity solutions in the world. For the 30 million small merchants and businesses, this will provide them the agility and the customer obsession of a small owner-driven business and simultaneously provide them the tools and capability of the best in the world to compete on level terms with all larger businesses. The success of Indian small businesses and small merchants translates directly into faster and more sustainable growth with large-scale employment for the Indian economy. Friends, In conclusion, MobiCom technologies have inaugurated a new era in the history of human race. Across the world, the digital era is dispelling despair and bringing new hope. For the first time, we can make poverty a thing of the past, and provide the fruits of prosperity for the entire world. A better world is indeed possible. Each one of us should work together in a spirit of partnership to make this optimism come true. I am confident that when MobiCom returns to India to hold its conference a decade later, you are bound to see Indias Digital Dreams come true. With these words, I wish each and every one of you the very best of success for the first-ever MobiCom 2018 conference in India. And wish you a good conference. We are also nearing our festival of lights in India, which we call Diwali, where we celebrate the victory of good over evil. So let me wish each and every one of you a happy Diwali. And thank you very much for being in India. Thank You. PNB MetLife, one of the top 10 private life insurance companies in India (fiscal 2018), launched khUshi - PNB MetLifes first customer service App powered with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and speech recognition capabilities. khUshi provides pre-emptive suggestions and provides answers to details such as viewing fund value, updating contact and KYC details, setting reminders for policy due date and much more. khUshis speech recognition capabilities aspire to make customer servicing a convenient and efficient form of communication with real time solutions. To announce the launch of this app, PNB MetLife engaged into a script that is not only informative but also highlights a homely situation with a touch of humour. The premise of the film is set in a regular home where a melodramatic wife reads an article about men cheating on their wives and begins to believe that her husband could be one of them. This is due to his constant verbal conversations on his phone with a woman called khUshi. The playful tone moves into a revelation by the husband accepting the alleged claim with the punchline - #khUshiKiBaat. Here after he continues the playful tone and introduces his wife to khUshi PNB MetLifes app that helped him update his address at the convenience of his fingertips. Explaining this satirical choice of script, Mr. Nipun Kaushal, Chief Marketing Officer, PNB MetLife said, PNB MetLifes innovation journey began with conVRse, a virtual reality initiative. And our customer centricity lens was taken forward with khUshi. For the film, we wanted to make the situation quite relatable to our audience and picking a simple yet comical scenario helped us achieve it. The film not only touches a chord with people through its humorous tone but also highlights how khUshi can make policy handling for customers very convenient. Hopefully our consumers will enjoy it as much as we did. khUshi App is a project in collaboration with Lumen Labs - An innovation arm of MetLife` Come October and festivities start kicking in across all regions in India. A wide range of festivals starting with Navratri, Durga Puja, Dusshera, Karwa Chauth, Diwali, Christmas up till the New Year, keep the celebratory bell ringing. Gifting is a huge part of Indias festive culture and one always wants to gift something that is meaningful, useful and sustainable. Tupperware has been a part of the festive tradition throughout India for a long time, and to strengthen its bond with its consumers, the company has launched the Thoughtful Gifting campaign. As a part of the campaign, Tupperware will reach out to its consumers via social media, align sales force outreach and spread awareness on the product range and additional benefits. Timeless and versatile, you can gift your loved ones a variety of home and kitchen products. Tupperwares multi-utility product range is designed smartly keeping todays modular kitchen formats in mind, to save space and offer optimal benefit. Not only the design is smart, but the manufacturing technology is also advanced to ensure quality and optimal utility, while always focusing on meeting strict safety standards. Tupperware believes in providing safe, innovative, premium-quality, reusable and environmentally responsible products to consumers. The brand has won several prestigious awards and has been recognised by International Institute of Culinary Arts (IICA), New Delhi for its FridgeSmart products range. Talking about festivities and gifting, Ms. Shilpa Ajwani, Managing Director, Tupperware India said, Festivals in India are all about rejuvenating family bonds, visiting relatives, feasting together and simply celebrating goodness in everything. Food becomes an integral part of festivities and one warmly visits loved ones and invites them over. All this is incomplete without gifting goods of household utility, which become a central part of gifting. We see a direct connection between thoughtful gifting and Tupperwares proposition of doing everything with a purpose. Our campaigns are all about spreading awareness and joy of indulging in our durable and safe products which are friendly to the environment and help maximise return on investment by saving space, time and effort. We wish everyone a delightful festive season and urge them to be more thoughtful with their gift selection. Expressing love towards the brand, Chef Kunal Kapoor, who is well known for being the judge and host of MasterChef India and who is associated with Tupperware, said, The best part about the festive range products are that they are elegant, highly useful and durable. Tupperware products come with a lifetime warranty and with every product you purchase or gift, you become a food and environment saviour as less than 1% of Tupperware products go to the earth. With Tupperware, you not only gift your loved ones good health and freshness, you gift them happiness that lasts for a lifetime. Shoppers can now choose from a wide variety of Tupperware gifts, as the festive range comes in bright colours and special designs to add more to your festive celebrations. Unique and exclusive, the design of Go Flex, Preludio Bowl, Smart Chopper, Star Bowl, City Thermal Bottle and even the kids gifting range- Snack Keeper Dora, Sandwich Keeper Turtle make for excellent gifting choices and come with special gift packs to make your gift even more special. Gift right this festive season and make your celebrations extra special. Tute Consult, an integrated communications agency has been assigned the strategic communications mandate for the revered luxury fine-dine concept Tresind, owned and promoted by Bhupender Naths Dubai Dubai based PASSION Group. Tute Consults role will be handling all brand communication and PR strategy for Tresind in India and via their partner office in Dubai. Tresind, a critically acclaimed, multi-award winning modernist Indian restaurant is one of the three brands under the PASSION umbrella, with a fourth dining cum night-life concept gearing to make its debut in Dubai towards end of this year. With restaurants primarily situated in the Middle-East, launch of Tresind in India in December this year, is part of the Groups aggressive global expansion plans, to unravel over the next 2-3 years. Speaking about the association, Komal Lath - Founder of Tute Consult said "Tute has vast experience of handling hospitality brands. We are ecstatic to have Tresind on board and look forward to creating the amplifiers for it. It is an exciting opportunity to work with an internationally acclaimed brand like Passion Group. Our Dubai office has already begun work, handling strategic communications for all brands of PASSION Group in respect to their Middle East operations, as well to ensure seamless messaging." Zamir Khan, group Vice President & Head of India Operations, PASSION Group added, "We are excited to bring passionate young energy into the fold and create benchmarks in communication like we have with our food! Tresind will redefine the way service and Indian food is viewed and we needed able partners who understand the brand well, to help create the right positioning. We are happy to join hands with Tute who bring not only their expertise in media communication but a deep understanding of the ecosystem at large." CAIRO Egypts National Elections Commission (NEC) is currently compiling a list of names of individuals who did not vote in the March 2018 presidential elections. The list will be submitted to the public prosecutor's office and those on it will face a fine of 500 Egyptian pounds ($28). In both cases, the government is a winner. When voters take part in the elections and the turnout is high, the elections are deemed honorable. When people abstain from participating in the elections, then the government steps in and imposes a fine, Abdul Rahman Sayed, an accountant, told Al-Monitor. While more than 24,250,000 voters took part in the elections in March, in which President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi was re-elected for a second presidential term, 34,823,986 Egyptians eligible to vote did not. In the early hours of March 28, which was the last day of the elections, the NEC threatened to impose fines on those who were planning to stay home in a bid to motivate the citizens to participate. The commission said in a statement issued on that day that Article 43 of Law No. 22 of 2014 would be enforced. The law stipulates that a fine not exceeding 500 Egyptian pounds shall be imposed on voters who unjustifiably fail to participate in the presidential elections. The NEC called on all citizens who are eligible to vote and who had not yet cast a ballot at the time of issuance of the statement to participate and express their free will in a bid to complete the democratic process the country was witnessing." Sayed added, Just like free education and freedom of opinion and expression, participating in the elections is a constitutional right. It is not a duty such as paying taxes or performing military service. If I do not want to complete my free education, I do not get punished. So why would I get punished for not participating in the elections? Although many Egyptians believe that participation in the elections is a right, Shawki al-Sayed, a legal expert and former member of parliaments now-defunct Shura Council, told Al-Monitor that the 2014 Egyptian Constitution addresses the matter with clarity. According to the first phrase of Article 87 of the 2014 constitution, participation in the elections meaning showing up to a polling station and casting a ballot is a duty. Article 87 states that the participation of citizens in public life is a national duty and that performance of such a duty may be exempted in cases specified by the law. These include travel and sickness, he said. He pointed out that based on the same article of the constitution, however, electing a particular candidate is a right, meaning that citizens are not forced to choose a particular candidate and can cast a blank vote for instance. The article states that every citizen has the right to vote, to run in the elections and to express their opinion in referendums and that the law shall regulate the exercise of these rights. Ramy Shukry, a driver who works for the intelligent transportation systems, told Al-Monitor that the state has imposed the fine in a bid to increase its economic revenues at the expense of the citizens. In light of the economic crisis it is facing, the state is looking to increase its revenues. However, he added, the government is overlooking the citizens resources, which have been so depleted by the crisis that many citizens cannot even afford such a fine. Wael al-Nahhas, an economic expert and financial adviser to a number of investment institutions such as UniCap Investment, concurred, telling Al-Monitor that the state mainly took its decision based on economic considerations. He said that if the purpose of the fine had been to enforce the law, then the government would have enforced the law in March, not six months after the elections. Also, he said, if the states purpose was to encourage citizens to participate in the elections, then the government would have waited until the 2022 elections to impose this fine. He explained that huge challenges lie ahead of the state budget in the fiscal year 2019 in light of the International Monetary Funds' budget deficit reduction calls. He added that there is the accumulated debt that the state repays on an annual basis to a number of countries and entities. Add to this the huge hike in oil prices witnessed over the past few months. This has made it more expensive for Egypt to import oil, he noted. Nahhas pointed out that the total fines expected to be collected amount to 17.412 billion Egyptian pounds ($971.8 million), accounting for about 4% of the budget deficit, which amounts to 438.6 billion pounds ($24.5 billion). Seham Hosny, a schoolteacher, voiced a different opinion. She told Al-Monitor that the state would prefer citizens to take part in the elections instead of imposing fines on them. She said that the low electoral turnout has embarrassed Egypt in front of the world. Many countries used the low turnout as a pretext to question the democracy of the elections and the human rights situation in Egypt. Yusri al-Azbawi, a political researcher specializing in electoral systems at the Al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies, partly agreed with Hosny. He told Al-Monitor that there was no way the state was relying on fines to improve its economic situation because these fines cannot be easily collected. Anyone can appeal the fine and provide proof that they had valid reasons not to take part in the elections, such as living in a governorate that is located far away from the polling station, having been at work or ill. Such proof can easily be falsified, Azbawi said. He added that it is impossible for the public prosecutor's office to impose fines on millions of citizens who have failed to participate in the elections. The government can only collect such fines when citizens ask for an official document from governmental institutions such as an identity card or a driver's license. Citizens who come to collect an identity card or any other official document would be forced to pay the fine. In other words, he said, it may take some citizens several years to pay such fines, which infers that the state will by no means be able to reduce part of this years budget deficit. Azbawi stressed that the goal of the fine is to enforce the law and encourage the largest number of citizens to vote. He said that this is a very common procedure adopted by many countries such as Peru, Argentina, Australia, Ecuador, Luxembourg, Singapore and Uruguay that do not suffer economic crises and do not need to use fines to decrease their budget deficit. GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip Along with 122 Palestinians from the Gaza Strip detained in a temporary refugee camp in Tamanrasset province in southern Algeria, Mahmoud awaits the decision of the Algerian government to release them so they can continue their journey to Europe. They had been arrested during the first half of October. Mahmoud, 23, who did not want to reveal his full name, told Al-Monitor that he reached the border in the desert of southern Algeria with the assistance of smugglers who took him by land from Mauritania through the Malian desert to Algeria, where he arrived Oct. 9. He was planning to travel to the Spanish city of Melilla on Moroccan territories, then by sea to Spain before continuing by land to another European Union country. He said, Algerian security forces arrested me along with a group of 20 illegal Palestinians from Gaza, Syrians and Africans, after we reached the border between Mali and Algeria. They confiscated our belongings, including electronic equipment and phones, and they transferred us to a refugee camp in Tamanrasset sheltering more than 120 Palestinians from Gaza, alongside Africans and Syrians. Most of them in the camp were young not older than 30. There were also families. I hid my phone to contact my family. Mahmoud left Gaza Sept. 16 after he had been detained at the headquarters of Hamas internal security services in Gaza City, on suspicion of collaborating with Israel and transferring money to bank accounts in Israel. He was released after three months following a confession that he had transferred money from international bank accounts to accounts outside Palestine, where some of his friends later wired him the money to Gaza. Although I was cleared of the treason accusation, the internal security services in Gaza did not leave me alone. They kept summoning me every 40 days to make sure that I was not colluding with Israel. Rumours spread in al-Zaytoun neighborhood that I was a spy for Israel. It became impossible for me to stay in Gaza, so I decided to leave, Mahmoud said. He added, I left Gaza for Egypt in September through security coordination that cost me $1,500. Security coordination consists of an agreement between a travel office in Gaza and an Egyptian officer at the Rafah border crossing to register the names of travelers on lists after they pay a fee, without referring to the Ministry of Interior in the Gaza Strip for official registration. Registering with the Ministry of Interior in Gaza is required for those wishing to travel, but students and sick people take priority over tourists and migrants. It might take years before the ministry allows those applying as a tourist or those wanting to attend a conference or immigrate to obtain a travel permit. So they pay between $1,300 and $1,500 to a travel office to be added to the security coordination list. Each time the crossing is opened, those on the list are allowed to leave, at an average of two buses per day at least. Mahmoud said, From there [Egypt] I flew to Mauritania, where I met a local smuggler who called himself Sheikh. He took me along with 20 illegal migrants by land to a border city between Mauritania and Mali. We set out at sunset and it took us 30 hours to reach our destination [on the Algerian border]. An armed group that Sheikh said belonged to the Malian Azawads blocked our path, and we had to give them money to continue our journey. Most of us paid $500, but some could not pay and had to hand over their phones and computers. He added, We continued through the Malian desert to the Algerian border, where Sheikh left us in the remote Algerian city of Tamanrasset in the south. He convinced us that an Algerian car would transport us to the coast, but the Algerian security forces closed in on us instead. The trip from Egypt to the Algerian border lasted 26 days." The journey from Gaza to the Algerian camp cost Mahmoud $5,000. He expects to pay another $5,000 to smugglers who would help him reach Europe, if Algerian security forces release him. A survey conducted in July by Al-Aqsa University in Gaza indicates that 92% of the 1,280 people polled in the study believe youth migration has become a phenomenon. They blame the ongoing rift between Hamas and Fatah and high unemployment rates as well as a lack of basic services. Karim Hussein, who works at an office for touristic and educational residencies in Turkey, told Al-Monitor that around 500 Palestinians from Gaza traveled via Turkey to Greece in August and September, for whom he had prepared the paperwork. Ibrahim Hikmat, a friend of Mazen Hamayde who was found dead in the Algerian desert before reaching the Moroccan border Oct. 10, said that dozens of Gazans travel illegally on a daily basis to Morocco to seek asylum in the city of Melilla. Hamayde was one of them, but Moroccan smugglers stole his money and left him to die in the desert. Hikmat told Al-Monitor, Mazen and I split in the Algerian desert as he followed the Moroccan smuggler who promised him he would lead him to Melilla in 24 hours. I chose to go with another smuggler for a lower price. After I reached Melilla, I heard that the smuggler stole Mazen's money and left him to die in the desert. Residents found his body and took him to a hospital in Algeria. Hikmat said, Mazen came to Egypt from the United Arab Emirates and wanted to migrate to Europe. I left Gaza for Egypt in search of a better future. We met while being smuggled in the desert. He didnt speak much and was in a rush to reach Europe. He got frustrated with the long route. He did not verify the smugglers identity and unfortunately the smuggler who took me to Melilla filled me in on the details of what had happened to Mazen. Migration by land through Morocco, passing through Algeria, is not the only route Gazans set out on. Recently, a mother from the Shajaiya neighborhood in Gaza City traveled illegally to Belgium with her 10-year-old daughter who has autism. The journey cost her $11,000. She flew to South America, then to Europe. She told Al-Monitor over the phone, on condition of anonymity, I am seeking medical treatment and educational care for my daughter. I searched for it in Europe after not finding it in the Gaza Strip. I traveled to Egypt through security coordination, then to South America and then to Spain. From Spain, I traveled illegally by land to Belgium, with the financial help of my brother who lives there. I am now waiting to obtain Belgian residency. The journey from Spain to Belgium was difficult, as she does not speak any of the languages of the countries she traveled through. She said, Air travel was the safer option for us since I did not want to put my daughter in any danger. I escaped with her seeking [a better] life, because Gaza has become a prison. Earlier this month, for the first time in over a year, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani met with top Reformist figures to listen to their criticism. The meeting raised hopes that the two sides can mend their increasingly strained ties. In the 2013 presidential elections, Rouhani who at the time was mostly unknown to the Iranian public managed to win after gaining the support of the Reformists, including former President Mohammad Khatami. The Reformists again threw their weight behind Rouhani in 2017, thwarting the conservative push to place cleric Ebrahimi Raisi in office. Since Rouhani's victory in 2013, the Reformists have been critical of many of his positions and appointments. During his first term, Rouhani was slammed by his supporters for not appointing senior Reformists to his cabinet, and also for failing to fulfill his electoral promises to expand social and political freedoms as well as put an end to the long house arrests of opposition leaders Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi. The Reformists disagreements with Rouhani reached a new climax after his re-election last year, when the moderate president began to blatantly ignore his promises. Rouhani was accused of siding with the conservatives on a number of issues and turning a deaf ear to his Reformist backers. This gap is believed to be rooted in Rouhani's inner circles positions on the Reformist camp. Many Reformists have blamed the presidents apparent turn to the right on Mahmoud Vaezi, who was appointed as his chief of staff after the 2017 election. A number of Reformists have claimed that Vaezi has been acting as a firewall, preventing any engagement between the two sides. On Oct. 3, this wall appeared to have collapsed when the president met with a number of Reformist figures, saying that he has always considered Reformists friends and describing them as a "partner" of his administration. However, the Reformists who were meeting Rouhani for the first time in over a year used the meeting as an opportunity to speak out and express their disapproval of the presidents positions and their possible impact on the Reformists' future role in Iranian politics. Hossein Kamali, the secretary of the Islamic Labor Party, told Rouhani, "If you continue [acting like this], all of us will be the losers of the next elections." Ali Shakouri-Rad, the secretary general of the Union of Islamic Iran People Party, told the president that the relationship between the Reformists and the government has been severed. Nonetheless, he stated, "We are still being cursed for supporting you, but we believe that we made the right [decision]." Of note, Iran's economic issues have heightened in recent months with the US withdrawal from the nuclear deal and re-imposition of sanctions. Mindful of Rouhani's failure to realize his vows of more social and political freedoms, many of those who voted for him are directing their anger at the Reformists for having convinced them to cast their ballots for the moderate cleric. While Rouhani has lost popularity, the Reformists who backed him have been even more discredited by his administrations poor management of the economy and failure to fulfill promises, putting the Reformist camp on a dangerous course ahead of the parliamentary polls in 2020 and presidential elections in 2021. While the Reformists dedicated a large portion of their time with the president to air their grievances, they left the Oct. 3 summit feeling satisfied with a settlement that appeared to have been reached: The two sides reportedly decided to form a joint committee to improve their relationship and to increase coordination. Reformist activist Azar Mansouri remarked on Oct. 9, "The mission of this group is communication and dialogue. Given that this group was put forward by the president, it will surely be effective if there is a will to do this." Meanwhile, Abdullah Naseri, a prominent Reformist and adviser to Khatami, confirmed that a number of prominent Reformists including Abdullah Nouri, Gholam-Hossein Karbaschi and Abdullah Ramezanzadeh boycotted the Oct. 3 meeting to communicate their irritation with the president's approach and performance. Naseri opined on Oct. 14, "Most of the important figures did not participate in the meeting, and if even I were invited, I would definitely not have attended because I believe that Mr. Rouhani [only] holds such summits whenever [he faces difficulties]." He added, Mr. Rouhani should have sought advice at more sensitive periods and should have acted [on the basis of advice he has gotten]. However, experience shows that he does not intend to do so, and that meeting with [Reformists] will not affect [his stances]." While Naseri's remarks may seem overly pessimistic, he could be correct. Alireza Rahimi, a senior Reformist member of parliament, said on Oct. 17, "The [Reformist parliamentary] Hope faction is awaiting the introduction of the president's representatives so the joint committee can be formed. We have issued this request to the office of the president but it hasnt responded." Naseri also stated that Rouhani had proposed the establishment of a similar joint committee a year ago, but that it never materialized. Thus it seems Rouhani may have invited Reformists to a meeting out of concern for losing his social capital amid the problems he faces in Iran and abroad. Mohammad Javad Haghshenas, a Reformist figure and a member of the Tehran City Council, said Oct. 9, At least since the beginning of his second term, he hasnt paid attention [to his supporters] when arranging his cabinet." Moreover, Hamid-Reza Jalaeipour, a prominent activist who attended the meeting, stated Oct. 4, "It was interesting that Rouhani explicitly showed interest in attracting the assistance of the parties and civil society forces. He was hopeful that his government can weather the crisis created by [US President Donald] Trump and [Israeli President Benjamin] Netanyahu with dignity with the help of the political system, civil society, political forces and the people." In sum, with Rouhani under pressure both at home and abroad and many of his supporters losing faith in him, he stretched out a hand to the Reformists that have suffered for backing him. However, if Rouhani views the Reformists merely as a tool to resolve the issues he is facing, it is unlikely that he will pay much attention to their demands. He may believe closeness to the Reformists is detrimental to his own political future as well as a reason for the political establishment to block his government's policies. On Oct. 25, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met in Oman with Sultan Qaboos Bin Said. Three days later, Israeli Culture Minister Miri Regev and Israels national judo team were moved to tears when judoka Sagi Muki won a gold medal at the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam, and Israels anthem, Hatikva, was played for the first time in the United Arab Emirates. That same week, an Israeli film, The Dive was screened at the Duhok International Film Festival, in northern Iraq. These events do not attest to a new Middle East. None of the three Arab states has diplomatic relations with Israel. The Dive, directed by Yona Rozenkier, won four prizes in August at the 35th Jerusalem Film Festival, among them Best Israeli Feature Film. Rozenkier was surprised to learn that The Dive would be screened in late October at the Duhok International Film Festival, in Iraqi Kurdistan. He and the film's producers, Efrat Cohen and Kobi Mizrahi, immediately grasped the political sensitivity of such a decision and the pressure that would likely be exerted on the festival's organizers. They therefore decided to keep the news to themselves, at least until the festival concluded. The news, however, leaked, and on Oct. 25, the SHAFAQ News website reported that an Israeli film would be screened for the first time at an Iraqi film festival. Rozenkier shared the news with his friends on Facebook, in the process taking a dig at Regev, who has been pushing controversial legislation referred to as the culture loyalty law, which would deny state funding to cultural institutions that she does not consider loyal to Israel. We were screened in Iraq, Rozenkier wrote, a country full of leftists that surely has a culture loyalty clause. The Dive is about three brothers who during the Second Lebanon War (2006) meet at their kibbutz, which is adjacent to the border with Lebanon, to bury their father. The funeral takes place a year after the fathers death, because he had donated some of his organs to science. The youngest brother is about to be deployed to Lebanon and is scared to death at the prospect. His militant older brother puts him through a series of drills and tests of courage in the spirit of their dead father, much to the chagrin of the third brother, a shell-shocked army officer trying to come to grips with the trauma of the war he had experienced. In an interview with Al-Monitor, Rozenkier said that he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which he was trying to deal with in making the film. I served in [the elite paratrooper unit] Orev during the second intifada, and there was enough action for me to get hit and hurt, he said, referring to the Palestinian uprising that lasted from 2000 to 2005. Rozenkier sought treatment at the Tel Hashomer Hospital, but was not acknowledged by the Defense Ministry as a PTSD victim, because he was deterred by the exhausting red tape involved in obtaining official recognition. The film is a kind of therapy and healing, he said. Rozenkier's movie exposes viewers to the fears and pain of a PTSD victim and the way he, as perhaps Rozenkier himself did, learns to deal with the fear he feels, as Katyusha rockets fired by Hezbollah land in his kibbutz while he and his brothers prepare to inter their father. He takes quick, deep breaths and counts to 30 until the danger has passed, and the memories of war dissipate. It is a short respite, until the next time, for a person handicapped by war. Are you OK? one of the brothers asks his shaking, terrified sibling. As with many PTSD victims, the film's character must hide his fear and anxiety and deal with it alone. Only toward the end of the movie does he confide in his mother about the crippling fear and anxiety that make it difficult for him to fall asleep at night. Rozenkier said that he had previously dealt with the issue in film shorts despite the difficulty in revealing and telling his story. The Dive, his first full-length feature film, was funded in part by a grant from the Steve Tisch Fund of Tel Aviv Universitys Film and Television Department and a grant from the Rabinovich Foundation, which is partly supported by the Ministry of Culture. With a relatively modest budget, Rozenkier, joined by his two brothers, Yoel and Micha, in the three lead roles, sets out on an odyssey resulting in a cinematic family journey at times brilliant, clever, surreal and painful. The Dive has been well received. In addition to winning awards at the Jerusalem festival, it has been screened at the prestigious Toronto and Locarno festivals and will be screened in November at the American Film Institute's AFI Fest in Hollywood. Rozenkier said he does not know whether he would have received partial state funding for the film if the Knesset had already adopted the culture loyalty law. The idea that art has to be loyal to the state neuters the whole idea of film, he remarked. For me, this is a crazy redline, to create mobilized art. It suits repressive regimes with which we want nothing to do. Only a regime that is afraid or unsure of its way passes laws that ban criticism of the government and silences its artists, Rozenkier noted. It says more about them, and I see it as sad and dangerous, he added. Rozenkier said that not a single Israeli official has congratulated him for his film being accepted by an Iraqi festival. The choice of [screening] an Israeli film is a political statement, he asserted. Nonetheless, it looks like the festival directors identified strongly with the message the film conveys. Kurdistan is a battlefield on which lots of blood has been spilled, a [region] that has suffered greatly from wars. Rozenkier further explained that due to the film's surreal nature, often bordering on the absurd, it successfully conveys a universal message with which viewers in Iraq or any war-weary region can identify and empathize with the distress of its protagonists. The Iraqi festival screened The Dive twice. Rozenkier, extremely curious about its reception, emailed festival organizers to inquire about it and also to request a photo of the venue and the audience. The reply was an unpleasant surprise: Due to regional complications and considerations, Duhok IFF unwillingly withdraws the film THE DIVE by Yona Rozenkier from the world cinema Competition, although the film was screened in the festival program. Duhok International Film Festival deeply apologizes for this incident. The organizers appear to have tried to deflect the pressure exerted on them, but politics in Iraq, as in Israel, defeated artistic freedom. RAMALLAH, West Bank Palestinian leaders are pleased with the UN General Assembly's recent vote to enhance Palestine's observer-state UN status, allowing it to head the Group of 77 and China (G-77) next year. The Palestinian UN delegation will work with the Palestinian Foreign Ministry in the next two months to complete all the preparations and arrangements for Palestine to assume the G-77's rotating presidency. Palestine will be heading the largest intergovernmental bloc of UN member-states for one year effective Jan. 1. The G-77's initial membership of 77 developing countries has grown over the years to 134. Its purpose is to defend the economic, environmental and developmental interests of its members. It aims to strengthen their leverage with major powers such as the United States or European countries. On Sept. 27, the G-77 elected the State of Palestine to chair the group for 2019, a position held by Egypt for 2018. Palestine is a full member of G-77, but only an observer-state member of the UN. On Oct. 17, the 193-member UN General Assembly agreed to grant temporary extra rights to Palestine to fulfill its leadership role. Of those present, 146 members voted in favor of the resolution, 15 abstained and three voted against it: Israel, the United States and Australia. The extra rights allow Palestine to act as a full-fledged UN member, except for the ability to vote. According to the resolution, Palestine will be able to submit proposals and amendments to the General Assembly, co-sponsor proposals and amendments, make statements on behalf of the G-77 and raise procedural motions, including points of order and requests to put proposals to the vote, on behalf of the G-77. Palestinians see the move as proof of the international communitys confidence in their ability to lead the G-77. In addressing the group Sept. 27, President Mahmoud Abbas pledged his government's full commitment to fulfill its duties and responsibilities with honor and integrity, in a way that earns the trust of the G-77. The G-77 presidency has two important dimensions for Palestine, said Amr Awadallah, head of the Palestinian Foreign Ministry's directorate general for the UN and UN-specialized organizations. First, he told Al-Monitor, the position bolsters the international community's confidence in Palestine. Palestine will be representing the largest international bloc before UN member-states on global issues related to poverty, development, environment and nature issues. This is the greatest privilege that Palestine can have. On the second dimension, Awadallah said, The resolution ups the UN status of Palestine. It confers privileges to Palestine that it didn't have as a UN observer-state." He further noted, Palestines presidency of this group is a test. It will prove Palestines capabilities and experience in assuming efficient international roles. This will enhance its image as a successful state before the international community. In 2012, the UNGA granted Palestine nonmember observer-state status. Palestinians saw this as a diplomatic victory, allowing their country to accede to UN international conventions and organizations. Awadallah denied the status upgrade is politically motivated. Rather, [the decision] took into consideration the international blocs best interests. These interests are in line with those of the state of Palestine and its strategy. Palestine wants to be part of the international system [geared toward] human rights. It wants to fight the proliferation of arms and weapons of mass destruction, and everything that is destructive to the environment," he said. Nabil Shaath, Abbas' adviser for international affairs, told Al-Monitor, Although Palestines core mission at the UN focuses on political issues, our work within the G-77 is of a legal, economic and environmental nature. We have a technical function that aims to serve the [world]. ... The Palestinian presidency of the G-77 falls within the scope of the Palestinian strategy to put Palestine, a UN nonmember observer state, on the worlds map as a sovereign state." He added, Under the UNGA resolution, Palestine will be representing 134 countries, accounting for 80% of the worlds population. This gives new international support to the Palestinian position and to the statehood of Palestine at the UN. The Palestinian leadership of the G-77 is an opportunity for Palestine to establish and maintain greater and better relations with the other G-77 members. This would also provide a projection of what Palestine can do if it becomes a full-fledged UN member. To become a full-fledged UN member-state, Palestine would need a UN Security Council resolution. "We all know that the US will veto such a resolution," Shaath said. "But Palestines current achievement is positive. It doesn't guarantee it the full member-state status, but it remains a great international boost. Commenting on the timing of the General Assembly resolution, Shaath said, This comes in light of a critical political stage for Palestine. US President Donald Trump declared Jerusalem the capital of Israel. He also expressed his intention to undermine the refugee issue by halting UNRWA [UN Relief and Works Agency] aid." Shaath also pointed to the pending US peace plan for the Middle East, "which we see as a plan against the creation of a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders. The last round of Israeli-Palestinian direct peace talks sponsored by the United States broke down in 2014. Since then, the Palestinian Authority (PA) has become even more convinced of the need to exert increased efforts on the international stage, to upgrade Palestines international and diplomatic standing. Heading the G-77 falls within that strategy. WhatsApp CEO Chris Daniels, who starts his second India visit in as many months today, has a lot on his plate. Apart from negotiating the current impasse over traceability on the mobile messaging platform, he hopes to promote the new WhatsApp Business app. But most importantly, he has announced the company's intentions to remain fully committed to end-to-end encryption. "We want to keep WhatsApp the way it was built to be - a place for private conversations, like you have in your home," Daniels told The Economic Times, adding, "Privacy and security are true hallmarks of our product, and we have no plans to change these safeguards." According to him, fighting misinformation is a "societal challenge" that requires action from technology companies, civil society, government and the users alike. "It's important to understand that WhatsApp messages are end-to-end encrypted and we do not know - and therefore cannot provide - the content or the originator of private messages. To do this, we would have to redesign our systems and revise our privacy standards to indiscriminately track user data. We think this is overly intrusive from a privacy perspective," he explained. However, he added that the company had already held discussions with Indian law enforcement officials "this summer" on ways to source the "limited information" that WhatsApp collects for solving and preventing crimes. "We also recognize that relying on law enforcement isn't enough - whenever you introduce new technology, there needs to be broad education to explain how to stay safe," said Daniels adding that the company is "working with the Digital Empowerment Foundation to conduct digital literacy trainings across 15 states" and has launched large-scale public education campaigns with tips on how to spot false news. On data localisation, Daniels pointed out that WhatsApp now stores the required payments data in India but underscored the need for Indian leaders to "ensure a level playing field and that companies operating in India receive equal treatment". Last month, the company finally appointed Komal Lahiri as grievance officer for India, following a petition filed in the Supreme Court accusing it of not complying with Indian laws. And Daniels claims that a Head of WhatsApp India will be named by year-end, who will be empowered to grow a local team to serve the over 200 million Indian users. The company is reportedly also hiring locally for senior roles in the partnerships, operations, policy and legal teams. Apart from scheduled meetings with IT minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and top officials of the Reserve Bank of India, Daniels told the daily that a key agenda is to explore how WhatsApp can support small Indian businesses, which he pegs at over 50 million. "An eyewear company in Bengaluru called Glassic told us that 30% of their new sales come from WhatsApp chats. We're announcing this week a project with Startup India where WhatsApp will directly support new Indian-owned businesses and entrepreneurs," he added. Recent statements by the Israeli media that Iran might start selling oil to Russian refineries to evade US sanctions should be taken with a grain of salt. Cooperation with Russia in the oil sector is not Iran's first choice, but rather a plan B to be implemented only if there are no other alternatives left. In addition to presenting daunting technical and economic obstacles, any oil deals with Russia would face severe resistance from the Iranian public. It is not the first time Israeli media sources have made controversial statements regarding the Russian-Iranian dialogue. There is even a chance they could be right in saying that Tehran and Moscow are discussing ways to help Iran secure access for its oil to the international market. Russia's oil minister did officially state it would be "unfair" to deprive Tehran of such access. However, in the past six months, Russian officials have not once suggested potential options to secure Irans interests in this field. But let's examine the possibilities. All of Russias initiatives real and suspected have certain specifics. First of all, potential scenarios on how to help Iran evade the oil embargo would not be limited only to the idea of Moscow purchasing Irans oil for Russian refineries. There were rumors that Iran could sell its oil to Rosneft, which would channel it to the Vadinar refinery in India. Some experts speculate that Moscow might either mix Irans oil with its own, or transport it through Russian territory for Iran, as moving oil via maritime routes will become difficult for Tehran after the sanctions are reimposed in November. Yet the Kremlin does not seem to be seriously considering either option. Importing Irans oil would not make any economic sense for Moscow: Russia has enough of its own resources to satisfy the needs of its refineries, and Irans oil is expensive and transport expenditures would also be high. Some market analysts say the only way for Iran to interest Russia in an import deal would be to provide Russian companies with a 10% (ideally, 30%) discount on the oil and ensure massive exports to Russia, as small batches would be unprofitable. Russia would need to pay for this oil in hard currency. The financial situation of Russian oil producers is difficult and they might not be ready for this although there is a possibility Moscow could persuade Iran to use this money to pay it back for industrial equipment Tehran has imported. However, the primary problem would not even be the doubtful profitability, but rather logistics. Irans oil fields are in the south. To reach Russia, the oil would have to make its way to Caspian ports in the north. Iran has no main pipelines connecting its southern oil fields with northern ports. These ports do have the infrastructure for oil, but they were built to receive oil from swap deals with Kazakhstan, Russia and Azerbaijan. They were never meant to export oil. Consequently, before any exports could begin, Moscow and Tehran would have to invest in creating the necessary storage and loading infrastructure at the Iranian ports. Iran would also need to upgrade its transport infrastructure to deliver oil from the south to the Caspian seashore that would also present a challenge. Finally, Russia and Iran would have to substantially increase their tanker fleets in the landlocked Caspian Sea to exchange large quantities of oil, as the local geography does not allow for the use of large tankers. In this situation, a planned railroad connection between Russia and Iran via Azerbaijan could increase the volume of oil moved from Iran to Russia, but this project has not been completed. Under these circumstances, Russian officials are demonstrating far greater interest in resuming the so-called oil-for-products program, under which Russia would broker Iranian oil abroad in exchange for Iran buying Russian industrial machinery and providing investment opportunities to Moscow. Russia and Iran have discussed an oil-for-products initiative for years. Initially, it was supposed to help Tehran evade the oil trade embargo imposed by the United States, European Union (EU) and their partners. When those sanctions were lifted as part of the 2015 nuclear deal, the initiative was expected to compensate for Iran's lack of financial reserves, which kept Tehran from paying for imports of Russian equipment in hard currency. However, after US President Donald Trump withdrew from the deal in 2018 and began reimposing sanctions, the oil-for-products deal again gained importance as a way to evade sanctions. In November 2017, Moscow received 1 million barrels from Iran as payment for railroad equipment imported from Russia, and arrangements were in the works for Russia to buy an additional 5 million tons of oil in 2018. Indeed, in January and February there were reports of some oil dispatches transferred from Iran to Russian companies. Yet, by March, they stopped. Moscow still plans to revive the deal in 2019, though it might never happen. On the one hand, Russia has had problems finding buyers for Iranian oil. Concerned about the US sanctions, potential clients refused to purchase it. On the other hand, Irans main hopes for sanctions relief are more connected to the EU than Russia. There is a strong belief in Tehran that Europeans will be able to offset the negative influence of US economic pressure on Iran. The EU wants to salvage as much of the nuclear deal as possible. Yet the strength of Tehran's belief is hard to explain: Large EU companies have already pulled out of Iran. The EU officials Al-Monitor interviewed openly said that Tehran should not expect a lot from Brussels. Though Russian and Iranian officials have an on-again, off-again marriage of convenience, Iran's general public and its elite strongly oppose any substantial deals with Moscow. Russia is not trusted or welcomed by Iranians and the countries have a long history of differences. A well-informed and respected Iranian expert on Tehrans foreign policy told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity that a Russian oil-for-products initiative would be difficult to implement. "A large part of Iranian society believes that giving our oil to Russia especially at the discounted prices is no better than agreeing to Trumps demands, he said. To allay these concerns, Iranian officials periodically argue that there are no plans to export Irans oil with the help of the Kremlin. Moscow seems to react to these statements with a wait-and-see approach. It is not in a hurry. The Kremlin recently sent a clear signal to Tehran that it is giving Iranian authorities time to persuade their public and critics among the Iranian elite that a deal with Moscow is in Iran's best interests. Should they succeed, Moscow is ready to resume the oil-for-products deal in early 2019. Turkey seems determined to keep Saudi Arabia on its toes by refusing to share all evidence on the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The Saudi investigation team headed by the countrys top prosecutor, Saud al-Mojeb, met with its Turkish counterpart for a second round of talks today. Saudi investigators expected to be presented with a 150-page dossier, including interviews done with 45 Saudi Consulate employees, but the Turkish side refused to share all evidence with the team. Instead they demanded the extradition of the Saudi suspects to Turkey and information about the whereabouts of the journalists body, Turkish media reported. Why it matters: Turkey seems to be keeping its cards close to its chest to force Saudi Arabia to disclose more information about those who played a role in the murder of the Washington Post contributor and the whereabouts of his remains. Turkish authorities reluctance to share all evidence might be an effort to prevent any efforts by the Saudis to whitewash the crime and keep its leverage over Riyadh. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on the Saudi prosecutor to not protect anyone and demanded full disclosure. Who sent these 15 people? As Saudi public prosecutor, you have to ask that question. No need to make things difficult, this matter must be solved. At heart, these efforts are aiming at protecting certain people, Erdogan said today in an apparent reference to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is widely believed to have played a role in Khashoggis death. Whats next: Turkey has two apparent demands from the Saudis: Cooperation to locate the journalists body and the extradition of the 18 suspects who have been detained in Saudi Arabia. At the moment, Turkey's top priority seems to be locating Khashoggi's remains. Indeed, Chief Istanbul Prosecutor Irfan Fidan reiterated Turkeys information demand concerning the whereabouts of the body during todays meeting, Turkish media reported. Meanwhile, the UNs top human rights official also urged Riyadh today to reveal the whereabouts of Khashoggi's body. Michelle Bachelet, the UN human rights chief, lamented the shockingly brazen crime and called for an independent investigation by international experts with access to evidence and witnesses. Know more: Read our latest coverage of the evolving Turkey-Gulf relationship here and the latest on the Khashoggi investigation and its diplomatic ramifications here. Steelmaker SSAB has announced plans to invest up to $100 million in its plant in Axis, north of Mobile. According to information released by the company, it intends to "increase production capacity for high-strength, value-added steels, including quenched and tempered (Q&T) steels, while increasing operational efficiency and reducing raw material costs." The work will be done between 2019 and 2020 and could create up to 50 jobs "depending on the timing, priority and scope of investments." The company employs about 600 people at the Axis mill. The new round of investment follows a 2017 decision by SSAB to relocate its headquarters to Mobile, a shift involving about 60 jobs. That project was supported by $750,000 cash incentives from the city and county, plus 10-year tax abatements and state incentives including a $1 million cash allocation and a state jobs credit valued at more than $2 million. According to information provided by Alabama Secretary of Commerce Greg Canfield, the state expects those incentives to be offset by $9.6 million in new state revenue over the next 20 years, and by the impact of the headquarters payroll of about $152 million over the same time frame. We have a long history of successful investment in Alabama, all with great cooperation and partnership with state, county and local agencies. Chuck Schmitt, president of SSAB Americas, said of the new expansion. Its a track record of success, and we aim to continue the partnership. With these new investments, we have a unique opportunity now to work with local and state level officials to build upon our success even further. A couple of weeks ago, Liam Hemsworth ate at Sage Lebanese Cuisine and Cafe in Fairhope. The eatery was packed that night, and Hemsworth had just arrived in town - no one yet knew he was in Coastal Alabama to film a movie - so the tall, bearded Australian actor went unrecognized. But when he paid for his meal, his credit card gave him away. Hemsworth is best known for playing Gale Hawthorne in the "Hunger Games" movies and is romantically connected to Miley Cyrus. Nader Salibi, who owns Sage with his wife, Maritza, knew she would be upset that she'd missed the famous actor eating dinner in their restaurant. "My wife almost killed me," Nader jokes, because he didn't get a photo with Hemsworth to share on Sage's Facebook page. But the vegan actor promised he'd be back. Over the past two weeks, Hemsworth has ordered takeout from Sage a few times. Monday night, he returned to the cozy, 70-seat eatery that specializes in Mediterranean and Lebanese cuisine. This time, Nader called Maritza and she "went running" to the restaurant, she says. "He was really nice," she says. He told her he'd been working since 5:30 a.m. and wanted to rest. "He loved our food," she says. "I was so happy." @liamhemsworth at @sagelebanesecuisine AGAIN!!! We love our little charming town with beautiful people and great... Posted by Sage Lebanese Cuisine & Cafe on Monday, October 29, 2018 Since he arrived in the area, Hemsworth has posed good-naturedly for photos with fans in Mobile at Aroy Thai, at Hot Wheels Skate Center and Target in Daphne, and at Publix in Fairhope, among other places. He's filming the movie "Arkansas," written by actor Clark Duke, who is making his directorial debut with the movie, according to Deadline Hollywood. Hemsworth's co-star, Vince Vaughn, has also taken photos with fans during the past week at the Grand Hotel in Point Clear. He found Sage this past Friday night after discovering it online, he told Maritza. "I took care of him," she says. "He ordered almost everything on the appetizer menu. He's really skinny and tall. I was wondering, 'Where's he putting all this food?'" He and a companion also had entrees, Turkish coffees and dessert. Sitting in the back room, the actor enjoyed privacy as he chatted with Maritza and her three children, all of whom help their parents in the restaurant. Vaughn was curious about Fairhope. He asked her if her kids could walk on the streets alone and was amazed when she said they definitely can. Vaughn was in the restaurant for nearly four hours, Maritza says. At that point, she asked him if she could take a few pictures with him, and he obliged. What an honor having @vinncevaughnn for more than 3 hours enjoying our food and having a great conversation. A... Posted by Sage Lebanese Cuisine & Cafe on Friday, October 26, 2018 The Salibis opened Sage in August of 2015. He is from Lebanon, and she is from Ecuador. They met in college in New York City. After earning a degree in business administration, she planned to work in her family's business in Ecuador, but Nader always wanted to own his own restaurant. He visited a friend who lived in Fairhope and fell in love with it. He found the right spot for his restaurant on his first day there and signed a lease. "It was a challenge in the beginning to have a Lebanese restaurant in Alabama," Maritza says. But they've been warmly embraced by Fairhope residents, and both Nader and Maritza say they love living there and love what they do, despite the long hours they put in. Everything Nader cooks is homemade. They don't even have a microwave, Maritza says. Nader's recipes are from "a real Lebanese family" - his own. He says that second- and third-generation Lebanese customers come in from Mobile and Biloxi and tell him his food reminds them of their grandparents'. "That's exactly what I wanted to bring to the area," he says. "We try to always think outside the box. People come in to try something different." The Birmingham Jewish community will host a peace vigil tonight on Highland Avenue to remember the victims of the mass shooting at a synagogue in Pittsburgh. We hope it will help the community process the sadness of what happened in Pittsburgh over the Shabbat, said Temple Beth-El Executive Director Bob Greenberg. Its not about anger, its about an uplifting message of understanding and hope. It will be prayers, music and inspiration from a Jewish perspective." People of all faiths are welcome to the event, Stand with Pittsburgh: A Prayer Gathering for Shalom (Peace), he said. We feel a sense of connection with all Jewish people, and all people who suffer, Greenberg said. This hits close to home. We feel a sense of support for those who are grieving in Pittsburgh." Birminghams Jewish organizations continue to take security seriously, with all reasonable precautions, he said. We feel secure, Greenberg said. When theres hate out there, acts of violence happen. This is not about us, its about sending positive thoughts to Pittsburgh and helping the broader community process the feelings that go along with a mass slaying happening. The ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. on the steps of Temple Beth-El, 2179 Highland Ave. , a Conservative synagogue that is part of the same denomination of Judaism as the Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh, where a gunman shot 11 worshippers during a Saturday morning Sabbath service. The entire Jewish community is hosting; all 10 organizations are partnering for this service, Greenberg said. Event sponsors include: Temple Beth-El, Temple Emanu-El, Knesseth Israel Synagogue, Chabad of Alabama, Birmingham Jewish Federation, Birmingham Jewish Foundation, Collat Jewish Family Services, Levite Jewish Community Center, N.E. Miles Jewish Day School, Birmingham Holocaust Education Center, and Faith in Action Alabama. Weve received remarkable support from the faith-based community," Greenberg said. "Thats very special, seeing people come together, even at a difficult time. Seven children were injured in an after-school bus crash in Lauderdale County on Monday afternoon, authorities said. Six children were treated for minor injuries and released from Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital in Florence, according to state troopers. The seventh child was taken by helicopter to Childrens of Alabama in Birmingham, said Cpl. Jeremy Baker, an Alabama Law Enforcement Agency spokesman. A school system spokesman said the girl remained hospitalized Tuesday with injuries that werent considered life-threatening. The crash happened when the school bus ran off the road, struck and ditch and hit a tree, Baker said. The authorities were dispatched just after 3:30 p.m. to Lauderdale County Road 8 in the Zip City community. The students were being taken home from Wilson School, a K-12 campus, said John Mansell, director of student services at Lauderdale County Schools. Were just very, very thankful that our bus driver took quick action, Mansell said. It could have been much worse. Mansell didnt elaborate on details of the accident. He said the bus driver was uninjured. The investigation is ongoing. Further details werent immediately available. Updated at 1:37 p.m. to correct the name of Childrens of Alabama Updated at 3:16 p.m. with comments from the school system. Alabama rolled out the welcome mat for Vice President Mike Pence on Tuesday as Air Force Two touched down at Birminghams Sumpter Smith Air National Guard Base. 33 VP Mike Pence visit to Birmingham Pence is in the Magic City to headline a fundraiser for the National Republican Senatorial Committee the campaign arm of Senate Republicans. Its always great to be in Alabama, always great to be around so many people, and Roll Tide, Pence told reporters after stepping off Air Force Two, where he was greeted by Gov. Kay Ivey. The vice president and the governor emerged from the plane and waved to the crowd amid cheers. Pence and Ivey then shook hands and posed for pictures while Pence took selfies with guests on the base, including former Alabama Attorney General Troy King. The vice president backed President Trumps plan to issue an executive order to end birthright citizenship a move that some critics say cant be made by presidential fiat. Pence said the proposal is part of a plan to combat the crisis of illegal immigration. The president and I and our entire administration are absolutely committed to bring this crisis of illegal immigration on our southern border to an end. Its building a wall, its securing our borders and its enforcing our laws, but it also means reforming our laws, engaging in a debate on birthright citizenship, closing the kinds of loopholes like catch and release that again are exploited for vulnerable families., Pence said. The American people know, the people of Alabama know that we got to end the crisis of illegal immigration. Ivey had a brief meeting with Pence on Air Force Two. The governor said she reminded the vice president that Alabama has seven major original equipment manufacturers, including automakers, and that the companies dont just assemble. Hes very receptive to Alabama, he thanks Alabamians a lot and he told me that were making progress, especially with Japan, on trade, the governor said. Ivey said Pence acknowledged that she has to look out for the interests of Alabama workers who may be affected by tariffs as Trump engages in trade wars. Its a work in progress, he clearly understands that I got to protect Alabamas economy, and we have seven OEMs [original equipment manufacturers] that are all expanding and they provide thousands of jobs for our people and we have to protect them, she said. On Pences birthright citizenship comments, Ivey said, Im all in his court. Weve got to protect our borders, the governor said. The NRSC fundraiser had initially been scheduled for earlier this month, but the event was canceled amid Hurricane Michael. Almost 150,000 voters have joined the rolls in Alabama since the June primary in time to participate in next weeks general election. John Bennett, deputy chief of staff for Secretary of State John Merrill, said 147,031 voters registered since the primary. Last Monday was the last day to register and be on the rolls in time for the election. State law sets the deadline at 15 days before the election. The new registrants raise the total number of registered voters in Alabama to 3,458,108, according to Bennett. For voters who will be traveling or otherwise unable to go to the polls next week, the last day to apply for an absentee ballot is Thursday, a deadline set in state law. Voters can apply in person if they prefer and receive an absentee ballot that same day. Voters can also download and complete the form here. Absentee ballots must be postmarked or hand-delivered by Monday to the absentee election managers office in each county. A link to those county offices can be found here. Go here for more information, including polling place location. Sample Ballots Children of all ages are ready to don their Halloween costumes and head out for trick or treating. When exactly that starts varies from place to place. And on Wednesday, the start and finish times may also be impacted by the potential for spooky weather. What time does trick or treating start where I live? Oct. 31 falls on a Wednesday this year, making it a school night, so most people will want to get an early start on their Halloween rounds. Sunset in Alabama on Wednesday will be at 5:53 p.m. so many people will head out shortly after 6 p.m. According to TrickorTreatTimes.com, most cities "officially" kick off trick or treating around 5 - 6 p.m. It's best to visit houses with their lights on, a sign they are ready to treat youngsters. Its best to wrap up trick or treating by no later than 9 p.m. Those times are in keeping with a 2015 survey that found almost 40 percent said they planned to head out for trick or treating at 6 p.m.; 27 percent said they would wrap up activities by 8 p.m., 37 percent said by 9 p.m. Oct. 31 weather A strong cold front will reach the state on Halloween night but the rain is expected to hold off until Thursday. The front could bring the potential for strong storms on Nov. 1. In North Alabama, rain is possible during the evening hours of Halloween but the potential picks up from west to east after 10 p.m. Rain in central and southern Alabama is expected to hold off until Thursday morning. Temperatures will range from the mid-70s at 6 p.m. to mid to upper 60s by 10 p.m. You can see the complete Halloween Night 2018 forecast here. A 13-year-old Birmingham boy was arrested early Tuesday after police say he broke into a Hoover gun shop. Hoover police responded at 10:10 p.m. Monday to a burglary alarm activation at Hoover Tactical Firearms at 1561 Montgomery Highway. Capt. Gregg Rector said officers arrived on scene and discovered a front window shattered, along with damage to a display case inside the store. The suspect had already fled the area prior to officers arrival. Evidence at the scene indicated the suspect used a large rock and a wooden pallet to gain entry. About three hours later, a Vestavia Hills patrol officer located a suspicious black male hiding among the cars at Hollywood Imports at 1472 Montgomery Highway. That person, Rector said, matched the description of the burglar and he also had a handgun in his possession. He was taken into custody and turned over to Hoover officers. He then led officers to the four other stolen handguns that he had hidden behind two nearby businesses. After being interviewed by detectives, he was transported to Jefferson County Family Court. The case was presented to the Jefferson County District Attorneys Office who issued petitions against the boy for third-degree burglary and first-degree theft of property. His name is not being released because of his age. "We know that this was the only suspect participating in breaking the glass, entering the store, and stealing the guns. But were also looking into the possibility that others could have been involved in planning this crime and maybe transporting him to the crime scene,'' Rector said. "The suspect claims that he walked from his home in Birmingham to commit this burglary but Im not sure were buying that. This case could have had a horribly tragic ending for a 13-year-old whos making absolutely horrible decisions. " All 15-year-old petrol and 10-year-old diesel vehicles need to be impounded in Delhi-NCR, the Supreme Court ruled on Monday as air quality became more dangerous. Politicians, however, continued to do what they do best - play the blame game. The judicial intervention came on a day when pollution in 10 areas in Delhi hit the severe mark - the sixth and the last stage on the air quality index. Overall, air quality was in the second most alarming category: very poor. "If you take a walk in the evening to Old Delhi railway station, you will see poor people on cycle rickshaws. They have no option..." the court said. "Hundreds of people are earning their livelihood like that... Will you tell them to kill themselves by working in this pollution?" it asked Delhi government authorities. Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, however, blamed Congress-ruled Punjab and BJP-ruled Haryana, saying crop stubble burning in the two states had triggered the crisis. He also blamed the Centre for "inaction". Union environment minister Harsh Vardhan hit back at the AAP chief and said, "I would like to say to him that there are a few things on which politics should not be played." The BJP leader referred to NASA images to claim fewer crop stubble burning incidences this season. Another Union minister and BJP leader, Vijay Goel, said Kejriwal was misleading people. "He should clean Delhi and not blame others," he said. Inside the court, a bench headed by Justice Madan B Lokur was firm in its order that old, smoke-billowing vehicles will be impounded if found plying in Delhi-NCR. It ordered their lists be published on the websites of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the transport department. Advertisements in this regard will also be published in newspapers. The CPCB will immediately create a social media account for citizens to lodge complaints about pollution, said the bench that also comprised Justices S Abdul Nazeer and Deepak Gupta. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had also banned such vehicles in Delhi-NCR. But the ban had not been taken seriously. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court-appointed EPCA informed the top court on Monday that commercial vehicles like trucks and taxis were the major source of pollution in the National Capital, and that there was a need to control their operation. The Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) said that heavy commercial vehicles release very high levels of carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide. It pointed in its report that taxis like Ola, Uber travel 400 km per day, as against personal cars that travel 55 km per day, and even if these vehicles use CNG, their net contribution to pollution will be high. The report said taxis and autorickshaws must use the cleanest fuel and technology. The EPCA filed a report on the status of implementation of orders on air pollution in Delhi-NCR and on further directions needed, given the severity of the problem. 'Tech help needed' The EPCA's report suggested measures such as cleaning up vehicles through technology and to reduce and restrain the growth of individual vehicles through massively augmented public transport systems, so as to re-check the sources of pollution. The report cited the 2018 Emission Inventory of Delhi, released by the Union ministry of earth sciences, according to which there has been a 40 per cent increase in vehicular pollution between 2010 and 2018 in Delhi and its adjoining areas, thereby making them the key contributors to air pollution in the National Capital. Out of all the vehicles, heavy commercial vehicles like trucks and other ones such as taxis are the major pollution source, with very high carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide emissions, it said. The report stressed on the fact that industries now contribute up to 18 per cent of the air pollution in the city, and that industrial pollution has increased by a whopping 48 per cent between 2010 and 2018. With PTI Inputs Wardine Alexander was appointed to the District 7 seat on the Birmingham City Council during todays regular scheduled council meeting. The former president of the Birmingham Board of Education was elected in a 5-to-3 vote. Council President Valerie Abbott and Councilors William Parker, Hunter Williams, Darrell OQuinn and Steven Hoyt voted for Alexander. Councilors Lashunda Scales, Shelia Tyson and John Hilliard voted for Lonnie Malone. This was the second week city councilors took a vote on a replacement for Council President Pro Tem Jay Roberson who resigned from his seat effective Sept. 10. Last week, councilors voted twice but both times they were tied between Alexander and Malone. Alexander lost her bid for re-election to the Birmingham Board of Education late last year. Malone, who has run for a seat on the council before, received the support from eight District 7 residents who spoke during last weeks meeting. Alexander was sworn in to office during todays meeting. Councilor William Parker was elected to president pro tem, who is the second in command on the council. Councilors Lashunda Scales and Sheila Tyson are stepping down from their council seats effective Nov. 14. Thats when both will be sworn in to their seats on the Jefferson County Commission. Abbott said she is now accepting resumes for replacements for the District 1 and District 6 seats. A grand jury will review the case of a Birmingham woman whos charged with fatally shooting her daughter in June. Angela Cooper, 57, is charged with reckless manslaughter in the death of her daughter Tiffany Cooper. After a preliminary hearing Tuesday, Jefferson County Circuit Judge Virginia Vinson bound the case over to a grand jury for possible indictment. Its a horrible tragedy, Vinson said before binding over the case. And I know Ms. [Angela] Cooper will suffer from it from now on. The shooting happened on June 18. Birmingham police Det. Steven Fisher testified at the hearing and said he was called to Angelas home, located in the 1200 block of 16th Place southwest, around 7 p.m. that night. When he arrived, 35-year-old Tiffany Coopers body was still on the scene. Fisher said the victims sister, one of Angelas other children, was at the home when the shooting happened. She told Fisher that Tiffany came over and started arguing with Angela about $300 that Angela owed Tiffany. Angela told Tiffany she only had about $200 and would have to pay the remaining $100 at a later time. The mother and daughter got into a verbal altercation, Fisher said, and Tiffany tried to shove Angela. Angela told Tiffany to leave, and Fisher said Tiffany left the house with her brother. Several minutes after leaving though, Tiffany came back and tried to grab Angelas wallet from her bedroom, Fisher said. Fisher said, according to Tiffanys sister, Angela pulled a gun out of her purse and the gun went off. Tiffany was struck in the face and was pronounced dead at the scene. Angela talked to police before her arrest. Fisher said Angela told him the same story as her daughter explained, but said she grabbed the gun to scare Tiffany and make her leave. But, Angela said, the gun accidentally fired. The coroners report showed no evidence the gun was fired at close range, and Fisher said he didnt believe Angela intended to shoot her daughter. Deputy District Attorney William McComb is prosecuting the case. Its a terrible situation obviously I dont think this is a case where intentional murder [charge] would be appropriate, McComb said. [But] she did recklessly discharge that weapon, whether she meant to or not. Attorneys Livingston Walls and Roderick Walls are representing Angela. Livingston Walls said that pulling out a gun to scare someone doesnt equal criminal intent, and that Tiffany acted in a manner to put herself in this position. I dont think this is a crime at all its a horrible tragedy, Livingston Walls said. Following testimony and closing statements from the attorneys, Vinson said there was probable cause for the charge of reckless manslaughter. Angela is free on a $20,000 bond. After nearly a decade, Homewood is on the cusp of securing a pedestrian bridge for Hollywood Boulevard over U.S. 280. Elected officials from the city, Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills and Birmingham announced that they have come up with the $1 million needed for the pedestrian bridge, which connects the communities, for runners and cyclists. Its great that we saw a cooperation between governments to make this happen, to resolve what is a real safety issue, a community issue, for our citizens, said state Rep. David Faulkner, R-Mountain Brook. Well have a pedestrian bridge thatll cross 280, thatll offer a safe access, a safe ingress and egress between these communities. State Sen. Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham, who was among the state officials who helped secure discretionary funds for the project, said the effort was an example of cooperation between neighborhoods. We were concerned about the safety of our citizens, Smitherman said. If you come out here early in the morning to see how many people are running and how many people are dodging to make sure theyre not hit by cars, youll see that this is long overdue. Homewood City Councilwoman Jennifer Andress, who led the plan for the bridge, said she expects the structure to be in place by the spring. The municipalities and Jefferson County will be forming a cooperative district so they can set up a bank account and start the bidding process on the project. She said the group is expected to form the cooperative district at the Nov. 20 Birmingham City Council meeting. Faulkner said the bridge would be constructed off-site. The section of U.S. 280 where the bridge would be attached would be closed between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. for one or two days. Homewood City Councilman Peter Wright said the municipalities have attempted to greenlight the project for at least seven years. The $1 million project was partially financed by $50,000 in private and corporate donations, according to Mountain Brook City Council President Virginia Smith. Among the groups that have committed money to the pedestrian bridge include Raymond James and the Birmingham Track Club, which pledged $10,000 apiece. The masked gunman who died after opening fire inside a Birmingham McDonalds has now been identified. The Jefferson County Coroners Office identified the man has Antonio Demond Sanders. He was 24 and lived in Birmingham. He had only recently completed The Dannon Project, a program aimed at reducing recidivism. The shooting happened about 10:45 p.m. at the Lomb Avenue restaurant. Sanders was taken to Princeton Baptist Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 11:16 p.m. A father who was eating inside the restaurant with his two teen sons was injured by Sanders gunfire as was his 17-year-old son. He returned fire and killed Sanders. Sgt. Bryan Shelton said the restaurant was closing for the night and the manager was unlocking the door to let out the father and his sons. As the door was opened, a masked man now identified as Sanders - burst inside and opened fire. The exiting customer was able to return fire, striking Sanders. A witness said she was at the drive-thru and had just ordered her food when she heard eight or nine shots ring out. She said people started running from the restaurant, including children. She said she then heard two more shots fired. Authorities have not identified the father or his son. They have not released any information since on the scene Saturday night and Sunday morning except to say the investigation is ongoing. Video surveillance is among the evidence they are reviewing. They will present all of their evidence to the Jefferson County District Attorneys Office for review, but dont expect any charges to be filed. Initial police scanner reports said the shooting may have happened during a robbery, but police have not confirmed whether Sanders was intending to rob the restaurant or was targeting someone inside the restaurant. Court records show Sanders pleaded guilty in July to possession of marijuana and carrying a pistol without a license. He entered the plea after taking part in The Dannon Project program. During his time in the program, according to a letter on file from a court advocate, Sanders completed a mental toughness program orientation and started several occupational training classes, including success lab courses and financial literacy. He had decided to pursue certification in forklift operation. Because of his compliance and dedication in our program, we are happy and eager to reportthat Mr. Sanders has demonstrated a propensity of progressive success and law-abiding citizentry, reads a letter to the judges in Sanders cases. When our nation formulates plans to reduce recidivism and enable second changes, Antonio Sanders' post incarceration journey is the example all similarly situated participants should emulate. Sanders was given probation, but records show a judge had revoked his probation on Monday, before Sanders had been identified as the person killed over the weekend. The reason for the revocation was not immediately available. "Right now it appears the victim made a decision that cost his life and the father made a decision that preserved his and childrens' life,'' Shelton said. Anyone with information is asked to call Birmingham police at 205-254-1764 or Crimes Stoppers at 205-254-7777. UPDATE: The ramp reopened late Tuesday night. ORIGINAL ARTICLE The Alabama Department of Transportation announced that the bridge leading from the northbound Red Mountain Expressway, (U.S. Hwy 31/280) to Interstate 59/20 North will be shut down until further notice for construction, beginning Tuesday at 4 p.m. According to the news release, the closure is related to the multi-year project to rebuild the bridges of I-59/20 through downtown Birmingham, including interchanges with the Red Mountain Expressway. The project is expected to close the interstate through downtown for more than a year beginning in early 2019. The closure announced Tuesday will impact motorists headed north on the Red Mountain Expressway through downtown Birmingham to take 59/20 toward Atlanta/Gadsden. ALDOT said an announcement will be made when the ramps reopen. Motorists are encouraged to consider using alternate routes, adjust arrival/departure times, observe work zone speed limits and other work zone signs, and use extreme caution in this area. A husband and wife killed at the Irondale motel they owned and operated for years were beaten to death with a hammer, according to newly-released court records. Steven Richard Mulkey, 28, worked as a handyman for the victims - 77-year-old Ching Kao and his wife, 76-year-old Siumei Kao. The couple was fatally bludgeoned on Sunday, Sept. 16, and their bodies dumped in a wooded area off Rex Lake Road. Mulkey is charged with capital murder the in the couples slayings. The affidavit in the case made public after the suspect was returned to Alabama and appeared in court Monday for the first time said Mulkey beat Siu Mei Kao and/or Ching Kao with a hammer and/or a wooden handle and/or a pipe. Mulkey has been appointed attorneys from the Jefferson County Public Defenders Office and has a preliminary hearing set for Dec. 11. A family member reported the couple missing on Friday, Sept. 21. Irondale police responded to the Siesta Motel on a welfare check. Once at the hotel, police found the couple gone. Irondale Police Chief Ken Atkinson said the safe was missing from the office and there was blood in the surrounding areas. At least one dog had been left behind in the office, in which there appeared to have been some kind of disturbance. A review of surveillance footage showed the couple being beaten. The video showed the blunt-force trauma attack, which police said was brutal. "It does show them attacked in the office of the motel,'' Atkinson said of the video. The couple had owned the motel since at least 2005, but the business has been closed since January for code violations, and the victims were the only people living there. A search was launched for the handyman. U.S. Marshal Marty Keely said Mulkey was arrested Sept. 25 at the Hometown Inn in Virginia by the U.S. Marshals Capitol Area Fugitive Task Force. Information provided by the Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force led to the arrest. Irondale investigators immediately traveled to Virginia to interview Mulkey who confessed to the killings and told investigators where he dumped the bodies off Rex Lake Road. He waived extradition and was brought back to Jefferson County on Oct. 24. He remains held without bond. Court records show Mulkey pleaded guilty in December 2013 to a charge of third-degree robbery. He was originally charged with first-degree robbery but pleaded to a reduced charge. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison with 30 months to serve followed by five years of probation, Mulkey was sent to Taylor Hardin Secure Medical Center in Tuscaloosa, which is responsible for providing comprehensive psychiatric evaluation/treatment to the criminally committed. The court ordered that Mulkey continue his mental health treatments once he was released from the facility. In 2014, according records, Mulkeys probation officer reported that mental health officers notified him to say that Mulkey had failed to show up for his injections and appointments. The nature of his mental illness and treatment was not detailed in court records. Formal charges have been filed in a Saturday afternoon shooting that left a Birmingham man dead. Ronald Williams Johnson was booked into the Jefferson County Jail just before 1:30 p.m. Monday. He is charged with murder in the slaying of 27-year-old Korey Carlisle. The shooting happened at 12:44 p.m. in the 600 block of Goldwire Place. Birmingham police Sgt. Bryan Shelton said South Precinct officers responded to a call of a person shot and deceased at the location. Once on the scene, they found Carlisle dead at the bottom of a staircases. Medics officials pronounced him dead on the scene. Shelton said the investigation showed Carlisle drove to location and engaged in a conversation with the suspect, who has not yet been identified. Shortly after that conversation began, a single shot rang out and struck Carlisle. Korey CarliseZWnWhlX7Yx2Wa1JufDUk1buzHy4fO6Vf5fMMdVskw65XrXhKLH1m6hIUnVvNx8iyZN37Qhc35PpFpv7I4FuFQw== Investigators and acquaintances said the killing involved an ongoing dispute between the suspect and the victim. Johnson is being held in the Jefferson County Jail with bond set at $75,000. Family members of Carlisle, who was a father, have started a GoFundMe to help pay for his funeral. An investigation is underway after a student reportedly made threats on social media. Trussville Police Lt. Phil Dillon said the 14-year-old male student made threats against a few students. He did not elaborate. The Trussville Tribune said a message sent from Hewitt-Trussville Principal Dr. Lisa Berry to faculty stated a student allegedly threatened to create a hit list for Hewitt-Trussville Middle School. The message said the student is not attending the school at this time. The principal said in the message, according to the Tribune, that there was not a hit list posted on social media, but rather a threat to create a hit list. As soon as we found out about it, we started investigating the threat and have made contact with the suspects father, Dillon said. No arrests have been announced and the case remains under investigation. A juvenile student has been charged with making a terrorist threat after Muscle Shoals High School officials found a threatening note at the school on Friday, according to Muscle Shoals police. Police are not releasing the students name. Muscle Shoals High School authorities contacted Muscle Shoals police after finding a note, which they said referenced a threat to the school. The student was taken into custody Sunday night, police said. The student was charged with making a terrorist threat Monday. Muscle Shoals police say they are still working with Muscle Shoals City Schools administrators and staff concerning safety on campus. We will continue to provide an enhanced police presence for coming days in order to east the concerns of parents, students and staff, Chief of Police Clint Reck said in a statement posted on Facebook. Further details about the threat were not immediately available. Tuskegee police are asking for the publics help in identifying a man police say fired shots from the front door of a business during a rap concert in Tuskegee on Sept. 23. Officials say they have obtained video of the unidentified black male firing a handgun from the front door of a business near County Road 10 and Highway 29. A rap artist from Montgomery was performing at the business at the time, officials said. We have made several arrests in connection with this incident, but we still need the citizens help in identifying the black male seen firing recklessly in the video provided, said Tuskegee Assistant Chief L. Jenkins. We also need help in identifying any other individuals involved. We want citizens to be able to go to establishments and not fear being possibly shot, while trying to have a good time. This type of behavior will not be tolerated and we will prosecute all involved to the fullest extent of the law. Jenkins said they believe information about this incident could help the investigating a homicide that happened the same day on Martin Luther King Boulevard. Police have identified the victim of that fatal shooting as David Wright IV. Just after 2 a.m. Sept. 23, police found Wright suffering from a gunshot wound in the 400 block of East Martin Luther King Highway, officials said. Wright was taken to Piedmont Columbus Regional Medical Center by medical helicopter, where he was pronounced dead, officials said. No one has been charged with Wrights death. Anyone who knows the man shown firing shots should contact Tuskegee police at 334-727-9865 or submit a tip anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 215-STOP. Updated at 10:45 p.m. to add a video of the shooting incident provided by Tuskegee police. India has witnessed innumerable spats between the country's banking regulator-the Reserve Bank of India-and the government of India. In recent memory, the Raghuram Rajan-Arun Jaitley and the Chidambaram-D Subbarao war of words have been the most prominent. But let's not forget the RN Malhotra-Rajiv Gandhi spat. The ongoing spat between Urjit Patel-Viral Acharya and finance minister Arun Jaitley, however, is unprecedented and has brought in the open the fractured relationship between the RBI and the government. It began within months of the new Governor Urjit Patel taking charge at the RBI, when in November 2016 the prime minister demonetised the old Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes. The RBI had to bear the brunt for the botched and awfully delayed execution of re-monetisation even though by all accounts the decision appears to have been thrust down its throat. But the real blame game began with the $2 billion PNB-Nirav Modi scam when the RBI was blamed for being a sleepy regulator while the fugitive perpetrated the fraud for 7 long years under its nose and fled the country before he could be caught. The banking regulator tried to excuse itself by suggesting that it wasn't empowered enough to act against the banks. However, finance minister Arun Jaitley and deputy FM Shiv Pratap Shukla promptly hit back saying the RBI has enough powers to regulate banks, particularly the public sector banks. The Centre also rejected RBI's demand to remove its members from the boards of public sector banks. Having been bitten twice, the RBI went into an overdrive and pre-emptive action in the sector. First it removed erring bank chiefs such as Shikha Sharma from Axis Bank and Rana Kapoor from Yes Bank allegedly for hidden NPAs and dodgy accounts and then ICICI Bank's Chanda Kochhar for alleged impropriety. But two actions are believed to have caught the government completely unaware. First, RBI's circular in February directed banks to acknowledge every loan delayed beyond the 90th day as a non-performing asset and provision for it. This alone raised India's NPAs by nearly 25 per cent to over Rs 10 lakh crore. Ruling party's opposition members tried to capitalise on the rising NPAs in the economy by suggesting the economy is in a mess. Roads minister Nitin Gadkari publicly criticised the move. Second, RBI's decision to put 11 weakest banks under prompt corrective action (PCA) framework has barred them from lending and expanding their loan book. PCA also requires them to improve their finances by exiting non-core businesses to get back to profitability. But it is RBI's intransigence over the government's suggestions to relax the norms that has them sparring. If the RBI was acting on its own, would the government be left behind? The Centre's move to introduce Project Sashakt during the brief tenure of Piyush Goyal as the finance minister in Jaitley's leave of absence didn't go down well with the RBI. 'Sashakt' gave a long rope to non-performing assets providing them between 90-180 additional days before they could be brought before the insolvency and bankruptcy process the RBI is pushing so aggressively. It was considered an extra-constitutional provision to resolve bad assets since the process of dealing with them is already well laid out. Also read: No, Dr Viral Acharya! The RBI is neither an independent nor an autonomous institution The breakdown of trust and the turf war between the two came out yet again when the RBI representative put out a dissent note to Inter-Ministerial Committee for finalisation of amendments to the Payment & Settlement Systems Act, 2007. The Committee recommended setting up an independent Payments Regulator outside the ambit of the RBI. RBI saw it as an attack on its powers and an attempt to shrink its authority over the banking space. "Payment systems are a sub-set of currency which is regulated by the RBI. The overarching impact of Monetary policy on payment and settlement systems and vice versa provides support for regulation of payment systems to be with the monetary authority," the dissent note said. Of late the two sides have also disagreed over the liquidity in the system. While the government believes RBI needs to infuse higher liquidity in the banking system to let NBFCs tide over an apparent financial crunch, the RBI believes there is enough liquidity in the system. The trust deficit is evident in the unceremonious removal of Nachiket Mor from the board of RBI; surprise appointment of RSS ideologue S Gurumurthy to the board giving rise to allegations that Sangh may be infiltrating the regulator. Besides, the delay in filling the vacancies of the non-official directors (the 21-member board still has 3 vacancies). It has now reached a breaking point with Viral Acharya's comments suggesting that the Centre is being myopic and playing a T20 match while the RBI is trying to play a test match. And even though the Centre seems to be in no mood to worsen the crisis by removing the Governor, especially with state and general elections round the corner, the crisis can only be resolved by sitting across the table. If it isn't, expect a crackdown once the general elections are over. Barely three percent of Gazas drinking water wells is fit for human consumption, and the crisis is claiming lives. This article is the second of a two-part series on Gazas water crisis. The first, which examines Gazas water and health catastrophe, was published on Monday, October 29. Gaza When it comes to survival in Gaza, safe, clean drinking water is not at the top of Mousa Hillahs list of priorities. Since the 2014 war, Hillah, known to neighbours and family as Abu Ali, has had far bigger worries, which are etched deeply into the exhausted face of the 48-year-old grandfather. Dodging shell fire from Israeli tanks, he fled with his family from the destruction of his Shujaiyya neighbourhood, flattened by Israel in an attack so devastating 7,000 shells in barely an hour that it astonished even US military officials. (Holy bejeezus! one retired general exclaimed.) The family took refuge for months in an in-laws house near the sea, along with 50 other people. When they returned, Abu Ali found his home the one he had built after 30 years of working construction in Israel utterly destroyed. Brick by board, he rebuilt it, adorning his front entrance, in a dose of biting irony, with repurposed tank shells. And now, as he sits in the filtered morning light beneath a lattice of grape leaves, he worries less about potable water than the Israeli drone buzzing overhead often the harbinger of another attack. God forbid if the military on either side, Israel or Egypt, starts shooting people approaching the fence, desperate for clean water. Gidon Bromberg, director of Ecopeace Middle East, based in Tel Aviv I want to sleep well, Abu Ali says, as his family takes refuge inside the rebuilt house. I dont feel safe in my home. So the brackish, undrinkable water that sputters from his tap, or the sweet water with possible faecal contamination in his rooftop tank: these are issues Abu Ali files under the category of extreme nuisance. This very morning, for example, the electricity came on only from 6:30 to 8:30. It shut off before the water delivery truck arrived too late to pump the water to the roof, Abu Ali complains. A shortage of drinking water is a major concern, but clearly, worrying about the buzzing drone takes priority. Gazas water catastrophe Yet if the Gaza Strip truly becomes uninhabitable by 2020, as the UN and humanitarian groups warn, it will be largely because of the utter collapse of the system for delivering safe drinking water and properly disposing of disease-causing sewage. Because of Gazas water and sewage catastrophe, medical experts are now seeing sharp increases in waterborne and foodborne diseases, including gastroenteritis, severe diarrhoea, salmonella, typhoid fever, an alarming magnitude of stunting in young children, and even something called blue baby syndrome. Independent, peer-reviewed medical studies also document an alarming rise in anaemia and infant mortality. And doctors in Gazas hospitals now report increased cases of paediatric cancer. For years these torments seemed sealed off from the outside world by layers of fences, locked gates, patrolling Israeli drones and warplanes, and international disdain and indifference. Now, finally, from Washington to European capitals, and even to the Israeli security infrastructure in Tel Aviv, alarm bells are going off, warning that something must be done to prevent the water catastrophe in Gaza from spinning out of control. If you really want to change the lives of people, you have to solve the water issue first, says Adnan Abu Hasna, Gaza spokesperson for the UN Palestinian refugee agency, UNRWA. How did the water crisis begin? The crisis essentially began with the creation of Israel in 1948, when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were driven from their towns and villages and the population of Gaza quadrupled in a matter of weeks. Now, three-quarters of Gazas two million people are refugees. Their descendants put immense pressure on Gazas aquifer, drawing it down so far that seawater is flowing in. What is increasing the pressure on the aquifer are the billions of gallons pumped by Gazas now debilitated citrus industry, and the billions more by Gazas Israeli settlers, who helped drain a sweet pocket of Gaza water before Israel removed them in 2005. Now, barely three percent of Gazas drinking water wells are fit for human consumption. The aquifer is badly contaminated with disease-causing nitrates from pesticide use, and from sewage which flows freely as Gazas sewage plant is shut down for lack of electricity. The blockade has also delayed the entry of vital water infrastructure in some cases, for years at a time [Abdel Kareem Hana/Al Jazeera] And the desalinated drinking water used by two-thirds of Gazans, according to tests by the Palestinian Water Authority, is prone to faecal contamination, causing more disease and making it a severe risk for Gazas children. Israels bombing of water delivery infrastructure including wells, water towers and pipelines, and sewage plants in the 2014 war, made matters much worse. A comprehensive peace deal, in theory, could have eliminated the challenges by connecting Gaza to the West Bank, where the vast Mountain Aquifer is big enough to drown Gazas water crisis. As it is, there is no peace. The two territories are splintered, and Israel has effective control over all of the water from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean. As a health epidemic looms, experts, politicians, humanitarian officials and ordinary Gazans are left to debate the best way out of Gazas water catastrophe. Stolen by the Israelis We have 15 percent of our water resources, and the rest is stolen by the Israelis, says Mazen Al Banna, deputy minister for the Hamas governments water authority. As he speaks, the wail of an ambulance and a slow mournful dirge pass by the ministers Gaza City office a memorial for three Gazans killed in Israeli air attacks the previous day. Decades ago, Israel captured the Jordan River, directing much of its flow into Israels National Water Carrier. {articleGUID} Equally important, it controls the Mountain Aquifer, exercising its power under the Oslo accords to prohibit Palestinians from drilling wells even though the aquifer lies almost entirely beneath the West Bank. And this is against international law, says Al Banna. Im talking about Palestinian water rights. It is very important. Yet arguing for Palestinian water rights is akin to debating the right of return for Palestinian refugees. It may be inscribed in international law, but it remains a distant and faltering prospect within the current political reality. Instead, Hamas ministers and everyone else in Gaza must contend with Israels ongoing economic siege, which has restricted the movement of basic goods, including medical supplies and crucial parts for water infrastructure. Occupation and siege are the primary impediments to the successful promotion of public health in the Gaza Strip, declared a 2018 study in the Lancet, which cited significant and deleterious effects to health care. According to a 2017 report by the Israeli human rights group Btselem: During the siege, the health system has further deteriorated due to the lack of medical equipment, medicines, and rescue vehicles, and because of the frequent, prolonged power blackouts. The Israeli siege sharply restricts the movement of people and materials to and from Gaza including dual-use materials it claims could serve both civilian and military purposes. This is a direct reason why nearly half the population is unemployed, and an increasing number of Gazans now more than three-quarters of the population are dependent on humanitarian aid. The blockade has also delayed the entry of vital water infrastructure in some cases, for years at a time. A proposed desalination plant for Gaza City, for example one of a series of proposed plants has been delayed since 2010 because of dual-use restrictions. Eight years, says Yasmin Bashir, project coordinator for Gazas Coastal Municipal Water Utility. We got the funding in 2012. This plant is supposed to serve the people who are suffering from bad quality, high salinity water. For years Bashir continued to submit a long list of material for Israeli approval, including pipes, pumps, and spare parts for the desalination plant. But because of the blockade and frequent closure, that delayed the material entry into Gaza. And that is just one project. We manage more than 25 projects nowadays, Bashir added. Now, even voices within Israels military and security infrastructure are sounding warnings. According to a 2017 report by Israels Institute for National Security Studies, severe limits on access and movement imposed by Israel and Egypt have hindered post-conflict repair and reconstruction. Israels long list of dual-use items, according to the report, includes 23 essential items needed for Gazas WASH sector (water, sewage and hygiene), such as pumps, drilling equipment, and chemicals for water purification. Is desalination the solution? A consensus is now emerging between the Palestinian Authority, the UN, international donors, and even, it appears, the Israeli army, to establish a network of large desalination and sewage plants. This solution carries an, at least, 500 million euro price tag, and is years away from operation, at best if its ever built. Of course Gaza needs this project, says Rebhi al Sheikh, former deputy minister for the Ramallah-based Palestinian Water Authority. Others criticise the large, expensive development solution as inappropriate technology for an impoverished population that would struggle to afford desalinated water. The fantastic plans, says Ramallah-based German hydrologist Clemens Messerschmid, fail to account for the fact that Gaza cant afford it. You just start crying if you look at the GDP. A Palestinian boy pours water into a container from a desalination plant [File: Ibrahim Khatib/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images] He argues that outside contractors, including in Israel, would be the biggest beneficiaries of the desalination scheme. Perhaps more to the point, says Messerschmid, the amount of water to be produced by the plant wont ultimately meet Gazas needs. You dont reach these quantities under realistic conditions in Gaza. Yet the desalination plan appears to be gaining momentum. The PAs concerns about Gazas water crisis are joined by humanitarian agencies, foreign governments, and even, it appears, an emergency response committee of the Israeli army. In a Gaza Emergency Response document circulated to unnamed Friends and Colleagues, the Israeli army calls for an immediate humanitarian response to enhance the energy supply and increase the access to potable water in Gaza. Despite the desalination push, a pilot plant in southern Gaza barely operates. A midday visit in late summer revealed a quiet plant; birds were chirping in the rafters above the idle plant floor: no power. We dont have more than four hours these days, said plant manager Kamal Abu Moamar. But we hope. He is waiting for his superiors, PA ministers to solve the problem. But we dont know how or when. Even if the plants are built, theres no guarantee they would remain standing. Some officials question whether Israel would decide to bomb the desalination plants in the next Gaza war, just as it bombed Gazas power plant and other critical infrastructure in previous wars. Nobody can tell Israel that you are doing the wrong thing, says Hamass Al Banna. Israel is doing everything against international law but nobody can prevent Israel doing everything she wants to do. In the Emergency Response document, the Israel army endorses the Gaza desalination plan, but so far has offered no guarantees it wouldnt target these plants in the next war. Al Jazeera contacted an Israeli army spokesman a dozen times, but did not receive a response by time the of publishing. So the question came to Gregor von Medeazza, a UNICEF water and sanitation expert working in Gaza: Under the circumstances, is investing hundreds of millions in donor funds wasnt too big a risk? Any infrastructure is a risk he said, [But] what is the way forward? Beyond Gazas borders Other risks abound, both with Gazas water and its sewage, which flows into the sea at a rate of 110 million litres a day. These risks flow well beyond Gazas borders, flowing north in the currents. Gidon Bromberg, director of Ecopeace Middle East, based in Tel Aviv, said Gaza sewage led to the closure of Israeli beaches, and even at one point the shutdown of the desalination plant in Ashkelon, which supplies Israel with 15 percent of its drinking water. Bromberg says Israelis cannot continue to ignore the humanitarian disaster in Gaza. He called it a ticking time bomb, and warned of an outbreak of pandemic disease a direct consequence of Gazas contaminated water. If that happens, Bromberg says, Gazans could flock to the fence on Israels border not with stones or rockets, but with buckets, demanding clean water. God forbid if the military on either side, Israel or Egypt, starts shooting people approaching the fence, desperate for clean water. Punitive measures Baghdad imposed on its Kurdish region have sent many Iraqi Kurds on dangerous journeys to Europe. Zakho, Iraq When the boat turned over, Mahabad Ismael struggled to get to the surface. When she did, she found her husband, Issa, and her 12-year-old son, Abdullah. Her other four children were nowhere in sight. My boy started crying: Where are they? They died. They died. No, I said, they are alive. They are around, she recalls. But he didnt believe her. From the shock of what had happened, he started shaking and eventually drowned. She couldnt save him. Then she saw all members of an Afghan family die one after the other, their bodies floating around her. Then the waves swallowed a Kurdish man called Mohammed. And then her husband, Issa. She was left all alone in the darkness, fighting for her life amid a stormy sea. Mahabad spent 28 hours in the water off the coast of the Turkish town of Karaburun, praying and thinking of her dead children. She was the sole survivor of a boat of 35 people Syrians, Afghans and Iraqi Kurds who had tried to reach the Greek island of Chios. Dressed in black and sitting in the guest room of her relatives home, Mahabad speaks with difficulty of the tragedy that took her whole family on October 9. She takes long pauses but does not cry. It is a miracle I survived, it is what God ordained, she says. Eventually, sea currents pushed her to the shore, where she found the strength to pick herself up and start walking. She tried to wave down cars passing by but no one would stop. She tried knocking on doors, but no one would open. Finally, two Turkish men walking a dog saw her and tried to help. Still wearing her lifejacket and dripping wet, she was taken to the local gendarmerie and then to hospital where doctors took care of her swollen body. She later found out that a few bodies had been recovered from the shore. With a heavy heart, she went to the morgue where she recognised her husband, her eldest son and the Afghan lady and her husband who had been on the boat with them. A few days later, relatives came to take her and the two bodies back to her village of Dashtmere near the Iraqi Kurdish town of Zakho. Apart from her family, 13 other Iraqi Kurds died on that boat. Dashtmere is a relatively poor village in the otherwise prosperous Zakho region near the Iraq-Turkey border [Mariya Petkova/Al Jazeera] Zakho is a relatively prosperous town, with many families working in trade and transportation linked to the nearby Ibrahim Khalil border crossing between Turkey and the Kurdish region, the main gateway for the billions-worth of Turkish goods that Iraq imports. Like most Kurdish cities, it remained relatively safe and stable during the advance of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) and the subsequent war effort to dismantle it. For the decade and a half since the 2003 US invasion of Iraq, the Kurdish region prospered, its residents enjoying a much higher standard of living than the rest of the country. Yet over the past four years, large numbers of Iraqi Kurds have attempted the dangerous journey to Europe. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) currently does not release official statistics on legal and illegal emigration, says Abdel Majid Shoukri, the head of the office of the Ministry of Migration and the Displaced in Dohuk Province, where Zakho is located. I think the government doesnt publish the statistics because it doesnt want to encourage young people to emigrate or to despair them, he says. In his estimate, thousands of Iraqi Kurds leave each year using human smuggling channels through Turkey to Europe, and hundreds die along the way, killed by the sea, harsh weather, or by the smugglers themselves. According to Barzoo Eliassi, Associate Professor at the Swedish Linnaeus University, between 2003 and 2013, the economic prosperity of Iraqs Kurdish region encouraged many Kurds who had emigrated before to come back. But the political disputes that started between the KRG and Baghdad starting in 2013-2014 and the drop in oil prices gradually worsened the economic situation. A lot of major infrastructure projects were put on hold and foreign investment decreased, while the government cut the salaries of state employees. But apart from the Erbil-Baghdad dispute, part of the blame for the deteriorating socioeconomic situation in the Kurdish region should also be put on the Kurdish political elite, says Eliassi. In Kurdistan, we have two parties, which, like parties in the rest of the Middle East, are run by two families [who] rule everything. They rule the economy, the military, [] the institutions and so on, he says. The wild corruption in the Kurdistan region has made many people frustrated. In his opinion, the 20-year-old power-sharing agreement between the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) has limited access to resources for people who are not directly affiliated with the two parties. In this regard, however, the Kurdish region is no different from the rest of Iraq, where some of the regions richest in oil, such as Basra, are also the poorest and most underdeveloped, Eliassi points out. The political elite in Iraq is [so] corrupt that it has made many, particularly in our part of Iraq, yearn for Saddam [Husseins era], he says. Last year, after the independence referendum conducted by the KRG, the Iraqi central government imposed an air blockade on the Kurdish region and cut its share of the countrys budget, which exacerbated the KRGs economic woes even further. This inevitably affected the region of Zakho. It was the familys worsening economic situation that ultimately pushed Issa, Mahabads husband, to take the decision to leave for Europe three months ago. To provide for his family, he had been running an electric generator and selling electricity to other residents of their village during the long hours of blackouts which Iraq suffers from on a daily basis. When the cost of running the generator went up and the money was no longer enough to secure the future of his five children, Issa started thinking of emigration. Mahabads husband sold their house to help pay for the trip to Greece [Mariya Petkova/Al Jazeera] Both he and his wife have relatives in Italy, Germany and the UK, who they were hoping could help them once they reached Europe. The smuggler who arranged their trip was a man called Nazir, a German citizen originally from the Zakho area, Mahabad says. They paid $2,500 a person for their family of seven; to raise that much money, they had to sell their house in Dashtmere. After they travelled by plane to Istanbul, Nazir took them to Karabunu, near the city of Izmir, where they stayed three days. Just before boarding the motorboat that was supposed to take them across the sea to Chios island, Mohabad and Issa changed their mind and decided to go back to Iraq. Nazir, however, convinced them that they had to go after having spent all this money to get to Izmir. Half an hour after they left the shore, the boat started filling with water. Issa called Nazir twice asking him to either come and get them or call the Turkish police. Both times the smuggler said he would do that. But no one came to their rescue. Eventually, the boat ran out of fuel and a big wave turned it over. May God curse him. I would kill [Nazir] if I see him in the street. I lost my whole family in the sea because of him, says Mohabad. If he had just made one call to the police, they would have been alive today. Now, Mohabad spends her days hoping and waiting for the bodies of her four children to be retrieved so she can bury them and find some closure. Yambio, South Sudan On the red, dusty ground in Yambio, under a large mango tree, a group of 30 girls and boys, some wearing military clothes and some with guns next to them, sit in the shade eating biscuits while waiting for the start of the ceremony to release them from the army. The US ambassador and other guests are coming from the capital Juba to attend the event. They are part of the 900 children released from the armed forces in South Sudan in 2018, the country with one of the largest number of child soldiers in the world. The ceremony consists of them symbolically taking off the military clothes, and receiving blue UNICEF labelled notebooks and schoolbags. According to the UN, there are still 19,000 children in armed forces in South Sudan, a number contested by the army. We have concerns about the figures published by UNICEF. We dont know how they came up with those numbers. Now, its true that some other groups that were integrated into the SPLA had child soldiers among them. But our policy is clear: we dont want child soldiers, said Lul Ruai Koang, the spokesperson for the South Sudans People Defence Force (former SPLA). We gave their names to UNICEF. In Pibor or Yambio, they have been demobilised. We facilitate the process. After, its their responsibility to help them. Many of the children in the ceremony have already returned to their communities before the official release. They received medical screenings, counselling and psychosocial support as part of their rehabilitation, and some were assisted to return to school, while others received vocational training. Their families were also provided with food assistance. But across South Sudan and in refugee camps outside the country, there are children and youth who left or escaped from the armed forces but received no assistance and have not been through a rehabilitation programme. Depending on age, boys are either used as porters, cleaners, or are trained to fight. Girls are often taken as wives, and often return in their communities with children. We see depression, anxiety. They have intrusive thoughts that come back. That can be triggered by something happening, but of which they have no control. That can affect their functionality, says Rayan Fattouch, mental health specialist working in Yambio with Doctors Without Borders (known by its French initials, MSF). MSF is medically screening the children who were associated with armed groups. Part of it is the mental health aspect. They are dealing with children and young adults who are facing moderate to severe trauma. The child needs to feel embraced by his community. And that can change from one community to another, depending on the experiences they have been through. They have their own trauma, said Fattouch. Reporting for this story was supported by a grant from the Pulitzer Center. While Bolsonaro has offered no concrete political and economic plans for Brazil, I cannot but fear for our future. After comfortably winning Brazils presidential runoff on Sunday, controversial far-right candidate Jair Bolsonaro delivered a televised victory speech and said his administration is going to change the destiny of Brazil. The former army officer, who has been a member of Congress for nearly three decades, cited the Bible in his speech and, despite being elected with the help of the largest fake news campaign ever seen in Brazil, claimed that with his victory truth has triumphed. Bolsonaro, who ran on a promise to clean up Brazil and bring back traditional values, also said that he would respect the constitution and personal liberties. He said that wasnt just the words of a man but a promise to God. His speech succeeded in firing up his already ecstatic supporters, but did not offer any new clues into what he is planning to do regarding countless fundamental problems facing the worlds fourth-largest democracy when he takes over the presidency on January 1. No plan Throughout his eventful and divisive election campaign, Bolsonaro backtracked on several major pledges he had made previously, rendering it impossible for even the most seasoned analysts to determine exactly what Brazil may look like under his rule. In an interview with Globonews, for example, he announced that he could privatise Petrobras (Brazils largest company and pivot of the scandal that led to the Operation Car Wash), but he recanted the idea a month later. When asked what he will do to get the country out of economic turmoil when elected, he initially said that he does not understand economics, and that a specialist team led by his future minister of economy Paulo Guedes would be in charge of Brazils economy if and when he is in power. However, soon after that interview, he made it quite clear that he would not allow Guedes, an economist and cofounder of the investment bank BTG Pactual as well as liberal think-tank Instituto Millenium, to shape the economy on his own. When Guedes announced that he is planning to bring back a tax on banking transactions, Bolsonaro swiftly forced him to withdraw the proposal. On the campaign trail he first announced that he may withdraw Brazil from the Paris Climate Agreement, then he abandoned the idea; he later said that he would eliminate the environment ministry if elected, then backtracked once again. To this day, we do not know what path Brazils new government will follow regarding the environment. However, in light of all the comments he had made about the environment, even though most had since been retracted, many fear the Amazon may not survive a Bolsonaro presidency. On other subjects, he did not even make concrete promises that he could backtrack from, and only hinted at his intentions. For example, he did not lay out detailed proposals on how he plans to increase public safety and reduce the countrys record-breaking homicide rate. Instead, he said he is planning to give license to the military police officers to kill on duty, but he did not explain how this would help reduce violence and keep Brazilians safe. Promoting violence, polarising the nation Even though the president-elect did not yet provide a detailed, coherent plan or manifesto for us to analyse, his divisive, authoritarian and aggressive discourse rightfully caused many Brazilians and human rights advocates across the world to fear for the future of Brazil. Bolsonaros divisive rhetoric already empowered violent elements within the Brazilian society. According to an investigation by independent journalism group Agencia Publica, Bolsonaros supporters, nicknamed Bolsominions, were behind 50 separate attacks including beatings, a knife attack and a murder between September 30 and October 10. In the same period, six Bolsonaro supporters were also assaulted, the report found. Bolsonaro himself was the victim of an assassination attempt last month. The number of violent attacks by Bolsominions has risen since then. Two transsexual women were killed in two separate incidents on October 16 and October 19 by supporters of Bolsonaro, who once proclaimed that he is homophobic and very proud of it. On October 27, a young man was shot and killed while taking part in a campaign event for the now defeated presidential candidate, Fernando Haddad, in the north-eastern capital of Fortaleza. Police are investigating allegations that the shots were fired by a man who declared himself a Bolsonaro supporter. An eight-year-old boy was shot killed on Election Day, allegedly by a supporter of the president-elect who wanted to celebrate his victory by firing shots in the air. Bolsonaro once said he will make a Brazil for the majority adding that minorities have to bow down to the majority. Minorities [should] adapt themselves or simply disappear, which has caused many minority groups to prepare for the worst. Brazils LGBTQ community, which became the primary target of Bolsonaros supporters, is already talking about resistance, about uniting against hate and looking for ways to stay safe. Members of other minorities, such as black and indigenous communities, have also voiced their concerns, even saying thanks to Bolsonaro they are afraid to walk on the streets of their own country. Journalists, people who are tasked with keeping the actions of the government in check and informing the public about its crimes and mistakes are also feeling threatened. During Bolsonaros campaign, journalists have faced hacking, doxing and other threats. Two female journalists have been physically and verbally assaulted as they covered Bolsonaros victory in the state of Ceara. Moreover, Bolsonaros press officer, Carlos Eduardo Guimaraes, sent messages to journalists after his candidates victory, calling them trash. All in all, even though we do not really know what plans Bolsonaro has for Brazil (or whether he indeed has any plans), there is ample reason to fear for the future. The only thing the president-elect seems to be consistent about is his desire to follow the path most damaging, most aggressive and most divisive on every issue. What the opposition should do But now that a Bolsonaro presidency is inevitable, what can be done to hold his government in check? More importantly, is there still hope for the Brazilian democracy? While the Brazilian civil society seems ready and eager to stand its ground and fight to protect the rights of Brazils future generations, the actual opposition forces in the Brazilian parliament does not offer much assurance. The Workers Party (PT), which is hated by more than half the population and does not even have the support of everyone who voted for its candidate Fernando Haddad (many voted for him just because they were scared of the alternative), is the strongest bloc against Bolsonaro in the parliament. To make any gains against the new president, and succeed in stopping the erosion of fundamental rights in the country, they will need to make some drastic changes within their party. The PT MPs need to stop defending former President Lula de Silva, who is currently imprisoned for corruption, if they want to regain the publics trust. They need to stop arguing that former President Dilma Rousseff, who was impeached for illegally manipulating government accounts, was victim of a coup. They need to change their ways, stop contributing to the polarisation of the Brazilian society and demanding blind faith and obedience from their supporters. Unfortunately, few in Brazil believe the PT is capable of transforming itself into a successful and trustworthy opposition party. So it seems Bolsonaro and his party will soon have free reign to create a Brazil in which minorities are targeted, journalists are silenced and police can kill with impunity. Bolsonaro is a populist, who is nostalgic for the military dictatorship, supports torture and does not believe women should have equal employment rights. He is openly homophobic, does not care for the environment and tacitly supports slave labour. The agenda of Brazils president-elect may still be unclear, but the demise of Brazils democracy appears to be very near. Even if he is not likely to transform the country into a fully-fledged dictatorship, he seems determined to do something arguably worse: to construct a pseudo-democracy, in which appearances are kept and institutions pretend to work, but most citizens have no voice or political power. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance. Adeel Malik is Globe fellow in the economies of Muslim Societies at the University of Oxford. A balance of payments crisis has been silently brewing in Pakistan for the past year. With dwindling foreign exchange reserves and growing imports, the country has been struggling to meet its external financing needs. The country is in the grip of twin deficits, making it difficult to balance both its fiscal and external accounts. This is hardly a new challenge for Pakistan, since its macroeconomic vulnerabilities resurface every few years, forcing it to seek an external bailout. In 2008, Pakistan had to seek emergency assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) soon after a political transition took effect from Pervez Musharrafs military rule to a civilian government. Six years later, in the midst of declining global oil prices, the next elected government under Nawaz Sharif also signed up to an IMF programme. And once again, three months after assuming power, Pakistans newly elected government is desperately trying to shore up its foreign reserves and stave off a potential economic collapse. While Pakistans recurring economic crisis has multiple origins, including an undiversified export structure and the near stagnation of its large-scale manufacturing, the countrys economic dilemma is best illustrated by its fiscal disorder. The fiscal deficit ballooned to 6.2 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) this year. This fiscal crisis emanates from limited constraints on spending, fuelled by politically motivated development spending and subsidies for loss-making public enterprises, and a failure to institute genuine tax reform. Successive governments have tried to balance their books by resorting to domestic and international borrowing rather than directly taxing the rich. The countrys elites have effectively been running a fiscal Ponzi scheme that exudes an illusion of sustainability but is predicated on borrowed existence and remains perpetually vulnerable to a sudden collapse. The elites dont want to tax themselves The costs of sustaining this fiscal arrangement are passed on to the poor, the future generations and productive sectors of the economy. While less than one percent of people in a country of 220 million pay direct income taxes, the burden of taxation is imposed on the poor through a raft of indirect taxes. Financing the deficit through unrestrained borrowing means that the economic burden is also being shifted to future generations. And the prevailing arrangement systematically disincentivises productive activity in the real economy. Continued recourse to domestic borrowing means that private banks are content with lending money to the government rather than providing much-needed credit for the private sector. The imperative of revenue generation also distorts the tariff policy and undermines private sector competitiveness. {articleGUID} This fiscal arrangement is sustainable only to the extent that the country is able to access concessionary international finance. Foreign assistance tends to alleviate the resource constraint in the short-run but distorts political incentives for reform. In this context, the recent announcement of a $6bn aid package from Saudi Arabia poses a moral hazard. Once again, it will insure the ruling elite against any genuine economic reform that could potentially redistribute economic power away from them. If past experience is any guide, an IMF programme will also adversely affect any incentives for the elite to implement reform. Pakistans strategic decision-makers recognise that an IMF package is readily available as long as they have negotiated a geopolitical concession with the United States behind the scenes. The IMF team can then step in and do all the necessary accounting exercises. And, as on previous occasions, when crunch time arrives, the IMF will stand ready to provide waivers and exemptions on the politically sensitive elements of reform. In this context, both the Saudi support and a potential IMF engagement will serve to bail out the elites. Pakistan has a persistently low tax-to-GDP ratio (currently at 10 percent of GDP) lower than its neighbours, India and Bangladesh, and countries with comparable income levels. The taxation structure is complex, inefficient, regressive, overly reliant on indirect taxes and defined by multiple exemptions. Pakistans Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), for example, regularly issues exemptions on duties and tariffs. By one estimate, in 2011 more than half of the total number of tariff lines were subjected to such tax exemptions. Agricultural incomes have also practically evaded direct taxation even though the agricultural sector still contributes more than 20 percent of national GDP and remains an important employer. The principal beneficiaries of such exemptions are the politically influential landed classes. {articleGUID} Over the past two decades, the booming urban real estate sector has emerged as another untouchable for tax collectors. Although real estate is associated with capital flight from Pakistan (their profits are often invested properties in Dubai, London and Toronto), urban property is only lightly taxed and the capital gains made through real estate transactions remain hugely undertaxed. Similarly, an expansion of the services sector has been accompanied by growing incomes for professionals, such as doctors and lawyers, but has generated fewer dividends for tax authorities. And the countrys retail traders have long resisted the introduction of value-added tax (VAT), deemed as a more efficient form of indirect tax and an important step towards documenting the economy. It has long been recognised at the highest level of policymaking that the country needs to broaden its tax base. Last year, the army chief, considered the most powerful man in the country, alluded to the woefully inadequate tax effort. And, upon assuming elected office, Prime Minister Imran Khan promised wide-ranging tax reform in his maiden speech. Despite this, both khakis and civilians are poorly incentivised to institute genuine tax reform. The reason is simple: a widening of the tax base would essentially require the countrys elites to tax themselves and to tax politically sensitive constituencies. For any political dispensation, including Imran Khans party, this is a dangerous prospect. Hanging on a thin electoral majority, the newly elected government will face immense resistance from treasury benches, many of whom belong to the same tax-exempt classes. Even the governments core urban constituency, the newly empowered middle classes, are more enthused by an anti-corruption drive than a broad-based tax reform. For this reason, the new government has resorted to the same policy tools as the last one: imposing regulatory duties, revising tariffs, jacking up energy prices and slashing development expenditures. Far-reaching tax reform still appears to be a distant prospect. But this policy dilemma is not unique to Imran Khans government. All political incumbents face the same commitment problem when it comes to instituting economic reform. While on the election trail it is politically optimal to promise economic reform, once in office, they are poorly incentivised to undertake these reforms. How can this adverse political equilibrium be broken? The solution In my opinion, the solution to this commitment problem lies in the hands of Pakistans powerful military establishment. If Imran Khan or any other leader for that matter is to take on tax dodgers, he needs a commitment from the military that it will lend its support. While Pakistan suffers from weak bureaucratic capacity, the military is still the locus of whatever limited state capacity exists in the country. It is the most well-organised institution with a capacity for long-term strategic thinking. When the military throws its weight behind any reform proposition, it is more likely to happen (the integration of Federally Administered Tribal Areas, known as FATA, in the national mainstream is one recent example). Importantly, among all the political and institutional actors, the military faces the strongest incentive to build a sound tax base. After all, it will be the direct beneficiary of a strong extractive capacity, since a lack of fiscal sustainability poses a long-term danger to its financing needs. This is a central political economy dilemma one that historically incentivised European states to develop fiscal capacity. External wars necessitated European states to develop tax structures that could finance standing armies. Why has then the Pakistani military not mainstreamed tax reform as an important pillar of national security even in years when it directly ruled the country? Three historical and contemporary factors help to explain this. Firstly, from an early period, Pakistans military and political elites have relied on external assistance rather than domestic resource mobilisation. The country has received significantly more foreign aid during its military regimes than during its elected governments. This aid was part of a geo-strategic bargain a reward for Pakistans services in supporting anti-communist alliances in the 1950s and 1960s and supporting the Afghan war operations in the 1980s and 2000s. Even as aid flows dried up over time and the threat of a balance of payments crisis became a recurring feature, it never posed an existential threat to elites who knew well that when push came to shove, foreign support would be forthcoming if they are ready to grant a geo-political concession. Secondly, since the late 1980s, the militarys top brass has been heavily invested in real estate development through the military-linked Defence Housing Authority (DHA). Residential and commercial properties developed under the auspices of DHA provide an important source of institutionalised rents for military officers and afford an important avenue for upward mobility for the service class. Bringing these capital gains into the tax net, however, could face stiff resistance from within the military. Thirdly, genuine tax reform could hurt politically influential groups whose support the military routinely relies on for cobbling together loose political coalitions. Popularly described as electables, these are typically candidates who readily offer their political brokerage to the military and lend greater certainty to any electoral race. Undermining their economic interests can spoil the political game and impede the militarys capacity for electoral engineering. Taken together, these are difficult trade-offs for the militarys top brass to navigate, especially when most military commanders have a short-time horizon where the individual incentive is to pass the buck rather than broach difficult reforms. To break the stop-start cycle of growth and the recurring risk of default, the countrys strategic leadership needs some out-of-the-box thinking. It is time to recognise that Pakistans continuing status as a semi-rentier state poses a grave threat to national security. It is a security threat that is perhaps far more existential to Pakistans survival as an independent state than the one posed by India. Sadly, with the Saudi support package in hand and an IMF programme on the horizon, it is more likely that the prospect for reform will be delayed by another five years until the country faces the same scenario again and readies itself to deliver another geo-political concession. This game suits our elites and their foreign backers. Neither of them is interested in building genuine fiscal capacity. For the countrys ruling elites, foreign assistance provides another reason for delaying reform that could hurt their economic interests. For the US (and its rich clients like Saudi Arabia) it provides a valuable strategic lever that can be deployed every five years. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance. After much speculation, the US government has said that President Donald Trump will not be attending India's Republic Day celebrations next year. The White House has cited "scheduling constraints" for not being able to make it to the grand event. Prime Minister Modi had invited the US President to India during his visit to Washington last year. His predecessor Barack Obama, the former US president, had also attended the Republic Day event in 2015. "President Trump was honoured by Prime Minister Modi's invitation for him to be Chief Guest of India's Republic Day on January 26, 2019, but is unable to participate due to scheduling constraints," a White House spokesperson told PTI on Monday when asked about Trump's decision on Modi's invitation. The decision over Trump's India visit on the Republic Day was long pending. Earlier in July, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders had also said that no decision was taken on the matter. Reports said the dates of the US President's annual State of the Union (SOTU) address -- that is held during the last week of January or first week of February -- to both Houses of the US Congress will clash with the Republic Day celebrations in India, which is why the US President would not be able to attend the event. The spokesperson, however, said that the US President Trump and PM Modi enjoy "a strong personal rapport" and that both leaders are committed to deepening the US-India strategic partnership. Also, Railways Minister Piyush Goyal, speaking at the India-US strategic forum, said the two countries share a "natural affinity" with each other. He said that President Trump and Prime Minister Modi have had a very good equation and held productive talks, especially with regard to trade and investments. "There is a natural affinity for cooperation from both the Indian side as well as the American side. On that note, we are on the right path towards bilateral cooperation," said the minister. The minister's office, quoting Goyal, tweeted: "On a strategic level, we have been building up on our defence and security engagements. Both sides have been very understanding and cooperative with the geopolitical moves made by each other." Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi and Trump will have their next meeting during the G-20 Summit in Argentina on November 30 and December 1. This year, leaders from 10 ASEAN countries had attended the Republic Day celebrations. In 2016, the then French president Francois Hollande was the chief guest of the parade while Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was the chief guest at the celebrations in 2014. The heads of state and government who have attended the Republic Day celebrations include Nicolas Sarkozy, Vladimir Putin, Nelson Mandela, John Major, Mohammed Khatami and Jacques Chirac. Jailed opposition leaders punishment increased from five to 10 years following an appeal by anti-corruption body. A Bangladeshi court has doubled the jail term of opposition leader Khaleda Zia from five to 10 years in a corruption case following an appeal by the countrys Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The two-time former prime minister was sentenced to five years rigorous imprisonment in February in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case. She has been in jail since then. Bangladeshs imprisoned opposition leader was handed another seven years in prison on Monday for corruption, charges her supporters say are politically motivated to prevent her from running in general elections due by the end of the year. Zia, chairperson of the countrys main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and five others were accused of embezzlement of funds meant for charity. The six, including her son and heir-apparent Tarique Rahman, were convicted in February for embezzling over $252,000 from foreign donations intended for a charity named after former President Ziaur Rahman, Zias husband. Now, theres no chance for the BNP chief to contest the next election, Khurshid Alam Khan, a lawyer for the government, told reporters. Khaleda and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, both related to former national leaders, have dominated politics in Bangladesh for more than two decades, nursing a long and bitter rivalry. Protest expected Zias party, the BNP, has vowed nationwide marches later on Tuesday to protest against the verdict. The latest court ruling deals a crushing blow to the BNP and its embattled leader, who despite being jailed, had clung to a faint hope of running against Hasina in December. She cannot contest the elections unless the conviction is set aside by a higher court, Bangladeshs attorney general Mahbubey Alam told the AFP news agency. In February, when Zia, 73, was first sent to jail, violent clashes had occurred in major cities across the Muslim-majority democracy of 160 million, with opposition demonstrators clashing with police and activists from the ruling party. Earlier this month, her son Tarique Rahman was jailed for life in absentia over a 2004 grenade attack on a political rally led by Hasina, in which 20 people were killed. Rahman lives in exile in London. In recent months, Zias health has deteriorated inside the abandoned 19th-century jail where she is the only inmate with a physician saying that arthritis has rendered her left hand useless. Her lawyers have accused the government of putting her health at risk by refusing her specialised care in prison. Zia entered politics in the mid-1980s after her husband, a former military dictator, was assassinated in an abortive coup. Officials from the two countries say Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh will start returning home mid November. Bangladesh and Myanmar agreed on Tuesday to start returning Rohingya refugees in November, less than a week after UN investigators warned that a genocide against the Muslim minority was still ongoing. More than 720,000 Rohingya fled a brutal military crackdown in August last year, taking shelter in crowded camps in Bangladesh and bringing with them harrowing tales of rape, murder and arson blamed on the Myanmar army. Investigators have said senior Myanmar military officials should be prosecuted for genocide in Rakhine state, but the country has rejected these calls, insisting it was defending itself against armed fighters. Myanmar and Bangladesh announced a large-scale repatriation plan in November 2017. But the process hit bureaucratic hurdles almost immediately and it failed to take off, as both sides blamed the other for the delay. Rights groups have warned that returning the Rohingya to Myanmar would condemn them to further reprisals. Authorities in Buddhist-majority Myanmar say more than 100 displaced Rohingya have returned in recent months, but Bangladesh insists that the official process has not commenced. We are looking forward to starting the repatriation by mid-November, Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haque said after talks in Dhaka between officials from both countries. It is the first phase, Haque said. Myanmars permanent secretary of foreign affairs Myint Thu, who attended the talks, said both sides agreed to a very concrete plan to start the process next month. We have shown our political will, flexibility and accommodation in order to commence the repatriation at the earliest possible date, Thu told reporters. Guaranteed rights Myanmars government has trumpeted every occasion where a Rohingya family has returned, though rights groups have questioned whether the refugees did so voluntarily. Many fear returning to Myanmar without guaranteed rights such as citizenship, access to healthcare and freedom of movement rights that were denied to them long before last years crackdown. The pledge to begin returning the Rohingya comes just days after UN investigators warned of an ongoing genocide against the Muslim minority in Myanmar. Marzuki Darusman, chairman of the UN Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar, said that beyond mass killings, the conflict included the ostracisation of the population, prevention of births, and widespread displacement in camps. The UN says the return of the Rohingya must be voluntary, and conducted in dignity and security. It conducted a survey of conditions in northern Rakhine state last month and reported mistrust, fear of neighbouring communities and a sense of insecurity prevalent in many areas. Matthew Hedges, 31, in solitary confinement for the past six months, is accused of spying for a foreign government. A British academic charged with espionage in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been temporarily released until his court date next month. Matthew Hedges, a 31-year-old doctoral student at Durham University, was arrested on May 5 at Dubai airport after a two-week research visit. He was formally charged this month with spying on the Gulf state, where he has been held in solitary confinement for the past six months. The UAEs Federal Court of Appeal last week postponed hearing his case until November 21 to re-examine the evidence. The BBC reported that Hedges was released on bail without his passport, was ordered to wear a surveillance bracelet on his ankle and has been told to remain in the UAE until his next court appearance on November 21. I of course welcome this development, said his wife Daniela Tejada in a statement. However, I cannot allow myself to get too excited by this information as Matt is not fully free yet. Last year, Hedges co-authored an article in an academic journal on the Muslim Brotherhood and the Gulf Cooperation Council, of which the UAE is a member. The UAE is a tourism and trade hub in the Middle East, but tolerates little public criticism of its ruling families or policies and staunchly opposes the ideology of the Brotherhood. {articleGUID} Monitoring developments A UAE government spokesperson could immediately be reached for comment outside working hours. A spokeswoman for Britains foreign office in London said: We are monitoring developments closely and have made the Emirati authorities aware of all our concerns. We continue to do everything we can for Matthew and his family. The UAEs attorney general has said Hedges was charged with spying for a foreign state, without naming it, and jeopardising the military, economic and political security of the country. More than 120 academics from around the world have issued a petition urging UAE authorities to release him. Chinese and American officials increasingly talk about war over Taiwan and the South China Sea could it really happen? New York City Chinese President Xi Jinpings recent talk of preparing for war and combat is just the latest example of tough language that has stoked fears of a military flare-up with the United States over two potential flashpoints: Taiwan and the South China Sea. Last week, Xi told his military commanders in Guangdong province to concentrate preparations for fighting a war, in comments distributed by government-run media following a four-day visit to the south. Meanwhile, retired US Lieutenant-General Ben Hodges said it was likely the US would be at war with China within 15 years thanks to a tense relationship and increasing competition between the worlds two greatest economies. With sabre-rattling on both sides, two long-standing issues between Beijing, Washington, and others have come to the fore as potential flashpoints the disputed South China Sea and Taiwan, which China views as a renegade province. Al Jazeera spoke with US-China experts who said while all-out conflict was possible, there remained chances to negotiate, compromise and manage a competitive relationship between Washington and Beijing that did not need turn ugly. Theyre both preparing for it, but it would take an incredibly stupid leadership in both countries to end up in a war between the US and China, Bonnie Glaser, a former Pentagon consultant, told Al Jazeera. {articleGUID} Smart policies can take us in a more positive direction. Sharpening approach Washingtons efforts to manage and accommodate Chinas growing economic and military clout have shifted under US President Donald Trump, who has slapped tariffs on Chinese imports and accused Beijing of trading unfairly and stealing intellectual property. This month, Vice President Mike Pence spoke at a conservative think-tank about cyber-attacks, Taiwan, freedom of the seas and human rights in a policy address that highlighted a sharpening US approach to China beyond the bitter trade war. Pence said China was waging a sophisticated effort to sway the elections against Trumps Republicans in retaliation for the White Houses trade policies. He vowed to continue exposing Beijings malign influence and interference. China was deploying anti-ship and anti-air missiles on artificial islands in the disputed South China Sea, Pence said. He also accused Beijing of bullying smaller countries and destabilising Taiwan by pressuring three Latin American countries to cut ties with Taipei. There have already been real-world consequences. Last month, the USS Decatur was sailing near Gaven Reef in the South China Sea, when a Chinese destroyer approached within 45 metres and forced the US vessel to manoeuvre to avoid a collision, the Americans said. Washington sends warships on so-called freedom of navigation exercises through the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait to show they are international waters and counter Chinese claims, as well as bolster US allies in the region. The Trump administration has struck two arms deals with Taiwan worth more than a $1.7bn combined. In September, Washington slapped sanctions on Chinas military for buying fighter jets and missile systems from Russia. China has responded by calling off high-level military-to-military talks, cancelling US Secretary of Defence James Mattis visit to Beijing and conducting live-fire drills with bombers and fighter jets in the South China Sea. While Chinas economic growth has been slowed by the trade war, it is still expanding more than twice as fast as the US and the state is pouring money into new technologies, such as quantum computing, biotech and artificial intelligence. According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, China has launched more submarines, warships and other vessels since 2014 than the number of ships currently serving in the combined navies of Germany, India, Spain, Taiwan and Britain. South China Sea dispute Analysts recall past political crises between the US and China. In 2001, a US spy plane was forced to land on Hainan after colliding with a Chinese fighter jet. In 1996, then-US president Bill Clinton dispatched aircraft carriers to the Taiwan Strait over Chinese missile tests. Theres a whole basket of issues that could lead to a US-China conflict, Gregory Poling, an Asia and maritime law expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told Al Jazeera. The South China Sea is the thorniest. It gets right at the heart of US primacy in the region, the international order that Washington built up since World War II and Chinas willingness to bully neighbours and challenge that rules-based order. {articleGUID} The sea covers some 1.7 million square kilometres and contains more than 200 mostly uninhabitable small islands, rocks and reefs. It is the shortest route between the Pacific and Indian Oceans and has some of the worlds busiest shipping lanes. Brunei, China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam are involved in a complex set of historically based territorial disputes there. Chinas claims, the broadest, cover all of the Spratly and Paracel Islands and most of the South China Sea. The dispute has intensified political and military rivalry across the region between the rising power of China, which has been projecting its growing naval reach, and the long-dominant player, the United States, which is deepening its ties with Japan, the Philippines and others. Washington needs to wake up and realise that while the South China Sea is quiet right now, we are losing. Every day the Chinese position gets stronger, the positions of the other claimants gets weaker, and they have to question the credibility of the US more every day, Poling said. They're both preparing for it, but it would take an incredibly stupid leadership in both countries to end up in a war between the US and China. Bonnie Glaser, a former Pentagon consultant There are also signs of progress, added Poling. This year, the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China started formal talks on a legally binding code of conduct to ease tensions over the strategic waterway. Theres a lot of cynicism because talks have gone nowhere for the past 20 years, said Poling. But theres nothing fundamental that makes this impossible. Theres nothing in the legal positions of China, the other claimants, and international law that cant allow for a negotiated settlement. This stuff is doable. Taiwan is also spoken about as a powder keg. Last week, Chinas Minister of Defense Wei Fenghe vowed any effort to to separate Taiwan from China would result in Chinas armed forces taking action at any price. China has claimed self-ruled Taiwan through its one China policy since 1949 and vows to bring it under Beijings rule by force if necessary. The US is obliged to help Taiwan with the means to defend itself under the US Congress 1979 Taiwan Relations Act. Despite military build-ups, the intensifying trade war and heated rhetoric, Glaser said cooler heads will likely prevail in Beijing and Washington even when warships skirt past each other and hot-rod pilots undertake daredevil fly-bys. Over the next 20-25 years, I wouldnt necessarily expect a hot war or even something like the Cold War between the US and the Soviet Union, but a prolonged, intense, strategic competition between China and the US that wont end with the Trump administration, said Glaser. Follow James Reinl on Twitter: @jamesreinl Documents seen by Reuters forecasts fewer than 1,000 jobs will be created by arms deal between Washington and Riyadh. Every time US President Donald Trump mentions the $110bn arms deal he negotiated with Saudi Arabia last year, he quickly follows up, saying Its 500,000 jobs. But if he means new US defence jobs, an internal document seen by Reuters news agency from Lockheed Martin forecasts fewer than 1,000 positions would be created by the defence contractor, which could potentially deliver around $28bn of goods in the deal. Lockheed instead predicts the deal could create nearly 10,000 new jobs in Saudi Arabia while keeping up to 18,000 existing US workers busy if the whole package comes together an outcome experts say is unlikely. A person familiar with Raytheons planning said if the Saudi order were executed it could help to sustain about 10,000 US jobs, but the number of new jobs created would be a small percentage of that figure. Lockheed Martin Corp declined to comment on the Saudi package. Raytheon Cos Chief Financial Officer Toby OBrien said last week that hiring overall is growing, but he did not pin it to any particular programme. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Jobs are important to Trump. He campaigned on his ability to create American jobs, especially high-paying manufacturing ones. Meanwhile, he has limited his criticism of Saudi leadership over the killing of a prominent critic because he did not want to endanger the massive arms deal. Trumps 500,000 figure has been greeted with widespread scepticism given the five biggest US defence contractors, who make nearly every item on the Saudi list, now employ 383,000 people. Documents seen by Reuters and interviews with defence industry sources familiar with the arms package suggest that between 20,000 and 40,000 current US defence industry workers could be involved in Saudi-bound production if the whole $110bn package goes through. Existing workers typically are experienced, skilled, who can be redeployed more easily than new hires who would require significant upfront investment in their training. One significant caveat to any predictions on job creation is whether all of the missile defences and radars, ships, tanks, software, bombs and other equipment listed in the full Saudi package get delivered. Saudi Jobs Interviews with people familiar with other major defence contractors plans and estimates reflect similar dynamic as Lockheeds and Raytheons plans relatively minor additions to their US workforce and more significant build-up in Saudi Arabia. Since Trumps trip to the Kingdom last year, little economic activity has taken place beyond Lockheeds work on four frigates the Saudis have ordered. The order will yield nearly 10,000 jobs in the Saudi ports for maintenance workers, but only 500 new US jobs will be created, according to documents seen by Reuters. Executives at the several of top US defence companies say Riyadh had wanted much of the military equipment as a way to both develop new domestic industry and to create new jobs and local expertise as a part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salmans Vision 2030 initiative to wean the country off oil dependency. Saudi Arabia has set a goal of creating 40,000 defence industry jobs by 2030. The arms package Trump announced in May 2017 came under renewed scrutiny after the October 2 killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. The killing provoked international outrage and both the administration and defence contractors have been working to prevent a backlash that could imperil what Trump has called a tremendous order and 500,000 jobs. Industry executives have argued that without the Saudi package coming through they would have fewer orders to fill, but robust US defence budgets, which account for the majority of their sales, coupled with a record backlog of orders suggest little risk that workers would face layoffs if the Saudi sales package failed to materialise. Certainly, for each defence manufacturing job, other adjacent jobs are supported indirectly by higher demand for defence products. But Heidi Garrett-Peltier, a research fellow at the Political Economy Research Institute, estimated that for this type of industry the highest multiplier would be just below 3.2. Given that, 20,000 to 40,000 sustained or new jobs could generate between about 64,000 to 128,000 jobs in related industries, Reuters calculations show, bringing the total of sustained and new jobs to between 84,000 and 168,000. In short, 500,000 jobs Trump keeps bringing up is at least three to five times higher than what one could expect from the Saudi deal, given the estimates from the companies themselves, plus the most generous use of the indirect multiplier. By its own math, the US State Department said in May 2017 that the Saudi deal could support tens of thousands of new jobs in the United States. Denmark has recalled its ambassador to Iran after it accused Tehran of plotting a foiled attack against three Iranians living in the Scandinavian country. I have decided to recall Denmarks ambassador in Tehran for consultationsDenmark can in no way accept that people with ties to Irans intelligence service plot attacks against people in Denmark, Danish Foreign Minister Anders Samuelsen told reporters. The alleged plot was totally unacceptable, he said, adding that he was consulting with partners and allies, including the European Union, about possible sanctions. Earlier on Tuesday, the head of Denmarks intelligence service PET, Finn Borch Andersen, said his agency believed the Iranian intelligence service was planning an attack in Denmark against three Iranians suspected of belonging to the Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahvaz. A Norwegian of Iranian origin was arrested on October 21 and placed in custody, suspected of planning the attack and spying for Iran. The suspect was detained in Sweden, according to the Swedish security service Sapo. Tehran has denied the Danish allegations, saying they were part of a European conspiracy against Iran. Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Bahram Ghasemi, said the allegations were a plot against growing Iran-Europe relations, Irans Mehr News quoted him as saying. In late September, Tehran accused Denmark, the Netherlands and Britain of hosting several members of the terrorist group that Iran accuses of being responsible for an attack in the mainly ethnic Arab city of Ahvaz in southwestern Iran. The September 22 attack in Ahvaz, in which five armed men opened fire on a military parade, left 24 people, many of them civilians, dead. The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) armed group and a separatist Arab group claimed responsibility. Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi said the latest allegations are aimed at trying to drive a wedge between Tehran and the European Union [File: EPA] Will stand up to Iran It is totally unacceptable that Iran or any other foreign state plans assassinations on Danish soil, Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen wrote on Twitter. Further actions against Iran will be discussed in the EU. {articleGUID} In Oslo, where he was participating in a meeting of Northern European leaders, Rasmussen met British counterpart Theresa May, whom he said expressed support for Denmark in the matter. In close collaboration with UK and other countries we will stand up to Iran, he added. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the US stood behind Denmark. We congratulate the government of Denmark on its arrest of an Iranian regime assassin. For nearly 40 years, Europe has been the target of Iran-sponsored terrorist attacks. We call on our allies and partners to confront the full range of Irans threats to peace and security, he wrote on Twitter. Irans ambassador to Copenhagen was summoned to the foreign ministry for an explanation on Tuesday. PETs announcement ended weeks of media speculation about why Denmark shut down bridges to Sweden and ferries for several hours on September 28 in a massive manhunt that mobilised hundreds of police and the military. The shutdown was aimed at foiling the Iranian operation, PET acknowledged on Tuesday. In October, France accused Irans intelligence ministry of plotting to bomb a rally held by the exiled opposition group, Peoples Mujahideen of Iran (MEK), near Paris. The MEK was previously designated as a terrorist organisation by the US but was taken off the list in 2012. From 1970 to 2014, 60 percent of all animals with a backbone were wiped out by human activity, new report says. Unbridled consumption has decimated global wildlife, triggered a mass extinction, and exhausted Earths capacity to accommodate humanitys expanding appetites, a conservation group warned on Tuesday. From 1970 to 2014, 60 percent of all animals with a backbone fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals were wiped out by human activity, according to WWFs Living Planet report, based on an ongoing survey of more than 4,000 species spread over 16,700 populations scattered across the globe. The situation is really bad and it keeps getting worse, WWF International director general Marco Lambertini told AFP news agency. The only good news is that we know exactly what is happening. For freshwater fauna, the decline in population over the 44 years monitored was a staggering 80 percent. Regionally, Latin America was hit hardest, seeing a nearly 90 percent loss of wildlife over the same period. Another dataset confirmed the depth of an unfolding mass extinction event, only the sixth in the last half-billion years. Depending on which of Earths lifeforms are included, the current rate of species loss is 100 to 1,000 times higher than only a few hundred years ago, when people began to alter Earths chemistry and crowd other creatures out of existence. Measured by weight, or biomass, wild animals today only account for four percent of mammals on Earth, with humans (36 percent) and livestock (60 percent) making up the rest. Great acceleration Ten thousand years ago that ratio was probably reversed. The statistics are scary, said Piero Visconti, a researcher at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis in Austria and one of 59 co-authors of the 80-page report. Unlike population declines, extinctions are irreversible. For corals, it may already be too late. Back-to-back marine heatwaves have already wiped out up to half of the globes shallow-water reefs, which support a quarter of all marine life. Even if humanity manages to cap global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius mission impossible, according to some scientists coral mortality will likely be 70 to 90 percent. A world warming at 2C would be a death sentence, a major UN report concluded last month. Half a century of conservation efforts has scored spectacular successes, with significant recoveries among tigers, manatees, grizzly bears, bluefin tuna and bald eagles. If we didnt make those efforts, the situation would have been much worse, Lambertini said. But the onslaught of hunting, shrinking habitats, pollution, illegal trade and climate change all caused by humans has been too much to overcome, he acknowledged. Scientists call it the great acceleration, he said in a phone interview. It is the exponential growth over the last 50 years in the use of energy, water, timber, fish, food, fertiliser, pesticides, minerals, plastics everything. New deal for nature? The pace of population increase long taboo in development and conservation circles also took off around 1950, the date scientists have chosen as the gold spike, or starting point, for a new geological period dubbed the Anthropocene, or age of man. {articleGUID} In looking for answers, conservationists are turning to climate change for inspiration. We need a new global deal for nature, said Lambertini, noting two key ingredients in the 195-nation Paris climate treaty. One was the realisation that climate change was dangerous for the economy and society, not just polar bears, he said. Similarly, he argued, threatened ecosystem services long taken for granted drinkable water, breathable air, heat-absorbing oceans, forests that soak up CO2, productive soil are worth tens of trillions of dollars every year. A healthy, sustainable future for all is only possible on a planet where nature thrives and forests, oceans and rivers are teeming with biodiversity and life, said Lambertini. Court orders the economist and his publishers release pending investigation into accusations of publishing fake news. Authorities in Egypt have released the author of a book critical of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisis economic policies and his publisher after detaining them more than a week ago. Abdel Khalik Farouk said on Tuesday a Cairo court ordered his release, alongside publisher Ibrahim el-Khateib, pending an investigation into accusations of publishing fake news. The book argues that el-Sisi lacks a vision for remedying Egypts economic woes, which Farouq blames on the militarys monopoly of power since 1952. Copies of the economists book titled, Is Egypt really a Poor Country? were seized just days before his arrest on October 21, according to local media. Farouks wife told Reuters news agency three policemen who came to their home said the arrest was in connection with the book. She was later allowed to deliver food, medicine and clothes to him at a local police station. Since el-Sisi came to power in 2013, human rights groups have accused Egyptian authorities of muzzling all dissent. The authorities say they aim to fight against terrorism and the spreading of false information. Experts say a united European response on arms sales to Riyadh unlikely as business interests trump over rights abuses. Istanbul, Turkey European powers condemned the assassination of Saudi dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi, with Germany pledging to suspend arms sales to Riyadh the worlds biggest arms buyer. As long as [Khashoggis murder] is not cleared up, there will be no arms exports to Saudi Arabia. I assure you of that very decidedly, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said following the killing that has caused a global outrage. In the United Kingdom, several Members of Parliament called to halt similar arms deals with the Gulf kingdom. But will the European Union adopt a common position on the supply of arms to Riyadh for its alleged involvement in the dissidents killing in the kingdoms consulate in Istanbul on October 2? After weeks of denial, the kingdom admitted that the killing of Khashoggi a critic of Saudi Crown Prince Salman bin Mohammed was premeditated murder. Experts say European countries may not suspend arms sales to Saudi Arabia, which has also been criticised for its devastating war in Yemen, due to economic incentives. Saudi Arabia buys most of its military equipment from Western countries such as the United States, the UK, France, Italy, and Germany. Since 2010, the Gulf Kingdom has bought military equipment worth more than $18bn from all over the world, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). Governments of both the UK and France, the two biggest European exporters of military equipment to Saudi Arabia, have said they do not plan to halt such deals. Theres no possible prospect of Europe collectively calling for suspension of arms sales because the French and British wont have it, Nick Witney, senior policy fellow at European Center on Foreign Relations (ECFR), told Al Jazeera. So I expect the European Union response will be a lot of deploring, because thats what Europe tends to do, he said. It deplores, and it expresses concern, and it calls for action. Coordinated response Giovanna Maletta, research assistant in the dual-use and arms trade control programme at SIPRI, told Al Jazeera that Europe will most probably not speak with one voice because countries like the UK and France have a major economic stake. Even before Khashoggis case, it was hard to achieve a coordinated response at the EU level on whether or not keeping exporting weapons to the Saudis, Maletta said. Unless the major European exporters will lead such an action, it is unlikely that EU member states will be able to agree on a unified response, she said, adding that seems unlikely at this point. Frances position still seems at odds with the German one, Maletta said, referring to French President Emmanuel Macrons response to Merkels comments in which he asked Merkel what is the link between arms sales and Khashoggis murder? Spain, Maletta added, had a similar political discussion but decided to continue its arms sales worth $400m. In the UK, Prime Minister Theresa May replied to similar calls arguing that the UK already has in place very strict rules on arms exports, Maletta from SIPRI said. Witney agreed with Maletta, saying that especially with Brexit happening in several months, the UK needs deals like that with Saudi Arabia. The only decent manufacturing industry the UK has left is defence and aerospace, so theyd do anything not to jeopardise a relationship like this, he said. Maletta added that the EU parliament motion urging action in the wake of the killing is non-binding. The EU Parliament doesnt have the authority to impose such decisions. Commercial competition But Marc Pierini, visiting scholar at Carnegie Europe, said a unified response to the Khashoggi case is not just one that only concerns Europe and Saudi Arabia. The issue of an embargo on military sales is a difficult one, not simply because of multiple EU countries involved, but more importantly because of the stated US position that selling weapons to Saudi Arabia is a matter of commercial competition, Pierini, whose research focuses on developments in the Middle East and Turkey, told Al Jazeera. Given the hostile stance taken by President Donald Trump vis-a-vis the EU on trade matters, a European embargo would likely be used by the US president to his advantage. The US president has made clear where the US stands when it comes to choosing between economic incentives and human rights abuses. When asked last week if the Khashoggi murder was sufficient reason to stop US arms sales to Saudi Arabia, Trump simply replied by saying [it is] not helpful for us to cancel an order like that. Last year, the two countries signed a deal worth more than $110bn, larger than any deal Saudi Arabia has made with any European country. For ECFRs Witney, Trumps remarks showed that economic incentives for most countries, not only the US, are more important than the murder of a journalist in a consulate or the bombing of civilians in Yemen. Its one of the rare Trump utterances where I didnt reach for the sick bucket when I heard it, Witney said. For once he was speaking the truth. Renewed focus on Yemen war Noha Aboueldahab, visiting fellow at Brookings Doha Center, agreed, adding that she did not expect the UK or the US, Saudis top two arms suppliers, to do anything. In terms of specific international actors, the country that has the most sway is the US, Aboueldahab said. The Khashoggi murder has not only put the spotlight on the arms deals between Western countries and Saudi Arabia, but it has also led to renewed focus on the destructive war in Yemen, where thousands of people have died as a result of the Saudi-led intervention. Aboueldahab believes neither the murder of Khashoggi nor the renewed attention on the war in Yemen will change anything in the long-run. Given the long-standing relationship between the UK and Saudi Arabia, I think this will be a bumpy patch in the relationship, but eventually theyll go back to where they were more or less, Aboueldahab said. Trade war may escalate unless progress made at meeting on the sidelines of Group of 20 leaders summit in November. The United States is preparing to announce tariffs on all remaining Chinese imports by early December if talks next month between presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping fail to ease the trade war. According to a Bloomberg report citing anonymous sources, no decisions have been made, but a new list of US tariffs was being prepared in case the Trump-Xi meeting does not yield progress. A person familiar with the US administrations tariff deliberations told Reuters news agency there could soon be movement towards a new round of tariffs, adding that the wheels are turning in that direction. Trump has long threatened to impose tariffs on all remaining Chinese imports into the US, which exceed $257bn, if Beijing fails to meet US demands for sweeping changes to Chinese trade, technology transfer, and industrial subsidy policies. Trump has already imposed tariffs on $250bn worth of Chinese goods, and China responded with retaliatory duties on $110bn worth of US goods. Previous rounds of tariffs have focused on Chinese capital and intermediate goods, but a final round would hit consumer products including mobile phones, computers, clothing and footwear hard. Action items needed Asked about a new tariff announcement, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders told a briefing: Im not going to get ahead of the presidents meeting and I hope it goes well. Leaders of the worlds two largest economies are due to meet on the sidelines of the Group of 20 leaders summit in Argentina at the end of November. US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told Reuters earlier this month in Bali, Indonesia that China needed to agree to specific action items to rebalance the US-Chin economic relationship, open markets and change technology transfer, subsidy and currency policies. US-China Business Council senior vice president Erin Ennis said it would not be a surprise to see Trump move towards announcing more tariffs, given his repeated threats to do so. But she said the group, representing US companies doing business in China, was urging both sides to better use the time before the Trump-Xi meeting to figure out how progress can be made on substantive issues. Our hope is that cooler heads will prevail and they will start having substantive discussions that will address the Americans concerns and start lifting the tariffs, Ennis said. Families of three Palestinian boys killed in an Israeli air raid in disbelief over Israels claim they had a bomb. Gaza Strip Gaza was shrouded in shock and mourning on Monday after three teenage boys were killed in an Israeli air raid near the fence between Israel and the Gaza Strip during a week of tension. The three boys Khaled Abu Said, 13, Abdulhamid Abu Daher, 13, and Mohammed Assatri, 14 had been out setting up hunting nets to catch birds on Sunday, according to their families. Mohammed As thousands of Gaza residents attended the boys funerals, Monira Assatri mourned the loss of her only son among five daughters. She tearfully recounted how the 14-year old had taken a shower, got dressed and gone out to see his friends the evening he was killed. Mohammed and his neighbours used from time to time to go hunting in the lands near our home. As you can see, we are living very close to the border area, so our sons go there to play, Assatri, 47, told Al Jazeera. Hours later, we heard bombing, followed by lots of noise outside, ambulance sirens and people shouting, she paused, continuing through her tears. I rushed to Mohammeds room and he wasnt there. Worried, Mohammeds father went to the hospital to ask about his son, but answers were not immediately available. Palestinian news agency Wafa said the Israeli army reportedly opened fire towards the ambulances and prevented their access to the scene of the bombing, northeast of Khan Younis. It took three hours after the boys deaths in the air raid for Israel to grant permission to Red Crescent staff to evacuate their bodies. We sleep and wake up to the sound of shelling as we live near the border area. We are always ready, every night, that something may happen, Assatri said. Last week, I was wondering why I suddenly lost my appetite for food. Now, I know. The moon of my heart has gone, the light of my life has gone, she said, again bursting into tears. How could Israeli soldiers kill innocent children in that way. Didnt they see them in their cameras? I call all Arab and international bodies to investigate the killing of our children. During 2014s major offensive, the Israeli military demolished the Assatris family home along with a number of others in the area. Only a year ago, we had our house reconstructed. Other homes are still under construction, she said. Khaled A few metres from their house, Khaled Abu Saids mother described learning of her 13-year-old sons killing after the bombing began. Khaleds father had gone out to look for his son and met people along the way who informed him his boy was among the children killed. We have agricultural land out there. Khaled was going there every day, the mother told Al Jazeera. My sons hobby was breeding sheep and hunting birds. He was always planting in the land. In a statement, the Israeli military said its aircraft fired on three Palestinians who approached the fence and were apparently involved in placing an improvised explosive device (IED) adjacent to it. The families denounced the Israeli statement, denying the boys intended any violence. How would they get an explosive device? I believe that if they were to see one, they wouldnt recognise it. No one here has any military affiliations, said Abu Said. The Israeli occupation deliberately killed my son. This is a brutal killing of three children. Why not shoot in the sky or near them? They would instantly run away, she said angrily. {articleGUID} Abdulhamid Aisha Abu Daher is the mother of 13-year-old Abdulhamid. The 53-year-old described the day of Abdulhamids death as a day eerily like any other up to the tragic event. We were sitting drinking tea when he went to hang out with his friends. He was my youngest child. He was so dear to my heart, said the grieving mother. He was full of energy and ambition. He was dreaming of a better life for all of us, she said. Abu Daher spoke of her regrets and her sons unfulfilled dreams: My son grew up and died in poverty and destruction. He strived for a good future, but he got killed before living one good day in his life. She called on the international community to intervene to protect our children from the continued Israeli crimes. A painful death toll With the killing of the three children, the death toll since Gazas Great March of Return protest began has risen to at least 218, 19 percent of whom are children, according to the spokesperson of the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza. Thousands of others have been wounded. For the past seven months, Palestinians in the Strip have been holding regular demonstrations along the fence with Israel to demand the right to return to their homes, from which they were violently expelled 70 years ago, and an end to the crippling Israeli-Egyptian blockade. The ongoing siege has devastated the enclaves economy and left its more than two million inhabitants faced with worsening living conditions, including frequent power cuts, skyrocketing unemployment and prison-like movement restrictions. The ex-nurse admitted to the murders during trial in the biggest serial killing case in Germanys postwar history. A Germany former nurse accused of killing 100 patients in his care admitted on Tuesday to the murders on the first day of his trial in the biggest serial killing case in the countrys post-war history. Asked by the presiding judge at the court in the northern city of Oldenburg whether the charges against him were accurate, Niels Hoegel replied, Yes. What I have admitted took place, the 41-year-old told the courtroom crowded with dozens of grieving relatives. Hoegel has already spent nearly a decade in prison on a life term for other patient deaths, and is accused of intentionally administering medical overdoses to victims so he could bring them back to life at the last moment. As the proceedings began in the northern city of Oldenburg, presiding judge Sebastian Buehrmann said the main aim of the trial was to establish the full scope of the murder spree that was allowed to go unchecked for years at two German hospitals. We will do our utmost to learn the truth, he said. It is like a house with dark rooms we want to bring light into the darkness. After a minute of silence for the victims, the bearded, heavyset Hoegel listened impassively, his head lowered, as public prosecutor Daniela Schiereck-Bohlmann read out the name of each dead patient and the charges against the defendant. Unprecedented Prosecutors say at least 36 patients were killed at a hospital in Oldenburg where he worked, and about 64 more at a clinic in nearby Delmenhorst, between 2000 and 2005. More than 130 bodies of patients who died on Hoegels watch have been exhumed, in a case investigators have called unprecedented in Germany to our knowledge. One of the more than 100 co-plaintiffs in the trial, Christian Marbach, said it was a scandal that Hoegel had been allowed to kill with impunity for such an extended period of time without hospital authorities or law enforcement intervening. They had everything they needed [to stop him] you dont have to be Sherlock Holmes, Marbach, the grandson of one of the patients, told AFP news agency. He later expressed surprise about Hoegels quick confession. I didnt expect it to happen today, he said. We now have a chance to make some real progress. Caught in 2005 while injecting an unprescribed medication into a patient in Delmenhorst, Hoegel was sentenced in 2008 to seven years in prison for attempted murder. Final toll could top 200 A second trial followed in 2014-15 under pressure from alleged victims families, who accused prosecutors of dragging their feet. He was found guilty of murder and attempted murder of five other victims and given the maximum sentence of 15 years. It was then that Hoegel confessed to his psychiatrist at least 30 more murders committed in Delmenhorst. That prompted investigators to take a closer look at suspicious deaths in Oldenburg. Investigators say the final toll could top 200, but fear they might never know for sure because the bodies of many potential victims were cremated. Hoegel appears to have followed a similar procedure each time, first injecting a medication that triggered cardiac arrest, followed by an often futile attempt at resuscitation. Prosecutors say he was motivated by vanity, to show off his skills at saving human lives, and by simple boredom. The choice of victim appears to have been entirely random, with their ages ranging from 34 to 96. Killing in itself was never his aim, according to one psychologist who evaluated him. When he managed to revive a patient, he was sated, but only for a few days, the expert said, adding: For him, it was like a drug. A week out from the US midterm elections, the Pentagon said on Monday it is sending 5,200 troops, some armed, to the Southwest border to respond to a caravan of mostly Honduran migrants and refugees, prompting sharp rebuke from immigrant and human rights groups. The move comes amid President Donald Trumps repeated threats against the caravan, including cutting off aid to Central American countries and Mexico if they do not block the refugees and migrants. Sending active military forces to our southern border is not only a huge waste of taxpayer money, but an unnecessary course of action that will further terrorise and militarise our border communities, said Shaw Drake of the American Civil Liberties Unions border rights centre at El Paso, Texas. Now around 1,200km from the US border, the initial wave of refugees and migrants left Honduras more than two weeks ago. Estimates vary, but anywhere from 3,500 to more than 7,000 people are now part of the first group heading north through Mexico. Smaller groups have since left Honduras and El Salvador and hundreds of migrants and refugees crossed the Suchiate River between Guatemala and Mexico on foot Monday after being pushed back by Mexican authorites the day before. Many of the participants told Al Jazeera they are fleeing violence and economic instability, including unemployment. {articleGUID} Critics say the Trump administration has drummed up fear around the caravan in order to rally voters behind his anti-immigration agenda ahead of the November 6 midterm elections. The migrant caravan is full of women and children fleeing violence, poverty and government repression, tweeted Democratic Senator Ed Markey from Massachusetts. Sending thousands of troops to turn them away as if they are foreign invaders reflects the profound paranoia, fear and hate fueling this administrations immigration policies. Operation Faithful Patriot Trump has called the caravan an invasion and without evidence, said Middle Easterners and gang members are among its participants. {articleGUID} On Monday, Air Force General Terrence OShaughnessy, the Northern Command leader, told reporters that that 800 troops were already on their way to southern Texas. Explaining that the number will reach 5,200 by the end of the week, he said Operation Faithful Patriot will focus on Texas first, then Arizona and California. There are already about 2,000 National Guardsmen on the USs southern border, but now advanced helicopters will enable border protection agents to swoop down on migrants, OShaughnessy said. The military troops are intended to assist the border patrol, not engage directly with migrants, he added. The caravans goal is to seek asylum at an official port of entry, however. Migrants are entitled under both US and international law to apply for asylum, but it may take while to make a claim. Central American migrants cross the Suchiate river, the natural border between Guatemala and Mexico, to reach the US [Carlos Garcia Rawlins/Reuters] Caravans coming from Central America have made their way to the US border for years without much fanfare. Migrants and refugees often leave in groups for safety purposes. This months caravan is unusual for its large size, however, and those travelling north seem to be so far undeterred by the presidents threats. In April, a caravan that had about 1,500 people at its peak also caught Trumps ire. Many of its participants attempted to stay in Mexico and only a few hundred people continued to the US border, seeking asylum at an official port of entry, rights groups said. According to the New York Times, about 400 were referred to the US for credible fear interviews. Many who passed that step are still awaiting further immigration hearings. There is no crisis at the border Rights groups also argue that there is little evidence to suggest that increasing border restrictions has an effect on individuals decision to flee their country. In many cases we are talking about people who have no choice but to leave their homes, and people who will continue to keep trying to find a safe place to live, despite the policies of Mexico, the USA, or any other country that may be safer than theirs, Amnesty said in a statement last week. The hardline border controls used by a series of US governments over the last 30 years have been shown to be ineffective at reducing migration and only condemn people to more precarious and dangerous routes that put human lives at risk and fuel smuggling network, the international rights organisation added. Honduras migrants walk to the U.S as they approach Zacapa, about 70 miles northeast of Guatemala City, Wednesday [File: Oliver de Ros/Reuters] Michelle Mittelstadt, director of communications of the Migration Policy Institute, said there is no crisis at the border. We believe that the US is capable of dealing with the caravan without such extraordinary measures, and that is well within the capacity of the government to determine among those arriving at the border who has a legitimate protection claim and who does not, she told Al Jazeera, adding that overall activity at the border is a mere fraction of what it was in the 1990s and early 2000s. The White House is also weighing additional border security measures, including blocking those travelling in the caravan from seeking legal asylum and keeping them from entering the US. Crackdown continues The escalating rhetoric and expected deployments come as the president has been trying to turn the caravan into a key election issue with just days to go before the midterm elections that will determine whether Republicans maintain control of Congress. {articleGUID} This will be the election of the caravans, the Kavanaughs, law and order, tax cuts, and you know what else? Its going to be the election of common sense, Trump said at a rally in Illinois on Saturday night. Trump, attempting to fulfill a number of campaign promises to crackdown on immigration, has implemented a zero tolerance policy at the border, drawing strong criticism from rights groups. Earlier this year, Trump was forced to end his administrations practice of separating children from their families at the border after public outcry. Hundreds of families remain separated. The presidents dark description of the caravan belied the fact that any migrants who complete the long trek to the southern US border already face major hurdles, both physical and bureaucratic, to being allowed into the United States. A man washes his face from gas during a clash with the Mexican Police after they pull down the border gate with the intention to carry on their journey, in Tecun Uman, Guatemala [Carlos Garcia Rawlins/Reuters] The Mexican, Guatemalan and Honduran governments also fortified their respective borders and increased security, attempting to turn back the migrants and refugees or keep them within from moving further north. Rights groups said the responses may violate international law. On Sunday, a Honduran man was killed when Mexico federal police used rubber bullets and tear gas on a large group of migrants and refugees attempting to force their way across the Guatemalas border with Mexico. Mexican officials denied using rubber bullets, but refugees and migrants, as well as the media, including Al Jazeera witnessed federal police shooting rubber bullets during Sundays confrontation. Additional reporting by Sandra Cuffe in Tapachula, Mexico. Lion Air currently operates 10 737-MAX jets in its fleet while national carrier Garuda has one. The Indonesian government has ordered the inspection of all Boeing 737-MAX airliners as rescue teams recovered more victims from a brand new jet that plunged into the sea with 189 people on board. The Lion Air plane, which went into service just a few months ago, plunged into the Java Sea on Monday just minutes after taking off from the capital, Jakarta. Indonesian Transport Minister Budi Karya announced on Tuesday that both Lion Air the countrys biggest budget airline and Garuda the national carrier have been ordered to inspect all their Boeing 737-MAX aircraft. Lion Air currently has 10 737-MAXs in its fleet while Garuda has one. Budi, who stopped short of grounding all new models, said the results of the inspections will be handed over to Indonesias transport safety agency to help with the investigation into the crash of Flight JT610. The accident has resurrected concerns about Indonesias patchy air safety record which led to a now-lifted ban on its planes entering US and European airspace. Authorities are trying to pinpoint the smashed jets location and flight data recorders, which are expected to be crucial to the crash investigation. Indonesias search and rescue agency said it was prioritising finding the main wreckage using sonar metal detectors, and all but ruled out finding any survivors from the high-impact crash in water some 30 to 40 metres deep. Dozens of divers were taking part in the recovery effort along with helicopters and ships [Reuters] Grieving relatives Meanwhile, scores of relatives on Tuesday thronged a hospital building being used for victim identification in Jakarta. My daughter has no husband, my grandchild no longer has a father, a grieving Hari Setiyono told AFP at the police hospital, referring to his missing son-in-law. The single-aisle plane was en route to Pangkal Pinang city, a jumping-off point for beach and sun-seeking tourists on nearby Belitung island, when it dropped out of contact around 6:30am on Monday (23:30 GMT on Sunday). The pilot and co-pilot had more than 11,000 hours flying time between them and had undergone recent medical checkups and drug testing, the carrier said. Aviation experts said it was too early to determine what caused the accident. But investigators will look at everything from catastrophic mechanical failure and pilot error to weather conditions or unusual cockpit activity that could point to a hijacking or pilot suicide, they said. Locating the so-called black boxes is most important now, Terence Fan, an aviation expert at the Singapore Management University, told AFP. That should show how the aircraft and pilots actually behaved, Fan said. Data from that flight suggested the plane may have flown erratically and a technical log circulating on social media pointed to different speed and altitude readings on the captain and first officers instruments. The plane was en route to Pangkal Pinang city when it dropped out of contact early on Monday [AP] On Monday, Lion Air acknowledged the plane had an unspecified technical issue fixed in Bali before it was flown back to Jakarta, calling it normal procedure. The company announced earlier this year it was buying 50 Boeing 737-MAX 10 jets for $6.24bn. In 2017, Boeing suspended the release of the fuel-efficient 737 MAX just days before its first commercial delivery due to an issue with the engines. In a statement, Boeing said it is providing technical assistance to the investigators of the accident. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the families and loved ones of those on board, the statement read. In 2014, an AirAsia crash in the Java Sea during stormy weather killed 162 people. Lion has been involved in a number of incidents, including a fatal 2004 crash and a collision between two of its planes at Jakartas Soekarno-Hatta airport. Australia should stick to policy of more than 40 years that its embassy be in Tel Aviv, not Jerusalem, says former PM. Australia is to expect a very negative reaction from Indonesia if it follows the United States by moving its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, a former prime minister warned on Tuesday. Malcolm Turnbull spoke to reporters after meeting Indonesian President Joko Jokowi Widodo on the tourist island of Bali on Monday to discuss a bilateral free trade deal. The president expressed to me the very serious concern held in Indonesia about the prospect of the Australian Embassy in Israel being moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, Turnbull told Australian Broadcasting Corp. Theres no question that were that move to occur, it would be met with a very negative reaction in Indonesia. Turnbull noted Indonesia is the largest majority-Muslim country in the world, so we have to be very clear-eyed about that. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Tuesday no decision had been made yet on the embassys location. Decades of policy Turnbull said he was confident the free trade deal between Australia, a nation of 25 million people, and Indonesia, a near neighbour with a population of more than 260 million people, would be signed within weeks. He also said Australia should stick with a policy of more than 40 years that kept its embassy in Tel Aviv. Morrison, a long-time ally of Turnbull who had argued against replacing him in a leadership ballot of government legislators, floated the idea of moving the embassy days before a by-election in a Sydney electorate with a large Jewish population. Australia will always make our decisions on our foreign policy based on our interests and well do that as a sovereign nation, Morrison told reporters. Well consult, well listen to others, but at the end of the day I will always put our interests first. The Trump administration turned its back on decades of US policy last December by recognising Jerusalem as Israels capital, and in May it moved the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The decision angered the Muslim world and was a major setback for Palestinian aspirations for statehood. Investigation under way after several people dressed in costumes of white supremacist group pose outside Islamic centre. A group of at least eight people dressed as Ku Klux Klan (KKK) members posed outside an Islamic centre in a Northern Irish town over the weekend, in an incident that is being treated by police as a hate crime. A picture published on social media showed the group, also carrying crucifixes, close to the Bangladesh Islamic Centre in Newtownards, east of Belfast, on Saturday. A pigs head was left outside the same centre in August last year, according to British media. We are treating this as a hate crime, Inspector Richard Murray, from the Police Service of Northern Ireland, said in a statement on Tuesday. The KKK is a white supremacist group founded in the 19th century after the abolition of slavery in the United States. The group also posed for pictures at a pub in the town with Sharon Mellor, the girlfriend of Tony Martin, leader of the fringe far-right group National Front, the Belfast Telegraph reported. Dressed up for Halloween The newspaper published a picture showing Mellor with someone dressed in a KKK costume spattered with what looked like blood and holding a beer. She told the paper the people were random strangers. A few blokes were dressed up for Halloween, no idea who they were, she said. The paper said Mellor joked three years ago about having tried to set fire to the Islamic centre in the town. One of the pubs the group entered on Saturday night was The Spirit Merchant owned by the JD Wetherspoon chain. Wetherspoon spokesperson Eddie Gershon said: We can confirm that a group dressed in KKK clothing came to our pub. They were refused entry by door staff but pushed past them into the pub. They were told by bar staff that they would not be served. They remained in the pub for five minutes, unserved, and then left. Hatice Cengiz tells Saudi leaders to return her fiances remains, warns Trump not to pave the way for a cover-up. London The fiancee of murdered Saudi Arabian journalist Jamal Khashoggi has demanded that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reveal the whereabouts of his body. In an emotional plea, Hatice Cengiz told an audience in London: I believe that the Saudi regime knows where his body is: they should answer my demand, for this is not only the demand of a fiancee but a human and Islamic demand. In a moving tribute to Khashoggi who was killed at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2 Cengiz called on the international community to ensure there is no cover-up of his murder. Speaking for the first time outside Turkey, she said: I want justice to be served not only for those who murdered my beloved Jamal but for those who organised it and gave the order for it. These questions are not just my questions: they are being asked by millions. I want the role of the political leadership in this brutal killing to be brought to light. Speaker after speaker at the homage organised by Middle East Monitor and the Al Sharq Forum to commemorate the Washington Post columnist placed the blame for his death squarely on the shoulders of bin Salman. Cengiz said her fiancees death had left a void in her life and had turned him into a martyr for the cause of democracy in Saudi Arabia. The writer was highly critical of the Saudi leadership and left his homeland for the United States last year after growing fearful for his safety. A Turkish academic who became engaged to marry Khashoggi four months ago, Cengiz was waiting for her fiancee to re-emerge from the consulate where he was murdered by what she branded a death squad. If only I knew what would happen, I would have entered the consulate myself If only I knew that there were bloodthirsty, evil people waiting inside the consulate for my Jamal, I would have done all I could to prevent him from entering. Tipping point? She also attacked US President Donald Trump who has limited his criticism of the Saudi leader, a close ally, and stressed the importance to the American economy of arms sales to the country. I am deeply grateful for the solidarity of people all over the world, Cengiz said. I am, however, disappointed in the actions of the leadership in many countries, particularly in the US. President Trump should help reveal the truth and ensure justice be served. He should not pave the way for a cover-up of my fiancees murder. Lets not let money taint our conscience and compromise our values. Wadah Khanfar, former director general of Al Jazeera, said bin Salman, 33, had shot himself in the foot with this latest act. He underestimated the amount of anger this would cause across the world, Khanfar told Al Jazeera. This is a tipping point that will undermine his government and his future. No respected politician in the world will ever want to have a photo opportunity alongside him again. Several speakers indicated the young Saudi leaders disastrous policies including the brutal war he is waging in neighbouring Yemen had now turned him into a liability for his country by alienating its international allies. Toxic brand Sarah Leah Whitson, executive director of the Middle East and North Africa division of Human Rights Watch, delivered a heartfelt tribute to Khashoggi, whom she described as the Saudi man who would not bow down. {articleGUID} She said the murder had revealed the crown prince not only to be a reckless, sadistic murderer but an unreliable and treacherous ally. No foreign leader who is not enslaved to Saudi Arabia financially would dare to be seen standing next to him, Whitson said. He is now exposed as the greatest liability for Saudi Arabia in its short history. British parliamentarian Crispin Blunt said the murder was a very profound moment that would silence Saudi society completely unless the government changed direction in order to do penance for this appalling atrocity. He called on the regime to begin by ensuring freedom of expression, ending the death penalty, and halting efforts to brand all political opponents as terrorists. David Hearst, editor in chief of Middle East Eye, told the audience bin Salman had become a toxic brand whose actions would have important diplomatic implications for Saudi Arabia. Jamals murder has shown us that our closest allies are not just unstable but a source of instability. Killing the messenger Beyond its geopolitical ripple effect, the Khashoggi killing has also begun to influence global debates about the increasing risks faced by journalists today. In a veiled reference to US President Donald Trump who has been vocal in his attacks on the press, Michelle Stanistreet, head of the UKs National Union of Journalists, described a shocking level of state-sponsored impunity for those who attack media workers. Stanistreet said: The global journalistic community today faces an international climate that is ever more febrile and increasingly fraught with danger: an American president who has called journalists the enemies of the people, a Saudi regime that believes the world will suspend disbelief and allow itself to be hoodwinked as it repeatedly changes its story [on Khashoggi], and a Turkish president speaking out against a terrible act while journalists languish in Turkish prisons. Khashoggi case: Turkey claims senior Saudi figures being shielded Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan calls for more information after Riyadh reportedly hands over testimonies of 18 suspects linked to journalists killing. Boeing 737 was almost brand new though it crashed in Indonesia shortly after take-off from Jakartas airport. Search teams scoured the sea off Indonesia on Tuesday for any signs of life and evidence to determine what brought down a Lion Air flight with 189 people on board. Divers hunted for the main fuselage and deployed underwater beacons to trace the flights black box recorders in order to find out what caused one of the deadliest aviation incidents in Indonesias history. The search was stopped for the night although sonar vessels and an underwater drone continued hunting for the downed airliner. Hopefully this morning we can find the wreckage or fuselage, Soerjanto Tjahjono, the head of Indonesias transport safety panel, told Reuters news agency. Lion Airs aeroplane was almost brand new though it crashed shortly after take-off from the airport in Jakarta after the pilot reported he needed to return the aircraft to the ground. The Boeing 737 was flown for the first time on August 15, and the airline said it had been certified as airworthy before Mondays flight by an engineer who is a specialist in Boeing models. Indonesias search-and-rescue agency said there was little hope of finding survivors. [It] would be a miracle, spokesman Yusuf Latif said. The agency said on Tuesday that 10 intact bodies, as well as body parts, had been recovered. Confused Lion Air Chief Executive Edward Sirait said on Monday the plane had encountered an unspecified technical issue on its previous flight, which was from the resort island of Bali to Jakarta, but that it had been resolved according to procedure. We dont dare to say what the facts are, or are not, yet, he told reporters. We are also confused about the why since it was a new plane. The Boeing 737 MAX 8 airliner was flying from the capital to the city of Pangkal Pinang at 1,113 metres above sea level when it lost contact with air traffic controllers. The crash was the worst airline disaster in Indonesia since an AirAsia flight plunged into the sea in December 2014, killing all 162 on board. One of the passengers was 22-year-old Deryl Fida Febrianto, who got married just two weeks ago and was on his way to Pangkal Pinang to work on a cruise ship. His wife, Lutfinani Eka Putri, 23, said her husband messaged her from the aircraft at 6:12am, sending her a photo from the plane, and at 6:15am he stopped replying to her messages. They had grown up together, she told reporters, showing a picture of the smiling couple on their wedding day. When I saw the news, I matched the flight number with the ticket photo Deryl had sent, she said. I immediately started crying. Mexicos president-elect to scrap $13bn airport project Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador says hes respecting the result of a referendum by the Mexican people. An estimated 53,000 voter applications are being held up by Georgias Secretary of State. With early voting soaring in the US state of Georgia, civil rights and voting rights groups have sounded the alarm on what they describe as widespread voter suppression that disproportionately impacts blacks. On November 6, voters across the US will cast their ballots in heated midterm elections that are expected to be a referendum on President Donald Trumps job performance. Stacey Abrams, the Democratic gubernatorial candidate, could become the nations first black female governor. But a potential challenge looms: her Republican opponent is Georgias secretary of state, the office that oversees voter registration applications. Brian Kemp, Abramss pro-Trump challenger, is currently holding up 53,000 applications, most of them belonging to African Americans. Kemp maintains that his actions comply with Georgias 2017 exact match law, which requires that voter registration information precisely matches with data from the Social Security Administration or Department of Motor Vehicles. Along with a handful of civil rights groups, Abrams has accused Kemp of voter suppression, charges that he has consistently denied. On Tuesday morning, Abrams lashed out at Kemp on The View, a daytime talk show. We know he has disproportionately purged voters of colour, stopped voters of color, arrested voters of colour, she said. Regardless of his intent, the result is that racial bias has been injected into our system, and that undermines confidence. Last week, the state chapter of the NAACP, a civil rights organisation, filed complaints with the state election officials alleging that some machines were changing early votes for Abrams to votes for Kemp. {articleGUID} I am disappointed in how unaccountable the secretary of state seems to be to the people of Georgia, said Nse Ufot, executive director of the New Georgia Project, a voting advocacy organisation founded by Abrams. Given all the challenges and his failures to execute the responsibilities of secretary of state, its odd and interesting that he is now asking the people of Georgia for a promotion, she told Al Jazeera. Kemps spokesperson did not reply to Al Jazeeras multiple requests for a comment. But during a heated debate last week, the Republican candidate dismissed the allegations as a farce. This farce about voter suppression and people being held up from being on the rolls is absolutely not true, he said during the debate. Kemp claimed that any voters with pending applications could cast their ballot as long as they show up with a form of identification on Election Day. But advocates worry that those names may not be on a supplemental list required to allow them to vote in such a case. Not simply about being told no During the debate, Abrams replied, Voter suppression is not simply about being told no, its about being told its going to be harder for you to vote. The Brennan Center for Justice says the number of voters purged skyrocketed under Kemp, reaching an estimated 1.5 million between the 2012 and 2016 elections. That total is nearly twice the number purged between 2008 and 2012, the group said in a report. Last year, Kemp settled a lawsuit with civil rights organisations over voting rights. The suit included allegations that the voter registration system was discriminatory, citing the cancellation of around 34,000 peoples registration status between 2010 and 2013. The way black votes are suppressed in Georgia are much more sophisticated than in previous decades, said the New Georgia Projects Ufot. Thats the legacy of Jim Crow. What we have today is James Crow, PhD, a data scientist. Former US President Jimmy Carter has urged Kemp to step down, and former President Barack Obama has endorsed Abrams. As of last Thursday, Georgias early voting tally was 944,426, nearly three times as many ballots cast in the same duration during the 2014 midterm vote. {articleGUID} A Pew Research Center survey recently found that voter enthusiasm was at its highest level for any midterm election in the past two decades. During the upcoming midterm elections, voters will decide 39 state and territorial governorships, all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 seats in Senate, among others. Trump won Georgia during the 2016 presidential election, gaining 50.4 percent of the vote as compared with Hillary Clintons 45.3 percent. Experts and monitors say this could be one of the most violent election seasons in living memory. Washington, DC Eleven people shot dead in a synagogue. Two African Americans killed at a supermarket. More than a dozen pipe bombs mailed to prominent Democrats and CNN. As President Donald Trump and Republicans escalated campaign rhetoric, much of it anti-migrant and anti-Muslim, deadly attacks and threats of violence marred the lead-up to the midterm elections. Experts say it is one of the most violent election campaigns in living memory, and critics lay much of the blame on the president. Heidi Beirich heads the Intelligence Project at the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), an Alabama-based hate monitor. In her decades of experience, she cannot recall a pre-election tide of violence as worrisome as the one pouring over the US right now. This is three major attacks, the last being the most devastating, in just a few days right before an election, she told Al Jazeera, explaining that uptick in hate crimes and far-right violence have traditionally followed elections rather than preceded them. On Saturday, a gunman stormed the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and perpetrated what has been described as the deadliest assault on the American Jewish community in the countrys history. All Jews must die! he reportedly screamed, while unloading a barrage of bullets that killed 11 worshippers during prayer time. Police quickly arrested 46-year-old Robert Bowers, a frequent poster on the Gab social media platform, where he reportedly announced his intent to carry out the massacre just hours earlier. Although Bowers criticised Trump, he shared the presidents anger over a US-bound caravan of Latin American migrants and refugees. The massacre came just a day after police arrested Cesar Sayoc, who they believe mailed more than a dozen pipe bombs to outspoken critics of Trump. The recipients were frequent targets of far-right ire: former President Barack Obama, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Hungarian-American billionaire George Soros and US Congresswoman Maxine Waters, among others. A van with windows covered in pro-Trump and anti-Democrat stickers, apprehended on October 26, 2018, during an investigation into a series of parcel bombs, in Hollywood, Florida [File: Geo Rodriguez/Reuters] {articleGUID} Sayocs now-suspended Twitter accounts teemed with pro-Trump posts, conspiracy theory memes and often violent threats to journalists and others. And as authorities intercepted explosive packages across the nation, a murder occurred in Louisville, Kentucky on Wednesday. A white man allegedly shot and killed two black shoppers at a Kroger supermarket after failing to break into a predominantly African American church. Whites dont kill whites, the suspect reportedly told a bystander. People who predict civil war From the earliest days of his presidential campaign, Trump faced accusations that his rhetoric fueled racism, xenophobia and violence. Although hate crimes were nothing new, Trumps ascent to power sent them soaring as far-right groups rallied behind his message. During the 10 days following his election, the SPLC documented nearly 900 reports of harassment and intimidation across the US, with many of the assailants declaring their support for Trump. A steady stream of violence, clashes between far-rightists and anti-fascists, and a deadly white supremacist rally in Virginia punctuated Trumps first year in office. White supremacists killed at least 18 people in 2017, according to the Anti-Defamation League. These Daryle are the people who are supposed to be in power right now, and yet they still feel theyre threatened.] Even with last years string of hate crimes, confrontations and brawls across the nation, the current spate of violence shocks Daryle Lamont Jenkins, who has monitored white nationalists, racist skinheads and neo-Nazi groups for more than three decades. Attempted assassination of elected officials past and present, a synagogue being attacked and people being killed in a grocery store in Kentucky none of these folks engaged in any kind of violence, he told Al Jazeera, adding: It has never really been this [violent] during elections. {articleGUID} Jenkins, who founded the One Peoples Project hate watchdog in 2000, added, These [the far right] are the people who are supposed to be in power right now, and yet they still feel theyre threatened. Although he expected similar far-right violence had Hillary Clinton bested Trump during the 2016 presidential elections, he says that the stakes are especially high now. Youre talking about people who are predicting civil war if Trump is impeached this is what they are looking for. No question Critics point to Trumps rhetoric, arguing that presidents words have contributed to the spike in incitement, surge in hate crimes and mushrooming of hate groups. In early October, members of the far-right, pro-Trump Proud Boys group attacked anti-fascist protesters outside the Metropolitan Republican Club in New York City. Gavin McInnes, the groups founder, had been invited to speak at the club, where his supporters assaulted the protesters and yelled homophobic slurs. Last week, when Trump addressed a campaign event in Texas for Senator Ted Cruz, he deemed himself a nationalist gripped in a battle against power-hungry globalists. Condemnation followed soon after, and Trumps opponents pointed out that the term globalist is often employed in the service of far-right conspiracy theories and carries thinly-veiled anti-Semitic undertones. With little success, Trump and his supporters have sought to distance the presidents rhetoric from the violence unravelling on the ground. After the deadly synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh, Trump took to Twitter to blame fake news for great anger in the country. His comments echoed similar ones made a few days earlier in response to the spate of attempted bombings. Steven Rogers, a former law enforcement officer who sits on the Trump for President advisory board, defended Trump against allegations of incitement and fearmongering. {articleGUID} Hate is embedded in ones heart, he told Al Jazeera, arguing that films, music and video games have cultivated a culture of violence. It is not caused by a persons political speech. The president is not responsible for the terrible acts of deranged people. But the SPLCs Beirich says there is no question that Trumps rhetoric has tilled the soil for would-be attackers. We have been tracking domestic terrorism incidents for more than 20 years, and I dont really remember seeing something like this. James Whitey Bulger was serving two consecutive life sentences for 11 murders, racketeering and other charges. James Whitey Bulger, who lived a double life as one of Bostons most notorious mobsters and as a secret FBI informant before going on the run for 16 years, was found dead at a federal prison in West Virginia, the Federal Bureau of Prisons said. The FBI was looking into Bulgers death, the Bureau of Prisons said in its statement on Tuesday. Bulgers death at age 89 came a day after he was transferred to the high-security prison. Federal officials did not give a cause of death but the Bureau of Prisons said no other inmates or staff were injured. CNN and the Boston Globe reported that Bulger was killed without giving further details. Henry Brennan, a defence lawyer for Bulger, said in an email he could not confirm or deny the reports. Bulger was convicted in August 2013 of 11 murders, among other charges including racketeering, and sentenced to two consecutive life terms plus five years. Prison had been something Bulger had gone to great lengths to avoid killing potential witnesses, cultivating corrupt lawmen and living as a fugitive for 16 years. It all ended when a tip from a former Icelandic beauty queen led to his capture in June 2011 in Santa Monica, California, where he was living with a long-time girlfriend. Bulger and his Winter Hill gang had operated for more than two decades in the insular Irish-dominated South Boston neighbourhood, engaging in loan sharking, gambling, extortion, drug dealing and murder. They did so with the tacit approval of an FBI agent who looked the other way when it came to Bulgers crimes so that he would supply information on other gangsters. {articleGUID} Bulger, portrayed by Johnny Depp in the 2015 film Black Mass, was feared for his short temper and brutality. Prosecutors said he strangled two women with his hands and tortured a man for hours before shooting him in the head with a machine gun. We made millions We took what we wanted, Kevin Weeks, a former Bulger lieutenant who would eventually give evidence against him, wrote in Brutal, his memoir. We made millions through extortion and loansharking and protection. And if someone ratted us out, we killed him. We were not nice guys. Bulger was born September 3, 1929, and grew up in South Boston. He was called Whitey because of his light blond hair but was said to detest the nickname and preferred being called Jimmy. As a teenager, he joined a gang known as The Shamrocks, compiled an arrest record for assault and armed robbery and ended up in a juvenile reformatory. Bulger was a bank robber early in his criminal career, which landed him in prisons such as the infamous Alcatraz, located on an island in San Francisco Bay. Upon his release in 1965, he eventually fell in with the Irish mob in South Boston and worked his way through the ranks as a bookie and loanshark. He survived a gang war between two Irish mobs and was a leading figure in Bostons underworld by the early 1970s. His career was boosted by his relationship with rogue FBI agent John J Connolly, who Bulger had known since they were boys. Connolly was supposed to be in charge of getting information out of him and Bulger did provide information that helped the FBI go after his main rival, New Englands Italian Mafia, as well as local criminals. In return, Connolly let Bulger know about working investigations while Bulger and close associate Steve The Rifleman Flemmi carried on with impunity. After he retired from the FBI, Connolly tipped off Bulger about a coming indictment, sending the mobster on the run in 1995. Connolly was convicted in 2008 of racketeering, taking bribes and second-degree murder for his role in the slaying of an accountant who Bulger and Flemmi feared would give evidence against them. Bad guy Bulgers former associates turned on him while he was at large and their information led to a 2000 indictment that originally charged him with 19 murders. The guy is a sociopathic killer, Tom Foley, who worked on Bulger cases for the Massachusetts State Police, told CNN. He loved that type of life. Hes one of the hardest and cruelest individuals that operated in the Boston area. Hes a bad, bad, bad guy. When Bulger fled, he first took Teresa Stanley, his girlfriend of 30 years, with him. After a few weeks at large, however, Stanley wanted to go home so Bulger dropped her off in the Boston area. He picked up another of his girlfriends, Catherine Greig, and disappeared again. Bulger spent his final years of freedom in Number 303 of the Princess Eugenia apartment complex in Santa Monica with Greig. {articleGUID} One of their neighbours, Anna Bjornsdottir, a former US television actress and Miss Iceland of 1974, earned a $2m reward for turning in Bulger. She was watching a television news report about the Bulger manhunt when she recognised the man she knew by the name Charlie Gasko and notified the FBI. At first, he denied his identity but eventually told authorities, You know who I am. Im Whitey Bulger. More than $800,000 in cash and a cache of weapons was found hidden in the walls of his apartment. Greig was sentenced to eight years in prison and fined $150,000 for helping Bulger evade capture. She is scheduled for release in September 2020. Bulgers two-month trial for murder, extortion and drug dealing in 2013 was sometimes raucous. A parade of former associates testified against him, giving brutal details about how Bulger would kill enemies and then take a nap. Sometimes Bulger sat silently at the defendants table and at other times he engaged in profane shouting matches with witnesses such as Flemmi. Bulger, who denied ever being an FBI informant, refused to give evidence on the grounds that the trial was a sham. The US Justice Department paid more than $20m in damages to families of people killed by Bulger on the grounds that he was operating under government supervision while killing. While Bulger was robbing banks and killing people, his younger brother Billy was acquiring political notoriety and power. Billy served in the Massachusetts legislature for 35 years, including several years as president of the state Senate, after which he was president of the University of Massachusetts. He was forced to resign the latter job in 2003 after it was learned that eight years earlier he had spoken by phone with his brother, who at the time was a federal fugitive, and did not report it to authorities. NATO war games: Technology changing strategies Al Jazeera looks at how new technologies will keep an army supplied and protected in a time of war. At least one protester wounded in latest violence amid protests by supporters of jailed cleric Ibrahim el-Zakzaky. Police have opened fire and shot tear gas at hundreds of Shia Muslim protesters during clashes in Nigerias capital, Abuja, according to a witness. The crackdown came on Tuesday, a day after soldiers opened fire on the same protest march by supporters of Ibrahim el-Zakzaky, the imprisoned leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN). At least one protester was wounded by the gunfire on Tuesday, the witness told Reuters news agency. Police were attempting to stop the march towards the city centre, where most government buildings and the presidency are located. When marchers refused to turn back, police fired tear gas on the crowd. The protesters responded by hurling rocks and the police opened fire, the witness said. Police attempted to stop the march towards the city centre [Abraham Achirga/Reuters] On Monday, soldiers killed at least 18 demonstrators, according to the protesters. The military put the death toll at three, saying that four soldiers were also wounded during the clashes. The deaths bring to six the number of IMN supporters who have been killed in demonstrations since Saturday and heighten concerns about further crackdowns on the group. The army claimed the soldiers opened fire on Saturday after the protesters attacked a military convoy and tried to steal weapons and ammunition. Imprisoned cleric El-Zakzaky has been in custody since December 2015 after clashes in the northern city of Zaria. At the time, the military was accused of killing more than 300 IMN supporters and burying them in mass graves. El-Zakzaky has been at loggerheads with Nigerias secular authorities for years because of his calls for an Iranian-style Islamic revolution. Northern Nigeria is majority Sunni Muslim. The cleric, who is in his mid-60s and lost the sight in one eye during the 2015 clashes, has only been seen in public twice since he was detained. Nigerias government has previously ignored a court order to release el-Zakzaky and his wife. In April, at least 115 IMN supporters were arrested during protests in Abuja during which police used tear gas and water cannon. IMN processions for the annual Ashoura festival have frequently been flashpoints. In November 2016, at least 10 people were killed when police opened fire near the northern city of Kano. Trump visits city where a gunman killed 11 in one of the worst acts of anti-Semitic violence in the US in recent memory. US President Donald Trump arrived in Pittsburgh as funerals began for the victims of last weekends anti-Semitic shooting at a synagogue in the US city that left 11 dead. The Republican leader came to the city on Tuesday despite statements by several Jewish leaders that he would not be welcome. Those calls came from progressive Jewish groups, as well as the former president of the Tree of Life synagogue, which was attacked by suspected gunman Robert Bowers on Saturday. Bowers reportedly made anti-Semitic remarks as he opened fire on worshippers inside the building, killing 11 and wounding several others, including police officers responding at the scene. Before Trumps arrival, a crowd of protesters blocked the entrance to the citys Republican club, over the partys purported failure to denounce white supremacism. Protesters also shouted Leave Pittsburgh, leave Pennsylvania as Trump and First Lady Melania Trump visited the Tree of Life Synagogue. There were also signs that read Trump go home and words matter. Elisa Borrero, 26, held a sign reading Stronger than hate, decorated with the Star of David. The research lab worker said she has friends who lost loved ones in the shooting. She blamed Trumps rhetoric for encouraging increasingly toxic political divisions that can lead to violence. The shooting is almost like a manifestation of his hate that really hits home, she said. I wanted to let him know we do not want him here. Others, including Yulia Kushner, who lives in the Squirrel Hill neighbourhood near the Tree of Life Synagogue, acknowledged many in the Jewish community did not want Trump to visit because they blame his rhetoric for increasing hate, but it was still fitting that the president paid his respects. Its not like Im a Trump supporter, Kushner told Al Jazeera. But today we have to concentrate on mourning and set aside our political differences. The protests and memorial vigils coincided with funerals for victims of Saturdays mass killing, one of the worst acts of anti-Semitic violence in the US in recent memory. Several of those killed were alive at the time of the Holocaust. A coffin is carried from Rodef Shalom Temple after funeral services for brothers Cecil and David Rosenthal, victims of the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting [Cathal McNaughton/Reuters] In posts online before the shooting, Bowers had blamed a Jewish NGO, the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, for helping immigrants and refugees enter the US. He also voiced anger at Trump for surrounding himself with Jews. In the initial aftermath of the shooting, Trump suggested that an armed guard at the synagogue may have been able to stop the attack immediately. He also condemned the shooting and called for the death penalty for the attackers. A demonstrator waits for the start of a protest in the aftermath of the mass shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue [Matt Rourke/AP Photo] In a week marred by violence, the killings have intensified focus on Trumps role in stoking the far right. The US president has repeatedly used terms, such as globalist, which has a historic anti-Semitic connotation, and has indulged in conspiracy theories that originated in white supremacist circles, such as his unfounded claim that George Soros was funding protesters against his Supreme Court pick. Additional reporting by Chris Kenning in Pittsburgh. Poverty is the reason Hondurans flee to the US Honduras ranks among the poorest nations in the world, where 6 in 10 homes are subject to extreme poverty. Trump says he wants to order the end of the constitutional right to citizenship for those born in the US. This article has been corrected to state that birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment began in 1868. President Donald Trump is intensifying his hardline immigration rhetoric heading into the midterm elections, declaring that he wants to order the end of the constitutional right to citizenship for babies of non-citizens and undocumented immigrants born in the United States. With seven days to go before high-stakes elections that he has sought to focus on fearmongering over immigration, Trump made the comments to Axios on HBO. Revoking birthright citizenship would lead to a court fight over whether the president has the unilateral ability to change an amendment to the Constitution. Most scholars think he cant. Omar Jadwat, director of the Immigrants Rights Project at the American Civil Liberties Union in New York, said Tuesday said the Constitution is very clear. If you are born in the United States, youre a citizen, he said, adding that it was outrageous that the president can think he can override constitutional guarantees by issuing an executive order. Jadwat said the president has an obligation to uphold the Constitution. Trump can try to get Congress to pass a constitutional amendment, but I dont think they are anywhere close to getting that. Obviously, even if he did, it would be subject to court challenge, he added. Asked by Axios about the legality of such an executive order, Trump said, theyre saying I can do it just with an executive order. He added, Its ridiculous and it has to end. Its unclear how quickly he would act on an executive order. The White House has yet to comment. On Monday, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said he would introduce legislation to support Trumps plan to limit US citizenship to certain children born in the US. He did not provide any details or a timeline. {articleGUID} Pew Research Center found in a survey published two years ago that births to unauthorised immigrants were declining and accounted for about one in three births to foreign-born mothers in the US in 2014. About 275,000 babies were born to such parents in 2014, or about 7 percent of the 4 million births in the US that year, according to Pew estimates based on government data. That represented a decline from 330,000 in 2009, at the end of the recession. The president also told Axios that the US is the only country in the world where a person comes in, has a baby is essentially a citizen of the United States for 85 years with all of those benefits, but several countries, including Canada, have birthright citizenship laws of varying degrees. In a 2015 analysis, fact-checking website Politifact, found there were 33 countries, primarily in the Western Hemisphere, that allow those born within their borders to obtain citizenship. What is the USs birthright citizenship law? The 14th Amendment was ratified in 1868 and guaranteed that all persons born or naturalised in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside. It was one of the amendments passed during the Reconstruction era that abolished slavery and gave rights to African Americans. The amendment was a rebuke to the Dred Scott decision of 1857, which said those descended from slaves could not be citizens. {articleGUID} The 14th Amendment has led to a number of legal challenges. In 1868, the Supreme Court ruled in United States v Wong Kim Ark that a child born to Chinese immigrants who were legal residents was entitled to birthright citizenship. According to legal scholars, the challenges often centre on the words subject to the jurisdiction thereof. Martha S Jones, a professor of history at Johns Hopkins University and author of Birthright Citizens tweeted on Tuesday that, We are facing a contest over what categories of persons are excluded from Birthright citizenship. She added that that final interpretation of the amendment rest with the Supreme Court. 1/ Ill weigh in here to say a few things about this issue. The first is that this issue is not one that has been directly tested or addressed by our courts. And the final interpretation here rests with #SCOTUS. https://t.co/e1C1d2YjDQ Martha S. Jones, JD, PhD (@marthasjones_) October 30, 2018 Anti-immigrant rhetoric Trump voiced his theory that birthright citizenship could be stripped during his campaign, when he described it as a magnet for illegal immigration. During a 2015 campaign stop in Florida, he said: The birthright citizenship the anchor baby birthright citizenship, its over, not going to happen. {articleGUID} Since being elected he has cracked down on immigration, including implementing a travel ban on nationals from six Muslim-majority countries. His administration has also implemented a zero tolerance policy at the US border. Trump was forced to roll back his administrations practice of separating children from their families at the border after public outcry. Hundreds remain separated. In the lead up to to next weeks midterm election, the US president has sought to energise his supporters and help Republicans keep control of Congress, stoking anxiety about a caravan of Central American migrants and refugees making its way to the US-Mexico border. The caravan is currently more than 1,200km away. He is dispatching additional troops and saying hell set up tent cities for asylum seekers, moves his critics say are an overreaction and political stunt. International pressure on Riyadh continues to mount following assassination of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. An earlier version of this article stated that Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt and the UAE severed ties with Qatar in July 2017. This was incorrect. The blockade started on June 5, 2017, as is now reflected below. The US is ratcheting up pressure on Saudi Arabia to restore relations with Qatar, Bloomberg has reported, as the kingdom comes under increasing international scrutiny for its role in the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Washingtons thrust is aimed at resolving the more than year-long political and economic isolation imposed on Qatar by Saudi Arabia and three other Arab states, Bloomberg reported on Monday, citing three unnamed sources said to be familiar with the US efforts. Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates severed political and economic ties with Qatar in June 2017, imposing a land, sea and air embargo on the small Gulf state, which is home to a major US airbase. The quartet accused Qatar of supporting terrorism, a charge it vehemently denies, and issued a list of 13 demands it said Doha would have to meet to end the crisis. {articleGUID} Last week, Saudi Crown Prince and de-facto ruler Mohammed bin Salman praised Qatars economy in a rare conciliatory remark about the Gulf state. Bin Salman is under heavy pressure over his possible role in the assassination of Khashoggi inside Saudi Arabias consulate in Istanbul on October 2. Analysts have suggested the ongoing fallout over the case, which has attracted international media and intense political scrutiny, may result in Saudi Arabia being pressured into changing course in a number of foreign policy areas, including the blockade of Qatar. Pressure over Yemen According to one of the sources contacted by Bloomberg, US President Donald Trumps administration is also pushing for Saudi officials to resolve the ongoing war in Yemen, a conflict which has sparked the worlds worst humanitarian crisis. The conflict in Yemen, the Arab worlds poorest country, began with the 2014 takeover of the capital, Sanaa, by Houthi rebels, who toppled the internationally recognised government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi. {articleGUID} A Saudi-UAE coalition allied with the government has been fighting the Houthis since 2015. A UN report published in August said there were reasonable grounds to believe all parties to the conflict have committed a substantial number of violations of international humanitarian law. The possible violations include deadly air raids, rampant sexual violence, and the recruitment of child soldiers, the report said. More than 10,000 civilians have been killed during the conflict, while nearly two-thirds of Yemens 27 million people are now reliant on aid and over eight million are at risk of starvation, according to the UN. Machar fled South Sudans capital two years ago under a hail of gunfire when an earlier peace deal collapsed. South Sudans main rebel leader Riek Machar will return to the capital, Juba, on Wednesday to take part in a peace ceremony, more than two years after he fled the country following the collapse of a power-sharing deal. Machar last month signed a peace deal with South Sudans President Salva Kiir in Ethiopia to end a ruinous five-year war that killed tens of thousands and forced millions from their homes. Machar will lead a delegation of the SPLM/A-IO members for the peace celebration in Juba, but the programme in Juba is entirely in the hands of the regime, group spokesperson Lam Paul Gabriel said in a statement on Tuesday. {articleGUID} Along with Kiir and Machar, a number of regional heads of state are also expected at the ceremony to publicly welcome the most recent peace agreement, which was approved in August before being signed in Ethiopias capital, Addis Ababa. Machars previous homecoming, in April 2016, was put off by wrangling over how many bodyguards he could bring with him and what weapons they would carry, but Gabriel said this time the rebel leader would be accompanied by only around 30 political figures. We are worried for his security in Juba, but the truth is here: we are for peace, and what we are trying to do is build trust, Machars spokesperson said. So that is why he is able to leave his forces behind and just go with politicians. Failed peace deal Two years after gaining independence, South Sudan descended into civil war in December 2013 when Kiir accused his then-deputy, Machar, of plotting a coup. Ethnically-charged fighting soon spread from the capital across the impoverished state, shutting down oil fields, forcing millions to flee and killing tens of thousands of people. A power-sharing deal that returned Machar to the vice presidency was signed in 2015. But it collapsed a year later in a deadly battle that saw Machar flee into exile in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He later travelled to South Africa where he was held under house arrest until peace talks started again in June, sponsored by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, a regional bloc. The deployment of troops, including Sudanese forces, is part of new offensive expected to start within days. A Saudi-UAE-led coalition fighting Yemens Houthi rebels has sent more than 10,000 additional troops towards the rebel-held port city of Hodeidah, according to Yemeni government officials. The deployment is part of a planned new offensive aimed at securing areas liberated from the Houthis, a military official told AFP news agency on Tuesday. According to the unnamed official, the mission is expected to commence within days and forces from Sudan, part of the coalition, had moved in to secure areas around the strategic city. For the past 10 days, Houthi rebels have stationed fighters on the rooftops of buildings in Hodeidah city, AFP reported government military officials as saying. Roots of the conflict The Yemen conflict began in 2014 when the Houthis toppled the government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi and took control of the capital, Sanaa. Saudi Arabia led an intervention in 2015 to fight the Houthis. Civilians have borne the brunt of the conflict, which has sparked the worlds worst humanitarian crisis and a cholera epidemic. According to the United Nations, at least 10,000 people have been killed since the coalitions intervention. The death toll, however, has not been updated in years and is likely to be far higher. The Red Sea port city of Hodeidah has strategic importance in the conflict. It is the only port held by the Houthis and serves as the entry point for the bulk of Yemens commercial imports and aid supplies. Saudi Arabia has accused the Houthis of using the port to smuggle in weapons from Iran. The UAE has said the Houthis generate $30m to $40m a month in revenue from the port. Worsening food crisis Last week, the UNs humanitarian chief warned that the situation in Yemen was far worse than previously estimated. Mark Lowcock, UN undersecretary-general for humanitarian affairs, said 14 million people in Yemen face a serious threat of famine, noting that the worsening food crisis was largely the result of the fighting around Hodeidah. The coalition launched an aerial bombing campaign in June 2018 aimed at pushing the Houthis out of the Red Sea city. After UN-backed peace talks collapsed in September, the Saudi-UAE-led coalition announced it would relaunch an assault on Hodeidah. Since then, Saudi-led forces have focused their raids on the city limits and other parts of the surrounding province. Last week, air strikes in the province killed dozens of civilians, the UN said, which the Houthis blamed on the coalition. Landmark ruling will have a serious economic and political impact on Japanese-South Korean ties, analysts say. South Koreas top court ruled on Tuesday a company from Japan must compensate four South Koreans for their forced labour during World War II when the Japanese imperial army occupied the Korean Peninsula. The Supreme Court ordered Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corp to pay 100 million won ($87,700) to each of the four plaintiffs. Lee Choon-shik, the 98-year-old sole surviving plaintiff, welcomed the ruling saying in a televised news conference it was heartbreaking to see it today, left alone alive. The courts final decision is likely to have a significant impact on Japanese-South Korean ties, politically and economically, as Japanese firms involved in similar lawsuits could face similar outcomes. We might have to brace for not only a diplomatic crisis but a pull-out of some Japanese firms and a fall in new investment, said Shin Beom-chul, a senior fellow at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies in Seoul. Japan and South Korea share a bitter history that includes Japans 35-year occupation from 1910 to 1945 of the peninsula and the use of comfort women Korean, Chinese, and Filipina forced to work in its wartime brothels. Nippon Steel said on Tuesday the ruling was deeply regrettable and that it would carefully review the court decision, taking into account the Japanese governments response. Japans foreign ministry said it would summon the South Korean ambassador. Irreversible catastrophe {articleGUID} The four former labourers initiated a lawsuit in 2005 against Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corp seeking compensation and unpaid wages. Previous cases they had brought in Japan were dismissed on the grounds their right to reparation was terminated by a 1965 treaty normalising diplomatic ties between the countries. But in 2012, South Koreas Supreme Court ruled the company should compensate the plaintiffs. The company appealed a 2013 order that it pay 100 million won ($87,900) to each of the four. Japans foreign ministry said the issue of compensation was settled completely and finally by the 1965 deal. Because of the ruling, the former labourers can now request a seizure of Nippon Steels property in South Korea, which could lead to an international arbitration, said Jin Chang-soo, president of the Sejong Institute think-tank. South Koreas foreign ministry said in 2016 any seizure of company assets could drive relations into an irreversible catastrophe. Its possible that the case will escalate, stoke anti-Japanese sentiment here and spill over into other areas including security at a time when we need to closely work with Japan to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue, Jin said. Sri Lankas Rajapaksa assumes duties as PM Mahinda Rajapaksa started work on Monday, signing off his first document as the countrys new prime minister. The far-right writer is slated to talk about the politics of Halloween on Wednesday, prompting student ire. Update: Hours after this story was published, NYU spokesperson John Beckman released a statement that the university has decided to postpone the classroom appearance by Milo Yiannopoulos. The decision was reached after New York Mayor Bill de Blasio requested postponement for public safety reasons in light of the nearby Halloween parades and NYPD assessments of risk, the statement said. Original story: Last week, far-right speaker and writer Milo Yiannopoulos took to Instagram to bemoan the fact that no pipe bombs had arrived at the Daily Beast news site when a spate of explosive devices was mailed to CNN and critics of US President Donald Trump. After Instagram removed the post, Yiannopoulos derided journalists who cry when he makes a joke about a false flag designed to distract us from a US-bound caravan of refugees and migrants he baselessly claimed is funded by Democrats. But, on Wednesday, Yiannopoulos will speak at New York University (NYU), where Professor Michael Rectenwald invited him to lecture on the politics of Halloween, prompting anger among many students. Time and again embroiled in controversy, Yiannopoulos, a former editor of the right-wing Breitbart news site, has regularly railed against Muslims, immigrants and the press. Last year, he was forced to resign from Breitbart over ostensibly pro-paedophilia comments made on a podcast. Earlier this year, he said that vigilante death squads should gun down journalists. Speaking to Al Jazeera by email, Rectenwald said he invited Yiannopoulos to introduce a different perspective into the classroom, especially in connection with the issues raised by Halloween. {articleGUID} Among the issues the speaker will cover are costumes, identity, identity politics and the lefts censorious policing of what was once a holiday for misrule and harmless play, Rectenwald said, adding that he expects protests against the event. Yiannopoulos did not reply to Al Jazeeras request for a comment. Some student activists and groups have called on the university to cancel the event. Our main frustration is that the university is using this justification of free speech to invite white nationalists to our campus and allow this really violent ideology to have a platform, NYU student senator-at-large Rose Asaf told Al Jazeera. We think its dangerous. No place in any classroom On Twitter, the Graduate Student Organizing Committee at NYU decried Yiannopoulos. Milo and his fascist, white supremacist speech which has often included calls to violence are dangerous for many of our students, the post reads. For educational workers, this is what a workplace safety struggle looks like. He has no place in any classroom. Milo and his fascist, white supremacist speechwhich has often included calls to violenceare dangerous for many of our students. For educational workers, this is what a workplace safety struggle looks like. He has no place in any classroom. https://t.co/LwWoWJTn7l NYU GSOC|UAW (@GSOCUAW) October 28, 2018 But NYU spokesman John Beckman insisted that Yiannopouloss lecture must be understood not as the institutions endorsement of the speakers views, but as the fulfillment of its commitment to the free exchange of ideas. Mr Yiannopoulous has espoused many ideas that are at odds with the values of the NYU community and are offensive to its members, Beckman told Al Jazeera by email. But as an invited speaker, he will be allowed to address Professor Rectenwalds class because even in the face of controversy and profound disagreement, adherence to the principles of academic freedom is a core value. Yiannopouloss appearances have sparked demonstrations in the past, including at the University of California Berkeley in February 2017, when an anti-fascist rally led to the cancellation of his speech. Sri Lankans march in Colombo to demand the president immediately convene parliament to resolve political crisis. Tens of thousands of supporters of Sri Lankas deposed Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe have protested in the capital, Colombo, as political turmoil on the island enters its fifth day. Wickremesinghes United National Party (UNP) workers staged the protest on Tuesday outside his official residence, where he has remained since President Maithripala Sirisena dismissed him last week and appointed former president Mahinda Rajapaksa as his replacement. We are against the sacking, the people did not vote for Sirisena to act in this manner, Wickremesinghe told supporters from a makeshift stage. We will resist what the president has done, he said, as crowds chanted down with the rogue PM, referring to Rajapaksa, and respect the mandate, recall parliament. Effigies of Sirisena were torn up in a symbolic protest against the presidents move, which has been described by many local newspapers as a constitutional coup. Large crowds, many wearing caps in green, the UNP party colour, took part in the hurriedly arranged rally that forced the closure of several roads. Wickremesinghe arrives at the protest against his removal near the PMs official residence in Colombo [Dinuka Liyanawatte/Reuters] Colombo on edge Sri Lanka was plunged into crisis on Friday when Sirisena sacked Wickremesinghe and suspended parliament, breaking up a fragile coalition governing the South Asian country. This is a coup. It has all the characteristics of a coup, one of the protesters, Deepanjalie Abeywardene, told the Reuters news agency on Tuesday, while holding a sign which read reconvene the parliament. This is a third-grade act by Sirisena. We voted him as the president to ensure democracy, said P Ariyadasa, a 62-year-old farmer from Mesawachchiya, 230km from Colombo. {articleGUID} Parliament speaker Karu Jayasuriya has warned that the crisis could lead to a bloodbath on the streets unless Sirisena ends the suspension of parliament to let MPs choose between Wickremesinghe and Rajapaksa. Wickremesinghe has demanded that parliament meet so that he can prove he has majority backing. Some of Wickremesinghes removed ministers have refused to accept his sacking. On Sunday, former oil minister Arjuna Ranatunga attempted to enter his office, leading to violence that left two dead. Sirisensa named a new cabinet on Monday with Rajapaksa in charge of finance. Sri Lanka is a key state in the battle for influence in South Asia between traditional ally India and China. The Chinese government is one of the few to congratulate pro-Beijing Rajapaksa on becoming prime minister. The TV cameraman was escorting police on a patrol in Chhattisgarh state, when their vehicles were attacked. Maoist rebels have ambushed a convoy in a restive central Indian state, killing two police officers and a journalist from the national broadcaster covering the lead up to local elections next month. The cameraman was escorting police on a patrol in a remote stretch of Dantewada district in Chhattisgarh state, when their vehicles were attacked by armed men on Tuesday. Police said the shooters were Maoists, also known as Naxals, who have been fighting against the Indian security forces in a forested belt of the country, dubbed the red corridor for decades. A sub-inspector, a constable and a cameraman have been killed, Ratan Lal Dangi, a senior state police officer, told AFP news agency. Two others were injured in the attack. Prasar Bharati parivar condoles the death of Cameraman Achyutananda Sahu earlier today near Dantewada in Chhatisgarh. Our prayers with his family during this difficult moment. pic.twitter.com/BQOMg4Jo04 Prasar Bharati (@prasarbharati) October 30, 2018 {articleGUID} The National broadcaster known as Doordarshan, confirmed one of its cameramen had been killed. The state head of operations against the Maoists, P Sunder, said additional forces had been rushed to the scene. It is a developing situation and more forces are going to the spot. We will get more information about it once the team comes back, the senior police officer told reporters. Last week, Maoists were blamed for blowing up a military vehicle in Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh that killed four soldiers. Chhattisgarh, which goes to the assembly election in two phases on November 12 and November 20, has been governed by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for 15 years. State Chief Minister Raman Singh, who is seeking a fourth term in the state polls, has blamed the Maoists for impeding development projects in the state. The Maoists have urged voters to overthrow the BJP. The shadowy rebels are believed to be present in at least a dozen states across India, but are most active in remote parts of Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand and Maharashtra. Many regions where the Maoists are active are poor and lack access to critical services. The rebels, who say they are fighting for the rights of tribal people and landless farmers, have often been accused of collecting funds through extortion. The decades-old uprising is believed to have cost thousands of lives. Critics say the governments attempts to end the revolt through a no-holds-barred military offensive is doomed to fail. Many uneasy about economy as Brazil elects Bolsonaro Analysts say it wont be easy for Jair Bolsonaro to put into practice many of his campaign promises. The court ruled against Malians who said they were taken from their country as kids and forced to work on cocoa farms. Govt to issue red warrant against Altaf Hussain with Interpol help RAWALPINDI: The federal government has decided to contact the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol), asking it to issue a red warrant against Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) founder Altaf Hussain in connection with the murder of senior party leader Imran Farooq, in a bid to bring the United Kingdom-based leader back to Pakistan. Sources said on Monday that the Federal Investigation Agency had been directed to write an application to the Interpol headquarters in Lyon (France) for issuance of the red warrant against Mr Hussain. An official of the FIA said that the agency would soon start the process for submitting the application to Interpol. However, he added, the process might take some time. The FIA official said that it would be up to Interpol officials to decide whether or not a red warrant against the MQM founder could be issued. According to him, in such cases Interpol usually examines if they are politically and religiously motivated or related to military. He said the FIA made a similar request about Mr Hussain to Interpol in June 2017, but that was rejected by it. The sources said the FIA would submit the challan in the Imran Farooq murder case which was being investigated by a joint investigation team along with the application to be submitted to Interpol. MQM senior leader Imran Farooq, who had developed differences with Mr Hussain, was killed outside his house in London in September 2010. The FIA registered a case against Mr Hussain and other MQM leaders in connection with the Imran Farooq murder case in 2015 and launched an investigation. Mr Farooq had lived in London in self-imposed exile from 1999 till his murder in 2010. Three suspects have been arrested by police in connection with the Imran Farooq murder and they have been charged with the murder, abetment and hatching a conspiracy to kill. The Pomerenia Sky was en route from Luanda, Angola to Onne, Nigeria. The containership Pomerenia Sky was attacked Saturday by pirates on two speedboats approximately 50 nautical miles off the coast of Nigeria, according to the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Maritime Bulletin said. The ship was en route from Luanda, Angola and was bound for Onne, Nigeria. The latest update from the Maritime Bulletin said it had been confirmed that 11 of the 20 crew members had been abducted. Talks with kidnappers already started, kidnapped crew are OK, considering circumstances, the Maritime Bulletin said. BlueWater Reporting shows the 2,546-TEU Pomerenia Sky is deployed on Maersk Lines WAF5 loop. The WAF5 deploys seven vessels averaging 2,532 TEUs and has a rotation of Lisbon, Leixoes, Algeciras, Malaga, Luanda, Onne, San Pedro, Algeciras and Lisbon. We can confirm, that the charter vessel Pomerenia Sky, which is managed and operated by the company Midocean (IoM) Ltd., has been attacked while approaching Onne, Nigeria on Oct. 27, 2018, a Maersk spokesperson said. After the attack, nine crew members were found safe on board the vessel, but regrettably 11 crew members are missing. Maersk Line is cooperating with Midocean (IoM) Ltd. and will do our best to support in this difficult situation. A press release issued by Midocean on Sunday said the vessel has proceeded to safe waters. Our priority is securing the earliest release of the 11 crew who have been taken and we are working closely with our partners and the local authorities to achieve that, Midocean said. The Dispute Settlement Body on Monday discussed several U.S.-related actions recently taken, including Section 232 tariffs and a request related to Chinese IP. The World Trade Organization (WTO) Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) on Monday discussed several major issues involving the U.S., including Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum, retaliatory tariffs and the Trump administrations grievances with the WTO Appellate Body and Chinese intellectual property practices, according to an email sent by a Geneva trade official. The U.S. blocked first requests by China, the EU, Canada, Mexico, Norway, Russia and Turkey for establishment of dispute panels to rule whether Section 232 duties imposed by the U.S. on steel and aluminum comply with WTO rules, the official said. Those countries allege that the U.S. measures fail to respect requirements under the WTO Safeguards Agreement and questioned the U.S. claims that the tariffs are based on national security considerations and are therefore exempt from WTO rules applying to safeguard remedies. But the U.S. countered that WTO adjudicators cannot review exceptions from WTO rules based on national security claims and that such a review would undermine the legitimacy of the WTO dispute settlement system and even the viability of the WTO as a whole, the official said. China during the meeting said the United States Section 232 tariffs are egregiously inconsistent with the WTOs national security exception, and the U.S. countered that China is using WTO dispute settlement to promote nonmarket economic policies, which have led to excess capacity in steel and aluminum and distortions of world markets that are damaging the interests of market-oriented economies, their businesses and workers. The U.S. added that it wont allow Chinas party-state to fatally undermine U.S. steel and aluminum industries, on which the U.S. military, and by extension, global security, rely, the trade official said. The seven complainants can renew their requests at the next DSB meeting, the official said, which is currently scheduled for Nov. 21. In a related but separate dispute settlement track, Canada, China, the EU and Mexico blocked U.S. requests for establishment of panels to rule on whether duties imposed by the four governments in retaliation to U.S. Section 232 duties violate WTO rules, specifically the organizations most-favored nation principle, which holds WTO members to certain bound tariff rates. The U.S. said it was hypocritical for these members to criticize the U.S. for failing to respect WTO rules when their own actions had no basis in the WTO Agreements, the Geneva official said. Canada, China, the EU and Mexico all said their actions were justified and a direct response to the unwarranted U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum. The U.S. can renew its request at the next DSB meeting. In addition to developments related to U.S. Section 232 duties, China blocked a first request from the U.S. for establishment of a dispute panel to rule on certain Chinese measures related to intellectual property rights protection, according to the Geneva trade official. The U.S. claimed that China denies foreign patent holders the ability to enforce patent rights against a Chinese joint venture party after a technology transfer contract ends and that China imposes mandatory adverse contract terms that set an unequal playing field for imported foreign technology, in violation of the WTO Agreement on the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). China claimed the United States allegations are without merit. The U.S. can renew its request during the next DSB meeting. Finally, WTO members failed to agree to initiate a selection process to fill four vacancies on the WTO Appellate Body after the U.S. said it was not in a position to accept a proposal supported by 68 WTO members calling for the process to start as soon as possible, the trade official said. Many members once again underlined the urgency of resolving the issue, the official said. During the meeting, the U.S. delivered a long statement challenging the legitimacy of the practice of advisory opinions issued by the Appellate Body and dispute panels, according to the official. Several members intervened, including the EU, Brazil, Japan, China, Canada, New Zealand, Chile and India, with some questioning the notion that WTO rules prohibit the issuance of such opinions. The U.S. has been blocking the launch of a selection process to fill vacancies on the seven-slot Appellate Body since August 2017. Skeptics say that the existing system goes too far in compelling countries to change their trade policies at a national level. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer during a September 2017 discussion at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington said the Appellate Body has overreached its authorities spelled out in the WTOs Dispute Settlement Understanding, a set of rules governing the settlement of WTO disputes. A multilateral meeting held Wednesday and Thursday in Ottawa to address the functioning of the WTO dispute settlement system was not attended by any U.S. representative and failed to reach any concrete outcomes, as indicated by a joint communique issued at the meetings conclusion. The delegations of Canada, Australia, Brazil, Chile, the EU, Japan, Kenya, South Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore and Switzerland, in the statement expressed an urgency in filling the Appellate Body vacancies. Referring to the functional aspects of WTO dispute settlement, they said that they are ready to work on solutions, while preserving the essential features of the system and of its Appellate Body. One thing is for sure: the Democrats never give up trying to pull fast ones on their Republican opponents and force them to defend and explain things the Republicans never in a million years thought they'd have to defend and explain. Recent political history abounds with incidences of political attacks intended to blindside the Republicans, force them off their game, pull them far off message, and generally reset the daily political narrative to language the Democrats prefer. That these attacks are almost always spectacularly unsuccessful doesn't dissuade the Democrats from trying again and again. A notable recent Democratic attempt was Dianne Feinstein's astonishing 11th-hour, 59th-minute ambush of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh with the totally unsubstantiated, embarrassingly vague "charges" of supposed sexual misconduct some unspecified number of years ago by Kavanaugh against one Christine Blasey Ford. The whole episode was laughable on its face from a legal standpoint: if you gave a Democratic defense lawyer a case in which the accuser couldn't identify the time or location when and where the incident allegedly took place, couldn't produce any corroborating witnesses, and demonstrably had lied in her basic story (Ford said she was afraid to fly yet had provably flown on multiple occasions for both personal and professional reasons), the defense lawyer would not merely be giddy with how easily the case could be won with "reasonable doubt," but would likely go to the judge and ask that the case be dismissed entirely for lack of evidence. No doubt, the request would be granted. It was and remains a ludicrous, transparent political ploy of the lowest kind. The real question is, how did the Ford fandango come to be? Who put her up to it? Who paid for the political digging and research? Who paid for the logistical expenses the travel involved in cultivating her as a witness, the legal preparations, the food and lodging accrued by everyone during the process? Are we to believe that Ford came forward totally voluntarily by herself and then funded her own expenses throughout the ordeal? Did Feinstein's office pay for everything? Or did some outside entity concoct the entire thing, find an acceptable accuser with a plausible and suitably unverifiable story, and fund the entire operation behind several layers of completely untraceable money? It's incredible that no one is asking. Similarly, the Honduran caravan seems just too convenient and perfectly timed to be a coincidence, doesn't it? All of a sudden, 10,000-plus politically oppressed people just absolutely have to make their way to the U.S. border, right now, just as the midterm elections are upon us. The Democrats once again have brought forth one of their favored issues: Republican hardheartedness, coldly turning away pregnant women and helpless, undernourished children from a better life in America. Well, that just isn't who America is, is it? Where is the Republicans' soul? Where is their basic human decency? Formal laws can come later. Court appearances can come later. Right now, this very moment, it's time for compassion, generosity, and human kindness. Just let them in, and everything will get sorted out in due course. That's what the Democrats are banking on that voters will reject the Republicans because of their total lack of basic humanity. The fact that the general public isn't buying the Democrats' message of "The Republicans caused the caravan in the first place with their unwarranted meddling in these countries' affairs" hasn't stopped the Democrats from trying to foist it on the public. The question that seems obvious is, how did this caravan come to be? Why now? How do they eat, and who provides for their basic sanitary, transportation, and shelter needs along the path of their valiant, arduous journey? It's a long trek. It ain't free. Who's paying? Who's the organizer? After this particular issue is resolved one way or the other there will be another. The Democrats always try to create a "Republicans are heartless" issue. And of course, there's the big one: the whole Russia collusion thing. There was the dossier paid for by Fusion GPS, for starters. Where did that money come from? Was that money backed by the Clintons? Did the funding actually come from shadow money collected by the charitable Clinton Foundation? If the Democrats spied on and wiretapped the Trump campaign prior to the 2016 election (as appears virtually certain to all but the most vociferous, dishonest deniers and the hopelessly naive believers), who organized and funded that operation? It was no easy, one-time task. To actually spy on and surreptitiously record detailed private conversations is a technically complicated exercise, requiring cutting-edge technology and sensitive inner contacts. Both of those are expensive propositions. It can be safely assumed that the requisite monies to fund such an operation are not traceable to the Obama White House, or even obviously to the Clintons. Then who? How? By what actual device was it paid for and executed? Like the Honduran caravan, the wiretapping of candidate Trump and the framing of Carter Page weren't free, and they weren't coincidental happenstance occurrences. They were planned and paid for. After all this time, expense, and effort, the broad public realizes that there is no "there" there, no so-called collusion, nothing with which to pin blame on Trump and delegitimize his triumph over the increasingly pathetic Hillary Clinton. All of this frenzied activity by the Democrats to distort the national political dialogue, of course, flies in the face of real Trump-Republican accomplishments accomplishments that have made the lives of real Americans better on a day-to-day basis. In eight years of the Obama administration, the Democrats couldn't do for the American people what President Trump has done in less than two years: GDP growth of 4.2% in Q2 2018, on track for over 3% for calendar 2018. Obama's average was 1.8% for his term in office. Black unemployment at an all-time low. All-time. Hispanic unemployment at an all-time low. All-time. Persuaded NATO countries to finally step up and pay their share. Withdrew from pointless, job-killing Paris Climate Accords. Restructured NAFTA to benefit American workers. Rebuilding and modernizing American military to better meet our national security needs. There are countless additional accomplishments by Trump that have tangibly improved the quality of daily life in America. However, the Obama administration was more interested in imposing their ideological imprint on American society and the economy than they were in actually increasing GDP, median household income or reducing unemployment. The ultimate maximization of economic, energy and foreign policy factors was never their primary aim. Obama's main goal was and the Democrats' remains to identify victim groups (real or imagined) and then fabricate government programs to rescue those groups for the purpose of winning votes. All the Democrats actually want to do is to keep the GDP, household income, unemployment and foreign affairs in good enough shape so as not to become issues in and of themselves. In order to accomplish this, the Democrats must keep the national conversation away from easily understood, instantly recognizable things like unemployment, national security, and household income. Voters like it when those things are good, the way they are now. So Democrats go to great lengths to divert the voters' attention and shift the conversation, a la the Honduran caravan, the Kavanaugh confirmation process, and the Russian collusion investigation. There are more Democrat-created diversions to come. It's a never-ending integral component of modern-day Democratic political strategy. The actual success of these hijinks is extremely questionable, and the non-partisan segment of the voting pool is rapidly catching on and discounting them as so much white noise, to be totally disregarded at best or accruing to the Democrats' detriment at worst. Nonetheless, the Democrats keep trying, successful or not. The question remains: who is paying for these? Someone is. Will we ever know? Chief Justice John Roberts ordered a stay recently of a "landmark" trial in the federal lawsuit against the United States and various executive agencies, filed on behalf of 21 children "and future generations." Juliana v. United States alleges violations of the children's fundamental right to "a climate system capable of sustaining human life." Acting as the guardian for the minor plaintiffs is James Hansen, the climate change equivalent of Patient Zero in the pandemic of terror over global warming. The organization that initiated this particular example of lawfare is Our Children's Trust. OCT claims to provide a voice for youth in its mission to "protect earth's atmosphere," preferably through "legally binding, science-based" climate recovery policies. Juliana illustrates OCT's idea of legally binding controls over American energy policy: the plaintiffs are requesting a court order directing the U.S. government to "cease [its] permitting, authorizing, and subsidizing of fossil fuels and, instead, move to swiftly phase out CO2 emissions." Quoted in The New York Times, Justice Department attorney Jeffrey H. Wood is calling the lawsuit "an unconstitutional attempt to use a single Oregon court to control the entire nation's energy and climate policy." In its recent petition to stay the case, the United States argued that the lawsuit is "an attempt to redirect federal environmental and energy policies through the courts rather than through the political process, by asserting a new and unsupported fundamental due process right to certain climate conditions." Even Obama's Justice Department fought this case (Juliana was filed in 2015), warning in its earlier stay request against a court empowered "to make and enforce national policy concerning energy production and consumption, transportation, science and technology, commerce, and any other social or economic activity that contributes to carbon dioxide ... emissions." So could a lone Oregon U.S. district judge really end up with that kind of power? Let's see: a lone California U.S. district judge holds U.S. border enforcement in her hand, and other black-robed solo acts have decreed how things will be with DACA, the Trump travel ban, transgenders in the military, and sanctuary cities. And didn't the Supreme Court's discovery of a previously unnoticed fundamental right in the Constitution to so-called marriages between members of the same sex come down to how Anthony Kennedy felt about the idea? Notably, Juliana's presiding judge, U.S. district judge Ann Aiken, did in fact rely on Kennedy's creative thinking in Obergefell to reach her own "reasoned judgment" that there's a "new fundamental right" to a particular climate system. In a 2016 opinion, she sympathetically summarized the Juliana plaintiffs' allegations to say the government's actions and inactions "have so profoundly damaged our home planet that they threaten plaintiffs' fundamental constitutional rights to life and liberty." A Clinton appointee, Aiken's history on the bench doesn't make her out to be a radical. Nonetheless, in Juliana, Aiken has refused attempts through two administrations to get the case dismissed on the persuasive grounds that "the young people don't have standing to sue [a legal formula requiring plaintiffs to show that, among other things, they have suffered a concrete, particular injury because of the actions of the defendant] and that the courts are the wrong place to deal with the issue." She's also refused to certify any of her opinions so the government can challenge them on appeal. We saw in 2010 how a California district judge, Vaughn Walker, determined to overturn California's successful Proposition 8 constitutional provision defining marriage, used a lawsuit challenging Prop 8 to stage a show trial. At the time, Ed Whelan described Walker's "manifest design to turn the lawsuit into a high-profile, culture-transforming, history-making, Scopes-style show trial of Prop 8's sponsors." Bill May, chairman of the successful campaign that got Prop 8 passed, said the attorneys challenging Prop 8 basically "want[ed] to make out everybody defending marriage to appear to be bigots and discriminatory." In the process, Vaughn Walker proved himself a model unfit judge. Among other abuses, he illegally fiddled the court rules in an attempt on the eve of trial to have it televised, the better to intimidate pro-Prop 8 witnesses with being framed on YouTube as religious nuts who hate homosexuals. The Supreme Court slammed the brakes on Walker's TV idea and then, on the third day of trial, found that Walker had "attempted to change its rules at the eleventh hour to treat this case differently [from] other trials in the district." Trying to change the rules and giving special handling to a case so only one side can win perfectly sum up judicial unfitness. It would be premature, and unfair, to accuse Judge Aiken of Walker-level abuses at this stage. But she has been like Walker in this regard: they both needlessly decided that the cases before them "couldn't be resolved, one way or the other (as other courts have done in similar cases), as a matter of law but would instead require extensive discovery into supposed factual issues." Aiken always intended that the plaintiffs get their "requested "Trial of the Century" a trial scheduled to last 50 days. That's a lot of hours for James Hansen, and numerous other putative climate change experts, to inventory the Parade of Horribles caused by Donald Trump, the government, and the greedy energy sector's satanic indifference to the all-devouring planetary emergency. Unfortunately, the crucial factual question of whether the planetary emergency is even real isn't an issue in Juliana, thanks to the Obama administration lawyers' conceding the truth of the theory in their initial response to the lawsuit. That means that the Trial of the Century will be "a 50-day liability phase trial, a finding that the federal government is liable for the harms of climate change, and further proceedings to impose an unprecedented invasive remedy." Think of it as the sentencing phase of a criminal proceeding, deciding the defendant's punishment after he's already pleaded guilty. The Supreme Court, to whom the government was driven to seek recourse on basic procedural matters after three years of Judge Aiken's and the Ninth Circuit's intransigence, has already signaled its doubts about the plaintiff's' case. In July, a five-justice majority remarked that "[t]he breadth of [plaintiffs'] claims is striking" and urged Aiken to reconsider her refusals to dismiss the case, and the need for discovery and trial, when the question of whether those broad claims can even be decided by a federal court "presents substantial grounds for difference of opinion." Last week, Justice Roberts finally granted the government's petition to temporarily stay the case, pending the Supreme Court ruling on the government's request that Juliana be dismissed. If it isn't dismissed, we can look forward to a trial featuring expert after expert forecasting in exactly which decade the last human being will gasp the species' final breath. Then there will be lots of adolescent plaintiffs testifying sincerely to their "truth": "One kid says that his family's farm has been damaged by drought and wildfire. Another says that his childhood home has been devalued by rising sea levels. A third alleges an assault on his whole culture as man-made climate change upends the natural world." Here's hoping Juliana gets dismissed as it deserves to be. It's bad enough that two generations of impressionable children have been suckled with the hopeless dogma that our broiling planet is only years away from being uninhabitable. They shouldn't now be forced to dance like marionettes in a judicial Punch and Judy show. T.R. Clancy looks at the world from Dearborn, Michigan. You can email him at trclancy@yahoo.com. Why are caravans of migrants from Central America slowly making their way north to the U.S. border? Certainly not an exodus from the horrors of war, famine, or a devastating natural disaster. Yes, poverty and corruption are ubiquitous there, but opening our southern border would not address a humanitarian crisis in these countries, though it would certainly improve the lives of those making it across the Rio Grande. Nor are these marchers fleeing religious or ethnic cleansing, while a dangerous thousand-mile journey on foot is hardly the most efficacious escape from local crime. Overwhelmingly, these migrants are just job-seekers, pure and simple, and surprise of surprises, President Trump is responsible for this caravan, thanks to his job-creating economic policies. After all, nobody marches for weeks on end to enter a depressed economy. Moreover, caravan members undoubtedly know about the booming U.S. economy thanks to employed friends and relatives already here and the recent upsurge in remittances flowing home (nearly 29% of the Guatemalan GNP, for example). Rest assured: had Hillary won in 2016, the convoy would likely be heading south from the U.S. Yogi Berra once said you can see a lot by looking around, and this is especially true here. One need only watch TV reports and look at newspaper photographs to see what this is about. Most obvious, these marchers appear to be in good physical shape, a key trait, given the type of work they will probably find. These are not pitiful starving children with extended bellies living in squalid refugee camps while emaciated mothers desperately mob U.N. trucks handing out free flour and rice, as one might find in modern Somalia. No need for emergency medical teams to rescue thousands from life-threatening plagues. To appreciate the overall fitness of these migrants, just ask how many Americans are in decent enough physical shape, let alone motivated to even think of walking a thousand-plus miles for a minimum-wage job. I'd guess that if a typical unemployed American attempted to travel on foot from, say, Seattle, Washington to San Diego, California (1,065 miles), a comparable distance for those leaving Honduras to the Mexican border town of Reynosa across from McAllen, Texas, he would quickly drop out despite the interstate highway surfaces, conveniently available rest stops, motels, public restrooms, and ample restaurants. Talk of "an invasion" aside, completing this exodus will undoubtedly impress potential U.S. employers and encourage them to risk employing an undocumented dishwasher despite ICE and possible fines. To be blunt, given a choice between hiring a jobless American accustomed to the good life with ample government welfare benefits versus a Guatemalan who has just journeyed 1,100 miles for a hotel maid job, preferring the Guatemalan is a no-brainer. And these migrants know that employment will be especially plentiful in the multi-billion-dollar underground economy, where illegals work off the books in food service, construction, the hospitality industry, childcare, and similar under-the-radar small business jobs As a bonus, these happy-to-find-work migrants are unlikely to demand expensive health insurance, sue for discrimination, or file complaints over workplace conditions with OSHA. Nor do employers have to worry about discrimination-proofing the workplace with mandatory "sensitivity training." No need to ask job applicants about their history of overcoming obstacles, assess their motivation, or request letters of recommendation. Easy to imagine a job interview with an immigrant saying, "I wore out three pairs of flip-flops to get to this job interview for delivering pizzas. Any questions?" To repeat, the caravan is fundamentally about economics a fresh supply of motivated low-wage workers whose liabilities the cost of educating their children, government-paid health care, and occasional gang violence will be outsourced to the American taxpayer, not the employer. Talk of "asylum," "humanitarian crisis," and similar high-sounding justifying verbiage is deceitful. This is "mobs for jobs," so to speak. President Trump knows full well that a booming economy is a magnet for non-U.S. job-seekers and record-low unemployment, particularly among black Americans (an enormous accomplishment), cannot survive these caravans. The dynamics are inescapably hydraulic: as unemployment is pushed down to historic lows, up goes the incentives for foreign workers to seek American jobs. Basic supply and demand. Ironically, the left that has traditionally opposed the flood of cheap foreign labor for the obvious reason that this influx hurts economically struggling Americans. But today's left, at least the Democratic Party version, embraces the reverse, perhaps believing that the American workers' best interests lie in sacrificing their jobs to help (eventually) elect more Democrats. We've come a long way from 1969, when the civil rights icon Reverend Ralph Abernathy; the liberal senator Walter Mondale; and Cesar Chavez, the much admired defender of immigrant Mexican laborers, marched to the Mexican border to protest farmers' use of illegal aliens as strikebreakers. In fact, during the '70s, Chavez, whom the N.Y. Times called "the Martin Luther King of Chicanos," was at the forefront of the campaign to seal the southern border to boost wages of poorly paid Mexican "stoop labor" in California. Cesar even sent his cousin, ex-con Manuel Chavez, and others to brutally beat those attempting to cross the border, a tactic absolutely forbidden to the government's Border Patrol. Today, that delegation of eminent liberals would be joined by President Trump, who would stand shoulder to shoulder with Manuel Chavez and cousin Cesar. Perhaps the key takeaway of this caravan crisis is that sustaining low unemployment without inviting hordes of illegals is a quandary of the first order. Unfortunately, squaring this circle may be impossible. Very often, what we consider unique and inimitable has already happened somewhere else. I had to watch the final part of the recent Judge Kavanaugh saga from abroad, traveling through the country of Georgia. The ancient name of this country is Sakartvelo. The State of Georgia in America, a former colony of Great Britain, was named after the British King George II. However, the country Georgia, south of Europe, was named after St. George, who is considered the patron saint of this country. So the country of Georgia bears the name of one of the most famous Christian saints, and historically, religion has played a considerable role in it. The ancient nation of Sakartvelo adopted Christianity in 319 A.D., immediately after neighboring Armenia that is, about three generations earlier than the Roman Empire, and many centuries earlier than the rest of Europe. Note that Jews have lived in Georgia from about the 6th century B.C., and this country is proud of the fact that it is one of those few countries where there has never been anti-Semitism. Christian religious traditions in Georgia, including the founding of monasteries and monasticism, go back centuries. In my travels there, I learned about one of the most famous and revered monks, David (revered by the Eastern Orthodox as Saint David of Gareji), who lived in the 6th century. The activities of this preacher caused the ire of the pagans, who received support from neighboring Persia. They incited one woman of loose morals to slander the monk, and the devout David was accused of sexual abuse. According to ancient legend, the righteous David execrated that woman. However, he prophesied that the woman would bear the main punishment later: she would give birth to a stone, which would serve as proof of his innocence. According to legend, the monk's prediction came true, and the crowd, despite a plea of David, stoned this woman to death. A church was erected in that place in the capital of Georgia, Tbilisi. David himself went to the desert mountains, where at the end of the 6th century he founded a cave monastery, which still exists today. This nameless woman from the 6th century, if she were alive today, could well be a participant in the #MeToo movement. The despicable accusation by a woman for the sake of political interests ties the Georgian monk David to the American judge Kavanaugh fifteen centuries later. Now, a year after the disclosed scandals of Harvey Weinstein, according to various estimates, between 400 and 800 men in America have been hit by the #MeToo movement. Some of these allegations are undoubtedly true. However, some are plain bogus, based on revenge or on the wish to earn some money or on the desire for 15 minutes of TV fame or (as in the case of Judge Kavanaugh) due to political motives. Unfortunately, the #MeToo movement has created an extremely negative precedent. Now any man in America is considered guilty of sexual harassment, not after a careful investigation and trial, but immediately at the time of the allegation. The political consequences of this are easy to predict. In America, justice is part of a national character, regardless of sex, race, and income level. Therefore, the Democrats supporters of the #MeToo movement most likely will face an unpleasant surprise the very next morning after this year's elections. A well established theory comes to mind the so-called long correlations in human society. It means that the events of a distant past do not disappear without a trace. Rather, they lead to certain specific circumstances many centuries later. One of these historical events occurred in Turkey, a country that was a continuation of my journey, which borders European Georgia. Most everyone is aware of the history of Istanbul and the history of the harems of the Ottoman sultans. The most famous was the harem of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, whose star was the Slavic beauty and master of political intrigues, Roxelana. But, as I was able to learn in Istanbul, Sultan Suleiman did not get the nickname "Magnificent" because of the harem. He got it because of his tax policy. Immediately after coming to power at the beginning of the 16th century, Suleiman (then not yet magnificent) substantially reduced internal taxes in the territory of the Ottoman Empire and at the same time significantly increased external taxes (tariffs). Five centuries later, President Trump did the same. During the time of Suleiman, Venice was the main economic rival of the Ottoman Empire. Suleiman's double-tax leverage led to it becoming more profitable to produce goods within the Ottoman Empire than to import these goods from Venice. The tax policy of Suleiman led to a massive transfer of capital from Europe to the Ottoman Empire. This transfer led to an economic boom that lasted more than a hundred years and allowed the Ottomans not only successfully to compete with Europe in the economic sphere, but also to expand their empire. No wonder these hundred years are considered the "Golden Age" of the Ottoman Empire. Sultan Suleiman received the nickname "Magnificent" quite deservedly. The success of such a tax policy is impossible if we operate with only one tax lever either solely internal or external tariffs. President Trump has long understood that only the simultaneous application of levers to external and internal taxes creates the financial incentive that "squeezes out" competitors from abroad and forces them to transfer their production to America. The simultaneous manipulation of the two tax levers allows redirecting the global financial flows to where Trump wants them: to America. Will American society learn from these history lessons? Will we eradicate the presumption of innocence? Will Americans vote in Democrats who are threatening to reverse the Trump economic reforms? Will the long historical correlations give enough wisdom to Americans to learn from others, and not from our own mistakes and successes? Let's hope this year's election will give us a definitive answer. Gary Gindler, Ph.D. is a conservative blogger at Gary Gindler Chronicles. Follow him on Twitter. Many conservatives know Steven Crowder, host of the show "Louder with Crowder" on CRTV and a happy conservative warrior against the left. As one can imagine from the title of his show, and his Canadian-Texan heritage, Crowder does indeed get loud and has a special talent for triggering liberals. He does this in his segments of "Change My Mind," where he sets up a table and chairs and invites people to change his mind on standard conservative positions that outrage today's liberals, such as "There are only two genders," "Rape culture is a myth," and "Trump is not a fascist." What earns the most open hostility is when he goes undercover and crashes the Women's March or joins a socialist protest. Now Crowder has come up with his best idea yet: "Devil's Advocate." Devil's Advocate is a new segment on Crowder's show in which he takes on the role of a smug liberal and invites prominent conservatives to debate him. So far, he has had Jordan Peterson and Ben Shapiro as guests to debate free speech and socialism, respectively. Even though the guests know in advance that they're arguing with an actor pretending to be liberal, they carry on as though they are having a real debate. At first, this idea seems like more of the same: act out an exaggerated parody of the other side, present a few easy straw man arguments, and score some laughs at how stupid the other side is. This is what liberal (AKA mainstream) comedians do all the time on shows like Saturday Night Live, late-night talk shows, and most sitcoms. To his great credit, Crowder avoids the cheap laughs and instead presents an objective debate that educates the viewer on the commonly held viewpoints of the right and left on different topics. True, he is perfectly ridiculous (yet quite accurate) with his portrayal of the smug liberal, sporting a waxed mustache, vaping an e-cigarette, having a "Coexist" tattoo on his forearm, wearing hipster glasses and a scarf, and speaking in smarmy pseudo-intellectual tones one normally hears on NPR or Pod Save America. All this works to make him that much more credible as a sparring partner for any conservative intellectual. "Skyler Turden" is the liberal every conservative person encounters in his or her life; he is legion. Like the Christian apologist who knows far more about atheism than most atheists, Crowder demonstrates that he knows far more about leftism than most leftists, and he actually proves to be a much more competent debater than most spokesmen who rely on logical fallacies and biased editing of footage. In his debate with Ben Shapiro about socialism, Skyler Turden not only cites the common narratives (not really arguments) about Scandinavia and the supposed economic golden age of the '60s, but also goes deeper, mentioning expanding public goods into education and health care, the richest 1% seizing all capital, corporatism, automation eliminating blue-collar jobs, and capitalism's threat to the environment which elicits his best retort to Shapiro's claim that solar power cannot replace carbon-based fuel. "Hold on a second! (Ring! Ring!) [lifting imaginary pone to ear] Angela Merkel? Oh, it's for you. She says that's b-------." Shapiro ultimately makes a good case, but not before he has to go into particulars about school choice, the meaning of non-rivalrous non-excludable goods, and the role of social capital in society's economic well-being. Skyler Turden's debate with Jordan Peterson works out similarly, but Crowder does almost too good a job derailing the debate and foisting the burden of resolving complicated problems onto Peterson. They discuss the meaning of speech and what is guaranteed in the American constitution. Peterson has to go after Turden, who spews out fuzzy definitions and demands that people "accept his reality." The debate ends in a stalemate on what to do about Big Tech companies censoring and banning users, where a conservative consensus on this issue is still pending, some desiring to treat these companies like a utility and others preferring to leave them alone and create alternative platforms. When watching Crowder's impressive performance on "Devil's Advocate," one senses that all the previous segments of "Louder with Crowder" have led to this moment. Like the method actors who become the character they play, Crowder becomes Turden, an annoying vaping liberal who brings up some important (though flawed) points and is able to articulate them well without taking every counterargument as a personal attack. In this way, he fills a void that the progressive left continues to leave vacant, since leftists have long since abandoned reasoned argument for mob rule. The thing "Devil's Advocate" resembles most is William F. Buckley, Jr.'s show, Firing Line, where Buckley would argue conservative positions against prominent liberal scholars. On that show, too, Buckley made a point to incorporate humor while keeping the overall debate serious. The show was key for introducing large audiences to conservative and liberal ideas. The world lost something important when the show stopped airing though PBS brought it back this year with a new host. Conservatives and liberals alike could benefit from watching Skyler Turden. Not only will they be entertained, but they will learn more about themselves; one another; and, most importantly, how to have a proper, cordial debate. Auguste Meyrat is an English teacher in the Dallas area. He has written essays for The Federalist and The American Conservative. Follow him on Twitter. The run-up to the 2018 mid-terms has been turbulent. Organic or by design, we may never know, but one thing is for sure: leftists and media (I repeat myself) are going to work overtime to capitalize on the events to present themselves as righteous minimally and victims at the extreme. Starting with Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearings, the Left abandoned all pretenses of fair play. That the evidence was paper-thin and depended on an unhinged partisan hack didn't matter a whit. We even find out that NBC had evidence of Brett Kavanaugh's innocence yet sat on it, to serve a (leftist) political end. When the optics of the Democrats falsely accusing Judge Kavanaugh of "gang rape" began to turn against them politically, our attention was shifted to the 4,000-14,000-strong immigrant (invader) caravan. Television images of oppressed women and children plastered the airwaves. Again, when legitimate journalists began exposing the various leftist organizations spearheading this mass migration (to serve a domestic political end) and find out that the vast majority of these invaders are young men between 15-30, the optics for the left began to wane. Along come "fake bombs" mailed (or couriered) to, as the media dubbed it, Donald Trump's "target list," and yet another narrative was crafted by the purveyors of fake news, to stoke division and falsely lay blame for this charade on the president and the whole of the conservative movement. And, as though enough turmoil didn't already exist, the other day a Trump-hating anti-Semite shot up a synagogue, killing eleven people. In spite of the president having a Jewish son-in-law and a daughter who converted to Judaism, and denouncing this "tragedy" emphatically, the media have laid blame for the shooting at the hands of the president and NRA supporting Republicans. From Kavanaugh and the caravan to the "fake bomb" guy, and now an anti-Semite, the left has created and stoked division. Those of us who were paying attention during the Obama years recognize the handiwork of the community organizer in chief. Whether involved directly, or indirectly, Obama and the left are going to manipulate events to profit electorally. Leftist media and social media platforms will begin to push the "unity" narrative. Can't we all just get along?, to quote Rodney King. The Democrats will try to ride this unity tactic into next week and through to 2020. The media will portray Democrats as the peacemakers, the voice of hope, love, and reason. Donald Trump and the evil Republicans will be portrayed as those who are dividing our great nation. Everything dividing Americans will be laid at the president's, and our, feet. Elections used to be a battle of ideas. They morphed into a battle of personality. Democrats are bereft of ideas, except resistance, and have no one on their bench whose personality can go toe to toe with President Trump. With no ideas, and no charisma, the Democrat strategists will go a third way: unity. The lie that "both sides are guilty of violence and extremism" will morph into "Republicans are trying to divide, while we are trying to heal the wounds and bring us all together." Sadly, I can envision many NeverTrumps joining hands with Democrats in an effort to split Republican votes, as an appeal to bipartisanship and unity. I could easily see a John Kasich or Ben Sasse crossing over to join Michelle Obama on a bipartisan unity ticket. The media have become the mouthpiece for the DNC. We should expect a vast manipulation of the populace through the next election. For Venezuela's dictator, Nicolas Maduro, this is not his best week. President Trump today is reportedly set to make a major policy speech on Latin America, which could include new sanctions on his socialist regime, likely for thuggery, theft and drug dealing. He might even get mentioned for his role in instigating the Honduras migrant caravan to the U.S. border, given that the president of Honduras believes that he's the problem. The migrant caravan is likely to dominate the Trump speech. So maybe he doesn't get mentioned at all. But no matter which way it goes, it's going to give Maduro the creeps. Then there's what may be an even bigger problem from him on his southern flank: The election of conservative populist "Tropical Trump" Jair Bolsonaro as president of Brazil. That one's a bad one. Bolsonaro has an absolute thing against communism, a lifelong abhorrence of the socialist plague, it's a subject that obsesses him, same way it obsessed Chile's Augusto Pinochet, a leader he admires. Bolsonaro wants that ruinous, tyrannical ideology gone. Nice guy to have on your southern border as Venezuela's refugees flee (and sometimes cause problems) over to the other side. It's not just that Bolsonaro is an opponent of socialism, however. It's that his election signals the breakup of the Sao Paulo Forum. That's the community of far-left socialist parties that up until a few years ago, had a hammerlock on all Latin America. Their members ran Latin America's states and those leaders were Cuba's and Venezuela's and other Latin dictators' prime protectors as they demonized the U.S. and wrought havoc through the region. They're the reason the U.S. could never effectively counter the plague that was ruining Venezuela, because all they ever did was serve as its protection racket. And Brazil in particular was a protector of Venezuela, and not just because it was socialist. Brazil, remember, is a big state. It's a potential rival to the U.S. Having a creepy little failed state such as Venezuela in the mix as a buffer state was always a good thing for checking Uncle Sam in the calculus of realpolitick. Anytime the U.S. wanted to condemn, or sanction, or blast Venezuela, or fortify its embattled smaller neighbors, Brazil was there to diplomatically at least, put the kibbosh on. Ever since the socialist Worker's Party took the helm in 2003, it's always been there to defend Venezuela for socialist reasons alone, but it went beyond that. Latin America's largest country has always happily enabled the Venezuelan mess both for Bismarckian checks on U.S. influence, and for socialism sympathy. That's over. Now there's this "bromance" between Bolsonaro and President Trump, and it's a warm one. Trump reached out right away to the new Brazilian president-elect to congratulate him and here's Trump's tweet: Had a very good conversation with the newly elected President of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, who won his race by a substantial margin. We agreed that Brazil and the United States will work closely together on Trade, Military and everything else! Excellent call, wished him congrats! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 29, 2018 The media is howling its disdain, but can you imagine how Maduro took that particular news? No Sao Paulo Forum to back him up like the old days. No Brazil to back him for realpolitick reasons as he's always known. He's now the rotten meat between two huge pieces of fresh bread and one can only imagine how things will be rearranged. Trump is talking "military" cooperation with Bolsonaro, and his Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, is having explicit talks about military cooperation and Venezuela. That has got to be concentrating his mind. What's more, the Colombians have signaled, via the New York Times's Brazil bureau chief, that if Brazil wants to hose things out in Caracas, Colombia'll be right there with them to help out: A Colombian government official tells @folha's @sylviacolombo that if Brazil under Bolsonaro decided to intervene militarily in Venezuela, Colombia would be right behind. What was unthinkable a year ago now seems conceivable. https://t.co/U7s7Ds5Nk7 Ernesto Londono (@londonoe) October 29, 2018 For the record, Bolsonaro has said he doesn't want to invade Venezuela right now (someone asked) but experts cited say anything is possible in the future or in the planning. He may have nationalist realpolitick impulses to keep Venezuela as a check on the U.S., or he may just want to end the plague altogether, making common cause with pretty much ... everyone save the left, so the matter will be watched closely. Maduro himself has tweeted a timid congratulations to Bolsonaro, larded up with a lot of fakey talk about brother-peoples and multi-polar worlds and mutual respect. Sounds like flop sweat. Bottom line: the brutal dictatorship in Venezuela has just had the last pillar of its stool of support kicked out from under it with Bolsonaro's election, and now it sees its worst nightmare: it's two new big enemies getting together in a warm, unprecedented embrace. At a minimum, it's going to get very uncomfortable for Maduro and his vile and failing socialist regime. The fake news media and Democratic Party dirty tricks just keep on coming. A crazy man sent package bombs to prominent Democrats. Fake news media and the demonic Democratic Party viewed the mentally ill man's actions as a gift from the gods of liberalism. They immediately flooded the airwaves with their absurd narrative that Trump was responsible for the package bomber's behavior because he told the truth about CNN and their fellow fake news liars. Fake news media and Democrats outrageously said Americans who cheer and applaud Trump at his rallies are also responsible for the package bombs. Democrats and fake news media demand, "Trump must tone down his rhetoric!" Folks, Democrats and fake news pull this insidious trick over and over again. After every tragic shooting, leftists never blame the actual shooter. Democrats rush to microphones to blame every law-abiding gun-owner in America for the shooting. Watching a DVD, I hit the "stop" button when Ice Cube delivered the line (lie), "Tell the NRA to stop killing black people." That line was an irresponsible leftist lie designed to generate black hatred for the NRA. The NRA does not kill black people. Leftists attempt to exploit every incident to further their agenda and demonize everyday traditional-minded Americans. Outrageously, Democrats and fake news said Christians who spoke out against redefining marriage caused a gunman to massacre homosexuals in an Orlando night club. Omar Mateen, the shooter, was a Muslim. Christians lovingly try to lead homosexuals to Jesus. Muslims routinely execute them. Leftists pulled this same dirty trick on Brett Kavanaugh. They said if we did not believe Dr Ford's evidence-less accusation against Kavanaugh, we support the rape and abuse of women. Since winning the W.H. in 2016, Trump has been fearlessly exposing fake news media as the lying Democratic Party leftist agenda operatives they truly are. Leftists have tried every weapon in their take-out-a-Republican arsenal to tame, silence, and destroy Trump. Nothing has worked. Trump keeps telling the truth about fake news media and Democrats, educating the American people about leftists' lies and deceptions. Trump has made Americans more aware than ever. So when this package bomber came along, leftists saw a golden opportunity to demand that Trump "tone down his rhetoric," which is leftists' code for "stop telling the truth about us." Folks, leftists' arrogance and blatant hypocrisy are off the chain. These people thrive on encouraging violence against anyone who dares to disagree or oppose their anti-America and anti-Christian agenda. I hate hearing conservative and Republican TV talking heads falling for leftists' narrative that Trump must tone down his rhetoric. How on Earth can anyone logically say Trump truthfully calling CNN fake news is equal to the bold clarion calls for violence, hateful, and divisive language coming out of leftists' Trump Resistance movement? Please allow me to recap Democrats' and fake news media's hypocrisy. Democrat Andre Carson said the Tea Party wants to see black people hanging from a tree. Democrats Obama and Hillary Clinton praise Black Lives Matter to the high heavens. This racist hate group boldly declared it "open season" on whites and cops. BLM warned white America to prepare to be "picked off." Democrat Maxine Waters called for mob assaults on members of Trump's administration whenever they are seen in public. Hillary Clinton told Democrats to keep up their lawless, violent, and crazy behavior until Democrats are back in power. Here are more examples of leftists' attempts to generate violence against Trump and his voters who were ignored or supported by fake news media and Democrats. Snoop Dogg shot Trump in the head in his music video. Kathy Griffin held a severed bloody head of Trump. Madonna expressed her desire to blow up the White House. Neither Democrats nor fake news media denounced these obvious leftist clarion calls to enact violence against our president and his supporters. The divisive, evil American left is selling its lie that the thousands of grandparents, kids, families and everyday Americans who cheer and wave U.S. flags at Trump rallies are receiving subliminal marching orders to inflict violence on media and Democrats. Folks, that is pure hogwash another leftist tactic to silence and eventually criminalize telling the truth. Americans knowing the truth about various issues scares the heck out of Democrats and leftists. I pray that President Trump will continue trusting his instincts and being himself. At a recent rally, Trump asked the audience of thousands if they want him to tone down his rhetoric. The crowd responded with a loud, passionate "No!" The American people get it. They know fake news and Democrats' "Trump must tone down his rhetoric" narrative is simply another dirty trick to tame, silence, and control Trump and also silence dissenting voices of all Americans. Two years ago, my wife Mary and I met with the Conservative Campaign Committee to prepare for the midterm elections. We studied candidates to decide how best to focus our efforts to keep the GOP in control of Congress. We've been away from our West Virginia home traveling for much of the past two years. We are currently in Nevada with our Conservative Campaign Committee team, campaigning for Republican senator Dean Heller. Bottom line, folks: Please do not allow Democrat dirty tricks to take your attention away from getting everyone you know to vote Republican on November 6. Upon completing this article, my wife Mary yelled to me, "Your Facebook page has been taken down!" Oh, well. I trust God. We must defeat these people on the left. Everyone who supports Trump's agenda must vote. Imran Khan visit will open new chapter of development: Chinese foreign ministry BEIJING: The Chinese foreign ministry on Monday said that Prime Minister Imran Khans upcoming visit to China would provide an opportunity for leaders of the two countries to open a new chapter of development of bilateral relations under new circumstances. Mr Khan will visit China from Nov 2 on the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang and President Xi Jinping. He will also attend China International Import Expo (CIIE) being held in Shanghai, Chinese foreign ministrys spokesperson Lu Kang said during his regular briefing here. During the visit, Mr Khan would hold talks with President Xi and Premier Li, the spokesperson said. He said the two sides would have an in-depth exchange of views on bilateral ties and cooperation and issues of common interests. Pakistan will participate in the CIIE as the guest of honour. Mr Khan will attend the opening ceremony of the CIIE and deliver a keynote speech. So hysterical is the left as the midterm elections approach that it has descended into unhinged moonbattery. Leftists fervently and viciously blame President Trump for the bad acts committed by mentally ill persons across the nation. They hoped and prayed that whoever was sending those fake bombs to prominent Democrats was a Trump-lover. When arrested, he was living out of a shiny white van plastered with suspciously looking like professionally applied pro-Trump decals and posters. According to the "news," so often wrong, he registered as a Republican in 2016. But he had been a felon since 2004, so, in Florida, he could not have registered in either party. He had been a registered Democrat for many years prior. Considering how he lived, Cesar Sayoc may well not have been capable of finding the addresses of all those targets or of creating those ridiculously fake mail bombs that could not hurt anyone. His lawyer said he "never seems sophisticated enough to do something like he's accused of." It's possible he was someone's dupe, a plant, a victim of someone else's plan to harm Republican candidates in the upcoming election. Will we ever discover the truth? Not likely, but the FBI had better be investigating the finances of his family members, who are probably glad he is safely off the streets. Then came the worst murderous attack on a Jewish house of worship in U.S. history, at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. Eleven people were killed while the killer shouted anti-Semitic screeds. This horrific act is also being blamed across the left media on President Trump. Apparently unaware that Trump's daughter and her family are Jewish, Julia Ioffe blamed him for the rise of anti-Semitism in America. How clueless can she be? Anti-Semitism is on the rise thanks to Barack Obama and his antipathy toward Israel, as well as the tenured radicals on our university campuses who hate Israel and embrace Islamists like Linda Sarsour, Keith Ellison, and Louis Farrakhan. Just how stupid do these Trump-haters think we are? They believe we are so incredibly clueless that we will not believe our lying eyes, will listen to them, and will think for one second that Trump has an iota of culpability for any of the crimes they are so quick to put on him, as though the actual perpetrator bore no responsibility. The left media has melted down so completely that they are incapable of realizing how pathetic they have become. They are figures of both derision and amusement. Watch the White House briefing. Sarah Sanders is a joy to behold when deflecting their foolish questions, so obviously meant to embarrass her and the president. She wins every time. Anyone paying attention, left or right, knows that the violence is all on the left, as is the violent rhetoric. Robert Creamer hired thugs to pick fights at Trump campaign rallies. Antifa is left and very violent. Occupy Wall Street was left and sometimes violent. Black Lives Matter is left and sometimes violent. There is simply no debate when it comes to this issue. Leftists feel duty-bound to commit violence in the furtherance of their agenda. They think they are winning hearts and minds, that millions of Americans agree with them. What they are doing is ensuring a red wave on November 6. The Democrats' behavior throughout the Kavanaugh hearings was not the beginning of normal Americans' contempt for leftist cruelty and lack of any semblance of ethics, but it sure kicked it into high gear. Blaming Trump and his supporters for fake mail bombs and the slaughter of Jews is beyond the pale even Catherine the Great's anti-Semitic pale. Then there is the "caravan" that is actually a mob, including all that the word entails gang members, human-traffickers, pedophiles, etc. Not one Democrat has spoken out against this invasion heading our way. This appears to have Soros's fingerprints all over it. He and his lefty pals in Latin America thought forcing more "separation of families" at the border would work against Trump. This is how stupid they are! This trick alone is winning over Hispanic and black voters to the GOP. Trump will use the U.S. military to prevent this harrowing re-enactment of Camp of the Saints. The left, both here and in Latin America, could not care less about the human beings they've encouraged to join this march with promises of entry into the U.S. They are just fodder for the left's pursuit of unending power and votes. The left media are so frenzied they will spend hours or days on Trump's use of a single word. He called himself a "nationalist" at a recent rally to distinguish himself from the globalists like Obama and the rest of the left, who feel guilty about America's success and power. One would think he admitted to being a member of the KKK; that is how absurd the response of nearly every anchor and guest on the leftist media was. They pretended he had said "white nationalism," claiming that is what he meant. These not-journalists have been digging themselves into holes for years and need to learn to stop digging. The NYT and the WaPo have lost any sense of journalistic ethics; they've thrown them away altogether. No matter what event they "report" on, they will post an anti-Trump headline. So derisive of the president, they are willing to sacrifice everything that has made America great. Does anyone outside of the Beltway read these papers anymore? Not likely. These people write and publish for each other. They think the rest of us are irrelevant. The truth is that they, the mainstream left media, are irrelevant. The left and the leftist media are so furious at Trump's success the economy, trade, defeating ISIS, two terrific SCOTUS justices, de-regulation, etc. that they are prepared to do anything to stop him, no matter how devastating to the country. Vote next Tuesday to save the GOP majority. The thought of Pelosi, Maxine Waters, and Adam Schiff with gavels in hand is a Halloween horror story. In a report describing a memorial ceremony to Stalin's victims held in Moscow yesterday, the New York Times didn't have much trouble taking a few shots at Vladimir Putin's government, but left out a little of the background. Moscow An annual ceremony to commemorate victims of repression under Stalin proceeded Monday after Moscow city officials backed down from a decision to bar it from its traditional site, a memorial near the headquarters of the former KGB. Throughout the day, activists and descendants of victims gathered at the Solovetsky Stone memorial, which was brought from the former Solovki prison camp, a notorious destination for political prisoners in the 1920s and 1930s. Bundled against the cold, they stood in line for hours to approach a rostrum and read out the names, ages, professions and dates of death of victims ranging from Soviet bureaucrats to factory workers to peasants to priests. This day is a reminder of tragic pages in the history of the country, when numerous people were patently falsely accused of crimes, shot to death or sent to corrective labor camps or into exile, said Yelena Zhemkova, executive director of International Memorial, the human rights organization that created the event, in opening remarks. I guess we can give the Times credit for covering it all, given that The Nation isn't covering it. Maybe the reporter struggled to get it into print and only got her editors to allow it by saying it was about Getting Putin, not the actual event itself. But then, there's the missing 'c' word throughout that entire Times report. Communism. The philosophy that the mass atrocity was done in the name of, in order to build "a better world." As if that were not a relevant detail. There's also no 's' word about what befell those 30,000 people, not even in a spelling out of the name of the state that carried out the massacre as a clue: The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. Too much uncomfortable detail. And strangely enough, the Times didn't mention its own role in the atrocities, in the name of its previous Times reporter on the case, Walter Duranty, who knew about the mass killings, kept them out of print, and mouthed Stalin's mendacious propaganda in place of the actual news as it happened is rather famous. Without the helpfulness of Duranty to the socialist cause during the 1932-33 man-made famine that killed 10 million people in Ukraine, the communists would have had a much harder time getting away with the killings of the 1937-38 Great Terror being memorialized in the Times report. You could argue that bringing up Duranty would be wrong in a report of this kind because the one he covered up, the Holodormor of Ukraine, was the wrong socialist massacre given the five-year-span between the one being remembered in Moscow and the one Duranty knew and lied about. The communists have so many massacres to speak of, but note that in the Times reporting today on the Moscow ceremony, victims from earlier massacres, such as one cited as killed in 1934, would place that victim outside the parameters of the 1937-38 Great Terror, and make him a victim of yet another separate socialist mass killing. What's more, Duranty loudly defended the 1937-38 Great Terror as necessary eggs to be broken in the creation of the communist omelette. So Duranty comes back into the time range of the picture. With those details omitted from the Times report, the only purpose of its report seems to have been to take a shot at the current Russian government, which seems to be trying to minimize the matter, given its own record, but certainly hasn't stopped it. Nice try, Times, but you're missing the whale in middle of the room. Somewhere, Walter Duranty is smiling. Incumbent Democratic Senator Claire McCaskill is in the fight of her life trying to hold on to her seat against Missouri's Republican Attorney General Josh Hawley. Hawley has been scoring points in recent weeks, branding McCaskill has a "party-line liberal" and criticizing her for her vote against Trump's Supreme Court pick Brett Kavanaugh. To counter that impression, McCaskill released a 30 second radio ad that claims she's "not one of those crazy Democrats." Washington Free Beacon: The radio ad has been running over the past week in Missouri and features two middle-aged men having a conversation about the hotly contested Missouri Senate race, CNN reports. McCaskills Republican challenger Josh Hawley has targeted her for her liberal positions, but the ad presents her as a centrist who bucks her party. "Claire's not one of those crazy Democrats. She works right in the middle and finds compromise," one man says. "I don't always agree with Claire McCaskill. But she works hard, fighting against those tariffs, doing all those town halls," the other man says. "Claire's not afraid to stand up against her own party." President Donald Trump won Missouri by 19 percentage points in 2016. McCaskill endorsed his opponent, Hillary Clinton, although she has had to distance herself from some of Clintons comments after her historic defeat. The narrators of the ad also chide McCaskills opponent Hawley for being "a man in a hurry" and being at the gym or buying wine "during work hours." Not surprisingly, the "crazy Democrats" were offended. Missouri State Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal (D.) told CNN the "crazy Democrats" could refer to the party base in urban areas, including African Americans. "[McCaskill] is calling her base in the urban areas crazy Democrats," Chappelle-Nadal said, "and she's relying on those so-called crazy Democrats to make sure she wins." Chappelle-Nadal said last year she hoped Trump would be assassinated, prompting McCaskill to call on her to resign. Chappelle-Nadal apologized but did not resign, and she has taken shots at McCaskill since then. "Don't call me crazy for saying something crazy!" McCaskill herself, appears to have Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren in mind when identifying "crazy Democrats." Fox News: "Well, I would say this," McCaskill replied. "I would not call my colleagues crazy, but Elizabeth Warren sure went after me when I advocated tooling back some of the regulations for small banks and credit unions." In a fiery speech on the Senate floor earlier this year, Warren blasted Republicans and far too many Democrats for "locking arms to do the bidding of the big banks." President Trump signed the bipartisan measure rolling back provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act of 2010, which he called a "crippling" web of regulation that decimated the viability of local banks. McCaskill went on to float Sanders' name, although she didn't specify exactly why: "I certainly disagree with Bernie Sanders on a bunch of stuff, um, so I'm not afraid. So I don't know those kinds of things which do separate me, I think, from some of the knee-jerk folks that just are against the president no matter what." National Democrats understand that McCaskill will vote with them on 95% of the issues, so they're not worried about being called crazy. More to the point, will the people of Missouri swallow her "moderate" image or realize that she's just another Washington liberal gussied up in moderate clothing? Hawley was trailing for most of the race until a video by Project Vertitas exposed her as a fake and a charlatan - a candidate who says one thing on the campaign trail and another when she gets to Washington. Now Hawley is up slightly, but the race is still too close to call. The ad was intended to distance McCaskill from the crazies. Instead, it appears to have tied her to the extremists by reminding voters which party she represents. In its 2018 ballot, Florida includes a proposed constitutional amendment that would reinstate voting rights to felons (excluding murderers and sexual felony offenders) upon completion of their sentences. Surprisingly, its sponsor, Floridians for a Fair Democracy, does not have a website. In mailings, however, it argues that Florida should replace its "broken" system that "impose[s] a lifetime ban on voting for all past convictions." Such a statement also appears at the website of another organization with ties to FFD, called Second Chances. A screenshot of such: The statement is not true. Florida does not "permanently exclude" felons from voting; there is no "lifetime ban." Under the current system, felons must, depending on their crime, wait five to seven years to apply to a state board for the reinstatement of their voting rights. Perhaps FFD and S.C. believe they are nonetheless entitled to lie because, under Republican Gov. Rick Scott's administration, the voting rights of only about 4,350 felons were reinstated. (About 10,000 applications are pending.) Given the number of felons in Florida, these advocacy organizations might argue that, for practical purposes, it is as good as a lifetime ban. That may except for 4,350 felons be true. (Don't forget the more than 150,000 reinstated under Scott's predecessor, Republican-turned-Democrat Charlie Christ.) FFD and S.C. could, perhaps, make that argument. What they could have also done, however, is simply have stated the truth: that, under the current discretionary system, under Scott, only 4,350 reinstatements have been made. (And only 150,000 under Crist.) They could have simply provided the facts and let the voters decide. They didn't. The website also talks about felons "giving back to their communities," about having a "second chance," as if, without the vote, these would not be possible. (Indeed, as far as meaningful second chances go, they come not from the vote, but from the economy. During the Scott years one million people moved, not to some enlightened state with automatic voting reinstatement, but to Florida, where, because of the economy, there really are "second chances.") FFD and S.C. also make the galling claim that, in completing their sentences, felons "have paid their debt." (Excluding, that is, for some unexplained reason, murderers and sexual felony offenders.) They do not say how this debt was paid and to whom; they just repeat the slogan. They don't explain, because there is no such payment. The purpose of confining felons is not so they pay any debt, but to punish them, and to protect society. To the extent that it is possible for a felon to pay a debt, he can do so only by providing restitution to the victims for the injury or loss he inflicted, and to the taxpayers, for the expense of the trial and incarceration they incurred. Any felon who did this who actually did voluntarily pay the debt he incurred could do no more to demonstrate his acceptance of responsibility for his crime, and his vote should be reinstated. Even in that case, we cannot necessarily say the felon paid his debt to society, for there are some debts that go beyond financial injury and are unpayable. Felonies include kidnapping, burglary, armed robbery, abuse of children, drug-trafficking, and others. Because of kidnappers, mothers throughout the nation are apprehensive and must restrict the activities of their children accordingly. Kidnappers are responsible for such anxiety and can never escape that responsibility. Under the current system, we leave open the possibility of change for the state to consider, and for the offender to consider. Under the proposed amendment, reinstatement of the right to vote is not a possibility; it is guaranteed. A new museum aimed to assault the olfactory senses of visitors and churn their stomach opened yesterday in Swedens third largest city, Malmo. Inside are various exhibits that some cultures supposedly eat, such as fermented shark meat, bull penis, fermented herring, maggot cheese and ant larvae. Its so bad that the museum provide visitors with vomit bags before they enter. I want people to question what they find disgusting and realize that disgust is always in the eye of the beholder, said Samuel West, the founder of the Disgusting Food Museum, who is also known for the Museum of Failure. We usually find things we're not familiar with disgusting, versus things that we grow up with and are familiar with are not disgusting, regardless of what it is. The smell of the durian fruit is so overpowering that many hotels and public transportation in southeast Asia have banished the fruit from their premises. Photo credit: zol m/Flickr Many foods are universally appealing, but others can be more of an acquired taste. There are approximately 80 food exhibits in the museum belonging to the latter category. A large number of these delicacies are from Asia and Europe, with China leading followed by, surprisingly, the United States. Indeed, there are more entries from the United States than from Central and South America, Africa and Australia. Some US favorites that made it to the list include the classic processed food Spam and Twinkies, and root beer, as well as Jell-O salad with pasta in it and Pop-Tarts. But the truly disgusting might be the Rocky Mountain oysters, which are deep-fried bull testicles. There are some exhibits that might actually taste pretty good, but their preparation causes extreme suffering for the animals being eaten. Those includeFrench foie gras, a gourmet meal made of the liver of a duck that has been fattened by force-feeding corn with a feeding tube; monkey brain that is eaten in China, often while the animals is still alive; Chinese mouse wine, brewed by drowning baby mice in the wine. The French dish, ortolan, is especially gruesome. Ortolan is a small bird about six inches long that are caught in autumn during their migratory flight to Africa. The birds are kept in dark cages which causes them to gorge themselves on grain until they double their weight. The bird is then thrown alive into a container of brandy, which both drowns and marinates the birds. It is then cooked and eaten whole. Traditionally the bird is eaten with a large napkin over ones face, which some say is to hide ones shame from God. Others say it is simply to prevent the aroma from escaping the mouth as they consume the bird. A raw bull penis on a cutting board along with a knife to heighten the cringe factor on display at the Disgusting Food Museum. Most of the exhibits in the museum are real and fresh, except those that are extremely hard to source, or foods that result from animal cruelty. These are represented with plastic models or photographs. The stinky exhibits are housed in medical-grade research jars to contain the smell. About half of the dishes have to be replaced at least every other day, making the museum a costly enterprise. This is why the museum will be open for just three months, until the end of January 2019. "The main aim is that it is fun, interesting, and interactive," Samuel West told The Local. But West also hopes to challenge peoples notions of what is and what isnt edible. Is it really that disgusting to eat a grasshopper or locust when you eat bacon? Or is it really disgusting to eat guinea pigs when you eat regular beef? West asks. Kale pachea Persian and East European dish consisting of a boiled sheeps head. Casu marzu is a traditional Sardinian sheep milk cheese that contains live maggots. The European Union food hygiene and health regulators have outlawed the cheese because the larvae can often survive in the intestine, leading to parasitic infection. Century egg, a Chinese delicacy made by allowing duck or chicken eggs to rot and ferment for up to several months. Fruit bat soup is a delicacy in Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Guam, and in other Asian and Pacific Rim countries. Kumis fermented mares milk drunk in Central Asia. Menudo, a traditional Mexican soup made with beef stomach (tripe) in broth with a red chili pepper base. Natto, a traditional Japanese food made from fermented soybeans. The Egyptians had pyramids, the Mesopotamians had ziggurats, which are massive brick structures with raised platforms with successively receding levels. Nobody knows what they stood for, but its presumed that they once contained shrines dedicated to the gods and had living quarters for priests. The Great Ziggurat of Ur in Iraq is one fine example of a ziggurat. But Choga Zanbil is one of the few ziggurats that lies outside Mesopotamia, and its the largest one among them. The ziggurat stands at the site of the ancient city of Elam, in todays Khuzestan province in southwest Iran. Choga Zanbil was built around 1250 BCE by the king Untash-Napirisha to honor the great god Inshushinak. But before the ziggurat could be completed, the king died and construction of the complex was abandoned. When the Assyrians attacked Choga Zanbil six centuries later, there were still thousands of bricks stacked at the site. A recreation of the ziggurat of Chogha Zanbil. The ziggurat is only a part of the complex. There are also temples, a total of eleven, dedicated to the lesser gods at the site. It is believed that king Untash-Napirisha originally planned twenty-two temples, which some scholars believe was an attempt to create a new religious center, possibly intended to replace Susa. The ziggurat originally measured one hundred meters on each side and was about fifty meters in height, in five levels, at the apex of which stood a temple. It now stands 24 meters high, less than half its estimated original height. Its ornate facade was once covered in glazed blue and green terra-cotta, and its interior was decorated in glass and ivory mosaics. Glazed terracotta statues such as bulls and winged griffins guarded the entrances to the ziggurat. Although the glazed tiles have long been stripped off the facade, the ziggurat, in general, is in an exceedingly good state of preservation. In 1979, Chogha Zanbil became the first Iranian site to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Photo credit: Matyas Rehak/Shutterstock.com Photo credit: peuplier/Flickr Photo credit: Matyas Rehak/Shutterstock.com Several childrens rights groups penned a letter to the United States Federal Trade Commission that argues its high time for Android apps targeted at the youngest demographic to be investigated. The Center for Digital Democracy, Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, and a number of other organizations are now pushing for a federal probe of what they deem are predatory practices aimed at conditioning American children to behave like adult consumers at the expense of their overall wellbeing. The advocacy groups described such activities as unfair and deceptive, urging the FTC to react to them accordingly. The bulk of the pro-investigation argument is based on a recent study authored by the University of Michigan Medical School. The paper titled Advertising in Young Childrens Apps: A Content Analysis scrutinizes 135 Android apps in total, including almost every one of the top 100 apps targeting children up to five years of age. Many of those are free and supported by ads but also have a paid version that they promote in an aggressive manner, encouraging children to make purchases, the research reveals. 95-percent of all examined apps serve advertisements, with a third of them promoting their own microtransactions, including virtual currency and other digital goods. Besides misleading children, such practices also deceive parents, the watchdogs argue, suggesting adults never would have installed such apps and allowed their kids to use them if they werent under the impression the experiences they offer are free. After convincing parents to install them under the pretense of being free, the apps end up consistently encouraging children to pay for digital items and/or ad-free experiences, the groups warned. The study itself draws attention to one of the most popular monetization techniques used by developers of freemium apps incentivized ad watching. One particular example of the thereof pertains to Talking Tom, with the researchers describing how the mobile game would present players with a gift box that contains an opportunity to win digital prizes by watching ads. Besides being highly misleading, such practices are also normalizing ads to the point that children expect and even welcome them, the watchdogs allege, criticizing their developers from failing to point out that their creations contain advertising in their Google Play Store descriptions, and/or that itll be practically impossible to enjoy the full experiences they offer without spending any money. Advertisement None of the developers mentioned by the study responded to the allegations and the research seemingly ignored the fact that Google itself labels apps that contain advertising and in-app purchases near the bottom of their Play Store listings and has been doing so for years. The FTC is under no obligation to respond to the investigation call and its presently unclear whether it intends to do so, though the issue of software being harmful to children falls under the agencys purview. Background: The Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood has been one of the most vocal critics of the Silicon Valley in recent times, with its last high-profile attempt at raising concerns about children-focused marketing being an initiative aimed at putting an end to Messenger Kids, Facebooks communications service aimed at pre-teens. The sole fact that Facebook pushed for the youngest demographic to create social media accounts is alarming and requires resistance because premature exposure to social media is harmful to personalities that are still being developed, the group argued in January. CCFC also described Messenger Kids as Facebooks attempt to normalize low digital privacy expectations among pre-teens, essentially training them to become life-long customers of its other services which are monetized through targeted advertising. The initiative started before this years Cambridge Analytica scandal but Messenger Kids is still operational, with its Android version being installed over a million times, according to its Google Play Store listing. CCFC sees commercials as a major threat to childrens wellbeing, with the organization estimating that companies spend some $17 billion marketing to the youngest demographic every year. Despite the fact that American children under eight see thousands of commercials annually on TV alone, they dont understand the persuasive nature of such promotions and most are incapable of differentiating between marketing and program content, the watchdog argues. The organization is quick to point out that advertising isnt just harmful to children because it pushes products and brands on them but also promotes certain behaviors and values. Materialism, lack of creativity, eating disorders, violence, child obesity, and a number of other issues are all being linked to the increasingly aggressive childhood commercialization, according to the group. As the world is becoming more connected by the day, the number of channels that could potentially be used to push advertising to children is increasing in an exponential manner and more regulatory oversight is hence a necessity, CCFC concludes. Advertisement Impact: While the new investigation doesnt target Google per se, its directly related to its flagship product and comes following a string of relevant accusations against Alphabets subsidiary itself. Last month, New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas sued Google for illegal tracking of children, describing a scenario thats extremely similar to many cases outlined by the latest research from the University of Michigan. How responsible Google actually is for the manner in which Android developers use its platforms has yet to be decided by the courts but the new string of initiatives pushing back against its business practices doesnt spell good news for the Mountain View, California-based technology juggernaut. The FTC may also end up heeding CCFCs advise due to the ongoing probe of Googles privacy practices thats being helmed by the state of Arizona where Attorney General Mark Brnovich is trying to determine whether the firm broke the 1967 Consumer Fraud Act by tracking locations of its Android users even when they specifically opted out of any programs pulling their GPS and other data that could be used for identifying their whereabouts. With the law allowing for fines of up to $10,000 per a single violation, the probe could theoretically end up costing Google hundreds of millions of dollars, and the FTC has an even broader authority when it comes to sanctioning privacy violations. August is currently rolling out new features to its Smart Lock and Doorbell Cam products designed for improved ease of use through a deeper integration with voice assistants, including Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, as well as the IFTTT app. The new features include a new visitor announcement option, the ability to set custom routines or automation, and the ability to unlock the smart lock using just voice commands. The new visitor announcement feature informs the user when a person rings the doorbell by making an announcement through Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa smart home devices. To activate this feature on the Google Assistant, users will need to access the Home Control section of the virtual assistants settings. On Amazon Alexa, homeowners should first enable the August Smart Home skill on Alexas mobile application, and then turn on the Doorbell Press setting in the Announcements section. In addition, users are also gaining the ability to unlock the companys Smart Lock using voice commands given to Google Assistant. After unlocking the Smart Lock, Google Assistant will then ask for the security code that the homeowner set during the integration of the security devices with the virtual assistant. August does point out to properly activate these new features, some users may need to unlink and then relink their August account first. Users can also now set custom routines for when the Doorbell Cam detects motion or when a person rings the doorbell using Amazon Alexa or the IFTTT app, including assigning a special greeting, playing a specific music track, or changing the color of smart lights whenever the Doorbell Cam detects motion. On the Amazon Alexa app, users can create a new routine by proceeding to the Routines section of the software and selecting the Doorbell Cam when creating the custom routine, while homeowners can also create a new automation at the My Applet section of the IFTTT app. Advertisement Background: August has routinely added a number of new features over the past few months that improve the usability of the companys security devices. Last May, the tech firm rolled out the Auto-Connect feature, a function that automatically locks or unlocks the smart lock depending on the proximity of the homeowner. Although users do need to open the lock screen on the August Home app for this feature to work. Furthermore, August made it possible for users to check the status of the locks and the doors using Google Assistant with the help of the companys Doorsense technology. August also stated that it plans to roll out additional features in the near future, which may include the ability to speak directly to the people standing at the door with the help of Amazon Alexa. Impact: These new features further highlight the potential of smart locks and help to add to the ways in which these products can add value beyond just protecting the homeowner and their property. Whats more these new features only provide insight into the most basic of connections between a lock or camera and other smart home products with the expectation the relationship between smart home and security products will continue to deepen in the near and long-term. According to a report out of BuzzFeed on Monday, a group of over 200 Google employees are organizing a walk out on Thursday, and it is being called a womens walk. This is a companywide group of employees that are walking out to protest Googles protection of sexual assaulters like Andy Rubin, who was named in a New York Times piece last week. A couple of employees that are planning to take part in the walkout this Thursday, spoke with Buzz Feed but asked to remain anonymous, stating that they are furious and they feel like theres a pattern of powerful men getting away with awful behavior towards women at Google, or if they dont get away with it, they get a slap on the wrist, or they get sent away with a golden parachute, like Andy Rubin. They also stated that the leadership at Google and Alphabet are mostly men (who have also reportedly been accused of sexual assault, according to the New York Times). This is just the latest protest by Google employees towards the company. Recently, the company has had a number of protests internally, over the company working on a search engine that could be used in China. The protesting there was over the fact that the search engine would be a very limited search engine. And its not what Google once stood for. Earlier this year, there was a letter that circled around Google talking about how women are not treated nor paid the same as men in the company. That led to an all-hands on deck meeting with Google CEO, Sundar Pichai at its headquarters in Mountain View. Last week, there was another all-hands on deck meeting, just a few hours before the piece from the New York Times was published, regarding Rubin. To try and explain why Rubin was given a $90 million exit package, even though Google didnt owe him anything, for firing him. Needless to say, there is a lot of issues going on internally at Google right now. Background: This circles all around one major news story from last week, which involves the godfather of Android, Andy Rubin. He left Google in 2014, and last year it came out that he left the company after his inappropriate conduct was made known to the higher-ups. However, last week, it turned out that it was sexual assault towards a couple of his subordinates at Google. When Googles CEO (at the time), Larry Page, found out about this, he asked for Rubins resignation. When Rubin left, Google decided to still give him a $90 million exit package, which is being paid out at about $2 million per month (the last payment is set for next month). The reason why that exit package has a lot of people scratching their heads is because Google was not obligated to give him anything when cutting Rubin from the company. Rubin was not the first executive at Google to sexually assault coworkers and then resign from the company, and get a pretty generous exit package. The New York Times found around four others that also got the same treatment, but none of those got the same level of exit package that Rubin did. Advertisement The saying the fish stinks from the head fits in here at Google. This is because the New York Times also found that Googles co-founder, Sergey Brin had an extramarital affair with a coworker at Google though that relationship was reportedly consensual Googles former chairman, Eric Schmidt also kept a consultant on that was his mistress. While these were not sexual assault cases here, its still clear that its a big issue at Google and likely other Silicon Valley companies as well. Impact: Sexual assault is a topic that has been in the spotlight for over a year now. Largely in the world of Hollywood with a number of people getting caught sexually assaulting women. Now it looks like it is starting to take on Silicon Valley, which could take down a number of high-profile executives. Its something that definitely needs to change, and part of what needs to change is the consequences for these powerful men. The majority of those running tech companies, are men, with a few exceptions like Sheryl Sandberg at Facebook. Which means that these men are able to exploit women and they can also force them to keep their mouth shut by threatening to fire them. Which is unfortunate, but that is how things are working right now in Silicon Valley. Some of these stories are pretty surprising, but on the other hand, after all of the stories weve heard in the past year, as part of the #metoo movement, its not that surprising. According to the employees that spoke with Buzz Feed, anonymously, they have submitted petitions and even had internal discussions among these employees about removing the senior executives that were also mentioned in the New York Times piece last week. That would include both of Googles co-founders and Googles former chairman. Larry Page, Sergey Brin and Eric Schmidt are integral parts of Google, but it does make sense that employees would want them removed from their post. This would also include David Drummond who is the Senior Vice President of Corporate Development, and Google X director, Richard DeVaul. The walkout that is scheduled for Thursday currently has around 200 employees taking part in it, it wouldnt be a huge surprise to see that number grow exponentially between now and when the actual walkout happens on Thursday. And while it is being called a womens walk, there are also expected to be plenty of men included in this walkout, that are supporting their fellow female coworkers. As expected, a Google spokesperson did not provide comment on the matter. And this is also likely why the employees that Buzz Feed spoke with wanted to remain anonymous, so that no repercussions could be taken against them, before Thursday when the walk out actually happens. Itll be interesting to see how this walkout changes things at Google. PML-N,MNAs protested in NA over Shehbaz Sharif ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) legislators staged a protest over National Accountability Bureaus failure to produce Leader of Opposition in National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif on time, with entire opposition staging walkout from the House in protest. The opposition ended boycott of the National Assembly after Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi convinced them to return to the assembly. After the boycott ended, Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari and Bilawal Bhuto returned together. Earlier, speaking on the floor of the assembly, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi called upon the opposition to attend the session and present their stance. He said government had no objection to Shehbaz Sharif attending the session, adding that the government and opposition were two sides of a coin and that the opposition should express a responsible behaviour. The PML-N president complained that the NAB officials didnt want him to attend the session and that they had to take him to Islamabad on his insistence. As per production orders issued by Speaker Asad Qaiser, the NAB Lahore team had been directed to produce Shehbaz Sharif for the session of the Lower House at 4pm on Monday. Due to his delayed arrival in the Parliament House, he could not chair a meeting of PML-Ns parliamentary party scheduled for an hour before the sessions start. In Shehbazs absence, senior leaders Ahsan Iqbal and Khawaja Asif jointly led the meeting. Talking to reporters after reaching the parliament, Shehbaz said the NAB avoided bringing him to Islamabad via airplane on the pretext of different reasons. They didnt want to bring me to Islamabad in an airplane, he claimed, adding that the bureau used the suspension of flight and unavailability of seats as excuses. I was made to travel via motorway despite an ache in my back, he said. Speaking in the assembly, PML-N lawmaker Rana Tanveer Hussain said NAB had caused a deliberate delay in producing the opposition leader, adding that the speakers production orders had not been complied with.Earlier, the speaker assigned Shah Mehmood Qureshi and State Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad Khan the task of convincing the opposition members to return to the House. The duo managed to cajole the opposition into returning to the session, with Qureshi thanking them for ending the boycott. During the session, the speaker administered the oath of office to 10 out of the 12 members elected in by-polls earlier this month. Two prospective lawmakers were not present in the session. The NA later unanimously passed a resolution condemning Indian state atrocities in Held Kashmir. This House condemns Indian atrocities and aggression in Kashmir, reads the resolution presented by Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan Ali Amin Gandapur. The international community should take notice of Indian aggression and violations of human rights, it said, stressing that the Kashmir issue should be resolved in light of the United Nations Security Council resolutions. Oversized display notches in smartphones could be replaced by smaller, corner-positioned notches if a new patent filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (spotted by LetsGoDigital) is any indication. Filed by inventor Lothar Pantel and assigned to Inodyn NewMedia GmbH, the patent doesnt just showcase a single handset design or layout either. Instead, it highlights a plethora of ways in which configurations of cameras, LED flash units, and speakers could be arranged with as many as four cameras on a smartphone split between the front and rear panels. In each case, those components are housed in rounded cutouts of various sizes depending on which components are stored inside of them. The patent goes even further than this by describing a method in which the UI that might ordinarily be obstructed by the components to be moved within the algorithms for the design itself. In effect, the system would automatically move elements such as logos, text, buttons, links, and images around to fit within the space provided. The sheer number of design configurations and the visual representations described leave little to the imagination with regard to how the patent might be used if its assignee chooses to license out the design. In the simplest implementation of the corner notches, the speaker is moved to a tiny reserved space within the top bezel while a single camera and LED flash are placed within the left and right corners within an equally minuscule cutout. From there, things get a bit more complex, with speakers, cameras, and other components housed within the notches next to the camera sensors or inside separate cutouts along the bottom edge. In one case, an LED and speaker in the bottom edge also feature a slight increase to the space occupied in order to allow capacitive home and back buttons in the components surrounding area. Yet another configuration shows the cameras embedded in the top edge while the bottom bezel contains a keyboard. The patent also shows how the configuration could work with specific screen technologies like those found in Samsungs Edge displays or with traditional flat panels. Whats more, its also highlighted being used for a smartwatch design and a folding smartphone. Background: Non-traditional display notches arent really a new thing in the mobile world since the notch has been derided nearly across the board since its first appearance in the Essential PH-1. In fact, the recently launched OnePlus 6T, among other devices, utilizes a similar concept. OnePlus places a single camera sensor in a small drop-shaped notch at the top of the display. Samsungs Galaxy S10 flagship is currently rumored to feature a camera thats placed behind the screen itself and leaves almost no bezels whatsoever. However, while the use of a tiny central notch, or no notch whatsoever, reduces the space taken up by the cutout they dont address the inclusion of multiple cameras or allow for forward-facing stereo speakers. Advertisement Speaking of the Samsung solution, it is actually described in the new patent as being too difficult a problem due to light bleed from the display interfering with the sensors causing blurring and other artifacts. So this patented technology could offer an alternative approach and may even offer benefits to mobile photography since the sensors are placed further apart. Thats if the underlying camera software can be adjusted to take advantage of those changes, allowing for wider-angle shots or other solutions to be implemented. Impact: While some of the larger corner notches wouldnt necessarily be better from a consumer perspective than the current use of a single large notch, the solution is one that could still move things forward substantially. Not only does it offer a way to keep bezel size down and remove a single large obstruction. It offers a varied number of ways that could be implemented in an Android handset and as a solution to overcome UI limitations, effectively providing the groundwork for multiple designs that could help differentiate OEMs. So this is a patent that seems to cover a full solution for what some see as a notch problem providing the designs do ever make it to the real world. Samsung Electronics recently applied for a trademark on the Infinity-V moniker with KIPRIS in South Korea, the application suggesting that the manufacturer might be working on a new type of device and/or display designed for smartphones. The trademark application is dated October 26 and is awaiting examination but no other details have been included. Nevertheless, Samsung generally uses the Infinity moniker for its Infinity Display technology, and Infinity-V could be either a direct successor to the OEMs OLED panel technology or a spin-off designed for a new form factor. Samsungs existing Infinity Display moniker has been used to describe its panels curved around the edges. The term was first used with the introduction of the Samsung Galaxy S8 series, which pushed the side bezels to new limits and created the OEMs iconic design language. The Infinity Display has been used for a number of devices since, including for models like the Galaxy S9 Plus and the Galaxy Note 9. As for the new Infinity-V trademark, it could be reserved for the companys flexible display technology meant for flexible devices, or the name of the flexible smartphone itself. A recent report coming from South Korea indicated that Samsung is preparing to unveil its first foldable smartphone to the world during the Samsung Developer Conference scheduled to begin on November 7 in San Francisco, California. So far, this mysterious device has been the subject of various rumors, with reports referring to the unit by the Samsung Galaxy X, or the Galaxy F names. Given the timing of the KIPRIS application, there is a possibility that Samsung might have more to say about the Infinity-V smartphone/mobile display during SDC next month. The overall design of smartphones has been stagnating for a few years. Smartphones arent getting much thinner because theres little sense in doing so, and display-to-body ratios are nearing their physical limits. To stand out from the competition, Samsung is expected to introduce a new form factor, eventually, and if various reports turn out to be true then the OEMs first foldable smartphone could be introduced next year. No doubt, if this future form factor becomes successful, more OEMs will try to emulate it and flexible display manufacturers including Samsung and LG will be in a very favorable position as major suppliers for the technology. Posted on: October 30, 2018 2:10 PM The Presiding Bishop of the US-based Episcopal Church, Michael Curry and the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby were among a number of Anglican leaders who joined the Episcopal Bishop of Pittsburgh, Dorsey McConnell, in responding to the mass shooting at a synagogue on Saturday. Eleven people were killed and six more injured when a gunman shouting anti-Semitic phrases opened fire on worshippers at the Tree of Life Or L'Simcha Congregation in the Squirrel Hill district of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Saturday (27 October). The congregation were attending a Shabbat service combined with a brit milah the Jewish initiation ceremony for baby boys. The youngest of the victims was 54-year old David Rosenthal. The eldest was 97-year-old Rose Mallinger. Four of the injured are police officers who attended the shooting. Police say that the suspect, 46-year-old Robert Bowers, was arrested after he surrendered to police after being shot by officers. He appeared in court in a wheelchair and has been remanded in custody until a second court appearance on Thursday. He was armed with an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle and three handguns. The AR-15 and its non-patented variants have been behind most of the mass-shootings in the US in recent history. The newscasts, sickeningly, are referring again and again to this horror as a tragedy. It is no such thing, the Bishop of Pittsburgh, Dorsey McConnell said in response to the shooting. A tragedy is inevitable. This was not. It was murder, murder of a particularly vile and poisonous kind. Human beings have moral agency. Someone chose to hate, and chose to kill. And now we are faced with a choice as well to do nothing, or to reject this hatred in the strongest possible words and actions, and to refute in every way, in every forum, the philosophical foundations of anti-Semitism wherever they have gained a foothold in our churches and our society. Writing on Saturday, just hours after the shooting, he asked Episcopal congregations in the Diocese to keep the people of Tree of Life, and their leadership, in our prayers. He also called on churches to include a time of silent commemoration in their services last Sunday. This terror is added to the great heap of such crimes we have witnessed in the past, he said. Yet our hope is not dimmed, and our obligation is clear: Behold, I set before you this day, life and death, blessing and curse: therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live (Deuteronomy 30:19). May we especially who bear the name of Christ be fierce in our love and unwavering in our courage, as we mourn with those who mourn, and work with others to lay the foundations for blessing, life and peace for all people. Bishop Dorsey took part in a Community Gathering on Sunday evening at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall in Pittsburgh, at which rabbis of the three congregations who met at the synagogue Tree of Life, Dor Chadash, and New Light spoke alongside elected officials and leaders from different religious communities in the region. Presiding Bishop Michael Curry was attending the Iowa Diocesan Convention (synod) when news of the shooting emerged. Our Jewish neighbours, our brothers and sisters, are fearful and we must stand with them and provide comfort and support for them and for all, he said. It is reported that the gunman not only ranted anti-Semitic sayings, he has also ranted and spoke against immigrants and refugees and other peoples. We must pray: we must pray for him, we must pray for the spirit of our nation that a spirit of love and compassion, and goodness and decency, will pervade; and that spirits of hatred and bigotry will be cast away. But above all at this time, pray for those who have died and for their families and their loved ones, he said. Pray for those who are wounded, pray for the first responders, pray for our brothers and sisters in the Jewish community, pray for the Tree of Life Synagogue, pray for the city of Pittsburgh, pray for America, pray for us all. And then go out and do something: do something that helps to end the long night and helps to bring in the daylight. Visit a neighbour. Remind our Jewish brothers and sisters that they do not stand alone. Care for someone. Love. Stand for what is right and good. And then pray, and then act, and then pray. The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, said: We stand together in deep sorrow and prayer with Jewish people everywhere as they mourn the victims of the Pittsburgh attacks. Such hatred is found globally and historically and must be resisted globally and eternally. Last week he met Marie van der Zyl, the recently elected President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews. We discussed continuing to strengthen Christian-Jewish relations; resisting anti-Semitism and other discrimination; seeking the common good and supporting Israeli-Palestinian peace-building through projects like Invest in Peace, he said afterwards. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, with the President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, Marie van der Zyl, following their meeting at Lambeth Palace last week. The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, responded to the tragedy by saying: Lord of peace and justice show your power and mercy to all the worshipers at the synagogue in Pittsburgh who witnessed such brutal anti-Semitic murders! Lord For How Long! Please let us all never respond to violence with violence on nights already devoid of Stars. Together we say NO. On Sunday the group Bishops Against Gun Violence, a coalition of more than 80 bishops in the US-based Episcopal Church, issued a statement in which they called for the eradication of Anti-Semitism. It is too easy for us to become immune to the horrific reports of mass shootings and hate crimes that flood our airwaves. But let us not fall prey to that temptation, the bishops said. Let us hold the depth of this news in our hearts. A purportedly Christian man, reportedly a denizen of white supremacist websites and social media, stands accused of gathering an arsenal of weapons for the express purpose of ending the lives of people whose religion is different from his. The group said that it was resolute that we will not remain silent while violence permeates our nation. Mass murder cannot be tolerated or normalised. Guns cannot be readily available to extremists who espouse hateful violence. Religious diversity cannot fall victim to extremists. We commit to empowering Episcopalians across the country to end the scourge of gun violence in our nation through education, advocacy, and public witness. We call upon people of all backgrounds, religions, and political affiliations to advocate for local, state and federal legislation that will stop this carnage in our communities. They added: The use of Christian scripture and beliefs to justify hate and anti-Semitism is a gross abuse of the Gospel. We call on our dioceses, churches, and faithful, and all people of goodwill, to decry and work to eradicate racist hatred, white supremacy, anti-Semitism, and vilification of the other that perpetuates violence. If you have not already been in contact with leaders in the Jewish community in your dioceses and neighbourhoods, we urge you to reach out to the leaders and members of those communities as soon as possible. If Jewish leaders or interfaith organisations are organising vigils or other actions, we urge you to participate. And once again, we call the church to join us in recommitting to the way of peace, justice, and life that our God calls us to. We have been in contact with and offer particular prayers for Bishop Dorsey McConnell and the Diocese of Pittsburgh as they seek to support their local Jewish community in its grief and pain. Most of all, we offer ourselves, our ministry, and our own prayerful witness to those who have endured the horror of gun violence in all of our communities so that together, we can drive away the spectre of hate with light and life. Posted on: October 30, 2018 3:04 PM The Episcopal Church of South Sudan has entered seven days of mourning following the death of Archbishop Peter Munde Yacob. Archbishop Peter led the internal province of Western Equatoria and was the acting Primate of the ECSS following the retirement of Archbishop Daniel Deng Bul until the installation earlier this year of new the new Primate, Archbishop Justin Badi Arama. Archbishop Peter died at the weekend at the Coptic Hospital in Nairobi. He had fallen ill over the summer. Last month the Bishop of Yirol, Simon Adut Yuang, was one of 20 people killed when a plane travelling from the South Sudanese capital Juba crashed into a lake as it attempted to land at Yirol Airport. Days earlier, the Churchs national Youth Coordinator, Joseph Kiri, was killed by gunman as he drove to Yei on a humanitarian mission for the NGO Across. Mama Joyce and I are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Archbishop Peter Munde, Archbishop Justin Badi Arama said. Our prayers are with Archbishop Peters family and friends at this time and with the congregations of the Internal Province of Western Equatoria. In addition to his role as Archbishop of Western Equatoria, which he had held since December 2016, he was also the Bishop of Yambio and the Provincial Dean. Announcing the death, Archbishop Justin quoted Romans 14:8 If we live we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Speaking on Radio Miraya, Pastor Elinama Jacob Bisi from the regional interfaith council said that Archbishop Peters legacy would be peace. I am sure the whole Western Equatorial State is weeping. . . We are weeping, we are mourning in our hearts, because he helped us very much in all the process of peace that we have achieved today, he said. Peace is the legacy he has left behind, he added. In all his talks, in all his speeches to the public, to the people, he was stressing much on peace let us bring peace to our hearts, to our lives, to our country. He was a man of peace Archbishop Peter leaves a wife, Margaret, and their children. Marysville, CA (95901) Today Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 46F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 46F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Shehbaz Sharif's Minister Enclave residence declared as sub-jail An accountability court in Lahore extended the physical remand of Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif by 10 days in the Ashiana Housing scheme case. Meanwhile, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Monday issued a notification declaring the Ministers Enclave residence of Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif a sub-jail. In exercise of powers conferred under section 24(f) of the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO) 1999, I, Justice Javed Iqbal, Chairman, National Accountability Bureau (NAB) hereby notifies the 26, Minister Enclave, Islamabad as sub-jail for the purpose of detention of accused under the NAO, 1999, the notification stated. BarcelonaThe Barcelona City Council has issued a statement denouncing a Madrid-led attack on the Catalan economy following the 1 October referendum and the Catalan Parliaments unilateral declaration of independence (UDI). The statement, which reveals attempts by the Spanish government to apply pressure on Catalan companies to relocate their headquarters and to withdraw funds from the Catalan banks and state-owned enterprises, was backed by votes from PDECat, ERC and the CUP, in addition to the independent councillors Gerard Ardanuy and Juanjo Puigcorbe. The PSC, Ciudadanos and the PP opposed the motion, while BComus councillors abstained. The statement, voted on by the Presidency Committee, Citizens Rights, Participation, Security and Prevention, denounced what it called an operation led by the Spanish government in which Catalan and multinational corporations and banks, most of them based in Barcelona city, were pressured into relocating their headquarters and offices outside of Catalonia". The statement goes on to say that, "the pressure involved the withdrawal of Spanish government funds from Catalan financial institutions, while urging Catalan and Spanish companies to do the same by leaving Catalonia". The declaration includes the opinion expressed before the commission by the PDECat Councillor Jaume Ciurana, that the King and the Spanish government were behind the whole operation. In its statement Barcelona council criticised, "the contempt with which the government of Spain, the King and the political parties which support them have shown the people of Catalonia, in spearheading a government-led operation aimed at creating financial collapse, while putting at risk the savings of millions of Catalans". The declaration did not receive the support of the governing BComu group. The First Deputy Mayor, Gerardo Pisarello, reproached the pro-independence groups for failing to accept their share of the responsibility for what happened. According to Pisarello, "The Spanish government is partly to blame, but no one else has admitted theyre responsible", while stressing the fact that the priority now is to approve a budget which is suited to the current situation. Speaking in defence of the statement, PDECat councillor Jaume Ciurana criticised the powers of the state for treating the Catalan economy with "disdain" and "putting the savings of thousands of Catalan families at risk, whether they were unionists or pro-independence". Councillor Gerard Ardanuy declared that Spain wished to "punish the Catalan people by stripping the country of capital". Meanwhile, ERC councillor Jordi Coronas emphasized that the initial withdrawals of funds were from state-owned companies such as Renfe, Adif and RTVE, which, in his opinion, "proves it was a government-led operation". According to Maria Rovira, of the CUP, "Spains tentacles also extend to the economic control of Catalonia". Ciudadanos councillor Marilen Barcelo, on the other hand, attributed the exodus of businesses to "the legal uncertainty that was created owing to the UDI", while for Montserrat Ballarin, of the PSC, the relocation of company headquarters, "was due to the unilateral nature of the independence process, which almost led to economic ruin". For Alberto Fernandez Diaz, of the PP, "the only pressure the companies received was applied by those who favour independence". On Tuesday the Catalan government once again approved a draft law on equal treatment and non-discrimination. The text was in process in Parliament, but it was put on hold when article 155 [direct rule] was applied [last year]. Catalonias Minister of Labor, Social Affairs and Families, Chakir El Homrani, pointed out that they are aware that there are already specific regulations that protect the LGBTI community and women, but stressed the importance of having an "umbrella law" that addresses "any type of discrimination and whose guiding principle is a defense of the equality and dignity of all people." It will have a sanctioning power that the Minister has not yet determined, as he is waiting for Parliament to discuss it. It will have to be developed by means of a specific regulation. The law is aimed at all public institutions and natural or legal persons of a private nature. It provides for protective measures, with the obligation to apply methods and instruments to detect violations of the right to equal treatment and non-discrimination. It also states that preventative measures or ones to end discriminatory situations must be taken. With regard to the ability to impose sanctions, the Minister said that approving this project now does not imply an end to the development of a law against homophobia, bi-phobia and trans-phobia, with their corresponding regulations. National Plan for Equality of Treatment and Non-Discrimination The text approved in a cabinet meeting on Tuesday provides for the promotion of a National Plan for Equality of Treatment and Non-Discrimination, a document that would determine the guiding principles, strategic lines, objectives, and the measures to prevent, eliminate, and correct any form of discrimination due to the causes established by this law. Before being approved, the project underwent a participatory process involving the councils attached to the Generalitat, such as the Citizenship and Immigration Board, the Council for the Elderly of Catalonia, the LGBTI National Council, the National Women's Council, and the National Youth Council, as well as other Catalan groups and associations. A few hours before the law was passed, in fact, the Homophobia Watchdog Organization (OCH) of Catalonia and the Catalan delegation of the Spanish LGBT Federation (FELGBT) had called for the Spanish law of LGBTI equality to be enforced, alleging that "it [the Catalan law] is currently on hold". The Catalan LGBT law, approved in 2014, "is not being implemented in its entirety," noted Joaquim Roqueta, a spokesman for the FELGBT, while OCH President Eugeni Rodriguez cited 400 recorded incidents of homophobia but only six penalties in four years. The Russian Knights will be joined by the UAEs Al Fursan display team, and making their debut at the show Italys Frecce Tricolori, in a truly international spectacle of flying expertise. In total over 110 aircraft are expected to be brought by the shows participants. Military jets are a dominant feature with highlights including F-16, Typhoon and the Mirage. Commercial aircraft set to fly include the Boeing B787-900 and the Airbus A320 neo which are being flown by the national carrier, Gulf Air. Gulfstream, Embraer and Bell are also showcasing aircraft on static display. A highlight is set to be the Boeing 737-700, created by US MRO company Pemco World Air Services, and is the worlds first passenger-freighter combination being demonstrated by Bahrains Texel Air. His Excellency Engineer Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, Bahrain Minister of Transportation and Telecommunication said: We are very pleased that the Bahrain International Airshow has attracted some of the worlds most impressive aircraft, signifying the importance of the show to the aviation community. With top- level executives heading delegations from countries in the region, the show is an excellent platform for buyers and sellers to come together and see the very latest that is being offered in the aviation and aerospace sector. Amanda Stainer, commercial director for Farnborough International Ltd, co-organisers of the Bahrain International Airshow, says: Weve seen high demand for slots in the flying display underscoring Bahrains status as the regions preeminent airshow. From the roar of fast jets through to the thrill of aerobatic flying, and rotorcraft of all size; Bahrain is a rare opportunity to witness a display of unparalleled variety. Officials say they notified Mann-Lewis that her son had been identified and located, and the two have since been reunited. Officials say the elder Mann had abducted his son during a court-ordered visit in 1987, and then fled across the border. Over the weekend, his mother Lyneth Mann-Lewis flew to the U.S. for their reunification. "They lived basically a life of lies as to who they were and what they did, unbeknownst to Jermaine", he said. "He was under the impression that his mother had died shortly after birth". In the emotional briefing, she thanked Amanda Pick, CEO and investigator Ted Davis of the Missing Children Society of Canada for their unwavering belief and support. Authorities say he then entered the USA - where he had relatives - and obtained fake identification for himself and his son, including bogus Texas birth certificates. Det. Sgt. Wayne Banks from organized crime enforcement, fugitive squad also commended Davis and acknowledged his tremendous contribution to solving the case. "He had been committing criminal offences in the US since he entered". In August, U.S. marshals interviewed several of Allan Mann's relatives and friends, including a family member who led authorities to CT and his alleged alias, according to an arrest warrant affidavit prepared by a HUD special agent. Once the USA charges are dealt with, Mann Jr.is expected to be extradicted to Canada to face further prosecution. The Mann case was publicly discussed at the session, he said, prompting a collaboration between Toronto police and the U.S. Marshals Service. Pope wraps up synod on youth claiming persecution over abuse But Francis had very different message when he addressed the synod after the text was approved. Women have often complained they have a second-class status in the church. Federal Bureau of Investigation looking into whether Tesla deceived investors The investigation may be looking at statements made by the company in 2017, according to the Wall Street Journal's sources. Tesla officials "were transparent about how hard it would be" to ramp up Model 3 production, said spokesman Kamran Mumtaz. FIFA World Cup: A tournament for everyone There are just too many teams, too many leagues, and too many competitions to keep up-to-date with all the major events and news. You can catch the best players, you can catch those players notorious for on field antics and also off field antics. Once she got there, she said, she was able to revel in the reality of touching her son again, adding he seemed quick to make connections of his own. Now 33, Jermaine Mann met his mother Lyneth Mann-Lewis for the first time last week while his father was taken into U.S. custody. "'Oh, mommy, you have my eyes, '" she said of his first words to her. "We are at the end of a long struggle and now it is time to move forward and that will be a new struggle". Lyneth Mann-Lewis, right, of Brampton, Ontario, alongside family members, discusses her reunion with her son Jermaine Mann, who until recently, was living under an alias in the US, during a press conference at Toronto Police Headquarters in Toronto on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018. Mann-Lewis said she had nothing to say to Mann Jr. Officials received a tip from a relative that he might be living in CT under another name. "Lyneth and her family have been a tower of strength and perseverance throughout the investigation", she said. "I am the proof that after 31 long years of suffering, 31 long years, one should never give up". Authorities said that after he took his son, he entered the United States and obtained fake identification for himself and his son, including fabricated birth certificates. USA federal agents say Jermaine's father, Allan Mann Jr., was arrested on Friday in CT, where the two had been living under aliases in a quiet suburb near Hartford. 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. From left to right, David Suomi, FAA Northwest Mountain Regional Administrator; Brandon Leavitt, operations supervisor at Aspen airport tower; Matthew Schlottman, controller in Aspen and National Air Traffic Controllers Association facility representative; and Wayne Heibeck, FAA executive director for national engagement and regional administration. The Aspen airport tower staff received an award for teamwork during the Lake Christine Fire at a ceremony Oct. 17 in Des Moines, Wash. 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 The maxim states that justice delayed is justice denied. According to one controversial study, however, some judges on the Federal Court of Australia dont take this to heart. Data from a study commissioned by The Australian Financial Review showed that more than half of Federal Court judges take more than a year to complete a judgment. However, the Australian Bar Association (ABA) sharply criticised the methodology of the study as portraying the process of justice in too simplistic terms. It is the quality of a judgment that delivers justice to the parties and provides public confidence in a court, said Noel Hutley SC, the president of ABA. The jurisdiction of the Federal Court brings before its judges very complex matters in which time is often necessary to provide that quality of judgment. The Victorian Bar also rejected the study, characterising it as misconceived. The productivity of judges and the quality of justice dispensed in the Federal Court, or for that matter any court, cannot be evaluated by that methodology, said Dr Matt Collins QC, president of the Victorian Bar. "The analysis takes no account of qualitative measures, such as the nature, complexity or duration of the cases heard by judges, or the number of witnesses and documents tendered in evidence. Nor does it take into account the number of cases settled without trial, or time spent sitting on appeal cases. While judges must expect public scrutiny of their work, on this occasion, hard-working judges of the Federal Court have been unjustifiably criticized. Three firms were involved in the acquisition of a joint 45% equity stake in Made Group by Coca-Cola Amatil (Amatil) and its US-based major shareholder, The Coca-Cola Company (TCCC). Gilbert + Tobin (G + T) advised Amatil, Addisons acted for TCCC and The Coca-Cola Export Corporation, while Gadens advised Made Group. Made Group is a leading Australian beverage company known for brands such as Cocobella, Rokeby Farms, Impressed, and NutrientWater. Amatil and TCCC will gain two seats on Mades board and will lend support to its expansion plans, while the Melbourne-based beverage company will continue to operate independently. Our aim is to bring the Made range of products to an even wider audience through our expertise and reach in distribution, said Alison Watkins, managing director of Amatil. Made Group co-founders Luke Marget and Matt Dennis will stay on in charge of the business and keep doing what they love developing and producing a fantastic food and beverage range. The helicopter's ability to hover above a fixed point has made it indispensable for both troops and rescue services. But as with any human-made machine, helicopters still need human control, and at times the pilot flying it might be of better use doing something else than control the aircraft.As the premier agency when it comes to developing new technologies for military applications, DARPA is working on a computerized program which is meant to aid pilots by taking over tedious tasks.During a test conducted this October in an S-76B commercial helicopter at Fort Eustis, Virginia, a pilot used only a tablet to tell the aircraft to take off, fly, hover and then land on its own. While ther machine was doing this, the pilot was free to handle other tasks.DARPA says that the system, called Aircrew Labor In-Cockpit Automation System (ALIAS) is capable of achieving rock steady precision while hovering for instance in adverse winds, a situation which normally would have put a lot of strain on a human pilot.By taking over the most difficult tasks, pilots are then freed to fight a battle, rescue a stranded human or plan for the next portion of the flight.Really, we want the pilots eyes and mind on the fight rather than holding an altitude, said in a statement DARPAs program manager for ALIAS, Graham Drozeski.Thats the core focus of ALIAS: bringing the latest advances from unmanned aircraft into a piloted aircraft through an interface that provides fluid interaction with the autonomous capabilities.Following this months test, the agency plans to deploy ALIAS into a UH-60 Black Hawk for testing and flight demonstration. This will happen next year, with the goal of possibly making the system a much-needed tool for combat helicopters. After announcing that Ram will stop building heavy-duty workhorses in Mexico, Mike Manley is now reconsidering that decision. According to Automotive News , the chief executive officer of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles said: We need to get ourselves into second place."Coming from the man who replaced Sergio Marchionne as head of the worlds seventh automaker, its easy to understand that Manley is serious about this goal. Frankly, I dont care which of the two I take share from, which sounds like game on to our ears.Fiat Chrysler Automobiles intended to stop production in Saltillo because of the 25-percent import tariff threatened by Donal Trump. But the U.S., Mexico, and Canada are now working on a trade agreement that imposes no ceiling on shipments of pickup trucks. The most important condition is to meet the thresholds for the share of parts produced within the region.Ram is gaining share with each month that passes, representing another reason for increasing the production output of light- and heavy-duty pickup trucks. Ram is also working on a mid-size workhorse that will serve as the successor of the Dakota , meaning that the Warren and Saltillo plants need to increase their capacities in the coming years.Previous reports on the Ram Dakota were pegging production in Toledo at the Jeep plant, but Jeep has its hands full as is with the Wrangler and Scrambler. On the other hand, the Scrambler could share a handful of parts with the mid-sized Ram truck.The F-Series is leading the segment for the better part of four decades, holding a 35.6-percent share in retail sales. General Motors comes on a close second at 34.2 percent, and Fiat Chrysler settles for third with 22.3 percent. One reason Ram is lagging behind is the different approach to trucks, stuffing more standard equipment and comfort-oriented features than both of its competitors. German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced Monday she would not be running for re-election in 2021 and that she would step down as party chair of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in December. Why it matters: Long considered a bulwark of liberal democracy and a guiding force on the international stage, Merkel's longevity is unrivaled in the free world. In her 13 years in office, the other 18 G-20 countries (not including the EU) have cycled through a combined 70 heads of state. But Merkel's unraveling, as inconceivable as it may have once seemed, was a fate foretold. The backdrop: The first hints of Merkels political demise came during last September's elections, when her center-right CDU/CSU alliance earned just 32.9% of the vote (down 8.6% from 2013) and failed to form a coalition government for nearly 6 months. Merkel's decision to accept more than 1 million refugees during the 2015 migrant crisis angered many conservatives, at one point forcing a standoff with her own interior minister that threatened to blow up a 7-decade-strong alliance. Meanwhile, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), capitalizing on immigration fearsand establishment woes, entered the German parliament for the first time in 2017 with nearly 13% of the vote. to accept more than 1 million refugees during the 2015 migrant crisis angered many conservatives, at one point forcing a standoff with her own interior minister that threatened to blow up a 7-decade-strong alliance. Meanwhile, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), capitalizing on immigration fearsand establishment woes, entered the German parliament for the first time in 2017 with nearly 13% of the vote. Regional elections this month in Bavaria and Hesse dealt fresh blows to the centrist parties inside Merkel's coalition, with both the Social Democrats and CDU/CSU suffering their worst losses in decades. AfD and the liberal Greens surged by about 9% in both states, suggesting that the strength of the German establishment as weve seen all over the world in 2018 is being chipped away by an ever-polarizing electorate. The bottom line: As political commentator Nina Schick notes in an insightful Twitter thread, "[Merkel] has been Chancellor during the 2008 financial crash, the Eurozone crisis, the Arab Spring, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the migrant crisis, the Syrian war and Brexit. Her exit will have meaning for not only Germany, but for the EU and the world." Go deeper: How Europe could face a conservative reckoning How much more expensive are prescription drugs in the U.S.? Enough that one Utah insurer can fly its customers to San Diego, give them a ride across the Mexican border, pay them $500 cash for their trouble, and still save over $13,000 per person. This is bananas. PEHP, which covers state employees and their families, recently added the cash bonus to an existing "pharma tourism" package, and is hoping participation will rise, the Salt Lake Tribune reports. Not all prescriptions will earn you a free trip to Tijuana. The program is limited to a handful of expensive drugs (Humira is on the list), most of which treat multiple sclerosis or arthritis. Patients are eligible for up to $3,900 per year in rewards if they'll take advantage of the trips to Mexico. How it works: "Patients who participate will fly to San Diego, be driven through a priority lane at the border crossing and arrive at a clinic, which PEHP director Chet Loftis described as 'top-notch,' comparable to a Mayo or Cleveland clinic in the United States," the Tribune reports. Why wouldnt we pay $300 to go to San Diego, drive across to Mexico and save the system tens of thousands of dollars? state Rep. Norman Thurston asked the paper. Former President Barack Obama will headline a campaign rally on Friday in Atlanta for Democrat Stacey Abrams, who's locked in a virtual tie in the Georgia gubernatorial race against Republican Brian Kemp. Why it matters: The rally comes in the closing days of the hotly contested governor's contest, which could also have historical significance given Abrams has the chance to become the nation's first black female governor. Meanwhile, President Trump will campaign on Sunday for Kemp in Macon. The Cook Political Report rates the race as a toss up. Tragic events ahead of the midterms are causing a contentious media blame game over who is responsible for the increasing radicalization of American citizens. Why it matters: The media infighting is itself the byproduct of a nation that's become radicalized by a collision of geopolitical events over years, and it's being compounded by an economic crisis around news, where the most profitable information online and on TV is often the most inflammatory. Mainstream media hosts and columnists are pointing the finger at certain Fox News and Fox Business personalities for peddling bogus pro-Trump talking points leading up to the midterms. are pointing the finger at certain Fox News and Fox Business personalities for peddling bogus pro-Trump talking points leading up to the midterms. Conservative media and the Trump administration are arguing that the mainstream media is obsessed with anti-Trump coverage, pointing to certain headlines and chyrons as examples of editorialized coverage. are arguing that the mainstream media is obsessed with anti-Trump coverage, pointing to certain headlines and chyrons as examples of editorialized coverage. Others are slamming social media companies for creating a breeding ground for people to spread conspiracy theories and hate. Between the lines: The blame game is coming to a head at Fox News, where news and opinion programming differs, but viewers often struggle to discern the difference between the two. In the last week: Fox News anchor Shep Smith rebuked comments coming from the president and some at his own network Monday about the risk posed by a caravan of migrants, arguing the rhetoric is a ploy to rally people ahead of the midterms. Fox News political analyst Brit Hume, speaking at a Washington free press event on Thursday, called out the popularity of Fox's opinion coverage, but noted that there's also a separate, independent news team. "Chris (Wallace) is a part of that, I'm a part of that and Bret Baier is a part of that and many of our colleagues here in this room are a part of that as well. And we take a real pride in what we do and we believe we're a first-rate news organization." Even Matt Drudge, founder and editor of the right-leaning Drudge Report, issued a rare rebuke on Monday of Fox News after host Lisa Kennedy Montgomery laughed during a segment about Saturday's mass shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue. A Fox News spokesperson said that "Kennedy made an unrelated quip at the end of the segment which was focused on unity there was absolutely no joking or laughing about the events of this weekend and a screen grab of her smiling is hardly indicative of the entire segment. The lower third should not have been up for the duration of this segment as it was not fully reflective of what the panelists were discussing." The bigger picture: Axios Future Editor Steve Levine notes in a feature on democracy that similar geopolitical and technological forces are causing radicalized information environments and populations around the world. "Across the democratic West in the U.S., Britain, Hungary, Italy, Sweden and more the two-year eruption of public wrath has been exceptionally volatile and, for those attempting to grasp and address it, vexing." Yes, but: In some cases, the infighting is putting pressure on players in the media ecosystem to make changes that might improve the quality of coverage and conversation moving forward. For example, Twitter says it's considering banning "likes" in an effort to incentivize healthier conversations on the platform. What's next: Experts predict that the radicalization of Western populations will only get worse, and in places like the U.S., it will continue to force people to take on tribal mentalities, which will continue to be reflected in the media. Go deeper: We were escorted to the "occupation line" by a convoy of trucks. When we arrived, 10 heavily armed members of the Georgian security services fanned out along the barrier that divides Georgia from Georgia or, if you ask Moscow, from the Republic of South Ossetia. Expand chart Map: Andrew Witherspoon/Axios Why it matters: No issue is more critical to the Georgian people and the future of the country than the Russian occupation of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. But while everyone we met with in Tbilisi raised the issue, they all acknowledged they lacked a solution. Where things stand: Russia controls one-fifth of Georgia's territory. A "borderization" process that began in 2011 has seen barriers go up that can only be crossed via a few tightly controlled entry points. The Georgians say the Russians are moving the barriers outward meter by meter. Abductions along the dividing line have stirred outrage. Russia controls one-fifth of Georgia's territory. A "borderization" process that began in 2011 has seen barriers go up that can only be crossed via a few tightly controlled entry points. The Georgians say the Russians are moving the barriers outward meter by meter. Abductions along the dividing line have stirred outrage. By the numbers: There are roughly 240,000 people living in Abkhazia and 50,000 in South Ossetia. Another 260,000 peopledisplaced by the conflict live in Georgia. Some 2,500 ethnic Georgians remain in South Ossetia and are forced to speak and study Russian. There are 3 Russian military bases housing 10,000 troops within South Ossetia, as well as 20 FSB (intelligence) outposts, a briefer from the Georgian security services told us. The bigger picture: South Ossetia is one of several "frozen zones" in the post-Soviet space. Those living there have almost no contact with the rest of Georgia, except when they are allowed to travel south for medical treatment. Policymakers told us making contact wherever possible business ties, humanitarian support is the best way to begin to resolve the conflict. They also said the Russians know that and are determined to prevent it. Life on the dividing line An ethnic Georgian man who lives just on the far side of the occupation line. He chose not to leave his home before the barrier went up. Photo: Dave Lawler/Axios Members of the Georgian security services on the occupation line with South Ossetia. Photo: Dave Lawler/Axios Go deeper: Dispatch from Georgia. There are two competing ways to look at the Kremlin's social media activities during the 2016 U.S. election campaign: Either the Russian propaganda campaign aimed to elect Donald Trump or it intended to manipulate both left and right into country-crippling division. A new study suggests both views may be right. Why it matters: Experts tend to believe that Russia's social media propaganda campaign is a year-in, year-out assault to sow division. That's been tough for more casual observers to square with other Russian efforts in 2016, like hacking the Democratic National Campaign or propaganda on its TV station RT. To be clear, the amount of Russian social media propaganda actually increased after the election. What's new in the study is an explanation for how that meshed with a secondary goal foiling Hilary Clinton. The study, now under review for publication, was conducted by Darren Linvill and Patrick Warren of Clemson University, Brandon Boatwright of University of Tennessee-Knoxville, and Will Grant of Australia National University. Details: Analyzing a random sampling of propaganda tweets, researchers broke the messages into several categories. The majority (52.6% ) were "camouflage" tweets that created the appearance of a normal Twitter account. were "camouflage" tweets that created the appearance of a normal Twitter account. 19% of tweets shilled for a right-wing worldview, 12.8% for the left, 7% attacked public institutions and 2% attacked the media. But, but, but: The way the Russian trolls approached supporting the left and right were extremely different. Accounts trolling on behalf of the right discussed candidates 78% of the time. Accounts trolling on behalf of the left only discussed candidates 35% of the time less than half as often. Right-wing accounts were 15 times more likely to praise Trump than criticize him. Left-wing accounts were only 1.3 times more likely to praise Hillary Clinton than criticize her. The researchers categorized left- and right-wing trolls separately from two other types of Russian accounts newsfeeds, which appeared to be apolitical news sources, and "hashtag gamers," who mostly told jokes. That could mean that even as the Russian influence campaign tried to divide Americans from one another, it was also showing a political preference. The Russians were anti-Clinton, as suggested by their release of emails stolen from the Democratic National Committee and Clinton's campaign chairman, John Podesta. "Clearly, they didn't like Clinton," said Linvill. But it could also mean that attacking Clinton better suited their goal of polarization. "The tweets were designed to tear people away from the center, and Clinton was the centrist candidate," said Warren. Remember, the hacking campaign appears to have been run by the Russian intelligence agency, the GRU. Social media campaigns are run by a different group, the Internet Research Agency. The two could have had different goals. By Abdul Kerimkhanov While Armenia is pinning its hopes on the West, the latter does not seek to render any support to the occupant country. The outcome of the visit of U.S. President's National Security Adviser John Bolton was dissapointing for Armenians who hoped that he would dispel all doubt about the statements of former Ambassador to Armenia Richard Mills. Following the visit to Moscow and Baku, John Bolton came to Yerevan on October 25. There are points that need to be emphasized once again to sum up this, unusual in many ways, voyage of an American official. At a press conference, he had to fend off bothersome journalists with regards to the recent statement of Richard Mills, who, leaving Armenia, said that the occupied Azerbaijani territories should be returned. Bolton noted that solving the problem is very difficult and this is proved by the fact that the conflict couldn't be settled for a long time. Also, he stressed that the U.S. stance remains unchanged, the parties must work with each other and find the solution themselves. It was a short visit, which literally shook all segments of the Armenian society. During his visit to Baku, Bolton called Azerbaijan a strategic partner of the U.S. However, he abstained from the same description, speaking about relations with Armenia. The statements made by Bolton in Azerbaijan are the words of a representative of a partner country interested in developing bilateral relations and generally making serious bets on cooperation with official Baku. What was said in Armenia sounded more like instructions and insistent advice to the Armenian side on how it should act in matters of interest to Washington. Unrest also began among Armenians living in the U.S. In connection with the words of John Bolton about the possibility of President Trumps abolition of the notorious anti-Azerbaijani 907th Amendment, Armenian National Committee of America declared that this amendment must be saved. The diaspora and lobby are especially frightened in the future by the sale of weapons by U.S. to the parties to the conflict, including Azerbaijan. Given the size of the military budget of Azerbaijan, this country can acquire much more modern American weapons than Armenia, states committee. And this is true. Azerbaijan really has immeasurably large opportunities, its positions are much more durable, and the ability to influence processes in and around the region is simply irreplaceable. It is quite natural that, as a strategic partner and ally, the U.S. is interested in Baku. Armenia also could have all this -- even now that chances are not lost yet. But for this it is necessary to abandon the destructive rhetoric and occupation policy, which does not bring this country anything except misfortunes and regular frustration. In case acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan wins the elections, this would be a good opportunity to take decisive measures to resolve the Karabakh conflict, Bolton believes. Thus, the corresponding message to Pashinyan has already been made. Now it is up to him to decide whether to step on the rake of the previous regime, seeking to preserve the status quo, or take a course on effective ways to resolve the conflict in accordance with the norms and principles of the international law. Only when making a decision, one should bear in mind that Azerbaijan definitely possesses diplomatic, economic and military advantages. Moreover, truth and legality are on the side of Azerbaijan. Armenian leadership should understand that political instability, stemming from unresolved conflict, causes lose of population and economic problems. And no state can exist without people. Migration from Armenia hit the record levels recently. People leave Armenia not only because of deep economic crisis, but also because of lack of social justice, political instability and long-lasting war. Moreover, it is obvious that the team of the acting prime minister is not strong enough - it concerns both internal and external political course of the country. Some appointments of Pashinyan have already caused bewilderment and criticism. This also applies to some practical steps that can be called excessively harsh and thoughtless - especially those that worsened the relations with Moscow. Nikol Pashinyan can make speeches about strategic partnership with Russia every day and publicly be proud of each of their meetings and telephone conversations with Putin. But it would be good for him not to forget that Moscow does not just believe in tears, but also evaluates everything according to deeds. Pashinyan should establish peace and not play political games, especially since the U.S. does not intend to help the new authorities of Armenia, realizing the illegal seizure of Karabakh. Bolton, in particular, noted that if the forecasts of public opinion in Armenia are confirmed, after the elections, the Prime Minister will have a very strong mandate to implement a series of decisive steps and efforts to resolve the Karabakh issue. If there is readiness, then we must work so that there is a similar reaction from the Azerbaijani side, he said. If translate the statement of Bolton from the diplomatic language to the human language, then it becomes clear that at the price of Pashinyans mandate after the extraordinary elections there will be decisive steps in the Karabakh issue. From the Armenian side only the territories handed over to Azerbaijan can be considered as decisive steps. It can be concluded from the statement of Bolton that the American side is ready to work with Azerbaijan so that official Baku would positively respond to the decisive steps of Yerevan. After his election as prime minister, Pashinyan has repeatedly stated that he has no right to usurp the mandate to negotiate from Karabakh side. However, the reality shows that official Yerevan, contrary to the statements of acting Prime Minister, continued and continues to conduct negotiations within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group format. Moreover, during the rallies, Pashinyan laid the solution to the Karabakh problem on the shoulders of the people, repeatedly stating that the people's opinion is the decisive factor that must determine whether this or that solution to the Karabakh issue is beneficial or not. Behind the wording opinion of the people, Pashinyan hid his personal vision of the settlement, but John Bolton, with statements about expectations from Pashinyan of decisive steps, returned the acting Prime Minister from heaven to earth. By the way, the former U.S. ambassador to Armenia Richard Mills also returned Pashinyan to reality, who stated that any settlement of the Karabakh conflict would require the return of a certain part of the occupied territories. Moreover, in the course of the visit, Bolton refused the invitation of the Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia. It would seem that John Bolton first of all should have been a guest of the Armenian Security Council and its secretary Armen Grigoryan. However, a one-on-one meeting with the secretary did not take place, although Bolton visited the council. At the end of the day, Grigoryan tried to invite Bolton to dinner, but received a refusal. Immediately after the press conference, the U.S. representative left the country. All of the above implies the following conclusion - U.S. will not defend Armenia with its two-faced current authorities. And now its time for Armenia to finally decide on whether to remain in the position of an outpost with an eternally outstretched hand or, throwing off rogue country label, which it imposed on itself, give up her aggressive policy and be allowed into the circle of regional development. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Narmina Mammadova Azerbaijan implements large-scale projects in the sphere of transport ang logistics aiming to become a key transit link in the region. The country has all opportunities for this due to its geographical location and constantly developing transport infrastructure. The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway is a very big achievement, not only of regional, but also of world importance, National Secretary of the Transport Cooperation Program (TRACECA - Transport Corridor Europe Caucasus Asia) for Azerbaijan Akif Mustafayev told Trend. Mustafayev emphasized that BTK was implemented thanks to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyevs principled stance and political will. "Azerbaijan, thanks to the BTK railway, ensured a direct railway communication with fraternal Turkey and Europe," he said. Speaking about the advantages of the project, Mustafayev stressed that earlier, cargo had to be supplied to the Black Sea ports of Georgia and from there via ferries to Europe. It was a very long way and it was necessary to transfer goods from one type of transport to another, he added. Mustafayev also stressed that thanks to BTK, trains from Asia to Europe began to run on the shortest route. Moreover, he added that some regions of Russia began to supply their goods through BTK, as it turned out to be more profitable than to supply the same goods through their traditional routes. "These are mainly the regions that are closer to Kazakhstan and the regions of the North Caucasus," Mustafayev said, adding that Russia is a strategic partner of Azerbaijan, and Azerbaijan is interested in Russias support for BTK. On October 30, a solemn ceremony on the occasion of the opening of the BTK railway was held at the Baku International Sea Trade Port. Two trains from Kazakhstan to Turkish Mersin have already been sent via this route. The first train, consisting of 30 containers, on November 4, delivered 600 tons of wheat to the Turkish city of Mersin. The second freight train left Kazakhstan on November 27. The train has already reached Georgia. The BTK railway is constructed on the basis of the Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkey intergovernmental agreement. The main purpose of the project is to improve economic relations between the three countries and attract foreign direct investment by connecting Europe and Asia. In fact, the BTK railway route is the shortest way to deliver cargo from the Russian regions located in the Volga, Ural and Siberian Federal Districts to the Mediterranean ports of Turkey, and further to the countries of Africa and the Middle East. The project implementation began in 2007 and construction began in 2008. The line is intended to transport one million passengers and 6.5 million tons of freight at the first stage. This capacity will then reach 3 million passengers and 17 million tons of cargo. The TRACECA program was established at the Brussels conference on 3 May 1993 which was attended by the ministers of transport and trade of eight states -- Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia. The Europe-Caucasus-Asia Transport Corridor (TRACECA) is involved in gradually developing trends of trade and economic development. Major traffic flows passing through a corridor formed on the one hand, in Western and Central Europe, and on the other - in Central and South-East Asia. Two very important international transport corridors pass through Azerbaijan - the international North-South corridor connecting India, Iran, Azerbaijan, North-West Russia and the Baltic Sea region, as well as the transport corridor Europe-Caucasus-Asia TRACECA, which is a part of the new Silk Road and creates a strategic link between the Caspian and the Black seas. In this regard, Azerbaijan has excellent prospects for the development of freight transport. The development of railway communication with Iran will strengthen the North-South corridor, and the recently opened Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway line will develop freight traffic in the East-West direction. In January-June 2018, cargo transit through Azerbaijans territory via TRACECA increased by more than three percent. Some 62.2 percent of the total volume of transported cargo accounted for vehicles, 23.5 percent - railway and 14.3 percent ships, said the report. TRACECA is an international cooperation program in the field of transport between the EU and partner countries in Eastern Europe, South Caucasus and Central Asia. The organization has a permanent secretariat in Baku. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Laman Ismayilova An exhibition of a photographer, member of the Azerbaijan Photographers Association Aydin Sadikhov has opened at Intourist Hotel in Baku. The photo exhibition was organized by the Embassy of Hungary in Azerbaijan. Representatives of diplomatic missions accredited in Azerbaijan, cultural and art figures attended the event, Trend Life reported. Aydin Sadikhov presented 20 magnificent photographs dedicated to the sights of various cities in Hungary. The exhibition includes majestic palaces, impregnable castles, old houses with amazing architecture, mysterious monuments, beautiful churches, bright landscape photos and even photos of the "street" genre. For this exhibition, the photographer presented his works in completely different photo genres. The aim of the exhibition is to acquaint art lovers with the amazing beauty of the Hungarian cities, with their history and culture. For this reason, Aydn presented his photos taken in such cities of Hungary as Budapest, Eger, Esztergom, Gyor and Miskolc. Here one can see such famous sights of Budapest as the legendary building of the Hungarian Parliament, Fishermen's Bastion, St. Matthias Church, Vajdahunyad Castle, as well as other equally legendary sights in other beautiful cities of Hungary. During his trips to Hungary, Aydin Sadikhov collected a large photo archive, which he plans to show as part of his future photo projects. Aydin Sadikhov is a big fan of mystical stories, legends, fiction and therefore his work is a kind of portal, where one can enjoy this peculiar world. He is a member of the Azerbaijan Photographers Association. His personal exhibition entitled "BAKU: a city where traditions meet with modernity" opened in Athens this April. A photo exhibition of photographer held in Athens this year aroused great interest among visitors. The photographer presented the exhibition visitors unique historical architectural masterpieces of Baku, as well as modern buildings. Through his works, the photographer also wanted to show the architectural development of Baku city. In October, the work of the Azerbaijani photographer Aydin Sadikhov "Mystical hole" was among the winners of the international photo contest "Conceptual Photography" in Greece. The winners of the international competition will present their work at a large group photo exhibition in Athens on November 16- 28. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend The illegal visit of the heads of municipalities of France to the occupied territories of Azerbaijan casts a shadow on the Azerbaijani-French relations, the Member of the Parliament of Azerbaijan, secretary of the commission on international relations of the New Azerbaijan Party, doctor of political sciences, professor Elman Nasirov told Trend. He noted that the visit in September-October of this year of the heads of municipalities of the French cities of Alfortville, Valence, Saint-Etienne and Arnouville to the occupied territories of Azerbaijan, as well as the intense contacts of the former French MP Francois Rochebloine, who has been a tool in the hands of the Armenian lobby for 30 years, are a disrespect for and a flagrant violation of international norms and principles, important requirements of Azerbaijani legislation, and international obligations assumed by France. Nasirov said these steps in general mean propaganda and encouragement not only of extremism and terrorism, but also of separatism, in this particular case - in the occupied Nagorno-Karabakh. "These illegal actions, as well as the signing in Shusha and Lachin, which are the historical centers of Karabakh, of the "Charter of Friendship" by the French mayors with representatives of the separatist regime, ultimately cast a shadow on both past and present and future friendship and partnership between Azerbaijan and France," Nasirov said. The Azerbaijani MP said that Azerbaijan is interested in expanding mutually beneficial cooperation with France, but, unfortunately, some political circles of France ignored the interests of the country and preferred to adhere to the position of protecting the small and narrow interests of Armenians. The Azerbaijani MP added that the behavior of these so-called politicians, dancing to the tune of the 500-thousand strong Armenian diaspora and lobby, undoubtedly contradicts the mediation mission of France in settling the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. "Impartiality and objectivity are the main philosophy of the institution of mediation. In the current situation, the repeated illegal visits to the occupied territories of Azerbaijan by French officials should be regarded as disrespect for international obligations assumed by official Paris to resolve the conflict, and as fulfillment of its mission in a biased and non-objective form," Nasirov said. Nasirov added that the French state and its leadership, proceeding from their large national interests, as well as from the point of view of global security, must demonstrate integrity and decisiveness with respect to such provocative actions as supporting and encouraging the separatism. All countries of the world should coordinate their activities against separatism. The struggle should be conducted on the basis of the everywhere and always principle. The classification of the separatists into bad and good separatists is unacceptable. Otherwise, it is inevitable that in a global confrontation, the uncivilized world, which rests on separatism and terrorism, will prevail over the civilized one," the Azerbaijani MP added. Nasirov said France not only should not allow for implementation of the actions in support of the separatism in Nagorno-Karabakh, but first of all, should demand that Armenia would put an end to the aggressive policy and should take legal, practical and organizational steps in this direction. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend During the visit to the South Caucasus region, the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs will urge the sides of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict to build upon the reduction in tensions, OSCE told Trend. The Minsk Group co-chairs are visiting the region now, as a part of their mandate. During the visit they are reviewing the current situation in the region, urging the sides to build upon the reduction in tensions that has followed the arrangements reached by the leaders in Dushanbe in September, and discussing ways to intensify the negotiation process and other next steps, said the organization. The co-chairs remain actively engaged in helping the sides reach a negotiated peaceful settlement of the conflict and this visit is a continuation of those efforts, said OSCE. 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. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Abdul Kerimkhanov The OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs will urge the sides of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict to build upon the reduction in tensions during the visit to the South Caucasus region. The OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs Igor Popov (Russia), Stefan Visconti (France) and Andrew Chauffeur (U.S.) arrived in Yerevan on October 29. The Minsk Group co-chairs are visiting the region now, as a part of their mandate. During the visit they are reviewing the current situation in the region, urging the sides to build upon the reduction in tensions that has followed the arrangements reached by the leaders in Dushanbe in September, and discussing ways to intensify the negotiation process and other next steps, said the organization. Although 2018 sees the 30-year anniversary of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, it is still too early to talk about the resolution of this long-lasting conflict which seriously undermines stability in the region. The OSCE Minsk Group spearheads the OSCE's efforts to find a peaceful solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. It is co-chaired by France, the Russian Federation, and the United States. Unfortunately, the efforts made by this organization to put an end to this conflict by diplomatic means have not brought results so far. The status quo in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has not changed since the beginning of the OSCE Minsk Group activities on the settlement. The OSCE stated that the co-chairs remain actively engaged in helping the sides reach a negotiated peaceful settlement of the conflict and this visit is a continuation of those efforts. The main task of the group is to assist the peaceful settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict and the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict through peaceful means. For nearly 25 years, the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group on the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh problem are wasted and bring no results. Unless the inactivity of the Minsk Group and non-constructive position of Armenia stops, the finding of a solution seems to be impossible. Armenia broke out a lengthy war against Azerbaijan by laying territorial claims on the country. Since a war in the early 1990s, Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan's territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding regions. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and over 1 million were displaced as a result of the large-scale hostilities. To this day, Armenia has not implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding regions. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Azerbaijani MP Zahid Oruj has proposed to create a new format for the settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. My proposal may be resonant, Oruj said at a plenary session of the Azerbaijani parliament on Oct. 30. But the decision is up to the state and the society. The MP said that negotiations must be held directly between the leadership of Azerbaijan and Armenia without third parties, that is, the intervention of international circles should be neutralized. "For this purpose, a commission can be created, he added. Later, the Azerbaijani and Armenian communities of the Nagorno-Karabakh region can join these meetings." The MP added that he is more confident in the results of such an approach than the OSCE Minsk Group. 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. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend The State Migration Service of Azerbaijan detained 148 illegal migrants last week, the Service said in a message on Oct. 29. Two of them were detained during joint activities with the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Azerbaijan. It was determined that 13 of the detainees violated declared purpose of their arrival, two did not live at the registered addresses, one was engaged in illegal employment, and the other 132 persons lived illegally in the country. Measures within the fight against illegal migration are continued by the State Migration Service. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend On the sidelines of the Seventh Trilateral Meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Georgia and the Republic of Turkey held in Istanbul, Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov met with his Georgian counterpart, Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said in a message. The ministers highlighted the importance of the meetings traditionally held in the trilateral format in terms of the development of cooperation relations between the countries in the region. The ministers underlined the importance of further strengthening the cooperation based on the strategic partnership and good neighbourliness and emphasized that the existing conflicts in South Caucasus region undermine peace, security, stability and economic development, thus status quo is neither sustainable nor acceptable. To this end, the ministers reiterated the support to each-others territorial integrity and sovereignty within internationally recognized borders of Azerbaijan and Georgia in accordance with the norms and principles of international law. Exchanging their views on the significant projects implemented in the region the ministers stressed their confidence that the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, inaugurated on October 30, 2017 will contribute greatly to the economic development of the region. Furthermore, the sides exchanged their views over the agenda of bilateral cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, energy, as well as other regional issues of mutual interest. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz A few days ago SOCAR AQS set a new record in the history of national drilling industry. With application of a new-generation drilling rig, Drillmec HP 3000, the company successfully ran, with single trip, a heavy-weight intermediate casing in Well 113 of Platform 6 on Bulla Field. Thus, the company successfully ran the second intermediate casing with the weight of 546 t to the depth of 5093 m, and another casing with the weight of 393 t to 5619 m. Deputy General Director /Chief Geologist, Iftikhar Gasimov says: Currently, the drilling operations on Well 113 are carried on at the depth of 5620 m. The drilling will continue until full penetration of the well into Horizon 7, which is considered the most productive horizon on Bulla Field. The following operations will include running in the hole with the liner and cementing of the well. As per the project, once Horizon 8 is penetrated, Well 113 will be completed and handed over to production. It should be noted that SOCAR AQS is the first company in the Azerbaijani Sector of the Caspian Sea to perform coring from Horizons 5 and 7 on Bulla Field while drilling of HP/HT wells, in strict compliance with the international standards. Im sure that the work will result in opening of a new page in the history of oil industry of Azerbaijan Republic! For information, in 2017, for the first time in the history of drilling industry, SOCAR AQS performed running in the hole of the heavyweight casings in two runs, while drilling the research Well 78 on Bulla 6 Platform. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Abdul Kerimkhanov The U.S. will not achieve its goals by imposing new sanctions against Iran, nothing new will happen because of them, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said. Mohammad Javad Zarif upon arrival to Istanbul, where the trilateral meeting of the foreign ministers of Iran, Turkey and Azerbaijan took place, said that Washingtons sanctions against Tehran would not achieve their economic and political goals. U.S. President Donald Trump announced in May that Washington was withdrawing from an agreement on a nuclear program with Iran. Trump also reported on the restoration of all sanctions against Iran, including secondary ones, that is, in relation to other countries doing business with Iran. The United States re-introduced part of the sanctions against Iran on August 7. More substantial sanctions that will cover oil exports are expected from the beginning of November. Zarif believes that the second stage of the American sanctions, rather, will have a psychological effect. Before the sanctions come into force at the beginning of November, the EU mechanism on settlements with Iran will already begin to operate. The remaining members of the "six" international mediators (Russia, Britain, China, France, Germany) opposed the U.S. decision on Iran. The remaining states in the nuclear deal are developing measures that will protect the company from U.S. sanctions for cooperation with Iran. The EU does not recognize the reintroduction of U.S. sanctions and does not allow European companies to implement them, but companies in the EU still de facto turn off business with Iran, fearing U.S. secondary sanctions. Washington announced its goal to bring oil exports from Iran to zero. Zarif expressed the hope that as a result of the implementation of a special EU mechanism for settlements with Iran, the U.S. will still be isolated in the international community. He noted that apart from some regional states, no country supports Washingtons actions against Iran. Economic sanctions against Iran are a system of economic sanctions (discriminatory trade restrictions) imposed by U.S. government on Iran. Associated with missile and nuclear programs being developed in Iran. After Iran made concessions on the nuclear program, in 2016 the U.S. authorities announced the release of sanctions from 59 individuals (citizens of Iran and other countries), 385 enterprises, 77 planes and 227 ships. In 2018, the Trump administration restored sanctions against Iran. From August 7, 2018, the updated Blocking Statute enters into force in the EU, the provisions of which are aimed at protecting European companies from the influence of U.S. extraterritorial sanctions. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend The changes and additions have been made to the instruction on bank accounts being opened in the countrys banks upon a decree of the Board of the Central Bank of Uzbekistan, the NUZ-UZ reported. Firstly, when opening a bank account, it is forbidden for banks to urge business entities to seal documents or give sealed documents. This ban applies even when a business entity has a seal. There are also no differences by types of business entities (individual entrepreneurs, microfirms, small enterprises, big businesses). From now on, cards with samples of only signatures will be used in the document flow (earlier - cards with samples of signatures and imprinted stamp). Secondly, legal entities whose founders are individuals - residents of Uzbekistan will be able to open bank accounts in national and foreign currency when passing state registration. The bank account agreement will be concluded upon its opening by acceptance of the offer of the bank (that is, by unconditional consent to the conditions offered by the bank). At the same time, legal entities will be able to make payments only after submitting a card with signature samples, as well as documents certifying the identity of the first and second signature holders. The bank staff will make copies of personal documents and return the originals back. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend The Central Bank of Uzbekistan has disclosed new exchange rates, which will be effective from Oct. 30, 2018, Podrobno.uz reported. The exchange rate of the US dollar shows a positive trend for the 12th week in a row. This time the exchange rate of dollar increased by 10.77 soums. From Oct. 30, $1 will cost 8,236.87 soums. The exchange rate of euro this week decreased by 79.85 soums to 9,390.86 soums, compared to the last week. The exchange rate of Russian ruble slightly decreased by 0.57 soums and reached 125.19 soums. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend A picture of a car carrier transporting several R2 hatchbacks, as well as R3 and R4 sedans to Russia's Ufa city appeared on social networks, Uzbek media reported. As Russian media outlet Rossiyskaya Gazeta found out, these cars did arrive at Ufa's auto shows, but they are not offered to buyers yet. However, even if sales start, there is no assurance that the previous level of demand will continue for the cars. The reason is that their price can almost double. According to available information, the dealer intends to sell the full option R3 sedans for 1,000,050 Russian rubles, the full option R4 sedans for 1,089,000 rubles, whereas previously the cars cost 579,000 and 629,000 rubles, respectively. In other words, Ravon cars will leave the budget category. Whether they will be interesting to buyers in this case is a big question. It is possible that some dealers will simply refuse to work with the Uzbek company, understanding the futility of such cooperation. (1 USD = 65.6345 RUB on Oct. 29) --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend The government delegation of Turkmenistan has taken part in the World Investment Forum (WIF-2018) in Geneva, organized by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the Turkmen Foreign Ministry said in a statement. The World Investment Forum is the leading global platform for investment and development, which is held every two years. Turkmenistan presented its economic opportunities, investment potential and acquainted the forum participants with major international projects implemented in the country in the fields of energy, transport and industry, the message says. Also, a high-level event on attracting direct foreign investments in landlocked countries was held within the forum. Turkmenistan ranks fourth in the world in terms of natural gas reserves and at this stage, sells this raw material to China and Iran, the report of British Petroleum (BP) company says. At the same time, Russia, the traditional buyer, stopped purchasing gas from Turkmenistan in 2016. Ashgabat has set a course for diversification of the local economy, the textile industry and the manufacture of oil products have advanced, the oil- and gas-chemical industries and the building materials production sector are actively developing. The private business is being involved to the development of electronic industry and import-substituting production in the country. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Abdul Kerimkhanov Armenia sees a decline in almost all sectors of the economy, which is no surprise to anyone, as the country has no opportunity to develop due to its political instability and aggressive policy. However, the deepening crisis in the agriculture sector caused alarm of the experts and society. There are less and less hopes for the development of agriculture in Armenia. In August 2018, the gross agricultural output fell by almost 17 percent compared to August last year, or by about 20 billion drams ($41 million). In turn, this led to a decrease in the indicator of economic activity (again, compared to the same indicator in 2017) to the unprecedented 100.6 percent. Experts were divided in opinions due to what happened so catastrophic fall. Advisor to the Prime Minister Varazdat Karapetyan first came to the conclusion that such a significant drop in August volumes in agriculture was due to the illegal re-export of Turkish tomatoes from Armenia to Russia. Another explanation of Karapetyan was associated with bloated figures of areas allocated for crops in the past. Avetik Chalabyan, owner of the company Armberry, consider that such a huge fall can only be due to one factor - namely, the fact that during the summer heat the government banned the release of water from Sevan, that ultimately resulted in a huge crop loss. Agriculture losses in Armenia are due to the lack of sufficient irrigation water during the hottest period. It is not difficult to guess that the villagers, who are under the pressure of loans, have accumulated a lot of questions to Pashinyan, who opposed additional water releases from Sevan. And the current government, judging by the conversations with their officials, does not know how to solve this problem. In any case, it has not taken any steps for this purpose. Modern Armenia is a country where there is no agricultural equipment, where is the level of manual labor somewhere on the level of the 19th century. Due to abnormal heat in Armenia, a lack of irrigation water appeared. And instead of helping the villagers get out of the current situation with minimal losses, Ministry of agriculture preferred to keep silent. What to say, if there is nothing to answer? And it's not just that. One of the main problems of agriculture in Armenia is the deterioration of the machine and tractor fleet, the lack of specialists, the inaccessibility of credit and leasing programs for rural residents. How can agriculture be developed if the country has the youngest combine harvester produced in 1941... Armenian agriculture began to die in the late 1980s, when hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis were expelled from the country, most of whom worked on the land. The land was left without true owners, the agrarian sector of the country is currently reaping the harvest of that ethnic cleansing and it is doubtful that it will be reborn. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend The Russian and Chinese government heads will discuss visa-free regime for representatives for the Russia-Chinese cultural and humanitarian cooperation soon, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said on Tuesday, TASS reports. "I think that this issue will be discussed at the level of the government heads as well," she said at a meeting with Peking University students. "We know about this problem and will try very hard to solve it." Both sides will work in this area to create comfortable conditions to organize foreign trips for students and scientists from both countries, the deputy prime minister said. Golikova arrived to Beijing ahead of Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedevs visit to China, which will take place on November 5-7. During her stay in the Chinese capital the deputy prime minister will hold negotiations with Vice Premier of the People's Republic of China Sun Chunlan, attend the 19th session of the Russian-Chinese Commission for Humanitarian Cooperation, the ceremony of the establishment of the Russian-Chinese Association for Cooperation in the Sphere of Television, as well as the launch of an online column on humanitarian ties and cooperation between Russia and China in a mobile application. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Some 11,655,189 tons of cargo have been transported by means of Iranian Hormozgan provinces railways from the beginning of the current year (starting on March 21, 2018), IRNA news agency quoted Mohammad Pour-Fakhri, the Director General of Hormozgan Provinces Railway Department as saying. He noted that 4,376,225 tons of cargo have been loaded from railway stations of Gol-Gohar region, Gol-Gohar mine and Shahid Rajaei port. Some 7,278,964 tons of various mining products have been unloaded at refineries and gas processing plants, Persian Gulf Special Economic Zone, and the Shahid Rajaei port. "During this period, the borderline ton-kilometer indicator also has reached the level of 4,559,502,000 ton-kilometers. This shows 5 percent growth compared to the same period of the last year," he said. Pour-Fakhri added that during the mentioned period, the scope of activity of Shahid Rajaei port has increased by 1 percent and amounted to 5,331,808 tons of cargo, and the volume of the loaded containers has increased by 26 percent and reached 24,615 TEUs. The borderline ton-kilometer is a mass unit for transportation of cargo between borders by means of the railway transport. Each ton of cargo is calculated for each kilometer. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Jonas Astrup, the Chief Technical Advisor of the International Labor Organization (ILO) in Uzbekistan, has commented on the decision of the President of Uzbekistan to dismiss Deputy Prime Minister Zoyir Mirzayev, Podrobno.uz reported. "This is a strong, clear and correct decision of the government: such behavior cannot be tolerated. No one, regardless of rank or status, is above the law. Uzbekistan is still firmly committed to eradicating the forced labor," he wrote on his Twitter account. The day before, the President of Uzbekistan signed a decree on increasing the responsibility of heads of state authorities at all levels for preventing and eradicating any manifestations and all forms of forced labor. In accordance with that decree, Zoyir Mirzayev, the Deputy Prime Minister, Head of the Complex for Agriculture and Water Management, Processing of Agricultural and Food Products under the Uzbek Government, has been dismissed from his post for serious shortcomings in the organization of work on sowing and irrigating of winter cereals. The Prosecutor General was instructed to verify the facts of violation of the law during agricultural work, the Prime Minister, the heads of state authorities and business associations at the local level were charged with ensuring the effective implementation of measures to eradicate all forms and any manifestations of the forced labor. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend The start of Turkey's new military operation in Syria against the YPG/PYD terrorists as well as the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) is a matter of time, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in Ankara while giving a speech in the countrys parliament. Erdogan said the Armed Forces of Turkey, as before, are ready to start a new military operation in Syria. The process of preparing for the start of new military operations against YPG/PYD in Syria has been completed, said Erdogan. On Oct. 28, the Turkish Armed Forces shelled the positions of the YPG/PYD terrorists in northern Syria. An artillery strike was inflicted on the positions of terrorists in the Zor Magar district of Ayn al-Arab (Kobani) city in northern Syria. Zor Magar is located on the eastern bank of the Euphrates River and represents a strategically important height from which the border with Turkey can be seen. Earlier, Erdogan said the US did not keep its promises regarding the withdrawal of the PYD/YPG terrorists from the Syrian Manbij. "According to the agreements reached by Turkey and the US, the detachments of the PYD/YPG fighters were to leave the Syrian city of Manbij in 90 days, but this did not happen," Erdogan added. On June 4, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo discussed a road map on Manbij during talks in Washington. Also, Pompeo and Cavusoglu met in Brussels and discussed the Operation Olive Branch, as well as other issues. On Jan. 20, the Turkish Armed Forces, together with the Free Syrian Army, launched the Operation Olive Branch in Afrin, Syria. On Aug. 24, 2016, units of the Turkish Armed Forces began the Operation Euphrates Shield against the "Islamic State" and with the support of the Syrian opposition liberated the border town of Jarablus in northern Syria, as well as al-Bab. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Narmina Mammadova Taking a cruise is a perfect opportunity to see several sites in one go. Therefore, it is not surprising that this way of traveling is rapidly gaining popularity. Moreover, cruise trips have become more affordable for a wide range of travelers in recent times. While a new wave of luxurious ships coming on stream will add on to the cruise offerings in the coming years, Azerbaijan and Russia, given their favorable geographic location with access to the Caspian Sea, do not want to miss this opportunity as well. The new project envisaging the development of nautical tourism in the framework of the signing of the Convention on the legal status of the Caspian Sea between the Caspian littoral states, requires very serious elaboration, the Deputy Chairman of the Lower House of Russian Parliament, the Head of the United Russia faction Sergei Neverov told Trend. He was commenting on the prospects for the development of nautical tourism between Azerbaijan and Russia. Nautical tourism is a tourism that combines sailing and boating with vacation and holiday activities, e.g. a cruise trip. Neverov noted that the travel destination between Russia and Azerbaijan is actively developing, and this is confirmed by statistical data on the flow of tourists between the two countries. Until the end of this year, the number of Russian tourists visiting Azerbaijan may approach one million, while the number of Azerbaijani tourists visiting Russia has almost reached 800,000, he noted. "In my opinion, this is a serious increase, as well as an indicator of the active interaction between Russia and Azerbaijan in this priority area. On the other hand, the growing interest of our countries to each other is a natural fact. We speak the same language, we are connected by common history, and accordingly our countries must actively cooperate. The Russian people are happy to travel to wonderful Azerbaijan, both to its ski resorts and summer recreation areas. Therefore, our task at the present moment is to develop the nautical tourism industry so that citizens of our countries can recreate more efficiently on the Caspian Sea," Neverov added. The Russian MP noted that when the document was signed between the parliaments of Russia and Azerbaijan, a high-level Commission was created, within which a more detailed discussion of the issues on the regional agenda was envisaged. "I think it is necessary to move from words to deeds, to implement the outlined projects that can really make a serious contribution to the economies of our countries," he said, noting that the practical dialogue has been established between the parliaments of the two countries. The Russian MP noted that the creation of a high-level inter-parliamentary commission between the Lower House of Russian Parliament and the Azerbaijani Parliament lays a solid foundation for expanding inter-regional cooperation for the long term. On December 28, 2017, the Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company and Moscow River Shipping Company signed a memorandum of cooperation on cruise shipping in the Caspian region by using the Peter the Great passenger ship. The memorandum envisages joint activities to study and develop optimal routes for cruise passenger vessels, such as ports of the Black Sea inland waterways of Russia Astrakhan ports of the Caspian Sea; Moscow-Baku; Astrakhan-Makhachkala-Baku; Baku-Anzali-Nowshahr-Turkmenbashi-Aktau-Astrakhan and other routes. The Caspian Sea, the Earths largest inland body of water, has good potential to be among the most popular destinations on the cruise tourism map. Therefore, it is important to develop this type of tourism among the riparian countries and establish close economic relations. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz You can reach Sam Morgen at 661-395-7415 or smorgen@bakersfield.com. You may also follow him on Twitter @smorgenTBC. Ford Park will host "So You Think You Can Dance Live" with a special pre-event on November 25, according to information from the park. The pre-event will feature dance teams from across Southeast Texas and a panel of "celebrity" judges. PITTSBURGH - Residents in grief-stricken Pittsburgh are preparing for the first of many funerals Tuesday, as well as a visit from President Donald Trump, who plans to meet with members of the Jewish community here despite the mayor's request that he postpone the trip until after families bury those killed in Saturday's synagogue shooting. The man accused in the attack - the deadliest on Jews in American history, with 11 people killed - made his first court appearance Monday, two days after the massacre. Robert Bowers, a 46-year-old truck driver, was confined to a wheelchair because of injuries he incurred in a gun battle with police at Tree of Life synagogue in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood. He allegedly told authorities upon his arrest that he was seeking to kill Jews. Magistrate Judge Robert Mitchell read the charges against him, including obstruction of exercise of religious belief resulting in death. Bowers, dressed in a blue sweatshirt and gray sweatpants, appeared coherent and alert. He said little, answering "yes" when the judge asked whether he had requested a public defender because he could not afford an attorney. He was being held without bail. It did not appear that Bowers had any friends or family members present at the courthouse. The federal public defender's office did not respond to requests for comment about the case. One person who did attend was Jon Pushinsky, 64, a member of one of the congregations that meets at Tree of Life. "It was important to be here to show our congregation remains strong and will stand up, even in the face of evil," Pushinsky said. White House press secretary Sarah Sanders announced Monday that Trump and first lady Melania Trump planned to visit Pittsburgh on Tuesday to "express the support of the American people and grieve with the Pittsburgh community." Mayor William Peduto, D, told reporters that the president should wait, citing security considerations and sensitivity for those who are suffering. "If the president is looking to come to Pittsburgh, I would ask that he not do so while we are burying the dead," Peduto said, noting that the city does not have enough public safety officials to provide protection at the funerals while focusing on a presidential visit. The first funeral - of two brothers, Cecil Rosenthal, 59, and David Rosenthal, 54, who had been going to Tree of Life synagogue since they were young boys - is expected to take place Tuesday. Peduto asked the White House to consider "the will of the families" before deciding to visit and to contact them to see "if they want the president to be here." Leaders of the Pittsburgh affiliate of a progressive Jewish organization, Bend the Arc, published an open letter saying that Trump would not be welcome unless he denounced white nationalism and stopped "targeting" minorities in his rhetoric and policies. The letter has been signed by tens of thousands of people nationwide. "For the past three years your words and your policies have emboldened a growing white nationalist movement," the letter says. "You yourself called the murderer evil, but yesterday's violence is the direct culmination of your influence." The White House noted that Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, who survived the attack at the synagogue, said he would be honored to meet with any U.S. president. Myers told The Washington Post on Monday that if Trump comes to Pittsburgh, "I welcome him as an American. He is the president." "Hate is not political. It is not blue or red, it's not male or female, it doesn't know any of those divisions," Myers said. "The hate rhetoric in our country is a real problem. I've seen examples in the last 24 hours. I chose to take the polite and respectful path. . . . Hate is all around us, and people are oblivious to it. The hateful letters and e-mails about the president are just a renewed reminder of how divisive and painful this is." White House officials said earlier Monday that they were pushing the president to cancel a potential speech Tuesday on immigration and visit Pittsburgh instead. The president, who has four "Make America Great Again" rallies scheduled this week, is clamoring to get back on the campaign trail, they said. Critics of Trump have said that his incendiary rhetoric has contributed to a rise in extremism and could be perceived by radicals as a green light for violence. Last week, a South Florida man who has been a fervent Trump supporter, Cesar Sayoc, was charged with mailing more than a dozen pipe bombs to people and organizations that Trump has criticized. But Trump on Monday blamed the news media - which he again described in a tweet as "the true Enemy of the People" - for the divisions in U.S. society. Sanders echoed that during a testy White House news briefing. "The president is not responsible for these acts," Sanders said, referring to both the Pittsburgh massacre and the pipe bombs. "The very first action that the president did was condemn these heinous acts. The very first thing that the media did was condemn the president," she said. She scolded the White House correspondents: "You guys have a huge responsibility to play in the divisive nature of this country." Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., went on Twitter to express dismay at Trump's latest attack on the media: "This is, for all practical purposes, a call for more violence against the press. My god....what is happening???" In Pittsburgh, the community has been trying to heal itself. The city has been the scene of vigils every day. "We find strength in one another," Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro, D, said in an interview. "This gunman went in to try and kill as many Jews as possible. . . . We will come through this. And hopefully this feeling of community that we all share today can be channeled into each of us doing our part of rooting out hate." Congregants who were inside the synagogue Saturday were those who often arrived early, many of them elderly people who regularly attend weekly services. The services were about to begin when congregants in a second-floor sanctuary heard loud noises from below that they mistook for falling furniture or perhaps an overturned coat rack. Joseph Charny, 90, said in an interview that as people settled into the room, a man appeared in the doorway and started firing. Charny said that he "looked up and there were all these dead bodies." Myers helped clear the front pews, steering congregants toward exits or hiding places; Charny ended up in a closet on the third floor, where he waited out the shooting. Police arrived and confronted Bowers as he tried to exit the building, and two officers were injured. Authorities said Bowers retreated into the building and upstairs, where he engaged in a gun battle with SWAT officers and ultimately was shot and arrested. Investigators in the city and beyond have pored over Bowers's life, examining his actions and online postings leading up to the attack. People who encountered him in person described him as an unremarkable loner who gave no indications of the rage and bigotry he routinely expressed online. He was in the Class of 1990 at Baldwin High School, but he left school in 1989, according to the Baldwin-Whitehall School District. Two classmates told The Washington Post that they didn't remember him. "He must have been a real loner or something," said classmate John Korpiel of Wexford, Pennsylvania. Scott Brady, the U.S. attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania, has begun the process of seeking the death penalty in the case, a decision that rests with Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Speaking after the hearing, Brady told reporters, "Rest assured, we have a team of prosecutors working hard to ensure that justice is done." Investigators searched Bowers' small apartment just outside Pittsburgh, hoping to learn clues about the origins of his alleged anti-Semitism, and they were scouring his online presence, which included anti-Jewish statements. Rep. Mike Doyle, a Democrat representing the Pittsburgh area, said FBI Special Agent in Charge Bob Jones told elected leaders Saturday evening that Bowers possessed 21 firearms. The tally included the semiautomatic assault-style rifle and three handguns found in the synagogue, as well as a shotgun that Doyle said authorities recovered from Bowers's vehicle. Other weapons were found in his apartment. Doyle said he was told that Trump would visit a 911 call center Tuesday morning in Pittsburgh. He said it should be up to the synagogue's leaders to decide if it was appropriate for the president to be involved in memorials for the victims. "It should be up to the rabbis and the families, whether or not they want to take a visit from the president," Doyle said. "I don't think it's my place to say if it's appropriate. Tomorrow is going to be a very tough day for Pittsburgh, saying goodbye to the 11 people who were butchered by this individual." --- Berman and Achenbach reported from Washington. The Washington Post's Kayla Epstein in Pittsburgh and Alice Crites, Julie Tate, Deanna Paul, Annie Gowen, Avi Selk, Amy B. Wang, Felicia Sonmez, Sari Horwitz and Aaron C. Davis in Washington contributed to this report. --- Video Embed Code Video: Squirrel Hill residents talk about their neighborhood in the wake of the fatal shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue on Oct. 27.(Elyse Samuels/The Washington Post) Embed code: Taylors Bayou might be getting bigger. Jefferson County Drainage District 6 is asking the county for about $2.1 million to lengthen the Texas 124 bridge at Taylors Bayou to accommodate changes to the body of water. The district serves 40 percent of northern Jefferson County - Beaumont, Bevil Oaks, China, Nome, Fannett, Northwest Forest, Hillebrandt Acres, Cheek and LaBelle, among other farm and timber land. District officials say this project would connect work done in Nome and China to that in LaBelle - some 30 years of work with the intent to widen and create drainage canals. If the bridge isnt widened, all that work cant function the way it should, officials said at a presentation to the Jefferson County Commissioners Court on Monday. The money would come from $6 million in federal dollars the county has to repair or construct roads, bridges and other amenities in response to Tropical Storm Harvey. County Judge Jeff Branick, who says the districts work saved the county from even worse flooding, said this is clearly a good project. But the question that remains is whether 51 percent of the residents the project would affect are low- to moderate-income - a requirement for the majority of the federal dollars. If not, the district or county would have to appeal to the federal government on how the funds can be used. I think particularly in the aftermath of a natural disaster like we saw in Harvey, I think youre going to have very willing ears to listen to proposals that relate to drainage, Branick said. While the district pursues that information, the county will evaluate any other projects it could use the money for instead, such as two bridges that werent replaced in the aftermath of hurricanes Rita and Ike and the Major Drive extension. Its unclear when commissioners will officially decide which projects to fund. If the bridge lengthening is chosen, it likely will be several months before construction can begin. The project has to first be permitted by the Army Corps of Engineers, which Branick said could take a year. kaitlin.bain@beaumontenterprise.com twitter.com/KaitlinBain ALBANY - Democratic congressional hopeful Antonio Delgado holds a 5-point lead over Republican incumbent U.S. Rep. John Faso, according to a Monmouth University poll released on Tuesday. The latest poll for the 19th Congressional District, which stretches from the Capital Region deep into the Hudson Valley, breaks down to 49 percent for Delgado, 44 percent for Faso, 3 percent for the two third-party candidates and 4 percent are undecided. When factoring in a potential surge of Democratic voters similar to special elections over the past year, and reflective of the increased September primary turnout in New York, Delgado's support jumps to 51 percent and his lead grows to 8 percentage points. "The Democrat has strengthened his standing in this race even though Republican interest has picked up over the past month," Monmouth University Polling Institute Director Patrick Murray said in a statement. In September, Delgado led Faso by 3 points in a Monmouth poll assuming a standard midterm turnout. Faso has never trailed in polls conducted by the Siena Research Institute, which gave him a 1-point margin earlier this month. The race is generally considered a toss up, although the election forecast from FiveThirtyEight, a data-driven news site, now classifies it as leaning Democratic. The hopes of Democrats have also been buoyed by recent fundraising figures, with Delgado raising much more than Faso from individual contributors. Delgado's favorable rating of 42 percent in the poll is the same as September, but his unfavorable rating increased 8 points to 33 percent. Voters are split on Faso, with about 24 percent expressing no opinion. A plurality of voters, 42 percent, say Delgado shares their values, while only 36 percent feel that way about Faso. "GOP ads have focused on Delgado's past as a hip-hop artist in an effort to paint him as out of step with the district, but these attacks haven't changed the overall trajectory of this race," Murray said. More than a third of voters identified health care as their top concern, which Murray said works in Delgado's favor. "Voters who name health care as their top concern overwhelmingly back the Democrat," he said. "Immigration and taxes are key issues for Faso supporters, but concerns about these policies are not as widespread in the district." President Donald J. Trump has a negative job approval in the district, with 46 percent approving of his work in office and 51 percent giving him a thumbs down. A narrow plurality of voters, 43 percent to 40 percent, prefer a Democratic takeover of the House of Representatives instead of it staying in GOP hands. "It's still not a done deal by any stretch, but small shifts in party preferences toward the Democrats are making it tougher for Faso to hang onto this seat," Murray said. The poll has a margin of error of 5.1 percentage points, and was conducted between Oct. 24 and 28. David.Lombardo@timesunion.com - 518.454.5427 - @poozer87 Ruven AfanadorSam Smith is incredulous that in just five short years, he's sold 20 million records worldwide. Announcing the milestone on his socials, Sam writes, "Cant believe Im about to say this. Found out today I have officially sold over 20 million albums! What the f***k! Unbelievable news. Thank you to all my beautiful fans for your continuous support and love." Sam first broke through as a guest vocalist on the 2012 single "Latch," by Disclosure. His debut album, In the Lonely Hour, came out in 2014 and has sold just under 16 million copies globally. His latest album, 2017's The Thrill of It All, has sold over four million copies worldwide to date. On top of his stellar record sales, Sam's also scored four Grammy Awards, an Oscar, a Golden Globe, three Billboard Awards, an American Music Award and a BET Award. This Friday, Sam kicks off a round of dates in New Zealand and Australia, wrapping up November 20. In 2019, he'll do five shows in South Africa. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. - T. S. Eliot Thoughts After Lambeth "The World is trying the experiment of attempting to form a civilized but non-Christian mentality. The experiment will fail; but we must be very patient in awaiting its collapse; meanwhile redeeming the time: so that the Faith may be preserved alive through the dark ages before us; to renew and rebuild civilization, and save the World from suicide." Steven Lindsay, a public health entomologist at Durham University in England, has been researching malaria control for decades. His preferred approach, he says, is to "sit on the boundaries," drumming up ideas that others might not. So it's perhaps unsurprising that his latest project was inspired by the baggage-claim area at Dulles International Airport. If the beagles there could use their noses to detect explosives or contraband in suitcases, he wondered, could they also be trained to sniff out an intractable disease that kills more than 400,000 people each year? Lindsay ended up tackling that question in a project that involved the dirty socks of hundreds of African children and a trio of sniffer dogs in England - and the answer strongly pointed to yes. The dogs correctly identified socks worn by malaria-infected children 70 percent of the time and those worn by noninfected children 90 percent of the time. "I think it is quite extraordinary," said Lindsay, the lead scientist on a study being presented Monday at the annual meeting of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. "We put these socks on African children for 12 hours, take them off, freeze them for 15 months before we start training, and then the dogs can pick up that odor." Funding for the project came from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which put out a call for research on malaria tests that are noninvasive, unlike current tests that rely on blood samples. Lindsay and his colleagues focused on asymptomatic carriers because they play a key role in malaria's persistence, acting as hidden reservoirs. But finding them is a challenge because current methods make mass testing impractical. Lindsay and his colleagues gave nylon socks to nearly 600 children who had been tested for malaria in Gambia, where the disease is endemic, and asked them to wear them overnight. Researchers ended up with 30 socks from asymptomatic malaria carriers and 145 socks from children who tested negative for the disease. Those were then wrapped in foil, frozen and sent to England, where they were stored at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine while a charity called Medical Detection Dogs trained the pooches. That malaria alters the volatile compounds that make up a person's odor has been established, and previous research has found that the mosquitoes that spread the disease are more attracted to carriers, including asymptomatic ones. "If a mosquito can do it," Lindsay said, "why not a dog?" Dogs, after all, have proved adept at sniffing out cancer, narcotics, human remains and even orca feces. Just what they're smelling when they detect disease isn't clear, said Jennifer Essler, a postdoctoral fellow who works with dogs that sniff for ovarian cancer at the Penn Vet Working Dog Center. "What we present them with is the blood plasma," Essler said, referring to her own research. "Does that mean they're detecting the body's response to the cancer? Is there something from the cancer in the blood? We're not really sure." Essler's team is working with scientists from the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia to find out what ovarian-cancer-detection dogs smell. That's because the end goal, she said, is not to have dogs screen patients, but to take what's learned from the dogs to create an "electronic nose" that could screen for ovarian cancer. "For many reasons, you can't deploy dogs to a lot of places," she said. Too, "they're still beings. There are still days when they come in and have a bad day." But the malaria research provides another strong example of dogs' potential, Essler said: "It's awesome that people are recognizing the capabilities of dogs and how they can be used to help people." When it comes to malaria, Lindsay said he does not envision squadrons of canines patrolling villages in sub-Saharan Africa. Malaria-detecting electronic noses are also one possible outcome of further research, he said. But in the shorter term, malaria-detection dogs might work at ports of entry in countries that have eliminated the disease and want to keep it out. There, dogs could identify carriers before they come in, Lindsay said. Training sniffer dogs costs many thousands of dollars, he acknowledged, but "it's cheap compared to the cost of having malaria come back into your community." James "Whitey" Bulger, the Boston mob boss who corrupted FBI agents, tortured and killed his associates, and spent 16 years on the run, has died while serving a double life sentence in a federal prison. He was 89. He was found dead in prison, according to the Associated Press. Bulger was at the high-security U.S. Penitentiary Hazelton in West Virginia, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator. Bulger headed a racketeering and drug-dealing operation for 30 years while his younger brother William Bulger was president of the Massachusetts Senate. "Whitey" Bulger disappeared in 1995 after learning from a former FBI agent, John J. Connolly Jr., that an indictment was pending, triggering a worldwide manhunt. Bulger was captured on June 22, 2011, when a tip from a former neighbor led FBI agents to a Santa Monica, California, apartment where Bulger and his girlfriend, Catherine Greig, had been living under the names Charlie and Carol Gasko. Bulger had a stash of 30 guns and $822,000 in cash hidden in the walls. "Do what you want with me," Bulger told the judge when he decided not to testify in his own defense because the court barred him from telling jurors about his claim that a former federal prosecutor had given him immunity beginning in the 1970s. Bulger called the trial "a sham" and was appealing his conviction. During his two-month trial in 2013, Bulger's former crime partners testified he took pleasure in killing his victims and sometimes took a nap while his underlings dug graves. His lawyers attacked the veracity of FBI files allegedly documenting Bulger's years as a criminal informant who gave agents information about Italian organized crime in America. His defense team claimed he purchased information from law-enforcement officials, and was never an informant. "Whitey's assertion fit a lifelong pattern of seeking to soft-pedal his monstrosity by assuming the mask of a tough guy but not such a bad guy -- which, in his crime world, he'd label as 'good, bad guy,'" Dick Lehr, the co-author of "Whitey: The Life of America's Most Notorious Mob Boss," wrote in an op-ed in the Boston Globe newspaper. "I never, never, never cracked," Bulger said in the 2014 film "Whitey: United States of America v. James J. Bulger." Bulger was convicted of racketeering and the murder of 11 people. Some of his victims, mostly former associates whom he feared were cooperating with police, were missing for decades until his crime partners led law enforcement to secret graves as part of plea agreements. Bulger was acquitted of seven murders. At his sentencing in November 2013, Bulger refused to look at the children of his victims as they took the podium one by one and described the pain of their losses. "The scope, the callousness, the depravity of your crimes is almost unfathomable," U.S. District Court Judge Denise Casper told Bulger. Connolly was convicted of racketeering and received a 40-year sentence for murder. Greig, a former dental hygienist, pleaded guilty without a plea agreement and was sentenced to eight years for harboring a fugitive and identity fraud. James Joseph Bulger Jr. was born on Sept. 3, 1929, in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston. He was one of six children born to James Joseph Bulger Sr. and the former Jane Veronica McCarthy, a first-generation Irish American who was known as Jean. His father, who was from Newfoundland, lost his left arm as a young laborer when he was pinned between two trains while working in a Boston rail yard. Raised mostly in public housing in the city's South Boston district, Bulger graduated from a trade school and served in the U.S. Air Force. He went AWOL but received an honorable discharge in 1952 before embarking on a life of crime. Dubbed "Whitey" as a boy because of his white-blond hair, Bulger loathed the nickname and insisted his associates call him Jim. His experience with crime as a juvenile escalated to bank robberies in the 1950s that eventually landed him in Alcatraz, the former island prison in San Francisco Bay. "I had seen him change from a blithe spirit to a rebel whose cause I could never discern," his brother William wrote in "While the Music Lasts: My Life in Politics" (1996). "He was in a constant state of revolt against -- I'm not sure what. He was restless as a claustrophobic in a dark closet." By 1956, Bulger was sentenced to more than 20 years in federal prison for bank robbery. He was released after nine years, including a stint in Alcatraz. While in federal prison in Atlanta in 1957, Bulger voluntarily participated in medical experiments involving LSD to get reduced prison time. The program was later exposed as part of the Central Intelligence Agency's research into mind control, known under the code name MK-ULTRA. In diaries recovered by Federal Bureau of Investigation agents, Bulger wrote that he suffered terrible side effects from the LSD experiments and was never able to sleep well again. "I was in prison for committing a crime and feel they committed a worse crime on me," Bulger wrote. Bulger never married. A woman named Lindsey Cyr said she and Bulger had a 12-year relationship beginning in 1966 that produced a son, Douglas, who was born in 1967. The boy died in 1973 from a rare medical condition. Cyr, a former waitress, said Bulger was at the hospital the night their son died and was devastated. "My life was wasted and spent foolishly, brought shame and suffering on my parents and siblings and will end soon," he wrote in a letter to three girls from Apponequet Regional High School in Lakeville, Massachusetts, who had contacted him for a history project, the Boston Globe reported in June 2015. "If you want to make crime pay -- go to law school," he wrote. ST. PAUL, Minn. -- It was Al Franken's seat. Karin Housley keeps bringing that up as she campaigns against Democrat Sen. Tina Smith, who was appointed when he resigned after multiple women accused him of touching them inappropriately. Housley calls it "the #MeToo seat." The politics of the movement based on men's misdeeds, alleged and proved, are inescapable for the two women running for the Minnesota seat. That's not just because Franken stepped down - a decision some state Democrats still disagree with. It's also because the state attorney general race has been upended by an abuse accusation from an ex-girlfriend of the Democratic nominee, Rep. Keith Ellison. And because Housley has criticized the treatment of Brett Kavanaugh over a decades-old assault accusation during hearings on his nomination to the Supreme Court - a post he was nominated to by a president who has also been accused of sexual misconduct. Ellison, Kavanaugh and President Donald Trump have all denied allegations against them. Smith and Housley are both trying to avoid being dragged down by the alleged misdeeds of men in their own party - and are accusing each other of being women who don't sufficiently support women. "In Minnesota probably more than anywhere else, you have an issue where it is Democrats really having to deal with this in their own house, in their own family," Kelly Dittmar, a Rutgers University sociologist who has done extensive research on races with two female candidates. In an interview, Housley criticized Smith's endorsement of Ellison and accused her of hypocrisy. "Everyone deserves to be heard, whoever the accuser is," Housley said. Smith lobbed similar accusations against Housley. "My approach has been completely consistent. Take what women say seriously. That hasn't always happened in this country," she said in an interview. "And then we need to fully investigate." Smith said accusations of wrongdoing against men aren't at the top of voters' minds. She wants to focus more on health-care costs and an opioid bill she helped draft. Smith doesn't have much of an incumbency advantage; the former lieutenant governor has been in the seat since January, after Gov. Mark Dayton, D, tapped her to fill it. Seventeen percent of Minnesotans told pollsters for the Minneapolis Star Tribune and Minnesota Public Radio News this month that they didn't recognize her name; twice as many didn't recognize Housley, a state senator since 2012 with a background in real estate. Housley's cheery demeanor is strikingly different from Trump's, but she hasn't left much daylight between herself and the president, even describing herself as a "rubber stamp" for his policies. Asked how she differs, she names her opposition to separating families at the border, then she's stumped. "I said yesterday, 'I gotta remember, that's another thing I disagree with him on,' " she complained with a grin. "Shoot, we had one more!" Asked about accusations of sexual misconduct against Trump, Housley said she can work with him on policy goals and distanced herself from his personal behavior. "I really don't know what he's like. That's not my job. My job is the United States Senate. The president's policies are working and people are happy. They're feeling it in their pocketbooks," she said. "Being in the real estate business for years and years, I got used to working with people that I might not always like. I didn't have to embrace them. I was getting the job done for my clients." The latest poll, for the Star Tribune and MPR, showed Smith leading Housley 47 percent to 41 percent, with 10 percent undecided. She had a 19 percentage point advantage with female voters, echoing a Democratic edge with women around the country, fueled by anger against Trump and a more recent wave of fury at Republicans shepherding Kavanaugh onto the Supreme Court after a woman's accusation that he assaulted her when they were both teens. Among men, Housley had a seven percentage point lead. The state's other senator, Democrat Amy Klobuchar, is also up for reelection and has a substantial lead over her opponent, Republican Jim Newberger. Klobuchar drew attention when her questioning of Kavanaugh during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing prompted a sharp comment and then apology from him. Both Smith and Klobuchar voted against Kavanaugh's confirmation. Smith draws a distinction between the situations involving Kavanaugh and attorney general nominee Ellison. In the first case, she said, it was her job as a senator to determine his credibility. In the state race, she said, it's voters who must decide. She has stood by her support of Ellison, who was shown trailing Republican Doug Wardlow in the Star Tribune/MPR poll. Ellison has repeatedly denied the claim by his ex-girlfriend that he dragged her off a bed while yelling obscenities at her during a fight. Ellison last month requested a House Ethics Committee investigation; an inquiry by the state party wasn't able to substantiate the claim. "I believe that he will be a far superior attorney general to the alternative," Smith said in an interview. "I know him to be a man of integrity." Housley, on the other hand, says Kavanaugh was treated unfairly. She also frequently attacks Smith for endorsing Ellison - while also talking about the danger of false accusations. Some Minnesota voters share her concerns. Kris Linder, a Republican from Cambridge, an hour north of Minneapolis, said she was turned off by Democrats' handling of the hearing on Kavanaugh. "I think if you go back maybe more than 10 or 15 years, people change," said Linder, who also said she was sexually abused when she was younger but never brought charges because she didn't have proof. "I thought that was unsubstantiated." Other Minnesota women say they're simply fed up with Republicans' attitudes toward women, starting with the president. Kim Deutsch, who drove to Washington to attend the Women's March protesting Trump's election, was excited when she saw Smith at a documentary screening at a St. Louis Park movie theater. "I just put your yard sign up yesterday," she said to Smith. Turning aside, she gushed, "Her spunk. She's so intelligent." At the theater, numerous people called out to Smith to wish her luck or to say she has their vote. Two little girls eagerly asked to take a photo with her. Almost every person who recognized her and voiced support was female (with the exception of former World Series-winning Minnesota Twins catcher Tim Laudner, who rushed through the theater to speak to Smith). But down an unpaved road in Welch (population 751), Jeanne Anderson isn't so sure. At the invitation of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association, both Smith and Housley came by Anderson's farm, and Jeanne, who describes herself as liberal, watched her husband, Les, a conservative Republican, talk politics while she hung back to serve the coffee and cookies. She's incensed about women's pay still lagging men's, about male business associates who turn to Les instead of her with questions about the farm work, about legislators who would curtail access to birth control and abortion. Jeanne plans to vote for Klobuchar, but she's wondering whether either Smith or Housley really understands and will address her concerns. "It's hard to form an opinion," she said. "You don't know what to trust." The Republican governor of Idaho gave advocates of expanding Medicaid a significant lift Tuesday, coming out in favor of the Obamacare policy just a week before voters in the state decide on its fate. The question of whether to grow the low-income health-care program to cover more people is on ballots in three deep-red states - Idaho, Utah and Nebraska - where conservative legislatures didn't choose expansion. Outgoing Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter, a conservative with an independent streak, announced his support and cut an ad for Idahoans for Healthcare, an organization advocating for expansion. "We cannot continue to let hardworking Idahoans go without healthcare. I'm proud that the citizens of Idaho have come up with a solution to solve this long-standing problem," Otter said in a release. The ballot measure, Proposition 2, would cover health care for up to 62,000 people and bring up to $400 million from federal coffers to the state. Otter also said it would keep rural hospitals and clinics open. "I strongly support expanding healthcare to folks who need it. It's good sense and it's the right thing to do," Otter said in the statement. Medicaid expansion was a cornerstone of the Affordable Care Act's goal to get more Americans health coverage. Initially it would have automatically kicked in across the country, with the federal government paying 100 percent of the costs before tapering down its share to 90 percent after a few years. But the Supreme Court ruled that individual states could decide whether to expand the program. Currently, 33 states and the District of Columbia have expanded to cover individuals who fall into what's known as the "Medicaid gap," or people who earn at 100 percent to 138 percent of the poverty level. Those people struggle to buy health insurance on their own even with the assistance of Obamacare subsidies. While the conservative politicians in Idaho, Utah and Nebraska have rejected expansion, arguing it ultimately will be too costly for the state, the idea has found support among some voters in those states that each overwhelmingly elected President Donald Trump. Jonathan Schleifer, executive director of the Fairness Project, a national organization that helps bolster ballot initiatives, said the campaign has been successful because it was never billed as a partisan issue. "We can make a huge difference by taking partisan labels off of good ideas," he said. Emily Strizich, a grass-roots activist with Reclaim Idaho, which is supporting the measure, said she has approached homes with "Make America Great Again" signs and found people agreeing with the measure on the other side of the doors. She said that last week she was out registering voters when a man with an NRA hat approached and told her, "It's such a shame we're sending money out of state, and our neighbors are going without support." "More than anything, people are putting their neighbors ahead of ideology," she said. The Republican gubernatorial candidate in Idaho, Brad Little, said he would support the will of the people if they elect to expand Medicaid. The same is true of Utah Gov. Gary R. Herbert (R), who supports a more limited Medicaid expansion, but has not actively opposed the ballot initiative, either. Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts (R), who is running for re-election, has actively campaigned against it, but is also unlikely to block it if it passes. Ray Ward, a Utah GOP state legislator and a family doctor, also supports a more limited Medicaid expansion, but is happy to see the Medicaid ballot initiative approved. "I support it over doing nothing. I think we have to move forward and get that coverage to people," he said. Ward said he's alone among most of his Republican colleagues who worry about future costs to the state if the program becomes too big or if the federal government stops paying its share. Heather Williamson, of the Utah chapter director of Americans for Prosperity, which is actively opposing expansion, warns that, "as enrollment exceeds estimates, as it has in other states, Utah taxpayers would be forced to foot the bill." Still, despite all three states being overwhelmingly Republican, the limited polling on the issue in Idaho and Utah have shown a majority of voters in both states support expansion. "When you're looking at states like Utah, Idaho and Nebraska, there's not that many Democrats there," Schleifer said. "So even if every Democrat was on Medicaid, there'd still be a lot of Republicans on Medicaid - this issue is personal." If successful, Schleifer said his organization already is looking ahead to 2020 and has identified Florida, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Wyoming as states to get Medicaid expansion on the ballot. - - - The Washington Post's Paulina Firozi contributed to this report. President Donald Trump said he plans to sign an executive order ending birthright citizenship for babies of non-citizens and unauthorized immigrants born on U.S. soil, a proposal one legal expert called "absurd." "We're the only country in the world where a person comes in and has a baby, and the baby is essentially a citizen of the United States," Trump told "Axios on HBO" in an interview, excerpts of which were released Tuesday. "It's ridiculous. And it has to end." Trump's claim that the U.S. is the only country that extends birthright citizenship is false. While he is correct that European countries all require a period of residency before bestowing citizenship on those born to foreign parents, many countries in the Americas such as Canada, Mexico, Brazil and Argentina have U.S.-style birthright citizenship. Trump asserted that it would not take a constitutional amendment to rescind birthright citizenship from some people born in the U.S., a stance that would undoubtedly draw a legal challenge should he proceed. "It was always told to me that you needed a constitutional amendment. Guess what? You don't," he said. The 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution spells out birthplace as an arbiter of citizenship, stating that "all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States." Sarah Turberville, a constitutional expert at the Project on Government Oversight, an independent nonprofit, said Trump's proposal would be ripe for a court challenge from those stripped of citizenship. It would also likely prompt bipartisan congressional charges of executive overreach, Turberville said. "It's a pretty absurd notion, frankly, that the president believes he would be able to amend the Constitution and 150-plus years of interpreting the 14th Amendment through an executive order," Turberville said in an interview Tuesday. Trump's proposal comes a exactly a week before lawmakers midterm elections, in which Trump's Republican Party is bracing for heavy losses and a potential Democratic takeover of the House. The move could give a boost to Trump's fellow immigration hard-liners. Maine Senate candidate Eric Brakey, a Republican who is challenging incumbent Angus King, endorsed Trump's plan in a statement, saying the president "needs fresh support in Congress to follow through." But moderate Republican Rep. Carlos Curbelo, who is in a competitive race to keep his South Florida seat, distanced himself from Trump, tweeting that birthright citizenship "is protected by the Constitution." "What we really need is broad immigration reform that makes our country more secure and reaffirms our wonderful tradition as a nation of immigrants," Curbelo said. "The president cannot erase the Constitution with an executive order, and the 14th Amendment's citizenship guarantee is clear," Omar Jadwat, director of the ACLU's Immigrants' Rights Project, said in a statement. "This is a transparent and blatantly unconstitutional attempt to sow division and fan the flames of anti-immigrant hatred in the days ahead of the midterms." Asked about timing or legal justification for the executive order, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said only that the full interview with the president would air Sunday. Trump has been trying to restore the public focus on immigration after the events of the past week, which included the arrest of a Trump supporter in connection with mailing at least 13 suspected explosive devices to targets of the president's ire, including Democratic politicians and the cable network CNN. In another incident, a gunman on Saturday shot and killed 11 people in a Pittsburgh synagogue in what authorities have said was a hate crime. After an initial call for unity, Trump has increased his rhetoric against the media and undocumented immigrants, including a group of Central American migrants that is heading toward the U.S. through Mexico. The Trump administration announced Monday that it would send about 5,200 troops to the southern border with Mexico by the end of the week to head off the migrants. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in September said the U.S. planned to lower the cap on refugee admissions by a third to a record low 30,000 people for the coming fiscal year. Immediately after taking office in January 2017, Trump attempted to ban entrants from several Muslim nations, an effort that was turned down by the courts and forced his administration to rewrite the policy before the U.S. Supreme Court in June upheld the latest iteration. Axios said its full interview with Trump would air Sunday. --With assistance from Bloomberg's Gregory Viscusi. Orange police are investigating a report of vandalism at a privately owned Jewish cemetery where headstones were overturned and vases broken. Officers were called to Hebrew Rest Cemetery in the 2100 block of 8th Street about 10:30 a.m. Monday to investigate. The groundskeeper had discovered the vandalism, a police report says, and then contacted the family who owns the property. The family has decided to pursue charges should police apprehend a suspect. The owner and person who oversees the cemetery declined to to speculate about whether the vandalism is related to the Saturday shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue that killed 11 and injured six. RELATED: Locals react to Pittsburgh deadly synagogue mass shooting "It looked like there were several overturned head stones and appeared as if someone had thrown the vases and broke them," said the property owner, who asked not be identified. The cemetery has been within the family for nearly 100 years and had never been the target of vandalism. A neighbor who has lived in the area for about 15 years said she does not believe there was a hate crime or any link to the Pittsburgh massacre. "It's probably just a bunch of kids," Rose Davis said. "They always walk through this street and probably go in there all the time." It is not clear when the vandalism occurred because the groundskeeper had not not been on site for two months due to bad weather. But authorities and the cemetery owner speculate it happened sometime over the weekend. The owner said Davis "called and told me her dog was barking and going crazy a couple of days ago, so I think it might have been then." erica.apodaca@beaumontenterprise.com twitter.com/erica_a10 CMS has placed Dillingham, Alaska.-based Kanakanak Hospital on "immediate jeopardy" status after discovering several pharmacy practices placed patients at immediate risk, according to The Anchorage Daily News. The agency will terminate the hospital's Medicare provider agreement unless the deficiencies are corrected. After a three-day investigation in September, CMS found problems in the pharmacy that included missing medication labels, unsystematic labeling of medication and incompetence among the staff. The report details several instances of patients' safety being jeopardized, including one in which a patient went into anaphylactic shock after an incorrectly filled medication was administered. A nurse told CMS regulators that the medication had been pulled from the automated dispensing system under an erroneous name several times. Another time, the pharmacy delivered morphine at a dosage five times greater than the physician prescribed. Several staff members said they feared retaliation if they reported concerns to the hospital administration. Four physicians told CMS that they told hospital administrators that the pharmacists lacked experience and medication errors were on the rise. The CMS survey follows reports of 45 medication errors that were reported at the hospital in July and August. Dillingham-based Bristol Bay Area Health Corp., which owns the hospital, said it has submitted a plan of correction to CMS. Under the plan, the provider will train new staff and update procedures. Voters in two California cities will decide two ballot measures that aim to curb healthcare costs, according to a Kaiser Health News report. In Palo Alto, voters will decide for or against placing a 15 percent cap on the amount Palo Alto-based hospitals can charge in excess of direct patient care costs. Hospitals, medical clinics and other providers in Palo Alto would have to refund payers for charges exceeding the 15 percent cap within 180 days of each fiscal year. A similar measure is also on the ballot in Livermore. Both ballot measures are sponsored by the Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West and target Stanford (Calif.) Health Care, according to the report. Stanford Health Care opposes the measures, arguing they would threaten the system's "ability to provide top-quality healthcare to patients" and significantly reduce its budget. According to the report, opponents also argue city officials don't have the expertise to establish a bureaucracy to regulate local healthcare costs. Union officials told Kaiser Health News their goal with the ballot measures is to curb healthcare prices. "Stanford Health is nonprofit. They don't pay property taxes or incomes taxes," Sean Wherley, an SEIU-UHW spokesperson, told the publication. "Taxpayers are subsidizing their operations and getting wrung out by over-the-top prices." Stanford University officials estimate the Palo Alto initiative, if passed, would "reduce Stanford Health Care's budget by 25 percent, requiring significant cutbacks and the possible closure of many services and programs that are essential to high quality healthcare in the local area." An analysis by health economist Henry Zaretsky found Livermore would have to spend $1.9 million annually on the staff required to implement the ballot measure if it passes, according to the report. Residents will vote on the measures Nov. 6. More articles on healthcare finance: For-profit hospital stock report: Week of Oct. 22-26 Man breaks hip, then gets in on hospital employees' $1M lottery winning 60% of employers aren't tracking wasteful healthcare spending Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts wants to change the way hospitals are paid. That's what the state's largest health insurer is pursuing in a new three-year pilot with South Weymouth, Mass.-based South Shore Health System. Under the pilot, the health insurer will pay the hospital to work with physicians, whether they're affiliated with the hospital or not, to better coordinate care outside the hospital. Patients are often treated in hospitals closest to where they live, regardless of whether their primary care physician group is affiliated with a hospital in a different location. However, the new program will reward South Shore Health System for sending patients to an appropriate care setting, whether that be an unaffiliated physician's office, an urgent care center, a hospital or a patient's home, the health insurer said. The program builds off of a payment reform BCBS of Massachusetts implemented a decade ago across most of Massachusetts' physician groups. Under the Alternative Quality Contract, physicians are financially rewarded for meeting specific quality standards; however, the model has failed to change hospitals' volume-based payment incentives. By moving the global budget payment model to the hospital setting, BCBS of Massachusetts aims to lower emergency department wait times and keep South Shore Health System beds open for patients needing acute or complex care. "What's so encouraging about this partnership is that the provider and the payer are finally coming together at the same table with the same goal: drive down costs without affecting quality of care," South Shore Health System CEO Gene Green, MD, said in a prepared statement. BCBS of Massachusetts intends to expand the program to other hospitals should the pilot succeed. A California dialysis initiative has prompted big spending on both sides of the issue, according to a Los Angeles Times report. Proposition 8, known as the Fair Pricing for Dialysis Act, would shrink the profits of dialysis clinics across the state. The initiative would require clinics to give rebates to insurers and pay a penalty on business revenues over 115 percent of certain costs to provide care. Rebates would not go to government programs that provide lower reimbursement, such as Medicare. A coalition led by DaVita and Fresenius Medical Care, two major for-profit dialysis companies, have spent $110 million toward beating the measure, according to the report. If the initiative passes, opponents contend dialysis clinics won't be able to cover their operating costs, clinics will close and patients will lose access to dialysis. DaVita CEO Kent Thiry described the initiative which is sponsored by Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West as "an effort to force unionization of employees." "There is an established and accepted process for employees to vote a union up or down. Instead of following that process, SEIU-UHW is pursuing a dangerous initiative that puts patients at grave risk," he told the Los Angeles Times. Dave Regan, head of SEIU-UHW, told the publication the union is not trying to force employees to unionize but instead seeks to curb dialysis industry profits he deems "predatory." The union also argues the ballot measure, if passed, would compel dialysis companies to spend more money on taking care of patients. According to the report, the union has raised $18.8 million in support of the initiative. Voters will decide the measure on Nov. 6. More articles on healthcare finance: For-profit hospital stock report: Week of Oct. 22-26 Man breaks hip, then gets in on hospital employees' $1M lottery winning 60% of employers aren't tracking wasteful healthcare spending Franklin, Tenn.-based Community Health Systems, which operates 118 hospitals, saw its net loss grow in the third quarter of 2018. CHS said revenues dipped to $3.45 billion in the third quarter of 2018, down 6 percent from $3.67 billion in the same period of the year prior. The decline was partially attributable to CHS operating 15 fewer hospitals in the third quarter of 2018 than in the same period of 2017. On a same-hospital basis, revenues climbed 3.2 percent year over year. CHS said same-hospital admissions decreased 2.3 percent year over year. When adjusted for outpatient activity, admissions were down 0.8 percent in the third quarter of 2018 compared to the same period a year earlier. After factoring in operating expenses and one-time charges, CHS ended the third quarter of 2018 with a net loss attributable to stockholders of $325 million. That's compared to the third quarter of 2017, when the company recorded a net loss of $110 million. "We are pleased with the progress we made in the third quarter, and we are encouraged by the momentum we are seeing from strategic and operational initiatives that have been implemented across our portfolio of hospitals," CHS Chairman and CEO Wayne T. Smith said in an earnings release. "We are especially pleased with same-store performance in many of our core markets." As part of a turnaround plan put into place in 2016, CHS announced plans in 2017 to sell off 30 hospitals. The company completed the divestiture plan Nov. 1, 2017. To further reduce its debt, CHS intends to sell another group of hospitals with combined revenues of $2 billion. The company has already made progress toward that goal. During 2018, CHS has completed nine hospital divestitures and entered into definitive agreements to sell five others. "We believe our overall performance will continue to improve as we complete additional divestitures and direct our investments into markets where we have the greatest opportunities for growth," Mr. Smith said. In addition to the hospital divestitures, CHS plans to close two hospitals by the end of this year. Knoxville, Tenn.-based Tennova Healthcare, which is part of CHS, will shut down Regional Medical Center in Knoxville and Lakeway Regional Hospital in Morristown, Tenn., on Dec. 28. When asked about the planned closures on an earnings call Oct. 30, CHS Executive Vice President and CFO Tom Aaron said shutting down the two hospitals "is an important part about trying to accelerate and making sure we get down to the right portfolio of hospitals." Mr. Smith said closing the two hospitals "is the right decision" for CHS. "This has no reflection on the employees or the physicians," he said. "This is a good group of people. They're qualified. They do excellent work. It's a market share issue for us and how we can best consolidate in the market." CHS' long-term debt totaled $13.54 billion as of Sept. 30, a decrease from $13.88 billion at the end of last year. More articles on healthcare finance: Amazon, Apple join growing list of companies opening on-site clinics for employees OIG tags Alabama hospital for erroneous billing Arizona hospital rebrands after bankruptcy Cape Girardeau, Mo.-based SoutheastHealth shut down Ripley County Memorial Hospital in Doniphan, Mo., on Oct. 15. Here are three things to know: 1. SoutheastHealth cited low patient volume as a reason for the closure. Before Ripley County Memorial shut down, the hospital was seeing an average of two patients per day, a spokesperson told Missourinet. 2. SoutheastHealth plans to offer outpatient services at the facility until Dec. 1, when Ellington-based Missouri Highlands Health Care is slated to take over Ripley County Memorial. Missouri Highlands plans to convert the facility to an urgent care clinic, according to Missourinet. 3. Ripley County Memorial Hospital is the fifth rural hospital in Missouri to close since 2010, according to research from the North Carolina Rural Health Research Program. More articles on healthcare finance: 2 Tennessee hospitals to close by year's end Community hospitals fight for survival amid 'precarious' financial outlook Arizona hospital rebrands after bankruptcy Craig Joseph, MD, interim chief medical information officer at Mountain View, Calif.-based El Camino Hospital and CMO of IT service provider for EHR enterprise software company Avaap in Edison, N.J., discusses future healthcare innovation. Dr. Joseph shares insights on physicians' excitement surrounding EHR technology innovation, including ambient listening devices and incorporation of usability principles. Responses are lightly edited for clarity and length. Question: How did you become a CMIO? What is your background? Dr. Craig Joseph: My undergraduate degree is in computer science, so looking back, I was doomed from the beginning. I majored in computer science because I thought it was fun, but I was always planning to become a physician. I practiced primary care pediatrics for eight years, but the siren song of connecting clinical practice with technology became too great for me to ignore. I accepted a job working for EHR vendor Epic in Madison, Wis., and it's been healthcare IT since then. Q: Where do you see the biggest need for innovation to improve the healthcare system in the future? CJ: While we need innovation, and disruption, in virtually all areas of healthcare, I'm a big believer in doing the basics before getting too fancy. A friend once told me, 'You want to be innovative? Try executing. That would be pretty innovative.' While he's sarcastic like me, what I took from him was this: We have science and decades of experience that can lead us to success in healthcare IT, but often, I see people ignore all of that and try to figure it out on their own. As an example, I think it's innovative to incorporate usability principles into our EHR software and configuration options. It shouldn't be innovative, because these principles are now well established, yet I've seen lots of organizations ask their end users how something should look or function even though for many of the questions, we already have the answers. Q: How do you feel about the use of voice recognition technology, such as Amazon's Alexa and Google Assistant, in healthcare? Is there a place for its use within the EHR? CJ: Physicians are more excited about ambient listening devices than anything I've seen in my career. The idea that physicians will be able to ask, 'What was Bob's last ejection fraction?' or, 'Have we ever tried Betty on an ACE inhibitor?' is astounding. Soon these devices will be listening for documentation points or potential orders during office visits, all of which can be queued up for the physician to act on when he or she is ready. This is the future that clinicians have been waiting for. This is the technology that the EHR has been lacking. Q: How do you feel about physician builder programs in hospital systems? What are the advantages, or disadvantages, to putting one in place? CJ: I recently wrote a blog post for KLAS Research about how survey data has shown that physicians of a given specialty are happier with their EHR if they have a physician builder from their specialty at the organization. Contrary to stereotypes, most physicians embrace technology; they just want technology that works for them, and not vice versa. Giving some physicians extra behind-the-scenes training and access to their EHR configuration tools is a huge enterprise win. The power to create documentation templates and order sets, while straightforward to most IT analysts, is eye opening to practicing physicians. It frees them to create tools they would never have asked for or knew that they needed. Q: In regards to physician personalization, what advice would you offer to other hospital CMIOs looking to improve physician happiness when it comes to the EHR? CJ: EHR personalization is one of the key methods that we know can make physicians more efficient and more proficient as they do their work. Sending out tip sheets won't move the needle. While it's not difficult to personalize the EHR, overcoming inertia is difficult. I've found that personal outreach is essential. Having physician champions or other involved physicians 'testifying' about how 30 to 60 minutes of personalization saves them 15 to 30 minutes every single day can convince even the non-believers. The final step is to have other clinicians sit elbow-to-elbow for an hour and help the physicians do the personalization right then and there. That way, inertia is finally overcome. Dr. Joseph has an extensive background as a pediatrician and former Epic employee. In his roles as Avaap CMO and interim CMIO at El Camino Hospital, Dr. Joseph spends his time helping hospitals and health systems learn how to configure their EHR for greater physician efficiency and satisfaction. Connect with him on Twitter @CraigJoseph or www.avaap.com/contact. To learn more about clinical informatics and health IT, register for the Becker's Hospital Review 2nd Annual Health IT + Clinical Leadership Conference May 2-4, 2019 in Chicago. Click here to learn more and register. To participate in future Becker's Q&As, contact Jackie Drees at jdrees@beckershealthcare.com. More articles on health IT: Allscripts adds drug pricing tool to EHR solutions ONC: 93% of hospitals have adopted most recent EHR criteria, but most lag in interoperability Why Benefis Health System's CMIO sees a role for Alexa in EHR navigation + 4 most helpful technologies A successful clinical documentation program can help healthcare organizations achieve better financial performance and patient outcomes, which are both crucial improvements for hospitals navigating the shift to value-based care. "What we document drives what we receive financially. What we drive on the revenue side is directly related to how we show performance on the outcomes side," said Anthony F. Oliva, DO, vice president and CMO of Nuance Communication's healthcare division. "There are very few things in healthcare that can affect both sides of the [value-based care] transition, and this is one of them." Dr. Oliva offered his thoughts on the importance of clinical documentation improvement to 22 healthcare leaders during a Sept. 21 executive roundtable at the Becker's Hospital Review 4th Annual Health IT + Revenue Cycle Conference in Chicago. During the presentation, Dr. Oliva made the case that hospitals need to tap technology to make documentation initiatives more efficient and effective, especially on the inpatient side. Here are five takeaways from the discussion: 1. Consumerism and technology are driving the shift to value-based care. The transition away from fee-for-service is not policy-driven, but rather a consumerism-driven aspect of a normal economic cycle, according to Dr. Oliva. He cited the book "The Second Curve" by economist Ian Morrison, PhD, which outlines a business model consisting of two curves. The first curve represents a company or healthcare organization comfortably operating a traditional business model. The second curve occurs once factors like technology, consumerism and increased competition start to put pressure on the business model. "This is an absolute vital transition. If a business doesn't make that transition to the second curve, they will get left behind," Dr. Oliva said. "It can be a difficult process knowing when to make the transition and [knowing] what competitors will look like in that world." To understand how this curve will affect the healthcare industry, leaders must consider how the original healthcare business was designed. "The American healthcare model was built around the provider," Dr. Oliva said. "They drive everything, because those with knowledge control. I think we can all agree, physicians have always been the driver in a fee-for-service world." However, the rise of the internet and other technological advancements have made knowledge more ubiquitous patients can Google their own symptoms, shop around for healthcare and view quality ratings online. These capabilities put pressure on hospitals to offer patients a convenient, low-cost and high-quality healthcare experience to remain financially viable in a value-based care environment. 2. Inpatient revenue loss will be a major challenge. Technology and the push toward the second curve will drive more healthcare to outpatient settings without equal transfer of revenue, which will pose a major financial challenge for hospitals, according to Dr. Oliva. "We built these beautiful massive buildings for medicine with lots of beds and lots of cost that we developed our healthcare structure around," he said. "Now technology is saying we don't need to do everything in there." To prepare for this transition toward outpatient care, hospitals must optimize revenue under the current fee-for-service infrastructure while also working to accurately define the healthcare needs of the population they will be responsible to care for in a value-based environment. 3. Focus on expected patient outcomes. To maximize financial performance, Dr. Oliva said healthcare leaders should first spend time and energy to optimize processes, such as clinical documentation, that affect their facility's expected outcomes. A hospital's outcomes performance is calculated by dividing actual patient outcomes over expected outcomes. Many different factors can influence actual outcomes. For example, a patient who presents with early sepsis will likely have a much greater chance at survival than someone with severe sepsis, but this type of information is not represented on a billing statement, according to Dr. Oliva. "From a billing standpoint, sepsis and severe sepsis are the same, even though they really make a big difference," he said. In contrast, expected outcomes comprise only a patient's age, principal diagnosis and all secondary diagnoses, which are much easier for healthcare organizations to control. "At the end of the day, the equation is still observed over expected," Dr. Oliva said. "We focus all our activity to improve quality. But you can't talk to physicians about their outcomes until you they know the denominator is right." 4. CDI can move the needle on outcomes. After serving as a CMO for 15 years, Dr. Oliva joined Nuance in 2013 with a burning question: Can CDI really make a difference in patient outcomes? To answer this question, Nuance looked at multiple years of inpatient mortality data from CareChex, pinpointing hospitals using Nuance's clinical documentation program. Ninety percent of about 400 hospitals using the CDI program placed in the 90th percentile among all hospitals in the U.S. for overall inpatient mortality ratings. Before implementing the program, Nuance's client hospitals fell in the 54th percentile for mortality. When broken up by hospital type, CDI hospitals still demonstrated better mortality ratings, according to Dr. Oliva. "This is important because as we start to think about where we go with CDI improvement, if we're going to start using technology, we better be sure whatever we're doing is working," he said. 5. Let technology do the work for you. Technology solutions that use artificial intelligence and natural language processing capabilities to "understand" human language can help create more efficient workflows for physicians and CDI teams, according to Dr. Oliva. An AI-driven CDI program can run 24/7, freeing up clinicians to spend more time with patients, instead of completing arduous documentation tasks that can cause burnout. "If we can bring speech and physician-directed solutions to the physician at the time they're documenting, we can avoid bothering them later," he said. "For the CDI teams, there needs to be solutions to triage their work and flag the highest risk charts first for their review." These types of programs offer a much more efficient and cost-effective process for clinical documentation that allows clinicians to stay at the bedside while still capturing a patient's entire care journey, ultimately supporting both the healthcare organization's financial and clinical performance. To learn more about Nuance's clinical and revenue integrity solutions, click here. HHS is tackling a myriad of healthcare issues under the Trump administration, from drug pricing to HIPAA. Here, HHS Deputy Secretary Eric Hargan took time to talk to Becker's about pressing issues facing the agency. 1. HIPAA. HHS is considering changes to HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2, the federal privacy law that protects the confidentiality of substance use disorder medical records. HHS will seek input from physicians, hospitals, payers and other stakeholders on potential regulatory reform with HIPAA, via a request for information. "HIPAA is kind of an important element possibly standing in the way of people coordinating care, which is one leg in the move to value-based care," said Mr. Hargan. "Also, the 42 CFR Part 2 is part of the opioid initiative that the president has set for us, and we have heard from providers that 42 CFR Part 2 is a big issue in terms of providing coordinated care to people with substance abuse issues." Mr. Hargan said input on HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 will help determine the agency's future regulatory action. 2. Medicare appeals backlog. In May 2014, the American Hospital Association, Baxter Regional Medical Center in Mountain Home, Ark., Knoxville, Tenn.-based Covenant Health and Rutland (Vt.) Regional Medical Center sued HHS over the backlog of Medicare billing appeals at the administrative law judge level. They filed the lawsuit to force HHS to meet congressionally mandated deadlines for resolving the backlog. The case is ongoing. Most recently, both sides made oral arguments before Judge James Boasberg of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The AHA and hospitals argued for court-ordered targets for reducing the backlog. However, attorneys for HHS argued such targets are not crucial given Congress' recent appropriation of $182.3 million to the agency's Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals, which administers hearings regarding Medicare claim denials. Mr. Hargan said the appropriation will allow OMHA to expand its adjudication capacity for denied Medicare claims by increasing available staff positions and opening new offices to allow more geographical areas for appeals resolution. With the appropriation from Congress, "the adjudication capacity is going to increase from we think about 88,000 appeals [resolved] per year to somewhere around 180,000 per year," he said. "I think it's been a while since we've had an ability to handle a steady pipeline of appeals, but once we get staffed up with the resources Congress provided for us, I think OMHA will be able to resolve the backlog." HHS projects it will be able to eliminate the Medicare appeals backlog by fiscal year 2022. 3. Value-based care. The Trump administration continues to implement changes designed to move healthcare toward value-based care. In January, CMS introduced its new bundled payment model, Bundled Payments for Care Improvement Advanced. The model, which includes more than 30 clinical episodes, launched Oct. 1. Additionally, CMS in August proposed changes to the Medicare Shared Savings Program that would push ACOs to take on risk. And HHS Secretary Alex Azar told the Physician-Focused Payment Model Technical Advisory Committee in September that the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation will launch "new, bold" value-based care models, which may be mandatory. Mr. Hargan said the agency's goals overall are to reduce government regulatory burdens that impede value-based care while also providing new ways for providers to move to value-based arrangements. "Even though the term [value-based care] has been around [a long time], I think we're getting more meat on the bones about the idea," he said. "I think technologically we're much more able and don't have to rely on fee-for-service. Now we can get more toward an outcomes-based model. I think [with] the level of data specification we have now, it's going to be easier to move to value-based care." 4. Drug Pricing. In May, the Trump administration released a "blueprint" to combat rising drug prices. The blueprint includes prohibiting insurers and pharmacy benefit managers from writing gag clauses into their contracts with pharmacists. Gag clauses, which became illegal earlier this month, prevent pharmacists from disclosing to patients if they can save money by not using their insurance to purchase their medication. As part of the blueprint, HHS also proposed requiring drugmakers to disclose the list price of a drug in TV ads if the monthly cost exceeds $35. The rule would apply to direct-to-consumer Medicare and Medicaid drug ads. The list price must be disclosed using "legible text." Mr. Hargan said HHS' main goal regarding drug pricing is to increase price transparency for patients, particularly those who have high-deductible health plans and must pay the list price until they reach their deductible. "Drugs are important for people. People should know the prices for drugs. We're hopeful this is part of an ongoing more market-based approach to being able to bring down drug prices," he said. But a spokesperson for the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America told ABC News the trade group believes the proposed rule regarding drug ads is not the optimum way to provide patients with information about prescription costs. HHS will seek public comments on the proposed drug ad rule and then release a final rule. After allegedly killing 11 people at the Tree of Life synagogue in Squirrel Hill, Pa., on Oct. 27, the shooting suspect was taken to Pittsburgh-based Allegheny General Hospital to receive treatment for injuries sustained during the incident. While there, he was visited by the hospital's president, Jeff Cohen, MD, a Jewish physician with ties to the synagogue and local community, according to ABC News. While in custody and receiving medical treatment at Allegheny General, Robert Bowers, 46, allegedly told a SWAT officer he wanted all Jews to die and that Jewish people "were committing genocide to his people," according to the police criminal complaint obtained by CNN. Dr. Cohen, who lives down the street from the synagogue, told ABC News he heard the gunshots from the mass shooting inside the temple. He told the television station he went to visit Mr. Bowers, 46, while he was being treated at Allegheny General. "I stopped to see him, I just asked him how he was doing. Was he in pain, and he said no, he was fine," Dr. Cohen told ABC News. "He asked me who I was. I said, 'I'm Dr. Cohen; I'm the president of the hospital.' I turned around and left." "I thought it was important to at least talk to him and meet him," Dr. Cohen said. "You can't on one hand say we should talk to each other, and then I don't talk to him. So you lead by example and I'm the leader of the hospital and I have a powerful voice in the community." Dr. Cohen said two other Jewish individuals were part of Mr. Bowers' care team while he received treatment at the hospital: a nurse and a physician. "We have a very simple mission at [Allegheny General Hospital] and I imagine it's exactly the same at the other hospitals in the area: We're here to take care sick people. We're not here to judge you," he said. "We're not here to ask do you have insurance or do you not have insurance. We're here to take care of people that need our help." Mr. Bowers entered the synagogue Oct. 27 armed with an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle and three handguns, CBS News reports. The incident lasted roughly 20 minutes, during which 11 people were killed and at least six were injured. Mr. Bowers eventually surrendered himself to police. Among the 11 killed was Jerry Rabinowitz, MD, a 66-year-old primary care physician from Edgewood Borough, Pa., who was affiliated with Pittsburgh-based UPMC. Mr. Bowers faces 29 charges, including 11 counts of using a firearm to commit murder and multiple counts relating to two hate crimes, according to CNN. Pittsburgh-based UPMC chaplain and nurse Daniel Leger, RN, was in critical condition late Oct. 27 after a gunman opened fire at the Tree of Life synagogue in Squirrel Hill, Pa., according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Mr. Leger was scheduled to lead a service at Tree of Life the morning of Oct. 27. Six of the 17 people shot Oct. 27, including Mr. Leger, survived. Mr. Leger was in critical condition late Oct. 27 after undergoing surgery at Oakland, Pa.-based UPMC Presbyterian for a gunshot wound to the torso. At least 11 people, including UPMC-affiliated physician Jerry Rabinowitz, MD, were killed during the shooting. Pittsburgh-based UPMC and Allegheny Health Network treated seven victims of the shooting. Three UPMC physicians, Pittsburgh Emergency Medical Services and other first responders arrived on the scene within a half-hour of the shooting. More articles on physicians: LSU Health Shreveport med school CMO returns to institution after arrest California hospital's exclusive ICU physician contract spurs concern Florida hospital to prohibit unaffiliated physicians from treating patients Support staff at Mercy Health St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo, Ohio, will decide whether to authorize their union representatives to call a strike, The Blade reported. The strike authorization votes are scheduled for Oct. 26 and Oct. 29. They cover about 877 nurses represented by United Auto Workers Local 2213, as well as 1,153 X-ray technicians, therapists, housekeepers and other support staff represented by UAW Local 12. UAW Local 2213 Chairman and President Susan Pratt told The Blade per-patient staffing levels and dispute resolution processes are key sticking points in negotiations. UAW Local 12 President Bruce Baumhower said key sticking points for his local include wages, staffing levels and health insurance and pensions. "Negotiations have been very difficult, as they always are," he said. Mercy Health officials told The Blade there has been "significant progress" in negotiations for technicians and service workers and that efforts will continue to reach an agreement. They also said staffing changes based on patient volume and need. "We continue to negotiate in good faith and are committed to working with the UAW on reaching agreements that recognize the hard work and dedication of our employees, while balancing the need to offer affordable and accessible healthcare to our community," they said. "For more than 160 years, our mission has been about providing the highest quality of care to our patients and we will never waiver from that commitment," they said. Both locals have contracts that are set to expire soon. More articles on human capital and risk: Some healthcare workers at California hospital don't want to remain unionized Pennsylvania nurses authorize strike University of California workers go on strike From a judge halting a hospital merger in Maine to a medical equipment company settling False Claims Act allegations, here are the latest healthcare industry lawsuits and settlements making headlines. 1. Judge halts Maine hospital merger A judge put a hold on the proposed merger of Mayo Regional Hospital in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine, and Northern Light Health in Brewer, Maine. 2. Iowa hospital sues Medicaid insurers over ED reimbursement Virginia Gay Hospital, a critical access hospital in Vinton, Iowa, sued three private insurers managing Iowa's Medicaid program for allegedly recouping overpayments. 3. CHI allegedly defrauded of millions by IT employee, 2 others A federal grand jury indicted three men on Oct. 11 on multiple counts of fraud and money laundering for allegedly defrauding Englewood, Colo.-based Catholic Health Initiatives. 4. Aetna's $50M overbilling case against medical group moves forward A federal judge denied Sunrise, Fla.-based Mednax's motion to dismiss Aetna's lawsuit alleging the medical group inflated bills for neonatal care. 5. Medical equipment company will pay $5.2M to settle false billing allegations Prestonsburg, Ky.-based Cooley Medical Equipment agreed to pay $5.25 million to resolve allegations it violated the False Claims Act. 6. AHA, HHS present court arguments on Medicare appeals backlog: 7 things to know The American Hospital Association and three member facilities made oral court arguments Oct. 23 in a lawsuit against HHS over the Medicare appeals backlog. 7. Maryland asks Supreme Court to uphold law against generic drug price-gouging Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold a state law designed to combat price-gouging of generic drugs. 8. Contracted physicians at Ascension All Saints accused of overbilling Medicare, Medicaid A physician filed a federal whistle-blower lawsuit against TeamHealth, the contracted anesthesiology group at Ascension All Saints Hospital in Racine, Wis., alleging the hospital staffing firm overbilled Medicare and Medicaid millions through its subsidiary Racine Anesthesia Services. 9. NJ community hospital settles with BCBS after alleging it was pushed out of market Ridgewood, N.J.-based Valley Hospital settled with Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey the day before a trial was set to begin on allegations that the insurer pushed smaller community hospitals out of the market. More articles on legal and regulatory issues: Texas hospital co-founder admits bribing physicians as part of $200M billing scheme Kentucky hospital's ex-chief of staff fails to halt $361M sale to Baptist Health Hospital management company CEO wants money, property released amid investigation A Missouri man filed a $10 million lawsuit against the Center for Behavioral Medicine in Kansas City, claiming the facility failed to protect him from another patient's violent behavior, reports The Kansas City Star. Nathaniel Hughes, a patient at the state-run mental health facility, allegedly punched Daniel Garcia in the face March 22, according to the lawsuit. Mr. Garcia suffered from fractured facial bones, along with injuries to his eye, jaw and teeth. Mr. Hughes was charged with first-degree assault, according to Jackson County (Mo.) Circuit Court records cited by The Kansas City Star. The suit alleges staff members at the facility knew about other physical attacks carried out by Mr. Hughes as far back as 2016 but did not take steps to protect Mr. Garcia and other patients from his "dangerous and aggressive behavior." Mr. Garcia's lawyers argue he had a constitutional right to be protected from patient-on-patient violence. He is seeking $5 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages, along with attorney fees. The Missouri Department of Mental Health does not comment on pending litigation, a department spokesperson told The Kansas City Star Oct. 29. More articles on legal and regulatory issues: 9 latest healthcare industry lawsuits, settlements Judge halts Maine hospital merger Aetna's $50M overbilling case against medical group moves forward Walmart is partnering with New Orleans-based Ochsner Health System to launch a health insurance plan for about 6,600 Walmart and Sam's Club employees. This marks the first time the health system has partnered in this capacity with a large national employer, according to The Times-Picayune. The health insurance plan, called the Ochsner Accountable Care Plan, will be available to Walmart and Sam's Club employees in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, La., beginning Jan. 1. The health insurance plan will utilize Ochsner's ACO, a group of physicians, hospitals and other care providers. The goals are to avoid duplication of services, improve care and save money. Walmart employees from 41 store locations will have access to care through a network of 200 primary care physicians with Ochsner Health. Patient engagement specialists also will be available for the Walmart employees through a 24-hour call center. Walmart has partnered with 10 other health systems in several other states through similar accountable care plans, Kory Lundberg, Walmart's senior director of global communications, told The Times-Picayune. More articles on payers: Viewpoint: Why short-term health plans should worry patients without them Looming Aetna, Mount Sinai Medical Center split could affect 100K 5 ways to maximize collections as the patient becomes the payer In an effort to combat rising drug prices, one Utah health insurer will pay its members to travel to Mexico to fill prescriptions for certain expensive drugs, according to The Salt Lake Tribune. PEHP, based in Salt Lake City, covers 160,000 public employees and family members. The insurer is offering to buy its members plane tickets to San Diego and transportation to a "top-notch" clinic in Tijuana, Mexico. It also offers a $500 cash payout for patients willing to travel to fill prescriptions for expensive drugs for conditions like autoimmune disorders, cancer or multiple sclerosis. "That money is pretty small in comparison to the difference between U.S. prices and Mexico prices," Travis Tolley, clinical operations director for PEHP, told The Tribune. The health insurer launched its "pharmacy tourism" program in response to Utah legislation that went into effect this fall. The law mandates that state employee insurance plans offer cash incentives to patients who choose cheaper providers or save the insurance company money in other ways. The pharmacy tourism benefits apply to about a dozen drugs that are vastly cheaper in Mexico. One drug on the list, Avonex, which treats MS, costs $6,700 for a month's supply in the U.S., but just $2,200 through a clinic in Tijuana. Beneficiaries are capped at purchasing a three-month supply. A three-month supply of the drug would save roughly $13,500, which more than covers the $500 reward and transportation. PEHP says transportation costs are typically less than $300 per person. Patients choosing to go to Mexico for their prescriptions will be driven to a clinic that contracts with PEHP. The clinic is comparable to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., or Cleveland Clinic in the U.S., PEHP Director Chet Loftis told the Tribune. PEHP has offered coverage for out-of-county medical procedures, commonly referred to as medical tourism, but many patients haven't used the option. The insurer said it hopes the cash incentives will push more patients to participate. Read the full story here. Abbott Laboratories and Abbvie Inc. will pay a total of $25 million to resolve allegations that Abbott paid kickbacks to physicians and employed unlawful marketing tactics to bolster prescriptions of its cholesterol drug TriCor, the Department of Justice said in a news release. The settlement comes nine years after a whistleblower first alerted feds to the alleged misconduct. The alleged events took place between 2006 and 2008, when Abbott's pharmaceutical business, known as AbbVie, was still in-house. The companies will split the settlement, which will not require either party to admit wrongdoing. The whistleblower lawsuit claimed that Abbott provided physicians with gift baskets, gift cards and paid out consulting and speaking fees. In addition, the drugmaker allegedly promoted TriCor for unapproved uses such as preventing cardiovascular complications when it was only approved to treat high cholesterol. The lawsuit was filed in Eastern District of Pennsylvania by Amy Bergman, a former Abbott sales representative, under whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act. Ms. Bergman will receive $6.5 million as her share of the settlement. After completing a review of its drug portfolio, Swiss drug giant Novartis AG is dropping about 20 percent of its drug-research projects, according to Bloomberg. The pharma company downsized its program from 430 projects to 340 projects. Among the projects dropped were medications for infectious diseases. "The sadness about these 90 projects is there's some great science there," Jay Bradner, MD, president of the Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, told O "These are not bad ideas. Many of them have momentum, but they either are not likely to be transformative for patients, or are ill-suited to the focused business ambitions of Novartis." Novartis' decision to shed the projects is another move by CEO Vas Narasimhan to refocus the drugmaker on the most cutting-edge medicines, such as cancer immunotherapies and gene therapies. Some of the research projects Novartis will get rid of will be sold to and developed by other companies, while others will be halted or shelved, Dr. Brander said. Novartis had already announced its decision to shut down its antibiotics research unit earlier this year. Read the full story here. As disruptors continue to push into the healthcare arena and pressure accumulates to reduce drug prices, pharmaceutical companies are taking steps to remain competitive and enhance their drug pipelines. 2017 marked a slow year of mergers and acquisitions in the pharmaceutical industry. However, experts from some of the largest drug manufacturers are expecting the pace of deals in 2018 to significantly accelerate as a result of the tax overhaul. So far, they have been right. In the first quarter of 2018, the volume of pharmaceutical takeovers rose to a record-setting level, according to Bloomberg, and this trend shows no signs of slowing. In the last two months, the following drugmakers announced or completed mergers, acquisitions, partnerships and general transactions. Note: This is not an exhaustive list. Deals were reported by Becker's Hospital Review and are presented in the order they were reported. 1. Eli Lilly buys $100M stake in gene-silencing drug firm Eli Lilly & Co. is the latest drugmaker to bet on gene-silencing technology, spending $100 million for a stake in Dicerna Pharmaceuticals. 2. Novartis, Pfizer team partner to fight fatty liver disease After working on separate medications for years, pharma giants Novartis AG and Pfizer will collaborate to develop combination treatments for a liver disease. Experts predict a highly lucrative market for such treatments. 3. AstraZeneca bolsters cancer drug pipeline with $170M Innate Pharma deal AstraZeneca has struck a $170 million deal with Innate Pharma that will bolster its cancer drug pipeline as the London-based drug giant pivots toward a future in oncology. 4. Novartis strikes $2.1B deal to buy cancer drugmaker Endocyte In a deal valued at $2.1 billion, Swiss pharma giant Novartis AG will purchase Endocyte, a U.S.-based biopharmaceutical company developing new treatments for prostate cancer. 5. Walgreens to buy pharmacy patient files from Fred's for $165M Walgreens will purchase pharmacy patient prescription files and related inventory from 185 Fred's Pharmacy stores for $165 million, plus an amount equal to the value of related pharmacy inventory. 6. Novartis to sell off part of generics business for $1B Swiss pharma giant Novartis will sell part of its generic drug business, Sandoz, in a deal valued at $1 billion. President Donald Trump's proposal to lower Medicare drug costs, which was first announced Oct. 25, is drawing resistance from various segments of the healthcare industry including physicians, pharma companies and hospitals, according to Politico. Here are four things to know: 1. The Trump administration's plan would test ways to lower costs for drugs directly administered in hospitals by using an "international pricing index" to keep prices more in line with the lower prices paid in many other developed countries for the same drug. The index would be used as benchmark to decide how much Medicare would pay for drugs covered by Part B, which covers physician visits for seniors and drugs prescribed to them during their visits. 2. In addition, the plan would encourage more private sector negotiations between vendors, physicians and drugmakers. 3. The pharmaceutical lobbying group representing big pharma, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, was the first to object to the proposal, comparing it to government price controls and socialized medicine. 4. Physicians and hospitals are also worried their patients will lose access to critical medications, according to Politico. Ted Okon, head of the Community Oncology Alliance, a group of cancer providers and drug industry supporters, is worried the Trump administration's proposal would introduce "middlemen" into Medicare Part B that will lead to delays in treatment or denials in care. Read the full report here. A 26th child was diagnosed with adenovirus at the Wanaque (N.J.) Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation Oct. 30, prompting New Jersey state officials to take preventative actions at other healthcare facilities so similar breakouts do not occur, according to New Jersey 101.5. Epidemiologists and members of the New Jersey Department of Health's Infection Control Assessment and Response team are scheduled to visit Newark, N.J.-based University Hospital's neonatal intensive care unit, along with four other pediatric long-term facilities, to assess and train staff on infection control procedures. "Facility outbreaks are not always preventable, but in response to what we have seen in Wanaque, we are taking aggressive steps to minimize the chance they occur among the most vulnerable patients in New Jersey," Shereef Elnahal, MD, New Jersey's department of health commissioner, told NJ Spotlight. The New Jersey Department of Health confirmed 26 cases and nine pediatric deaths attributed to adenovirus as of Oct. 30 The CDC is also helping in the investigative efforts. More articles on clinical leadership and infectin control: Yale New Haven hospital nurse receives quality award for aiding crash victim California hospitals make most progress in reducing HAIs since 2009, report finds What keeps CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield up at night? Pandemic flu Researchers at Atlanta-based Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health received a two-year, $1.5 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to focus on immunization programs in low-income countries. Matthew Freeman, PhD, and Robert Bednarczyk, PhD, will partner with researchers fromto assess how Nepal, Senegal, India and others rapidly increased and sustained vaccination rates. The interdisciplinary team will include experts from various fields, including science, epidemiology and political science. Researchers aim to provide actionable plans and guidance to prompt vaccination improvements to better protect vulnerable populations in the U.S. "We want to understand why countries and districts were able to catalyze progress and generate momentum in performance improvements that resulted in significant coverage growth," Dr. Freeman said in a press release. "We also want to look at how they implemented specific interventions and/or what they did that enabled successful outcomes." More articles on clinical leadership and infection control: Minneapolis hospital enrolled ER patients in ketamine studies without consent, FDA finds Cancer hospital ads mislead patients about survival chances, report says Ohio hospitals see jump in hepatitis A cases Salisbury, N.C.-based Novant Health Rowan Medical Center celebrated a 70 percent decrease in hospital-acquired infections since 2016, and as of Oct. 27, the hospital had no infections for the month, according to the Salisbury Post. Hospital staff worked to decrease the number of infections in several ways, including hand-washing campaigns that focused on what would be easiest for physicians, said Dari Caldwell, PhD, RN, president of Novant Health Rowan Medical Center. "We really listen to our team members," Dr. Caldwell said. "When we went with a real focus around hand washing and we would talk to our team members about it, they would show us it would be a lot easier to wash our hands if we had a hand-washing dispenser here where we didn't have one. We really listened to our front-line team around where they needed the hand-washing devices." Other infection control methods included receiving an ultraviolet disinfection system, switching cleaners and reducing urinary catheter use. Hospital staff also began investigating why patients had an infection. "We started monitoring any time we did have an infection," Dr. Caldwell said. "We would do a root-cause analysis to see what happened, how did this happen, how could it have been avoided and so forth." Dr. Caldwell said she wants patients to know the care team is knowledgeable about how to keep them from getting infections. A nurse at Lee's Summit, Mo.-based Saint Luke's East Hospital who posted photos of herself and another person in blackface is no longer employed, the hospital told The Kansas City Star. KCUR published a screenshot of a photo allegedly from nurse Shelbi Elliott-Heenan's Facebook page, which appears to have been deleted as of Oct. 30. The photo, which is captioned "Jay Z and Beyonce," shows a man and woman in costume. The woman is wearing dark makeup. The hospital became aware of the photos Oct. 29, after which the "information was shared with appropriate health system personnel and an investigation was initiated immediately," a Saint Luke's spokesperson told The Kansas City Star. "While it is against Saint Luke's policy to comment on specific personnel matters, we can confirm that this individual is no longer a Saint Luke's employee," the spokesperson said. After Facebook user Lynese Sade complained about the nurse and said "I do not feel that it is safe having a racist employee working with the public," hospital officials responded by saying Saint Luke's is "committed to providing the highest level of care and treating all our patients with dignity and respect and this does not fit with the core values of our organization." The Saint Luke's investigation is ongoing. More articles on clinical leadership and infection control: How a Novant Health hospital reduced infections by 70% AHRQ recruits hospitals for surgical care improvement project Ebola outbreak now Congo's 3rd largest with 270+ cases Some physicians and surgeons at the University of Kansas in Lawrence said the United Network for Organ Sharing's proposal to change organ donation distribution zones would adversely affect liver transplant programs, according to KCTV 5 News. "We could see upwards of a 40 percent decrease in transplant numbers in our region and that means patients could have to wait twice as long as they do now," Tim Schmitt, MD, a physician in the transplant program at Kansas City-based University of Kansas Medical Center, told KCTV 5 News. UNOS creates the rules for organ allocation, which vary for each organ. For example, livers are paired with patients based on blood type, liver size and patient sickness. UNOS is pushing for liver sharing circles that center around major transplants centers in place of regional sharing. Currently, there are 11 designated organ sharing regions in the U.S., according to UNOS' website. UNOS' proposal to draw liver donation zones around transplants centers would increase the size of the zones, which raises concerns among some clinicians who say shipping liver donations long distances could potentially harm patients and increase costs. "This is not how we want to practice. We want to help people and do our job. Our job now is to completely fight the system to advocate for our patients so they can have a chance at life," Sean Kumer, MD, a transplant surgeon at the University of Kansas Medical Center, told KCTV 5 News. More articles on clinical leadership and infection control: 26 sickened, 9 dead in New Jersey adenovirus outbreak Yale New Haven hospital nurse receives quality award for aiding crash victim California hospitals make most progress in reducing HAIs since 2009, report finds Arkansas Children's, which includes Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock and Arkansas Children's Northwest in Springdale, is increasing its lowest wage earners from $10.10 an hour to $14 an hour, the system confirmed. The increase has been approved by board members and is scheduled to take effect Jan. 1. "We believe this investment will result in team members who are better equipped to help us care for sick and hurt children," Arkansas Children's President and CEO Marcy Doderer told KARK. "To take care of our most vulnerable populations, our board of directors saw it as fundamental to take care of our team by offering this living wage. We want our employees to feel like their pay check can take care of them and their families." The system said the change will also help it stay competitive with other local employers amid wage shifts. Arkansas Children's employs 4,300 people at its two hospitals and clinics in Jonesboro, Ark., and Southwest Little Rock. A majority of Massachusetts residents polled say they are voting against a ballot measure calling for mandated nurse staffing ratios at hospitals, The Boston Globe reported. A Suffolk University/Boston Globe poll taken Oct. 24-27 found 59 percent of the 500 likely midterm voters oppose the nurse staffing ballot measure, while 32 percent support it. Many respondents said input from a nurse they personally know contributed to their decision, rather than political ads, according to the report. The most recent poll is in contrast to a September poll, which found likely Massachusetts voters were split evenly on the ballot measure. Question 1, proposed by the Massachusetts Nurses Association, calls for mandated nurse staffing ratios that would vary by unit, floor or department. Some instances would call for nurses to care for six patients, while others would call for a 1-to-1 patient-to-nurse ratio. Supporters such as union leaders argue mandated nurse staffing ratios will improve patient care, and opponents in the hospital industry say the ratios will worsen nurse care delivery, lead to longer emergency room wait times and hurt community hospitals and mental health facilities. Voters will decide the ballot measure on Nov. 6. Columbus-based Central Ohio Primary Care is the nation's largest independent primary care physician group and an industry leader in physician engagement. COPC partnered with agilon health, which aims to help physician groups implement programs to spend less time on business administration and more time with patients. COPC CEO William Wulf, MD, and agilon health CEO Ron Kuerbitz recently spoke with Becker's Spine Review about net promoter scores and shifting practice culture to adapt to value-based care. Question: What is the importance of a high net promoter score for physician practices? Dr. William Wulf: Net promoter score is a common metric for physician engagement and patient experience. We believe there is a connection between the two physicians who are satisfied with their practice environment deliver better patient care. We are extremely proud that our NPS from physicians is an industry-leading 85, which basically means there are 85 percent more physician promoters within our practice than detractors. When you bring 350 physicians together under one common clinical vision and governance structure, achieving that level of satisfaction doesn't happen on its own. Many of our strategies and initiatives are designed to improve the lives of our physicians. We also measure how satisfied our patients are with the care and service they receive from our physicians. For example, we recently surveyed patients that participate in our COPC Senior Care Advantage program, and more than 95 percent of them attend their annual wellness visits. and many of them say they love the focused time and attention from their COPC physician. As a result of our partnership with agilon health, we were able to launch a global risk program in 2017 for our Medicare Advantage patients, and today, more than 25,0000 COPC patients are benefitting from it. Aagilon health's platform, which delivers an integrated people, process and technology solution through a deeply-aligned partnership with our physician group, has allowed us to develop a Medicare Advantage-focused service line without sacrificing our independence and practice culture. Question: What were the key contributors to your high score? What makes the difference? WW: While COPC's philosophy has always been to include our physicians in the practice's decision-making process, we are now involving them even more. One physician representative from each of the 67 clinics attends a monthly advisory committee meeting. Today, more than 80 percent of COPC physicians are shareholders, and, therefore, are financially rewarded for contributing to the success of the practice. Also, all COPC physicians are incentivized for their ability to deliver quality patient care. In addition to our governance model, we believe that our commitment as a practice to value-based care is a significant contributor to physician satisfaction. Working with the leadership of agilon health, we have implemented new strategies, such as centralized referral management; new sites of care, including a high-risk clinic; increased clinical assistance from nurse practitioners and other healthcare professionals and improved patient engagement, to name a few. These strategies allow our physicians to spend more quality time with their patients and provide them with even more comprehensive healthcare. Q: How does this raise the bar for other physician groups? Ron Kuerbitz: The U.S. healthcare system is in the midst of systematic change for primary care physicians. Physician burnout is becoming endemic, patient mix is quickly shifting to Medicare and Medicare Advantage, payer mix is shifting to risk-based payment, and the demands for quality care coordination systems are greater than ever. However, from our perspective, the market does not offer primary care physicians an effective model to capture the emerging opportunity. With agilon health's help, the COPC model is paying off. This year, the organization has added 10 new physicians, and the practice's Medicare Advantage patient population has grown more than 10 percent. COPC is thriving as a result of this growth and enhancing its position of the 'practice of choice,' which makes it attractive to new physician talent and further strengthens its competitive position in the marketplace. Besides COPC, agilon health is assisting other U.S. physician practices to stay ahead of the curve by providing them with a platform to leap from fee-for-service to value-based care. We are beginning to see this virtuous cycle with our other partner practices, including primary care groups in Austin, [Texas], and Akron, [Ohio]. Within the next two years, we expect to provide our technology-enabled risk services to a total of 15 markets across the U.S. Q: Do you think the net promoter scores will become part of a national trend? RK: Yes. The continued commitment to measuring physician engagement underlines its importance in the success and sustainability of our healthcare system. And the net promoter score is an excellent tool for measuring the overall satisfaction rate of physicians. Shortages of primary care physicians, aging populations, and the complexity of changing reimbursement systems and program puts a tremendous amount of strain on many physician practices. On a daily basis, physicians find themselves on the front lines of this transition from fee-for-service to high-quality, value-based care, often without a partner to help or a business model to use as a guide. It's important for physician groups to seek outside help during this difficult transitional time. Personally, I think the deep commitment we make to our partner practices not only engages them at the organization level, but also touches each individual physician. Our physician leaders and the agilon health team agrees with those tenets and we've built a company to cultivate that. Q: How did the practice have to shift its culture to get this score? WW: We realize that physicians want to work in an environment where they are appreciated, and their time and input are valued. At COPC, physicians continue to be more involved in the decision making and are financially rewarded and incentivized. COPC is leading the way nationally through its adoption of a successful value-based care model, but we know that our practice must continue to evolve with the changes in the marketplace. We want to provide our physicians complete transparency for the quality and cost of the care we manage and the utilization trends of all providers in the network. We strive to give them the opportunity to spend the right amount of time with the right patient. And most of all, we want them to remain independent. Physicians who feel they contribute and are engaged in the practice are one of the main reasons that COPC continues to be an industry leader, offering high-quality and accountable care for patients. Protestant farmers are more likely to farm on large farms than their Catholic counterparts, official figures have shown. (stock) (Rui Vieira/PA) Protestant farmers are more likely to farm on large farms than their Catholic counterparts, official figures have shown. Statistics from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs give a snapshot of life for Northern Ireland's farmers, with a focus on social and equality issues impacting the sector. It was found around 85% of Catholic farmers farmed 'very small farms', compared to 68% of their Protestant counterparts. Protestant farmers were found to be more likely to farm on large farms (10% compared to 2%), dairy farms (16% compared to 5%), and lowland farms (41% compared to 15%). Of Northern Ireland's total farmers, 51% stated their religion as Protestant, 42% stated it as Catholic, with 6% stating other or no relgion. Overall picture Generally, Northern Ireland's farmers are overwhelmingly older males, and are almost exclusively all white. The average age of farmers was 59 years old, with only 8% of farmers identified as head of the business who were under the age of 40. Only 9% of principal farming partners were female - with the majority of female farmers working on 'very small farms'. With their age profile skewing towards the higher end, farmers were seen to have disabilities more frequently than the average member of the public. The figures show just under a third of farmers have a long-term limiting condition, compared with one-fifth of the general population. An interesting correlation is also seen between the age profile of farmers and the size of the farm they tend. Farmers of very small farms were more likely to have a long-term limiting condition than their counterparts on large farms, by 32% compared to 20%. A correlation also exists between farm size and the marital status of the farmer, with 71% of farmers on very small farms married compared to 84% of farmers on large farms. The figures on the social and equality status of farmers in Northern Ireland have come at a time of uncertainty in the sector. Last week the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee called for the future of the agriculture industry in the region to be examined post-Brext in the context of the absence of a devolved Assembly. While the Budget announcement of 350m for the Belfast City Region Deal falls short of the 450m which is needed, it is nevertheless a step forward for what is an ambitious plan, which has the potential to deliver 20,000 jobs. This Budget is to be welcomed by the retail and wider business community in Northern Ireland. While we haven't got everything we pushed for, funding for the Primark fire, City Deals and an air passenger duty (APD) working group are clearly wins for Northern Ireland plc. It also shows the importance of the business community's engagement and setting out its stall at Westminster and at the Conservative Party Conference. Retail NI has been extensively lobbying at Westminster for measures to address the Primark fire aftermath and adding our voice to the call for City Deals for Belfast and Londonderry. Along with our colleagues, Hospitality Ulster and Manufacturing NI, Retail NI published our joint 'New Deal for Northern Ireland' at one of the biggest ever Northern Ireland events at the House of Commons, at which we called for action on business rates, City Deals, infrastructure investment and APD. While the Budget announcement of 350m for the Belfast City Region Deal falls short of the 450m which is needed, it is nevertheless a step forward for what is an ambitious plan, which has the potential to deliver 20,000 jobs. It must also be the catalyst for a huge programme of town and city centre regeneration in that area. We were one of the first business organisations to call for City Deals for Belfast and Derry and are pleased to see them both progressed in the Budget. Retail NI will be seeking urgent clarification from the Government that the proposed business rates relief reduction outlined for independent retailers in England will apply here. Rates reform is absolutely critical to the future of the economy. Many small traders we represent are struggling to pay their rate bills and we are calling for the largest ever rate relief of 100m to support our town and city centres, to ensure small business owners can reinvest more of their own money into growing their business and employing more staff. We believe that economic policy now needs to be rebooted, with a stronger focus on reforming business rates, infrastructure investment, skills and urban regeneration. This Budget moves us towards this rethink. In the 18 months since the last Executive met, the world and the economy have moved on. An entirely new and radical approach is now needed to address the huge challenges facing Northern Ireland as we approach Brexit. The Secretary of State needs to clarify what the extra 320m in this Budget for the Northern Ireland Executive is going to be spent on, given that we have no Executive. Is it Karen Bradley or David Sterling we need to talk to? A company owned and controlled by the family of beef baron Larry Goodman has agreed a deadline of December 3 to further clarify its plans for the 100m (89m) redevelopment of the Setanta Centre on Dublin's Nassau Street. Larry Goodman's beef group ABP operates a large meat factory in Warrenpoint, Co Down. After considering additional information provided by Goodman family firm Ternary, Dublin city planners have requested further clarification on the redevelopment proposal in advance of a decision on whether or not to grant planning permission. An examination of the planner's report shows the council remains concerned about the potential visual and conservation impacts of the Goodman scheme on both Nassau Street and the adjacent South Frederick Street. The report specifically calls for Ternary's proposal to "respond to, and better reflect and respect the character and scale of the receiving context and streetscape, including protected structures on both Nassau Street and South Frederick Street". The report also asks that the redevelopment proposal "relates more sympathetically to the adjoining protected structures and in particular the scale and height of the streetscape along Nassau Street". Ternary has also been called upon to "reassess and specifically address and justify in terms of architectural conservation, the height and massing" of its proposed building. Ternary's plan for the Setanta Centre has come up against strong opposition from the Kilkenny Group which operates its flagship store and cafe, the Kilkenny Design Centre, there. While representatives from Ternary met with the Kilkenny Group earlier this year to discuss the potential impact the construction phase of the proposed redevelopment would have on its Nassau Street operations, its bid to allay the retailer's concerns proved unsuccessful. In its objection to the Goodman firm's revised plan for the Setanta Centre, consultants for the Kilkenny Group said that the large number of unaddressed issues associated with the development "is unacceptable and fundamentally lacks consideration for the operation of the Kilkenny Shop". The submission said it would not be possible for the Kilkenny shop to continue trading during the construction period. It added that this would have consequences for the 88 full-time and 20 seasonal employees at the store and the one million shoppers who visit the Kilkenny shop every year. Veteran publican and hotelier Louis Fitzgerald has held preliminary talks with the Doran family about buying two of Dublin's best-known pubs, The Old Stand and Davy Byrnes. The three Doran brothers - all now in their 70s - are believed to be selling The Old Stand for 2m (1.8m) and Davy Byrnes for 6m (5.3m). But the two parties failed to reach a final agreement about a sale of the iconic pubs, it is understood. The Old Stand in Exchequer Street and Davy Byrnes in Duke Street are two of the most popular remaining examples of the traditional Dublin pub. The most recent set of accounts for Doran's (Cafe Bars) Ltd, which owns The Old Stand, showed profits up more than 11% in 2017 to more than 780,000 (693,165). The firm that owns Davy Byrnes - also controlled by the Doran brothers - saw profits rise more than 35% to just under 500,000 (444,323) in the same period. The Louis Fitzgerald Group already owns a range of hotels and pubs, including other Dublin favourites such as Kehoes on South Anne Street and The Stags Head. Mr Fitzgerald confirmed that his company would be interested were the pubs to come to market, but said the meetings he had with the Dorans were confidential and that he did not wish to comment further. Business leaders here have welcomed Chancellor Philip Hammond's Autumn Budget, but expressed disappointment that Northern Ireland will miss out on some of the key initiatives. Among the business-friendly measures NI is likely to lose out on is the move to cut rates bills by one-third for retail properties with a rateable value below 51,000 as rates is a devolved matter. Glyn Roberts of Retail NI yesterday called for the small retailer scheme to be extended here. Also expressing his disappointment, Aodhan Connolly of the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium added: "Due to no Assembly, no Executive and no ministers, we in Northern Ireland are stuck with an antiquated system where retailers are 12% of the economy but pay 24% of business rates. "This is simply not tenable." Business representatives did welcome most of the headline figures in yesterday's Budget, including a 350m City Deal for Belfast and eastern councils, as well as a 2m relief fund for Belfast city centre to help it cope with the impact of the Primark fire. In total, the Chancellor said his measures would add 320m to the Northern Ireland block grant through to 202021. Key announcements for business included an increase in the national living wage from 7.83 an hour to 8.21, confirmation that corporation tax, already cut to 19%, will fall to 17% in 2020 and a 240m allocation, to halve the co-investment rate for apprenticeship training to 5%. Fuel duty will also remain frozen for the ninth successive year. Tina McKenzie, who chairs the Federation of Small Businesses in NI said: "There were a number of very welcome pro-business initiatives, such as on the Additional Investment Allowance, which will stimulate capital spending in equipment as businesses respond to the tightening labour market post-Brexit." She added the Chancellor was correct to resist any moves to lower the threshold at which point businesses begin to pay VAT, something she said would have extended a significant administrative burden on small companies in Northern Ireland. "Overall, the announced investments, coupled with changes to personal allowances and higher rate tax thresholds will help relieve pressures on employees and put more money in their pockets, which will be very much welcomed by our hard-pressed retailers." However, there was no movement in the Budget to cut VAT on tourism here or an immediate end to short-haul air passenger duty (APD). Instead the Chancellor pledged to set up an APD working group. Tax commentator at PwC NI Janette Jones said while the increase in National Living Wage represents a 690 annual pay rise for a full-time worker, she said it could pose challenges for some small employers. "Given the size of Northern Ireland's hospitality sector, meeting the goal of a 38p per hour increase will be a struggle for many local employers," she said. Ann McGregor, chief executive of the NI Chamber, also welcomed the increase in the Annual Investment Allowance, stating that it could provide a strong incentive for firms to invest during the Brexit process. She also said the additional 215m for the UK-wide digital catapult, as well as the new e-passport measures, will be welcomed by businesses here. The new measure will allow business and leisure travellers from the US, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Japan to use the e-passport gates at UK ports. Meanwhile, there was some scepticism on the scope of the new Digital Services Tax, which will introduce a new 2% tax on the revenues of some tech companies from April 2020. The Chancellor stressed it would only target the so-called tech giants and not small start-ups. He said it would apply to search engines, social media platforms and online marketplaces and only apply to groups that generate global revenues of more than 500m per year. Janette Jones from PwC said: "This was widely trailed as a step towards levelling the playing field between online retailers and the high street. "But the Chancellor has opted for a narrow 2% rate, an implementation date of 2020 and aimed it at the tech giants and not the online retailers. "It will do little to address the woes of bricks and mortar retailers and could even be perceived as an anti-American measure and that could come back to bite us as the UK looks to move to trade talks after the Brexit deadline," she said. Yesterday's Budget also revealed that the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has raised its economic growth forecast for 2019 to 1.6%, an increase of 0.3% from the forecast he made in the spring statement. But Stephen Kelly of Manufacturing NI claimed that the figure was still a real concern. "This is sluggish and at a time where there is major disruption to the UK's economic model," he said. He said the 1.6bn announced for the UK's new Industrial Strategy is important, but added: "It's yet to be seen how this can reach the regions including Northern Ireland." Ulster Bank's chief economist Richard Ramsey surmised that: "In many ways today's budget could be summarised as spend now, tax later." He added: "The UK economy is still expected to experience sluggish economic growth over the next few years. "Indeed, 2019 has been revised up from 1.3% back in March to 1.6% and the forecasts up until 2023 fail to accelerate above this level. "From a historical perspective this represents a pedestrian rate of growth and Northern Ireland is likely to struggle to see growth above 1% over this same period. "This economic context is also predicated on a deal with the EU, requiring new emergency tax and spending measures in the eventuality of a no-deal Brexit." Reflecting on the Chancellor's refrain yesterday that "austerity is coming to an end", Peter Legge from business advisory firm Grant Thornton said: "With the caveat that an emergency budget could follow in the spring, many are asking if it is only ending for five months. "That will be dependent on securing a Brexit withdrawal agreement but with an additional 500m announced to fund planning, the Chancellor has given himself plenty of scope." Causeway Aero Group, which includes firms such as Moyola Engineering and Denroy Plastics, is believed to be closing on a 2.5m train contract with Bombardier Transportation GmbH. A partnership set up to boost the chances of smaller Northern Ireland firms winning international engineering contracts is set to announce its first major deal, Business Telegraph understands. Causeway Aero Group, which includes firms such as Moyola Engineering and Denroy Plastics, is believed to be closing on a 2.5m train contract with Bombardier Transportation GmbH. It comes as the collaborative venture confirmed the acquisition of Belfast Aircraft Stress Engineers (BASE) Ltd in the past week. Based in Dundonald, BASE was set up in 2000 and currently employs 16 people. It specialises in stress analysis and design, with a client list including Airbus, Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems. Its the first acquisition by Causeway Aero since it was unveiled at the Farnborough Air Show in July 2016 by former Economy Minister Simon Hamilton. Billed as a one-stop shop for winning contracts from major aviation and transport companies, Causeway remained relatively quiet for its initial 24 months. However the appointment of new chief executive Michael Rice in July this year appears to have reinvigorated the venture. Alongside the acquisition of BASE, Mr Rice has moved Causeway Aero to a new headquarters in Lisburn. Business Telegraph also understands that Causeway is in talks with German aircraft manufacturer Dornier on another potentially significant deal for the umbrella company. Its understood that BASE has designed the new product for Bombardier Transportation, which will be used in trains, with other companies in the partnership involved in the manufacturing end. Just three months on from taking the helm, Michael Rice described Causeways acquisition of BASE as a huge step forward in its capabilities. Adding this level of design, stress, technical publications and experience in-house to our current quality management, procurement, sub-contract manufacture and assembly capabilities completes the true one-stop-shop offering we give our clients, he said. This will significantly enhance the agility of our aero supply chain solution. Mr Rice said the acquisition coupled with the new premises represented a seven figure investment by the group. The move also sees BASEs strategic development director, Pete Hinds, joining the Causeway board as vice president for engineering services. He will immediately oversee the up-scaling of the design team, said the chief executive. With the collective work weve been doing over these last few months we already give a real and innovative solution, through full engineering, supply chain management and assembly. This, along with our new premises in Lisburn, paves the way for new growth and exciting opportunities. Global online learning company Learning Pool has announced it's creating 20 jobs. The Londonderry-based firm, which already employs 140 people here and in Britain, was founded by Paul McElvaney, who is its chief executive. Clients include New Look, Tesco, Jurys Inn and Specsavers, with services provided to a total of more than 550 organisations globally. Mr McElvaney said: "Our success to date has been built on revolutionising learning and development across organisations, giving employees the freedom to undertake training and development courses online at times convenient to them." He added: "We're continuing to innovate and are working on some exciting next generation products." The company is creating the the jobs in business development, technology and software development, finance, human resources, learning design and graphic design. Carlyle Cardinal Ireland invested in Learning Pool in 2016 and has supported its continuiung growth, including its acquisitions of e-learning companies MindClick and MediaCorp in Britain. The company recently announced annual revenues have increased more than 40% year on year to 11m. Last week it was announced the firm was on Deloitte Technology's Fast 50 list of the fastest growing tech firms in Ireland based on revenue growth. Firms will find out where they placed on the list at a gala dinner on November 2 in Dublin. Learning Pool's offices are in Derry, Belfast, Hamilton and Nottingham. Hospitality boss Bill Wolsey has said he plans to open pizza restaurants in the Republic under his Little Wing brand. Mr Wolsey, whose Beannchor group owns the Merchant and Bullitt hotels in Belfast, as well as a series of pubs, was crowned winner of the industry category of the EY Entrepreneur of the Year competition last week. Now he's revealed plans to open Little Wing restaurants in the Republic, where he is already intends to open a second Bullitt hotel in Dublin's Capel Street. A spokeswoman said the company "aspires to open" five or more Little Wings in the Republic, but that the openings would depend on the market at the time and on the availability of sites. She said: "Over the last nine years, Little Wing Pizzeria has grown to become a well-known and loved brand. "We have established a strong business model and a loyal customer following, with eight restaurants in locations across Northern Ireland, serving up over two million of our famous Naples-style pizzas. "Building on this success, we are exploring opportunities for further growth and expansion in the Republic of Ireland. "We are actively looking at potential sites in Dublin and further afield. Within the next two years, we plan to open a second Bullitt hotel in Dublin, which we expect will be our first venture in the Republic of Ireland. "Following this, we hope to continue the expansion of Little Wing in the Republic of Ireland market." Mr Wolsey's plans for expansion in the Republic, which were first revealed in the Irish Times, come after he hit out at politicians in Northern Ireland over their failure to re-establish power-sharing. In August, he told the Belfast Telegraph that he would not make any further investments in Northern Ireland until after Brexit and the restoration of power-sharing. As Northern Ireland approached 600 days without a power-sharing government, Mr Wolsey said: "The inertia that has come about through having no government affects us in all sorts of ways, from tourists to employees. "We won't be starting anything new in Northern Ireland until we have got over the two difficulties of Brexit and not having a government. "Both are hugely problematic and businesses don't like uncertainty." In an interview with the Irish Times following his EY win last Thursday, he also said he had experienced hiring difficulties almost immediately after the vote to leave the EU in 2016. He grew up in the Ballysillan area of north Belfast, the son of two progressive socialists, Irene and Eddie, who were both members of the Labour Party. "They always warned us about giving our votes to anyone who wrapped themselves in a flag," he told Business Telegraph in 2016. "My dad was very scornful of unionist politicians. He felt they just had a simple answer and people would react like Pavlovian dogs to the message." He opened the luxury five-star hotel The Merchant in a former Ulster Bank building on Skipper Street in 2006. The British Government's reluctance to provide meals during lengthy peace process negotiations led to Sinn Fein having to make their own dishes, Gerry Adams has claimed. The party's former leader was speaking at the launch of 'The Negotiator's Cookbook' in west Belfast yesterday. It has been compiled by Adams, former party adviser Ted Howell and ex-IRA member Padraic Wilson. Keen chefs, Sinn Fein MLAs and the simply curious filled a room at An Culturlann on the Falls Road. Mr Adams said: "When I was putting this book together, there were a number of suggestions for what we would call it. Long Quiche, the Peas Process, Come Out You Rack of Lambs - but we settled for The Negotiator's Cookbook. "It's a must for every kitchen cabinet. "In the course of the talks process and in particular when we returned to Stormont, the Sinn Fein team fed ourselves." Mr Adams, along with Martin McGuinness and senior party members, met the government in the run-up to the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, but recalled meeting UK officials long before that. "The first time I met with the British government was in London in 1972 along with Martin McGuinness and others, that's a long time ago," he added. "Anyone that's been involved in this process knows you go to London and you get an early flight." In a peculiar moment of comparison, Mr Adams made reference to The Rolling Stones' drummer, Charlie Watts. According to Mr Adams, Mr Watts once said that although he has played the drums in the band for 40 years, he actually only played them for 10 and spent the other 30 years sitting about. Mr Adams, now a Louth TD, compared this to his years of negotiating. Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Padraic Wilson With Sinn Fein's Gerry Kelly Signing copies / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Padraic Wilson "It was the same with us," he said. "We spent an awful lot of time sitting about, devising strategies, discussing and debating. "The British, were historically I suppose, reluctant to feed any of the delegations. "I read Brian Faulkner's 'Memoirs of a Statesman', and in it he complains about the Brits not feeding him when the old unionist regime were there when things reached crisis point in 1970 and 1971." Mr Faulkner was Prime Minister of Northern Ireland at the time. "That was our experience too," Mr Adams added. Dishing out samples of an alcohol-soaked fruit cake he "prepared earlier", his speech was followed by signing copies of the cookbook, which he said should be in every kitchen. Including recipes from Sinn Fein's deputy leader Michelle O'Neill and North Belfast MLA Caral Ni Chuilin, sales from the book will go to the party. However, since the announcement was made regarding the upcoming release, people have voiced their concerns. Mairia Cahill, who says she was abused by a senior republican, questioned its suitability Ms Cahill said she has emailed Sinn Fein leader Mary-Lou McDonald, asking for it to be withdrawn from sale. One of the macabre characters who have taken over the Tower Museum and have transformed it into the Dark Tower as the annual Hallowe'en festival begins in the Derry-Londonderry. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 26.10.18 Family fun pictured during Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council's Twilight Night by Fairy Light 2018, it was a superb Enchanting Evening of Halloween Thrills!. Pic McAuley Multimedia Children enjoy the fun at Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council's Twilight Night by Fairy Light 2018, it was a superb Enchanting Evening of Halloween Thrills!. Pic McAuley Multimedia Family fun pictured during Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council's Twilight Night by Fairy Light 2018, it was a superb Enchanting Evening of Halloween Thrills!. Pic McAuley Multimedia Streetwise Community Circus perform during Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council's Twilight Night by Fairy Light 2018, it was a superb Enchanting Evening of Halloween Thrills!. Pic McAuley Multimedia SPARK! pictured during Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council's Twilight Night by Fairy Light 2018, it was a superb Enchanting Evening of Halloween Thrills!. Pic McAuley Multimedia Zac and Reece Morrissey pictured during Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council's Twilight Night by Fairy Light 2018, it was a superb Enchanting Evening of Halloween Thrills!. Pic McAuley Multimedia Spooky charachters enjoy the Hunted House at National Trust Glenmona site in Cushendun over the weekend. Pic Steven McAuley/McAuley Multimedia Spooky charachters enjoy the Hunted House at National Trust Glenmona site in Cushendun over the weekend. Pic Steven McAuley/McAuley Multimedia Spooky charachters enjoy the Hunted House at National Trust Glenmona site in Cushendun over the weekend. Pic Steven McAuley/McAuley Multimedia Spooky charachters enjoy the Hunted House at National Trust Glenmona site in Cushendun over the weekend. Pic Steven McAuley/McAuley Multimedia Spooky charachters enjoy the Hunted House at National Trust Glenmona site in Cushendun over the weekend. Pic Steven McAuley/McAuley Multimedia Spooky characters enjoy the Hunted House at National Trust Glenmona site in Cushendun over the weekend. Pic Steven McAuley/McAuley Multimedia Jake Brennan (22 months) from Castlewellan as Jon Snow from Game of Thrones. Little Oliver Simpson from Newtownabbey. A class outfit, chicken nuggets and all..... From his uncle David. The Belfast Telegraph's very own Gareth Cross, 27, from Derry, dressed as WWF legend Randy Savage. Freddy Hastings (2) from Holywood, dressed as Pennywise from Stephen King's IT More than 100,000 people are expected to visit Londonderry for this year's Halloween festivities, which have already begun. This is the largest celebration taking place across Northern Ireland, but for those who can't make it to Derry there's plenty of spooky goings on elsewhere. Send us your fancy dress pics. Send your name, where you are from and who you are supposed to be (just in case) to digital.editorial@belfasttelegraph.co.uk Read our Terms & Conditions For those who can, however, there is Derry's single biggest attraction - the Return of the Ancients Carnival parade through the streets on Halloween night itself. The event begins at 7pm and will culminate in a firework display. Elsewhere, the Awakening The Walls event will take place from tomorrow until Tuesday, while a week-long Haunted Harvest Market starts in Guildhall Square starts today. The Tower Museum will become a Tower of Terror for the festival's duration, however admission is restricted to over-12s. Meanwhile, Belfast's Crumlin Road Gaol has unlocked its doors for intense nail-biting tours - Jail of Horror and the Paranormal Ghost Hunt. On the 200th anniversary of the publication of the great Gothic novel, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein will be reanimated, piece-by-piece, at the Crescent Arts Centre where Wireless Mystery Theatre will bring the creature to life on Tuesday. Ballycastle is also holding a spooky night for all the family including a fancy dress parade in the town on Halloween. There will competitions and prizes for children before the night closes with the annual fireworks display at the sea front. The skies above Enniskillen will light up on Halloween with fireworks at the Broadmeadow, Castle and Erne. There's also amusements and fun for all the family including a Halloween disco, a torchlight trick or treat tour, street music, food and much more with the fabulous fireworks display from Castle Island. The Downpatrick and County Down Railway has laid on Phantom Flyer Ghost Trains for those brave enough to step on-board the choo-choo. There will be ghosts on the platform, ghouls on the steam train and even an audience with the Great Wizard in his haunted lair. The Phantom Flyer will be dearly departing today, tomorrow and on Halloween from 5-8pm for all three days. And on Halloween Night there will be a magnificent fireworks display in Downpatrick town centre after the last train pulls in. Two alleged paedophile hunters in Northern Ireland are to contest charges of attempting to intimidate an investigative journalist, a court heard today. Counsel for Richard Curtis, 33, and Tim Heron, 29, also announced their intention to fight claims that they used disorderly behaviour and obstructed a road in Belfast. Mark Farrell told Belfast Magistrates' Court: "Both defendants are pleading not guilty to all matters." A third accused, 34-year-old George Keenan, was given another two weeks to confirm his attitude to the same charges. The case against all three defendants relates to an alleged confrontation with BBC reporter Kevin Magee in February this year. He was said to have encountered a group at a coffee shop on Botanic Avenue while making a news report on paedophile hunter groups operating in Northern Ireland. Footage showed him being followed outside as he made his way to a car. Curtis, from Albert Road in Carrickfergus, Co Antrim; Heron, of Cloverhill Vale, in Bangor, Co Down and Keenan, of Glenwood Court, in the Dunmurry area of Belfast, are all charged with attempting by force, threat or menace to cause Mr Magee to refrain from broadcasting a television interview. They are also jointly accused of unlawfully attempting to stop him from questioning them and others about paedophile hunting in his role as an investigative journalist. The disorderly behaviour and obstruction of a road charges relate to the same alleged incident. All three accused appeared at Belfast Magistrates' Court for a judge to be told of their response to the allegations against them. Keenan's barrister, John O'Connor, raised an issue over one of the counts of attempted intimidation. Requesting a two-week adjournment in behalf of his client, Mr O'Connor said he wanted to write to the Public Prosecution Service about the charge. The court also heard CCTV footage, photographs and social media material is expected to feature in the main hearing. Following the update from defence representatives, District Judge Fiona Bagnall indicated: "This is a case that's going to run." Although Keenan is due back in court next month for his attitude, Curtis and Heron were excused from attending again on that date. A 300 Million package for shared and integrated education announced in yesterday's Budget is based on funding from three years ago. According to the Northern Ireland Department of Finance, the sum is funded from the Fresh Start Agreement of November 2015. That deal provided up to 500m over 10 years of new capital funding to support shared and integrated education. UUP finance spokesman Steve Aiken said he suspected that much of the funding announced yesterday would "simply be used to fill in some of the many budgetary black holes that exist across several major Northern Ireland departments, not least the Departments of Health and Education. He added: "The 300m announced for school projects in Northern Ireland to supposedly promote shared and cross-community education was also a good example of the same money being constantly re-announced." However, Secretary of State Karen Bradley said that yesterday's announcement "shows this Government's support for an inclusive future in Northern Ireland, with 300m for shared and integrated education". She said: "This is a huge boost for young people in Northern Ireland and will help break down barriers and overcome divisions in society. "The UK Government is delivering on our commitments in the Stormont House and Fresh Start Agreements to help build a shared, inclusive future for Northern Ireland." DUP MP Sammy Wilson added: "The Treasury's announcement on future drawdowns of 300m from the shared education fund is good news for the Northern Ireland budget and also another key achievement from the 2017 confidence and supply agreement." Integrated Education Fund chief executive Tina Merron said: "Fifteen integrated schools around Northern Ireland have been waiting for more than two years for proposals to progress and we look forward to seeing these projects now being able to move forward so that more families can access places in integrated education." Roisin Marshall, the chief executive of the Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education, said that her organisation was "delighted that maybe finally those integrated projects that are waiting to move from planning to build will get permission to go ahead". She added: "There are five capital build projects already planned. "There are a further 10 projects at various stages and a number of capital projects waiting to be announced. "It will be important to see the detail of what this 300m is specifically committed to. "The original announcement also included a further 200m (500m over 10 years). "It is vital that integrated schools are given proper, modern buildings to ensure that they are able to educate children and young people into the future." The group of people who dressed as Ku Klux Klan members were engaging in "Halloween banter", it has been claimed. A source close to those involved insisted their presence near the Islamic prayer house in Newtownards was "spontaneous" and they hadn't set out to cause offence. Read More They said the group was on a pub crawl, and posed for the photo as they passed the Bangladesh Islamic Community Centre en route to a fancy dress party. However, a leading Muslim representative said he believed the "disgusting" scenes were planned. Executive treasurer of Belfast Islamic Centre Dr Raied Al-Wazzan also criticised those excusing the photos. "If that's all it is, as some people are saying, then these people should have no problem coming forward to identify themselves," he said. "At the very least they should contact the police and give their side of the story, but all the evidence so far indicates this was a premeditated act of hate." The image was taken on Greenwell Street on Saturday night before being reported to the police on Sunday and is being treated as a hate crime. Dr Al-Wazzan said it was the latest in a series of intimidating acts against the small number of worshippers who gather in the community centre and has left many feeling afraid to go back. "These individuals went out of their way to buy these costumes, obtain crosses and deliberately chose to gather outside a mosque," he pointed out. "But this is the third time that a handful of people have done something like this, which makes it even more disturbing." Last year a pig's head was left on the doorstep of the mosque and Islamophobic graffiti was painted on a wall of the building. However, Dr Al-Wazzan said the Islamic community took encouragement from "the vast majority of people", including elected representatives, who condemned the incident. During an interview on the Nolan Show, one caller referred to comments by Dr Al-Wazzan in 2015 which appeared to support Islamic State. At the time he referred to the Iraqi city of Mosul as "the most peaceful city in the world" after it was seized by the terror group. He later apologised and withdrew his remarks. Responding to the caller yesterday, he said: "It was taken out of context and I used the wrong word at that time. I come from Mosul, whenever Isis took over my family was there. You could say (we were held) hostage by Isis. I had a very tricky act at how to talk to the media and keep my family safe at the same time. At that time I used the wrong words and condemned it immediately after that and I definitely don't support them." A short video emerged on social media of the group in KKK costumes in a JD Wetherspoon pub on Saturday night. Wetherspoon's Eddie Gershon told the BBC the group was refused entry by door staff but pushed past them. "They were told by bar staff that they would not be served. They remained in the pub for five minutes, unserved, and then left," he said. The KKK costumes seen at the weekend are available for 21 (18.50) from Dublin based firm costumesinireland.ie. It is unclear if it supplied the outfits seen in Newtownards, but they have identical markings and are shown on the website with an individual holding a blood-soaked prop sword. The firm did not respond to requests for comment. The photos of the group were widely condemned by local politicians. Strangford MLA Peter Weir said the actions of the group went beyond stupidity. Sinn Fein MLA Mairtin O Muilleoir said society would "stand shoulder to shoulder" with victims of the intimidation. The heartbroken partner of a young Co Tyrone man killed in a weekend crash has paid tribute to the "love of her life". Darren Gallagher (23), from Omagh and formerly Gortin, died on a stretch of the A5 near Omagh in the early hours of Sunday morning. It is the second tragedy to hit the family. Mr Gallagher's mother Martina passed away 11 years ago due to illness. Yesterday his heartbroken girlfriend, Shannon Thompson (22), paid a heartfelt tribute to him. She told the Belfast Telegraph: "Darren will forever be the love of my life. "The nine years we had together were the best years of my life and he will be walking right beside me forever. "I'll always love him and he will always be looking over his family and friends." His cousin Chantelle Gallagher (21) described him as "a happy and loving young man". She said: "Darren was the youngest of the family and sadly lost his mum at a young age. The family are just in bits and devastated to face yet more heartbreak. "Darren had a heart of gold and was always smiling and enjoying life. He was always there for his family and would have done whatever he could to help anybody. "He was just a brilliant, caring fella and will be sorely missed." Another cousin, Dean McCullagh, posted on social media: "To say I'm heartbroken is an understatement. You weren't only my big cousin but you were more like a big brother to me. "I'll miss you more than you'll ever imagine Darren. Rest easy lad and help all your family, friends and Shannon through this difficult time. "I'll always remember you." It is the latest fatality on the A5 - one of Northern Ireland's most dangerous roads. Mr Gallagher had been driving a blue Opel Astra when it crashed at around 4.20am, close to the junction of Drumlegagh Road. He was returning from his cousin's stag party in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal. He died only around a mile from his home. Mr Gallagher is the 48th person to die on Northern Ireland roads in 2018 - just two less than at the same time last year. A past pupil of Sacred Heart College and South West College in Omagh, he worked as a builder alongside his father Eunan McGarvey. Mr Gallagher, who would have turned 24 on December 19, is survived by his father Eunan, brother Anthony, sisters Pauline and Kathleen, partner Shannon, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and wider family circle. His remains will be reposing at his father's house at McNulty Park, Rousky, near Gortin, from 1pm this afternoon with family time from 11pm until 10am. His funeral will leave from there on Thursday at 10am going to St Patrick's Church, Cranagh, for Requiem Mass at 11am with interment afterwards in the adjoining churchyard. Sunday's tragedy has led to fresh concerns about the A5 road. Around 40 people have been killed on the stretch since 2006. An upgrade of the road was announced in 2007 but, more than a decade on, work has still not started. The PSNI appealed for anyone who was travelling on the Beltany Road on Sunday morning and who witnessed the collision to contact police in Omagh or the Collision Investigation Unit on 101 quoting reference 434 for October 28. Meanwhile, an 18-year-old man remains in a critical condition in hospital following a separate crash on Sunday evening. The collision happened on the Hillhead Road, outside Castledawson, Co Londonderry, around 7pm. It was reported that a blue Volkswagen Polo struck a tree at the junction with Oldtown Road. The driver, Christopher Diamond from Bellaghy, was seriously injured in the crash and remained in intensive care at Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital yesterday. Police are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have dash-cam footage available to contact them on 101, quoting reference number 1252 for October 28. An elderly woman in her 90s has been left traumatised after masked men ransacked her home and made of with a sum of money in Co Down. Detectives are investigating after reports of a burglary and an attempted burglary at two addresses in Loughbrickland. The PSNI received a report shortly after 7.40pm on Monday of an attempted burglary in Woodside Park where a number of men were disturbed by the occupant. When challenged, one of the suspects threatened him. He was described as being 6ft tall, of medium build and wore a peak cap and grey top, and wore a scarf to cover his face. All the suspects then fled in a silver-coloured saloon vehicle. A short time later, just before 8pm, police received a further report that when a female occupant of a house in the Woodvale area answered the door at around 7.15pm three masked men pushed past her. One of the suspects stayed with the woman, who is aged in her 90s, while the other two men ransacked rooms in the house. The suspects fled with a sum of money. Superintendent Wendy Middleton said "While the woman was not physically injured, she was left traumatised by what must have been a terrifying ordeal for her in her own home, a place where she deserves to feel safe. "The suspects are described as being of slim build, tall and are reported to have worn dark clothing with scarves and hats covering their faces. "Our enquiries are continuing, and we believe that both reports in Woodside Park and Woodvale may be linked at this time. I want to make a number of appeals today. Were you in the Woodvale area or Woodside Park areas last night, particularly between 7pm and 8pm? "Did you see a number of males acting suspiciously, or any strange vehicles in the area, in particular a silver-coloured, saloon vehicle? I would appeal to anyone who has information about either of these incidents, and which they believe may assist our investigation, to get in touch with detectives in Lurgan on the non emergency number 101, quoting reference numbers 1154 of 29/10/18 or 1123 29/10/18." A paramedic who was first on the scene of the Greysteel massacre has said the memories of that night affected him for years. Adrian McAuley (61), who has since retired from the health service, said for many years after the horrific 1993 shootings, in which eight people died, he had to look the other way when passing the Rising Sun bar because of the memories it brought back. Read More The father-of-four from Londonderry remembers that night as one of the worst incidents he ever attended. "It was a busy night because of all the Halloween celebrations," he said. "We had just come back to base from a previous call when the tannoy went to say that we were to respond to a shooting at the Rising Sun in Greysteel. "We just jumped into our vehicle and headed off. "Back in those days we rarely got a lot of detail. We went not really knowing the extent of what that meant - a shooting. In our heads we were thinking that it could be one person because that was not unusual at that time. "We were getting closer to the Rising Sun, we could see the bar from the main road and we could see all these people outside and they were totally frantic. "They were all waving their arms in the air and screaming. It was clearly more serious than we had thought. "We pulled up to the side of the bar. The crowd surrounded the ambulance, the doors were swung open and we were almost pulled out of the vehicle and pushed inside the bar. It just happened within seconds. Expand Expand Previous Next Close The funerals of five of the victims The interior of the Rising Sun / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The funerals of five of the victims "And we were just confronted by what we saw, which was bodies on the floor, bodies slumped on tables, bodies slumped on chairs, having clearly been shot." Mr McAuley said the thing he remembers most was the smell of gunsmoke. He added: "It was a pungent smell, you can almost taste it. I could feel it burning into my eyes. Every time I think about Greysteel I think about that smell. "Obviously the sight of so many people, clearly dead, and wounded really rocked us back on our heels. Everyone was frantic. Everyone wanted, and I can completely understand this, their loved one dealt with first. "There was just me and another paramedic, my crew mate Hugh Deehan, there. Hugh was second to none for bandaging and dressing wounds, he set about doing that. "I took on the role of the incident officer. That meant going around looking at how many casualties there were and establishing them in an order for evacuation. "I remember going along the long bar and I got to the end. "I remember saying the figure eight people dead and injured out loud. And a guy at the bar said, what about the other people around here. And I looked and said 'oh my God', there was a small snug bar around the corner where it had transpired that the gunmen had come in." Mr McAuley said that night tested all his training and experience. He added: "I really needed to draw on all of that to keep going. We weren't in the position to stop and say, you know what, this is too scary so we are not going to deal with it. We had to just get on with it. Everyone wants you to get on with it. And you don't have time to stop. "All these things were going through my head but I had to do my job, we had to keep going. "Our radio wouldn't work because we were in a black spot for coverage. So I had to go in behind the bar and get the guy there to stretch his phone line out as far as it would go to my ear and I had to dial 999 to get dispatch to tell them what had happened and that we need much more resources immediately. "Control got ambulances sent to us from as far away as Castlederg and Limavady." Mr McAuley said those on the scene did what they could. "From memory there were a couple of off-duty nurses there that gave us a hand and there were civilians there too who volunteered to help," he said. "We gave them latex gloves and bandages and asked them to do what they could. It was really about harnessing whatever help was there to assist all these people who were hurt until the rest of the crews arrived. "When we had finished, the knowledge of the incident had got back to Derry and rioting had started. "We were not stood down, not even for a minute so we could sit down and maybe have a cup of coffee and try and process what had just happened. "We were straight into running into a riot situation, going back and forth to the hospital with people who had been hit with plastic bullets. "It was around 4am until we could sit down. We were totally exhausted come morning." Mr McAuley - who earlier this year received an MBE for services to First Aid and Healthcare in Northern Ireland - said the memories of that night have stayed with him for the last 25 years. "I'm the type of person who just locks memories away at the back of my mind somewhere," he added. "I try not to think about it. "For a long time every time I drove through Greysteel I consciously didn't want to look at the Rising Sun bar building. I couldn't look at it in case it brought back memories that I didn't want to resurrect. "Now I'm alright. Would I want to go back into the bar? I'm not sure, but I can drive past it and be okay with it." Mr McAuley, who also attended the aftermaths of the Omagh and Coshquin bombings, remembers Greysteel as one of the worst incidents he has dealt with. "You do get a lot of trauma," he said. "You can't take everything home with you because you would go crazy. You have to find some way of dealing with it. "Nowadays there are people you can speak to. Back then there wasn't that sort of help. "Any stress or strains that I have from that night pales into insignificance next to the survivors and to the families of those who lost their lives." Former leader of Ukip in Northern Ireland David McNarry has called for a "unionist convention" which would address the "anger within unionism". Writing on the website of journalist Eamonn Mallie, Mr McNarry said the action had to be taken to "unlock the drift circling endlessly in choppy political waters". His call comes nearly two years since the collapse of the power-sharing Executive in Northern Ireland, with no clear road map for a return of the devolved assembly. Legislation which would give civil servants greater flexibility when it comes to decision making is currently makings its way through the House of Commons. In his statement, Mr McNarry hit out at the additional powers being handed to civil servants and the stance of the Republic of Ireland during Brexit negotiations - saying a proposed unionist convention would help address these issues. "Here are the problem factors," he says. "A Secretary of State [Karen Bradley] in name only fearful of upsetting republicans on both sides of the border by introducing direct rule rushing through Parliament a powder puff power casket to unelected civil servants. "The same civil servants who throughout Executive devolution held court in their own inner circle power house directive at arms length from their respective Ministers. "The same who sat in front of the RHI Inquiry and squirmed uncomfortably when under fire. It looks like these high flyers in this new junta will be presiding over the post-Brexit transition period." The former Ukip leader then goes on to refer to the "crass antagonistic interference in Northern Irelands internal affairs by the Irish". "A unionist convention will put the house of unionism into order and act in the best interests of unionism. With that consent and a renewed massive mandate the leaders of unionism can be inspirational," he adds. He writes that any proposed convention would have "teeth" and would take its findings to the Prime Minister. Mr McNarry served as a MLA for Strangrod from 2003 until 2016, and was Ukip's leader in Northern Ireland between 2013 and 2016, having previously been a member of the UUP. Some of the baby scans, and a personalised babygro for Freya A pregnant mother is carrying her seriously ill unborn baby to term - even though she knows the child will not survive outside the womb. Erin O'Hara (24) from Limavady said she was advised on two separate occasions to consider aborting the unborn girl, who has untreatable anencephaly, but she could not countenance the idea. Having reached 26 weeks of pregnancy yesterday, and after declining to travel to England for a termination, Erin is preparing for what she admits will be a traumatic few months until the baby - who she has named Freya - arrives. In the meantime, the mum to six-year-old son Josh is throwing all her efforts into preparing a baby shower for her unborn infant on November 10. Expand Close Some of the baby scans, and a personalised babygro for Freya / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Some of the baby scans, and a personalised babygro for Freya In a heartbreaking interview, Erin revealed that she and Jamie McCormick (23), her partner of almost four years, had planned on having a child together and she said that neither of them could bear to end the pregnancy. "There was no decision to make," said Erin. "Jamie and I have been utterly distraught since Freya's diagnosis a month ago and it has been undeniably difficult to come to terms with. "People told me termination was an option, but we couldn't do it. "We want this wee baby more than anything in the world and we will love this wee baby, no matter what." In the past other women, including freedom of choice campaigner Sarah Ewart, have left Northern Ireland for an abortion after being told their baby couldn't survive, but, without being judgmental, Erin said it wasn't the route for them. Expand Close Erin with Jamie / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Erin with Jamie "Two weeks ago I'd have flown to England had I wished to terminate Freya," she added. "But it's not something I could ever consider. I'd have sacrificed the rest of my life to look after this child, this special wee person, even if she needs round-the-clock care. Even if our future remains bleak and uncertain. "We planned Freya's life, not knowing that very soon we would be planning her funeral." The clerical officer described how her world collapsed when the 20-week scan last month revealed the devastating news that the baby she was carrying had incurable anencephaly - the absence of a major portion of the brain, skull and scalp that occurs during the development of the embryo. "I'll never forget the way the friendly smile on the sonographer's face withered into a faint, frail frown," she said. "Then she just went really quiet for seven, maybe 10, minutes. The sadness in her eyes was apparent but I still didn't expect her to say what she said: 'There's a problem, it's a big problem'. "When she said anencephaly, I didn't know what that `ctually meant. "I didn't expect her to say it was fatal, that these babies don't tend to make it outside the womb; that they tend to die. Suddenly my chest tightened until I almost couldn't breathe. It took me a couple of minutes even to look at Jamie. "We were in shock. I immediately felt so anxious and I was covered in pins and needles. "I felt like I was floating around the room and it was horrible." Erin said she was told by the ultrasound technician and the doctor that a lot of mothers in her situation have gone on to have abortions, although she was also reminded that terminations are illegal here. "It's not only my pregnancy, it's Freya's and her daddy's too," she went on. "Some days I can't even begin to fathom how this could happen to us. There are days when I haven't got up at all. "I feel Freya roll and kick inside me all the time, reminding me that she's very much alive." Calls have been made at both Westminster and Stormont in recent times for refor m of Northern Ireland's strict abortion laws, but that's not something that concerns Erin. Rather, she and Jamie, a telephone adviser, have decided to do their utmost to use Freya's condition to help raise awareness of anencephaly. "When we got the scan to confirm that she has anencephaly, I could see her wee head, which was so small in comparison to the rest of her body and you could see the eyes looked big and where her wee head stopped," said Erin, whose son from a previous relationship was born with breathing problems, weighing just 6lbs, and spent three days in a neo-natal ward. The couple only named their daughter as a result of the devastating news on September 20 that has turned their world upside down. She said: "We weren't going to find out the sex, but once we received the diagnosis I asked what it was and we decided on Freya, as that was the one we both liked from a list of girls' names that we'd previously looked at." Erin and Jamie have drawn support throughout their diagnosis from Every Life Counts and the pair have organised the forthcoming baby shower in aid of the Dublin-based charity. "There will be food, cake, balloons, pints and hopefully plenty of laughter and smiles," said Erin, who has joined various support groups to get her through the days ahead. For now life remains far from easy and the future can often seem daunting for them, their family and their friends. "It is so hard; I seem to have a lot more bad days than good days," Erin said. "Anencephaly is such an unpredictable condition and a lot of the babies tend to die before they make it to birth. But there are quite a lot who've lasted a couple of days to a couple of weeks, and even a couple of months in some cases." She added: "I would love to be able to spend a bit of time with Freya. "My due date is February 4, but they're expecting me to go into labour before that. These babies normally come earlier, for some reason." As her pregnancy progresses, both Erin and Jamie know they can only hope for the best and prepare for the worst - and there have already been many tears. "When we were told Freya's condition, her daddy grabbed my hand and we both sobbed," she recalled. "We were trying our absolute hardest to keep it together, not only for us, but for Freya, and her big brother. We tried really hard, even though it felt as though our whole world had just been torn to pieces. "I think about her every day. Some days I can't even begin to fathom how this could happen to us, how it could happen to our sweet baby girl." Erin said a special room has been reserved at Altnagelvin Hospital in preparation for their daughter's birth. "We haven't a clue what's going to happen," she said. "We just want to spend some time with her. There's a bed for me, a bed for Jamie and somewhere for Freya to sleep as well. "If she's born alive there'll be something set in place for us to ring family straight away, so everybody can come up and see her while they can." Babies diagnosed with anencephaly Anencephaly is a serious condition in which there is virtually no brain and most of the skull vault is missing. It is invariably fatal. Without intervention, a full-term anencephalic baby dies shortly after birth. If an ultrasound scan is performed after about 12 weeks of gestation, the anomaly is fairly obvious. At 18 to 20 weeks, when most routine scans are performed, it is almost impossible to miss anencephaly. The incidence of anencephaly is rare, ranging anywhere between one and six per 1,000 deliveries. Sharon Mellor poses with one of the group in a bar A group of men who dressed as Ku Klux Klan members posed for pictures with the girlfriend of the UK National Front leader, who once joked about torching a mosque in Co Down. Sharon 'Shaz' Mellor was out enjoying drinks with her boyfriend Tony Martin, leader of the far-right group, when they encountered the group dressed as Klan members on Saturday night. Read More Images of the group of at least nine draped in sinister garb, carrying wooden crosses and posing outside an Islamic prayer centre in Newtownards have been beamed around the world, making headlines on CNN international news and in The Washington Post and The Guardian. A photograph showing one of the group with Mellor has also appeared online. Expand Close Men dressed in KKK outfits in a pub in Newtownards / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Men dressed in KKK outfits in a pub in Newtownards Gillingham native Mellor, who now lives in Newtownards, said there "were quite a few (photos) taken by random strangers" before she was able to recall posing alongside the man dressed from head-to-toe in a white robe splashed with fake blood. "A few blokes were dressed up for Halloween, (I've) no idea who they were," she told the Belfast Telegraph. "That's all there was to it. I wasn't with them, I merely posed for a picture. "I haven't hurt anyone, neither do I plan to." Three years ago Mellor "joked" about having set fire to the same Islamic prayer centre on Greenwell Street in response to a Britain First Facebook post mistaking Newtownards town hall for the place of Muslim worship. "Since when has this been a 'new' mosque," she replied toi Britain First. "I've been ranting about it for three years ffs, even tried burning the f***er down." There is no record of any such arson attack, and last night Mellor admitted the comment was made in jest. Her ex-soldier partner, who was elected chairman of the hate group last month, was unable to recall what pub the pair were in when the image was taken as he is not from the area. "I was out with my girlfriend and we saw some guys in fancy dress," he told this newspaper. "Shaz posed for a photo." Expand Close The group outside the town's Islamic Centre / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The group outside the town's Islamic Centre Martin, who is from Croydon and has called for an end to immigration and even deportation to free up homes in the UK, sparked outrage after being snapped in Stormont's Assembly chamber earlier this year. The image was taken during his trip to celebrate the Twelfth of July when he was deputy leader of the National Front. The Kosovo war veteran, who has also been branded a homophobe for criticising the Met Police's support of Gay Pride, insisted "everyone was in good spirits" on Saturday night as he defended the rights of the mystery men hiding underneath the sinister robes. "I support anybody's right to wear whatever fancy dress costume they like. I'm old enough to have pleasant memories of less PC times," he added. The group was seen enjoying drinks in Daley's pub on George's Street at around 8pm. By 9.45pm they had made their way to JD Wetherspoons, over half-a-mile away. One punter, who believes the "prank" has been "misconstrued", said the group didn't stay long. "They were having a laugh and a carry on, they were well behaved," he said. "Everybody was dressed up - there was nobody in the bar running around terrified that the KKK had arrived." A spokesman for Wetherspoons said the men were refused entry by door staff, but pushed past them. "They were told by bar staff that they would not be served," he said. "They remained in the pub for five minutes, unserved, and then left." One local claimed that one of the men "gave a fascist salute" to his friends as they imitated members of the KKK, who were responsible for lynchings of black people and other race hate attacks. They are understood to have ended the night at a fancy dress party in Jax Bar & Restaurant, just yards away from the mosque and close to other bars. "Everyone was getting pictures with them, people just saw it as fun," one reveller said. "There was someone dressed as Hitler too, but sure it's just Halloween." Not everyone dismissed the incident so easily. A local Muslim who regularly uses the prayer centre said everyone in the small faith community has been left feeling very uneasy after seeing the "shocking" photographs. "We have been targeted before by different groups. Just the other week a group of men stood outside the mosque and filmed as up to 70 came in for Friday prayers," he said. "It's very worrying but I hope it was just fancy dress and not anything more sinister because we are already anxious." Yesterday residents of Newtownards were split on the issue. "I think it was deplorable and totally inexcusable, I would lean towards viewing it as an act of terrorism," one man said. Another resident said the culprits "knew exactly what they were doing", adding: "It was already inappropriate but then they decided to go to the mosque and actively pose for disgusting photographs." Others were sympathetic to the group, and insisted it was just a distasteful stunt. "I have a sick sense of humour, and I can see why people are annoyed, but I think it's selective outrage," commented one woman. Another said she believed the mosque was a turning point for the "harmless banter" that may have gone too far. "People in this town are more scared of the men wearing balaclavas and yet our MLAs and police don't seem so keen to find out who they are," she added. One local, referring to Prince Harry who was snapped wearing a Nazi uniform at a private party in 2005, questioned how anyone is supposed to know where to draw the line. He said: "I saw someone dressed as a suicide bomber on Saturday, and there was a Jimmy Savile running around Bangor - you can't just pick one out to be offended by." A Londonderry man remanded in custody charged with having a pornographic image made to look like missing child Madeleine McCann on his mobile phone was freed on bail yesterday. Patrick Bernard Tracey (27), from Top Of The Hill in the Waterside area, was released at the city's magistrates court on condition that he must not possess any internet-enabled device, including a mobile phone. Tracey, who has been in custody since August, is charged with possessing an extremely pornographic image and an indecent image of a child in April. When he first appeared in court charged with the offences, a police officer stated that the pornographic image said to have been found on the defendant's mobile phone had been made to look like Madeleine McCann. Madeleine was aged three when she went missing while on a family holiday with her parents Gerry and Kate in Portugal in 2007. The defendant is also charged that between September 2016 and August of this year he was concerned in supplying the Class A drugs cocaine and MDMA, as well as cannabis and ketamine. He is further charged that between the same dates he possessed cocaine and possessed cocaine and MDMA with intent to supply. Objecting to bail, a police witness told District Judge Barney McElholm that it was believed the defendant was "a major partner in a group of people involved in supplying controlled drugs". He said the police initially had difficulties in locating the defendant because he was "a sofa surfer". The officer said he believed the defendant would re-offend if granted bail, in order to recoup losses. Applying for bail, a defence solicitor said an address was now available outside of Derry. Tracey was released on a number of conditions, including a ban on using internet-enabled devices and phones. He also cannot enter the city within the 30mph zone except for court appearances. The case was adjourned until November 22. Reports that a group of people dressed as Ku Klux Klan members posed outside an Islamic prayer house are being investigated as a hate incident. Photographs of the group outside an Islamic Centre in Newtownards emerged online over the weekend. Read More The incident was reported to the PSNI on Sunday afternoon at around 5pm. Reports say the group was seen wearing the distinctive pointed-hooded costumes in the vicinity of Greenwell Street on Saturday night. Inspector Richard Murray said: "We are also aware of images that are circulating that show people dressed as Ku Klux Klan members. "Our enquiries are ongoing, and we are treating this as a hate incident at this time. "Hate crime, in all its forms, is totally unacceptable. It is the responsibility of each and every one of us to ensure that we live in a society where diversity is respected." In one of the images posted over the weekend, the group of around 10 people are pictured in a threatening pose, some with fists raised, outside the town's Islamic Centre. Strangford Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong called the photographs "unacceptable" and said she will be asking police to investigate. "I've seen the pictures on Facebook and social media of this group of men, women or whatever," she said. "Some people might try to say they were out for Halloween but I'd have to say if that's the case then these are certainly not the most appropriate costumes to be wearing. "It is not appreciated by our community, it is not funny and it should definitely not be treated as a joke." The Ku Klux Klan is a racist group established by white supremacists in the United States. Ms Armstrong added: "Everyone knows the history of the Ku Klux Klan, what they stood for, the crimes the organisation committed and the connotations these outfits convey. This was not a mistake or an unfortunate choice of outfits. "I certainly hope the PSNI are looking into it and I would see this as a hate incident. "For someone to think these were a good ideas for costumes for Halloween, if that's what they actually are, is disgusting. That's not the image of Newtownards we want to be portrayed. "It's bad enough that these people thought it appropriate to parade around the centre of the town in these costumes, but to then actually stop and pose outside the Islamic Centre and Mosque is pathetic. "CCTV cameras are installed all around the centre of Newtownards and these individuals will have been caught on camera and I will be urging police to study the footage." DUP MLA Peter Weir said those behind the stunt were "morons". "What sort of morons go about Newtownards dressed in KKK costumes?" he said. "That the same group were then photographed outside the Islamic Centre clearly shows malevolent intent." He added: "It is totally unacceptable." In August 2017 a pig's head was left at the Islamic Centre's door and graffiti painted on the building. Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to contact police on the non-emergency number 101, quoting the reference 1066 with the date 28/10/2018. The public can also contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Sinn Fein had a virtual diners club organised during Stormonts lengthy peace process talks, former president Gerry Adams said. The British Government was reluctant to feed them during dialogue leading up to the Good Friday Agreement in 1997 and 1998, so the republican negotiators took matters into their own hands, he said. Sinn Feins leader in Northern Ireland, Michelle ONeill, former Stormont minister Caral Ni Chuilin and senior party figure and Assembly member Gerry Kellys sister contributed recipes to the new book. The book The Negotiators Cookbook was launched ahead of the festive season to raise money for Sinn Fein and Mr Adams said he had enjoyed writing it. The Negotiators Cookbook - the perfect Christmas present. pic.twitter.com/inUihAul8o Gerry Adams (@GerryAdamsSF) October 29, 2018 During the 1990s, republicans were negotiating in London and former prime minister Tony Blairs staff would occasionally order pizza or Chinese. The attraction of them is you can make them the night before, which is what happened obviously, and then transport them to wherever you wantGerry Adams Mr Adams said: When we came back home Ted (Howell, a party worker) started to bring up bits and pieces of grub and that developed until we had a diners club in room 316 (at Stormont). Padraic (Wilson), who was part of that team, starting bringing desserts. So what I have done is to put those recipes together here. The attraction of them is you can make them the night before, which is what happened obviously, and then transport them to wherever you want. Mr Adams said the British government had been historically reluctant to feed any negotiators, unionist or nationalist, during long hours of sitting about, strategising, discussing or debating. Launching the Negotiators Cookbook ar maidin. pic.twitter.com/cyVzQT0iJQ Gerry Adams (@GerryAdamsSF) October 29, 2018 He launched his book at An Culturlann centre on west Belfasts Falls Road and passed around pieces of his fruitcake-style pudding, generously laced with alcohol, which were generally declared as excellent. Mr Adams has often tweeted pictures of his efforts in the kitchen. He has already published a number of other books. The former Sinn Fein president stepped down earlier this year after around 34 years at the party helm. He was elected in 1983 and was the longest-serving leader of any political party in the UK or Ireland. Mr Adams was the most recognisable face and voice of republicanism during years of negotiations which led to the signing of the Belfast Agreement, which largely ended decades of republican and loyalist violence. Mr Adams resigned as MP for West Belfast and won a seat in the Irish Parliament, the Dail, in 2011, representing the Irish border constituency of Louth. SNP MPs said the Chancellor had failed to help Glasgow in his Budget in wake of the art school fire (Andrew Milligan/PA) SNP MPs have accused the UK Government of buying DUP votes by allocating cash to help Belfast following a major city blaze while failing to provide funding for Glasgow, also hit by fires this year. The Chancellor announced 2 million to help the Northern Irish city recover after the historic Banks Building was gutted in August, leaving several businesses unable to trade. However his Budget contained no similar funding for Glasgow following a second disastrous blaze at the citys art school in June, and the Victorias Nightclub fire in the same area in March. The Conservatives depend on the DUPs 10 MPs to give it a majority in the House of Commons. Glasgow Central MP Alison Thewliss said: I wrote to the Chancellor last month to plead for a VAT exemption for businesses affected and for buildings in need of repair, as well as investment to regenerate the area, in the wake of the dreadful fire its clear from the UK Government Budget that those pleas fell on deaf ears. Its hardly surprising that Belfast will benefit from regeneration funding in the wake of the Bank Buildings fire the the Tories are too busy buying DUP votes by investing in Belfast, whilst completely ignoring those in similar circumstances in Glasgow. When cash can be found to help regenerate Belfast but not Glasgow, it proves that the UK Government hold my constituents in contempt in its use of brazen political back-handers. The Treasury highlighted the 10 million announced for the Glasgow School of Art following the 2014 fire, and said the government continued to invest heavily in Glasgow, with the Glasgow City Deal providing 500 million of UK Government investment over a 20-year period. Members of the UVF have told the Irish government to "tone down" the rhetoric over Brexit for fears the "Brit-bashing" could harm the peace process, it has been reported. The Guardian reports senior loyalist paramilitaries warned the Irish Government it risked antagonising members of the loyalist community by making reference to possible threats against border posts. Meeting with Irish government officials, the members criticised the rhetoric from Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, and the way he had presented the issue of the Irish border issue and the potential threat to violence. Although the meeting reportedly took place two months ago, Varadkar has continued to make reference to the potential threat of violence there could be to border posts. Earlier this month addressing fellow EU leaders in Brussels, the Taoiseach related the story of an IRA bomb attack at a customs post in Newry, Co Down in 1972. During the meeting he held up a copy of the Irish Times, which carried an image of the bomb attack. Dublin Airport has awarded the main contract for the construction of its new 320 million euro runway to a joint Irish-Spanish venture. Irish firm Roadbridge and Spanish infrastructure company FCC Construccion were announced as the winners of the bid to build the 3.1km runway. Construction is set to get under way immediately and it is scheduled for completion by early 2021. The contract includes the construction of 306,000 square metres of runway and taxiways, and 6km of new internal airport roads, as well as installing new drainage and pollution controls, 7.5km of electrical cable, and more than 2,000 new runway and taxiway lights. Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) said its new north runway will be built at no cost to the state as DAA is not funded by the taxpayer. It is expected to create 31,200 new Irish jobs and 2.2 billion euro in additional economic activity by 2043. DAA chief executive Dalton Philips said the authority was delighted to be awarding the contract and moving to the next phase of the plans for the runway. North Runway is an essential project for Ireland, as it will position the country for future economic growth for many decades to come, Mr Philips said. North Runway isnt Dublins new runway, it is Irelands new runway, and it will boost the performance of Irish tourism, trade and foreign direct investment in a post-Brexit world. Expand Close Dalton Philips (John Stillwell/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Dalton Philips (John Stillwell/PA) Roadbridge managing director Conor Gilligan said the Limerick-based company was honoured to be part of the consortium that will build the runway. We are thrilled to be involved with such a prestigious and vital national project, he said. FCCs UK & Ireland director Miguel Angel Mayor said FCC had a strong track record in Ireland and looked forward to working closely with DAA to build the runway. We have been operating successfully in Ireland for many years and also have significant experience of runway construction both in Europe and South America, having built more than 4.5 million square metres of airport runways, he added. About 300 construction jobs will be created onsite during the project, with hundreds more in sub-supply firms offsite. Plans for a parallel runway at the airport were originally mooted in the early 1960s, but the first planning application was not made until December 2004. It was approved but the entire project was put on hold in 2008 because of the economic crisis. It will be about 1.6 kilometres north of the airports current main runway. DAA said it is mindful of the local community and that a sound insulation programme for homes that will be affected was already in place. But it will be seeking amendments to two conditions attached to the project, which would limit flights at the airports busiest time. Transport Minister Shane Ross welcomed the announcement saying he was fully supportive of the additional runway capacity. The airport experienced its seventh consecutive year of growth last year, welcoming close to 30 million passengers, and the importance of ensuring that we have adequate capacity at our biggest airport to drive national economic growth cannot be overstated, he said. Daughter of John Burns, Gillian holding a wreath, as seven other members of the Greysteel massacre families look on during the vigil. Liam McBurney/PA Wire Flowers laid at the memorial site of the Greysteel massacre after a vigil to commemorate the 25th anniversary of eight people being murdered on 30 October 1993 by members of the UFF. Liam McBurney/PA Wire The families of those killed in one of the most shocking attacks of Northern Irelands Troubles have urged politicians to make sure it never happens again. Hundreds of people gathered in Greysteel, Co Londonderry to mark the 25th anniversary of the night loyalist gunmen burst into a busy bar and opened fire. Wreaths and flowers were laid in memory of the victims at a plaque outside the Rising Sun pub, where the atrocity took place. Expand Close Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Faughanvale (Liam McBurney/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Faughanvale (Liam McBurney/PA) Eight civilians, both Catholics and Protestants, died following the attack October 30, 1993. Seven were killed on the night of the attack, while the eighth died several months later from injuries. The killers shouted trick or treat before pulling the trigger. Karen Thompson, 19, Steven Mullan, 20, Moira Duddy, 59, Joseph McDermott, 60, James Moore, 81, John Moyne, 50, John Burns, 54 and Victor Montgomery, 76 were remembered during a special Mass at the nearby Star of the Sea church. Monsignor Andrew Dolan paid tribute to the positive and dignified response of the Greysteel families over the years to such an evil deed. Expand Close Flowers laid at the memorial site (Liam McBurney/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Flowers laid at the memorial site (Liam McBurney/PA) He told the service that during a recent meeting with the families, they noted we are living in shaky times, with people uncertain about how things are going to turn out. He said they asked him to relay the message to public representatives to do all you can to ensure this never happens again. I hope you are listening, he added to those gathered in the church which included a number of politicians. SDLP leader Colum Eastwood, his predecessor Mark Durkan, Alliance leader Naomi Long, Sinn Fein MLA Caoimhe Archibald and Ulster Unionist councillors Richard Holmes, Norman Hillis and William McCandless were among those present. A number of Protestant religious ministers were also there. Expand Close The scene where seven people were fatally shot (PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The scene where seven people were fatally shot (PA) The Northern Ireland Assembly has been collapsed since 2017. The powersharing government fell following disagreements between the leader parties, the Democratic Unionists and Sinn Fein. Following the service, hundreds of people gathered at the Rising Sun bar. The families of those killed laid wreaths and bouquets of flowers at the memorial plaque. The Greysteel shootings were claimed by the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) who said the Ulster Freedom Fighters (UFF) had carried out the attack in retaliation for the IRAs bombing of a fish shop on the Shankill Road in Belfast the week before. Ten people, including one of the IRA bombers, died in that attack. In response, the UDA orchestrated a series of so-called revenge attacks against Catholic civilians. The horrifying series culminated in the Greysteel shootings. Expand Close (Liam McBurney/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp (Liam McBurney/PA) Alan McBride, whose wife Sharon was amongst those killed in the Shankill bomb, attended the memorial event in Greysteel. This is my first time in Greysteel, I wanted to be here on the 25th anniversary to show my support and solidarity with the families because we all suffered and the people that murdered my wife and the people that murdered in Greysteel were two sides of the one coin in terms of bringing terror, hurt and anguish to many families, he said. In February 1995, four men were convicted of carrying out the Greysteel shootings. Stephen Irwin, Jeffrey Deeney, Torrens Knight and Brian McNeill received life sentences for their involvement in the attack. However they were released early in 2000 under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement. Kema Salum was ordered to spend at least 23 years behind bars (Metropolitan Police/PA) An arrogant, controlling bully who strangled and then stabbed his wife 49 times in front of her young son has been jailed for life. Tanzanian Kema Salum, 39, pleaded guilty to the murder of 35-year-old Leyla Mtumwa at her home and was ordered to spend at least 23 years behind bars. Salum, who had a history of violence against an ex-wife, was living in Britain on a six-month visa having wed Ms Mtumwa in east Africa. This was a consistent attack of very considerable force which, although relatively short-lived, must have caused Leyla very substantial suffering before she diedJudge Richard Marks QC The night before the murder on March 30, he had become jealous because his wife had gone out with female friends, the Old Bailey heard. Just before 7am, he fell into a violent rage and attempted to strangle her at their home in Haringey, north London. He broke off and went into the kitchen to get a knife which he used to stab her 49 times in the head, neck, body and arms, the court was told. Ms Mtumwas 12-year-old son had screamed at him to stop before alerting police. When he was arrested, Salum claimed he had acted in self defence. Initially, he had denied murder but changed his plea at the 11th hour at the Old Bailey. The court heard Salum had been extremely violent towards his ex-wife in the past and had lied through his teeth when he claimed to police he had been defending himself at all times. Expand Close Leyla Mtumwa was murdered by husband Kema Salum (Family handout/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Leyla Mtumwa was murdered by husband Kema Salum (Family handout/PA) The court heard the victims parents had been left devastated by her death. Judge Richard Marks QC described the defendant as an arrogant, controlling bully. He said: This was a consistent attack of very considerable force which, although relatively short-lived, must have caused Leyla very substantial suffering before she died. Having started off attempting to strangle her you broke off, went to get a knife, and then resumed the attack. The victims family said yes as Salum was sent down. Katie Price has been given time to negotiate a deal with the taxman over her finances following a High Court hearing (Ian West/PA) Katie Price has been given time to negotiate a deal with the taxman over her finances following a High Court hearing. The former glamour model was told she could try to reach an agreement with HMRC by a judge at a specialist insolvency and companies court on Tuesday. The 40-year-old, who used to be known as Jordan, did not attend the brief hearing in central London. She has tied the knot three times and has recently been in the headlines again following the collapse of her most recent marriage to Kieran Hayler. Expand Close Katie Price and Kieran Hayler (Ian West/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Katie Price and Kieran Hayler (Ian West/PA) The former Im A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! star, who was once said to be worth more than 40 million, has also recently revealed that her mother, Amy Price, has been diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) the disease which killed TV presenter Keith Chegwin. Price was arrested earlier this month on suspicion of drink-driving after being found by police at 2am in a damaged car in Woolwich, south-east London. The former Loose Women contributor revealed in July that she had reported herself to police for violating a driving ban which was handed to her in February after she was caught speeding. Judge Jonathan Middleton was told by lawyers for HMRC that they had been notified of a proposal for an Individual Voluntary Agreement (IVA) on behalf of Price just hours before the short hearing on Tuesday. Rachel Lam, for HMRC, said a meeting of Prices creditors was due to take place on November 16. Faith Julian, representing Price, said she was instructed to ask the judge to adjourn the case until December 4 to which Judge Middleton agreed. The case was previously adjourned after a hearing in August to allow time for the consideration of an IVA. An IVA is a formal agreement which lets people with debt repay their creditors at an affordable rate, in a bid to avoid bankruptcy. A lawyer for a sex predator accused of murdering two nine-year-olds has pointed the finger at the father of one of the girls, saying police spent 32 years building a case against the wrong man. Former roofer Russell Bishop is on trial for the second time for the murders of Karen Hadaway and Nicola Fellows. The girls were sexually abused and strangled on the South Downs on the outskirts of Brighton in October 1986. Expand Close Karen Hadaway and Nicola Fellows (PA) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Karen Hadaway and Nicola Fellows (PA) In an opening speech, Bishops lawyer Joel Bennathan QC cast suspicion on Barrie Fellows, Nicolas father, saying detectives had spent 32 years building a case against the wrong man. He told jurors at the Old Bailey: Only one person is on trial here sitting in the dock Russell Bishop. But the law allows a defendant like him to point out facts, ask questions, to the jury that might suggest the possibility that another person exists who may have carried out these awful attacks. We will ask questions of witnesses to show that when the girls went missing there was someone very close to them who has no alibi. That someone made comments after the killings that are far more incriminating than anything Russell Bishop said. That someone is someone who may actually unlike Mr Bishop have been able to order Nicola Fellows to meet him in Wild Park. That someone has a guilty secret that he has been complicit in the sexual abuse of Nicola Fellows, which shows an interest in paedophilic sex. In the end it might mean he could not let Nicola Fellows tell the world what has been happening. That person is her father, Barrie Fellows. Expand Close Michelle Hadaway, left, and Sue Eismann at the scene in Wild Park (Gareth Fuller/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Michelle Hadaway, left, and Sue Eismann at the scene in Wild Park (Gareth Fuller/PA) Nicolas mother Susan Fellows now Eismann told jurors her daughter was funny, happy and spoke her mind to the point of embarrassment. In 1986, she told police: Nicola was dotty over her father but was also wary of him. She knew what he said went. In a recent statement, she described hearing of a sexual allegation about her daughter from Bishops then-teenage girlfriend Marion Stevenson. Expand Close Russell Bishop denies two counts of murder (Sussex Police/PA) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Russell Bishop denies two counts of murder (Sussex Police/PA) She said: I first heard of an allegation made by Marion of Nicola being in a pornographic film in 1986. I heard the allegation through speaking to people in the area and also through my police liaison officer. She said she never spoke to her ex-husband about it, saying she would not dare. She was also asked about an incident of violence towards her grandmother, and said the elderly woman was quite outspoken and said something about not liking Barrie. Mr Fellows responded by raising his hand and striking her directly on the nose. The grandmother suffered a broken nose, but did not want to press charges, according to the account. Mrs Eismann said Nicola and her father loved each other in a childs way, adding: If she was out of control, if she was naughty, he would slap her. Karens mother Michelle Hadaway was asked about concerns she raised in 1989 about Nicolas father. She had written a letter to her local councillor and Bishops uncle outlining her fears about his strange behaviour. She wrote: Im afraid that Barrie Fellows strange and unnatural behaviour since my daughter was murdered has not got any better. He allegedly told her it was lucky Karen had not been beaten before she died, which she found strange coming before she had been told what happened. Mr Fellows also remarked more than once that Karen was in the wrong place at the wrong time, she had said. The trial has heard how Nicola and Karen went missing while out playing together in Wild Park near Brighton after school on October 9 1986. Expand Close Bishop, pictured in 1988, was originally acquitted of murder in 1987 (PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Bishop, pictured in 1988, was originally acquitted of murder in 1987 (PA) Following a desperate search by the girls mothers, police and locals including Bishop, they were found dead in a wooded den the next day. Mrs Hadaway wept as she told of the moment the girls were found. She said: I was all upset, confused and did not know where I was. I was just terrified about my little girl. Worried about both them children. Bishop was cleared of the murder in 1987 but was ordered to stand trial at the Old Bailey in light of new DNA evidence. Three years after his acquittal, he was convicted of the kidnap, indecent assault and attempted murder of a seven-year-old girl at Devils Dyke, also on the South Downs. Bishop, now aged 52, formerly from Brighton, has denied two charges of murder. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex meet Prime Minster of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern as they arrive at a reception (Dominic Lipinski/PA) New Zealand has a real affinity with the royal family, the countrys prime minister said as the Duke and Duchess of Sussexs visit drew to a close. Wednesday is the final day of Harry and Meghans tour, which has seen them also visit Australia, Fiji and Tonga. The mother and father-to-be will head home after visiting Rotorua, having spent four days in the Land of the Long White Cloud. Expand Close Harry and Meghan arrive at the Auckland War Memorial Museum in Auckland, New Zealand (Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP/PA) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Harry and Meghan arrive at the Auckland War Memorial Museum in Auckland, New Zealand (Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP/PA) Speaking before a reception at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, Jacinda Ardern said: Theres a real connection between particularly William and Harry in recent years so its nice to have been able to host them in such close proximity. New Zealand, like Australia, is a constitutional monarchy and as such the Queen is their head of state, represented by a Governor-General. When asked if the question of whether the Duke and Duchesss visit has changed views on New Zealand becoming a republic, Ms Ardern said: It just really doesnt come up as much. The only time it really comes up is, often off the back of visits, people tend to ask the question. What youll pick up from the New Zealand public is that there is a real affinity for the Queen and a real strength of feeling around members of the royal family, particularly given, in the wake of some of our disasters, that theyve been quick to respond and be present. Expand Close New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said she admired Meghan for carrying out her work while pregnant (Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP/PA) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said she admired Meghan for carrying out her work while pregnant (Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP/PA) Ms Ardern said had not shared any baby tips with Harry and Meghan the PM gave birth to baby Neve in June but that she admired the duchess for her work while pregnant. She said: Its just increased my respect for the role that shes playing at such an often tiring time. I have real empathy and I think shes incredible. Theresa May has ruled out a Norway-style deal with the EU (Victoria Jones/PA) Theresa May has again rejected a Norway-style deal with the EU after Brexit. The move comes after some Tories suggested a temporary Norway for now option to soften EU withdrawal. Norway is a member of the European Economic Area (EEA) and has full access to the single market in exchange for making financial contributions and accepting free movement of people. The existing relationship that Norway has with the EU is one that has elements that dont, wouldnt, deliver on that vote of the British peopleTheresa May Speaking during a visit to Oslo, Mrs May said following Norways example would not bring the outcome people voted for in the EU referendum. She said: The existing relationship that Norway has with the EU is one that has elements that dont, wouldnt, deliver on that vote of the British people. Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg said some EEA members would find a temporary UK membership of the bloc a little bit difficult. Mrs May said she wanted a good agreement with the EU that took in economic activity and security. Labour MP David Lammy, a supporter of the Best for Britain campaign for a second referendum, said: The Norwegian Prime Minister is even pushing back on Britain being accepted into a club of rule-takers. This is yet more embarrassment for our country, which has for so long been a leading decision-maker in the EU. This farce has very real consequences for communities up and down our country. Thats why the public need the final say on Brexit, with the option to end this shambles and stay in the EU. A forensic officer attends the scene on Shaw Street West in Ilkeston, Derbyshire (Josh Payne/PA) A six-year-old boy who died in a house fire has been described by his family as a brave warrior who survived heart surgery as a baby. Riley Jake Jackson died after the fire in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, on Friday evening. The family of six-year-old Riley Jake Jackson, who died in a house fire in #Ilkeston, have paid tribute to him https://t.co/whgzzc36GH pic.twitter.com/wo0jHqXuoB Derbyshire Police (@DerbysPolice) October 30, 2018 His family said in a statement: Riley touched the lives of everyone who met him. Despite being born with a serious heart condition and needing surgery just after his first birthday at Glenfield Hospital, as well as dealing with multiple health conditions, he took it in his stride like the brave warrior that he is. Riley loved life and lived every day to the full, never letting any barriers hold him back. He is a superhero, and his light will always shine as brightly as his smile. Rileys family has asked for privacy but said donations in his memory could be made to Heart Link Childrens Charity, based at Glenfield Hospital, Keep The Beat childrens charity or Patches Heart Group. Expand Close Police and firefighters at the scene in Ilkeston (Josh Payne/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Police and firefighters at the scene in Ilkeston (Josh Payne/PA) Police were called to the house in Shaw Street West, Ilkeston, at 10.40pm on Friday after firefighters found Riley with serious injuries. He was given CPR by emergency services at the scene but died at Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham. Anybody with information about the incident is asked to contact Derbyshire Constabulary, with reference 18*516997. A British academic detained in the United Arab Emirates since May on allegations of spying has been released on bail, the Foreign Office has said. Matthew Hedges, 31, had been held in solitary confinement since he was arrested on May 5 at Dubai Airport. Mr Hedges, a specialist in Middle Eastern studies at Durham University, went to the UAE to research his PhD thesis. He appeared at the Federal Court of Appeal last Wednesday accused of spying for the British Government. He has since been released on bail, the FCO said. Expand Close Matthew Hedges with his wife Daniela Tejada (Daniela Tejada/PA) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Matthew Hedges with his wife Daniela Tejada (Daniela Tejada/PA) A spokeswoman for the FCO said: As the Foreign Secretary has made clear, there are limits to what we can say publicly on Matthews case due to ongoing legal proceedings. We are monitoring developments closely and have made the Emirati authorities aware of all our concerns. We continue to do everything we can for Matthew and his family. Our staff are in close contact with Matthews wife, Daniela, offering her all possible support at what we appreciate is a hugely difficult time. We also remain in regular contact with his lawyer. It is the longstanding policy of successive UK governments not to comment on intelligence matters. Above everything, I hope that justice will be done and Matt is granted his rightful freedomDaniela Tejada Mr Hedges wife, Daniela Tejada, said she welcomed the development, but added: I cannot allow myself to get too excited by this information as Matt is not fully free yet. Above everything, I hope that justice will be done and Matt is granted his rightful freedom something that hes been unjustly denied in the last six months. My main concern is his safety and Id like to request the FCO and UAE authorities to ensure that hes protected during this time. It is understood Mr Hedges next court appearance is scheduled for November 21. His family said prior to his release that they had only been allowed to visit him twice since during his detention. Ms Tajeda told BBC News her husband had been suffering anxiety and panic attacks while in prison and had even expressed suicidal thoughts. Mr Hedges completed a Masters degree in Middle East Studies at Exeter, and began working on his PhD at Durham in 2013. In a joint statement, Durham and Exeter Universities said they were deeply concerned for Mr Hedges welfare. The Duke of Sussex meeting Max Henry, 10, during a walkabout at Viaduct Harbour in Auckland (Vicci Chawe/PA) A young royal fan who held up pictures of him meeting the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge completed the set when Harry and Meghan posed for pictures in Auckland. Max Henry, 10, was among the hundreds of well-wishers who braved the showers to see the royals on their last city walkabout on their 16-day tour. The youngster met William and Kate when they visited New Zealand in 2014 and held laminated copies of photos, hoping to catch the Sussexes eyes. He said: I said look who I met, its your brother and he said oh yeah. Harry and Meghan then posed for pictures with Max, with mother Vicci Chawe saying: Theyre just lovely people. Expand Close The Duchess of Sussex meeting Max Henry, 10 (Vicci Chawe/PA) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Duchess of Sussex meeting Max Henry, 10 (Vicci Chawe/PA) The couple were given flowers and toys, some for their unborn baby, including a finger puppet from Zoey Bliss-Currie, during their walkabout at Viaduct Harbour in Auckland. Mother Shantelle said: It was really sweet. Harry could see she was (uncomfortable) standing at the front of the barriers and he asked her to come through the railings to his side. Zoey had a little toy to give, a native New Zealand Tui bird finger puppet, and he asked, would you like to give that to me or to my wife? And she pointed to Meghan. Meghan then came over and crouched down to talk to Zoey and asked, is that a gift for my baby? and graciously accepted the puppet. She told her she would keep it for the baby and name the toy after Zoey. As Harry and Meghan entered the car to leave the walkabout, Liam Welby shouted Gingers rule! Speaking afterwards, the 21-year-old said: Hes probably the best ginger Ive seen apart from myself in the mirror. Traffic at a standstill as an uprooted tree blocks a road in Rome (Beatrice Larco/AP) At least nine people have been killed over two days in Italy as much of the country was hit by heavy rain and high winds. The deaths are reported to include a woman who was buried by mud when a landslide hit her home and a firefighter who was struck by a tree while responding to the emergency in the northern region of Trentino-Alto Adige. A man also died while wind-surfing in Emilia-Romagna. The other fatalities occurred in Naples, Liguria and Lazio. Expand Close A man uses a hose to clean the wooden floor inside the historic Caffe Florian in Venice (Andrea Merola/Ansa) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A man uses a hose to clean the wooden floor inside the historic Caffe Florian in Venice (Andrea Merola/Ansa) The high winds created an exceptional tide in Venice on Monday, covering three-quarters of the city for the first time in a decade. Jens Stoltenberg at the Nato-led military exercise in Norway (Gorm Kallestad/NTB scanpix via AP) Natos secretary-general has said he is confident the Western military alliance and Russia will act in a respectable way as the two sides hold drills in the same area in waters off Norways coast. Jens Stoltenberg was speaking as he attended the Trident Juncture war games in his native Norway. He said that this is not a Cold War situation, stressing it is purely to prevent, not to provoke. Russia has been briefed by Nato on the exercises and invited to monitor them, but the move has still angered the Russians. Expand Close Jens Stoltenberg visits the Nato-led military exercise in Norway (Gorm Kallestad/NTB Scanpix via AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Jens Stoltenberg visits the Nato-led military exercise in Norway (Gorm Kallestad/NTB Scanpix via AP) Moscow has warned it could be forced to respond to increased Nato military activities and said its navy plans to test missiles in international waters, close to where the alliance is conducting its largest military exercise since the end of the Cold War. The Russian missile tests will take place at the start of November off western Norway. The Nato drill, which is scheduled to end on November 7, is taking place in central and eastern Norway, the North Atlantic and the Baltic Sea. The exercises come amid persistent tensions between Nato and Russia, and Moscow believes the alliance is behaving provocatively near its borders. Mr Stoltenberg said it is a necessary exercise to send a strong signal of unity. The exercises involve around 50,000 personnel from all 29 Nato allies, plus partners Finland and Sweden. There also are 65 ships, 250 aircraft and 10,000 vehicles in a hypothetical scenario that involves restoring Norways sovereignty after an attack by a fictitious aggressor. We are exercising in Nato territory, Mr Stoltenberg said. The nurse is going on trial on charges that he killed a further 100 patients at two hospitals in Germany. (Julian Stratenschulte/dpa /AP) A nurse serving a life sentence for two murders has gone on trial on charges that he killed a further 100 patients at two hospitals in Germany. The murder charges against Niels Hoegel, 41, stem from his time at a hospital in the north-western city of Oldenburg between 1999 and 2002 and at another hospital in nearby Delmenhorst from 2003 to 2005. Hoegel was convicted in 2015 of two murders and two attempted murders. During that trial, he said he intentionally brought about cardiac crises in some 90 patients in Delmenhorst because he enjoyed the feeling of being able to resuscitate them. He later told investigators that he also killed patients in Oldenburg. Authorities subsequently investigated hundreds of deaths, exhuming the bodies of former patients. Expand Close The nurse is accused of killing 100 people (AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The nurse is accused of killing 100 people (AP) The Oldenburg state court is conducting the trial at a courtroom set up in a conference centre, a venue chosen to accommodate a large number of co-plaintiffs as well as public interest in the proceedings. An additional conviction could affect Hoegels possibility of parole, but there are no consecutive sentences in Germany. In general, people serving life sentences are considered for parole after 15 years. Police have said that, if local health officials had not hesitated in alerting authorities, Hoegel could have been stopped earlier. Authorities are pursuing criminal cases against former staff at the two medical facilities. Caskets are carried out of Rodef Shalom Congregation after the funeral services for brothers Cecil and David Rosenthal (Matt Rourke/AP) President Donald Trump has arrived in Pittsburgh to pay tribute to those touched by the worst instance of anti-Semitic violence in American history. He arrived in Pennsylvania to visit Squirrel Hill, the Pittsburgh neighbourhood that is home to the Tree of Life synagogue, where 11 people were gunned down during Sabbath services on Saturday. When Air Force One touched down at the airport outside Pittsburgh, President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were not greeted by the usual phalanx of local officials that typically welcomes a visiting president, a reflection of controversy surrounding the visit. Expand Close President Donald Trump with First Lady Melania (Keith Srakocic/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp President Donald Trump with First Lady Melania (Keith Srakocic/AP) The White House said President Trump was coming to express the support of the American people and to grieve with the Pittsburgh community. But local and religious leaders were divided on whether he should be there. Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, a Democrat, told reporters before the visit was announced that the White House ought to consult with the families of the victims about their preferences and asked that the president not come during a funeral. Neither he nor Democratic Gov Tom Wolf planned to appear with President Trump. His itinerary remained under wraps even as he stepped off the plane, trailed by his daughter Ivanka Trump and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who are Jewish, and members of the first ladys staff carrying white flowers. The White House invited the top four congressional leaders to join President Trump in Pittsburgh, but none accompanied him. President Trump travelled to the historic hub of the citys Jewish community as the first funerals were scheduled to be held for the victims, who range in age from 54 to 97. He is expected to meet with first responders and community leaders. The death toll includes a set of brothers, a husband and wife, professors, dentists and a physician. It was not immediately clear whether President Trump would meet with any family members. Samantha Jones is escorted by police as she arrives at Langkawi Magistrates court in Langkawi,, Malaysia (AP) A British woman has been charged with murdering her husband after he was found stabbed to death at their home on the Malaysian resort island of Langkawi. Police found a blood-stained kitchen knife in the home 51-year-old Samantha Jones shared with John William Jones, 62. Mr Jones was found dead on October 18 with a stab wound to his chest. Jones lawyer Sangeet Kaur Deo said: She is very, very overwhelmed. It is her husband at the end of the day. She is also grieving for him despite the circumstances of the case, but she is holding up. Expand Close Jones lawyer Sangeet Kaur Deo speaks to the media after a court hearing (AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Jones lawyer Sangeet Kaur Deo speaks to the media after a court hearing (AP) Police earlier said Jones confessed to stabbing her husband in the chest during a heated argument. The couple moved to the tropical island 11 years ago under the Malaysia My Second Home scheme, which gives foreigners long-stay visas. Ms Kaur said Jones did not enter a plea as the magistrates court has no jurisdiction to hear a murder case. The case is expected to be transferred to the high court. The next court hearing is on November 29 where prosecutors are expected to provide the defence with the post-mortem, forensic and other related reports, Ms Kaur added. Murder carries a mandatory death sentence by hanging in Malaysia, but the government plans to abolish the death penalty for all crimes. All executions are being put on hold pending changes to the law. A Mexican Federal Police helicopter flies close to the Suchiate River that connects Mexico and Guatemala (AP) US defence chiefs are sending 5,200 troops to the south-west border with Mexico in an extraordinary military operation ordered just a week before mid-term elections in America. During campaign rallies, President Donald Trump has placed a sharp focus on Central American migrants moving north in slow-moving caravans which are still hundreds of miles from the US. The number of troops being deployed is more than double the 2,000 who are in Syria fighting Islamic State. Expand Close A new group of Central American migrants are met by Mexican Federal Police (AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A new group of Central American migrants are met by Mexican Federal Police (AP) Mr Trump, eager to keep voters focused on illegal immigration in the lead-up to the elections, stepped up his dire warnings about the caravans, tweeting: This is an invasion of our Country and our Military is waiting for you! But any migrants who complete the long trek to the southern US border already face major hurdles both physical and bureaucratic before being allowed into the United States. Mr Trump said the US would build tent cities for asylum seekers. Were going to put tents up all over the place, he told Fox News Channels Laura Ingraham. Expand Close Youngsters watch women preparing dinner for Honduran migrants at a makeshift shelter in Ciudad Hidalgo, Mexico (AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Youngsters watch women preparing dinner for Honduran migrants at a makeshift shelter in Ciudad Hidalgo, Mexico (AP) Theyre going to be very nice and theyre going to wait and if they dont get asylum, they get out. Under current protocol, migrants who clear an initial screening are often released until their cases are decided in immigration court, which can take several years. Mr Trump denied his focus on the caravan is intended to help Republicans in next weeks mid-term polls, saying: This has nothing to do with elections. The Pentagons Operation Faithful Patriot was described by the commander of US Northern Command as an effort to help Customs and Border Protection harden the southern border by stiffening defences at and near legal entry points. Expand Close People wait in line for food in Mexico (AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp People wait in line for food in Mexico (AP) Advanced helicopters will allow border protection agents to swoop down on migrants trying to cross illegally, said Air Force general Terrence OShaughnessy. We will not allow a large group to enter the US in an unlawful and unsafe manner, said Kevin McAleenan, commissioner of Customs and Border Protection. Eight hundred troops already are on their way to southern Texas, general OShaughnessy said, and their numbers will top 5,200 by weeks end. Some of the troops will be armed. He said troops would focus first on Texas, followed by Arizona and then California. Expand Close Mexican police escort migrants at the Suchiate River (AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Mexican police escort migrants at the Suchiate River (AP) The troops will join the more than 2,000 National Guardsmen Mr Trump has already deployed to the border. It remains unclear why the administration is choosing to send active-duty troops given that they will be limited to performing the same support functions the Guard already is doing. The number of people in the first migrant caravan headed toward the US has dwindled to about 4,000 from about 7,000 last week, though a second one was gaining steam and marked by violence. About 600 migrants in the second group tried to cross a bridge from Guatemala to Mexico en masse on Monday. The riverbank stand-off with Mexican police followed a more violent confrontation on Sunday when the migrants used sticks and rocks against officers. One migrant was killed on Sunday night by a head wound, but the cause was unclear. Expand Close Migrants line up to receive food handouts in front of a church heavily damaged by an earthquake last September (AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Migrants line up to receive food handouts in front of a church heavily damaged by an earthquake last September (AP) Migrants are entitled under both US and international law to apply for asylum. But there already is a bottleneck of would-be asylum seekers waiting at some US border crossings to make their claims, some waiting as long as five weeks. Mr McAleenan said the aim of the operation was to deter migrants from crossing illegally, but he conceded his officers were overwhelmed by a surge of asylum seekers at border crossings. He also said Mexico was prepared to offer asylum to members of the caravan. If youre already seeking asylum, youve been given a generous offer, he said of Mexico. We want to work with Mexico to manage that flow. In 2010, I lived in Chile for 9 months. It was a memorable time in my life. I lived through one of the countrys worst earthquakes. I went through transitions professionally and romantically. I caught a glimpse at bilingualism in the distance. There are many countries I have yet to visit, countries still on the bucket list. But I still prioritize visiting Chile to deepen an already deep experience. In 2012, I returned and wrote a piece titled The Sweep of Nostalgia and quoted Joan Didions advice remain on nodding terms with your past. I still believe in that advice at least being able to nod at selective elements of your past. Staying in touch with Chile is part of that process. I visited Chile again a couple weeks ago a 2018 visit. Returning to a place you once knew well shakes loose old memories, like dusty old photo frames that tumble down off shelves if you open a cabinet door thats been shut for some time. The memories are not necessarily significant. Random stores. Random streets. Random metro stops. Oh yeah, that thing is a routine thought during these occurrences. Not profound. Unless you consider it profound that our brains store a gazillion memories that are not bubbling at the surface and need active prompting to surface and that is kind of profound if you think about it. One of the more touching moments on my latest visit happened at my old apartment building. I went back to the building in the Providencia neighborhood. I told the doorman I used to live in the building some years ago, and asked if hed let me enter to take the elevator to the roof and look out. After a bit of mental jogging, he said, I remember you! I stared at him and then remembered him as well. Same guy working the door after all these years. Some things really dont change very much. The subway is still excellent (and my transit card from 2010 that Ive held onto still had value on it!). The andes mountains are still beautiful. The Chilean friends I made all still live in Santiago no one has moved away. Of course some things do change in a decades time. For example, everyone in Santiago has a smartphone now. I lived there pre-iPhone. Had I an iPhone and data plan in 2009, I would not have gotten lost nearly as often. I wonder how my experience would have been different had I nailed every turn-by-turn Mainly, the feeling I get when I think about my time in Chile is about how much time has passed in my life. Im older now; I look much older in photos today versus my photos from then. So much has happened in my life since then. I do feel a tinge of sadness thinking about it. When I lived in Chile, I was in my early 20s, living abroad, with so much possibility in front of me. So little constraint. I live a far more constrained life today. All by choice and Im happy with my choices, but enough years have piled up now where I can look back and draw out multi-year detailed maps for how my life could have gone had I made different choices at different juncture points. # I should note a few practical things my partner and I did on the most recent trip to Chile. Agua de Ramon park is wonderful and just 20 mins from uptown Santiago. The new Costanera Center tower is cool the tallest building in Latin America. A sunset drink atop the W Hotel offers remarkable views. And the Ritz Carlton Santiago is a wonderful hotel; the club lounge is very much worth upgrading for 3 meals a day served there and theyre exceptional. I worked full time from the hotel so it was a good location to do that from. # Ill repeat the ending from my previous post on Chile: Some months ago, I watched saw the beautiful documentary Nostalgia for the Light. Its about the astronomy done in the Atacama desert in the very north of Chile. Heres the trailer. The Atacama desert is the driest in the world and the only place on earth with zero humidity year-round. Soon, 95% of the worlds astronomy will be done there. The film juxtaposes the work of scientists in the desert who look to the sky for answers, with old women just miles away who look to the ground for answers, searching for the bones of relatives assassinated by the Pinochet regime and buried in the desert. The film is about the connection between the past and the future, ground and sky. Its also about memory. In the film, director and narrator Patricio Guzman says, Those who have a memory are able to live in the fragile present moment. Those who have none, dont live anywhere. The images of a group of men dressed in Ku Klux Klan outfits posing outside an Islamic prayer centre in Newtownards has rightly drawn widespread criticism. Police have confirmed that they are treating it as a hate crime, and that also is the consensus view of community representatives who have been united in their condemnation. However, there are others who suggest that this was a Halloween prank gone too far and there are reports that the group was seen in a local pub around the same time without causing offence. If it was a prank - and that may be a very charitable view - it was in exceedingly poor taste. Was it really by coincidence that the group posed for photographs outside a building where a pig's head was left at the doorstep last year and where homophobic graffiti was painted on a wall. To the casual observer it would appear that there are people in that locality who are anti-Islamic. Whether or not they had anything to do with the KKK episode, it is hardly surprising that Muslims in the area feel under some threat. Hate crimes, unfortunately, are not unknown in Northern Ireland, directed by each community towards each other, as evidenced by an arson attack on a woman and her three-year-old child in Magherafelt earlier this month, and also from each community towards immigrants. That is why it is important that people not wishing to cause offence act responsibly. Of course at Halloween there will be people dressed in certain costumes - the KKK ones and the person seen in Bangor dressed as Jimmy Savile - which are in bad taste no matter what the intent. Yet there is no law that says you may not be offended. What one person may see as an ironic or topically humorous outfit could be viewed very differently by others. That is where common sense must be exercised. This newspaper stands firmly behind the principle of free speech. People must be allowed to exercise that principle by word or deed provided that it is not designed to cause hatred or deliberate outrage or to encourage others to engage in unlawful acts. It is up to the PSNI and PPS to determine if any incident is in breach of existing legislation and we fully support that legal process as the proper way to determine and address hate crimes. Those in the KKK outfits in Newtownards could easily prove their innocence, if indeed they were, by going to the police and explaining their actions. Gerry Adams has always been fond of having his cake and eating it. He poses as a peacemaker, while still justifying terrorism. He demands that opponents respect his republican comrades, whilst calling unionists "b******s". So it's no wonder that he eventually got round to writing an actual book of recipes, sharing with readers how they too can have and eat as much cake as the big ham himself, together with generous helpings of soup, home-baked bread, and "fine desserts". Well, it's what the hunger strikers would have wanted. Yesterday, this half-baked work hit the shelves of all good book shops - or at least all book shops who know what's good for them. You can even get a signed copy direct from Sinn Fein HQ, featuring the signatures not only of the former MP for West Belfast, now a TD, but of his co-helpers, mysterious mentor Ted Howell and former blanketman Padraic Wilson, who categorically denies presiding over kangaroo courts, but who apparently does know how to assemble some improvised bush tucker at short notice when Gerry puts in the order. Has Padraic been signed up for this year's I'm A Celebrity yet? The whole thing is being released under the code name The Negotiator's Cookbook, which, let's be clear, is in no way meant as a waggish nod to the infamous bomb-making manual, The Anarchist Cookbook. Any resemblance between the two titles is entirely coincidental, because Gerry Adams was never even in the IRA. Sure, the only timer he knows how to use is the one on his oven. Allegedly. Predictably, the release of this latest cash cow by the Falls Road's answer to Paul Rankin has already resulted in more food-related puns than an episode of The Great Colonial Oppressors' Bake Off, as it's no doubt known in Adams' house. Will it sell like hot cakes? Should everything its authors say be taken with a pinch of salt? Is Gerry finally going to spill the beans? Feel free to groan. The authors have indulged in a few of these less than tasteful quips themselves, including "Turkey Ar La" and "The Carmel Lite And The Salad Box". After all, what could be more heart-warming than three senior republicans joking about violence? It's a wonder they didn't go the whole hog and also include recipes for the most effective "bangers". As for rotten eggs, Gerry's known more than his fair share of those down the years, but still fails to explain in his new book what exactly he was cooking up with them behind closed doors in his kitchen cabinet. His recipe for waffle would have been worth seeing too. He's been living off it for years. Either way, can we all please pause for one moment and reflect on how deeply weird it is for the public face of the republican movement during decades of the darkest days of the Troubles to now be milking his fame with a book of recipes? Because this really isn't normal, is it? Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat didn't break off from trying to destroy Israel to share tips on making hummus. Adams may be at a loose end after standing down as Sinn Fein president, but that's no reason to indulge him as he makes more dough by sugar-coating his past and serving it up as a tasty titbit. What comes out of his mouth is bad enough without knowing what goes into it as well. Only one thing's certain. Like everything else written by Gerry Adams, The Negotiator's Cookbook is bound to be full of porkie pies. The case of Aasiya Noreen, better known as Asia Bibi, has attracted global attention over the past several years. Now, she is back in the spotlight as she awaits the verdict on her appeal. Should the appeal be denied, the Christian mother of five will be hanged. Her execution would make her the first woman to be lawfully executed in Pakistan for blasphemy. The controversy surrounding blasphemy laws shoved Asia Bibis case into the spotlight years ago, but with her potential execution date inching closer, calls for her freedom have taken on a new urgency. The President of the European Parliament, Antonio Tajani, called for Pakistan to release Asia Bibi. We need to save Asia Bibi, Tajani said. She is in prison only because she is Christian. This is a big mistake, it is against human rights. We want to defend human rights everywhere. For this, we need to save Asia Bibi. Asia Bibi has spent the last decade in prison after she was accused of insulting Islam by a neighbor who had been involved in a running feud with the Noreen family over property damage. The confrontation began when Asia Bibi took a drink from a metal cup while fetching water from a nearby well for herself and other farmhands. The neighbor who later accused Noreen of blasphemy said it was forbidden for a Christian to drink from a Muslims cup as Christians are considered to be unclean. The two argued, and the neighbor made various derogatory remarks about Christianity. Noreen claims she responded, I believe in my religion and in Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for the sins of mankind. What did your Prophet Mohammad ever do to save mankind? The neighbor and other workers later claimed that Noreen had deeply insulted Muhammad and made derogatory remarks. Noreen was arrested after an angry mob broke into her home and attacked her and her family. She was imprisoned for more than a year before she was ever charged with a crime. Asia Bibi maintains that she is innocent and that she was accused by her neighbor as an act of revenge. The case has been wildly controversial even within Pakistan. Two government officials, Shahbaz Bhatti and Salmaan Taseer, were assassinated for advocating on Asia Bibis behalf, and the Noreen family has been driven into hiding due to a deluge of death threats. Still, people are hopeful that Asia Bibis original conviction will be overturned. It may seem mad to hope for justice after Asia Bibi has spent more than 10 years in prison, but international pressure helped suspend her original death sentence, so there is hope. Christians across the globe are praying for their imprisoned sister, and hundreds of thousands of people are advocating on Asia Bibis behalf. One can only hope that justice will prevail for her before it is too late. Bangladesh opposition leader Khaleda Zia is moved from her room at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital in Dhaka for medical tests, Oct. 29, 2018. A Dhaka court Monday sentenced opposition head Khaleda Zia to seven years for misappropriating about 32 million taka (U.S. $381,000) from a charitable trust named after her, in the jailed leaders second conviction this year. Judge Md Akhtaruzzaman announced the sentence against Zia and three co-defendants from a temporary court inside Dhakas old central jail after spending 45 minutes reading the summary of the 600-page verdict. The anti-corruption commission (ACC) filed the case in 2011. Akhtaruzzaman declared Zia, a former prime minister who chairs the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), guilty under the Prevention and Corruption Act of 1947. He ordered the maximum sentence along with a 1 million taka ($11,900) fine, while ordering the confiscation of land bought by the trust. Failure to pay the fine would extend her sentence another six months. Khaleda Zia abused her power as the head of state, collected funds for her personal trust and then spent it. This cannot be accepted, Akhtaruzzaman ruled. He said Zia, who was sentenced to five years in February as a result of another graft conviction, should be given the maximum punishment so others would not follow her lead. The new sentence is to run concurrently with the previous sentence, Reuters news service reported. While Zia was being sentenced in Dhaka on Monday, photographer Shahidul Alam saw another attempt to be freed on bail be delayed by a High Court bench. Alam has been locked up since Aug. 5 after he expressed opinions on Facebook and in a television interview about a student uprising demanding road safety to protest two classmates who were killed by a speeding bus. Others sentenced Three of Zias co-defendants former political affairs secretary Harris Chowdhury, former Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority acting director Ziaul Islam Munna and Monirul Islam Khan, the personal secretary of Dhaka City mayor Sadeque Hossain Khoka each received the same seven-year sentence and fine. Two of the defendants were in court to hear the verdict but Chowdhury has absconded. Zia, who is a patient at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital, and her lawyers were not in court. ACC lawyer Mosharraf Hossain Kajal told BenarNews he was pleased with the judges ruling. We could prove Khaleda Zias guilt and the court also handed the maximum punishment to her, Mosharraf said. The BNP rejected the verdict and called for a nationwide protest on Tuesday. BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia is the victim of political vendetta. The sole reason for such a verdict is to keep her away from the next parliamentary election, BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told reporters. Sabina Islam, a sister of defendant Monirul Islam Khan, said she and her family did not accept the verdict. We havent gotten justice and we will go to the high court for remedy, she told BenarNews. In September, the ministry of law, justice and parliamentary affairs established a court inside the old central jail for Zia where has been serving time since her Feb. 8 conviction in another case tied to the Zia Orphanage Trust. Despite having a courtroom in the jail, she refused to return after her first appearance and has since been admitted to the hospital. You may pass any judgment. I cant appear again and again every day. I am not well, she told the court on Sept. 5. The court accepted the governments request for the trial to continue despite her absence. Alamgir said the BNP was considering challenging the verdict before the high court. The lower court has closed the door of justice for us, he said. Bail hearing delayed In other court-related news on Monday, a high court judge ordered Attorney General Mahbubey Alam to submit online content by Thursday showing evidence to support a defamation allegation against Shahidul Alam, the photo journalist whose detention has led to international protests. The attorney general said he opposed bail because of false statements about the government. Shahidul said in his interview with Al-Jazeera TV that the Awami League government is non-elected. Thats why the government has no mandate to run the country, Mahbubey Alam told the court. Defense attorney Sara Hossain said the judges could go online and verify the authenticity of Shahidul Alams interview. The court accepted her request that her clients case be placed at the top of Thursdays docket. Shahiduls health has deteriorated in the last 10 days. There is no proper facilities for his treatment in the prison. He will face the trial, he is a renowned person, why should he escape? Hossain said in requesting bail. Kamran Reza Chowdhury in Dhaka contributed to this report. Updated at 5:09 p.m. ET on 2018-10-30 An Indonesian jetliner had logged unreliable altitude and airspeed readings on its previous flight, the night before crashing into the sea with 189 people aboard, the airlines CEO said Tuesday as he confirmed a report by an aviation safety website. Lion Air Flight 610, a new Boeing 737 Max 8, took off from Jakarta on Monday morning and was heading to the mining region of Pangkal Pinang when its pilot sent an emergency call to the control tower two minutes after takeoff. He asked for permission to return to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, but the twin-engine plane went down 11 minutes later, officials said. Lion Air CEO Edward Sirait confirmed to BenarNews that the plane had experienced some issues on its previous flight, as reported by aviation-safety.net. Yes, that was on the previous flight, but the problems were resolved that night, he said. Lets wait for the result of the investigation by KNKT, he said when asked whether the plane might have experienced similar issues on the ill-fated flight, using the Indonesian abbreviation of the National Transportation Safety Committee. On the night before the crash, while the same plane was flying from Bali to Jakarta, that flight showed erratic values in altitude and airspeed immediately after take-off, according to aviation-safety.net. Airspeed unreliable and alt disagree shown after take off, read a technical log for that flight, obtained by the website, referring to abnormal variations in speed and altitude. Aviation-safety.net said the Lion Air flight that crashed also showed erratic altitude data varying between 4,500 and 5,350 feet. The values then rapidly decline until contact is lost at 06:32 hours, it said. Indonesias search and rescue agency said the reason for the crash was still a big question. The planes emergency beacon did not emit a distress signal, even though it was certified to work until August next year, the agency said in a statement Sunday. Conchita Caroline, a television presenter who was a passenger on that plane when it took off from Bali on Sunday night, recounted the experience in a lengthy Facebook post. It took a long time to take off, the engine died several times and the air conditioning was dead, Caroline said, adding that the cabin crew did not provide a clear explanation. She said the passengers complained about insufficient air and stifling heat, but some were only allowed to get off the plane after they protested. The 737 took off after a delay of more than an hour, she said, but added that she heard an unusual sound from the engine. Thank God we landed safely, she said. It was a big relief. Arthur Tampi, chief of the national polices medical department, said the hospital had received 24 bags containing only body parts. None of the corpses are intact, he told a news conference Tuesday. Police have begun taking DNA samples from relatives of the victims, he said. It is unlikely that we'll find all the bodies, but death certificates will be issued for all the victims, he said. National Search and Rescue head Muhammad Syaugi said searchers were working around the clock. We are doing what we can. The weather is good. Its only a matter of time, he said, adding that the search operation would last for seven days. Divers, as well as ships with side-scan sonar and multi-beam echo-sounders, have been deployed to pinpoint the location of the fuselage, where many bodies might still be trapped, he said. Searchers are also looking for the aircraft black boxes the cockpit voice recorder and a flight data recorder which could shed light on the cause of the accident. Minister orders inspection of 737 MAX 8 fleet Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi said he had ordered Lion Air and national airline Garuda Indonesia to inspect their Boeing 737 MAX 8 fleet, but stopped short of grounding the aircraft. The result of the inspection will be submitted to the National Transport Safety Committee to help determine the cause of the accident, Budi told Metro TV on Tuesday. Lion operates 11 Boeing 737 MAX 8s while Garuda has only one, the ministry said. "We have inspected Garuda last night while Lion is still in progress," transportation ministry official Capt. Avirianto told CNN, adding that the ministry hopes to inspect at least three of Lion Air's planes Tuesday night and the other eight soon. It was not clear whether the Garuda plane passed the inspection. Soerjanto Tjahjono, head of the National Transport Safety Committee (NTSC), told reporters the Boeing 737 MAX 8 was delivered to Lion Air in mid-August. The first version of the Boeing 737 made its first flight in April 1967 and more than 10,000 have been produced. The 737 MAX 8 is its latest modern variant. Putting a spotlight on aviation safety The Lion Air crash has again put a spotlight on Indonesias record for aviation safety. There will be questions about fleet maintenance and aviation safety in general. Indonesia has made great progress in aviation safety since 2007, and this has been recognized by FAA and ICAO, aviation observer Dudi Sudibyo told BenarNews. Airlines and the government should learn from this tragedy and try to improve further, he said. Indonesia, the worlds largest archipelagic country, has experienced a boom in low cost-carriers following the liberalization of the aviation industry in the early 2000s. In 2013, a Lion Air Boeing 737 carrying more than 100 people crashed into the sea while trying to land on Bali, nearly splitting the fuselage into two, though there were no fatalities. The next year, an Air Asia Indonesia plane plunged into the Java Sea during bad weather, killing all 155 passengers and seven crew on board. In June, the European Union lifted a ban of Indonesian airlines from its list of carriers, which was imposed in 2007 following a string of deadly air incidents. Several of the Indonesian airlines, including flag carrier Garuda, were taken off the ban list in 2009 after steps were taken to improve safety. Relatives await news Meanwhile, family members of those on board flight 610 and scores of other distraught relatives gathered on Tuesday at the police hospital in Jakarta. Many told reporters they were desperate for information. Eny Yola could not stop crying as she awaited news about her 26-year-old son, Rionanda Pratama, a medical doctor, at the central police hospital in east Jakarta. He was in Jakarta to take part in a seminar at Harapan Kita Hospital, she told BenarNews. When he was inside the plane before departure he called asking his father to pick him up at the airport at 7:30, she said, sobbing. We waited until 9, but he didnt show up and then we saw the news at the airport. Tia Asmara in Jakarta contributed to this report. Malaysian security officers patrol as the Equanimity yacht is seen in the distance in Port Klang, Malaysia, Aug. 7, 2018. Malaysia on Monday put on the auction block a U.S. $250-million superyacht, which was seized from fugitive financier Jho Low as part of an international investigation into Malaysias 1MDB graft scandal, a government lawyer said. The first sale of a major asset linked to 1MDB began as the government prepared for an anti-corruption summit in Kuala Lumpur that would be attended on Tuesday by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. He took power nearly six months ago on a pledge to probe the alleged looting of billions of dollars from the state fund known formally as 1Malaysia Development Berhad. The month-long bidding for the 300-foot luxury yacht Equanimity started on Monday, lawyer Ong Chee Kwan, who is representing the government and 1MDB in the sale, told BenarNews. Ong said the auction would be supervised by London-based Burgess Yachts, a global superyacht broker. He said he could not provide an estimate on how much the Equanimity would ultimately fetch. As high as possible," he said. That is all I can say. He said a potential bidder must first put in a $1 million (4.17 million ringgit) deposit to Burgess before Nov. 28, the date when officials could decide whether to push through with the sale. After paying the deposit, and after the closing date, the admiralty sheriff will determine the face value of the yacht. They will see which bidders meet the face value at least, he said. The auction came almost three months after Indonesia turned the yacht over to Malaysia. Indonesian and U.S. authorities impounded the Cayman Islands-flagged vessel, while it was moored off the Indonesian island of Bali in February, and a Malaysian court approved its sale two months ago. On June 15, 2017, the United States filed a civil forfeiture lawsuit against the vessel, claiming that Jho Low whose real name is Low Taek Jho had bought it for $250 million with money stolen and embezzled from 1MDB. But after news broke that a California court had ordered the boat seized, Jho Low gave instructions to hide the Equanimity in a series of foreign locations, frustrating the governments efforts to bring the asset for forfeiture in the United States, according to the U.S. investigators. While Low, whose whereabouts are unknown, has opposed the handover through his statements issued by his lawyers, he failed to claim ownership in the Malaysian court, prompting it to award ownership of Equanimity to the government. Lows attorneys did not respond to emails from BenarNews seeking comments on the auction. Burgess Yachts, on its website, said the Equanimity could accommodate up to 22 guests and 31 crew, with amenities that include a swimming pool, a beauty salon, a massage room, sauna, medical facilities and a helicopter pad. The vessel is among more than $1.7 billion in assets that Washington claims was bought with money siphoned off from 1MDB, which was set up by former Prime Minister Najib Razak when he was in power in 2009. Mahathir took power on May 10 after his Pakatan Harapan coalition had devastated the Najib-led ruling party in the general election the day before. Political observers had blamed Najibs political downfall partly on the 1MDB fiasco. Najib, who faces multiple charges related to corruption, money laundering and abuse of power, had consistently claimed that the 2.3 billion ringgit ($556.23 million) of money from 1MDB that allegedly landed into his personal bank accounts were a donation from the Saudi royal family. But, in an interview with Al Jazeera on Friday, Najib confirmed that he could not verify the source of the funds. He assumed, he said, that the donations were connected to Saudi Arabia after its king, Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, had given him assurances of support. However, in a Facebook post on the same day, Najib backtracked and said the money indeed came as a donation from the Saudi government. Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah, however, told reporters on Saturday that the Saudi government had said it was not connected to the funds received by Najib. Saifuddin made the comments after meeting visiting Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir on Friday. He stated that (the money) has nothing to do with the Saudi government, Saifuddin said, referring to Adel. Residents in low-lying areas of Malued, a village vin the northern Philippine city of Dagupan, take shelter after evacuating their homes on the eve of Typhoon Yutus landfall, Oct. 29, 2018. Typhoon Yutu pummeled the northern Philippines on Tuesday, forcing about 10,000 people to flee their homes as heavy rains and strong winds blew away tin roofs, uprooted trees and knocked out power lines, disaster relief officials said. Officials said it was too early to say if there were any casualties. They said many residents had been warned days before the typhoon hit land. Moderate to heavy rains directly associated with the typhoon are expected over northern and central Luzon, said Ricardo Jalad, head of the governments disaster risk-reduction agency. Residents in these areas, especially those living near river channels, in low-lying areas and mountainous areas are advised to take appropriate actions against possible flooding and landslides, he said. Packing winds of up to 150 km (93 miles) per hour Yutu, locally named Rosita, made landfall in the northeast of Luzon island at dawn and barreled its way westward, the state weather bureau said. Its arrival was weaker than when it devastated the Northern Mariana Islands a U.S. territory about 9,000 km (5,600 miles) west of the U.S. mainland late last week. Yutu obliterated the island of Tinian and parts of Saipan, the largest island, with 180 mph winds, according to Reuters. Tropical cyclone warnings of varying intensities were hoisted in some 30 provinces, including in the capital Manila, where it rained most of the day. Classes in many areas were also suspended Tuesday, while up to 30 domestic and international flights were cancelled. Flashfloods spawned by Typhoon Yutu all but wash out an elementary school in Dacalan, a town in the mountains of Kalinga province in the northern Philippines, Oct. 30, 2018. [Courtesy of Cordillera Disaster Response and Development Services] Yutu is the 16th typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2018.The country is hit by up to 20 or so storms a year, some of them devastating. It came a month after typhoon Mangkhut cut a similar path, dumping heavy rains across a large area of Luzon and causing landslides that left at least 150 dead. Mangkhut was the most powerful storm to hit the archipelago since 2013, when Supertyphoon Haiyan cut across the country, killing thousands. On Tuesday, Sen. Richard Gordon, head of the Philippine Red Cross, said volunteers rescued two elderly people inside their homes in the town of Bambang in northern Nueva Vizcaya province. The two were trapped inside their house due to high and intense flooding in their area, in the village of Abian, Gordon said. On Monday, authorities in the mountain mining town of Itogon, where many were buried alive in last months storm, evacuated hundreds of residents. Check out the top stories from BGSU and beyond in our newscast and online edition of our newspaper every Wednesday. You can also view past papers by clicking the e-edition header above. Plus, Bill's Message of the Day, Why is Kamala Harris so Unpopular? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices MammoAssist categorizes a mammogram as per the American College of Radiology BIRADS Scoring protocol and generates a detailed report based on radiologic parameters including Breast Parenchymal Composition, Calcification, Lesions, Lymph Nodes, Architectural Distortion all of which are of critical significance in the early detection of breast cancer. Telerad Tech, a global healthcare technology company headquartered in Bengaluru, has announced the launch of a new AI-Powered product MammoAssist to detect early-stage breast cancer as a Make in India Initiative. MammoAssist analyzes a mammogram and processes the imaging data to recognize radiologic features of early stage breast cancer and categorizes it for BIRADS Scoring with a full-fledged structured template. This template is then made available to a radiologist who corroborates/validates the mammography findings and issues the official report. As per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), breast cancer ranks as number one cancer among Indian females with an incidence of 25.8 per 100,000 women with 50% survival rate. The primary reason of mortality is late detection. In urban areas, 1 in 22 women is likely to develop breast cancer during their lifetimes as compared to rural areas where 1 in 60 women is likely to develop the disease. Governments in India and globally are under huge pressure to improve this situation in a cost-effective manner. MammoAssist is a cost-effective solution to the above growing problem as it acts as a catalyst for radiologist to review mammograms in minimal time. It can reduce the costs of mass screening programs. In breast cancer, early detection is of paramount importance in terms of improving patient outcome and reducing healthcare costs. Today, in India, most breast cancer cases are unfortunately diagnosed at a late stage, in part due to the shortage of radiologists required for interpretation of mammograms for the early detection of breast cancer. The availability of an Artificial Intelligence solution such as MammoAssist has the potential to be a game changer in terms of assisting radiologists and facilitating early detection of breast cancer, explains Dr. Arjun Kalyanpur, Founder & Chief Radiologist of Teleradiology Solutions & Telerad Tech. MammoAssist can play a significant role in breast cancer screening programs to eliminate negative cases with high degree of accuracy and categorizing benign and malignant cases with fully structured report with BIRADS Score in multiple languages. Our studies have shown that MammoAssist can improve the efficiency and productivity of a radiologist by more than 50%. We are highly committed to improve the patient care through artificial intelligence and deep learning in the clinical environment and are targeting to release more than 40 algorithms for radiology diagnosis by 2019 says Prashant Akhawat, COO of Telerad Tech. MammoAssist can help in early stage breast cancer detection and generate a detailed report with all significant radiologic findings such as Microcalcification, Macrocalcification, Clustered Calcification, Lesions & Lymph Node, Architectural Distortion, Bilateral Asymmetry, Breast Parenchymal Composition, Size, Shape, Location and Density analysis with BI-RADS (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System) score. It enhances the ability of a radiologist to report cases with high accuracy and efficiency and provides a standard interface to communicate with healthcare systems like RIS-PACS, EMRs through industry standard API and protocols. MammoAssist can generate reports in multiple languages including English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Polish, and Portuguese. MammoAssist powers Telerad Techs Next Generation AI Enabled RIS-PACS Platform RADSpa. RADSpa is deployed in more than 25 countries and has been used to process more than 20 million studies. RADSpa is FDA approved and CE certified. Reciba en su email: noticias de ultima hora, analisis tecnicos o el cierre de mercado Email no valido Nombre requerido Recibira las informaciones mas relevantes del dia en tiempo real Que informacion desea recibir? Noticias de Ultima hora Boletin Cierre de Mercado Boletin analisis tecnico Boletin Fundsnews Debe seleccionar un tipo de boletin Acepto la Politica de privacidad Debe aceptar la politica de privacidad Responsable EMPRESAS DEL GRUPO WEB FINANCIAL GROUP Finalidad La remision de informacion, novedades y promociones Establecimiento o mantenimiento de Relaciones Comerciales. Legitimacion Consentimiento del interesado. Interes legitimo en el desarrollo de la relacion comercial Destinatario Empresas del Grupo WEB FINANCIAL GROUP Derechos Acceso, rectificacion, supresion, limitacion, oposicion y portabilidad Informacion adicional Politica de Privacidad de nuestra pagina Web + INFORMACION Canada NewsWire VANCOUVER, Oct. 30, 2018 VANCOUVER, Oct. 30, 2018 /CNW/ - TSX VENTURE COMPANIESBLUEWATER ACQUISITION CORP. ("BAQ.P")BULLETIN TYPE: Resume TradingBULLETIN DATE: October 30, 2018TSX Venture Tier 2 Company Effective Thursday, November 1, 2018, shares of the Company will resume trading as the Exchange has received all documentation required pursuant to Policy 2.4 for listing of the Company. ________________________________________ CONNAUGHT VENTURES INC. ("CNV.P")BULLETIN TYPE: New Listing-CPC-SharesBULLETIN DATE: October 30, 2018TSX Venture Tier 2 Company This Capital Pool Company's ('CPC') Prospectus dated August 28, 2018 has been filed with and accepted by TSX Venture Exchange and the British Columbia Securities Commissions effective August 29, 2018, pursuant to the provisions of the relevant Securities Act. The Common Shares of the Company will be listed on TSX Venture Exchange on the effective date stated below. The Company completed its initial distribution of securities to the public. The gross proceeds to be received by the Company for the Offering are $200,000 (2,000,000 common shares at $0.10 per share). Commence Date: At the opening Thursday, November 1, 2018, the common shares will commence trading on TSX Venture Exchange. Corporate Jurisdiction: British Columbia Capitalization: Unlimited common shares with no par value of which4,000,000 common shares are issued and outstanding Escrowed Shares: 2,000,000 common shares Transfer Agent: TSX Trust Company Trading Symbol: CNV.P CUSIP Number: 207477 10 3 Sponsoring Member: Leede Jones Gable Inc. Agent's Options: 200,000 non-transferable stock options. One option to purchase one share at $0.10 per share up to 24 months from date of listing. For further information, please refer to the Company's Prospectus dated August 28, 2018. Company Contact: John Thompson Company Address: Suite 1510, 789 West Pender Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 1H2 Company Phone Number: 604 336-2499 Company Fax Number: N/A Company Email Address: [email protected] Seeking QT primarily in these sectors: ________________________________________ HELIX APPLICATIONS INC. ("HELX")BULLETIN TYPE: Change of Business, Private Placement-Brokered Company, Private Placement-Non-Brokered Tier Reclassification, Resume TradingBULLETIN DATE: October 30, 2018TSX Venture Tier 1 Company Change of Business: TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange") has accepted for filing Helix Applications Inc. (the "Company's") Change of Business (the "COB"), as principally described in its filing statement dated October 15, 2018 and news release dated October 30, 2018. Pursuant to the COB, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding common shares of BlockCoBuilders Inc. Consideration for the acquisition was 16,600,000 common shares of the Company. Accordingly, the Company's business has changed from being a Mining Issuer to a Technology Issuer. Private Placement-Brokered: The Exchange has accepted for filing documentation with respect to a Brokered Private Placement announced June 20, 2018: Number of Shares: 641,025 shares Purchase Price: $0.78 per share Number of Placees: 26 Placees Insider / Pro Group Participation: Name Insider=Y /ProGroup=P # of Shares Aggregate Pro Group Involvement [3 places] P 214,873 Agent's Fee: Canaccord Genuity Corp. will receive a Corporate Finance Fee of $50,000.00 plus taxes, a Financial Advisory Fee of $10,000.00 plus taxes and a 5% cash commission of $25,000.00. Pursuant to Corporate Finance Policy 4.1, Section 1.11(d), the Company issued a news release dated October 12, 2018 announcing the closing of the private placement and setting out the expiry dates of the hold period(s). Private Placement-Non-Brokered: The Exchange has also accepted for filing documentation with respect to a Non-Brokered Private Placement announced June 14, 2018: Number of Shares: 9,465,247 shares Purchase Price: $0.78 per share Number of Placees: 69 Placees Insider / Pro Group Participation: Name Insider=Y / ProGroup=P # of Shares Mike Sutton Y 128,205 Brian Hinchcliffe Y 256,410 Aggregate Pro Group Involvement [8 places] P 1,473,250 Finder's Fee: Smaller Company Capital Limited - $152,668.05 Haywood Securities Inc. - $200,501.73 Canaccord Genuity Corp. - $975.00 Pursuant to Corporate Finance Policy 4.1, Section 1.11(d), the Company issued news releases dated August 27, 2018 and September 28, 2018 announcing the closing of the private placement and setting out the expiry dates of the hold period(s). Effective at the opening on Thursday, November 1, 2018, the common shares of Helix Applications Inc. will resume trade on the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company is classified as a 'Technology Issuer.' Capitalization: Unlimited shares with no par value of which 66,043,332 shares are issued and outstanding Escrow: 21,091,835 shares subject to Tier 2 Surplus Escrow 383,784 shares subject to Tier 2 Value Escrow Transfer Agent: Computershare Trust Company of Canada Trading Symbol: HELX CUSIP Number: 42329U109 Company Tier Reclassification: In accordance with the above, the Company has met the requirements for a Tier 2 company. Therefore, effective at the opening, Thursday, November 1, 2018, the Company's Tier classification will change from Tier 1 to Tier 2. Resume Trading Effective at the opening, Thursday, November 1, 2018, the shares of the Company will resume trading. ________________________________________ ORLA MINING LTD. ("OLA")BULLETIN TYPE: GraduationBULLETIN DATE: October 30, 2018TSX Venture Tier 2 Company TSX Venture Exchange has been advised that the Company's shares will be listed and commence trading on Toronto Stock Exchange at the opening on November 1, 2018 under the symbol "OLA". As a result of this Graduation, there will be no further trading under the symbol "OLA" on TSX Venture Exchange after October 31, 2018, and its shares will be delisted from TSX Venture Exchange at the commencement of trading on Toronto Stock Exchange. __________________________________ SPIRIT BANNER II CAPITAL CORP. ("SBTC.P")BULLETIN TYPE: New Listing-CPC-Shares, HaltBULLETIN DATE: October 30, 2018TSX Venture Tier 2 Company This Capital Pool Company's ('CPC') Prospectus dated May 7, 2018 and as amended on August 1, 2018, has been filed with and accepted by TSX Venture Exchange and the British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario Securities Commissions effective May 8, 2018, and August 3, 2018 pursuant to the provisions of the relevant Securities Act. The Common Shares of the Company will be listed on TSX Venture Exchange on the effective date stated below. The Company intends to complete its initial distribution of securities to the public. The gross proceeds expected to be received by the Company for the Offering are $501,500 (5,015,000 common shares at $0.10 per share). Commence Date: At the opening Thursday, November 1, 2018, the common shares will be listed on TSX Venture Exchange. Trading in the shares of the Company will be immediately halted pending receipt of acceptable documentation regarding the Capital Pool Company listing pursuant to Exchange Policy 2.4. Corporate Jurisdiction: Ontario Capitalization: Unlimited common shares with no par value of which 11,615,000 common shares are issued and outstanding Escrowed Shares: 6,600,000 common shares Transfer Agent: TSX Trust Company Trading Symbol: SBTC.P CUSIP Number: 84859N 10 5 Sponsoring Member: Canaccord Genuity Corp. Agent's Options: 501,500 non-transferable stock options. One option to purchase one share at $0.10 per share up to 24 months from date of listing. For further information, please refer to the Company's Prospectus dated May 7, 2018 and as amended on August 1, 2018. Company Contact: Ali Haji Company Address: 400 90 Adelaide Street West, Toronto, Ontario M5H 4A6 Company Phone Number: 647-951-6508 Company Fax Number: N/A Company Email Address: [email protected] Seeking QT primarily in these sectors: ________________________________________ TIMELESS CAPITAL CORP. ("TLC.P")BULLETIN TYPE: Resume TradingBULLETIN DATE: October 30, 2018TSX Venture Tier 2 Company Further to the Exchange's Bulletin dated October 25, 2018, the Company has submitted to the Exchange acceptable documentation respecting its Capital Pool Company listing. Effective at the opening, Thursday, November 1, 2018, shares of the Company will resume trading. ________________________________________ 18/10/30 - TSX Venture Exchange Bulletins TSX VENTURE COMPANIES48NORTH CANNABIS CORP. ("NRTH")BULLETIN TYPE: HaltBULLETIN DATE: October 30, 2018TSX Venture Tier 1 Company Effective at 5.41 a.m. PST, October 30, 2018, trading in the shares of the Company was halted at the request of the Company, pending news; this regulatory halt is imposed by Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada, the Market Regulator of the Exchange pursuant to the provisions of Section 10.9(1) of the Universal Market Integrity Rules. ________________________________________ 48NORTH CANNABIS CORP. ("NRTH")BULLETIN TYPE: Resume TradingBULLETIN DATE: October 30, 2018TSX Venture Tier 1 Company Effective at 9.45 a.m. PST, October 30, 2018, shares of the Company resumed trading, an announcement having been made. ________________________________________ ALVOPETRO ENERGY LTD. ("ALV")BULLETIN TYPE: Private Placement-Non-BrokeredBULLETIN DATE: October 30, 2018TSX Venture Tier 2 Company TSX Venture Exchange has accepted for filing documentation with respect to a Non-Brokered Private Placement announced October 16, 2018: Number of Shares: 2,876,000 share units ("Units") Each unit consists of four common shares of the Company and one warrant Purchase Price: US$1.40 ($1.80) per Unit Warrants: 2,876,000 share purchase warrants to purchase 2,876,000 shares Warrant Exercise Price: US$0.50 ($0.56) for a two year period Number of Placees: 52 placees Insider / Pro Group Participation: Name Insider=Y /ProGroup=P # of Units Alison Howard Y 37,500 Corey Ruttan Y 77,500 John Wright Y 100,000 Finder's Fee: $161,056 cash and 700,000 warrants ("Finder Warrants") payable to Aspenwood Capital 100,000 Finder Warrants payable to Matthew Osbourn. Each Finder Warrant is exercisable for one common share at US$0.50 ($0.56) for a two year period. ________________________________________ ARROW EXPLORATION CORP. ("AXL")BULLETIN TYPE: Regional Office ChangeBULLETIN DATE: October 30, 2018TSX Venture Tier 1 Company Pursuant to Policy 1.2, TSX Venture Exchange has been advised of, and accepted the change of the Filing and Regional Office from Vancouver to Calgary. ________________________________________ BLACKBIRD ENERGY INC. ("BBI")BULLETIN TYPE: HaltBULLETIN DATE: October 30, 2018TSX Venture Tier 2 Company Effective at 4.37 a.m. PST, October 30, 2018, trading in the shares of the Company was halted at the request of the Company, pending news; this regulatory halt is imposed by Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada, the Market Regulator of the Exchange pursuant to the provisions of Section 10.9(1) of the Universal Market Integrity Rules. ________________________________________ BLUEWATER ACQUISITION CORP. ("BAQ.P") BULLETIN TYPE: HaltBULLETIN DATE: October 30, 2018TSX Venture Tier 2 Company Effective at 4.00 a.m. PST, October 30, 2018, trading in the shares of the Company was halted pending closing; this regulatory halt is imposed by Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada, the Market Regulator of the Exchange pursuant to the provisions of Section 10.9(1) of the Universal Market Integrity Rules. ________________________________________ CARDERO RESOURCE CORP. ("CDU")BULLETIN TYPE: Private Placement-Non-BrokeredBULLETIN DATE: October 30, 2018TSX Venture Tier 2 Company TSX Venture Exchange has accepted for filing documentation with respect to a Non-Brokered Private Placement announced Oct 12, 2018: Number of Shares: 557,428 shares Purchase Price: $0.14 per share Warrants: 278,714 share purchase warrants to purchase 278,714 shares Warrant Initial Exercise Price: $0.21 Warrant Term to Expiry: 2 Years Number of Placees: 5 Placees Insider / Pro Group Participation: Name Insider=Y /Pro-Group=P # of Shares Robert van Doorn Y 250,000 Deepak Malhotra Y 50,000 Note that in certain circumstances the Exchange may later extend the expiry date of the warrants, if they are less than the maximum permitted term. The above information is a summary only. Neither TMX Group Limited nor any of its affiliated companies guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this document. Readers should consult the issuer's continuous disclosure record for complete details of the transaction. ________________________________________ GENTOR RESOURCES INC. ("GNT")BULLETIN TYPE: Private Placement-Non-BrokeredBULLETIN DATE: October 30, 2018TSX Venture Tier 2 Company TSX Venture Exchange has accepted for filing documentation with respect to a Non-Brokered Private Placement announced September 27, 2018: Number of Shares: 4,000,000 shares Purchase Price: $0.05 per share Number of Placees: 8 Placees Insider / Pro Group Participation: Name Insider=Y / ProGroup=P # of Shares Arnold T. Kondrat Y 2,725,000 Geoffrey Farr Y 100,000 Richard Lachcik Y 100,000 Donat Madilo Y 100,000 William Wilson Y 50,000 Pursuant to Corporate Finance Policy 4.1, Section 1.11(d), the Company has issued a news release announcing the closing of the private placement and setting out the expiry dates of the hold period(s). ________________________________________ GOLDEX RESOURCES CORPORATION ("GDX")BULLETIN TYPE: HaltBULLETIN DATE: October 30, 2018TSX Venture Tier 2 Company Effective at 11.04 a.m. PST, October 30, 2018, trading in the shares of the Company was halted at the request of the Company, pending news; this regulatory halt is imposed by Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada, the Market Regulator of the Exchange pursuant to the provisions of Section 10.9(1) of the Universal Market Integrity Rules. ________________________________________ HELIX APPLICATIONS INC. ("HELX")BULLETIN TYPE: HaltBULLETIN DATE: October 30, 2018TSX Venture Tier 1 Company Effective at 11.10 a.m. PST, October 30, 2018, trading in the shares of the Company was halted pending closing; this regulatory halt is imposed by Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada, the Market Regulator of the Exchange pursuant to the provisions of Section 10.9(1) of the Universal Market Integrity Rules. ________________________________________ LUCKY MINERALS INC. ("LKY")BULLETIN TYPE: Private Placement-Non-BrokeredBULLETIN DATE: October 30, 2018TSX Venture Tier 2 Company TSX Venture Exchange has accepted for filing documentation with respect to a Non-Brokered Private Placement announced August 20, 2018: Number of Shares: 8,333,333 shares Purchase Price: $0.15 per share Warrants: 4,166,666 share purchase warrants to purchase 4,166,666 shares Warrant Exercise Price: $0.22 for a two year period Number of Placees: 16 Placees Insider / Pro Group Participation: Name Insider=Y / ProGroup=P # of Shares PanOcean Consulting Ltd. (Robert Rosner) Y 1,224,387 Technologies Earthmetrix (Alain Moreau) Y 804,825 Alain Moreau Y 204,621 Finder's Fee: EMD Financial Inc. - $9,825 cash Pursuant to Corporate Finance Policy 4.1, Section 1.9(e), the Company issue news releases dated October 11, 2018, October 12, 2018 and October 26, 2018 announcing the closing of the private placement and setting out the expiry dates of the hold periods. Note that in certain circumstances the Exchange may later extend the expiry date of the warrants, if they are less than the maximum permitted term. ________________________________________ MINNOVA CORP. ("MCI")BULLETIN TYPE: Property-Asset or Share Purchase AgreementBULLETIN DATE: October 30, 2018TSX Venture Tier 2 Company TSX Venture Exchange has accepted for filing documentation relating to an option agreement (the "Agreement") dated October 11, 2018 between the Company and an arm's length party (the "Optionor"). Pursuant to the Agreement, the Company shall have the option to acquire a 100% interest in the Media Quebrada mining concession and the adjacent claim, located approximately 46 km northeast of the coastal town of Chala in south central Peru. In order to exercise the option, the Company must pay the Vendor an aggregate of $650,000 and issue 500,000 common shares over a two year period. For more information, refer to the Company's news release dated October 15, 2018. ________________________________________ NEVADA SUNRISE GOLD CORPORATION. ("NEV")BULLETIN TYPE: Private Placement-Non-BrokeredBULLETIN DATE: October 30, 2018TSX Venture Tier 1 Company TSX Venture Exchange has accepted for filing documentation with respect to a Non-Brokered Private Placement announced Oct 15, 2018: Number of Shares: 3,000,000 shares Purchase Price: $0.05 per share Warrants: 3,000,000 share purchase warrants to purchase 3,000,000 shares Warrant Initial Exercise Price: $0.10 Warrant Term to Expiry: 2 Years Number of Placees: 10 Placees Insider / Pro Group Participation: Name Insider=Y /Pro-Group=P # of Shares Warren Stanyer Y 50,000 MBP Management Ltd. (Brent Petterson) Y 100,000 MDS Management Ltd.(Michael Sweatman) Y 100,000 Aggregate Pro-Group Involvement [1 Placee] P 100,000 Finder's Fee: Haywood Securities Inc. $4,025.00 cash Note that in certain circumstances the Exchange may later extend the expiry date of the warrants, if they are less than the maximum permitted term. The above information is a summary only. Neither TMX Group Limited nor any of its affiliated companies guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this document. Readers should consult the issuer's continuous disclosure record for complete details of the transaction. ________________________________________ PRO REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST ("PRV.UN") BULLETIN TYPE: Property-Asset or Share Purchase AgreementBULLETIN DATE: October 30, 2018TSX Venture Tier 1 Company TSX Venture Exchange has accepted for filing documentation relating to a purchase and sale agreement (the "Agreement") dated March 14, 2018 between 9111-8687 Quebec Inc. and 9254-7942 Quebec Inc., as vendors (the "Vendors'') and PRO Real Estate Investment Trust (the "Issuer"). Pursuant to the Agreement, the Issuer acquired four properties located in Montreal, Sherbrooke, Laurier Station and Levis, in Quebec (the "Properties"). As consideration for the acquisition of the Properties, the Issuer paid an aggregate consideration of $8,950,000, of which $2,288,845 was paid via the issuance of 995,150 Class B limited partnership units ("Class B LP Units") of PRO REIT Limited Partnership, a subsidiary of the Issuer, at a deemed issue price of $2.30 per Class B LP Unit. The Class B LP Units are economically equivalent to and exchangeable for trust units of the Issuer ("Trust Units") on a one-for-one basis, and are accompanied by special voting units that provide their holder with equivalent voting rights to holders of Trust Units. Insider / Pro Group Participation: Name Insider = Y / Pro Group = P Number of Units 9111-8687 Quebec Inc. (Vincent Chiara) Y 291,541 9254-7942 Quebec Inc. (Vincent Chiara) Y 703,609 For further information, please refer to the Issuer's press releases dated June 5, 2018 and August 15, 2018. FONDS DE PLACEMENT IMMOBILIER PRO ( PRV.UN ) TYPE DE BULLETIN : Convention d'achat de propriete, d'actif ou d'actionsDATE DU BULLETIN : Le 30 Octobre 2018Societe du groupe 1 de Bourse de croissance TSX Bourse de croissance TSX a accepte le depot de la documentation relativement a une convention d'achat et de vente (la convention) date du 14 mars 2018 entre 9111-8687 Quebec Inc. et 9254-7942 Quebec Inc., a titre de vendeurs (les Vendeurs) et le Fonds de placement immobilier PRO (l 'Emetteur). Aux termes de la convention, l'Emetteur acquerra quatre proprietes situe a Montreal, Sherbrooke, Laurier-Station et Levis, au Quebec (les Proprietes). En consideration de l'acquisition des Proprietes, l'Emetteur a verse une consideration totale de 8 950 000 $, dont 2 288 845 $ ont ete payes par l'emission de 995 150 parts de societe en commandite de categorie B (les parts de categorie B ) de la Societe en commandite FPI PRO, filiale de l'Emetteur, emises a un prix repute de 2,30 $ par part de categorie B. Les parts de categorie B sont equivalentes, sur le plan economique, a des parts de l'Emetteur (les parts de l'emetteur ) et peuvent etre echangees contre des parts de l'emetteur a raison d'un ratio d'echange d'une pour une, et elles sont accompagnees de parts comportant droit de vote speciales qui procurent a leur porteur des droits de vote equivalant a ceux des porteurs de parts de l'emetteur. Participation initie / Groupe Pro : Nom Initie = Y / Groupe Pro = P Nombre de parts 9111-8687 Quebec Inc. (Vincent Chiara) Y 291 541 9254-7942 Quebec Inc. (Vincent Chiara) Y 703 609 Pour plus de renseignements, veuillez-vous referer aux communiques de presse emis par l'Emetteur le 5 juin 2018 et 15 aout 2018. _______________________________ PRO REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST ("PRV.UN")BULLETIN TYPE: Property-Asset or Share Purchase AgreementBULLETIN DATE: October 30, 2018TSX Venture Tier 1 Company TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange") has accepted for filing documentation relating to a purchase and sale agreement dated April 5, 2018, between an arm's length vendor, and PRO Real Estate Investment Trust (the "Issuer"). Pursuant to the agreement, the Issuer acquired a retail strip mall in Fredericton, New Brunswick (the "Property"). As consideration for the acquisition of the Property, the Issuer paid an aggregate consideration of approximately $4,500,000, of which $900,000 was paid via the issuance of 391,305 Class B limited partnership units ("Class B LP Units") of PRO REIT Limited Partnership, a subsidiary of the Issuer, at a deemed issue price of $2.30 per Class B LP Unit. The Exchange has also accepted for filing documentation relating to a purchase and sale agreement dated June 4, 2018, between Compass Commercial Realty Limited ("Compass") and the Issuer. Pursuant to the agreement, the Issuer acquired the assets of Compass which is a property management firm headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia (the "Assets"). As consideration for the acquisition of the Assets, the Issuer paid an aggregate consideration of approximately $5,400,000, of which $2,000,000 was paid via the issuance of 869,565 Class B LP Units of PRO REIT Limited Partnership, a subsidiary of the Issuer, at a deemed issue price of $2.30 per Class B LP Unit. The Class B LP Units are economically equivalent to and exchangeable for trust units of the Issuer ("Trust Units") on a one-for-one basis, and are accompanied by special voting units that provide their holder with equivalent voting rights to holders of Trust Units. For further information, please refer to the Issuer's press releases dated June 5, 2018, and July 3, 2018. FONDS DE PLACEMENT IMMOBILIER PRO ( PRV.UN ) TYPE DE BULLETIN : Convention d'achat de propriete, d'actif ou d'actionsDATE DU BULLETIN : Le 30 Octobre 2018Societe du groupe 1 de Bourse de croissance TSX Bourse de croissance TSX (la Bourse ) a accepte le depot de la documentation relativement a une convention d'achat et de vente datee du 5 avril 2018 entre un vendeur sans lien de dependance et le Fonds de placement immobilier PRO (l' Emetteur ). Aux termes de la convention, l'Emetteur acquerra un centre commercial situe a Fredericton, au Nouveau-Brunswick (la Propriete ). En consideration de l'acquisition de la Propriete, l'Emetteur a verse une consideration totale d'environ 4 500 000 $, dont 900 000 $ a ete payes par l'emission de 391 305 parts de societe en commandite de categorie B (les parts de categorie B ) de la Societe en commandite FPI PRO, filiale de l'Emetteur, emises a un prix repute de 2,30 $ par part de categorie B. La Bourse a aussi accepte le depot de la documentation relativement a une convention d'achat et de vente date du 4 juin 2018 entre Compass Commercial Realty limite ( Compass ) et l'Emetteur. Aux termes de la convention, l'Emetteur acquerra l'entierete des actifs de Compass qui est une firme de gestion immobiliere situee a Halifax, Nouvelle-Ecosse (les Actifs ). En consideration de l'acquisition des Actifs, l'Emetteur a verse une consideration totale d'environ 5 400 000 $, dont 2 000 000 $ a ete paye par l'emission de 869 565 Parts de Categorie B de la Societe en commandite FPI PRO, filiale de l'Emetteur, emises a un prix repute de 2,30 $ par part de categorie B. Les Parts de Categorie B sont equivalentes, sur le plan economique, a des parts de l'emetteur (les parts de l'emetteur ) et peuvent etre echangees contre des parts de l'emetteur a raison d'un ratio d'echange d'une pour une, et elles sont accompagnees de parts comportant droit de vote special qui procurent a leur porteur des droits de vote equivalant a ceux des porteurs de parts de l'emetteur. Pour plus de renseignements, veuillez-vous referer aux communiques de presse emis par l'emetteur le 5 juin 2018 et le 3 juillet 2018. _____________________________ PRO REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST ("PRV.UN") BULLETIN TYPE: Property-Asset or Share Purchase AgreementBULLETIN DATE: October 30, 2018TSX Venture Tier 1 Company TSX Venture Exchange has accepted for filing documentation relating to a purchase and sale agreement (the "Agreement") dated March 14, 2018 between a vendor in which a trustee of the REIT, Peter Aghar, is a related party (the "Vendor") and PRO Real Estate Investment Trust (the "Issuer"). Pursuant to the Agreement, the Issuer shall acquire a 50% undivided interest in an industrial property located in Drummondville, Quebec (the "Property"). As consideration for the acquisition of the Property, the Issuer paid an aggregate consideration of approximately $4,390,000 in cash. A finder's fee of $38,413 has been paid to Lotus Crux Acquisition LP in connection with the closing of the acquisition of the Property. For further information, please refer to the Issuer's press releases dated June 5, 2018 and July 3, 2018. FONDS DE PLACEMENT IMMOBILIER PRO ( PRV.UN ) TYPE DE BULLETIN : Convention d'achat de propriete, d'actif ou d'actionsDATE DU BULLETIN : Le 30 octobre 2018Societe du groupe 1 de Bourse de croissance TSX Bourse de croissance TSX a accepte le depot de la documentation relativement a une convention d'achat et de vente (la convention ) date du 14 mars 2018 entre un vendeur lie a Peter Aghar, un administrateur de l'Emetteur, (le Vendeur ) et le Fonds de placement immobilier PRO (l Emetteur ). Aux termes de la convention, l'Emetteur acquerra une participation indivise de 50 % dans une propriete industrielle situee a Drummondville, au Quebec (la propriete ). En consideration de l'acquisition de la propriete, l'Emetteur a verse une consideration totale d'environ 4 390 000 $ en especes. Lotus Crux Acquisition LP a recu un montant de 38 413 $ en especes a titre d'honoraires d'intermediation dans le cadre de la cloture de l'acquisition de la propriete. Pour plus de renseignements, veuillez-vous referer aux communiques de presse emis par l'emetteur le 24 juin 2018 et 3 juillet 2018. ______________________________ ROCK TECH LITHIUM INC. ("RCK")BULLETIN TYPE: Shares for ServicesBULLETIN DATE: October 30, 2018TSX Venture Tier 2 Company TSX Venture Exchange has accepted for filing a Consulting Services Agreement dated July 1, 2018 between the Company and Arriva Management Inc. for "shares for services." The Exchange has also accepted for filing Company's proposal to issue 13,685 shares at a deemed price of $0.95, in consideration of certain services provided to the Company pursuant to the agreement. The Company shall issue a news release when the shares are issued. ________________________________________ SABLE RESOURCES LTD. ("SAE")BULLETIN TYPE: Property-Asset or Share Purchase AgreementBULLETIN DATE: October 30, 2018TSX Venture Tier 2 Company TSX Venture Exchange has accepted for filing documentation pertaining to a Letter Agreement (the "Agreement") dated September 15, 2018, between Sable Resources Inc. (the "Company") and Alpha Mining S.A.C. (the "Vendor"), whereby the Company can acquire a 100% of the right, title and interest in the Scorpius Gold Project (the "Majo Property"), located in central Peru. Under the terms of the Agreement, the Company may satisfy the US$1,000,000 purchase price in the form of cash consideration or through the issuance of up to 6,128,571 common shares at a deemed value of CDN$0.21 per share or a combination thereof over a three year period from when the permit to conduct drilling on the Property is received. For further details, please refer to the Company's news release dated September 25, 2018. ________________________________________ NEX COMPANIES LEIS INDUSTRIES LIMITED ("LES.H")BULLETIN TYPE: HaltBULLETIN DATE: October 30, 2018NEX Company Effective at 4.37 a.m. PST, October 30, 2018, trading in the shares of the Company was halted at the request of the Company, pending news; this regulatory halt is imposed by Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada, the Market Regulator of the Exchange pursuant to the provisions of Section 10.9(1) of the Universal Market Integrity Rules. ________________________________________ SOURCE TSX Venture Exchange The Ibex 35 (-0.17%, 8,806.10 points) has barely managed to hold 8,800 points, after marking a minimum intraday in 8,776 integers and a maximum in 8,874. The selective relied on medium-sized banks and Inditex, while BBVA was the main drag after publishing its results. The CEO of BBVA (-3.14%), Carlos Torres said as the entity published results that the expected ruling of the Supreme Court on mortgages and that retroactivity would not make sense because they have abided by the law at all times. The Basque bank has lost the support of 5 euros, closing at 4.97 euros, which is not a good technical signal. DIA (-13.64%) has been another negative protagonist of the session. The supermarket chain has confirmed a 14% drop in its sales for the third quarter of the year, but has not facilitated the net profit for the period, claiming that it is performing a deterioration test and that it will conveniently report this information later. Its CEO, Antonio Coto, has announced that the company is considering the sale of Clarel and the closure of unprofitable stores. Its shares have closed at 0.69 euros. In addition, Siemens Gamesa has fallen 3.84%, below 10 euros, after General Electric, one of the main players in the sector through its wind power subsidiary, has questioned the profitability of wind turbine manufacturers after presenting your results. In positive, Viscofan has rebounded 3.17% after its collapse of 20% recorded last Friday, when it launched a 'profit warning'. Bolsamania has published that one of its directors bought 1,000 shares after the collapse of the value. In addition, Banco Sabadell rose 3.03%, Mediaset Spain 2.66% and, among the major securities, Inditex advanced 0.76%, Telefonica 0.27% and Iberdrola 0.13%. In addition, results have been published outside Spain, such as those of Lufthansa, Volkswagen or BNP Paribas. The French bank has declined after failing to meet the expectations in revenue (although in benefit). On the other side of the Atlantic, Facebook will publish its results after the closure of Wall Street, for which there are no good forecasts. WEAK GROWTH IN THE EURO AREA Today the GDP of the Euro Zone has been the most relevant macro reference and the one that has most disappointed, after growing at its lowest rate in four years. The GDP of the third quarter advanced at a rate of 0.2%, well below the 0.4% anticipated by the consensus. After this reference, the euro reduces in value 0.11% to $ 1,1365. In Spain, the year-on-year CPI remained at 2.3% in October. And in Germany, unemployment has also remained at 5.1% in October, below the 2.3m unemployed. In our country, it has also been known that the public deficit fell by 14% until August, to 1.95% of GDP. The yield on the Spanish 10-year bond picks up slightly to 1.58%. Meanwhile, this Tuesday there is still talk regarding Brazil (the Ibex rose largely yesterday thanks to the 'Bolsonaro effect', which drove Santander and Telefonica) and also the resignation of Angela Merkel, which is valued as a fact which generates even more uncertainty in the European Union (EU). Finally, remember that in Asia green numbers have predominated this morning after President Donald Trump said he expects a "big deal" with China. The environment in Asian markets has been very different from yesterday, when the main indexes fell after the news of Bloomberg that Trump will announce tariffs on the remaining 257,000 million dollars of Chinese imports if talks next month with Xi Jinping fail. TECHNICAL ANALYSIS OF THE IBEX 35 "The session on Tuesday does not differ much from what was said on Monday, if anything, it seems that the level of 8,800 points has become a first short-term support, but little more. last three sessions, something is something, but insofar as we do not close the bearish hole of the 9,163 points, we will not really have anything, simple rebounds in a higher order corrective phase, "says Jose Maria Rodriguez, analyst at Bolsamania. "Today's session highlights the weakness of BBVA, which is flirting with the area of five euros and is showing much weaker in the last sessions than Santander, who confesses this Wednesday (along with Telefonica) to the market. And meanwhile those who seem to pull the cart with Telefonica (who dares to rise in the accumulated October, which ends tomorrow) and Inditex, mainly The textile giant accumulates a rise of 7% from the lows of this month and is one of the values that somehow is compensating the weakness of the banking of our country ", concludes this expert. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, pangasius fish export has been advantageous with consumption in large markets such as China and the US having increase. That has helped increase the fish price in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam since the end of September to October as it has hit the ten years high of VND35,000 a kilogram. Fish breeder Nguyen Thanh Hung in Can Tho City said that farmers enjoy a profit of VND11,000 a kilogram with the price of VND35,000. As a result, many households have resumed and expanded farming areas. Mr. Nguyen Van Dong, director of the Agriculture and Rural Development Department in Hau Giang province, said that for the last two years, nearly 70 percent of households had resumed farming after a period of shutdown because of price fall. Similarly, Dong Thap province has backed to the top in pangasius fish breeding with over 1,000 hectares. Farmers in the Mekong Delta has harvested over one million tons of the fish to provide materials for exports. Currently, China is still the largest export market of Vietnam with the growth rate of 8.9 percent over the same period in 2017. During the first nine months this year, the fish export value reached $1.6 billion, up nearly 29.7 percent over a year ago. In September, Vietnams pangasius fish export to the US market posted a year on year increase of 42.9 percent, a record high, after US Department of Commerce reduced anti-dumping tax on Vietnamese pangasius fish products. With these positive signs, Vietnam is likely to obtain the fish export turnover of $2 billion this year, say experts. Hence Vietnam Pangasius Association has encouraged businesses to intensify market expansion, develop brand names, diversify products with high class fish fillet. In early November, the association will organize Mekong Chief 2018 to introduce Vietnamese pangasius fish products in Can Tho city. By CAO PHONG Translated by Hai Mien Walking along the street, Ms. Truong Thi Minh heard a noise behind. Turning around, the middle-aged woman saw a bag of litter falling down from an apartment in condominium Ngo Gia Tu in District 10 in Ho Chi Minh City. She was told that it is a common thing in the street as residents in the condominium usually throw bags of litter from the high to the ground without watching. Walking street Nguyen Hue in downtown district is flooded with rubbish in paths, or piles of garbage besides dust bins. Downtown streets such as Ngo Duc Ke, Huynh Thuc Khang, Ton That Thiep are seen with litter as street vendors leave it. Most walkers in Bach Dang Port in District 1 all leave food and beverage in sidewalk or park bench after taking some fresh air there. Here and there in markets, litter is seen all the ways. From 6PM everyday, fleets of vehicles carry fruits and vegetables from many provinces to the wholesale market Thu Duc. When the trading session finishes, the market looks like a landfill with scattering wastes, nylon bags and rotten fruits and vegetables. Ten sanitation workers clean relentlessly; however, their efforts seem to be unrewarded because people throw bags of litter everywhere in the market until noon. The market has polluted the surrounding environment for a long time. People living near the market have complained of pollution and bad smells affecting their daily lives for nearly a decade. Likewise, Lac Quang Market in district 12 is inundated with garbage though the district Peoples Committee places a post to ban leaving litter in the market gate, warning to fine VND5-7 million on violators yet it is useless. Wholesale market Thu Duc, one of three biggest markets in Ho Chi Minh City, receive 3,500 3,700 ton of fruits and vegetables from neighboring province. There are 900 traders in the market. Ms. Nguyen Thi Nam Phuong from the markets management board said the market spends VND320 million ($13,707) monthly on treating litter. Similarly, the wholesale market Hoc Mon spends VND160 million on treating 80 tons garbage a day. Around 2,900 canals and rivers surrounding Ho Chi Minh City through residential blocks are seriously polluted because of peoples low awareness of environment protection. A 65-year-old Dang Ngoc Mai in District 4 throw all the residues of vegetables into the canal around her house which reeks because people throw garbage into it even bodies of dead animals. Being questioned why not put litter in front of the house so that sanitation workers will collect, Ms. Mai said that all residents do like her to save money for sanitation service. By staff writers Translated by UYEN PHUONG Harrowing details surrounding the August shooting of an RCMP officer in Onanole emerged from court on Monday, including how the officer was shot in the back of the head after running the suspects off the road with his cruiser. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 30/10/2018 (1116 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Advertisement Advertise With Us Harrowing details surrounding the August shooting of an RCMP officer in Onanole emerged from court on Monday, including how the officer was shot in the back of the head after running the suspects off the road with his cruiser. Crown attorney Grant Hughes recounted the sequence of events during a bail hearing Brandon provincial court for one of the four accused, 23-year-old Delaney Houle, who is facing multiple charges including break and enter, theft and aggravated assault. Houle is the third accused to apply for bail and the second to receive it, following Shane Beaulieu, whom the Crown consented to release earlier this month. Tommy Beaulieu, who is facing similar charges, had his bail application denied and remains in custody. Therae Racette-Beaulieu, who is facing similar charges in addition to two counts of attempted murder and possession of property obtained by crime, also remains in custody. None of the charges have been proven in court and all four accused are presumed innocent. On Aug. 29, Wasagaming RCMP received a report of a break and enter in progress, Hughes said. The caller advised police he had received a notification on his phone from security cameras on the premises and saw a group of men in a pickup truck on the property. Surveillance footage captured the four individuals going through various buildings and trailers on the property, Hughes said, and one of them could be seen carrying a firearm. As police were approaching the property, they met the suspect truck coming down the road toward them, Hughes said, so one of the responding officers, Cpl. Graeme Kingdon, pulled into the front of the truck, forcing it off the road, where it got stuck in a hole. Officers saw three suspects get out of the truck and scatter into nearby bushes. Kingdon was approaching the truck to clear it for police safety when he was shot in the back of the head, Hughes said. Another officer on scene heard the shot and found Kingdon crouching down on the ground, bleeding. He asked Kingdon if he had been shot, and he responded that he wasnt sure. He said it felt like someone struck him in the back of the head with a bat, Hughes said. Thats when they heard a second shot which was later determined to have been two separate shots fired in quick succession but didnt see where it came from, Hughes said. Kingdon suffered a fractured skull from several pellets being embedded into the lower back of his head and neck, Hughes said. They werent able to remove all the pellets. Several of them are still within his body, Hughes said, adding that Kingdon is in stable condition and has since been released from hospital. The suspects truck had been reported stolen earlier that evening from Portage la Prairie, Hughes said. The owner of the truck told police a man had hit him with a rake before taking off in his vehicle. Several stolen items were located in the box of the truck, including five long gun firearms, Hughes said, which had originally had trigger locks on them that were popped off, making the guns ready to use. Shortly after the incident, another resident in the area reported his GMC Sierra had been stolen from his property. One suspect was found walking down a road in the area the following day at approximately 6 a.m., Hughes said. Its quite odd, he eventually shed most of his clothes, Hughes added. I believe his shoes may have been stuck in the mud and thats why he went shoeless. Im not sure, but he was in his underwear when he was found on the side of the road by police. Two other suspects were caught at approximately 7 a.m. trying to catch a ride with a local couple, Hughes said. The fourth suspect was taken into custody several hours later after a standoff at a home in Neepawa. Its quite concerning these individuals were walking around with firearms, its also concerning that one of the individuals, the actual shooter is seen walking around with a firearm. It was certainly foreseeable that something would happen should somebody interrupt their break and enter, and as it happens it was police officers that interrupted, Hughes said. Relying primarily on tertiary grounds, Hughes argued Houles bail application should be denied to maintain the confidence in the administration of justice. Defence lawyer Tara Walker argued Houle is in a similar situation to Shane Beaulieu, who was previously consent released by the Crown, and should receive the same treatment. Houle put forward a strong bail plan with strict conditions, Walker added, and has the support of a tight-knit family willing to make sure he behaves in the community. There are seven other family members who have put money into the pot for the cash bail which will also encourage them to make sure Mr. Houle is doing what he should be in the community, Walker said. While the gravity of the offence is serious, Walker said Houle does have a defence in that he took steps during the incident not to be a party to the offence, including allegedly telling the shooter not to shoot at police. Theres no doubt this is a serious case but the court shouldnt automatically deny bail based on the tertiary ground, Walker said. In this case, we have a situation where the Crown has consented to the co-accused on a very similar bail, Mr. Houle is not in substantially different positions than his co-accused at this point. He has a limited record and is still a candidate for bail at this point. Judge John Combs agreed with the defence and granted Houles release on a personal recognizance of $2,000, cash bail of $1,000, a signed surety of $1,000 and a 24-7 curfew. He is due back in court in November. edebooy@brandonsun.com Twitter: @erindebooy Brandon postal workers got their turn Monday as the Canadian Union of Postal Workers Local 708 walked the picket line to start the second week of rotating strikes across the country. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 30/10/2018 (1116 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Advertisement Advertise With Us Canada Post employees picket outside the Canada Post facility on Douglas Street in Brandon on Monday as part of rotating strikes across Canada organized by their union. (Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun) Brandon postal workers got their turn Monday as the Canadian Union of Postal Workers Local 708 walked the picket line to start the second week of rotating strikes across the country. The local, which has 90 members, officially began its work stoppage at 12:01 a.m. and planned to strike until midnight Tuesday. Postal workers in Virden were also out, while services in other smaller communities joined by grinding to a halt. Winnipeg began its rotating strike at 10 p.m. on Sunday. Members of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers in Brandon fly the union colours and take to the picket line on Monday morning outside the Canada Post facility on Douglas Street in Brandon. According to a report by The Canadian Press, 1,500 members walked off the job in Winnipeg at 10 p.m. local time Sunday and that workers in Brandon, Man., set up picket lines at 12:01 a.m. Monday, part of the CUPW's ongoing series of rotating strikes. (Matt Goerzen/The Brandon Sun) "When we got the call, we were ready to go," said Leanne Stanick, grievance officer for Local 708. "Our members were ready to go." She said the union believed that the strike actions would pressure Canada Post to bring "real solutions" to the bargaining table. "It certainly wasnt something that was our goal. Our goal was to go out and negotiate a settlement, but Canada Post has had ... over 10 months to negotiate and they havent." Last week, federal Employment, Workforce Development and Labour Minister Patty Hajdu appointed mediator Morton Mitchnick, the former chair of the Ontario Labour Relations Board, to work with the union and Canada Post on an agreement. Canada Post employees picket outside the Canada Post facility on Douglas Street in Brandon on Monday as part of rotating strikes across Canada organized by their union. (Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun) Stanick said the hope was a negotiated settlement could be reached by the end of the week. Some of the main issues being brought forward by the union include an end to forced overtime, equal benefits for Rural and Suburban Mail Carriers, better staffing levels, and health and safety. As a postal clerk, Stanick said more full-time staff are needed to account for the boom in the parcel system. Letter carrier and acting Local 708 president Carla Usher said parcels are also adding a burden to neighbourhood mail delivery. Canada Post employees picket outside the Canada Post facility on Douglas Street in Brandon on Monday as part of rotating strikes across Canada organized by their union. (Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun) "The growth in our parcel system doesnt reflect in the size of our routes because thats growing faster than our routes are being updated," she said. Safety has also been a concern among union members, with rates of serious injury resulting in lost time having increased by 36 per cent as of 2017. The Canada Post 2017 Social Responsibility Report found that the total injury frequency, or all injuries requiring professional medical treatment, improved by two per cent over 2016, but the rate of lost-time injuries rose to 5.1 per 100 full-time equivalent employees from 3.8 the year before. Altogether, there were 2,256 lost-time injuries in 2017, compared to 1,658 in 2016 and 1,537 in 2015. Canada Post employees picket outside the Canada Post facility on Douglas Street in Brandon on Monday as part of rotating strikes across Canada organized by their union. (Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun) "So basically were talking about job security, were talking about pay for time worked, benefits, post-retirement benefits, those kinds of things, so were fighting for equality for that," Stanick said. Canada Post spokesperson Jon Hamilton said the parties worked through the weekend and again on Monday in hopes of resolving the matter as quickly as possible and minimizing any disruptions to customers. "Any time youre talking is good for negotiations," he said, "so we continue to be committed to that process." From a Canada Post perspective, Hamilton said the corporation has not asked for any concessions or rollbacks. "What we do have on the table is wage increases, benefit improvements, job security, a number of things to reward employees for some of the growth that weve seen in parcels." As for staffing, he said Canada Post does hire temporary employees as needed, but acknowledges that a shift is needed to handle the increased volumes in parcels. "We have a number of measures in place in terms of what the union has been raising as issues. Weve agreed and put forward some solutions and put forward a commitment to continue to work together, not just every four years as part of collective bargaining, but as a process to develop solutions that work well for our employees, but also allow us to continue to serve our customers and continue too grow the business." mlee@brandonsun.com Twitter: @mtaylorlee Do you believe in ghosts, ghouls and things that go bump in the night? One picture taken by a visitor to Cork's Spike Island this weekend may have even the most skeptical amongst us reconsider their beliefs. Louise Bunyan is the woman behind the spooky snap taken on Sunday 28t October in the abandoned jail section of the prison, a block which has held prisoners in the 1840s, 1920s and the 1990s. A zoomed in version of the mysterious figure. Credit Louise Buynan. Louise was enjoying an after-hours tour of the former island prison and fortress and as she went to snap an image of the empty cell block she was surprised to see her cameras facial recognition feature activate. Further brightening of the image reveals the distinguishable shape of man seemingly carrying something across the hall. Spike Island commented that their after dark tours focus on the real history of the inmates who inhabited the prison but visitors sighting are not uncommon. The shape of a man walking the halls is claimed to be seen in the picture. Credit Louise Buynan. Other photographs taken since the prison reopened as a visitor attraction in 2016 seem to show inexplicable shapes, unusual fogs and other unnatural phenomena, on an island where 1300 lie buried in mass graves, victims of an overcrowded famine era prison that held 2300 inmates. Research undertaken by UCC and the islands heritage team have uncovered several stories of ghostly reports including soldiers firing at seeming phantom intruders. Irish naval cadets stationed on the island in the 1980s reported strange occurrences disturbing their accommodation. Prison guards from the 1980s reported prisoners used to complain of a black entitiy visiting their cells by night, something seemingly captured in a 2016 image by photographer Shea Wolfe in an empty cell in the same block as the recent image was captured. Credit - Shea Wolfe. The island can be visited for weekends until the end of November. Cruelty-free mink fur eyelashes and breast massage as a means of reducing cancer risk were among the more outlandish advertising claims that fuelled complaints to the advertising watchdog. Four complaints were made to the Advertising Standards Authority For Ireland (ASAI) in relation to Bia Belle Beauty website, featuring details of their lash ranges, including mink. On the website, they said the lashes were made cruelty-free with handmade love and care. However the complainants said it was not possible that hair obtained from a mink, a wild animal, could be cruelty-free as it was being caged. One complainant referred to the fact that the lashes were imported from China, where animal cruelty laws did not compare to those in the EU. The advertisers said they had researched their supplier before importing into Ireland and had obtained a certification from them saying it was cruelty-free. The advertisers said they had not advertised their lashes under false pretences or set out to mislead anyone intentionally. The ASAI consulted with University College Dublin School of Veterinary Medicine who said that the principle of cruelty-free would extend to any use of animals in product development. As the product in this case was animal fur, they stated that it was incompatible with this principle and, in their opinion, the use of the term for product advertised was therefore misleading, the ASAI said. In regards to the certificate provided by the supplier to the advertisers, UCD said the supplier had a vested interest in marketing their product. The ASAI upheld the complaints and Bia Belle Beauty said that they would no longer use the term cruelty free without appropriate certification. The ASAI also upheld as misleading a claim by Nature and Harmony, sent by text message to customers, offering acupuncture for headaches and migranes and breast massage for women with hands and machine. Among the listed benefits of the latter were that breast massage reduces the risk of cancer, helps you look younger,lifts stress and depression increases breast size and prevents sagging. The cancer claim was based on research over 20 years old. The complainant considered most of the claims had no scientific basis and could not be supported. The advertisers apologised and said they would cooperate with the ASAI and would change their advertising. Of 18 complaints upheld, five related to telecoms company Eir. Plans to tell all parents affected by the schools safety crisis if the facility their child has fire and structural flaws have been delayed by a "day or two". The Department of Education pushed back the deadline for informing families of what is happening. It also confirmed some children at affected schools will be sent to different facilities when they return from the mid-term break. Education Minister Joe McHugh said while it had been hoped to confirm which of the 42 schools built over the past decade by Western Building Systems are safe to re-enter by Tuesday evening, the deadline would not be met. Noting the fact "initial site-based structural assessments" must be followed by "detailed analysis by engineers and Department officials", he said clarity on the safety of the buildings will now not be fully known until Thursday evening at the earliest. "I am pleased with the progress being made on the programme of initial assessments. I appreciate that parents, pupils and staff are keen to hear results from inspections at schools and the Department is confident that once further analysis is carried out by engineers and consultants we will be in a position to confirm decisions in the next day or two," Mr McHugh said. The Department said on-site work has begun on three schools - Tyrrelstown Educate Together, St Luke's national school and Gaelscoil Eiscir Riada - to allow the three-storey buildings' ground floors to re-open next week. However, the scale of the problems at the Dublin facilities mean their remaining two storeys will stay shut, while less serious work is also "commencing" at Scoil Chaitlin Maude in Tallaght and the Castlemills Education Centre in Balbriggan. The Department has appointed a contractor to "mobilise in the event of internal and or external interventions being required" in more schools over the coming days. However, a spokesperson said even if no further problems are identified, "displaced classes" in affected schools will have to be sent to other facilities next week, with the Department now arranging space and travel for those affected before the mid-term break ends. Both Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Mr McHugh were adamant late last week that the inspections would all be concluded by last night, allowing a clearer picture to emerge over what is facing education authorities and affected families. In a statement last night, the firm at the centre of the scandal - Western Building Systems, which is based in Coalisland Co Tyrone - repeated its claim that it is not responsible for safety errors at the schools it built for the State. "We welcome the ongoing progress in the Departments assessment of the 42 schools identified. "It is crucial for everyone that we better understand why schools previously certified as substantially complete and suitable for occupation and which also had defects certificates subsequently issued by the Department's advisors are now being assessed by the Department," the company said in a statement. By Ann O'Loughlin A farmer's appeal against injunctions restraining him from placing animals on his lands that are up for sale has been dismissed by the Court of Appeal. Eugene Costello appealed against the High Court's decision in 2017 to grant Carlisle Mortgages injunctions requiring him to remove animals he had put on lands which have been the subject of lengthy proceedings between him and the lender. Mr Costello has on three separate occasions been jailed for being in contempt of High Court orders directing him to take animals off the lands. Carlisle Mortgages wants to sell Mr Costello's lands at Coolfree, Taughmaconnell, Ballinasloe, Co Roscommon because it claims Mr Costello has failed to repay monies he borrowed from it in 2004 when Mr Costello was advanced 440,000 by Carlisle. The land was put up as security for the loan. Carlisle, which obtained a possession order in respect of the lands from the High Court in 2006, claims 1.4m remains outstanding on the loan. Mr Costello, who repaid 91,000 to the lender has raised issues about the loan which are denied by Carlisle. Carlisle Mortgages has sought and obtained various orders, including the injunction in 2017, against Mr Costello over his alleged attempts to obstruct the sale of the land - which has been in his family for generations - by placing his livestock on it. The three-judge court comprised of Mr Justice Michael Peart, Ms Justice Mary Irvine and Ms Justice Marie Whelan upheld the 2017 injunctions granted against Mr Costello of Taughmaconnell, Ballinasloe. The Appeal Court also upheld the High Court's dismissal of the farmer's application to have Carlisle Mortgages proceedings against him struck out. The Judge said the orders made in 2017 by Mr Justice Michael Twomey were correct. In his appeal, Mr Costello had argued that Carlisle would have to have renewed the execution order of possession before being able to seek an injunction against him. Mr Justice Peart said that argument was "simply wrong". The judge said that possession of the lands had been obtained in 2014 after Mr Costello gave an undertaking to the High Court when purging his contempt to surrender possession to Carlisle Mortgages. Thereafter the Judge said that any adverse action taken by Mr Costello in regards the land constituted an act of trespass. When issues arose subsequent to 2014 Carlisle did not need to renew the execution order of possession as it was already in possession. The Judge added if Mr Costello had issues with the underlying loan or the rate of interest charged then the time to raise them was when Carlisle sought an order for possession in 2006. The Judge said that Mr Costello did not appear before the court when the application was made, and neither were such issues raised by him. Neither did he appeal the order for possession. In all the circumstances the Judge said the court was dismissing Mr Costello's appeals. Mr Costello has been jailed three times for being in contempt of various High Court orders to remove livestock from his lands. Earlier this month Mr Justice Michael Twomey jailed Mr Eugene Costello for three weeks due to his failure to comply with the 2017 injunction. He was also jailed for a week in January of this year arising out his failure to comply with the 2017 injunction. In 2014 Mr Costello was jailed after a High Court judge found he had breached undertakings previously given to remove his livestock. He was released some days later after he purged his contempt. By Ann O'Loughlin Two fishermen have lost a High Court action challenging the way the fishing authority calculated catches of Dublin Bay prawns in order to conserve the species. Pat Fitzpatrick, who fishes out of Ros a Mhil in Galway, and Michael J Flannery, a Dingle, Co Kerry-based fisherman, challenged the methodology used by the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) to assess catches which then dictates whether EU quotas had been reached. It had led the Minister for Agriculture Food and Marine issuing a closure order from November 2017 over a particular section of sea off the west coast, known as functional area 16, to fishing for Nephrops, more commonly known as Dublin Bay prawns. The fishermen, who said they were paying mortgages on their vessels and employing 12-14 fishermen between them along with more people onshore, said the decision was causing them serious hardship and might even put them out of business. If they were forced to fish for other species there was a danger they might put other fishermen, already fishing for particular species, out of business, they said. They sued the Minister for Agriculture Food and Marine and the SFPA. The defendants stood over the methodology used to assess catches. The SFPA said there was a serious problem of Irish fishermen under-reporting in their electronic fishing logs the amount of Dublin Bay prawns actually caught in functional area 16. It said that the problem was of such grave proportions that in order to comply with EU law to provide accurate information, it had to employ a methodology whereby it calculated the catches based on the actual time spent by a vessel at sea rather than what was in the fishing logs. As a result, while the overall logged catch up to October last year was 733 tonnes, the figure assessed by the SFPA was 1991 tonnes. The quota was therefore reached and the fishing area was closed. Dismissing the men's action, Ms Justice Una Ni Raifeartaigh said one of the fishermens' criticisms was the SFPA methodology was not "scientifically grounded". It was important to remember however, she said, the electronic logbooks used by the fishermen themselves were not scientific in any way. "They are only as accurate as the individual fisherman is honest," she said. The legal obligation placed on the SFPA must be to report figures it believes, on reasonable grounds, to be accurate, she said. Dr Colm Lordan, of the Galway Marine Institute and who advises on the sustainable exploitation of Irish marine resources, gave evidence that the SFPA methodology was a scientifically respectable one. He also said it was not dissimilar to that used by the Irish Council for Exploitation of the Seas which advises the EU Commission at a more macro level in relation to stock quotas. While the "time spent at sea" method is not as perfectly accurate than if there were inspectors on every vessel, it seemed to be a reasonable alternative to the electronic log figures in circumstances where those figures were "for good reason, suspected to be unreliable", the judge said. The fishermens' suggestion that the methodology of the SFPA created an uneven playing field for Irish fishing vessels, appeared to involve the assumption that fishermen from other EU states were engaging in false reporting, she said. Rather than suggesting a blind eye be turned by the SFPA to misreporting of catches, the remedy lay in lobbying the EU Commission about it, she said. Update 7.30PM: Simone O' Sullivan has been located safe and well, gardai have said. Gardai thanked the public for their assistance. Gardai are appealing for help in finding a missing teenage boy from Dublin. 17-year-old Zebin Zheng, from Templeogue, was last seen at around 10am on Saturday. He is described as being 58 in height, of slim build with black hair and dark brown eyes. When last seen he was wearing a Khaki jacket with no hood, blue jeans, black t-shirt and black Nike runners. Anyone who has seen Zebin or who can assist in locating him is asked to contact Terenure Garda Station on 01-6666400, the Garda Confidential Telephone Line 1800 666 111 or any garda station. - Digital Desk Gardai have renewed an appeal for witnesses and information following the murder of Amanda Carroll last week. Last Monday, gardai announced they were conducting a murder investigation following the discovery of Ms Carroll's body. By Ann O'Loughlin A factory operative who suffered a severe ankle injury when he fell to the ground as he tried to free a trapped bin has been awarded over 220,000 by the High Court. Tomasz Zdejszy fell from a height of about two metres to the ground landing on his right foot in the accident six years ago. Mr Justice Michael Hanna assessed there was 20% contributory negligence on the part of Mr Zdejszy as he did not exercise sufficient care for his own safety. Tomasz Zdejszy, Castlecurragh Heath, Mulhuddart, Dublin had sued his employer Stewart Foil Ltd of Rosemount Business Park, Blanchardstown, Dublin and Panda Waste Services Ltd with offices at Newbridge House, Athlumney, Navan, Co Meath which was responsible for a waste collection at Stewart Foil Ltd. He claimed on April 13, 2012 he was working in the factory assisting with the waste collection process when the accident occurred. He said he was caused to fall from the waste paper container while attempting to free a trapped bin with a metal bar. He claimed against his employer there was an alleged failure to ensure the safe and proper removal of an obstacle to waste collection without the necessity of Mr Zdejszy working at a height and that he was required to work at a height when it was unsafe to do so. He claimed against Panda Waste Services he was required to remove or manoeuvre a bin on a waste container while exposed to working at a height and that he was provided with an unsuitable object - a metal bar - for the purposes of removing the bin. Mr Justice Hanna found Mr Zdejszy's employer Stewart Foil Ltd to be two thirds responsible and Panda Waste Services to be one third responsible for the accident. Mr Justice Hanna said Mr Zdejszy suffered a significant fracture but the judge said the 37-year-old man can retrain and should seek to do so. The ankle injury, the judge said is going to have a life-long impact on Mr Zdejszy, but he will be able to return to the workforce in the future once retrained. The judge awarded a total of 280,839 which with a reduction of 20% for contributory negligence on Mr Zdejszy's part makes a total final award of 224,671. The judge granted a stay in the event of an appeal but on the application of Ronan Dolan SC for Mr Zdejszy, he directed that 112,000 be paid out within the next to week to the former factory operative. By Ann O'Loughlin The president of the High Court must decide if a woman in her forties in a vegetative state for 10 years should continue to be cared for at home, as her family wish, or be moved to a nursing home facility as proposed by the HSE. The cost of providing care in the nursing home is substantially less than the existing home care package, the HSE said. Mr Justice Peter Kelly will also, arising from disagreement between the woman's parents and HSE on the matter, have to decide issues concerning the circumstances to which a Do Not Resuscitate notice should apply to her. The issue of future care arises because the woman is a ward of court and a 2.6m settlement secured by her in High Court personal injury proceedings in 2013, which had funded her home care, has run out. That settlement, made against the HSE without admission of liability, arose from a claim of delay and negligence in the diagnosis of a brain tumour. Her parents are anxious to ensure she continues to receive care to the same standard she has received at home via a package designed by her GP and consultants. Today their counsel told Mr Justice Kelly the parents are anxious the court remains involved and decide the care issues in her best interests. Noting the woman's 2.6m settlement was calculated by reference to a life expectancy she has now exceeded, the judge said that seemed to be a result of the "quite superb" care she has at home in a regime instituted by her family and involving a very committed GP, consultants and regime of nursing "second to none". A court-appointed independent medical visitor who assessed the woman had reported she has a "superb" treatment regimen which the visitor suspected could not be replicated in a community setting or elsewhere. The woman's funds have gone and the question is what happens next, the judge said. The HSE said care should be provided in a nursing home setting, that will cost less and is appropriate, he said. The family disagreed because of past experiences they have had and wished to stay looking after the woman as they had to date, he noted. His task was to decide, on the medical evidence, what is in the woman's best interests. If he decides home care should continue, the issue of funding that care would then have to be decided. The HSE had said, if it was funding home care, it wanted "clinical governance" over that. The HSE is entitled to know that funds provided by it are spent on care and that could be done via the court, he said. If the HSE also wanted some form of medical or nursing supervision over the woman's care, and to have her current medical and nursing team excluded from such governance, the court needed to know that and the HSE must specify within 14 days what it wanted in that regard. The judge noted the woman's parents, who are the committee representing her interests, are aware her situation is "very serious". Having taken advice from her GP, the parents have indicated, if certain events occur, she should not be resuscitated, he noted. The HSE is dissatisfied with that particular Do Not Resuscitate agreement and says it should be qualified further but it has yet to indicate exactly what qualification should be made, he said. The HSE should set out in 14 days what it considers should be in the notice, he said. The judge also directed that an independent review of the DNR issues be carried out by a consultant respiratory physician for the benefit of the court. He adjourned the matter for three weeks so the necessary information can be provided. By Patrick Flynn An investigation has been launched in Spain into how two Ryanair aircraft were forced to take evasive action after being involved in a loss of separation incident. A representative of the Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) of the Department of Transport here is assisting with the investigation which is being conducted Spains Comision de Investigacion de Accidentes e Incidentes de Aviacion Civil (CIAIAC). The CIAIAC has confirmed that incident took place on Tuesday, October 2, 2018 about 30km east of Pamplona (Navarra) and involved two Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated by Ryanair which suffered a loss of separation. One aircraft, flight FR-724, was en route from Santiago de Compostela to Palma de Mallorca, both in Spain, while the second plane, flight FR-1192, was travelling from Seville, Spain to Toulouse in France. The crews of both flights had been in radio contact with Madrid area control centre at the time. As a result of the incident, the two Boeing 737-800 jets came within 400 feet (122m) vertically and 2.2 nautical miles (4.07kms) of each other before the conflict was resolved. It has been confirmed that that traffic collision avoidance systems (TCAS) on both aircraft alerted the crews and issued automatic instructions to deal with the possible conflict. The automatic TCAS Conflict Resolution warnings were promptly executed by both pilots with one crew descending and the other climbing to safe altitudes. The CIAIC confirmed that both aircraft continued to their destinations without further incident adding: "Neither of the two aircraft was damaged." A Ryanair spokesman confirmed: "As the details of this incident confirm, both aircraft took appropriate diversion measures when they were separated by more than 2 miles and 400 feet of vertical air space." A spokesman for the AAIU here said: "The AAIU has appointed a Non-Travelling Accredited Representative to assist the Spanish investigation. By Brion Hoban A Dublin man caught in possession of almost 200k of drugs was storing cannabis in wheelie bins and cocaine in his kitchen, a court heard. Michael Fulton (59) of Belmont Park, Raheny, Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession for sale or supply of 195,347 worth of cannabis and cocaine at his home. Judge Sinead Ni Chulachain sentenced him to five years imprisonment with the final two years suspended provided he be of good behaviour upon release, that he remain drug-free and that he engage with the Probation Service. The court heard that on March 16, 2016 at North Strand Road, Dublin, Fulton was driving a taxi cab and was stopped by gardai on suspicion that he was driving while under the influence of an intoxicating substance. Fulton had cannabis with him in the car and admitted to having more drugs in his home. During a search of his house he told gardai that he was storing cannabis herb and resin in wheelie bins and that there was cocaine in his kitchen. He told gardai that he began taking cannabis to assist with back pain and had agreed to store the drugs in his house to pay off a debt. He declined to name the person who he was in debt to and said he was in fear of them. Fulton also admitted to transporting the drugs and to storing a more than 11,000 for the same unnamed person. He has no previous convictions. Judge Ni Chulachain said the aggravating factors in the case were the high value of the drugs, that there was more than one kind of drug being stored and that Fulton had transported the drugs. She said the mitigating factors were the lack of previous criminal activity, the early plea of guilty, his full co-operation with the investigation and that he has been substance free for 19 months. Fulton also received a 12-month ban for driving to due to his pleading guilty to driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Fergal Foley BL, prosecuting, asked for a forfeiture and destruction order for the money and drugs discovered at Fulton's home. The number of job vacancies are up in 23 counties across the country, according to the latest IrishJobs.ie index for the third quarter of this year. Almost every county and major city experienced growth in job vacancies compared to the same period last year, with Dublin seeing a 19% increase. The data shows that vacancies increased by 5% in Cork and Galway, 2% Limerick. Counties with large urban populations, including Waterford (27%), Sligo (15%) and Kilkenny (10%) have all seen double digit growth year on year. Other counties to experience significant growth include Meath (40%), Wicklow (38%), Carlow (36%), Westmeath (28%), Kildare (25%), Laois (22%) and Louth (20%). Overall, job vacancies increased by 4% year-on-year but declined by 1% quarter-on-quarter. According to Safann MacCarthy, European Marketing Director at IrishJobs.ie's parent company Saongroup.com, the data suggests that Irelands economy is growing. In the majority of cases, more job vacancies are a strong indicator that Irelands economy remains on an upwards trajectory. Businesses are confident, investing in growth, and in doing so, creating jobs, she said. A problem arises if these vacancies are not filled. This can be a short-term issue, particularly if an area is the recipient of new, rapid investment and growing faster than employees can be found. "This may be the case in areas like Longford, with the construction of a new Center Parcs resort, and in Limerick, which has quickly ascended to third city status in Ireland as a result of continued investment from medical and technology companies. "IDA have also made strides in attracting multinational companies to towns like Sligo and Waterford, which have seen significant growth in recent years, she said. Growth by sector The index also shows that the public sector recorded the highest year-on-year increase in job vacancies (53%) in Q3 2018, followed by the medical professionals and healthcare sector (28%) and social and not for profit (27%). The high-skilled accountancy and finance and science, pharmaceuticals and food sectors also recorded increases (15% and 9%). The hotel and catering sector had the largest share of the jobs market during that period, with 27% of job vacancies. Sales followed with 7%; construction, architecture and property, engineering, and utilities ranked third with 6%. However, vacancies in banking, financial services and insurance declined by 17% year-on-year. There were also declines in IT (18%), telecoms (20%) and publishing, media and creative arts (44%). It is fantastic to see the increase in vacancies for a wide range of roles across the public sector," said Ms MacCarthy. Irelands economy is diversified and greatly represented by high-tech, highly skilled sectors. It is also approaching full employment. While a welcome change from the jobs market of ten years ago, this situation poses its own challenges. "The labour market is extremely tight and businesses are in a ferocious competition over talent," she said. Digital Desk Irish food producer Kepak has announced a partnership with the Simon Community to provide free meat to the homelessness charity. Over the next four months, Kepak will deliver a range of meat products to the charity's bases in Dublin, Cork and Limerick. It will donate some 4.2 tonnes of produce, reducing the Simon Community's meat costs by almost 30%. There will also be a number of fundraising events organised by staff to raise money in aide of the charity. Commenting on the partnership, Niamh Keating, Head of Human Resources at the Kepak Group, said: All of us at Kepak are delighted to be partnering with the Simon Community and look forward to working with the team there over the coming months. "Given the housing and homelessness crisis we are currently experiencing in this country, there has never been a more relevant time to partner with a charity such as the Simon Community. "As a business, we are in the fortunate position to be able to provide food products to people in need and, as such, are delighted to be able to help. "We will also be encouraging our staff to participate in numerous fundraising initiatives over the coming months which will raise additional vital funds for an extremely worthy cause, she said. Justyna Drogomirecka, Fundraising Development Manager for the Simon Community, said: We are delighted to partner with Kepak in 2018 and are extremely grateful to everyone involved for their support. Partnerships like these are of enormous value to the Simon Community services across Ireland, meaning we can re-direct cost savings to providing our vital services such as outreach, housing and health supports to people who are homeless or at risk. "This year Simon Communities around the country will provide over 400,000 meals to people who come to our door. It is only with the kindness of supporters like Kepak that these life changing services are possible. Digital Desk By Liam Heylin An 80-year-old man who reprimanded a much younger man for stealing from a poor box in a church was kicked in the groin and had his eye gouged and punched by the culprit. David ODonovan, 41 who is originally from a respectable family in Monkstown, County Cork, faced sentencing yesterday for the attack on the elderly man. The victim, Robert Duggan, told him he was in the house of God and to stop what he was doing. Detective Garda Padraig Harrington said ODonovan responded by saying, F*** you and f*** the Church". He then counted down 4-3-2-1 and kicked him in the groin area. Mr Duggan went down on one knee. He (ODonovan) knocked his glasses off. He gouged his eye and punched him in the same eye. A Polish lady attending the mass came to the assistance of the 80-year-old local man who was attacked by the heroin addict. The Polish lady later identified him (the defendant) to me at Centra, approximately one hour later, Det. Garda Harrington said. She had followed Duggan from the church at a safe distance and seen him enter the shop. Mr Duggan was at Cork Circuit Criminal Court to give evidence of how this affected him. In many years volunteering at St. Augustines church on Grand Parade, Cork, Mr Duggan said, I have come across people under the influence of drink or drugs and people who are depressed but never anything like this. Thankfully he did not have a knife. I am sure he would have used it if he had one. My glasses fell to the ground during this and he deliberately stamped on them. It knocked my confidence back. I will continue doing the position in church as long as God gives me the strength. It is a wonderful position to be in in the church. David ODonovan was arrested by Detective Garda Harrington and brought to the Bridewell garda station for questioning. However, ODonovan, 41, with an address at 6 Glendalough, Grenville Place, Cork, had to have his questioning suspended for six hours because of his state of intoxication. The detective said that unfortunately, the injured party was not given any medical attention at the Mercy hospital despite waiting for seven hours after that Saturday evening mass. The detective said contacted the CEO of the hospital the next morning and she arranged to have the injured party seen immediately. Nikki OSullivan, defence barrister, said that even though the accused had 22 previous convictions he had none for violence. She said he expressed remorse for his actions and was surprised when it was outlined to him what he had done in the church when intoxicated. Det. Garda Harrington said his main problem with the actions of the accused was that if he did perceive some threat from the elderly man he had seen off this threat by kicking him in the groin, but that thereafter he had carried out a sustained assault by gouging Mr Duggans eye and punching him in the same eye. Judge O Donnabhain said he would adjourn sentencing until November 23 to see what rehabilitation could be put in place and to that end a report from the addiction counsellor in prison was directed. ODonovan will be sentenced then on the charge of assault causing harm to Mr Duggan at St. Augustines church, Grand Parade, Cork, on Saturday evening, March 24. Louise Walsh Ireland's only self-confessed 'Ghostbusting' hermit priest has claimed that consecrated hosts are being stolen from Irish churches for use in Satanic rituals. Catholic Priest Fr David Jones (64) believes that Hallowe'en has been 'hijacked by a dark source who wants to be honoured' and is urging parents to be aware of the more sinister side to the celebrations. The Welsh native, who has been living in Duleek, Co Meath for over a decade says he doesn't want to spoil any child's fun, but hopes that parents will ensure their kids don't normalise evil through Hallowe'en. He also maintains that communion bread is easily being taken from churches and sold on the black market, where its prices have fallen because of the current ample supply. However, the gardai say they have no received any reports of Holy Communion being stolen from churches. "Children have fun and I don't want to take away from that. It's better that children don't realise that there is a sinister side to Hallowe'en but parents should be aware and make sure kids don't think that evil and ugly is good," Fr Jones said. "There is some strange dark element at work here that plays down other Christian feasts and ups this one. We don't say Happy Christmas anymore, it's Happy Holidays and yet all of a sudden, we celebrate all that is macabre and evil with Hallowe'en. It's been hijacked by Lucifer and it's a bizarre situation because there is a massive erosion of Christianity globally. Fr Jones also believes that prehistoric places, such as Newgrange and the Hill of Tara are sites where dark rituals are held. "We know it is happening. I went to one local site in recent years and saw Satanic symbols newly chiselled out on the walls. "We also know that consecrated hosts go missing from churches every month to be sold on the black market and desecrated in satanic rituals. "It's very easy to get sacred hosts in Ireland. We know from CCTV that people go to churches when no-one is there and many priests and sacristans are careless about leaving the key to the tabernacle around or in a places that is easily guessed. "Also, now that hosts are given into the hands of those coming to Communion, it's very easy to palm the Sacred Host and sell it later. They are disappearing all the time. "I have had personal confirmation on this a number of times from Priests, Bishops and Archbishops" Fr Jones warns against using Satan for short-term gains as the long-term payback is eternity in hell. "Satan gives immediate benefit and answers fast but at a price. The success of some pop stars and celebrities is subscribable to this pact with him." He also reiterated his warning about the use of Reiki which, he says, opens up pores and shakras to negative as well as positive energies. The people who engage in Reiki do so out of goodwill but the means is not safe. You are opening the channels to all who are out there and it's us, the Priests who have to pick up the pieces and Reiki is one of the worst ones to pick up the pieces from. The hermit, who speaks eight languages and rises at 3.15am each day, also admits that he is inundated with requests to rid homes of ghosts. "I should really list myself as Jones & Company Ghostbusters in the Yellow Pages," he laughs. "Sometimes souls are stuck somewhere and usually a Mass helps to move them on but I know one house where there is such a malignant presence that no-one can live there. "I was also recently stopped by a garage owner and you could see by the CCTV footage of things moving around that there was a presence there, which we have helped to calm so far." Le Collectif Cheikh Yassine a organise un certain nombre dactivites et de festivites pour les enfants de Gaza sous le theme La joie des enfants de Gaza pour lAid . Ces activites ont commence le premier jour de lAid et continue jusquau 4eme jour de lAid dans la bande de Gaza. Plusieurs activites, ont ete organisees parmi lesquelles : des competitions recompensees par des prix, des jeux, des animations et des chants presentes par un groupe ainsi que des distributions de cadeaux et daides financieres. Sean O'Riordan Gardai have seized a number of weapons, including a taser which was disguised as an iPhone, during a search of a house in a rural part of North Cork. Gardai armed with a search warrant raided the house in the Castlemagner area, 15kms west of Mallow, and discovered an array of weaponry. They seized three tasers, including the one disguised as an iPhone, six knives, including a flick knife, and three knuckle-dusters. They also seized a knife/knuckle-duster combi. The seizures were made by gardai from the Mallow Garda District on October 27. Gardai released pictures of the weapons yesterday. They said they also seized a cannabis plant in the same house, which was worth an estimated 800. A garda spokesman said that no arrests were made at the scene and their investigation is still ongoing. It is believed the investigation is connected to the supply of illegal drugs in the North Cork area and that the weapons were imported. In an unrelated operation, gardai seized firearms imported from the United States earlier this month. Three Glock handguns, used by the US military, were discovered in postal packages which were to be delivered to locations in Dublin city and county. The weapons were seized as part of a joint operation between the Garda Special Crime Operations and United States Homeland Security. Three people, in their 20s and 30s, were arrested in connection with the finds and were detained under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act, 1939. They were questioned at garda stations in the Dublin area and were later released without charge. A file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions. Also earlier this month gardai seized a gun and 60,000 of drugs after they stopped and searched a car near Cobh, Co Cork. The seizure was made in the Fota area by members of the Cork City Divisional Drugs who are based at Anglesea Street garda station. Vodafone Group and Sony's PlayStation computer games division have signed a deal which may lead to a long-term relationship between the two companies. Under the terms of the deal, the two companies will conduct research into adding new games to mobile phones, developing new mobile phone devices and other new services, a Vodafone spokeswoman said. Rock band Bon Jovi have announced an Irish concert date for next summer as part of their European Tour. They will play at the RDS Stadium in Dublin on Saturday, June 15, 2019 in their first Irish show since 2013 when the band played at Slane Castle. Their 'This House Is Not For Sale European Tour' will also travel to Liverpool, London and Coventry in the UK, as well as Spain, Germany, Austria, Russia and others. Tickets for the concert will go on sale from Ticketmaster on Thursday, November 8 at 9am. Manic Street Preachers will also appear as special guests at the gig. Bon Jovi has evolved since their last global trip, 2013s Because We Can Tour, and features band originals David Bryan and Tico Torres alongside Jon, plus long time bassist Hugh McDonald, co-producer and co-songwriter John Shanks, multi-instrumentalist Everett Bradley, and lead guitarist Phil X, who joined the band on that 2013 tour. Weve become a new, rejuvenated Bon Jovi, says Jon. A refreshed line up that kills every night. We sound better than ever and were enjoying every minute. We are out there as a band, feeding off each other and the fans, having the time of our lives all over again." Digital Desk Leinster have confirmed that Fergus McFadden will be out until the spring. The 32-year old winger will miss the next four-months having undergone a procedure on a serious hamstring injury. President Donald Trump has said in an interview that he plans to end birthright citizenship - meaning that those born in the United States to illegal immigrants will not automatically become citizens. While the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution guarantees those born in the States automatic citizenship, it has never been tested in the courts to see if this right extends to those born to illegal immigrants. Update 9.20pm: A lawyer who represented James Whitey Bulger is blaming the notorious Boston gangsters death on decisions made by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Attorney JW Carney Jr said in a statement that Bulger was sentenced to life in prison, but as a result of decisions by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, that sentence has been changed to the death penalty. Officials with the Federal Bureau of Prisons say Bulger was found dead in his Bruceton Mills, West Virginia, prison cell Tuesday morning. He was 89. A prison union official says Bulgers death is being investigated as a homicide. Bulger had been serving two consecutive life sentences after his 2013 conviction for participating in 11 murders. - Press Association Earlier: Notorious gangster Whitey Bulger found dead in US prison Notorious Boston gangster James "Whitey" Bulger has died in US federal custody nearly five years after being sentenced to spend the rest of his life in prison. Officials at the Federal Bureau of Prisons said he died on Tuesday in West Virginia. He was 89. Bulger led a largely Irish mob that ran loan-sharking, gambling and drug rackets in the Boston area. He also served as an FBI informant. He became one of the nation's most-wanted fugitives after fleeing Boston in late 1994. After more than 16 years on the run, Bulger was captured at the age of 81 in Santa Monica, California, where he had been living with his long-time girlfriend, Catherine Greig. In 2013, Bulger was convicted of participating Read More: Reuter's reports that Bulger's death comes one day after his transfer to the high-security prison. The news agency adds that the "Bureau of Prisons said no other inmates or staff were injured". Bulger was the model for Jack Nicholson's ruthless crime boss in the 2006 Martin Scorsese movie The Departed. When the extent of his crimes and the FBI's role in overlooking them became public in the late 1990s, Bulger became a source of embarrassment for the FBI. During the years he was a fugitive, the FBI battled a public perception that it had not tried very hard to find him. Bulger had just been moved to USP Hazelton, a high-security prison with an adjacent minimum security satellite camp in Bruceton Mills, West Virginia. He had been in a prison in Florida before a stopover at a transfer facility in Oklahoma City. Federal Bureau of Prisons officials and his lawyer had declined to comment on why he was being moved. Bulger, nicknamed "Whitey" for his bright platinum hair, grew up in a gritty South Boston housing project and became known as one of the most ruthless gangsters in the city. His younger brother, William Bulger, became one of the most powerful politicians in Massachusetts, leading the state Senate for 17 years. In working-class "Southie", Jim Bulger was known for helping old ladies across the street and giving turkey dinners to his neighbours at Thanksgiving. He had a kind of Robin Hood-like image among some locals, but authorities said he would put a bullet in anyone who he even suspected of double-crossing him. "You could go back in the annals of criminal history and you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone as diabolical as Bulger," said Tom Duffy, a retired state police major who investigated Bulger. "Killing people was his first option. They don't get any colder than him," said Mr Duffy after Bulger was finally captured in 2011. Read more: The life and crimes of Whitey Bulger PA Huawei chairman John Lord has hit back at Australian bureaucrats accusing them being out of step with the rest of the Western world for implementing a ban on Chinese companies participating in building Australia's 5G networks. Mr Lord told Fairfax Media recent claims by Australia's chief spy that the country's critical infrastructure would be compromised if Chinese telecommunications suppliers were allowed to participate in building the mobile networks were "beyond comprehension". Huawei chairman John Lord has called the government's position on Chinese equipment providers building 5G as "beyond comprehension". Credit:Alex Ellinghausen "There are only two countries ... that are not using Huawei - one is the US and one is Australia. It's beyond comprehension," he said. Huawei is the world's largest maker of telecommunications network equipment and provides equipment for some 4G networks in Australia. "This hasn't got anything to do with 5G. The US is not an expert on 5G, they're in a trade war with China," he said. Corporate Travel Management, hit by claims it misled investors about the state of its business, could lose almost half its value, according to Credit Suisse's hedge fund sales desk. The $3 billion corporate travel booking company asked for the Australian Securities Exchange to halt trading of its shares on Monday morning ahead of an annual general meeting today after a leaked presentation from hedge fund VGI Partners claimed major problems with its accounts. Corporate Travel Management founder Jamie Pherous will face investors at the company's annual general meeting tomorrow. Credit:Ryan Stuart Corporate Travel Management, headed by Jamie Pherous, has declined to comment on the allegations, which include claims it inflated the number of offices it operates from, to date. But Credit Suisse hedge fund trader Sujit Dey, in a note to clients yesterday morning, said the VGI analysis could "turn out to be the major catalyst needed needed for the (short-sellers)". AccorHotels has increased its operating footprint in conjunction with owners Dalmeera Group, with the launch next month of the apartment-style hotel Sebel Melbourne Malvern, in the city's south-east. It will add 98 serviced apartment-style rooms to Malverns limited accommodation supply. Spanning 17 floors, the property boasts 46 one-bedroom suites, 36 two-bedroom suites and four three-bedroom suites. It comes as the hotel sector is in an expansion phase with new developments across the country to cater for the strong tourism sector. AccorHotels, together with owners Dalmeera Group, are opening the Sebel Melbourne Malvern. These include the new $120 million "voco" brand from the InterContinental Hotel in Victoria's Yarra Valley wine region. The hotel, conference, distillery and restaurant complex is being developed by Barnes Capital. Melbournes offices are the place to be for property investors and landlords, developer Mirvac has told analysts. It holds towers like 31 Market Street and 200 George Street in Sydney and 367 Collins Street and the Olderfleet development at 477 Collins in Melbourne. Mirvac's proposed redevelopment of the Olderfleet building in Melbourne. Credit:Artist's impression However, Mirvac told analysts it expects better growth out of Melbourne and has a preference for Melbourne offices over Sydneys from a fundamental perspective, Macquarie Group said following a Mirvac investor briefing. Pattern of the angle of polarization of the sky around the L5 Lagrange point of the Earth-Moon system, measured by imaging polarimetry in the green (550 nm) spectral range at 01:14:15 UT on 19 August 2017. The position of the L5 point is shown by a white dot. In this picture the central region of the Kordylewski dust cloud is visible (bright red pixels). The straight tilted lines are traces of satellites. A team of Hungarian astronomers and physicists may have confirmed two elusive clouds of dust, in semi-stable points just 400,000 kilometres from Earth. The clouds, first reported by and named for Polish astronomer Kazimierz Kordylewski in 1961, are exceptionally faint, so their existence is controversial. The new work appears in the journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. The Earth-Moon system has five points of stability where gravitational forces maintain the relative position of objects located there. Two of these so-called Lagrange points, L4 and L5, form an equal-sided triangle with the Earth and Moon, and move around the Earth as the Moon moves along its orbit. L4 and L5 are not completely stable, as they are disturbed by the gravitational pull of the Sun. Nonetheless they are thought to be locations where interplanetary dust might collect, at least temporarily. Kordylewski observed two nearby clusters of dust at L5 in 1961, with various reports since then, but their extreme faintness makes them difficult to detect and many scientists doubted their existence. In a paper earlier this year the Hungarian team, led by Gabor Horvath of Eotvos Lorand University, modelled the Kordylewski clouds to assess how they form and how they might be detected. The researchers were interested in their appearance using polarising filters, which transmit light with a particular direction of oscillation, similar to those found on some types of sunglasses. Scattered or reflected light is always more or less polarised, depending on the angle of scattering or reflection. They then set out to find the dust clouds. With a linearly polarising filter system attached to a camera lens and CCD detector at Judit Sliz-Balogh's private observatory in Hungary (Badacsonytordemic), the scientists took exposures of the purported location of the Kordylewski cloud at the L5 point. The images they obtained show polarised light reflected from dust, extending well outside the field of view of the camera lens. The observed pattern matches predictions made by the same group of researchers in an earlier paper and is consistent with the earliest observations of the Kordylewski clouds six decades ago. Horvath's group were able to rule out optical artefacts and other effects, meaning that the presence of the dust cloud is confirmed. Judit Sliz-Balogh comments on their discovery comments on their discovery: "The Kordylewski clouds are two of the toughest objects to find, and though they are as close to Earth as the Moon are largely overlooked by researchers in astronomy. It is intriguing to confirm that our planet has dusty pseudo-satellites in orbit alongside our lunar neighbour." Given their stability, the L4 and L5 points are seen as potential sites for orbiting space probes, and as transfer stations for missions exploring the wider Solar System. There are also proposals to store pollutants at the two points. Future research will look at L4 and L5, and the associated Kordylewski clouds, to understand how stable they really are, and whether their dust presents any kind of threat to equipment and future astronauts alike. Please follow SpaceRef on Twitter and Like us on Facebook. Eco-friendly household cleaning product maker Aware Environmental Group has sold its specialised manufacturing facility at 4 Healey Road for $8.3 million. The large 1.8-hectare site was snapped up in a short off-market campaign by Osprey Property Group. The sale included a lease-back to Aware on an initial five-year term, Cushman & Wakefields Jordie Cassidy and Andrew OConnell said. We expect to see occupier demand continue to strengthen across Melbournes major industrial precincts, and particularly in the south-east, Mr Cassidy said. Victorian Labor MP Nazih Elasmars near-new electorate office at 352 Bell Street has sold for $1.14 million in a deal negotiated by CVAs John Star and Anthony Carbone. An investor offloaded the MPs office at a tight yield of 4.89 per cent and building rate of $6229 per square metre. The state pays Mr Elasmars 8 + 4 + 4 year lease set at $55,757 per annum net. Echuca A Bendigo investor has paid $1.25 million on a 6.9 per cent yield for a shop leased to Australia Post at the Victorian tourism mecca of Echuca on the states northern border. The buyer outlasted two other bidders at a Teska Carson and First National Real Estate auction to secure the single-storey, double-fronted building at 227 Pakenham Street. Teskas George Takis said the strong $4252 per sq m building rate reflected a recent uptick in investor interest in regional commercial assets. First Nationals Gary Wood said the property sold with a five-year lease paying $88,056 per annum net. Ashburton A developer has paid $3 million on a firm 2.06 per cent yield for a pair of shops at 242-244 High Street. Split into two tenancies with one currently vacant, the property returns $61,867 per annum net rent. Teska Carsons George Takis with Fergus Evans said the double-storey building with two ground floor retail spaces and a first floor office/consulting area was likely to be redeveloped. A senior executive at Seven West Media claims she was "overlooked" for promotion because she was six months pregnant. Former Seven West Media director of program partnerships Lisa Squillace has made the claim as part of dispute with the network over when she can start her new job at the rival Network Ten. Former Seven employee Lisa Squillace is taking the broadcaster to court. Seven filed for an injunction against Ms Squillaces plans to work for Network Ten on Thursday claiming she had breached her contract. At the same time, Ms Squillace filed an adverse action claim in the Federal Court relating in part to her non-compete clause. In a letter from law firm Laxon Lex to Sevens lawyers in early October, Ms Squillace also expressed her frustration at not having the opportunity to apply to be network director of sales after the resignation of Adam Elliott. What a good thing elections are. Were it not for the looming federal election not forgetting those in Victoria and NSW we city slickers might by now have forgotten the drought that continues to damage much of eastern Australia. Collections taken, donations given, end of. Not so our tireless Prime Minister. Scott Morrisons put the drought at the top of his to-do list of problems to be sorted before the election. And having fixed high electricity prices earlier in the week, on Friday he held a national drought summit, announcing a $5 billion Drought Future Fund. From July 2020, the fund will provide grants worth up to $100 million a year for community services and research, and to assist the adoption of technology to support long-term sustainability in periods of drought. Details yet to be decided. What it amounts to is anybodys guess. It could be something that really would improve our farmers resilience to future droughts, or it could be just another slush fund for spending in National Party electorates. I write this as state parliamentarians, as always suffering from an inferiority complex caused by their federal counterparts who they want to outdo, are feverishly considering (reportedly panicking about) changing their leader, due to unproven allegations of harassment. Now, to be clear, I am in no way seeking to minimise, excuse or otherwise go lightly on harassment claims, rather, I am more interested in the question of whether changing leaders improves organisational performance. Leaders dont last, and all but a very few leadership reigns end in failure. Even those that do not are frequently subject to revisionist histories consigning once universally admired leaders to the cesspit of losers. Part of the reason for this is that leadership is a social process. It is all about relationships, be they with staff, board members, customers, competitors, predecessors or successors. 'Leaders don't last'. Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen In business, sometimes leaders really do alienate their customers. My personal favourite is Gerald Ratner, chairman of a high street jewellers who inexplicably told a public meeting that his best selling product was "total crap". For me it was the use of "total" that was particularly suicidal. The company went into the red for more than $200 million, the shares dropped $1 billion in a few days, they had to close 330 shops and change their name to Signet. He was ultimately fired. Clearly there are times when leaders really do have to go. However, in politics generally it is the staff that cause the insurrections under the guise that the customers are being alienated. Sometimes they may have a point, more frequently it appears to be personal ambition and vendettas wrapped up in opportunism. Leadership entails decision-making. The more senior the leader, generally speaking, the more consequential the decisions are for those they lead, their shareholders, board members and customers. Inevitably leaders leave in their wake allies, friends who have thrived and enemies who have been stymied or outcast. One way of judging the health of a leader is to tally the numbers of winners and losers they create. However, winning is addictive, and a leader can lose favour rapidly if the wins become less frequent. Changing leaders generally alters the culture of the organisation, at least in the corridors of power as the preferment structures alter. Those once in favour can find themselves perceived as part of the old regime, and therefore part of the problem and vice-versa. Many new leaders opt to parachute in their own praetorian guard to recreate their trusted networks. Can changing leaders change culture? Credit:Kerrie Leishman Beyond the egregious leadership failures associated with cock-ups and corruption, leaders are changed for reasons that frequently are only tangential to performance. People become bored and even contemptuous of the same old faces. They become frustrated in their ambitions or unable to restrain their pent up need for revenge or expression. On Saturday, hours after a gunman burst into Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh and killed 11 in the deadliest attack on Jews in US history, President Donald Trump was scheduled to appear at a rally in Indiana to address a group of student farmers. While they waited for Trump to take the stage, the crowd danced to a playlist of upbeat music, including Girls Just Wanna Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper, and Happy by Pharrell Williams. Now Williams, a popular recording artist, is threatening to take legal action for Trump's unauthorised use of his song. First-time home buyers are benefiting from the new credit score system, as well as the falling property market in Sydney and Melbourne. Previously the credit record only contained negative information, such as missed payments of more than 60 days or bankruptcies. Now Australia is moving towards full implementation of comprehensive credit reporting, which means good repayment histories are included in the scores for the first time. That gives those with tarnished records an opportunity to quickly improve their scores. Since younger people were more likely to have black marks against their name, they have the most to gain from the new system. Credit cards can be a blessing rather than a curse under the new comprehensive credit reporting regime. Credit:Louise Kennedy Falling behind on credit card repayments can be a warning sign of cash-flow problems, though some people are just forgetful. There have been plenty of worrying headlines lately about banks putting the brakes on lending to home buyers, and the threat this poses to the economy. What's more, this trend probably has further to run, as the royal commission into financial misconduct prompts banks to more thoroughly check whether borrowers can afford their loans. New lending to property investors has fallen by about 20 per cent in the past year. Credit:Erin Jonasson But at a time when other parts of the economy are going well - just how severe is the tightening in the $1.7 trillion mortgage market? Are we facing a full-blown credit crunch, or is it more of a sensible tightening up in what were sloppy processes? What's the Halloween equivalent of a Christmas Grinch? Whatever it is, we know there are only a handful across Canberra who just don't buy into "another American excuse to spend money". But we've done our research and can confirm Canberrans are definitely into Halloween. In fact, some of us are downright obsessed with the spookiest day of the year. Ian Warburton and his Halloween home in Canberra. Credit:Dion Georgopoulos Halloween, known formally as All Hallow's Eve, begins the three-day observance of Allhallowtide, a time in the Christian calendar dedicated to remembering the dead, including saints (hallows), martyrs and all the faithful departed. While it's believed to have originated in the United Kingdom, Halloween is becoming more and more popular in Australia each year - and Canberra's no exception. The Facebook group 'ACT and surrounding areas Trick or Treat locations list' has 1800 people eagerly awaiting the release of the best places to trick or treat across Canberra's suburbs. The list is due to be released at 5pm on Wednesday, October 31 and is basically the creepy equivalent of where to find Christmas lights in Canberra. The Canberra Liberals are pushing for a parliamentary inquiry into household drone delivery in the ACT, amid growing calls for greater scrutiny of the technology. The ACT opposition will on Thursday call for the assembly's economic and tourism committee to conduct an inquiry into Wing's ongoing drone trial in Bonython, as well as the future of similar services in the territory. Liberal Andrew Wall is leading calls for a parliamentary inquiry into household drone delivery services in the ACT Credit:Dion Georgopoulos Loading A Wing spokesman said it would welcome the opportunity to participate in a parliamentary inquiry, as the company continues it search for a permanent base for its service in Canberra. The doctor who made the disclosure said in an email obtained via freedom of information that he/she had followed up with Mr Bone by phone and email after sending the disclosure. The author of the disclosure also claimed Mr Bone had been made aware of it through discussions with a lawyer in November. But in an email to the public standards unit, Mr Bone said he had not read the original disclosure, which was sent on November 3 until December 22, as it was in his spam folder. He also said the lawyer had not indicated a disclosure had been submitted. "I acknowledge that in this instance this matter did not occupy the priority for me that it should have given the circumstances I am aware of now," Mr Bone said in an email to the public standards unit. The disclosure was made during the recruitment for the role Mr Duggan is now in, and months before other doctors made a disclosure in February about the alleged manipulation of the recruitment process in favour of Mr Duggan. Deputy director general at Canberra Hospital Chris Bone, pictured earlier this year. Credit:Doug Dingwall Mr Duggan was acting manager of medical imaging in 2017, before he was appointed to the newly created executive position of director of medical imaging in February 2018. He was appointed by a three-member recruitment panel that initially included ACT Health deputy director general Chris Bone and then chief medical officer Jeffrey Fletcher (Dr Fletcher resigned this week, telling colleagues he would be looking for jobs outside of Canberra). Documents show Mr Bone and Dr Fletcher ranked Mr Duggan as their preferred candidate, despite him having no formal qualifications and another candidate with more experience and qualifications applying. There is no suggestion that Mr Duggan was unable to properly perform his role or at any time posed a risk to patients. Mr Duggan maintains he has at all times been appropriately skilled to carry out his role. He strenuously denies having been unqualified for his job or undeserving of it, and The Canberra Times makes no such allegations against him. Through his lawyers, Aulich Civil Law, Mr Duggan has said he believes there has been a campaign against him, and he is considering seeking an order from the Fair Work Commission to stop bullying or, alternatively, instituting Federal Court proceedings alleging civil conspiracy to damage his economic interests. Loading Correspondence from the Australian Medical Association showed since the disclosures were made by the doctors, six preliminary assessments have been directed to the doctors concerned. A preliminary assessment is made when a staff member is accused of misconduct, and a decision is made whether to investigate. Freedom of information documents reveal the doctor who made the initial disclosure about breast imaging practices was then accused of misconduct by ACT Health, and as of February 14 had not heard anything about the status of the disclosure. The doctor said he/she believed ACT Health knew about the disclosure and then began a preliminary assessment on him/her. One doctor also lost their senior role in the hospital after the disclosure was made. The disclosures came before a scathing report from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists in March. It dropped the Canberra Hospital's radiology training ranking from an A to a D. The assessors noted the most significant issue facing the hospital's medical imaging department was the negative environment in the department. They also noted a lack of clinical control over the department, with the clinical leaders having minimal involvement with the recruitment of new trainees, rostering of the clinical staff and other significant departmental decisions. The disclosure made in February was provided to The Canberra Times by one of the radiologists after receiving legal advice ACT Health had not complied with statuary regulations about dealing with disclosures within a certain timeframe and therefore the could be passed on to a journalist and a member of parliament. Questions to Mr Bone, Dr Fletcher, ACT Health and Ms Fitzharris all went unanswered. A spokesman for Canberra Health Services said it was legally unable to answer questions under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2012. Loading Australian Medical Association ACT president Antionio Di Dio said the association had been helping members for some time with several complaints relating to the medical imaging department. The recent letter from ACT Health responding to the complaints made by one of the radiologists is significant because it finds that four of the complaints may amount to serious misconduct, maladministration or breaches of the law," he said. Dr Di Dio said it was important complaints were dealt with fairly, fully and in a timely manner for doctors to have confidence to make them. "In this case, ACT Health has taken eleven months to determine that the allegations may be disclosable conduct," he said. Given that it is only now the main investigation of the complaints may take place, this is far too long and indicates serious issues around ACT Healths own processes. Id urge ACT Health to get on with the main investigation as soon as possible. Anything else risks further undermining confidence in the process and increasing the uncertainty for all concerned. Mrs Dunne said the doctor who made the serious allegations must be protected, as the law required. The whistleblower followed a legal process to bring to light what they allege to be wrongdoing," she said. The whistleblower subsequently revealed their concerns to me and later to the media as is their right under the law. "I have also raised the issue of the filling of this position in the Legislative Assembly on August 15, 2018, but Health Minister Meegan Fitzharris failed to respond. A pair of Expedition 57 astronauts spent the day exploring how humans think and work while living long-term in space. A cosmonaut also tested a pair of tiny, free-floating satellites operating inside the International Space Station. NASA astronaut Serena Aunon-Chancellor is helping doctors on the ground understand if an astronaut's brain structure and mental abilities change in space. She took part in a behavioral assessment test today that involves the mental imaging of rotating objects, target accuracy during motion or stillness and concentrating on two tasks at the same time. The NeuroMapping experiment, which has been ongoing since 2014, is exploring an astronaut's neuro-cognitive abilities before, during and after a spaceflight. Scientists are also learning how an astronaut's nervous system may be impacted by different gravitational environments such as the moon, asteroids or planets. The GRIP study from ESA (European Space Agency) is exploring how space residents interact with objects by monitoring their grip and load forces. Commander Alexander Gerst from Germany strapped himself into a specialized seat in the Columbus lab module for the GRIP study today. He performed several motions in the seat while gripping a device collecting data measuring cognition, grip force and movement kinematics. Cosmonaut Sergey Prokopyev set up the bowling ball-sized SPHERES satellites for a test run inside Japan's Kibo lab module. The SPHERES (Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites) are used for a variety of experiments including autonomous formation-flying, shipping liquids such as fuels and introducing students to spacecraft navigation techniques. On-Orbit Status Report Actiwatch Spectrum: Following the discovery of some bad data from a previous Actiwatch spectrum data collection, this activity set up the nine remaining Actiwatch spectrum units to verify they are producing good data. The Actiwatch Spectrum is a waterproof, nonintrusive, sleep-wake monitor worn on a crewmember's wrist. The device contains an accelerometer for measuring motion and color sensitive photodiodes (a photodetector capable of converting light into voltage) for monitoring ambient lighting. Together, these capabilities enable the Actiwatch Spectrum to analyze circadian rhythms, sleep-wake patterns, and activity. Grip Seated Science Session: The crew completed the Grip seated session which is the first of three Grip activities for the week. Pending verification of the downlinked data, the ground reported the session went well. ESA's Grip investigation tests how the nervous system takes into account the forces due to gravity and inertia when manipulating objects. Results from this investigation may provide insight into potential hazards for astronauts as they manipulate objects in different gravitational environments, support design and control of haptic interfaces to be used in challenging environments such as space, and provide information about motor control that will be useful for the evaluation and rehabilitation of impaired upper limb control in patients with neurological diseases. Spaceflight Effects on Neurocognitive Performance: Extent, Longevity, and Neural Bases (Neuromapping): The crew performed a NeuroMapping Experiment Neurocognitive Test which includes testing in both "strapped in" and "free floating" body configurations. The investigation studies whether long-duration spaceflight causes changes to brain structure and function, motor control, and multi-tasking abilities. It also measures how long it takes for the brain and body to recover from possible changes. Previous research and anecdotal evidence from astronauts suggests movement control and cognition can be affected in microgravity. The NeuroMapping investigation includes use of structural and functional magnetic resonance brain imaging (MRI and fMRI) to assess any changes that occur after spending months on the ISS. Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites (SPHERES) Zero Robotics Unit Test: As part of the 2018 High School Tournament, the crew performed a unit test today. The unit test occurs prior to the actual competition and allows the ground to verify various aspects of the competition are working as intended. When the actual completion is performed in January, the High School Tournament teams will be tasked with dodging virtual space debris in low Earth orbit to retrieve a damaged SPHERES satellite. The SPHERES-Zero-Robotics investigation establishes an opportunity for high school students to design research for the ISS. As part of a competition, students write algorithms for the SPHERES satellites to accomplish tasks relevant to future space missions. The algorithms are tested by the SPHERES team and the best designs are selected for the competition to operate the SPHERES satellites on board the ISS. Nitrogen/Oxygen Recharge System (NORS) Nitrogen (N2) Transfer Initiation: The crew reconfigured the ISS N2 System and initiated the N2 transfer from the NORS tank to the ISS High Pressure Gas Tank. This NORS N2 tank will be left installed until the N2 is depleted, which is expected in approximately one month. Lab Waste Water Bus Reconfiguration: Today, the crew attempted to reconfigure the waster bus for the upcoming commissioning and use of the newly installed Life Support Rack (LSR). The crew noticed when demating the Node 1 to LAB waste water line that the male side of the Quick Disconnects (QD) poppet was off nominal and still depressed. The crew took photos for ground assessment and remated the connector. LSR commissioning is currently scheduled for November 6. Completed Task List Activities: None Ground Activities: All activities are complete unless otherwise noted. NORS N2 Initiation Two Day Look Ahead: Tuesday, 10/30: Payloads: BCAT Camera Activity ESA/ECHO Maintenance Grip Seated Science 2 Session EarthKAM Mission 64 Conclusion Systems: LSG Integration Wednesday, 10/31 Payloads: CIR Manifold Bottle Replacement ELF Cartridge Operations EML Gas Valve Close Grip Seated Science 3 Session Systems: LSG Configuration and Closeout Today's Planned Activities: All activities are complete unless otherwise noted. HTV Small Re-entry Capsule (HSRC) Procedure Review Auxiliary Laptop Computer System Virus Definition File Update / Auxiliary Computer SPHERES Payload OBT Russian Crew ACS NORS Nitrogen Transfer Initiation GRIP Big picture reading COLUMBUS Bay 1, 2, 3 clean-up GRIP setup in the SEATED configuration Atmospheric Control System (ACS) Nitrogen System Node 2 Gather Active Rack Isolation System (ARIS) Tool Page Case Audit Atmospheric Control System (ACS) Nitrogen Oxygen Recharge System (NORS) Nitrogen Transfer Initiation Water Recovery and Management (WRM) Waste Water Bus (WWB) Split GRIP science performance in seated position Exercise Data Downlink via OCA /r/g 0130 In Flight Maintenance (IFM) Life Sciences Glovebox (LSG) Hardware Gather JPM Window Shutter Constraints Cue Card Replace DESIS Cushion Relocate GEMATOKRIT. Equipment setup SPHERES Crew Conference SPHERES Test Session Setup Environmental Health System (EHS) Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOCA) Water Recovery System (WRS) Sample Analysis In Flight Maintenance (IFM) Life Sciences Glovebox (LSG) Big Picture Words Review HMS Food Intake Tracker (FIT) Screenshots 120 VDC to 120 VAC Inverter and PS-120 Junction Box Relocation SPHERES Test Session Run NeuroMapping Experiment Neurocognitive Test Environmental Health System (EHS) Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOCA) Sample Data Record Actiwatch Spectrum HRF Rack 2 Setup Toilet Funnel Stow Battery Stowage Assembly (BSA) Operation Termination Actiwatch Spectrum EVAL SUP Battery Stowage Assembly (BSA) Operation Initiation SPHERES Test Shutdown Acoustic Monitor Battery Swap ABOUT GAGARIN FROM SPACE. Hardware Deactivation and Closeout Actiwatch Spectrum HRF Rack 2 Stow Please follow SpaceRef on Twitter and Like us on Facebook. There's the real world - where real people live and "things that matter" occur - and there's the Canberra bubble. So says our new Prime Minister Scott Morrison, whose deliberate efforts to isolate the capital from the rest of the nation has become the cornerstone of his pitch to reconnect with "real" Australians. "The Canberra bubble is what happens down here when people get all caught up with all sorts of gossip and rubbish and that's probably why most of you switch off any time you hear a politician talk," a very relaxed-looking Mr Morrison said in a recent video. Talk of the Canberra bubble burst onto social media last week, as journalists, politicians and keyboard comedians poked fun at Mr Morrison's new pet phrase. Hilarity ensued. Most ARC grants have six academics individually assess them: up to four expert disciplinary assessors and two ARC College of Experts members. The full college committee then discusses all fundable applications. Institutional conflicts of interest are very strictly enforced. It is galling to have a minister strike down a recommendation made by half a dozen disciplinary experts and a full assessment committee. The peer review process is rigorous and should be defended absolutely. Double crossing refers to the way painters and photographers crisscrossed the 15 kilometres of the most politically contested water in the world Europe to Africa, Muslim to Christian worlds in search of arresting images of other cultures. Its ironic to see academic endeavours double crossed by a minister for education who dismissed them on the basis of a nine-word title. I was the author of the Australian Research Council Discovery grant that was ridiculed by Simon Birmingham on Twitter last Friday. Misquoted by him and in Senate Estimates, the full title of my 2017 project, was Double Crossings: post-Orientalist arts at the Strait of Gibraltar". Many people contributed to this grant-winning project: research advisors at the University of Sydney, partner investigators in London and Melbourne, colleagues who read drafts, and above all the four "blind peer reviewers" unnamed academics who gave unpaid expert appraisals of the 52-page application. More than a dozen people worked on this one grant; multiply that by 11 the number of grants struck out in secret on November 2, 2017 by the then minister. Academics junior and senior are under pressure from their employers to apply and reapply for Australian Research Council funding. In recent decades research productivity, measured by publications and by success in winning grants, has become the key to academic promotion and to national and international prestige. This is not just personal: under the governments funding formula, universities receive crucial income for each peer-reviewed publication, and each external grant won. Teams of specialists in the universities' research offices cajole and assist academics, correct hundreds of draft grants, and cost complex budgets. This occurs in the humanities no less than in the hard sciences. The substantial amounts at stake don't line the academics' pockets. In my case, as Birmingham revealed, the grant was to be $223,000 (out of the $318,000 I requested the ARC often imposes austerity to make its dollar go further). Over three years, 66 per cent of that was to go towards salaries (the bulk for hiring substitute lecturers); 25 per cent on travel costs (economy class) for a range of researchers between Sydney, London and Tangier; 4.6 per cent for books and photographic materials, and 4.3 per cent for equipment (a laptop and digital cameras). ARC grant money benefits a range of young academics in training from research assistants whove just finished Honours to aspiring lecturers hired to run a course when the senior academic has teaching relief to conduct field work or research in archives, museums and universities overseas. I began my own lecturing career in such a way, given the opportunity to write two lectures a week for a month at Melbourne University while my boss was conducting research overseas. Via such apprenticeships, hard-won ARC grant money enriches departments and disciplines. A toxic culture of bullying and harassment among public healthcare workers is threatening the welfare of patients, leading doctors warn. A government survey of more than 65,600 health employees revealed that bullying, harassment and a distrust of managers pervades the state's public health system, with more than one in three staff reporting that they had witnessed bullying in the past 12 months. Former mental health commissioner Ian Hickie said doctors and nurses would desert the public system for the private sector unless the "culture of blame" was stamped out. More than one in three health staff reported witnessing bullying at work in the previous 12 months. "This not only affects the people providing care, but the patients are affected as well," Professor Hickie said. Refused bail, Mr Abbas was due to appear at Central Local Court on Wednesday but the matter was adjourned until Thursday. The lawyer is the seventh person to be arrested in connection with Braydens death on April 14 last year. He has previously represented high profile clients including deceased former Comanchero boss Mahmoud "Mick" Hawi. Brayden Dillon was shot dead in his bed in April 2017. It is understood he is one of a number of criminal lawyers and others allegedly associated with organising false affidavits administered on behalf of key suspects. To date, the investigation has identified the involvement of such "conduits" to hide evidence and to use excessive payments to obtain copies of the brief of evidence and fact sheets. With more arrests expected, the number of people charged with links to the teens death could still reach 10. Brayden was asleep in his bedroom in the two-storey home in Glenfield, in Sydney's south-west, which he shared with his mother, her husband and his two younger siblings, when a masked intruder forced his way in and shot him in the right side of his head. In July last year, then-26-year-old Conrad Craig was charged with firing the weapon. He is in custody awaiting trial. Since Mr Craigs arrest, homicide investigators have alleged an emotionally charged motive behind Braydens killing, while steadily targeting various players who allegedly planned, financed and carried it out. At the time of Braydens death, his older brother Joshua was in custody awaiting trial, having been charged with murder over the stabbing of Adam Abu-Mahmoud, 18, during a street fight in 2016. While Brayden played no role in Adams death, police allege he was killed "purely as revenge for the alleged actions of his brother Joshua". Loading Among the other key identities charged in the investigation so far are Adams uncle Abdul, and Adams father Mohamed. Abdul was arrested on October 18, after an arrest warrant was issued by police last month. He had been living overseas, allegedly supported by funds in excess of $50,000, sent by his brother via Western Union transfers to help him in avoiding arrest. Abdul, 33, remains in custody, charged with organising and financing Braydens murder. He is an associate of Mr Craig through the Brothers 4 Life gang. Mohamed has been charged with being an accessory after the fact to murder and perverting the course of justice for allegedly arranging falsified affidavits on behalf of other people, in relation to their location and alibis at the time of Brayden's death. A police information sheet alleges that more than $60,000 was paid to a "conduit" of Mr Craig to obtain copies of "evidence and facts sheet", which were ultimately provided to Mohamed. It alleges a number of requests were made of Mr Craig about the start of 2018, "to provide a false affidavit absolving Abdul and a number of other known persons of their involvement in the murder of Brayden". Police allege Mohamed directed Torek Ayoub to meet people known to the investigation more than once, between July 10 and April 4, in relation to false affidavits. During a meeting on April 4 with a "conduit" outside Anita Gelato in Chippendale, Mr Ayoub was stopped by investigators and found to be in possession of an affidavit signed by Mr Craig. The "conduit" confirmed that he had arranged the signed affidavit when he visited Cessnock Correctional Centre earlier that day, stating that he was "requested to obtain these affidavits by Torek Ayoub and he believed the affidavits were true and correct", and was unaware of any payments having been made. Police have also gathered evidence of Mohamed allegedly fishing for information about the "wanted status" of his brother in December last year, which "supports the allegations that [he] believed that his brother ... was involved in the murder of Brayden". New mothers at Liverpool Hospital were left unimpressed by the hand washing regimen of staff who touched them or their newborns, a new report has found. Asked whether they saw staff wash their hands before touching them or their baby, only 55 per cent of Liverpool patients were able to answer "yes, always" - a worrying 11 per cent decline on the 2015 figure. Liverpool Hospital was among the poorest performing hospitals in the state. Credit:David Porter The concern over hygiene was only the start of their problems with the new mothers ranking Liverpool Hospital the worst in the public health system. Up to 4800 women who gave birth in NSW public hospitals last year were asked by the Bureau of Health Information (BHI) about their experience across areas such as hygiene, advice on feeding their baby and waiting times. Operations at the Port of Melbourne have become the nations most expensive, with charges to some truck and rail operators escalating by more than 2000 per cent in two years. The rapid price hike has led the nations competition watchdog to warn that the state government may need to step in to protect consumers from escalating prices. The Port of Melbourne. Credit:Photo: Craig Abraham From January, the cost of shipping cargo to or from Melbourne will rise to $85 per container, if the citys biggest stevedoring company, DP World, is the company lifting containers on and off ships. In 2017, the firm charged just $3 per container, according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. Premier Mark McGowan is hoping to turn the tide on WA's poor showing in the numbers of awards heading west in Australian honours lists. He is urging Western Australians to nominate someone deserving of national recognition for an honour or an award in the hope of increasing the number of homegrown winners. Nominations from WA were significantly lower compared to other states and the number of winners from WA also made up a lower proportion of awards, compared to the state's population. Premier Mark McGowan is calling on Western Australians to nominate a deserving citizen for a national award. Credit:AAP Image/Travis Anderson Of the 778 Australians recently awarded the Order of Australia, only 55 Western Australians were recognised about 7 per cent of the total number. "It's also obvious there are parents who are seeking donated breast milk for a range of reasons - insufficient supply, illness, an inability to suckle. The fact that informal donation and recipient arrangements exist in the ACT demonstrates the need is there - but in those arrangements breast milk is not necessarily screened. A milk bank would provide a central location to donate and to receive, as well as to provide appropriate protections through screening." Ms Cheyne's motion comes after representations from the Australian Breastfeeding Association about the need for the service in Canberra. "They explained the benefits of donated breast milk - both to the recipients and the donors - but that physical places to donate, store and distribute breast milk - milk banks - are not common in Australia. After speaking with more and more people in the community about their experiences it became apparent there is a real need for a milk bank in the ACT," Ms Cheyne said. "Stories which have struck me the most have been from parents who had stillborn children. In some cases, those parents were able to donate their breast milk to another family and, in doing so, have described how they felt were honouring their precious child. But for some parents, they wanted to, for the same reasons, and to assist with their grieving, but were not able to. The establishment of an ACT region milk bank would assist parents across all these circumstances." Mrs Keen is one of those who would have benefited from a dedicated milk bank. Assistant Treasurer Stuart Robert says he has started a sale process for his stake in a private Gold Coast company specialising in cryotherapy after only recently discovering the co-owner of the business was a convicted rapist. Mr Robert's decision to sell down his 50 per cent stake in Cryo Australia comes as the opposition ramps up its attacks on Mr Robert and his business record since his appointment as Assistant Treasurer in August. This has included questions about the timing of his filings with the corporate regulator and the quality of his disclosures to parliament. Assistant Treasurer Stuart Robert says he has started the sale process for his stake in the cryotherapy company. Credit:Andrew Meares Mr Robert said on Tuesday that a sale agreement for his stake in the company was being executed at the moment. "We have already commenced a sale of all of our interest in our company," Mr Robert describing the situation as "unacceptable". Australia has triggered a trade pact worth $222 billion in a long-awaited move to ratify the Trans Pacific Partnership, putting the regional agreement into force just as new doubts emerge over a landmark deal with Indonesia. The Australian decision launches the TPP sooner than expected for all its 11 member nations, cutting overseas tariffs for farmers and other exporters while increasing access to new markets such as Canada and Mexico. While US President Donald Trump has slammed the TPP, the regional deal is backed by 11 countries and comes into force when ratified by at least six of the signatories with Australia becoming the sixth to do so. Trade Minister Simon Birmingham says the trade agreement with Indonesia is on track. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen The step taken in Australia will start the removal of trade barriers in Japan, Canada, Mexico, Singapore and New Zealand, with other countries to follow as they ratify the agreement. We can't seem to find the page you are looking for. You may have typed the address incorrectly or you may have used an outdated link. Well goodness! It just took three weeks for the Saudi government to fess up and admit oh, yes, Saudi journalist and Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi did happen to die in their Istanbul Consulate after all. Still no explanation, however, of why more than a dozen security operatives from that country, including an Adelaide trained autopsy specialist carrying his own bone saw, just happened to be in the room at the time. Nor any account of how the journalist's body might have vanished, or why a body-double was later detected distributing a false trail around the city. Is Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman the sort of person you want to sell arms to? Credit:FRANCOIS MORI This killing has all the stink of ancient desert thuggery. It was not an accident. The killers came from the countrys State Security Presidency, a special unit created by a Crown Prince who dictatorially rules the country. Mohammed bin Salman (whos adopted the moniker MbS much more catchy for a western audience) has proved himself a complex character since he took power just over a year ago. Since then, and on the plus side, hes removed the ban on women driving. Somewhat more controversially he also detained and arrested potential rivals; imprisoned human rights activists; escalated a crisis with Qatar; dramatically intervened in Lebanese domestic politics; and has continued prosecuting a futile, failing war in Yemen which Saudi can't win and is resulting in untold misery and starvation. All in all youd have to admit its a pretty mixed record. So is this the sort of person you want to sell arms to? Well, if you're the current government the answer is "yes please". Australians are being urged to embrace the robots and other new technologies that will replace routine workers in the decade ahead, as new findings debunk fears of a hit to 5 million jobs from the digital revolution. The nations peak business group is predicting a huge gain from the transformation of the workplace, citing research that suggests the new wave of automation could add $250 billion to the economy. "If done well, it will be a force for good": Business Council of Australia's Jennifer Westacott on technological change in the workplace. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Change is already upon us. These forces are happening today, Business Council of Australia chief Jennifer Westacott will say on Wednesday in a speech that confronts the anxiety about the threat to jobs. There is little evidence to suggest that technological change is speeding up the rate of job loss in our community. LNP deputy leader Tim Mander has likened Treasurer Jackie Trad to former Iraq dictator Saddam Hussein's propaganda chief, with his remarks slammed as "deeply alarming and personally offensive". Mr Mander was criticising Ms Trad for her management of the state's economy, accusing her of downplaying a recent CommSec report. Mohammed Saeed al-Sahhaf, known as Comical Ali, kept broadcasting as the bombs fell during the invasion of Iraq in 2003. "After hearing the Treasurer's ministerial statement this morning, I can't think of anybody else, any other title to call her other than the Comical Ali of the Queensland Parliament," Mr Mander said. Iraq's former information minister Mohammad Saeed al-Sahhaf, known as "Comical Ali", kept broadcasting until the last minute while Baghdad was being destroyed around him during the invasion of Iraq in 2003. American Jim Courier famously took a dip to celebrate his Australian Open win in 1992, and German Angelique Kerber went in after winning in 2016. But Melburnians generally dont swim in the Yarra. Jim Courier jumping in the Yarra after winning the Australian Open in 1993. Credit:Stuart Hannagan The Greens want to change that and have pitched voters an election plan to make the Yarra River swimmable in the CBD and in inner suburbs including Richmond, Clifton Hill and Abbotsford. The $34.3 million proposal would require significant restoration of the Yarras riverbanks, the Greens say, and changes to planning laws to reduce runoff from buildings, roads and footpaths. Labor has struck a confidential deal to build an electric vehicle factory in Morwell, bringing an estimated 500 manufacturing jobs to the Latrobe Valley. The value of the five-year agreement between the Andrews government and Australian company SEA Electric has been kept secret but the deal has already been signed, meaning it will go ahead no matter the result of next months election. Premier Daniel Andrews boarded his campaign bus again on Tuesday and headed to Morwell. Credit:AAP It follows the loss of about 750 jobs in the region when the Hazelwood coal-fired power plant closed early last year. Latrobe Valley residents who may have lost work when Hazelwood closed will be given the opportunity to train with SEA Electric through the governments worker transition service. An angry protester has shoved Victorian MP Martin Foley after yelling at federal deputy Labor leader Tanya Plibersek at an event in Melbourne. The man, wearing a blue T-shirt and cap, accused Labor of stealing franking dividends and destroying marriage and the church ahead of a press conference outside the Victorian Pride Centre in St Kilda on Tuesday. Mr Foley, who was holding the man's arm and seemed to be attempting to lead him away, was pushed three times before the protester walked off. Those standing behind the Victorian Equality Minister reached out to catch him as he was forced backwards, while Ms Plibersek appeared to urge the man to stop. MIAMI: The man suspected of sending pipe bombs to prominent Democrats and other opponents of President Donald Trump kept a list of elected officials and others who investigators believe were intended targets, an official told The Associated Press on Monday. This frame grab from video provided by WPLG-TV shows FBI agents escorting Cesar Sayoc, in sleeveless shirt. Credit:AP The disclosure came as 56-year-old Cesar Sayoc made his initial court appearance in Miami federal court, saying little but tearing up, and after bomb squads were called to a post office in Atlanta about a suspicious mailing to CNN similar to the pipe bomb packages recovered in the case last week. The official said authorities had recovered soldering equipment, a printer, and stamps similar to those used on the package bombs in the investigation into Sayoc, who was arrested last week in Florida. Authorities believe Sayoc was putting explosives together in his van. Latest News Effi launches solution that can get brokers paid their commission on the day of settlement New product can reduce the time it takes for commissions to get paid from 45-60 days to just one NAB throws weight behind e-lodgement disruptor Sympli Major mortgage lender signs deal with conveyancing start-up After a financial year which showed huge growth in loans, a state government-backed lender has explained how investing in the broker channel has helped. HomeStart saw loans coming through from brokers grow to 60% of loans settled. The lender is backed by the South Australian government and offers lower deposits to help borrowers buy a home. The non-bank is the first to say its products are not meant for the long term, but merely as a stepping stone to get into the property where they can refinance later down the track. In the last financial year 90% of borrowers who came to HomeStart were unable to get finance through a mainstream lender. The group is proud of its growth in broker-originated loans as it has worked hard to ensure the channel understands who can come to the lender and for what loans. CEO of HomeStart John Oliver said, I think what weve done is invest heavily in a number of things. Weve got three dedicated business development specialists who are out there all the time talking to the brokers. We also focus a lot on new brokers coming into the industry. We run a number of professional development days during the year. Newer brokers come to that, so it gives an opportunity to spend time with them and invest in them and give them a real understanding of where HomeStart sits in the market and how were a little bit different. A lot of it is investment in time in helping brokers get loans across the line and assisting with their own professional development. Oliver said part of the investment has also been reaching brokers in regional areas. He added, Were really trying to develop good and effective relationships with brokers in these places instead of concentrating on places within Adelaide. When we started to focus on that, thats when we brought an additional BDM on. The 90% of customers who were unable to go through mainstream lenders is not something completely new for the group, but tightened lending standards have had an impact on more coming through. Oliver said, I think for HomeStart that number has been pretty consistent, somewhere between the low 80s and 90s. For a long time it was probably running in the 80s, so I think a couple of things have happened. Credit standards have tightened. They have not only tightened at the banks but also at the mortgage lending and mortgage providers so that means a few more customers come HomeStarts way and thats certainly been something thats consistent. In more recent times perhaps the Royal Commission and the public has created some upset and lack of confidence amongst potential borrowers so at the moment Id say the overall market has shrunk on the back of that. Latest News Effi launches solution that can get brokers paid their commission on the day of settlement New product can reduce the time it takes for commissions to get paid from 45-60 days to just one NAB throws weight behind e-lodgement disruptor Sympli Major mortgage lender signs deal with conveyancing start-up An author, public speaker and futurist, best known for founding New York-based mobile banking Moven, has been announced as new advisor to Australian neo-bank Xinja. Brett King, who is Australian, most recently spoke to Australian Broker about how technology could impact the country's broking industry and the way people seek finance. Xinja, which is building a 100% independent digital bank, or neobank for mobile, has been granted an Australian Credit Licence and has already launched home loans to friends and family. It said it is adding "significant global expertise" to its organisation with the announcement that King will act as a permanent advisor to the board, and help guide Xinjas strategic direction. King founded neobank Moven in 2011, which launched the worlds first mobile, downloadable bank account. He is widely considered the most influential expert on retail banking innovation globally. He was an also an advisor to the Obama White House, the US Federal Reserve and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency on the future of banking in the United States. King said, I have been working with neobanks around the world for many years, and as an Australian, Im delighted to finally see this movement reaching home. Xinja shares my view that it is essential we dont just add some new tech to a business model that is 700-years old, but that it is built from the ground up for the digital world. King is also a renowned futurist and international speaker. His book Augmented was referenced by Chinas President Xi Jinping as a seminal text on artificial intelligence. He is on the boards of several companies, including Moven, CFSi, which is the largest non-profit focused on financial inclusion in the US. Xinja CEO Eric Wilson said, Brett will be a fantastic adviser providing guidance on innovation to re-imagine retail banking for our customers. Its time Australians had access to the kind of technology already available in other markets. We are not a new digital front-end stuck on an existing bank but independent and built for digital and mobile from the ground up. This means we don't have expensive legacy systems, branches or processes and we can pass this cost saving along to customers in the form of low or no fees." Xinja Chair, Lindley Edwards, said, Between Xinja and Brett there is a meeting of minds. We are passionate about transforming banking and helping people make more out of their money. Brett pioneered neobanking. He has been the leading thinker in this area for years. We are very excited to be working with him to help us deliver our vision. Xinja has applied for a restricted banking licence and is hoping to launch transaction accounts on top of its prepaid cards soon. Sign up for our PoliticsNY newsletter for the latest coverage and to stay informed about the 2021 elections in your district and across NYC This party was dead on arrival! Locals packed a Kensington elementary school on Saturday to honor their deceased ancestors while savoring festive food and music at a Day of the Dead celebration filled with authentic Mexican flavor, according to attendees. It was beautiful, said Mayra Cruz, who lives in the neighborhood and came out to the bash with her mom, sister, and daughter. It was our first time experiencing Mexican culture like that. Cruz and other revelers crowded inside Avenue Cs PS 179 to partake in the festivities ahead of the three-day holiday, which occurs from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2. Traditional Mexican dancers and musicians from Queens-based mariachi band Mariachi Fiesta Mexicana treated attendees to performances during the five-plus-hour fiesta, which also featured activities including face painting and lighting the ofrenda a ritual altar where candles and objects are placed to honor late loved ones during the holiday. Decorations including homemade skeletons and a crop of brightly colored paper flowers made the space even more enchanting, according to a Bensonhurst resident who joined in the fun to help paint faces and watch her cousins participate in one of the events many dances, she said. They had different types of dances, like back in the times of the traditional dances, said makeup artist Diana Veliz. And organizers served a free Mexican feast that included tamales, tacos, Mexican sweet bread, and arroz con leche, a traditional dessert that is similar to a rice pudding, which Cruz called scrumptious. It was delicious, she said. Members of neighborhood group the Kensington Stewards organized the bash for the third year in a row, and originally planned to host it at the outdoor Avenue C plaza bounded by that road and McDonald Avenue, but relocated it to inside the school at the eleventh hour due to inclement weather. The Office of the Delaware State Veterinarian has reported a confirmed case of West Nile Virus in a Standardbred. An unvaccinated yearling Standardbred filly in Kent County showed an onset of clinical signs on October 11, including ataxia in all four limbs, buckling in the forelimbs progressing to recumbency, muscle fasciculations and somnolence. The horse was euthanized on 10/15/2018 following 60 hours of recumbency. Samples taken showed positive IgM capture ELISA, and positive PCR on necropsy. (Office of the Delaware State Veterinarian) What We Talk About When We Talk About Rape Sohaila Abdulali Penguin 229 pages; Rs 499 On the night of December 16, 2012, two of my friends a man and a woman had gone to watch Life of Pi at a movie theatre in South Delhi. Failing to make it in time for the last Metro, they decided to take an autorickshaw and my male friend had to accompany the woman right to her doorstep. There is nothing unusual with this account, except when they woke up the next day to a chilling account of a young womans gang-rape and brutal assault. She was watching the same film ... Dear Reader, Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance. We, however, have a request. As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed. Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard. Digital Editor Having already entered the fresh dairy segment recently in West Bengal and Bihar with the launch of pouch milk and curd, ITC is now looking at expanding its dairy segment and is mulling launch of new products, some of which will be sold pan-India. We will enter the milkshake category in the next couple of months and will also launch paneer shortly. There are teams working on cheese and Tetra Pak milk categories, said Hemant Malik, Divisional Chief ExecutiveFood at ITC Ltd. While the company has narrowed down on the former two categories, the latter two are ... The project is estimated to cost about Rs 5 billion and will come up within an industrial park being promoted by the Navin Jindal-owned company in the area. The company will use granulated slag, a by-product of the steel unit, as feed stock for the cement plant. "With the expansion of the steel making capability to six million tonnes, we are now producing enough granulated slag to sustain a cement unit of two-million-tonne capacity," said a ... Dear Reader, Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance. We, however, have a request. As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed. Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard. Digital Editor Global card payments giant Mastercard is storing its new Indian transaction data locally, the company said on Tuesday, as it starts to comply with a regulatory directive which US companies unsuccessfully lobbied hard to dilute. The central bank of India in April said companies such as Mastercard, Visa and American Express will from October need to store their payments data "only in India" so that the regulator could have "unfettered supervisory access". The directive sparked an aggressive lobbying effort from U.S. companies who said the rules would increase ... A week out from the midterm elections, the said Monday it is sending 5,200 troops, some armed, to the Southwest border this week in an extraordinary military operation to stop Central American migrants travelling north in two caravans that were still hundreds of miles from the US. The number of troops is more than double the 2,000 who are in fighting the Islamic State group. Donald Trump, eager to focus voters on immigration in the lead-up to the elections, stepped up his warnings about the caravans, tweeting: "This is an invasion of our Country and our Military is waiting for you!" His warning came as the began executing "Operation Faithful Patriot," described by the commander of US Northern Command as an effort to help Customs and Border Protection stiffen defenses at and near legal entry points. Advanced helicopters will allow border protection agents to swoop down on migrants trying to cross illegally, he said. "We're going to secure the border," Air Force Gen Terrence O'Shaughnessy, the Northern Command leader, said at a news conference. He spoke alongside Kevin McAleenan, commissioner of Customs and Border Protection. Eight hundred troops already are on their way to southern Texas, O'Shaughnessy said, and their numbers will top 5,200 by week's end. He said troops would focus first on Texas, followed by Arizona and then The number of people in the first caravan has dwindled to 3,500 from about 7,000, though a second one was gaining steam and marred by violence. About 600 migrants in the second group tried to cross a bridge from to en masse on Monday but were met by ranks of Mexican federal police who blocked them from entering. The riverbank standoff followed a more violent confrontation Sunday when the migrants used sticks and rocks against police. One migrant was killed Sunday night by a head wound, but the cause was unclear. The first group passed through the spot via the river wading or on rafts and was advancing through southern That group appeared to begin as a collection of about 160 who decided to band together in Honduras for protection against the gangs who prey on migrants travelling alone and snowballed as the group moved north. They are mostly from Honduras, where it started, as well as El Salvador and Overall, they are poor, carrying the belongings that fit into a knapsack and fleeing gang violence or poverty. It's possible there are criminals mixed in, but Trump has not substantiated his claim that members of the MS-13 gang, in particular, are among them. The president's dark description of the caravan belied the fact that any migrants who complete the long trek to the southern US border already face major hurdles, both physical and bureaucratic, to being allowed into the Migrants are entitled under both US and international law to apply for asylum, but it may take a while to make a claim. There is already a bottleneck of asylum seekers at some US border crossings, in some cases as long as five weeks. McAleenan said the aim was to deter migrants from crossing illegally between ports, but he conceded his officers were overwhelmed by a surge of asylum seekers. He also said Mexico was prepared to offer asylum to the caravan. "If you're already seeking asylum, you've been given a generous offer," he said of Mexico. "We want to work with Mexico to manage that flow." The is also weighing additional border security measures, including blocking those traveling in the caravan from seeking legal asylum and preventing them from entering the US. The military operation drew quick criticism. "Sending active military forces to our southern border is not only a huge waste of taxpayer money, but an unnecessary course of action that will further terrorize and militarise our border communities," said Shaw Drake of the American Civil Liberties Union's border rights center at El Paso, Military personnel are legally prohibited from engaging in immigration enforcement. The troops will include military police, combat engineers and others helping on the southern border. The escalating rhetoric and expected deployments come as the has been trying to turn the caravans into a key election issue just days before the midterm elections that will determine whether Republicans maintain control of "This will be the election of the caravans, the Kavanaughs, law and order, tax cuts, and you know what else? It's going to be the election of common sense," Trump said at a rally in Illinois on Saturday night. On Monday, he tweeted without providing evidence: "Many Gang Members and some very bad people are mixed into the Caravan heading to our Southern Border." "Please go back," he urged them. "you will not be admitted into the unless you go through the legal process. This is an invasion of our Country and our Military is waiting for you!" The troops are expected to perform a wide variety of functions such as transporting supplies for the Border Patrol, but not engage directly with migrants seeking to cross the border, officials said. One US official said the troops will be sent initially to staging bases in California, and Arizona while the CBP works out precisely where it wants the troops positioned. US Transportation Command posted a video on its page Monday of a C-17 transport plane that it said was delivering Army equipment to the Southwest border in support of Operation Faithful Patriot. Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said all women should be allowed to enter the temple, noting that his view on the issue was different from that of his party's Kerala unit. The Supreme Court last month lifted the ban on entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine of Lord Ayyappa. "It is a very emotional issue and my personal thinking on the matter is different from my partys Kerala unit," Gandhi told a select group of journalists here in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh. "My personal view point on the issue of temple is that men and women are equal. All women should get permission to enter into the temple. However, my partys Kerala units view is that it is a very emotional issue for both men and women, he said. "Therefore, my personal opinion and my partys Kerala units thinking is different on the matter. My party represents the feeling of the Keralas natives on the issue, the Congress chief said. Referring to Rafale fighter deal, he claimed that the day a probe into it begins, Prime Minister Narendra Modi "will have to go to jail." He alleged that set procedures were violated to "benefit" industrialist Anil Ambani in the deal. The Congress President further claimed that "When the documents related to the deal come out, the names of Modi and Ambani will appear in big letters on either side of the papers." Ambani has already rejected the allegations. Referring to Pakistan, Gandhi said creating hurdles in the way of India is in the DNA of that country. "But Pakistan got the opportunity to push anti-India terror activities because of alleged wrong policies of the BJP and it further led to the martyrdom of Indian soldiers," Gandhi said. Answering a question, he said, I can admit before nearly 200 journalists that we were not able to meet the expectations of people in 2014 Lok Sabha elections. We have committed mistakes. But Modi government performed much worse than us on the issues of corruption, employment and farmers problems after coming to power, the Congress chief said. The Congress on Tuesday termed US President rejecting India's invitation for the Republic Day parade, a "diplomatic faux pas" and an "embarrassment" for the country. The White House has said the US president is unable to participate as the chief guest of India's Republic Day celebrations next year due to scheduling constraints. The Congress also attacked the government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the country's foreign policy which it described as "incoherent and episodical" with no "gravitas". Senior Congress leader Anand Sharma said whenever the government of India, through its prime minister, invites a foreign head of state, it has never been declined. The government takes care to send the invitation only after its assured acceptance, as per diplomatic channels, he said. "It has been a diplomatic faux pas. The invitation should not have been sent in the first place without having an assurance, that once it reaches Washington, it will be accepted," Sharma said. "I will say this was an avoidable embarrassment for the Republic of India," he told reporters. On the country's foreign policy, the Congress leader said, "This government's foreign policy is incoherent, episodical and Prime Minister Modi must remember that engagement with major strategic partners cannot be transactional but must have a ring of continuity, coherence and correctness." Modi has failed on the foreign policy front and he considers it as only photo opportunities, he alleged. "There is no gravitas in Modi's foreign policy. For many years, he thought foreign policy is a photo opportunity" Sharma said, alleging that the prime minister could not maintain the balance between neighbouring countries and the situation is of concern in the neighbourhood. He said day after day the government tried to see that Trump accepted to become the chief guest at the Republic Day function, but the invitation was not accepted. "I have a long list about the prime minister's foreign policy goof ups. His neighbourhood policy is a failure. His Pakistan policy is a disaster," the Congress leader said. On Monday, Sharma had alleged that Modi's approach was "frivolous" and his conduct of diplomacy lacked gravitas. He had also said the prime minister must understand that engagement with strategic partners can not be transactional or episodic. "Never before this honour has been declined by a head of state... He (PM Modi) must know that engagement with strategic partners can not be transactional or episodic," the Congress leader had said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited President Trump for a bilateral visit to India during their talks in Washington last year. White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders had, in July, said that Trump has received an invitation to visit India, but no decision has been taken yet. "President Trump was honoured by Prime Minister Modi's invitation for him to be Chief Guest of India's Republic Day on January 26, 2019 but is unable to participate due to scheduling constraints," a White House spokesperson told PTI, when asked about Trump's decision on Modi's invitation. Following the development, the government is understood to be exploring options for a chief guest at the Republic Day parade after Trump turned down its invitation for the ceremony. Sources have said the Indian government has in mind leaders from three countries including a head of state from a leading African nation. A lawyer, the first to drag the NDA government to the Supreme Court over the Rafale fighter jet deal, has filed an interim plea seeking hearing on his PIL after Assembly polls in five states in November to counter the allegation that his' was a politically-motivated petition. The poll panel has recently announced the dates for in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Mizoram and Telangana. They would conclude by November end. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi is likely to hear on Wednesday the two PILs, filed by lawyers Manohar Lal Sharma and Vineet Dhanda, on India's deal with France to buy the fighter jets. The bench, also comprising Justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph, on October 10 had directed the Centre to provide in a sealed cover the "details of the steps" taken in the decision-making process, sans pricing and technical information, which led to the deal. Sharma, who filed an interim plea in his pending PIL, has referred to certain media reports to allege that the French Dassault company "accepted to work with Reliance as an 'imperative and obligatory' condition for securing the fighter contract". The lawyer mentioned on Tuesday the plea before the bench which asked him to provide its copy on Wednesday. Besides seeking nod to initiate the detailed arguments, the lawyer has also sought a direction to Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited and its head to file "all relevant documents of the belonging to them". The lawyer, in his PIL, has sought to quash the inter-government agreement between India and France on account of the violation of "defence procurement procedure" and subsequent registration of an FIR in the case. The apex court had earlier termed the averments made in the two PILs as "grossly inadequate" and had made it clear that it was not issuing notice on them, but had wanted to satisfy itself about the legitimacy of the decision-making process. The Tuesday directed the Hyderabad Police to provide adequate security to businessman Satish Sana, complainant in the alleged bribery case against Special Director A bench of and Justices U U Lalit and K M Joseph refused to stay summons against Sana and also rejected his plea for recording of his statement in presence of retired former SC judge A K Patnaik. Sana, on whose complaint an FIR was registered against the Special Director, had moved the apex court on Monday seeking police protection and a stay on the notice issued by the agency summoning him for interrogation. Peninsula will look to win its third consecutive CIF-SS Open Division title Friday when it takes on Westlake, which beat the Panthers twice during the regular season. US will be unable to participate as Chief Guest of India's celebrations next year due to scheduling constraints, the has said. Prime Minister had invited Trump for a bilateral visit to during their talks in last year. Press Secretary Sarah Sanders had, in July, said that Trump has received an invitation to visit India, but no decision has been taken yet. " Trump was honoured by Prime Minister Modi's invitation for him to be Chief Guest of India's on January 26, 2019 but is unable to participate due to scheduling constraints," a spokesperson told on Monday, when asked about Trump's decision on Modi's invitation. It is said that the annual (SOTU) address to both Houses of the US Congress by Trump is likely to be around the time will celebrate its The SOTU is normally delivered in the last week of January or first week of February. The spokesperson said that the US President and Modi enjoy a strong personal rapport and Trump is committed to deepening the India-US relationship. "The President enjoys a strong personal rapport with Prime Minister Modi developed through two meetings and several phone calls and remains committed to deepening the US- strategic partnership," the spokesperson said. "The President very much looks forward to meeting Prime Minister Modi again at the earliest opportunity," the White House spokesperson said. Modi and Trump are scheduled to attend the Summit in on November 30 and December 1. It is possible that the two leaders might meet and discuss bilateral relationship there. Every year, India invites world leaders to attend its Republic Day celebrations. In 2015, the then US president had attended it as the chief guest which was his second visit to India as American president. This year, leaders from 10 ASEAN countries had attended the Republic Day celebrations. In 2016, the then French president was the chief guest of the parade while Japanese Prime Minister was the chief guest at the celebrations in 2014. The heads of state and government who have attended the Republic Day celebrations include Nicolas Sarkozy, Vladimir Putin, Nelson Mandela, John Major, Mohammed Khatami and Jacques Chirac. Delhi and NCR's air quality continued to remain in the "Very Poor" category on Tuesday as the overall AQI was recorded at 375 and 330 respectively at 6 AM, according to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR). In Delhi, the overall PM2.5 (particles in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres) was recorded at 217. The PM2.5, also called "fine particulates," can be a matter of more serious health concern than PM10. The PM10 level (particles in the air with a diameter of less than 10 micrometres) in Delhi stood at ... Oldest of six siblings, Monica works as a domestic help in the eastern part of the Capital. She dropped out of school after Class V to work since her father, the only working member of the family, wasnt making enough money as a rickshaw-puller. The 19-year-old feels happy that all her siblings are in school, and she hopes that her and her parentss sacrifices and hard work will help them become something better. Monica sacrificed her education to give her siblings the opportunity to permanently break free from the suffocating chamber of poverty. There are ... The high-level FSDC meeting chaired by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Tuesday discussed liquidity issues being faced by the non-banking financial companies, sources said. Headed by the finance minister, the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) includes Reserve Bank Governor, Chairman, and heads of other regulators like PFRDA, IRDAI, and also Chairman of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board (IBBI). Reserve Bank Governor Urjit Patel said the liquidity problem in NBFCs is not as severe as is being projected, but assured the government that it would ensure adequate liquidity in the system, sources said after the meeting. The meeting assumes significance as the FSDC is meeting for the first time after RBI Deputy Governor Viral Acharya raised the issues regarding the independence of the central bank. Unlike in the past, all the four RBI deputy governors attended Tuesday's FSDC meeting along with Patel. ALSO READ: RBI to inject Rs 400 bn liquidity into system via open market operations Sources said the RBI governor informed the government that there is no in the system, barring certain sectors and assured they are keeping a close watch on the financial sector. The government, on its part, asked the RBI to prevent spreading of crisis to other sectors of the economy, sources added. Among other things, the issue concerning cyber-security in financial markets also came up for discussion. Pension fund regulator PFRDA Chairman Hemant Contractor said there was general discussion on the domestic and global economy. The FSDC was set up to strengthen and institutionalise the mechanism for maintaining financial stability, enhancing inter-regulatory coordination and promoting financial sector development. ALSO READ: RBI rejects liquidity window for NBFCs; govt demurs citing cash crunch In May, the government through a gazette notification, had included Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) Secretary in the FSDC in view of the increased focus of the government on digital economy. The series of loan defaults by the has resulted in doubts over financial soundness of the non-banking finance companies. The government last month took over the board of and appointed seasoned banker Uday Kotak at the helm to resolve the crisis being faced by the NBFCs. Acharya in a speech on Friday had said that undermining the central bank's independence could be "potentially catastrophic". He had also called for greater powers for RBI to regulate public sector banks as it seeks to clean up the banking system, saying that central bank's independence was necessary to secure greater financial and macroeconomic stability. The government, however, has not responded to the concerns raised by the RBI. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Tuesday alleged "manipulation" of electoral rolls of South Delhi Lok Sabha seat with about 100,000 names being deleted from the voters' list in the constituency in past one year and that the BJP was behind it. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rubbished the charge and hit back at the AAP, accusing it of resorting to "lies" to keep itself in the race for the 2019 polls. "Our estimate is that about 100,000 names of voters from South Delhi alone have been deleted in past six months to one year," said Raghav Chadha, AAP's in-charge of South Delhi Parliamentary seat. He claimed to have statistics that showed around 7,500 names being deleted from electoral rolls of Chhattarpur, 12,000 from Bijwasan and 6,000 from Tughlaqabad Assembly segments lying under South Delhi Lok Sabha seat. An average of 10,000 voters names was removed from every Assembly seat in the past one-and-a-half years alone. With 10 Assembly segments in one Parliamentary constituency, it comes to about 100,000 votes, he charged. "The BJP now realises that it is going to face a massive defeat in 2019 elections. They are so baffled by this that they are getting names deleted from the electoral rolls," Chadha alleged. Delhi BJP general secretary Ravinder Gupta alleged that the AAP was "lying" on the issue. "They have nothing else except for lies to offer. The fact is that they are worried about a steep decline in their support base in Delhi," Gupta said. The ruling AAP in Delhi, which has appointed in-charges for all the seven Lok Sabha seats in the city, has stepped up attack on the BJP ahead of the general elections next year. Absconding diamond trader Mehul Choksi, a prime accused in the multi-billion (PNB) scam, on Tuesday cited "health issues" to seek dismissal of the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) plea to declare him a "fugitive economic offender". In one of the 10 applications filed by Choksi on Tuesday before the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court of judge M S Azmi, the diamond trader stated that he cannot take a "41-hour" flight to come to India due to a "brain clot" and other medical conditions. He has filed the applications through his lawyer Sanjay Abbot. Choksi's prime argument was to seek cancellation of the ED's complaint against him under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act (FEOA) on "health grounds". The court Tuesday directed the ED to file its reply on Choksi's pleas and adjourned the matter till November 17. Choksi and his nephew Nirav Modi are wanted by the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for allegedly defrauding the PNB to the tune of Rs 134 billion apparently in collusion with few of its employees. The ED had prayed that Choksi be declared a "fugitive economic offender" for evading summons to appear before the agency and that his properties be confiscated under the provisions of the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018. "The ED has made an averment that the accused had left the country under suspicious circumstance in January and deliberately avoided joining investigation in spite of issuance of summons for his appearance," Choksi said in his plea. However, the allegation is not true as the accused has not deliberately/intentionally refused to return but was unable to return because of his persisting medical conditions, it said. Choksi mentioned his "medical condition" he has been suffering "since 2012" in the application. "The accused is having a clot in his brain since 2012 and he is also a diabetic since the last 20 years. Coupled with heart problem, it has resulted in multiple medical complications making it extremely impossible for him to travel on long flight of 41 hours," the application said. Choksi's nephew Nirav Modi, a co-accused in the PNB case, had Monday filed an application before the same PMLA court opposing the ED's complaint to have him declared a "fugitive economic offender" under the FEOA. Modi had also filed 10 applications, but his prime argument was that the ED's complaint had not been filed in accordance with the law and, thus, must not be considered valid by the court. The PNB scam, which reportedly began in 2011, was detected in January this year, after which PNB officials reported it to the probe agencies. Two criminal complaints were filed by the ED in this regard after taking cognisance of CBI FIRs. A Chinese internet company that serves up homemade break-dancing videos, dishy news bites and goofy hashtag challenges has become one of the planets most richly valued start-ups, with a roughly $75 billion price tag. And it has big plans for storming phone screens across the rest of the globe, too. You may not have heard of the company, Bytedance. You may never have used any of its breezy, colourful apps. But your nearest teenager is probably already obsessed with Musical.ly, the video-sharing platform that Bytedance bought for around $1 billion last year and folded into its ... The story of how Frankenstein was born is well known, and largely relies on the account given by Mary Shelley in her preface to the 1831 edition to her novel. She and her (soon-to-be) husband, the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, were summering on the shores of Lake Geneva and close by Lord Byron and his personal physician John Polidori. It was 1816 the so-called year without a summer and the inclement weather kept the party indoors, reading ghost stories as a pastime. In one of the most famous propositions in literary history, Lord Byron suggested that each of them ... The Turkish fiancee of slain journalist has called on US President Donald Trump and other leaders to ensure that his killing at the Saudi Consulate in is not covered up, while top Saudi and Turkish prosecutors on Tuesday held a second day of discussions on the investigation. Speaking at a memorial in London on Monday, Hatice Cengiz expressed disappointment in the "leadership of many countries." Singling out Trump, she urged him to "help reveal the truth and ensure justice be served." "He should not pave the way for a cover-up of my fiance's murder. Let's not let money taint our conscience and compromise our values," she said. Cengiz also told the memorial that she wishes she had entered the consulate instead of her fiance. She said in reference to an alleged Saudi hit squad sent to kill the Washington Post Journalist: "If only I knew that would be the last time I would see my Jamal, his smile, hear his laughter, I would have stood in front of that murderous team myself." ALSO READ: Jamal Khashoggi fallout may force Saudi Arabia to ease sanctions on Qatar Saudi Arabia's top prosecutor, Saud al-Mojeb, arrived at Istanbul's main courthouse Tuesday for more talks with Istanbul's chief public prosecutor, Irfan Fidan, on the investigation into the killing, Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency reported. The two had met for an hour and 15 minutes on Monday as part of an agreement between Riyadh and Ankara for cooperation over the investigation. Turkey is seeking the extradition of 18 Saudi suspects detained in Saudi Arabia for the Oct. 2 killing of Khashoggi a journalist who had written critically of Saudi Arabia's crown prince in columns for The Washington Post. It is also seeking Saudi Arabia's help to locate Khashoggi's body, which still has not been found. Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir has said the kingdom will try the perpetrators and bring them to justice after the investigation is completed. Under mounting pressure, Saudi Arabia has changed its narrative about Khashoggi's killing several times, and has recently acknowledged that Turkish evidence shows it was premeditated. President was accused in a lawsuit Monday of misleading salespeople who lost money in a multi-level marketing company that he endorsed in speeches and on "The Celebrity Apprentice." The suit filed in Manhattan federal court alleged Trump received millions of dollars in exchange for reassuring potential salespeople for telephone company ACN there was little risk if they paid fees and incurred other expenses to start selling its phone service to others. The suit said Trump falsely reassured them he had done extensive due-diligence on the company and all was well, though he knew all along they had little chance of recouping their fees. The suit filed by four salespeople alleged Trump violated federal anti-racketeering law and is seeking class-action status. The suit said Trump made his millions by "systematically defrauding economically and marginalised people looking to invest in their educations, start their own small businesses, and pursue the " The suit also named the Trump Company, which is a unit of the Trump Organization, and the president's three oldest children as defendants. It said Trump's "fraudulent scheme" also involved a vitamin company bearing Trump's name and his backing of a real estate lecture series called the Trump Institute. The Trump Organization did not respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press. A lawyer for the Trump Organization, Alan Garten, told The New York Times the allegations are meritless and motivated by politics, coming just days before the midterm elections. The lawsuit is being underwritten by a nonprofit whose leader is a major Democratic Party donor. ACN used a system of salespeople recruiting other salespeople, each paying an "initial fee" of $499 to join. It has drawn scrutiny in Canada, Australia and the US states of Maryland and Montana, where a securities regulator issued a cease-and-desist order in 2010, accusing ACN of running an "illegal pyramid promotional scheme" that relied heavily on fees from new salespeople to generate income. Regulators dropped the charge after ACN agreed to refund money lost by salespeople and to improve training. Trump also gave at least three speeches at ACN events, earning $1.35 million in fees, according to figures at the Federal Election Commission. On an episode of "The Celebrity Apprentice" in 2011, Trump said he knew ACN "very well" and, in a video ad, said he had done "a lot of research" to gain insight into how it has "stayed ahead of the pack." In a Wall Street Journal article in 2015, however, he was quoted saying he was "not familiar" with what the company did or how it functioned. The suit depicts the four anonymous plaintiffs as struggling workers trying to make ends meet who could not afford losing even a few hundred dollars. One was a hospice caregiver who was initially skeptical of the venture, the suit said, but was won over after watching an ACN promotional video featuring Trump and it being talked up on a "Celebrity Apprentice" episode. She spent thousands of dollars in expenses to attend ACN events and meetings, the suit said, but only received one check for $38. The nonprofit Tesseract Research Center, which is paying fees for the plaintiffs' lawyers and other costs, is run by Democratic donor Morris Pearl, a former managing director at investment giant BlackRock. In response to the Trump Organization's criticism about the suit's timing before the midterms, the plaintiffs' lawyers said the case was brought now because "it is ready now." ''No matter when this was filed, the Trump Org would say it was politically motivated," they said in a statement. The 160-page suit accuses Trump and the other defendants of misleading and deceptive practices and asks for triple damages under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, or RICO. Trump has a slew of legal woes, including lawsuits accusing him of violating the anti-bribery emoluments clause of the US Constitution by accepting payments from foreign governments at his hotels and other properties. He and his three oldest children also face a lawsuit from the New York state attorney general alleging they used money donated to the president's charity, the Trump Foundation, to help his campaign, pay for a painting of himself and other personal uses. Trump has called the suit "ridiculous" and vowed in tweets not to settle. A New York judge put that case on hold last week until a higher court rules whether a sitting president can be sued in state court. However, developments on the violent far right since the victory of Donald Trump, Id argue, present a different reality. The attack at Pittsburghs Tree of Life Synagogue, as well as the sending of pipe bombs to critics of the current administration are just the latest examples of the consistent increase in the violence on the margins of the political camp currently ... Dear Reader, Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance. We, however, have a request. As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed. Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard. Digital Editor The Supreme Court has suspended a 13-year jail sentence given to the country's exiled former president until it reviews his conviction as requested by the prosecutor general. The Supreme Court ordered on Tuesday that the government, police and prison authorities adhere to the suspension of the sentence for the former president The order comes two days before Nasheed is to return to the after living in exile for more than two years, and appears to be a move by the incoming government to prevent his arrest on arrival. Nasheed and many other political opponents were jailed by outgoing President Yameen Abdul Gayoom's administration after trials criticised for a lack of due process. Nasheed's party candidate defeated Yameen in the Sept. 28 presidential election. The United States is preparing to announce tariffs on all remaining Chinese imports by early December if talks next month between presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping fail to ease the trade war, Bloomberg reported on Monday. The list would apply to imports from China that aren't already covered by previous rounds of tariffs, which may be $257 billion using last year's import figures, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter. Though final decisions have not been made, US officials are preparing for such a scenario in case a planned Trump-Xi meeting ... Will voters in Washington State breathe new life into the idea of taxing carbon emissions? Plenty of people worried about the earths future certainly hope so. Climate scientists and economists have long argued that the single best way to slow global warming is to put a price on greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels and raise that price over time, thus creating a sensible market incentive to reduce emissions and invest in cleaner energy sources. Carbon pricing was also high on the list of urgent recommendations of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate ... Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will chair the 20th meeting of the Financial Stability and Development Council on Tuesday. The FSDC is an apex body which also consists of chiefs and senior officials of all the financial sector regulators in India. The meeting, to be held in the Finance Ministry in New Delhi, is coming in the backdrop of an unprecedented churn in financial markets and sectoral regulations in India. There have been a number of flashpoints between the Centre and the Reserve Bank of India in the past one year, including on Rs 10 trillion worth of stressed assets ... Silver has not been delivering positive returns to investors across the globe, prompting them to stay away from the market the past few years. In fact, the precious metal is already down by as much as 14 per cent since January. But all that seems set to change for silver prices in the coming quarters. The fall in demand for the metal, especially from financial market investors going for exchange-traded products, is expected to reduce. Going ahead, expectations of a weak dollar and support from gold will help silver prices recover and, like to fall, the recovery is estimated to be ... Two Pakistani emergency workers have been suspended for their alleged involvement in a suspected sexual assault of an intellectually disabled Sikh teenage girl here. District emergency officers apprised the Dawn on Monday while stating that a high-level committee has been formed to look into the Rescue 1122 (Pakistan's emergency services) case. Akram Panwar, the district emergency officer, also mentioned that strong departmental action would be taken against the suspended, if proven guilty. The medico-legal examination report stated that no bruises or lacerations were found on the victim's body upon examination, according to the Dawn. The girl was taken to Lahore for further tests on Monday, the results of which are expected in "a minimum time frame of two months", according to investigative officer Basharat Ali, who also stated that the two suspended rescue workers will be kept in custody on physical remand for investigations. A First Information Report (FIR) registered with City Nankana Sahib police stated that the 15-year-old minor, who suffers from an intellectual disability, went missing on Sunday following which the family started looking for her. The family members later found the suspects carrying out the crime, behind a Rescue 1122 ambulance that had been parked by the curb for a while. When the family raised an alarm, the accused speeded the ambulance away, throwing the victim near a sugar mill before escaping, according to the FIR. The spokesperson for the district police stated on Monday that the investigations had been lodged at the behest of the Sikh community while mentioning that justice would be served. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday urged Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu to form a united front along with the Congress. In a telephonic conversation, Akhilesh stressed the need for an alliance and to bring other parties under a single umbrella. He also mentioned that it is the responsibility of all to protect the democracy in the country. Both the leaders further discussed the contemporary political scenario and developments. Earlier, Naidu had claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) government was complicit in the Rafale scam. Akhilesh and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati had also, in unison, blamed the state BJP cadre for the increase in crime in Uttar Pradesh. As the battle lines for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls are being drawn, the politicians have become proactive in looking for prospective alliances. Last week, Naidu had met a number of leaders in the capital, including Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, former union minister BJP leader Yashwant Sinha, Conference (NC) Chief Farooq Abdullah and Mayawati, among others. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Haryana Minister Anil Vij has expressed disappointment over adjournment of the Ayodhya title suit case by the Supreme Court. He said, "The Supreme Court is great, it can do whatever it wants. It can open at 12 in the night for Yakub Memom, but it can keep deferring the hearing on Ram Mandir for which people have been desperately waiting. It all depends on the Supreme Court." On Monday, the court adjourned the hearing on the Ayodhya title suit case until January 2019 to fix the date of hearing in the matter. The top court had adjourned the matter which challenged the Allahabad High Court ruling of 2010. The 2010 verdict had divided the disputed land in Ayodhya into three parts for each party - the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's (RSS) prachar pramukh Arun Kumar on Monday said that the Supreme Court must take a decision on construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya or the central government should bring a law to pave the way for the construction. Kumar's statement comes a day after the apex court adjourned the hearing of Ayodhya title suit till January. "The High Court in its decision has already accepted that it is the birthplace of Lord Ram. Facts and evidence have also proved that a structure was erected there only after the destruction of a temple and hence a temple existed there before. Sangh is of the opinion that a grand temple must be constructed at the birthplace of Lord Ram at the earliest and a land for it must be provided." He also asserted that the construction of the temple would create an atmosphere of harmony in the country. "Temple construction will create an atmosphere of goodwill and solidarity in the country. With this vision in mind, the Supreme Court must take a decision very soon. If there are any difficulties in this, the Government must bring an ordinance to remove all hurdles in the way of constructing a grand temple," he added. On Monday, the top court adjourned the matter which challenged the Allahabad High Court ruling of 2010, which had ordered division of the disputed land in Ayodhya into three parts for each of the parties -- the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Recalling the incident that claimed the lives of two police personnel and one media person, Dantewada Superintendent of Police Abhishek Pallav was unable to hold back his tears while expressing regret over the tragic loss of lives. A bereaved Pallav said, "Naxals took a camera of one of the media persons and dragged the other two. My constable fought the Naxals, else two more media persons could have been harmed." "For past 15 days, media persons were coming to remote villages to report problems of locals ahead of polls. Agitated by this, Naxals attacked them, " he added. Dheeraj Kumar, a media person who survived the attack, said, "Cameraman Sahu was in a separate car 50 metres ahead when he was fired upon. As shots were fired at me, I fell into a pit and for 45 minutes witnessed many rounds of bullets being fired and grenades exploding nearby." Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh condemned the Naxals for the cowardice act. "Whenever there are elections, Naxals try to disturb the peace. It is unfortunate that a cameraman lost his life in today's attack. But we won't step back out of fear from such incident and there will be peace in the area in the coming time," he told media here. Two Chhattisgarh police personnel and a Doordarshan cameraman were killed in a Naxal attack here on Tuesday. The Doordarshan crew and the patrol party were attacked in Aranpur village of the district. Two jawans also got injured in the incident and have been admitted to a hospital. Sharing details of the incident, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Anti-Naxal Operation) P Sundar Raj said: "Our patrolling party during a search operation was ambushed by Naxals in Aranpur today. Two of our personnel were killed, and a DD cameraman also lost his life. Two more personnel have been injured."He further said that the security forces and other senior officials have rushed to the scene of the incident. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A haze enveloped the capital on Tuesday as the air quality nosedived to 'very poor' category, with scores of areas inching towards severe pollution levels, according to the Pune-based System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR). The overall Air Quality Index of the city was recorded at 347 which falls in the red zone. The AQI between 0 to 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 falls under the category of 'satisfactory', 101-200 is marked as 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor' and 500 and beyond is considered 'severe'. Overcast skies prevailed in the city with the minimum and maximum temperature hovering at 18 degree Celsius and 32 degree Celsius respectively. The humidity will be around 64 per cent for the entire day. Increase in gaseous pollution across the capital has resulted in spike in chronic cough cases, respiratory problems not only in children but also in adults. When ANI spoke to public, a diabetic pateint Prashant said that it is imperative for him to go on a walk everyday to maintain his health but the increased pollutants in the air and wavering temperature are causing difficulty for him. "I am diabatic. It is essential for me to go on a walk regularly in order to stay fit. But the air quality here has deteriorated so much that it is making me breathless," he said. Another resident of the city complained that he is suffering from breathlessness and irritation in the eyes while going for a walk in the morning. "From the past few weeks, I am facing breathing issue due to toxic air. Not only that, the air pollutions is causing irritation in my eyes," he said. The SAFAR advised people residing in the capital to avoid all physical activities outdoor and move activities indoors. The asthmatics have been advised to keep relief medicine handy. "Stop outdoor activity at early morning and after sunset times. Avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Go for a short walk instead of a jog and make more breaks. If the room has windows, close them. Masks known as N-95 or P-100 respirators may only help if you go out," it added. Taking a note of the deteriorating air quality, Union Minister Harsh Vardhan on Saturday had stated that a criminal prosecution would be initiated by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) against those organisations violating polluting norms. The Minister also said that as many as 50 teams comprising of the CPCB would soon go for field inspection in Gurugram, Faridabad, Noida and Ghaziabad to monitor the situation. However, the air quality index of Mumbai, a city in western India just off the coast of the Arabian Sea, remained in the moderate category with PM 10 at 108, the SAFAR said. Mumbaikars woke up to a sunny morning with 28 degree celsius temperature accompanied by 39 per cent of humidity. The temperature in this region is likely to remain at similar level for next few days, said India Meteorological Department Colaba and Santa Cruz . According to a report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) titled "Air Pollution and Child Health: Prescribing Clean Air," the air pollution killed 1.25 lakh chidren in India below the age of five in 2016 due to the impact of toxic air. The study also found that polluted air particularly inside the households generated by burning of fossil fuels for cooking, lighting and heating has contributed to the death of as many as 67,000 children below the age of five in the country in 2016. The WHO's study, which examined the health toll on children breathing toxic air, focused on dangerous particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres (PM2.5). These include toxins like sulfate and black carbon, which pose the greatest health risks since they can penetrate deep into the lungs or cardiovascular system. The report also revealed that adolescents in poorer countries are at greater risk, with a full 98 per cent of all children under five in low and middle income countries exposed to PM2.5 levels above WHO air quality guidelines. That compares to 52 per cent in high income countries, WHO said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hatice Cengiz, the fiancee of deceased Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi called upon US President Donald Trump to "not pave the way for a cover-up" of the senior scribe's "murder". "I am deeply grateful for the solidarity of people all over the I am, however, disappointed in the actions of the leadership in many countries, particularly in the US," Cengiz said during a memorial in London on Monday. "President Trump should help reveal the truth and ensure justice be served. He should not pave the way for a cover-up of my fiance's murder. Let's not let money taint our conscience and compromise our values," she further said, according to CNN. Cengiz also questioned the whereabouts of Khashoggi's body and voiced her wish to bury his body. She further described Khashoggi as a "martyr" for the "struggle for democracy". "He is a martyr for the struggle for democracy and freedom in our part of the I want to bury the body of my beloved Jamal -- my martyr -- surrounded by the prayers of his friends and loved ones. I want to know: Where is his body?" she asked. She also put forth her belief that the Saudi regime knows where Khashoggi's body is. "I believe that the Saudi regime knows where his body is ... I want justice to be served. Not only for those who murdered my beloved Jamal, but for those who organized it and gave the order for it," she remarked. "There should be no cover-up. Jamal was my beloved fiancee, but he was also a gentle human being, a loving man, a journalist and a true believer in democracy and freedom in the Arab world," Khashoggi's fiancee said while calling for justice for the late The Washington Post columnist. She also beseeched the international community to come together in holding the "perpetrators and their masters to account," while adding that she wanted "the role of the political leadership in this brutal killing to be brought to light." A senior journalist, Khashoggi, went missing on October 2, after stepping into Saudi Arabia's consulate in Istanbul, Turkey to collect documents that would allow him to get married to Cengiz. Cengiz, who was waiting outside the consulate for Khashoggi, raised an alarm after he failed to re-emerge from the Saudi consulate. The Saudi authorities later confirmed that Khashoggi died inside the consular premises during a clash. However, Turkey claimed that the journalist was brutally tortured and killed inside Saudi consulate. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday said that an environment for investment has been created in the state under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rule. Speaking following the inauguration of the Rail Park Investors meet in Lucknow, Adityanath also recounted the achievements of the state government. "Under the BJP rule, an environment has been created for investment in Uttar Pradesh. In terms of transportation, half a year ago, there were only three airports functional in the state. Along with these three airports, we have functional airports in Prayagraj, Agra, and Kanpur. In coming times, under UDAN scheme, we will build 11 more new airports in Uttar Pradesh," he said. Expressing his happiness, Adityanath said that since the first investor summit had taken place, the atmosphere has completely changed in Uttar Pradesh, adding that the event is a big achievement in that order. Training guns at the previous government, the Chief Minister said, "We have prepared a roadmap for the development of eight districts which were lacking in investment, employment, education and health facilities under the previous Samajwadi Party government. We are giving medical colleges in four out of eight districts." The meet was organised by Uttar Pradesh government and Indian Railways to encourage private investment in Railways. The Rail park in Fatehpur, will be built with an investment of Rs 2500 crore giving employment to about 20 thousand people. Around 112 companies are ready to invest in different areas in this park. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) On the occasion of 50 years of Independence of a flourishing country on the West Central coast of Africa, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, the Embassy of Equatorial Guinea will host a reception to celebrate this iconic moment. It is the first official event organized by the Ambassador Manuel Mbela Bama Ndong, since establishment of the Mission in 2016. Being the 160th Diplomatic Mission in India, the Embassy aims to position Equatorial Guinea as the leading trade and investment destination for Indian enterprises on African continent. The reception is also a celebration of strengthened relations between both countries, marked by reciprocal presidential visits in 2018, where the President of Equatorial Guinea Obiang Nguema Mbasogo was a part of the first International Solar Alliance Summit held in March 2018. Based on an extended invitation, just within one month, the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind visited Equatorial Guinea, discovering the country during his 3-day visit. At that time, the highest civilian award was conferred to him by Equatorial Guinea's President is an honour for all the citizens of India. India's relationship with Equatorial Guinea is characterized by the strong partnership in the Oil and Gas sector. Equatorial Guinea is the fourth largest supplier of natural gas to India. Economic and commercial relations between India and Equatorial Guinea have proliferated in the last few years. The scheduled opening of the Embassy of India in Malabo will only increase ties between countries. A few of India's exports to Equatorial Guinea consists of items such as food products, cereals, meat, pharmaceuticals, machinery, apparel etc. While India primarily imports Oil & Gas and timber from Equatorial Guinea, there are multiple untapped opportunities in processing of coconut, cocoa, coffee, rubber, palm, groundnut oil and others. In the words of Manuel Mbela Bama Ndong, who has been serving as an Ambassador for last 16 years: "It is an essential component of my work to promote investment in Equatorial Guinea and to help facilitating trade and commerce - where there are indeed vast untapped opportunities. Equatorial Guinea occupies an advantageous position on African continent, which relations with Asian countries are increasing. This has helped Equatorial Guinea to position itself in the region as the gateway to Africa and as an important logistics hub, profiting foreign enterprises and the country." Equatorial Guinea, the only Spanish speaking country in Africa, possesses a robust network of high-quality roads of more than 1000 km, 5 airports and 5 ports which confirm the success of the development plan Horizon 2020. Both domestic infrastructures, its ports and airports have poised Equatorial Guinea as a geo-economical gateway to CEMAC zone, which enables the free movement of goods and services from Equatorial Guinea to Cameroon, Gabon, Chad, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo and Central African Republic, as well as allows for a potential linkage to other major African markets. This explains the construction of the highway from the coastal city of Bata to Mongomo, the last town on the border with Gabon allowing agile and safe passage of large volumes of goods from the port of Bata. The modernized port of Bata alone now has a capacity for 6 million tons and over 250,000 containers per year. The ports of Bata and Malabo, the capital city have become key trade assets for Western Central Africa. The National Day Reception will not only celebrate 50th anniversary of Independence Day, but will also begin a new phase in Equatorial Guinea - India relations, benefiting local communities, enterprises and both nations. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Central Tibet Administration (CTA) on Monday asserted that the Tibetan leadership was considering resolving its strained relationship with Beijing through a process of dialogue. During the release of a report titled 'Tibet was never a part of China but the middle way approach remains a viable solution', which focused on the escalating Chinese aggression and worsening of human rights situation in Tibet, CTA president Lobsang Sangay called for urgent need of improvement in the lives of Tibetans. He also highlighted that resistance against the colonial repression had reached an unprecedented high. "The situation in Tibet is grave and very serious because Tibetan people are repressed. Hence, scores of protests are taking place in Tibet. Recently, 152 burned themselves. So, in the Freedom of Index of 2016 and 2017, Tibet was listed as the second least free region after Syria. An international organisation 'Reporters without Borders', on the basis of interviews of journalists in Beijing, say that for a journalist, it's more difficult to get access to Tibet compared to North Korea. So you can see the situation of Tibet is grim," Sangay elucidated. While Tibet has been perennially struggling to achieve self-determination, China, which has been accused of imposing severe restrictions on the flow of information, and resorted to extreme handedness in stifling the free voice of media, has often presented a biased narrative of Tibet on the global platform. In order to establish a strategic advantage over other countries in the South Asian region, especially India, China has occupied the region militarily. Today, the Tibetan leadership demands nothing more than basic fundamental rights for its people and a life of dignity. Sangay said, "This report clearly says that Tibet was an independent country and it was never part of China. But what we seek is genuine autonomy as per the Chinese laws. So that is the proposal we have. But at the same time, we described the current situation in Tibet where religious freedom, environmental disruption and social discrimination is taking place." Incidentally, the event on Monday was held at a time when China was holding the fifth World Buddhist Forum in Fujian province, which according to the CTA, was systematic, a diabolic Chinese effort to woo Buddhists across the globe. Sangay, while emphasising the brute force being used by Chinese establishment, urged Beijing to allow people to practice their culture. "Genuine autonomy means that as per the Chinese constitution, so many rights are provided to Tibetan people but in reality, those rights are not given to them. For example, Tibetans should be encouraged to use Tibetan language. Tibetans do not use Tibetan language as the medium of instruction in school. They are also discouraged from using Tibetan language as the medium of instruction at the university level, at the middle school level and the high school level. That's the clear violation of Chinese constitution and Chinese laws," he added. Despite several efforts made in the past, the Tibetan government-in-exile has failed to gain much traction in the international arena. However, a resolute leadership with an extensive plan is all set to reach out to major international players this time to get its decades-long grievances heard and a comprehensive human rights report is one such step in that direction. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday clarified that he got confused when he leveled allegations that Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's son was named in the Panama papers. Gandhi scion had leveled the allegations at a public rally in Jabua on Monday. In a scathing attack on Chouhan, Gandhi had said, "Shivraj Singh's son has been named in the Panama papers. Even the country like Pakistan has punished its former prime minister Nawaz Sharif when he was named in the Panama papers. But here no action has taken place as of now." Covering up his factually wrong statement, Gandhi today said that though the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister was not involved in Panama but "has done scams like e-tendering and Vyapam." "There is so much of corruption in the BJP that yesterday I got confused. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister hasn't done Panama but he has done scams like e-tendering and Vyapam," the Congress chief said. On Monday late night, the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister threatened to file a criminal defamation suit against Gandhi for making "frivolous and mala fide statements". Issuing the warning to the Congress chief through a tweet, Chouhan wrote that he would take legal action against Gandhi. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Amid allegations of laundering money through a shell company based in Kolkata, interim Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) director M Nageswara Rao on Tuesday rubbished the charge and clarified that the money was borrowed by his wife from her "longtime family friend." Rao, in an official statement, said "On September 10, 2010, my wife Mannem Sandheya had borrowed Rs. 25 lakhs from M/S Angela Mercantile Pvt. Ltd. Kolkata, a company belonging to our longtime family friend Praween Agarwal, for the purchase of an immovable property in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. The said property was purchased jointly along with her cousin brother, Dr K. Ratna Babu, a well-known Orthopedic Surgeon in Guntur." "On September 17, 2011, my wife sold 5-12 acres of her inherited agricultural property for an amount of Rs. 30.72 lakhs. Again on October 19, 2011, she sold a portion of her inherited agricultural property for an amount of Rs. 27.90 lakhs. Thus she received a total amount of Rs. 58.62 lakhs as sales proceeds of 11-17 acres of her inherited agricultural property in 2011. This, along with Rs. 1.38 lakhs from personal savings, thus summing up to Rs 60 lakhs, was sent to M/S Angela Mercantiles Pvt. Ltd. Kolkata in the year 2011, who, after deducting the loan amount, retained the balance Rs. 35 lakhs as investment," Rao clarified. The IPS officer further said that the said shell company returned an amount of Rs. 41.33 lakhs, which included an accrued interest amount of Rs. 6.33 lakhs. Denying reports of any unaccounted money, he said, "Further, complete details of all properties of my family and mine have been submitted in my Annual Property Returns to the government for all years, which are available for download on the Ministry of Home Affairs website." "Lastly I deny all other reports as they are incorrect and untrue," Rao concluded. The Centre had, earlier in the month, appointed Rao as the interim director of the CBI after sending its Director Alok Verma and Special Director Rakesh Asthana on a leave with immediate effect. Asthana has been accused of accepting a bribe from a businessman allegedly involved in the Moin Qureshi case, which was being probed by Asthana. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte arrived here today. During his one-day visit, Conte will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and hold one-to-one meeting in the afternoon. The Italian Prime Minister is also scheduled to take part in the India-Italy Technology Summit, organised by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). This edition of the summit will focus on seven areas such as cleantech, renewable, ICT, healthcare, aerospace, education and cultural heritage. The objective of the summit is to facilitate technology transfers, joint ventures, research and development, and market access between industry and research institutions in India and Italy. Conte's India visit is a part of the ongoing celebrations to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Italy. He will emplane for Italy in the evening. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on Tuesday said that Rome is keen to collaborate with the Centre's 'Make In India' flagship programme in key sectors such as Defence, research and development, renewable energy and science and technology. Addressing the valedictory session of the India-Italy Technology Summit here, Conte said, "Before the tech summit, I had a fruitful meeting with Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi where we reviewed all the areas of our bilateral partnership. Regarding our economic partnership, we have explored possible Italian contribution to 'Make In India'. We are keen to cooperate with the Indian government's 'Make In India' initiative in Defence, research and development, railways, renewable energy and science, and technology." The Italian Prime Minister further emphasised on the importance of technology for innovative solutions across various sectors like robotics, particle physics and astrophysics to bring about inclusive growth. He underlined that India and Italy are two strong democracies committed to promoting an effective multilateralism and strong economic governance, and ensuring dignified liveable conditions to its citizens. Lauding India's rapid economic growth, Conte called for Indian investments in the country in an effort to further promote and strengthen business ties. "Italy is the third largest economy in the Eurozone and we are the second largest industrial manufacturer in Europe. We are naturally keen to cooperate in the economic sphere. Technology and innovative solutions have opened up new scenarios in all our key sectors," Conte said. He added that Italy has a long history of expertise in the field of higher education, research and highly skilled competitive human capital. The Italian premier underscored that Italy will share its special expertise in the cultural heritage sector with India in an effort to bolster people-to-people relations between the two nations. Conte added that the common goal between the two countries is to become partners in gaining innovation leadership and in addressing global challenges, thereby making sustainable development a reality. Earlier today, the Italian Prime Minister arrived in New Delhi and met Prime Minister Modi at the Hyderabad House. His visit is a part of the ongoing celebrations to commemorate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Italy. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) At least two people lost their lives, while seven others got wounded on Monday in a suicide bombing incident outside the offices of the Independent Election Commission (IEC) here. The bomber was targeting a vehicle transporting IEC officials, security personnel confirmed, TOLO News reported. One police official and an IEC staffer were among the dead, with four IEC staffers, two police officials and a civilian sustaining injuries, security officials stated. The suicide bombing, for which terror outfit ISIS claimed responsibility, occurred in PD9 of Afghanistan's capital city. Police confirmed that the bomber had set off the explosives close to the gates of the IEC offices. The bombing comes in the wake of the recently conducted parliamentary elections in the country. Taliban and other terror outfits had announced their intent to obstruct the elections, despite which, millions of Afghan nationals congregated at polling stations to cast their vote. In his reaction, John Bass, the US Ambassador to Afghanistan, termed the attack as "an attack on democracy." "The United States condemns this morning's attack on Independent #Election Commission employees and sends our condolences to the victims and their families," Bass tweeted. "An attack on #Afghanistan election process is an attack on democracy. We commend all Afghan voters, candidates, observers, volunteers and security forces who turned out to support this month's parliamentary elections," Bass added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Investigation Agency (NIA) court on Tuesday charged all seven accused for terror conspiracy, murder and other related offences in the Malegaon blasts case. The court has set the next date of hearing on November 2. The court has rejected accused Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Shrikant Purohit's plea for deferring framing of charges. Purohit's lawyer had filed an application seeking an adjournment of today's hearing as he is to appeal in the Supreme Court against Bombay High Court's refusal to stay framing of the charges. On October 22, Bombay High Court had refused to stay framing of charges in 2008 Malegaon blasts case and had rejected Lt Col Purohit's plea seeking dismissal of charges against him under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. In the Malegaon blasts, six people were killed and over hundred injured in the blast that took place on September 29, 2008, in the Muslim Majority town of Malegaon in Maharashtra. In November 2008, the Anti-Terrorism Squad had arrested 11 people in connection with the blasts. In April 2011, the investigation was transferred to the NIA. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A young leader is changing the landscape of Pakistani one rally at a time, with his views attracting thousands to every public gathering organised by the movement led by him. Manzoor Pashteen, a young and ethnic Pashtun leader, drew a crowd of thousands at a rally organised recently in Bannu in Pakistan, according to a video uploaded by a Youtube user. "Manzoor Pashteen climbs up to the stage - see people's response - and their numbers. Who would've thought that a totally new, rights based, secular, non-violent movement, led by a lad in his twenties, would attract such crowds in Pakistan of 2018. Stuff of fairy tales," tweeted a doctor named Mumtaz on Monday, sharing a video of Pashteen taking the stage at the same rally. At the helm of the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM), Pashteen's demands are the "bare minimum that citizens can ask from their country," according to Zarrar Khuhro's article on the Dawn. "The removal of landmines, the status of missing persons, extrajudicial killings, the streamlining and improvement of checkpoint procedures (using military for policing must be avoided), the impotence (or collusion) of the state when it comes to Rao Anwar all these and more are points on which the majority of Pakistanis support the PTM, regardless of ethnicity or political affiliation," according to Khuhro. Khuhro further went on to elaborate that the rallies held by the PTM are a consequence of the collective demands, put forth for the first time at the "peaceful" Islamabad sit-in", not being taken seriously. "If this movement fails, it will be a loss for every Pakistani who prays for a justice-based system," the Dawn article said while referring to the PTM and its leadership, Manzoor Pashteen. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) OnePlus has launched its latest premium flagship device, the OnePlus 6T. Featuring Screen Unlock, fingerprint technology, the OnePlus 6T provides users with a fast, natural and intuitive way to unlock the device, while benefiting from a large display with minimal bezels. Taking just 0.34 seconds to unlock and supported by sophisticated self-learning algorithms, Screen Unlock sets a new standard for smartphones. Pete Lau, Founder and CEO, OnePlus, said, We constantly challenge ourselves to give people the best experience possible, to do whats right, no matter what. A great user experience means your phone needs to get out of the way and make you feel free it has to enhance your life instead of distracting you from it. Im so proud of what weve built with the OnePlus 6T, and cant wait to see what people think when they use it. Immersive Display, Meticulous Design The OnePlus 6T has a rich and immersive display, with a 6.41-inch Optic AMOLED display at a 19.5:9 aspect ratio for great viewing angles whether youre playing Fortnite or watching Netflix. As durable as it is beautiful, the front of the OnePlus 6T is protected by the latest Corning Gorilla Glass 6, seamlessly flowing into the glass design. Over 40 different manufacturing steps go into crafting the 3D glass back of the OnePlus 6T, which is made from multiple layers of glass, it includes anti-glare coating and a texturized multilayer film. Fast and Smooth Fast and Smooth is not just about raw processing power, but about the optimization of hardware and software. The latest, most powerful platform, Qualcomm Snapdragon 845, with up to 8GB of RAM, creates an experience that continues to set the standard for performance. Smart Boost, a new feature of the OnePlus 6T, improves app cold start speeds by up to 20 percent through storing data from frequently used apps in the phones RAM. And when you need more power, OnePlus Fast Charge can quickly charge the OnePlus 6Ts 3,700 mAh battery, which provides a 20 percent increase in battery life compared to OnePlus 6, for a full day of power in half an hour. Introducing Nightscape The OnePlus 6T enhances the acclaimed camera experience of the OnePlus 6 with software optimizations and added features. The new Nightscape is perfect for capturing low-light urban environments with improved clarity, less noise, more accurate color reproduction and better dynamic range. Working with critically acclaimed photographer and artist Kevin Abosch, the OnePlus 6Ts rear camera features Studio Lighting, a feature that has been fine-tuned to recognize faces and adjust the lighting accordingly to simulate professional lighting. Industry-leading HDR and portrait mode images are also improved, thanks to the clarity, dynamic range, and edge detection provided by OxygenOS. The OnePlus 6T rear cameras can capture 4K video footage at 60 frames per second, and Super Slow Motion at 1080p and 240fps / 720p and 480fps. Google Lens is also included as standard in the user interface. The camera hardware sees a combination of f/1.7 16 megapixel and f/1.7 20 megapixel rear-facing cameras, featuring Optical Image Stabilization and Electronic Image Stabilization, while the front-facing camera is f/2.0 16 megapixel, with Electronic Image Stabilization. Accessories Along with the launch of the OnePlus 6T, the company also unveiled a refreshed version of its classic backpack and introduced the OnePlus Explorer Backpack. The Explorer Backpack can be purchased only by invite and will be available in two colours, Morandi Green and Slate Black, retailing at INR 4,990. The company also unveiled its new Type-C Bullets earphones in Matte Black. The new Type C Bullets will be based on delivering a superior soundscape and will be a step up from Bullets V2, once again effectively balancing design with utility and versatility to enhance the overall audio experience. The Type C Bullets will echo the metal design of the OnePlus Bullets V2. The new Type-C Bullets will retail at INR 1,490. Price and Availability The OnePlus 6T will be available in Midnight Black and Mirror Black in three variants 6/128 GB, 8/128 GB and 8/256 GB and will retail at INR 37,999 for 6/128 GB, INR 41,999 for 8/128 GB and INR 45,999 for the 8/256 GB variant.Customers on Amazon.in can purchase the OnePlus 6T in a Preview Sale starting 00:00 on 1 November during which they can avail INR 2000 cashback on all ICICI Bank debit and credit cards and Citibank credit cards. From 2 November 2018 onwards, the OnePlus 6T will be available on all online and offline channels including Amazon.in, oneplus.in, Croma stores, Reliance Digital outlets and all OnePlus exclusive offline stores with INR 1500 cashback on popular bank credit and debit cards. The company will also be hosting pop-up events across 8 Indian cities, including Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Ahmedabad on 2 November 2018 starting 11:00 am. Users will be able to experience and purchase the powerful and stylish OnePlus 6T at these pop-up stores, on a first-come-first-serve basis. Across the globe, pop-ups will be held in 32 cities including New York, London, Paris, Milan and Beijing. Additionally, customers are also entitled to the following launch offers: Actor Mel Gibson has joined hands with Charlie Hunnam and Eiza Gonzalez to star in the upcoming action-thriller film 'Waldo'. Directed by filmmaker Tim Kirkby, the film follows a brilliant former detective gone rogue and is based on the novel 'Last Looks' by Howard Gould, reported The Hollywood Reporter. 'Waldo' introduces a new hero in disgraced former LAPD detective Charlie Waldo (Hunnam), currently living the life of a minimalist in the woods. His quiet life comes to a startling halt when he is roped back into working as a private eye to investigate the murder of an eccentric television star's wife. The movie will go on floors in the first quarter of 2019. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has threatened to file a criminal defamation suit against Congress president Rahul Gandhi for making "frivolous and mala fide statements" regarding an alleged involvement of him and his family in the Vyapam scam and Panama Papers cases. Issuing the warning to the Congress chief through a tweet on Monday night, Chouhan said that he would take criminal action for maximum damages against Gandhi. "@RahulGandhi You have been making patently false allegations of Vyapam to Panama Papers against me and my family. Tomorrow, I am filing a criminal defamation suit for maximum damages against you for frivolous and mala fide statements. Let the law take its own course now," the Chief Minister wrote on Twitter. This came after the Congress chief, while addressing a rally in Jhabua on Monday, claimed that the serving Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Singh Chouhan's son was named in the Panama papers. Launching an attack on Chouhan, the Congress supremo had said, "Shivraj Singh, also known as Mamaji, his son has been named in the Panama papers. Even a country like Pakistan punished its former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif when he was named in the Panama papers. But here no action has been taken place as of now." In August this year, the Congress chief had also targeted Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh over his son Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament (MP) Abhishek Singh's alleged involvement in Panama gate. 'Panama Paper Leaks' was first reported in 2016 where reportedly 500 Indians were named in the documents of Mossack Fonseca - a Panama-based law firm known for their services in incorporating firms in offshore jurisdictions. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's health has improved, said doctors at Manmohan Cardiovascular and Transplant Center, Maharajgunj on Tuesday. Prime Minister Oli, who was rushed to the hospital on Monday after suffering lung infection, will remain admitted in the Intense Care Unit (ICU) for the next few days, the doctor added. The medical centre has also issued a health bulletin and stated, "The tests of his (Prime Minister Oli's) blood, as well as the X-ray of his chest and others, are positive and his condition is improving is informed here though." The 66-year-old Prime Minister, who had undergone a kidney transplant in 2007, is said to have a weak immune system. "His condition now is stable. He has an infection in chest and we are working on to stop the infection from spreading to his kidneys. We have tested for Swine-flu also and the result is negative. He will be here in the hospital for a few more days," Professor Doctor Uttam Krishna Shrestha of the center informed over the phone. The doctor has kept the Nepal Prime Minister isolated from the public exposure. Scores of leaders who had come to see the ailing Oli yesterday were also not allowed to meet him directly. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Tuesday recommended the Uttar Pradesh government to pay Rs 5 lakh as relief to the next of kin of the Jitendra Yadav, a gym trainer who was allegedly shot dead by police personnel in a fake encounter in Noida on the night of February 3, 2018. The Commission has asked the Chief Secretary of the State to submit a compliance report along with proof of payment within six weeks after it receives the recommendations. The NHRC, on February 5, had issued a notice to the Uttar Pradesh government over the alleged fake encounter. It also took suo moto cognisance on the basis of media reports about the incident. During the course of enquiry and response to its notices, the Uttar Pradesh government informed the Commission that allegations levelled against the police personnel were substantiated and a charge sheet was filed against one Sub-Inspector. "Efforts are being made to arrest the remaining three accused police personnel including one Sub Inspector and two Constables," the NHRC said in its release. Post these findings and the action initiated against the erring police personnel, the NHRC held that based on these facts, a case of violation of human rights of the victim is made out and the state government is vicariously liable to pay monetary relief to the next of kin of the deceased. Accordingly, it had asked the Uttar Pradesh government to show cause why it should not recommend monetary relief to the next of the kin of the deceased person. However, having received no response to the show cause notice, the Commission concluded that it shows that the state government had nothing to say in the matter and hence recommended the payment of Rs. 5 lakhs as a relief. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress President Rahul Gandhi lashed out at his critics saying no number of defamation can threaten or scare him. Upping the ante at an election rally in Khargone, the Gandhi scion said, "The truth will be laid bare out in the open in front of the people. You may slap any number of defamation cases against me. But you can't shun the truth." Rahul's statement comes after Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's son Kartikey had filed a criminal defamation suit against the Congress President in a local court, accusing him of intentionally making a false allegation about his name being in Panama Papers during an election rally in Jhabua on Monday. Meanwhile, Rahul, while taking a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, drew a comparison between the Prime Minister and absconding diamantaire Nirav Modi. "Nirav Modi fled after duping the Indian banks of Rs 35,000 crore. Lalit Modi was another scamster. The third thief is Narendra Modi. The magic of Prime Minister has worked miraculously and transformed the slogan from Acchhee din to chowkidar chor hai in 4 years." he quipped. In a bid to woo the farmers, the Gandhi scion said that during UPA rule, the farmers were given Minimum Support Price (MSP) but now they have to ask for it. "If Congress is voted to power, it will construct food processing plants near farms. Firstly, the farmer will get the right price for his produce and secondly, locals will get employment in the plant." Attacking Shivraj Singh Chouhan, he said, "The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has pushed the state 15 years back. Chouhan is embroiled in Vyapam scam which took the life of 50 people. In order to seek education, people have to pay lakhs of rupees to the chief minister and then to his ministers. There are several other scams like e-tendering." Exuding confidence in Congress for winning the Madhya Pradesh assembly polls, the Gandhi scion said, "The Congress will waive off loans of all the farmers within a 10-day time frame and it will not exceed to the eleventh day." Further alleging the Narendra Modi-led Centre of illegitimately writing off the loans worth Rs 3.5 Lakhs crore of wealthy businessmen, he asserted, "Rs 35,000 crore is required to run the Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Scheme on an annual basis. But, PM Narendra Modi has illicitly written off loans equaling ten times of the ultra-rich." Bringing to the fore the issue of unemployment, Rahul added, "The Prime Minister had promised of generating employment of 2 cr in 5 years. However, as per the government data, only 450 people secure a job in a day across the country. As a result, the people of MP have fled to other places like Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana." Single-phase assembly polls in the state will be held on November 28, and counting of votes will be done on December 11. . (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him to take relevant steps to resume flight operations at the newly-inaugurated Jharsuguda Airport. Patnaik has also sought the help of the Prime Minister for issuing a notification in order to rename the airport as 'Veer Surendra Sai' Airport. The chief minister stated that after suspension of flight operations of Air Odisha since October 6, the state aviation sector has taken a major hit. "Air Odisha suspended its flight operations under the UDAN scheme from Jharsuguda after October 6, 2018, without any valid reason. This abrupt suspension of the existing operations has given a severe jolt to the aviation sector in the state and has also hurt the sentiments of the people of western Odisha," Patnaik said. Patnaik also requested the Union government to introduce commercial flights in addition to the UDAN flights. "In view of the foregoing, I would like to urge upon you to kindly direct Ministry of Civil Aviation for the immediate restoration of UDAN flight operations and also explore the possibility of starting operations from Jharsuguda to other parts of the state and neighbouring states through any Airlines either under RCS-UDAN or otherwise," Patnaik wrote. Patnaik further asserted that Prime Minister had himself announced to change the name of the airport and must issue a notification for the same. "Your good self had also announced the naming of Jharsuguda Airport as Veer Surendra Sai Airport, Jharsuguda as a befitting tribute to the well-known freedom fighter and legendary son of the soil. However, notification to this effect has not been issued by the Government of India," the letter read. Prime Minister Modi had inaugurated the Jharsuguda Airport on September 22 to flag off the UDAN flight from the airport. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Priyanka Chopra recently celebrated a fancy bridal shower with a group of friends and her mother ahead of tying the knot with fiance Nick Jonas. Priyanka looked a vision in a white strapless Marchesa dress, which she paired with a pair of nude Christian Louboutin pumps, a sleek diamond necklace around her neck. She chose to keep her hair open in loose waves which perfectly complimented the whole look. The soon-to-be bride kept her makeup minimal and was sparkling radiance in purple tone eyeshadow and nude lips. The 'Quantico' star, who has been breaking the internet with her fun bridal shower, recently took to her official Instagram account to treat her fans with some inside pictures from the grand bash. She posted a series of photos with a heartfelt caption, thanking her friends and family for the grand celebration. "Love, laughter and a room full of amazing ladies...and some special gentlemen (what a special surprise)! Thank you so much @mubinarattonsey and @anjula_acharia for throwing me such a memorable bridal shower that broke all the rules! My amazing friends and family who made me feel so special and loved, thank you. And to top it off @tiffanyandco Perfect! Here's sharing it with you," the post read. In the next picture, Priyanka can be seen laughing and holding her mom, enjoying every moment of the special day. In another picture, the 'Mary Kom' star can be seen posing with her bridal shower cake. She also posted a happy selfie with one of her friends. The two are all smiles posing for the camera. Priyanka also posted a short video on her Instagram story, where she can be seen dancing her heart out. The party was thrown by her bridesmaids Mubina Rattonsey and Anjula Achari at Tiffany's Blue Box Cafe in New York City. In August, Priyanka and Nick confirmed their engagement during a trip to Mumbai, where their families gathered for festivities, including a Roka ceremony and a big engagement party. Since their engagement, the two have been inseparable, travelling all around the world together. They've gone to Mexico for a quick weekend getaway, Mammoth Mountain in California and a favourite spot of Jonas', Mumbai, New York Fashion Week, among many more. On the work front, Priyanka recently wrapped up the London shoot of her upcoming movie titled 'The Sky Is Pink', which also stars Farhan Akhtar and Zaira Wasim. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The internet has given lawyers a new avenue to expand their legal practice, and clients the access to professionals willing to help them in their ordeal. While most online legal platforms in India help lawyers get clients by charging them a commission fee, SoOLEGAL provides a platform to facilitate a connection between lawyers and clients based purely on merit and not commission. SoOLEGAL is the largest private initiative in digital space for law in India. It provides the lawyers with a legal landscape to showcase their skill set and capabilities and attract informed clients towards themselves, based on their previous cases and judgments they have secured. SoOLEGAL is based on a lifecycle approach and is designed and developed on an E-governance framework comprising of four phases - Information, Interaction, Transaction, leading to Transformation of the stakeholders on an individual and professional level. Registered lawyers, solicitors, legal professionals can share their ideas, opinions, and insight on legal matters or share past cases and the judgment secured by them. The ROAR i.e. Research Opinions and Review section on the SoOLEGAL platform is a great way for lawyers to showcase their unique services and write blogs about their knowledge, work and experience to attract potential clients. With almost 3000+ documents on the platform covering, latest Judgements, Legal Drafts, Acts and Amendments, Legal Notices, the Resource Center is a growing repository of knowledge. Clients looking for legal assistance can get themselves informed about all the happenings in the legal domain by checking out the work published by the lawyers. Once they find documents that resonate with their present requirement, they can contact the lawyer who published the document through a telephonic conversation. The need a lawyer section is dedicated to helping clients find a lawyer or seek lawyer consultation at their convenience. Clients can anonymously post their legal requirement along with minimum basic contact information, and interested lawyers will get in touch with them via mail or call. Once a relationship has been established the lawyers can use the online consulting platform within the SoOLEGAL ecosystem through SoOLEGAL's hybrid Client and Case Management system. This system allows lawyers to manage client relationships, track matters and case hearing, schedule appointments and report on client, billing and case activities. Client and Case Manager is an advanced, artificial intelligence powered tool that is driven by real-time analytics. It comes with the following features: Workflow, automation, free online storage, e-mail and SMS Integration, Unlimited records, Hearing log records among others. MyFee is a payment system for general and consultation invoicing that caters to all commercial and document management needs. This Invoicing System enables lawyers to get send an invoice to their clients Online via Email for providing a legal opinion, consultation, and other services. Lawyers can earn even when they are inactive by publishing paid legal documents such as generic or drafts of agreements in the Resource Center. Speaking to Manish Kaul, Director of SoOLEGAL on how they have used technology to not only create an edge over their competitors but also serve their stakeholders he said, "Many legal platforms in India seek a commission from lawyers to help them connect with potential clients. This is exploitative as the lawyers end up earning much less ad the clients end up paying much more. At SoOLEGAL our primary concern is to transform our stakeholders at a personal and professional level by providing them with a legal canvas to connect to potential clients solely through their skills, efforts, and experience. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj, who is on an official four-day visit to two Gulf countries, departed from Qatar for her maiden visit to Kuwait on Tuesday. "Shukraan Qatar! After a successful visit to Qatar, EAM @SushmaSwaraj departs on her maiden visit to Kuwait. EAM will hold discussions with the leadership of Kuwait and interact with Indian community members," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted on Tuesday. During the second leg of her visit, Swaraj will hold a bilateral meeting with her Kuwaiti counterpart, Sheikh Sabah Al Khalid Al Sabah, who also holds the post of Deputy Prime Minister in the state. She will also call on the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and interact with the members of the Indian community. Outlining the bilateral relations between India and Kuwait, the MEA, in a statement, said, "The Gulf nation is a "reliable energy supplier to India... The nation is also home to about ten lakh Indians, making them the largest expatriate community in Kuwait." The bilateral trade between India and Kuwait in 2017-18 stood at USD 8.5 billion. "The visit is in pursuit of India's objective of enhanced engagement with the Gulf region which is in India's extended neighbourhood. It will provide an opportunity to hold in-depth discussions with the political leadership on a wide range of global, regional and bilateral issues and will advance India's growing engagement with these countries in particular and the region in general," the statement added. Swaraj had left for the official visit to the Gulf countries of Qatar and Kuwait on October 29. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) United States President Donald Trump will not attend India's Republic Day celebrations next year due to "scheduling constraints," the White House confirmed on Tuesday. "President Trump was honored by Prime Minister Modi's invitation for him to be Chief Guest of India's Republic Day on January 26, 2019 but is unable to participate due to scheduling constraints," a statement from White House spokesperson Sarah Sanders read. "The President enjoys a strong personal rapport with Prime Minister Modi developed through two meetings and several phone calls and remains committed to deepening the U.S.-India strategic partnership. The President very much looks forward to meeting Prime Minister Modi again at the earliest opportunity," the statement added. Trump would have been the second US President to attend the Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi. Former President Barack Obama was part of the celebration in 2015. Trump's rejection of the invitation comes amid straining relations between the two countries over India's decision to purchase oil from Iran and the sign the deal with Russia for the S-400 missile Triumf surface-to-air missiles. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Lauding the economic and regulatory reforms implemented by the central government in the past four years, board members of the United States-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) has expressed their desire to further deepen their engagements with India. The board members comprising senior industry and business captains of the United States called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, an official statement read. The business leaders also called for deepening their engagements with India to "make use of the mutually beneficial opportunities created by the rapidly growing Indian economy". Prime Minister Modi also stated that both countries have benefitted in an unprecedented manner through economic engagement. He encouraged the US companies to fully avail the business opportunities in new areas such as start-ups, energy, healthcare and digital technology. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu will on Wednesday depart for a visit to the African nations of Botswana, Zimbabwe and Malawi. The Vice President will be accompanied by a high-level delegation including Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Krishan Pal Gurjar, two Members of Parliament and senior officers of the Indian Government. His official engagement in Botswana, Zimbabwe and Malawi will include a call-on the Presidents of the three countries, bilateral meetings with his counterparts, delegation level talks, meetings with the speaker of the parliaments and interactions with business groups and Indian communities. In Botswana, where Vice President Naidu's visit will last from October 31 to November 2, he will officially inaugurate the "Global Expo Botswana 2018" along with his counterpart, where 25 Indian companies and business houses covering a range of sectors will also participate. Naidu will then visit Zimbabwe from November 2 to November 4, where he will meet with the Foreign Minister and lay the foundation stone of the Chancery project. He will witness the signing of several Memorandums of Understandings (MoU) and will announce LoC projects. In Malawi, where the Vice President will stay from November 4 to 5, Vice President Naidu is expected to inaugurate the Business Incubation Center, India-Africa Institute of Agriculture and Rural Development and unveil a Mahatma Gandhi bust. Several MoUs and agreements will be signed and announcements including LoC projects are also expected to be made. Engagements between India and African nations have intensified as there have been 26 outgoing visits at the level of President, Vice President and Prime Minister in the last four years. The visit of the Vice President to Botswana, Zimbabwe and Malawi is expected to further strengthen relations with these African countries. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Held on 30 October 2018 The Board of JHS Svendgaard Laboratories at its meeting held on 30 October 2018 approve the following - Board was apprised that JHS through its subsidiary JHS Svendgaard Retail has further extended its presence into retail space exclusively at Airports by signing up for its 2nd store at Swami Vivekanand Airport, Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The company already has its 1st retail store at Delhi Airport operating since 18 January 2018. The Board was apprised that JHS through its subsidiary JHS Svendgaard Brands has further extended its presence into modern trade space under its proprietary brand 'aquawhite' focussing on kids range, while the complete range is already available on various e-commerce platforms. The Board was apprised that JHS Svendgaard Brands has also signed up with celebrity actor Tiger Shroff for its proprietary brand 'acquawhite'. The agreement commences with effect from 01 December 2018. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Lebanese army has arrested 113 Syrian refugees in Adayse, Marjeyoun, for entering Lebanon illegally, media reported. According to the National News Agency, some of these refugees stayed in Lebanon without legal papers or expired documents, Xinhua news agency reported on Tuesday. 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. A big number of Syrian refugees entered Lebanon in an illegal way. Lebanese General Security issued in August a decision to allow illegal Syrian refugees to go back to Syria. Illegal Syrian residents in Lebanon can pay fines and return home, which would allow them to enter Lebanon in a legal way in the future. However, they will be denied access to Lebanon permanently if refusing to pay fines. --IANS vc (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Over-exploitation of nature has wiped out about 60 per cent of the and 87 per cent wetlands since 1970, and ours is possibly the last generation of humans with a chance to act and reverse this trend, warns the WWF's Living Planet Report-2018. The biannual report mapped serious threats to pollinators like bees, soil ecology and wetlands which have direct repercussions on human food security and health. The report also recorded a rise in ecological footprint or consumption of natural resources by 190 per cent in the past 50 years. India was among the countries with the lowest footprints. However, it was among the worst when it came to soil biodiversity. The report held over-exploitation of nature, through agriculture and deforestation as major causes behind the findings. It also held invasive pollution, dams, fires, mining, and climate change as additional sources of pressure on nature. "Globally, 40 to 33 per cent forest land was converted between 2000 and 2010," the report stated. "Average abundance of 16,704 populations representing 4,005 species monitored across the globe declined by 60 per cent between 1970 to 2014," the report states, adding that the current rates of species extinction are 100 to 1,000 times higher than those before human pressure became a prominent factor. The species monitored were vertebrate species, or animals with a backbone, with database containing information on over 22,000 population of mammals, birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians. The abundance of pollinators, which has over 20,000 species of bees including other insects and animals, has been threatened due to intensified agriculture, the report said. "More than 75 per cent of leading global food crops depend on pollinators... Economically, pollination increases the global value of crop production by $237-$577 billion per year to growers alone and keeps price down for consumers," the WWF report stated. The report also warns of a sharp decline in wetlands, with WWF-India officials believing India to be one of the most affected. "Globally, wetland extent is estimated to have declined by 87 per cent in the modern era... Index shows an 83 per cent decline in freshwater biodiversity since 1970, equivalent to 4 per cent every year," the report said. The population of the critically endangered "gharial" across its range in India and Nepal declined by approximately 58 per cent between 1997 and 2006, the report states. "We are the first generation that has a clear picture of the enormous impact we have on nature. We may also be the last that can act to reverse this trend, from now until 2020 will be decisive moment in history," the report stated. Soil biodiversity, where India looks in a bad position, was mapped for the first time to find potential threats. "A risk was generated combining eight components including pollution, loss of above ground diversity, nutrients overloading, overgrazing, intensive agriculture, fire, soil erosion," the report added. It suggests that India's ecological footprint is among the lowest at less than 1.75 global hectares per person. "These are hard times... Nature globally provides services worth around $125 trillion a year... we need more research, efforts from government, business and financial sectors, researchers and conservation communities to revive the planet," said Ravi Singh, Secretary General and CEO, WWF-India. Actor Sahil Vaid, popular for starring in films like "Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania" and "Badrinath Ki Dulhania", says his father wanted him to serve the nation as a soldier. "I used to do theatre. I enjoyed doing it. I never thought of coming to Mumbai and becoming an actor. I come from a family of soldiers," Sahil said during a session at the Jio MAMI 20th Mumbai Film Festival with Star on Monday. "My uncle, who is a retired Brigadier, said 'You can't hand over a rifle to someone and say go be a soldier'. That's not possible. When I was 15 or 16, he asked me if I wanted to be a soldier. I said 'no'." The actor had never thought of becoming a soldier. "I was missing my mathematics and science classes to do theatre. I asked why I couldn't do that all my life. He said 'This is not going to pay you enough. If you are serious, you should go to Mumbai and do movies'. I agreed to do that." But it wasn't easy to convince his family, especially his father. "My father always wanted me to be saluted. He always dreamt of me being a soldier. It was very hard to convince him," he said. Then he joined Whistling Woods International film school here. Now, he not only acts in front of the camera but also serves as a voice actor in various films dubbed in Hindi. He has been part of the Hindi voice cast of Hollywood superhero films like "Ant-Man" and "Captain America: Civil War". --IANS nn/rb/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The ruling AIADMK party on Monday geared up for bypolls in 20 assembly constituencies by announcing rolls for various party leaders. It should however be noted that the Election Commission has not announced the poll dates or anything pertaining to bypolls. In a statement issued here, the AIADMK announced the allocation of roles to several party leaders including Coordinator and Deputy Chief Minister O.Panneerselvam. The 20 seats fell vacant after the Madras High Court last week upheld The Tamil Nadu Speaker P. Dhanapal's decision to disqualify 18 dissident AIADMK legislators and owing to the death of MLAs -- M.Karunanidhi (Tiruvarur) and A.K.Bose (Thiruparankundram). Conflicting views are being voiced by the disqualified legislators on their plans to file an appeal in the Supreme Court against the High Court's verdict. Speaking to reporters in Madurai on October 26, Thanga Tamilselvan, one of the disqualified MLAs, said they will be filing their appeal petition in two or three days. Subsequently they said a final decision is yet to be taken whether to approach the court or contest in bypolls. The 18 disqualified legislators belong to the sidelined AIADMK leader T.T.V.Dhinakaran, now an independent legislator. Last year, the 18 legislators had met the then Governor C.Vidyasagar Rao and gave a representation requesting him to change Chief Minister K.Palaniswami as they had lost confidence in him. Following that Speaker Dhanapal on the representation from the Chief Government Whip S.Rajendiran disqualified the 18 legislators under the anti-defection law. --IANS vj/vc (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Accusing the Congress government in Punjab of a "deep-rooted conspiracy" to distort Sikh history in textbooks for students of senior classes in Punjab schools, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) is all set for an agitation over the issue. SAD President Sukhbir Singh Badal will launch a struggle against the distortion of Sikh history after party leaders perform an 'Ardas' (religious ceremony) at the Akal Takht Sahib (inside the Golden Temple complex) on November 1, party leaders said here on TUesday. The Akali Dal has announced that it would launch a "a massive struggle" to force Punjab's ruling Congress to "apologize to the Khalsa Panth for deliberate and persistent insults cast against the Gurus" in the history books meant for 10+2 students in Punjab School Education Board (PSEB). "We will bring Chief Minister Amarinder Singh and the Congress government in Punjab down on their knees for the brazen assault on the sacred image of the great Sikh Guru Sahiban, especially Guru Arjan Devji, Gur Hargoibindji, Gur Tegh Bahadur Sahib and the 10th master Guru Gobind Singhji. The details of the struggle will be announced in Amritsar after the Ardas," Badal told media here on Monday. He demanded an immediate apology from the Chief Minister and the Congress government. Badal also demanded the registration of criminal cases against those associated with the preparation of such outrageous sacrilegious material and their dismissal. "The new books containing these humiliating portions must be banned and withdrawn immediately and replaced with the old books which had been in use for decades," Badal said. The SAD Core Committee held an emergency meeting at the party headquarters here on Monday to consider the issue. Former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Gobind Singh Longowal also attended the meeting. Badal said: "It is hard to believe that these scurrilous and sacrilegious distortions of history had been included after the Punjab government had earlier been forced to remove some other similar sacrilegious portions from the same books. "This shows that this is not an inadvertent act, but that the Congress government is working on a deep rooted conspiracy to destroy and disfigure the history of the great Guru Sahibaan. The Khalsa Panth, the entire Punjab and the SAD would never tolerate this," he added. Badal pointed out that the new history books of the Punjab government claimed that the fifth guru, Arjan Dev, was "not martyred by the Mughals but was merely fined". "The book also says that the Guru patronized criminal elements. On the 6th Guru, Hargobind Rai, the history book says that the Mughals' differences with him were not because of any ideological or religious reasons but because the Guru was a hunter and kept hunting dogs. The books also claim that Guru Gobind Singh deserted the battle of Chamkaur Sahib without informing anyone," Badal added. --IANS js/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Amid speculation surround his health, ailing Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar late on Tuesday chaired a meeting of the state Investment Promotion Board at his private residence near Panaji. Parrikar, who has not made a public appearance since his return from Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences on October 14, met the members of the board that included several cabinet ministers, industrialists and other officials at the meeting which lasted more than an hour. A photograph released by the state Bharatiya Janata Party, showed a bare-footed Parrikar wearing a trademark half-sleeved shirt and dark blue trousers seated on a sofa with pillows on his left thigh with other members of the Board alongside him. "The Chief Minister is in good health. He made positive suggestions during the Board meeting," said Revenue Minister Rohan Khaunte after the meeting late on Tuesday. Over the last couple of days, opposition Congress has demanded a video or photographic proof of the Chief Minister's well-being. Parrikar, who is currently being treated for advanced pancreatic cancer, has been in and out of hospitals in Goa, Mumbai, New York and Delhi. His absence has created a leadership vacuum in Goa, even as the opposition has demanded that he step aside to focus on treatment. On Wednesday, Parrikar is expected to chair a meeting of the state cabinet, one of the first formal meetings to be held in the last several months. --IANS maya/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Haryana government on Tuesday said that salary for the period of the strike and unauthorised absence of Haryana Roadways employees from October 16 to date should not be released till further orders. The direction came as the strike by roadways staff, which has crippled the state-run public transport system in the state, completed 15 days. Thousands of passengers are being put to inconvenience across Haryana for the past 15 days owing to the strike by the roadways staff. However, the Haryana Transport Department said that the salary bill will be prepared and submitted accordingly for the strike period of the agitating staff. "It will be the personal responsibility of concerned general manager and accounts officer to ascertain the compliance of the orders," a state government spokesman said here on Tuesday. Repeated rounds of talks between the Haryana government and the agitating roadways staff have failed to resolve the issue, particularly on the issue of privatising some services in the transport sector. Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said that no privatisation is being carried out in the state roadways and the kilometre scheme would not affect any employee of the Haryana Roadways. Khattar told the media in Kurukshetra, around 110 km from here, on Tuesday that only the roadways fleet is being expanded. "Under the new scheme, driver would be the bus owner, whereas conductor would be deputed by the state government and revenue generated would also be of the state roadways. Similarly, the route and time table would be decided by the state roadways. The scheme is completely in favour of employees and it would improve the transportation system," Khattar pointed out. --IANS js/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bangladesh and Myanmar on Tuesday agreed to begin the repatriation of the 1st batch of Rohingyas from November, it was announced here. Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Md Shahidul Haque made the announcement after the third Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting with his Myanmar counterpart Myint Thu on the repatriation of verified Rohingyas, bdnews24.com reported. "We have the political will for repatriation. We will begin the process next month," said Mynt Thu. Haque said that Bangladesh was "looking to mid-November to start the first group". The joint working group members from both the sides will visit Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazar on Wednesday and will have interactions with the refugees, an official said. This was the third meeting of the working group formed after the two countries signed a repatriation deal following an appalling exodus of Rohingyas into Bangladesh in 2017 due to a military crackdown in Myanmar's Rakhine state. Currently, over a million Rohingyas are living in Bangladesh. Myanmar authorities do not recognize the Rohingyas as its citizens and consider them to be Bangladeshi immigrants, denying them basic rights. According to the report, Bangladesh and Myanmar for the first time came up with a specific time to start the repatriation of Rohingyas from Cox's Bazar. It remains a concern of the international community whether the repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar will be voluntary and dignified. --IANS soni/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The ruling Bangladesh Awami League (AL) party on Tuesday invited a newly-formed opposition alliance for talks on the general election slated for December. AL office Secretary Abdus Sobhan Golap hand delivered an invitation letter to the opposition alliance leader Kamal Hossain, reports Xinhua news agency. According to the letter, the talks will begin at 7 p.m. on November 1 at Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's official residence here. Obaidul Quader, AL General Secretary, said the decision to hold the talks come after Hossain wrote to Hasina seeking a dialogue. The country's main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) earlier this month formed the alliance called the "Jatiya Oikya Front" (United National Front). Hossain is a former Foreign Minister and a prominent lawyer who drafted the country's constitution after its independence in 1971. He has demanded the immediate release of all political prisoners including BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, who has been in jail since February in a corruption case. --IANS ksk/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Targeting the ruling BJP at the Centre on the issue of National Register of Citizens (NRC), West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday said Bengal does not bow before anyone and will provide shelter to all those people who have been wronged and face discrimination. "Bengal never bows down before anyone. The ruling party at the Centre has resorted to 'Bengali Hatao' (chase away the Bengalis). This doesn't happen in Bengal. Here we love Assamese, Bengalis, Biharis, refugees, backward classes, minorities, Nepalis as well as Hindi and Urdu speaking populace," Banerjee said at a meeting during her two-day visit to north Bengal. "If our brothers and sisters anywhere face any kind of discrimination, irrespective of the fact whether they are Bengalis or Biharis or Assamese, Bengal will love them in its own way and provide them shelter," she said. Talking about the situation in Assam, she said: "What is happening in Assam? In the name of identifying 'genuine voters' names of 40 lakh people have been omitted. Are you people getting it? People who promised so many things have left out the names of 40 lakh people. People are committing suicide." She accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of chasing out Bengalis from Assam and Biharis from Gujarat. Also bringing up the issue of lynching, Banerjee said: "So many Bengali labourers have been lynched. Labourers work in different states...we do not do anything of this sort." --IANS bnd/ssp/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India, which is facing several protests against development projects, has said that there has to be a better balance between the right to development and civil and political rights. "Developmental priorities and societal contexts will continue to define the path that different countries take in the process to realise individual and collective rights," Paulomi Tripathi, a First Secretary in the Indian Mission, told the General Assembly committee that deals with human rights issues on Monday. "The landmark Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action in 1993 placed economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development, at the same level as civil and political rights," she said during the committee debate on the "Promotion and Protection of Human Rights." "We must have a balanced approach to enhance capacities of duty-bearers to meet their obligations and of rights-holders to claim their rights," she said. "Undue focus on one over the other would be counter-productive," she added. Development programmes in India have been opposed by groups backed by civil rights organisations and in some cases with foreign instigation and support. Many of the projects that face opposition are in the energy and infrastructure sectors with high impact on development. A consideration of the balance between the two sets of rights is relevant to the implementation of the UN's 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development, Tripathi said. The Vienna Declaration was adopted at the UN World Conference on Human Rights, which was attended by 171 countries and prepared the roadmap for the UN in the area such as creating the officer of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and forging a consensus on the relationship between human and development rights. Tripathi said that there has to be "an honest appraisal" of whether "aggressive and overly intrusive methods without consultation and consent of the country concerned" have led to genuine improvement in human rights. "Such confrontational approach has often been counterproductive, leading to politicisation of human rights issues" while dialogue, consultation and cooperation with non-selectivity and transparency will produce better results, she added. (Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in and followed on Twitter @arulouis) --IANS al/vc (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Tuesday accused the BJP of getting names of thousands of voters deleted from Delhi's electoral rolls illegally in a bid to win the Lok Sabha elections. AAP's South Delhi Lok Sabha in-charge Raghav Chadha claimed that about 100,000 voters had been axed from the South Delhi parliamentary constituency itself "unconstitutionally and illegally" at the behest of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). "In their desperate bid to win the elections, the BJP is willing to go to any extent and is exerting pressure on various independent agencies to manipulate the elections," Chadha said. "It is understood that this is part of a motivated ploy to rig the elections and due process for deletion of names from the voters' list has not been followed," he added. Chadha said that an average of 10,000 voters from every Assembly constituency had been deleted in the last 18 months without following the process set by the Election Commission. "Approximately 7,500 voters were removed from Chattarpur Assembly segment, 5,800 from Tuglakabad, 12,000 from Bijwasan and so on... We shudder to think the real extent of voter fraud since the 2015 elections," he said. Chadha said that most deletions were concentrated in booths where the AAP had been winning in successive elections. "The testimony to this lies in the fact that our Tuglakabad MLA Sahi Ram's four family members do not figure any more in the voters' list without any intimation whatsoever." Calling it a "murder of democracy", Chadha said this was one reason why the BJP wanted to retain the "services department" and control the officers with threats of transfers and other forms of intimidation. --IANS sd/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying his promise of "Achhe Din" had gone up in smoke in just four years and now people were alleging that "chowkidar chor hai" (watchman is corrupt). As he sharpened his barbs, Gandhi uttered the said "chowkidar" and the crowd attending a rally here roared back: "chor hai". It was the Congress leader's last leg of a two-day visit to the state. If on Monday his attacks were aimed at Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, then on Tuesday Gandhi took aim at the Bharatiya Janata Party leadership. He named the Rafale deal, the happenings in the CBI and the Nirav Modi-PNB scam in the run up to the Madhya Pradesh Assembly polls of November 28. "Modi says he is not a ruler but a (political) servant -- a watchman. It is a lie. He is not guarding poor people's assets. "In fact he is filling up the coffers of his cronies... He saves fugitives like Nirav Modi and Mehul Chowksi and Vijay Mallya who leave Indian shores for the foreign ones without any fear." A number of BJP leaders on Tuesday joined the Congress in Madhya Pradesh in Gandhi's presence. BJP MLA Sanjay Sharma, former MLA Kamlapat Arya and Kirar community leader Gulab Singh Kirar joined the party earlier in Indore. --IANS hindi-in/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Thousands of commuters in Delhi continued to remain stranded on Tuesday as DTC contractual drivers and conductors intensified their protest by going on a hunger strike. Although there was no major shutdown of services, the commuters on many routes had to wait for hours for a bus. A 29-year-old media professional, who takes a bus to Noida Sector 16, said she has to wait for at least 40 minute before an over-crowded bus arrives. "Even if the bus arrives, it is so crowded that you can't even get in. Because of the protest and over-crowded buses, we are not able to use Metro cards to get a ticket...," she told IANS. The Delhi government and the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), on the other hand, said the 'out-shedding' of buses on Tuesday was better than Monday. "The out-shedding on Monday was 89 per cent and on Tuesday, it was 94 per cent," DTC Chairman said. The Delhi government has also conceded to DTC contractual workers' demand of restoring old wages, which were earlier decreased due to a High Court decision. However, the contractual workers are also demanding same pay for same work. "We do not want them to just restore old wages. We are not labours, we are employees and we want to be treated as such," a source in the DTC contractual employees told IANS. Other demands of the contractual workers include the return of eight of their terminated workers and job security. The agitated protestors said that they will continue their strike until their demands are met by the government. "This is our ninth day and no one from the government or the DTC has come to talk to us. We have been sending them notices, but to no avail," President of the contractual workers employees said. Meanwhile, the Delhi government called the protest "illegal" as it violates the Essential Services and Maintenance Act. --IANS sd/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The producers of "Crazy Rich Asians" are planning to shoot the sequel of the hit film in China. The film will release in China at the end of next month, but the makers are already warming up plans to shoot the film's sequel there. Producer John Penotti, President of SK Global, said that "China Rich Girlfriend" is targeting a shoot in Shanghai. He shared the details on Monday at the Chinese American Film Festival's Co-Production Summit here, reports variety.com. Billed as the first contemporary English language Hollywood movie with an almost all-Asian cast after a long time, "Crazy Rich Asians" is based on the book by Kevin Kwan with the same name. It tells the story of Chinese-American Rachel Chu, her boyfriend Nick Young and the adventure that they go on when Nick takes Rachel to Singapore for his best friend's wedding. The sequel is an adaptation of Kwan's second book in the "Asians" series. It is located substantially in China and set two years after the events of "Crazy Rich Asians". Penotti said that it is currently unclear whether the producers will attempt to structure "China Rich Girlfriend" as an official China-US co-production, according to variety.com. "We certainly tried to make the (first) film as a China-US co-production. But (as a company we) haven't been very good at doing co-productions." "Crazy Rich Asians" was a Warner Bros. Pictures release and presentation, and produced by SK Global, Starlight Culture, Color Force, Ivanhoe Pictures, Electric Somewhere. --IANS sug/rb/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Defensa y Justicia beat San Martin de San Juan 1-0 on a last-minute goal, moving into third place in the Superliga Argentina standings at the end of the 10th round of tournament play. Monday's victory pushed Defensa y Justicia's point total to 18, leaving the club just five points back of league leader Racing Club, reports Efe. Defensa y Justicia and Atletico Tucuman are the only undefeated teams in the tournament. Defensa dominated San Martin during the match, but it took a late goal to secure the win. The goal was scored by Marcelo Larrondo, who took the field in the 89th minute. The Buenos Aires-based club will play Colombia's Junior de Barranquilla on Thursday in the Copa Sudamericana quarterfinals. Junior won the first leg of the series 2-0 in Colombia. San Martin de San Juan is in 22nd place, with eight points, and is one spot away from the relegation zone. In the early match on Monday, Newell's Old Boys defeated bottom-dweller Argentinos Juniors 2-0 in a duel between teams that are trying to avoid falling into the Second Division. As far as the standings go, Racing Club is in first place, with 23 points, followed by Atletico Tucuman, which is four points back. Defensa y Justicia is in third place, on goal differential, with 18 points, while Union sits in fourth place, also with 18 points. Huracan is in fifth place, on goal differential, with 17 points. In the 11th round of play, Belgrano battles Gimnasia and Union takes on Patronato on Friday. On Saturday, Rosario Central plays Colon; Godoy Cruz clashes with Atletico Tucuman; Estudiantes plays River Plate; and Boca Juniors takes on Tigre. Argentinos Juniors plays Independiente; Aldosivi battles Banfield; San Lorenzo takes on Talleres; Racing Club plays Newell's Old Boys; and San Martin de Tucuman clashes with San Martin de San Juan on Sunday. On November 5, Defensa y Justicia plays Velez Sarsfield and Lanus takes on Huracan. --IANS gau/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday called for greater investment to improve the country's infrastructure and said that the Delhi airport will soon be investing nearly Rs 9,000 crore. Naidu was speaking at an event here to unveil two publications - "The Economic Impact of Delhi Airport" and a coffee table book on the 10-year journey of the Indira Gandhi International Airport in its new avatar. The "Economic Impact Study" of the airport has been done by National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER). According to the report, operations of the airport have a significant economic and social impact in Delhi-NCR and surrounding regions. --IANS rv/ksk/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Aiming to prevent smuggling of firearms, liquor and drug trafficking, top officials of the Delhi Police on Tuesday interacted with their counterparts from states such as Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Bihar, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh. According to Anil Mittal, Additional PRO of Delhi Police, the main agenda of the high-level meeting was to establish coordination between the police officials of various states to curb smuggling and illegal manufacturing of firearms. While the border areas of Haryana are known for liquor smuggling, Uttar Pradesh districts such as Noida, Ghaziabad and Baghpat are the routes used by smugglers to smuggle banned items including firearms from states such as Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand. The smugglers generally take the routes through Haryana to smuggle contrabands from Punjab and Rajasthan. "It was stressed upon to take joint actions against inter-state criminals by sharing of information on their activities...," Mittal said. --IANS sp/shs/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A private port operator from Bangladesh on Tuesday pledged to invest USD 8 million foreign direct investment in coastal inland waterways transport segment implemented by Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) on National Waterways-I. "We will invest USD 3 million in the first phase and an additional five million will be done to import cargo handling equipment in the second phase," said an official of Summit Alliance Port East Gateway (India) Pvt Ltd. Summit Alliance Port East Gateway (India) Pvt Ltd is part of a Bangladesh-based group which won global contract as a private operator for three terminals GR-1, GR-II and BISN in Kolkata and upcoming one multimodal terminal at Kalughat in Patna. The terminals were handed over to the operator in the event in the presence of Shipping secretary Gopal Krishna, IWAI chairman Pravir Pandey, Kolkata Port Trust chairman Vineet Kumar and other senior officials. --IANS dm-bdc/ssp/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two former senior officials from the Hebei and Inner Mongolia provincial government in China were arrested over graft charges on Tuesday. The Supreme People's Procuratorate -- the agency responsible for both prosecution and investigation in China -- said that Ai Wenli, former Vice Chairman of Hebei Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, was arrested on bribery allegations, Xinhua news agency reported. Bai Xiangqun, former Vice Chairman of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, was also arrested on allegations of bribery and embezzlement. The National Supervisory Commission concluded its probe in both the cases, which were handed over to the procuratorial body for review and prosecution. The arrests were part of an ongoing anti-corruption campaign launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping since he took office in 2013. The campaign has led to the arrest and sentencing of more than a million and a half top leaders of the Communist Party, including several former military officials. One of the most recent cases have been the detention of former Interpol chief Meng Hongwei, who is currently being detained in a secret location over graft charges. --IANS soni/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore has announced a compensation of Rs 15 lakh and job to the wife of the Doordarshan cameraman who was killed in the line of duty in a Maoist attack in poll-bound Chhattisgarh on Tuesday. In his condolence message on Twitter, the Information and Broadcasting (I and B) Minister "strongly" condemned the attack on Doordarshan (DD) News crew in the Maoist-affected Dantewada. "Deeply saddened by the demise of our cameraman Achyuta Nanda Sahu and two jawans of CRPF. These insurgents will not weaken our resolve. We will prevail," he said. He later told reporters that Rs 15 lakh will be given to the family of the cameraman, who worked for the organisation owned by government's Prasar Bharati. The minister also promised a job to his wife. A senior official at Prasar Bharati said: "Despite hostile environment in some parts of the country, DD News has been bringing in reportage from ground zero from all over the country." He said DD and the I & B Ministry stood committed to the welfare of its employees under all circumstances. A senior officer of DD News is accompanying the family members of the deceased cameraman to Raipur for bringing the body back to Delhi. The Chhattisgarh government is providing all assistance, he said. --IANS rak-bns-mg/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sharpening its attack on Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, the on Tuesday accused the government of trying to destroy autonomous institutions like the and alleged him of interfering in the work of the "I have been surprised today by the sharp attack of the Finance Minister on the and its performance. The is independent and autonomous," leader told reporters here. He said that it was in the interest of India and the economy that the alone remains the regulator for the banks for the lending, borrowings and fixes the rates for the banks. "Only the must have the powers to regulate the public sector banks and none else. This government has ignited a fire through its repeated interference from day one. And now government's move to take charge of the monetary policy is a very ominous move," he said. "It (attack on RBI) cannot be accepted. It must be opposed. Government being the spending authority, cannot become the monetary authority for the country. Equally important is to remember the role of the RBI as the payment regulator cannot be diluted or taken away by a government-nominated body," the leader said. His remarks came soon after Jaitley on Tuesday held the responsible for the mountain of bad loans, saying the RBI looked the other way when banks lent indiscriminately during 2008-14 to keep the economy humming. "Under Modi and BJP, they are damaging all the independent institutions of the country which have their role in maintaining governance and administration like CBI, ED, IT, DRI, Central Universities and many others," he said. "I want to make one thing very clear today to Jaitley, since he specifically commented from the year 2008. Very eminent Governors of the RBI, far more competent than Jaitley or Prime Minister Narendra Modi, were there. And that time also the country had the benefit of an eminent economist of unimpeachable integrity in Manmohan Singh as country PM," he said, adding 2008 was the year when the big financial crisis enveloped the global economy. "The RBI played a stellar role. It ringfenced the Indian economy and the big economies across the globe took note of the functioning of the RBI," he said. Even in other big countries, their central banks could not effectively ringfence their economy as the RBI did in India," Sharma said. Criticising Jaitley for insulting the RBI, he said, "Today, Jaitley saying that the RBI is not competent, not capable, is the most unfortunate thing. I demand Jaitley take his words back and apologise for insulting RBI." He said that it was not the first time that the government tried to interfere in the work of the RBI. "The first example the entire world saw was on November 8, 2016 (demonetisation) when 85 per cent currency was invalidated by the Prime Minister," he said. "That was the first biggest attack on RBI when it was forced in a boardroom to take that step," he alleged. The Congress leader described Modi and Jaitley as incapable leaders and said, "they have damaged the economy. They have no thinking, and they have wrong policies and wrong direction." Slamming the government over the depreciating value of the Rupee, Sharma said, "On the one hand they say that we have the fastest growing GDP and economy and on the other hand there is no investment in the economy, industries shutting down and no employment generation and the rupee value depreciating. He said that the Indian rupee has lost 16 per cent since January 2018. "And the Prime Minister is busy talking about all matters which are irrelevant and not paying attention to what he and his Finance Minister have proved to be not only inefficient but thoroughly incompetent when it comes to managing of the economy, which has been nose-diving." "What explanation they have, fastest economy, there is a grave contradiction and the worst performing currency in Asia. "Therefore we demand from this government to desist from destroying another autonomous institution, to retrace their steps and engage in dialogue and consultations rather than seeking to justify what is wrong and unjustified," Sharma added. Apprehending protests, the Gujarat police on Tuesday detained several tribal leaders and activists in the Narmada district ahead of the inauguration of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's statue on October 31 - the birth anniversary of India's 'Iron Man'. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will dedicate the 'Statue of Unity', touted as the world's tallest statue, to the nation on Wednesday. It is twice the height of Statue of Liberty and is built on an islet, Sadhu Bet, near the Sardar Sarovar Dam in Narmada district. The police went knocking on the doors of several tribal activists and leaders in Kevadia, Rajpipla and Dediapada talukas (blocks), detaining them under IPC 68, fearing disruption of the government programmes on Wednesday. "The police came to my house in Kevadia and arrested me and is now taking me to some place. There are 8 to 10 other tribals with me. Most probably they will take us to Jeetnagar, Rajpipla. We will be detained for 24 hours and then they will release us when the Wednesday's programes get over," said Lakhan Musaafir from Kevadia. "Tribals in entire eastern Gujarat are angry at this show of pomp (unveiling of the statue). Their anger is also expressed in a peacceful manner as they have announced boycott, fast, and shutdown of the whole tribal belt. They have done so in the face of extreme pressure and intimidation," said Anand Mazgaonkar, a social activist working for the tribals. "What is shocking is that they were detained in an unconstitutional manner. The detention was carried out after 6 in the evening and there were also two females in the raid at Kevadia. We have heard that around five thousand police personnel are going to detain around fifty tribal leaders by midnight. Why are they so terrified of tribals," asked Anand. --IANS Amit-Desai/shs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed sadness over an airplane accident in Indonesia. "The secretary-general was deeply saddened to learn of the airplane accident in Indonesia, which reportedly took the lives of all those on board," said a statement issued by Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for Guterres, Xinhua news agency reported on Monday. "He conveys his heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy to the bereaved families and wishes that those affected by this tragedy may find strength and comfort in this hour of grief," the statement said. "He also extends all his solidarity to the Government and people of Indonesia," the statement added. A passenger plane of Indonesia's Lion Air crashed shortly after taking off from Jakarta's international airport on Monday, local media quoted the country's search and rescue agency as saying. --IANS vc (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Chinese tech giant Consumer Business Group on Tuesday announced it was ready to bring its capabilities with the launch of premium Mate 20 Pro smartphone in India next month. The wireless charger is developed on the Qi standard for universal compatibility, thus, allowing it to identify smartphones, earbuds and other devices and adjust output power automatically to charge them safely. With a 10-minute 15W session, the wireless charger tops up the battery 12 per cent, while a 30-minute charge gives the battery 31 per cent juice, the company said in a statement. "With the launch of the flagship Mate 20 Pro slated next month, wireless reverse charging is also a feature that the device is capable of, thus, enabling users to take maximum advantage of the large battery inside the device to charge other Qi-enabled devices," the company added. The Mate 20 Pro would be the first device from Huawei's stable which is powered by the world's first 5G-ready 7nm (nanometre) chipset Kirin 980, equipped with (AI) capabilities, to launch in India. Other notable features of the wireless charger include comprehensive safety protection features through which the device detects foreign objects such as keys, coins and other metal objects and automatically powers off. The wireless charger also has a built-in chip that can adjust the output power automatically according to the ambient temperature and real-time battery percentage. When Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan arrives in Beijing later this week, the newly-minted leader will have his task cut out: To secure fresh Chinese loans for his country's hobbling economy. Khan's four-day visit, which begins on Friday, is also significant for Beijing, which is worried over the tardy progress of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Islamabad's new government's reported second thoughts on the project, a linchpin of President Xi Jinping's Belt and Road initiative. "During his election campaign, he said some words against the Belt and Road initiative. We were worried if there would be some policy changes (if he came to power). But recently, I think, things have become better," Wang Dehua, a South Asia expert at the Shanghai Municipal Center for International Studies, told IANS. "This is Imran Khan's first visit (to China) and will be a landmark one," Wang added. In the run-up to Pakistan's general election earlier this year, Khan had slammed his predecessor Nawaz Sharif for alleged corruption in the Chinese-funded project. Beijing grew more worried when the new government under Khan reportedly said Islamabad thinks the deals under the CPEC were "unfair" and wants to renegotiate them with Beijing. "This was a misleading interpretation by the media," Wang added. Xi Jinping has poured about a trillion dollars into the Belt and Road project that aims to connect Asia, Africa and Europe through a vast network of highways, railways and sea lanes. Of the allocation, China has pledged some $60 billion for the CPEC alone, the crown jewel of its connectivity project that aims to connect Kashgar in its restive western province Xinjiang with Pakistan's Gwadar port in the troubled Balochistan region. Beijing knows the strategic importance of Gwadar port in the Arabian Sea which, once developed, will give China easy access to one of the most important trade arteries, the Straits of Hormuz. China is building railways, highways and industrial parks under the framework of the CPEC, which, it says, will give jobs and bring prosperity to Pakistan. Islamabad too says this publicly. The "iron-brothers" keep swearing unflinching loyalty to each other. India has made no bones about its opposition to the CPEC as it claims the part of disputed Kashmir held by Pakistan through which the route of project is planned. Besides this, the West sees the Belt and Road as a tool for Beijing to spread its geo-strategic influence and push poor countries like Pakistan into a debt trap by giving them high-interest loans. When China and Pakistan inked the CPEC deal in 2013, Pakistan's foreign debt was $61 billion, which now stands at about $95 billion. According to independent estimates, Islamabad owes $19 billion to Beijing alone. Pakistani Railway Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad lent credence to these reports when he announced that Chinese investment in a rail project was being lowered from $8.2 billion to $6.2 billion, citing his country's inability to repay. "CPEC is like the backbone for Pakistan, but our eyes and ears are open," Ahmad said. China vehemently denies the charge of "debt diplomacy", saying the US is jealous of the success of the Belt and Road initiative and Beijing's rise. It maintains that the CPEC has brought stability to the region. Pakistan is a broke nation today whose biggest lender is China. Since 1980, Islamabad has gone to the IMF 13 times seeking bail outs. When Khan made the 14th attempt, the IMF told Islamabad to disclose all the financial details of the CPEC about which China and Pakistan have been cagey. Khan changed his mind, flew to "friendly" Saudi Arabia and came back with a $6 billion loan. The leader, who has vowed to change the fortunes of Pakistan, will try his luck yet again when he meets Xi. Asked if he thinks Beijing will give another loan to Islamabad, Wang said: "No comments." Beijing has sounded positive about granting new loans to Islamabad with the Foreign Ministry saying that China supports Pakistan in dealing with a difficult financial situation. In the face of a bleeding trade war with the US and a slowing down of China's economy, Chinese critics have begun questioning the way Xi is giving loans to other countries. If Beijing extends another loan to Pakistan after sanctioning $2 billion earlier this year, it is to be seen what promise it exacts from Islamabad. Also, Beijing would never want the US-dominated IMF to know about the financial details of the CPEC. Khan is all praise for the CPEC now and might go back home happy. However, he might be conveyed Beijing's displeasure over Pakistan raising human rights issues in Xingjiang. In October, Pakistan's Religious Affairs Minister urged the Chinese envoy to soften the restrictions placed on Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang. A Pakistani minister telling the Chinese envoy to handle the situation was unexpected for Beijing from its "best friend." The issue of stability in Afghanistan is also likely to figure between both sides as Beijing wants a peaceful Kabul for geo-strategic reasons. The two allies will also discuss America's foreign policy. The US has turned the heat on China on trade and other fronts. It has scrapped military aid to Pakistan and signed a big defence deal with India. "It is natural that Pakistan will move closer to Beijing in the light of the growing proximity between Washington and New Delhi," Wang said. (Gaurav Sharma is the IANS correspondent in Beijing. He can be contacted at sharmagaurav71@gmail.com ) --IANS gsh/vm/tb (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India on Tuesday successfully conducted the night trial of the indigenously developed nuclear capable ballistic missile off the Odisha coast. The surface-to-surface was test-fired as part of a user-trial from the Abdul Kalam Island off Odisha coast. Defence sources said Strategic Forces Command of Indian Army test-fired the missile and the night trial of Agni missile was successful. The night trial of the ballistic missile with a strike range of 700 km was first conducted in April 2014, said sources. The missile with a strike range of beyond 700 km has a specialised navigation system. It has already been inducted in the Indian Army. India and Italy have agreed to set up a bilateral industrial development and cooperation mechanism for sharing technological knowhow and commercialisation of scientific research, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday. In his valedictory address in the presence of visiting Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte at the India-Italy Technology Summit here, Modi said the two governments have also agreed to set up a mechanism to expedite foreign direct investments. Earlier on Tuesday, Modi held official talks with his Italian counterpart, who is on a day-long visit here. "As per the recommendations of the Joint Economic Commission, a joint CEOs (Chief Executive Officers) Forum will be set up as a way to boost two-way investments," he said. "We have also agreed to set up a fast-track mechanism to ease and expedite the process of making investments," Modi added. Lauding Italy's rich tradition of scientific research and its reputation in manufacturing, Modi said that India and Italy can cooperate in devising technological solutions for the industry. "We have also decided to set up various Indo-Italian Centres of Excellence. Business and industry of both the countries are already cooperating in bringing cutting-edge technology in various sectors and can cooperate fruitfully in areas like renewable energy, neurosciences, and IT," he said. Conte said Italy's participation as a partner country in this edition of the Technology Summit has a special symbolism coming on the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Italy and India. "Innovation can be a catalyst for more inclusive growth and globalisation should not leave anyone behind," Conte said. "The common goal of our two governments is to be strategic partners in innovation," he said, adding that the entire gamut of bilateral relations had been reviewed in his talks with Modi. The India-Italy bilateral trade stood at $10.5 billion in 2017-18, up from $8.8 billion in the previous year. The two-day Technology Summit that began on Monday focused on areas including renewable energy, clean technology, information and communication technology, healthcare, aerospace, education and preservation of cultural heritage. The objective of the summit was to facilitate technology transfers, joint ventures, R&D and market access. --IANS bc/shs/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India and Italy on Tuesday condemned terrorism in all its forms and called for strong measures against the perpetrators following a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Italian counterpart Guiseppe Conte. "The two leaders strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," a joint statement issued following the meeting said. "The leaders asserted that strong measures need to be taken against terrorists, terror organisations and all those who encourage, support and finance terrorism," it stated. "They condemned all kinds of State support to terrorists including cross-border terrorism and providing safe havens to terrorists and their network," it added, in what can be seen as a veiled reference to Pakistan. Italy suffered its largest terror attack casualties in South Asia when nine of its citizens were killed at the Holey Bakery attack in Dhaka in July 2016. According to the joint statement, Modi and Conte agreed to strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation through multilateral fora and called upon all UN member countries to effectively implement the UN Global Counter Terrorism Strategy, UN Security Council Resolution 1267 and other relevant UNSC resolutions relating to prevention and suppression of terrorism and terrorist financing. "The leaders also agreed to work together for implementation of the Hamburg G20 Leaders' Statement on Countering Terrorism, and to further cooperate in this regard at the upcoming Buenos Aires G20 Summit," it stated. Following the meeting, India proposed to host the second India-Italy Joint Working Group on Combating Terrorism in New Delhi in the first half of 2019. --IANS ab/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India's first container vessel movement on the river Ganga (National Waterways-I) began on Tuesday, with the Inland Waterways Authority of India transporting container cargo belonging to the food and beverages giant PepsiCo (India) from Kolkata to Varanasi. Union Shipping Secretary Gopal Krishna along with IWAI Chairman Pravir Pandey flagged off the vessel carrying the consignment in the presence of PepsiCo representatives. Gopal Krishna said that cargo movement to the east and northeastern states will become easier with the new mode of transportation through waterways. Development of multi-modal hubs within three years will lead to considerable increase in volume of cargo movement through waterways. "Cruise tourism will also improve by next year," he said. The vessel -- MV Rabindranath Tagore -- is transporting 16 containers equivalent to 16 truckloads of food and snacks through the river Ganga, and will reach Varanasi in 9-10 days. It will make its return journey with fertilisers from IFFCO that will be procured from its Phulpur plant near Allahabad. The central government is developing NW-1 (River Ganga) under Jal Marg Vikas Project form Haldia to Varanasi (1,390 km) at about Rs 5,369 crore with the technical and financial assistance from the World Bank. The project would enable commercial navigation of vessels with a capacity of 1,500-2,000 DWT. IWAI officials said container cargo transport reduces handling cost, allows for easier modal shift, decreases pilferage and damage, besides enabling cargo owners to lessen their carbon footprints. --IANS dm/ssp/shs/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Indian Army and China's People's Liberation Army on Tuesday held military border personnel meeting on the Chinese side at Bum-La, a defence official said. The meeting followed after 11 PLA troopers had intruded in the Upper Dibang Valley district of Arunachal Pradesh earlier this month. The Indian delegation was led by Brigadier Zubin Bhatnagar. Senior Colonel Yao Shi Cheng led the PLA team. The meeting began with the Indian delegation being received by PLA at the famous Heap of Stones at Bum-La Pass, followed by rendition of national anthems and a formal meeting between the two delegations, the statement said. Both sides highlighted importance of such meetings for maintenance of Peace and Tranquility along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The BPM mechanism in Bum-La sector was established in 1990, for enhancing interaction between the border guarding troops of the two sides. "The delegations interacted in a friendly environment and parted with a feeling of commitment towards enhancing cooperation and maintaining the peace along the LAC. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to uphold the agreements and protocols signed between their governments to maintain peace and tranquillity along the borders," the statement stated. --IANS rrk/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Getting tangled in fishing nets and dolphins are some of the challenges that an Indian Army expedition team have faced till date, an official said here. "The coming days will be more challenging as we will be on the Western Coast where the traffic on the high seas will be high with fishing as well as commercial ships," Major Alok Yadav, who is leading the 40-member Around Indian Peninsula Sailing Expedition team, told IANS on Tuesday. Yadav said they will be the first to attempt to cross the Pamban Bridge between India and Sri Lanka on a sail boat. "The boat is expected to cross the Pamban Bridge early next month. With its sail mast measuring about 18 metres, the bridge has to open in the middle to allow passage," team member Major Mukta Shree Gautam told IANS. Yadav said the boat might also cross the Ram Sethu near Rameswaram. The expedition started from West Bengal's Haldia port on October 21 and will end at Porbandar, Gujarat. "High seas are actually like a jungle for sailors. Navigation at night is a nightmare. One may not know what one would encounter like a group of fishing boats in non-fishing zones. Similarly, there will be big ships that have to be carefully negotiated by boats on sails," Yadav added. "The expedition started with a good omen. Soon after we left Haldia, a bird came and sat on the Bavaria class 44 ft boat. A bird on the boat is said to be a good omen... The bird was on the boat for a day." Yadav said the boat got entangled in fishing nets twice. "Once it happened between Haldia and Paradeep port and the second time between Visakhapatnam and Chennai," Yadav said. He also recalled encountering waves as high as 1.5 metres between Visakhapatnam and Chennai on October 26. Regarding dolphins, he said two pods were with them soon after the expedition team cast off from Visakhapatnam port. "It was fun and interesting to see them jump from right to left near the bow," Yadav mused. According to him, weather updates were obtained regularly and from bigger ships that pass them on the high seas so that they are not caught in a sudden storm. As for the food while on the high seas, Yadav said they carry normal and emergency rations onboard which get replenished at various ports. "Every team member has a specified duty to perform. So, cooking is done on board," Yadav said. The expedition team comprises Army officers, Junior Commissioned Officers and jawans. The team includes five women officers. "It is the Army's all arms team, meaning, the team members are from various divisions of Army including infantry and artillery," Yadav said. "The sailing team would also include ladies. There will be two ladies in Chennai-Karaikal leg and three in Kochi-Mangalore leg." However, the Karaikal-Trivandrum leg will be an all-male team. While the sailing team will be about eight to 10 members, there will be a ground support team to coordinate with port/navy/coast guard officials for permissions. The other team members will travel by road in an Army truck. The expedition will call at nine ports -- Visakhapatnam, Chennai, Karaikal, Trivandrum, Kochi, Mangalore, Goa, Mumbai and Porbandar. Yadav said the nine leg expedition is designed in such a way that about 30 days will be spent on the seas. It will cover 3,850 nautical miles (NM) sailing through the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. The expedition is under the aegis of the Army Adventure Wing. According to Yadav, water samples will be collected on East and West coast for testing in labs for pollution levels. "The East Coast is relatively clean," he added. Major General TSA Narayanan, Deputy Commandant, Military College of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (MCEME), will flag off the next leg of the expedition at the port here on Tuesday. --IANS vj/ksk/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) INS Tarangini, the first sail training ship of the Indian Navy, returned to Kochi naval base after a seven-month voyage across the world during which it visited 15 ports in 13 countries. The voyage, "Lokayan 18", was flagged off on April 10 from Kochi. The ship sailed across the Arabian Sea, Red Sea, Suez Canal, Mediterranean Sea, Strait of Gibraltar, North Atlantic Ocean, Bay of Biscay, English Channel and North Sea and right up to Norway, a Defence Ministry statement said on Tuesday. During its journey, the ship participated in the 'Three Festival Tall Ships Regatta' in France and 'Tall Ships Races Europe 2018' in the UK. "During the tall ships regatta, the ship sailed along with hundreds of other sailing vessels, of which 200 were tall ships, besides taking part in the parade of sails, which was conducted at all these ports," the statement said. "It touched Esbjerg, Denmark and Stavanger, Norway, before finishing (the voyage) at Harlingen, Netherlands," it added. INS Tarangini is the first sail training ship in the Indian Navy and was commissioned in November 1997. In her 21 years of service, it sailed over 220,000 nautical miles across the world's oceans, the statement said. --IANS vv/mag/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) militant outfit said on Tuesday that Pakistan-based Masood Azhar's nephew was one among the two militants killed by security forces in Tral area today. While the police said the exact identity of the two slain militants was being ascertained, the JeM in a statement mailed to the local GNS news agency said a slain militant was the nephew of JeM's Pakistan-based chief Masood Azhar. JeM has identified the slain militant as Muhammad Usman while the second slain militant has been identified as a local, Showkat Ahmad. Masood Azhar was exchanged with the hostage passengers of Indian Airlines flight IC 814 which was hijacked from Kathmandu to Kandahar in Afghanistan in December 1999. --IANS sq/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday said the majority community in the country expects an early Supreme Court verdict in the Ram Janmabhoomi title suit saying "justice delayed is justice denied". "If justice is given in time it is appreciated as fair but when delayed it is equivalent to injustice," Adityanath tweeted, adding that the "majority community in the country and the peace-loving people expect the verdict at the earliest, honouring their sentiments". The Advocate General of the state government has also appealed for the same, he pointed out. The Chief Minister's tweets came a day after the Supreme Court said an appropriate bench would take up the matter of its hearing only in January 2019. Responding to the growing dissatisfaction among the seers' community over the postponement of the daily hearing that was expected earlier to start from October 29, Adityanath pleaded with them not to "lose patience and join hands with the positive efforts being made in the direction". He said in the interim transitionary phase the holy men should boost positive efforts to strengthen peace and harmony in the country. On whether he expected the verdict to be out before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Adityanath said he wanted the issue to be settled as soon as possible as the "responsibility of maintaining law and order in the state was on him". He said though "consensus remains the best solution, there were many other ways to thrash out..." Adityanath, however, throughout his string of Twitter thread, maintained that "like any other person he respected the judiciary and understood the constitutional constraints". On the promulgation of an ordinance for constructing the Ram temple, the BJP leader said "the matter was sub-judice but that he was of the view that all options should be explored". His comments were being seen in political circles as an attempt by the BJP to put pressure on the judiciary for an early settlement of the issue. On Monday, his deputy Keshav Prasad Maurya said delaying of the hearing by the Supreme Court had "sent wrong signals". --IANS md/in/vsc/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Kerala has been ranked as the top state to achieve highest annual decline in Infant Mortality Rate followed by Mizoram and Karnataka, according to the Health Ministry. Union Health Minister J.P Nadda on Tuesday inaugurated the 5th National Summit on "Good and Replicable Practices and Innovations in Public Health Care Systems in India" being held in Assam and also released a report 'Healthy States, Progressive India' which ranks states and UTs on improvements in common health meters. While Himachal Pradesh stood first for the highest annual decline in Neonatal Mortality Rate 2015 vs 2016, Tamil Nadu and Delhi were ranked second and third respectively. West Bengal was declared the best state in Family Planning category while Chattisgarh and Rajasthan were ranked second and third respectively. Himachal Pradesh again was ranked the best state for highest annual decline in Under 5 Mortality followed by both Assam and Jharkhand in second position and Gujarat and Kerala in third rank. For best performance in Revised National TB Control Program (RNTCP) Andhra Pradesh Gujarat and Arunachal Pradesh were declared top states. Haryana and Himachal Pradesh were ranked as best performance states in National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS). Speaking at the event, Nadda said the government is focused on promoting innovative approaches. "The govt believes in cooperative federalism. The Health Ministry stands with the states. While the ownership is that of the states, we are ready to lend all technical and financial support. The essence of co-operative federalism lies not in decentralization alone but also in sharing and learning from each other," he stated. --IANS som/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bangladesh's leader of opposition and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia will not be able to contest the upcoming general elections after she was sentenced to a total of 17 years in prison in two separate graft cases, Attorney-General Mahbubey Alam said on Tuesday. "Since she is now a convict, according to the existing law of our country one cannot participate in elections unless the punishment is changed and she is acquitted," Alam told reporters at his office. The Bangladesh High Court on Tuesday doubled Khaleda's jail sentence to 10 years from the five-year term that was announced in February in a corruption case involving the embezzlement of $200,000 meant for the Zia Orphanage Trust, bdnews24.com reported. Khaleda's son Tarique Rahman and four others were sentenced for 10 years at that time. "The revision that the Anti-Corruption Commission filed for increasing her punishment has been granted and the punishment of Begum Khaleda Zia was increased to 10 years from five years," the Attorney-General said on Tuesday. Khaleda, the 73-year-old leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), was sentenced to seven years in prison in another graft case on Monday. She was found guilty of using her political clout to raise funds of around 31.5 million taka ($375,000) from unknown sources for the Zia Charitable Trust. Khaleda, who was Bangladesh's Prime Minister between 1991-1996 and 2001-2006, has been admitted in a hospital since the beginning of October and has repeatedly denied all the charges. Khaleda and her supporters claim that the cases against her were politically motivated and were orchestrated by the government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Bangladesh is set to hold general elections before a January 5 deadline, although the exact dates have not yet been announced. The BNP, which does not currently hold any seats in the country's Parliament, boycotted the 2014 general elections after the government, led by Hasina's Awami League party, did away with the system of an interim government, which for decades had supervised elections in the country. The BNP and the Awami League have taken turns in power in the country since 1991, except for a brief period of military rule between 2006-08. --IANS soni/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Bangladesh court on Tuesday doubled the jail term of opposition leader and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia from five years to 10 in an orphanage graft case following an appeal by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). On February 8, a special court sentenced Khaleda, the chief of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), to five years in jail for embezzling funds of around $200,000 meant for the Zia Orphanage Trust, reports bdnews24. A bench of the Bangladesh High Court comprising Justices M Enayetur Rahim and Md Mostafizur Rahman pronounced the decision on Tuesday. "Khaleda Zia was the key suspect in the case, which is why we demanded increasing her punishment. The High Court granted our appeal scaling up the punishment to 10 years from five. As a result, all defendants have the same punishment -- 10 years. The bails for other defendants were also rejected," Khurshid Alam, a lawyer for the ACC, said after the verdict. Khaleda's son Tarique Rahman and four others were also sentenced for 10 years. On Monday, she was sentenced to seven years in jail in a corruption case. The temporary court set up at the old central prison here found Khaleda and three others guilty of using their political clout to raise funds of around 31.5 million taka ($375,000) from unknown sources for the Zia Charitable Trust. The case was filed against Khaleda by the ACC eight years ago. --IANS ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hatice Cengiz, the fiancee of murdered Saudi Arabian journalist Jamal Khashoggi, has called upon US President Donald Trump to "help reveal the truth" about the killing. "I am deeply grateful for the solidarity of people all over the world. I am, however, disappointed in the actions of the leadership in many countries, particularly in the US," Cengiz said on Monday night at a memorial in London for the slain Washington Post columnist. "President Trump should help reveal the truth and ensure justice be served. He should not pave the way for a cover-up of my fiancee's murder. Let's not let money taint our conscience and compromise our values," she added. Her remarks came days after she rejected an invitation from Trump to visit the White House, CNN reported. Cengiz described Khashoggi as a "martyr for a cause" and said she hoped his body would be returned soon so his loved ones could bury him. "I believe that the Saudi regime knows where his body is... I want justice to be served. Not only for those who murdered my beloved Jamal, but for those who organised it and gave the order for it." Cengiz added that she wanted "the role of the political leadership in this brutal killing to be brought to light" and asked the global community to assist in holding "the perpetrators and their masters to account". "There should be no cover-up. Jamal was my beloved fiancee, but he was also a gentle human being, a loving man, a journalist and a true believer in democracy and freedom in the Arab world," she said. Khashoggi, 59, was last seen alive on October 2 entering Saudi Arabia's Istanbul consulat where he had hoped to obtain paperwork that would have allowed him to marry Cengiz, a Turkish national, CNN said. In the month since, Saudi officials have released several shifting accounts of the events surrounding Khashoggi's death. Initially, the Kingdom said the journalist had left the consulate alive shortly after arriving. It later said he had died in a fistfight when a discussion turned violent. Last week, the country's attorney general said new information received from Turkish investigators now led them to believe the killing was premeditated. --IANS ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Upcoming Bengali film, 'Kia and Cosmos', based on the themes of parenthood and class divides where a teenage girl embarks on an investigative journey, will be screened at the Asian Film Festival Barcelona and Milan International Filmmaker Festival of World Cinema 2018, a release from the director Sudipto Roy said on Tuesday. The release said an official statement from the organisers of the Asian Film Festival Barcelona has confirmed the official entry of Kia and Cosmos in the competition category. Roy's directorial debut starring Ritwika Pal as Kia will be screened at the Asian Film Festival Barcelona 2018 on November 9. Among the Indian entries, there are films such as 'Liptstick Under My Burkha' by Alankrita Srivastava as a special entry along with three other films in the non-competition category of the festival that celebrates films from almost 24 countries such as Australia, Iran, Japan and China. The release said the Milan International Filmmaker Festival of World Cinema 2018 popularly known as Milan IFF, in its list of official entries, has included the film in its competition category with four nominations. The film will be screened on December 2, the day two of the eight-day festival. While Abhinav Agnihotri has been nominated in the Best Sound Design category, Anirban Maity has got nomination in Best Editing of a Foreign Language Film, Aditya Varma in the Best Cinematography of a Foreign Language Film and Director Sudipto Roy for Best Director of a Foreign Language Feature Film,the statement said. The plot of the film revolves around a 15-year-old other-worldly girl diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorders, living with her single mother, takes on the quest of writing a mystery novel spurred by the murder of the neighbourhood cat. Subsequently, with the help of her shadow teacher and her best friend and rickshaw puller, she finds herself in an audacious journey from Kolkata to Kalimpong to uncover the mysterious disappearance of her father. 'Kia and Cosmos' is set for an India release next year. --IANS bnd/ssp/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday called upon the US companies to fully avail of business opportunities in India in new areas such as energy, health care, digital technology besides start-ups. He was addressing board members of United States India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) who called on him. The board members include senior industry and business captains of the United States. They briefed Modi on the outcomes of India Leadership Summit held earlier in the day. An official release said the business leaders appreciated the economic and regulatory reforms implemented by the government in the past four years and expressed their desire to further deepen their engagements with India to make use of the mutually beneficial opportunities created by the rapidly growing Indian economy. Modi said that both countries have benefited in an unprecedented manner through economic engagement. "He encouraged US companies to fully avail of the business opportunities in new areas as well, such as start-ups, energy, health care and digital technology," the release said. A release issued by the Forum said that the theme of this year's Summit was 'In Pursuit of Inclusive Prosperity,' showcasing the contributions of both countries to inclusive growth. It said that USISPF board members, Jim Umpleby, CEO of Caterpillar and John T. Chambers, Chairman Emeritus of Cisco and Founder & CEO of JC2 Ventures presented a study: "Inclusive Prosperity: The Story of American Business in India", to Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. According to its findings, US companies contributed over $ 90 billion to India's GDP (2017) as over 6.6 million jobs are supported by US companies in India (2018). The US is India's largest trading partner and top export market. It is also India's top source of FDI with $50 billion worth of flows between 2014 and first quarter of 2018. The study also said US companies invested over $ 5.5 billion in R&D in India (2016) and the US companies contributed to over five per cent of total CSR expenditure in India (2017). --IANS ps/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed for shifting of Brajesh Thakur -- the main accused in Muzaffarpur shelter home rape case -- to Patiala prison from Bihar's Bhagalpur jail. A bench headed by Justice Madan B. Lokur ordered for Thakur's shifting to the high-security prison in Punjab, despite the defence counsel suggestion to shift him to Delhi. "No, no, Delhi is already polluted (overcrowded)," Justice Lokur said. The court also expressed its displeasure over the police not arresting another accused and former Bihar Minister Manju Verma. She was a Minister in Chief Minister Nitish Kumar-led government. "Her bail was rejected on October 9. Why have you not arrested her...because she was a Cabinet Minister? Nobody could trace her. Why was she not arrested?" Justice Lokur asked, brushing aside all explanations by senior counsel Ranjit Kumar appearing for the state. Pointing to the depravity of the crime where 34 of the 41 minors housed in a short-stay home were confirmed to have been raped, Justice Lokur said: "These girls were injected with drugs and a person is allowed to construct a four-storeyed building without windows!" Describing what all has happened as "indefensible", senior counsel Kumar said the authorities are looking into how the building was constructed, who sanctioned the plan and why it should not be demolished. The court also questioned the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) over changing the team investigating the case despite its orders. Telling the CBI officer present in the court that it had issued the September 20 order on keeping intact the investigating team, the court directed that the names of the officers who were there in the investigating team and that of those who are at present in the team be placed before it on Wednesday morning. --IANS pk/nir (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A nine-day-old baby died after being bitten by rats in the ICU of a government-run hospital in Bihars Darbhanga district, the family said on Tuesday. However, the hospital authorities refuted it and the district administration assured the family of a probe into the matter. The newborn was ill and admitted to the Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital on Monday. He died early on Tuesday "after being bitten by rats due to the hospital's negligence". "We were shocked to find that rats were trying to nibble at the hands and legs of my newborn during a visit to the NICU late on Monday. "There was no nurse or doctor on duty. We immediately informed hospital officials but they informed us that the child was already dead," Phuran Chaupal, the father said. The child was admitted to the hospital in critical condition and there was no sign of rat bites on his body, Head of Child Department K.N. Mishra said. Chaupal, a resident of Najra village in Madhubani district, said he along with his wife Neelam Chaupal had brought the child for treatment. The couple met District Magistrate in-charge Kari Prasad Mahto and demanded action against the hospital. Mahto said that an investigation will be conducted into the allegations. --IANS ik/in/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India's civil aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Tuesday reviewed the performance of Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft with India-based airlines and found "no significant technical issue" with them. The aircraft type was reviewed by the DGCA a day after a Lion Air-operated Boeing 737 Max 8 plane with 188 passengers on-board crashed into the sea shortly after take-off from Indonesia's capital Jakarta. "DGCA has reviewed performance of B737 Max 8 aircraft with Jet Airways and Spicejet today (Tuesday)," a senior DGCA official said. "As on date, six B737 Max 8 aircraft in India have accumulated about 4,000 hrs since their induction effective June 2018 onwards. There are no significant technical issues encountered in these aircraft. "In the meantime, Boeing has communicated to its worldwide operators including Jet Airways and SpiceJet that they do not recommend its operators any action at this time," said the official. After Monday's crash, the DGCA got in touch with Boeing and US aviation regulator FAA to know more details about the unfortunate accident. According to the civil aviation regulator, Boeing has informed that as on September 2018, 219 737 Max airplanes have been delivered across the world. --IANS rv/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) One militant was killed on Tuesday in a gunfight with security forces in Tral area of south Kashmir's Pulwama district. Security forces, including Rashtriya Rifles (RR), Special Operations Group of the state police and the CRPF had started a cordon-and-search operation after getting information about the presence of militants in Chankitar village of Tral area. As the security forces tightened the cordon, the hiding militants opened fire triggering an encounter. "Intermittent firing exchanges continued and finally one militant was killed. His body has been recovered. Searches are going on in the area", police said adding the exact identity of the slain militant is being ascertained although he appeared to belong to Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM). Reports from the area said the house in which the militants were hiding was damaged in the encounter. --IANS sq/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A day after unveiling its flagship device at an event in New York, Chinese premium smartphone brand OnePlus on Tuesday brought to India its much-anticipated OnePlus 6T with 6GB RAM and 128GB internal storage for a starting price of Rs 37,999. The smartphone will also be available in midnight black and mirror black colours in 8GM RAM + 128GB storage and 8GB RAM + 256GB storage variants for Rs 41,999 and Rs 45,999, respectively. Notably, the rear mounted fingerprint scanner has been done away with for an "in-display" scanner in this iteration. "We constantly challenge ourselves to give people the best experience possible, to do what's right, no matter what," Pete Lau, Founder and CEO, OnePlus, told reporters here. The device will be available during a preview sale starting November 1 on Amazon.in where people can avail cashback worth Rs 2,000 on ICICI Bank debit and credit cards and Citibank credit cards. From November 2, OnePlus 6T will be available on all online and offline channels, with Rs 1,500 cashback on certain banks' debit and credit cards. Featuring "screen unlock" -- the industry's fastest in-display fingerprint technology, the smartphone provides users with a fast, natural and intuitive way to unlock their devices, thus, benefiting from a large display with minimal bezels, according to the company. The much-talked about waterdrop notch lends OnePlus 6T an immersive 6.41-inch Optic AMOLED display with a 19.5:9 aspect ratio. "The device is protected by the latest Corning Gorilla Glass 6 and over 40 different manufacturing steps go into crafting the 3D glass back of the smartphone which is made from multiple layers of glass, including anti-glare coating and a texturised multi-layer film," the handset maker said in a statement. "A great user experience means your phone needs to get out of the way and make you feel free -- it has to enhance your life instead of distracting you from it. I'm so proud of what we've built with the OnePlus 6T and can't wait to see what people think when they use it," Lau added. A flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset powers the device. "Smart Boost" is a new feature in the OnePlus 6T which improves app cold start speeds by up to 20 per cent by storing data from frequently used apps in the phone's RAM. The smartphone has a bigger 3,700 mAh battery which provides a 20 per cent increased battery life compared to the previuous-gen OnePlus 6. The OnePlus 6T's camera includes software optimisations and added features such as the "Nightscape" feature which assists in capturing low-light urban environments with improved clarity, less noise, accurate colour reproduction and better dynamic range. The camera hardware boasts of a combination of 16MP f/1.7 and 20MP f/1.7 rear-facing cameras with Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) and Electronic Image Stabilisation (EIS) features, while the front-facing camera is a 16MP sensor with f/2.0 aperture and EIS. "Working with critically acclaimed photographer and artist Kevin Abosch, the device's rear camera features 'Studio Lighting', a feature that has been fine-tuned to recognise faces and adjust the lighting accordingly to simulate professional lighting," the company said. The company also introduced its new Type-C Bullets earphones in matte black colour variant for Rs 1,490. --IANS ksc/na/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress leader Krushna Chandra Sagaria on Tuesday said he would resign from the membership of the Odisha Assembly for failing to ensure justice to a gangrape victim. He represents Koraput Assembly constituency. Sagaria said he has no moral right of holding the position as he has failed to get justice for a gangrape victim who committed suicide earlier this year. "I feel I have failed to provide justice to the victim girl. If I am unable to give justice to a poor dalit girl using the constitutional post, I have no moral rights of holding the position anymore," Sagaria said in the state capital. Sagaria said even after a year, not a single accused has been arrested in the case. The Kunduli victim was gang-raped while returning home from a market under Pottangi police limits in Koraput district in October last year. She committed suicide at her house on January 22 citing police inaction in the rape case. Sagaria was not happy with the Congress state leadership after he was removed from the chairmanship of the Scheduled Caste Cell of the party. Even though he was appointed as a general secretary of the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC), Sagaria refused to accept it. IANS cd/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actor Pankaj Tripathi, who will essay activist and farmer Lal Bihari from Azamgarh in a film by Satish Kaushik, is excited about working under his direction. The film is a real life tale of an innocent farmer from Bihar who was, through bribery, declared dead in his town's official records by his relatives to illegally capture his land. Lal Bihari had to then fight with the Indian bureaucracy for 18 long years before he could prove himself to be alive. Pankaj plays this role in the film, for which the shooting has begun in a small village in Bihar. Talking about it, the acclaimed actor said in a statement: "I know Satish sir better as an actor. I have seen him performing in films since my childhood, the recent one being 'Udta Punjab'. As a director, I've seen his 'Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai' and the rest of them I am yet to see. "The story of our film is based on the real life incidents of Bharat Lal aka Lal Bihari from Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh who struggled 18 years in a legal battle to prove his identity that he is not dead but alive. For the story that he (Satish) conceived, according to him I was the correct person to play the part." Satish and Pankaj are both alumni of the National School of Drama and have a theatre background. "He called me to hear the story and I liked it very much." The movie is expected to release mid next year. --IANS rb/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday asserted that safety of passengers should be at the centre of all airline operations. He said this while releasing the Economic Impact Report and a Coffee Table Book, encapsulating 12 years of operations of GMR Group at Delhi Airport, here today. "The Economic Impact Study has also been a huge eye-opener. I am happy to note that the Delhi airport contributes to almost 0.7 per cent of the national GDP and almost 18 per cent of Delhi's GSDP. "It is extremely heartening to note that this entity employs nearly 28 lakh employees both directly as well as indirectly," Naidu said addressing a gathering at the launch as per a statement issued by his office. His comments came in the aftermath of the crashing of Indonesian Lion Air Boeing airliner, which was carrying 189 people and was flown by Indian pilot Bhavye Suneja. The plane crashed into the Java Sea on Monday minutes after taking off from Jakarta. On the economic front, the Vice President cited the global airlines body International Air Transport Association (IATA), to claim that India will be the third largest aviation market around 2024, surpassing the UK. "The present trends in air transport suggest passenger numbers could double to 8.2 billion in 2037 and this doubling of air passengers could support 100 million jobs globally," according to the IATA statement. -- IANS vn/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group's Phillips Carbon Black Ltd (PCBL) is at an "advanced stage" of finalising a site in one of the southern states for its Rs 600 crore greenfield project, Group Chairman Sanjiv Goenka said on Tuesday. "The greenfield project will have a capacity of 1,50,000 tonnes per annum at an estimated investment of Rs 600 crore, for which site selection is at an advanced stage. A decision on the location of the project will be taken next month," Goenka said. The Group is negotiating with the state governments of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for setting up the carbon black project. Goenka said the 50,000-tonne capacity expansion at Mundra in Gujarat is expected to be commissioned next month. The 30,000-tonne capacity expansion at Palej, also in Gujarat, is expected to be completed by the second quarter of next fiscal year starting April. The company on Tuesday reported a whopping 113 per cent growth in its net profit to Rs 107.97 crore for the quarter ended September 30. --IANS bdc/shs/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Special Judge for CBI cases in Puducherry P. Dhanabal on Tuesday sentenced sitting legislator Ashok Anandane and his father C. Anandane to jail for one year each for accumulating assets disproportionate to their known sources of income. In a statement issued here, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said they were also fined Rs 200,000. The CBI had registered a case against Anandane, Chief Engineer, Public Works Department (PWD), and his legislator son and his wife Vijayalakshmi for accumulating assets to the tune of Rs 3,75,30,221.11 between January 1997 and January 2006 -- which was disproportionate to their known sources of income. During the trial, Vijayalakshmi expired. --IANS vj/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Home Minster Rajnath Singh on Tuesday reviewed the vacancy position and recruitment procedure in various paramilitary forces and called for fast-tracking the recruitment. The Minister recommended this in his meeting with the Director Generals of various paramilitary forces including the Delhi Police Commissioner. "During the meeting, the vacancy position, various issues related to direct recruitment and promotion to different posts in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Delhi Police were discussed. "While taking stock of the vacancy position and recruitment procedure of the CAPFs, Union Home Minister called for initiation of special mechanisms for reducing delays and fast-tracking the recruitment activities in a time-bound manner," a statement from the Home Ministry said. Singh also directed the chiefs to process the departmental promotions "at the earliest". -- IANS vn/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A large number of sacked government school teachers on Tuesday began an agitation here demanding continuation of their service. "The teachers will observe a 'lay-up' on duty on Thursday," protest leader Bimal Saha told the media after submitting a memorandum to the Director detailing their demands. This would mean that the teachers would go to schools but not teach. On March 29, 2017, the Supreme Court upheld a Tripura High Court verdict to terminate the services of 10,323 government teachers on grounds of "indiscretion" in selecting them during the former Left Front rule in secondary and higher secondary schools. After the appeal, the apex court extended their services up to June this year. "The BJP government in June submitted a Special Leave Petition (SLP) before the Supreme Court to extend the services for two more years," and Law Minister Ratan Lal Nath told the media. If their services are not extended, lakhs of students will be deprived of getting proper in 4,928 government schools," he added Meanwhile, an official of the state's Law Department said that Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi would preside over a three-judge bench on Thursday to hear the teachers' case. The Education Minister said the government had 12,222 vacant posts which could not be filled up as there were huge shortages of qualified candidates with professional degrees. He said the state has only six B.Ed (Bachelor of Education) colleges to provide professional degrees and diploma to would-be teachers. Currently, 40,658 teachers prove education to 7.29 lakh students in 4,928 government schools. --IANS sc/ksk/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Samsung Mobile tops the list of most popular brands in India, according to a report released on Tuesday. The latest entrant in the Indian telecom scenario, Reliance Jio, which hit the existing telecom firms with unprecedented low tariffs, has been ranked eighth in the list of top 10 brands in the country, the Brand Asia Survey 2018 said here. "Jio has entered the top 10 as it has brought out about 180 degree shift in the telecom sector, giving its competitors a run for their money by offering free voice calls and cheap 4G services that changed the way Indian users consumed data," said the report. Samsung Mobile, the mobile phone brand, is followed by the electronics and IT brand Samsung, from the same company. In the third rank stood WhatsApp, the mobile messaging app. "The free of cost messaging service has ranked high among consumers ever since its acquisition by Facebook and has continued to beat its competitors," the report said. Social network major Facebook ranked sixth in Brand Asia survey, after Amul and Pepsi which stood in the fourth and fifth positions respectively. Global beverage major Coca-Cola is positioned seventh, while the ninth and the 10th positions were held by Big Bazaar and Colgate respectively. Brand Asia survey is conducted in many Asian countries and in India the survey had a sample size of 6,780 people. The parameters on which the survey is based are friendliness, convenience, innovation and how outstanding a company is, it said. Commenting on the findings, Ashwani Arora, Senior Vice President of Market Xcel Data Matrix, the agency which performed the Brand Asia survey in India, said: "No longer consumer talks about FMCG brands alone as the advertising spends are increasing across spectrum and consumer is finding relevance in offerings meted through different verticals." --IANS rrb/mag/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Plagiarism charges against A.R. Murugadoss' forthcoming Tamil political thriller 'Sarkar' were dropped on Tuesday as the filmmakers agreed to honour writer and co-director Varun Rajendran via a special message in the credits. Rajendran had alleged that Murugadoss' 'Sarkar' is heavily inspired by his story 'Sengol', which he had registered in 2007. Following the allegations, Rajendran registered a complaint with South Indian Film Writers' Association and then later filed a petition with the Madras High Court, demanding a ban on the film's release until he is given his due credits along with a remuneration of Rs 30 lakh for his story. The case came up for hearing on Tuesday in the Madras High Court. However, both the parties decided to settle the matter amicably, with Murugadoss agreeing to honour Rajendran with a special message. Murugadoss took to Twitter to share the statement, which will reportedly be flashed for 30 seconds in the credits. "Denying the fundamental rights of voters by bogus voting is a dangerous crime affecting the welfare of our country," Murugadoss tweeted. "I imagined that a movie could be made with the theme that a hero whose vote is bogusly cast fights against the injustice and establishes the truth and creates awareness among the people. After discussing for months, I wrote the script of 'Sarkar' and directed the movie. "I came to know that one co-director K.V. Rajendran aka Varun had also imagined the same theme and had registered his script with South Indian Film Writers' Association. I'm writing to praise Varun for having imagined and registering the script before me." Murugadoss thanked the South Indian Film Writers' Association for "identifying a talented colleague in cinema world". 'Sarkar', which features Vijay in the lead role, is gearing up for release on November 6. The film also stars Keerthy Suresh, Radha Ravi and Varalaxmi Sarath Kumar among others in key roles. The film is produced by Sun Pictures and features music by A.R Rahman. --IANS hp/rb/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Seventeen Filipinos were arersted in Saudi Arabia for attending a Halloween party at which there were men and women, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Tuesday. The Philippine Ambassador to Riyadh, Adnan Alonto, sent a report to the foreign department explaining that a group of Saudi intelligence officers entered a venue in Riyadh where a Halloween party was being held and arrested those attending, reports Efe news. Alonto has asked for access to the arrested Filipinos in Al Nisa prison, although he has not yet received an answer, as well as accurate information on the charges against them, something that is unclear at the moment. At first, authorities reported that the party organisers did not have the appropriate permission to do so, but the Filipino embassy fears that the charges relate to the fact that there were men and women at the party. "Saudi laws strictly prohibit unattached males and females from being seen together in public. The compound was raided after neighbours complained of loud noise," the statement said. The embassy in Riyadh has issued a notice to the Philippine community in the country urging them to be mindful of local sensitivities. According to foreign data, some 3,000 Filipinos leave their country each day for temporary employment contracts abroad, most of them in Arab countries where women tend to be employed as domestic help and men in the construction sector. Around 10 million Filipino migrant workers abroad send their remittances back home which accounted for 10.46 per cent of Philippine GDP in 2017, according to the World Bank. --IANS ksk/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Saudi-led coalition on Tuesday night launched airstrikes on a training camp of the Shiite Houthi rebels in Yemen's Red Sea coastal city of Hodeidah, killing 150 of them, a pro-government military force said. The Houthis cordened off the bombing site in Marouah area, the pro-government Giants Brigades forces said in a press statement on its official news website alamalika.net, reports Xinhua news agency. Several vehicles were seen transporting the Houthi casualties to different hospitals in Hodeidah, the statement added. Sky News Arabia TV channel based in Dubai also reported the deadly airstrikes in Hodeidah. Houthi sources are yet not available for comment on the airstrikes. The Yemeni government is seeking to expel Houthi rebels out of the strategic city of Hodeidah in recent days despite warnings by international humanitarian agencies. The impoverished Arab country has been locked into a civil war since the Iran-backed Shiite Houthi rebels overran much of the country militarily and seized all northern provinces, including the capital Sanaa, in 2014. 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. The UN has listed Yemen as the country with world's biggest humanitarian crisis, with seven million Yemenis on the brink of famine and cholera causing more than 2,000 deaths. --IANS vc (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actress-models Shubra Aiyappa and Diva Dhawan, who will be featured in Kingfisher Calendar 2019, say that shooting for it was a truly memorable experience. Commenting on her experience shooting for the Kingfisher calendar, Shubra said, "Being a part of this year's Kingfisher calendar campaign was indeed a one of a kind experience. I was quite nervous in the beginning as this is my first swimsuit shoot, however the whole journey was a lot of fun. Working with a crew, who have been shooting the Kingfisher calendar for more than a decade was truly an unforgettable moment. "The calendar has been shot in some stunning locations across the globe, but this year's destination Sardinia was indeed a wanderlust paradise. We shot some stunning swimwear in some gorgeous locations and are still recovering from the Sardinian after-effect. There was never a dull moment or a time where I didn't feel comfortable, only vibes I felt were the Good Times. Looking forward to the years Kingfisher Calendar." Diva Dhawan also shared her thoughts on being part of this year's calendar shoot. "Being a part of the Kingfisher calendar was truly a great experience indeed, as it celebrates Indian women and beauty in all forms. I think it's nice to be part of something that has been around for so long because everyone in the team has been working together for years. The Kingfisher calendar truly was a memorable experience," she said. Kingfisher, The King of Good Times, has the calendar featuring four top models shot by ace photographer Atul Kasbekar. The other two ladies who will be part of the calendar are beauty queen from Orissa Sushrii Mishraa and Hayley Parr from the United Kingdom. Sardinia, a gem of an island in the Mediterranean Sea, will form the breathtaking backdrop for the Kingfisher calendar 2019. The Kingfisher calendar has featured stars like Deepika Padukone, Katrina Kaif, Nargis Fakhri, Liza Hayden over the years. --IANS nv/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The one-day visit of UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi to her Lok Sabha constituency Rae Bareli on November 2 has been cancelled, a Congress leader said on Tuesday. The visit of the Congress leader was taking place after a gap of seven months. Informed sources said the cancellation was due to some pressing engagements and added that the visit would take place after Diwali. Gandhi was to take part in a meeting with officials to oversee developmental works in her constituency. --IANS md/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) South Korea's Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered a Japanese firm to compensate South Korean workers, who were forced to work in its steel plants during the Second World War. The apex court, while ratifying a 2015 decision by a Seoul court, ordered Nippon Steel and Sumitomo Metal to pay a compensation of 400 million won (around $350,000) to four South Koreans, only one of whom is still alive, Efe news reported. The decision was a further setback to bilateral ties that have been severely strained owing to unresolved issues from the time of Japanese occupation of the Korean peninsula between 1910 and 1945. The Japanese Foreign Ministry termed the verdict "totally unacceptable" and said it violated an earlier bilateral agreement regarding compensation for colonization. The ministry said it would take the case before international courts. There were approximately 70 Japanese firms, including Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Yokohama Rubber, who had been implicated in similar cases of forced labour during the Second World War. During its occupation of the Korean peninsula during the Second World War, the Japanese empire had forcefully recruited hundreds of thousands of Koreans to work in its defence industry. --IANS soni/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Mayor of a town in the Spanish region of Andalusia on Tuesday chained himself to a bridge as part of a protest to demand financial aid to help repair extensive damage left in the wake of flash floods. Fidel Romero, Mayor of the La Roda, located 120 km east of Seville, chained himself to a bridge over the Yeguas River alongside a number of colleagues and fellow citizens, Efe news reported. The group demonstration coincided with a regional government meeting in which local ministers were set to approve an extraordinary budget worth 5 million euros ($5.69 million) that would be allocated to the areas affected by adverse weather that struck the region over the weekend. However, Romero said the funding, to be shared between a number of villages and towns, was insufficient. According to Romero, in La Roda alone the deluges caused 7 million euros worth of damages. The national meteorological agency Aemet warned Spain was braced for more bad weather with southern regions in particular on alert for severe storms and torrential rain. --IANS soni/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sri Lanka's Speaker of Parliament Karu Jayasuriya on Tuesday urged President Maithripala Sirisena to convene Parliament immediately to resolve the political crisis in the country. Jayasuriya, in a formal letter sent to the President, informed Sirisena that he had received a letter with the signature of 125 legislators urging him to convene Parliament in order to hand over the government to the party which had the majority support, Xinhua news agency reported. The Speaker said legislators from the United National Party, Tamil National Alliance, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna and the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress had made requests to convene Parliament. Amid a political crisis in the island country, political party leaders held a meeting with Speaker Jayasuriya in the Parliamentary Complex earlier in the day, voicing their concerns. A government official said the Speaker had informed them that he would meet Sirisena later in the day and request him to convene Parliament on Friday. On Friday, Sirisena sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and replaced him with former President Mahinda Rajapaksa to the post. Sirisena later prorogued Parliament till November 16. --IANS soni/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Taliban said on Tuesday that it has deployed five members freed in 2015 from the US military prison in Guantanamo Bay to its political office in Qatar. The five were freed in exchange for Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl of the US military who had been captured by the Taliban five years earlier. The five had been living in Qatar since then under restrictions on them travelling to the war zone, Efe news reported. "We confirm that Mullah Muhammad Fazel Mazlum, Mullah Noorullah Noori, Mullah Abdul Haq Wasiq, Mullah Khairullah Khairkhwa and Maulavi Muhammad Nabi Omari have been appointed as members of the Qatar political office," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told Efe news. Another Taliban member said the group's leader Haibatullah himself ordered the appointment of the "Taliban Five" -- as the ex-prisoners are known -- a decision that came two weeks after US Special Envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad met members of the Taliban's Qatar office. The five new appointees served in high-ranking positions in the Taliban: Fazel Mazlum was the Deputy Defence Minister during Taliban rule (1996-2001), Noorullah Noori served as Governor of Balkh province, Abdul Haq Wasiq was deputy intelligence chief, Khairullah Khairkhwa was the Interior Minister and Nabi Omari worked in the military in late 1990s. Their appointment came after the Taliban's political head met Khalilzad in Qatar on October 12 to discuss the possibility of a peaceful resolution of the Afghan conflict, the first such known encounter between the two sides. The dialogue between the Taliban and the Afghan government until now has been limited to just one official meeting in July 2015 although the talks were suspended after Afghanistan revealed that Mullah Omar, the founder of the insurgent group, had died in 2013. Since then the insurgents have insisted on negotiating with the US, which has a presence in the country through the NATO training and advising mission for Afghan troops as well as anti-terrorist operations. --IANS soni/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Automobile major Tata Motors on Tuesday announced the roll-out of its first SUV "Harrier" from its all-new manufacturing line. "Tata Harrier needed a completely new approach to product development and manufacturing processes," the company said in a statement. "The completely new world-class assembly line has been built in a record time of six months with the best manufacturing practices adopted from Jaguar Land Rover. It boasts of 90 per cent automation levels with over 100+ 'KUKA and ABB' robots." The five-seater monocoque SUV is engineered on the new generation "Optimal Modular Efficient Global Advanced" architecture, which is derived from Land Rover "D8" architecture and developed in collaboration with Jaguar Land Rover. Tata Motors plans to the launch the SUV early 2019. --IANS rv/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Several offices at the State Capitol in the US' Texas were briefly evacuated on Tuesday due to a suspicious package. The incident came days after a man in the US state of Florida was arrested for sending a wave of suspicious packages containing potentially explosive devices to critics of US President Donald Trump, reports Xinhua news agency. The staff members were asked to leave offices in part of the Capitol building, located in Texas capital city of Austin, but the majority of the Capitol grounds remained open to the public. Texas State Representative Matthew Ray Schaefer, who is serving on the Defense and Veterans' Affairs and Urban Affairs committees, wrote on Twitter that his office and other offices in the vicinity "were evacuated" due to a suspicious package that was discovered around noon. The evacuation order was lifted hours after the Texas Department of Public Safety determined that the package delivered to a state representative's office posed "no viable threat." --IANS vc (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Congress on Tuesday described US President Donald Trump declining India's invitation to be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebration as a diplomatic faux pas saying that it was an avoidable embarrassment for the country. "What is important to remember that as and when the Government of India through its Prime Minister invites a foreign Head of State and Government to be the Chief Guest for the Republic Day, it has never been declined and the government takes care to send the invitation only after its assured acceptance that is how diplomatic channels work," Congress leader Anand Sharma told reporters here at the party headquarters. "It has been a diplomatic faux pas," Sharma said, adding that the invitation should not have been sent in the first place without having an assurance that once it reaches Washington, it will be accepted. "It was announced in Delhi, it was announced from Washington and it was also confirmed from White House that the US President has received the invitation. I will say this was an avoidable embarrassment for the Republic of India," the Congress leader said. Slamming the Narendra Modi government, Sharma said, "This government's foreign policy is incoherent, is episodical and Prime Minister Narendra Modi must remember that engagement with major strategic partners cannot be transactional but it must have a ring of continuity, coherence and correctness." --IANS aks/vsc/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A day after a cashier working with a gas agency was shot dead here and robbed of Rs 10 lakh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday announced a financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh for the bereaved family. An official spokesman said the Chief Minister has directed Lucknow District Magistrate Kaushal Raj Sharma to ensure that the amount was handed over to the family at the earliest. He has told the police to investigate the killing and submit a report within 24 hours. Family members of the cashier had led a protest late on Monday night against the killing and demanded that the police arrest the assailants. --IANS md/mag/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The US has restricted exports to a state-backed Chinese company that makes semiconductors in the latest escalation in Washington's trade fight with Beijing. On Monday, the US Commerce Department said Fujian Jinhua Integrated Circuit Company would not be able to buy components from American companies without a special license, reports CNN. The export ban was put in place because Fujian Jinhua "poses a significant risk of becoming involved in activities that are contrary to the national security interests of the US", the Department said. "When a foreign company engages in activity contrary to our national security interests, we will take strong action to protect our national security," Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said. Ross said the ban would limit the company's ability to "threaten the supply chain for essential components in our military systems". Monday's action comes after Micron Technology, a memory chip maker in Idaho, accused Fujian Jinhua of stealing its trade secrets in a federal lawsuit last December. Fujian Jinhua had filed a countersuit against Micron in Chinese court in January. The move comes as the US and China are locked in a standoff over trade, market access and the transfer of technology secrets, CNN said. It could add strain to an already tense bilateral relationship. Negotiations have reportedly stalled ahead of a planned meeting between US and Chinese Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the upcoming G20 summit in Argentina. Earlier this year, the Trump administration put an export ban on ZTE, one of China's biggest tech companies. The Commerce Department said that ZTE lied to American officials about punishing employees who violated US sanctions against North Korea and Iran. The ban, which became a flashpoint between the two nations, was lifted in July after ZTE paid a $1 billion fine and agreed to oversight measures. Fujian Jinhua, based in China's Fujian province, was founded in 2016 and has financial backing from the provincial government. It's building a $5.7 billion chip factory in the region. --IANS ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert is under consideration to be the next US Ambassador to the UN, according to a senior Republican official. Nauert met President Donald Trump on Monday, the official told CNN. The former Fox News anchor joined the State Department in April 2017 as a spokesperson and is now the Acting Undersecretary of Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs. She has also previously worked as a health insurance consultant, according to the State Department. Administration officials have been scrambling to fill the position after Nikki Haley announced in early October she would resign as Ambassador to the UN by the end of the year. Haley's decision caught senior administration officials off guard and raised questions about the timing of her departure. She insisted she would not be running for president in 2020. When Haley, a former governor of South Carolina, resigned, the President praised her as a "fantastic person" who has "done an incredible job" and said he would gladly welcome her back into his administration down the line. Nauert is one of a few women the White House is considering to fill Haley's shoes. The White House has also reached out to Nancy Brinker asking if she would be open to consideration. Brinker, the founder of the Susan G. Komen foundation, has already gone through Senate confirmation as an ambassador, the Republican official told CNN. Kelly Craft, the current US ambassador to Canada, was considered for the post during the transition but lost out to Haley. Craft is also under consideration. Kelly Ayotte, a former New Hampshire senator, has ties to the White House after serving as the "sherpa" for Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch during his Senate confirmation hearings. Ayotte remains close to top Trump ally South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey Graham. Another name being floated is Kay Bailey Hutchison, who is currently the US' Permanent Eepresentative to NATO, according to a US official. --IANS ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A weak rupee, along with outflow of foreign funds and caution over upcoming quarterly results, pulled the key Indian equity indices into the red on Tuesday. Accordingly, heavy selling pressure was witnessed in select market heavyweights including those in banking, oil and gas and energy sectors, while all the other counters ended in the green on the BSE, led by IT and pharma stocks which rose due to depreciation in the rupee value. However, lower global crude oil prices arrested the downward spiral. Consequently, the S&P BSE Sensex closed 176.27 points down at 0.52 per cent. It opened at 34,891.13, from its previous close of 34,067.40. The NSE Nifty50 ended at 10,198.40, down 52.45 points and 0.51 per cent. In terms of broader markets, S&P BSE MidCap gained 0.91 per cent, while S&P BSE SmallCap was up by 0.94 per cent. Nevertheless, the BSE market breadth was positive as heavy selling occurred in market heavyweights. "Investors turned stock-specific in the on-going result season while maintaining a cautious view due to upcoming state elections," said Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Financial Services. "Weak global cues and selling pressure in stocks that unveiled below than expected results dragged the indices. Drop in oil prices will provide leeway to maintain support in the market while triggers like upcoming trade talks between US and China give more cues to investors." HDFC Securities' Retail Research Head Deepak Jasani said: "Technically, with the Nifty taking a breather, traders will need to watch if the recent rally can sustain and move higher." "Further upsides are likely once the immediate resistances of 10,255 points are taken out. Crucial supports to watch for any weakness are at 10,150 points." In terms of investments, foreign fund outflows continued as provisional data with the exchanges showed that foreign institutional investors sold stocks worth Rs 1,592.02 crore. On the other hand, domestic institutional investors bought scrip worth Rs 1,363.04 crore. As per data provided by the National Securities Depository (NSDL), the monthly outflow of foreign funds at Rs 27,385 crore from the equity segment was at its highest since 2002. Currency-wise, the rupee closed at Rs 73.68 to a US dollar from its previous close of 73.44. Brent crude, the benchmark oil price, eased to around $76.20 a barrel. The top gainers on BSE were: Infosys, up 2.48 per cent at Rs 659.75; Hindustan Unilever, up 2 per cent at Rs 1,585; State Bank India, up 1.90 per cent at Rs 273.15; Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), up 1.37 per cent at Rs 1,895.40; and Tata Motors, up 1.11 per cent at Rs 177.30 a share. The top losers were: IndusInd Bank down 3.50 per cent at Rs 1,363.50; Coal India, down 3.47 per cent at Rs 277.10; Reliance Industries, down 2.84 per cent at Rs 1,057.15; Sun Pharma, down 1.92 per cent at Rs 561.65 and Power Grid down 1.79 per cent at Rs 186.10 per share. --IANS ravi-rv/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Filmmaker Bejoy Nambiar says he has been busy just standing by his wife Sheetal Menon's side and watching her work on her debut short film as a writer and director. Sheetal has featured in Nambiar's films "Shaitan" and "David". She is now putting together her first film as a director and writer. "'Breathless' is the working title. That has been keeping me busy for the last couple of months. We have just finished shooting it and we are in the process of editing it now," Nambiar told IANS here. "My contribution was to just stand by her side and watch her do her work. I didn't want to influence her or do anything because it was her vision, her voice and story. "I just stood by her side and helped with the logistics... 'Did they get food or did the vehicles arrive on time?' That was my only work." He didn't give her any advice either. "It was completely her show," said the "Wazir" director, who is also working on his next feature film. "I am still in the process of putting together my next film," shared Nambiar, who has been tied up with jury duties at the ongoing Jio MAMI 20th Mumbai Film Festival with Star as well. "Last year, I was working on the sidelines. This year, they have given me an official post. It's a very big honour to be a part of something as progressive as MAMI. "The kind of films lined up every year... I think it's the envy of every Indian film festival. I consider myself lucky to be a part of that club which gets to be in the forefront of quality cinema." Earlier this year, his project "Dobaara" released on a digital platform. "That was something I had done two or three years ago. ZEE5 came into being and they released it. It was a one-hour film on a dysfunctional relationship. I am happy it got released," he said. He has one more project for the online content consumers. "I had done something for Eros. Again, it was some two years ago. It might come out next year," he said. Earlier this month, his last directorial "Solo", an anthology featuring the "Kali" star Dulquer Salmaan, turned one. It was heavily criticised when it hit the big screens, but later when it got streamed on Netflix, it managed to find a strong fan base. Are people who consume content on the digital platform more experimental? "I don't think you can broadly categorise it like that. Earlier it used to be only the so-called 'intelligent audience' watching stuff on digital, but I think that bridge has kind of burned down. "I think everyone is on digital now. We are watching and consuming content on digital, like almost... The numbers are increasing by every second. So, it's no longer that only the intelligent audience is watching digital. "I don't think you can categorise it like 'my films work only in digital'. I think a film has to work. The content has to connect with the audience." He agrees that "Solo" got its share of flak when it released in theatres last year. "But it also got its set of appreciation, especially the Rudra story. A lot of people connected with it and a lot of people hated it. It's okay. "I think movies do that. The fact that they engaged with the film and talked about it means that they managed to sample it. "The only thing that I can take away as a filmmaker is that if it has not worked with the majority of audience, it's something for me to understand and see what better I can do next time." (The writer's trip to Mumbai is at the invitation of the festival organisers. Natalia Ningthoujam can be contacted at natalia.n@ians.in) --IANS nn/rb/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Haryana Minister Anil Vij on Tuesday took a dig at the Supreme Court for turning down demands for early hearings in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute when it could hear a late-night plea to delay the hanging of Mumbai attacks convict Yakub Memon. Supreme Court "mahan hai" (The Supreme Court is great), the minister said, using the phrase twice in a tweet that seemed to mock the apex court. If it so wishes it can open its doors on July 29, 2014, for an appeal to delay the death sentence awarded to 1993 Mumbai serial blasts convict Yakub Memon. And if it wants, it can give a date on the issue of Ram Mandir, for which millions of Indians are eagerly waiting. The Supreme Court is great, the tweet in Hindi read. The Yakub Memon hearing was actually during the pre-dawn hours of July 30, 2015. Interacting with the media in Ambala, the health minister made a similar comment. "The court is great. It can stay awake till midnight to hear the Yakub Memon case and it can extend the hearing of the Ram Janmabhoomi title case for three months, while millions of Indians wait for it." He said people from every corner of the country wanted the Union government to bring an ordinance so that the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya can begin at the earliest. The minister is not new to making controversial remarks. ALSO READ: BJP calm amid pressure from RSS for Ram temple construction in Ayodhya Earlier, he compared Congress chief Rahul Gandhi to the deadly Nipah virus. He has also warned people not to enter Haryana if they couldn't live without beef. On Monday, the Supreme Court turned down requests for early hearings in the Ayodhya title dispute and said it will decide the schedule in the first week of January. "We have our own priorities. Whether the matter will be heard in January, February or March, the appropriate Bench will decide," the Bench said. "We have our own priorities. Whether the matter will be heard in January, February or March, the appropriate Bench will decide," Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi had said. This had intensified demands by the RSS and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad that the BJP-led government should bring a law to construct a Ram temple on the disputed site. Seventeen Tamil Nadu fishermen were arrested Tuesday by the Sri Lankan Navy for fishing off Neduntheevu, a fishermen association leader said. The fishermenfrom Ramanathapuram and Pudukottai districts were arrested at gunpoint, while they were fishing in the Lankan waters early this morning and taken to Kangesanthurai port in the island nation, Rameswaram Fishermen Association President, S Emerit told reporters here. Their boats were also impounded, he said. He urged the Centre to ensure that the fishermen from the state were allowed to fish in the traditional areas of Palk Strait. Eleven fishermen from the state were arrested Monday by the Lankan Naval personnel for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line and fishing near Neduntheevu. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Marijuana may be legal now in Canada but at least three Asian governments are warning their citizens to avoid it, including the specter of possible arrest for Japanese and South Koreans. China, the latest to weigh in, didn't go that far. Its consulate in Toronto issued a statement dated Friday reminding Chinese in its jurisdiction and students in particular "to avoid contact with and use of marijuana for the sake of ensuring your own physical and mental health." Canada legalized the sale of recreational marijuana on October 17. The Chinese statement, posted on the consulate's website, included a long explanation of the Canadian and provincial laws, advising them to read it carefully to avoid running afoul of the new regulations. Both Japan and South Korea warned their citizens in Canada ahead of the legalisation. The Japanese consulate in Vancouver warned on its website that Japanese laws outlawing the possession and sale of marijuana may be applied to actions taken abroad. "Japanese residents and travelers should take ample care to stay away from marijuana, including food and beverages that include marijuana," the statement read in part. South Korea held information sessions in Canada and used a government website and TV broadcasts to lay down the law for its citizens. "Even in a place where marijuana is legalized, if our citizens smoke, purchase, possess or deliver marijuana, it's a criminal act, so they will be punished," the embassy in Canada tweeted. "Please be careful." Neither statement from Japan and South Korea explained how they might attempt to enforce their laws against smoking marijuana while abroad. Police and customs officials in South Korea did not answer calls seeking comment. Both South Korea and Japan have very strict anti-drug laws. In Korea, smoking, buying, possessing or delivering marijuana is punishable by up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 50 million won ($44,000). (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Three Iran nationals have been arrested for allegedly stealing USD 2,100 from a money changer in Aur here, police said Tuesday. DSP Mukhtiar Rai said the trio had stolen the amount from the Western Union branch of one Pankaj Kumar near Aur Bus Stop on October 9. He said a case had been registered under sections 380, 34 of the IPC. The force investigated the case using CCTV footage monitoring the shop premises. Later, the photos of the accused persons were circulated via social media and newspaper advertisements. After a couple of weeks, the police got a tip-off that persons resembling the accused had been spotted in Barnala city, the DSP said, adding that a police team was sent immediately to nab the culprits. From their passports, the accused were identified as Mohammadreza alias Heydari Moggadham, resident of Kooche Zagros, Iran , Fereydoun alias Heydari Moggadham, resident of Block 3, No 9, Parand, Iran and Azizollah alias Pous, resident of Azadegan, Tehran, Iran, the DSP said. Some Turkish lira and Iranian rial notes were recovered from the accused, the DSP said. The accused told the police that they had come to India on a tourist visa. "On the day they committed the crime in Aur, as per their claims, they had arrived from New Delhi. Investigation is on in the matter," the DSP said. A court on Tuesday remanded the accused to police custody for two days. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Four persons, including a woman and her two children, sustained minor burn injures after a fire broke out at two buildings in Nizamuddin Basti in south Delhi Tuesday, police said. A call about the fire was received at 5.54 pm and five fire tenders were rushed to the spot, a senior officer of Delhi Fire Service said. Police said they were informed about the incident at 6.07 pm and immediately, a team of officers were rushed to the spot. Four persons who sustained minor burn injuries were rushed to Safdarjung Burn Casualty and according to duty doctor, all the four injured have sustained burn less that five percent, Vijay Kumar, Deputy Commissioner of Police (south) said. The fire was brought under control by 7.25 pm, the senior officer from Delhi Fire Service added. The injured were identified as Gulzaar (40), Shahista (35) and her sons Sehzaad (6) and Inzamam (8), the senior police officer said. Gulzaar owned a general store at the ground floor of the building where the fire started, the officer added. Short circuit in an electric wire is suspected to be the reason behind the fire, police said, adding further enquiry is underway. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Shiv Vihar-Trilokpuri Sanjay Lake section of the Pink Line is all set to be opened to public on Wednesday, following which the Delhi Metro will be running 4,749 trips a day, the "highest ever" so far, officials said. With the opening of this corridor, the Delhi Metro will also join the league of top metro networks around the world which have an operational length of over 300 km, like those in London, Beijing, Shanghai and New York. The 17.86 km-long section is slated to be formally flagged off for passenger operations by Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri and Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia Wednesday morning and it will be opened for passengers by afternoon. "With the commencement of services on Shiv Vihar--Trilokpuri section from Wednesday, the DMRC will be running 4,749 trips in a day, the highest ever so far," a DMRC spokesperson said Tuesday. Currently, the Delhi Metro operates over 4,000 trips per day, he said. In view of authorities taking action Tuesday after pollution level nosedived to severe', the first time this season, he said, "The DMRC will also work on the operationally best possible plan to help ease the pollution situation in the city." The DPCC has directed the transport department and traffic police to intensify checking of polluting vehicles and control travel congestion in Delhi and other NCR districts during November 1-10. Following the direction from the Supreme Court-appointed Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA), the DPCC notified Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) an other agencies to to enforce these measures. The all-elevated Shiv Vihar-Trilokpuri Sanjay Lake section in east Delhi consists of 15 stations, three of which are interchange facilities. Once this segment of the Pink Line is inaugurated, the Delhi Metro network will expand to nearly 314 km with 229 stations. The stations are Trilokpuri Sanjay Lake, East Vinod Nagar-Mayur Vihar-II , Mandawali-West Vinod Nagar, IP Extension, Anand Vihar ISBT, Karkardooma, Karkardooma Court, Krishna Nagar, East Azad Nagar, Welcome, Jaffrabad, Maujpur-Babarpur, Gokulpuri, Johri Enclave and Shiv Vihar. The main highlight of this section will be the presence of three interchange stations -- Anand Vihar (with Blue Line), Karkardooma (with Blue Line) and Welcome (with Red Line). However, due to infrastructure constraints, trains on the Trilokpuri Sanjay Lake-IP Extension section on this corridor will ply on a single route with a frequency of a little 15 minutes and 36 seconds, officials said Monday. A bottleneck near Triloklouri station has arisen due to multiple issues, including land acquisition, resulting in a portion of metro segment, about few kilometres remaining incomplete, rendering the Trilokpuri Sanjay Lake station, a terminus. Also, only every third train will go to Trilokpuri station from IP Extension due to the single line operation on down line due to non-availability of cross-over facility at Trilokpuri, Executive Director, Corporate Communications at DMRC, Anuj Dayal said. The train services between IP Extension and Shiv Vihar section will be run as per normal practice on both the lines at a peak hour frequency of 5 minutes and 12 seconds, officials said. "However, passengers heading towards Trilokpuri or Shiv Vihar will be required to change the trains at the platform level itself at Maujpur-Babarpur station. "This interchange is necessitated since Maujpur-Babarpur is designed to meet Phase-IV requirement as an interchange station with four platforms," Dayal said. The train services between IP Extension and Shiv Vihar section will be run as per normal practice on both the lines at a peak hour frequency of 5 minutes and 12 seconds, officials said. In construction of this section, the Delhi Metro has achieved a rare feat in metro construction by crossing over its existing operational line (Blue Line) at the Karkardooma Metro Station (old one) at a record height of 21 m above the ground, making it the second highest structure in the network. The highest point in the metro lies in Dhaula Kuan area, between Mayapuri and South Campus metro stations of the Pink Line, at a height of 23.6 m as high as a seven-storey building. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami Tuesday said the party has not extended any invitation to sidelined AIADMK leader T T V Dhinakaran to return to the ruling party fold but only to those who had gone "off track." Referring to the party extending an olive branch to 18 disqualified party MLAS, the AIADMK joint coordinator said some people were "lured away" with an intention to "break" the ruling party. "Some persons went off track and we have invited them to return. We have not extended invitation to T T V Dhinakaran because he is not a member of AIADMK," he told reporters here. After labelling them as betrayers, the AIADMK had Saturday extended an olive branch to the 18 disqualified MLAs, asking them to jump on to the ruling party bandwagon and flayed Dhinakaran, leader of Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam, for "misleading" them. "We invite you with love and affection to join again the massive people's movement nurtured by Puratchi Thalaivar MGR and Puratchi Thalaivi Amma," O Panneerselvam, the AIADMK coordinator, and Palaniswami had said. Their invitation had come in the wake of the Madras High Court last week upholding the June 14 order of the then Chief Justice disqualifying 18 rebel AIADMK MLAs. To a query, Palaniswami alleged that the DMK had anticipated the fall of the AIADMK government, besides a split in the party, following the death of J Jayalalithaa in 2016. However, none of this had happened, and the opposition party had now resorted to filing cases against him and some of his cabinet colleagues, charging them with corruption. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Left-backed All India Students' Association protested against the alleged inaction of the Delhi University in the fake degree case against Delhi University Students' Union president Ankiv Baisoya. In a statement, the association said their members gheraoed the Dean of Students' Welfare, DU, office for more than 2 hours on Tuesday to protest the delay in suspending Baisoya, who allegedly took admission in MA Buddhist Studies in the university on the basis of a fake BA degree of Thiruvalluvar University in Tamil Nadu. "Even after 45 days, the DU has maintained its silence on the fake degree row. The Thiruvalluvar University has already said that Baisoya was never a student in their university," the association said. They accused the Delhi University administration of colluding with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). "After our two-hour-long protest, the DSW was forced to come out and meet us. When the students refused to leave without concrete information on the stage of investigation, the Dean assured that the administration will complete the probe by November 2," the party said. Earlier this month, the Congress-backed National Students' Union of India had circulated a letter from the registrar of Thiruvalluvar University to Tamil Nadu's principal secretary of education, saying Baisoya never studied at their varsity. The NSUI had also released a letter from the varsity sent in response to a communication from the student's body, stating the university's BA certificate submitted by Baisoya was fake. Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court, which is hearing a related plea by NSUI student leader Sunny Chillar, on Tuesday listed the matter for hearing on November 12, after the DU said the verification process was likely to be completed by then. Chillar alleged in court that DU was "deliberately delaying" verification of authenticity of the DUSU president Baisoya's bachelors degree to benefit the ABVP. The varsity, represented by Additional Solicitor General Pinky Anand, said it has sent a letter to Thiruvalluvar University in Tamil Nadu along with the requisite fees asking it to verify whether Baisoya, a member of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidhyarthi Parishad (ABVP), was a student there as claimed by him. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav Tuesday extended his party's support to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's efforts to bring non-BJP parties onto a single platform to take on the BJP-led NDA. The SP leader spoke to Naidu over phone and stressed the need for saving the country from "dictatorial tendencies," a release from the Telugu Desam Party here said. "Secularism is under threat. The BJP is damaging the federal spirit and democratic values are being destroyed. There is every need to bring all parties, opposed to BJP ideology, together," the release quoted the Samajwadi party leader as telling the TDP supremo. While appreciating Naidu's efforts to bring non-BJP parties onto a single platform, Akhilesh Yadav said his party would support such moves. "With the image you have at the national level, you should bring all non-BJP parties onto a single platform," he added. The SP leader also "praised" Naidu's efforts in developing Andhra Pradesh in the last four years, the TDP release said. "Naidu also stressed the need for bringing all non-BJP parties together and sought Samajwadi party's cooperation," it said. Naidu recently expressed confidence that "political compulsions" will bring together all non-BJP parties to fight the NDA in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Naidu, who met string of opposition leaders in the national capital Saturday, had also said he will play the role of a "facilitator" in helping evolve a credible alternative. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress President Rahul Gandhi Tuesday said women of all age groups should be allowed to enter the Sabarimala temple, a remark that was at variance with the stand taken by his party's Kerala unit and which created ripples in the southern state. Gandhi, however, acknowledged that his opinion is different from that of his party on the "emotional issue" after the Supreme Court last month lifted the ban on entry of women of menstrual age to the hilltop shrine of Lord Ayyappa in Kerala. "It is a very emotional issue and my personal thinking on the matter is different from my party's Kerala unit," Gandhi told a select group of journalists in Indore in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh. "My personal view point on the issue of Sabarimala temple is that men and women are equal. All women should get permission to enter into the temple. However, my party's Kerala unit's view is that it is a very emotional issue for both men and women, he said. "Therefore, my personal opinion and my party's Kerala unit's thinking is different on the matter. My party represents the feeling of Kerala's natives on the issue," he added. The remarks by Gandhi came on a day when hundreds of BJP workers staged a "hunger strike" in front of the state police chief's office in Thiruvananthapuram protesting the LDF government's decision to implement the Supreme Court order that allowed entry of girls and women of all age groups to the shrine and also the police crackdown on the protesters. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan welcomed Gandhi's statement and flayed the state unit saying it was 'unfortunate' that the Congress in the state was not in sync with the its national leadership on the Sabarimala issue. "It is unfortunate that the Congress in Kerala does not have the same opinion as that of the party's national leadership on the subject," he said in a facebook post. A section of Congress leaders were adopting a 'conservative' approach on the issue which would only help the BJP, the chief minister said. Chennithala, the Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly, asserted that the Congress and the party-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in the state were with the believers of Lord Ayyappa who want the ban on entry of girls and women in the menstruating age group to be restored. "AICC chief has given permission to take that stand," he told reporters in Kozhikode, adding Gandhi's views on Sabarimala were his personal opinion. Chennithala also said there was no "confusion" in the party over the Sabarimala issue and that Gandhi had not disowned the state Congress's stand on the matter. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Andhra Pradesh government Tuesday decided to launch an awareness drive about the precautionary measures to prevent spread of swine flu in the backdrop of likelihood of higher occurrence of the seasonal influenza due to onset of winter. Special Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, Satish Chandra, held a tele-conference with District Collectors and senior health officials and directed them to conduct a mass awareness campaign to help people secure themselves against the flu. Cleaning hands, drinking more water and wearing face masks could help prevent the infection. The state health department said the number of swine flu cases fell drastically during January-October this year, compared to the corresponding period last year. During the period this year only 128 positive cases of swine flu were reported in the state as against 476 last year. Visakhapatnam district accounted for the highest number of swine flu cases (37) this year, followed by Chittoor (31) and Kurnool (25). In his interaction, Chandra said since a lot of people visit the state daily from neighbouring states such as Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Telangana and Karnataka, steps should be taken to prevent spread of swine flu through the floating population. As the flu could spread fast where there was heavy congregation of people, he asked the authorities to put up boards listing the precautionary measures. He also asked the health authorities to open isolation wards in hospitals to treat the flu-hit patients. The Special Chief Secretary instructed the municipal authorities to focus on sanitation upkeep in urban areas. Health authorities informed that special screening camps were being conducted in all major railway and bus stations in the state as well as Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada and Tirupati airports. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Assam Governor Jagdish Mukhi on Tuesday felicitated two women farmers for their inspiring role in organic farming and hoped their success stories would be replicated in other parts of the state. Mukhi felicitated Nabanita Das and Deepika Rabha and said their activities have the potential to change the fate of organic farming in the state in a number of ways. At a function held in Raj Bhavan on Tuesday, Mukhi said the efforts of the two farmers will have a cascading effect that can help in realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's assertion of transforming Assam and other NE states into a hub of organic farming. Assuring all help to the two farmers, he directed the agriculture department and other line departments to aid the duo's efforts in expanding the parameters of organic farming. Mukhi asked the two farmers to make use of government subsidies and replicate their agricultural practices in other parts of the state. Both the farmers had earlier been conferred with the national honour of 'Ideal Farmers' by the Centre. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Still trying to gather his bearings from the shock, a friend and former colleague of Bhavye Suneja, who died in the Lion Air plane crash in Indonesia, Tuesday described him as a great pilot. Captain Karanvir Chauhan, who worked with Suneja from 2011 to 2016 in Indonesia, said the 31-year-old had sound knowledge and understanding of the machine and aircraft. "He was a jolly person, someone who always tried to make the situation happy. In short, a happy go lucky man... He knew his books and there were times when we would consult him if faced with doubts," Chauhan told PTI over phone from Dubai. Suneja had over 6,000 hours of flying experience by now, he said, recalling the times they spent together on the Boeing 737. Chauhan, 30, who left Jakarta two years ago for Dubai, said the two had a great bonding which continued even after their marriages. Suneja was flying the Lion Air flight JT610 which lost contact with ground officials, 13 minutes after taking off from an airport in Indonesia, and crashed into the Java Sea Monday. The plane had 189 passengers and crew aboard and no survivors were expected. "We were shocked and could not believe my eyes when I saw the I got several calls and messages...I got worried and re-checked the and could not believe (it)," Chauhan said. He recalled how Suneja loved food and would not hold back even to cook for others. "He was good with food. I even spent my last evening in Indonesia with him when he opened a champagne especially for me," the pilot said. Suneja, a resident of Delhi, had completed his studies at the Ahlcon Public School in Mayur Vihar and then received his flying licence in 2009. His father Gulshan Suneja is a chartered accountant and his mother, Sangeeta, works with the Air India. He got married in 2016 and was based in Jakarta with his wife Garima Sethi, a former manager at the Indian Express. Bhavye's younger sister, Ruhaani, aspired to become a pilot, just like her brother, according to his neighbours. Meanwhile, the Lion Air said in a statement that the evacuation of all passengers, crew and flight JT610 that was crashed on Monday in the sea of Karawang, West Jawa was ongoing. "The airline is very concerned about the incident and will continue to render their co-operations to all parties concerned to provide first-hand information which relates to the status of affected passengers and crew. "It is with the hope that the families of the passengers and crew will have the strength and fortitude to go through this challenging time and the Search and Rescue (SAR) officers' operations to go smoothly," it said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A day after the Supreme Court deferred hearing the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute, a Haryana minister mocked the apex court's decision and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said justice delayed can be justice denied. "The matter pertaining to Shri Ram Janmabhoomi is before the Supreme Court. Justice delivered timely is considered to be the best justice. Delay in justice sometimes amounts to injustice," Adityanath tweeted Tuesday in Hindi. But at the same time, the tweet appealed to the seers demanding early construction of a Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya to exercise patience. The UP chief minister stopped short of demanding that the Centre bring legislation to allow the construction of the Ram temple, while suggesting that all alternatives to resolve the issue should be explored. But the demand for a law was reiterated Tuesday by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). It's up to the Centre whether they bring an ordinance or a bill. We want a law which ensures that rights of the land are transferred to Shriram Janmabhoomi Mukti Yajna Samiti for construction of the Ram temple," VHP's international working president Alok Kumar told PTI. Legal experts do not back the demand for an ordinance, voiced by some other saffron outfits as well. Senior jurists Rakesh Dwivedi and Ajit Kumar Sinha said there is no bar on the Centre to bring an ordinance for early construction of a Ram temple but propriety demanded that the government should wait for the Supreme Court's verdict. While Adityanath told reporters on the sidelines of an event in Lucknow that it would have been better had the Supreme Court decided to hear the land dispute early, a BJP colleague in Haryana went a step further. Supreme Court mahan hai (The Supreme Court is great), Haryana's Health Minister Anil Vij said, using the phrase twice in a tweet that seemed to mock the apex court decision. He compared the decision to defer the Ayodhya title suit hearing to the late-night hearing on a plea to delay the hanging of Mumbai attacks convict Yakub Memon. If it so wishes, it can open its doors on 29 July 2014 for an appeal to delay the death sentence awarded to 1993 Mumbai serial blasts convict Yakub Memon. And if it wants, it can give a date on the issue of Ram Mandir, for which crores of Indians are eagerly waiting. The Supreme Court is great, the Haryana minister's tweet in Hindi read. The pre-dawn Yakub Memon hearing actually took place on July 30, 2015. The apex court Monday said the course of hearings in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute will be decided in the first week of January by an appropriate bench. The court decision intensified demands by the RSS and its affiliated organisation that the government should bring a law allowing construction of a Ram temple at the disputed site. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Shiromani Akali Dal veteran Parkash Singh Badal Tuesday asked Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh to express remorse" and "apologise to the Sikh community for allegedly denigrating the Sikh gurus in the new class 12 history textbooks of the state education board. In a statement here, the five-time former chief minister said it was condemnable that Amarinder Singh has abrogated his responsibility as the head of the state and refused to lodge a criminal case against those responsible for preparation and distribution of sacrilegious material, which has assaulted the Sikhs sensibilities. The mere withdrawal of the history book which launched a brazen assault on the sacred image of the great Sikh guru sahiban, especially Guru Arjan Dev, Guru Hargobind , Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib and the tenth guru, Guru Gobind Singh is not enough," Badal said. "The chief minister should own responsibility for this 'bajra paap' (grave sin) and apologise to the Khalsa Panth and seek its forgiveness immediately, he demanded. Badal said the Congress government's refusal to bring the perpetrators of the "sacrilege", including the Punjab School Education Board chairman, indicated that there was a deep rooted conspiracy to distort the Sikh history and strike at the very core of the religion. This is also an attempt to sow the seeds of discord in young impressionable minds about the Sikh religion and take them away from it, he claimed. The former chief minister said all these distortions occurred after the Punjab government was forced to remove similar sacrilegious material from the same book, following which Amarinder Singh formed a committee to prepare new history books for classes 11 and 12. Now with even more serious distortions coming to the fore, it can only be assumed that the Congress government is working on a deliberate design to denigrate the Sikh community, Badal alleged. The Punjab chief minister had directed the PSEB Monday withdraw the new history textbooks for classes 11 and 12 and continue with the old ones prescribed for 2017-18 academic session till completion of the review of new books by an expert panel. The government's move had come after Akali Dal had accused the state government of hurting religious sentiments by allegedly including derogatory references to the Sikh gurus in some chapters of the Class 12 PSEB history textbooks. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A renegade Bangladeshi army major who later became a militant leader has emerged as the key accused in the murder of a noted progressive publisher three years ago even as police today said they had finished their investigation in the case. "Sacked and fugitive major Syed Ziaul Haq appeared to be the mastermind of the killing of publisher Faisal Arefin Dipan in our investigation," a spokesman of police's detective branch said. He said seven other operatives of the banned Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT) were also named in the charge sheet but Zia and another assailant were still on the run while others were in jail to face trial in the case. The spokesman said the case was filed under the anti-terrorism law which requires police to obtain home ministry approval. The militants had murdered 43-year-old Dipan in his office in central Dhaka's Shahbagh area in 2015, months after they killed atheist blogger Avijit Roy, the first victim in a wave of violence against secular writers, religious minorities and foreigners in Bangladesh. Bangladesh had earlier announced a bounty of 20 lakh Takas for Zia's capture. The police said Zia was the banned outfit's "operational chief" while he was on the run since 2011 when he allegedly tried to orchestrate a pro-Islamic army coup. The latest development comes five months after a special court in Dhaka handed down the death penalty to two militants, two years after they hacked to death a professor in Rajshahi University in northwestern Bangladesh. Operatives of Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) - said to be allied to the Islamic State - hacked 58-year-old Rezaul Karim to death using machetes near his house in Rajshahi city. Police have recently intensified investigations into a series of clandestine attacks on secularists and liberal intellectuals, bloggers and minorities, including gay activists. Top secular writer and physicist professor Jafor Iqbal was the last such target of militants in March this year when he narrowly survived an attack on the campus of the Shahjalal Science University in northeastern Sylhet. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bangladesh's ailing former prime minister suffered another setback on Tuesday when a court here doubled her jail term to 10 years in a corruption case, piling pressure on the Opposition ahead of general elections. The verdict comes a day after Zia, the of the Opposition Nationalist Party (BNP), was sentenced to seven years in prison in another graft case. A bench comprising Justice Enayetur Rahim and Justice Mostafizur Rahman announced the verdict after accepting the Anti-Corruption Commission's review petition to increase 73-year-old Zia's imprisonment in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case from five to 10 years, The Daily Star reported. A Dhaka court sentenced Zia to five years in jail in the orphanage corruption case on February 8. Zia has been imprisoned at the former central jail since then. No lawyer for Zia and other accused of the case was present in the court room. The bench did not say anything about other convicts of the case as they did not file any appeal and they are absconding. Zia cannot contest the next parliamentary elections following the verdict, Attorney General Mahbubey Alam told The Daily Star. "This verdict means that will not be able to contest in the upcoming election," the Anti-Corruption Commission's lawyer Khurshid Alam Khan told reporters. On Monday, she was sentenced for embezzling millions from the Zia Charitable Trust. Zia faces dozens of separate charges related to violence and corruption that her lawyers insist are baseless. She had recently complained to the court that she was losing feeling in her hand and in a leg. On October 6, she was taken to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University hospital, where she is currently receiving treatment. Tuesday's verdict is crucial as it came ahead of the parliamentary elections in December. Zia's party had boycotted the 2014 elections. The BNP has vowed nationwide marches later Tuesday to protest the verdict. The latest court ruling deals a crushing blow to Zia, who was hoping of running against incumbent Prime Minister in elections. Zia was made vice-chairperson of the BNP in March 1983 after the assassination of her husband. She became chairperson of the party on May 10, 1984, a post she is holding till now. In her 35 years of political career, Zia went to the jail several times. During the 2007-2008 tenure of the army-backed caretaker government, she was in jail for about a year on charges of corruption. In a stunning decision, a Bangladeshi court on Tuesday doubled former prime minister Khaleda Zia's jail term from five to 10 years in a corruption case. The decision came a day after she was sentenced to seven years in prison in another graft case. A High Court bench comprising Justice M Enayetur Rahim and Justice Mostafizur Rahman announced the verdict after accepting the Anti-Corruption Commission's review petition to increase Zia's imprisonment in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case, The Daily Star reported. "This verdict means that Khaleda Zia will not be able to contest in the upcoming election," ACC lawyer Khurshid Alam Khan told reporters. A Dhaka court sentenced Zia to five years in jail in the orphanage corruption case on February 8. Her son Tarique Rahman and four others Kamal Uddin Siddique, Salimul, Sharfuddin, and Ziaur Rahman's nephew Mominur Rahman were sentenced to 10 years' rigorous imprisonment. Zia has been imprisoned at the former central jail since then. On October 6, she was taken to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University hospital, where she is currently receiving treatment. The verdict is crucial as it came ahead of the parliamentary elections in December. Zia's party had boycotted the 2014 elections. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bangladesh and Myanmar agreed Tuesday to start returning Rohingya refugees in November, less than a week after UN investigators warned that a genocide against the Muslim minority was still ongoing. More than 720,000 of Myanmar's stateless Rohingya fled a brutal military crackdown in August last year, taking shelter in crowded camps in Bangladesh and bringing with them harrowing tales of rape, murder and arson in a military crackdown. Investigators have said senior Myanmar military officials should be prosecuted for genocide in Rakhine state, but the country has rejected these calls, insisting it was defending itself against militants. Myanmar and Bangladesh announced a large-scale repatriation plan in November 2017. But the process hit bureaucratic hurdles almost immediately and it failed to take off, as both sides blamed the other for the delay and rights group warned returning the Rohingya to Myanmar would condemn them to further reprisals. Authorities in Buddhist-majority Myanmar say more than 100 displaced Rohingya have returned in recent months, but Bangladesh insists that the official process has not commenced. "We are looking forward to starting the repatriation by mid November," Bangladesh foreign secretary Shahidul Haque said after talks in Dhaka between officials from both countries. "It is the first phase." Myanmar's permanent secretary of foreign affairs Myint Thu, who attended the talks, said both sides agreed to a "very concrete" plan to start the process next month. "We have shown our political will, flexibility and accommodation in order to commence the repatriation at the earliest possible date," he told reporters. Myanmar's government has trumpeted every occasion where a Rohingya family has returned, though rights groups have questioned whether the refugees did so voluntarily. Many fear returning to Myanmar without guaranteed rights such as citizenship, access to healthcare and freedom of movement -- rights that were denied to them long before last year's crackdown. The pledge to begin returning the Rohingya comes just days after UN investigators warned of an "ongoing genocide" against the Muslim minority in Myanmar. Marzuki Darusman, chairman of the UN Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar, said that beyond mass killings, the conflict included the ostracization of the population, prevention of births, and widespread displacement in camps. The UN says the return of the Rohingya must be voluntary, and conducted in dignity and security. It conducted conducted a survey of conditions in northern Rakhine state last month and reported "mistrust, fear of neighbouring communities and a sense of insecurity" prevalent in many areas. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Bangladeshi private port operator has committed USD 8 million foreign direct investment for the coastal inland waterways transport segment implemented by Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) on National Waterways-I, officials said Tuesday. Summit Alliance Port East Gateway (India) Pvt Ltd (SAPEL), part of a Bangladesh-based group, has won global contract as a private operator for three terminals GR-1, GR-II and BISN in Kolkata and an upcoming multi-modal terminal at Kalughat in Patna. "In the first phase, we will invest USD 3 million and USD 5 million in the second phase to import cargo handling equipment," a SAPEL official said. The terminals were handed over to the operator during an event held Tuesday in presence of Shipping secretary Gopal Krishna, IWAI chairman Pravir Pandey, Kolkata Port Trust chairman Vineet Kumar and other senior officials. Krishna said following the move, the cargo movement between Bangladesh and India would get a boost. SAPEL will be operating on a supply, operate and maintain model with concession for 30 years. Its revenue sharing will be 38.30 per cent with IWAI. A trial of 16 containers of cargo belonging to PepsiCo (India) from Kolkata to Varanasi on river Ganga (National Waterway-1) was flagged of at the same event. The development of both Kolkata and Patna terminals is being undertaken with a view to tap the huge potential of Nepal-bound containerised cargo on NW-1. While the available cargo upstream (for Nepal) at present is 44,000 TEU )twenty-foot equivalent unit), the cargo potential downstream stands at 12,000 TEU, officials said. Ro-Ro service was also flagged off that aims to reduce truck movement in the metropolis between Kolkata and Howrah. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Committee of Administrators (COA) wants the BCCI to appoint an ombudsman and an Ethics Officer at the earliest to deal with any disputes leading up to its much-awaited Annual General Meeting and elections. In its 10th status report to the Supreme Court, the COA explained why the two appointments need to be made before fresh elections are held. "The newly registered constitution of BCCI requires the appointment of an Ombudsman at the Annual General Meeting for the purpose of providing an independent dispute resolution mechanism...," the COA report stated. The COA said the the Ombudsman must be a retired judge or chief justice of a High Court and must be given a one-year tenure, subject to a maximum of three terms. It is not yet known when the BCCI AGM will take place where the Board will also hold elections. The AGM will be conducted as per the new constitution approved by the Supreme Court in its August 9 order, which gave state associations 30 days to comply but some state associations are continuing to oppose some of the reforms, including the age and tenure cap for office-bearers. "...it is necessary that the first Ombudsman be appointed at the earliest so that the provisions relating to independent dispute resolution mechanism under the newly registered constitution can be implemented immediately." Once appointed, Ombudsman will deal with grievances raised by members of BCCI and the IPL teams besides addressing acts of "indiscipline, misconduct, breach, etc". On the need for an Ethics Officer, the COA said: "It is necessary that the first Ethics Officer of BCCI be appointed at the earliest so that the complaints related to Conflict of Interest can be considered and addressed by a duly qualified person." The COA, comprising former CAG Vinod Rai and former women's team captain Diana Edulji, also called for a forensic audit of state associations to deal with the misuse of funds. The COA has also informed the Supreme Court that seven state associations have failed to submit the compliance report of the apex court order of August 9 and have not amended their constitution. The associations which have not submitted the compliance certificate to the COA are Haryana, Himachal, Gujarat, Karnataka, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Arunachal. The state bodies which have partially complied are Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Goa, Maharashtra, Bihar, Bengal, Chattisgarh, Manipur and Vidarbha. The list of substantially compliant associations comprise Mizoram, Puducherry, Delhi, Hyderabad, Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala, Mumbai, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Saurashtra, Sikkim, Tripura and Uttar Pradesh. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) : Bharat BillPay Tuesday said its bill payment platform has drawn over one crore customers here. Since the launch of Bharat BillPay in October last year, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)has enabled 107 billers across the country without 2.4 million agent outlets, chief project officer of the Bharat Bill Payment System A R Ramesh told reporters here. The Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom), Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), Gulbarga Electricity Supply Company, Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Company and Hubli Electricity Supply Company are part of Bharat BillPay, he said. Bescom has partnered with Vijaya Bank for Bharat BillPay which has increased accessibility of consumersto the biller on various channels, he said. Also, BWSSB is one of thenew billers that is on-board for the first time on aninter-operable bill payment ecosystem through Canara Bank, Ramesh said. A Bescom official told reporters that the total number of consumers paying bills through Bharat BillPay was 26,900 and the number has grown to 12 lakh in September 2018. It was decided that the Bharat BillPay system would be publicised so that people can shift to paying bills through this secure and easy bill payment system. The Bharat Bill Payment System is a Reserved Bank of India's (RBI) conceptualised ecosystem managed by the NPCI. It offers bill payment service to consumers through a network of agents/retail shops/bank-branches and digital channels like internet banking, mobile apps, websites of banks and non-bankentities. Presently, 62 banks and 10 non-bank entities function as Bharat Bill Payment Operating Units in the country, NPCI officials said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The BJP in Bengal is contemplating to field "considerable" number of candidates in the Lok Sabha elections next year with an intent to make inroads into Chief Minster Mamata Banerjee's solid support base among minorities, and corner a sizeable share of this numerically crucial vote bank. The saffron party's aim to make a shift in its political strategy in appears to be a result of their harvesting a good number of seats in the local body election early this year by fielding candidates. The BJP had fielded more than 850 candidates from the minority community in the poll to the three-tier panchayats, with nearly half of them winning the elections. In the last Lok Sabha polls, the BJP had fielded only two minority candidates in the state, which has a total of 42 seats. However, since the last Lok Sabha polls in the state, Bengal politics has witnessed a paradigm shift with the BJP emerging as the main challenger of the TMC by outsmarting the CPI(M) and the Congress. State BJP president told PTI, the party will aim to field "considerable" number of candidates, given the fact that the state has nearly 30 per cent Muslim population. "Although in our party, tickets are not distributed on the basis of religion, but we are receiving several applications from people of the minority community, expressing their desire to contest elections on our party ticket," Ghosh said. There is still time left to decide on the issue of candidates and tickets will be distributed on the basis of eligibility, winnability and capability of an individual, he said. Ghosh's views were echoed by party's Bengal Minority Morcha chief Ali Hossain, who felt Muslims are a deciding factor in the Bengal elections and the party cannot afford to ignore them. The ruling TMC, however, discounted BJP's minority outreach plan and asserted that they continue to have faith in party chief Mamata Banerjee. "The minorities have full faith in us. The BJP's strategy is nothing but a farce and the minorities are very well aware of their intentions," senior TMC leader Partha Chatterjee said. The Congress and the CPI(M) also pooh-poohed the BJP's Muslim outreach plan saying it was nothing but "shedding crocodile tears" ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. Ghosh claimed his party has expanded its base in Bengal by leaps and bounds and Muslims too are not out of its reach. "We are running the government at the Centre and in more than 20 states, Muslims are living in peace and there are no problems. We believe in development for all," he said. According to state BJP sources, who did not wish to be named, in order to make party president Amit Shah's target of 22 Lok Sabha seats from Bengal a reality, it is a "necessity" for the party to reach out to the minorities as the community plays a deciding factor in at least 10-12 Lok Sabha seats of the state. Buoyed by its performance in the last Panchayat polls, the BJP has prepared its Lok Sabha blueprint, targeting 26-28 parliamentary seats in the state. The party presently has two Lok Sabha seats -- Asansol and Darjeeling -- in the state. The BJP's Bengal minority wing chief Ali Hossain said the ultimate decision on the candidates' selection would be of the party. "We won't pressurise the party by saying that it has to field so many Muslim candidates. Everything will depend on various factors including whether he or she is able to win the seat or not," Hossain told PTI. The BJP minority morcha, unit had last week organised a two-day conference to discuss various issues pertaining to the Muslim community. A number of morcha leaders decided to propagate issues ranging from triple talaq to the Assam NRC to counter the "false propaganda" against the party. West Bengal Chief Minister Tuesday accused the of trying to "distort" the country's history to create a rift among the masses on religious lines. India's history and culture do not promote "sectarianism or bigotry", she asserted while addressing a public programme here. "Those trying to distort our secular history should know that the people of Bengal will neither encourage nor allow divisive politics," the chief minister said. Banerjee also lashed out at the BJP-led government in Assam and the Centre for leaving out names of 40 lakh people from the 'complete draft' of the Register of Citizens (NRC). "In Assam, they (BJP) are trying to drive out 40 lakh people, including Bengalis, by omitting their names from the NRC draft. "There had been reports of suicides by people who found their names missing from the draft. I wonder what will their counterpart ( Bengal unit) here will have to say about this" she asked. Drawing parallels between the NRC exercise and exodus of Bihari migrants from Gujarat, Banerjee said both the BJP-ruled states are trying to divide people on the basis of caste, creed, race and religion. "While they are driving away Bengalis in Assam, they are also ousting Biharis from Gujarat. The Constitution of our country teaches us to treat everybody equally. We cannot differentiate between people on the basis of caste, creed and religion," she said. The rape of a 14-month-old girl in Gujarat's Sabarkantha district on September 28 and the subsequent arrest of a labourer from Bihar for the crime led to sporadic incidents of violence against Hindi-speaking people in the western state. More than 60,000 Hindi-speaking migrant labourers have fled the state. The (TMC) supremo alleged that the had no regard for Gandhian principles. "Let us not forget Mahatma Gandhi's principles. Gandhiji had observed fast at the Beleghata area of Kolkata to stop religious riots. Let us not allow those who want to change the history of the country, the history of Gandhiji, to succeed," she appealed to the masses. Talking about distribution of land right documents in Cooch Behar, Banerjee claimed her government was working hard to give beneficiaries their due. Bangladesh and India exchanged 162 "adversely held" enclaves on Aug 1, 2015, at the stroke of midnight, ending one of the world's most complex border disputes that had lingered on for seven decades. A total of 111 Indian enclaves, spread across 17,160 acres, became a part of Bangladesh territory and similarly, 51 Bangladeshi enclaves, covering 7,110 acres, joined India. All Indian enclaves were located in Cooch Behar. The enclave residents were allowed to either reside at their present location or move to the other country. The chief minister, while chairing an administrative meeting Monday, had asked the district officials to speed up the process of handing over land documents to enclave dwellers. If necessary, an ordinance would be issued to speed up the process, she had said. Slamming the Centre for allegedly spending more on advertisements, less on development programmes, Banerjee said the NDA government should take a cue about running projects and schemes from Bengal. "In Bengal, we have allocated nearly 6,000 crores for various development schemes... Our schemes have been universally acclaimed. You (BJP) should learn from us," she said. As the ruling BJP is eyeing to field former Congress MLA Dayanand Sopte for the upcoming Mandrem Assembly bypoll in Goa, former state Chief Minister and BJP leader Laxmikant Parsekar Tuesday indicated that he might rebel against his party. Sopte and another Congress MLA recently resigned as members of the Goa Legislative Assembly and joined the BJP, dealing a blow to the opposition party in the state. Now, as the Congress started consolidating anti-BJP forces ahead of the upcoming bypoll in Mandrem Assembly, Parsekar said the BJP should stop taking him for granted. His statement comes two days after Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) chief Girish Chodankar met him at Mandrem, which the former had represented in the state assembly till 2017. Parsekar had lost to Sopte from Mandrem constituency in north Goa in the February 2017 Assembly polls. Earlier, Parsekar had criticised BJP's Goa unit chief Vinay Tendulkar for not taking him into confidence while inducting Sopte. "I will not reveal all my cards now. There is a feeling in BJP that I will never rebel against the party or I will never leave it (party). Sometimes, your virtues act as negatives and that has happened in my case. But this time, the party should not take me for granted," Parsekar said. Although he confirmed that Chodankar had met him, Parsekar refused to elaborate about the meeting. "These days there are many people who come and meet me. Chodankar had also come. There were some discussions," he said. Parsekar said the Mandrem block of the BJP still considers him (Parsekar) as the candidate from the constituency. "Let the elections be announced. Let the candidates be announced...then I will reveal my stand," he said. When contacted, Chodankar said the Congress has been meeting all the "anti-BJP forces". "We are rallying against Sopte, who is the probable BJP candidate in the constituency. We will defeat him in the constituency and our exercise in that direction has begun," he said. Chodankar also refused to divulge the details of the meeting with Parsekar, but said "everyone will come together to defeat the BJP candidate". Parsekar, who was the chief minister of Goa between 2014 and 2017, is one of the oldest members of the BJP. He had joined the party in 1994. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry on Tuesday approved the construction of nearly 215,000 affordable houses for the poor in six states under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna (Urban). According to the ministry, with the sanctioning of 215,083 more housing units, the total number of houses being funded under the PMAY(U) across the country would be 62,53,731. An official said West Bengal has sanctioned 1,00,704 housing units while 50,271 houses were authorised for Uttar Pradesh, followed by 41,707 for Andhra Pradesh, 20,499 for Maharashtra, 1,425 for Nagaland and 477 for Dadra and Nagar Haveli. A total of 334 projects with a cost of Rs 85.59 billion and central assistance of Rs 32.26 billion were approved in a meeting held under the chairmanship of HUA Secretary Durga Shanker Mishra. The government has set a target of one crore houses to be constructed in urban areas in the country over a period of seven years from 2015 to 2022. The PMAY(U), launched by Prime Minister in June 2015, aims to ensure "Housing for all by 2022". The Narendra Modi government is contemplating to bring petrol and diesel under the ambit of Goods and Services Tax (GST), Union Minister Ramdas Athawale said here on Tuesday. "We have done so much work, but there is some problem pertaining to petrol and diesel prices. The issue persists even though the prices have fallen a bit. But the Centre is contemplating to bring petrol and diesel under the ambit of GST," the Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment said at a conference here. "If petrol and diesel are brought under GST, it will help bring down their prices by Rs 20-30, which will provide relief to people of this country including the middle class and common masses," he added. Athawale said the states should also cut the taxes on petrol and diesel to provide some relief to people. In the past, the opposition parties have demanded that petroleum products be brought under GST. Asked about the Congress pointing fingers at the Modi government over the Rafale jet deal, Athawale said, "There is no corruption involved. The Congress and Rahul Gandhi are spreading lies." Athawale also defended the Centre's decision to send CBI Director Alok Kumar Verma and his deputy, Special Director Rakesh Asthana on leave. "Under such circumstances, how could the government have kept such officers in office. Had the government not sent them on leave, then the Congress would have said why no action was taken. When we took action then they are speaking otherwise. The Congress is looking to hold a protest on every issue," he said. On Friday, the Congress, led by its president Rahul Gandhi, staged protests outside CBI offices across the country against the Centre's decision. Speaking about the next year's general election, the Republican Party of India (RPI-A) leader claimed the NDA will win over 400 seats in the Lok Sabha elections, while the Congress will not bag more than 70. "The BJP will increase its tally to 300-plus seats in the Lok Sabha and overall the NDA will get over 400 seats," he claimed. "We will go to people on the basis of the work the NDA government has done. Rahul Gandhi is practising a lot for the 2019 match, but the Congress cannot score beyond 60-70 runs, I mean they cannot get more than these many seats," he said. The Union minister said the BJP will win comfortably in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The two states go to polls next month. In Rajasthan, where polling will be held on December 7, he said though there is a tough fight, the NDA will win. Athawale reiterated his demand for raising the reservation for the economically weak sections of all castes to 75 per cent from the existing around 50 per cent, with an additional 25 per cent quota in government jobs and colleges. He said he has always demanded reservation for economically backward classes from all castes, be it Jats in Haryana, Patels in Gujarat, Marathas in Maharashtra or Brahmins. "The reservation given to SCs, STs and OBCs should remain intact, but there are many other castes who are also demanding reservation..25 per cent reservation should be for these castes," he said. He added his party wants the government to bring a bill in this regard in Parliament. Athawale claimed granting reservation to others will also help bring down the atrocities against Dalits. "One of the reasons for atrocities against Dalits is that they are getting the benefit of reservation, while the others are feeling left out," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) China has held its fifth World Buddhist Forum as it seeks to reinforce links with countries where Buddhism, which originated in India, has strong influence. The forum, being held in the Chinese city of Putian attracted over 1,000 participants from 55 countries and regions, state-run China Daily reported on Tuesday. Buddhism came to China in 68 AD when the first Buddhist temple called White Horse Temple was built in Luoyang by Chinese Monk Xuanzang after a 17-year-long voyage to India. After that, Chinese Buddhist scholars Fa Xian and Xuan Zang travelled from China to Nalanda in Bihar, the seat of Buddhism, to collect the great Buddhist works. Buddhism is also well entrenched in Tibet. According to official data, China has 33,500 Buddhist temples of different schools, and 9,000 Taoist temples. There are around 222,000 Buddhist clerical personnel and over 40,000 Taoist clerical personnel, an official white paper released this year said. Addressing the forum, Wang Yang, a member of the standing committee of the Political Bureau of the ruling Communist Party of China said Chinese Buddhism should enhance ties with international Buddhists and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. Themed 'Exchange with mutual learning: Middle way for perfect harmony', the two-day event is being held in Putian, in Fujian province. Wang said the Chinese government supports Chinese Buddhism in having friendly exchanges with Buddhists in other countries, and promotes non-governmental exchanges. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) China has pledged to provide assistance of RMB 150 million to the Nepalese Army over a period of five years for humanitarian and disaster relief equipment. The Chinese assistance - equivalent to Nepalese Rs 2.5 billion - was announced during Nepal Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ishwor Pokhrel's visit to China. Pokhrel returned to Kathmandu on Tuesday on conclusion of his week-long visit. During the visit, Pokhrel and Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to this effect. With the latest aid, China's financial support to the Nepalese Army has increased by 50 per cent. Pokhrel held separate meetings with Chinese counterpart Wei and Vice-Chairman of the Central Military Commission of China Gen Xu Qiliang. Last year, China had extended RMB 100 million for humanitarian and disaster relief equipment to Nepal's Army. China has hiked defence assistance to the Nepalese Army in recent years. Pokhrel also attended the eighth Beijing Xiangshan Forum from October 24-26 that witnessed participation of more than 500 representatives from 67 countries and seven organisations from around the world. The forum was themed 'Building a new type of security partnership of equality, mutual trust and win-win cooperation'. Formerly known as the Xiangshan Forum, it was launched for the first time in 2006 with the objective of promoting cooperation among security officials, armed forces, international organisations and experts. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) China should "keep a sober mind" and "know its place", said an influential son of late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping, the architect of modern China, indicating increasing concerns in the country over President Xi Jinping's ambitious foreign policy and military assertiveness. The remarks by Deng Pufang, the eldest son of Deng Xiaoping, are seen as a counter-argument to President Xi's assertive foreign policy and focus on military expansion. "We must seek truth from fact, keep a sober mind and know our own place," said 74-year-old Deng in a recent speech that was obtained by the South China Morning Post. We should neither be overbearing or belittle ourselves," he said. Deng urged China to embrace a cooperative and win-win international environment. International uncertainties are on a rise. We should stick to the direction of peace and development, and try to earn a cooperative and win-win international environment, he said in an apparent reference to the current trade war with US amid the continued slowdown of Chinese economy and emerging military confrontation in the disputed South China Sea. "The most important thing at the moment is to properly address China's own issues," he said. Deng's father is regarded as the father of the country's reform and opening-up policy shedding the hard-line Communist policies pursued by Mao Zedong. He succeeded Mao after the death of the founder of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and put China on aggressive path of economic reforms enabling it to emerge as the world's second largest economy next only to the US. He had also advocated China to follow a low-key approach to global affairs. His famous quote that China should disguise its ambitions and hide its claws has formed part of the CPC's political philosophy. Deng, who suffered partial paralysis 50 years ago when he jumped from the third floor of a building in Beijing to escape from an attack on him and his family during cultural revolution, made the remarks in his speech last month when he was re-elected as the honorary chair of China's Disabled Persons' Federation (CDPF). The Federation is a semi-official association and Chinese President Xi Jinping and other top leaders of the CPC attended its annual inaugural meeting two days before Xi made the speech which was not reported in the official media. The reform and opening-up policy brought about earth-shaking changes to China comprehensive changes in politics, economy, society and culture, Deng said. He went on to say that China should remain on the same path for a century and not go backward. We should continue down this path...bite the bullet, make no regression and remain unwavering for a hundred years, he said. Deng is well known throughout China, and is considered highly influential among the sons and daughters of Communist China's first generation of revolutionaries, who are closely connected to the country's political elites. Xi himself is a son of a first generation revolutionary Deng's father's approach of "hide your edge and nurture your strength", which means behaving humbly and never taking the lead in world affairs became intensive public debate as China under Xi's leadership adopted a more assertive foreign policy in recent years leading to apprehensions over the rise of China and its efforts to play dominant role in the regional and global affairs. Deng also sharply criticised Mao's cultural revolution which resulted in millions of deaths. We had all been through the Cultural Revolution. Faith and morals were lost, the culture and the society were chaotic, he said. People had lost faith on everything. Commenting on Deng's speech, Dali Yang, a political science professor at the University of Chicago, said that while many have read Deng's speech as veiled criticism of current policies, the remarks might signal an internal shifting of stance within the party. "It's important to note that he paid homage to Xi's leadership as the core leader, Yang, an expert on Chinese told the Post. "In other words, he's not there to publicly criticise Xi. One possibility is that by mid-September the Chinese leadership had already shifted their stance internally and re-learned the lessons of Deng Xiaoping," Yang said. The remarks by Deng seemed an effort to preserve his father's legacies as Beijing seeks to reinterpret them, said Christopher Johnson, a China specialist at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington-based think tank. "The speech is definitely an effort to put the 'democratic' back in democratic centralism by encouraging debate and questioning the current policy line. It's a brave act, but I'm doubtful it's more than a one-off in elite circles, Johnson said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) China will build the country's first permanent airport in the South Pole which will provide logistical support to scientists and enhance airspace management in the resource-rich Antarctic, official media here reported on Tuesday. The 35th China's Antarctic expedition will leave on Friday and the major task is to build the airport, which is expected to be located along the ice sheet, 28 kms from the China-built Zhongshan station in Antarctic, the state-run Science and Technology Daily reported. Chinese scientists built a 4-kilometer-long, 50-meter-wide runway for fixed-wing aircraft in 2009 during the 25th expedition in the Antarctic. China is joining the US, Russia, Britain, Australia and New Zealand among others in having airfields in the Antarctic, which is rich in natural resources such as silver, gold, platinum and coal. In 2010, an airport called Feiying was constructed on the ice sheet, according to the earlier official Chinese media reports. The establishment of the airport will also help China gain management authority of airspace over the South Pole, state-run Global Times quoted the Science and Technology Daily as reporting. South Pole is the southernmost point on the surface of the Earth and lies on the opposite side of the Earth from the North Pole. Chinese analysts say the permanent airport will provide logistical support to scientists and enhance airspace management in the Antarctic. "The new airport allows medium and large transport aircraft, like Boeing planes, to take off and land in the South Pole, shortening transport time as well as enhancing efficiency," Zhang Xia, director of the Polar Strategy Centre at the Polar Research Institute of China, told the Global Times. He noted that the airport will complete China's aviation security system in the Antarctic, including the communications and meteorological support systems. The new airport will provide logistical support to Chinese scientists' research there. Specifically, the airport will decrease the exposure time of researchers in the polar environment, as well as medical aid time, he said. However, analysts pointed out that the project faces many difficulties, just like building an investigation station. "Around 99.5 per cent of the polar land is covered with accumulations of thick snow leading to a lack of hardness to build an airport," Zhang said, adding that the flat area in the Antarctic is not enough either, and some original districts have already been occupied by other countries. He noted that the existing runway near the Taishan station is only fit for light aircraft equipped with sleds, which have limited transport capabilities. Observers say China is ramping up its strategy in South Pole along with other big powers like US and Russia as ice receded due to climate change. As global warming melts sea ice across the far north, the region is becoming a development hot spot, with major powers like Russia and China seeking control of resources and transport routes, a recent report carried by Japanese publication Nikkei Asia Review said. The maximum ice coverage hit the lowest level on record in 2017. By as early as 2030, the Arctic Ocean could be largely free of ice in the summer, it said. The US Geological Survey reported that the Arctic Circle may hold about 30 per cent of the world's undiscovered gas. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's son Kartikey filed a criminal defamation suit Tuesday against Rahul Gandhi in a local court, accusing the Congress president of intentionally making false allegations about his name being in the 'Panama Papers' of alleged tax evaders. In the suit filed in the Special Court of Additional District Judge (ADJ) Suresh Singh through his lawyer Shirish Shrivastava, Kartikey Chouhan has alleged that Gandhi intentionally gave the statement to defame him. The criminal defamation case was filed under sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Under these sections, a person guilty of criminal defamation can be sent to jail for two years. The court has posted the matter for November 3 when Kartikey's statement will be recorded. The Panama papers refer to 11.5 million leaked documents published by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists in 2016 with details of offshore entities set up by a Panama-based legal firm. The list included several Indian individuals and entities, many of whom are facing investigation. Addressing a rally in Jhabua district of poll-bound Madhya Pradesh on Monday, Gandhi had alleged the name of the son of 'mamaji' had figured in the Panama Papers but no action was taken against him. Chief Minister Chouhan is often referred to as 'mamaji', though Gandhi did not specifically name him. Hours after Gandhi's allegations, Kartikey Chouhan had rejected the allegations. "Rahul Gandhi has made a false allegation of my involvement in Panama Papers. I am aggrieved as the image of mine and my family were damaged in a childish manner," he had said, while warning of "strict legal action" if the Congress leader did not apologise within 48 hours. Kartikey's counsel said Gandhi's statement was intended to defame Chouhan and his family as the Congress has failed to make a dent in the popularity of the chief minister. "Now they are levelling allegations against his family and children. It was a clear cut intention. It was a well-planned statement," Shrivastava said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's son Kartikey filed a criminal defamation suit Tuesday against in a local court, accusing the Congress leader of intentionally making a false allegation about his name being in Panama Papers of alleged tax evaders. Gandhi, who had made these comments during an election rally in Jhabua on Monday, sought to clarify his remarks saying he had got "confused" and the Madhya Pradesh chief minister's son had no link to the Panama Papers case. In the suit filed in the Special Court of Additional District Judge (ADJ) Suresh Singh through his lawyer Shirish Shrivastava, Kartikey Chouhan has alleged that Gandhi intentionally gave the statement to defame him. The criminal defamation case was filed under sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Under these sections, a person guilty of criminal defamation can be sent to jail for two years. The court has posted the matter for November 3 when Kartikey's statement will be recorded. The Panama papers refer to 11.5 million leaked documents published by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists in 2016 with details of offshore entities set up by a Panama-based legal firm. The list included several Indian individuals and entities, many of whom are facing investigation. Addressing a rally in Jhabua district of poll-bound Madhya Pradesh on Monday, Gandhi had alleged the name of the son of 'mamaji' had figured in the Panama Papers but no action was taken against him. Chief Minister Chouhan is often referred to as 'mamaji', though Gandhi did not specifically name him. Hours after Gandhi's allegations, Kartikey Chouhan had rejected the allegations. " has made a false allegation of my involvement in Panama Papers. I am aggrieved as the image of mine and my family were damaged in a childish manner," he had said, while warning of "strict legal action" if the Congress leader did not apologise within 48 hours. Kartikey's counsel said Gandhi's statement was intended to defame Chouhan and his family as the Congress has failed to make a dent in the popularity of the chief minister. "Now they are levelling allegations against his family and children. It was a clear cut intention. It was a well-planned statement," Shrivastava said. Speaking to a select group of journalists in Indore, Rahul sought to clarify his remarks and said, "For campaigning I am touring Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan these days. The ruling has indulged in so many scams and corruption that yesterday, I got confused." "In Panama Paper leak case, Madhya Pradesh chief minister has no role," Gandhi said, but alleged that the chief minister had a role in scams like Vyapam and e-tendering, among others. The Vyapam scam refers to massive irregularities in state government jobs recruitment and selection in medical courses done by the Madhya Pradesh Professional Examination Board. The main Opposition party has also been alleging large-scale corruption through e-tendering in Madhya Pradesh. It has claimed massive irregularities in grant of state government procurement and other works through a website developed by two private IT companies. The ruling party has denied these allegations. Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das Tuesday sought reports from the Superintendent of Police of all the 24 districts in the state on rape incidents in their district. During his weekly 'Sidhi Baat' (Jan Samvad) with the people at the Suchana Bhavan here, Das directed the SPs of all the districts to submit report within a week on rape incidents and police action taken, an official release said here. The chief minister said he will review the action taken by the police to arrest the accused persons, charge sheet filed against accused persons and their convictions, the release said. He also expressed concern over a complaint in connection with no action being taken against the culprits who perpetrated a crime on a girl in Giridih district, it said. He asked the Superintendent of Police of Giridih district to file charge sheets within two months on all such cases. The chief minister also directed the SP to suspend the police officer or the investigation officer if he failed to do so within the time frame, the release added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee Tuesday condemned the killing of two policemen and a Doordarshan cameraman in a Naxal attack in poll-bound Chattisgarh's Dantewada district. TPCC spokesperson Shujath Ali, who had earlier served as Head of News, Doordarshan Chennai, demanded Rs one crore compensation to the family of the deceased cameraperson. This is the first time that Naxalites have killed an official video journalist in their attack, he said in a statement here. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Congress condemned the Naxal attack in Chhattisgarh in which two police personnel and a Doordarshan (DD) cameraman were killed on Tuesday. Two policemen were also injured in the attack in Dantewada district of the poll-bound state. Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala paid tributes to the deceased and termed the BJP government in the state "incompetent and worthless". "The people of Naxal-hit Chhattisgarh have made up their mind to oust the incompetent and worthless government of Chief Minister Raman Singh," Surjewala tweeted. He said, "A coward and scared Raman Singh has no right to be the chief minister even for a minute now". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Congress on Tuesday accused the government of "destroying" institutions in the country by "assaulting their autonomy" as it hit out at Finance Minister Arun Jaitley over his criticism of the RBI and demanded that he apologise. Senior Congress leader Anand Sharma accused Jaitley of "interfering" in the functioning of the Reserve Bank of India and alleged that the government was seeking to take charge of the country's monetary policy, a domain of the RBI. There was no immediate comment from Jaitley or the government on the Congress' charges. "We demand from this government to desist from destroying another autonomous institution, to retract their steps, engage in dialogue and consultations rather than seeking to justify what is patently wrong and unjustified," he told reporters. The Congress leader expressed surprise at the sharp attack of the Finance Minister on the RBI and its performance. "The central bank is independent and autonomous. It is in the interest of the Indian economy that the Reserve Bank alone remains the regulator for the Banks for the lending, for borrowings and fixes the rates for the banks. Only the Reserve Bank must have the powers to regulate the Public Sector Banks and none else. "This government has ignited a fire through its repeated interference from day one and now it is the government's move to take charge of the Monetary Policy, is an ominous move. It cannot be accepted, it must be opposed. Government being a spending authority cannot become the monetary authority for the country," he said. Sharma demanded that Finance Minister Jaitley apologise for "attacking the RBI and seeking to infringe upon its independence". His remarks came after Jaitley strongly criticised the RBI for failing to check indiscriminate lending between 2008 and 2014, when the Congress-led UPA was in power, and blamed it for the present bad loan or NPA crisis in the banking industry. The remarks by Jaitley came amid reports of mounting tension between the finance ministry and RBI after the central bank's Deputy Governor Viral V Acharya in a speech on Friday warned that undermining autonomy and independence of RBI could be "potentially catastrophic". Jaitley said between 2008 to 2014 after the global economic crisis, to keep the economy artificially going, banks were told to open "your doors and lend indiscriminately". "The central bank looked the other way, there was indiscriminate lending," he said. "I am surprised that at that time the government looked the other way, the banks looked the other way. I don't know what the central bank was doing (because) it was the regulator of these. They kept pushing the truth under the carpet." Sharma hit back at Jaitley accusing him and the prime minister of having "failed" the country's economy. "Both he (Modi) and his Finance Minister have proved to be not only inefficient but thoroughly incompetent when it comes to managing of the Indian economy, which has been nose-diving. "There has been flight of capital which has forced the situation to ensure that we borrow some extra money," he alleged, adding that almost USD 32 Billion (close to more than Rs 3 lakh crore) has flown out of the country. "Under Modi and BJP, they are damaging all the independent institutions of the country which have their role in maintaining governance and administration like CBI, ED, IT, DRI, central universities and many others," he alleged. Sharma alleged that RBI Governors have been "far more competent" than Arun Jaitley or Narendra Modi and when eminent economist Manmohan Singh was prime minister. The Reserve Bank played a stellar role as it ring-fenced the Indian economy and the big economies all over the world took note of India's Central Bank's functioning during the global economic crisis. "This is something which was acknowledged by the emergency meetings of G20 heads of state and government," he said. Saying that "the RBI is not competent, not capable, is the most unfortunate thing. I demand that Jaitley take his words back and apologise for insulting the RBI," Sharma said. He said that this was not the first time the government has interfered in the RBI and the first example was demonetisation when on November 8, 2016, 85 per cent currency was invalidated by the Prime Minister. "That was the first biggest attack on the RBI when it was forced in a board room to take that step," he alleged. Sharma also slammed the government over the depreciating Rupee, which has lost 16 per cent of its value since January this year and alleged that it was a big contradiction to the claim of fastest growing economy. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Congress staged a protest outside the CBI office in West Bengal on Tuesday over the ongoing power tussle in the probe agency and accused the Centre of converting it into a "political tool" against the Opposition. Carrying placards against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the protesters gathered outside the office in Salt Lake town, neighbouring Kolkata, and shouted slogans: "Gali gali mein shor hain, desh ka chowkidar chor hain" (People in every lane are shouting that the country's watchman is a thief). One of the protesters was seen carrying a placard depicting the Central Bureau of Investigation in a cage. State Congress president Somen Mitra said the decision to send CBI director Alok Verma on leave and subsequent transfer of several officials would lead to the common people losing faith on the premier investigating agency. "The CBI is handling two important cases related to Bengal -- the Saradha chit-fund scam case and the Narada scam. If there is a chaos in the CBI, it will help the corrupt leaders associated with the scam who are being investigated by the agency," he said. The Modi government has systematically subverted all institutions, he said, adding its efforts to protect the corrupt and make the CBI its "political instrument" must be defeated. This tendency to control every institution to serve the BJP's political purpose has led to the chaos in the CBI, he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Indian Constitution is under attack from the BJP and the RSS, Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said here, the birthplace of B R Ambedkar, the architect of the Constitution. The BJP rejected his allegation and said it was the Congress which has disrespected the constitutional bodies for decades. "This is Ambedkarji's land. Ambedkarji poured his heart out, gave his life and applied his might in making the Constitution. As a result, India has a beautiful Constitution. It was the gift of Ambedkarji," Gandhi told a public meeting in the poll-bound Madhya Pradesh after paying tribute at the memorial of Baba Saheb. "I remember him here today. The Constitution is under attack. The CBI director is removed at 2 am, the Supreme Court judges hold press conference saying they are not being allowed to work and mention Judge Loya," he said. "The Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) keeps mum when a BJP MLA rapes a woman in Uttar Pradesh," the Congress leader charged. "When Rohith Vemula (a PhD student at the University of Hyderabad) gets a letter from Education Ministry, he was crushed to death. This is not an attack on Rohith Vemula. This is an attack on the Constitution. The BJP and RSS are attacking it," Gandhi alleged. He added that in the land of Ambedkarji, he would assert that "the Congress and we all unitedly will protect Indian Constitution." Taking a dig at the Prime Minister, Gandhi said, "First Modi used to say, 'achche din' (good times), and people said aayenge (will come). Then came suit and boot government. After some time, suit, boot and jhooth (lies) government came. "Now it is suit, boot, jhooth (lies) and loot government." Reacting to Gandhi's comments, Madhya Pradesh BJP spokesman Deepak Vijaywargiya said the Congress has disrespected the constitutional bodies, like the Supreme Court since decades. He added that the Modi government holds the Supreme Court and other institutions in high esteem and was working for all-round development of the country. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a fresh controversy surrounding RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav's ongoing Samvidhan Bachao Yatra, posters were put up in Nawada district ahead of his arrival there featuring him with local MLA Raj Ballabh Yadav who is in jail for allegedly raping a minor girl. The RJD heir apparent, however, brushed aside the incident, saying he was in Patna while the posters were being put up in the central Bihar town by enthusiastic supporters. The former deputy chief minister also said the MLA was facing trial and was yet to be proven guilty by court. The ruling JD(U) in the state shot off an open letter to his mother and RJD national vice-president Rabri Devi, cautioning her against her sons hobnobbing with people who were "synonymous with terror for the women of Bihar". "Is it necessary to bestow honour on a rape accused? Your husband Lalu Prasad is serving sentences in corruption cases. Is it essential to be corrupt and a rape accused for upholding the virtues of social justice and communal harmony," JD(U) spokesman Neeraj Kumar said in his letter. "The people your son has been of late hobnobbing with and the person whose image can be found on posters and banners in Nawada ahead of your sons visit, have been synonymous with terror for the women of Bihar," he said. Kumar asked if as a woman, she would herself favour other woman living in a state of perennial terror. His remarks came in the backdrop of Tejashwi Yadav's visit to districts like East Champaran, Gopalganj and Siwan last week as part of the statewide tour which was mired in controversies on account of reports of the RJD leader maintaining close links with people with criminal backgrounds. His tour of Siwan was marked by a visit to the village of Mohd Shahabuddin, one of the most dreaded history-sheeter politicians of Bihar. His life sentence in a double murder case was upheld by the Supreme Court. Shahabuddin's wife, Hina, had shared the stage with the RJD heir apparent at his Siwan rally. This was followed by a photograph showing Yadav sharing the stage with a criminal named Suresh Chaudhary in Gopalganj district. There were also images and video footage of a crown being placed on his head by Rajan Tiwari another notorious gangster-turned politician, in East Champaran district. Upon reaching Nawada, Tejashwi Yadav told reporters, "I could not have preempted, while in Patna, what enthusiastic supporters were going to do in Nawada." "Moreover, Raj Vallabh Yadav is yet to be proven guilty by a court. He has been named an accused but so am I. I am out on bail," he said. The former Bihar Deputy chief minister was named as an accused in a money laundering case lodged by central investigating agencies. He got bail by a Delhi court recently. Training guns at Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who is also the JD(U) national president, Yadav claimed his name had cropped up in a murder case. "The Delhi High Court imposed a cost on him in another case relating to plagiarism. Before pointing fingers at others, JD(U) leaders need to question their leader," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An accountant of a cotton factory was allegedly looted of Rs 19 lakh by three masked men in Rajasthan's Hanumangarh district, police said Tuesday. Anil Kumar was on his way to deposit the cash in a bank when the motorcycle-borne men stopped him and looted the bag with cash on Monday, Station House Officer at Sangaria police station Arun Chaudhary said. A search was on to nab the accused, the officer added. In a similar incident, two unidentified men on Monday had looted a petrol pump accountant of Rs 13.90 lakh in Nagaur district by throwing chilli powder in his eyes. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A special court Tuesday rejected businessman Vijay Mallya's plea seeking a stay on the proceedings initiated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to declare him a fugitive economic offender (FEO). Special judge M S Azmi rejected Mallya's plea and said the court will hear arguments on the main ED plea to declare the beleaguered industrialist an FEO on November 22. The special court had heard extensive arguments on Friday from Mallya's lawyer as well as the ED counsel on his petition seeking a stay on proceedings of the financial crime probe agency against him. The ED has sought that Mallya, who is currently in the UK, be declared an FEO and his properties be confiscated and brought under the control of the Union government as per provisions of the new FEO Act. Mallya's counsel Amit Desai, however, had urged the court, set up under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), to refrain from hearing the ED's plea at least till November 26. Desai had told the court that earlier this month, the appellate tribunal against money laundering had directed the ED to maintain status quo with regard to Mallya's properties till November 26, the next date of hearing before the tribunal. The ED, represented by advocate D P Singh, however, had told the court that Desai's arguments were aimed only at ensuring that Mallya did not have to face any proceedings before any court in India. He has no intention of repaying anyone, or, of ever coming back to India. Mallya is using the pending extradition proceedings and his bail conditions imposed by an English court as mere excuses to avoid coming back to India. Declaring him an FEO is the only way to bring him back, ED had told court. The ED had also argued the court could first declare Mallya an FEO and then wait for the tribunal's proceedings before acting upon the agency's plea for confiscation of the embattled liquor tycoon's properties and assets. Mallya, accused of defaulting on loan repayments and money laundering, left India in March 2016. The 62-year-old former Kingfisher Airline boss is fighting extradition to India on charges of fraud and money laundering. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The CPI Tuesday hit out at the BJP and the RSS over the Sabarimala issue, accusing them of launching a "war" against women and motherhood. CPI national secretary D Raja slammed BJP chief Amit Shah's statement threatening to "pull down" the LDF government led by Pinarayi Vijayan over the issue. Addressing reporters here, he alleged that while the BJP and other saffron units had charged the CPI (M) government in Kerala with having "launched a war against Hindus," it was the Sangh outfits that were actually targeting women in the guise of Ayyappa devotees. He said it was the Supreme Court which had ruled in favour of entry of women of all age groups into the shrine and that it "is not a CPI (M) verdict". "Boycott of women (at Sabarimala) has come to an end. The BJP, RSS and VHP are creating violence in the name of devotees. The BJP and the RSS have launched a war against women and motherhood," he alleged. On Shah's recent remark that BJP workers "would not hesitate to pull down the government" if Ayyappa devotees were attacked, Raja asked whether the saffron party had the strength to do so in the state Assembly. "Is this democratic," the Rajya Sabha MP asked. In a hard-hitting speech after inaugurating the BJP district office in Kannur Saturday, Shah alleged the communist government was "conspiring against temples". He also came out in support of Ayyappa devotees, who have been protesting against the implementation of the Supreme Court's decision to allow entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine. "You concentrate on developing the state rather than attacking the Ayyappa bhakts," the BJP president had said and warned Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan that he would have to pay a "heavy price" if this continues, as BJP workers "would not hesitate to pull down the government". Hitting out at the BJP government at the Centre, Raja said parliamentary democracy and other institutions in the country were "under attack," and urged all secular forces to join hands against the government. He also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Rafale deal, and urged him to speak out on the matter. Raja demanded a probe by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). The Rs 58,000-crore Rafale fighter jet deal has been at the centre of a raging political row with Congress accusing the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance government of wrongdoing. The government has rejected all allegations. Referring to the political climate in Sri Lanka, Raja said newly sworn-in Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa was president during the peak of hostilities in the island nation. There were a number of allegations of war crimes against the army then, he said. Tamils were "still struggling" for their rights, he said, and urged India to strive for their well-being. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi airport is expected to witness a boost in its capacity with an investment of nearly Rs 9,000 crore, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said Tuesday. The Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in the national capital is operated by DIAL -- a consortium of GMR Group, Airports Authority of India (AAI) and Germany's Fraport. It is the busiest aerodrome in the country. Naidu said Delhi airport will see an investment of about Rs 9,000 crore to boost capacity and handle 100 million passengers per annum. He was speaking here after unveiling two publications about Delhi airport. Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha said the Delhi airport is expected to handle 70 million passengers in 2018 and the numbers would touch up to 11 crore (110 million) the coming years. He also said that the airport employs over 1 lakh people directly and another 5 lakh people indirectly. Naidu unveiled two publications -- 'The Economic Impact of Delhi Airport' and a Coffee Table Book (CTB) on 10-year journey of Delhi airport. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Denmark's intelligence service PET on Tuesday accused Tehran of plotting an attack against three Iranians living in the Scandinavian country, in response to a deadly attack in Iran in late September. "It was an operation by the Iranian intelligence service which, we believe, was planning an attack in Denmark" against three Iranians suspected of belonging to the Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahvaz, PET chief Finn Borch Andersen told reporters. A Norwegian of Iranian origin was arrested on October 21 and placed in custody, suspected of planning the attack and spying for Iran. The suspect was detained in Sweden, according to the Swedish security service Sapo. At the end of September, Tehran had accused Denmark, the Netherlands and Britain of "hosting several members of the terrorist group" that Iran accuses of being responsible for an attack in the mainly ethnic Arab city of Ahvaz in southwestern Iran. The September 22 attack, in which five commandos opened fire on a military parade, left 24 people dead. The so-called Islamic State group and a separatist Arab group claimed responsibility for the attack. Tehran's operation in Denmark was "completely unacceptable", Danish Foreign Minister Anders Samuelsen wrote on Twitter. "The government will respond to Iran and speak to its European partners about further measures," he added. Iran's ambassador to Copenhagen was summoned to the foreign ministry for an explanation on Tuesday. PET's announcement ends weeks of media speculation about why Denmark shut down bridges to Sweden and ferries for several hours on September 28 in a massive manhunt that mobilised hundreds of police and the military. The shutdown was aimed at preventing the Iranian operation, PET acknowledged on Tuesday. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Aviation watchdog DGCA on Tuesday reviewed the performance of Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft operated by Jet Airways and SpiceJet, a senior official said, a day after the plane crash in Indonesia. On Monday, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft operated by Indonesia's Lion Air crashed into the sea shortly after taking off from Jakarta. Currently, Jet Airways and SpiceJet are the only domestic carriers flying Boeing 737 MAX planes. Together, they have six such aircraft. "As on date, six B737Max 8 aircraft in India have accumulated about 4,000 hours since their induction effective June 2018 onwards. There are no significant technical issues encountered on these aircraft," the official said. However, the official did not elaborate. More than 200 737 MAX planes have been delivered across the world by Boeing. Following the crash, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had also sought details about it from Boeing and US regulator Federal Aviation Authority (FAA). According to the official, as on September 2018, Boeing has informed that 219 737 MAX planes have been delivered across the world. According to the official, Boeing has communicated to its worldwide operators, including Jet Airways and SpiceJet, that they do not recommend its operators any action at this time. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) From Dhritarashtra to Duryodhana, each character from the epic Mahabharata is "alive" today, former president Pranab Mukherjee said Tuesday, even as he hailed Draupadi as a woman of immense substance who possessed inner strength to speak out against "insults and injustice". He was addressing a gathering after the launch of the book "Draupadi and Her Pancala: Re-asserting Their Place in History" at the National Museum here. The book has over 20 scholarly pieces on her. Draupadi, one of the most iconic female characters in the Mahabharata, was the daughter of Drupada, ruler of ancient kingdom of Panchala. Mukherjee hailed the character of Draupadi for her qualities and said she is ever relevant today and it was time to recognise and honour this woman of "immense substance". "Nearly all papers bring out her inner strength, challenging all odds, fighting adversity with dignity. And therein lies her inner strength as a woman, which tells her to speak out against insults and injustice," he said. Draupadi's actions and reactions emphasise the place of women in society, another issue that is ever relevant in today's world, he said. "In fact, each character in Mahabharata is as alive today as it was during the period when it happened. You just have to look around in society and you will find a Dhritarashtra, a Duryodhana, a Shakuni, but there will always be one Draupadi, raising voice for justice," Mukherjee said. "We must all give our unending eternal support to her," he said. Dhritarashtra, Duryodhana and Shakuni are among the most well-known characters from the ancient epic. Dhritarashtra is the blind mythical character, who is the king of the Kuru Kingdom, who had hundred sons, including Duryodhana, the eldest of the Kauravas. Shakuni, maternal uncle of Duryodhana, is an extremely intelligent but devious man, as portrayed in the epic. The former president said many people seem to be lost in the misconception and misinterpretation of the 'real Draupadi'. "Today's society needs to know about the real Draupadi and learn from her intellectual and devotional strength. Draupadi is ever relevant and it is time, we recognise and honour this woman of immense substance," he said. Mukherjee also described how Lord Krishna, was Draupadi's "friend, spiritual master and guide" and gave her energy to raise her voice not only to "overcome her trials, but speak up against gender discrimination and all sorts of injustice". He said scholars of various different disciplines have combined work, tracing from the Rig Vedic time to medieval time period, to post-modern period, and "puts her on a pedestal on which she truly belongs". "She was the greatest daughter of not just Panchal, but also of our Bharat... The book also discusses the belief that Draupadi was responsible for the Kurukshetra war narrated in Mahabharata," he said. Director General of the National Museum, B R Mani, described the span of the mythical kingdom of Panchal an the area in contemporary India which is believed to be that region and the excavations that have taken place. Due to turbulence of almost seven hundred years of external invasion and almost two centuries of colonial domination, and "distortion of our ancient texts", many people have been "deprived of knowing our own legacy", Mukherjee said. "This makes this work (book), a significant documentation of the heritage and culture of our ancient time," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Asserting that he does not need the BJP's "certificate" to visit temples, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi said on Tuesday he understands the Hindu religion better than the saffron party does and he is a "nationalist leader" who respects every religion. "I am not a 'Hinduwadi' leader, but a nationalist leader. I am a leader of every religion, every caste, every language and every class," he said. A day after the BJP's barb that Gandhi was "exhibiting fancy dress Hinduism" with his temple visits in the poll-bound Madhya Pradesh and in other states earlier, the Congress leader retorted, "Are the country's temples the sole property of the BJP and the RSS? Have only Modi and Shah got the contract to visit temples?" Interacting with select journalists here, Gandhi said the BJP remains silent whenever Prime Minister Narendra Modi or the BJP president Amit Shah visit a temple wearing clothes as per that temple's tradition. "But when Kamal Nath, Jyotiraditya Scindia and I wear clothes as per the temple's tradition, it is said that we are exhibiting fancy dress Hinduism," he said. Gandhi had started his two-day tour of Madhya Pradesh on Monday after offering prayers at Ujjain's famous Mahakaleshwar temple. Hours after Gandhi's temple visit, BJP spokesman Sambit Patra had alleged, "... Rahul Gandhi is exhibiting fancy dress Hinduism continuously. To mislead the Hindus, he is sporting a "janeu" (sacred thread) over the shirt. We demand that 'janeudhari' Rahul Gandhi clarify to which 'gotra' (clan) does he belong to." Talking to journalists here, Gandhi said, "If I feel like going to a temple and offering prayers to God then I will definitely visit it. I don't need a certificate from the BJP. I understand Hindu religion better than the BJP does."Replying to a question, he said he visits mosques, gurudwaras, churches and other places of worship as he respects every religion. Describing Hinduism and Hindutva as two different concepts, he said, "Hinduism is a liberal and progressive concept that teaches love and respect for others, while there is hatred, insecurity and anger in the foundation of the BJP's idea of Hindutva." "The BJP has ownership of Hindutva. But no one can claim sole ownership of Hinduism because it is a great concept. No one group can have a monopoly over it... We are a party which believes not in Hindutva, but in Hinduism," he said. "When I visited temples during the Gujarat elections, the BJP went mad thinking how did I go there, although I had been to temples earlier. I had also visited Ayodhya," he said. On a question regarding efforts to bring the issue of Ram temple into focus ahead of the upcoming polls, he said, "The Modi government has failed to fulfil the promises of ending corruption, bringing good days, providing jobs to youths and right prices to the farmers for their produce." "This government can see only one way to save itself. But it will not be able to save itself," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Enforcement Directorate's chief investigating officer for 2G cases, Rajeshwar Singh, has handed over all his charges and has been sanctioned leave to pursue a law course, officials said Tuesday. The officer's last task was filing a charge sheet under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against former finance minister P Chidambaram on October 25. They said Rajeshwar Singh's leave was sanctioned by the then ED Director Karnal Singh, for pursuing a course in LLM (Masters in Law). Karnal Singh retired from the agency on October 27. The leave has been sanctioned till the completion of the course which is understood to be of two years. The officials said Rajeshwar, who completed his LLB recently, had sent his leave application 3-4 months back but was not allowed to undertake the course as the Aircel-Maxis charge sheets against P Chidambaram and his son Karti was pending among few other important cases. They added that the leave sanction order mentions that Rajeshwar a joint director rank officer, will be available whenever he is required for "assistance in investigations or trial in court" with regard to cases probed by him, including the 2G spectrum allocation and the Aircel-Maxis money laundering cases. Rajeshwar has also handed over his charge of joint director (Lucknow zone) of the ED, the officials said. The Union Finance Ministry had submitted a secret report to the Supreme Court in June apparently carrying details of a phone call received by Rajeshwar from Dubai. The report is said to have been prepared by country's external intelligence agency Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) and handed over to the Department of Revenue in the Finance Ministry, under which the ED functions. The then ED Director Karnal Singh had issued a press statement, saying the said overseas call received by Rajeshwar pertained to an "ongoing investigation" and that he was a responsible officer with outstanding career records. The government had subsequently launched an investigation against Rajeshwar for writing a letter in which he had made a scathing attack on the then revenue secretary (presently finance secretary) Hasmukh Adhia questioning him if he has developed animosity against him by "siding with scamsters and their affiliates"? Sources said Rajeshwar was subsequently issued a notice seeking an explanation for alleged "insubordination" in context of this letter by the revenue department, to which he has replied with a "regret" and had explained his side of the story. They added that the said letter written by Rajeshwar, a Uttar Pradesh cadre police officer who was later absorbed in the ED, was sent through "official channels" to the agency's chief but it was never forwarded to Adhia. The accusations of alleged irregularities made against Rajeshwar were probed by the ED, the CBI and the CVC, and a report was sent to the court and the government stating that there was "no merit" in the allegations and hence the enquiry was closed. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) CBI DSP AK Bassi on Tuesday alleged in the Supreme Court that the investigation based on the electronic evidence supported the case of bribery against Special Director Rakesh Asthana. Bassi in his petition, challenging his transfer to Andaman and Nicobar Islands on October 24, has claimed that Somesh Prasad -- brother of Dubai-based middlemen Manoj Prasad who was arrested in the case -- was also in contact with a high ranking official of R&AW. Giving the sequence of events since Hyderabad based businessman Sathish Babu Sana filed the complaint against Asthana and CBI DSP Devendra Kumar, the petition stated that the businessman was harassed during the investigation of case against controversial meat exporter Moin Qureshi and had paid bribe in lieu of relief from the SIT headed by Asthana. He alleged that there were five acceptances of illegal gratification in the name of Asthana through the two middlemen and during investigation, role of another high ranking bureaucrat Samanta Goel, Spl Secretary of R&AW (Research and Analysis Wing), cropped up. "Investigations revealed that there is a certain link between the summons issued to the Complainant (Sana), illegal gratification obtained by the above named public servant and relief provided to Sathish Babu Sana," the plea said. Bassi said that several whatsapp messages found in the phone of Manoj Prasad revealed the link between middlemen, Asthana and Goel. "Whatsapp messages are available in the mobile handsets seized from the accused Manoj Prasad. During the investigation technical surveillance was also done and CDRs were also studied. Investigation revealed that immediately after the broke out on arrest of Manoj Prasad in the late night on October 16, Somesh made immediate calls to Goel, who made calls to Asthana," Bassi claimed in the petition and gave details of the call records. He said that all the these transcripts are available with the CBI but "there is a strong chance that they may not place the same on record". Referring to the statement given by Sana, Bassi has said that it has revealed "shocking details of alleged corruption and illegal gratification" by Asthana in collusion and conspiracy with other co-accused -- Somesh Prasad and Manoj Prasad -- and other unknown accused persons. "The said statement also reveals payment of huge amount to the tune of crores of rupees towards illegal gratification. The statement clearly implicates Rakesh Asthana and Devender Kumar, both officers of the CBI," he claimed. He has alleged that probe conducted by him revealed that act of demand and acceptance of illegal gratification primarily pertains to two distinct periods of December 2017 and October 2018. "There are two instances of acceptance of bribe in December 2017 totalling to Rs 2.95 crores and three instances of acceptance of bribe in October 2018 totalling to around Rs 36 Lakh," the plea alleged. Bassi has also claimed in his plea that all the officers who were part of investigation of FIR against Asthana and Kumar were "summarily transferred without any valid or cogent reason". Bassi, whose petition was mentioned before a bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi contended that his transfer order is "mala fide and derails a sensitive probe" and added that allegations against Asthana are "grave". The bench also comprising Justices U U Lalit and K M Joseph said "it will look into urgent listing of the plea" after advocate Sunil Fernandes sought listing of the petition on November 2. In the petition it is stated that "Bassi bears a reasonable apprehension that he and his team members and senior officers, would be implicated in the same". It further alleged that Bassi was being subjected to intimidation and veiled threats by the present Investigating Officer. "The manner of transfer showed vindictiveness because the fact that the name of Asthana and Joint Director Sai Manohar were cropping up in the false statement of Sana. The applicant herein is being subjected to intimidation and veiled threats by the present Investigating Officer," it said. Bassi, said in his plea that he believed that he will be made a "scapegoat and victimised" for discharging his duties in the FIR pertaining to Asthana and "grave and irreparable harm and injury" shall befall Bassi if the application is not allowed. "Asthana is the main reason why extension was given to Manohar in spite of objections from Director CBI. Now Sai Manohar is advising and driving the investigation of this case and trying to frame the entire investigation team for doing their job honestly and sincerely," it said. The plea alleged that the all pervasive manipulations and machinations inside CBI to save some select officers from their misdeeds and penalise officers like Bassi for conscientiously carrying out their duties, have forced him to move the top court. It also sought direction to constitute a Special Investigative Team (SIT) which would conduct an impartial investigation in the FIR. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An encounter broke out between security forces and militants in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, police said. Security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Chaanketaar village of Tral in south Kashmir district this afternoon following specific inputs about the presence of militants in the area, a police official said. He said as the forces were undertaking searches in the area, the militants fired upon them. The security forces retaliated, ensuing an encounter, the official said. The gunfight was going on, he said, adding that further details were awaited. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday called on Saudi Arabia's chief prosecutor to find out who ordered the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, and not spare "certain people" in his investigation. "Who sent these 15 people? As Saudi public prosecutor, you have to ask that question, so you can reveal it," Erdogan said, referring to the 15-man team suspected of being behind the hit. "Now we have to solve this case. No need to prevaricate, it makes no sense to try to save certain people," he told reporters in Ankara. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The European Union on Tuesday launched an in-depth probe into the proposed creation of a joint venture between Tata Steel of India and Germany's ThyssenKrupp, saying it could reduce competition. "At this stage, the commission is concerned that, following the transaction, customers would face a reduced choice in suppliers, as well as higher prices," the European Commission, the bloc's executive arm, said in a statement. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Tuesday described Dalit leader and former Bihar Governor the late R S Gavai as a man of knowledge who promoted social equality. He said Gavai, a former chairman of the Maharashtra Legislative Council, commanded respect across political spectrum. Fadnavis was speaking after laying the foundation stone of the Late R S Gavai Memorial and Convention Centre at the Sant Gadgebaba Amravati University here. "Gavais memorial would be befitting to his towering personality and promote his thought of equality," he said. The memorial would serve as a source of inspiration to masses and satiate students' quest for knowledge, the CM said. Fadnavis paid tributes to Gavai on the occasion of his 89th birth anniversary. The memorial,coming up on 3.96 hectares of land at Mouje Mhasala near the Sant Gadgebaba Amravati University campus, is to have a full size statue of Gavai and a gallery devoted to his life and works. The complex will also have a convention centre for academic, industrial and professional purposes, two auditoriums, a conference hall, an open theatre and a guest house. "He was an encyclopedia in true sense and enhanced the esteem of all the posts he held in politics and social life," said Fadnavis. "He was always a gem in the Maharashtra legislature and is known for his relations across parties. As Bihar Governor his contribution in education sector is still remembered," the chief minister said. Meanwhile, Fadnavis also participated in the concluding ceremony of Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj's 50th death anniversary event at Gurukunj Mozari in Amravati district this afternoon. Fadnavis offered tributes at the samadhi of Tukdoji Maharaj. "Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj gave us mantra of equality and he always opposed ill-practices. It is great to see that even after 50 years of his nirvan, his disciples are spreading his thoughts and teachings with dedication," he said. "Our saint tradition is our biggest strength. It gives us power to face and fight against difficult times," Fadnavis said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Rajasthan minister has been booked under the Representation of the People Act for allegedly promoting enmity between two groups in his speech at an election rally last week, officials said. A video has gone viral on social media in which Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Minister Dhan Singh Rawat can be seen as purportedly saying, "If Muslims can vote unitedly for Congress, then all Hindus can also unite and go with the BJP and make it win with a thumping majority." At the public meeting in Banswara district on Saturday, the Bharatiya Janata Party legislator had claimed that his party was a "protector" of the "sanatan sanskriti" (traditional culture)' of India and termed the Congress a "party of Muslims". State Chief Electoral Officer Anand Kumar said the district election department had lodged an FIR and the matter was being investigated. A case has been registered against Rawat at Banswara Kotwali police station on Monday under Section 125 (promoting enmity between classes in connection with election) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, Circle Officer Ghanshyam Sharma told PTI. The officer added that investigation was on in the matter. Days after Rawat's purported comments drew criticism, state BJP president Madan Lal Saini clarified that the party does not discriminate on the basis of caste and religion. "We represent every Indian living in the country. Development of each section of society is our slogan and we do not represent any particular community," party vice-president and Rajasthan in-charge Avinash Rai Khanna said. The state goes to polls on December 7. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Five persons including a woman were arrested in Manipur by police in connection with the October 20 grenade attack on a central paramilitary force vehicle in which one CRPF personnel was killed and another injured, a senior police officer said Tuesday. Superintendent of Police, Imphal West, Jugesh Chandra Singh told a press conference that the five persons were arrested from different places in the state on Monday in connection with the grenade attack on the CRPF vehicle. The SP said police recovered three pistols and ammunition from the house of a president of one civil society organisation located at Oinam village in Bishnupur district Monday. One CRPF personnel was killed and another injured when a grenade was thrown at their vehicle by suspected militants at Nagampal area of Imphal town on October 20. The vehicle was transporting a small contingent of CRPF personnel from Kangpokpi district to their camp at Lamphel in Imphal West district. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) : The foundation for the country's largest dry dock at Cochin Shipyard was laid by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan here Tuesday. The dry dock, being constructed at a cost of Rs 1,799 crore, would give an impetus to "Make in India" initiative under Sagarmala and raise India's share in global shipbuilding market to two per cent from 0.66 at present, officials said. Speaking at a function on the occasion, the Union Minister for Shipping, Road Transport and Highways said the government has no plans to privatise CSL and other profit making Public Sector Units in the country. Officials said the Dry Dock would be 310 metres long, 75 metres wide and have a depth of 13 metres. The commercial ship building industry in India is worth Rs 3,200 crore and focuses primarily on small-medium sized offshore vessels and cargo/bulk carriers. At present, Cochin Shipyard has two dry docks, one predominantly used for ship building of size 255m x 43 x 9m and capacity 1,10,000 DWT and the other one for ship repair of size 270 x 45 x 12m and capacity 1,25,000 DWT. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Police Tuesday seized around half kg MDMA drug from four men in Navsari district of Gujarat, officials said. The Rapid Response Cell (RR Cell) of the Surat Range police arrested the four men on a tip-off from a farmhouse located near Chikhli town of Navsari district, around 300 kms from here. The value of the seized 554.5 gram contraband is estimated to be Rs 44.36 lakh, a release said. RR Cell directly reports to the Surat Range Inspector General (IG) of Police. "Based on a specific input that some persons have brought drugs and gathered at a farmhouse, a police team raided the location and nabbed four persons in possession with Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), a recreational drug," it said. According to police, MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, is a psychotropic substance. The accused have been identified as Mukesh Patel, Babu Ahir, Prakash Patel and Manoj Patel. They have been booked under various sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS) Act, the release said. Further investigation is underway. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Transport and Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who has locked horns with the Centre on various issues, Tuesday showered praise on each other over taking up development projects. Speaking at a function at nearby Eranholi in Kannur district where foundation was laid for two national highway projects, Gadkari lauded Vijayan for his initiative in speeding up the land acquisition process for various ongoing projects in the state. Thanking him, Vijayan, described Gadkari as a "man of action who never mixes politics with development." Earlier, at a function in the Cochin Shipyard Limited too Gadkari appreciated Vijayan for facilitating the execution of the GAIL pipeline project which had faced protests from some quarters in the state. In response, Vijayan said Gadkari was always encouraging and hailed his support for development of inland water transportation in the state. The bonhomie displayed by the two leaders comes even as the Mraxist leader and BJP are locked in a political fight over various issues, including on Sabarimala. Incidentally, Gadkari and Vijayan travelled from Kochi to Kannur in a chartered flight. This was the second flight with VIPs to land at the yet-to-be commissioned Kannur airport after BJP President Amit Shah who arrived there on October 27 to attend a party function. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Brazil's far-right President-elect Jair Bolsonaro is likely to tap army generals and an ultra-free-market economist for key roles in his cabinet. The former army captain styles himself as an outsider -- even though he has spent a long career in Congress -- and has mostly sought prospective ministers with little political experience. Bolsonaro, 63, wants to slash the number of ministries from 29 to 15, and has vowed to end the practice of using cabinet appointments as bargaining chips to build a coalition with other parties -- long a basic rule of the political game in Brazil. "He wants to reinvent the way the country is governed by ending the 'presidency by coalition.' It will be his biggest challenge," said Marcos Coimbra, a political strategist at Mackenzie Presbyterian University in Brasilia. The cabinet will have "four or five generals," according to the head of Bolsonaro's Social Liberal Party, Gustavo Bebianno. That is likely to be controversial in a country still scarred by a brutal military dictatorship that lasted from 1964 to 1985. "By promising to name generals to his government, he is trying to create an image of order, but a lot of the likely picks have zero political experience. That will make it hard to negotiate with Congress," said Geraldo Monteiro, a political scientist at Rio de Janeiro State University. Here is a look at some of the likely picks to run Latin America's largest country and the world's eighth-largest economy when Bolsonaro takes office on January 1. Bolsonaro's economic guru is Paulo Guedes, a liberal economist trained at the University of Chicago -- long the high cathedral of free-market economics. He has been a popular pick with the business sector, ensuring that the markets welcomed Bolsonaro's march to the presidency with a surge. Bolsonaro himself has confessed he understands "nothing" about economics, and says he will name Guedes, 69, to head a "super-ministry" bringing together the current ministries of finance, trade and planning, plus the secretariat for public investment. A debt hawk, Guedes held a press conference immediately after Bolsonaro's victory during which he vowed to overhaul Brazil's economic model, reform the bloated pension system and privatize state enterprises. The one experienced political operative in the lineup is Onyx Lorenzoni, tipped to be named chief of staff -- responsible for navigating the lion's den of in Brasilia. "He has extensive experience in Congress, he knows how it operates," said Coimbra. Lorenzoni, 64, is a veteran lawmaker -- first in the state legislature of Rio Grande do Sul, then in the lower house of Congress -- and was a chief strategist on Bolsonaro's campaign. Bolsonaro is a gushing admirer of Augusto Heleno Ribeiro, his military academy instructor in the 1970s and probable defense minister. The general, 71, was the first commander of Brazil's United Nations peacekeeping mission in Haiti, launched in 2004. Bolsonaro wanted him to be his runningmate, but Heleno's PRP party rejected the overture -- so the candidate instead gave the vice presidential nod to another general, Hamilton Mourao. Bolsonaro said in an interview last year that Heleno could have "any post he wants" in his government, and that he would have loved to be a minister in a Heleno presidency. Another general, Oswaldo Ferreira, 64, is tipped for transport minister. The former head of the army's department of engineering and construction, he would be responsible for infrastructure and its environmental impact under Bolsonaro. In a recent interview, he said that in his road-building days in the 1970s, "there was no prosecutor's office or Ibama (the environmental agency) to bust everyone's balls." Marcos Pontes is a national hero in Brazil: the fighter pilot and astronaut, 55, was the first Brazilian in outer space. In 2006, he spent a week aboard the International Space Station, ferried there by a Russian Soyuz rocket. An avid Bolsonaro backer, he has been floated for the post of science minister. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Taking revenge for his Asian Games defeat against Leo Au, Indian squash star Saurav Ghosal defeated his Hong Kong opponent in straight games to move to the third round of the Qatar Classic, a PSA World tour platinum event, here on Tuesday. Ghosal, who had a bye in the first round, defeated Leo Au 11-2, 11-3, 11-5 and will face second seed Ali Farag of Egypt in the third round. In August, at the Asian Games in Jakarta, the Hong Kong player had beaten the Indian in the semi-final. Interestingly Ghosal also has a score to settle with the Farag next in what promises to be a keen contest. Four years ago, in what was their first and only meeting earlier, the Egyptian, who had come in as a qualifier had spoilt the top seed Indian's party right in the first round of the CCI international in Mumbai. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury Tuesday questioned the Narendra Modi-led BJP government's welfare policies, alleging the Centre spent huge amount on its publicity in the last four years but did not release a single paisa for rehabilitation of manual scavengers. Yechury was reacting to media reports on the Modi government's spending on its publicity drives from the government exchequer. "Modi govt has already spent Rs 5,000 crore on its publicity, and this is besides the money PSUs have been forced to spend. When not a single paisa has been released for the rehabilitation of manual scavengers in the past four years," Yechury tweeted. The BJP did not immediately react to the reports. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The government will work on promoting the growth of the education sector to help increase the share of overall service sector in the country's economy, Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu said Tuesday. He said that the services sector currently contributes about two-third in India's gross domestic product (GDP). "We want to increase the share of the sector in the economy, and education is an important sector in this, and we will promote it," he said while speaking at the Higher Education Summit 2018 here. He said that the government was working with different universities and institutions in this regard. He added that as employment generation is a major challenge, promoting growth of services sector would help dealing with the issue. In February, the Union Cabinet had decided to give focused attention to 12 champion service sectors and mandated the identified nodal ministries and departments to formulate sectoral action plans under the dedicated fund of Rs 5,000 crore. The 12 champion service sectors includes IT, tourism and hospitality, transport, accounting, audio visual, legal, education and environment. Prabhu also said that the educational institutes have to keep in mind the emerging challenges being faced by industries and introduce modern technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics and big data. Speaking at the summit, Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce Sudhanshu Pandey said that there was a need for increase integration and collaboration between industry and universities. Higher Education Secretary R Subrahmanyam said that there is a need to focus on issues like quality, research, employability and internationalisation of institutes. He said that research is a key for higher educational institutes, and for that there was a need to attract investments and funds. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Market areas in Old Delhi wore a rather dry look Tuesday ahead of Diwali, as shopkeepers having old stock of firecrackers were not selling them due to restrictions imposed by the Supreme Court. Firecrackers are sold mostly at markets in Sadar Bazar and Jama Masjid areas. Devraj Baweja, president, Delhi Vyapari Mahasangh said, "A team of police came to Sadar Bazar area to inform the shopkeepers about the new guidelines after the apex court ruling early this month." "Only one shop-owner is a permanent licencee for selling firecrackers throughout the year. So, that shop was shut. Others, anyway sell firecrackers only for few days during Diwali and their products also do not confirm to the new norms, so they are also not selling, so market is dry that way," he claimed. Baweja said the number of permanent licencees for selling firecrackers have reduced. It was 72 in 2016 and 24 in 2017. Among other restrictions, the apex court on October 23 had ruled that manufacture and sale of "green crackers" which have low emission of light, sound and harmful chemicals would be allowed. The Supreme Court on Tuesday, however, modified its order which had fixed 8 PM to 10 PM as slot for bursting firecrackers on Diwali and other festivals, saying that authorities in states are at liberty to change the timings, but the duration will not exceed two hours a day. The apex court also said that its directions on "green crackers" was meant only for Delhi-NCR. The court was hearing a plea by the Tamil Nadu government which sought its nod for bursting of crackers on Diwali morning in accordance with the religious practices in the state. The apex court on October 23 had said the noise and smoke emission limits of the crackers will have to be approved by the Petroleum and Explosive Safety Organization (PESO), under the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Delhi Police officials said they have informed shopkeepers about the Supreme Court's ruling on firecrackers, which needs to be approved by the PESO. "Since the shopkeepers have stocks that are old and not approved by PESO (as per new 'green firecrackers' norms), they are voluntarily not selling firecrackers," a senior police officer from North District said. Sadar Bazar market falls under the North District and Jama Masjid market comes under the Central District. Another officer from Central District said they have not issued any temporary licenses for selling firecrackers till now, while the permanent licence holders are not selling firecrackers. Baweja said shopkeepers have already sent applications to police for getting approval under the new 'green' norm and awaiting communication from their side. "The direction for green crackers was not for all the states. It was only for Delhi-NCR," the bench observed and said it would pass a formal order Wednesday. The bench was told by the counsel appearing for the Tamil Nadu government that as per religious practices in south Indian states, the bursting of firecrackers on Diwali was done in the morning and they should be given permission to burst crackers between 4.30 AM and 6.30 AM. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A gathering of farmers will be held in Gujarat's Junagadh district Wednesday for various demands including a farm loan waiver and quota for the Patidar community on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Patidar leader Hardik Patel, who has given call for the programme, said it will be a true tribute to Sardar Patel. In a video posted on his Facebook page on the eve of unveiling of the 'Statue of Unity' by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Hardik claimed the Sardar never wanted such a monument for himself. The prime minister is scheduled to dedicate to the nation the 182-metre tall monument, touted as the world's tallest statue, which is set up near the Sardar Sarovar dam in Narmada district. The imposing monument is twice the height of Statue of Liberty and is built on an islet, Sadhu Bet, near the dam. Hardik said former Union minister Yashwant Sinha and BJP MP from Bihar Shatrughan Sinha would join the 'Khedut Satyagrah' along with thousands of farmers, at Vanthali town in the western Gujarat district. "Both Yashwant Sinha and Shatrughan Sinha have given their consent to attend the programme. We expect that over 40,000 farmers would converge at Vanthali tomorrow," said Hardik's close aide Nikhil Savani. In the video message, Hardik said the gathering has been called to "mount pressure on the government to accept various demands such as a farm loan waiver, 24 hour electricity for agriculture, more water for irrigation and reservation benefits for Patidar community under the OBC (Other Backward Classes) quota". Hardik has also demanded immediate release of his close aide Alpesh Kathiria, who was arrested last month in a sedition case. He said the "Khedut Satyagraha" is an attempt to pay true tributes to Sardar Patel on his birth anniversary. "We will hold discussions on various issues and try to chalk out a plan to resolve them. This programme is aimed at strengthening farmers, youths and the Patidar community," he said. The 25-year-old quota spearhead also claimed that Sardar Patel never wanted a statue for himself. "Sardar Patel never wanted a statue for himself. Instead, he always wished that farmers of this country never suffer. But today, farmers of Gujarat as well as the country are in a dire straits," Hardik alleged. In August this year, Hardik had observed a 19-day fast at his residence in Ahmedabad demanding reservation for his community and a farm loan waiver. Yashwant Sinha and Shatrughan Sinha had visited Hardik at his residence and also extended their support for the cause of farmers. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Haryana Director General of PoliceB S Sandhu said on Tuesday the police would contribute about Rs 50 lakh per month from the salaries of its personnel for the state police fund. "They will contribute this money so that the wards of policemen could get a qualitative in police public schools in the state," Sandhu was speaking after inaugurating a new building of the DAV Police Public school at Fatehabad. It was recently decided in a welfare meeting that every policeman would contribute up to Rs 125 every month for the fund, an official release said. Later on, while presiding over a meeting to review the law-and-order situation with district police officers, the DGP directed them to register complaints pertaining to crime against women without any delay in their respective police stations. "The government is quite serious with regard to the safety and security of women in the state. Every officer should also keep a close vigil to ensure that no untoward incident takes places in their respective areas," he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi High Court on Tuesday asked the AAP government about the steps taken by it to ensure implementation of its circular on ensuring safety of children in all the schools in the national capital. A bench of Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and Justice V K Rao directed the Directorate of (DoE) of the Delhi government to state in an affidavit the standard operating procedures laid down or instructions issued to implement the circular issued on August 11, 2018 and listed the matter for further hearing on January 24 next year. The August 11 circular issued by DoE said that despite court orders and directions of DoE to the schools to carry out "self inspection" of the infrastructure and submit quarterly safety reports, there has only been "half-hearted compliance". It also said that such "half hearted approach" would not work if the schools were serious about providing foolproof safety and security to the students. The circular had suggested setting up of a school safety committee, holding monthly safety walks and submitting online safety reports to DoE and had warned of severe action, including withdrawal of recognition, against aided and recognised schools for repeated violation of the guidelines. It had also warned of disciplinary action against the heads of the government-run schools for failure to follow the guidelines laid down in the circular. The non-compliance of the circular was raised before the bench by advocate Ashok Aggarwal, who has been appointed as amicus curiae by the court to inspect schools in the national capital and ascertain how safe and secure they are for the children studying there. Aggarwal was appointed as amicus in a PIL initiated by the court on its own after receiving a letter written by an advocate seeking improvement of the conditions in schools here. Delhi resident Dishant Sharma had written a letter to the High Court seeking framing of guidelines to make schools accountable for children's safety. He has also sought police verification of the support staff in the schools, counselling of all staff, installation of CCTV cameras on school premises, separate washrooms for students and no direct access of support staff in the premises. In his report submitted before the court, Aggarwal has said that he visited six schools in the national capital and found that they were overcrowded, lacked proper infrastructure, were not completely disabled friendly, toilets were in bad shape and drinking water was not properly available. Apart from that the two complaint boxes set up inside the schools to be checked by the police and the school, were never ever opened, he said in his report. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Orissa High Court Tuesday ordered that a sitting judge of the court will supervise on a day-to-day basis the investigation being conducted by crime branch IGP into the four criminal cases registered in August on the police-lawyer face off. Justice C R Dash, a judge of this court, will supervise the investigation day-to-day and the investigating officer is directed to report to the concerned judge everyday to appraise the development of the investigation, said the order passed by a Bench headed by Chief Justice K S Jhaveri. Crime Branch IGP Arun Bothra, who is on leave due to illness, has been ordered to carry out the investigation immediately after resumption of duty so as to complete the same before November 9, the day fixed for next hearing. The Supreme Court in September had entrusted IGP Bothra to investigate the cases. Meanwhile, the general body of the High Court Bar Association Tuesday decided to continue their two-month-long strike till Thursday when it will chalk out its further course of action after holding discussions with representatives of other bar associations of the state. "As part of our earlier decision, the effigies of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, will be burnt on Wednesday across the state by all the 167 bar associations of the state in front of their respective association offices," said High Court Bar Association president, Srikant Kumar Naik. The lawyers have been agitating since August 29 demanding arrest of two policemen, who allegedly assaulted a Cuttack-based lawyer on August 28. The Orissa High Court Bar Association members Tuesday staged a peaceful demonstration in front of the high court. Senior BJP leader and former minister, Biswa Bhusan Harichandan, who held a press meet in Bhubaneswar, slammed the chief minister accusing him of failing to resolve the prolonged lawyers issue which has now snowballed into a major controversy. State Law minister Pratap Jena on the other hand said that the state government is concerned over the lawyers' agitation and is taking necessary steps in this regard. Noting that the matter is sub-judice, Jena said the state government will take necessary steps as per the directions of the high court. The lawyers should call off their strike in the interest of the people as there is a delay in justice delivery, he said. Commissioner of Police of Bhubaneswar-Cuttack, Satyajit Mohanty said stringent action will be taken against those involved in the violence which took place following the clash between lawyers' groups on Monday. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi High Court Tuesday said it would hear on November 1 a plea of middleman Manoj Prasad, arrested in the bribery case involving CBI Special Director Rakesh Asthana, seeking quashing of the FIR against him. Justice Najmi Waziri, who was scheduled to hear the petition Tuesday, listed it for Thursday after Prasad's counsel sought an adjournment saying the senior advocate who has to argue the matter was busy in the Supreme Court. On November 1, the court would hear three separate pleas -- of Asthana, CBI Deputy Superintendent of Police Devender Kumar and Prasad seeking quashing of FIR against them. The court had yesterday heard the three pleas and while Asthana and Kumar's petitions were listed for November, Prasad's matter was fixed for today. Prasad, arrested on October 17, was produced before a trial court here Tuesday on expiry of his CBI custody. He was sent to 14-day in judicial custody. Kumar, who was arrested on October 23, was also sent to judicial custody. The high court had yesterday observed that Prasad's case was on a different footing from that of Asthana and Kumar. It had said Prasad was a private person while Asthana and Kumar were public servants and nothing stops CBI from probing a private individual. Prasad has also sought a stay on the investigation by the agency till the disposal of the petition. The CBI had registered the case against Asthana on the basis of a complaint from Hyderabad-based businessman Satish Sana, facing probe in the 2017 case allegedly involving meat exporter Moin Qureshi. Sana alleged that the officer had helped him get a clean chit. The agency had also arrested Prasad in the case, when he returned from Dubai. It was alleged by Sana that Prasad and his brother Somesh had taken Rs 2 crore to arrange clean chit to him. Prasad, a resident of Burj Khalifa in Dubai, has arrayed as respondents -- the CBI, its chief Alok Kumar Verma, Superintendent of Police S S Gurm, Deputy Superintendent Ajay Kumar Bassi -- in the matter. He has also arrayed Sana as a respondent on whose complaint the FIR was lodged. Prasad's sister has filed the petition on his behalf on October 26. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi High Court is slated to pronounce on Wednesday its verdict on pleas challenging a trial court's decision to acquit 16 policemen of charges of murder and other crimes in the 1987 Hashimpura case in which 42 people were killed. The high court had on September 6 reserved its verdict on the appeals filed by Uttar Pradesh state, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and some private parties including a survivor of the massacre Zulfiqar Nasir. It had also reserved its judgement on BJP leader Subramanian Swamy's plea seeking further probe to ascertain the alleged role of the then Minister of State for Home P Chidambaram in the case. The court had on February 17, 2016, tagged Swamy's plea with the other petitions in the matter. On March 21, 2015 a trial court here had given the benefit of doubt and acquitted 16 former Provincial Armed Constabulary personnel accused of killing 42 people in Meerut, saying lack of evidence has failed to establish their identification. Nineteen people were named as accused and charges were framed against 17 of them for offences of murder, attempt to murder, tampering with evidence and conspiracy, by the court here in 2006. The case was transferred to Delhi on a Supreme Court direction in September 2002 following a petition by the families of the massacre victims and survivors. Of the 17 accused, 16 were acquitted while one died during the trial. NHRC has intervened in the matter seeking further probe into the massacre in the Hashimpura locality of Meerut in UP. A trial court had on March 8, 2013 dismissed Swamy's plea for further probe to ascertain the role of Chidambaram, who was a Union Minister between 1986 and 1989, in the incident saying he has no locus standi and it is only the police who can move an application for further probe. Thereafter, Swamy had approached the high court with the appeal. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Humans have been enjoying chocolate far longer than previously thought, according to a study which found that cacao was grown for food 5,300 years ago at an ancient settlement in the highlands of southeastern Ecuador. Archaeological evidence of cacao's use, dating back to 3,900 years ago, previously planted the idea that the cacao tree -- from which chocolate is made -- was first domesticated in Central America, according to the study published in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution. However, genetic evidence shows that the highest diversity of the cacao tree and related species is actually found in equatorial South America -- where cacao is important to contemporary Indigenous groups. Researchers, including those from the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Canada, searched for evidence of the plant at an archaeological site in the region. "This new study shows us that people in the upper reaches of the Amazon basin, extending up into the foothills of the Andes in southeastern Ecuador, were harvesting and consuming cacao that appears to be a close relative of the type of cacao later used in Mexico -- and they were doing this 1,500 years earlier," said Michael Blake, a professor at UBC. "They were also doing so using elaborate pottery that pre-dates the pottery found in Central America and Mexico," Blake said. "This suggests that the use of cacao, probably as a drink, was something that caught on and very likely spread northwards by farmers growing cacao in what is now Colombia and eventually Panama and other parts of Central America and southern Mexico," he said. Theobroma cacao, known as the cacao tree, was a culturally important crop in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica -- a historical region and cultural area in North America that extends from central Mexico through Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and northern Costa Rica. Cacao beans were used both as currency and to make the chocolate drinks consumed during feasts and rituals, researchers said. They studied ceramic artifacts from Santa Ana-La Florida, in Ecuador, the earliest known site of Mayo-Chinchipe culture, which was occupied from at least 5,450 years ago. The researchers used three lines of evidence to show that the Mayo-Chinchipe culture used cacao between 5,300 and 2,100 years ago. They are the presence of starch grains specific to the cacao tree inside ceramic vessels and broken pieces of pottery; residues of theobromine, a bitter alkaloid found in the cacao tree but not its wild relatives; and fragments of ancient DNA with sequences unique to the cacao tree. The findings suggest that the Mayo-Chinchipe people domesticated the cacao tree at least 1,500 years before the crop was used in Central America. As some of the artifacts from Santa Ana-La Florida have links to the Pacific coast, the researchers suggest that trade of goods, including culturally important plants, could have started cacao's voyage north. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Notwithstanding the Shiv Sena's frequent criticism of the BJP-led governments at the Centre and Maharashtra, Chief Minister has expressed hope that the two parties stitch an alliance for the 2019 general and state assembly polls. Fadnavis, whose government will complete four years in office on Wednesday, said the Sena understands the "political fact" that the two parties would suffer if they contest the polls separately as he said the coming together of Congress, NCP and others has "consolidated the opposition's vote bank". The chief minister, interacting with a group of select media persons late Monday night, said he did not think the general and state assembly elections would be held simultaneously and that his party had favoured against the idea. He rubbished some recent media reports that cited a survey by a Delhi-based agency which claimed that six BJP MPs and around 50 of its legislators were likely to taste defeat due to their "poor performance". Fadnavis said BJP's internal survey was rather "encouraging" and also claimed that the party will have more of its MLAs getting elected. In the 2014 polls, the BJP had emerged as the single largest party, winning 122 seats of the total 288. Fadnavis, however, ruled out the possibility of the BJP having any understanding with NCP for the polls. "I think the political fact in right now is that the Congress, NCP and some other parties have come together. Their coming together has consolidated the vote bank of the opposition," he observed. He stressed that the BJP and were "close to each other ideologically" and shared a big common chunk of the vote bank. "Both the parties would suffer (due to division of votes) in case their candidates are pitted against each other. We understand this political fact, so does the Hence, I think both the and we will come together," he added. The chief minister also made light of the Sena's criticism of his government through its leaders and mouthpiece 'Saamana', saying it "does not have a bearing on the government". "The government is run by the cabinet which is held peacefully. We discuss issues and take decisions unanimously. There has not been a single decision in the last four years that we took by vote," he claimed. BJP chief Raosaheb Danve had on Monday said in Nagpur that the party's internal survey had showed that it would win 200 Assembly seats in the 288-member state assembly. When asked about the chances of BJP-Sena alliance in view of Danve's comments, Fadnavis said the party's state unit chief only talked about the number of seats the BJP was capable of winning. "But we have to work together (with the Shiv Sena). We will decide on the number of seats to be shared (by both the parties) and will contest (accordingly)," he added. To a question whether the Maratha and Dhangar communities would still support the BJP in the polls in view of their intense agitation for quota, Fadnavis replied in the positive. He said "historically" it was seen that the demand for reservation and elections were unrelated. Citing examples, the chief minister said the previous Congress-NCP coalition had announced quota for Marathas ahead of the 2014 Assembly elections and yet suffered defeat. Similarly, the BJP won the civic body polls in Sangli and Jalgaon despite the pro-quota stir by Marathas being at its peak earlier this year, he added. The independent panel probing the sexual harassment charge against BCCI CEO Rahul Johri must declare absence of any conflict of interest in its first meeting, the Committee of Administrators said Tuesday after a member had to be replaced owing to this reason. Laying down the terms of reference for the three-member panel, the COA said the probe committee will be free to investigate all charges against Johri and would be open to hearing any "person who is desirous of placing any fact" in the matter. Johri was accused of sexual harassment in an anonymous social media post, which has since been deleted. He has denied the allegation in response to the showcause notice issued by the COA. The probe panel originally comprised Former Allahabad High Court judge Justice Rakesh Sharma, former Delhi Commission for Women Chairperson Barkha Singh and Former CBI Director P C Sharma. However, Sharma was replaced by advocate Veena Gowda after it came to light that one of his relatives was a BCCI employee. The first meeting of the committee will be held in Mumbai but the date has not yet been specified. "In its first meeting each member of the Committee shall make a declaration of absence of conflict of interest in conducting an independent and fair enquiry against Mr. Rahul Johri," stated the committee's terms of reference posted on the BCCI website. The COA said all its communication with Johri will be provided to the independent committee. The three members of the committee would be paid Rs 1.5 lakh per meeting and the Board's former internal complaints committee head Karina Kriplani will be its contact person for any assistance required from the BCCI. Kriplani has resigned from her position in the internal complaints committee but continues to be a legal advisor. The COA said that a public notice would be issued soon, inviting information. "The BCCI and all its office bearers/employees/consultants shall provide all assistance and co-operation to the Committee as it may require," the COA stated. Apart from the anonymous social media charge, former Mumbai captain Shishir Hattangadi also claims to have information on Johri's alleged misconduct in the past. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India, as a leading global energy consumer, is moving to the centre stage of international energy affairs rapidly but faces challenges of higher oil prices, a top official of the IEA said here on Tuesday. High prices have hurt importers, including India where fiscal deficit has doubled, Fatih Birol, International Energy Agency executive director, said at the Singapore International Energy Week, as he welcomed the recent drop in international crude prices by about USD 10 per barrel. "India is moving into the centre stage of global energy affairs rapidly, especially with the current government's right energy policies," he said. "In India we have seen the fiscal deficit doubled, and measured in rupees, which is a serious issue for the Indian consumers, diesel prices reached level of USD 147 per barrel when oil prices were high at USD 85 per barrel," said Birol. But now the Indian government made the right move at the right time and provided relief to Indian consumers, he said of recent price adjustments in India, adding that at the same time the recent drop in prices was also helpful. "As I have always said high oil prices are not good for oil importing countries like India," he said. He also expressed concern about declining exports from Iran and Venezuela but hoped that producers led by Saudi Arabia and Russia would put in more oil in the international markets. Oil production in Iraq is also increasing despite the political challenges there, he added. "It is true that India is getting considerable amount of oil from Iran and we will see how India and other importing countries from Iran behave in the next month to come," said Birol, who expressed concern about declining oil production amid strong demand growth in November. Birol sees increasing supplies from the US shale producers as the pipelines are completed in the coming months. In 2019, oil markets will be more and more volatile, he said. "There is completely a new and major factor coming in the picture. It is US shale which is very price elastic and we will see substantial amount of oil from the United States continue to flow into the markets," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Italian counterpart Giuseppe Conte Tuesday agreed to expand bilateral cooperation in areas of defence, trade, energy and infrastructure even as they condemned those providing safe havens to terror groups and supporting cross border terrorism. In their wide-ranging talks here, the two leaders also underlined that connectivity initiatives must be based on internationally recognised norms and standards, rule of law, and inclusiveness, seen as an oblique reference to China's Belt and Road Initiative. A joint statement said Conte reiterated Italy's support to India's intensified engagement with the Nuclear Suppliers' Group (NSG) which strengthens global non-proliferation efforts. Referring to defence cooperation, it said both sides recognised the need to broad base defence ties and make them "enduring and mutually beneficial". Italy has been pushing for strengthening of bilateral defence ties which were hit by the AgustaWesland choppper scam, being investigated by Indian probe agencies. In 2014, the UPA government had cancelled the chopper deal with AgustaWestland following allegations that the company bribed middlemen to secure the deal. The AgustaWestland is wholly owned subsidiary of Italian defence major Leonardo, formerly known as Finmeccanica. "India invited Italian defence equipment manufacturing companies to invest in India under the Make-in-India initiative and to collaborate with Indian companies for design and construction of defence equipment," the joint statement said. To boost bilateral trade and investment, both sides agreed agreed to set up a fast track mechanism to promote two-way investments, and resolve issues, if any, confronted by the businesses in each other's country. The areas for deepening of cooperation agreed at the talks included railways, infrastructure, food processing, renewable energy, education, skill development and science and technology. The two also touched upon ongoing efforts of both sides to re-engage actively towards an early resumption of negotiations for a comprehensive, balanced and mutually beneficial India-EU free trade agreement. The joint statement said Modi and Conte discussed various global challenges including threat of terrorism and ways to deal with these. "The leaders asserted that strong measures need to be taken against terrorists, terror organisations and all those who encourage, support and finance terrorism," it said. They condemned all kinds of State support to terrorists including cross border terrorism, seen as a reference to Pakistan. "The leaders agreed to strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation through multilateral fora and called upon all UN member countries to effectively implement the UN Global Counter Terrorism Strategy, UNSC Resolution 1267 and other relevant UNSC resolutions," it said. In the talks, the Indian side proposed to host the second India-Italy joint working group on combating terrorism here at a mutually convenient date in the first half of 2019. Referring to connectivity projects, Modi and Conte acknowledged their importance in promoting economic growth and people-to-people contacts. However, they "underlined that connectivity initiatives must be based on internationally recognised norms and standards, good governance, rule of law, inclusiveness, openness, transparency and equality". Under its massive Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China plans to build rail, maritime and road links from Asia to Europe and Africa in a revival of ancient Silk Road trading routes. India has been opposing the project as a portion of the corridor passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. India has been maintaining that mega connectivity project must respect sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nations. The statement said the two leaders also resolved to fight all forms of protectionism, including unilateral measures and unfair trade practices. "Leaders underlined the importance of implementing and enforcing obligations under the WTO by its members, including the ongoing work to implement its Trade Facilitation Agreement,"it said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India and Italy Tuesday agreed to set up an institutional framework for a sustained dialogue to enhance ease of doing business and promote bilateral economic cooperation. Prime Minister of Italy Giuseppe Conte is on official visit to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A high level business delegation accompanied the Italian prime minister. The two prime ministers held bilateral talks and delivered valedictory speeches in the final session of the 2018 edition of Tech Summit, which was co-hosted by the two countries. "Both sides agreed on the need for an institutional framework for a sustained dialogue to enhance the environment for ease of doing business in their respective countries and further facilitate and promote bilateral economic cooperation," said a India-Italy Joint Statement. To take this forward, the two prime ministers tasked the Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation (JCEC) to work towards constituting a CEO Forum and setting up a fast track mechanism to promote two-way investments, and resolve issues, if any, confronted by the businesses. It was also agreed to convene the next session of the India-Italy JCEC in India in 2019, the statement said. The statement further said that recognising the vast business opportunities in the food processing sector in India, the two sides called for greater collaboration. "India invited Italy to explore investment opportunities in the entire food processing value chain particularly in food processing units, equipment manufacture, skill development, research and development and quality assurance," it added. The leaders welcomed the setting up of an India-Italy Joint Working Group on Food Processing that will be convened at a mutually convenient date. Both sides took note of the establishment by the Indo Italian Chamber of Commerce, under the aegis of the Embassy of Italy in New Delhi, of an educational and vocational training hub in Mumbai called Minerva. As per the statement, India and Italy acknowledged the immense potential for bilateral cooperation in the railway sector, particularly in the areas of safety, diagnostics, technology certification and capacity building. Considering that development of infrastructure is a major driving force for the Indian economy, both sides also agreed to foster contacts between Italy's Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP) and India's National Infrastructure Investment Fund (NIIF). The two leaders expressed their commitment to strengthening the India-EU economic partnership and noted the on-going efforts of both sides to re-engage actively towards an early resumption of negotiations for India-EU Broad Based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA). (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India's clout in the United Nations has been increasing in the last four and half years, Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh said Tuesday, citing examples of the adoption of International Yoga Day and the country's election to the UN's top human rights body. Singh, while speaking at a function organised by the Indian Federation of United Nations Association here, said India has made a rich contribution to world peace. India is one of the largest troop contributors to the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission and country's troops has done fantastic and disciplined work abroad to bring peace to conflict ridden countries, he said. Under the Modi government's foreign policy, India's clout in the UN has been increasing in the last four and half years, Singh said. "In the last four and half years, our ministers have visited all the 193 member countries of the UN. The effectiveness of this policy was visible when Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to UN member countries to support the declaration of the UN International Yoga Day and 170 countries immediately supported us," Singh said. Citing another example of India's growing clout in the UN, he said India was elected to the UN's top human rights body, the UN Nations Human Rights Commission, for a period of three years beginning January 1 next year. "We got 188 votes, the highest number of votes among all candidates," he said. Singh also cited that Justice Dalveer Bhandari's re-election to the International Court of Justice as an example of India's growing stature in the UN, asserting that it was a big win for India. The minister exuded confidence that India will achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) of the UN before the target year of 2030. The SDGs are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India has reached out to UK-based investors to attract international public-private-partnerships (PPP) in the country's oil and gas sector with a roadshow in London. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, along with the Directorate General of Hydrocarbon (DGH), held an interactive session on Monday which attracted around 125 participants. The session was aimed at sharing the new policy and regulatory regime in India and details of investment opportunities in the field of oil and natural gas exploration and production (E&P). "India is a bright spot in the world economic order, where demand for petroleum products is on the rise. The primary energy demand of the country will almost double in the next 12 years. This roadshow is a call to involve international partners in this journey, said HPS Ahuja, CEO and Managing Director of Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited (ISPR). Earlier this year, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had launched Bid Round-II under Discovered Small Field Policy (DSF) and Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) for competitive bidding. Under OALP Bid Round II, 14 blocks will be offered with a total area of 29,233 sq km and under DSF Bid Round II, 25 contract areas are on offer covering 59 discovered oil and gas fields, spread over 3,000 sq km, the ministry said. The DSF-II and OALP-II Bid Rounds are aligned to India's Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP), which adopts the Revenue Sharing Model in an effort to improve ease of doing business in India's E&P sector. It comes with attractive fiscal terms like reduced royalty rates and no cess, single license for all hydrocarbons, pricing and marketing freedom, freedom to exploration throughout contract period, no signature bonus and provision for sharing of common facilities, the ministry said in a statement. Manish Singh, Minister (Economic) at the High Commission of India in London, inaugurated the Investment Promotional Event for Exploration and Production Opportunities in London, which was chaired by VP Joy, Director General, DGH. Besides a presentation for UK investors on the various opportunities in store, an overview of the Indian taxation regime was provided by KPMG as knowledge partners. Under Phase I SPR, ISPRL said it has successfully created 5.33 MMT of crude oil inventory storage installations in underground mined rock caverns at three locations namely Visakhapatnam (1.33 MMT), Mangalore (1.5 MMT) and Padur (2.5 MMT). In line with the integrated energy policy of the Indian government, which calls for 90 days' reserves, the Union Cabinet accorded "in principle" approval for Phase-II SPR programme, which involves the creation of additional 6.5 MMT of storage inventory entailing underground mined rock cavern storages and associated facilities at Chandikhol, Odisha (4.0 MMT) and Padur-II, Karnataka (2.5. MMT). In order to explore feasibility of commercialisation of the Phase I SPR at Padur (2.5 MMT) and the planned Phase II SPRs at Chandikhol, Odisha (4.0 MMT) and Padur II, Karnataka (2.5 MMT), it is planned to solicit investment partners and pursue the initiatives of Phase II SPRs through PPP mode of implementation for construction, filling, and operation respectively and also filling and operation of the existing Phase I SPR at Padur, ISPR said in a statement. It added: Since India has the second-largest refining capacity in Asia and fourth-largest in the world, these storage inventories would offer a unique opportunity for various stakeholders and investors including construction companies, financing institutions, trading firms, developers, oil & gas companies etc to explore the possibility of participating in the process. "Given the vantage coastline of India, the storage locations fall on the transhipment routes of crude oil from the Middle East source countries to the Far East consuming nations. Based on the response of investors around the world, a suitable PPP model will be prepared for international competitive bidding by an individual organisation or through joint venture partners. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An Indian couple who died after falling 800 feet in an area with steep terrain in California's Yosemite National Park last week were apparently taking a selfie before the tragedy occurred, a media report said. Vishnu Viswanath, 29, and Meenakshi Moorthy, 30 fell to their deaths from Taft Point in the national park in California. They were identified Monday as the married couple from India living in the United States. A report in Fox cited Viswanath's brother Jishnu Viswanath as saying that they were apparently taking a selfie. The popular viewpoint in the California park does not have a railing to protect visitors from the ledge. Park rangers recovered their bodies last Thursday after people reported seeing an unattended camera on a tripod, Viswanath's brother said. He added that Moorthy had set up the tripod by the ledge possibly to take a selfie. Rangers had arrived at the scene Thursday and "used high-powered binoculars to find them and used helicopters to airlift the bodies. The couple, who through their social media posts chronicled their traveling adventures, also wrote a blog called 'Holidays and HappilyEverAfters'. Just months before her tragic death, Moorthy had warned in an Instagram post the dangers of taking photographs on the edge of cliffs and atop skyscrapers. She posted a picture of herself at the Grand Canyon, saying in the caption that "A lot of us including yours truly is a fan of daredevilry attempts of standing at the edge of cliffs. But did you know that wind gusts can be fatal? Is our life worth one photo? In an eerie coincidence, Moorthy appears in the selfie of another tourist couple at Taft Point, just minutes before she plummeted to her death. After reports of the couple's death emerged and their identities were revealed, Sean Matteson said that Moorthy appears in two of their selfie photos that they took at the popular tourist destination. Matteson said Moorthy's pink-haired visage appears in the corner of two photos he snapped of himself and his girlfriend Drea Rose Laguillo. He said the woman made him a little nervous because he felt she was standing too close to the edge. But he said she appeared comfortable. Park spokesman Jamie Richards was earlier quoted as saying that "We still do not know what caused them to fall. We're trying to understand what happened. We may never know, (but) from everything we see, this was a tragic fall." Richards said that so far 10 people have died in the park this year, and six of those park visitors fell to their deaths. In May, Asish Penugonda, a 29-year-old Indian national, fell to his death while ascending the park's famous Half Dome trail. "Yosemite is a wild and scenic place. If you are not paying attention to your footing, it is very easy to have a slip and fall," Richards said. "Now, we don't know what happened in this case, but we urge hikers to stay on the trail." Investigators were looking into how the couple fell or what had occurred when the accident happened at the famous spot which is a favourite place for tourists from around the world to take scenic and memorable photos. The couple had been married since 2014 and both were software engineers. On the cover of Viswanath's Facebook page is a picture of the two of them smiling on the edge of a cliff at the Grand Canyon. In a Facebook post, College of Engineering, Chengannur said the two were its alumni and added that it deeply mourns their "accidental demise". The college said Viswanath and Moorthy belonged to the BTech 2006-10 Computer Science and Engineering batch. "Our hearts go to the friends and family members of this lovely couple. May their souls rest in peace, the college said. Raj Katta, 24, of New York, said he got to know both of them while attending Bradley University, in Illinois. He said Viswanath was a "thoughtful and amazing guy, very talented. They are a really happy couple. Very positive." Katta described Moorthy as extremely positive and enthusiastic. "She's one of those girls who wants to explore the world and discover a deeper meaning in life." He said that Viswanath and Moorthy had decided six months ago that he would take the job at Cisco and they would live in California for a year or so. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The contribution of indoor is estimated to vary between 22 and 52 per cent, according to a UNEP study which said emissions from household cooking and heating will need to be reduced to greatly improve air quality. Amid an alarming rise in in the national capital, the United Nations Environment Programme has come out with 25 measures to combat it. Use of clean fuels, electricity, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in cities, and LPG and advanced biomass cooking and heating stoves in rural areas, promoting the use of electric vehicles, encouraging a shift from private passenger vehicles to public transport are among the methods suggested by the UNEP in its report. The report was titled ' in Asia and the Pacific: Science-based Solutions'. Another source of pollution that was highlighted by the UNEP report was fugitive dust. "This fugitive dust can arise from unpaved roads and infrastructure development and is a serious air pollution problem in areas with expanding transport and construction networks," the report said. For example, some cities in India attribute more than half of their PM2.5 to this dust. Several technical options are available to policy makers to address these problems, including resurfacing unpaved surfaces and dust suppression using water and suitable chemicals. The report noted that in India the contribution of indoor air pollution to ambient air pollution is estimated to vary between 22 and 52 per cent. "A number of studies indicate that reducing emissions from household cooking and heating may be required to substantially improve ambient air quality in some parts of Asia and the Pacific," the report noted. It said every day around 93 per cent of the world's children under the age of 15 years breathe air that is so polluted it puts their health and development at serious risk. It said the 25 solutions can tackle air pollution in the Asia-Pacific region, where 92 per cent of the region's population is exposed to dirty air. In India, the government has taken a cross-sectoral approach, asking power companies to buy agricultural waste from farmers and convert it into biomass pellets that can be co-fired with coal. In addition, India is exploring the potential for biomass gasification, the use of seed drills that incorporate residues as a mulch (happy seeders), and bio-methanation processes that could put agricultural residues to productive use and make open burning bans more effective, the report said. The UNEP report clearly places emission reduction from industry and power sector on top of the list. Meanwhile, Greenpeace India said, "The UNEP report is another proof that we need to get our priorities right to tackle air pollution." "However, what we are witnessing in India for the past several years is quite contrary," it said in a statement. The draft National Clean Air Programme clearly failed to mention sector specific targets for reducing emissions from industry and coal power sector, it said. "More worse is the fact that MoEFCC and MoP have been diluting and extending deadlines of the implementation of emission standards from thermal power plants," it said. Sunil Dahiya, Senior Air Pollution Campaigner Greenpeace India said,"If we want to bring down the air pollution levels in the country, specifically in north india, then our top priority should be reducing emissions from fossil fuels, especially from coal thermal power plants, industries and vehicles and we come out with a NCAP with clear time bound sectoral targets. The Trinamool Congress leader, who was shot at by unidentified miscreants in Titagrah area in the northern fringes of the city, died Tuesday at a private hospital here. Four persons - identified as Bhola Prasad, Kala Munna, Sanjay Das and Seikh Samir - were arrested from different parts of Barrackpore Police Commissionerate area during series of raids since last night in connection with the fatal attack on TMC leader Satish Mishra on Monday afternoon, a senior police official of the Commissionerate said. Mishra was shot at from close range by bike-borne assailants before a Kali Puja pandal off B T Road at Brahmastan area in Titagarh. Mishra, who suffered bullet injuries on chest, was operated upon on admission but the bullet could not be retrieved from his body and he died in the early hours of Tuesday, the official said. He said police was scanning the CCTV footage of the area. The of his death triggered tension in the area as a strong police force and RAF kept vigil at the spot. Local TMC MLA Arjun Singh earlier accused BJP of being involved in the incident. "BJP and its goons have carried out this incident. They are trying to gain a foothold in the area and that is the reason why they are trying to terrorize us," Singh had alleged. State BJP president Dilip Ghosh, however, termed the allegations as "baseless and concocted". "This is nothing but a result of infighting within TMC. The same thing has been happening in various parts of the state," Ghosh countered. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Israel's religious affairs minister David Azoulay died Tuesday after a long-term illness, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said as he praised the lawmaker. "The government of Israel today mourns the death of our dear friend, the late minister David Azoulay," Netanyahu wrote in Hebrew on Twitter. "For a long time we prayed for David's recovery, as he was fighting a serious illness," he said. "Unfortunately, his struggle for life ended a few hours ago." The cabinet office said that he would be buried in Jerusalem at 11:00 pm (2100 GMT). Jewish custom demands burial as soon as possible after death. The 64-year-old's death was announced on Facebook by his ultra-Orthodox Shas party, which said it "bows its head" at his passing. Writing on the same online page, Interior Minister Arye Deri wrote: "I weep for my dear and beloved friend and my comrade of many years." Azoulay was born in January 1954 in Morocco and emigrated with his family to Israel in 1963, according to his official parliamentary biography. A former schoolteacher, he was first elected to parliament in 1996 and was appointed to Netanyahu's cabinet in 2015. Haaretz newspaper said that in recent years he had battled cancer and recently relinquished his seat in parliament as his condition worsened. He is survived by a wife and four children, it said. Azoulay drew fire from US Jews in July 2015 after he said in a radio interview that he "could not say" that members of the Reform movement were fully Jewish. "These are Jews that have lost their way," he added. Israeli President Reuven Rivlin described Azoulay as a man "who faithfully dealt with the needs of the public his whole life". "Recently, he dealt bravely with his illness but made sure to serve the public as far as he could," Rivlin wrote in a statement. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Tuesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to issue a notification naming the Jharsuguda Airport as 'Veer Surendra Sai' Airport. He also urged the prime minister to instruct Air India for operation of flight from Bhubaneswar to New Delhi via Jharsuguda. "I would request that Union Government may immediately bring out the notification naming Jharsuguda Airport as Veer Surendra Sai Airport, Jharsuguda," Patnaik wrote to Modi. Modi on September 22 had dedicated the Jharsuguda Airport to the nation and flagged off the UDAN flight from the airport. "Your goodself had also announced the naming of Jharsuguda Airport as Veer Surendra Sai Airport, Jharsuguda as a befitting tribute to the well known freedom fighter and legendary son of the soil. However, notification to this effect has not been issued by the Government of India," Patnaik mentioned in the letter. Patnaik also drew the Prime Minister's notice that Air Odisha has suddenly suspended its flight operations under the UDAN scheme from Jharsuguda after October 6, 2018 without any valid reason. This abrupt suspension of the existing operations has given a severe jolt to the aviation sector in the state and has also hurt the sentiments of the people of western Odisha, the chief minister said. In order to make Jharsuguda Airport a full-fledged commercial airport, the state government had also requested the Central government to consider introduction of commercial flights in addition to the UDAN flights, Patnaik said adding that the state is committed to provide all necessary fund and support for further expansion of Jharsuguda Airport. "In view of the foregoing, I would like to urge upon you to kindly direct Ministry of Civil Aviation for immediate restoration of UDAN flight operations and also explore the possibility of starting operations from Jharsuguda to other parts of the state and neighbouring states through any Airlines either under RCS-UDAN or otherwise," Patnaik said. Patnaik also requested the Prime Minister to kindly instruct Air India to start operation from Bhubaneswar to New Delhi via Jharsuguda so that people of western parts of Odisha can be benefited. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday held talks with his Italian counterpart Giuseppe Conte and discussed a range of issues, including ways to boost cooperation in key areas such as trade and investment. Conte arrived here this morning and was warmly welcomed by Prime Minister Modi. "A warm welcome to the Italian Prime Minister, Mr. Giuseppe Conte in India. I look forward to meeting him and to participate together at the Tech Summit later today," Modi tweeted in English and Italian. The highlight of the day-long visit is the Italian prime minister's participation at the 24th edition of the India-Italy Technology Summit, which is being organised by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The summit will focus on a number of areas, including healthcare, aerospace, education, clean technology, renewable energy and information and communication technology. The bilateral trade between the countries increased to USD 10.5 billion in 2017-18 from USD 8.8 billion in the previous fiscal. Italy is India's fifth largest trading partner in the European Union and the annual trade turnover between the two countries was USD 10.4 billion in 2017-18. Over 600 Italian companies are operating in India. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Diversified conglomerate Limited has decided to enhance its dairy portfolio by entering the paneer and milkshakes segments within two months, a company official said Tuesday. had earlier forayed into the dairy segment with the launch of milk and ghee in select markets. The company on Tuesday launched milk and curd for the Kolkata market. "We are going to launch paneer for the Kolkata market and milkshakes pan India within two months," Hemant Malik, divisional chief executive (foods) of said. He said while milk, ghee, paneer and curd would be sold under the 'Aashirvaad' brand, there will be a different brand for milkshakes. ITC initiated the foods division in 2002 and started the dairy business at Munger in Bihar. "We have been selling milk in markets of Munger, Patna and Bhagalpur in Bihar. Now, we have come to Kolkata", he said. The company had been selling ghee in Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Delhi, he added. Malik said initially milk would be procured from Bihar and subsequently from a local manufacturer in West Bengal for which a tie-up is already in place. "We want to source it (milk) locally. But the challenge is quality," he said. Talking about the revenue generated from ITC's foods business, he said it was below Rs 90 billion although consumer spending was in excess of Rs 120 billion. The difference was due to seller discounts offered by the company. Malik said ITC was expecting a revenue spend of Rs 4 billion to Rs 5 billion from the dairy business over the next two years. The company's focus will remain on the markets where it will be entering over the next one year he added. Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik Tuesday met Home Minister Rajnath Singh and discussed about the prevailing situation in the state where panchayat elections are to be held, officials said. During the 30-minute meeting, the governor briefed the home minister on the law and order situation in the Kashmir Valley, which has witnessed several terror attacks on security personnel in the recent past. The governor apprised the home minister about the situation in the Kashmir valley as well as in the border areas, a Home Ministry official said. Panchayat polls will be held in Jammu and Kashmir in nine phases beginning November 17. Elections to the state's urban local bodies were held recently in four phases between October 8 and October 16. Malik, who is at the helm of affairs as Jammu and Kashmir is currently under Governor's rule, also briefed Singh about the elections to the urban local bodies and the upcoming panchayat polls. Both the elections have been boycotted by the state's two major regional political parties -- the National Conference and the Peoples Democratic Party. Pakistan-based terror groups have also been trying to disrupt the poll process through violence. The home minister last week had visited Jammu and Kashmir where he had interacted with top officials of the administration and the security forces besides meeting some political leaders. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) JK Tyre & Industries Tuesday posted over four-fold increase in its consolidated net profit at Rs 46 crore for the second quarter ended September 30. The company had reported a net profit of Rs 10 crore during the same period of the previous fiscal. Net sales rose by 23 per cent to Rs 2,548 crore for the second quarter, as against Rs 2,068 crore during the same period of the previous fiscal, JK Tyre & Industries said in a statement. "Buoyancy in demand continued in second quarter which has helped the company to achieve a good growth in sales," JK Tyre Chairman and Managing Director Raghupati Singhania said. He, however, added that increasing oil prices and rupee depreciation impacted raw material costs and continue to remain an area of concern. Singhania said increase in radialisation in the fast-growing truck/bus radial segment, Cavendish Industries Ltd (CIL), a subsidiary of JK Tyre has undertaken further expansion of its manufacturing capacity. "This will further strengthen our leadership in this important segment. Furthermore, tractor tyre capacity is also being expanded to meet the growing demand from agriculture sector," he added. Shares of the company Tuesday ended 7.95 per cent up at Rs 105.90 on the BSE. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) on Tuesday alleged that no water supply has been given to the varsity for the last five days and the administration has not acted on their complaints. The students' union will be holding a protest outside the office of the Delhi Jal Board in Jhandewalan in central Delhi on Wednesday. "There is a water emergency in JNU. From the past five days, no water has been given to JNU by Jal Board. JNU used to get 24 units of water but now we get five units or no water at all," the JNUSU said. They alleged that the administration has not acted on their complaints of water crisis. However, a varsity official said there is no water crisis and the varsity is getting regular water supply. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Delhi BJP chief and MP Manoj Tiwari, who is facing contempt proceedings, said in the Supreme Court on Tuesday that judges were not answerable to people like the elected representatives. "Your lordships are sitting in a cosy area where nobody comes and questions you. But I have to answer the people on the ground," senior counsel Vikas Singh, appearing for Tiwari, told a bench of Justices Madan B Lokur, S Abdul Nazeer and Deepak Gupta. Tiwari, a Member of Parliament from the north-east Delhi constituency, is facing contempt proceedings for allegedly breaking the civic agency seal of an illegal premises here. During the hearing, the court asked Tiwari's counsel as to why the politician had broken the seal put on the premises by the East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) officials. "Who permitted you to break up the seal when the authority has sealed it?" Singh said that a mob of around 1,500 people had gathered at the spot at Gokalpuri area in north-east Delhi and if Tiwari would not have done this in "token protest", any untoward incident could have happened there. "Is there a rule of mob or rule of law? What is your duty as a representative of the people?," the bench asked. Singh said a mob was there and in case of any violence, people might have died there and to prevent this scenario, Tiwari did this. He said that being an elected representative, Tiwari was answerable to the people. The bench, after hearing the submissions, reserved its order in the matter. The court had on September 19 issued contempt notice against Tiwari after taking note of a report filed by the monitoring committee on sealing which had alleged that the BJP leader had broken the seal of the premises. In its report, the committee has claimed that "despite repeated directions of this court, the members of political parties and other such persons are intentionally and deliberately violating and showing utter disgrace to the directions passed by the court for political gains". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Activists of a Kannada outfit will "picket" Parliament House in New Delhi on November 28 against the Kerala governments "attempts to close down Kannada schools and enforce Malayalam language" in Kasaragod district bordering Karnataka. KarnatakaNavanirmana Sene (KNS) president Bhimashankar Patil told reporters here Tuesday that 1,000 activists would participate in the picketing programme. He said the organisation is against "enforcing" Malayalam language in Kasaragod, where a majority of the population speak Kannada and are closely associated with Dakshina Kannada district. Patil also wanted the Dakshina Kannada district administration to invite representatives from Kasaragod district to the 'Kannada Rajyotsava' celebrations. Kasaragod isclose to DK and many writers from the district havecontributed to Kannada language and literature, he said. Kannada Sahitya Parishat former president Harikrishna Punaroor and Karavali foundation president Shivaram Kasaragod were also present at the press meet. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 17-year-old Kashmiri student, studying at a private university in Greater Noida, has gone missing for the last three days, prompting police to launch a search operation, officials said Tuesday. First year graduation student Ahtesham Bilal had last week taken up his first semester examinations and had sought permission from the university officials to go to Delhi on Sunday, but has not returned since, they said. A cousin and officials of the Sharda University Monday approached the local police station where a missing complaint was lodged. However, police, which have traced Bilal's mobile number, said his last known location was Srinagar and he last spoke to his father Monday evening after which his phone went off. Station House Officer Knowledge Park police station Arvind Pathak said, "Ahtesham's last known location was Srinagar from where he talked to his father at 4.30 pm on Monday. His phone has been off since then." "On October 28, the student took permission in the morning to go to Delhi. But when he did not return till the next morning, university officials contacted his father in Srinagar," an official of the university said. He said that on Monday evening, the chief warden, the security officer along with Ahtesham's cousin went to the Knowledge Park Police Station to get the missing compliant lodged. "Police started an enquiry with the help of his mobile. When they traced his number, they found his location on Sunday was in Delhi around 12 noon, and at 2.30 pm on Monday he was in Jammu and Kashmir. "Around 4.30 pm on Monday, he spoke to his father and told him that he was in the Delhi Metro and going back to the university. From his location and call details, it is clear that he was in Kashmir but telling lies to his father," the official said. The official said that the university was regularly in touch with his parents, who also have approached a local police station in Srinagar to find the boy. Police are probing the matter, he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday lashed out at the BJP-led Haryana government over "poor" and health services and urged the people to help the AAP come to power in the state. Addressing a public meeting in Chanaut village near here, Kejriwal advised his Haryana counterpart Manohar Lal Khattar to see for himself the bad condition of government schools and hospitals in the state. The AAP national convenor said, "People from Haryana asked me to see the condition of the government schools. Parents told me that the authorities carried out repairs at the last moment after learning that I would be visiting." "Even then the condition is poor. If the BJP government cannot maintain schools and hospitals, it should at least see how we have transformed the educational and health institutions in Delhi," he said. The AAP leader appealed to the people in Haryana to vote for the AAP in the state Assembly polls next year. "We will improve things in a month," he said. "If we can change the shape of schools and hospitals of Delhi in three years, then why is the Khattar government not able to do so even after four years?" Kejriwal asked. He said he visited several government schools and hospitals of Haryana in the last few weeks and claimed that Khattar did not visit them in four years. Kejriwal has visited Haryana several times this year. Earlier this month, he visited a few government schools in Jhajjar district's Beri town and addressed a public gathering there. He also visited Bhiwani a few days ago. "We visited two schools of Chanaut village. The condition of the school there is really bad. The buildings were in a dilapidated state," he said. Kejriwal, who was accompanied by his deputy Manish Sisodia, also visited Fatehabad. Kejriwal, who hails from Siwani Mandi near here, said the AAP is getting huge support from the people in Haryana and it can provide a viable alternative to parties like BJP, Congress and INLD. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bangladesh's ailing former prime minister Khaleda Zia cannot contest the upcoming parliamentary election unless the 17-year jail term awarded to her in two separate graft cases is terminated, Attorney-General Mahbubey Alam said on Tuesday. Zia suffered a setback Tuesday when the Bangladesh High Court here doubled her jail term to 10 years in a corruption case. The verdict came a day after the 73-year-old leader of the Opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) was sentenced to seven years in prison in another graft case. After the latest verdict, Attorney General Alam said Khaleda would be barred from taking part in the general election. "Khaleda Zia is the main accused in the case. But the trial court sentenced her to five years in prison. Based on evidence, the High Court has extended the sentence to 10 years," Alam said. "She is convicted in the case, which means she cannot take part in the election, unless the sentence is terminated or suspended," he told bdnews24.com. Asked how come some people participated in the polls while taking advantage of their suspended jail sentences, Alam said they exploited the legal loopholes. "Even if Khaleda Zia's sentence is suspended, she will be freed from jail at best, but she will not be able to participate in the election," he said. Bangladesh is set to hold general elections before a January 5 deadline, although the exact dates have not yet been announced. Expressing his satisfaction over the latest verdict, Alam said, "today's verdict is a warning signal for the abuse of power by anyone, especially for politicians". On Monday, Zia was sentenced for embezzling millions from the Zia Charitable Trust. She faces dozens of separate charges related to violence and corruption that her lawyers insist are baseless. She had recently complained to the court that she was losing feeling in her hand and in a leg. On October 6, she was taken to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University hospital, where she is currently receiving treatment. Tuesday's verdict is crucial as it came ahead of the parliamentary elections in December. Zia's party had boycotted the 2014 elections. The BNP has vowed nationwide marches later Tuesday to protest the verdict. The latest court ruling deals a crushing blow to Zia, who was hoping of running against incumbent Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in elections. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Turkish fiancee of slain journalist Jamal Khashoggi has called on US President Donald Trump and other leaders to ensure that his death in Istanbul is not covered up, while Saudi Arabia's top prosecutor on Tuesday visited the Saudi Consulate where officials from his government killed the writer. Speaking at a memorial in London on Monday, Hatice Cengiz expressed disappointment in the "leadership of many countries." Singling out Trump, she urged him to "help reveal the truth and ensure justice be served." "He should not pave the way for a cover-up of my fiance's murder. Let's not let money taint our conscience and compromise our values," she said. Cengiz also told the memorial that she wishes she had entered the consulate instead of Khashoggi. She said in reference to an alleged Saudi hit squad sent to kill the columnist for The Washington Post: "If only I knew that would be the last time I would see my Jamal, his smile, hear his laughter, I would have stood in front of that murderous team myself." Saudi Arabia's top prosecutor, Saud al-Mojeb, arrived at Istanbul's main courthouse Tuesday for more talks with Istanbul's chief public prosecutor, Irfan Fidan, on the investigation into the killing, Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency reported. The two had met for an hour and 15 minutes on Monday as part of an agreement between Riyadh and Ankara for cooperation over the investigation. Al-Mojeb then went to the consulate and left after spending a little over an hour there. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Tuesday the investigation needs to be completed swiftly. "This needs to be solved now; there is no point in excuses," Erdogan told journalists. Erdogan said the prosecutor repeated to his Saudi counterpart Turkey's extradition request for 18 suspects detained in Saudi Arabia for the Oct. 2 killing to be put on trial in Istanbul. Fidan asked al-Mojeb to reveal who sent this group, according to the president. The country is also asking Saudi Arabia to help locate Khashoggi's body, which still has not been found. Erdogan said Riyadh must disclose the identity of an alleged local collaborator said to have been involved in disposing of Khashoggi's body. Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir has said the kingdom will try the perpetrators and bring them to justice after the investigation is completed. Under mounting international pressure, Saudi Arabia has changed its narrative about Khashoggi's killing several times, and has recently acknowledging that Turkish evidence shows it was premeditated. Khashoggi had written critically of Saudi Arabia's crown prince in columns for The Washington Post. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Editors Guild of India Tuesday urged law enforcement agencies in Chhattisgarh to provide necessary security to media professionals, particularly when they are covering elections, after a DD cameraperson and two policemen were killed in a Naxal attack there. DD Cameraman Achyutanand Sahu, Sub Inspector Rudra Pratap Singh and Assistant Constable Mangalu were killed in Dantewada district in the poll-bound state. The Editors Guild of India, in a statement, said it was saddened to learn of the deaths of Sahu and the two policemen in an attack by Maoist insurgents. The statement said the guild offered its condolences and urged the law enforcement agencies in the state to provide necessary security and protection to the media professionals particularly when they are covering elections. Creating a safe environment for media professionals to discharge their duties will be critical for ensuring freedom of the press, the guild said. The incident took place at around 11 am in a forest area near Nilawaya village. The Maoists ambushed a squad of local police which was carrying out patrolling on motorcycles from Sameli camp towards the village. A three-member team of Doordarshan was travelling for election-related coverage at the same time and was caught in the cross-fire. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad Tuesday pitched for an all-India service to recruit judges for the lower judiciary but said the concept cannot take shape without consultations as several states and high courts are opposed to the idea. Addressing a seminar here on the subject, he also said the proposed All-India Judicial Services would ensure that lawyers from the "marginalised" communities get due representation in the lower judiciary. He said if such a service comes up, it would help create a pool of talented people who could later become part of the higher judiciary -- the 24 high courts and the Supreme Court. Prasad rejected criticism that people from other states will face problems in holding court proceedings due to language barrier. Proceedings in lower courts are held in regional languages. He said an IAS officer from Kerala learns to speak in Hindi while posted in Uttar Pradesh or Bihar. Similarly, people can learn other languages, he said. But at the same time he said that several states and high courts are opposed to the concept and the idea cannot be implemented without consultations. "The time has come for all-India services to recruit lower court judges," Prasad said. His address was disrupted on a few occasions when some in the audience objected to his oblique remarks against the Congress while referring to the role of B R Ambedkar and Sardar Patel in building post-independence India. Nine high courts have opposed a proposal to have an all-India service for lower judiciary, eight have sought changes in the proposed framework and only two have supported the idea, a law ministry document says. The document, sent to all members of the parliamentary consultative committee on law and justice in August, 2017, also states that most of the 24 high courts want control over the subordinate judiciary. The Narendra Modi government has given a fresh push to the long-pending proposal to set up the new service to have a separate cadre for lower judiciary in the country. The idea was first mooted in the 1960s. According to the document, the high courts of Andhra Pradesh, Bombay, Delhi, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Patna and, Punjab and Haryana "have not favoured the idea of All-India Judicial Service (AIJS)". It said only the high courts of Sikkim and Tripura have concurred with the proposal approved by the committee of secretaries for formation of an all-India service for lower judiciary. The high courts of Allahabad, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Manipur, Meghalaya, Orissa and Uttarakhand have suggested changes in age at induction level, qualifications, training and quota of vacancies to filled through the proposed service. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Lena Dunham has been tapped to pen a survival story of a Syrian refugee by co-producers Steven Spielberg and JJ Abrams. Dunham will adapt Melissa Fleming's nonfiction "A Hope More Powerful Than the Sea: One Refugee's Incredible Story of Love, Loss, and Survival", Variety reported. The film will chronicle the true story of Doaa Al Zamel, a mother of two fleeing Egypt for Sweden by boat. Shipwrecked along the way, Al Zamel survived for days in open water holding two children in each arm with only the support of an inflatable water ring. Dunham took to Twitter, saying she was looking forward to the film. "Very lucky to have this job, to tell this story, to support this truth with these people," she said. But social media was quick to express displeasure at Dunham's selection as screenwriter questioning how could the writer-actor accurately narrate the story of a Syrian refugee. One of the users appealed to two actors of colour, Riz Ahmed and Mindy Kaling, to use their influence to stop the project from moving forward with Dunham involved. "Can you guys please please voice a complaint? I don't want Lena to tell my family's story as a Syrian," she wrote on Twitter. Another user tweeted: "What makes her think she can speak accurately about the refugee experience? Please stop this while you're ahead of a disaster." A tweeple called out the project for whitewashing. "Because clearly there's no one who knows that demographic better than a spoiled, talentless, young, rich white girl. Yikes," he wrote. A Syrian-Cuban author, Suzanne Samin asked the "Girls" co-creator if she had ever made donations to any Syrian refugee organisation. "... Please leave Syrian stories alone if you aren't Syrian and especially if you are Lena Dunham. Thank you," she said. "Just curious if you've at least done that before you profit off my people's pain!" she added. To this, Dunham answered saying she was "donating every penny" she made and will "share the receipts", while adding she would "like to receive perspectives and engage in dialogue" for the project. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Veteran actor Liam Neeson has been cast as the lead in comedy "Made in Italy". The film will mark the feature directorial debut of actor James D'Arcy, best known for starring in movies such as "Cloud Atlas" and "Dunkirk". He has also penned the screenplay for the film, reported Variety. Neeson, 66, will play a bohemian London artist who returns to Italy with his estranged son to sell the house they inherited from his late wife. The film's cast also include Micheal Richardson, who most recently featured in Natalie Portman-starrer "Vox Lux". The project, which will start production in April next year, will be produced by Pippa Cross, Sam Tipper-Hale and Nicola Serra. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Madras High Court Tuesday acquitted 21 students of Dr Ambedkar Law College who were sentenced to three years imprisonment in connection with a clash in its campus in 2008. Justice R Suresh Kumar passed the order allowing the appeals against the order of the Additional Sessions Judge convicting all the students and sentencing them to undergo three years simple imprisonment besides imposing a fine of Rs 5,000 each. Noting that most of the students were now enrolled as lawyers and their practice suspended in view of the conviction, the judge said he was compounding the offence under IPC section 325 to give a quietus to the litigation to reach a pragmatic solution. He also said the prosecution had not conducted any identification parade and the only crucial witness, according to the trial court, was the college principal who had also categorically stated that he was not able to identify the accused people except one. The matter relates to the clash between two groups of students of the law college over celebrating 'Devar Jayanthi' on October 30, 2008, resulting in injuries to three of them. The judge in his order made an appeal to the student community to realise that only the universal brotherhood shall be the mantra among them during their school and college days and should cherish human value. "... Whatever animosity, ill-will or hatchet emerged in day-to-day life, that should be buried then and there. Ours is the nation of Mahatma Gandhi, who has given the greatest weapon to the mankind, which is none else than non-violence," the judge added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Opposition parties said Tuesday Maharashtra has lagged on development front under the four- year-old BJP-led government and also accused it of fomenting social unrest in the state for political gains. While the Congress said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's government had taken the state backward by two decades, the NCP hit out at the BJP-led dispensation over its handling of the Maratha reservation agitation and violence at Koregaon-Bhima village in Pune district The BJP-led government will complete four years in office Wednesday. State Congress vice-president and spokesman Ratnakar Mahajan said over the four years only Fadnavis's political clout had grown since no one in the BJP dared to speak against him for fear of inviting the wrath of the party leadership. "It is true that there is a perception that Fadnavis is the only leader of party (the BJP) in the state and his political clout had grown since there was no opposition to him. But, nobody dared to speak for fear of rebellion being crushed as is done in the BJP," Mahajan told reporters. He said none of the pre-poll promises made by the BJP has been fulfilled. "However, Fadnavis's increased political clout has not benefited the people of the state. None of the promises made before the 2014 Assembly polls has been fulfilled. "All assurances like a toll-free Maharashtra and reservation for the Dhangar community were given just to win elections. The four years of the BJP-Sena rule has taken the state backward by two decades," the Congress leader said. On September 21, Fadnavis completed 1,421 days in office to become the longest-serving non-Congress chief minister of the state, a record previously held by Shiv Sena's Manohar Joshi, who was in office for 1,420 days. Fadnavis is the first BJP chief minister of Maharashtra. Responding to questions, Mahajan said the BJP's claim to have become the single largest party in local bodies in the state was "half truth". "The BJP is a power hungry party. Earlier, political parties did not contest the local bodies polls on official party symbol. The objective was to ensure peace and harmony in gram panchayats, municipal councils, zilla parishads. "Now, the BJP aligned with local outfits and fought the local bodies like in the Lok Sabha and assembly elections and claim that the all numbers are with the ruling party," he said. Mahajan said only 39,000 farmers benefited from the loan waiver scheme which was dubbed as the biggest in history by the Fadnavis government. These farmers got loan waiver to the tune of Rs 16,000 crore, not a very big amount given the overall size of the scheme, he said. "Fadnavis had announced that 89 lakh farmers will get Rs 34,000 crore loan waiver. Which figure is correct? People would like to know," he said. Mahajan rubbished the government's claim that the Jalyukt Shivar Yojana was revolutionary and 16,000 villages had become drought-free under the water conservation scheme. "Which are these villages? Their names should be uploaded on the government website. How many are from Marathwada, which is reeling under severe drought like conditions," he asked. The Congress leader said the government defence that Jalyukt Shivar related works were completed but nothing could be done because of lack of rains was "childish". "The Ground Water Survey and Development Authority (GSDA) has reported that the water table had depleted in over 30,000 villages," he said. Speaking about the handling of the Maratha reservation agitation and Koregaon-Bhima violence, NCP spokesman Nawab Malik alleged the "government had been fomenting social unrest in the state for political gains." "The government has not delivered on its electoral promises. All sections of the society, including the youth and farmers, are disillusioned with it," Malik said. Meanwhile, political observers said Fadnavis's biggest success in the last four years was to prevent any strong challenge to himself. Agitations by farmers, anganwadis workers and Maratha community members were neutralised by dividing the protesters, according to Maratha reservation activist Sanjay Lakhe Patil. The decisions taken to address Maratha grievances are only on paper. Nationalised banks do not give financial help to Maratha youth for self-employment initiatives, he said. Not a single hostel has been constructed for Maratha youth as promised, Patil said. Malik said the state is suffering because of the tug of war between the Shiv Sena and the BJP. "It is their internal matter. But, why should Maharashtra suffer in their fight," the NCP leader asked. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A massive fire broke out at a slum in suburban Bandra Tuesday morning, a fire brigade official said. No loss of life has been reported so far and eight water tankers, nine fire engines as well as ten fire tenders have been rushed to the spot to put out the blaze, the official said. The incident was reported at 11.50 am in Nargis Dutt Nagar slum, located opposite Bandra fire station in Bandra (West), the disaster management cell of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said in a statement. "A joint team of fire brigade, ward staffers and Mumbai Police personnel has been mobilised to douse the flames," it added. Local MLA and Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar, who is overseeing the rescue operation, said prima facie the blaze was triggered by a cylinder blast in the slum. Further details are awaited. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A special court Tuesday framed terror charges against Lt Col Prasad Purohit, Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur and five other accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, setting the stage for their trial that will commence on Friday. Observing that the organisation named Abhinav Bharat was formed by the accused with the common object to "spread terrorism", the court here also framed charges of criminal conspiracy and murder, among other offences. Six people were killed and over 100 injured when an explosive device strapped on a motorcycle went off near a mosque in Malegaon, a town about 200 km from Mumbai in north Maharashtra, on September 29, 2008. Judge Vinod Padalkar, presiding over the special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court, framed charges against all the seven accused under relevant sections of the stringent Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC). After framing of the charges, the court posted the case on November 2 for the trial to commence. Framing of charges is a process after which the trial in a criminal case starts. Apart from Purohit and Sadhvi, the other accused are - Major (retired) Ramesh Upadhyay, Ajay Rahirkar, Sudhakar Dwivedi, Sudhakar Chaturvedi and Sameer Kulkarni. All the accused were present in the court when the judge read out the charges against them. They pleaded not guilty in the case. The accused were charged under sections 16 (committing terrorist act) and 18 (conspiring to commit terrorist act) of the UAPA. Under the IPC, they were charged under sections 120 (b) (criminal conspiracy), 302 (murder), 307 (attempt to murder), 324 (voluntarily causing hurt) and 153 (a) (promoting enmity between two religious groups). If convicted under these sections, the maximum punishment can be life imprisonment or death. The accused were also charged under relevant sections of the Explosive Substances Act. The judge, while reading out the charges against the accused persons said, "The Abhinav Bharat organisation was formed with the common object to spread terrorism and a bomb with RDX was planted on a motorcycle in Malegaon that killed six persons and injured 101 others." "The accused persons came together to hatch a conspiracy to commit a terrorist act and procured explosives to further their conspiracy," Padalkar said. According to the prosecution, the accused persons had formed the right-wing group Abhinav Bharat and held meetings under this group's name at various places in the country, where the alleged conspiracy was hatched. Purohit told the court he never expected the charges to be framed against him and said, "No one can doubt my honesty, integrity and service record." On December 27 last year, the special NIA court had dismissed pleas filed by Purohit, Thakur and others seeking to be discharged from the case. The NIA, after taking over the case, filed a charge sheet in 2016 giving a clean chit to Sadhvi and three others--Shyam Sahu, Praveen Takalki and Shivnarayan Kalsangra--saying it found no evidence against them and they should be discharged from the case. The NIA court, however, absolved only Sahu, Kalsangra and Takalki, and said Sadhvi will have to face the charges. At that time, the special court had dropped stringent charges under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against the accused, but had said they will face charges under the UAPA and other sections of the IPC, including murder and criminal conspiracy. The accused later challenged the validity of the UAPA against them. Earlier this month, the special court rejected their pleas challenging the applicability of the UAPA against them. Purohit last week approached the Bombay High Court challenging the lower court order. He sought a stay of the process of framing of charges till his appeal is heard and decided. On Monday, the high court, however, refused to do so and posted the petition for hearing on November 21 and sought the NIA's response. The high court refused Purohit's request for staying the proceedings in the trial court, noting that in the past, both the Supreme Court and the Bombay High Court had passed orders directing the trial court to expedite the hearing in the case. Purohit, however, argued through his counsel Shrikant Shivade that he cannot be prosecuted in the case since the sanction granted by the government to prosecute him was "wrong in law". A prior government sanction for Purohit's prosecution was required since he was a serving Army officer at the time of his arrest. The sanction was issued by the additional chief secretary of the Maharashtra home department on January 17, 2009. Shivade claimed that under the UAPA, the state law and judiciary department, which is the sanctioning authority, has to constitute an appropriate authority and seek its report first. In his case, the sanction was given in January 2009, but the authority was appointed only in October 2010, he argued. The sanction in Purohit's case thus was not valid under the UAPA, Shivade maintained. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A special court here Tuesday framed charges in the 2008 Malegaon blast case against Lt Col Prasad Purohit, Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur and five others for terror activities, criminal conspiracy and murder, among others. Judge Vinod Padalkar, presiding over the special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court, framed charges against all the seven accused under sections of the stringent Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC). After framing of the charges, the court posted the case on November 2 for the trial to commence. Framing of charges is a process after which the trial in a criminal case starts. The accused were charged under sections 16 (committing terrorist act) and 18 (conspiring to commit terrorist act) of the UAPA. Under the IPC, they were charged under sections 120 (b) (criminal conspiracy), 302 (murder), 307 (attempt to murder), 324 (voluntarily causing hurt) and 153 (a) (promoting enmity between two religious groups). The accused were also charged under relevant sections of the Explosive Substances Act. Apart from Purohit and Sadhvi, the accused are - Major (retired) Ramesh Upadhyay, Ajay Rahirkar, Sudhakar Dwivedi, Sudhakar Chaturvedi and Sameer Kulkarni. The judge, while reading out the charges against the accused persons said, "The Abhinav Bharat organisation was formed with the common object to spread terrorism and a bomb with RDX was planted on a motorcycle in Malegaon that killed six persons and injured 101 others." "The accused persons came together to hatch a conspiracy to commit a terrorist act and procured explosives to further their conspiracy," Padalkar said. According to the prosecution, the accused persons had formed the right-wing group Abhinav Bharat and held meetings under this group's name at various places in the country, where the alleged conspiracy was hatched. All the accused were present in the court when the judge read out the charges against them. They pleaded not guilty in the case. Purohit told the court that he never expected this and said, "No one can doubt my honesty, integrity and service record." Six people were killed and over 100 injured when an explosive device strapped on a motorcycle went off near a mosque in Malegaon, a town about 200 km from here in north Maharashtra, on September 29, 2008. On December 27 last year, the special NIA court had dismissed pleas filed by Purohit, Thakur and others seeking to be discharged from the case. The NIA, after taking over the case, had filed a charge sheet in 2016 giving a clean chit to Sadhvi and three others- Shyam Sahu, Praveen Takalki and Shivnarayan Kalsangra- saying it found no evidence against them and they should be discharged from the case. The NIA court had, however, absolved only Sahu, Kalsangra and Takalki, and said Sadhvi will have to face charges. At that time, the special court had dropped stringent charges under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against the accused, but had said they will face charges under the UAPA and other sections of the IPC, including murder and criminal conspiracy. The accused had later challenged the validity of the UAPA against them. Earlier this month, the special court had rejected their pleas challenging the applicability of the UAPA against them. Purohit had last week approached the Bombay High Court challenging the lower court order. He has sought form the high court to stay the framing of charges procedure till his appeal is heard and decided. On Monday, the high court had however refused to do so and posted the petition for hearing on November 21 and sought the NIA's response. The high court refused Purohit's request for staying the proceedings in the trial court, noting that in the past, both the Supreme Court and the Bombay High Court had passed orders directing the trial court to expedite the hearing in the case. Purohit, however, had argued through his counsel Shrikant Shivade that he cannot be prosecuted in the case since the sanction granted by the government to prosecute him was "wrong in law". A prior government sanction for Purohit's prosecution was required since he was a serving Army officer at the time of his arrest. The sanction was issued by the additional chief secretary of the Maharashtra home department on January 17, 2009. Shivade claimed that under the UAPA, the state law and judiciary department, which is the sanctioning authority, has to constitute an appropriate authority and seek its report first. In his case, the sanction was given in January 2009, but the authority was appointed only in October 2010, he has argued. The sanction in Purohit's case thus, was not valid under the UAPA, Shivade has maintained. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 25-year-old man, who was battling financial crisis, is suspected to have committed suicide by hanging himself at his one-room factory in northwest Delhi's Onkar Nagar area on Tuesday, police said. The deceased was identified as Lakshya, a resident of Trinagar, they added. Police said they were informed about the incident at 4 pm. Lakshaya was taken to a nearby hospital where he was declared brought dead, a senior police officer said. Police said Lakshaya was under financial crisis and ruled out any foul play in the incident. Further investigation is underway. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A man has been arrested from northwest Delhi's Kanjhawala village for allegedly supplying illegal weapons, police said Tuesday. The accused has been identified as Deepak alias Rajesh, who is a resident of Delhi's Bakkarwala area, they said. On Monday, police received information that an arms supplier Deepak would come to Kanjhawala to deliver a consignment of weapons. Thereafter, police laid a trap and at around 5.40 pm the accused arrived, Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) Ajit Kumar Singla said. During interrogation Deepak told police that he has been arrested in about a dozen criminal cases previously, he said. When he was in jail in 2014, Deepak met an arms supplier, Manish, a resident of Bulandshahr, Singla said. After coming out on bail they both started working together. Manish procured weapons through his contacts in Bulandshahr and supplied them to Deepak who in turn sold them to criminals in Delhi-NCR, he added. A 7.65 mm pistol and two .315 bore pistols were recovered from Deepak's possession, the ACP said, adding that a police team will visit Bulandshahar to look for Manish. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 65-year-old villager was killed Tuesday when a pressure bomb, suspected to be planted by Naxals, exploded in Balrampur district of Chhattisgarh, which has seen a spurt in Naxal violence ahead of Assembly polls. The incident occurred at a site where road construction work was on near Nawadih village bordering Jharkhand around the same time when two policemen and a cameraperson of Doordarshan were killed and two others were injured in a Maoist attack in Dantewada district, located around 800 kms from Balrampur district. The man who died in the explosion was identified as Budhan Yadav, a resident of Nawadih, a local police official saidd. As per preliminary information, Yadav had left his cattle for grazing in a nearby forest when a buffalo came into contact with an improvised explosive device (IED) that triggered a blast killing the animal, he said. "Later, when Yadav went to the area to bring back his cattle at around 11.30 am, he inadvertently stepped over another pressure IED triggering an explosion that killed him," he told PTI A road construction work was underway in that area. The official said ultras often plant IEDs to target security forces who provide security to road construction works in the area. A police team rushed to the spot after the blast. Yadav's body was sent for a postmortem. Naxals, who have called for a boycott of Chhattisgarh assembly polls next months, have stepped up violence in the state in the run-up to the elections. On October 27, four CRPF personnel were killed and two were injured when Maoists blew up their bullet proof bunker vehicle in Awapalli area of Bijapur district. The next day, a BJP leader and member of Dantewada Zila Panchayat Nandlal Mudiyami was seriously injured after ultras attacked him with sharp edged weapons at his village Palnar in Dantwada. The first phase of polls covering 18 constituencies of eight Naxal-affected districts Bastar, Kanker, Sukma, Bijapur, Dantewada, Narayanpur, Kondagaon and Rajnandgaon will be held on November 12. The remaining 72 constituencies will go to polls on November 20. The counting of votes will take place on December 11. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Mel Gibson is onboard the cast of action thriller "Waldo". According to The Hollywood Reporter, the veteran actor is teaming with Charlie Hunnam and Eiza Gonzalez. Details of the Gibson's role are awaited. The film is being directed by Tim Kirkby, who has directed episodes of "Veep" and "Fleabag". Based on Howard Gould's books, "Waldo" is the story of disgraced former LAPD detective Charlie Waldo (Hunnam), currently living a quiet life in the woods. His life comes to a halt when he is roped back into working as a private eye to investigate the murder of an eccentric TV star's wife. Andrew Lazar, Christina Weiss Lurie and Steve Shainberg are attached as producers. Shooting begins in the first quarter of 2019. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Ahmedabad on Tuesday night ahead of the unveiling of the 'Statue of Unity' in Gujarat's Narmada district on the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The 182-metre structure of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is touted as the world's tallest. It is twice the height of the Statue of Liberty in the US and is built on Sadhu Bet, an islet near the Sardar Sarovar Dam. Modi was welcomed by Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, Governor O P Kohli, Minister of State for Home Pradeepsinh Jadeja and chief secretary J N Singh upon his arrival at the Ahmedabad airport. Modi headed to Raj Bhavan in Gandhinagar for the night stay. He would reach the Kevadiya Colony near the Sardar Sarovar Dam in Narmada district on Wednesday morning to unveil the statue, an official press release said. "Tomorrow, on the Jayanti of Sardar Patel, the 'Statue of Unity' will be dedicated to the nation. The statue, which is on the banks of the Narmada, is a fitting tribute to the great Sardar Patel," Modi tweeted hours before his arrival here. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress president Rahul Gandhi Wednesday alleged the "family" of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan was involved in the Vyapam scam and said he was ready to face defamation cases for his remarks. The scam was unearthed in Madhya Pradesh in 2013 and allegedly involved government officials and politicians. Reacting to the allegations levelled by the Congress chief, a senior leader of the BJP state unit said he was misleading the people. Addressing an election rally here, Gandhi said, "The chief minister got angry yesterday (Monday) and said Rahul Gandhi was speaking about Vyapam. He (CM) said he would file a defamation suit. File as many as cases as you want, it doesn't make any difference." The Congress, which has been out of power in the state since 2003, was consistently raising the Vyapam scam to target the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) in the state which was going to polls on November 28. "Entire Madhya Pradesh knows that there is involvement of the family of the Madhya Pradesh chief minister in the Vyapam scam. I repeat, MP CM's family is involved in the Vyapam scam," Gandhi alleged. "File cases against me... You cannot run away from the truth. Entire Madhya Pradesh knows about corruption in e-tendering and that 50 people were murdered in the Vyapam scam," he alleged. Earlier in the day, Kartikey Chouhan, the son of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, filed a criminal defamation case against the Congress chief who alleged that Kartikeya's name had figured in the Panama Papers. Gandhi, who had made these comments during an election rally in Jhabua Monday, said he had got "confused" and the Madhya Pradesh chief minister's son had no link to the Panama Papers case. Continuing his attack on Chouhan, Gandhi said the Vyapam scam has "ruined" the future (of youths) of Madhya Pradesh. "If tribal youths don't have money they cannot clear an examination because one has to pay lakhs to the friends of the CM. Everybody knows that those who used to ride a motorcycle are now travelling in private planes," he alleged. Gandhi also alleged the Modi government had written off the debt worth Rs 3.5 lakh crore "but none of the beneficiaries were from the poor section of the society". He also alleged that demonetisation, the scrapping of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes announced by Prime minister Narendra Modi in November 2016, had benefitted only the rich, who, he said, converted their black money into white. "On the night of November 8, Modiji found that currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 are not good looking and announced demonetisation," he claimed. "Farmers do not have credit cards. They purchase seeds in cash. Farmers are not like your (Modi's) friends who wear suit and boot and use credit cards. All such people like farmers, women, poor and small traders have to stand in queues (to replace the banned notes)," he said. State unit BJP vice-president Vijesh Lunawat said, "The Congress had raised the Vyapam issue in earlier elections but lost. He (Gandhi) should know that the CBI has already given a clean chit to the MP chief minister." "On the contrary, the court ordered registration of an FIR against Congress leaders Digvijaya Singh, Jyotiraditya Scindia and Kamal Nath to enquire into the charges of submitting false electronic evidence and making false allegations in connection with the Vyapam case," he said. Kartikey has also filed a criminal defamation case, Lunawat added. The Vyapam scam allegedly pertains to fraudulent practices in conducting professional exams through the Madhya Pradesh Professional Examination Board (MPPEB) and recruitment to government posts. It allegedly involved 13 different exams conducted by Vyapam (the acronym for 'Vyavsayik Pariksha Mandal') , for selection of medical students and state government employees where the final results were rigged. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Kartikey Chouhan, son of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, on Tuesday filed a criminal defamation case against Congress President Rahul Gandhi for alleging that his name figured in the Panama Papers. Gandhi, meanwhile, said he mentioned the name of Chouhan's son in the context of Panama Papers due to "confusion". Gandhi, while addressing a rally in Jhabua district of the poll-bound Madhya Pradesh Monday, had said that the name of the son of 'mamaji', a chief minister, had figured in the Panama Papers but no action was taken against him. Though Gandhi had not specifically identified the CM, he was referring to Chouhan who is popularly known as 'mamaji'. The defamation suit was filed by Kartikey Chouhan in the Special Court of Additional District Judge (ADJ) Suresh Singh through his lawyer Shirish Shrivastava. In the suit, Kartikey Chouhan has alleged that Gandhi intentionally gave the statement to defame him. The criminal defamation case was filed under sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Under these sections, a person guilty of criminal defamation can be sent to jail for two years. The court posted the matter for November 3 when Kartikey Chouhan's statement will be recorded. "The statement of Rahul is intended to defame Chouhan and his family. When they (the Congress) failed to make a dent in the popularity of the chief minister, they are levelling allegations against his family and children. It was the clear intention. It was a well-planned statement," his counsel Shrivastava said. On Monday night, Kartikey Chouhan had said in a tweet, "Rahul Gandhi has made a false allegation of my involvement in Panama Papers. I am aggrieved as the image of mine and my family were damaged in a childish manner. If he (Gandhi) did not apologise within 48 hours, I am compelled to take strict legal action against him." Gandhi, while interacting with a select group of journalists in Indore on Tuesday, gave a clarification on the issue. "For campaigning I am touring Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan these days. The ruling BJP has indulged in so many scams and corruption that yesterday (Monday) I got confused. In Panama Paper Leak case, Madhya Pradesh chief minister has no role, he said when asked about his controversial remarks made in Jabhua on Monday. However, he reiterated his allegation that Chouhan has a "role" in scams like Vyapam and e-tendering among others. Gandhi had said on Monday, "Udhar Chowkidar, Idhar Mamaji. Mamaji ke jo bte hai, Panama Papers me unka naam nikalta hai. (On one side, you have the watchman, on the other side you have 'mamaji'. The name of the son of 'mamaji' figured in Panama Papers). "Nawaz Sharif Pakistan ke Prime Minister ka naam nikalta hai..Pakistan jaise desh me unko jail me daal dete hai. Magar Yahan ke chief minister ka beta, uska naam Panama Papers me nikalta hai to koi karyawai nahi hoti (The name of former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif appears in Panama Papers. "In a country like Pakistan, he is jailed. Here, the name of the son of a CM figures in Panama Papers but no action is taken)," Gandhi had said at the rally. The Panama papers refer to 11.5 million leaked documents published by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists with details of offshore entities set up by a Panamanian legal firm. The papers had named several world leaders and celebrities as having stashed money abroad in offshore companies. They also included details of entities set up by some Indian nationals. The leak had surfaced in 2016. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) British MPs have made a renewed attempt to raise the profile of a long-standing campaign for declaring the festivals of Diwali and Eid public holidays in the UK with a debate in the House of Commons complex. The debate on Monday was in response to e-petitions on the Parliament's official website calling for such a move, with the petition for Eid attracting over 46,500 signatures and the one in favour a Diwali holiday attracting over 11,700 signatures. "It is fair to say that the petitions are essentially about the same issue: establishing public holidays for religious occasions," said Scottish National Party (SNP) MP and member of the Parliament's Petitions Committee Martyn Day, as he opened the debate at Westminster Hall. "The Muslim and Hindu faiths are the second and third largest religions in the UK, the first being the Christian faith, which has public holidays during its major religious festivals at Easter and Christmas... The celebration of festivals is very important to worshippers of the faiths concerned," he said. Conservative Party MP Bob Blackman, who represents the north London constituency of Harrow which has a large Hindu population, has been campaigning in favour of religious holidays for many years. "We are coming up to Diwali; indeed, the big holiday will not be Diwali itself, but the day after, which is the Hindu new year," he said during Monday's debate. "That is when people of the Hindu, Jain, Sikh and Buddhist faiths will all go to their temples to pray for health, wealth and happiness in the new year, and will meet their families in the afternoon a day when the people of those religions will, frankly, not be working anyway. Why not recognise that fact and give everyone the opportunity to have a day off and recharge on that basis," he said. In reference to Eid, Blackman added that at the end of Ramadan, people are exhausted from the days of fasting and a day of prayer is important to them. "Why should that not also be a public holiday, particularly given the range of Muslims now in this country? We should recognise that fact and lead on to it," he said. Opposition Labour party MP Gareth Thomas also spoke out in favour of the motion, alluding to the positive impact on India-UK ties by declaring Diwali a public holiday. "It is worth spelling it out that the festival of Diwali is already an official holiday in a number of countries around the world, many of which have hugely close links to the UK. If it can be achieved that Diwali is marked in other countries, why cannot it be marked in the UK," he said. Westminster Hall debates are aimed at raising the profile of a campaign in an attempt to influence decision-making in government and Parliament. A similar debate on the issue of declaring Diwali and Eid public holidays had last been held in 2014 and the UK government response has remained largely unchanged, dismissing any such additional holidays due to "considerable" costs to the economy. Under the UK's current system of public holidays, referred to as "bank holidays", there are eight permanent holidays in England and Wales, nine in Scotland and 10 in Northern Ireland. The UK's Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971 allows for other special, one-off holidays to be declared. "The costs to the economy of introducing new public holidays are considerable," said Conservative Party MP Kelly Tolhurst, representing the government in the debate as minister in the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy department. "The most recent assessment of an additional holiday for the Diamond Jubilee [to mark Queen Elizabeth II's 60 years of reign in 2012] showed a total cost to employers of around 1.2 billion pounds". "Depending on the nature of the holiday that is being proposed, costs may be partially offset by increased revenues for businesses in the leisure and tourism sectors, and by a boost in retail spending. However, it is not expected that public holidays for Eid or Diwali would result in an increase in tourism," she said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Amid an alarming rise in the pollution level in the city, a national laboratory Tuesday certified an air-purifying technology that can turn public spaces into clean air zones. Delhi's air quality turned severe Tuesday, the worst this season, as stubble burning in neighbouring states intensified, authorities said. Seventeen areas of the national capital have recorded severe air quality, according to Central Pollution Control Board data. The collection results from aerodynamics particle size of PM1 and PM2.5 reports the efficiency of the "Clean Air Zone" technology to be more than 90 per cent, Chief Secretary at the National Physical Laboratory, Shankar Agarwal, who certified it, said. PM1 is the presence of particles in the air with a diameter of less than one micrometre and PM2.5 is the presence of particles in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres. The technology developed by Evergen Systems, is being used at the Gurudwara Rakabganj Sahib under a pilot project. Founder and CEO, Evergen Systems, Sukhbir Sidhu, said models using the "Clean Air Zone" technology can be installed at hospitals, schools and bus stands among other public places. The organisation is also in talks with government agencies such as municipal bodies to plan installation of the technology in other places, he said. The technology has been designed and constructed applying the laws of fluid dynamics to take control of air flow, the company said in a statement. It combines a design based on extensive optimisation by using high performance computing with high performance air filters, it said. The innovative technology utilises a combination of atmospheric chemistry and airflow engineering, the statement said. It is implemented through a proprietary dual purifier system combining nano-particles for removing 97-99 per cent fine dust particles and a chemical media to remove gases like NOx, SOx, CO2 and ozone, it said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he welcomes mediation from the United Nations and Egypt to prevent a humanitarian collapse in the Gaza Strip, Israeli media reported Tuesday. Netanyahu made the comments in a briefing to local journalists on Monday, various Israeli newspapers reported. Egypt and UN officials have been seeking a long-term truce between Israel and Islamist movement Hamas, which runs the Gaza Strip, with Qatar providing humanitarian assistance. Security sources in Gaza said a 13-member Egyptian delegation was in the strip on Tuesday to meet with Hamas officials, the latest in a series of such visits. Months of unrest along the Gaza border have led to fears of a fourth war since 2008 between Israel and Palestinian militants in the blockaded enclave. "We are working to prevent forces getting into Israel to harm our soldiers and communities," Netanyahu said, quoted by Haaretz newspaper. "On the other hand, we're working to prevent a humanitarian crisis, which is why we're willing to accept the UN and Egyptian mediation efforts to achieve quiet and fix the electricity situation." Israeli officials rarely comment publicly on the efforts by Egypt and others to restore calm and ease humanitarian conditions in Gaza. The Gaza Strip faces a severe electricity shortage, high unemployment and lack of clean water, among other humanitarian concerns. Netanyahu has faced criticism from some who have called for a large-scale Israeli military operation in the Palestinian enclave in response to the unrest. But such an operation would have unpredictable results at a time when Israeli elections are expected to be called in the coming months. At least 218 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in demonstrations and clashes along the Gaza border that began on March 30. One Israeli soldier has been killed along the frontier in that time. Israel says its actions are necessary to defend the border and stop infiltrations and attacks, which it accuses Hamas of seeking to orchestrate. Palestinians and rights groups say protesters have been shot while posing little threat. There have also been several military flare-ups. In the latest on Friday and into Saturday, Palestinian militants fired dozens of rockets into southern Israel, which responded with extensive air strikes. The violence came to an end after Islamic Jihad, the Palestinian militant group that launched the rockets, said it had agreed to an Egyptian-brokered truce. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress president Rahul Gandhi Tuesday said his party has not declared its chief ministerial candidate in Madhya Pradesh as part of its poll strategy even as he showered praised on Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia, considered to be in race for the post. Gandhi's comments came in the backdrop of the BJP's charge that the Congress was "headless" in the state, where assembly polls would be held on November 28. "Under our strategy we have not declared the chief ministerial candidate in Rajasthan or Madhya Pradesh," he told reporters during an informal chat here. Gandhi, who was on a two-day campaign of Madhya Pradesh, was asked why his party had not projected a face against BJP Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who was seeking a fourth term in office. "Both our leaders have qualities of their own. Kamal Nath, the MP Congress president, has vast political experience and Jyotiraditya Scindia, the Congress chief whip in the Lok Sabha, is young and energetic," said Gandhi, with Nath and Scindia by his side. They were among the most prominent Congress leaders in Madhya Pradesh, where the party was out of power since the last 15 years. Except in extraordinary situation, the Congress would not give poll tickets to leaders joining it from other parties, he said. "Besides, we have, by and large, decided not to renominate party candidates who had lost assembly polls three times of more," Gandhi said. In the run up to the polls, the BJP was mocking the Congress, saying because of factionalism in its state unit the party was unable to project its chief ministerial candidate. On October 17, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said the Congress had three chief ministerial candidates with each pulling the others down and that it could not think of the state's development. In a video interaction from Delhi with party workers, Modi had claimed more than a dozen Congress leaders were also nursing chief ministerial ambitions in Madhya Pradesh. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Amid deteriorating air quality, the Centre said Tuesday the Supreme Court's order on firecrackers will be followed strictly in Delhi and NCR and only the sale of eco-friendly fireworks would be permitted. However, while launching eco-friendly crackers Monday, Harsh Vardhan, the minister for environment, forest and climate change, had admitted that they would not available this Diwali. On Tuesday, MoEF Secretary C K Mishra had convened a meeting with the chief secretary Delhi, the special commissioner, the Delhi Police, commissioners of three MCDs, district magistrates of various districts of Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad and Ghaziabad. On the issue of firecrackers, it was decided that the directions of the Supreme Court shall be followed "strictly" in Delhi and NCR, a statement said by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change said. "Only eco-friendly fire crackers would be sold after proper authorisation has been obtained from PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation). "Any other kind of firecrackers would not be permitted to be sold in the NCR region as per the order of the Supreme Court," the statement said. It said the Delhi Police and the district magistrates of Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad and Ghaziabad were requested to ensure that these measures were strictly implemented in their respective areas. Last week, the apex court ruled that people can burst firecrackers from 8 pm to 10 pm only on Diwali and other festivals and allowed manufacture and sale of just "green crackers" which have low emission of light, sound and harmful chemicals. Mishra conveyed "serious concern" over the fact that there was "no significant improvement in the air quality despite the concerted efforts" being made by the ministry and all the stakeholders. He emphasised on the need for taking action which could lead to local containment of pollution and which was visible to the people. It was also decided that a Clean Air Week would be organised from November 1 to 5 in collaboration with the Delhi government and the four major NCR cities. Fifty-two teams were formed comprising the local SDM as a team leader, a senior official from the MoEFCC and representatives from the CPCB, the MCD and the DPCC. Delhi will have 44 teams and the cities in NCR region namely Gurgaon, Noida, Faridabad and Ghaziabad will have two teams each. "Field teams will be supported by the local police to ensure compliance and safety. All the DMs and MCD commissioners will be involved in the campaign and ensure that quick action is taken on the cases of violations reported by field teams. In case of repeat violations, criminal proceedings against defaulters will be initiated," the statement said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Taking note of the over 55,000 vacancies in the country's six paramilitary forces, Home Minister Rajnath Singh Tuesday ordered that the recruitment process to fill the posts be expedited, officials said. Of the total vacancies, 21,000 posts are lying vacant in the country's largest paramilitary force CRPF while there are 16,000 vacant posts in the border guarding force BSF. Taking stock of the vacancies and recruitment procedure for the paramilitary forces and the Delhi Police during a high-level meeting, the home minister directed initiation of special mechanisms for reducing the delays and fast-tracking the recruitment activities in a time-bound manner, a ministry official said. Nearly 1.35 lakh youths have been recruited in the paramilitary forces in the last two years. Among the vacancies, 233 posts are of DSPs and 140 of commandants and DIGs. The vacancies in the paramilitary forces arise due to retirement, resignation, death, creation of new posts or raising of new battalions, another official said. The vacancies are filled through various modes, including direct recruitment, promotion and by deputation as per the extant provisions of recruitment rules. Other forces where there are sizeable vacancies include the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), the Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and the Assam Rifles. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is primarily deployed for the assistance of state police forces in internal security, fighting militants in Jammu and Kashmir and the northeast, and in anti-Naxal operations in Maoist-hit areas. The Border Security Force (BSF) guards the Indo-Pak and Indo-Bangladesh borders, while the SSB protects the Indo-Nepal and Indo-Bhutan borders, and the ITBP is deployed along the Sino-Indian border. The CISF guards the airports, nuclear and industrial installations, sensitive government buildings, Delhi Metro besides others. The Assam Rifles is deployed for guarding the Indo-Myanmar border and fighting insurgency in the northeast. The combined strength of the paramilitary forces is around 10 lakh. Union Minister of State for Home Hansraj Gangaram Ahir, Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba, director generals of the paramilitary forces and commissioner of the Delhi Police were also present in the meeting. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Pakistani man killed four persons, including his mother, on Tuesday after opening fire during a meeting called to settle a family dispute over property inheritance. Syed Jamal, who was also attending the meeting, opened fire from a rifle, killing his mother, sister-in-law, nephew and a local reporter, said Irfanullah, District police chief Charsadda, about 29 kilometres from the provincial capital of Peshawar. The officer said one more person was injured in the scuffle which broke out during the meeting. Jamal is a drug addict and has previously killed his wife as well, the officer added. The suspect fled the scene after killing the four people. The police have launched a hunt to nab the suspect. Family feuds, mostly over property, often turn violent in Pakistan and claim many lives every year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar Tuesday chaired the first-ever meeting of the state-run Investment Promotion Board (IPB) since his discharge from AIIMS in Delhi on October 14. A total of seven investment proposals were cleared at the meeting, which was held at his private residence at Dona Paula near here this evening, said a spokesman of the IPB. "A total of 13 projects were placed before the board for decision which included eleven new investment proposals and review of two previously approved proposals. "The board has recommended approval of seven of the eleven new proposals entailing a total investment of approximately Rs 230 crore which will create additional employment for around 400 people," he said. He said three out of four other new proposals were deferred for a decision in the next meeting of the board, while one project proposal was rejected. State's main opposition Congress party had objected to holding of IPB meeting at the private residence of the chief minister. Parrikar has been in and out of hospitals and remained admitted in the US earlier this year, forcing him to stay away from office for long. His failing health has sparked speculation over his continuation as the chief minister of the state with the Congress demanding his replacement. Goa Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane had recently said that Parrikar was suffering from pancreatic cancer. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Congress Tuesday targeted the Centre and the Chhattisgarh government over the Naxal attack in the state, saying they are accountable for it and demanded Chief Minister Raman Singh's resignation. The Centre said that the cowardly attack would not be able to weaken its resolve in rooting out Naxalism and giving a befitting reply to them. Condemning the attack, the Congress expressed its condolences and claimed people are determined to oust the Raman Singh government in the state in the coming elections. While Congress president Rahul Gandhi said the attack in Dantewada district had saddened him, the party's chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala paid tributes to the deceased and termed the BJP government in the state "incompetent and worthless". Two policemen were also injured in the attack near Nilawaya village, about 450 km from the state capital Raipur. Raman Singh described the ambush as a cowardly act by Naxals who are against democracy and development and have acted out of desperation. "The government has taken the incident very seriously. In the attack, one cameraman of Doordarshan and two policemen were killed. It was a very unfortunate and condemnable incident. I express my deep condolences to the families of the bereaved," Home Minister Rajnath Singh told reporters here. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the government will respond to the attack in a befitting manner. "Naxals in Chhattisgarh have shown their cowardice by killing policemen and a DD cameraman in Aranpur. Government is responding in a befitting manner against such desperation of Naxals at all levels. Attack on the police and the press in any manner is heinous," Jaitley tweeted. Information and Broadcasting Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore also condemned the attack and said the insurgents won't be able to weaken the government's resolve. Rathore announced financial assistance of Rs 15 lakh to the next of kin of the DD cameraman. He said that Rs 10 lakh would be given as ex gratia by Doordarshan and Rs 5 lakh would be from the Journalist Welfare Fund of the Press Information Bureau, according to an official statement. "Strongly condemn the Naxal attack on @DDNewsLive crew in Dantewada. Deeply saddened by the demise of our cameramanAchyuta Nanda Sahu and two jawans of @crpfindia. These insurgents will NOT weaken our resolve. We WILL prevail," the minister tweeted. "I express my sorrow and deep condolences to the families of the two policemen and Doordarshan cameraman killed in the attack," Gandhi said on Twitter. Surjewala said the people of Naxal-hit Chhattisgarh have made up their mind to oust the "incompetent and worthless government of Chief Minister Raman Singh". Senior Congress leader Anand Sharma described the attack as disturbing and said the BJP government in the state and the central government could have made elaborate arrangements ahead of elections in the state. Hitting out at the government, he cited Home Minister Rajnath Singh's claim of having curbed Naxalism. "The state and the central governments should have accountability for the attack," he said. CPI Secretary D Raja condemned the attack and asked the state and central governments to address the root cause of the problem. "It is unfortunate that the media persons were attacked and got killed along with policemen. Violence should be condemned in any form. We urge the state and central governments to address the root cause of the problem," he said. SP leader Akhilesh Yadav also paid his tributes to the Doordarshan cameraman and the policemen. The attack took place around 11 am in a forest area near Nilawaya village. The Maoists ambushed a squad of local police which was carrying out patrol duties on motorcycles from the Sameli camp towards Nilawaya, said Deputy Inspector General (anti-Naxal operations) Sundarraj P. A three-member team of Doordarshan was travelling for election-related coverage at the same time and was caught in the cross-fire, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actor Parvathy Thiruvoth Kottuvata on Tuesday said the Malayalam film industry needs to learn from Bollywood superstars to act immediately in cases of sexual harassment. "We were amazed to see that men, who are in forefront, who are successful producers and actors, coming ahead and lending their voice to this. That is something we are missing out not just in Malayalam industry but Tamil and Telugu industry as well," she said. "Their voice is going to catapult (the cause) to another level, so it will be easier to follow up. This is commendable but there is alarming silence from a lot of others," she said during a panel discussion on 'The Power of Collective And The Road Ahead', at MAMI film festival here. Parvathy lauded the prompt decisions by top Bollywood actors and filmmakers to distance themselves from those accused of sexual harassment as the #MeToo movement gained ground. In the wake of the #MeToo movement, Aamir Khan pulled out of "Mogul", a biopic on slain T-Series boss Gulshan Kumar, after charges of rape and sexual harassment were levelled against its director Subhash Kapoor. Akshay Kumar called for strict action against Sajid Khan, the director of his upcoming film "Housefull 4", after several women accused him of sexual harassment. Parvathy, who made her Bollywood debut with romantic comedy 'Qarib Qarib Singlle' last year, is a part of Women In Cinema Collective -- a Malayalam film industry outfit formed soon after the shocking assault of an actress in February 2017. She said Bollywood also needs to have a body like WCC to address and monitor the cases of sexual harassment. Director Anjali Menon, who was also present at the session, said it is important to not only name and shame, but immediate action also needs to be taken in such cases. "This whole thing of naming the person is a huge step and to take proactive action is important as it conveys that we are in support of the survivors. There have been reactions happening here and it is important to place the intent and that is proven by action, words don't help. The silence is a very disturbing stand," she said. Bollywood is taking the right step, she added. The session was also attended by actors Rima Kallingal and Veena Gowda and women's rights lawyer and filmmaker Ruchi Narain. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Peoples Democratic Party leader Abdul Nasser Madani, an accused in the 2008 Bengaluru serial blasts, who was granted permission by a court to visit his ailing mother in Kerala, arrived here Tuesday. The 52-year-old leader was granted special permission by a National Investigation Agency (NIA) trial court in Bengaluru. Madani, who is on bail, is not permitted to leave Bengaluru without court permission. The wheelchair-bound Madani was welcomed by a large number of party workers and members of his family at the airport. He later visited his mother, admitted to a private hospital at Sasthamkotta in Kollam district. Meanwhile, a group of PDP activists staged a protest in front of the Secretariat here demanding that the state governments intervente to ensure justice for their leader. Madani would leave for Bengalure on November 4, party leader Poonthura Siraj said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress president Rahul Gandhi alleged on Tuesday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has "failed" to keep his electoral promise of ushering in "acche din" (good days) and people are feeling "betrayed" now. Canvassing for the Congress in Dhar in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, Gandhi also accused the prime minister of helping only select industrialists while neglecting farmers, tribals and youth of the country. Gandhi said the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) wanted to create two types of Hindustan -- one for the rich and another for the poor. "On the contrary, the Congress believes in one Hindustan where if loan of rich people is waived similarly the debt of farmers will also be waived," he said. The state BJP unit, however, said Gandhi was levelling "false and fabricated" allegations as the Modi government has done a lot for youth of the country by facilitating setting up of new factories and start-ups, while a number of schemes have been launched to help the poor and tribals. In his speech, Gandhi said people of India, especially youths, had voted Modi to power by trusting him for the promises he had made. The Congress chief began a two-day tour of the Malwa-Nimar region, a BJP stronghold, in the central Indian state, from Ujjain on Monday. The Congress has been out of power in Madhya Pradesh since 2003 and is trying to make a comeback in the forthcoming assembly elections, scheduled to be held on November 28. Gandhi said the Congress will waive loans of farmers in Madhya Pradesh within ten days if it is voted to power in the state. "If new chief minister (of Congress) delays waiving loans of farmers even by one day (beyond the promised ten days), we will install a new chief minister," he said. The Congress president also promised to set up food processing units near farms so that farmers could avail good price for their produce and their wards get employment. Continuing his attack on the BJP government at the Centre, Gandhi said, "After coming to power, prime minister Narendra Modi failed to help tribals, youths, labourers and farmers, and instead helped only 10-15 industrialists like Anil Ambani, Nirav Modi, as a result of which people are feeling betrayed." He said, "I wanted to ask you how many youths were given employment by Ambani and Nirav Modi. Life of how many farmers have they changed?" While the BJP and the government have rejected these allegations, Gandhi has been accusing the Modi government of allowing liquor baron Vijay Mallya, who is facing loan default cases, as well as businessmen Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi flee the country. Besides, he has been alleging undue benefits in the Rafale deal to Anil Ambani's Reliance group, which has rejected the charges. Nirav Modi and Choksi are accused in the alleged multi-crore PNB fraud. "While he (Modi) has given Rs 35,000-40,000 crore to industrialists then why couldn't he give the money to you and your children for their education? What wrong have you done? (for not getting the monetary aid)?" Gandhi asked. "Earlier Modiji used to say 'acche din aayenge' (good days will come) but now people are saying 'chowkidar chor hai'. This is the state of affairs of the country in just four years," he said. BJP have strongly reacted to similar allegations made by Gandhi in the past and has accused him of using abusive language for the prime minister. Reacting to Gandhi's speech, the state BJP spokesman Rahul Kothari said these he was levelling "false and fabricated" allegations on performance of the Modi government. "The Modi government has done a lot for youths of the country by establishing new factories and start-ups. These steps have started yielding results," he said. "The government has launched schemes like the 'Prime Minister Housing Scheme' and the 'Ujjwala Yojana' (for providing LPG connections to women of BPL families) for the poor and tribals in a big way to help them," he said. Kothari also countered Gandhi on the issue of development. "Rahul Gandhi only talks about setting up mobile phone manufacturing factories in his speeches, but the Modi government has taken the number of such units from just two to 120 after coming to power," Kothari said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday urged companies in the United States to avail business opportunities in India in new areas such as start-ups, energy, healthcare and digital technology. He made these remarks when board members of United States India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) comprising senior industry and business captains of the US called on him here, a statement from the Prime Minister's Office said. They also briefed the prime minister on the outcomes of India Leadership Summit held earlier in the day. The business leaders appreciated the economic and regulatory reforms implemented by the government in the past four years and expressed their desire to further deepen their engagements with India to make use of the opportunities created by the rapidly growing Indian economy. "The prime minister stated that both countries have benefitted in an unprecedented manner through economic engagement. He encouraged US companies to fully avail of the business opportunities in new areas as well, such as start-ups, energy, healthcare and digital technology, " the statement said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday welcomed his Italian counterpart Giuseppe Conte, who is on a day-long visit to India. "A warm welcome to the Italian Prime Minister, Mr. Giuseppe Conte in India. I look forward to meeting him and to participate together at the Tech Summit later today," Modi tweeted in English and Italian. During his visit, Conte will hold talks with PM Modi to boost cooperation in key areas such as trade and investment, besides participating in the India-Italy Technology Summit. The highlight of the visit will be the Italian prime minister's participation at the 24th edition of the India-Italy Technology Summit which is being organised by the Department of Science and Technology in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu hinted at improvement in India's ranking in the World Bank's report, to be released Wednesday. "Tomorrow, you will be hearing a better news about India improving parameters on We already have improved substantially. We will make the formal announcement tomorrow with the (releasing its report)," Prabhu said pn Tuesday. India jumped 30 places to rank 100th among 190 nations in the last year's World Bank's 'ease of doing business' index. The ranks countries based on 10 parameters, including starting a business, construction permits, getting electricity, getting credit, paying taxes, trade across borders, enforcing contracts, and resolving insolvency. According to sources, improvement is expected in parameters, including construction permit, starting a business, and trading across borders. Further talking about India-US trade relations, the commerce minister said that New Delhi is actively engaged with Washington to resolve the issues. He said that India would like to work with the US on global challenges to multi-lateral trading system and matters related to existential issues of the (WTO). "We have some trade issues with the US, but we can resolve them," he said, adding India-US strategic and commercial dialogue is expected in January, in which US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross may participate. He added that India is a growing economy and it offers huge advantages for the US companies. Citing a report, he said about 2,300 firms operating in may be looking to shift their bases outside and "we want to offer them a choice based on intrinsic advantages that India offers". "I have always been saying this that if you actually have a relationship with India, India can never pose a strategic challenge to the US," he said. Senior officials of India and the US are already in discussions to finalise a kind of trade deal. Both the sides holding two track discussions -- to increase trade in short and medium term, and identify long term trade potentials. India is pressing for exemption from high duty imposed by the US on certain steel and aluminium products, resumption of export benefits to certain domestic products under their generalised system of preferences (GSP), greater market access for its products from sectors such as agriculture, automobile, auto components and engineering. As many as 3,500 Indian products from different sectors like chemicals and engineering get duty-free access to the US market under the GSP, introduced in 1976. On the other hand, the US is demanding greater market access for its farm and manufacturing products, including medical devices. India's exports to the US in 2017-18 stood at USD 47.9 billion, while imports were USD 26.7 billion. The trade balance is in favour of India. A CBI court on Tuesday sentenced opposition All India NR Congress (AINRC) legislator Ashok Anand and his father to one-year imprisonment in a disproportionate assets case. The CBI's Anti-Corruption Branch, Chennai, had registered a case against the legislator, his father C Anand and mother Vijayalakshmi for accumulating assets to the tune of Rs 3.75 crore, disproportionate to their known sources of income, between January 1, 1997 and January 7, 2006. Vijayalakshmi expired during the trial and the charges against her were abated. CBI special judge P Dhanabal delivered the verdict. The judge also imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh each on Anand and his father, who is a former public works department chief engineer, under the Prevention of Corruption Act. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A video of a Maharashtra BJP MLA purportedly trying to touch the feet of a man who had filed an FIR against him for extortion was displayed here Tuesday. The complainant Ravindra Barate had on October 12 lodged an FIR against Yogesh Tilekar, the MLA from Hadapsar in Pune, his brother Chetan and one Ganesh Kamthe under IPC section 385 (extortion) for allegedly demanding Rs 50 lakh from a firm to allow it to lay optical fibre cables for internet in an area in Hadapsar. While addressing a press conference Tuesday, Barate claimed he had approached Kondhwa police station with a complaint application against Tileker and two others on September 8. "On September 12, Tilekar was called by Kondhwa police station for enquiry, however, instead of going to the police station, he along with a common friend, met me at a restaurant, where he apologised with folded hands and tried to touch my feet for his 'wrongdoings'," claimed Barate. Barate said he told the MLA that he would not withdraw the complaint. Barate alleged that police instead of investigating the case against Tilekar, has started inquiring him. While reacting about the CCTV footage video, Tilekar said he had approached the complainant along with a common friend before the FIR was registered. "Whatever he (complainant) is saying that I approached him to apologies is wrong. I went to him along with a common friend and told him that I and and my family toiled for 22 years to come to this (MLA) position. I had told him that if you register a fake case against me, my political career will get affected so we requested him not to register a fake case," claimed Tilekar. While explaining about bowing down and trying to touch the feet of Barate, he said that the complainant is elderly figure to him and while leaving the place he bowed down and tried to touch his feet. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress president Rahul Gandhi Tuesday appealed to journalists to guard the truth without "fear", like the Army protects the border. He was addressing a public meeting here in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh. The Congress chief alleged that Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam accused Mehul Choksi had deposited money in a minister's bank account. "We showed it to the reporters, but they were scared (to report it)...They are scared. Look they are laughing," he said while looking at a journalist sitting close to the stage. "They are saying that brother (Gandhi) you are speaking the truth but we are scared what will happen (if we write the truth)," Gandhi claimed. He alleged that a woman was tutored by the BJP at a meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in poll-bound Chhattisgarh. When contacted, senior BJP leader Hitesh Bajpai said Gandhi was suffering from a "political paranoid syndrome". Gandhi alleged, "The woman was told that officers and the prime minister had come from Delhi and that she would be asked questions. They told her that she has to say that her income has doubled. The PM came and a television show started." He claimed the woman spoke as she was told to. "She spoke as tutored amid loud clapping and Modiji said that 'achhe din aa gaye' (good days have come)," Gandhi said. "After the meeting, a reporter approached the woman. Scribes are intelligent. He was not scared and asked her whether her income was really doubled. The woman told him that it was in fact got halved," Gandhi said. "When the journalist asked the woman the reason for saying that her income had been doubled, she said the officers from Delhi told her what to speak in the TV programme," he claimed. "The journalist wrote a piece on this, and after 10 days, the media house for which he was working sacked him," the Congress chief alleged. "That is why there is fear. Don't be afraid and be like the Army that protects our border," Gandhi said. "Your work is to protect the truth in India. Some times, the scribes write against us but I will not scare your, threaten or pressurise you. We know your position," he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress chief Rahul Gandhi has expressed solidarity with academician-activist Kancha Ilaiah over the alleged move by Delhi University to ban three books written by him, calling it an attempt by the RSS to keep Dalits "disempowered" and propagate a "unilateral view of Hinduism". "I write this letter to express my solidarity against the majoritarian move being made by the Delhi University by recommending the ban of three of your books from the universitys political science curriculum," Gandhi said in a letter to Ilaiah, a Dalit rights activist. Ilaiah shared the letter with PTI. The RSS' "fascism" is apparent in the move, Gandhi alleged. "Their aggressive move to propagate a unilateral view of Hinduism is deplorable," he said. Gandhi said Ilaiahs books were a part of the university's syllabus for over a decade, without any questions being raised on their impact on the minds of students. "Now the RSS, which cannot boast of any intellectual or academic capital, is seeking to destroy academic integrity by silencing diverse voices. This is part of their larger design to keep the Shudras and Dalits disempowered," he claimed. Gandhi hoped that the Academic Council would reject the move by Delhi Universitys Standing Committee on Academic Matters. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Facing a defamation suit for alleging Madhra Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's son was named in the 'Panama Papers', Congress president Rahul Gandhi clarified on Tuesday he had got "confused". "For campaigning I am touring Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan these days. The ruling BJP has indulged in so many scams and corruption that yesterday I got confused," Gandhi said here. "In Panama Paper leak case, Madhya Pradesh chief minister has no role," Gandhi told a select group of journalists when asked about his comments during a rally in Jhabua district of poll-bound Madhya Paresh on Monday. The Panama papers refer to 11.5 million leaked documents published by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists in 2016 with details of offshore entities set up by a Panama-bassed law firm. The list included a number of Indian entities and many of them are facing investigations. Without naming the chief minister or his son, Gandhi had alleged during the rally that the name of the son of 'mamaji' had figured in the Panama Papers but no action was taken against him. Chouhan is often referred to as ''mamaji'. While the chief minister's son Kartikey Chouhan rejected the allegations on Monday night itself, he has now filed a criminal defamation suit against Gandhi in a Bhopal court, alleging that the Congress leader intentionally made the false allegations to defame his family. While clarifying his remarks on Panama link, Gandhi alleged the state's BJP chief minister indeed had a role in scams like Vyapam and e-tendering, among others. Vyapam scam refers to massive irregularities in state government jobs recruitment and selection in medical courses done by the Madhya Pradesh Professional Examination Board. The main Opposition party has also alleged large-scale corruption through e-tendering in Madhya Pradesh. It has claimed massive irregularities in grant of state government procurement and other works through a website developed by two private IT companies. The ruling party has rejected all these allegations. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Rajasthan High Court Tuesday sought the state government's stand on a plea challenging the conviction and jail term for life of self-styled godman Asaram for raping a teenaged girl in his ashram near here in 2013. A Jodhpur bench of the high court issued notice to the state government seeking its reply to Asaram's appeal. A bench of justices Nirmaljit Kaur and V K Mathur also summoned the records of the Asaram's case from the trial court for further proceedings on it. The controversial preacher had moved the high court in July this year, challenging his conviction and the life-long jail term. We had moved the high court praying for setting aside the conviction order. Since it has been admitted by the court, we would now file a bail application soon, said Asaram's counsel Mahesh Bora. A Jodhpur court had convicted Asaram of raping a teenager in August 2013 and sentenced him to life in prison until death, the maximum punishment prescribed by the law for the offence. Additional Sessions Judge Madhusudan Sharma of a special court had also convicted Asaram's two women co-accused, Shilpi and Sharatchandra, and had sentenced them to 20 years in jail for aiding and abetting the crime committed by the self-styled godman. Asaram, 79, who ran ashrams and has millions of followers in India and overseas, was convicted in a closed jailhouse court in Jodhpur. He was arrested in Indore and brought to Jodhpur on September 1, 2013, to face trial in the case in which he was accused of raping a girl, who was then 16, at his ashram in a village near the Rajasthani city. Two days back, a nephew of Asaram had also moved the District Parole Committee, seeking a 20-day parole for his jailed uncle. In the parole application for Asaram, his nephew Ramesh said his uncle has already served five years in jail against the sentence handed out by the trial court. So, he is entitled for first parole according to the jail norms, he said in the application. Commenting upon Asaram's plea for parole, a district administration official said a decision on the matter would be taken after securing a report on the matter. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) : Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda Tuesday said regional parties alone cannot make someone Prime Minister without Congress backing and expressed "complete support" for Rahul Gandhi to be made Prime Minister after the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. In these polls, regional parties alone cannot make someone the Prime Minister without the support of the Congress, whose decision would be final, he said. "In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, no regional parties in the country can make someone Prime Minister, leaving aside Rahul Gandhi. But Congress' decision will be the final," Gowda said. Speaking to reporters in Ballari, he said "I'm saying directly. My complete support is for Rahul Gandhi to be made the Prime Minister." Gowda's comments comes over a week after senior Congress leader P Chidambaram said Congress has never stated "officially" that Rahul Gandhi should be the Prime Minister if an opposition alliance formed the next government. He had insisted the Congress' focus was on dislodging the BJP government and bringing in a "progressive" alternative. Chidambaram had told 18 Tamil TV channel on October 22 in Chennai that the decision on who would be the prime minister in the event of an opposition alliance winning next year's Lok Sabha poll would be taken by its constituents. Gowda had recently said that the country's secular parties would come together under the Congress leadership to defeat BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, dismissing suggestions that the grand alliance was losing its sheen. The JDS is running a coalition government with Congress in Karnataka, which came into being after a post-poll arrangement between the two parties following a fractured verdict in the May assembly polls. Hitting out at the BJP for calling the Congress-JD(S) coalition as an "unholy alliance", the former Prime Minister questioned the saffron party by asking whether the alliance was "holy" when they joined hands with the JD(S) faction headed by H D Kumaraswamy to form the government in 2006. Gowda was in Ballari to campaign for the coalition candidate V S Ugrappa of the Congress for the November 3 by-polls to Ballari Lok Sabha constituency. Ugrappa, largely seen as an "outsider" to Ballari, is pitted against J Shantha of the BJP. Shantha is the sister ofBJP leader B Sriramulu, considered a close confidante of mining baron G Janardhana Reddy. By-polls for three Lok Sabha constituencies -- Shivamogga, Ballari and Mandya and two assembly constituencies- Ramanagara and Jamkhandi, will take place on November 3. The counting of votes will be on November 6. The ruling coalition partners Congress and JDS have decided to fight the by-polls unitedly against the BJP. Congress has fielded its candidates in Jamkhandi and Ballari and JD(S) in Shivamogga, Ramanagara and Mandya. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Harry Arora, an Indian-American engineer-turned-entrepreneur is hopeful of reversing the 2008 Obama wave to take back a Congressional district in Connecticut from the Democrats to the Republican party and be the first from the community from the East Coast in the next Congress. If elected to the Congress in the November 6 mid-term elections, the Baroda-born Sikh promises to be a "tireless advocate" of the Indo-US relationship and strongly push for doing away with per country quota for Green Card, which has resulted in an agonising wait for hundreds and thousands of Indian professionals in the US. The tri-State area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut has one of the largest population of Indian-Americans in the US, but so far there has been no representation of the community in the Congress. Arora said he hopes and is confident to break that, by winning back the Democratic seat for his Republican party. "The reality is that numbers are quite favourable (for the Republicans this mid-term). They are not quite unfavourable as one would think was in 2010 or 2014, when the results were decided only by five points," Arora, who is seeking to enter the US House of Representatives from the fourth Congressional District of Connecticut, told PTI in an interview. Trump's popularity, anti-incumbancy against the current occupant Congressman Jim Hames, who snatched the seat from the Republicans in 2008 riding a Obama wave, mismanagement of Connecticut by the Democratic party at the State level, and his own door-to-door campaign all clubbed together gives him the optimism, said Arora, who came to the US as a graduate student 25 years ago to do MBA. "There is a huge amount of disenchantment or disapproval of the current Democratic leadership at the state level," he said. "As a result, we do believe that electorates are ready for a change," said a confident Arora, who like President Donald Trump is self-financing a large part of his campaign. He lived in West Bengal and Mathura before competing his electrical electronics engineering from the Delhi College of Engineering. For the past two decades he has been in the finance sector where he established himself as a successful entrepreneur. His grandparents moved to India from Rawalpindi after the partition in 1947. A Punjabi, Arora became a US citizen in 2004. It was two years ago, when he fought and survived cancer and decided to devote the rest of his life to public service. Driven by the Sikhism faith, he said it was personally a call to action. "Being an entrepreneur, I thought the most important thing was to get the mandate from the people to be able to contribution and participate in the whole process," he said. As such it is about a year ago that he decided to run for the US House of Representatives from the fourth Congressional District of Connecticut, which has a mixed record of going either way. For the last decade, the seat has been with Hames with the Democratic Party. Political pundits say Hames, 52, is mostly likely to be re-elected. Arora, who is self-funding a large part of his campaign, does not believe so. He argues that in the Trump era he has a much greater chance of swinging the seat for his Republican party. For two decades, until 2008, the fourth Congressional District of Connecticut was represented by a Republican. "The fourth District where I am running from has a huge possibility and is favourable to change," Arora said. "My underlying platform is bringing new ideas, new energy and problem solving to our societal problem. That's my intense focus," he said. Describing himself a Republican by philosophy Arora really believes that family and religion is important to him. "I really do believe that we need to make sure that we have a good discipline. I also believe in him like more competitive economy because when I grew up in India that the whole process of liberalisation had not happened," he said, adding that excessive government control and red tape is not beneficial. "What is required is a healthy regulation. When government starts controlling and doing more things, inefficiency and corruption sets in," he said. Noting that this issue is shaped by local issues, Arora said that overall improvement of the economy under the Trump administration will have a positive impact on the Republican party on November 6. Responding to a question, Arora argued that the H-1B visas have a huge amount of relevance. "What is okay is when it is used to attract strong, very well educated, sharp talent from all around the world, which America needs. And frankly speaking, that's the best part of our immigration process," Arora said as he argued for doing away with the seven per cent per country Green Card quota, which he said is not doing justice to the talented Indian professionals in the US who are waiting for decades to get legal permanent residency. "India is a country of a billion people. There are other countries which may have 5 million people. The same (Green Card) quota cannot be applied. Somebody has to advocate for that. I want to make sure that I stand, bring these ideas up front," Arora said. Now that Indian Americans have made their mark in every segment of the United States, Arora said it is time that the community made more participation in the political system here. "That's why, I believe it's time for me to be elected," Arora said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 26-year-old autorickshaw driver was arrested for allegedly vandalising a petrol pump and trying to extort money from its staff at Kalyan in Thane district of Maharashtra, police said Tuesday. The accused, Rakesh Kolgaonkar, was arrested in the wee hours of Monday when the incident took place, Thane police spokesperson Sukhada Narkar said. "The accused took his rickshaw to the pump at around 11.30 pm on Sunday and requested the employees to fill CNG in his vehicle. However, the staff members told him that there was no CNG available," she said. "Thereafter, he asked them to fill petrol. But they told him that since the facility was shut, they cannot do so. Angered by their reply, he demanded money from them by issuing threats. However, he was turned away by them," Narkar said. Kolgaonkar left in a huff, but returned an hour later with a sickle in hand. Therafter, he went on a rampage and damaged the property of the petrol pump, she said. A police patrol van, which was passing by, arrived at the spot. The policemen immediately caught the accused and later placed him under arrest. Kolgaonkar has been booked under IPC sections 384 (extortion), 427 (mischief causing damage), relavant sections of the Arms Act, and others. An offence was registered against him at Bazarpeth police station in Kalyan. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An unaccounted cash of Rs 1.73 crore was recovered from an alleged hawala trader's house in Rajasthan's Ajmer district on Tuesday, police said. Acting on a tip-off, the police raided the rented house of Arvind Jain and recovered Rs 1,73,96,000 in cash, Beawar police station Circle Officer Hiralal Saini said. The income tax department has been informed and the accused is being interrogated, the officer added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The CPI on Tuesday flayed the government for "splurging" nearly Rs 30 billion on building Sardar Patel's gigantic statue at a time when debt-ridden farmers are "being driven to suicide" and millions of people are defecating in the open for want of sanitation facilities. The 182 m Statue of Unity, touted as the world's tallest, is slated to be unveiled by Prime Minister in on Wednesday. CPI secretary Binoy Viswam claimed that 75,000 adivasi families living near the Sardar Sarovar dam had been rendered homeless to facilitate the construction of the mammoth structure. "While unveiling the structure amid trademark fanfare, the prime minister would do well to take note of the fact that residents of 12 villages situated along the dam have decided not to cook food in their kitchen in protest against the government's high-handedness that was on display while executing the project", he alleged at a press conference here. "While touting the statue as the tallest in the world he (the prime minister) must also explain the logic behind splurging Rs 2979 crore on a single project at a time when agrarian distress is driving farmers to suicide", the Rajya Sabha MP said. The statue, he said, is an insult to as he would have never agreed to the displacement of 75,000 adivasi families to facilitate the construction of a statue. "The 'Statue of Unity' is testimony to the fact that Make in India is as much a sham as Swachh Bharat has been. While crores of Indians are still defecating in the open due to lack of sanitation facilities, 99 per cent work on the statue was completed abroad. "Modi and the RSS - which has been his alma mater - are the Indian heirs of Hitler and Goebbels for whom spreading falsehood is an ideology. We and all Left and secular parties are therefore committed to defeating the BJP in the next general elections", Viswam asserted. A beginning to this end has already been made in Patna where all like-minded parties had gathered and spoken in one voice at a rally organized by CPI, he claimed. State CPI secretary Satya Narayan Singh was also present at the press conference. Saudi Arabia's chief prosecutor on Tuesday visited the consulate in Istanbul where journalist Jamal Khashoggi was murdered, according to an AFP journalist at the scene. The head of the Saudi investigation, Attorney General Sheikh Saud al-Mojeb, who last week acknowledged that the killing was "premeditated", did not make a statement as he arrived at the diplomatic compound. Earlier in the day he met Istanbul chief prosecutor Irfan Fidan for the second time. On Monday, Mojeb had asked to be given the full findings of the Turkish investigation, including all images and audio recordings, Turkish broadcaster TRT reported. The Turkish investigators rejected the request, TRT said, instead calling on the Saudi prosecutor to reveal information about the location of Khashoggi's body, which has not yet been found. They also repeated President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's call for the 18 suspects arrested by Saudi Arabia over the murder be sent to Turkey for trial, according to TRT. Riyadh has refused the request. The case has sparked a PR crisis for the oil-rich Gulf nation, which is seeking to draw a line under the case as Western powers demand answers. Khashoggi, a Washington Post contributor who had criticised Saudi Arabia's powerful Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, has not been seen after entering the consulate on October 2 to obtain paperwork for his marriage to his Turkish fiancee Hatice Cengiz. On Monday she hit out at the US President Donald Trump's response to the murder, saying he must not let Riyadh cover up the killing. "I am extremely disappointed by the stance of the leadership of many countries, particularly in the US," she told a memorial event in London. She said she believed the Saudi regime knew where Khashoggi's body was, and called for the "evil criminals and their cowardly political masters" to be held to account. Trump has called the case "one of the worst cover-ups in history", but warned against halting a Saudi arms deal to increase the pressure, saying it would harm US jobs. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Centre to make its stand clear on the field trials of Genetically Modified (GM) mustard crop in two weeks. A bench of Justices M B Lokur, S Abdul Nazeer and Deepak Gupta asked the Centre to specify its stand on the alleged field trial of GM mustard crop. Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for NGO 'Gene Campaign' said that Centre has earlier assured the court that no field trials of the GM crop will be held without express permission from the court. He alleged that the government has allowed field trial of the GM crop, which would lead to contamination of seeds stock and will be "irremediable and irreversible". The bench then asked the Centre to file its response on the fresh interlocutory application filed by the NGO and posted the matter for hearing after two weeks. The apex court was on November 22, 2017, told that Government of India has not yet taken a decision on the field trials of GM mustard crop, and that all the representations of the stakeholders will be considered before taking final decision. On September 15 last year, the Centre had told the apex court that it has not granted any approval for commercial cultivation of GM mustard crop in the country and no plantation will take place without its nod. It had said that the government has not yet accorded approval to the recommendation of a sub-committee of the Rajya Sabha on GM Crop. The Centre's counsel had said that a sub-committee of Rajya Sabha has submitted its report and the government as of now has not taken any decision on the recommendation. The apex court had on July 31 last year made clear that it would hear a plea challenging the commercial cultivation of GM mustard crop in the country if the government takes a decision in favour of the roll out. The Centre had earlier told the court that it would be taking a policy decision on the commercial roll out within a month or a month-and-a-half. The court had then said if the government approves the roll out, then it will hear the plea against the GM mustard seeds before the sowing season begins. It had earlier asked the Centre to take a "considered" and "well-informed" view before taking a policy decision on the commercial release of GM mustard crop. The government had said it was yet to take a policy decision on the commercial release of GM mustard crop and has been considering suggestions and objections on the issue. The apex court had on October 17, 2016 extended the stay on the commercial release of GM mustard crop till further orders. It had asked the government to seek public opinion on such seeds before releasing it for cultivation purposes. Mustard is one of India's most important winter crops which is sown between mid-October and late November. In its plea, the NGO had sought a stay on the commercial release of GM mustard and prohibition of its open field trials. The court was also urged to prohibit open field trials and commercial release of Herbicide Tolerant (HT) crops, including HT Mustard DMH 11 and its parent lines/variants as recommended by the TEC in its report. "Since the claimed yield superiority of HT DMH 11 through the B&B system over non-GMO varieties and hybrids is quite simply not true, in fact a hoax, ... there is no purpose to this GMO HT mustard for India," the petition said. It said the contamination caused by mustard HT DMH 11 and its HT parents would be "irremediable and irreversible". "The contamination of our seed stock and germ plasm as will happen with mustard HT DMH 11 and its HT parents will be irremediable and irreversible making our food toxic at the molecular level without recourse," the plea had said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The sextoy market is growing quite rapidly in India right now. Although it is not a big trend, it is a hot topic on the internet as it is secretly expanding its market. In this article, we will focus on sextoy and introduce recommended sextoy for Indian beginners of sextoy by gender. India, the birthplace of the Kama Sutra, is very strict about sex. Also, premarital sex is basically not allowed. Therefore, there are many people who are sexually restricted. But what happens when you continue to be sexually restricted? Frustration may build up and you may end up taking your sexual stress out on your partner. If you are able to adopt sextoy in a timely manner, you can get rid of those problems. I want to have more exciting sex than Im having now. I want more variation in masturbation I want to get even stronger pleasure than I do on my own. If you have any of these problems, please stay with me until the end. What is sex toys for Indian? Sextoy, as the name implies, is a toy used during sex and masturbation. It is a generic term for vibrators, Egg-vibrators, Electric massagers, dildo, handcuffs and condoms. They are used to make regular sex more exciting or to make masturbation more pleasurable. Because sextoy is very stimulating, it can help you to get rid of the problems and frustrations of being in a rut of sex with your partner for a long time, or if you are unhappy with the lack of pleasure in sex with your partner. The ability to satisfy your desires with movement, texture, and size, which cannot be done by a normal human being, can help you to be satisfied with sex and, as a result, improve your relationship with your partner. It is also said to help improve sexual dysfunction (inability to get an erection or ejaculate) and difficulty in feeling during sex (insensitivity), which is attracting more attention than in the past. In recent years, the demand for sextoy has increased due to the spread of smartphones and the Internet and the increasing number of people using online shopping. Even those who are concerned about the appearance of sextoy (and find it difficult to purchase) can now easily obtain it by using mail order. In the case of online shopping, most of the stores have taken steps to ensure that the contents of the products delivered to you are not revealed, so you can purchase them without your family members knowing. Until a while ago, you had to go to the store where the adult goods were sold to buy them, so it was quite a hurdle to overcome. Also, many people may have an image that sextoy is somehow embarrassing to own. But nowadays, some of them are so stylish and cute that you cant believe they are sextoy at a glance. More and more people are using them for travel and outdoor use because they are not too bulky and are suitable for carrying around. Sextoy situation in India Before introducing the recommended sextoy for Indians, lets talk about one of the sextoy situations in India in recent years. In India, due to the high concentration of population, the following six cities have particularly high sales of sextoy in India. Mumbai Kolkata Bangalore Delhi Chennai Hyderabad These cities account for roughly 70 percent of sextoy sales in India. In the future, the percentage of sextoy use will gradually increase in other cities in India as well. If you never talk about sextoy publicly, that girl in your neighborhood might be a sextoy user too. If you are interested in sextoy, you dont have to suppress your desire for it. What are Sextoys for beginner? Among all sextoys, sextoy for beginners are vibrators, dildo, masturbators, Sex Lubricants, and condoms. Sex Lubricants and condoms, which are familiar to people who have had sex, are also a great beginners sextoy. I will explain the details of each toy later, but there are many sextoy products that are painful to use and can only be used after some anal expansion. I assume that the Indian readers of this article are people who have not had much experience with sextoy. If such people use professional sextoy suddenly, they are at risk of injury or trauma. Therefore, to introduce sextoy, you need to start with a beginners version and gradually become familiar with it. Advantages of using sextoy for Indians There are three advantages of using sextoy for Indians You can masturbate in a wide variety of ways. Can have stimulating sex Can develop new sexual zones If you try to masturbate with your own fingers or hands, it tends to be a pattern. However, with sextoy, you can easily masturbate in a variety of ways. You will definitely be fascinated by the attraction of new stimulation. Also, your daily sex life will be more exciting than ever. There are many things in sextoy that are visually stimulating and give you a strong and intense feeling of pleasure. This allows you to see your partners promiscuity in a way that you wouldnt normally see it. When you are in a relationship, sex with your partner may become a pattern, but it can also eliminate these problems. It can also lead to the development of new sexual zones (which is the training of sexual stimulation to allow you to feel orgasms). For more information on the development of new sexual zones, see the following articles [Women's Erogenous Zone]How to find and develop, 7 hidden sexual zones !![In India] In this issue, we will dissect the female erogenous zone! ..." Many of you may be like that. Men, in particular, shou... Thus, the use of sextoy can only be a good thing for the men and women of India. Sextoy for beginner men in India So, lets continue with the recommended goods for Indian sextoy beginners. For ease of understanding, we will introduce them by gender. Lets start with the men! The following five goods are recommended for novice Indian sextoy men Masturbator Cock rings Love Doll Sex Lubricants Toys for the prostate Lets check each one in detail. Masturbator The masturbator is a sextoy for men that elaborately reproduces a womans vagina, mouth, and anus, and is one of the most popular sextoy products. It is used by men to masturbate, and it is popular because it provides stronger stimulation and pleasure more easily than using hands. Most are made of good quality silicone, and their softness is something that cannot be achieved with ones own hands. They can provide stronger pleasure than a real womans vagina, so be careful not to overuse them. (You wont be able to have an orgasm in a womans vagina anymore.) Again Male masturbators are a wonderful toy. I do not need any favourite timing, bothersome bargaining. You do not have to worry too much. Revolutionize your masturbation time! ! ! Made in Japan is a wonderful kinky toy.#sextoysindia #SexToyIndia #Japanhttps://t.co/4k70QGzoTP pic.twitter.com/tRVdxTKPpa SEXToys India PR (@SextoysIndia) November 12, 2018 Some of them are disposable, while others can be washed and used over and over again, so its fun to buy a few to use depending on your mood. If you want to know more about masturbator, please click here Really pleasant male masturbation and how to do it Are you in a rut with your daily masturbation routine? I'm going to show you five ways men masturbate that you might ... [For Beginners] How to choose and use a male masturbator without fail Gentlemen.Have you ever used a masturbator? The person who sees this article is probably the one who has not experien... Cock Ring A cock ring is literally a ring-shaped sextoy that is worn on a mans penis. It maintains an erection by binding the penis with a ring of rubber and blocking blood flow. It is sometimes used as an accessory to be worn on the penis, and may be made of metal or plastic as well as rubber. In some cases, cock rings have parts or vibrators attached to them that stimulate the vagina, so they kill two birds with one stone, giving a woman pleasure while maintaining an erection. Cock rings are also sometimes used to treat erectile dysfunction. It can help with erectile dysfunction, where the penis doesnt get hard when you get an erection or doesnt last long when you try to insert it. Men who are prone to breakage or who are unsure of the hardness and size of their erections can use a cock ring to increase the size of their penis and maintain an erection for a longer period of time. Cock rings vary in price from around RS700 to over RS2000 with a vibrator function. Some of them do not fit your penis, so you should check the size of the cock ring before you buy. You should know the size of your partners or your own penis when it is erect. [Penis enlargement] What is a cock ring? Types and usage Cock rings can make your penis bigger and harder. It also makes sex with women more fulfilling and increases your sat... Love Doll Love dolls, also known as Dutchwives, are dolls with the appearance of a woman who can experience simulated sex. There are dolls that look like a woman, but they have no face and only have their breasts and lower torso cut off, and some dolls are so realistic that they can actually be mistaken for real women. Some expensive dolls can cost more than 1 million yen, and the quality of the doll is easily influenced by the price. The higher the price, the higher the quality of the doll will be, the closer it will be to the real woman, and the cheaper the doll will be, the less elaborate it will be, making it look like a real doll! Something is wrong! That is also true. You cant go wrong if you choose a balance between price and taste. There are stores that allow you to make custom-made love dolls, so you can create a girl of your choice. You can make a girl of your choice. You can start with inexpensive love dolls at first, and once you get used to it, you can try custom-made love dolls. If you want to know more about Love doll, please click here Thorough explanation of the charm of sex dolls! Have you ever heard of sex dolls that are used primarily for pseudo-sex purposes? It is a doll that is quite close to... Sex lubricants Sex lubricants are used as a substitute for lubricating fluid during sex or as a lubricant for men to use masturbator rules. It is not uncommon for women to have difficulty getting wet, depending on their physical condition, or to have difficulty getting wet due to their constitution. Forcing the penis into the vagina at such times can cause painful intercourse. There are various types of Sex Lubricants, some with a warming effect, some with a cooling effect, and some with a scent. Changing the Sex Lubricant used during play is recommended as a good sex accent. If you want to learn more about Sex Lubricants, click here. What is sex lubricant?Explain the difference and usage of each ingredient The word "sex toy" may seem like a hurdle to overcome, but lotion is actually one of the most familiar sex toys. Many... Toys for the Prostate Another sextoy for men is prostate toys. The most famous prostate toys include Enemagra, which was originally a prostate massager developed by an American urologist to treat an enlarged prostate line. Modern prostate toys are imitations of Enemagra that have spread as sextoy for men. Many people think of prostate toys as being used by gay men, but in fact they are often used by straight men. What is the prostate? The prostate is an organ found only in men. It is a walnut-sized organ located deep in the pelvis, just below the bladder, and its primary role is to protect and nourish sperm. You cannot touch the prostate gland from outside the body, but you can touch it by inserting a finger or sextoy through the anus. By inserting a finger or sextoy through the anus and touching the prostate and developing it, you can feel intense orgasms. Orgasms felt in the prostate are mainly dry orgasms, which are orgasms that do not involve ejaculation. (You can also feel orgasms with ejaculation through prostate stimulation.) The prostate is called the male G-spot, and dry orgasms can be much more intense than ejaculation. Therefore, men who are able to develop a prostate can become addicted to the pleasure. sextoy for beinner women in India The following are the recommended goods for Indian women who are new to sextoy. The following three are recommended for use by women who are new to sextoy. Vibrator. Dildo Electric Masserger Lets check out what each one is in detail. If you want to check out womens toys, click here. [BEST25]Sex Toys for Women in IndiaThat Can Help You Have an Orgasm There are many women who pretend to feel orgasm during sex. But don't worry, you don't have to pretend to feel orgasm... Vibrators A vibrator is a sextoy that vibrates with an Egg-Vibrator to provide stimulation and is often referred to simply as a vibrator. Some vibrate as well as rotate, and there are many variations of sextoy. It is quite a popular sextoy, and is well recognized by people who do not know much about sextoy. Its usage is similar to that of a massager, but it is more compact and easier to carry than a massager, and many of them look as cute as a lipstick or a macaroon, so they are popular among women. For a while, a famous influencer on twitter said, This is good! You may have heard of the topic of this article by introducing the recommended vibrators. Vibrators are great for women to use on their own, but they are also recommended for men who have difficulty satisfying women with sex. Since it is powered by electricity, it is far less tiring than moving your hands by yourself. This makes it easier to satisfy a woman with sex because you can caress her for longer than usual. Vibrators are mainly used on the female side, but they can also be used on men. When used on men, they are used to attack the nipples and glans, and in both cases it is recommended to wear a condom for hygiene reasons. Introducing how to use the vibrator, its purpose, and how to choose it! Vibrator uses the vibrations caused by the rotation of the motor to provide stimulation. It is one or two of the most... Dildo A dildo is a model sextoy made to mimic a male penis. It can be made of silicone, elastomer (think of it as a material similar to PVC), metal or glass. A dildo can be used by a man for his female partner during sex, or by a woman for masturbation to get pleasure from it. They are mainly inserted into women, but some can be used in the male anus as well. It is sometimes used synonymously with vibrators, but the vibrator is not the same thing as a vibrating device. A model of a penis that does not vibrate is a dildo. Some of them have suction cups that can be attached to the floor or wall so that you can enjoy realistic masturbation without using your hands. For fun, there is a dildo made in the shape of your partners penis. This one is also popular as a gift, and if youve been together for a long time and are having trouble finding a gift for your partner, you might want to pick one. To learn more about dildo, please click here. What is Dildo: Orgasms with Dildos for Men and Women A dildo is a model of a male organ that is used by women for masturbation and by men to stimulate the prostate gland. Th... Electric Masserger A Electric Masserger is a hand-held electric massager, also known as a handheld massager, and can usually be purchased at electronics stores. It was originally designed to relieve stiff shoulders and back pain, so the hurdle of buying one in a physical store is quite low. Many people may have seen or used it in some form or another, as it is often installed in leisure hotels. Such a massager is highly recommended for beginners because it is easy for women to get pleasure from it when they use it during masturbation. It is larger than Egg-Vibrator and vibrations are stronger than those of Egg-Vibrators and vibrators, so even just hitting the clitoris can give you a great deal of pleasure. For those women who have never had an orgasm during sex with their man, the massager may be a good way to get a feel for what it feels like to have an orgasm. It looks and feels like an electric massager, so you wont have to feel awkward if your roommate finds out. If you are in a rut of having sex with your partner, if you want to feel an orgasm through masturbation, or if you are thinking of using a sextoy, why dont you try it from a simple massager? To learn more about Electric Masserger, click here. What is a massager? Introducing types, selection methods, and usage Originally, the Magic-wand vibrator and the massage machine were sold as a home massage machine used for the back and th... How to choose a sextoy for Indian Now that weve covered the different types of sextoy, heres how to choose one. Especially if you are trying sextoy for the first time, pay attention to the following three points: Does the size fit you (the partner)? Does the size fit you (your partner)? Is the environment able to produce sound without problems? Price range First of all, the choice of size is quite important. Most sextoy are used against or inserted into the genitals, but the genitals are very delicate organs for both men and women. For this reason, using an inappropriate size may cause damage. Secondly, the environment should be able to produce sound without problems. Some sextoys not only wear, but also rotate and vibrate. Its easier to get pleasure from something that moves than something that doesnt, but the fact that it moves means that the internal rotors make some noise. If you live in a house with thin walls or if you have roommates, you may not be able to concentrate because of the noise, so it is best to choose one that is silent or has a low noise level. Especially in India, where many people live with their families, it is very important that you dont have to worry about sound when you use it. Finally, there is the price range. The price range of sextoy ranges widely, from around RS500 at the cheapest to RS10,000 or more at the highest. Its good to consider how much money you can afford and how much you want to buy. Do you want your family to not find out about sextoy? I live with my family and want to use sextoy without them finding out! If you are a man, you should buy a camouflage sextoy that does not look like a sextoy at first glance. For men, there are many masturbators that do not look like a sextoy, and for women, there are vibrators that only look like cosmetics. If you choose such a type, youll be safe in case your family members find out. How to buy sextoys in India The best way to purchase sextoy is through online shopping. For more information on how to purchase sextoy, please see the article below. Sextoy is one of them. Therefore, you can easily get sextoy in India by using online shopping. SexToysINDIA is a long established and stable sextoy store and you can have sextoy delivered to any place in India. They also offer cash on delivery, so those who are worried about shopping with a credit card do not have to worry. Of course, the latest security is in place, so your information will not be taken out when you use your credit card. To begin with, many people may be concerned about whether they are legally allowed to purchase sextoy. ikmAs it turns out, its not illegal. Right now, it is not open to the public because the Indian adult market is still in the development stage, but it will gradually spread from now on. Take advantage of sextoy and open the door to new pleasures and culture. Cautions for Indians using sextoy When using sextoy, keep the following three things in mind Keep sex toys clean Watch out for electrical leakage Beware of the heat generated by the body while using a sex toy As I mentioned earlier, many sextoy products are used for the delicate zone. Therefore, it is most important to keep the sextoy itself clean. It is very important to keep the sextoy itself clean, because if a slight scratch is created by friction, bacteria can enter and breed there. It is safe to wear a condom when using the masturbator, just in case. In addition, many sextoy devices are powered by a power source, so if they are not waterproof, there is a possibility of electric shock or malfunction due to wetness. Some may even develop heat during continuous use. If the fever becomes too much, you may get burned, so be careful. If you get a fever during use, stop driving the sextoy immediately and refrain from using it. You will enjoy sex more if you keep it safe and use it correctly. Summary What did you think? In this article, we have introduced the recommended sextoy for the beginners of sextoy in India. The sextoy market is growing rapidly in India and it will continue to grow steadily in the future. As India is a rather closed-minded country, it can be difficult to be open about ones sexual habits and values. However, being faithful to ones desires by properly dissolving ones sexual desire is very effective for ones physical and mental health. If this is your first time to learn about sextoy, or if you are interested in using sextoy, why not give it a try? Indian Sextoys for ur best! will introduce you to sextoy and other trivia about sextoy, sexuality, and sexuality for men and women. I want to read more! If you think its a great idea, please bookmark it. The Supreme Court on Tuesday modified its order which had fixed 8 PM to 10 PM as slot for bursting firecrackers on Diwali and other festivals, saying that authorities in states are at liberty to change the timings but the duration will not exceed two hours a day. The apex court also said that its directions on "green crackers" was meant only for Delhi-NCR. The court was hearing a plea by Tamil Nadu government which sought its nod for bursting of crackers on Diwali morning in accordance with the religious practices in the state. In its October 23 order, the court had ordered that bursting of firecrackers on Diwali and other festivals would be only from 8 PM to 10 PM A bench comprising Justices A K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan also made it clear that its October 23 direction allowing the manufacture and sale of only "green crackers", which have low emission of light, sound and harmful chemicals, was meant for Delhi-national capital region (NCR) and it was not applicable pan-India. "The direction for green crackers was not for all the states. It was only for Delhi-NCR," the bench observed and said it would pass a formal order Wednesday. The bench was told by the counsel appearing for Tamil Nadu government that as per religious practices in south Indian states the bursting of firecrackers on Diwali was done in the morning and they should be given permission to burst crackers between 4.30 AM and 6.30 AM. One of the advocates also said that in union territory of Puducherry, bursting of firecrackers on Diwali was done in the morning. "We are going to change the timings," the bench said. While modifying its order on the issue of timing for bursting of firecrackers in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and states on south India, the bench made it clear that the "total time (for bursting of firecrackers) will not exceed two hours a day". The bench said this after the counsel appearing for Tamil Nadu urged the court to modify the timing slot and grant them permission for bursting of firecrackers in Diwali for one-and-a-half-hour each in morning as well as in evening. The advocates appearing for firecrackers manufacturers told the bench that the apex court had never intended to order complete ban on bursting of firecrackers on Diwali but the composition of green crackers was not even finalised. They said that in such a scenario, it would be akin to complete ban on firecrackers as green crackers would possibly come in the market only next year. "The green crackers will come only in July 2019 and not before that. We are seeking some kind of modalities of regularisation so that it does not become complete ban this year," one of the counsels said. When the issue of timing was raised before the bench, the court asked, "Apart from Tamil Nadu and union territory of Puducherry, is there any other state where the timing will be different?". The counsel for cracker manufacturers said that in some south Indian states, firecrackers bursting on Diwali was done in the morning. "Even in Delhi, people from south India are residing and they celebrate Diwali in the morning," the lawyer said. The lawyer also said that lot of changes were required to be made in quality of crackers to make them green and it was impossible to do so within such a short span of time this year. "If people from south India are in Delhi, they should celebrate Diwali as is done in Delhi. Similarly, of people from north India are in south, they should celebrate Diwali as it is done there in South India," the bench observed. Advocate Gopal Shankarnarayanan, appearing for the petitioner on whose plea the October 23 order was passed, told the court that it had stopped short of imposing a complete ban on use of firecrackers and had said that balance has to be achieved. He referred to last year's order of the apex court and said that as per the direction, no firecrakers could have been brought in Delhi after that order. "This is not being done suddenly. The manufacturers were aware of it," Shankarnarayanan said, adding, "From 2015, we do not have actual ban on firecrackers which is effecting our lungs and killing our children. The WHO (World Health Organisation) has said India is the most polluted country." The counsel appearing for the manufacturers said that they were not at all arguing that order passed by the apex court was wrong but they could not comply with the directions in the window given to them. "We are as much concerned about the health of people," the counsel said, adding that "people cannot be left to die like this". One of the counsel also raised the issue of ban on use of barium salt in firecrackers and said that without this material, no firecrackers could be made. However, Additional Solicitor General A N S Nadkarni, appearing for the Centre, said that firecrackers could be made without using barium salt and he would file an affidavit in this regard. Nadkarni said that barium salt was used for green sparkle in firecrackers and this has health implications on the health of people. The court asked Nadkarni to file an affidavit in this regard by Wednesday. In its October 23 order, the apex court had carved out an exception in timing for bursting of firecrackers for Christmas and New Year's Eve, saying crackers on these days could be burst between 11.55 pm and 12.30 am since the celebrations start at midnight. It had said that noise and smoke emission limits of the crackers will have to be approved by Petroleum and Explosive Safety Organization. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the Hyderabad Police to provide adequate security to businessman Sathish Babu Sana, who has claimed threat to his life for filing a complaint in the alleged bribery case against CBI special director Rakesh Asthana. The apex court however did not accept his plea to stay the CBI's summon against him. It also rejected his plea for recording of his statement before the probe in the presence of retired former SC judge A K Patnaik, who has been appointed by the court to supervise the CVC probe against CBI director Alok Kumar Verma. A bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices U U Lalit and K M Joseph noted that Sana, who claims to be "whistleblower", has expressed an apprehension of danger/threat to his life and wellbeing. "Having considered the matter, we are of the view that all concerned authorities, particularly, the Commissioner/Superintendent of Police, Hyderabad shall afford to the applicant-Sathish Babu Sana all such protection/security etc. as would be necessary to safeguard the life of the applicant," the bench said. The bench also took note of a fresh petition filed by CBI DSP A K Bassi, who was earlier the investigating officer in the case lodged against Asthana. Bassi challenged his transfer to Port Blair in Andaman and Nicobar Islands instituted after M Nageswara Rao, joint director in the CBI took over the charge as interim head of the agency. Bassi, in his plea filed through advocate Sunil Fernandes, said his transfer to Andaman and Nicobar Islands on October 24 is "malafide and derails a sensitive probe" and added that allegations against Asthana are "grave". He sought that his petition be heard on Friday but the bench said "it will look into it". Hours after the development in the apex court, CBI DSP Devendra Kumar, who was arrested by the team led by Bassi, was produced before a trial court on expiry of his seven-days custodial interrogation. Kumar accused the CBI of tampering with and fabricating evidence against him and contended that a case of theft and extortion be registered against the sleuths probing the case of bribery against him and Asthana. Special CBI Judge Santosh Snehi Mann, send him and alleged middlemen in the case Manoj Prasad to 14-days judicial custody after the CBI said they were no more required for custodial interrogation. Prasad was arrested by the CBI on October 17 and has also challenged the registration of FIR against him and subsequent arrest before the Delhi High Court, which on Tuesday posted the matter for hearing on November 1, as his counsel was not available. The hearing on the CBI's saga on Tuesday first came before the apex court where senior advocate Raju Ramachandran, appearing for Sana, said the businessman needed protection as there is a threat to his life. The bench said that if there was any threat to his life it will do the necessary. "We will say here is a citizen who claims to be a whistleblower and fears for his life. And he should be given adequate security." Ramachandran said a fresh summon of CBI and the change of Investigation Officer (IO) in the case would complicate the task of Justice (retired) Patnaik, who is supervising the probe by Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) into charges against CBI director Alok Verma. To this the bench said, "Let the task of supervision be handled by Justice Patnaik. He will do whatever is required." The bench thereafter dictated the order and said adequate security should be provided by Hyderabad Police SP to the petitioner (Sana) and rejected the other two prayers to stay CBI summon and recording of his statement in presence of Justice (retd) Patnaik. The CBI had booked Asthana on October 15 on the basis of a complaint from Sana, facing probe in a 2017 case involving meat exporter Moin Qureshi, claiming that the special director had allegedly helped him to get a clean chit from the probe agency. Besides seeking a stay on CBI's summons against him, Sana in his petition had expressed fear for his life and sought police protection during the pendency of the inquiry against Asthana, who along side CBI Director Alok Verma has been divested of duties and sent on leave by the Central government. The businessman, in his plea, had referred to the apex court's October 26 order on the petition of the CBI Director by which the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) was asked to conclude inquiry against Verma within two weeks under the supervision of former apex court judge Patnaik. The feud between Verma and Asthana escalated recently leading to registration of an FIR against Asthana and others including Kumar, who is in the CBI custody in an alleged bribery case. The FIR was lodged on a written complaint of Sana on October 15. It alleged that Kumar, the investigating officer (IO) in a case, was repeatedly calling him to the CBI office to harass and compel him to pay bribe of Rs 5 crore for giving him clean chit. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court on Tuesday pulled up Bihar Police for not arresting former state minister Manju Verma, who had stepped down in the wake of the Muzaffarpur shelter home scandal, in a case related to recovery of ammunition from her possession. The top court said even after her anticipatory bail application was dismissed by the Patna High Court on October 9, the police has not been able to arrest her. Her husband Chandrashekhar Verma had surrendered before a Begusarai court on Monday in connection with the arms case registered against him, the apex court was informed by the Bihar government. The court also directed that Brajesh Thakur, the prime accused in the Muzaffarpur shelter home sexual abuse case, be shifted to the Patiala high security jail in Punjab from Bihar's Bhagalpur jail. The court passed the order to shift Thakur out of Bihar after the CBI had on October 25 said that he was an influential person and was found in possession of mobile phone inside the Bhagalpur jail. A bench of justices M B Lokur, S Abdul Nazeer and Deepak Gupta said Thakur shall be kept under watch of the Superintendent of Police of Patiala. "Brajesh Thakur be transferred to the prison in Patiala where he will be kept in watch by the Superintendent of Police. The movement of Brajesh Thakur should take place today or tomorrow on the outside," the bench said. It also refused to give time to Thakur for filing his reply to the show cause notice issued by the court on October 25 asking him to explain why he should not be transferred out of Bihar, saying, "We decline to give any time for filing a reply until he goes out of Bihar." Advocate Fauzia Shakil, appearing for petitioner Nivedita Jha, pointed out that Manju Verma has not been arrested yet in the Arms Act case lodged against her. The bench asked senior advocate Ranjit Kumar, appearing for Bihar government, why the former cabinet minister was not arrested till now. "Is she above the law? She might be an ex-minister but she is not above the law. Her anticipatory bail was rejected by the high court on October 9. Why she has not been arrested till now? What were you doing till now? You let us know the details," the bench said. Kumar said he needed some time to take instructions with regard to details of Manju Verma. Advocate Aparna Bhat, assisting the court as an amicus curiae in the case, said she has got information that one of the members of CBI team investigating the Muzaffarpur shelter home case has been changed. The bench took serious note of the submission and asked CBI's counsel as to how the composition of investigating team has been changed without the leave of court. "We had anticipated these things that's why we passed that order on October 25 that CBI team should not be changed, without prior permission of the court. By tomorrow, we want the names of members of the team which was on October 25 and which is today," the bench said. The bench posted the matter for further hearing Thursday. On October 25, the apex court had asked the Bihar government and the CBI to explain why there was a delay in tracing whereabouts of Chandrashekhar Verma, who is wanted for alleged illegal possession of ammunition in large quantity. Manju Verma had resigned as Social Welfare Minister in the Bihar government in the wake of Muzaffarpur case, where several women at a shelter home were allegedly raped and sexually abused, after it came to light that her husband Chandrashekhar Verma had spoken to prime accused Thakur several times between January and June. On September 20, the court had said it had come on record that Chandrashekhar Verma and his wife were in "possession of illegal ammunition of a fairly large quantity" and it was not clear whether they were in possession of illegal arms as well. The court had observed that the CBI, in its status report filed earlier, had noted that an FIR has been lodged against Chandrashekhar and Manju Verma. "The affairs of these two need to be looked into, particularly with regard to their procurement and possession of illegal ammunition and availability of illegal weapons, if any. We request the local police in the state of Bihar to look into this aspect with some degree of seriousness," the bench had said in its order. Over 30 girls were allegedly raped and sexually abused at the shelter home in Muzaffarpur and the issue was first highlighted in an audit report submitted by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) to the state's social welfare department. An FIR was lodged on May 31 against 11 people, including Thakur, who was running the shelter home. The probe was later taken over by the CBI and so far 17 people have been arrested. The apex court had earlier termed as "horrible" and "scary" details placed before it about the investigation into the case. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court is slated to hear Wednesday a batch of petitions, including the joint plea filed by former Union Ministers Yashwant Sinha and Arun Shourie along with activist lawyer Prashant Bhushan, into the Rafale fighter jet deal between India and France. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, which had directed the Centre to provide in a sealed cover the "details of the steps" taken in the decision making process leading to the deal, has listed as many as four petitions for hearing tomorrow. The apex court's directions had come before the trio had filed the petition. The directions were passed on October 10 on the two PILs filed by lawyers M L Sharma and Vineet Dhanda. The top court, however, had observed that the averments made in the two PILs were "grossly inadequate" and had said that it was not issuing the notice on them. The bench, also comprising Justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph, had made clear that its direction to the Centre was issued to satisfy itself about legitimacy of the decision making process for procuring 36 Rafale fighter jets. Later, two other petitions were filed by Sinha, Shourie and Bhushan and AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh respectively against the deal. Now as many as four PILs are pending adjudication before the top court against the deal. Two former union ministers and Bhushan have sought registration of an FIR into the fighter jet deal between India and France alleging "criminal misconduct" by high public functionaries. The trio has also sought a direction to CBI to investigate the offences mentioned in their complaint in a "time-bound" manner and submit periodic status reports to the apex court. They have claimed that in 2007 tenders were issued by the Ministry of Defence for the purchase of 126 fighter aircraft and it was specified in the Request for Proposal that 18 of these aircraft would be purchased from abroad in a 'fly-away' condition. The remaining 108 were to be manufactured in India in the factory of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) with transfer of technology from the foreign vendor. The plea said that Dassault Company manufacturing the Rafale aircraft was declared the lowest tenderer and thereafter price negotiations began which were at a very advanced stage by March 25, 2015. "However within 15 days of this, the Prime Minister of India and the President of France announced a totally new deal jettisoning the virtually complete 126 aircraft deal and the Prime Minister on behalf of India agreed to purchase only 36 Rafale aircraft in a 'fly-away' condition without any transfer of technology and make in India. "It later turned out that the new deal involved 50 per cent of the value of the contract to be given as 'offset contracts' to Indian companies and that the government informally told Dassault and the French government that the bulk of the offset contracts would have to be given to a company of Anil Ambani which had just been set up," it claimed. The plea alleged that new deal gives undue benefit to Reliance Aerospace Limited (RAL) and the escalation of price of airplanes is to account for collateral considerations. It has also sought direction to the Centre to cease and desist from influencing or intimidating in any way the officials that would investigate the offences mentioned in the complaint and not transfer the CBI officials tasked with investigation The AAP lawmaker, in his separate plea filed through lawyer Dheeraj Kumar Singh, has sought setting up of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the supervision of the apex court to probe the Rafale deal. He has sought that the SIT should probe the reasons for cancellation of earlier deal entered into by the UPA government for the purchase of 126 fighter jets. India signed an agreement with France for the purchase of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft in a fly-away condition as part of the upgrading process of the Indian Air Force equipment. The Rafale fighter is a twin-engine Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) manufactured by French aerospace company Dassault Aviation. Indian Air Force had advanced a proposal to buy 126 fighter aircraft in August 2007 and floated a tender. Following this, an invitation was sent to various aviation companies to participate in the bidding process. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court has upheld the conviction and sentence of former MP and RJD leader Mohammad Shahabuddin and three others in a 2004 double murder case in which two brothers were killed for not paying extortion money. A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph dismissed at the threshold, the four appeals filed by the convicts against the Patna High Court judgement. "We find no ground to interfere. The Special Leave Petitions are dismissed," the bench said adding that the case was of grievous nature in which a person, who had witnessed the killing of his brother, was also shot dead. Satish and Girish Roshan were murdered in August 2004 in Siwan for refusing to pay extortion money. A third brother, Rajiv Roshan, who was an eyewitness to the incident in which Shahabuddin's men allegedly threw acid to kill the two brothers, was shot dead on June 6, 2014. Roshan was killed when he was going to depose against Shahabuddin in the trial court despite threats from the don and his henchmen. On December 9, 2015, a special judge had convicted Shahabuddin and his associates for the murders and sentenced them to life imprisonment. On August 30 last year, the high court had upheld their conviction and sentence. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The construction of a tunnel at a redevelopment project site in Pragati Maidan has been halted and a school in south Delhi fined Rs 5 lakh for "violating" NGT norms on curbing pollution, the area's civic body said Tuesday. Delhi's air quality nosedived to 'severe' on Tuesday, the first time this season. "Don Bosco School in Sukhdev Vihar has been fined Rs 5 lakh for violation of NGT norms. The fine has been imposed under section 337 of the DMC Act read with section 15 of NGT Act," the SDMC said in a statement. The violations observed over a plot of 20,000 sqm belonging to the school were "serious", it said. Also, the construction of a tunnel by an infrastructure major at the Pragati Maidan project site has also been "stopped", the SDMC said. "The action has been taken under section 344 (2) of the DMC Act after carrying out an inspection at the site where dust was found to be generated despite a letter of warning being issued earlier," the statement said. It was also observed that no action was taken to prevent dust generation and the condition was helping in further worsening the quality of air, the civic body said. At the school, the violations included buildings not being covered at construction area, construction material stored at site not fully covered, dust emission, workers at construction site not provided masks and no wind breaking walls around construction site, the SDMC said. SDMC Commissioner Puneet Kumar Goel Tuesday chaired a meeting of heads of various departments to take stock of the present pollution situation. He directed the zonal departments to immediately stop ongoing construction work as CPCB and NGT have instructed the suspension of construction work. Goel also instructed the zonal deputy commissioners to identify 500 sites per zone for bursting crackers during Diwali night between 8 pm to 10 pm as per instructions of the Supreme Court. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A principal of a private school in Pakistan was sentenced to a total of 105 years in prison on Tuesday by a local court for sexually exploiting schoolchildren and filming them with secret cameras installed on campus. Attaullah Marwat, who is also the school's owner, was arrested in this city after police registered a case against him on July 14, 2017, on the complaint of a boy student. A sessions court here handed a total of 105 years in prison to the principal on charges of child abuse, pornography, rape, blackmail and maintaining illicit relations. Marwat was also fined Rs 1.4 million in addition to the jail terms. A trial court had framed charges against him on eight counts under the Pakistan Penal Code. He was found guilty of all charges and handed various jail sentences under each section - resulting in a total prison term of 105 years. One of the charges against the convict was that he had forced, persuaded, coerced and enticed girl students under the age of 18 to engage in sexual activities and was involved in explicit sexual conduct and abuse of minor schoolgirls. Following his arrest last year, the accused had recorded his confessional statement before a judicial magistrate, wherein he had admitted that it was his "hobby" to make videos of his sexual activities. He had also admitted that the videos were stored in his personal computer. The police had recovered memory cards and USBs. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Adult film star Shakeela will be seen in a cameo in her biopic. The film features Richa Chadha as Shakeela, who was one of the biggest stars of the '90s from Kerala and has acted in several adult films in languages spanning Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada. The biopic is being helmed by Indrajit Lankesh. The director said besides the cameo, the South Indian star was an integral part of the film who gave the team interesting insights - be it her life or the art direction. "It was nice shooting her for Shakeela biopic, though I have shot with her before for my another film in 2003. That sparked an interest in me to make a film on her and in 2015 after conceiving the idea of making a film on her I met her and realised my dream," Lankesh said in a statement. "I feel every woman and girl who wants to be an actress should see her story, to know what she went through to become an actress and how it was such a compelling rags-to-riches-to-rags story of her life," he added. The director said Richa met Shakeela in Bangalore to get into the skin of her character before the commencement of the shooting. "Richa got to spend time with her, understand her style of talking, her body language and such nuances... I always wanted to make a film on Shakeela, I was immensely impressed with her on-screen and off-screen personality. "I wanted to portray her story, the hardships and rough phase when she was not getting films and was trying for character roles. I wanted to show the true story behind the superstar Shakeela," he said. The film also reunites Richa with her "Masaan" co-star Pankaj Tripathi, who stars in the role of a '90s actor. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu Tuesday launched a scathing attack on Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, accusing him of reneging on his offer to quit his party's post. SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal has become adept at belting out packs of lies and has reneged on resigning as is evident from his statement that he is ready to resign if the party wills it so, said Sidhu in a statement here. Sidhu's statement came afterSukhbir Singh Badal Sunday said the SAD was nobody's personal fiefdom and he was ready to quit his post the moment his party wishes so. Sidhu and his wife Navjot Kaur Sidhu had been the targets of attack by the Akali Dal which had sought Sidhu's dismissal and lodging of an FIR against his wife for Amritsar train tragedy which left about 60 people dead and scores injured. Describing the revolt by Taksali (traditional Akalis) leaders as unprecedented, Sidhu said Taksali leaders such as Ranjit Singh Brahmpura, Rattan Singh Ajnala and Sewa Singh Sekhwan (all core committee members) had voiced their "disenchantment" with the way SAD chief was functioning like a "dictator". Sidhu said, The writing on the wall is clear for Badals. Sidhu further accused the Badal family of turning the century-old party into a private limited company and alleged that former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal was so engulfed in his love for his son that he had been behaving like 'Dhritrashtra' by being "blind to the reality". The Punjab minister asked what kind of a democracy the Badal family was practising that the party's all posts and power have been usurped by the family. Sidhu said Parkash Singh Badal did not care to visit Amritsar even once after train tragedy and was instead pointing fingers at him. The minister said, The truth is that the Badals want to deflect attention from their role in Bargari incident but the people of Punjab have seen through their devious ploy and will give them a befitting reply. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Britain's Treasury chief unveiled Monday a new tax on big internet companies' revenues, insisting it is time that the global tech giants with profitable business in the U.K. pay their fair share for public services. Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond poses for the media as he holds up the traditional red dispatch box, outside his official residence 11 Downing Street before delivering his annual budget speech to Parliament in London, Monday, Oct. 29, 2018.[Photo:AP/Frank Augstein] Philip Hammond made the announcement as he outlined his budget, explaining that while he preferred trying to find a global solution to address the borderless nature of the wealth of the likes of Google and Facebook, negotiations with other countries had been too slow. He said the tax will be "narrowly-targeted" on the U.K.-generated revenues of specific digital platform business models. "The rules have simply not kept pace with changing business models," Hammond said. "And it's clearly not sustainable, or fair, that digital platform businesses can generate substantial value in the U.K. without paying tax here in respect of that business." Companies typically pay their taxes where they are based. But while local governments can impose a sales tax on physical goods in shops and restaurants, that has not been the case with online service providers. And in the European Union, foreign companies like Amazon, Google and Facebook pay what tax they owe in the country where they have their regional base usually a low tax haven like Ireland. So their business generates little to no tax revenue in countries, like the U.K., where they have significant operations. Hammond said the digital sales tax will be structured to apply to "established tech giants" rather than tech startups and was at pains to emphasize that it was "not a online-sales tax on goods ordered over the internet." It will only apply to firms making 500 million pounds ($640 million) a year in global revenues. The text will come into effect in April 2020 and is forecast to bring in 400 million pounds a year. Dan Neidle, a partner at law firm Clifford Chance, said the tax could chill innovation and, given the dominance of the tech giants in the United States, would likely be met with a hostile reception by the Trump administration. "For 100 years, businesses have been taxed based on where they are, not where their customers are," he said. "The digital tax represents a revolutionary change - it taxes digital companies, regardless of their legal structure, if they have users in the U.K. There are many - particularly in the U.S. - who will regard limiting that revolution to one particular sector as opportunistic, particularly when it's a sector where the U.K. (and Europe as a whole) have conspicuously failed to create world-beating businesses." The announcement came as Hammond splashed out on health services in a spending plan signaling the easing of eight years of austerity with a modest uplift in public spending and few major tax increases. Hammond declared the end is in sight for the budget cuts implemented by a series of Conservative-led governments after the global financial crisis, reiterating a commitment made by Prime Minister Theresa May this month. But he cautioned that the government's plans to end austerity could be thrown off track if Britain fails to secure a deal that protects trade with the EU. Hammond said improving public finances after years of belt-tightening meant he could give government departments a real-terms spending boost next year. Beneficiaries include the Ministry of Defense, which will get an extra 1 billion pounds. There was also more money for mental-health services and social care, and 1 billion pounds to ease the transition to a simplified benefits system known as Universal Credit. Small businesses got a cut in property tax rates, and workers will see an increase in the amount they can earn before paying income tax. "Austerity is coming to an end - but discipline will remain," Hammond said. The pressure has been on for May's administration. Government workers and the public have been agitating to end years of austerity that have slashed funding for everything from law and order to schools as May and her predecessor sought to close the budget deficit. Police are warning they don't have the resources to fight crime; school principals are marching with demands to help children; and the military is concerned about its eroding ability to defend the nation. Further complicating the picture, the government is pushing ahead with plans to roll out a new comprehensive welfare program that critics say will leave the most vulnerable worse off. Hammond got some help in meeting the demands from an unexpected increase in tax revenue. The independent Office of Budget Responsibility upgraded its forecast for economic growth in 2019 from 1.3 percent to 1.6 percent, then expects 1.4 percent in 2020 and 2021, 1.5 percent in 2022, and 1.6 percent in 2023. But Hammond said further specifics on which programs would get more money would have to wait until next year after Brexit talks are completed. If the negotiations collapse, a no-deal scenario would represent a "very big transition" in the way the economy operates. Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu Tuesday distributed cheques of Rs 50,000 each to 10 families of injured in the Amritsar train accident. Sidhu said about 100 cheques have been distributed till date to those injured in the train tragedy and the rest would be given in the coming few days. Fifty-nine people were killed and 57 injured after a crowd of Dussehra revellers that had spilled onto railway tracks while watching burning of Ravana effigy was run over by a train here. Sidhu said the family members of those killed in the tragedy would be given government jobs as per their qualification. The minister further said all the medical expenses of the injured admitted in the government or private hospitals would be borne by the state government. He said, "It is our responsibility to share the grief of those affected". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Sikh American body on Monday sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's help in opening the Kartarpur Sahib corridor, which would give the community members unhindered access to the historic place in Pakistan where Guru Nanak Dev spent last 18 years of his life. Kartarpur is situated in Narowal district of Pakistan's Punjab province, close to the Indo-Pak border. A delegation of Sikhs from various parts of the US under the banner of California-based United Sikh Mission submitted a memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister at the Indian Embassy here. The Punjab State Assembly has already passed twice a resolution in this regard, the memorandum noted. "The distance from the border to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib is three km into Pakistan," the memorandum suggested. "Pilgrims from India will be able to go to Gurdwara with an official Indian ID without having a visa from Pakistan or any other complicated formalities hurting the pilgrims that are not that technology savvy. Pilgrims must return to India the same day after attending the services," the memorandum said. Several members of the Hindu community from in and around the Washington DC joined the Sikh delegation to the Indian Embassy to submit the memorandum. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Every time Doordarshan (DD) cameraman Achyutanand Sahu, who died in a Naxal attack Tuesday, went on an outstation assignment he would ask his aunt to take care of his wife. This time too it was no different. Achyutanand, 34, had called up his aunt, who lives in Delhi, in the morning hours before he died. "I had spoken to him this morning. I could not speak much since he was busy. He said he was dong fine and asked us to take care of his wife who lives here in Dwarka," Shashi Sahu, a relative of Achyutanand told PTI. She said Achyutanand usually informed them about his outstation assignments and whenever he would go out, he would tell them to take care of his wife, visit her or take her to their place if he is out on an assignment for a longer duration. "Achyutanand usually keeps us informed about his whereabouts and I just returned after visiting my hometown. This is quite shocking since I had spoken to him this morning also," Shashi said. He got married in February, 2016, she said. Achutyanand's elder brother Prabhat Sahu said, "The of his death came as a shock. I had spoken to him just two days back and it was a usual conversation about family and his work." Abhishek Sahu, a family friend of Achyutanand who is a medical student in Ukraine, said just six hours before his death he had updated his Facebook status and shared pictures with the residents in Dantewada. "When I logged into Facebook a few hours ago, I was shocked to see a post shared by one of the journalists about the tragic death of my uncle. I was completely taken aback. When I heard about the death of a DD cameraperson, it struck me that my uncle was also in Dantewada. Later, we got a confirmation and the was being shared on a family Whatsapp group. "The entire village is proud of him. Not many people from our village were educated. My uncle has risen above all and reached this level. He used to always update us about his assignments," he said. Recalling his last meeting with Achyutanand, he said when I visited Delhi in August, I stayed with him for two days. He used to guide me always and had advised me to focus on my studies and work hard towards my goal. Achyutanand belonged to Loisingha village in Orissa's Bolangir district. His Facebook profile states he was working with Doordarshan since 2012 and is an alumnus of the Biju Pattnaik Film and Television Institute of Odisha. Two policemen and Sahu were killed and two others were injured in the Maoist attack in poll-bound Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district Tuesday. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) DD cameraman Achyutanand Sahu, who was killed in a Naxal attack in Chhattisgarh, was a go-getter with a penchant for challenging assignments, his colleagues said. A pall of gloom descended on the newsroom of the public broadcaster as reports of his death came in with several of his colleagues reminiscing how the 34-year-old would make them smile with his light-hearted quips. Sahu's colleagues at DD wore black bands, even on air, to condemn the attack by Naxals. "He was a very dedicated cameraperson, ready to take on any responsibility given to him. He had done wide-ranging coverage of events outside Delhi," DD Director General Mayank Agarwal told PTI. Agarwal said Sahu, who was employed with DD News on contractual basis, was always keen on doing challenging assignments. Sub Inspector Rudra Pratap, Assistant Constable Mangalu and cameraman Sahu were killed in the Naxal ambush in poll-bound Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district on Tuesday. Many of Sahu's colleagues could not believe that he has been brutally killed and were in shock at his death. They recalled that he was always the first to put his hand up for challenging assignments and had previously been to Naxal-affected areas and Jammu and Kashmir for coverage. "He was a very jolly person. He was also very dedicated. He was always ready for challenging assignments, whether it is in Naxal-affected areas or in Jammu and Kashmir. He was one of the first persons to put his hand up despite knowing about the difficulties and challenges he would face," DD News reporter Sudhakar Das said. Sahu was daring and never said no to assignments, he said. Das said Sahu had been in DD News for about 6-7 years and his work was often appreciated by the seniors. Ajay Mishra, a senior correspondent at DD News and another colleague who had worked with Sahu on a number of assignments, said: "When we got the news, we could not believe it. The camera assistant called and told us that there has been a Naxal attack and he has been killed point blank range." "We wore black bands, even on air, to condemn this cowardly act of Naxals. We want to give a message that if they think media persons will get scared, then they are mistaken," Mishra said. He said Sahu had a pleasing personality and always used to light up the newsroom with his humour. "He used to say that 'I don't like being in the studio, want to go out on reporting assignments'. Recently, he doubled up as a reporter and a cameraperson during Sushma Swaraj's visit to the United Nations. You can call him a one man army. He was always up for challenging assignments," Mishra said. Anuj Yadav, a senior correspondent at DD News, said the best thing about Sahu was that he always used to always take the initiative on assignments. "He never refused challenging assignments. Some cameramen did decline going to Chhattisgarh, but he said I have no problems," he said. Information and Broadcasting Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore has announced financial assistance of Rs 15 lakh to the next of kin of Sahu, who is survived by his wife. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Noted author and great-grandson of Mahatama Gandhi, Tushar Gandhi Tuesday said the social conflict cannot end unless the forces having vested interest in creating it cease to exist. There can be no peace in the world as long as the military-armament industry continues to call the shots in global affairs, he said, adding this industry would collapse if there is peace in the world. Gandhi made the remarks while delivering his keynote address at a seminar on Gandhian Perspective on Alternative Dispute Resolution at the Aligarh Muslim University here. It is the downtrodden, common people of the world who pay the price for the greed of power-brokers and the manufacturers of armaments, he said. Referring to the internal peace in the country, Gandhi said, "There are forces at work which thrive by creating internal conflicts in the country and as long as there are political forces which gain mileage out of conflicts, the country can never be at peace." He said India will truly become a nation when all these conflicts between different sections of the society are resolved and the people work together for a common cause. Touching upon the ongoing conflict at the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala , Gandhi said it was not the real 'bhakts' (devotees) of the Sabarimala deity who are at the forefront of this imbroglio. It is being fuelled by those who seek political mileage out of this conflict, he said. Calling upon the younger generation of the country to take up the challenge of resolving the internal conflicts presently plaguing the Indian society, Gandhi said it is for the youths to realise the importance of destroying the "seeds of conflict and hate" because it is their generation which will have to face the brunt of such conflicts. "Our generation has failed in dousing the fire of these conflicts," he rued. Gandhi said such conflicts between different sections of the people are allowed to simmer and grow by the falsified historical facts. He said Gandhiji was assassinated because the killers were fed on the myth that he had wrongly pressurised the then Indian government to give Rs 50 crore to Pakistan. "This is a prime example of how facts are twisted and conflicts bred. It is an established historical fact that these 50 crore rupees were given to Pakistan as per an Indo-Pak treaty of which the division of assets was an essential part. The treaty was signed by the prime ministers of both the countries and Gandhiji was nowhere in the picture," he said. He said his great grandfather came into the picture much later when he found that the Indian government was dithering on this agreement between two sovereign states. Mahatama Gandhi strongly felt that if the foundation of India as a newborn sovereign state was laid on an act of immorality then the consequences of this would cast a shadow on India's moral high ground for generations to come, he said. The assassins of Gandhiji were fed on the lies perpetuated by the forces which had a political vested interest in spreading the ill will between different people, he stressed. The great grandson of the Father of Nation said the present judicial system was unable to deliver justice to the common people because the law often does not take into consideration the inability of the poorest and vulnerable sections to bear the cost and endure the time involved in dispensation of justice. He said it was, therefore, important that an alternative mechanism for resolving disputes through low-cost arbitration is evolved for quick dispensation of justice. The two-day seminar has been jointly organized by the Department of Philosophy, AMU, Indialogue Foundation, New Delhi and the Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Congress in Maharashtra Tuesday "requested" Prime Minister Narendra Modi to spend this year's Diwali in the water-starved Marathwada region and demanded a relief package for the state. The region in Central Maharashtra in reeling under drought-like conditions due to deficient monsoon rains this year. Last week, the state government said around 180 talukas in Maharashtra are facing a drought-like situation. The state has more than 350 talukas spread across 36 districts. Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president Ashok Chavan said the region needs urgent national attention. "I request Prime Minister Modi to spend Diwali in Marathwada this year. Diwali gift for Marathwada should be a drought relief package, clean drinking water and uninterrupted power supply," Chavan said. The former chief minister's comments came in the backdrop of Modi's Diwali greetings to the nation during his monthly 'Mann ki Baat' radio address Sunday. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished the nation a 'Happy Diwali in his Mann Ki Baat. But how will the drought- struck farmers of Marathwada celebrate Diwali?" Chavan asked at a rally in Parbhani in Marathwada as part of the Congress statewide 'Jan Sangharsh Yatra'. "The sorrow and distress of the people of Marathwada need urgent national attention," he said. He said the prime minister should immediately announce financial assistance for the "drought-affected" regions of Maharashtra. The best Diwali gift for Marathwada would be a drought relief package and providing clean drinking water and uninterrupted power supply to the region, Chavan said. The MPCC president criticised Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, saying he is busy giving interviews to celebrate four years of the BJP-Shiv Sena government instead of supervising relief operations in water scarcity-hit areas. He asked Fadnavis to stop his "publicity stunts". "Why is the Chief Minister giving interviews in Mumbai about the drought in Maharashtra? He should be in Marathwada, listening to the plight of the farmers," said Chavan. Chavan, along with other state Congress leaders, is leading the third phase of the 'Jan Sangharsh Yatra' across 27 Vidhan Sabha constituencies in Marathwada. The previous phases had covered more than 50 Assembly constituencies spread across western Maharashtra and north Maharashtra. Chavan said ministers were merely completing formalities during their drought study tours instead of listening to the demands of farmers. "Ministers are reviewing drought preparations at night with mobile phone torches. This is a complete joke!" Chavan said. Chavan talked about lack of focus by the government in managing the drought-like situation in the parts of the state. "There is a grave fodder scarcity in Marathwada that is not being addressed by the government. District collectors should be given Rs 25 crore each to release emergency provisions in the region," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) on Tuesday braced for a protest called by ousted prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's party against what it said was a "coup" by President Maithripala Sirisena which has triggered a political crisis in the country. Sri Lanka, a Buddhist-majority nation in the Indian Ocean, was plunged into chaos on Friday when President Sirisena sacked Prime Minister Wickremesinghe in a surprise move. He also suspended parliament in an apparent bid to shore up support for newly appointed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. Sirisena is under increasing political and diplomatic pressure to reconvene parliament and resolve the constitutional crisis. Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP) is set to hold a protest on Tuesday in the capital, Colombo. "We are calling upon all sections of the society who believe in democracy and rule of law to gather and protest," Champika Ranawaka, a former minister said. Mangala Samaraweera, the ex-finance minister under Wickremesinghe said, "This was a constitutional coup and it is our duty to protect democracy and sovereignty of people". Speaker Karu Jayasuriya urged the president to let Wickremesinghe prove his majority support on the parliament floor. The supporters of Rajapaksa, a former president, are confident that he would be able to prove majority support on the parliament floor as they are sure that members of Wickremesinghe's UNP would defect. "We are waiting for more UNP members to join us. We have the numbers," Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena, a Rajapaksa loyalist, said. Wickremesinghe has said that he still commands the majority. However, he suffered a setback after four lawmakers from his party, who had pledged allegiance to him in the public, took a U-turn and accepted ministerial positions in the Rajapaksa government. "We have the majority despite four of them joining Rajapaksa," Ranjith Madduma Bandara, an ex-minister, said. Speaker Jayasuriya has called for a meeting of all party leaders to assess the current political situation. At least 128 members had written to him calling for reconvening of parliament. Jayasuriya has insisted that the issue needs to be settled within parliament. The crisis turned deadly on Sunday when the bodyguard of a former cabinet minister fired on a crowd, killing at least one person and wounding two others. Under Sri Lanka's constitution, the president, who maintains executive powers, can appoint a new prime minister once the current premier has lost control of parliament. Wickremesinghe argues he cannot legally be dismissed until he loses the support of parliament. His party, which holds a plurality of seats in the 225-member assembly, was prevented from holding a vote when Sirisena abruptly suspended parliament on Saturday until 16 November. Wickremesinghe claimed in a Facebook post on Monday he had obtained the signatures of 126 MPs calling for parliament to be returned immediately to end the political standoff. Both camps are working to secure their numbers in parliament. Rajapaksa's tenure as president was marred by allegations of authoritarianism, corruption and human rights abuses, especially against the country's Tamil minority. He was defeated at the 2015 presidential elections when Wickremesinghe and Sirisena formed an unlikely coalition, and their government initiated several investigations into alleged Rajapaksa-era crimes. Sri Lanka on Tuesday braced for a protest called by ousted prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's party against what it said was a "coup" by President Maithripala Sirisena, amidst efforts by opposing sides to secure their numbers in parliament to end the country's political crisis. Sri Lanka, a Buddhist-majority nation in the Indian Ocean, was plunged into chaos on Friday when President Sirisena sacked Prime Minister Wickremesinghe in a surprise move. He also suspended parliament in an apparent bid to shore up support for newly appointed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. Sirisena is under increasing political and diplomatic pressure to reconvene parliament and resolve the constitutional crisis. Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP) is set to hold a protest on Tuesday in the capital, Colombo. "We are calling upon all sections of the society who believe in democracy and rule of law to gather and protest," Champika Ranawaka, a former minister said. Mangala Samaraweera, the ex-finance minister under Wickremesinghe said, "This was a constitutional coup and it is our duty to protect democracy and sovereignty of people". Speaker Karu Jayasuriya urged the president to let Wickremesinghe prove his majority support on the parliament floor. The supporters of Rajapaksa, a former president, are confident that he would be able to prove majority support on the parliament floor as they are sure that members of Wickremesinghe's UNP would defect. "We are waiting for more UNP members to join us. We have the numbers," Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena, a Rajapaksa loyalist, said. Wickremesinghe has said that he still commands the majority. However, he suffered a setback after four lawmakers from his party, who had pledged allegiance to him in the public, took a U-turn and accepted ministerial positions in the Rajapaksa government. "We have the majority despite four of them joining Rajapaksa," Ranjith Madduma Bandara, an ex-minister, said. Speaker Jayasuriya has called for a meeting of all party leaders to assess the current political situation. At least 128 members had written to him calling for reconvening of parliament. Jayasuriya has insisted that the issue needs to be settled within parliament. Both Wickremesinghe and Rajapaksa are working to secure their numbers in parliament. The leaders of the main Tamil party, Tamil National Alliance (TNA), met Rajapaksa this morning to discuss the current political situation. The TNA sources said R Sampanthan, who is also the leader of the main Opposition, was asked by Rajapaska to stay neutral in case of a floor test. The TNA has 16 MPs in the 225-member assembly and can play a crucial role in deciding the legitimacy of the government. Rajapaksa needs 18 more MPs to give him a simple majority of 113 in the House of 225 members. Rajapaksa's tenure as president was marred by allegations of authoritarianism, corruption and human rights abuses, especially against the country's Tamil minority. He was defeated at the 2015 presidential elections when Wickremesinghe and Sirisena formed an unlikely coalition, and their government initiated several investigations into alleged Rajapaksa-era crimes. Under Sri Lanka's Constitution, the president, who maintains executive powers, can appoint a new prime minister once the current premier has lost control of parliament. Wickremesinghe argues he cannot legally be dismissed until he loses the support of parliament. His party was prevented from holding a vote when Sirisena abruptly suspended parliament on Saturday until 16 November. Wickremesinghe claimed in a Facebook post on Monday he had obtained the signatures of 126 MPs calling for parliament to be reconvened immediately to end the political standoff. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore condemned the Naxal attack in Chhattisgarh in which two police personnel and a Doordarshan (DD) cameraman were killed on Tuesday. Two policemen were also injured in the attack in Dantewada district of the poll-bound state. "Strongly condemn the Naxal attack on @DDNewsLive crew in Dantewada. Deeply saddened by the demise of our cameraman Achyuta Nanda Sahu and two jawans of @crpfindia. These insurgents will NOT weaken our resolve. We WILL prevail," the minister said on Twitter. Those killed were identified as Sub-Inspector Rudra Pratap, Assistant Constable Mangalu and DD cameraman Achyutanand Sahu from Delhi, Deputy Inspector General (anti-Naxal operations) Sundarraj P said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Nestled in the snow-capped mountains of Sikkim, a new Buddhist pilgrimage site, home to a 137-feet statue of Chenrezig, is set to woo tourists from November 1, a Sikkim minister said here Tuesday. According to the Sikkim government, the pilgrim site at Pelling, West Sikkim, will play host to the tallest Chenrezig statue in the world at an elevation of 7200 metres. Avalokiteshvara or Chenrezig is the earthly manifestation of the self-born, eternal Buddha, Amitabha. As part of the state government's policy to promote Sikkim as a Buddhist Pilgrimage Tourism Circuit, the destination park has been built at Sangha Choeling in Pelling at a cost of Rs. 46.65 crore, Tourism Minister Ugen T Gyatso said. "Building the world's tallest Chenrezig statue and a new complex, replete with a skywalk, a caf and a gallery, has been a challenging feat for the engineers because of the rough terrain," he said. The project, which started in 2009, was consecrated by the Dalai Lama in March earlier this year. It was funded and constructed under the supervision of the Department of Culture and the Department of Buildings and Housing. Another official at Chief Minister Pawan Chamling's office said the chief minister had conceptualized the idea of making Sikkim a "Shingkham", meaning paradise, by constructing statues of Lord Buddha and Guru Padmasambhava in the state "The popular Buddhist belief is that any altar is incomplete without the presence of statues of Lord Buddha, Guru Padmasambhava and Chenrezig," he added. Sikkim has two more Buddhist pilgrimage circuits in south Sikkim - Namchi, home to 135-feet statue of Guru Padmasambhawa and Ravangla, playing host to 130-feet statue of Lord Buddha. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) By Azernews By Laman Ismayilova An exhibition of a photographer, member of the Azerbaijan Photographers Association Aydin Sadikhov has opened at Intourist Hotel in Baku. The photo exhibition was organized by the Embassy of Hungary in Azerbaijan. Representatives of diplomatic missions accredited in Azerbaijan, cultural and art figures attended the event, Trend Life reported. Aydin Sadikhov presented 20 magnificent photographs dedicated to the sights of various cities in Hungary. The exhibition includes majestic palaces, impregnable castles, old houses with amazing architecture, mysterious monuments, beautiful churches, bright landscape photos and even photos of the "street" genre. For this exhibition, the photographer presented his works in completely different photo genres. The aim of the exhibition is to acquaint art lovers with the amazing beauty of the Hungarian cities, with their history and culture. For this reason, Ayd?n presented his photos taken in such cities of Hungary as Budapest, Eger, Esztergom, Gyor and Miskolc. Here one can see such famous sights of Budapest as the legendary building of the Hungarian Parliament, Fishermen's Bastion, St. Matthias Church, Vajdahunyad Castle, as well as other equally legendary sights in other beautiful cities of Hungary. During his trips to Hungary, Aydin Sadikhov collected a large photo archive, which he plans to show as part of his future photo projects. Aydin Sadikhov is a big fan of mystical stories, legends, fiction and therefore his work is a kind of portal, where one can enjoy this peculiar world. He is a member of the Azerbaijan Photographers Association. His personal exhibition entitled "BAKU: a city where traditions meet with modernity" opened in Athens this April. A photo exhibition of photographer held in Athens this year aroused great interest among visitors. The photographer presented the exhibition visitors unique historical architectural masterpieces of Baku, as well as modern buildings. Through his works, the photographer also wanted to show the architectural development of Baku city. In October, the work of the Azerbaijani photographer Aydin Sadikhov "Mystical hole" was among the winners of the international photo contest "Conceptual Photography" in Greece. The winners of the international competition will present their work at a large group photo exhibition in Athens on November 16- 28. The N Chandrababu Naidu-led Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is welcome to join the UPA for the cause of a united fight against the NDA, senior Congress leader M Veerappa Moily said Tuesday. The TDP is currently engaged in seat-sharing talks with the Congress for the December seven Assembly elections in Telangana, which was carved out of Andhra Pradesh in 2014. The TDP broke away from the NDA earlier this year over the Centre's refusal to grant special category status to Andhra Pradesh. In an interview to PTI, Moily said the idea was to bring all the opposition parties together to unitedly fight the BJP-led NDA. He was responding to a query if the electoral alliance in Telangana would continue for next year's Lok Sabha elections. On whether TDP, headed by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Naidu, is welcome to join the UPA, the former Union Minister said, "Naturally. We would like to have proper understanding between the Opposition. This (TDP) is one such opposition party". "It's a good signal. This is going to help", added Moily, who had served as the AICC in-charge of party affairs in the undivided Andhra Pradesh, on TDP's electoral pact with the Congress for the Telangana polls. Moily, a former Karnataka Chief Minister, also hit out at TRS President and caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao. "...the gentleman (Rao) who has been heading (Telangana) is most ungrateful fellow," he said and claimed that Rao became the Chief Minister following the "sacrifice" made by the Congress in terms of conceding the demand for separate statehood for Telangana. "But he (Rao) does not remember at all. He has bad-mouthed our leader. I don't think people of Telangana will forgive him," Moily said obviously referring to Rao describing Congress President Rahul Gandhi as the "biggest buffoon" of the country. Referring to upcoming Assembly elections in five States, he said the Congress is certain to bag Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram, and it would not be a surprise if it wins in Chhattisgarh. "Since there is a proper 'ghatbandhan' in Telangana (where the Congress is in the process of finalising seat-sharing deal with TDP, TJS and CPI), we are also going to win there", he claimed. Once the "graph of BJP is down" in all these states, it will be writing on the wall for that party and it will not return to power at the Centre, Moily said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Congress in Maharashtra Tuesday "requested" Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the water-starved Marathwada region during this year's Diwali and demanded the Centre announce a relief package for the state. The region in Central Maharashtra in reeling under drought-like conditions due to deficient monsoon rains this year. Last week, the state government said around 180 talukas in Maharashtra are facing a drought-like situation. The state has more than 350 talukas spread across 36 districts. Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president Ashok Chavan said the region, which consists of eight districts, needs urgent national attention. "I request Prime Minister Modi to spend Diwali in Marathwada this year. Diwali gift for Marathwada should be a drought relief package, clean drinking water and uninterrupted power supply," Chavan said. The former chief minister's comments came in the backdrop of Modi's Diwali greetings to the nation during his monthly 'Mann ki Baat' radio address Sunday. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished the nation a 'Happy Diwali in his Mann Ki Baat. But how will the drought- struck farmers of Marathwada celebrate Diwali?" Chavan asked at a rally in Parbhani, about 500km from Mumbai in Marathwada, organised as part of the Congress statewide 'Jan Sangharsh Yatra'. "The sorrow and distress of the people of Marathwada need urgent national attention," he said. He said the prime minister should immediately announce financial assistance for the "drought-affected" regions of Maharashtra. The best Diwali gift for Marathwada would be a drought relief package and providing clean drinking water and uninterrupted power supply to the region, Chavan said. The MPCC president criticised Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, saying he is busy giving interviews to celebrate four years of the BJP-Shiv Sena government instead of supervising relief operations in water scarcity-hit areas. He asked Fadnavis to stop his "publicity stunts". "Why is the Chief Minister giving interviews in Mumbai about the drought in Maharashtra? He should be in Marathwada, listening to the plight of the farmers," said Chavan. Chavan, along with other state Congress leaders, is leading the third phase of the 'Jan Sangharsh Yatra' across 27 Vidhan Sabha constituencies in Marathwada. The previous phases had covered more than 50 Assembly constituencies spread across western Maharashtra and north Maharashtra. Chavan said ministers were merely completing formalities during their drought study tours instead of listening to the demands of farmers. "Ministers are reviewing drought preparations at night with mobile phone torches. This is a complete joke!" Chavan said. Chavan talked about lack of focus by the government in managing the drought-like situation in the parts of the state. "There is a grave fodder scarcity in Marathwada that is not being addressed by the government. District collectors should be given Rs 25 crore each to release emergency provisions in the region," he said. He said while Marathwada is facing severe shortage of water, the state government is spending thousands of crores on its "failed" Jalyukt Shivar programme. Jalyukt Shivar is the flagship water conservation programme of the Fadnavis government "When the Jalyukt Shivar was announced (in 2015), we did not criticise the scheme because it was supposed to benefit Maharashtra. "But it has turned into a "Jholyukt Shivar" (mired in fraud) that has only benefited contractors associated with the Shiv Sena and the BJP," said Chavan, addressing another rally in Jalna district. Despite thousands of crores being spent on the Jalyukt Shivar scheme, the water table in Maharashtra has fallen by 2 to 3 metres, he said, quoting a state government report. The government has been unable to efficiently conduct drought survey operations in the state, Chavan said. "While Marathwada is suffering from drought, Sambhaji Patil Nilangekar (Latur Guardian Minister) is surveying the region with mobile phone torches at night and Pankaja Munde (another minister) is on holiday in the US," said Chavan. The Congress leader said the saffron allies are not on the same page on various issues and often trade charges. The Shiv Sena speaks against the BJP and the latter does the same against the former, the ex-CM said. "The Chief Minister says we (the Sena and the BJP) are brothers. Yes, they are brothers who are out to divide Maharashtra between themselves and loot the state, Chavan said in a sharp attack on the Fadnavis government. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Travel services firm Thomas Cook India Tuesday said it has commenced operations in the US to leverage the high potential business travel segment to and from the Americas. The company has accordingly obtained ARC (Airlines Reporting Corporation) accreditation and necessary operating licences via its destination management brand Allied TPro, Thomas Cook India said in a filing to BSE. Commenting on the development, Thomas Cook India Group Global Corporate Travel President Indiver Rastogi said, "We are excited with this development that also marks the beginning of our corporate travel operations in the US - a market that offers us significant potential across business and business-leisure segments." This new initiative will enable Thomas Cook manage travel and related services for its growing customer portfolio of MNCs, Indian corporate houses, and equally SMEs travelling to and from the USA, he added. The Thomas Cook India Group provides integrated travel management and advisory services to more than 500 corporates, including several national, multinational companies and SMEs, the company said. Shares of Thomas Cook (India) were trading at Rs 206 per scrip on BSE, up 0.96 per cent from previous close. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) At least three people were killed when supporters of an imprisoned Shiite cleric clashed with security forces during a protest march in Abuja, the Nigerian Army said. The military said troops and police "repelled the attack" by members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), who also "fired weapons", threw stones and Molotov cocktails. "Unfortunately during the encounter three members of the sect were killed while four soldiers sustained various degrees of injuries," the army said in a statement on Monday night. The deaths bring to six the number of IMN supporters who have been killed in demonstrations since Saturday and heighten concerns about further crackdowns on the group. On Saturday, three IMN members were also killed during protests in Abuja. The army claimed the protesters attacked a military convoy and tried to steal weapons and ammunition. Monday's clashes happened at a checkpoint as security services stopped the protesters coming into the city. AFP photographs of the aftermath showed several bodies of civilians on the ground near police but it was not clear whether they were dead or injured. IMN spokesman Ibrahim Musa said they had received four bodies but indicated the death toll could be higher as "scores" of people were injured and troops took away others. "We're trying to verify the number," he told AFP. Human rights group Amnesty International said reports that troops fired live bullets at protesters were "very disturbing" and would be unlawful if they were unarmed. The IMN has staged a series of protests demanding the release of its leader Ibrahim Zakzaky, who has been in custody since December 2015 after clashes in the northern city of Zaria. Then, the military was accused of killing more than 300 IMN supporters and burying them in mass graves. Zakzaky has been at loggerheads with Nigeria's secular authorities for years because of his calls for an Iranian-style Islamic revolution. Northern Nigeria is majority Sunni Muslim. The cleric, who is in his mid-sixties and lost the sight in one eye during the 2015 clashes, has only been seen in public twice since he was detained. Nigeria's government has previously ignored a court order to release Zakzaky and his wife. In April, at least 115 IMN supporters were arrested during protests in Abuja during which police used teargas and water cannon. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tamil Nadu ministers K Pandiarajan and 'Kadambur' Raju would take part in the unveiling of the statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Gujarat Wednesday. Being built at a cost of Rs 2,389 crore at Sadhu Bet island on Narmada river, the statue is set to be unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of Patel's birth anniversary. Chief Minister K Palaniswami has assigned Information and publicity minister Raju and Minister for Tamil official language and culture, K Pandiarajan, to take part in the event, an official release Tuesday said. A fortnight ago, Gujarat government representatives had met Palaniswami and extended a formal invitation for the inauguration. Gujarat Tribal Development and Tourism Minister Ganpat Vasava along with party MP Kirit Solani, handed over the invitation to the chief minister at the Secretariat. The 'Statue of Unity' dedicated to Patel, India's first Home Minister, is touted to be the tallest in the world at 182 metres. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A top Palestinian body authorised Monday the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) to suspend recognition of Israel and stop security coordination with the Jewish state. The rare meeting of the Palestinian Central Council (PCC), a body of the PLO, in the city of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank said the suspensions should be in place until Israel recognised the Palestinian state. Israeli and Palestinian security forces work closely together throughout the West Bank and any suspension would increase fears of an uptick in violence. The body made similar calls at its last meeting in January and in 2015, but the decision was ultimately not implemented by the PLO's executive committee and president Mahmud Abbas. A statement at the closure of the two-day meeting said that in light of Israel's "denial" of its obligations under agreements signed with the Palestinians, the PCC authorised the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority to "end their obligations... towards their agreements with the occupation authorities (Israel)." This included, the statement said, suspending recognition of the state of Israel until it recognises the state of Palestine with east Jerusalem as its capital, as well as halting security coordination in all forms. Speaking Sunday, Abbas again vowed to block any peace plan led by US President Donald Trump. Abbas compared the expected Trump peace plan to the 1917 Balfour Declaration, which saw the British government commit to the creation of a state for Jews in historic Palestine. "If the Balfour Declaration is passed, this deal will not pass," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The trade unions have opposed the stake sale by the Centre in Coal India to any extent beyond the regulatory requirement of 25 per cent of floating stock for listing. The government will sell up to 3 per cent stake (18.62 crore shares) in Coal India on October 31 and November 1 via Offer for Sale (OFS) route at a floor price of Rs 266 per share. But, in case of oversubscription, an option of selling additional 37.24 crore (nearly six per cent stake) is there. This may pull down the government's holding in Coal India below 75 per cent. "We oppose divestment in principle. But, it must be up to 25 per cent which is the requirmeent of SEBI for listing. Anything beyond this is not accepted and we condemn this act," INTUC-backed Coal sector union leader SQ Zama said. The government holds 78.32 per cent stake in Coal India. LIC is the biggest public shareholder with 8.97 per cent stake in the state mining major. CITY-backed All India Coal workers Federation secretary D D Ramanandan said it condemns the act and all the trade unions will discuss the matter. "We have already called an all India strike in January but we will discuss such actions and decide the next course of action," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US President Donald Trump has said he thinks his administration can strike "a great deal" with China on trade, but warned of imposing new tariffs on Chinese products if the agreement could not be reached. The US levied tariffs of 10 per cent on USD 200 billion of Chinese products in September, with the rate set to increase to 25 per cent by the end of the year barring a breakthrough in the trade talks. In response, Beijing said it would impose taxes on 5,207 US imports worth about USD 60 billion. The two nations had already imposed tariffs on USD 50 billion of each other's goods before the September sanctions. "And I have USD 267 billion waiting to go if we can't make a deal," Trump said. He said China had been really hurting the US economically. "I can make a deal right now (with China). I just say they (the Chinse) are not ready," he said. "And it has to be great because they've drained our country. We have really helped rebuild China. They've been taken out an average of USD500 billion a year for many years. Not going to happen anymore," Trump asserted. The White House has said that Trump is scheduled to meet his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit in Argentina on November 30 and December 1. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) President has said that his administration is planning to build tent cities for thousands of seeking asylum in the US, rather than releasing them while they await court decisions. In an interview with Fox News, asserted that his administration will not let come into the US as the Pentagon on Monday announced to deploy 5,200 soldiers on the southwestern border to beef up security. All such would live in such a tent city till the time a decision has been taken on their application. If denied, they would be sent across the border from where they came, said. His comments come amid nationwide attention over a 3,500-member migrant caravan that has travelled through Central and into Mexico on its way to the US border, where many people travelling in the group plan to apply for asylum after fleeing violence in Honduras. Trump said Monday he planned to deploy 5,200 troops to the region by the end of the week, even though the caravan itself, in which people are travelling mostly on foot, is weeks away from the border. "We're not letting them in into this country. We're not going to let gang members (come in)," Trump told the Fox News when asked about the caravan of people now headed to the US. Trump proposed tent city when he was asked about the US law which is liberal with the asylum seekers. If apply for asylum, "we are going to hold them until such time" the trial takes place, he said. "We're going to put up we are going to build tent cities. We're going to put tents up all over the place," he said when asked where these illegal immigrants seeking asylum would be kept. Trump said his administration is not going to build structures and spend hundreds of millions of dollars for this. "We're going to have tents. They (tents) are going to be very nice. They (illegal immigrants) are going to wait (in the tent cities). If they don't get asylum, they get out," he said. Unlike the previous administrations, Trump said he would not let those illegal immigrants to roam around the country and wait for the trial three years later. "Unlike Obama and unlike others, we are going to take the people (illegal immigrants seeking asylum). We are going to put them in (tents) and they're going to wait," he asserted. As a result of this policy, he said when people find out that this happened, far few people will try to enter the US illegally. US President Donald Trump, along with First Lady Melania, would travel to Pittsburgh on Tuesday to meet the victims of the synagogue shooting, the White House has said. In the deadliest attack on Jews in the history of America, a 46-year-old heavily-armed white man, spewing anti-Semitic threats, stormed a prominent synagogue and massacred 11 worshippers in the US city of Pittsburgh on Saturday. "Tomorrow Trump and the First Lady will travel to meet with victims' families of the Pittsburgh shooting," the White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders told reporters during her daily conference on Monday. She said that heinous killing of 11 Jewish-Americans at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Saturday "was a chilling act of mass murder." It was an act of hatred, and above all, it was an act of evil, she added. "Anti-Semitism is a plague to humanity, and it is responsible for many of the worst horrors in human history. We all have a duty to confront anti-Semitism in all its forms, and everywhere and anywhere it appears. The American people reject hatred, bigotry, prejudice and violence, Sanders said. The White House Press Secretary said that America, today, was grieving for the precious lives that were cruelly stolen. "Our hearts ache for every person who lost a loved one. The 11 Jewish-Americans who were horribly murdered represented the very best of our nation. They were brothers and sisters who looked out for each other," she said with her moist eyes. "They were doctors who cared for citizens in need. They were proud grandparents who taught their grandchildren to value faith, family and country, and they were the religious heart of the Tree of Life community. Our nation mourns the loss of these extraordinary Americans, and we also pray for those who were wounded," Sanders said. She said that our hearts are with the four brave police officers who were shot and injured while trying to stop the attack. "We thank God for these officers, and for every member of law enforcement who responded swiftly and bravely, she said. "In the wake of the attack, we have witnessed Americans of every faith and tradition coming together to mourn with their fellow citizens, to support one another and to stand in solidarity with America's Jewish community," Sanders said. President Trump, she said cherishes the American Jewish community for everything it stands for and contributes to our country. "He adores Jewish Americans as part of his own family. The president is the grandfather of several Jewish grandchildren. His daughter is a Jewish-American, and his son-in-law is a descendent of Holocaust survivors," Sanders said. "Tomorrow, the president and first lady will travel to Pennsylvania to express the support of the American people and grieve with the Pittsburgh community," Sanders said. Responding to questions, she said president wants to find ways to bring the country together. "And we've seen him do exactly that. However, the president is going to continue to draw contrasts, particularly as we go into the final days of an election, the differences between the two parties, particularly on policy differences. You'll continue to see him make that contrast, she said. "But he has certainly, I think, found those moments to bring our country together, and certainly focus on some of the things that all of us can support, and all of us can condemn, as well," the White House Press Secretary said. "The United Nations is a nation that believes in religious liberty, tolerance and respect. And we are a people who cherish the dignity of every human life," Sanders added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) By Trend The Russian and Chinese government heads will discuss visa-free regime for representatives for the Russia-Chinese cultural and humanitarian cooperation soon, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said on Tuesday, TASSreports. "I think that this issue will be discussed at the level of the government heads as well," she said at a meeting with Peking University students. "We know about this problem and will try very hard to solve it." Both sides will work in this area to create comfortable conditions to organize foreign trips for students and scientists from both countries, the deputy prime minister said. Golikova arrived to Beijing ahead of Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedevs visit to China, which will take place on November 5-7. During her stay in the Chinese capital the deputy prime minister will hold negotiations with Vice Premier of the People's Republic of China Sun Chunlan, attend the 19th session of the Russian-Chinese Commission for Humanitarian Cooperation, the ceremony of the establishment of the Russian-Chinese Association for Cooperation in the Sphere of Television, as well as the launch of an online column on humanitarian ties and cooperation between Russia and China in a mobile application. A woman who blew herself up on a busy street of the Tunisian capital this week has been identified as an unemployed graduate, the prosecution said Tuesday. Mna Guebla detonated a bomb Monday near a gathering of police cars in Tunis' upmarket Avenue Habib Bourguiba, wounding 15 officers and two teenagers in the first such attack in the city since 2015. The bomber, from the eastern region of Mahdia, was aged 30 and had a degree in business English, said prosecution spokesman Sofiene Sliti, who also represents the country's anti-terrorism unit. Guebla did not have a job related to her studies, but sometimes worked as a shepherdess to help her family, according to Tunisian media. Eight years since a revolution that toppled longtime dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, Tunisia's economy is stagnant and around a third of young graduates are unemployed. Authorities had not previously identified Guebla as a potential extremist, Sliti told AFP. The prosecution spokesman said there had not yet been any arrests in connection with Monday's attack. Authorities said nobody was seriously injured in the explosion. Tunis returned to normal on Tuesday apart from a reinforced police presence around the blast site, on a major artery and close to the North African country's interior ministry and French embassy. Municipal workers had used high-pressure water hoses to clean the area, where tourists were walking again and cafes had re-opened. Since 2011, jihadists have been waging a campaign of attacks targeting Tunisian security forces, particularly in the mountainous region near the Algerian border. But Monday's attack was the first in Tunis since November 2015, when a suicide bombing killed 12 security agents on a bus for presidential guards, a few hundred metres (yards) from the site of the latest attack. The 2015 attack was claimed by the Islamic State jihadist group. In June 2015, a student went on a shooting rampage in the coastal resort of Sousse and killed 38 people, including 30 Britons. An attack in March that year on the Bardo National Museum in Tunis left 22 people dead, all but one of them foreign tourists. Those attacks, also claimed by IS, devastated Tunisia's crucial tourism sector, which made up seven percent of gross domestic product. The country has been under a state of emergency since the November 2015 bus attack. The state of emergency was extended this month until November 6, amid a tense political climate ahead of legislative and presidential elections planned for next year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Turkey has completed preparations for a new operation in northern Syria to "destroy" a US-backed Kurdish militia that Ankara considers a terrorist group, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Tuesday. The Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) holds territory east of the Euphrates River, where Turkey has repeatedly threatened to launch a fresh offensive against the militia. "We are going to destroy the terrorist structure in the east of the Euphrates. We have completed our preparations, plans, programmes regarding this issue," Erdogan told lawmakers from his ruling party in parliament. Erdogan appeared to indirectly confirm Turkish state media reports that Turkey's military fired artillery shells at YPG positions east of the Euphrates in the Kobane region of northern Syria on Sunday. The YPG has held the area since 2015. "In fact, in the past few days, we have begun real interventions against the terror organisation," Erdogan said, without giving further details. "We are going to breathe down the necks of the terror organisation with comprehensive and effective operations soon. As I have always said, we can come suddenly one night." Erdogan has previously made similar threats and on Friday gave the YPG a "final warning". YPG spokesman Nuri Mahmud told AFP: "Each time Turkey sees the situation in Syria moving towards stability and a political solution, it threatens areas east of the Euphrates and regions in northern Syria. "The People's Protection Units will respond to any threat or attack," he warned, calling such a response "legitimate defense". The YPG has worked closely with the United States in the fight against the Islamic State jihadists in Syria, straining relations between Washington and Ankara, which says the militia is a "terrorist offshoot" of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). The PKK has waged a deadly insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984 and is blacklisted as a terror group by Turkey, the United States and the European Union. In a bid to lower tensions, the United States and Turkey in June agreed to work together in Manbij, west of the Euphrates, after Ankara repeatedly threatened to attack the city. The YPG holds swathes of territory in Syria's north and northeast. Manbij is controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), an umbrella group dominated by the YPG. Turkey and the US agreed to conduct independent, coordinated patrols while troops from both countries began training together earlier this month. Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said Tuesday that training had been completed and joint patrols would begin. Akar added that Turkey's next target would be east of the Euphrates. Earlier this year, Turkish military forces supported Syrian opposition fighters in retaking the western Afrin region from the YPG during a two-month air and ground offensive dubbed "Olive Branch". Ankara previously launched an offensive between 2016 and 2017 against IS on its border with Syria, as well as stopping areas under YPG control from linking up. Following several years of tension, there were signs of relations easing between Washington and Ankara after an American pastor, who had been detained in Turkey for two years, was released on October 12. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two policemen and a cameraperson of Doordarshan were killed and two others were injured in a Maoist attack on Tuesday in poll-bound Chhattisgarhs Dantewada district. The incident took place at around 11 am in a forest area near Nilawaya village, around 450 kms from here, Deputy Inspector General (anti-naxal operations) Sundarraj P told PTI. The maoists ambushed a squad of local police which was carrying out patrolling on motor cycles from Sameli camp towards Nilawaya on Tuesday morning, he said. A three-member team of Doordarshan was travelling for election-related coverage at the same time and was caught in the cross-fire, he said. In the attack, Sub Inspector Rudra Pratap Singh, Assistant Constable Mangalu and DD Cameraman Achyutanand Sahu were killed, Sundarraj said. Sahu had come from New Delhi for the election coverage, he said. Other two members of the DD team, including a journalist, were safe, the officer said. Constable Vishnu Netam and Assistant Constable Rakesh Kaushal sustained injuries in the gunfight, he added. The injured have been admitted to Dantewada district hospital, he said, adding that if required, they would be airlifted to Raipur for further medication. Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore condemned the attack and said the insurgents won't be able to weaken the government resolve. "Strongly condemn the Naxal attack on @DDNewsLive crew in Dantewada. Deeply saddened by the demise of our cameraman Achyuta Nanda Sahu and two jawans of @crpfindia. These insurgents will NOT weaken our resolve. We WILL prevail," the minister tweeted. Teams of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Special Task Force (STF) and District Reserve Guard (DRG) were immediately rushed to the forest to trace the ultras, the DIG added. On October 27, four CRPF personnel were killed and two others were injured when Maoists blew up their bullet proof bunker vehicle in Awapalli area of Bijapur district. The next day, a BJP leader and member of Dantewada Zila Panchayat Nandlal Mudiyami was seriously injured after ultras attacked him with sharp edged weapons at his village Palnar in Dantwada. The state is going to polls next month and naxalites have asked voters to boycott the exercise. The first phase of polls covering 18 constituencies of eight naxal-affected districts Bastar, Kanker Sukma, Bijapur, Dantewada, Narayanpur, Kondagaon and Rajnandgaon will be held on November 12. The remaining 72 constituencies will witness polling on November 20. The counting of votes will take place on December 11. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two policemen and a cameraperson of Doordarshan were killed and two others were injured on Tuesday when around 100 naxals attacked a security patrol party in poll-bound ChhattisgarhsDantewada district, the police said. Two to three naxals were also believed to be killed in retaliatory action by the security forces after the ambush in a forest area near Nilawaya village, around 450 kms from here, the police said. The ambush was to target the CRPF patrolling team and create fear among road contractors and workers engaged in road construction works in the area, D M Awasthi, Director General (anti naxal operations), told reporters here. "Unfortunately, the media team reached there and was caught in the cross-fire, he said. The incident took place at around 11 am when security personnel were carrying out patrolling for security of road construction work underway in the area, the officer said. "Road construction work between Sameli and Nilawaya villages (where the attack took place on Tuesday) has been going on for past couple of months. Maoists have been opposing the construction, he said. Giving details of the incident, Awasthi said the incident occurred when a Road Opening Party (ROP) of the CRPF was sanitising the area. At the same time, a three-member team of Doordarshan, along with police personnel, was also heading towards Nilawaya on motorcycles, to cover related to development works and poll preparations, he said. The DD team from New Delhi was camping in the area from past couple of days to cover development works and polling related news, he added. Just ahead of Nilawaya village, the media team spotted a Maoist poster put up on a tree branch and to record it, cameraperson Achyutanand Sahu went down from the motorcycle and stepped closer towards the tree, Awasthi said. "Suddenly, Maoists, numbering around 100, opened fire on police team. Sahu was hit in the first round of fire, he said. Security personnel immediately retaliated and a gunbattle ensued, which lasted for about 50 minutes before the naxals fled, the officer said. Two policemen,Sub Inspector Rudra Pratap Singh and Assistant Constable Manglu, were killed while Constable Vishnu Netam and Assistant Constable Rakesh Kaushal were injured in the incident, he said. Other two members of the DD team, including a journalist, were safe, the officer said. The naxals then retreated into a village, with the security forces chasing them, he said. The security forces saw two to three people being dragged away by the maoists, which indicated that they were killed in the retaliatory action, Awasthi said. Dantewada SP Ahishek Pallav told PTI over phone that naxals took away camera of the deceased camera person and also tried to target his two other colleagues during the encounter. After the firing started, two other media personnel of DD crawled down into a ditch on the under construction road to save themselves, he said. Manglu provided cover to the media persons to save them but unfortunately lost his life in the process, the SP added. After the gunbattle, the security forces recovered 10 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) laid by the naxals and these defused later, Awasthi said. He said the attack was not linked to the upocoming Assembly elections but was aimed at discouraging men and contractors working on a road construction project. "I would like to clarify once again that these two incidents -- one which took place this morning and another which took place three days back -- do not have any direct or indirect conection with the ensuing elections in the state," Awasthi said. He said road construction work is underway at several places aross the naxal-affected areas over the last three years and this attack was aimed at thwarting the workers and contractors. "As far as Assembly poll is concerned, we are committed to ensuring peaceful polling in Bastar region and such incidents will not lower the morale of the security forces," he asserted. "As per the rules, each and every candidate for the polls will be provided enough security," he added. Chief Minister Raman Singhdescribed the attack as a "cowardly" and "shameful" act. "The martyred personnel and a camera person were discharging their duties for a national work like election. The attack on them is an attack on democracy and it is highly condemnable, Singh said in a statement. Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore condemned the attack and said the insurgents won't be able to weaken the government resolve. "Strongly condemn the Naxal attack on @DDNewsLive crew in Dantewada. Deeply saddened by the demise of our cameraman Achyuta Nanda Sahu and two jawans of @crpfindia. These insurgents will NOT weaken our resolve. We WILL prevail," the minister tweeted. On October 27, four CRPF personnel were killed and two others were injured when Maoists blew up their bullet proof bunker vehicle in Awapalli area of Bijapur district. The next day, a BJP leader and member of Dantewada Zila Panchayat Nandlal Mudiyami was seriously injured after ultras attacked him with sharp edged weapons at his village Palnar in Dantwada. The state is going to polls next month and naxalites have asked voters to boycott the exercise. The first phase of polls covering 18 constituencies of eight naxal-affected districts Bastar, Kanker Sukma, Bijapur, Dantewada, Narayanpur, Kondagaon and Rajnandgaon will be held on November 12. The remaining 72 constituencies will witness polling on November 20. The counting of votes will take place on December 11. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two policemen and a cameraperson of Doordarshan were killed and two others were injured in a Maoist attack on Tuesday in poll-bound Chhattisgarhs Dantewada district. Two naxals were also believed to be killed in retaliatory action by the security forces after the ambush in a forest area near Nilawaya village, around 450 kms from here, the police said. The incident took place at around 11 am when a squad of local police was carrying out patrolling on motor cycles from Sameli camp towards Nilawaya on Tuesday morning, Deputy Inspector General (anti-naxal operations) Sundarraj P told PTI. A three-member team of Doordarshan was travelling for election-related coverage at the same time and was caught in the cross-fire, he said. In the attack, Sub Inspector Rudra Pratap Singh, Assistant Constable Mangalu and DD Cameraman Achyutanand Sahu were killed, Sundarraj said. Sahu had come from New Delhi for coverage of Assembly elections to be held next month, he said. Other two members of the DD team, including a journalist, were safe, the officer said. Constable Vishnu Netam and Assistant Constable Rakesh Kaushal sustained injuries in the gunfight, he added. The injured have been admitted to Dantewada district hospital, he said, adding that if required, they would be airlifted to Raipur for further medication. D M Awashti, Special Director General (anti-naxal operations), said the exchange of fire between the maoists and security forces went on for about an hour. The naxals then retreated into a village, with the security forces chased them, he said. The security forces saw two people being dragged away by the maoists, which indicated that they were killed in the retaliatory action. After the gunbattle, the security forces recovered 8 to 10 improvised explosive devices (IEDs), which were later defused, Awasthi said. He said the attack was not linked to the upocoming Assembly elections but was aimed at discouraging men and contractors working on a road construction project. "I would like to clarify once again that these two incidents -- one which took place this morning and another which took place three days back -- do not have any direct or indirect conection with the ensuing elections in the state," Awasthi said. He said road construction work is underway at several places aross the naxal-affected areas over the last three years and this attack was aimed at thwarting the workers and contractors. Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore condemned the attack and said the insurgents won't be able to weaken the government resolve. "Strongly condemn the Naxal attack on @DDNewsLive crew in Dantewada. Deeply saddened by the demise of our cameraman Achyuta Nanda Sahu and two jawans of @crpfindia. These insurgents will NOT weaken our resolve. We WILL prevail," the minister tweeted. Teams of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Special Task Force (STF) and District Reserve Guard (DRG) were immediately rushed to the forest to trace the ultras, the DIG added. On October 27, four CRPF personnel were killed and two others were injured when Maoists blew up their bullet proof bunker vehicle in Awapalli area of Bijapur district. The next day, a BJP leader and member of Dantewada Zila Panchayat Nandlal Mudiyami was seriously injured after ultras attacked him with sharp edged weapons at his village Palnar in Dantwada. The state is going to polls next month and naxalites have asked voters to boycott the exercise. The first phase of polls covering 18 constituencies of eight naxal-affected districts Bastar, Kanker Sukma, Bijapur, Dantewada, Narayanpur, Kondagaon and Rajnandgaon will be held on November 12. The remaining 72 constituencies will witness polling on November 20. The counting of votes will take place on December 11. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two policemen and a cameraperson of Doordarshan were killed and two others were injured in a deadly Maoist attack on Tuesday in naxal-affected Dantewada district of poll-bound Chhattisgarh where voting is scheduled next month. Two naxals were also believed to be killed in retaliatory action by the security forces after the ambush in a forest area near Nilawaya village, around 450 kms from here, the police said. While naxals have given a boycott call for the elections, voting is scheduled in the area for November 12 in the first phase of the state assembly polls. The incident took place at around 11 am when a squad of local police was carrying out patrolling on motor cycles from Sameli camp towards Nilawaya on Tuesday morning, Deputy Inspector General (anti-naxal operations) Sundarraj P told PTI. A three-member team of Doordarshan was travelling for election-related coverage at the same time and was caught in the cross-fire, he said. In the attack, Sub Inspector Rudra Pratap Singh, Assistant Constable Mangalu and DD Cameraman Achyutanand Sahu were killed, Sundarraj said. Sahu had come from New Delhi for coverage of Assembly elections to be held next month, he said. Sahu's colleagues in the national capital described him as a go-getter with a penchant for challenging assignments, as a pall of gloom descended on the newsroom of the public broadcaster as reports of his death came in. Several of his colleagues recalled how the 34-year-old would make them smile with his light-hearted quips. Other two members of the DD team, including a journalist, were safe, the police officer said. Constable Vishnu Netam and Assistant Constable Rakesh Kaushal sustained injuries in the gunfight, he added. The injured have been admitted to Dantewada district hospital, he said, adding that if required, they would be airlifted to Raipur for further medication. Political parties across the spectrum condemned the attack while the Congress termed the Raman Singh government in the state as "incompetent and worthless". The Editors Guild of India urged law enforcement agencies in the state to provide necessary security to media professionals, particularly when they are covering elections. The first phase of polls covering 18 constituencies of eight naxal-affected districts Bastar, Kanker Sukma, Bijapur, Dantewada, Narayanpur, Kondagaon and Rajnandgaon will be held on November 12. Some reports said the area where the attack took place was to vote for the first time as it has traditionally been naxal-affected, but there was no official word on this. The remaining 72 constituencies will witness polling on November 20. The counting of votes will take place on December 11. D M Awashti, Special Director General (anti-naxal operations), said the exchange of fire between the maoists and security forces went on for about an hour. The naxals then retreated into a village, with the security forces chased them, he said. The security forces saw two people being dragged away by the maoists, which indicated that they were killed in the retaliatory action. After the gunbattle, the security forces recovered 8 to 10 improvised explosive devices (IEDs), which were later defused, Awasthi said. He claimed the attack was not linked to the upocoming Assembly elections but was aimed at discouraging men and contractors working on a road construction project. "I would like to clarify once again that these two incidents -- one which took place this morning and another which took place three days back -- do not have any direct or indirect conection with the ensuing elections in the state," Awasthi said. He said road construction work is underway at several places aross the naxal-affected areas over the last three years and this attack was aimed at thwarting the workers and contractors. Information and Broadcasting Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore announced financial assistance of Rs 15 lakh to the next of kin of Sahu. He condemned the attack and said the insurgents wont be able to weaken the government resolve. Colleagues of Sahu, who was employed with DD on contractual basis, wore black bands at work, even on air, to condemn the attack by Naxals. DD News Director General Mayank Agarwal said Sahu had done wide-ranging coverage of events outside Delhi and was always keen on doing challenging assignments. Sahu's aunt said he had called her in the morning itself asking her to take care of his wife, a call he used to make regularly whenever on an outstation assignment. Teams of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Special Task Force (STF) and District Reserve Guard (DRG) were immediately rushed to the forest to trace the ultras, the DIG added. On October 27, four CRPF personnel were killed and two others were injured when Maoists blew up their bullet proof bunker vehicle in Awapalli area of Bijapur district. The next day, a BJP leader and member of Dantewada Zila Panchayat Nandlal Mudiyami was seriously injured after ultras attacked him with sharp edged weapons at his village Palnar in Dantwada. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat Tuesday paid tributes to Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel on his birth anniversary and described him as the architect of a unified and integrated India. "The vast, diverse and integrated India that we see today is the creation of Lauhpurush Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. His farsightedness and diplomacy played a great role in unifying this diverse nation after independence," Rawat said in a statement. He said the Statue of Unity expresses the country's gratefulness to Patel and it will be a true tribute to the great leader. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The UN Security Council on Tuesday called on armed groups jeopardizing the response to an Ebola outbreak in Congo to immediately halt their attacks, expressing "great concern" at the potential regional spread of the often deadly virus. A resolution adopted unanimously by the UN's most powerful body condemned the attacks "in the strongest terms," especially "those posing serious security risks for responders." It singled out Allied Democratic Forces rebels. The council said the security situation in areas affected by the Ebola outbreak "is severely hampering the response efforts and facilitating the spread of the virus" in Congo and the region. Members cited a World Health Organization warning and expressed "great concern about the potential for the virus to spread into Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan and Burundi." The resolution adopted by the council demanded that all parties "ensure full, safe, immediate and unhindered access for humanitarian and medical personnel" to Ebola-affected areas. This is the first time an Ebola outbreak has occurred in Congo's far northeast, where multiple rebel groups are active. Last week, the ministry of health said teams responding to the Ebola outbreak are attacked three or four times a week on average, a level of violence unseen in the country's nine previous outbreaks of the virus. Ebola is spread via the body fluids of infected people, including the dead. The health ministry said Monday there were 239 confirmed cases and 35 probable cases. At least 120 people have died. In trying to contain the outbreak, which was declared on August 1, health experts have faced resistance from wary communities, with infected people slipping away. Safe burials are often flashpoints where families bristle at outsiders telling them how to say goodbye to loved ones. In one example of the rumours that pose challenges to containing the virus, the health ministry said this month that 22 young people in the northeastern city of Butembo dug up an Ebola victim and opened the body bag to verify that health workers had not taken organs from the body. The resolution adopted by the council emphasized the need for Congo's government and those providing assistance "to enhance efforts to communicate to the public" and implement safety and health protocols and preventive measures. This will "mitigate against misinformation and undue alarm about the transmission and extent of the outbreak among and between individuals and communities," the council said. The resolution also underscored the need to step up engagement with local communities and work closely with religious leaders, youth and women's groups, and affected families, including on resuming humanitarian assistance. The Security Council also emphasized that "men and women are affected differently by the Ebola outbreak" and the response must address their different needs. It urged international support to bring the Ebola outbreak under control. Ethiopia's UN Ambassador Tekeda Alemu said it is "vital" that the international community provides flexible financial support "to enable a more rapid response." Sweden's UN deputy ambassador Carl Skau said the resolution "sends a clear, coherent and comprehensive message of support to all those involved in the front-line response efforts, on the ground in (Congo) and in neighbouring countries. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The UN rights chief called Tuesday for "international experts" to help investigate the murder of Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, and called on Riyadh to reveal the whereabouts of his body. For an investigation to be carried out free of any appearance of political considerations, the involvement of international experts, with full access to evidence and witnesses, would be highly desirable," Michelle Bachelet said in a statement. hashoggi, a 59-year-old Saudi journalist and Washington Post contributor, was killed after entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2 to obtain paperwork ahead of his upcoming wedding. His body has not yet been found. is death has brought near unprecedented international scrutiny on Saudi Arabia and its powerful Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman. The journalist's fiancee has accused the regime of a massive cover-up. achelet stressed the importance of ensuring the murder be investigated in an independent and impartial manner. I welcome the steps taken by Turkish and Saudi authorities to investigate and prosecute the alleged perpetrators of Mr. Khashoggi's murder," the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said. But given the information that high-level officials in Saudi Arabia were apparently involved, and it took place in the Consulate of Saudi Arabia, the bar must be set very high to ensure meaningful accountability and justice for such a shockingly brazen crime against a journalist and government critic," she insisted. achelet added that it was important to determine whether "serious human rights violations such as torture, summary execution or enforced disappearance were committed and to identify all those implicated in this crime, irrespective of their official capacity." She called on authorities in both Turkey and Saudi Arabia to cooperate in ensuring that the full truth about Khashoggi's murder comes to light. Forensic examination, including an autopsy on the body of the victim is a crucial element in any investigation into a killing, and I urge the Saudi authorities to reveal the whereabouts of his body without further delay or prevarication," she said. achelet's statement marks the third time she has commented on Khashoggi's disappearance and murder. t comes after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on Saudi Arabia's chief prosecutor, who visited the consulate in Istanbul Tuesday, to find out who ordered the journalist's murder, and not spare "certain people" in his investigation. audi Arabia is seeking to draw a line under the crisis after offering a series of differing narratives following the journalist's disappearance. Since admitting the murder was premeditated, the Saudi leadership has blamed a "rogue operation" for the killing of Khashoggi, who was once an insider in Saudi royal circles and had lived in self-imposed exile in the United States since 2017. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) China requests Greeces scientific expertise on Assisted Reproduction after the change in its existing law to a two-child policy, a policy proposed in order to help address the aging issue in China, which finds, though, now the Chinese couples aged enough to conceive a new child, facing numerous infertility problems. Anhui University Hospital by its Assisted Reproduction medical team of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Greeces medical experts on the field signed an important cooperation agreement to join forces and therapeutic practices, aiming to give the Chinese families a second chance: Chinese babies Made in Greece. A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed in Athens between the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine and, from Greeces side, the International Health Tourism Council and the Global Greek Doctor's Institute, in order to further promote the medical exchanges and cooperation between China and Greece, fully utilize the strengths of the distinctive areas from both sides, enhance the internal development of both sides, and promote cultural exchanges and communication between the two sides. The Memorandum foresees the exchange of know-how between Greece and China for the combination of the most advanced scientific methods of Western Medicine in Assisted Reproduction with the Medical practices of the Eastern Traditional Medicine of China, as well as the creation of a Reproduction Center within a large State University Hospital in Anhui Region with the participation of Greek scientists. "The cooperation with the top Medical staff of Greece on Assisted Reproduction is extremely important for China and we expect that many Chinese couples will benefit from the combination of in Vitro fertilization Medical methods, which will applied by the Hellenic team , with the Traditional Chinese Medicine methods on Assisted Reproduction. The Agreement of Cooperation and Greek-Chinese Alliance opens up new ways of scientific assistance to the peoples of both countries, broadens the chances of scientific, tourist and cultural exchange and sets new paths in Health Tourism.", the Chairman of the Center Council for the International Cooperation of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine Mr. Sihong Zhang stated after signing the agreement. The International Health Tourism Council and the Global Greek Doctor's Institute are both non-profit companies and the contracting parties from Greeces side at the Memorandum of Understanding, as being legaqlly represented by Chairman of the board Mr.Patoulis. The President of Central Union of Municipalities of Greece, President of the International Health Tourism Center and President of the Global Institute of Greek Doctors George Patoulis stated: "It is an important day for the prospects of Greeces Health Tourism that unites Hippocratic Western Classical Medicine with the Traditional Eastern Medicine of China. The huge country betakes itself to the country of Hippocrates, Greece, aiming to open new paths to combine, unite and eventually offer a common development perspective for the future. The flows of the Chinese (patients and Health Travelers) - who will be cured by the specialized medical teams of In vitro fertilization in Greece, is a prospect with important significance. New perspectives are opened up for the in-depth exchange of scientific opinions, as well as the exchange of people, scientists, doctors and health tourists, from one country to another, A State university in the eastern part of China with a 3000-bed hospital capacity signed a significant cooperation agreement with the Global Institute of Greek Doctors and the IHTC, the International Health Tourism Center, -that is to say, the international Body for the development of health tourism that we have created for Greece - with the perspective to become a member of Greeces IHTC in March. The perspectives of Greek-Chinese Alliance in Health Tourism are enormous " The Vice President of the Global Greek Doctors Institute, Mr. Constantine Pantos stated: "The fact that even China, this huge country from the other side of the world, recognizes the high level of Greek scientists, is a great honor for our country. This recognition should become the vehicle for strengthening relations, creating bridges of friendship and new partnerships, and, above all, it reverses the climate of lack of confidence in our country. The recovery of trust to Greece through the recognition of Greek doctors is a national goal. " Within the framework of the Memorandum, educational programs of Greek and Chinese scientists and students will be developed, as well as exchanges of Greek and Chinese doctors for medcial practice between the two countries. 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 Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Tuesday announced Rs 5 lakh ex-gratia to the kin of a gas agency cashier who was reportedly shot dead by bike-borne men in Gomti Nagar here. Shyam Singh (45) was attacked when he was on his way to a bank at Vibhuti Khand region of Gomti Nagar to deposit Rs 10 lakh on Monday. The accused duo fled with the money. "The CM has announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh to the victim's family and directed the police to probe the case at the earliest," an official spokesman said here. The police have released pictures of the two attackers after going through CCTV footage. Meanwhile, LPG gas distributors of the state capital have decided to shut shops Tuesday in protest against the incident. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Uttar Pradesh government in assistance from Japanese government will develop 'Food Value Chain' in the state. The UP Cabinet presided over by UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Tuesday cleared a proposal in this regard. UP Cabinet minister Shrikant Sharma told reporters that the UP Cabinet has given its approval for memorandum of co-operation pertaining to a food value chain between the UP government and Japan's agriculture, forestry and fisheries department. He said that under the agreement, in the first five years, Japanese companies will invest in agri-related and food-related industries. The Cabinet also decided to purchase 3,174 metric tonnes of sugar for devotees going to 2019 Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. Sugar will be sold at Rs 17 per kg, and two kg sugar can be purchased on a ration card. However, there is no such cap on Akhadas vis-a-vis sugar. To boost one district, one product, common facility centres will be established in districts. The centres will have testing laboratories and design centres. The Cabinet gave its approval for construction of Queen Ho memorial in Ayodhya, which will incur a cost of Rs 24 crore. In another decision, the Cabinet gave its approval to amend UP Motor Vehicles Manual, 1998, which will make it mandatory for four-wheeler taxis to have a sky-blue strip on them. Similarly, CNG three-wheelers should be green in colour, while electric vehicles should be white. The bike taxis cannot be painted maroon, black or red. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Clearing the decks for the construction of an airport in Gautam Buddh Nagar's Jewar, the government on Tuesday issued a notification for the acquisition of land for the greenfield project. The district administration had on October 17 completed the proceedings at its level and sent a proposal to the government for the acquisition of 1,239 hectare of land from six villages in Jewar. Civil Aviation Special Secretary, Uttar Pradesh, Surya Pal Gangwar issued the notification. "Under sub-section (1) of section 11 of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, the government of is satisfied that a total 1,239.1416 hectares of land is required in the villages Banwariwas, Dayanatpur Kishorpur, Parohi, Ranhera and Rohi in Jewar tehsil of district Gautamm Buddh Nagar for public purspose, namely, the development of the Noida Internation Greenfield Airport, Jewar throgh the Civil Aviation Department, Uttar Pradesh," an official document read. The proposed airport, second in the Capital Region (NCR) after Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, would cost around Rs 150 billion to Rs 200 billion and is expected to be operational by 2022-23. "It's a big development. All stakeholders involved have worked really hard for this. The administration will continue to ensure that the necessary proceedings here on are completed on time and the work on the airport begins as scheduled," District Magistrate Brajesh Narain Singh told The US has extended its deepest condolences for the victims of a low-cost Indonesian aircraft that crashed into the sea with 189 people on board, including an Indian pilot, soon after taking off from Jakarta. Indian pilot Bhavye Suneja, 31, was flying the Lion Air flight JT610 which lost contact with the ground officials 13 minutes after taking off from Jakarta Soekarno Hatta International Airport on Monday. The Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft en-route to Pangkal Pinang city crashed near Kerawang, 32 miles east of Jakarta. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Indonesia in this time of sorrow. Preparations are underway to assist the Indonesian government in its investigation of this tragic accident," State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said on Monday. "The Unites States extends its deepest condolences to those who lost family and loved ones in the October 29 plane crash in Indonesia," she said in a statement. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The United States is following developments in Sri Lanka with concern after a political turmoil sparked by the sudden sacking of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, and urged all parties to respect the due process, a senior US State Department official has said. Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena on Friday sacked Wickremesinghe and appointed former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa as the new prime minister, triggering political chaos in the Indian Ocean island nation. Next day, he suspended Parliament after Wickremesinghe, who had termed his sacking as illegal and unconstitutional, sought an emergency session to prove his majority. The president also withdrew Wickremesinghe's personal security and vehicles in order to accord them to his 72-year-old successor, who staged a dramatic political comeback. "The United States continues to follow developments in Sri Lanka with concern and urges all sides to respect due process," a State Department Spokesperson told PTI on Monday. "We expect the government of Sri Lanka to uphold its commitments to human rights, rule of law, reform, accountability, justice, and reconciliation, regardless of who occupies leadership positions," the spokesperson said. The President, in consultation with the Speaker, needs to reconvene parliament immediately and allow the democratically elected representatives of the Sri Lankan people to fulfil their responsibility to affirm who will lead their government, the spokesperson reiterated. Meanwhile, according to an expert, the political shake-up in the Indian Ocean island nation was a win for China, as it would give a second chance to China's attempts to play a dominant role in the island's and development which may serves as a significant impediment to the US' efforts for greater engagement in the Indo-Pacific. In the Foreign Policy magazine, Bharat Gopalaswamy from the Atlantic Council think-tank wrote that the political shake-up in this island nation was a win for China. The resurgence of Mahinda Rajapaksa as the new Prime Minister, he wrote, means a second chance for China's attempts to play a dominant role in the island nation's and development. It would serves as a significant impediment to the US efforts for greater engagement in the Indo-Pacific, he wrote. Gopalaswamy said that Rajapaksa was Sri Lanka's president from 2005 to 2015, during which he used heavy-handed tactics to end the country's decades-long civil war, drawing accusations of war crimes, while encouraging large-scale Chinese investment to spur economic growth. "During his tenure, the country undertook numerous loss-making projects financed and built by China, including the Magampura Mahinda Rajapaksa Port in Hambantota and the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airportdubbed as the 'world's emptiest airport'both in the country's south," he said. Gopalaswamy said Rajapaksa's appointment illustrates the limitations of the US economic diplomacy and development finance policy in the Indo-Pacific. "Despite recent reforms and rhetoric, the Trump administration has yet to find a realistic alternative to the sheer scale and availability of Chinese financing for infrastructure development in the Indian Ocean," he said. "Until the United States is both willing and able to engage with countries in the Indo-Pacific on an individual basis and to provide mutually beneficial development financing on a scale comparable to China's, leaders pursuing rapid growth and infrastructure development will continue to turn to Beijing for opportunities, regardless of concerns about predatory or coercive lending behaviour," he wrote in the Foreign Policy magazine. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The vice-chancellor of a Bihar-based central university is believed to have tendered his resignation over allegations of he fudging his academic credentials to get the post. Mahatma Gandhi Central University (MGCU), V-C, Arvind Agarwal has been under the government's radar for allegedly giving false information in his application. Sources said Agarwal submitted his resignation to the HRD ministry last week, after he was asked to respond to the allegations. Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry officials, however, did not comment on the fate of his resignation. The ministry has received complaints that Agarwal lied about a foreign education to get the job and he did not pursue his Ph.D at a German institute as claimed, and actually got the degree from the University of Rajasthan. When contacted, Agarwal refused to comment on the issue. He was appointed as the first VC of MGCU in Motihari by the incumbent government in February 2016 from a panel of three names submitted by the search-cum-selection committee. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu will begin a three-nation visit Wednesday to Botswana, Zimbabwe and Malawi, during which he will hold talks with top leaders of these African countries, meet business groups and interact with the Indian diaspora. Naidu will be accompanied by a high-level delegation for the six-day visit, the Ministry of External Affairs said Tuesday. The delegation will include Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Krishan Pal Gurjar, two MPs and senior officers of the Union government, it said. Naidu's official engagements will include meeting presidents of the countries; holding bilateral meetings with his counterparts and delegation level talks; and interacting with business groups and Indian communities, the ministry said in a release. In Botswana, the vice president will inaugurate the Global Expo Botswana 2018 together with his counterpart in that country. The expo will see participation of 25 big Indian companies and business houses covering a range of sectors, it said. In Zimbabwe, Naidu will meet the nation's foreign minister and will lay the foundation stone of the Chancery project. He will witness signing of MoUs on mining, information and communication technology, and culture, the ministry said. The vice president, in Malawi, is expected to inaugurate the Business Incubation Centre and India-Africa Institute of Agriculture and Rural Development and unveil a bust of Mahatma Gandhi, it said. Several MoUs and agreements, including an extradition treaty, and pacts on agriculture and training will be signed during the visit. Many announcements including LoC projects are expected to be made during the visit, the External Affairs Ministry said. From India, there have been 26 outgoing visits to Africa at the level of president, vice president and prime minister in the last four years, it said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The YSR Congress Party on Tuesday demanded a CBI or judicial probe into the recent attack on its chief Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy at Visakhapatnam airport and alleged that the incident was a "conspiracy" hatched by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. Rubbishing the allegations, Andhra Pradesh chief minister's OSD for media affairs Telaprolu Srinivas Rao claimed that YSRCP leaders were trying to create unrest in the state. The YSRCP alleged that the state police is "biased" in its investigation and is working as per the direction of the chief minister. The party, however, asserted that Jagan, also is the leader of opposition in Andhra Pradesh assembly, will continue his 'padayatra' across the state, undeterred by such attacks. On October 25, Jagan was attacked by J Srinivas, who worked in a cafeteria at the airport. Addressing the media here, YSRCP Rajya Sabha member V Vijaya Sai Reddy alleged: "The direct attack on Jagan is part of a big criminal conspiracy and was pre-planned. There is a suspicion that the CM was involved in the conspiracy." Since there is a "black sheep" in the state government, he said, the party is not confident of the Andhra Pradesh police's investigation in the matter. "So, we demand an inquiry either by the CBI or judiciary to unearth the fact," he said adding that a representation in this regard has been made to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh. However, OSD to the Andhra Pradesh CM T S Rao alleged that "the person who attacked (Jagan) is a YSRCP man". "They (YSRCP) are trying to give a negative impression....They are trying to create unrest in the state," he alleged and claimed that YSRCP was acting at the behest of a national party. But the YSRCP questioned the police's handling of the case. YSRCP leader V Y Subba Reddy asked how the accused (Srinivas) was allowed to work on the airport premises despite having a criminal case pending against him. He claimed that the state government might "divert" the case and therefore a third party probe is required. Another YSRCP leader Varaprasad Rao said currently the probe is focused on the accused and not on conspirators. "We want conspirators to be probed. This is not possible with the Andhra Pradesh police. Hence, we want a central agency to investigate the case," he added. Asked why Jagan took medical treatment in Hyderabad and not in Visakhapatnam, the party leaders said, "He took first aid at the airport and flew to Hyderabad for further treatment as there was threat to his life." They, however, said that the party president is unfazed by such attacks and would continue his padayatra across the state. Botsa Satyanarayana, M Rajamohan Reddy, Ummareddy Venkateswarlu, V Prabhakar Reddy were among the YSRCP leaders present at the press conference. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) By P.J. Huffstutter(Reuters) - Cargill Inc said on Tuesday that David Dines, the head of its risk management business, would replace Chief Financial Officer Marcel Smits on Dec. 1 as part of a handful of changes in the grain trader's executive team. The company said Smits will be moving into a new role as the head of Cargill Asia Pacific - a region that Cargill says is a key focus of its growth going forward.The shifts mark the latest step in an overhaul of the 153-year-old company, whose business model now is betting on technology and agricultural innovation to stay ahead of global trade ... BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT (Reuters) - The European Commission has opened a deeper investigation into Thyssenkrupp's planned steel joint venture with Tata Steel over concerns that it could raise prices and harm competition.The so-called Phase II investigation was widely expected and follows a similar probe into ArcelorMittal's takeover of Italy's Ilva, which was cleared only after the group pledged to sell assets.Thyssenkrupp and Tata Steel earlier this year unveiled plans to combine their steel activities in Germany, the Netherlands and Britain to become the continent's second-largest steelmaker ... Emirates NBD, a leading bank in the region, delivered a strong set of results for the first nine months of this year with net profit growth of 24% year-on-year to Dh7.7 billion ($2.1 billion). Net interest income increased 19% year-on-year due to loan growth coupled with an improvement in margins. The operating performance was also supported by a 35% year-on-year improvement in provisions. The banks balance sheet remains solid with a further strengthening in capital due to retained earnings, healthy liquidity and an improvement in the non-performing loan ratio, the bank said. Other Financial Highlights * Net Interest Margin increased by 35 bps y-o-y to 2.81% helped by rate rises * Total income of Dh12.9 billion improved 13% y-o-y * Total assets at Dh492.6 billion, up 5% from end 2017 * Customer loans at Dh324.7 billion, up 7% from end 2017 * Customer deposits at Dh341.2 billion, up 4% from end 2017 * Impaired Loan ratio improved to 5.8% whilst coverage ratio remained strong to 127.4% * Liquidity Coverage Ratio of 196.5% and AD ratio of 95.2% demonstrate the groups healthy liquidity position * Capital Ratios strengthened with Common Equity Tier 1 Ratio improving to 16.6% and Capital Adequacy Ratio at 21.3% Hesham Abdulla Al Qassim, vice chairman and managing director, Emirates NBD, said: I am very pleased that Emirates NBD has delivered a strong net profit in the first nine months of 2018. Guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Smart Dubai has announced an ambitious roadmap to prepare Dubai as a world-leading technology hub by 2021, in celebration of the nation's golden jubilee. Group chief executive officer Shayne Nelson said: Emirates NBD delivered a strong nine-month net profit of Dh7.7 billion underpinned by higher net interest income on the back of loan growth coupled with an improvement in margins. The banks balance sheet remains solid with a further strengthening in capital due to retained earnings, coupled with an improvement in the non-performing loan ratio and healthy liquidity. In a sign of confidence from relationship banks, Emirates NBD successfully closed a three-year $2 billion term loan facility in September. The deal was highly successful as demonstrated by the upsizing and improved pricing, reflecting Emirates NBDs strength as a leading bank in the MENA region, as well as its strong relationships with international banks. - TradeArabia News Service Bain Capital and CVC Capital Partners are among the private equity firms competing to acquire Papa John's International Inc , the world's third-largest pizza delivery company, people familiar with the matter said on Tuesday. The buyout interest in Papa John's comes amid a battle for control with its founder John Schnatter, who owns about 30 per cent of the company. He resigned as chairman in July following reports that he had used a racial slur on a media training conference call. Since then, Schnatter has been seeking ways to regain influence, and asked Papa ... By Alexandra Alper and Marta NogueiraRIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - Brazil's Petroleo Brasileiro SA could sell an additional $20 billion in assets through next year, a person with knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Tuesday, indicating that the state-run oil company expects to maintain its robust pace of divestments despite recent setbacks.Planned sales of its Pasadena refinery in Texas and two oilfield clusters in the Campos basin could be inked by year end, the source said, declining to be named given the sensitivity of the topics.Petrobras did not immediately respond to a request for ... India's finance minister Arun Jaitley criticised the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for failing to prevent lending excess in a speech on Tuesday. "The central bank looked the other way when banks gave loans indiscriminately during 2008 to 2014," Jaitley said while speaking at an event in New Delhi. Tensions between the finance ministry and the RBI have risen since the bank's deputy governor said in a speech on Friday that undermining a central bank's independence could be "potentially catastrophic", in an indication that it is pushing back hard ... MUMBAI (Reuters) - Government is examining a complete sale of debt-laden Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Service Ltd (IL&FS), as one of the options to solve the crisis at the beleaguered firm, television channel ET Now reported, citing news agency sources.A major Indian infrastructure financing and development company, IL&FS roiled the nation's financial markets in recent weeks when it defaulted on payments to banks, and ratings agencies downgraded its loans to junk from investment grade.Its troubles stoked fears of a bigger malaise in India's shadow banking sector.The new board at ... Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso said on Tuesday that a currency swap agreement it signed with India was intended to function as a safety net in case of a financial crisis. Speaking to reporters, Aso also said the $30 billion currency swap deal Japan signed with China last week would support Japanese companies and banks operating in China if they had trouble exchanging yen for yuan. Japan and India signed a $75 billion bilateral currency swap agreement on Monday during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Tokyo. TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Tuesday specific monetary policy steps must be left for the central bank to decide."I would like to lay the groundwork for beating deflation in the next three years," Abe told parliament."I trust that BOJ Governor (Haruhiko Kuroda) would make the appropriate decision" on monetary policy, he said, when asked whether the central bank should seek an exit from ultra-easy policy. (Reporting by Leika Kihara and Stanley White; Editing by Shri Navaratnam)(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a ... By Tamara Mathias and Michael Erman(Reuters) - Pfizer Inc on Tuesday reported worse-than-expected third quarter revenue and lowered the top end of its full-year sales forecast as generic competition and drug pricing pressure in the United States hurt its older drugs business.Investor attention has been increasingly focused on the company post-2020, with a view toward drugs they hope will be on the market by then. The company has touted its pipeline, which it believes contains 15 drugs with annual sales potential that could exceed $1 billion launching within the next five years.Credit Suisse ... By David LawderWASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump's administration took action on Monday to cut off a Chinese state-backed chipmaker from U.S. suppliers amid allegations the firm stole intellectual property from U.S. semiconductor company Micron Technology Inc.The Commerce Department said it had put Fujian Jinhua Integrated Circuit Co Ltd on a list of entities that cannot buy components, software and technology goods from U.S. firms.The administration is concerned the Chinese firm could flood the market with cheap chips that are also made by U.S. companies that supply the ... Abu Dhabi General Services Company (Musanada) said that it is currently working on four projects worth Dh438 million ($119 million) to convert roundabouts to signallised intersections, construct underpasses, and ease traffic flow in Al Ain city. "These four development projects form part of Musanadas efforts to realise the vision of the UAEs rational leadership towards providing high quality infrastructure that meets the needs of individuals and the community at large in line with best international standards," Saleh Al Sheibah Al Mazrouei, Musanadas acting roads and infrastructure executive director was quoted as saying in a Wam report. Al Mazrouei explained that the scope of the first project includes converting the Al Aflaj - or Hilton - roundabout to a signallised intersection and covering the top of the existing underpass. The project also includes widening the roads surrounding the Al Aflaj roundabout by providing three lanes to inbound traffic from Mazyad towards the Al Ain industrial area, besides providing three other lanes for inbound traffic from Mazyad towards the Al Ain city centre. Also providing sidewalks for pedestrians and landscaping at the project area. He noted that Musanada, in collaboration with the Department of Transport, Al Ain City Municipality and Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters, has partially opened the Al Aflaj roundabout, pointing out that the project will provide six lanes for inbound traffic from Mazyad heading to Al Ain Industrial Area and the city centre, assuring that work is progressing for a full opening during the first quarter of 2019. Al Mazrouei added that the second project relates to developing and converting existing roundabouts to signallised intersections at the city centre, indicating that the project covers five roundabouts with three lanes at each direction. The project scope includes changing all the roundabouts to signallised intersections, increasing the number of lanes of each direction, and adding a new intersection to serve the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Mosque. He said that Musanada was planning to hand over the project in full after completing all the works in November 2019. Al Mazrouei noted that that the third project aims to ease traffic flow and involves construction of an underpass at the Sultan bin Khalifa Roundabout, which has three lanes in each direction. The project scope includes changing the roundabout to an underpass at the western side, in addition to installation of traffic lights above the underpass. Musanada plans to complete all the works related to the project by April 2020. He added that the fourth project aims to enhance traffic flow across the roads surrounding the New Al Ain Stadium at the Al Tawiyah area. It involves converting the two roundabouts with three lanes in each direction to signallised intersections, increasing the number of lanes in each direction, covering the top of the underpass, construction of signallised intersection and construction of a pedestrian bridge. The work is moving as per the agreed plan and is expected to be completed and handed over by December 2019. Indian government officials are very upset with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for publicly talking about a rift with the government, fearing it could tarnish the country's image among investors, senior officials said on Monday. On Friday night, the RBI Deputy Governor Viral Acharya warned that undermining a central bank's independence could be "potentially catastrophic", in an indication that it is pushing back hard against government pressure to relax its policies and reduce its powers. In a speech to top industrialists Acharya cited the Argentine government's meddling in its central bank's affairs in 2010 as an example of what can go wrong. That led to a surge in bond yields that badly hurt the South American economy. "Governments that do not respect central bank independence will sooner or later incur the wrath of financial markets, ignite economic fire, and come to rue the day they undermined an important regulatory institution," Acharya said. The government officials Reuters spoke to on Monday declined to be identified because of the sensitivity of the subject. One said that it was vital that what happened between the government in New Delhi and the RBI in Mumbai was kept confidential. "The government respects the autonomy and independence of the RBI but they must understand their responsibility," the official said. A second official, based in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's office, said it was "very unfortunate" that the RBI took the matters public. "The government is very upset. It was not expected from the RBI," the official added. An RBI spokesman was not immediately available for comments after business hours. Government officials have recently called for the RBI to relax its lending restrictions on some banks, and New Delhi has also been trying to trim the RBI's regulatory powers by setting up a new regulator for the country's payments system. The Modi administration has also been pushing the central bank to part with some of its 3.6 trillion rupees ($49 billion)surplus to help bridge the fiscal deficit and finance its welfare programmes. JAPAN TRIP The officials in New Delhi were particularly angry that Acharya launched the attack while Modi was about to head to Japan for talks with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the first source said. Finance ministry officials remained largely silent in response to the speech at the weekend, as they didn't want to aggravate the issue when Modi and top officials were in Japan, this official said. Government officials believe that RBI Governor Urjit Patel has some responsibility for the controversy, and he cannot expect an extension of his current three-year term - which ends next September - "as his right", one of the officials added. Acharya had three of his fellow deputy governors in the audience and also thanked Governor Patel for his "suggestion to explore this theme for a speech", in a show of unity from an institution typically known for its restraint. The official in the prime minister's office said Patel could face a tough time when he appears before a parliamentary standing committee on Nov. 12. Top government officials said they were surprised that Patel, who was appointed by the Modi administration in 2016, and initially cooperated with New Delhi, is creating tensions when the government is facing criticism over handling of the economy before a national election, due by next May. On Monday, a third government source said the finance ministry was worried how markets would respond to Acharya's public comments, but felt more relaxed after they rose. The gains were largely a result of a separate announcement by the RBI about an injection of liquidity through government bond buying. The benchmark stock index .BSESN rose as much as 2.15 percent and the yields on the 10-year benchmark fell to 7.81 percent, compared with 7.88 percent on Friday. Modi's government is pushing the RBI to relax lending norms for small businesses and pump more liquidity into the market to bolster economic growth before key state elections due in the next few weeks and the general election. It is worried that the central bank's hawkish monetary stance and stringent regulations on lending by state banks could push economic growth below 7 percent in the October-December quarter - the last quarter for which data would be available ahead of the general election. "When we are facing problems on the external front like high crude oil prices, trade tensions putting pressure on our current account balance, can we afford another domestic crisis?" the third government source said. The Jet Airways stock rose in trade today amid a report that Delta Air may buy stake in the Naresh Goyal-owned carrier. The stock rose up to 12.59% or 27 points to intra day high of 240.90 on the BSE. The stock opened with a gain of 2.31% to 218.90 level compared to yesterday's close of 213.95. It closed 10.19% or 21.80 points higher at 235.75 level on BSE. It has gained after two days of consecutive fall. The small cap stock has fallen 59.83% during the last one year and lost 72.52% since the beginning of this year. Atlanta-based Delta Airlines may buy a stake in the cash-strapped Jet Airways, Financial Express reported, citing sources familiar with the matter. The report further said Delta was keen to buy stakes held by chairman Naresh Goyal and Etihad Airways in the airline. It also plans to infuse capital into Jet, the report said. Naresh Goyal holds 51% stake in Jet Airways. Delta is also looking to buy 24% stake in Jet held by Etihad Airlines. Etihad bought a minority stake in Jet Airways in 2012 for about $379 million. The airline also denied defaulting on defaulting on lease rentals' payment which also lent support to its shares. The company is actively engaged with all its partners, including lessors and airport operators and regularly providing them updates on efforts undertaken by the company to improve its liquidity, it said in a regulatory filing. The airline was served a notice by the Airport Authority of India and the aircraft lessors over the delay in payments, according to media reports. The beleaguered airline is scouring for funding as it is struggling to keep up its expenses amid a stiff competition in the aviation sector, hike in fuel prices and declining rupee. The airline's fleet comprises ATRs, Airbus, and Boeing jets. Out of its total fleet of 124 aircraft, as many as 108 are on lease. The air carrier is facing severe cash crunch and recently handed out pink slips to 20 employees, including some senior-level executives, who were working in the airline's crucial in-flight services department. The employees received their job termination notices this month, the source said. It can be noted that the airline reportedly had recently asked 15 managerial level employees from various departments including engineering, security and sales, to leave the company. The full service carrier, which is partially owned by Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways, has delayed payment of salaries to its senior management, pilots and engineers due to its deteriorating financial health. Significantly, a decade back, Jet Airways had announced sacking of 1,900 employees, including 800 unconfirmed and under-probation employees, across all operations. This led to an uproar and chairman Goyal was not only forced to take back all the sacked employees over night, but also had to apologise. Jet Airways group posted a net loss of Rs 1,326 crore in the three months ended June, compared with a net profit of Rs 58 crore in the year-ago period. Along with the June quarter results, the airline's board, during its meeting on August 27, had also considered various cost-cutting measures, debt reduction and funding options. (Eds: Updating with additional info, quotes) New Delhi/Tokyo, Oct 29 (PTI) India and Japan Monday concluded one of the largest bilateral currency swap agreements at USD 75 billion that will help in bringing greater stability in foreign exchange and capital markets in the country.The agreement will further strengthen and widen the depth and diversity of economic cooperation between the two nations."With a view to enhancing financial and economic cooperation, governments of Japan and India welcomed the agreement to conclude a Bilateral Swap Arrangement (BSA) of USD 75 billion," said India-Japan Vision Statement.The statement was released after India-Japan Annual Summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe in Tokyo. Commenting on the development, Economic Affairs Secretary S C Garg said in a tweet: "Bilateral swap arrangement with Japan for USD 75 billion is one of the largest swap arrangements in the world. "Accepting Japanese request, India agreed to do away with requirement of mandatory hedging for infrastructure ECBs of 5 years or more minimum average maturity".The finance ministry said the currency swap agreement should "aid in bringing greater stability to foreign exchange and capital markets in India...This facility will enable the agreed amount of foreign capital being available to India for use as and when need arises".The facility will also help in bringing down the cost of capital for Indian entities while accessing foreign capital market, it added.Recognising the unparalleled potential for development of relations between the two countries, Modi and Abe reviewed the significant milestones achieved over the last four years and outlined a shared vision for the future of India-Japan relations.The two leaders remain committed to synergising Indias demographic dividend and Japans capital and technology to realise the true potential of the India-Japan economic partnership for a prosperous future. "In this regard, India welcomed Japans strong support for key transformational initiatives such as Make in India, Skill India and Clean India Mission, through sharing of resources and advanced technologies, and active mobilisation of Japanese public and private sector investments," said the vision document.The two leaders "reviewed with satisfaction" the progress made, including the signing of the Exchange of Notes for yen loan, on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high speed rail project, which is an important symbol of India-Japan collaboration. They also welcomed the continued cooperation on metro projects which support smarter development of Indian cities. "India further appreciated Japans role in promoting connectivity through quality infrastructure projects such as the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor and the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor," said the vision document.Modi and Abe welcomed the expansion of Japans FDI in India under the "India-Japan Investment Promotion Partnership, the progress made in Japan Industrial Townships (JIT) and other initiatives included in the Japan-India Roadmap for Investment Promotion. Both leaders welcomed the launching of a comprehensive India-Japan Digital Partnership with a vision to develop IoT and AI solutions for societal benefits and explore collaboration in emerging technologies by utilising 'Japan-India StartUp Hub' in Bengaluru and NASSCOMs IT corridor project in Hiroshima Prefecture. Recognising the close cooperation in IPR between the Intellectual Property Offices of the two countries, the leaders concurred to start a bilateral Patent Prosecution Highway programme on a pilot basis in certain identified fields of inventions in the first quarter of FY 2019. On currency swap pact, the finance ministry said the arrangement is expected to help in containing the current account deficit and rupee volatility.It further said the government has taken various measures to attract foreign capital, like relaxing the external borrowing norms, issuance of off-shore Masala bonds and hiking import duty on non-essential items. PTI NKD CS ANUANU It was announced today that the Local Enterprise Office for Dublin City has provided over 2.25 million in funding for tech-sector businesses since it was established in April 2014. Thats according to a report which highlights the supports available for tech start-ups and entrepreneurs in the capital city. The report shows that 157 tech businesses received financial support from the Local Enterprise Office since it was established in April 2014. On average, the Office invested 610,771 in tech businesses each year for the past four years. Furthermore, the report finds the Local Enterprise Offices support has led directly to the creation of over 240 jobs in tech businesses in Dublin since 2014. Commenting today, Business Advisor at Local Enterprise Office Dublin City, Dave Connolly said, "We provide investment and other supports to start-ups and small businesses, with the tech sector accounting for one-quarter of all our clients. This is the most active sector we work with. So far this year, 53% of all funding weve approved has been for tech businesses. These range from medtech start-ups and data analytics firms to e-commerce platforms and lifestyle companies." Source: www.businessworld.ie Two thirds of people expect property prices to rise over the next 12 months most by up to 5%. This is according to a new property consumer sentiment survey by MyHome.ie. The survey of 1,700 people found that a significant 20% believe they will remain unchanged while 15% expect them to fall. Forty per cent said of those surveyed said they expected to buy a new home in the next 12 months, with 34% saying they were undecided and 26% saying they had no plans to buy. Ninety-three per cent of respondents believe the Government should be doing more to address the housing crisis, including the construction of more social and affordable homes. When asked what other measures the Government should take respondents said there should be increased levies on vacant properties and sites, while vacant properties should be purchased by compulsory order. According to the survey 31% of First Time Buyers were aged between 25 and 30 while 29% were in the 31 to 35 age group with a further 16% in the 36 to 40 cohort. MyHome.ie said the rising age profile of the group had been a recurring feature of surveys in recent years due in the main to the shortage of affordable housing. Seventy-two per-cent of First Time Buyers said the biggest challenge they faced was finding the right property, while 17% said it was meeting the required deposit for a new home. While two thirds of FTBs were renting, a third were still living at home and MyHome.ie say that has also been a feature of family life over the past decade as younger buyers live at home longer in order to save for a deposit. Being close to a good network of public transport is now viewed as the number one priority by most respondents, ahead of proximity to shops with schools/creches in third. Commenting on the research, Managing Director of MyHome.ie, Angela Keegan said, "Given that the Taoiseach has already said the Government would be judged on how it deals with the housing crisis, the fact that the overwhelming majority of people believe they should be doing more, will no doubt be a concern." She added, "It was also interesting to see that while awareness of the Help to Buy scheme was quite high amongst first time buyers at 72%, the awareness of other schemes such as Rebuilding Ireland Home Loans and Mortgage Allowance Scheme was much lower at 12%, while awareness of the Shared Ownership Scheme was lower again at 4%." Source: www.businessworld.ie A new programme has been opened for ambitious female entrepreneurs who are looking to scale their businesses to join the latest cycle of Going for Growth, the award-winning business development programme. The six-month part-time programme, sponsored by Enterprise Ireland and KPMG, assists ambitious female entrepreneurs to achieve their growth aspirations. The programme is seeking applications from female entrepreneurs across all sectors who are strongly focussed on growth. Ideally, businesses should be well established and trading for at least two years. Sixty places will be available for this 11th cycle of Going for Growth, which will run from January to June 2018 and the deadline for applications is Wednesday, November, 28th. There is no charge for those selected. Anyone interested is encouraged to register their interest in receiving an application form at goingforgrowth.com. Speaking this week, CEO Enterprise Ireland, Julie Sinnamon said, "The Going for Growth programme provides unique supports to ambitious business women in the achievement of their growth ambitions through learning, collaboration and most importantly, through role models and mentoring. We will continue to partner with Going for Growth, to grow the cohort of businesses of scale led by ambitious business women, expanding their reach in global markets, and creating and sustaining jobs at home." Source: www.businessworld.ie Alphabet Inc's Google announced on Monday that it would grant about $25 million globally next year to humanitarian and environmental projects seeking to use artificial intelligence (AI) to speed up and grow their efforts. The "AI Impact Challenge" is meant to inspire organizations to ask Google for help in machine learning, a form of AI in which computers analyze large datasets to make predictions or detect patterns and anomalies. Google's rivals Microsoft Corp and Amazon.com Inc tout "AI for good" initiatives too. Focusing on humanitarian projects could aid Google in recruiting and soothe critics by demonstrating that its interests in machine learning extend beyond its core business and other lucrative areas, such as military work. After employee backlash Google this year said it would not renew a deal to analyze U.S. military drone footage. Google AI Chief Operating Officer Irina Kofman told Reuters the challenge was not a reaction to such pushback, but noted that thousands of employees are eager to work on "social good" projects even though they do not directly generate revenue. At a media event on Monday, Google showcased existing projects similar to those it wants to inspire. In one, Google's computers recently learned to detect the singing of humpback whales with 90 percent precision from 170,000 hours of underwater audio recordings gathered by the U.S. government. The audio previously required manual analysis, meaning "this is the first time this dataset has been looked at in a comprehensive way," said Ann Allen, a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ecologist. Identifying patterns could show how humans have affected whales' migration, Allen said. Eventually, real-time audio analysis could help ships avoid whale collisions. To be sure, the data have gaps since whales are not always singing, and getting vessels to use animal location data could require new regulation, two whale experts said. Julie Cattiau, a Google product manager for the whale work, said Google plans to make the whale software available to additional organizations to improve. Google will not charge for such tools, Cattiau said, though users could choose to pair them with paid Google cloud services. Jacquelline Fuller, vice president of Google nonprofit arm Google.org, said impact challenge applications would be due Jan. 20 and judged on total potential beneficiaries, feasibility and ethical considerations. This year, Google.org filtered grant applications with its own machine-learning tool for the first time, Fuller said, after receiving a record number of entries for an Africa-specific competition. (Reuters) Source: www.businessworld.ie Britain's Local Authority Pension Fund Forum (LAPFF), which represents funds that own a combined 1% of Ryanair, on Sunday said it planned to file resolutions at the company's next annual general meeting to replace Chairman David Bonderman. The group, which opposed Bonderman's re-election at last month's AGM, said it would lobby fellow shareholders to join it to secure the 3% of shares required to file a shareholder resolution at the next meeting, due in September 2019. The group also plans to file a resolution demanding that succession plans for Chief Executive Michael O'Leary be set out. "On the day of Ryanair's first-half results (Oct. 22) Mr O'Leary said Mr Bonderman intends to remain in place for one or two more years and that the company would set out succession plans for Mr O'Leary in the next two or three years," the LAPFF said in a statement. "Shareholders have made it clear they expect action quicker than this." The group said it believed recent staffing and industrial relations issues at Ryanair might have been handled better with a more independent board. It said its concerns had been heightened by a profit warning on Oct. 1. when Ryanair cut its forecast for full-year profit by 12% citing damage to bookings from strikes. The LAPFF was one of several shareholders to voice concerns at Ryanair's AGM in September, when Bonderman, was re-elected with 70.5% of votes, a significant fall from the 89% he received the previous year. "Ryanair shareholders recently passed all AGM resolutions by a large majority, including the nomination of directors and chairman," a Ryanair spokesman said when asked to comment on the LAPFF's plan. "They appreciate how fortunate we are to have an outstanding Chairman like David Bonderman guide the board and the airline." Bonderman, the founder of private equity firm TPG Capital who has chaired Ryanair since 1996, resigned from the board of Uber in 2017 after an ill-judged joke that more women on the board means "more talking". (Reuters) Source: www.businessworld.ie Diyar Al Muharraq, one of the leading urban developers in Bahrain, has announced its strategic partnership of and participation in Bahrain International Property Exhibition (Bipex 2018), a leading property show. The exhibition is to be held from the November 1 to 3 at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre under the patronage of the Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, His Excellency Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa. The signing of the strategic partnership agreement took place between Dr Maher Al Shaer, chief executive officer of Diyar Al Muharraq, and Mohammed Khalil Alsayed, chairman of the Bipex Organising Committee. In the 11th edition of Bipex, prominent real estate developers from across the region will be showcasing their prestigious projects, both residential and commercial, with visitors expected to attend from both organizational and individual level investors, real estate professionals and analysts, and established media representatives. At the exhibition, Diyar Al Muharraq is set to highlight its diverse range of projects, in particular the Al Bareh residential freehold plots as well as the commercial villa plots, commercial showroom plots, and the Jeewan social housing villas. Al Bareh is one of the leading projects in Diyar Al Muharraq. It is a sophisticated residential community situated in a prime location on the west of the master-planned development, granting inhabitants with both a majestic seafront view and a prime view of the main canal. The project offers both plots with different sizes as well as luxurious villas with a variety of designs to suit different tastes and needs, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of clientele. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Al Shaer said: We at Diyar Al Muharraq are deeply pleased to announce our participation in and sponsorship of the latest iteration of the Bahrain International Property Exhibition. The exhibition has been of great importance to our project in the past, due to the positive results we have achieved through our participations in previous years. Therefore, we are proud to be partnering with them in the 11th edition of the exhibition as it reflects our keenness to strengthen our leading position in the local and regional real estate development sector. Bipex substantially contributes to the development of the real estate sector, which in turn is reflected positively on the growth of the Bahraini economy. As such, we saw the importance of taking this initiative to showcase our leading projects at this prestigious real estate show, which includes the Al Bareh free hold residential project that offers a variety of plots and luxury villas. We invite everyone to visit our pavilion, F05, at Bipex to view our comprehensive range of residential and investment solutions within Diyar Al Muharraq, he added. Alsayed added: It is an honour to have Diyar Al Muharraq on board with us as a strategic partner in Bipex 2018. Cooperative partnerships with establishments such as theirs bear the promise of substantial growth for the real estate sector as we build a supportive community together. Diyar Al Muharraq intends to present a range of investment opportunities to the public, including commercial villa plots that are suitable for business activities requiring extra privacy such as beauty salons, clinics, and offices. The real estate developer is also set to exhibit commercial showroom plots that enjoy a wide area ranging from 2,300 to 2,500 sq m to meet large businesses requirements. Being a professionally organised non-profit event, Bipex serves as a forerunner for Bahrains real estate and property development industry in Bahrain, offering a platform to its current happenings and the direction it is headed to, whilst also promoting the regions major infrastructural and real estate properties. The Bahrain Society of Engineers (BSE), the premier body representing engineering professionals in the Kingdom, is the annual organiser of Bipex and is, therefore, tasked with organising and presenting each Bipex event. Diyar Al Muharraq is a unique masterplanned city for the people of Bahrain offering a range of housing options and quality lifestyle. It offers a cohesive mix of residential and commercial properties with a strong line-up of projects aimed at creating a long term and sophisticated township. - TradeArabia News Service Rescue team searching for survivors of the crashed Flight JT 610 in Indonesian waters. Photo: VCG A plane carrying 189 people traveling from Jakarta to another Indonesian city about an hour away crashed into the sea Monday morning shortly after taking off. Everyone on board was feared dead. The aircraft used for Lion Air Flight JT 610 was a new Boeing 737 Max 8, leased from CMIG Leasing Group, a Chinese aviation and port logistics leasing operator based in Tianjin. It was the first deadly accident involving a leased plane provided by a Chinese company. The aircraft was delivered to Lion Air in mid-August, according to Planespotters.net, a website that monitors air traffic. CMIG Leasing is a subsidiary established only last year by China Minsheng Investment Group (CMIG), an investment group founded by 59 leading Chinese private companies. CMIG Leasing has mainly operated in general aviation and only recently added commercial passenger aircraft, Caixin learned. A person close to CMIG Leasing told Caixin that the crash happened after the company had delivered only a few passenger planes. Lion Air is Indonesias second-largest discount carrier but with a poor safety record. According to data from civil aviation resource website CARNOC.com, Lion Air had 12 safety-related accidents from 2002 to 2017. In 2007, Lion Air was among dozens of airlines barred by the European Union from flying to Europe because of safety concerns. The ban was lifted in June this year. While the risk of direct loss for the leasing company from such a crash is limited because of insurance, future business might be affected, according to a legal expert in the aircraft leasing business. Chinese aircraft leasing companies have developed rapidly in recent years and are often big buyers at major international air shows. At the 2017 Paris Air Show, Chinese players placed big orders, including China Development Bank Leasing, HNA Groups leasing arm Avolon Holdings, China Aviation Leasing Co., BOC Aviation and Tibet Financial Leasing. But the industry is becoming increasingly competitive after years of breakneck expansion. Aircraft leasing rates have been declining, said Li Jun, deputy manager of CATIC International Leasing Co. Ltd., at the China Air Finance Development Summit last month. Compared with big players supported by the countrys major banks including the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China and China Development Bank, smaller aircraft leasing operators are at a disadvantage in the domestic market, said Yang Wen, deputy director of the research center of the China Financial Leasing 30 Forum. Some Chinese aircraft leasing operators have instead started to seek foreign clients, which could increase risk, Yang said. Coinciding with the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship Between Japan and China, Shinzo Abes visit to China was the first official visit by a Japanese prime minister to China in seven years an important step for returning Sino-Japanese relations back to normal. From now on, China and Japan should regard each other as partners rather than rivals, and view each others development as opportunities rather than challenges. Observers have noted that both Chinese and Japanese officials described relations as being back on track, which can be taken as a new consensus. During Abes visit, the two countries opened dialogue on a wide range of issues, including strengthening the foundation of mutual political trust, maintaining stability in Northeast Asia, and deepening Sino-Japanese cooperation in industrial investment. The cooperation in third-country infrastructure projects is especially encouraging and will allow the two countries to transition from years of wrestling for opportunities to working hand in hand. It is wise to turn opponents into partners. The restoration of a warm political relationship will open greater space for economic and trade exchanges between the two countries. Chinas deepening reform, wider opening to the outside world, and improving business environment will benefit both Chinese and Japanese companies. However, for Sino-Japanese relations to return to normal, the two countries must further firm up foundational, mutual awareness. Otherwise, relations between the two countries will fall into a cycle that alternates between warm and cold, or could even stop suddenly due to unexpected events. We must learn from history. When the Treaty of Peace and Friendship was signed, Chinas reform and opening-up was only just beginning. Deng Xiaopings 10-day visit to Japan at the time eased the stalemate and antagonism left over from the 1937-45 War of Resistance between the two countries and the Cold War. Japan has played an important role in Chinas reform and opening-up, reflected not only in huge loans to China but also in Chinas active study of Japans economic regulation and control system, industrial policy formulation, enterprise management system and more. With the growth of Chinas national strength and subsequent changes in the geopolitical situation, China and Japan are no longer in a one-way teaching and learning relationship, and it has been difficult for the two countries to adapt to such changes quickly. In Japan, some have been unable to adjust their posture of looking down on China since the Meiji Restoration, and are anxious that Japan was replaced as the worlds second-largest economy. However, more Japanese are gradually adapting to new trends. The Abe administrations shift to support the Belt and Road Initiative maintains a positive direction and reflects a change in attitude. In China, the rapid upgrade of national power has also stirred arrogance and prejudice in some people. In their eyes, Japan has been on the decline after its lost two decades. In fact, to be more precise, Japan has been experiencing 20 years of transformation, and its productivity is still ranked among the top countries in the Organization for Cooperation and Economic Development. In some high-tech industries, Japanese companies have taken the lead in developing cutting-edge technology. While watching Japan struggle with problems of fewer children, an aging population, an unsustainable social security system, and high government debt, we should think more about what China will do when facing similar thorny problems in the near future. When people sneer at the difficulties in completing structural reform for Abes Three Arrows economic policy, they should think about how China can deepen its own supply-side structural reform. With this humble attitude, China can still learn from Japans rich experience in governance of education, health care, transportation, urban management and more. Of course, China should also avoid the detours of real estate bubbles and the premature internationalization of the yen. Now, China-Japan cooperation in third-country markets has begun. While Chinas officials, private citizens, and state-owned and private enterprises are proud of their capability and efficiency in construction projects, they should learn from Japanese counterparts how to communicate with local societies and from the experience of others in accounting, post-construction maintenance, and follow-up operations. These are all compulsory courses for China in order to successfully promote the Belt and Road Initiative and for the going out of enterprises to continue. Needless to say, compared with the China-Japan honeymoon period in the 1980s, there are still many obstacles to clear for communication between China and Japan, and many misunderstandings still require resolution. Small frictions can be caused by customary behaviors, suspicions can also be caused by certain business behaviors, and severe misjudgments may arise around national development goals and strategic layouts. All conflicts, large and small, may sometimes hinder the stability of Sino-Japanese relations. Relations between China and Japan have always been touchy and are prone to comparison and re-examination. This is due to the burden of history and is an inescapable result of geopolitics, causing anxiety or inspiring action. Major media outlets in both countries bear extra responsibility for ensuring that negative sentiments remain in check. If national media incite narrow-minded nationalism, as it has done over the last seven years, they risk losing credibility among their readers when relations warm. The basic method of getting back on track is still seeking common ground while reserving differences. Reserving differences does not mean turning a blind eye to the differences between the two countries in social and political systems, national interests, and values, but invites deeper understanding and empathy. If the differences cannot be resolved for a while, it is advisable to learn from the experiences of the older generation of politicians and put aside the disputes for the time being. Whether relations are cold or warm, China and Japan are permanent neighbors. China is already Japans largest trading partner, with millions of personnel exchanges every year, showing that though there have been difficult times, the exchanges between China and Japan are as unstoppable as the waves of the East China Sea. For the long term, treating each other as equals, with mutual respect and tolerance is the right way to build a solid foundation for bilateral relations, reduce misjudgments, build consensuses, share gains, and allow the two nations to enter a new phase of mutual learning and encouragement. Translated by Ren Qiuyu (qiuyuren@caixin.com) 26 October 2018, Shanghai The Asia Investment Conference (AIC) was held at the Pudong Shangri-La Hotel in Shanghai. This event is the second in its series, following AIC in Singapore earlier this year in May. The conference is jointly organized by IJK Capital Partners and the United Business Institutes (UBI). This years event in Shanghai is represented by firms with combined assets of over USD 2.0 trillion, among them institutional investors, private equity firms, family offices, investment and advisory professionals as well as numerous C-suite executives. The diversity of investors and business leaders present created a platform for delegates to gain insights into the multiple disruption trends taking place, as well as how major institutions and sophisticated investors are positioning themselves to create and capture value in the region. Jenny Xia, Dean of United Business Institutes commented that Being at the forefront of knowledge is critical to us both as an institution as well as for our students. We are proud to be one of the co-organizers and have the opportunity to showcase the success stories of our alumni at this event. The theme of the conference is timely, as the education industry itself is also facing disruption. With over 200 delegates in attendance, AIC also provided ample opportunities for interaction amongst delegates, with the conference kicking off with pre-event evening drinks at the rooftop of the Shanghai History Museum along Shanghais West Nanjing Road, followed by a full day of thought-provoking presentations and engaging panel discussions. In addition to disruption from the technology perspective, other topics discussed included disruption in the banking, retail, real estate, and healthcare sectors. About the Asia Investment Conference Asia Investment Conference (AIC) is a series of independent events founded and produced by the team behind the China Investment Forum (2015, 2016) and the Southeast Asia Private Equity Conference (2017). The conference has a strong focus on the emerging markets and alternative asset classes such as private equity and venture capital. Attendees comprise mostly senior executives from some of the largest financial institutions globally including limited partners, PE/VC firms, family offices and many others. Through these initiatives, AIC aims to create an ecosystem that will bring together business leaders and experts to brainstorm, interact and generate ideas for solving problems in an increasingly complex and inter-connected economy. More information can be found at: http://www.asiaconf.org About United Business Institutes The United Business Institutes (UBI) is a globally recognized Business School based in Brussels and Luxembourg with campuses in China. UBI offers BA in Business Studies, MBAs or DBAs. UBI aims to be a leading provider of the highest quality, people-focused undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate business education and training with a strong focus on international business that is interculturally informed and career oriented. All programs offered by UBI are based on solid understanding of academic fundamentals. United Business Institutes teaches its students the skills needed to be prepared for successful contributions to economic and social development. More information on UBI: http://ubi-china-edu.com For media enquiries: info@ijkcapital.com 1. Chinas Biggest Courier Gets Bigger With Purchase of DHL Logistics Unit Chinas largest private courier, SF Holding, has purchased DHL Groups Greater China supply chain business for $792 million, which could further cement the formers position in China. The deal will give SF Holding access to DHLs know-how in supply chain services, management expertise, and transportation and warehousing technology. The latest tie-up marks another step in SF Holdings expansion into commercial logistics, after its SF Express unit became the largest player in Chinas consumer delivery sector amid an e-commerce boom. (Caixin) 2. China Ride-Hailing Giant Didi Considers Foray Into Hotel-Booking Business Didi Chuxing, Chinas largest ride-hailing platform, is considering a foray into the hotel-booking business that would potentially trigger a competition with market leaders Meituan Dianping and Ctrip. Didi has an eye on hotel reservations, and any foray into the business would likely be mainly through strategic partners such as Booking Holdings and Oyo. A Didi spokesman denied any plan for an official launch of a new business in the near future while adding that it is still fully focused on safety and operational upgrades. The company has vowed to place safety over expansion in wake of two alleged rape and murders by its drivers. (South China Morning Post) 3. Richemont and Alibaba are Building An Online Luxury Tie-Up Swiss Cartier owner Richemont and Chinese internet giant Alibaba are teaming up on an online luxury retail joint venture. Richemont has built its own e-commerce platforms by acquiring companies like Net-a-Porter and Yoox SpA, merging them to form a unit known as YNAP. YNAP owns 51 percent of the venture, while Alibaba has 49 percent. The venture will create mobile apps and set up online stores on Alibabas Tmall luxury platform under Richemonts Net-a-Porter and Mr Porter formats. Its expected to build Alibabas credibility in selling jewels and $100,000 watches. (Bloomberg) 4. Unicom Calls on Outsiders to Run Five of Its Telecom Networks China United Network Communications Corp. Ltd. (CUCL), parent of wireless carrier China Unicom (Hong Kong) Ltd., said it will let partners take over its operations in five cities of Southwest Chinas Yunnan province over the next 10 years the latest Beijing initiative to invigorate big state-owned enterprises. CUCL has become a key test case in Chinas telecommunications industry as Beijing tries to breathe new life into big state-owned enterprises that operate in traditional sectors dominated by government-granted monopolies. Such an arrangement could see the new partners become responsible for operating the companys current services in those cities, including wireless and broadband. The partners will most likely share their revenue and profits with Unicom. (Caixin) 5. Chinese Bike-sharing Company Youon Partners with U.K. Bicycle Operator Chinese bike-sharing company Youon will form a joint venture with United Kingdom bicycle operator Cycle.land and roll out 1,000 new dockless bicycles in London in March, the companies announced on Monday. Youon will provide the bicycles and Cycle.land will be responsible for operating and maintaining them. The U.K. will be Youons fourth overseas market, after Russia, India, and Malaysia. Jiangsu-based Youon has 42.5 million registered users and runs both dockless and docked bike-sharing systems in 220 Chinese cities. Cycle.land is a peer-to-peer bike-lending service that was founded in 2016 by University of Oxford graduates. The company runs an online marketplace in which users rent out and hire bicycles from each other. (China Daily) 6. Chinas OnePlus Launches Smartphone in U.S Chinese smartphone company OnePlus latest, the 6T, is launching in the U.S. through mobile operator T-Mobile US Inc. Thursday in what will be the first time the companys handset is sold through a U.S. wireless provider. Unlike most Chinese device-makers, which typically focus on mass-market products for domestic customers, OnePlus sells almost exclusively online. It derives two-thirds of its revenue from outside China. (Reuters) Compiled by Shen Xinyue Business France, the national agency supporting the international development of the French economy, is taking centre stage at Gulfhost and the Specialty Food Festival with two large pavilions exhibiting products of over 40 companies. The conference, which opened today (October 30) will run until November 1, at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), in Dubai, UAE. Top industrial catering and hospitality companies from France will be showcasing their premium ranges of food service equipment and fine foods. Visitors will have the chance to meet company leaders who will reveal products and know-how and create opportunities to develop business with their Emirati and regionals counterparts. France is committed to UAEs industrial F&B sector as it maintains its status as second largest partner. With 85 per cent of UAEs food requirements imported, French exports represent around 400 million ($454.5 million) in sales annually. Frances leading exports include mainly beverages (30 per cent), dairy products (16 per cent) and fruits (9 per cent). Marc Cagnard, managing director, Business France Middle East, said: France is fully committed to the success of the 2018 edition and is planning for a larger contribution at the next Gulfhost which will take place in 2020, during the World Expo. The French Pavilion at Gulfhost will gather companies which will showcase the latest innovation of industrial kitchen equipment, cooking utensils and ranges of tools created for culinary professionals. The French syndicate of the food process equipment makers (SYNEG) will again this year, be one of the main partners supporting the initiative. Another pavilion gathering French companies at the specialty food festival will be exhibiting this year including companies representing confectionary, bakery-pastry, condiments and fine products. Horizon International, a regional partner of Business France, will support the culinary campaign by introducing six companies to the show. Other key partners contributing to the shows success include Evian, the number one mineral water in the world and in the Middle East, Badoit, the sparkling mineral water brand for fine dining and endorsed by top Chefs globally, and Cafes Richard, a traditional French-style coffee roaster linked to the French gastronomy, Art de Vivre and to Paris (the leader on its market), it stated. TradeArabia News Service news, latest-news A teeming mass of bees, tens of thousands of the buzzing insects crawling all over each other in a black and yellow mess. This would be the stuff of nightmares for some, but is cause for great excitement for apiarist and bee swarm removalist Eric Davies. Mr Davies works with the organisation Canberra Bees and spends spring traversing the length and breadth of Canberra to remove swarms of bees that have decided to settle near people's homes. October to November is swarm season in Canberra, Mr Davies said, with a substantial increase in pollen making the bees particularly active. Mr Davies has been responding to dozens of calls each day of a new swarm forming in someone's backyard. "Whoever designed Canberra, where you have all these flowering trees, must have been a beekeeper," Mr Davies said. Bees swarm, Mr Davies explained, when a collection of bees is in search of a new location to build a more permanent hive. Often this is when a new queen has hatched and has fought off the mother queen, who will then leave with a number of loyal bees to create a new hive. It is during this transition period where Mr Davies will try to intercept the bees and remove them, free of charge. He then keeps the bees quarantined for about six weeks and will remove the queen before he can release them to other beekeepers in the area. "You have to remember bees are an introduced species, just like us," Mr Davies said. "If we don't manage them they will become a pest and could disrupt wildlife and tree hollows." While to some, bees may be a buzzing, stinging nightmare, Mr Davies said they often received a bad reputation because of the actions of humans. For Mr Davies, bees have an almost mythical hold over him. "They call to you, it's in your blood," he said. "By not [beekeeping] you feel there's something missing." Indeed watching Mr Davies collect swarms of bees demonstrates a level of skill and comfort that has been fostered since a young Eric Davies began keeping bees in Perth aged 12. While it may look simple enough, apply smoke to effectively distract the bees with the possibility of an impending bushfire, grasp the tree branch where they have decided to swarm and shake until the bees drop into a cardboard box, it's clear the process would not be as successful if attempted by the uninitiated. Mr Davies said interest in bees had been growing rapidly due to people becoming more conscious of how their food is produced, publicity around herbicides and pesticides and their effects on bees and also a romantic view of beekeeping. But he also had a warning for those thinking of exploring the world of beekeeping. "The worst thing you can do is have bees and think you're helping them," he said. "If you're not a responsible beekeeper you shouldn't have them. "You need to work the bees, collect the honey, otherwise they'll get bored. "You can't just set and forget." Mr Davies added it is often irresponsible beekeepers that cause swarms by leaving hives unattended. So what should you do if you have a swarm of bees on your property? First and foremost, keep a safe distance. "Don't wait too long, if you see them land act quick," Mr Davies said. "But wait for them to land, you can't herd cats. "If you feel comfortable take a photo and let us know and also roughly how high off the ground it is." Bees will often choose inconvenient places such as wall cavities to create a permanent hive and at this point there is little Mr Davies and other swarm removalists can do. In cases like those, unfortunately a pest controller may be the only option. Swarming season can last well into summer, Mr Davies said, and with more than 100 swarms already collected by the Canberra Bees team they are expecting to go well past last year's mark of 140. /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/d563e8d5-ebea-427e-b81d-060ac769e083/r0_224_4215_2605_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg news, act-politics WorkSafe ACT will be restructured to become more independent, after an external review found the current governance model gave the workplace watchdog a low degree of autonomy. The review also found the agency was focusing its efforts disproportionately on the construction industry and inspectors were confused about its educate and engage approach to compliance. The Nous group review was commissioned in May by Regulatory Services Minister Gordon Ramsay and Employment Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith, after unions last year said folding the agency into Access Canberra in 2015 had softened its approach to work safety. While the review noted WorkSafe ACT had never been a separate entity and had been a part of a directorate for most of its history, its current governance model had a low degree of independence. The budget had also stagnated since the agency moved to Access Canberra, and the current structure lacked the resources to identify and respond to emerging work safety issues across different industries. Critically, the review recommended WorkSafe be overhauled and a single commissioner instilled with the statutory authority to regulate workplace health and safety in the ACT. As it stands, Work Safety Commissioner Greg Jones is not the regulatory decision-maker - the director-general of Access Canberra is. This creates confusion about the role the commissioner performs, especially as Mr Jones is also the director of the workplace protection division in Access Canberra. "We ultimately recommend a new governance arrangement that provides for an independent work health and safety regulator that has regulatory authority vested in a single commissioner. This model best addresses the need for independent decision-making and creates role clarity," the review said. The review found the use of improvement notices had dropped by 75 per cent since WorkSafe became part of Access Canberra, while prohibition notices fell 59 per cent and infringement notices declined by 69 per cent. "This decline in the use of notices is consistent with the [engage, educate and enforcement] compliance model adopted by WorkSafe ACT which emphasises engagement and education as a priority," the review said. That model is referred to as the 70:20:10 model, referencing Access Canberra's overall target of 70 per cent engagement, 20 per cent education and 10 per cent enforcement. The review said the intent of the model was to encourage inspectors to use their full range of tools to achieve compliance, rather than reactive enforcement. However inspectors said the introduction of the model was "confusing" and they were not clear on when they should address potential safety issues through education or through notices. "The inspectors were also not clear on the distinction between education and engagement. Inspectors misunderstood the model to mean they were not permitted to conduct an inspection if they had not done an appropriate proportion of engagement and education," the review said. "They continue to struggle to understand the balance expected of them across engagement education and enforcement. For example one inspector asked: 'Does a single inspection cover all three or only one at a time'." There was also a great deal of confusion about what was meant by risk-based regulation and how that worked in WorkSafe ACT. Instead of its inspection activity being driven by data, the review found WorkSafe pursued audits reactively, based on the opinions of stakeholders and the preference of management. While there is a new claims system that gives WorkSafe ACT the ability to undertake data analysis, the information is being used in an ad-hoc way rather than strategically and it does not drive the allocation of resources. When we go out and do an industry audit it would be randomly picked out of the yellow pages," one inspector told the reviewers. The review also found WorkSafe ACT was disproportionately focusing its inspections on the construction industry. Over half (56 per cent) of workplace visits in 2017-18 were to construction sites, even though the industry accounted for fewer than 20 per cent of private sector workers compensation claims in the same period. In contrast, 40 per cent of total private sector claims occurred in the other industries singled out by the reviewers as deserving of attention - retail trade, accommodation and food services, professional scientific and technical services, healthcare and social assistance, and education and training. They represented less than 20 per cent of the workplace visits by an inspector over the same period. The healthcare and social assistance sector had 614 claims in 2017-18 but WorkSafe only carried out nine visits. There were 2761 inspections in the construction industry in the same period and 653 claims. There were also 207 claims in the education and training sector last financial year but only 18 inspections. WorkSafe recently placed an enforceable undertaking on the ACT Education Directorate after a two-year investigation into violence in public schools found the government had failed in its duty of care to staff. Ms Stephen-Smith said the government had given in-principle support to all 27 recommendations of the review, including the structural reform. Staff were informed of the restructure on Tuesday. "Any change to the structure of WorkSafe resulting from this review will require consultation with WorkSafe staff, unions and other key stakeholders to ensure that we get it right," Ms Stephen-Smith said in a statement. "Over the coming months the government will work to ensure that the changes made will support the safety of workers now and into the future." Unions ACT secretaryAlex White said the findings of the review disproved earlier assertions that WorkSafe had not been compromised by the amalgamation. The head of Access Canberra and his executive team must take responsibility for the botched work safety regulation, confusion and failure to prevent injuries. It would be appropriate for the Minister for Regulatory Services to review the failure of leadership and administration that the review has revealed," Mr White said. Master Builders Association ACT chief executive Michael Hopkins welcomed the restructure. "The MBA has long advocated for a strong, independent, regulator to oversee workplace safety and we are pleased that the review has acknowledged this as a key priority," Mr Hopkins said. It is important that government work to improve the safety performance of all industries, however unfortunately in the construction industry safety is often used by some stakeholders to advance other agendas, including industrial relations agendas." /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/6a6d66ec-ce97-465e-9b60-347789a9717b/r0_283_5568_3429_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg Over 200 participants from around the world representing the non-alcoholic beverages industry as well as its supporting industries will be holding talks and panel discussions at the 8th Arab Beverages Conference (ABCE 2018) to be held next month in Dubai, UAE. The event will take place on November 4 and 5, at the InterContinental Convention Center, Festival City. Organised by the Arab Beverages Association (ABA), chairman of the ABA and chief executive officer of Al Rabie Saudi Food Co Monther Al Harthi, the event will be held in Dubai consecutively for two years. From the latest market trends, to strategies and best practices from industry leaders, mediated sessions will cover five key topics of interest including: dairy, juice (nectar and soft) carbonated drinks, bottled water and hot beverages. Along with governmental institutions including the chambers of commerce, industrial and agricultural organisations, manufacturers, suppliers, retailers, and academic researchers, some of the biggest names in the non-alcoholic beverage industry will also be in attendance including the yearly platinum sponsor, Tetra Pak. The Swedish mega player who laid the groundworks for innovative packaging of liquid foods, now supplies complete systems of processing and distribution, and creates sustainability campaigns around the world. Furthermore our Gold sponsor, Al Rabie Saudi Food Co Ltd, one of the largest juice manufacturing companies in the Middle East, just celebrated 30 years in the business. Bronze sponsor, Orana, experienced in developing fruit based taste for over 75 years, will discuss the latest trends in beverages and Sadafco (the Saudi Dairy and Foodstuff Company), our Bronze sponsor, a leader in food manufacturing, selling and distributing, will also be there to support during the conference. Al Harthi said: The conference returns to the UAE following a great success last year, the conference offers networking opportunities and promotes discussion among hundreds of participants from the beverage industry and its supporting industries from all around the world. The Arab non-alcoholic beverages industry is now one of the fastest growing industries in the Arab world, playing a vital role in the Arab countries economies, catering to over 300 million consumers in the Arab region alone, with a production volume of over 10 billion litres per year, he added. TradeArabia News Service Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) has released an employment notification calling out aspirants to apply for the post of Assistant. Those interested can check out the eligibility, salary scale, how to apply and the complete details of the government job here. Applicants may apply and pay the fees online. The application fee costs INR 600 for the general category and INR 150 for the reserved categories. The selection process comprises a written test held in two stages - preliminary and mains. Selected candidates can earn up to INR 1,42,400 per month. The last date to apply for this government job is Nov 20, 2018. Scientists Hired Through DRDO Recruitment 2018 BPSC Recruitment 2018 Vacancy Details CRITERIA DETAILS Name Of The Posts Assistant Organisation Bihar Public Service Commission Educational Qualification Graduate degree in any discipline from a recognised university Experience Freshers can apply Skills Required Technical skills Job Location Bihar Salary Scale INR 44,900 to INR 1,42,400 per month Industry Civil services Application Start Date October 31, 2018 Application End Date November 20, 2018 Age Limit: 21 to 37 years Also Read: IOCL Recruitment 2018: Assistant Officers In Finance Function To Be Hired How To Apply For BPSC Recruitment 2018 In order to apply for BPSC Recruitment 2018, follow these steps: Step 1: Log on to the BPSC official website. Step 2: Click on the button that reads, ONLINE REGISTRATION. Step 3: It will lead you to another registration link that will be active from Oct 31, 2018. Click on it. Step 4: The registration form will open. Enter your details in the fields provided. Step 5: Click Submit. Step 6: Login using your credentials and complete the application process. Follow the link - http://www.bpsc.bih.nic.in/Advt/08-2018-Advertisement.pdf to read the detailed official notification. Access to onboard connectivity is increasingly becoming a deciding factor in whether young and talented individuals want to spend their lives at sea, and whether shipping companies are able to retain experienced and high qualified seafarers, said an expert. Speaking at a panel discussion at Seatrade Maritime Middle East to address the critical role of connectivity in the maritime Industry, Drew Brandy, senior vice president, market strategy, Inmarsat Maritime said: The benefits of equipping crew extend far beyond social media, this is about empowering people to be more efficient, more balanced and better employees. France-based IEC Telecom, one of the leading global providers of managed network communication solutions along with Inmarsat - a pioneer of mobile satellite communications, hosted the session. The Navigating Connectivity While at Sea session brought together renowned industry experts including Brandy; managing director at IEC Telecom Middle East Nabil Ben Soussia; marine superintendent for Mercan Group Gurkan Buyuktelli; and Rashid Isa Rishi Al Heddi, group managing director of Seamaster Maritime. The session was presented in four panels, where experts shared their evidence-based perspectives on the critical role connectivity plays in enhancing ship efficiency, safety and environmental standards, the direct link between connectivity at sea and crew wellness and the benefits of unlimited internet access for ship management, it said. Drew Brandy opened the session presenting outcomes of a new Royal Holloway University of London study commissioned by Inmarsat and the Sailors Society that draws on the availability of communications tools and its impact on crew behaviour, self-esteem, wellbeing and even productivity. With over 90 per cent of worldwide trade served by the maritime market, vessels at sea rely on broadband connectivity and VSAT technology to stay in touch with operations on land, increase work productivity and improve the quality of life for seafarers that are the backbone of the maritime industry, it added. The research also revealed that pressures related to the lack of reliable and sufficient digital connectivities amplify other pressures such as financial pressure, family strains, and isolation felt by seafarers regardless of status. Nabil Ben Soussia, managing director at IEC Telecom Middle East emphasised the need for companies to implement the right balance between meeting corporate goals and maintaining crew welfare for operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness. He added that with no fundamental technology or financial barriers to connectivity at sea, and with innovations in technology propelling a networked economy on land, it is becoming easier to ensure connectivity at sea. Yet, businesses are quite reluctant to provide open access to crews on account of fear of increased and high running costs, large file downloads and overall work disruption. Ben Soussia said: Maritime companies today acknowledge that onboard connectivity is linked directly to seafarer welfare as well as business productivity. As such, the challenge is to balance the two well while maintaining budgetary control at all times. Our solutions like OneGate Maritime are designed to meet all of these requirements. Ben Soussia explained that the OneGate Maritime is a unique platform developed by IEC Telecom that meets the dual requirements of onboard connectivity for crew welfare as well as for corporate use. It provides 360 support for corporate communication, helping businesses manage bandwidth, monitor usage consumption, control budget and retrieve 24/7 satellite support. At the same time, the OneGate Maritime improves the crew wellbeing on board by providing access to a high-quality voice and data connection including VoIP, web browsing, VOD and emails. It allows tight control over budgets while managing crew allocations. It also includes the ability to hold remote crew training, arrange special assistance via telemedicine and more. Captain Buyuktelli, marine superintendent, Mercan Group Chemical Tanker Operator presented the benefits of unlimited internet access to ship management with insights from end-users on different challenges and opportunities. With thousands of merchant ships crossing the oceans and millions of cargo containers in tow, Capt. Buyuktelli explained the need for fast and efficient communications aboard vessels and between land and sea. Buyuktelli added: Equipping crew with the right tools including onboard connectivity is about empowering them to do their jobs more effectively as well as helping them stay in control of their lives. Connectivity is about more than just web-browsing or access to social media; its about providing support for problem-solving, remote diagnostics or telemedicine as well as opportunities for continuous learning, he said. Sharing insights on digitalised communications in the UAE, Rashid Isa Rishi Al Heddi, group managing director of Seamaster Maritime, said: Maritime businesses in the UAE are beginning to acknowledge that connectivity can have a direct positive impact on business productivity as well as crew welfare. Connectivity can benefit such areas as container movements, crew welfare, ship management and operation, cross-industry collaboration, land and shore communication. Ultimately businesses will see a reduction in costs, increase in productivity as well as improved overall industry cooperation, he said. The maritime industry is today on the cusp of a technology revolution and will witness significant transformation over the next decade. Some of these changes have already started to take hold. Today we see increased automation onboard vessels with more systems connected to shore-based operations. This facilitates the constant monitoring and support to ensure operational efficiency and minimal disruption. As the industry embraces digitalisation, paper-based activities and documentation will give way to electronic transfer whether it is for navigational purposes, scheduling or port documentation. The panel was moderated by Captain Zarir Irani, global president of the IIMS and a veteran mariner with more than 27 years of work experience in the Maritime and Oil & Gas industry who contributed greatly to the discussion on maritime connectivity. The discussion highlighted that within maritime communications, the impact of technology and a whole host of rich multi-media functionality is being embraced to achieve operational efficiency and competitive advantage; however, the right policies, adequate education, and a thorough understanding is imperative to ensure the drive for change, it stated. TradeArabia News Service Photo: Teresa A Kelowna RCMP officer was rushing to a priority call when he was involved in a collision Saturday evening. RCMP Cpl. Jesse ODonaghey says a marked cruiser was responding with emergency lights and sirens activated just after 6:30 p.m. The cruiser was struck by a vehicle in the intersection of Bernard Avenue and Richter Street, he said. The driver of a white Hyundai Tucson was assessed for non-life-threatening injures, as was the police officer. Any witnesses are asked to contact Kelowna RCMP. In secret, behind locked gates, our Nation's Oldest City dumped a landfill in a lake (Old City Reservoir), while emitting sewage in our rivers and salt marsh. Organized citizens exposed and defeated pollution, racism and cronyism. We elected a new Mayor. We're transforming our City -- advanced citizenship. Ask questions. Make disclosures. Demand answers. Be involved. Expect democracy. Report and expose corruption. Smile! Help enact a St. Augustine National Park and Seashore. We shall overcome! UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has issued a decree on real estate properties of the federal government, the provisions of which apply to all the federal properties in and outside of the country. HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, stressed the leadership's efforts to strengthen the legal structure and improve the nations legislative system. This decree contributes to the establishment of a legal framework and clear provisions that regulate the real estate property of the federal government and/or any right over these properties. Sheikh Hamdan said: The Ministry of Finance is committed to guaranteeing and preserving federal property, especially since the law stipulates that no federal government entity may act in any of the federal properties without the approval of the Ministry of Finance. The Ministry of Finance shall have the authority to determine the government entities benefiting from any federal assets, in accordance with the provisions of this decree. The decree stipulates that the federal property shall be registered in the name of the government in the real estate records of the competent local authority, or the nation in which the property is located. The Ministry of Finance shall maintain a special register for federal property, except in the cases of diplomatic authorities of the nation abroad, in which diplomatic missions may be registered on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, in accordance with the provisions of the laws in force in the country of residence. TradeArabia News Service PT Semen Indonesia - October 2018 In the opening eight months of 2018, Semen Indonesia saw its export sales advance by 42.7 per cent YoY to 1.99Mt. According to the company, it is targeting export sales of 3.2Mt for the year as a whole. The achievement of export sales from January to August 2018 proves that the quality of products produced by Semen Indonesia has been recognised and has high competitiveness, said Hendi Prio Santoso, president director of Semen Indonesia. To further boost its export sales, the company is also planning to strengthen its export network into new countries. Semen Indonesia currently exports to Sri Lanka, Tahiti, Timor-Leste, Tonga, UAE, Yemen, the Philippines, China, Australia, Austria, Maldives, India and Bangladesh. According to the Indonesian Cement Association (ASI), cement and clinker exports for the country as a whole also grew in 8M18, advancing by 95.8 per cent YoY to 3.62Mt. A full-year target of 5Mt has now been set. The uptick is due to Indonesias cement production capacity soaring to over 100Mta, while demand remains below 70Mt. This has resulted in a severe supply glut, putting pressure on prices and creating fierce competition among producers, who have been forced to turn to exports in a bid to maintain utilisation rates. Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) awarded contracts worth Dh70 million to several leading companies to supply 838 km of low-voltage power cables to service the expansion of the electricity distribution network. The contracts include the supply of cables across different regions in Dubai to keep pace with the continued growth in demand for electricity from various consumer sectors. We are moving ahead with our vital development projects, particularly in infrastructure, and these projects will be applied to various projects at Dewa, contributing to the increase in capacity, efficiency, and reliability of the electricity distribution network. This will ensure a continuous and stable supply of electricity to Dewas customers, thus achieving Dubais sustainable and happy development for its future generations, said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, managing director and CEO of Dewa. It is expected that the manufacture and supply of these cables will be completed by September 2019. - TradeArabia News Service PPC - October 2018 PPC is undertaking an entrenchment process at its head office in Johannesburg, South Africa. According to the company, the restructuring is designed to help meet operational requirements, but no further details have been forthcoming about what is involved, the reasons behind the process and how many people would be affected. The announcement comes on the back of the company reporting a 4-5 per cent YoY decline in cement volumes in the five months to August 2018. This is being blamed on the weak South African economy, the VAT increase on consumer spending and a fall in large infrastructure projects. Despite a number of construction companies in the country experiencing severe financial difficulties, PPC said that cement prices continued to recover across the region with South Africa reporting a two per cent uptick in prices, while the inland and Gauteng areas have seen increases of 3-4 per cent. New plant planned for Adamawa state 30 October 2018 The Adamawa Government in Nigeria has signed an agreement with Dangote Group and three foreign firms to establish cement factories in the state. Shanti Sashi, the state Commissioner for Mineral Resources, said the state government is on the verge of getting all necessary approvals at the federal level for the investor to assemble the factory. She said that the company decided to establish its factory in the state due to the abundant limestone, clay and gypsum deposits in the region. "We have signed agreements with Dangote Group of Companies and other three foreign companies and we are now looking for Federal Governments licence. The state government has approved and we are waiting for federal certificate to hand over to the investors." Ms Sashi listed Dangote Group of Companies; Smart Group, a US-based firm; BTP Swiss International; and a Chinese firm as the companies that had expressed interest in the cement deal. The commissioner, who is also the Mining Governance for Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committees (MIREMCO) chairperson, said: "We are making efforts to get all necessary approvals for the cement factory to commence operations soon, while the other company has commenced exploration of gold and other minerals." Published under Kryvyi Rih plant orders ESP to baghouse conversion 30 October 2018 CTP Team has recently signed a contract for the replacement of the existing electrostatic precipitator (ESP) with a modern bag filter with HeidelbergCement, a project to be carried out at the cement producer's plant in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine. CTP Team will supply a new baghouse equipped with SWAP bag cleaning technology, which uses low-pressure compressed air. The new filter will take into account the strict demands made by the existing surroundings. CTP will design the new filter to make use of the existing ESP support structure, with relative foundations, to minimise the capex. Published under CTP Team Srl wins two ESP to baghouse projects in Pakistan 30 October 2018 Pakistan-based cement producers Popular Cement and Cherat Cement have chosen CTP Team Srl for the company's expertise in de-dusting and air filtration system to carry out emissions control projects at their cement plants. Popular Cement has chosen the Italian dedusting specialist to convert its ESP to a baghouse at its cement mill using European state-of-the-art technology, before resuming operations at the plant following a nine-year stoppage. Meanwhile, Cherat Cement needed to comply with new environmental limits and selected CTP Team technology for the conversion of its ESPs to bag filters on its N 2 Kiln in Nowshera, Pakistan. Published under Pacific Cement faces clinker price rises 31 October 2018 Pacific Cement, a subsidiary of Fijian Holdings Ltd, is finding the rise in clinker prices a strain on its business. FHL CEO, Nouzab Fareed, says the company is trying to address the increase in the price of the imported raw material for cement production. Mr Fareed commented that Pacific Cement is currently facing some global challenges. "Right now we are going through a lot of challenges with Pacific Cement not only normal challenges, we are facing challenges globally as the shipping freight prices are going up and globally the clinker price is going up and clinker is the main raw material for cement." He also highlighted the local challenges faced by the company, particularly in terms of logistics and port congestion. Published under The aircraft belonging to Indonesias low-cost carrier Lion Air which crashed shortly after take-off had suffered instrument problems the day before, a media report said. A technical log from a flight from Bali to Jakarta on Sunday said an instrument was "unreliable" and the pilot had to hand over to the first officer, reported BBC. The Boeing 737 MAX 8 airliner crashed into the sea with 189 people on board on Monday morning, after taking off from Jakarta heading for the western city of Pangkal Pinang. While there is no sign of survivors, rescuers have recovered some bodies and personal items, including baby shoes, the report said. Six body bags have been used so far for human remains recovered, according to a News Corp Australia Network report. The operations director at the agency, Bambang Suryo Aji was quoted as saying the location of the plane hull hasnt been identified yet. Waters where it sank are up to 30 metres deep. The search is currently planned to last seven days and could be extended, the report added. Campbell Gray Living Amman, a mixed-use development from Campbell Gray Hotels, has revealed its new luxury designer one-bedroom and two-bedroom mock-up apartments, designed by London-based award-winning studio, Martin Brudnizki Design Studio. The apartments, amongst the most stylish residences in the entire region, are designed with a cool urban flair resembling cosmopolitan cities such as London and New York. Developed by Al Seraje Real Estate, a subsidiary of the Audeh Group, Campbell Gray Living Amman features a total of 78 branded designer apartments, with one-, two-, and three-bedroom options; an array of serviced and shell commercial office spaces; high-end retail outlets, art galleries, and lifestyle facilities; and the highly-anticipated Campbell Gray Amman Hotel which is set to open in 2020. "We built Campbell Gray Living Amman in a highly desirable downtown district of Abdali to meet the growing demand for luxurious designer homes in Amman. With this mixed-use development, we aim to create a destination in itself that will offer residents, tenants and visitors the opportunity to live a life of luxury in one of the most historic cities in the world", commented Saad Audeh, chairman of Campbell Gray Living Amman and a founding member and director of Audeh Group of companies. The residences, which were completed earlier this year, have already seen owners moving in. The apartments come semi-furnished with beautiful, rich hardwood oak flooring from Lebanon used throughout the open-plan living, kitchen and dining areas. The living rooms also feature a built-in solid oak library, perfect for displaying any book-lovers collection and Lutrons latest smart home automation system ensuring full control at the touch of a button. The residences are available fully-furnished on request with bespoke furnishings from Martin Brudnizki Design Studio. In addition to having two hotel-style lobbies with a dedicated 24-hour concierge, residents can also enjoy car valet services, allocated underground parking, car wash services, as well as hair and beauty services and much more. The stunning rooftop leisure area gained popularity over the summer with its exclusive pop-up concept, Las Cabanas. The exclusive private cabanas, personalised services, tropical Spanish vibe and spectacular views of the city made Las Cabanas one of the 'must-visit' places in Amman, during summer. As with all Campbell Gray Hotels and developments, a lot of care has been placed on detail and quality of craftmanship when designing the apartments. They are exquisite with distinctive luxuries and modern technologies that add style and glamour to everyday home living. The residences are available to investors looking to expand their asset portfolio to include one of the most luxurious projects available in the regional market. - TradeArabia News Service TCN News The news that Padma Kuppa, an Indian-American is running for Michigans State House of Representatives, has raised concern among the other Indian Americans because of her right winged ideologies. Her writings reflect shades of Hindu nationalism and anti Muslim and anti-Christian stance. She is said to support Indian laws which criminalize people who change their religion without government permission which is a direct violation of the fundamental constitutional right of religious freedom. Support TwoCircles Through her writings she has clearly explained her beliefs. One can see the kind of communal feelings she harbours when she writes about conversion of people into Christianity saying that this actually makes the Hindus intolerant and defensive. Besides she attributes westernization of daughters to conversion to Christianity which is worrying other Indian Americans. Kuppa has even called the 2002 pogrom of Muslims in Gujrat as retaliatory violence in Gujarat, where both Hindus and Muslims were killed. But the Human rights watch findings say that it was anything but spontaneous. The 2002 genocide was state sponsored according to the HRW findings. Padma Kuppas support for Indian laws which criminalize people who change their religion without government permission is an assault on the fabric of a free society, remarks Arvin Valmuci, a spokesperson for Organization for Minorities of India (OFMI). The United Nations and the U.S. State Department have warned about these laws, which lead to violence and pogroms, especially against Indian Christians. But it doesnt matter to Kuppa: shes busy demanding American votes and seeking the $70,000 salary of a Michigan state representative. In 2018, watchdog group Open Doors USA ranked India as the worlds 11th most dangerous country for Christians, with radical groups and organizations like Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Shiv Sena and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and even the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) being behind the persecution of Christians. Laws which empower the government to permit or deny a persons right to convert are the very definition of a denial of religious freedom, says Valmuci. Yet there is much more about Kuppa that worries us. Not only does she excuse intolerance in response to people exercising their right to free speech by promoting their religion, but Kuppa glamorizes Hindutva and justifies Prime Minister Modis 2002 Gujarat Genocide, which killed thousands of Muslims. The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has said that Hindutva is an ideology which holds non-Hindus as foreign to India. Since the BJP took power in 2014, there has been a sharp rise in violence targeting religious minorities as well as Indias 200 million Dalits (formerly known as Untouchables or outcastes). According to 2018 reports by HRW, Vigilante violence aimed at religious minorities, marginalized communities, and critics of the government often carried out by groups claiming to support the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) became an increasing threat in India in 2017. The government failed to promptly or credibly investigate the attacks, while many senior BJP leaders publicly promoted Hindu supremacy and ultra-nationalism, which encouraged further violence. However, Kuppa contradicted HRW by dismissing these concerns. According to her religious conversion is far greater a threat than nationalism. Balbir Singh Dhillon, the current president of West Sacramento Sikh Gurdwara shared his experience when he was on a pilgrimage to holy sites in India and Pakistan in 1996, he was arrested under false charges, jailed for three months, and tortured. If I wasnt an American citizen, I would have been killed for my faith, says Dhillon. He was only released after over 50 U.S. congressional representatives signed a letter to the U.S. State Department which pressured India to admit it had no proof he committed any crime. He further added that Padma Kuppas support for anti-conversion laws is a great offense to the First Amendment freedom of religion we have as Americans,These anti-conversion laws treat people who just want to change their religion like criminals. I know from my own experience of fleeing religious persecution in India that it puts religious minorities in danger to require them to ask the government for permission to convert. Besides endorsing anti-conversion laws, Kuppa approves Ghar Wapsi,as well which she calls the effort to bring Hindus back to the fold. Like all the Hindutva nationalists she too believes that all Indians were once Hindus and now they need to come back to Hinduism Were deeply concerned that Kuppa embraces the idea that Indian equals Hindu, says Maryam Mirza, a Kashmiri Muslim from Michigan. She has called herself an ethnic Hindu, which is not a real thing, and says that Indias Republic Day is part of the Hindu religious heritage can you imagine a candidate calling Americas Independence Day part of their Christian heritage? She defends use of the Hindutva word, and Ive seen she even quotes from sources like Koenraad Elst, an Islamophobic writer who wants to uproot Islam from India. Furthermore, Kuppa writes, While I often use the term Hindu-American to identify myself, I am nearly as likely to use the term Indian-American. The two terms have much overlap for me as an ethnic Hindu, since faith and culture are so intertwined. She adds, India and Hinduism are so intertwined that I must reconsider the importance of celebrating India and in identifying as an Indian-American. She additionally claims that proud Hindus of Indian origin can celebrate Indias Republic Day as part of their religious heritage. In another article, she criticizes an event where Hindu women wore hijab while Muslim women wore sari. There are many women in America who choose to wear a hijab, but there are activists who dont voices from within who may push beyond what people in the Islamic community want to hear, she writes. There is in fact no choice for Muslim women in many parts of the world about wearing not only a hijab, but a burka. Saying the activists should not sell out by wearing hijab, she claimed that Muslim women cannot escape a culture that oppresses them. Kuppas writings appear to be lifted directly from the RSSs talking points. Valmuci concludes, Does America truly want or need elected representatives who pen apologetics for religious nationalists, endorse the Hindutva agenda of supremacy, and justify violence against religious minorities and marginalized peoples? The people of East Ridge have pretty simple needs from our government, when it comes right down to it. We want low taxes, good schools, and to be left alone. Joda Thongnopnua will run roughshod over these simple needs if elected as District 30s state representative. Lets start with his platform, annotated: "I will fight to expand Medicaid." Remember what happened last time we tried this, several years ago? A bunch of adults got on TennCare and spending went through the roof. Phil Bredesen wrecked the budget and emptied the road fund to give these folks false hope for a couple of years, then kicked them off anyway. Lets not go down that path again. Ms. Helton will focus on cutting healthcare prices rather than taxing-and-spending. "I am a fierce advocate for stronger public schools, higher teacher pay, and fully-funded classrooms..." Okay, we can all get behind the first third of that sentence. The rest of it is ominous. Hamilton County already spends almost half a billion (yes big B billion) dollars a year on our schools about 60 percent of our total county budget. Just last year, we had an effective 11 percent property tax hike for school funding. Our spending per student is third from the top out of all the school districts in Tennessee, but our achievement levels are near the bottom. Were spending inefficiently rather than not enough, and the idea that we should throw more money down the drain rather than stop the leak is irresponsible. Ms. Helton has concrete policy proposals to improve early childhood literacy, and was endorsed by Tennesseans for Quality Early Education. No blind tax-and-spend from her here either. "I believe in raising the minimum wage..." If you want to see East Ridges economic boom disappear faster than a Vols lead under Butch Jones, this is the way to do it. New businesses, especially the many quick-service restaurants we just opened, run on razor-thin margins; a 40 percent increase in labor costs (minimum wage hike from $7.25 to $10) will cause them to fail. New businesses will locate in Ringgold or Fort O instead. The loss of border region and local option money will force a property tax hike. Keep in mind that every Tennessean has access to free vocational training and high-paying jobs through the TN Promise and Reconnect scholarship programs. If you still favor closing businesses and raising taxes to fund wealth redistribution, then go ahead and vote Thongnopnua. The common-sense crowd that wants growth, jobs, and prosperity for East Ridge will vote Helton. For a final look at who Mr. Thongnopnua will really represent if elected, lets take a look at his financial disclosures. His disclosure forms mostly list big donations from downtown Chattanooga, with some contributions from Nashville, New York, and California. Very few 37412 addresses are listed. Notably, there is a small donation from Demetrus Coonrod, currently serving on the Chattanooga City Council who wants to "ban the box," a euphemism for forcing employers to hire felons. Which candidate do you think will be tough on crime: Joda, the candidate with Ms. Coonrods support; or the NRA-endorsed Esther Helton? If you want a candidate to represent downtown far-left activists, vote Thongnopnua. If you want a candidate to represent East Ridge values, vote Helton. It really is that simple. Charles McCullough East Ridge District Attorney Neal Pinkston said Monday that six persons told his office they were threatened after one of the defendants in the Athens Park Bloods RICO gang case posted documents online giving details of the state's case. He also said one law enforcement agency also reported a threat. After the issue arose, Criminal Court Judge Tom Greenholtz halted electronic filings of information in the case. However, he has withdrawn that order. Also at a hearing in the case, two attorneys representing defendants facing the death penalty said they still have not received any information on charges related to the death of state's witness Bianca Horton. Attorneys Steve Moore and Dan Ripper said they are still awaiting discovery. Andre Grier, Charles Shelton and Courtney High are charged in the 2016 death of Ms. Horton, who had been set to testify at the murder trial of Cortez Sims. Sims was convicted of murder anyway. DA Pinkston earlier said that Ms. Horton was tortured prior to being killed. The district attorney said his office will meet the upcoming deadline for having information turned over to the attorneys for the defendants. Also, the judge heard additional argument that the state RICO statute is unconstitutional. Judge David Campbell Chapter, NSDAR, members Nancy Larson, Meegan Rogers Burton and Nancy Siler attended Richard Hardy School. They taught 12 fourth graders lessons on American history. U.S. Flag Committee Chairman for the Judge David Campbell Chapter said, "This year our chapter has been flooded with requests to teach on American history, particularly the American Revolution. We love to see the students so engaged with our lesson plans and it is always fun to interact with them. They are a treasure we truly appreciate in investing. As a retired school teacher, myself, I enjoy giving back to our schools and so do our members." A Chattanooga visit is on the schedule for President Donald Trump as he visits 11 states as the mid-term elections wind down. The schedule for Sunday, Nov. 4, includes stop overs in Macon, Ga., then Chattanooga. He will hold a rally at McKenzie Arena at 7 p.m.. Other stops include Florida on Wednesday, Missouri on Thursday, West Virginia and Indiana on Friday, and Montana and Florida on Saturday. An election eve flurry will have the president in Ohio and back in Indiana and Missouri. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann said, I am exceedingly pleased that President Trump has decided to honor the great state of Tennessee with another visit and excited to welcome him to the wonderful city of Chattanooga. The people of the Third District understand the conservative values that President Trump continues to fight for and I look forward to having the President back in the Volunteer State. Here is the schedule: Wednesday, October 31 Hertz Arena, Fort Myers, FL 7:00 PM (EDT) Thursday, November 1 Columbia Regional Airport, Columbia, MO 6:30 PM (CDT) Friday, November 2 Huntington Tri-State Airport, Huntington, WV 4:00 PM (EDT) Southport High School, Indianapolis, IN w/ Vice President Pence 7:00 PM (EDT) Saturday, November 3 Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, Belgrade, MT 12:30 PM (MDT) Pensacola International Airport, Pensacola, FL 6:30 PM (CDT) Sunday, November 4 Middle Georgia Regional Airport, Macon, Georgia 4:00 PM (EST) McKenzie Arena, Chattanooga, TN 7:00 PM (EST) Monday, November 5 IX Center, Cleveland, OH 3:00 PM (EST) Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, Fort Wayne, IN 6:30 PM (EST) Show Me Center, Cape Girardeau, MO 9:00 PM (CST) We are pleased to announce the final stretch of our national midterm campaign tour with MAGA rallies scheduled in key congressional districts and states including Florida, Missouri, West Virginia, Indiana, Montana, Georgia, Tennessee, and Ohio, said Michael Glassner, Chief Operating Officer for Donald J. Trump for President, Inc. It will be a sprint to the finish of the midterms for President Trump who is campaigning hard for GOP House and Senate campaigns across the map. We cant go back to the days of high taxes and low expectations. Voters must choose the right future on Election Day and support President Trumps successful America First agenda with the continued support of GOP majorities in the House and Senate. The Historic Orchard Knob Missionary Baptist Church will celebrate its 131st Church Anniversary and Homecoming on Sunday, Nov. 11, during the 9:30 a.m. worship service. The guest speaker will be Dr. Elliott Cuff, dean of the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. and the pastor of Lincoln Heights Baptist Church, Woodlawn, Ohio. The church is at 1734 East Third Street. The impending safety issue and undeniable danger to the city of Ringgold has been recently exposed. We are now aware that those who were convicted and served time for child sex crimes were brought straight from state prison to the bridge located in the center of our city and told they could live there, by none other than their own Community Safety Officer, Officer Keith Green. We are angered that no one, especially those who live in close proximity to the bridge was notified. Furthermore, we had no way to identify these men and their convictions, status and current registration with the state, which is required to be accessible to us by Georgia state law, both online and in our local county sheriffs office. The community is in an uproar. Parents and grandparents are angry and children are frightened. We have had to sit down with our children, ban our backyards as off limits and develop safety protocols for possible contact with a predator. The Ringgold City Council and mayor are now scrambling to reassure the citizens that they are taking rapid action to pass the city ordinance, known as the Urban Camping Ordinance, banning anyone from setting up permanent camp anywhere inside the city limits. The men have set up permanent camp under the public structure. They are burning open fires under the bridge structure and a natural gas pipeline. They possess smokers, charcoal grills, kerosene heaters and more. Their trash and personal belongings litter the river bank and begs the question, where are their bodily wastes being dumped? The man whose home is directly adjacent to the bridge faces the greatest danger and frustration. He has been dealing with the men for months, but didnt know until last week they were convicted of child sex crimes. Two of the homeless men own vehicles, which they have continued to park on his lawn despite him asking them not to do so. They travel in and out of his yard daily and nightly to get out from under the bridge. They interfere when he is mowing to ask questions, such as asking to hook up to his water. A few weeks ago, two of them were screaming profanities in the night at each other and forced him to call the police in the night. They took his no trespassing sign down. He witnessed drug usage when he went to the bridge to ask them to stop parking on his lawn? I could keep going. The women and small children who live in very close proximity to this bridge have been given no other choice. We do not have the option to stay away, since it is literally in our backyards. We do not have the option to move. We do not feel comfortable with our children playing in the backyard. We have posted signs in our yards to notify those children walking on the street after school, who are unaware of the dangers. Anyone who would suggest that we should just ignore this situation should ask themselves why these men are not allowed into traditional homeless shelters? Its because the shelters are not willing to take the risk of allowing sex offenders into their shelters. So why should our community and those who live closest to the bridge be forced to take the risk? The reason for the big problem in Georgia with homeless sex offenders is due to very specific restrictions on where offenders can live in proximity to children, school, churches and playgrounds. Georgia state laws are specifically designed to protect the children, not sex offenders. The Georgia state laws are created to prevent future victims. The office of Community Safety has stepped outside the duties of their department and job descriptions by transporting these men to the bridge and instructing them to live there. How ironic that their title is community safety officer. This office should step forward and take responsibility and action to correct the poor decisions Officer Green made. I have made contact through the chain of command within this department in anticipation of this. The City Council is obligated to act quickly to protect the citizens that voted them into office. Legal issues must gain priority over social issues. Citizens should reach out to their council and mayor and express their concern and support for the ordinance. Without this ordinance, whats in place to prevent hundreds more from flocking to Ringgold? Some may be concerned about the welfare of the homeless men. They say they have no place to go. This may be true. They ask, Do you care about the welfare of the homeless men and that they are sleeping in the cold under a bridge? My response is Do you care about the safety of children? In the future, I would absolutely support some type of rehabilitative program to help these types of offenders get off the streets, whether it be government or privately funded. However, resolving the social aspects of this situation should absolutely not interfere with advancing on the immediate legal and safety issues that surround it. Meanwhile, Halloween is this Wednesday night and hundreds of innocent, unaware children will be walking the streets. Many states require sex offenders to post signs identifying themselves on Halloween night and require that they report to the local jail for the night. Someone needs to do something to protect those who cannot protect themselves. Someone needs to do something before a tragedy occurs. Its past time. Holly Scott * * * I read with great interest the letter about Ringgold's homeless sex offender problem. This situation is an example of the unintended negative consequences of increasingly restricting where sex offenders can live. Unfortunately, data and research show that residence restrictions do little to protect public safety, and -- as noted -- cause harm to communities. I am writing to offer you access (permanently and for free) to our subject-matter experts on sexual abuse, for any stories on this or similar issues, to help you provide complete and balanced information to your audience. We are an international association dedicated to preventing sexual abuse, and we work from the perspective of preventing at-risk individuals from committing abuse. We are based in Oregon, but our members (clinicians, researchers, corrections officials, attorneys, and others) are located throughout the U.S., Canada, Great Britain, and 20 other countries. We support sound research, effective practice (treatment and management), informed public policy, and comprehensive prevention strategies. We have experts available to provide background or on-record information on a huge range of topics related to sexual abuse. You can visit the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers website to learn more about some of the topics we address. I am available 24-7 to answer calls and emails, and to find experts who can answer your questions. Ann Snyder Public Affairs Coordinator Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers The American Inns of Court honored T. Maxfield Bahner, senior counsel at Chattanooga law firm Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel, P.C., at the Celebration of Excellence in the nations capital on Oct. 20. Mr. Bahner received the 2018 American Inns of Court Professionalism Award for the Sixth Circuit.The American Inns of Court selects honorees whose "life and practice display sterling character and unquestioned integrity alongside ongoing dedication to the highest standards of the legal profession and rule of law."During the ceremony, Chief Judge Carl E.Stewart, U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, recognized each circuit awardee and told guests that Mr. Bahner was described as both iconic and one of the most beloved lawyers in Tennessee.Max Bahner is lauded for his commitment to professionalism, ethics and mentoring as well as his leadership, community service and strongly held belief in the law as a profession of service, said Chief Judge Stewart. Those who work for him and with him extol his assistance to young lawyers, helping them not just to enjoy the practice of law, but to love it and cherish the unique opportunities it presents. He is frequently heard to say that if he had to live his life ten times over, he would live it as a lawyer.Mr. Bahners practice concentration is primarily in complex litigation, and hes a senior member of Chambliss Law Firms litigation section. His mediation experience includes contract disputes, health care related matters and disputes between insurers and physician groups.Mr. Bahner was chair of the Tennessee Supreme Court Advisory Commission on the Rules of Civil Procedure. He chaired the Task Force that reviewed and recommended changes to the Tennessee Rules of Judicial Conduct.Mr. Mr. Bahner is emeritus master of the bench in the Justices Ray L. Brock, Jr.Robert E. Cooper American Inn of Court. He is a founding fellow of the Tennessee and Chattanooga bar foundations and a life fellow of the American Bar Association. He served nearly 17 years in the associations House of Delegates, leading the Tennessee delegation for nine years.Bahner holds a bachelors degree from Carson-Newman College, where he chaired the board of trustees for five years, and he graduated from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1960. The City of Chattanoogas Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Mayor's Council on Aging and Livability and AARP Tennessee are hosting the inaugural Chattanooga Aging and Livability Summit on Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at The Family Justice Center, 5705 Uptain Road in Chattanooga. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. This event will focus on transportation, housing, health services and social participation and feature Mayor Andy Berke, along with representatives from City Departments and community organizations on efforts being made to better serve this community. As our cities are rapidly growing and changing our aging family, friends, and neighbors want to live, work, and play in the places theyve grown to love, said James McKissic, director of Office of Multicultural Affairs. This summit is meant to provide these residents the tools they need to break down the barriers that keep them from thriving in Chattanooga. For more information visit the Facebook event page and register via EventBrite. A 59-year-old Dunlap woman charged with animal cruelty on Thursday after police found dozens of abused cats, dogs and chickens in her home has been released on $2,500 bail. Mary L. Smith made bond and was released from Sequatchie County Jail early Monday afternoon, according to sources there. Smith made bond and was released from Sequatchie County Jail earlyafternoon, according to sources there. Her co-defendant, Phillip McGhee, remains behind bars. Sequatchie County General Sessions Judge L. Thomas Austin, who set Smiths bail, denied bond for the 48-year-old former volunteer fireman. The two were arrested five days ago after Dunlap police were summoned to their residence at 181 Valley View Drive , which was crammed with cages full of cats and dogs with no food or water. The house reeked of ammonia, according to a report filed by Detective Bryan Walker, requiring officers to wear respirators. Once inside, Detective Walker reported, Officers noticed a cat that had been recently killed in the living room. The cat was being eaten by several of the dogs while officers were present. Also noted, according to his reports, were: Several newborn puppies located inside open desk drawers and inside a shopping cart located in the kitchen. About 14 dogs in the kitchen locked in a wire cage approximately three feet long, two feet tall and 1 feet wide. Mulltiple dogs locked inside cages in the living room. T here was no food or water located inside the cages where the animals were being kept. Some animals were missing fur and had obvious skin conditions. The discovery of the abused animals came just eight months after Smiths companion and co-defendant, McGhee, was granted diversion from a one-year jail sentence after pleading guilty to sending sexually explicit photos of himself to a 14-year-old Missouri girl in 2016. Under judicial diversion, McGhees name was placed on the states sexual offenders registry a fact which led to the on-site inspection last week when the abused animals were discovered. Operating under the states Operation Blackout program, which is designed to keep track of known sex offenders during the weeks leading up to Halloween, probation and parole officers went to McGhees home and found the hordes of animals kept there. They notified the Dunlap police department, which conducted an animal welfare check and arrested Smith and McGhee. To rescue the animals, police contacted Marion Animal Rescue Connection, Humane Educational Society of Chattanooga and McKamey Animal Center of Chattanooga. At McKamey, where animals in the worst condition were brought, officials said they are caring for 57 animals: 26 dogs, 19 cats and a dozen chickens. Another 40 animals were taken to a temporary shelter set up at the zipper factory in Dunlap, where they are being care for by MARC and its volunteers. Thursday With Healthier Tennessee Communities efforts underway in nearly every county in Tennessee, we are excited to launch our third urban program in the state here in Chattanooga, Governors Foundation for Health and Wellness CEO Richard Johnson said. This approach helps ensure that people in our states metropolitan areas in addition to those in small towns and rural counties will have the opportunity to benefit from an on-going grassroots program aimed at improving the health of all Tennesseans, he added.Additional Chattanooga neighborhoods will join the program in the coming weeks, with a goal of establishing the initiative citywide by 2020.I commend the Governors Foundation for Health and Wellness on this exciting endeavor to improve our community health at the neighborhood level, County Commissioner Katherlyn Geter said. Were all more inclined to participate when our peers do, and a great place to begin a healthier life is with our neighbors.Commissioner Geter, Councilwoman Demetrus Coonrod and representatives from participating neighborhoods offered remarks during themorning announcement event at the City Council Building in Chattanooga.Healthier Tennessee encourages citizens of Chattanooga neighborhoods across the city to join this local movement by emailing russell@healthierTN.org The Foundation launched the Healthier Tennessee Communities initiative in March 2015 with nine pilot communities. Today, nearly 100 communities, neighborhoods, and college campuses are engaged in the program, and 59 have already received the Healthier Tennessee Community designation.More information about the program, including a list of participating cities and counties and other Healthier Tennessee initiatives, is available at www.HealthierTN.com If nothing else, this past week has shown me that the people who are supposed to represent me in Washington dont. Im tired of people whose words say one thing but their actions show something entirely different. I want a person representing me in Congress who gets it. Danielle Mitchell is that person. She comes from very humble beginnings, like most of us did. She understands what its like to wonder where your next meal is coming from, like so many of our neighbors do. She runs a medical practice that serves patients who can pay and those who cant, because she believes that medical care is a crucial part of the care we owe to each other. She believes quality education leads to good jobs that pay decent wages. She believes in community, and the belief that working together is the only way to solve problems. Most important, she listens. She is genuinely interested in what people have to say and will carry those concerns to Washington, where she will fight for us and give us a voice in government, something that has been missing for a while now. If you want a real representative, not one in name only, the clear choice is Danielle Mitchell for the third Congressional District of Tennessee. Our lives, our country depend on it. Kathy Ebel Nearly 600 Chattanooga area walkers came together on Sunday at Chattanooga State for the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk. Together with Octobers month-long Real Men Wear Pink fundraiser, more than $132,800 has been raised to help the ACS save more lives from breast cancer, officials said.Sundays event was a moving example how united we can make huge progress toward a world without breast cancer, said Brennen Riddle, community development manager for the ACS in Chattanooga.Our Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk helps the ACS fund groundbreaking research into causes, prevention, and treatments for breast cancer, provide free rides to chemo and places to stay near hospitals, a live 24/7 cancer helpline, and so much more.Since 1993, 14 million Making Strides supporters have raised more than $870 million nationwide.This year Avon joined the ACS as the first-ever National Presenting Sponsor. "For over 130 years, Avon has inspired the financial independence, health and wellbeing of women and the fight against breast cancer is central to their mission," officials said."Making Strides participants can be proud of a 39 percent drop in breast cancer death rates since 1989, but there is still much more to do," officials said. "Excluding cancers of the skin, breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women and is the second-leading cause of cancer death in women.According to the American Cancer Society Cancer Facts & Figures 2018, more than 266,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 will die from the disease this year. In Tennessee, 5,590 women will be diagnosed this year, and 920 will die from the disease."Its not too late to donate to the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in Greater Chattanooga. Visit MakingStridesWalk.org/ChattanoogaTN to help the American Cancer Society continue saving lives. For free breast cancer information and resources or to donate, visit the ACS, anytime day or night, at cancer.org or call 1-800-227-2345," officials said.The 2018 walk was made possible in part by the support of many local companies, including Wrigley Company Foundation, Sequatchie Concrete Service, University Surgical Associates, Volkswagen, Tennessee Valley & North Georgia Chevrolet Dealers and Sunbelt Bakery. Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy in September 2013 took an innovative approach in committing to their mission of creating a supportive environment by launching the Empower Mentoring Program. The program connects students with adult advocates who provide encouragement and support in academics, college and career planning, life skills, and leadership development. CGLA officials said it has found much success with the program and students have benefitted greatly since its inception. Comcast, a long-time supporter of CGLA and the Empower Mentoring Program, awarded the academy a $20,000 grant. The Empower Mentoring Program was launched by CGLAs leader and CEO, Dr. Elaine Swafford. Dr. Swafford, who is a proponent of serving the whole child, was looking for a way to supplement what is not taught in the classroom. She connected with businesses and organizations in the community to see how they could begin forming meaningful and productive relationships with students, and eventually introduced the new opportunity to the school. One of the greatest values of mentors is their ability to see ahead, said Dr. Swafford. They help students navigate a course to their destination. Since 2013, the program has taken off and CGLA has been recognized for its work in mentoring. The academy currently provides all 350 young women enrolled with at least two mentors they can regularly connect with through various opportunities that include: workplace mentors, community mentors, faculty/staff mentors and peer mentors. Currently, the school has active mentoring partnerships with nine local businesses. As an advocate of building tomorrows leaders, Comcast has helped push CGLA forward for years, said officials. In addition to their continued backing of the Empower Mentoring Program, last December the telecommunications corporation gifted every senior a laptop in preparation for college. Comcast is proud to be an ongoing partner to CGLA and to support the positive impact they are making in Chattanooga each and every day, said Doug Fisher, Comcast director of External Affairs. This latest investment underscores our shared commitment to improving communities and enriching lives. This grant from Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation is in recognition of Comcasts commitment to the communities where its customers and employees live and work. Since its founding in 1999, the Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation has distributed more than $163 million in cash support of programs implemented locally in Comcast communities, said officials. Comcasts generosity will allow CGLA to employ a mentoring coordinator whose sole focus is program development. For more information about the Empower Mentoring Program or how to get involved contact CGLAs Counselor, Amy Chadd at 602-9467. National Adoption Day gives permanent homes to 3 Pueblo County kids When Pueblo County celebrated National Adoption Day on Nov. 19, three families got bigger as foster children were welcomed into permanent homes. 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. The communications minister for Israel asked for peace and security as he spoke during a telecommunications conference in Dubai. "Peace and security in every state... with economic and scientific progress is what guarantees a future for the coming generations," Ayoub Kara said at the conference in the United Arab Emirates. The Arab areas have long debated whether Israel should be recognized as a state, but many of those Arab states have welcomed Israeli officials. Karas visit comes after Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Oman and Culture Minister Miri Regev visit to Abu Dhabi. "This is the first time that an Israeli minister is here on a visit," Regev said of his visit to Abu Dhabi. The whole message here is of unity and peace, he said. According to reports, the Israeli national anthem was also played during a judo tournament in Abu Dhabi over the weekend when an Israeli athlete won gold. Meanwhile, Netanyahus visit to Oman was the first meeting of its kind since 1996, according to NBC News. Israel and Oman do not share diplomatic relations, but in a statement from both Netanyahu and the Omani sultan said they discussed ways to advance the Middle East peace process and discussed a number of issues of mutual interest to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East. Photo courtesy: Getty Images/Uriel/Sinai Stringer NEW DELHI, October 30, 2018 (Morning Star News) A policeman in Nepal was reprimanded and punished for talking about his faith in Christ at a public, multi-faith religious gathering earlier this month, sources said. Dilip Bhadur Gurung, a constable with the Nepal Armed Force Police (NAFP), was on three-month leave when on Oct. 2 from he spoke at the public gathering in Gulmi. A local news reporter published an article critical of his talk and informed Gurungs superiors. Gurung was arrested in Palpa the following day and sent back to his department in Tanau. A source who requested anonymity told Morning Star News his superiors there have decided to withhold his departmental promotion for five years as punishment. Another source said authorities are employing a double standard. It is a kind of injustice if he was talking about Hinduism or Buddhism, he would not have faced any problem, pastor B.P. Khanal, head of The Lords Assembly and a social activist in Nepal said, told Morning Star News. Taking the name of Jesus is risky in public-speaking; it is an offense against the law. People are biased and are looking for an opportunity to arrest Christians. At the meeting in Gulmi, Gurung spoke about how his faith in Jesus had helped him secure a good job and blessed his family life. The reporter wrote that Gurung was preaching and trying to convert people. The journalist was writing according to his understanding of the law, i.e. how can a government staff preach about any other faith, Pastor Khanal said. He saw that Gurung was carrying a Bible and thus raised objections and created news. After the meeting, Gurung left and checked into a hotel in Palpa, 57 miles away, where police arrested him on the morning of Oct. 3. The reporter, who had followed him, informed Gurungs superiors and called police in Gulmi and Palpa, Pastor Khanal said. Police called Gurungs officer in-charge, and his superior sent him to his post in Tanau. Evangelizing Criminalized Evangelizing is prohibited under Nepals new constitution, passed in September 2015, as it was under the previous constitution, but the new one has helped incite anti-Christian sentiment. While the new constitution establishes Nepal as a secular and democratic republic, its definition of secular appears to protect Hinduism and allows others only to worship in their own faiths. Article 26 forbids anyone to convert a person of one religion to another. Evangelizing has long been illegal in Nepal, but advocacy groups have recently detected increased enforcement and other anti-Christian efforts as officials seek to placate Hindus incensed that the new constitution did not re-establish a more prominent place for Hinduism. Under the Criminal (Code) Act of Nepal, enacted in October 2017, those convicted of evangelizing or forcible conversion can be imprisoned for up to five years and fined 50,000 rupees (US$450). The code came into effect on Aug. 19. While Article 26 (1) of Nepals Constitution protects the freedom of religion or belief and includes the rights to profess, practice and protect ones religion, Article 26 (3) of states: No person shall, in the exercise of the right conferred by this Article, do, or cause to be done, any act which may be contrary to public health, decency and morality or breach public peace, or convert another person from one religion to another or any act or conduct that may jeopardize others religion and such act shall be punishable by law. Religious Liberty Forum Nepal expressed its concern over Nepals religion laws. The above restriction conflicts with the formation of Nepal as a proportional inclusive state as envisioned by the constitution and articulated in its preamble, according to an RLFN press statement. Furthermore, the explanation for the term secularism found in Article 4(1) is problematic as it seeks to give a special status to Sanatan Dharma (the religion and culture handed down from ancient times, which is commonly understood as Hinduism) over and above other all religious faith and traditions. Pastor Khanal said no law should discriminate against anyone on the basis of religious background. And the Nepal law discriminates between Sanatan and others, he said. Freedom of religion or belief is to be ensured for all, but the new criminal code ensures the freedom only of Sanatan Dharma, the eternal tradition, or the eternal way Hindu majority. By its language and meaning, it doesn't tolerate religious activities of minorities except the Sanatan. Practicing, teaching and doing good (acts of welfare) by others are criminalized, The Christian community of Nepal has faced several cases demonstrating the ease with which the constitutions anti-conversion laws can be misused. There is a substantial increase in the number of aggressions recorded by the RLFN against religious minorities, especially Christians, in 2018. There have been bombings and arson attacks on churches, physical assaults on Christians, false accusations alleging evangelism and conversions and false propaganda against Christians. A delegation of Christian leaders went to meet with the minister of Law and Justice, Bhanubhakta Dhakal, in August to express their concern about the new criminal code. By criminalizing conversions, Nepal has infringed on the fundamental freedom of religion or belief which is guaranteed not only by its constitution but also secured by several international covenants, according to Alliance Defending Freedom, which undertakes legal legal advocacy for religious freedom. These vaguely defined laws are often abused to harass minorities, according to an ADF press statement. While the Indian constitution is very clear on protecting religious freedom, Nepals constitution prohibits the attempt of religious conversion. At the same time, Nepal is a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, an international treaty explicitly protecting freedom of religion and expression. As a religious country with a strong tradition, the government should not be afraid of minorities but allow diversity, which strengthens an open society, said Tehmina Arora, legal counsel and director of ADF-India. Every person should have the right to live out their faith freely. The new anti-religious freedom laws do not comply with international law and the human rights treaties the country has signed. No one in Nepal should have to fear persecution because of their religious convictions. Article 18 of the U.N. declaration asserts that believers have the freedom to practice their faith in teaching, practice, worship and observance, ADF notes in its campaign to obtain signatures supporting the Geneva Statement on Human Rights at www.ImHumanRight.org. 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. When Jair Bolsonaro addressed his supporters after they elected him as President of Brazil, he began by saying I first want to thank God. According to polls and grassroots efforts, he can also thank a large portion of Brazils evangelical community who eagerly supported his candidacy. Evangelicals in Brazil were energized for this election because of many frustrations with Brazils government. The nation faced increasing crime, economic decline, and rampant government corruption. In addition, evangelicals reacted strongly to the countrys liberalization on issues related to sexuality. One pastor, Bishop Robson Rodovalho, told Reuters that, The left went too far, adding, Indoctrinating school children on sex revolted many parents. Today we are seeing a boiling over of reaction. Bolsonaro skyrocketed to prominence in the election through a promise to promote family values, to restore law and order, and to clean out government corruption. The 27-year congressman ran as a political outsider who was uniquely qualified to deal with Brazils problems. He has a history of controversial statements and unpopular stands that bolstered his credibility. This approach resonated with evangelicals. Pastor Silas Malafaia, who leads 50 Brazilian churches, told the Associated Press that Bolsonaro was the kind of man who should lead the nations 210 million residents. He said, In Brazil, we need a macho like him, saying the new President would defend all the values and principles of the Christian family. Brazilian evangelicals, who comprise 20 percent of the population, organized grassroots efforts to support Bolsonaro. They passed out flyers and expended great energy to promote him to the people in their social circles. While Catholics in Brazil outnumber Evangelicals by 80 million, one Brazilian political observer, Antonio Lavareda, said that Evangelicals are more adept at organizing politically. He told the Associated Pressthat, The evangelical vote is very organic in that pastors and bishops have a relationship with followers that influences how they vote. Its the opposite in the Catholic Church, where, despite having more congregants, priests have less direct influence. Both Bolsonaros promise to get tough on crime and his appeal to evangelical voters reminded many of Presidents Trumps 2016 campaign. Bolsonaro expressed his admiration for Trump and followed some of the strategies that he employed. He attacked the Brazilian media, saying that he is totally in favor of a freedom of the press. But if its up to me, press that shamelessly lies will not have any government support. President Trump tweeted his congratulations to Bolsonaro Sunday, saying that he looks forward to working with him. Had a very good conversation with the newly elected President of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, who won his race by a substantial margin. We agreed that Brazil and the United States will work closely together on Trade, Military and everything else! Excellent call, wished him congrats! Scott Slayton writes at One Degree to Another. Photo courtesy: Getty Images/Buda Mendes/Staff Can science tell us how we ought to behave? In Science and the Good, a book that crosses the boundaries of history, philosophy, and psychology, sociologist James Davison Hunter and philosopher Paul Nedelisky examine nearly 400 years of scientific attempts to discover the sources and meaning of morality. That effort, they conclude, has failed. Science can tell us the way things are but not the way things ought to be. In the language of philosophy, it cant derive an ought from an is. Hunter and Nedelisky define the scientific quest for morality as an attempt to use empirical methods to discover universal principles for ethical action. The scientists and ethicists engaged in it operate from the assumption that everything about life on earth can be explained by natural processes alone. Before the dawn of the Enlightenment era, late-medieval scholastics such as Thomas Aquinas had produced moral theories based on theological, rather than naturalistic, premises. They believed that through observation of the created order, one could discover the purposes for which God had designed particular creatures or activitiesand the moral laws that flowed from those purposes. But in the 17th century, the Dutchman Hugo Grotius and other political philosophers wanted to discover a moral code that could operate without invoking God. With Christendom split into competing factions that were slaughtering each other over sectarian disagreements, Grotius and like-minded intellectuals doubted whether religion could create a universal moral consensus. Could science succeed where religion had failed? Instead of speculating about divine purposes for creation, Grotius thought, moral theorists should ask one question: ... 1 You have reached the end of this Article Preview You have reached the end of this Article Preview To continue reading, subscribe now. Subscribers have full digital access. Have something to add about this? See something we missed? Share your feedback here. We at Christianity Today were grieved to hear about the mass shooting at a Jewish synagogue in Pittsburgh, claiming 11 lives. Sadly the local worshiping community has again become the place for the deranged to express their anger. It demonstrates how hate, which seems so strong, is often just cowardice, attacking the completely defenseless. So at such a time like this, let us not succumb to the fear of hate but remember how weak it really is. It almost goes without saying that we will be praying that Gods miraculous mercy will be shown to the loved ones of the victims of this barbarous act. But we say it to make sure we do it. If hate looks strong but is ultimately weak, prayer is something that looks weak but is ultimately strong. So we pray as has the church in its liturgies for 2,000 years: Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy. Lord have mercy. It also nearly goes without saying that anti-Semitism is ugly, wrong, immoral, and a hundred other adjectives. But it appears it needs saying time and again. Perhaps the one word Christians can add to the many denunciations is to say that anti-Semitism is a sin. Such a quaint word in our day, but for Christians there is no better or stronger word to signal that an act is profoundly wrong. When the sinful act harms another human being, it brings into play not just the human dimension but also the divine. Against you, you only, have I sinned, penned David the adulterer and murderer in Psalm 51. An odd thing to say when at least two human livesBathsheba and Uriahwere immediately wounded by Davids sin (as were many others years later). Davids psalm does not deny that dimensionfor there are many, many psalms that lament harm done to fellow human beings. But David is right to get to the heart of the matter, the core of every sin, and in our current context, the sin of anti-Semitism. This sin in particular is a sin against God because it violates the divine image in which our Jewish friends have been made. It is a sin that offends God because it thwarts his creative design in creating them to bear his calling as the chosen people. Thus it is a sin that especially angers Godand a sin that deserves the punishment of God. Such is the dangerous state of the soul of those who knowingly abide in the sin of anti-Semitism, which borders on the unforgivable sin. We do not mean that every murder is a blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (Matt. 12:31, Mark 3:29). In one sense, of course, every sin is a sin against God and thus a sin against the Holy Spirit. But Jesus warning against the sin that will not be forgiven is not about God limiting his grace but about the sinner who stubbornly refuses that grace. For better or worse, even anti-Semitism is forgivableto those who will repent. But if repentance is not forthcoming, if in fact the anti-Semite only doubles down on his hate for Gods chosen, then that sin, for all intents and purposes, becomes the sin against the Holy Spiritand thus unforgivable. Thus the need for us to pray for every anti-Semite in our land, and in the world, especially those who seem hardened in their hatred of Jews. We pray for temporal justice for this gunman, Robert Bowersthe strongest penalties that can be applied should be. But we also pray that Bowers will repent and come to know the mercy and love of God. For he, too, is created in the image of God, and to hate him as he hates the Jews would be only to perpetuate human misery, in which we find ourselves mired once again. Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy. Lord have mercy. Mark Galli is editor in chief of Christianity Today. Podcast What happens when the Bible and humanity collide? Not what you'd expect. Living & Effective, a podcast collaboration between Christianity Today and the Christian Standard Bible, journeys through history, current events, theology and the human condition to uncover surprising ways the Bible accomplishes God's plan in the world. Join Richard Clark (CT) as he uncovers the hidden history of the Bible, wrestles with tough questions, and explores what the future holds for Christianity. 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. Pastor James MacDonald and Harvest Bible Chapel filed a lawsuit this month against two ex-members and former Moody Radio host Julie Roys, accusing them of spreading false information about the Chicago-area megachurchs financial health and leadership. The main targets of the churchs defamation complaint are Ryan Mahoney and Scott Bryant, who together run the blog The Elephants Debt. The site has culled stories of alleged mismanagement at Harvest since 2012, including claims of as much as $70 million in mortgage debt and a lack of accountability from its elder board. Harvest has addressed some of the criticisms. MacDonald, its founder and senior pastor, apologized in 2014 to a trio of former elders who were disciplined for speaking out about a culture of fear and intimidation. But the church challenges the blogs characterizations of its financial standing and MacDonalds character, wealth, and leadership. The lawsuit lists more than 57 points of disagreement with details published on The Elephants Debt. Leaders at Harvest said the blog harmed its reputation enough that 2,000 people left the congregation in 2013. The multi-site church numbers 13,000 attendees across seven locations, making it one of the biggest in Illinois. Our goal was to end their prolonged and divisive effort to undermine the Elder governance of our church and to discredit our primary leaders, elders said in a statement to their congregation this month. We have chosen to accomplish that by filing a civil suit in Cook County. Mahoney, a former teacher at Harvest Christian Academy, and Bryant left the church in 2010. They posted the bulk of their updates on The Elephants Debt between 2012 and 2013, including testimonies from more than a dozen former elders and staff members who were concerned about the direction of the church. Before the October 17 suitwhich also names Mahoneys wife and Bryants wifethe blog had not been updated all year. They declined to answer questions from CT, citing the legal proceedings, but wrote online in response: While the authors of this website would never have chosen to resolve our differences in a litigious manner, we are confident that the legal process will ultimately uphold the values of the first amendment right to freedom of religion, freedom of speech and freedom of the press, all of which are essential to safeguarding the values of the Protestant Reformation and our common life. Last week, a Cook County judge declined to hear the churchs request for an emergency restraining order, which would bar The Elephants Debt and Roys from publishing about MacDonald and Harvest while the case proceeded, but the filing has been continued for a hearing on a new date. The defamation complaint from Harvest includes charges under the Illinois Deceptive Trade Practices Act of using false or misleading information to disparage the work of the church. The church claims that Roys, a former Moody Radio host and writer, works in partnership with The Elephants Debt, though her name does not appear in their postings prior to the discussion of the recent case. The lawsuit references canceling Royss appearance as a keynote speaker at a Harvest womens event on or about February 2017, due to her criticism of Moody Bible Institute. Her falling out with Moody came to a head at the start of this year, in January 2018, and the event had been scheduled for March of 2018. Though MacDonald and Harvest allege Roys made public statements defaming the Harvest pastor, they do not appear on her social media channels, blog posts, or radio show history. The suit also accuses her of privately telling former Moody chair Jerry Jenkins that MacDonalds Walk the Word radio program was only kept on Moody radio because they were poker buddies. (World Magazine reported in 2013 on Jenkinss poker hobby and how he and MacDonald had played together in the pastone point of contention brought up on The Elephants Debt. The Harvest pastor announced the year prior that he gave up his Texas Hold Em habit due to public scrutiny.) This September, Roys was working on a story for World magazine about the church and, according to Harvest, asserting false allegations during her investigation. The most telling thing in the entire suit is the fact that it states I am working on an investigative story about James MacDonald and Harvest Bible Chapel, she wrote on Facebook. I always knew I ran the risk of being sued for speaking the truth. But I always envisioned that it would be for something I actually published, not for something I merely indicated I was going to publish. World editor-in-chief Marvin Olasky confirmed to CT that Roys had been looking into Harvest for the magazine. We are planning to run an article once we have thoroughly checked all facts and made sure everything is established by the testimony of two or more witnesses, he said. We would like to quote the responses of Harvest officials to serious concerns: Julie has unsuccessfully tried to interview current leaders on-the-record. Defamation suits are relatively rare among US congregations and dont rank among the top reasons churches end up in court. But when they do come up, slander and libel claims involving Christians tend to go the other way: Ex-members will sometimes sue over critical remarks made during sermons, church discipline meetings, or other settings. Church Law & Tax has reviewed churches liability for such claims. Back in 2012, CT reported on a Calvary Chapel pastor who sued his son over an online hate campaign. You dont see churches suing disgruntled former members often because they dont have grounds, attorney Charles Philbrick, who is representing Roys, told CT. When people leave churches, really what they are voicing are their opinions, and opinions are not actionable per se. Additionally, Christians often cite biblical guidance on conflict resolution and work to avoid litigation if possible. MacDonald, who founded Harvest 30 years ago and decided to have the congregation join the Southern Baptist Convention in 2015, defended the decision to sue in an October 2 letter entitled Enough is Enough: It isnt that some of the criticism wasnt fair. I believe in the marketplace of ideas and of regular, vibrant discussion inside a local church. Its just that their words were often untrue, their information was incomplete, and over time their tone of reasonableness disintegrated, exposing their obvious goal of ending our ministry. We sought reconciliation with former leaders or staff the bloggers identified as offended. Yet it was never enough. The letter referenced his broader concerns over online accusations in the so-called fake news era, with bolded subtitles reading, Bloggers Without Credibility are Given Too Much Credence, Attack Blogs Need a Perfect Storm, and More Ministries May Follow Suit. In 1999, CT Pastors created a 13-point guide for ministry leaders looking to respond biblically to accusations; the potential for spreading criticism against pastors and churches has only grown with the rise of social media and the Internet. MacDonald also posted an excerpt from Wayne Grudems Christian Ethics that urges pastors to take action rather than allow their own names or the ministries they lead to be slandered relentlessly in the public eye, citing Jesus defenses against false accusations. When asked about the timing of the lawsuit, a Harvest spokesperson told CT, It is not our intention to try this case in the realm of public opinion, and, therefore, we have no plans at this time to make any additional public comment except for the explanation we published on our website, principally intended for our church members. In a section of Harvests website dedicated to transparent communication about ongoing opposition, the church links to letters sent at the beginning of October to both Roys and The Elephants Debt. Steve Huston, elder executive committee chairman, emailed Roys to say the elders were concerned that her forthcoming story would challenge MacDonalds integrity. We have come to the end of our willingness to be lied about and are ready to take every reasonable measure to protect our church family, he wrote. Roys replied that she would only meet with the elders if their discussion could be on the record. Ron Duitsman, elder board chairman, wrote Mahoney and Bryant, asking that they take down their campaign to discredit MacDonald and Harvest since the church has repented where appropriate. The bloggers called the lawsuit stunning. Their readers have donated almost $5,000 on Go Fund Me to cover initial legal fees. Last year, The Elephants Debt scrutinized MacDonalds shifting roles at Harvest Bible Chapel and its church planting ministry, Harvest Bible Fellowship. In June 2017, MacDonald resigned as president of Harvest Bible Fellowship, which planted more than 150 congregations over about 15 years, and he and Harvest Bible Chapel cut official ties with fellowship churches, several of whom went on to rename their congregations. Instead of Harvest Bible Fellowship, an independent network called Vertical Church now builds on MacDonalds church-planting philosophy to continue to train and support church planters. Around the same time that his role with Harvest Bible Fellowship ended, Harvest Bible Chapel reorganized its leadership structure to lighten the pressure on Pastor James by having executive staff report to an executive committee rather than MacDonald directly. Elders wrote last October that the change would relieve Pastor James of the burden of church management, allowing him to focus on the preaching, writing, and training he wants to prioritize. Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that a judge dismissed Harvests request for a temporary restraining order; instead, the request has been continued for a hearing on a later date. The four of us sat in a crowded cafe catching up on life and ministry when the topic turned to miscarriage and pregnancy loss. My friend, a pastor of many years with a fierce devotion to Jesus and to warm pastoral care began recounting the story of a relative who lost her baby before birth. So many of us didnt know what to say, he confessed through tears, and so we said nothing at all. My friend is not alone. As the culture shifts and public conversations include more and more previously taboo subjects, many ministers grapple with how to best care for those in their congregations seeking support after pregnancy loss. Many admit to feeling ill equipped to speak into this sensitive area, which has historically been considered a womens issue rather than a family issue. According to Mayo Clinic, 10 to 20 percent of known pregnancies end in miscarriage. But the actual number is likely higher because many miscarriages occur so early in pregnancy. (Some estimate the number is as high as one in four.) Based on these statistics, theres little doubt this tragedy has impacted your church communitywhether in secret or in plain sight. Its also likely impacting the health of marriages in your congregation. According to one study, couples who experience miscarriage are 22 percent more likely to break up than couples who dont. Another study found that, one year post-miscarriage, 32 percent of women felt more distant from their husbands interpersonally, while 39 percent felt more distant sexually. So many of us didnt know what to say, he confessed through tears, and so we said nothing at all. As hard as miscarriage can be on a marriage, research also supports a direct link between the way partners connect after miscarriage and the resulting closeness they enjoy, with shared grief culminating in greater intimacy. How can we best serve couples after miscarriage (not just women) and ensure they access the practical and spiritual support they need as they grieve and heal? I spoke with several mothers, fathers, and their pastors to hear how pastoral care helped them after experiencing pregnancy loss. Their responses can help you establish a plan of action. 1. Make time for grieving parents as early as possible. The immediate period following a pregnancy loss is critical for couples, setting the tone for their grieving and healing process. A fast and early response reveals that you appreciate the magnitude of what these parents are experiencing. The day we found out about our miscarriage, our pastor came and prayed with us before my wifes procedure, one father told me. We appreciate how busy he is, so it meant the world to us that he took the time. On the other hand, a late response is almost as damaging as no response at all. One woman told me, A week after my miscarriage, my pastor called saying he wanted to visit us in the hospital. I burst into tears, telling him I had been released for a week. I felt so uncared for. This pastors heart was in the right place, but his late timing created the unintended impression that this wasnt important. 2. Acknowledge the significance of their babys life. Because miscarriage often feels abstract to those not directly affected, the couple may need extra validation that their loss matters and their pain is normal. Issuing them an invitation to grieve or to acknowledge their babys life through an act of remembrance can be a powerful gift to a hurting couple. As one father told me, A church elder brought us funeral flowers after our miscarriage. Acknowledging that it was not just a loss but a death was deeply dignifying. 3. Attend to both the mother and the father. Cultural norms surrounding masculinity can be especially hard on men after miscarriage. While both parents grieve, dads in particular may need to feel a sense of permission to explore their feelings or let their grief be known. Heres an example of how you can do this well, according to a mother I spoke with: Our pastor pulled my husband aside after church, asked him how he was coping, and told him that no two people grieve the same way, even a husband and wife. My husband later told me this was the most helpful thing someone did for him after our loss. 4. Encourage them to be honest about their emotions. Invite parents to be candid about the ways their loss affects them and allow them time to share. If you feel its appropriate, this may also be a good time to mention your own miscarriage. I felt like I should hold my feelings inside in order to be a strong Christian, one woman said. But my pastor encouraged me to be honest with my grief. He shared that he and his wife had also miscarried, which helped me realize the miscarriage wasnt a refection on my spiritual life. If you havent experienced pregnancy loss, its helpful to connect grieving parents with someone else in the church who did. 5. Exhort them to be truthful about their marriage. Talk with them about how miscarriage can bring a marriage closer together or isolate them from one another as they grieve differently. This may seem obvious to you, but couples are often surprised by how grief impacts their relationship. We exhaled when our pastor told us its normal for a marriage to be strained after loss, said one father, Just being aware of this spurred us on to deliberately nurture our relationship even while we were still grieving. Encourage couples to employ honest and deliberate communication. Task them with discovering how the other person feels and being proactive with ways to honor their spouse in his or her grieving process. 6. Welcome hard questions. Miscarriage can be the catalyst for deep existential and theological questions to arise. While its not your responsibility to untangle their confusion, you can be instrumental in reassuring a couple of Gods presence and his willingness to engage their questions. One mother I talked with described her pastor as a lifeline when her miscarriage made her question her faith. My pastor emailed us expressing his condolences, and also shared that our miscarriage might trigger some big questions, she said. He urged us not to be ashamed if that happened, and offered to sit with us when we were ready, assuring us he wouldnt judge us by anything we raised. I didnt know then how important that invitation would be when my faith started to crumble. 7. Pray for them and with them. When praying for a couple after miscarriage, pray in ways that demonstrate both lament and hope as you ask God to minister to them. Consider ways to make your prayer feel more tangible to the ones being ministered to. Instead of sending a card with a typical Im sorry message, write out your prayer for them to read and pray as many times as needed. Specificity is key. Although our pastor was away when we miscarried, one mother said, he emailed to say he was praying for us. We really appreciated that he didn't just say he was praying for us, but that he specifically shared what he was praying for us. 8. Give them a practical resource. Invite parents to your churchs grief support group, connect them with other parents with similar experiences, point them to an online support community, give them the link to a pregnancy loss ministry, gift them a Christian book on miscarriage, or refer them to your local pregnancy resource center. Prepare your office with these phone numbers, links, or printed materials ahead of time so that immediately following the loss you can give your time to prayer, presence, and counsel rather than research. 9. Rally others for tangible support. As you encourage the couple to find comfort in Jesus, make sure they can also experience the comfort of his body. Your support is important, but grieving parents need to know that their friends and church family care about them, not just the people on staff. On the day of my miscarriage, I called my pastor, and he prayed with me over the phone, said one mother. That night a couple from church showed up at the hospital. It meant so much to us that our pastor sent them. It may help to think of this situation in terms of giving birth and experiencing death simultaneously. Most of the same things that would serve a postpartum mother or family combined with the things you would do for a bereaved family will minister to them profoundly. (If youd like a cheat sheet to forward to congregants, you can find one here.) 10. Point them to professional counseling as needed. A recent study showed that 40 percent of women may experience symptoms of PTSD after miscarriage, so its imperative we take grief seriously and refer couples to professional counseling when necessary. 11. Remember their loss as time goes on. Committing to a grieving parents ongoing well-being can be as simple as putting a reminder in your calendar to reach out during the week before their due date, calling them out of the blue to ask how theyre healing, or considering how to thoughtfully facilitate special services. Mothers Day, in particular, can be difficult for those who have experienced pregnancy loss. Here are a couple ways to address that holiday well: On Mothers Day, my church showed a short video about maternal health in the developing world and made a donation toward clean birth kits, said one mother. It beautifully honored mothers while being sensitive to the complexities of those in the pews. The week before Mothers Day, one pastor I spoke with sends a helpful book and a handwritten card to all the women in his church whom he knows experienced miscarriages that year. It is important to celebrate mothers, he said, but we want those who are hurting to know that we see them, too. Note: Some of the details of the people and situations described in this article have been changed to ensure the privacy of the individuals involved. Adriel Booker is a writer, speaker, and advocate based in Sydney, Australia. She is the author of Grace Like Scarlett: Grieving with Hope after Miscarriage and Loss (Baker, 2018). Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A blogger in Sojourners defends Christian social justice activism and denies it's liberal or secular: Many Christians are wary of participating in social justice because of a deep-rooted fear of being labeled "liberal," "progressive," or "secular." They don't want to be associated with "secular" movements, and are uncomfortable delving into issues that go beyond their cultural comfort zones. But the Bible tells us that Jesus cared deeply about the social causes around him. Some conservative critics of Christian social justice activism reject its identity group politics and victimology. They prefer to look at all people as equally needing the Gospel without focusing on racial, ethnic, and economic distinctives. But the blogger responds: While God does love everyone and all believers are united in Christ, this doesn't negate the fact that we have a unique cultural identity and upbringing and are called to recognize the marginalized, help the oppressed, and avoid rejecting their significance by denying their identity or ignoring their plight. And the blogger concludes: By acknowledging and actively participating in the #blacklivesmatter movement, addressing racism, immigration, gender equality, and a litany of other issues, you are following in the steps of Jesus. The blogger is correct to note Christianity's special concern for persons who are neglected, oppressed and persecuted. In God's fulfilled Kingdom the last shall be first and the first shall be last. The church if faithful strives to ennoble all who have been marginalized and dehumanized. But this blog, although denying social justice is liberal, is not very encouraging or persuasive to someone who's not liberal. Christian social justice activism almost always focuses on racial, gender, poverty and immigrant injustice. Its intentions are often good. Sometimes but not always the results are helpful. But rarely does Christian social justice activism focus on concerns outside the parameters of the secular left. Most Christian social justice activism doesn't discuss the unborn, who clearly are vulnerable. Christianity has always been pro-life, so why the virtual silence? The aged and terminally ill who are increasingly threatened by euthanasia and assisted suicide are also vulnerable yet largely ignored by social justice activism. Christian social justice activists ignore and sometimes even reject defense of traditional marriage and family, along with traditional sexual morality. But Christianity has from the start understood that the protection of children and the dignity of women necessitate stable marriages and families, undergird by chastity. Illegitimacy and divorce are leading contributors to material and spiritual poverty. So why the silence from social justice advocates? Social justice activism obsesses over privilege, and it assumes Christians are privileged, which has been historically true in the West. But it's not true in most of the world, and true less and less in the West. Hundreds of millions of Christians globally contend with persecution or restrictions on their faith. Social justice advocates are almost always silent. Why? And even in the West some Christians, often economically vulnerable, face prejudice and discrimination from big corporations, government and other powerful entities, especially for their views on sexuality. But social justice advocates are either silent or contemptuous. Social justice activism is rightly focused on poverty but mostly concerned about expanding the welfare state, often if unintentionally at the expense of the church and civil society. This prescription of income redistribution implies humans are primarily material and not spiritual beings. Fifty years of rising illegitimacy and family disintegration owe partly to the welfare state. And the chief victims are children lacking mothers and fathers married to each other, about which social justice activism is silent. Distortingly, social justice activism embraces a secular demonization of America and the West as uniquely oppressive. But Christianity teaches all humanity is equally fallen and needful of redemption. Social justice activism largely acquires its laudable desire for human equality from the Western political tradition, yet it is ungrateful. A better informed social justice activism would confront American and Western sins while also admitting blessings. Most of the world lacks reliable rule of law or consistent protections of human rights. Tormenting, imprisoning and murdering dissidents remains all too common globally, about which social justice activism is largely indifferent. Within the lifetimes of many persons now alive multiple societies around the world have conducted genocides murdering tens of millions. Yet social justice activism typically finds fault mainly if not exclusively with America, which had often been the counter to those genocides. Christian social justice activism is usually hostile to America's military strength, upon which much human freedom and defense of human decency depends. It's negative on law enforcement, which along with military protection is God's primary vocation for the state. Police and military injustices and abuses can't be properly critiqued outside affirmation of their divine calling. All persons and human institutions are fallen, and therefore must operate within constraints. But social justice activism is often utopian, damning some institutions while demanding almost total power for others. True Christian social justice seeks racial and economic justice. It wants dignity for all. So it also includes defending the unborn, the aged and terminally ill, marriage and family, religious freedom, civil society, ordered liberty, and private property. It's about God-ordained human creativity & dignity, the public good, gratitude, duty, and not just grievance, entitlement and identity politics. If faithful, comprehensive and realistic, Christian social justice seeks to redeem persons and reform society while always recognizing all are fallen. Only God in Christ will ultimately reclaim and perfect the world. If social justice activists more intentionally incorporate holistic Christian teaching into their advocacy, non liberals will be more persuaded of their cause. Originally posted at Juicy Ecumenism. After Jair Bolsonaro's outrageous statements, why was he so popular with evangelicals? Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro swept to power in part because of the support of Brazil's powerful evangelical movement. A charismatic right-wing populist, he's been compared in that respect to Donald Trump and not just in his politics. Bolsonaro has made comments that have drawn outrage from many who have been deeply alarmed at his views particularly expressed in a country that lacks the deep-rooted democratic traditions and the checks and balances that characterise the US. While Donald Trump has considerable power, he has found to his frustration that he cannot govern by tweet. Jair Bolsonaro, however, has stormed to Brazil's presidency against a background of deep dissatisfaction with the corruption and incompetence of the outgoing leftist PT (Workers' Party). A nominal Catholic who attends a Baptist church, he has done so with the backing of many, though not all, of Brazil's evangelical Christians. They like his support for Israel he has said he will close the Palestinian embassy in Brazil because 'Palestine is not a country', and that his first foreign trip after his victory would be to Israel. After his victory on Sunday night, Evangelical Focus reports, he said referring to his recovery from an assassination attempt: 'I want to thank God for the opportunity, and thank God who, through the hands of the doctors and other medical staff, performed a real miracle.' He appeared with a Bible and a Brazilian Constitution on the table and ended by thanking voters for their 'support, prayers and trust'. He's also opposed the legalisation of abortion, saying on Twitter that, 'The money of Brazilians will not finance NGOs that promote that practice.' According to a BBC analysis, he draws for his wider support on popular demands for security he wants to relax gun laws so that, 'Every honest citizen, man or woman, if they want to have a weapon in their homes depending on certain criteria should be able to have one.' He wants to introduce market-friendly policies to revitalise the economy, and he's also said he wants to pull out of the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change, opening the way for widespread development in the Amazon region. This is regarded with horror by enviromentalists campaigning against deforestation, but has won him the support of landowners and agribusinesses. All this, however, is just normal for a particular kind of politics, however terrifying Bolsonaro's attitude to climate change might be. What is more profoundly troubling, however, is his long record of statements that indicate a detachment from the norms of civilised behaviour. Here's a selection of his statements gathered by The Intercept and Jacobin: 1. 'The pau-de-arara [a torture technique] works. I'm in favour of torture, you know that. And the people are in favour as well.' 2. 'Through the vote, you will not change anything in this country, nothing, absolutely nothing! It will only change, unfortunately, when, one day, we start a civil war here and do the work that the military regime did not do. Killing some 30,000, starting with FHC [then-President Fernando Henrique Cardoso], not kicking them out, killing! If some innocent people are going to die, fine, in any war, innocents die.' 3. 'I will not fight nor discriminate, but if I see two men kissing in the street, I'll hit them.' 4. 'I'm a rapist now. I would never rape you, because you do not deserve it...slut!' (speaking to Congresswoman Maria do Rosario, November 11, 2003). 5. 'I would be incapable of loving a homosexual child. I'm not going to act like a hypocrite here: I'd rather have my son die in an accident than show up with some mustachioed guy. For me, he would have died.' 6. 'I would not employ [a woman] with the same salary [as a man]. But there are many women who are competent.' 7. 'Beyond Brazil above all, since we are a Christian country, God above everyone! It is not this story, this little story of secular state. It is a Christian state, and if a minority is against it, then move! Let's make a Brazil for the majorities. Minorities have to bow to the majorities! The law must exist to defend the majorities. Minorities must fit in or simply disappear!' 8. 'I'll give carte blanche for the police to kill." 9. 'The situation of the country would be better today if the dictatorship had killed more people.' 10. 'Pinochet should have killed more people.' Just a couple of years ago, commentators would have wondered how someone who broke every rule of political discourse could have aspired to high office with the support of evangelical Christians. Now, not so much. But we have learned that evangelicals are prepared to overlook a great many failings in their candidates as long as they hit the right note on the hot-button issues that matter particularly Israel, abortion and homosexuality. What Brazil's future will be like under Bolsonaro and whether Christians will continue to support him if he carries out his more extreme threats remains to be seen. Follow Mark Woods on Twitter: @RevMarkWoods Churches and Christians urged to pray for the media Churches and Christians across the UK are being urged to pray for the media this Sunday, November 4. The Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, and Nicky Gumbel, Vicar of Holy Trinity Brompton, London, and pioneer of The Alpha Course, are among church leaders who have submitted special prayers for the day. The initiative is being promoted by Christians in Media, a UK network and community that supports, encourages and inspires Christians who work in, and with, media. Rev Peter Crumpler, a former communications director for the Church of England's Archbishops' Council, explained: 'As Christians, we affirm and support the media's vital role in our society. We want to promote the highest standards in the media, and give our backing to the vast majority of people working in media as they strive forintegrity and truth. 'Just how tough a job it is to report the news around the world is shown by the deaths of 45 working journalists so far this year higher numbers than previously seen.' Christians in Media believe that, from national newspapers to local and community radio, from websites to specialist publications, from TV networks to blogs, all types of media have a valuable role to play. A thriving global and national media is essential to society. Prayers submitted for the Day of Prayer for the Media include: Lord Jesus Christ, you speak and bring all that is seen and unseen into being: we give you thanks for the gift of the media to reach the far flung places of the earth with messages of hope and life. We give you thanks for those who risk their security and even their lives to expose injustice and to bring news of hope. May they strive to be the bearers of good news that all people may come to know the abundant life for which we have been created; and yet more wonderfully redeemed in Jesus Christ. We offer our prayer in your name, in the power of the Holy Spirit for the glory of the Father. Most Rev and Rt Hon John Sentamu Archbishop of York. Lord, thank you for all those in a position to help 'point our lives in the right direction' and for your Holy Spirit who strengthens us in this endeavour. Thank you for all those working in our local and national media and we ask you to guide them to bring truth, knowledge, wisdom and insight into our personal lives and our national life. Guard them against any who would wish to use them for ill and empower them by your Spirit to stand up for what is good. Rev Nicky Gumbel, Holy Trinity Brompton. Lord Jesus, Pilate once asked you, "What is truth?" Today we ask the same. Fake news? Spin? Poetic licence? Or the desire to reach to the very heart of things: To inform, teach, reflect, ponder this messy business of being human. Guard, guide and protect our journalists. Make them harbingers of truth. And for those who know you as their Lord, heralds of the Gospel of truth. May your Kingdom come. Rt Rev Jan McFarlane, Bishop of Repton and Acting Bishop of Derby, Chair, Sandford St Martin Trust. God of grace, news of your Son spread first amongst the villages of the Galilee, was gossiped about in the streets, ruminated about in the places of debate, sometimes with wonder and intrigue, at other times as fake news, and has since spread to every corner of the world. May your Holy Spirit equip all who work in the media to be seekers after truth, so that our world's headlines and news feeds may draw nearer to your ways of justice, mercy and humility that we see in Jesus Christ. Rt Revd Graham Usher, Bishop of Dudley. Creator God, your Son told his disciples that the Truth would set them free. Help us to seek after Truth in all we do. As communicators, may we pursue Truth with diligence and passion. As readers, listeners and viewers, may we discern Truth from falsehood, and always seek the good of others. As followers of Christ, may we grow more into His likeness, who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. In the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Rev Peter Crumpler, former Director of Communications, Church of England. We need to pray for the media and those working in the industry. Arguably we need to pray for ourselves as consumers. In this era of fast-paced consumption, we need to pray that media professionals refuse to sacrifice accuracy for speed the need to be first and to carry the message rather than market it. Collectively we need to be relentless in the search for truth and objectivity. We need God in this. He's bigger than us the ultimate influencer. Lord, keep us steady; stop us relentlessly career-building and judging ourselves on followers, likes or the numbers in our networks. Help us see the truth and work for its promotion. Forgive us our human self-absorption. Keep at the forefront of our minds the need to understand and respect those we broadcast to and write for. Set us on a path to promote the common good and to help the poor and vulnerable in society. James Abbott, Digital Manager for the Catholic Bishop's Conference for England and Wales. More information about the Day of Prayer for the Media is available here. From sea to stinking sea? America's verbal cesspool 'O beautiful for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain...' So begins one of the best loved patriotic songs in the United States, America the beautiful. And who could argue with that? The natural grandeur of much of the US, whether it's Yosemite Park, the Grand Canyon, or the Niagara Falls to name but a few is simply staggering. But read on through the first verse of that hymn, and we find it concludes with a prayer that God would 'shed His grace' on the country, and 'crown thy good with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea!' And in these terms, right now, America is not a pretty sight. To state the obvious, there doesn't seem to be much brotherhood or sisterhood around. Instead, the US looks ever more divided and ever more violent in its language. It's more America the Baleful with differing groups engaged in an increasingly bitter war of words. Examples abound. We have Donald Trump, just a few hours after the Pittsburgh Synagogue massacre, laying into Democrat Senator Elizabeth Warren in terms more befitting a playground than a president. Equally, we could also point to what was described on CNN as the 'false, nasty, vulgar, personal, uncivil verbal abuse' of Republican Senator Susan Collins in the run-up to the vote on Brett Kavanaugh. And America's verbal cesspool seems to be getting worse. A while back, Scientific American published an article describing how 'Republicans think of Democrats as godless, unpatriotic...elitist latte guzzlers, whereas Democrats dismiss Republicans as ignorant...gun-fondling religious fanatics'. It suggested there were some interesting psychological factors at play, and posited that some simple insights from science could help reduce antagonism. But that was in 2012, long before the further ghastly deterioration of the Trump era. David N Myers, professor of Jewish History at the University of California, said on Monday this week: 'There is a toxic culture of vilification and demonisation that has pervaded American political culture in recent years. Donald Trump did not invent that toxic culture but he has certainly stirred the pot considerably.' The close association of some evangelical Christians with this president is heart-breaking. Words matter. In the New Testament book of James, the writer gives us some stark pictures of the enormous potential ramifications of our speech. He says the human tongue has the potential to be: 1. A forest fire: James makes the obvious comment that 'how great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire'. And, he says, 'the tongue is a fire'. America is ablaze right now. 2. A deadly poison: In case we didn't get that picture clearly, James goes on to say that while 'every species of beast and bird...can be tamed and has been tamed by the human species, no-one can tame the tongue a restless evil, full of deadly poison'. And in 2018, America is saturated with verbal venom. What's the answer? James gives us two very practical solutions: 1. A call to wake up: 'If anyone thinks they are religious,' he says, 'and do not bridle their tongues, their religion is worthless'. Ouch. Did you get that? 'Worthless'. What do your Twitter, e-mail and Facebook accounts (and so on) say about your religion? What do they say about the professed faith of your local congressmen and women? 2. A call to slow down: 'Let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger,' James says, 'for your anger does not produce God's righteousness'. Some e-mails or tweets may be good to write but not to send. Slow down. Pause. Reflect. Listen. Maybe just maybe that person you detest on the opposite side of the political divide is actually saying something worth hearing. Who knows, they might even be right about some things. These things are hard. I know that from personal experience. Many years ago after a college lecture where I had been particularly vituperative towards the speaker in public questioning, a friend said to me, 'You can destroy someone with a sentence'. Not only was it damningly true, but I was even proud of what he said. Over time, however, his words percolated into my soul and prompted a heartfelt desire to change. But it's not easy. We are all work in progress. The song America the beautiful goes on to express the wish for the US that God might 'mend thine every flaw' and 'confirm thy soul in self-control'. It's easy for us all to think the answer is for others to change. But change starts with us. So why not pray for yourself that God would tame your tongue and confirm your own soul in self-control, to use the hymn's words? And then, by all means, pray for others, including politicians both those you support and oppose. So may God bless America. And may God have mercy on it too 'from sea to shining sea'. David Baker is a former daily newspaper journalist now working as an Anglican minister in Sussex, England. Find him on Twitter @Baker_David_A World evangelicals urge prayer for kidnapped Leah Sharibu The World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) together with the Association of Evangelicals in Africa (AEA) and the Nigeria Evangelical Fellowship (NEF) has called for prayer for Leah Sharibu, a Christian girl who has been held hostage by Boko Haram since the beginning of the year. They also urge the Nigerian government and the international community to increase their efforts to ensure that she will be freed as soon as possible. Leah was one of 112 female students abducted from a high school in Dapchi, Yobe State, on February 19. Most of the girls, all Muslims, were released on March 21 following negotiations with the Nigerian government, but five of them died. Leah is the only girl remaining in captivity for almost nine months now because she refused to renounce her Christian faith and convert to Islam. More recently, Boko Haram has executed two humanitarian aid workers and vowed that Leah would be a slave for life. Another Christian woman, Alice Ngaddah, who works with the International Committee of the Red Cross was also captured and will face the same fate as Leah, according to the group. Bishop Efraim Tendero, WEA secretary general, said: 'Leah is a 15-year-old girl who could have saved her life by converting to Islam, but chose not to renounce her faith in Jesus Christ. Instead and at the expense of her freedom she remained strong in her faith and her relationship with Jesus, which serves as an inspiration and role model for all of us. Please join us in prayer for Leah and Alice that they will gain strength, comfort and assurance that they are in the good hands of our God.' He further said that 'as a global body of Christians, we condemn the evil practices of kidnapping innocent girls and humanitarian aid workers, forceful conversion to the faith of captors and forcing them into slavery, and the ruthless killing of hostages. On behalf of our world body we offer our prayers and heart-felt condolences to the families of those who have been killed. And today, we specifically appeal for the immediate release of Leah and Alice that they would be free to live out their lives as they choose.' Commenting on the Christian response to such tragedy that has been on the rise in several parts of the continent, Rev Dr Aiah Foday-Khabenje, general secretary of the Nairobi-based Association of Evangelicals in Africa, said: 'We affirm the dignity and image of God in all humans, as taught by the Christian Scripture. This requires our unconditional obedience to love all people as we do ourselves. We cannot demonstrate God's love better than calling fallen humanity, dipped in sin, to repentance and be reconciled with God through Jesus Christ, our Saviour. Not all may believe and accept this offer but this is the non-threatening message and indeed Good News to our world.' The organisations also called on the government of Nigeria to invest more efforts and resources to free Leah Sharibu, Alice Ngaddah and other hostages, and to put an end to the violence of Boko Haram. The word God is for me nothing but the expression and product of human weakness The story of Albert Einsteins God Letter, his single most famous letter on the subject of God, his Jewish identity, and mans eternal search for meaning, which sold for $2,892,500 a world record for an Einstein letter at Christies in New York Albert Einsteins single most famous letter on God, his Jewish identity, and mans eternal search for meaning was written on 3 January 1954. This private, remarkably candid letter was addressed to Eric Gutkind, whose book, Choose Life: The Biblical Call to Revolt, had been published the year before. Two months after writing to Gutkind, Einstein would celebrate his 75th birthday, declaring that he was a deeply religious non-believer. A year later, he would be dead. During the final years of his life, Einsteins companion was a Czech woman named Johanna Fantova, a curator at Princetons Firestone Library whom he had first met in Germany decades earlier. Fantovas diary from her time with Einstein reflects two sides of the ageing genius: one preoccupied with his deteriorating health, and the other still very much one of the great minds of the century, reflecting on his place in the larger scientific landscape, and still in pursuit of a unified field theory. The famous letter's recipient: Eric Gutkind, the author of Choose Life: the Biblical Call to Revolt (1953). This photograph is included in the lot Choose Life was Gutkinds third book and presented the Bible as a call to arms, and Judaism and Israel as incorruptible. A philosopher, teacher, and writer, Gutkind was born in Berlin and educated at the citys university, where his studies included philosophy, philosophy of religion, psychology, anthropology, physics, mathematics, and sociology. During the course of his career, the writer, teacher and philosopher became increasingly focused on Jewish philosophy. Einstein was unequivocal in his critique of Gutkind's book, which presented the Bible as a call to arms, and Judaism and Israel as incorruptible Einstein had been encouraged to read the book by the Dutch mathematician and philosopher L.E.J. Brouwer (1881-1966), and was unequivocal in his critique of it in his letter to Gutkind. But he also sought to establish a common ground between them, noting that they still agreed on the essentials. He observed diplomatically that he and Gutkind both believed in the importance of a strong moral foundation that rose above self-interest and instead sought to benefit humanity, while rejecting materialism as an end a typically un-American attitude they shared. Einstein, Albert (1879-1955). Autograph letter signed (A. Einstein) to Eric Gutkind, Princeton, 3 January 1954. In German. Two pages, 215 x 280 mm, bearing several autograph emendations; with original transmittal envelope. Sold for $2,892,500 on 4 December at Christie's in New York The reader cannot help but feel the gravitas of the letter, which was written in German and sent from Princeton. Not only does the letter contain the words of a great genius who was perhaps feeling the end fast approaching, it addresses the philosophical and religious questions that mankind has wrestled with since the dawn of time: Is there a God? Do I have free will? The word God is for me nothing but the expression and product of human weaknesses, Einstein wrote to Gutkind, the Bible a collection of venerable but still rather primitive legends. No interpretation, no matter how subtle, can (for me) change anything about this. Despite Einsteins open identification with Judaism, his feelings on it were the same: For me the unadulterated Jewish religion is, like all other religions, an incarnation of primitive superstition. And the Jewish people to whom I gladly belong, and in whose mentality I feel profoundly anchored, still for me does not have any different kind of dignity from all other peoples. As far as my experience goes, they are in fact no better than other human groups, even if they are protected from the worst excesses by a lack of power. Otherwise I cannot perceive anything chosen about them. Baruch Spinozas philosophy, which included a strong sense of determinism, resonated deeply with Einstein Einstein had arrived in Princeton, New Jersey, in 1933 as a refugee with his second wife, Elsa, and became an American citizen seven years later. In 1946, he wrote about being born into an an entirely irreligious (Jewish) family. When the time came for his parents to enrol their young son in school, they defaulted to the most convenient option, a large Catholic school in their neighbourhood called the Petersschule. At the age of nine, he began attending Luitpold Gymnasium, a progressive school that included religious instruction for its Jewish students. Although his family had little tolerance for the ancient superstition of scripture, it was at this point that young Einstein began to develop his own relationship with religion. This manifested itself in a sudden but passionate zeal for Judaism, a short but memorable phase that reached its conclusion with Einsteins exposure to science at around the age of 10. Through the reading of popular scientific books, he wrote years later, I soon reached the conviction that much in the stories of the Bible could not be true. The consequence was a positively fanatic orgy of free-thinking coupled with the impression that youth is intentionally being deceived by the state through lies; it was a crushing impression. Suspicion against every kind of authority grew out of this experience, an attitude that has never left me. When the family business collapsed in 1894, Einsteins parents moved to Italy, leaving him behind in Munich with distant relatives to continue his studies. Unhappy, he soon departed the Luitpold Gymnasium to study briefly in Aarau, Switzerland, before eventually enrolling in Zurich Polytechnic. Einstein believed in a cosmic religion that orchestrated the orderliness and sublime beauty of a great universe The prospect of compulsory military service on turning 17 was the likely reason for his decision to renounce his German citizenship entirely. On his application for Swiss citizenship Einstein listed his religious affiliation as konfessionslos, or non-denominational. Einsteins feelings toward religion would be shaped further and even more definitively during his time in Zurich. He read widely, particularly works by Baruch Spinoza, the 17th-century Jewish Dutch philosopher. Spinoza believed in an amorphous, impersonal God responsible for the orderliness of the universe and the awe-inspiring beauty of nature. This philosophy, which included a strong sense of determinism, resonated deeply with the scientist. The original envelope Over the decades that followed, Einstein would mostly have little to say on religion. Following his Nobel Prize in 1922 and his 50th birthday in 1929, he did begin to speak more openly on his beliefs in interviews and essays though never as definitively as he does in his letter to Gutkind. Einstein had embraced America during his 20 years in the country, and was an admirer of his adopted homes tolerance and respect for free thought, free speech, and non-conformist religious beliefs. His concerns that Hitlers scientists were working on nuclear weaponry had prompted him to leverage his celebrity to alert President Roosevelt of the threat. His 1939 letter to F.D.R. would set in motion government research that resulted in The Manhattan Project. A version of this letter Einstein had written a long and a short version sold at Christies for $2,096,000 on 27 March 2002. Sign up today Christie's Online Magazine delivers our best features, videos, and auction news to your inbox every week Subscribe Thirty-three individual health plans will be offered in Harris County when the sixth enrollment period for Affordable Care Act coverage opens Thursday, according to a preview on healthcare.gov. The landscape for Houston individual exchange plans is mostly unchanged from a year ago, something supporters say is a tribute to the adhesiveness of the health law known as Obamacare that has been under attack from the moment it passed in 2010. Last year there were 34 plans offered, one more than this year. But the number of insurers participating in Houston remains unchanged for 2019 at four. They are: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, Community Health Choice, Molina Healthcare, and Ambetter from Superior HealthPlan. See the plans: https://www.healthcare.gov/see-plans/#/ As in the previous enrollment period all but Ambetter are health maintenance organization (HMO) plans. Ambetter offers a choice of exclusive provider organization (EPO) plans which are similar to HMOs but typically do not cover care outside of the plan's provider network. For the coming year there will be a total of 8 bronze individual plans offered at an average price of $341 per month without a subsidy to lower premium price. Insurers will also offer 17 silver plans, at an average price of $437 per month without subsidy; and 8 eight gold plans at an average monthly cost of $517 without subsidy, according to the healthcare.gov tool shopping tool. For those who qualify, the federal subsidies can substantially lower premium prices. In Texas last year 90 percent of enrollees were eligible for subsidies, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. One notable change for next year is that premium prices in the Houston area have either gone done or risen only modestly. This comes after years of eye-popping increases. Insurers have said their prices have stabilized because they have now better understand who will be covered and can more accurately access costs. RELATED: Wait, What? ACA rates going down next year The law has recently enjoyed a new-found popularity among those worried they could lose coverage or pre-existing condition protections. For 2018 about 1 million Texans signed up for plans. It remains to be seen how the elimination of the penalty for not having insurance will affect enrollment numbers in the coming year. Last year Congress, as part of the tax bill, erased the penalty which in essence also erased the individual mandate, considered a key pillar of the ACA because it spread the risk pool. RELATED: Penalty for skipping insurance will end but could mean more uninsured "There's a pretty substantial consumer demand," said Stacey Pogue, a senior policy analyst for the Center for Public Policy Priorities, an Austin think tank. "Insurers wouldn't have stayed in the market, especially with all the upheaval, if people weren't buying." Enrollment will run from Thursday until Dec. 15. Elizabeth Conley, Staff photographer / Houston Chronicle LyondellBasell grew its third quarter earnings, reporting a profit of $1.1 billion, or $2.85 per share, with its U.S. plastics segment rising 21 percent. That compares with a profit of $1.06 billion, or $2.67 per share, over the same period last year. Construction of a huge new international airport outside Mexico City to replace its overcrowded Benito Juarez Airport has been under way since 2015, but now it looks like the massive project, where $5 billion has already been spent will be abandoned. Mexican president-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador who takes office December 1 --put the question of continuing the $13 billion dollar project to a public referendum, and over the weekend, Mexican voters solidly rejected the new airport by a 70-30 percent margin. (However, the 1 million Mexicans who participated represent just 1 percent of the country's eligible voters, according to press reports.) The vote was non-binding, but Lopez Obrador said he would respect the will of the electorate and cancel the project. He added that the cancellation will save the government billions of dollars. The first phase of the new airport had been expected to open in 2020, with a new 8 million square foot main terminal and three runways giving it a capacity of 68 million passengers a year. By comparison, the existing Benito Juarez Airport handled about 42 million travelers in 2017. Future expansion plans would have given the new airport three more terminals and three additional runways for a total capacity of 125 million. (Atlanta, currently the world's busiest airport, handled a little over 100 million passengers last year.) As an alternative to the new airport, the incoming government is looking at converting a military air base at Santa Lucia 30 miles north of Mexico City into a commercial facility by adding two new runways to it. The new airport was being built on the drained bed of Lake Texcoco, east of the city. It was one of the largest public works projects initiated by outgoing president Enrique Pena Nieto. During the campaign, Lopez Obrador had charged that the airport project was riddled with corruption since many of the contracts awarded for the project had gone to companies affiliated with Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim. Intended to be a global architectural showpiece, the new airport was designed by the firm of award-winning British architect Norman Foster. "At 743,000 square meters, it will be one of the world's largest airports and will revolutionize airport design the entire terminal is enclosed within a continuous lightweight gridshell, embracing walls and roof in a single, flowing form, evocative of flight," the firm said on its website. "The design ensures short walking distances and few level changes, it is easy to navigate, and passengers will not have to use internal trains or underground tunnels it is a celebration of space and light." What do you think? Will a project this size and this far along really be scuttled? Please leave your thoughts (and predictions) in the comments. Read all recent TravelSkills posts here Get twice-per-week updates from TravelSkills via email! Sign up here Chris McGinnis is the founder of TravelSkills.com. The author is solely responsible for the content above, and it is used here by permission. You can reach Chris at chris@travelskills.com or on Twitter @cjmcginnis. Restaurateur Benjamin Berg's local culinary stamp will grow stronger next week when the New Yorker turned Houstonian opens B.B. Lemon across the street from his steakhouse, B&B Butchers & Restaurant. Intended as a casual neighborhood eatery, B.B. Lemon occupies the space that formerly was The Caddy Shack. A complete overhaul of the 1,900-square-foot space has turned it into (at least from first glance) a restaurant reminiscent of the checkered tablecloth pleasures of P.J. Clarke's or J.G. Melon in New York two institutions serving classic burgers, cups of chili, cottage fries, lobster rolls and steak frites to a well-heeled crowd that craves nostalgic comfort foods of prep school days and New England summer vacations. Grown up pub food for the country club set. Berg proved his knack for knowing how Houstonians like to eat with B&B Butchers, opened in 2015, a steakhouse endeavor so successful that Berg was pressed to open a branch in Fort Worth last year. He saw potential in the Memorial neighborhood mainstay Carmelo's too, so he bought it and has been working with his brother, chef Daniel Berg, to hook Houston on a special brand of old-school Italian-American dining. He also is set to open Benjamin, a restaurant in the Star apartment building in downtown Houston. Meanwhile he found the time to launch B.B. Lemon, which arrives Nov. 8 as a fully-formed concept despite being in the long shadow of its big sister restaurant across the street. "This is a place where I'd want to go and hang out," Berg said. "We've put a lot of thought into what our customers like." The menu at Lemon (Berg's person twist on the notion of a new, refreshing spritz of a restaurant) combines the restaurateur's favorite foods from New York and Houston, he said. That means fresh oysters and shrimp cocktail to start, along with blue crab beignets, steak tartare, hot wings and a bowl of chili. Soup and salad options include New England clam chowder served in a bread bowl, French onion soup dripping in brown gruyere, bright red tomato bisque, and classic chef salad and spinach salad with bacon and blue cheese. And then there's the sandwiches that define this style of luxe canteen: patty melts, burgers, lobster rolls, proper club sandwiches and BLTs; fried chicken sandwich, grilled cheese and tuna salad. With access to the best meats in the city and a butcher shop next door, we're guessing the burger is destined for stardom. The list of entrees exemplifies Berg's love for a classic hot plate dinner: corned beef and cabbage, shepherd's pie, fish and chips, and pork schnitzel. And there are bistro refinements in even the most ubiquitous dishes: sliced Cajun-flavored chicken fanned out against a mound of simple salad greens; steak frites wearing a drizzle of sauce Bernaise butter and served with crispy cottage fries; chopped steak au poivre; and a fluffy, all-day omelet. Retro desserts look like kid-in-candy-store fun: root beer float, banana pudding, cheesecake and brownie a la mode. Berg has tapped Eric Johnson as head chef. Johnson comes to the project from a series of chef-driven pop-up events at Grand Prize Bar. His resume includes Fino Restaurant (that's where he met his wife, Lexey Davis, who is Berg Hospitality's head sommelier), Vino Vino and Asti Trattoria, all in Austin. Also on the team is Monique Cioffi-Hernandez who is serving as beverage director. She joins Berg after working at Liberty Kitchen & Oysterette and Field & Tides. Her cocktail menu for Lemon includes drinks such as Earnest Desire (rum, Luxardo, lime and grapefruit), Uptown Kiss (vodka, lemon, mint orgeat and Topo Chico) and Belle of the Ball (gin, lemon, lavender and sparkling wine). B.B. Lemon's interior is split into two distinct dining rooms that can accommodate 76; a 22-seat brass bar; and a patio. Given Berg's track record, it could be a tight squeeze at this Lemon. B.B. Lemon, 1809 Washington, 713-5554-1809; bblemon.com. Will be open Monday through Wednesday 11 a.m. to midnight; Thursday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. 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. Heavily armed police officers swarmed a small Heights park Tuesday afternoon, keeping parents on edge and children locked inside their nearby school. The incident unfolded at the corner of Harvard Street and E. 23rd Street as a man sat in his car near Halbert Park. The suspect, 55-year-old Leonardo Brown, was eventually forcibly taken into custody, according to Houston Police Department SWAT Capt. Larry Baimbridge. Earlier in the afternoon, someone saw Brown alone in his car and called 911, saying that he had a gun and looked like he was going to shoot up the park. Neither of those things were true, Baimbridge said. IN CUSTODY: Police arrest mother of 2-year-old girl who reportedly went missing Officers still responded to the report and tried to speak with Brown, who would not get out of the car. After refusing to exit his car, the officers called HPD's SWAT team to take him into custody. Hamilton Middle School, about a block away, was placed on lockdown as a precaution, Houston ISD officials said. The lockdown has since been lifted. As SWAT barked orders at Brown to come out of the car, Joseline Sandoval was anxiously waiting for the situation to end so she could take her daughter out of the school. She missed her shift at work waiting to get her daughter, she said. "This is a safe neighborhood. It's the Heights," Sandoval said. She was shocked to see such a heavy police presence, which included SWAT officers in full tactical gear, several long guns and two heavy-duty SWAT trucks. Those trucks eventually pinned either side of Brown's car, making it immobile. That gave SWAT officers the chance to swoop in and take the man into custody, Baimbridge said. He initially resisted their efforts to arrest him, so officers fired what Baimbridge called "non-lethal" rounds at him. He persisted, so a K9 officers was sent into to tackle Brown. The pup was unable to stop Brown from trying to break free, so officers resorted to shooting their stun guns. The electric shock knocked Brown to the ground, and he was immediately handcuffed and taken into custody. Officers did not find a weapon or anything else illegal inside Brown's car but instead found a power converter, which they believe is what the 911 caller saw thinking it was a gun. The relatively peaceful ending was a happy occasion for Maryjane Garcia, who waited patiently for her sister inside Hamilton Middle School. "Everyone handled everything the way they should have," Garcia said after Brown was in custody. Nothing turned violent, no one was gravely harmed, so I think it turned out pretty well." Brown, who lives in the Austin area, has several arrests on his record, Baimbridge said, including multiple arrests in Houston. He was hospitalized for the dog bite but will be likely booked in jail on a resisting arrest charge as soon as he's discharged, Baimbridge said. 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 | Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message The Houston area will have another General Sam Houston statue this week when a new 15-foot-tall, 16-foot-long piece sculpted by legendary artist David Adickes will debut in Baytown. Set to be officially dedicated on Tuesday evening in Baytown in the middle of a city roundabout, the sculpture along San Jacinto Boulevard and Hunt Road is Adickes' third commissioned piece in the area of Houston. THROWBACK ART: New Houston mural honors downtown's 'Produce Row' roots Big Sam will be depicted on horseback, much like Enrico Filiberto Cerrachi's Sam Houston Monument that has been on display near Hermann Park since 1925. In Adickes' piece titled "Onward" he is riding Saracen, his horse that was killed at San Jacinto in 1836 and the decisive battle in the war for Texas Independence. Michael Paulsen/HC staff Sculpting heroic, loving renditions of the Texas independence hero, and former president and governor of the Lone Star State are nothing new for Adickes. "Growing up in Huntsville, Sam Houston was in our DNA," Adickes said Tuesday. His great-great-grandfather knew Houston personally as he was the area postmaster. HOUSTON ART: Sculptor David Adickes updates Houston on the status of some of his very visible public art The massive Sam sculpture along I-45 North is likely his most famous and visible work, and a bust of Houston presides over traffic as a part of Mount Rush Hour just north of downtown. Adickes said that Houston and Saracen took about a year to construct out of steel and concrete, like most of his other pieces, and weighing in at around four tons. Steve Ueckert/Houston Chronicle According to the city of Baytown, the statue had to be transported in four pieces and was put together on site in this past week. The platform the horse and rider sits on is made of Cor-Ten weathering steel. CITY TIMELINE: The first time everything happened in Houston, from hurricanes to highways The city said this week that the statue symbolizes Baytown "honoring its industrial path and moving on to a new Baytown where people who live here can be proud of their city." The title of the piece, "Onward," also applies to Baytown itself as it looks to re-brand and renovate. Adickes, nearing 92 years of age, shows no signs of stopping making art. . He's currently working on placing a companion piece to the famous "Virtuoso" cello piece downtown somewhere in Texas and he's also developing a piece called "Houston Forever" that he describes as "stylized" and "abstract" and will be 50-feet-tall. It will be lit by brilliant LED lights, he said, and sure to become another Instagram hit. Craig Hlavaty covers Houston history and pop-culture. Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, HoustonChronicle.com. | craig.hlavaty@chron.com | Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message Garcia Hamilton & Associates, the largest independent bond management firm in Texas, continues to get bigger. The Houston-based firm said with the addition of a newly signed client that joins its roster in November, it will for the first time surpass $12 billion of assets under management. The client, which Garcia Hamilton said preferred to not be named, brings an additional $700 million to the firm's managed assets. Total under management by the firm will be $12.4 billion. The firm first crossed the $1 billion-mark in assets managed in 2008. Garcia Hamilton is an institutional money management firm with about 270 clients nationwide. Most of its investors are public pension funds that provide retirement for teachers, firefighters and other city employees. The average account for the firm is about $38 million. It has one international client, a $650 million mutual fund for Japanese retail investors. Michael Ciaglo, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Early shale developer Chesapeake Energy said Tuesday it is acquiring Houston's WildHorse Resource Development for $3 billion in cash and stock. Oklahoma City-based Chesapeake is scooping up WildHorse, which is exclusively focused on exploration and production in the northeastern corner of the Eagle Ford Shale closer to College Station. In addition to its 420,000 acres in the region, WildHorse also is about to open a sand mine in the area to service its hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, of wells. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 30) The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) fined 209 establishments in Boracay for violating environmental laws. On Monday, the DENR said that their Pollution Adjudication Board (PAB) found 110 of the 209 firms in the popular tourist destination violated Section 1, Rule 19 of Republic Act 8749 or the Clean Air Act. Under the rule, all sources of air pollution must have a valid Permit to Operate while new or modified sources must first obtain an Authority to Construct. Seventy-two other firms were found to have no discharge permit for water pollutants, under Section 27(c) of RA 9275 o Clean Water Act. The remaining 27 firms had other unspecified violations in the said laws. The establishments were fined between 10,000 and a million pesos based on the duration of their violation. In total, the fines amounted to 43 million. "We at the DENR believe that anyone who pollutes or destroys the environment must pay the cost for that destruction," PAB presiding officer and DENR Undersecretary Rodolfo Garcia said in a statement. Until the fines are paid and other environmental laws are observed, Garcia said the establishments will not be granted permits to operate. "We will continue to monitor all establishments and impose the necessary penalties should they be found breaking laws," he added. Boracay was closed for six months until it was opened to tourists on October 26. President Rodrigo Duterte had ordered the closure due to the island's environmental state. Jeff Wheeler /Minneapolis Star Tr /Jeff Wheeler /Minneapolis Star Tr Frac sand miner and supplier Hi-Crush Partners saw its profit fall in the third quarter compared to last year. The Houston-based company posted earnings of $26.5 million, or 30 cents a share, for the third quarter ending Sept. 30. That is down 10.9 percent compared to the $29.8 million, or 33 cents a share, it earned in the same period of 2017. Houston-based McDermott International said Tuesday it plans to sell its storage tank and U.S. pipe fabrication businesses for more than $1 billion next year. The decisions come from a strategic review conducted after the energy engineering and construction firm acquired The Woodlands-based CB&I earlier this year. The two business units account for more than 5,300 workers out of McDermott's global workforce of about 40,000 people. Hosted by the Islamic Arts Society, the fifth annual Islamic Arts Festival will feature work from 45 artists at the Masjid AlSalam Mosque, including refugees from Afghanistan, Syria and other countries. Calligraphy, patterns, landscapes, ceramics and other artwork will be featured at festival which will be hosted on Nov. 10 and 11. This year, we are trying to feature the art of some refugees. Some of the artwork I believe is coming from overseas, but the majority of it is local. They have some wonderful talent and we just wanted to showcase their art at the festival, said Shaheen Rahman, director of outreach for the Islamic Arts Society. The event will also feature live demonstrations of calligraphy, Turkish paper marbling and henna. Visitors can also get a tour of the mosque, meet artists and purchase meals from food trucks. Attendance has increased since the festival was first hosted in 2012, with about 5,000 visitors attending in 2017. A new location may be selected in the future to accommodate more visitors, Rahman said. Want to go? The Islamic Arts Festival will feature paintings, calligraphy, woodwork, ceramics and other activities at Masjid AlSalam. Cost: Free When: Nov. 10 and 11 Time: 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Where: 16700 Old Louetta Road, Spring, TX See More Collapse Our main goal is to reach out to the broader Houston community. Its educational as well as to build bridges. We try to do that through art. Art is a common language. It helps us facilitate dialogue. Islam has a rich history of art that we just dont hear about in the media, she said. The festival will be hosted at Masjid AlSalam at 16700 Old Louetta Road in Spring on Nov. 10 and 11 from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.islamicartssociety.org or e-mail info@islamicartssociety.org. mayra.cruz@chron.com The Cleveland City Council approved a bid and contract with Synagro to complete a Basin Cleaning Project at the West Wasterwater Plant on Oct. 23 at City Hall. Synagro, which is a Baltimore-based company, received the $149,000 bid for the project that will take 10 days to complete. The city of Cleveland was handed a violation by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Now, it is taking care of the problem. It feels good to be able to move forward and take care of this project and put it behind us, said Cleveland City Manager Kelly McDonald. The main thing that I have been worried about is TCEQ. Those violations can be steep and we dont need to pay a violation if we can move forward and get it taken care of. Synagro will take care of biosolids that need to be taken away from the plant. During Hurricane Harvey the biosolids created more of an issue with the water plant with the debris. TCEQ can start with fines up to $20,000 per day and could go up to much more, according to McDonald. The project will be paid from the citys water and sewer budget fund, according to McDonald, and it might require a budget amendment in the future. Cleveland was put under a Boil Water Notice on June 25 after main water breaks that resulted in lowering pressure systems. Recovery funds from Harvey The council also approved a $323,161 Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recover funds from Hurricane Harvey. The grant has been awarded by the Texas General Land Office to the city. We have talked about some different ideas for funding, whether its goes to generators, improving our city facilitates, water and sewage upgrades or the replacement of roads, McDonald said. It something that we will have more discussion about in the future. chris.shelton@chron.com S&P Global Ratings has reaffirmed the city of Deer Parks AAA-bond rating with a stable outlook. The rating was assigned to the citys Series 2018 certificates of obligation, which will allow Deer Park to issue the bonds at a favorable interest rate, according to a city press release. According to S&Ps report, the AAA-bond rating reflects commitment to maintaining very strong reserves, which provides substantial financial cushion for fluctuations In in commodity prices related to the petrochemical industry. The report indicates S&P expects Deer Park to see continued economic growth and subsequent tax revenue gains. City Manager Jay Stokes said the rating affords the city a financial status claimed by few Texas municipalities. This re-affirmed AAA-bond rating reflects strong financial management, strong budgetary performance and flexibility, and a strong institutional framework, and these achievements would not be possible without the cooperation of our entire staff and leadership team, Stokes said. For more information, visit www.deerparktx.gov. A man faces DWI charges after taking an 18-wheeler on a chase through west and northwest Harris County, all while a woman and two children were inside the vehicle, authorities said. The 37-year-old driver was arrested, and no one was seriously injured, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said. These drunk drivers are wreaking havoc on our roadways, putting themselves and others at risk, the sheriff said. OUT OF CONTROL: Houston is 'ground zero' for drunken and drugged driving The sheriffs office was alerted to a possible drunken driver in an 18-wheeler around 10 p.m. Monday. Deputies began following the driver near Clay, and he took deputies on an hour-long pursuit, Gonzalez said. The pursuit went up to northwest Harris County and then back to west Harris County. During the chase, the man tried running over deputies with the big rig, and spikes were deployed without having any immediate effect, according to the sheriff. The driver was traveling at speeds between 30 and 60 mph. The spikes ripped through the mans tires, and he eventually stopped west of Waller County, on Interstate 10 and Igloo Road. He was arrested and faces charges of DWI with a child passenger, aggravated assault with a motor vehicle and evading arrest. Deputies found that the man had a woman and two children, 1 and 8 years old, in the 18-wheeler during the chase, Gonzalez said. This was a very, just reckless, dangerous situation that the driver embarked on, he said. Gonzalez reported a minor accident with one of the patrol deputies, and another deputy who injured a hand while deploying spikes. When Kade Polidori and Andrew Steeg were planning their joint ninth birthday party with their moms, someone threw out the idea of party gifts benefiting Spring Branch ISD students who are still feeling the effects of Hurricane Harvey. They jumped at the chance. The boys, third graders at Hunters Creek Elementary School, collected about $500 in gift cards at their early-September party. They delivered the cards to Cece Thompson, executive director of Spring Branch Education Foundation. Last year, SBEF raised $1,045,932 to benefit SBISD faculty and student families who were displaced by Hurricane Harvey. There arent enough words to describe their generosity. Kade and Andrew are extraordinary young men, Thompson said. We will share the cards with Communities In Schools Houston, which partnered with us in the Harvey Relief Fund. CIS will donate the gifts to families who need help with food, clothing or school supplies. The cards will make a huge difference in a students life. Kades mother, Amy Polidori, will never forget the kindness of friends who helped when their home flooded during Hurricane Harvey. On top of gutting their home, doing laundry and donating cleaning supplies, they managed to put together a birthday party for Kade. One mom provided a cake, another balloons, another party favors, another a venue. Kades celebration was an act of community love pure and simple. She said, The gift cards are a way we can give back to a community that gave us so much during a very difficult time. SBEF did amazing things for those affected, and I knew it would be the perfect group to find families still in need as a result of Harvey. A woman died while biking in west Harris County on Monday after a driver hit her and didnt stop to render aid. A pickup truck struck the bicyclist around midnight as they were both traveling southbound in the 2300 block of Elrod, east of the Grand Parkway near Katy, said Sgt. Simon Cheng of the Harris County Sheriffs Office. The Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security is warning residents of potential severe weather as children head out to trick or treat Wednesday. Beginning around 1 p.m. a cold front will push through the area causing strong thunderstorms which could become severe throughout the evening. According to the OEM, it is likely that all of southeast Texas will receive 1 to 2 inches of rainfall, some areas could experience rainfall amounts in the 3 to 5-inch range. With the already saturated grounds, street flooding could be possible, said Cynthia Jamieson, homeland security planner with the county. Use caution when driving especially at night as it may be difficult to see high water on roadways. If you hear thunder you need to begin making your way home and seek shelter. If you see lightening seek shelter indoors immediately. According to the National Weather Service, the chance of rain increases throughout the day to 70 percent. High will be 82 degrees with a low of 57 degrees. The high Thursday will 64 with the low 47. National Weather Services Lighting myths and facts: Myth: If outside in a thunderstorm, you should seek shelter under a tree to stay dry. Fact: Being underneath a tree is the second leading cause of lightning casualties. Better to get wet than fried! Myth: If trapped outside and lightning is about to strike, I should lie flat on the ground. Fact: Lying flat increases your chance of being affected by potentially deadly ground current. If you are caught outside in a thunderstorm, you keep moving toward a safe shelter. Myth: If you're caught outside during a thunderstorm, you should crouch down to reduce your risk of being struck. Fact: Crouching doesn't make you any safer outdoors. Run to a substantial building or hard topped vehicle. If you are too far to run to one of these options, you have no good alternative. You are not safe anywhere outdoors. To receive emergency alerts to your phone or email from Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management, register at http://www.mc911.org/page/ecd.AlertMCTX. When you are creating your profile, you must check the box next to Share my Smart911 Profile with TXMontgomery-County-911 to support emergency preparedness. U.S. Rep. Pete Olson, R-Texas, was recently questioned about his choice of words in identifying his main opponent in the race for the 22nd Congressional District seat. At a campaign event at La Cocina restaurant in Richmond on Oct. 23, Olson began by touting his and his partys accomplishments in a video posted to YouTube. In less than one-half year, our GDP has gone up 4.2 percent, Olson said. Thats Ronald Reagan GDP. He spoke out the lowest ever unemployment for Hispanics, African Americans and Asians. He spoke about the military, NAFTA and international affairs, including North Korea and Canada. Olson then turned his sights on his opponent, Democrat Sri Preston Kulkarni, comparing him to U.S. Senate candidate Beto ORourke, a Democrat seeking to unseat incumbent Republican Ted Cruz. My opponent like, Robert Francis ORourke, wants to get rid of ICE, Olson said. That means open borders. That means drugs come across to poison kids in record numbers weve never seen. That means trafficking humans, labor slaves, thats bad for America and Texas. POLITICAL ANALYST: Younger Harris County voters turn out to polls in force Olson recounted a recent President Donald Trump rally where the chant CNN sucks was repeated by thousands. It was awesome, Olson said. After speaking, Olson was taken to task by one of the attendees who asked, Why is it awesome that they chanted CNN sucks? Im confused by that. Because CNN sucks, Olson replied to laughter. He added it was because they are liberal. Theyre lying, someone in the audience chimed in. They arent telling the truth. Youre a CNN fan? Olson asked the woman. I just dont think that shouting that a media organization sucks is a positive political statement, the woman replied. Sometimes we have to have fun, Olson said. The woman then asked about Olsons characterizing Kulkarni by race. Its a little bit like when you said your opponent is an Indo-American carpetbagger, the woman asked. Why did you say that, in particular. Im confused by that. Why would you mention his race? Olson then crouched down in front of the woman and said, Thats his race. Carpetbagger is not a race. By definition, a carpetbagger is a political candidate who seeks election in an area where they have no local connections. Kulkarni grew up in the Houston area and graduated from the University of Texas. He claims Sam Houston a descendant through his mother. Why would you refer to someones race as being a negative when youre talking about them? the woman asked. FORT BEND: Republicans take heat for political ad featuring Hindu deity Carpetbagger is not racist, Olson replied. I was called a carpetbagger over and over and over because I moved back here for congress just like my opponent did. Olson was born in Washington and his family moved to the Seabrook area and graduated from Clear Lake High School. He graduated from Rice University and later UT. The woman in the video ended with I dont understand why politics has to be like CNN sucks. Why is that a positive? Neither Olson or Kulkarni could be reached for comment. Also on the District 22 ballot are Libertarian John McElligott and independent Sara Kellen Sweny. Early voting is currently underway. The General Election is Tuesday, Nov. 6. The 22nd Congressional District includes most of Fort Bend County, including portions of Katy, southeastern Harris County and portions of Galveston County. See the video in its entirety here. rkent@hcnonline.com Houston ISDs priorities for next years state legislative session likely will include many usual suspects school finance reform, funding for safety enhancements, reducing emphasis on standardized testing along with one new point of advocacy. District officials want legislators to make significant changes to a law passed in 2015 that punishes districts with at least one chronically low-performing school a threat that has loomed over HISD for the past year. A draft report of the districts legislative agenda, discussed at a Monday school board meeting and scheduled for approval early next month, shows HISD officials would lobby legislators to change the law to make it more favorable to larger school districts. Under the law, commonly known as HB 1842, any school district with a single campus regardless of the districts size receiving five straight improvement required state ratings for poor academic performance must incur one of two sanctions: forced campus closures or replacement of the locally elected school board. HISD narrowly avoided those punishments in August, when four long-struggling campuses all met state standard after four-plus consecutive improvement required ratings. However, another four HISD schools must all meet standard in August 2019 to avoid triggering sanctions. HISD could temporarily surrender control over those four campuses in 2019-20 to stave off those punishments for at least two years, though no such proposals have been made. HISD officials have argued the law lacks proportionality, given that it has 280 schools that could repeatedly fail to meet standard, while other districts have just a few. District officials are expected to advocate legislators change the law to set a percentage of schools in a district possibly 10 percent that must chronically fail before triggering sanctions. I dont think thats bad advocacy, because 1 percent of (low-rated) schools is still not bad, HISD Trustee Wanda Adams said. District administrators were not available to comment Monday on their legislative priorities, an HISD spokeswoman said. The districts recommendations, however, could face difficulty gaining traction. HB 1842 passed with bipartisan support from 85 percent of legislators though some education leaders have suggested many Democrats were not aware of the bills consequences. Supporters of HB 1842, including members of the Legislatures Republican majority in both chambers, have argued the law forces school districts to address habitually low-performing schools after years of neglect. Dax Gonzalez, a spokesman for the Texas Association of School Boards, or TASB, said changes to HB 1842 are not among his organizations priorities headed into Januarys legislative session. Still, Gonzalez said TASB leaders would prefer the Texas Education Agency which carries out the sanctions law avoid handing down harsh punishments. We would like to see the (TEA) commissioner rely on other turnaround methods, such as partnering with institutions of higher learning, as opposed to swapping out the board wholesale, Gonzalez said. HISD Trustee Sue Deigaard advocated Monday for removing advocacy for HB 1842 changes from the districts platform, arguing the law is a non-issue if we do our job. It might hurt us as we are advocating for all these other things in our legislative agenda, Deigaard said. In addition to pushing for HB 1842 changes, HISD officials would advocate for several funding changes: lowering local tax burden, increasing state contributions to education funding, allocating more money for costlier-to-educate student populations and providing resources for full-day pre-kindergarten. District officials also would seek dedicated funding for increased security measures police officer training, mental health personnel and security vestibule construction, among others and including more non-test-related factors in the states academic accountability system calculations. Gonzalez said those points of emphasis mirror district priorities across the state. jacob.carpenter@chron.com twitter.com/chronjacob When problems arise during elections, most of Harris County turns to Assistant County Attorney Douglas Ray and a team of attorneys and investigators to find a solution. Most of the problems Ray has been getting called about during this early voting season have to do with the 100-foot line that keeps candidates and supporters from campaigning too close to the polls. A teenager who allegedly fled after fatally striking a homeless man with his brand-new BMW is now facing a felony, police said. The crash happened shortly after 8 p.m. on Oct. 18 near the intersection of Gessner Road near Westview Drive. A 16-year-old was driving north on Gessner when he struck the homeless man crossing the street, according to Houston Police Department Sgt. Robert Klementich. DOMESTIC INCIDENT: YouTube star arrested in Houston after allegedly assaulting actress After hitting the man with his car, the teenager drove to his nearby home, where he told family members what happened, Klementich said. Police say he drove off as soon as he hit the homeless man and did not stop or render aid. Paramedics with the Houston Fire Department rushed the homeless man to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Those family members drove the boy back to the crash scene, where he spoke with investigators. He told police he thought he hit a street sign, Klementich said. He was also visibly upset while talking to authorities about what happened. Since the teenager fled the scene, all that initially was left for police to investigate was a broken mirror, a pool of blood and two shoes laying in the middle of the intersection. But police later had the BMW towed back to the crash site to investigate the damage. A portion of the front right bumper was dented, and part of the windshield on the driver's side had impact damage as well. The teen was briefly put in the back of an HPD cop car, but was not immediately charged and was instead released back to his family members. After consulting with the Harris County District Attorney's Office, detectives charged the teenager with failure to stop and render aid, a felony. Authorities arrested him Friday, police said. Police did not release his identity or booking photo since he is a minor. 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 | Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message The Woodlands Township took the next step toward possibly adding a new bus route from the township to several destinations along Interstate-10 in the Energy Corridor during an Oct. 24 meeting when the board approved a request to seek grant funding for the proposed route. Chris LaRue, director of transit services for The Woodlands, had given a prior presentation to the board members during an Oct. 18 meeting, but because Director John McMullan who had inquired about new bus routes was not at the meeting, the board members that were present deferred action on the item until Oct. 24. With the 5-0 vote, the township board approved applying for what LaRue described as a CMAQ grant, which refers to congestion-mitigation and air quality reduction. The grant is offered through the Houston-Galveston Area Council and would fund 80 percent of the costs of the new route for the first three years with the township funding 20 percent those years and then 100 percent of the costs in years four and five, LaRue explained during his two presentations how numerous companies and firms had relocated from the downtown center of Houston to new offices and locations farther west on I-10 in the Energy Corridor area. Employees of those companies that had previously ridden the Woodlands Express bus service suddenly had no public transit to use for the more than 50-mile and one-hour drive to the new offices. After a survey was circulated at the companies, LaRue said township transit officials discovered more than 350 workers in the township who would use a bus service to eight stops in the Energy Corridor if one were offered. On Oct. 24, he updated the board with more information, noting that he had learned Lummus Technologies was closing its Woodlands office and relocating to the Energy Corridor, taking with it 50 to 60 additional workers who may be interested in the bus trip. The potential route would stop at eight location between Highway 6 and the Kirkwood exit, taking at least an hour one-way. The route was expected to cost $13 roundtrip, and LaRue said it would need at least 200 riders per week to break even cost-wise. McMullan, as well as township board Chairman Gordy Bunch, asked LaRue several questions about the proposal, how the new route would be paid for, what the cost of a round-trip ticket would be, and if there was both a need for the new route and also if those who may utilize the service were actual residents of The Woodlands. The total cost of the program was listed at more than $2.3 million in the first three years of the program, with roughly $1.87 million paid for by H-GAC and more than $461,000 being paid for by the township. In years four and five, the township cost was listed at nearly $1.5 million. There was a complex formula used to determine the costs, as well as a potential fare price, which irked McMullan. I think this is a really complex issue, McMullan added. Bunch suggested asking the companies where the bus riders work to help pitch in funding for the program, noting that it would help their businesses if a bus service was available. That caveat was added to the motion to approve applying for the grant, which will now be sent to H-GAC for consideration. LaRue said he believed the companies being served would be amenable to helping provide local match funding. The support for (the new route) from employers down there is good, LaRue said. jeff.forward@chron.com Will Michigan voters have green on their minds next week at the polls? Marijuana supporters are hopeful, as they anticipate impressive tax revenue -- as high as $520 million over the next five years -- for the state if voters approve recreational marijuana sales. In Massachusetts, state officials also have money on their mind -- the millions the state is losing each month by delaying the start of adult-use marijuana sales, two years after voters approved it. It's a tale of two different states with two different priorities -- but both aiming for the same goal. Related: What Will Happen if the U.S. Legalizes Pot Like Canada? A Mind-Boggling Economic Boon, That's What. Michigan awaits In Michigan, voters will consider Proposal 1 on the November ballot. If passed, it will legalize recreational marijuana sales statewide. This could be a boon for the state's economy. The Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, one of the groups backing the legalization effort, recently projected that legalization of adult-use marijuana will bring in $134 million in state taxes in 2023 alone. In total, they estimate marijuana taxes would reach $520 million in the first five years after sales begin. The taxes would come from a 10 percent excise tax on marijuana, according to Ballotpedia. There's been precedent for these kind of numbers. Other states have seen an enormous influx of cash from marijuana. Washington, which has about two million less people than Michigan, collected about $319 million in marijuana taxes and license fees in 2017, according to the state treasurers office. But the excise tax is much higher at 37 percent. Colorado, which also is smaller than Michigan in population, collected about $247 million in marijuana taxes and fees in 2017, the states Department of Revenue reported. Colorado has a 15 percent marijuana excise tax and a 10 percent tax on marijuana sales, reported Ballotpedia. According to the ballot proposal, tax revenue in Michigan would be sent to local governments. The money would pay for local government operations, improvements to schools, and road and bridge repair and maintenance. Related: Exclusive: New Report Estimates Over $1 Billion In Cannabis-Derived Taxes For Nevada Massachusetts waits Meanwhile, in Massachusetts, leaders have grown concerned about not raking in the marijuana tax money they had counted on for the current fiscal tax year. Thats because Massachusetts, which approved legal recreational marijuana in November 2016, still has not launched its program. State officials now believe they are weeks away from the first dispensary being allowed to sell to the public. Massachusetts has been unusually slow to act. In comparison, Nevada had its program launched by July 2017 and California by January 2018. Voters in both of those states also approved adult-use sales in November 2016. Whats the holdup? There have been many, but the latest roadblock has been a slow licensing process for marijuana testing facilities. Sales were expected to start last July. Proponents of the measure said the state is losing about $176,000 a day since then. Thats an issue as state officials had hoped marijuana taxes would help to balance the state budget in 2019. Now they're hoping to finally bring the earnings just like their beloved Red Sox. Follow dispensaries.com on Instagram to stay up to date on the latest cannabis news. Related: As Michigan Awaits Millions in Marijuana Tax Revenue, Massachusetts Still Waits Utah State Senator Live Streams Taking Gummies for First Time Latest Gallup Poll Finds a Big Majority of Americans Support Legal Marijuana Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved The GOP's bid to win an Indiana Senate seat held by a Democrat could turn on how President Donald Trump's trade war is rippling through the state's economy. Trump's tariffs, which are altering prices for items such as steel and soybeans, have made the state the epicenter in the battle over trade in advance of the Nov. 6 election. The issue is weighing heavily on a tossup U.S. Senate contest between Democratic incumbent Joe Donnelly and Republican Mike Braun. Trade has been mentioned more often in broadcast TV ads in the race than in any other Senate contest, according to data from Kantar Media's CMAG, which tracks political advertising. Through Oct. 8, the issue had been referenced in 13,655 general election spots in Indiana, more than three times as often as the next closest Senate race. The state illustrates the issue's complexity. As the nation's top steel producer with a large agricultural economy, some are benefiting from Trump's tariffs on metal imports, even as farmers and manufacturers are being hurt by the duties and retaliatory tax on U.S. exports. Indiana is Vice President Mike Pence's home state and among 10 states that Trump won in 2016 where incumbent Democrats are defending their Senate seats. Polls, fundraising and independent analysts suggest Republicans retain an advantage in keeping control of the Senate as Democrats have to defend 26 of the 35 seats on the ballot. Democrats are poised to make significant gains in the House that could give them a majority. In Indiana, both candidates have ties to local companies that have used Chinese imports or Mexican labor as part of their operations, triggering charges and counter-charges of outsourcing U.S. jobs. Braun, whose campaign continually refers to Donnelly as "Mexico Joe," even criticized the incumbent for using an ax that may have been made in Mexico in an ad where he's shown chopping wood. Indiana, which Trump won by 19 percentage points, ranks first nationally for non-farm employment tied to manufacturing and it's also one of the top producers of corn, soybeans and pork. That combination has put the state at the center of the U.S. trade war with China. Even before his tariffs, Trump made his first major trade-related move, as president-elect, by traveling to Indianapolis to claim victory when Carrier Corp. backed away from moving hundreds of factory jobs to Mexico after receiving government incentives to keep them in the state. He'd frequently criticized the closure plans during the 2016 campaign. The Senate candidates are set to debate for a final time Tuesday evening in Indianapolis as a CBS News poll released over the weekend showed Braun with a lead of 3 percentage points, within the survey's margin of error. Trump visited the state Saturday and is set to return there twice before the election. While trade is a nearly constant topic at Trump rallies, the advertising data show the issue's use in this year's campaign hasn't been very widespread. After Indiana, the next closest Senate races for mentions of trade in general election TV ads are North Dakota (3,917), Ohio (2,386) and Wisconsin (2,322). Trump won all four states. In House contests, trade has been most often mentioned in New York's 22nd congressional district, where 1,262 general election spots referenced it through Oct. 8. Trump easily won the upstate district in 2016, but the race between Republican Representative Claudia Tenney and Democrat Anthony Brindisi is rated as a tossup by the nonpartisan Cook Political Report. In Indiana, where the September unemployment rate was 3.5 percent, the escalating trade war has benefited some businesses, while hurting others. It isn't hard to find winners and losers in Elkhart, an Indiana community of about 52,000 near the Michigan border that's home to manufacturers and suppliers that build the vast majority of recreational vehicles sold in the U.S. At the Elkhart Supply Corp., a plumbing and electrical supply company, sales for some of the products it produces for the RV industry are up, now that similar goods made in China are facing tariffs. For others in the area, there's worry that the added costs associated with tariffs on imported steel and aluminum will hurt the RV industry. "We're not happy about it," said Mark Kritzman, who works in purchasing for an RV manufacturer. "The biggest concern is the uncertainty." Trump won the industrial Midwestern states of Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Michigan, in part, because he connected with working-class voters who thought both parties had abandoned them on economic issues like trade. Donnelly and Braun have sought to channel his success with those voters. A recent Donnelly ad shows the senator standing next to a pickup truck's bed filled with cardboard boxes containing auto parts sold by Braun's company with "Made in China" stickers on them. "I voted against every bad trade deal that hurts Hoosiers," Donnelly says. "Mike Braun has used those same trade deals to outsource Hoosier jobs to China." Braun, a former member of the Indiana House and a multi-millionaire whose company employs hundreds of workers at dozens of U.S. locations, has repeatedly criticized a business connected to Donnelly's family that used Mexican labor and Chinese materials. Donnelly's ad seems oversimplified to Rock Mohr, a Republican-leaning purchasing manager at Elkhart Supply Corp. "It's not really fair to say those products are made in China," said Mohr, 58. "There are a few odd parts you just can't afford to manufacture here." Ryan Kominakis, 32, a union worker at a U.S. Steel Corp. plant in Gary, said he supports Trump's moves on tariffs, even though he doesn't support the president. He's backing Donnelly. "He's a conservative Democrat," he said. "He has tried to support us steel workers." Ryan Marks, 36, another northwest Indiana resident who sells large industrial equipment, also praised the president's tariffs. "The tariffs have been good for our business," he said. "I think Braun understands how trade needs to be fair and I think Donnelly is just touting the party line." Dairy giant Land O'Lakes is set to announce Tuesday that it will no longer make financial contributions to Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa after, a gun-fueled massacre at a Pittsburgh synagogue brought new attention to King's incendiary comments about race and association with white nationalism. The murder of 11 people, many elderly, in the mass shooting this weekend resulted in the arrest of a man who allegedly made anti-Semitic and anti-immigrant rants online. King has been at the forefront of a right-wing push to end birthright citizenship, a policy President Donald Trump said in an interview with Axios he would seek to enact despite protection of the right under the U.S. Constitution. King recently tweeted his endorsement of Faith Goldy to be the next mayor of Toronto. Goldy has been tied to white supremacists and was interviewed by the neo-Nazi website Daily Stormer. She also attended the white supremacist Unite the Right Rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, last year, during which a counter-protester was run down and killed. "The Land O'Lakes Inc. PAC has traditionally contributed to lawmakers of both parties that represent the communities where our members and employees live and work and are also on committees that oversee policies that directly impact our farmer owners," the company said in a statement. "We take our civic responsibility seriously, want our contributions to be a positive force for good and also seek to ensure that recipients of our contributions uphold our company's values. On that basis, we have determined that our PAC will no longer support Rep. King moving forward." On Monday, Judd Legum, author of the newsletter Popular Information, asked why the company had given $2,500 to King. It was retweeted 11,000 times and liked 22,000 times. Many responses included consumers saying they would stop buying the brand. King recently denied that he is anti-Semitic, according to The Washington Post. A call to King's campaign seeking comment wasn't immediately returned. Iowa is a center for American agricultural production, ranking first in corn and egg production and raising a third of the nation's hogs. Other agricultural contributors to King said they haven't decided whether to stop financial support for King. The National Pork Producers Council contributed $1,000 through King's leadership PAC in the 2018 cycle, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. It's support was specific to the Protect Interstate Commerce Act, said spokesperson Jim Monroe, who emphasized that the group donates to Republicans and Democrats alike. "Obviously, these are very serious allegations," he said, regarding King's associations with white nationalism. "We are always evaluating our PAC contributions and will continue to do so." The United Egg Producers said their work with King was narrowly focused on his role representing Iowa, the No. 1 egg producing state, and as a member of the House Agriculture Committee, according to spokeswoman Hinda Mitchell. The group, which according to the website Open Secrets made a $2,500 contribution to King's leadership PAC for 2018, declined further comment. Tyson Foods and the International Dairy Foods Association didn't respond to requests for comment. FARGO, N.D. (AP) A North Dakota man was sentenced Monday to life in prison for conspiring to kidnap a baby that his girlfriend had cut from their neighbor's body and lying to police about it, but with a chance at parole that the slain woman's mother said he should not have. "We want justice. He deserves a life sentence. I don't think this man should ever walk free," Norberta Greywind, mother of 22-year-old Savanna Greywind of Fargo, said of William Hoehn. "He betrayed our family. He looked us in the eye with a straight face while our daughter lay dead in his apartment. Please don't ever consider letting him out." Hoehn, 33, was found not guilty last month of conspiracy to commit murder in Savanna Greywind's August 2017 death. Brooke Crews admitted that she sliced Greywind's baby from her womb and is serving life in prison without the possibility of parole in that killing. CHILDREN ABANDONED: Houston mother leaves kids at a store Hoehn denied knowing anything about Crews' plan to kill Greywind and take her baby. But he admitted to hiding the newborn and giving false information to law enforcement to cover up the crime. Hoehn apologized during the hearing, saying his actions were "impossible to justify." "I could have and should have brought closure to this tragedy as soon as possible," he said. "Instead, I made it worse by helping." Hoehn had faced a maximum 21 years behind bars on the conspiracy and lying counts, but state Judge Tom Olson on Monday granted prosecutors' request to label Hoehn a dangerous offender, enhancing his maximum sentence to life with the possibility of parole. Defense attorney Daniel Borgen, who had asked for a seven-year prison sentence, could not immediately be reached for comment. Crews testified during Hoehn's trial that she concocted a phony pregnancy because she was afraid of losing him, and that when he figured out she was lying, he told her she needed to produce a baby. Crews said she took that as an ultimatum. Crews said she never explicitly told Hoehn what she planned to do, but she also said that when he arrived home to find a newborn and a bleeding Greywind, he twisted a rope around Greywind's neck to make sure she was dead. A coroner was unable to determine if the cause of death was strangulation or blood loss. "Savanna would have been an amazing mother, and she was an awesome daughter," Norberta Greywind said in her victim impact statement to the court. "This man took something that can't be brought back. He devastated our family. Every day is a struggle." Crews testified during Hoehn's trial that officers missed Greywind's body and her baby during three searches of the couple's apartment. Police eventually found the baby alive in the apartment, and the child is in the care of her father. Greywind's body was found by kayakers several days after she was killed, shrouded in plastic and dumped in the Red River. Attorney Gloria Allred, who represents the Greywind family, criticized the police investigation in remarks outside the courtroom Monday. "How could the police have searched and failed to find Savanna's body and the baby earlier? These questions demand answers," she said. Fargo Police Chief David Todd has defended the investigation, saying officers during their initial searches were looking for a missing person, not a hidden body. He also has said his department dedicated dozens of personnel to the case that included the use of airplanes, boats and police dogs. Pittsburgh The man charged in the Pittsburgh synagogue massacre was brought into court in a wheelchair Monday, as some members of the Jewish community and others objected to President Donald Trump's plans to visit, accusing him of contributing to a toxic political climate in the U.S. that might have led to the bloodshed. With the first funerals set for Tuesday, the White House announced that Trump and first lady Melania Trump will visit the same day to "express the support of the American people and to grieve with the Pittsburgh community" over the 11 congregants killed Saturday in the deadliest attack on Jews in U.S. history. Some Pittsburghers urged Trump to stay away. "His language has encouraged hatred and fear of immigrants, which is part of the reason why these people were killed," said Marianne Novy, 73, a retired college English professor who lives in the city's Squirrel Hill section, the historic Jewish neighborhood where the attack at the Tree of Life synagogue took place. Meanwhile, the alleged gunman, 46-year-old truck driver Robert Gregory Bowers, was released from the hospital where he was treated for wounds suffered in a gun battle with police. Hours later he was wheeled into a downtown federal courtroom in handcuffs to face charges. A judge ordered him held without bail for a preliminary hearing on Thursday, when prosecutors will outline their case. He did not enter a plea. During the brief proceeding, Bowers talked with two court-appointed lawyers and said little more than "Yes" in a soft voice a few times in response to routine questions from the judge. Courtroom deputies freed one of his cuffed hands so he could sign paperwork. He was expressionless. "It was not the face of villainy that I thought we'd see," said Jon Pushinsky, a congregant who was in court for the hearing. Federal prosecutors are pressing for the death penalty against Bowers, who authorities say expressed hatred of Jews during the attack and later told police, "I just want to kill Jews" and "All these Jews need to die." After the hearing, U.S. Attorney Scott Brady called the shootings "horrific acts of violence" and added: "Rest assured we have a team of prosecutors working hard to ensure that justice is done." The weekend massacre which took place 10 days before the midterm elections heightened tensions around the country, coming just a day after the arrest of the Florida man accused of sending a wave of pipe bombs to Trump critics. The mail bomb attacks and the bloodshed in Pittsburgh set off debate over whether the corrosive political atmosphere in Washington and beyond contributed to the violence and whether Trump himself bears any blame because of his combative language. Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, a Democrat, said the White House should contact the victims' families and ask them if they want the president to come. He also warned Trump to stay away when the first funerals are held. "If the president is looking to come to Pittsburgh, I would ask that he not do so while we are burying the dead," Peduto said. "Our attention and our focus is going to be on them, and we don't have public safety that we can take away from what is needed in order to do both." The White House did not immediately respond to the mayor's request. Asked if Trump has done enough to condemn white nationalism, spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said he has "denounced racism, hatred and bigotry in all forms on a number of occasions." Some looked forward to the president's visit. Tree of Life Rabbi Jeffrey Myers said that Trump is "certainly welcome." "I am a citizen. He is my president," Myers told CNN. But Barry Werber, 76, who hid in a dark storage closet as the gunman rampaged through the synagogue, said he doesn't want Trump to come to Pittsburgh. He said Trump is trying to "instigate his base," and "bigots are coming out of the woodwork." Kristin Wessell, a homemaker who lives near Squirrel Hill, also said Trump should steer clear of Pittsburgh, to let the victims' families "grieve how they see fit." "A lot of his comments are very much dog whistles to nationalists and white supremacists and racists," said Wessell, a Democrat. PITTSBURGH -- It was supposed to be Nancy Merenstein's first day back at synagogue after staying home to take care of her disabled husband for weeks. For the longtime resident of Squirrel Hill - the hub of Pittsburgh's dynamic Jewish community - Tree of Life synagogue has become a second home, one that reflected the neighborhood's communal spirit. But she decided to stay with her husband for one more Saturday, even though it would mean she would miss the weekly lunch - challah, cheese, salads, tuna fish, dessert - shared by the synagogue's two main communities, Dor Hadash and Tree of Life. It was a fateful decision. The synagogue would become the scene of the deadliest attack on Jews in U.S. history. Eleven were killed - including Merenstein's fellow Dor Hadash congregant Jerry Rabinowitz. "My 24-year-old grandson was saying that this is the first example of his life in anti-Semitism. It's shocking to him. But not to me," said Merenstein, 80. "The times we live in now make me think about Nazi Germany and how Nazism arose among people. It scares me." The deadly attack Saturday shattered the sense of peace and safety in Squirrel Hill. But the response has been true to the local spirit - politically spirited and resilient. But the aftershocks have unsettled others throughout the nation. Generations removed from the horrors of the Holocaust, American Jews are now forced to deal with the kind of brutality that originally drove many of their families to the United States. Lingering on the edges of the tragedy are age-old questions that drill into the core of Jewish identity and play into existing religious and cultural divides: How to balance security and accessibility? Should Jews be an outward-facing community - or more inward-looking? These debates have characterized Jewish religious life since the Holocaust and been inflamed by recent attacks on Jews in Paris and Brussels. The questions have become unavoidable - and urgent - as Squirrel Hill works to absorb the recent violence. Asked to describe the Squirrel Hill Jewish community in one word, Judy Grumet, a professor of psychology at the University of Pittsburgh, said: "Heimisha." The Yiddish colloquialism - meaning friendly and folksy - was used by several others to describe a suburban community that was first settled by Eastern European Jews 90 years ago and whose brown-brick homes and leafy streets now represent the heart of Pittsburgh's Jewish life. "This is a place where everyone knows everyone, where if you need a favor you can just drop by and ask," Grumet said. The suburb and surrounding neighborhoods are home to almost 60 percent of the city's 50,000 Jewish residents, according to a 2017 Brandeis University study. They have long felt at ease expressing their faith. But even the most traditional communities are not immune to change. While Squirrel Hill remains a vital node of Jewish life, but since 2002, "a greater share of [Jewish] newcomers has chosen to live in other areas within the region," according to the Brandeis study. Murray Avenue, a main artery of Squirrel Hill's Jewish community, is still home to stalwart businesses like the Murray Avenue Kosher grocery store and Pinskers Books & Judaica shop. But newer businesses - including a gluten-free bakery and a vape shop - catering to a younger generation of residents and local college students have replaced many of the older establishments. Still, every Friday, dining rooms glimmer with the light of Sabbath candles. Every fall, front lawns are lined with ritual tents to celebrate the week-long holiday of Sukkot. Kosher cuisine is such an established part of the scene here that a beloved local pizza restaurant - Milky Way - has an iPhone app to cater to demand for kosher pies and calzones from Jews and non-Jews alike. Above all, Squirrel Hill Jews are recognized for their inclusiveness. Residents are not split by the denominational divides that typify other suburban Jewish communities. The neighborhood mikvah - ritual bath - is open to all Jews, rather than those of the Orthodox persuasion alone. Jewish congregations of different religious outlooks also share buildings and are intimately involved in the others' communal life. "Jews here are far more interested in including you than they are asking questions that divide us up," said Wendy Kobee, a 55-year-old Dor Hadash member. Few places embody this community spirit more than the Tree of Life complex. The main congregation is a relatively mainstream conservative Jewish community. Dor Hadash, a smaller group of professionals and academics, is geared toward social justice, with regular programming on topics such as the environment and prison reform. New Light is an older congregation established a century ago by Romanian Jewish refugees. "All three of them are relatively small synagogues," said Emily Rook-Koepsel, a Dor Hadash member. "Most of our [Dor Hadash] services are lay-led, so you have people helping set up folding chairs and stuff. Tree of Life has a rabbi, and there you have people coming in and meeting with each other. New Life is a lot of elderly people, so you have people helping each other downstairs." Their sacred space was still off-limits Sunday afternoon, wrapped in police tape and surrounded by camera crews. They had become refugees in their own city. So members of the Dor Hadash congregation gathered at East Liberty Presbyterian Church, a little over a mile away to comfort each other in privacy. Fifty were expected, but 200 arrived on Sunday, ducking out of the falling rain into the church's social hall. "More and more people kept showing up," Stan Angrist, 85, recalled. "And many of them were not members of Dor Hadash. But we were happy to have them." Hummus and pita, crudites and cookies were laid out for anyone with an appetite. They read poems and uttered prayers, shared stories about the dead and updates on hospitalized survivors. Tears rippled through the crowd. They reached for a popular Hebrew saying - "Am Yisrael Chai" - for strength. The phrase means "the people of Israel live." Ultimately, this inclusive and socially progressive group of American Jews were forced to wrestle with what would come next. "Do we stop everything or do we continue life?" said Wendy Kobee, a 55-year-old Dor Hadash member. "We continue living. This will not define us." The impact of violence at Tree of Life quickly ricocheted throughout the tight community. On Saturday, people who were not at the synagogue ran to other congregations to warn them. Others rushed across the street to tell their neighbors to stay inside. Pia Naiditch, a 28-year-old interior designer and mother of three, watched in horror on Saturday as police cars raced through the streets. She feared they would turn down the route that, just a few minutes before, her husband and son had taken as they made their way to synagogue. Naiditch's family was unharmed, but the jolt of fear reawakened an old unease. She had always worried something like this would happen. Jews - even in America - never feel entirely secure, Naiditch explained. History has been too unkind to them for them to ever feel entirely settled. "When I go to synagogue, I am on guard, watching the doors," she said. "I've always been like this. I don't tell people, because I sound crazy. But I'm really not crazy, because these things happen." Rook-Koepsel said she had picked up a distinct rise in anti-Semitism before Saturday's attack - a shift she ties to the acrimonious edge of current American politics. "It's certainly more prominent than it has been in many years," she said. "I think many people have been given permission by leadership to be more hateful than they would have previously. And I think that has led to violence. This is not the first time, and it won't be the last time." As American Jews now struggle to find a safe way forward, the search for security threatens many of the very open-arms values that defined Squirrel Hill. "I think that security is going to become a big discussion in the Jewish community for sure," said Rabbi Yossi Rosenblum, director of the Yeshiva Schools of Pittsburgh. "We don't want all the doors locked, we want the doors open. . . . We want people to be welcome to come in." For Rook-Koepsel, the shooting should not knock Jews from their path of social consciousness. "It's a very important part of a synagogue to think about the world and the best changes we can make in the world," she said. "The last couple of hours, we've been thinking the best way to honor those that were lost is by voting and talking to people about making the world better." GLEN ALLEN, Va. - The 2018 midterms are a referendum on Donald Trump, who has been omnipresent on Twitter and television during the homestretch and seems to suck up all the political oxygen on the national stage. That's why Republicans are poised to pad their majority in the Senate, where the battlegrounds are red states the president carried by double digits two years ago. And it is why Democrats are favored to win the House, where control will be decided in suburbs where Trump has never been popular. But many Democratic candidates in the country's most hard-fought congressional districts barely talk about the president. They think he is loathed enough on the left that they don't need to throw red meat to raise money or attract volunteers. They're worried that if they spend their time attacking Trump, voters won't know what they stand for. And they're trying to woo moderates who want a check on the president without more gridlock or divisiveness. As the map of competitive races has expanded, there are also plenty of toss-up contests where the president isn't as unpopular as one might presume. It all adds up to a jarring disconnect a week out from the election between the conversation at the national level and the one on the ground in places like this suburb of Richmond. Trump's name, for example, did not come up once during a 90-minute campaign event here Saturday night for Democrat Abigail Spanberger. The former CIA operations officer is challenging Rep. Dave Brat, who toppled then-House Majority Leader Eric Cantor in a GOP primary four years ago. Two dozen people fanned out across six plush leather couches arranged in a circle in the middle of a strip-mall barbershop for a freewheeling roundtable discussion. Spanberger was joined by Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine, who is coasting to reelection against Republican challenger Corey Stewart two years after Hillary Clinton tapped him as her running mate. Attendees could ask whatever they wanted and were encouraged to chime in. Health care was the No. 1 concern, followed by education. The unchoreographed back-and-forth covered issues from how to make middle school more useful for children to improving the juvenile justice system, increasing access to Small Business Administration loans and making it easier to launch start-ups. After the event, Spanberger said it's "100 percent" normal for no one to bring up Trump in settings like this, and she does not do so either. "That's one of the things I've had to contend with is, when people kind of talk at me about my district, making sure that's not a talking point," she said in an interview. "We talk about the anger, and we talk about divisive rhetoric. All of that points in his direction, of course. The highest leadership sets the tone. He's set a tone that a lot of people find inappropriate and lacking decency, but it doesn't have to be about him." She said there are "notable exceptions," identifying Trump's summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki, his tariffs and his child separation policy as three moments when she has unabashedly called out the president. Trump carried this district by six points in 2016, as Brat was reelected by 15 points. Of Virginia's 11 House seats, this is one of four that Democrats could realistically pick up next week. It has become a national bellwether because it captures in miniature many of this cycle's dynamics: an impressive young female challenger running for the first time (a 39-year-old mother of three), who is outraising the incumbent and making inroads in a fast-growing suburban district that has leaned Republican. Kaine said it's smart for candidates not to talk much about Trump because they don't need to. "My theme on my campaign is 'A Virginia that works for all,' " the senator said in an interview. "That's not a Trump thing. When I talk about the 'for all' thing, I do point out that we've got a president who is a for-me guy, not a for-all guy. So I'll do a little bit. But Donald Trump, you can say this about him, has one of the lowest percentages of people who are undecided about him of anybody ever. So if you spend a lot of time talking about him, you're wasting your time. People know what they think about him. "At a Democratic event, you can get a lot of applause by talking about Trump - criticizing him for this and for that," he continued. "But when they're walking to the car, they'll say to themselves, 'Wait. Wait. What are they going to do for me?' I think an important thing for the Dems is to really be on our front foot about saying, 'Here is what matters to us and here's what we're doing.' " Looking back on the 2016 campaign, Kaine said that "there should have been much, much more of that." "I'd be getting talking points from the Clinton campaign every day," he said. "And it would be, 'Here's what we're going to say about Trump today.' And I'd say, 'No, here's what I'm going to say about Hillary today. And then I'll say that thing about Trump.' But the overall thinking was that Trump was a clear and present danger to the country, which he was. That was all accurate, but there wasn't enough being on the front foot. And you've got to be on the front foot." Kaine's perspective was striking because a Republican strategist in Washington who is involved in decisions about House spending expressed concern in a conversation Friday that Brat is partly in peril because he's not giving Virginians reasons to vote for him. The concern among the consultant class is that Brat's messaging seems to be dominated by grievance and self-pity that they fear comes across as whining and off-putting to a swath of the voters he must win over. Two weeks ago, while visiting a nearby jail, Brat compared the struggles of drug addicts doing hard time to the attack ads he's been absorbing from Democrats. "You think you're having a hard time? I got $5 million worth of negative ads going at me," Brat told the inmates. "How do you think I'm feeling? Nothing's easy. For anybody. You think I'm a congressman. 'Oh, life's easy. This guy's off having steaks.' . . . Baloney." He later told the inmates, "You got it harder - I'm not dismissing that." A new poll from Christopher Newport University shows Spanberger's careful approach to Trump paying dividends, with 46 percent of likely voters supporting her and 45 percent backing Brat. The survey from the Wason Center for Public Policy found that Spanberger's lead is wider among voters who said they were definitely going to vote, though that number was also within the margin of error. Trump's approval rating in the district is 47 percent, with 51 percent disapproving. Overall, 43 percent strongly disapprove of the president's performance, compared with 30 percent who strongly approve. A 16-point "enthusiasm gap" could be determinative: 78 percent of Democrats say they are "very enthusiastic" about voting, but only 62 percent of Republicans do. These numbers indicate that the energy is there for Spanberger without her needing to tee off on Trump. She noted that 622 volunteers canvassed for her around the district on Saturday. Many came from parts of Northern Virginia without competitive races. "With typical Democratic-voting people who may not vote in midterms or who may not even vote every four years, we've been really intentional about making sure that those voters know that this race is winnable," she said. "Especially in a historically Republican district, part of the hurdle is a lot of people just don't get out and vote if they don't think there's any reason to vote. So we've made sure people know we've moved it to a toss-up. A toss-up means we could win or he could win so you have to vote. I think we've had a fair amount of success with that." WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump is vowing to sign an executive order that would seek to end the right to U.S. citizenship for children born in the United States to noncitizens, a move that most legal experts say would run afoul of the Constitution and that was dismissed Tuesday by the House's top Republican. The action, which Trump previewed in a television clip broadcast Tuesday, would be the most aggressive by a president elected to office pledging to take a hard line on immigration, an issue he has revived in advance of next week's midterm elections. "We're the only country in the world where a person comes in, has a baby, and the baby is essentially a citizen of the United States for 85 years with all of those benefits," Trump said during an interview with Axios scheduled to air as part of a new HBO series starting this weekend. "It's ridiculous. It's ridiculous. And it has to end." In fact, more than 30 countries, including Canada and Mexico, have similar policies. Leading Democrats and immigrants rights activists blasted Trump's promise Tuesday. And House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., also dismissed the idea during a radio interview, saying it is not consistent with the 14th Amendment of the Constitution. "Well, you obviously cannot do that," Ryan said on WVLK in Kentucky. "You cannot end birthright citizenship with an executive order." Ryan also said that Republicans did not like it when President Barack Obama changed immigration policy by executive action and that altering the Constitution would be a lengthy process. Other Republicans said that while birthright citizenship for children of permanent residents is settled law, there is, as Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley of Iowa put it, "a debate among legal scholars about whether that right extends to the children of illegal immigrants." Grassley added that the issue is one on which Congress, rather than the president, should take the lead. Whether or not the contemplated move is legal, Trump seemed to welcome the controversy his comments ignited. The White House has been intent on stoking a debate over immigration as a way to motivate Trump's base to turn out for the midterm elections, in which Republicans risk losing the House. In recent weeks, Trump has also repeatedly called attention to a migrant caravan making its way toward the U.S.-Mexico border, invoking it as a symbol of what he sees as wrong with the U.S. immigration system and blaming Democrats for a lack of action. Trump, who has long decried "anchor babies," has sought occasionally for months to end birthright citizenship, telling advisers that many migrants are making the dangerous crossing into the United States only so their children can become citizens, according to a former White House official who discussed the matter with the president. The president often tells aides to craft executive orders - even when his authority is legally dubious. Former White House counsel Donald McGahn and former staff secretary Rob Porter often battled with the president over the orders, telling him they would bring lawsuits, White House advisers said. In the Axios interview, Trump said he has discussed ending birthright citizenship with his legal counsel and believes it can be accomplished with executive action. "It was always told to me that you needed a constitutional amendment. Guess what? You don't," Trump said. When told that view is disputed, Trump asserted: "You can definitely do it with an act of Congress. But now they're saying I can do it just with an executive order." "It's in the process. It'll happen with an executive order," he added, without offering a time frame. The president's lawyers and top advisers have questioned whether such a plan is legal, but it has gotten vociferous support from Stephen Miller, Trump's top immigration adviser, who often channels the president's impulses. Still, many White House officials - including Sarah Sanders, the press secretary - were startled when Trump promised such an order Monday evening in the Axios interview, according to current and former White House officials. The idea had not been under active consideration in recent days, the officials said. There were some discussions Tuesday in the West Wing about whether there is any legal standing to limit birthright citizenship. But most officials hope the issue "just goes away," a White House official said. "It was not part of some grand midterm plan," the official said. Congressional leaders and those involved in the midterms were not briefed on any plan before Trump announced it, GOP aides said. The president has told a number of his political advisers that he wants to get immigration back into the news. People close to the White House Counsel's Office were taken aback by Trump's comments about their own operation's supposed guidance, since their leadership is in transition and major immigration initiatives have not been in the works, according to one person briefed on internal discussions. New White House counsel Pat Cipollone is still transitioning to his post, and McGahn has been gone for weeks, with Emmet Flood, the interim leader of the counsel's office, mostly focused on the special counsel probe, the person added. The Justice Department declined to comment on the legality of what Trump vowed, referring questions to the White House. Trump's comments to Axios were cheered Tuesday by some fellow Republicans, including Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who has long sought to end birthright citizenship. "This policy is a magnet for illegal immigration, out of the mainstream of the developed world and needs to come to an end," Graham said, adding that he would introduce legislation toward that goal. Others, including House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., called Trump's promised move an attempt to divert attention from health care, which Democrats have sought to make the leading issue of the elections. "President Trump's new claim he can unilaterally end the Constitution's guarantee of citizenship shows Republicans' spiraling desperation to distract from their assault on Medicare, Medicaid and people with pre-existing conditions," Pelosi said in statement. Omar Jadwat, director of the ACLU's Immigrants' Rights Project, said Trump was engaged in "a transparent and blatantly unconstitutional attempt to sow division and fan the flames of anti-immigrasnt hatred in the days ahead of the midterms." Trump's proposal was also panned by Rep. Mike Coffman of Colorado, one of the most endangered House Republicans in the country. "I hate to break the news to President Trump, but the Supreme Court isn't going to let him rewrite immigration law by executive fiat, nor should they," Coffman said Tuesday night. An executive order would be certain to spark a constitutional debate about the meaning of the 14th Amendment. It reads: "All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside." Legal scholars have widely interpreted that to mean that anyone born on U.S. soil automatically becomes a natural-born citizen. Yet it is unclear how the current Supreme Court would view the issue, a point Vice President Mike Pence underscored in an interview Monday morning with Politico. "I think the president is looking at executive action," Pence said during the live-streamed interview. "We want to look in the broadest way possible at American law that may be used as a magnet to draw people into our country." Pence dismissed critics who say Trump's recent rhetoric on immigration is an election ploy. "It is not," he said, adding, "Let's recognize we have a crisis on our southern border." In the Axios interview, Trump incorrectly asserted that the United States is the only country that offers birthright citizenship. NumbersUSA, a group that favors reduced immigration, has compiled a list that shows 33 nations grant citizenship to anyone born within their borders. The list includes Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and most other countries in Central and South America. The United States and Canada are the only two "developed" countries, as defined by the International Monetary Fund, that have unrestricted birthright citizenship laws. Trump announced his planned executive order as his administration prepared to take several other steps to address immigration in advance of the midterm elections. Homeland Security and Pentagon officials said Monday that they will send 5,200 troops, military helicopters and giant spools of razor wire to the Mexican border in the coming days to brace for what Trump is calling an "invasion" of Central American migrants. Among those criticizing Trump's planned executive order ending birthright citizenship was conservative commentator Bill Kristol, editor at large of the Weekly Standard. "The shrinking caravan of refugees isn't a threat to the country or the constitutional order," he wrote on Twitter. "A president who tries to end birthright citizenship by executive order is." A Pew Research Center poll taken shortly after Trump launched his presidential bid in 2015 found that 60 percent opposed changing the Constitution to prohibit the children of people who are not legal residents from becoming citizens. Thirty-seven percent favored changing the Constitution to end "birthright citizenship." --- The Washington Post's Robert Barnes, Scott Clement, Seung Min Kim, Sean Sullivan, Erica Werner and Matt Zapotosky contributed to this report. --- Video Embed Code Video: In 1898, the Supreme Court ruled that citizenship belonged to everyone born on American soil. (The Washington Post) Embed: --- Video Embed Code Video: In 1898, the Supreme Court ruled that the children of immigrants who were born in the United States had the right to citizenship-even if their parents weren't citizens themselves.(The Washington Post) Embed code: WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump is planning to sign an executive order that would seek to end the right to U.S. citizenship for children of noncitizens born on U.S. soil, he said in a television interview taped on Monday. The move, which many legal experts say runs afoul of the Constitution, would be the most aggressive yet by a president elected to office pledging to take a hard line on immigration, an issue he has revived in advance of next week's midterm elections. "We're the only country in the world where a person comes in and has a baby, and the baby is essentially a citizen of the United States for 85 years with all of those benefits," Trump said during an interview with Axios scheduled to air as part of a new HBO series starting this weekend. "It's ridiculous. It's ridiculous. And it has to end." Trump, who has long decried "anchor babies," said he has discussed the move with his legal counsel and believes it can be accomplished with executive action, a view at odds with the opinions of many legal scholars. "It was always told to me that you needed a constitutional amendment. Guess what? You don't," Trump told Axios. When told that view is disputed, Trump asserted: "You can definitely do it with an act of Congress. But now they're saying I can do it just with an executive order." "It's in the process. It'll happen . . . with an executive order," he said, without offering a time frame. The move would be certain to spark a constitutional debate about the meaning of the 14th Amendment. It reads: "All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside." Legal scholars have widely interpreted that to mean that anyone born on American soil automatically becomes a natural-born citizen. In a National Review column last month, for instance, New York lawyer Dan McLaughlin wrote that there are "fair grounds for debate" about the wisdom of the policy but little doubt on the law. "A proper originalist interpretation of the U.S. Constitution, as presently written, guarantees American citizenship to those born within our borders, with only a few limited exceptions," McLaughlin wrote. Some other scholars have argued that the case for birthright citizenship is based on a misreading of the 14th Amendment, which was drafted in relation to former slaves following the U.S. Civil War. Michael Anton, a former national security official in the Trump administration, recently sought to advance that argument in a Washington Post op-ed, writing that the "notion that simply being born within the geographical limits of the United States automatically confers U.S. citizenship is an absurdity - historically, constitutionally, philosophically and practically." In the Axios interview, Trump incorrectly asserted that the United States is the only country that offers birthright citizenship. NumbersUSA, a group that favors reduced immigration, has compiled a list that shows 33 nations grant citizenship to anyone born within their borders. The list includes Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and most other countries in Central and South America. The United States and Canada are the only two "developed" countries, as defined by the International Monetary Fund, that have unrestricted birthright citizenship laws. Trump's acknowledged his planned executive order as his administration prepared to take several other steps to address immigration in advance of the midterm elections. Homeland Security and Pentagon officials said Monday that they will send 5,200 troops, military helicopters and giant spools of razor wire to the Mexican border in the coming days to brace for what Trump is calling an "invasion" of Central American migrants. The troop deployment appears to be the largest U.S. active-duty mobilization along the U.S.-Mexico boundary in decades and amounts to a significant militarization of American border security. The U.S. is raising pressure on Saudi Arabia to wind down its political and economic isolation of Qatar, according to three people familiar with the effort, as the kingdom finds itself under scrutiny over the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. President Donald Trump has said little about Saudi Arabia's role in the death of the U.S. resident and onetime Saudi insider-turned-critic since being briefed last week by CIA Director Gina Haspel. But the administration wants to see Saudi Arabia resolve the Qatar crisis and take similar steps toward its widely criticized war in Yemen, according to one U.S. official who, like the other people cited in this story, asked not to be identified. Officials at the Saudi embassy in Washington and the White House communications staff didn't immediately respond to requests for comment. The killing of Khashoggi and Saudi Arabia's shifting explanations for what happened after he entered the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2 have focused attention on Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's policies and raised questions among critics about whether he's fit to succeed his father, King Salman. The crown prince controls all levers of power in the world's biggest oil exporter. The Gulf feud hasn't had the economic impact on Qatar that Saudi Arabia had envisioned in June 2017 when the kingdom, together with the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain severed their diplomatic and transport links with Qatar, the world's biggest exporter of liquefied natural gas. With the help of its own deep pockets and alternative trade routes, Qatar has weathered the embargo, economists have said. "If the renewed attempt at getting both countries to engage in dialogue results in a resolution, this would indeed lift some investor concern with regards to geopolitical risk and uncertainty in the region," said Carla Slim, an economist for Standard Chartered Plc in Dubai. "Such a boost to sentiment would translate to markets." In what appeared to be a shift in tone on the 16-month crisis in Qatar, Prince Mohammed last week acknowledged the resilience of Qatar's "strong economy" and forecast it would be one of the countries in the region capable of changing for the better in the next five years. "Even Qatar, despite our differences with them, has a very strong economy and will be very different" in the next five years, the prince said at an investment summit in the Saudi capital as he explained his vision for the Middle East's place in the world. Even before Khashoggi's death, the U.S. found itself in a difficult situation over the Qatar crisis and the war in Yemen. Qatar is a U.S. ally that hosts a key American military base. Former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson repeatedly tried without success to negotiate a resolution to the crisis. Trump initially endorsed the Saudi argument that Qatar is a backer of terrorists before tempering his stance. The war in Yemen has been just as problematic for the U.S. The conflict -- which has pitted the world's biggest oil exporter against Houthi rebels in the poorest Arab nation since March 2015 -- has degenerated into a humanitarian disaster, according to the United Nations. The U.S. has faced criticism as having a responsibility in the conflict because of its military support for Saudi Arabia, including providing intelligence, training and targeting information. While the U.S. has condemned Khashoggi's killing -- Trump called it "one of the worst in the history of cover-ups" -- the president and his top aides have repeatedly signaled that the broader U.S.-Saudi relationship, including billions of dollars in military sales, shouldn't be put at risk over the journalist's death. Asked Monday what action the U.S. has taken almost four weeks after Khashoggi's disappearance, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders told reporters that "the administration is considering what action we'll take moving forward" after Haspel gathered more intelligence and briefed the president. In the meantime, Saudi Arabia and Turkey continue to feud over whether 18 suspects in Khashoggi's death will be handed over to Ankara. Saudi Arabia's foreign minister said on Saturday that it won't extradite any suspects to Turkey, despite calls by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to do so as a sign of goodwill. "The individuals are Saudi nationals, they are detained in Saudi Arabia, the investigation is in Saudi Arabia," Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir said Saturday at the Manama Dialogue conference in Bahrain. "They will be prosecuted in Saudi Arabia." --With assistance from Bloomberg's Abbas Al Lawati and Netty Ismail. Costume contact lenses are hard to resist on Halloween. Just pop a couple of contacts into your eyes and your face transforms into a monster, a demon, a corpse or a cat. For about $20 a pair, the lenses can make your eyes look anything but human. Decorative lenses, which change the way your eyes look, have been around for a couple of decades and theyve become de rigeur for people who are serious about their costume game. But think twice before you put any foreign objects on your eyeballs, optometrists say: Costume contact lenses can seriously damage the eyes, causing infections, scratches, abrasions and even corneal ulcers. Theyre not safe, doctors say, unless youve had them fitted by a professional. Costume contacts are easy to buy online and at beauty supply stores, novelty stores, Halloween stores and even some boutiques and salons. Some will even claim their lenses are FDA-approved. But the Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning that without an eye exam and a prescription, costume contacts arent just a bad idea theyre being sold illegally. Last month, the American Academy of Opthalmology issued a warning about the dangers of wearing them without a prescription. They might seem like a no-fuss way to add something extra to a costume, said the academys warning. But contact lenses are medical devices. RELATED: Rain may stifle trick-or-treating on Halloween in Houston Halloween forecast and safety tips Police tips: The Houston Police Department offers safety tips that include: carry a flashlight, travel in groups, and consider alternatives to trick-or-treating such as parties at libraries, fire stations and shopping centers. Weather forecast: Thunderstorms and rain for Oct. 31. The National Weather Service forecasts severe storms that could produce heavy rainfall after 2 p.m. Wednesday. The day's high is expected to be 83 degrees, with a low around 59. Sources: Houston Police; NOAA. See More Collapse The American Optometric Association has also weighed in against decorative contacts. Dr. Samuel Pierce, the associations president, said he remembers treating a college student who bought a set of contacts from a gas station or a beauty supply store. Shed never worn contacts before, but watched a YouTube video to learn how to insert them, then wore the lenses to a series of Halloween parties. At one point, she fell asleep without removing them, he said. She developed a corneal ulcer, Pierce said, thats an open sore on the cornea that can often lead to blindness. The students ulcer was treatable and she experienced no permanent loss of vision, he said, but that was a stroke of luck. The ulcer was located just outside the patients major line of sight, he said: A few millimeters more central, and she could have had permanent vision loss. What goes wrong A one-size-fits-all contact can cause serious pain and permanent eye damage, according to the American Academy of Opthalmology. Heres what could go wrong: Abrasions and scratches: The FDA warns against buying contacts without a prescription: Even if you dont need corrective lenses, you need a prescription for the shape and the curvature of the particular contact youll be putting in your eye. If the lens isnt designed for your eye, you can experience excruciating pain and wearing it can lead to abrasions and corneal ulcers. Blocked vision: If a lens isnt designed to fit your eye, it can easily slip away from its centered position, Pierce said. And that can mean you wont be able to see. Lets say you put in lenses with a spiral or a spiderweb design or black sclera contacts, which make your entire eye appear as an inky black vacuum. If it doesnt center and it slides off and youre driving down the road, what do you do? Pierce said. Bacterial infections: People who dont normally wear contacts need to be taught how to handle them correctly, Pierce said from washing their hands to using a disinfecting solution. Otherwise, youre putting bacteria directly into your eyes. According to a report the FDA published last year in the Journal of Forensic Sciences, a majority of unapproved, counterfeit contact lenses tested positive for the sorts of microbial contamination found in hospital waste of spoiled food. Its even more risky when people share their lenses with another person, Pierce said like toothbrushes and prescription meds, contacts should never be shared among friends or roommates. Decorative lenses arent bad across the board, Pierce said. If theyre prescribed by a doctor, theyre fine and they probably arent much more expensive than youll find them online. Its not the decoration thats the problem, Pierce said. Its the fit of the lens itself. If you use some Halloween contacts this year and feel pain or have blurred vision, take action, he said. Take them out and go see an optometrist. The last thing you want to do is have a problem and think This will get better on its own, Pierce said. If your eyes are red and irritated or your vision is blurry, it could indicate a problem that might risk your vision so take action right away, he and others recommend. Halloween safety tips Decorative contacts arent the only thing that can risk safety on Halloween. The American Optometric Association offers some tips for staying safe while you trick-or-treat: 1. Go trick-or-treating before its dark so youll have enough light to see curbs and sidewalk cracks. If youre going to be out after dark, bring a flashlight. 2. Make sure your costume is bright or even has a reflective patch so drivers can see you on the streets. 3. Check the fit of your costume. Does it drag on the ground or floor? Are there hats or ties that block your vision? Look for problems that could create safety hazards outside. 4. Dont allow kids to use bikes, skateboards, scooters or Rollerblades while theyre in costume. 5. Be careful with makeup. Use hypoallergenic makeup for general safety. Avoid using makeup in the eye area. And if false eyelashes are used, be sure to read the instructions carefully. alyson.ward@chron.com twitter.com/alysonward For nearly 20 years, MSNBC host Chris Matthews has mostly reserved the hot seat on his Hardball College Tour for presidential candidates. For a change of pace Tuesday night, Matthews will focus on U.S. Rep. Beto ORourke and his attempt to unseat U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz during a broadcast from Cullen Performance Hall at the University of Houston. This is no doubt the marquee Senate race in the country, Matthews told the Houston Chronicle on Monday. He expects the audience to be packed with 1,000 students, a handful of whom will have a chance to grill the Senate hopeful on his policies for the town hall-style interview. In the past, Matthews college tour has focused on the presidential election in an attempt to drive young voters to the polls. The aim of the broadcast this week will be no different. Its a public service, not to be too pious about it, Matthews said. Trying to get young people, who are 18 and can vote, is a big goal. Everybody wants to see that happen. A little rah-rah cant hurt. Chances are, some of the students slated to attend may be among the record-breaking number of voters who flocked to the polls in the first week of early voting. Through Monday, more than 573,300 people have voted in Harris County, a tally thats on par with a presidential election. Of that number, about 7,200 people have voted from the Young Neighborhood Library, the closest early voting station to the University of Houston campus. Speaking Monday from Houston, Matthews said his first visit to the city was while serving as a speechwriter for President Jimmy Carters re-election bid. The political atmosphere now is even tenser than 1980, he said, citing a string of tragedies dominating news in the past week. He cited last weeks arrest of Cesar Sayoc who allegedly mailed bombs to Democratic figures, and the death of 11 congregants at a Pittsburgh synagogue during a mass shooting. I think the conditions in the air I think the public is going to react to that in a very strong way. I think its going to have a very strong impact, Matthews said. Ive never seen so many events before an election. The costliest race in U.S Senate history will ultimately come down to voter turnout, he added. A spokesperson for MSNBC said Cruz was offered a chance to join Matthews on Hardball before and after ORourke confirmed his appearance. The Cruz campaign failed to respond to both requests, the spokesperson said. The Cruz campaign office did not return a request for comment Monday night by the Chronicle. During the 2008 White House race, then-Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., joined Matthews at the University of Pennsylvania, while his Republican opponent, Sen. John McCain, was on the show at Iowa State University. In 2016, Matthews spoke to Sen. Bernie Sanders at the University of Chicago. Past guests have also included former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura, who kicked off the inaugural series at Harvard University in 1999. That same year, Matthews interviewed Donald Trump at the University of Pennsylvania when he was flirting with seeking a presidential nomination from the Reform Party, led by Ventura. For those interested in watching the broadcast, Hardball airs at 6 p.m. on MSNBC. nicole.hensley@chron.com twitter.com/nkhensley A Houston woman won't be buying her favorite brand of dog dental chews anymore after finding maggots on a treat earlier this month. The woman, Emmally Peo, said she feeds her dog Greenies dental chews every day. But this time, when she reached into the bag, the treat already felt chewed up. And when she looked inside, she saw two live maggots eating it. RELATED: Cockroaches and rodent droppings top lists of restaurant violations Sept. 17 through 24 "I yelled and threw it in the trash," Peo said. "It was strange to me because I always keep it in her drawer, and I always close the bag. Keep in mind there were no holes under the bag or anything." Peo took to social media and posted a photo showing one maggot on Oct. 15. The bag's expiration date was listed as July 2019. The manufacturer of the treat, Mars Petcare, spoke with Peo and issued a full refund for the product. Company spokeswoman Lisa Campbell added that Petcare launched an investigation and have not received any other similar complaints. "The health and well-being of the pets we feed is our top priority," the statement read. "We have a rigorous quality assurance program which includes regular audits of our suppliers and hundreds of quality checks during our process. We take every consumer concern very seriously." RELATED: Texas-based pet food company recalling dog treats due to potential high hormone levels The Petco store where Peo purchased the treats, located at 513 Mason Rd, also issued a statement about the report. "Our product sourcing and quality standards are among the highest in the industry," according to the statement from Lisa Stark, the company's corporate communications manager. "we expect all of our suppliers and vendor partners to meet or exceed our standards, and we take full responsibility for the quality of the products we sell. We've connected with our partners at Mars Petcare to ensure the product Ms. Peo purchased is fully investigated and any quality issues are immediately addressed." As for Peo, she simply wanted to make someone else didn't find maggots in their dog treats. She said she has been buying Greenies products for seven years now. "To see this really disappointed me," she said. Julian Gill is a digital reporter in Houston. Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, houstonchronicle.com. | julian.gill@chron.com | Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message Authorities are offering a $5,000 reward for information on a man who bolted Monday morning from a Harris County courtroom. Terry Dewayne Rodgers, 38, was about to be taken into custody for violating his bond when he darted out of the 351st state District Court, according to the Harris County District Attorney's Office. The Missouri City man was arrested Friday for allegedly possessing illegal drugs. He was out on bond for an unrelated family violence charge at the time of the Friday arrest. HEIGHTS: Popular restaurant goes up in flames Prosecutors had just asked a judge to take Rodgers into custody when he ran from the courtroom. He is now facing a felony escape charge. He will still have to answer for the family violence and drug charges. Anyone with information about Rodgers' whereabouts is urged to call Houston Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS (8477) or visit at www.crime-stoppers.org. Tipsters can get up to $5,000 for information leading to Rodgers' arrest. 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 | Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message The Austin-based nonprofit trying to open a shelter to house migrant children east of downtown is negotiating with federal officials to avoid the cancellation of its contract, which it had said would occur if the facility was not open as of this week. In the lawsuit Southwest Key Programs filed against the city of Houston in mid-September, the nonprofit said if the facility it has leased at 419 Emancipation was not operating by Oct. 28, the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement would terminate its contract. Southwest Key spokesman Jeff Eller said Tuesday that federal officials have not moved to do so, adding the two parties are discussing an extension. They have a desperate need for beds, he said. Were hoping we can talk with them about a possible extension. A record 13,350 immigrant children were detained in federal shelters as of Oct. 17, putting the agency at 88 percent capacity. Most of them came to the United States alone and are waiting to be released to adult guardians. To free up bed space, the government has sent thousands of mostly older kids to a temporary tent camp in Tornillo, near El Paso. Federal officials did not respond to a request for comment. Mayor Sylvester Turners office declined comment. Southwest Key, which is paid more than $400 million by federal authorities to run 27 migrant child care facilities in Texas, Arizona and California, found itself at the center of a national firestorm in June when it emerged that it proposed to hold 240 immigrant children between the ages of 0 to 17 at the 54,000-square-foot building on Emancipation. The building formerly served as a shelter for homeless families and then, briefly, for those displaced by Hurricane Harvey. The plan became public at the height of the furor over President Trumps since-scrapped policy of separating children from their families at the border, leading Turner to rally nonprofit, religious and political leaders to denounce the unjust and immoral policy. Among them was state Sen. Sylvia Garcia, D-Houston, who stressed Tuesday that the facility still isn't a baby jail and lacks the necessary permits to open. Garcia called on the facilitys owner to kick out Southwest Key so that the building can be used as a benefit to society, rather than an affront to humanity. At the gathering he had called to denounce the proposal, the mayor indicated that he happily would slow-walk the city permits required to open the facility. In response to the citys alleged manipulation of its permitting process, Southwest Key sued in September, claiming the city is conducting a discriminatory, baseless and politically-motivated campaign to prevent it from opening the facility by invalidating previously issued permits without due process and refusing to conduct inspections or issue new permits. The suit claims those actions are discriminatory based on some combination of the citys opposition to federal immigration policies, interest in political gain or the race, color, national origin, ancestry, alienage or immigration status of the unaccompanied minors who would be housed there. The nonprofit asked the court to force the city to pay the $3.3 million in costs it had incurred at the site and the $5.3 million in liabilities it faces, and seeks to have a judge declare that it can proceed with its plans to open the facility. Turner has said the city is strictly enforcing its building codes to protect the children who would be housed at the facility As with so many divisive political fights, what is cast as a moral debate hinges, in practical terms, on a bureaucratic dispute: Whether the facility is a residential or institutional building use. The Emancipation facility had received a fire inspection and been granted a certificate of occupancy as a residential dormitory/shelter under the building code, but city officials said Southwest Key had provided them incomplete information, and declared the proper use was institutional. City officials have stressed that the facilitys role in housing younger children who must be supervised is a key point, but the lawsuit argues that city codes make no such age-specific distinctions. Among the lawsuits requests is that a judge declare the children are not prevented from leaving the facility not detained, in other words and that there is no basis for labeling the facility an institutional rather than residential use. Such a declaration also would resolve a dispute over the permits under which another Southwest Key center in Houston is operating. In a move that Southwest Key called selective enforcement but Turner and Fire Chief Sam Pena called due diligence, city officials visited the nonprofits other centers, and on Aug. 14 announced that a facility on La Concha Lane permitted as a residential use in 2012 is not operating in accordance with that designation and must reapply for its permits. Southwest Key operates one shelter in Houston under an institutional permit, but has said it does so because the buildings original permits were institutional and it decided not to change them upon leasing the facility. Reporter Lomi Kriel contributed to this story. mike.morris@chron.com Twitter.com/mmorris011 The transgender teen accused of attacking two Tomball High School classmates last week pleaded not guilty to an assault charge Tuesday during an arraignment hearing. Tra'Vez Perry, a 17-year-old who also attended Tomball at the time of the charge, has maintained that she was bullied before she allegedly beat two students in the school hallway on Tuesday, October 23, leaving them hospitalized. RELATED: Transgender teen says she was bullied before allegedly attacking two Tomball students She told police that before the altercation, the female victim posted a photo of her on Snapchat with a negative comment. Perry later told Channel 13 that the student took a photo of Perry while she was walking to the bus with the caption, "I'm questioning mankind." Perry declined to comment on the case at Tuesday's hearing. But her attorney, Kelly Benavides, said she is scared about "the whole process" moving forward. "[Perry] has never been through anything like this before," Benavides said, adding that she just started reviewing evidence in the case. According to the Tomball police report, cellphone video showed Perry grabbing the female student's hair and punching her in the face. Police said the video also shows Perry punching and kicking the male student while he was on the ground. Both victims told police they couldn't remember everything that happened to them because they lost consciousness. The female victim was taken to a hospital with a bloody nose and redness around her eyes, while the male victim's mother took him to the hospital with blood coming out of the left side of his head, the police report said. RELATED: Changing attitudes on transgender issue, one teacher at a time Perry has been living in CPS custody in the Houston area for about two months, according to her first attorney at a probable cause hearing last week. In addition to facing a charge of misdemeanor assault, Perry has since been placed in an alternative school, according to Channel 13. In her interview with the station, she said both she and the female victim owed each other an apology. "I think we both were in the wrong," Perry said. Perry's next court hearing is scheduled for January 7, Benavides said. Julian Gill is a digital reporter in Houston. Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, houstonchronicle.com. | julian.gill@chron.com | Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message This year marks 55 years since President John F. Kennedy was cut down in his prime in the streets of downtown Dallas. What happened to the rest of the people from that fateful drive through Dallas? Only a few survivors remain from the Kennedy motorcade. WAIT WHAT?: When making a map of Texas goes really, really wrong Decades since the assassination, that group of men and women continues to dwindle. Back in May 2015 former U.S. House Speaker and Texas native Jim Wright died at the age of 92. Among all of his honors and accolades, it is sometimes forgotten that Wright played a small part in one of the most devastating chapters in modern American history. As a prominent Texas Democrat, Wright joined officials in welcoming Kennedy to Dallas on November 22, 1963, riding in the presidential motorcade as it passed through Dealey Plaza. Wright was a passenger in the second congressman's car, which was a white Ford Mercury Comet Caliente, provided by a local Dallas dealership. There were a total of three cars full of congressmen. TEXAS LEGENDS: The true origin stories behind some of Texas' favorite brands Also in the car that day were fellow Texas dignitaries Congressman Albert Thomas from Houston, Jack Brooks of Beaumont, Lindey Beckworth, and Olin E. Teague. Wright was the last living dignitary from his car, with Brooks dying in 2012. The two men were the youngest politicians in that car at the time. Other people that were in the Kennedy motorcade that live on today include Secret Service agents Clint Hill and Winston Lawson. Hill, now 86, has been the most prominent of all of them, writing a handful of books about his career protecting five presidents starting with Dwight D. Eisenhower and ending with Gerald Ford. Journalists Robert MacNeil and Sid Davis each tell their stories each November. It was MacNeil who was feeding NBC News the minute-by-minute news that day via telephone. John Connally's press secretary Julian Read and photographer Harry Cabluck are also part of living history. Cabluck would later take many other famous shots, including one near and dear to Boston sports fans to this day. HLAVATY'S ODYSSEY: Every year a Chronicle reporter visits Dallas on the assassination anniversary He wasn't directly related to the motorcade that day in Dallas, but renowned Houston physician Dr. James "Red" Duke Jr. was a trauma surgeon who attended to Gov. Connally that day at Parkland Hospital when he and a fatally-wounded Kennedy arrived. Duke died in August 2015 at the age of 86 after spending decades saving lives in Houston. Reporter Bob Clark was in the national press pool car with Malcolm Kilduff, Kennedy's press secretary. He died in December 2015 at the age of 93. HISTORY YOU CAN VISIT: The best Texas Historical Markers hidden in plain sight in the Houston area A handful of local media members from Dallas, mostly reporters and photographers, are still living. Bob Jackson, photographer with the Dallas Times Herald, was in the camera car and according to reports at the time, he spotted a rifle in the sixth floor window of the Texas School Book Depository building in those fateful moments. The 29-year-old Jackson would later grab that iconic shot of Jack Ruby shooting accused assassin Lee Harvey Oswald, for which he won a Pulitzer Prize in News Photography. If Kennedy had lived, he would have turned 101 earlier this year. Craig Hlavaty covers Houston history and pop-culture. Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, HoustonChronicle.com. | craig.hlavaty@chron.com | Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message WASHINGTON With a week left in one of the most consequential U.S. House races in the nation, Democrats are going all in on health care to defeat Houston Republican John Culberson, a longtime critic of the Affordable Care Act, better known as "Obamacare." A new ad by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, the political arm of the House Democrats, takes aim at Culberson's many votes against the Obama-era health care system, including its popular protections for people with pre-existing conditions. Culberson, like other Republicans in Texas and across the nation, has sought to emphasize his support for pre-existing protections in other ways none of which have passed so far in the GOP-led Congress. Amid a thicket of competing Republican replacement proposals, Democrats in close races have gone on the attack, using the health care issue as their closing argument in next Tuesday's midterm elections. For subscribers: Fletcher, Culberson go on the attack in Houston-area congressional race Obamacare's protections also have popped up in another competitive House race in San Antonio, where Democratic challenger Gina Ortiz Jones blames second-term U.S. Rep. Will Hurd, the Republican she hopes to unseat, for GOP efforts to repeal the health care law. Hurd, however, was one of 20 Republicans who defected from his party at a pivotal moment last year when the House voted by a narrow margin to repeal of the Affordable Care Act. The issue could prove particularly potent in Culberson's race against Democratic challenger Lizzie Pannill Fletcher, who appears to have pulled nearly even in the polls in an affluent west Houston district that has been in GOP hands since George H.W. Bush was elected its congressman in 1966. As the Seventh Congressional District has turned less white and more suburban, it is being seen around the nation as a potential bellwether of Democrats' chances of reclaiming the House, particularly in a year when polls show increasing unease with President Donald Trump among college-educated suburban women. Some political analysts believe that even with ramped-up Democratic turnout, Fletcher's best chance of flipping the district lies in appealing to women voters in the Harris County suburbs a demographic that has traditionally skewed Republican. For Fletcher, known best as a defender of Planned Parenthood, health care is part of that equation. "We feel like our voices aren't being heard," Fletcher, a 43-year-old Houston attorney, said in a recent CBS news interview. For subscribers: 2018 Houston Chronicle Voter Guide For subscribers: 2018 San Antonio Express-News Voter Guide Facing the toughest challenge of his nine terms in the U.S. House, Culberson has fought back in a new ad accusing Fletcher of favoring "a government takeover of healthcare." The charge echoes a national GOP counterattack led by the White House accusing Democrats of pushing an Americanized version of European "socialized medicine." "It's a terrible idea to have the government in between the patient and their doctor," Culberson said in an October 21 debate with Fletcher. Like many claims in the race, the facts are in dispute. Culberson has accused Fletcher of favoring "single-payer" government-run health care, a charge that she says is false. Running as a moderate in a historically Republican district, Fletcher has explicitly rejected calls for single-payer system, which is sometimes dubbed "Medicare for all." Culberson's television ad cites Fletcher's statement from a Democratic runoff debate in which she expressed support for "universal health care." But Fletcher, like many Democrats, distinguishes between the goal of covering everyone and the method of achieving that goal. Fletcher, instead, has said she wants to find ways to improve on the Affordable Care Act. The law relies on exchanges of private insurers to raise standards and expand health coverage to millions of Americans. But Republicans note that consumers have also seen costs rise, options dwindle, and premiums skyrocket for many in the middle-class. Democrats often cite the political uncertainty surrounding the law coupled with GOP tax cut legislation that jettisoned penalties for not carrying insurance as a leading driver of health insurance premium increases. Culberson, 62, has long been a critic of the Affordable Care Act, joining the Republican Party's persistent vow to repeal and replace the law. But faced with the prospect of losing the law's protections for people with pre-existing conditions, Culberson and other Republicans have been forced to redouble their efforts to find alternatives. Many of the central GOP alternatives require that people retain "continuous coverage" or seek insurance through state-based risk pools that promise coverage for people with pre-existing conditions, though at uncertain and potentially steep prices. A proposal by Texas U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz would have allowed insurance companies to sell plans that meet the Affordable Care Act's protections for pre-existing conditions alongside cheaper "Freedom Plans" that don't. But many health care experts criticized the measure, saying it would segregate the market and make the "Obamacare-compliant" plans inordinately expensive. Culberson has cited some of those Republican efforts, though he has remained silent about a Texas-led lawsuit backed by the Trump administration that seeks to invalidate the Affordable Care Act in its entirely, including its protections for pre-existing conditions. "The pre-existing conditions issue plays very badly for Republicans," said Mark Jones, a political scientist at Rice University in Houston. "That is why you're seeing people from Ted Cruz to John Culberson backtrack and say that in spite of past efforts, they're all for providing health insurance to people with pre-existing conditions." Meanwhile, amid stock market tumbles that have weakened the GOP's message on the economy in the closing days of the election, Democrats have found space to press their case on health care once a winning issue for Republicans. Culberson, seeking a tight focus on Houston, has run ads centered on his role on the Appropriations Committee securing federal emergency funds to recover from Hurricane Harvey. Having skipped Trump's October 22 rally in Houston, he has repeatedly sought to tie Fletcher to House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, a frequent GOP campaign target. As an advocate of strict immigration laws, including Trump's proposed border wall, Culberson's latest ad also suggests that Fletcher would let "violent criminals" into the country. That claim is based on Fletcher's remark in an early debate that "we have got to have a pathway to citizenship for everyone who is here" a reference to the 11 or 12 million immigrants who live in the country illegally. Having been won narrowly by Hillary Clinton in 2016, the historically Republican district also has attracted spending from outside groups and both political parties. The new Democratic ad, launched Tuesday, takes square aim at Culberson's Obamacare votes that a spokesman said "gut protections" for people with pre-existing conditions, signaling the party's closing theme. Whichever attack gets the most traction could help decide whether Republicans or Democrats hold the House in the next two years of the Trump presidency. As tensions rise, the Culberson-Fletcher matchup it remains one of only a handful in Texas and a few dozen across the nation that could actually be in play on Nov. 6. The Democrats need to gain at least 23 of them to win the House. "It's part of a select group of districts which together will determine control of the U.S. House," Jones said. "If Democrats can flip between two-thirds and three-quarters of them, the House will flip ... Whereas if Republicans can keep Democratic gains below two-thirds, then they're likely to retain a very narrow majority." By Alex Samuels, The Texas Tribune and Jeremy Merrill, ProPublica Some political groups on the left are borrowing a tactic from disinformation campaigns, placing ads on Facebook that pretend to be impartial information or unbiased news sources, when in fact the ads spread misleading facts about candidates. One ad, taken out by a group called "The Voter Awareness Project," reopens old wounds between President Donald Trump and U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, implying that Trump is at odds with Cruz even as the president stumped for the senator last week near the end of Cruz's surprisingly close re-election bid against Democrat Beto O'Rourke. "Trump's trying to drain the swamp of do-nothing politicians. Trump says Lyin' Ted Cruz has accomplished nothing for Texas, and he's right," the ad reads, referring to a 2016 tweet from when Trump was a candidate. But Trump and Cruz have since buried the hatchet. Trump has been endorsing Cruz for re-election since February. He recently said, "He's not Lyin' Ted anymore. He's Beautiful Ted. I call him Texas Ted," and he held a rally for Cruz last week in Houston. The name of the Oakland, Calif.-based group running the ads sounds nonpartisan The Voter Awareness Project but the super PAC behind the ads is not. According to filings with the Federal Election Commission, the super PAC's treasurer is Markos Moulitsas, the well-known liberal blogger behind Daily Kos. Moulitsas told The Texas Tribune and ProPublica that the super PAC was his "side project" and that the goal behind the ads was "reminding people how Trump feels about many of the Republicans running this year." "VAP simply presents factual information on statements Trump and Republican candidates have made about each other," Moulitsas said. "The goal is to raise voters' awareness of this information." Others who monitor political ads called the Cruz ad deceptive, however. "This ad employs a form of information disorder we frequently refer to as 'false context,'" said Cameron Hickey, who researches misinformation at the Information Disorder Lab at the Harvard Kennedy School's Shorenstein Center. (Hickey and the Shorenstein Center are partners with ProPublica in the Electionland project.) "By employing Trump's Lyin' Ted epithet from the 2016 campaign, without the relevant context that Trump has recently supported and campaigned for Cruz, this ad has the potential to mislead Trump supporters into believing that Trump doesn't support the candidate today, which he does." Moulitsas denied that the ads were misleading and said, "The ads include the key context of the date the statement was made." The date was included in portions of a 10-second video included in each ad. "Any assumptions about strategy or purpose are likely to be wrong," Moulitsas said, while refusing to elaborate on the strategy behind the ads. VAP spent $1,000 on the anti-Cruz ads, which Moulitsas said were a "test buy." Moulitsas' Voter Awareness Project has also run ads criticizing Ron DeSantis, the Republican nominee for Florida governor, that cites more recent criticism from Trump "Trump calls DeSantis 'disloyal'" a remark from September. The only funding listed on VAP's recent Federal Election Commission filing is $100,000 from Kos Media, of which Moulitsas is the founder. The Voter Awareness Project is by no means the only group with a vague name that masks its partisanship. In fact, several outside groups are using Facebook ads to push their views ahead of the contentious 2018 midterm elections. To be sure, outright false ads exist on Facebook, too, and the phenomenon of misleading or vague names for groups behind ads is not unique to Facebook. It's not even a new idea. Hard-to-trace direct mail flyers that spread misinformation have been a feature of politics for decades. But the practice has flourished as part of Facebook's cheap and easy-to-use advertising system. A campaign or outside group can set up many Facebook pages, each corresponding to a specific race or target demographics, and then put those pages' messages in front of voters with ads. While these groups can sometimes hide behind a vague or misleading identity, Facebook has taken steps to address some egregious cases. As ProPublica reported in May, ads under the anodyne name "Ohio Primary Info" were shown to voting-age Ohioans. The advertiser, however, was not a source of objective information about the election. In fact, the ads were paid for by the campaign of Richard Cordray, now the Democratic nominee for governor. Facebook made such masking harder. The Cordray campaign is still running ads under the name of a page called "Ohio Newswire," though as a result of Facebook's new disclosure rules, its sponsorship of them is made clear with a disclaimer reading "Paid for by Cordray/Sutton Committee." Other groups have pages that masquerade as news outlets: "Breaking News Texas" criticizes Republican congressman John Culberson of Houston in a mock newscast saying he "FAILED to prepare Texas for Hurricane Harvey." A nearby disclaimer saying the ad was "paid for by EDF Action" makes it a bit clearer that Breaking News Texas is actually the Environmental Defense Action Fund. Culberson's re-election bid against Democrat Lizzie Pannill Fletcher has emerged as one of the most expensive races in Texas this year. The fund's political director, Jack Pratt, said, "We put 'Breaking News' at the top because we want to get Texas voters' attention to Mr. Culberson's record of failure on these issues." Pratt also said that "we think the framing is fair and open" and that EDF's "full disclosure and web address is also on the ad." There are plenty of similar examples on Facebook. "Heartland Gazette," "World News Reporter" and "Gulf State News" are not real news outlets, but they ran meme-like ads with text superimposed on images, advocating lower tariffs and an end to unfair bail practices, and praising an experiment that offered free birth control. All three are run by a now-dissolved company called New American Media Group LLC. All three pages have since been deactivated or deleted by Facebook, though at least one page, a parenting-themed one called "Raising Tomorrow" whose ads say they're paid for by New American Media Group LLC, remains active. A request for comment via the lawyer listed on the company's incorporation paperwork was not returned. According to a story by the Daily Beast, New American Media Group LLC is linked to another group with a similarly vague name "News for Democracy" which has spent more than $3 million on Facebook ads. News for Democracy also has dozens of creatively named pages that target liberal messages to different segments of the population, with names like "Military Network,""Left AF," "Rugged Roots," "Self-Reliant Republic" and "The Holy Tribune." The Daily Beast reported that News for Democracy's ads were linked to a firm called MotiveAI. Dan Fletcher, a cofounder of MotiveAI, who didn't return a request for comment from ProPublica, told The Atlantic that MotiveAI "is trying to reach people who don't trust mainstream media and who find themselves awash in deceptive sources." Disclosure: The Environmental Defense Fund has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here. AUSTIN Candidates running for attorney general raised big money to fuel their bids for office in the last month, injecting a total of $4.4 million into the final stretch of a race pundits have long expected would make for an easy Republican win. Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton and Democrat Justin Nelson have now collectively raised $10 million since 2017 in their campaigns for the job of Texas top lawyer. The late fund-raising push demonstrates that both candidates see the race as competitive, a political analyst said. After raising less than $500,000 in the final months of summer, Paxton ramped up his fundraising efforts in the last month. He pulled in $2.3 million, according to records filed with the Texas Ethics Commission. Nelson, a first-time candidate, raised just under $1.1 million and loaned his campaign $1 million. Although no Democrat has won statewide in Texas since 1994, a surge of enthusiasm for Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Beto ORourke and frustration among some toward the Trump administration has caused some worry about whether a so-called blue wave of voters could wash out vulnerable Republicans down the ticket. The Paxton campaign recognized that the blue wave was at least potentially dangerous and they couldnt just lay back and let the surf carry them in. If they didnt act, they were going to drown, said Brandon Rottinghaus, a political science professor and author at the University of Houston. Paxton and Nelson both have TV ads and are spending close to the same amount of money on political advertising this month: Paxton spent $2.8 million, compared to Nelsons $3.2 million. Paxton spent another $3 million on advertising expenses over the summer. The last-minute fund-raising is no indication that Paxton feels threatened, his campaign spokesman said. Its typical for campaigns to raise significant funding in the home stretch when supporters see they are working hard, said Jordan Berry. Im confident General Paxton will be re-elected on Tuesday. Paxtons race sets him apart from other Republican incumbents this election cycle. He has spent more money than four statewide Republican incumbents combined. Still, poll numbers from a University of Texas and Texas Tribune poll show him with a a 12-point lead over Nelson. A Dixie Strategies Texas Poll released Tuesday found Paxton with a tighter 9 point lead. By comparison, Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick both lead their Democratic challengers by at least 18 points. Nelson has spent his campaign focusing on Paxtons chief vulnerability: unresolved criminal charges accusing Paxton of securities fraud and failing to register as an investment adviser. Paxton, indicted by a grand jury in 2015, says he is innocent and is awaiting trial. The truth is that from record voter registration and record early vote to Paxton having to launch desperate and false attack ads, everyone can see this race is tightening and Justins in a good position to win, said Margaret Justus, spokeswoman for Nelsons campaign. Paxton sounded an alarm to Republican voters Tuesday. In an email to supporters, his campaign said Democratic turnout is stronger than that of the Republicans. His campaign cautioned that Democrats have a 1.2 percent advantage at the polls, although the analysis was based on turnout among loyal voters who have cast ballots in all four of the most recent Democrat and Republican primaries. For subscribers: 2018 Houston Chronicle Voter Guide For subscribers: 2018 San Antonio Express-News Voter Guide One of Paxtons biggest political donors in the last month was the Republican Attorney General Association, a Washington D.C.-based group. Paxton is its vice-chairman. The group cut him a check for $500,000. Texans for Lawsuit Reform gave him nearly $700,000, according to campaign finance reports. Much of Nelsons contributions came in the way of small donations, some as little as $1. His biggest donations are $100,000 checks from Austin-based Archer Systems, the Houston-based El Franco Lee Fund and San Antonio attorney Mikal Watts. Early voting ends Friday, Nov. 2 and election day is Tuesday, Nov. 6. 3 1 of 3 HARRY CABLUCK, STF / ASSOCIATED PRESS Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Allie Morris Show More Show Less 3 of 3 AUSTIN Several offices at the Texas Capitol were evacuated Tuesday after a suspicious package was sent to a state representative, but law enforcement officials found no viable threat. Rep. Poncho Nevarez, D-Eagle Pass, said the package was addressed to his office. Nevarez was in Eagle Pass on Tuesday afternoon, but he said his chief of staff and another staff member were at the Capitol. Inside the package was a Russian nesting doll box arrangement with odd note cards and Nevarezs name badly misspelled, he said. AUSTIN Angleton state Rep. Dennis Bonnen announced Tuesday he will run for House speaker to replace outgoing San Antonio Republican Joe Straus, deepening the pool of candidates who could run the Texas House in the 2019 legislative session. Bonnen has served in the Texas House for more than 20 years and was a top lieutenant for Straus, who opted not to run for re-election this year. A bride who spent her honeymoon in Belize returned to her Florida home with more than just lovely memories of Mayan ruins and crystal-clear Caribbean lagoons. Little did she know that she had picked up a bug during the trip. The Journal of Investigative Medicine High Impact Case Reports wrote about the skin-crawling case earlier this month. The 36-year-old woman didn't notice anything out of the ordinary for two months. But what she thought was a pimple on the left side of her groin began to itch. An insect bite seemed possible, so she went to see her doctor, who thought it was likely a spider had bitten her and the wound had become infected. But the prescribed antibiotics didn't solve the problem. So she sought a second opinion. According to LiveScience, Dr. Enrico Camporesi, a specialist in wound healing at Memorial Hospital in Tampa, Fla., found that the skin around the lesion, which was now leaking pus, was hard as if there were a bean or pebble underneath it. He was worried that it could be a lymph node infection, but a surgeon he consulted had a different theory that the lump was a living creature. Sure enough, surgery revealed a "deeply embedded maggot" with a tapered shape and rows of spines and hooks. MORE: Florida man dies from eating oyster tainted with flesh-eating bacteria It was the larva of a human botfly, an insect common to Central and South America. When human botfly eggs hatch, the tiny larvae can burrow into human skin and make themselves comfortable, feeding on skin tissue and flesh. A hole forms so that the baby insect can breath, expanding as the fly grows. "In some cases, the patients can feel the larvae moving when they shower or cover the wound," the case study notes. After 27 to 128 days, the larva drops to the ground where it pupates, eventually maturing into an adult botfly, roughly the size of a bumblebee. In countries where botflies are common, such infestations are nipped in the bud by smearing petroleum jelly or another substance to block the hole and suffocate the larva. Naturally, the Florida patient was disturbed to learn a insect was growing under her skin, but following its extraction, her wound healed completely in about a week. IBMs $34 billion bid for Red Hat will have left customers of the two companies wondering what comes next. Big Blue wants Red Hat because it is the worlds leading provider of open-source cloud solutions, and the emerging leader in the platforms for hybrid cloud and multi-cloud, IBM CEO Ginni Rometty said in a conference call Monday. Red Hat Enterprise Linux is known for its CloudForms hybrid cloud management tool, based on the ManageIQ open source project. This is about resetting the cloud landscape, and we will be the undisputed No. 1 leader in hybrid cloud, Rometty said. Cloud neutrality Rometty had some reassurance for IBM cloud customers worried that means they will have to run their applications on Red Hat Enterprise Linux, and for users of Red Hats flavor of the OpenStack cloud OS concerned they will have to move their workloads to the IBM cloud. IBM will work to maintain Red Hats Switzerland-like status with respect to its partners, Rometty said. Thats presumably not a suggestion that Red Hat is isolated, expensive and reluctant to give up customers data, but rather a reference to Switzerlands longstanding political neutrality. Red Hats cloud hosting partners include IBM itself, Amazon Web Services, Google, and Microsoft as well as less prominent players such as Alibaba Cloud, Fujitsu, Huawei, Rackspace, and over a hundred more. Keeping Red Hat neutral IBM plans to operate it as a distinct unit within its larger hybrid cloud team means that enterprises with workloads on RHEL will still be able to choose where they run them. IBM-Red Hat impact on customers Dennis Gaughan, chief of applications research at Gartner, said IBM recognizes that most enterprises will exist in a hybrid, multi-cloud world, with workloads on premises and in multiple public clouds. Indeed, Rometty said the average customer already has a thousand applications spread across five and in some cases as many as many 16 clouds. But according to Gaughan, it could be enterprises with little or no cloud footprint that get the most attention from IBM, going forward. They see the value proposition of the combined company targeted at customers who still have the majority of their existing applications on premise and need to modernize those applications to become more cloud native, he said. For Holger Mueller, principal analyst and vice-president at Constellation Research, The winner organizations are the combined customers and likely Red Hat customers. They get more stability for a few years. If they like IBM is another question. Thats not the only outstanding question, of course. There are still many unresolved details, said Gartners Gaughan: There is a lot that the two companies cant do or say in terms of product roadmaps until the acquisition closes. As a result, its hard to say who the winners and losers will be at this point, he said. A consulting conduit to Google and AWS The real pressure on IBM, said Constellations Mueller, is to keep Red Hats partnerships with AWS and Google in place, and to position itself as the on-premises partner for those businesses. Neither AWS nor Google have a consulting business, which could be why Rometty was also keen to emphasize the Swiss nature of IBMs Global Business Services (consulting) and Global Technology Services (IT management) arms, which will be called on to work with them. Red Hat CEO Jim Whitehurst said the companys brands, facilities, go-to-market and partner strategies will remain intact after the deal with IBM closes. This is about providing choice and making sure customers are not locked in, he said in the same conference call in which Rometty spoke. Cloud mergers on the horizon? One move that could be bad for IBM but good for either AWS or Google enterprise customers, said Mueller, would be if one of those companies were to buy Red Hat rival Suse, the company behind SLES (Suse Linux Enterprise Server). Suse is back in play after former owner Micro Focus flipped it to Swedish private equity fund EQT Partners in July. Those may not be the only cloud mergers that CIOs have to look forward to: Financial analysts are already predicting a wave of other cloud acquisitions in the wake of IBMs move on Red Hat. This year, New York voters had the opportunity to elect a number of candidates to the state Legislature who would mark historic firsts. Here's a look at the candidates who got enough votes to make history. FIRST MUSLIM IN THE STATE SENATE Robert Jackson won his race on Tuesday to become the first Muslim in the state Senate. Jackson beat state Sen. Marisol Alcantara, a former member of the Independent Democratic Conference, in a closely watched Democratic primary and easily won last night with 80.83 percent of the vote. Ive been a Muslim since 1975. I havent just recently become a Muslim, Jackson said in 2010, when he was the only Muslim member of the New York City Council. And all of my entire family are Muslim, my wife, my three daughters. FIRST ASIAN-AMERICAN STATE SENATORS lev radin / Shutterstock John Liu, the former New York City comptroller, will become the first Asian-American to serve in the state Senate. The Taiwanese-born politician, who was the first Asian-American elected to the New York City Council and then the first elected to a citywide post, won handily in Queens last night with 51.73 percent compared to Republican Vickie Paladinos 23.46 percent and Democratic incumbent state Sen. Tony Avellas 19.18 percent. Yes, Im the first Asian-American, but as I often say, I wish I were the ninth or 10th, Liu told the Times Union prior to the election. I mean, for goodness sake, its 2018. Liu also could share the historic feat with Kevin Thomas, who would be the first Indian-American elected to the state Legislature. Thomas ended the night with a narrow lead over state Sen. Kemp Hannon and declared victory in the race. FIRST HASIDIC JEW IN THE STATE LEGISLATURE Simcha Eichenstein for State Assembly Simcha Eichenstein will be the first Hasidic Jew elected to the state Legislature after winning in an uncontested race in Assembly District 48. Of course, he wouldnt be the first Orthodox Jew ever elected Assemblyman Dov Hikind, who is vacating the seat, is Orthodox. Eichenstein grew up in Borough Park in the Bobov community, a Hasidic sect within Haredi Judaism. I guess someone has to be the first but Im certain I wont be the last, Eichenstein said. Our vibrant and growing community is filled with Hasidic-minded individuals who are eager to give back to the community as public servants. It will be a pleasure to dispel any stereotypes that anyone might still have of the Hasidic Jewish community. FIRST DREAMER Cruz for New York Catalina Cruz, the Democratic nominee in the 39th Assembly District who heavily campaigned on her identity as Dreamer a cohort that immigrated here illegally as children and how she would be the first one to hold office in New York, won last night with 77.07 percent When the DREAM Act was originally written, thousands of undocumented youth like myself pinned their hopes and dreams on action from the federal government, she said in a statement. Today, many more continue to live in fear while facing uncertain futures. All are DREAMers, and Americans in every which way except on paper. Correction: An earlier version of this post incorrectly stated that Charles Fall could be the first Muslim in the state Assembly. In fact, Roger Green, who served in the Assembly in the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s, was also a Muslim. Rahson Johnson was going to vote for the first time in his life, at 43 years old. Arrested and sent to prison for armed robbery at age 16, Johnson had lost the right to vote before he was old enough to cast a ballot. Hed gotten out of prison in 2015, but never had the chance to vote,since New York law blocks people on parole from voting. That changed in April, when Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued an executive order restoring voting rights to more than 30,000 parolees, including Johnson. But he faced one more obstacle on Election Day last month. When I got there, my name wasnt even in the system, Johnson told City & State. So I had to vote by way of affidavit, which was a learning experience for me. But I felt so proud that I was able to do that. Johnson was one of five parolees who spoke with City & State about his experiences with voting, keeping up with politics and negotiating the state Board of Parole.We met on an October morning in Long Island City at the Fortune Society, a nonprofit organization serving formerly incarcerated New Yorkers. Some of the parolees knew each other already, having served time together. Now they were now free together, commuting to their jobs, and coming and going as they pleased. They laughed about Johnsons voting snafu, and his excitement in getting an I voted sticker. After the sweaty-palms, nerve-wracking experience of facing the will-they-or-wont-they parole board, facing one little bump on the way to voting was a relative breeze. Against the odds, parole has become a hot political issues going into New Yorks November elections. Republican candidate for governor Marc Molinaro released a digital ad accusing Cuomo and the parole board of setting free cold-blooded killer Herman Bell, who had been imprisoned since his 1971 conviction for killing two New York City police officers. Then, the ad continues, Governor Cuomo gave him the right to vote. Molinaro then appeared on Fox News with Diane Piagentini, the widow of one of the officers killed by Bell. Republican state senators made parole a campaign issue too, holding public hearings on back-to-back days in October to address both Cuomos executive order granting voting rights and the parole boards alleged leniency towards cop killers, sex offenders and violent felons. State Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan, who attended the hearings, made his focus on the governor clear in a public statement. Andrew Cuomo's Get-Out-The-Vote operation includes pardoning the worst of the worst offenders, he said. Cop killers, pedophiles and rapists should not be rewarded with a vote and the peace and freedom that they destroyed for others." Democrats were invited but chose not to take part. They called the hearings politically motivated, pointing to their timing a month before the election as well as their location, with one hearing held in the district of state Sen. Elaine Phillips, a Republican trying to win re-election in a race that could determine control of the state Senate next session. Alphonso David, counsel to Gov. Andrew Cuomo, noted that two thirds of parolees in New York state are non-white. These voting laws are relics of the past where we wanted to prevent black men from having the ability to vote, he told City & State. And we used the prison industrial complex as a tool to prevent them from voting. Of the five recent parolees City & State interviewed, three were black and two Latino. Four had their voting rights restored by Cuomos executive order, and voted for the first time in years or for the first time ever in the September primary election this year. The fifth parolee, Wesley Caines, had his voting rights restored upon release from prison in 2014. They talked about whether they felt a debt to Cuomo, getting politically conscious in prison and the techniques they used to get the parole board to pay attention to them. This conversation has been edited for length and clarity. &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; PARTICIPANTS:&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Glenn Rodriguez, 44&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Senior case manager for youth services at the Center for Community Alternatives. Incarcerated at age 16 in 1990 for murder, robbery and criminal possession of a weapon. Served 26.5 years, until 2017.&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;focallength&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 42&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;flash&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 15&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;cameramake&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; NIKON CORPORATION&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;height&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 3200&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;fnumber&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 5&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;exposuretime&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 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Adobe Photoshop CC (&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;originaldate&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 10/4/2018 3:55:27 PM&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;width&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 1280&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;cameramodel&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; NIKON D7200&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Lymus Rivera, 43&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Group facilitator at the Fortune Society. Incarcerated at age 17 in 1992 for murder. Served 23.5 years, until 2016. &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;focallength&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 42&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;flash&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 16&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;cameramake&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 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0.0125&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;orientation&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 1&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;camerasoftware&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; Adobe Photoshop CC (&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;originaldate&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 10/4/2018 4:06:56 PM&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;width&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 1280&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;cameramodel&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; NIKON D7200&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Naquasia Pollard, 35&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Case manager at Samaritan Daytime Village, a mens homeless shelter. Incarcerated at age 19 for robbery in 2002. Served 15 years, until 2017.&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;focallength&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 50&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;flash&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 16&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;cameramake&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; NIKON CORPORATION&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;height&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 853&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;fnumber&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 4.8&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;exposuretime&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 0.0125&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;orientation&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 1&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;camerasoftware&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; Adobe Photoshop CC (&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;originaldate&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 10/4/2018 5:39:45 PM&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;width&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 1280&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;cameramodel&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; NIKON D7200&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Wesley Caines, 52&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Re-entry and community outreach coordinator for the Bronx Defenders. Incarcerated at age 23 in 1989 for murder and assault. Served 24.5 years, until 2014. &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;focallength&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 27&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;flash&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 16&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;cameramake&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; NIKON CORPORATION&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;height&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 853&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;fnumber&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 4&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;exposuretime&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 0.0166666675&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;orientation&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 1&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;camerasoftware&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; Adobe Photoshop CC (&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;originaldate&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 10/4/2018 5:39:07 PM&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;width&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 1280&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;cameramodel&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; NIKON D7200&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; ... &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; PARTICIPANTS:&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Glenn Rodriguez, 44&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Senior case manager for youth services at the Center for Community Alternatives. Incarcerated at age 16 in 1990 for murder, robbery and criminal possession of a weapon. Served 26.5 years, until 2017.&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;focallength&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 42&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;flash&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 15&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;cameramake&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; NIKON CORPORATION&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;height&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 3200&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;fnumber&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 5&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;exposuretime&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 0.01&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;camerasoftware&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; Photos 3.0&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;originaldate&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 10/4/2018 3:56:07 PM&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;width&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 4800&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;cameramodel&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; NIKON D7200&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Rahson Johnson, 43&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Youth program specialist at Youth Organizing Save our Streets, speaker with the Osborne Association and vice president of the advisory board at Circles of Support. Incarcerated at age 16 in 1992 for robbery, attempted robbery and criminal possession of a weapon. Served 23 years, until 2015.&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;focallength&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 40&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;flash&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 15&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;cameramake&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; NIKON CORPORATION&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;height&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 853&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;fnumber&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 5&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;exposuretime&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 0.01&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;orientation&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 1&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;camerasoftware&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; Adobe Photoshop CC (&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;originaldate&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 10/4/2018 3:55:27 PM&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;width&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 1280&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;cameramodel&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; NIKON D7200&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Lymus Rivera, 43&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Group facilitator at the Fortune Society. Incarcerated at age 17 in 1992 for murder. Served 23.5 years, until 2016. &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;focallength&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 42&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;flash&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 16&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;cameramake&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; NIKON CORPORATION&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;height&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 853&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;fnumber&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 4.5&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;exposuretime&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 0.0125&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;orientation&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 1&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;camerasoftware&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; Adobe Photoshop CC (&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;originaldate&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 10/4/2018 4:06:56 PM&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;width&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 1280&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;cameramodel&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; NIKON D7200&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Naquasia Pollard, 35&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Case manager at Samaritan Daytime Village, a mens homeless shelter. Incarcerated at age 19 for robbery in 2002. Served 15 years, until 2017.&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;focallength&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 50&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;flash&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 16&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;cameramake&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; NIKON CORPORATION&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;height&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 853&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;fnumber&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 4.8&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;exposuretime&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 0.0125&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;orientation&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 1&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;camerasoftware&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; Adobe Photoshop CC (&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;originaldate&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 10/4/2018 5:39:45 PM&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;width&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 1280&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;cameramodel&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; NIKON D7200&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Wesley Caines, 52&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Re-entry and community outreach coordinator for the Bronx Defenders. Incarcerated at age 23 in 1989 for murder and assault. Served 24.5 years, until 2014. &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;focallength&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 27&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;flash&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 16&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;cameramake&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; NIKON CORPORATION&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;height&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 853&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;fnumber&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 4&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;exposuretime&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 0.0166666675&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;orientation&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 1&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;camerasoftware&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; Adobe Photoshop CC (&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;originaldate&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 10/4/2018 5:39:07 PM&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;width&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 1280&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;cameramodel&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; NIKON D7200&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/span&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; Does voting feel more like a privilege or a right to you? Naquasia Pollard: For me to come home and have my voting rights restored, it made me feel empowered to be able to have a voice in how our state is ran, how our country is ran. Its not a privilege, its a right as a citizen of the United States. We were released because we did what we were supposed to do while we were incarcerated. So for us to come home and be marginalized is a problem. And for us to have our voting rights restored, I think that it gives us even more of a feeling of being accepted among society. Lymus Rivera: Even though as a citizen that is our right to vote, I feel as if it is a privilege. It gives me that sense of completion. Into the society of which I was of destruction at one point in time, and now Im able to contribute in a positive, healthy way. Voting, its an opportunity for me to redeem myself. Rahson Johnson: I feel like its a right. I was 16 years old when I went to prison. Didnt even earn the right to vote yet, I wasnt old enough. So I said, how do you take something from me that I didnt even earn yet? Wesley Caines: Like Rashon, I believe that voting is a right. I think theres certain rights and responsibilities that come with citizenship. I recognize that theres a perpetual punishment system that exists. And for me, voting is fundamental to attacking that and addressing that and dismantling that. Disenfranchisement is a fundamental way that you further marginalize people. Youre punished while in the penal system your punishment is your presence in the system. When youre released, youre further punished by not being able to vote, not being able to impact the system that had you installed. LR: Voting is a form of redemption, of redeeming yourself. Its a form of acknowledging the faults and the wrongs youve done in your community and in society. My family hasnt voted, my wife my kid Ive got a 23-year-old kid, and he hasnt voted. Hes like, I dont believe in this, blah blah blah. But when I said Im going to go vote, guess who was there voting with me? My family. And thats the difference. It just takes one person to help better our surroundings and it starts with your home, it starts with your family, those that supported you, those that loved you. Has being incarcerated affected your politics? How you think about government and the world? WC: Oh definitely. My experience of being in the system and now with my work (at the Bronx Defenders), and the work that I do and the people I come in contact with, has definitely shaped my politics. I think that the two-party system is problematic. I think it creates a not so democratic democracy when people are left to think that their only options are Republicans or Democrats. And sometimes people get lost in that system. Were having this conversation because Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed an executive order restoring voting rights to most people on parole. Do you feel indebted to the governor? Are you more likely to vote for him, or do you think this was just the bare minimum? NP: I think that Cuomo did it on his own feelings towards the president. I dont think he did it just because. He took us into consideration because were such a large population. Thats why he restored our rights to vote. I dont feel in debt to him. I dont feel in debt to anyone. I feel in debt to a child whos walking around the streets of Brooklyn thats broken. I dont feel in debt to the governor. I thank the governor (laughs). Thank you. But I dont feel in debt to anyone. RJ: I look at where it was announced at: (Al Sharptons) National Action Network. How he announced it, what he said in regards to his executive order. But I also look at some other policies that he actually changed. I was 16 years old when I was incarcerated. He voted to raise the age. Some would argue that he didnt raise it enough, but its a start. Youre moving people off of Rikers Island, 16 years old, off of Rikers Island and into other places. So in terms of being grateful, absolutely Im grateful. Its not something that I just look at for myself. WC: I think its hard to argue that it wasnt a great decision. Politics is a blood sport. There will always be motives why politicians do the things that they do. And Im less concerned about motive and more concerned about the correctness of the thing thats done. And in this case, it was the correct decision. At the Senate hearings on parole, state Sen. Phil Boyle argued that it would be dangerous to have parolees vote. Never in a million years, he said, did I think that wed be facing the prospect of criminals going into our schools with students in classrooms nearby on Election Day. Is that a legitimate concern? LR: Thats a legitimate argument from somebody whos ignorant, who doesnt have any type of interaction with somebody from the criminal justice system. Its really very ignorant and very unfair for you to judge a person, for you to be an animal whos going to go to a school and kidnap and eat a child. You might as well say that, you know? RJ: I really hate the mudslinging, I really do. But when I hear that type of logic, I have my own type of logic in response to it as well. I did 23 years in prison. Ive been home three years. That means I havent committed a crime in 26 years. I was released by a parole board that was entrusted by a commissioner and a governor to be on the parole board, right? People who you said had decision making power could determine what remorse is and release the person. Photo by Jeff Coltin State Sen. Elaine Phillips noted at the hearing that there were 23 sex offenders on parole in Nassau County alone, including nine level threes the highest level. But union representatives at the hearing said only one single sex offender on parole voted in the Democratic primary this year since the conditions put in place, like getting written permission from a school superintendent, were so arduous. NP: I have a friend thats a sex offender, and she didnt want to vote. Because she had to go through all that. Thats humiliating for her to even do that. Sex offenders, arsonists, whatever you were I learned that in prison, people will never allow you to forget what you once were. Its a constant reminder when you are a felon. GR: What Republican senators said about schools, its just ridiculous. As a formerly incarcerated man, I work with court-involved youth. I go into schools on a regular basis. RJ: Me too! GR: Im in all kinds of conferences with teachers, with principals, and the furthest thing from those individuals minds is that I was once in prison. They dont know that. They cant tell. I work in a professional setting, and I have yet to find someone that could tell I was in prison, just based on interacting. So its ridiculous to think that a formerly incarcerated person would think Election Day as a time to commit a crime, when you have access to schools. The hearings were also about concerns with the parole board NP: A lot of the time, papers go to the board. So that means the parole board is judging a person that has been in the system for a certain amount of time and judging them on their institutional record without seeing them, without having a conversation. Youre just judging them on those papers. You dont even show up. Then they give their judgement and thats it. See you in two more years. See you in a year and a half. See you in 13 months. I know women who went to the parole board and they didnt even have their paperwork in front of them. They cant find it. Do you know the anticipation that a person goes through when they have to sit in front of somebody that dictates their freedom? Thats mind boggling. Thats a whole different psychological aspect that you have to endure. Did you get a fair shake from the parole board? NP: I got a fair assessment because Im here (laughs). Im here, you know? But whos to say the girl behind me got a fair assessment, thats been locked up longer than I have? Photo by Jeff Coltin Wesley, did you appear before the parole board? WC: I did. I actually appeared before the parole board six months before my sentence required it through a program that (the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision) has which incentivizes positive participation in certain programs. I went through that process and earned release. My experience with the parole board is mixed. The lack of being able to speak to your offense is one of the core reasons why parole board commissioners deny release. My personal experience was, I had three commissioners who, very fortunately for me, from the moment the first question was posed to me, I was afforded the opportunity to really answer that question fully. Which I think redirected the trajectory of how my parole hearing could have gone. I was actually in the parole board for 25 minutes. Which is so unusual in and of itself. Its a rarity to have someone sit before the commissioners for more than 10 minutes. I dont have any specific critiques about my personal experience before the parole board. I think that I was given ample opportunity to respond to questions. I was given ample opportunity to share with the commissioners my thoughts on things that they didnt necessarily ask. Thats not the norm. It was fortunate for me that I was granted parole. LR: Obviously you need to prepare because theres rules of engagement. Youve got to learn the language of course. But there are very few programs that give you an opportunity to be able to learn how to articulate. Insight into your defense. And I think thats definitely unfair, because not everybody has the capability of expressing those things in the politically correct way. Sometimes its just letting the (parole board) person know, Listen, Ive been staying out of trouble, I earned my GED. Give me a chance. Thats as simple as they can say it. And I think they should be granted that. RJ: I actually was fortunate enough to make my first parole board. Prior to going to the parole board, I had an opportunity to talk to many of my friends who went before me. Some didnt make it. But after doing 23 years in prison, I understood that, seeing so many people denied, I really needed to prepare. So I thought about the amount of time youre given to represent yourself at the parole board, but also attached to that is the thought they dont read your package. You put together a parole board package that is an accumulation of everything youve done from the time that youre actually gotten into prison. I forgot how many pages mine was probably about 15, 20 pages. So I said, How do I actually demonstrate my transformation that would make them read it? So one night I said, you know what, Im going to put my mugshot on the front page of my package. I put my mugshot on there. So to the (parole board member), theyre like, why would this person put his mugshot? Inside of it, a few pages later, I put the image of a caterpillar. And when you go further in, you see the image of a butterfly. I was trying to demonstrate that I acknowledge the person that I actually was at this time. And that I illustrate who I was. I was this hairy, ugly little caterpillar that wreaked havoc in my community. But through everything Ive done since I was incarcerated from the age of 16 until I was 39, I have used every resource available inside of the institution to evolve into this butterfly. WC: You have to be creative. RJ: Youve got to tell a story, because in the amount of time youve been allotted, you may not get that opportunity. OK, thats it, next person. GR: I had two parole board experiences. The first one was incredibly discouraging. It was five minutes. Leading up to my parole board hearing, I had 11 years without any incidents of misbehavior. So Im all excited, Im revved up. Ive got a parole packet that consists of almost 11 pages of letters of support, certificates you name it, it was in there. And I go in there, and it just happened to be a day when there were several incidents at the (prison), so that kind of limits movement and doesnt allow you to get from point A to point B and everything was delayed. I finally made it to the waiting area, at the hospital at Fishkill (Correctional Facility). When I get there, I noticed that theyre running these five minute hearings. Im like, oh my god, theyre just slapping everybody denied. They cant possibly be letting people go with five minute hearings. I got in there and it was one of those hearings. They didnt ask anything substantive. Everything was just, oh, you committed a murder, you committed this? It was all questions that they had the answers to right in front of them. So nothing of substance. There were a couple of questions I was able to kind of add additional information to, and I managed to pull off a dissenting opinion. But I was initially denied and I went early. I went with the six months that I had earned. It was just so discouraging. I felt like I left there without being able to say anything about how I felt, how Ive changed. Because they didn't leave room for that. It was just basic questions. My second time around, however, I had one of those 30 minute hearings where we spoke about the crime, but we also got into, OK, what has happened since then. They referenced the parole packet, which gave me the indication that, OK, they looked at it, theyve read some of it. And thats when I made it. Efforts to provide a boost to companies owned by minorities or women are paying off in New York, as both the state and New York City increased the share of contracts awarded to such firms in the past year. At the state level, Gov. Andrew Cuomo inched closer to his goal of awarding 30 percent of state government contracts to minority- and women-owned business enterprises, or MWBEs, hitting 28.62 percent in the 2017-18 fiscal year. In New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasios administration which also has a 30 percent target touted an increase to 19 percent in its own MWBE contracting rate. Since de Blasios office launched an official advisory council on minority- and women-owned businesses, the share of New York City contracts going to MWBEs has increased by 11 percentage points, up from 8 percent of city contracts in fiscal year 2014-15. The increase in MWBE contracts comes just a year after city MWBE contracts dropped from 14.3 percent to 11.4 percent. That decrease was due to an atypical contract involving the Department of Sanitation, Senior Advisor and Director of the Mayors Office of MWBEs Jonnel Doris told City & State last year. This year, Doris says the city is doing very well when it comes to MWBEs. We just recently hit our $10 billion OneNYC goal, he told City & State in a recent interview, referring to the citys total MWBE spending target. The mayor set a goal of $20 billion for MWBEs and were halfway to our target in just four years. So were ecstatic about that. Announced in 2015, OneNYC is the citys strategy to address population growth, aging infrastructure, increasing inequality and climate change. Under the OneNYC strategy, de Blasio originally set out to award $16 billion to MWBEs by 2025. After the 2017-18 fiscal year, he raised that number to $20 billion. But according to New York City Comptroller Scott Stringers office, the city could be doing a better job. Last year, the comptrollers office gave the city a D+ on MWBEs, finding that only 4.9 percent of the $21 billion procurement budget went to MWBEs in the 2016-17 fiscal year. The de Blasio administration uses a different measure based on contracts in industries explicitly covered by a law governing the MWBE program. Theres good news and bad news, Wendy Garcia, the city comptrollers chief diversity officer, said of the citys efforts. The bad news is that were seeing a small percentage of contracts being obtained by women- and minority-owned business. The good news is that if you look at the numbers from when (the MWBE program) originally started to now, we are seeing an increase in spending. The comptrollers office has not yet released an annual report on MWBEs for the 2017-18 fiscal year, but its 2018 progress report showed that as of March, city agencies were not meeting local spending goals when it comes to minority groups. Cuomo has made MWBEs a priority since early in his first term, and the state has seen a fairly steady upward climb over the years. State MWBE contracts rose from 27.20 percent in the 2016-17 fiscal year to 28.62 percent in the 2017-18 fiscal year. Our nation-leading utilization rate is a testament to our unparalleled network of MWBEs that continues to grow in size and scope, reflecting the states rich diversity, Cuomo announced earlier this month. Despite the percentage change, some state officials recognize theres more to be done. We still have a long way to go, said Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte, the chairwoman of the Assembly Oversight of Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises Subcommittee. Were still battling the personal net worth (cap) that has been stifling, in particular, MWBEs in the construction field to grow, expand, and actually even be in the program. Were still battling the license certification thats taking, in some cases, two years or even the appellate portion of it, where some people may want to appeal a decision that Empire State Development made on why theyre not eligible to be part of the program. There are far fewer women than men on the boards of directors for the nations largest companies. Last year, women held just 18 percent of positions on the boards of the 3,000 largest publicly traded corporations in the U.S., according to ISS Analytics. In response to such dismal statistics and motivated by research that shows the benefits of more diverse boards California last month became the only state to require publicly held corporations headquartered in the state to meet a minimum number of female board members. Now, despite fears that the California law may not survive if it is challenged in court , New York may pursue a similar path. At least two Assembly members are looking to propose bills that would emulate the California law, which requires those public companies to have at least one female board member by the end of 2019, and two or three by the end of 2021, depending on the size of the board. Fines will be imposed on companies that fail to comply. Assemblywoman Rebecca Seawright, a Manhattan Democrat, is drafting legislation that she said would mirror the California law as much as possible. Seawright provided few specifics on how similar her legislation, which is still in the research stage, would be to Californias. Instead, she said her bill would first commission a study on the number of women currently appointed to the boards of directors of publicly traded corporations headquartered in the state. Based on the findings, the bill would then require steps to be taken to increase the number of women and create a more equal playing field. Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte, a Brooklyn Democrat, plans to draft a different bill that would require corporations that contract with New York City or New York state to meet a certain threshold of diversity on their boards or in their management structure. We are actually allocating tax dollars in the form of government contracts to these companies and their boards should be a reflection of New York state and New York City, Bichotte said. California is different from us. I dont know if that extreme bill would get anywhere. I think that at least we should do it in tiers. Certainly, I would love to take it to that extreme and thats a conversation that were going to continue having. Jessica Levinson, a professor at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, wrote in an op-ed for NBC that the California law poses a number of legal issues. For instance, the bill specifically creates a classification based on gender, and therefore it raises questions of equal protection under both the U.S. Constitution and the California Constitution, she wrote. When the government legislates on the basis of gender, courts typically subject that legislation to a heightened scrutiny. This basically means the government has to prove it has a really good reason for doing what it is doing, and that there isnt a better way of accomplishing that goal. New York Times columnist Andrew Ross Sorkin, a proponent of increased corporate board diversity but an opponent of the California legislation, wrote that while Californias impulse is clearly on the right side of history, the way the rule was enacted is so misguided that it might do more harm than good. Sorkin warned that an onslaught of lawsuits from opponents of the rule could set back womens advocates progress by calling into question the validity of studies claiming companies with more diverse boards perform better. When asked about the constitutionality of the California law and her bill, Seawright said her team consulted with a legal firm that said the bill complies with the state constitution and U.S. Constitution. Seawright said she would call on the state attorney general to review her proposal and issue an advisory opinion on the constitutionality of her bill. Its not a mandate, its not a quota, Seawright argued. I think it will stand up to the strict scrutiny protection clause. Since Bichottes proposal only would apply to companies that receive state contracts, it may stand a better chance of passing constitutional scrutiny. Richard Briffault, a professor of legislation at Columbia Law School, said that the government has a freer hand when it comes to imposing requirements on companies in contracts. The courts have generally indicated that when governments are acting on whats sometimes called their proprietary capacity, that is by contract, as opposed to as regulators, they can do more, Briffault said. Obviously, even then there are limits on what governments can do, but there is more leeway for governments when theyre acting by contract. Contracts are arguably voluntary on the part of the contracting party so these are part of the conditions that get put in. There are also constitutional limits on what can go into a contract but it does give more space (for) the government to advance certain policies. In his signing message, California Gov. Jerry 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 ultimate implementation. Bichotte said she doesnt know if Californias law would pass legal scrutiny in New York. Gov. Andrew Cuomos office wouldnt commit to supporting Bichottes legislative proposal. Governor Cuomo has a long record of increasing protections and ensuring equal opportunity in the workplace, a Cuomo spokeswoman said in an emailed statement. We are continuing to explore additional legislative and regulatory options for encouraging and enforcing greater representation of women in all sectors. Seawright said she was hopeful that she can pass her proposal as she did with other significant diversity legislation but short of that, she said she absolutely supports Bichottes legislation. New York is a leader and has been a leader on so many issues passing marriage equality and one of the first to pass choice before Roe v. Wade and I think the time has come that New York needs to step up and take a serious look at this, Seawright said. Women comprise over half of New Yorks population, yet were so underrepresented on corporate boards and commissions. The Garfield Weston Foundation - the UK's second richest charity - increased its grant-giving by 11 per cent to 69.5m in 2017/18 following a significant increase in dividends from its investments. The charity owns a 79 per cent share in Wittington Investments Limited, which is the majority owner of Associated British Foods, a multinational food processing and retailing company that is the parent brand of Primark. Wittington also owns the department store Fortnum & Mason and the furniture chain Heals. According to the Foundations accounts for the year ending 5 April 2018, dividends from these investments totalled 73.8m, up 12 per cent from 65.9m the previous year. This was despite the overall value of the Foundations investments staying almost unchanged at 9.8bn. The reports states that the increase in grant-funding continues a longer-term trend, facilitated by a steady increase in dividends. In the past 10 years, the levels of income and donations have effectively doubled, and at the time of writing this report, trustees have given away the Foundations billionth pound. The Foundation, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary, supported 1,917 appeals throughout 2017/18. Grant-making approach One of the Foundations most notable grants during the year was 500,000 for the Natural History Museum to send Dippy the Dinosaur on an educational tour around the country. However, its grant-making also showed a trend towards smaller grants supporting community, welfare and youth projects. The report states that the Foundation is committed to funding charities core functions, with multi-year, core cost grants up by 34 per cent. Writing in the report, director Philippa Charles says: The trustees appreciate that charities often struggle to fund core costs which are essential to the effective delivery of a charitys purpose. The Foundation continues to welcome grant applications for core costs and we particularly encourage applications from parts of the country that are often under-represented, such as Wales and Northern Ireland. As bad as the headlines over the past week have been, they dont reflect anything new: Instead, the killings in Pittsburgh and Kentucky and the mailing of a dozen pipe bombs across the country represent a ratcheting up of trends weve watch unfold in our news and our politics over the past couple of years. Theres the emboldening of a racist, angry online mob, which communicates on the web and on social media; theres the reluctance of a political administration to condemn, strongly and unequivocally, some of the most vile views; and theres the unchecked spread of misinformation and disinformation, which is too massive to be adequately checked and which undermines the work of real reporters depending on real facts. It is that last problemthe spread of misinformation and its effect on newsthat CJR has decided to tackle head-on, and were taking an unconventional approach. On Tuesday, Ill be joined by some of my CJR colleagues at a newsstand in midtown Manhattan that seeks to draw attention to misinformation and how consumers of news should respond to it. With the help of TBWA\Chiat\Day in New York, weve taken real-life fake headlines from the web and placed them in the real world, on the covers of made-up publications that look like newspapers and magazines that you could actually read. Then were putting them in a newsstand to gauge the responses of New Yorkers. The headlines are laughable: Trump claims America should have never given Canada its independence, reads one; Texas now recognized as Mexican state, asserts another. (My favorite: Toddler fight club: Parents outraged after daycare got busted running kids fight club.) Theyre ridiculous in part because theyre pulled out of the dark reaches of the internet and made tangiblesomething you can hold in your hands. Too many of us dont realize the absurdity of pieces of misinformation when were scrolling through Facebook and sharing news with our friends. Seeing fake news transformed into what could be a real publication on a real newsstand makes us confront the nature of what were spreading. Sign up for CJR 's daily email Were hoping this one-day project will be a call to all of us to be more thoughtful, and more careful, about the news and information we are seeing and sharing. The fact that most people now get their news primarily through social media means that too often, news consumers lump real news in with everything else. Our goal is to show the cost of that inattention, in terms of the kind of information we are consuming, its effect on real journalism, and even its potential for violence. All of the false titles weve produced contain inserts to instruct people on how to recognize misinformation and, by contrast, to see the importance of real news produced by real journalists. We recognize that what were doing is provocative, that outfitting a newsstand in the middle of New York City to draw attention to misinformation is not what many people might expect to see from CJR. But, especially after a week like the one weve just seen, the need to draw attention to real news, and to its opposite, has never been more urgent. Want to see for yourself? Well be there from the morning rush through lunchtime on Tuesday, at the corner of Sixth Avenue and 42nd Street just off Bryant Park, to answer your questions and talk about why real journalism matters. Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Kyle Pope is the editor in chief and publisher of the Columbia Journalism Review. After Brazil elected Jair Bolsonaro president on Sunday, news organizations topline descriptions of the new man in charge ranged from the equivocal to the specific. Bolsonaro was, variously, a divisive populist, a strident populist, a rough-talking former army captain, a brash far-right congressman who has waxed nostalgic for Brazils old military dictatorship, a far-right former army captain with an unimpressive career as a congressman, and a retired army captain who has expressed admiration for dictatorship; repeatedly denigrated women, minorities and LGBT people; and decried fake news. Most outlets hit the essential point that Bolsonaro is far-right high up in their coveragethough that language is slight given his long history of extremist rhetoric. He has called Hitler a great strategist, promised to let the police kill criminals, and stated that hed prefer his son to die in a car crash than show up with some mustachioed guy. A spike in hate crimes marked the run-up to Bolsonaros election. Earlier this month, a group of his supporters attacked a 19-year-old woman carrying an LGBT flag, using a penknife to carve a swastika into her skin. ICYMI: As Brazil fights election misinformation, fact-checking sites work overtime In the hours after Bolsonaros victory, many news organizations took a show, dont tell approach to the president-elect, serving up lists of his past statements and behavior. But, again, outlets used a range of language to characterize these claims. While The Intercept referred to them as extremist, far-right positions, pieces in The Guardian and Reuters, for example, respectively called Bolsonaros views provocative and controversial. A BBC Twitter account asked whether Bolsonaro was racist, sexist and homophobic or a refreshing break from political correctness? (The tweet was later deleted.) With Bolsonaro, the language of both sides is redundant. And, given Brazils specific context of corruption and democratic fragility, neither is it enough to refer to Bolsonaro as the Trump of the tropics, as many outlets have done. Yes, there are some similarities between Bolsonaro and Trump (not least their aggressive fake news rhetoric aimed at the press), and Bolsonaros election does fit a global trend. Nor is it wrong, per se, to point out divergent reactions to his clear victory or call him an anti-establishment populisteven though, for US readers, those terms are loaded with assumptions (for instance, around what constitutes the establishment) that do not readily apply to Brazil. When dealing with a politician like Bolsonaro, its best to be as specific and detailed as possible about his past statements and present policies. In a short-attention-span age, its best to pack that detail into tweets, push notifications, headlines, and ledes, and for outlets to describe him consistently across their content. Even as a far-right shadow crosses much of the democratic world, Bolsonaro is uniquely dangerous. Leading with pat cliches does not convey the urgency of that danger. Sign up for CJR 's daily email Below, some related stories about Brazils new president and the media: Fake news, in quotes: Bolsonaro made vocal press-bashing a hallmark of his campaign, and he shows no signs that hell abandon it when he takes office; on Monday, he threatened to pull state advertising from lying publications. CJR Editor and Publisher Kyle Pope recently discussed the range of Bolsonaros press threats with The Economists Brazil correspondent Sarah Maslin on our podcast The Kicker. Bolsonaro made vocal press-bashing a hallmark of his campaign, and he shows no signs that hell abandon it when he takes office; on Monday, he threatened to pull state advertising from lying publications. CJR Editor and Publisher Kyle Pope recently discussed the range of Bolsonaros press threats with The Economists Brazil correspondent Sarah Maslin on our podcast The Kicker. Fake news, no quotes: Bolsonaro benefitted from an epic misinformation campaign in the run-up to his election, with WhatsApp, in particular, a hub for conspiratorial junk news targeting his opponents. Voxs Alexia Fernandez Campbell has this up-to-date explainer on the campaign. And earlier this month, CJRs Zainab Sultan laid out fact-checkers efforts to fight back. Bolsonaro benefitted from an epic misinformation campaign in the run-up to his election, with WhatsApp, in particular, a hub for conspiratorial junk news targeting his opponents. Voxs Alexia Fernandez Campbell has this up-to-date explainer on the campaign. And earlier this month, CJRs Zainab Sultan laid out fact-checkers efforts to fight back. Internal guidance: Foreign media coverage of Bolsonaro has been meatier than domestic reporting, according to Isabela Dias in Slate. The mainstream media is still grappling with the dilemma of where to place Bolsonaro on the political spectrum and has been reluctant to describe him as a threat to the countrys democracy in the manner of foreign outlets, Dias wrote late last week. Recently, Folha de S. Paulo, the most prominent daily newspaper in the country shared internal guidance with the newsroom stating that none of the candidates should be described as far right or far left. Foreign media coverage of Bolsonaro has been meatier than domestic reporting, according to Isabela Dias in Slate. The mainstream media is still grappling with the dilemma of where to place Bolsonaro on the political spectrum and has been reluctant to describe him as a threat to the countrys democracy in the manner of foreign outlets, Dias wrote late last week. Recently, Folha de S. Paulo, the most prominent daily newspaper in the country shared internal guidance with the newsroom stating that none of the candidates should be described as far right or far left. A culture of impunity: The Committee to Protect Journalists released its 2018 Global Impunity Index yesterday, spotlighting countries where journalists are killed and their killers arent prosecuted. Pre-Bolsonaro Brazil ranks 10th on the list. While thats an improvement over last year, CPJ points to 17 still-unsolved murder cases involving the countrys press. Two-dozen journalists and media workers have been killed in the country since 2010. The Committee to Protect Journalists released its 2018 Global Impunity Index yesterday, spotlighting countries where journalists are killed and their killers arent prosecuted. Pre-Bolsonaro Brazil ranks 10th on the list. While thats an improvement over last year, CPJ points to 17 still-unsolved murder cases involving the countrys press. Two-dozen journalists and media workers have been killed in the country since 2010. A referendum on the Amazon: In the run-up to Sundays election, a refreshing number of outletsincluding the Times, The Washington Post, and The Guardianpublished reporting and commentary laying out Bolsonaros potentially disastrous environmental impact. The Timess Somini Sengupta wrote two weeks ago that Bolsonaros election would be a referendum on the Amazon, and laid out the president-elects pledges to weaken ecological regulations. Other notable stories: As another day of anti-immigrant scaremongering unfolded at Fox News (Theyre coming in with diseases, such as smallpox and leprosy), Todd Gitlin criticized wild-eyed coverage of the caravan in a piece for CJR. On Fox yesterday, one host was notably less wild-eyed than the rest. The migrants, according to Fox News reporting, are more than two months away, if any of them actually come here, Shep Smith told viewers. There is no invasion. No one is coming to get you. There is nothing at all to worry about. Post media columnist Margaret Sullivan highlights one important story that has had far less airtime than the caravan: the worrying trend of voter suppression across the US. Obsessed with all things Trump and occupied with breaking news about hurricanes and mass shootings, the networks have almost ignored voter suppression, she writes. In early October, Sarah Smarsh checked in for CJR from one base of the problem: Kansas. Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders held a rare White House briefing yesterday, though Toronto Star Washington correspondent Daniel Dale described it as more like a White House scolding, as Sanders repeatedly upbraided the news media. Asked by CNNs Jim Acosta to list the outlets the administration considers the enemy of the people, Sanders replied, Im not going to walk through a list but I think those individuals probably know who they are. After CNN evacuated its New York studios last week, officials intercepted another suspicious package, this time addressed to the networks Atlanta HQ. Authorities believe it came from the same suspected sender, Cesar Sayoc, who was arrested in Florida last Friday. Having already faced multi-billion euro fines on the continent, Google is bracing for more tough action from the European Union, this time to curb the way it offers local business listings to users. For CJR, Adina Solomon discusses a worrying new trend: contractual prohibitions that prevent freelancers from discussing their pay. The power to talk with other freelancers about money gives us the information and strength to negotiate for fair conditions and sustain our work, Solomon writes. So recently, when two organizations offered me contracts that prohibited necessary discussion of pay, it felt like a new twist in freelance survival. A fun story in a grim week: A rare, 244-year-old Philadelphia newspaper has turned up at a Goodwill collection center in Woodbury, New Jersey, PhillyVoice reports. And finally, an invitation: CJR will be out today in the colder climes of midtown Manhattan with a newsstand aimed at helping voters cut through misinformation in the media. Well be at the corner of 42nd St. and 6th Ave. (by Bryant Park) from 7am to 2pm. Wed love it if you would stop by. You can read more about our newsstand initiative here. ICYMI: As rhetoric becomes reality, the media grapples with Americas hate Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Jon Allsop is a freelance journalist whose work has appeared in the New York Review of Books, Foreign Policy, and The Nation, among other outlets. He writes CJRs newsletter The Media Today. Find him on Twitter @Jon_Allsop. Having Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube ban hate-mongers like Milo Yiannopolous and Infowars founder Alex Jonesor having cloud-hosting provider Cloudflare block access to a neo-Nazi site like The Daily Stormer, as the service did last yearis only partially effective at stemming the flow of toxic ideas, since there are other social tools that are happy to give them a voice. But the latest moves against Gab, which pitched itself as a more free-thinking (i.e., more right-wing) alternative to Twitter, show that what some call de-platforming is moving to a new level: The de-platforming of alternative platforms themselves. In Gabs case, the service has been rejected by hosts such as Joyent and Microsofts Azure, which ended its contract with Gab earlier this year, and it has also been blocked by payment processors PayPal and Stripe. On the weekend, after a user of Gab allegedly opened fire and killed 11 people at a Pittsburgh synagogue, domain registrar GoDaddy cut the service off and told it to find another registrar. So, even if Gab manages to find a new host for the network, it would be difficult for users to find it just by typing in a web address (the domain name infrastructure requires the use of an official registrar, in much the same way that listing your landline requires someone to organize and publish a phone book). ICYMI: Financial Times editors tweet about Fox News goes viral Gab, not surprisingly, has been promotingas Jones didthe argument that this is a free speech issue, and that it is being unfairly silenced by large corporate players (somewhat confusingly, it also seems to be arguing that the things it published, including outright threats of violence toward Jews and other identifiable groups, were just words and that words dont have any real power). Each of the services that has cut Gab off, however, have pointed out that the companys behavior was a simple breach of terms of service, which in most cases prohibit threats of violence towards specific individuals or groups. And for now at least, Gab remains active on both Twitter and Facebook, so its de-platforming is not quite complete. We apologize for nothing because we did nothing wrong. We are doubling down on free speech and individual liberty and nothing you say or do will change that. Gab.com (@getongab) October 29, 2018 Sign up for CJR 's daily email What makes the discussion around de-platforming so difficult is that while Gabs argument and the complaints of Alex Jones are clearly an attempt at misdirection, since the First Amendment doesnt apply to the actions taken by corporations like Facebook and Twitter, removing a service from the internet by refusing to give it hosting or domain services clearly enters into some touchy territory. Cloudflares founder Matthew Prince came out and addressed that elephant in the room when he cut off The Daily Stormer, saying he felt that doing so was clearly the right thing to do morally, but that he was still troubled by the implications. Let me be clear: This was an arbitrary decision. I woke up this morning in a bad mood and decided to kick them off the internet. No one should have that power, Prince said in a memo at the time. We need to have a discussion around this, with clear rules and clear frameworks. My whims and those of Jeff [Bezos] and Larry [Page] and Satya [Nadella] and Mark [Zuckerberg], that shouldnt be what determines what should be online. In particular, Prince said, the fact that he could remove someone from the internet so quickly would make it a little bit harder for us to argue against a government somewhere pressuring us into taking down a site they dont like. According to The Washington Post, the connection between Gab and the Pittsburgh shootings has reignited a debate in Congress over whether platforms should be immune from penalties for the content they host. Why we terminated Daily Stormer. https://t.co/6WF5wXnGOg Matthew Prince (@eastdakota) August 16, 2017 The other thing that is potentially troubling is that people like Alex Jones and services like Gab use bans as a kind of badge of honor, a way of showing their followers they are having an impact, and that all of their warnings about an attack on free speech are well-founded. Gabs message on its home page says You have all just made Gab a nationally recognized brand as the home of free speech online, and the service reportedly gained thousands of new users after Jones was banned from Twitter. Does banning these kinds of actors paradoxically give them even more publicity and currency? (The Daily Stormer eventually got back online with the help of a company that saw the move partly as a form of marketing). On the other hand, there is also research that shows de-platforming works, in the sense that it robs people like Jones of a megaphone. Joan Donovan of the non-profit research group Data & Society told Motherboard earlier this year that the groups initial studies indicate that there is an initial uptick in interest or discussion about a person or a group when they get de-platformed, but in general they dont gain the same amplification power they had prior to the moment they were taken off these bigger platforms. And a study of Reddit done by Georgia Tech last year found that when the site banned some of the most toxic or offensive sub-Reddits, there was a decline in hate speech on the site as a whole. RELATED: Three clauses freelancers should negotiate, according to lawyers Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Mathew Ingram is CJRs chief digital writer. Previously, he was a senior writer with Fortune magazine. He has written about the intersection between media and technology since the earliest days of the commercial internet. His writing has been published in the Washington Post and the Financial Times as well as by Reuters and Bloomberg. The story of the Central American migrant caravan dominated cable news for weeks; then it turned up in the social media accounts of Cesar Sayoc, who has been accused of mailing pipe bombs to more than a dozen prominent Democrats, and Robert Bowers, who was charged with murdering 11 people during a bris at a synagogue in Pittsburgh over the weekend. The debate over the caravan of mostly Honduran migrants on their way to the US-Mexico border has become the most important theme of the final stretch of the 2018 midterm elections. This collection of raging controversies seems guaranteed to stir voter anger. One rumor about the caravan has quickly solidified, amplified by mainstream outlets headlines and fact checks: that George Soros is personally funding the caravan, that he is somehow behind the group Pueblos Sin Fronteras that organized it, and that its purpose is to change the outcome of the midterms to favor the radical left. Where and when did these claims originate, and how did they creep into news headlines? In my research, published on Medium last week, I found the earliest social media posts that kicked off the Soros-funded-migrant caravan narrative. The earliest claims of a direct link between Soros (funding) and caravan appear to have been posted to Twitter on March 30. Photo: Google Trends Of course, this was a different caravan. But its the origin of the larger theme and, more importantly, the associative keywords. The story of another supposedly Soros-funded caravan was amplified in April by TheBlaze and WorldNetDaily, along with the usual assortment of blogs, sketchy Keep America Great bots, red-hat-wearing humans, and indirectly by mainstream publications, fact checks, and left-wing sites who amplified the rumor by criticizing it. Sign up for CJR 's daily email Lets begin at the beginning. (CJR has removed information that would identify specific active accounts in order to avoid contributing to the spread of misinformation.) The first tweet attributing the caravan to Soros appeared on Twitter at the end of March. (And no, there is no reference to that claim in the Breitbart story about this caravan, which is linked in the tweet.) A handful of caravan references appeared on Twitter during the last two days in March. One tweet linked to a conspiracy video on YouTube, which is still up. But the video doesnt draw a direct connection between the Central American caravan and Soros. The tweet also links to a thread on the message board Voat from March 31, which contains comments that do attempt to establish the caravan-funding narrative. Another March 31 tweet from an astroturf account links to a BuzzFeed story, again, in which George Soros isnt mentioned at all. Next, also on March 31, a reply pops up under a tweet by Fox Business host Lou Dobbs, tagging right-wing blogger and Fox News host Sara A. Carter. The reply strikes an innocent tonejust a friendly, interested citizen, wondering whether we should investigate this! By April 2, the conspiracists stop being coy; for the first time, a Twitter account links to content published outside of forums and social media. The article, an op-ed from a right-wing fringe site called The Goldwater, asserts a direct link between Soros and funding of the immigrant caravan. The tweet linking to this piece cant be found on Twitter or through its API, because the account has been suspended and removed. That tweet came from someone with the screen name Courtney T, tweeting from the handle @IWillRedPillU, and the handle links in to a whole new world of MAGA political propaganda. The name on the op-ed? Courtney Tubb. Dobbs picks up the thread quickly. On Lou Dobbs Tonight on April 3, in a segment grilling Republican congresswoman Martha McSally about the slow movement on funding for Trumps border wall, Dobbs asked: How about people without borders [Pueblos sin Fronteras]? How about all of the NGOs, the nonprofits, many of them funded by George Soros and other left-wing groups who are trying to radicalize them and move them intoand by the way, how about President Obamas eight-year administration that was incentivizing Central Americans to come here? Since the end of that caravan in April150 migrants sought asylum at the US border, and the Justice Department brought criminal charges against 11 the conspiracy theory seems to have preyed on the minds of conservatives. Almost immediately after the October 13 Reuters report on the migrant caravan currently approaching the US border, right-wing outlets like Fox News saw their Twitter mentions flooded with replies blaming Soros in a story relying on the Reuters reporting. Though Soros is mentioned nowhere in the Fox story, users replying to the outlets tweet linking to the story immediately blamed the Jewish billionaire. Another Soros move, wrote one user of many. Brought to you by Soros-Clinton, replied another. The rumor mill snowballed from comments, replies, and shares to livestreams by prominent right-wing personalities. Television news channels and programs now regularly cover this story that originated in a Twitter reply from a pseudonymous account. And, of course, succinct explanations of the conspiracy theory are crudely pasted all over important social media channels, such as active political Facebook groups: More recently, on October 23, Dobbs himself has doubled down: #LDTPoll: Do you think the Radical Left is working with Central and South American socialists and leftists to organize and support the migrant caravan? Lou Dobbs (@LouDobbs) October 23, 2018 The following day, Cesar Altieri Sayoc was arrested by authorities in Florida as a suspect in the bombs mailed to Soros and others. He was linked to two Twitter accounts; the last tweet on the first account, @hardrock2016, was a meme about Soros. Including his second account with the handle @hardrockintlet, text in the tweets and contained within the images, Sayocs Twitter accounts contained 406 mentions of Soros: Now, in October, only days before the midterm elections, the caravan continues. Its talking pointskeywordsreinforced in social media posts, link shares, comments, online forums, and television programs. It spreads through disinformation, as shown in the October 25 tweet below: It is repeated in snark by media personalities and influencers: It is debunked by right-wing news outlets with quotes from the vice president. The legitimization of the narrative happens by commanding a critical mass of attention; it is reinforced in click-seeking mainstream headlines and fact-checks through keyword repetition. It is platformlessrumores sin fronteras. Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Jonathan Albright Jonathan Albright is the director of the Tow Digital Forensics Initiative at the Tow Center for Digital Journalism at Columbia University. He is a professor, researcher and award-nominated journalist in news, journalism, and #hashtags. California Man Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Fraud in Connection with Arson Scheme U.S. District Judge Morrison C. England Jr. sentenced Brian J. Stone of Sacramento, Calif., to six years in prison and to pay over $243,000 in restitution and a $12,500 fine for his convictions on 13 counts of wire and mail fraud, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced. After sentencing, Stone was remanded into custody. Stone, a former California attorney, was disbarred in 2001. According to evidence presented at a four-day trial and at sentencing, Stone participated with co-defendant Jamal Shehadeh in a multiyear fraud scheme involving several fraudulent fire insurance claims in the Sacramento area that spanned from 2009 through 2013, often utilizing his legal skills in the process. Jamal Shehadeh separately pleaded guilty to arson and admitted to setting or causing to be set fires as a part of the fraud scheme. Among other things, Stone assisted Shehadeh with insurance claims after fires at 511 Broadway in June 2010, 5725 Marconi Avenue in September 2012, and at 2764 Fulton Avenue in June 2013. In late 2012, co-defendant Jamal Shehadeh had rented space at that location in the name of a supposed auto parts supply business. Stone had been helping Shehadeh unsuccessfully fight an eviction action during the months prior to the fire. On the night the eviction took effect, the fire occurred at 2764 Fulton, and the supposed auto parts business later filed an insurance claim with State Farm. While helping with the insurance claim, Stone recruited a local contractor to create a fake invoice and lie to State Farm regarding debris removal work performed after the fire. In a series of emails, Stone directed the local contractor to keep 10 percent of the money that they would get from State Farm from this fraud, and send the other 90 percent to Stone in a cashiers check. The scheme was uncovered when the local contractor reported it to State Farm. The FBI later executed search warrants of Stones office and email account, finding copies of documents outlining the fraud. This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and IRS Criminal Investigation, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Sacramento Fire Department; the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department; and the Sacramento Sheriffs Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael D. Anderson and Christopher S. Hales are prosecuting the case. Two other defendants were charged in the case. Jamal Shehadeh pleaded guilty to two counts of arson to commit a felony on February 10, 2018, and was sentenced to 30 years in prison. Saber Shehadeh was convicted of three counts of mail fraud on June 4, 2018, after a seven-day jury trial, and is scheduled to be sentenced on October 18, 2018. Florida Man Charged With Making False Storm Assistance Claims Authorities say a Florida man made nearly $58,000 from fraudulent disaster assistance claims following three major storms. The U.S. Attorneys Office in Jacksonville says 46-year-old Lepoleon Spikes was arrested Wednesday on five counts of wire fraud involving fraudulent applications made to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. He faces up to 20 years in prison on each count. The government is also seeking the moneys return. An indictment says Spikes provided false information when he applied to FEMA and received $24,870 for rental assistance after Tropical Storm Debby in 2012. Records show he received another $12,016 after Hurricane Matthew in 2016 and finally $20,802 after Hurricane Irma in 2017. Spikes is scheduled to go on trial Dec. 3. Faked Certificates of Insurance Leads to $43,000 Restitution Order The owner of a Columbus, Ohio, cleaning company who continued to run his business after his workers compensation insurance lapsed in 2010 paid more than $43,000 in restitution to the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation (BWC) at his court hearing Oct. 18. Gyorgy Benedek, owner of Maintenance Free Building Services Inc., pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of Failure to Comply after submitting a check to BWC for $43,069 in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas. The plea followed a BWC investigation that revealed Benedek provided falsified BWC certificates of coverage to land a cleaning contract with another company. We got a tip from a company doing business with Mr. Benedek that his BWC certificates looked suspicious, so we checked it out, said Jim Wernecke, director of BWCs special investigations department. We found multiple problems with the certificates indicating Mr. Benedek was attempting to skirt his legal obligation to protect his employees and carry proper insurance. Among BWCs findings: Benedek provided three BWC certificates showing the signature of former BWC Administrator/CEO Marsha P. Ryan when it should have been the signature of her successor, Stephen Buehrer. The certificates were dated during a period Benedeks policy was lapsed. Benedek reported zero payroll between 2009 and 2015, but a BWC audit found he had more than 30 employees during that time and unreported payroll of more than $650,000. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Verisk Launches WaterLine for Private Flood Insurance Market Verisk, a data analytics provider, announced the launch of WaterLine, an underwriting tool that scores flood risk for all properties in the contiguous United States, helping insurers meet the needs of the growing number of homes and businesses vulnerable to flood. WaterLine, developed by Verisk businesses ISO and AIR Worldwide, is based on advanced models of river, surface, and storm surge flooding. The tool can help insurers underwrite any property, including those not traditionally considered flood-prone. WaterLine can also help insurers that dont offer flood insurance serve their customers better by providing them with critical information about their level of flood risk. The product scores properties on a 0-to-100 relative risk scale and shows the factors contributing to the score. It uses advanced probabilistic simulations based on hydrologic and hydraulic engineering from AIRs Inland Flood Model for the United States. CoreLogic to Acquire Symbility Solutions Inc. CoreLogic, a global provider of property information, insight, analytics and data-enabled solutions, announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the outstanding shares of Symbililty Solutions Inc. not already owned by CoreLogic. CoreLogic currently holds approximately a 28 percent ownership interest in Symbility. Symbility, founded in 2004, is a provider of subscription and cloud-based property insurance claims workflow solutions for the property & casualty insurance industry. Symbility also provides enterprise mobile and application software solutions. The company is headquartered in Toronto, Canada and operates in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands, Australia and New Zealand. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2018 and is subject to Symbility shareholder and option-holder approval, court approval, certain third-party consents and customary closing conditions. Under the terms of the definitive agreement, CoreLogic will acquire all outstanding common shares of Symbility not owned by CoreLogic or its affiliates for C$0.615 per share in cash. In addition, all holders of outstanding stock options of Symbility will be entitled to receive the in-the-money value of such stock options, less applicable withholdings. The Company intends to fund the acquisition of Symbility using cash on hand and available amounts under its revolving credit facility. The acquisition is expected to be accretive to 2019 financial results excluding one-time integration costs as well as reductions in acquired deferred revenue and other purchase accounting adjustments. BMO Capital Markets is acting as financial advisor to CoreLogic on the transaction. Arbella Insurance Group Introduces New Home Cyber Protection Insurance The Arbella Insurance Group announced the launch of its new Home Cyber Protection insurance coverage designed to protect individuals and families after a cyber attack has occurred. The new endorsement can be added to homeowners, condominium and renters insurance policies. Arbella is one of the few insurance companies in Massachusetts offering cyber insurance to homeowners, which also includes cyberbullying protection in its product. The suite of coverage in Arbellas Home Cyber Protection plan provides policyholders with assistance when a member of their household has been targeted by: Cyber Attack: Covers the cost of removing a virus or the reprogramming of computers and tablets, Wi-Fi routers and other Internet access points. Cyber Extortion: Professional assistance with responding to a ransomware attack and reimbursement for approved ransom payments. Online Fraud: Reimbursement for financial losses due to identity theft, phishing schemes, illegal banking or credit card transfers and other deceptions. Data Breach: Specialized review from a forensic IT and/or legal representatives as well as notification and recovery services when personal data and information entrusted to you is lost, stolen or published. Cyberbullying: Covers the costs an individual may incur after a cyberbullying attack, including legal expenses, temporary relocation expenses or private tutoring. In addition to financial reimbursement, Home Cyber Protection provides policyholders extensive support from cyber claim specialists and technical experts who will help guide them through the attack and put them on the path to recovery. Arbellas Home Cyber Protection coverage is available to Arbella customers in Massachusetts as of October 1, 2018. AKRON, Ohio Summit County officials want to create a fund to cover any emergencies caused by the Nexus natural-gas pipeline, which cuts through Green and New Franklin in the southern part of the county. County Executive Ilene Shapiro and County Council members Paula Prentice and Michael Soyars announced Tuesday they are introducing legislation that would set aside money for planning, training and equipment in case a pipeline-related emergency occurs. The Nexus Pipeline is now pumping natural gas through two of our Summit County communities and we must be proactive in preparing for the risks this pipeline presents to the health and safety of residents, Shapiro said in a news release. The 36-inch pipeline was activated in late September and now carries two thirds of its capacity of 1.5 billion cubic feet per day, the county reported. My constituents in Green are rightly concerned about the potential consequences of a natural gas pipeline running through their backyards, Prentice stated in the release. According to Nexus, the pipeline is monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week via a system that can react to anomalies in operations and dispatch workers if necessary. Sensors and remote control shut-off equipment were also installed on the pipeline, and aerial and on-the-ground inspections are performed regularly, the company reports. If the legislation is approved by County Council, money for the Pipeline Emergency Response Fund will come from property taxes the pipeline is expected to generate. A report by Public Finance Resources, which provides financial forecasting for governments, estimates Summit Countys portion of tax revenues at nearly $21 million in the first five years. The first taxes will be collected in 2020 and would be available for the proposed fund in 2021. The fund would be used by Summit Countys Special Operations Response Team, which is specially trained to respond to an array of hazards, emergences and disasters. Grants from the fund also would be awarded to local police and fire departments based on recommendations by the Special Operations Response Team board. As the council representative for New Franklin, I am committed to the health and safety of my constituents, Soyars said in the release. We have to be prepared for a potential pipeline malfunction or related disaster and this legislation will allow us to do just that. The Public Safety Committee of County Council is expected to discuss the new legislation at its regular meeting on Monday, Nov. 5. Want more Akron news? Sign up for cleveland.coms Rubber City Daily, an email newsletter delivered at 5:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. AKRON, Ohio - The city's Vacant Building Registration Program, created in June, is moving forward with efforts to improve or remove the city's blighted buildings. Akron City Council approved five individuals recommended by the city administration to make up a vacant building appeals board. Meanwhile, the Department of Neighborhood Assistance is preparing to send out a second round of letters to owners of vacant buildings in Akron notifying them about the requirements of the new law. Owners of empty buildings in the city must register within six months of their building becoming vacant, and pay an annual fee based on the building's size - $300 for buildings less than 10,000 square-feet, and $500 for buildings 10,000 square-feet or larger. The fees collected will go toward building demolition. Building owners must also designate a local representative; submit a plan for renovating, selling or demolishing the structures; and keep the properties lit and secure. The intent is to keep empty buildings from negatively affecting neighborhoods' economic stability by increasing crime and posing safety hazards, the city has said. The registration is hoped to boost the appeal of viable buildings and make it easier to match them with the needs of prospective buyers. The appeals board will hold hearings and can modify or dismiss enforcement actions if the city's regulations aren't followed. Members of the new appeals board are: Scott Rowland, one-year term. Rowland currently serves on the city's Board of Zooming Appeals but will leave that post to serve on the vacant building appeals board. Lauren Alexander, two-year term. Alexander, a licensed realtor would fulfill a requirement that one member of the vacant building appeals board represent the Akron Area Board of Realtors. Greg Burk- two-year term. A retired realtor and rubber worker Ellis W. Polk, three-year term. Retired from the Akron Fire Department, Polk also served as an Akron fire investigator. Renee M. Nied, three-year term. Neid works at FirstEnergy Corp. as an economic development consultant. She fulfills a requirement that a member of the vacant building appeals board work in the economic development field. "This is that key ingredient we need to get moving," said John Valle, director of neighborhood assistance. "We're hoping to have some quick wins in the next four to six weeks where we can see some vacant commercial buildings finally being torn down." According to Valle, members of his department have already sent letters to 305 building owners. Those buildings were identified through a 2015 Western Reserve Land Conservancy Thriving Communities Institute survey, which found that Akron is home to about 500 empty buildings. A second round of letters will soon go to building owners identified by member of Valle's department and by citizens. Residents are encouraged to report empty buildings in their neighborhoods using the city's 311 info line. Want more Akron news? Sign up for cleveland.com's Rubber City Daily, an email newsletter delivered at 5:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. BRECKSVILLE, Ohio -- Cleveland Clinic is opening an Express Care Clinic in the Millside Centre retail strip, on the east side of Brecksville Road just north of Ohio 82. Patients with non-serious health issues -- including colds, viral infections, stomachaches, earaches, skin rashes, minor injuries and burns, and muscle strains and sprains -- will be able to stop in for treatment without an appointment. The clinic will be part of the new Cleveland Clinic Brecksville Medical Outpatient Center, which in addition to housing the Express Care Clinic will offer primary care. The center will occupy about 5,000 square feet in a storefront now vacant and under renovation. "We anticipate opening the Express Care Clinic by the end of the year and opening primary care services in early 2019," Heather Phillips, Cleveland Clinic spokesperson, told cleveland.com. Phillips said Cleveland Clinic has 25 Express Care clinics in Ohio, including those in Akron, Beachwood, Broadview Heights, downtown Cleveland, Independence, North Olmsted, Olmsted Township, Solon and Strongsville. In Brecksville, nurse practitioners and physician assistants will treat patients in the Express Care Clinic. They, along with physicians, will also provide primary care services. The Brecksville-Broadview Heights area is a competitive battleground for the big three medical providers in Greater Cleveland. In 2016, The MetroHealth System opened its Brecksville Health & Surgery Center at the southwest corner of Ohio 82 and Interstate 77. That same year, University Hospitals opened its Broadview Heights Health Center at the northeast corner of Ohio 82 and Interstate 77. Both buildings contain emergency rooms. Meanwhile, Cleveland Clinic's Broadview Heights Medical Center, which also houses an Express Care Clinic, is on Ohio 82 just west of I-77. Parents from Gurney Elementary School, Chagrin Falls Intermediate School, Middle School and High School arrived on Saturday morning, October 6 for the District's first "What the Tech?!" event. The event was designed for parents to learn more about how their student uses technology in and out of the classroom. The day consisted of four 25 minute sessions detailing different aspects of how students and teachers use technology at Chagrin Falls. Some sessions were interactive and required attendees to use smartphones to participate. Parent Resources, facilitated by Nancy Kevern and Mike Daugherty, provided attendees with a website created specifically for the event. The site included tools, extensions and other tech resources parents could use when trying to help their student at home. (The website can be accessed here: bit.ly/cfsite1 ) Christopher Englehart, Gurney Elementary Spanish teacher, led a session on how teachers and students use Google Classroom. Student Tech Intern, Tori Hallwachs, shared some of the artifacts she has created using the GSuite of Tools in her session titled: GSuite: a Student Perspective. Brooke Campbell, middle and high school Spanish teacher, facilitated a game of Kahoot and Quizlet Live so that parents could experience first-hand some of the learning activities their students may talk about at home. Supplemental sessions included a Google Expedition to Iceland using virtual reality and a computer programming demonstration by Carolyn Petite, computer teacher, and her students. Parent feedback was extremely positive. One parent said the event "Reinforced what amazing opportunities our Chagrin Falls' students have at their fingertips and how well prepared they will be for their next chapter. The presenter was an amazing young woman with a very bright future!" CLEVELAND, Ohio The city of Cleveland continued Monday to keep secret the names of two city officials involved in a security breach at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. In addition, the city declined to release any details about the nature of Thursdays security breach, including whether it had any implications for passengers at the airport. On Friday, the Jackson administration announced only that there had been a security incident that involved two city employees and that one employee had been suspended. The other, the city said, was out of town but could face disciplinary action. In its statement, the administration said security clearances for the suspended official were revoked in accordance with airport and Transportation Security Administration policies. Cleveland.com learned from two sources in a position to know what happened at the airport that Fred Szabo, one of Hopkins top administrators, was the employee who was suspended. Szabo declined any comment when contacted by cleveland.com. The airport sources told cleveland.com the security incident involved bypassing a Transportation Security Administration checkpoint. The sources said the second city official had cleared security to catch a flight before realizing that a laptop computer had been left in a car. After the laptop was retrieved, Szabo sought to help the second official return to the flight area more quickly by bypassing security, they said. Security and access to restricted areas of the airport is highly controlled. Travelers are granted access to the concourses only after clearing a TSA security check. Airport staff, as a function of their jobs, have access to secure areas. But even with that security clearance, they cannot, for example, simply escort people around TSA security. TSA said Friday it will have a role in the investigation and that it takes all violations of security protocols seriously. A spokeswoman said the agency would not divulge the names of either city official. We will be working with the city and the airport to complete the investigation, a TSA spokeswoman said. Szabo has been in a leadership role at Hopkins for nearly two decades. He was appointed Hopkins commissioner in August 2001, responsible for operations, security, and maintenance at the airport, including airport compliance with federal security directives and FAA regulatory requirements. After the departure of then-airport director Ricky Smith, Szabo was appointed interim director in August 2015. He remained in a leadership role after Robert Kennedy became the director of port control for the Cleveland airport system. CLEVELAND, Ohio A key member of Mayor Frank Jacksons cabinet is under suspension for his role in a security breach Thursday at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. The Jackson administration confirmed Tuesday that Darnell Brown, the mayors chief of operations, was the second person involved in the incident. The city also confirmed that the airports assistant director, Fred Szabo, was also suspended as a result of the incident. On Friday, the Jackson administration announced that there had been a security incident that involved two city employees. One employee was suspended, and his security clearances were revoked in accordance with airport and Transportation Security Administration policies, the city said. The other employee was out of town Friday, but the city said then he could face disciplinary action. No other details were provided. Cleveland.com learned from two sources in a position to know what happened that Fred Szabo, one of Hopkins top administrators, was the employee who was suspended. But until Tuesday, the city would not divulge either employees name, citing an ongoing investigation. That investigation is still underway, according to the administration. Szabo and Brown will remain suspended with pay, pending the outcome of the investigation. Szabo is paid $150,000 a year. Brown is paid just over $133,000. Airport sources told cleveland.com the security incident involved bypassing a Transportation Security Administration checkpoint. The sources said the second city official had cleared security to catch a flight before realizing that a laptop computer had been left in a car. After the laptop was retrieved, Szabo sought to help the second official return to the flight area more quickly by bypassing security, they said. Security and access to restricted areas of the airport is highly controlled. Travelers are granted access to the concourses only after clearing a TSA security check. Airport staff, as a function of their jobs, have access to secure areas. But even with that security clearance, they cannot, for example, simply escort people around TSA security. TSA said Friday it will have a role in the investigation and that it takes all violations of security protocols seriously and that it would work with the city and the airport to complete the investigation. AKRON, Ohio A former Cleveland Water Department employee was sentenced Tuesday to 33 months in federal prison for his part in a scam that recruited people from low-income areas and homeless shelters to use their personal information to file fraudulent tax returns some of which he did on city time. Muhammad Hague, 41, of Avon pleaded guilty in July to conspiracy to make false claims in a scam that also involved his sister Maryam Hague and three others. The U.S. Attorneys Office said the group filed more than 700 false tax returns seeking more than $3 million in refunds between 2010 and 2013. Muhammad Hague was recruited into the scam through his sister, and carried out his part through a company he formed for his tax preparation activities known as Hague Financial Services, officials said. U.S. District Judge John Adams sentenced Hague to the high end of a range agreed upon by the government and Hague, despite a request from Hagues attorney J. Scott Broome for leniency. The judge said he imposed the longer sentence because Hague taught what he knew about filing false returns to others, and that Hagues good job with the city did not dissuade him from carrying out crimes motivated by greed. He ordered Hague to pay more than $1.6 million in restitution, along with a co-defendant who has yet to be sentenced. Hagues wife watched from the viewing gallery as he apologized. It was a stupid thing to do and I know Im much smarter than what Ive done, Hague said. Hague is free on bond. Adams allowed him to report to prison at a later date. Hague worked for the city from 1997 until this year, working up from a meter reader to the assistant plant manager at the Crown Water Treatment Plant in Westlake. The city placed him on unpaid leave following his indictment in February, and he had to resign under duress in order to access his retirement savings just to keep afloat, wrote J. Timothy Bender, another lawyer representing Hague, in a sentencing memo. Broome said at Tuesdays sentencing that his client is a good father, husband, and worked hard at the city. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot Morrison said that a great employee doesnt commit a tax fraud scheme at work. Adams was also interested in how Hague planned to pay his restitution. He did not seem appeased when Broome explained his clients plan to liquidate his Ohio Public Employees Retirement System account. Hagues account has about $244,000, and at least $75,000 will go toward restitution, Broome said. The judge told Hague he would face consequences if he did not stick to a payment schedule upon his release from prison. All five people charged by the federal government pleaded guilty. Muhammad Hague was the first to be sentenced. Maryam Hague pleaded in March to charges of conspiracy and theft of public funds. Her sentencing is set for Dec. 17. She agreed to forfeit her Shaker Heights house. Natasha Johnson, another ex-Water Department employee who participated in the scheme, pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge in September 2017. She has yet to be sentenced. Richard Warren and his wife Sabrina Sorrell, who recruited people in Philadelphia to participate in a related scam by Maryam Hague, are set to be sentenced in December. If you would like to comment on this story, please visit Tuesdays crime and courts comments section. CLEVELAND, Ohio A federal appeals court is allowing a former death-row inmate convicted of murdering three people in Bucyrus to mount another challenge to his case. A three-judge panel from the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Friday that Kevin Keith may present evidence that prosecutors withheld information that would challenge the credibility of a Bureau of Criminal Investigation forensic scientist who testified at his trial. Keith can also argue that police in Bucyrus, about 105 miles southwest of Cleveland, intentionally did not respond to a subpoena for call logs before his trial, the panel ruled. Keith, 54, was convicted in 1994 of shooting and killing Marichell Chatman, her 4-year-old daughter Marchae, and Marichells aunt Linda Chatman, inside a Bucyrus Estates apartment. Marichells boyfriend Richard Warren and Marichells young cousins Quanita and Quinton Reeves were shot but survived. The 6th Circuit panel wrote that the evidence Keith presented calls into question the validity of the case against him. It also said prosecutors suppressed the evidence. The panels first impression is that no reasonable jury would find him guilty of the crime and that the new evidence warrants a fresh look. (You can read the full order here or at the bottom of this story.) Keiths case will now be sent to U.S. District Judge Solomon Oliver in Cleveland, who will rule on whether he should overturn the convictions and grant Keith a new trial. Keith was a suspect in part because he was caught in a drug raid where a member of the victims' family was an informant. He also fit the general description that witnesses provided, and Warren testified that Keith was the gunman. A judge sentenced Keith to death. Then-Gov. Ted Strickland commuted his sentence to life prison in 2010, 13 days before he was to be executed, because of questions raised about the way his trial was conducted. He is serving his time in the Marion Correctional Institution. Keiths previous challenges to his case were unsuccessful. He argues that prosecutors withheld information about now-retired BCI forensic scientist G. Michele Yezzo, who testified at Keith trials about license plate impressions and tire tracks that authorities said linked Keith to the killings. Specifically, Keith says several BCI memos from 1989 to 1994 reveal "significant concerns about Yezzos mental state and professional integrity, the 6th Circuit explained. This included a May 1989 report from an assistant BCI superintendent saying there was a consensus that Yezzo suffers a severe mental imbalance and needs immediate assistance, the opinion says. Yezzo was placed on leave in August 1993 after threatening to kill co-workers and had a history of making racist outbursts, the court wrote. In fact, Yezzo was still under investigation when she testified against Keith, the order says, adding that Keith was unable to use any of this evidence to impeach Yezzos credibility and contest her forensic analysis that linked Keith to the scene of the crime. The appeals court also said Keith presented evidence that showed Bucyrus police might have ignored his subpoena for police call logs. Specifically, he obtained the police departments copy, and the words ignore for now are written and underlined towards the top of the subpoena. That evidence was at the core of the prosecutors case, as investigators said they first heard Keiths name from a nurse who called police and said Warren identified Keith as the shooter. The call logs, however, do not show any calls from nurses who treated Warren, the court wrote. Cleveland attorney Jim Wooley said hes happy Keith will have his day in court. He said his client went from sitting on his couch to death row in a little more than 90 days, and that the jury never heard all the information Keith now has. I believe with every fiber of my being that hes an innocent man, Wooley, a former federal prosecutor, said. Crawford County Prosecutor Matthew Crall noted that the court has not said whether Keiths claims are true. He believes they are not. Crall said to disturb Keiths convictions would be inappropriate, as that would to discount the testimony believed by a jury. This is at least the second time Yezzos conduct has caused problem for a murder case. A retired Cuyahoga County judge threw out the 23-year-old murder conviction of a dying man in April 2016 and ordered a new trial after ruling that Huron County prosecutors withheld evidence of Yezzos on-the-job issues. The defendant, James Parsons, passed away in February 2017 at age 79. If you would like to comment on this story, please visit Mondays crime and courts comments section. CLEVELAND, Ohio The lawyer for a Cleveland police officer accused of sending a lewd picture to an underage girl called the girls dating app profile provocative and brought up her sexual activity during the first day of trial testimony on Tuesday. Thomas Tewell, a six-year patrol officer in the citys Second District, faces up to two years in jail if he is convicted of unauthorized use of a police database, a fifth-degree felony, and a misdemeanor count of disseminating matter harmful to juveniles. Tewell rejected a plea deal on Monday that would have required him to hand over his police certification in exchange for prosecutors dropping the felony charge. Tewells defense is not that he didnt send the photograph or run her information through a law enforcement database. Instead, defense lawyer Michael Kinlin told jurors that the teen led the 31-year-old policeman to believe she was 18 years old, and said that when Tewell suspected she may have been underage, he ran her information through the database in an effort to prevent himself from inadvertently having sex with a minor. He was doing the right thing, Kinlin told jurors. The problem is, hed already sent her a picture of his penis." But whether or not Tewell knew the girl was underage may not matter under Ohio law. A person charged with disseminating matter harmful to juveniles can only use mistake of age as a defense if the victim presented the offender with a fake birth certificate, drivers license or other official document that indicated the person was of legal age and the offender had no other reason to suspect the person was underage, according to the Ohio Revised Code. The girl, who was among four witnesses to take the stand Tuesday, testified that she tried to buy a fake ID online after some of her high school friends got them, but she said she did not actually get one. Kinlin did not ask her on cross-examination whether she showed Tewell any other official documents. Assistant Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Matthew Meyer showed jurors the lewd photograph found on the girls phone, and the database audit that showed Tewell looked up her information. This is not a complicated case, he said. Tewell and the girl met in November 2017 when she saw his profile on the dating app Tinder and swiped right," which sent Tewell a message that she was interested in connecting, according to testimony Tuesday. Tewell accepted, and the two began messaging each other. She said in her profile that she was 18 years old. Kinlin pointed to the girls profile, which included photographs that he called provocative and sensual." He drew objections from prosecutors when he showed the photographs to the girls mother and asked if she found them a little provocative. The photograph was among the girls senior pictures taken by a professional photographer, her mother said. Kinlin also brought up the fact that the girl was arrested with a friend trying to steal condoms from Giant Eagle in February, which led the mother to examine the girls phone and uncover the messages with Tewell. And condoms generally indicate that she was intending to, Kinlin started before he was interrupted by Meyers objection. Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Judge Nancy Fuerst, who is overseeing the trial, sustained the objection and told Kinlin to rephrase his question. You know what condoms are for, correct? Kinlin asked the girls mother, who said she did. The girl testified that she found Tewell creepy, but messaged with him anyway because she was lonely. She was not happy at home and confided in Tewell about her problems, she said. She broke down in tears as Meyer asked her to read from text messages that Tewell sent to her, in which he described wanting to have sex with her, sometimes in graphic detail. He invited her to his home for drinks on Christmas Eve, but she declined. Its unclear when Tewell sent the girl the photograph of his penis. It was in her phones deleted messages folder when her mother found it after her February arrest. She said she did not ask Tewell to send it, and she was offended by it. She agreed to meet up with him on Jan. 5 at an Original Pancake House. She said Tewell picked her up at her mothers home and talked a lot about sex during the meal. She said she just wanted breakfast. Later that day, Tewell said to her in a text message, I could see it in your eyes that you wanted to fk me today. Tewell told her in another text message not to send him any nude photographs, and said he wasnt willing to risk his career to have sex with a juvenile. The girl said she then realized that Tewell must have ran her information through the database. Ill f--k the living s--t out of you on your birthday, Tewell wrote. The girl cried on the stand as she read the message, and said it disgusted her. During cross-examination, Kinlin seized on the girls replies to some of Tewells messages that continued their conversations, and shifted the blame onto her. When Tewell texted her before the January meeting she was barely legal, she replied with lol true, a lie that led Tewell to believe she was of legal age, Kinlin said. He asked her about sexual activity that she discussed with Tewell at the Jan. 5 breakfast, and a photograph of herself in a bra that she sent to Tewell. Do you now wish you hadnt lied about your age, Kinlin asked the girl, after she had cried on the stand. She replied, I wish this whole thing never happened. To comment on this story, please visit Tuesdays crime and courts comments page. CLEVELAND, Ohio A Cleveland woman was struck by her own stolen car when she saw an unidentified man driving it Sunday in the citys Clark-Fulton neighborhood. The 24-year-old woman suffered a laceration on her left knee and a swollen left hand in the incident on Seymour Avenue near Fulton Road, according to a police report. The woman could not identify the man she saw driving her 2003 Mitsubishi Galant. He did not match the description of the man who stole the car earlier this month, the police report says. The womans friend saw the car about 2 p.m. parked on Seymour Avenue. The friend called the woman, who saw a man come out of a nearby home before he got into the car. The woman tried to stop the man, but he started to drive away. Witnesses saw the woman on the hood of the car before she was thrown from the vehicle, the police report says. Cleveland police officers searched the area but could not find the car. Investigators learned the unidentified man was in a home that is being remodeled. The homes owner said no one was supposed to be inside, the police report says. To comment on this story, visit Tuesdays crime and courts comments page. NORTH RIDGEVILLE, Ohio -- A 15-year-old student at North Ridgeville High School is accused of selling drugs to other students, police say. North Ridgeville High School officials learned Oct. 23 that a student was selling vape pens, Juuls and THC oils at the school, according to a North Ridgeville police report. School officials investigated and found the student was in possession of the items and notified police, the police report says. North Ridgeville police investigated and referred the case to Lorain County Juvenile Court where the girl faces charges of trafficking in drugs and possession of marijuana, according to the police report. To comment on this story, visit Tuesdays crime and court comment section. BEREA, Ohio - A close Ohio governor's race has tightened to near a dead heat with early voting under way and Election Day only a week away, according to new statewide polling released Tuesday by Baldwin Wallace University. Republican Mike DeWine holds a 39.4 percent to 38.8 percent lead over Democrat Richard Cordray, according to the latest polling, which has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.8 percentage points. Yet, 15.8 percent of the likely voters surveyed said they were still unsure, and another 6 percent supported other candidates - Libertarian Travis Irvine (4.1 percent) and the Green Party's Constance Gadell-Newton (1.9 percent). Only one Democrat - Ted Strickland in 2006 - has won an Ohio's governor's race over more than a quarter-century. Republicans notched victories with John Kasich in 2014 and 2010, Bob Taft in 2002 and 1998, and George Voinovich in 1994 and 1990. Other poll results The polling also found Democrat U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown maintaining a solid advantage over Republican challenger Jim Renacci, and Democrats leading in races for each of the four other statewide offices, all now controlled by Republicans. Issue 1, the proposed constitutional amendment to reduce penalties for some drug crimes, holds a narrow lead. Cordray's support apparently suffers some because four candidates are on the ballot. When offered just two choices, the poll found Cordray leading DeWine, 42.2 percent to 41.1 percent. The survey, conducted by BW's Community Research Institute of 1,051 likely voters from Oct. 19 through Saturday, found a closing of the gap between the two candidates. DeWine held a 2.6-point lead in a BW poll released Oct. 8 - 39.7 percent to 37.1 percent for a four-way race. In just a two-way race now led by Cordray, DeWine led by 3 percentage points in the Oct. 8 poll, and 4.8 points in a poll released Sept. 16. The other races Brown, who was first elected to the senate in 2006, leads his Republican challenger, Rep. Jim Renacci, 51.2 percent to 31.7 percent, the new polling found. The polling has been fairly steady in this race. Brown led 49.5 percent to 33 percent in the poll released Oct. 8, and 49.2 percent to 31.8 percent in the poll released Sept. 16. In races for statewide offices: Attorney General: Ohio Secretary of State: Auditor: Treasurer: Issue 1 Issue 1, which would reduce penalties for obtaining, possessing and using illegal drugs, is supported, 43 percent to 39.8 percent, the BW polling found. Yet, 17.2 percent remain undecided on this issue and opinion is growing tighter. A BW poll released Oct. 8 found Issue 1 leading by a 17-point margin - 47.9 percent to 30.5 percent. Who do you like? BW pollsters also queried likely voters on their opinions of various candidates and officeholders. Some 48.2 percent said they had a "favorable" opinion of Sen. Brown versus 23.7 percent for his challenger, Renacci. On Cordray about the same number said they had a favorable opinion (31.6 percent) as unfavorable (31.2 percent). On DeWine, 37 percent said favorable and 42.3 percent unfavorable. On Republican Sen. Rob Portman, who is not on the ballot this year, 33.4 percent said they approved of his work; 29.8 percent disapproved. As for Gov. John Kasich, who is prevented by term limits from running for re-election, 45.1 percent said they approved of his job, and 31.7 percent disapproved. Regarding President Donald Trump, who won Ohio in 2016, 44.2 percent approve of his job as president and 49.7 disapprove. Rich Exner, data analysis editor for cleveland.com, writes about numbers on a variety of topics. Follow on Twitter @RichExner. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The most closely watched, hotly contested midterm election in perhaps decades is a week away. There is plenty at stake heading into the second half of Donald Trumps presidency. Democrats hope to take control of the House. Republicans look to hold on to the Senate. The broadcast and cable networks, of course, will be all over it, providing around-the-clock coverage featuring their top personalities and latest tech. Over on Fox News, Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum will anchor Americas Election HQ beginning at 6 p.m. on Tuesday. Just as hes done every election cycle since 2008, Americas Newsroom anchor Bill Hemmer, an Ohio native, will man Fox News' electronic Bill Board, keeping track of every race and breaking down the results as they come in. We recently caught up with the veteran newsman about his preparations and what to expect on election night. Q: Election night is always the busiest night of the year in a newsroom. Just how big of a production is it going to be on Tuesday? A: Although not quite a Super Bowl, it is close to it. You have enormous amounts of data which present their own set of challenges when you consider 435 House Races, the 10 must watch Senate races-- how do we tell that story on television? That is our challenge. How does our information and analysis provide value added to the viewer? That is at the heart of every decision we make for November 6. Q: Some say we could have the highest voter turnout for a midterm election in 50 years. Whats driving that? A: Americans are involved, I agree. I would caution, however, about voter turnout until the following day. Recall that midterms dont get the involvement youd expect in a presidential year. I am certain the parties are trying to crank out their people. Some select races could blow it out. Generally, I am guessing we will find ourselves somewhere in the middle of that answer come November 7th. Q: The president and the media have sort of blamed the other for the divisive climate in the country right now. We saw that in the wake of the mailbomb scares last week. Will that have an effect at the polls? A: These news cycles are hyper-caffeinated. At this point a week left nearly 95 percent of voters have made their decision and the events of the last week will do little to convince those otherwise. Q: The personalities on your network particularly in the morning and primetime have been very supportive of the president. But your show, along with Shepard Smiths, is pretty much straight down the middle. What is your approach covering an election? A: We have plenty of facts. They come at us every hour of every day. And if we stay in that lane, we will be fine. Q: You have an important job manning the Bill Board. How do you prepare for that? You need to know literally every detail about every race. A: Can you believe we were having meetings back in June? It is an enormous amount of work, but viewers only see those who are on the air. The staff we have behind the scenes who build the graphics, crunch the numbers, run the computers-- you would be stunned with the amount of prep that goes into one evening. Q: Election night has come a long way from a technological standpoint since Tim Russert sat there with a white board counting up electoral votes. What did you learn from how he did it and how has the technology improved coverage? A: I remember. Russert wrote out Florida, Florida, Florida before the election of 2000 and he was right. I spent 37 days in Tallahassee starting the next day. The technology of 2018 is fantastic, but unless we can tell a story that makes sense, Id rather have a chalkboard. Q: Election coverage tends to become an arms race among networks about who can call a race first. Whats the process at Fox News for calling a race? A: It is great to be fast, but the first order of business is to be right. Our Voter Analysis Team is the very best in the business. They live by this motto. Q: How do you think the Trump factor is going to play out? The economy is good, but he remains very polarizing. A: Tough to say. He has made campaigning a critical aspect of his first two years. And in many parts of the country, his rallies can motivate. The economy is good. But I recall what Brit Hume said on our program this week are we living in a new (political era), or not? Midterms seem to be a referendum on the president in power. This election is likely no different. Q: What are the biggest races youre watching in Ohio and in other states? A: Ohio is home. The governors race will be important and it will get a lot of national attention in the final week. CD01 and CD12 are the two races Ill be watching in the House. If Steve Chabot and Troy Balderson are re-elected, it could be a decent night for Republicans. If they lose, it would be two clear signs of a Democratic wave. Q: By the end of the night, is the map more red or more blue? A: No chance am I answering that! I remember 2016 like it was last week. Nearly everyone got it wrong. To those who say they know, good luck. AKRON, Ohio -- Saving the best for the last, one of the classiest comic conventions is coming to Akron this weekend. The Akron Comicon will be held Nov. 3 and 4 at the Goodyear Hall, 201 E. Market Street in Akron. Guests this year include Superman artist Jon Bogdanove and Brett Breeding, who will talk about their days working on the fabled Man of Steel. To celebrate the way cool Black Lightning television series. Creators Tony Isabella (writer) and Eddy Newell (artist) will talk about their crackling creation. Among the dozens of guests will be Marvel and DC writers, artists and editors including Ron Frenz (Fantastic Four artist); Mike Gustovich (Avengers, Justice Machine); P. Craig Russell (Sandman); Ted Sikora and Milo Miller (Apama) and Tom Batiuk (Funky Winkerbean); Darryl Banks (Green Lantern); Marvel Golden Age artist Allen Bellman (Original Captain America); Martin Egeland (Green Lantern); Barry Kitson (Legion of Superheroes); Chris Sprouse; Karl Story; Marc Sumerak (Power Pack) and more. The show is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $10 a day, $15 for the weekend. Artists and writers will sign the books readers bring in and will sell items that may only be found at conventions, along with made-to-order drawings and sketches. Also, area comic shops, comic clubs and comic collectors will have their own booths. Thousands of comics will be bought and sold over the weekend, along with unique original art. For more information and a complete list of guests, exhibitors and panels, visit the Akron Comicon's Facebook page. Akron Comicon What: The Akron Comicon featuring top name comic creators and dozens of comic vendors. When: Nov. 3, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Nov. 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Where: Goodyear Hall, 201 E. Market Street in Akron. Tickets: $10 for one day, $15 for both. Children 13 and younger, free with adult. CLEVELAND, Ohio The Cleveland Rape Crisis Center will expand its services after receiving an additional $1.5 million in federal funds. The center on Monday afternoon announced plans to open two new standalone facilities, one on the east side of the city and one in Lake County. They also plan to hire 15 people using that grant money. Weve never had this many people reaching out to us for help. The funding is coming at the perfect time for us to be able to meet the demand, said Sondra Miller, president and CEO. The Cleveland Rape Crisis Centers $4.6-million total grant was part of $111.8 million in grants awarded in the state for crime victim service providers, according to the Ohio Attorney Generals Offices Crime Victim Services Division, which administers the federal Victims of Crime Act program. Thanks to the hard work of Cleveland Rape Crisis Center, more survivors of sexual violence in Northeast Ohio will be able to access the services they need to move forward with their lives, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine said in a prepared statement. When Miller started at the center in 2009, the crisis hotline was getting seven to eight contacts (text, phone calls or online chats) per day. By 2017, that number had grown to 17 calls a day. Through August this year, the center is averaging 19 calls per day. That call volume spiked in late September during the U.S. Supreme Court confirmation hearings of Judge Brett Kavanaugh, Miller said. The day after the hearings, the center received 60 . Higher numbers of calls, however, dont mean that there are more sexual assaults and rapes occurring in Cleveland, Miller said. Rather more survivors are now willing to talk about their experiences. Its not about how often sexual assault is happening. The numbers are an indication that more people feel comfortable coming forward, Miller said. Overwhelmingly, survivors harmed years or decades ago are now choosing to come forward." Using the grant funding, the center will maintain its existing services, including victim assistance, counseling and 24-hour availability in Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga and Lake counties, and expand other services. The center plans to open a new, standalone office on the east side of Cleveland. Miller said the center has narrowed its search for a new location down to a neighborhood on the east side of Cleveland and has an active search going right now for a space. The center plans to relocate its Lake County office into a new, standalone building to meet growing demand. The existing center in Mentor is housed in Beacon Health and only has room for two offices. In opening a new facility, the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center will be able to put up its own signage and design the space in a way that complements its work, she said. We have learned that the color of paint on the walls and the type of furniture we have and the kind of music we play, all of that contributes to the experience a survivor has, Miller said. Both new offices will provide counseling, case management, victim services, Project STAR (Sex Trafficking Advocacy and Recovery) services and community outreach. The Cleveland Center for Rape Crisis also plans to expand its Project STAR program and to create a new case management system to help connect survivors to resources in the community. The Cleveland Rape Crisis Center annually serves 40,000 people in Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga and Lake counties. The centers 24-hour crisis and support hotline is available via text or call at 216-619-6192 and online at Clevelandrapecrisis.org/chat. BELLEFONTAINE, Ohio -- A teen helper on a school bus has been arrested after he was accused of raping a 6-year-old girl, according to reports. The 15-year-old boy is now facing charges of rape and gross sexual imposition in Logan County, WCMH Channel 4 reports. He is being held in the Logan County Juvenile Detention Center. The assault reportedly occurred last week on a school bus. When the student got home, she told her parents what had happened, WCMH reports. Benjamin Logan Local School Superintendent David Harmon tells 10tv.com that the boy was supposed to help young students get off the bus at the correct stop. "There were indicators from the sheriff that the perpetrator may have done things with other students on the bus," Harmon tells ABC6. The reported assault took place out of view of the bus driver, Harmon says. "She is beside herself," Harmon tells ABC6. "I have no indicator of any kind of a failure of duty." The school district has notified families of the incident, which remains under investigation, reports say. Bellefontaine is located about 60 miles northwest of Columbus. To comment on this story, visit Monday's crime and courts comments page. WASHINGTON, D.C. - President Donald Trump seems to have a mental block when it comes to touting Ohio GOP Rep. Troy Balderson on Twitter. President Donald Trump posted a Tweet endorsing the wrong Troy Balderson on Twitter last night, before deleting it. As part of his push to get out the vote for Republican candidates facing tough re-election battles, Trump last night attempted to give the Zanesville Republican's campaign a leg up by endorsing him on Twitter. Here's the Twitter page of the Canadian Troy Balderson who briefly had President Donald Trump's endorsement for a Columbus-area congressional seat. Problem was, he used the Twitter handle for a Canadian man with the same name as the Ohio politician who narrowly won an August special election for a Columbus-area congressional seat. Trump subsequently deleted the erroneous post and endorsed the correct Balderson. Ohio's Balderson faces a rematch next week against Democratic Franklin County Recorder Danny O'Connor. Balderson beat O'Connor by a slim 1,680-vote margin in August, and O'Connor hopes to win their second contest. The FiveThirtyEight political handicapping website gives Balderson a 60 percent chance of holding the Republican-leaning district, even though O'Connor has raised and spent far more money in the contest. Before the August race, Trump mistakenly posted a plug on Twitter that urged Columbus-area voters to support National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Steve Stivers in the special election, even though he wasn't on the ballot. Stivers represents an adjacent congressional district. Trump corrected that mistake, as well, but not before plenty of people noticed. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 30) The Cauayan Airport in Isabela province was extensively damaged due to the strong winds and heavy rains brought by Typhoon Rosita on Tuesday. Eric Apolonio, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines media affairs officer, said the passenger terminal was damaged, but the airport's runway remains operational. The incident prompted several airlines to suspend flights to the area for Wednesday. Apolonio said Cebu Pacific called off its flights to Cauayan at 5:00 p.m. today, while the Philippine Airlines will also suspend its Tarlac-Cauyan trips. "The repair definitely will be tomorrow. But, we will try our best to operate even tomorrow if we can because normally this route they only operate few flights per day so we can manage to squeeze in the undamaged portion of the terminal to be used by the passengers," Apolonio told CNN Philippines. Rosita brought strong winds and heavy rains, as it made landfall in Isabela Tuesday morning. The typhoon left a trail of destruction, removing roofs and toppling down several structures, as well as trees along the roads. WASHINGTON, D.C. - As part of a push to promote Republican candidates around the country before voters head to the polls, President Donald Trump will hold a campaign rally in Cleveland next Monday, White House officials said. Trump will kick off a string of 11 rallies in eight states on Halloween in Fort Myers, Florida. In following days, he'll hold rallies in West Virginia, Indiana, Montana, Georgia and Tennessee before visiting Cleveland on Monday, Nov. 5. Later that day, he'll host events in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Cape Girardeau, Missouri. The officials who briefed reporters said that by Election Day, Trump will have hosted 53 rallies across 23 states, and headlined 70 fundraisers. They said Trump's campaign will release more details on the 3 p.m. Cleveland rally at the I-X Center as the date draws closer. Trump most recently visited Ohio for an Oct. 12 rally in Warren County, near Cincinnati, where he boosted the campaigns of Republicans including gubernatorial candidate Mike DeWine, U.S. Senate candidate Jim Renacci, and congressman Steve Chabot. .@RichCordray and I are on our way to Youngstown with our good friend @JoeBiden for today's rally in the valley! See everyone soon! pic.twitter.com/SkL8PLygk6 Betty Sutton (@BettySutton) October 29, 2018 Next week's trip is part of a campaign by both parties to get their voters to the polls. Former Vice President Joe Biden visited Youngstown today to campaign with Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rich Cordray, and current Vice President Mike Pence will be in Mansfield on Wednesday for his own rally to promote the state's GOP candidates. Trump's last trip to the Cleveland area was before the May primary, when he visited Public Hall to tout the Republican tax plan and headlined a subsequent Republican Party fundraiser. Earron Weems AKRON, Ohio -- Police are searching for a suspect in the assault and robbery of a woman Friday night as she got into the car of an Uber driver near the Lane-Wooster neighborhood. The 35-year-old victim tells police she was getting into the backseat of the Uber at about 6:30 p.m. when a man got out of the front seat. The man opened the back door and assaulted the woman, taking the wallet from her purse and then running away. The woman was uninjured. Police say the woman identified the suspect as Earron J. Weems, 36, who reportedly is homeless. Weems is 5-foot-9, 185 pounds, and was wearing a blue stocking cap and a blue and gray hooded sweat shirt. Anyone with information can call police at at 330-375-2490. To comment on this story, visit Monday's crime and courts comments page. WILLOUGHBY HILLS, Ohio The states Bureau of Criminal Investigation has said it will not open a criminal probe into a former city-run program to help senior citizens. A letter from Mark Kollar, a special agent supervisor for BCI, that was provided to The Plain Dealer by the city's mayor, indicated that that BCI's preliminary inquiry did not find enough reason to open a criminal investigation. Members of City Council last week called for an investigation into the conduct of Gloria Majeski in managing the Willoughby Hills Isolated Senior Program for Everyday Relief, known as WHISPER. Council members had alleged that Majeski and "others affiliated with the city of Willoughby Hills appear to have personally profited from their involvement in WHISPER. Majeski has denied any wrongdoing. The program began in 2009 and council voted to suspend the program in February because of their belief that the program was mismanaged. County Prosecutor Charles Coulson reviewed the allegations and said the information council provided was not sufficient to determine whether or not criminal or unethical activity occurred and suggested the information be referred to professional investigators. Kollar's Oct. 19 letter to Coulson said his agency had reviewed the three instances in which allegations were made and found nothing to justify additional criminal investigation. "If presented with some factual basis as to how there incidents were criminal in nature, beyond mere suspicion, I would be happy to reassess his decision," Koller wrote. He also noted that BCI's determination had no bearing on any other agencies' investigations of other aspects of the situation. "BCI is not rendering a decision that no criminal violations have occurred; instead, we are simply stating that our narrowly-focused preliminary inquiry did not locate sufficient cause to initiate a full investigation - we do not conduct investigations based solely upon unsubstantiated rumors or speculation,"the letter states. Efforts to reach John Plecnik, council's vice president, and council member Laura Pizmoht, both attorneys, who called for the investigation, were unsuccessful. Mayor Bob Weger said he believed the BCIs determination cleared his former executive assistant of any wrongdoing. CLEVELAND, Ohio Councilman Ken Johnson received more than $168,000 in reimbursements from the city for cash that he said he spent on ward services each and every week for 11 and a half years, newly released expense reports show. Cleveland.com previously reported that for the last two and a half years Johnson asked each month for $1,200 in reimbursements the maximum allowed by Cleveland City Council -- to pay for the unspecified ward services performed weekly by a moonlighting city employee who once shared the same home address as the councilman. The additional records, which were obtained from the city Friday and date to January 2007, show the same pattern: The employee, Robert Earl Fitzpatrick, reported working for Johnson each week, 52 weeks a year, and submitted a handwritten receipt and timesheets. The timesheets say he worked three to four hours a day, often from 8 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., or 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The timesheets do not indicate what work Fitzpatrick did each month. After learning of the practice earlier this month, Council President Kevin Kelley blocked Johnson from receiving any further reimbursements for services performed by Fitzpatrick. Kelley and Mayor Frank Jackson have said they are investigating whether the reimbursements were appropriate, though neither have publicly explained why Johnson was allowed to claim the expenses for more than a decade before anyone flagged them for further scrutiny. Johnson refused to talk about his expense reports on Monday when he was approached by cleveland.com before a committee meeting at City Hall. No comment, he repeatedly said to questions about how he knows Fitzpatrick and what work Fitzpatrick performed for residents. Johnson answered only one question. When asked if he knew whether Fitzpatrick paid taxes on the income, Johnson said emphatically, Every penny." Multiple attempts to reach Fitzpatrick, a fulltime regional manager of recreation centers on the citys southeast side, have been unsuccessful. An email was also sent to Fitzpatricks wife, who also works for the city. Last week, Johnson told cleveland.com city hall reporter Robert Higgs that Fitzpatrick monitored a grass-mowing and lot-cleaning program run by the Buckeye Shaker Square Development Corp, or BSSDC, a nonprofit that provides services to several East Side neighborhoods. Johnson said Fitzpatrick contacted neighbors of lots where work had been done to make sure they were satisfied. The lots program and Johnsons connection to it also are under scrutiny. The city stopped Johnson in June from earmarking federal funds to the BSSDC because it failed to provide the city with an audit for the last three years. As a result, BSSDC was supposed to end the lots program, which had employed city youth. But some workers have told cleveland.com and the city officials that they were told to keep working and have not been paid for work performed in July and August. Sharon Dumas, Jacksons acting chief of staff, told cleveland.com last week that the city is not responsible for workers shorted by BSSDC, but that city officials were exploring ways to pay them. One mother who contacted cleveland.com and asked not to be publicly identified said her 16-year-old son is owed about $1,200. She said that Garnell Jamison, Johnsons aide who also worked for BSSDC, told her son to keep working despite the funding shortfall. On Thursday evening, during a meeting with ward residents, Johnson said that he had written a personal check for $15,000 to BSSDC to help pay the workers, two people present during the meeting told cleveland.com. When asked when he wrote the check and if he could provide proof, Johnson refused to comment on Monday. The mother of the 16-year-old boy said her son had not been paid as of Monday afternoon. Another man who contacted cleveland.com on Monday said he is still owed about $1,000. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Anna Pleskovic said in court Monday that her ex-fiance, the father of her daughter, who killed her mother should never breathe another breath of free air. Jeffrey Scullin Jr., seated in an orange jumpsuit steps away, showed little emotion as she spoke through her tears that Scullin was an egotistical boy who chose a life of thievery and deceit over the one he could have had with her and their daughter. I say boy and not man because a man doesnt harm his loved ones, Anna Pleskovic said. A man owns his actions and decisions without hiding behind lies. A man supports his family and would do anything for his children. Jeff has done none of these things. The comments came just before Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Judge Pamela Barker sentenced Scullin to life in prison with his first chance at parole after 33 years in the grisly death of Melinda Pleskovic. Melinda Pleskovic Melinda Pleskovic, a longtime middle school teacher, became the apogee of Scullins misdeeds in October 2017 when he used a tactical knife to stab the 49-year-old teacher at least 35 times, and fired three bullets into her body inside the Pleskovics' Blazing Star Drive home. Scullin pleaded no contest Oct. 17 to his indictment on charges of aggravated murder, felonious assault, tampering with evidence and child endangering. By doing so, Scullin avoided having to admit his guilt and preserved his rights on appeal. He chose not to speak on his own behalf during his sentencing. The Pleskovic family, prosecutors and a Strongsville police detective painted Scullin as a conniving and callous manipulator who stole from the family after they allowed him to move into their home in 2017, staged crimes to cover up his thefts, and then dined with the family after carrying out the gruesome murder. He also served as a pallbearer at the funeral for the woman he killed. That funeral was held the day he was scheduled to marry her daughter. Bruce Pleskovic, Melindas husband, said the family let Scullin move in with them after they learned that Anna Pleskovic was expecting a child. It wasnt long before money started disappearing, Bruce Pleskovic said. Car alarms would suddenly go off in the night. Scullin would even report the family and Strongsville police that he had thwarted a would-be burglar who tried to break in to the home through the back door when he was home alone. It was all a ruse perpetrated by Scullin, who purposely set off the car alarms and fabricated the break-in story about to cover up his crimes, and to make the family feel like they were being targeted by an unknown robber, Det. Ronald Stolz said. Investigators still do not know exactly what happened in the Blazing Star Drive home on Oct. 24, 2017. Knife found in the truck driven by Jeffrey Scullin Jr. had Melinda Pleskovic's blood on the blade, prosecutors said Monday. Scullins lawyer, Joseph Patituce, had said previously in court that he and Scullin believed they had an affirmative defense" in the case, a signal that, had the case gone to trial, they were prepared to argue that Scullin acted in self defense. Scullin initially told police that he had gone to his aunts house and stopped at a gas station after he left the house, before he met the other Pleskovics at Applebees. But investigators pulled cellphone data and surveillance footage that placed Scullins cellphone at the Blazing Star Drive address at the time Pleskovic died. Detectives also found a bloody knife in Scullins truck. DNA results later showed that the blood belonged to Pleskovic, and DNA from the handle of the blade matched Scullins. By the time those results came back, investigators had already narrowed in on Scullin as a suspect after the story he told police didnt add up. Detectives pulled security footage from a neighbors house for the day that Scullin reported the earlier burglary. The neighbors camera captured the Pleskovics' back door and the footage showed no one came to the door that day, investigators said. Stolz noted that Scullin was calm at the scene of the homicide, and in his interviews that night never expressed concern for Pleskovic or asked about her condition. In a later interview, detectives confronted Scullin with the DNA results, cellphone data and and security footage, and he eventually confessed. He pointed detectives to a backpack in his Buick sedan, where they found the revolver that ballistics testing later showed matched the bullets pulled from Pleskovics body and a pair of Scullins sweatpants covered in Pleskovics blood. Revolver that prosecutors say Jeffrey Scullin Jr. used in the killing of Melinda Pleskovic. The killing sparked fear in the entire southwest side of Cuyahoga County, Assistant Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Andrew Santoli said Monday. Residents of the suburb were shocked at the idea that a burglar was on the loose committing homicides a week before Halloween, Santoli said, so Strongsvilles police department had to go into overdrive to quell that concern. Bruce Pleskovic said that Scullin never offered an explanation for why he killed his wife wife, and has not offered as little as an apology to the family that treated him as their own. Scullin has also played the victim, the late husband said, which made it difficult for him and his children to get any closure or begin to heal. I find it really insulting, Bruce Pleskovic said. Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael OMalley said after the hearing the fact that Scullin couldnt look back to the family and apologize for his barbaric actions on Monday shows what type of person Scullin is. Barker said that she could not use Scullins plea tactic against him in crafting her sentence. She did note that she found the lack of remorse he showed troubling. One of the details that Barker found most heartbreaking is that Pleskovics teenage son, who has Downs syndrome and other special needs, still doesnt understand that his mother is gone forever. Bruce Pleskovic said that, when the family goes out for dinners, his son spends the entire meal staring out the window, waiting for his slain mother to arrive. That is just so sad, Barker said to Scullin. And you did that. To comment on this story, please visit Mondays crime and courts comments page. CLEVELAND, Ohio Everything Is Okay (and other helpful lies) at Cleveland Public Theatre is billed as a hot mess of a musical, and its encouraging that producers see it that way. The first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem. Like the five millennials at its center, the show is in need of an intervention. Most of the action takes place in a well-stocked watering hole where the gang gets sloppy and occasionally hooks up in the bathroom. Aaron Bensons set is one of the best aspects of the production his impressive wall o booze climbs to the ceiling. Another is the live quartet helmed by music director Buck McDaniel. The score is eclectic rock, pop, folk and the channeling of Courtney Love in Slut Song. (Im not a slut but you are / Im not a whore but your mom definitely is.) Tunes are often clever but rarely transporting. After a promising opening number No One I Love Is Gonna Die Today (cars arent death traps and drinkin everydays okay) Keno (co-creator Caitlin Lewins) delivers a euphemistic eulogy for her father. As she remembers her departed dad, his true colors seep into her bromides, and we learn that he was an abusive drunk. Im glad youre gone / youll never be missed, she sings, and chucks the urn containing his ashes at a priest. Vignettes follow in a blur and do little to deepen our understanding of the characters or to advance a story. The loose plot concerns anything that interrupts their clinking of shot glasses and knocking of boots. How they earn money to buy all those rounds isnt clear, save for Pablo (Matt OShea), who plays backup tambourine. Pablo is the stud muffin of the group, openly desired by Willow (co-creator Melissa Crum, who strums a mean ukulele) and slightly less openly by the closeted Jackson (Joshua McElroy), the most underdeveloped character in a cast of full of them. In a better-late-than-never whiff of real conflict, its revealed that Keno, too, has sampled Pablo, sending Willow into attack mode. (Your heart is as empty as your bottle of lube, she declares in Slut Song.) The dialogue is crass, the oversharing constant. Some of that is fun, as in Masturbation Song. Performed by Willow, Keno and Blazer (Madelyn Hayes, the best voice onstage) in the style of Delibes Flower Duet, the trio is armed with pink fans that transform into vibrators and the like. The posse attends a FUN-eral for friend Steve in Act 2, where mourners wear leis and grass skirts. Unsurprisingly, Steve also liked to party and was a devoted onanist. While we know Steve died alone in a basement, we dont know if he killed himself, accidentally ODd or drank himself to death. It hardly matters, as we dont care about Steve or anyone else. Theres lots of emoting, but true emotion is rare. A surprise pregnancy is introduced, then goes nowhere. In Mama, the three women eulogize the creativity squelched in their mothers, but the song is marooned and out of context. Exceptions are the short, effecting Angel, sung by Blazer as she quietly grieves Steve. And in Keep F------ Going, Keno laments the self-abuse of sleeping with whoever and confusing drugs for therapy. The tendency to self-medicate is hardly unique to those born between 1980 and 2000. Alcohol, wrote George Bernard Shaw, is the anesthesia by which we endure the operation of life. Still, the idea that these coping mechanisms for smiling through the apocalypse of existence eventually stop working and often turn deadly is a potent one. But the message feels like an afterthought. In a directors note, Matthew Wright offers a heartfelt defense of the much maligned millennials, tarred as entitled and self-absorbed. Theyre the ones who have inherited school shootings and the casual cruelty of social media. . . . They have an average post-college debt of $26,6000. . . . Theyre the ones who watched their parents lose it all in the distant haze of the once prosperous economy . . . If only those burdens had been explored in the material. Instead, the work wallows when it should wail, raging against a legacy of rising tides, guns you can make with a 3D printer and a gig economy that promises paucity rather than prosperity. Theres a jaded glibness to Keno and company, more than appropriate at out the outset, given the world theyve been handed. But the armor of sarcasm quickly begins to wear. The vulnerability fueling it deserves to be explored in more meaningful ways than a song that asks, Whats in the basement? Flogging a clumsy metaphor for mining the subconscious, the ensemble grab flashlights and tiptoe into darkness offstage in Basement, and it was then that I most regretted not hitting the bar at intermission. We need storytellers like Crum and Lewins to send us more than fragmented, fevered dispatches from the battleground of their lives to help us understand what it means to be a young woman in 2018, a place where the activism of MeToo slams up against the mainstreaming of porn that argues a womans place is on her knees. The musical Dear Evan Hansen connects with audiences, 18 to 80, by providing an artful, empathetic window into what its like to be a teenager right now, when text bubbles and YouTube and Instagram dominate nearly every waking hour. Bo Burnhams film Eighth Grade succeeds for the same reason. As is, Everything Is Okay keeps us at arms length, destined to be a cabaret novelty rather than a cultural touchstone. Time for a stint in the rehab of the rehearsal room. REVIEW Everything Is Okay (and other helpful lies) What: The musical written and composed by Melissa Crum and Caitlin Lewins. Directed by Matthew Wright. World premiere. When: Through Saturday Nov. 10. Where: Cleveland Public Theatre's James Levin Theatre, 6415 Detroit Ave., Cleveland. Tickets: $15-$35; go to cptonline.org or call 216-631-2727, ext. 501. Approximate running time: 2 hours, with one intermission. COLUMBUS, Ohio - Over 250,000 more Ohioans have voted early in person and by mail compared to this time four years ago, according to new data from Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husteds office. That includes in Cuyahoga County, where voting is also up compared to this point in 2014, the last non-presidential election with a governors race. The election is now a week away. The data may suggest a blue wave, an energized Republican base or unaffiliated voters hoping to influence the election. Republicans have said their base is energized. In Cuyahoga County, many registered Democrats became unaffiliated when a bill became law that required them to vote once every four years to keep their party affiliation. According to Husteds office: At this point in 2014, over 477,000 ballots had been cast by mail and in person across the state, Husteds office said. This year, 737,157 ballots have been cast statewide, including 3,400 ballots from military and overseas voters and more than 733,000 by mail or in person. Voters have until noon on Saturday to request a mail ballot from their county board of elections. Ballots may be returned by mail or in person: If by mail, it must be postmarked by Monday, and arrive at the county board of elections within 10 days of Election Day to be counted. If returning a ballot in person, it must be dropped off at the county board of elections by the close of polls on Election Day. More details can be found here. Cuyahoga County numbers In Cuyahoga County, mail and in-person early voting is up 24 percent from 2014, but down 17 percent from 2010, said Pat McDonald, director of the Board of Elections. In 2010, 219,408 people had voted eight days from Election Day. In 2014, 146,227 people had voted eight days out This year, 182,160 have voted. Missing ballots in Lorain County Last week, about 40 North Ridgeville residents hadnt received their mail ballots they had requested from the Lorain County Board of Elections. On Tuesday, Board of Elections Director Paul Adams said that about 20 of those people have called saying they received their ballots since reporting them missing. However, many had already filled out a replacement ballot and had to throw away the original ballot. The number of people who received ballots could be higher, Adams said. They are just the people who have contacted us, he said. A spokesman for the U.S. Postal Service had previously said it was investigating the matter. Its unclear whether the investigation has concluded. All ballots arriving at the North Ridgeville Post Office are processed and delivered in a timely manner" David Van Allen wrote in an email. WASHINGTON, D.C. -In the wake of a shooting that killed 11 worshippers at a Pittsburgh synagogue last Saturday, Ohio GOP Sen. Rob Portman wants Senate leaders to pass a bill to fund security improvements at synagogues and other nonprofit groups. Portman on Tuesday sent a letter that asked Senators Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and Chuck Schumer of New York to bring the Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act to the Senate floor. The measure passed the House of Representatives last year and was adopted by the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee in March, but has since stalled. We need to get this done this year and show that we are doing everything we can to protect synagogues in Ohio and across our country, said a statement from Portman. The bill contains an amendment by Portman that would let Jewish Community Centers and other nonprofit institutions throughout the country access Federal Emergency Management Agency money that mostly goes to urban areas regarded as high terrorism risks. Today I met w/ leadership from the Jewish Federation of Youngstown & reps from local synagogues to discuss the recent attacks in Pittsburgh. Jane & I are heartbroken by this cowardly act & we stand in solidarity w/ the Jewish community as we mourn the murder of 11 innocent people pic.twitter.com/Y7TpdSllYu Rob Portman (@senrobportman) October 30, 2018 Portman noted that no Ohio cities currently qualify for grants under the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) and asked that a larger share of security money be spent in non UASI cities, like those in Ohio .He also urged passage of an amendment in the bill that would ensure nonprofits can attend Joint Counterterrorism Awareness Workshops that help participants assess threats. As we have seen from the scope of threats to non-profits in recent years, the threat extends well-beyond our largest urban areas, Portmans letter said. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Less than one week after being targeted by a mail bomber who appeared to have focused on political opponents of Republican President Donald Trump, Democratic former Vice President Joe Biden lamented the state of public discourse in the country and the "phony populism" that's taken over. Part meditation on politics since Trump took office and part nostalgia for a time before the 2016 election - and possibly part testing the waters for a 2020 presidential bid - Biden's speech at Youngstown State University's Kilcawley Center started as a heady meditation before ending with a call-to-arms to elect Democrats up and down the ticket. Biden decried what he described as the erosion of American ideals at the hands of Trump and his divisive political style. Racism, jingoism and anti-Semitism have been allowed to spread, Biden said, pointing to the Charlottesville riots, the separation of children from their families at the U.S.-Mexico border and the recent shooting in a Pittsburgh synagogue that left 11 dead. "Folks, this is a distorted world view," Biden said. "When that hatred is given space to fester, it encourages the seedier side of society to come out from the rocks. It legitimates them." Biden called it a kind of moral decay on the part of America as a whole, with Trump and his administration complicit. Biden pointed to Trump's statement after Charlottesville, where the president seemed reluctant to criticize the white supremacists who marched in the streets and incited violence - including killing one counter-protester. "These values are being shredded by an administration that is putting their own interests before the ideals - the ideals that we stand for. Amassing power. Abusing power," Biden said. The midterms were a chance to change that, Biden said. "This Republican Party is not your father's Republican Party, man," he said. "These are different bunch of dudes. You've got a Republican Party and a United States Congress that knows better - they know better! - than to give this guy all the cover they're giving him." Biden's speech was markedly different, even from the slate of Ohio Democrats who spoke before him. While Ohio Democrats haven't been afraid to criticize Trump, they also haven't gone out of their way to do so since Trump won the state in 2016 by 8 percentage points. Biden, however, was much more direct, possibly testing the ground for a potential 2020 presidential bid against Trump. The former vice president served for years as a senator from Delaware and was widely considered folksy enough to connect with people throughout the Midwest. Throughout the speech, he constantly referred to the crowd as us, representing his working-class background as similar to those in the Mahoning Valley. Ohio Republicans were unimpressed. "Joe Biden is nothing but a reminder of the past, and Ohio isn't interested in taking our economy backward," said Mandi Merritt, a spokeswoman for the Republican National Committee. Democrat Richard Cordray speaks to a Youngstown crowd on Monday before former Vice President Joe Biden. Whether or not Biden decides to run, his ultimate goal for Monday was to get voters excited to both vote and stump for Democrats in the state, particularly Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Richard Cordray. Cordray was appointed director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau by President Obama and was friendly with Beau Biden, the vice-president's now-deceased son. "I'm here because who ends up being governor of Ohio is going to tell a lot about the country," Biden said. "Not a joke. Think about this. Think about this. The next president of the United States of America - Democrat or Republican - is not going to president unless they have Ohio and Pennsylvania." Biden's visit is just the latest in what has been an incredibly active midterm cycle in Ohio. His visit comes two months after President Barack Obama campaigned in the state, also stumping for Richard Cordray in one of his first events of the 2018 election. Meanwhile, Trump has peppered the state with visits since the 2016 election and asserted near total control over the state party. Trump is slated to visit Cleveland on Nov. 5, the day before the election, but not before Republican Vice President Mike Pence also makes his way to Mansfield. CLEVELAND -- Competitive elections for Ohio governor are about as common as Donald Trump telling the truth. In the nine gubernatorial elections since 1982, only one Gov. John Kasichs two-point win over incumbent Ted Strickland in 2010 has been even remotely close. The winning margin in six of the nine 1982, 1986, 1994, 2002, 2006 and 2014 - has ranged from 19 percent, in 2002, to nearly 47 percent in George Voinovichs record-shattering re-election win of 1994. With the election of Ohios 70th governor just days off, the one certainty is there will be no blowout. Almost as certain is that the contest between Republican Mike DeWine and Democratic Richard Cordray will be a nail-biter. Private polls done by candidates and political parties historically more sophisticated and accurate than many of the publicly released surveys have shown the race within the margin of error for months. To understand the enormity of the stakes in elections for Ohio governor, consider this: Candidates for governor always run in the same years when voters also choose a state attorney general, auditor, secretary of state and treasurer. In those last nine elections for governor, the political party that won the governors office won 33 of the 36 elections for down-ballot offices. In both reality and theory, Cordray is the better candidate in this election, as the gubernatorial debates have tended to prove. If Cordray loses by a razor-thin margin, his support for Issue 1, the constitutional amendment that would reduce the sentences for some drug crimes, will be among the culprits. Cordrays position allowed DeWine to spend millions portraying his opponent as someone who would flood Ohios streets with murderous drug dealers. Exaggeration in political advertising is a bipartisan sport. But DeWine has a long history of waging campaigns that demolish facts and border on mean-spirited. As one 40-year observer of Ohio politics put it, Mike DeWine always runs on a muddy track. In this election, as fact-checking of his ads has clearly shown, DeWine has savaged the truth. Its no coincidence DeWines media strategist is Rex Elsass, leader of a 1990s group of GOP operatives in Columbus known as the nasty boys, sleazy operatives who would resort to any filthy political trick imaginable in the interest of winning elections. But Cordrays most daunting problem in this campaign is one he cant control: Ohios inexorable descent into red-state status, a development that has coincided with a stunning decline in its demographics related to education, workforce readiness, poverty and population. Whats more, the astonishing number of right-wing extremists in the legislature is unlikely to be significantly reduced on Election Day. Cordray would obviously have more difficulty dealing with these extremists than DeWine. Many, myself included, have suggested DeWine might be an effective governor. His deep understanding of state government is indeed an asset. But nothing in DeWines recent past suggests he would be the type of leader that Ohio, and the nation, so desperately needs. For all Gov. John Kasichs personality shortcomings, and they are enormous, this governor has exhibited the courage to take a stand against the presidents unbridled racism, his not-so-subtle embrace of white supremacists. Not once has Kasich backed down from criticizing Trumps despicable condoning of, at times encouraging, violence against law-abiding citizens. Not once has DeWine done anything but back down. And the entire nation is now living with the results of the breathtaking cowardice of Republican officeholders. If the next governor, be it Cordray or DeWine, fails to challenge a president who traffics in hate, Ohio voters and opinion leaders should view that as a disqualifying dereliction of duty. So, who wins? If women and young people figure out their childrens futures have never been more at risk and act to save them - Cordray will win. If the typical turnout model of off-year elections in Ohio doesnt change dramatically, DeWine will win. And that will allow Ohio to go about its business of comfortably living in the past, as the world passes it by. Brent Larkin was The Plain Dealer's editorial director from 1991 until his retirement in 2009. To reach Brent Larkin: blarkin@cleveland.com Have something to say about this topic? Use the comments to share your thoughts. Then, stay informed when readers reply to your comments by using the Follow option at the top of the comments, and look for updates via the small blue bell in the lower right as you look at more stories on cleveland.com. CLEVELAND, Ohio Catholic bishops on Saturday said they wanted the church to include more women in big decisions, reports say. The absence of womens voices and viewpoint impoverishes discussion and the path of the church, the bishops said in a document, handed over to Pope Francis for review, the New York Times reports. The request was part of a broader report that pushed the church to find ways to involve more young lay individuals, made at the conclusion of a month long summit about young people. The meeting included 250 bishops, several nuns and about 30 young people. Women were not allowed to vote on the final language of the report, according to the Associated Press. Dozens of women stood outside the summit protesting on its opening day. The women demanded a seat at the table on major church decisions, and more female representation in senior Vatican positions, Reuters reports. Knock knock! Whos there? More than half the Church!" the women chanted, according to Reuters. Catholicism prohibits women from being priests and bishops, who make up the leadership of local parishes and dioceses. In Ohio, 18 percent of adults identified as Catholic in 2014, according to Pew Research Center. A majority 54 percent were women. Red Hat probably won't get an offer higher than the $190-per-share price from IBM, because rival suitors have already had a chance to bid, according to people familiar with the matter. Red Hat announced Sunday it had reached an agreement to sell itself to IBM for about $34 billion. As the open-source software developer negotiated with IBM, it also spoke with "all of the logical buyers" including Google, said one of the people, who asked not to be named because the discussions were private. Google had interest in buying GitHub earlier this year, before Microsoft bought the code-sharing company for $7.5 billion. Google and other potential bidders had preliminary discussions with Red Hat over the course of several years, the people said. Red Hat CEO Jim Whitehurst told CNBC on Sunday that while Red Hat has had discussions with a number of companies, none of them progressed nearly as far as talks with IBM. A Google spokesperson didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. While it's still possible a company could come in with a higher bid, potential suitors view IBM as a safe buyer that won't disrupt Red Hat's operations or dramatically alter the competitive landscape, two of the people said. A Chinese logistics firm majority-owned by Alibaba has opened a warehouse with over 700 robots working in it to deal with the demand from Singles Day, the huge annual shopping festival run by the e-commerce giant. The company, Cainiao, on Tuesday unveiled what it would be doing to support the shopping festival, which takes place on Nov. 11 and last year raked in over $25 billion in sales. The logistics firm runs warehouses and works with delivery companies to get packages to customers. It says it uses technology to make the process more efficient and its publicly stated goal is to eventually deliver to anyone in China within 24 hours and internationally in 72 hours. Automation in its warehouses has become a huge focus for Cainiao, which is 51 percent owned by Alibaba. On Friday, the company officially opened a warehouse in Wuxi, a city in the east of China, which employs 700 so-called automated guided vehicles. Those are robots that can automatically pick up a parcel and deliver them to another part of the warehouse where it is then picked up by a delivery firm. Cainiao says that process has brought significant time savings. Ben Wang, vice president of Cainiao, told CNBC that the Wuxi facility is the "largest automated warehouse in China," adding that the company is focusing on automating more processes. Last year on Singles Day also known as the Double 11 shopping festival Cainiao processed over 800 million packages. This year it is expecting over a billion, Alibaba CEO Daniel Zhang said earlier this month during an event in Beijing. Democrats have one of their two best opportunities to flip a Senate seat in Arizona as Republican Sen. Jeff Flake retires in January. If McSally can hold the line for the GOP, the party's chances of keeping or expanding its 51-49 seat majority greatly improve. Senate composition has huge stakes not only for President Donald Trump's economic policy agenda, but also his sustained push to fill the federal courts with conservative judges. The NBC/Marist survey has a plus-or-minus 5.4 percentage point margin of error for the likely voter sample. The race appears to be a toss-up with a week to go, according to a RealClearPolitics average of recent polls. Among likely voters, 44 percent have already cast ballots in the state, where early voting is prevalent. Sinema leads among those voters 51 percent to 47 percent. In a head-to-head contest, the Democratic representative garners support from 50 percent of registered voters compared with 44 percent for the GOP House member, according to the NBC News/Marist poll released Tuesday . When the poll includes Green Party candidate Angela Green, Sinema's lead over McSally tightens to 3 percentage points. Democrat Kyrsten Sinema leads Republican Martha McSally in the Arizona Senate race, one of the nation's most important contests in next week's midterm elections, a new poll found . Sinema, 42, has tried to run a centrist campaign in a state the president won by about 4 percentage points in 2016. She has extended olive branches to Republicans and voted in September to make individual tax cuts passed by the GOP last year permanent. The representative has recently faced a barrage of Republican attacks for past comments that opponents say show she is too liberal for the state. McSally, 52, has pivoted to running a campaign with broader appeal after tying herself more closely to Trump during a three-way GOP primary. The representative and many of her Republican colleagues around the country have faced pressure for votes to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act as Democrats make health care their signature midterm issue. Sinema tweet Sinema leads among Latino voters, independents and women. McSally has an edge among white voters and men. An association with Trump may have helped McSally in a GOP primary, but it carries its risks statewide. Forty-four percent of likely voters approve of the job the president is doing, while 49 percent disapprove. Thirty-two percent say they strongly approve of Trump compared to 40 percent who strongly disapprove. The fight over Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation, which Republicans believe galvanized their base in key states with Senate elections, may not have much of an effect in Arizona. Only 35 percent of likely voters said they are more likely to back a candidate who supported the judge's confirmation, while 37 percent answered that they are less likely. Twenty-six percent said the confirmation fight does not make a difference in their vote. The GOP-held Senate confirmed Kavanaugh to the top U.S. court earlier this month amid sexual misconduct accusations against him. He vehemently denied the claims. McSally said she would have supported Kavanaugh, while Sinema said she would have opposed him. Voters in Arizona also narrowly favor Democrats in the overall fight for Congress. Forty-seven percent of likely voters said they would rather see the party control the legislative branch after November, while 46 percent said they prefer a Republican majority. Forty-eight percent also responded that they would more likely vote for a Democrat in their district next Tuesday, while 47 percent are more likely to support a GOP candidate. The live-caller NBC/Marist poll was conducted October 23-27 of 910 Arizona adults (which has a margin of error of plus-minus 4.1 percentage points), 793 registered voters (plus-minus 4.4 percentage points) and 506 likely voters (plus-minus 5.4 percentage points). Indonesian transportation officials have said Boeing's 737 MAX 8 planes will not be grounded, despite uncertainty surrounding Monday's crash of Lion Air's brand-new jet. Flight JT 610 crashed into the Java Sea 13 minutes after taking off from the Indonesian capital of Jakarta with 189 people on board. Nobody is expected to have been found alive. According to a Reuters report, the Indonesian government on Tuesday ordered an inspection of all Boeing 737 MAX 8 airplanes in the country but has stopped short of grounding the aircraft. The crashed plane had only been in operation since August 15 and had logged a total of 800 hours of flight time, according to Indonesia's National Transportation Safety Commission. Lion Air has suggested that the plane had previously revealed a technical problem on a separate flight, but this had been subsequently fixed. The accident is the first to be reported involving the widely sold Boeing 737 MAX. The single aisle jet is Boeing's bestselling commercial aircraft. In 2011, Lion Air ordered 230 737's, including 201 737 MAX jets, according to Boeing. The MAX 8 has also been ordered by airlines including American Airlines, United Airlines, and FlyDubai. Boeing said in a statement Monday that it "stands ready to provide technical assistance to the accident investigation" while the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are both sending investigators to Indonesia. Flight JT 610 was enroute to the mining town of Pangkal Pinang on Monday when the plane suddenly lost altitude at 5,000 feet, falling into the Java Sea. Officials have said the pilot had asked to return to Soekarno-Hatta airport but then lost contact with air traffic control. Indonesian divers have resumed searching the area on Tuesday and are using underwater "pinger locators" to try to find the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder. Sonar vessels and an underwater drone kept up the hunt for the wreckage overnight. Reuters contributed to this report An LNG (liquified natural gas) container of CNPC (China National Petroleum Corporation) is under construction next to others at the Yangkou Port in Rudong county, Nantong city, east China's Jiangsu province. A company behind a multibillion-dollar project to export liquefied natural gas from Louisiana is delaying its investment decision due to problems lining up Chinese buyers amid the ongoing U.S.-China trade dispute. The announcement shows the trade tensions are beginning to have a negative impact on an industry that President Donald Trump has championed. Trump has pitched U.S. LNG natural gas chilled to liquid form to trade partners from China to Poland. Australia's LNG Limited on Monday said it will not make a final investment decision this year on its Magnolia LNG terminal near Lake Charles, Louisiana. The company previously told investors it expected to announce a decision by year-end. "We made that statement prior to the trade tensions that have manifested over the past months, which have caused headwinds for LNG transactions," LNG Limited CEO Greg Vesey said in a letter to shareholders. "We remain hopeful in our ability to bring a final investment decision for Magnolia LNG to the Board of Directors in the first part of 2019." The Coinbase cryptocurrency exchange application seen on the screen of an iPhone. Bitcoin's value has dropped drastically this year, but the value of cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase is skyrocketing in the opposite direction. The San Francisco-based company on Tuesday announced a $300 million fundraising round that puts Coinbase's new valuation at $8 billion and makes it one of the most highly valued in the United States. The deal marks a massive increase from its previous valuation, which had been $1.6 billion as of August 2017. The Series E round was led by Tiger Global Management, with participants including Andreessen Horowitz, Y Combinator Continuity, Wellington Management and Polychain. Coinbase plans to use the funds to "accelerate the adoption of cryptocurrencies and digital assets," Coinbase President and Chief Operating Officer Asiff Hirji said in a statement. The company, the best known U.S. cryptocurrency trading platform, is seen as a poster child for the fledgling industry. Its allure among top venture capitalists has been touted as a positive sign for the future of cryptocurrencies. Coinbase, which landed at the No. 10 spot on the 2018 CNBC Disruptor 50 list, was certainly in the right place at the right time when bitcoin skyrocketed more than 1,300 percent last year to nearly $20,000. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have lost more than 65 percent of their value since, as retail interest wanes. But Coinbase has plowed money back into a master plan to cater to institutional investors. This year, it launched a suite of offerings for professional investors. One of them, Coinbase Custody, received regulatory approval last week from the New York Department of Financial Services. It recently partnered with fellow cryptocurrency unicorn Circle to support a U.S. dollar-backed cryptocurrency known as a "stable coin." Coinbase said Tuesday it's focused on bridging the gap between fiat money and cryptocurrencies throughout regulated markets and building out its custody offering "to bring more institutional funds into the space." The new equity should help Coinbase achieve that, while adding new assets to its popular trading platform. "We see hundreds of cryptocurrencies that could be added to our platform today and we will lay the groundwork to support thousands in the future," Hirji said. WATCH: Next stop in the cryptocurrency craze: a government-backed coin The Danish prime minister launched a fierce defense of Nordic nations after a White House report claimed that living standards there were inferior compared to the U.S. On Tuesday, Lars Lokke Rasmussen published a scathing response to the report via Facebook, after the document claimed that living standards in Nordic countries were at least 15 percent lower than they were in the States. "Yes, we pay a lot of taxes," Rasmussen said, "but we get so much in return." Comparing the two nations' social models, he said that "Denmark would win every time." "Our children can get an education no matter who you are and where you come from," he added. "We can come to the hospital and get help if we get sick. Whether we have special insurance or a lot of money in the bank. And if you become unemployed ... Or need a helping hand, the community is ready to help." Rasmussen said the only area where the U.S. outperformed his country was in praising itself. "Perhaps we should just get better at bragging more about all that we do really well," he said. The White House report, entitled "The Opportunity Costs of Socialism," was published last week and claimed that "even poor American households have better living standards than the average person living in a Nordic country." WATCH: Why a six-figure income is not enough for many in the U.S Every time President Donald Trump mentions the $110 billion arms deal he negotiated with Saudi Arabia last year, he quickly follows up, saying "It's 500,000 jobs." But if he means new U.S. defense jobs, an internal document seen by Reuters from Lockheed Martin forecasts fewer than 1,000 positions would be created by the defense contractor, which could potentially deliver around $28 billion of goods in the deal. Lockheed instead predicts the deal could create nearly 10,000 new jobs in Saudi Arabia, while keeping up to 18,000 existing U.S. workers busy if the whole package comes togetheran outcome experts say is unlikely. A person familiar with Raytheon's planning said if the Saudi order were executed it could help to sustain about 10,000 U.S. jobs, but the number of new jobs created would be a small percentage of that figure. Lockheed Martin declined to comment on the Saudi package. Raytheon's Chief Financial Officer Toby O'Brien said last week that hiring overall is growing, but he did not pin it to any particular program. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Jobs are important to Trump. He campaigned on his ability to create American jobs, especially high-paying manufacturing ones. Meanwhile he has limited his criticism of Saudi leadership over the killing of a prominent critic because he did not want to endanger the massive arms deal. Trump's 500,000 figure has been greeted with widespread skepticism given the five biggest U.S. defense contractors, who make nearly every item on the Saudi list, now employ 383,000 people. Documents seen by Reuters and interviews with defense industry sources familiar with the arms package suggest that between 20,000 and 40,000 current U.S. defense industry workers could be involved in Saudi-bound production if the whole $110 billion package goes through. Existing workers typically are experienced, skilled, who can be redeployed more easily than new hires who would require significant upfront investment in their training. One significant caveat to any predictions on job creation is whether all of the missile defenses and radars, ships, tanks, software, bombs and other equipment listed in the full Saudi package get delivered. The chief executive of one of the "Big Four" accountancy agencies says he isn't worried about the quality of audits on companies doing business in China. The Global Chairman and Chief Executive of EY, Mark Weinberger, told CNBC's Squawk Box Europe on Tuesday that he wasn't nervous about the quality of his firm's auditing work in China, despite concerns over the use of affiliate firms in the country that are harder to scrutinize and regulate. "No, not the individual audits themselves. The risk in China is the huge levels of debt, the uncertainty in the overall economy," Weinberger said. Audit companies like EY are themselves subject to oversight but the snag in China is that Beijing won't allow U.S. regulators to directly inspect the work of Chinese and Hong Kong affiliate accountants. These affiliate firms are separate entities that regularly carry out audits on behalf of multinational accountancy giants, such as EY and its competitors. There is concern that with no one checking the accountancy work of the local Chinese firms, auditing of both Chinese and foreign firms may not be up to international standards. EY are considered one of "The Big Four" accounting firms that provide global professional services such as audit, accounting, taxation and management consulting. Deloitte & Touche, KPMG and PwC are the other three. Weinberger said EY has 16-thousand employees in China and provide services to most of the IPOs that come onto the market. The CEO conceded that living with China's local rules was "complicated" but stressed that he felt comfortable that his firm was meeting global standards while at the same time applying it appropriately to Chinese culture. The health of Chinese businesses is under scrutiny as state-owned banks tighten lending amid concerns over excessive levels of corporate debt and trade war fears. The Shenzhen Composite Index has plunged by around a third in value this year, driven lower by the fragility of firms who have secured financing by pledging vast amount of their shares as collateral. The situation is considered a vicious circle as every loss in share value forces more shares to be sold, thereby accelerating losses. According to the South China Morning Post, at least 32 companies listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen bourses have now been forced to sell controlling stakes to the Chinese state as other avenues of funding have dried up. Chinese Vice-Premier Liu He has attempted to calm markets by describing state ownership as a measure that can be reversed when business improves for private companies. As the administration of US President Donald Trump is preparing to impose sanctions against Irans oil exports within the next few days, indications are already appearing that certain countries are preparing to defy Washingtons pressures to halt purchases of Iranian oil. As Press TV writes in an article "Irans major oil buyers set to defy US sanctions", Reuters quoted unidentified sources familiar Iran sanctions issues as saying that at least three of Irans top oil clients India, China and Turkey would resist Washingtons call to end their oil purchase plans from Iran. The three countries, sources said, maintained that there were not sufficient supplies worldwide to replace Iranian oil volumes. That pressure, along with worries of a damaging oil price spike, could put the Trump administrations hard line to the test and could also raise the possibility of bilateral deals to allow some buying to continue, according to the sources. Iran has already emphasized that the US can never prevent it from selling crude oil to international clients, stressing that no other supplier can substitute the kind of oil it provides to overseas markets. Irans First Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri was quoted by media as saying that the government of President Hassan Rouhani had already devised mechanisms to counter the impacts of returning US sanctions against the countrys oil exports. Jahangiri emphasized that Iran had serious plans to maintain oil exports above one million. Trumps administration is preparing to launch the second wave of sanctions against Iran from November 4 in which a universal ban on the countrys oil exports appears to be a primary objective. US officials have already said the sanctions would be meant to bring down Irans oil exports to zero. However, Iranian officials have repeatedly rejected the feasibility of this, stressing that international consumers cannot afford to lose Iranian supplies. Reuters further quoted another informed source briefed by administration officials as saying that tensions around Irans sanctions have split Trumps administration into two camps. One is led by National Security Adviser John Bolton, who wants the toughest possible approach, and another by State Department officials keen to balance sanctions against preventing an oil price spike that could damage the US and its allies. Because of the concern over oil prices, the source said, the administration is considering limited waivers for some Iranian customers until Russia and Saudi Arabia add additional supply next year, while limiting what Tehran can do with the proceeds in the meantime. Mark Zuckerberg, chief executive officer and founder of Facebook, holds his phone after the morning session at the Allen & Co. Media and Technology Conference in Sun Valley, Idaho, July 13, 2018. The company has approached Redmond with plans for two buildings, which could be six stories tall and include office space, labs, kitchens and an event center, according to the Puget Sound Business Journal , which cites emails and public records. Redmond, Washington, has been the home of Microsoft for decades, but the maker of Word may soon have company. Facebook is planning a 650,000-square-foot office project in the city, according to a report Tuesday. The project is currently being referred to as "Building X," according to the report. Facebook has not yet applied for building permits, but a project schedule sent to the city shows that the company hopes to demolish existing buildings on the allotted land as soon as May, according to the report. Despite its scandals with security breaches, the handling of user data and the spread of misinformation, Facebook has continued to expand its footprint and grow its head count. The company is based in Menlo Park, California, in Silicon Valley, but this year moved some employees into a skyscraper in San Francisco. It now employs more than 30,000 people, up from about 20,700 last June, according to financial filings. Facebook did not immediately respond to a request for comment. WATCH: Facebook sinks on earnings and Gene Munster weighs in It's looking dim for shares of GE. The former industrial giant hit its lowest level in a nearly decade on Tuesday briefly breaking below $10 - after the company cut its dividend to just one cent per share. Here's how four market experts are trading the move: Jack DeGan of Habor Advisory says that although the dividend cut was a necessary decision for the company, many of its investors will pay the price. "The street is not willing to wait for the 2 to 3 years for Mr Flannery's plan to unfold. That's just too long of a horizon for most investors to be patient," he explained. "There are [a] very large percentage of shares owned by retired employees and individuals [that] were relying on the dividends." Stephanie Link, Head of Global Equities Research at Nuveen believes that even though the stock has been under significant pressure it still has potential for a turnaround. "It trades at ten multiple and okay fine if you think those numbers have to come down," she said." "It's still at a really reasonable valuation and you've got this leadership that is actually putting a game plan in place." Josh Brown, CEO and Co-founder of Ritholtz Wealth Management, warns that from a technical perspective there's no reason why individual investors should be buying General Electric. "This is a stock that on the charts has shown you absolutely no indication that it's turning," he explained. "There has never been any indication that the downtrend, which is now years, is showing any fatigue." John Inch, Analyst at Gordon Haskett, says that GE's tie up with the SEC and nearly tapped out dividend suggest more problems could unfold in the future. "Retail investors really should not be owning a name that is under accounting investigation and the company took an equity capital raise off the table," he warned. "We think GE Capital is going to owe billions of dollars more in the future, we're just starting to see the covers start to unravel here." Bottom Line: GE has a number of critical issues to work through before it looks attractive again. Investors should steer clear of the stock for the time being. Indonesia, a vast archipelago of 17,000 islands, may conjure images of golden beaches and blue seas but the reality may be far murkier. In December last year, the tourist island of Bali was so besieged by plastic waste washed ashore that the local government declared a "garbage emergency." Years before that crisis erupted, teenager Melati Wijsen was already campaigning to ban plastic bags in Bali the island she grew up on. In 2013, when she was just 12 years old, Wijsen started a social initiative called Bye Bye Plastic Bags with her younger sister, Isabel Wijsen, who was 10 at that time. Their goal? To help Bali residents say no to plastic bags. Her journey in the last five years has taken her to the international stage and given her opportunities to meet world leaders and celebrities, as well as speak at global events but there's more to be done, the 17-year-old told CNBC in Bali. World's second largest plastic polluter The problem with plastic in Indonesia is that it was introduced too quickly, without first educating consumers on its polluting effects, Wijsen said. Adding to that, Indonesia has a population of 264 million people, and a huge emerging market of consumers. From shampoo sachets to a handful of peanuts to keropok (a popular Indonesian rice cracker), Indonesians often buy single-use items that are contained in plastic packaging, Wijsen added. According to a 2015 report by Science journal, Indonesia is the world's second largest polluter of plastic marine waste in the world, behind only China. Melati Wijsen and friends modelling plastic-free fashion at the International Monetary Fund-World Bank meetings in Bali Bye Bye Plastic Bags Wijsen's passion to fight plastic pollution started when she was a student at Bali's sustainability-focused Green School. She recalls learning about inspirational leaders such South African anti-apartheid revolutionary leader Nelson Mandela and Indian activist Mahatma Gandhi and thinking to herself: "What can we do as kids living on the island of Bali?" Together with her sister, Wijsen started Bye Bye Plastic Bags. Through that platform, they petitioned to get citizens to support a ban on plastic bags, raised awareness and created educational materials to be distributed to primary schools in Indonesia. They eventually went on to set up other organizations, including Mountain Mamas, an initiative which teaches women living in the mountains of Bali how to make bags from donated and recycled materials. The social enterprise also gives the women additional income through the work that they do. Isabel Wijsen (middle), co-founder of Bye Bye Plastic Bags, goes on the streets of Bali to raise awareness on plastic pollution. Bye Bye Plastic Bags Memorandum of understanding To get the attention of authorities, they planned in 2014 to fast from dawn until dusk each day. Wijsen explained that the sisters wanted to demonstrate they were "serious" about protecting the island. To their surprise, the governor of Bali at that time, Made Mangku Pastika, responded positively and invited them to meet him two days after they announced their demonstration. That meeting concluded with a memorandum of understanding between the governor and Bye Bye Plastic Bags. Both sides agreed to work together to get Bali residents not to use plastic bags and minimize plastic pollution. A year later, Governor Pastika announced that he wanted to make Bali plastic-free by 2018. Unfortunately, that has yet to happen, but the sisters are not deterred. Wijsen says that the political arena is an important place to be, and she wants to learn more. Isabel and Melati Wijsen (left to right) with then-governor of Bali, Made Mangku Pastika, at the signing of their memorandum of understanding in 2014. Bye Bye Plastic Bags "As a 17-year-old changemaker, what has been super interesting and a learning curve for me has been learning how to deal with politicians," she said, adding that it was important to understand the complex layers of a system and why it takes time for change to be implemented. "Dancing with politicians it's three steps forward, two steps back, and then again and again. But I understand that we need to be doing it together," Wijsen added. While her journey campaigning against plastic pollution has taken her to the United Nations, as well as being invited as an inspirational speaker at the recent International Monetary Fund and World Bank meetings, Wijsen is not resting on her laurels at all. Melati Wijsen, co-founder of Bali-based non-governmental organisation Bye Bye Plastic Bags, is getting businesses to commit to using fewer single-use plastic items. Bye Bye Plastic Bags Land O'Lakes said Tuesday it would no longer support Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, with campaign donations, just a day after being asked about making contributions to King despite his "history of racist comments" and endorsement of a "white supremacist" mayoral candidate. The agricultural giant, well known for its butter and other dairy products, suggested in a statement that the Republican King was neither a "positive force for good" nor someone who would uphold Land O'Lakes' "values." Also Tuesday, King's colleague in Congress, Rep. Steve Stivers of Ohio, condemned King. Stivers is chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, a major group that works to elect Republicans to the House of Representatives. Tweet King's offices in Washington and Iowa were not answering their phones Tuesday. But later in the day, King tweeted a so-called "response," without saying exactly what he was responding to. Tweet Shortly after King's tweet, pet food company Purina tweeted that it, too, would no longer donate to King's campaign. Purina tweet The representative for Iowa's 4th District has a long history of being critical of immigrants and diversity and of supporting far-right politicians in other countries. He has kept a Confederate flag on his desk, and in an interview once predicted "that Hispanics and the blacks will be fighting each other before" their combined population exceeded that of whites in the United States. Two weeks ago, King tweeted an endorsement of Faith Goldy, a far-right candidate for mayor of Toronto, Canada. Goldy has defended the white supremacist organizers of 2017's "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, and has been interviewed on a neo-Nazi podcast. She has also recited a white supremacist slogan that talks about securing "the existence of our people and a future for white children." On Monday, Judd Legum, who writes the political newsletter Popular Information, said he had asked Land O'Lakes to explain why its political action committee had given King $2,500 in contributions "despite his history of racist comments" and his endorsement of Goldy. But Legum said the company had not responded to his question. Tweet Land O'Lakes, which is a member-owned co-operative, did not answer Legum's question on Tuesday, but it did say it would not be giving King any more campaign donations. "The Land O'Lakes, Inc. PAC has traditionally contributed to lawmakers of both parties that represent the communities where our members and employees live and work and are also on committees that oversee policies that directly impact our farmer owners," the company said in its statement. "We take our civic responsibility seriously, want our contributions to be a positive force for good and also seek to ensure that recipients of our contributions uphold our company's values," the company said. "On that basis, we have determined that our PAC will no longer support Rep. Steve King moving forward." Indonesian Navy conduct SAR operation for Lion Air JT-610 airplane which crash to the sea on the Karwang Bay, West Java on October 29, 2018. Indonesia on Tuesday stepped up its search for passengers of an airliner that plunged into the sea, deploying underwater beacons to trace the flight's black box recorders in a bid to uncover why an almost-new plane crashed minutes after take-off. There were 189 people on board flight JT610 of budget airline Lion Air when ground staff lost contact with the Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft early on Monday, 13 minutes after it had left the airport in Jakarta, the capital. "Hopefully this morning we can find the wreckage or fuselage," Soerjanto Tjahjono, the head of Indonesia's transport safety panel, told Reuters, adding that an underwater acoustic beacon was deployed to locate the main body of the plane. The search and rescue agency added that four sonar detectors were also deployed in areas where aircraft debris had been found a day earlier off the shore of Karawang, West Java, and 15 vessels were scouring the sea surface. Earlier, Yusuf Latif, the spokesman of the national search and rescue agency, said there were unlikely to be survivors. Finding survivors "would be a miracle", Latif added, judging by the condition of the recovered debris and body parts. A witness in the Karawang district said he had heard an explosion from the beach around the time the aircraft went down. "I thought it was thunder, but it was different from thunder 'Boom!' It was loud," said Dadang Hambali. In a statement, Lion Air said human remains had been collected in 24 body bags after sweeps of the crash site, which is about nine miles off the coast to the northeast of Jakarta. Authorities told broadcaster Metro TV the bags were taken to a hospital for identification, with more expected overnight. On tarpaulins at Jakarta's port, officers laid out items retrieved from the sea, ranging from oxygen bottles to personal effects such as wallets, a mobile telephone, cash and backpacks. Indonesia is one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets, but its safety record is patchy. If all aboard have died, the crash will be its second-worst air disaster since 1997, industry experts said. On Monday, the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board NTSB and Boeing said they were providing assistance in the crash investigation. The accident is the first to be reported involving the widely sold Boeing 737 MAX, an updated, more fuel-efficient version of the manufacturer's workhorse single-aisle jet. Privately owned Lion Air said the aircraft, which had been in operation since August, was airworthy, with its pilot and co-pilot together having amassed 11,000 hours of flying time. The pilot of flight JT610, which was bound for Pangkal Pinang in the Bangka-Belitung tin-mining region, had asked to return to base (RTB) shortly after take-off. "An RTB was requested and had been approved but we're still trying to figure out the reason," Tjahjono told reporters on Monday. No distress signal was received from the aircraft's emergency transmitter, search and rescue agency head Muhmmad Syaugi told a news conference. The aircraft suffered a technical problem on a flight from the resort island of Bali to Jakarta on Sunday night but it was "resolved according to procedure", Edward Sirait, chief executive of Lion Air Group, told reporters. Sirait declined to specify the nature of the issue but said none of the airline's other aircraft of that model had the same problem. Lion had operated 11 Boeing 737 MAX 8s and it had no plan to ground the rest of them, he said. Divers resumed their search in waters about 98 to 115 ft deep where the plane went down, soon after Monday's take-off in clear weather at about 6.20 a.m., ahead of a landing set for 7.20 a.m. in the city of Pangkal Pinang. The search had been stopped for the night, said Bambang Suryo, an official of Indonesia's search and rescue agency, although sonar vessels and an underwater drone continued hunting for the wreckage, where many victims were feared trapped. Special counsel Robert Mueller has referred to the FBI allegations that women were "offered money" to make "false claims" about him, a spokesman said Tuesday. Spokesman Peter Carr released this statement to CNBC: When we learned last week of allegations that women were offered money to make false claims about the Special Counsel, we immediately referred the matter to the FBI for investigation. Mueller is investigating Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, as well as possible coordination between the Kremlin and President Donald Trump's campaign. Jack Burkman, a conservative commentator who claims to be a registered lobbyist, said in a tweet Tuesday that "we will reveal the first of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's sex assault victims" on Thursday. Burkman tweet Burkman has frequently called on Trump to fire Mueller, along with Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who oversees the special counsel, and Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who had recused himself from interfering in the probe. He even offered a $25,000 reward to any whistleblower who could offer concrete evidence of FBI wrongdoing in those investigations, The Washington Times reported in February. The special counsel's office confirmed to CNBC that it learned about the "scheme" from journalists who had been approached by a woman alleging that she had been offered $20,000 by Burkman "to make accusations of sexual misconduct and workplace harassment against Robert Mueller." Watch: Robert Mueller's investigation could turn a profit for taxpayers Pfizer signage is displayed on a monitor on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer on Tuesday beat Wall Street analysts' third-quarter earnings expectations but fell short on revenue and narrowed its full-year forecast. Shares of Pfizer fell about 1 percent. Here's what the company reported compared with what Wall Street was expecting, based on a survey of analysts by Refinitiv: Earnings per share: 78 cents, adjusted, vs. 75 cents expected Revenue: $13.3 billion vs. $13.53 billion expected Pfizer reported third-quarter net income of $4.11 billion, or 69 cents per share, up from $2.84 billion, or 47 cents per share a year earlier. Excluding items, Pfizer earned 78 per share, more than the 75 cents per share expected by analysts surveyed by Refinitiv. Net sales rose 1 percent to $13.3 billion, shy of the $13.53 billion analysts had expected. Innovative health revenue increased 4 percent to $8.47 billion, boosted by sales of blood thinner Eliquis and breast cancer drug Ibrance outside of the U.S., among others. Essential health revenue fell 4 percent to $4.38 billion, with generic versions of Viagra entering the market. For the full year, Pfizer narrowed its revenue forecast to between $53 billion and $53.7 billion from the previously guided $53 billion to $55 billion. For adjusted earnings per share, Pfizer expects $2.98 to $3.02 from a previous estimate of $2.95 to $3.05. Pfizer attributed the revenue changes to shortages of its Hospira Sterile Injectable Pharmaceuticals product in the U.S. and weakening currency in some emerging markets and the euro starting this summer. Earlier this month, Pfizer announced CEO Ian Read will retire and Albert Bourla will take over in January. "Albert's extensive knowledge of our business, firm grasp of the issues, and deep caring for patients will help Pfizer continue to build on the outstanding foundation we have put in place," Read said in a statement Tuesday. "I am confident that he is implementing a structure and building a leadership team that will maximize the company's growth opportunities." Pfizer said it bought back $1.1 billion of its shares in the quarter, bringing its 2018 total to $9 billion. It expects to repurchase about $12 billion this year. Incoming CEO Bourla told Wall Street analysts that Pfizer doesn't see the need for any large-scale mergers or acquisitions right now as it focuses on its pipeline. Higher mortgage rates and overheated home prices hit Southern California home sales hard in September. The number of new and existing houses and condominiums sold during the month plummeted nearly 18 percent compared with September 2017, according to CoreLogic. That was the slowest September pace since 2007, when the national housing and mortgage crisis was hitting. Sales have been falling on an annual basis for much of this year, but this was the biggest annual drop for any month in almost eight years. It was also more than twice the annual drop seen in August. "The double whammy of higher prices and rising mortgage rates has priced out some would-be buyers and prompted others to take a wait-and-see stance," said Andrew LePage, a CoreLogic analyst, in the release. "There was one caveat to last month's sharp annual sales decline this September had one less business day for recording transactions. Adjusting for that, the year-over-year decline would be about 13 percent, still the largest in four years." He added that if 5G technology delivered on its promise, the next generation of telecommunications networks would be at the top of every country's list of critical national infrastructure, which could be at risk of data theft or infiltration. Burgess said his agency's purpose was to "protect Australians, our values and our way of life," dubbing the Chinese telecoms carriers "high-risk vendors." Speaking at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute national security dinner in Canberra on Monday, Mike Burgess, director general of the Australian Signals Directorate, said the exclusion was a matter of national security. The head of an Australian intelligence agency has addressed the decision to exclude Chinese telecoms firms from the country's 5G rollout. "5G technology will underpin the communications that Australians rely on every day, from our health systems and the potential applications of remote surgery, to self-driving cars and through to the operation of our power and water supply. The stakes could not be higher," Burgess said. "Historically, we have protected the sensitive information and functions at the core of our telecommunications networks by confining our high-risk vendors to the edge of our networks. But the distinction between core and edge collapses in 5G networks that means that a potential threat anywhere in the network will be a threat to the whole network." China's Huawei and ZTE were banned from providing 5G technology equipment to Australia in August. Huawei Tweet Australia's government said at the time that it could not involve firms that were "subject to extrajudicial directions from a foreign government that conflict with Australian law" in its national 5G rollout. Chinese smartphone manufacturers such as Huawei and ZTE are subject to legislation that requires citizens and businesses to cooperate with Chinese intelligence authorities. Following the ban, Huawei criticised the Australian government, claiming the decision was politically motivated. "It is not aligned with the long-term interests of the Australian people, and denies Australian businesses and consumers the right to choose from the best communications technology available," Huawei said in an emailed statement to CNBC. 5G mobile internet is widely predicted to revolutionise cities and future technologies such as autonomous vehicles, with many countries preparing for rollouts within the next few years. However, adoption could be slowed by legislative red tape according to some experts. Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai told CNBC's "Squawk on the Street" last month that regulation was holding back U.S. 5G deployment. Huawei and ZTE are already prohibited from selling telecoms equipment in the U.S. due to national security concerns. Sri Lanka's former president Mahinda Rajapaksa receives blessings from Buddhist monks before assuming duties as the new Prime Minister in Colombo on Oct 29, 2018. Tharaka Basnayaka / NurPhoto / Getty Images 'A constitutional crisis' With Wickremesinghe refusing to leave office and Rajapaksa officially in power, the country is poised to enter a period of policy paralysis, according to strategists. That doesn't bode well for foreign investment. There are now "two competing power centers" that could see Sri Lanka enter "a constitutional crisis," said Pratyush Rao, lead analyst for India and South Asia at Control Risks. The Rajapaksa-Sirisena camp are now likely to call for a snap parliamentary election and because Rajapaksa remains a popular figure among Sinhala Buddhists, who account for the majority of the population, he's likely to fare well, Rao said. The president's support has been dwindling so he may be using Rajapaksa to bolster his government, Rao added. Sri Lanka's economy is already under duress foreign exchange reserves have been sliding, pressuring the local currency amid broader problems in global emerging markets. The latest political turmoil could further weaken international investor confidence. "Investors will likely view the developments with concern because at best, it will limit the scope for economic policy/reforms, and at worst plunge the country into a prolonged political crisis," said Shailesh Kumar, South Asia director at Eurasia Group. Sri Lanka's parliament has been suspended until 16 November. By that time, Sirisena will have amassed enough support for Rajapaksa to pass a no-confidence vote when one is eventually held, Kumar continued. Moody's has already sounded the alarm on the situation. Rajapaksa being appointed prime minister "significantly heightens policy uncertainty" and could be "credit negative" for Sri Lanka's sovereign rating, Matthew Circosta, Moody's analyst, wrote in a note. "Additionally, the possible social tensions that may unfold in the next few weeks would have a negative impact on the economy, which is already growing slowly." Cranes stand at a construction site by a Chinese company in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Buddhika Weerasinghe | Getty Images Amid all these risks, Colombo's ability to refinance external debt in early 2019 at affordable costs has also been thrown into question, Circosta added. A win for China Under Rajapaksa's rule, Sri Lanka moved closer to China's orbit and further away from India, South Asia's traditional leading power. With Colombo now in urgent need of foreign capital, Rajapaksa will likely facilitate more Chinese investments. While Wickremesinghe sought to balance relations with New Delhi and Beijing, Rajapaksa made clear his willingness to accept Chinese money even in the face of unreasonable terms. In the past, Colombo has been forced to sell strategic assets to Beijing, such as the Hambantota port, when it wasn't able to meet liabilities. While Rajapaksa will likely tap access to Chinese capital to service Sri Lanka's debt, other major foreign players operating in the island nation such as India and Japan are unlikely to experience immediate risks, according to Rao: "The government would not want to alienate these two countries through such moves." Rajapaksa's appointment could also help the world's second-largest economy notch a win against India as the two superpowers battle for supremacy in the region. A recent election in the Maldives saw the previous China-backed government lose power to a pro-democracy party, pushing the tropical island closer to New Delhi. So, "while China lost the Maldives to India last month, it has gained back the upper hand in Sri Lanka," said Eurasia's Kumar. A step back for human rights Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed hope that quadrilateral summit (Turkey-Russia-Germany-France) on Syrian settlement, held in Istanbul, will help to resolve the Syrian crisis. Meeting with participation of Vladimir Putin, Emmanuel Macron, Angela Merkel and Recep Tayyip Erdogan was held in the main hall of the Vahideddin Palace, which belonged to last Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, Mehmed VI Vahideddin. Today it's one of Erdogan's offices. Summit on Syria in this format was supposed to be held at the end of September, but it some organizational issues had to be resolved first. Meeting of four leaders was mainly dedicated to situation in Idlib province, which Vladimir Putin described as difficult, but gradually improving, including thanks to the actions of Turkish side that fulfills terms of existing agreements. Political heavyweights also discussed issues of post-war reconstruction of Syria. Despite the fact that president's press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, cautiously noted that nobody should expect any breakthrough decisions to be made at this summit, expectations remained pretty high. Nevertheless, press conference left an impression that no real decisions were made. Vladimir Putin said that dialogue was fruitful, constructive, but that was it. There are only speculations regarding what results have been achieved, and this, according to some observers, is not in favor of Moscow. Next high-level summit is planned to be held in Switzerland, but Russia will be replaced by the United States. Russia may fade into the background if the United States and Turkey manage to coordinate their positions on the Syrian issue. Then there will definitely be attempts to resolve this situation without Moscow, which is trying to solve the most difficult task - make Bashar Assad stay in power and preserve integrity of the Syrian state. Russian position isn't accepted by the UN Security Council - the United States have their own vision of situation and Russian proposals are not accepted. At the same time, Moscow was told that if Idlib will be attacked, Assad would be attacked in return, which the West doesn't want to do. At least it implies that. Moreover, the West believes that is Assad, who relies on support of Moscow and Iran, is basically doomed. Moscow and Iran's support can't last forever due to difficulties these countries are experiencing, especially economic. Senior researcher at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Mikhail Roshchin, believes that summit in Turkey is the very important, even calling it a turning point: Leaders of the two leading European states met with Russian president, and this is a huge events in international politics. Absence of the United States was also significant. Obviously, Donald Trump is not ready to participate in negotiations on the post-war settlement in Syria yet." As Roshchin told Vestnik Kavkaza, one of the goals of this meeting was to develop a new formula for political post-war settlement of the conflict, and, perhaps, the EU and the Russian Federation will make decisions on Syria's issues themselves. Erdogan and Putin became key players in resolving this situation, they coordinated their positions in the course of bilateral talks that took place on the eve of this summit. As of today, Idlib province remains rebellious. Ankara has its own view of Idlib's future. It's a province bordering with Turkey. Syria, with the support of Turkey and Iran, has liberated most regions. The main result of this summit, in my opinion, is that a new political configuration appeared: EU-Russia-Turkey without the US," Roshchin said. Leonid Gusev, senior researcher at the Center for Central Asian and Afghanistan Studies at MGIMO, said that agreement on creation of commission that will develop new constitution of Syria, as well as on situation in Idlib, are very important: "Situation in Idlib is still difficult due to detoriating humanitarian situation and influx of refugees. According to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkey fulfills all of its obligations regarding Idlib and therefore cooperation between two countries on the Syrian issue will continue. By the end of this meeting, leaders of four countries made joint statement, in which they spoke about formation of the Syrian constitutional commission until the end of 2018. As for the fate of Syrian President Bashar Assad, according to available information, this issue hasn't been discussed. As German Chancellor Angela Merkel said, democratic elections should take place at the end of political process, in which all Syrians who have the right to vote, including the Syrian diaspora, should participate. As Leonid Gusev noted, format of this summit - Russia-Turkey-Germany-France - is also important. "This meeting is important for all participants. Germany hosts around million Syrian refugees. France, which initiated this meeting, needed to highlight its international significance. As for Russia, Putin said that if more countries participate in the settlement process, it will help Syria. Turkey is geografically close to the troubled country. In any case, as many analysts note, current summit was an attempt by Western leaders to figure out what actions should be expected from Moscow and Turkey in Syria, what are their goals," Gusev concluded. Republican Marsha Blackburn has pulled ahead of Democrat Phil Bredesen in the race for Senate in Tennessee, one of the few states where Democrats have a chance to pick up a seat this year, a new poll found. The GOP representative leads the state's former Democratic governor by 5 percentage points among likely voters, according to the NBC News/Marist poll released Tuesday. Blackburn garners 51 percent of support, while Bredesen draws 46 percent and 3 percent are undecided, the survey found. Her standing improved since September, when Bredesen led by 2 percentage points among likely voters in an NBC/Marist survey. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 5.7 percentage points for the likely voter sample. Bredesen, who last won a statewide election in 2006, has run as a centrist and pledged to protect access to health care and social safety net programs. He has said he will side with President Donald Trump on some issues. Bredesen has mounted a strong bid to flip the red seat, which his friend, retiring Republican Sen. Bob Corker, currently holds. Blackburn has run an unabashedly pro-Trump campaign in a state the president won by about 25 percentage points in 2016. In the race's closing days, she has joined the president in stoking concerns about immigration and tried to cast Bredesen as too liberal for the state. A conveyor belt inside JD.com's Shanghai warehouse At a recent technology show in Tokyo, a large robot arm reached into a full-sized mockup of a shipping container and began unloading boxes from it. Set on a platform that moved back and forth, the robot was doing a job usually carried out by warehouse workers and forklift operators. The goal of the company that's developing it, Mujin, is total automation. The system, still a prototype, doesn't work perfectly it accidentally damaged a box during the demo but it's going to be trialed in warehouses in Japan this year. "Lifting heavy boxes is probably the most backbreaking task in warehouse logistics," said Mujin's American co-founder and CTO, Rosen Diankov. "A lot of companies are looking for truck unloading systems, and I believe we're the closest to commercialization." More from At Work: This start-up created the first US farm run by robots How AI is changing the way you apply for jobs The Tokyo-based start-up is aiming to be a leader in automating logistics processes. To do that, it's building robot controllers and camera systems and integrating them with existing industrial robot arms. The key product here is the controllers each about the size of a briefcase, one for motion planning and one for vision that act as an operating system that can control the hardware from any robot manufacturer. If a goal such as grasping an object is input, the controllers automatically can generate motions for robots, eliminating the traditional need to "teach" robots manually. The result, according to the company, is higher productivity for users. Simply put, the technology based on motion planning and computer vision makes industrial robots capable of autonomous and intelligent action. Mujin turned heads when it showed off its transformation of a warehouse operated by Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com. The 40,000-sq-m facility in Shanghai began full operations in June. It was equipped with 20 industrial robots that pick, transfer and pack packages using crates on conveyor belts, as well as camera systems and Mujin robot controllers. Other robots carted merchandise around to loading docks and trucks. Amazon also has invested heavily in automating its fulfillment centers, buying Mass.-based robot company Kiva Systems for $775 million in 2012, but JD.com called its facility the world's first fully automated e-commerce warehouse. Instead of the usual 400 to 500 workers needed to run a warehouse that size, it needs only five. And their job is only to service the machines, not run operations. Standardizing total automation "My goal is to automate warehouses in America and make a lot of success stories there," said Diankov. "But will people value that, and are there enough people with expertise to do it? That's why we started in Japan." Mujin's plan is to move away from customization for every client and standardize a complete automation package. "Unfortunately, just having a robot system work perfectly is not enough, and we need to have the equipment and system around the robot to finally allow it to contribute to the operations of the business," said Diankov. "Once there are enough solid standardized components for warehouse automation, we can focus our energies to quickly deploy and perfect them." Born in Bulgaria, Diankov moved to the United States at age 10 and studied robot engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, where he earned a Ph.D. After stints at seminal California robotics start-up Willow Garage and the University of Tokyo's JSK Robotics Lab, he founded Mujin in 2011 with CEO Issei Takino. Staffed by about 70 people, including many non-Japanese, the start-up is headquartered in a working class district on the eastern side of Tokyo. While preaching the value of automation at trade shows, the company reminds people that the number of workers in Japan is dropping by 2,125 per day, due to the country's low birthrate and aging population. "In the U.S., robot technology is often undervalued and directly compared to the value of human workers," said Diankov. "If you're going to be competing with that from day one, maybe you have no room to grow quickly. In Japan they have a mindset that values robotics much more, even if it sometimes doesn't make economic sense. They're willing to jump into investments into robotics." Diankov believes fears of robots taking jobs from people don't reflect the reality of the workplace. Rosen Diankov, cofounder and CTO of Mujin, sees a world where warehouses are totally automated and run by robots.. Source: Mujin "Introducing robots creates more jobs, and history has shown that's been the case," he said. "Companies that have embraced automation, like Toyota it's the biggest car company in the world now." No fuzzy logic Mujin is building smart machines based on model-based approaches to robotics. Unlike applications in the current fad for deep learning, Mujin's controllers are not learning to accomplish a task through trial and error. There's no guesswork involved. They're programmed to do a specific task very well, and every position of every joint of a Mujin robot is tracked, down to the millisecond. While that lowers the possibility for error, it also imposes a massive computational burden on the controllers, so they're equipped with fast microchips that can evaluate tens of thousands of possible moves, choosing the best one in less than a second. "The approach is like that of a train, plane or rocket you don't want it to be self-learning, just predictable when it goes from A to B," said Diankov. "That's how you create innovation, with perfectly predictable systems. That's what we're trying to do with robotics. I like to call this machine intelligence, not artificial intelligence." Rosen said Mujin is probably the only robotics start-up doing this advanced robotics stuff that's not working at a loss. The company has raised $7 million in VC funding from Tokyo venture capital firms JAFCO and the University of Tokyo Edge Capital. It's also earning revenue from projects for Japanese firms, such as Askul, which specializes in e-commerce for office supplies, and Paltac, a logistics firm, as well as JD.com in China. In the U.S., robot technology is often undervalued and directly compared to the value of human workers. Rosen Diankov co-founder and CTO, Mujin Speaker of the House, Paul Ryan (R-WI), Senate Majority Leader, Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Senate Minority Leader, Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and House Minority Leader, Nancy Peolosi, are seen during a ceremony for Bob Dole, former Senate Majority Leader, as he was presented the Congressional Gold Medal in the United States Capitol rotunda on Wednesday January 17, 2018 in Washington, DC. In a statement released Tuesday afternoon, Sanders said: "The President extended a bipartisan invitation to Congressional Leadership to travel with him to Pennsylvania. Understandably, the members had prior commitments or wanted to show their respect in a private way." Trump scheduled the visit "to express the support of the American people and to grieve with the Pittsburgh community," Sanders said at a news briefing. First lady Melania Trump will travel with the president, Sanders said. The trip, announced Monday by White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, comes three days after a gunman stormed the city's Tree of Life synagogue and opened fire, killing 11 people and injuring six more. The four top Republicans and Democrats in both chambers of Congress declined invitations to travel to Pittsburgh to attend events with President Donald Trump on Tuesday, CNBC has learned. She added, "The horrific tragedy in Pittsburgh is not a political event." The trip was announced amid mounting opposition to a presidential stop-in by protesters, politicians and at least one of the victims' families. On Monday, Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto admonished the White House not to visit the city "while we are burying the dead." "Our attention and our focus is going to be on them, and we don't have public safety that we can take away from what is needed in order to do both," Peduto, a Democrat, told reporters just before Sanders announced the trip. Peduto also said Trump should ask the families of the victims whether they want him to visit "That's not my call to make," he said. Peduto told The Washington Post that he declined an invitation to appear with the president. The Post reported Tuesday morning that the family of 71-year-old Daniel Stein, who was killed in the massacre, shunned Trump because of his comments in the immediate aftermath of the shooting. The president had suggested that armed guards in the synagogue may have prevented the tragedy: "If they had protection inside, the results would have been far better," Trump said. Stein's nephew, Stephen Halle, told the newspaper that "Everybody feels that [Trump's remarks] were inappropriate." More than 1,200 people have RSVP'd to a Facebook event organizing a demonstration against Trump's visit Tuesday, and some community leaders have also pushed back on the trip. But Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, who was leading a service at Tree of Life when the shooter attacked, told CNN: "The president of the United States is always welcome. I am a citizen. He is my president. He is certainly welcome." The White House had invited at least four top lawmakers to come to the city, sources familiar with the situation told CNBC. But all four declined to make the trip, the sources said. "The leader was unable to attend today," said Stephanie Penn, spokeswoman for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., after saying the invitation was "not declined." McConnell will instead travel within his state to Brandenburg and Rough River Lake, and will discuss a water infrastructure law signed by Trump in October. "We weren't able to make it on the short notice," House Speaker Paul Ryan's spokeswoman, AshLee Strong, told CNBC. The White House's announcement came about a day before Air Force One was scheduled to arrive at Pittsburgh International Airport at 3:45 p.m. ET. In a statement Saturday, Ryan said: "This is a time to mourn and heal, but also to reaffirm that we will not tolerate this bigotry. Pittsburgh and the Jewish community have been rocked today, but they should know that Americans stand firmly with them." The top Democrats in Congress House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. also declined invitations, two sources told CNBC. Schumer declined the invitation due to a scheduling conflict, one of the sources said. The office of Pennsylvania's Democratic governor, Tom Wolf, did not respond to CNBC's inquiries about whether he had received an invitation from the White House. The Trump administration did not respond to CNBC's outreach. In an interview with Fox News that aired Monday evening, Trump said, "I'm just going to pay my respects." The president added that he is "also going to the hospital to see the officers and some of the people that were so badly hurt. So, and I really look forward to going. I would have done it even sooner, but I didn't want to disrupt anymore than they already had disruption." Correction: This story was revised to correct that Schumer is the Senate minority leader. As Trump campaigns daily for Republicans in the election's final stretch, he has filled his public appearances with off-the-cuff policy proposals and rhetoric designed to stoke fear of immigrants. It reflects the strategy he deployed during his presidential election victory in 2016. On Oct. 22, the president claimed the GOP was "putting in a resolution some time in the next week and a half or two weeks" before the midterms to cut middle-income taxes by about 10 percent. Trump said the reduction would come on top of the tax cuts Republicans already passed last year. His claim came under immediate suspicion since Congress is not in session and has taken no action on the proposal since. After Trump made his remarks, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady, R-Texas, said his committee would work with the White House on a bill "to be advanced as Republicans retain the House and Senate." Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, later told reporters that a 10 percent tax cut is "highly unlikely" this year. More of Trump's last-minute midterm maneuvering has focused on immigration. He has repeatedly stoked fears about the so-called caravan of Central American migrants seeking asylum, asserting with no evidence that MS-13 gang members or "unknown Middle Easterners" are traveling with them. He further tried to stoke fear Monday with an unfounded claim that the caravan is an "invasion" of the United States. Trump tweet Also on Monday, the Pentagon said it would send 5,200 troops, some armed, to the border to stop the first caravan and a separate group of migrants that was still far away from U.S. borders. Some criticism of the move tied Trump's motives to the midterms. "President Trump has chosen just before midterm elections to force the military into furthering his anti-immigrant agenda of fear and division," said Shaw Drake, policy counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union Border Rights Center in El Paso, Texas. Certain Republicans trying to win critical races have fully embraced Trump's immigration rhetoric. Rep. Marsha Blackburn, the Republican who hopes to hold a key Senate seat for the GOP in red Tennessee, said Monday she "fully" supports the president's move to send troops to the border. "We must protect America from the illegal alien mob demanding to come into our country the wrong way," Blackburn wrote in a tweet. It is unclear what Blackburn means by "the wrong way," but if migrants make an asylum claim at a designated point of entry, it is legal. Blackburn tweet Trump followed Monday's move with more explosive remarks Tuesday that seemed to be an attempt to excite his base. He told Axios he plans to sign an executive order to remove the right of citizenship for people born in the U.S. to non-citizens. Critics of the move, even some Republicans, noted that birthright citizenship comes from the 14th Amendment to the Constitution. It is likely not within the president's power to end birthright citizenship on his own. House Speaker Paul Ryan said Tuesday that "you cannot end birthright citizenship with an executive order," according to reports. Another House Republican, Rep. Justin Amash of Michigan, expressed the same sentiment earlier in the day. "A president cannot amend Constitution or laws via executive order," he tweeted. Amash tweet Uber is appealing a ruling that its drivers should be treated as workers at the U.K.'s Court of Appeal, the second-highest court in the land. The appeal relates to a 2016 employment tribunal ruling that Uber drivers James Farrar and Yaseen Aslam were working for the company, meaning they should be entitled to a minimum wage and holiday pay, among other rights. The ride-hailing firm lost an initial appeal against the ruling at the Employment Appeal Tribunal last November. Uber then tried to take the case to the Supreme Court, but was blocked from doing so, meaning it would have to go through the Court of Appeal first. Uber has long argued that its drivers, which it calls "partners," are self-employed and more akin to contractors than workers employed directly by the firm. "Almost all taxi and private hire drivers have been self-employed for decades, long before our app existed," an Uber spokesperson said in an emailed statement Tuesday. The spokesperson pointed to a recent Oxford University study which found its drivers make 11 ($14) an hour, more than the living wage in London 10.20 a non-compulsory hourly rate that takes everyday living costs into consideration. "If drivers were classed as workers they would inevitably lose some of the freedom and flexibility that comes with being their own boss," the spokesperson said. Uber's representative added: "We believe the Employment Appeal Tribunal last year fundamentally misunderstood how we operate. For example, they relied on the assertion that drivers are required to take 80 percent of trips sent to them when logged into the app, which has never been the case in the U.K." "Over the last two years we've made many changes to give drivers even more control over how they use the app, alongside more security through sickness, maternity and paternity protections. We'll keep listening to drivers and introduce further improvements." The labor union representing drivers Farrar and Aslam, the Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain (IWGB), staged a march against the so-called gig economy on Tuesday. In such an economy, work is seen as more flexible and companies tend to hire independent contractors and freelancers on a temporary basis. The protest consisted of Uber drivers, Deliveroo couriers, outsourced cleaners and fast food workers on Tuesday. It was backed by U.K. Labour Member of Parliament Frank Field, who is one of a number of lawmakers in the country that have expressed concerns about Uber's attitude to workers' rights. Farrar and Aslam are being represented by solicitors Paul Jennings and Rachel Mathieson of Bates Wells Braithwaite. "Uber has acquired a dominant position within the market incredibly quickly," Jennings said in a statement ahead of the hearing. Jennings added: "A key issue in this case is whether Uber has mischaracterised the employment status of its fleet and in so doing failed to observe fundamental employment rights. The financial implications of this judgment could be very significant." India, caught flatfooted by the appointment of Mahinda Rajapaksa as Sri Lanka's premier, has opened urgent diplomatic and political contacts with the strongman who drew close to China during his previous tenure as president, officials said. The tear-shaped island, located off the southern tip of India, has become an arena of tussle between New Delhi and Beijing, which has built ports, power stations and highways as part of its Belt and Road Initiative of trade and transport links across Asia. Rajapaksa had opened up Sri Lanka's main port to Chinese naval submarines when he was president, which stoked anger in India. His return to power in a surprise move by current President Maithripala Sirisena has drawn concern in New Delhi that China would tighten its grip on the island that lies along busy shipping lanes. "It is advantage China at the moment," said Srikanth Kondappali, a specialist on India-China ties at New Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University who closely tracks the regional rivalry between the Asian giants. He said Beijing had invested in Rajapaksa and in his political constituency of Hambantota in the south of Sri Lanka where it has built a $1.5 billion deep water port, an airport and also planned an industrial zone. China's ambassador to Sri Lanka, Cheng Xueyuan, was among the first diplomats to meet Rajapaksa soon after he was sworn in as prime minister and he presented a congratulatory message from Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang. Sirisena sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Friday and named Rajapaksa to replace him, breaking up a fragile coalition governing the island. Wickremesinghe, who was seen as pro-India, said his sacking was illegal and he has maintained that he is still prime minister and had majority support in parliament. Sri Lanka is one of a chain of countries where the India-China rivalry is playing out, stretching from Bangladesh, Nepal to the Maldives, where a pro-China leader was voted out in a surprise election result last month that was welcomed by India, the United States and the European Union. Indian diplomats were in contact with Rajapaksa's camp, officials in New Delhi said, adding they were ready to do business with the new leader so long as his appointment was in line with the country's constitution. "India will continue to extend our developmental assistance to the people of Sri Lanka," an Indian foreign ministry spokesman said on Monday. Separately, leaders of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the ideological parent of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's governing Hindu nationalist-led alliance, have reached out to Rajapaksa to promote ties, party sources said. PREDATORY Seshadri Chari, an RSS leader involved in the track two diplomacy, said he was confident New Delhi and Colombo will work for better relations under the new leadership in Sri Lanka. "In the changed geo-political realities, we have to be practical and pragmatic to protect our national self-interest and do better business," he said. The RSS wields influence in the Modi administration and has acted as an unofficial intermediary with some neighbouring countries. China has in recent years faced criticism that many of its investments in Sri Lanka, the Maldives and other countries run the risk of driving smaller nations into debt and potentially impinge on their sovereignty. "We are seeing an international pushback against China's predatory practices. It can only intensify and in that backdrop it's hard to see Sri Lanka doling out more projects even under Rajapaksa," said an Indian government source. China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said Beijing believes the people and government of Sri Lanka have the wisdom to "appropriately handle" the situation, and China hopes all sides can resolve differences via dialogue, to protect the country's stability. Harinda Vidanage, director of the Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies, a thinktank in Colombo, said Sri Lanka had become a greater strategic prize after the pro-China president of the Maldives, Abdulla Yameen, lost the election. "For China, both Sri Lanka and Maldives were very important in their effort to gain a foothold in the Indian Ocean. China to certain extent lost the Maldivian connection when Yameen lost the elections," he said. Shailesh Kumar, Asia director at the Eurasia group, said the changes in Sri Lanka would benefit China. "While Beijing lost a pro-Chinese government earlier this month in the Maldives, it will make up ground in South Asia with the change of guard in Sri Lanka," he said, adding that it came as Sri Lanka's economy was in financial difficulties. "The decision to bring Rajapaksa back into the mainstream is likely intended to open the flow of Chinese funds, given the close relationship he cultivated with the Chinese leadership." Indian shares are likely to open lower on Tuesday, tracking weak Asian peers amidst renewed worries over global trade after a Bloomberg report that the United States is preparing to announce tariffs on all remaining Chinese imports by early December. Stocks such as Tech Mahindra, HDFC Bank, BPCL are likely to move in trade today. Indian shares are likely to open lower on Tuesday, tracking weak Asian peers amidst renewed worries over global trade after a Bloomberg report that the United States is preparing to announce tariffs on all remaining Chinese imports by early December. At 07.22 AM, SGX Nifty, an early indicator of the Nifty 50's trend in India, was down 0.32 percent to 10,243, indicating a negative start for the Indian market today. Here are the top stocks to watch out for in today's trade: BPCL: State-run Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) on Monday posted a 48.3 per cent decline in its net profit to Rs 1,218.71 crore for the second quarter ended September 2018. The company had earned a net profit of Rs 2,357.40 crore in the same quarter a year ago. Jet Airways: The airline said on Monday it is actively engaged in updating partners, including lessors, about steps being taken to improve liquidity. The full-service carrier has been grappling with financial woes and has also delayed payment of salaries. Reliance Industries: Reliance took more interest in the country's retail fuel sector and has opened more than 1,300 service stations. The company's shares plunged 6.9 percent on the day of the announcement and are down about 20 percent since their record close on Aug. 28. Bharti Airtel: The company, in an exchange filing, said the Airtel Africa IPO preparations are proceeding as per the plan and a new board is in place with new investors' representatives. HDFC Bank: The Reserve Bank of India has given its approval to reappoint Aditya Puri as managing director and chief executive officer of to HDFC Bank till October 2020. Allahabad Bank: State-owned Allahabad Bank on Monday raised benchmark lending rate by 5 basis points or 0.05 percent, a move that will make all its loans including home loan costlier. Tech Mahindra: Tech Mahindra and Japanese telecom firm Rakuten Mobile Network on Monday said they have entered into an agreement to set up 5G and 4G network labs in Tokyo and Bengaluru. Tata Power: Tata Power on Monday said its board has approved plan to raise up to Rs 5,500 crore through issuance of non-convertible debentures (NCDs) on a private placement basis. State Bank of India: Country's largest lender State Bank of India (SBI) and payments solution provider Hitachi Payment Services India Monday entered into an agreement to form a joint venture for establishing a card acceptance and digital payment platform. Results on Tuesday: Tech Mahindra, Bank of Baroda, Torrent Power, Chola, CONCOR, IDFC Ltd, Cummin India, Dalmia Bharat, Tata Global Beverages, Pidilite Industries, Ramco cement, IRC infra, Emami Ltd, Teamlease, Symphony Ltd, Blue star, Birla corporation, ABB India, Unichem Lab, Take solutions, Redington Ltd, Prestige estates, Phillips carbon Black, NOCIL, Navkar corp, Navin fluro, Info edge, Motilal oswal financial services, Manpasand Beverages, Bank of Maharashtra, Jindal Stainless (Hisar), JK tyre & industries, Gateway Distriparks, EIH, Dena bank, BASF India, 3M India, Shree renuka Sugars, Talwalkars Better value Fitness, TCI Finance, TD Power, Vakrangee Ltd, Tata teleservices, Welspun enterprises, Alembic Ltd, Bharat Gears, Bhushan Steel, Binani Industries, Borosil Glass works, Eletrosteel Steels, Gujarat Borosil, Hind Rectifiers, JMC Projects, Merck Ltd, National fertilizer, Orient Refractories, Shemaroo Entertainment, Emkay global services, Opto Circuits. (With inputs from agencies) 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. The 'Protecting Future' International Conference on Combating Anti-Semitism, Racism and Xenophobia has opened in Moscow yesterday, it is attended by more than 600 experts from 37 countries. The plenary meeting was attended by government officials, leading Russian and foreign experts on this issue. According to numerous sociological studies, the level of anti-Semitism in Russia is among the lowest in the world today, and it is steadily declining. "The tragedy that occurred on Saturday at a synagogue in Pittsburgh shows how relevant the conference is. It is clear that unreasonable anger and xenophobia have no borders," chairman of the organizing committee of the Protecting Future conference, head of the Russian Jewish Congress Yury Kanner said. "There will be no anti-Semitism and xenophobia in Russia. The Russian authorities, together with civil society, will do everything necessary for this. At the same time, we are facing growing Russophobia, which is used by certain forces in the West, in some other states as a tool to deter Russia's development, countering the ongoing independent foreign policy, the policy of forming a multipolar world using the so-called Russian threat to intimidate. At the same time, there is open propaganda of hostility, even hatred against other peoples. The Nazis criminals and their accomplices are glorified in the places where the right to study and receive information in native language is limited. Especially the current Ukrainian authorities succeeded in it, who actually introduced this ideology into the level of official policy. And not just them. Zones of ethnic segregation and apartheid are actually created in the center of Europe. I mean giving the humiliating status of "non-citizens" to about 300,000 Russian-speaking people in Latvia and Estonia. These people are not only excluded from participation in politics, but also limited in a number of rights," Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko said. She called terrorism "the absolute evil of our time" and cited Speaker of the Knesset Yuli Edelstein, who said during his last visit to Moscow: "To overcome the absolute evil, terrorism, the atmosphere in 1945 at the time of the meeting on the Elbe River must be renewed". "It seems to me that this is very important - an atmosphere of trust. I want to believe that now, in the face of reviving ghosts of the past, people who consider themselves civilized will hear the voice of reason and conscience, will unite their efforts in protecting the common future," Matvienko said. According to her, the parliamentary diplomacy's role in searching for answers to global challenges is significantly increasing today: "This is evidenced by the UN support for the initiative to hold a world conference on interreligious and inter-ethnic dialogue proposed by the Russian delegation during the 137th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly last year St. Petersburg. A special resolution was adopted for this purpose by the UN General Assembly on May 22, 2018. We expect that the heads of state, heads of parliaments, leaders of all world religions will take part in the conference. We need such a dialogue." The speaker of the Federation Council also recalled that the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on combating the glorification of Nazism in December last year, initiated by Russia among others. For its part, the Federation Council launched an initiative to recognize the victory over Nazism in World War II as the world heritage of mankind, and monuments to fighters against Nazism in all countries - as world memorials. "The first step could be to form a single international register of monuments to fighters against Nazism. It should certainly include memorial complexes at the sites of the Nazi death camps. We have no right to allow democracy, its principles and values to be used to cover the revival of Nazism and extremism. The opposition to them has been and will be an absolute priority of our policy," Matvienko assured. According to the head of the Russian Federal Agency for Nationalities, Igor Barinov, "the elimination of discrimination is the most important social program aimed at enabling people in modern society to choose their professional path, develop their talents and abilities, and receive remuneration in accordance with their merits and achievements, regardless of their nationality, religion, color and so on. " OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Lamberto Zannier designated the tools to combat the harmful phenomena: We dont pay proper attention to education. If we start doing this, the situation will improve. We cannot change all the horrors of the past, but the memory of them and the dialogue on this topic will allow us to overcome the trend towards anti-Semitism." Within two days of the conference, it is also planed to discuss the interaction of government and civil society in the area of prevention of anti-Semitism and racism, problems of xenophobia in the Internet and the media, and much more. Running for City Council Along with mayor, the Third and Fourth ward council seats held by Karl Skala and Ian Thomas, respectively, will be up for election in 2019. The candidate filing period opened Tuesday and continues through Jan. 6. Those who want to run for mayor must collect on a nominating petition at least 75 and no more than 150 signatures from registered Columbia voters. Those seeking ward seats must collect at least 50 and not more than 100 signatures from registered voters in their wards. The petitions must be submitted to the city clerk so they can be verified. 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 President Trump plans to travel to Pittsburgh Tuesday in the wake of the deadly shooting at a synagogue over the weekend, but Jewish leaders say hes not welcome. As Fortune writes in an article "Trump to Visit Pittsburgh After Synagogue Shooting. Jewish Leaders Say Hes Not Welcome", the White House announced Monday that the president and his wife will make the trip to express their support and grieve with the Pennsylvania community. The president cherishes the American Jewish community for everything it stands for and contributes to our country, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a press briefing. She went on to say that many of Trumps family members are Jewish, including his daughter and son-in-law, the descendant of Holocaust survivors. Eleven people were killed and several others were injured Saturday morning when a gunman opened fire minutes after the Shabbat service began at the Tree of Life synagogue. The shooting is believed to be the deadliest act of violence against Jews in US history, the Associated Press reports. Jewish leaders in Pittsburgh, however, said Trump isnt welcome unless he stops targeting minorities and denounces white nationalism. In an open letter published by the Pittsburgh steering committee for Bend The Arc, a national group representing progressive Jewish voices, leaders blamed Trump and his rhetoric for the massacre. Yesterdays massacre is not the first act of terror you incited against a minority group in our country, the letter reads. President Trump, you are not welcome in Pittsburgh until you commit yourself to compassionate, democratic policies that recognize the dignity of all of us. Authorities identified the shooter as Robert Gregory Bowers, who later told police I just want to kill Jews, according to a federal affidavit. Bowers, a 46-year-old truck driver, appeared in court Monday where a judge ordered he be held without bail. Federal prosecutors said they plan to seek the death penalty in the case, according to the AP. Rob Jonkman leads the European Conservative and Reformists Group in the European Committee of the Regions in the EU. He is also an Alderman in the Opsterland Municipal Council in the Netherlands. In the Netherlands, a large majority of our politicians and citizens are sad to see the UK leave the EU. That said, we accept that it is happening and we are keen to ensure that our local cooperation and our business and trade relations continue. Our local, regional and national impact assessments all underline our desire to continue working closely. In their report, the Dutch parliament, stressed for example that any restriction on free trade with Britain would inevitably be at the cost of Dutch exports, prosperity and employment. Within the EU, the Netherlands ranks second after Germany as the country exporting the most to the UK. The Dutch Parliament also added that theres no reason at all to allow Britain to cherry pickbut theres also no reason to prevent Britain from receiving trade advantages. In the EUs assembly of local and regional authorities the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) UK local government and devolved administration have been working together with their counterparts from the 27 EU countries. Together, we have been advising the EU on new laws that impact us at the local and regional level. This represents about 70 per cent of all EU legislation. Since the CoR was established in 1992, we have built a strong track record of working together, sharing best-practices and lessons-learnt. Around five years ago, we also set-up the European Conservatives and Reformists Group together with UK Conservative politicians from local government and the devolved administrations. Together, we have been advocating a reformed EU led by the principle of localism so that powers are given back to local communities. With the UKs departure from the EU, politicians like me will be losing a key ally in the EU decision-making process but going forward, our Group will be pushing for a mutually beneficial deal to be carved out as soon as possible. In such a deal, it will be crucial to take into account the voice of local government and devolved administrations. The ECR Group in the CoR has been making the point that regardless of what position everyone may have had on the referendum itself, UK citizens have made their choice and we should therefore focus on establishing a new relationship that is mutually beneficial. As the CoRs leadership, composed of the President of the CoR and the leaders of the political groups such as me, we embarked on a fact-finding mission to help the negotiation process for the UKs departure from the EU. We took this step after a meeting with the EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier, where we agreed to provide local and regional evidence. As part of our fact-finding activities, we met with the devolved administrations and local government representatives in the UK. We also discussed the specific policy angles of Brexit with local and regional governments from all 28 EU countries and produced a resolution setting out some of the key local and regional government views. Our fact-finding activities showed the interest and indeed need, in continuing the sharing of best-practices and lessons learnt at the level of devolved administrations and local and regional government. Cooperation will need to continue not just in the form of cross-border cooperation between the UK and the Republic of Ireland, for example, but also in the form of business links, the buying and selling of services as well as collectively addressing things like illegal migration, climate change and mitigating the risk of natural disasters. The main message from the UKs devolved administrations and local government was the desire for the new relationship between the UK and EU27 to establish a close form of cooperation enabling free trade and for it to include a structured cooperation at the sub-national level so that the sharing of best-practices could continue. The desire to maintain cross-border cooperation was also underlined. Some authorities are also hoping that a deeper form of association could still be applied for several policies of importance. In the case of Northern Ireland, concerns were expressed about how the peace process could be negatively affected. Most UK local authorities and devolved administrations underlined their wish to see some of the powers repatriated back from Brussels to be further devolved beyond Westminster to local government. We were also told that new UK funding is urgently needed to fill the gap that will be created by the UK no longer being eligible for EU funding instruments. The bottom-line is, when we think about how to structure the post-Brexit relationship between the UK and the EU, we need to also think about devolved administrations and local and regional governments. Many of the global challenges we face that impact our localities depend on local action. It is crucial therefore, that we think about how the relationship of the different tiers of government can continue so that we can continue to share best-practices and ideas. We are currently trying to find new platforms for sub-national cooperation after the UK leaves the EU. One option being explored is the creation of a CoR-UK Joint Commission that would explore the opportunities for continuing dialogue and collaboration between the CoR and UK local and regional authorities, and devolved administrations. As Conservatives across Europe, we also need to continue to work together in developing free market and localist solutions to global trends. We also need to think about how to continue our structured political dialogue. We dont need to legislate together to be able to continue sharing best-practices and continue cooperating on areas where we have common interests. John Glen is Economic Secretary to the Treasury, and is MP for Salisbury. Yesterdays Budget was an important milestone on our journey to rescue the economy from the mess we inherited in 2010. Having taken some extremely tough decisions over the past eight years, we are now in a position where we can see that the hard work of the Government and the British people is paying off. We are not complacent; there is still more to be done to eliminate the deficit. But the direction of travel is clear. A fiscally responsible Conservative Government is delivering on its promise to improve the public finances at the same time as expanding the economy and improving our public services. As the Chancellor informed the House yesterday, the era of austerity is finally coming to an end. As Conservatives, we need to be better at selling our achievements to the electorate. Our fiscally responsible approach to the public purse is putting this country on a firm foundation. Getting to grips with the deficit has not been a dry, intellectual exercise in the Treasury. Its purpose was to move to a point where less money was being spent on debt interest so that more funding could be found for our hospitals, schools, the police and armed forces, as well as reducing pressure on hard-working taxpayers. We have managed to reduce the deficit by four-fifths, lowered the unemployment rate to its lowest level since 1975, and wage growth is now also picking up, with the strongest increase for almost decade recorded just this month. Even with the increased spending announced yesterday by the Chancellor, the budget deficit will continue falling, with the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) forecasting it will drop to just 0.8 per cent of GDP by 2023-24. As the Shadow Chancellors interview with Andrew Marr showed on Sunday, the Labour Party have not learnt any lessons from the mistakes they made when they were last in government. Their grossly irresponsible and economically illiterate plans include a 1 trillion spending spree, and would add 11 billion more to our debt interest payments every year, saddling future generations with more debt, suppressing economic growth, and reducing investment in public services. Social justice cannot be delivered off the back of a broken economy. Corbyns reckless plan to spend 176 billion on mass renationalisation which John McDonnell claims will not cost them anything is nothing more than fantasy economics. The difficult decisions we have taken over the past eight years have protected economic growth, helped to create the revenues which now allow us to boost spending where necessary. As MP for Salisbury in what has been an extremely difficult year for the constituency, I particularly welcome the additional 1 billion for the Ministry of Defence, available for the remainder of this year and next. This additional funding will be focussed on our cyber capabilities and the Dreadnought programme, helping to improve our national security architecture. As Economic Secretary to the Treasury, I was pleased to hear the Chancellor announce that the government will be expanding access to the Financial Ombudsman for larger SMEs. Credit goes to my colleague, Kevin Hollinrake, chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Fair Business Banking, who has campaigned hard this year to push the issue of the challenges facing small businesses and their finance providers, higher up the political agenda. More work needs to be undertaken to address cases from the past but progress is being made. On health, as the Prime Minister announced in the summer, this years Budget introduces a large increase for our National Health Service. We are now committed to spending 20.5 billion more per annum on the NHS by 2023-24, a total increase over the next five years of 84 billion. A key part of our plan for the NHS will also be a targeted effort to help those experiencing mental health crisis. Mental health funding will rise by more than 2 billion by 2023-24 and we will introduce a new mental health crisis service with focused plans for young people. Closely related to this, we will also go much further in boosting funding for adult social care. Local authorities have been at the coalface in helping the government show spending restraint over the past eight years. An extra 650 million to English authorities in 2019-20 for social care funding will therefore be welcomed in county halls across the country, especially coming soon after the announcement earlier this month of an extra 240 million to meet social care pressures this winter. Although the era of austerity is coming to a close, we are emphatically not rejecting the need for ongoing discipline with the public finances. We are boosting spending for parts of our public services where the need is most pressing. But we are not turning on the taps to undo the hard work we have undertaken over the past eight years. The improved position of the public finances will not just be translated into careful spending increases and a continued focus on bringing down the deficit. The Chancellor left a major highlight of his speech until the very end announcing transitional relief and enhanced allowances to universal credit, but also bringing forward increases to the tax-free personal allowance and the higher rate income tax threshold by a year. From April 2019, the personal allowance will rise to 12,500 from 11,850, while the higher rate threshold will increase to 50,000. These changes are a tax cut for 32 million people across the UK. One million fewer people will pay higher rate income tax than in 2015-16. Yesterdays Budget balanced the application of enduring Conservative economic principles whilst responding to the political imperative to ease spending pressures. We will deliver affordable tax cuts whilst maintaining vigilance on the downward trajectory of the deficit and national debt. By continuing this principled yet pragmatic approach, we enable the electorate to maintain their trust in us, despite a challenging economic environment and the uncertainties around Brexit. As Conservatives we must continue to demonstrate our economic competence and deliver for the British people. The alternative future for our country under Jeremy Corbyn and McDonnell does not bear thinking about. Henry Newman is Director of Open Europe. The announcement yesterday that Angela Merkel will relinquish control the Christian Democrats, after nearly two decades, marks the start of her departure from German politics. Although she intends to stay as Chancellor for some time, her position is weakened. Distracted by domestic politics and looking ahead to difficult European elections next year, it seems (even more) unlikely that the Chancellor will seek to over-rule Michel Barniers team and force a political agreement on Brexit. Yet a political intervention is just what is needed to unblock the Northern Ireland backstop deadlock. The backstop has become a seemingly impossible issue described by Donald Tusk as Gordian knot. Heres a dozen reasons why the current mess needs a fresh look: The irony of the current impasse is that an insurance policy designed to prevent the Northern Ireland border hardening in the event of No Deal is now the main issue blocking a negotiated agreement thus risking a No Deal and potentially a harder Irish border. The backstop risks triggering the very thing it is supposed to avoid. Throughout the negotiations, Brussels has said the UK cannot remain in part of the Single Market. Yet Brussels insists that the backstop requires that only part of the UK might have to stay in just part of the Single Market. Brussels is doing the very thing of which it accuses the UK: cherry-picking the four freedoms. The EU justifies this by pointing to Northern Irelands special circumstances and small size. But Northern Irelands population is bigger than Estonia, Cyprus, Luxembourg and Malta, and just a shade smaller than that of Latvia and Slovenia. The backstop was supposed to protect UK-Irish relations. Yet the deadlock threatens relations. Leo Varadkar has even provocatively floated the idea of a ban on British planes flying over Ireland in the event of a No Deal Brexit. Not to be outdone, David Davis suggested that the UK do the same. Both sides agreed to the concept of a backstop in a Joint Report of December 2017, but since then have failed to transform that political commitment into legal text. The EU insists the UK must agree a protocol without agreeing its overall future relationship with the EU. Yet Article 50 requires the Withdrawal Agreement to be agreed taking account of the framework for its [the departing members] future relationship with the Union. Anyway, its inconsistent for the EU to demand the UK agrees Northern Irelands future while also refusing to agree overall UK relations. The Joint Report noted in paragraph 49 that the UK will leave the EUs Internal Market and Customs Union and in paragraph 50 that there would be no new regulatory barriers between Northern Ireland andthe United Kingdom, unlessthe Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly agree. Now the EU seeks to claim these were just British commitments. But if the EU thought these commitments were unachievable, can they really claim to have signed the document in good faith? Back in December, it was clear the UK believed a backstop would be a last resort. In Paragraph 49, the UK stated its intention to avoid a hard border and to achieve this through the overall EU-UK relationship ie the future partnership. This made sense, as at that time the EU agreed the UK had made sufficient progress to discuss its future, alongside its divorce. Yet, since then, Brussels has soft-pedalled on future discussions. They wont even hold a scoping meeting on the future until after Brexit. So the EU signed off on a paragraph suggesting the backstop could be avoided by agreeing the future relationship, and since have stalled on future discussions. Paragraph 49 concludes that if the overall relationship or specific solutions dont work, the United Kingdom will maintain full alignment with those rules of the Internal Market and the Customs Union which, now or in the future, support North-South cooperation, the all-island economy and the protection of the 1998 Agreement. Contrary to what Brussels now maintains, this sentence does not say that the UK will ensure Northern Ireland alone remains in full alignment it is phrased as a UK-wide commitment. Yet Brussels now demands that the backstop would mean only Northern Ireland aligning with the Single Market, and anything UK-wide requires separate agreement after Article 50. This cuts against commitments in paragraph 45 to preserving the integrity of the UK internal market. The UK commitment to full alignment in paragraph 49 is explicitly not with all Single Market and Customs Union rules (hence the qualifier those rules which quoted above). At the time, UK ministers were told that this alignment could be achieved by outcome equivalence. For example, on 8 December, Michael Gove wrote in the Sunday Telegraph: crucially, however, the UK Government has made clear that in those areas [of alignment] the UK continues to reserve the right to meet shared goals by our own means. Either ministers were misled by British officials about what had been agreed, or Brussels led British officials to believe that outcome equivalence was possible but has since ruled it out. The backstop is designed to operate in the absence of agreed solutions suggesting that it would fall away once an overall agreement was reached. But now the EU suggests that the backstop could apply in perpetuity as a sort of Sword of Damocles hanging over the UK. So if at any point the UK diverged from certain EU rules, Northern Ireland could be plucked back into the backstop. Anyway, if Article 50 cant be used to determine the future relationship, how can the backstop apply in perpetuity? The premise of a Northern Ireland-only backstop is highly problematic in democratic terms, as senior figures in the Commission privately acknowledge. Northern Ireland would have to follow EU rules with no say over them at all: no MEPs, no Commissioner, no role in the Council of the EU. This seems highly problematic in terms of human rights, the consent required by the Belfast agreement, and perhaps even ECHR compliance. What would happen if, hypothetically, the Northern Ireland assembly refused to follow a future EU rule? Overall there are dozens of complex issues which will have to be addressed as the UK leaves the EU. But, as a former European Court Judge, Franklin Dehousse, notes: the EU has enormously complicated the withdrawal negotiations through its insistence on resolving the backstop. Avoiding a hard Irish border is important, as both sides have acknowledged. But so are dozens of other aspects of Brexit from enabling cooperation on internal security to prevent terror attacks, to finding a way to ensure theres no disruption to aviation. All these are threatened by No Deal -which now is most likely to be caused by an inability to agree the backstop. Back in December both sides agreed a document which was ambiguous and in various ways contradictory. Rather than defining what they thought it meant, the UK Government stayed largely silent. In the meantime Brussels seems to have shifted the goal posts from an insurance policy to what some see as an annexation attempt. Theres still just about time to find a way through. But as it stands the EUs version of the backstop is as Damian Green has argued worse than No Deal. We wanted a Budget for No Deal thats to say, one in which Philip Hammond would spell out how he is preparing for what is now, arguably, the most likely end-result of the Brexit talks. The odds of Theresa May being able to get any settlement she agrees past her Cabinet, her Party and the Commons are long. The Chancellor did nothing of the kind. Indeed, he did the very opposite. His Budget is puzzling observers this morning. Perhaps he place to start is with the Office for Budget Responsibilitys assessment: the largest discretionary fiscal loosening at any fiscal event since the creation of the OBR. Why has the cautious Hammond the ultimate repressed institutional spreadsheet-pondering Treasury man risked discretion on the winds? Why is this Malvolio suddenly sporting yellow stockings? You may reply that some of the spending announcements were relatively small beer the 400 million for schools, for example, announced, with the deaf ear to political nuance to which we have become used, as money for little extras. You could also stand back from the Budget, and point out that only the NHS really benefits from the spending announcements. It will swallow up some 28 billion of the 30 billion further increases. You may point to some of the tax rises unveiled: in national insurance, capital gains, and pension relief, for example. And if you are on the Left, you will claim that austerity continues whatever that elusive word may mean. But these valid points miss the bigger picture. The Chancellor had 18 billion extra in his pocket because of buoyant tax revenues despite Brexit and could have put it towards balancing the Budget. He chose not to. Instead, he has settled for running what seems to be a permanent deficit of no less than 20 billion. This is not a huge sum in terms of the Governments spend. But it is neither the end to the deficit nor the achievement of a surplus that George Osborne used variously to promise back in the departed days of the Cameron Government. Nor is it what Hammond himself aimed for when he first succeeded the former Chancellor. There is a little bit of largesse for almost everyone. Step forward, Robert Halfon. The fuel duty freeze you champion is now in its ninth year. Take a bow, Jesse Norman. Yes, PFI was on the way out anyway, but Hammonds announcement of an end of it has potential implications for the Governments balance sheet none the less, and marks victory for your long, persistent, and justified campaign. Well done, Gavin Williamson and a raft of backbench Conservative MPs. The Chancellor knows when hes on to a political hiding, and has shelled out enough cash to keep the Defence budget afloat. Look on with a smile, Nick Timothy. Hammond is not exactly your best friend, but in his Amazon tax, relatively modest though it may be, one can glimpse the ghost of the interventionist conservatism you favour. Campaigning backbenchers will breathe a sigh of relief at more support for Universal Credit. (The Resolution Foundation says that the governments flagship welfare reform is now more generous than the benefit system that it is replacing.) Onward will like the fiscal loosening. Freer will support the tax cuts which will be welcome by higher rate and basic rate taxpayers, not to mention Conservative MPs. Oh, and before we forget: the DUP will be happy, too. There will be devils in details for example, in tax changes to self-employment. We have yet to hear of what the Institute for Fiscal Studies makes of the figures, and the OBR is unhappy with ambiguities in them. On No Deal itself, the Chancellor announced another 500 million for Brexit preparations, bringing the total he has budgeted for to 4.2 billion. Some of this will be spent whatever the outcome. Certainly, Hammond didnt dwell in any detail on what extra preparations he is now undertaking. The opportunity to send a message to the EU Commission and the 27 was not merely passed over: it was spurned. This takes us to the heart of what he was up to yesterday amidst his dry delivery, quick repartee, and buttock-clenchingly dire lavatorial jokes. (Carry On up The Hammond!) Some, baffled by this Budget, see a Chancellor tasked with delivering an end to austerity conceived in Downing Street: in other words, they see yesterdays package as Mays Budget, not Hammonds. Others are saying that it shows that the Chancellor is expecting a general election soon. They have a case. There was a smack of the staple pre-poll giveaway about the measures he announced yesterday. But the real point of the Budget lies elsewhere. Confronted by demands from Downing Street for the future, and bearing the legacy of the Cameron era from the past, Hammond has cast aside the latter, come to terms with the former and produced what this site, which is not always a fan of the Chancellor, concedes to be a political master-stroke: perhaps the first in a Parliamentary career of over 20 years. The real message of this Budget is not to any particular Tory MP (let alone to anyone else), but to the whole mass of them. This new money for mental health, for the armed forces, this relief for Universal Credit, these modest tax cuts, this end to austerity for which many of you have lobbied all this, Hammond was intimating sotto voce, depends on you voting for any Brexit deal that May offers you. This is Malvolio turned mafioso. It would be unfair to say that the Chancellor threatened an Osborne-type punishment budget on Sunday if there is No Deal. Rather, he returned to an earlier theme, first proclaimed to Welt, later resiled from, now re-cast. Frankly, wed need to have a new Budget that set out a different strategy for the future, he proclaimed. Critics portray this as Singapore-in-the-Atlantic: a slash-and-burn, axe-and-bonfire of tax and regulations. Leave aside for a moment this inaccurate portrayal of a very different society and culture and, too, the Conservative Manifestos ruling-out of a slew of social and environmental changes to regulation. What one is none the less left to ponder though, in the event of No Deal, is a very different Budget from yesterdays to respond to short-term disruption. (The long-term implications are a separate-though-linked matter.) The stress would be on tax cuts for business, not taxpayers. And while Hammond wouldnt rush to reduce spending growth, he would have far less fiscal room for manoeuvre. So, then, we have neither a Budget for Downing Street nor exactly for a general election, but one with a crude, brutal message for Tory Parliamentarians: vote for Mays deal, or the economy gets it and your seats too. Not all of his Cabinet colleagues endorse it. For as one of them put it to ConservativeHome recently: some of us think that we must deliver a deal, or else lose the next election, and others that must deliver Brexit, or lose the next election. And when I say Brexit, I mean something that palpably looks and feels like it. Come 2021, fliers will have a new, low-cost, tech-oriented airline pioneered by JetBlues founder David Neeleman. His angle? Flying hundreds of routes that the airline will likely have all to itself, according to a recent interview Neeleman did with Skift. Most, if not all, of those routes will be U.S.to Europe and South America, concentrating on origination cities that are competition-free and leisure destinations, or where theres an abundance of flier friends or family. As examples, he used Scranton, Pennsylvania -- a market with a metro population of 570,000 and flights that are mostly connectors to Chicago, Washington D.C., Charlotte, Chicago, and Philadelphia -- and Florida, where theres an abundance of potential fliers who have friends or family in Brazil. Using the 130- to 160-seat Airbus A220-300, Neelemans brainchild will have the ability to take off from really short runways, and can fly for 11 hours (and) well get you there twice as fast and for half the price, he told Skift. The Airbus plays right into Neelemans plans as a differentiator. Compared to how most of the low-cost carriers are configured, the A220 has large, rotating overhead storage bins, a wider aisle that allows for faster passenger boarding and disembarking, and the ability to have first class, lie-flat business class, and extra legroom seats if thats something Neeleman wants to make happen. Ill just do stuff they cant do, Neeleman said, throwing down the gauntlet to the other carriers. You dont have to speak to us Neelemans current plans have Salt Lake City, Utah as the technical and customer service hub for the airline, but if youre a flier who depends on the human touch, you should call someone else. You dont have to speak to us. You wont be able to speak to us, Neeleman said. You wont be able to call us because everything will be functional. His reasoning? Neeleman makes a good point that, in todays world, a lot of consumer-to-company connecting is done via an app or a computer. He figures consumers are content with that setup since relatively few people ever call, say, Amazon or Uber. If a customer has an issue they cant work out on their own, theyll have to use the online chat, but agents can always call the customer in a pinch. However, fliers should expect everything else -- from booking, changing, and cancelling flights to check-in to ordering meals -- to be done through the airlines app. I dont think people want to stand in line to talk to someone, said Neeleman when asked if he feared the human element of customer service would be weakened by technology. Are you sure you can pull this off, David? While theres no substantiation that Neeleman can pull off all of his promises, his track record shows he has the ability to make it happen. In 1984, he co-founded Morris Air, a low-fare charter airline, then sold it to Southwest Airlines for $130 million. He then turned Open Skies, a touch screen airline reservation and check-in systems company, into a winner acquired by Hewlett-Packard. Next on his checklist was WestJet, now Canadas second largest airline; then he moved on to JetBlue, where he scored major customer-sensitive kudos. Most recently, Neelemans domestic carrier Azul (Portuguese for "blue") became the fourth largest airline in South America. President Tayyip Erdogan opened a new $11.7 billion airport outside Istanbul that will be one of the world's busiest, though delays mean it will not be fully operational until January. The name of the new airport will be Istanbul Airport. The Ataturk Airport, named after Turkey's founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, will be shut for commercial carriers. The airport's interiors pay homage to Turkish and Islamic designs and its tulip-shaped air traffic control tower won the 2016 International Architecture Award. As The Economic Times writes in an article "Turkey unveils world's largest airport in Istanbul", it also uses mobile applications and artificial intelligence for customers, is energy efficient and boasts a high-tech security system. Istanbul new Airport, on the shores of the Black Sea, will be able to handle 90 million passengers a year, and can be expanded to accommodate as many as 200 million. For the first two months, however, it will be used for just a few flights within Turkey and to Azerbaijan and northern Cyprus. At the initial phase, five takeoffs and five landings will take place at the airport. It is expected that a daily 2,000 planes will go through the airport by the end of the year to over 350 destinations by over 250 carriers. When the construction of all the phases is complete, the airport will have six runways. The open and closed parking lot of the airport will be able to serve 70,000 automobiles. Istanbul's new airport will be home to the world's largest duty-free shopping complex. This airport is going to be the most important hub between Asia and Europe. A new airport in Istanbul was necessary due to growing congestion at Ataturk Airport, one of the busiest in Europe, where there was no space for new runways. We are analyzing the site. Please wait a few seconds.. CORNWALL, Ontario The Cornwall Community Police Service (CCPS) is looking to identify the man pictured below in relation to a break and enter early this morning at an Emma Street business. The man is described as follows: Caucasian man with medium build Between 511 and 6 tall Wearing a green/grey hoodie Red toque Beige pants Black shoes Grey mittens Carrying a black bag strapped across his body Anyone with information on this man is asked to contact Detective Constable Pat Huygen at 613-933-5000 ext. 2785 or ext. 2404 to leave anonymous information. Jeff Swensen/Getty Images(PITTSBURGH) -- AR-15-style rifles have become something of a weapon of choice for mass shooters. The suspect in the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting that killed 11 worshippers on Saturday allegedly used one such rifle along with handguns. The killer who gunned down 17 teens and teachers at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, in February also used an AR-15-style weapon. This type of rifle was also used last year to kill 26 people and injure about 20 others during a Sunday morning church service in Sutherland Springs, Texas. And, an AR-15-style rifle was among the stockpile of firearms used in October 2017 to gun down 58 concertgoers in Las Vegas. AR-15-style rifles were also used at the shootings at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida; at an employee training in San Bernardino, California, and at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. So why is this type of weapon so popular among mass shooters? Gun experts told ABC News it has nothing to do with the AR-15's lethality, but rather simple familiarity. In the U.S., our go-to rifle is the AR-15. Its known as the American rifle, former SWAT team member and gun expert Dean Hazen said in February after the Parkland shooting. Most police departments carry it; our military carries a militarized version of it. In some mass shootings, the shooter had low knowledge of firearms. They just grabbed what they know, and thats the AR-15. Pete Blair, executive director of Texas State Universitys Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training Center -- which studies mass murder -- echoed Hazen's comments. The AR is the most popular rifle platform in the U.S., Blair said in February. The fact that so many mass shooters are using the same gun is what sociologists call social proof, he added. Youre in an ambiguous situation and you dont know what to do that. That can be looking at what silverware other people use at a fancy dinner party and copying them, or it can be using the same type of weapon other shooters have used if youre planning a mass shooting. Hazen added, "Its a copycat thing. When they see other mass shooters use it, it reinforces the image in their mind that this is the evil tool to use. The NRA says the AR-15 has soared in popularity because it is customizable, adaptable, reliable and accurate and can be used in sport shooting, hunting and self-defense situations. Blair doesnt believe those are the reasons mass shooters are choosing the AR-15, though. I dont see a lot of customization happening with the guns mass shooters use. Theyre pretty much using the stock AR which is easy to operate and straightforward, Blair said. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 30) Malacanang on Tuesday justified anew President Rodrigo Duterte's decision to order a military takeover of the Bureau of Customs. Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said pervasive corruption in the bureau can be considered lawless violence. This then warrants the president's move to seek the military's help. "There is a state of lawlessness there. If you can bring in hundreds of kilos of drugs, there must be some grave wrong in that area and there is state of lawlessness there... State of lawlessness would include state of lawless violence," Panelo said in a media briefing on Tuesday. Malacanang also insists the military takeover is backed by the Constitution. Section 18 of the 1987 Constitution states "The President shall be the Commander-in-Chief of all armed forces of the Philippines and whenever it becomes necessary, he may call out such armed forces to prevent or suppress lawless violence, invasion or rebellion." Based on his interpretation, Panelo believes "violence" is not limited to the physical. "It's not just physical violence. You do violence to the Constitution, you do violence to the law. That's a state of lawlessness," Panelo explained. However, another provision of Constitution states "No member of the armed forces in the active service shall, at any time, be appointed or designated in any capacity to a civilian position in the Government including government-owned or controlled corporations or any of their subsidiaries." Panelo said this shouldn't be an issue since the president is not appointing or designating any particular member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to the BOC. He added AFP personnel will only be deployed there to assist in efforts against corruption and for military presence, particularly to intimidate corrupt employees. AFP to intimidate corrupt Customs employees Panelo said that for now, the military personnel that will be sent to Customs will not take over the functions of the employees. "The president is not appointing or assigning any member of the Armed Forces. These people will be there to make their presence felt, to create the military presence that will hopefully intimidate those corrupt people there. To assist them," he said. But the spokesman added Customs chief Rey Guerrero will be the one to decide what exactly will be the new set-up in the bureau. He said operational changes, including the status of customs employees, will be addressed in a memorandum to be issued by Guerrero. "He has the blanket authority from the president to do what is required under the law," Panelo said. Malacanang, meantime, has yet to issue a written order on the planned takeover. Former AFP and Maritime Industry Authority chief Rey Guerrero was recently appointed as the controversial bureau's new chief, replacing Isidro Lapena who was promoted to head TESDA. The Baku branch of Lomonosov Moscow State University will hold the doors open day on November 3 at 14:00. The purpose of the event was to inform applicants on admission to the branch, the educational process, and the departments. On this day, the future applicants can get information on admission to the branch and on training in the faculties of philology, chemistry, applied mathematics, psychology, economics and physics. Entrance exams are taken in Russian, lectures and seminars are conducted in Russian as well. The graduates of the university are given a Lomonosov Moscow State University diploma. The Faculty of Philology trains specialists in the fields of Russian language and literature, as well as modern Western European languages (English, French, Italian, Spanish and literature). There are departments of economics and management at the Faculty of Economics. Shenzhen Shekou Taizi Bay Cruise Home Port is located at the southern tip of Shenzhens Nanshan District within 30 kilometers of four major airports, including Hong Kong. The city and terminal will also host this year's China Cruise Shipping conference, organized by the China Cruise and Yacht Industry Association. Shenzhen saw GDP growth of just under 13 percent in 2017, making it Chinas fastest growing first-tier city. Port facilities currently include a pair of cruise berths and a recently opened cruise terminal for big ships. The port has expedited customs clearance for residents of Hong Kong and Macau, with times per passenger down to seven minutes. Automated boarding pass machines and an automated customs clearance system have helped optimize passenger flow as well. The Shenzhen Cruise Tourism Alliance has been setup to help promote cruises from the port while educating the public on the benefits of cruise calls. Other locally-led plans include setting up more procurement channels for ships, and building up drydocking in the area for cruise ships, helping to enhance the supporting local infrastructure for homeport customers. Shenzhen saw 188,500 passengers in 2017, all of whom were on homeporting visits. This year it expects 85 calls and 320,000 guests. --- For insight and in-depth analysis of the Chinese cruise market, subscribe to the 2019 China Market Report. A set of newbuilding projects on opposite sides of the world are being run by Nikolaos Doulis, senior vice president of newbuildings at Lindblad Expeditions. The first of those projects will come to completion later this year when the company takes delivery of its second 100-guest newbuild from Nichols Brothers Boat Builders in Washington State. These vessels are built specifically for the Jones Act and for Alaska and the West Coast, Doulis said. American crew and American flag. The uniqueness is that it has all the characteristics of Lindblad. Its a small ship, with 100 passengers, and its purpose-built to deliver an amazing experience to our guests. The National Geographic Venture will be a sister to the Quest, but feature a number of technical updates. As a result we can go to more places, this is one of the major changes, said Doulis. With the Venture nearing delivery, Doulis will turn his attention to Europe, where the company is building a pair of advanced 126-guest polar expedition ships. Under construction with Ulstein, the keel for the National Geographic Endurance is being worked on at CRIST shipyard in Gdynia, Poland. Blocks, meanwhile, are being built at a facility in Lithuania. We will move the blocks and assemble the vessel at CRIST, and then move it to Norway next year for final outfitting, Doulis explained. Built with the innovative X-Bow technology, the ship will offer a smoother sailing experience. We have also invested time and effort on reducing noise and vibration, and we will have the highest comfort class notation, he added. With a deep roster of expedition team members at Lindblad, Doulis said the entire company has been lending knowledge to the newbuilding project. Growing up in Greece, Doulis followed his father into the maritime world, and eventually joined Celebrity Cruises in various onboard positions before moving shoreside. He joined Lindblad in 2017. I love to manage and develop people, Doulis said. I like to hire for character and train for skills. I want to support my team as much as possible, and never micromanage; give clear directions and remain in communication. Excerpt from Cruise Industry News Quarterly Magazine: Fall 2018 Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that larger scale operations against Syrian Kurds east of Euphrates River will soon be launched. "Our preparations and plans [for an operation] are done, we will soon bring down the terror formation east of the Euphrates," Daily Sabah cited the Turkish leader as saying. According to Erdogan, the Turkish military already started an intervention against the terrorists in the area. Almost all the territory in the east of the Euphrates, except for the Assad regime-controlled area near Deir el-Zour and the area near the Iraqi border, is controlled by the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which is dominated by the YPG. The SDF also controls the districts of Manbij and Tabqah on the right bank of the river. The Factory Bar & Grill in downtown Stamford appears to have closed after only about four months in business, the latest change in a series of comings and goings in the city centers dining sector. After debuting in early June at 261 Main St., the restaurant has stood dark for about three weeks. During that time, its doors have been closed during dining hours, and the restaurants listed phone number is not in service. In addition, Factory has not posted to its previously busy Instagram account since Oct. 6. All appearances are that they have closed, said Michael Marchetti, owner of the neighboring Columbus Park Trattoria, at 205 Main St., and president of the Stamford Tables downtown restaurant association. They were delayed in opening for a few months, and then it felt like they never really gained traction once they did open. Its unfortunate to see another dark storefront. We were excited about having them open. Messages left in the past two weeks for Factory managing partner Louie Colantonio were not returned. When Factory opened, Colantonio cited his familiarity with the area, having previously worked 14 years as a bartender at several hotels in the city. He also owns Patron Mexican Grill in midtown Manhattan, an establishment he has run for about eight years. Im going to put a product out, and theyll come from different areas, Colantonio said in an interview shortly before Factorys opening. Ill get businesspeople. Ill get the happy hour crowd and, of course, some kids from the colleges. Well get residents that live in Stamford. Factorys name alluded to Stamfords industrial history and the expected productivity of the approximately 3,500-square-foot establishment. Were pushing out a lot of different products, and were going to keep changing the menu, Colantonio said. Its like a factory, which pushes out a lot of products. Factory had made a concerted push on social media to build up its customer base. About 5,600 follow its Instagram account, @thefactorybarandgril. If Factory has closed for good, neighboring restaurateurs said they hoped a successor could make the space work. Factory succeeded McFaddens Saloon, which closed in early 2017, following an approximately three-year run. We hope that someone comes in with the same enthusiasm they brought to the neighborhood, said Victor Mathieu, co-owner of Peruvian restaurant Fiesta on Main, Factorys next-door neighbor, at 249 Main St. We will always be welcoming to newcomers to the block, as we were welcomed a little over a year ago by the established group that is there now. The restaurant scene around Columbus Park has seen this year a number of closings including Laylas Falafel at 245 Main St., Aria Restaurant at 1033 Washington Blvd., and Aguapanelas at 84 W. Park Place. Teenas Apizza moved, in June, into the Laylas space, while an Indian restaurant, Adyar Ananda Bhavan, plans to open in the building that was occupied by Aria. We have a lot of fantastic restaurants downtown and throughout the city, Marchetti said. But what is happening is a little concerning. You dont want to risk getting a reputation of not being a great restaurant town, if restaurants keep opening and closing. pschott@scni.com; 203-964-2236; Twitter: @paulschott Photo via Wilton Police A New York man faces a Tuesday afternoon sentencing, after admitting last April to stealing credit card solicitations from the mailboxes of homeowners in Fairfield, Ridgefield and other towns, opening accounts in their names and racking up $64,000 in purchases on plastic. Elijah J. Chin was arrested in Wilton in February 2017 and released on $250,000 bond secured by his parents property in Elmont, N.Y. on Long Island, after authorities investigated purchases over the previous few months including at unspecified establishments in Danbury and New Haven. At the time of his decision to plead guilty, Chin was a student at Bellevue College in Washington, having since relocated to New York in advance of his sentencing. In response to the recent flu deaths in Connecticut, the City of Bridgeport Health Department is allowing any adult Bridgeport resident without insurance to get a flu shot at the Communicable Disease Clinic, 752 East Main St. on Tuesdays and Fridays between 1 and 3 p.m. for $20. Residents with insurance can present their insurance card to any CVS or Walgreens pharmacy and get the flu vaccine for free. With the mission of preventing the spread of the flu, Bridgeport Health Director Maritza Bond is encouraging residents to get vaccinated. The Fight the Flu campaign is an initiative we push every year. Last year, the flu season was severe. We have seen the highest number of cases within the last five years. We want to make sure our residents are taking preventive measures by getting vaccinated and seeing a doctor at the first sign of symptoms, said Bond in a news release. Connecticuts roads and wastewater treatment systems are in need of major repairs costing billions over the next two decades while issues facing the states bridges and drinking water are nearly as bad. As a result state leaders and residents should consider spending more than $40 billion over the next two decades to make major repairs and upgrades. Thats what the Connecticut Society of Civil Engineers determined in their inaugural 2018 Report Card for Connecticuts Infrastructure which was released Tuesday. Combine the grades for their evaluation of bridges, drinking water, rails, roads and wastewater and the state gets an overall C- on its infrastructure. Those are the five areas the engineers focused on. There are bright spots in this report, but it is clear that we must prioritize our infrastructure systems to keep our state competitive and grow our economy, said David Chapman, president of the Connecticut Society of Civil Engineers. However Jim Cameron, founder of the Commuter Action Group and a Hearst Connecticut Media transportation columnist, suggested their grades should come with a dose of skepticism. "I'm always a bit suspicious of reports from a group with a strong self-interest in what they are grading. Like the construction trades, engineers are looking for work, he said. Still Cameron added, who is better qualified to comment on something like this? So let's assume they're being objective and not just priming the pump for their own profits. Perhaps surprising to some the civil engineers graded the states railroad system the highest with a B rating. They pointed out that the 41 million passengers who annually ride Metro-North have made it the busiest of its kind in the nation. They also commended the Department of Transportation for investing almost $780 million in the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield line. In addition to passengers, more than 3.6 million tons of freight pass through Connecticut every year through the 10 freight train lines that service the state. I think the grade of B is fair, especially given the state and Amtrak's huge investments since the 2013 Fairfield derailment, Cameron said. There is still much more to be done and none of it will be cheap. Slower train schedules, daily delays for things like broken rails and broken down branch-line diesels will only worsen without the kinds of investments the report cites. Meanwhile Naugatuck Valley officials and legislators are calling for money devoted to increase train service on the Waterbury line as cities like Ansonia, Derby and Shelton increase the number of rental properties in their downtowns. While rails ranked the best, the states roads and wastewater received the lowest grade of D+. The engineers maintain that at least $30 billion is needed to spent over the next 30 years to repair, refurbish and realign the 20,000 miles of road, most of which are over 55 years old. They claim the poor condition and congestion on state roads cost drivers $2.4 billion annually. They grade the states bridges at a C- even after finding 7.8 percent are structurally deficient and 59 are over 50 years old. Everyday 79 vehicles cross state bridge, according to the engineers. A D+ seems generous, as anyone who drives regularly can attest, Cameron said. Like the C- for bridges, theyre in terrible shape. We're already paying a sort of "toll" in the form of bent rims, flat tires and front end re-alignments because our vehicles take a pounding. A similar issue faces the wastewater infrastructure where the engineers found 50 of the states sewage treatment plants were high risk for flooding during major storms. They believe $4.6 billion is needed to repair, renovate and upgrade plants throughout the state. And on the flip side the engineers believe at least $4 billion must be spent through 2034 to keep the states drinking water dispensed at a high quality rating. They gave the aging systems a C-. I'm so glad drinking water and waste water treatment systems also were included, as they are often forgotten in discussions of infrastructure, Cameron said. We take them for granted until we have a drought or our beaches are closed after a heavy rain. We might be able to live with late trains and bad roads, but we cannot live without water. With the grades came recommendation and those include prioritizing investment in infrastructure during difficult budget cycles and modernizing and building resilient infrastructure to prepare for increasingly severe storms They recommend a transportation lockbox to ensure all transportation funds are used solely for transportation purposes. All of these things are fixable... if we find the money, Cameron said. So until we get serious about tolls or taxes and put a lock on the state transportation funds box, these conditions will only get worse with time. Will it take another Mianus River bridge disaster to get Hartford's attention? Chapman said the report card was created as a public service to citizens and policymakers to inform them of the infrastructure needs in their state It was modeled after the national Infrastructure Report Card, which gave Americas infrastructure a grade of D+ in 2017. A full copy of the 2018 Report Card for Connecticuts Infrastructure is available at InfrastructureReportCard.org/Connecticut. . FAIRFIELD A town man pleaded guilty in federal court Tuesday to charges related to his role in a defrauding the state out of millions of dollars in taxes, the Department of Justice said. Rishi Malik, 46, of Fairfield, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and to violate the Contraband Cigarette Trafficking Act and one count of wire fraud. The first charge carries a maximum term of five years in prison and the second carries a maximum prison term of 20 years. Court documents indicated that for several years, until 2012, Malik and a partner operated Connecticut Discounts, a tobacco wholesale business based in Bridgeport. Through that company, Malik got tobacco products from out-of-state suppliers and distributed the products to several clients who offered tobacco products for retail sale. The state of Connecticut imposes taxes on tobacco products imported into the state for distribution within the state. Tobacco amounts purchased, and taxes due, are reported on forms filed with the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services. In June 2012, Malik sold Connecticut Discounts to Pavan Vaswani, who continued to run the business. Between June 2012 to April 2017, the DOJ said, Malik helped Vaswani import tobacco products from out-of-state suppliers. From Jan. 2013 to April 2017, the business acquired millions of dollars of in tobacco products from suppliers in Pennsylvania and distributed them to hundreds of customers in Connecticut. On the forms that Vaswani filed with the Department of Revenue Services on behalf of the business, the amounts reported were a fraction of what the business actually acquired, the DOJ said. Through the scheme, the DOJ said, Vaswani failed to report about $5,821,057 in taxes to the state. As the years went on, Malik pruchased more than $1.1 million in smokeless tobacco products from Pennsylvania suppliers. There were no tax payments to the state between 2014 and 2017, the DOJ said. Authorities arrested Malik and Vaswani on Jan. 11. Malik is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 23, 2019. On Aug. 21, Vaswani, 40, of West Haven, pleaded guilty to the same charges as Malik. He awaits sentencing. The two agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $5,821,057. They were each released on bond pending sentencing. Relatives of a Bridgeport woman killed recently when she was struck by a truck purportedly owned by Newtown Electric have already raised more than $2,000 for her funeral expenses. Police said Tuesday they continue to investigate last weeks crash. Maria Mendoza Robles was killed when she was struck by a truck while crossing Route 8 near Exit 5. The truck that struck Robles fled the scene of the accident, but police confiscated a truck owned by Newtown Electric that authorities believe was involved. The company is located on Huntingtown Road alongside the Timber Hill Boarding Farm. A driver with the company was scheduled to meet with investigators late Monday, a company official confirmed. No arrests have been made in the case. Its never easy to cope with the loss of someone who brought you into this world, the victims son, Jesus Hampton, wrote on Facebook. To lose someone you love deeply is just like losing yourself. The only difference is you have to live with it. Family members have set up a GoFundMe page to help raise money for funeral costs. As of Tuesday, the page had already raised about $2,300 of a $4,000 goal. Robles immigrated to the area from Mexico and is survived by her four children and nine grandchildren, according to her obituary. Memorial services for Robles are scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 7 at the Funeraria Luz de Paz in Bridgeport. dperrefort@newstimes.com Democrat Ned Lamont retains a slight lead in a race for governor that is too close to call, according to the latest Quinnipiac University Poll. Lamont, a Greenwich businessman, has support from 47 percent of likely voters, compared to Madison Republican Bob Stefanowski's 43 percent and 7 percent for independent candidate Oz Griebel of Hartford. Since the polls October 10 survey, support for Oz Griebel, the unaffiliated candidate who had 11 percent support, seems to have shifted to Stefanowski, who gained 4 percent. The previous poll had Lamont with a 47-39 percent lead. The poll found that women have strong support for Lamont, with 55 - 34 percent over Stefanowski and 7 percent for Griebel. Men seem on track to approve Stefanowski over Lamont, 51 - 38 percent, with another 7 percent for Griebel. All three of the major candidates said the only poll that matters is the one on Nov. 6. Marc Bradley, Lamonts campaign manager, used the polls release to attack Stefanowski and link him with President Donald J. Trump, who has endorsed Stefanowski. Bob Stefanowski has a reckless, Trump-like scheme to cut health care, decimate education and jack up property taxes across the state, Bradley said in a statement. This is someone who received an A grade from the NRA because he would roll back Sandy Hook gun laws, gives Donald Trump an A grade for job performance, opposes the Affordable Care Act, and questions the value of common-sense mandates on vaccinations for children in public schools. This is an incredibly important election, and Ned is up against the most-extreme GOP ticket in Connecticut history. Ned Lamont is the only candidate in this race who has a positive vision to create good-paying jobs, reduce property taxes for the middle class and invest in our schools. Kendall Marr, Stefanowskis spokesman, said that the Republican is the only candidate who would bring substantial change to state government. His plan to cut taxes and get our economy turned around resonates much more with voters than Ned Lamont and Oz Griebel's efforts to raise taxes and put up tolls, Marr said in a statement. We expect the remaining undecideds to break for Bob, rather than the two political insiders who both represent a continuation of the failed policies of Gov. Malloy. Griebel gets support from 5 percent of Democrats and 2 percent among Republicans. Unaffiliated voters are breaking for Stefanowski, with 43 percent, while 38 percent support Lamont; and 13 percent for Griebel. Chris Cooper, Griebels spokesman, said the recent endorsement from a major Connecticut newspaper is important. Many voters make up their minds at the last minute, and this continues to be a dynamic race, Cooper said in a statement. Our campaign would much rather have the endorsement of The Hartford Courant than the results of a poll that was in the field last week and is already outdated. While only 4 percent of Connecticut voters remain undecided, but 13 percent admit they could change their minds over the next week before Election Day. This race is looking a lot like the last two elections for governor in Connecticut - a real nail-biter, said Quinnipiac University Poll Director Douglas Schwartz, in a statement. The race is close among independent voters. For Bob Stefanowski to pull ahead, the Republican must do better among this key swing group in blue Connecticut. Independent candidate Oz Griebel is no longer in double digits. Will he end up fading by Election Day, as often happens to third party candidates? If so, that could end up benefiting Democrat Ned Lamont, who is the second choice of Griebel voters. Last week the Hearst Connecticut Media Group/Sacred Heart University Poll found that Lamont held a slight lead over Stefanowski, with 39.5 percent support among likely voters, Stefanowski with 36.1 percent and Griebel with 8.4 percent, along with 14.8 percent undecided. In the U.S. Senate Race, first-term Democratic U.S. Sen.Chris Murphy holds a double-digit lead over Republican business owner Matthew Corey, 56 - 41 percent among likely voters, similar to the 57 - 42 percent lead he held in the October 10 Quinnipiac Poll. The Quinnpiac Poll, using random digit dialing with live interviewers calling cell phones and landlines, surveyed 1,201 likely voters from October 22 - 28, with a margin of error of +/- 4 percentage points. kdixon@ctpost.com Twitter: @KenDixonCT MILFORD-The Boys and Girls Village has a new president. The Villages Board of Directors has named Kimberly Shaunesey, who was the chief operating officer, as the new president effective July 1. The old president, Steven Kant, was named chief executive officer. All this comes just two weeks after the Village opened an expanded school for youths with behavorial problems. And just days after that Milford police disclosed they are investigating a teachers aide who is accused of exposing himself to two teenage female students. Kant admitted that the existing background check procedures were inadequate. He said they ran candidates names through the Department of Motor Vehicles and Department of Children and Families data bases as well as check for criminal convictions. All that failed to turn up information that the aide previously had an arrest for statutory rape and taking indecent liberties with a child in North Carolina. Those charges were later dismissed. Now Kant said the background check procedure would include charges in any of the 50 states brought against the candidate. Dr. Shaunesey was promoted to her new role on July1, said Laura Roberts, a Boys and Girls Village spokesperson when asked if there was a connection between the two events. Todays announcement was part of the organizations transition plan to share this news in the fall. Shaunesey, who has served as the organizations chief operating officer since 2013, has directed clinical services at the Village since October 2005. In her new role, she will continue the agencys transformation into a leading integrated behavioral health care entity, and will be responsible for overall supervision of all functions of the organization. Kim has done an outstanding job directing our clinical services, and has been instrumental in incorporating trauma-based treatment into BGVs programs and expanding the breadth of services we offer, said Kant. She sets a pace and a standard of excellence that have been essential to BGVs growth and reputation as one of Connecticuts leading treatment agencies for at-risk youth. Prior to coming to the Village, she was Bridgeport Hospitals coordinator of their REACH child day-treatment program. She serves on the executive committee board of the Greater Bridgeport Multidisciplinary Investigative Team, and is a member of the Connecticut Association for the Treatment of Sexual Offenders (CATSO), a statewide organization comprised of professionals who treat problem sexual behavior. She previously served on their executive board and as a past president. I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to grow and develop my career at BGV, said Shaunesey. I am proud of the work that we do and the programs we have developed to serve at-risk youth and their families. I am very excited about the future, and continuing to move the agency forward.. BRIDGEPORT - A Trumbull surgical center has agreed to pay a settlement to the family of a Stratford man, who died there after the center's medical staff mistakenly dosed him with a toxic agent. Joshua Koskoff, the lawyer for the family of Michael Palmer Sr., stated in Superior Court Tuesday that the settlement had been reached as the case was about to go on trial before a jury. The details of the settlement were not disclosed and Koskoff declined to comment on the case. The lawsuit claims the staff at the Surgery Center of Fairfield County performed more complex surgery on the 53-year-old Palmer than the center is authorized to do. The center is run by Surgical Care Affiliates, operator of about 185 surgical centers nationwide. Palmer, a father of eight who worked as bus driver for the Connecticut Transit Authority, was undergoing a cervical spine fusion operation in May 2013 at the surgical center at 112 Quarry Road. Although Palmer had asked that the surgery be done at a hospital, members of his medical team persuaded him to have the procedure performed in the outpatient center in which they were part owners, telling him the surgery at a hospital would not be covered by his insurance, the suit states. During Palmer's surgery, a medical assistant pressed against a blood pressure cuff causing a drop in the blood pressure reading. At that point, the lawsuit states, the anesthesiologist negligently administered the 4 percent Lidocaine, which had been stored in the wrong place. "Hospitals have precautions in place to prevent this type of error," Koskoff said when the lawsuit was filed. "This surgical center obviously did not." After the administration of the toxic agent, Palmer was administered CPR and rushed to St. Vincents Medical Center where he died, the suit states. This lawsuit also names Dr. Sandra Congdon, an anesthesiologist, Dr. Gerard Girasole, an orthopedist, and Dr. Abraham Mintz, a neurosurgeon. The lawsuit also alleges that the defendants violated state regulations by permitting the surgery to go ahead even though it was complex surgery that had not been approved or authorized by the center's governing body. To be sure, digital currency markets have had their ups and downs. A recent study by Gallup shows that only 2 percent of investors are currently purchasing Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies, but one in four is intrigued. With major banks betting on the space, however, that math may be about to change. Whether or not your company accepts cryptocurrency as a payment method, it would do well to pay attention to the surprising ways the business world is already using digital currency: 1. Investing in customer loyalty. Loyalty programs have long struggled to find the right incentive structure. According to the 2017 Colloquy Loyalty Census, more than half of loyalty memberships in the U.S. are inactive. The report says approximately 30 percent of surveyed U.S. and Canadian consumers have left loyalty programs without ever redeeming a point or a mile. Could cryptocurrencies reignite customer loyalty? Cryptocurrency gives customers want they want -- cash -- without the security and logistics challenges of doling out cash. In Zurich, for example, Caffe Lattesso encourages purchasers to redeem codes found on its bottles for loyalty rewards in the form of digital coins, which can be exchanged within a few months for other digital tokens or traditional currency. EZ Rent-A-Car is following suit with a program that allows customers to exchange their loyalty points for digital coins. Related: Heres How to Earn and Keep the Loyalty of Your Customers 2. Banking on accessory technologies. Rather than re-invigorate their existing customer base, other entrepreneurs could look at building a new one around the cryptocurrency market. Investors may start focusing less on initial coin offerings and more on building the technological ecosystem around cryptocurrencies. Demand is growing quickly for digital currency point-of-sale systems, for example. Although most of the demand is currently in South Korea, at least one company plans to distribute some 100,000 point-of-sale machines by 2021. Vendors that accept cryptocurrencies will also need accounting and reporting software to support the payment method. Related: 4 Ways to Leverage the Fast Growth of Cryptocurrencies for Success 3. Making change with ease. But cryptocurrencies are good for more than spending money; theyre also great for giving back. Eric Tippetts, co-founder of NASGO pointed out at the United Nations Media for Social Change Summit, cryptocurrencys digital nature makes set-it-and-forget-it philanthropy possible. Instead of voicing a commitment to philanthropy, the blockchain makes it possible to program giving into the operation itself, Tippetts explained in a Cheddar interview. NASGOs financial systems, he noted, direct every seventeenth revenue cycle into an account for humanitarian contributions. Creatives, too, are using cryptocurrency to spread their message. In the Cheddar interview, Tippetts and Jaafar Jackson, son of Jermaine Jackson and nephew of Michael Jackson, discussed plans to tokenize upcoming musical releases as a way to raise awareness, gather contributions and donate part of their earnings to humanitarian causes. Ashton Kutcher, in fact, recently donated $4 million in XRP tokens, a digital currency introduced by fintech startup Ripple, to the Ellen DeGeneres Wildlife Fund during his appearance on DeGeneress show. Far from the fad its detractors thought it would be, digital currency is become a staple of the business world sooner than anyone expected. If it can soup up tired loyalty programs, open new opportunities in software and streamline charitable giving, then whats next? Entrepreneurs cant buy an answer to that question -- but they can build it. Related: 60-Second Video: Protest Planned at Google 3 Applications of Cryptocurrency Beyond Peer-to-Peer Payments Why Singapore Startups Are Riding High On Blockchain Technology Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved An official reception dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR) was organised in London by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Azerbaijani Embassy in the United Kingdom. It was attended b executive director of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Anar Alakbarov, co-chair of the England-Azerbaijan Society Nargiz Pashayeva, as well as members of the diplomatic missions accredited in the UK, government agencies and parliament, businessmen. Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Kingdom Tahir Tagizade addressed the reception. He spoke about the history and successes achieved by the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, which became the first democratic republic in the Muslim East. The ambassador noted that the ADR established diplomatic relations with the leading countries of the world in just 23 months of its existence. The diplomat stressed that the republic, which restored its independence in 1991, is recognized worldwide as a developing democratic state, conducting a successful domestic and foreign policy. Speaking about the rapidly developing relations between Azerbaijan and the UK in political, economic, cultural and other spheres, Tahir Tagizade said that the UK is a reliable partner for Azerbaijan and strong cooperation has been established between the two countries in the last 27 years. At the reception, it was noted that Azerbaijan carries out joint activities with the UK on various international platforms, as well as the fact that the last visit of President Ilham Aliyev to London contributed to the development of bilateral relations. UK Prime Minister's Trade Envoy Baroness Emma Nicholson congratulated the participants of the event and the Azerbaijani people on the 100th anniversary of ADR. She called the establishment of the first democratic republic in the East 10 years ago an important historic event. Emma Nicholson expressed satisfaction with the level of development of relations between the two countries. She drew attention to the fact that relations between Azerbaijan and UK develop not only in the energy sphere, but also in the educational, cultural, military and other ones. Photographs and documents, video and audio materials on the history of ADR were presented at the exhibition, organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, as well as a documentary film on the history of ADR. Ben & Jerry's latest ice cream campaign is courting controversy twice over. One, the company is calling on ice cream lovers everywhere to oppose the Trump administration's agenda. Two, it's embracing a pronunciation of "pecan" -- as in "PEE-can" -- that's really only popular along stretches of the East Coast from Maine to South Carolina. Starting Tuesday, the flavor normally known as New York Super Fudge Chunk will be called "Pecan Resist." Get it? Maybe not. In the U.S., there are four major ways to refer to the popular pie nut, according to Grant Barrett, linguist and co-host of the radio show "A Way With Words." Native American tribes had different pronunciations for the nut, which they taught American settlers over time. "We have never as a country, never ever, settled on a single pronunciation," Barrett said. "There was never just one." Ben & Jerry's, a South Burlington, Vermont-based subsidiary of Unilever, has taken punny approaches to social justice before. In 2009, it re-branded "Chubby Hubby" as "Hubby Hubby" to support same-sex marriage. In 2016, it debuted "Empower Mint," a mint ice cream with brownies made by a bakery with a job-training program. More News Ben and Jerry make a pint-size pitch for progressive candidates The history of the word "pecan" presents unique challenges, Barrett said. "It's not the most efficient type of communication. You're causing people confusion. They're scratching their heads for just a second." The campaign was launched as a way to "lick injustice," and the company made a $25,000 contribution to each of four progressive organizations including Color of Change and the Women's March. Chief Executive Officer Matthew McCarthy said the ice cream maker didn't do much consumer research on the name. "If people want to call it 'Puh-KAHN Resist,' I'm totally cool with that," McCarthy said. "This is one that comes more from the heart and the DNA of this business." New York Super Fudge Chunk was conceived in 1985 as a way for the company to make a name for itself in New York. It's chocolate ice cream with white and dark fudge chunks, pecans, walnuts and fudge-covered almonds. A lawsuit targeting electric scooter-sharing companies seizes on the dangers of zipping around town on two wheels and brings gory detail to one of the more polarizing technology trends to emerge over the last year. Nine people injured by electric scooters filed the class-action suit on Oct. 19 in Los Angeles County Superior Court. It accuses startups Bird Rides and Lime, and their manufacturers Xiaomi and Segway, of gross negligence, claiming the companies knew the scooters were dangerous and deployed them in a way that was certain to cause injuries. Since e-scooters zoomed into the U.S. last September with the arrival of Bird, hundreds of riders and pedestrians have landed in the hospital with injuries ranging from severe gravel rash to knocked-out teeth, ripped out toenails and detached biceps, according to doctors and victims. Three people died last month while riding scooters in Dallas, Cleveland and Washington, D.C. There is no official tally on the number of scooter-related injuries in the country since hospitals code their patients based on the type of injury they are admitted with, rather than what caused it. But one metric Bird and Lime have been closely tracking is the number of rides their scooters have handled: more than 20 million combined and growing daily. Electric scooters have appeared in more than 100 cities worldwide with the startups aiming to usher in a new, environmentally friendly era of micro transportation. After a remarkable one-year ascent, Bird and Lime are now two of the youngest startups to earn unicorn status in Silicon Valley with valuations of $2 billion and $3 billion or more, respectively. The rapid rise of the scooter revolution has been plagued by controversy, complaints and concussions. Citing fears over public safety, officials in some cities, including San Francisco and Santa Monica, have temporarily banned electric scooters and filed criminal complaints against the companies behind them for operating without a business permit. Some frustrated vigilante residents have tossed scooters into the ocean, buried them in the sand and even set them on fire. According to the lawsuit, two of the plaintiffs were injured by tripping over scooters left discarded on the sidewalk, four were rammed into from behind as they walked, including a 7-year-old boy who suffered severe damage to eight of his front teeth and had to get his lip stitched back together. "These companies are putting profit over safety," Catherine Lerer, the personal injury lawyer at McGee Lerer who represents the plaintiffs, said in an interview for Bloomberg's Decrypted podcast. Since filing the lawsuit, Lerer said an additional 75 people who have suffered from scooter injuries have contacted her, including a 67-year-old man with a brain injury. Bird and Lime say safety is a top priority. But from their perspective, cars are the real transportation danger. "Class action attorneys with a real interest in improving transportation safety should be focused on reducing the 40,000 deaths caused by cars every year in the U.S.," a Bird spokesperson said in a written statement. Lime said it could not comment on pending litigation, but in an interview on Bloomberg's Decrypted podcast, Taylor Bennett, director of public affairs, said Lime has upgraded its scooters with new safety features three times in the past year. The latest version has bigger tires to take on potholes, brakes on the back wheel to prevent riders hurtling over the handlebars and dual suspension. The company is also handing out 250,000 helmets to its riders. Wally Ghurabi, medical director of one of the emergency departments at UCLA Medical Center in Santa Monica -- ground zero for the scooter boom -- said plastic surgeons have spent hours cleaning asphalt out of facial wounds to prevent gravel-rash tattoos. "You can break your face, break your nose, break your facial bones, break your skull and bleed inside your skull," Ghurabi said, ticking off some of the risks of electric scooters. In June, Victor San Andres was hurled over the handlebars of his electric scooter when the front brakes malfunctioned as he was cruising downhill. He remembers "flying through the air" but said his mind has mercifully wiped out the moment his face collided with the pavement. He was knocked unconscious and suffered from severe facial lacerations, a broken pinkie finger and a ripped-out toenail. San Andres, an online video producer, was injured in New York, where the scooter-sharing companies aren't authorized to operate but some people have personal electric scooters. San Andres was given the scooter for free in exchange for uploading positive promotional scooter videos online. He isn't a signatory on the class-action suit. I just got back from my honeymoon to Egypt and the Seychelles islands, and it was life-changing. As I flew and traveled to my various destinations, I thought about traveling as an entrepreneur and how its been one of the best ways to grow personally and professionally. While a number of my trips in the U.S. and abroad were for personal reasons instead of business purposes, they all had an impact on how I ran my companies and my view on the world. Here are some of the reasons why I believe traveling as an entrepreneur is vital to success and a few of the places I recommend visiting. Its easier and cheaper than ever. First off, its easier and cheaper than ever to travel anywhere in the world. Personally, I like to ball out when I travel, but if youre a bootstrapped entrepreneur, there are hundreds of different tools that can make your trip easy and affordable. Kayak and Google Flights allow you to find the most affordable airfare possible. Related: 5 Science-Proved Reasons Vacation Will Boost Your Brain Entrepreneur travel hack: I put everything I charge on one business credit card that provides a ton of benefits and points. Using one credit card for all of my companys charges creates a massive influx of points that can be used for airfare or lodging. I recommend Uniteds Visa or if you have the spend, the Centurion by AMEX. While booking my most recent trip I used Booking and noticed that the site let me schedule a pickup and dropoff ride for the same price Id pay for Uber or Lyft. So, instead of waiting for my Uber, my driver waited for me. This made the whole taxing process painless. I dug around and found out the service was offered by Mozio. They power Booking, along with Hotels.com, SkyScanner, Despagar and a slew of others whove integrated with their API, making it easy for travelers to schedule ground transport rides. As an entrepreneur, Im always looking for ways to save time and cut redundant corners. Being able to book and schedule everything from one site, at the same price, was a big win in my book. You can see the excitement on my face below. Also, you dont have to book a hotel anymore and can use Airbnb pretty much anywhere, if thats your cup of tea. Its experiences are super cool too, which allow you to book activities at your travel destination. Ive used it a handful of times, and have been more than satisfied each time. You see the world from a different perspective. If your business does any work with another country, you need to see the world from their point of view. It doesnt matter if youre outsourcing, purchasing products or selling your merchandise to those outside the U.S., it helps to learn how people approach life in general. This can help you with negotiations, marketing and understanding your customer in general. I recently went to Spain. I have clients in Spain, and to see how they conduct themselves, the culture firsthand, and the day-to-day life of how people interact opened up my eyes. My clients are typically hard to get a hold off late in the afternoon. Ive obviously known of the Spanish Siesta (translated to nap in Spanish), but until I was actually there in person, I couldnt grasp the magnitude of what it meant. Siesta typically lasts from about 2 to 5 p.m. and pretty much everything shuts down: restaurants, businesses, even public transportation. If it wasnt for going there and witnessing this in person, I dont think I ever wouldve truly understood why I couldnt reach my clients daily during their late afternoon. Related: 7 Entrepreneurs Who Built Businesses Off Their Love of Travel I also went to the Bahamas a few months ago. I stayed at the beautiful Baha Mar hotel, which was gorgeous and new, with a ton of delicious restaurants and a manmade coral reef on their beach. I highly recommend it if traveling to Nassau. While there, I snorkeled with all types of animals from squid, to sea turtles and even sharks. Snorkeling with sharks was incredible -- being with sharks underwater created a million different feelings for me. I realized there were a lot of feelings that can be associated with starting a new business or daily emotions I experience as an entrepreneur, such as excitement, fear and uncertainty. Once we were done, I had a bunch of new ideas and mapped out a growth plan for one of my companies that had been an ongoing obstacle leading up to the trip. The different perspective can be culturally or a natural shift in thinking like being underwater with a bunch of sharks. Regardless, the shift that occurs will benefit areas of your business you may not even imagine. Youll get inspired. When you see the same things every day, you tend to get stuck in a rut. Traveling will open you up to new experiences that will inspire you. You may come up with a new product idea or see a way of solving a challenge youve been facing. Often, I find myself being hit with inspiration when Im traveling and relaxing. While I consciously focus on the beautiful blue ocean or the fascinating landscape, my subconscious is solving problems Ive been dealing with for weeks at home. I also recently visited Kauai, where I stayed at the Kiahuna Plantation, a hotel I stayed at while I was a kid, and ate at some amazing local restaurants, including the Beach House restaurant in Poipu, Da Crack Tacos and Papalani Gelato. I always find that eating local cuisine, especially when Ive never had it before, pushes me out of my comfort zone. Something as simple as eating different food or waking up to a different sight outside my window is all it takes to inspire me with new visions for my life, new ideas or to help existing obstacles Im facing in any of my companies. Entrepreneur travel hack: TripAdvisor is great for local info, but the best way to find the best local spots is to ask the locals! Anytime I travel I ask locals the best things to do, the coolest places to stay and the best food to eat. Its a failproof plan to travel and experience the local culture. Youll recharge your batteries. If youre coming home every day feeling exhausted and simply have little desire to get up and do work in the morning, you need a break. Traveling gives you that. Get away from your normal routine and try something new and different. Its not enough just to take a few days off work. You need to escape. My most recent trip to Costa Rica was a complete escape for me. I needed a break from everything, so my wife and I took off. Entrepreneur travel hack: I never turn my phone plan on when traveling. Rather, I just use wi-fi wherever it's available. Its so much better and allows me to stay disconnected rather than tethered to my phone, messages and emails. Plus, when Im on wi-fi it helps me get things done faster, knowing I have a finite amount of time to use the network. I also use tools to keep me off social media, like Antisocial, an app that allows me to limit the number of minutes I am allowed on social media per day. Its great to keep my habits in check. Related: 4 Tips That Will Help You Actually Afford Your Dream Vacation Ive been to Costa Rica three times, and during this last trip, we spent most of the time snorkeling and white water rafting through the jungle. My wife and I love to stay in Manuel Antonio because it gives us the ability to go to the ocean and jungle easily. The combination of ocean and jungle is unlike anywhere else Ive traveled; pair that with wild monkeys, fresh fruits, food and lush green wilderness and youve set the stage for the most disconnected and recharging trip of your life. When I came home, I felt completely renewed and ready to get back at it. Our favorite jungle tour company is Amigos del Rio, and we've white water rafted with them three separate times. Its easy to feel like the only solution to get more done is to work more hours, but Ive found the opposite to be true. Yes, its imperative to work your butt off, and although it may seem counterintuitive its also vital to drop everything and travel. If you need to recharge, need inspiration or want to view the world from a different point of view, I highly recommend traveling. Youll find that the many different experiences you have will make you a better entrepreneur. Related: The Case for Disconnecting and Traveling as an Entrepreneur Travel Agencies Aren't Dying. They're Thriving -- Thanks in Part to Military Veterans. OYO Announces $100 Million Plan to Strengthen Its Southeast Asia Presence Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved The International Monetary Fund has completed the third review on the Extended Fund Facility approved last year under which Georgia is receiving $285.3 million over a period of 3 years. Georgia's Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze and Mercedes Vera-Martin of the IMF met yesterday to discuss details of the third review. At the meeting they talked about economic trends in Georgia and in the region and the main parameters of the 2019 state budget. Vera-Martin said that in the mid-term period it is expected to accelerate economic growth in Georgia. She said that the IMF considers the reform implementation process to be developing successfully in Georgia and the majority of criteria of the third review had already been completed. Vera-Martin once again confirmed the IMFs support to Georgias "ambitious" reform plan. "Once the review is completed about $41.6 million will become accessible for Georgia. According to our review the economic situation in the country is stable and the government has taken responsibility for inclusive and long-term economic growth," Agenda.ge cited Vera-Martin as saying. The IMF mission completed its visit to Georgia which started on October 17. Im writing this letter in wholehearted support of Ned Lamonts candidacy for governor. This may not surprise many of you, because you all know that both Ned and I have a similar vision for the future of Connecticut. He believes, as I do, that our states greatest resource is the people of Connecticut, and that world-class education is critical to success. Hes a pragmatic leader who chooses progress over partisanship to get things done. Ned Lamont knows how to create coalitions by listening to and talking with people. As a small-city mayor, I truly understand that real accomplishments only come from staying positive and striving together to achieve a better economic climate that attracts new businesses and grows our tax base. At the local level, it doesnt matter if youre a Democrat, Republican or Independent, its all about working together to maximize results. Ned Lamont gets this and will seize opportunities to build the reasonable consensus that moves our state forward. Similarly, at the local level, theres little disagreement. Everyone in Connecticut wants successful schools, reliable roads and safe sidewalks. We want superb senior centers and balanced budgets. Were all after the best bond ratings and for our government to be more efficient and effective than ever. We need the character of our neighborhoods protected and our town and city centers vibrant and bustling. We require safe and secure places to raise our children with beautiful green open spaces and stellar parks and beaches. What were really looking for in Connecticut is a state that were proud to share with visiting family and friends who are so wowed by all that we have to offer that they consider moving here too. Ned Lamont understands these shared values and he has the sensible plan to cut property taxes, create jobs, invest in education, and inspire the hope and optimism required to return prosperity and balance to Connecticut. Ben Blake The writer is mayor of Milford. I highly recommend a visit to the Connecticut General Assembly (CGA) website and review all of the bills your incumbent state senators and representatives have sponsored. Its really easy to scan the titles of bills they sponsored in 2018 and find a topic that is important to you. You can go straight to the website at www.cga.ct.gov and roll over the Representation tab at the top left to be taken to a list of representatives and use the view list link to see their bills. You can also just Google cga [legislators name] legislation. Their home page will generally be the first result. Click to go to their page, then click on the Legislation link at the right to see bills they sponsored. For instance, if you were opposed to the legalization of recreational marijuana, upon scanning Steven Stafstroms page you would see he co-sponsored Bill 5112 in 2018 to legalize marijuana. Even though this bill and others like it didnt make it to a final vote, bills like this get presented again year after year, then gain steam. You should know what your legislators are working on, even if the bills dont end up becoming law. From there, you can make your voting decision. If you were to try and track all of the Acts from any session, it would be an overwhelming task. But if there is an issue or two that are important to you, focus on just those things and take a stand with your vote. Carolyn Dennis Milford Greg Kraut, a Westport RTM Member, is clearly the right choice for the next state representative for Assembly District 136. Greg is a practical business person, and supports lowering tax, increasing tax base, limiting government spending, and fostering a pro-business environment. These are the changes needed for the state of Connecticut to recover from its current dismal financial situation. Greg has been active in advocating for protecting our youth from potential harm of illegal drugs including marijuana. He has voiced his concern against the on-going trend of education socialism, which tends to eliminate the inspiration, motivation and a healthy meritocracy, essential for our students success both in and out of the campuses. Jonathan Steinberg, the incumbent, has been part of the status quo for very long. Having controlled the state legislature for almost 40 years, the Democratic Party has no excuse for not taking responsibility of the current financial situation of Connecticut; and as a representative for the last eight years, Steinberg certainly possesses his share in this collective responsibility. Steinberg also came across as someone overly comfortable with his current position, and stopped listening to peoples legit concerns, especially those concerns from an underrepresented group which does not form a large base of his constituents. Greg Kraut, on the other hand, is very personable and approachable. He listens to people even if they are from a small group, and supports their cause if justified. This is the type of candidate we all should support. Monty Du Wilton The Ingush Constitutional Court has ruled that a law codifying the October 4, 2018 border agreement with Chechnya is unconstitutional. The court decided that the law violates three articles of the Ingush Constitution, which requires any border changes to take into account public opinion, and obligates the state to preserve the republic's territorial integrity. The Ingush Constitutional Court said the law formalizing the new border deal with Chechnya was adopted without a referendum, and therefore has no legal consequences for law enforcement, organizations, or Ingush citizens." The leaders of Chechnya and Ingushetia publicly agreed to exchange some borderlands on September 26. The Ingush parliament confirmed the deal on October 4, 2018. The senior research fellow of the Caucasus Problems and Regional Security Center at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, Nikolai Silaev, speaking with Vestnik Kavkaza earlier, noted that there was practically no chance that the residents of Ingushetia would accept the border agreement as a compromise. I dont think that this decision will make the Ingush authorities more popular. The territory in Nadterechny district is not useless for Ingushetia, because they do not have much land suitable for agricultural production and just plain land. But it seems to me that it will be assessed in terms of symbolic politics - our mountains, our ancestral homeland were given to someone else," he noted. Nikolay Silaev also stressed that the problem of disputed territories on the Chechen-Ingush border still does not have a good solution. "Would any federal officials stand in the way of lobbying by Ramzan Kadyrov in order to keep the mining area? But this is an image project for the Chechen leadership, although it is clear that no permanent population of any significant number will be restored there," the senior research fellow of the Caucasus Problems and Regional Security Center at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations said. NAFCU will attend oral arguments held today by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit over a meritless lawsuit filed against the Department of Labor Federal Credit Union (DOLFCU) regarding unclear website accessibility standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Not only did NAFCU file an amicus brief in support of the credit union in this case, but it also stood by DOLFCU during its first hearing earlier this year. NAFCU Executive Vice President of Government Affairs and General Counsel Carrie Hunt and Vice President of Regulatory Compliance Brandy Bruyere will attend todays arguments. This was NAFCUs first filing at the appeals court level; its second was in support of Northwest Federal Credit Union. Oral arguments have not been scheduled yet for this case. NAFCU has been active on this issue over the past year and has also engaged with the Justice Department and Congressto provide guidance. In September, a group of senators led by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa sent a NAFCU-sought letter to the Justice Department urging that it provide clarity on this issue. Kyle Rittenhouse found not guilty on all charges The Illinois teen took the stand in his own defense during a tense and emotional trial, telling the jury last week: I didnt do anything wrong." Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's mobile phone was tapped, the head of a military unit charged with combatting sabotage, Gen. Gholam Reza Jalali said without providing details on who was behind it or what information they might have gleaned. Jalali said that Rouhani's phone was tapped "recently" and would be replaced with a more secure device, ISNA news agency reported. Michael is the Daily Emerald's Editor-in-Chief. He started at the Emerald as a reporter in 2017 and has held the roles of senior news reporter and associate news editor. He has bylines in The Wall Street Journal, The Portland Tribune and Eugene Weekly. Follow Michael Tobin Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today Dear Editor: About a year or so ago, I joined members of the Kingston Jewish community as they protested a violent assault on a Muslim mosque. An injury to one is an injury to all, they cried. Now we stand with you. The black community mourns and stands with our Jewish brothers and sisters. You are not alone. We love you. We stand with you. We hold your hearts in our hands. We are all Jewish now. Steven Spicer, leader March For Our Lives Hudson Valley & Black Lives Matter Ulster Park, N.Y. A terrorist sleeper cell, which had links with ISIS terrorist group, has been exposed in Russia's republic of Tatarstan, Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) said. The terrorist cell members were planning to carry out attacks in Russia. The cell was recruiting radically-oriented young people to implement its terrorist plans. It was also looking to hold a series of high-impact activities in Russia and then join militants in Syria. A total of 18 people have been detained on suspicion of ties to the cell, which is said to have stocked extremist literature and ISIS equipment. "At the time of removing weapons from the stash in Naberezhnye Chelny, one of the group members was captured on the spot. Six other members and 11 affiliated citizens were detained. Firearms, ammunition, extremist literature and ISIS paraphernalia were seized during searched at 18 locations," Sputnik cited the FSB as saying. Kazumi Matsui, the mayor of the Japanese city of Hiroshima, which was hit in 1945 by an atomic bomb dropped by the United States, called on Washington and Moscow to ensure further implementation of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. "The United States and Russia are responsible for holding talks on the nuclear disarmament. We urge [the two countries] to make efforts to diligently comply with the treaty based on common sense," Sputnik cited Matsui as saying. The U.S. nuclear bombs dropped on Hiroshima and another Japanese city, Nagasaki, in August 1945, claiming the lives of around 214,000 people, according to the Atomic Heritage Foundation. On October 20, U.S. President Donald Trump said that Washington would pull out of the INF Treaty because Russia had allegedly violated it. When Chancellor Philip Hammond stood up at the Commons despatch box yesterday afternoon the nation was in need of cheering up. And to put it frankly Mrs Mays Government needed rescuing. In the short term, Mr Hammond achieved both aims and in doing so displayed a low political cunning of which I had not until now thought him capable. He relaxed the iron grip of austerity and many of us will soon be feeling a little richer as a result. And about time too, after ten long years when incomes have stayed put or fallen in real terms. So today we can have a drink on Chancellor Philip Hammond without an extra penny of duty on it! Philip Hammond posed with the famous red box outside No11 Downing Street today before delivering his Budget speech He has made some well thought out and necessary adjustments to British economic strategy. He should be congratulated especially for putting his hand in his pocket and finding some extra money for the Universal Credit welfare reforms. Labour is determined to dismantle Universal Credit, and thats madness. But as with all ambitious reforms, there have been teething problems and the Chancellor is sensibly coming to the rescue. Hammond also deserved praise for listening to Defence Secretary Gavin Williamsons protestations that Britains defence budget needs extra funds if we are to compete in a world full of dangerous new military threats. I admire, too, the way hes resisted pressure for a reduction in VAT thresholds. Through this display of quiet courage in the face of pressure from his own Treasury officials, hes protected the self-employed and small businessmen and women the backbone of this country from a pointless and costly bureaucratic burden. In addition, Hammond earns his place in history as the first finance minister of an advanced Western country to turn his firepower on the high-tech giants such as Facebook, Google and Amazon who fail to pay their fair share of taxes. When the insufferable Mark Zuckerberg, of Facebook, next runs into bumptious Jeff Bezos, of Amazon, I suspect they will be exchanging words about Spreadsheet Phil and they wont be friendly ones. Succeeded Zuckerberg, I feel confident, will be ordering his new spin doctor, little Nick Clegg (how humiliating to reflect he was once our Deputy Prime Minister) to do his worst. Some commentators yesterday accused the Chancellor of cowardice for not going far enough. I disagree. While the new taxes raise 400 million, a sum that it has to be said is puny in comparison with the billions these behemoths make in profits, no other country has had the courage to take them on at all. Hammond has set a trend which I predict will be followed by many others. Normally the most cautious of solid citizens, hes leading the way. Yes, Philip Hammond has put the wind up the money-grubbing plutocrats of Silicon Valley, and we should all thank him for it. The Chancellor has also succeeded brilliantly in solving his Governments greatest short-term problem. Yesterdays Budget, more than anything else, was about attempting to prevent a Government defeat on the Brexit vote if Mrs May succeeds in getting a deal in December. He gave Tory MPs the good economic news they wanted to hear but there was an implied threat: toe the line or you may have to endure another Budget in April. A Budget that could be delivered by a new chancellor, Labours John McDonnell. The House of Commons was packed to the rafters to hear the Chancellor deliver his pre-Brexit Budget this afternoon Some of Hammonds best lines compared Labours insanely reckless and deranged economic policies with his prudence and good sense. The downsides? There was no vision. No grandeur. Instead we had an accumulation of relatively small and finickety announcements, such as the 400 million allocated to repair potholes. Important and doubtless badly needed. But adding up to what exactly? The blunt truth is that Hammond lacks the intellectual confidence and shameless verve of Margaret Thatchers great chancellor Nigel Lawson in the Eighties. Equally, he lacks the heavyweight physical and moral presence of Tony Blairs chancellor Gordon Brown, with his vows of fiscal prudence and schemes of virtuous investment. He even lacks an idea as big and meaningful as his predecessor George Osbornes programme of cuts to corporation tax designed to make Britain the most competitive economy in Europe. Indeed, I would go as far as to say that Philip Hammond would have done well to award a nod of thanks to Mr Osborne, whose hard work in bringing down the deficit during his time in office has given the present Chancellor the leeway to go on his spending spree. But for Osborne, Hammond would never have been able to bring forward the rise in tax thresholds for the punitive 40 per cent rate to next year. It was this unexpected move more than any other that injected a note of cheerfulness into what is a Budget expertly tailored for Middle Britain. Philip Hammond should also be grateful for his luck. He long ago earned the sobriquet Spreadsheet Phil. From now on perhaps he should be known as Windfall Phil or even Phil-Your-Boots Hammond because he has been able to lift the spirits of the nation thanks to two spectacular pieces of good fortune. Magic The first concerns much higher than expected tax revenues which enable him to spend more than he predicted as recently as last Spring. Mr Hammond lined up alongside his Treasury team as they posed for the cameras before the Budget kicked off The second concerns the decision by the independent Office for Budget Responsibility to raise next years predicted growth rate from 1.3 to 1.6 per cent, generating even more money for his coffers. Hammond had faced a choice about how to make use of the extra money. Reduce taxes or raise spending? He decided to do both. To have his cake and eat it. So where did Phil find his magic money tree? The answer is simple. By adding to government borrowing. He could have brought down the deficit so government finances were in balance. That would have been the responsible course of action expected of a Tory chancellor. In his defence, this decision was made for him by the Prime Minister, with her 70th birthday gift of an extra 20 billion for the NHS in June, followed by her announcement at Conservative Conference that the age of austerity was over. Advantage The political advantage of this course of action is obvious. Mrs May is fighting the battle of her political life and like many Prime Ministers before her has elected to buy her way out of trouble. I guess Hammond has gone along with this reckless though understandable course of action with deepest reluctance. In the end though, I wish he had stuck to his fiscally conservative instincts. At this stage of the economic cycle any Tory government worth its salt would be boasting sound finances. I hope I am wrong, but if the Tories have embarked on a spending arms race with Labour there will be only one winner. And it wont be the Tories. History is an unreliable guide. But yesterday was the first Monday Budget since 1962. The Tory chancellor who delivered that financial statement, Selwyn Lloyd, was out of office within a few months. Yesterday, Philip Hammond secured a short-term political advantage for his PM. But over the medium term there could be a heavy price to pay. Back in 1947, the then Chancellor of the Exchequer Hugh Dalton was forced to resign after leaking details of his Budget to a journalist called John Carvel. Some of his tax changes, including a penny on a pint of beer, appeared in later editions of the long-since defunct London evening newspaper, The Star, while Dalton was still on his hind legs in the Commons. His fellow MPs were outraged at this shocking breach of Parliamentary protocol, even though there was no evidence that early disclosure had any effect on the price of fish, let alone the stock market. Nevertheless, Dalton was obliged to fall on his sword. Three decades later, I found myself working on Londons Evening Standard, alongside some rungs below, actually Carvels son Robert, the Standards political editor. Back in 1947, the then Chancellor of the Exchequer Hugh Dalton (pictured left) was forced to resign after leaking details of his Budget to a journalist called John Carvel Spread Fear Phil was preening himself all over the TV channels at the weekend, teasing anyone who could be bothered to listen about his plans for the coming year One of the big set-piece events of Bob Carvels year, for which he would fortify himself with a can or two of Carlsberg Special Brew, was Budget Day. By then, although Chancellors were supposed to spend the preceding weeks in so-called purdah, selected political editors were spoon-fed a few crucial morsels on the understanding that they werent published in advance of the Budget speech. This gave Fleet Streets cartoonists plenty of time to prepare their front page illustrations, which were dependent on the theme of the measures being announced. For instance, if the Chancellor of the day decided to bung the NHS an extra few quid, hed be depicted as a benevolent doctor in a white coat, complete with stethoscope. If he froze the duty on Scotch whisky, hed inevitably be caricatured sipping a wee dram, wearing a tartan kilt and a See You Jimmy bonnet. Novelty front pages were as much a part of the annual Budget Day ritual as the Chancellor posing on the steps of No 11 Downing Street, waving his red box, which is supposed to contain the closely guarded secrets he is about to reveal to the Commons. These days youll find more secrets inside a box of Black Magic. The modern Treasury leaks like a colander, every year mounting a series of clumsy, stage-managed attempts to soften us up for the good news/bad news in store. Even the Chancellor himself cant resist getting in on the act. Spread Fear Phil was preening himself all over the TV channels at the weekend, teasing anyone who could be bothered to listen about his plans for the coming year. Not for Hammond the strictly-enforced purdah, breach of which cost Hugh Dalton the keys to No 11. The papers have been full of deliberately placed titbits involving everything from help for the High Street to more money for tree planting. Todays Budgets are as much about burnishing the Chancellors own political credentials as addressing the nations finances. Why else would Hammond be announcing that all schools and A&E departments are to get dedicated mental health units, apart from the fact that theres been a well-orchestrated campaign to elevate mental health to the top of the political agenda so that it is now acknowledged as an epidemic which can only be cured by throwing lashings of taxpayers money at it? Not that hes the faintest idea how he is going to pay for this largesse. The grand gesture is all that counts. Hes even had the audacity to use his round of pre-Budget briefings to threaten that unless we swallow Mother Theresas dismal, defeatist, dishwater-weak Chequers version of Brexit, then all bets are off and we can forget about whatever goodies he announced yesterday. Dont be fooled by gimmicks like the commemorative Brexit 50p coin. Hammond and May are determined to keep us under the yoke of the EU at all costs. No deal, no end to austerity, is the ultimatum from the Chancellor. What does that even mean? Were supposed to send 39 billion to Brussels when the nation is 1.8 trillion in debt and rising? I want to scream every time I hear politicians and lobbyists bleating about austerity. Why dont we talk instead about balancing the books, or living within our means, or not spending money we havent got, or not borrowing money we cant afford to pay back? Why even bother with a Budget? Most of the fiddling with tax thresholds can be put on the statute book without a great song and dance. The only secrets in Hammonds red box are the nasty surprises which he will have somehow forgotten to tell the Commons and will only emerge a couple of days later when the dust settles. Dont be fooled by gimmicks like the commemorative Brexit 50p coin. Hammond and May are determined to keep us under the yoke of the EU at all costs This kind of sleight of hand was a hallmark of Gordon Browns time at the Treasury. And, as I have explained previously, Hammond is little more than a third-rate Gordon Brown tribute act. So I shall continue my habit of reserving judgment on the Budget until it unravels later this week. Once, a penny on a pint made headlines. Now, who knows how much a pint costs? In parts of London, youll get no change from a fiver. Elsewhere a pint will only (only?) cost 3.40. So whatever the Chancellor does to alcohol duty, it wont make much difference. As for Hammond himself, he is a political mediocrity who has shamelessly abused his high office to consistently undermine and attempt to overturn the democratic will of 17.4 million people who voted for Britain to leave the EU no ifs, no buts, no transition period, no backstops, no common rule book, no divorce payment. If he had a shred of his predecessor Hugh Daltons decency, the only statement he should have delivered yesterday was his resignation. Guy Fawkes Night looms and with it the problem of what to do about pets frightened by the loud bangs from fireworks. Classic FM believes it has the answer and has prepared a playlist of soothing music designed to keep anxious dogs calm. Apparently, animals are especially responsive to Mozart and Bach. This comes in the wake of a report, from Glasgow University, which claims playing reggae by the likes of Bob Marley and UB40 to dogs will have the same effect. This comes in the wake of a report, from Glasgow University, which claims playing reggae by the likes of Bob Marley and UB40 to dogs will have the same effect That sounds more likely to me. My daughter volunteers at a dog rescue centre in London and tells me that they often play reggae in the kennels. (You Gotta Walk And) Dont Look Back, by Peter Tosh, with Mick Jagger, is a particular favourite. Our old labrador Ossie was a big fan of The Guns Of Brixton, by the Clash, which features a thumping dub bass line. So if you have a dog and want to be on the safe side this week, try tracking down a reggae version of the Brandenburg Concertos. If all else fails, a juicy bone should do the trick. It always worked with Ossie. We need to have Ram Jam banned Hate preacher Ram Jam Choudary is free to walk the streets again after serving just half of his five year sentence for inciting terrorism. Naturally, Choudary remains unrepentant in the face of such laughable leniency. Meanwhile, hundreds of jihadi brides and others he encouraged to join Izal are flooding back to Britain. So what is to prevent Ram Jam picking up where he left off? OK, so hes being monitored round the clock for the next couple of years, but that kind of surveillance wont last for ever. This is, of course, the Islamist rabble rouser linked to the London Bridge terrorists and the men who killed Fusilier Lee Rigby. How, then, do the authorities propose to stop his murderous mentoring of impressionable young men and women in future? Answer: theyre going to send him on an anti-extremism course. Brilliant. That should work. Presumably, this is like one of those speed-awareness courses. Write out 100 times: I must stop inciting terrorism. Better still, give him community service. Stick him in a hi-viz jacket and make him pick up the body parts the next time some of his disciples go on a bloodthirsty rampage, killing innocent civilians in the name of his perverted version of Islam. The blanket 20mph speed limits beloved of the cycle-worshipping, anti-car bigots who run our town halls have had the entirely predictable side-effect of causing congestion and increasing pollution. But instead of putting them up again, councils across Britain are proposing to lower them still further, to just 15mph. How long before they turn the clock back to the 19th century and insist that every car is accompanied by a man with a red flag walking in front of it? She's her best friend and unofficial stylist, and Jessica Mulroney seems to be having a clear influence over Meghan's look. The Duchess of Sussex, 37, has adopted Jessica's signature sleek ponytail and oversized blazer look during the royal tour over the past two weeks while visiting Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand. Meghan wore a 429 maroon blazer by US brand Theodore Scanlan and her Outland Denim jeans to an Invictus Games event in Sydney on Saturday, which was similar to an outfit worn by Jessica at the closing ceremony of last year's competition Toronto. Meanwhile, the pregnant royal also wore a striped dress by Martin Grant during a visit to Bondi Beach in Sydney earlier on in the tour - which was similar to a striped jumpsuit by Caroline Constas worn by Jessica that featured a more daring neckline. It comes after Jessica, 38, and her TV presenter husband Ben, 42, flew into Australia to join Harry and Meghan at the start of their tour in an 'unofficial' capacity - meaning they covered their own expenses from the trip. Meghan wore a 429 maroon blazer by US brand Theodore Scanlan and jeans to an Invictus Games event in Sydney on Saturday, which was similar to an outfit worn by best friend Jessica Mulroney at last year's Invictus Games Jessica Mulroney, 38, wore a maroon blazer and jeans when she joined Meghan and her mother Doria Ragland (left) at the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games in Toronto last year (above) Celebrity stylist Rochelle White noted that the Duchess' style seems to have been strongly influenced by Jessica's personal look. 'With Meghan being friends with Jessica Mulroney who is also a stylist, it wouldnt surprise me if she gets inspiration from her,' she told FEMAIL. 'I feel that Meghan knows the styles that would suit her and recreates them to fit her and her royal engagements.' Rochelle continued: 'Jessica has a trendy, modern stylish look that is a good mix of casual and smart for everyday. The Duchess of Sussex, 37, wore a striped dress by Australian designer Martin Grant during a visit to Bondi Beach, Sydney, during the first week of the royal tour Meghan's striped dress was similar to a jumpsuit worn by Caroline Constas in May this year, in an Instagram snap with daughter Ivy. The all-in-one piece feature a more daring neckline than the Duchess' dress The Duchess of Sussex has worn blazer and jeans combinations a number of times on the royal tour, including in Sydney, left, as she attended an Invictus Games event. Jessica, right in 2015, has been a big fan of white blazers for a number of years 'A lot of the styles that are consistent are their shared love of oversized blazers and stripes. 'Meghan has adapted these looks to fit her and her style. With higher neck lines, different cuts and different patterns, she has made these and styles her own.' The Duchess has worn four different blazers during the royal tour so far, including a white double-breasted blazer by Californian brand L'Agence, priced at 510. She also wore a 110 checked 'Boss' blazer by another close friend, Serena Williams, while in Dubbo, New South Wales, during the first week of her royal tour, while wearing her brunette locks pulled back in a sleek ponytail. In fact, Meghan has worn her hair pulled back in a ponytail on a number of occasions during the royal tour so far, in a series of sleek looks created by hair stylist George Northwood, who has joined her on the royal tour. Meghan wore a 110 checked 'Boss' blazer by another close friend, Serena Williams, while in Dubbo, New South Wales, (left) during the first week of her royal tour. Jessica showed off a similar look while shopping in Kensington shortly before the royal wedding in May (right) The Duchess of Sussex wore a navy dress by Roksanda during a visit to Macarthur Girls High School in Sydney during the first week of the royal tour (above), which was similar to a number previously worn by friend Jessica Jessica previously wore a similar midi dress in 2015 (above), which featured a bolder print than the frock worn by Meghan Speaking about her love of the ponytail, Kerluxe celebrity hair stylist Earl Simms said: 'Women have a lot of things to contend with while busy working, and especially when pregnant so youll notice that its a look that Meghan has sported more and more regularly. 'Its a style which feeds into the trend of the moment as its incredibly versatile for women who are on the go but want to retain glamour that works throughout the day.' Jessica regularly shares photographs of herself wearing her signature blazers on Instagram, while sporting a high ponytail. It's believed the stylist helped arrange potential outfits for Meghan to choose from ahead of her royal tour this month. Australian designer Karen Gee, who is behind the figure-hugging 'Blessed' white dress Meghan stepped out in for her first official engagement in Sydney on Tuesday, has revealed she was asked to submit sample outfits prior to the tour. Meghan has been sporting sleek ponytails during the royal tour, which is one of Jessica's signature looks. She is pictured above in Tonga last week Stylist Jessica - who regularly shares her outfits on Instagram (above) - is known to favour sleek ponytails and oversized blazers Despite Jessica not being on the official payroll, her influence has prompted Meghan to favour a number of little-known Canadian labels since marrying Harry in May. Royal correspondent Omid Scobie reported that Jessica quietly flew into London to help the Duchess assemble a selection of outfits prior to her two-day visit to Dublin in July. Jessica and Meghan met while the former actress was filming Suits in Toronto, with the pair quickly developing a close friendship. The stylist, whose husband Ben is the son of former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, was considered by many as the Duchess' unofficial maid-of-honour in May, with her three children all given roles at the wedding. Jessica, 38, and her TV presenter husband Ben (above) were pictured arriving in Australia to join Harry and Meghan on their royal tour earlier this month Jessica and Meghan (pictured together in an Instagram snap) met while the former actress was filming Suits in Toronto, with the pair quickly developing a close friendship The Duchess of Sussex may not seem to have much in common with Harry's exes - fun-lowing Zimbabwean jeweller Chelsy Davy and boho blonde actress Cressida Bonas - but it turns out the three are more similar than you might think. Extraordinarily, all three of his loves share the rare foot condition Mortons Toe, which means that the second toe is longer than the big toe. After observing Meghan's feet in sandals on the royal tour, This Mornings solestry - or foot-reading - expert Jane Sheehan was prompted to take a look at his exes too, and has revealed how their common feature proves Harry goes for natural-born leaders 'The fact that Harrys always gone for women with a longer second toe, suggests he likes women who are strong,' Jane told Femail. That doesnt mean they are dictatorial but they lead by example.' However, Meghans feet show she is willing to compromise, leading to a calmer relationship, and making her a better match for Harry than his previous two long-term girlfriends. Meghan, pictured on Fraser Island in Queensland with Harry earlier this month, has the rare foot condition Mortons Toe, which means that the second toe is longer than the big toe They have something in common! Left to right: Meghan's longer second toe was visible in a pair of brown sandals she wore on a visit to Fraser Island in Australia. It's a characteristic she shares with Harry's most recent long-term girlfriend before her, Cressida Bonas (centre), as well as the prince's on-off love Chelsy Davy (right) However, the unique shape of Meghan's feet point to other qualities that indicate why she's the right match for Harry, rather than either of his two long-term girlfriends. While they all have leadership qualities, Meghan is better able to delegate things than Harry is,' she explained. 'Her big toe leans towards her second toe, suggesting that she has the motivation to help him. So, whilst he wont find it easy to delegate, she will naturally want to be helpful. Equally hes more into planning ahead while shes more about dealing with what is in front of her. They both have the visualisation skill going for them. Actress Cressida Bonas, pictuerd at the Giorgio Armani show at Paris Fashion Week in July 2018, dated Prince Harry between 2012 and 2014 after being introduced by Princess Eugenie Chelsy Davy, launching her accessories range in June 2016. The lawyer turned jewellery designer dated the prince from 2003 to 2010 They have enough differences and enough similarities to make the relationship work. Otherwise known as Greek foot or Royal toe the disorder, Mortons Toe, in which the second metatarsal is longer than the first, affects 20 per cent of the population and was once a sign of beauty. What is Morton's Toe? The name Mortons Toe derives from the late American orthopaedic surgeon Dudley Joy Morton, who said that it was indicated by a congenital short first metatarsal bone, hypermobile first metatarsal segment and calluses under the second and third metatarsals. Podiatrist Dipesh Raja, who runs the Chelsea practise Footopia, believes her longer toe explains why Meghan appears to wear shoes which are too big for her: when she announced her engagement to Prince Harry, she was snapped in a pair of Aquazzura crisscross suede sandals which had a gap at the heel. He said: The problem that you get from Mortons Toe is a problem of gait. Normally when you walk, the big toe takes your weight but in this case its your second toe. As a result, the foot shape changes and gets wider and wider. Shoes that were once comfortable become less so. So, to make up for this, people sometimes go for an extra size to get the width. Advertisement The ancient Greek sculptor Venus de Milo has Mortons Toe as do Botticellis Renaissance painting the Birth of Venus, Michelangelos David and the neo-classical Statue of Liberty. Jane added: It looks like Harry has a longer second toe, which indicates leadership qualities, as well as a longer third toe, which suggests extra drive and determination. He believes he can do twice as much as the next person given the same time and resources. I usually tease this sort of person by saying they hate delegating. The tip of his big toe is lifted, just like his Mum, which means that he is highly visual. Like her, he also has hard skin on the side of his big toe, which shows he wears a mask in public so nobody knows what is going on in his head. If he has something difficult coming up like the speeches he did on the tour - he can practice them in his head, picturing them from all angles, so by the time he comes to do it, he feels like he has done it already. It is a great skill to have when used positively. His third toenail is tilted towards his fourth toe, rather than towards the ceiling the way you would expect, which suggests that he is good at looking ahead, looking at the next steps and planning forward. The Duchess of Sussex has impressed the world with her royal tour wardrobe - but there might have been more to her ensembles than flattering frocks and perfectly paired accessories. For some of Meghan's most photographed pieces also carry names that appear to be laden with hidden meaning. Less than 24 hours after announcing her pregnancy, for example, the mother-to-be stepped out in a beautiful white dress by Australian designer Karen Gee. It's name, rather fittingly, was 'Blessed'. And today, as she and Harry, 34, trudged out into the New Zealand bush, the royal kept her feet dry in a pair of aptly named 'Reign' boots by the Muck Boot Company. It is not the first time Meghan has used her clothing to send a message. She made headlines when she donned a 'Husband' shirt by friend Misha Nonoo when she and Harry made their first joint public appearance at the Invictus Games in Toronto, in September 2017 - pre-empting their wedding eight months later. Here, with the help of celebrity stylist Rochelle White, FEMAIL takes a closer look at four of Meghan's tour pieces - and the message their names might hold... 'Reign' boots Embracing her role: Pregnant Meghan stepped out in cheekily named 120 'Reign' boots from Muck Boot Company as she joined Harry in Auckland, New Zealand, on Tuesday The Duchess of Sussex most recently showcased her love of meaningful dressing when she joined Prince Harry in Auckland, New Zealand, on Tuesday. Pregnant Meghan, 37, opted for a pair of cheekily named 'Reign' boots from the Muck Boot Company for the outing to the countryside, where they dedicated a 20-hectare area of native bush to The Queen's Commonwealth Canopy. The boots could be seen as a playful nod to the duchess embracing her role as part of the royal family, according to celebrity stylist Rochelle White. She said: 'I think that meghan has been very smart with the play on words of certain items she is being seen in. 'As she is now part of the royal family, the "Reign" boot is another way for her to let the world and media know that she is fully embracing it. 'Everyone, has eyes on her all the time and are watching who and what she is wearing... It's a creative and clever way to say something without saying anything.' The 'Leap of Faith' dress Going into the unknown: The Duchess of Sussex in the 'Leap of Faith' tuxedo dress by New Zealand designer Maggie Marilyn for an outing with Prince Harry in Wellington on Monday The Duchess of Sussex's thigh-skimming custom tuxedo dress was certainly a departure from the conservative cuts favoured by royals - and Rochelle believes its 'Leap of Faith' name might be an acknowledgement of this. 'This could be a tactic in regards to the name,' Rochelle explained. 'She knows that the royals are traditionally quite formal in their attire and she is taking a risk and "leap of faith" with choosing this style.' Meghan wore the custom dress by New Zealand designer Maggie Marilyn as she joined Harry at Courtenay Creative in Wellington on Monday, pairing it with her go-to Manolo Blahnik BB pumps in navy. The 'Boss' blazer Boss lady: The Duchess of Sussex donned a $145 (110) 'boss' blazer from BFF Serena Williams' eponymous fashion label as she joined Prince Harry in Dubbo, New South Wales, on 17 October From carrying out her first solo engagement to launching her first solo project, the Duchess of Sussex has been quick to take charge of her new life as a member of the royal family. So it is perhaps of little surprise she looked perfectly comfortable in the 'Boss' blazer as she joined Prince Harry for engagements in the rural Australian city of Dubbo, New South Wales, on 17 October. Rochelle added: 'Quite simply, she is still in control and in charge of her look. Yes, there are rules that she needs to follow but it is a subtle way of saying "I'm still bossing it".' The $145 (110) blazer drew particular attention as it is from Serena Williams' eponymous label - something that would not have been lost on BFF Meghan and her styling team. The 'Blessed' dress Truly blessed: Meghan showed off the hint of a bump in the 'Blessed' dress by Australian designer Karen Gee in Sydney on 16 October - the day after she announced her pregnancy The Duchess of Sussex donned the 'Blessed' dress by Australian designer Karen Gee for her first outing after announcing her pregnancy on 15 October. The name of the frock is undoubtedly a fitting choice given how Harry, 34, and Meghan, 37, must have felt on learning they will welcome their first child together next spring. Rochelle said: 'Considering the timing of her wearing this dress, i think it could be a perfect way to sum up how she is feeling. 'She has found happiness and feels blessed to have been welcomed into the royal family and public as much as she is. 'She is content, happy and feels truly bless with her life. Another little hidden message in the name of the dress.' The pregnant duchess paired the flattering 1,000 dress with her favourite pair of 360 Stuart Weitzman Legend High Heel Pumps as she joined Harry at Admiralty House, Sydney, before the pair made their way to Taronga Zoo. The 'Athena' dress Inspiring the next generation: Meghan donned the 1,295 (AUD$2,376, USD$1,690) 'Athena' dress by Roksanda to visit Macarthur Girls High School in Sydney on 18 October For the students of Macarthur Girls High School in Sydney, the visit from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on 18 October would no doubt have been exciting and inspiring. And it is possible the duchess was seeking to send an extra message with her choice of clothes as she stepped out in the 1,295 'Athena' dress by designer Roksanda, named after the Greek goddess of wisdom, courage and inspiration - qualities to which the next generation of female leaders should all aspire. The label's royal connections - it is a favourite of the Duchess of Cambridge and Princess Beatrice - as well as it being the first British designer worn by the duchess on the tour meant it received even greater attention than usual, thrusting the name of the garment into the spotlight in a way it might not otherwise have been . A mind-boggling spot-the-difference puzzle portraying a crowded courtroom debating legal matters has left the internet stumped. There are seven subtle differences between the two images, which have been released by a legal firm ahead of a new film. The team at by DPP Law took inspiration from the movie Peterloo for the brainteaser which has taken many people longer than two minutes to solve. The film recounts the Manchester Massacre of 1819 in which British forces attacked a peaceful rally in the city is approaching its 200 year anniversary. So can you spot all the differences? Scroll down for reveal A courtroom themed puzzle challenges the internet to spot seven differences between these two images Giving advice on spotting the difference, DPP Law advised: 'The trick is to not look for the unobvious. While youre searching for a slight change in detail, there might be a huge difference positioned right in front of you.' Eagle-eyed problem solvers will notice several differences in the photos including the arrangement of the papers on the desk and a number of facial expressions. In one instance a politician is completely removed in one version of the event. Differences between these two images include facial expressions and the arrangement of paper on the desk The clocks went back this weekend, meaning another hour to snuggle in bed as winter officially sets in. And this time-consuming puzzle has been created especially to mark the occasion. The busy scene shows dozens of clock faces on a city street - each showing the time as 10 o'clock - except for one. So can you spot the stray clock face showing a different time? Scroll down for reveal The clock-themed puzzle was create to mark the clocks going back in Britain at the weekend The team at WeBuyAnyCar.com designed the puzzle after carrying out a poll of 3,000 people to find out how they intend to spend their extra hour this weekend. Over 80 per cent of the people surveyed claimed they will be using the clocks going back as an opportunity to stay in bed longer. Richard Evans, head of technical services at webuyanycar.com, said: 'It's always a delight when the clocks go back an hour and you gain an extra 60 minutes to your weekend. 'We thought it would be fun to create the puzzle to mark the clocks being wound back and give people a brainteaser to puzzle over.' Circled in the bottom left-hand corner of the busy street scene is the one clock showing a different time to the countless others Previously SCS came up with a furniture-inspired brainteaser that challenges players to find the single seater chair in a sea of sofas. The crowded image is stacked high with hundreds of settees in an array of colours and with the addition of several cats and cushions the chair is almost impossible to spot. The creators of the puzzle says the record for finding the single seater currently stands at 23 seconds - so can you spot it any faster? Scroll down for reveal SCS have attempted to spark a viral challenge after sharing an image of colourful sofas with one single-seater hidden in the crowd Vigilant puzzle-solvers should be able to spot the single light green sofa towards the lower left of the image. This is just the latest in a long line of seek-and-find puzzles to leave netizens scratching their heads with a festive themed teaser causing havoc last week. The hidden light green single-seat sofa can be found towards the centre of the image A seasonal Halloween-themed effort created by Lenstore challenged the web to spot the bat in a spooky scene. The busy image is filled with classic holiday characters including ghosts, cats, witches hats and of course pumpkins - but there is only one bat to be found. The creators of the puzzle say that it takes the average user 45 seconds to find the creature, but can you find it any quicker? Sharp-eyed players should be able to spot the bat in the lower centre of the image, though he could easily be mistaken for one of the cats. A tricky new Halloween puzzle from the Lenstore is challenging the web to spot the bat in this spooky scene Royal weddings have captivated commoners for generations, and while most well-wishers enjoy seeing a prince or princess say 'I do,' much of the focus is often on what the bride has chosen to wear for her big day. While donning a white wedding gown has become a tradition in Europe following Queen Victoria's wedding to Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg in 1840, it isn't the only option for royal brides around the world. Japan's Princess Ayako of Takamado wore not one but two outfits when she wed Japanese businessman Kei Moriya on Monday. Ayako, 28, had on a traditional pale-yellow, floral embroidered kimono with deep purple hakama trousers when she arrived at Meiji Shrine for the ceremony, but she later changed into a red Shinto-style robe and a brown skirt called a naga-bakama. In Japanese culture, the color red symbolizes good luck. The princess renounced her royal status after marrying 32-year-old Moriya, an employee of the shipping company Nippon Yusen KK. Japanese imperial law dictates that female members of the royal family forfeit their titles, status, and allowance if they choose to marry a commoner, However, the rule does not apply to male members of the royal family. In honor of Princess Ayako's nuptials, FEMAIL has rounded up 18 years worth of royal wedding gowns worn by women around the world. Japan: Princess Ayako of Takamado wore a traditional pale-yellow, floral embroidered kimono with deep purple hakama trousers when she arrived at Meiji Shrine to wed Japanese businessman Kei Moriya on Monday. She later changed into a red Shinto-style robe and a brown skirt called a naga-bakama. In Japanese culture, the color red symbolizes good luck United Kingdom: To say 'I do' to Jack Brooksbank earlier this month, Princess Eugenie wore a V-neck gown designed by Peter Pilotto and Christopher De Vos. The fabric of the dress features symbols that are meaningful to the bride and groom, including thistles and shamrocks. In order to show off the low-back on her gown, Eugenie broke with tradition by deciding not to wear a veil. She donned the Greville Emerald Kokoshnik tiara on her head United Kingdom: Meghan Markle surprised everyone by wearing a wedding gown designed by Givenchy's Clare Waight Keller when she married Prince Harry in May. The simple yet elegant dress was made of silk and featured three-quarter-length sleeves, an open boat neckline, and a train with built-in triple silk organza underskirt. On her head, Meghan donned Queen Mary's diamond bandeau tiara and a 16-foot veil Ethiopia: American bride Ariana Makonnen wore a Lazaro dress customized by Cheryl Lofton to say 'I do' to Prince Joel David Makonnen Haile Selassie of Ethiopia in Washington, DC, in 2017. The two wore matching crowns and capes on their big day Brunei: Prince 'Abdul Malik of Brunei Darussalam and his bride Dayangku Raabiatul Adawiyyah Pengiran Haji Bolkiah wore matching gold outfits on their wedding day in 2015. Their outfits were adorned with precious stones, and the bride had on an emerald and diamond tiara as well as a matching necklace Sweden: Princess Sofia donned an intricate couture lace wedding gown featuring a hand-stitched train by Swedish designer Ida Sjostedt to marry Prince Carl Philip of Sweden in 2015. She topped off the look with an emerald and diamond tiara Belgium: Princess Elisabetta wore an ivory Valentino gown with intricate lace detail and a sweeping train to say 'I do' to Prince Amedeo of Belgium at Santa Maria in Trastevere in central Rome in 2014 Luxembourg: Princess Claire opted for an ivory-colored gown by designer Elie Saab gown to marry Prince Felix of Luxembourg in 2013. The dress was intricately embroidered with Chantilly lace floral motifs and silver thread. She chose a glittering tiara to sit on top of her head and a long silk tulle veil featuring neo-baroque flower detail Indonesia: Princess Princess Gusti Kanjeng Ratu Hayu, also known as Hayu, and Prince Notonegoro's wedding lasted for three days in October 2013. The couple had numerous outfit changes throughout the three-day event. They are pictured participating in a procession during the ceremony Netherlands: For her wedding to Prince Jaime of the Netherlands in 2013, Viktoria Cservenyak, a former lawyer and writer, donned a simple yet elegant gown by Danish designer Claes Iversen. The dress featured long sleeves, a bateau neck, and lace detailing at the bottom. She topped off the look with a long veil United Kingdom: For her highly-anticipated wedding to Prince William in 2011, Kate Middleton wore an Alexander McQueen gown designed by Sarah Burton, the fashion house's creative director. The V-neck gown featured long lace sleeves and a long train. On her head, the Duchess of Cambridge donned the Cartier Halo Scroll tiara, featuring nearly 1,000 diamonds United Kingdom: Queen Elizabeth II's granddaughter Zara Phillips opted for a duchess satin gown with a chevron pleated corseted bodice designed by royal couturier Stewart Parvin to marry English rugby player Mike Tindall in 2011. On her head, she wore a fine tulle veil and a diamond tiara that was a loan from her mother, Princess Anne Monaco: To wed Prince Albert II of Monaco in 2011, Princess Charlene wore a silk Giorgio Armani bridal gown featuring an asymmetrical, off-the-shoulder neckline and an intricate floral design made of crystals. She opted to forgo a tiara and wear just a silk tulle veil Bhutan: King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema's 2011 wedding featured traditional Bhutanese attire. The bride wore an elaborate kira, the national dress for Bhutanese women. She topped off her look with red earrings and a matching red necklace Germany: Princess Nathalie of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg, the youngest daughter of Prince Richard of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg and Princess Benedikte of Denmark, donned a gown created by Danish designer Henrik Hviid to marry German horse breeder Alexander Johannsmann in a religious ceremony in 2011. The two had wed civilly the year before. Her ivory satin gown featured a lace top and a pleated satin belt that cinched her waist. She sported the same lace veil and Khedive of Egypt tiara that the rest of the women in her wore on their wedding days Greece: Princess Tatiana wore a strapless French Chantilly lace gown by New York-based Venezuelan designer Angel Sanchez to marry Prince Nikolaos of Greece in 2010. Her mother-in-law, Queen Anne-Marie, lent her a tiara for the wedding. The family heirloom was also worn by Crown Prince Pavlov's wife Marie-Chantal at their nuptials in 1995 Japan: Sayako Kuroda, formerly Princess Nori of Japan, donned a simple white long-sleeve satin gown, white gloves, and an elegant strand of pearls when she married commoner Yoshiki Kuroda, subsequently giving up her imperial title, as required by law Jordan: Princess Noor bint Asem bin Nayef wore en elegant long-sleeve lace gown and matching veil to marry Prince Hamzah bin Hussein in 2003. The couple divorced in 2009 and have both gone on to marry other people Morocco: King Mohammed VI of Morocco married Princess Lalla Salma at the royal palace in Morocco, in 2002. The bride dressed traditionally and donned a thick veil for a portion of the ceremonies. She wore her long red hair loose around her shoulders and topped off her look with a diamond tiara With the penultimate day of the royal tour underway, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle cut casual figures as they arrived to dedicate a 20-hectare area of native bush to The Queen's Commonwealth Canopy in Auckland. The Duchess of Sussex donned a $575 (GBP 317) blazer by New Zealand designer, Karen Walker, which she paired with J. Crew Toothpick jeans and $219 (GBP 120) wellington boots by Muck. Meghan accessorised her look with Boh Runga earrings, which were a present from the New Zealand president, Jacinda Ardern, and the Swirl Tattoo Diamond Pendant. With the penultimate day of the royal tour underway, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle cut casual figures as they arrived to dedicate a 20-hectare area of native bush to The Queen's Commonwealth Canopy The Duchess of Sussex donned a $575 blazer by New Zealand designer, Karen Walker, which she paired with J. Crew Toothpick jeans and $219 wellington boots by Muck She wore her hair in a ponytail and held an umbrella for Prince Harry while they stood in the Auckland rain. The J Crew website describes the $123 (GBP 67) Toothpick jeans as coming 'with an easy pull-on waistband', making them ideally suited to the newly-pregnant Duchess. Meanwhile, the Karen Walker 'Fathom' blazer is very much true to Meghan's style, as it 'blends masculine elements with a cropped feminine fit'. Meghan also wore a scoop neck T-shirt in black by Lavender Hill Clothing. Meghan accessorised her look with Boh Runga earrings, which were a present from the New Zealand president, Jacinda Ardern, and the Swirl Tattoo Diamond Pendant The royal couple also enjoyed planting native trees and throwing gumboots with local schoolchildren While in Auckland, the Duke and Duchess are unveiling a plaque on the city's North Shore recognising the dedication to the QCC, which conserves indigenous forests for future generations. They also enjoyed planting native trees and throwing gumboots with local schoolchildren. Later in the afternoon, the royal couple will have the opportunity to meet the people of Auckland on the Viaduct Harbour, before attending a reception hosted by Ms Adern at the Auckland War Memorial Museum. The Muck wellington boots were a stylish twist to the royals' outfits Despite dreary and rainy weather conditions, Prince Harry and Meghan were all smiles - with Meghan even holding an umbrella for herself and her husband once again. 'My wife and I are delighted to be here at the opening of this covenant, which will form part of The Queen's Canopy network,' Prince Harry said. Meghan reportedly won the gumboot-throwing competition, with her wellington boot landing a good metre in front of Prince Harry's. The Duke also looked as though he was dressed for a day at Balmoral, wearing co-ordinating boots and a long overcoat. Meghan won the gumboot throwing competition, beating her husband by a metre or more according to reports The final day of their Royal Highnesses' tour will take place in Rotorua on Wednesday. The Duke and Duchess will head to Rainbow Springs to learn more about the centre's kiwi breeding programme. Later that afternoon, Meghan and Harry will head into the city for the chance to meet members of the public gathered there. The royal couple then heads back to London. New Zealand is the fourth country the royal couple have visited on their mammoth 16-day tour following visits to Australia, Fiji and Tonga. While international travel has become increasingly accessible over the past three decades thanks to cheaper fuel costs and looser visa restrictions, for the vast majority flying first-class continues to remain out of reach. Travel experts My Domaine spoke to Scott Keyes, founder of fare-finder Scotts Cheap Flights, for advice on scoring a premium seat without the usual exorbitant cost. Mr Keyes' insider tips include offering to wait for the next flight, telling airline staff that it's your honeymoon and taking a good old fashioned gamble. Flying first-class continues to remain out of reach for the vast majority of people due to its hefty price tag USE YOUR AIR MILES If you've already paid for a standard economy seat, the majority of airlines allow you to upgrade using pre-collected frequent flyer points. According to My Domaine, rates for upgrading vary by route, carrier and fare class, but typically require a minimum of 15,000 miles for domestic and 25,000 miles for international. Popular Australian air miles cards include the Qantas Premier Platinum which offers one point per $1 spent. DOUBLE CHECK THE PRICE Just like everyone else, airlines make mistakes, and when they do it can come at a serious financial benefit to travellers. Known as an error or 'fat finger' fare, incorrectly priced plane tickets sometimes occur due to a misplaced decimal point or miscalculated currency conversion. In February 2015, United Denmark's site listed first-class flights from Copenhagen to New York for just $51, while in December 2017 Delta Airlines sold first-class tickets to Canada for the same price as economy seats. Travel and Leisure advise booking all airfares directly with the carrier for the best chance of having your purchase honoured. Known as an error or 'fat finger' fare, incorrectly priced plane tickets sometimes occur due to a misplaced decimal point or miscalculated currency conversion TAKE A GAMBLE Recently, a select number of airlines have started to take bids for upgrades in the days immediately before a flight. The offer is made if there are unsold premium seats, with whoever making the highest declaration nabbing the spot. My Domaine recommend submitting a low bid, to ensure you don't lose out on much-needed holiday cash while also keeping you in the running for pride of place you never know, it could be your lucky day! HOW TO MAKE YOUR ECONOMY SEAT FEEL LIKE FIRST CLASS - According to Skyscanner, it's possible to enjoy the perks of an airline lounge without having to sign up for an expensive membership. Check out services such as Lounge Pass, DragonPass or Priority Pass which can offer passes for as little as $35. - Make sure you book the right type of seat for maximum comfort. A window seat means you won't have people scrambling over your legs constantly, while a bulkhead seat will give you more leg room - but less space in front to store carry-on luggage. An exit row seat is great for extra space but the seats don't recline. Sites like SeatGuru give detailed information on aircraft configurations so you can pick a seat to match your travel needs. - Increase your chances of being comfortable by investing in a couple of key items. A travel pillow is essential, and taking an inflatable footrest on board can also make a huge amount of difference. Add to that a warm wrap, cosy socks (compression are best), a fitted eye-mask and some noise cancelling headphones, and a good night's sleep could be yours. - Business and first-class passengers are often given amenity bags which come with travel-sized beauty products, including the basics like toothbrushes, and combs. But it's also possible to create your own. Start by packing some travel-sized basics. Include a small packet of makeup wipes, samples of moisturiser, a travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste or mints and lip balm. Add a 10ml perfume roller-ball and you're set. Source: Skyscanner Advertisement VOLUNTEER TO TAKE THE NEXT FLIGHT In recent times, controversy has been mounting over the growing number of over-booked routes leaving ground staff desperate for volunteers to take the next flight. Airlines regularly offer hundreds of dollars in compensation in the form of travel vouchers, but what many people dont realise is agents are also authorised to offer other benefits such as premium lounge passes, food vouchers and event business or first-class seats on your re-booked flight. While its not a certainty, it could be well worth your time to ask. Airlines regularly offer hundreds of dollars in the form of travel vouchers, but what many people dont realise is agents are also authorised to offer other benefits - including upgrades PLAY THE HONEYMOON CARD Sharing the reason behind your trip can be lucrative if you are lucky enough to speak to a sympathetic or romance-loving airline agent. Multiple travel sites recommend arriving early to chat with check-in staff letting them know you are celebrating a special anniversary, birthday or best of all, a honeymoon. While its never guaranteed, many carriers have been known to bump you to a higher class or at least provide some in-flight perks to mark the occasion. Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov met with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif in Istanbul, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan said. The meeting was held on the margins of the 6th trilateral meeting of the ministers of foreign affairs of Turkey, Azerbaijan and Iran in Istanbul. Mammadyarov and Zarif exchanged views on various issues of bilateral cooperation agenda of friendly and good neighborhood relations existing between the two states based on common historical, religious and cultural links. The ministers underlined the importance of strengthening of peace and security in the region and stressed in this regard their commitments to the principles of international law, such as respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, inviolability of internationally recognized borders, peaceful settlement of all disputes and non-interference in internal affairs. Putting emphasize on the importance of transport infrastructure and transit projects implemented in the region, the ministers noted the importance of benefiting from the opportunities presented by the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway and the earliest completion of the Rasht-Astara railway. The significance of using full capacity of the ports was also underlined. At the meeting, they also discussed the cooperation opportunities in science and technology, education, culture, health, tourism and etc. Having proven she is no stranger to dressing for the wet weather, Meghan Markle once again showed she is as good at dressing for royal events as she is the great outdoors. The Duchess of Sussex ditched her Muck wellington boots for trusty Stuart Weitzman Legend stilettos ($529; GBP 292), pairing them with a Brandon Maxwell customised version of the Flutter Sheath dress ($2,555; GBP 1,413) in Auckland. She then added a Burberry Silk 'Maythorne' sleeved trench ($3,380; GBP 1,869) and wore her hair in a neat bun, as she and Prince Harry attended the opening of a charity that supports children who have a parent in prison through mentoring schemes. Scroll down for video The Duchess of Sussex (pictured) ditched her Muck wellington boots for trusty Stuart Weitzman Legend stilettos ($529; GBP 292) Meghan opted for a Brandon Maxwell customised version of the Flutter Sheath dress ($2,555; GBP 1,413) in Auckland (pictured) She then added a Burberry Silk Bishop sleeved trench and wore her hair in a neat bun, as she and Prince Harry attended the opening of a charity The pregnant Duchess has already worn US designer, Brandon Maxwell, once before, when she changed into a dark green number by the design house while in Sydney the week before last. Meanwhile, while she has previously opted for the same trench coat by Martin Grant, this time she switched and went British with her choice - picking out the same Burberry trench she wore at the polo in May 2017. After attending the charity opening, Prince Harry and Meghan enjoyed a walkabout throughout Auckland. As ever, they were met with thousands of adoring royal fans, who were keen to snap a photo of the young royals. Meghan picked out the same Burberry trench she wore at the polo in May 2017 (pictured) As ever, they were met with thousands of adoring royal fans, who were keen to snap a photo of the young royals Earlier on in the day, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle cut casual figures as they arrived to dedicate a 20-hectare area of native bush to The Queen's Commonwealth Canopy in Auckland. The Duchess of Sussex donned a $575 (GBP 317) blazer by New Zealand designer, Karen Walker, which she paired with J. Crew Toothpick jeans and $219 (GBP 120) wellington boots by Muck. Meghan accessorised her look with Boh Runga earrings, which were a present from the New Zealand president, Jacinda Ardern, and the Swirl Tattoo Diamond Pendant. The couple unveiled a plaque on the city's North Shore recognising the dedication to the QCC, which conserves indigenous forests for future generations. They also enjoyed planting native trees and throwing gumboots with local schoolchildren. Earlier on in the day, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle cut casual figures as they arrived to dedicate a 20-hectare area of native bush to The Queen's Commonwealth Canopy in Auckland The Duchess of Sussex donned a $575 (GBP 317) blazer by New Zealand designer, Karen Walker, which she paired with J. Crew Toothpick jeans and $219 (GBP 120) wellington boots The final day of their Royal Highnesses' tour will take place in Rotorua on Wednesday The final day of their Royal Highnesses' tour will take place in Rotorua on Wednesday. The Duke and Duchess will head to Rainbow Springs to learn more about the centre's kiwi breeding programme. Later that afternoon, Meghan and Harry will head into the city for the chance to meet members of the public gathered there. The royal couple then heads back to London. New Zealand is the fourth country the royal couple have visited on their mammoth 16-day tour following visits to Australia, Fiji and Tonga. A twice-married mother-of-nine plans to marry her toyboy lover who is 21 years her junior despite being regularly mistaken for her son. Tina Dickson, 45, started a relationship with Brandon Dickson, 24, when he moved into her spare room in November 2013 - and the pair are now engaged. They dated in secret for six months but since going public, both families have been incredibly supportive - despite nurse Tina, from Perth, Australia, being older than her future mother-in law. Tina, who has two children with Brandon, said: 'I count Brandon's mum as a great friend, even though she's younger than me. And my mum thinks Brandon's the best thing since sliced bread. She tells all her friends about my younger man.' Ironically, Tina - whose three children by her first marriage, Samantha, 28, Brie, 27 and Christopher, 25, are older than her beau - usually prefers older men, but was hoping to find a partner her own age when she fell for the chemical plant worker. Tina Dickson, 45, plans to marry Brandon Dickson - despite him being 21 years her junior and often mistaken for being her son The pair met in November 2013 when Brandon moved into Tina's spare room in Perth, Australia. At the time Tina - who usually dates older men - was looking for someone her own age Admitting to feeling awkward when they first got together, she continued: 'At the start, I was almost embarrassed for Brandon. I didn't want to hold his hand in public, in case we saw anyone he knew and they gave him a hard time. 'Now, though, we just laugh it off. People's negative opinions are their problem, not ours, and our families are both very happy for us. 'It's that old saying those who matter don't mind, and those who mind don't matter.' Meeting through mutual friends, when Tina - also mother to Steven, 23, Khan, 17, Serene, 15, and Holden, eight, from a previous relationship, as well as to her fiance's children Elijah, four, and Toni, two first encountered Brandon and he asked if he could rent her spare room, she had no romantic intentions. She said: 'After being single for four years, I was happy to have the extra cash, so I agreed to let out my spare room to him. In 2014, the couple had a son Elijah, followed by Toni (pictured) in 2016. Soon after the birth of their second child - Tina's ninth, after having Samantha, 28, Brie, 27 and Christopher, 25, by her first husband, and Steven, 23, Khan, 17, Serene, 15, and Holden, eight, from a previous relationship - Brandon proposed The couple are speaking out about their relationship because they want to dispel some of the stereotypes around age gap couples and to encourage other people to be more open-minded After dating in secret for six months, the couple told their family. Tina's son Steven (left, pictured with Christopher) was angry at first because he is such a similar age to his stepfather 'He seemed friendly enough, but I didn't even think about a relationship. For one, he wasn't my usual type but there was also this huge age gap. 'Back then, I was actually looking to meet a man my own age.' Soon developing a strong bond, they often talked into the night. She continued: 'I assumed romance was totally out of the question, but then he'd make the odd comment here and there that got me thinking. 'Eventually, about three months after we met, he asked me out on a date. I was excited, but also really nervous, as this was so new to me. 'We got on really well, but wanted to be sure before we were introduced to our respective families. I had my children to think about and didn't want them getting attached to somebody who wasn't going to commit to us. 'We were also a little worried about what people would say.' After six months of secret dating - during which they abstained from having sex - they finally came out to their families, at first provoking mixed reactions. The family are now incredibly supportive about the relationship despite the mixed reactions it first provoked. Pictured: Khan, Steven, Tina holding Elijah, Holden, Brie holding Toni, Samantha, Serene and Christopher Tina, pictured with Brandon and Toni,says the couple are now more confident about their relationship and can laugh off snide comments Tina recalled: 'My son, Steven, was really angry at first, I think because he's such a similar age to Brandon. 'He's come round now, though. They get on absolutely brilliantly, all the kids do. My 27-year-old even bought Brandon a jokey Father's Day gift. 'Everyone else was incredibly supportive. Of course, they were a little dubious, but then they saw how happy Brandon makes me, and that's all they want for their mum.' After going public, the couple started planning a life together - having Elijah in 2014, followed by Toni in 2016, soon after which Brandon proposed. Tina, who is yet to set a wedding date, continued: 'It was a total surprise, but lovely. It was very simple. He came home one day, all grubby from work, and asked me to marry him there in our bedroom. 'We're real homebodies, so it was fitting it happened in our house, around our close-knit family.' But not everyone has been as positive as their families about their age-gap love, according to Tina, who said Brandon is often mistaken for either her son, or her daughter's boyfriend. Confident about their relationship, she now laughs off snide comments, which she would once have found hurtful, saying: 'We don't concern ourselves with what people think of us anymore. We try to be positive and stay laughing. Tina, pictured with Brandon and Toni after she was born, said: 'People's negative opinions are their problem, not ours, and our families are both very happy for us. It's that old saying those who matter don't mind, and those who mind don't matter' The only time the 21-year age gap becomes an issue is when Brandon listens to music, which drives Tina 'insane' 'Once we were in the supermarket buying some food and alcohol, and Brandon got asked for ID, because he does look very young. 'The cashier kept saying how cute he is, then said, "Your mum must be so proud", meaning me. He chuckled, smacked my bottom and went, "She's not my mum". Tina said: 'Since I met him, I finished my nursing degree and started a midwifery one and I truly believe that's down to his encouragement' 'The cashier looked shocked, but this group of big, burly guys in the queue behind us burst out laughing. 'Other times, when he's with Elijah or Toni, people will see him cuddling them and say to me, "Your son will make a wonderful dad one day". Little do they know!' Tina said the only time when their age gap becomes obvious is when it comes to Brandon's taste in films and music. She continued: 'His music drives me insane, I can't stand listening to it. I'll talk to him about movies, too, forgetting most of my favourites came out before he was even born. 'He's a real old soul, though. He's not interested in going out partying all the time. He's kept me grounded and brought out the best in me. 'Since I met him, I finished my nursing degree and started a midwifery one and I truly believe that's down to his encouragement.' Now, by sharing her story, Tina hopes to dispel some of the stereotypes around age gap couples and to encourage other people to be more open-minded. According to Tina, all the kids now get along with Brandon, and her daughter Brie even bought him a jokey Father's Day present. Pictured: Tina, Brandon and Holden People who mistake Brandon for her son often say 'Your son will make a wonderful dad one day' - not realising he is already a father-of-two. Pictured: Tina, Brandon and Serene 'Of course, I think about what will happen when I'm older,' she said. 'I hate the thought of leaving Brandon and the children alone, but you can't live like that. Anything can happen at any time, so we take each day as it comes. 'I never would've considered dating a younger man before Brandon, as I thought they were all immature. 'Now, though, I see that stereotypes do no good. I want to teach my kids that, too, and show them that love can come in all forms, at any time.' Tina is also keen to share her philosophy with the wider world that there should be no age limit to love. She added: 'Don't be too rigid, and close too many doors, as you may just overlook the love of your life. 'I never dreamed I'd be spending the rest of my days with someone younger than three of my children but when you click, you click. Five years on, we still say "I love you" every single day, and we never argue. 'Our situation and our family may seem crazy, but as long as we have each other, we're happy.' Beauty queens took to the catwalk in a bid to be crowned the winner of Miss Ukraine Plus Size. Glamorous contestants dazzled in white gowns and sultry lingerie as they went head-to-head at the contest in Kiev on Monday night. The winner, who has not yet been named online, will go on to represent Ukraine at the Miss World Plus Size 2018 pageant, which will be held in the Philippines next month. Beauty queens took to the catwalk in a bid to be crowned the winner of Miss Ukraine Plus Size at the competition in Kiev on Monday night. Pictured, a contestant snaps a selfie backstage A confident contestant struts her stuff in a flattering onepiece at the Miss Ukraine Plus Size pageant in Kiev on Monday night. The winner will represent Ukraine at Miss World Plus Size A flattering bra, underwear and nightgown were the perfect choice for this Miss Ukraine Plus Size contestant as she went head-to-head against 21 other finalists The stunning contestants lined up to discover who would take home the crown. The name of the winner has not yet been announced online but they'll travel to the international finals Photos from last night's competition show the 22 beauty queens competing in a number of rounds, including what appeared to be a wedding dress catwalk. They also took to the stage in flattering corsets, nightgowns and bra and underwear sets as they showed off their figures in front of the judges and excited fans. Later the women donned beautiful cocktail dresses in a sumptuous array of colours and styles as they waited to hear the results. The pageant was accompanied by live music from one of the country's best known pop stars. A flourish of the cover-up adds a dramatic touch to this woman's lingerie showcase at the finals of Miss Ukraine Plus size in Kiev on Monday night A blonde beauty was the picture of confidence as she donned a lacy nightgown and flattering onepiece for her turn on the stage at the Miss Ukraine Plus Size competition on Monday night The women stripped off to show off their figures to judges and a packed auditorium of fans at the Miss Ukraine Plus Size competition in Kiev on Monday night The beauty queens took it in turns to parade down the stage in a number of hotly-contested rounds in a bid to take home the title of Miss Ukraine Plus Size 2018 The judging panel, pictured, took out their phones to snap the competition for social media The Miss World Plus Size pageant aims to challenge modern standards of beauty and promote a more inclusive fashion industry. Last year police lieutenant Victoria Shchelko, 28, took home the title and went on to represent Ukraine in the international competition, which was held in Thailand. The Miss Ukraine competition this year was marred by controversy when it emerged the winner had lied on her application form in order to enter. Backstage contestants readied themselves for what appeared to be a wedding dress showcase The pageant hopefuls carefully selected the best shoes to go with their white gowns before taking to the stage for another round of the Miss Ukraine Plus Size competition in Kiev Despite going head-to-head for the title, beauty queens were still happy to help each other backstage. One woman kindly helped her fellow competitor tie her nude heels With the backstage preparations complete, the women took to the stage in a stunning array of white gowns. The lacy, embroidered numbers appeared to be wedding dresses Veronkia Didusenko, 23, took home the crown in Kiev last month but was later disqualified when organisers discovered she had lied about her personal life on her application form. The beauty queen has a four-year-old son with her ex-husband but competition rules ban mothers or women who have been married from entry. In a statement Miss Ukraine officials explained Miss Didusenko had broken the rules and was no longer eligible to hold the title. Later the women showed off their natural flair for fashion in cocktail frocks and jumpsuits. Pictured, three of the contestants top up their make-up before heading back out to compete A handful of the 22 contestants take a seat in the dressing room backstage as they prepare for the next round of the competition. Flattering wrap dresses were the order of the day for many A moses basket that has been in the same family for four generations has now been slept in by nearly 40 newborns - and travelled 4,000 miles around the UK in the process. The wicker crib was originally a second-hand donation to new mum Emma Hart in 1953 when money was tight in post-war Britain. It has since been passed between relatives as far afield as Edinburgh in Scotland and Portsmouth on the south coast of England. The cradle - which has held 17 girls and 19 boys, including a set of twin boys - remains in perfect condition despite never being repaired or having had anything more than a wipe-down. Christine Teal, 65, from Leeds, is the daughter of Emma Hart and her husband Amrose and the first baby to use the basket, she says it has 'created a great bond and keep us connected to each other - regardless of how far apart we are'. Since Christine herself was swaddled in the basket as a baby, it has been passed between relatives across the UK from Scotland to Portsmouth on the south coast of England, and is now a bed for little Willow Abbiss, who was born in August this year. Despite being used by four different generations of the same family, the crib has stayed in immaculate condition and has never been painted or broken The baby in the basket at the moment is Willow Abbiss, Christine's granddaughter (and great-great-great granddaughter of the basket's original parents, Emma and Ambrose) Emma Hart, pictured left in her youth and right in 1990, was given a second-hand moses basket in 1993. That same crib has now nurtured 17 girls and 19 boys and travelled 4,000 miles across the UK As a baby Christine snoozed in the basket after her mum Emma was given it when she returned to the family's home town of South Queensferry, near Edinburgh, from St Helen's in Merseyside Christine said:'I have an older brother and sister and I suppose my parents thought their family was complete, so when they moved back to Scotland they didn't take much. 'When my mum was pregnant with me she had to start from scratch so pretty much everything was donated. 'My mum then held on to everything and it was used for my two younger sisters, Dorothy and Pauline.' From there the Moses basket was used by the next generation, when it was handed to Christine's elder siblings, Keith and Florence, to be used for the six children they had between them. By this time the basket had began its move to England after Christine met her Yorkshire husband while he was based in Rosyth, Scotland, with the Navy. When he moved to Portsmouth with the Navy, Christine went to live with his family in Leeds. Three of Emma's children, Christine Teal, Dorothy and Pauline were all kept in the basket. Then Christine used the basket for her own children, Julie (pictured in 1971) and Jamie The basket travelled from South Queensferry, near Edinburgh, to various places in England including Leeds and Portsmouth. Pictured: Steven Hart in 1984 (left) and Jordan Berry in 1992 It took until the third generation of babies using the crib until the idea of it being a real family heirloom kicked in. Pictured: Bradley Hodgson in 1998 It was then used by Christine's own children, Julie and Jamie, and her younger sisters' children. Christine said: 'At this point we weren't even thinking it was a family heirloom, it was just another pregnancy in the family and saying, "oooh, we've got the Moses basket you can have."' Before long the crib was being used by a third generation and the idea of it being a real family heirloom kicked in. Christine said: 'By the third generation of babies, it then became a requirement that any babies in our lineage had to be in the basket - it was a lovely thing we were doing. 'We have a little book now where each and every baby is detailed. 'We now make sure that every baby is photographed in the basket - before then we didn't bother with photos as much. 'Yes, we have pictures of each baby, but they're not always in the basket, you have to remember that babies are in the basket for a relatively short amount of time.' As the crib was being passed forwards and backwards to England, each careful owner might add their own extra touch of making their own or buying pretty bedding. Pictured: Christine Teal, the first baby to use the crib, with the basket's current occupant, her granddaughter Willow Christine said: 'We have a little book now where each and every baby is detailed. We now make sure that every baby is photographed in the basket - before then we didn't bother with photos as much.' Pictured: Twins Kieran and Joshua Hodgson in 2000, and Lewis Hart in 2003 As the crib was being passed forwards and backwards to England, each careful owner might add their own extra touch of making their own or buying pretty bedding. Pictured: Jodie Hodgson in 2004 For that reason the crib has always stayed in immaculate condition. 'Nobody has ever painted it or broken it. We all treat the moses with the utmost respect. It is now precious to us,' said Christine. 'This has unintentionally become a family tradition originating from our mum. 'Mum and Dad both died over 20 years ago now, but I think my mum would be immensely proud of what we are doing. 'The basket has created a great bond and keeps us connected to each other, regardless of how far apart we are.' Only two of babies in the family have not slept in the basket because they were born at the same time as other babies already in it. The first fourth generation baby was baby Quinn Simpson, who was born in October last year in Portsmouth. He is is the great-great grandson of Keith, Christine's brother. Willow's mother Leanne Abbiss, pictured, said: 'I feel honoured to be able to pass on this wonderful family tradition and it is a lovely way for us all to be connected to each other, to know that we are all part of this family and that we are all included' Only two of babies in the family have not slept in the basket because they were born at the same time as other babies already in it. Pictured: Leo West in 2013 (left), and Poppy Abbiss in 2014 Christine added: 'Mum and Dad both died over 20 years ago now, but I think my mum would be immensely proud of what we are doing. The basket has created a great bond and keeps us connected to each other, regardless of how far apart we are.' Pictured: Quinn Simpson in 2017, the first of the fourth generation of babies to lie in the crib He would be the great-great-great grandson of original parents, Emma and Ambrose. The baby in the basket at the moment is Willow Abbiss, Christine's granddaughter, and lives in Leeds. Her parents are glazier Paul, Christine's son, and Leanne. His four daughters have all been in the basket. Hairdresser Leanne, 36, said: 'At first I thought it a little odd when I was told I had to have an old family heirloom for the girls, but it is actually really lovely. 'I feel honoured to be able to pass on this wonderful family tradition and it is a lovely way for us all to be connected to each other, to know that we are all part of this family and that we are all included. 'The way that this tradition is going I'm thinking the Moses basket will still be in the family to be used by our daughters.' Queen Letizia of Spain brought her signature sartorial flair to a chic business look when she attended an air pollution conference in Geneva. The Spanish royal, 45, teamed a thick grey skirt suit with a pair of thigh-high leather boots as she joined world leaders at the World Health Organisation's headquarters on Tuesday. She finished off the look with a classic white shirt and wrapped up in a black and white coat when it became chilly. Scroll down for video Queen Letizia of Spain brought her signature sartorial flair to a chic business look when she attended an air pollution conference in Geneva on Tuesday, pictured The Spanish royal, 45, teamed a thick grey skirt suit with a pair of thigh-high leather boots as she joined world leaders at the World Health Organisation's headquarters on Tuesday. The mother-of-two added minimal jewellery with a pair of delicate diamond drop earrings. Wearing her hair in a sleek side parting, Letizia opted for natural make-up, making the most of her enviable bone structure. Later Letizia completed the look with a grey tweed wool trench coat and leather black clutch to match her boots. After attending the conference, Letizia was seen speaking to Samira Bawumia, the second lady of the Republic of Ghana. The Spanish royal wrapped up in a figure flattering textured black and white coat. She carried some of her essential notes and information in a black leather fold over clutch bag, pictured Later on the royal spoke to Tedros Adhanom , Director General of the World Health Organization, and Maria Neira, WHO Director for Public Health, Environmental and Social Determinants The royal also spoke to Tedros Adhanom, Director General of the World Health Organization, and Maria Neira, WHO Director for Public Health, Environmental and Social Determinants. The three-day conference aims to form a plan to improve air quality and combat climate change. According to organisation WHO, the conference will feature a 'Call for Urgent Action', with agreement on a target for reducing the 7 million deaths a year due to air pollution by 2030, as a contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Countries, urban mayors, and civil society will be invited to make commitments to the global advocacy campaign to reduce climate emissions. Queen Letizia was among the world leaders attending the three-day WHO conference, which aims to form a plan to improve air quality and combat climate change Queen Letizia looked ready for business in a charcoal grey skirt suit and classic white top The royal drew attention from fellow attendees as she took her room in the conference room at the World Health Organisation headquarters in Geneva Queen Letizia is mother to Princesses Leonor, 12, and Sofia, 11, with husband King Felipe, 50, who ascended to the Spanish throne in 2014. Letizia married King Felipe ten years ago at Cathedral Santa Maria la Real de la Almudena in Madrid. The relationship began in November 2002 and in 2003, just months after she had been promoted to the position of anchor on the national news channel, she quit her job and days later the royal engagement was announced. The mother-of-two added minimal jewellery with a pair of delicate diamond drop earrings Queen Letizia was seen speaking to Ghanaian politician Samira Bawumia. She is married to the Vice President of Ghana, Mahamudu Bawumia Letizia is the granddaughter of a taxi driver and the eldest daughter of Jesus Jose Ortiz Alvarez, a journalist, and first wife Maria de la Paloma Rocasolano Rodriguez, a nurse and hospital union representative. She attended public high school and did a degree at the Complutense University of Madrid. She later gained an MA in Audiovisual Journalism at the Institute for Studies in Audiovisual Journalism. King Felipe ascended the throne following the abdication of his father King Juan Carlos in 2014. Presenter Carol Vorderman, 57, has revealed she stays in her Cambridge pied-a-terre after hitting bars in the town with her twentysomething daughter. The former Countdown co-host - who is mother to Katie, 27, and her brother Cameron, 21, with her ex-husband Patrick King - told how she recently spent a night out with her daughter and three Cambridge scientists who 'were teaching me how to do the floss dance'. The TV star told Woman Magazine that her fellow's flat at Cambridge University' Trinity College is 'kind of where I live', adding: 'I do get to see my daughter Katie lots now, it's fantastic.' Katie is studying for a PhD in nanotechnology at her mother's alma mater. Single Carol said in the interview that spending more time with her daughter is part of the reason her fifties are proving to be among the happiest periods of her life, adding that she wakes up 'every day with a big smile on my face'. Carol Vorderman, 57, seen with her daughter Katie in June 2018, revealed she frequently stays at her pied-a-terre in Cambridge - where Katie is doing a PhD in nanotechnology - and the two women hit the town together 'I like living at the age I am now,' she said in the interview, recalling how in the days when her career was as busy as the likes of Holly Willoughby's now, 'I was obviously earning a lot of money - and that's great. 'But it was almost like I was just ticking off a list,' she said. Now Carol is ticking off a list of a different kind, having taken up flying, boosted her charity efforts - she now spends around 40 days a year volunteering - and setting herself a new life goal; a trip into space. 'I'm trying to persuade my friends who are building the first commercial space station to go up in 2022... I keep saying, "I'll buy you dinner if I can go into space,"' Carol said. Close bond: She said in an interview with Woman Magazine that she'd recently enjoyed a night out in a bar with Katie and three Cambridge scientists, who showed her to 'do the floss dance' WHAT IS FLOSSING? Backpack Kid did it first - now Carol Vorderman is doing it In May 2017 a stern-faced child known as Backpack Kid flossed his way to fame after appearing on Saturday Night Live alongside Katy Perry as she sang her hit Swish Swish. His signature dance became an instant sensation, and Russell now has 2.2million Instagram followers. A step-by-step guide to flossing: Stand with slightly bent knees Clench your hands into fists Relax your arms at either side of your body Swing them left to right around your torso while moving your hips in the opposite direction Accelerate and occasionally bend your knees to add a touch of flair Advertisement Recently the TV star, 57, spoke to the Mirror about being single and admitted she thinks that finding one person to spend the rest of your life with is 'tat'. Former I'm A Celebrity star Carol confessed she 'gets over people easily' and doesn't see dating as a 'priority'. Carol admitted that she takes a very 'realistic' approach when it comes to love - having been married twice before. She likened finding the love of your life to a fairytale from 'Disney' and claimed she had 'rarely' met a couple who have been together for more than a decade and still consider themselves to be happy. Carol married her first husband Christopher Mather in 1985, they were married for a year before splitting in 1986. Four years later, Carol wed her second husband Patrick King - the father of her two children. She and Patrick were married for 10 years, but separated in 2000. The former Countdown star then moved on with ex-beau Des Kelly, who she dated for five years before confirming their split in 2007. Carol went on to find love with pilot Graham Duff, who was 14 years her junior, but has remained single since they parted ways two years ago in 2016. The veteran TV presenter said she's as happy as can be in her 50s, and next on her bucket list is a trip into outer space Ice cream maker Ben & Jerry's has taken a stand against the Trump administration by rebranding one of its flavors under the name Pecan Resist. The company and its founders unveiled the limited batch of ice cream on Tuesday in Washington, D.C. ahead of the midterm elections, revealing that the move was sparked by what the company considers to be a 'regressive agenda' by President Donald Trump. 'Our goal is to use our company's voice, our ice cream, and our activism to encourage all Americans to support and help build the movements spearheading the resistance to President Trump's regressive agenda,' Ben & Jerry's CEO Matthew McCarthy said in a statement. Politically motivated: Ben & Jerry's launched a limited edition ice cream flavor entitled Pecan Resist ahead of the midterm elections next week He continued: 'We think it's more important than ever that citizens and businesses alike stand up and be counted.' As part of the campaign, Ben & Jerry's is giving $25,000 to four activist entities: Color of Change, Honor the Earth, Women's March and multi-media platform Neta. 'We couldn't be prouder or more excited to support these four organizations that are doing incredible work every day,' Matthew said. The decision to launch the limited edition ice cream flavor was because the company said 'it cannot be silent in the face of policies that attack and attempt to roll back decades of progress on racial and gender equity, climate change, LGBTQ rights, and refugee and immigrant rights.' Women's March a women-led organization that launched in response to the presidential election in 2016 shares similar priorities to Ben & Jerry's by uplifting political and social change. Priorities: Ben & Jerry's said it's taking a stand against what it calls the Trump administration's regressive policies with the ice cream flavor Unimpressed: In collaboration with the launch, Ben & Jerry's is giving $25,000 for four organizations : Color of Change, Honor the Earth, Women's March and Neta 'Women's social and political activism have the power to shape the future of this country, and today, Ben & Jerry's is joining us in this culture shift,' Linda Sarsour, board member of Women's March, said in a statement about the release of the ice cream flavor. 'We will continue to mobilize our communities in the fight to protect our basic rights, to ensure women, femmes, and allies have a voice in our democracy and do everything we can to bring the power of our movement to the polls.' Pecan Resist features a colorful graphic and pint design developed by artist and activist Favianna Rodriguez, 40. The San Francisco, California, -based artist often focuses her work around issues such as immigration, economic inequality, gender justice, and climate change. 'As an artist, I know well the power of culture and I recognize when a business is using its platform to push for love, justice, and a green planet,' Favianna said. 'Let's declare our resistance, march in the streets, and elect a new generation of change makers.' Trend: The company previously launched other limited edition ice cream flavors, including Hubby Hubby to celebrate same-sex marriage and Empower Mint to promote voters rights Activists: The company also launched Food Fight Fudge Brownie in 2014 to support GMO labeling. It later transitioned into using all non-GMO ingredients in the products Pecan Resist, previously known as the New York Super Fudge Chunk, is chocolate ice cream with white and dark fudge chunks, pecans, walnuts and fudge-covered almonds. The new activist-inspired flavor is not the first time the Vermont-based creamery decided to take action through a sweet treat. When same-sex marriage became legal in Vermont in 2009, the company celebrated by transforming its Chubby Hubby to Hubby Hubby for a brief period. Chocolate Fudge Brownie also temporarily became 'Food Fight Fudge Brownie' to support GMO labeling in 2014. This later inspired the company to complete its transformation in 2015 to using entirely non-GMO ingredients. In 2016, EmpowerMint was launched to promote voting rights for citizens. Recently, brands co-founders, Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, also sponsored a political protest where it encouraged consumers to place a designed stamp on money to protest 'big money' fueling political campaigns. It is unclear how long Ben & Jerry's plans to keep Pecan Resist on store shelves for the company's latest activism-fueled product. The Duchess of Sussex has been through a dizzying 33 outfit changes since her first major royal tour began on 15th October. She's showcased a wide range of looks from casual jeans and wellies for to smart tuxedo dresses and a breathtaking Oscar De La Renta ballgown. But as the royal tour draws to an end, which ensembles have secured Meghan's status as a fashion icon, and what ones should never have made it into the suitcase. Celebrity stylist and designer Lucas Armitage has analysed Meghan's every look from top to toe for Femail to give his verdict on the hits and misses - but which looks are your favourites? Just hours after touching down in Australia on Friday, Meghan changed into a stunning Oscar de la Renta designer gown - teamed with her Aquazzura Deneuve Bow Pumps - to attend the Australian Geographic Society Gala Awards at the Shanghai-La hotel HIT: Oscar de la Renta gown The 10K tulle gown Meghan wore to the Australian Geographic Society Gala Awards at the Shanghai-La hotel on Friday 26th October was branded the standout look of the tour by royal fans. And not surprisingly, Lucas agrees that it's one of Meghan's best looks to date. 'Oscar de la Renta is a fashion house that encapsulates the princes moment for most women,' he said. 'Here Meghan give us the fashion equivalent of a Disney movie looking every inch the royal she is. The dress is the perfect balance of traction and modernity with the dynamic monochrome bird print giving an unconventional vibe to an otherwise stunningly classic gown.' MISS: Martin Grant Striped Cotton Dress Meghan wore a striped dress by Australian designer Martin Grant and the Manolo Blahnik BB heels she wore at Prince Louis' christening for an official meeting with the Prime Minister of Tonga on 26th October. 'Im sadly not a fan of this Martin Grant dress. It comes off as being slightly fancy dress and doesnt feel like a 2018 play on Victorian chic, but a more like a recreation of a period piece,' Lucas explained. 'The green and cream colour combo isnt very chic and the whole vibe isnt what Id expect from Meghan.' The Duchess met with the Prime Minister of Tonga, S. Akilisi Pohiva, with Harry in Nuku'alofa on 26th October, wearing a cream and green striped dress by Australian designer Martin Grant HIT: Reformation Pineapple dress Meghan added a subtly racy edge to her royal wardrobe in a striped Reformation dress for a visit to Fraser Island on 22nd October, teamed with strappy sandals. 'Meghan shows she can do well put together looks pretty much every time she is seen in public so this effortless vibe is refreshing as it is cool,' Lucas explained. 'The reformation dress is so perfect for a stroll around the Bay and the belted detail gives her the ideal silhouette for the early evening sunshine.' The Duchess of Sussex stepped out in one of her most daring ensembles yet when she sported a thigh-flashing Reformation 'Pineapple' dress on 22nd October for a visit to Fraser Island MISS: Martin Grant trench coat with Rothy's flats For a visit to South Melbourne Beach on 18th October, Meghan made a rare appearance in flat shoes by eco-friendly brand Rothy's. For the outing, she wore a beige Martin Grant trench coat over a plain black dress from Club Monaco, but it seems the length of her outerwear let the whole outfit down. 'Im not adverse to flats like many other stylists can be. I love the Rothys flats and the eco message they give out as they are created from recycled plastic bottles,' Lucas said. 'For me the fashion sin here is the trench finishing so much lower than the hem of the dress. I would have taken the hem of the trench to finish where the dress does to elongate Meghan. 'All the different finishing points distract from Meghan's amazing legs and it would have given this look a much cleaner modern aesthetic. ' Meghan wore a Club Monaco dress, Martin Grant trench and flats to take a stroll along South Melbourne Beach. The shoes, from eco-friendly label Rothy's, are made from recycled bottles once destined for landfill and cost 110 HIT: Altazzura blazer with skinny jeans For the Invictus Games Driving Challenge in Sydney on 20th October, Meghan nailed casual chic in black skinny Mother jeans and a crisp white blazer from Aquazzura teamed with her favourite heels from the same brand. 'This is an ensemble every woman should have in her wardrobe the aquazzura shoes are Meghans go to black courts and add a twist to this classic and chic look,' Lucas explained. 'The skinny jeans and a silky black blouse are items most women will already have, so update them with a white blazer for a chic look just like Meghan.' According to celebrity stylist Lucas Armitage, the Aquazzura white blazer and skinny jeans combo Meghan wore to Driving Challenge is an ensemble every woman should have in her wardrobe MISS: Jason Wu dress For her departure from Fiji on 25th October, Meghan wore one of the more expensive items of the royal tour in the form of a 2,229 Jason Wu midi dress in forest green. 'Im usually a huge fan Jason Wu fan, but for me this dress doesnt flatter Meghan,' Lucas said. 'The raglan sleeve detail adds unnecessary bulk, I would have possibly preferred it if it was cut above the knee which would have felt younger and fresher.' The 2,229 Jason Wu midi dress Meghan wore for her departure from Fiji on 25th October added unnecessary bulk to her frame, while a shorter cut may have improved the silhouette HIT: Dion Lee dress Meghan looked elegant in a 'folded sail' dress from Australian label Dion Lee for a visit to Melbourne's Government House on 18th October. 'It has been great to see Meghan wear some Australian designers and this royal blue Dion Lee dress ticks so many style boxes for me,' Lucas said. 'The colour is so chic and makes a bold departure from navy, the asymmetry and structure give a classic midi shape some edge. A huge thumbs up from me.' Meghan started off the day at Melbourne's Government House on 18th October wearing an elegant 'folded sail' dress from Australian label Dion Lee with Manolo Blahnik BB navy stilettos MISS: Figue Frederica dress Meghan finally embraced colour and pattern in a kaftan-style red and blue Figue Frederica dress with a pom pom tie for a visit to a local market in Suva on 24th October. She teamed the eye-catching number with espadrille wedges, which let the outfit down for Lucas. 'I dont hate this on a huge scale, but for me wedges are an clunky and ugly shoe choice on anyone,' he explained. 'I understand the comfort they offer but I much prefer the sleeker stiletto shoes we are used to seeing Meghan rock. The pompom on the printed dress is a detail Id have preferred not to be there.' Meghan paired a blue and red patterned dress by Figue Frederica with espadrille wedges for a visit to a local market in Suva on 24th October HIT: Emilia Wickstead dress For the opening of the ANZAC War Memorial, at Sydney's Hyde Park on 20th October, Meghan showed off sombre style in an Emilia Wickstead 'Camilla' wool crepe dress. She teamed the ensemble with a Philip Treacy hat and Tabitha Simmons 'Millie' shoes. 'A more sober occasion sees Meghan style up her trusted Aquazzura courts with a classic black shirt dress with contrast buttons,' Lucas said. 'The fluted sleeve detail is stunning and the jaunty fascinator adds a finishing touch of elegance.' Meghan in a 1,595 Emilia Wickstead wool crepe dress and a Philip Treacy hat for the official opening of the ANZAC memorial, Hyde Park, Sydney on 20th October MISS: Karen Walker blazer and wellies The Duchess of Sussex donned a blazer by New Zealand designer, Karen Walker, which she paired with J. Crew Toothpick jeans and wellington boots by Muck as she arrived arrived to dedicate a 20-hectare area of native bush to The Queen's Commonwealth Canopy in Auckland. While there's certainly nothing wrong with wellies, it's the combination with an otherwise polished ensemble that jars. 'Im all for practical dressing, but whoever thought waterproof boots and a business like blazer would be a perfect pairing?' Lucas said 'This is a disjointed look. I would have loved to see her go full on casual chic her in a stylish parka and fine knit.' The Duchess of Sussex donned a Karen Walker blazer and J. Crew Toothpick jeans with her wellingtons for the Unveiling of The Queen's Commonwealth Canopy, but Lucas said the outfit was too mismatched to work HIT: Antonio Berardi tuxedo dress For the Invictus Games closing ceremony on 27th October, Meghan wore an Antonio Berardi tuxedo dress which is believed to cost around 1,500, paired with Aquazzura 'Casablanca' pumps. 'I love to see Meghan in tailoring and no more so than this Antonio Beradi peak lapel tux dress,' Lucas explained. 'The cut away halter neck gives this staple dress a cool and interesting update. Pairing with a beige shoe also offers more interest.' For the Invictus Games closing ceremony, Meghan wore an Antonio Berardi tuxedo dress which is believed to cost around 1,500, paired with Aquazzura 'Casablanca' pumps and jewellery from new favourite Pippa Small MISS: Self Portrait dress Meghan chose a 380 Self Portrait dress, teamed with Manolo Blahnik pumps for her arrival in Fua'amotu Airport, Tonga. However, she experienced a rare fashion faux pas by leaving the returns label flapping from the bottom of her dress. 'Whilst I do love the belt detail and the tonal lace detail on the Self Portrait midi dress sadly leaving the tag hanging of the gem is a fashion faux pas I cant overlook,' Lucas said. Tiffany Trump shared a sweet Instagram post featuring pictures of herself posed with her mother, Marla Maples, in honor of her mom's 55th birthday this week. However, the 25-year-old first daughter was a bit late with her message this year. While Marla turned 55 on Saturday, October 27, Tiffany waited until Monday to wish her mom a happy birthday on social media. 'I love you @itsmarlamaples,' she captioned the series of images. 'May all of your birthday wishes come true!' Memories: Tiffany Trump, 25, took to Instagram on Monday to share throwback photos of herself with her mother, Marla Maples, in honor of her 55th birthday Mother-daughter duo: Many of the images Tiffany shared were taken during their trip to Italy in 2017. They are pictured posing inside the Parco dei Principi Grand Hotel & Spa in Rome The student, who is in her second year of law school at Georgetown University, may have been late with her post because she was busy with her studies. Marla was also away, vacationing in Malta, around the time of her birthday. Almost all of the images that Tiffany chose to share were taken within the past few years, including some shots from their mother-daughter trip to Italy in 2017. The first photo shows Tiffany and Marla posed in front of a gate overlooking the deep blue sea below them. The image appears to have been taken on one of the Italian islands they visited during their trip, which included stops in Capri, Elba, and Ponza. Tiffany has on a belted strapless romper and eye-catching blue iridescent sneakers, while Marla is wearing an aquamarine ruffled cold-shoulder top, white jeans, and gold T-strap sandals. In the next image, they are posing inside the Parco dei Principi Grand Hotel & Spa in Rome during their lavish vacation. Better late than never! Marla's birthday was on Saturday, October 27, but Tiffany was a few days late with her Instagram post Throwback: Tiffany also shared a childhood photo of her mom helping her blow out the candles on her boat-shaped cake during her Titanic-themed birthday party With love: 'I love you @itsmarlamaples,' she captioned the pictures. 'May all of your birthday wishes come true!' Marla looks youthful in a blue and white patterned dress paired with gray stilettos, while Tiffany has on a more sultry ensemble. The first daughter is pictured wearing an off-the-shoulder black dress featuring embroidered roses and a ruffled lace hem. Her waist is cinched with a black belt with a silver buckle. Another image from the trip shows them posing on the balcony of their hotel in Rome, which has sweeping views of the city. Tiffany also shared a childhood photo of her mom helping her blow out the candles on her boat-shaped cake during her Titanic-themed birthday party when she was about four or five years old. The law school student turned 25 earlier this month on October 13, exactly two weeks before her mother's birthday. Celebrating her own way: Marla was vacationing in Malta around the time of her birthday Looking back: Marla wished Tiffany a happy 25th birthday on October 13 by posting a touching throwback photo on Instagram Quick fix: In her haste to post the birthday message, Marla accidentally tagged the wrong Tiffany at first, giving a @TiffanyATrump a shoutout instead. She later amended the caption Marla, who is Donald Trump's second ex-wife, celebrated her only child's big day by posting a gushing tribute to her on Instagram. The proud mom shared a black and white photo of herself holding Tiffany when she was a baby, writing: 'On this day, 25 years ago, 12:50 PM in West Palm Beach, FL our beautiful daughter @TiffanyTrump was born. You are a blessed gift to this world and my life my girl ... keep shining.' In her haste to post the birthday message, Marla accidentally tagged the wrong Tiffany at first, giving a @TiffanyATrump a shout out instead. She later amended the caption. It wasn't until several hours later on Saturday evening that the president got around to wishing Tiffany a happy birthday, despite having been active on Twitter throughout the day. 'Happy Birthday @TiffanyTrump, so proud of you!' Donald wrote in the caption of an Instagram photo of the pair from his birthday in June 2017. Dad: The president waited until the evening to post a happy birthday message, writing in the Instagram caption of a June 2017 photo: 'Happy Birthday @TiffanyTrump, so proud of you!' Sister, sister: Fellow first daughter Ivanka Trump, 37, wished Tiffany a 'happy, happy birthday' on Instagram Fellow first daughter Ivanka Trump, 37, also posted a late birthday message on Instagram, sharing a cute photo of herself kissing Tiffany on the cheek. A few days after her birthday, Tiffany took to Instagram to post three images from her party at her father's Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C. Tiffany picked a fitted black mini for her birthday, which had a dropped waist and a feathered skirt. She teamed it with a pair of black heels adorned with sparkly gems and wore her long blonde hair down around her shoulders. In one photo she posted on Instagram, she can be seen walking down a staircase at the hotel. In others, she smiles inside a suite, holding a unicorn-shaped balloon with another balloon behind her. Tiffany, who has been known to favor pictured-editing filters, appears to have applied them heavily for the snaps. In both of the color images, her face and body are blurred and unnaturally softened. She didn't provide much context for the photos, except for her date of birth written in the caption. It has been just a week since she revealed she is suffering from a rare and 'life-limiting' lung disease. But Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway looked in high spirits as she attended an awards ceremony with her husband Prince Haakon, also 45, on Tuesday evening. The 45-year-old royal was resplendent in a floor-sweeping floral gown as the couple walked the red carpet at an event celebrating The Nordic Council Literature Prize 2018 in Oslo. The Norwegian royal court revealed last week that Mette-Marit is suffering from the life-limiting condition chronic pulmonary fibrosis. The mother-of-three is thought to be in the early stages of the disease in which scar tissue forms in the lungs. Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway, 45, (pictured) looked in high spirits as she attended event celebrating The Nordic Council Literature Prize 2018 in Oslo on Tuesday Mette-Marit (right) donned a floor-sweeping floral gown for the glamorous event as she arrived with her husband Crown Prince Haakon (right), who looked dapper in a black suit Tonight she smiled for the cameras as she arrived with her husband of 17 years, who cut a dapper figure in a black suit. Mette-Marit's dress had an all over white daisy pattern and featured a frilled neckline and sheer sleeves. She wore her blonde locks curled around her shoulders and behind her ears, allowing her to flaunt a pair of dazzling diamond earrings. Mette-Marit carried a simple black clutch bag and sported a pair of black stilettos that complimented the colour of her monochrome dress. The Princess looked in high spirits and smiled for the cameras at the event (pictured) after last week it was revealed that she is suffering from rare lung disease chronic pulmonary fibrosis She carried a simple black clutch bag and donned a pair of black stilettos that complimented her monochrome dress perfectly. Pictured: The couple arriving at the event in Oslo WHAT IS IDIOPATHIC PULMONARY FIBROSIS? Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a condition in which the lungs become scarred and breathing becomes increasingly difficult. It's not clear what causes it, but it usually affects people around 70-75 years of age and is rare in people under 50. Several treatments can help reduce the rate at which IPF gets worse, but there's currently no treatment that can stop or reverse the scarring of the lungs. The symptoms of IPF tend to develop gradually and get slowly worse over time. Symptoms can include: shortness of breath a persistent dry cough tiredness loss of appetite and weight loss rounded and swollen fingertips (clubbed fingers) There is no cure and it's very difficult to predict how long someone with IPF will survive at the time of diagnosis. Regular monitoring over time can indicate whether it's getting worse quickly or slowly. Source: NHS Advertisement Tonight they attended a celebration in The Nordic Council Literature Prize, which is awarded to novels written in one of the languages spoken in Norway - Norwegian, Danish or Swedish - and is worth 350,000 Danish Kroner (41,874). The prize will be awarded this Thursday, November 1. Despite her diagnosis, Mette-Marit was still in high spirits at the glamorous event. A statement from the Royal Court released last week revealed the royal's diagnosis. It said: 'The Crown Princess has undergone extensive investigations related to her health and an unusual variant of fibrosis has been detected in the lungs, according to the Crown Princess's doctor, Professor Kristian Bjro at the National Hospital.' 'It is not yet clear whether the pulmonary disease is linked to a more extensive autoimmune disease process or if there are other causes that underlie the lung changes.' The princess is thought to be in the early stages of the disease in which scar tissue forms in the lungs. The disease can cause serious breathing problems and there is no known cure. She later released her own statement following the diagnosis where she spoke of her determination to carry on as normal. She said: 'Although such a diagnosis in times will limit my life, I'm glad that the disease has been discovered so early. The mother-of-three is thought to be in the early stages of the disease in which scar tissue forms in the lungs. Pictured: The couple are all smiles as they arrive at tonight's event After the news broke she released a statement of her own where she spoke of her determination to carry on as normal. Pictured: The couple smile for cameras on the red carpet in Oslo The Nordic Council Literature Prize is awarded to novels written in one of the languages spoken in Norway - Norwegian, Danish or Swedish - and is worth 350,000 Danish Kroner (41,874). Pictured: The couple mingle with guests at the event 'My goal is still to work and participate in the official programme as much as possible.' According to the NHS it is 'very difficult' to predict how long someone with the condition will survive. Regular monitoring over time can indicate whether it's getting worse quickly or slowly. Before treatments like pirfenidone and nintedanib about half of people with IPF lived at least three years from their diagnosis. Around 1 in 5 survived for more than five years. Mette-Marit is a particularly rare case as the disease normally occurs in people of the age 70-75 and is very rare for anyone under 50 to suffer from it. The foreign ministers of Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia held a trilateral meeting in Istanbul. Following the results of the meeting the sides have signed the Istanbul Declaration, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said. Elmar Mammadyarov of Azerbaijan, Mevlut Cavusoglu of Turkey, and David Zalkaliani of Georgia gave a press conference on the results of the meeting, AzerTAc reported. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu noted that they held fruitful discussions on the importance of the jointly-implemented economic projects, and other issues on the agenda. He expressed his countrys support for Azerbaijans and Georgias territorial integrity. Azerbaijani FM Elmar Mammadyarov congratulated his Turkish counterpart on the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Turkish Republic. He thanked the brotherly country for its fair stance on the settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Georgia's Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani hailed the organization of trilateral meetings in terms of further promoting cooperation between the countries. The diplomats noted that the meeting focused on the prospects for regional cooperation on common interests, strengthening of regional stability and security, as well as the implementation of decisions made in previous meetings. Meghan Markle's best friend Jessica Mulroney was seen enjoying a cigarette in New York City on Tuesday, just one day after she made her debut as Good Morning America's newest fashion contributor. Despite the relatively mild fall weather, the 38-year-old Canadian stylist was bundled up in a leather jacket with a fur collar, which she paired with baggy olive green pants and lace-up booties. Jessica was leaning against the building and scrolling through her cellphone during the smoke break. Smoke break: Jessica Mulroney was seen enjoying a cigarette in New York City on Tuesday Style star: Meghan Markle's stylist pal was wearing a leather jacket with a fur collar and gold hoop earrings She was so enamored with her phone that she let her cigarette burn down before flicking off the ash. At one point, she was seen squatting on the sidewalk while balancing her cigarette and her cellphone in her hands. Jessica's hair was pulled half up to show off her gold hoop earrings, the same pair that she wore on GMA they day before. Following her cigarette, the mother-of-three was seen checking out of her New York hotel with her bags in tow. The mom was likely returning home to Canada. She kept her cellphone in her hand and looped the straps of her black handbag over the handle of her shiny green carry-on suitcase. She's got this: Jessica leaned against the building as she balanced her cellphone and her cigarette in her hands On her way out: Following her cigarette, the mother-of-three was seen checking out of her New York hotel with her bags in tow Fashion girl: Jessica was named Good Morning America's new fashion contributor on Monday This week Good Morning America announced that Jessica, who attended the royal wedding and has styled Meghan for years, will come on the show periodically to 'bring viewers the latest fashion trends and styles'. Besties: Jessica and Meghan have been best friends for years, and she also serves as an unofficial stylist for the Duchess of Sussex She started the new gig on Monday morning with her debut segment on the show, gushing, 'I'm so happy to be here!' Jessica was introduced by Robin Roberts and came on to show how to create a six-piece capsule wardrobe. 'We are fed so much information when it comes to fashion. What we're supposed to buy, what's trendy, what we're supposed to get rid of,' she said. 'How do we figure out the key pieces we should have in our closet? 'So that's what a capsule collection is. It's finding those six pieces that you can mix and match, you can do day to night, you actually wear. They don't just hang in your closet.' Several models come out, showing how to wear these six pieces different ways. There was a pair of black pants, which were worn first with a red jacket and heels for a workday look, and second with a black turtleneck and duster coat for a more casual outfit. Welcome! The stylist made her debut on Monday's show and was introduced by Robin Roberts Big moment: In her first segment, she showed off six fashion pieces every woman should have for fall, which can each be worn different ways Jetset: Jessica and her husband Ben recently went to Australia to join Meghan and Harry for part of their royal tour The duster coat was then draped over a floral dress for a date night. She suggested picking patterns that are subdued, so you're more likely to rewear them and then showed that same floral dress worn with a chunky sweater draped on top. The sweater can also be worn with leather leggings for a sexy night out look, while those skintight leggings can be paired with a red blazer like the one the first model wore. Though being besties with Prince Harry's new wife certainly isn't hurting Jessica's career, the mother-of-three also has the professional styling chops to back up her new gig. While she served as an unofficial stylist for Meghan, she also styles Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's wife Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau. She recently tagged along for part of Meghan's royal tour with Harry, joining the royal couple in an 'unofficial' capacity meaning they were believed to have covered their own expenses during their time in Australia. Insiders have revealed the crafty tricks used by supermarkets to make customers spend more on their grocery shopping. In a fascinating thread shared on question and answer site Quora, food market workers revealed the ways in which shoppers are encouraged to part with their money. Ariel Dreyfus, a Business Administration student from South Carolina who analysed their behaviour, revealed stores will avoid placing clocks around the aisles, much like casinos, to avoid reminding customers of the time. Meanwhile, British assistant psychologist Aishah Hannan noted the lighting is brighter around the fruit and vegetable aisle to make them appear 'bright and healthy' and essentials such as milk are placed towards the back of the store. She also revealed that stores use music and colour to influence the mood, with slow music encouraging shoppers to relax their pace and yellow said to encourage hunger. Elsewhere, Kimberley Susan, a British social media worker for Instagram, confessed that Black Friday deals weren't as great as they appeared, explaining only the items that are coming to the end of their shelf life or not selling well will go on sale. Interestingly Kimberley also revealed that the pharmacy may take extra long to process your order to give you more time to browse around the store and pick up extra products. Bangladeshi expert Ranijitha Venkat also addressed shoppers being handed baskets or bags, a common practice in places such as Sephora or Claire's Accessories, explaining that it plays on your 'loss aversion bias', meaning you will feel more hesitant to part with products picked up. And even children aren't safe, with British product manager Anita Pyke arguing that placing children's seats in a large shopping trolley or even providing fun cars for kids is just another way to encourage parents to spend longer in the store and in turn spend more. In a thread shared to Quora which analysed supermarket's tricks to make customers spend more, British assistant psychologist Aishah Hannan revealed stores will avoid placing clocks around the aisles, much like casinos, to avoid reminding customers of the time Aishah also revealed that stores use music to influence the mood, with slow music encouraging shoppers to relax their pace She explained that stores use colour to grab shoppers' attention, with red used for sales, yellow said to encourage hunger and blue used to encourage trust Ariel Dreyfus, a Business Administration student from South Carolina, noted that the lighting is brighter around the fruit and vegetable aisle to make them appear 'bright and healthy' Kimberley Susan, a British social media worker for Instagram, confessed that Black Friday deals weren't as great as they appeared, explaining that only the items that are coming to the end of their shelf life go on sale British product manager Anita Pyke argued that placing children's seats in a large shopping trolley or even providing fun cars for kids is just another way to encourage parents to spend longer in the store and spend more British assistant psychologist Aishah Hannan explained that essential items like milk are always at the end of a store so customers are forced to walk past other food items to get them Aishah Hannan from England added that stores will always give at least 1p off the price so it looks like it's a pound cheaper in the thread of supermarket tricks Arun, Indian entrepreneur, argued that the reason Ikea make their stores so hard to navigate, is so that shoppers are encouraged to throw random purchases into their trolley to avoid the tricky task of retracing their footsteps Aishah Hannan, a Business Administration student from South Carolina went on to reveal that grocery stores will place the sweets at eye level for children whereas the dark chocolate will be in an adult's eyeline Kimberley Susan, a British social media worker for Instagram, agreed with the 'no clocks' theory, explaining that stores hope you will lose track of the time and spend more Interestingly Kimberley also revealed that the pharmacy may take extra long to process your order to give you more time to browse around the store and pick up extra products The social media worker also added that stores will adapt music according to the atmosphere, playing slower music if the shop is empty and there is more time to browse Ariel Dreyfus, a Business Administration student from South Carolina, revealed that stores will always be happy to give you store credit to lure you back to potentially spend more money Ariel also addressed the magazines and sweets often displayed by the tills, revealing that companies pay extra money for this prime spot, where shoppers make last minute impulse buys Indian retail expert Dayne Fernandes argued that the essentials are scattered everywhere to force customers to see as much as possible, and free samples are only there to make you spend extra cash Bangladeshi expert Ranijitha Venkat explained that stores often place items next to high cost stock to make it appear as though you're getting a better deal Ranijitha also addressed shoppers being handed baskets or bags, which often happens in places like Sephora or Claire's accessories, explaining that it plays on your 'loss aversion bias', meaning you will feel more hesitant to part with products picked up A sling made from donated skin is being used to help patients who suffer from chronic shoulder pain. The patch, inserted via a small incision, goes around torn rotator cuffs a group of four muscles and tendons which surround the shoulder joint to create a scaffold around which healthy tissue can grow to repair the tear. New research shows the treatment can repair the damage and more than halve symptoms of the condition, which affects around one in five people in the UK. The rotator cuff secures the upper arm bone firmly inside the shoulder socket. The tendons help keep the shoulder stabilised while enabling the arms to be rotated. Helping hand: New research shows the treatment can repair the damage and more than halve symptoms of the condition, which affects around one in five people in the UK Common rotator cuff injuries include tendonitis where tendons become inflamed through overuse and bursitis, where a fluid-filled pad that cushions the tendons becomes inflamed. With most rotator cuff tears, a tendon is torn away from the bone. In many cases, torn tendons begin by fraying, and may then completely tear, often after lifting a heavy object. Part of the shoulder blade can rub against soft tissue, causing pain raising an arm above the head can even become impossible. You can be more at risk if your job involves lifting or if you play a sport involving repetitive shoulder movements, such as swimming. Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis can also raise the risk. A study by Germanys Saarland University found 13 per cent of those in their 50s have evidence of tears. This rises to 20 per cent in their 60s, 31 per cent in their 70s, and 51 per cent in their 80s. Initial treatment can include physiotherapy and anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain. But in some cases surgery remains the only option. This usually involves debridement, where any inflamed or loose tissue and bone spurs are removed. Then the torn tendon is sewn back on to the bone. But often the tear is too large and the joint too stiff, and the tendon cannot be stretched back to the bone, making repair difficult or impossible. With ageing, tendons and muscles can also deteriorate, making them unsuitable for stretching and stitching. Do you suffer? A study by Germanys Saarland University found 13 per cent of those in their 50s have evidence of tears in their shoulders The new treatment, known as the GraftJacket, reinforces the tissue and prevents future tears. It is made from human skin that has been processed to remove all the cells to prevent rejection. It is stitched into place over the tear, and the patients own tissue then grows to repair the injury, forming a stronger rotator cuff. The manufacturer is also testing it as a treatment for Achilles tendon repairs, as well as for use in hip and knee replacements. In a recent study at Hereford Hospital, 20 patients with rotator cuff tears were treated with the sling. Results showed symptoms improved significantly after 18 months. Furthermore, 85.7 per cent of the patients returned to work within four months, and 93.8 per cent were driving again after eight, according to the Journal Of Orthopaedics. Commenting on the approach, Roger Hackney, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Spire Leeds Hospital, said: The problem with human skin is that it can take time for the surrounding tissue to grow into it, which is needed for proper healing, and the results of microscopic examination can show adverse tissue reactions. This study looked at short-term results and it will be interesting to see longer-term outcomes. A new weight monitor on storage tanks for eggs and embryos could alert staff to malfunctions up to six weeks in advance. The innovation by Columbia University Fertility Center, announced today, could potentially prevent the agony that has struck thousands of couples who lost their hope of starting a family this year. In a horrifying, coincidental sequence of events in March, two fertility clinics - one in Ohio, one in San Francisco - lost more than 4,000 eggs and embryos. As is the norm in the US, those clinics used tanks which monitor heat: if the levels of liquid nitrogen start to deplete, and the contents start to thaw, an alarm goes off. However, it became clear this year that once the temperature rises notably, it may already be too late - and in the case of the tanks at University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio, the alarm somehow got turned off (though the reason remains unclear). Doctors at CUFC claim their scales, placed underneath the tanks, can circumvent that by detecting changes that precede temperature changes. All US clinics use tanks that monitor heat: as liquid nitrogen levels deplete, the temperature rises. New tanks made by Columbia University Fertility Center track drops in levels before the temperature goes up (file image) 'There can never be too many check points when you have something as precious as someone's future fertility frozen. It's an additional safeguard,' said Eric Forman, MD, HCLD, Medical and Lab Director at Columbia University Fertility Center. Liquid nitrogen is the bread and butter of egg and embryo storage. A typical storage tank holds between 22 to 100 liters of liquid nitrogen, which needs to be kept at a temperature of -196C. HOW ARE EGGS FROZEN? Egg freezing dates back to 1986 when the first pregnancy from a frozen egg was reported in the Lancet Journal. Collected eggs were preserved in cryogenic tanks after being frozen 'slowly' for many years. In the early 2000s, scientists began experimenting with an 'ultra-rapid' freezing technique called vitrification. Using this process, the temperature of an egg plummets thousands of degrees per minute, resulting in a glass-like cell structure that is stronger than other crystalline ice forms. They are then stored in cryogenic tanks, for up to 25 years. In preparation for having her eggs retrieved, a woman must undergo the first stage of an IVF cycle, which uses hormones to stimulate more eggs into maturity, then another set of hormones to trigger the eggs' release. Patients inject these drugs at home and are usually closely monitored by their doctors. There are many different forms of these hormone treatments, ranging in cost from about $800 to $6,000 per cycle, and six to 10 weeks in duration. Then, the eggs are surgically retrieved in a minimally-invasive procedure. Advertisement The temperature, volume, and weight of the liquid nitrogen in the tank are all essential, but temperature is usually the last one to go. Decreases in volume and weight precede the temperature rise. And they are easy to measure: 10 percent of total liquid nitrogen per tank equates to two to eight kilograms. Using a weight-based system that detects changes per hundred grams, Dr Forman says, will allow teams to detect abnormalities in the amount of nitrogen in the tank or the rate of nitrogen evaporation from the tank. That, in turn, can alert staff to potential tank failures with enough time to curb the situation. Dr Forman says the new method will help alleviate concerns of patients, who came to them with a flurry of questions after the scandals in Ohio and San Francisco. The big question, though, is: why didn't this exist in the first place? 'We had the same thought when we came up with the idea,' Dr Forman says. 'It's hard to know.' Most likely, he says, temperature was the best monitoring system when the tanks were first invented, and it didn't seem broke so it didn't need fixing. 'Maybe we have been focusing our attention on other areas of fertility and not on this,' he says. The first IVF baby was born exactly 40 years ago, but the last decade in particular has seen huge advances in fertility technology. These days, cryogenics (freezing) is even more ubiquitous than before; even couples undergoing IVF typically freeze their embryos before their transfer (instead of transferring 'fresh' straight away) to give the woman's body time to wind down from the hormone high needed for the extraction. But now, after the scandals in March, the industry is being forced to look back at a piece of the puzzle that seemed fixed, sorted and set. The University Hospitals Fertility Center has admitted 4,000 frozen eggs and embryos were damaged beyond repair, despite saying 2,000 when the scandal first emerged. Around 1,000 families received letters from the hospital informing them that they too lost their eggs, due to 'human error'. Initially, it was a group of 600. A wave of families filed lawsuits against the hospitals, seeking millions of dollars in damages. Some patients had their eggs stored for years if not decades. 'Every day, women and men come to us in the hopes of having a healthy baby now, or in the future,' said Zev Williams, MD, PhD, Chief of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Columbia University Fertility Center. 'Some people are struggling with infertility; some may be freezing embryos due to illnesses, like cancer, while other young women may be freezing their eggs for the future. 'In all cases, these eggs and embryos are their future and we are entrusted with this great responsibility. 'This is a perfect example of how Columbia University Fertility is continually innovating and developing novel approaches to make fertility treatment safer and more effective. 'We are excited to be modernizing cryogenic storage through the addition of our weight-based monitoring system so our patients have an added level of reassurance and security.' The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been criticized by its own advisers for being too slow to respond to the polio-like disease sweeping the US. Advisers to the federal agency say they feel 'frustrated' and 'disappointed' the CDC has been slow to guide pediatricians and emergency room doctors on how to treat the mysterious illness. At least 72 cases in 22 states of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) have been diagnosed this year. Around 90 percent of those struck down are children. Another 83 suspected cases of the condition, which is triggered by an infection and can cause sudden paralysis at random, are being investigated. 'Physicians are on the front line, and what we're seeing is really heartbreaking,' Dr Keith Van Haren, CDC adviser and assistant professor of neurology at the Stanford University School of Medicine, said. 'Children are healthy one day and really profoundly disabled the next. That's what frustrates and disappoints and saddens so many of us.' The CDC says it is investigating 155 cases of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), up from 127 last week. Of that number, 72 cases have been confirmed in 22 states, including five-year-old Elizabeth Storrie (pictured) from Willow Park, Texas Dr Keith Van Haren, CDC adviser and assistant professor of neurology at the Stanford University School of Medicine, said he is 'frustrated and disappointed and saddened' Speaking of the CDC's shortcoming in getting to the bottom of AFM's onset, Dr van Haren added: 'Frustrated and disappointed - I think that's exactly how most of us feel. 'This is the CDC's job. This is what they're supposed to do well.' At a press briefing earlier this month, CDC medic Dr Nancy Messonnier claimed the agency is working hard to identify the cause of the outbreaks. Dr Messonnier, director of CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, added the agency could be better at educating the public on AFM's symptoms, however. 'We're obviously not doing a good enough job because it's not getting to every place that we want it to, so we need to work harder,' she said. Since 2014, there has been 396 confirmed AFM cases, according to CDC statistics. However, critics have also accused the CDC of being slow to gather data on the disease. AFM affects the nervous system and most resembles the polio virus. Health officials have determined it is caused by a virus, but have been unable to pinpoint an exact cause. Orville Young, four (pictured), of Minnesota, was likely the earliest confirmed case in the state Medical advisers are appealing for AFM cases to be reported as standard to the CDC, which is required for many other illnesses. Dr Benjamin Greenberg, associate professor of neurology at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, told CNN medics cannot get to the bottom of the condition without knowing how many cases there are. The doctors believe the polio-causing enterovirus is likely to blame, however, they say the CDC has been slow to narrow in on that pathogen as the culprit. Focusing on the enterovirus, which causes AFM-like symptoms in mice, could help develop a treatment or vaccine, the medics add. 'The CDC really seems to be out of sync with the conclusions that most scientists are coming to. We feel like we're not being listened to,' Dr van Haren said. Dr Messonnier added, however, doctors are not finding the enterovirus in patients' spinal cords, which would be expected considering AFM's neurological symptoms. The CDC plans to meet next week with medical experts to discuss treatment considerations, she said. The CDC has confirmed 386 cases since an outbreak in Colorado in August 2014, almost all of them in children And doctors are not the only ones who have been critical of the CDC over its handling of AFM. Last Saturday, five families whose children have AFM gathered at the home of 10-year-old sufferer McKenzie Anderson in Albany, Oregon, to celebrate an early Halloween. McKenzie will be having surgery related to the disease on October 31. The youngster can only move her left hand and feet, and breathes through a ventilator. The five families talked about their disappointment in the CDC, which they think should do more to warn doctors in the emergency room about the signs of AFM. Six years after the first string of US cases, the parents of hundreds of sufferers claim emergency rooms are still sending children away despite them showing the signs of AFM, according to a Facebook support group. LeMay Axton, who is grandmother to four-year-old sufferer Cambria Tate, also wonders if the condition could have been avoided. Cambria became ill at just two years old and now gets around in a wheelchair. Ms Axton believes the CDC should be reaching out to hospitals telling them to look out for the tell-tale signs of weak limbs and a drooping face. The CDC has not reached out to hospitals directly about AFM but has contacted health departments and other agencies. This includes sending out an example letter to health departments that they could then pass on to healthcare providers about AFM's symptoms. The agency has also sent information about the devastating disease to more than 6,000 professionals at local, stare and federal agencies. This comes after the new director of the the CDC urged Americans not to fear AFM as he believes it is not transmissable from human-to-human. Dr Robert Redfield, who took the job in March, told CBS This Morning that AFM is the agency's top priority at the moment. And while he admitted they still have no idea what is driving the spike in cases, he is certain it is not caused by inter-personal contact. 'I've recently asked again to put together a task force to really try to look at where we're at, and what else could we do to try to solve this problem,' Dr Redfield said. 'The good news is that it doesn't appear to be transmissible from human to human. We don't see clustering in families.' Dr Robert Redfield (pictured) said acute flaccid myelitis is the CDC's priority right now. This year, 72 children in 22 states have been diagnosed with AFM which causes sudden paralysis He added: 'I do think that this is a new occurrence in the United States, the AFM. Our our suspicion is it's caused by a single agent. That's the dominant disease that we're confronting right now.' The average age of those affected is four years old and more than 90 percent of cases overall are in children under 18. The condition, which is caused by a viral infection, appears to start off as a common cold, before progressing to paralysis. Ominously, data show there seems to be a spike in cases every two years, which has also left the agency baffled. 'CDC's been working very hard on this, since 2014, to try to understand causation and etiology,' Dr Redfield said in the interview, which will be aired today. 'As we sit here today, we don't have understanding of the cause. 'We are, you know, continuing to strengthen our efforts, working in partnership with state and territorial health departments, and academic experts to try to figure this out.' The average age of those affected is four years and more than 90 percent of cases are in children aged 18 and younger. Among them is Julia Payne, two (pictured) from Chicago, Illinois WHAT IS ACUTE FLACCID MYELITIS? AFM is a rare, but serious condition that affects the nervous system. Specifically it attacks the area of the spinal cord called gray matter, which causes the body's muscles and reflexes to weaken. Symptoms often develop after a viral infection, such as enterovirus or West Nile virus, but often no clear cause is found. Patients start off having flu-like symptoms including sneezing and coughing. This slowly turns into muscle weakness, difficulty moving the eyes and then polio-like symptoms including facial drooping and difficulty swallowing. 'If [AFM affects gray matter] lower in the spinal cord [paralysis will] be more in the legs and if it's higher up, it'll be more in the arms,' Dr Fernando Acosta, a pediatric neurologist at Cook Children's Medical Center, in Fort Worth, Texas, told Daily Mail Online in an interview last week. 'Or if it's closer to the neck, they can't move head, neck and shoulders. We had one case of that and that was just awful.' In the most severe cases, respiratory failure can occur when the muscles that support breathing become weak. In rare cases, AFM can cause neurological complications that could lead to death. 'It's a pretty dramatic disease; children have a sudden onset of weakness,' said Dr Messonier. No specific treatment is available for AFM and interventions are generally recommended on a case-by-case basis. Children with weakness in their arms or legs may attend physical or occupational therapy. However, physicians admit they are unaware of the long-term outcomes for those with AFM. Advertisement WHO HAS BEEN AFFECTED BY AFM? The CDC does not track AFM in terms of its prevalence, but rather in outbreaks. The agency has confirmed 386 cases since an outbreak in Colorado in August 2014, almost all of them in children. The CDC confirmed 33 AFM cases in 2017, 149 cases in 2016, 22 cases in 2015, and 120 cases in August to December 2014. Of the 62 cases diagnosed this year, it known that 24 have been in three states: 10 in Illinois, eight in Texas and six in Minnesota. 'We have not been able to find the cause of the majority of AFM cases...and we're frustrated that we haven't been able to identify the cause of illness,' Dr Messonnier told reporters in a media call last week. The states Daily Mail Online is currently aware of with confirmed cases includes: Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas and Washington. A press officer for the CDC told Daily Mail Online last week that the agency would not be naming the additional states where cases have been confirmed due to 'privacy issues'. While the pattern of AFM most resembles an infectious disease, much remains unknown about the condition. Among the children infected is two-year-old Julia Payne from Chicago. She remained in the pediatric intensive care unit at Lurie Children's Hospital for weeks on a respirator and using a feeding tube because she was unable to swallow. She has since been discharged and transferred to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, a rehabilitation center where she will face several weeks of physical therapy to regain strength and movement. In Minnesota, four-year-old Orville Young was likely the earliest confirmed case in the state, according to the Star Tribune. Orville has been in physical therapy for the last month-and-a-half. His mobility and gait have not returned to normal, but his legs are mostly functional now. His right arm, thus far, is still paralyzed. Fortunately many make a full or nearly full recovery of their movement as did five-year-old Elizabeth Storrie of Willow Park, Texas. She spent a month at Cook Children's Hospital, in Fort Worth, on IV fluids and a feeding tube until her condition improved. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST POLIO? AFM has been called a polio-like illness due to its resemblance to the viral infection that impacted hundreds of thousands, particularly between the late 1940s and early 1950s. The CDC even states on its website that symptoms 'have been most similar to complications of infection with certain viruses, including poliovirus, non-polio enteroviruses, adenoviruses, and West Nile virus'. Poliovirus is not the cause of any of the cases, but some cases have been linked to the enteroviruses EV-A71 and EV-D68, both of which are distant relatives of polio. Some cases have also been linked to rhinovirus. 'I'm not old enough to have seen a case of polio during my time in practice, but my colleagues who have say [AFM] is similar to what they saw back then,' Dr Acosta said. 'Is this a variant? Potentially, but we don't know.' In 1957, the US government approved the polio vaccine. After a nationwide campaign to get children immunized began, the numbers began falling drastically and, in 1979, polio was declared to be eradicated in the US. This year, Afghanistan and Pakistan are the only two countries where cases of wild poliovirus have been confirmed - largely due to poor sanitation and low levels of vaccination coverage. However, global eradication is now at risk due to vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) in five countries in Africa this year. Health experts say that this could result in silent transmission of both polio and AFM, because both can lead to paralysis if left undetected. Anti-vaxxers have blamed childhood polio vaccines for the outbreak, despite physicians saying there is no evidence to suggest this is the case. 'There is no evidence vaccines are causing this,' said Dr Acosta. 'And if we identify the agent that is causing it, the next step would be to develop a vaccine. It's the same reason, we developed flu vaccines - to lessen the burden of disease. 'The reason why you see lower rates of polio, whooping cough and other diseases is because we have vaccines that have made them very rare.' Professor Roger Kneebone said students are less competent in using their hands Surgery students struggle to use their hands because they spent too much time in front of a screen growing up, a leading academic has warned. Professor Roger Kneebone, of Imperial College London, argued that students have become 'less competent and less confident' in using their hands. The professor of surgical education blamed this on youngsters watching TV, rather than sewing, learning woodwork or playing an instrument. Professor Kneebone has now called for students to have a more rounded education where they learn to use their hands, including creative subjects. 'We have students who have very high exam grades but lack tactile general knowledge,' he told the BBC. 'It is a concern of mine and my scientific colleagues that whereas in the past you could make the assumption that students would leave school able to do certain practical things - cutting things out, making things. That is no longer the case.' He added it is of utmost importance that surgeons have dexterity in their hands because of their need to stitch and sew. Professor Kneebone claimed, however, that he has seen a decline in the dexterity of students in just the past decade. 'A lot of things are reduced to swiping on a two-dimensional flat screen,' he told the BBC. In an interview on the BBC Radio 4s Today Programme, Professor Kneebone revealed students could learn from both magic and puppetry about performing. He added that he has been working with lace makers, looking at the skills of embroidery and sewing and how they could be applied to the world of surgery. Professor Kneebone claimed the skills really are transferable and said he is trying to get his students to learn from chefs, in terms of measurements and weighing ingredients. Professor Kneebone will speak today at the V&A Museum of Childhood in London to encourage for more creativity in the curriculum. He added that he has been working with lace makers, looking at the skills of embroidery and sewing and how they could be applied to the world of surgery A report supporting this is also being launched, published by the educational charity the Edge Foundation. Alice Barnard, chief executive of the charity, claimed Government policies fail to prioritise creative subjects. The way school performance is measured puts too much emphasis on core academic subjects at the expense of the arts, she added. Entries to creative subjects have fallen by 20 per cent since 2010, including a 57 per cent decline in DT at GCSE, the report claims. Tristram Hunt, director of the Victoria and Albert Museum, who will be speaking alongside Professor Kneebone, argued creative subjects are important for the development of a child's imagination, resilience and problem-solving skills. 'These are the skills which will enable young people to navigate the changing workplace of the future and stay ahead of the robots, not exam grades,' he said. This comes after it was revealed last month a new robot with flexible joints like a human will be used by the NHS next year to operate on patients. Known as Versius, it is a third of the size of robots already used by hospitals, such as the da Vinci Xi system. Experts say this should allow it to perform a wider range of delicate procedures via keyhole surgery, such as hernia repairs. Millions of at-risk patients have yet to get their flu jab this winter because of delivery problems to GP practices. Just 33.8 per cent of over-65s have been vaccinated, compared to 53.7 per cent this time last year, according to a Public Heath England national flu report. This is despite influenza putting elderly people - who get a free jab on the NHS - at risk of life-threatening complications, such as pneumonia. Vaccination rates among pregnant women, toddlers and at-risk young people are also worryingly low, PHE figures have shown. The British Medical Association said the drop in vaccine uptake is 'no surprise' given the delivery problems to GP practices. Graph shows the weekly flu vaccine uptake among those over 65, at-risk under 65s and pregnant women so far this season compared to last year. Jab uptake among the over 65s is at just 33.8 per cent compared to 53.7 per cent between October 1 and 21 in 2017 Ahead of this winter's flu outbreak, officials recommended over-65s are given a new trivalent vaccine, which protects against two A strains and one B strain. The aTIV injection, branded as Fluad, has been used by other European countries for the last 20 years. It costs 9.79 - more than the 8 quadrivalent jab. However, it is set to be delivered in a phased roll-out, with 40 per cent in September, 20 per cent in October and 40 per cent in November. Around 20 million at-risk people in England, including the elderly and the pregnant, receive a free flu jab on the NHS. At-risk people include those with conditions such as asthma, heart failure, chronic kidney disease and diabetes. 'It's no surprise there is a big drop in uptake so far,' BMA GP Committee Chair Dr Richard Vautrey told Pulse. Slightly fewer toddlers have been vaccinated against flu so far this season compared to last year. Rates among two-year-olds fell from 13.3 per cent in 2017/18 to 10.1 per cent in 2018/19. Among three-year-olds vaccination rates are down from 13.7 per cent to 10.7 per cent 'This year the phased delivery of vaccine will mean it's only in November that we can ensure that all eligible patients have been given an opportunity to be vaccinated.' WHERE CAN YOU GET A FLU JAB? Flu can be a serious illness. If you become very ill with it, it can cause complications such as pneumonia, kidney failure and inflammation of the heart, brain or muscle. People at most risk of serious illness or death if they get flu are offered the vaccine on the NHS. Ideally you should have this before the end of December, when flu peaks (it takes around two weeks after the jab for antibodies to develop completely). At-risk groups include anyone aged 65 and over, people living in long-stay residential care homes, carers and pregnant women. The vaccine is also offered to anyone aged six months to 65 years with certain conditions, such as diabetes. It is available via your GP's surgery. All children aged two to eight (on August 31, 2017) are also offered the vaccine as a nasal spray. The UK introduced the child vaccination programme in 2013. Last year, the vaccine had 66 per cent effectiveness. Australia does not have a similar programme. If you do not qualify to have the jab on the NHS, you can pay to get it at a pharmacy. Well Pharmacy charges 10, Superdrug from 9.99, Lloyds Pharmacy 10, Boots 12.99 and Tesco 9. Older children who fall outside the NHS scheme can get the nasal spray vaccine from some pharmacies such as Well (23 for those aged between two and 18; this may involve a second dose at least four weeks later for another 23) and the injection for those 12 and over for 9. Boots offers the jab to those aged 10 and over at 12.99. Tesco offers it to those 12 and over at 9. Advertisement PHE recommended doctors dish out the quadrivalent QIV vaccine, which protects against four strains of flu, to at-risk adults between 16 and 64. But the UK's main QIV supplier, Sanofi Pasteur, was hit by manufacturing problems with flu vaccine packaging. This delayed deliveries to around 1,000 GP clinics by two weeks. Ongoing issues with flu vaccine deliveries led to NHS England asking GP practices and pharmacies to swap stock to ensure enough patients got the jab. PHE claimed it is 'monitoring the situation carefully' and expects vaccination rates to improve in the next few weeks when more jabs are due to be delivered. In the meantime, GPs should inform patients vaccines will be available in the next few weeks, the body's head of immunisation, Dr Mary Ramsay, said. Between October 1 and 21, just 22.2 per cent of at-risk under 65s were vaccinated against flu compared to last year's 29.1 per cent, PHE figures showed. Expectant mothers are also failing to get the jab, with just 24.8 per cent being vaccinated over the three weeks of October compared to 30.5 per cent last year. Pregnancy weakens a woman's immune system, which raises her risk of flu complications. These complications can include bronchitis that develops into pneumonia, middle ear infections, and even sepsis, meningitis and brain inflammation. Vaccination rates among two-year-olds also decreased from 13.3 per cent to 10.1 per cent and from 13.7 per cent to 10.7 per cent in three-year-olds. Flu is a very common infection in babies and children, which can lead to dangerous complications. Some may need hospital treatment and very occasionally youngsters even die from the infection. The children's flu vaccine is given as a nasal spray. Dr Ramsay said: 'We are monitoring the situation carefully, but expect the coverage to catch up over the next few weeks, as more stock is delivered. 'Practices and pharmacies without stock should make sure patients are aware that vaccine will be coming available over the next few weeks and book them in for a future clinic. 'It is important that those eligible are protected before flu starts to circulate, usually in late December.' An NHS England spokesperson said: 'This year people over 65 will be offered the best vaccine available anywhere in the world. 'As was announced to GPs and pharmacists some months ago, delivery of the jab is being phased and everyone who needs the vaccine will get protected before December, when the flu season usually hits. 'Seqirus has confirmed all orders for the over 65 population will be delivered by mid-November.' Seqirus, which is the only flu vaccine manufacturer globally to produce a jab with a specific immune-boosting adjuvant, is believed to have been asked by health authorities in late January to make around nine million doses. The firm agreed to extend its manufacturing campaign in order to supply enough jabs and reached an agreement with authorities to roll the vaccines out over several months. A Seqirus spokesperon told MailOnline: 'We expect to deliver more than 9.7 million doses of [the flu vaccine] FLUAD to GP practices and pharmacies across the UK this season, taking total supply to well above the uptake seen in the 65+ age group in previous seasons. 'We are on track with the phased delivery plan agreed with the UK health authorities earlier this year, with almost six million doses supplied to providers to date and our remaining deliveries to be completed by mid-November as planned.' Blinking lights and exciting jingles at casinos may promote gambling problems, experts claim. Canadian researchers fitted eye-trackers onto around 100 participants, who were monitored while gambling. They discovered people are far more reckless in the presence of lights and jingles - even when the odds are stacked against them. Alluring: University of British Columbia data suggests sensory features fuel risk-taking, which could explain why addicts struggle to resist the lure of casinos and online betting sites The findings, by the University of British Columbia, may explain why addicts struggle to resist the lure of casinos and online betting sites. Professor Catharine Winstanley, senior author, said participants paid less attention to information about odds when jingles accompanied the wins. She revealed that they also noticed greater pupil dilation among the participants exposed to the sensory cues. Professor Winstanley said the results suggested 'individuals were more aroused or engaged when winning outcomes were paired with sensory cues'. Conversely, in the absence of sensory cues, the participants demonstrated more restraint in their decision-making. Maria Cherkasova, lead author, said: 'Together, these results provide new insight into the role played by audiovisual cues in promoting risky choice. Addict? The latest research was prompted by earlier UBC research that found rats were more willing to take risks when their food rewards were accompanied by flashing lights and jingles 'And [the results] could in part explain why some people persist in gambling despite unfavourable odds of winning. The research was published in The Journal of Neuroscience. It was prompted by trials on rats by the same scientists. They found the rodents were more willing to take risks when their food rewards were accompanied by flashing lights and jingles. 'These results form an important piece of the puzzle in terms of our understanding of how gambling addiction forms and persists,' added Professor Winstanley. 'While sound and light stimuli may seem harmless, we're now understanding that these cues may bias attention and encourage risky decision-making' The Responsible Gambling Strategy Board said in June nine out of ten young people had been exposed to gambling adverts and marketing on TV and social media. As a result, gambling risks becoming normalised in the minds of many children with the risk that more are sucked into betting at a young age. Worryingly, gambling is now more popular than ten-pin bowling and skateboarding among children, with more than one in ten under-16s gambling. One in ten patients will opt out of Government's plan to make everyone an organ donor by 2020, research suggests. Scientists at the University of Stirling quizzed hundreds of participants over their intentions on Theresa May's radical plan. They found 9.4 per cent plan to opt-out - meaning their organs can't be donated after their death, or are unsure of what they will do. Mrs May announced the plans - which presumes organ donation consent unless a person chooses to opt-out - this summer. Would you? A tenth of survey responds say they're unlikely to donate their organs - despite a huge intervention from the government which will come into effect within two years Wales became the first country in the UK to adopt the system in 2015, which was deemed a 'significant' and 'progressive' change. Under the proposed opt-out system in England, family members are still given a final opportunity to not go ahead with the organ donation. The new poll, led by PhD student Jordan Miller and published in the British Journal of Health Psychology, sheds light on the thoughts of the public over the move. 'We found that participants who plan to opt-out of the proposed system reported heightened emotional barriers towards organ donation,' Ms Miller said. 'Concerns that organ donation would violate the physical integrity of the body was a particularly important barrier in this group. 'Our study considered a myth-busting strategy currently employed by the NHS and used by other healthcare providers worldwide where myths and misconceptions about organ donation are corrected with factual information. Risk: A shortage of organs means that three people die every day while awaiting a transplant DOES THE SYSTEM WORK? After the decision was made in Wales two years ago, figures showed an immediate rise in the availability of organs. Between December 2015 and June the following year, half of the transplants in Wales came from patients whose consent had been deemed. But critics hit back and warned that there is a lack of proof that an opt-out system actually helps to increase the number of donor organs. Spanish officials implemented the system in 1979 and saw rates of donor organs increase after 10 years, the BBC reports. But Sweden, which adopted a similar scheme 20 years ago, still has one of the smallest stocks of donor organs in Europe. Advertisement 'We found that this approach had no effect on increasing donor intentions in those planning to opt-out.' The latest figures indicate that there are more than 6,000 people in the UK currently on the waiting list for an organ transplant. However, a shortage of organs means that three people die every day while awaiting a transplant. Although 90 per cent of the UK population support organ donation, just 38 per cent have signed up to the organ donor register. In an attempt to address this, Governments in Scotland and England are planning to follow Wales and introduce opt-out donor consent. Prior to the Stirling study, there had been limited research into the public attitudes and intentions regarding the proposed opt-out consent laws. The survey of 1,202 respondents found 66.1 per cent would opt- in and 24.3 would give 'deemed consent'. Ms Miller said the research suggested that organ donation campaigns could be more effective if they focus on feelings, rather than facts. She continued: 'Communication campaigns designed to dispel harmful myths about organ donation are frequently used on organ donation websites. 'However, our research has shown that presenting factual corrective information had no effect on donor intentions for those who plan to opt-out. 'Evidence has consistently shown that emotional barriers or feelings play the greatest role in influencing donor behaviours... 'Therefore, interventions designed to target feelings and emotions may be more effective at increasing donor intentions.' She added: 'Before the introduction of opt-out consent laws, evaluation of alternative strategies to increase donor intentions are required.' Children are 10 times more likely to be killed by a car on Halloween than on any other day of the year, a new study has found. Researchers say the risk of pedestrian deaths on Halloween spiked by 43 percent compared to one week earlier or one week later. The risk was most serious for children between ages four and eight, who were 10 times more likely to be struck by a vehicle on the holiday. The team, from the University of British Columbia in Canada, says that Halloween has become such a big holiday that they're advising some neighborhoods become car-free to keep trick-or-treaters and party goers safe. Children between ages four and eight are 10 times more likely to be struck by a vehicle on Halloween compared to one week earlier or one week later, a new study says (file image) For the study, the team gathered data on all fatal traffic crashes in the US between 1975 and 2016 from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). First, they looked at the number of recorded pedestrian fatalities between 5pm and midnight on Halloween. Then the researchers compared those figures to the number recorded during the same hours one week earlier and one week later. They found that, on average, there were four additional pedestrian deaths on Halloween - with almost all occurring among children or young adults. The most dangerous time for Halloween revelers was between 5pm and 8pm. Co-investigator Candace Yip, an undergraduate student at the University of British Columbia, said the study is evidence that pedestrian safety needs improvement not just on the holiday but throughout the year. 'Our findings suggest there are opportunities to improve pedestrian safety on Halloween, but they also highlight ways that traffic safety might be improved on the other 364 days of the year,' she said. 'Residential traffic calming, vehicle speed control, and incorporating reflective patches into outerwear might improve pedestrian safety year-round.' Lead researcher Dr John Staples said the study was not able to determine exactly why there is a rise in accidents but said it is likely a 'combination of dark costumes, excitement and alcohol'. Data from NHTSA shows that between 2012 and 2016, 44 percent of all people killed in car crashes on Halloween night had an accident involving a drunk driver. Additionally, 14 percent of pedestrian fatalities on Halloween night involved drunk drivers. The team said one way to lower the number of fatalities is to make some neighborhoods car-free. The most dangerous time for Halloween party goers and trick-or-treaters was found to be between 5pm and 8pm They also suggest parents talk to their children about how to cross the street safely and supervise younger children while trick-or-treating. AAA (American Automobile Association) says that Halloween is one the top three days of the year for pedestrian injuries and fatalities. Tips published on the organization's website include having parents make sure their children's clothes are light in color to improve visibility and to carry some form of light - but not to flash it into the eyes of drivers. The risk is not limited to the US. In the UK, traffic accidents increased by 75 percent on Halloween compared to the rest of October, according to an analysis by Churchill Car Insurance. The analysis also found that an average of 49 child pedestrians are struck by vehicles on Halloween, nearly twice the average number compared to the to weeks before and two weeks after. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 30) Saudi Arabian authorities have agreed to temporarily release 19 Filipino women who were arrested in a Halloween party raid in Riyadh, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed Tuesday. The DFA said the women-- all overseas Filipino workers-- who were arrested at the party on Friday will be released and will be turned over to the custody of the Philippine embassy in Riyadh. In an earlier report, the department said at least 17 Filipinas were detained after local officials raided a Halloween party in a private compound in the Saudi capital. The DFA received the report from the Philippine Embassy, which has been requesting access to the Filipinas detained at the Al Nisa Jail since their arrest. DFA later confirmed that 19 Filipinas, not 17, were detained following the raid. "The compound was raided after neighbors complained of loud noise from the party," the DFA said. Philippine Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Adnan Alonto said local authorities may file charges against the Filipinas for violating the Shari'a law, an Islamic measure which prohibits single men and women from interacting with each other in public. The DFA also reminded overseas Filipino workers in the Middle East to observe local traditions and laws of their host countries. "Saudi laws strictly prohibit unattached males and females from being seen together in public," the DFA statement said. "Ambassador Alonto said the Embassy issued an advisory urging members of the Filipino community to be mindful of local sensitivities." Moscow's Russian State University for the Humanities (RSUH) hosted the solemn opening of the exhibition of documents of 16th-20th centuries from Turkey's State Archives titled '500 years of Russian-Turkish relations in archival documents.' The event was timed to the 200th anniversary of Russian Academy of Sciences' Institute of Oriental Studies. The exhibition is organized by the Turkish State Archives Department, the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Russian-Turkish educational and scientific center of the RSUH and the Yunus Emre Institute in Moscow. The exhibition was opened by Turkish Ambassador to Russia Huseyin Dirioz, head of the Oriental History Department at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences Dmitri Vasilyev and General Director of State Archives of Turkey Ugur Unal, vice-rector of the Russian State University for Humanities Olga Pavlenko. Dmitri Vasilyev, speaking with the correspondent of Vestnik Kavkaza, said that the organization of such exhibitions is a traditional form of scientific work of the Russian-Turkish educational and scientific center. Not so long ago we held a magnificent exhibition dedicated to the architectural and applied heritage of the Seljuk state. It was a great success. Now we have the honor to present an exhibition of unique documents of the 16th-20th centuries from the large Ottoman archive of the Turkish Republic. Documents are stored there as one of the greatest treasures of the republic, the earliest among them are letters from the correspondence of Ivan IV," he said. "We timed the exhibition to the 200th anniversary of the Institute of Oriental Studies; it is held as part of the anniversary events that have been started yesterday at the World Trade Center. Thematic conferences will start tomorrow in philology, history, economics, political science, ethnography, and archeology. The Institute of Oriental Studies is a unique institution, because its specialists have the opportunity to share knowledge in various areas. This enriches the results of their activities and allows them to do interesting and unexpected discovery," Dmitry Vasiliev stressed. At the opening of the exhibition, Ambassador Huseyin Dirioz thanked the organizers for making this event possible. "During his visit to Moscow on August 24, 2018, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, speaking at a joint press conference with Mr. Lavrov, called Russia a strategic partner of Turkey. He noted that the cooperation takes place in various fields: energy, agriculture, tourism, trade, defense industry and others. Last weekend, our leaders met in Istanbul, and it was the 15th time since I took up my duties in Moscow. Todays exhibition of archival documents, which covers the 500-year history of relations between Turkey and Russia, once again sheds light on the strong historical and cultural ties between our countries. The fact that such distinguished guests are present at the opening of the exhibition testifies respect for our common history," Huseyin Dirioz noted. Ugur Unal spoke about the work of the Ottoman archives. "The state, which has a deep and centuries-old history, of course, has a huge archival fund, and the Russian Federation is such a state. We train specialists studying these archival documents, which contributes to the development of our relations. Today our funds have archival documents and materials that allow us to correctly understand the events of past years. Archives are the most important source for understanding historical events, the most correct source for studying our relations," he stressed. "Our exhibition demonstrates that the archival materials speak not only about wars and international relations, but also about humanitarian ties and art. The first document exhibited here dates back to 1571, the last document - to 1929," Ugur Unal said, thanking the organizers of the exhibition for their assistance in the work. A new patch is making the rounds on Instagram, promising Asians to 'cure' them of their 'Asian glow'. In theory, the Redee patch is designed to reduce the flush red that around 40 percent of East Asians experience when they drink due to a mutated gene. Normally, the gene breaks down a toxin in alcohol known as acetaldehyde and converts it into an energy source. But in those with a mutated copy, the gene is unable to break the toxin down. But the Redee patch contains an antioxidant known as glutathione, which binds to acetaldehyde, and turns the toxin into harmless acetate. Since the patch started selling in March, thousands of Asian Americans - and even some Caucasians - have been posting their success stories, saying that for the first time in years they are able to go out for drinks without 'turning into a lobster'. The Redee patch is making the rounds on Instagram, promising Asians to 'cure' them of their 'Asian glow', which is a condition called alcohol flush reaction Normally, the ALDH2 gene breaks down a toxin in alcohol known as acetaldehyde and converts it into an energy source. But in those with a mutated copy, the gene is unable to break the toxin down The so-called 'Asian glow' is a condition called alcohol flush reaction This occurs when a person develops a flush or red blotches on their face, neck, shoulder, chest or even entire body after having alcohol. The reaction occurs after acetaldehyde, a byproduct after alcohol is metabolized, enters the bloodstream. Most of us have an gene known as ALDH2, which codes for an enzyme that neutralized acetaldehyde and oxidizes alcohol. However many either have a variant of the gene or do not make enough of the enzyme, which releases histamines and causes the flushing reaction. Often times, additional symptoms occur including a headache, nausea and a faster heart rate. Although anybody can have an alcohol flush reaction, it is most common in Asians: about 36 percent of East Asians (Chinese, Japanese and Koreans) experience it. Studies have shown that people with the mutated gene can suffer from several health problems. A January 2018 study from Cambridge University in the UK found that mice who were unable to process acetaldehyde had four times more DNA damage in their blood cells and chromosomal damage. A March 2009 study conducted by researchers in the US and Japan found that people with the syndrome have an increased risk of esophageal cancer if they drink moderate amounts of alcohol. Anecdotally, many Asians say they take antihistamines such as Zantac or Pepcid AC to reduce the reddening effects. However, these medications slow how quickly alcohol is metabolized and can increase blood alcohol levels very quickly. Enter the Redee patch. Although anybody can have an alcohol flush reaction, it is most common in Asians: about 36 percent of East Asians (Chinese, Japanese and Koreans) experience it. Studies have shown that people with the mutated gene can suffer from several health problems including DNA damage and an increased risk of esophageal cancer The main active ingredient is an antioxidant known as glutathione, which binds to acetaldehyde, and turns the toxin into harmless acetate. There also several ingredients in the patch that promote glutathione production to help fix 'Asian glow'. Marketed as an alternative to the heartburn medication fix, the makers say the patch stops reddening from even occur. Redee founder Ryan Lee told Daily Mail Online that the problem with using heartburn medications is that they only mask the flush reaction and do nothing to reduce the amount of acetaldehyde in the body. 'Since I can remember in college, drinking was always something I never quite understood why I reacted so differently from everyone else,' he said. 'My life hack was using Pepcid and that was working. But when it stopped working for me, I realized it was a bigger problem.' Lee said he partnered with alcohol metabolism researchers to formulate the Redee patch. The main active ingredient is an antioxidant known as glutathione, which binds to acetaldehyde, and turns the toxin into harmless acetate. There also several ingredients in the patch that promote glutathione production to help fix 'Asian glow'. 'Part of the problem is an external thing were trying to fix,' Lee said. 'But it's also a deeper issue than how you look on your face. We're trying to create a new experience for people where they can go out drinking with friends and family and feel comfortable.' The makers recommend applying one to two patches either on the shoulder, neck, chest or stomach 20 to 30 minutes before drinking The patches began selling in March and can be found on the Redee website, where a pack of six costs $11.99 while a pack of 30 goes for $39.99. The makers recommend applying one to two patches either on the shoulder, neck, chest or stomach 20 to 30 minutes before drinking. The patch had not been the subject of any peer-reviewed clinical trials and dermatologists are skeptical about its efficacy. 'It is unclear if [there is] any clinical data to prove any efficacy compared to placebo (people who did not use the patch but are the same in every other way from those using the patch),' Dr Tanya Kormeili, a board-certified dermatologist in Santa Monica, California, told Daily Mail Online. However, several posts on Instagram of Asian Americans have shown them promoting the patch and saying they no longer have a red face or any other side effects when they drink. Blogger and vlogger Maggi Mei documented her experience on her blog and YouTube channel, where she said the patch cured her of her rosy cheeks. Melissa Lee, CEO of The GREEN Program, told Daily Mail Online that she used to get red-faced when she would drink. 'Before the patch, I would just get really uncomfortable reactions to alcohol that look like itching almost. A headache, nausea and this is just two sips of a beer,' she said. She used the same heartburn medication fixes, but didn't find them convenient. When Ryan was first testing prototypes, Melissa was one of the first people to try it. 'Literally on my way out to meet with clients or to meet up with some friends for happy hours, I just put one on and I don't have to think about. I don't have any of those side effects anymore,' she said. Ryan Lee said that even though alcohol flush reaction can occur in other ethnicities, Redee is planning to market directly to the Asian American community. 'It can happen to any race but when it's such a problem for Asians, where somewhere around 40 percent have this problem it gives us a much better way to market.' Dr Kormeili says it is important to note that, if you begin flushing while drinking, then it means your body is building toxic metabolites. 'While it is fun to have a few drinks, it is also important to note that it is the toxic metabolites of alcohol that damage the skin cells, nerve cells, liver cells etc that cause permanent harm,' she said. 'There is no data to suggest that any medication, or a patch, can prevent that! Such toxicity is never reversed or prevented by any vitamins. Vitamin depletion is just one of the consequences of alcohol toxicity and not the full picture.' You may think they're a harmless prop. However, spooky cosmetic lenses sold at Halloween can trigger corneal infections, a top eye doctor has warned. Dr Parwez Hossain, consultant ophthalmologist at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, made the claim. He argued many people using the decorative lenses - worn by Little Mix's Perrie Edwards in the past - were 'largely unaware' of the hygiene risks. These can result in blurred vision, yellow spots and painful, red or swollen eyes - especially for those who've previously undergone eye surgery or experienced injury. In costume: Little Mix's Perrie Edwards is one of many celebrities who wear themed lenses His comments come after a recent rise in severe corneal infections related to overall contact lens use. 'We have recently seen a large rise in corneal infections related to contact lenses as a result of showering with lenses in and exposure to the elements,' Dr Hossain said. 'That raises grave concern for us when it comes to an occasion when cosmetic lenses are popular.' This, he says, is partly because they often aren't individually shaped to fit each eye. He added that while many online retailers have improved their practices relating to safety warnings and advice, people should still seek guidance from specialists before making a purchase. 'It can be really easy in the moment to shrug off potential risks but we have to remind people that using contact lenses for one or two nights a year means they will be likely to be slightly blase about any ill-effects,' he added. Risk: The char-topper pictured without the decorative items, which can cause infections As if that wasn't enough, Dr Hossain also said people should also be mindful of other potential Halloween horrors. He explained: 'It may seem hard to believe, but staff in our eye casualty have treated patients in the past for a variety of Halloween-linked injuries, from adults and children with scratches on the cornea and blunt eye injuries from apple bobbing, to mild irritation from the contents of glow sticks. 'We have also seen children who have caught their eyes on capes and witches brooms, as well as had night flares to the face, all of which have the potential to cause some significant and lasting damage. 'We are certainly not telling people not to have fun and enjoy themselves, but just to consider the risks and take a bit of extra care to ensure they and their families avoid a trip to eye casualty.' Optical Express clinical director Stephen Hannan warned: Despite being banned in the US, cosmetic contact lenses are so easily accessible here in the UK often sold in joke and fancy-dress shops and on websites. The problem being that they come without instructions on safe use, resulting in a high risk of infection. Worse still, because theyre not prescription contact lenses, they are not fitted to the size and shape of your eye which can lead to corneal abrasion, scarring and, in severe cases, blindness. People in search of thrills and meaning in life are more likely to become involved in violent political movements, a new study reveals. But redirecting these individuals toward activities that are peaceful, yet still offer excitement, could curb clashes and tensions, researchers at New York University, Abu Dhabi, and the University of Cordoba, in Spain, suggest. In the last week alone, three acts of ideologically-motivated violence have shaken the US and cost 13 Americans their lives. Political tensions in the US (as well as in many countries worldwide) are running palpably high, and while polarization between the parties certainly plays a role, social psychologists are searching for deeper motives among American citizens. It might just be that we are bored, the new study suggests. People who are bored and seeking meaning are more likely to look for thrills too - and that makes them more susceptible to politically violent movements, according to the new study Cesar Sayoc liked to get on stage and perform strip routines. He was also a body builder, managed clubs in Florida and learned mixed martial arts. His life was an erratic, mixed bag of risks, outbursts, passions and ambitions that petered out before he became known as the MAGA Bomber. Sayoc's spontaneity and eclectic set of jobs and hobbies might be seen as evidence that he wanted excitement, or a quest to cure boredom, or a hunt for meaning. Or it might be seen as all of the above, as the body of research on political violence suggests. 'Prior research that suggests that individuals become more receptive to novel ideas and worldviews when important needs such as the need for meaning in life- are thwarted,' lead study author Dr Birga Schumpe, who studies the psychology of political violence at New York University, Abu Dhabi, told Daily Mail Online. 'It was found that a lack of meaning in life leads to boredom, which then urges people to engage in exciting activities.' Sayoc and the Pittsburgh synagogue shooter, Robert Bowers, alike turned to social media in their want for meaning on social media, where they each espoused their impassioned support of Donald Trump and white nationalism, respectively. Social media has become a space for unfettered speech, including hate speech. Twitter has come under fire for failing to take action against the promotion of such speech. Shortly after the discovery that Sayoc's Twitter was rife with violent speech, the platform hinted it may remove the 'like' button, which allows users to passively promote one another's Tweets. But the anonymity of the internet gives it a kind of safety, and that safety means less danger, lasting impact and thrill. And these elements may be exactly the sensations people drawn to terrorist organizations crave most. Though both Sayoc and Bowers were middleaged, these thrill-seeking impulses become first and most apparent in young people. 'Young people might engage in dangerous behaviors to get admiration by their peers, and hence, to feel significant,' Dr Schumpe said. To do so, she and her team conducted a series of experiments and surveys involving nearly 2,400 participants in Spain and abroad. The so-called MAGA bomber, Cesar Sayoc, seemed to seek thrill, jumping from job-to-job, stripping, managing clubs and often speaking violently on Twitter They measured the participants' cravings for excitement, used a writing prompt to gauge how deeply they were searching for meaning in their lives, and asked them about their desire to leave legacies. Those who wanted to find meaning also wanted to find adventure, and, in turn, were more willing and likely to use violence as their vehicle for accomplishing both. Thrill-seeking is considered, in part, a temperament trait, but it is modulated by settings and experiences. Soldiers provide a clear example of this, Dr Schumpe explains. 'In the case of sensation seeking, researchers [believe that] that sensation seeking increases as soldiers adapt with situational demands during combat deployment,' she says. 'In our research, we showed that sensation seeking increases when people search for meaning in their lives. Thus, sensation seeking is not merely a biologically determined temperament but also a goal-driven state that motivates people to pursue novel stimulation in an attempt to feel meaningful.' None of these factors - sensation-seeking, meaning-searching, nor the opportunity for finding both through war and conflict - are new, but the visibility of terror groups may help spawn particularly violent tendencies. 'There has certainly never been a shortage of disaffected youth, misfits, or people with strong grievances in our societies,' says Dr Schumpe. 'However, in our estimation the escalation of political violence observed in recent years reflects that some terror groups (eg, ISIS) have successfully branded themselves as a vehicle through which important psychological needs such as meaning, power, glory, and adventure can be satisfied.' Dr Schumpe's research did not look at large, violent acts on US soil, like those that took place in the last week. But Bowers and Sayoc did engage with online groups sentiments that some have called militant - but were long involved only from the quiet of computers or smart phones. Robert Bowers, who killed 11 people at the Tree of Life Synogogue in Pittsburgh announced on Gab that he could no longer 'sit by,' suggesting a craving to act 'Someone who lacks meaning in life might go skydiving in an attempt to fill the void and to find a sense of aliveness. Young people might engage in dangerous behaviors to get admiration by their peers, and hence, to feel significant,' says Schumpe. In his last social media post on the controversial platform, Gab, Bowers wrote: 'I can't sit by and watch my people get slaughtered. Screw your optics I'm going in.' Bowers left Gab, left his home, went to Tree of Life Synogogue, and gunned down 11 people. As Dr Schumpe said of young people searching for meaning through excitement, 'those exciting activities can also be violent.' 'It has been speculated that sensation seeking the need for adventure and excitement might play a role in the radicalization process, but there has been no systematic empirical investigation on this issue. We wanted to address this gap in knowledge and find a way of reversing that process so that people steer clear from political violence,' she added. In her study's silver lining, Dr Schumpe and her team found that when they offered an exciting but peaceful opportunity as an alternative to one that was politically violent, they would gladly choose the former. 'In order to steer young people away from violence, society has to create alternative opportunities for them to feel significant (e.g., education, vocational training, volunteering opportunities),' she said. Dr Schumpe suggests that organizations like the Peace Corps might be among our best hopes for turning urges for excitement and violence into opportunities for adventure, without the danger. 'The creation of exciting alternatives is certainly key to redirecting the need for excitement and thrill - that a lot of young people feel in a prosocial direction.' Toxic air pollution damages the heart rhythm and circulatory systems of millions of people, a damning report has warned. The Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants (COMEAP) analysed an array of studies conducted over the past decade. In the most comprehensive review of the impact of pollution on the heart to date, the body warned breathing in toxic air can: increase blood pressure make blood more likely to clot cause a build-up of fatty materials inside the arteries (atherosclerosis) alter the hearts normal electrical rhythm (arrhythmia) cause inflammatory effects on the cardiovascular system (systemic inflammation) The Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants (COMEAP) analysed an array of studies conducted on air pollution over the past decade The COMEAP report comes after the World Health Organization (WHO) earlier this week warned air pollution was the 'new tobacco'. More than 90 per cent of the world's population suffers toxic air pollution which is having a drastic effect on the health of people, especially children. Professor Frank Kelly, chair of the COMEAP, claimed the findings bring into 'sharp perspective the impact of ambient pollution on public health'. He added: This review found several possible mechanisms which may explain how particulate air pollution contributes to cardiovascular disease.' The British Heart Foundation's chief executive Simon Gillespie today said urgent action is needed to tackle the UKs dangerous air pollution levels. DOES AIR POLLUTION INCREASE CHILDREN'S RISK OF ASTHMA? Young children who grow up exposed to air pollution are more likely to develop asthma, research suggested in December 2017. A mix of dust, sand and non-exhaust tailpipe emissions, known as coarse particulate matter, increases youngsters under 11's risk of the lung condition by 1.3 per cent, a study by The Johns Hopkins University found. Air pollution also raises their risk of visiting the emergency room due to their asthma by 3.3 per cent and being hospitalised with the condition by 4.5 per cent, the research adds. Young children are thought to be more at risk due to them typically spending a lot of time outdoors and being vulnerable to air pollution due to their immature lungs, according to the researchers. Around 7.1 million children in the US have asthma, making it the most common chronic childhood illness. Approximately 1.1 million youngsters are affected in the UK. The researchers analysed the asthma diagnoses and treatment data of 7,810,025 children aged between five and 20 years old living in 34 states between 2009 and 2010. They estimated levels of coarse particulate matter in each zip code using information from the EPA's Air Quality System database from 2009 to 2010. Advertisement He added: 'This thorough report gives us a clear view of the damaging impact air pollution has on our heart and circulatory system. 'While there are steps that people can take to reduce their exposure to air pollution we cant expect people to move house to avoid air pollution. 'Government and public bodies must be acting right now to make all areas safe and protect people from these harms.' The charity believes that adopting more stringent WHO air quality guidelines into UK law is a crucial step in protecting the nations heart health. Long-term exposure to the air pollution mixture in the UK contributes to between 28,000 and 36,000 deaths every year, according to estimates. The WHO also estimate that almost six in ten deaths related to outdoor air pollution being caused by a heart attack or stroke. The body claims there are now 300million people living in places where toxic fumes are six times above international guidelines. The UK is notoriously bad at controlling air pollution, with 37 cities British cities persistently displaying 'illegal' levels. As a result, the Government has repeatedly been hauled into court over the last few years. Diesel cars have been promoted since the 1970s as an environmentally-friendly choice because they emit less carbon dioxide, the greenhouse gas which causes global warming. Tony Blair's Labour government, in particular, used generous tax breaks to persuade drivers to buy diesel cars. The tactic - which aimed to help Britain hit EU carbon emissions targets - contributed to the number of diesel drivers in Britain jumping from around 1.5million a decade ago to about 11million today. But in recent years scientists have realised that diesel also produces more of the tiny particles and nitrogen oxides that are damaging to human health. Black carbon is considered the most dangerous component of air pollution, because it penetrates deep into the lungs and into the bloodstream. An 11-year-old girl was left temporarily blinded by colored contact lenses, and now a her mother wants to warn others about the dangers of them. Last year, the day after she went trick-or-treating with friends, Emilie Turcotte, of Blainville, in Montreal, Canada, woke up screaming, crying that her eyes were 'burning like fire' and she could not open them anymore. Her mother, Julie, immediately rushed her to the hospital where doctors told her that the contact lenses had damaged her corneas and had infected the skin around her eyes. Emilie's eyesight gradually returned, but doctors warned the family that if they hadn't come to the hospital right away, the grade schooler might have ended up permanently blind. Emilie Turcotte, 11, of Blainville in Montreal, Canada, wore colored contact lenses last year as part of her demon costume for Halloween. The day after trick-or-treating, she woke up screaming in pain and crying that her eyes were burning. Pictured: Emilie one week after the incident, left, and two weeks after the incident, right Doctors at the hospital said the lenses had acted like a suction cup and had torn cells away from Emilie's corneas as well as infected the skin around her eyes. Pictured: Emilie wearing sunglasses for a month as her eyes heal Julie told Le Journal de Montreal that she bought the lenses at Party Expert, a chain party supply store in Canada's Quebec province, as part of her daughter's demon costume. Emilie wore them at school for around four hours then took them of for dinner. She put them back on to go trick-or-treating, but removed them before she went to sleep. The next morning, she woke up screaming in agony. When Julie pried open her daughter's eyes, she said they were 'blood red' and rushed her the hospital. Doctors told Julie that the lenses had acted like suction cups around Emilie's corneas and tore cells away from them. She was also diagnosed with periorbital cellulitis, an infection of the eyelid and the skin around the eyes. It occurs when bacteria enters the eye and attacks the soft tissue surrounding it. For four days, Emilie was unable to see. She kept asking her parents if she would be permanently blind or if she could go back to school. Julie said that she didn't know how to respond to her daughter. 'For four days, we were scared. She could not see anything,' Julie told the newspaper. 'And we thought: "All this for Halloween contact lenses".' Although Emile's eyesight gradually returned, doctors told her that she had to wear sunglasses for a month so her corneas could heal. Five friends of the elementary schooler also wore contact lenses, but did not suffer any medical problems. Several optometrists in Canada are calling for colored contact lessons to be banned unless needed for medical purposes. 'It is a medical product and it should be treated as such,' Eric Poulin, president of the Quebec Association of Optometrists told Le Journal de Montreal. 'They are sold everywhere, but they should not be.' In Canada, corrective lenses have to be prescribed by doctors, but because colored lenses are aesthetic, they can be sold over-the-counter. For four days, Emilie was unable to see. Her eyesight gradually returned but she had to wear sunglasses for a month as her eyes healed. Pictured: Emilie and her mom Julie, unknown date In Canada, corrective lenses have to be prescribed by doctors, but because colored lenses are aesthetic, they can be sold over-the=counter. In the US, it is illegal to sell decorative lenses over-the-counter without a prescription. Pictured: Emilie one month after the incident Poulin believes selling contact lenses over-the-counter is a mistake because they need to be fitted over the eye. If they are too tight, then the lenses can act like a suction and tear cells away from the cornea - which is what happened to Emilie. In the US, the Food and Drug Administration classifies decorative contact lenses as medical devices. This means that federal law makes it illegal to sell decorative lenses over-the-counter without a prescription. Optometrists say that knockoff lenses could have numerous problems such as lead in the coloring or bacteria in the saline solution. Julie published a post on Facebook earlier this month, warning other parents about what happened to her daughter. So far, the post has more than 540 reactions and has been shared more than 4,000 times. 'When you lose your eyes, they cannot be replaced,' Julie said. 'Yes, [contact lenses] give a good disguise, but at what price?' The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Tuesday it has confirmed 10 more cases of an extremely rare, polio-like condition, across 24 states. That brings the total number of cases of acute flaccid myelitis to 72, up from 62 earlier this month, mostly in kids under 18. However, health officials still do not know what is driving the outbreak, which affects the spinal cord, causing the muscles and reflexes in the body to become weak. AFM is not new, but cases have been on the rise since 2014. Though the condition remains very rare - affecting only one in a million people in the United States - CDC director Dr Robert Redfield, who took the job in March this year, says it is the agency's top priority. Scientists are investigating a number of causes, including viruses, environmental toxins and genetic disorders. But today Dr Redfield urged Americans not to fear the rare polio-like illness sweeping the US as he believes it is not transmissable from human to human. He told CBS This Morning that he is certain AFM is caused by a specific virus, rather than inter-personal contact. 'I've recently asked again to put together a task force to really try to look at where we're at, and what else could we do to try to solve this problem,' Dr Redfield said. 'The good news is that it doesn't appear to be transmissible from human to human. We don't see clustering in families.' Dr Robert Redfield (pictured) said acute flaccid myelitis is the CDC's priority right now. This year, 72 children in 22 states have been diagnosed with AFM which causes sudden paralysis The CDC has confirmed 386 cases since an outbreak in Colorado in August 2014, almost all of them in children He added: 'I do think that this is a new occurrence in the United States, the AFM. Our our suspicion is it's caused by a single agent. That's the dominant disease that we're confronting right now.' The average age of those affected is four years old and more than 90 percent of cases overall are in children under 18. The condition, caused by a viral infection, appears to start off as a common cold, before progressing to paralysis. Ominously, data show there seems to be a spike in cases every two years, which has also left the agency baffled. 'CDC's been working very hard on this, since 2014, to try to understand causation and etiology,' Dr Redfield said in the interview, which will be aired on Tuesday. 'As we sit here today, we don't have understanding of the cause. We are, you know, continuing to strengthen our efforts, working in partnership with state and territorial health departments, and academic experts to try to figure this out.' The CDC says it is investigating 155 cases of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), up from 127 last week. Of that number, 62 cases have been confirmed in 22 states, including five-year-old Elizabeth Storrie (pictured) from Willow Park, Texas AFM affects the nervous system and most resembles the polio virus. Health officials have determined it is caused by a virus, but have been unable to pinpoint an exact cause. Orville Young, four (pictured), of Minnesota, was likely the earliest confirmed case in the state WHAT IS AFM? AFM is a rare, but serious condition that affects the nervous system. Specifically it attacks the area of the spinal cord called gray matter, which causes the body's muscles and reflexes to weaken. Symptoms often develop after a viral infection, such as enterovirus or West Nile virus, but often no clear cause is found. Patients start off having flu-like symptoms including sneezing and coughing. This slowly turns into muscle weakness, difficulty moving the eyes and then polio-like symptoms including facial drooping and difficulty swallowing. 'If [AFM affects gray matter] lower in the spinal cord [paralysis will] be more in the legs and if it's higher up, it'll be more in the arms,' Dr Fernando Acosta, a pediatric neurologist at Cook Children's Medical Center, in Fort Worth, Texas, told Daily Mail Online in an interview last week. 'Or if it's closer to the neck, they can't move head, neck and shoulders. We had one case of that and that was just awful.' In the most severe cases, respiratory failure can occur when the muscles that support breathing become weak. In rare cases, AFM can cause neurological complications that could lead to death. 'It's a pretty dramatic disease; children have a sudden onset of weakness,' said Dr Messonier. No specific treatment is available for AFM and interventions are generally recommended on a case-by-case basis. Children with weakness in their arms or legs may attend physical or occupational therapy. The average age of those affected is four years and more than 90 percent of cases are in children aged 18 and younger. Among them is Julia Payne, two (pictured) from Chicago, Illinois However, physicians admit they are unaware of the long-term outcomes for those with AFM. WHO HAS BEEN AFFECTED BY AFM? The CDC does not track AFM in terms of its prevalence, but rather in outbreaks. The agency has confirmed 386 cases since an outbreak in Colorado in August 2014, almost all of them in children. The CDC confirmed 33 AFM cases in 2017, 149 cases in 2016, 22 cases in 2015, and 120 cases in August to December 2014. Of the 62 cases diagnosed this year, it known that 24 have been in three states: 10 in Illinois, eight in Texas and six in Minnesota. 'We have not been able to find the cause of the majority of AFM cases...and we're frustrated that we haven't been able to identify the cause of illness,' Dr Messonnier told reporters in a media call last week. The states Daily Mail Online is currently aware of with confirmed cases includes: Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas and Washington. A press officer for the CDC told Daily Mail Online last week that the agency would not be naming the additional states where cases have been confirmed due to 'privacy issues'. While the pattern of AFM most resembles an infectious disease, much remains unknown about the condition. Among the children infected is two-year-old Julia Payne from Chicago. She remained in the pediatric intensive care unit at Lurie Children's Hospital for weeks on a respirator and using a feeding tube because she was unable to swallow. She has since been discharged and transferred to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, a rehabilitation center where she will face several weeks of physical therapy to regain strength and movement. In Minnesota, four-year-old Orville Young was likely the earliest confirmed case in the state, according to the Star Tribune. Orville has been in physical therapy for the last month-and-a-half. His mobility and gait have not returned to normal, but his legs are mostly functional now. His right arm, thus far, is still paralyzed. Fortunately many make a full or nearly full recovery of their movement as did five-year-old Elizabeth Storrie of Willow Park, Texas. She spent a month at Cook Children's Hospital, in Fort Worth, on IV fluids and a feeding tube until her condition improved. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST POLIO? AFM has been called a polio-like illness due to its resemblance to the viral infection that impacted hundreds of thousands, particularly between the late 1940s and early 1950s. The CDC even states on its website that symptoms 'have been most similar to complications of infection with certain viruses, including poliovirus, non-polio enteroviruses, adenoviruses, and West Nile virus'. Poliovirus is not the cause of any of the cases, but some cases have been linked to the enteroviruses EV-A71 and EV-D68, both of which are distant relatives of polio. Some cases have also been linked to rhinovirus. 'I'm not old enough to have seen a case of polio during my time in practice, but my colleagues who have say [AFM] is similar to what they saw back then,' Dr Acosta said. 'Is this a variant? Potentially, but we don't know.' In 1957, the US government approved the polio vaccine. After a nationwide campaign to get children immunized began, the numbers began falling drastically and, in 1979, polio was declared to be eradicated in the US. This year, Afghanistan and Pakistan are the only two countries where cases of wild poliovirus have been confirmed - largely due to poor sanitation and low levels of vaccination coverage. However, global eradication is now at risk due to vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) in five countries in Africa this year. Health experts say that this could result in silent transmission of both polio and AFM, because both can lead to paralysis if left undetected. Anti-vaxxers have blamed childhood polio vaccines for the outbreak, despite physicians saying there is no evidence to suggest this is the case. 'There is no evidence vaccines are causing this,' said Dr Acosta. 'And if we identify the agent that is causing it, the next step would be to develop a vaccine. It's the same reason, we developed flu vaccines - to lessen the burden of disease. 'The reason why you see lower rates of polio, whooping cough and other diseases is because we have vaccines that have made them very rare.' HOW CAN YOU PROTECT YOURSELF? The CDC advises getting vaccinated against Poliovirus and West Nile Virus due to both being potential causes of AFM. Health experts say this does not simply mean just staying up-to-date with vaccinations, but also minimizing exposure to mosquitoes. Additionally, you can use warm water and soap to avoid getting sick and spreading germs. 'It's a one-in-million chance to get this so it's extremely unlikely your child will get this,' said Dr Acosta. 'Even if they have sudden onset of weakness, AFM is unlikely to have caused it. It's more likely to be a stroke. However, if your child develops it, bring them in and this gives them the best chance of survival.' Tens of thousands of first-time buyers have been thrown a lifeline by the Chancellor after he extended the popular Help to Buy scheme until March 2023. Under the scheme homebuyers purchasing a new-build can get an extra 20 per cent loan from the Government or 40 per cent in London which is interest-free for five years. Along with a mortgage from a bank or building society this means buyers need to find only a 5 per cent deposit. The scheme was expected to end in 2021 but the Chancellor yesterday revealed plans to offer these loans for two more years. Tens of thousands of first-time buyers have been thrown a lifeline by the Chancellor after he extended the popular Help to Buy scheme until March 2023 However, whereas under current rules anyone buying a new-build is eligible for the loan, from 2021 only first-time buyers qualify. Almost 170,000 households have bought homes using Help to Buy since it was launched in 2013. Critics claim that while popular with house buyers, the scheme has driven up house prices, lined housebuilders pockets and helped people climb the housing ladder rather than get on the bottom rung. The Treasury said it had introduced the changes to ensure future support is targeted at those who need most help. 'It makes us feel much more positive about buying' Positive: Tyler Adams and Laura Henderson Students Laura Henderson, 24, and Tyler Adams, 19, got engaged in May and hope to buy their first home within the next year. They rely on university maintenance loans and a small salary from Miss Hendersons internship at a film company to pay their way, so need financial support from the Government. Miss Henderson, from Paddock Wood in Kent, and Mr Adams, from nearby Dover, have looked at a number of ways to get on the ladder, including a guarantor mortgage. Following yesterdays budget, the couple said they were encouraged that the Chancellor planned to extend the Help to Buy scheme to 2023 for first-time buyers. It gives us hope for the future and makes us feel much more positive about the prospect of buying, Miss Henderson said. However, she expressed concern that second and third-time buyers would miss out on the support when Help to Buy is abolished for them in 2023, adding: Were hoping to start a family in the next three years or so and might need a bigger home. Young families need help. The average property in the UK now costs 232,797, according to the Office for National Statistics. This means homeowners need 11,640 to put down just a 5 per cent deposit. Paula Higgins, chief executive of consumer group HomeOwners Alliance, said: Help to Buy has helped plenty of people to get onto the housing ladder, people who would have otherwise not have had the chance to. However, it has also helped a lot of housebuilders to make a tidy profit. Weve seen executives pay shoot up, a gobsmacking 75million bonus for Persimmons boss, while quality of new-build homes deteriorates. The scheme was expected to end in 2021 but the Chancellor yesterday revealed plans to offer these loans for two more years But a regional price cap is introduced Currently those using Help to Buy are limited to purchasing houses worth up to 600,000 in London, and 400,000 elsewhere in England. From 2021 the Chancellor will introduce new regional maximum prices. London will keep its 600,000 limit, but elsewhere the caps will be lower. The region with the next highest limit is the South East, at 437,600, while the East of Englands is 407,400. Those with the lowest caps are Yorkshire and the Humber and North East at 228,100 and 186,100 respectively. Lawrence Bowles, a research analyst at Savills, said that one issue with such a cap is that house prices vary widely from one town or city to the next within the same region. He said that in Stratford-upon-Avon the average house value is 315,492 59,892 more than the West Midlands proposed cap. Business leaders welcomed a shot in the arm for the British economy last night after Philip Hammond unveiled a pro-enterprise Budget. In the final Budget before Brexit, Philip Hammond announced a raft of fresh tax reliefs and spending pledges to help solve the UK's ongoing productivity problem. The plan included extra funding for research and development 'to secure the UK's position as a world leader in new and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, nuclear fusion and quantum computing'. Seeking to exploit concerns about how the economy would operate under Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell, the Chancellor said: 'We will always back enterprise. As we finalise our departure from the EU, we must unleash the investment that will drive our future prosperity. 'So I can announce a package of measures to stimulate business investment and send a message loud and clear to the rest of the world: Britain is open for business.' Among the policies Hammond announced were: an increase in the annual investment allowance (AIA) from 200,000 to 1m for two years, giving extra tax relief to firms that invest in machinery; tax breaks to encourage businesses to invest more in factories, offices and other places of work; 1.6 billion for R&D to promote science and tech innovation; 50m for artificial intelligence fellowships; a two-year freeze on the VAT threshold. The measures were welcomed by business. 'Philip Hammond has sent important and positive signals to businesses across the UK, many of whom have been wavering on investment and hiring,' said Adam Marshall, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce. On the increase in the AIA, he added: 'This will be a huge shot in the arm for businesses across the country, giving many thousands of firms renewed confidence to invest and grow.' Among the science-friendly measures, the Government will plough 50m in new Turing AI Fellowships to lure artificial intelligence researchers to the UK, 235m to support the development of quantum technologies and increase funding to explore distributed ledger technologies such as blockchain. Under the Industrial Strategy, total R&D investment is due to hit 2.4 per cent of GDP by 2027. One of Hammond's headline business policies was a change to the Annual Investment Allowance, which Carolyn Fairbairn, director general of the Confederation of British Industry, praised as a bumper package to spur firms to invest more in their factories and machinery. The allowance will rise from 200,000 to 1m for two years starting in January 2019. While business groups were mostly supportive of the move, analysts added that firms might choose to delay investment plans to coincide with when the higher rate of relief will come into force. 'Longer term, this should encourage much more investment, but short-term there may be a lag while businesses wait for January,' said PwC real estate tax leader Robert Walker. Entrepreneurs were directly targeted through an extension to the British Business Bank's start-up loans programme, which will run until 2021, and amendments to a policy called Entrepreneurs' Relief - which had been in the line to be scrapped. They pay a lower rate of tax at 10 per cent, compared with the standard rate of 20 per cent on capital gains when they sell off some or all of their business. Hammond has now doubled the minimum qualifying period from 12 months to two years and shareholders will now have to hold a 5pc economic stake in the company to receive the relief. The Chancellor also announced smaller-scale measures, such as 20m of skill-training pilot schemes. In a Budget that was welcomed for supporting smaller and more risky start-up businesses, Hammond said he would help UK pension funds invest in such firms. Meanwhile the Treasury will consult next year on the pension charges cap, which restricts the amount some pension providers can charge in fees. Burberry is launching fashion lines through social media in a bid to woo young shoppers and shake off its traditional image. The fashion house, which is known for its quintessentially British designs, is focusing on selling products through online platforms such as Instagram to attract millennials. Riccardo Tisci, Burberry's chief creative officer who joined from French rival Givenchy in March, launched a clothing range through Instagram earlier this month. It was available to buy for just 24 hours in a flash sale. Celebrity favourite: Riccardo Tisci, Burberry's chief creative officer, with realty TV star Kim Kardashian SURPRISE PICK FOR UK BRAND Riccardo Tisci joined Burberry in March to lead its design team after spending 12 years as creative director at Givenchy. The London Central Saint Martins graduate was a surprise choice after months of speculation over who would replace Christopher Bailey. Born in Taranto, Italy, Tisci was raised a Catholic with his eight sisters. Givenchy became a red carpet favourite under his leadership, and he designed outfits for Rihanna, Madonna and Beyonce, as well as reality TV star Kim Kardashians wedding dress when she married rapper Kanye West. But while Tisci, 44, is seeking to attract new customers, the clothes still come at a price. Products so far have included a white T-shirt with the Burberry logo for 290 and a long-sleeve jersey for 450. Burberry said the limited monthly releases, or 'product drops', are part of plans to create excitement around new fashion lines and release them more often. The product drops have been unveiled on Instagram, China's WeChat, Japan's Line and Korea's Kakao but not at Burberry's traditional stores or websites. They so far have included more casual clothes than those typically associated with Burberry. Tisci has also introduced a logo redesign, Burberry's first in two decades. It is a monogram featuring the interlocking initials of founder Thomas Burberry. Burberry is yet to sell a full range designed by Italian-born Tisci, who was known for his racy, gothic style at Givenchy, leaving analysts in the dark as to what effect his appointment will have on revenues. However, analysts at Jefferies have questioned Tisci's decision to introduce a major rebrand. A note by the broker said: 'The strategy looks the right one but the timing is too ambitious. 'The Tisci branded 'drops' are selling very well but numbers are small and we will not really know before next spring what real direction Burberry will take.' But Berenberg has been more positive, saying it would look closely for more detail on Tisci's eagerly anticipated range when Burberry reports its half-year results in November. 'We continue to believe that Burberry remains one of the most promising brand turnaround stories in the space,' it added. Tisci took over from long-standing chief creative officer Christopher Bailey. His appointment came as a surprise but has been welcomed by analysts, particularly due to his knowledge of British fashion having studied at London's Central Saint Martins. He has worked with Burberry's chief executive Marco Gobbetti, who recruited Tisci when he headed up Givenchy. But his arrival comes at a tricky time as the luxury goods market faces a slowdown in spending among Chinese customers, a major market for Burberry. Burberry is understood to be looking at how to fight back against the slump in China and rely less on the country to generate revenues. Earlier this year Julie Brown, chief financial officer at Burberry, said: 'We do find our Chinese clientele will move depending on how currency is moving. 'We had far fewer Chinese tourists in Europe, in the UK and continental Europe.' Small businesses have welcomed a move by Philip Hammond to cut the costs they must pay towards apprenticeships. Firms which pay their staff less than 3m per year in total must stump up 10 per cent of the cost of any apprenticeships which they run. The Government pays the remaining 90 per cent. But from April 2019, companies' contributions will be halved to 5 per cent while the Government will pitch in 95 per cent. The Chancellor has set aside 240m to cover the costs. Welcome move: Firms which pay their staff less than 3m per year in total must currently stump up 10 per cent of the cost of any apprenticeships which they run Verity Davidge of manufacturers' organisation EEF said: 'Reducing the rate for small business from 10 per cent to 5 per cent will spur more small businesses to create additional apprenticeships, which in turn will deliver a much needed boost to skills.' The higher 10 per cent rate had been criticised for deterring small businesses from operating apprenticeship schemes. Hammond also promised to give up to 5m to the Institute for Apprenticeships, which advises on the development of training programmes, and the National Apprenticeship Service, the government agency which coordinates apprenticeships. This is to help both bodies identify gaps in the market for training providers. The funding will also be used to increase the number of courses on offer designed by employers. Hammond said all apprentices would start on these programmes from 2020. Larger businesses already pay 0.5 per cent of their wage bill every year as an apprenticeship levy, whether they offer apprenticeships or not. The Chancellor recently said firms will be able to use 25 per cent of their levy funds to pay for apprenticeships at another business in their supply chain if they do not need apprentices. A woman was killed and another one was injured in shelling by militants of the Syrian city of Aleppo, the head of the Russian Center for Syrian Reconciliation, Lt. Gen. Vladimir Savchenko said. "Shelling of Tel-Bazam settlement in Hama province and Furqan neighborhood in the city of Aleppo was recorded over the past 24 hours," he said. "A young woman, born in 1993, was killed and another woman, born in 1974, was injured as a result of shelling by an unidentified illegal armed group of Furqan neighborhood," the Russian Defense Ministry's department of information and mass communications cited Savchenko as saying. Lysette Anthony believes she is not the Hollywood producer's only victim from the UK A soap star who accused Harvey Weinstein of raping her believes he has abused other British actresses. Lysette Anthony thinks that she is not the Hollywood producer's only victim from the UK - and is furious that no one else has spoken out about the sexual abuse. The celeb told the Daily Star Sunday: 'I have no time for cowards...they need to bloody grow a pair.' Ms Anthony claims that the American movie producer pounced on her at her flat in London in 1980s, after they became friends when she worked in the US. A string of stars in the US have also made claims against Weinstein which prompted the #MeToo movement. Weinstein, who Miss Anthony first met in New York in 1982, allegedly turned up at her flat one morning and forced himself on her. Ms Anthony said: 'I am disgusted people haven't said anything. I know how frightened they are. But I am disgusted.' The actress said that after she went public, her 14-year-old son Jimi had been mocked by other boys who said his mother is Harvey Weinsteins b****. She said there had been a huge backlash against women who have spoken out against Weinstein. He has denied all allegations of non-consensual sex. The force has received allegations of sexual assault against Weinstein from ten other women. Miss Anthony also defended Asia Argento, one of Weinsteins most prominent accusers, who alleged he raped her at the Cannes film festival when she was 21. Advertisement A super typhoon that ravaged a Pacific US territory sent more than 3,000 tourists fleeing as residents struggled with a power outage, destroyed homes and long lines for gasoline. At category 5, Super Typhoon Yutu was the strongest storm to hit any part of the US this year when it ripped through the Northern Marianas Islands. Saipan, the largest island, is a popular tourist destination for travelers from South Korea and China. There were 3,200 tourists when Yutu hit, said governor spokesman Kevin Bautista. The South Korean government flew most of their nationals out on military planes over the weekend, he said, and other tourists have been flying home now that commercial flights have resumed out of the Saipan airport. A super typhoon that ravaged a Pacific US territory sent more than 3,000 tourists fleeing as residents (pictured) struggled with a power outage, destroyed homes and long lines for gasoline At category 5, Super Typhoon Yutu was the strongest storm to hit any part of the US this year Saipan, the largest island, is a popular tourist destination for travelers from South Korea and China. There were 3,200 tourists when Yutu hit, said governor spokesman Kevin Bautista A vehicle was flipped over on the island of Saipan, after Super Typhoon Yutu swept through the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands earlier in the week The South Korean government flew most of their nationals out on military planes over the weekend, and other tourists have been flying home now that commercial flights have resumed out of the Saipan airport Rota suffered the least amount of damage with 51 badly damaged or destroyed homes, but like Saipan (damage on Saipan) and Tinian, Rota was still without power The American Red Cross and other volunteers have been giving out meals and water for drinking. There are water stations where each vehicle can receive up to 50 gallons of non-potable water for needs such as bathing. Medical teams were sent to shelters to provide services. Nearby territory Guam has sent 140 members of its National Guard to help with recovery efforts, according to Torres' office Facebook page. 'There were so many people in line and some were unable to get anything or only able to get very little,' Edwin Propst, a member of the House of Representatives, said Tuesday. Yet, he's confident the US Federal Emergency Management Agency is doing its best to help. 'They have shown they do care. So we are grateful for whatever they can give,' he said. President Donald Trump approved a disaster declaration, making federal funding available to affected people in the Northern Marianas. Most of the homes on the island of Tinian were destroyed by a direct hit from Yutu, residents said. According to initial assessments, there were 183 homes on Tinian that were destroyed or suffered major damage. On Saipan, that number was 779. Bautista didn't have estimates for how many homes are on each island. Rota suffered the least amount of damage with 51 badly damaged or destroyed homes, but like Saipan and Tinian, Rota was still without power. Most of the homes on the island of Tinian were destroyed by a direct hit from Yutu, residents said. According to initial assessments, there were 183 homes on Tinian that were destroyed or suffered major damage. On Saipan, that number was 779 Most of the homes on the island of Tinian were destroyed by a direct hit from Yutu, residents said The American Red Cross and other volunteers have been giving out meals and water for drinking There are water stations where each vehicle can receive up to 50 gallons of non-potable water for needs such as bathing. Medical teams were sent to shelters to provide services On Saipan there were two-mile gas lines and it could take three months to restore 50 per cent power to Tinian, according to the territory's recovery assessment released Monday. Over 96 hours after the storm, there were 121 typhoon-related emergency room visits, the assessment said. There was one storm-related death: a woman who took shelter in an abandoned building that collapsed. 'I look to this as a miracle in some respects,' Propst, the lawmaker, said of there not being more casualties. 'We are a predominantly Catholic community. I just think we were graced by God. For so many people that I talked to that were in these structures that were totally destroyed and to come out with only minor bruises and cut is in itself a miracle.' The territory has building codes meant to withstand typhoon winds, but many poor families can't afford to build full concrete structures, Propst said: 'Most of our families live in a mix of wood and tin and semi-concrete structures.' On Saipan (top) there were two-mile gas lines and it could take three months to restore 50 per cent power to Tinian, according to the territory's recovery assessment released Monday This satellite image provided by DigitalGlobe on October 26 shows part of San Jose, a village in Tinian, an island of the Northern Mariana Islands, after Super Typhoon Yutu Officials say Typhoon Yutu slammed into Dinapigue town in northeastern Isabela province before dawn Tuesday with sustained winds of 93mph and gusts of up to 130mph. It knocked down trees and power posts and ripped roofs off small houses, but there were no immediate reports of casualties. US Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Gov Ralph Torres said on his office's Facebook page that elections will be postponed until November 13. Early voting will now begin November 6. The delay won't affect a balance of power in Congress since the islands only have one non-voting member. In addition to the delegate to Congress, residents will vote on governor and other local races. Tropical weather has affected other elections in the past. Some results in the 2014 Hawaii primary were delayed nearly a week as residents in two rural districts on the Big Island couldn't vote on election day because of damage from Hurricane Iselle. A make-up primary for about 8,000 of those residents was held six days later. Torres and his lieutenant governor running mate will suspend campaign events to focus on recovery, he wrote on Facebook. 'Exercising your right to vote is an important part of our democracy and our freedom,' he said. 'Taking care of yourself and your family is even more important.' A father of two was shot to death while apprehending thugs who were breaking into cars in his neighborhood in Tennessee. Erik Helffenstein, 45, was killed while chasing suspects outside his home along Meadow Ridge Circle in Nashville. Helffenstein had chased after the men in his car and they reportedly fired at him, causing him to crash just after 2am on Monday. Police said 'several rounds' hit the vehicle. The suspects were breaking into one of his family cars and other vehicles parked on the street. Erik Helffenstein was shot dead while apprehending car thieves in his neighborhood According to Metro Nashville police, officers were patrolling an area east of Trace Creek Drive early Monday morning, when they found an SUV several yards off the roadway. When they looked in his Nissan Pathfinder, officers found Helffenstein who had been shot inside. Officers performed CPR, but were unable to revive him. Neighbors described Helffenstein as a good man, who was often seen working in his garage workshop and and was ready to lend a ladder or a hand to anyone on the street. He worked as an electrical engineer for Nissan, neighbor Matt Lowney said and the family kept to themselves. The family includes two elementary-age children. Neighbor Matt Lowney told the Tennessean: 'Erik was a really good dude,' Lowney said. 'You hate to see this happen to anyone, but especially him. When I heard he went after them, it didn't surprise me. He's that kind of guy. He'd defend what's his'. Lowney's car was also ransacked overnight, he said. Police finished dusting it for prints around 2pm, not long after a Metro police Crime Scene Unit van left the Helffenstein home in the 7000 block of Meadow Ridge Circle. Police said Helffensteins wife saw that two men wearing hoodies were breaking into one of their cars outside. Lowney saw Helffenstein Sunday night at a small fall festival the neighborhood put on, he said. Officers found Helffenstein slumped over in his car after perpetrators fired several rounds in his direction as he was apprehending them for suspected car theft Neighbors described Helffenstein as a 'good guy' and was always ready to help anyone You never think it's going to be the last time you see someone, he said. Metro Councilman Dave Rosenberg, who serves the Bellevue area, called the death 'senseless' in a social media post Monday morning. The community is 'suffering an insurpassable loss this morning, and our hearts are broken,' Rosenberg said. Rosenberg said a community meeting has been scheduled for Thursday at 7pm at the Bellevue YMCA on Highway 100. Representatives of the MNPD West Precinct are expected to attend the event. Lowney, who has lived in the neighborhood for approximately five years, said any crime he can remember was mostly 'piddly kids stuff, teens messing around. Helffenste crashed at the 7700 block of Highway 100 (pictured) when the suspects shot at his car Like these pumpkins (on the porch) will probably be in the road on Halloween, but nothing like this, he said. The suspects were in a dark SUV. Police are asking anyone in the Traceside subdivision of Highway 100 whose vehicle was broken into or who has video of their driveway to call 615-862-8600. Metro Police are asking anyone in the Traceside subdivision off Highway 100 whose vehicle was tampered with, or who has home video of the outside, please call 615-862-8600. One neighbor said he is getting a home surveillance installed on Monday. A community meeting has been called for 7 pm. Thursday at the Bellevue YMCA with Metro Police, who will share information and answer questions. Meanwhile, neighbors in the area say they've seen an upsurge in car thefts and break-ins lately. They are pushing for a precinct or more officers for their area. Police said the suspect vehicle is a dark SUV. Centrelink will employ 1,500 new employees after it was revealed almost 48 million calls to the organisation went unanswered in the last financial year. Figures showed that 47,950,425 million calls to Centrelink were met with a busy signal last year, while 5,313,954 calls were abandoned. Complaints to Centrelink rose to 237,000 in the last year, a jump of 68,000, The Courier Mail reported. Centrelink will employ 1500 new call centre employees after it was revealed almost 48 million calls to the organisation went unanswered in the last financial year (stock image) Centrelink is responsible for welfare distribution across Australia. In particular, the elderly have complained of being put on hold for hours while waiting for questions about their pension applications to be answered. In response to criticism of the service, the Federal Government announced an increase to Centrelink call centre numbers to help keep up with growing demand. In the first quarter of 2018 alone, 10,986,832 calls were met with a busy signal. Human Services Minister Michael Keenan said in a press conference that 800 skilled contracted staff employed by Australian-based call centres would be employed by Centrelink. 'We will be putting on an extra 1500 people within the department of human services to improve processing times and to improve our performance on our telephone services,' he said. 'This announcement is on top of the 1250 staff weve already announced that we will be putting on.' Mr Keenan said the new employees would be well trained and would be efficient in cutting down on call times. Human Services Minister Michael Keenan (pictured) said in a press conference the move would ensure Australians had calls answered more efficiently 'Its very important that when people need the support of the government they know that they can contact us in a reasonable time frame and they are going to be dealing with someone who knows exactly what they are doing,' he said. The money to cover the cost of the new employees will come from existing funds within the Department of Human Services. While the spike in unanswered telephone calls has prompted the government to take action, Mr Keenan said digital communication would be how people communicated with Centrelink in the future. 'Over time I certainly would much prefer that people interacting with us through digital channels and weve got a very significant transformation program within my department that is going to make accessing those channels as easy as possible.' He said he hoped that it would lead to a 'significant reduction in telephone calls'. 'Because it's much more convenient for people to interact with us when they feel like it.' Acting Co-Deputy Leader of the Greens Rachel Siewert said while the move was welcome one she said it was unfortunate it took skyrocketing complaints to do it. Minster Keenan said digital communication would be how people communicated with Centrelink in the future (file photo) 'While it's welcome that the department has started to focus on reducing unanswered calls, I'd hazard a guess that it's because they keep getting called out for the millions of calls going unanswered, estimates after estimate,' she said in a statement. 'There have been significant staff cuts and this year we have seen reports of students going an entire semester without their payment being processed and pensioners going months waiting for the claims to be processed.' Miss Siewert said the staff cuts showed a lack of foresight. 'We need a stable, well trained workforce and the Government should commit to reinstating the nearly 1200 jobs cut from the Department of Human Services in the 2017-18 Budget,' she said. 'Older Australians, single parents, students and those looking for work should not have to be put through these significant hurdles just to reach Centrelink and get a payment they are entitled to.' His car was eventually salvaged by a kindly fisherman on other side of the bank His 4WD became stuck in the water and he appealed to onlooking tourists A man who ran over a crocodile at a notorious creek crossing and then asked for help to move his damaged car has been ridiculed by locals. Witnesses claim the driver of the Toyota Rav4 sped across Cahills Crossing, in the Northern Territory's Kakadu National Park, at high tide. The crossing is often flooded with water and motorists are meant to wait until the water subsides before making the dangerous water crossing. But the driver ignored the warnings and struck a three-metre saltwater crocodile, a protected species in Australia. He then stepped into knee-deep water and asked for help pushing his car, which became bogged, in the presence of roughly 15 circling crocodiles. Scroll down for video A man ran over a crocodile at the notorious Cahills Crossing in Kakadu National Park The crossing is often flooded with water and motorists are meant to wait until the water subsides before making the dangerous water crossing Tourist Liam Bentley who watched the action unfold told Daily Mail Australia that the driver approached the hazardous water crossing 'without any prior thought'. 'He immediately regretted it.' The front bumper of the car was dislodged after it hit the crocodile. Eventually the water caused the engine to cut out and the man became stuck on the outskirts of the crossing. He then got out of his vehicle into knee-deep water and appealed to around 20 tourists who were watching the action unfold from a safe distance to help push his four-wheel-drive to dry ground. His vehicle was finally salvaged when a fisherman on the other side of the crossing used his 4WD to push the man's Toyota to dry ground According to Mr Bentley, the man started yelling abuse at the tourists when they refused to help. There were around 15 crocodiles close to the vehicle at this point, feeding on fish. Around five of them were within about 20 metres of the man. His vehicle was finally salvaged when a fisherman on the other side of the crossing used his 4WD to push the man's Toyota to dry ground. The croc did not resurface and its condition remains unknown. Crocodiles can often be seen swimming in the waters around Cahills Crossing, located on the East Alligator River. It has gained a reputation of being Australia's most dangerous water crossing. Other unlucky motorists attempting the crossing have been washed away by the water. People have tragically died after being taken by the saltwater crocodiles that lurk in the waters. The crossing is located in Kakadu National Park, a protected area in the Northern Territory and home to Aboriginal rock art sites. Kakadu is jointly managed by the park's traditional owners and Parks Australia. A woman who mowed down and killed a motorcyclist heard a male voice in her head telling her to 'get Ewan McGregor' moments before the collision. Vanessa Fraser, 49, was travelling 180km/h when she ran over Trevor Moran, 61, near Cudgen Creek, in northern New South Wales, in January last year. Fraser told police she was 'possessed' when she crashed into father-of-three Mr Moran. She has been found not guilty of murder due to a mental illness. Vanessa Fraser told a court that she was 'possessed' when she ran over Trevor Moran (pictured, left), 61, near Cudgen Creek, New South Wales, in January last year Mr McGregor, known for Hollywood blockbuster such as Star Wars, Moulin Rouge and Trainspotting, also appears in a documentary series called 'Long Way Round' in which he and fellow actor Charley Boorman travel the world on motorbikes. Fraser told police that she lost control of the car, according to the Courier Mail. 'And then that, that was him that it saw him and suddenly the car just swerved to the, to hit him,' she said. Fraser will be held in custody pending a mental health review. Fraser had reportedly been in and out of mental health wards in 2012 and 2016 with a range of mental health problems including, 'recurrent episodes of delusional and manic behaviour', as well as psychosis and sleeplessness. Fraser was travelling at 180km/hr when she allegedly heard a male voice in her head, telling her to 'get Ewan McGregor' (pictured) It is believed she is referring to the Scottish actor's documentary 'Long Way Round' with fellow actor Charley Boorman (pictured, left), which saw the pair traveling the world on motorbikes Court documents show Fraser had improved when on medication but stopped taking her treatment once she was released and started smoking cannabis. On the day of the incident, Fraser arrived at the Sofitel Gold Coast in Broadbeach in Queensland in such a state that the night supervisor called an ambulance. Fraser had been complaining of 'heart palpitations', but when paramedics arrived she was 'aggressive and uncooperative' and sped away in her car. Fraser told police that she lost control of her car which was going at high speed when she hit Mr Moran near the Cudgen Creek overpass (pictured) Voices in Fraser's head 'possessed' her to mow down the motorcyclist between Byron Bay and the Cudgen Creek overpass (pictured), the court heard Eight hours later, Fraser had crossed the Queensland border into northern New South Wales and ploughed into Mr Moran between Byron Bay and the Cudgen Creek overpass, the court heard. 'I am satisfied on the balance of probabilities that at the time of the collision the accused laboured under such a defect of reason from the disease of her mind that she did not know the quality and nature of what she was doing,' said Supreme Court Judge Desmond Fagan. Mr Moran has three adult children now in their late 20s and early 30s and was a much-loved member of the Tweed Heads Motor Cycle Enthusiast Club. An anti-pokie campaigner is facing a human rights investigation after he called the board of a wealthy Melbourne country club 'pasty old white men'. City of Monash councillor Geoff Lake used the term during a discussion about the Mulgrave Country Club and its pokie machines at a meeting in August. 'Mulgrave Country Club are run by a pack of bullies led by (president) Leon Ross and seven other pasty old white men,' Mr Lake said at the council meeting. 'None of whom would be under 60, none of whom are from a background that reflects the cultural diversity of the community that they seek to reign over. City of Monash councillor Geoff Lake (left) referred to Mulgrave Country Club president Leon Ross (right) and his board members as 'pasty old white men' at a council meeting in August 'Not one woman between them. This is a board of management that is out of touch with our local community.' Minutes from the meeting noted how Mr Lake said 'the club was the highest loss venue in the municipality, taking more than $12million from Monash and Greater Dandenong residents and ratepayers', which indicates the amount of money put into machines minus the money paid out. Mr Lake, who is also chairman of the Alliance for Gambling Reform, also claimed the club 'preyed on disadvantaged and vulnerable people'. The Alliance for Gambling Reform 'is a national advocacy organisation which works to prevent and minimise the harm from gambling', its website says. Mr Ross has now penned a letter to Mr Lake, saying he had sought help for depression following the comments, the Herald Sun reported. 'I find your comments offensive in the extreme and to be referred to as a "pasty old white man" is to me racially insulting, rude and detestable,' he reportedly wrote. He told the Herald Sun that while the club has no female board members their top three managers were women. Mr Ross said he also complained to the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, where he has alleged sex, age and racial discrimination. Mr Lake used the term while councillors were discussing the Mulgrave Country Club (pictured) and its pokie machines at a council meeting The 82-year-old said Mr Lake's claims weren't true and to 'say that I'm a bully and that I prey on disadvantaged people could not be further from the truth'. He has demanded a public apology from Mr Lake at this month's council meeting but the councillor said he saw no need for it. 'This is a situation of the largest pokies venue in Monash trying to intimidate people into submission who seek to address the harms that flow from their activity of taking millions of dollars each year through poker machine losses,' Mr Lake said. English playwright William Shakespeare has been described as a 'whitesplainer' and a product of 'white supremacy' on the ABC's Q&A program. Audience member Katriona Robertson started the discussion by asking how The Bard, often described as the greatest English language writer of all time, could be relevant in the 21st century. 'What kind of influence can a 454-year-old dead white guy have on Australia's varied cultural landscape without whitesplaining things?' she said. Indigenous actress Nakkiah Lui, 27, answered by suggesting there was a racist element to Shakespeare's writing. 'I'd like to be able to call Shakespeare 'white classics',' she said. 'We identify that the canon in which we draw so much of our culture is actually racialised.' Lui, who has previously featured in an ABC indigenous comedy skit describing white people as 'c***s', disputed Q&A host Tony Jones's suggestion that Shakespeare's writing on the human condition was 'beyond race'. Audience member Katriona Robertson asked how a '454-year-old dead white guy' could be relevant in 'Australia's varied cultural landscape without whitesplaining things' 'I don't think bringing up race is a bad thing. Let's talk about race when it comes to whiteness as well,' she said. 'One of the reasons Shakespeare is so prolific is because he was a white guy. 'Because white supremacy is something that has been very prevalent around the world. Part of that is bringing in culture and Shakespeare's part of that.' The theatre-special panel show in Sydney was discussing how Shakespeare had written about a black general in Othello. Elements of the arts community use the term 'cultural appropriation' to disparage the idea of Europeans writing about ethnic minorities. Indigenous actress Nakkiah Lui answered by suggesting there was a racist element to Shakespeare's writing Lui, a co-writer of the ABC series Black Comedy, suggested telling the modern stories of racial minorities. 'I would like to see the way that we all still continue to embrace Shakespeare is to start to embrace the stories of people who aren't Shakespeare: the people who are young, who are people of colour, gender,' she said. 'People who don't necessarily fit the role or who don't come from the culture Shakespeare came from.' Shakespeare died at age 52 in 1616, 172 years before the British First Fleet sailed into Sydney Harbour. The bard who penned masterpieces Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, Much Ado About Nothing and the Merchant of Venice died 150 years before the Industrial Revolution began, leading to Great Britain embarking on imperial expansion. A 23-year-old man has made more than $101,000 profit after buying a plot of land and mowing it twice. Anthony Dart, 23, bought the property on the Gold Coast for $310,000 and 13 months later he sold it for a staggering $439,000. Mr Dart told Daily Mail Australia he made a solid profit of $101,000 after expenses. The young entrepreneur was shocked by how much the property appreciated in value in just over a year. Anthony Dart (pictured) bought the property on the Gold Coast for $310,000 and 13 months later sold it for a staggering $439,000 Im still amazed about it now, Mr Dart told realestate.com. A lot of young people try and buy small blocks with homes to live in, but the lesson here was land appreciates in value,' he said. Mr Dart, who is a managing director at a Customer Retention company, said he didnt renovate the property during the 13 months. Anthony Dart (pictured right), 23, has made more than $101,000 profit after buying a plot of land and mowing it twice before putting it back on the market He revealed he only mowed the lawn twice after a complaint about the unkempt grass from council. Mr Dart recommends young people looking to buy their first property to start small and move on to something bigger in time. He said it's also important to do your research, buy under market value and to have exit strategies in place. 'The hardest part for all young people is getting together the deposit its good to remember to start small and move on to something bigger,' he said. Police have identified the North Carolina high school student who was fatally shot by a fellow student in a crowded hallway in what they say was a case of bullying that 'escalated out of control'. The 16-year-old student accused of firing the fatal shot was arrested quickly as investigators secured the campus at Butler High School in Matthews, about 12 miles southeast of downtown Charlotte, on Monday morning. Tenth-grader Bobby McKeithen, 16, was rushed to hospital to undergo surgery for his gunshot wound but he later died. Police have arrested ninth-grader Jatwan Craig Cuffie and charged him as an adult with first-degree murder. Scroll down for video Police have charged Jatwan Craig Cuffie, 16, with fatally shooting his classmate Bobby McKeithen, also 16, at Butler High School in Matthews, North Carolina on Monday morning The 16-year-old student accused of firing the fatal shot was arrested quickly as investigators secured the campus at Butler High School in Matthews on Monday morning The shooting occurred just before classes began at about 7.15am in the main hallway of the school and was partly captured on video. Footage that appeared on Instagram showed screaming students fleeing the crowded hallway after the suspect pulled a gun on the victim. Matthews Police Department Captain Stason Tyrrell said a school resource officer was in the school cafeteria when he and security officers heard a commotion and encountered students running in an adjacent hallway. The resource officer found the injured victim, tried to give aid and immediately called for a school lockdown. Within five minutes, a teacher told school officials that she was with the student who allegedly fired the shot. The teacher said the student admitted to the shooting and was ready to surrender, according to police. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Superintendent Clayton Wilcox said the shooting appears to have stemmed from a case of bullying 'that escalated out of control.' Footage that appeared on Instagram showed screaming students fleeing the crowded hallway after the suspect pulled a gun on the victim Neither Wilcox nor Tyrrell said which student was being bullied. The two students reportedly had an altercation at the weekend and it continued in the school hallway first thing Monday morning. High school student Jorge Sanchez told WSOC-TV in Charlotte that the shooting happened as the result of an argument that escalated. He said the victim, a friend of his, was shot in the back as he walked away. 'I saw the gun and I had to run,' Sanchez said, adding that the gunshot sent students scurrying through the halls. 'This is really sad to see someone go that... has been your friend, for I don't know how many years,' Sanchez said. Another student told WCNC she witnessed the altercation, noting she heard 'a pop' before the two people involved started 'wrestling on the ground'. 'It sounded like a balloon but louder,' she said. Police said several people apparently knew there would be an altercation at the school, but police had no information on it prior to the incident. 'Someone asked me how could someone, especially a student, come onto one of our campuses with a loaded gun, and I wish I had an answer to that,' Wilcox said. 'There really is no easy answer. We do not have metal detectors in our schools. We do not search our students on the way into school. Our schools and students rely on cooperation between and among each other. And today, that simply wasn't enough.' Parents walked to go pick up their kids outside the school after the scene was considered safe Gavriel Fulcher-Daniels (left with Stephen Daniels) said: 'It sounded like a balloon but louder.' Text messages from a student inside Butler High. pic.twitter.com/K67ZuRa7Ba Ruby Durham (@RubyElizDurham) October 29, 2018 Heres the alert that was sent to parents phones. pic.twitter.com/XnfaW7jdZM Ruby Durham (@RubyElizDurham) October 29, 2018 Wilcox said that many students witnessed the shooting, and counselors and psychologists were available. 'There were many kids in the hallway when this happened,' he said. 'We're incredibly saddened by the fact that we had a loss of life on one of our campuses today. What makes it doubly difficult is that it was one of our students who was the shooter,' he said. While police have not confirmed what kind of gun was used, Wilcox said: 'I don't know how a young person gets a handgun in the state of North Carolina.' He said the system was reviewing its security procedures. School officials lifted the lockdown after two hours and said families could pick up students at the main entrance. Guardians and parents were advised of the incident via email and telephone calls. Classes were proceeding for students who remained on campus. The diverse student body of about 2,000 at the school in North Carolina's most populous county is about one-third white, one-third African-American and one-quarter Hispanic. Before the lockdown was lifted, dozens of parents gathered outside of the school to await word on the students. Multiple parents told local television channels that they felt confused and unsure about where to meet with their children. Some parents, who had no idea the extent of the shooting, were crying as they arrived at the school in response to messages from their children. Many initially gathered at the nearby Elevation Church to pray after the incident as they waited to hear news. Television footage showed students streaming out, with many crying and hugging parents. Matthews Police Captain Stason Tyrrell spoke after a deadly shooting at Butler High School Parents gathered near the school to wait for news after the incident as students were held A tutor who allegedly plied his teenage student with prescription drugs before indecently assaulting her has been arrested. The alleged assault happened at a tutoring academy in Chatswood, on Sydney's North Shore, around 2pm on Sunday, October 28. Police will allege the 18-year-old girl was at the academy when the sexual attack took place. The alleged assault happened at a tutoring academy in Chatswood, on Sydney's North Shore The tutor, 34, had been teaching for several years before the alleged incident occurred The tutor is alleged to have drugged his victim, who was 16 years younger than him, before indecently assaulting her. Police have since conducted crime scene warrants at the academy and at a property on Albert Street in Chatswood. The tutor, 34, had been teaching for several years before the alleged incident occurred. He has since been arrested and charged with two counts of cause to take intoxicating substance to commit indictable offence, and assault with act of indecency. The man was refused bail to appear at Hornsby Local Court on Monday, where he was refused bail again to appear at the court on Tuesday. A hunter who survived an attack by a 500-pound grizzly bear in Montana is being attacked on social media by animal lovers who say 'it's a shame the bear didn't finish him off.' Bob Legasa, 57, was out bow hunting for elk in Livingston, just north of Yellowstone National Park, on October 13 with his friend when he was mauled by the grizzly. The hunter said he didn't even notice the grizzly sow and her cub until he was just 12 yards away. 'We walked up to within 12 yards when we all saw each other and before I could even reach for my bear spray she was at full charge,' Legasa said. Bob Legasa, 57, was out bow hunting for elk in Livingston, just north of Yellowstone National Park, on October 13 with his friend when he was mauled by the grizzly Legasa has been being attacked on social media by animal lovers who say 'it's a shame the bear didn't finish him off' 'I was able to get my arm up to someone at protect my face when she knocked me over.' The bear clawed Legasa's face, gashed and fractured his arm and punctured his wrist with her teeth. He said his hunting partner Greg Gibson was just a few steps behind him but was able to grab his bear spray and give one shot in the grizzly's direction. 'She reared up and came towards him... he was able to give her one more blast where she and her cub retreated,' he said. The bear clawed Legasa's face, gashed and fractured his arm and punctured his wrist with her teeth Legasa will undergo a second surgery on his arm after the bear broke it in two places Legasa received stitches for a gash to his eye in the bear attack and was released from the hospital Legasa was able to get to a hospital in Livingston and then Bozeman to have surgery to clean the wound and prevent infection. He received a tetanus shot and started rabies treatment. 'My arm is broken in two spots where she grabbed on with her mouth and I have a nice couple of scratches on my face where she got me with her claws,' he said. Legasa said doctors planned to insert a plate and a screw in his arm to secure a broken bone. The incident was widely circulated on social media, where the reactions from animal lovers toward Legasa were negative. 'Good, stop hunting,' wrote one user. Another Facebook user sarcastically wrote: 'Awww, my heart bleeds for the poor bastard.' 'Karma,' wrote another Facebook user who added a smiley emoji. 'You want praise? STOP HUNTING! Leave our wildlife alone,' wrote another Facebook user. Legasa said doctors insert a plate and a screw in his arm to secure a broken bone Legasa was able to get to a hospital in Livingston and then Bozeman to have surgery to clean the wound and prevent infection The hunter said he didn't even notice the grizzly sow and her cub until he was just 12 yards away (file photo) Legasa said he was taken aback by the reaction on social media. 'The backlash that followed was totally surprising,' Legasa told the New York Post. 'Just the vulgarity it was the nastiest stuff you could think of, death wishes, you name it, mostly from groups that oppose hunting and the vegan community. 'On the other hand, I got a lot of support from others. But it was definitely overwhelming.' The harsh reactions on social media prompted Legasa to change the privacy settings on his Facebook page. 'Its just keyboard warriors from behind their desks spewing out nastiness,' Legasa, who had not contacted authorities over the threatening messages, said of his critics. 'But if a lot of this came from people in the States, I would have a lot more concern for my safety.' Legasa said the reactions on social media did not deter him from resuming hunting. Last week, he and his 23-year-old daughter went on a hunt. He said that his daughter killed her first elk with a rifle. President Donald Trump's approval rating is down four points in the wake of pipe bombings sent to his political rivals and a mass shooting at a synagogue in Pittsburgh, new poll numbers showed on Monday. The four-point drop in Gallup's weekly rating tracking essentially erases any gains the president has made as he fights off a blue wave and tries to keep his party in power on Capitol Hill ahead of next week's midterm election. For the week ending on Sunday, Trump's approval rating sat at 40 percent with 54 percent disapproving of his job as president, Gallup found. President Donald Trump's approval rating is down four points in the wake of pipe bombings sent to his political rivals and a mass shooting at a synagogue in Pittsburgh Gallup began tracking the new poll numbers on Monday, when Trump was in Houston campaigning for Ted Cruz In the previous two weeks, the president was at a 44 percent approval rating, coming in the wake of Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation to the Supreme Court and rising GOP hopes their party would fare better than expected on Election Day. The poll began surveying voters on Monday, when Trump was in Houston campaigning for his former rival Ted Cruz and ended on Sunday, the day after a mass shooter killed 11 people at a synagogue in Pittsburgh. The poll ended on Sunday, the day after a mass shooter killed 11 people at a synagogue in Pittsburgh In between, at least 14 packages with pipe bombs were sent to Trump rivals In between pipe bombs were sent to former President Obama and Michelle Obama, former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former Vice President Joe Biden, CNN, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, and other prominent Democrats. At least 14 packages containing pipe bombs were sent to rivals named by the president. Authorities arrested Cesar Sayoc Jr. on Friday. On Saturday, Robert Bowers was charged with 11 counts of criminal homicide, six counts of aggravated assault and 13 counts of ethnic intimidation after police said he opened fire at the Tree of Life Synagogue during morning services. Trump urged unity and called for a 'civil tone' in politics. But he soon turned back to criticizing Democrats and the media - two of his favorite targets. The president's critics suggested his own rhetoric had contributed to the spate of violence, a notion the White House has pushed back heavily on. Gallup's poll surveyed 1,500 Americans from Oct. 22 through Oct 28. It has a margin of error of 3 points. A nine-year-old boy is lucky to be alive after a four-metre long snake slithered over him and killed his pet dog. Woody Terrades was sleeping in the hallway next to his puppy when his mother, Jordana, woke to 'some inhuman sound'. When she turned on the lights she sound a carpet python wrapped around the family's pet, the Cairns Post reported. After hearing an 'inhuman sound' Jordana Terrades turned on the lights and found the coastal carpet python wrapped around the family's pet dog (stock image) The snake had crushed the five-month-old puppy named Tarzan and was about to swallow the toy poodle and King Charles cavalier cross. Ms Terrades, who lives in Mount Carbine, a town in far north Queensland, said: 'It was all quite traumatising and Im not normally a panicker or screamer. 'I called my neighbour, and he came to help me, because I just didnt know how to handle it.' The neighbour, who asked remain nameless, lifted up the snake with his cane knife before he killed it. 'The snake was too big to handle, so I had to kill it,' he said. Ms Terrades said that before bed she went to collect food from the orchard. She had closed the door behind her but left it unlocked. Cairns Snake Catcher owner Matthew Hagan told Daily Mail Australia people should always call an expert when possible. Cairns Snake Catcher owner operator Matthew Hagan told Daily Mail Australia people should always call an expert when possible 'I advise people to call up the expert, and if you're not 100 per cent sure what you're dealing with you shouldn't be dealing with it at all. 'Even then you have to possess those skills to deal with it. 'Its similar to a very strong person gripping on. 'The blood flow to an arm gets stopped in seconds. It [the snake] just progressively squeezes tighter and tighter, and that's a scary feeling.' A woman from Texas was caught on camera stealing packages from the the front porch of a house but she was in for a surprise of her own. The homeowner who lives in Seabrook near Houston was able to view the theft in progress through her Ring peephole camera and speak directly to the thief. 'I was at work on lunch break when my Ring doorbell app went off letting me know someone was at the front door via motion detection. I usually ignore it because it goes off a lot due to trees blowing in wind makes it go off, but when I checked it, I saw this lady walking around her car and opening the door. At first, I thought she maybe she was delivering my packages, but then it became clear she was not,' the woman wrote in a posting online. A woman noticed her packages were being taken by a thief on her front door peephole camera The owner was able to speak to the perp directly using a doorbell app and gave her a shock The woman apologized and said that she had clearly got the wrong house The woman had already loaded up two packages into her car when she was interrupted. 'Hey what are you doing? What are you doing?' she homeowner demanded to know. Quick as a flash the perp responded 'Is this Deborah's house?' pretending as though she had mistakenly arrived at the wrong address. 'No it's not! Put my packages back on the porch!' she instructed the woman. 'This isn't Deborah's house? I'm so sorry,' the woman said, feigning innocence. 'Oh my God, I'm so sorry!' the thief kept repeating as she frantically ran back to the house. The woman pretended to take a phonecall while replacing the packages back on the porch Had the woman got away with the parcels she would made off with 35lbs of cat litter As she did so, she pretended to be on the phone speaking to 'Deborah' in order to get the correct address. Al the while, the woman kept on saying 'sorry'. 'I was confused about how she would have the wrong house,' said the homeowner to ViralHog. 'She then put the packages back on the porch. 'I called the police and they reviewed the video, assuring me she was a professional thief. They did not recognize her but knew her antics. The police were impressed about the quality of a doorbell camera and asked what was in the packages she was trying to take. I told them each box was 35 lbs of kitty litter.' Advertisement The Duchess of Sussex's husband Harry proved he really is her prince charming on Tuesday, as he helped his pregnant wife to navigate muddy fields in her wellingtons on a visit to a native bush reserve at Redvale. The Duke was snapped holding out a steadying hand to Meghan as they embarked on the first of several engagements on their third day in New Zealand, a trip to the city's North Shore to dedicate a 20-hectare (49-acre) area of bush to the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy - and a chance for the Duchess to plant her first 'royal tree'. Meghan, who is expecting her first child in the spring of 2019, gamely picked up a spade and started digging at the ceremony, where the royal couple had unveiled a plaque recognising the dedication to the QCC, which conserves indigenous forests for future generations. The dedication was the prime focus of the visit, but it was the Wellington boot throwing contest involving local schoolchildren which proved to be a hit with the crowds who turned out for the royal visit. Meghan's team emerged victorious, with the Duchess proving quite the natural in the unusual contest, given it was most likely her first time partaking in such a sport. She had swapped a stylish navy blue blazer for a black hooded zip-up jacket with a QEII National Trust logo for the occasion - the same jacket her husband wore. The $219 (120/US$155) Wellington boots worn by the couple are from The Original Muck Boot Company. The Duchess of Sussex visited the North Shore in Redvale, New Zealand, with husband Prince Harry on Tuesday, where she planted her first royal tree at a ceremony to dedicate a 20-hectare area of native bush to the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy Prince Harry helped his pregnant wife Meghan navigate her way through the muddy grounds at Redvale - and both royals donned wellington boots for the occasion The Duchess of Sussex takes part in a 'welly-wanging' contest while visiting Auckland on Tuesday during the royal tour of New Zealand The Duchess proved quite the natural in the unusual boot tossing contest, given it was most likely her first time partaking in such a sport Meghan appeared excited at the lighthearted tournament, likely due to her team emerging victorious in the Wellington boot-throwing competition Meghan tried her hand at throwing a Wellington boot as part of the contest which also involved local schoolchildren She swapped a stylish navy blue blazer for a black hooded zip-up jacket with a QEII National Trust logo - the same jacket her female team player wore Harry also took part in the tossing of the boots, appearing in deep concentration as he attempted to execute the perfect throw The Duke of Sussex was spotted poking out his tongue mid-throw as he aimed the rubber shoe at his target The Duke and Duchess posed for photos with the schoolchildren who took part in the 'welly-wanging' competition with them The schoolchildren had also performed a song and dance to welcome the royal couple to the area Meghan pressed her forehead and nose up against another woman while shaking her hand at a ceremony to dedicate 20ha of native bush to the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy Harry also embraced the woman's hand and gave her a similarly intimate Hongi hello at the ceremony The couple received gifts from locals following the ceremony, including what appeared to be a knitted rug and a pair of children's Wellington boots A drizzle of rain did not appear to dampen the spirits of Meghan, who appeared cheerful in the front row of the ceremony Schoolchildren surrounded the Royal couple clad in rain jackets and black caps as Meghan and Harry appeared to happily share a conversation and perhaps some 'welly-wanging' tips Meghan happily posed for photos with the young students who were delighted to be in the presence of royalty The royal couple had changed into wet weather jackets for the 'welly-wanging' contest after Meghan earlier wore a blazer and Harry, a coat Meghan covered her mouth to cover a shocked expression while a man appeared amused as he held an umbrella above her head Harry on the other hand appeared rather glum as he held an umbrella above himself and a man seated at his side The Duke of Sussex pressed his forehead and nose up against another man for the traditional 'Hongi' greeting The Duchess of Sussex waved to the crowd as she left the Dedication to the Queens Commonwealth Canopy, bound for her next engagement of the day Meghan pressed her forehead and nose up against another woman for the traditional 'Hongi' greeting while shaking her hand at a ceremony to dedicate the area of native bush to the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy. Harry also embraced the woman's hand and gave her a similarly intimate Hongi hello at the ceremony. The couple received gifts from locals following the ceremony, including what appeared to be a knitted rug and a pair of green children's Wellington boots with cartoon characters on them. A drizzle of rain did not appear to dampen the spirits of Meghan, who appeared cheerful in the front row of the ceremony. Harry on the other hand appeared rather glum at one stage as he held an umbrella above himself and a man seated at his side. Following the welly-wanging' contest, the Duke and Duchess joined with New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at Pillars, a charity that supports children who have a parent in prison by providing special mentoring schemes Meghan received a large bouquet of flowers from a young girl who was wearing a white dress with a pink bow in her hair Meghan and Harry changed clothes for the visit to the charity Pillars, opting for more formal attire compared to their previous engagement of the day The mother-to-be wore a gorgeous white dress with an elegant mid-length coat draped over her shoulders The Duchess of Sussex presented the 'Pillars Award' to Orla Angi recognising her achievements while visiting the charity Meghan and Harry smiled as they held up the Pillars-branded clothing which had been gifted them during their visit The back read: 'Help us create better futures for children of prisoners', along with the Pillars' website and #teampillars The Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern and the Duke of Sussex were in a fit of laughter while a speech was read out Meghan appeared to be laughing off a potential slip-up, with Harry also seeming rather amused as he stood behind her Meghan made good use of her Wellington boots in the wet weather, helping two schoolchildren plant a native tree to add to the area of bush in the Queen's honour She appeared focused on the task at hand, as did her two young helpers, who also wore rain jackets and Wellington boots to protect them in the soggy conditions Harry and a young boy wearing a bright red jacket pointed to the sky as they took a break from digging a hole for a tree The two got down to business and each used a shovel to dig holes for the native plants on the outskirts of the bushland There seemed to be something of interest above Harry and his little helper, with them taking a short break to look at the sky Meghan appeared amused at her husband as he gave a speech at the ceremony while sporting a cheeky expression The couple beamed as they stood before the crowd, with the rain seeming to ease long enough for them to ditch their umbrella The happy couple seemed to engage in some friendly competition as they assessed the outcome of a boot toss The Duke was appropriately dressed in a smart button-up white shirt tucked into a pair of grey trousers with black rubber boots Meghan made good use of her Wellington boots in the wet weather, helping two school children plant a native tree to add to the area of bush in the Queen's honour. She appeared focused on the task at hand, as did her two young helpers, who also wore rain jackets and Wellington boots to protect them in the soggy conditions. The couple later joined with the country's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in a visit to Pillars, 'a charity for children of prisoners' operating across New Zealand. The charity, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, a day ealier had spoken of their excitement about the royal couple's visit. 'We are very much looking forward to welcoming the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to Pillars. It will be an exciting afternoon for our families and our staff and the small group of Pillars kids who will actually get to meet them,' the charity wrote on Facebook. Later in the afternoon, the royal couple will have the opportunity to meet the people of Auckland on the Viaduct Harbour, before attending a reception hosted by Ms Ardern at the Auckland War Memorial Museum. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived to dedicate a 20-hectare area of native bush to The Queen's Commonwealth Canopy in Auckland late on Tuesday morning The couple had arrived for their first engagement of the day while the sun was still shining but the umbrellas were kept close-by as the threat of rain lingered The visit to the area of native bush was the couple's first engagement on their third day in the country The royal couple walked hand-in-hand as they visited the area of native bush on Auckland's North Shore The Wellington boots worn by Prince Harry and Meghan are from The Original Muck Boot Company Meghan held up an umbrella for husband Prince Harry to shield him from the rain during their Auckland engagement The couple took turns in holding up the umbrella as the rain fell late during their royal engagement on Tuesday morning Meghan also had the support of those who joined with the royal couple for the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy dedication The Wellington boots proved appropriate for the occasion, with a decent amount of rain falling throughout the engagement The final day of their Royal Highnesses' tour will take place in Rotorua on Wednesday. The Duke and Duchess will head to Rainbow Springs to learn more about the centre's kiwi breeding programme. Later that afternoon, Meghan and Harry will head into the city for the chance to meet members of the public gathered there. The royal couple then heads back to London. New Zealand is the fourth country the royal couple have visited on their mammoth 16-day tour following visits to Australia, Fiji and Tonga. A photographer who works and travels with Kim Kardashian and Kanye West was seriously injured in a car crash in Los Angeles. Marcus Hyde was out driving in Malibu on Monday morning and was cruising on the Pacific Coast Highway, when he lost control of his vehicle and went over an embankment. TMZ reported that the Los-Angeles based artist suffered several seizures after the crash and was airlifted to the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. Photogpraher Marcus Hyde was seriously injured in a car crash in Malibu, California Kim Kardashian and Marcus Hyde (pictured) are close collaborators and worked together a lot Marcus has scheduled night drives with high-end exotic cars on Sunday nights and regularly posts about his love of cars on Instagram The car he was driving, a Mercedes AMG CLS, was completely destroyed as a result of the crash. One witness told TMZ that Marcus went down 200 feet from the main road. It is understood that a female companion was in the car with Marcus and she was also hospitalized. Marcus, who regularly shoots for Kim, Kanye and other members of the Kardashian family, is a seasoned car aficionado. He has scheduled night drives with high-end exotic cars on Sunday nights. His condition is unknown at this time, but a law enforcement source told TMZ he suffered a critical head injury. Originally from Virginia, Hyde has built a reputation as one of the most talented young photographers since moving to Los Angeles five years ago. He's taken photos with artists like Childish Gambino, Chance the Rapper, and Jhene Aiko. A grab from Hyde's Instagram story last night saying he was going on a 'late night cruise' He also wrote about 'loving LA sunsets' and views driving along the Pacific Coast Highway Hyde took pictures of Kim Kardashian recreating Bo Dereks iconic look from the 1979 film, 10, shooting the images near Kims Malibu home. After the beach, they booked a 'dirty, grungy'hotel for additional photos to round out the shoot, and within hours Hyde's polaroids were everywhere. Kanye West even called with his stamp of approval and asked if Hyde wanted to work with him on future projects. The infamous shoot where Kim Kardashian recreated the iconic Bo Derek film scene Marcus posted a picture saying he had fun working with Kim during her Bo Derek inspired shoot on Malibu beach for which she spent hours braiding hair 'The braids are identical to the beads from the Bo Derek photo shoot," Hyde says. 'That's what Kim wanted. She stayed up all night getting her hair braided for hours., told the pop culture publication Complex. It was a quick, spur-of-the-moment shoot. There wasn't a whole lot of planning, but it came out really amazing. I definitely think it broke the internet'. Hyde also spoke glowingly about Kardashian, saying she is the best subject he ever worked with. Kanye and Kim (pictured) and other members of the Kardashians work regularly with Marcus Hyde He added: Obviously, she knows in the back of her head that people may say this about the shoot or that about the shoot. 'But that's literally anything. She could do a photo shoot dressed in all black and people would be like, 'Oh, why is she wearing all black?' There will always be people who are reaching'. 'It was easy to work on because I didn't feel pressure with a huge production,' he said. 'She was literally the coolest person I've ever worked with, and I'm not just saying that to kiss ass or whatever. She was so easy to work with'. He said a mutual friend knew Kanye West and he had enquired about his work. Kim then contacted Marcus and the two had a long conversation about the Bo Derek shoot. Marcus has also snapped plenty of downtime pictures of Kim and her famous family Hyde has also shot Kanye regularly for various projects related to his work and fashion label Hyde has also worked with Kendall Jenner (pictured) as well as other Kardashian sisters Hyde himself has one million followers and has worked with a number of high-profile artists since working with Kim Kardashian. A man has been arrested after police made a gruesome discovery of endangered animal parts in a package destined for the United States. A parcel containing parts of a red-tailed back cockatoo and a king colobus monkey was intercepted by the Northern Territory Parks, Wildlife and Heritage officers in July. Another package containing a straw-necked ibis and the skull of an olive-backed baboon was also seized. A man has been arrested after police made a gruesome discovery of endangered animal parts in a package destined for the United States Police searched a property in Palmerston, near Darwin, and found more animal parts, including kangaroo skulls and ibis bones A joint investigation between the wildlife officers, Northern Territory Police and the Australian Border Force led them to a property in Palmerston, near Darwin, where they found more animal parts. Skulls, skeletons and other parts belonging to both Australian and non-native animals, including ocelots, kangaroos, chipmunks, crocodiles, wombats, goats, ducks and chickens were discovered. A 34-year-old man has been arrested and charged by the Australian Border Force. He will appear in Darwin Magistrates Court on December 4. The maximum penalty for illegal taking or possessing protected wildlife under the NT legislation is $77,500 or five years imprisonment. The maximum penalty for threatened wildlife is $155,000 or 10 years imprisonment. A 34-year-old Darwin man has been arrested and charged by the Australian Border Force. The man will appear in Darwin Magistrates Court in December Wildlife is one of the three highest illegally traded commodities in the world, it can lead to 10 years imprisonment Senior investigator Nathan Grant said Australian wildlife can fetch a high price overseas and is an attractive market for individuals and organised crime syndicates. 'Protecting Australia's natural resources, including our native animals, from exploitation is an operational priority for the Australian Border Force, and we play a key role in locating and taking action against the unscrupulous operators in this illegal trade.' Wildlife and Heritage Division acting wildlife operations director Tracey Duldig said wildlife was one of the three highest illegally traded commodities in the world. Tiahleigh Palmer was murdered three years ago but the pain and grief for her mother is just as strong as the day she died. Cyndi Uluave posted a tribute to her 12-year-old daughter on the third anniversary of her death at the hands of her foster father on October 30, 2015. Alongside the tribute was a photograph of Tiahleigh's coffin, covered in teddy bears and a framed picture of the schoolgirl in an orange dress, hours before her funeral. Tiahleigh Palmer was murdered three years ago but the pain and grief for her mother is just as strong as the day she died Cyndi Uluave posted a photo of Tiahleigh's coffin, covered in teddy bears and a framed picture of the schoolgirl in an orange dress, hours before her funeral 'Three years on the pain is still as raw as the day you were brutally taken from us,' she wrote. 'There's isn't a day that goes by that you're not in our thoughts and we wish you were still here to live your life and grow up with your siblings, me, and your family. 'Life is so hard without you and time isn't healing anything!' Ms Uluave also hit out at Tiahleigh's killer Rick Thorburn, who was jailed for life in May, along with his son Trent, 18, who sexually abused her. She posted a tribute to her 12-year-old daughter on the anniversary of her death at the hands of her foster father on October 30, 2015 Tiahleigh's funeral was held on November 14 of that year and attended by more than 600 people, following a vigil a week earlier. 'It makes me sick to my stomach to have to relive what happened to you every day,' she wrote. 'Especially knowing that you are never coming back and that the putrid scum responsible for taking your life still get to breathe and live their lives every day.' Tiahleigh's body was discovered in a riverbank on November 5, 2015, six days after she disappeared from Thorburn's care on the Gold Coast. Tiahleigh's foster father Rick Thorburn was jailed for life in May after pleading guilty to murdering her in September 2015 He killed her to cover up sexual abuse by his son Trent, then 18, (pictured) who feared he had got Tiahleigh pregnant. Trent was jailed for four years Her funeral on November 14 of that year was attended by more than 600 people, following a vigil a week earlier. Thorburn pleaded guilty to murdering her to cover up months of sexual abuse by his son Trent, who feared he had got her pregnant. In May this year, Thorburn was jailed for life. Trent was jailed for four years and his mother Julene Thorburn for 18 months, suspended after six months, for perjury. The model of plane that plunged into the ocean and killed 189 people is utilised by many major international airlines and is one of the most-used aircraft in the world. The Boeing 737 Max 8, which plummeted into the seas 13 minutes after take-off on Monday, was the fastest selling plane in history, The Australian reported. Lion Air's flight JT-610 was bound for Pangkal Pinang, an island north of Indonesia's capital Jakarta, when it lost contact with air traffic control about 6.33am local time. Just minutes after take-off the plane vanished from the radar and plunged 5,000ft into the sea, moments after pilot, Bhavye Suneja, reported 'technical difficulties'. Virgin Australia, Australia's second largest airline, has 30 Boeing 737 Max 8s on order, with its first fleet scheduled to start service late 2019. The Boeing 737 Max 8 (pictured), which plummeted into the seas 13 minutes after take-off on Monday, was the fastest selling plane in history Virgin is the first Australian airline to confirm its introduction of Boeing 737 Max 8s to its fleet, but Qantas has reportedly considered following its move by 2022. The aircraft is utilised by some of the world's biggest companies including American Airlines, Icelandair, Air Canada, Air China, Silkair, Southwest Airlines and Ethiopian Airlines. The plane entered service in 2017 and offered quieter cabins and more efficient fuel consumption due to the innovative design of its tail. Boeing reportedly had trouble keeping up with a rush of orders, which have already amassed 4,700 from more than 100 airlines including Ryanair, Jet Airways and Norwegian Air Shuttle. Boeing estimated 737 sales accounted for up to 40 per cent of the company's total profits. Daily Mail Australia has contacted each airline to confirm if additionally safety checks would be carried out in the wake of Monday's tragedy. There is no suggestion that any of the planes are likely to malfunction. In a statement, American Airlines said it offered 'condolences to the families and friends of those on board Lion Air 610' and said it was continuing to 'closely monitor the investigation via Boeing and the National Transportation Safety Board'. Southwest Airlines confirmed its 'MAX fleet remains fully operational with no adjustments to our schedule'. Members of an Indonesian rescue team carry a body bag at Tanjung Priok Harbour, Indonesia, in the wake of the disaster An Indonesian policeman at Tanjung Priok port in Jakarta holds wreckage recovered from the ill-fated Lion Air flight JT610 'The entire Southwest Family extends our Southwest Heart to Lion Air and offers our deepest condolences to each of the families and loved ones affected by the tragic accident in Indonesia. We are in touch with Boeing and will closely monitor the situation and any findings from this tragic event. 'As a note, we maintain our 737 MAX 8 aircraft in accordance with our FAA-approved maintenance program, originally developed, and continually maintained, in partnership with Boeing,' the airline told Daily Mail Australia. The model, despite Monday's fatal crash, has been labeled the safest in the world and the most-used by airlines around the world, according to aviation expert Neil Hansford. 'Basically, if there wasn't any 737s then half the world wouldn't move. I wouldn't expect a catastrophic technical fault to be the cause of this crash in Indonesia and I absolutely do not believe it should be cause for concern about the overall safety of this type of aircraft,' Mr Hansford told Brisbane Times. The Lion Air flight crashed into the sea having reached an altitude of 5,000ft shortly after take off Air China is one of the major international airlines to utilise the Boeing 737 MAX 8 (737 pictured) According to a technical log the plane, which had only been in service a few months, suffered instrument problems the day before because of an 'unreliable' airspeed reading. The aircraft costs $144million and has the same sizing as the Boeing 737-800, however will compete with Airbus A320neo to replace Qantas' 737-800 after 2022. The Boeing 737 MAX 8 has passed certification to service America and Europe, but will have to pass further Civil Aviation Safety Authority testing before being flown in Australia. The pilot and co-pilot of the doomed Lion Air flight had more than 11,000 flying hours between them, according to the airline. Silkair, a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, uses the Boeing 737 MAX 8 for short- to medium-haul flights (737 pictured) American Airlines said it was continuing to 'closely monitor the investigation via Boeing and the National Transportation Safety Board' (American Airlines' 737 pictured) 'It appears that something has happened as they've flown over the Indonesian coast that has caused the pilot concern and it appears he has attempted to turn around and come back to the runway just minutes after leaving, but only time will tell what caused the plane to crash into the ocean instead,' Mr Hansford said. Boeing released a statement offering its condolences to families of victims on Monday, writing: 'The Boeing Company is deeply saddened by the loss of Lion Air Flight JT 610. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the families and loved ones of those on board.' 'Boeing is providing technical assistance at the request and under the direction of government authorities investigating the accident. 'In accordance with international protocol, all inquiries about this accident investigation must be directed to the investigating authority in charge, the National Transportation Safety Committee of Indonesia.' A wallet belonging to a victim of the Lion Air passenger jet that crashed is seen in the waters of Ujung Karawang, West Java The small town of Fon Du Lac, Wisconsin is celebrating its first Halloween since the release of the infamous 1973 'Halloween Killer'. Gerald Turner, 69, was released earlier this year after serving 45 years in prison for the murder of nine-year-old Lisa French on Halloween night. French was trick-or-treating alone on October 31, 1973, when she stopped at her neighbor Turner's home for candy. A few days later, her body was found raped and murder in a farm field and Turner confessed to the crime nine months later. This year, the town is continuing to uphold their safety trick-or-treating guidelines of going door-to-door during daylight hours - rules which were implemented 45 years ago after the girl's disappearance. Gerald Tuner, 69, was found guilty of raping and murdering Lisa French, nine, in 1973 Tuner was released from prison earlier this year after serving 45 years, pictured being arrested in 1973 An old photo during the hunt for Lisa French 45 years ago The fourth grader was dressed as a homeless person that Halloween, when she left her home to meet a friend and go to a local party. She stopped at three of her neighbors' homes; her teacher, her school friend, and lastly Turner's house. Her body was found four days later stuffed inside a plastic garbage bag along a rural stretch of road. 'It isn't the same here in Fond du Lac,' former Fond du Lac police Detective Melvin Heller told WISN. 'Everybody that lives here always knows about Lisa French.' Heller was the police captain during the search for French and was there when her body was found by a farmer. 'Seen a plastic bag over the fence. So we went out there after he opened it up and seen what was in the bag. It was a little girl, a little nude girl,' Heller said. The town now still officially schedules trick-or-treating during daylight from 3.30 to 5.30pm the Sunday before Halloween. Children are mostly supervised by their parents and few youngsters will go from house to house alone. 'What I like the parents to know is the possibility of this thing happening again is very realistic today because those people aren't locked up forever today,' Heller said. French was Turner's neighbor and was trick-or-treating alone on Halloween night, Turner is pictured here in court This serves especially true today, since Turner was released February 1 to the custody of the state Department of Health Services. He was originally sentenced to 38 years and six months behind bars for the murder, was released from prison twice. He then returned to prison in 2003 for an additional 15 years after hundreds of pornographic images were found on his bedroom computer in a halfway house. Before the murder of French, Turner was charged with a sexual molestation crime involving a 15 year old babysitter, but was never prosecuted. There is now a Chapter 980 law, referred to as 'Turner's Law.' It is a civil commitment process to a secure mental health facility that holds a prisoner beyond the mandated prison release date. Footage of a teenager who went missing 40 years ago on Sydneys northern beaches has emerged in a 1977 surfing film. Trudie Adams was picked up by a hitchhiker on Barrenjoey road in June 1978 but her body has never been found and no one was ever charged, despite four investigations into the case. It is feared that she could have been murdered after 14 woman said they had been picked up by a hitchhiker, who taped their eyes shut and raped them, in the same area of bushland where Ms Adams went missing. The film, 'Highway One', features Ms Adams when she was 18 just a year before she went missing. The movie was discovered by the ABCs Unravel podcast as part of their fresh look into her mysterious disappearance. The north Sydney teenager is featured heavily in the newly-discovered footage, shot by filmmaker Steve Otton. Ms Adams plays the girlfriend of the main character and footage shows her dancing with her on-screen boyfriend and sharing a romantic candlelit dinner. In a scene at Avalon beach, chatting with friends, she appears fresh-faced and carefree. Speaking to the ABC, Mr Otton said he remembers Adams 'like a sparkler'. Footage has emerged of teenager Trudie Adams, who went missing 40 years ago on Sydneys northern beaches, in a 1977 surfing film The film was shot a year before Ms Adams went missing, by aspiring filmmaker Steve Otton Ms Adams played the main character's girlfriend and scenes show her at a romantic candlelit dinner, dancing with her on-screen boyfriend and relaxing with friends at the beach 'She [was] always a happy personjust sparkling, bright and going off,' he said. The film was unscripted and Mr Otton said it was 'Australias first acting-surfing feature, created by the young for the young'. Mr Otton described Ms Adams (pictured) as a 'sparkler' who was 'always a happy person' Two of Ms Adams friends at the time, Leanne Weird and Anita Starkey, also spoke to the ABC documentary team about her disappearance. They hope that the fresh investigation into her death as well as the newly discovered film footage will encourage those with information to come forward. Ms Starkey said that they will 'never, ever' get over what happened to their friend. '[When] something like that happens, it just changes everything,' she said. The recent examination of Ms Adams case has already prompted several woman to come forward with stories of attempted assaults in the area around the time of her disappearance. Police believe what happened to Ms Adams is linked to these assaults and a series of rapes that took place in the northern beaches between 1971 and 1978. This could be the most Australian road rage incident ever. Footage has emerged of the hilarious moment an angry frilled-neck lizard charges at a motorist on an outback road. The bizarre incident, filmed by a passenger in a car, shows the lizard emerging from the bush, extending its frills and chasing a man across a road. The man, wearing shorts and thongs, frantically runs backwards from the brave reptile. The frightened motorist was quick to dodge the agile reptile, which forced him to run in another direction. The footage was uploaded by Cop Humour Australia on social media and was dubbed 'the most Australian road rage incident ever captured on camera'. 'Man running from wildlife while wearing thongs, could this get anymore Australian?' One user wrote on Facebook. Another user likened the lizard to a dinosaur. The frilled-neck lizard is a species of lizard mainly found in northern Australia southern Papua New Guinea. The fearless frilled-neck lizard was seen charging a man after emerging from the Australian bush The lizards can grow up to 45-90 centimetres in length. Their wide mouth combined with a wide, brightly coloured frill is a tactic used to intimidate potential predators. The footage has attracted more than one million viewers online. Hundreds of refugees have been quietly resettled in Australia including 132 in just the last two weeks, according to a refugee advocates. The unnamed group told 7 News that 700 refugees had been relocated to Australia. It comes as Labor increases its calls for all children on Nauru to be removed. It has been revealed that 700 refugees have been quietly resettles in Australia including 132 in just the last two weeks as the government is pressured on Nauru Recently, the Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA) put pressure on the government to stop 'playing politics with children's lives' and to bring the children on Nauru and their families into Australia. RCOA spokesman Kelly Nicholls said the organisation is relieved that politicians on all sides have recognised the remaining children need to get off Nauru. 'Doctors have repeatedly said that the situation for children on Nauru is critical. This is a humanitarian emergency and children's lives must not be left in limbo whilst political bargaining continues in Canberra,' Ms Nicholls said. Prime Minister Scott Morrison was questioned about the treatment of the children on Nauru at a recent media opportunity. 'I remind you that there are 10,000 Nauruans who live on Nauru, it is their home,' he said in response to conditions on the island. Prime Minister Scott Morrison (pictured) was questioned about the treatment of the children on Nauru and reminded people the island had 10,000 residents who called the island home Refugee Council of Australia spokesperson Kelly Nicholls said the organisation is relieved that politicians on all sides have recognised the remaining children need to get off Nauru Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton said he wanted people off Nauru 'tomorrow' but there were challenges. 'But I need to do it in a way that doesn't restart boats,' he said. The RCOA has demanded all 40 children be relocated by the end of this week and dismissed Mr Dutton's concerns. 'Its ridiculous the idea that helping 52 children and their families will open the floodgates and result in a surge of boats arriving in Australia,' Ms Nicholls said. 'This hasnt happened with the around 200 children who have already been brought here and are living in the Australian community nor has it happened after refugees were sent to the US.' It was also revealed that another six child refugees were relocated to Australia on Monday. Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton (pictured) said he wanted people off Nauru 'tomorrow' The cost of maintaining the Nauru refugee processing program costs an estimated $385.6 million, according to figures released by the Federal Government. The first asylum seekers arrived on Nauru in September of 2012 with numbers gradually declining since 2014. According to the most recent figures the majority of asylum seekers on Nauru are from Iran, with a little over 150 Iranians on the island. After Iran, asylum seekers on Nauru are most likely to be from Sri Lanka. In October 2016 is was stated that 79 per cent of asylum seekers on Nauru were found to be legitimate refugees. Prince Charles still keenly misses the royal yacht, which was decommissioned in 1997. In April this year, just after hed paid an official visit to the South Pacific island of Vanuatu, he told me: Imagine what it would be like coming into [Vanuatu] harbour aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, with all the small craft to greet us. The yacht, he feels, was an important part of the process of trying to represent Britain abroad entirely motivated by a desperate desire to put the Great back into Great Britain, as he puts it. It had unusual pulling power, we agreed. Inviting powerful business leaders to a swanky restaurant might result in a handful of takers but invite them to the yacht and every one of them would show up. Prince Charles and Princess Diana leave Gibraltar on the Royal Yacht Britannia for their honeymoon cruise in 1981. Prince Charles still keenly misses the royal yacht, which was decommissioned in 1997 He pointed out that on his 2018 Australian tour hed convened a round-table meeting with big-business CEOs to examine the challenges faced by the worlds ocean reefs. Yet senior representatives from Australias mining industry had failed to show up, and other industry leaders had sent more junior executives to represent them. Charles was clearly a little peeved, reflecting that this wouldnt have happened if the meeting had been aboard Britannia. Whenever she was due in port, the British Ambassador who advised on invitations was suddenly the most popular person in the entire country, he said. Whenever she was due in port, the British Ambassador who advised on invitations was suddenly the most popular person in the entire country, he said He clearly approves of Boris Johnsons call to commission a new royal yacht, backed by private investment Sadly, the Treasury did not seem to think [the yacht was important], he reflected. And, whats more, the Royal Navy didnt want to pay to staff it, either. He clearly approves of Boris Johnsons call to commission a new royal yacht, backed by private investment. As a floating embassy-cum-trade platform, it would be a statement of serious intent, he believes. Blair and Brown . . . and the Treasury simply wouldnt have it, so there we are, he added, with an air of resignation. A bomb may have caused the crash of a doomed jet that plunged into the sea after taking off in Indonesia, an aviation expert has sensationally claimed. Lion Air's flight JT-610 was heading to Pangkal Pinang, an island north of the capital, Jakarta, when it lost contact with air control about 6.33am on Monday local time - just 13 minutes after take-off. Captain John Nance said the crash - which has left 189 people lost at sea and feared dead - was unusual, and put forward his own theory as to what caused the disaster. Scroll down for video A relative of passengers prays as she and others wait for news on a Lion Air plane that crashed off Java Island at Depati Amir Airport in Pangkal Pinang Debris could be seen on the water north of Indonesia's capital, Jakarta, as rescue ships arrived at the scene in the wake of the disaster The Lion Air aircraft crashed about 13 minutes after taking off for Indonesia. It is not clear how many people were on board (pictured is the plane) 'There's just nothing on board the airplane, including the engines, that could cause a catastrophic nose over like this. So we're looking at the possibility of, for instance, a bomb,' he told Newshub. Mr Nance also suggested pilot error or a murder-suicide may have been behind the crash. 'An airplane like this does not normally fall out of the sky, even a 737 of an older variety. There's just nothing on board the airplane, including the engines, that could cause a catastrophic nose over like this,' he said. 'What we've got here is a flight path that doesn't make sense, outside of a bomb, or outside of some massive failure.' Shortly before the disaster, the plane's pilot, Indian national Bhavye Suneja, had reported 'technical difficulties' and, minutes after take-off, asked to return to the airport, an official said. Traffic control allowed the return, but the aircraft then vanished from radar and plunged 5,000ft into the sea. A woman named as Lutfiani showed a picture of her husband, Deryl Fida Febrianto (left), who she said was on board. A crying mother showed a graduation picture of her son, Agil Nugroho Septian (centre, in the right-hand picture), who was also a passenger The domestic flight lost contact with air traffic control at about 6.33am local time (10.33am AEDT, 11.33pm BST) Rescue workers are at the site where it is believed the Lion Air flight JT610 crashed just minutes after taking off. Divers (pictured) are trying to locate the wreckage The flight, which crashed shortly after take-off, had suffered instrument problems the day before, according to a technical log obtained by the BBC. The technical log from the plane's previous flight from Bali to Jakarta suggests the Indonesian flight had an 'unreliable' airspeed reading and the captain and first officer had conflicting altitude readings the day before the crash. Australian aviation expert and former Emirates pilot Captain Byron Bailey said he believed the pilot's lack of training was to blame. 'It's not the airplane at fault, I'm sure of that. You really have to look at budget airlines and the training their pilots are going through,' he told Nine News. 'The problem with these budget airlines is that unlike Qantas, Emirates and everyone else, the pilots get in the flight simulator every six months and practice these things. 'But if these guys are running on a low budget, they aren't getting their simulator training.' Lion Air's president said the Boeing 737 MAX 8, which went into service just months ago, had gone in for repairs ahead of its final flight. 'It got repaired in Denpasar (in Bali) and then it was flown to Jakarta,' Edward Sirait told AFP. 'Engineers in Jakarta received notes and did another repair before it took off' on Monday. That's the normal procedure for any plane.' Rescuers have started the grim task of recovering victims from the scene with body bags seen lined up at Tanjung Priok Harbour Members of an Indonesian rescue team carry a body bag at Tanjung Priok Harbour, Indonesia, in the wake of the disaster Websites that display flight data showed the plane speeding up as it suddenly lost altitude in the minutes before it disappeared. Photos show debris, including what appeared to be an emergency slide, and personal belongings picked up from the water's surface by ships that reached the crash area in the Java Sea. Separate images show heart-broken relatives waiting for news at Jakarta's Soekarno Hatta International airport and at the terminal in Pangkal Pinang. One of the passengers was 22-year-old Deryl Fida Febrianto, who was married just two weeks ago and was on his way to Pangkal Pinang to work on a cruise ship. His wife, Lutfinani Eka Putri, 23, said that her husband messaged her from the aircraft at 6.12am, sending her a photo from the plane, and at 6.15am he stopped replying to her messages. They had grown up together, she told reporters, showing a picture of the smiling couple on their wedding day. Passenger missed doomed Lion Air flight because of traffic A plane passenger is lucky to be alive after traffic jams made him late for a flight that crashed in to the sea off Indonesia. Sony Setiawan was due to be among the 189 people on board Lion Air flight JT 610 when it took off early from the capital Jakarta on Monday morning. But he was held up on his commute to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and never boarded the Boeing-737. Minutes after take-off, the plane disappeared from radar before plunging 5,000ft in to the Java Sea. Officials do not expect to find any survivors. Plane passenger Sony Setiawan is lucky to be alive after traffic jams made him late for the flight Advertisement 'When I saw the news, I matched the flight number with the ticket photo Deryl had sent,' she said. 'I immediately started crying.' Rescuers said today that all 189 passenger and crew were 'likely' and that human remains had been found. 'My prediction is that nobody survived because the victims that we found, their bodies were no longer intact and it's been hours so it is likely 189 people have died,' agency operational director Bambang Suryo Aji told reporters. Pilot Suneja, originally from New Delhi, had worked for Lion Air since March 2011 and had logged 11,000 flying hours. After receiving friends and relatives who rushed to their New Delhi home upon hearing news of the crash, the parents of the pilot Suneja set off for the Indonesian capital. 'Please pray for us,' Suneja's sobbing mother said as she got into a car. A family friend, Anil Gupta, said Suneja's father was stunned and couldn't talk, and his sister and mother had not come out of their rooms. The accident is the first to be reported involving the widely sold Boeing 737 MAX, an updated, more fuel-efficient version of the manufacturer's workhorse single-aisle jet. Pictures and video shared online by the head of Indonesia's disaster relief agency show debris and oil floating on the water following the crash, of which there are, so far, no known survivors. 'It's correct that an RTB (return to base) was requested and had been approved but we're still trying to figure out the reason,' Soerjanto Tjahjono, head of Indonesia's transport safety committee, told reporters, referring to the pilot's request. 'We hope the black box is not far from the main wreckage so it can be found soon,' he said, referring to the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder. Pope Francis conveyed his condolences to those affected today with The Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, saying in a telegram to that the pontiff 'offers the assurance of his prayers for all who have died and for those who mourn their loss'. Relatives were pictured crying at the Pangpal Pinang airport as they awaited news on their loved ones and family members were also pictured arriving at the agency's headquarters in Jakarta. Human remains were placed in body bags after being recovered from the scene of the crash off Indonesia An Indonesian policeman at Tanjung Priok port in Jakarta holds wreckage recovered from the ill-fated Lion Air flight JT610 The Lion Air flight crashed into the sea having reached an altitude of 5,000ft shortly after take off A wallet belonging to a victim of the Lion Air passenger jet that crashed is seen in the waters of Ujung Karawang, West Java The plane that crashed into the sea off Indonesia on Monday had a technical problem on its last flight that was resolved, Lion Air's president has said Indonesian relatives take a picture of a passenger list of the plane crash victims as they wait for the news at the Lion Air Branch office at Soekarno Hatta Airport Feni, who uses a single name, said her soon-to-be-married sister was on the flight, planning to meet relatives in Pangkal Pinang, a jumping off point for beach-and-sun seeking tourists on nearby Belitung island. 'We are here to find any information about my younger sister, her fiance, her in-law to be and a friend of them,' said Feni. 'We don't have any information,' she said, as her father wiped tears from reddened eyes. 'No one provided us with any information that we need. 'We're confused. We hope our family is still alive,' she said. On board were 178 adults, one child, two babies, two pilots and five flight attendants. There were also 20 staff from the Indonesian Ministry for Finance on board, and 23 government officials in total according to Reuters. AN Italian national was also among those on board. Sony Setiawan has revealed he is lucky to be alive after traffic jams made him late for a flight that crashed in to the sea off Indonesia.He was due to be among the 189 people on board Lion Air flight JT 610 when it took off early from the capital Jakarta on Monday morning. But he was held up on his commute to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and never boarded the Boeing-737. The head of search and rescue agency Basarnas told reporters body parts had been seen floating in the ocean near the crash site. 'We don't know yet whether there are any survivors,' Syaugi told a news conference. 'We hope, we pray, but we cannot confirm.' Lion Air's flight JT-610 was heading to Pangkal Pinang, an island north of Indonesia's capital. Rescuers are seen bringing plane debris onto a boat The fate of the passengers are unknown, but relatives were seen crying as they awaited news on their loved ones Pictured: A passenger's bag retrieved from the water after flight JT-610 slammed into the water. The condition of the phone indicates the plane crashed with great force Members of a rescue team are seen carrying what appears to be a body bag during the desperate search for survivors Pictured: Bhavye Suneja was one of two pilots sitting in the cockpit when the flight hit the water, Indonesian news outlets have reported Indonesia's deadliest air crashes: How Lion Air disaster was the latest to rock Indonesia The crash of a brand new Lion Air Boeing-737 MAX into the sea on Monday, just minutes after taking off from Jakarta, is the latest in a series of air accidents to rock the archipelago. Indonesian relies heavily on air transport to connect its thousands of islands but has suffered a string of deadly plane crashes in recent years. The aviation sector is expanding fast as the economy booms but there are concerns airlines are struggling to find enough well-trained personnel to keep up with the rapid growth. Once banned from European airspace over safety fears, the EU removed all Indonesian airlines from its safety blacklist in 2018 following improvements. Here are the worst aviation disasters in the nation's history: Northern Sumatra - The worst disaster in Indonesia's aviation history left 234 dead in 1997. An Airbus A-300B4 operated by national carrier Garuda Indonesia crashed in a smog-shrouded ravine in North Sumatra, just short of Medan's airport. Java Sea - In 2014, an AirAsia plane plunged into the Java Sea during stormy weather, killing 162 people. The Malaysian airline was flying from the Indonesian city of Surabaya to Singapore. The worst disaster in Indonesia's aviation history left 234 dead in 1997. An Airbus A-300B4 operated by national carrier Garuda Indonesia crashed in a smog-shrouded ravine in North Sumatra, just short of Medan's airport Medan disaster - A Mandala Airlines domestic flight crashed shortly after take-off in 2005 into a densely populated suburb in Medan, a city of two million on the island of Sumatra, killing at least 150 including passengers, crew and people on the ground. Military families - In June 2015 an Indonesian military plane crashed shortly after takeoff, also coming down in a residential area in Medan, killing around 122 people on board, many of them servicemen and women and their families. Around 20 people were also killed on the ground and several housing blocks torn apart. The Armed Forces has been beleaguered by a string of fatal accidents in recent years. Air Force fire - In 1991, an Air Force plane crashed in East Jakarta minutes after take off when an engine caught fire, killing 135 people according to reports. Those who died included 121 airmen, 12 crew and two people on the ground. One passenger survived. River crash - In 1997, a Silk Air flight crashed into a river near the Indonesian city of Palembang while on its way to Singapore from Jakarta. All 104 passengers and crew were killed in what was investigated as a possible pilot murder-suicide. New Year's Day crash - An Adam Air plane plunged into the sea off Sulawesi island on New Year's Day 2007, killing all 102 people on board. The airline was later banned from flying. Indonesian authorities said the pilots lost control after becoming preoccupied with malfunctioning navigational equipment. Advertisement He later said body parts had been seen floating near Tanjung Karawang, where the plane is believed to have gone down, about 34 nautical miles north-west of Jakarta, but it was too soon to say how many had died. About 150 people have joined the rescue mission, including 30 divers, as authorities search desperately for survivors. The air tracking service FlightRadar 24 tracked the plane, showing it looping south on take-off and then heading north before the flight path ended abruptly over the Java Sea, not far from the coast. A tug boat leaving Jakarta's port saw the plane falling into the water, which is reported to be about 30-35m deep. The jet was a Boeing 737 MAX 8 which can carry as many as 210 passengers. In a statement Boeing said it was 'deeply saddened by the loss of Flight JT 610' and expressed sympathy for the loved ones of those on board. A statement issued by Indonesia's search and rescue agency said the plane's Emergency Local Transmitter beacon did not emit a distress signal as it fell from the sky - despite it being tested and declared fully functional until August 2019. 'It has been confirmed that it has crashed,' Yusuf Latif, a spokesman for the agency, said by text message, when asked about the fate of the Lion Air plane. A myriad of debris was located in the ocean nearby the crash site, both from the plane and its passengers No survivors have been found, and seats from the plane were found empty, floating in the ocean, striking fear into the hearts of those with loved ones on board Relatives were seen comforting each other as they all waited as a group at Depati Amir Airport in Pangkal Pinang, Indonesia waiting for news 'We cannot give any comment at this moment, said Edward Sirait, chief executive of Lion Air Group. 'We are trying to collect all the information and data' Indonesian relatives of the plane crash victims cry as they wait for the news at the Sukarno Hatta Airport in Jakarta Rescuers have started to assemble debris and belongings found at the crash site as the search for the plane continues today Data from the Flight Radar website showed the plane took off before it stopped transmitting north east of Jakarta A plane carrying 189 people crashed into the sea north of Indonesia's capital Jakarta shortly after take-off. Rescuers are seen picking up debris LionAir's CEO Edward Sirait said a technical problem had been raised about the plane before it took off, but added the plane was cleared by engineers before take-off on Monday morning. He said the airline owned 11 of the 737 Max 8 models and that none had had any issues up until Monday. He told reporters: 'This plane previously flew from Denpasar to Cengkareng (Jakarta). There was a report of a technical issue which had been resolved according to procedure.' Preliminary flight tracking data from Flightradar24 shows the aircraft climbed to around 5,000 feet (1,524 m) before losing, and then regaining, height, before finally falling towards the sea. It was last recorded at 3,650 feet (1,113 m) and its speed had risen to 345 knots, according to raw data captured by the respected tracking website, which could not immediately be confirmed. Rescuers pulled the belongings of passengers out of the sea, but it is not yet known if anyone survived the crash Pictured: Wreckage from the plane and miscellaneous items belonging to its passengers Its last recorded position was about 9 miles north of the Indonesian coastline, according to a Google Maps reference of the last coordinates reported by Flightradar24. It lost contact with air control at about 6.33am local time (10.33am AEDT, 11.33pm BST). The accident is the first to be reported that involves the widely-sold Boeing 737 MAX, an updated, more fuel-efficient version of the manufacturer's workhorse single-aisle jet. The first Boeing 737 MAX jets were introduced into service in 2017. Lion Air's Malaysian subsidiary, Malindo Air, received the very first global delivery. Dr Soerjanto Tjahjono, who heads up Indonesia's national transportation safety committee, told reporters the doomed plane had only clocked about 800 flight hours since beginning service in August. Meanwhile, Australia's foreign affairs ministry says Australian government officials and contractors 'have been instructed not to fly on Lion Air or their subsidiary airlines' following the crash. The statement posted on the ministry's website said the decision will be reviewed when the findings of the crash investigation are clear. Lion Air is one of Indonesia's youngest and biggest airlines, flying to dozens of domestic and international destinations. In 2013, one of its Boeing 737-800 jets missed the runway while landing on the resort island of Bali, crashing into the sea without causing any fatalities among the 108 people on board. Indonesia has a horror track record on air safety and only recently the European Union removed all Indonesia airlines from its aviation safety blacklist. Three major Indonesia airlines, including Lion, were upgraded to the top safety tier in June after passing a key international audit. There have been more than 40 air accidents resulting in deaths in Indonesia since 2001. A rapid expansion of air travel in recent years has seen an explosion of low-cost airlines operating in the country. Three people are fighting for their lives after a horror crash in which two young boys were thrown out of their car. A car was travelling west on Merriginnie Road in Burraboi, NSW on Tuesday morning before it veered off the road and rolled, according to police. The driver, a 32-year-old woman was trapped while two boys, aged nine and 12, were thrown out of the car during the crash. Police were called to a horror crash scene on Tuesday morning after a car veered off the road and rolled on Merriginnie Road in Burraboi, NSW. The woman and the 12-year-old boy were taken to Deniliquin Hospital (pictured) Police were called to a horror crash scene on Tuesday morning after car veered off the road and rolled. Two young boys were thrown out of their car and the driver was trapped in the vehicle, according to police The woman and the 12-year-old boy were taken to Deniliquin Hospital in a critical condition. A NSW police spokesman told Daily Mail Australia, the nine-year-old was flown to a childrens hospital in Melbourne where he is being treated for his injuries. Police are investigating whether the occupants were wearing seatbelts and if speed was a factor. Children excluded from school are at risk of being drawn into so-called 'county lines' drugs gangs and knife crime because a third of councils cannot offer them any alternative education, a children's charity warns. Research by Barnardo's found 47 local authorities in England or one in three had no places available in pupil referral units for children excluded from mainstream education. Where vacancies in units do exist, many are substandard. Barnardo's urged ministers to act, claiming the support system for excluded pupils was at 'breaking point'. Research by Barnardo's found children excluded from school are at risk of being drawn into so-called 'county lines' drugs gangs and knife crime. They found 47 local authorities in England had no places available in pupil referral units for children excluded from mainstream education. (Stock photo) Labour MP Sarah Jones, chairman of the Commons all-party parliamentary group on knife crime, said those children who had 'literally nowhere' to go faced being criminalised and drawn into violence. A separate report for the Home Office warned this month that exclusions 'appear to be a highly significant trigger point for the escalation of county lines involvement for children'. County lines gangs are named after the mobile numbers used by city criminals to sell, buy and distribute drugs in rural areas, often using children. Today, the Children's Commissioner, Anne Longfield, will give evidence to MPs about the link between school exclusions and youth violence. She has previously warned that the number of children being drawn into county lines gangs could total as many as 50,000 across the country. Labour MP Sarah Jones, chairman of the Commons all-party parliamentary group on knife crime, said children who had 'literally nowhere' to go faced were being drawn into violence The number of children being kicked out of the classroom has risen by 56 per cent since 2014. There were 7,720 exclusions and temporary suspensions in 2016-17 compared to 4,950 from 2013-14. Miss Jones said: 'Exclusions are rising and in many cases there is literally nowhere for those children to go. This is heart-breaking. 'Schools need resources to support pupils through difficult periods. 'Too many children are being socially excluded and marked as failures, with tragic consequences. 'Professionals talk about the 'PRU [pupil referral units] to prison pipeline'. The system is failing these young people.' President Trump bashed the 'Fake News Media' again Monday night, targeting CNN and other outlets for 'inaccurately reporting' his earlier attacks on them. 'CNN and others in the Fake News Business keep purposely and inaccurately reporting that I said the ''Media is the Enemy of the People.'' Wrong! I said that the ''Fake News (Media) is the Enemy of the People,'' a very big difference. When you give out false information - not good!,' Trump tweeted on Monday evening. Trump tweeted in the morning to blame the deadly Pittsburgh synagogue shooting on a coarsening tone from the political press. President Donald Trump reacted Monday to a mass shooting in a Pennsylvania synagogue by blaming media coverage that he says has coarsened the nation through hostility to him Trump once again bashed the 'Fake News Media' Monday evening targeting CNN and other outlets for 'inaccurately reporting' his earlier attacks on them He took to Twitter on Monday evening to clarify his earlier attacks on the media Earlier Monday, Trump said 'great anger' in the U.S. is caused 'in part' by false news reporting These Stars of David with the names of five of the 11 people killed at the Tree of Life Synagogue are part of a memorial of flowers and stars that have collected outside the temple after a gunman killed 11 people there on Saturday Rabbi Jeffrey Myers of the Tree of Life/Or L'Simcha Congregation stood near the synagogue and wore a yarmulke with a Pittsburgh Pirates logo on Monday morning 'Fake News Must End!' the president boomed online, just eight days before a midterm congressional election that could determine the future of his presidency 'There is great anger in our Country caused in part by inaccurate, and even fraudulent, reporting of the news. The Fake News Media, the true Enemy of the People, must stop the open & obvious hostility & report the news accurately & fairly,' Trump tweeted Monday morning. 'That will do much to put out the flame of Anger and Outrage and we will then be able to bring all sides together in Peace and Harmony. Fake News Must End!' Federal prosecutors said Monday that they will seek the death penalty for the shooting suspect, who is charged with 11 counts of murder Robert Bowers, 46, has a history of posting anti-Semitic material online. He faces 29 criminal counts in all, including the violation of a federal 'hate crimes' law. He was also a 'verified' user on Gab, a social media platform set up as a rival to Twitter where right-wingers could assemble without fear of being banned. Robert Bowers, 46, will face a federal death-penalty trial for gunning down 11 Jews at their temple on Saturday That entire website went dark on Monday after its hosting service, GoDaddy, canceled its service. PayPal, co-founded by the Trump-backing venture capitalist Peter Thiel, had already withdrawn Gab's ability to accept online payments. Gab CEO Andrew Torba said on Twitter that the synagogue shooting was an 'act of terrorism,' and that his site had suspended Bowers' account and turned over its contents to law enforcement . Trump told reporters on Saturday that he wants to visit Pittsburgh to mourn with members of the Tree of Life Synagogue. A small group of Jewish liberals circulated an open letter on Sunday demanding that he 'fully denounce white nationalism' before coming. In a letter addressed to the President, members of Bend the Arc accused Trump of contributing to Saturday's tragedy by 'spread[ing] lies and sow[ing] fear about migrant families in Central America.' Bowers' profile on the now-dormant Gab social media platform read that Jews 'are the children of satan' and included a photo of a radar gun displaying the Nazi hate symbol 1488 Bowers was not a Trump fan, arguing that he wasn't a true 'nationalist' and that his quest to 'Make America Great Again' couldn't be realized without eradicating an 'infestation' of Jews On Sunday night the president tweeted that some news outlets are 'doing everything in their power to blame Republicans, Conservatives and me for the division and hatred that has been going on for so long in our Country.' As on Monday, he argued that dishonest reporting is responsible. Trump didn't specify how 'fraudulent' journalism is to blame for the nation's caustic turn, but he has long claimed a press corps dead-set against his success has framed him unfairly as a bigot. The president began referring to some media organizations as 'enemies of the people' early in his White House term, but generally has applied the term only to a handful of press outlets including CNN, MSNBC, ABC News, The New York Times and The Washington Post. One Times reporter sniped back on Twitter after Trump wrote that the media should 'report the news accurately & fairly.' Police secured the scene where multiple people were shot on Saturday Bowers was apprehended at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania's Squirrel Hill neighborhood after the massacre that left 11 dead and six injured Trump resents journalists for uncritically reporting liberals' claims that he's an anti-Semite 'President Trump is not responsible for the anti-Semitism that has existed really in the United States in an increased fashion over the last couple of decades,' says Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Ron Dermer Trump put down a marker on Sunday night, signaling that he would be blaming the media for the nation's caustic political atmosphere 'It is being reported accurately,' Maggie Haberman tweeted. She said Trump knows what he's doing by antagonizing the press. 'This isn't a lack of understanding of the impact of these words. This is a strategy,' she tweeted. 'Describing it as 'he doesn't get it' is a form of grading on a curve.' Much of Hollywood reacted angrily over the weekend, calling the president a Klansman and a racist, and advocating for the election of Democrats. 'Just heard about Pittsburg [sic] - all this violence & hatred - begins to end with yr votes,' actor/director John Cusack tweeted. '[T]he gop must go - every last one - and their kkkult leader /the arch criminal trump must be driven out of power.' Actor Josh Malina tweeted: 'Whether or not a direct line from his words to today's horrific acts can be drawn, Trump's anti-Jewish rhetoric and dog whistles make such attacks more likely. And the same can be said for the garbage he spouts about other groups. #VoteBlueToSaveAmerica' GQ reporter Julia Ioffee tweeted: '[A] word to my fellow American Jews: This president makes this possible. Here. Where you live. I hope the embassy move over there, where you don't live was worth it.' New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman fired back at Trump on Monday morning Jewish residents who live near the synagogue are pictured outside after the shooting; four police officers were among the injured Politico fired Ioffe a month after the 2016 election for suggesting on Twitter that the then-president-elect was having sex with his daughter Ivanka. Sunday night during a Fox News Channel interview, Israel's ambassador to the United States said Trump has been an unusually forceful advocate for Jews. The president's daughter Ivanka and son-in-law JaredKushner, and their children, are Jewish. 'Anti-Semitism did not begin in 2016,' said Ambassador Ron Dermer. 'President Trump is not responsible for the anti-Semitism that has existed really in the United States in an increased fashion over the last couple of decades.' Hollywood actors like John Cusack and Josh Malina pounced over the weekend, calling Trump a 'kkk' leader and blaming him for unspecified 'anti-Jewish rhetoric' Dermer blamed the rise of anti-Jewish fervor on social media platforms that allow fringe groups to organize. He said Trump's remarks on Saturday, just hours after the shooting, show the president has a take-no-prisoners attitude to attacks launched against Americans because of their faiths. 'I've been following anti-Semitism and leaders, statements against anti-Semitism for 20, 25 years. I have never heard a statement the likes of which I heard yesterday from President Trump,' Dermer said, 'where he said [to] those who are trying to destroy the Jewish people, we will destroy them.' 'I heard it applauded by all of Trump's supporters at that rally,' he added. The president said Saturday before speaking in Indiana that 'this wicked act of mass murder is pure evil, hard to believe, and frankly something that is unimaginable.' 'This was an anti-Semitic act,' Trump said. 'You wouldn't think this would be possible in this day and age, but we just don't seem to learn from the past.' British foreign aid chiefs exaggerated the number of lives they saved around the world, an official watchdog has found. The Department for International Development (Dfid) is accused of failing to come clean after realising its figures were flawed. Between 2011 and 2015, Dfid had a target of preventing the deaths of 50,000 women from complications in pregnancy and childbirth. Aid bosses boasted in the departments annual report that they had achieved more than double this, saving 103,000 mothers lives during the five-year period. But the Independent Commission for Aid Impact (Icai), which scrutinises aid spending, warned that this claim was flawed and based on unrealistic assumptions. British foreign aid chiefs exaggerated the number of lives they saved around the world, an official watchdog has found (pictured: Kigali, Rwanda) It found that officials working at Dfid later realised their estimate was too high and revised the figure down by almost 23,000 to 80,100 but failed to make this public. Icai also criticised Dfid for focusing its efforts too much on family planning measures, such as offering contraception and abortions, rather than improving hospital care for women giving birth. For example, Dfid calculated that its aid programmes in Malawi, in south-east Africa, had saved 10,100 mothers lives between 2011 and 2015, but Icai said this figure was very likely too large. The report said: This was almost entirely from family planning interventions, which were estimated to have saved 9,700 lives by preventing unwanted pregnancies. Taking other data into account, it is unlikely Dfid saved that many lives through family planning interventions within such a short timescale. In total, around 75 per cent of the mothers lives Dfid estimated that it had saved around the world were as a result of family planning interventions, such as contraception or abortions. But Icai questioned the modelling used, which, for example, did not take into account factors such as the age of the women. It added: We find that the intensive focus on family planning, while valuable in its own right, has left the wider maternal health portfolio without a balanced approach across the different interventions that are needed to achieve significant reductions in maternal mortality over the medium to long term. Dr Alison Evans, Icais chief commissioner, who led the review, said: Every year, more than 300,000 women die from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth and the majority of these deaths are in the poorest countries. The UK is clearly committed to improving maternal health, and Dfid has successfully expanded access to crucial services. However, given the ambition, need and level of investment, the programmes fell short of what was required to achieve adequate progress. Theresa May announced during the general election campaign last year that the Government would keep the controversial target to spend 0.7 per cent of national income on foreign aid Projects funded by Dfid include a 109.9million scheme to improve basic health care, family planning and the skills of health workers in Malawi. Some 139million of British aid money was handed to Marie Stopes International to reduce maternal deaths from unwanted pregnancies by offering family planning services. Ministers have been under pressure to improve how the overseas aid budget is spent following Theresa Mays announcement during the general election campaign last year that the Government would keep the controversial target to spend 0.7 per cent of national income on foreign aid. Figures released earlier this year showed Britain is one of only seven countries around the world to meet the target. The UK foreign aid budget soared by 555million to a record 13.9billion last year. It has more than doubled from the 6.4billion spent in 2008 and more than quadrupled from the 3.3billion doled out in 2002. Britain has met the 0.7 per cent target every year since 2013. Dfid said last night that its estimates of lives saved were based on the best possible information available at the time. A spokesman said: The UK is a global leader on supporting sexual and reproductive health and womens rights and thanks to UK aid, millions more women now have access to contraception. We welcome Icais acknowledgement that UK aid is helping women around the world access the life-saving services they need, but it is disappointing the report has made some generalisations from a selected portion of our programming and also does not fully reflect the full impact of our work, especially in recent years. We continue with Michelin-starred chef Gordon Ramsay's brilliant collection of family dishes To mark Weekend magazine's Silver Jubilee, we've asked Britain's most popular celebrity chefs from the past 25 years to share their favourite recipes. Today, we continue with Michelin-starred chef Gordon Ramsay's brilliant collection of family dishes. Gordon's TV career started with Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares and the fiery Hell's Kitchen in 2004. Since then, he has appeared in numerous cooking shows while running his restaurant empire. Tamarind-spiced chicken wings This is one of my iconic restaurant dishes which, despite the slightly daunting number of ingredients, isn't complicated to cook at home. The key to the sweet-and-sour sauce is the tamarind; it adds a distinctive tang to the sauce that is completely delicious. The key to the sweet-and-sour sauce is the tamarind; it adds a distinctive tang to the sauce that is completely delicious What will I need, Gordon? Serves 6-8 You will need: 1kg chicken wings, rinsed and patted dry 80g plain flour Vegetable oil, for deep-frying For the marinade 1 large egg 2 tsp paprika 1 tsp ground cumin tsp ground coriander tsp garam masala tsp Dijon mustard 1 tsp vegetable oil For the tamarind sauce 1 tsp dried chilli flakes 2 tsp fennel or caraway seeds 2 tsp cumin seeds 2 tsp coriander seeds 2 tbsp vegetable oil 1 large white onion, sliced 2 tbsp tomato puree 50g light soft brown sugar 75g runny honey 4 tbsp tomato ketchup 5 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 4 tbsp white wine vinegar 3 tbsp tamarind paste (from a jar) 1 litre good-quality chicken stock Sea salt To garnish 4 spring onions, trimmed and thinly sliced on the diagonal Torn fresh coriander leaves Advertisement For the marinade, beat the egg in a big bowl, mix in the spices, mustard and oil and add the chicken wings, stirring to coat. Cover with cling film and place in the fridge for 1 hour, or overnight. For the tamarind sauce, place a dry frying pan over a medium heat and when hot, add the chilli flakes and all the seeds and heat for 1-2 minutes to release the aromas. Remove from the heat and crush to a coarse powder using a pestle and mortar or spice grinder. Set aside. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat, then add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, 6-8 minutes. Stir in the crushed spices and cook for 2 minutes, stirring often, then the tomato puree, and cook for 1-2 minutes more, stirring. Add the sugar, honey, tomato ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, tamarind paste and chicken stock and stir to combine. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat, cover and simmer, uncovered, for 1 hour, until the sauce has reduced slightly. Pass the sauce through a fine sieve set over a saucepan, pressing it with a wooden spoon. Discard the onion pulp. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat to medium and let it bubble, uncovered, for 30-35 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and coats the back of a spoon. Season with salt, if needed, and keep warm. Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge. Season the flour with salt, and lightly coat each wing with it. Heat a deep-fat fryer to 180c or fill a big saucepan one-third full of oil and heat until a cube of bread dropped in the oil sizzles and turns golden in 30 seconds. Deep-fry the wings (in 2-3 batches) in the oil over a medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, until cooked through and golden all over. Remove and drain on kitchen paper. Keep warm in a low oven as you cook the rest. Once all the chicken wings are cooked, coat them in warm tamarind sauce, then pile on to a serving platter. Garnish with the spring onions and chopped coriander and serve with the remaining sauce. Pea soup with black pudding, pea shoots & crispy shallots The black pudding, pea shoots and crispy shallots that garnish this bright green soup really make it special, but you can leave out one or all of them for a simpler lunch dish. Swap the black pudding for chorizo for spicier overtones, or make the soup vegetarian by swapping the chicken stock for vegetable stock and leaving out the black pudding. The black pudding, pea shoots and crispy shallots that garnish this bright green soup really make it special, but you can leave out one or all of them for a simpler lunch dish What will I need, Gordon? Serves 4 You will need: 30g butter 2 tbsp olive oil 4 banana shallots: 3 roughly chopped, 1 thinly sliced into rings (keep chopped and sliced separate) 100g black pudding, diced Vegetable oil, for shallow-frying 1 tbsp cornflour 500g frozen peas 750ml chicken stock Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper Pea shoots, to garnish Advertisement Melt the butter with one tablespoon of the olive oil in a large saucepan, then add the chopped shallots and cook over a medium heat, stirring occasionally, until soft but not coloured, 6-8 minutes. Set aside. Meanwhile, heat the remaining olive oil in a heavy-based frying pan, add the black pudding and season with pepper. Cook over a medium heat for 1-2 minutes to heat through and crisp up, stirring often. Drain on kitchen paper and set aside. Pour enough vegetable oil into a small, heavy-based saucepan so it is about 1cm deep in the pan. Heat until it is very hot. Coat the sliced shallot rings in a light dusting of cornflour, separating them as you do so, then shallow-fry in the oil until golden and crisp, 4-5 minutes. Remove using a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper. Set aside. Finish the soup. Tip the frozen peas into the pan of softened shallots, followed by the stock, and bring to the boil. Immediately remove from the heat (to keep the colour of the peas), then blitz until smooth either using a stick blender in the pan or by transferring the mixture to a blender. Season with salt and pepper, then pour the soup into warmed bowls. Garnish each portion with black pudding, shallot rings and pea shoots before serving. Spaghetti Crudaoila Crudo is the Italian word for raw, and this quick and easy pasta sauce requires no cooking at all. It is wonderfully fresh and light, but make sure you use really ripe tomatoes the success of the sauce relies on the flavour and sweetness of the tomatoes. Always save a little of the cooking water when draining pasta as it helps to bind the sauce to the pasta. It is wonderfully fresh and light, but make sure you use really ripe tomatoes the success of the sauce relies on the flavour and sweetness of the tomatoes What will I need, Gordon? Serves 4 (or 6 for a light lunch) You will need: 400g dried spaghetti 15g capers, drained weight 30-40g anchovies in olive oil, drained weight 250g cherry tomatoes (preferably datterini), sliced 200g plum tomatoes (preferably bull's heart), diced 125ml extra virgin olive oil 1 garlic clove, finely chopped 50g pitted black olives 6 fresh basil leaves, chopped, plus extra to garnish Freshly ground black pepper Dry ricotta, crumbled feta or grated Parmesan cheese, to serve Advertisement Cook the spaghetti in a large pan of boiling salted water for 11 minutes or until al dente, according to the packet instructions, stirring occasionally. While the pasta is cooking, crush the capers with the anchovies to create a chunky paste (a pestle and mortar is ideal for doing this). Gently crush all the tomatoes in a bowl, squeezing them by hand to release the juices. Add the caper and anchovy paste, the olive oil, garlic, olives and chopped basil, and stir to mix. Drain the spaghetti in a large colander, reserving two tablespoons of the pasta water. Stir the reserved water into the tomato mixture. Tip the pasta into a serving bowl, add the sauce and stir it through to mix. Season with pepper to taste (but no salt, as the anchovies and olives are salty). Serve in warmed bowls or on plates, sprinkled with a cheese of your choice, and garnish with basil leaves. Serve warm or at room temperature. Roast beef with caramelised onion gravy A weekend wouldn't feel like a proper weekend without a really good roast lunch, and roast beef is our absolute favourite. When cooking, the quality of the ingredients is very important and never more so than when roasting meat . . . buy the best beef you can afford and you are halfway there. Resting the meat is equally essential, so don't be tempted to cut this short. Be patient and you will be rewarded with juicier, more tender results. If you like, roast the beef on a bed of root vegetables. Resting the meat is equally essential, so don't be tempted to cut this short. Be patient and you will be rewarded with juicier, more tender results What will I need, Gordon? Serves 6 to 8 You will need: 1 head of garlic (about 12 cloves), cut in half horizontally 5 thyme sprigs, leaves picked, plus 1 whole sprig extra 1.8kg beef sirloin 3-4 tbsp olive oil 4 large onions, sliced 150g plain flour 500ml red wine 1.5 litres hot beef stock Advertisement Rub the garlic halves and thyme leaves all over the beef. Place the joint in a large dish, drizzle over the olive oil, then rub it into the meat all over. Cover and leave to marinate in the fridge for 1-2 days before you cook it (you don't have to marinate the beef in advance, but it does make it super tasty! see Tip, above left). Take the beef out of the fridge about an hour before cooking, to let it come up to room temperature. Preheat the oven to 190c/170c fan/gas 5. Preheat a dry frying pan until very hot, then sear the beef over a high heat until it's coloured on all sides. Place the beef in a large, hob-proof roasting tray with the garlic halves and the thyme sprig and roast for about 45 minutes for medium rare (or until it reaches 45-47c in the centre, if you have a meat thermometer). Add 10-12 minutes (or until it reaches 55-60c in the centre) for medium, or add about 20 minutes (until it reaches 65-70c in the centre) if you like it well done. Transfer the beef to a warm platter, cover loosely with foil and leave to rest for at least 20 minutes, and anything up to 40 minutes, before serving. Meanwhile, to make the gravy, place the roasting tray over a low heat on the hob, add the onions to the juices in the tray and cook gently for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until really soft and caramelised. Stir in the flour until combined, then whisk in the red wine, making sure there are no lumps. Bring to the boil, whisking, then bubble rapidly until the red wine has reduced by half. Stir in the hot stock, then cook over a medium heat for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until reduced to a thick gravy. Carve the beef thinly and pour the gravy into a warm jug. Serve with Yorkshire puddings and steamed chard. Monkey Shoulder whisky cheesecake Monkey Shoulder is a blended malt whisky that is smooth, sweet and very easy to drink . . . or to put into cheesecake! It tastes very mild when combined with the cream cheese filling and it goes brilliantly with the ginger biscuit base. Monkey Shoulder is widely available, but you can easily replace it with a whisky of your choice. If you are planning to share this with children, leave the whisky out it will still be delicious. What will I need, Gordon? Serves 8 to 10 You will need: For the biscuit base 75g butter, plus extra for greasing 200g ginger nut biscuits, smashed to fine crumbs 25g caster sugar For the cheesecake topping 300g cream cheese or full-fat soft cheese, softened for an hour out of the fridge 130g caster sugar Seeds from 2 vanilla pods 250ml double cream 150g creme fraiche 2 tbsp Monkey Shoulder whisky or other whisky of your choice To serve 300g cherries, halved and stoned, or seasonal berries 2 tbsp caster sugar Advertisement Grease the base of a 23cm spring-form tin or deep loose-based round tin and set aside. For the biscuit base, melt the butter in a pan over a low heat. Remove from the heat, stir in the crushed biscuits and sugar until combined, then press the mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared tin. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Put all the ingredients for the cheesecake topping, except the whisky, in a mixing bowl and whisk together using an electric mixer until smooth and quite thick. Pour in the whisky and whisk again until the mixture is the consistency of thickly whipped cream. Pour the topping over the biscuit base and smooth the top, then transfer to the fridge and leave to set for a minimum of three hours or overnight. Warm the cherries or berries and sugar in a saucepan with 1 tablespoon of water until they begin to soften. Cool. Once set, carefully remove the cheesecake from the tin and transfer to a serving plate, drizzle over the fruit and syrup, then slice to serve. Slow-roast pork belly with spiced apple sauce This method of roasting pork belly hot to begin with, cooler for a longer period of time, then a hot blast at the end guarantees the most excellent crispy crackling, as well as meltingly tender meat. It is important to score the skin with a very sharp knife before you cook the pork to achieve really crispy crackling. The cinnamon-spiced apple sauce is the perfect accompaniment. It is important to score the skin with a very sharp knife before you cook the pork to achieve really crispy crackling What will I need, Gordon? Serves 6 to 8 You will need: 1 pork belly on the bone, about 2-3kg Juice of lemon Sea salt 25ml vegetable oil For the apple and cinnamon sauce 500g dessert apples, such as Braeburn, peeled, cored and roughly chopped tsp ground cinnamon Advertisement Preheat the oven to 240c/220c fan/gas 9. Using a very sharp knife, score the skin of the pork belly widthways in lines that are about 1cm apart from each other, making sure that you don't cut all the way through to the meat (otherwise it will burn). Put the scored pork belly on a wire rack placed inside a roasting tray. Squeeze the lemon juice over the skin. Sprinkle a generous amount of salt evenly over that then pour the vegetable oil over. Massage the salt, lemon juice and oil into the skin, making sure there are no puddles of oil left on top. Roast the pork belly in the oven for 25-30 minutes, until the skin has started to crisp. Reduce the oven temperature to 160c/140c fan/gas 3 and roast for a further 1 hours, until the meat is cooked and tender. Increase the oven temperature back to 240c/220c fan/gas 9 and roast for about 15 minutes more, to ensure the crackling is very crisp and deep golden in colour. While the pork belly is roasting, make the apple and cinnamon sauce. Put the apples in a pan with 2-3 tablespoons of water. Cover and cook over a low heat for 10-15 minutes, until the apples are soft and beginning to catch on the bottom of the pan (to add a bit of colour). Add a little more water if necessary. Once the apples are cooked, remove from the heat and stir through the cinnamon then blitz with a stick blender for a smooth sauce or leave whole for a chunkier consistency. Leave to cool. Carve the pork and serve with the apple sauce, making sure everyone gets some crispy crackling, too. Gordon's BSK Bloody Mary Weekend brunch wouldn't be complete without a Bloody Mary, but when it comes to the perfect combination of ingredients, there is much debate. At my London restaurant, Bread Street Kitchen, this is our house spice mix and we think it's hard to beat. Make up a batch and simply mix with vodka and tomato juice for the ultimate mid-morning tipple. What will I need, Gordon? Serves 20 to 30, serving 2-3 tsp per drink. Makes about 310ml You will need: For the spice mix 2 fresh basil leaves rosemary sprig, leaves stripped celery stick, trimmed 2 pitted green olives 1 green chilli, deseeded shallot, roughly chopped tsp paprika tsp cayenne pepper tsp black peppercorns tsp garlic salt tsp Dijon mustard tsp horseradish sauce 250ml Worcestershire sauce For each Bloody Mary 2-3 tsp BSK Bloody Mary Spice Mix (see above) 1 shot of vodka (25ml) 150ml fresh tomato juice Ice cubes, to serve (optional) BUCK'S FIZZ MARY: Serves 2 50ml orange or mandarin vodka 40ml orange juice 20ml ginger juice (see tip below) Champagne or prosecco, to serve Weekend brunch wouldn't be complete without a Bloody Mary, but when it comes to the perfect combination of ingredients, there is much debate Advertisement Put all the ingredients for the spice mix into a blender and blitz together until smooth. Pour into a sterilised bottle or jar, seal and store in the fridge for up to five days. To make each Bloody Mary, add 2-3 teaspoons of the spice mix to the vodka and tomato juice, stirring to combine. Pour into a glass over ice (if using) and serve straight away. GORDON SAYS: For a delicious Virgin Mary, simply omit the vodka. BUCK'S FIZZ MARY This is Buck's Fizz with a twist. The fresh ginger and orange vodka added to the classic combination of fresh orange juice and sparkling wine make it spicy and warming perfect for celebrations. The quantities are easily doubled or tripled if serving to a gathering of friends and family. For the ginger juice, grate a thumb-sized piece of fresh root ginger, then press it through a small sieve, collecting the juice in a bowl underneath. Mix together the vodka, orange juice and ginger juice in a jug, then pour into the bottom of two champagne flutes. Fill the glasses with champagne or prosecco and give each a quick stir before serving. Chocolate fondants The perfect chocolate fondant holds its shape when you turn it out on to the plate but releases a stream of molten chocolate as you cut into it with a spoon. The trick to getting it right (and impressing your friends) is all in the timing, so once 15 minutes of the cooking time has passed, check the fondants by shaking them gently they are ready when only the centre moves a little. If this isn't the case, return them to the oven and keep checking until it is. The perfect chocolate fondant holds its shape when you turn it out on to the plate but releases a stream of molten chocolate as you cut into it with a spoon What will I need, Gordon? Serves 4 (easily doubled) You will need: 150g butter, plus extra for greasing 150g dark chocolate (6070 per cent cocoa solids), roughly chopped or broken into small chunks 75g plain flour 3 large eggs 3 large egg yolks 200g caster sugar Vanilla ice cream, creme fraiche or whipped cream, to serve Advertisement Preheat the oven to 190c/170c fan/gas 5. Grease 4 x 220ml dariole moulds or ramekins with butter, place them on a baking sheet and set aside. Put the butter and chocolate into a large heatproof bowl set over a pan of gently simmering water (don't let the bottom of the bowl touch the water underneath) and leave until melted, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat, sift over the flour and then whisk it in. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks and sugar until combined, then whisk this into the chocolate mixture, until smooth and well mixed. Pour the chocolate mixture into the prepared dariole moulds or ramekins, dividing evenly. Bake for 15-20 minutes the fondants are ready when you shake each one gently and only the middle moves a little. Remove from the oven, and then, using a sharp knife, gently loosen around the inside edge of each mould, if necessary. Carefully invert each fondant on to a serving plate and serve immediately with creme fraiche, whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Gordon Ramsay Bread Street Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay is published by Hodder & Stoughton at 26. To order a copy for 20.80 (20 per cent discount) visit www.mailshop.co.uk/books or call 0844 571 0640. P&P is free on orders over 15. Spend 30 on books and get FREE premium delivery. Offer valid until November 6, 2018. One Nation leader Pauline Hanson and former Labor senator Sam Dastyari have accused each other of being liars during a heated TV discussion about a rude word. In a verbal grudge match on Sky News, the Queensland senator brought up how Mr Dastyari had last year accused her of using the c-bomb on him. 'You put out there that I said the c-word to you, I called you the c-word. That is an absolute lie,' Senator Hanson said on Monday night. Senator Hanson doubled down after Mr Dastyari said his claim was 'absolutely true'. 'I've never used the c-word. I've never called you the c-word and I don't use it,' she said. The One Nation founder then wagged her finger at Mr Dastyari, a former Labor right-faction powerbroker, after he replied that she had 'used the c-word with me'. 'Sam, you're lying. You're absolutely lying. And I'll say that to you. I called you a little pr*** and I'll stand by that,' Senator Hanson said. One Nation leader Pauline Hanson wagged her finger at former Labor senator Sam Dastyari after he maintained she called him by the c-word during a debate at Parliament House Daily Mail Australia revealed in July 2017 that four months earlier (pictured), Senator Hanson had allegedly called the then Labor senator for New South Wales by the c-word Daily Mail Australia revealed in July 2017 that four months earlier, Senator Hanson had allegedly called the then Labor senator for New South Wales by the c-word. 'It wasn't I who used that word. It was a word directed at me by a particular, redheaded Australian senator who doesn't like halal snack packs,' Mr Dastyari said in Facebook video. The former New South Wales Labor general secretary had alleged his right-wing nemesis had used that phrase on him after they had made a Facebook video together in the courtyard of Parliament House in Canberra. Sam Dastyari had alleged his right-wing nemesis had used that phrase on him after they had made a Facebook video (pictured) together in the courtyard of Parliament House in Canberra They had debated hot political issues including why she supported Russian President Vladimir Putin, considering Russian rebels were allegedly involved in the shooting down of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 in 2014 over the Ukraine, killing 38 Australians. Earlier in the Sky News debate Mr Dastyari, who was born in Iran and moved to Australia as a four-year-old boy in January 1988, was very animated after Senator Hanson had claimed asylum seekers on Nauru weren't genuine refugees because they had destroyed their identification documents. 'That is not the case. It's basically factually incorrect. That's just wrong,' he said, waving his hands in the air. 'You can't make up your own facts, Pauline. You can't make up facts. It's factually wrong.' Craig Savage was found guilty of the 'execution-style' murder of his estranged wife and her mother and was jailed for at least 38 years yesterday A woman shot dead with her mother by her ex-husband in a 'brutal and systematic execution' had warned police twice that he was dangerous, it emerged yesterday. Ex-soldier Craig Savage, 35, murdered his estranged wife Michelle, 32, and her mother Heather Whitbread, 53, in a three-minute rampage at their home in St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex on March 16. Mrs Savage was blasted seven times and her mother six, with Savage even shooting the family's black and white bull terrier, Zeus, which he had 'always hated', before fleeing the house, only to be caught by police. But Mrs Savage had told police she feared for her life on two occasions, terrified of what her 'dangerous' ex-husband might do, it emerged yesterday after he was jailed for 38 years. In her statement to Sussex Police a month before her death, she said: 'I'm concerned for my and my family's safety as he's becoming more and more aggressive. 'He is a nasty, spiteful, bitter person and I know if I stay quiet and do nothing then things can only get worse. 'I believe he will hurt me in any way he can, mentally or physically. I believe he wanted to either kill or hurt me, I genuinely don't know which.' She also told her boss she feared her ex-husband would bring a 'knife or pepper spray' with him the next time he visited and she was 'scared of him'. Mrs Savage had told her friends she met with police and they had taken note of everything that had happened between them. She made an further complaint of vandalism against him the week before she died. Ex-soldier Craig Savage, 35, murdered his estranged wife Michelle, 32, and her mother Heather Whitbread, 53 (pictured together) in a three-minute rampage at their home in St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex on March 16 The Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) is now investigating how the force handled Mrs Savage's complaints before her death. In a message, she wrote: 'They have logged everything and they have put a flag on the address so they know what's going on.' Savage had tried to blackmail her into having sex one last time, threatening to 'destroy her life' with revenge porn if she did not agree. When she refused, he uploaded about 1,000 pictures of her naked and in underwear to porn websites, naming her and inviting others to download them. Shortly afterwards Mrs Savage awoke on her birthday in early March to find paint thrown over the family's cars and her tyres slashed. His trial at Lewes Crown Court heard how the former soldier had earlier stolen an M4 semi-automatic rifle from a shooting range before going round to his ex-wife's property and 'smashing through a window'. The murderer had previously told the court the deaths were a 'dreadful mistake' and the weapon went off 'accidentally' during a ferocious struggle. But a jury of 10 women and two men convicted him of two counts of murder after deliberating for just two hours on Monday. Sentencing him to a minimum of 38 years Judge Maura McGowan said the killings were 'brutal, systematic and calm' and 'every shot hit its target.' She told Savage: 'The terror you caused Michelle and Heather was beyond description. One must have seen you shoot and kill the other. 'By your actions you have devastated an entire family. You have taken two lives and destroyed many others.' Dressed in a blue suit and open-neck white shirt, 35-year-old Savage, a lorry driver, showed no emotion when the verdicts were read out. The pair were shot with an M4 rifle, pictured, after Savage stole it from a shooting range Savage, pictured in a police interview, was the subject of two complaints from his ex-wife before he killed her During his nine-year relationship with Mrs Savage, which included a five-year marriage, he was described as 'controlling' with the 'attitude of a teenager'. The court heard he spent much of his time playing video games or watching television. The 35-year-old would bombard Mrs Savage with phone calls and messages demanding to know where she was and who she was with throughout the day, saying he was 'lonely' at work. He hated her black-and-white Staffordshire Bull Terrier Zeus and was cruel to the animal. Savage pictured arriving at Lewes Crown Court earlier in the legal proceedings was described as 'dangerous' by his ex-wife Michelle in reports to Sussex Police It was the 'last straw' for their marriage when her mother Heather Whitbread found him pinning the dog to the floor. Mrs Savage, her sister Raven Whitbread, 24, who was seven months pregnant at the time, and their mother Heather were just sitting down to eat a Chinese takeaway on the night the pair were killed. Miss Whitbread told the jury how she watched horror-struck as Savage burst into the room armed with the rifle and aimed it at her. She said: 'He was coming further into the house and I saw him point the gun towards me. I heard my mum shout, 'Don't you f****** dare' After she shouted he aimed towards her and then fired.' Fighting back tears Miss Whitbread told the jury she saw her sister lying on the floor in the hallway with her arms raised in the air and Savage standing over her. She said: 'She raised her hands in the air and said: 'What the f***, Craig? Craig!' then he shot her a number of times.' The court heard both Mrs Savage and her mother had muzzle marks on their clothing indicating they had been shot at close range in an execution-style shootings. Miss Whitbread ran into the back of the house into the conservatory and locked herself in with her grandmother, Patricia Groves, 80, who lived in an annexe at the rear of the three-bedroom home. Armed police, who had already been alerted by staff at the shooting range, arrived at the property just seconds after Savage fled, confronting him in a car park where Savage bent down on one knee and pointed the gun at officers. Obsessed soldier threatened ex-wife with revenge porn and demanded she hand over lingerie so he could 'burn it all' Former soldier Craig Savage was obsessed with his wife and unleashed a vicious revenge campaign on her when she rejected him and refused to reconcile. During his nine-year relationship with Michelle Savage, which included a five-year marriage, he was described as 'controlling' with the 'attitude of a teenager'. Now a lorry driver, he spent much of his time playing video games or watching television. The 35-year-old would bombard Mrs Savage with phone calls and messages demanding to know where she was and who she was with throughout the day, saying he was 'lonely' at work. He hated her black-and-white Staffordshire Bull Terrier Zeus and was cruel to the animal. It was the 'last straw' for their marriage when her mother Heather Whitbread found him pinning the dog to the floor. Mrs Savage ended the relationship around February 12 - just over a month before she died - but he did everything he could to continue getting her attention. As his behaviour escalated, she tried to push him further away and start a new life without him. After the break-up, Mrs Savage told him in messages that he was trying to 'control every last interaction' and repeatedly said she did not want to see him anymore when he continued to pester her with messages. In one exchange she said: 'We are over. I am 100 per cent sure we are not getting back together. I don't want to try again.' He threatened to kill himself, wrongly accused her of giving him a sexually transmitted disease and demanded she hand over lingerie and sex toys. Even though she told him she was taking them to the rubbish tip, he said he wanted to destroy them himself so she could not use them with her 'next man'. In another text, Savage added: '(I want) every last outfit, every last stocking. The fire will be satisfying.' She told her friend and Kung Fu class instructor Neil Gould that Savage had 'completely lost the plot' while her sister Raven described him as a 'crazy ex'. He ambushed Mrs Savage at a friend's house and in a bid to get her to have sex with him one last time threatened her with revenge porn. When she refused, he stayed true to his word and uploaded 1,000 images of her naked or in underwear to porn websites, naming her and urging others to download them. In the days before she was murdered she changed her number and was considering finding somewhere else to live. On her birthday - a week before he carried out the killing - she discovered he had vandalised the family's cars and van parked in the drive, slashing tyres and pouring paint over the roofs. Then Savage, who told jurors he received weapons training during his teenage years in the Army, stole the assault rifle and carried out the fatal raid. After the shooting, police found lubricant, handcuffs and other items in his bag which the prosecution said indicated he intended to restrain and rape her before she died. Savage told his trial he loved his ex-wife, was broken by their split and had planned to provoke police into fatally shooting him by kidnapping her. Jurors did not believe his story, however, and they convicted him of slaying the two, defenceless women. Advertisement The court heard he tried to pull the trigger but the semi-automatic weapon had jammed and wouldn't fire. Savage then climbed a fence onto a footpath, crossed a railway track and was eventually apprehended by armed officers on the beach. In a victim impact statement, Miss Whitbread said: 'I am haunted by what I saw that night. I have constant nightmares. I am now stuck living in hell 'The actions of one man have taken the life and soul of one family and left an emptiness that can never be filled. 'I am so traumatised by what happened in that house that night that there is no way I could live there ever again.' The court was previously shown a police interview in which an emotional Savage claimed 'he was supposed to die' rather than the women. He was also shown skulking outside the property in CCTV footage that later caught him leaving the property seconds before police turned up. Audio footage was also played to the jury of shots being fired and screaming from within the home. In the interview, when questioned about what happened, he said through tears: 'It wasn't supposed to happen. 'I didn't go there to kill anyone. It was me that was supposed to die, not them. 'I wanted to die and I wanted the police to kill me. I just wanted her to watch and I f***ed it up. Then I fell, the weapon discharged and it just erupted. 'She came charging at me; we were wrestling with the weapon...and she is strong. 'The weapon went off so many different times. In so many directions. She went down. It was supposed to be me.' At the start of his defence Savage described the moment he smashed through a porch window as Mrs Savage, her mother and younger sister Raven, who was seven months pregnant, were sitting down to eat a Chinese takeaway. He said that as he clambered through the window he slipped and fell and his estranged wife came charging towards him. He said: 'I looked up and Michelle came running at me like a rhino charging a red rag, bang straight at me no hesitation, no fear. 'Her first instinct was to protect her family. She came steaming into me and smashed in the side of me.' Savage said a struggle ensued and Michelle was trying to grab the rifle and the pair ended up wrestling with it. 'She was squeezing the trigger. Five rounds went round the room. I don't know where they landed.' He said he followed her into the hall but she sprayed him with a canister of CS gas. 'She was straight on me again. Bang, bang. 'She started kicking me and punching me. 'The weapon was going off. She weren't letting up she just kept going, kept going.' 'We was struggling and spinning round. She kept hitting me and kept hitting me. She had hold of the barrel with her left hand.' Banging the dock with emotion, he said: 'She was pushing and pulling it, kicking and kneeing me, twisting, going everywhere. We were struggling. I was trying to stop her.' He said at no point did he aim the M4 rifle at any of the three women in the room but realised Michelle and Heather had been shot. He said: 'It's not what I wanted. It's not what I was there for.' Savage contiued: 'Michelle was by the fireplace. 'She was laying on her stomach. I ran over to her. I knelt down beside her. I couldn't see any blood. She blinked. I went and sat. 'I didn't know what to do. She was staring. Oh s*** I need to get a medic, got to get a medic in here.' He said he realised no medics would come into the house while there was a gunman there so he fled. He said: 'I thought I gotta go I've got to create space. I just marched. I just moved.' Savage, who had earlier refused to appear in court, told the jury he had intended to die in a suicide by cop to punish his wife for leaving him. But the court heard his plan went badly wrong and in the ensuing struggle he shot his estranged wife seven times and mother-in-law six times. Asked by Alan Kent QC, defending, whether he intended to hurt or kill his wife and mother-in-law Savage replied: 'No. It wasn't supposed to happen. I have never raised my hand to a woman in all my life.' Speaking last week in his defence, Savage said: 'My head was spinning. I was losing it, I told the doctor. I was just broken, destroyed. 'The break up wasn't the straw that broke the camel's back it was the wrecking ball that broke the camel's. It wiped me out. It destroyed me.' He had told the court previously of his strained relationship with Ms Whitbread: 'I was the lightning rod for the mother-in-law. Savage's defence lawyer Alan Kent QC (pictured outside court) said he knows he will be an old men when he is released from prison 'She was just on me all the time, all the time. The rule of the house was doors had to be shut. Close the door. 'She would go from zero to ten, shouting 'ar****, ar*****, ar******'. She'd snap. She got it into her head I'd sabotaged the kettle to make it loud to disturb her peace. I was in my descent into misery and despair.' In mitigation after the verdict, Mr Kent QC said Savage knows if he is ever released from prison 'he will released from prison he will be a very old man.' Savage denied two counts of murder and one count of possession of a weapon with intent to endanger life but was found guilty of double murder yesterday. In a statement on the investigation of the police force yesterday the IOPC said: 'Our investigators are exploring final lines of enquiry relating to the contact Sussex Police had with Michelle Savage prior to her death and the death of her mother Heather Whitbread on March 16, 2018. 'We have gathered and analysed CCTV footage, obtained statements from police witnesses and conducted interviews. 'We have also provided family members and Sussex Police with regular updates as the investigation progresses. 'One member of civilian staff was informed that their conduct may have breached the standards of professional behaviour. This does not necessarily mean that misconduct proceedings will follow. 'Once we have concluded all lines of enquiry and finalised our report it will be shared with all interested parties namely family members and Sussex Police. 'At that stage we will consider releasing more details from our investigation.' CCTV seen previously by the court showed Savage outside the property on the night of the shootings The force apologised in 2016 after coming under fire for the way it handled stalking complaints made by teenager Shana Grice before she was murdered by her ex-boyfriend Michael Lane. She was fined for wasting police time, leading a judge to criticise their actions. Some 12 police staff and officers remain under investigation by the IOPC. The force has since said it has overhauled officer training on stalking and improved how it investigates the crime. It was also criticised for failing domestic abuse victims in a Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary report last year which said it needed to improve victim protection. Previously, around 15 per cent of cases classed as 'low risk', including crimes like stalking, were dealt with over the phone. The force now says all domestic abuse victims are visited by an officer. A Head Hunters bikie has been granted bail after allegedly bashing a Hungry Jack's worker who forgot to give him fries. Jackson Teamo was enraged after he discovered his drive-through order on Sunday evening at a Hungry Jacks in Labrador on the Gold Coast did not include fries. The Head Hunters MC member demanded free cheeseburgers from the 19-year-old worker to make up for her mistake, 9 News reported. Jackson Teamo (pictured) has been granted bail after allegedly bashing a Hungry Jacks worker who forgot to give him fries Teamo later admitted he regretted his actions, saying: 'If I could take back what I did I would' When she said he would have to pay for the burgers, Teamo allegedly climbed through the drive-through window and proceeded to chase her around the shop floor. He cornered the startled woman and allegedly proceeded to punch her multiple times, the court heard. He later admitted he regretted his actions. 'It was immature. If I could take back what I did I would,' he said. 'It wasn't (the dispute) over the food, it was over me.' Teamo was granted bail on the condition that he does not visit the Hungry Jack's where the alleged assault happened. He is also required to pay weekly visits to his local police station. Teamo will appear in court again next month. The Head Hunters Motorcycle Club are an outlaw motorcycle club operating in New Zealand. The biker group has a long history of crime and violence with a total of over 1000 criminal convictions. Eryn Jean Norvill told fellow actor Robyn Nevin she was frightened after a Sydney newspaper published articles alleging Geoffrey Rush behaved inappropriately toward her, according to court documents. Norvill, the young actor now at the centre of Rush's defamation battle against the publisher of the Daily Telegraph, told Nevin it was 'pretty scary' following the newspaper's 2017 stories. 'I'm frightened,' Norvill wrote to Nevin in the early hours of December 2. 'And the media are ferociously hounding me. It's pretty scary. I'm just trying to do the show and survive. I didn't ask for any of this. It's awful Robyn.' Scroll down for video Actor Eryn Jean Norvill, who appeared with Geoffrey Rush in a Sydney Theatre Company production of King Lear, arrives at the Federal Court ahead of giving evidence on Tuesday Actor Eryn Jean Norvill told fellow performer Robyn Nevin she was frightened after allegations were published against Geoffrey Rush and 'the media are ferociously hounding me' Geoffrey Rush claims he has made out to be a sexual pervert by the publication of two stories in The Daily Telegraph which alleged he had acted inappropriately towards a female colleague The articles, which didn't identify Norvill, related to an allegation Rush behaved inappropriately toward a female co-star during a Sydney Theatre Company production of King Lear in 2015 and 2016. 'There are many stories not just mine,' Norvill said in another text to Nevin. 'But I'm fairly alone right now. And the truth is I tried to keep out of it. But here I am, in the eye of the storm. I just want to do my job and feel safe.' The text exchange was tendered in the NSW Federal Court as Nevin gave evidence at Rush's defamation trial over two articles and a newsagent poster about the allegation of inappropriate behaviour. Norvill told the court it 'couldn't have been an accident' when Rush allegedly touched the side of her breast during a scene where her character was dead on the stage. She said they were in the midst of a preview performance of King Lear at the Sydney Theatre Company when Rush stroked across the side of her right breast and on to her hip. She said it hadn't happened before, with Rush usually touching her face and sometimes her head, shoulder and arm during the scene. 'It couldn't have been an accident because it was slow and pressured,' she said in the NSW Federal Court on Tuesday. Rush, 67, denies the claims, including that he deliberately touched Norvill's breast, and argues the newspaper portrayed him as a pervert and a sexual predator. Robyn Nevin (pictured), who starred in King Lear with Rush and Norvill, initiated a text exchange with the young actor after the allegations broke, asking 'Oh dear girl, are you OK??' Norvill, when asked by defence barrister Tom Blackburn SC how she felt when Rush allegedly touched her breast, said she was probably frightened and confused while 'trying to make sense of what Geoffrey's intentions were'. 'At the time, I was on stage with my eyes closed playing a dead body, so I probably felt very trapped,' she said. She said she'd already felt shocked, 'belittled and embarrassed and, I guess, shamed' during rehearsals for the scene when she heard titters of laughter as she lay on the ground and opened her eyes to see Rush allegedly making groping gestures above her chest. She told the court he was bulging his eyes, smiling and licking his lips. Rush continued making sexual gestures towards Norvill during the rehearsal period and would sometimes growl and call her 'yummy', she said. 'I just didn't really understand why Geoffrey would make fun of my body or comment about my body if he was my friend and respected me as a colleague,' Norvill said. Asked why she didn't say anything, Norvill said she was 'at the bottom of the rung in terms of the hierarchy and Geoffrey was definitely at the top ... his power was intimidating'. 'Everyone else didn't seem to have a problem about it, you know, so I was looking at a room that was complicit, my director didn't seem to have a problem with it, so I felt quashed in terms of my ability to find allies,' she said. 'I'm just trying to do the show and survive,' Eryn Jean Norvill wrote to fellow actor Robyn Nevin. 'I didn't ask for any of this. It's awful Robyn.' Norvill is pictured arriving at the Federal Court Nationwide News and Moran are pleading a defence of truth in the judge-alone trial after Norvill - who didn't speak to Moran for his articles - agreed in July to give evidence. Nevin, who starred in King Lear with Rush and Norvill, initiated a text exchange with the younger actor after the Telegraph story broke by asking 'Oh dear girl, are you OK??' She told Norvill she hoped she would be protected and to just ask if she needed anything, according to court documents. Robyn Nevin became emotional when she recalled Geoffrey Rush's 'state of confusion' after the articles were published about what he was supposed to have done. Rush is pictured centre But Nevin, who gave evidence for Rush on Monday, said she didn't see anything during King Lear to justify the young actor's complaint and she believed it to be baseless. Under cross-examination by defence barrister Tom Blackburn SC, she said she didn't confront Norvill or question her about it in the messages as 'the damage was done'. 'My concern was for the kind of effect this would have on her when she didn't want it made public,' Nevin said. She said a tearful Norvill had told her during another Sydney Theatre Company production in 2016 that being back at the venue reminded her of the trouble she'd had during King Lear some months earlier. Nevin said she thought Norvill was reflecting on the 'great struggles' she had playing the character of Cordelia. She strongly denied there was any indication of inappropriate behaviour of a sexual nature, or that she responded: 'Oh I thought Geoffrey had stopped doing that. Poor Jane (Rush's wife).' Nevin became emotional when she recalled Rush's 'state of confusion' after the articles were published about what he was supposed to have done. The judge-alone trial continues. One of the original writers of the Simpsons has apparently dismissed claims that Kwik-E-Mart owner Apu will be written out of the show. Last week, producer and Youtuber Adi Shankar claimed that The Simpsons plans to 'drop the Apu character altogether'. He is one of the shows most well-known characters but a documentary last year entitled The Problem with Apu sparked a fierce debate over his inclusion. Apu Nahasapeemapetilon has been a character on The Simpsons for almost 30 years. He runs the Springfield Kwik-E-Mart and is known for the catchphrase 'Thank you, come again' Al Jean (left) said that Adi Shankar (right) is not a Simpsons producer and doesn't' speak for the show The film, made by comedian and film maker Hari Kondabolu, focused on how the Simpons might be stereotyping the South Asian community with the character. Now Al Jean, who is an executive producer, has responded on Twitter saying that Adi Shankar is not a spokesperson for the show. He tweeted: 'Adi Shankar is not a producer on the Simpsons. I wish him the very best but he does not speak for our show'. Shankar responded with a tweet of his own asking for a meeting to discuss the character's future on the show. He said: 'I wish you well too. Let's work towards common ground. 'Ignoring only fans the flames. The world is polarized & getting more so, and the onus is on us to bring people together. Al Jean shot down speculation by claiming that Adi Shankar doesn't speak for the show He is voiced by American actor Hank Azaria who has threatened to quit the show following the controversy 'Engage in a constructive way and this matter will go to bed. I see you, now I'm asking you to see me'. In his interview last week, he said he believes axing the character entirely would be a big mistake and could be seen as avoiding the controversy entirely. He said: 'If you are a show about cultural commentary and you are too afraid to comment on the culture, especially when its a component of the culture you had a hand in creating, then you are a show about cowardice. 'Its not a step forward, or step backwards, its just a massive step sideways. After having read all these wonderful scripts, I feel like sidestepping this issue doesnt solve it when the whole purpose of art, I would argue, is to bring us together'. The Problem with Apu, released in November 2017, took a critical look at the character of Apu on The Simpsons. Hank Azaria (left) has threatened to quit his role as the voice of Apu following the controversy. But Matt Groening, the show's creator, attempted to brush off criticism in May saying he was proud of what they do on the show In the documentary, Kondabolu argues that the stereotypical portrayal of Indian and South Asian-Americans embodied by Apu is culturally insensitive and detrimental to the communitys portrayal in modern American culture. The documentarys success sparked a renewed debate about cultural sensitivity and racial stereotyping in the media. Many critics hailed it for restarting public discussion on such issues. One of the main 'problems' with Apu is that the character is voiced by Hank Azaria, a white actor, who admitted his portrayal of Apu is actually a homage to white British actor Peter Sellers playing an Indian in the 1968 comedy The Party. On April 8, however, The Simpsons attempted to address the accusations in its newest episode called No Good Read Goes Unpunished. But later that month Hank Azaria said he might quit the controversial role of voicing Apu following the race row. A family having a picnic metres from where Toyah Cordingley was murdered could hold the key to finding her killer. The 24-year-old was was killed while walking her boyfriend's dog on Wangetti beach, 40km north of Cairns, last Sunday between 2pm and 2.30pm. Police have received more than 500 tips in just a week, but still have no suspects and were desperately searching for new leads. Police have received more than 500 tips about the murder of Toyah Cordingley in just a week, but still have no suspects A man and woman with two young girls were seen picnicking on the beach before 1.20pm that day and police wanted to speak with them. They were seen talking to a couple walking their dachshund in the beach's southern car park, and the dog tried to hop into the family's sedan. Ms Cordingly's sister Leynah Gardiner begged the unknown family to come forward in the hope they might have seen something that could help. 'To the family who was seen at Wangetti Beach and is yet to contact police, put yourself in the place of my family,' she wrote on Facebook. 'Imagine if it had been one of your children, you would be doing whatever you can, getting whatever information you could, no matter how small it may seem. 'So I'm asking, if you do see this post PLEASE call the police and tell them what you know/saw. It might just be what they're looking for. Detectives pieced together Ms Cordingley's movements on the day she died and released CCTV footage of her just two hours before her murder Toyah Cordingley's body was found on the beach on Monday morning about 800 metres from where she had left her car in the southern car park The 24-year-old was was killed while walking her boyfriend's dog on Wangetti beach, 40km north of Cairns, last Sunday between 2pm and 2.30pm 'And to everyone else, every bit of information helps so please report anything you know to assist the police in doing their jobs.' Ms Cordingley's father Troy found her body in sand dunes on Monday morning with 'visible and violent' injuries in what police said was a 'sexually motivated' murder. Detectives pieced together Ms Cordingley's movements on the day she died and released CCTV footage of her just two hours before her murder. The animal lover was filmed walking across Sheridan Street in Cairns about 12.40pm, near Rusty's Markets where she shopped for just over an hour. She was wearing light coloured crocheted singlet top and carrying a large striped colourful bag in the footage, but may have changed afterwards. Timeline of Toyah Cordingley's murder at Wangetti beach 12-1pm, October 21: Toyah Cordingley goes shopping at Rusty's Markets in downtown Cairns, the city in which she lives 12.40pm: She is filmed on CCTV crossing Sheridan Street near the markets 1pm: Ms Cordingley goes to her home in Cairns briefly where she may have changed her clothes, before driving out at 1.30pm 1.20pm: A family of four is seen having a picnic at Wangetti beach and police want to see if they saw anything that could help the case 2pm: Ms Cordingley's 2009 blue Mistubishi Lancer with the number plate 'TOY 146' is seen in Clifton Beach, about half way to Wangetti 2-2.30pm: Ms Cordingley arrives at Wangetti beach and parks in the southern car park. She goes for a walk on the beach with her boyfriend's dog Jersey and is not seen alive again 10.50pm: Her family report her missing after she doesn't return home to Cairns form Wangetti 7.45am, October 22: Ms Cordingley's father Troy finds her body dumped in sand dunes 800m from her car while looking for her with a search party Advertisement Ms Cordingley then went to her home in Cairns briefly before heading to Wangetti about 1.30pm along the Cook Highway. She drove a 2009 blue Mistubishi Lancer with the number plate 'TOY 146', which was seen in Clifton Beach about 2pm, about half way to Wangetti. Ms Cordingley later parked at the southern car park of Wangetti beach and went for a walk along the beach with her boyfriend's dog Jersey. It was the last time anyone saw her before her body was found dumped in sand dunes about 800m from her car about 7.45am last Monday. Police have gone all out to get as much information about her movements and contact anyone who might have been in the area and seen something but thought nothing of it. They set up dozens of billboards and LED signs along the highway appealing for anyone who might have been in the area in the hours around her death. An image was also released of the victim's 2009 blue Mistubishi Lancer, which was parked in the southern car park at Wangetti Beach, south of Cairns later that afternoon Anyone who saw the blue Mitsubishi Lancer between 12pm and 7pm on the day is urged to contact police About 530 people have made reports since the investigation began, starting more than 50 leads, but there were still no suspects. Detectives were seeking any photos, video, or dashcam footage between the Port Douglas and Ellis Beach turn-offs on Cook Highway between 2pm and 3pm last Sunday, and anything near Wangetti beach that day. They also warned residents and visitors to the sleepy beachside hamlet to 'be aware of their surroundings' as the killer was still on the loose. With no suspects, residents of the sleepy beach town decided to take it upon themselves to find answers for Ms Cordingley's family. Organiser David 'Prong' Trimble told the Cairns Post the community was hurting badly over the loss of Toyah and wanted to do something to help. 'Everybody feels like they need to help in some way or another and they feel they haven't been able to,' he said. Family friends have also been fundraising to help ease the family's sudden costs (pictured is a family fun day, where some proceeds were donated to Ms Cordingley's family) Toyah Cordingley's father Troy (pictured together) was the one to find her brutally murdered on a quiet beach as part of a search party frantically looking for her A locals-led search using metal detectors and drones will commence on November 4, while police begin to look for people in the area with unexplained injuries and missing clothes. In a bid to support Ms Cordingley's family, residents are now stepping up. In addition to the planned beach walk, others are raising funds. One woman set up donation points at the shopping centre and a bar in Cairns, while Wangetti resident Duane Cash would fundraise using tattoos. Mr Cash, who owns Cairns City Tattoo and has been friends with Ms Cordingley's family for decades, told the Cairns Post he would have a flash sheet of 10-20 pre-drawn tattoos to choose from, all linked to the beloved 24-year-old. The proceeds will go to Ms Cordingley's family, and Mr Cash says he hopes to make $20,000. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has threatened to take severe action against fuel companies if they don't rein in rising fuel prices. Drivers fear they could soon be forced to pay more than $2 per litre. Mr Morrison has now put fuel companies on notice, saying he would be watching them 'very, very closely' along with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has threatened to take action against fuel companies if they don't readjust their rising costs, adding that he would be watching them 'very, very closely' Mr Morrison is considering new regulations if fuel retailers fail to lower their prices,The Australian reports. He said fuel retailers should learn from their electricity counterparts, which have been threatened with forced divestiture for the same offence. 'I am taking action with the big electricity companies to make sure we have the big stick to force those prices down and I expect them to respond,' he said. 'Now I expect the fuel companies to respond too.' Mr Morrison said he will put pressure on fuel companies to 'do the right thing by customers' Petrol prices continue to soar across the nation and drivers fear they will soon be forced to pay over $2 a litre (stock) Mr Morrison said he understood consumer frustration at rising petrol prices and added that the government would continue to put pressure on petrol companies to 'do the right thing'. The cost of petrol has been rising across the nation, with prices in Sydney hitting an eye-watering $1.75 a litre on Monday, Melbourne hitting a 10-year high last month, and Adelaide motorists forking out an average of $1.67 a litre. Mr Morrison has been facing pressure from Coalition MPs to slash the $12 billion a year fuel excise which is leaving a burning hole in motorists' wallets. Liberal MP Craig Kelly called on Mr Morrison to 'substantially reduce' the crippling fuel tax, which adds an extra 40 cents to the cost of every litre. The fuel tax is levied by the Federal Government and used to repair roads and fund infrastructure projects. The Prime Minister has been facing pressure from Coalition MPs to take action to slash the $12 billion a year fuel excise Mr Morrison put the soaring fuel prices on notice and is pressuring the Australian Competition and Consumer Commissioner (ACCC) Rod Sims, to take action Former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce said nothing would be done if 'either side of politics are not willing to deliver', he told The Australian. 'If there is a will to deliver on lower fuel prices then there would be stronger ways of monitoring what is happening in the marketplace.' Poll Do you think more needs to be done about soaring petrol prices? Yes No Unsure Do you think more needs to be done about soaring petrol prices? Yes 231 votes No 12 votes Unsure 3 votes Now share your opinion On Monday, Mr Morrison put the ACCC Rod Sims, to take action. 'I want some answers out of the ACCC,' Mr Morrison told K Rock 95.5 on Monday. 'They're the cop on the beat, they're the ones we fund to go out there and monitor why prices are moving up and down and how they're timed.' The Prime Minister conceded some factors, such as the international cost of oil, were out of the local market's control, but said the ACCC had powers to investigate if consumers were being hard done by. 'What we can ensure is the people who are selling it here behave,' he said. 'I'm expecting some action.' National Roads and Motorists' Association (NRMA) has also called on service stations to publish their fuel prices for consumers in real time Motorists in remote areas north of Western Australia have seen petrol reach $1.80 a litre while other areas are already paying over $2 for their fuel. Imintji, a small Aboriginal community north of Broome, is 200 kilometres from the nearest town with fuel, where diesel goes for $2.05 a litre, ABC reported. A further 500 kilometres to north of Kalumburu, the unleaded petrol reads $2.99. What affects fuel prices? Changes in international benchmark prices The value of the Australian dollar relative to the US dollar Levels of competition in different areas Pricing decisions by wholesalers and retailers. Source: Australian Competition and Consumer Commission Advertisement Economists predict prices will continue to rise to head toward the $2 mark if the Australian dollar falls. AMP chief economist Shane Oliver expects the Australian dollar to fall but there are more 'upsides in petrol prices'. 'The odds are oil prices will at least likely to go above US$80 a barrel [West Texas] but that's largely because of strong global demand and a lack of spare capacity and relatively low stockpiles. And threats to supply from Iran from sanctions,' he told The Australian Financial Review. The Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ) said petrol retailers would not want to increase the price above $2 from fear of backlash from motorists. RACQ spokesman Paul Turner predicts unleaded prices to not cross $2 a litre, but Premium 98 - could reach it. 'We think it's unlikely any Australian retailer will want to put $2 per litre for fuel on their price board, so we'd probably see prices go just under that,' he said. National Roads and Motorists' Association (NRMA) has also called on service stations to publish their fuel prices for consumers in real time. Drivers in NSW are able to save up to $800 per year from their bowser bills by finding the best prices, Mr Khoury says Currently fuel prices are published in real time in NSW and there are calls that it should be national. 'We think it should be national,' NRMA spokesman Peter Khoury told AAP on Monday. 'There's not much we can do about OPEC cutting oil production, or Saudi Arabia going to war with Yemen, or Russia and Iran getting slapped with sanctions. 'So we have to look for local solutions.' The prices are published on the state government's website and the motoring group's mobile phone app, which has been downloaded close to 840,000 times since its launch in May. Drivers in NSW are able to save up to $800 per year from their bowser bills by finding the best prices, Mr Khoury says. Queensland and South Australia have expressed interest in trialling a similar scheme. 'The oil companies were sharing this data among themselves anyway, we just wanted it to become available to the public,' he said. Fox News' Brian Kilmeade is being taken to task over comments he made about the migrant caravan. During his Fox and Friends show which was discussing the migrant caravan which is headed toward the United States, he explained how one of his biggest concerns about the group is the 'diseases' the migrants could bring. The remark was made despite the group being still hundreds of miles away from the U.S.-Mexico border. Fox and Friends host Brian Kilmeade found a new way to whip up fear about the group of people who are part of the migrant caravan 'I mean, there's a reason why you can't bring a kid to school unless he's inoculated,' Kilmeade said. He then went on to ponder why those who want to block the caravan from entering are seen as 'hardhearted,' even though 'we already give 40 to 50 percent of our taxable income to the government for social programs.' 'We can't have countries' entire populations come in' to America, Kilmeade continued, 'because keeping some people out is 'part of the reason why America's America.' If this is allowed to continue the caravan into the United States, then the border is meaningless -@dbongino pic.twitter.com/s4f9HfLOoV FOX & friends (@foxandfriends) October 29, 2018 Central American migrants walk along the highway near of Ciudad Hidalgo after crossing to Mexico from Guatemala willing to reach the U.S. There are an estimated 3,000-4,000 migrants in the group of mostly Honduran migrants, of the country's population of over 9 million. The caravan is made up largely of Hondurans, Salvadorans and Guatemalans and includes both asylum-seekers and people traveling north for economic reasons, according to the United Nations' refugee agency. The president has claimed that 'unknown Middle Easterners' are part of the caravan, though there's no evidence to support those claims. One Twitter user showcased how most of perpetrators of mass shootings in the U.S. in recent times have been white American men rather than central American immigrants Others were more blunt in attacking the Fox host directly Twitter didn't take kindly to Kilmeade's comments with one user showcasing how most of perpetrators of mass shootings in the U.S. in recent times have been white American men. Others were more blunt in attacking the Fox host directly: 'My children have developmental disabilities. THey don't know how to lie. THey don't know to manipulate. They don't know when they are being lied to. They don't know when they are being manipulated. Kilmeade of Fox & Friends ? He is a man of poor character. That's about it.' Another addressed Kilmeade's comments head on: 'To be fair, Brian Kilmeade has a disease mind,' while another added, 'Fox and Brian Kilmeade area ignorant' Finally another tweet remarked on the similarities between Trumps own rhetoric and that uttered by its presenters: 'Ailes had extreme paranoia about immigrants - he wanted Navy SEALs to kill Mexicans crossing the border - but Ailes was smart enough to keep his views mostly off the air. Now Trump programs Fox and we see the difference.' More than 200 Google employees will take part in a mass walkout as way to protest the company's protection of Android mobile software creator, Andy Rubin, who was accused of sexual misconduct. BuzzFeed News reported that the company-wide walkout is set to take place on Thursday. The demonstration comes just days after it was revealed Google sacked 48 people over sexual harassment claims in the last two years. Thirteen senior managers were among those dismissed, according to an email sent to employees by chief executive Sundar Pichai and Eileen Naughton, VP people operations, and provided by a Google spokesman. Pichai revealed the figure in a letter to employees in response to a report in the New York Times, which suggested Rubin was given a $90million exit package despite facing misconduct allegations. The technology giant said it took an 'increasingly hard line' on misconduct by senior managers and offered employees avenues to report harassment anonymously. More than 200 Google employees will take part in a mass walkout as way to protest the company's protection of Android mobile software creator, Andy Rubin Rubin, pictured in San Francisco in September 2011, was given a $90million exit package despite facing misconduct allegations Pichai said he found the revelations 'difficult to read'. One Google employee, who wished to remain anonymous, told BuzzFeed: 'Personally, Im furious. I feel like theres a pattern of powerful men getting away with awful behavior towards women at Google or if they dont get away with it, they get a slap on the wrist, or they get sent away with a golden parachute, like Andy Rubin. 'And its a leadership of mostly men making the decisions about what kind of consequences to give, or not give. 'Some people are definitely talking about joining that now because of the latest harassment and abuse stories.' Organizers said they have presented petitions and demanded stricter employee oversights to management, while some even left their positions at the company as way to express their disapproval. Google chief executive Sundar Pichai made the announcement in an email to employees Google Chief Executive's response to sexual misconduct revelations Hi everyone, Today's story in the New York Times was difficult to read. We are dead serious about making sure we provide a safe and inclusive workplace. We want to assure you that we review every single complaint about sexual harassment or inappropriate conduct, we investigate and we take action. In recent years, we've made a number of changes, including taking an increasingly hard line on inappropriate conduct by people in positions of authority: in the last two years, 48 people have been terminated for sexual harassment, including 13 who were senior managers and above. None of these individuals received an exit package. In 2015, we launched Respect@ and our annual Internal Investigations Report to provide transparency about these types of investigations at Google. Because we know that reporting harassment can be traumatic, we provide confidential channels to share any inappropriate behavior you experience or see. We support and respect those who have spoken out. You can find many ways to do this at go/saysomething. You can make a report anonymously if you wish. We've also updated our policy to require all VPs and SVPs to disclose any relationship with a co-worker regardless of reporting line or presence of conflict. We are committed to ensuring that Google is a workplace where you can feel safe to do your best work, and where there are serious consequences for anyone who behaves inappropriately. Sundar and Eileen Advertisement Rubin left Google in 2014 to create, Playground Global, an incubator for hardware startups. But following his exit, the claim was reported to Google's human resources department and subsequently an investigation was opened. On Thursday, The Times report claimed Rubin coerced the woman into performing oral sex in a hotel room in 2013. The allegation against Andy Rubin (pictured in NYC in June), emerged in November But just a few weeks into the investigation, Rubin was given an additional stock package of $150million. According to the Times, that stock package was unusually high by Google's standards. Eventually, Google officials found the woman's claim to be credible. Rubin was later asked to resign by Google's co-founder, Larry Page. And despite the credible claim, Rubin was reportedly paid the $90million exit package in the form of monthly payments ranging from $1.25million to $2.5million over the course of four years. According to the Times, Rubin's ex-wife, Rie, filed a civil suit this month. In the suit, she claimed he had multiple 'ownership relationships' with other women during their marriage and paid the women hundreds of thousands of dollars. They finalized their divorce in August. A screenshot of an August 2015 email Rubin reportedly sent to one woman was also included in the suit. 'You will be happy being taken care of,' he wrote, according to the Times. 'Being owned is kinda like you are my property, and I can loan you to other people.' A spokesman for Rubin told the paper he denied any misconduct and he had not been made aware of the claims when he left in 2014. Details of Rubin's 2014 exit were revealed in a bombshell New York Times report released Thursday that claimed Rubin coerced the woman into performing oral sex in a hotel room in 2013 In response, a Google memo said: 'We are dead serious about making sure we provide a safe and inclusive workplace. We want to assure you that we review every single complaint about sexual harassment or inappropriate conduct, we investigate and we take action. 'In recent years, we've made a number of changes, including taking an increasingly hard line on inappropriate conduct by people in positions of authority: in the last two years, 48 people have been terminated for sexual harassment, including 13 who were senior managers and above. None of these individuals received an exit package.' The email also said the firm had enforced a policy requiring managers at vice president and senior vice president level to disclose relationships with co-workers. A man has been arrested for breaking into the Wisconsin home of missing 13-year-old Jayme Closs and stealing her underwear because he wanted to know what size she was two weeks after she vanished and her parents were shot dead. Kyle Jaenke-Annis, 32, was found inside the family's home on Saturday morning at 2.30am, hours before Jayme's parents James and Denise were buried. He has been cleared of having any role in Jayme's disappearance or her parents death and is accused of breaking into the home after the case made national news. James and Denise were found dead on October 15. They had been shot dead inside their home. Jayme is still missing and is not considered a suspect. Police say she has been abducted and is in danger. There is a $50,000 reward for information which could lead to her whereabouts. Kyle Jaenke-Annis, 32, was arrested over the weekend at the home of James and Denise Closs for burglary. He was trying to steal the missing girl's clothes and underwear. He took two mugshots with and without his glasses Just before 1am on October 15, someone called 911 from Denise Closs' cellphone, and the 911 dispatcher heard 'a lot of yelling.' The dispatcher called the number back but was unable to leave a voicemail. More attempts were made, but the phone was not answered. Authorities then tried to call the landline to the house but that that was found to be disconnected. By the time authorities reached the home minutes later, they found that the front door had been kicked in and the couple had been shot to death. Their daughter, Jayme, was believed to be home when her parents killed but she had been abducted by the time authorities arrived. According to the complaint, authorities discovered Jaenke-Annis in the Closs home early Saturday at 2:30, the morning of the couple's funeral. It is not clear who called police. When officers arrived, they found Jaenke-Annis inside. He told them that he found the unlocked and walked in to steal Jayme's underwear because he did not think anyone would miss them. Jaenke-Annis told investigators he found the house unlocked, walked in and took some of Jayme's clothing. James and Denise Closs were found shot dead in their own home (above) on October 15. Their daughter, Jayme, 13, is believed to have been abducted at the same time Jaenke-Annis, shown in social media photographs, told officers when they found him in the home that he did not think anyone would miss the missing 13-year-old's clothes if he stole them. It is unclear if he knew Jayme or if he first heard about her when her disappearance made news earlier this month Police have not yet revealed why he has been ruled out as a suspect in the girl's disappearance or the couple's death. He is due in court Nov. 7. Authorities announced on Friday that the reward amount had been increased thanks to the help of the factory Jayme's parents worked in as the desperate, nationwide search for the teenager continued. 'At this time, I want to thank Jennie-O and all of its employees for their cooperation during this tragic time for them with the loss of two of their employees and their willingness to help bring 13-year-old Jayme home,' Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald said in a statement Friday. The bodies of Denise, 46, and James Closs, 56, were found shot dead in their Wisconsin two weeks ago. Jayme has not been seen since and was believed to have been inside the home at the time Funeral services were held Saturday for James and Denise Closs Family and friend's gathered to pay their respects to the couple at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Cameron On Saturday, the grief-stricken community held a double funeral for Jayme's parents. A joint funeral service to commemorate the couple took place Saturday afternoon at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Cameron, Wisconsin. A private family burial will be held at a later date. Two thousand volunteers helped investigators search a five-mile radius around the Closs home earlier this week, but no evidence was found. Investigators believe Jayme is still alive, and they won't stop searching until they bring her home. The Jennie O Turkey Factory where both parents worked contributed a further $25,000 to double the reward to $50,000 The family of Jayme Closs spoke out in a public appeal on Wednesday in Wisconsin Search efforts intensified in Barron, Wisconsin as two thousand volunteers turned out to assist officers from Barron County Sheriff's Department in their attempt to find missing Jayme Closs Members of the search party were asked to register and have their driver's licenses scanned for safety and as an 'investigative tool' 'It's important to show people, you know, hope, and that we all care,' one of the volunteers, Josh Murphy, told ABC News. 'It's been chaos. A lot of people felt it. I can feel the pain of the family even though they're not part of my family. That's how I keep focused on showing hope. The hope is what we're riding on.' Authorities now are looking for two vehicles of interest after cars were spotted near the Closs home around the time of the crime. One vehicle was likely a red or orange 2000 to 2014 Dodge Challenger, based on surveillance footage from nearby homes and businesses. The second car was likely a black 2006 to 2010 Ford Edge or a black 2004 to 2010 Acura MDX, according to the sheriff's office. Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff office tip line 1-855-744-3879 or email jaymetips@co.barron.wi.us A former prison officer covertly filmed 34 women as they showered while they were staying at his Airbnb property. Tony Mark Greathead, 36, hid cameras in shampoo bottles and then recorded women getting undressed and getting into the shower. After retrieving the bottles he would stay up late at night posting the footage on a porn site at the Whatatu home he shared with his wife and two children. He encouraged other porn users to write comments on the videos and many of the women were objectified and ridiculed. New Zealand man Tony Mark Greathead, 36, (pictured) was jailed for four years and four months after pleading guilty to covertly filming 34 female Airbnb guests in his home shower Eleven of the videos put online were shared worldwide and one was viewed more than 7,000 times. When arrested, Greathead told police there was no sexual element to his offending and that he had 'done it for the thrill and risk of being caught'. In August, Greathead, pleaded guilty to 51 charges of making an intimate visual recording, seven charges of knowingly making an objectionable publication, seven charges of knowingly distributing an objectionable publication and four charges of publishing an intimate visual recording. Greathead was sentenced to four years and four months in prison at Hastings District Court, on Tuesday, the New Zealand Herald reported. The court heard he had made up to 219 recordings of 34 different women who had stayed with him before uploading them to a pornographic website. Stuff reported that the man would allow guests to us the shower in the property, but only at certain times. He would Greathead would place shampoo bottles with hidden cameras around the bathroom and use a remote control to turn them on. He would wait until his house guests left the bathroom and then he would retrieve the hidden cameras and upload the footage to his personal hard drive. The court heard he had made up to 219 recordings of 34 different women who had stayed with him before uploading them to a pornographic website (stock image) After uploading the videos to his computer Greathead would then share them on pornographic website 'bathroomvoyeur'. Greathead shared a total of 11 videos to the website. Police sought classification of the pornography form the Office of Film and Literature Classification, which stated: 'They also degrade and demean their subjects to a high extent and degree by exposing their subject's nudity and making them identifiable, and for the derogatory comments about their bodies which are strongly sexually objectifying.' The court also heard the man would caption the videos and describe his victims by race and occupation. In one instance the defendant added his own commentary to one of the videos. Police also informed the court all of Greathead's victims were 'shocked, ashamed, angered and degraded'. Greathead's name was withheld due to a suppression order after his lawyer, Matt Phelps, argued it was to protect the Greathead's wife. Vice President Mike Pence has been criticized for inviting a controversial 'Jews for Jesus' rabbi onstage to pray for the victims of the Pittsburgh synagogue massacre at a rally in Michigan. Rabbi Loren Jacobs invoked 'Jesus the Messiah' when he offered prayers for the 11 people killed at the Tree of Life synagogue at the event in suburban Detroit's Waterford Township on Monday. Jacobs, who is of Messianic congregation Shema Yisrael, in nearby Bloomfield Hills, started by saying: 'God of Abraham, God of Isaac, God and father of my lord and savior Yeshua, Jesus the Messiah, and my God and my Father, too.' Scroll down for video Vice President Mike Pence (right) has been criticized for inviting Rabbi Loren Jacobs (left) onstage to pray for the victims of the Pittsburgh synagogue massacre As Pence stood next to him, Jacobs ended his prayer by saying, 'in the name of Jesus.' WHAT IS MESSIANIC JUDAISM AND 'JEWS FOR JESUS'? Messianic Jews follow Jewish law - but believe that Jesus is the Messiah and recognize the New Testament as an authoritative scripture. However, the major denominations of Judaism reject Messianic Judaism and view it as Christian. Messianic Judaism isn't recognized by the Chief Rabbinate of Israel, which is the supreme spiritual authority for Judaism. Jews for Jesus is a group founded in the United States in 1970 to promote its belief that Jesus is the promised Messiah of the Jewish people. It declares that 'Jesus the Messiah was eternally pre-existent and is co-equal with God the Father.' Mainstream Jews condemn it as a kind of Christian evangelism as they don't view Jesus as the messiah. Rabbi Loren Jacobs leads Shema Yisrael, which bills itself as a Messianic Jewish synagogue. On its website, the synagogue says the Messianic Jewish movement was 'entirely Jewish at its inception and continued to exist as an authentic Jewish movement for 700 years after Yeshua's death and resurrection.' It adds: 'Messianic Jews have not stopped being Jewish. On the contrary, we remain strongly Jewish in our identity and lifestyle!' And although it doesn't appear to be part of Jews for Jesus, it does promote the group's events and shares its beliefs. Jacobs himself has contributed several columns to Jews for Jesus publications. In a first-person essay for Jewish Testimonies, which is a Messianic Jewish website, Jacobs wrote that 'in coming to know the Messiah, I discovered a dimension of Jewish spirituality that I never dreamed possible!' Advertisement It sparked a backlash from Jewish leaders, who slammed Pence and GOP congressional candidate Lena Epstein for being 'deeply insensitive.' Jacobs' participation in the event was condemned by Jews on social media who branded him a 'Christian rabbi' and a 'fake rabbi.' Detroit-area Rabbi Jason Miller said on Facebook that there are at least 60 rabbis on a directory of Michigan rabbis. And 'yet the only rabbi they could find to offer a prayer for the 11 Jewish victims in Pittsburgh at the Mike Pence rally was a local Jews for Jesus rabbi?' he said. 'That's pathetic!' Jews for Jesus is a group that is condemned by mainstream Jewish leaders as a kind of evangelical Christianity. 'In response to antisemitic white nationalist attack, Vice President Mike Pence opens campaign event with a Christian Rabbi,' said Rafael Shimunov on Twitter. Jordan Acker, a Jewish lawyer who is running for the University of Michigan Board of Regents as a Democrat, criticized Epstein on Twitter. He said she was 'deeply insensitive for bringing a group on stage whose entire mission is to convert Jews,' days after the worst instance of anti-Semitic violence in American history. Messianic Jews follow Jewish law but believe that Jesus is the Messiah. But the major denominations of Judaism reject Messianic Judaism as a form of Judaism. A Pence aide told the AP that Jacobs was invited to pray at the event by Epstein. The aide said Pence did not know who he was when he invited Jacobs back onstage to offer another a prayer for the victims, their families and the nation. The aide was not authorized to discuss the situation publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity. 'He was not invited by the VP's office to speak on behalf of the Jewish community,' the aide said. Rabbi Loren Jacobs invoked 'Jesus the Messiah' when he offered prayers for the 11 people killed at the Tree of Life synagogue Jacobs' participation in the event was condemned by Jews on social media who branded him a 'Christian rabbi' and a 'fake rabbi' Epstein, who is Jewish, said in a statement that she invited Jacobs' prayer 'because we must unite as a nation - while embracing our religious differences - in the aftermath of Pennsylvania.' She said anyone attacking her or Pence over the prayer is 'guilty of nothing short of religious intolerance and should be ashamed.' She added: 'This was an effort at unity, yet some are trying to create needless division to suit their political goals.' Epstein is running against Democrat Haley Stevens for a House seat opening with the retirement of Republican Rep. Dave Trott. Thousands of landlords will lose a lucrative tax break under measures unveiled in the Budget. Couples going through a divorce could lose thousands of pounds because of the changes, experts said. At present, people who rent out a property that used to be their main residence receive 'lettings relief' on the capital gains tax that must be paid when they go on to sell it. Philip Hammond said he was changing the rules so that many of these people no longer receive the tax break. In future, lettings relief will only apply if the owner of the property lives in the same home as the tenant. Chancellor Philip Hammond pictured outside 11 Downing Street, London, before heading to the House of Commons to deliver his Budget where he announced the rule change Experts say the changes will affect divorcing couples who moved out of the former family home while retaining ownership and renting to tenants. It will also affect those who decided for other reasons to rent out their former home. Critics said it would make the buy-to-let market even less attractive. Landlords can currently claim up to 40,000 in lettings relief when a property is sold, covering the period when it is rented out. This is potentially worth 11,200 in saved tax. The Treasury estimates it will raise 150million in extra tax per year by 2023/24 through the changes. In his Budget speech, the Chancellor said: 'We re-commit today to keeping family homes out of capital gains tax [but] from April 2020 we will limit lettings relief to properties where the owner is in shared occupancy with the tenant, and reduce the final period exemption from 18 months to nine months.' Iain McCluskey, personal tax partner at professional services firm PwC, said: 'The reduction in the final exempt period from 18 months to nine months will be of most concern to those who are going through divorce or separation where the former joint owned family home is being sold. 'The new exempt period of nine months means that those who are going through separation may find themselves dragged into the capital gains tax net if the former marital home is not sold within nine months of the separation.' Ian Dyall, from financial planning firm Tilney, said: 'Three years ago, George Osborne hit property investors hard by announcing an increase on stamp duty for second homes and limited mortgage interest tax relief. Today's announcement is another nail in the coffin for buy-to-ley investors.' Sam Mitchell, chief executive of online estate agents Housesimple, said: 'If the Chancellor wants to decimate the rental sector and send rents soaring, then he's doing a very good job of achieving just that. 'This will send another shock wave through the industry and have more buy-to-let landlords scurrying for the exit door.' President Donald Trump says he's planning to build 'tent cities' to house migrants in the caravan heading towards the U.S. border, where they can wait for their application for asylum to be processed. Trump also told Fox News host Laura Ingraham on Monday night that the group from Central America are wasting their time and insisted they will not be let in when they arrive. He said that if the migrants, who are still hundreds of miles away, do make it to the border and apply for asylum, as they're legally entitled, the U.S. plans to 'hold them until such time as their trial takes place.' 'Where? We have the facilities?' Ingraham asked. 'We're going to put up - we're going to build tent cities,' Trump replied. 'We're catching; we're not releasing,' he explained. President Trump said that the administration is planning to 'build tent cities' for the thousands of migrants seeking asylum Trump told Fox News Channel's Laura Ingraham. 'We're going to put tents up all over the place, we're not going to build structures we're going to have tents.' Children and workers are seen at a tent encampment recently built near the Tornillo Port of Entry in June 2018 in Tornillo, Texas. Trump plans to build more tents as migrants come across Trump has been stoking fears violent gang members may be part of the migrant 'caravan' 'We're going to put tents up all over the place. We're not going to build structures and spend all of these, you know, hundreds of millions of dollars - we're going to have tents.' 'They're (the asylum seekers) going to be very nice... and they're going to wait,' he added. 'And if they don't get asylum, they get out.' Under current protocol, migrants who clear an initial screening are often released into the country they are applying for asylum in until their cases are decided in immigration court, which can take several years. Previous administrations have released the migrants pending their court dates but Trump suggested migrants would apply for asylum and then disappear into the country, never to be heard from again. The administration's plan to set up tent cities will be similar to those already erected in Tornillo, Texas which was built to house immigrant children separated from their parents after they were caught entering the U.S. under the administration's zero tolerance policy. The Trump administration will set up more tents similar to those in Tornillo, Texas which was set up to house immigrant children separated from their parents after they were caught entering the U.S. under the administration's zero tolerance policy Migrants, part of a caravan traveling to the U.S., rest after crossing the Suchiate river, a natural border between Guatemala and Mexico, in Ciudad Hidalgo The president said the administration will 'hold' the migrants who apply for asylum rather than releasing them pending their court dates 'The problem is they release them in and then they have the trial three years later and nobody shows up,' Trump explained. 'But unlike Obama and unlike others, we are going to take the people, we're going to put them in and they're going to wait.' In recent days Trump has been stoking fears that violent gang members could be part of the so-called migrant 'caravan.' He has often referred to the group of migrants as an 'invasion.' The caravan includes thousands of Central Americans fleeing violence and dire economic conditions in their home countries. Democrats and immigration-rights activists have accused the president of drawing on xenophobic and racist images in an effort to frighten the electorate ahead of next weeks midterm election. 'If they applied for asylum, we're going to hold them until such time as their trial takes place,' Trump told Laura Ingraham. Pictured, migrants crossing the Guatemala-Mexico border Central American migrants walk along the highway near of Ciudad Hidalgo after crossing to Mexico from Guatemala willing to reach the U.S. The migrants are still weeks away from reaching the border. During the interview Ingraham asked Trump to respond to former President Obama, who denounced the president's rhetoric about the caravan during a recent campaign event. 'Now the latest, they're trying to convince everybody to be afraid of a bunch of impoverished, malnourished refugees a thousand miles away -- that's the thing, it's the most important in this election?' Obama said during an event in Florida this week. 'We're scare-mongering people on the border.' Trump responded by saying that there are people from 'gangs' in the caravan, however his claim has not been proven. Around 80 percent of asylum-seekers pass their first interview with a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Asylum officer but far fewer are granted asylum. In 2017, about 20 percent of asylum requests were granted while 34 percent were denied. A new group of Central American migrants bound for the U.S border wade in mass across the Suchiate River, that connects Guatemala and Mexico, in Tecun Uman, Guatemala Asthmatics and hayfever sufferers are being warned to brace for potentially deadly thunderstorms expected to hit Melbourne in coming weeks. Dr Michael Sutherland, a respiratory specialist, is urging anyone with breathing difficulties to have a Ventolin puffer ready in the event of bad weather. He issued the warning after thunderstorm asthma killed 10 people in Melbourne in November 2016, as bad weather stirred up dust and pollen, sparking fatal breathing difficulties. Asthmatics and hayfever sufferers are being warned to brace for deadly thunderstorms expected to hit Melbourne (pictured) in coming weeks 'If you can, get a blue reliever puffer such as Ventolin,' he told the Nine Network's Today show on Tuesday. Asthma symptoms 1. Wheezing 2. Chest tightness 3. Coughing 4. Shortness of breath Source: Asthma Australia Advertisement Asked by Today co-host Georgie Gardner what asthma suffers should do if they didn't have Ventolin and were suffering from breathing problems, Dr Sutherland said: 'The first thing to do would be to stay indoors when the thunderstorm hits'. In August this year, Victorian coroner Paresa Spanos criticised triple-0 emergency services following the deaths of seven men and three women, aged between 18 and 57, on November 21, 2016. Dr Sutherland, from Epworth HealthCare, pointed out that 20 per cent of people in Australia suffered from hayfever, which made thunderstorm asthma a risk for them too. 'They're the ones that are at risk of thunderstorm asthma,' he said. Dr Michael Sutherland (right talking to Today co-host Georgie Gardner), a respiratory specialist, is urging anyone with breathing difficulties to have a Ventolin ready in the event of bad weather Hope Carnevali, a lifelong sufferer of asthma, was one of thousands of people across Melbourne whose conditions were triggered by the rare storm two years ago The roll-call of tragedy from 2016 thunderstorm asthma included Omar Moujalled, who died aged 18 after finishing his year 12 exams. Law student Hope Carnevali was 20 when she died on the front lawn of her home in Melbourne's west waiting for an ambulance. From October to the end of December each year, VicEmergency activates a forecast tool with thunderstorm asthma alerts. In 2016, another 8500 people were hospitalised during Melbourne's thunderstorm asthma outbreak, caused by storms stirred up dust and pollen and sparking asthma attacks. At the time hospitals declared a 'major disaster' after receiving more than 1900 triple-0 calls and almost depleting their Ventolin supplies. Omar Moujalled, 18, who had just finished his year 12 exams, was the second victim of the 2016 freak 'asthma thunderstorm' Father-of-two Clarence Leo (right) died in November 2016 during thunderstorms in Victoria Ann Peiris (left) and her husband Ranjith, 57, died during last year's thunderstorms Apollo Papadopoulos is believed to have died of an asthma attack during the thunderstorms in Victoria last year The Australian Medical Association described the spike in respiratory illnesses during last year's storm as 'unprecedented'. In addition to widespread sickness, the wild weather also left a trail of destruction across Victoria with some residents reporting tornado-like conditions. The tragedy caused the Victorian government to set up an early warning system in September in order to prevent further deaths. A thunderstorm asthma weather event occurs when there are high pollen levels, strong winds, high temperatures and rainfall. The warning system uses a traffic light system to advise people of risk levels. The Australian Medical Association described the spike in respiratory illnesses during last year's storm as 'unprecedented' Highly lucrative mining apprenticeships are up for grabs - and they're open to anyone over the age of 16. Rio Tinto is offering the apprenticeships as part of a 2019 program offering work at a Dampier Salt mine at Port Hedland in Western Australia. The roles on offer include a mechanic, mechanical fitter and electrician, and are open to anyone who is 16 or older and has the right to work in Australia. Rio Tinto is offering the apprenticeships as part of a 2019 program for work at a Dampier Salt mine at Port Hedland, Western Australia (stock image) 'We're looking for talented people who are eager to learn and develop in various career paths through our unique apprenticeship programs,' the job listing reads. 'As an apprentice with us, our four-year program will give you on-the-job experience at one of our world-class operations, whilst working towards a nationally recognised qualification.' Successful applicants need to complete pre-screening questions, and may be asked to take part in online assessments. The Port Hedland mine covers 9000 hectares, and collects salt from the Indian Ocean. Rio Tinto produces 3.2million tonnes of salt from Port Hedland each year. The son of Good Day New York anchor Rosanna Scotto said a close friend told him he killed a man in his Upper East Side apartment the day after committing the crime, a trial has heard. Louis Ruggiero testified Monday that his one-time friend James Rackover confessed to slicing the throat of a Connecticut man after a drug-fueled house party. Rackover allegedly confessed to killing Joseph Communale in 2016 to Louis Ruggiero, 24, in 2016. Louis Ruggiero (pictured) said one of the defendants in the murder trial of Joseph Communale confessed that he murdered him a day after the horrific crime James Rackover (pictured in court in October 2017), 27, and former friend, Lawrence Dilione, 30, are accused of fatally stabbing Joey at an alcohol and cocaine-fueled party inside Rackover's luxury New York City apartment in November 2016 The trial began last week with jurors being shown the gruesome evidence of Rackover's blood-stained clothes and bed sheets from the night he allegedly stabbed Comunale to death during a party at his luxury New York City apartment. 'I slit his throat and I stabbed him and we wrapped the body up in a comforter and threw it out the window so the cameras wouldnt see,' Louis Ruggiero recalled James Rackover saying. Ruggiero, the son of the popular Fox 5 'Good Day NY' host, said Rackover made the heinous admission inside an Equinox gym locker room a day after the murder. 'James looked at me and said, I did something really bad,' Louis Ruggiero testified Monday in Manhattan Supreme Court. Ruggiero,the District Attorneys star witness in the murder trial, said Rackover told him that Lawrence Dilione, one of the other men in his apartment during the incident, got into a fight with Comunale and knocked him unconscious. I gave [Comunale] a few lickings as well, and I didnt want a dead body in my living room, so I slit his throat and I stabbed him and then we wrapped the body up in comforters and threw the body out the window, Ruggiero testified, quoting what Rackover told him. Louis Ruggiero (right) arrives to testify this morning at New York State Supreme Court in the case against James Rackover Ruggiero emerges from the courtroom after testifying that James Rackover had told him he had killed Joseph Communale a day after the crime when they attended Equinox gym He said Rackover told him he cleaned and bleached his entire apartment after the alleged killing Ruggiero said Rackover also described how he calmly returned to his apartment after burying Comunales body in New Jersey 'You want to hear the sickest part about it all? I came home and ordered pancakes from a diner and ate them like nothing ever happened,' Ruggiero quoted Rackover as saying. He said Rackover told him he cleaned and bleached his entire apartment. In that moment, I looked at him and said, James, youre a good little Jew boy from Manhattan. 'Youre not in Goodfellas, said Ruggiero, who is the grandson of former Gambino mob family boss Anthony Scotto. Louis Ruggiero, 24, is the son of Rosanna Scotto and grandson of former Gambino boss Anthony Scotto. He was the star witness in the trial against his former friend James Rackover Ruggiero, pictured with his father Louis Ruggiero (left); sister, Jenna Ruggiero (third from left); and mother, Rosanna Scotto (right) Ruggiero testified he did not contact police because he did not initially believe Rackovers confession. The next day, however, Ruggiero said he saw police and crime scene trucks outside Rackovers apartment. Thats when I knew this was real, he testified. He wasnt lying. He first called his mother, Scotto, and then his lawyer, he said, but not police. Ruggiero had to be subpoenaed by the FBI several months later before meeting with the Manhattan District Attorneys Office. Rackover kept his face buried in a pile of documents during most of Ruggieros damning testimony. Comunale's (pictured) body was found three days after the gruesome murder. His body had been mutilated, burned and buried in a shallow grave in Oceanport, New Jersey, where Dilione lived The victim's father Pat Communale was upset as he heard details of the evidence Earlier in his testimony, Ruggiero described how he met the 27-year-old Rackover. Ruggieros mother was friends with Rackovers surrogate father, Jeffrey, a jeweler with celebrity clients. The Comunale family has filed a civil lawsuit against Jeffrey Rackover, claiming he helped cover up the crime. The lawsuit also claims James and Jeffrey Rackover were lovers. Assistant District Attorney Peter Casolaro said Jeffrey Rackover 'masqueraded' as James father and 'wanted to conceal the true nature' of their relationship. Ruggiero, who now lives in Los Angeles, met James Rackover in the summer of 2014. Ruggiero said they developed a friendship and he had been to Rackovers 59th Street apartment about 10 times. Ruggiero said he did cocaine with James and Jeffrey Rackover. Dilione and Rackover are accused of beating, dismembering and burning Comunales body, which was found dumped in a shallow New Jersey grave. Rackover has been charged of second-degree murder, hindering prosecution, tampering with evidence and concealing a human corpse. Rackover is said to be the 'surrogate son' of celebrity jeweler Jeffrey Rackover, who has designed baubles for the likes of Jennifer Lopez and was responsible for Melania Trump's $3million engagement ring. Jeffrey Rackover has since distanced himself from his 'adoptive' son, but was named in a lawsuit filed in June 2017 alleging he helped to cover up the murder. A toddler has been taken to hospital after being run over by a car in a driveway on Monday night. The Queensland Ambulance Service told Daily Mail Australia the young girl was at a private residence, in Ipswich, west of Brisbane, when she fell and the car rolled over her. She suffered serious injuries to her pelvis. A toddler and woman have been transported to hospital after a freak accident on a Queensland drive way on Monday night (file photo) Queensland Ambulance arrived at the house at 8:04pm and took the youngster to Lady Cilento Childrens Hospital in a serious condition. The female driver suffered an arm injury from when the car jammed her arm against the garage door. The woman was transported to the Mater Hospital in Brisbane in a stable condition. On average one child, often a toddler, is run over in their driveway every week in Australia, according to government figures. Often, the vehicle is moving very slowly and is driven by a parent of family member. A South Dakota inmate's last words were a joke about the delay in his execution for killing a prison guard. 'Sorry for the delay, I got caught in traffic,' Rodney Berget joked after his execution was delayed for several hours while the U.S. Supreme Court weighed a last minute legal bid to block it. The 56-year-old received a lethal injection on Monday for the 2011 slaying of corrections officer Ronald 'R.J.' Johnson at the South Dakota State Penitentiary in Sioux Falls. Berget beat his victim with a pipe and covered his head in plastic wrap during a failed prison escape on the guard's 63rd birthday. He received his last meal on Sunday night, which included pancakes, waffles, maple syrup, butter, sausage, scrambled eggs, fries and Pepsi. Rodney Berget, 56, (left in 2011) was executed on Monday for the 2011 slaying of corrections officer Ronald 'R.J.' Johnson (right) at the South Dakota State Penitentiary in Sioux Falls Before his death, he was soft-spoken and appeared emotional as he thanked people for their support and mentioned two by name. 'I love you, and I'll meet you out there,' he said while appearing to give a peace sign with his left hand. After the administering of the drug started at 7.25pm, Berget groaned and pushed out his chest. He drifted off and snored briefly before his eyes closed. He was pronounced dead at 7.37pm. Johnson's widow, Lynette Johnson, was there to witness the execution and said her husband experienced 'cruel and unusual punishment' but Berget's lethal injection was 'peaceful' and 'sterile'. Johnson's widow Lynette Johnson (center) was there to witness the execution and hugged supporters after Berget was pronounced dead Berget beat his victim with a pipe and covered his head in plastic wrap during a failed prison escape from the South Dakota State Penitentiary on the guard's 63rd birthday 'What's embedded in my mind is the crime scene. Ron laid in a pool of blood. His blood was all over that crime scene,' she said. 'That's cruel and unusual punishment.' She sized down her husband's wedding ring and now wears it next to her own; she keeps his watch - its hands frozen at the time he was attacked - in a clear case next to photos above her fireplace. Berget was serving a life sentence for attempted murder and kidnapping when he and another inmate, Eric Robert, attacked Johnson on April 12, 2011 Berget was serving a life sentence for attempted murder and kidnapping when he and another inmate, Eric Robert, attacked Johnson on April 12, 2011, in a part of the penitentiary known as Pheasantland Industries, where inmates work on upholstery, signs, furniture and other projects. After Johnson was beaten, Robert put on the guard's pants, hat and jacket and pushed a cart loaded with two boxes - one with Berget inside - toward the exits. They made it outside one gate but were stopped by another guard before they could complete their escape through a second gate. Berget admitted to his role in the slaying. Robert was executed on October 15, 2012. Berget's execution was the state's fourth since it reinstituted the death penalty in 1979. Berget was the second member of his family to be executed. His older brother, Roger, was executed in Oklahoma in 2000 for killing a man to steal his car. Lynette Johnson said the executions held Robert and Berget accountable, and she asked that people not feel bad for the men. Lynette Johnson talks about her late husband RJ Johnson at her home in Sioux Falls prior to Berget's execution on Monday night Johnson had turned 63 on the day that he was killed, and he was nearing the end of a nearly 24-year career as a guard. Berget's mental status and death penalty eligibility played a role in court delays. He appealed his death sentence in 2016, but later asked to withdraw the appeal against his lawyers' advice. Berget wrote to a judge saying he thought the death penalty would be overturned and that he couldn't imagine spending 'another 30 years in a cage doing a life sentence'. Berget was the second member of his family to be executed. His older brother, Roger, (above) was executed in Oklahoma in 2000 for killing a man to steal his car The Department of Corrections planned to use a single drug to execute Berget. Policy calls for either sodium thiopental or pentobarbital. Pentobarbital was used in the state's last two executions. South Dakota has not had issues with obtaining the drugs it needs, as some other states have, perhaps because the state shrouds some details in secrecy. Lawmakers in 2013 approved hiding the identities of its suppliers. Opponents of the death penalty gathered for a vigil Monday outside the South Dakota prison, some joining in a circle and singing. Sioux Falls resident Elaine Engelgau, 62, who sat behind a sign attached to a cross reading: 'JESUS: HE WITHOUT SIN, CAST THE FIRST STONE,' told The Associated Press that she prayed the execution would be halted and for Berget's soul. 'I don't think it's right to kill a person, and I think the citizens of the state of South Dakota are wrong to kill someone,' said Engelgau, a retired court reporter. Scott Johnson told the Argus Leader that he didn't know R.J. Johnson, but stood across the street in support of the death penalty. Scott Johnson said a prisoner in the penitentiary killed his sister and was sentenced to life without parole. 'I know there's two sides to everything, but I don't understand their side at all,' he said. Elaine Engelgau sat behind a sign attached to a cross outside the prison and said she had prayed the execution would be halted and for Berget's soul Advertisement A little girl stole the heart of the Duchess of Sussex today as she gifted her a cuddly toy and told her she loved her. Dressed in a knitted crown, three-year-old Zoe was plucked from the crowd by Prince Harry so she could give Meghan a fluffy toy bird. In a touching gesture, Harry could be seen greeting the little girl who is desperately trying to catch the attention of Meghan. He takes little Zoe's hand and pulls her through the metal barrier and tells her she can meet 'my wife'. The pregnant Duchess then kneels down and asks the youngster for her name as she holds her hand, before promising to name the toy after her. The heartwarming moment came during a walkabout which saw the couple pose for selfies with fans as their tour of New Zealand, Australia, Fiji and Tonga draws to a close. The Duke and Duchess put up a glamorous front just hours after a 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck during the third day of their royal tour in New Zealand. Meghan stunned in an elegant cream customised version of the Flutter Sheath dress ($2,555; GBP 1,413) by US designer Brandon Maxwell, a beige Burberry Silk 'Maythorne' sleeved trench coat ($3,380; GBP 1,869) and nude Stuart Weitzman Legend stilettos ($529; GBP 292) as she and Prince Harry greeted excited fans in Wellington. She wore her hair in a neat bun as she and Prince Harry attended the opening of a charity that supports children who have a parent in prison through mentoring schemes. The Royal couple appeared relaxed despite the quake striking during their duties about 3.20pm at a location half way between Wellington and Auckland. During a walkabout in Auckland, the Duchess of Sussex met three-year-old Zoe, who gifted her with a fluffy toy bird The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have put up a glamorous front just hours after a 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck during the third day of their royal tour in New Zealand Meghan Markle stunned in an elegant cream dress, beige trench coat and nude pumps as she and Prince Harry greeted excited fans in Wellington Meghan kneeled down to talk to a young girl during the walkabout Meghan swept her hair into a low hanging bun while Harry donned a smart navy blue suit, matching dress shoes and a white button-up collared shirt Prince Harry greets enthusiastic royal fans as the couple stepped out following an earthquake in New Zealand Max Henry, 10, was lucky enough to get a selfie with Meghan and Harry Prince Harry holds the hand of a young fan as he meets the crowd in Auckland during the royal visit Prince Harry crouched down to greet one excited fan During the walkabout, Meghan asked the little girl what her name was before replying: 'Shall I name this [teddy] after you? Im gonna name this Zoe. Thank you so much, I love it. And thats a very well made crown!' According to Coast FM radio host Lorna Subritzky, Zoe's grandmother picked her up early and they caught the ferry into town to glimpse the royals. Ms Subritzky said Zoe 'came home beaming,' adding: 'Not only did she shake Jacinda's hand, and Harry's - but she told Meghan she loved her and Meghan took Zoe's hands in hers and asked her name.' Meghan swept her hair into a low hanging bun while Harry donned a smart navy blue suit, matching dress shoes and a white button-up collared shirt. The pair entered Courtenay Creative, in Wellington, hand-in-hand and beamed as they were greeted by actors in medieval costume before posing for a photo with a larger theatrically-dressed group. They were visiting Pillars, a charity operating across New Zealand that supported children who have a parent in prison by providing special mentoring schemes. Meghan presented an award to Orla Angi, with the pair posing with a framed certificate as they stood on stage. The Duchess of Sussex took the time to chat with little Zoe, asking her name and thanking her for the stuffed toy Prince Harry greeted little Zoe before pulling her from the crowd and giving her the opportunity to present his wife with the stuffed animal The Duchess of Sussex beamed as she chatted with the three-year-old, holding her hand as she accepted the toy Two people struggled to pick up a gigantic bunch of flowers in front of a barricade of hundreds of eager royal fans Meghan rested a hand beneath her burgeoning baby bump as she and husband walked in front of cheering crowds Meghan and Harry waved to spectators as they visited Pillars, a charity operating across New Zealand Meghan presented an award to Orla Angi, with the pair posing with a framed certificate as they stood on stage Harry appeared particularly pleased at the '#TeamPillar' hooded jumper he received as a gift, while Meghan also posed happily with what appeared to be a set of blankets wrapped in orange ribbon. Meanwhile, rumbling was felt for up to 30 seconds across the North Island. The 6.2-magnitude earthquake hit near Taumarunui on Tuesday afternoon. The centre of the quake was about 280km south of Auckland, where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are visiting. New Zealand's Parliament was suspended after the quake, and more than 15,000 people reported feeling it. The tremor was one of the largest felt in the country since a 7.8 magnitude quake struck near Kaikoura in the South Island in November 2016, killing two. The 6.2-magnitude earthquake hit near Taumarunui on Tuesday afternoon. The centre of the quake was about 280km south of Auckland, where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are visiting New Zealand's Parliament was suspended after the quake, and more than 15,000 people reported feeling it Authorities are warning people to be prepared for aftershocks. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's first engagement of the day was a trip to a native bush reserve at Redvale on the city's North Shore. The royal couple's main focus of the visit was to dedicate the 20-hectare (49-acre) area of bush to the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy. They unveiled a plaque recognising the dedication to the QCC, which conserves indigenous forests for future generations, before planting trees at the site. The couple appeared just hours after an earthquake rocked New Zealand's North Island Harry appeared particularly pleased at the #TeamPillar hooded jumper he received as a gift, while Meghan also posed happily with what appeared to be a set of blankets wrapped in orange ribbon The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have put up a glamorous front just hours after a 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck during the third day of their royal tour in New Zealand They were visiting Pillars, a charity operating across New Zealand that supported children who have a parent in prison by providing special mentoring schemes But it was the Wellington boot throwing contest involving local schoolchildren which proved to be a hit with the crowds who turned out for the royal visit. Meghan's team emerged victorious, with the Duchess proving quite the natural in the unusual contest, given it was most likely her first time partaking in such a sport. She had swapped a stylish navy blue blazer for a black hooded zip-up jacket with a QEII National Trust logo for the occasion - the same jacket her husband wore. The Duchess of Sussex takes part in a 'welly-wanging' contest while visiting Auckland on Tuesday during the royal tour of New Zealand The Duchess proved quite the natural in the unusual boot tossing contest, given it was most likely her first time partaking in such a sport Meghan appeared excited at the lighthearted tournament, likely due to her team emerging victorious in the Wellington boot-throwing competition Meghan tried her hand at throwing a Wellington boot as part of the contest which also involved local schoolchildren She swapped a stylish navy blue blazer for a black hooded zip-up jacket with a QEII National Trust logo - the same jacket her female team player wore Harry also took part in the tossing of the boots, appearing in deep concentration as he attempted to execute the perfect throw The Duke of Sussex was spotted poking out his tongue mid-throw as he aimed the rubber shoe at his target The Duke and Duchess posed for photos with the schoolchildren who took part in the 'welly-wanging' competition with them The schoolchildren had also performed a song and dance to welcome the royal couple to the area Meghan pressed her forehead and nose up against another woman while shaking her hand at a ceremony to dedicate 20ha of native bush to the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy Harry also embraced the woman's hand and gave her a similarly intimate Hongi hello at the ceremony The couple received gifts from locals following the ceremony, including what appeared to be a knitted rug and a pair of children's Wellington boots A drizzle of rain did not appear to dampen the spirits of Meghan, who appeared cheerful in the front row of the ceremony Schoolchildren surrounded the Royal couple clad in rain jackets and black caps as Meghan and Harry appeared to happily share a conversation and perhaps some 'welly-wanging' tips Meghan happily posed for photos with the young students who were delighted to be in the presence of royalty The royal couple had changed into wet weather jackets for the 'welly-wanging' contest after Meghan earlier wore a blazer and Harry, a coat Meghan covered her mouth to cover a shocked expression while a man appeared amused as he held an umbrella above her head Harry on the other hand appeared rather glum as he held an umbrella above himself and a man seated at his side The Duke of Sussex pressed his forehead and nose up against another man for the traditional 'Hongi' greeting The Duchess of Sussex waved to the crowd as she left the Dedication to the Queens Commonwealth Canopy, bound for her next engagement of the day The $219 (120/US$155) Wellington boots worn by the couple are from The Original Muck Boot Company. Meghan pressed her forehead and nose up against another woman for the traditional 'Hongi' greeting while shaking her hand at a ceremony to dedicate the area of native bush to the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy. Harry also embraced the woman's hand and gave her a similarly intimate Hongi hello at the ceremony. The couple received gifts from locals following the ceremony, including what appeared to be a knitted rug and a pair of green children's Wellington boots with cartoon characters on them. A drizzle of rain did not appear to dampen the spirits of Meghan, who appeared cheerful in the front row of the ceremony. Harry on the other hand appeared rather glum at one stage as he held an umbrella above himself and a man seated at his side. Following the 'welly-wanging' contest, the Duke and Duchess joined with New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at Pillars, a charity that supports children who have a parent in prison by providing special mentoring schemes Meghan received a large bouquet of flowers from a young girl who was wearing a white dress with a pink bow in her hair Meghan and Harry changed clothes for the visit to the charity Pillars, opting for more formal attire compared to their previous engagement of the day The Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern and the Duke of Sussex were in a fit of laughter while a speech was read out Meghan appeared to be laughing off a potential slip-up, with Harry also seeming rather amused as he stood behind her Meghan made good use of her Wellington boots in the wet weather, helping two schoolchildren plant a native tree to add to the area of bush in the Queen's honour She appeared focused on the task at hand, as did her two young helpers, who also wore rain jackets and Wellington boots to protect them in the soggy conditions Meghan later donned a pair of green and black gloves to help her with the tree planting Harry and a young boy wearing a bright red jacket pointed to the sky as they took a break from digging a hole for a tree The two got down to business and each used a shovel to dig holes for the native plants on the outskirts of the bushland There seemed to be something of interest above Harry and his little helper, with them taking a short break to look at the sky Meghan appeared amused at her husband as he gave a speech at the ceremony while sporting a cheeky expression The couple beamed as they stood before the crowd, with the rain seeming to ease long enough for them to ditch their umbrella The happy couple seemed to engage in some friendly competition as they assessed the outcome of a boot toss The Duke was appropriately dressed in a smart button-up white shirt tucked into a pair of grey trousers with black rubber boots Meghan made good use of her Wellington boots in the wet weather, helping two school children plant a native tree to add to the area of bush in the Queen's honour. She appeared focused on the task at hand, as did her two young helpers, who also wore rain jackets and Wellington boots to protect them in the soggy conditions. The couple later joined with the country's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in a visit to Pillars, 'a charity for children of prisoners' operating across New Zealand. The charity, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, a day ealier had spoken of their excitement about the royal couple's visit. 'We are very much looking forward to welcoming the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to Pillars. It will be an exciting afternoon for our families and our staff and the small group of Pillars kids who will actually get to meet them,' the charity wrote on Facebook. Later in the afternoon, the royal couple will have the opportunity to meet the people of Auckland on the Viaduct Harbour, before attending a reception hosted by Ms Ardern at the Auckland War Memorial Museum. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived to dedicate a 20-hectare area of native bush to The Queen's Commonwealth Canopy in Auckland late on Tuesday morning Prince Harry helped his pregnant wife Meghan navigate her way through the muddy grounds The couple had arrived for their first engagement of the day while the sun was still shining but the umbrellas were kept close-by as the threat of rain lingered The visit to the area of native bush was the couple's first engagement on their third day in the country The royal couple walked hand-in-hand as they visited the area of native bush on Auckland's North Shore The Wellington boots worn by Prince Harry and Meghan are from The Original Muck Boot Company Meghan held up an umbrella for husband Prince Harry to shield him from the rain during their Auckland engagement The couple took turns in holding up the umbrella as the rain fell late during their royal engagement on Tuesday morning Meghan also had the support of those who joined with the royal couple for the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy dedication The Wellington boots proved appropriate for the occasion, with a decent amount of rain falling throughout the engagement The final day of their Royal Highnesses' tour will take place in Rotorua on Wednesday. The Duke and Duchess will head to Rainbow Springs to learn more about the centre's kiwi breeding programme. Later that afternoon, Meghan and Harry will head into the city for the chance to meet members of the public gathered there. The royal couple then heads back to London. New Zealand is the fourth country the royal couple have visited on their mammoth 16-day tour following visits to Australia, Fiji and Tonga. The family of Bassam Hamzy (pictured) have complained about his treatment within prison The family of a notorious ISIS sympathiser say they have officially complained about the treatment he is receiving inside Australia's toughest prison. Bassam Hamzy, 39, was unable to face the NSW District Court on Monday after being rundown by a combination of illness and injuries which he suffered in a recent jailhouse bust-up. The founder of Sydney gang Brothers 4 Life was allegedly punched by a convicted terrorist inside the ultra-secure Goulburn Supermax about 11am on Sunday. Hamzy's lawyer Zali Burrows told Daily Mail Australia his family suspects his illness - believed to have been food poisoning - may have come after he was deliberately targeted by someone within the walls of the maximum security prison. Hamzy was struck down by illness at the weekend inside Goulburn Supermax prison (pictured) and his family believe 'his food may have been tampered with' Ms Burrows said that despite the notoriety of the Islamic extremist, he still deserved to be treated humanely. 'Bassam's family are most concerned that his food may have been tampered with before or after the alleged brawl,' Ms Burrows said. 'Complaints have been made to the NSW Food Authority and to the Ombudsman for investigation. 'Questions arise as to what substance was fed to Bassam and how the assault occurred if (the prison) control who is in contact with him.' Hamzy's prison altercation was revealed on Monday, when Ms Burrows was forced to step in and represent her client in court at the last minute. The convicted murderer had intended to represent himself in an appeal, but Ms Burrows - his legal representative in another matter - revealed to the court he was unable to appear because of the brawl and his health. 'It would appear he's been assaulted,' Ms Burrows told the court as she asked for an adjournment. 'He has a black eye, is currently in segregation and he's also got food poisoning.' While Hamzy did not appear via video link he was supported in court by a number of relatives, including his father. His alleged attacker was Talal Alameddine, 25, who is serving at least 13 years behind bars for supplying the gun used to murder police accountant Curtis Cheng in 2015. Hamzy's lawyer Zali Burrows officially complained about his food poisoning to the NSW Food Authority (Pictured is a tuna and salad sandwich, which is widely available in all NSW Prisons) Hamzy (left) was also allegedly assaulted by convicted terrorist Talal Alameddine (right), 25, at 11am on Sunday. Alameddine was jailed in May for supplying the gun used to kill Curtis Cheng Hamzy's time at Goulburn prison (pictured) has been littered with headline making incidents, from alleged drug dealing to brawls with inmates A spokeswoman for Corrective Services NSW confirmed an altercation occurred at 11am on Sunday. 'Two inmates, aged 25 and 39, were involved in an altercation at the High Risk Correctional Centre, in Goulburn,' the spokeswoman said. 'Staff immediately responded and separated the two men. 'Both inmates were placed in segregation while investigations continue.' The incident came just hours after Hamzy was linked to the assassination of Sydney teenager Brayden Dillon. The Daily Telegraph reported that Hamzy was suspected to have helped mastermind the killing of Dillon, then 15, as he slept in the bedroom of his mother's home. Hamzy has not been charged in relation to the teenager's death but has links to three of the six people allegedly involved in the murder last April. The murder, allegedly carried out by Conrad Craig, is believed to be a revenge attack for Brayden's older brother Joshua, 20, who allegedly stabbed Adam Abu-Mahmoud, 18, to death in a brawl. Joshua Dillon pleaded not guilty to the murder. Police believe Adam's uncle Abdul Abu-Mahmoud financed the hit on Brayden as an act of revenge. The brawl came just hours after Hamzy (left) was revealed to have links to the 2017 murder of teenager Brayden Dillon (right). Police reportedly believe Hamzy helped mastermind the shooting Hamzy's family have also questioned how he was assaulted when the prison closely monitors his interactions with prisoners. He is banned from seeing fellow 'Brothers 4 Life' member Farhad 'The Afghan' Qaumi (pictured) Hamzy reportedly often socializes with terrorist Khaled Cheikho (pictured), who is spending 27 years in jail for his crimes Hamzy's time in the country's strictest prison has been littered with headline-making incidents. In 2008 he masterminded a methylamphetamine ring from inside prison, delivering more than a kilogram of the drug to Melbourne under the guise of a truck business. Running the business through a phone hidden in his cell, Hamzy made 19,523 calls in just a matter of weeks. That same year Hamzy used his smuggled phone to threaten a man who owed him $12,000. 'Now, I'm about to cut your ears off. I told you I'm going to compensate myself,' he told the man over the phone. That same week Hamzy instructed an associate to threaten a different man. '[Tell him] I'm gunna cut all his fingers off next time I'll take his ears and make them into a necklace.' Schoolboy Farhad Jabar Khalil Mohammad (left), a 15-year old extremist supporter of ISIS, shot dead Curtis Cheng (right) outside Parramatta police headquarters on October 2, 2015. He was then shot dead by special constables Alameddine was sentenced to a minimum 13 years for supplying the gun eventually used by Farhad (pictured) to shoot dead police accountant Curtis Cheng at Parramatta Police HQ in 2015 Those crimes saw the original prison sentence he received for the 1998 murder of a man outside a Sydney nightclub extended by 11-and-a-half years. In addition to the drug ring, Hamzy also created the now infamous 'Brothers 4 Life' gang while behind bars. A number of the gang's members have since joined their boss inside Supermax. Among them is the former president of the gang's Blacktown chapter, Farhad 'The Afghan' Qaumi. The two are constantly separated inside prison, due to the long and deadly history between the pair that includes a series of tit-for-tat murders. As it stands, Hamzy's earliest release date is June 14, 2035. A young woman, 13, has been found guilty of indecently assaulting her eight-year-old cousin. The eight-year-old victim appeared at the Queensland Childrens Court on Tuesday. The young girl told the court she was taken into a bedroom with her 13-year-old cousin and inappropriately touched at a sleepover during a school holiday break, the Courier Mail reports. A young woman, 13, has been found guilty of indecently assaulting her eight-year-old cousin The court heard the older sister asked her younger sister What happened? and the girl cried before telling her sister she touched me down there. The court heard the victims older sister noticed she was missing when they were watching a movie and went to look for her in the bedroom. The victim told her older sister that the 13-year-old had told her to forget about it and pretend nothing happened. Two weeks later, the mother of the victim drove to the older girls home and told her to stay away from her children before reporting to police. Judge Fantin said she did not believe the older girl had been truthful in police interviews That she did not tell the truth is perhaps unsurprising, Judge Fantin said. The 13-year-old has also been accused of raping another toddler a year earlier. Evidence was given from a police officer who had previously interviewed the 13-year-old following accusations she had raped a four-year-old just one year before the incident with her cousin. The 13-year-old girl was found guilty of one count of indecent dealing of a child under 12 and awaits sentencing. It was just after 9:45am on Saturday morning in Pittsburgh and rabbi, Jonathan Perlman, was just a few minutes into morning prayers when his congregants heard a loud bang. 76-year-old Barry Werber, an Air Force vet who was there to help mark the anniversary of his mother's death, thought at first that someone might have walked into a cart upstairs stacked with glassware and whiskey meant for a baby-naming ceremony. To others, it sounded like somebody in the hallway had knocked over a coat rack. But then the sounds came again, this time in a burst. 76-year-old Barry Werber hid in a basement hallway along with several others Friend Melvin Wax, 88, was alongside him but thought the shooting had stopped Werber was on the phone to 911 but his old flip phone doesn't light up He believes the fact the shooter couldn't see him probably saved his life Werber and other worshippers opened a door leading into the basement hallway. A body lay on the staircase. Their rabbi quickly closed the door and pushed Werber and fellow congregants Melvin Wax and Carol Black into a large supply closet. As gunshots echoed upstairs, Werber dialed 911 but was too afraid to say anything, for fear of making any noise. The first call to an emergency dispatcher came in at 9:54: Active shooter at Tree of Life. Twenty shots fired in the lobby, maybe 30. In the pitch black of the basement closet, all turned silent. Could it be over? Werber and the others hidden there waited, before the elderly Wax decided to check and opened the door. A blast of bullets drove him backward, and those inside the closet watched their friend fall to the floor. The gunman, stepping over his body and moved toward them. 'Mel is in front of me, and I assume that Mel thought maybe it was over with,' Werber said to CBS News. 'He pushes the door open, and that's the first light we've seen since we've been back in the room, and I hear gunshots. And Mel falls back into the room.' Werber says he is not sure if he will step back inside the synagogue without trepidation Werber was in the Air Force from '60 to '64 has never been so scared as during the shooting A person stands in front of Stars of David that are displayed in front of the Tree of Life Synagogue with the names of those killed in Saturday's deadly shooting in Pittsburgh Rabbi Jeffrey Myers of the Tree of Life Congregation stands across the street from the synagogue in Pittsburgh In the darkness, Werber held his breath. He still had the 911 operator on the line. But his old flip phone had no light on it, and he and the others were drawn deep in the shadows. They could see, framed in a sliver of light from the doorway, the stock of Robert Bower's rifle and his jacket, but little else. Could he see them? As the seconds ticked by, Werber waited for the gunman to spray the closet with bullets. 'This person walks in and the door shuts but I had long enough time to see that he had a jacket, shirt, pants and a long gun, and he doesn't see us,' Werber said to CBS. 'He steps over Mel's body like it's a log. I assume he was looking to the back of the room but he couldn't see anything because there was no light. And then I assume he stepped over going back and pushed the door the other way and didn't look back, thank God, and walked out.' 11 people lost their lives at Tree of Life in an attack officials have labeled the worst single act of violence against Jews in America since the country's founding 'I was barely breathing,' Werber recalled. After seeing that Wax had been killed, Werber said that he thought he would be next. Werber could do nothing but wait. The closet they were in had a back door, Werber said, but in the darkness he could not see it. Perlman, the rabbi, managed to find his way out at some point. But the other two remained until police came to lead them out. 'I lost my yarmulke in the process,' Werber said. 'I still had my prayer shawl.' When police tactical teams entered the synagogue, a spent ammunition magazine lay in the hallway - and four bodies were sprawled across the atrium. Bowers exchanged more gunfire, then retreated to the third floor. Four officers were wounded before authorities cornered the gunman. At 11:08, Bowers, bleeding from wounds, crawled from his hiding place and raised his hands. 'All these Jews need to die,' he said to an officer. In the end, 11 people lost their lives at Tree of Life in an attack officials have labeled the worst single act of violence against Jews in America since the country's founding. Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, right, of the Congregation hugs Rabbi Cheryl Klein, left, of Dor Hadash Congregation and Rabbi Jonathan Perlman during a community gathering The victims included Dor Hadash congregant Jerry Rabinowitz, who reportedly went in to try to help the wounded, as well as three members of New Light: Richard Gottfried, a dentist looking ahead to retirement; Dan Stein, a new grandfather; and Wax, a retired accountant who was a 'gem and gentleman,' Werber said. During his interview with CBS, Werber was holding two rings: one his wedding ring and the other belonging to his mother. 'When my wife had her stroke and then they found out she had cancer again, I picked up my wedding ring and I put my mother's wedding ring on the same finger,' Werber said. 'It was the anniversary of my mother's passing that I was praying there for. I wouldn't have been there for any other reason. I still feel that she was watching me, but the good Lord was watching me.' Before the interview ended he was asked if he would ever set foot inside the synagogue ever again. He said that he probably will but 'probably with some trepidation.' 'I spent four years in the service. I was in the Air Force from '60 to '64. I've never been as frightened in my life,' he said. 'I've never been and I hope to God I'm never in this situation. And I worry that it's going to happen again and again and again.' A man has admitted murdering a man and raping two women in front of their boyfriends at a notorious outdoor hookup spot. James Dobbie, pleaded guilty to the murder of Rodney Mitchell, who was shot at the Police Paddocks Reserve, in Melbourne, in 1983. Mr Mitchell had driven to the reserve with a woman and the pair were both naked when Dobbie approached the car with a sawn-off shotgun. NSW resident James Dobbie, 65, admitted to murdering Rodney Mitchell (pictured) at the popular 'parking' spot in Melbourne during the 1980s Mr Mitchell was told to get out of the car but he lunged at his masked attacker in a brave attempt to disarm him. Dobbie shot Mr Mitchell, who later died of his injuries. He then tied up the woman, telling her 'if you try anything like that again, I will shoot you.' Dobbie drove off but the woman managed to unlock the car door and throw herself out of the moving vehicle, despite being tied up. She was taken to hospital after being found by concerned members of the public. It was Dobbie's third and final attack at the Police Paddocks. During his first assault, on March 22, 1980, Dobbie forced a 21-year-old woman and her boyfriend out of their car at gunpoint. Dobbie appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday, pleading guilty to killing the 37-year-old in May 1983 at Police Paddocks, Rowville He tied the man to a nearby tree and forced the woman to perform oral sex on him. He then pushed her to the ground and raped her in front of the man who was powerless to help. The second attack took place three years later. In a similar chain of events he raped the girl, who was just 18, as her boyfriend stood bound and gagged nearby. Dobbie appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday, and pleaded guilty to murder, unlawful imprisonment, several charges of rape while in possession of a shotgun and indecent assault. Victoria Police said the charges were the result of a long investigation by homicide squad detectives, including a recent review by the cold case team. Dobbie was previously said to have suffered a heart attack and a stroke in the past two years, needing a 'considerable' amount of medication, and also has hearing issues. He was remanded in custody to reappear in the Supreme Court of Victoria for a directions hearing on November 1. An Illinois man who once wrote I want to kill my parents on a bathroom mirror has reportedly confessed to killing his mother and father after initially staging a burglary at his house in an attempt to deceive investigators. Jose Ramirez, 21, was arrested on Monday and charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of his parents, Bradley University English professor Susan Brill De Ramirez and Antonio Ramirez Barron. Authorities say Ramirez confessed to throwing his parents' bodies off a bridge after killing them at their home in Princeville early Friday morning. Another man, Matthew J. Roberts, 20, has also been arrested. Jose Ramirez (left), 21, was arrested on Monday and charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of his parents - Susan Brill De Ramirez and Antonio Ramirez Barron. Another man, Matthew J. Roberts (right), 20, has also been arrested He has been charged with obstruction of justice and concealment of a homicidal death, according to The Peoria Journal Star. Police have not released a motive and it it is not clear how the pair died. However, police sources are said to be gathering evidence that he had a long-standing 'hatred' towards his mother and father. Susan Brill De Ramirez was an English professor at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. Her husband, Antonio Ramirez Barren, was a technology support specialist in the universitys IT department. They were both 63 years old. The arrests were announced by Peoria County Sheriff Brian Asbell. Though the sheriff wouldnt say what evidence investigators came up with to corroborate Ramirezs confession, he did say that there were signs of violence and a struggle at the couples home. Susan Brill De Ramirez (left) was an English professor at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. Her husband, Antonio Ramirez Barren (right), was a technology support specialist in the universitys IT department Jose Ramirez was an early focus of the investigation after tipsters called the sheriffs department indicating he was a likely suspect, according to the Journal Star. Police said that he tried to stage a burglary at the home to try to disguise his involvement in his parents murder. Investigators are reportedly amassing evidence indicating that Ramirez had harbored a longstanding hatred for his parents. In 2011, Bradley University police filed a report on Ramirez after he allegedly wrote a message similar to I want to kill my parents on the bathroom mirror of a campus building. Bernice and Sylvan Simon, aged 84 and 86 Bernice and Sylvan Simon, 84 and 86 The Simons, who had been married for 62 years, were sitting in the back of the main sanctuary when the gunman opened fire. Sylvan, a retired accountant, was still recovering from recently breaking his arm and the couple had no time to escape. They have two adult sons and grandchildren. They were memorialized as pillars of the community who regularly helped out and would do 'anything' for their friends. Richard Gottfried, 65 The pair got married in the Tree of Life in 1956 in a candlelit ceremony. Richard Gottfried, 65 Gottfried was preparing to retire from his dental practice and enjoy the next chapter of his life with his wife Peg. He helped out at the synagogue, making sure the rabbis had everything they needed to lead services. 'He died doing what he liked to do most,' said Don Salvin, Gottfried's brother-in-law said. Rose Mallinger, 97 Rose Mallinger, 97 Rose was the oldest of the victims. She was also in the main sanctuary when she was gunned down. She was among the most devout and was who immediately sprang to the minds of others when they heard about the shooting. 'You've never met a more vivacious 97-year-old. 'She was just so full of life. She had so much energy,' Brian Schreiber, another member of the congregation, told The Post Gazette. Jerry Rabinowitz, 66 Jerry Rabinowitz, 66 Dr. Jerry Rabinowitz was eulogized by his medical practice partner who said: 'He is one of the finest people I've ever met. 'We've been in practice together for 30 years and friends longer than that. 'His patients are going to miss him terribly. His family is going to miss him terribly and I am going to miss him. He was just one of the kindest, finest people.' Cecil Rosenthal, 59, David Rosenthal, 54 Brothers Cecil, 59, (right) and David (left) Rosenthal 54 Brothers Cecil and David Rosenthal both suffered disabilities and were regular volunteers at the synagogue. On Saturday, they were preparing food for breakfast in the basement kitchen when they were attacked. The pair lived together nearby. They were remembered fondly by the congregation's rabbi. 'Cecil and David had a love for life and for those around them. 'They loved their community. They spent a lot of time at the Tree of Life, never missing a Saturday,' Chris Schopf, vice president of residential supports for ACHIEVA, an organization which helps manage the community home where they lived. Daniel Stein, 71 Daniel Stein, 71 Stein was another fixture in the Jewish community. Friends said he was proud of his faith and that it was important to him and his family. On Sunday, his adult son Joe said it was the 'worst day of his life' discovering he was among the dead. 'My dad's life was taken at the Tree of Life shooting. My mom, sister and I are absolutely devastated and crushed. 'Our lives now are going to have to take a different path, one that we thought would not happen for a long time. 'My dad was a simple man and did not require much,' he said, sharing a photograph of him with one of his grandchildren. Melvin Wax, 88 Melvin Wax, 88 Melvin was one of three people who were killed downstairs. He was hiding in a closet with others from the New Light congregation when he went back into the room they had been in because he could no longer hear gunshots. That is when he was confronted by the gunman and was shot three times. Barry Werber, who had been hiding with him in the closet and survived, said he was a 'gentleman' who was always the first to arrive for services. 'He was a gem. He was a gentleman . There was always a smile on his face,' he said. Irving Younger, 69, was also killed Irving Younger, 69 Younger was a father and a grandfather. His neighbors have told how he 'never had an unkind word' to say about anyone. 'He was the most wonderful dad and grandpa. He talked about his daughter and his grandson, always, and he never had an unkind word to say about anybody,' neighbor Tina Prizner told The Tribune Press. He went every day to the synagogue, where he was an usher, she said. Joyce Fienberg, 75 'He was so kind. He was a beautiful person, a beautiful soul.' Joyce Fienberg, 75 Widow Joyce Fienberg was a retired university researcher who left her job in 2008. Former colleagues paid tribute to her as 'magnificent, generous, caring and profoundly thoughtful.' Her husband Stephen died after a battle with cancer in 2016. She has two sons and several grandchildren. Donald Trump has deemed a journalist for GQ Magazine a 'sick women' after she made a comment that the president has 'radicalized more people than ISIS' while appearing on a CNN panel. 'Well, that must be some kind of a sick woman,' the president said of journalist Julia Ioffe during Monday night's sit down interview with FOX News host Laura Ingraham. Ioffe, discussing the Pittsburgh synagogue mass shooting earlier in the day on a CNN panel with Jake Tapper, said: 'I think this president, one of the things that he really launched his presidential run on is talking about Islamic radicalization. This president has radicalized so many more people than ISIS ever did.' At the end of the segment, the 36-year-old apologized for her 'exaggerated' comments, saying she was speaking in the 'heat of the moment'. But the damage was done, and Ingraham and Trump seized upon Ioffe's words to label CNN the 'enemy of the people' once again. Trump called journalist Julia Ioffe a 'sick woman' during Monday night's sit down interview with FOX News host Laura Ingraham Earlier in the day, Ioffe said Trump has radicalized 'more people than ISIS' while appearing on a CNN panel to discuss the Pittsburgh synagogue mass shooting After walking back her comments on air, Ioffe reiterated her apology on Twitter, saying: 'I clarified and apologized on air, but I'll say it again here. This has been a very emotional and painful time, but I absolutely should not have gone with such hyperbole on the air. I apologize.' 'I will add, though, that it is not a coincidence that the number of anti-Semitic attacks has jumped nearly 60% in 2017the biggest one-year increase in recent historywhile this administration has systematically pulled back resources from countering domestic extremism,' she said in a second tweet. Laura Ingraham asked Trump about Ioffe's comments, to which he answered: 'Well, that must be some kind of a sick woman. When I say ''the enemy of the people'' I'm talking about the fake news and you know it better than anybody.' He then went on to praise his work with North Korea, saying: 'You have news out there that is so fake and I can do the greatest thing ever, North Korea, as an example.' Ioffe is a Jewish journalist who was forced to file a police report in May 2016 after she received death threats when she profiled Melania Trump, revealing the first lady had a secret half-brother in Slovenia. She was speaking on CNN's panel in response to the White House defending Trump's rhetoric in the wake Saturday's mass shooting that left 11 dead at a Pittsburgh synagogue. Ioffe, a Jewish GQ Magazine correspondent, walked back her comments on air and again on Twitter Ioffe is no stranger to making comments - sometimes vulgar ones - aimed at the president. In December 2016, she posted an obscene tweet about then-president elect Trump and his daughter Ivanka's relationship that got her pushed out of her contributor job at Politico. 'Either Trump is f**king his daughter or he's shirking nepotism laws,' Ioffe wrote in a tweet, along with a link to a news report claiming Ivanka Trump would be using White House office space typically reserved for the first lady. Ioffe later deleted the tweet and apologized, but was axed from Politco early, bringing her contract to a premature close before she left for The Atlantic. Politico leadership responded with a scolding message that her contract has been terminated effective immediately. Meanwhile, President Trump continues to brand the 'Fake News Media' the 'Enemy of the People as the midterm elections near. Federal agents have been called in to investigate after the local sheriff's department pulled over a truck in South Carolina. A pickup truck was stopped by sheriff's deputies on Interstate 85 in Anderson County on Monday. Sheriff Chad McBride said he could not reveal what deputies found in the truck because Homeland Security had taken over the investigation. McBride confirmed the traffic stop was not related to illegal drugs, the Independent Mail reports. A pickup truck was stopped by sheriff's deputies on Interstate 85 in Anderson County, South Carolina on Monday 'We made a traffic stop, and the persons that were stopped were of interest to the feds,' McBride said. 'Stop was turned over to them.' The stretch of highway is between Charlotte, North Carolina and Atlanta, Georgia. Authorities have managed to uncover several major crimes on the highway in recent years. Local man, Antonio Crawley, was arrested in January and sentenced to life in prison for his role in a long-running drug trafficking ring. There was also a number of human trafficking cases last year, which authorities say is because of the I85 and its proximity to Atlanta and Charlotte. Authorities have not released any further details about Monday's investigation. The Adelaide Festival, known for courting controversy, is looking to make a real statement next year by selling soap made from donated liposuction fat. Festival-goers will be shown how a liposuction procedure is carried out and then watch in awe as the fat is turned into a 'beautiful' bar of soap. Dutch artist Julian Hetzel created the concept which he has called Schuldfabrik to highlight the excesses of western culture. Adelaide Festival is looking to make a real statement in 2019 by selling soap made from donated liposuction fat 'We decided to work with fat as a material that represents guilt or that contains guilt and to understand, can this be used as a resource? Can we use guilt as something productive, Hetzel said. Each 125g bar of human soap will retail at $32, with the proceeds going towards building water wells in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the ABC reports. A bar of real soap will also be gifted to the country every time an audience member buys the product during the performance. Hetzel worked closely with surgeons in the Netherlands on the project who donated him 300g of liposuction fat. Festival-goers will be shown how a liposuction procedure is carried out, and then watch in awe as the fat is turned into a bar of soap Named Schuldfabrik, the concept is designed to highlight the excesses of western culture He also worked with a soap maker to ensure the end product was of high-quality, as well as a hygiene institute to ensure the material was purified. 'We had to make sure that there is no bacteria or a virus in the material, in the fat, so we had to process it at a very high temperature for a certain time and to kill all the viruses,' he said. Each 125g bar of human soap will cost $32, and proceeds will go towards building water wells in the Democratic Republic of Congo Each bar contains less than 10 per cent of actual human fat, and advice from lawyers mean that the bars are not officially labelled as 'soap'. Attendees of the show will be able to wash themselves with a bar of the soap, and Hetzel said he was curious as to how the people of Adelaide will respond to it. 'Im not scared,' he said. 'Im looking very much forward to come and present there, but I also expect strong reactions.' Neil Armfield, joint artist director of the festival, told reporters that getting the idea past the Adelaide Festival board was not an easy task. 'When we first explained the idea of the soap to the Adelaide Festival board, there were some cringes and members of the board grimaced and kind of pulled away from the table in disbelief,' he said. 'Its a totally extraordinary installation in which the actual action of the removal of fat and its processing through the soap is played out there in front of you.' Adelaide Festival will run from March 1-17 next year. A prominent Sydney lawyer's home and office have been raided by police over the suspected revenge killing of a 15-year-old. The raids were carried out by detectives with Strike Force Wongala, formed to investigate the killing of Brayden Dillon, who was shot while sleeping in his bed in April 2017, 7News reported. The Monterey home of Ali Abbas was raided by police just hours after his office on Castlereagh Street in Sydney's CBD was searched on Tuesday afternoon. A prominent Sydney lawyer's home and office are being raided by police over the suspected gang-related murder of a 15-year-old Ali Abbas (pictured) allegedly helped falsify affidavits for some of the accused killers of Brayden Dillon A NSW police spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia no arrests have been made, nor any charges laid. Brayden was shot in the head in his Glenfield bedroom on Good Friday. He was allegedly murdered in a revenge attack for the death of 18-year-old Adam Abu-Mahmoud, who died during a brawl in Sydney's south-west in 2016. Brayden's older brother, Joshua, allegedly stabbed Abu-Mahmoud during the fight. Brayden Dillon (pictured) was shot in the head in his Glenfield bedroom on Good Friday Police allege the teenager's alleged killer, Conrad Craig, may have been hired by Abu-Mahmoud's uncle, Abdul Abu-Mahmoud. He was arrested after he returned from a holiday in Thailand in October, as was his brother Mohamed Abu-Mahmoud, the father of the deceased. Mohamed's arrest was in relation to perverting the course of justice. Prosecution allege the 54-year-old coordinated a series of false affidavits vouching for the location and alibi of several people at the time of Brayden's death. A number of other lawyers are also being investigated in relation to the fabrication of evidence, 9News reported. Daily Mail Australia is not insinuating this allegation has any connection to the current investigation of Mr Abbas' home and office. Fallen AFL premiership player Ben Cousins has been supported by family during his second appearance in a Perth court following allegations he threatened to bury his ex-partner alive and take their two children to play on the site. The 40-year-old drug addict was arrested on August 21 during a disturbance at a Canning Vale house and was later allegedly found with 13 grams of methylamphetamine hidden in his rectum. Cousins appeared in Armadale Magistrates Court on Tuesday via video link from Hakea prison. AFL premiership player Ben Cousins has been supported by family during his second appearance in a Perth court (file picture) The 40-year-old drug addict was arrested on August 21 during a disturbance at a Canning Vale house and was later allegedly found with drugs (pictured in 2016) Cousins (left) in court for 16 offences including allegedly repeatedly breaching a violence restraining order taken out by his ex-partner Maylea Tinecheff (right) He looked healthy, wearing prison greens and sporting a neat beard with his hair tied up. Cousins' mother and grandmother were in court to support him, while his father waited outside. The former West Coast captain faces a total of 16 offences including aggravated burglary, aggravated stalking and possessing a prohibited drug with intent to sell or supply. Most charges, some of which date back to August 8, relate to Cousins allegedly repeatedly breaching a violence restraining order taken out by his ex-partner Maylea Tinecheff. Lawyer Michael Tudori said the drug court might end up dealing with some offences and negotiations were taking place. Magistrate Andrew Maughan adjourned the case to December 19 in Perth Magistrates Court. The Brownlow medallist was released from Acacia prison in January about two months shy of his one-year sentence for stalking Ms Tinecheff (pictured earlier this year) He listed the two indictable offences - an aggravated burglary and a drug charge - as committal mentions, and the others as mentions only. Cousins barely spoke during proceedings, in contrast to his lengthy rant during his previous appearance, and was remanded in custody. The court previously heard that on one occasion, Cousins sat in a car with Tinecheff while holding a screwdriver and said: 'I can't wait to use it.' He later allegedly threatened: 'I'm going to kill you. I'm going to take your life and your freedom and the things you love the most.' The court heard Cousins also allegedly said he was going to bury her car 'where she would survive for a couple of days, then he would bring the kids to play so she would hear them but would not be able to get to them'. The Brownlow medallist was released from Acacia prison in January about two months shy of his one-year sentence for stalking Ms Tinecheff. He worked part-time at West Coast but left earlier this year. Meanwhile, Tinecheff is facing her own charges of drug driving and driving without authority. Her matter was heard in the same court and adjourned until November 20. A man has been accused of killing his mother and brother in domestic violence-related shootings on either side of the Victoria-NSW border before trying to take his own life. Police allege the man, 58, drove to his brother's property in Rufus, in far-west NSW, with a real estate agent on Tuesday, The Daily Telegraph reported. He is accused of tying up the real estate agent before shooting his brother dead and then driving 120 kilometres to his mother's home in Red Cliffs, south of Mildura, in regional Victoria. Police claim the 58-year-old then shot and killed the 82-year-old before returning to his brother's property to free the real estate agent and allegedly turning the gun on himself. A man and a woman have been killed in connected domestic violence-related shootings either side of the Victoria-NSW border The man was found suffering from a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound at 3pm and was rushed to Mildura Hospital in a critical condition, where he remains under police guard on Tuesday night. Victoria Police discovered the elderly woman's body at her property at 12.30pm. NSW police drove to the Rufus property an hour later, where they found the body of the man's brother, whose age is unknown. A man, 58, is in hospital under police guard following a fatal shooting in Red Cliffs home (pictured) near Mildura A NSW Police spokeswoman confirmed the three parties are related to each other and told Daily Mail Australia officers are not looking for anyone else in relation to the incidents. A shocked neighbour in Red Cliffs said the 82-year-old woman had lived in the area for more than 50 years. She described the woman as a lovely lady who lived alone, but was close to her three sons and daughter, who visited regularly. 'I still feel in shock about it, I can't understand who would want to hurt her,' the neighbour told Fairfax Media. It's not the first tragedy that has devastated the family in recent years. The body of a man was found at a property on Rufus River Road (pictured) in Rufus, which is 120 kilometres away from Red Cliffs The elderly woman's granddaughter was killed in an accident in 2016 after returning to Mildura to spend Christmas with family, according to the neighbour. She also lost her second husband last year. 'It was devastating for the whole family and now this tragedy, it's just so sad,' the neighbour said. Homicide Squad detectives from both Victoria and NSW continue to investigate. Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers. A commuter was smashed over the head with a hammer after refusing to give another man a cigarette at a London Underground station. Horrified witnesses described the victim as 'being on his way to work' when he was 'whacked in the head' at Stratford Station, while another man was also assaulted in the fracas. The offender was then tackled by other commuters, 'stamped on' and restrained until police arrived. Officers arrested one person shortly after 6am while an ambulance and emergency response vehicle were also sent to the scene. Two men were attacked with a hammer in a row over a cigarette at Stratford Station, pictured, this morning Witnesses said other commuters 'tackled' the man and held him down until police arrived One witness told the Mirror: 'I came out of Stratford station and the (attacker) was drawing attention to himself with how loud he was being. 'He approached another person asking for a cigarette and the guy said 'no' and this person pulled a hammer out and just started hitting him. 'He was instantly tackled to the ground, stamped on and pinned down until emergency services turned up.' Commuters who witnessed the attack also spoke of their shock on social media. One Twitter user said: 'Whoah lively Tuesday morning some nutjob hit some innocent guy over the head with a hammer over a cigarette outside stratford station.' Another said: 'Wow wow wow ... walk out of Stratford station to someone wacking man up with a hammer ... ffs over a cigarette too ...' A Twitter user added: 'What just happens at #Stratford Station? One person was screaming and minutes later the police came.' According to one witness there were six police cars, two police vans and an emergency response vehicle at the station. A spokesman for British Transport Police confirmed a 26-year-old man was arrested and a hammer was recovered from the scene. The spokesman said: 'Shortly before 6am this morning, officers were called to Stratford station in east London after reports two men were assaulted by a man in the station concourse. One person was arrested at the station, pictured, while both victims have been taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries 'Police were quickly on scene and a 26-year-old man from East Ham was arrested on suspicion of actual bodily harm, common assault and possession of an offensive weapon. 'During the arrest a hammer was recovered. The man has been taken to police custody. 'Both have been taken to hospital for treatment to non-life threatening injuries. The first victim received a laceration to his head as well as a suspected fractured shoulder. The second victim is being treated for minor bruising. 'Inquiries are now underway to understand exactly what happened in the moments leading to both men being assaulted. 'If you were at Stratford station this morning and witnessed the assault, please contact BTP by sending a text to 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 49 of 30/10/2018, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.' A British woman faces death by hanging after being charged with murdering her allegedly abusive husband with a kitchen knife in their idyllic Malaysian retirement home. Petite Samantha Jones, barefoot and wearing an orange prison suit with the words 'Police Lockup' emblazoned across it, appeared sombre and nervous as she was formally charged with murdering husband John, 63, in Langkawi on Tuesday. Samantha was charged with murdering her husband between 1am and 3am on October 18 at their 200,000 home overlooking paddy fields in a quiet village on the island. Scroll down for video Samantha Jones is flanked by guards as she arrives barefoot to court wearing prison scrubs Jones appears to duck her face out of camera shot as she arrives as Langkawi Magistrates court Samantha Jones (left), a British wife facing the death penalty for murdering her husband John (right) in their idyllic retirement villa in Malaysia has told police she stabbed him in the heart with a kitchen knife in self-defence after suffering years of violent beatings at his hands Murder carries a mandatory sentence of death by hanging in Malaysia, although her claim of self-defence could lead to her being convicted under a different section carrying a prison term. The court heard John Jones died of a single stab wound to the chest, with the blade puncturing his liver. Samantha nodded when asked if she understood the charge which was translated to English for her by a court interpreter. She did not speak during the brief hearing. The blue skies of the tropical island can be seen in the background as Samantha Jones is lead in handcuffs to the courthouse by a female police officer No plea was entered and magistrate Adibah Husna Zainal Abidin remanded her in custody until November 29 as the investigation and forensic reports into the killing in the early hours of October 18 continue. Samantha, 51, has spent the past 12 days in police cells in Langkawi after the killing which she has admitted but says was in self-defence after he kicked and punched her in the villa they have lived in for 11 years. Her sister, who flew out from the UK to support Samantha shortly after her arrest and has visited her regularly, was in court but refused to talk to reporters. Samantha bowed her head to avoid being photographed as she was led into court at midday after being taken to court in a police car escorted by female officers. Her lawyer Sangeet Kaur Deo said after the hearing Samantha: 'My client is okay and doing quite well given the circumstances. It is very overwhelming (for her) at the moment.' Recalling the moments leading up to her husband's death, Mrs Jones said she stabbed him through the heart at their home for 11 years in Malaysia (pictured) during a row about how late he had been out. She said he was goading her to stab him when she picked up the knife Ms Deo declined to comment on Samantha's claims that she had been physically abused by her husband before the killing. MailOnline revealed last week how Samantha has told investigators her husband punched her in the face and kicked her in the stomach after a night of drinking before the killing, following years of physical abuse. She claims she grabbed a kitchen knife to defend herself and he goaded her to stab him before she fled to the bedroom holding the knife. Samantha says she only thrust the knife into the chest of the burly retired fire-fighter when he chased after her and lunged at her in a renewed attack. She then ran out of the villa and alerted an expatriate woman neighbour. When they tried to go to John's help as he lay stricken, he pointed at Samantha and said in his dying words: 'Stay away. You stabbed me, you stabbed me.' The single knife thrust pierced Harley Davison fan John's heart and he was dead by the time an ambulance crew arrived at the couple's 200,000 villa Petite Samantha, a former insurance clerk from Somerset (pictured being arrested) is expected to be charged with murder early next week and transferred from police cells in Langkawi to a prison on the Malaysian mainland as she awaits trial Samantha (pictured in a police van) faces a mandatory sentence of death by hanging under Malaysian law if convicted of murder but the sentence could be reduced to a jail term if the court accepts her claims that she killed her husband, also 62, in self-defence Samantha, a former insurance clerk from Somerset, is expected to be transferred from police cells in Langkawi to a prison on the Malaysian mainland in the next 24 hours. The island's police chief Superintendent Mohamed Iqbal told Mail Online a medical investigation of Samantha after the killing found no evidence of any injuries to support her claim John kicked and punched her. 'There were no injuries (to Samantha) at all,' he said. The couple lived in a single-storey home with views over paddy fields in a tiny village two miles from the sea built 11 years ago under Malaysia's My Second Home programme which has seen hundreds of Britons gain residency on the island. Friends say the couple temporarily split while in Malaysia because of his violent outbursts. John, from Stourport, Worcestershire, underwent treatment to control his temper and his drinking before they reconcil Harley Davidson-riding John, who has two grown-up children from a previous marriage and four grandchildren, was a popular and gregarious figure on the island and a regular at bars and restaurants along the lively Centai Beach tourist strip. But despite their seemingly sunny lifestyle, Samantha has told police John was a heavy-drinking wife beater who she twice reported to police in the UK for assault before the couple emigrated to Langkawi. Friends say he couple separated temporarily while in Malaysia because of his violent outbursts. John, originally from Stourport in Worcestershire, underwent treatment to control his temper and his drinking before they reconciled. John, who was chief fire officer in Yeovil, Somerset, immediately before his retirement, had returned from a visit to his family in England shortly before his death. On the day of the murder, the couple went for sunset drinks together on Centai Beach, a popular area for expatriates to meet and drink out of sight of their teetotal local neighbours on the predominantly Muslim island. A close friend of the couple, who asked not to be named, said: 'Sam went home after a while because she wasn't feeling well and John told her he would be home by 9pm. 'He ended up in another bar drinking with a friend. She kept trying to contact him through a friend to tell him to come home he doesn't carry a mobile phone. John didn't go home until after midnight. I just wish I 'd been there to tell him it was time to go home.' A fierce row broke out when John returned home which Samantha claims escalated when John kicked her in the stomach and punched her in the face. A police source said: 'She went into the kitchen and took out a kitchen knife to hold him at bay but he reacted by goading her and pointing to his chest and saying 'Go on then, stab me'.' Samantha tells police she then went into the bedroom holding the knife and stabbed her husband once in the chest when he came after her and lunched towards her as she backed up against a wardrobe. Samantha is being held in police cells on the island of Langkawi and is expected to be charged with murder next week Detailing what happened that night, Samantha told police a fierce row broke out when John got home which escalated when John kicked her in the stomach and punched her in the face Mohammed Kamal, 26, (pictured), a neighbour of the couple, said that John was 'a very good guy'. He added: 'Everyone around here liked him. We are all very shocked at what has happened' She then ran to her neighbours for help and returned with the wife, a middle-aged British expatriate, who witnessed John's dying words as he lay on the villa floor. Another expatriate friend of the couple, who also asked not to be named, said: 'John and Sam had had had problems in the past and separated for a while and that John went into rehab to get himself sorted out. 'But we thought they'd put all of that behind them. They were absolutely devoted to each other and John even had her name tattooed on the inside of his arm. 'Everyone is just trying to get their heads around what has happened. They were the nicest people you could meet. But who knows what goes on behind closed doors?' In a tribute to John in his hometown newspaper, relatives said: 'John was a loving family man who thought the world of them. He moved to Malaysia after retiring but often returned to see his family. 'He even came back earlier this year to complete the Three Peaks Challenge, climbing Ben Nevis, Snowdon and Scafell, with his daughter. He spent his whole working life with the fire service and he will be greatly missed.' Although murder currently carries the death penalty in Malaysia, the government has announced it is preparing to change the law to abolish capital punishment. More than 1,200 people are currently on death row in the country. Captain 'Sully' Sullenberger has declared 'this is not the America I know and love' in an apparent attack on Donald Trump. The retired airline pilot, who saved 155 lives by landing a plane on the Hudson River in 2009, wrote an op-ed criticising America's leadership in the Washington Post. He accused the leadership of being selfish, unfit to rule, immoral and even of working against the US. Captain 'Sully' Sullenberger (left) has declared 'this is not the America I know and love' In a apparent attack on Donald Trump (pictured) and his advisers, he accused the leadership of being selfish, unfit to rule, immoral and even of working against the US He wrote: 'To navigate complex challenges, all leaders must take responsibility and have a moral compass grounded in competence, integrity and concern for the greater good.' But many in the current leadership are 'cowardly, complicit enablers, acting against the interests of the United States, our allies and democracy; encouraging extremists at home and emboldening our adversaries abroad; and threatening the livability of our planet,' he continued. 'Many do not respect the offices they hold; they lack - or disregard - a basic knowledge of history, science and leadership; and they act impulsively, worsening a toxic political environment.' Sullenberger said he had been a registered Republican for most of his life but implied he could never vote for Trump. He wrote: 'We must rededicate ourselves to the ideals, values and norms that unite us and upon which our democracy depends. 'We must be engaged and informed voters, and we must get our information from credible, reputable sources.' Sullenberger was dubbed a national hero for safely ditching a US Airways plane (pictured) into the Hudson river 'We cannot wait for someone to save us. We must do it ourselves.' He added: 'This Election Day is a crucial opportunity to again demonstrate the best in each of us by doing our duty and voting for leaders who are committed to the values that will unite and protect us.' Sullenberger was dubbed a national hero for safely ditching a US Airways plane into the Hudson river off of Manhattan after the plane stuck a flock of geese, saving all of his 155 lives. The flight had just taken off from LaGuardia Airport when a flock of geese disabled the engines. Sullenberger safely glided to a water landing and all passengers and crew members were rescued in what became known as the 'miracle on the Hudson.' Sullenberger and about a half-dozen passengers gathered at the NY Waterway ferry terminal to thank the ferry boat company, whose boats quickly got to the downed plane and rescued people. They then boarded a boat and sailed out to the area of the landing, where they raised a toast. Rachel Hind, 46, (seen leaving Manchester Magistrates Court) was stopped by officers in Cheshire when they saw her Audi A3 swerving onto the wrong side of the road A wealthy care home boss who nearly drove into a police van after downing Prosecco, double vodkas and gin on a night out with staff was yesterday banned from the roads. Rachel Hind, 46, was stopped by officers in Cheshire when they saw her Audi A3 swerving onto the wrong side of the road after she left an Italian restaurant where she had treated 22 colleagues to dinner. The police had to swerve to avoid hitting Hind's car. When she got out, the nurse struggled to get her keys from the ignition and was staggering in her high heels with slurred speech, glazed eyes and her breath smelling heavily of alcohol. The mother-of-two, whose businessman husband Will is chairman of the local parish council, was at twice the alcohol limit after one of her regular evenings out to thank their employees. She tried to wriggle out of a ban by saying her staff topped up her drinks without her knowledge, believing she was getting a taxi back to her 1.3m home in High Legh, Cheshire. Hind also claimed she was only swerving to avoid potholes, but magistrates banned her for 21 months and fined her 1,200, with costs of 740. The incident occurred at 2.15am on June 23 after Hind had left the Italian Job restaurant in Urmston, Greater Manchester, after the party had spent up to six hours eating and drinking. John Richards, prosecuting, said: 'The police evidence says she was swerving around. She was unsteady on her feet, her eyes were glazed and her speech was slurred. She was staggering and her breath stank of alcohol and she needed help into the police van. 'The Crown say it would have been patently obvious to her that she was over the limit. You might think it's strange that she didn't realise her Prosecco had been topped up. In a short period of time, the glass goes from half full to full - how did she not realise that?' The mother-of-two, (pictured) whose businessman husband Will is chairman of the local parish council, was at twice the alcohol limit after one of her regular evenings out with staff Tests showed Hind, who specialises in end-of-life care at her two care homes, blew a reading of 79 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35mg. She told the hearing: 'Every quarter of the year I take the staff out for a meal and drinks and to say thank you. I take them to an Italian restaurant and they have an open bar. I just pay the bill and let them have what they want. 'I would always drive there and drive home. Very occasionally, I would get a taxi but on that day I drove. 'I was on call that night which means I am in charge of running the night shift. I ordered a single gin and tonic. I always would have a gin and tonic and maybe a glass of Prosecco if I was having a three-course meal.' Hind told Manchester Magistrates Court she had 'four to five glasses of coke' with her main meal and a glass of Prosecco. 'I felt fine. I didn't feel drunk, I felt fine to drive - I didn't think I was taking a risk,' she said. 'But the road was full of potholes. It did occur to me that I hope the police don't think I am a drunk driver because I am swerving to avoid the potholes. I have had four punctures in two years on that car from potholes.' She added: 'I told the officer from the very beginning that I had been drinking, but it was only one gin and tonic and a glass of Prosecco over the course of a three course meal. 'I struggled out of the police van, but I was wearing high heels and I don't normally wear them.' Hind also claimed she was only swerving to avoid potholes, but magistrates banned her for 21 months and fined her 1,200, with costs of 740 Hind said her colleague Amanda Jackson later confessed to topping up her drinks during the evening during a heart-to-heart meeting, adding: 'She went white in the face and said I'm sorry, but I topped your drinks up that night. 'She didn't know I was driving home and she told me that she had been giving me drinks. She said she topped up my Prosecco once and that she had put Vodka and Cokes on the table. '[...] Retrospectively, I can see now that I was drunk but at no point did I feel over the limit at the time, I was talking to my colleague all the way home in the car. 'My cousin died after being hit by an articulated lorry and my best friends nephew was also hit by a drunk driver. I haven't drink driven until this incident where I unknowingly got into my car while over the limit and drove.' Work colleague Miss Jackson admitted unwittingly getting doubles for her boss and said: 'I went to the bar a couple of times and ordered about four vodka and cokes each time and I just brought them to the table and put them down there. 'I saw she was drinking coke but I didn't realise she was supposed to be drinking normal coke. 'I was just going around the table filling the glasses up. I filled them all up. When she told me what happened I said Oh my God, I am so sorry I bought you some drinks and I didn't know you weren't drinking. 'It's all my fault and she's in all this trouble and I didn't know she wasn't drinking. She is my boss and she is amazing at what she does, and I feel terrible and will take the consequences.' Hind's lawyer Miss Stephanie Varle said: 'In the UK, a lot of people drink a small amount of alcohol and drive. 'You have heard that she reasonably believed that she drank a gin and tonic and a glass of Prosecco and was safe to drive home. 'She did go out and consume some alcohol, which the law permits her to do - but she didn't notice her drink had been topped up.' But justice of the peace Edward Tasker, said: 'Having heard all the evidence, we don't accept that the defendant didn't know that the drinks didn't have alcohol in them.' A police investigation sparked by the child abuse scandal in Rotherham is now investigating more than 400 suspects, it emerged today. The National Crime Agency, often called 'Britain's FBI', is conducting a huge investigation after a 2014 report found more than 1,000 young girls had been abused in the South Yorkshire town. Scandals have since engulfed other towns and cities, including Newcastle, Telford and most recently Huddersfield, with a series of similar gangs jailed. Vulnerable young victims were typically given drugs and alcohol before being passed around between men of Pakistani heritage to be raped and sexually assaulted at will. Seven men were found guilty of sex crimes in Rotherham between 1998 and 2005 yesterday: (Top row left to right) Iqlak Yousaf, Nabeel Kurshid and Asif Ali. (Bottom row left to right) Mohammed Imran Ali Akhtar, Salah Ahmed El-Hakam and Tanweer Hussain Ali Authorities did little to tackle the abusers or save their young victims from their terrible ordeals, often due to fears over being labelled racist. In the latest tranche of convictions, seven men were found guilty by a jury at Sheffield Crown Court yesterday, of 24 charges relating to sex crimes between 1998 and 2005. Operation Stovewood, the NCA probe sparked by the Rotherham scandal, is now examining 420 other suspects, The Times reported today. Paul Williamson, the head of the inquiry, told the paper that its scale was daunting. The NCA is set to bring its total spending on Operation Stovewood to 90 million by 2024 and will soon have a 250-strong team investigating sex abuse crimes in the 16 years to 2013. This latest case involved five girls as young as 13 suffering acts of a 'degrading and violent' nature. The men would drive around town in their 'flash' cars and target girls from problem homes hanging around late at night outside a supermarket. The huge police investigation was sparked by the shocking report in abuse in Rotherham At first the girls believed the older men were their 'boyfriends' and thought they were in 'love.' But that quickly changed as the grooming process progressed to brutal abuse. If they didn't comply to sexual demands, the men turned violent. They were driven to remote locations or empty homes with no electricity to be raped and assaulted, the court heard. The men would threaten to dump them in the middle of nowhere if they didn't agree to depraved demands and one was abandoned on the M1 motorway. One of the girls was raped in car parks, under a bridge and in a country park. The court heard she was raped or assaulted by seven of the defendants at different times. In 2002 the then 15-year-old went with her mother to report an abduction and beating to police. She later reported being raped by one defendant in a country park, but a police investigation into this alleged rape ended without a file being sent to the Crown Prosecution Service. A man faces a possible death penalty by shooting after an eight month old girl was beaten then beheaded, say law enforcement sources in Belarus. The child's mother Natalia Klob, 25, was also detained over the evil incident but women cannot be executed in the ex-Soviet state. A paramedic doctor fainted when she saw the bloody scene at a house in Luninets. Baby girl Anna killed and beheaded in Luninets town, Belarus. Her mother and a family friend were arrested for the crime The child's mother, 25-year-old Natalia Klob was also detained over the evil incident and faces 25 years in prison Klob had been with a family friend only identified as Viktor, 47, when the child called Anna was killed with a kitchen knife. Her husband Leonid, 28, came home soon afterwards with the couple's two sons and 'saw his daughter lying in the pool of blood, her head severed'. Law enforcement official Dmitry Ivanyuk said: 'On suspicion of committing the crime, the mother of the child and her friend were detained.' Father Leonid, 28, came home with the couple's two sons and 'saw his daughter lying in the pool of blood, her head severed' Anna's parents Natalia and Leonid Klob. Leonid had been out while Natalia had been drinking at home with her friend Viktor on the day Anna was killed A neighbour said: 'When Leonid came into the flat he saw a scene out of the horror movies. 'The ambulance doctor fainted when she came in.' Reports say the baby had been badly beaten before she was killed. Natalia Klob will not face the death penalty in Belarus because only men aged between 18 and 65 are executed The mother and her friend had been drinking, according to reports. Neighbours believed the family were 'happy' and they had recently baptised the child in the Orthodox Church. Belarus - an ex-Soviet state - is the sole country in Europe to retain the death penalty. Only men aged between 18 and 65 are executed. Neighbours believed the couple (centre) were 'happy' and they had recently baptised the child in the Orthodox Church The two elder sons of Natalia and Leonid Kolb, who were out with their father and came home to the horrible scene Those facing the death penalty are blindfolded and forced to kneel. They are then shot in the back of the head. The man and the child's mother face a criminal case for murder of a child with particular cruelty. Under Belarus law, the maximum penalty for men for this crime is execution. For women it is up to 25 years in jail. Engine problems on board the Lion Air jet which crashed into the Java Sea on Monday killing 189 left passengers terrified on another flight the day before. Travellers flying from Bali to Jakarta on Sunday on board the same jet which later crashed told how take-off was delayed due to an 'unusual roar' from an engines. When the plane finally took off it seemed to be losing power and dropped suddenly a few times, passengers said, making it feel like a 'roller coaster'. On Tuesday Indonesian officials ordered full inspections of every Boeing 737-MAX 8 airliner, the same model as the one that crashed. The Lion Air jet which crashed on Monday killing 189 (pictured) had suffered engine trouble on another flight the day before and seemed to be losing power on take off, passengers said Travellers on board a flight from Bali to Jakarta on Sunday described hearing an 'unusual roar' from one of the jet's engines, hours before the fatal crash (passenger's belongings pictured) Indonesian authorities are still searching for the wreckage of the doomed plane and the majority its passengers, but have said it is highly unlikely there will be any survivors The remains of one passenger inside a body bag is recovered by search teams, along with debris from the plane itself Officials stopped short of grounding the fleet, but their decision will no doubt prompt nervous conversations among pilots and crew around the world. The Boeing 737 Max 8 became the fastest selling passenger aircraft ever after its release in 2011 and is the most-commonly used in the world. Alon Soetanto, a passenger on board the flight, told TVOne: 'About three to eight minutes after it took off, I felt like the plane was losing power and unable to rise. 'That happened several times during the flight. We felt like in a roller coaster. Some passengers began to panic and vomit.' Meanwhile Indonesian TV presenter Conchita Caroline, who was also on board Sunday's flight, said it was delayed by more than an hour after a technical fault as it was being towed to the runway forced it to return to the boarding gate. She said passengers sat in the cabin without air conditioning for at least 30 minutes listening to an 'unusual' engine roar, while some children vomited from the heat. People were told to disembark and wait on the tarmac for 30 minutes while an engine fault was checked, before being told to get back on the plane. When Caroline questioned a member of staff, she was treated with disdain. The Lion Air flight took off shortly after 6am on Monday before the pilot asked to turn back and air traffic control lost contact Sonar equipment, drones and helicopters have all been brought in to help search for the wreck and its black box recorders, which will help reveal what caused the crash Passengers on Sunday's flight described the jet losing power during takeoff, which needs to be confirmed by information stored on the plane's computers (pictured, the search area) A helicopter flies above the Tanjung Priok Harbour, carrying bodies of victims that were found floating among debris from the plane 'He just showed me the flight permit that he had signed and he said the problem had been settled,' she said. 'He treated me like a passenger full of disturbing dramas even though what I was asking represented friends and confused tourists who didn't understand Indonesian.' Data from flight-tracking sites corroborates accounts that the plane was unstable during the first minutes of Sunday's flight, showing erratic speeds, altitude and direction just after take off. That data is similar to information transmitted in the first minutes of Monday's fatal flight, AP said , though this could be down to errors in the site's tracking software. In order to confirm it, investigators will have to match it against data stored in the plane's black box flight recorders, which have not yet been found. Lion Air has confirmed that the plane suffered a technical issue on Sunday, but it was 'resolved according to procedure'. An airline spokesman refused to go into detail about the fault but said none of its other planes had suffered the same problem. Divers, drones and sonar technology was brought in on Monday to help search for the wreckage of the aircraft, which remains missing. A relative of one of the passengers weeps as she waits for news of her loved one at Bhayangkara R. Said Sukanto hospital in Jakarta While the majority of the plane's passengers have not yet been accounted for, the Indonesian government has said it does not expect to find survivors Relatives hold a prayer at the house of one of passengers of the Lion Air flight 'Hopefully this morning we can find the wreckage or fuselage,' Soerjanto Tjahjono, the head of a national transport safety panel, told Reuters. He added that underwater 'pinger locators', including equipment from Singapore, were being deployed to help find the aircraft's black boxes. The priority is finding the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder to help determine the cause of the disaster, safety experts said. Although divers stopped searching overnight, sonar vessels and an underwater drone kept up the hunt for the wreckage, where many victims were feared trapped, officials said. Only debris and body parts have been found off the shore of Karawang, east of Jakarta. A Reuters witness on a boat at the crash site, saw teams of divers in black rubber suits enter the slightly choppy water from six inflatable boats. 'The visibility is not good as it's very overcast,a a special forces officer said, noting the dive team had started just after dawn and been down to a depth of 35 metres. Underwater footage released by the national search and rescue agency showed relatively poor visibility. In all, 35 vessels are helping to search. Yusuf Latif, the spokesman of the search and rescue agency, had said on Monday finding survivors 'would be a miracle', judging by the condition of the recovered debris and body parts. A large debris field was found floating in the ocean after the plane crashed, though the wreckage of the aircraft itself has not been found Police officers look through personal belongings recovered from the debris field in an attempt to identify passengers Indonesian forensic team members examine parts of airplane recovered from the ocean Wallets, passports and identity cards were among items recovered from the water Lion Air said human remains were collected in 24 body bags after sweeps of the site, in waters about 30 to 35 metres (98 to 115 ft) deep roughly 15 km (nine miles) off the coast. Officers at Jakarta's port picked through personal belongings retrieved from the sea, including wallets, backpacks and papers, in a bid to help identify their owners. Dozens of relatives gathered at a police hospital where body bags were brought for forensic doctors to try to identify victims. Police were taking saliva swabs from family members of the missing for DNA tests and also seeking details on body markings like tattoos or birthmarks on the passengers. A tent has been set up next to the hospital building and a middle age woman and a teenager sat together, sobbing and comforting each other. The pilot of flight JT610 had asked to return to base shortly after take-off about 6.20 a.m. Investigators are trying to determine why the pilot issued the request, which was granted. No distress signal was received from the aircraft's emergency transmitter. On Monday, the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Boeing Co said they were providing assistance in the crash investigation. The accident is the first to be reported involving the widely sold Boeing 737 MAX, an updated, more fuel-efficient version of the manufacturer's workhorse single-aisle jet. Two witnesses described the plane as swaying or rocking as it came down, adding that the nose hit the water first and there was a tall column of smoke afterwards. The aircraft did not make a noise when it came down, they said. 'From a long way off, it was already leaning,' said Gauk, a fisherman who uses one name. Privately owned Lion Air, founded in 1999, said the aircraft, which had been in operation since August, was airworthy, with its pilot and co-pilot together having amassed 11,000 hours of flying time. Indonesia's worst air disaster was in 1997, when a Garuda Indonesia A300 crashed in the city of Medan, killing 234 people. Florida's Democratic candidate in the governor's race slammed Donald Trump saying the president's only goal is to 'make us afraid of each other.' Trump attacked Andrew Gillum as a 'thief' on Twitter on Monday, accusing the Tallahassee mayor, who is African-American, of running a corrupt city. The president's remark came after he promised he would tone down his campaign rhetoric Saturday following a shooting rampage at a synagogue in Pittsburgh that killed 11 Jewish worshippers. Later on Monday, Gillum told a crowd at a campaign event that the president has a responsibility to speak out against 'hatred and division' but instead 'stokes fear' at rallies and on Twitter, the Orlando Sun-Sentinel reports. Scroll down for video Florida's Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum (pictured Monday) slammed Donald Trump saying the president's only goal is to 'make us afraid of each other' Gillum added that Ron DeSantis, who is running against him, is proving to be 'uniquely unqualified' to be governor. Gillum's remarks on Trump at the Broward Teachers Union in Tamarac drew boos from the crowd, according to the newspaper. 'This man has a responsibility to stand up and to speak out against hatred and division,' Gillum said. 'And instead every single day he gets on Twitter and goes to rallies and he stokes fear. 'His only goal is to make us afraid of each other so that we don't trust one another so that we don't respect each other's humanity anymore.' Gillum also told reporters that Trump's name-calling is leading to violence. Andrew Gillum (pictured) told a crowd at a campaign event that Trump has a responsibility to speak out against 'hatred' but instead 'stokes fear' at rallies and on Twitter Trump attacked Andrew Gillum as a 'thief' on Twitter on Monday, accusing the Tallahassee mayor, who is African-American, of running a corrupt city 'That kind of irresponsible language is now leading to loss of life,' Gillum told reporters, calling it 'dangerous rhetoric.' Since his 2016 campaign for the White House, Trump has at times been slow to denounce white nationalists, neo-Nazis and other hate-filled individuals and groups that found common cause with his nationalistic political rhetoric. He's been accused of fueling racial tensions. He has described some Mexicans as 'rapists,' branded a black congresswoman 'low IQ,' and blamed 'both sides' for deadly violence at a white supremacist rally last year in Virginia. It comes after a Florida man was arrested on Friday for sending pipe bombs to critics of Trump. Supporters of Andrew Gillum at a grassroots campaign event held at the African American Research Library on Monday Cesar Altieri Sayoc, 56, of Aventura, allegedly mailed at least 13 explosive devices to leading Democratic figures, former high-ranking officials and others. He had plastered his social media accounts and the van where he was living with signs of his devotion to the Republican president and his hatred for Democrats. Earlier on Monday, Trump who has endorsed DeSantis - weighed in on the Florida governor's race. In a tweet, Trump called Gillum 'a thief' and said Tallahassee is 'one of the most corrupt cities in the Country.' 'In Florida there is a choice between a Harvard/Yale educated man named @RonDeSantisFL who has been a great Congressman and will be a great Governor - and a Dem who is a thief and who is Mayor of poorly run Tallahassee, said to be one of the most corrupt cities in the Country!' Trump tweeted. The president cited no evidence for his attack on Gillum. Gillum (pictured at Miami Dade College on Monday) told reporters that Trump's name-calling is leading to violence In a tweet on Monday, Trump called Gillum 'a thief' and said Tallahassee is 'one of the most corrupt cities in the Country' The FBI has been conducting a probe of alleged public corruption in Tallahassee, and while Gillum has said he has been told he is not the target, Republicans have used the investigation to attack him. The progressive Gillum, who pulled off a shock victory in the Democratic Party primary in August, responded swiftly to Trump, saying on Twitter that the president 'is howling because he's weak. Florida, go vote today.' The midterm elections are on November 6, but several states including Florida allow early voting. DeSantis himself has been widely criticized for urging Florida voters not to 'monkey this up' by electing Gillum, a comment denounced as racist. The governor's race is rated a tossup by the Cook Political Report. But Gillum is about by an average of 3.2 points in the governor's race, and every recent poll has him ahead. Trump is traveling to Florida this week to campaign for DeSantis, a Republican congressman who resigned to have more time to campaign for governor, in the final push ahead of the elections. Gillum said earlier Monday that Trump's predecessor Barack Obama will campaign with him Friday in Miami. This is the shocking moment a middle-aged woman called a young Muslim a 'terrorist' because she was wearing a hijab on a bus. The footage, filmed in Gran Canaria, captured the Spanish woman as she turned in her seat and began shouting at the traveller. But the heated exchange quickly escalated - the older woman calling the young passenger a 'terrorist' and asking her where her 'bombs' were. A middle-aged Spanish woman calls a young Muslim a 'terrorist' because she is wearing a hijab on a bus In the clip, passengers at the front of the bus turned to watch the confrontation but no one moved to intervene. The young Muslim woman, who was wearing a purple hijab, fired back at the older woman's rant, shouting 'unbelievable.' She then appeared to say 'Look at you, shut up b****, shut up!' when the passenger declared 'That is a burka!' from her seat. The woman said 'Do not make me angry. Ridiculous, ridiculous' after the middle-aged woman continued her verbal attack. All then calmed for a few moments, before the older woman called the passenger a 'Moorish woman' - referring to the Muslim community in North Africa and Spain. She replied: 'And proud of it, a pretty Moorish woman and proud!' The heated exchange quickly escalates - the pair shouting insults at each other as they travel The row continued for a few more minutes, the women both rising from their seats to shout insults at each other. The middle-aged woman at one point told the younger passenger 'This is not your country.' But the Muslim woman said: 'I am from the Canary Islands. I am Canarian, like you. 'This is my religion and you should respect it as I respect yours.' The argument then became even more heated, both parties screaming at each other in a foul-mouthed feud. The middle-aged woman at one point tells the younger passenger 'This is not your country' The older woman also asks 'Where are your bombs' before picking up her rucksack and getting ready to leave the bus At one point, the middle-aged woman screamed at the younger to 'go f*** your own mother.' The young Muslim said: 'Stick it up your a*** disgusting, racist old woman.' But before the end of the video, the older woman declared the passenger a 'terrorist.' The footage was uploaded to social media where it has since been widely circulated online She also asked 'Where are your bombs' before picking up her rucksack and getting ready to leave the bus. The footage was uploaded to social media where it has been widely circulated. Viewer Ramon Ortega said: 'It is more ignorance than racism what is happening in this country. 'Islam is a part of Spanish history, whether we like it or not, it [has been] around for 800 years.' Advertisement Hundreds of protesters have taken to the streets as a migrant gang are held for the four hour rape of 18-year-old girl outside a nightclub. The Syrians between the ages of 19 and 29, along with a 25-year-old German, were arrested in Freiburg on Sunday in the south-western German state of Baden-Wuerttebmberg. Freiburg's Mayor, Martin Horn, urged the AfD-organized protesters to remain 'peaceful' and refrain from 'further violence.' Officials said the ordeal took place in bushes outside the venue after one of the suspects sold the victim ecstasy and bought her a drink on October 14. AfD supporters and counter-protesters clash with police in the centre of Freiburg, Germany, as the mayor calls for 'peace' The front of the 500-strong AfD protest holding a sign which says, 'Protect borders - save lives,' last night in Freiburg Counter-protesters hold signs denouncing AfD for using the Syrians' gang-rape of an 18-year-old girl to stir up racial hatred Stefan Raepple an AfD member of parliament speaks at the demonstration last night at which hundreds gathered by his side Tempers flared as the counter-protesters, said to have numbered 1,500, clashed with police who separated the groups Police speak to an anti-AfD demonstrator who sits in the road to obstruct their peaceful protest 'I hope the demonstrations will be peaceful and will not lead to further violence and hatred,' Freiburg's Mayor told DPA news agency. 'In Freiburg, there is no room for criminals and such terrible crimes.' Around 1,500 counter-protesters turned out to demonstrate against the AfD who they accuse of exploiting the tragedy, according to DW. The main suspect allegedly set upon her outside the nightclub and then called on others to do the same. Police are investigating whether the drink may have been spiked with an unknown substance. Alleged chief suspect Majd H., 21, poses in his homeland with a large machine gun, his father told local media his son became 'more aggressive' after they fled the Syrian civil war The nightclub in Freiburg where the victim was sold drugs before being gang-raped nearby by seven Syrians and a German Local newspaper Bild identified the main suspect as 21-year-old Syrian Majd H. and some of his accomplices have been named as 19-year-old Ahmed Al H., 24-year-old Muhammad Al H., and 20-year-old Muhanad M. According to Bild, Majd H., who is pictured with a machine gun on his social media profile, came to Germany in 2014 and has already had one conviction in the European country that took him in. They quoted his father as saying: 'Majd became more aggressive after we fled and he has been in trouble with the police. He already has one conviction because he hurt someone.' According to local media, the other suspects lived mostly in asylum centres and were known to the police for other alleged criminal offences. The horrific story will bolster Angela Merkel's critics, as support for her coalition has wavered in the face of the migrant crisis. AfD protesters appear peaceful as they hold their banner saying, 'Protect borders - save lives,' in the city centre last night Another counter-protester holds a sign which says 'Racism is always sh*t' yesterday in the city centre Lord Mayour Martin Horn has asked the people of Freiburg to be 'peaceful' as they took to the streets of Freiburg last night Angela Merkel meets with Greek prime minister Alexi Tsipras after previous Freiburg rape The picturesque university town of Freiburg which has been ravaged by migrant crime Merkel who has held the Chancellorship since 2005 is stepping down at the end of her term in 2021. Her coalition faced collapse after permitting the inflow of nearly a million refugees and asylum seekers as part of her 'Willkommenskultur' - welcoming culture, in 2015. A police spokeswoman told local media that they are still looking for other possible perpetrators after finding evidence at the crime scene indicating that more people took part. Freiburg was already reeling from the rape and murder of 19-year-old Maria Ladenburger, the daughter of an EU official. Afghan asylum seeker Hussein Khavari was jailed for life earlier this year after he raped the student who worked as a refugee helper. Afghan asylum seeker Hussein Khavari was jailed for life earlier this year when he was 17 The teenager shakes hands with his lawyer as he is escorted through court in handcuffs The asylum seeker was convicted of raping and killing 19-year-old Maria Ladenburger In June this year, local daily 'Schwarzwalder Bode' reported that a series of migrant sex attacks have brought fear to the local population of 226,000. The newspaper wrote: 'An unprecedented series of sex offences has shaken the public's sense of security.' The paper was backed up by Freiburg police spokesman Dirk Klose, who said: 'To my knowledge, we have never had so many offences of this kind before.' Most of Philip Hammond's Budget giveaways help the rich and leave the poorest behind without a tax cut, experts warned today. The Resolution Foundation said almost half of the huge income tax cut announced by the Chancellor would benefit the top 10 per cent of households. Data produced by the think tank showed the poorest 10 per cent get nothing from raising the personal allowance - because it only reduces tax if you earn more than 12,500. By contrast the top 10 per cent will be 379 a year better off - with those paying the higher rate of income tax benefiting the most when the threshold rise to 50,000. Mr Hammond defended the decision to deliver the tax cuts, insisting they were promises in the Tory manifesto last year. Separately, Paul Johnson, director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies think tank, said Mr Hammond had 'got lucky' because tax revenues were better than expected. Data produced by the think tank showed the poorest 10 per cent get nothing from raising the personal allowance - because it only reduces tax if you earn more than 12,500 Resolution Foundation director Torsten Bell (pictured on Channel 4 in May) said almost half the income tax gains went to the top 10 per cent Resolution Foundation director Torsten Bell said: 'The Chancellor made a very welcome 1.7bn commitment to Universal Credit, but has left intact three quarters of the benefit cuts announced following the 2015 general election. 'Meanwhile income tax cuts announced yesterday will overwhelmingly benefit richer households, with almost half of the long term gains going to the top ten per cent of households. 'On public services the NHS saw a big spending boost but unprotected departments still have further cuts penciled in. 'This Budget was much easier for Philip Hammond than many expected. But there will be tougher choices for Chancellors in the years ahead. Brexit must be delivered smoothly, public spending will remain tight, and forecasts may not always be so rosy.' Tory MP Sarah Wollaston joined criticism of the measures today, tweeting: 'I dont think that changes to tax thresholds should have been a priority over tackling the challenges for our police, education & reducing health inequality through public health. 'Especially as these threshold changes a year early, not expected or even prioritised by communities more concerned about impact of prolonged squeeze on public services. 'This year was the only chance for Chancellor to link any tax increase to NHS pledges.' Chancellor Philip Hammond defended the decision to deliver the tax cuts, insisting they were promises in the Tory manifesto last year The Institute for Fiscal Studies will present its analysis of the Budget later today. Ahead of the closely watched briefing, the think tank's boss Paul Johnson said Mr Hammond had received a windfall in the Budget. Mr Johnson told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'He's just simply decided to spend all of that. 'I think he has abandoned any idea of getting to budget balance by the mid-2020s.' Italian supermarket manager Salvatore Mannino, 52, was found at a cathedral in Edinburgh with no identifying documents A mystery Italian supermarket manager discovered at an Edinburgh cathedral with apparently no clue who he was may have been on the run from the Chinese mafia, his family's lawyer has said. Salvatore Mannino, 52, was found with no identifying documents and is now back in his home country - but the case has only become more baffling. Before setting off for Scotland he allegedly made internet searches for 'how to disappear without a trace', leaving his mobile phone behind with the recent call history deleted. Mr Mannino is also said to have tried to close joint bank accounts belonging to his wife and and himself, moving the money to accounts under her name only. Now it has emerged that he spent the six months before he vanished working at a supermarket in the Chinatown area of Prato, reported The Times. The city in Tuscany, nearly 200 miles north of Rome, is home to 30,000 Chinese employees who work mainly in the textile industry. Mr Mannino (pictured with wife Francesca) allegedly tried to close joint bank accounts belonging to him and his wife, moving the money to accounts under her name only Family lawyer Ivo Gronchi told the newspaper: 'He can't give an explanation. He asks his wife if she can explain what happened. 'This has all been a bolt from the blue for the family. If he was threatened by the Chinese mafia, he never mentioned it to them.' He said Mr Mannino was invited out for meals by Chinese locals in Prato and was once seen outside his house in the middle of the night talking to someone. Police Scotland said the bizarre saga in Edinburgh began when he was discovered in St Giles' Cathedral last month and had no idea who he was. Mr Mannino had gone missing from Lajatico, near Pisa, the previous day after taking his children to school. Before leaving the family home, he left a briefcase with 10,500 (9,350) and a sheet of paper with a numerical sequence, a code which was deciphered by his eldest son, 18. Aerospace student Filippo told Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera earlier this month: 'It was a message Dad left me to decipher, I am sure of it, because he knew I am passionate about mathematical games.' Mr Mannino is said to have checked the weather forecast for Edinburgh and Aberdeen before leaving Italy. What is amnesia? Amnesia is an umbrella term for when a person can no longer recall information stored as memory, or create new memories going forward. In the majority of cases, it is caused by brain damage, disease, or psychological trauma. The phenomena is difficult to prove, as brain scans reveal no structural changes in many types of amnesia, such as transient global amnesia (TGA). This type of amnesia involves the sudden, temporary loss of memory, alongside repeated questioning, with no neurological cause. It most commonly occurs in middle-aged and elderly adults. Although unclear, TGA is thought to be caused by blood flow obstruction in structures of the brain that are critical for memory, leading to a reduction in oxygen supply, and subsequent reduced activity, in those brain regions. TGA more commonly occurs in people who suffer from migraines or epilepsy. Known triggers of the condition include sex, stress, pain, and exposure to hot and cold temperatures. In most cases, amnesia resolves itself without treatment. Advertisement He was described as 'tranquil' and 'happy' before going missing and left his mobile phone behind, with the recent call history deleted. Mr Mannino, who claims to be unable to speak Italian, has been communicating in basic English since he was found in Scotland. When police in Edinburgh were called to reports of a man taking unwell last month, he was not carrying any ID. Two weeks later officers issued an appeal to help identify a 'man with no memory'. During the public appeal for information, they used the Italian's tattoos to help identify him. At the time, PC Lesley Jack said: 'This is a very unusual inquiry, as we have a member of the public who has no idea about who he is, where he is from or who we can call on his behalf. 'We hope that, by issuing this detailed description, someone will recognise this male and come forward to assist with our inquiries.' After he was identified, Mr Mannino's wife and eldest child later flew to Edinburgh, but he claimed not to know who they were. 'His wife and oldest son were reunited with him for an hour at the hospital but he didn't know them, it was like they were total strangers to him,' Mr Gronchi said. A long-term friend of Mr Mannino, Mr Gronchi said his disappearance had been 'like lightning in a blue sky'. Mr Mannino is being assessed at a psychiatric ward in Pisa, where doctors are yet to diagnose his condition. According to Italian media he has now been charged with 'violating his family assistance obligations' as a result. Spanish police have blocked the creation of one of the largest Breaking Bad-style drug labs in Europe after 16 people were arrested - including seven in Britain. The operation saw nearly 15,000 litres of chemical products seized which officers say would have been used to make 5million worth of amphetamines and ecstasy. Seven people in Spain and two in France have been held alongside the seven in the UK. The operation involved French police and Britain's National Crime Agency. The UK arrests took place after a 4million haul of cannabis smuggled into the Port of Liverpool on a ship that had docked from Spain was seized. Spanish police have blocked the creation of a huge Breaking Bad-style drug lab Seven people in Spain and two in France have been held alongside seven in the UK The operation that led to the dismantling of the intended drugs lab was sparked in May 2017 Three of the suspects were under investigation in Spain and were described today by the country's police as 'heavyweights' in the criminal organisation they smashed. Just under half of the chemical products set to be used to make the synthetic drugs were seized at two warehouses and a garage in Malaga. The rest - due to be transported to one of the premises - was discovered at Barcelona's El Prat airport. The operation that led to the dismantling of the intended drugs lab was sparked in May 2017 when investigators discovered a firm they had under surveillance was selling industrial machinery that could be used to make drugs, to an international gang which was smuggling cannabis resin. Three of the suspects were described today as 'heavyweights' in the criminal organisation The operation by police officers saw nearly 15,000 litres of chemical products seized Officers say it would have been used to make 5million worth of amphetamines and ecstasy Spanish police said they had blocked what would have been a huge synthetic drugs lab Co-operation with French police led to the seizure of a lorry that was carrying formic acid and formamide, chemical products used to make synthetic drugs. A spokesman for Spain's National Police said: 'The operation, executed in different phases and on an international level, has led to the dismantling of what would have been the largest synthetic drugs lab in our country, with the elaboration of more than 1,000 kilos of amphetamine and ecstasy that would have had a market value of more than 5million (4.45million). Sixteen people have been arrested in total.' Breaking Bad is a TV series which tells the story of a struggling chemistry teacher diagnosed with lung cancer who turns to a life of crime by producing and selling crystallised methamphetamine with a former student. A little boy was injured after a large cabinet toppled onto him at a kindergarten in south China. The student was filmed climbing onto the cabinet, which stored utensils and bowls, but it could not support his weight and collapsed on him. Two teachers heard the commotion and quickly lifted the cabinet off the floor, freeing the boy. He reportedly suffered a bad cut on his forehead and had to get three stitches in hospital. A little boy was injured after a large cabinet toppled onto him at a kindergarten in south China Two teachers heard the commotion and quickly lifted the cabinet off the floor, freeing the boy A woman claiming to be the boy's mother said in a social media post that the school's staff had lied about the injury when she questioned them. In a lengthy statement asking members of the public to help share her family's ordeal, the mother, surnamed Chen, wrote: 'The school's principal, Dong, claimed my son was grazed by a spoon.' Refusing to believe them, she said she insisted on looking at surveillance footage and was shocked to see the cabinet falling onto her son outside a classroom. The boy was trapped under the wooden case and was only freed when two instructors rushed to lift it up. The boy was seen climbing onto the utensils cabinet when it suddenly collapsed on him The boy was completely trapped under the wooden case and two instructors rushed to lift it up The boy reportedly suffered a bad cut on his forehead and had to get three stitches in hospital The mother said the incident occurred on September 25 at Tongzhen Kindergarten in Shanwei, Guagndong, but as of Monday, the school still has not offered an apology or taken any responsibility for the accident. She also asked members of the public for help and advice on how best to handle the matter. She did not say whether she had reported the incident to the police. Net users sympathised with the mother after surveillance footage of the incident went viral. 'These kind of cupboards and cabinets should all be removed a long time ago,' one user said. 'It is the kindergarten's fault.' 'The school should have fixed the cabinet to the wall,' another said. A 15-month-old girl travelling home with her parents after visiting relatives in Jakarta is believed to be the youngest victim of the Lion Air plane crash. Kyara Putra is among those missing and presumed dead after the crash on Monday, along with father Rizal Gilang Sanusi Putra and mother Wita Seriani, both 26. Gerian Sanusi Putra, Gilang's brother, told reporters of their tragic plight as he waited for news at Jakartas international airport. Rizal Gilang Sanusi Putra and wife Wita Seriani, both 26, were on board doomed Lion Air jet with their 15-month-old daughter Kyara when it crashed on Monday The family had been visiting relatives in Jakarta and were returning home to Bangkakota on Monday when the plane went down shortly after 6am Gilang's brother, Gerian Sanusi Putra, flew to Jakarta on Monday and has been searching for news of the couple's fate ever since (Gilang and Wita, pictured) 'I'm confused. I really dont understand whats happening,' 24-year-old Gerian told The Telegraph. 'My mother died two months ago. Then this morning I was told that my only brother, the backbone of our family, was missing.' Indonesian officials are still searching for the wreckage of Flight JT610 and the remains of the majority of its passengers, but officials have said they are not expecting to find survivors. Gerian told of how he was at home near the city of Pangkal Pinang, where the doomed flight was headed, when he heard news of the crash. Initially he tried to comfort himself with the thought that they would have been on the afternoon flight, because Wita had told him the night before that she planned to go shopping in Jakarta that morning. But when details of the plane's passenger manifest arrived via Whatsapp, he saw their names listed. Gerian jumped on the first available flight to Jakarta, taking only his mobile phone, and has been hunting for news of his relatives ever since. Indonesian officials said on Tuesday that the plane, a nearly-new Boeing 737 Max 8, had suffered engine trouble on the flight the day before the crash. Passengers told how the aircraft had to be taken back to the gate after an 'unusual roar' from one of the engines, before it seemed to be losing power on take-off. Indonesian authorities have not yet found the wreckage of the plane or the majority of its 189 passengers, but say they do not expect to find survivors (pictured, passenger's belongings) The bodies of at least 24 people have been fished from a debris field found floating in the ocean close to where the plane crashed, along with wallets and passports (pictured) A wallet found floating in the ocean as part of a debris field close to where the jet crashed Passengers who had flown on the doomed jet (pictured) the previous day said it had been suffering engine problems and seemed to be losing power during take-off Alon Soetanto, a passenger on board the flight, told TVOne: 'About three to eight minutes after it took off, I felt like the plane was losing power and unable to rise. 'That happened several times during the flight. We felt like in a roller coaster. Some passengers began to panic and vomit.' Indonesia has since ordered an inspection of all Boeing 737-MAX planes, but stopped short of grounding the new model. Divers, drones and sonar technology was brought in on Monday to help search for the wreckage of the aircraft and its black box flight recorders. 'Hopefully this morning we can find the wreckage or fuselage,' Soerjanto Tjahjono, the head of a national transport safety panel, told Reuters. He added that underwater 'pinger locators', including equipment from Singapore, were being deployed to help find the aircraft's black boxes. The priority is finding the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder to help determine the cause of the disaster, safety experts said. Although divers stopped searching overnight, sonar vessels and an underwater drone kept up the hunt for the wreckage, where many victims were feared trapped, officials said. Only debris and body parts have been found off the shore of Karawang, east of Jakarta. A Reuters witness on a boat at the crash site, saw teams of divers in black rubber suits enter the slightly choppy water from six inflatable boats. 'The visibility is not good as it's very overcast,a a special forces officer said, noting the dive team had started just after dawn and been down to a depth of 35 metres. Underwater footage released by the national search and rescue agency showed relatively poor visibility. In all, 35 vessels are helping to search. The plane took off shortly after 6am from Jakarta before the pilot asked to return to the airport, then lost contact with air traffic control Search teams are using sonar, drones and diving teams in an effort to locate the wreckage and its black box recorders Rescue teams prepare boats to join the search efforts near the crash site at Tanjung Karawang A helicopter carrying the remains of some victims of the plane crash comes in to land at Tanjung Priok Harbour on Monday Yusuf Latif, the spokesman of the search and rescue agency, had said on Monday finding survivors 'would be a miracle', judging by the condition of the recovered debris and body parts. Lion Air said human remains were collected in 24 body bags after sweeps of the site, in waters about 30 to 35 metres (98 to 115 ft) deep roughly 15 km (nine miles) off the coast. Officers at Jakarta's port picked through personal belongings retrieved from the sea, including wallets, backpacks and papers, in a bid to help identify their owners. Dozens of relatives gathered at a police hospital where body bags were brought for forensic doctors to try to identify victims. Police were taking saliva swabs from family members of the missing for DNA tests and also seeking details on body markings like tattoos or birthmarks on the passengers. A tent has been set up next to the hospital building and a middle age woman and a teenager sat together, sobbing and comforting each other. The pilot of flight JT610 had asked to return to base shortly after take-off about 6.20 a.m. Investigators are trying to determine why the pilot issued the request, which was granted. No distress signal was received from the aircraft's emergency transmitter. On Monday, the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Boeing Co said they were providing assistance in the crash investigation. The accident is the first to be reported involving the widely sold Boeing 737 MAX, an updated, more fuel-efficient version of the manufacturer's workhorse single-aisle jet. Two witnesses described the plane as swaying or rocking as it came down, adding that the nose hit the water first and there was a tall column of smoke afterwards. The aircraft did not make a noise when it came down, they said. 'From a long way off, it was already leaning,' said Gauk, a fisherman who uses one name. Privately owned Lion Air, founded in 1999, said the aircraft, which had been in operation since August, was airworthy, with its pilot and co-pilot together having amassed 11,000 hours of flying time. Indonesia's worst air disaster was in 1997, when a Garuda Indonesia A300 crashed in the city of Medan, killing 234 people. This is the shocking moment a fearless tabby cat attacked a venomous snake for two minutes when it got too close to its house. The footage, filmed in Yen Bai, Vietnam, captured the grey and white cat as it examined the red-necked keelback snake. The cat creeps up to the creature, striking it with its claws repeatedly in the head, neck and tail The cat then slowly crept up to the creature, following it as it attempted to move away from the larger animal. But before it got far, the tabby cat lashed out - striking the venomous snake with its claws. The snake continued moving away, but it was almost immediately struck again by the cat. Before long, the creature appeared to play dead, barely moving as the feline continued its assault. It then made a rapid escape attempt, slithering away from the territorial creature - but the cat merely followed. It struck the snake's tail and its head multiple times, staring down at the curled-up creature. The cat examines the venomous red-necked keelback snake before lashing out at it again At one point, the snake appears to play dead, not moving from its curled up position as the cat continues its assault Before long, the critter made a second desperate dash for freedom, but was again pulled back by the cat. But this time, the snake moved to attack, causing the brave feline to jump into the air as it slithered near its feet. The snake, however, didn't move to bite the cat as the tabby continued to strike it with its claws. The cameraman said: 'This snake got too close to the house. The cat was trying to defend its territory!' A nurse serving a life sentence for two murders has gone on trial for killing another 100 patients at two hospitals in Germany. Niels Hoegel, 41, is accused of murdering patients at a hospital in the north-western city of Oldenburg between 1999 and 2002 and at another in nearby Delmenhorst from 2003 to 2005. The alleged victims were aged between 34 and 96. He was convicted in 2015 of two murders and two attempted murders. During that trial, he said he intentionally brought about cardiac crises in some 90 patients in Delmenhorst because he enjoyed the feeling of being able to resuscitate them. Niels Hoegel, 41, pictured as a free man told his last trial he enjoyed the feeling of being able to resuscitate patients so he deliberately induced cardiac failure The Delmenhorst hospital where 62 of the murders are said to have been carried out between 2003 and 2005 The conference centre in Oldenberg being used for the trial is usually reserved for large numbers of defendants but special measures have been made due to the public interest Hoegel uses a folder to disguise his face in court today Presiding judge Sebastian Buehrmann opened the proceedings by asking everyone present to stand for a minute of silence for the deceased patients. 'All of their relatives deserve that their memory be honoured,' independently of whether or not Hoegel had anything to do with their deaths, Buehrmann said. 'We will make every effort to seek the truth.' He promised Hoegel a fair trial and when asked if the charges were accurate, Hoegel replies, 'yes.' He later told investigators that he also killed patients in Oldenburg. His method was to inject them with drugs which would bring on cardiac failure and he would then attempt resuscitation. The prosecution say he wanted to look good in front of colleagues and was also looking for excitement. Authorities subsequently investigated hundreds of deaths, exhuming the bodies of former patients. The Oldenburg state court is conducting the trial at a courtroom set up in a conference centre, a venue chosen to accommodate a large number of co-defendants as well as public interest in the proceedings. If convicted the killer would become one of the worst in Germany's post-war history. An additional conviction could affect Hoegel's possibility of parole, but there are no consecutive sentences in Germany. In general, people serving life sentences are considered for parole after 15 years. 'We have fought for four years for this trial and expect Hoegel to be convicted of another 100 killings,' said Christian Marbach, a representative of the patients' relatives. 'The aim is for Hoegel to stay in custody as long as possible.' The trial is scheduled to run into May. The murderer was first caught in 2005 when he injected the wrong drugs into a patent at the Delmenhorst hospital. Three years later he received a seven year sentence for attempted murder and in 2015 a second trial found him guilty of two murders and two attempted murders. Police have said that, if local health officials had not hesitated in alerting authorities, Hoegel could have been stopped earlier. Authorities are pursuing criminal cases against former staff at the two medical facilities. Prince Charles really wants to save the world, the Duchess of Cornwall has revealed. Speaking ahead of his 70th birthday, Camilla paid a glowing tribute to her husbands passion about the issues he champions. She admitted he can be pretty impatient sometimes - and Charles himself freely admits to meddling in public affairs. But the Duchess of Cornwall said the heir to the throne was driven by this passion inside him to really help - he really wants to save the world. In a landmark BBC documentary to mark his 70 years, Prince Charles is portrayed as a man at peace with himself - but with a burning desire to improve the world around him (file image taken during during a visit to the London Ambulance Service Headquarters) Speaking ahead of his 70th birthday, Camilla paid a glowing tribute to her husbands passion about the issues he champions. She admitted he can be pretty impatient sometimes - and Charles himself freely admits to meddling in public affairs (file image taken during a reception at St James's Palace, London, ahead of a visit to The Gambia, Ghana and Nigeria) In a landmark BBC documentary to mark his 70 years, Charles is portrayed as a man at peace with himself - but with a burning desire to improve the world around him. The filmmakers showed the prince in an arboretum at Birkhall, his Scottish estate. This is Georges wood, he said, referring to his first grandchild. Charles planted dozens of different tree varieties when George was born five years ago. Charles added: As I get older, all I really long for is to plant trees! I hope it will be quite amusing for George, as they grow up, and he grows up. Camilla, filmed with her husband among the autumnal red and gold trees after the long dry summer, said he was worried there had not been enough water, joking: He does rain dances most of the day, to try and get some more. In the BBC film, Charless sons added their own touching interpretation of their fathers dedication to causes he believes in - or banging the drum, as Harry puts it. Charles says in the documentary: As I get older, all I really long for is to plant trees! I hope it will be quite amusing for George, as they grow up, and he grows up (file image taken during a reception at St James's Palace, London, ahead of his visit to The Gambia, Ghana and Nigeria) The younger prince said of his father: The man never stops. Harry is said to admire his fathers persistence with issues such as the environment, plastic waste and climate change. Whether its dinner or tea or whatever and we sit there and speak to him, he gets so frustrated. You can understand why, when he cares that much and hes been banging the drum for this long, Harry said. Meanwhile, the Duke of Cambridge cited Charless devotion to his Princes Trust charity, which has helped more than 900,000 young people. The Prince of Wales meets staff during a visit to the London Ambulance Service Headquarters William said: One of the things Im most proud of my father for is the Princes Trust. I think what he set up there for young people has been absolutely incredible, and as I go around the country the amount of people who tell me about the Princes Trust - I mean, honestly, its phenomenal, it really is. The Princes list of passions is exhaustive, from red squirrels, Wagner and Shakespeare to community architecture, corporate social responsibility and a better understanding of Islam. Some have accused Charles of meddling in public affairs, but he bluntly told BBC documentary film-maker John Bridcut: If its meddling to worry about the inner cities, as I did 40 years ago, and what was happening, or not happening, there - the conditions in which people were living - if thats meddling Im very proud of it. According to the BBC documentary, Charles - said to be the best-prepared monarch-in-waiting in history - is a workaholic. The Princes list of passions is exhaustive, from red squirrels, Wagner and Shakespeare to community architecture, corporate social responsibility and a better understanding of Islam He works a seven-day-week, starting at 9am and often finishing after midnight. Last year, he is said to have held 500 business meetings behind the scenes, on top of his official engagements. Documentary maker Mr Bridcut told the latest issues of the Radio Times: He paces himself by going for walks, and makes a point of keeping his eyes open, whether counting the orchids in his wildflower meadow, or suddenly yanking a dead branch out of a tree, as he did - with surprising force - on his way to our filmed interview at Highgrove. He travelled with Charles last November to three Caribbean islands wrecked by hurricanes two months before. Mr Bridcut said: The amazingly cheerful people he met were clearly thrilled to see him. All the time he was listening and learning, in the attempt to help small island states improve their resilience to increasingly violent storms, which he believes are the direct result of climate change. A brave man was viciously bashed by three teenage thugs on Monday in a shocking attack after he confronted them for stealing mobile phones from a shop. Shocking footage filmed outside the Vodafone shop in Melbourne, Victoria, captured the thee teens chasing the victim into the street - before one of them punches him to the ground. One of the youths then throws a chair at him before all three start kicking the man. A brave man has been viciously bashed by three teenage thugs in a shocking attack after he confronted them for stealing mobile phones from a shop A witness who saw the attack unfold just after 5.30pm said the victim's choice to confront the group of youths left him 'bleeding from his ear and face.' The man fled back into the store, Channel 7 reports, where staff barricaded him inside. Victoria Police said they are not investigating the incident as a complaint had not been made. A staff member at the same Vodafone store was attacked by two thugs during a recent robbery. A student has been caught chasing her peers around her college campus while dressed up as horror film monster the Rake in an hilarious Halloween prank. Makayla Martinez, 19, spent 30 ($40) on the grey skin suit after spotting it on Twitter. Eager to try out her new purchase, she went on a spooky rampage in a bid to scare her peers at York College Campus, Nebraska, United States. Ms Martinez is seen creeping up on a pair of unsuspecting students while dressed as the Rake. She spooked a number of her peers at York College Campus, Nebraska, United States while in the outfit Ms Martinez poses in her Rake outfit, which she purchased for 30 after spotting it on Twitter. She claims it is the best money she's ever spent Students at York College Campus are given quite a fright when they come across Ms Martinez in her Halloween garb. She said that people were talking about her prank 'for weeks' She said: 'Some people laughed uncontrollably and the people that were being scared though it was a super creepy costume, after everyone asked who I was.' Video footage captured of her rampage on October 23, show a number of students receiving quite a fright when they come across the outfit. The Rake is based on an urban myth featured on the creepypasta website. Reports of the creature first emerged in the summer of 2003 alleging a human-like creature had been spotted in Idaho Several are seen recoiling in shock as Ms Martinez emerges in her spooky garb. The Rake is a horror-related legend that emerged during the summer of 2003. It spawned from local media interest in a human-like creature spotted in Idaho. Ms Martinez thinks the money she spent on a costume of the creature is some of the best money she's ever spent. She said: 'I had bought the costume after seeing it on twitter and just got with a few of my friends to go around scaring people. 'People were talking about it and who was behind it for days.' A film based on the creepypasta urban myth was released in 2018. It is a fictional account of the creature - which is said to attack humans for unknown reasons and cause victims psychological trauma. President Trump says he wants to order the end of automatic citizenship for babies of illegal immigrants born in the United States. The U.S. government has traditionally held that section 1 of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which contains the Citizenship Clause, guarantees that right for all children born on American soil. WHAT DOES THE CITIZENSHIP CLAUSE SAY? 'All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.' The sentence that follows specifies citizen rights: 'No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty or property, without due process of law, nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.' HOW DID IT GET IN THE CONSTITUTION? Congress passed the Fourteenth Amendment in 1866. It was ratified on July 9, 1868 by three-fourths of the states. The amendment effectively nullified an 1857 Supreme Court decision Dred Scott v. Sandford which had held that people descended from slaves could not be citizens. The amendment's opening sentence, which served to define its vocabulary, has become among the most controversial clauses in the entire Constitution. WHAT WAS THE GOAL OF REPUBLICANS IN CONGRESS? The Fourteenth Amendment was proposed and ratified to help blacks, especially emancipated former slaves, have a chance to integrate into society after the American Civil War. Congress wanted to prevent the U.S. states where they lived from sidestepping the efforts of Abraham Lincoln and other Republicans to guarantee their rights to 'life, liberty and property.' By 1868, Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation had freed slaves in southern U.S. states, but they still didn't have the same constitutional rights as citizens. That legal limbo led to the formation of 'Colonization Societies' that sought to remove them from the country and send them either to Caribbean islands or to Africa. Some southern states also enacted 'Black Code' laws in a bid to preserve the rights of slave-owners by calling their slaves 'apprentices' who couldn't be removed from their 'service.' Ohio Republican Rep. John A. Bingham, a friend of President Lincoln, proposed the amendment to remedy these problems, writing specific language to guarantee that any slave born on American soil would retroactively be declared a citizen. Bingham wrote at the time that his text wasn't intended to create any new legal rights, but was 'simply a proposition to arm the Congress with the power to enforce the Bill of Rights as it stands in the Constitution today. It hath that extent no more.' COULD IT EXCLUDE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS' BABIES? While the amendment was being debated, Michigan Republican Senator Jacob Howard, who drafted the amendment along with Bingham, said that was never his intention. 'This will not, of course, include persons born in the United States who are foreigners, aliens, who belong to the families of ambassadors or foreign ministers accredited to the Government of the United States, but will include every other class of persons,' he said. 'It settles the great question of citizenship and removes all doubt as to what persons are or are not citizens of the United States,' Howard added. But it did not; the legislation made no mention of that, and at the time there was no concept of illegal immigration. WAS THERE ANOTHER SIDE? California Republican Sen. John Conness was concerned that U.S.-born children of the large number of Chinese immigrants in his state would end up without American citizenship. Conness declared in a debate that the amendment 'proposed to declare that they shall be citizens,' adding that 'I am in favor of doing so.' That point wasn't debated, but Howard also didn't object to Conness's interpretation, which twenty-first century immigration advocates often cite as proof that birthright citizenship is constitutional. WHAT HAS THE SUPREME COURT SAID? In 1873 the Supreme Court ruled that the phrase 'subject to its jurisdiction' was intended to exclude children of non-citizen immigrants. That decision answered a narrow question, establishing that the 14th Amendment only guaranteed rights to people who were U.S. citizens, and didn't cover anyone who was only granted 'citizenship' by an individual U.S. state. The majority opinion includes a note that 'the phrase 'subject to its jurisdiction' was intended to 'exclude from its operation children of ministers, consuls, and citizens or subjects of foreign States born within the United States.' Two years later the high court ruled that immigrants can only have automatic citizenship for their children when they the adults owe 'allegiance' to the U.S. and not to a foreign nation. The concept of allegiance means little today but most people at the time were born in monarchies and were subjects, not citizens. The meaning of jurisdiction to some simply meant the ordinary modern meaning - an obligation to follow the law of the land in which you are present - but to others meant the allegiance you owe to the monarch of whom you are a subject, regardless of whether you are in their country or not. Snother senator involved in the 14th Amendment, Lyman Trumbull, interpreted it that way - but once again, that is not in the legislation. In 1898 the Supreme Court ruled that a specific Chinese immigrant's child was a citizen of the United States, citing the 14th Amendment's text. That decision has stood for 120 years, but it was decided decades before the concept of 'illegal aliens' was part of Americans' vocabulary; quite simply there was no concept of lawful or unlawful entry into the country. As a complication, American Indians were excluded from citizenship until 1924 on the basis that their primary allegiance was to their tribe. But that was never challenged in court, it was altered by an act which did not address whether the 14th Amendment should have been taken to cover them. More recently, at a dinner party in 2010, then-Justice Antonin Scalia said he believed Howard's original view was right but for an unrelated reason. He told his fellow guests that purposely including the words 'and subject to the jurisdiction thereof' suggested that people born in the U.S. weren't automatically citizens, especially if they were 'subject to the jurisdiction' of some other nation. He thought the words were included with the intention of ruling out a large number of people. But Scalia, who died in 2016, allowed at the time that the way the modern U.S. interprets dual citizenships could also mean many people are 'subject to the jurisdiction of' more than one country. WHAT COULD HAPPEN IF TRUMP SIGNS AN EXECUTIVE ORDER? If the president orders that the federal government must treat children of illegal immigrants born in the U.S. as non-citizens, two things would likely happen. States where Democrats control the legislatures and that have Democratic governors would quickly enact laws doing the opposite. And civil rights groups would sue U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in federal court. Whichever reaches a full boil first the lawsuits or the question of the federal government's 'supremacy' over state laws the whole thing will likely end up at the Supreme Court. Trump has already appointed two justices, creating what some observers believe will be a 5-4 conservative majority. If that holds - and they rule in his favor - Trump will win the debate and his order will stand. In that scenario, a future Democratic president, however, could undo it with an executive order of their own. Meghan Markle's marijuana farmer nephew has revealed how 'embarrassing' it is to have family members 'spew hate' and speak negatively about his aunt. Tyler Dooley, 25, will star in reality television series The Royal World thanks to his newly royal aunt's Duchess status. He is the youngest son of the Duchess of Sussex's half brother, Thomas Markle Jr., 51. Following her wedding to Prince Harry he famously launched a strain of 'extremely potent' marijuana called 'Markle's Sparkle' which sells for about $270 (206) an ounce at his Oregon cannabis farm, Royally Grown. Tyler Dooley, 25, will star in reality television series The Royal World thanks to his newly royal aunt's Duchess status. He i s the youngest son of the Duchess of Sussex 's half brother, Thomas Markle Jr., 51 Now he is set to star in a new reality show that will feature several people loosely connected to royals living together in a mansion in the Sussex countryside which will air next month. Speaking to Damian Whitworth of The Times about his famous aunt, Tyler said: 'I've always admired her, from when I was a small child, and I've always looked up to her. She has always been so pleasant and full of life. 'You know what goes on in the media with members of my family and it's just terrible. It's an embarrassment to have family members out there speaking negatively about Meghan and it's just something that shouldn't be reported. 'They continue to give them a platform to kind of spew hate, you know. I'm really done seeing that. It's just negative.' Following Meghan's wedding to Prince Harry he famously launched a strain of 'extremely potent' marijuana called 'Markle's Sparkle' which sells for about $270 (206) an ounce at his Oregon cannabis farm, Royally Grown 'She has never done anything wrong to anybody and she's succesful, she's smart, she's beautiful. There's nothing not to like.' Tyler is the only American to be cast in the series, and also appears to be the only person without some sort of wealthy or aristocratic upbringing. Other members of the cast include Archie Manners, Triple Baroness Jessica Heydel, Adeniyi Obafemi Olopade, Count Michael Zadie Campbell, and his brother, Count Dimitri 'Dima' Ziadie Campbell. 'I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California,' he goes on. 'I would say we had kind of humble beginnings. More of a trial and error. That includes Meghan.' Premise: The show will feature several people loosely connected to royals living together in the English countryside. Tyler is the only American Mr Dooley's girlfriend Sandra Bazan, his mother Tracy, 53, and brother Thomas, better known as TJ, 26 are also set to appear on the show, according to the Sunday Mirror. Tyler admits in the clip that he didn't watch his 'Auntie Meghan's' wedding on TV, though he did fly to the UK for the festivities. 'I didn't watch the royal wedding. Sorry Meghan, I didn't. I went over there, I was in London to support my Aunt Meghan,' he says. 'Honestly, with the controversy that's happened with my family, all I wanted to do was show my support.' Though Tyler was not invited to the Duchess' wedding to Prince Harry, he did fly to London to celebrate He adds: 'My favorite member of the royal family would be my lovely Aunt Meghan because I don't know anybody else in the royal family. MTV bosses are believed to have taken an interest in Tyler after his run-in with London police just hours after the Royal wedding in Windsor. He was caught with a knife and pepper spray at a nightclub in Kingston upon Thames, which he surrendered to police and managed to avoid arrest. Speaking at the time of the incident, a Metropolitan Police spokesman said: 'Police were called by security to a club in Union Street, Kingston upon Thames, in the early hours of Sunday, 20 May, after a man openly declared he had a knife as he attempted to enter the club. 'When officers arrived at 1.55am enquiries led them to a hotel in Kingston and two men in their 20s were spoken to by officers in connection with the incident. 'One of the men also voluntarily surrendered a noxious spray. Both men, who were visitors to the UK, were warned about their actions. Neither was arrested, no further action was taken and inquiries are complete.' How they're related: Tyler is the youngest son of Meghan's half brother Thomas Markle Jr. (pictured) In the preview clip for the show, he seems to allude to this, saying: 'The most outrageous thing that's ever happened to me on a night out, honestly, I'm not gonna say anything about that.' A source told the Mirror that producers cast the young man because of how different he is from his aunt. They said: 'Producers are fascinated by Tyler and his family, and how different their lives are from Meghan's. 'They think viewers will love him and the rest of the Dooleys, and become gripped by their soap opera lives. Tyler is really looking forward to it and sees it as great advertising for his marijuana business.' Tyler was not invited to the Royal wedding, but flew over with his mother and brother, who were recruited by the news show Good Morning Britain as 'special correspondents'. But unfortunately they never appeared on TV after Tyler's run-in with police. Savitsky (pictured above), 55, is accused of stabbing Beloguzov, 52, in the chest A scientist accused of attempted murder in Antarctica plunged a kitchen knife into his colleague because 'he was fed up with the man telling him the endings of books' he was reading from the research station library. This is the reason given by scientific engineer Sergey Savitsky, 55, for his fury at welder Oleg Beloguzov, 52, says a Russian report. It is believed to the first time that a man has been charged with the crime on the world's loneliest continent. The men had previously spent four harsh years at Russia's isolated Bellingshausen station on King George Island, part of the South Shetland island group. Russian investigators are probing a version of the alleged crime that both men were avid readers to pass the lonely hours in the Antarctic station. But Savitsky had become angered that Beloguzov 'kept telling his colleague the endings of books before he read them'. Sergey Savitsky (left) and Oleg Beloguzov (right) allegedly had an altercation in the canteen Victim Beloguzov, 52, pictured above in Antarctica, suffered a knife injury to the chest The wounded man was evacuated to Chile with a knife injury to the chest. His heart was injured in the attack and he was admitted to the intensive care unit of a hospital. His life is not in danger, it is understood. The head of the Bellingshausen detained Savitsky and he was deported to St Petersburg in Russia on the same day where he was immediately arrested and a criminal probe launched. He is now under house arrest. Witness statements have been taken and are currently being examined by the Russian Investigative Committee in St Petersburg. An inside view of the common area at Bellingshausen Station where both men would have spent time together before Savitsky was accused of stabbing Beloguzov in the chest The entrance to Bellingshausen Station in Antarctica where both men lived and worked Savitsky has expressed remorse over the attack in the station's canteen. Reports say the altercation was fuelled by alcohol and the outpost's tiny living space. Workers at the station have access to two Russian TV channels, sporting facilities, and a library. 'They are both professional scientists who have been working in our expeditions, spending a year long seasons at the station,' Alexander Klepikov, deputy director of the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute, told Komsomolskaya Pravda. 'It is down to investigators to figure out what sparked the conflict, but both men are members of our team.' Sergey Savitsky (left) and Oleg Beloguzov (right) at the Bellingshausen Station in Antarctica Bellingshausen Station in Antarctica, where Savitsky is accused of stabbing Beloguzov A criminal probe was launched and Savitsky admitted to stabbing his colleague but claimed he did not intend to kill him, reported Nevskie Novosti citing law enforcement sources. The station was set up in 1968 by a Soviet Antarctic expedition. It is one of the few locations on the continent with a tundra rather than ice cap climate - so is seen as relatively mild. It is also the site of a permanently staffed Orthodox church. The station is named after 19th century Russian explorer Fabian von Bellingshausen. Zaharie Ahmad Shah (pictured) was the pilot of the doomed flight DID THE PILOT HIJACK HIS OWN PLANE? Pilot Zaharie Ahmad Shah planned mass murder because of personal problems, locking his co-pilot out of the cockpit, closing down all communications, depressurising the main cabin and then disabling the aircraft so that it continued flying on auto-pilot until it ran out of fuel. That was the popular theory in the weeks after the plane's disappearance. His personal problems, rumours in Kuala Lumpur said, included a split with his wife Fizah Khan, and his fury that a relative, opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, had been given a five-year jail sentence for sodomy shortly before he boarded the plane for the flight to Beijing. But the pilot's wife angrily denied any personal problems and other family members and his friends said he was a devoted family man and loved his job. This theory was also the conclusion of the first independent study into the disaster by the New Zealand-based air accident investigator, Ewan Wilson. Wilson, the founder of Kiwi Airlines and a commercial pilot himself, arrived at the shocking conclusion after considering 'every conceivable alternative scenario'. However, he has not been able to provide any conclusive evidence to support his theory. The claims are made in the book 'Goodnight Malaysian 370', which Wilson co-wrote with the New Zealand broadsheet journalist, Geoff Taylor. It's also been rumoured that Zaharie used a flight simulator at his home to plot a path to a remote island. However, officials in Kuala Lumpur declared that Malaysian police and the FBI's technical experts had found nothing to suggest he was planning to hijack the flight after closely examining his flight simulator. And there are also theories that t he tragic disappearance may have been a heroic act of sacrifice by the pilot. Australian aviation enthusiast Michael Gilbert believes the doomed plane caught fire mid-flight, forcing the pilot to plot a course away from heavily populated areas. IF NOT THE PILOT, WAS THE CO-PILOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MYSTERY? Co-pilot Fariq Abdul Hamid, 27, again for personal problems, was suspected by rumour-spreaders to have overpowered the pilot and disabled the aircraft, flying it to its doom with crew and passengers unable to get through the locked cockpit door. Theorists have put forward the suggestion that he was having relationship problems and this was his dramatic way of taking his own life. But he was engaged to be married to Captain Nadira Ramli, 26, a fellow pilot from another airline, and loved his job. There are no known reasons for him to have taken any fatal action. There have been a series of outlandish theories about the disappearance of the plane Others have suggested that because he was known to have occasionally invited young women into the cockpit during a flight, he had done so this time and something had gone wrong. Young Jonti Roos said in March that she spent an entire flight in 2011 in the cockpit being entertained by Hamid, who was smoking. Interest in the co-pilot was renewed when it was revealed he was the last person to communicate from the cockpit after the communication system was cut off. DID THE RUSSIANS STEAL MH370 AND FLY THE JET TO KAZAKHSTAN An expert has claimed the missing Malaysia Airlines flight 370 was hijacked on the orders of Vladimir Putin and secretly landed in Kazakhstan. Jeff Wise, a U.S. science writer who spearheaded CNN's coverage of the Boeing 777-200E, has based his outlandish theory on pings that the plane gave off for seven hours after it went missing, that were recorded by British telecommunications company Inmarsat. Wise believes that hijackers 'spoofed' the plane's navigation data to make it seem like it went in another direction, but flew it to the Baikonur Cosmodrome, which is leased from Kazakhstan by Russia. However, Wise admits in New York Magazine that he does not know why Vladimir Putin would want to steal a plane full of people and that his idea is somewhat 'crazy'. Wise also noted there were three Russian men onboard the flight, two of them Ukrainian passport holders. Aviation disaster experts analysed satellite data and discovered - like the data recorded by Inmarsat - that the plane flew on for hours after losing contact. Careful examination of the evidence has revealed that MH370 made three turns after the last radio call, first a turn to the left, then two more, taking the plane west, then south towards Antarctica. MH370 WAS USED BY TERRORISTS FOR A SUICIDE ATTACK ON THE CHINESE NAVY This extraordinary claim came from 41-year-old British yachtsman Katherine Tee, from Liverpool, whose initial account of seeing what she thought was a burning plane in the night sky made headlines around the world. On arrival in Thailand's Phuket after sailing across the Indian Ocean from Cochin, southern India with her husband, she said: 'I could see the outline of the plane - it looked longer than planes usually do.There was what appeared to be black smoke streaming from behind.' Ms Tee's general description of the time and place was vague and she lost all credibility when she later stated on her blog that she believed MH370 was a kamikaze plane that was aimed at a flotilla of Chinese ships and it was shot down before it could smash into the vessels. Without solid proof of the satellite data, she wrote on her blog, Saucy Sailoress, the plane she saw was flying at low altitude towards the military convoy she and her husband had seen on recent nights. She added that internet research showed a Chinese flotilla was in the area at the time. While the debris proved the plane went down in the Indian Ocean, the location of the main underwater wreckage and its crucial black box data recorders remains stubbornly elusive. THE JET LANDED ON THE WATER AND WAS SEEN FLOATING ON THE ANDAMAN SEA On a flight from Jeddah to Kuala Lumpur that crossed over the Andaman Sea on March 8, Malaysian woman Raja Dalelah, 53, saw what she believed was a plane sitting on the water's surface. She didn't know about the search that had been started for MH370. She alerted a stewardess who told her to go back to sleep. 'I was shocked to see what looked like the tail and wing of an aircraft on the water,' she said. It was only when she told her friends on landing in Kuala Lumpur what she had seen that she learned of the missing jet. She had seen the object at about 2.30pm Malaysian time. She said she had been able to identify several ships and islands before noticing the silver object that she said was a plane. But her story was laughed off by pilots who said it would have been impossible to have seen part of an aircraft in the water from 35,000ft or seven miles. Ms Raja filed an official report with police the same day and has kept to her story. 'I know what I saw,' she said. THE AIRCRAFT SUFFERED A CATASTROPHIC SYSTEMS FAILURE AND CRASH-LANDED ON THE OCEAN A catastrophic event such as a fire disabling much of the equipment resulted in the pilots turning the plane back towards the Malaysian peninsula in the hope of landing at the nearest airport. Satellite data, believable or not, suggests the aircraft did make a turn and theorists say there would be no reason for the pilots to change course unless confronted with an emergency. A fire in a similar Boeing 777 jet parked at Cairo airport in 2011 was found to have been caused by a problem with the first officer's oxygen mask supply tubing. Stewarts Law, which has litigated in a series of recent air disasters, believes the plane crashed after a fire - similar to the blaze on the Cairo airport runway - broke out in the cockpit. After an investigation into the Cairo blaze, Egypt's Aircraft Accident Investigation Central Directorate (EAAICD) released their final report which revealed that the fire originated near the first officer's oxygen mask supply tubing. The cause of the fire could not be conclusively determined, but investigators pinpointed a problem with the cockpit hose used to provide oxygen for the crew in the event of decompression. Following the 2011 fire, US aircraft owners were instructed to replace the system - it was estimated to cost $2,596 (1,573) per aircraft. It was not known whether Malaysia Airlines had carried out the change. If either pilot wanted to crash the plane, why turn it around? So the turn-around suggests they were trying to land as soon as possible because of an emergency. THE US SHOT DOWN THE AIRCRAFT FEARING A TERROR ATTACK ON DIEGO GARCIA The Boeing 777 was shot down by the Americans who feared the aircraft had been hijacked and was about to be used to attack the U.S. military base on Diego Garcia atoll in the Indian Ocean. So conspiracy theorists claim. And former French airline director Marc Dugain said he had been warned by British intelligence that he was taking risks by investigating this angle. There is no way of checking whether Dugain received such a warning or why he believes the Americans shot down the plane. But adding to the theory that the aircraft was flown to Diego Garcia, either by the pilot Zaharie or a hijacker, was the claim that on the pilot's home flight simulator was a 'practice' flight to the island. Professor Glees said: 'The Americans would have no interest in doing anything of the kind and not telling the world. 'In theory, they might wish to shoot down a plane they thought was attacking them but they wouldn't just fire missiles, they'd investigate it first with fighters and would quickly realise that even if it had to be shot down, the world would need to know.' A greedy lion interrupted his pride's hunt allowing a hard-won warthog to flee to safety in South Africa's Kruger National Park. Cobus Visser, a 54-year-old engineer, captured the incredible moment while driving in Marloth Park in southern Kruger last week. The lionesses intercept the warthog as a few pigs dart up the bank, but before they can make the kill the lion comes over and pushes them aside. As he does so the warthog is able to spring free and the lions are unable to keep up. Scroll down for video The unsuspecting lionesses take down the warthog as the lion approaches from behind The lion snaps his jaws at the females to claim his prize but when he turns around it has gone Mr Visser told Latest Sightings: 'We first saw the male and after a while, we spotted the lionesses. They, at first, seemed calm and relaxed. But, suddenly, the females got up, lined themselves up, and the hunt started. 'Emotions were through the roof. Visiting the park for more than twenty years, I've seen the aftermath of kills a couple of times, but never a hunt and then timing it well enough to capture it on camera too. 'That was the best luck of all. For me and my family, it was the best scene ever after all these years visiting the Kruger Park.' The lionesses cut off their prey as he tries to follow another pair of hogs to higher ground The lioness stops the lagging warthog as two other make their escape up the hill The heavy-set male tries to get after the warthog who is too quick for the lion A landmark ruling that Uber drivers are 'workers' ignored the fact that the relationship between the company and its drivers is 'typical of the private hire industry', the Court of Appeal has heard. The ride-hailing firm is attempting to overturn employment tribunal findings which could pave the way for tens of thousands of its drivers in the UK to receive the national minimum wage and paid holiday. At a hearing in London on Tuesday, counsel for Uber said 'the agency model' - with Uber acting as an agent between drivers and passengers - has been used in the private hire industry 'for many years'. Demonstrators joined Uber drivers at a protest outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London today before a ruling on their employment rights Dinah Rose QC, for Uber, said Uber was not 'unusual' because of the relationship between it and its drivers, 'but because the Uber app enables it to operate on a much larger scale than traditional minicab companies'. Last November, the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) dismissed Uber's appeal against an earlier tribunal ruling that former drivers and co-claimants Yaseen Aslam and James Farrar were 'workers' at the time they were operating for Uber. Uber contends that both tribunals 'erred in law' in concluding that the pair were workers, submitting that it 'wrongly disregarded the written contracts in which the parties' agreements were recorded'. An earlier employment tribunal found Uber's agreements with drivers contained 'fictions, twisted language and even brand new terminology', and that the contracts 'did not correspond with the practical reality'. However, Ms Rose said that the contracts 'reflected the true relationship and terms of the agreements between the parties'. She argued that the tribunals 'misunderstood or failed to apply basic principles of agency law' and had 'treated as bizarre or absurd normal relationships widespread in the industry'. Ms Rose concluded: 'The only legally proper conclusion on the facts found by the [employment tribunal] was that the claimants were not employed as workers by Uber.' Stephen Garelick, regional organiser of the GMB union, said Uber drivers could be 18,000 out of pocket two years after the company lost an employment tribunal case over their employment status Drivers James Farrar and Yaseen Aslam won an employment tribunal to be entitled to paid holiday and the minimum wage in October 2016. Pictured: Supporters outside court today Jason Galbraith-Marten QC, for Mr Aslam and Mr Farrar, said there was 'no express agreement' by which the claimants appointed Uber 'to act as their agent and setting out the nature and extent of that agency'. He said that the tribunals' task was therefore to 'determine the true nature of the (implied) agreement' between drivers and Uber. Mr Galbraith-Marten said the tribunals were 'entitled to ask whether the claimants are genuinely in business on their own account' or whether they were 'providing their services' to Uber. He added that, if Uber was not acting as the drivers' agent, 'the purported driver-passenger contract is indeed a fiction'. Before the hearing, hundreds of gig workers attended a demonstration organised by the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB), which represents Mr Aslam and Mr Farrar. Many professionals value the independence granted by self-employment, which allows them to pick and choose when they work without having to give any prior commitment. Many professionals value the independence granted by self-employment, but protesters (pictured) accused Uber of 'driving us into poverty) The Independent Workers Union was one of the organisations represented at today's protest An Oxford University report in September found 93 per cent of Uber drivers agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, 'I partnered with Uber to have more flexibility in my schedule and balance my work life and family life.' But IWGB general secretary Jason Moyer-Lee said: 'Today's action is the articulation of the legitimate rage of the precarious workers and the exploited workers of the UK. 'Uber have already lost two court battles. They're fighting to not have to give minimum wage and paid holidays and pensions and other basic employment rights to the drivers who work for them.' Frank Field, chair of the House of Commons work and pensions select committee, said precarious workers 'have clearly had enough'. Mr Field said the Uber drivers 'began this three years ago and the boss class are stretching it out with appeals'. He added: 'They can afford to. Uber are rich enough to put themselves above the law.' Master of the Rolls Sir Terence Etherton, Lord Justice Underhill and Lord Justice Bean, who will hear arguments from parties at a two-day hearing, are expected to reserve their judgment in the case. The protest in London (pictured) is scheduled at the same time as a similar march in Glasgow Speaking outside court, former Uber driver and test claimant James Farrar said the case had 'snowballed' since he first took it on three years ago. He said: 'There is a rising tide of demand, as you saw this morning, from precarious workers. 'A lot of people say to me, "If you don't like it, just go and work somewhere else", but the problem is the problems are repeated across the economy.' Mr Farrar said the case was now more important than just the outcome for himself and his fellow claimants: 'There is a lot at stake. If we lose this, all those [other] people will be affected.' He added: 'Myself and Yaseen [Aslam, his co-claimant] should not be here today. The Government should be enforcing the law.' The GMB, which is also involved in the case, said Uber drivers are estimated to be an average of 18,000 out of pocket two years after the company lost an employment tribunal case over the employment status of drivers. Boohoo was named and shamed in Parliament today for producing 5 dresses which one expert warned would be of such low quality charity shops would snub them. The online fashion house, which has seen its sales soar to 560million after enlisting celebrities as models, was criticised for fuelling a throwaway clothes culture. MPs were told that online shops like Boohoo and Asos are aggressively competing to produce cheaper and faster clothes for young women. But the environmental audit select committee - which is investigating the environmental impact of the 'fast fashion' industry - was told this is fuelling a culture where an eye-watering 400,000 tonnes end up being binned in UK landfill sites. Stella Claxton, senior lecturer with the Clothing Sustainability Research Group, Nottingham Trent University, said some of the shop's clothes were so cheap that charity shops may not want them. MailOnline found three dresses selling for 5 full price when we went on Boohoo's site today, while another one was reduced from 6 to just 2. Labour MP Mary Creagh, chairwoman of the committee, told MailOnline she was 'shocked' by the evidence. She said: 'Clothes are sold at pocket money prices, costing little more than the price of a coffee, and are treated as just as disposable.' Scroll down for video Boohoo was named and shamed in Parliament today for producing 5 dresses which one expert warned would be of such low quality charity shops would snub them. MailOnline found three dresses selling for 5 full price when we went on Boohoo's site today Stella Claxton, senior lecturer with the Clothing Sustainability Research Group, Nottingham Trent University, (pictured in Parliament today) said some of the shop's clothes were so cheap that charity shops may not want them Ms Claxton told the MPs: If you look at where the growth of the retail market in the UK is coming from, it is very much the kind of low value end, particularly the success of the online retailers such as Asos and Boohoo who are competing on low prices and fast turnaround. I saw a dress on Boohoo retailed for full price at 5 at the weekend. So we have a market these garments are mainly aimed at young women who are...getting pleasure from what they wear and getting pleasure through their clothing. How does Britain's addiction to clothes affect the environment? Britain's addiction to buying more and more cheap clothes has come under the spotlight in Parliament. MPs on the environmental audit select committee are probing how the 'fast fashion' industry is harming nature. Their latest report warned that pollution caused by synthetic fibres being machine washed and finding their way into the world's oceans. While an eye-watering 400,000 tonnes of clothes are estimated to be d umped in landfill sites in the UK every year. The MPs have voiced their alarm at the environmental fall-out and its chairwoman Mary Creagh has written to leading retailers demanding to know what they are doing to improve sustainability. The global fashion industry produced more CO2 emissions than international flights and maritime shipping combined in 2015, according to a submission to the MPs' inquiry from the Institute of Mechanical Engineers. The select committee say they want to protect the lucrative fashion industry in Britain, but tackle the environmental problems it fuels. Advertisement But the actual value of the item is very low in real terms and in quality terms and in emotional terms to them.' She said that because the clothes are so cheap, their owners do not see them as valuable enough to recycle by giving them to a charity shop. And she said that may charity shops may not want to stock them. She said: So the incentive for them to recycle or want to pass that on in some way, or for even charity shops to want that kind of product in their shops, is very low. So the opportunity for that end of the market to have a second hand opportunity is quite limited. A Boohoo spokeswoman said: 'Sustainability is an important subject to us at boohoo and something that is top of our agenda. 'We cater for a wide variety of customers and do offer some very affordable options as highlighted here, but these are just a small part of our offer. 'The youthful demographic of our customer, means that education is key and we use our huge reach across social channels globally to help share ideas of how a garment can be utilised in their wardrobe again and again. 'We are also working with reGAIN a company that allows users to recycle unwanted clothing to prevent them from going to landfill. 'We know there is more we can do and we acknowledge that we have a responsibility and role to play being a fast fashion brand.' MPs are investigating the environmental fall-out of the UK's addiction to clothes. As part of their inquiry, they are looking at how fibres from clothes are making their way into the world's oceans, and vast amounts of clothes are chucked into landfill ever year. The committee's latest report also shows ocean pollution from synthetic fibres, as a single washing machine load can release 700,000 fibres to wastewater, according to research from the University of Plymouth. Britain buys an estimated 1.1million tonnes of clothes ever year - which equates to around 26.7kg for every person living in the country. This is higher than any other European nation, with the Germans in second place buying around 16.7kg a year, MPs heard. While Britons donate lots of their old clothes to charity shops for reuse, around 400,000 tonnes of clothes end up in landfill ever year. Experts giving evidence to MPs today urged shops to take more responsibility for their clothes and ensure they are made of longer lasting and more durable materials. They also called for more research and investment into how to make clothes recyclable. Dr Mark Sumner, a lecturer at the University of Leeds, told MPs that millennials are under huge pressure to look good, while the prolonged wage squeeze may have fuelled the cheaper fast fashion industry. Britain's insatiable appetite for clothes in numbers Britain buys more clothes than any of its European neighbours. Here are some of the figures which highlight the UK's clothes addiction: 1.1million tonnes: Amount of clothes bought in Britain every year Amount of clothes bought in Britain every year 26.7kg: Amount of clothes every individual in Britain on average buys a year Amount of clothes every individual in Britain on average buys a year 400,000 tonnes: Amount of clothes buried in landfill in Britain every year Amount of clothes buried in landfill in Britain every year Brits today buy five tim e s more clothes than they did in the 1980s Advertisement He said: 'The idea that you are going to find a millennial, or even someone in their 30s or 40s, to look at a garment that doesn't have as much polyester coming off, and think they are going to choose that over a garment that makes them look really attractive and may hep them find their mate and be successful in that job interview [is not realistic].' He added: 'That 5 Boohoo dress is so low value, unless we see that emotional connection it stays as a 5 dress - lasting emotional connection.' Young people are also losing the ability to mend and repair their clothes - and are going out shopping for new coats because they cannot sew a button back on. Dr Sumner told the committee: 'I followed some design students, who spend all their time in a design studio with sewing machines, needles and thread and everything, and one of the students said to her friend "I have got to go down to the Trinity shopping centre to buy a new coat, because a button's fallen off my coat". 'We are seeing more and more people saying they are going to buy a new outfit because I can't be bothered to fix it, or it is so cheap to buy an outfit. MPs on the environmental audit committee (pictured in parliament today) were told that online shops like Boohoo and Asos are aggressively competing to produce cheaper and faster clothes for young women 'This is not just about clothing, for example buying new appliances is much easier and cheaper than getting a repair. 'My bread maker broke last week....No-one can repair it or give me the parts, so I have to buy a new one.' Speaking after the committee, Ms Creagh said that she had been left shocked at the revelations of environmental damage and exploitation of child labour her committee has uncovered in its investigation. The Labour MP said they have written to Britain's ten largest clothes retailers demanding answers about how they treat their staff and the environment. And she warned that it was not just cheap retailers at the bottom ed of the scale which are behaving in an exploitative way - luxury brands are at it too. She said: 'We also heard about fast luxury - some of the luxury retailers who are charging 80 a t-shirt and they are being made in factories where 8 t-shirts are also being made. 'And those workers will not be being paid any more.' Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 30) - The camp of Senator Antonio Trillanes IV revealed his plan to question the decision of a Makati judge, which upheld the validity of President Rodrigo Duterte's order to void his amnesty. During the Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 148's hearing into the Department of Justice's appeal on the decision not to arrest Trillanes, the senator's camp said they are also planning to file a motion for reconsideration. In the decision issued on October 22, Judge Andres Soriano rejected the plea to arrest Trillanes, but he also upheld the validity of Proclamation No. 572. The said proclamation, Duterte voided the amnesty granted to Trillanes in 2011. Trillanes' coup d'etat case before Branch 148 was automatically dismissed when he was granted amnesty. Trillanes' lawyer Reynaldo Robles said Soriano's decision set a "dangerous precedent" because it gives the President power to set aside a court decision that has been closed for years. A former nurse and ice addict who shot a police officer with his own gun during a hostage situation in a hospital was found not guilty on the basis of mental illness. Sergeant Luke Warburton was shot in the leg when he attempted to disarm Michael de Guzman after he took a doctor hostage at a New South Wales hospital in January of 2016. But a NSW District Court Judge ruled Mr de Guzman was 'completely delusional' when he held the doctor hostage with a pair of scissors and threatened to kill people. A former nurse and ice addict (pictured) who shot a police officer with his own gun during a hostage situation in a hospital was found not guilty on the basis of mental illness Sergeant Luke Warburton (pictured) was shot in the leg when he attempted to disarm Michael de Guzman after he took a doctor hostage at a New South Wales hospital in January of 2016 The police officer described the outcome as 'bitterly disappointing,' and cited his lifelong battle with health complications as a result of the attack. 'Obviously we're bitterly disappointed with the outcome,' Sgt Warburton told reporters outside court. 'I've got lifelong injuries as a result of it; my leg doesn't work any further. 'These are all things we just have to bear and go with now.' Sgt Warburton thanked his family friends and fellow officers who supported him and the prosecution case, which argued the shooting episode was drug-fuelled and the responsibility of de Guzman. The deranged former nurse, who was high on ice at the time of the attack, believed the hospital was involved in a Russian prostitution ring that had taken his wife The police officer (pictured) described the outcome as 'bitterly disappointing,' and cited his lifelong battle with health complications as a result of the attack Judge Robison heavily praised Sgt Warburton's actions and noted the shooter had smoked ice in varying quantities over years and used on the day. He said in addition to the substance abuse, de Guzman, 41, had suffered from a significant mental illness for a long time and cleared him of all 11 charges by reason of mental impairment. 'For a long time, the accused was completely delusional,' Judge Robison said. At the time of the shooting, de Guzman was convinced his wife had been taken to Saudi Arabia to join a Russian mafia-run prostitution ring and people in the hospital were involved. 'He simply did not trust anyone in those circumstances,' Judge Robison said. Sergeant Luke Warburton is a dog squad officer. He was shot in the leg trying to disarm the offender He said the turning point in de Guzman's soundness of mind was his wife moving out of the family home a week before the incident. She told him she wouldn't move back in until he sought treatment and gave evidence he had told her he was sorry hours before the hospital incident. De Guzman's solicitor Eidan Havas said there were no winners. 'It should draw attention to mental health and the need for our government to provide more funding,' he told reporters outside court. 'He would like to extend an apology to Sgt Warburton. 'At the time he was mentally ill but he is now of sound mind and he is really disappointed that a decorated officer has had to go through this experience.' De Guzman remains in custody ahead of a hearing before the Mental Health Review Tribunal. Katie Price has staved off bankrupcy for another month - but could be made homeless at a court hearing in December. The former glamour model - who was once worth an estimated 45million - narrowly avoided being declared bankrupt in August, when she was given 12 weeks to come up with the money she owes to creditors. Her lawyers came back to London's High Court today for a fresh hearing over how she will clear up a 22,000 debt with the taxman. Estimates over the Loose Women panellist's total debts have ranged from 250,000 to 500,000. Former glamour model Katie Price has avoided bankruptcy at a High Court hearing today. Her lawyers will hold a meeting with HMRC before another hearing in December The star fears she may be forced to sell her Sussex mansion if she is declared bankrupt The case was again put off today, with her legal team saying she has a meeting planned with tax officials for November 16. It is thought she will attempt to be enter into an individual voluntary arrangement (IVA), a formal alternative for indebted people wishing to avoid bankruptcy. Miss Price, 40, fears she could be forced to sell her West Sussex mansion if a trustee is brought in to sell off her possessions. She is unlikely to be made homeless before Christmas due to rules allowing people living with children to appeal for a 12-month delay to losing their home. In recent months there have been reports that the former model, a keen horsewoman, had been trying to sell off her pink horsebox and a number of her animals. Her 2million mansion, which is a former home of ex-Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude, boasts nine bedrooms, a two bedroom annexe, 12 acres of land, a swimming pool, a tennis court and stables. Katie Price's pink Range Rover was seen being towed away earlier this summer due to suspected mechanical problems. She is under investigation for alleged drink driving Price - under the name of Jordan (pictured in 2002) - made her name as a glamour model. It is now feared she will have to sell her pink horse box Official documents reveal Miss Price bought the property for 1.35 million in October 2014. But it has since fallen into a state of disrepair, with the grounds strewn with rubbish and the swimming pool full of dirty water. To make matters worse for the TV star, she is currently under investigation for alleged drink driving after she was arrested at a roadside in Woolwich, south-east London earlier this month. Russia has announced it will carry out missiles tests off the coast of Norway while NATO stages its largest war games since the Cold War close by. Putin's warships will test-fire some of Russia's latest hardware in international waters near the Norwegian cities of Kristiansund, Molde, and Alesund from November 1 until November 3, the country's military said. The timing coincides with NATO troop manoeuvres near the city of Alesund as part of the Trident Juncture war games, which are scheduled in the same time period. Russia will test ship-launched missiles in international waters close to Norway at the same time NATO carries out a huge war games nearby The missile tests will take place between November 1st and 3rd close to the city of Alesund, while NATO troop manoeuvres happen near the same city (file image) NATO is carrying out the Trident Juncture games, involving more than 50,000 troops, which began on October 25 and will last until November 7 A map showing the NATO areas of operation during Trident Juncture, in red, green and blue. The area where Russia plans to test its missiles is shaded in black NATO commanders were informed of the move via NOTAM, a system for pilots which warns of potential hazards along route, last week. While the military alliance sought to downplay Russia's tests, a Polish adviser called it a deliberate provocation by Putin. Jedrzej Tomczak, deputy political adviser to the Polish NATO delegation, put out a tweet saying: 'Russia has a right to [carry out the tests]. But make no mistake. This clearly shows its attitude & intentions.' The NATO exercise was 'defensive' in nature, commanders 'notified [Russia] well in advance' and was 'fully transparent, with Russian observers', he said. Meanwhile Russia's missile tests represent a 'deliberate escalation' and a 'risk increase.' However, Norwegian Defense Minister Frank Bakke-Jensen told Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty: 'There is nothing dramatic about this. 'We have noted it and will follow the Russian manoeuvres.' NATO says it was informed about the tests after a warning was issued to pilots about potential obstructions to their flight paths Explosions are seen in the water near the Norwegian town of Trondheim as Trident Juncture 18 war games take place Two Osprey V-22 aircraft operated by the US Marine Corps fly in formation as part of the drill While NATO commanders played down the Russian move, a Polish adviser to the alliance called it a 'deliberate escalation' in tensions Stoltenberg added 'this is not a Cold War situation,' stressing the NATO exercise is meant is 'purely to prevent, not to provoke.' Russia has been briefed by NATO on the exercises and invited to monitor them, but the move has still angered the Russians. The maneuvers come amid persistent tensions between NATO and Russia, and Moscow believes the alliance is behaving provactively near its borders. 'This is a necessary exercise' to 'send a strong signal of unity,' Stoltenberg told reporters as he visited the NATO maneuvers that involve around 50,000 personnel from all 29 NATO allies, plus partners Finland and Sweden. There also are 65 ships, 250 aircraft and 10,000 vehicles in a hypothetical scenario that involves restoring Norway's sovereignty after an attack by a 'fictitious aggressor.' 'We are exercising in NATO territory,' Stoltenberg said. The USS Iwo Jima, a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, sails through a harbour near Trondheim, in Norway, as it takes part in the exercise The exercises, which involved troops from 31 allied nations (German soldiers pictured), are the largest held by NATO since the Cold War Two tanks on manoeuvres near the city of Trondheim on Tuesday as part of Trident Juncture NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg holds a silenced sniper rifle as he speaks to troops during the exercises Tensions in the region have grown between Baltic NATO members and Moscow, including reports of airspace violations by Russian military aircraft. Non-aligned Sweden and Finland have watched with increasing trepidation, stepping up their own military activity with cross-border exercises and drills with NATO countries. The standoff in Norway is the latest point of friction between Russia and NATO since the 2014 invasion of Ukraine and annexation of Crimea plunged relations into the deep freeze. NATO's war games come after Russia staged its two largest games in recent years - Zapad 2017 and Vostok 2018 - in Belarus and Siberia. The Zapad games were particularly troubling for NATO commanders, who said it clearly represented a staged invasion of Europe. Elsewhere on Tuesday Russia's only aircraft carrier - the diesel-powered Admiral Kuznetsov - was badly damaged after a floating dock meant to help repair it sank while the ship was positioned on it. The dock was located in the Kola Bay near Murmansk close to where Russia's Northern Fleet is based, with Kuznetsov due to go back into service in 2021. Maria Kovtun, Murmansk's governor, said in a statement that a rescue operation had been launched and 71 people evacuated after the floating dock holding the ship had begun to sink. The warship had been successfully extracted from the dock before it completely sank, she said. Investigators, who said they had opened a criminal investigation into the incident that would look at whether safety rules had been violated, Two Harvey Weinstein accusers have set up a website to encourage sex assault victims to come forward. Actresses Jessica Barth, 39, and Caitlin Dulany, 51, are running a group called Voices In Action which aims to empower victims by connecting them to fellow survivors. On Monday they will unveil their website that includes a form where victims can submit accusations and receive an alert if someone else reports their attacker. Actresses Jessica Barth (left), 39, and Caitlin Dulany (right), 51, are running a group called Voices In Action which aims to empower victims by connecting them to fellow survivors Barth told the LA Times: 'For years, no one came out against Weinstein, but when people started saying "It happened to me" the movement took off.' 'When you know you're not the only person to come forward, there's strength and safety in numbers.' Barth, known for playing Tami-Lynn McCaferty in the Ted films, claimed Weinstein pressured her to give him a naked massage in the Peninsula Hotel in 2011. Dulany, who starred in ER and CSI Miami, claimed she was sexually assaulted and falsely imprisoned in Weinstein's hotel suite during the Cannes Film Festival in 1996. They said they decided to create a group for victims after meeting in December while filming the Frontline documentary Weinstein. Both said they were encouraged by talking to fellow victims and wanted to bring this opportunity to others. The Voices in Action website will allow victims to report sexual assault with a detailed intake form. They will received a time-stamped receipt, excluding their alleged attacker's name, which they can present to police. Harvey Weinstein leaving the Supreme Court in New York in July 2018 Only a trauma-trained moderator will be able to see the accusations - not Bath or Dulany. A complainant will be told if the website has received any other accusations against the same person - but they will not be told who the other accusers are in case they meet and change their stories together. Bath and Dulany said the records will not be made public to avoid being sued by those accused. 'This isn't about outing the bad guys, ' Barth told the LA Times. 'This is about supporting victims and letting them know they're not alone - and hopefully arming them with information to come forward to seek justice and accountability.' The Pittsburgh rabbi who said he would be honored to welcome President Trump to the city after surviving an attack on his synagogue has received hate mail for the comments, he revealed on Tuesday. Rabbi Jeffrey Myers was leading prayer services in the Tree of Life Congregation synagogue on Tuesday when gunman Robert Bowers opened fire. Bowers, an anti-semitic trucker, slaughtered eight of Myers' elderly congregants with an AR-15 and three handguns, then killed another three men who were part of a different congregation in the basement. The rabbi survived by fleeing to a bathroom where he hid, holding the door closed 'with all his might' until he was rescued by SWAT. On Monday, as other survivors denounced the president and Jewish groups circulated an open letter telling him he was not welcome in Pittsburgh, Rabbi Myers spoke out to say he would be happy to meet Trump or any sitting president of the United States. He revealed on Tuesday morning that he has since been inundated with abuse for saying so. 'When I first said that the president was welcome, I've received a lot of emails, too numerous to count, I've received many that are not happy with those words. 'Those emails also contain hate. It just continues in this vicious cycle. We need to be better than this. 'We can be better than this,' he told CNN. Scroll down for video Rabbi Jeffrey Myers revealed on Tuesday that he has received hate mail for saying he would welcome President Trump to Pittsburgh. The president will arrive in Pittsburgh at 4pm on Tuesday Rabbi Jeffrey Myers says he has no plans at the moment to meet with President Trump when he arrives in Pittsburgh: "My attention will be with the family. I have a funeral and I must tend to their needs" pic.twitter.com/TcDpJzlq0m CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) October 30, 2018 Trump will visit the city on Tuesday with the First Lady. They are scheduled to arrive at 4pm. Rabbi Myers has no plan to meet with the couple, he said, because his attention will be on the family of Dr. Jerry Rabinowitz, one of his congregants whose funeral he is presiding over. 'I have no plans at this time for any involvement. My attention will be the family. I have a funeral and I must tend to their needs. That's where my attention will be,' he said. On Monday, he said: 'It would be my honor to always meet a president of the United States. These are good decent people. They didn't have an ounce of hate in any of them. 'We turn to the leaders of our country, we've got to stop hate. It can't just be to say, we need to do, we need to act to tone down a rhetoric.' Rabbi Myers has described in painstaking detail how he was forced to flee the main sanctuary when Bowers opened fire on Tuesday. 'We started 9.45 and the regulars are there, these good decent people. Within a few minutes I heard what I thought was the crashing metal of one of the coat racks and I thought one of our seniors maybe lost his or her balance and pulled on it to right themselves and fell, god forbid, or something, ' he said in a harrowing account of the events to Good Morning America yesterday. Rabbi Jeffrey Myers was leading prayers in the main sanctuary when the gunman burst in. He got the people in the front to safety but could not save the eight victims in the back. He told on Monday how he was forced to flee as he heard the gunman approach and ran to a bathroom upstairs to hide. The door was locked so he held it closed 'with all his might' and prayed that Bowers would not find him until SWAT teams rescued him and told him to run across the road. That is when this picture was taken of Myers, still wrapped in his prayer shawl 'At that moment, three members of Dor Hadash, one of the congregations we house in our building, I saw them run downstairs. 'That's when the next hail of bullets rang out within another 10 or 15 seconds. Though I've never personally witnessed or heard gunfire until this moment, something inside told me, this is gunfire. 'I quickly told my congregants to just drop to the floor, be quiet, don't say a word. I thought, the pews are thick old wood... perhaps there's some protection there.' Myers was able to get the people closest to him out through doors at the front of the sanctuary but he could not save those who were further to the back. Choking back tears, he described having to leave them and run for his own life. Bowers entered the Tree of Life synagogue at 9.45am on Saturday and turned left into the main sanctuary first, killing eight people there before going to the basement. He then tried to leave but was confronted by cops on his way out and retreated back into the building and fled upstairs to the third floor where he was eventually taken into custody 'I tried to see if i could get the remaining people who were in the back of the congregation but I could tell the gunfire was getting louder. 'I couldn't save those eight people,' he said. He fled upstairs, into the choir loft, and listened as Bowers murdered those who had no time to escape. 'I heard him execute my congregants. I couldn't watch,' he said. He had his cell phone on him, something he had been taught to do by a security expert, and was the first person to call 911. He stayed on the phone as he ran to safety upstairs and hid in a bathroom. To his horror when he got inside, the door was locked. 'With all my might, I just held on to the door and prayed to God, "Don't find me." After what seemed like an eternity, SWAT came and rescued me but at that point they had not caught him, he was still at large in the facility. 'They had me run across the street so that's probably that photo, the 15-minutes-of-fame photo, of me running across the street with my prayer shawl on,' he said. While Myers shares the view that action must be taken, his hospitable attitude towards the president is in sharp contrast to that of Bend the Arc, a Jewish activist organization which issued a petition on Saturday which explicitly told Trump: 'You are not welcome in Pittsburgh until you fully denounce white nationalism.' Bend the Arc, a Jewish activist organization, issued this open letter to the president on Saturday on behalf of its 'Pittsburgh leaders' Some members of the Tree of Life share the view including former president Lynnette Lederman who said: 'I do not welcome this President to my city. 'The hypocritical words that come from him tell me nothing. 'We have very, very strong leadership in this city. We have a very strong mayor with very strong values, a very strong county executive in Rich Fitzgerald. Robert Bowers, 46, was charged with 29 counts - including 22 which carry the death penalty 'We have people who stand by us, who believed in values not just Jewish values, but believe in values and those are not the values of this President and I do not welcome him to Pittsburgh.' Barry Werber, who hid from the gunman on Saturday in a closet as he rained bullets on his friends, said he did not want Trump to visit. 'I hope he doesn't. I hope he doesn't. We have no use for him. It's part of his program to instigate his base. 'He's calling himself a nationalist. The last political group that I heard call themselves nationalists were Nazis,' he said. In an open letter to Trump, Bend the Arc accused Trump of fueling hatred and indirectly contributing to the massacre. For the past three years your words and your policies have emboldened a growing white nationalist movement. You yourself called the murderer evil, but yesterdays violence is the direct culmination of your influence. Yesterdays massacre is not the first act of terror you incited against a minority group in our country, the letter read. President Trump, you are not welcome in Pittsburgh until you stop targeting and endangering all minorities. There's a legal battle brewing between the Satanic Temple and Netflix's The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. The Satanic Temple claims Netflix's hit new show stole the copyrighted design of its Baphomet statue, which it calls a 'central icon' of the religion. Lucien Greaves, the co-founder of the Satanic Temple, confirmed on Twitter that he plans to take 'legal action' against the show for 'appropriating our copyrighted monument design to promote their asinine Satanic Panic fiction'. The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina - based on the Archie Comics - follows the story of teen Sabrina Spellman as she tries to balance life as half-human and half-witch. The Satanic Temple claims Netflix's The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina stole the copyrighted design of its Baphomet statue, which it calls a 'central icon' of the religion. Pictured is the Baphomet statue featured on the show Both the show and the Satanic Temple's statues display Baphomet sitting down as two children look up at him. Pictured is the Satanic Temple's Baphomet statue Her main enemy? High school bullies and Satan, of course. The Baphomet figure - also known as the Sabbatic Goat - is prominently displayed at the Academy of Unseen Arts, where Sabrina goes to learn witchcaft. Both the show and the Satanic Temple's statues display Baphomet sitting down, holding two fingers up, as two children look up at him in adoration. Lisa Soper, the production designer of Sabrina, denied that the show modeled their Baphomet statue from the Satanic Temple's design. 'I think that's kind of a coincidence,' she told Vice. 'When you look at Baphomet, there's really only a couple of statues of him. They have their statue, and we've got our statue in the show.' 'If you look at Goya paintings, if you look at a lot of the tarot cards, or the Alistair Crawley iterations of himbecause there's hundreds and hundreds of iterations of him, he's always seen with his people around him.' The Baphomet figure - also known as the Sabbatic Goat - is prominently displayed at the Academy of Unseen Arts, where Sabrina goes to learn witchcaft, on the show (pictured) The Satanic Temple claims its Baphomet statue is 'very distinct' and 'has numerous prominent features that do not exist in any prior representation'. Pictured is Satanic Temple co-founder Lucien Greaves with the religion's Baphomet statue 'It's more of like a father figure kind of thing,' Soper continued. 'So depicting his children with him, those kinds of elements are all kind of the same.' 'It's no different from any other of the mass amounts of iterations of him that have been around.' But Satanic Temple co-founder Malcolm Jarry remains unconvinced, saying the religion's statue is 'very distinct' and 'has numerous prominent features that do not exist in any prior representation'. The Satanic Temple spent a year and a half designing the icon until they 'felt it signified what we were trying to convey', Greaves added. 'Our depiction of Baphomet is wholly original,' Jarry said. 'I cannot compare ours with all previous depictions.' But the Satanic Temple is even more worried that the statue could inspire a new 'Satanic Panic'. 'One of the central missions of the Satanic Temple has been to fight back against witch hunts and irrational mob panics,' Greaves said. Greaves confirmed on Twitter that he planned to take 'legal action' against Netflix for 'appropriating our copyrighted monument design to promote their Satanic Panic fiction' 'There are signs of a Satanic Panic revival today, and as Satanists we need to do all we can do to fight back against negligent and harmful representations.' Greaves claims the show is representing Baphomet as something 'evil', and that he worries people will associate it with the Satanic Temple. 'I feel that the use of our particular image that is recognized as our own central icon [being] displayed fictionally as central to some cannibalistic cult has real world damaging effects for us,' he told the San Francisco Chronicle. 'It's deeply problematic to us. But even if that wasn't the case, we'd be obligated to make a copyright claim because that's how copyright works.' Greaves said the Satanic Temple's lawyer has sent a letter to Netflix informing the company that the shows has violated its copyright. 'Obviously, the nature of the copyright violation could be considered defamatory,' he added. Greaves claims the show is representing Baphomet as something 'evil' and that he worries people will associate it with the Satanic Temple The Satanic Temple said it is only demanding that Netflix remove the statue from the show completely. 'I want them to take it out,' Greaves said. 'It looks like it's a CGI facsimile to begin with.' 'I don't know how much work that takes, but I simply refuse to have our monument used in this way. I don't want our monument to be associated with this.' 'If a resolution cannot be worked out, we will take aggressive action to protect our copyright,' Jarry added. This isn't the first time the Satanic Temple's Baphomet statue has made headlines. The religion has used the Baphomet statue as a way to fight against the placement of religious statues on public property. In 2012 it fought against a six-foot tall statue of the Ten Commandments outside the Oklahoma State House, arguing it should thus be permitted to 'erect a monument glorifying the Dark Lord' on the grounds. The strategy worked and the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled that the Ten Commandments monument was unconstitutional. Advertisement Britain's cold snap continued today as temperatures fell well below freezing with the prolonged summery conditions now a distant memory. The country faced its coldest night of autumn so far as the mercury plunged to -7.3C (18.9F) in parts of South Wales and Cumbria - hours after the weekend had brought the coldest October day for a decade. And trick or treaters knocking on doors for Halloween tomorrow night have been warned to wrap up warm and pack a waterproof with conditions expected to be blustery and rainy. Tonight could fall as low as -4C (25F). The DFDS Princess Seaways from Amsterdam enters the River Tyne in Tynemouth during rough seas this morning Choppy waters surround the ferry from Amsterdam as it arrives at the River Tyne in Tynemouth under ominous skies today The DFDS Princess Seaways arrives in choppy waters in Tynemouth today as forecasters warn of more stormy weather Strong winds create rough seas on the Yorkshire coastline today as huge waves hit Sandsend near Whitby this morning The Arctic blast, which brought an end to the warmest October for seven years, has continued this week with thawing snow turning to treacherous black ice and causing several accidents on roads in northern England. Temperatures fell to -7C in parts of South Wales and Cumbria last night, making it the coldest night of the autumn so far The weather will now become increasingly unsettled with rain likely in central, southern and eastern England today although it will become a little warmer over the next three days with highs of 13C (55F) expected. John West, a forecaster from the Met Office, said: 'It is still going to feel very wintry. Things will get more unsettled from Tuesday as a band of wet and windy weather moves up from south east England. 'Halloween will be blustery and rainy so trick and treaters need to make sure they wrap up warm and pack a waterproof. The rainy and unsettled weather will carry on into November.' There is more snow expected in the Scottish Highlands later this week, where up to an inch fell on Sunday. In Devon, the Dartmoor hills were blanketed over the weekend while snow also hit high ground in Cornwall. The chilly snap follows an unseasonably warm autumn that saw temperatures hit 26.5C (79.7F) on October 14, a record for that late in the month. On Saturday, temperatures peaked at just -3C (27F) in Inverness-shire. Today will become increasingly unsettled with rain likely in central, southern and eastern England Trick or treaters on Halloween tomorrow night have been warned conditions will be blustery and rainy for many parts Rain is expected across eastern England on Thursday, although some areas could enjoy the odd sunny spell Friday will bring sunnier conditions for eastern areas, although there could still be some rain in western Scotland Authentic Nazi and white nationalist items were sold at the Kentucky Expo Center this weekend - just days after two black people were gunned down in a hate crime. Nazi Christmas ornaments, Confederate flags and a Ku Klux Klan robe were on display at this weekends National Gun Day annual show. A white tank top with two red horizontal stripes and a patch with a black swastika was also among the items. The venue - which housed 1,600 tables of gun paraphernalia - is overseen by Kentucky Venues and managed by a fair board that's appointed by Governor Matt Bevin. The National Gun Day show at the Kentucky Expo Center in Louisville is under fire after selling Nazi and white nationalist paraphernalia (from 2016) According to Cody Patterson, a spokesperson with Kentucky Venues, said that the organization leases space to a show manager. That manager then subcontracts the space to exhibitors. Patterson asserted that showcasing the items at the expo was unacceptable. 'Kentucky Venues finds any items representing racist ideology to be despicable,' Patterson said to the Courier Journal. At the National Gun Day Gun Show. Oh tannenbaum? Why would anyone own this? Ever? pic.twitter.com/F2oL8i5Q2p Joe Gerth (@Joe_Gerth) October 27, 2018 The spokesman clarified that the Kentucky Venues can only screen merchandise for the Kentucky State Fair, the National Farm Machinery Show and the North American International Livestock Exposition. Show managers maintain what their programs can sell, he added. 'We don't have anything that bans items from an out-of-house contract,' Patterson stated. 'Management at the board has not had an issue so far, so we don't have a policy.' Patterson expects that the fair board will discuss the policy going forward. Heres a nice little item you can pick up at the gun show. #wtf pic.twitter.com/wHmaSAGrrW Joe Gerth (@Joe_Gerth) October 27, 2018 The items were featured at the convention center just three days after Gregory Bush was detained for shooting and killing two black people at a Jeffersontown Kroger The items were featured at the convention center just three days after Gregory Bush was detained for shooting and killing two black people at a Jeffersontown Kroger. Jeffersontown is approximately a half hour outside of Louisville. Bush is said to have tried to break into a predominantly black church, First Baptist Church in Jeffersontown. He also asserted to a witness that he didn't need to fear being shot because 'whites don't kill whites.' Bush, who has a history of mental illness and a criminal record that includes being charged with assault in the third degree, domestic violence and making terroristic threats in 2009, was booked into Metro Corrections early Thursday on two counts of murder and 10 counts of wanton endangerment Thursday afternoon Bush appeared in court for his arraignment and his bond was set at $10million. Police identified the victims as 69-year-old Maurice Stallard and 67-year-old Vicki Lee Jones. There didn't appear to be any connection between Bush and the victims, or any link between Bush and the Kroger store. Isaac (pictured) choked to death in a stairwell when he and his family tried to flee A firefighter who told a family to remain on the 18th storey of Grenfell Tower should have 'at least' rescued one of the trapped children, said a resident whose son choked to death in the blaze. Paulos Tekle considered jumping from the floor while clutching his young children as he desperately waited for fire crews to rescue them. Two firefighters reached the flat at around 2am, but advised the family to stay inside. The brigade told him to leave around 50 minutes later and he fled with his family and neighbours, losing his young son Isaac in the smoke-filled stairwell. A total of 72 people perished as a result of the blaze in the west London block on June 14 last year. Mr Tekle learned that his five-year-old had died through a BBC news report, with authorities confirming this 11 days later, he told the public inquiry into the fire today. In his written statement, Mr Tekle said it was 'very upsetting' that the firefighter who knocked on his door made no attempt to rescue the family. 'I have something which Im going to read. Its very difficult but I have to,' he said. 'I must live with the image and thought of my little boy left alone on the stairs of horror all night. But our nightmare doesnt end there. 'Our little boy was trampled. This is very painful to sit here and tell you, but I have to because I need you to please feel and hear why. 'I have been let down by London Fire Brigade, my son would have been alive today if we had been allowed to leave earlier.' If they had received 'proper instructions' they would have attempted to leave, he added. 'The first thing that I did was to ask him that we be helped out of the flat,' he said. 'The firefighter said that we were safe in the flat and that we should just cover the front door with a blanket, and he described how to cover the letterbox and the door. 'I remember saying to him: "There are two children here". I told him repeatedly that there were two children in the flat. I said this to emphasise the fact that we needed immediate help. A total of 72 people died as a result of the fire, including five-year-old Isaac, whose father says that firefighters did not try to rescue him when they came to the 18th floor 'After he left, I even thought that I should have told him that at least he should take one of the children. Thats what I thought after he left and I now note that he did not offer to do this.' While Mr Tekle, his partner, Genet, and their youngest son managed to escape, Isaac, who was being carried by a man who lived in the flat opposite, became lost. His body was recovered from the stairwell on the 13th floor. Mr Tekle said he had since learned that a firefighter who had walked down the stairs with the group did not hold his sons hand. 'I dont understand why the fireman prioritised the man holding my child, an adult, over my son Isaac. If they had held my sons hand I truly believe he would have been alive today. 'What is shocking me, the man who held my son, he had been helped all the way from top to bottom... and hes been holding in one hand the fireman, another hand my son. 'Why didnt that fireman hold my sons hand? Its very hard to wait this long to listen to this. I am very angry and I have been let down.' Sir Martin Moore-Bick said: 'Mr Tekle, I can understand your anger and youve had a terrible experience, you and Genet, and Im sorry weve had to ask you to come and talk about it again today. 'I say on my own behalf, and I suspect on behalf of everyone else here, how sorry we are about the terrible loss of your son Isaac and offer you and Genet our condolences, as far as that can be any help at all.' The anxious father spent days 'desperately hoping' his son was alive, only for the BBC to confirm his death. Mr Tekle said he could not understand how the broadcaster had found out before his family were informed. 'The family liaison officer (FLO) told me that I should wait for confirmation from them and not the media,' he said. 'Later on the FLO informed us that no child fitting the description, given by Genet and I, was on any of the hospital patient lists. Mr Tekle learned that Isaac had died through a news report after firefighters initially told him and his family to stay on the 18th floor 'I think it was 11 days later that the FLO advised us that he had been identified.' Mr Tekle added that he had 'firmly trusted' that they would be rescued and there was no need to make their own way out. 'I trusted the authorities and I believed they were coming to rescue us,' he said. 'Otherwise I would have taken the children and Genet and we would have left. There was no need to leave because we believed we were going to be rescued.' The public inquiry is in its first phase at Holborn Bars in central London and is hearing evidence from survivors of the fire and those who lost loved ones. Mr Tekle described how he climbed onto the window ledge of the 18th-floor flat to see if it would be possible to jump holding one of his sons. He also wanted to attract attention, and to get a better idea of the fires progress. In his written statement, he said: 'If the fire came into the flat, I thought that rather than being burnt alive I was going to jump from the window. 'I told Isaac "I will hold you and we will jump together". I did not want myself and my family to suffer painful deaths. 'I also thought that if we jumped and fell down on our backs holding our children we could cushion their falls and there was a chance that they would live.' Mr Tekle denied telling the firefighter who knocked on his door that he was safe in his flat. The inquiry has previously heard evidence from firefighter Gregory Lawson, who said a man told him he was safe and did not want to talk when he knocked on the door of an 18th-floor flat. 'Thats a joke, Im sorry,' Mr Tekle replied, his voice slightly raised, adding: 'I did not say this, there is no way in a million years I am going to say (this) because I am desperate to leave.' A woman has been arrested after police said she beat a man to death with a metal cane in an argument over a slice of pizza. Jamila Moore, 39, was booked on Wednesday in San Francisco in connection with the death of 65-year-old Harvey Grosser last month following a savage beating attack. On September 6 at about 1am, Grosser was attacked on the first block of Sixth Street in the South of Market neighborhood. The altercation occurred on this stretch of Sixth Street, where there are several pizza shops and single-room occupancy hotels The stretch of Sixth Street near Market Street is home to several pizza shops and single-room occupancy hotels that serve San Francisco's sizable homeless community. The attack followed a verbal argument 'over a slice of pizza', Police Chief William Scott said, according to KTVU. The suspect beat Grosser in the head with a metal cane and then fled the area, police said. Grosser suffered skull fractures and died a week later, on September 14. Police investigated the case as a homicide. Using surveillance video of the incident, investigators eventually zeroed in on Moore as a suspect. She was arrested in Stockton and booked into county jail on Wednesday morning. Moore is charged with murder and inflicting injury on an elder likely to cause great bodily injury. She is being held without bond in San Francisco County Jail 2, and it is unclear whether she has a lawyer to speak on her behalf. Moore is next due in court on November 2. An emerald worth up to 2m has been uncovered in Zambia's Kagem mine owned by London gemstone producer. The 5,655-carat gem was discovered by geologist Debapriya Rakshit and veteran miner Richard Kapeta on October 2. Gemfields have named the 5,655-carat emerald after the lion in honour of the conservation work they carry out in the region. The stone is one of the largest ever uncovered by London-based producer Gemfields They described the gem as having 'remarkable clarity and a perfectly balanced golden green hue.' Elena Basaglia, Gemfields' gemmologist said: 'We are experiencing strikingly increased demand for high-quality Zambian emeralds from the major brands, particularly in Europe, all of whom admire the rich colour and unique transparency of our gems qualities that make them unique among emeralds. Their chief gemmologist, Elena Basaglia, said it was 'an exceptional gemstone' and an important moment 'for the emerald world in general' 'It's difficult to estimate how many individual gems will be cut from Inkalamu, but the cutting expertise of Gemfields' auction partners will mean that this gemstone will make its mark in the history books of exceptional gemstones.' The specimen will be auctioned privately in Singapore next month. The stone will be sealed before Zambian government representatives before being transported to the Far East and opened before bidders for the first time. Gemfields have only named stones twice before - the last in 2010 when the 'Insofu' or elephant stone was unveiled. That stone weighed in at 6,225 carats and was sold in Lusaka, Zambia to an Indian firm for an undisclosed fee. The valuation of such pieces is difficult as they can be cut down into many jewels or preserved for their unique size. The retail value of a single carat of good quality emerald is around 400, meaning if cut into smaller stones this could fetch at least 2m. An Ohio child tested positive on Sunday for methamphetamine in his urine which his parents have blamed on trick-or-treating. Braylen Carwell, age five, was taken to a hospital near his father's home in Galion after having a seizure. 'I was putting my socks on and then I started to shiver,' Braylen told WBNS out of Columbus. 'And then I couldn't move my arm or my fingers. Until I got to the doctor's and I was sitting for a little bit and then I could move my hand but not my fingers.' Braylen's parents, Julia Pence and Cambray Carwell, are blaming the terrifying incident on something they think their son picked up while out trick-or-treating. Both Pence and Carwell are recovered addicts who are now sober, Pence said. She added that they had sent his trick or treating goodies to be tested - including some vampire teeth he put in his mouth moments before getting sick. Scroll down for video Braylen Carwell, five, tested positive on Sunday for methamphetamine in his urine, which his recovered-addict parents say he must've came into contact with while trick-or-treating in Ohio Braylen was with his father when he experienced the seizure, and was taken right away to get medical attention. When his mom got the call, she immediately came rushing to the hospital from her home about 20 minutes away in Mount Gilead. 'By the time I got down there, they had already taken his urine and given him a CT scan of his brain,' Pence said. 'They found methamphetamine in his urine.' Pence posted an update to Facebook on Sunday, near the end of Braylen's seven-hour stay in the hospital. 'The doctor just came in and said it was okay for us to go home just keep a close eye on him through the night,' she wrote. 'Thank you for those who have spread the word , your concerns for my son , and the positive feed back. I never thought this would happen to my child, but this is real and there are sick people in this world. Im counting my blessing cause it could have been a lot worse or something stronger. My baby sure has been a trooper through this whole thing.' Braylen's parents, Julia Pence (right) and Cambray Carwell (left), are both recovered addicts who are now sober, Pence said Pence said she thought Braylen ingested the chemicals from treats he'd been given that day Pence said authorities sent his candy away to a crime lab in Mansfield, Ohio for testing. 'Police have came and taken a report and took the candy for investigation,' she wrote on Sunday. 'Chief of police came personally from home to talk to us. And there is an open ongoing investigation.' 'I was putting my socks on and then I started to shiver. And then I couldn't move my arm or my fingers. Until I got to the doctor's and I was sitting for a little bit and then I could move my hand but not my fingers,' Braylen said Pence said authorities sent his treats away to a crime lab in Mansfield, Ohio for testing 'I'm not covering up the truth,' she said, aware that people might think she and Braylen's father are to blame; The parents are shown here with Braylen at a younger age Pence, who said she has been sober for more than three years, said there's no other way her son could have ingested the drug. 'I'm not covering up the truth,' she said, aware that people might think she and Braylen's father are to blame. 'I'm just speaking the truth of what happened to my son, yesterday. Nobody in my family or [Braylen's] dad's family would drug my children.' She shared frustration over how powerless she felt throughout the ordeal. 'It's your duty to protect your children from everything,' Pence said. 'You can't protect them from everything. You just have to be aware and do the best that you can.' Galion is about 60 miles north of Columbus. A paramedic, who is suing the state of Tennessee after having his license revoked, drilled through a patient's leg without using numbing medication, allegedly telling staff it was a 'teachable moment for dealing with belligerent patients'. Gordon Brett Stokes, of Chattanooga, East Tennessee, admits using the tactic in June 2016 but claims the incident was not to deliberately harm the patient as a complaint suggests. But according to an advanced emergency medical technician (AEMT) working with him on the job in Blount County, Stokes told the less experienced staff to perform procedures that may have been unnecessary and that they were too inexperienced to carry out in order to 'punish' the unidentified patient, who was suffering an overdose from mixing hydrocodone and alcohol. It is unclear why he deemed the patient, who was in a head and back brace from a previous incident, belligerent. Scroll down for video Gordon Brett Stokes, of Chattanooga, East Tennessee, denies deliberately harming a patient in June 2016 while on the job in Blount County The complaint states that after delaying treatment for the man by quizzing his colleagues on what was wrong, he told the AEMT to inject reverse opioid drug Narcan through an 'intraosseous line' into the tibia i.e. directly into his bone marrow using a bone drill. This despite the medication only being necessary for patients in a deeper state of unconsciousness. Stokes admitted he then stopped an AEMT from using lubricant to insert a breathing tube into the man's nasal passage and told them to use alcohol-based hand sanitizer instead. He later removed the tube and said it wasn't necessary. The complaint states that the insertion harmed the patient and the AEMT suggested they may not have needed to insert the tube at all. He told Stokes at the time that the patient 'had a good airway'. Stokes made the team drill through a patient's bones without anesthetizing them and coated a breathing tube in alcohol-based product rather than lubricant (stock image: patient not pictured) While he denied claims he intentionally hurt the patient with these procedures, Stokes allegedly boasted about using the hand cleaner and even shared an image of the patient and admitted drilling him without anesthesia on Facebook. According to the Tennessee Board of Emergency Medical Services, Stokes, 43, bragged: 'If you should ever find yourself drunk in my ambulance, do not become belligerent. I have a drill and I ain't scared for a second to use it.' 'Naaa I actually like the drill and 'forgot' the lidocaine bolus [numbing medication] for this (expletive). Lubed his (nasopharyngeal airway) with alcohol hand sanitizer too. :-),' he allegedly posted. Dismissing the comments as 'ridiculous bravado' he claimed his fellow AMR Rural Metro Blount County worker had 'backstabbed' him by making the complaint which he says was not representative of his real intentions. He also said he guided the inexperienced AEMT's hands during the drilling. 'It's ridiculous. This was all a little witch hunt they did off a stupid Facebook post,' Stokes told The Tennessean. 'I was trying to teach them something. I don't know if they weren't interested in learning or trying to save their own skin, but needless to say the whole thing came back and bit me in the a**.' He also told the paper the hand sanitizer use was from a technique he learned in Afghanistan. Paul Richardson, government attorney for Tennessee Department of Health, labeled Stokes as 'reckless and macho' at the hearing to revoke his paramedic license in September Stokes did not attend last month's hearing where the Tennessee Department of Health petitioned to revoke his paramedic license and it was unanimously approved by members of the Emergency Medical Services Board. 'Reckless and macho are the first words that come to mind when I think of Mr. Stokes,' government Paul Richardson, attorney for Tennessee Department of Health said at the hearing in September. Now Stokes says he's suing the state for the action because it causes problems for his long-term goals to become a nurse. He wrote in a letter to them: 'I have absolutely no interest in working as a paramedic again. Please mark me as never being eligible to reapply in case nostalgia gets the best of me.' However, he said there was confusion over whether he wanted them to fully revoke his license and making it 'null and void', which isn't as harsh a discipline. Stokes says he worked as a paramedic for 14 years with experience in Afghanistan, Alaska, Hawaii and Florida. A judge lifted the life sentence Tuesday for a New Hampshire man who killed his parents and stashed them in garbage bags as a teenager, making him eligible for release in 17 years. Now 40, Robert Dingman was 17 when he and his 14-year-old brother shot their parents to death as they arrived home on a Friday afternoon in February 1996. Testifying against his brother, Jeffrey Dingman said the boys hid the bodies in the attic and basement of their Rochester home, spent the weekend playing and partying with friends and then returned to school on Monday. They were arrested after their parents' worried co-workers called police. The younger brother got 30 years to life in a plea deal and was released in 2013. Now 40, Robert Dingman was 17 when he and his 14-year-old brother shot their parents to death as they arrived home on a Friday afternoon in February 1996 Robert Dingman was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life without parole Robert Dingman was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life without parole, but was given a chance at release under a 2012 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that mandatory life sentences for juvenile offenders are unconstitutional. His attorneys had asked last month for a 25-year sentence, while prosecutors argued for 50. Strafford County Superior Court Judge Tina Nadeau went with 40, saying Dingman's young age at the time of the crimes and his behavior in prison 'demonstrate that he has the capacity to reform.' While in prison, Dingman has maintained jobs, supported other inmates and served on a committee to advocate for them with prison staff, she said. 'He did all of this believing he would never be released from prison,' Nadeau said. Strafford County Superior Court Judge Tina Nadeau gave him 40 years with the possibility that he could be let out in 17 years The judge said she also found the forgiveness and support Dingman has received from his maternal aunt and grandmother compelling. In a letter, Elizabeth Landry described caring for her nephew as a baby, taking him to church and enjoying arts and crafts projects with him when he got older. She called him a sensitive child, and said she and her husband are willing to take him in when he is released. 'In the confines of the prison, he has made a positive difference in people's lives,' she wrote. 'It reminded me of the loving and giving person he was as a child.' Strafford County Superior Court Judge Tina Nadeau gave him 40 years with the possibility that he could be let out in 17 years Dingman did not address the court Tuesday, but in a letter addressed partly to his aunt and other relatives he expressed remorse for the pain and loss he caused. 'I don't know how you're moved to forgiveness, because I'll never forgive myself for what I did,' he said. 'I'm truly grateful for your support even though I don't feel that I deserve it.' Addressing the judge, Dingman said while no one wants their worst acts to define them, his do because they've 'become woven into who I am, changing the way people look at me and the decisions that I make.' 'I live my life constantly trying to make amends for what I did at seventeen,' he wrote. 'Please believe how sorry I am for the loss and destruction that my actions and decisions have caused, and how much I wish I had been a stronger and better person to have made the right decisions instead of the wrong ones that I did.' Dingman did not testify at his 1997 trial. His lawyers presented no witnesses but argued in opening and closing statements that that Jeffrey fired all the shots and then blamed his brother to save himself. Jeffrey testified that he shot his parents first but said his brother instigated the killings and finished off both parents, taunting each before firing the fatal shots. He said Robert asked their father, already shot once, 'How about another one?' and told his mother, 'Die, bitch!' before shooting her in the head. The younger brother got 30 years to life in a plea deal and was released in 2013 (pictured in 2013) Prosecutors said Robert chafed under his parents' rules and curfews, and Jeffrey described being yelled at repeatedly by his mother and hit by his father over bad grades. Though family members described Eve and Vance Dingman, both 40, as devoted parents and said the boys were not abused, a psychologist testifying for the defense at a hearing last month said Dingman suffered emotional and physical abuse in a loveless environment. Senior Assistant Attorney General Jeff Strelzin said the state's recommendation of 50 years was warranted based on the facts and the law. 'Law enforcement's goal in this case has always been to get as much justice as we can for Vance and Eve Dingman,' he said. 'This was a brutal, premeditated murder of two people, something that was planned ahead. It was unfortunately carried out with deadly efficiency, so we thought our sentencing recommendation was appropriate.' Denmark recalled its ambassador to Iran over an alleged foiled 'attack' plot to kill exiled opposition activists on its soil. The Scandinavian country's security service said today that an Iranian intelligence service is suspected of an attempted 'political assassination' against three Iranians living in Denmark. Finn Borch Andersen, head of Denmark's intelligence service PET, said his agency believed the Iranian intelligence service 'was planning an attack in Denmark' against three Iranians suspected of belonging to the Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahvaz (ASMLA). A Norwegian man was arrested last month in Gothenburg, Sweden, according to the Swedish intelligence service Sapo and has maintained his innocence, but will be held in custody in isolation until November 8, authorities said. The Danish government reacted swiftly to the revelations, with Prime Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen promising 'further actions against Iran'. He tweeted this afternoon: 'It is totally unacceptable that Iran or any other foreign state plans assassinations on Danish soil. Further actions against Iran will be discussed in the EU.' Police closed the Oresund bridge near Copenhagen, which links Denmark with Sweden, on September 28. But it was not until today police revealed the incident was in relation to the alleged plot Oresund Bridge, near Copenhagen, was closed due to a police operation in Denmark September 28, 2018, which they today said was linked to the investigation into an Iranian intelligence operation to kill an opposition leader in Denmark In Oslo, where he was participating in a meeting of Northern European leaders, Rasmussen met with his British counterpart, Theresa May, whom he said expressed 'support' for Denmark in the matter. He added: 'In close collaboration with UK and other countries we will stand up to Iran.' US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the US stood behind Denmark. He wrote on Twitter: 'We congratulate the government of Denmark on its arrest of an Iranian regime assassin. For nearly 40 years, Europe has been the target of Iran-sponsored terrorist attacks. We call on our allies and partners to confront the full range of Iran's threats to peace and security.' Iran's ambassador to Copenhagen was summoned to the foreign ministry for an explanation about the alleged plot today. PET's announcement ended weeks of media speculation about why Denmark shut down bridges to Sweden and ferries for several hours on September 28 in a massive manhunt that mobilised hundreds of police and the military. Denmark's Foreign Minister Anders Samuelsen said the reported attack plot was 'completely unacceptable' The head of the Danish security service Finn Borch Andersen told a press conference that the attack had meant to kill the leader of the Danish branch of the Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahwaz (ASMLA), an Iranian opposition group. ASMLA seeks a separate state for ethnic Arabs in Iran's oil-rich southwestern province of Khuzestan. 'We are dealing with an Iranian intelligence agency planning an attack on Danish soil. Obviously, we can't and won't accept that', Andersen told a news conference. Anderson also said that officers had arrested a Norwegian citizen with Iranian background on October 21, adding that the arrested Norwegian had denied charges in court of helping a foreign intelligence service plot an assassination in Denmark. Iranian Arabs are a minority in mainly ethnic Persian Iran, and some see themselves as under Persian occupation and want independence or autonomy. Danish Foreign Minister, Anders Samuelsen, said on Twitter that the reported attack plot was 'completely unacceptable'. He told reporters: 'I have decided to recall Denmark's ambassador in Tehran for consultations... Denmark can in no way accept that people with ties to Iran's intelligence service plot attacks against people in Denmark.' Iranian President Hassan Rouhani (C) delivering a speech on the day gunmen opened fire killing 25 civilians, and injuring dozens during an Iranian military parade in the south-western city of Ahvaz Samuelsen said in a ministry statement today: 'The government will respond to Iran and is speaking with European partners on further measurements. 'As stated by the head of the Danish Security and Intelligence Service earlier today, the assessment is that an Iranian intelligence agency has planned an assassination on Danish soil. 'This is completely unacceptable. In fact, the gravity of the matter is difficult to describe. That has been made crystal clear to the Iranian ambassador in Copenhagen today.' Oresund Bridge, near Copenhagen which links Denmark to Sweden, was closed due to a police operation on September 28, which police said today was linked to the investigation into the Iranian intelligence operation to kill an opposition leader in Denmark. Norwegian police have confirmed they are assisting the Danish officers in their inquiries. The head of the Danish security service said that a massive police operation in eastern Denmark last month was part of attempts to thwart the Iranian intelligence operation. Andersen today that police were searching for a stolen Swedish-registered car on September 28 when they briefly cut off the island where Copenhagen sits from the rest of the country and closed the borders with Germany and Sweden. They later found it had no connection with the case. Mourners gather for a mass funeral for those who died in a terror attack on a military parade on September 22 in Iran Andersen told reporters PET (Danish Security and Intelligence Service) is investigating the members in collaboration with local police. He said: 'We are of course very aware that members of ASMLA may have violated the law by approving of the attack in Iran on September 22.' Andersen added in a Facebook post in Danish: 'Pet considers that Iran has planned an attack in Denmark. Totally unacceptable. The government will respond to Iran and talk to European partners about further action.' A few days earlier, the Norwegian suspect had been observed photographing and watching the Denmark home of the ASMLA leader, police said. In November 2017, Ahmad Mola Nissi, an Iranian exile who established ASMLA, was shot dead in the Netherlands. The Danish security service then bolstered police protection of the ASMLA leader in Denmark and two associates. Last month, Iran summoned the envoys of the Netherlands, Denmark and Great Britain over a Septeber 22 shooting attack on a military parade in Khuzestan in which 25 people were killed. Iran accused the three countries of harbouring Iranian opposition groups. Iranian foreign ministry spokesman, Bahram Qasemi, dismissed the accusations saying they were part of a European conspiracy against Iran. Tasnim news agency quoted him as saying: 'This is a continuation of enemies' plots to damage Iranian relations with Europe at this critical time.' Another Arab opposition group, the Ahwaz National Resistance, and the Islamic State militant group both claimed responsibility for the parade attack, though neither has provided conclusive evidence to back up their claim. Last week, diplomatic and security sources said France had expelled an Iranian diplomat over a failed plot to carry out a bomb attack on a Paris-area rally by an exiled Iranian opposition group. After a terror attack in Iran on September 22 left at least 25 people dead, Tehran summoned Denmark's ambassador and accused the Danish government of harboring 'members of the terrorist group' believed to be behind the attack. European countries are trying to save a 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers after President Donald Trump withdrew the United States from the pact and announced the re-imposition of sanctions on Tehran. At least one pressing question about the couple who lost their lives at Yosemite National Park over the weekend has been answered thanks to a selfie snapped by another pair. Drea Rose Laguillo and her fiance Sean Matteson were at Taft Point on Sunday just after 5pm, and after learning about the deaths of Indian nationals Vishnu Viswanath and Meenakshi Moorthy realized they may have taken the final photo of the pair. Laguillo posted the DailyMail.com story about the couple's tragic death to her Facebook on Monday and revealed that she had a rough idea of when the pair likely went over the edge of the 800-foot cliff because she unknowingly captured one of them in her photo. It was an image taken at 5:11pm that clearly shows the pink-haired Moorthy, 30, in the background of their photo at Taft Point. Last shot: Drea Rose Laguillo and her fiance Sean Matteson were at Taft Point in Yosemite National Park on Sunday night when they snapped a selfie just after 5pm (above) Pictured: Meenakshi Moorthy (above), whose body was discovered after plunging over the 800-foot drop of Taft Point with her husband Vishnu Viswanath was in the photo Tragic fall: Laguillo shared the photo and DailyMail.com's story (above) about the tragedy, revealing that she could estimate the time of death to be around 5:11pm That photo made it very clear that Moorthy and Viswanath, 29, where perilously close to the edge of the drop where there are no guards or rails to protect visitors. Viswanath's brother, Jishnu Viswanath, told the AP that Vishnu Viswanath and Moorthy had set up their tripod near the ledge when they plummeted to their deaths. Park visitors the next morning saw the camera and alerted rangers, who 'used high-powered binoculars to find them and used helicopters to airlift the bodies,' he said. The funeral will take place in the U.S. since the bodies were not in a condition to be flown back to India, Jishnu Viswanath said. The couple were in the United States to study engineering, but also had a travel blog, Holidays and Happily Ever Afters. On that blog and their social media accounts the two would share photos from their adventures, including one eerie post from a trip to the Grand Canyon earlier this year. In that photo Moothy is again at the edge of a cliff, and wrote: 'A lot of us including yours truly is a fan of daredevilry attempts of standing at the edge of cliffs and skyscrapers, but did you know that wind gusts can be FATAL??? Is our life just worth one photo?' Park rangers recovered their bodies Thursday from about 800 feet below Taft Point, a vertigo-inducing granite ledge that doesn't have a railing. Yosemite spokeswoman Jamie Richards said in a statement that park officials were investigating the deaths. On the move: The engineering students had traveled to This year alone they had traveled to Vermont, Arizona, New Mexico, San Francisco, New Orleans, Brooklyn, Big Sur, Baltimore, Manhattan, Holland and India Big apple: Moorthy, 30, and Visanath, 29, were married engineering students studying in the US who also had a travel blog The couple were Indian nationals living and working in the US. In addition to regular 9-to-5 jobs, they ran a travel blog, Holidays and Happily Ever Afters, and popular Instagram account. They're pictured here at North Rim Grand Canyon, Cape Royal Point in Arizona This year alone they had traveled to Vermont, Arizona, New Mexico, San Francisco, New Orleans, Brooklyn, Big Sur, Baltimore, Manhattan, Holland and India. The couple met in 2009 and married five years later. They had previously been students at the College of Engineering, Chengannur, in India, where they studied engineering. 'Our hearts go to the friends and family members of this lovely couple,' the college wrote on Facebook in the wake of the tragedy. 'May their souls rest in peace.' A man has been charged with allegedly threatening a NSW National Party employee over the phone. Police were contacted after a man allegedly called the party's Sydney CBD headquarters on Monday morning and allegedly threatened staff. The alleged threats reportedly related to fresh reports that up to 35 party members are being investigated in relation to ties with white supremacy and alt-right organisations such as the Antipodean Resistance and the Lads Society, The Daily Telegraph reported. A man has been charged after he allegedly threatened staff based at the NSW National Party headquarters (pictured) in Sydney on Monday Following inquiries, detectives attended a home in Chippendale in Sydney's innerwest on Tuesday morning and arrested a 55-year-old man. He was charged with using carriage service to threaten, harass and intimidate and bailed to appear in Downing Centre Local Court on November 21. The alleged incident on Monday reportedly delayed the party's plans to send show-cause notices to 19 members demanding an explanation as to why they should not be expelled, according to The Daily Telegraph. The Nationals state director Ross Cadell told the publication earlier in the week that the infiltration of certain ideas into the party was 'extremely troubling'. 'It's spread beyond the Young Nationals and we are looking at the National Party in general,' he said. The alleged threats follow ongoing investigations into the apparent infiltration of alt-right views in the party in the last year connected to groups including the alt-right The New Guard, The Antipodean Resistance (pictured) and The Lads Society NSW Nationals leaders will hold a crisis meeting in in Sydney this Friday to address the matter. Nationals deputy leader Bridget McKenzie is confident the NSW division of the party will move quickly to purge members with 'appalling' links to neo-Nazism. 'To see that these people have chosen to join the party I think is appalling. I know the NSW division is acting swiftly to root them out,' Senator McKenzie told ABC radio on Tuesday. Nationals deputy leader Bridget McKenzie (pictured) is confident that NSW members with 'appalling' links to neo-Nazism will be expelled The Victorian senator said she's never seen extremism infiltrate the party in almost 30 years as a Nationals member. She's the latest senior member to condemn extremism within the Nationals after people tied to white supremacist groups were found to have joined the party's youth wing. Federal leader Michael McCormack, NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro and NSW senator John Williams have also spoken out against the extremist infiltration. China is currently trialling a national social credit system which ranks citizens on every aspect of their behaviour. And a latest trending video has shown what life is like under Beijing's controversial scheme. The clip filmed on a Chinese high-speed train captures an announcement which warns the passengers not to travel without a ticket or behave disorderly; otherwise, the offender's behaviour will be recorded in 'the individual credit information system'. A clip filmed by London-based journalist captures a train announcement in China which urges passengers to behave properly so they wouldn't be punished by the social credit system James O'Malley, a freelance journalist, was taking a high-speed train from Beijing to Shanghai Here's a dystopian vision of the future: A real announcement I recorded on the Beijing-Shanghai bullet train. (I've subtitled it so you can watch in silence.) pic.twitter.com/ZoRWtdcSMy James O'Malley (@Psythor) October 29, 2018 'To avoid a negative record of personal credit, please follow the relevant regulations and help with the orders on the train and at the station,' a female voice reads in the announcement. The 30-second clip was shot last Thursday by James O'Malley, a London-based journalist, on a train from Beijing to Shanghai during a trip to China. He posted the video on his Twitter account yesterday, with words that read 'here's a dystopian vision of the future'. Mr O'Malley, 31, said he was bemused when he heard the announcement. He told MailOnline: 'I'd heard about the social credit system, but didn't realise it was in operation yet.' He added: 'I thought it was an interesting reminder that though the rich parts of China are a lot like the west now, there is ultimately a very different system behind the astonishing developments that are taking place there. ' China's social credit system ranks citizens on every aspect of their behaviour, from their actions on a train to their financial records. The result also impacts every aspect of their life China plans to complete building the national social credit system by 2020 after having started out in 2014. The social system gives citizens scores based on their daily behaviour, and this could range from their bank credit to their social media activities. Once built, the national system could determine how easy a citizen could rent a flat, buy travel tickets or pay for a cup of tea. It's currently being rolled out in 12 trial cities, including populous provincial capitals like Hangzhou, Nanjing, Chengdu and Suzhou. This is all made possible by China's ever-expanding surveillance network, which currently boasts 200 million AI-powered cameras. The number of security cameras is set to triple in two years when the system is built. Critics have voiced concerns over the system, claiming it's a way for the government to invade citizens' privacy and restrict their freedom. China will have 600 million AI-powered cameras (file photo) by the time the system is built So far, more than 11 million people have been blocked from taking the train or plane in China because they were regarded as untrustworthy by the system. As of the end of April, a total of 11.14 million Chinese people have been blacklisted from buying flight tickets and 4.25 million have been banned from buying high-speed train tickets - instead they would have to opt for the slow trains. The figures were announced in May by China's National Development and Reform Commission during a briefing on the development of the country's social credit system. Over four million people in China have been banned from using high-speed trains (file photo) Meng Wei, the spokesperson of the Commission, said the reward and punishment from the social credit system were gradually expanding. While the punishment was given examples, the reward was not specified. The video from Mr O'Malley emerged after a number of passengers were recently named and shamed by Chinese media for behaving inappropriately on the train. In August, a man was caught occupying the seat of another female passenger on a train from Jinan to Beijing. The man, said to be a PhD student, refused to return the seat to the woman, claiming to the conductor that he 'cannot get up'. The man was later blacklisted by China's Public Credibility Information Center, the organisation in charge of the social credit system. He was banned from taking all classes of carriages. An Indian-American producer whose father runs a convenience store called the 'Gas-n-Shop' in Florida says Apu should stay on The Simpsons. The Simpsons is reportedly set to axe the Indian character from the long-running animated series amid a racism row. Apu Nahasapeemapetilon is one of the show's most recognizable characters, but a documentary last year called The Problem with Apu sparked a fierce debate. The film, made by comedian and filmmaker Hari Kondabolu, focused on how the show might be stereotyping the South Asian community with the character. Now, amid reports Apu may be removed from the show entirely, Amar Shah, 38, has spoken out to say he's never been offended by the character because he represents a 'real' part of his story. Scroll down for video Amar Shah, an Indian-American producer whose father (pictured with Shah, left) runs a convenience store called the 'Gas-n-Shop' in Florida says Apu should stay on The Simpsons Shah says his father Harish (pictured as a young man) moved from India to the US at the age of 17 and opened his own business In posts that have gone viral, he shared the moving story of how his father Harish left India and moved from India to the United States in 1968 and ended up opening his own business. Apu was 'much more than some stereotype', he said. 'For some of us, we lived this life. It was our story. It's my story.' Shah, from Orlando, says his father left India in 1968 and in ended up opening his own convenience store called the 'Gas-n-Shop'. 'As someone who grew up with The Simpsons, I can say that every single one of those characters is stereotyped in some way. Apu is my stereotype,' he said. 'There are a lot of things that Apu has in common with my dad. Shah says his mother and father worked hard and ended up owning a string of gas stations and convenience stores across Florida The Simpsons is reportedly set to axe the Indian character (pictured) from the long-running animated series amid a racism row 'We grew up in our gas stations and convenience stores, so seeing him on TV was like, that's someone like me.' He added: 'I loved the fountain drink dispensers because I could mix all the flavors into a sugary concoction that would have me buzzing for hours.' In his documentary, Kondabolu argues the stereotypical portrayal of Indian and South Asian-Americans embodied by Apu is culturally insensitive and detrimental to the community's portrayal in modern American culture. And while Shah says other children at his school did aim Apu jokes at him, they never bothered him too much. He added: 'I see exactly where Hari was coming from. But for some of us growing up in that world, that's what we knew. 'As I grew up, some part of me started to embrace Apu. My dad, like Apu, owned the business. He ran the show. 'I knew that operating a store was hard and that my parents' work ethic was impressive.' He went back to India in 1975 to meet Amar's mother Varsha (pictured together) and after an arranged marriage, they returned to the US Now 68, Harish Shah works as a business construction consultant and lives in Orlando with his wife (above, together), who does voluntary work Amar's father Harish left the small town of Nadiad in the Indian state of Gujarat for the US at the age of 17. After graduating from university with a degree in engineering, he got a job working night shifts at a petrol station as it was the only work he could find during the economic slump in the early 1970s. He went back to India in 1975 to meet Amar's mother Varsha and after an arranged marriage, they returned to the US. The couple bought their first store, called Famous, in Scotch Plains, New Jersey, in the early 1980s. They later moved to Florida, expanding the business until they owned a string of convenience stores and gas stations across the state. The couple bought their first store, a pizzeria called Famous, in Scotch Plains, New Jersey, in the early 1980s. Pictured, Harish Shah working there They later moved to Florida, expanding the business until they owned a string of convenience stores and gas stations across the state Shah's mother Varsha is pictured holding him as a child outside of their convenience stores Now 68, Harish Shah works as a business construction consultant and lives in Orlando with his wife, who does voluntary work. 'Even now, my parents are working their tails off,' Shah, who is writing a book about his life, added. In an interview with IndieWire, producer Adi Shankar revealed that he's verified from multiple sources the removal of Apu from the show. He said: 'They're going to drop the Apu character altogether. They aren't going to make a big deal out of it, or anything like that, but they'll drop him altogether just to avoid the controversy.' The news comes despite Shankar wanting to crowdfund a script that could have saved the character - by addressing the issues raised in The Problem with Apu and updating the character for a modern audience. He believes axing the character entirely would be a big mistake and could be seen as avoiding the controversy entirely. A documentary made by comedian and filmmaker Hari Kondabolu (pictured) focused on how the show might be stereotyping the South Asian community with the character of Apu He said: 'If you are a show about cultural commentary and you are too afraid to comment on the culture, especially when it's a component of the culture you had a hand in creating, then you are a show about cowardice. 'It's not a step forward, or step backwards, it's just a massive step sideways. After having read all these wonderful scripts, I feel like sidestepping this issue doesn't solve it when the whole purpose of art, I would argue, is to bring us together.' The show's executive producer Al Jean hit back, saying Shankar didn't 'speak for our show' - but didn't reveal whether or not Apu would remain. Shah agrees with Shankar that dropping the character isn't the way to go. 'Is there a way to figure out what to do with Apu's character? Give him a story,' he said. 'The Simpsons [producers] can bring on some more South Asian writers. 'There's definitely an opportunity to give his character more nuance. 'I don't think eliminating that character is going to make it better, but worse.' Stephanie A. Carafa, 32, was arrested on Saturday for sending explicit pictures and videos and having 'sexual contact' with a student under the age of 16 A New Jersey schoolteacher - who is also the daughter of the Lodi Mayor - has been arrested for sending explicit pictures and videos to a student under the age of 16. Stephanie A. Carafa, 32, taught at Thomas Jefferson Middle School in Lodi and was arrested on Saturday after an investigation found she allegedly had sexual contact and shared explicit pictures with a student. She faces charges of aggravated criminal sexual contact and endangering the welfare of a child. The Prosecutor's Office and the Lodi Police Department launched the investigation into Carafa, who worked at the Bergen County school since 2012. According to her RateMyTeacher page she taught social studies at the school. She is the daughter of longtime Lodi Mayor Emil Carafa, who was re-elected in 2017. He is the mayor of the township where his daughter taught. Carafa faces charges of aggravated criminal sexual contact and endangering the welfare of a child Carafa is the daughter of Lodi, New Jersey Mayor Emil Carafa, pictured above with his wife Carafa was a social studies teacher at Thomas Jefferson Middle School since 2012 Mayor Carafa said his daughter is 'the love of my life, as is my family', to NorthJersey.com. 'There is a process in this country, and that process is the court of law. I know that people in their human nature are inquisitive, and I understand that. I respect their inquisitiveness, but my main concern right now is my daughter,' he said. She is scheduled for a detention hearing at 9am on Friday. The heartbroken community at the centre of the Toyah Cordingley murder investigation have issued a desperate three-word plea as they launch their own search for clues. Toyah Cordingley, 24, was killed in what police said was a 'sexually-motivated' murder, while walking her boyfriend's dog on Wangetti Beach, 40km north of Cairns, last Sunday between 2pm and 2.30pm. Police have received more than 500 tips in just a week, but still have no suspects and are still desperately searching for new leads. Investigators are still yet to question two witnesses who helped two scruffily dressed men 'in an agitated state' fix a flat tyre on their ute shortly after the murder. Residents have decided to take it upon themselves to find answers by organising their own searches. A sign fixed to a tree near to where Ms Cordingley's body was found has symbolised Wangetti Beach's defiant response to the brutal murder. Scroll down for video A sign fixed to a tree near the spot where Toyah Cordingley's body was found has symbolised Wangetti Beach's defiant response to the brutal murder Tied to a tree next to the beach are three pieces of papers that read 'Hey men - stop killing us - from women'. A police roadside whiteboard, meanwhile, urged drivers with dashcam cameras to hand the footage in to police, while an overhead road billboard also called for those with information to help the investigation. The emotionally-charged sign comes after police called for a family who was having a picnic metres from where Ms Cordingley was murdered on the same afternoon to come forward. An overhead road billboard also called for those with information to help the murder investigation in the sleepy Queensland town A police roadside whiteboard, meanwhile, urged drivers with dashcam cameras to hand the footage in to police Police have received more than 500 tips about the murder of Toyah Cordingley in just a week, but still have no suspects A man and woman with two young girls were seen picnicking on the beach before 1.20pm on the same day. They were seen talking to a couple walking their dachshund in the beach's southern car park, and the dog tried to hop into the family's sedan. Ms Cordingly's sister Leynah Gardiner begged the unknown family to come forward in the hope they might have seen something that could help. 'To the family who was seen at Wangetti Beach and is yet to contact police, put yourself in the place of my family,' she wrote on Facebook. 'Imagine if it had been one of your children, you would be doing whatever you can, getting whatever information you could, no matter how small it may seem. 'So I'm asking, if you do see this post PLEASE call the police and tell them what you know/saw. It might just be what they're looking for. Detectives pieced together Ms Cordingley's movements on the day she died and released CCTV footage of her just two hours before her murder Toyah Cordingley's body was found on the beach on Monday morning about 800 metres from where she had left her car in the southern car park The 24-year-old (pictured) was killed while walking her boyfriend's dog on Wangetti beach, 40km north of Cairns, last Sunday between 2pm and 2.30pm An image was also released of the victim's 2009 blue Mistubishi Lancer, which was parked in the southern car park at Wangetti Beach, south of Cairns later that afternoon Anyone who saw the blue Mitsubishi Lancer between 12pm and 7pm on the day is urged to contact police 'And to everyone else, every bit of information helps so please report anything you know to assist the police in doing their jobs.' Ms Cordingley's father Troy found her body in sand dunes on Monday morning with 'visible and violent' injuries in what police said was a 'sexually motivated' murder. Detectives pieced together Ms Cordingley's movements on the day she died and released CCTV footage of her just two hours before her murder. The animal lover was filmed walking across Sheridan Street in Cairns about 12.40pm, near Rusty's Markets, where she shopped for just over an hour. She was wearing light coloured crocheted singlet top and carrying a large striped colourful bag in the footage, but may have changed afterwards. Timeline of Toyah Cordingley's murder at Wangetti beach 12-1pm, October 21: Toyah Cordingley goes shopping at Rusty's Markets in downtown Cairns, the city in which she lives 12.40pm: She is filmed on CCTV crossing Sheridan Street near the markets 1pm: Ms Cordingley goes to her home in Cairns briefly where she may have changed her clothes, before driving out at 1.30pm 1.20pm: A family of four is seen having a picnic at Wangetti beach and police want to see if they saw anything that could help the case 2pm: Ms Cordingley's 2009 blue Mistubishi Lancer with the number plate 'TOY 146' is seen in Clifton Beach, about half way to Wangetti 2-2.30pm: Ms Cordingley arrives at Wangetti beach and parks in the southern car park. She goes for a walk on the beach with her boyfriend's dog Jersey and is not seen alive again 10.50pm: Her family report her missing after she doesn't return home to Cairns form Wangetti 7.45am, October 22: Ms Cordingley's father Troy finds her body dumped in sand dunes 800m from her car while looking for her with a search party Advertisement Ms Cordingley then went to her home in Cairns briefly before heading to Wangetti at 1.30pm along the Cook Highway. She drove a 2009 blue Mistubishi Lancer with the number plate 'TOY 146', which was seen in Clifton Beach about 2pm, about half way to Wangetti. Ms Cordingley later parked at the southern car park of Wangetti beach and went for a walk along the beach with her boyfriend's dog Jersey. It was the last time anyone saw her before her body was found dumped in sand dunes about 800m from her car about 7.45am last Monday. Family friends have also been fundraising to help ease the family's sudden costs (pictured is a family fun day, where some proceeds were donated to Ms Cordingley's family) Toyah Cordingley's father Troy (pictured together) was the one to find her brutally murdered on a quiet beach as part of a search party frantically looking for her Advertisement A joint drug bust in the Peruvian Amazon netted 1,200 kilos of marijuana worth over $5million. Photos captured the incredible haul. The coordinated effort called Operation Waterway Control [Operacion de Control Fluvial] between the Peruvian Navy and its national police along with an unit representing Colombian National Armed Forces discovered the drug shipment hidden inside a small boat that was headed to Brazil. A multinational military team from Peru and Colombia seized 1,200 kilos of marijuana and arrested three men that were headed on a double-bottom boat to Brazil Military officers inspect over 1,000 bundles each containing a kilo of marijuana A naval unit from Peru teamed up with troops from the Colombian National Armed Forces to stop three smugglers from delivering over 1,000 kilos of marijuana to Brazil on Saturday It appeared they were pulling a man from the raft in this photo The raft was traveling down the Putumayo River near the city of La Libertad on Saturday when a Peruvian Naval vessel intercepted three men transporting a large shipment of weed, according to Colombian outlet El Comercio. The multinational agents arrested two Peruvian nationals, Gilberto Siguentes Macanilla, 46, and Juan Sifuentes Diaz, 19, along with Ever Carlos Home, 43, from Colombia, near the Peru-Colombia border. The marijuana found and impounded by the Peruvian Navy-led operation was hidden inside multiple large-sized bags containing 1,181 packages. A small group of smugglers, two men from Peru and another from Colombia, were operating a raft carrying 1,200 kilos marijuana down the Putumayo River in Peru. Personnel from the Colombia's and Peru's military interrogate three men pictured seated after they were caught transporting marijuana on a wooden raft . Members from the Peruvian Navy led a drug bust which netted 1,200 kilos of marijuana worth well over $5million Military personnel stand near one of the large-sized bags that contained a portion of the 1,200 kilos of marijuana that were confiscated near the Peru-Colombia border The military personnel also confiscated an unspecified amount of cocaine hydrochloride. The drug smugglers were also carrying an assortment of firearms which were also seized during the operation near the zone has become a hotbed for the production of cocaine near the Peruvian Amazon, through where the Putumayo River flows. According to Colombian outlet, El Universal, the region near the Putumayo has endured a spike in the growth of the coca leaf, key ingredient in the production of the white powdery substance. A large scale operation in July between the Peruvian military and its police force dismantled a distribution and production ring of 51 people, most of them Colombians. A wheelchair-bound man has been rushed to hospital after a hit-and-run. Police say the Ford hatchback hit the wheelchair on Bourke Street, in Melbourne's CBD, just before 1.30pm and left the scene. The car was later abandoned on nearby Latrobe Street. An ambulance spokesman said the man, aged in his 30s, was taken to Royal Melbourne Hospital in a stable condition and had suffered cuts and grazes. A search is underway for a hit-and-run driver who ran down a disabled pedestrian who was crossing the road Police are appealing for any witnesses to come forward as they attempt to identify the driver of the car. Witnesses told publication? the driver put the lives of other pedestrians at risk while attempting to flee the scene. 'We saw someone was flying through the air along with a bunch of wheels,' Eight-month pregnant bystander Lucy King said. 'We assumed he was a cyclist, and only to found out he was in a wheelchair, which was quite awful when we got close up.' The man, who is bound to a wheelchair, was taken down in Docklands, Melbourne at 1:20pm Police believe the driver is a Caucasian man with short brown hair that is lighter at the tips. He may be unshaven, and wearing a grey t-shirt with dark denim jeans and white runners during the incident. Police are appealing to anybody who may have further information to contact Crime Stoppers. The mother of a girl who was molested and murdered by two brothers in 1987 sobbed in court on Monday as a judge agreed to let one of them off of Washington's notorious 'pedophile island'. Monique Burnett was 11 when brothers Gerald and David Johnson kidnapped her in the street in Shelton, Washington State, in December 1987. Her remains were found by a mushroom hunter in the woods a year later. David, who beat Monique to death, died in prison in 2001 but his brother Gerald, who pleaded guilty to the girl's murder, is still alive. He has confessed to molesting at least 20 girls between the ages of four and 14 over the last 20 years. In 1993, he was sentenced to 14 years after testifying against David. They had gone undetected for six years and were arrested on the basis of an anonymous tip. Linda Bender weeps in court as a judge agrees to let the sex offender who murdered her 11-year-old daughter in 1987 off of McNeil Island, Washington's notorious complex where violent sex offenders are sent after their prison sentences, on Monday In December 1987, Gerald Johnson, now 74 (left in court on Monday) helped his brother abduct, molest and kill 11-year-old Monique Burnett (right) as she walked home from her babysitter's house David spent 14 years in prison then went to Washington's notorious and controversial McNeil Island where convicted sex offenders are sent to live after serving their sentence. On Monday, a judge granted David's request to leave the island and be sent to live in a supervised state home on the mainland despite pleas from Monique's mother Linda Bender. Gerald's brother David, who beat Monique to death, died in prison in 2001 He is one of the first to be allowed back into the community despite protests from residents in Lakewood, the area he will now call him. Monique's mother Linda sobbed in protest after the judge confirmed Johnson's release on Monday. Earlier, she pleaded with the court: 'I've spent 30 years hearing my daughter scream. 'He is the one who grabbed her. He is the one who walked away while she begged him to help her and let his brother kill her and throw her away like a piece of garbage,' she said. The judge however agreed with Johnson's attorney's comments that he is 'not the same man' he was. Linda disagreed. She said afterwards: 'He's paid his debt? I'm sorry but that's not good enough. My daughter had rights too. She had the right to live. On December 14, Monique was walking home from her baby sitter's house when the brothers snatched her. David molested and beat her to death then discarded her body in the woods. For years, her parents agonized as they waited for an answer to her death. Johnson has spent the last nine years living on McNeil Island, Washington's notorious complex for violent sex offenders who are sent there after completing their sentences. The island did have its own prison but it was shuttered in 2011. Now, the remaining occupants are fighting to be let off of the island return to society It came in 1993 when a detective who wanted to revive the case published a description of a sex offender profile in a local newspaper. It prompted a number of tips from members of the public which led to the Johnson brothers. Initially, they were divided in their pleas. David denied having any role in Monique's death whereas Gerald, who had been offered a plea deal to testify that it was them who took her and David who killed her, pleaded guilty. Eventually, David switched his plea. He was sentenced to life imprisonment as a result. The death penalty was still in use in Washington at the time. Gerald served his prison sentence then went to McNeil Island. The island has become the subject of documentaries and articles in the last year as the state grapples over what to do with it and there are questions surrounding how effective it is in rehabilitating sex offenders. Monique is pictured with her mother before her 1987 disappearance. It was a year before her body was found in the woods and six years before an anonymous tip led to her killers' arrest Linda begged the judge not to let him off the island on Monday. She said her daughter had rights that were stolen by Johnson and that he should have to pay for it There have been hotly protested plans to send some of the occupants to a home in Lakewood, Washington, for months. Gerald will be among the first to go there. Judge Monty Cobb granted Johnson's request on Monday and has said that he must be off the island in 30 days He was singled out in an article protesting the decision that was published by The News Tribune earlier this year. 'If anyone still doubts that Washington needs better placement options for high-risk people with mental health problems, look no further than Lakewood, where the city is fighting to block the state from releasing three sex predators to an adult family home. 'Would you want them living down the hall from your elderly parent, or down the street from your childs school? 'Neither would we,' the newspaper article read. The blaze burned through Grenfell Tower in West London on June 14 last year A property consultant accused of pocketing 32,000 in a Grenfell Tower fire swindle appeared in court today. Nigerian father-of-five Abolaji Onafuye, 54, allegedly claimed he was the brother of Zainab Deen, 32, who died alongside her two-year-old son Jeremiah in the blaze in North Kensington, West London. But Onafuye's account was 'impossible' because he was born one year before Ms Deen's parents, it has been claimed. Onafuye turned up at the Rugby Portobello Trust last September, claiming to have a been a resident and demanded a one-off payment of 500 after the inferno on June 14 last year. He allegedly made a total of 32,000 in donations and housing support. Onafuye appeared at Isleworth Crown Court but his trial was adjourned until December 3. He was returned to HMP Wormwood Scrubs while he awaits trial. The defendant allegedly claimed he was the brother of Zainab Deen (left), 32, who died alongside her two-year-old son Jeremiah (right) in the blaze in June last year The defendant, from Hammersmith, West London, denies two counts of fraud by false representation between June 21 last year and June 7 this year. If convicted and jailed for either of the two charges, Onafuye would be the 12th person to be imprisoned for fraud in relation to the Grenfell Tower disaster. A North Carolina mother faces an Involuntary Manslaughter charge after her one-year-old drowned after he slipped out of her hand as they tried to escape the floods of Hurricane Florence. Dazia Ideah Lee, 20, was served a criminal summons because she drove around barricades on state Highway 218. The area was out of limits as emergency services attempted to save lives during the storm that killed 51 people. A September 16 Facebook post from the Union County Sheriff's Office in Monroe revealed how emergency services spent several hours trying to find little Kaiden Lee Welch when he fell into the water and got swept away. Dazia Ideah Lee's one-year-old son Kaiden Lee Welch drowned after he slipped from her hand in Hurricane Florence floodwater September 16. His body was found September 17 Lee, 20, said she was about to detour from the unsafe area she drove through but 'thought it was safe' when she saw cars coming in and out near the barricades that night 'The mother drove around the barricades on NC 218 and continued traveling east until her vehicle encountered rushing water flowing across the road,' it said alongside a photograph of the boy. 'Her vehicle left the roadway and came to rest amongst a group of trees. She managed to free herself and Kaiden, who was in a car seat, but lost her grip on him in the rushing water.' Lee called for help to the 7700 block of NC 218 East in New Salem around 8.30pm that night. Rescuers resumed the search around Richardson Creek the following day and Kaiden's body was found September 17. The North Carolina mother is due in court November 20 and she faces Involuntary Manslaughter and misdemeanor for Driving on a Closed/Unopened Highway charges Her vehicle left the roadway and came to rest amongst a group of trees (pictured) Despite the very tragic circumstances, law enforcement said they felt a grieving Lee was receiving suitable charges. 'The tragic death of this child and the circumstances surrounding this case are heartbreaking. We continue to pray for all those suffering as a result of this child's death,' Sheriff Eddie Cathey said. 'However, after a very thorough investigation and taking all facts into consideration and applying the law, we feel that these charges are appropriate.' At the time, Lee explained she thought the area was safe to advance into. 'I saw people coming in and out, so that's when I thought, I was about to detour, but I stopped. I saw the cars coming in and out... thought it was safe,' she told ABC 11. Cathey said the barricades were up however it's possible someone may have moved them. Lee freed herself and Kaiden, who was in a car seat, but lost her grip on him in the rushing water when he let go of her hand. He swept away and rescuers searched for hours Lee added that her son released their grip as she struggled to survive in the water. 'I was trying to do everything I could. It just got worse. When water gets in your car, you start to panic,' she said. 'It just spun us around in circles and I knew there was no way to get back on land because it just took us that fast. 'I was holding his hand, trying to hold him, trying to pull him up. I couldn't hold on anymore and he let go.' Lee also faces a misdemeanor charge of Driving on a Closed/Unopened Highway. She is due in court November 20. This is the moment paedophile hunters snared a 56-year-old pervert trying to meet a 13-year-old girl. Gordon Beck thought he was arranging a late-night meeting with a child when he was in fact talking to undercover organisations - Dark Justice and Guardians of the North. When he turned up for the rendezvous close to his South Shields home, members of the groups confronted him with cameras. He was challenged about the sexual nature of the conversations, which included mention of condoms, but dismissed the vile chat as 'just a laugh' as he puffed on a cigarette. And when they asked him why he had asked children to engage in sexual activities, he replied: 'It was just chat.' But for a month-and-a-half he had suggested meeting in the dark while speaking to what he thought was a 13-year-old and a 14-year-old. Beck (pictured) denied that he had tried to meet up with children when confronted by the paedophile hunters near his home in South Shields He admitted two counts of attempting the engage in sexual communication with a child at Newcastle Crown Court last month. Beck was given a nine-month jail sentence suspended for 24 months for last summer's offence. The pervert (pictured) eventually admitted that he had tried to meet a 13-year-old girl in the middle of the night when he was confronted A Dark Justice spokesperson said: 'This sentence is nowhere near harsh enough. He should have been locked up. Its as simple as that. Next time he could arrange to meet an actual child and ruin a life forever. 'He had been speaking to a number of profiles on the social media app Qeep for around a month and a half. Beck (pictured) had been chatting to a number of profile on the app, the paedophile hunters revealed after confronting him 'We had been speaking to him as a 13-year-old girl, and Guardians of the North as a 14-year-old. 'Whenever we spoke about meeting he always suggested somewhere dark, in the middle of the night. 'The night we met him it was very much a last minute thing. When we confronted him he didnt seem worried. It was as though he thought he had done nothing wrong.' Beck was required to take part in the Horizon programme, for sex offenders who are deemed to be a medium risk, and sign a 10-year sexual harm prevention order as well as pay a victim surcharge of 140. A couple with a five-year-old daughter were reduced to tears after a benefits blunder left them with just 74p to live on for a week. Melissa Whitchurch, 35, and her partner Chris Steer, 39, desperately searched their home looking for things to sell so that they could buy food for their child Cheyenne. The couple from Brighton were expecting a Universal Credit payment of 330 to be paid into their bank account at midnight last Thursday and budgeted accordingly. Melissa Whitchurch, 35, and her partner Chris Steer, 39, desperately searched their home looking for things to sell so that they could buy food for their five-year-old daughter Cheyenne Miss Whitchurch was signed off work due to problems with her health 11 years ago, while Mr Steer was also signed off from his job as a chef just five months ago for mental health reasons But when Miss Whitchurch went to draw out the money, she found her balance was just 0.74 and called the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) hotline for help. Miss Whitchurch claimed the officer said the payment was not due for another six days and also alleged that she was told it was 'her problem'. She said: 'All that was going through my mind was 'how am I going to feed my daughter and send her to school without her snacks?' 'The children all put healthy food in a box at school in the morning, such as fruit and crackers, and then they sit down and eat it together during story time. Miss Whitchurch said that when Cheyenne sees she is upset, she will tell her: 'It's OK, Mummy' 'It breaks my heart to think of her feeling like the odd one out, sat there watching everybody else eat their fruit when she doesn't have any.' Cheyenne is said to be 'really sweet about it and she doesn't really understand' Miss Whitchurch had originally asked the DWP to change her payment schedule from monthly to fortnightly. When the family received their last payment of 330, they were told the other half would arrive two weeks later - and used the money to pay bills and buy food to last a fortnight. But when the second half did not arrive, she was told it would be made on the last day of the month - and was forced to wait six days with only 74p to her name. She said: 'Me and my partner can go without, but not our little girl. If we were told this in the first place, we would have budgeted for it. 'It's horrible. Cheyenne is really sweet about it and she doesn't really understand, thank goodness. We try to keep her away from it. 'But when she sees I'm upset, she will come over and cuddle me and say 'it's OK, Mummy'. It's horrible and the people that are supposed to help just don't care. They are heartless.' The family have been surviving on food donations from strangers and neighbours who heard about their desperate situation. Miss Whitchurch said she was wondering how she was going to feed her daughter Cheyenne Miss Whitchurch said: 'I could have gone to the food bank last week but since I thought I would be paid the next day, I didn't and the next one isn't for another week. So we've been getting by thanks to the kindness of other people. Why the family were left with 74p for a week Melissa Whitchurch and Chris Steer had asked the Department for Work and Pensions to change their payment schedule from monthly to fortnightly. The family received their last payment of 330, and were told the other half would arrive two weeks later. But when the second half did not arrive, they was told it would be made on the last day of the month. The couple were then forced to wait six days with only 74p to their name. Advertisement 'One lady heard about my situation and came and gave us some bread, milk, ham and cheese and I'd never even seen or spoken to her before.' Miss Whitchurch said she would love nothing more than to return to work since she was signed off due to problems with her health 11 years ago. But the former shop assistant has limited mobility and has aids to help her around the house due to her back pain and other health issues, for which she takes more than 40 tablets per day. Mr Steer was also signed off from his job as a chef just five months ago for mental health reasons. Universal Credit is a new benefits system, introduced to simplify and replace many existing benefits and tax credits and consists of a single, monthly benefit payment into a bank account. A DWP spokesman told MailOnline: 'The vast majority of claimants are paid in full and on time, and are comfortable managing their money. Advance payments and budgeting support is available for anyone who needs extra help. 'Universal Credit (UC) replaces an out-of-date, complex benefits system with cliff edges that disincentivised work and often trapped people in unemployment. Under UC, evidence shows people are moving into work faster and staying in work longer.' Just hours after 11 people were brutally murdered in a Pittsburgh synagogue, a haunted house in Ohio was hosting an event called 'Swastika Saturday'. And, down in Mississippi, a man wearing a Ku Klux Klan robe and hood was walking into a bar for a Halloween costume contest. These are just two incidents that shocked Americans still reeling from the horrific mass shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue on Saturday after a gunman stormed inside and yelled 'All Jews must die'. Haunted Hoochie, in Pataskala, continued to advertise Swastika Saturday on its social media pages, even as many criticized the event. Swastika Saturday is an annual event at the Haunted Hoochie, which bills itself as 'America's sickest, most over the top, craziest and most outrageous haunted attraction'. Just hours after 11 people were brutally murdered in a Pittsburgh synagogue, the Haunted Hoochie in Pataskala, Ohio (pictured) was hosting an event called 'Swastika Saturday' And, down in Mississippi, a man wearing a Ku Klux Klan robe and hood was walking into a bar for a Halloween costume contest On the last Saturday of the haunted house's season, employees dress up in their craziest costumes - some of which include swastikas. But many called on the Haunted Hoochie to cancel the event in light of Saturday's attack, now considered the deadliest against the Jewish community in US history. 'Care to explain why you're having Swastika Saturday? It seems really awful after the events of this morning,' one person wrote on the Haunted Hoochie Facebook page. But an employee of the haunted house defended the event, writing that labels are 'meant to pose one group against another and that is all they are'. 'Tools of government and religions...change my mind,' they added, commenting via the Haunted Hoochie's official Facebook account. Swastika Saturday went on as planned and Haunted Hoochie later posted on its Facebook page that it was 'the best its ever been'. On Sunday the Haunted Hoochie apologized for 'any insensitivity on our part', while still defending the event and not even mentioning the Pittsburgh attack by name. 'We show you the darkest, sickest, depraved parts of the world we all live in. We definitely aren't Nazi's. It's a haunted house, it's all about the horrors we face here on earth,' the statement read. Haunted Hoochie, in Pataskala, continued to advertise Swastika Saturday on social media, even as many criticized the event On the last Saturday of the haunted house's season, employees dress up in their craziest costumes - some of which include swastikas 'We also don't condone murder, torture, suicide by shotgun, or birth by sledgehammer,' it added, naming some of the regular skits done at the house. 'It does make us sad that this country is being divided against and killing each other. Don't fall for the illusion that one race/religion is better than another. Peace, love, and light.' The so-called apology immediately came under fire as users blasted the haunted house for 'using a Nazi symbol for marketing'. Swastika Saturday went on as planned and Haunted Hoochie later posted on Facebook that it was 'the best its ever been' 'It is not about being a haunted house or people being delicate, it is about turning a symbol of mass genocide into a marketing ploy. It's simply disgusting,' one person wrote. 'It's one thing to use a symbol. It's another to dedicate a night to it. A symbol used to kill over 6 million people,' another added. By Monday the Haunted Hoochie had drastically changed its tune, saying it 'screwed up big time'. 'On behalf of the entire Haunted Hoochie staff, we first and foremost extend our sincerest condolences to the families affected by the tragedy in Pittsburgh, and the Jewish communities of the area,' the statement read. 'Second, we will in no way tolerate any form of hatred on our grounds, from our staff, or from our guests.' 'The Haunted Hoochie is a place to escape the true evil in the world through the magic of Halloween theater - NOT perpetuate real evil.' 'We welcome anyone to our show with open arms - provided you do not bring evil or hatred.' This was despite widespread criticism for the event, which even prompted the band Only Flesh to cancel its performance Many took to Twitter and Facebook to call out the Haunted Hoochie for hosting the event just hours after the horrific mass shooting The Haunted Hoochie said it was also working with community leaders to 'mend fences' and said it would contribute $50,000 to the Tree of Life synagogue. But employees have continued to defend Swastika Saturday, saying that it's a night for employees to 'let loose' and 'basically just make us laugh'. 'It's more of a joke,' performer Alex Schiff told WSYX. 'In retrospect, a joke that was timed poorly and was in poor taste.' 'It wasn't a hate rally,' he added. 'It's really more of an inside joke for the people who work there.' Haunted Hoochie, which has been running for 20 years, has prided itself on its 'legendary sadistic stage skits'. On its website, the haunted house said it 'satisfied the public's growing lust for gore' by 'slamming their fragile brains through the window of morality and never saying sorry'. Skits include the 'Shotgun Suicide', in which an actor comes out with a shotgun and 'badgers his guests' before 'swallowing the barrel and compressing the trigger in an explosion of brains that plaster the wall behind him'. On Sunday the Haunted Hoochie apologized for 'any insensitivity on our part', while still defending the event and not even mentioning the Pittsburgh attack by name By Monday the Haunted Hoochie had drastically changed its tune, saying it 'screwed up big time' and pledging to donate $50,000 to the Tree of Life Synagogue There is also the 'Demon Birth Illusion', in which a doctor smashes a sledgehammer into a pregnant woman's belly and a 'demon fetus flies out across the room'. 'The graphic nature of this illusion strips away any shred of ethics and dips it in acid,' the website reads. But the Haunted Hoochie wasn't the only place where an inappropriate costume was worn just hours after the horrific Pittsburgh shooting. A man sporting a Ku Klux Klan hood and robe was kicked out of a bar in Mississippi during a Halloween costume party on Saturday. The man was waving the state flag that Mississippi adopted in 1861 during the Civil War, featuring the Confederate Stars and Bars, as he walked into Mutt & BC's Bar & Grill in Picayune. Co-owner Bryan Carroll told the man to remove his costume and leave the bar. He has since banned the man from returning. Haunted Hoochie (pictured), which has been running for 20 years, has prided itself on its 'legendary sadistic stage skits' 'We do not tolerate or condone racism at any level of our business, customers or staff,' Carroll told The Clarion-Ledger. 'Everyone is welcome and we do have all walks of life and all races that patronize our place.' Someone at the bar had spotted the man before he was kicked out and snapped a photo, which later went viral on Facebook. Picayune Mayor Ed Pinero praised Carroll for kicking the man out of the bar. 'The city of Picayune does not support any type of racist or derogatory actions, period, whether it's true to life or a costume party,' he said. 'It's just unacceptable behavior.' A man and woman in Texas have been arrested and are possibly connected to the brutal slaying of young parents gunned down in front of their baby in a small New York town last week. Joshua Niles, 28, and Amber Washburn, 24, were shot and killed in front of their home in the small upstate town of Sodus while their baby sat in their car. The assailant, covering their face in a hood, ran off on foot and was not identified. With practically no description to go off of, police had a mystery on their hands. But now, former Texas Ranger Timothy Dean, 32, is behind bars and so is his girlfriend, 25-year-old Charlene Childers. Childers was locked in a heated custody dispute with Niles before he was murdered, according to News10NBC. Former Texas Ranger Timothy Dean, 32, is behind bars and so is his girlfriend, 25-year-old Charlene Childers as police in Texas say they are suspects in a major case in Sodus, New York Joshua Niles, 28 and Amber Washburn, 24 (pictured with one of their baby) were shot and killed on their own street in the small upstate New York town of Sodus last week by a hooded shooter In the days after the slayings of the young parents, Childers attended a vigil for the murdered couple, and gave an interview to News10NBC. 'It's not something that you ever want to find out, the most I have to say to ya'll is justice needs to be served. My kids need that closure because whoever did it, has now made it to where my kids grow up without a dad and that's nothing a kid should ever have to do,' she said. Police in Texas say Dean is being held at the Moore County Correctional Facility on the charge of causing injury to a child in Texas. While the charge is not connected to the Sodus case, he is being held on $1million bond, which is extremely rare for a charge of that nature. So far Dean has not been charged with any crimes in New York. Childers was taken into custody on a warrant for being a fugitive from Texas. She is being held at the Wayne County Jail on the charge of causing injury to a child. Additionally, Childers is being held on no bail. Childers and Dean (pictured) were taken into custody on Monday on charges of causing an injury to a child, which is unrelated to the slayings, but they are being held on no bail and $1million bail which is extremely rare considering the charge they were arrested on Police say they believe the couple was targeted by the shooter though they would not elaborate on if they believed the person was a male or female Texas Rangers told News10NBC that while the charges the couple are being held on are in Texas cases, they are suspects in a major crime in Sodus, too. Dean was previously arrested for injury to a child back in May, which is when he resigned from his position as Chief of Police in the small town of Sunray, Texas. The new arrest is not related to those charges. The Wayne County Sheriff Barry Virts would not reveal any details regarding Dean and Childers potential connection to the case and only released a statement. 'Our investigation regarding the Monday, Oct. 22 double homicide in the Village of Sodus has and will continue. I have no other comments at this time as I do not want to compromise our ongoing investigative efforts,' the statement read. Niles and Washburn were outside of their home in their town outside of Rochester last Monday at around 2pm when someone wearing a hood shot Joshua. He crumpled under the car before the suspect turned to Amber and shot her while she was still inside the vehicle. After the horrific shooting the individual fired several more rounds into Joshua, before fleeing off on foot. The couple's three-month-old baby was in the backseat of the car, and was unharmed. Neighbors say that the couple had been living on the block for less than a year when the horrific incident happened (their home is pictured left) The incident unfolded near the Sodus Central School District where the schools were placed temporarily on lockdown, and remained closed the following day while the incident was investigated. The couple had lived on the street for less than a year, and police are saying this was a targeted hit on the couple. The couple's neighbor, Anthony Mancine, who witnessed the shooting first hand, told News10NBC: 'I heard what I thought was fireworks then I glanced over there, saw a guy fall under the car.' He added 'The person [suspect] was shooting like six to seven rounds.' Mancine called 911 immediately. 'As I was talking to 911, the person turned and shot at the girl in the car,' Mancine added. 'Then the person [suspect] turned and shot at the individual on the ground and fired another six to seven shots into him.' Police have declined to elaborate if the shooter is a male or female. Boeing experts were on their way to Indonesia to help with the investigation of the crash of one of its newest and most advanced planes, which had been in operation for just two months. The Boeing 737 Max 8 plane, operating as Lion Air Flight 610, crashed into the Java Sea northeast of Jakarta on Monday just minutes after takeoff, killing all 189 people on board. The aviation disaster marks the first-ever accident for Boeing's bestselling aircraft series and for the MAX 8 model, which debuted in January 2016. Scroll down for video Boeing is assisting Indonesian authorities in trying to determine the cause of the manufacturer's 737 MAX 8 jet crash in Jakarta on Monday Debris from the ill-fated Lion Air Flight JT 610 floats in the Java Sea after the crash, in which all 189 people on board were killed Search and rescue personnel worked through the night and into Tuesday to recover the bodies of the passengers and crew The jet's fuel efficiency and lower cost made MAX the fastest-selling airplane in Boeing's history. The Chicago-based aircraft maker released a statement on Monday saying the company is deeply saddened by the loss of the flight and extending sympathies to the victims and their families. 'Boeing is providing technical assistance at the request and under the direction of government authorities investigating the accident,' the statement goes on to say. 'In accordance with international protocol, all inquiries about this accident investigation must be directed to the investigating authority in charge, the National Transportation Safety Committee of Indonesia.' The crashed plane had only been in flying as part of Lion Air's fleet since August 15 and had logged a total of 800 hours of flight time, according to Indonesia's National Transportation Safety Commission. Boeing 737 MAX 8 was introduced in 2016 and took to the skies in 2017, quickly becoming the company's fastest-selling plane because of its efficiency and lower cost The company's shares plummeted 6.6 percent to $335.59 Monday, making it the biggest market loss for Boeing in nearly two years Indonesia has now ordered fulls inspections of all Boeing 737 Max 8 planes operated by Lion Air and PT Garuda Indonesia, but stopped short of grounding the fleet. Lion Air said on it would meet a team from Boeing on Wednesday to discuss the fate of its jet. 'We have many questions for them... This was a new plane,' Lion Air Director Daniel Putut told reporters. It was reported that travelers flying from Bali to Jakarta on Sunday on board the same jet had their takeoff delayed due to an 'unusual roar' from an engines. When the plane finally took of,f it seemed to be losing power and dropped suddenly a few times, passengers said, making it feel like a 'roller coaster'. In addition to Boeing, the US National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are sending their experts to Indonesia to help with the investigation. Indonesia has now ordered fulls inspections of all Boeing 737 Max 8 planes operated by Lion Air Rescue team members arrange the wreckage, showing part of the logo of Lion Air flight JT610, that crashed into the sea, at Tanjung Priok port in Jakarta, Indonesia Members of an Indonesian rescue team evacuate a body of a plane crash victim at Tanjung Priok Harbour, Indonesia A rescuer shows passports recovered from the area where a Lion Air plane went down minutes after takeoff Monday Indonesian forensic team members examine parts of airplane recovered from the sea In the hours after the plane plunged into the sea, Boeing's shares plummeted 6.6 percent to $335.59, making it the biggest market loss for the corporation in nearly two years. The price of Boeing shares made a recovery on Tuesday and was hovering around the $340 mark around noon. Search and rescue personnel worked through the night and into Tuesday to recover the bodies of the passengers and crew, sending 24 body bags to identification experts. Specialist ships and a remotely operated underwater vehicle have been deployed to search for the plane's hull and flight recorder. Lion Air, one of Boeing's largest customers, announced in April a firm order to buy 50 Boeing 737 MAX 10 narrowbody jets with a list price of $6.24billion. Putut, the airline's director, said the next delivery of the 737 MAX aircraft would have to undergo 'an evaluation process' in the wake of the crash. Germans are doubting whether Angela Merkel can hold power for the next three years. The 64-year-old yesterday announced she will step down as leader of her centre-right party in December this year but remain chancellor until 2021. Analysts have said this weakens her at home and abroad, making it likely that she will be ousted before the end of her term. Merkel welcomes Ghana's President Nana Akufo-Addo ahead of the G20 Compact with Africa summit at the Chancellery in Berlin today Former finance minister Wolfgang Schaeuble told Deutsche Welle: 'There are three years to go in the legislature period. We will see if it will really be the case [that Merkel remains chancellor].' 'She is today no longer as strong as perhaps at the peak of her successful time, that's obvious going by the vote results,' he added. Merkel said she will not stand to be chancellor if a snap election were called before 2021. This led to speculation the Merkel era will end sooner than expected. Merkel and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi walk to a joint press conference at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany today WHO WILL REPLACE MERKEL? Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer The current secretary general of the CDU and a close ally of Merkel. She previously served as the Minister President for the state of Saarland, increasing the CDU's vote there in 2017 even as it fell nationally. Jens Spahn Spahn currently serves as the Health Minister and has advocated pulling the CDU further to the right from Merkel's centrist approach. He has sparred with Merkel in the past and has taken a hard line over immigration, which has become a losing issue for his party. Friedrich Merz Merz, a fierce and longtime critic of Merkel, was the first name to emerge as her possible replacement. A former member of the European Parliament, Merz also previously served as the chairman of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group until he was replaced by Merkel in 2002. He left the Bundestag in 2009 and now sit on the board of several prominent companies, including the German arm of BlackRock. Advertisement 'Whether Merkel will really govern as chancellor until 2021 and then leave politics as promised, or whether the events would suddenly become uncontrollable for her, that's no longer up to her alone,' wrote newspaper Der Spiegel. Merkel's socialist predecessor Gerhard Schroder stepped down as head of his party in 2004 but remained chancellor until 2005. Merkel said at the time he lost authority and the move spelled 'the beginning of his end'. Whether or not Merkel will be ousted depends largely on who ends up taking over her party, the Christian Democratic Union. She has been in power for 13 years and at the helm of her party for 18. Three candidates are CDU general secretary Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, health minister Jens Spahn and former chief of the party's parliamentary group Friedrich Merz. Another name touted by German media is Armin Laschet, who is also the state premier of Germany's most populous region North Rhine-Westphalia. Laschet said Monday he has not declared his candidacy as it was 'more important at this time to reflect, to see what (Merkel's departure) means for the party and how the party can be kept united'. 'If Merkel's favourite Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer wins in December, then Merkel's chances at staying in power are good,' wrote Der Spiegel. But if a critic like Spahn or Merz gets the top job, 'then Merkel's chancellorship will likely be over more quickly.' According to Bild, five CDU heavyweights have already for weeks been plotting against Merkel. The group had planned to hold talks to get Merkel to leave if she failed to do so at her own initiative after the regional vote in the state of Hesse, reported Bild. Merkel announced her decision to leave the political stage a day after the CDU was given a hammering during Sunday's Hesse vote. She has said she would not back any candidate, adding that she 'will accept any democratic decision taken by my party.' Merkel had enjoyed the support of Germans as a guarantor of stability and prosperity, having steered the country through financial crises and keeping Europe's biggest economy humming with unemployment striking post-reunification record lows month after month. But her power has been on the wane since her 2015 decision to keep Germany's borders open at the height of Europe's migrant crisis, ultimately allowing in more than one million asylum seekers. Merkel speaks during a joint press conference with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi today The mass arrivals left a deep rift in German society, and fuelled the rise of the far-right AfD, fundamentally redrawing the political map. Besides the CDU internal power struggle that could determine her future, her departure could also be precipitated if her junior coalition partner, the Social Democratic Party, pulls the plug prematurely. Plummeting support for the SPD has left the party torn internally over whether to stay in the government. After a drubbing at two regional polls in as many weeks, the SPD has signalled it may walk away if Merkel's centre-right alliance of CDU and Bavarian allies CSU fails to meet its demands. By September 2019, the party 'will be able to see whether this government is still the right place for us', SPD chief Andrea Nahles said. Norwegian PM Erna Solberg today dismissed the prospect of Britain joining the EEA as a 'holding position' after Brexit. Senior Tories have been floating the idea of a 'Norway-for-now' solution that could help break the bitter deadlock in negotiations with the EU. The concept would involve the UK joining the group of countries, which are aligned to Brussels rules but not members, as a staging post while a final deal is thrashed out. Supporters, including former minister Nick Boles, say it would lessen the EU's leverage in the talks and give the UK time to prepare for any outcome. But attending a summit in Oslo with Theresa May today, Ms Solberg said that for Britain to 'enter into an organisation which you're leaving is a little bit difficult for rest of us'. But attending a summit in Oslo with Theresa May (left) today, Erna Solberg (right) said that for Britain to 'enter into an organisation which you're leaving is a little bit difficult for rest of us' Mrs May also poured cold water on the idea, saying that EEA membership would not honour the result of the EU referendum. States that are members of the European Economic Area (EEA) but not the EU - such as Norway and Iceland - have full access to the single market in exchange for making financial contributions and accepting free movement of people. Mrs May said: 'The existing relationship that Norway has with the EU is one that has elements that don't, wouldn't, deliver on that vote of the British people.' Mrs May said she wanted a 'good' agreement with the EU that took in economic activity and security. Ms Solberg and Mrs May, who were at the Northern Future Forum, also agreed that the countries will have reciprocal citizen rights regardless of the outcome in Brexit talks. 'Prime Minister May and I agreed that Norway and UK will put in place a comprehensive citizens rights' agreement,' Ms Solberg told reporters. 'We will treat all UK citizens living in Norway ... so they will have the same opportunities as they had before also after March 2019.' Tech giants including Spotify today tore into proposals to for a new digital tax - warning it would harm innovation and investment. Their stark warning comes just a day after Chancellor Philip Hammond vowed to 'go it alone' and impose a 2 per cent levy on the biggest digital firms operating in Britain. His announcement, in yesterday's Budget, came as discussions to impose an EU-wide digital tax are bogged down in discussions in Brussels. But in a sign the backlash against the plans are mounting, a number of digital firms - including Spotify and Booking.com - wrote to the EU to urge them not to impose a new levy. The group of 16 firms wrote: 'We write to you as leading European businesses to express our serious concern about the proposed Digital Services Tax ('DST').' In a direct appeal to the EU they said they are urging 'you not to adopt a measure which would cause material harm to economic growth and to innovation, investment and employment across Europe'. Philip Hammond smacked online giants like Amazon (file) with a new digital tax today in a bid to make sure tech giants pay a fair share of corporate taxes EU leaders have been locked in talks about imposing a new digital tax on companies such as Facebook, Amazon and Google. The Silicon Valley giants have faced a massive and growing backlash across the EU as their accounts show they pay paltry taxes in many of the countries despite raking in massive profits. Amazon forked out just 4.5 million in corporation tax in the UK last year, despite soaring sales of close to 2 billion. Facebook is expected to report third-quarter revenue of $13.8 billion later today - up 34 per cent from a year earlier. France and Britain are among the countries in the EU which have pushed for a new digital tax levy to force the firms to pay more tax. But with talks bogged down in Europe, Mr Hammond yesterday announced that Britain would push ahead with its own solo digital tax. He revealed the UK is set to be one of the first countries in the world to bring in the new levy to make sure tech giants pay more taxes. He said he would have preferred a 'global agreement' but has decided to 'go it alone' in taxing companies like Google on their advertising revenue. But the plan was blasted by the digital industry, with industry leaders warning that firms could pull their investment just when Britain's economy is already facing Brexit uncertainty. UK LEADS THE WAY WITH DIGITAL TAX The UK Digital Services Tax will make the UK the firm developed country to impose such a levy. The announcement comes as dozens of countries are contemplating taxes on digital services sold by companies such as Google and Facebook. Companies typically pay their taxes where they are based. But while local governments can impose a sales tax on physical goods in shops and restaurants, that has not been the case with online service providers. And in the European Union, foreign companies like Amazon, Google and Facebook pay what tax they owe in the country where they have their regional base - usually a low tax haven like Ireland. So their business generates little to no tax revenue in countries, like the U.K., where they have significant operations. Advertisement Julian David, said, chief executive of techUK, which represents digital companies, said it 'risks undermining the UK's reputation as the best place to start a tech business or to invest'. He said: 'TechUK remains opposed to any tax that seeks to narrowly target businesses simply because they are digital. The kind of tax being proposed will be bad for investment and bad for the UK economy.' He added: 'This approach risks undermining the UK's reputation as the best place to start a tech business or to invest. 'The 500 million threshold the Chancellor proposed is low and risks capturing much smaller companies than anticipated. techUK will engage with the Chancellor's consultation but it is vital that policy is developed based on the reality of how businesses work, not on theoretical models of how they operate.' Richard Laughton, Sharing Economy UK chairman and CEO of easyCar, also warned against the possible investor backlash over the tax. He said: 'Going it alone on a digital services tax could have an unintended impact on the sharing economy. 'If the UK is to break ranks with the international community, any new approach must be carefully built on evidence from a diverse range of businesses, including those in the sharing economy.' Amazon told MailOnline they would not be commenting on the proposal. But trade unions and Labour MPs said the tax does not go far enough. Tom Watson, Labour's shadow culture secretary, said: 'The tech giants do need to pay more in tax, but the measure announced today is pittance for these massive international companies. Britain's new digital tax will get hostile reception from Trump, experts warn Philip Hammond's proposal for a new digital tax will be met with a hostile reception in the United States, experts have warned. The Chancellor's plan could spark a backlash from Donald Trump as most of the big tech firms which will be affected are based in America. Dan Neidle, a partner at law firm Clifford Chance, said the tax could chill innovation and, given the dominance of the tech giants in the United States, would likely be met with a hostile reception by the Trump administration. 'For 100 years, businesses have been taxed based on where they are, not where their customers are,' he said. 'The digital tax represents a revolutionary change - it taxes digital companies, regardless of their legal structure, if they have users in the U.K. 'There are many - particularly in the U.S. - who will regard limiting that revolution to one particular sector as opportunistic, particularly when it's a sector where the U.K. (and Europe as a whole) have conspicuously failed to create world-beating businesses.' Advertisement 'Under the Tories the percentage of tax paid by the big five tech companies has halved since 2013. 'The new tax isn't even set to be implemented until 2020 at which time the tech giants will start to enjoy a 2 per cent cut in their corporation tax rate. The lack of ambition in this announcement is derisory.' Tim Roache, General Secretary of the GMB trade union, said: 'The Chancellor had a chance today to make corporate giants like Amazon pay their way but instead chose to go so 'softly' I'm not sure they'll even notice. The new tax will hit big search engines, social networks and online market places - levying 2 per cent on their revenues to try and protect the consumer. Shares in US-listed Amazon dropped almost 5 per cent yesterday following the announcement. Netflix and Google were also trading lower. It will only be levied on profitable firms making 500million a year in global sales - raising him 400million a year. Treasury sources insisted the move was not a response to wrong-doing by digital giants but a new tax to reflect the changing nature of the economy. In the Budget speech, Mr Hammond insisted his new tax would not be levied on online purchases and that tech start ups would be protected. Mr Hammond said: 'The UK has been leading attempts to deliver international corporate tax reform for the digital age. 'A new global agreement is the best long-term solution. But progress is painfully slow. We cannot simply talk forever. 'So we will now introduce a UK Digital Services Tax.' He added: 'The Digital Services Tax will only be paid by companies which are profitable and which generate at least 500m a year in global revenues in the business lines in scope. 'We will consult on the detail to make sure we get it right, and to ensure that the UK continues to be the best place to start and scale-up a tech business.' The Chancellor (pictured ahead of his Budget today) said he would have preferred a 'global agreement' on how to tax multi national firms The Chancellor said 'it is only right that these global giants, with profitable businesses in the UK, pay their fair share towards supporting our public services'. Miles Dean, Managing Partner of Milestone International Tax, said: 'At a time when the UK must pull out all the stops to attract inward investment with Brexit looming on the horizon, it beggars belief that a Conservative Chancellor should contemplate levying a brand new tax on companies that have already invested heavily in the UK, employ thousands of people and who total tax contribution is very often overlooked. 'The reality is that Philip Hammond needs to raise revenue somewhere but inventing a digital services tax isn't the answer. 'The idea that the UK is prepared 'to go it alone' without any international consensus is ridiculous and will undoubtedly lead to a retaliatory response from trading partners, most likely the US.' Carolyn Fairbairn, director-general of the CBI, said on Monday that the new tax was a 'high risk' move. 'The Government should move in step internationally, leading multilateral solutions, or risk losing our global competitive edge in digital,' she said. Tim Bennett, a partner at Killik & Co, said: 'Setting Britain on a solo collision course with some of the world's biggest technology companies may be interpreted as either brave, or a little foolish.' A flat block has been evacuated amid an infestation of venomous false widow spiders. Residents in Quayside House in Newham, east London, claim they are 'living in fear' of the arachnids which have been found in the walls, around windows and in beds. Earlier this month, four schools in the area were closed for up to four weeks after being infested with the spiders. Mother-of-two Dionne Burrows has been left on antibiotics after being bitten while her terrified nine-year-old son has moved in with his grandmother, too afraid to sleep in his own bed after finding spiders near it. Dionne Burrows, 28, and daughter Ava, two, are 'living in fear' of the spiders in their home False widow spiders live in the ceiling tiles of Quayside House in Canning Town Ms Burrows first spotted false widows inside her first-floor flat a month ago but despite fumigating her home twice, she said they still remain. The 28-year-old said Luke was left so petrified after finding a spider beside his bed he is staying with his great grandmother until the problem is resolved. She said: 'I cannot live like this anymore, I am really scared and my son is terrified. I even found one right next to my little boy's bed. The building is riddled with them, it's ridiculous. 'They are in the corners, all over the walls and crawling across the door frames. There are so many damp areas in the building which they apparently like.' Earlier this month, four east London schools were shut for up to a month to treat the invasion of False Widow Spiders, 'immediately, before the eggs start hatching'. The schools closed are Rokeby Secondary school and Star Lane Primary in Canning Town, Lister Community School in Plaistow and Ellen Wilkinson Primary in Beckton. Ms Burrows was first bitten on her thigh and shin two months ago when doctors put her on antibiotics. The flat block has been evacuated amid an infestation of venomous false widow spiders The arachnids which have been found in the walls, around windows and in beds. Right, Insect monitors have been placed after fumigation Ms Burrows' nine-year-old son is too afraid to sleep in his own bed after finding spiders beside it She said: 'It was terrible pain and that is what terrifies me with the kids.' Ms Burrows then went to the Sanctuary Housing office in Hackney, north London, with her two young children and placed a jar full of false widows on the desk. But she was told by her landlord that it was not something they were obliged to 'act on legally.' Two weeks ago, residents at Quayside House were asked to evacuate their homes so that the entire building could be fumigated by pest control. But Ms Burrows insisted her flat be fumigated again and she was moved to a hotel room for two nights with her children. She said: 'I have a baby at home and I told them we cannot go on living there until they help us. I am not sleeping at all because I am up all night looking in all the corners for them and worrying about my kids.' John Hanson, Head of Housing, said: When we were made aware of this issue, we contacted specialist contractors who have now taken the appropriate action, including treating flats and communal areas. While we understand that people may be concerned, we have been reassured by the contractors that the health risk is low. Eggs of false widow spiders are likely to hatch despite the building being fumigated Police in New York are searching for four men who are accused of surprising a dominatrix, restraining her at gunpoint and stealing her belongings at a hotel in New York on Monday. Surveillance footage from the Ramada Inn in Queens where the allegedly targeted attack occurred shows four men walking through the hallways, with their faces uncovered. The perpetrators were masked, however, at the time of the attack, police told NBC. The female victim, 27, was treated for minor injuries at a hospital and released. The unidentified suspects shown in the video are believed to have knocked on the woman's hotel room on Crescent Street at around 5.45pm on Monday. When she answered, the suspectes greeted the dominatrix with a gun in her face. Authorities said they forced their way in once she opened the door, restrained her with duct tape, and then made off with several of her possessions. New York police are searching for four men who are accused of targeting a dominatrix, restraining her at gunpoint and stealing her belongings at a hotel in Queens on Monday The men are accused of stealing her iPhone, cash, her debit card and her driver's license. It's believed that the men knew the woman in the hotel room was a dominatrix. The woman only opened the door after receiving a call from an unknown number which she assumed belonged to a client, authorities said. It's believed that the suspects knew the woman in the hotel room was a dominatrix; Two of the men from the surveillance footage are shown here The men shown in the surveillance footage are all wearing dark clothing, with either hats or hoods on top of their heads; Anyone with information about the suspects is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) The men shown in the surveillance footage are all wearing dark clothing, with either hats or hoods on top of their heads. Police are seeking the assistance of the public in naming the individuals shown in the footage from the hotel. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS. The elder of the two sisters whose bodies washed up along the Hudson River was an engineering student at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, DailyMail.com can reveal. Rotana Farea, 22, and her 16-year-old sister Tala were found dead - their bodies bound together by duct tape - on the riverbank of New York's Upper West Side neighborhood last week. DailyMail.com has learned Rotana, from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, was an undergraduate at George Mason University from January 2016 until May of this year. George Mason, a public university with 35,000 students has close ties to Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Arabia Cultural Mission has gifted the college $63 million and has paid for the education of 270 of its 370 Saudi students. Rather than live on campus like many of her classmates, Rotana traveled back to her home in Falls Church, Virginia where she lived with her mother, brother and Tala. Rotana attended classes at the Volgenau School of Engineering and sources say she planned to major in bio-engineering when she returned this fall. But the University told DailyMail.com that Rotana never returned in August to complete her education. Mystery continues to surround how the bodies of Rotana Farea, 22, (left) and her 16-year-old sister, Tala Farea (right) washed up along the Hudson River last week. Rotana Farea dropped out of the University's engineering college in Fairfax, Virginia, before she could begin a major in bioengineering in August Problems arose for Rotana when she learned her whole family would have to return to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A source at the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Washington, DC told DailyMail.com Rotana's sister Tala had won a full scholarship to study at Dar Al-Fikr, a top private school in Jeddah. Tala had briefly studied in 2017 at Fairfax High School, close to George Mason University. Rotana and Tala's mother contacted The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children on August 24 after Tala went missing from home. She then called off the search after learning Tala was with Rotana in New York. She also told authorities the pair were applying for asylum in the US to avoid returning to Jeddah. Family members told Arab News that the two sisters had only lost contact with their mother a week ago. They are insisting that the pair did not commit suicide and are waiting to find out the cause of death from the Chief Medical Examiner, which has not yet released findings from the autopsies. In a statement released today, the Saudi Arabian Consulate General in New York said the Farea sisters were 'citizens accompanying their brother in Washington' and it had 'appointed an attorney to follow the case closely'. Rotana Farea's last known address was here at the Skyline Apartments in Falls Church, Virginia The bodies of the two women that were bound together by duct tape washed up from New York's Hudson River on Wednesday. Police are seen here removing one of the bodies The bodies were laying on rocks near the river when authorities arrived on the scene Fairfax police confirmed to DailyMail.com that at least one Farea sister was reported missing by family. They said there was no reason to think the sister was abducted or in danger, which is why no images were released to the public. Rotana and Tala were found fully clothed, wearing black jackets with fur trim and black leggings, when their bodies washed up near Riverside Park last week. Their bodies were bound together with duct tape that was tied around their feet and waists. The pair were found facing each other. Police sources say they do not believe the sisters died by jumping off the George Washington Bridge, six miles upriver from where their bodies were found by Riverside Park. The pair did not sustain injuries commonly seen with people who have jumped. They also, had the pair jumped during daylight, a driver near the busy bridge would have seen them. Authorities received a 911 call at 2.40pm from a passerby who spotted the two bodies floating in the water off the city's Upper West Side neighborhood Authorities can be seen carrying two stretchers as they cleared the bodies from the scene A passerby called 911 at 2.40pm on Wednesday after spotting the two bodies, which were found laying on rocks by the river when police arrived at the scene. The sisters' father has since arrived in New York following news of their death. As the migrant caravan gets closer to the US border and with the 2018 midterm elections just days away, US President Donald Trump has just dropped a bombshell on the already tense immigration debate in the country. The President, in a recent interview with Axios, said that he intends to revoke the birthright citizenship privileges offered by the 14th Amendment via an executive order as part of a broader crackdown on undocumented immigration. But just what is birthright citizenship? How do Amendments and executive orders work? Can Trump repeal birthright citizenship in the US with the stroke of a pen? Heres everything you need to know. Trump's proposed executive order, if enacted, will likely set up a very contentious legal battle What is the 14th Amendment? The 14th Amendment is an amendment to the US Constitution which, among other aspects, grants birthright citizenship to all persons born in the United States regardless of whether their parents are US citizens or not. Known as one of the Reconstruction Amendments passed in the wake of the American Civil War, the amendment was adopted on July 9, 1868 and was designed to address issues regarding citizenship and equal protection under US law regarding former slaves residing in the country after the wars end. In addition to granting birthright citizenship to all residing in the US, the amendment also addressed privileges and immunities under US law, due process and equal protection. The citizenship clause nullified the US Supreme Courts infamous Dred Scott v. Sandford ruling in 1857, which stated that Americans descended from African slaves cant become US citizens and provided a much broader definition of US citizenship. The privileges and immunities clause ensures that all people traveling in the US are protected from discrimination while the due process clause prevents government officials from depriving people from life, liberty or property without due process. The equal protection clause ensures that all US states offer equal protection under the law, regardless of citizenship status. The full text of the 14th Amendment is as follows: All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside. No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. Representatives shall be apportioned among the several states according to their respective numbers, counting the whole number of persons in each state, excluding Indians not taxed. But when the right to vote at any election for the choice of electors for President and Vice President of the United States, Representatives in Congress, the executive and judicial officers of a state, or the members of the legislature thereof, is denied to any of the male inhabitants of such state, being twenty-one years of age, and citizens of the United States, or in any way abridged, except for participation in rebellion, or other crime, the basis of representation therein shall be reduced in the proportion which the number of such male citizens shall bear to the whole number of male citizens twenty-one years of age in such state. No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any state, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any state legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any state, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability. The validity of the public debt of the United States, authorized by law, including debts incurred for payment of pensions and bounties for services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion, shall not be questioned. But neither the United States nor any state shall assume or pay any debt or obligation incurred in aid of insurrection or rebellion against the United States, or any claim for the loss or emancipation of any slave; but all such debts, obligations and claims shall be held illegal and void. The Congress shall have power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article. What is birthright citizenship? Birthright citizenship, also known as Jus soli, or right of the soil, is a concept that states that anyone born in a particular country has a legal right to citizenship there, regardless of who their parents are. The concept is thought to have originated in ancient Athens in the sixth century BC and was later adopted in ancient Rome in 212 AD with the Edict of Caracalla, which extended citizenship to all free inhabitants of the Roman Empire. The French of American Revolutions of the late 18th century also provided a more modern foundation for the concept. In the US, it was specifically codified into Federal law with the adoption of the 14th Amendment in 1868. Birthright citizenship has been enshrined in the US Constitution since 1868 with the 14th Amendment, enacted in the wake of the American Civil War to address former slaves' rights What countries have birthright citizenship? As of 2018, 30 countries worldwide have adopted birthright citizenship as part of their national laws. Argentina Belize Bolivia Brazil Canada Chile Costa Rica Dominica Ecuador El Salvador Fiji Grenada Guatemala Guyana Honduras Jamaica Mexico Nicaragua Pakistan Panama Paraguay Peru St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Vincent and the Grenadines Trinidad and Tobago Tuvalu United States Uruguay Venezuela In addition to these countries, restricted birthright citizenship laws also exist in numerous other countries around the world, including the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa, Iran, Spain, Egypt, Greece and Germany. India and Malta abolished their birthright citizenship laws in 2004 and 1989, respectively. What is an executive order? An executive order is a directive issued by the US President to an executive branch of the government that has the force of law. Although the US Constitution lacks a specific provision that permits them, Article II of the Constitution does contain a grant of executive power provision. Presidents have used this provision to change US domestic and foreign policy, as theyre legally binding and dont require the consent of the US Congress to become law. Every US President since George Washington has issued executive orders with the exception of William Henry Harrison, who died after just 31 days in office from pneumonia in 1841. Former President Barack Obama issued 276 executive orders, while George W. Bush and Bill Clinton issued 291 and 308, respectively. As of September 20, 2018, Trump has issued 85 executive orders. The US Constitution grants the President an 'executive power' provision for executive orders What is an anchor baby? Anchor baby is a term, often seen as derogatory, for any child born in the US to parents who are undocumented immigrants. The term is often used within the context of the ongoing political debate over undocumented immigration in the US, referring to children of parents residing in the country without lawful authorization yet still guaranteed American citizenship via the 14th Amendment. Passport baby, a similar term, has sometimes been used in Canada for children born in the country for birth tourism purposes. Can Trump change the 14th Amendment? Trumps declaration of his intent to end birthright citizenship in the US via executive order quickly set off a firestorm of controversy about the constitutionality of the proposal. Many experts, however, have expressed strong skepticism with regards to Trumps ability to unilaterally change birthright citizenship laws in the US with an executive order. Lynden Melmed, a former US Citizenship Chief Counsel of US Citizenship and Immigration Services in the US Department of Homeland Security, told Axios that few US Constitutional experts believe that a President alone has the authority to change birthright citizenship laws, despite Trumps insistence in the interview that: now they're saying I can do it just with an executive order.' Judge James Ho, who was appointed by Trump to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, has also said it would be unconstitutional for a US President to change the 14th Amendment with an executive order. Omar Jadwat, director of the Immigrants Rights Project at the American Civil Liberties Union in New York, also said bluntly: This is a transparent and blatantly unconstitutional attempt to sow division and fan the flames of anti-immigrant hatred in the days ahead of the midterms. Some have stated, however, that an executive order thats more limited in scope may be both constitutional and effective. This sentiment is echoed by former Deputy Assistant to the President for Strategic Communications Michael Anton, who wrote in the Washington Post that the proposed executive order may 'specify to federal agencies that the children of non-citizens are not citizens.' Whatever path Trump ultimately takes with issuing an executive order regarding birthright citizenship, it will likely set up an explosive legal battle with opponents. Trump's proposed executive order comes as thousands of Central American migrants have crossed into Mexico and are headed north, intent on ultimately reaching the US border What are Federal government checks and balances? Much of the debate about the constitutionality of Trumps proposed executive order intended to end birthright immigration revolves around the broader issue of checks and balances in the United States Federal government. Checks and balances, also known as the separation of powers, is a concept in many countries, including the United States, which divides up political power among several branches of government to limit their influence. In the United States, the system of checks and balances manifests itself with the three distinct branches of the Federal government: the legislative branch, the executive branch and the judicial branch. The legislative branch, which consists of the US Senate and House of Representatives, has the power to write and enact laws, ratify treaties, declare war, confirm US Supreme Court Justices and try and ultimately impeach the US President. The executive branch, headed by the US President, can veto laws, issue executive orders, grant pardons and appoint executive department leaders. The judicial branch, which consists of the US Supreme Court, determines the constitutionality of enacted laws and determines which laws Congress intended to apply in any given case and to disputes. A Republican politician is an investor in Gab, the now-shuttered social media network used by the Pittsburgh synagogue gunman, DailyMail.com can disclose. Dan Bishop, a state senator in North Carolina who is up for re-election next week, boasted in August 2017 that he had backed the site because he was 'about done with SF [San Francisco] thought police tech giants.' Bishop is one of the only known investors in the tech startup, which had billed itself as 'a free speech platform' for anyone who wanted to join. It used anonymous crowd-sourcing techniques to raise investment cash and is based in Austin, Texas. But the site has become infamous as a haven for alt-right discourse and conspiracy theories, as well as being used by gunman Robert Bowers, 46, to spread vile anti-Semitic slurs. Although its founder has insisted it is not a platform for racists, Bowers, of Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, was able to include the words: 'jews [sic] are the children of Satan' in his Gab profile bio. And on Saturday morning, shortly before his bloody rampage began, where he killed 11 people and injured several more, he posted: 'Screw your optics I'm going in.' North Carolina state senator Dan Bishop (pictured) is one of the only known investors in the now-shuttered social media network Gab, DailyMail.com can disclose The site has become infamous as a haven for alt-right discourse and conspiracy theories, as well as being used by gunman Robert Bowers, 46, (left in his mugshot and right in his Gab profile picture) to spread vile anti-Semitic slurs An hour before the first reports emerged of the shooting, Bowers posted this on Gab. He was enraged by HIAS, the Hebrew Immigration Aid Society which helps Jewish migrants settle in the US, and said he couldn't 'sit by' and watch 'my people get slaughtered' Other users include former Breitbart columnist Milo Yiannopoulos and controversial Info Wars founder Alex Jones. Andrew Torba, 27, the entrepreneur behind Gab has repeatedly claimed it was set up to provide a censorship-free platform, but a recent academic study has shown much of the discourse on the site is classified as hate speech. In 'What is Gab? A Bastion of Free Speech or an Alt-Right Echo Chamber?', researchers from Princeton and University College London, among others, found that the use of hate words was 2.4 times higher on Gab than on Twitter. After analyzing 22 million posts by 336,000 users, it found that users tended to be more interested than average in topics such as white nationalism. Its most recent appeal for cash suggested a valuation of $10.9 million, but it is unclear whether it has yet become profitable. Like those who use his platform, Torba is no stranger to controversy and was booted out of an alumnus group for Silicon Valley 'incubator' Y Combinator in 2016 after dubbing his fellow alumni as 'cucks'. Cucks a short form for cuckold has become an increasingly popular insult among the alt-right, although Torba claims he is not a member of that political grouping. The Pennsylvania native grew up in the small town of Moosic, not far from Scranton where former Vice-President Joe Biden was born. Although a self-described 'conservative Republican Christian', many of his relations, including his new wife Emily, 25, are registered Democrats. Andrew Torba, 27, (pictured with his wife Emily) is the entrepreneur behind Gab and has repeatedly claimed it was set up to provide a censorship-free platform, but a recent academic study has shown much of the discourse on the site is classified as hate speech Hours after the synagogue shooting on Saturday, Gab boasted of getting '1 million hits an hour' on its website Gab was taken offline Sunday after being banned from hosting platform GoDaddy and having service terminated by a variety of other tech companies After graduating with a degree in philosophy from the University of Scranton in 2013, he launched Kuhcoon a company that helps small businesses use social media and hired his mother Amy, 49, as head of customer service. Later, he relocated briefly to Mountain View, California, to work with Y Combinator, which helps develop fledgling tech businesses. While there, he claimed he had to keep his political views a secret for fear of denting his career ambitions, writing in a 2016 post on blogging site Medium: 'In many ways, it has been easier to express my sexuality in this country publicly then [sic] it is to express my political opinion. 'I believe that free speech and free thought are under attack. Political correctness has risen up at the expense of freedom of speech and has become a cancer on discourse.' Torba went on: 'An American. In America. Afraid of expressing his opinion or thought. Again, it's very sad that I felt this way in my own country, which is supposed to be the beacon of light for liberty, freedom, and free speech to the world.' Later the same year, he was booted out of the Y Combinator alumni group after revealing his political persuasions in a foul-mouthed Facebook rant telling other members of the group: 'All of you: f*** off. Take your morally superior, elitist, virtue signaling bulls*** and shove it. 'I call it like I see it, and I helped meme a President into office, cucks.' Since then, he has moved to Texas, where he shares a home in Austin with his now-wife Emily, a graduate of the University of Palo Alto, who also works for Gab as its head of customer service. Torba was booted out of the Y Combinator alumni group after revealing his political persuasions in a foul-mouthed Facebook rant telling other members of the group: 'All of you: f*** off. Take your morally superior, elitist, virtue signaling bulls*** and shove it. I call it like I see it, and I helped meme a President into office, cucks' Sunday night, Gab tweeted about having been banned by various company, directing the tweet at Donald Trump and his campaign manager Neither Torba nor his wife were available for comment and she has now taken down her own social media profiles, including her Facebook page that had been festooned with photos of their August wedding at a country club near Scranton. His parents Amy and Robert, 55, were also unavailable for comment, although Robert did post a Biblical passage on Facebook on Sunday that appeared to reference his family's current troubles. Gab is currently offline, although the site said on Tuesday it would be back up by this weekend, with a statement from Torba that is available to see. In it, he distanced the social media site from Bowers and described it as 'the most censored, smeared, and no-platformed startup in history'. He added: 'You have all just made Gab a nationally recognized brand as the home of free speech online at a time when Silicon Valley is stifling political speech they disagree with to interfere in a US election. 'Gab isn't going anywhere. It doesn't matter what you write. It doesn't matter what the sophist talking heads say on TV. 'It doesn't matter what verified nobodies say on Twitter. We have plenty of options, resources, and support. 'The online outrage mob and mainstream media spin machine are the minority opinion. People are waking up, so please keep pointing the finger at a social network instead of pointing the finger at the alleged shooter who holds sole responsibility for his actions.' Gab's profile on crowdfunding site StartEngine remains active, with the company making most of its money via selling shares through the site. According to its most recent annual report, in March 2018, Torba owns 60.3 percent of the shares while his business partner, Ekrem Buyukkaya, Gab's Chief Technology Officer, owns 25.01 percent. Bishop (pictured with his family) campaigned to ban transgender people from using gender-specific restrooms and compared white supremacists to Black Lives Matter protesters Eleven people were killed and injured several more in synagogue gun attack before Bowers was arrested on Saturday memorial filled with flowers is shown at the Tree of Life synagogue on Monday, two days after a mass shooting in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Crowdfunding investors such as Bishop own about 9.75 per cent, and the remaining 5.21 per cent is owned by Utsav Sanduja, Gab's Chief Operating Officer. The minimum crowdfunding investment is $199.10, or 181 shares. According to the annual report, the company raised 'approximately $1,070,000' in 2017 by selling 995,641 shares to 1,792 investors. This year, it had hoped to raise another $10 million by offering another tranche of shares for sale. Like fellow Gab users Yiannopoulos and Ann Coulter, Bishop, who has been approached for comment by DailyMail.com, is no stranger to controversy. In 2016, he took part in the campaign to ban transgender people from using gender-specific restrooms in North Carolina on the grounds of safety. The following year, he sparked outrage after comparing white supremacists to Black Lives Matter protestors in the wake of the Charlottesville riot. He tweeted: 'Must declare even if unilaterally: 1) That was terrorism. 2) Racist alt-right must be condemned. 3) Antifa, BLM also. #Charlottesville' Responding to a fellow Twitter user who asked if he was 'equating Black Lives Matter with those waving Nazi flags', he said: 'Yes. Both violent, racist movements.' Bishop, 54, has served as a state senator since 2015 and is standing for re-election next Tuesday. A mother's ill-advised idea of coloring her son's skin and dressing up the boy as a slave for a school Halloween party has opened up wounds from Brazil's ugly past. Sabrina Flor is now apologizing for her poor taste in judgement after she was met with backlash. She shut down her Instagram account hours after her son appeared at his private school's costume event Monday in the city of Natal, located in the northeastern part of the South American country. Flor has been widely criticized and accused of being a racist after she posted pictures of her son wearing chains, with his body covered in brown body paint from head to toe. A nine-year-old boy in northeastern Brazil was dressed up as a slave for his private school's Halloween party on Monday. His mother shared photos of the costume on Instagram Brazil's historil wounds about the Atlantic slave trade were reopened Monday when a mother made the poor choice for creating the slave costume from scratch for her son Sabrina Flor, a businesswoman in Natal, a city in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Norte has been accused of being racist after she posted the photos The mother made light humor of her decision to cast her son as slave with multiple pictures on her since deleted Instagram account, sabrinaflor. 'When your child takes on the character! Let's make this thing Brazilian.' Flor's odd choice in costume ahead of the October 31 holiday featured the nine-year-old boy with a collar wrapped around his neck while a long plastic chain bounded his neck area to both of his wrists, a reference to the Atlantic slave trade that brought close to 4 million slaves from Africa to Brazil. The South American nation was the last country in the Western Hemisphere to ban slavery, in 1888. The schoolboy, perhaps unaware of the uproar the costume was about to generate, also sported a set of plastic chains wrapped around his right ankle. His only clothes are a white head wrap and a towel covering him from the waist area down to the knees. A Brazilian boy perhaps had no idea the firestorm his slave Halloween costume was set to create A mother's poor choice in judgement conjured memories of the Brazil's racist historical era by applying a special substance to create huge welts on her child's back as part of his Halloween costume Flor's creativity conjured memories of the nation's racist historical era by applying a special substance to create huge welts on her child's chest as well as his upper and lower back, suggesting the boy had been whipped by a slave master. On Tuesday, a message appeared on an Instagram account associated with a business account allegedly tied to the embattled mother in which he expressed her sincere forgiveness while denouncing the bullying she had been subjected to. CEI School issued a statement denouncing the Brazilian mother decision dress her son as a slave for this year's Halloween festivities. A statement allegedly attributed to Sabrina Flor expressed her sincere apologies. 'It has never been my intention to offend anyone, I am extremely sorry for everything that has happened' A controversial nine-year-old's slave Halloween costume features a plastic chain link wrapped around the boy's right ankle 'I just wanted to apologize for the fact! It has never been my intention to offend anyone, I am extremely sorry for everything that has happened,' the mother supposedly wrote. 'I feel VERY wrong with the horrid curses and threats that they are sending me. Apologies to all, from the bottom of my heart! #Peace.' According to Brazilian outlet G1, law enforcement authorities as well the a local government child welfare agency were looking to question the mother about her controversial decision. Colegio CEI, the school the boy attends, decried the mother's poor choice and said it abhorred any practices that promote slavery. 'Unfortunately, the choice of the costume for participation of the Halloween, made by the student's family, touched on a historical wound of our country,' the private school said in a statement. DailyMail.com reached out to Flor for comment. Auxiliary police officer Ricardo Davis, 44, died falling 50ft through a gap in a bridge while chasing two teenage suspects on Saturday after they fled from him and other cops when they tried to pull them over Two teenagers have been charged with involuntary manslaughter after a trainee cop fell to his death through a gap in a bridge while he chased them. On Saturday, auxiliary police officer Ricardo Davis, 44, was escorting a group of Washington Park police officers when they tried to stop the Valention Miller and Chauntuan Gillespie, both 19, in East St. Louis, Illinois, a city plagued by crime. The police department has not revealed why they wanted to pull the teens over. The pair ignored their sirens and sped away onto a bridge then crashed their SUV and fled on foot. The officers gave chase, running across the bridge to try to catch them. Davis ran horizontally across the on-ramp and tried to hurdle across what he thought was a median but fell 50ft through a gap on the other side. He died in hospital later as a result of his injuries and the two teens, who were arrested on the bridge, have now been charged in his death. Authorities say Miller and Gillespie had guns, drugs and ski masks inside the vehicle. They have both been charged with manslaughter and unlawful use of a weapon. Miller, who was driving the car, was also charged with aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer. Valention Miller (left) and Chauntuan Gillespie, (right) both 19, fled the cops when they tried to pull their SUV over. The police department will not say why what initiated the attempted traffic stop. They say they found drugs, guns and ski masks in the teenager's vehicle after they were arrested. Both have now been charged with involuntary manslaughter and unlawful use of a weapon Both teens were held on bond. Miller's was set at $40,000 and Gillespie's was set at $30,000. If convicted, the teenagers face 14 years behind bars. The Washington Park Police Department did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com's inquiries regarding what triggered the traffic stop on Saturday. Davis was a father-of-six who was two weeks from beginning police academy classes. He previously tried to become a member of the Brooklyn Police Department but failed his exams and the department would not pay for him to sit them again so he turned to Washington Park. This is an aerial view of the spot on the bridge where the officer fell. He was running horizontally across it and thought the gap where the road split was just a barrier This is the gap Davis fell through as he tried to hurdle over the barrier to chase the teens horizontally across the bridge This is the bottom of the 50ft drop. It was where Davis was rescued and was taken to hospital from He spent most of his life working as a security guard, according to family. 'He wanted to be the guy that got the bad guy,' his brother Romero told The St Louis Post Dispatch. The auxiliary officer program at Washington Park is one of thousands across the country which allows aspiring officers to work for the force without bearing the full responsibilities that a qualified officer does. It is not clear if Davis, who had not yet even started his classes, was supposed to be as hands-on as he was on Saturday when he died. Despite not being a police officer, Davis was given a funeral worthy of a force veteran. Dozens of officers followed his hearse on motorcycles to attend the service. He has six children between the ages of 21 and three-months-old. The two teens have preciously spent time behind bars for other crimes. Advertisement A hungry bear cub holds onto a towering whale bone in Alaska. The young bear and its sibling, which reach around 6ft tall on their hind legs, climb on a 15ft-long bowhead whale bone which has been left out by local Alaskan Inupiat hunters. The 75-tonne whales are sacred to Inupiat people, who cook and eat three per year, leaving the bones in a designated place for the polar bears to finish off the scraps of meat stuck to the bones. The young bear and its sibling, which reach around 6ft tall on their hind legs, climb on a 15ft-long bowhead whale bone which has been left out by local Alaskan Inupiat hunters. The 75-tonne whales are sacred to Inupiat people, who cook and eat three per year, leaving the bones in a designated place for the polar bears to finish off the scraps of meat stuck to the bones Photographer Eiji Itoyama spent five days in Kaktovik village, Alaska, which is on the edge of the Arctic Ocean, taking pictures of the bears, which are around a year old. The 48-year-old from Osaka, Japan, said the Inupiat people are only allowed to hunt three bowhead whales per year, which can reach up to 60ft in length, leaving the carcass out on the ice for the bears to eat the leftovers. He said: "The local people called Inupiat are allowed to hunt three bowhead whales every year and they put the remains in a certain place every time for polar bears to eat the rest of whale meat. "Basically, polar bears love playing, especially the cubs. "Their curiosity drew them to these whale bones. They pushed them around, pulled at them, trying to climb up, and were play-fighting over the bone. "The cubs follow their mother over the ice, but sometimes they find something interesting or something they need to check out. "The mother polar bears that I saw were very tolerant - this one was waiting until her cubs finished their game, as long as she felt it is safe for them. "The bone piles are a central place to find polar bears in Kaktovik. "They hang around the bone piles and I saw lots of mothers and cubs during the morning and evening times. "Even though most of bones are years old and have been left there from previous years, they still attract bears with left-over old meat. "The cubs easily spent more than half an hour playing with the bones before the family moved on. Photographer Eiji Itoyama said: 'Even though most of bones are years old and have been left there from previous years, they still attract bears with left-over old meat. 'The cubs follow their mother over the ice, but sometimes they find something interesting or something they need to check out,' Itoyama added "I had such a smile on my face while I was taking photos. The cubs were so cute and I completely forgot that polar bears are dangerous animals. "I heard from the local people that there are around 30 polar bears in Kaktovik this year. "It was 70 last year and I wonder why they are so few this year, maybe an environmental reason. I am not sure. "But, the bears I saw during my stay are all peaceful and looked healthy, even though there is not a lot of food at this time of year. "October is still early for polar bears to hunt seals because the sea water is not frozen yet and it does not allow for them to walk on the ice to find seals in breathing holes in the ice. "For now, they are forced to eat carcasses of seagulls, seal, and whale until they start hunting." Advertisement Venetian diners were not put off by flooding as a pizza restaurant carried on serving despite knee-high water levels and customers wearing wellies. Staff at the Simons Bar Line kept serving as guests waded through water to get to their tables with three quarters of the city suffering heavy flooding. Waiters can be seen in video footage carrying multiple plates of large pizzas at the same times, just as they would if flood water was not lapping around their ankles. The restaurant was still noisy with guests siting at every table with busy staff also paddling through the water, collecting plates and serving drinks. In the footage posted on Facebook, customers can be seen arriving at the restaurant in Venice wearing wellies covered in plastic bags and waiting to be seated by staff. The only part of the restaurant not under a foot of water was the kitchen area, which staff managed to keep dry. The street outside the front of the restaurant seemed to be under even deeper water as residents walked through the rising flood levels. Simone Sciascia wrote alongside the two-minute clip, 'luckily there is Moses' in Italian. The owners of Caffe Florian, in St Mark's Square in Venice, began bailing out floodwater on Tuesday (left) a day after three quarters of the city was submerged, causing the historic square to close (right, debris washed up in the storm) Waist deep: A couple walk in the flooded Saint Mark Square during a period of seasonal high water in Venice Caffe Florian, which has claim to being Europe's oldest coffee shop having stood in St Mark's square since 1720, saw its floors and furniture damaged by floodwater on Monday Shopkeepers around St Mark's Square also scrambled to reopen their businesses on Monday as the floodwaters subsided in the hopes of drawing more tourists in Cleanup efforts got underway in Venice on Tuesday after a 'perfect storm' of high tides and strong winds left three quarters of the historic city underwater on Monday. The flood, the fourth highest in the city's history, has reportedly damaged mosaic floors and bronze columns inside St Mark's Basilica, where the water reached up to 35 inches. St Mark's Square, which had to be closed on Monday due to the floods, reopened on Tuesday as cafe and restaurant owners began bailing out their businesses in the hopes of attracting customers. 'It was the perfect storm during which adverse meteorological conditions contributed to the situation in the sea and winds,' civil protection chief Angelo Borrelli said. Venice was not the only part of Italy to be badly impacted by severe weather, which killed 11 people across the country, largely in the north. The majority of those deaths happened when cars were hit by falling trees, but one fatality was caused by a landslide in Trento, while a windsurfer died after being slammed into rocks in Emilia-Romagna. People walk up to their waists in flooded Saint Mark Square in central Venice after unseasonable high flood levels hit the city Tourists walk with their luggage in a side street in Venice, due to the exceptional level of the 'acqua alta' that reached 156 cm schools and hospitals Tables, chairs and decking outside the prestigious London hotel in St Mark's square was deserted on Tuesday having been largely wrecked during flooding the previous day While bad weather was due to continue in Venice on Tuesday, only eight per cent of the city was due to remain underwater, allowing business owners time to repair the damage (pictured, the London hotel in St Mark's Square) A 'bricola sign brought down by overnight storms in Venice floats in one of the city's canals on Tuesday A couple of tourists hold hands and walk in the Piazza San Marco in the knee-high water which engulfed the canal-based city Flooding also impacted the city of Rapello, in the north west, when breakwater walls surrounding the Carlo Riva marina burst, causing water to surge through. The surge overwhelmed many of the expensive yachts moored there, either partially sinking them or smashing them against nearby rocks, where they were stranded high and dry. Among them was a 5.3million, 120ft yacht belonging to Silvio Berlusconi's son Pier, the Seguno, which was photographed over on its side and half submerged in the water. Extreme weather was expected to continue across the north on Tuesday, though only eight per cent of Venice was expected to remain underwater by the end of the day - thwarting predictions made on Monday that it could be the worst to ever hit the city. Italy's Civil Protection agency declared the highest alert possible in several northern regions on Tuesday, while an orange alert, the second highest on the scale, was issued for the central regions of Abruzzo and Lazio - which includes the capital Rome - where gale-force winds topped 100 kph on Monday. The national fire brigade said it had intervened in 7,000 cases across the country and that one of its staff had died, crushed by a tree during a rescue operation in a small town in South Tyrol. Nonetheless, the main highways across the country were open, with closures only on secondary roads. The weather was expected to improve from the late afternoon, 'giving the country a truce' an official from the civil protection agency told Reuters. The marina at town of Rapello was also badly damaged by storms overnight after breakwaters burst, causing a water surge that overwhelmed many yachts. Among them was the 5.3million Seguno, owned by Silvio Berlusconi's son Many of the yachts moored in the marina were washed up against the rocky shoreline, leaving them high and dry on Tuesday when floodwaters drained away Several of the ships showed signs of heavy damage has harbour workers tried to clear the area on Tuesday, despite many parts of northern Italy remaining under severe weather warnings Destroyed boats and yachts lie on shore after the windstorm and the strong sea storm in Rapallo on Tuesday morning A Police officer patrols the harbor at Rapello where dozens of yachts and smaller boats were wrecked during the storms John McDonnell is facing a Labour revolt today after he insisted he will not try to block Budget tax cuts for millions of workers despite claims they mainly benefit the better off. The shadow chancellor said he would not reverse changes that benefit higher earners because they added 'demand' to the economy and people like head teachers have had a 'rough time' in recent years. But senior Labour figures accused him of backing perks for the wealthy while there are 'people dying on British streets'. Andy Burnham, mayor of Greater Manchester, said when he heard that the party 'would be backing Philip Hammond's tax cuts for the richest' it sent a 'shiver down my spine'. Shadow chancellor John McDonnell (pictured in the Commons today) said he would not reverse changes that benefit higher earners because they added 'demand' to the economy and people like head teachers have had a 'rough time' in recent years Tottenham MP David Lammy was among the senior figures condemning the party's stance In an article for The Times, he wrote: 'I honestly can't see how Labour's position will hold. It is not just that the distribution is so unfair. 'I can't see how tax cuts for the wealthiest can be the top priority when our police are so stretched and there are people dying on British streets for want of a roof over their head.' Former work and pensions secretary Yvette Cooper tweeted: 'People on 90-100k a year will get tax cut worth GBP860 in April, those on 125k will get 600 - far more than low-paid workers, at a time when child poverty is going up, benefits are being cut, vital council services are being cut, police are badly overstretched. This is wrong. I cannot support it.' Tottenham MP David Lammy said: 'We shouldnot be supporting tax cuts that disproportionately help the wealthy.' Analysis by the Resolution Foundation think tank showed the tax cuts would 'overwhelmingly benefit richer households', with almost half (45%) set to go to the top 10% of households. The cuts were criticised as 'tax cuts for the rich' by shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry on Monday. Mr McDonnell told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that Labour would support the tax cuts on the basis they would 'inject some demand into the economy'. 'What we've said is we will leave those personal allowances at whatever we inherit but our focus will be on a fair taxation system,' he added. Mr McDonnell later defended his decision to back Mr Hammond's income tax cuts. He said: 'We are not going to oppose it on the basis it will put more money in people's pockets.' The shadow chancellor said Labour would make the top 5% 'pay that bit more'. He added: 'We are not going to take funding away from people. Some of these are middle earners, we're talking about head teachers and people like that who have had a rough time as well as everyone else.' Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham delivered a stinging attack on the proposed tax cuts Chancellor Philip Hammond unveiled the surprise tax cuts in his pre-Brexit Budget yesterday afternoon (pictured) The personal allowance and the higher rate threshold will rise from April in a move the Chancellor said would mean 'a tax cut for 32 million people'. The personal allowance, which is the minimum income someone can earn before paying tax, will rise to 12,500 from 11,850. The higher rate threshold, the income at which someone becomes liable to pay the 40 per cent tax rate, will rise to 50,000 from 46,350 at the same time. Torsten Bell, director of the Resolution Foundation, tweeted: 'Labour says it will support the income tax cuts announced yesterday - almost half of which goes to the top ten per cent of households alone. 'Nearly 90 per cent goes to the top half. Not a good idea.' The police watchdog has launched an investigation into a force that arrested a couple and charged them with assault following a row in Tesco over bottled water. Nasir and Mahira Hussain, of Oldham, had the charges against them dropped at Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court yesterday weeks after they were filmed being restrained and hauled to the ground by officers at the supermarket in Rochdale. They were arrested after being refused service by staff when trying to buy a trolley-load of mineral water. Mrs Hussain initially started to film the row before police became involved, and their subsequent arrest was caught on camera. Greater Manchester Police today confirmed the Independent Office for Police Conduct was reviewing the incident. Mr Hussain declined to comment to MailOnline and did not confirm if the couple would pursue legal action against the force. Nasir Hussain and his wife Mahira were filmed being restrained and arrested by police in Tesco last month after being refused the sale of a trolley-load of bottles of water. The couple were charged with assault following the incident but those charges were dropped yesterday Mr Hussain (pictured) and Mahira Hussain, both of Oldham, did not attend the hearing at Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court yesterday Their arrest followed staff refusing to let them buy more than 20 bottles of mineral water when they brought a trolley-load of flavoured Volvic up to the counter, allegedly leading to an argument with a security guard. The incident is being investigated by the police watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct. A spokeswoman for Greater Manchester Police said: 'On Monday 29 October 2018 police were made aware of the Crown Prosecution Service's intention to discontinue an investigation into two people who were arrested on suspicion of police assault following an incident at Tesco on Silk Street, Rochdale. 'As this matter is being independently investigated by the IOPC, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further.' Following the dispute between Mr Hussain, a Tesco employee and a police officer, his wife filmed her partner being restrained by the officer. Mrs Hussain was then hauled to the floor herself and arrested after allegedly trying to intervene, while a Tesco employee stood in the way of the camera. Video filmed by Mrs Hussain appeared to show how the scenes unfolded with the pair standing next to trolley full of bottled water at the checkout. Speaking to the camera, Mr Hussain said: 'So, we're in Tesco, Rochdale, and for some reason they've got a different policy to every other Tesco up and down the country. Every other Tesco we managed to get these Volvic bottles, as many as we want. Footage previously showed a security guard step in and asks them to stop filming, saying it is forbidden on private property, before police intervened 'We're not retailers, we're not wholesalers, we just want them for our home but unfortunately in this Tesco we've been told that we're only allowed ten bottles each.' A security guard stepped in and asked them to stop filming, saying it is forbidden on private property. The woman tells him: 'At the end of the day, we just wanna buy the water. We buy it in every store.' A police officer later approached them and asked what the problem was, but when he realises he is being filmed he turned his back to the camera and asked the couple to switch it off - which they do. But the woman resumes filming moments later as the officer is trying to lead her partner towards the store exit. He stands his ground and tells the officer: 'I was already walking. You didn't need to escort me. Can you just clarify something for me?' But the officer refused to discuss the matter any further and grabbed Mr Hussain. The footage showed the couple being arrested as customers watch on alarmed. At the time a spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: 'Two people have been charged with assaulting a police officer. 'Nasir Hussain and Mahira Hussain both of Oldham, have been charged with assault of a constable and have been bailed to appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court on Tuesday 30 October 2018. 'Around 7pm on Tuesday 25 September, while responding to another incident at Tesco on Silk Street, Rochdale, an officer was alerted to a disturbance in the store. 'The officer spoke to both parties involved before asking a man to leave. The officer was assaulted and suffered injuries to his face.' Mr Hussain told MailOnline he intended to file a complaint following his arrest for 'excessive force' but today declined to comment. Advertisement One of New York's last Gilded Age mansions - with a very storied past - is on sale for $50million. The townhouse at 854 Fifth Avenue on Manhattan's Upper East Side was built in 1905, designed by the same firm who worked on the iconic Grand Central Terminal, has 32 rooms, eight bathrooms and two elevators. It has remained virtually untouched as it passed through the hands of the Vanderbilt family until it was bought by Yugoslavia in the wake of the Second World War. The 20,000 square foot mansion was then fortified with bulletproof windows facing Central Park and the top floors became a Faraday Cage so Cold War meetings could be held without being wire tapped. During the Cold War, Yugoslavian leader Josip Broz Tito hid out after an assassination attempt on him at the Waldorf Astora in 1963, Douglas Elliman's Tristan Harper, the building's current listing broker said, according to Page Six. One of New York's last Gilded Age mansions - a 20,000 sq ft home on Manhattan's Fifth Avenue with a very storied past - is on sale for $50million. Pictured, the townhouse's upper landing to parlour floor The townhouse at 854 Fifth Avenue (left, today and right, in the early 20th century) on Manhattan's Upper East Side was built in 1905 and has remained virtually untouched since then, retaining many of the original features It was originally built in 1905 for New York stockbroker Robert Livingston Beeckman, who later became the governor of Rhode Island, for $60,000. He installed white marble balustrades, oversized murals and decorative wood paneling looted from French chateaux, according to Avenue magazine. The era of American opulence known as the Gilded Age often saw mansions spring up to resemble the chateaux of France. Emily Thorn Vanderbilt Sloane White, granddaughter of railroad baron Cornelius Vanderbilt, and her husband Henry White moved to the mansion after buying it for $450,000 in 1925. She put her stamp on it with even more ostentatious details, including unique cherubs covered in gold leaf in the ceiling moldings of the dining room and frescoes depicting angels on ceilings in parlour rooms. It was originally built in 1905 for New York stockbroker Robert Livingston Beeckman, who later became the governor of Rhode Island, for $60,000. Pictured, the property's main dining room Beeckman installed decorative wood paneling looted from French chateaux as well as white marble balustrades and oversized murals. Pictured, the ballroom at 854 Fifth Avenue which is now used as a dining room Emily Thorn Vanderbilt Sloane White, granddaughter of railroad baron Cornelius Vanderbilt, and Henry White moved to the mansion after buying it for $450,000. Pictured, the petit salon on the main floor which faces Fifth Avenue Emily Thorn Vanderbilt Sloane White added more ostentatious details, including the golden cherubs in the ceiling moldings and the frescoes depicting angels Unique cherubs covered in gold leaf were added to the ceiling moldings of the dining room after the Vanderbilt family bought the mansion The ceiling of the Grand Salon of the property, which is now owned by the successor states to Yugoslavia, is adorned with a fresco of angels and clouds It was originally built in 1905 for New York stockbroker Robert Livingston Beeckman (left) and in 1925, Emily Thorn Vanderbilt Sloane White (right) granddaughter of railroad baron Cornelius Vanderbilt, and her husband Henry White bought it for $450,000 It has remained virtually untouched as it passed through the hands of the Vanderbilt family until it was bought by Yugoslavia in the wake of the Second World War. During the Cold War, Yugoslavian leader Josip Broz Tito (pictured) hid out after an assassination attempt on him at the Waldorf Astora But after her death in July 1946, the Republic of Yugoslavia snapped up the property for a mere $300,000, thanks to the post-war depressed real estate market, and used it as their mission. In 1961, Tito hosted the leaders of Egypt, Ghana, India and Indonesia to draft plans for the creation of the Non-Aligned Movement in one of the mansion's front parlor rooms, according to Avenue. In 1975, a bomb was set off in a basement stairwell, damaging the first floor and shattering windows, in another assassination attempt. Three armed Croatian nationalists stormed the property two years later and shot one man in the stomach. Today, the property is still owned by the nation's five successor states. Their ownership stakes were decided by the United Nations. Serbia owns the biggest amount and bases its Permanent Mission to the United Nations there. The last of the Gilded Age mansions (pictured left, in the early 20th century and right, today) remains largely unchanged The era of American opulence known as the Gilded Age often saw mansions spring up to resemble the chateaux of France. Pictured, an antique French tapestry on the mansion's Upper Landing Bosnia, Croatia, Macedonia, Serbia and Slovenia have a portfolio of 50 properties across the world that are in the process of being sold off. But only four including 854 Fifth Avenue are on the market at the moment. Getting the nations to agree on the terms of a sale hasn't been easy. They couldn't decide on selling 854 Fifth Avenue after Joshua Harris reportedly offered to buy it for $50million last year. Harris, the billionaire co-founder of Apollo Global Management, ended up buying a mansion on 69th Street for $45 million, according to the New York Post. A series of fires warned of the dangers of flammable cladding and 'stay put' policies years before the Grenfell Tower disaster, a new documentary reveals. Blazes dating back to 1973 should have taught fire safety chiefs lessons which could have saved the lives of the 72 people who died in the west London tower block. The incidents showed how combustible cladding like that attached to Grenfell, as well as the flawed policy of telling residents to stay in their flats, and a lack of spinklers, could lead to fatal disasters. But despite the five previous blazes, lessons were not learned and the features of the fires were again repeated at Grenfell with horrific consequences. The 2009 Lakanal House fire in Camberwell, south London was the most recent of five blazes which should have taught authorities lessons which could have saved lives in Grenfell Tower The dangers of flammable building materials were also illustrated by the Harrow Court fire in Stevenage in 2005 (left) and the Garnock Court in Ayrshire in 1999 (right) The BBC documentary The Fires That Foretold Grenfell looks at the 1973 Summerland disaster on Isle of Man, in which 50 died, the 1991 fire at Knowsley Heights, Liverpool and the 1999 fire at Garnock Court in Ayrshire, in which an elderly man died. It also examines the Harrow Court fire in Stevenage in 2005, which killed three people, and the Lakanal House fire in London in 2009, in which six people died. Shocking transcripts are read out of Catherine Hickman's half-an-hour 999 call during the Lakanal House fire, during which she was repeatedly told to stay in her flat. Catherine Hickman died in Lakanal House after being repeatedly told to 'stay put' She tells the 999 operator: 'Oh my god, oh my god. There's black smoke coming right outside my window... there's fire coming through my floorboards, I'm in smoke.' The operator replied: 'Don't worry about it because we know where you are... You're going to be fine.' Ms Hickman was later found dead in her flat. A group of other residents who had huddled together in one person's flat also died. MP Harriet Harman, who witnesses tha Lakanal House fire, tells the programme: 'The people who escaped with their lives were the people who disobeyed the instructions and just got out. And the people who died were the people who accepted the instructions of the fire authorities.' The documentary shows how the Summerland disaster was one of the first that showed how flammable cladding could help fire spread throughout buildings with limited exits. This point was rammed home by the Knowsley Heights and Garnock Court fires, where cladding again acted as a chimney. The documentary also looks at the the 1991 fire at Knowsley Heights in Liverpool The first fire to show the fatal concequences of flammable building materials was the fire at the Summerland Holiday Centre on the Isle of Man in 1973 in which 50 people died The fires in Harrow Court and Lakanal House meanwhile show the flaws of enforcing a stay-put policy - but that was still in place when the Grenfell fire took hold last June. Fire Brigades Union General Secretary Matt Wrack tells the programme: 'We've had in reality getting on for 40 years of governments who have sought to reduce regulation in the UK and they use this term red tape, and its quite clear that when we talk peoples homes that red tape is potentially the difference between life and death.' The Fires That Foretold Grenfell is on BBC Two tonight at 9pm. This is the moment Iranian police drove a van into a woman protesting against being forced to wear a hijab at university. Shocking footage from Sohanak University, east of the capital Tehran, shows the van pushing the standing protester down a road for around 50 yards. Eventually, the van stops and the protester is surrounded but apparently unhurt. The video was uploaded to social media on Saturday by Iranian activist Masih Alinejad. In the video Iranian police were seen driving a van into a crowd protesting against being forced to wear the hijab at university The shocking footage from Sohanak University, east of the capital Tehran, shows the van pushing the standing woman down a road for around 50 yards She wrote: 'Today in Iran: beyond sad. It is really backward and shameful.' A protester who sent the video to Ms Alinejad said 90 per cent of her classmates don't want to wear the hijab. She wrote: 'Our issue is not a piece of cloth or our headcovers, we take issue with you coercing us, with you deciding our destiny with this very same piece of cloth. 'We don't want this piece of cloth to be yet another tool to dominate and degrading women. We don't want coercion to be introduced as our national culture. Some protesters stood in front of the police van before it began to push into the crowd which had gathered 'We want to scream a just culture off the top of our lungs: "the right to choose! No to coercion". We won't be silent. 'Resistance beats indifference. Hoping for change and moving forward beats bemoaning or giving up.' The hijab has become compulsory in Iran since the 1979 revolution. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made a joke that all blacks 'look alike' after an interviewer botched a question and mixed up two prominent African American politicians. Clinton made the comment after questioner Kara Swisher of Recode asked her following a discussion of political correctness: 'What do you think of Cory Booker saying, 'Kick them in the shins essentially'?' 'Well that was Eric Holder,' Clinton responded correcting her host, who meant to reference the former attorney general. 'Eric Holder, sorry,' Swisher responded, according to video of the event. 'I know, they all look alike,' deadpanned Clinton, apparently taking a shot at her questioner. 'No they don't,' Swisher quickly interjected. 'I know they all look alike,' joked Hillary Clinton, after a questioning misspoke and mentioned Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey rather than former attorney general Eric Holder Clinton then let forth a grin while members of the crowd of listeners burst into laughter. Just before she made the racial crack, Clinton had just been stating that 'what's often called political correctness is politeness' and 'not being rude and insulting to people.' Clinton made the joke after her questioner mentioned New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker instead of former AG Eric Holder OOPS: The questioner meant to reference former attorney general Eric Holder, r, pictured with Florida Democratic gubernatorial nominee Andrew Gillum (l) 'It's respecting the diversity that we have in our society,' she added, calling her own Democratic Party 'a much more diverse political party, attracting people who are African-American, Latino, LGBT' compared to the GOP. 'And I don't think it's politically correct to say, we value that.' Booker is the only Democratic African American man serving in the Senate, while Holder is a prominent party figure who served as President Obama's attorney general. Holder drew controversy with his take, captured on video, of former first lady Michelle Obama's mantra of 'When they go low, we go high.' Clinton had been giving a discourse on political correctness and diversity before she made the race joke 'I know, they all look alike,' deadpanned Clinton, then laughing at the comment On the latest episode of Recode Decode, former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton spoke with Recode's Kara Swisher in New York City 'When they go low, we kick them,' Holder said. 'That's what this new Democratic Party is about.' He was speaking in Georgia, where where is a major inter-party clash about alleged voter suppression of black Democratic voters. Clinton also drew attention in the interview to her response when Swisher asked whether she wants to run again for president. 'No,' the defeated 2016 Democratic nominee replied. But she added, 'Well, I'd like to be president.' With Jair Bolsonaro's victory, there is already plenty of speculation about how he will deal with Venezuela. Will he invade? Close the border? Focus on Mercosur? These are important questions, but there is another that bears asking: how will this affect the Venezuelan opposition? At the moment, the opposition is fractured and lacks direction. Now the two largest countries in the hemisphere have shown a way. Fascism can generate excitement and purpose, even in a country like Brazil where the left had been strong and well-organized for years. Fascism can provide a message that is broad enough to capture what many people want, from pure racism to tax cuts. Trump and Bolsonaro proved that people will vote for fascism if you can just convince them that it won't be as bad as they think. And you can win. This must be powerful lure for the Venezuelan opposition. As Quico Toro writes: Venezuelans today are looking South with a mixture of curiosity, horror andno sense denying itjealousy. The reactionary authoritarian vein that propelled his rise in Brazil is powerfully present among Venezuelans traumatized by our own catastrophe. The Bolsonaro phenomenon serves to sort Venezuelan opposition-supporters between those actually committed to democracy and those willing to trade one kind of dictatorship for another. It is a choice. In Venezuela the choice is perhaps even more tempting than in the U.S. or Brazil given how extreme the situation is. The obvious irony is that it would be the mirror image of the leftist radical rising to power through the ruins of economic shock therapy of the 1980s. Some malfunctioning voting machines in Texas are resulting in Democrats voting for Republican Sen. Ted Cruz if they cast their ballot for a straight, party line ticket and don't correct it before hitting the red vote button. The glitch effects the Hart Intercivic eSlate voting machines, which are used in 78 of the 254 counties in the state, and could cost Democratic candidate Beto O'Rourke votes as he tried to defeat Cruz in an election that could decide which party control the Senate. Texas Secretary of State Rolando Pablos put the fault on the voter and not the machine, saying the error occurs when a voter takes action before the machine 'has finished rendering all the choices resulting from the voter's straight-party choice.' Some malfunctioning voting machines in Texas are resulting in Democrats voting for Republican Sen. Ted Cruz if they cast their ballot for a straight, party line ticket Democrat Beto O'Rourke is trying to unseat Cruz The glitch effects the Hart Intercivic eSlate voting machines, which are used in 78 of the 254 counties in the state Pablos said in a statement his office has released detailed instructions on how to use the machine when voting and added it's important for voters to know the machines are not purposely changing votes. 'It is important for all voters in the 78 Texas counties utilizing the Hart Intercivic eSlate to understand that the voting machines are not malfunctioning, nor are they arbitrarily 'switching' the choices of voters who cast a straight-party ballot,' he said. Pablos also cautioned about spreading alarm about the situation. 'Moreover, the Secretary of State's office has observed a disturbing trend where misinformation is being spread regarding the scale and the impact of these reported instances. This has the potential consequence of raising unnecessary alarm about the integrity of Texas' voting systems and discouraging eligible Texas voters from casting their ballots,' he said. For Republican voters choosing the party line ballot option, the glitch can result in no vote being cast in the competitive Senate race, where Cruz led O'Rourke by five points in the latest poll. Cruz is in the political battle of his life as he tries to hang on to his Senate seat from O'Rouke, an up-and-coming Democratic star who has harnessed the power of social media to uplift his campaign and raise millions of dollars. The incumbent Cruz has brought in GOP heavy weights to help save his seat, including President Donald Trump and his son Donald Trump Jr. Early voting has begun in the state and the secretary of state advised voters to be patient when casting their ballot to help avoid any error. Cruz has brought in GOP heavy weights to help save his seat, including President Trump Cruz (right) led O'Rourke (left) by five points in the latest poll 'When voting a straight-party ballot, wait at least 3-5 seconds for all choices to be rendered on the eSlate voting machines. Counties in which voters have longer ballots may require additional time to allow the screens to load fully,' Pablos advised. Ft. Bend County Election Administrator John Oldham told a local ABC News station he's seen the problem for at least six years. 'It's not a glitch, it's a user-induced problem that comes from the type of system that we have,' Oldham said. 'I think both sides could be equally hurt.' He added that he's talked to the Secretary of State more than once about the situation and it's not been fixed other than signs being posted that to warn voters to check their selections before hitting the red vote button. Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa is demanding the problem be fixed. 'The first step in solving a problem is recognizing that you have one. And the Texas Secretary of State's office has one. This is not a new problem, their office knew about potential flaws in their voting machines and chose to ignore them for years,' he said in a statement. 'Instead of owning up to their mistake, Texas' Republican government blamed voters and did nothing.' He added: 'The Texas Democratic Party demands the Texas Secretary of State take responsibility for their failures and immediately take action to inform voters to double-check their ballots.' The O'Rourke campaign did not respond to DailyMail.com's request for comment. Marian Schneider, president of Verified Voting, a voting integrity organization, told The Washington Post the glitch could impact 5.1 million Texas voters, at a minimum. Seventeen Filipina expats were arrested after they took part in a Halloween party in Saudi Arabia, the Philippines foreign ministry said. The group were detained by intelligence officers who raided a compound in Riyadh when neighbours complained about the noise on Friday. It is unclear what charges they face following their arrest, but the ministry reiterated that Saudi laws prohibit unattached men and women from being seen together in public. Seventeen women were detained by intelligence officers who raided a compound in Riyadh when neighbours complained about the noise on Friday (file photo) Adnan Alonto, the Philipinne ambassador in Riyadh, told the ministry it appeared organisers of the party had been charged with holding an event without permit and disturbing the neighbourhood, the BBC reported. Mr Alonto has since issued an advisory reminding the Filipino population in Saudi Arabia to 'refrain from organising or attending events or gatherings that are unsanctioned or without permission.' He said: 'In addition, everyone is reminded to avoid mixed crowds, consuming liquor, and holding public practice of traditions that are associated with religions other than Islam, such as Halloween, Valentines and Christmas.' It is believed that some of the partygoers did not know the gathering was in celebration of Halloween. Saudi Arabia does not allow public worship of any religion other than Islam - despite the fact at least two million of the country's expatriates are non-Muslims. Adnan Alonto (pictured) told the ministry that it appeared organisers of the party had been charged with holding an event without permit In a recent report, the US Commission on International Religious Freedom said Saudi religious police officers had 'raided private non-Muslim religious gatherings organized by expatriate workers and arrested or deported participants, especially when the gatherings were loud or involved large numbers of people or symbols visible from outside the building'. Expats from Africa and South-East Asia have also been detained by religious police in the past on charges of using witchcraft against their employers, disrupting Saudi society by dividing families, or distorting religious texts. The country also has strict laws restricting women from making a great deal of important decisions themselves. Women in Saudi Arabia are unable to marry without permission of their guardian, and must seek permission from the ministry of interior to marry a foreigner. They are also prohibited from opening bank accounts, travelling alone, and in some cases even leaving the house alone. Dressing for beauty is illegal, and modest clothing and make up is encouraged. Full length abayas - a long coat worn over other clothes - is recommended for women in public. They are also largely prohibited from spending time with men who are not family, and it is forbidden for unattached men and women to be seen together in public. Texas children relished in the opportunity to hunt game as the state hosted a 'Youth Only' open season for ducks, turkey and white-tailed deer. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has open seasons throughout the year for those animals and squirrels. Hunting requires a youth hunting license and children that participate in the sessions are required to be under the age of 17, the TPWD states on their website. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has open seasons throughout the year for ducks, turkey and white-tailed deer (pictured in 2018) Hunting requires a youth hunting license and children that participate in the sessions are required to be under the age of 17 Texas does various 'Youth Only' sessions throughout the year and already has dates listed for the next year. In November, ducks can be hunted in the North Zone on the 3rd and the 4th. Youth hoping to take part in the hunting efforts for water fowl, have to be accompanied by an adult that is 18 years or older. There are special requirements and bag limits for those hoping to hunt deer. There are special requirements and bag limits for those hoping to hunt deer The hunts serve as a way to curb overpopulation of the deer. The TPWD conducts the 'Youth Only' sessions in an effort to teach young folks the proper ways to hunt. It also serves as a way to curb overpopulation of the deer. Texas Youth Hunting said on Facebook: 'Thanks to the great support from our partners Texas Wildlife Association and Texas Parks and Wildlife, we are able to offer these safe, legal, ethical, and educational hunts to the youth of this great state! British tourists travelling in Europe could face long waits in 'rest of the world' queues in major EU airports if there is no Brexit deal, the Immigration Minister admitted today. Caroline Nokes said the Government hoped reciprocal arrangements would be agreed with the EU even if there was not a full Brexit deal. But she admitted it was 'not unrealistic' British travellers could face delays if free movement ends suddenly on exit day on March 29, 2019. A Brexit deal will unlock a transition period that means nothing will change for travellers until at least December 2020 - but failure to break a deadlock over the Irish border means the risk of no deal is rising. Ms Nokes had a series of tetchy clashes with the Home Affairs Select Committee today as she was unable to answer questions about how the UK border will work in a no deal Brexit. Caroline Nokes said the Government hoped reciprocal arrangements would be agreed with the EU even if there was not a full Brexit deal but admitted Britons could face delays Ms Nokes (second right during today's committee) said British tourists travelling in Europe could be face long waits in 'rest of the world' queues' in major EU airports Asked about delays to people travelling in Europe next year, Ms Nokes said: 'We hope very much to have reciprocal arrangements with the EU. 'But it is feasible there could be delays for people travelling through EU airports. 'The prospect of them ending up in rest of the world queues in some major EU airports across the continent is not unrealistic.' As the meeting past the hour mark, Ms Nokes complained the hearing was overrunning. Ms Cooper insisted Parliament needed answers with just five months to Brexit day and she was 'hugely grateful' for the minister's time. Ms Nokes shot back: 'With only five months to go, some of my time this afternoon might have been scheduled for future planning - two meetings cancelled so far.' MP Stephen Doughty blasted: 'That's tough luck minister.' Ms Nokes was also not able to tell the MPs how EU nationals already here can prove their right to work here after Brexit day if there is no deal. The minister admitted an app to apply for 'settled status' was not fully rolled out and did not work on iPhones with just five months until exit day. During a tetchy committee hearing today, chairwoman Yvette Cooper (pictured during today's meeting) warned the minister Parliament needed answers with just five months to exit day Around three million EU citizens living in Britain have been promised they can keep all their existing rights but in the absence of an exit deal would need 'settled status' signed off by March. Best for Britain champion Virendra Sharma MP said: 'Despite immigration being such a hot topic during the referendum two and a half years ago, the government's immigration policy is nothing short of half-baked drivel. 'Caroline Nokes' inability to answer very basic questions on the immigration system for EU nationals under a no deal Brexit is proof of that incompetence, and the digital system not working on Apple devices makes this whole thing a farce. 'Many of us have been calling for the government to provide clarity for the people who have made their lives here from around the world. They haven't and it amounts to a colossal failure at the highest level.' Another earthquake has struck off the Greek tourist island of Zante. It hit at 4.12pm from six miles under the sea and measured 5.7 on the Richter scale. Shaking was felt some 300 miles away in southern Italy. There were no reports of casualties. On Friday, a quake of magnitude 6.8 struck in the ocean near Zante and Kefalonia. This picture shows the ground cracked in the harbour of Zante, after powerful 6.4 magnitude earthquake on Friday Friday's quake: The earthquake epicentre (red) was at a depth of 10 miles, 22 miles west of Lithakia, a village in the southern part of Zante Images on social media showed a damaged outbuilding at a monastery on the island of Strofades The quake was at a depth of 10 miles, 22 miles west of Lithakia, a village in the southern part of Zante. The tremors sparked a small tsunami of 15-20cm on local beaches, according to monitoring group EMSC. Images on social media showed a damaged outbuilding at a monastery on the island of Strofades, although it is unclear if other places have been affected. The quake struck at 1.54 am and was followed about half an hour later by a 5.2 aftershock. There have been a series of further shocks since. One witness posted online: 'Me and my partner are staying in Zante, it woke my partner up, and we've had 3 aftershocks much smaller, the larger quake has moved several items around the room.' Describing the tremors, one person living in Greece told EMSC they felt: 'Extremely violent shaking. Objects fell off of shelves. Loud rumbling sound.' Others also described it as 'strong' or 'very strong,' saying the shaking lasted 15 to 30 seconds. Greece lies in one of the world's most earthquake-prone regions, with thousands of quakes recorded every year. But few cause injuries or significant damage. Zante has had severe earthquakes in the past, and as a result has a very strict building safety code. John Downey walking out of the Old Bailey in 2014 after the case against him collapsed A convicted IRA member suspected of involvement in the Hyde Park bombing has said he does not intend to take part in a High Court claim brought against him by the victims' families. Relatives of the four Royal Household Cavalrymen who died in the July 1982 blast are suing John Downey, who has always denied involvement in the attack. Squadron Quartermaster Corporal Roy Bright, 36, Lieutenant Dennis Daly, 23, Trooper Simon Tipper, 19, and Lance Corporal Jeffrey Young, 19, were killed by a car bomb as they rode through the central London park to attend the Changing of the Guard. Mr Downey was charged four years ago with the murders, but the prosecution at the Old Bailey collapsed. Family members of those killed launched legal action against Mr Downey after the collapse of the trial. During a brief hearing on Tuesday, Master Richard Davison was told Mr Downey 'leaves everything in the court's hands' and said he is not in a position to make any legal submissions at this stage. The judge, sitting in London, was dealing with preliminary issues ahead of a five-day trial due to take place after October 1 next year. Anne Studd QC, representing the families, told the judge Mr Downey has filed a defence to the claim. Downey has 'left everything in the court's hands' and said he is not in a position to make any legal submissions at this stage Among those killed in the attack in 1982 were Lieutenant Denis Daly, 23, (left) and Squadron Quartermaster Corporal Roy Bright, 36, (right) She said: 'Although he says at the moment he is not going to participate, we have to assume that at some point he might change his mind about that.' Ms Studd said Mr Downey challenges expert evidence relating to fingerprints found at the scene. He also claims it is too late for any legal action to be brought against him, given the passage of time since the bombing. The barrister told the judge Mr Downey has assets which could be used to pay any damages in the event he is found liable for the bombing. She said he is believed to own two properties in Ireland, one of which has been transferred in part to his wife, while the other has been part sold to another person. Matthew Jury, the solicitor acting for the families, told the judge Mr Downey said recently he has not been receiving mail from the court. He added: 'The difficulty we have is he has not been willing to tell us where he lives.' The other two men who died were Lance Corporal Jeffrey Young, 19, (left) and Trooper Simon Tipper, 19, (right) A team of workers hose down the street at the scene of the bombing which was drenched in blood Master Davison said the case will be split into two, with the first stage focusing on whether Mr Downey is liable for the bombing and the second considering the level of damages. None of the families attended the hearing. They initially asked for help with legal fees through crowdfunding after being refused legal aid five times, but The Sun revealed in February that they have been granted public funding. Speaking at that time, a Legal Aid Agency spokesman confirmed the award of legal aid and said: 'Our deepest sympathies remain with those affected by this atrocity.' The car bomb left in South Carriage Drive killed the four soldiers and injured others as they travelled from their barracks to Buckingham Palace. Seven horses were also killed and another horse, Sefton, survived terrible injuries. The criminal case against Mr Downey, from Co Donegal, dramatically collapsed after it was revealed he had received a written assurance from former prime minister Tony Blair's government that he was no longer wanted. The letter was issued under the terms of the controversial On The Runs (OTRs) Scheme. Trial judge Mr Justice Sweeney ruled that his arrest at Gatwick Airport, as he passed through the UK on the way to a holiday, represented an abuse of process and he put a stay on any future prosecution. James 'Whitey' Bulger was found dead on Tuesday in a federal prison in West Virginia Wheelchair-bound Boston gangster James 'Whitey' Bulger Jr. has been beaten to death in a savage attack by fellow federal inmates, who reportedly pummeled him with a lock in a sock and tried to gouge his eyes out. Bulger was found dead by guards on Tuesday morning at USP Hazelton, a high-security federal prison in Bruceton Mills, West Virginia. He was 89. Bulger was in general population when three inmates rolled his wheelchair to a corner out of view of surveillance cameras, beat him in the head with a lock in a sock, and attempted to gouge his eyes out with a shiv, a prison source told TMZ. The former head of south Boston's 'Winter Hill Gang', Bulger was convicted in 2013 of killing at least 11 people and was serving two life sentences at the time of his death. It emerged in Bulger's 2013 trial that he had served as an FBI informant as far back as 1975, though he always denied it. The deal gave Bulger virtual impunity to commit any crime he wanted for decades - except for murder. Law enforcement sources tell DailyMail.com that Whitey had been talking about outing people in the top echelon of the controversial FBI informant program. The sources said he hadn't even been processed at the West Virginia facility when he was killed. But someone who knew he was being transferred put the word out - the killer or killers had to know he was coming. James 'Whitey' Bulger, right, is seen after a hearing in 2011 as he is escorted from a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter to a waiting vehicle at an airport in Plymouth, Massachusetts These 1980s FBI handout file photos show Massachusetts mobster James 'Whitey' Bulger. Officials with the Federal Bureau of Prisons said Bulger died Tuesday The entrance to USP Hazelton in West Virginia is seen in a file photo. Bulger had recently been transferred to the facility when he was killed It may not be a coincidence that US Rep. Stephen Lynch is from Southie, Bulger's old turf. The Massachusetts Democrat last year introduced the Confidential Informant Accountability Act - which calls for congressional oversight into the selection and use of confidential informants. It's possible that Bulger was set to open up to someone on Lynch's team with claims of abuses in the program. Bulger's brother John told the Boston Globe on Tuesday that the family had not yet been notified of his death. Meanwhile, a fellow inmate with Mafia connections is being investigated in the homicide, three sources briefed on the investigation told the Globe. It is unclear who the suspect might be. Notably, mobster Paul Weadick, 63, was sent to Hazelton this summer after his murder conviction alongside Francis 'Cadillac Frank' Salemme - Bulger's codefendant in a sweeping federal racketeering indictment in 1999. Salamme and Weadick were convicted in June of the 1993 murder of Steven DiSarro, a nightclub owner in South Boston. Bulger's right-hand man, Stephen 'The Rifleman' Flemmi, was the star witness in the prosecution of Salamme and Weadick - though Flemmi also testified against Bulger himself in 2013. Salamme, 85, is currently incarcerated in Brooklyn MDC. Boston mobster Paul Weadick, 63, (left) was sent to Hazelton this summer after his murder conviction alongside Francis 'Cadillac Frank' Salemme (right). Bulger's former right-hand man Stephen 'The Rifleman' Flemmi was a star witness against both men James 'Whitey' Bulger holds John Martorano's youngest son, John Jr., during his Christening ceremony in this undated handout photo Bulger lieutenant Stephen 'The Rifleman' Flemmi is seen testifying in 1998 to how FBI agents recruited him as an informant and protected him from being indicted for 25 years INSIDE 'MISERY MOUNTAIN': Whitey was the THIRD inmate murdered just this year at the troubled West Virginia prison Whitey Bulger is the third inmate to be killed in USP Hazelton just this year. In April a 48-year-old inmate named Ian Thorne was killed after he got into a fight with another prisoner. Both used homemade weapons during the altercation. Five months after Thorne was killed, another inmate was murdered. Demario Porter, 27, was killed in September during a fight with another prisoner. He had only arrived at Hazelton days beforehand. USP Hazelton is seen in an aerial shot. Bulger was found dead there on Tuesday Richard Heldreth, president of American Federation of Government Employees Local 420, blamed the deaths on understaffing at the prison. He called it part of a 'very disturbing trend with increases in drugs and weapons being found at the complex'. Since January 2018, there have been more than 60 documented violent incidents at the prison, which has also been locked down nine times this year 'due to violence', Heldreth told the Preston County News & Journal. An interior is seen of FCI Hazelton, the minimum security camp attached to USP Hazelton. Bulger was found bludgeoned to death in the higher security facility on Tuesday 'It has become an every day occurrence,' he added. 'For example, there have been at least 11 weapons confiscated at the facility in the last two days that I have seen documentation of.' Heldreth argued that the prison had become far less safe since the Trump administration announced a federal hiring freeze in January 2017 and the Bureau of Prisons was asked to eliminate 6,000 unfilled jobs - including 127 at Hazelton. Advertisement Buger was one of the FBI's most wanted fugitives for 16 years until his 2011 arrest in Santa Monica, California. Bulger arrived at Hazelton on Monday, and was found unresponsive at the prison at 8.20am on Tuesday, the Bureau of Prisons said in a statement 'Life-saving measures were initiated immediately by responding staff. Mr. Bulger was subsequently pronounced dead by the Preston County Medical Examiner,' the agency said. The BOP said that no other staff or inmates were injured and that an investigation was underway. In a statement, Bulger's lawyer J.W. Carney Jr blasted the prison system over the mobster's death. 'He was sentenced to life in prison, but as a result of decisions by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, that sentence has been changed to the death penalty,' the statement read. Arrested in 2011 after 16 years on the run, Bulger's life of crime has been the subject of several books and movies including 'Black Mass,' a biopic featuring Johnny Depp as the Irish-American mobster. Bulger also provided the inspiration for Jack Nicholson's Irish-American mob boss character in Martin Scorsese's Oscar-winning 2006 gangster film 'The Departed.' Bulger is pictured left and right in undated photos. He was one of the FBI's most wanted fugitives for 16 years until his 2011 arrest in Santa Monica, California. Whitey Bulger: Life and crimes of a mob kingpin Sept. 3, 1929: James Bulger is born to Irish immigrant parents living in Boston's Dorchester neighborhood. He is the second of six children. His shock of platinum blonde hair earns him the nickname 'Whitey.' 1956: Whitey Bulger is sentenced to federal prison for bank robbery. After he's suspected of plotting an escape from one prison, he's transferred to Alcatraz. 1960: Bulger's younger brother, William, is elected to the state House of Representatives. John Connolly, a childhood friend from South Boston, works on the campaign. 1965: Bulger is released from prison returns to Boston. He becomes a top underling to local mobster Howie Winter, boss of the Winter Hill Gang. 1970: William Bulger is elected to the state Senate. 1975: Bulger cuts a deal with Connolly - now a Boston-based FBI agent - to provide information on the Italian Mafia in exchange for protection. 1978: William Bulger becomes president of the state Senate. 1981: Roger Wheeler, owner of World Jai Alai, a gambling enterprise from which Bulger was skimming money, is shot between the eyes in the parking lot of his country club in Tulsa, Oklahoma. 1982: Bulger and Stephen 'The Rifleman' Flemmi gun down a former henchman in broad daylight on a South Boston street to silence him over the Wheeler murder. Connolly files a report with the FBI saying rival gangsters made the hit. July 1982: Flemmi and Bulger order a hit on John Callahan, the former president of World Jai Alai. January 1995: Bulger disappears on the eve of his indictment on racketeering charges. 1997: The FBI, under court order, admits that Bulger was a 'top echelon' informant launching a federal probe into the agency's corrupt ties to its mob informants. June 22, 2011: Bulger is arrested in Santa Monica, CA, with girlfriend Catherine Grieg. Aug 12, 2013: Bulger is found guilty of a raft of racketeering charges, including his role in 11 murders. Nov 13 2013: Bulger, aged 84 , is sentenced to two consecutive life sentences plus five years. Before announcing her sentence, the judge tells Bulger that the 'scope, callousness and depravity of your crimes are almost unfathomable.' She says they are made 'all the more heinous because they were all about money.' Oct. 30, 2018: Bulger is found dead inside USP Hazelton at 8.20am, the day after he was transferred to the federal prison in West Virginia. Advertisement Boston-based reporter Michele McPhee was the first to break news that Bulger had been killed. Richard Heldreth, the president of the corrections officers' union at Hazelton, told WVNews that a male inmate had been slain there overnight, but was unable to immediately confirm the inmate's identity. Bulger had recently been moved Hazelton from a prison in Florida after a stint in a transfer facility in Oklahoma City. Bureau of Prisons officials and his attorney declined last week to comment on why he was being moved. In the past seven months, there have been three homicides at Hazelton, with the officers' union blaming chronic under-staffing. 'This facility is severely understaffed,' the union president told the Globe. Bulger was born in Boston on September 3, 1929, the son of a longshoreman and his first-generation Irish immigrant wife. These 1953 Boston police booking photos shows James 'Whitey' Bulger after an arrest A police evidence photo shows a car riddled with bullet holes in connection with one of the 19 murders Bulger was charged with. He was convicted of 11 murders Bulger poses for a mugshot on his arrival at the Federal Penitentiary at Alcatraz on November 16, 1959 in San Francisco, California. Reports have emerged the gangster was slain in prison The young crook was arrested as young as age 14, in 1943, when he began running with a street gang called the Shamrocks and was charged with larceny. Police gave young Bulger the nickname 'Whitey' early in his criminal career, a reference to his blond hair. Bulger is said to have hated the monicker, but it stuck. Bulger (above) ruled the South Boston underworld for 30 years with an iron fist Following a stint in the Air Force, Bulger served his first federal prison sentence starting in 1956 on armed robbery and truck hijacking charges. Bulger went on to rule the Boston underworld with an iron fist for nearly 30 years while also working as an informant for the FBI. His deal with the FBI gave him virtual impunity to commit crimes - FBI agents later testified that Bulger had been allowed to commit any crime except for murder in exchange for information. By 1995, his FBI protection wasn't enough to protect him from a sweeping federal indictment on obstruction of justice, racketeering, drug dealing and extortion charges. After his FBI handler John Connolly tipped him off that the indictment was about to drop, Bulger went on the run with his girlfriend Catherine Grieg. The pair ended up in Santa Monica, California, where they posed as married retirees from Chicago. After al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden was killed by U.S. forces in Pakistan in 2011, Bulger succeeded him as No. 1 wanted fugitive on the FBI's 'Ten Most Wanted' list. Catherine Greig and Whitey Bulger are seen in June 1998. They were on the run for 16 years, and posed as a retired couple from Chicago in Santa Monica Who was Whitey Bulger's girlfriend Catherine Greig? Catherine Grieg was arrested alongside Bulger in Santa Monica in 2011 Catherine Greig was the longtime girlfriend of notorious Boston kingpin James 'Whitey' Bulger who was killed behind bars at the age of 89 on Tuesday. Greig, now 67, helped Bulger, who was wanted by the FBI, evade capture for 16 years and was arrested with her lover in Santa Monica, California on June 22, 2011. Prosecutors said that Greig had numerous opportunities to leave Bulger or report him, but she never did. Instead the couple posed as married retirees from Chicago. She was sentenced to eight years in jail in June 2012 after pleading guilty to conspiracy to harbor a fugitive, identity fraud, and conspiracy to commit identity fraud. Greig and Bulger started dating in the 1970s and lived together in Boston. She was 24 when they met - 22 years younger than Bulger. The couple are seen together in an undated photo which was used as evidence by Bulger's defense team in court in 2013 They went on the run in early 1995 and the two maintained their romance even as they were both arrested in 2011. In a heart-felt letter to his attorney after the arrest, Bulger wrote: 'My 16 years on the run were the happiest years of my life and hers. Memories sustain me.' 'If I met Catherine at a younger age I would have had a better life. She was the best thing that ever happened to me,' he added. In her plea deal she admitted she used aliases, unlawfully obtained identification documents and repeatedly helped Bulger obtain prescription medication from a pharmacy by claiming to be his wife. She was given eight years behind bars, and is currently detained at a minimum-security facility in Waseca, Minnesota with a projected release date in 2019. Advertisement One of the many aliases Bulger used while on the run was that of James Lawlor, a man who Bulger found living on the street in the Los Angeles area. The two men resembled each other so much that Bulger could use Lawlor's driver's license and other identity papers. In return, he paid Lawlor's rent, according to the Boston Globe. Miss Iceland of 1974 was responsible for Bulger's capture. Anna Bjornsdottir, who had acted in U.S. television shows and commercials under the name Anna Bjorn, had lived near Bulger and girlfriend Catherine Greig in Santa Monica, California. While she was visiting Iceland, she saw a news report about the authorities' hunt for Bulger. She recognized him as the quiet retiree she knew from Santa Monica and called the FBI, which arrested him in June 2011. Bjornsdottir later claimed a $2 million reward. When police raided his Santa Monica apartment, they found several fiction and non-fiction books about criminals, including 'Escape From Alcatraz.' View of the door of the apartment 303 of the Princess Eugenia building in Santa Monica, California on June 23, 2011, where James 'Whitey' Bulger was arrested the day prior A 2011 photo shows bundles of cash seized from Whitey Bulger's apartment in Santa Monica, California, following his arrest after 16 years on the run A cache of weapons (above) including a number of handguns, an assault rifle and a sawed-off shotgun, and bundles of cash were found during the search of his apartment in 2011 Police also found some $800,000 in cash and an arsenal of weapons in the modest apartment where Bulger and Greig had lived for years as Charles and Carol Gasko. In his 2013 trial, Bulger was convicted of 11 murders, including the strangulation of a woman. Jurors were unable to reach a verdict on a charge that he strangled a second woman. A witness said Bulger insisted that the women's teeth be pulled to obscure their identity. Bulger refused to testify at his trial claiming he had been given immunity from prosecution by federal agents. He steadfastly denied being an FBI informant, but close links between some FBI agents in Boston and Bulger's Winter Hill Gang in the 1970s and 1980s have been well documented. James 'Whitey' Bulger sits at his sentencing hearing in federal court in Boston in this courtroom sketch from 2013. He received life in prison for his crimes Former FBI agent John Connolly was sentenced to prison after being convicted in 2002 of effectively becoming a member of the gang. His trial, which featured 72 witnesses and 840 exhibits, produced chilling testimony worthy of a pulp novel. It heard harrowing tales of teeth being pulled from the mouths of murder victims to foil identification and the strangulation of a mobster's girlfriend who 'knew too much.' A 12-person jury found Bulger guilty in Boston in 2013 of 31 separate charges. 'The scope, the callousness, the depravity of your crimes, is almost unfathomable,' Judge Denise Casper said at his sentencing. Grieg was sentenced separately to eight years for aiding and abetting him. Johnny Depp (above) portrayed James 'Whitey' Bulger in the 2015 film Black Mass Johnny Depp portrayed Bulger in the 2015 movie 'Black Mass,' but the mobster's lawyer said Bulger had no interest in seeing it and he refused to meet or correspond with Depp while the actor was preparing for the role. Mob films inspired by Whitey Bulger Black Mass: Johnny Depp portrayed Bulger during his years as an FBI informant. The Departed: Jack Nicholson's character Frank Costello was loosely based on Bulger Advertisement Frank Costello, the character played by Jack Nicholson in the 2006 Academy Award-winning movie 'The Departed,' was based loosely on Bulger. Bulger was serving a life sentence after being convicted in 2013 of a litany of crimes, including participating in 11 murders. The son of one of Bulger's victims said he was glad to hear the news of the gangster's death. 'I'm surprised and pleased. I didn't think anyone was going to get to kill him. I thought he would die an old man in jail,' Tommy Donohue told Newsweek. 'This is happy news for our family.' Michael Donahue's widow, Patricia Donahue, told CBS Bulger's murder brought relief to her family. 'We're very happy that the man is not here any longer because we don't have to hear his name again,' she said. 'Myself? I'd like to open up a champagne bottle and celebrate.' A woman in north-west China was sentenced to 16 years in prison for physically abusing her six-year-old stepson, leaving him in a vegetative state. The woman, Sun Xiaoqian, was accused of beating the boy, nicknamed Peng Peng, with bamboo sticks and ropes and tying him up with wire, according to state broadcaster CCTV. Sun was convicted of two counts of intentional assault and maltreatment today at the Linwei District Court in Weinan, Shaanxi province. The latest case of domestic abuse to rock the nation first came to light on March 29 last year, when Peng Peng was beaten so badly he was left in a coma with serious injuries. A woman in north-west China was sentenced to 16 years in prison for physically abusing her six-year-old stepson Peng Peng (pictured) leaving him in a vegetative state The woman, Sun Xiaoqian, was convicted of two counts of intentional assault and maltreatment today at the Linwei District Court in Weinan, Shaanxi province At the time, doctors said that 75 per cent of the boy's skull had been fractured with multiple brain haemorrhages. He also had broken ribs, permanently damaged eyesight, deformed kneecaps, missing front teeth and skin ulcers, according to reports. The stepmother had previously told the authorities that she had beaten Peng Peng because he had stained the bedsheets and was misbehaving. He was unconscious when taken to hospital, according to Xinhua. The boy had been living with his father, who had divorced in December 2015 and remarried in October 2016. After an investigation by police, Sun was detained and then arrested in May last year. The latest case of domestic abuse to rock the nation first came to light on March 29 last year, when Peng Peng was beaten so badly he was left in a coma with serious injuries The boy had been living with his father, who had divorced in December 2015 and remarried The woman admitted in court to administering punishment to the child by asking him to stand or kneel for up to 20 minutes. In her defence, Sun told the court that she was strict with the child because she was afraid that her husband would think of her as a bad mother if the boy didn't behave. 'It pains me that I didn't take good care of the child,' she told the court, expressing remorse. 'As a mother, I wished it was me on the hospital bed now.' 'I love my husband very much, of course I would love his child,' she said. 'I have no reason to hurt them. I regret my actions.' 'Following a deep reflection and a thorough understanding of the law, I now realise that my way of parenting caused problems to various families,' she added The stepmother had previously told the authorities that she had beaten Peng Peng because he had stained the bedsheets and was misbehaving. He remains in a vegetative state Peng Peng is still in a vegetative state and remains under treatment at a public hospital at a cost of 5,500 yuan (620) a month, according to The Paper. The medical expenses are being covered by a nationwide crowdfunding campaign that has raised more than two million yuan (230,000) for the child. The case has rocked China as the issue of violence towards children has been gaining wider public attention in recent years. A Weibo page of the original incident, titled 'beaten into vegetative state by stepmother', gathered more than 77 million views, with many net users calling for a stiffer sentence for the 'cruel' stepmother. Royal Navy Commander Steven Heap was cleared of two counts of sexual assault by a court martial panel after slapping a female officer's bottom at the Navy Christmas party A Royal Navy Commander who slapped a female colleague's bottom was cleared of sexual assault by a court martial panel after he claimed 'it was just drunken buffoonery'. Highly-respected Cdr Steven Heap allegedly left the senior officer's bottom 'sore' after shocking her with two 'firm slaps' during a Navy Christmas party in Portsmouth, despite meeting just minutes earlier. The 48-year-old, who received an MBE from Prince Charles, told the hearing he was very drunk when he slapped her backside, insisting it was a 'prank' and he was 'showboating'. The woman told the court martial his right hand struck her right buttock so hard it left her sore and she fled the dance floor, only for him to repeat the action 20 minutes later. Representing Cdr Heap, Lieutenant Commander Verity Fane-Bailey today admitted it was an 'unpalatable' incident that was 'unbecoming' of an officer of his rank. However, she begged the panel not to ruin Cdr Heap's career by treating it as a criminal or sexual offence. The panel of five senior officers today cleared the Commander of two counts of sexual assault after just 57 minutes of deliberations. The judge had earlier instructed them that if they thought a reasonable man would view the slapping as sexual they could convict Cdr Heap. Commander Heap, who joined the Royal Navy as a submariner 30 years ago, received an MBE from Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace in 2013 Assistant Judge Advocate General Robert Hill said: 'To convict him, you must be sure there was a sexual purpose to the slaps or you must be sure that in the circumstances a reasonable man could think it was sexual. 'You may think a man slapping a woman's bottom is sexual.' Prosecutors had alleged the Commander, who joined the Navy as a submariner 30 years ago, had been 'sexually motivated' when he slapped the woman's backside at the Navy base Christmas party. However, Cdr Heap, who was based at HMS Excellent in Portsmouth, Hampshire at the time, told the court he had been drunk and thought he was being 'amusing'. He said: 'Yes, I did touch her. I moved towards her and I made a gesture, pointing to distract her and then slapped her on the bum. 'I thought it would be amusing, it was childish showboating, a ridiculous moment. 'The second time was almost exactly the same, but without the distraction. 'I don't believe it was sexual assault. It was just drunken buffoonery by me.' When asked by prosecutor Wg Cdr Saunders what he found amusing in slapping a woman's bottom, Cdr Heap, replied: 'Today, absolutely nothing. At the time, I thought it would be amusing. 'I was not trying it on with her, if I was I would not have gone about it in that manner. Commander Heap was based on Whale Island in Portsmouth Harbour, Hampshire 'It was like a childhood prank where you say "oh, what's that on your jumper" and then slapping the person on the chin when they look down. 'It was a joke, that was my thought process at the time.' Representing Cdr Heap, Lieutenant Commander Verity Fane-Bailey had said: 'If there was an offence for being supremely foolish, then I expect Commander Heap would admit it straight away. 'His actions throughout the entire evening were juvenile and he was in drink. In essence, we are in the realms of a childish, schoolboy mentality; a prank. 'It is an adult version of when schoolboys tap their friends on the shoulder to get them to look around the wrong way. 'Was he foolish? Absolutely. Was it childish? Yes. 'You might think what Commander Heap did that evening was utterly unpalatable. You may think it's unbecoming of a senior officer in the Navy. 'At the time, he thought it was funny. As a result, you may not like him very much. But let's make this a service issue, not a criminal one.' After the panel returned its verdict, the judge told Bulford Military Court, Wiltshire, that Cdr Heap, of Poole, Dorset, had been willing to admit a charge of 'disgraceful conduct' prior to the two day trial. Judge Hill said: 'That concludes this case for you Commander Heap, you are free to leave the court now. 'I should just say, the defence did indicate before the trial that Commander Heap would be willing to accept a charge of disgraceful conduct. But, the prosecution were not willing to accept this.' A special education teacher in Cincinnati has been arrested after being accused of having sex with a female student. Jennifer Walsh, 26, was indicted by a grand jury on two counts of sexual battery after police say she had was with the student from Sycamore High School intimately from May to August. The Montgomery police investigated a sexual battery complaint October 18 after a Hamilton County Job and Family Service investigator reported the incident involving Walsh and the 17-year-old student according to Fox 19. Police seized the teacher's cellphone, computer and personal documents and on October 19 she resigned from her position. Special education teacher Jennifer Walsh, 26, (pictured) was arrested after being accused of having sex with a 17-year-old female student Walsh, who worked at Sycamore High School, was arrested after she was accused of having sex with a 17-year-old female student Sycamore High School says they are cooperating with police as they investigate the allegations against the resigned teacher. A grand jury indicted Walsh Monday. Montgomery police investigated a sexual battery complaint Oct. 18 after a Hamilton County Job and Family Service investigator reported the incident involving the teacher and 17-year-old female student. Police say they seized Walsh's computer, cell phone and personal documents as part of their search. In an email to parents the high school said: It is with deep sadness that we inform you of a situation involving a former Sycamore High School employee. Walsh went on paid personal leave in mid-September and before officially being charged. A school district spokeswoman told WCPO9 that Walsh had been on personal, paid leave since mid-September, prior to her resignation. District spokeswoman Mallory Bonbright said that while school officials knew about the allegations before Walsh was formerly charged, they legally were not allowed to release her name or any statements to parents until she was charged with a crime. 'We are not permitted to accuse Ms. Walsh of a crime and release her name only after criminal charges were formally filed,' Bonbright said. 'Without the ability to release a name, any information released would have caused unneeded anxiety among our families.' In the police report, five witnesses came forward about the sexual battery incident, with one of the people being a fellow teenager. WCPO9 reports the student was not in the special education program. Jeremy Hunt today insisted he personally had 'no prior knowledge' of Saudi plotting against murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi - but dodged questions over whether British intelligence had any advance information. Mr Khashoggi, an outspoken critic of the crown prince, was killed in Saudi Arabia's consulate in Istanbul on October 2. The Saudi authorities initially denied any involvement but have since conceded the murder was organised by 'rogue agents'. Reports over the weekend suggested that GCHQ had intercepted information about a potential plot against Mr Khashoggi three weeks before the killing. MI6 warned Saudi Arabia to cancel the mission, which was thought at the time to be an abduction, but did not alert other intelligence agencies, according to the Sunday Express. Jeremy Hunt (pictured in the Commons today) told MPs he personally had 'no prior knowledge' of Saudi plotting against murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi Mr Hunt was grilled in the Commons about the situation today, but refused to speculate on what was known by British intelligence. Labour MP Gill Furniss said: 'Media reports have surfaced this weekend suggesting UK intelligence services were aware of the Saudi plan to abduct the journalist Jamal Khashoggi and take him back to Riyadh, and of the deployment of the hit squad to Istanbul for that purpose. 'Can I give the Foreign Secretary the opportunity to tell the House today that those reports are categorically untrue?' Mr Hunt responded: 'I hope she will understand that I don't comment on intelligence matters, but if it reassures her I had absolutely no prior knowledge myself of the terrible Khashoggi murder and was as shocked as I think everyone else.' Shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry ditched her pre-written questions to pour more pressure on Mr Hunt to clarify his position. She said: 'If the allegations in this weekend's report are true they are extremely serious, it was reported in early September that our intelligence services became aware of the Saudi plan to abduct Jamal Khashoggi and on October 1 they knew that a Saudi team had been dispatched to Istanbul for that purpose. 'Now I hear what the Foreign Secretary has said, that he didn't know, but did the intelligence services know and has he asked them?' Mr Hunt responded: 'I have to repeat what I said to her and I'm sure she will understand that it isn't possible for a Foreign Secretary or indeed any minister to comment on intelligence matters for very obvious reasons. Mr Khashoggi, an outspoken critic of the Saudi crown prince, was killed in Saudi Arabia's consulate in Istanbul on October 2 'I didn't know about this attack, it's very important that she understands that and this House understands that, and we are as shocked as everyone else about what happened.' Mrs Thornberry told Mr Hunt he could not 'hide behind a blanket refusal to discuss intelligence matters' and asked him to attend a behind closed-doors session of the Commons intelligence and security committee to reveal what was known. Mr Hunt told MPs that if he was invited to attend the committee then he would 'of course consider that invitation'. Catherine Greig was the longtime girlfriend of notorious Boston kingpin James 'Whitey' Bulger who was killed behind bars at the age of 89 on Tuesday. Greig, now 67, helped Bulger evade the FBI for 16 years and was arrested with her lover in Santa Monica, California, on June 22, 2011. She may not even know that her beau, the notoriously murderous 'Whitey', is dead as she's currently detained in Waseca, Minnesota serving out her eight-year jail sentence. In June 2012, Greig was sentenced to eight years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to harbor a fugitive, identity fraud, and conspiracy to commit identity fraud. In her plea deal she admitted she used aliases, unlawfully obtained identification documents and repeatedly helped Bulger obtain prescription medication from a pharmacy by claiming to be his wife. While she was given eight years behind bars, Bulger was sentenced to life in prison. He was convicted in 2013 for playing a role in 11 murders. Catherine Greig, 67, is the longtime girlfriend and confidante of Boston mob boss James 'Whitey' Bulger who was killed behind bars at the age of 89 overnight on Tuesday. She's currently detained in a prison in Waseca, Minnesota Greig started dating the kingpin in the 1970s and they lived together in Boston. In 1995 they went on the run together until they were found in Santa Monica, California in June 2011 and both arrested. They were posing as married retirees from Chicago, the couple pictured above in June 1998 Greig and Bulger started dating in the 1970s and lived together in Boston. She was 24 when they met, 22 years younger than Bulger, according to Boston.com. They went on the run in early 1995 and the two maintained their romance even as they were both placed behind bars. Bulger would pen notes on his lawyer's legal pad at his cell in Massachusetts back in 2014 and have them delivered via his lawyer to Greig who was detained at a Rhode Island Jail at the time. The couple would sob as they read the other's notes, according to the Boston Globe. Bulger had told his attorney J.W. Carney that he regretted never marrying Greig, who abandoned her old life to join the FBI-wanted mobster in hiding. In one of those heartfelt letters, Bulger wrote: 'My 16 years on the run were the happiest years of my life and hers. Memories sustain me.' 'If I met Catherine at a younger age I would have had a better life. She was the best thing that ever happened to me,' he added. Greig was sentenced to eight years in jail pleading guilty to harboring a fugitive and identity fraud while Bulger was sentenced to life in prison. She is currently detained at a minimum-security facility in Waseca, Minnesota and is due to be released in 2020 The couple got together when Greig was 24 and Whitey was 46, in the late 1970s. The couple pictured together in an undated photo which was used as evidence by Bulger's defense team in court in 2013 Wanted: The two went on the run in 1995 on the eve of Bulger's indictment on racketeering charges. A wanted poster for Greig for harboring a fugitive pictured above In another jailhouse letter he decries Greig's sentencing. He wrote 'her sentence is a crime', adding other mobsters have been given less time. 'More time + fine than people who confessed to murder and made deal to testify against me for the gov and in return set free after short sentence. They told the gov what it wanted to hear and were rewarded,' he added. She appeared in court in 2015 for the first time since her sentencing in 2012 to plead not guilty to a contempt charge for refusing to say whether other people helped Bulger elude police. The organized crime boss (pictured above in undated photos) had been convicted in 2013 of killing at least 11 people and was serving a life sentence at the time of his death Tuesday. He and Greig exchanged love letters while they were detained in separate prisons James 'Whitey' Bulger, right, is seen after a hearing in 2011 as he is escorted from a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter to a waiting vehicle at an airport in Plymouth, Massachusetts The entrance to USP Hazelton in West Virginia is seen in a file photo. Bulger had recently been transferred to the facility when he was killed In April 2016, she was sentenced to an additional 21-months in prison for refusing to testify about whether other people aided them when they fled Boston. At the time, her lawyer Kevin Reddington wrote: 'It is obvious that she is a kind, gentle woman who has literally done nothing bad in her life except fall in love with James Bulger and live with him for 16 years until their arrest', according to CBS. She is currently detained at a minimum-security facility in Waseca, Minnesota and is due to be released on September 29, 2020, FCI Waseca tells DailyMail.com. Prosecutors said that Greig had numerous opportunities to leave Bulger or report him, but she never did. Instead the couple posed as married retirees from Chicago. Then they were busted in Santa Monica in 2011, they were found with $800,000 in cash and had 30 weapons stashed in the rental home. This is the terrifying moment a mischievous dog manages to turn on it's owner's gas stove and set fire to a package of soft drinks which explode across the kitchen. The clip was filmed by Matthew Ruffino who had left his two German shepherds, Dahlia and Hendrix, alone in his house. Somehow the dogs manage to break into the kitchen and set to work trashing the whole room. Dahlia jumps up on her hind legs and places her paws on the stove and accidentally turns the gas on Footage shows the mess the dogs had already made with emptying food packets, wrappers and toys littering the floor. But trouble begins when Dahlia jumps up on her hind legs and places her paws on the stove and accidentally turns the gas on. Blue and orange flames can be seen flickering on the hob and licking the bottom of a package of soft drinks which are perched on top. Dahlia appears curious about the sudden bout of flames and watches them while Hendrix stays in the corner. Blue and orange flames flicker on the hob and licking the bottom of a package of soft drinks which are perched on top But soon the dogs appear to sense that something is not quite right when the fire builds momentum and quickly begins to grow. The two dogs cower by the kitchen door as the flames take hold and suddenly one of the drinks cans explode across the kitchen. By this time the dogs appear to be visibly in distress at the small fire and can be seen scratching at the gate that separates the kitchen from the rest of the house. The two dogs cower by the kitchen door as the flames take hold and suddenly one of the drinks cans explode across the kitchen Dahlia and Hendrix manage to escape just before a second can explodes and soft drink sprays all over the room. It is not clear where the footage was filmed but luckily the dogs managed to escape and the fire died down. Mr Ruffino said: 'Dogs where locked outside kitchen, they broke into it. Trouble started after.' A father appears to have made his child's dream of being a superhero a reality as he helps him fly across his living room like Spider-man. August Koch filmed the hilarious clip of Ben and his dressed up son on their farm in Piketberg, Western Cape in South Africa. Ben lifts his son from wall to wall as the child imitates the superhero's famous wrist movement to shoot imaginary web. August Koch filmed the hilarious clip of Ben and his son dressed up on their farm Piketberg, Western Cape in South Africa Ben lifts his son up hangs upside down and crawls like a spider along with ceiling The child can be seen hanging upside down and crawling like a spider along the ceiling which sends people in the room into fits of the giggles. And the little boy gets to zip around the living room much like Peter Parker roaming about about New York City. The child appears to have been practicing being a comic book star as he pulls off an incredibly realistic Spider-man. He perches on the walls and stairs, with the help of his father, and dramatically poses - much to the audience's amusement. Ben lifts son from wall to wall as the child imitates the superhero's famous wrist movement to shoot imaginary web And Ben even makes sound effects of shooting web as he flies his son around the room. Ms Koch said: 'I came from a friends birthday on a Sunday afternoon to visit one of my lifelong friends Ben on the farm he runs. 'As I got there, a little Spiderman figure was clinging to the glass entrance door, only to discover it is a little boy with his dad holding him up from behind. 'I loved it and said he must show me how Spiderman flies. I got my phone out and the video you saw is the first and only take. Such a treat!' Philip Hammond was today accused of producing a Budget which widens the gender gap, hitting women hardest with cuts. Research produced by the Commons Library suggests that 87 per cent of the cuts imposed since 2010 have hit women hardest. The Chancellor yesterday announced an end to austerity as he went on a 100 billion spending spree - and brought forward a planned income tax cut. But as Mr Hammond hailed plans as a boost for the 'strivers and the grafters' who are the backbone of Britain, Labour MP Yvette Cooper accused him of deepening inequalities. She said: 'The gender gap in the Tories tax and benefit policies is getting worse. After 8 years of Tory austerity, women are now bearing nearly 90 per cent of the losses from the changes to tax and benefit since 2010. 'Each time the Chancellor has the chance to narrow the gap he does the opposite.' Labour MP Yvette Cooper (file photo)lashed Philip Hammond's Budget saying that he has deepened gender inequality in the UK Philip Hammond posed with the famous red box outside No11 Downing Street yesterday before delivering his Budget speech. He said his Budget was a boost for Britain's 'strivers and grafters' She added: 'By choosing to put more into raising tax allowances including for the highest earners than into tackling the problems with Universal Credit, the Chancellor has ignored the fact that low earners are still being hardest hit, and that means women are still losing out. 'Women are more likely to be hit by welfare cuts including Universal Credit whilst men are more likely to gain from the increased tax allowances. 'The Chancellor's decision to cut taxes for those on 100,000 a year helps more men, when he could have done more to sort out the problems with Universal Credit and the welfare system for families in poverty instead. 'In the centenary year of the first women getting the vote, it is shocking that the Treasury still refuses to carry out its own gender audit of the impact of its policies'. Ms Cooper pointed to research by the Commons Library which suggests 87 per cent of the cuts since 2010 has fallen hardest on women's shoulders. Mr Hammond announced yesterday that billions of pounds will be pumped into the NHS, social care, mental health and defence. And he revealed that from next April people would be able earn 12,500 a year tax-free and will not pay 40 per cent tax until they earn more than 50,000. Those earning 12,500 will save 130 a year compared to their current income tax bill thanks to the rise in the personal allowance. The Chancellor (pictured in the Commons yesterday) said he was safeguarding 'Britain's future' and will pump more money into the NHS, social care, mental health and the armed forces The House of Commons was packed to the rafters to hear the Chancellor deliver his pre-Brexit Budget yesterday afternoon A far bigger saving will arrive for those earning 50,000, who will keep an extra 860 compared to their current income tax bill. While the troubled Universal Credit benefits reforms will be bailed out with another 1billion of 'transitional' protections and 1.7billion in improved work allowances - effectively reversing cuts previously imposed by George Osborne. Increases to tax thresholds will be raised faster than previously promised - saving around 32 million workers up to 860 a year each. Mr Hammond said the giveaways were possible due to the 'tough decisions' the government had made over the past eight years - which had brought better growth forecasts and lower borrowing. 'Their hard work is finally paying off and the era of austerity is finally coming to an end,' he insisted. But the Chancellor appears to have all-but abandoned his goal of getting the public finances into the black by 2025, in favour of turning on the spending taps. A Treasury spokesperson said: 'We have a strong record of supporting women: there is a near record number of women in work and the gender pay gap is at an all-time low. 'Women will benefit from this Budget in many ways including the increase in the National Living Wage and the tax cuts for 32 million people.' James Cromwell (pictured) has warned America that 'there will be blood in the streets' if Democrats don't prevail in November's midterm elections James Cromwell has warned America that 'there will be blood in the streets' if Democrats don't prevail in November's midterm elections. Cromwell made the comment during the fourth annual Carney Awards where he was honored for his many roles as a character actor. 'If we don't stop [President Trump] now, then we will have a revolution for real. Then there will be blood in the streets,' Cromwell told Variety at the event on Monday night. The 78-year-old later used his platform to echo his sentiments during his acceptance speech. 'We're living in very curious times, and something is coming up which is desperately important to this country and to this planet, and that is an election, in which hopefully in some measure we are going to take back our democracy,' he said. 'We will have a government that represents us and not the donor class. We will cut through the corruption, [and] we won't have to do what comes next, which is either a non-violent revolution or a violent one, because this has got to end,' he added. Comedian Patton Oswalt hosted the event, which also honored character actors Joe Morton, Jessica Walter, Joe Pantoliano, Bruce Greenwood and M. Emmet Walsh. Cromwell, who is well known for his roles in Babe, The Green Mile and American Horror Story, is also a political activist. Cromwell, who is well known for his roles in Babe, The Green Mile and American Horror Story, is also a political activist. Last year, he was sentenced to jail (right) for refusing to pay fines related to his arrest at a protest (left) outside a New York power plant After he was released from jail, Cromwell (pictured, holding a megaphone) was arrested again in California. This time he was protesting SeaWorld Last year, he was sentenced to jail for refusing to pay fines related to his arrest at a protest outside a New York power plant. A town judge in Wawayanda sentenced the Oscar-nominated actor to seven days in jail. At the time, Cromwell was among a group found guilty of obstructing traffic at a December 2015 sit-in at the site of a natural gas-fired power plant being built in Wawayanda. The protesters said the plant posed a threat to the environment. At the time, Cromwell said he hoped that people can see the injustice of the jail sentence and that others may be inspired to join the pickets. After he was released from jail, Cromwell was arrested again in California. This time he was protesting SeaWorld. There are three key elections that Democrats are facing next week. The first race is for Florida governor between Democrat Andrew Gillum (pictured) and Republican Ron DeSantis Democrat Stacey Abrams (left) is going head-to-head with Republican Brian Kemp (right) for Georgia governor And in Texas Democratic candidate Beto O'Rourke (pictured) is taking on Republican Senator Ted Cruz 'Actor & activist James Cromwell is taking over #SeaWorld's new "Orca Encounter" show in San Diego to expose the sad reality of life for orcas trapped there,' a Facebook post from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) read at the time. Cromwell and a handful of protesters for PETA were removed from the park after the actor began to talk to the crowd through a megaphone during the show. The actor spoke about the parks treatment of animals, which has come under criticism in recent years over the very concept of keeping orca whales in captivity. There are three key elections that Democrats are facing next week. The first race is for Florida governor between Democrat Andrew Gillum and Republican Ron DeSantis. Democrat Stacey Abrams is going head-to-head with Republican Brian Kemp for Georgia governor. And in Texas Democratic candidate Beto O'Rourke is taking on Republican Senator Ted Cruz. A giant inflatable colon stolen from a driveway in Missouri has been located in a vacant house in Virginia, two weeks after it went missing. For the moment, who stole the $4,000 inflatable from the Brookside driveway remains a mystery, according to Kansas City police. The colon, used by the Colon Cancer Coalition in Kansas City as an education tool, was taken overnight on October 18, after it was loaded to be transported and displayed at a breast cancer 5K on October 20. The enormous inflatable was used an educational tool allowing visitors to walk through and see normal and abnormal colon tissue The giant colon is around 10-foot-long and weighs 150 pounds. A tip led officers to find the pilfered intestine in a vacant house in Virginia. No arrests have been made and police said the investigation is continuing. The plight of the #StolenColon captured hearts on social media with coverage of the #StolenColon tracked around the globe, reaching over 186 million people, according to the Colon Cancer Coalition. Kansas City police said the colon had been found two weeks after it was taken The colon was bought in 2017 as an educational tool to illustrate what a normal and an abnormal colon looks like from the inside. While the hunt for the giant inflatable was underway, the Colon Cancer Coalition stormed past its fundraising goal of $4,000, securing over $11,000, enough to buy two massive replacements. The Colon Cancer Coalition in Kansas City now have two other giant colons thanks to generous donors who dug deep as police searched for the original inflatable The Colon Cancer Coalition said the stolen colon had already increased awareness of colon cancer and fostered more conversations, particularly on Twitter with #StolenColon trending. Colon and rectal cancer are the second biggest cancer killers for men and women in the U.S. Republican leaders are split on whether President Trump can end the tradition of birthright citizenship with the stroke of a pen, with the vice president and the speaker of the House taking opposite sides of the question that has set Washington on its ear. Speaker Paul Ryan told a Kentucky radio interviewer on Tuesday that the White House would have to change the Constitution, which requires working with Congress, instead of acting on its own. 'You obviously cannot do that. You cannot end birthright citizenship with an executive order,' Ryan said. And in a sour look back at the 2012 beginnings of the DACA program, which spared hundreds of thousands of 'Dreamers' from deportation, Ryan noted that 'we didnt like it when Obama tried changing immigration laws via executive action, and obviously as conservatives we believe in the Constitution.' 'As a conservative, I'm a believer in following the plain text of the Constitution, and I think in this case the 14th Amendment is pretty clear, and that would involve a very, very lengthy constitutional process,' he added. 'But where we obviously totally agree with the president is getting at the root issue here, which is unchecked illegal immigration.' President Donald Trump says he wants to end the tradition of conferring U.S. citizenship on babies born inside the country's borders regardless of whether their parents are Americans House Speaker Paul Ryan insisted Tuesday that the White House can't use an executive order to change the government's interpretation of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution The 14th Amendment of the Constitution, written in 1868, states: 'All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof,' are U.S. citizens. Vice President Mike Pence insisted Tuesday that there's nothing unconstitutional about Trump declaring that an babies born to illegal immigrants in the U.S. will no longer automatically become American citizens. 'We all know what the 14th Amendment says,' Pence told Politico during an on-stage interview. 'We all cherish the language of the 14th Amendment.' 'But the Supreme Court of the United States has never ruled on whether or not the language of the 14th Amendment, "subject to the jurisdiction thereof," applies specifically to people who are in the country illegally,' Pence argued. Trump said in an interview with Axios that he wants to sign an order ending the practice of awarding citizenship to children who conservatives have long termed 'anchor babies.' Trump, who has long been critical of the practice, said: 'We're the only country in the world where a person comes in and has a baby, and the baby is essentially a citizen of the United States... with all of those benefits. It's ridiculous. It's ridiculous. And it has to end.' South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, a Trump ally on most issues but not always immigration questions, said in a series of tweets that he welcomes a change. Trump, shown leaving the White House on Tuesday with first lady Melania Trump, has given his anti-illegal-immigrant base some new red meat with the proposal, just a week before the midterm elections Vice President Mike Pence said Tuesday that the Supreme Court has never ruled on whether the 14th Amendment applies to illegal immigrants; South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham tweeted that he'll introduce legislation mirroring Trump's executive order Graham sent a flurry of tweets agreeing with Trump's approach and offering to ingtroduce a bill that would codify it into law 'Finally, a president willing to take on this absurd policy of birthright citizenship,' he said on Twitter. 'Ive always supported comprehensive immigration reform and at the same time the elimination of birthright citizenship.' 'The United States is one of two developed countries in the world who grant citizenship based on location of birth. This policy is a magnet for illegal immigration, out of the mainstream of the developed world, and needs to come to an end,' he added. Greham also tweeted that he will 'introduce legislation along the same lines as the proposed executive order from President.' Trump insists he can change the way the 14th Amendment is interpreted by the federal government without amending the Constitution itself, and can do it through an executive order. Several Republicans running for president in 2016, including Trump and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, argued at the time that the phrase 'subject to the jurisdiction' refers only to people with a legal right to be in the country. In a preview of an HBO documentary scheduled to air on Sunday, Trump reveals that 'it was always told to me that you needed a constitutional amendment. Guess what? You don't.' Trump's move came a week before midterm elections and after a second migrant caravan (pictured) crossed into Mexico on Monday The migrants were met by hundreds of federal officers in riot gear on the river bank. It followed a night of violence that left one Central American dead 'You can definitely do it with an Act of Congress. But now they're saying I can do it just with an executive order,' he adds. 'It's in the process. It'll happen ... with an executive order.' The president first articulated his position in August 2015, painting a mental picture for a Fox News Channel audience. 'What happens is, they're in Mexico, they're going to have a baby, they move over here for a couple of days, they have the baby,' he said then, adding: 'I don't think they have American citizenship, and if you speak to some very, very good lawyers, some would disagree. But many of them agree with me: You're going to find they do not have American citizenship.' Some attorneys, he insisted, had advised him that 'Its not going to hold up in court, its going to have to be tested.' By then the draw of birthright citizenship had become so powerful that an entire industry -- 'birth tourism' -- had spring up to take advantage. The Washington Post reported that for between $40,000 and $80,000, some Asian women were flying to New York or California to stay at specialized 'hotels' outfitted like labor & delivery wards. The cost is worth it, they said, because their own application for legal residence would sail through because their babies would have U.S. citizenship. Poorer women often just sneak across the border, dropping what critics call familial 'anchors.' BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP AND WHY IT'S IN THE CONSTITUTION President Trump says he wants to order the end of automatic citizenship for babies of illegal immigrants born in the United States. The U.S. government has traditionally held that section 1 of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which contains the Citizenship Clause, guarantees that right for all children born on American soil. WHAT DOES THE CITIZENSHIP CLAUSE SAY? 'All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.' The sentence that follows specifies citizen rights: 'No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty or property, without due process of law, nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.' HOW DID IT GET IN THE CONSTITUTION? Congress passed the Fourteenth Amendment in 1866. It was ratified on July 9, 1868 by three-fourths of the states. The amendment effectively nullified an 1857 Supreme Court decision Dred Scott v. Sandford which had held that people descended from slaves could not be citizens. The amendment's opening sentence, which served to define its vocabulary, has become among the most controversial clauses in the entire Constitution. WHAT WAS THE GOAL OF REPUBLICANS IN CONGRESS? The Fourteenth Amendment was proposed and ratified to help blacks, especially emancipated former slaves, have a chance to integrate into society after the American Civil War. Congress wanted to prevent the U.S. states where they lived from sidestepping the efforts of Abraham Lincoln and other Republicans to guarantee their rights to 'life, liberty and property.' By 1868, Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation had freed slaves in southern U.S. states, but they still didn't have the same constitutional rights as citizens. That legal limbo led to the formation of 'Colonization Societies' that sought to remove them from the country and send them either to Caribbean islands or to Africa. Some southern states also enacted 'Black Code' laws in a bid to preserve the rights of slave-owners by calling their slaves 'apprentices' who couldn't be removed from their 'service.' Ohio Republican Rep. John A. Bingham, a friend of President Lincoln, proposed the amendment to remedy these problems, writing specific language to guarantee that any slave born on American soil would retroactively be declared a citizen. Bingham wrote at the time that his text wasn't intended to create any new legal rights, but was 'simply a proposition to arm the Congress with the power to enforce the Bill of Rights as it stands in the Constitution today. It hath that extent no more.' COULD IT EXCLUDE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS' BABIES? While the amendment was being debated, Michigan Republican Senator Jacob Howard, who drafted the amendment along with Bingham, said that was never his intention. 'This will not, of course, include persons born in the United States who are foreigners, aliens, who belong to the families of ambassadors or foreign ministers accredited to the Government of the United States, but will include every other class of persons,' he said. 'It settles the great question of citizenship and removes all doubt as to what persons are or are not citizens of the United States,' Howard added. But it did not; the legislation made no mention of that, and at the time there was no concept of illegal immigration. WAS THERE ANOTHER SIDE? California Republican Sen. John Conness was concerned that U.S.-born children of the large number of Chinese immigrants in his state would end up without American citizenship. Conness declared in a debate that the amendment 'proposed to declare that they shall be citizens,' adding that 'I am in favor of doing so.' That point wasn't debated, but Howard also didn't object to Conness's interpretation, which twenty-first century immigration advocates often cite as proof that birthright citizenship is constitutional. WHAT HAS THE SUPREME COURT SAID? In 1873 the Supreme Court ruled that the phrase 'subject to its jurisdiction' was intended to exclude children of non-citizen immigrants. That decision answered a narrow question, establishing that the 14th Amendment only guaranteed rights to people who were U.S. citizens, and didn't cover anyone who was only granted 'citizenship' by an individual U.S. state. The majority opinion includes a note that 'the phrase 'subject to its jurisdiction' was intended to 'exclude from its operation children of ministers, consuls, and citizens or subjects of foreign States born within the United States.' Two years later the high court ruled that immigrants can only have automatic citizenship for their children when they the adults owe 'allegiance' to the U.S. and not to a foreign nation. The concept of allegiance means little today but most people at the time were born in monarchies and were subjects, not citizens. The meaning of jurisdiction to some simply meant the ordinary modern meaning - an obligation to follow the law of the land in which you are present - but to others meant the allegiance you owe to the monarch of whom you are a subject, regardless of whether you are in their country or not. Snother senator involved in the 14th Amendment, Lyman Trumbull, interpreted it that way - but once again, that is not in the legislation. In 1898 the Supreme Court ruled that a specific Chinese immigrant's child was a citizen of the United States, citing the 14th Amendment's text. That decision has stood for 120 years, but it was decided decades before the concept of 'illegal aliens' was part of Americans' vocabulary; quite simply there was no concept of lawful or unlawful entry into the country. As a complication, American Indians were excluded from citizenship until 1924 on the basis that their primary allegiance was to their tribe. But that was never challenged in court, it was altered by an act which did not address whether the 14th Amendment should have been taken to cover them. More recently, at a dinner party in 2010, then-Justice Antonin Scalia said he believed Howard's original view was right but for an unrelated reason. He told his fellow guests that purposely including the words 'and subject to the jurisdiction thereof' suggested that people born in the U.S. weren't automatically citizens, especially if they were 'subject to the jurisdiction' of some other nation. He thought the words were included with the intention of ruling out a large number of people. But Scalia, who died in 2016, allowed at the time that the way the modern U.S. interprets dual citizenships could also mean many people are 'subject to the jurisdiction of' more than one country. WHAT COULD HAPPEN IF TRUMP SIGNS AN EXECUTIVE ORDER? If the president orders that the federal government must treat children of illegal immigrants born in the U.S. as non-citizens, two things would likely happen. States where Democrats control the legislatures and that have Democratic governors would quickly enact laws doing the opposite. And civil rights groups would sue U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in federal court. Whichever reaches a full boil first the lawsuits or the question of the federal government's 'supremacy' over state laws the whole thing will likely end up at the Supreme Court. Trump has already appointed two justices, creating what some observers believe will be a 5-4 conservative majority. If that holds - and they rule in his favor - Trump will win the debate and his order will stand. In that scenario, a future Democratic president, however, could undo it with an executive order of their own. Advertisement Former U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services chief counsel Lynden Melmed told Axios that very few experts believe the President has the power to change birthright citizenship. Some scholars agree that the 14th Amendment was never intended to give illegal immigrants' children citizenship and has been misapplied for decades. Trump could change the application with an executive order, they say, limiting birthright citizenship only to the children born of legal permanent residents. Michael Anton, a former national security official for Trump, wrote in The Washington Post that an executive order could 'specify to federal agencies that the children of non-citizens are not citizens.' But others, such as Judge James Ho, who was appointed by Trump to Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, insist that changing how the 14th Amendment is applied would be 'unconstitutional.' Only about 30 countries, including Canada, guarantee some sort of birthright citizenship, known as 'jus soli' (right of the soil). Others grant citizenship based on the principle of 'jus sanguinis' (right of the blood) where children can only inherit citizenship from their parents, not their birthplace. India abolished jus soli in 2004 when thousands of illegal immigrants entered the country from Bangladesh. The Pew Hispanic Center estimates that approximately 7.5 per cent of all births in the U.S. (about 300,000 per year) are to illegal immigrants. The Center says around 4.5 million American citizens under age 18 were born to illegals. Trump'sstunning statement comes one week before midterm elections, and amid a national panic after a second migrant caravan heading for the U.S. crossed into Mexico on Monday. The second migrant caravan, including members believed to be carrying bombs and guns, crossed into Mexico on Monday despite a huge police presence. Cops are seen allowing some of the migrants on the banks of the Suchiate River after the arduous crossing, but they were stopped from moving any further Central American migrants walk along the highway near of Ciudad Hidalgo after crossing to Mexico from Guatemala willing to reach the U.S. Hundreds of migrants following in the footsteps of the first caravan heading to the American border crossed a river from Guatemala. A low-flying police helicopter hovered overhead as the migrants waded in large groups through the Suchiate River's murky waters, apparently trying to use the downdraft from its rotors to discourage them. Guatemala's Noti7 channel reported that one man drowned and aired video of a man dragging a seemingly lifeless body from the river. Once on the Mexican side, the migrants were surrounded and escorted by black-uniformed officers as sirens wailed. The second group back at the Guatemalan frontier has been more unruly than the first that crossed. Guatemala's Interior Ministry said Guatemalan police officers were injured when the migrant group broke through border barriers on Guatemala's side of the bridge. Mexico authorities said migrants attacked its agents with rocks, glass bottles and fireworks when they broke through a gate on the Mexican end but were pushed back, and some allegedly carried guns and firebombs. On Monday, Mexican Interior Secretary Alfonso Navarrete Prida lamented what he called a second 'violent attempt' to storm the border, accusing people of placing the elderly, pregnant women and children at the front, putting them at risk of being crushed. 'Fortunately, that did not happen,' he said. Just a day after he was transferred to a federal prison in West Virginia, notorious Boston gangster James 'Whitey' Bulger Jr was killed behind bars. Just a day after he was transferred to a federal prison in West Virginia, notorious Boston mob boss James 'Whitey' Bulger Jr was killed behind bars. The news of Bulger's death in a high-security prison has shocked many - but not those who know all about the penitentiary nicknamed 'Misery Mountain'. Bulger, 89, was transferred to USP Hazelton on Monday. By Tuesday morning, he was dead. He is the third inmate to be killed in the prison just this year. In April a 48-year-old inmate named Ian Thorne was killed after he got into a fight with another prisoner. Both used homemade weapons during the altercation. Richard Heldreth, president of American Federation of Government Employees Local 420, blamed Thorne's death on understaffing at the prison. He called it part of a 'very disturbing trend with increases in drugs and weapons being found at the complex'. Since January 2018, there have been more than 60 documented violent incidents at the prison, which has also been locked down nine times this year 'due to violence', Heldreth told the Preston County News & Journal. 'It has become an every day occurrence,' he added. 'For example, there have been at least 11 weapons confiscated at the facility in the last two days that I have seen documentation of.' Heldreth argued that the prison had become far less safe since the Trump administration announced a federal hiring freeze in January 2017 and the Bureau of Prisons was asked to eliminate 6,000 unfilled jobs - including 127 at Hazelton. While 785 out of 863 positions were filled at the prison in October 2016, only two dozen correctional officers were hired by the end of 2017. 'Clearly, doing "less with less" in an effort to save money is not working, and is certainly having a negative effect on the safe operation of the FCC,' Hazelton said. Five months after Thorne was killed, another inmate was murdered. Bulger is the third inmate to be killed at USP Hazelton (pictured) - nicknamed Misery Mountain - just this year Demario Porter, 27, was killed in September during a fight with another prisoner. He had only arrived at Hazelton days beforehand. Heldreth once again spoke up about the death, saying it was proof that understaffing was making the prison more dangerous. He also pointed to the fact that the Bureau of Prisons is now using augmentation, in which prison employees from other departments - including secretaries, teachers and plumbers - fill spots for correctional officers. West Virginia Sen Joe Manchin spoke out after Porter's death, saying he has pressed the Bureau of Prisons and Attorney General Jeff Sessions to 'follow the law and act on this dangerous situation'. 'They have done nothing,' he continued. 'The lack of action on the part of the Bureau of Prisons is unacceptable.' And just weeks before Porter's death, a staff member at Hazelton was physically assaulted by an inmate in a holding cell. Bulger, 89, was transferred to USP Hazelton (pictured in an aerial shot) on Monday. By Tuesday morning, he was dead But violence on Misery Mountain is nothing new and Bulger is just one of many prisoners who have been killed at Hazelton through the years. In 2007 inmate Jesse Harris was murdered by prisoners Patrick Andrews and Kevin Bellinger, who stabbed him to death with prison-made knives. Two years later, Jimmy Lee Wilson, 25, was killed during a fight that involved at least five other prisoners. The fight was reportedly racially motivated and the prison had to be placed on lockdown for more than a month before officials felt it was safe again. Heldreth has been fighting to make USP Hazelton a safer place for more than a decade, writing about problems at the prison as far back as 2008. 'In the past 10 years I have watched as we have been forced to take huge staffing cuts, while the inmate population has soared,' he wrote in a Times West Virginian op-ed. 'We are forced to manage the high security inmate population at Hazelton with staffing numbers that would not have even been considered sufficient to manage a low or medium security institution 10 years ago.' Bulger (pictured in 2011) hadn't even been processed at Hazelton when he was killed, sources said. Someone reportedly knew he was being transferred and put the word out Heldreth said it was common for correctional staff to be outnumbered by inmates 'at over 100 to 1 ratios'. He said officers were also not allowed to carry 'any type of means of self-defense' and were not permitted to wear stab-resistant vests. Heldreth said officers confiscate 'hundreds of lethal homemade weapons' from prisoners every year. And every month there are 'numerous assaults and acts of violence within the prison'. He revealed that in addition to Harris' and another inmate's death, two officers have been 'savagely stabbed' with homemade knives and one had boiling liquid thrown into his face. 'There have been hostage situations, suicides, scalding, and beatings,' he continued. 'Just about every flavor of violence you can imagine.' Bulger was one of the FBI's most wanted fugitives for 16 years until his 2011 arrest in Santa Monica, California. He is pictured here in a 1953 booking photo Bulger (pictured in an undated FBI handout photo) had been convicted in 2013 of killing at least 11 people and was serving a life sentence Bulger hadn't even been processed at Hazelton when he was killed, according to sources. Someone reportedly knew he was being transferred and put the word out. Sources told the Boston Globe that a fellow inmate with Mafia connections is being investigated in the homicide. It emerged in Bulger's 2013 trial that he had served as an FBI informant as far back as 1975, though he always denied the claim. Law enforcement sources tell DailyMail.com that Whitey had been talking about outing people in the FBI who were part of the informant program. Bulger had been convicted in 2013 of killing at least 11 people and was serving a life sentence. He was one of the FBI's most wanted fugitives for 16 years until his 2011 arrest in Santa Monica, California. On Monday, October 29, 2018 the Chancellor Philip Hammond announced a range of fiscal measures in the Budget for the next financial year that included an extra 20.5 billion for the NHS over the next five years, an increase to the income tax thresholds and a new 2 per cent digital services tax. The Chancellor also stated that the National Living Wage will increase in April next year. Here is all you need to know about it, including what it is, by how much is it increasing and who is eligible for it. In the 2018 Budget, the Chancellor revealed the National Living Wage would increase in 2019 What is the National Living Wage? The National Living Wage is the amount of money employees over the age of 25 are legally entitled to. The current rate for 25 and over is 7.83-an-hour. It was introduced by Philip Hammond in 2015 and implemented in 2016, as an extension of the National Minimum Wage. What is the National Minimum Wage? The National Minimum Wage is the amount of money workers under the age of 25 but over school-leaving age are entitled to. In 2018 the National Minimum Wage for 21 to 24-year-olds is 7.38; 5.90 for 18-20 age group; 4.20 for under-18s; and 3.70 for apprentices. Any contracts for payments below the minimum wage are not legally binding. When will the National Living Wage increase? The National Living Wage will increase by 4.9 per cent from 7.83 to 8.21 in April 2019. This works out to a 690 annual pay-rise for a full-time worker. The 21-24 age group will see an increase of 32p an hour to 7.70 in April 2019, while 18-20s will earn 25p more at 6.15, under-18s 15p more at 4.35 and apprentices will see a 20p rise to 3.90. From April [the #NationalLivingWage] will rise again, by 4.9%, from 7.83 to 8.21 handing a full-time worker a further 690 annual pay increase and taking his or her total pay-rise, since the introduction to over 2,750 a year. #Budget2018 pic.twitter.com/VEPhoLj0do HM Treasury (@hmtreasury) October 29, 2018 What workers are not eligible for the National Living Wage? Many groups of workers are not entitled to the National Minimum or Living Wage. These include: self-employed people who run their own business, company directors, volunteers, members of the armed forces, workers under the school-leaving age and higher education students on work-placements that last for less than a year. Students doing work experience as part of a higher education course, nor will anyone working on a government employment programme like the Work Programme. What is the Real Living Wage? The Real Living Wage is not an official term, but rather one used by the Living Wage Foundation, which is an independent charity that aims to get employers to pay works a minimum of 8.75 an hour, an hourly amount that better reflects the real cost of living. In London the recommended Real Living Wage is 10.20. The charity does not differentiate between under or over 25s, instead saying workers over the age of 18 face the same living costs as everyone else. By Sep. 03, 2018 Dread, deception, death and dismemberment are the ingredients of Kentucky tales that have fed nightmares for generations. Storyteller Mary Hamilton will share sample stories and reveal who told them, who collected them and why she added them to her repertoire and published them in her book, Kentucky Folktales: Revealing Stories, Truths, and Outright Lies. Hamilton has been telling stories professionally since 1983. A Kentucky Arts Council Teaching Artist, she trains others in the art of storytelling, and is the creator of several storytelling albums. Hamilton is a member of the Kentucky Storytelling Association and the National Storytelling Network. The Kentucky School Media Association presented Mary with the 1999-2000 Jesse Stuart Media Award. Past Jesse Stuart Media Award recipients include children's author and poet George Ella Lyons, the Kentucky Educational Television Network, and Kentucky's largest newspaper, The Louisville Courier-Journal. Mary is the first storyteller to receive this award. The programs are funded in part by the Kentucky Humanities an independent, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. For more information, contact Bobbie Wrinkle 270-442-2510 ext. 119 or email: bwrinkle@mclib.net. PADUCAH - McLib will host Feeding Nightmares with storyteller Mary Hamilton on Tuesday, October 30, from 7 - 8 pm at the McCracken County Public Library. Loved ones of the people killed in association with the crimes of James 'Whitey' Bulger are happy he's been murdered; Bulger is shown here in a 2011 United States Marshals Service mug shot file photo The surviving relatives of victims of James 'Whitey' Bulger have revealed their happiness that the notorious Boston mobster was brutally killed on Tuesday just hours after arriving at a new prison. Bulger, 89, was found dead overnight at USP Hazelton, a high-security prison with an adjacent minimum security satellite camp in Bruceton Mills, West Virginia. He had been serving multiple life sentence after being found guilty in 2013 of racketeering charges and involvement in 11 murders, including the killing of Michael Donahue in 1982. Donahue's widow, Patricia Donahue, told CBS Bulger's murder brought relief to her family. 'Were very happy that the man is not here any longer because we dont have to hear his name again,' she said. 'Myself? Id like to open up a champagne bottle and celebrate.' Patricia Donahue, widow of James 'Whitey' Bulger victim Michael Donahue, has said she'd 'like to open up a champagne bottle and celebrate' his murder in a West Virginia prison on Tuesday; Patricia is shown here after the guilty verdict was read in Bulger's trial, on August 12, 2013 Michael Donahue was killed nearly 40 years ago when he offered a ride home to a man allegedly targeted for death by Bulger because he was talking to the FBI. Patricia and Michael's son, Tommy, also shared his feelings on the murder of the Mafia boss. 'Im surprised and pleased,' Tommy Donahue said. 'I didnt think anyone was going to get to kill him. I thought he would die an old man in jail. This is happy news for our family.' Michael Donahue was killed nearly 40 years ago when he offered a ride home to a man allegedly targeted for death by Bulger because he was talking to the FBI; Bulger is shown here after a hearing in 2011 as he is escorted from a US Coast Guard helicopter to a waiting vehicle at an airport in Plymouth, Massachusetts Verified Twitter user and travel editor Priscilla Pilon shared her connection to the terrible acts of violence that Bulger was associated with when he was a free man Verified Twitter user and travel editor Priscilla Pilon shared her connection to the terrible acts of violence that Bulger was associated with when he was a free man. '#WhiteyBulger and his thugs ruthlessly lured my dads friend Eddie Connors to a phone booth and shot him because he refused to pay protection money for his bar,' she tweeted on Tuesday. 'Justice has been done, a little late IMO.' A fellow inmate with Mafia connections is being investigated in Bulger's homicide, two sources told the Boston Globe. During his life of crime, Bulger led a largely Irish mob that ran loan-sharking, gambling and drug rackets in the Boston area. He also served as an FBI informant who ratted on his gang's main rival. He became one of the nation's most-wanted fugitives after fleeing Boston in late 1994. After more than 16 years on the run, Bulger was captured at age 81 in Santa Monica, California in 2011, where he had been living with his longtime girlfriend, Catherine Greig. In the past seven months, there have been three homicides at Hazelton, with the officers' union blaming chronic under-staffing Bulger had recently been moved Hazelton from a prison in Florida after a stint in a transfer facility in Oklahoma City. Bureau of Prisons officials and his attorney declined last week to comment on why he was being moved. In the past seven months, there have been three homicides at Hazelton, with the officers' union blaming chronic under-staffing. 'We are very understaffed,' the union president told WPRI12. Bulger was born in Boston on September 3, 1929, the son of a longshoreman and his first-generation Irish immigrant wife. Advertisement The 2018 National Geographic Photo Contest has reached the halfway point and editors have revealed some of their favorite submissions from the competition so far, as photographers from around the world show their unique view of people, places and wildlife. National Geographic's diverse collection of images this year includes a look at de-horned rhinos that sport a 'new look' to save them from being poached as the situation reaches a crisis in South Africa, a creative portrait of a little curious burrowing owl, and a brown bear falling into a pool after losing its footing during the annual salmon run. But animals aren't the only pictures that have swept judges away over the past two weeks. A NEW LOOK: '"Sporting a new look" These rhinos were de-horned in an effort to save them from poachers. The poaching of rhinos in South Africa has reached crisis level' BABY TEETH: 'We spotted a pride of lions sleeping on top of the kopjes in the Serengeti,' the photographer writes. 'As we got closer to the rocks, we saw that there were quite a few cubs in that pride. The best moment was when 3 of the young cubs started chasing, playing and biting their mom's tail as if they were kittens that were playing with yarn. I can't remember when was the last time that I laughed so hard as I did watching these guys' EMBEARASSED: 'Pictured a brown bear in the midst of a short tumble as he was fishing atop Brooks Falls, Alaska during the annual salmon run,' photographer Taylor Thomas Albright writes. 'Anxious, aggressive and hoping to get a better angle at the leaping salmon, this bear reached out a bit too far and lost his footing. Splashing into the pool below unharmed, he eventually climbed back into his spot to wait for the next chance at a salmon' CURIOSITY: 'A creative portrait of a little curious burrowing owl. This owl was pretty cute and sat on a small branch in a front yard. I cropped the photo a bit to support this moment of curiosity', wrote photographer Marcus Hennen DANGEROUS CURVES: 'Crotalus mitchellii digesting prey. It didn't mind at all when i took this photo. The next morning there was only a sign in the sand', Yigal Ben Aderet explained. Although a pride of lions playing with its mother's tale certainly makes for a thrilling spectacle and a crotalus mitchellii snake digesting prey is as fascinating as an optical illusion. The photographs also offer a spectacular insight into humankind. From a lesson in how to let loose by turning a shot of screaming upside-down amusement park-goers the right way up to a glimpse into the serious world of Indian Kuchipudi dancers getting ready backstage, photographers explain the story behind the frame in their uploads that could fetch the first-place entrant $5,000. SPACE... THE FINAL FUNTIER...: 'People screaming in joy on an amusement park ride in Paris. These people are screaming, because they're actually upside down. The photo was taken straight up towards the sky. Some time we just love to be at a place where we can loose control of it all and live to tell about it', writes photographer B Yen FATHER AND SON: 'The family of nomadic herders living at the Polar Urals. Father and son Tiberi' THE SHEPHERD FROM TRANSYLVANIA: 'On the Carpathian mountains in the region of Bran village I found this authentic shepherd. His name is Nea Dan. It was a real joy to listen to his life story as a shepherd', writes Eduard Gutescu But the real prize is the invaluable exposure of the best photograph being featured on the publication's Instagram page. With the competition stretching a full month and continuing until November 15, forthcoming entries will have to beat the likes of an authentic shepherd on the Carpathian mountains, nomadic herders father and son - living at the Polar Urals, and people cleansing themselves in the ocean on a purification beach in Japan. The use of charcoal to heat houses in the ancient city of Pingyao, China, shows a side rarely seen in pictures as the dust and soot turn the place extremely smoggy. SISTERHOOD: 'A quiet moment backstage as dancers of the classical Indian Kuchipudi dance form, which is focused on rhythmic hand gestures and eye movements, support each other in preparation for the performance', writes Roger Chen PURIFICATION CEREMONY: 'Meoto-iwa (The Married Couple Rocks) in Ise City, Mie Prefecture, Japan has been known since ancient times as a place of pure sands and has been respected as a purification beach which cleans the mind and body. Even today, on the summer solstice, many men and women from all over the country enter the ocean as the sun rises and purify themselves', Yosuke Kashiwakura explains WINTER IN PINGYAO: 'This pictures were taken during the winter in the ancient city of Pingyao, province of Shaanxi, China. in this season, the skyline of Pingyao changes completely. The use of charcoal to heat up the houses makes the sky deeply smoggy. At the streets, the only color one can distinguish is the red from the national flags and lanterns of Chinese New Year. The dust and soot modify the life of the residents, who strive daily to cope with the cold and the air pollution', Ana Luiza Sampaio said in her commission A jaw-dropping image of the Kilauea volcano erupting and causing thousands of gallons of lava to flow into the ocean is captured by Leighton Lum and more color comes in the form of a salt evaporation pond in Yucatan, Mexico where plankton, shrimps and roots of red plants make the water look pink. Some of the photographs show nature at its most awesome with Australia's recognizable Twelve Apostles limestone stacks by Great Ocean Rd in Victoria glowing in the sunset and by contrast, the only way to avoid a blizzard on the Vologda mountain module. The overall grand-prize winner will be announced in December. LAND ON FIRE: 'Recently the Kilauea volcano erupted causing thousands of gallons of lava to flow into the ocean. It was an incredible sight to witness such power of this eruption!', writes Leighton Lum LAS COLORADAS: 'A Salt evaporation pond located in Yucatan, Mexico. This pink color come from the plankton, shrimps and roots of red plants', Camille Niel explained TWELVE APOSTLES: '7:20pm, Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Rd' U.S. Northern Commander Air Force Gen. Terrence O'Shaughnessy said President Donald Trump's deployment of 5,200 troops to the Mexico border to halt a caravan of immigrants is 'just a start.' Soldiers from Kentucky, Arizona and California are already in route to the Southern border, he said on Monday, as part of the president's original order but there will likely be more to come. 'By the end of this week, we will deploy over 5,200 soldiers to the southwest border. That is just the start of this operation. We'll continue to adjust the numbers,' O'Shaughnessy said, according to the Washington Examiner. US riot police officers take part in a border security drill at the US-Mexico international bridge, as seen from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, on October 29, 2018. The Pentagon is sending 5,200 troops to the southern border Hundreds of migrants hitch a ride in a truck between Niltepec and Juchitan, Mexico, Tuesday A group of Honduran migrants taking part in the caravan walk along the road on their way to Juchitan, near the town of La Blanca in Oaxaca State, Mexico The Pentagon is dispatching 5,200 active military troops to comply with President Trump's order to deter an immigrant caravan the president called an 'invasion.' The troops en route are in addition to the more than 2,000 members of the National Guard already providing assistance at the border now. Officials say the troops will provide 'mission enhancing capabilities' and will be armed. 'We are bringing three helicopter companies in. They are enhanced with optics and censors that will allow them to operate at night and provide assistance to bring our [border patrol] personnel exactly where they need to be regardless of the conditions,' Gen. O'Shaughnessy said. Asked if the troops were a 'political move' just days before an election as the size of the caravan has receded, he responded: 'We have to be prepared for the potential arrival of a very large group.' The Pentagon says the added forces will be able to 'spot, identify groups and rapidly deploy' personnel as need. 'The helicopters will ensure the agents can arrive in the most austere locations and fast-rope down and conduct and work the law enforcement activities,' said Gen. O'Shaughnessy. The dramatic dispatch of U.S. forces to the border comes just days before the off-year elections, with Democratic critics arguing Trump is using the perceived threat of the caravan to motivate his political base. The 89th Military Police Brigade, Task Force Griffin getting ready to board a plane as part of Operation Faithful Patriot, aimed at providing security at the US-Mexico border Migrants, part of a caravan traveling to the U.S., make a human chain to pull people from the river between Guatemala to Mexico in Ciudad Hidalgo and continuing to walk in Mexico Aerial view of Honduran migrants heading in a caravan to the US, as they leave Arriaga on their way to San Pedro Tapanatepec, in southern Mexico on Saturday. The caravan now numbers about 4,000 'Many Gang Members and some very bad people are mixed into the Caravan heading to our Southern Border,' Trump wrote as it was revealed the military was dispatching 5,000 troops to the border Priority will go to 'harden' points of entry. The engineering battalions have expertise in 'building temporary vehicle barriers, fencing and are bringing in heavy equipment,' according to the Pentagon. President Donald Trump issued yet another dire warning about the 'invasion' posed by the migrant caravan making its way through Mexico, as it was revealed that the Pentagon is upping its troop levels far above the initial 800 announced. 'Many Gang Members and some very bad people are mixed into the Caravan heading to our Southern Border,' Trump wrote on twitter, moving away from last week's claim that the caravan contained 'Middle Easterners.' Vauxhall are recalling 47,000 Zafiras that were excluded from a previous recall three years earlier which was meant to protect the vehicles from 'the risk of fire'. Some of the cars being called back are 13 years old, leaving owners wondering what took the company so long to recall them. Between 2015 and 2016 Vauxhall, who were investigating 161 Zafira B fires, called back 234,000 models in two separate recalls due to rising safety concerns. Models with electronic climate control were excluded, but 47,000 of the Zafira B, constructed between 2005 and 2014 and fitted with the climate control, are set to be recalled on Friday to replace the heater blower motor and regulator, ITV reported. Model B Vauxhall Zafiras constructed between 2005 and 2014 will be recalled on Friday A Vauxhall spokesperson said: 'We are launching a recall of some Vauxhall Zafira models to replace the heater blower motor and regulator. 'These are the Zafira B models, built between 2005 and 2014, fitted with electronic climate control. There are 47,000 such cars in the UK. 'We will write to owners using the keeper address data from the DVLA advising them to contact a Vauxhall Retailer to arrange to have the work carried out free of charge.' Vauxhall said the recall was not for the same reason as previous alerts and it takes the safety of its customers 'very seriously'. Firefighters extinguish a Vauxhall Zafira which caught light near a level crossing in Manor Road, south west London, November 2015 The company wrote to 234,000 owners in December 2015 to ask them to arrange for their cars heating and ventilation system to be inspected by a local dealer. The initial recall came following reports of nearly 200 of the model bursting into flames, and subsequently all Zafira B owners were offered a free safety inspection in light of the fires. Five months later, the company issued a second recall and made the following statement: Vauxhall today announces that owners of the Vauxhall Zafira B models will be invited to bring their vehicles back to Vauxhall dealerships so that a preventative action can be carried out to protect the vehicles from the risk of fire.' Between 2015 and 2016 Vauxhall, who were investigating 161 Zafira B fires, recalled 234,000 models were called back in two separate recalls The launch of a criminal investigation into Vauxhall Zafira fires was confirmed earlier this year by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). A Parliament select committee published a damning report in April last year which described the company as showing 'a reckless disregard for safety', adding that the manufacturer was 'too slow to begin a full investigation'. The report said: 'Vehicle fires can be terrifying for vehicle occupants and other road users, some of whom are seriously or fatally injured as a result of such fires. Models affected by Vauxhall's recall If your vehicle is a second generation Vauxhall Zafira model B built between 2005 and 2014, fitted with electronic climate controls between these dates, it will be affected by the recall on Friday, November 2, 2018. There are 47,000 affected cars in the UK. The recall seeks to replace the heater blower motor and regulator. Vauxhall says it will write to owners using DVLA keeper address data. The company will advise owners to contact a Vauxhall retailer to arrange the replacements free of charge. Owners can contact Vauxhall on 0800 026 0037. Advertisement 'In 2015 there was a sudden increase in vehicle fires involving Vauxhall Zafira B models. 'Vauxhall was too slow to begin a full investigation into the fires affecting Zafira B models and too quick to attribute the problem to improper and unauthorised repair. 'Vauxhall does not appear to have grasped the seriousness of the issue, placing the blame on third parties and addressing the problem, in the first instance, through a non-coded action rather than a recall. 'A fire cannot occur in a Zafiras heating and ventilation system solely because the resistor controlling the speed of the blower motor has been improperly repaired; another fault, such as corrosion of the blower motor due to water ingress, would also need to be present. 'Vauxhall has been reluctant to accept the part that corrosion in blower motors in the affected models has played in causing the fires.' The report states that the company's initial investigation did not identify all the failings that could cause a fire in the model B Zafira's heating and ventilation system, which led to vehicle fires. 'Its initial recall reduced the risk of the fire, but owners were left thinking their cars were safe when the reality was that some were at risk,' the report said. Advertisement Megyn Kelly was once again nowhere to be seen on Tuesday morning, marking the sixth day since the host was last seen out in public. That self-imposed exile comes as she and NBC continue to finalize her exit package with the network, amid growing tension between both parties. It was not a day off for husband Douglas Brunt, however, who was photographed as he headed out on the school run early Tuesday, hopping into a waiting town car with one of the couple's three children. Brunt then enjoyed a leisurely stroll back to the couple's Upper West Side apartment, holding a piece of white paper in his hand and stopping at one point to chat with a friend from the neighborhood. Scroll down for video Car-dio: Douglas Brunt was spotted on Tuesday taking one of his children to school in Manhattan (above getting into a waiting Town Car) Paperboy: After dropping the child off he walked home, carrying a white envelope in his hand (Brunt above making his way home after the school drop off) Friends in the city: He met a friend on his walk back and stopped to chat with the man in the middle of the street (above) Out of sight: Brunt was out and about while his wife Megyn Kelly remained in hiding, with last Wednesday afternoon the last time she was seen in public Battle: Kelly and NBC are still embroiled in a dispute over her exit package and how much money she will be taking home of her $69 million contract (Brunt and his unknown friend above) Brunt has been a big part of his wife's team while she navigates her exit from NBC in the wake of her blackface comments. At the head of that team is Bryan Freedman, Kelly's attorney in her dealings with NBC. The high-powered litigator made headlines earlier this year when he filed a gender bias claim against Paramount following the termination of executive Amy Powell. Powell had been fired for making racially insensitive remarks, but the case was ultimately settled for a reported $4 million in September. Powell said that there was no truth to the allegations against her, a luxury that Kelly will not have in her case as her defense of a racist practice happened live on air. It was exactly one week ago that Kelly defended the practice of blackface on her morning show, laughing while declaring it to have been acceptable when she was a child. Kelly then tried to deal with the scandal by delivering a tearful apology on-air and welcoming two black panelists to discuss the fraught and horrifying history of the practice, but it did no good. 'Megyn Kelly is done. She is not ever coming back,' said an NBC executive with knowledge of the situation one day later while speaking with DailyMail.com. Against her: NBC managed to score a surprising ally in their ongoing exit negotiations with Kelly over the weekend - her alma mater (Kelly on Wednesday, the last time she was seen) 'We are just working out timing of the announcement but mark my word she is gone and will never be seen on NBC live again.' The source then added: 'Heres the worst part her deal is a non-break deal so she walks away with all that money. Its disgusting and heads should roll here because of it.' NBC managed to score a surprising ally in their ongoing exit negotiations with Kelly over the weekend - her alma mater. The network's website published an op ed over the weekend that was written by the group Students for Peace and Survival at Bethlehem Central High School, which is where Kelly attended high school in upstate New York. And the title of the piece said it all: 'Megyn Kelly went to our high school and, no, blackface wasn't 'OK' here when she was a kid.' The piece went online Sunday, two days after NBC had hoped to have wrapped up exit talks with Kelly. Check it out: Brunt, along with lawyer Bryan Feeedman and publicist Davidson Goldon, has been a crucial part of Kelly's advisory team as she prepares for he rpost-NBC career Gone girl: Kelly was let go from Today on Friday after comments she made about blackface being acceptable early last week Dream team: Kelly's lawyer made headlines earlier this year when he filed a gender bias claim against Paramount following the termination of executive Amy Powell That has not been the case however, and the network and embattled host are fighting over just how much of her $69 million contract will be paid out in the wake of her comments on blackface. The piece was written by current students at the high school and not Kelly's own classmates, though the authors are quick to explain why they feel confident in their response to her blackface remarks. 'Those comments definitely do not speak to who we are in Bethlehem or at Bethlehem Central High School, from which she graduated in 1988. Blackface is not acceptable anywhere in America, and it is not acceptable in our town,' states the piece. 'We weren't alive when Megyn was in high school but, in the recollection of many of our parents who grew up around here, it was not acceptable even in the 1980s town that she knew. ' The teenagers then discuss the fact that their town is largely homogenous, which has led to racial issues, and that minstrel shows were performed as fundraisers at the school until the late 1960s. 'Racism might have become more subtle in the intervening years, but it remains just as potent a force in the society into which we're about to enter as adults,' reads the op ed. 'The reason that Megyn's comments about blackface being 'OK' when she was a kid (let alone her statement at the time that 'I don't know how [blackface] got racist on Halloween,' in response to prior critics of the practice) were so offensive is that blackface is a projection of the racism that lies much deeper, and a symbol of times that are not quite as far past as we may wish to admit.' The writers then continue: 'As young people, we know that racial stereotyping and institutional discrimination hurts all of our futures. On race and so many other issues, our generation is waking up to a world in need of fixing and it's falling on us to make change happen.' There is an acknowledgement of the fact that Kelly did apologize and the recognition that all people misspeak from time to time, but the piece then points out that 'retroactively showing "sensitivity" isn't nearly enough to prevent the cycle from continuing.' The 25 students then close out by debunking some conceptions about the youth of America. 'There is often an idea today that young people like us are apathetic, brainwashed into certain ideals by those above us and too disengaged to make a difference. Nothing could be further from the truth. Were speaking for ourselves here, as our own small part in the conversation America needs to have,' writes the group. 'If there's one thing about our generation, it's that we do not accept the status quo. Perhaps its naivete, but in a society still bearing the scars of the times of blackface, a little bit of the innocence of hope might be necessary.' NBC News gave the piece a very prominent placement on its opinion vertical in the 24 hours after it was published, despite the many major news events that took place around the country over the past four days. The headline is written out in full on the page, while the preview for the piece reads: 'Her apology was a start, but isnt nearly enough to prevent the stereotyping and discrimination that hurts all our futures.' A miracle bible marked with bullet holes from a German machine gun helped save the life of a British World War I soldier, his daughter claimed. The bible was said to have stopped two bullets from hitting Private Leslie Friston as he lay in a hospital bed recovering from a gas attack. Pte Friston, who served with the Royal Army Medical Corps, was blinded and left with respiratory problems following a gas attack in France in 1917. As he lay recovering in hospital, a German aircraft passed overhead and machine-gunned the makeshift building's tin roof. Two of the bullets struck the then 23-year-old soldier's holy book, which was next to him on a bedside table and stopped the bullets hitting him. The soldier's bible still bears the scars of war more than 100 years later with two bullet holes from where it 'took the brunt' of the German machine-gun attack. Private Leslie Friston's bible was left with two bullet holes running through it after a German aircraft shot at the makeshift hospital where he was recovering from a gas attack Pte Friston, who served as a nurse and was from Surbiton, Surrey, survived the war thanks to the book and brought the bible home to his family. He kept it close to him until his death in 1958 aged 64, when his possessions were passed to his daughter Ena Thompson, now 87. 'He said the bible saved his life as it took the brunt of the attack,' Mrs Thompson, from Bournemouth, Dorset, said. 'If the bullets had landed just a few inches further towards him, he would not have survived and I wouldn't be here today. 'He was incredibly lucky and I think he knew this as he kept the bible with him for the rest of his life. 'I used to ask him "would you tell me about the war?" and he would say "no, I don't want to talk about it".' The bible owned by Private Leslie Friston with two bullet holes clearly visible on the front of the holy book Pte Friston signed up to fight in the First World War at the age of 21 and served with the 3/3rd Home Counties Field Ambulance unit in France and Belgium during the war years. His service number was 3621, later changing to 88882. Records show he was injured by the gas shell in 1917 when he was aged 23, making him eligible to be awarded a wound stripe. 'He was a nurse, so it must have been awful and frustrating for him to be lying in a hospital bed himself', Mrs Thompson said. 'He just would have wanted to help other people. 'It must have been absolutely terrifying. He was badly gassed and it blinded him. He was bed-ridden so he must have heard the aircraft approaching but he was powerless to do anything about it.' Pte Friston's sight returned after he came back to England and he went on to run a grocery store in Hampton, Richmond, west London. His younger brother Edward died aged 19 during the war while his elder brother Tom survived. Every year, Mrs Thompson donates to the Royal British Legion and buys a wooden cross to be planted at Westminster for the charity's annual Field of Remembrance event. This cross is dedicated to Edward. Mrs Thompson described her father's bible as 'such as special thing'. Private Leslie Friston, third from left, middle row, in picture during his time in a makeshift hospital after suffering a gas attack on the Western Front She added: 'It still has his name and his service number in it which he wrote. 'When I hold the bible I just get a special feeling. It might sound a bit strange but it makes me feel comfortable and happy. It's a nice feeling that it saved his life. It makes me feel close to him. 'I am extremely thankful to the WW1 generation for all they did for us. It's hard to imagine what the world would be like if things had gone differently all those years ago. 'We owe it to that generation to remember their sacrifices.' Mrs Thompson's husband Neville Thompson, who died in 1989, served with the army during the Second World War as a signaller in the Royal Corps of Signals. Her daughter Monica Spiers formerly served with The Women's Auxiliary Air Force. Private Leslie Friston's daughter, Ena Thompson, said 'he [her father] said the bible saved his life as it took the brunt of the attack' Mrs Thompson paid tribute to the First World War generation as part of the Royal British Legion's 2018 Poppy Appeal, which was launched last week. In August, the Legion's Handy Van service fixed Mrs Thompson's garage door and installed a Careline. 'Everybody likes the Legion because it does so much to help,' the retired food store owner said. Almost 1.7 million British troops were wounded during World War I and over 700,000 were killed. In total, the war resulted in the deaths of 13 million military personnel and left 21 million more wounded. A Chicago hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is having an adorable Halloween costume contest to help bring a bit of normalcy to parents of hospitalized babies. The Advocate Children's Hospital is holding its annual Halloween contest, with parents getting very creative with their little ones outfits'. From a Where's Waldo, to a tiny Yoda and twins dressed as a 'pride of lions', the infants' families have gone all out to try for the prize. This year the winner's family will get a gift card to Target. Nicolai & Nathan are the cutest little pride of lions! Yoda, Nolan is! He says, 'may the Force be with you this Halloween!' WHERE'S KENNETH? Has anyone seen him? Jovanny's counting the days until his time in the NICU is up. He's ready to break free! Jordan is here to shoot some hoops! Luciano is the scariest (and cutest) little monster! Maurice is the sweetest little Reese's! People are able to vote online on the hospital's Facebook page to help their favorite costumed baby take home the prize, which of course includes their family's bragging rights. The Advocate Children's Hospital staff is creative with helping parents of babies in the NICU feel like they can celebrate holidays with their hospitalized babies. In the past they have also held a Fourth of July contest as well with the little ones decked out in red, white and blues. Landon & Jasper are comfy and cozy little pups this Halloween! Harmony is one wonderful Wonder Woman! Ulalia is ready to set sail as Moana! Everly J. is the sweetest Starbucks treat! Ella is a majestic unicorn! The force is strong with Nyxon, the little Jedi! Everly P. is having a n'ice' day in the NICU! This year more than 40 babies are competing for the best dressed prize. The ages of the participating babies range from less than one day old to three months, according to ABC 7 Chicago. The NICU is where babies are cared for who experienced a premature birth of other complications. They can be there for months on end of intensive care. Lance Corporal Chris Harris, 41, was working for a private company in newly-liberated Raqqa when he died in October 2017 A British 'Hurt Locker' bomb disposal expert was killed while he worked to clear war-torn Syria of ISIS explosives - his inquest at Exeter County Hall was told today. Lance Corporal Chris Harris, 41, was working for a private company in newly-liberated Raqqa after previous stints in Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. He triggered the device that killed him after stepping on it during an operation to clear a warehouse of similar bombs on October 24 last year. Originally from Exmouth in Devon, he was living in Hockley, Essex and had planned to marry Claudie, 34, in August this year. Before fleeing Raqqa, ISIS left booby traps throughout the war-torn city, leaving disposal experts facing massive dangers. When Mr Harris died he was working as a contractor for engineering firm Tetra Tech on behalf of the US State Department. Bomb disposal experts, such as those seen in the 2010 Oscar-winning film The Hurt Locker, can allegedly earn up to 10,000 a month, but have been warned against travelling to Syria by the Foreign Office. In a statement to the inquest, the private company said Chris's call sign were on their way to conduct a non-technical survey on 24 October. Mr Harris was planning to marry Claudie, 34, in August this year The coroner heard the unit moved out from the Forward Operating Base in the morning and met up at a checkpoint but the road was blocked off. They then moved through a warehouse where two IEDS linked to crushed wires were discovered. These were marked with red spray and the searches continued. But at 10am while Mr Harris went to check out a third device hidden behind black bags, there was a loud explosion as he triggered the crushed switch function which set off the main explosive charge. Mr Harris, who was the technical field manager, was blown into the air as 10-15kg of lead ball bearings were released. He was knocked unconscious instantly. Medical help was called and Mr Harris was taken to a medical facility run by the Syrian democratic forces were medics confirmed he was deceased. Team leader of the call sign Andy said: 'We were walking through the warehouse and on exiting noticed a crushed switch IED. I marked it using red spray and we moved to an area behind the warehouse. Mr Harris (pictured on the job) who lived in Hockley, Essex, was planning to get married this year When Mr Harris died he was working as a contractor for engineering firm Tetra Tech on behalf of the US State Department 'We found another IED covered with black plastic bags and I marked it again with red paint. 'There was another warehouse with a concrete ramp. Chris stopped and viewed it and moved it forward on to it. He stepped forward and there was a huge explosion. 'I was blown on the ground. I found Chris on the wall with multiple injuries.' In a statement Tetra Tech said lessons had been learnt following the incident and recommended that each call sign has 'drone capability' and said once the discovery of an IED was made the area should have been marked as 'hazardous.' The statement added: 'He wanted to push through and complete the survey and deal with the IEDs on the way back. 'But as he walked forward there was a huge explosion. Chris was left lying on the ground with multiple injuries. 'We have re-enforced that once IED is found the survey should stop.' The statement said the drones would also help when conducting searches and finding access routes. Coroner Philip Spinney recorded a narrative verdict that Mr Harris died from injuries caused by an explosion from an IED The blast took place 140 metres from the checkpoint. A post mortem carried out said Mr Harris suffered multiple injuries mainly to the left hand side of his body. Dr Russell Delaney said: 'The injuries were typical with the effect of a blast featuring energised ball bearings causing significant injuries to the brain, lungs, heart, liver, spleen and pelvis. 'This would have caused catastrophic blood loss and would have made him instantly unconscious and unaware of what happened.' The cause of death was given as blast injuries caused by an explosion. Coroner Philip Spinney recorded a narrative verdict that he died from injuries caused by an explosion from an IED. He added: 'Chris was working for a private company during a non technical survey when an IED caused fatal injuries.' His father and brother thanked the police and the coroner during the inquest but declined to speak after the hearing. The 16-year-old North Carolina high school student who allegedly shot and killed his classmate on Monday is being held without bond. Jatwan Craig Cuffie has been charged as an adult with first-degree murder in the death of 16-year-old Bobby McKeithen. Cuffie allegedly shot McKeithen in a crowded hallway at Butler High School in Matthews just before classes started on Monday morning. The high school freshman appeared in Mecklenburg County District Court on Tuesday afternoon, wearing shackles at the waist. Cuffie's face showed virtually no emotion as he was addressed by Judge David Strickland. Jatwan Craig Cuffie, 16, (left) has been charged with first-degree murder and is being held without bond in the death of his 16-year-old classmate Bobby McKeithen (right) Public Defender Joel Adelman told Strickland that Cuffie poses no threat to the community and had no prior convictions. He asked that bond be set to $10,000. He also asked for Cuffie, who is being held without bond, to be allowed to stay in his mother's custody at their home with electric monitoring before the trial. Strickland refused and a bond hearing was scheduled for November 7, according to the Charlotte Observer. Cuffie did not speak. If convicted, Cuffie faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole. The shooting, which was partially captured on video, occurred just before classes began around 7.15am in the main hallway of the school. It has since been revealed that the gun used in the shooting was stolen from a car in Gaston County, authorities told NBC Charlotte. Cuffie allegedly shot McKeithen in a crowded hallway at Butler High School in Matthews just before classes started on Monday morning. Footage that appeared on Instagram showed screaming students fleeing the crowded hallway during the shooting Footage that was posted on Instagram showed screaming students fleeing the crowded hallway after the suspect pulled a gun on McKeithen. Matthews Police Department Captain Stason Tyrrell said a school resource officer was in the school cafeteria when he and security officers heard the screams and encountered students running in an adjacent hallway. The resource officer found an injured McKeithen, tried to give aid and immediately called for a school lockdown. Within five minutes, a teacher told school officials that she was with the student who allegedly shot the high school sophomore. The teacher said the student admitted to the shooting and was ready to surrender, according to police. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Superintendent Clayton Wilcox said the shooting appears to have stemmed from a case of bullying 'that escalated out of control.' The shooting occurred just before classes began at about 7.15am in the main hallway of the Butler High School (pictured) in Matthews on Monday morning Parents walked to go pick up their kids outside the school after the scene was considered safe 'As fear took over, a young person brought a gun to solve the problem,' he added. But family and friends have denied that McKeithen was a bully to anyone. 'The stories and rumors that you have heard about Bobby being a bully are not true,' a spokesperson for the family said. 'The stories and rumors that you have heard about Bobby being a bully are not true. Countless friends and teachers have spoken out and said that he has never been known as a bully. Bobby was truly a light in our eyes.' Sophomore Jourdan Perry, one of McKeithen's closest friends, said he was 'caring and loving'. 'Bobby didn't bully anyone,' Perry said. 'I felt like he was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and this wasn't supposed to happen to him.' The two students reportedly had an altercation over the weekend which continued in one of the school's main hallways first thing on Monday morning. Gavriel Fulcher-Daniels (left with his father Stephen Daniels) said the gunfire 'sounded like a balloon but louder' Text messages from a student inside Butler High. pic.twitter.com/K67ZuRa7Ba Ruby Durham (@RubyElizDurham) October 29, 2018 Heres the alert that was sent to parents phones. pic.twitter.com/XnfaW7jdZM Ruby Durham (@RubyElizDurham) October 29, 2018 High school student Jorge Sanchez said the shooting happened as the result of an argument that escalated. He said that McKeithen, a friend of his, was shot in the back as he walked away. 'I saw the gun and I had to run,' Sanchez said, adding that the gunshot sent students sprinting through the halls. 'This is really sad to see someone go that...has been your friend, for I don't know how many years,' Sanchez said. Another student told WCNC she witnessed the altercation, noting she heard 'a pop' before the two people involved started 'wrestling on the ground'. 'It sounded like a balloon but louder,' she added. Parents gathered near the school to wait for news after the incident as students were held Matthews is a town that is located about 12 miles outside of Charlotte, North Carolina Police said several people apparently knew there would be an altercation at the school, but police had no information on it prior to the incident. Wilcox said that many students witnessed the shooting. 'We're incredibly saddened by the fact that we had a loss of life on one of our campuses today. What makes it doubly difficult is that it was one of our students who was the shooter,' he said. School officials lifted the lockdown after two hours and said families could pick up students at the main entrance. Before the lockdown was lifted, dozens of parents gathered outside of the school to await word on their children. Some parents, who did not know the extent of the shooting, were crying as they arrived at the school in response to messages from their children. Students could be seen streaming out of the building, with many crying and hugging their parents. The New York Police Department bomb squad determined a suspicious package found near the Fox News and NBC News buildings in Manhattan to be a false alarm on Tuesday. The bomb squad was stationed near the front of Radio City Music Hall, positioned between the Fox News and NBC News buildings, which are across the street from each other and connected underground. Micah Grimes, head of social media for NBC News and MSNBC, tweeted: 'NyPD: Bomb squad determined the package was a toy and given an all-clear.' Last week explosive devices were sent to multiple locations in New York and elsewhere, including the CNN building and the homes of prominent Democratic leaders and supporters. The New York Police Department bomb squad determined a suspicious package found near the Fox News and NBC News buildings in Manhattan to be a false alarm on Tuesday Grimes first alerted his followers to the bomb squad's presence at 3.49pm Eastern. 'NYPD bomb squad in front of Radio City in Midtown Manhattan. 6th Ave. in front of 30 Rock has been closed off. Everything is calm,' he tweeted. At first, the block surrounding 30 Rockefeller Center was closed off, tweeted Steph Haberman, a digital audience strategy consultant who is currently working with NBC News, according to her Twitter bio. At first, the block surrounding 30 Rockefeller Center was closed off, Steph Haberman, a digital audience strategy consultant who is currently working with NBC News, tweeted Shortly after that, the NYPD gave the all-clear signal. NYPD Midtown North tweeted at 3.52pm: 'There was a suspicious package that was deemed a false alarm by @NYPDSpecialops. There will be residual traffic delays. Thank you for your patience.' Advertisement By West Kentucky Star Staff Oct. 25, 2018 | PADUCAH By West Kentucky Star Staff Oct. 25, 2018 | 11:27 AM | PADUCAH U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced Thursday that in response to his request, the Federal Bureau of Investigation is planning to open a Resident Agency office in Paducah. Earlier this year, McConnell advocated for the facility with FBI Director Christopher Wray, writing, additional federal resources working in collaboration with state and local agencies in Paducah can make an enormous difference in keeping communities in Western Kentucky safe. Since the closure of FBIs Paducah satellite office in 2007, Senator McConnell has heard from a number of local law enforcement officials supporting the Bureaus return to the region. Earlier this year, Senator McConnell announced the Drug Enforcement Administration would be opening a Post of Duty office in Paducah. I want to thank FBI Director Wray for his decision to reopen the office. Paducah is well-positioned to host substantial law enforcement responsibilities for the many communities in the far western part of the Commonwealth, said Senator McConnell. We are proud to have excellent state and local law enforcement agencies in the region, however, certain cases, like white collar corruption and violent drug crimes, are better handled in coordination with federal law enforcement. At a time when the drug abuse epidemic continues to grow at an alarming rate, additional federal resources on the ground are vital to effectively fighting this ongoing challenge. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell deserves a lot of credit for bringing more federal law enforcement efforts to Paducah, said Brandon Barnhill, Paducah Police Chief. By opening a new FBI satellite office in the area, these resources can add to the work already being done by local and state officers to keep our community safe. We look forward to increasing our partnership with the FBI to address the pressing issues facing Paducah and to continue working with policymakers at all levels to promote the security of those we are sworn to protect. A satellite office in Paducah will also be beneficial in responding to crisis situations in the region, such as the tragic Marshall County school shooting, Senator McConnell added. Paducah is also home to the Department of Energys Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant, which houses sensitive energy materials, and the FBIs presence in the city would better protect the plant, its workers and the larger community. A Hungarian camerawoman who was filmed kicking and tripping over refugees as they scrambled across the border has been cleared of disorderly conduct. Hungary's highest court acquitted journalist Petra Laszlo, overturning the ruling of two lower courts which had sentenced her to three years probation for disorderly conduct. The Hungarian supreme court, the Kuria, said Laszlo should have been charged with a misdemeanor instead of a criminal offense. It said the case had to be terminated now since the statute of limitations had expired. Laszlo, 41, was caught on camera tripping and kicking a number of migrants as they fled across the border In September 2015 Laszlo was filmed tripping up children and a Syrian father carrying a crying child as they attempted to flee across a field on the Hungarian-Serbian border. She later apologised for her actions - and denied accusations of racism, claiming she thought she was being attacked at the time. Petra Laszlo (above) worked for Hungarian news site N1TV which is run by the anti-immigration far-right Jobbik party In a letter to a Hungarian newspaper after the incident she wrote: 'The camera was shooting, hundreds of migrants broke through the police cordon, one of them rushed to me and I was scared.' Claiming something then 'snapped in me', she added 'I just thought that I was being attacked and I had to protect myself.' Soon after the footage surfaced, Laszlo was fired from her job as a camerawoman for Hungarian news site N1TV, which is run by the anti-immigration far-right Jobbik party. She added: 'It's hard to make good decisions at a time when people are in a panic and many hundreds of people rushing. I'm sorry about what happened... I take responsibility for it.' 'I'm not a heartless, racist children-kicking [camerawoman]. I do not deserve the political witch hunts against me, nor the smears, [or] the death threats... I am truly sorry.' She wrote: 'As I watch the footage now, it's like I'm not watching myself. I honestly regret what I have done and take responsibility for it.' In another video she could be seen tripping over a man carrying his young son while holding a camera The clip showed the refugee falling to the floor with the child underneath him before he turned to shout at her. Another clip filmed from another angle shows her kicking a young girl across the thigh as she is trying to flee police. Laszlo was sacked with immediate effect after the TV station saw the footage online, and she has been subjected to torrents of justified hatred on social media A statement posted on the station's website read: 'A N1TV colleague behaved unacceptably at the Roszke reception centre. 'The cameraman's employment was terminated with immediate effect.' The man Laszlo tripped was one of several hundred migrants who fled after being angered at the treatment by Hungarian police. The migrants had been part of a group of 1,500 people who had been waiting for hours at a refugee collection point near the Roszke crossing. Republican Congressman Steve King of Iowa took to Twitter on Tuesday to brag about his commitment to 'diversity' - with his hunting dogs. King proudly showed off a pack of dogs of different breeds and colors sniffing around a passel of hunters in camouflage outfits and bright orange vests in a photo he posted. 'Have a look at all the diversity at my annual 'General Bud Day Pheasant Hunt'! We had English Setters, Brittanys, German Shorthairs, and black, yellow, chocolate & white Labradors all assimilated into a fine working team. A great day in the field,' he wrote. King has been under fire himself by the Republican head of the House campaign arm, who criticized the conservative congressman for appearing to sympathize with white supremacism. Republican Congressman Steve King of Iowa took to Twitter on Tuesday to brag about his commitment to 'diversity' - with his hunting dogs His tweet comes as he is under fire from his own party for appearing to sympathize with white supremacism 'Congressman Steve King's recent comments, actions, and retweets are completely inappropriate,' Congressman Steve Stivers, the head of the National Republican Congressional Committee, tweeted Tuesday. 'We must stand up against white supremacy and hate in all forms, and I strongly condemn this behavior.' Stivers' wasn't pointing out a specific comment by King but, instead a series of actions and statements. And King responded by echoing one of President Donald Trump's favorite attack lines - blaming the 'fake news.' 'These attacks are orchestrated by nasty, desperate and dishonest fake news. Their ultimate goal is to flip the House and impeach Donald Trump. Establishment Never Trumpers are complicit,' King posted on Twitter in response. He noted: 'Americans, all created equal by God, with all our races, ethnicities, and national origins legal immigrants & natural born citizens, make up the Shining City on the Hill.' Earlier this month, King endorsed Faith Goldy, a white nationalist candidate for mayor in Toronto, in a controversial move. But it was comments he made in Austria during an August visit that have gotten renewed attention in the wake of a mass shooting on Saturday at a synagogue in Pittsburgh that resulted in 11 people being killed. In speaking with members of a far-right Austrian party with historical ties to Nazis, King claimed 'Western civilization is on the decline' because of immigrants and he also criticized Jewish financier George Soros, who had a pipe bomb sent to him last week. 'What does this diversity bring that we don't already have?' he said at the time. But King told The Washington Post he was not anti-Semitic. He pointed to his strong support for Israel and insisting there's 'a special place in hell' for anyone who perpetrates religious or race-based violence. 'How do you call Steve King anti-Semitic?' he asked before he gave a speech supporting gun rights at a dinner celebrating the first day of pheasant hunting season. Congressman Steve Stivers, the head of the National Republican Congressional Committee, tweeted his criticism of King His tweet comes as King is facing a tough battle for reelection although he is favored to win King's previous comments have come under a microscope since Saturday's shooting at a synagogue in Pittsburgh And he said the groups he has ties to are 'far right' organizations. He specifically cited Austria's Freedom Party, which was founded by a former Nazi SS officer and is headed by Heinz-Christian Strache, who was active in neo-Nazi circles as a youth. 'If they were in America pushing the platform that they push, they would be Republicans,' King told The Post. King's district tilts red but he's in a tough reelection contest this year. His Democratic opponent, J.D. Scholten, has outraised him and ran an aggressive in-person campaign across the district. And, on Friday, the Sioux City Journal endorsed Scholten, in an abrupt reversal after supporting King for years. Steve King has defended himself, saying he's not anti-semitic King made news when he endorsed Faith Goldy, a white nationalist candidate for mayor in Toronto Additionally two major corporate donors, Intel and Land O'Lakes, dropped their support of King. But King won with 61 percent in 2016 and remains popular in his district. The non-partisan Cook Political Report on Tuesday down graded King's chances from 'likely Republican' to 'lean Republican,' citing attack ads aired by Scholten. A body has been found at a popular Sydney beach as police cordon off the local surf club. Emergency services were called to Avalon beach about 5.40am on Wednesday after the body was found on the sand in front of a surf club. The woman, who is aged in her 60s, is yet to be formally identified. A police officer is seen standing near the woman's body at Avalon Beach Police were seen rummaging through what is believed to be the woman's belongings (pictured) Initial inquiries suggest the death is not suspicious. A police spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia that investigators suspect the death may have been caused by self-harm. Footage from the scene on Wednesday morning shows police taking photos of what is believed to be the woman's belongings. Officers can be seen photographing a bottle of Johnnie Walker Black Label scotch, a Schweppes soda water bottle, a packet of cigarettes and a wallet. Officers were also seen questioning people who were at the surf club just after sunrise. Locals unaware of the tragedy that played out overnight were spotted swimming at the beach. Officers will prepare a report for the coroner. (Australia) LIFELINE: 13 11 14 www.lifeline.org.au . Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 (UK) For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local branch. See www.samaritans.org for details Initial inquiries suggest the death is not suspicious. Officers will prepare a report for the coroner An Australian father who kidnapped his infant son after bashing his estranged partner in Bali has been sentenced to one year in prison - but claims his actions were motivated by love. Alistair Larmour was found guilty of abduction and assault after he snatched 15-month-old Andrew and attacked the boy's mother Agnes Krzysztofowicz in April during a midnight invasion of her home. Prosecutors had sought an eight-year sentence for Larmour, 40, who describes himself as a 'healer and meditation instructor'. Scroll down for video Alistair Larmour (left) was found guilty of abduction and assault after he snatched 15-month-old Andrew and attacked the boy's mother Agnes Krzysztofowicz (right) Larmour allegedly took his son Andrew (pictured) from the boy's Bali home in April Prosecutors had sought an eight-year sentence for Larmour, 40, who describes himself as a 'healer and meditation instructor' Taking into account time served since his arrest in April, Larmour will be free from prison early in 2019. Outside court, Larmour said he was motivated by his feelings for his son. 'Everything that I have done I did out of love. Nobody got hurt, which is something I am glad about,' he told News Corp. 'I am sad to be in jail for the love of my son but that's how things work out.' The maximum sentence for abducting a child is 15 years, and prosecutors had recommended Larmour be fined $5500. Larmour said he did not plan to appeal his sentence. The father previously told the court of the kidnapping, 'I came on my own, I came solo', before the prosecutor interjected and said he previously stated he and a friend went to Ms Krzysztofowicz's home together. Larmour (left) is charged with abduction and assault after he allegedly snatched 15-month-old Andrew and attacked the boy's mother Agnes Krzysztofowicz (right) Larmour announced in a Facebook video (pictured) taking his son was 'the only way' he could to see him The father allegedly attacked Agnes Krzysztofowicz (pictured) in April during a midnight invasion of her Bali home When questioned about the alleged discrepancies, Larmour said: 'I don't remember any of that.' The judge ordered the detectives who took the police statement to be summoned to court, before issuing Larmour a sobering warning. 'If it is proven that you are only trying to make the process longer, it will impact badly upon you. And maybe the judges will give a heavy sentence. Don't blame the judges,' Judge Wawan Edi Prastiyo said. Ms Krzysztofowicz, originally from Poland, was locked in a bitter 10-month custody battle with Larmour before the abduction. Both Larmour and Ms Krzysztofowicz had used social media to trade barbs with each other. He took his son Andrew from her Bali home before announcing in a Facebook video it was 'the only way' he could to see him. Larmour claimed he has not seen his son for nearly a year and taking him was the 'only option'. 'I just want to be a father,' he said in the video. Happier times: The former couple are pictured in a social media photo taken in March, 2016 Larmour (pictured) describes himself as a 'healer and meditation instructor' on social media In the video, he claimed he took the drastic action to persuade his ex-partner to discuss shared custody after they split in June last year. The self-employed spiritual healer and meditation instructor cried in the video, in which he was seen holding his son in his arms. Larmour explained in the clip how his life had been 'fundamentally shaped' by ongoing battles with 'schizophrenia and alcoholism' which left him homeless at the age of 25. He said he has been sober for more than 10 years and previously served as secretary of the Western Australia board of Alcoholics Anonymous. Tracy Shelley was arrested for using a Jiu Jitsu 'submission' hold on her young son A Florida woman was arrested after she used a Jiu Jitsu submission hold to discipline her young son who was spending too much time on his cell phone. Tracy Shelley of Boynton Beach employed the martial arts maneuver that entails placing both her arms around the boys head and neck. She only released her son from the hold until he agreed to give up the cell phone, according to CBS 12. Shelley told police that she went to get her sons phone after he had been using it for several hours. Though the boy never lost consciousness, investigators say that Shelleys move left him with red marks on his neck. Shelley told investigators that her son had been acting up at home since she and the boy's father separated. Shelley was freed on bond, according to court records. Jiu Jitsu is a Japanese martial art that is used as a method of close combat. James 'Whitey' Bulger, the infamous Boston mobster who rose to immense power with the help of corrupt FBI agents, has been killed in prison at the age of 89. Bulger is remembered as a charismatic and ruthless leader whose name has been linked to 19 murders and countless gruesome events involving victims being tortured, bound in heavy chains, shot and buried in cellars with their teeth removed to prevent identification. He also famously torched the Brookline birthplace of John F Kennedy and relished in taking cat naps after shooting people in the head. Once the head of South Boston's 'Winter Hill Gang', Bulger's mark on American organized crime is just as pronounced as the stain he left on the FBI's reputation as he managed to evade prosecution for decades, sitting atop the Most Wanted list for 16 years before his arrest in 2011. It emerged in Bulger's 2013 trial that he had served as an FBI informant as far back as 1975, though he always denied it. The deal gave Bulger virtual impunity to commit any crime he wanted for decades - except for murder. Bulger was ultimately convicted of killing at least 11 people in 2013 and was serving two life sentences at the time of his death. James 'Whitey' Bulger, the infamous Boston mobster who rose to immense power with the help of corrupt FBI agents, has been killed in prison at the age of 89. Bulger is pictured in a mugshot taken upon his arrival at the Federal Penitentiary at Alcatraz in 1959 (left) and in a 2011 booking photo ahead of being given two life sentences (right) Bulger was born in September 1929 about four miles north of Boston in the town of Everett. He was the eldest of six children in an Irish-American family. His father, James Sr, worked as a docker, but found himself unemployed after losing an arm in an accident. Due to the poverty that ensued, the family moved to a social housing project in the tough neighborhood of South Boston when Bulger was eight years old. Yet while his siblings studied hard and did well at school, Bulger started veering off the straight and narrow from a young age. By the time he reached his teens, he already had a reputation as a street fighter and a thief. Unsurprisingly he had also come to the attention of local police officers, who nicknamed him 'Whitey' because of his distinctive blond hair. Bulger was known as one of the most dangerous men in Boston's history as he ruled the city's gang scene with an iron fist for three decades. He is pictured in an undated photo released by the FBI in 1998 It was at the age of 14 that he was first arrested for theft. By now, he was a member of a street gang called 'the Shamrocks' and convictions soon followed for assault, robbery, extortion and forgery. Spells in juvenile detention centers did little to deter him from becoming a one-man crime wave. Nor did a stint in the US Air Force, which he joined at the age of 18. After training as an aircraft mechanic, he was stationed initially in Kansas and then Idaho. But he ended up in military prison over a number of assaults and was arrested for going absent without leave at one stage. He managed to leave the forces with an honourable discharge, however, and returned to Boston. It was at this point that his burgeoning criminal career took a crucial twist. In 1956, the 25-year-old Bulger was sent to a federal jail for the first time after being convicted of armed robbery and hijacking. According to some reports, he was one of the inmates given LSD and other substances as part of a CIA research program into mind-control drugs. What is certain is that he was such a troublesome prisoner that he was ultimately transferred to Alcatraz, the notorious maximum security prison in San Francisco Bay, as one of the last batch of jailbirds sent there before it closed in 1963. After doing time in two other institutions, Bulger eventually emerged a free man in 1965 following nine years in custody. Unlike many felons, he never boasted about his incarceration. 'To him,' said William Chase, an FBI agent who spent years pursuing Bulger, 'prison time was evidence of failure.' Back on the streets, he was determined to do two things: stay out of jail and establish a criminal empire. These Boston police booking photos shows James 'Whitey' Bulger after one of his early arrests in 1953 when he was around the age of 22, following his discharge from the US Air Force These 1980s FBI handout file photos show the Massachusetts mobster believed to have served as an informant for the agency for decades A police evidence photo shows a car riddled with bullet holes in connection with one of the 19 murders Bulger was charged with. He was convicted of 11 murders Though he at first took jobs as a janitor and construction worker, Bulger quickly got involved in bookmaking, debt-collecting and acting as an underworld enforcer. Before long, he managed to take over a small-time operation called the Winter Hill Gang and transform it into Boston's most ruthlessly efficient crime syndicate. Its main areas of activity were drug running, gambling and prostitution. Bulger based his modus operandi on the Mafia, which controlled the city's northern suburbs. But unlike some of his Italian counterparts, he was supremely disciplined. Not only did he not while away lazy afternoons over long lunches in neighborhood restaurants, Bulger appeared not to have any vices. He didn't drink, didn't smoke, never used credit cards, didn't even gamble. What little time he spent away from his nefarious business was largely devoted to body-building and reading. He always had an interest in history, especially anything involving Adolf Hitler. Much of his energy also went into trying to become a master of disguise. He dyed his hair different colors and wore varying styles of glasses, although most observers agree that he found it impossible to mask his thick Boston accent. Another thing that Bulger struggled to hide was his volcanic temper. Even in seemingly casual conversations, he was prone to explosive outbursts. Meanwhile, his propensity for extreme violence shocked both hardened criminals and police alike. Rivals and enemies were brutally killed either by Bulger himself or on his direct orders. Boston mobster Paul Weadick, 63, (left) was sent to Hazelton this summer after his murder conviction alongside Francis 'Cadillac Frank' Salemme (right). Bulger's former right-hand man Stephen 'The Rifleman' Flemmi was a star witness against both men His former right-hand man Kevin Weeks later said: 'He stabbed people. He beat people with bats. He shot people. Strangled people. Run over 'em with cars. After he wouldkill somebody, it was like a stress relief, y'know? He'd be nice and calm for a couple of weeks. Like he just got rid of all his stress.' Given such brazen criminality, it wasn't long before questions were asked about how he was allowed get away with it. The answer was a long time coming and, when it did, it was a shocking one: Bulger had been operating as an FBI informer since the mid-1970s. From his perspective, it was a perfect arrangement. He tipped off his Bureau handler and childhood friend, John Connolly, about other criminal activity in Boston in return for being allowed to proceed unimpeded with his own activities. The information he passed on virtually wiped out the Mafia presence in the city. It was the 1990s before the Boston Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Agency, angered at the FBI's failure to act, launched their own investigation. After being tipped off by Connolly who was later jailed for ten years for obstructing justice that the authorities were on to him, Bulger vanished on December 23, 1994. Bulger vanished in late 1994 after being tipped off that an FBI indictment was about to be issued. He remained at the top of the FBI's Most Wanted list for nearly two decades Bulger is pictured during his 16 years on the run from the FBI between 1995 and 2011 During his years on the run with girlfriend Catherine Grieg, various sightings were reported from locations as diverse as New Zealand, Canada, Italy and along the US Mexican border. He and Grieg ended up in Santa Monica, California, where they posed as married retirees from Chicago. After al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden was killed by US forces in Pakistan in 2011, Bulger succeeded him as No 1 wanted fugitive on the FBI's 'Ten Most Wanted' list. One of the many aliases Bulger used while on the run was that of James Lawlor, a man who Bulger found living on the street in the Los Angeles area. The two men resembled each other so much that Bulger could use Lawlor's driver's license and other identity papers. In return, he paid Lawlor's rent, according to the Boston Globe. Catherine Greig and Whitey Bulger are seen in June 1998. They were on the run for 16 years, and posed as a retired couple from Chicago in Santa Monica Bulger and Grieg went on the run in 1995 on the eve of his indictment on racketeering charges. A wanted poster for Greig for harboring a fugitive pictured above Playing a crucial role in Bulger's capture was Miss Iceland of 1974, Anna Bjornsdottir, who lived near him and Grieg in Santa Monica. While she was visiting Iceland, the actress who worked under the name Anna Bjorn saw a news report about the authorities' hunt for Bulger. She recognized him as the quiet retiree she knew from her neighborhood and called the FBI, which arrested him in June 2011. Bjornsdottir later claimed a $2million reward. When police raided his Santa Monica apartment, they found several fiction and non-fiction books about criminals, including 'Escape From Alcatraz.' Bulger and Grieg ended up living in Santa Monica, California, where they posed as married retirees from Chicago under the names Charles and Carol Gasko. The list of tenants at the Prince Eugenia building where Bulger was arrested in 2011 is pictured above Police also found some $800,000 in cash and an arsenal of weapons in the modest apartment where Bulger and Greig had lived for years as Charles and Carol Gasko. In his 2013 trial, Bulger was convicted of 11 murders, including the strangulation of a woman. Jurors were unable to reach a verdict on a charge that he strangled a second woman. A witness said Bulger insisted that the women's teeth be pulled to obscure their identity. Bulger refused to testify at his trial claiming he had been given immunity from prosecution by federal agents. He steadfastly denied being an FBI informant, but close links between some FBI agents in Boston and Bulger's Winter Hill Gang in the 1970s and 1980s have been well documented. Former FBI agent John Connolly was sentenced to prison after being convicted in 2002 of effectively becoming a member of the gang. His trial, which featured 72 witnesses and 840 exhibits, produced chilling testimony worthy of a pulp novel. It heard harrowing tales of teeth being pulled from the mouths of murder victims to foil identification and the strangulation of a mobster's girlfriend who 'knew too much.' James 'Whitey' Bulger, right, is seen after a hearing in 2011 as he is escorted from a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter to a waiting vehicle at an airport in Plymouth, Massachusetts In June 2013, Bulger went on trial accused of 32 counts of racketeering, which included allegations that he was complicit in 19 murders. The two-month hearing, which included testimony from more than 70 witnesses, resulted in him being convicted of 11 of the murders. It also heard evidence that Bulger supplied the arms and ammunition used in the IRA's Marita-Ann gunrunning escape in 1984, which resulted in current Sinn Fein TD Martin Ferris being jailed for ten years. Sentencing him to two life sentences plus five years, the judge told Bulger that he had been involved in 'unfathomable' crimes that involved 'agonizing' suffering for his victims. Five years into his sentence, Bulger had just been transferred to USP Hazelton, a high security prison, when he was found dead overnight on Tuesday. A prison source told TMZ that wheelchair-bound Bulger was in general population when three inmates rolled him to a corner out of view of surveillance cameras, beat him in the head with a lock in a sock, and attempted to gouge his eyes out with a shiv. The source said he hadn't even been processed at the West Virginia facility when he was killed. But someone who knew he was being transferred put the word out - the killer had to know he was coming. One of only two men to be jailed over the 9/11 terror attacks is back in his home country as a free man where he is being given a hero's welcome. The Daily Mail tracked down Mounir el-Motassadeq to a suburb of Marrakesh where he is now living in the family home with his wife and children. In the first sighting of him since he was deported from Germany following his early release from prison, he was seen being greeted by well-wishers as he returned from prayers at his local mosque. A friend of the family described scenes of jubilation on his return and said people were coming from all over Morocco to see him. El-Motassadeq, 44, who was described in German courts as the 'treasurer' for the 9/11 hijackers, spent less than 15 years in prison for his part in the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon which killed 2,977 people in September 2001. Out of jail: Mounir el-Motassadeq in Marrakesh He was friends in Germany with Mohamed Atta, who crashed a plane into the North Tower and was one of the ringleaders of the Hamburg Al Qaeda cell who planned the atrocity. The only other man convicted over 9/11, Zacarias Moussaoui, is serving six life sentences in a maximum security prison in the US after admitting to being part of the plot. El-Motassadeq grinned and said he was too busy to speak as he shook hands with old friends in the street outside his home, a three-storey semi-detached house which belonged to his deceased father Ibrahim. Wearing a bright blue polo shirt and dark trousers, he was seen holding hands with an old friend in a djellaba robe on the way back from the mosque. The pair discussed prayers as they laughed together on the dimly-lit street lined with orange trees in the middle-class Dawdiyat neighbourhood. El-Motassadeq was later seen wearing glasses and a red top, getting into a BMW with his bearded brother, who was wearing a black robe and carrying a walking stick, and two other men. A couple of hours later he returned carrying a bottle of water and his mobile phone, and headed straight back into the house. There was no obvious surveillance at the property, although police sources said he would be watched. His sister, who lives in the same house, said 'hamdullah' Arabic for 'praise be to God' when asked by the Mail if she was happy about his release. Escort: Blindfolded El-Motassadeq is taken from jail in Hamburg Neighbours said they were 'very happy' to have him back. One Hayat, a former model for Louis Vuitton said there were jubilant scenes after his return on Friday. She said: 'We are very happy. The neighbours were not afraid to find out he was back. During the first and second day after he was released the streets were full of people coming to see him. 'His family were coming from different cities to greet him. They were really happy that he is back. His mum was crying tears of joy. His siblings were really happy.' She said el-Motassadeq had rarely emerged from the property, other than to greet relatives and attend mosque. She continued: 'We have been neighbours for years. I knew him before he went to Germany. He goes to the mosque to pray. There's nothing suspicious. People come and see him and sleep over at his house.' She said el-Motassadeq was 'very well brought up' and did not believe he had done anything wrong, adding: 'I understand he was just friends with people who did.' She said his parents were 'very kind and pious'. Heading home: He grins aboard the flight to Morocco Hayat said el-Motassadeq's wife, Maria Pavlova, a Russian Muslim convert, is a 'stay-at-home mum' who lives in the house with his mother and sister and her children. She added: 'She wears the veil and does her prayer and is very kind.' Miss Pavlova had lived with el-Motassadeq and their two children in an apartment in Hamburg, Germany, where they both studied before his arrest. They had a third child together before he was jailed. They have a daughter, now 18 and at university, and two sons, 17 and 12. El-Motassadeq was released on October 15 before completing his 15-year sentence on the condition he agreed to be deported to Morocco. This allows Germany to re-arrest him if he ever returns. It is understood he was meant to be released in January. Escorted by special forces officers and snipers, he was blindfolded and shackled as he boarded a Puma helicopter from Fuhlsbuttel prison in Hamburg to Frankfurt. He was flown on Royal Air Maroc flight AT811 to Casablanca the same evening. Pictures taken on board showed him grinning as he sat in seat 31E during the commercial flight, flanked by two federal police officers, and was served chicken and vegetables alongside members of the public. Reunion: El-Motassadeq chats with an old friend after returning from prayers at his local mosque At the time, it had been unclear what would happen to him once he touched down in the North African country. El-Motassadeq's involvement in the September 11 attacks was the subject of five years of trials, with multiple convictions, appeals and overturned verdicts. He had arrived in Germany as a 19-year-old student in 1993, and studied electrical engineering at Hamburg's Technical University. German prosecutors believe he met Mohamed Atta there and stayed friends with him while Atta founded a radical Islamic group with links to Al Qaeda. El-Motassadeq was arrested in Germany two months after 9/11. Investigators discovered he had power of attorney over a bank account owned by Marwan al-Shehhi, the pilot of one of two planes flown into the World Trade Center. He also arranged a bank transfer for some of the cell's members and knew when they were in the US, where they acquired their flight training. That led prosecutors to label him the group's treasurer and an accomplice to their attacks. Hamburg friend: 9/11 mastermind Mohamed Atta He was first convicted in 2003 of membership of a terrorist organisation and 3,066 counts of accessory to murder related to the 9/11 deaths. After several overturned verdicts and appeals he was finally jailed in 2006, with the number of counts limited to the 246 people killed aboard the four planes. The courts ruled he was aware Atta, al-Shehhi and Ziad Jarrah three of the 9/11 hijackers planned to take over and crash the planes, even though he might not have known the specifics of the plot. Prosecutors said he had helped 'watch the attackers' backs and conceal them' by paying their tuition fees and rent and transferring money. This was so they could keep up appearances as students in Germany as they plotted, it was said. El-Motassadeq, who always maintained he was not aware of the plots, shouted in German at a sentencing hearing: 'I swear by God that I did not know what they wanted to do.' He had admitted attending an Al Qaeda training camp sponsored by Osama Bin Laden in Afghanistan in 2000 and having signed Atta's will. The US government made more than 1,200 arrests in the months after 9/11. But others suspected of being involved in the planning of the attacks have been stuck in legal limbo. The only other man to be tried and convicted of criminal involvement is Zacarias Moussaoui. Family pile: Home in middle-class suburb Dawdiyat The French-Moroccan is serving six life sentences in a maximum security prison dubbed the 'Alcatraz of Colorado' after pleading guilty to being part of the plot. He had been arrested less than a month before the attacks on August 16 on a minor immigration charge. He had aroused suspicion while taking flight lessons in Oklahoma, and was questioned by FBI agents. At his December trial he denied involvement in the plots but four years later confessed to being part of the 9/11 terrorist plot and said had been planning to fly a fifth plane into the White House. The case against the alleged mastermind of 9/11 and his co-plotters could drag on for years. Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the self-described architect of the attacks, and his four alleged co-conspirators, are still awaiting trial. Mohammed who was arrested in 2003 is currently at the US jail in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and prosecutors say jury selection in his trial could start in January. It is alleged the other men Walid bin Attash, Ramzi bin al-Shibh, Ammar al-Baluchi and Mustafa al-Hawsawi trained hijackers. El-Motassadeq is banned from re-entering Germany until 2064. Hamburg's interior minister Andy Grote said: 'It's a good feeling to know that Mr Motassadeq is out of the country.' The Hamburg cell he was part of was a group of radical Islamists including students based in the German city who eventually became key operatives in the 9/11 attacks. Important members included Atta, who led the four hijacking teams and piloted American Airlines Flight 11, which flew into the North Tower of the World Trade Center; al-Shehhi, who piloted United Airlines Flight 175 which hit the South Tower; and Jarrah, who flew United Airlines Flight 93 which crashed in a field in Pennsylvania after passengers thwarted an attempt to attack Washington DC. The nephew of notorious serial killer Ivan Milat is 'popular, charming' and a 'hero' behind bars as he serves a life sentence for murdering his friend with an axe. Matthew Milat, 26, is serving a 43-year sentence for the torture and murder of David Auchterlonie in Belanglo State Forest, near Bowral, south of Sydney in 2010. Milat tortured Auchterlonie with a double-sided axe, making him beg for his life before killing him - eerily in the same forest his uncle murdered seven backpackers. A confidential file obtained by News Corp's True Crime Australia shows Matthew Milat has been manipulating other prisoners and staff to gain advantages behind bars. Matthew Milat (pictured), 26, is serving a 43-year sentence for the torture and murder of his friend David Auchterlonie in Belanglo State Forest, near Bowral, south of Sydney in 2010 A confidential file shows Matthew - the great-nephew of notorious serial killer Ivan Milat (pictured) has been manipulating other prisoners and staff to gain advantages behind bars Milat tortured David Auchterlonie with a double-sided axe (pictured), making him beg for his life before killing him Prison psychologists said Milat's 'positive' interactions with staff were likely an act to allow him greater privileges and special treatment behind bar. Milat had also been making 'inappropriate references to his offence and the use of weapons to staff and other detainees', and was seen as a 'hero' by other inmates. 'The other boys were all sort of, ''ooh, Matthew Milat'' because murder's considered good in terms of status - the more serious your crime the more status you have,' a prison officer said. 'I've seen the boys try to friend him rather than him friend the boys. 'He's just quiet, I had no problem with him... But you didn't want to interact, probably because he was a Milat. 'He just gives you this vibe. The feeling you used to get around him... I didn't want to get close because he would manipulate.' Milat did not receive a single visit during an 18-month span, and even his mother Deb Muelman failed to turn up for an appointment related to his psychological assessment. On November 20, 2010, Milat lured Auchterlonie (pictured) to the Belanglo State Forest - the site of his great-uncle's crimes - under the premise of celebrating his victim's birthday Ivan Milat's confirmed victims were Australian, German and British, and aged between 19 and 22 On November 20, 2010, Milat lured Auchterlonie to the Belanglo State Forest - the site of his great-uncle's crimes - under the premise of celebrating his victim's birthday. Between January 1990 and April 1992 seven young backpackers went missing while hitchiking on the outskirts of Sydney, New South Wales. Their bodies were all discovered in the Belanglo State Forest and found to be victims of serial killer, Ivan Milat. Ivan Milat's confirmed victims were Australian, German and British, and aged between 19 and 22. He received seven life sentences for the murders and will die in Australia's Supermax prison. William Fredrick, 21, was arrested last week after allegedly leading Oklahoma Highway Patrol on the high speed chase through the streets of Tulsa three weeks ago A 21-year-old who outran police during a 140mph car chase in Oklahoma has been arrested weeks later after boasting to friends about his feat. William Fredrick was arrested last week after allegedly leading Oklahoma Highway Patrol on the high speed chase through the streets of Tulsa three weeks ago. Authorities initiated the chase when a trooper allegedly clocked Fredrick driving at 137mph in a 60mph zone on Interstate 44 on September 28. He is accused of running multiple red lights and passing cars on the shoulder of the road as he outran the trooper. A trooper encountered Fredrick again later that night. He allegedly refused to stop again and drove at 100mph through quiet neighborhoods. Authorities stopped the chase when Fredrick merged onto the Broken Arrow Expressway. Authorities initiated the chase when a trooper allegedly clocked Fredrick driving at 137mph in a 60mph zone on Interstate 44 on September 28. Pictured above is his car An anonymous person called police on October 22 to report that Fredrick had allegedly been bragging to several people about outrunning troopers. They told authorities his name and provided his address. Troopers found Fredrick's car in the parking lot of a fast food restaurant last week and followed him home. He allegedly admitted to leading authorities on the high-speed chase. Fredrick was booked into Tulsa County Jail on 20 charges, according to online records. The charges he is facing range from reckless driving, speeding, failure to stop at a red light and driving on the wrong side of the road. He is due to front court on Friday. A millionaire's wife has miraculously dug herself out of an avalanche that killed two other people. Jo Morgan, the wife of businessman and politician Gareth Morgan, was with two guides climbing near Mt Cook, on New Zealand's South Island, when the avalanche struck on Wednesday morning. Ms Morgan survived by digging herself out of the snow before activating a personal locator beacon about 6.45am. Jo Morgan (pictured) survived an avalanche that killed two people by digging herself out of the snow Department of Conservation director general Lou Sanson said Jo Morgan (pictured) was 'shattered' after digging herself out of the snow. She was rescued on Wednesday morning She spent 45 minutes digging to freedom. 'We all got thrown down the hill tied together,' she told Stuff. 'They were buried and I was buried too, but I had my face out so I could continue to breathe.' Department of Conservation director general Lou Sanson said Ms Morgan was 'shattered'. 'There's clearly been an avalanche and she's been able to fortuitously dig her way out of a really complex situation,' he said. A rescue operation was launched but emergency services were unable to save the lives of Ms Morgan's two guides who died at the scene. Their deaths will be referred to the Coroner. Avalanche Advisory New Zealand (AANZ) has warned of rapidly changing volatile spring conditions in the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park area. Avalanches can happen at this time of year as the warmer temperatures, combined with rain, increased risk. Mr Morgan was the leader of the political party The Opportunities Party, and is also a well known philanthropist. The couple's son, Sam Morgan, is the founder of e-commerce site TradeMe. Jo Morgan is the wife of Gareth Morgan (pictured) who formed the political party The Opportunities Party As her heir, the Prince of Wales will be the first to know of his mothers passing. He will probably be at her deathbed, unless she dies suddenly or unexpectedly. On his mothers death, Charles will be king immediately. His siblings and children will kiss his hands. Then constitutional government will kick in. The Prime Minister will need to be informed immediately of the passing of the head of state. The Queen (left) knows that even she cannot go on for ever. A handover of royal power is taking place right before our eyes with Prince Charles (right) into a position of power That job will fall to the Queens private secretary, Sir Edward Young, who will go to a secure telephone line and tell the PM: London Bridge is down. Then, from the Foreign Offices Global Response Centre in London, the news will go directly to the respective prime ministers of the 15 governments outside the UK where the Queen is also the head of state, and the 36 other nations of the Commonwealth for whom she has served as a figurehead. For a time, her subjects will not know she is dead and that the throne has passed to her eldest son. Governors general, ambassadors and prime ministers will learn first. But in the world of 24-hour news it will not stay secret for long. All this, however, is jumping the gun. Given the Queens history of robust health, perhaps a far more likely scenario is that her great age will mean she herself will trigger a period of regency, thus ensuring safe stewardship of the great office she has held and worked so hard to secure. Senior former members of her household believe the Queen will grant her eldest son the full power to reign while she still lives because of the respect she holds for the institution of monarchy. Abdication, however, is not even a consideration. One senior aide admitted to me the dusting off of the Regency Act. My understanding is that senior figures, with the Queens blessing, have been examining various scenarios. Prince Charles (right) is already the power behind the throne and Camilla (left) is set to be his Queen Before his unceremonious departure, the Queens private secretary, Sir Christopher Geidt, was awarded a second knighthood for, according to the citation: A new approach to constitutional matters . . . [and] the preparation for the transition to a change of reign. This was interpreted as the clearest sign yet that the Queen was getting ready to pass on the mantle. At 92, the Queen knows that even she cannot go on for ever. And so smoothly, discreetly, and unnoticed by many a handover of royal power is taking place right before our eyes. This increased responsibility means Charles is much more than a deputy, stepping up to stand in for the Queen. As we approach the end of 2018, a more accurate description of his role is Shadow King, as it is he, not Her Majesty, who is now doing most of the heavy lifting for the monarchy at home and abroad. His increased workload sees the Prince regularly working 14-hour days and he carries out more than 600 engagements a year at home and abroad. Indeed, now that she does not travel overseas, Charless royal tours representing her across the globe are state visits. It is, in effect, a job-share monarchy, with the heir leading the way for the House of Windsor, not following. There are those who insist the Queen is still as sprightly, fit and sharp as she was two decades ago. This is not true. She is still sharp on matters of state, but requires her schedule to reflect her age and capacity. Even she thinks those loyal subjects who believe nothing needs to change are deluding themselves. Some close to the Queen say that when she reaches 95, she will allow Charles to take over Its no coincidence that shes been spending more and more time with her grandson Prince William, or that his duties such as making a historic visit to Israel and the West Bank earlier this year are expanding. But the Queen has no desire to push aside her son and heir. Indeed, she has been meeting Prince Charles regularly in private for some time to discuss matters of state. No private secretaries or royal aides of any description are ever present. Its always just the two of them and they both view these meetings as crucial for both the smooth running of the country and the eventual succession. Practical and unsentimental about her advancing years, the Queen, who is known around Whitehall as Reader No 1, has had Charles added to the distribution list of despatch boxes that she is sent. In the event of her death or inability to continue through illness, the Queen has ensured that her heir is fully primed and ready to take over. Some close to the monarch say that, if she reaches the age of 95, she will make a monumental decision and choose to officially allow Charles to take over the stewardship of her reign. She will, they say, officially transfer all executive powers to him as Prince Regent until her death, when he will become king. This would enable her to fudge the issue of her not fulfilling her Coronation Oath to God and her people to serve as queen regnant until her death. Prince Charles (pictured) is effectively already our 'Prince Regent', a king in all but name Others, who claim to be equally well informed, say that such a move or use of the Regent title is not really necessary. After all, as the Queen made clear to the unassuming 103rd Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr George Carey, when he went to see her on the occasion of his resignation in her Golden Jubilee year of 2002: Thats something I cant do. Times, however, do change. In truth, with the Queen now well into her tenth decade, senior officials within the Royal Household confirm that Prince Charles is effectively already our Prince Regent, a king in all but name. Granted, Her Majesty is a consecrated monarch who pledged in her coronation oath to serve throughout her life. But can she seriously remain as head of state if she lives to be a centenarian like her mother? The last time the Regency Act was invoked was in 1810 during the reign of George III, when the monarch became permanently deranged. It meant his eldest son assumed the title Prince Regent for ten years until, on his fathers death, he became George IV. Queen Elizabeth II has enjoyed remarkably good health, both mental and physical, and there is nothing to suggest that Regency would be necessary in the way that it was for George III. Behind palace gates, however, preparations have been made in recent months for all eventualities, with Her Majestys blessing. Strangely, until 1937, our constitutional law had no permanent provision for a regent to cover the situation of a monarch being incapable of performing his or her duties. It was the debilitating illness of the Queens grandfather, George V who suffered from chronic bronchitis from 1935 until his death that led to the reformed Regency Act including the intriguing possibility of a Regency if the Sovereign is for some definite cause not available for the performance of those functions. It is not clear what situations this covers. Perhaps it is vague enough to allow the monarch simply to pass the baton to her heir and effectively retire thus effecting the smoothest of successions with the minimum of fuss. The Queen is au courant with the passage of time, and how her age impacts on the institution she serves. She has, impeccable sources have told me, already drawn a line in the sand, a date when, like Prince Philip, she will effectively retire from public life. The Queen doesn't seem to be slowing down on her royal engagements. Earlier this month she met with Queen Maxima Nobody has a crystal ball. But my knowledge of the monarchal system leads me to believe that, whatever happens, it will unfold naturally. It is clear, however, that Charless position as the driving force of the institution in the second decade of the 21st century, as he approaches his 70th birthday, is indisputable. He, not the Queen, is the firm hand on the tiller. In the aftermath of the death of Princess Diana, many long-serving staff at Buckingham Palace believed the public would never tolerate Charles becoming king. Since then, however, anger against Charles has subsided. Through hard work and consistency, and perhaps the popularity of his sons and their wives and the goodwill they have generated such fears have all but disappeared. He may still be blamed for Dianas misery over his infidelity with Camilla Parker Bowles, but theres no longer a groundswell of support for skipping a generation. It was the Queen herself who eventually urged him to resolve the Camilla problem by marrying his lover. Mindful of his duty, Charles complied. This was a smoothing of the way forward to the next generation, not simply the glorious resolution of Charles and Camillas enduring grand romance. It was made clear to Charles that he had to fit in with the bigger picture and accept the shifting shape of the monarchy as envisaged by the Queen. It was a calculated risk and it appears to have paid off. The warm receptions given to Charles and Camilla when on tour, and the more positive Press coverage of Camilla, is increasingly gentle but never effusive. More recently, on her 90th birthday, the Queen took the key decision to elevate Camilla to her most senior advisory body, the Privy Council. As ever, this was all done very quietly. And, as ever, the Queen had her reasons. Camilla is set to be Queen. Queen Elizabeth had urged Charles to marry her She wanted her daughter-in-law to be at Charless side at the precise moment that he formally becomes King. This will now happen: as a privy councillor, Camilla can now attend the ceremony, normally held within 24 hours of a sovereigns death. This leads to a more contentious question: will Camilla become Queen? Ever since the Prince of Wales married the Duchess of Cornwall in April 2005, the Royal Family have gone to great lengths to avoid any public uprising over the prospect of Queen Camilla. Indeed, the official wedding announcement stated: It is intended that Mrs Parker Bowles should use the title HRH the Princess Consort when the Prince of Wales accedes to the throne. The critical word in this statement, of course, was intended. What Clarence House was doing was buying time time for a hostile public to warm to Camilla. Prince Charles, however, has always intended her to become his queen consort. According to an inside source, hed already decided that before their wedding. There was no doubt in his mind at the time about that, and I honestly dont think anything has changed, said the source. In fact, I think he has hardened his resolve. For there to be any other outcome would, in his view, be to lessen his role as king. His marriage to Camilla is legal. She happens to be his second wife. That is it. Did any of Henry VIIIs wives not get the title? Although Camilla has worked hard and proved a great support to her husband over the years, there is no escaping the lingering feeling that Charless greatest asset is also his greatest weakness. Camilla, as consort and Duchess of Cornwall, is a constant reminder of his personal failings of the past. However, more than a decade of marriage, and the fact that his second wife undoubtedly gives strength from their mutual and obvious love, should be taken only as a positive. But no matter how optimistic the palace try to be, the reality is that Charles and Camilla have both brought far too much baggage to the relationship, particularly that they committed adultery which at the very least contributed to the breakdown of his marriage to Diana for it to be presented as anything approaching loves young dream. I am told that Camilla will be named Queen Consort on Charless ascension. There would have to be a change in the law in Britain and several other realms before Charles becomes king for her not to be. There is little or no appetite for that. To alter her status would be a PR own goal, like insisting a presidents wife should not be allowed the role and title of First Lady especially when the Government plans to use the royals to bolster our status on the world stage. The Duchess, 71 at the time of writing, is said to have told friends previously that she would be happy to use the lesser title when her husband ascends to the throne. The title issue will be decided in the court of public opinion and by the Prime Minister at the time. Clarence House has always claimed that the constitutional issue surrounding the title would be a matter for the government of the day. However, all previous wives of British kings have been known as queens. Camilla has assuaged Charless loneliness, but knows when to leave him alone. When on the public stage, their togetherness makes them a redoubtable couple. He is the most prepared heir to the throne the country has ever had wise, funny, intelligent and connected to his people in so many ways. She rarely puts a foot wrong on tour while representing the Queen or when supporting her husband. The Queen acknowledged this in 2012 when she awarded her daughter-in-law her highest personal honour, Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order, to mark the seventh anniversary of her wedding to Prince Charles. Camilla has earned her stripes through the love and loyalty she has shown to her husband and by devotion to duty to the Crown. She will, I am told, be deservedly given the correct rank when the time comes. Charles will rightly insist on it. ADAPTED from Charles At Seventy: Thoughts, Hopes And Dreams by Robert Jobson, published by John Blake on November 1 at 20. Robert Jobson 2018. To order a copy for 16 (offer valid until November 4, 2018; P&P free), visit mailshop.co.uk/books or call 0844 571 0640. How he will be defender of the faith Queen Elizabeth II, as we all know, is a devout High Church Anglican. Charles, on the other hand, has taken a great interest in other religions, studying both the Koran and Judaism in depth. In 1993, for instance, he said: Islam can teach us today a way of understanding and living in the world which Christianity itself is poorer for having lost. This was widely quoted as proof that he had abandoned Christianity, though he remains a practising Anglican. Clearly, however, our next Supreme Governor of the Church of England plans to do the job a little differently. He is an individual who wants to chart new territory, and that will be very interesting indeed, says Lord Carey, the former Archbishop of Canterbury. He is very outspoken. The Prince certainly caused a furore when he told Jonathan Dimbleby that he wants to be seen as a Defender of Faith when he ascends the throne, rather than Defender of the Faith. Since then, Charless position on the wording to be used at his coronation has categorically changed. It has been made clear to me that Charles will absolutely 100 per cent be named as Defender of the Faith when he is crowned king. But he will also demonstrate in his reign that he believes wholeheartedly in the importance of his connecting with all faiths of the subjects he will reign over. Philip Green trudges across the airport tarmac with his phone glued to his ear. The under-fire fashion boss has denied any claims of misconduct Under-fire fashion mogul Sir Philip Green is pictured being given a warm reception from an air stewardness as he boards a plane back to Britain amid a number of 'MeToo' allegations made against him. The beleaguered billionaire, was unmasked in Parliament last Thursday as the businessman who gagged the press over claims of racism and sexual harassment. Sir Philip has been spending time in a luxury spa in sunny Arizona this week, but looks to be heading back to Britain to face the music. The 66-year-old- who is fighting for his reputation and battling to keep hold of his knighthood - can be seen striding towards the plane with his phone glued to his ear, deep in conversation. As he climbs the steps to his private jet he is given a welcoming smile from the air stewardess, who he promptly hugs and gives a kiss on the cheek. When he lands on British soil, the chairman of the Topshop fashion empire will have to face the fallout from the allegations made against him. Among some of the serious claims put to him include Sir Philip calling women 'sweetheart', 'darling' or love' instead of their names and also calling other female employees overweight. Philip Green striding across the runway while a member of staff waits by the aircraft. He is facing a battle salvage the reputation Philip Green looks up at the air stewardess as he boards his private jet and heads out of Arizona after staying at a spa The under-fire fashion mogul has his phone clutched to his ear as climbs the steps to his jet Philip Green leans in and gives the air stewardess a kiss on the check before heading for his seat and departing from arid desert state Arizona, where he has been staying at a spa He is also alleged to have crept up behind women in the corridors and touching staff members awkwardly. The 66-year-old is also alleged to have gone into meeting and asked if there were any 'naughty girls' that 'needed their bottoms slapped' and cut a female executive's hair during a meeting. Sir Philip, whose daughter has a son with American 'hot felon' Jeremy Meeks, was named after a court gag order was blown apart when former government minister Lord Peter Hain used parliamentary privilege rules to name Sir Philip in defiance of the legal restrictions. Sir Philip Green, pictured in Mayfair earlier this month (left) and (right) with his wife Tina Lib Dem leader Sir Vince Cable (pictured at Brexit demonstration), said the Topshop mogul only narrowly escaped losing his honour after being caught up in the BHS pensions scandal two years ago Sir Philip with top models in 2014. There is no suggestion that anyone pictured is involved in any of the allegations against him In a bombshell statement in the House of Lords, Labour party peer Lord Hain said it was 'clearly in the public interest' that the allegations were aired. He said the case involved 'substantial payments to conceal the truth about serious and repeated sexual harassment, racist abuse and bullying which is compulsively continuing'. Earlier this week in Arizona the businessman launched a furious rant at reporters who found his hideaway. How could Philip Green be stripped of his knighthood? The naming of Sir Philip Green as behind an injunction covering up alleged sexual and racial harassment will - although this does not mean that any wrong-doing is proved against him - refuel claims he should lose his knighthood. A political storm raged over the honour around the time of the BHS collapse. Sir Philip can only be stripped of the gong by the Honours Forfeiture Committee. It is a secretive Whitehall panel that meets to consider whether people should be stripped of their honour. In the past it has cancelled honours of convicted criminals like Rolf Harris and more controversially people who, whilst they have not been convicted of any crime, have been harshly criticised like ex-RBS boss Fred Goodwin. The Committee, which normally conducts its business by correspondence, considers cases where an individual who has been honoured is judged to have brought the honours system into disrepute. It usually looks at people who have been sentenced to a term of imprisonment of three months or more, or have been censured or struck off by the relevant professional or other regulatory authority. The Committee is not restricted to these two criteria, and if there is other compelling evidence that an individual has brought the honours system into disrepute, then it is open to the Committee to consider such cases as well. Advertisement He hit out at the journalists over their 'manners' and said their behaviour would lead to a 'very ugly place'. 'Do you not think there's a point here where your manners need to change so we don't get into a very, very, very, very ugly place?' Green said. The media mogul eventually seemed to calm down, before saying: 'Let the legal process take its course.' Sir Philip has issued a statement strongly denying the misconduct allegations. 'I am not commenting on anything that has happened in court or was said in Parliament today,' he said. 'To the extent that it is suggested that I have been guilty of unlawful sexual or racist behaviour, I categorically and wholly deny these allegations.' The statement added that like all large companies, his operations 'sometimes receives formal complaints from employees' and settles them confidentially. The revelation in Parliament leaves the Topshop, Burtons and Dorothy Perkins boss, who spent decades amassing a huge fortune, fighting for his reputation and battling to keep hold of his knighthood. Lib Dem leader Sir Vince Cable said the Topshop mogul only narrowly escaped losing his honour after being caught up in the BHS pensions scandal two years ago. And he said that if the allegations that Sir Philip sexually harassed and bullied staff are true then he must finally be stripped of the gong. Sir Vince told MailOnline: 'He narrowly and luckily escaped losing his knighthood over the pensions scandal. 'If these allegations are correct, he should certainly be stripped of his knighthood.' Sir Philip has not been found guilty of any wrongdoing in a court or tribunal. Labour MP Clive Lewis tweeted: 'Sir Philip Green named as man at centre of 'UK #MeToo Scandal. 'Given this non-disclosure payments story and his part in the BHS pensions scandal I'd bet good money 'Sir' won't be part of his title for much longer.' While Labour peer Lord Adonis praised Lord Hain for naming Sir Philip in Parliament. In a message on Twitter he said: 'My friend Peter Hain just done great public service in the House of Lords naming Sir Philip Green as behind the injunctions against the Daily Telegraph preventing them reporting serious allegations.' And Frank Field, chairman of the Work and pensions select committee and a long-time critic of Sir Philip, called for reform of Parliament to make it easier to report abuse. He said: 'I have been talking this evening with somebody who witnessed grotesque bullying at work. They would like for what they witnessed to be shared, through the House of Commons, with the nation. 'I am seeking to raise urgently with the Government the importance of having a mechanism in Parliament through which the voices of victims of abuse can be heard. 'This would develop the role of the House of Commons in a way which stands up for people who have little money, against those who have much.' An Indiana man has filed a police complaint against his drug dealer. Kenneth Dewayne Woods, 62, lodged an Intimidation Threat complaint Monday, claiming that his female dealer and her boyfriend were threatening him for not paying for the crack-cocaine she had sold Woods. According to Evansville Police Department records, Woods claimed that he 'bought some crack cocaine over a period of time on credit' and has now accrued a debt of $400. Kenneth Dewayne Woods, 62, lodged a complaint Monday in Evansville, Indiana, claiming his female drug dealer and her boyfriend are threatening him [file image] The police report says the dealers are telling Woods they are going to 'run him out of town and vandalize his car.' Woods claims the brother of the female dealer is threatening to kick in his door and her boyfriend will shoot him. He says the dealers are charging him interest and now demand $500 from Woods, which he cannot pay. The Narcotics Joint Task force is investigating the dealers, as the area of Evansville is overrun by drugs crimes. 'It's an ongoing [issue] in that neck of the woods,' a police spokesperson told DailyMail.com. Parents are today scrambling to get their child into a top secondary school in the most competitive year ever. Applications must be submitted by midnight tonight but even those making the deadline may well miss out on their favourite school. A baby boom fuelled by migration a decade ago has caused a surge in applications with a predicted record high of 607,000 pupils vying to find a place. In some parts of the country as many as 93 per cent of secondary school have demand outstripping availability Overall, one in six children will miss out on their first choice, but the figure in high-demand areas such as Hammersmith and Fulham in London will likely be half. It will mean many of those children having to commute long distances to other schools or attend ones unsuitable for them. Earlier this month, analysis of birth data by the Good Schools Guide found applications this year will surge by around 25,000 compared with last year. And new research by 192.com for the property website MoveiQ.co.uk has also found the proportion of secondary schools which are over-subscribed is also likely to rise. Last year, 50.4 per cent of schools had more applicants than places compared with just 43 per cent in 2014. Henry Phillips, product director at 192.com, said: Since 2014 it has become increasingly difficult to secure a place within secondary schools. Now, more than 50 per cent are oversubscribed and there is no indication that the pressure will be easing. The competition for secondary school places is particularly fierce, with in some parts of the country as many as 93 per cent of secondary schools have demand outstripping availability. The website said the council with the most over-subscribed schools last year was Sutton in South London, with 93 per cent having too many applications. The population of 11-year-olds is growing partly due to high migration in the 1990s and 2000s This was followed by Westminster, with 91 per cent, and Slough on 86 per cent. Other councils exceeding 70 per cent included Bromley, Richmond upon Thames, Solihull, York, Southend-on-Sea, Birmingham and Buckinghamshire. The data follows a warning from the Local Government Association (LGA) that the country faces an emergency when it comes to secondary school places. It said 134,000 children will be without a secondary school place by 2023/24 unless more classrooms and schools are built. By law every child must be given a school place. The population of 11-year-olds is growing partly due to high migration in the 1990s and 2000s. The crisis comes following an influx of people since the 1990s from countries which tend to have higher birth rates than that of the UK. The squeeze was first felt in primary schools, with heads having to create new classrooms and bumper year groups for the extra children. Projections show the secondary school population is set to rise by almost a fifth around half a million children over the next decade. This year, almost one in five children missed out on their first choice of secondary school. The Department for Education said councils would receive more funding for the extra places needed to prevent a shortfall. A spokesman said: By the end of this decade, this Government is on track to have created a million new school places since 2010. We are making sure schools can expand to meet the greater demand for good school places. The latest figures show more than 93 per cent of children received offers from one of their top three choices of secondary school last year. Homes in good school catchment areas are worth an average 38 per cent more than others locally, research by 192.com has shown. The figures were calculated by comparing paid price data in catchment areas and non-catchment areas within the same towns. Beautiful aerial photos show the changing colours of the leaves at an American Cemetery in Cambridgeshire yesterday. Drone pictures show the crimson and orange trees next to rows of white crosses and immaculate lawns in Madingley. The cemetery was formally opened in 1956 and commemorates US service personnel who died in the Second World War. An aerial picture shows the American Cemetery in Madingley, Cambridgeshire, yesterday, with the changing colours of the trees The cemetery was formally opened in 1956 and commemorates American servicemen and women who died in the Second World War Sept. 3, 1929: James Bulger is born to Irish immigrant parents living in Boston's Dorchester neighborhood. He is the second of six children. His shock of platinum blonde hair earns him the nickname 'Whitey.' 1956: Whitey Bulger is sentenced to federal prison for bank robbery. After he's suspected of plotting an escape from one prison, he's transferred to Alcatraz. 1960: Bulger's younger brother, William, is elected to the state House of Representatives. John Connolly, a childhood friend from South Boston, works on the campaign. 1965: Bulger is released from prison and returns to Boston. He becomes a top underling to local mobster Howie Winter, boss of the Winter Hill Gang. 1970: William Bulger is elected to the state Senate. 1975: Bulger cuts a deal with Connolly - now a Boston-based FBI agent - to provide information on the Italian Mafia in exchange for protection. 1978: William Bulger becomes president of the state Senate. 1981: Roger Wheeler, owner of World Jai Alai, a gambling enterprise from which Bulger was skimming money, is shot between the eyes in the parking lot of his country club in Tulsa, Oklahoma. 1982: Bulger and Stephen 'The Rifleman' Flemmi gun down a former henchman in broad daylight on a South Boston street to silence him over the Wheeler murder. Connolly files a report with the FBI saying rival gangsters made the hit. July 1982: Flemmi and Bulger order a hit on John Callahan, the former president of World Jai Alai. January 1995: Bulger disappears on the eve of his indictment on racketeering charges. 1997: The FBI, under court order, admits that Bulger was a 'top echelon' informant launching a federal probe into the agency's corrupt ties to its mob informants. June 22, 2011: Bulger is arrested in Santa Monica, CA, with girlfriend Catherine Grieg. Aug 12, 2013: Bulger is found guilty of a raft of racketeering charges, including his role in 11 murders. Nov 13 2013: Bulger, aged 84 , is sentenced to two consecutive life sentences plus five years. Before announcing her sentence, the judge tells Bulger that the 'scope, callousness and depravity of your crimes are almost unfathomable.' She says they are made 'all the more heinous because they were all about money.' Boys and girls perform equally at maths, according to a study looking to dispel gender myths in education. Analysis of over 20,000 students from primary and secondary schools across the UK suggested that differences in maths attainment between girls and boys are almost negligible. It also indicated that regular and high-quality maths practice improves outcomes across the board and that primary pupils outperformed secondary students with better attainment scores. Boys and girls perform equally at maths, according to a study looking to dispel gender myths in education (stock image) The study, carried out by Professor Keith Topping at the University of Dundee and the education assessment company Renaissance has led to calls for a cultural change in schools. Professor Topping believes his findings challenge many prevailing stereotypes around gender and the study of maths. He said: 'Maths skills are becoming more and more important in an increasingly digital and autonomous world. 'This study shows practically no difference between boys and girls when it comes to attainment. 'Educationalists must challenge the gendering of STEM subjects if we are to ever see more female engineers, scientists, and mathematicians.' Results were gathered using an assessment which presents students with multiple choice answers on a computer screen, adjusting the difficulty of the questions depending on a student's performance. Analysis of 20,000 students from primary and secondary schools across the UK suggested that differences in maths attainment between girls and boys are almost negligible (stock) Once students have taken the test, it automatically compares their results to other students their age. Lauren Shapiro, the special projects team manager at Renaissance said, 'There is an enduring myth that girls don't perform as well as boys in maths. 'This stereotype can follow them into later life with fewer women taking up careers in STEM subjects or becoming maths teachers. 'This research indicates that does not need to be the case. 'This should be a wake-up call for all educationalists. 'We need to push for a cultural change in schools to shake off the male-oriented reputation that certain STEM subjects have among students.' While many smartphone owners are annoyed about the 'notch' appearing on their phones, Google has managed to go one better than Apple. An Android bug is causing buyers of its new Pixel 3 phone to see a second 'notch' at the side of the screen. The firm said the bug, which users took to Twitter to share images of, can be fixed with a software update. Scroll down for video Twitter users shared their pictures of the bizarre bug, which Google said it was fixing 'We heard you like notches...' tweeted Kyle Gutschow, showing an image of his phone with the strange second notch on the right hand side. Users said that restarting the phone often fixed the fault. The bug is believed to be caused by issues with the phone working out its orientation. Google told Android Police it was aware of the bug and a fix was 'coming soon'. Google unveiled the handset earlier this month. In New York it took the wraps off a slew of new hardware including its $799 (739) Pixel 3 phones, a new $599 (549) tablet called Pixel Slate and a $149 (139) smart speaker with a screen called Home Hub. Its new Pixel 3 handset includes AI features that allow it to answer calls itself, weeding out robocalls and transcribing messages if a user is busy, alongside a wide angle 'superselfie' lens. It comes in three colors - just black, clearly white, and not pink with two display sizes -the 5.5inch Pixel 3 and 6.3 inch Pixel 3 XL - both of which feature a 'notch' like Apple's iPhone. The Pixel 3 XL screen extends all the way to the upper corners, giving an edge-to-edge experience. Global wildlife populations have fallen by 60% since 1970 as humans overuse natural resources, drive climate change and pollute the planet, a chilling report has warned. WWF has called for an ambitious 'global deal' for nature and people, similar to the international Paris Agreement to tackle climate change, as the conservation charity's new report spelled out the damage being done to the natural world. Only a quarter of the world's land area is free from the impacts of human activity and by 2050 that will have fallen to just a tenth, the Living Planet Report 2018 says. Scroll down for video Orangutans are threatened by the loss of their forest home. Only a quarter of the world's land area is free from the impacts of human activity and by 2050 that will have fallen to just a tenth, the Living Planet Report 2018 found. WHAT DID THE REPORT FIND? Populations of mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians have, on average, declined by 60% between 1970 and 2014, the most recent year with available data. Earth is estimated to have lost about half of its shallow water corals in the past 30 years. Fifth of the Amazon has disappeared in just 50 years. Globally, nature provides services worth around $125 trillion a year, while also helping ensure the supply of fresh air, clean water, food, energy, medicines, and much more. Advertisement The percentage of the world's seabirds with plastic in their stomach is estimated to have increased from 5% in 1960 to 90% today, and the world has already lost around half its shallow water corals in just 30 years. Overall, populations of more than 4,000 species of mammals, reptiles, birds, fish and amphibians have declined by an average of 60% between 1970 and 2014, the most recent year for which data is available. Tropical areas have seen the worst declines, with an 89% fall in populations monitored in Latin America and the Caribbean since 1970. Species which live in fresh water habitats, such as frogs and river fish, have seen global population falls of 83%, according to the living planet index by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) which tracks the abundance of wildlife. From hedgehogs and puffins to elephants, rhinos and polar bears, wildlife is in decline, due to the loss of habitats, poaching, pollution of land and seas and rising global temperatures, the Living Planet report warns. Current action to protect nature is failing because it is not enough to match the scale of the threat facing the planet, the conservationists claim. 'This report sounds a warning shot across our bow,' said Carter Roberts, president and CEO of WWF-US. WWF has called for an ambitious 'global deal' for nature and people, similar to the international Paris Agreement to tackle climate change, as the conservation charity's new report spelled out the damage being done to the natural world 'Natural systems essential to our survivalforests, oceans, and riversremain in decline. 'Wildlife around the world continue to dwindle. It reminds us we need to change course. It's time to balance our consumption with the needs of nature, and to protect the only planet that is our home.' 'Exploding' levels of human consumption are driving the impacts on nature, with over-exploitation of natural resources such as over-fishing, cutting down forests to grow crops such as soy and palm oil and the use of pesticides in agriculture. Climate change and plastic pollution are also significant and growing threats. THE PLASTIC POLLUTION CRISIS The percentage of seabirds with plastic in their stomach has increased to 90 per cent from 5 per cent in 1960, the shocking report reveals The percentage of seabirds with plastic in their stomach has increased to 90 per cent from 5 per cent in 1960, the shocking report reveals. Plastic pollution is one of the worst ways man is adversely affecting the environment. Among the alarming findings was work from the Commonwealth and Scientific Research Organisation which showed that of 186 species of seabirds 90 per cent have plastic in their stomachs, a figure projected to rise to 99 per cent by 2050. The Daily Mail has led the fight to cut the number of plastic bags dished out by supermarkets, as well as championing a deposit scheme to curb plastic bottle dumping. Loggerhead turtles are affected by plastic waste, such as abandoned fishing nets. Advertisement But wildlife is not just a 'nice to have' for humans, the report warns, with human food, health and medicines all relying on natural resources. All human economic activity ultimately depends on nature, the report said, with globally natural resources estimated to provide services worth 125 trillion US dollars ( 97 trillion) a year. With the world set to review progress on sustainable development and conserving biodiversity under UN agreements by 2020, there is a window of opportunity for action in the next two years, the conservation group argues. Tigers are killed for the illegal wildlife trade, with this skin seized at Heathrow Airport The Cerrado habitat in Brazil is being cleared for soy monocultures (Adriano Gambarini/WWF-Brazil/PA) A new global deal should be secured, backed by strong commitments from governments and businesses. WWF chief executive Tanya Steele said: 'We are the first generation to know we are destroying our planet and the last one that can do anything about it. 'Our wanton destruction of nature, coupled with the brutal chaos of climate change, is the biggest threat to humanity. 'If we want a world with orangutans and puffins, clean air and enough food for everyone, we need urgent action from our leaders and a new global deal for nature and people that kick starts a global programme of recovery.' WHAT ANIMALS ARE WORST HIT? Here are some examples of species being affected, according to WWF: - Hedgehog populations declined by three quarters in urban areas of the UK between 2002 and 2014, thought be due to factors including habitat loss, pesticides reducing their prey and vehicle deaths. - African grey parrot populations in south-west Ghana decreased by 98% between 1992 and 2014 due to exploitation and damage to their habitat. - The whale shark population in the Indo-Pacific is estimated to have fallen 63% over the last 75 years, and in the Atlantic by more than 30%, so that globally populations are thought to have fallen by more than 50% over the last 75 years. - African elephant populations in Tanzania have declined by 60% between 2009 and 2014, mostly due to poaching for their ivory. - Populations of black and white rhinos are down by an average of 63% between 1980 and 2006, with the illegal wildlife trade for their horns the biggest threat facing the animals. - Polar bear numbers are projected to decline by 30% by 2050, as climate change melts the Arctic ice and reduces their ability to hunt seals, find mates and rear their young. - More than 100,000 Bornean orangutans are estimated to have been lost between 1999 and 2015, largely due to the loss of their forest home for timber and palm oil plantations as well as illegal hunting. - Puffin numbers in Europe, which is home to 90% of the global population of the charismatic seabirds, is projected to fall by 50%-79% between 2000 and 2065 in the face of climate change and overfishing. - Populations of the wandering albatross have seen rapid declines as the birds are accidentally caught in long-line fisheries, with one population from Bird Island, South Georgia, falling 50% between 1972 and 2010, according to data from the British Antarctic Survey. Advertisement TV presenter and WWF-UK ambassador Ben Fogle said: 'I don't want my children growing up to learn about tigers, rhinos and even hedgehogs through history books and museums. 'I want them to see our world's diverse and wonderful wildlife with their own eyes. 'But our inaction is wiping out species across the globe and it terrifies me that, unless we make committed and immediate change to the way we live, there will be no other option for them.' Environment Secretary Michael Gove said: 'The continued decline in global nature highlighted by this alarming report matters to us all. 'We are committed to being the first generation to reverse the decline in our precious environment and leave it in a better state than we found it. 'But this is a global issue which we will not solve by ourselves. By working with countries around the world to develop a new global framework under the Convention on Biological Diversity, we will ensure we leave a legacy of which we can all be proud.' Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 30) Almost three thousand families fled their homes before typhoon "Rosita" struck northern Luzon, disaster officials reported. National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council Spokesperson (NDRRMC) Edgar Posadas said 2,928 families 10,122 individuals preemptively evacuated before "Rosita" made landfall in Isabela, Tuesday morning. The most affected area was region 2 with 2,101 families 7,343 individuals currently housed in 31 evacuation centers according to their latest data. The agency also reported that 30 flights have been cancelled resulting to 1,937 stranded passengers. No casualties have been reported so far but disaster officials are validating reports of a missing person in Perez, Quezon. A fishing vessel capsized Monday early morning when the province was under tropical cyclone warning signal number 1. Posadas assured that all concerned agencies such as the Social Welfare Department and the Department of Public Works and Highways are prepared to respond to the needs of residents. As of now, the NDRRMC does not yet see the need for response action, Posadas said. "DSWD is ready with logistical resources and the DPWH prepared also for their response actions. We also prepared with our own resources," he added. Posadas said they have back-up telecommunication equipment and uniformed rescue personnel on standby in case search and rescue operations are needed. NDRRMC Executive Director Ricardo Jalad said they are prepared since they were initially expecting "Rosita" to match the strength of typhoon "Ompong", that brought considerable damage to northern Luzon just a month ago. "As of last meeting natin ng NDRRMC, Rosita was at 205 or 200 kilometers per hour sustained winds and 245 kilometers per hour na gustiness so almost at the level of typhoon Ompongmabuti ang nangyari humina siya in fact in-anticipate ng PAGASA," Jalad said. [Translation: As of our last NDRRMC meeting, Rosita was at 205 kilometers per hour sustained winds and 245 kilometers per hour in gustiness so almost at the level of typhoon Ompongfortunately it weakened as anticipated by PAGASA.] Weather officials reported that "Rosita" is currently in Benguet and on its way to La Union. It will continue to traverse northern Luzon bringing rains and strong winds before it leaves Philippine territory Wednesday evening. On land, heatwaves can be deadly for humans and wildlife and can devastate crops and forests. Unusually warm periods can also occur in the ocean. These can last for weeks or months, killing off kelp forests and corals, and producing other significant impacts on marine ecosystems, fishing and aquaculture industries. Yet until recently, the formation, distribution and frequency of marine heatwaves had received little research attention. Long-term change Climate change is warming ocean waters and causing shifts in the distribution and abundance of seaweeds, corals, fish and other marine species. For example, tropical fish species are now commonly found in Sydney Harbour. But these changes in ocean temperatures are not steady or even, and scientists have lacked the tools to define, synthesize and understand the global patterns of marine heatwaves and their biological impacts. At a meeting in early 2015, we convened a group of scientists with expertise in atmospheric climatology, oceanography and ecology to form a marine heatwaves working group to develop a definition for the phenomenon: A prolonged period of unusually warm water at a particular location for that time of the year. Importantly, marine heatwaves can occur at any time of the year, summer or winter. Unusually warm periods can last for weeks or months, killing off kelp forests and corals, and producing other significant impacts on marine ecosystems, fishing and aquaculture industries worldwide (pictured) With the definition in hand, we were finally able to analyse historical data to determine patterns in their occurrence. Analysis of marine heatwave trends Over the past century, marine heatwaves have become longer and more frequent around the world. The number of marine heatwave days increased by 54 per cent from 1925 to 2016, with an accelerating trend since 1982. We collated more than 100 years of sea surface temperature data around the world from ship-based measurements, shore station records and satellite observations, and looked for changes in how often marine heatwaves occurred and how long they lasted. This graph shows a yearly count of marine heatwave days from 1900 to 2016, as a global average. We found that from 1925 to 1954 and 1987 to 2016, the frequency of heatwaves increased 34 per cent and their duration grew by 17 per cent. These long-term trends can be explained by ongoing increases in ocean temperatures. Given the likelihood of continued ocean surface warming throughout the 21st century, we can expect to see more marine heatwaves globally in the future, with implications for marine biodiversity. 'The Blob' effect Numbers and statistics are informative, but here's what that means underwater. A marine ecosystem that had 30 days of extreme heat in the early 20th century might now experience 45 days of extreme heat. That extra exposure can have detrimental effects on the health of the ecosystem and the economic benefits, such as fisheries and aquaculture, derived from it. A number of recent marine heatwaves have done just that. In 2011, a marine heatwave off western Australia killed off a kelp forest and replaced it with turf seaweed. The ecosystem shift remained even after water temperatures returned to normal, signalling a long-lasting or maybe even permanent change. That same event led to widespread loss of seagrass meadows from the iconic Shark Bay area, with consequences for biodiversity including increased bacterial blooms, declines in blue crabs, scallops and the health of green turtles, and reductions in the long-term carbon storage of these important habitats. Examples of marine heatwave impacts on ecosystems and species. Coral bleaching and seagrass die-back (top left and right). Mass mortality and changes in patterns of commercially important species s (bottom left and right) Similarly, a marine heatwave in the Gulf of Maine disrupted the lucrative lobster fishery in 2012. The warm water in late spring allowed lobsters to move inshore earlier in the year than usual, which led to early landings, and an unexpected and significant price drop. More recently, a persistent area of warm water in the North Pacific, nicknamed 'The Blob', stayed put for years (2014-2016), and caused fishery closures, mass strandings of marine mammals and harmful algal bloom outbreaks along the coast. It even changed large-scale weather patterns in the Pacific Northwest. As global ocean temperatures continue to rise and marine heatwaves become more widespread, the marine ecosystems many rely upon for food, livelihoods and recreation will become increasingly less stable and predictable. The climate change link Anthropogenic, that is human-caused, climate change is linked to some of these recent marine heatwaves. For example, human emissions of greenhouse gases made the 2016 marine heatwave in tropical Australia, which led to massive bleaching of the Great Barrier Reef, 53 times more likely to occur. Even more dramatically, the 2015-16 marine heatwave in the Tasman Sea that persisted for more than eight months and disrupted Tasmanian fisheries and aquaculture industries was over 300 times more likely, thanks to anthropogenic climate change. For scientists, the next step is to quantify future changes under different warming scenarios. How much more often will they occur? How much warmer will they be? And how much longer will they last? Ultimately, scientists should develop forecasts for policy makers, managers and industry that could predict the future impacts of marine heatwaves for weeks or months ahead. Having that information would help fishery managers know when to open or close a fishery, aquaculture businesses to plan harvest dates and conservation managers to implement additional monitoring efforts. Forecasts can help manage the risks, but in the end, we still need urgent action to curb greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming. If not, marine ecosystems are set for an ever-increasing hammering from extreme ocean heat. Source: Eric Oliver, Assistant Professor, Dalhousie University; Alistair Hobday, Senior Principal Research Scientist - Oceans and Atmosphere, CSIRO; Dan Smale, Research Fellow in Marine Ecology, Marine Biological Association; Neil Holbrook, Professor, University of Tasmania; Thomas Wernberg, ARC Future Fellow in Marine Ecology, University of Western Australia in a piece for The Conversation. Government auditors have traced a malware infection back to one prolific porn-watching employee. Investigators found the employee who worked within the US Geological Survey had an 'extensive history' of watching porn on his work computer. The unnamed employee visited 9,000 different porn pages containing malware which he downloaded onto his computer. Scroll down for video Government auditors have traced a malware infection back to a single porn-watching employee (stock image) 'Our digital forensic examination revealed that [XXX] had an extensive history of visiting adult pornography sites', the report found. 'Many of the 9,000 web pages [XXX] visited routed through websites that originated in Russia and contained malware'. 'Our analysis confirmed that many of the pornographic images were subsequently saved to an unauthorised USB device and personal Android cell phone connected to [XXX] Government-issued computer'. They were connected to the work computer against agency protocol, the report said. Once a computer is infected with the software, cyber criminals can access data by logging keystrokes or monitoring the computer's activity. The employee in question no longer works at the agency, Affairs Director Nancy DiPaolo told NextGov. Proactively blocking adult websites 'will likely enhance preventative countermeasures', the report found. The Interior Department watchdog recommended improving security protocols in light of the incident. Investigators found the employee within the US Geological Survey had an 'extensive history' of watching porn on his work computer (stock image) Earlier this year a Department of Education employee infected his government computer with a virus by searching for 'naked toddlers', 'little boys' and references to child rape. Documents obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request by DailyMail.com show the staffer typed in at least 18 illicit searches on his taxpayer-funded computer - included references to child porn. The phrases he looked for in September, 2014, included: 'Very young little girls', 'naked toddler' and 'too young boy'. Other search terms allude to bestiality involving children and child rape. As a result, his computer was infected with malware, putting massive databases at risk, including student loan information. Investigators then searched his government computer and found 'graphic images of nude and nearly nude children as well as graphically drawn images of children engaging in sexual acts with adults'. They then searched the employee's home and found 13 images of child porn on his computer. The employee, whose name has been kept hidden in the files, denied any wrongdoing and insisted he entered the search terms to test the system's website-blocking protocols. He was suspended during the investigations but then retired from government employee. Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S10 will be the first major smartphone without any bezel round the screen, according to a new leak. The screen will stretch to all edges of the phone and have an under-the-screen camera and fingerprint scanner. Bezels are a border or notch around the edge of a phone screen and house chunkier technology such as home buttons, sensors, camera and speaker. The latest leak came from Samsung's OLED Forum, held in China earlier this month which suggests the Korean firm will do away with the bezels to maximise screen space. Scroll down for video Korean tech giant Samsung is set to release its flagship S10 handset early next year and leaks have surfaced online that claim it will be the first major device to have a full-screen display (pictured) An image released by renowned leaker @UniverseIce showed the under the screen technology. It is believed these will include fingerprint scanners, cameras and sensors for FaceID, for example. If Samsung manages to manufacture this technology it will likely make the S10 one of the most visually striking devices on the market. These rumours and leaks are yet to be confirmed by Samsung. However, Samsung Mobile's DJ Koh said last month that a 'very significant' redesign was in the works for the S10. Smartphone manufacturers such as Apple have been trying to eradicate bezels from their handsets. An image released by renowned leaker @UniverseIce showed the under the screen technology. It is believed these will include fingerprint scanners, cameras and sensors for FaceID, for example The latest leak came from Samsung's OLED Forum, held in China earlier this month which suggests the Korean firm will do away with the bezels to maximise screen space This has been made increasingly difficult by the inability to keep front-facing cameras and sensors without them. This gave birth to the notch which allowed all the tech to be condesed into one small area at the top of the screen. This innovation, however, attracted widespread criticism for its lack of aesthetic appeal. The Korean tech giant is expected to launch three Galaxy S10 models, as well as its long-awaited folding phone, by early next year, according to Bloomberg. Samsung has long discussed the idea of releasing a folding phone. Its patented many folding designs, like this one showing a book-like handset that can be opened to become a tablet A folding phone has been in the works at Samsung for many months now, with speculation of such a device first bubbling up over a year ago. Bloomberg said Samsung's foldable phone is currently being developed under a secretive codename called 'Winner,' which is line with previous reports that made the same claim. The firm is mulling over two prototypes - one of which is longer horizontally, while the other is longer vertically - with designers preferring the portrait model, as it's easier for users to hold than a landscape design. It would also have a four-inch screen on the outside so that users can check their messages and notifications without having to flip it open. The more severe or heinous a crime the more likely a jury is to believe the defendant is guilty. This is according to new research that found the type of alleged crime can increase jurors' confidence in guilt regardless of the evidence. This is because they are worried that if they let an offender go free they could go on to carry out another crime against them or their community. Scroll down for video The more severe or heinous a crime the more likely a jury is to believe the defendant is guilty, according to new research (stock image) 'When the crime is very serious, people perceive it as a threat to themselves or their community', said Senior author Professor Pate Skene, at Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, North Carolina. 'When you get to very serious crimes, the danger of not solving the crime and putting away the person who did it may drive your mental calculus and begin to shift the balance a little bit toward not wanting to take the chance that this person is guilty.' Lead author Assistant Professor Dr John Pearson added: 'If the crime is more serious or more heinous, mock jurors are more likely to be convinced by the same amount of evidence.' Researchers made an online computer assessment that detailed crimes ranging from running an illegal distillery to mass murder. Each case included a description of the crime and varying amounts of evidence. Participants rated how strong each case was on a scale of zero to 100. The more serious they found a case, the more likely the mock jurors were to deem defendants guilty. Professor Pearson said: 'We found that dog-napping was worth 15 points on the scale regardless of the evidence. 'You can think of that as a bias, people mentally move the slider over a certain amount before they see the evidence.' Six hundred participants, including law students, practising lawyers, judges and active state prosecutors, completed the study online. For online participants the type of crime committed changed their scores by up to 27 points. Professor Pearson said: 'That effect goes away with legal training. 'Lawyers are trained that cases are decided by evidence; they don't care what the person was accused of.' A computer-based experiment with mock jurors found that people were more likely to judge a defendant guilty if the crime (labelled 'scenario') was worse, regardless of the weight of evidence Researchers also tested how different types of evidence changed participants' beliefs. They found DNA and non-DNA physical evidence, such as fingerprints or fibres, had the biggest effect, contributing about 30 points. Professor Pearson called this the well-documented 'CSI effect.' Although DNA evidence is more reliable than non-DNA evidence, jurors trust both equally. While the study shows that mock jurors need less evidence to convict serious crimes, he said they should actually require more. 'There's a certain irony in the fact that the better a scientific method is, the harder it is to remember that it's sometimes wrong', said Professor Skene. 'Fingerprints aren't as good as DNA, but they're pretty good evidence most of the time, so it's harder to keep in mind that they sometimes lead to mistakes. 'As the potential for error goes up, it's more important to point that out.' Contrary to conventional legal wisdom, knowledge of prior convictions only changed juror confidence by about 10 points. Now researchers plan to use MRI scanners to measure how participants' brains activate when completing the judgement tasks. Professor Pearson said they hope to understand how participants' emotional and moral reactions influence their judgements. For instance, the participants may be considering the risks of letting murderers go free versus convicting innocent people. The findings were published in the journal Nature Human Behaviour. Advertisement Heartbreaking images reveal the toll that Britain's plastic waste crisis is having on its seals. Pictures show animals with plastic rings around their necks, some of which cut inches deep into their blubber, hindering the creatures' ability to move and hunt. The RSPCA has warned that the number of seals with 'horrifying' injuries caused by plastic waste each year is at its worst in a decade. Items causing such injuries - and even death - include fishing nets or pieces of plastic waste which are plighting areas of the coast, including Horsey beach in Norfolk. Horsey is known for its vibrant seal population and is a popular spot for British seal tourism, with more than 1,600 pups born there last year. Scroll down for video Pictured is a seal at Horsey beach in Norfolk with a plastic ring caught around its neck. It is one of several heartbreaking images that reveal the toll Britain's plastic waste crisis is having on its wildlife Alison Charles, manager of the RSPCA's East Winch Wildlife Centre, Norfolk, said man made items left in the water or on beaches are killing seals every day. 'Seals are inquisitive, so they get caught in nets from fishing trawlers and the single nylon lines used in mackerel fishing, and frisbees - just all the rubbish that's out there,' he said. 'These poor animals are getting stuck and suffer horrendous and often terrible disgusting slow deaths. 'They cannot extend their neck, so they cannot fish. It is absolutely horrifying.' The RSPCA has previously rescued and treated between two and four seals each year, and none at all before 2008. But within the last year 10 seals have been rescued with plastic and metal rings around their necks, as well at rope and plastic nylon netting that they have become tangled in. Pictures show animals with plastic rings around their necks that sometimes cut inches deep into their blubber, hindering the creatures' ability to move and hunt The RSPCA has warned that the number of seals with 'horrifying' injuries caused by plastic waste each year is at its worst in a decade Items causing such injuries - and even death - include fishing nets or pieces of plastic waste which are plighting areas of the coast, including Horsey beach in Norfolk 'It is never natural items, it is always plastic or metal or other things that should not be in the water,' Ms Charles said. Pictured is a seal rescued at Horsey beach that was caught in a plastic fishing net 'I've even seen a seal with a bikini around its neck. As they get larger and larger, it cuts through the skin and they get an infection.' The Friends of Horsey Seals charity monitors seals along the Norfolk coast and described the situation as 'just horrendous'. Ms Charles added that neither the RSPCA or Friends of Horsey were sure of the scale of injured seals on the Norfolk coast but that the numbers are growing each year. Friends of Horsey volunteer David Wyse said it is extremely difficult to rescue female seals that are being strangled by frisbees. In order to help any of the seals, they need to be isolated and weakened by infection before they can be captured. Mr Wyse said: 'The problem is that the females are about to give birth and any serious disturbance to the group could result in miscarriages.' Once any of the seals are captured they are treated with antibiotics over several months, before being released. However, the RSPCA this year had to put down a baby seal when its nose was severed by a nylon fishing line. Ms Charles said: 'It had cut so deep, when I removed the ring I thought I had decapitated her.' 'I felt sick. It was brilliant when Blue Planet raised the issue of rubbish in our oceans - we had been saying it for years.' Earlier this year the RSPCA released a seal known as 'Frisbee' back into the sea after she successfully recovered from life-threatening neck injuries that cut deep into her neck Alison Charles, manager of the RSPCA's East Winch Wildlife Centre, Norfolk, said man made items left in the water or on beaches are killing seals every day An Austrian man is 'backing up' human civilisation on hundreds of ceramic tiles in an attempt to preserve knowledge about modern society. The tablets, about the size of a bathroom tile, are laser-engraved with personal recollections, global news, texts of books and scientific studies. Ceramicist Martin Kunz, 50, is storing the texts in a salt mine buried a mile (1.6 km) deep inside an Austrian mountain. He describes his Memory of Mankind plan as a 'preservation project' meant to protect knowledge about our civilisation from 'oblivion and collective amnesia'. The ultimate aim is to create a log that could last thousands or even millions of years in the hopes that advanced alien civilisations may one day read it. Martin Kunz (pictured) is 'backing up' human civilisation on hundreds of ceramic tiles in an attempt to preserve knowledge about modern society Mr Kunz, based in the Austrian town of Gmunden, has already etched more than 500 tablets since Memory of Mankind (MOM) began in 2012. Each small tablet, measuring just eight by eight inches, can fit five 400-page books thanks to a laser etching technique that allows Mr Kunz to cram in reams of super-downsized text. Anthropologists, musicologists, linguists and space experts have guided him on scientific papers and findings worthy of inclusion in the archive. 'As a species, we're collectors and rememberers. We leave traces of ourselves everywhere,' Mr Kunz told GQ. 'MOM is the first "bottom-up" history of the world ... I always have to emphasise that this is not a doomsday project.' Mr Kunz, who got into ceramics as a student, was inspired by the longevity of ancient tablets left behind by some of humanity's first civilisations. Mr Kunz is storing the texts in a salt mine buried a mile (1.6 km) deep in an Austrian mountain. Pictured is a crate of tablets stored in the mine Mr Kunz plans to create hundreds of tokens, like the one pictured above, that act as a treasure map to show future civilisations the location of his archive. One one side (left) is a map of Europe with an 'x' marking the spot of the mine, while on the other is a map showing where the mine is along a lake in the Austrian town of Hallstatt His tablets, which he etches using a laser engraver in his workshop, are stored in one of the world's oldest salt mines, near the small Austrian town of Hallstatt. Many are engraved with love letters, diary entries, newspaper articles and blogs sent to Mr Kunz by people across the world through his website. Around 50 crates of tablets are stored in a small corner of the mine gifted to Mr Kunz by the owners at salt firm Saltzwelten (Salt Worlds). The first of them is etched with a greeting to future finders from Mr Kunz himself. He believes future civilisations could use the tablets to learn about humanity millions of years from now. Around 50 crates (pictured) of tablets are stored in a small corner of the mine gifted to Mr Kunz by the owners at salt firm Saltzwelten (Salt Worlds) To guide future readers, it is dated using astronomical events to allow civilisations that can't read numbers to understand the contents within. There's also a pictionary, so they can understand letters and words. While much of human history and culture is now stored on the internet, he believes the data won't last forever. If a solar storm or power outage doesn't wipe the data out, it could be deleted as humanity's storage space runs out. 'Sooner or later we'll have to delete data, massively. Just for economical and ecological reasons,' he said. 'This deletion will not be organised, not considered in selecting what we want to keep.' Virgin Media customers across large parts of the UK reported that their broadband service had crashed earlier today. Scores of unhappy users up and down the country, including parts of Birmingham, London and Manchester, took to social media to air their complaints. Users claimed that they are unable to connect to the company's broadband, TV and phone services. It comes as a survey by Which? found that the nations household broadband system, most of which runs across old copper telephone wires, has been voted the worst in the country. Virgin Media has denied there was an outage to their system despite the complaints. Virgin Media customers across large parts of the UK are reporting that their broadband service is currently down. Scores of unhappy users up and down the country, including parts of Birmingham, London and Manchester, have taken to social media to air their complaints Virgin Media, which offers a supposedly high-speed fibre network, attracted the most ire from its customers. People reported issues with the services on the website Downdetector, which tracks mobile and internet provider outages. Virgin Media has five million customers across the country, although the outage is not expected to affect the majority of them. Angry customers took to Twitter to vent their frustrations. 'My Virgin Media WiFi is down and tele. What am I meant to do with my life', tweeted Birmingham-based user Ryan Seal. 'Virgin Media broadband has just gone down, only power indicator is on, showing red', tweeted Borehamwood-based user Keith Andrews. People have reported issues with the services on the website Downdetector, which tracks mobile and internet provider outages. Virgin Media has five million customers across the country, although the outage is not expected to affect the majority Another user, Emily Hobden who is based in Hove, tweeted; 'Would you look at that... @virginmedia is down again'. A Virgin Media spokesperson said: 'There are no widespread outages on our network. 'As always, any individual customers who might be having problems can get in touch and we can take a look at any issues in more detail.' Virgin Media was named as the broadband provider customers are most likely to experience problems with in a Which? survey, published today. Seven in ten Virgin customers said they had had some sort of problem over the past year, with almost half 45 per cent citing unreasonable price increases. Angry customers took to Twitter to vent their frustrations. 'My Virgin Media WiFi is down and tele. What am I meant to do with my life', tweeted Birmingham-based user Ryan Seal 'Virgin Media broadband has just gone down, only power indicator is on, showing red', tweeted Borehamwood-based user Keith Andrews Another user, Emily Hobden who is based in Hove, tweeted; 'Would you look at that... @virginmedia is down again' The firm announced an average 4.5 per cent price rise in August for its five million broadband, phone and TV customers. The survey of more than 7,000 households found that overall the majority 57 per cent of broadband customers were not pleased with their service. Which? said many who have stuck with the same firms for years are being grossly overcharged and should switch providers to save hundreds of pounds a year. Virgin said the findings were surprising as regulator Ofgem had awarded it the highest customer satisfaction levels. Virgin Media was named as the broadband provider customers are most likely to experience problems with in a Which? survey, published today. Seven in ten Virgin customers said they had had some sort of problem over the past year (stock image) Greater awareness of the inequality between the sexes has seen women ascend to highly-paid jobs but this feminism success story has also made boys more ambitious. Research from a British university has found that women have advanced in fields such as law and accountancy but men remain in the best-paid and most prestigious management roles. A report has found that a major cause of this is the redoubled efforts from males to compete for the best jobs. Researchers at the London School of Economics warn this could stunt the progress being made to eradicate the gender pay gap. Scroll down for video Karren Brady (pictured) is one of the leading figures in business and was elected to the House of Lords in 2014. Research from LSE has found that women have advanced in fields such as law and accountancy but men remain in the best-paid and most prestigious management roles The findings come shortly after it was revealed that for people under the age of 40 the gender pay gap is 'close to zero'. It is also allegedly shrinking for people in their 40s. The LSE paper was based on evidence from large scale national surveys of children born in 1958, 1970 and 2000. Analysis of the research has found that boys born in 2000 'have higher aspirations than previous male generations in terms of income, to the point where the gender pay gap could actually become larger than it is at present if these aspirations are fulfilled'. Men continue to dominate in science, technology, engineering, finance and politics, the report said. The report explained: '[Boys] are 'increasingly geared towards jobs with significantly higher levels of competitiveness and larger incomes compared to previous generations and their current female peers.' It was also found as part of the research that the growing ambition of men is contributing to male prominence in the most senior jobs such as chief executives, chief financial officers, chief operating officers and other senior management positions. Researchers Dr Grace Lordan of the LSE and Dr Warn N Lekfuangfu of Chulalong Univerisity in Bangkok, said: 'The changing preferences of males are contributing to stubborn gender gaps in traditionally male dominated positions. 'Noteworthy is that males in the most recent cohort are aspiring to work in occupations with significantly higher levels of competitiveness and larger income as opposed to previous cohorts and their current female peers.' They said that while women conquered once male-dominated industries, males had not moved the other way and infiltrated traditionally femalecentric professions. Gwynne Shotwell (pictured) is the Chief Operating Officer at SpaceX. Researchers at the London School of Economics warn the increased ambition of males could stunt the progress being made to eradicate the gender pay gap WHAT IS THE GENDER PAY GAP? On average, men working in the UK earn between 9 per cent more than women in the same profession, numbers released by the Office for National Statistics show. But in many professions the gulf is far larger - with female bank managers earning on average 39,995 a year - over a quarter (28.6 per cent) less than men on 58,070. The data reveals that public sector staff are still on an average higher wage than those in the private sector - taking home 599 a week compared to 532. Male farmers take home more than 20 per cent more than women - earning on average 10,59 an hour rather than 8.39 an hour given to females. The overwhelming majority of professions tend to pay more to men than women. And research conducted in October 2017 showed that just three jobs do not have a gender pay gap at all - bar staff, medical and dental technicians, and waiters. From April 2018, all employers with more than 250 staff have been required by law to publish their gender pay gap online. Figures also show that average weekly earnings for full-time employees in the UK were 550, up 2.2 per cent from 539 in 2016 and the highest rise since 2008. TUC (Trade Union Congress) comments say women are essentially working for free for the first 67 days of the year. Justine Greening, women and equalities minister, said: 'Eliminating the gender pay gap is key to building a stronger economy where everyone plays by the same rules. 'It is simply good business sense to recognise the enormous potential of women and to take action to nurture and progress female talent.' She added: 'I'm now calling on employers across the country to get on with publishing their gender pay gap. They have until 31st March to do so. 'By shining a light on where there are gaps, employers can take action and make sure that we are harnessing the talents and skills of men and women.' Advertisement For example, social workers, nurses and primary school teachers remain heavily dominated by women. The researchers say this is as a result of 'asymmetric gender revolution.' The added: 'The proportion of males in nursing is flat over the three periods, with the share of males planning to go into teaching decreasing to even lower levels for the most recent cohort.' Girls, the paper said, want to conform to social expectations, however much parents or teachers may try to persuade them to go into heavily male occupations. It said there were 'questions on what can really be achieved by individuals at a local level, by parents, to move the needle. 'For example, if a mother encourages her daughter to be an astrophysicist, but the society she is growing up in sends different messages, the efforts may be lost on the average girl.' Dr Lordan said: 'We expect equality for females, but our analysis has revealed that the traditional male paths are either unchanging, or, in the case of income and competitiveness, being aspired too more often by boys born in 2000. 'Everyone focuses on gender equality with respect to moving females into traditional male roles. Few pay attention to the lack of changing trends for male professions.' NASA has revealed fresh hope that its Opportunity rover could come back to life on the surface of Mars. Earlier this week the space agency issued an update saying it could be all over for the rover. Now, it says there is a glimmer of hope - in the shape of high winds. Scroll down for video Nasa's Opportunity rover has finally been lost on Mars four months after a raging dust storm encircled the red planet, the space agency has said 'After a review of the progress of the listening campaign, NASA will continue its current strategy for attempting to make contact with the Opportunity rover for the foreseeable future,' the space agency said. 'Winds could increase in the next few months at Opportunity's location on Mars, resulting in dust being blown off the rover's solar panels.' NASA said it will keep trying to contact the rover until at least January 2019. The rover, which is located on the rim of Mars' Endeavour Crater, has been out of contact for four months after a raging dust storm encircled the red planet. Skies eventually cleared by mid-September, when America's space agency began a six-week listening programme to try and receive data from their device. Dr Lori Glaze, acting director of Nasa's planetary science division, suggested that attempts to recover the rover by sending daily signals would be coming to an end. 'The batteries may be getting too cold and that may be too much for 'the little rover that could',' Dr Glaze told the Times. Last week Dr Glaze said that efforts to revive the rover would only continue for 'another week or two'. 'It's been a rollercoaster of emotions the last couple of days', said Mike Staab, a systems engineer and flight director at Nasa's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. 'We're all just trying to do what we believe is right', he said. Opportunity fell silent back in June, with no way to power its solar battery as dust continued to block out the sun. The animation shows how the rover (centre) was directly in the path of the raging storm Nasa said it 'not set any deadlines' for giving up contact. In desperate attempts to revive it engineers have played it songs such as played it songs such as Wham!'s Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go. Last month, the space agency revealed it had spotted the silent rover on the surface of Mars, though it still hasnt heard from it. The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter took a picture in late September from 166 miles (267 kilometers) up, with Opportunity appearing as a tiny dot. Engineers involved with the mission were at first hopeful that the robotic Mars explorer would wake back up once the storm abated but, after months of silence, they recently admitted morale is shaky. Last month, the space agency revealed it had spotted the silent rover on the surface of Mars, though it still hasnt heard from it HOW OFTEN DO DUST STORMS HAPPEN ON MARS AND WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO SEE THEM? Dust storms occur frequently on Mars, but global events that circle the entire planet appear every six to eight Earth years, which equates to three to four years on the red planet. MailOnline spoke to Dr Robert Massey, deputy executive director of the Royal Astronomical Society, for his advice on witnessing this extra-terrestrial weather event. He said: 'Observing Mars is always challenging, as it's small, about half the size of the Earth, and at its closest is still around 34 million miles (55 million km) away. 'It is easily visible to the eye as a bright red object in the sky, but seeing any detail requires a reasonable telescope and binoculars won't show much. 'Even with that, details are fleeting, and depend on a steady terrestrial atmosphere as otherwise turbulence blurs out the view. 'This is why early Martian observers spent a lot of time making many sketches to try to map the planet's surface. 'A good time to look is when Mars is near its opposition, the point when the planet is opposite the sun in the sky and near its minimum distance from the Earth. 'Opposition in 2018 is on July 27, and Mars' closest approach is on 30 July. 'As it gets dark in the evening, you should look for a bright red object in the southeastern sky. 'With a decent telescope, observers can see the polar caps growing and shrinking and the dust storms described above. These can rapidly change from being local features to planetwide events.' Advertisement Even if it does come back on, the team is anticipating 'complexity' with the rover's mission clock. Without enough energy to sustain its mission clock, which is thought to be the only instrument still working, the rover won't know what time it is. So far, Opportunity has exceeded its expected lifespan many times over. Both Opportunity and its twin, Spirit, were designed to last only 90 days on the Martian surface, with the expectation that the planet's extreme winters and dust storms could cut their mission short. Nasa launched the Opportunity rover as part of its Mars Exploration Rover program in 2004. It landed on Mars' Meridiani Planum plain near its equator on January 25, 2004. Opportunity's panoramic camera (Pancam) took the component images for this view from a position outside Endeavor Crater during the span of June 7 to June 19, 2017. It is one of the last images the rover sent WHAT IS THE OPPORTUNITY ROVER? NASA launched the Opportunity rover as part of its Mars Exploration Rover program in 2004. It landed on Mars' Meridiani Planum plain near its equator on January 25, 2004. Opportunity was only supposed to stay on Mars for 90 days, but has now lasted an astounding 14 years. In its lifetime, Opportunity has explored two craters on the red planet, Victoria and Endeavour, as well as found several signs of water. It survived a bad dust storm in 2007 and is now being closely watched to see if it can survive a massive storm that has an estimated opacity level of 10.8, a sharp increase from the earlier storm's 5.5 tau. NASA has made several updates to the spacecraft since it landed on Mars, such as its flash memory. Advertisement The rover has lasted nearly 15 years: It last communicated on June 10 before being forced into hibernation by the growing dust storm. In its lifetime, Opportunity has explored two craters on the red planet, Victoria and Endeavour, as well as found several signs of water. Nasa has made several updates to the spacecraft since it landed on Mars, such as its flash memory. Advertisement They were once thriving towns bustling with people, booming with business and boasting plenty of natural resources. But as these eerie images show - not any more. The fascinating pictures feature in the book Ghost Towns by Chris McNab, which reveals lost worlds from deserted Italian mountain villages to gold rush towns that have seriously lost their sparkle. The tome examines the reasons why these places have been deserted with the collapse of local industry, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, war and man-made chemical spills all responsible for the onset of abandonment. All in all, it's a Halloween bucket list that'll send shivers up your spine. Scroll down to see a selection of haunting pictures from the book, published with kind permission from Amber Books Ltd. Balestrino, pictured, is one of the most intriguing ghost towns in Italy. Situated 43 miles southwest of Genoa, the town dates back to the 11th century, and has a turbulent political and military history. Its decline began with Italian occupation in the 19th century, but was cemented by earthquakes and hydrogeological instability, with the last residents leaving in 1953. The fact that the town is cordoned off to visitors makes it even more compelling Situated seven miles from Hyderabad in India, the Golkonda Fort, pictured, formed the capital of the kingdom of Golkonda in the 14th to 17th century. Built initially of mudbrick, the fortress was expanded with granite structures during the 16th century. During the 17th century, the fortress resisted a nine-month siege by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, only succumbing when a traitor nefariously opened a gate from the inside Chaiten in the Los Lagos region of Chile sat under the shadow of nearby Chaiten volcano for centuries. But in May 2008, the volcano decided to end its 9,000 years of silence. As the residents abandoned their homes, ash rained down on the town, and on May 12 a volcanic mudflow from the Blanco River swamped Chaiten and destroyed most of its buildings and infrastructure Pripyat in Ukraine remains one of the most notorious ghost towns in the world, blighted by its proximity to the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Gradually the radiation levels have dropped, and government efforts to reclaim the city are starting to bear fruit. Nevertheless, there is still a 19-mile exclusion zone around the nuclear power plant, incorporating Pripyat Pyramiden was a coal-mining settlement established on the remote Arctic archipelago of Svalbard in Norway in 1910. It was subsequently sold to the Soviets in 1927, and at the height of its productivity the settlement had a population of about 1,000 people. By the 1990s, however, the mining there was in decline, and the very last resident left in October 1998 The ghost village of Kayakoy was once a lively and integrated GreekTurkish community, just inside Turkey. Political changes with the fall of the Ottoman Empire, however, resulted in the expulsion of the Greek Christians and the beginning of the village's decline. A subsequent earthquake finished the job The history of the gold-mining settlement of San Antonio de Lipez in Bolivia stretches back to the 16th century. Today the only industries in the immediate area are related to agriculture, particularly to livestock such as sheep and llamas, potatoes and quinoa. The scale of the mining activity has now been virtually erased, but at one point some 150,000 people were living in the vicinity of the local mines Surrounded by the nearby mountains, the Tamerza oasis in Tunisia is a remarkably fertile patch of land in an otherwise parched landscape. Because of the oasis' water supplies, courtesy of run-off from the mountains, a small town grew there. Ironically, the town was abandoned after heavy flooding destroyed many buildings during the 1960s Few abandoned religious buildings carry the moody visual impact of the Church of St Gregory in Ani, Turkey. The church was built in the 13th century, in a position high above the Arpacay gorge. The interior features impressive frescoes on two themes the Life of Christ and the Life of St Gregory the Illuminator. Ani is a ruined Armenian city, now located in the Turkish province of Kars. Founded in the fifth century, the city rose to become the capital of the Bagratid Armenian kingdom in the 10th and 11th centuries, before war and time reduced it to ruins by the 17th century The Jahaz Mahal in Delhi, India, is a masterpiece of architecture and aquatic landscaping. Its name means 'Ship Palace', as the reflection of the palace in its man-made reservoir resembles the image of a ship at sea. The palace was constructed in the 15th and 16th centuries, originally as a place for travellers to stop, rest and be entertained During the war in Abkhazia in the 1990s, Tkvarcheli was held under siege by Georgian forces. Although the city withstood the siege, it subsequently never recovered from the human and economic trauma, and fell into decline. From a population of nearly 22,000 in 1989, the city's inhabitants dropped to just 5,000 by 2011. Large parts of the city and the surrounding districts lie uninhabited. Pictured are the rusting remains of Tkvarcheli thermal power plant, which was bombed in the first year of the siege, stripping the population of electricity for more than a year Looking at Agdam in Azerbaijan today, it is hard to imagine that in 1989 it was a thriving town of about 29,000 inhabitants. During the Nagorno-Karabakh War of 1991, it was captured by Armenian forces and subsequently destroyed. Looting and the stripping of houses for building materials forced out the last remaining residents The Siwa Oasis sits in an isolated part of Egypt's Western Desert, with a settlement there recorded as far back as the 10th century BCE. The crumbling Old Town is a remarkable and vanishing legacy of this history, still dominated by the organic shapes that constitute the remnants of the Fortress of Shali. The building material of the fortress buildings is kershif, a mixture of salt and mud-brick that has proved to be defenceless against rainfall much of the city was destroyed by a massive downpour in 1926 Al-Ula in Saudi Arabia is an astonishing spectacle even after the passage of more than 2,500 years. Established in the sixth century BCE, and extensively reconstructed in the 13th century CE, the walled city grew to encompass some 800 mud-brick and stone houses, huddled together in a bewildering maze of alleys, walls and small courtyards. The last of the inhabitants left in the 1980s The settlement of Polyana in the republic of Abkhazia was formerly a mining community. The decline of that industry in the area, plus the destruction unleashed by war, has reduced the town to a haunted shadow of its former self. Many of Abkhazia's ghost towns actually still have a handful of residents, scratching out an existence in ramshackle housing Set high up in the San Juan Mountains, Animas Forks in Colorado was a 19th-century mining town, abandoned in the 1920s. The settlement's name was originally Three Forks of the Animas, describing its location at the nearby meeting place of three rivers, one of them being the Animas. Many people left to escape the vicious winter conditions, especially once the mines had ceased to deliver a good profit The volcanic deposits piled up around this architecturally defiant cathedral provide ample evidence for why San Juan Parangaricutiro in Mexico is abandoned. The nearby Paricutin volcano erupted in 1943, smothering the town with volcanic ash and lava The Church of the Redeemer in Ani, Turkey, or least what remains of it after hundreds of years of decay and weathering. The church's construction was completed in 1035, and it was restored at several points throughout its history before it was finally left to the elements in the mid-18th century (along with the rest of the city). The collapse of the entire eastern half of the church most likely dates to 1957. During that year local people remember a huge storm one night, accompanied by the sound of crashing masonry in the distance as the church's neglected structure finally gave way Nature progressively reclaimed this old abandoned Presbyterian church, with vines and tree roots swarming over foundations and walls. The church is located in Port Blair on Ross Island, part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Indian Ocean. A British settlement was established at Port Blair in the late 18th century, part of the spreading British colonization of the Indian subcontinent. Although in its heyday Port Blair sparkled with high-society lives, the islands also proved to be difficult outposts for the British over their 150-year occupation. Disease claimed many lives, and there was periodic violence between the colonists and the local inhabitants. 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(1) Jul 29 (1) May 11 (1) Jul 11 (1) Airlines that operate the model of aircraft that was involved in the Indonesian Lion Air crash are not undertaking emergency inspections until they hear more details about what caused the tragedy from Boeing. A 737 Max 8 operated by Lion Air crashed on Monday minutes after taking off from Jakarta, bound for Pangkal Pinang city, killing all 189 passengers and crew on board. MailOnline contacted a number of carriers that operate the aircraft and asked if emergency inspections are being carried out in the wake of the tragedy - but they said they are all waiting to hear from Boeing. The Lion Air aircraft crashed about 13 minutes after taking off from Indonesia (pictured is the plane) American Airlines said that it currently has 15 737 Max 8 aircraft in its fleet but no action is currently being taken. A spokesperson said: 'American Airlines extends our condolences to the families and friends of those on board Lion Air 610. We continue to closely monitor the investigation via Boeing and the National Transportation Safety Board. 'We always inspect our fleet of more than 1,500 aircraft in accordance with U.S. government regulations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) sets very strict guidelines for all U.S. commercial carriers when it comes to the safe operation and inspection of U.S. aircraft.' WestJet also revealed that it has nine Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft in its fleet. A representative for the Canadian carrier said that the airline has not yet been informed by Boeing or the regulator that 'any action is required or warranted'. Tui said: 'We are in constant contact with Boeing and we will continue to monitor the situation. So far the reason for the accident is still under investigation and we have no indication to believe that we cant operate this aircraft type the same safe way we do with all our planes. 'We operate five Boeing 737 Max 8 planes four in Belgium and one in Scandinavia. All of them have been operating reliable and we had a smooth entry-into-service in January this year when the first plane was delivered.' The Lion Air flight crashed having reached an altitude of 5,000ft MailOnline contacted a number of carriers that operate the aircraft and asked if emergency inspections are being carried out in the wake of the tragedy - but they said they are all waiting to hear from Boeing MORE FUEL EFFICIENT AND BETTER SEATING CAPACITY: BOEING'S 737 MAX 8 Boeing's 737 Max 8 model replaced the similar 800 in the Chicago-based plane maker's product line and has been ordered by carriers including American Airlines, United Airlines, Norwegian and FlyDubai. Many consider the 737 Max 8, with a range of 3,550 nautical miles and top speed of 530mph, the darling of the aviation industry thanks in part to its suitability for the increasingly popular short-haul market. It adds fuel efficiency and a seat capacity of 210 to the workhorse reputation of the existing single-aisle 737. According to CNN, one of the selling points of the Max range is its Leap jet engines which Boeing says 'redefine the future of efficient and environmentally friendly air travel.' This, the firm says, means the 737 Max 8 is between 10 per cent to 12 per cent more efficient than their predecessors. The plane entered service in 2017 and Boeing reportedly had trouble keeping up with a rush of orders, which have already amassed 4,700 from more than 100 airlines including Jet Airways and Norwegian Air Shuttle. However, there were some technical hitches to begin with and Boeing suspended release of the fuel-efficient 737 Max just days before its first commercial delivery last year due to an issue with engines. Boeing estimated 737 sales accounted for up to 40 per cent of the company's total profits. Advertisement Other airlines that have invested in the 737 Max 8 - which flew commercially for the first time last year - include Aerolineas Argentinas, Air Canada, Air China, Jet Airways, Norwegian Air, Oman Air and Southwest Airlines. Ryanair told MailOnline Travel that it doesn't currently operate the 737 Max 8, but it does have 25 on order for spring 2019. The Lion Air plane crashed minutes after taking off and plunged into the sea from 5,000ft. The pilot and co-pilot had more than 11,000 hours flying time between them and had undergone recent medical checkups and drug testing, the carrier said. On its last flight - JT610 - the jet was travelling at a much faster speed than would be expected, but the pilot did not declare an emergency or attempt a water landing. 'That might mean the plane was out of control,' said aviation analyst Dudi Sudibyo. Aviation experts said it was too early to determine what caused the accident. Members of an Indonesian rescue team carry a body bag at Tanjung Priok Harbour, Indonesia, in the wake of the disaster But investigators would look at everything from catastrophic mechanical failure and pilot error to weather conditions or unusual cockpit activity that could point to a hijacking or pilot suicide, they said. 'Locating the so-called black boxes is most important now,' said Terence Fan, an aviation expert at the Singapore Management University. 'That should show how the aircraft and pilots actually behaved.' On Monday, Lion Air acknowledged the plane had an unspecified technical issue fixed in Bali before it was flown back to Jakarta, calling it 'normal procedure'. Data from that flight suggested the plane may have flown erratically and a technical log circulating on social media pointed to different speed and altitude readings on the captain and first officer's instruments. Indonesia ordered the inspection of all Boeing 737 Max airliners on Tuesday as rescue teams recovered more victims from a brand new Lion Air jet that plunged into the sea with 189 people on board. Relatives were seen crying as they awaited news on their loved ones An Indonesian policeman at Tanjung Priok port in Jakarta holds wreckage recovered from ill-fated Lion Air flight JT610 On a Jakarta dockside, officials took up the grim task of separating human remains from plane debris and recovered personal effects, sending the body parts - including from an infant - to hospital for DNA testing. Authorities are trying to pinpoint the smashed jet's location and flight data recorders expected to be crucial to the crash investigation. Lion Air, Indonesia's biggest budget airline which has been engaged in huge expansion, announced earlier this year it was buying 50 Boeing 737 Max 10 jets for $6.24 billion. It currently has 10 737 Max's in its fleet while national carrier Garuda has one. In 2014, an AirAsia crash in the Java Sea during stormy weather killed 162 people. Lion has been involved in a number of incidents including a fatal 2004 crash and a collision between two Lion Air planes at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta airport. A string of fake news stories have been circulating about the crash, including one that falsely claims to show a baby who survived. MailOnline Travel has contacted Boeing and is currently awaiting a comment. She became a mother for the first time when she welcomed daughter Edie into the world three years ago. And Keira Knightley has spoken out about returning to work to maintain her 'sense of identity' as she addressed family, feminism and the Hollywood gender pay gap in a powerful new interview with the December issue of Harper's Bazaar magazine. The actress, 33, explained part of her 'sense of self' came from being proud of her mother, playwright and screenwriter Sharman Macdonald, 67, for her work ethic while she was growing up. Speaking out: Keira Knightley addressed family, feminism and the Hollywood gender pay gap in a powerful new interview with the December issue of Harper's Bazaar magazine The Colette star acknowledged that she is privileged to be able to afford childcare, but insisted it was 'very important' for her to be able to balance her career with the demands of motherhood. Keira said: 'My mum always worked when I was small, and shes always had a real thing about me continuing to work, and I think a lot of my sense of self came from me being so proud of her for working and having that ethic. 'I think for my sense of identity, it was suddenly very important that I had that thing that was still me and mine. 'I've only been able to do it because I can afford the childcare, but I think that sense of identity is something that lot of women really feel rocked by and work was a way for me to keep that.' Working mother: The actress, 33, explained she had to return to work to maintain her 'sense of identity' after welcoming daughter Edie into the world three years ago The British actress raises daughter Edie with her husband of four years, former Klaxons keyboardist James Righton, 35. The couple married in an intimate ceremony in the South of France in May 2013 after two years of dating. Keira also addressed the Me Too and Time's Up movements in the interview and accompanying shoot, insisting the conversation needs to broadened to question how society raises boys in general. She told Harper's Bazaar: 'Maybe talking is the only way to do it, although hey, I'd like some of the guys to talk too. Shining example: The Colette star explained her 'sense of self' came from being proud of her mother, playwright Sharman Macdonald, 67, for her work ethic (pictured in 2010) 'You have to engage with the other side of the conversation to say, "How are we raising our boys? What is it that made people want to do this in the first place?"' The mother-of-one said she previously didn't question how her pay compared with that of her male co-stars, but has come to realise she needs to stop 'feeling lucky and making nice' and demand answers from Hollywood producers. Keira added: 'You just want to keep everyone sweet and you want to be like, "Yes, Im easy to work with". 'I'm all for gratitude for luck that youve had in your life, but at a certain point I have to stop just feeling lucky and making nice and actually ask the questions.' Happy couple: The British actress raises daughter Edie with her husband of four years, former Klaxons keyboardist James Righton, 35 (pictured in September) The talented actress is returning to screens as French literary icon Colette in the forthcoming Wash Westmoreland biopic of the same name, as well as taking on the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker And The Four Realms. Keira explained she is pleased to finally have the freedom to be herself, and said her role as as a young woman emerging from the control of an overbearing husband in Colette is a part she could have only 'dreamed of' as a child. She said: 'Im not sure who else youre supposed to be. 'Id be quite happy if someone could give me a character that I was meant to be because obviously being an actress that would be my comfort zone. Dream role: The talented actress is returning to screens as French literary icon Colette in the forthcoming Wash Westmoreland biopic of the same name Read the full interview with Keira Knightley in the December issue of Harper's Bazaar magazine, on sale from October 31 'But Ive never figured that one out, so the f**k-it attitude has come in.' Keira added of her role in Colette: 'I was thinking of me as a kid and what I would have dreamed to play its a character like that one.' The star of stage and screen will receive the Actress award at the Harper's Bazaar Women Of The Year Awards 2018, held in partnership with Michael Kors and Mercedes-Benz, at London's Claridge's Hotel on Tuesday night (October 30). The annual prize-giving ceremony celebrates outstanding achievements of women in the worlds of fashion, film, literature, art and philanthropy. Read the full interview with Keira Knightley in the December issue of Harper's Bazaar magazine, on sale from October 31. She's set to play an alcohol-dependent mother opposite Jake Gyllenhaal in upcoming movie Wildlife. But Carey Mulligan, 33, says Hollywood does not know how to deal with pregnant women and new mothers. Speaking to the Radio Times, the Suffragette star said that being a working mother in the film industry is 'incredibly difficult' as 'childcare is so expensive'. Outspoken: Carey Mulligan, 33, says Hollywood does not know how to deal with pregnant women and new mothers 'I've never, ever been on a set where they have childcare, but I've been on lots of sets where lots of people have very young children 'I had my daughter on the set of [2017 Netflix drama] Mudbound and Wildlife and loads of the crew had kids, but they had to arrange childcare. It's always incredibly complicated' the mother-of-two added. 'Childcare on set would make it possible for a lot of talented people to come and do their job. At the moment, it's limiting.' Parents: Carey has two children with her husband, Mumford & Sons frontman Marcus Mumford Carey has been married to Mumford & Sons frontman Marcus Mumford since 2012. The Great Gatsby star 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. The pair have two children daughter Evelyn Grace, three, and son Wilfred, 14 months. But being a busy mother hasn't stopped Carey from contiuning her dazzling acting career. She also spoke of landing the role as Detective Inspector Kip Glaspie in this year's BBC2 drama Collateral - which she filmed while pregnant. The critically-acclaimed star confided in the show's writer David Hare that she was pregnant upon getting the role telling him 'You're basically the only other person that knows apart from my husband and my mum.' Loved up: The Great Gatsby star 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 'I don't think we're at the level where it [being pregnant] is acceptable across the board yet. I think if people can hide it, they do. Hare then rewrote the character as pregnant. Meanwhile, Carey says her latest role is the 'most complex she's ever played on screen'. Outspoken: 'I don't think we're at the level where it [being pregnant] is acceptable across the board yet. I think if people can hide it, they do' the star said She added: 'When I read it, the idea of playing her was terrifying. It just seemed like this quite complicated crossword puzzle and I didn't know how to do it.' Also starring Thora Birch and Mamie Gummer, among others, Wildlife is based on the Richard Ford novel with the same name. It follows the story of a boy witnessing the breakdown of his parents' marriage after his mother falls in love with someone else. The film is debuted in the US on October 19, and will arrive on UK screens on November 9. The Bachelor fans will be introduced to Tayshia Adams when the ABC dating competition premieres a new season in January. According to Reality Steve, the 28-year-old California native will be one of four finalists in season 23. So far, Tayshia is one of the only women thats been spotted out and about with Colton filming for The Bachelor. The pair were seen enjoying a solo date in Denver, Colorado on October 22. They were joined by Coltons dog, Sniper, as they strolled through Union Station and grabbed ice cream. During the same date they visited Milk Market, where fans snagged pictures of them holding hands and sharing a kiss. TMZ reported that the pair were shopping for pasta, salmon and wine. (SPOILER): Colton, Tayshia, and his dog Sniper earlier today during their 1-on-1 date in Denver pic.twitter.com/tiJbMX6bdn RealitySteve (@RealitySteve) October 23, 2018 What do you need to know about Tayshia Adams? Heres the scoop. Who is Tayshia Adams? Tayshia Adams is 28 years old. She currently resides in Orange County, California. Reality Steve was not able to uncover a Facebook account attributed to her, nor any information about her professional life. Her Instagram is private, but her bio suggests shes a woman of faith. Tayshia has been married once, according to Reality Steve. Her ex is a man called Josh Bourelle. Tayshia Adams divorce The Bachelor contestant Tayshia Adams has been married before. Her ex-husbands name is Josh Bourelle. Court information on Unicourt states that divorce proceedings began in October 2017 and were initiated by Josh. The pair went back and forth several times before finalizing their divorce in December 2017. Its unclear how long Tayisha and Josh were married or what their reason for splitting was. (SPOILER): Tayshia is also recently divorced. It was finalized in Dec 2017. Her married name is Tayshia Bourelle. Ex-husband is Josh. pic.twitter.com/DzLEC1KOcs RealitySteve (@RealitySteve) October 22, 2018 The Bachelor 2019 final four Tayshia Adams is just one of four women who will make it to the final rounds of competition on season 23 of The Bachelor. Shell take Colton Underwood to her hometown and so will contestants Hannah Godwin, Caelynn Miller-Keyes and Cassie Randolph. Hannah Godwin Hannah Godwin is a 23-year-old media manager from Birmingham, Alabama. She works for Soca Clothing. She is also a social media influencer with more than 40,000 followers and a model for brands like Red Dress Boutique. Reality Steve reported that Hannah will get the first impression rose during the premiere of Coltons season of The Bachelor. Caelynn Miller-Keyes Caelynn Miller-Keyes is a Miss North Carolina USA crown-holder. She took the titled in 2017 and was first runner-up in the Miss USA pageant in May. Caelynn is from Asheville, North Carolina. She attended Virginia Commonwealth University where she got a degree in broadcast journalism. Shes an advocate for womens rights and has been vocal about her own experiences with sexual assault and harassment. Caelynn was spotted filming with Colton in Fredricksburg, Virginia. It appears her hometown will take place there. The pair were seen kissing in a horse-drawn carriage. (SPOILER): Video of Colton and Caelynn in Fredericksburg, VA for her hometown date pic.twitter.com/DDs5s9yBgY RealitySteve (@RealitySteve) October 29, 2018 Cassie Randolph Cassie Randolph is from Huntington Beach, California. Shes 23 years old. Reality Steve reported that shes an English as a second language (ESL) teacher at an Adult School in her city. The spoiler blogger claims Cassie attended Biola University in 2016, graduating with a degree in communication sciences. Her LinkedIn appears to support that. When does the new Bachelor start? The Bachelor premieres Monday, January 7, 2019 at 8pm ET on ABC. You can stream it here when it starts. Miss North Carolina USA Caelynn Miller-Keyes is hoping to walk away from The Bachelor with another title future Mrs Colton Underwood. The 23-year-old will appear on the upcoming season of the ABC dating competition series. According to spoiler blogger Reality Steve, shell see some success from the experience. Caelynn is said to be one of Coltons finalists. This means shell have the opportunity to bring him to her hometown to meet her family and friends before he decides which three hopeful The Bachelor winners hes whisking away on an international adventure. Caelynn Miller-Keyes (center) will compete on season 23 of The Bachelor in the hopes of winning over Colton Underwood's heart Theres been some level of controversy surrounding Caelynns participation on The Bachelor after she was forced to miss the crowning of her processor. Pageant officials have assured the public that theres nothing in the title-holders contract that says she cant compete on The Bachelor. Want to know more about Caelynn Miller-Keyes? Weve got you covered. Who is Caelynn Miller-Keyes? Caelynn Miller-Keyes is a Miss North Carolina USA title-holder and was the first runner-up in the Miss USA pageant in May. She comes from Asheville, North Carolina. She graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a degree in broadcast journalism. Caelynn has been an outspoken advocate for womens rights. She has shared her own story of surviving sexual assault and been an advocate for other victims and survivors. According to Hollywood Life, Caelynn suffered from a life-threatening disease as a child. She was given a 10 per cent chance of ever walking again. The Bachelor 2019 final four Caelynn Miller-Keyes wont be the only woman bringing Colton Underwood home during season 23 of The Bachelor. The other three women in the final four are: Hannah Godwin, Tayshia Adams and Cassie Randolph. Hannah, a 23-year-old from Alabama, will receive Cotlons first impression rose, according to Reality Steve. Tayshia was recently spotted in Denver, Colorado on a date with Colton. They were holding hands and kissing while out at Union Station and Milk Market. Neither Cassie nor Caelynn have been seen with The Bachelor star yet. Hannah is thought to be filming her hometown date first. Others should follow later this week. (EXCLUSIVE FINAL FOUR SPOILER): Hometown dates begin tmrw for Coltons season. Your Final 4: Hannah Godwin, Caelynn Miller-Keyes, Cassie Randolph, & Tayshia Adams. Hannahs family lives in Birmingham, Caelynns in Virginia, & Cassie & Tayshia both in CA. Hannahs is filming tmrw pic.twitter.com/CLdp4kDdeb RealitySteve (@RealitySteve) October 26, 2018 The Bachelor 2019 premiere date The Bachelor will premiere on Monday, January 7, 2019 at 8pm ET on ABC. She recently revealed she had dropped a stone just 10 days after starting training for Dancing On Ice. And Gemma Collins was showing off the results of her recent weight loss as she attended the Pride of Britain Awards at the Grosvenor House hotel in London, on Monday evening. The 37-year-old TOWIE star hit the red carpet in a sensational scarlet wrap dress which showcased her new toned figure. The GC has arrived: Gemma Collins was showing off the results of her recent weight loss as she attended the Pride of Britain Awards at the Grosvenor House hotel in London Gemma oozed Essex glamour while making her arrival for the event, with a stunning pair of bronze court heels. The GC had her blonde hair pulled back with loose tresses framing her features, carrying her essentials in a matching bronze clutch bag. Showcasing her radiant tan, Gemma opted for a popping red lipstick and lashings of mascara. Red hot! The 37-year-old TOWIE star hit the red carpet in a sensational scarlet wrap dress which showcased her new toned figure Stunning: Gemma oozed Essex glamour while making her arrival for the event, with a stunning pair of bronze court heels Gemma has been hitting the ice in recent weeks as she trains for the new series of Dancing On Ice - which is expected to air early next year. The star said that after only 10 days of practice she's already lost a stone in weight, and is on a mission to lose more. Speaking to New! magazine at the ITV Palooza last week she said: 'This dress I'm wearing is a size 24 but it's too big. I should be wearing a 22. So there's no doubt that between now and January I'm going to.' The Celebrity Big Brother star recently revealed she hopes her Dancing on Ice training will kick-start a fitness regime to help her slim down for her wedding day. Beaming: Gemma also recently revealed that she hopes to slim down in preparation for her wedding day to boyfriend Arg in the coming years She is planning to marry James 'Arg' Argent in a couple of years but after admitting the pair piled on the pounds over the summer, she is keen to start eating well and 'working hard' with her skates on ready for James to pop the question. She said: 'I'm mainly doing the show for the amazing outfits and as a way of losing weight. If I commit myself to training and eating well I think I could really get in shape by doing the show. 'I want to get married in the next few years and I don't want to be fat for my wedding day. We've both put on a lot of weight over the summer so now it's time to work hard and get in shape.' The Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards, in partnership with TSB, will broadcast on ITV on 6 November at 8pm. The Bachelor's Brooke Blurton has reflected on her past health struggles, a year after undergoing collarbone surgery. Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, the 23-year-old youth worker shared a photo of herself in hospital taken on October 30 2017, shortly after her operation. She wrote in the caption: 'This was me when I just came out. One year today since I had surgery on my clavicle. Holy hecker!' 'One year today': The Bachelor's Brooke Blurton reflected on her health battle on Tuesday, sharing this throwback photo a year after undergoing collarbone surgery Brooke's scar on her right collarbone was visible in some episodes of The Bachelor. She told Daily Mail Australia in August that she suffered the nasty injury while playing rugby league in Perth. 'I broke my collarbone playing rugby league and had surgery to put a plate in,' she explained at the time. Injury: Brooke's scar on her right collarbone was visible in some episodes of The Bachelor Progress: In December last year, she shared this post-surgery snap to Instagram which showed her with a white bandage over her scar In December last year, she shared a post-surgery snap to Instagram which showed her with a white bandage over her scar. Brooke finished third in this year's season of The Bachelor, starring Nick 'The Honey Badger' Cummins. She decided to leave the competition before the finale after Nick, 31, was unable to reassure her of his feelings. End of the line: Brooke (pictured) finished third in this year's season of The Bachelor, starring Nick Cummins, however she decided to leave the competition before the finale The Indigenous contestant said needed more 'reassurance' and 'certainty' from him, but nothing he said could convince her to stay. 'I came here to fall in love... I need a guy that knows what he wants and can tell me that's me,' Brooke said tearfully, before adding: 'I need to go home.' The Bachelorette continues Wednesday at 7:30pm on Network Ten Big Little Lies star Zoe Kravitz rocked a diamond engagement ring while shopping in West Hollywood on Sunday - the day before confirming she was betrothed to Gypsy actor Karl Glusman. The 29-year-old bride-to-be's wedding bling appeared to be a silver band featuring a large stone, beside a gold band. The LA-born, Brooklyn-based beauty - who relies on stylist Andrew Mukamal - was dressed way down in a Nirvana Nevermind T-shirt with baby-blue pants and matching pumps. 'Oh yeah, I'm engaged!' Big Little Lies star Zoe Kravitz rocked a diamond engagement ring while shopping in West Hollywood on Sunday - the day before confirming she was betrothed to Gypsy actor Karl Glusman Already wed? The 29-year-old bride-to-be's wedding bling appeared to be a silver band featuring a large stone, beside a gold band Zoe and her 30-year-old fiance met through mutual friends at a bar in October 2016, and he popped the question to her in their living room in February. 'I can be my weirdest self around him,' Kravitz revealed in the November edition of Rolling Stone. 'It's so relaxing to be around someone where you can be a hundred percent how you feel.' Relies on stylist Andrew Mukamal: The LA-born, Brooklyn-based beauty was dressed way down in a Nirvana Nevermind T-shirt with baby-blue pants and matching pumps Betrothed: Zoe and her 30-year-old fiance met through mutual friends at a bar in October 2016, and he popped the question to her in their living room in February (pictured Sept. 17) Kravitz revealed in the November edition of Rolling Stone: 'I can be my weirdest self around him. It's so relaxing to be around someone where you can be a hundred percent how you feel' (pictured May 21) When her Bronx-born beau saw her RS cover (an ode to her mother Lisa Bonet's 1988 spread), he gushed on Instagram: 'My Love, my hero, best friend and greatest inspiration. You're so f***ing cool. Still pinching myself daily...THAT'S MY LADY!' Before Karl, the Kin actress previously romanced Twin Shadow, Chris Pine, and Michael Fassbender. The SUNY Purchase drop-out credits her career to being the nepotistically-privileged daughter of the 50-year-old Cosby kid and Grammy winner Lenny Kravitz, who split when she was 2. 'Ive always loved that cover so much': For the cover image, the Kin actress paid homage to her famous mother Lisa Bonet's 1988 spread shot by Matthew Rolston When her Bronx-born beau saw her cover, he gushed on Instagram: 'My Love, my hero, best friend and greatest inspiration. You're so f***ing cool. Still pinching myself daily' 'I got Zoe an agent [when she was 15]': The SUNY Purchase drop-out credits her career to being the nepotistically-privileged daughter of the 50-year-old Cosby kid and Grammy winner Lenny Kravitz, who split when she was 2 (pictured September 28) 'I did nothing except get Zoe an agent [when she was 15],' the 54-year-old rocker admitted to Rolling Stone. 'After that, it's down to [her] work. Somebody may be interested for five minutes: "Oh, it's the daughter of..." But nobody cares who your mom or dad is if you can't do the job.' Kravitz makes her debut as magizoologist Newt Scamander's former flame Leta Lestrange in David Yates' sequel Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, which hits US/UK theaters on November 16. It looks like Dasha Gaivoronski is making the most of her '15 minutes of fame'. The 32-year-old Russian beauty looked sensational during a beach photo shoot in Sydney on Monday, flaunting her gym-honed figure in a stylish bikini. Posing in the skimpy black and white two-piece, the mother-of-one showed off her best angles while soaking up the sun. Hot mama! The Bachelor's Dasha Gaivoronski showed off her flawless bikini body during a beach photo shoot in Sydney on Monday Sizzling: Posing in the skimpy black and white two-piece, the mother-of-one showed off her best angles while soaking up the sun The brunette showcased a soft golden tan as she paraded her flawlessly toned physique during the shoot. She styled her long hair into a slick, low ponytail and her makeup look consisted of dewy foundation, a glossy lip and lashings of mascara. Flashing her shoulder and back tattoos, Dasha accessorised with several bracelets and layered silver chains around her neck. Looking good! She styled her long hair into a slick, low ponytail and her makeup look consisted of dewy foundation, a glossy lip and lashings of mascara Yummy mummy: The brunette showcased a soft golden tan as she paraded her flawlessly toned physique during the shoot Tatt's hot! Flashing her shoulder and back tattoos, Dasha accessorised with several bracelets and layered silver chains around her neck Model behaviour: At one point she sat rather uncomfortably on a rock, before moving into a series of yoga-inspired poses At one point she sat rather uncomfortably on a rock, before moving into a series of yoga-inspired poses. Dasha has recently relocated to Sydney from South Australia, alongside her five-year-old son Leon. She is now based in Bondi and is rumoured to be dating Bachelorette contestant Charlie Newling, who lives nearby. New in town: Dasha has recently relocated to Sydney from South Australia, alongside her five-year-old son Leon Beach babe: She is now based in Bondi and is rumoured to be dating Bachelorette contestant Charlie Newling, who lives nearby Reality TV lovebirds: Dasha was a contestant on Nick Cummins' series of The Bachelor, while Charlie is still being featured on the current season of The Bachelorette Dasha was a contestant on Nick Cummins' series of The Bachelor, while Charlie is still being featured on the current season of The Bachelorette. In recent weeks, the pair have been spotted on several dates together in Sydney. It is understood Charlie has broken his contract with Network Ten by publicly entering a relationship while The Bachelorette is still airing. Smitten? In recent weeks, Dasha and Charlie have been spotted on several dates together Awkward! It is understood Charlie has broken his contract with Network Ten by publicly entering a relationship with Dasha while The Bachelorette is still airing What's the go? An insider recently told Daily Mail Australia that producers are 'furious' Charlie has spoiled the show's outcome, as he is believed to go far in the competition Rebel, rebel! '[Charlie is] a major part of the show and is being edited as the winner, or at least final three. It's frankly unbelievable he's doing this,' claimed the source An insider recently told Daily Mail Australia that producers are 'furious' Charlie has spoiled the show's outcome, as he is believed to go far in the competition. 'He's a major part of the show and is being edited as the winner, or at least final three. It's frankly unbelievable he's doing this,' claimed the source. 'He's trying to sabotage the whole show. Who knows if his relationship with Dasha is the real deal - but one thing's for sure, we know he doesn't win. 'The ratings are bad enough as it is without the frontrunners giving away the ending.' Another sighting! Over the weekend, Dasha and Charlie both attended a Swim Co event in Sydney What are they trying to hide? A fellow guest told Daily Mail Australia afterwards that Charlie and Dasha 'refused to be photographed together' by the media wall In demand: Dasha was a fan favourite on The Bachelor, but was sent home by Nick 'The Honey Badger' Cummins before hometown visits Over the weekend, Dasha and Charlie both attended a Swim Co event in Sydney. A fellow guest told Daily Mail Australia afterwards that Charlie and Dasha 'refused to be photographed together' by the media wall. The Bachelorette continues Wednesday at 7:30pm on Network Ten Profession: Dasha is a personal trainer by trade, but it appears she may be trying to pursue a modelling career after The Bachelor Absolutely flawless: Dasha is known for her impressive, gym-honed physique Her voice has been cardinal in the fight for justice against disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein. And Rose McGowan looked fierce as she attended Damian Barr's Literary Salon 10th Anniversary at The Savoy Hotel in London on Monday. The actress, 45, was suited and booted for the glitzy event, where she stepped out in a chic black blazer, a dark turtleneck and loose fitting trousers. Stunning: Rose McGowan looked fierce in a chic black blazer and loose-fitting trousers as she stepped out for glitzy event on Monday Her signature platinum blonde buzz cut was styled with a side parting, and she complemented her party get-up with a blush-swept cheeks, black eye-liner and a bold red lip. The Charmed star added an edgy touch to her ensemble by wearing a pair of thick-soled black boots, while she kept her accessories to a minimum. Rose posed up a storm at the event, as she carried an array of gold and see-through balloons in one hand as she made her entrance. Looking good: Her signature platinum blonde buzz cut was styled with a side parting, and she complemented her party get-up with a blush-swept cheeks, black eye-liner and a bold red lip The actress' outing comes following her candid statement in which she said she understands why Donald Trump supporters hate Hollywood, whose apparent liberalism she says is fake. On the subject of Times Up lunches in Hollywood, she told the publication: 'I just think they're d*****bags. They're not champions. I just think they're losers. I don't like them. 'How do I explain the fact that I got a GQ Man of the Year award and no women's magazines and no women's organisations have supported me? 'It's all bulls**t. It's a lie. It's a Band-Aid lie to make them feel better. I know these people, I know they're lily-livered, and as long as it looks good on the surface, to them, that's enough.' This is far from the first time McGowan has spoken out on the matter, with the actress being very vocal in her refusal to align herself with either the #MeToo or Time's Up movements. Punk chic: The Charmed star added an edgy touch to her ensemble by wearing a pair of thick-soled black boots, while she kept her accessories to a minimum Back in January, she hit out at the A-listers who wore black to the Golden Globes to protest the Harvey Weinstein sex scandal by calling the idea nothing but 'Hollywood fakery. She tweeted: 'And not one of those fancy people wearing black to honor our rapes would have lifted a finger had it not been so. I have no time for Hollywood fakery.' McGowan was one of the first women to come forward last year with allegations of sexual abuse against shamed movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, 66. She claimed the disgraced producer raped her at the Sundance Film Festival in 1997, and said he would still make her pose with him on the red carpet. In April, she explained: 'He'd grab you tightly around the ribcage and you would just leave your body and smile because what else can you do in front of the cameras when you're being touched by the person who hurt you, who ruined your life?' Her book Brave, which was released in January, details the activist's childhood living as part of the controversial group Children of God, as well as her sexual assault at the hands of Miramax mogul Weinstein. With the abuse itself being horrific, the actress has previously explained that the fallout has been just as difficult to deal with, with Weinstein accusing her of being 'difficult' to work with, limiting the number of roles she was offered. The producer has since denied this, but Rose explained of the difficult time: 'I was alone in that world and it was harrowing. 'Even my family were confused about the difference between the person they knew and the character they read about constantly being s**t-shamed.' Before adding of her strength: 'The fact I'm still here and have come through quite sane is nothing short of a miracle.' About this blog In the interests of doing something different to every other wine blogger, this blog delves into the world of wine data, instead of wine itself. The intention is to ferret out some of the interesting stuff, and to bring it out into the light, for everyone to see. In particular, I draw pictures of the data as William Playfair said (in 1805): "whatever can be expressed in numbers may be represented by lines". So, I'd rather show you a graph than a paragraph. Hopefully, this will be both interesting and informative. She was reduced to tears after being berated by her fiance's mother Fatima during the bombshell premiere episode of Bride and Prejudice on Monday night. And after watching the encounter played back on national television, 20-year-old bride-to-be Jess has spectacularly hit back at her 'mother-in-law from hell'. 'I was pretty shocked with some of the comments about the way I dress and that I smell like cats. It was pretty emotional to watch her say those things about me,' she said on The Morning Show on Tuesday. 'My mum would never speak about another person's child that way': Furious Bride and Prejudice star Jess hits back at her 'mother-in-law from hell' Fatima for saying she 'dresses like a prostitute' and 'smells like cats' Jess addressed the barrage of insults hurled towards her by Fatima, including claims that she is 'a sl*tty party girl' who 'dresses like a prostitute'. 'Who's 20 and doesn't enjoy partying? I mean it's not uncommon for people my age to like to party - there are people much older than me that like to party- but that shouldn't define me as a person.' she said. She went on to reveal that her own mother became extremely upset while watching Monday night's episode. 'For any mother it would be hard watching that especially for her own daughter to see how she's been treated and upset,' she said. Not happy! Jess addressed the barrage of insults hurled towards her by Fatima, including claims that she is 'a sl*tty party girl' who 'dresses like a prostitute'. 'Because just as a mother herself, she would never speak about another person's child that way.' When quizzed on whether she would have reacted differently to her future mother-in-law's comments, Jess conceded that she would have liked to have defended herself in a level-headed manner rather than break down in tears. Jess also admitted that she would have liked her fiance Seyat to have been more supportive during the showdown. 'Who's 20 and doesn't enjoy partying? I mean it's not uncommon for people my age to like to party - there are people much older than me that like to party- but that shouldn't define me as a person.' she said Is this Australia's meanest mother-in-law? Bride and Prejudice's Fatima (pictured) berated her son Seyat's fiancee Jess until she was in tears on Monday night's shocking premiere During the episode, Fatima made it clear that she was firmly against her son's engagement, believing that at 19-years-old, he was too young to marry Jess. 'Jess is VERY dirty,' Fatima said in a piece to camera. 'Disgusting. She smells like cats. 'I believe Jess is a sl*tty party girl,' she continued. 'I don't want my son to date a wh*re like that.' She later stated that Jess 'dresses like a prostitute' and didn't fit in with Macedonian culture. Not mincing words: 'I believe Jess is a sl*tty party girl,' Fatima raged. 'I don't want my son to date a wh*re like that' Later in the episode, when Seyat and Jess broke the news to Fatima and husband Sam that they're getting married, Fatima launched into a verbal attack so scathing it left Jess fleeing the scene in tears. Refusing to even look at Jess or acknowledge her presence, Fatima said: 'It won't last. 'She's not for Seyat. I feel like she's always using Seyat, she's always sooking to him... she's got no idea of anything!' Threats: 'I'm gonna come and cancel your wedding,' she ranted. 'I'll do something to destroy it!' The furious mother continued: 'I'm gonna come and cancel your wedding. I'll do something to destroy it. 'She's got no personality and she's never happy! She's always upset. Seyat's life was better before. He's always home now, he's put on weight.' Fatima went even further, criticising Jess' cleaning skills before saying: 'She's not like the girls in our culture. She's different.' 'Seyat's life was better before. He's always home now, he's put on weight': Fatima even fat-shamed her own son, Seyat 'She's not like the girls in our culture': Fatima eventually left Jess broken and in tears Fed up with the abuse, a distraught Jess fled inside to her bedroom where she broke down crying. 'She didn't have to be so harsh,' sobbed Jess. 'She just sits there like I'm nobody, like I'm not worth anything. Like she has the right to make me out to be somebody that I'm not. 'That's not something someone should do. Especially not a mother, not somebody that's supposed to be mature.' Radio presenter Jackie O recently announced her separation from husband Lee Henderson after 18 years together. And after moving out of the marital home, Daily Mail Australia can reveal that Jackie, 43, has been turning to her best friend Sophie Monk, 38, for support. Sophie, who has known Jackie for almost 20 years, has been privately comforting the KIIS FM star, after she helped her through various break-ups in the past. Scroll down for video EXCLUSIVE: 'She's helping her deal with everything': Jackie O (right) has turned to Sophie Monk (left) for support following her split with husband Lee Henderson 'Jackie has always been a shoulder to cry on for Sophie and now it's her turn to return the favour,' an insider said. 'The girls have been talking a lot, spending lots of time together and Sophie has been helping her deal with everything and get set up in her new place.' This time last year, when Sophie's relationship with Bachelorette winner Stu Laundy was coming to an end, she publicly thanked Jackie for her continued support. What are friends for? Sophie, who has known Jackie for almost 20 years, has been privately comforting the KIIS FM star, after she helped her through various break-ups in the past 'I've known her since I was 19 years old and she's always been there for me,' Sophie captioned a selfie of the pair on Instagram. Earlier this year, Jackie revealed that their friendship has no boundaries and they often call each other while on the toilet. Jackie's split from husband Lee was first announced last week, however they actually separated several months ago. 'The girls have been talking a lot, spending lots of time together and Sophie has been helping her deal with everything and get set up in her new place,' a source told Daily Mail Australia Speaking to The Sunday Telegraph over the weekend, the KIIS FM host confirmed the estranged couple 'are living separately'. 'I remain close to the family home and we made that decision to ensure our daughter's routine stays the same,' she said. Jackie explained that Lee continues to do the school drop-offs for their seven-year-old daughter Kitty as she rises at 3.30am for her breakfast radio job. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Jackie's representative for comment. She's famous for nailing the 'low-key chic' look with her dramatically lined eyes. And Claudia Winkleman was putting on another stylish display on Monday night as she attended the GQ Magazine 30th Anniversary party at the brand new SushiSamba restaurant in London's Covent Garden. The 46-year-old Strictly Come Dancing presenter was effortlessly chic in a coffee-coloured Gucci jumper and frayed hem jeans. Low-key: Claudia Winkleman was putting on another stylish display on Monday night as she attended the GQ Magazine 30th Anniversary party in London She completed her look with a pair of pointed court heels, while carrying a matching black clutch bag. The BBC1 show host styled her brunette locks into a messy, straight style while her bold fringe framed her face well. She highlighted her sunkissed skin with a glamorous palette of make-up, and wore smokey eye shadow and a nude lipstick for a stunning look. Sophisticated: The 46-year-old Strictly Come Dancing presenter was effortlessly chic in a coffee-coloured Gucci jumper and frayed hem jeans All in the details: She completed her look with a pair of pointed court heels, while carrying a matching black clutch bag Adding some glitz to her elegant chic look, the mother-of-three accessorised with some chunky bronze hooped earrings. Claudia was in good company at the star-studded event as Paloma Faith, British diver Tom Daley and husband Dustin Lance Black, as well as heavy-weight boxer Anthony Joshua, all made an appearance. The songstress nailed an androgynous look for the occasion when clad in a black and silver suit with embellished flowers. All smiles: The BBC1 show host styled her brunette locks into a messy, straight style while her bold fringe framed her face well Beauty: She highlighted her sunkissed skin with a glamorous palette of make-up, and wore smokey eye shadow and a nude lipstick for a stunning look Pals: Claudia posed up a storm with friends at the event, including heavy-weight boxer Anthony Joshua (centre) Tom Daley and husband Dustin Lance Black took some time away from parenting duties in order to attend the star-studded event. Both looked appropriately dapper, with Tom, 24, rocking an edgy vibe with a leather jacket and striped formal trousers. He added to his stylish look with a pair of brown leather gloves and matching trainers. Meanwhile screenwriter Dustin, 44, looked smart in a dark blue coat and black high-neck jumper as he joined the Olympic diver on the red carpet. Guests were treated to Patron Tequila cocktails, specially curated by SushiSambas Richard Wood. The cocktails will feature on the brand new SushiSamba menu when the venue officially opens on November 1. Fighter: World-renowned heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua beamed on the red carpet Sparkle: Paloma Faith, 37, looked sensational at the GQ Magazine 30th Anniversary party in a tailored trouser suit as she worked the red carpet Jessica Alba was spotted on a Starbucks run in Los Angeles on Monday. The 37-year-old actress looked pretty in a pink duster and jeans as she carried a hot beverage and a breakfast sandwich. She was accompanied by daughter Haven, seven. Need a jolt! Jessica Alba was spotted on a Starbucks run in Los Angeles on Monday. The 37-year-old actress looked pretty in a pink duster and jeans as she carried a hot beverage and a breakfast sandwich Alba, who wore leopard-print sunglasses, paired her chic ensemble with suede boots and a blue crossbody purse. She wore her hair in messy waves and appeared makeup free. As for Haven, she donned patterned leggings and a grey sweater. Playing hooky: Alba was accompanied by daughter Haven, seven 'My little sick kid came to set todaycant be home and get her lil bro sick,' Jessica captioned a mother-daughter selfie. 'Before you judge, thats a lollipop for sore throats and coughs.' Along with her middle child, the Into The Blue star is mom to daughter Honor, age 10, and son Hayes, nine months. She shares her three children with husband Cash Warren. 'My little sick kid came to set todaycant be home and get her lil bro sick,' Jessica captioned a mother-daughter selfie. 'Before you judge, thats a lollipop for sore throats and coughs' Alba is currently filming NBC's Bad Boys spinoff seriesL.A.'s Finestwith Gabrielle Union. The series will follow Union's character Syd Burnett, from the original franchise, as she leaves her job at the DEA to join the LAPD as a detective. Jessica plays Syd's partnera working mom by the name of Nancy McKenna. L.A.'s Finest marks The Honest Company founder's return to TV after starring in the FOX's Dark Angel, which aired from 2000 until 2002. Theyve enjoyed 13 happy years of marriage since exchanging vows in 2003. But the honeymoon period was still very much on as Ola and James Jordan cosied up at the Pride of Britain Awards on Monday evening at the Grosvenor House hotel in London. The former Strictly Come Dancing professionals looked smitten while posing for pictures on the red carpet. Loved-up: Ola and James Jordan enjoyed a date night at the Pride of Britain Awards on Monday evening at the Grosvenor House hotel in London Despite giving up her physically demanding Strictly role in 2015, Polish born Ola, 36, proved shes maintained her stunning shape as she donned a chic white dress, with sheer fabric showcasing her enviably-lean legs. The Polish beauty paired the quirky frock with sparkly silver heels, a statement gold clutch and radiant bronze make-up. The ballroom dancer looked glowing and sun-kissed as her honey-blonde locks were pulled into a bun with loose tresses framing her face. Meanwhile, husband James, 40, looked stylish in an all black suit, with a matching tie and crisp white shirt. Style: Despite giving up her physically demanding Strictly role in 2015, Polish born Ola, 36, proved shes maintained her stunning shape as she donned a chic white dress The former Celebrity Big Brother star is preparing to compete on ITV's Dancing on Ice in January. James' DOI signing was confirmed at the beginning of October and despite facing backlash he denies having an unfair advantage as he's already a professional dancer. He appeared on Strictly Come Dancing from 2006 to 2013 and although he never won the show he was runner-up in 2012 with partner Denise Van Outen. Speaking at the Awards, James said: 'We did two days at the beginning all of us on the ice together. 'And I've got to beat Brian [McFadden], because me and him are like two naughty little boys arguing with each other all the time.' Kip Pardue has been accused of on-set sexual misconduct by his TV pilot co-star Sarah Scott. The 35-year-old actress told the Los Angeles Times in an article on Sunday that she was about to film a post-sex scene wearing only nipple covers and boy shorts when Pardue, 43, became aroused. Scott claimed that he took her hand while they were filming the pilot Mogulettes in May and placed it on his groin. Sexual misconduct: Sarah Scott, shown in March 2016 in Los Angeles, has accused her co-star Kip Pardue of sexual misconduct while filming a TV pilot in May She filmed the scene and afterward Pardue summoned her to his dressing room and masturbated in front of her. 'I literally froze. I said, ''What are you doing?''',' Scott recalled. 'This isn't a #MeToo thing. I'm not your employer. It's not like I can fire you,' Scott claimed that Pardue responded. The actress - who has been working in Hollywod for more than 14 years - said she ran out of the room. Alleged misconduct: Pardue, shown in October 2017 in Los Angeles, was accused of sexual misconduct that allegedly occurred in May months after the Harvey Weinstein scandal Scott said she later came across Pardue while about to leave the set of Mogulettes and asked him why he masturbated in front of her. The actress claimed that Pardue - whose credits include Remember The Titans and Thirteen - told her because she was 'just so hot'. Pardue when contacted by The Times apologized for putting Scott's hand on his penis while on set, but denied her other allegations. Partial denial: The actor, shown in November in Los Angeles at the premiere of his show Marvel's Runaways, apologized for putting Scott's hand on his penis while, but denied her other allegations 'I clearly misread the situation during a sex scene on set and have apologized to Sarah,' Pardue said in a statement from his representative David Shane. 'I never intended to offend her in any way and deeply regret my actions and have learned from my behavior,' the statement added. Scott recounted her odyssey reporting the alleged misconduct with the SAG-AFTRA union and the Time's Up Legal Defense Fund in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein sexual misconduct scandal and the #MeToo Movement. Streaming series: Pardue is shown in a 2017 season one still as Frank Dean in Marvel's Runaways The actor's guild scheduled a disciplinary committee hearing for October 26, but it was postponed after both parties jointly agreed to enter mediation. If either side is dissatisfied with the mediation outcome, a guild hearing can still proceed. The guild's disciplinary committee could decide if Pardue should be expelled or suspended, which could mean the loss of work and possibly health insurance. 'I am disappointed that Kip has chosen to hide behind his actions,' said Scott, who also filed a report with the Hermosa Beach Police Department in August to put the matter on record. Complaint odyssey: Scott, shown in February 2016 in Los Angeles, spoke to the Los Angeles Times after undergoing an odyssey to file a complaint 'Speaking out about this has been extraordinarily difficult for me, and now I understand why so many people don't. My goal remains the same my wish is for Kip to take full responsibility for all of his actions,' she added. The 15-year union member also said that despite nearly six months of pursuing her case, she remained hopeful that Hollywood will change. 'I was sexually violated while at work, and even though I had the courage to tell anyone and everyone who'd listen, as time went on it seemed like I had very little control in truly preventing this from happening to anyone else,' she said. Pardue is a main cast member of Marvel's Runaways on Hulu and plays Frank Dean. While Fatima may not approve of her son's fiancee Jess, the 21-year-old Bride & Prejudice star has no shortage of support from fans of the new series. After Monday night's episode, which saw Fatima tear shreds off her future daughter-in-law, accusing her of being 'very dirty' and smelling 'like cats', fans rallied around the young brunette. Following their confrontation, Jessica ran off in tears while Fatima sat stony-faced with her son, Seyat, 20, and husband, Sam, leaving viewers stunned. Scroll down for video 'That woman is a bully.': Fans rally around Bride & Prejudice's Jess after she was called a 'wh*re' by her future mother-in-law Fatima during bombshell showdown The emotional scene prompted many to reach out to Jess via social media, offering her advice and support. One wrote on Instagram: 'You poor girl! I was almost crying! My god what an awful person she is to say that! Do whatever it takes to push through her negative thoughts about your relationship!' 'Oh gorgeous gal. My heart broke watching tonights episode You are NOT worthless. That woman is a bully. An absolute bully,' another wrote. ' I obviously dont know if you are both still together but I hope you can raise [sic] above that negative woman. She is clearly jealous of the love your son has for you and that is HER insecurities.' 'Dont you worry about her, you hold your head high and pull those shoulders back. You come from proud people girl, know your worth and dont let her shake you X Big love,' one added. On the attack: Monday night's episode saw Fatima tear shreds off her future daughter-in-law, accusing her of being 'very dirty' and smelling 'like cats' Devastated: The emotional scene prompted many fans to reach out to Jessica via social media, offering her advice and support The premiere episode of the Channel Seven show saw Jessica and Seyat sit down with his parents to discuss their plans for future after their whirlwind engagement. It soon became clear Fatima didn't approve of her son's choice of bride, with the overbearing mum accusing Jessica of 'using' Seyat. 'I believe Jess is a sl*tty party girl. I don't want my son to date a wh*re like that,' she continued. Moving forward: After a whirlwind engagement, Jessica and fiance Seyat sat down with his parents to discuss their plans for future Fatima then launched into a scathing attack, accusing Jessica of having 'no personality' and being 'never happy'. After claiming she wouldn't fit in with the family's Macedonian culture, Fatima then offered Jessica $10,000 to walk away from the relationship. 'She didn't have to be so harsh,' a clearly distraught Jessica later said. 'She just sits there like I'm nobody, like I'm not worth anything. Like she has the right to make me out to be somebody that I'm not.' She hosted the baking competition series alongside Mel Giedroyc for six years. And Sue Perkins has admitted she's 'annoyed' at the Great British Bake Off's success two years after her departure. Speaking on stage at the Southbank Centre on Sunday evening, as part of her appearance at the London Literary Festival to promote her new book East of Croydon, the comedian, 49, joked: 'Does it hurt to leave something you really love? Candid: Sue Perkins has joked she's 'annoyed' at the Great British Bake Off's success two years after her departure 'Of course it hurts. And Im glad it has a life after us, but its a bit annoying its been so successful.' The TV personality's comments were made in jest in response to a question from an audience member, who asked if she missed Bake Off. The presenter left the show in 2016 with Mel, 50, when the franchise moved from BBC to Channel 4, with Sandi Toksvig and Noel Fielding taking over the role. According to The Mirror, this year's opening episode received a viewership of 6.1 million. Current line-up: The presenter left the show in 2016 with Mel, 50, with Sandi Toksvig and Noel Fielding taking over the role (pictured with Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith) Sue also claimed she wasn't 'treated well' by show makers Love Productions: 'We werent treated all that well, we discovered it had been sold not through the usual channels. 'You just sort of get to that point where its not about money is it? Its about working relationships, its about respect', she added. Meanwhile, Sandi, 60, lifted the lid on the judges' plan to return for the third series of the Channel 4 show next year. The host's co-star Noel, 45, as well as judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood have agreed to appear for another year on the baking show. 'It's not about money': The presenter also claimed she wasn't 'treated well' by show makers Love Productions (pictured with co-host Paul Hollywood, Mary Berry and Mel Giedroyc in 2016) Asked whether Noel, Prue and Paul would return, Sandi told The Mirror: 'I think we are good to go.' Sandi will be showing off her own cooking finesse as she invited Noel, Prue and Paul over for a second Christmas this year. She explained to the newspaper: 'I shall be making dinner and Prue will come and tidy up the gravy at the very end.' On Tuesday, Ruby Bhogal, Rahul Mandal and Kim-Joy will have an epic bake off in the first final filmed outside the tent. Research scientist Rahul was hit with cheating claims during the Great British Bake Off's semi final episode. However, Sandi defended the finalist against the accusations as she insisted she would hate for there to be 'backlash' for Rahul. Rahul was seen continuing to decorate his bakes after Sandi and her co-host Noel Fielding had called time during challenges on Tuesday's episode. But Sandi has called Rahul, who has made it through to next week's final along with Kim-Joy and Ruby Bhodal, an 'astonishing talent.' Battling it out: On Tuesday, Ruby Bhogal, Rahul Mandal and Kim-Joy will have an epic bake off in the first final filmed outside the tent Speaking about the semi final incident, Sandi told Digital Spy: 'What you see is what you get with Rahul. He's a really charming man with very little self-confidence and an astonishing talent. 'The others all have talent, Briony is talented, Ruby is talented, Kim-Joy is talented but at the end of the day, it's that bake on that day. I'm sorry if there is a backlash. 'Everybody is doing their best. These are not telly people. These are people who have decided to put themselves forward to do something that they are passionate about. So, I would hate for there to be a backlash against anybody.' True Horror Rating: Iran Unveiled: Taking On The Ayatollahs Rating: For sale, bijou cottage in a picturesque seaside village, charm- ingly known to locals as The Cage. Two beds, bath and utility rooms, plus thick and foreboding indoor atmosphere that owners describe as 'like walking in jelly'. Some modernisation required: replacing electrics, lick of paint, exorcising undead, etc. Comes with vacant possession (lawyer's note: that's possession in the demonic sense). Some previous tenants, including one hanged in the Tudor period for black magic witchcraft, may still reside but are harmless, apart from intermittent explosions of evil. Would suit single woman with own broomstick and cat. Early inspection is advised, definitely not after dark. Essex mum Vanessa Mitchell told True Horror (C4) why she bought the St Osyth house, also called the Witch's Prison, in 2004: 'It was calling to me, needing me, wanting me I just had to be the owner.' For sale, bijou cottage in a picturesque seaside village, charm- ingly known to locals as The Cage Despite a series of terrifying spectral encounters, including blood spattered on the floors and apparitions of hooded figures floating like smoke, Vanessa still owns the place (the show didn't reveal that she's put it on the market several times, most recently last year for 235,000). Vanessa says she has a mission, to free the souls trapped in the building: 'Maybe that's why I was put on this earth.' A cynic might counter that Vanessa is already fulfilling her life's vocation: she's an experienced holiday sales rep, and The Cage makes a popular spooky resort. Last night, for instance, you could have stayed there on a seven-hour ghost-hunting expedition organised by professionals at Bump In The Night Paranormal, at 50 a head. How much it costs if you want to bring your body too, their website doesn't specify. This dramatised documentary, with contributions from Vanessa and friends, as well as eerie reconstructions filmed in the house itself, would have been more convincing if it hadn't tried so hard to sell the idea that the ghosts could do physical harm. It's easy to imagine this former jail, where a midwife and healer called Ursula Kemp was put to death in 1572 during a witch-hunt, has an ominous atmosphere. But the more that bloody hands stroked the curtains or Halloween faces gurned at the windows, the less I felt inclined to believe. The real horrors of the night were reported on Iran Unveiled: Taking On The Ayatollahs (ITV). Women in the hardline Islamic republic, one of only two countries where headscarfs or hijabs are compulsory, are defying the law . . . and facing jail for up to 20 years. Last night, for instance, you could have stayed there on a seven-hour ghost-hunting expedition organised by professionals at Bump In The Night Paranormal These modern-day suffragettes are incredibly brave. Thousands have joined the White Wednesday protests, wearing snow-white hijabs to register their anger. Demonstrators have been pepper-sprayed and beaten up by police: at one protest, seven people were killed. Many dare to go further, posting selfies with their heads uncovered. A few, breathtakingly courageous and defiant, stand on Tehran's Revolution Street waving their hijabs on sticks like flags, until the security police drag them away. The women hope that, by forcing the government to relax the law, they can weaken the despots' grip on power. 'If you break this first wall, then the rest will get easier,' said one woman, Masih. This documentary was screened too late at night and went on much too long, with lengthy subtitled segments of interviews that told us little. It would have been more valuable, edited hard into a half-hour slot and aired earlier. These women should be held up as inspirations for us, not tucked away when few are watching. Who wins The Bachelorette is one of the biggest secrets in showbiz. But one suitor from Ali Oetjen's season is attempting to sell the final result to publications across the country. Daily Mail Australia understands the Network Ten show contestant is demanding several thousands of dollars for the highly-anticipated result, while promising he has secret videos he wishes to leak. Scroll down for video EXCLUSIVE: The Bachelorette finale scandal: Desperate suitor is attempting to sell the winner for 'thousands of dollars' so he can cash in on his TV stint The suitor is expecting 'at least a few thousand' for the name of the winner and claims he has evidence which was captured on set. He is currently shopping around his package to several publications across the country, while expecting to land a significant pay day. His entrepreneurial deal may lead to legal action though, as it breaches the contract he signed with Network Ten prior to appearing on the show. Exposed: The Network Ten show contestant is demanding several thousands of dollars for the highly-anticipated result, while promising he has secret videos he wishes to leak Breaking his contract: His entrepreneurial deal may lead to legal action though, as it breaches the contract he signed with Network Ten prior to appearing on the show, which prevents leaking information, selling stories and of course, trying to spoil the grand finale Ahead of filming, contestants are forced to sign contracts with many restrictions. Naturally this includes leaking information, selling stories and of course, trying to spoil the grand finale of the whole season by shopping it around. With the finale of The Bachelorette being filmed months in advance and the majority of contestants remaining close, the final result is already known by a lot of people. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Network Ten for comment. Warmed by the heat of the fire pits (and more than a few vodka martinis) on an unseasonably chilly Indian Summer night, the honorees of our 2018 Style Council basked in the glow of a celebration just for them. Red-and-white striped poolside cabanas, string lights, and heat lamps set a festive scene outside of Chambers Eat + Drink on October 17th, where our seven tastemakers this year gathered with their nearest and dearest for cocktails, canapes, and Instagramable moments to remember. But first: drinks! San Francisco newcomer Blue Angel Vodka was a star on this Wednesday night thanks to its Humpday-blues-crushing martinis, mules, and grapefruit hounds. Ashes & Diamondsthe hottest thing to hit Wine Country latelykept the Vin de Table and Napa Valley Blanc flowing all night. Many thanks to these incredible partners, as well as to the fabulous innovators who joined us to celebrate our annual spotlight on Bay Area stylemakers. Get your FOMO on with the sideshow below! Jake Gyllenhaal stepped out in New York City once again to show support for his sister and her new movie, Netflix's The Kindergarten Teacher. The brother and sister were spotted earlier this month at the New York premiere of the film, just days before it premiered on Netflix October 12. While Jake and Maggie arrived separately, they both sported fashionably colorful ensembles for their outing. Family affair: Jake Gyllenhaal supported his sister Maggie Gyllenhaal on Monday at a screening of her new Netflix movie The Kindergarten Teacher in New York City Jake, 37, was seen wearing a blue top, black pants and brown boots, with a brown-orange knee-length jacket. The Nightcrawler actor was also sporting a bit of a five-o-clock shadow, seemingly starting to let his beard grow out. The actor looked serious as he headed into the screening by himself. Supportive brother: Jake had a serious look as he arrived at the New York City screening Fashionable arrival: Jake was seen wearing a blue top, black pants and brown boots, with a brown-orange knee-length jacket Maggie, 40, stepped out wearing a bright yellow Lela Rose dress with a plunging neckline, with a black jacket over the dress. She was also wearing black high heels and silver earrings, while clutching a black handbag on her way into the screening. Maggie has been hitting the festival circuit over the past few weeks in support of the film. Stylish: Maggie, 40, stepped out wearing a bright yellow Lela Rose dress with a plunging neckline, with a black jacket over the dress On the go: Just days after the New York premiere, Maggie attended the premiere at the Mill Valley Film Festival in San Rafael, California Screening time: Maggie can currently be seen in the second season of HBO's The Deuce, where she plays Eileen 'Candy' Merrell Just days after the New York premiere, Maggie attended the premiere at the Mill Valley Film Festival in San Rafael, California. She also headed across the pond to the London premiere at the BFI Film Festival, and over the weekend, she was honored for her work in the film at the Savannah Film Festival. The actress was given an award for Oustanding Achievement in Acting and Producing at the festival on Saturday. Group photo: Paul Dano, Zoe Kazan, Jake, Maggie and Brenda Vaccaro got together for a group photo Special screening: Ashleigh Banfield moderated a talk with Maggie about the film Streaming movie: Jake, Ashleigh and Maggie teamed up at the special screening Cute couple: Paul Dano and wife Zoe Kazan caught up with Maggie Maggie can currently be seen in the second season of HBO's The Deuce, where she plays Eileen 'Candy' Merrell. Jake had two films hit theaters this month, The Sisters Brothers alongside John C. Reilly and Joaquin Phoenix, and Wildlife alongside Carey Mulligan. He will next be seen as the villainous Mysterio in Marvel's upcoming sequel Spider-Man: Far From Home, in theaters July 5, 2019. Netflix original: Jim Parrack also supported Maggie at the event Shannon Beador reunited with her co-stars on Monday's episode of The Real Housewives Of Orange County after a candid conversation with Tamra Judge. The 54-year-old divorcee disappeared on the group's Jamaica trip after being confronted by Tamra Judge, Vicki Gunvalson, Kelly Dodd, Emily Simpson and Gina Kirschenheiter about her mental state. She vanished for a full day before joining the ladies at dinner and offering an apology. Jamaica trip: Shannon Beador took a break from the group during their trip to Jamaica on Monday's episode of The Real Housewives Of Orange County 'To address the elephant in the room, I appreciate you guys giving me the time and space because I'm a person, when I'm upset, I need to take a step back,' Shannon told them. 'After last night, I am incredibly hurt. I know there are discussions that have to be had at some point, and we can do that. But I needed time.' Shannon told them that she had been dealing with a lot and could only apologize. 'I get it, we all have stuff on our plate, but for me, in my life, it is more than I've ever had on my plate,' she said. Candid conversation: Tamra Judge confronted Shannon about her constant complaining Dinner time: Shannon after staying away for a full day returned for a group dinner Emily Simpson told her that she did not feel like their support for Shannon was reciprocated. 'It's fair criticism and I apologize for that,' Shannon told her. The argument happened when the women confronted her about her use of alcohol to get through her 'nasty divorce' and her potential need for medication. No support: Emily Simpson told Shannon that their support was not reciprocated by her Some of the Housewives were not ready to forgive Shannon. 'Thanks for finally coming, I've been calling you. I was worried about you,' said Kelly. 'All you had to say was to have manners and to be kind and nice. You could have just said ''I'm here.'' It was hurtful, Shannon, I was worried about you,' Kelly scolded her. No manners: Kelly Dodd scolded Shannon for not returning her phone calls Kelly told the cameras the situation was 'ironic that she's the one with the least manners.' 'She went through all these cotillions and it's like, girl, you don't have any manners,' Kelly said. 'Shannon has no idea of the stress that she's put on us today. She has no idea how worried we were, and that's the kind of apology we're going to get?,' Kelly fumed. Poor apology: The reality star was not satisfied with Shannon's apology Gina was also not happy with the apology. 'It was upsetting all around. I didn't realize all this was going on. Honestly, I was just trying to break through. I was trying to be your friend,' Gina said. Shannon then told Gina why she had struggled to connect with her. Friendship attempt: Gina Kirschenheiter told Shannon that she was just trying to be her friend 'I have a very difficult time hearing that you're going through a divorce and you're still attracted to your husband and he's still your best friend, because that's what I wanted in my life,' said Shannon. 'When you said that I was judging you, that wasn't my intent. My intent was just to impart the experience and the information, because I started my process with a very optimistic attitude,' Shannon continued. Gina grew emotional at Shannon's admission. Divorce talk: The show newcomer grew emotional talking about her divorce experience 'I'm not sitting here and saying everything's perfect and that's why I'm getting divorced,' she said. 'Like, no, obviously not. It's a transition. It's really hard. I hear you guys, but this is my journey. I just want to be respected for it, you know?,' Gina said. Shannon apologized and said she did not let people in, but Tamra was still irritated that she did not get an apology. Getting along: Shannon and Tamra talked as Vicki Gunvalson looked on Earlier in the show Vicki and the girls jumped into swimsuits and went to Dunn's River Falls, with the women struggling to keep themselves covered up as they climbed the famed waterfall. The next day Shannon reached out to Tamra and tried to resolve their issues. Tamra told her that there were no big issues but that it was her reactions that had escalated the problem and that no-one wanted to hear her complaints anymore. Waterfall hike: The women climbed a waterfall together and fell constantly Peep show: Kelly pulled down her top at Tamra's urging Shannon told her she had not intended to hurt her feelings and Tamra told her it was a poor apology. After shrugging off their differences the women hit the beach and it was not long before the drinks flowed and the women were relieving themselves in the ocean. The show ended with the women having another dinner and Vicki told the cameras that the women could not be trusted to talk about Shannon or 'anything deep.' Dinner rules: Vicki laid down some dinner rules to prevent offending Shannon Tamra ignored this and told the women that her fight with Shannon was the best part of the trip as they would grow from it. Gina and Shannon kissed and Vicki and the other women twerked one final time to celebrate their trip. The Real Housewives Of Orange County will return next week on Bravo. Best part: Tamra during their last dinner said the best part of their trip was her arguing with Shannon as it will improve their friendship Making up: Shannon and Gina kissed as they finally resolved their differences As a food critic, Matt Preston is accustomed to eating some of the finest meals cooked up by the world's best chefs. But there's one simple dish that trumps all the others for the 54-year-old - pizza. During an interview on KIIS FM's Kyle & Jackie O Show on Monday, the MasterChef star revealed that the humble pizza is the one meal he simply can't get enough of. Scroll down for video Foodie: Matt Preston is accustomed to eating some of the finest meals cooked up by the world's best chefs. But there's one dish that trumps all the others for the 54-year-old - pizza Chatting to the show's hosts, Kyle Sandilands, 47, and Jackie Henderson, 43, Matt recalled a recent trip in Europe with his MasterChef co-stars Gary Mehigan, 51, and George Calombaris, 40. He said the the trio flew from Spain to Naples in Italy, just so they could sample some authentic Napoli pizza. The renowned foodie said there are ultimately three components to a 'great pizza'. 'One, the dough. It's got to be crispy, but it's got to be puffy. A little bit elastic,' he explained. Food fan: Matt said he recently flew from Spain to Naples in Italy, just so he could sample some authentic Napoli pizza 'Number two is not too many toppings. Like, tomato and mozzarella...' He said the third factor was the base sauce, describing the way the Napolitanos make the tomato sauce as 'really, really good, really sweet and acidic'. 'They hang [the tomatoes] for about six months before they turn them to sauce, they dehydrate them, so they get even sweeter and sourer,' he continued. Meal prep: Earlier this month, Matt shared a series of photos and videos on Instagram from his pizza experience in Naples, describing it as the 'best day ever' 'For me, it's the sauce that makes the pizza. Everyone always talks about the dough.' Earlier this month, Matt shared a series of photos and videos on Instagram from his pizza experience in Naples, describing it as the 'best day ever'. 'Its the stretch of the soft dough, the intensity of the sauce here (made from hung tomatoes) and the smoke from the wood chips added during cooking that helps make the pizza here so special,' he wrote. Scott Disick and girlfriend Sofia Richie are certainly feeling the love Down Under. The 35-year-old Keeping Up With The Kardashians and his 20-year-old ladylove put on an amorous display as they visited Sydney's famous Taronga Zoo on Tuesday. Clearly unafraid to showcase their romance, Scott lovingly draped his arm around the model while holding her hand as they headed inside the tourist hot-spot. Scroll down for video Animal attraction! Loved-up Scott Disick, 35, coudn't keep his hands off girlfriend Sofia Richie, 20, as they visited Taronga Zoo in Sydney on Tuesday Despite the lofty spring climes, Scott decided to cover up in a baggy pink hoodie and a pair of khaki military trousers. Sofia also dressed casually for the outing, styling her black crop top with a pair of high-waisted cord trousers. The model daughter of Lionel Richie completed her look with a small Fendi handbag and some retro sunglasses. Think pink! Despite the lofty spring climes, Scott decided to cover up in a baggy pink hoodie and a pair of khaki military trousers Model behaviour! Sofia flaunted her enviable abs as she made her way into the Sydney tourist hot-spot while clutching a Fendi bag Making friends? Lionel Richie's daughter cosied up next to a koala once inside the zoo Once inside the zoo, Sofia took to her Instagram to share a photo of herself cuddling up to a koala. Despite Taronga Zoo Sydney being a 15-minute ride across the waves from Circular Quay, the American couple chartered their own luxury yacht for the day. As they stepped foot off the boat the pair were greeted by a frenzy of fans, but decided to play it cool by ignoring the onlookers. Playing it cool? As they stepped foot off the boat the pair were greeted by a frenzy of fans, but decided to play it cool by ignoring the onlookers He only has eyes for you! Despite Taronga Zoo Sydney being a 15-minute ride from Circular Quay in the city, the American couple chartered their own luxury yacht for the day As they sailed around the world famous Sydney Harbour earlier in the day, it was clear that both Scott and Sofia were infatuated by each other. While taking in the glorious sights, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House and Luna Park, they couldn't keep their eyes off each other. The couple arrived Down Under on Monday and certainly made an entrance, leaving the airport in a white Rolls-Royce Phantom. Scott and Sofia are in the country ahead of his hosting duties at Derby Day's Ultra Australia Marquee. Last month, Daily Mail Australia reported that the notorious party boy was picking up a six-figure paycheck to attend the horse race. The VIP couple are here! Scott and Sofia are in the country ahead of his hosting duties at Derby Day's Ultra Australia Marquee The Bachelor's Tiffany Scanlon revealed she was allegedly being scammed out of money at supermarkets in Bali, Indonesia in August this year. And on Tuesday, the 31-year-old took to her Instagram Story to let her legions of followers in on a banking loophole that may stop her from getting '$1000' back. Pleading for help, Tiffany said: 'I really need some advice on the bank transaction dispute I put through three months ago nearly when I was in Bali and I got charged 10 times the amount, three times over.' 'I won't get my money back!': Former Bachelor star Tiffany Scanlon revealed the banking loophole that allows businesses to scam you out of thousands after being defrauded by a Bali supermarket 'My bank is just dragging its tail on this. Basically now they're saying they're waiting for the merchant to get to back to them... but the merchant is a small supermarket in Bali,' she added. Tiffany expressed concerns that the supermarket may actually never respond to her bank - meaning she may not get her allegedly stolen money back. 'Now there's a chance I won't even get my money back if they don't hear from the merchant because the merchant needs to pay the funds back,' she continued. 'My bank is just dragging its tail on this. Basically now they're saying they're waiting for the merchant to get to back to them.. but the merchant is a small supermarket in Bali,' she said in a video posted to her Instagram Story on Tuesday 'I genuinely think the chances of them hearing back from three small supermarkets is slim. To be frank [the person she spoke to over the phone representing the bank] wasn't that polite and I was like, I'm so mad at this I'm ready to change banks. 'It's been 10 weeks. Now I feel like I can't do anything and there is a risk that I wont get my money back,' Tiffany explained, appearing distraught. Meanwhile, back in August Tiffany took to her Instagram Story to claim the 'scam,' which happened at a supermarket in Bali, supposedly cost her 'well over $1,000'. 'It's been 10 weeks. Now I feel like I can't do anything and there is a risk that I wont get my money back,' Tiffany explained, appearing distraught In a video titled 'Bali money scam warning', Tiffany said: 'I want to give a warning to anyone in Bali who goes to shop at a supermarket.' 'I was charged an extra zero on the end of each transaction,' she claimed. 'Instead of spending 24 dollars, I was charged $244. So just warning you guys,' she said, adding that she 'was scammed well over $1,000' in total. Ferne McCann has lashed out at Love Island star Zara McDermott's claims that she was messaging Charlie Brake while he was dating Ellie Brown, while speaking to MailOnline on Monday night. Speaking on the red carpet at Pride Of Britain Awards at London's Grosvenor House Hotel, Zara made the bold accusation before she was followed by Ferne, who insisted she was focusing on her daughter Sunday and not dating. Speculation first sparked last week when images emerged of the former TOWIE star holding hands with the millionaire heir after a night out, however Ferne insisted the pictures were innocent and they were in fact with a whole group. Shock: Ferne McCann has lashed out at Love Island star Zara McDermott's claims that she was messaging Charlie Brake while he was dating Ellie Brown Last week, Ferne, 28, sparked speculation she and Charlie are an item, after they were spotted putting on a tactile display following a night of partying in London. Mother-of-one Ferne, who shares baby Sunday, 11 months, with incarcerated ex-boyfriend Arthur Collins, was seen holding hands with the reality star, before snuggling up to him in a taxi as they headed home together. Having broken up with his villa lover Ellie earlier this year, her best pal made the bold claim that his romance had overlapped with his alleged messages with Ferne. Zara, who proudly brands herself Ellie's best friend, spoke to MailOnline on the red carpet, saying: 'I think that there may have been some DM sliding before when Ellie and Charlie were still together, she knew from like, months ago... Shock! Speaking on the red carpet at Monday night's Pride Of Britain Awards at London's Grosvenor House Hotel, Zara made the bold accusation before she was followed by Ferne, who insisted she was focusing on her daughter Sunday and not dating Overlap? Zara, who proudly brands herself Ellie's best friend, spoke to MailOnline on the red carpet, saying: 'I think that there may have been some DM sliding before when Ellie and Charlie were still together, she knew from like, months ago' 'She was always a bit suspicious and like 'is something going on?' and people were like 'no he loves you' but clearly things have escalated since they split.' Ferne seemed affronted at the claims shortly after, as she hit back at the claims saying: 'Absolutely not, I've been so busy focusing on my baby and career... 'I would never, ever message someone if they were in a relationship, and you've heard it from the horse's mouth... Hitting back: Ferne seemed affronted at the claims shortly after, as she hit back at the claims saying: 'Absolutely not, I've been so busy focusing on my baby and career' Not true! 'I would never, ever message someone if they were in a relationship, and you've heard it from the horse's mouth' 'It would never be with the intention to date or something like that if someone is in a relationship. We went out as a group, we had a lot of fun and I think he's very handsome.' Essex beauty Ferne's amorous display with Charlie is the first time she has been seen in public with a potential boyfriend since her split with acid attack ex, Arthur. Sunday's dad Arthur is currently serving a 20 year sentence for his involvement in an acid attack that took place in an East London nightclub. Shock: Essex beauty Ferne's amorous display with Charlie is the first time she has been seen in public with a potential boyfriend since her split with acid attack ex, Arthur She was previously linked to an older man, whom she described had been a 'confidante' to her, back in March earlier this year, but a relationship never materialised. Charlie, meanwhile, found himself propelled into the spotlight after starring on Love Island's fourth series this summer. He seemed to find love with co-star Ellie Brown on the ITV2 dating show, but the pair split just two months after their villa exit. It was claimed Ellie had ended their relationship after pictures emerged of Charlie wining and dining another girl, but he has strongly denied any claims he 'cheated'. She has revealed that she is single and was never 'really together' with Jack Maynard. And Georgia 'Toff' Toffolo put on a sensational solo display as she attended the Pride Of Britain Awards 2018, held at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London, on Monday night. The Made In Chelsea star, 24, exuded Old Hollywood glamour in an embellished silver gown with a gold gem-encrusted belt and draped semi-sheer sleeves Wow: Georgia 'Toff' Toffolo put on a sensational display as she attended the Pride Of Britain Awards 2018, held at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London, on Monday night Georgia oozed glamour in the sparkling number which plunged down the middle to offer a glimpse of her cleavage. The dress went on to hug the rest of her sensational frame as she posed up a storm on the red carpet. The reality star added to the era-defining look by styling her locks in glamorous retro waves, complementing her pretty blush-infused make-up look. Her sighting comes after Georgia exclusively set the record straight to MailOnline, revealing that she is single and that she was never 'really together' with Jack Maynard. Era-defining: The Made In Chelsea star, 24, exuded Old Hollywood glamour in an embellished silver gown with a gold gem-encrusted belt and draped semi-sheer sleeves Striking: The reality star added to the era-defining look by styling her locks in glamorous retro waves, complementing her pretty blush-infused make-up look Talking exclusively to MailOnline about her love life and Jack, Georgia, otherwise known as Toff, said: 'We weren't really ever together, we just went on a date. I think on social media it looked like we were really, really together, so yeah. 'We're so close, I DM him most days, I adore him, but it's just not, you know, in the romantic sense. Nothing has changed, he still comes over most days, everything is really good. 'It's really nice for me to set the record straight, I am single and so is he.' The reality star met Jack on the 2017 series of I'm A Celebrity before he had to leave the jungle and she went on to win the show. Yet Georgia revealed that she will be returning to the jungle for the new series, but as a This Morning presenter and spectator. Single: Her sighting comes after Georgia exclusively set the record straight to MailOnline, revealing that she is single and that she was never 'really together' with Jack Maynard Dishing all: Talking exclusively to MailOnline about her love life and Jack, Georgia, otherwise known as Toff, said: 'We weren't really ever together, we just went on a date' She added: 'Yes I will be, I will be doing stuff for This Morning and flying out for Australia. 'I can't wait, I think Stanley [Johnson] will be there, I think we're going to crossover for a few nights.' One change from I'm A Celebrity 2017 is that Holly Willoughby will be presenting with Declan Donnelly, while his co-host Ant McPartlin takes a break from his TV commitments following a rehab stint. Talking about the new shake-up, Georgia said of her This Morning co-star taking over the reigns: 'Gosh, I am so excited, she's going to be amazing. She was my pick when it was all in the press, I was like I really hope it's Holly, I think she's going to be brilliant. She's best known for her love of Arg, colourful kaftans and going to Sugar Hut. But Gemma Collins had a new man in her sights at the Pride Of Britain Awards on Monday night when she hung out with Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. The event, held at Grosvenor House Hotel in London saw the unlikely pairing as Gemma went over to a very friendly Jeremy to introduce herself. The GC meets the JC! Gemma Collins couldn't contain her excitement as she met Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn at Pride Of Britain Awards... (so did she invite him to the Sugar Hut?) Can't believe it: She pulled an open-mouthed gasp to her pals following the unexpected encounter Wearing a rather apt red dress, Gemma shook Jeremy's hand and said: 'It's a pleasure to finally meet you in person.' Perhaps Jeremy is a TOWIE fan as he seemed rather taken with Gemma in return. As he turned to walk away, Gemma could barely contain her delight as she pulled an open-mouthed gasp at one of her pals who would stood nearby. What a pairing: Wearing a rather apt red dress, Gemma shook Jeremy's hand and said: 'It's a pleasure to finally meet you in person' Gemma was clearly feeling very confident in her outfit, after revealing she has dropped a dress size since training for Dancing On Ice. The GC had her blonde hair pulled back with loose tresses framing her features, carrying her essentials in a matching bronze clutch bag. She appeared a little worse for wear later on in the evening as she jumped into a waiting cab. The GC has arrived: Gemma was showing off the results of her recent weight loss as she attended the event Red hot! The 37-year-old TOWIE star hit the red carpet in a sensational scarlet wrap dress which showcased her new toned figure Making memories: Gemma posed for selfies with her TOWIE co-star Chloe Sims as the night drew to a close and her hair was taken out of its ponytail They've had a blast: Chloe flung her arms around Gemma after a fun night together The awards honour British people who have acted bravely or extraordinarily in challenging situations and are presented by Carol Vorderman. Meanwhile, Gemma has been hitting the ice in recent weeks as she trains for the new series of Dancing On Ice - which is expected to air early next year. The star said that after only 10 days of practice she's already lost a stone in weight, and is on a mission to lose more. Speaking to New! magazine at the ITV Palooza last week she said: 'This dress I'm wearing is a size 24 but it's too big. I should be wearing a 22. So there's no doubt that between now and January I'm going to.' Something tickling her? Gemma appeared in high spirits as she exited the building Time for bed? It seems it all got a little too much for Gemma as she appeared worse for wear as she climbed into her cab at the end of the night They've plagued with rumours about getting close off the dancefloor. And Strictly Come Dancing's Joe Sugg and pro Dianne Buswell did little to dispel those rumours as they attended the Pride of Britain Awards on Monday night together. The dancing duo, who wowed the judges with their sensational foxtrot on Saturday night, looked ready for the worthwhile event that celebrated the nation's unsung heroes at London's Grosvenor House. Cosy: Strictly Come Dancing's Joe Sugg and pro Dianne Buswell did little to dispel those rumours as they attended the Pride of Britain Awards on Monday night together Looking dapper for the occasion, Joe, 27, donned a black tux, white dress shirt and bow-tie alongside the Australian dancer. Following his style lead, Dianne donned a dazzling green halterneck gown with a sequin embellished bodice. The flame-haired beauty's fashion choice featured a daring keyhole detail while she accessorised her look with a pair of sky-high strappy sandals and gold sequin clutch. She continued her glamorous display with a pair of statement drop-earrings and styled her locks into a soft curl. Looking good: The dancing duo, who wowed the judges with their sensational foxtrot on Saturday night, looked ready for the worthwhile event that celebrated the nation's unsung heroes at London's Grosvenor House Suit you: Looking dapper for the occasion, Joe, 27, donned a black tux, white dress shirt and bow-tie alongside the Australian dancer Aside from their stylish display, the pair appeared comfortable in one another's company while they enjoyed a respite from the festivities. Dianne was seen looking at Joe's phone as they chatted away to one another in the midst of a break. Their appearance comes after Joe took to social media on Sunday night to post videos of them having a cosy night in together. Dianne, who dumped soap actor boyfriend Anthony Quinlan just a couple of weeks ago, has been 'inseparable' from YouTuber Joe since they were partnered up for this season of the BBC dancing show. Dazzling: Following his style lead, Dianne donned a dazzling green halterneck gown with a sequin embellished bodice Joe posted to his Insta-Stories saying: 'Look whos just turned up at my house' He panned the camera over to the 29-year-old pro who was giving the camera the thumbs up, before Joe revealed they were shooting a vlog for his channel together. It's been reported by The Sun that the pair often spent time at his home together, with her said to have stayed over a few times. A BBC source told the publication: 'Joe and Dianne are keeping things low-key but theyre having a lot of fun. Everyone on set has noticed how close theyve become. Red alert: The flame-haired beauty's fashion choice featured a daring keyhole detail while she accessorised her look with a pair of sky-high strappy sandals and gold sequin clutch 'Theyre definitely more than just friends. They are very fond of each other. They are hoping to stay in the contest for as long as possible and are trying to focus on dancing for now, but theyre seeing where things go.' The pair reportedly first kissed three weeks ago when she was still in a relationship with Anthony. According to The Sun, the Australian dancer cheated on her boyfriend, who she split with last week, after kissing the vlogger during a night out with their castmates. A source sensationally revealed to the publication that the 'Strictly curse has struck again' after they were 'flirting and laughing all night before having a quick kiss and leaving together.' Mane attraction: She continued her glamorous display with a pair of statement drop-earrings and styled her locks into a soft curl The source revealed: 'Joe and Dianne were flirting and laughing all night, and were the talk of the club. They were seen having a quick kiss, and ended up leaving together. Joe and Dianne had chemistry from day one rehearsals.' This comes after Dianne's ex Anthony slammed claims their relationship fell victim to the Strictly curse, after they ended their 10-month romance. The Emmerdale actor, 34, revealed he's 'rooting for her and Joe' during their stint on the BBC competition series, and insisted he and his ex are 'still really good friends'. In an interview with Daily Star, the soap star denied the Strictly curse claims as he revealed why they had split: 'We're still really good friends it's just distance played a part. There were all these rumours about the 'Strictly' curse but it wasn't that.' Twinkle toes: Their appearance comes after Joe took to social media on Sunday night to post videos of them having a cosy night in togethe Admitting that there's no bad blood between the pair, he added: 'I'm actually rooting for Joe and Dianne. They're doing absolutely amazing in strictly and I still think the world of the girl. 'We were really close, it just wasn't meant to be.' Despite being at the centre of swirling romance rumours, Joe and Dianne weren't distracted as they performed a sensational foxtrot to 5SOS hit Youngblood on Strictly on Saturday night. Their routine earned plenty of praise from the panel, with Bruno stunned at how much the vlogger had improved, finishing joint second on the leaderboard with 35 points out of 40. He has been at the centre of swirling rumours regarding a romance with Megan Barton-Hanson, despite her being in a romance with Wes Nelson. And Pete Wicks was joined by his pal Vicky Pattison at the Pride of Britain Awards in London on Monday night, as she mocked him for recent reports stating that he had enjoyed boozy night in a strip club with the Love Island star. The former Geordie Shore star, 30, couldn't contain her giggles as she revealed on her Instagram Stories: 'Pride of Britain with my little agent Gemma and with me pal Pete, top shagger.' 'Top shagger': Pete Wicks was joined by his Vicky Pattison at the Pride of Britain Awards on Monday, as she mocked him for reports stating that he had enjoyed boozy night in a strip club with Megan Barton-Hanson Claims: He has been at the centre of swirling rumours regarding a romance with Megan Barton-Hanson, despite her being in a romance with Wes Nelson After labelling him a 'top shagger', the TOWIE hunk couldn't resist collapsing in a fit of laughter himself. Hours earlier, Pete narrowly avoided a run-in with Megan and her beau Wes at the Pride Of Britain red carpet. The former exotic dancer, 24, looked sensational in a sleek green gown, which showed off a generous glimpse of her cleavage as she put on a smitten display with her other half. Meanwhile, Vicky's jokes about her pal Pete comes after heavy reports that he enjoyed a boozy night out with Megan. Funny: The former Geordie Shore star, 30, couldn't contain her giggles as she revealed on her Instagram Stories: 'Pride of Britain with with me pal Pete, top shagger' Hilarious: After labelling him a 'top shagger', the TOWIE hunk couldn't resist collapsing in a fit of laughter himself Awkward: Hours earlier, Pete narrowly avoided a run-in with Megan and her beau Wes at the Pride Of Britain red carpet Hot couple: The former exotic dancer, 24, looked sensational in a green gown, which showed off a generous glimpse of her cleavage as she put on a smitten display with her other half Sources alleged to The Sun that a group of reality stars headed out after the Animal Hero Awards at The Grosvenor House Hotel in London last month, as they were joined by Ferne McCann, Mario Falcone and Jon Clark for a night at a strip club. As Megan reportedly partied with the stars during the boozy night out, her beau was making an appearance at a nightclub in Belfast. Megan and Wes make no secret of their romance and often litter social media with adoring videos and snaps together however they have been separated on a number of occasions due to Wes' hundreds of PAs up and down the country. Yet the night in question saw Megan head out by herself after which she is said to have partied up a storm with the fellow reality stars. Insiders claimed she hit it off with Pete in particular and after heading to Stringfellow's nightclub the duo disappeared for a significant amount of time. Tough times? Meanwhile, Vicky's jokes about her pal Pete comes after heavy reports that he enjoyed a boozy night out with Megan Shocker: Sources alleged to The Sun, a group of reality stars headed out after the Animal Hero Awards at The Grosvenor House Hotel in London Way back when: The former exotic dancer reportedly partied with the stars during the boozy night out, her beau was making an appearance at a nightclub in Belfast The source said: 'Megan and Pete hit it off from the moment they first started talking they both seemed keen to get to know each other better... 'At first Pete was very cautious and made it clear he wasnt interested due to her being in a relationship with Wes. But as the night progressed theyd both had a lot to drink and were having fun... The pair even went missing for a long period of time from the rest of the group that included Ferne, Mario and also Jon Clark... Megan loves Wes so has insisted to close friends that nothing happened between her and Pete... 'But their late-night liaison has become the talk of the Towie and Love Island casts, with many believing Megans relationship with Wes won't last... Tongues wagging: 'But their late-night liaison has become the talk of the Towie and Love Island casts, with many believing Megans relationship with Wes won't last' Hitting bacj: Showing her loyalty, last week Megan mirthlessly mocked a social media user's claims Wes bedded another woman behind her back Showing her loyalty, last week Megan mirthlessly mocked a social media user's claims Wes bedded another woman behind her back. Representatives for Megan and Wes declined to comment when approached by MailOnline. Pete's team has been approached for comment. Taking to Instagram on Friday, Megan used the stories function to share a screenshot of a private message she was sent regarding one of Wes' nightclub appearances while making a shocking claim. Hitting back: A shocking message from a stranger making the bold claim read: 'I'm from worcester and wes did an appearance. Apparently has has slept with a girl and they have signed a contract to keep it a secret [sic]' The allegations included the name of the woman the Dancing On Ice hunk is said to have slept with as well as claims that he forced her to sign a confidentiality agreement after the 'tryst' - however Megan seemed tickled by the suggestion. A shocking message from a stranger making the bold claim read: 'I'm from worcester and wes did an appearance. Apparently has has slept with a girl and they have signed a contract to keep it a secret [sic]'. She seemed to find the situation hilarious as she wrote over the top: 'I get DM's chatting pure s***e'. while also exposing the user who sent the message. House Solution Egypt takes pride in their leading real estate search engine in Egypt which helps to search and to filter with budget, requirements, and locations the easiest way. 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The clip also included footage of the couple watching a different performance during their recent visit to a school. Together, the combination of the clips made it seem as though the Duke and Duchess were watching Ja'mie's dance. In the edited video, they appeared to be in critiquing and talking through the private school girl's emotional performance. What a treat! Chris Lilley has shared a hilarious clip of his private school girl character Ja'mie King doing a 'private dance performance' for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The fan-edited video shows the fictitious character from mockumentary series Ja'mie: Private School Girl Very surprised: The clip also included footage of the couple watching a different performance during their recent visit to a school. They appeared to be in critiquing and talking through the private school girls emotional performance 'The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were treated to a private performance by Jamie King,' the caption quipped. Chris Lilley is set to return to the spotlight with a new series for Netflix, filmed on the Gold Coast. The ten-episode series, which was filmed between March and June this year, is expected to inject up to $6.35 million into the local economy. Back in the limelight: Chris Lilley is set to return to the spotlight with a new series for Netflix, filmed on the Gold Coast. The ten episode series was filmed between March and June this year Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and the state's government acquired the series through its strategy to attract more films and productions to the state. 'The series will employ up to 250 cast and extras plus about 100 crew,' she revealed. Chris Lilley's list of controversial, yet acclaimed comedy shows include Summer Heights High, Angry Boys, Ja'mie: Private School Girl and Jonah from Tonga. She's known for her killer watt smile - and Love Island's Montana Brown looked dramatically different as she unveiled her new veneers on Monday night. The 21-year-old beamed from ear to ear as she walked the red carpet at the Pride Of Britain Awards held at London's Grosvenor House Hotel. Her teeth have always been flawlessly white, but it's clear to see Montana's new veneers were more aligned than her natural teeth and she appeared delighted with the results. You're never fully dressed without a smile: Love Island's Montana Brown showed off her new veneers at the Pride Of Britain Awards in London on Monday night, (left) Montana thanked her dental team for her new look on Instagram, sharing a snap of herself on the night. She wrote: 'Pride of Britain Hair: @hairbymichellesultan Makeup: @krystaldawn_mua Jumpsuit: @barruslondon. 'With the help of @maisondental too for my bright pearly smile.' The tooth fairy came: Montana thanked her dental team for her new look on Instagram, sharing a snap of herself on the night All white on the night: Her outfit also drew attention at the annual bash, which honour British people who have acted bravely or extraordinarily in challenging situations Her outfit also drew attention at the annual bash, which honour British people who have acted bravely or extraordinarily in challenging situations. She wore a plunging white onesie with killer black heels and carried a cream YSL bag in her hand. Her raven locks were styled in an elegant up-do and her heavy fringe added a dramatic flourish. TOWIE star Pete Wicks caught her out combing her fringe with a fork at the table as she channelled Ariel, The Little Mermaid vibes. Pete jokingly wrote: 'You ain't on Love Island now, love.' Seated with Pete and Chloe Sims, Montana also posed for snaps with Vicky Pattison and Ferne McCann on the night. A dinglehopper: TOWIE star Pete Wicks caught her out combing her fringe with a fork at the table as she channelled Ariel, The Little Mermaid vibes A handsome toy boy's true intentions came into question on Tuesday night's episode of Bride and Prejudice. Aspiring actor Ry, 21, popped the question to Swedish mother-of-two Phillipa, 39, but their 18-year age-gap raised some serious questions with Phillipa's strict parents Peter and Gunilla. 'Ry is not my cup of tea as a person at all,' admitted Gunilla. 'It has crossed our minds and it is a great worry that Ry is a gold digger.' True intentions? Aspiring actor Ry, 21, popped the question to Swedish mother-of-two Phillipa, 39, but their 18-year age-gap raised some serious questions with Phillipa's strict parents on Bride and Prejudice Peter added: 'I don't understand what she's doing. I hate it!' Despite the doubts around their relationship, both Phillipa and Ry insisted that they were madly in love. 'The connection we have is something you find once in a lifetime,' gushed Phillipa. 'Ry is not my cup of tea as a person at all,' admitted Phillipa's mother Gunilla. 'It has crossed our minds and it is a great worry that Ry is a gold digger' 'I thought when I first saw Phillipa that she was the most beautiful woman in the world,' said Ry. 'I was gobsmacked.' However, Phillipa admitted that her mother believes Ry is 'after her money'. Once the blonde sat her parents down to break the news of her engagement, they were far from impressed. 'The connection we have is something you find once in a lifetime': Despite the doubts around their relationship, both Phillipa and Ry insisted that they were madly in love 'I thought when I first saw Phillipa that she was the most beautiful woman in the world,' said Ry. 'I was gobsmacked' 'I should congratulate you for the new child in the family,' dad Peter said in a scathing reference to Ry's young age. Further casting doubt on Ry's intentions is his career outside of the reality show. The strapping 21-year-old is an aspiring actor with a string of commercials, short films, and stage credits to his name. 'I should congratulate you for the new child in the family,' dad Peter said to Phillipa in a scathing reference to Ry's young age Love or fame? The strapping 21-year-old is an aspiring actor with a string of commercials, short films, and stage credits to his name According to his Showcast profile, Ry has appeared in Paul Hogan 2017 biopic, Hoges and starred in a Nivea commercial. And his Instagram profile consists of a string of actor head shots and show-reel clips. When approached for comment by Daily Mail Austraila, Seven responded: 'Ry and Philippa met while working together on a local theatre production.' She has been preparing herself head-to-toe for the highly anticipated Victoria's Secret Fashion Show next month. And on Tuesday, model Georgia Fowler offered a rare glimpse into her unusual travel essentials as she embarked on a plane trip. Posting her list of must-haves to her Instagram Stories, the 26-year-old penned a few quirky items that heavily focused on the health of her immune system. Ginger shot, oregano oil and echinacea herbs: A look inside Victoria Secret model Georgia Fowler's unique travel essentials ahead of her appearance in the highly anticipated runway extravaganza 'Detox tea bags (anything Dandelion/ milk thistle), immune support - Vitamin C, Echinacea and oil of oregano,' Georgia candidly wrote. Echinacea is a herb that is believed to support the immune system by reducing the symptoms of common colds and cases of the flu. Meanwhile, oil of oregano is rumoured to have many health benefits, such as aiding in bacterial inflammation and pain. Health: On Tuesday, the 26-year-old model posted a list of must-have travel essentials to her Instagram Stories, penning a few quirky items such as detox tea bags,oil of oregano and vitamin C The brunette beauty also surprisingly revealed she consumes a 'ginger shot upon landing'. Known for supporting digestion, the ginger was perhaps intended to give the stunner a kick of nutrition after a long flight. Georgia explained that she needs a 'podcast to get [her] through the airport rush, huge water,' and a good book - naming The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. Other essentials listed included socks and skincare products such as face cream and lip balm. 'Ginger shot upon landing': Known for supporting digestion, the ginger was perhaps intended to give the stunner a kick of nutrition after a long flight While preparing her body for the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, Georgia has been detailing her gym workouts on social media. Last week, she performed a series of gruelling exercises in a video - demonstrating crab walks, squats and an intense cardio session on the treadmill. The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show will be held in New York City in November. He claims to have bedded over 1000 women - and now Geordie Shore's Scotty T has claimed he once kissed Ellie Goulding a few times after she fell for his charms. Talking to Closer magazine, the 30-year-old said: 'I went to an Ellie Goulding concert once with some mates. 'She was really attractive and I fancied her. I kissed her a couple of times that night, but we just ended up as mates. A look down memory lane: Geordie Shore's Scotty T claimed he 'KISSED Ellie Goulding a couple of times after she fell for his charms... but they ended up as mates' He said: 'She was really attractive and I fancied her. I kissed her a couple of times that night, but we just ended up as mates' (pictured in June) 'After her concert, we ended up in this amazing artist's after party at the o2 and my mate got completely naked. He's a stripper and didn't care what people thought.' MailOnline has contacted a spokesperson for Ellie Goulding, 31, for comment. It's clear if Scotty is right, this would have happened some time ago as Ellie is now happily engaged to Caspar Jopling - he proposed after they dated for 18 months. Moving on: Ellie is now happily engaged to Caspar Smart - and is yet to comment on Scott's claims The couple had posted an advert in The Times to announce their happy news. The announcement read: 'Mr C.W.F. Jopling and Miss E.J. Goulding. 'The engagement is announced between Caspar, son of The Hon Nicholas Jopling of Yorkshire and Mrs Jayne Warde-Aldam of Yorkshire, and Elena, daughter of Mr Arthur Goulding of Hertfordshire and Mrs Tracey Sumner of West Midlands.' Ellie and Team GB rower Caspar, 26, live together and split their time between New York and London. She has made no secret of her joy in finding love with Caspar. Wow: Scotty T is well-known for his lothario ways and claims to have bedded over 1000 women Back in April, Ellie described Caspar as 'very special' and admitted that her taking a break from touring had helped their romance flourish. She has also been linked to Prince Harry and dated Dougie Poynter, Greg James and Skrillex. She told The Observer: 'I thought for a long time that I could never really take the time to nurture a relationship because I'm never around. I haven't been touring for the past year, so I think this is the first time I've realised what it's like to be in a relationship and learn to be with someone. 'It also helps when you find someone who is very special and understands your job. 'The time that I spend somewhere is always so fleeting and I'm never in one place for long. That can stir up emotions, you're constantly re-evaluating and changing your life plans.' The next series of her show The Mummy Diaries is soon to air. And Sam Faiers looked like she was in a fabulous mood as she attended The Pride Of Britain Awards held at The Grovenour house Hotel in London on Monday night. The former TOWIE star - who raises children Rosie, one, and Paul, two - with her other half looked utterly glamorous in an one-shouldered white dress which boasted a soaring thigh-high slit. Incredible: Sam Faiers, 27, looked fabulous as she attended The Pride Of Britain Awards held at The Grovenour house Hotel in London on Monday night All eyes were on Sam in the sensational skintight white number which perfectly flattered her figure. The dress put focus on her toned legs which were boosted in a pair of nude-coloured strappy heels. With a remembrance Poppy attached to her dress, Sam completed the look by toting her belongings in a hot pink handbag. Sam accessorised with a pair of dangling silver earrings and wore her locks straight, while her features were enhanced with a glamorous coat of make-up. Sizzling: The former TOWIE star looked utterly glamorous in an one-shouldered white dress which boasted a soaring thigh-high slit Commanding attention: All eyes were on Sam in the sensational skintight white number which perfectly flattered her figure Walk this way: The dress put focus on her toned legs which were boosted in a pair of nude-coloured strappy heels Meanwhile, Paul cut a dapper figure in a slick grey suit which he teamed with a black tie and crisp white shirt. Sam is soon to hit reality TV once again in The Mummy Diaries with her sister Billie. And Billie has shed some new light on the details of her impending wedding to fiance Greg Shepherd. She revealed to MailOnline on Monday that they have indeed set a date for the nuptials, that it will be in the Maldives and that it will feature on the next season of the The Mummy Diaries. Stylish: With a remembrance Poppy attached to her dress, Sam completed the look by toting her belongings in a hot pink handbag Fashionista: Sam accessorised with a pair of dangling silver earrings and wore her locks straight, while her features were enhanced with a glamorous coat of make-up 'So we're getting married in the Maldives in spring 2019. I can confirm it's booked!' Billie, who has been engaged to Greg for nearly five years, said. 'We did our hen and stags this year because we wanted to go abroad and there's not really anywhere to go in the early parts of next year. Plus, it doesn't shove it on everyone all at once.' Sister Sam added: 'There was a massive build up to the hen dos and stag dos. They were big events for us all.' Billie also admitted that filming The Mummy Diaries can take its toll on family life but that's what the viewers want to see. Handsome: Paul cut a dapper figure in a slick grey suit which he teamed with a black tie and crisp white shirt Reality stars: The next series of her show The Mummy Diaries is soon to air 'We're getting married in the Maldives!' Sam's sister Billie has shed some new light on the details of her impending wedding to fiance Greg Shepherd 'A million per cent I feel like saying, "give us a break, I'm trying to plan a wedding here," to the crew when they're filming us all the time,' she explained. 'But they then want to cover every little thing we do. 'It's the smallest things the people at home want to see. I don't hold back. If I've got the hump with Greg I show it. So that makes it good TV.' Of her daughter Nelly - who is arguably the star of the show - Billie said: 'She is so aware of what's going on. She knows the cameras are there. Its a fine line with her [between her acting up for the cameras or being natural]. Billie Faiers has shed some new light on the details of her impending wedding to fiance Greg Shepherd. She revealed to MailOnline on Monday that they have indeed set a date for the nuptials, that it will be in the Maldives and that it will feature on the next season of the The Mummy Diaries. 'So we're getting married in the Maldives in spring 2019. I can confirm it's booked!' Billie, who has been engaged to Greg for nearly five years, said. Here comes the bride? Billie Faiers has shed some new light on the details of her impending wedding to fiance Greg Shepherd 'We did our hen and stags this year because we wanted to go abroad and there's not really anywhere to go in the early parts of next year. Plus, it doesn't shove it on everyone all at once.' Sister Sam added: 'There was a massive build up to the hen dos and stag dos. They were big events for us all.' Asked whether she was worried about watching Greg's stag go episodes, Billie admitted: 'I've got to be honest, yeah, I was a little bit nervous. I was wondering if he was going to be acting up too much or that loads of girls would be hanging about. I'm sure there was. 'I was a bit like, what is this going to be? At the end of the day, it's a stag do. The stag do was a bit chavvy really, the one in Marbella. Because he had two. That one was rowdy. The one in Vegas was all nice meals and getting dressed up. I haven't actually watched that one back yet.' Plans: She revealed to MailOnline on Monday that they have indeed set a date for the nuptials, that it will be in the Maldives and that it will feature on the next season of the The Mummy Diaries Of the wedding, Billie revealed that it will feature on the series but not be 'too personal'. 'Everyone will see the ceremony but not really all the the after party stuff. It's more about all the build up. That's all the best bit. And then walking down the aisle,' she said. Sam added: 'Walking down the aisle - that's the money shot!' Billie admits that filming The Mummy Diaries can take its toll on family life but that's what the viewers want to see. 'A million per cent I feel like saying, "give us a break, I'm trying to plan a wedding here," to the crew when they're filming us all the time,' she explained. 'But they then want to cover every little thing we do. Sister sister: Billie admits that filming The Mummy Diaries can take its toll on family life but that's what the viewers want to see Family life: 'It's the smallest things the people at home want to see. I don't hold back. If I've got the hump with Greg I show it. So that makes it good TV,' Billie said 'It's the smallest things the people at home want to see. I don't hold back. If I've got the hump with Greg I show it. So that makes it good TV.' Of her daughter Nelly - who is arguably the star of the show - Billie said: 'She is so aware of what's going on. She knows the cameras are there. Its a fine line with her [between her acting up for the cameras or being natural]. 'Obviously if my kids said they don't want to do the show as they get older, then we wouldn't. But they have grown up with the cameras. They don't know any different.' Doting mum: Of her daughter Nelly - who is arguably the star of the show - Billie said: 'She is so aware of what's going on. She knows the cameras are there' Of the future of the series, she added: 'You don't know what your kids are going to be like when they grow up, do you? Or what they're going to want to do. I'm sure at least one of them will still want to do it. And that'll be Nelly.' The new season will see Nelly go to school for the first time. Sam teased: 'This series is jam-packed. That's why the show is possible, we keep it real with everything that's going on. It's not just the glam stuff on the red carpet. It's raw and shows what's happening at home and how we juggle everything.' Sam and Billie Faiers: The Mummy Diaries TX: Wednesday 31st October at 9pm on ITVBe. She recently made a candid confession about their 'wonderful' sex life. And Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash were enjoying a night out together at The Pride Of Britain Awards, held at The Grosvenor House Hotel in London on Monday night. The 29-year-old Loose Women presenter looked lovely in a sequinned red dress, highlighting her long legs in the glitzy number. Date: Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash were enjoying a night out together at The Pride Of Britain Awards, held at The Grosvenor House Hotel in London on Monday night Stacey commanded attention in the thigh-skimming minidress, featuring a high neckline and voluminous sleeves. She added some extra sparkle to her attire thanks to a pair of silver stilettos. The TV personality, who first found fame on The X Factor back in 2009 alongside Olly Murs, pulled the look together with a pair of quirky geometric earrings. Red hot: Stacey commanded attention in the thigh-skimming minidress, featuring a high neckline and voluminous sleeves All that glitters: She added some extra sparkle to her attire thanks to a pair of silver stilettos Gracing the red carpet: The couple - who have recently moved in together - looked happier than ever earlier in the evening She posed up a storm with boyfriend Joe on the red carpet, before leaving the venue hand-in-hand at the end of the night. Last week, Stacey joked that her love life with the I'm A Celebrity Extra Camp host is better than ever - because they now have sex in front of the TV. The presenter sent her fellow Loose Women panelists into hysterics with her frank admission on Tuesday's installment of the ITV chat show. Kinky: Last week, Stacey joked that her love life with the I'm A Celebrity Extra Camp host is better than ever - because they now have sex in front of the TV Janet Street-Porter declared: 'Never have a television in the bedroom because you obviously don't want any kind of sex life if you want a telly in there.' Stacey retorted: 'Excuse me, my sex life is wonderful... and I get to watch my favourite films at the same time!' Chuckling to herself, Janet said: 'I'm just getting over that image of you, Joe and a 70 inch TV in there with loads of clothes around you.' Cheeky: The presenter sent her fellow Loose Women panelists into hysterics with her frank admission at the time Stacey recently moved in with Joe after two years together and gave fans a sweet yet candid insight into her new family home. She shared a picture of Joe and her two sons, Zachary, ten, and Leighton, six, posing in one of the rooms, which had a stylish brick wall. Perching on boxes and a cat basket, Stacey and her family posed while tucking into a Chinese takeaway using 'random Christmas dishes' as bowls. Janet Street-Porter declared: 'Never have a television in the bedroom because you obviously don't want any kind of sex life if you want a telly in there.' Stacey retorted: 'Excuse me, my sex life is wonderful... and I get to watch my favourite films at the same time!' She captioned the photo with: 'HOME SWEET HOME. Finally all in and ready to start a fresh together. If youre wondering whats going on here... 'We are eating a Chinese out of random Christmas dishes, using our hands, whilst sat on washing baskets and cardboard boxes eating off of a cat basket [crying laughing emoji] nothing to see here...[house emojis].' (sic) Stacey has two sons; Zachary, with her former teenage sweetheart Dean Cox, and Leighton with ex-fiance Aaron Barnha. Home sweet home: Stacey gave fans a sweet yet candid insight into her new family home last week after moving in together Milestone: The Loose Women panellist, 29, revealed earlier this month that she has moved in with her EastEnders boyfriend of two years, 36, just in time to celebrate her 29th birthday While Joe has son Harry, nine, with his former girlfriend Emma Sophocleous. Stacey revealed earlier this month that she had moved in with her boyfriend of two years just in time to celebrate her 29th birthday. The Loose Women panellist and EastEnders actor, who began dating in 2016 after meeting on Im A Celebrity in 2010, settled into their new home in Essex at the start of October. Happy: Stacey and Joe, who began dating in 2016 after meeting on Im A Celebrity in 2010, settled into their new home in Essex at the start of October And the former X Factor star gushed that waking up with Joe, 36, and her two sons was the 'best birthday present' ever. Sharing a sweet Instagram snap of her with Joe and Leighton on Instagram, she wrote: 'Happy birthday to me yaaay. Was imagining being surrounded by thousands of pink balloons when I woke up on a four poster bed. 'But I'm actually sooo much happier to be waking up on a mattress on the floor surrounded by brown boxes because we are about to move in together and blend our lives together which is the best birthday present I could have ever wished for.' Stacey previously revealed her plans to move in with Joe, telling new! magazine: 'We've actually got a date at the end of the month. It's in Essex I could never move out of Essex. 'I can't wait! You know when something's just been such a long time coming.' Stacey also admitted that she and Joe are 'always' thinking about having children. When asked if she wanted more, she said: 'It's always in the back of our minds. It's not something we're ready for just yet, but we hope in the future it would happen. We don't really have the time to make a baby.' They were alleged to have split after he was spotted kissing another woman. But Kourtney Kardashian, 39, and Luka Sabbat, 20, appeared to be back together when they were spotted on a night out in West Hollywood on Monday. Luka was seen driving the Keeping Up With The Kardashians beauty home following their evening - mere hours after it was claimed things were definitely over. Still together? Kourtney Kardashian, 39, and Luka Sabbat, 20, appeared to be back together since they were spotted on a night out in West Hollywood on Monday Kourtney and Luka attempted to keep a low profile as they drove off into the night. The outspoken reality star was casually clad in a black corduroy jacket, wearing her dark pulled back in a high ponytail. Smoking a cigarette at the wheel, male model Luka looked quirky in a burnt orange velvet jacket. MailOnline has contacted Kourtney's representatives for comment. Confusing: Luka was seen driving the Keeping Up With The Kardashians beauty home following their evening - mere hours after it was claimed things were definitely over Low-key: The outspoken reality star was casually clad in a black corduroy jacket, wearing her dark pulled back in a high ponytail 'Kourtney is no longer seeing Luka,' a source told People on Monday. 'It was a fun fling for her, but not a big deal.' There doesn't seem to be any hard feelings over the split, with the source adding, 'Kourtney is doing great.' 'She has more important things to focus on, like her kids and work,' the source adds. 'She is looking forward to all the fun holidays. Edgy: Smoking a cigarette at the wheel, Luka looked quirky in a burnt orange velvet jacket Kardashian and Sabbat first got together in September, just weeks after she ended her nearly two year relationship with French model Younes Bendjima. They were first seen together over a weekend in September that saw them step out at Los Angeles hot spot The Nice Guy and two parties in Chicago. Kourtney's 'inner circle' thought Sabbat was good for her, with the source adding, 'All of their friends know shes head over heels for Luka,' despite their 19-year age difference. Fling: Kardashian and Sabbat first got together in September, just weeks after she ended her nearly two year relationship with French model Younes Bendjima 'None of her friends liked Younes, and they all love Luka even though hes only 20! the source added. 'They think hes good for her, and hes a very down-to-earth and good guy.' Kourtney was wrapping up a luxurious trip to Bali with her sisters and wasn't in LA at the time that Luka was stepping out with a new woman. Split reports: 'Kourtney is no longer seeing Luka', a source had told People just hours before On Friday night, the male model was seen heading out to the Peppermint Club in Los Angeles hand-in-hand with a beautiful brunette. Just Jared reported that the stunner is actually an Italian model named Chiara Scelsi. She made her debut modeling for Chanel and has worked for H&M, DKNY and Dolce & Gabbana to name a few. Chiara and Luka appeared to continue their date well into the next day as they were spotted on Melrose Place Saturday sharing a kiss. She confirmed she was engaged to be married to Nick Jonas in August after just three months of dating, (Nick proposed in July). And Priyanka Chopra, 36, seemed as though she might be having second thoughts as she arrived at a Bumble India dating app dinner at the Gramercy Park Hotel Rooftop in New York on Monday night. Dressed in a heavily embellished silver sequin strapless dress, Priyanka cut an elegant figure as she posed for snaps at the event. What a woman: Priyanka Chopra dazzled in a sequin strapless dress as she attended Bumble India dating app dinner in New York... three months after getting engaged to Nick Jonas The number had a stunning thigh-high split going up the front and she wore a pair of perspex heels. But all was not as it seems as Priyanka is actually an investor in the company, which is now branching out to cover India as well. According to KYMA.com, Priyanka will advise on the expansion. Doing her thing: Priyanka is actually an investor in the company, which is now branching out to cover India as well The site also reports: 'Bumble's efforts for an expansion in India have been in the works for awhile. Founder and CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd said the newly engaged Chopra first told her "Indian women needed Bumble" months ago. 'Chopra was among a group of high-profile women who helped Bumble kickoff its networking app, Bumble Bizz, in October 2017.' Her love: Nick Jonas asked Priyanka to be his wife on her 36th birthday in London back in August But she won't be using the site herself, that's for sure, after Nick, 25, popped the question. In August, Priyanka finally confirmed the rumors as she showed off her stunning diamond engagement ring in an Instagram snap. The couple got engaged while in London celebrating her 36th birthday on July 18. Business woman: Chopra was among a group of high-profile women who helped Bumble kickoff its networking app, Bumble Bizz, in October 2017 Micro Pump Market report explores Scope of the Study as Research Objective, Assumptions and Limitations in-depth. The report gives Market Dynamics by Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities, Challenges, Macroeconomic Indicators and Technology Trends & Assessment. The Global Micro-Pump Market for is anticipated to grow at a CAGR rate of about 19.4 % during the forecast period of 2018 to 2027. Industry/ Innovation/ Related News: May 18, 2018 Axolotl Biologix (US) A specialized provider for optimized regenerative medicine announced a strategic partnership with Leonhardt Ventures (US), a product invention development laboratory. This partnership will allow the company to utilize some of Leonhardts expertise, such as bioelectric, mixed stem cell-based composition, and micro-pump combined with Axolotls amniotic-derived fluid products for organ regeneration. Global Micro-Pump Market Insights The Global Micro-Pump Market has been evaluated as rapidly growing market and expected that the market will reach high growth figures. Micro-pumps have been playing a crucial role in the pharmaceutical industry for last few years. Especially in the processes such as drug discovery, development and delivery. The ability of Micro-Pump to provide a controlled flow of fluids and controlled delivery of drug dosage into the body of the patients are the major factors boosting the demand for such techniques. This has led to the improved healthcare management and better medical outcomes. Get Sample report @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1300 On the other hand, there are certain factors that can hinder the growth of the micro-pump market. The regulatory issues act as hindrance in the development of micro-pump market. Apart from regulatory challenges, the market also confronts issues from surface chemistry and geometrical problem during manufacturing process. Global Micro-Pump Market Key Players The major participants of this market are Advanced Microfluidics SA, Alldoo Micropump, Bio-Chem Fluidics, Cole-Parmer Instrument Company LLC, Dolomite Centre Ltd, IDEX Corporation, KNF Neuberger Inc., Microfluidica LLC, Servoflo Corporation, Takasago Electric Inc., TOPS Industry & Technology Co. Ltd., World Precision Instruments, Xavitech and others. Global Micro-Pump Market Segmentation MRFR has segmented the report into five key dynamics, for the convenience of the report and enhanced understanding. By Product Type: Comprises Mechanical Micro Pump (piezoelectric micro pump, peristaltic pump, & syringe pump, others) and Non-Mechanical Micro Pump. By Material: Polymer, Silicon, and Glass, among others. By Applications: Drugs Delivery Systems, In Vitro Diagnostic, and Medical Devices among others. By End-Users: Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Companies, Hospitals, Diagnostic Centers, and Research Institutes, among others. By Regions: North America, Europe, APAC and Rest of the World. Global Micro-Pump Market Regional Analysis The Americas dominates the Global Micro Pump Market owing to the increasing investment in healthcare, the presence of a strong economic condition, and focus of research institutions on updating technology and others. Furthermore, American micro pump manufacturers have significantly upgraded their factories and manufacturing capabilities. Europe holds the second position in the market increasing support from the government, the presence of huge healthcare spending. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the healthcare expenditure in Germany was EUR 321 billion in 2014, France recorded the second highest level of current healthcare expenditure of EUR 237 billion. Browse Complete 101 Pages Premium Research Report Enabled with Tables and Figures @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/micro-pump-market-1300 Asia Pacific is the fastest growing market owing to a greater number of developing nations present in this region, for instance, countries like India and China. These countries are encouraging the growth of the micro pump market. Recently, China has become one of the fastest growing markets for microfluidics in Asia due to increased government funding and improving healthcare facilities. According to the National Bureau of Statistics of the Peoples Republic of China, the total R&D spending of China was around USD 409 billion, in 2015. The Middle East & Africa is expected to hold the least market share due to less availability of medical facilities, and less development in the healthcare domain. However, countries such as Qatar and Kuwait are focusing more on the healthcare and developing medical facilities, which will boost the market of this region. Major Table of Content Chapter 1. Report Prologue Chapter 2. Market Introduction 2.1 Definition 2.2 Scope of the Study 2.2.1 Research Objective 2.2.2 Assumptions 2.2.3 Limitations Chapter 3. Research Methodology 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Primary Research 3.3 Secondary Research 3.4 Market Size Estimation Chapter 4. Market Dynamics Continued. About Market Research Future: At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services. In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industry, MRFR often plans & conducts meet with the industry experts and industrial visits for its research analyst members. Media Contact Company Name: Market Research Future Contact Person: Abhishek Sawant Email: Send Email Phone: +1 646 845 9312 Address:Market Research Future Office No. 528, Amanora Chambers Magarpatta Road, Hadapsar City: Pune State: Maharashtra Country: India Website: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/big-data-as-a-service-market-1209 She has gone through a major cosmetic transformation since joining the cast of Geordie Shore in 2013. And now Marnie Simpson, 26, has confessed she regrets her long list of surgical procedures, which includes liposuction, a nose job, lip fillers and a boob job, and is terrified to go 'under the knife' again. The MTV star, who has been diagnosed with body dysmorphia, has said that she's 'learned a big lesson' from her numerous cosmetic procedures. Surgery: Marnie Simpson, 26, has confessed she regrets her long list of surgical procedures, which includes liposuction, a nose job, lip fillers and a boob job and is terrified to go 'under the knife' again The brunette beauty told Closer in a new interview: 'I regret my lips. If I could go back in time, I wouldn't have touched them. I haven't had lip fillers in a long time - I got them all removed. 'A doctor told me I've destroyed my natural lip line from the constant fillers, so I'll never be completely happy with my lips. Obviously, I've learned a big lesson and it's tough.' As well as accepting the pitfalls to her plethora of procedures, Marnie admitted that the idea of going under the knife again terrifies her after learning of British mother-of-three Leah Cambridge death following her bum lift in Turkey in August. She said: 'It really affected me, hearing about the things that have happened to young girls, so I'm scared to ever do it again myself. Surgery is just too risky.' Candid: The MTV star, who has been diagnosed with body dysmorphia, has said that she's 'learned a big lesson' from her numerous cosmetic procedures (Pictured in 2013) Difference: She has gone through a major cosmetic transformation since joining the cast of Geordie Shore in 2013 (Marnie pictured in 2013, left, and earlier this month, right) Marnie's made numerous dramatic changes to her look since joining Geordie Shore in 2013 and despite her recent comments she told The Sun in 2017 that she would never stop going under the knife. She told The Sun: 'Once you go down that route you can't stop it. You want to perfect everything which is impossible. 'So if people were to come to me and ask about plastic surgery I always say, "don't do it because it's a road that you'll never come back from". Regret: The brunette beauty told Closer in a new interview: 'I regret my lips. If I could go back in time, I wouldn't have touched them. I haven't had lip fillers in a long time - I got them all removed' Fear: As well as accepting the pitfalls to her plethora of procedures, she admitted that the idea of going under the knife again terrifies her 'But if you've got something you really hate then get it fixed. Otherwise you'll never ever be happy with it.' During the summer, she ran into difficulty when she struggled to make it through an automatic face recognition machine due to the difference between her passport picture and current look. As she returned from a trip to Ayia Napa with Ex On The Beach star Helen Briggs, who is dating Marnie's boyfriend's brother, in July, the star took to Instagram to share a hilarious video showing Marnie's struggles. Dramatic: Marnie's made numerous dramatic changes to her look since joining Geordie Shore in 2013 After enjoying their girls' holiday, Marnie and Helen travelled back together and as they arrived at passport control the latter was feeling snap happy. The Geordie Shore star was using her ePassport, which use facial recognition technology to match a face to the photo recorded on the chip inside the passport. Written over the top of the video of an extremely sheepish Marnie standing at the gates, she wrote: 'When you don't match your passport picture anymore'. Holly Willoughby is set to make her debut on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! next month. And Extra Camp presenters Joel Dommett, Scarlett Moffatt and Joe Swash stopped off at the ITV studios on Tuesday morning to chat all things Jungle related with Philip Schofield and Holly's stand in Rochelle Humes. Scarlett confessed she can't wait to see the blonde beauty co-hosting the main programme alongside Declan Donnelly in the absence of Ant McPartlin, while the presenter takes some time out following his drink driving conviction and rehab stint. Not long to go! Extra Camp presenters Joel Dommet, Scarlett Moffatt and Joe Swash stopped off at the ITV studios on Tuesday morning to chat all things I'm A Celebrity Scarlett enthused: 'It is very heavily testosterone based, I'm excited to have Holly there!' However, the boys weren't quite as convinced with Holly's ability to cope in the Australian jungle. Joe declared: 'I know Holly is scared of creepy crawlies - sometimes there's thousands of bugs on the floor. 'You get sea sick, it looks like it's moving! I'm not sure how she'll handle that.' Can't quite believe it: Phillip confessed he laughed as he bid goodbye to his pal Holly at The Pride Of Britain Awards, adding, 'she jumps at a bluebottle!' Delighted: Scarlett enthused, 'It is very heavily testosterone based, I'm excited to have Holly there!' Double act: Holly Willoughby is set to make her debut on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! next month, so Rochelle Humes is standing in for her alongside Phillip Schofield Natural look: Scarlett opted for minimal make-up for her TV appearance, rocking colourful silk co-ords for the occasion Phil scoffed: 'She is petrified of everything. Everything! I was saying goodbye to her at the Pride Of Britain Awards last night. 'And as I hugged her, I burst out laughing. She jumps at a bluebottle!' The trio have just a few days left in the UK before they set off for Australia, and Phil admitted he couldn't believe how well prepared Dec is. Gross: Joe confessed there were so many creepy crawlies on the jungle floor that it can make you 'sea sick' when you look too closely Get packing! The trio have just a few days left in the UK before they set off for Australia The silver fox said: 'I went round to Dec's house the other day, to see the new baby. Gorgeous! And he had all his clothes folded up already!' While Scarlett branded hosting spin-off Extra Camp the 'greatest job ever', she confessed she struggled with the all-nighters. The cast and crew typically wake up at 10pm local time and finish work at 11am, which Joel compared to living like 'owls and strippers'. Uh oh: Joe is heading out first on Friday, and will be joined by his son - but has been having a nightmare since his entire filming wardrobe was stolen Sleeping woes: While Scarlett branded hosting spin-off Extra Camp the 'greatest job ever', she confessed she struggled with the all nighters However, the former Gogglebox star has come up with an unusual - and rather diva-like method - of coping with her disrupted sleeping pattern. 'I actually sleep with sunglasses on. It's so light! Sunglasses and a sleep mask, so the sides get covered,' she said as the others mocked her. Joe is heading out first on Friday, and will be joined by his son - but has been having a nightmare since his entire filming wardrobe was stolen. He lamented: 'My car got robbed about 10 days ago. I went go karting and my mum left the car open, they nicked my all my ASOS clothes and shopping from the boot. Really funky shirts they got. Does anyone want to send me free stuff?' 'I actually sleep with sunglasses on. It's so light!': The star revealed she struggled to work night shifts while Down Under Can't wait: This marks Joe's 10th year hosting I'm A Celebrity: Extra Camp Newly-single Kerry Katona was seen looking bereft following a trip to the cinema with her daughter Molly McFadden on Sunday evening. The 38-year-old former Atomic Kitten star was seen weeping just days after it emerged that she has split from her beau Ryan Maloney after four months together. Having been to see tear-jerking, Oscar-contender A Star Is Born, Kerry's eyes were puffy and her skin red as she seemed to have been crying, with the film undoubtedly hitting home due to themes of heartache and addiction. Tough times: Newly-single Kerry Katona was seen looking bereft following a trip to the cinema with her daughter Molly McFadden on Sunday evening According to reports, Kerry and Ryan had been on a 'make or break' holiday in South East Asia, but decided to split on their return to UK. Sources said: 'Kerry and Ryan decided to end their relationship after they landed back in the UK from Thailand. 'It was a make or break holiday and they wanted to get away to discuss their future and whether they wanted to be together. They looked happy in the pictures, but that wasn't a true reflection of what was really going on between them.' Seeking comfort in her beloved daughter, Kerry headed for a girls' night out at the cinema while sporting a cosy ensemble to keep out the autumn chill. Sad times: The 38-year-old former Atomic Kitten star was seen weeping just days after it emerged that she has split from her beau Ryan Maloney after four months together Make or break: 'It was a make or break holiday and they wanted to get away to discuss their future and whether they wanted to be together. They looked happy in the pictures, but that wasn't a true reflection of what was really going on between them' A support? Her 17-year-old daughter Molly, who she shares with ex-husband Brian McFadden, was on hand to lend support to her mum Clad in designer finery, the slimmed-down star wore a thick Louis Vuitton scarf and ankle boots while upping the superstar factor. Showing off her lithe legs, she went bare-legged while adding in delicate earrings as the perfect detail-injecting touch. She scraped her blonde locks into a low ponytail at the nape of her neck with her dark roots clear at the top while opting for natural make-up. Kerry first confirmed her romance with hunky personal trainer Ryan in the summer. She coyly spoke about her relationship during a candid interview with Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield on This Morning in September. Can't take it: According to reports, Kerry and Ryan had been on a 'make or break' holiday in South East Asia, but decided to split on their return to UK Hard times: Kerry was no doubt hit hard by the issues in the movie Tearful: She seemed to struggled after the outing as she spent family time following the split She revealed: 'Yes, I am seeing someone it's really new and I'd like to keep it just for me this time,' she told the presenters, prompting Phil to quip: 'I hope you've picked carefully!' Kerry replied: 'It's still early days. I'm enjoying it for what it is, I'm not getting married and I'm not having no more babies, saying that, it depends how much a magazine offers me first - I'm joking!' During their short romance, Ryan grew close to Kerrys brood; Molly, 17, Lilly-Sue, 15, Heidi, 11, ten-year-old Max and DJ but decided that they wanted different things. Insiders said: 'Ultimately Kerry and Ryan decided it was for the best that they split. There is no animosity and there isnt any bad feeling.' Tough times: Insiders said: 'Ultimately Kerry and Ryan decided it was for the best that they split. There is no animosity and there isnt any bad feeling' Boy Meets World star William Daniels, 91, has thwarted a burglary at his California home. The actor, who played the principal Mr Feeny in the long-running 90s show, disturbed the crime while it was in progress, according to TMZ. Law enforcement sources told the website the actor and his wife, actress Bonnie Bartlett, 89, were at their home in the San Fernando Valley when someone tried to kick in the back door at 9.20pm on Saturday. Boy Meets World's Mr Feeny star William Daniels, 91, thwarts burglary at his home; he is seen in March of last year Iconic role: As Mr Feeny with Ben Savage in Boy Meets World, picture from 1993 When Emmy-winner Daniels turned on the lights, the intruder fled. The attempted burglary was belived to be a random crime. While he is best known for his Boy Meets World role, which he played from 1993 to 2000, Daniels also won two Emmys for his regular role on St Elsewhere. He also voiced Kitt, the car, in Knight Rider. More recently he can be seen in Better Call Saul. Daniels and Bartlett married in 1951. She recently confirmed her relationship with Love Island co-star Dom Thomas. And Tayla Damir has revealed why she kept their relationship secret for months. The 21-year-old explained to The Daily Telegraph their connection developed at a 'normal speed' after the Channel Nine reality show. 'There wasn't a deadline': Love Island's Tayla Damir (left) has revealed why she kept her relationship with boyfriend Dom Thomas (right) a secret following her split from her Grant Crapp after Love Island 'We came out (of the series) and everything happened at a normal speed,' she said. 'There wasn't a deadline and we just wanted to make sure it was done authentically to who we were instead of feeling the pressure of everybody else,' she added. On the show Tayla found a spark with Grant Crapp and together they won show and the $50,000 prize money - but split shortly after. Former flames: On the show Tayla eventually found a spark with Grant Crapp and together won the show and the $50,000 prize money but split weeks after the show ended. The Perth beauty also told the publication that she has not spoken to Grant Dom, who entered the Spanish villa mid-way through the show, coupled up with Millie, Mac and Shelby before being dumped in the final week. It was only a few weeks after Tayla's split from Grant that speculation grew that she and the project manager Dom were interested in each other. For two months the couple had been teasing their affection for each other on their respective Instagram accounts. New man: It was only a few weeks after Tayla's split from Grant that speculation grew that she and the project manager Dom were interested in each other. For two months the couple had been teasing their affection for each other on their respective Instagram accounts Tayla and Dom ended weeks of speculation and revealed their relationship to their fans by making it Instagram official. However, upon closer inspection, their touching relationship confirmation also doubles as a sponsored post for a luxury Airbnb. To promote it, the reality TV couple shared a string of cringeworthy photos of themselves flirting and frolicking in the accommodation. Priyanka Chopra looked like she was ready to celebrate Halloween when out in New York City on Tuesday. The bride-to-be stepped out of her swanky apartment at the Four Seasons residences rocking a cozy sweater and a festive leather skirt, as well as a pair of Oliver Peoples sunglasses. It's been non-stop events for the 36-year-old recently as she prepares to tie the knot with fiance Nick Jonas in December. On Monday she said they get along so well because of mutual 'respect.' Fall fashion: Priyanka Chopra looked ready for Halloween on Tuesday as she stepped out of her swanky New York apartment dressed in a bright orange skirt and matching boots According to People, the star said at the Bumble India launch event: 'Truly this is what worked for me, he has to be someone who respects you. By that, I dont mean makes coffee for you, not that. But someone who respects the hard work you put into your life.' She added, 'Who respects that if his work is important, so is yours. Or if he makes choices that are important to him, so is your opinion. Thats respect, and thats incredible to have.' The TV icon also said, 'Then everything is so easy because you give each other credit for your intelligence, you give each other the benefit of the doubt because you trust each other. Theres so much that comes out of that. I think dont settle for less than that.' Style star: The 36-year-old looked warm and chic in a cozy knit turtleneck sweater Bride -to-be: In December, Priyanka and Nick Jonas are slated to tie the knot in India On Tuesday the Quantico star was spotted heading out for a day in the city dressed for the autumnal weather in a camel knit turtleneck sweater under a cozy belted wool trench in the same color. She tucked the chunky knit into the waist band of an a-line orange leather and suede patchwork skirt. The skirt hit the Indian beauty at her shin, just a few inches before her pair of pumpkin orange leather booties. Priyanka swept her raven locks back into a soft bun and accessoriezed with gold hoops and a pair of stylish Oliver Peoples sunglasses. All wrapped up! Later she switched to a black dress, adding a large padded jacket The star carried with her a small Louis Vuitton purse. On Monday night, Priyanka went full glam in a sequin gun metal dress for posh party hosted by dating app Bumble India. Priyanka, however, was definitely not swiping right at the soiree as she is set to marry Nick Jonas in her home country of India in Decemeber. Accessories: The actress accessorized her look with a classes Louis Vuitton purse Non stop: Priyanka has been packing her schedule with events this month which included her bridal shower Go, go, go: On Monday night, the actress stunned in a sequin dress of gun metal grey at a Bumble event in NYC In August the Bollywood star confirmed she was engaged to the pop star after just three months of dating. Nick popped the question in July on her 26th birthday. Over the weekend, the beauty looked like she was ready for a walk down the aisle in a white feathered Marchesa gown as she celebrated her bridal shower. The actress and her nearest and dearest descended on Tiffany's in Manhattan for the jubilant event. Chrissy Metz's home in Los Angeles has been reportedly burglarized. The actress, 38, was not at home at the time of the alleged theft, and it was her assistant who realized someone had just been inside after an alarm went off in the house on Monday evening, law enforcement sources told TMZ. A source said the assailant broke the back bedroom window of Chrissy's home and took off with a couple of purses, the value of which are unknown. Theft: Chrissy Metz's home in Los Angeles has been reportedly burglarized (pictured Monday in New York) The alleged burglary occurred around 8pm, according to law enforcement sources. Chrissy was in New York City on Monday, but sources say she will be returning to Los Angeles on Tuesday to complete a report. It remains unclear if Chrissy's house was specifically targeted by the thieves. Earlier this month the Los Angeles Police Department announced that four people had been arrested in connection to a string a burglaries targeting the homes of the rich and famous. Returning: Chrissy was in New York City on Monday, but sources say she will be returning to Los Angeles on Tuesday to complete a report Making an appearance: Metz appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Monday Opening up: Metz talked about her hit show This Is Us on The Tonight Show Police said they found a list containing the names and addresses of more than a dozen athletes, musicians and actors the teens planned to burglarize. Chrissy is a SAG-award winning actress who has starred on This Is Us since 2016. The acclaimed actress has also been nominated for a Golden Globe, an Emmy Award, and a Critics' Choice Award for her role on the series. 'They've banked a couple of scenes': While speaking on The Tonight Show on Monday, the actress revealed they had already shot several scenes for the series finale of This Is Us (pictured at AOL Studios on Monday) Coming soon: The actress will next star as Joyce Smith in the upcoming drama Breakthrough While speaking on The Tonight Show on Monday, the actress revealed they had already shot several scenes for the series finale of This Is Us. 'They've banked a couple of scenes for the series finale,' she told Jimmy Fallon. She has previously appeared on American Horror Story, My Name Is Early, and Sierra Burgess Is A Loser. The actress will next star as Joyce Smith in the upcoming drama Breakthrough. His fame has grown since signing on for Keeping Up With The Kardashians over a decade ago. And now it looks as if reality TV standout Jonathan Cheban is getting more attention than he can handle. On Monday the New Jersey native was seen with not one but two bodyguards as he shopped in Beverly Hills; one was his usual man and the other looked to be a new addition. Guards: His fame has grown since signing on for Keeping Up With The Kardashians over a decade ago. And now it looks as if reality TV standout Jonathan Cheban is getting more attention than he can handle Posse: On Monday the New Jersey native was seen with not one but two bodyguards as he shopped in Los Angeles; one was his usual man and the other looked to be a new addition Cheban wore a black top that said New York Sunshine on the front and New York Police Resue Unit in red on the back. The pal of Kim, Khloe and Kourtney added black slacks that said Paraval Aviation Crew. And the Celebrity Big Brother star had on dark sneakers and a diamond watch with two chains around his neck. The former publicist carried a card from Beverly Hills boutique Bijan. Casual every day: Cheban wore a black top that said New York City police in red on the back, adding black slacks that said Paraval Aviation Crew Another look: On the back it said New York Police adding Rescue Unit He may know the owner Nicolas Bijan Pakzad as Scott Disick is also friends with him. Nicolas' father Bijan Pakzad, who was known simply as Bijan, was an Iranian designer of menswear and fragrances. He died in 2011. Cheban's main bodyguard was seen in a black T-shirt with camo slacks that had green and orange on them. The other guy had on a DKNY sweatshirt and blue-and-green plaid slacks with white sneakers. Fancy place to dine: Later that evening Jonathan was seen going to Craig's in West Hollywood for dinner No suit and tie: He wore a casual outfit for that too, clearly showing an interest to the new slobebrity movement which was started by Justin Bieber and Pete Davidson Later that evening Jonathan was seen going to Craig's in West Hollywood for dinner. He wore a casual outfit for that too, clearly showing an interest to the new slobebrity movement which was started by Justin Bieber and Pete Davidson. This comes after he dressed up as Willy Wonka for George Clooney's Casamigos Halloween party in Las Vegas on Saturday evening. The Spin Crowd star had the red coat and black top hat Johnny Depp wore for the 2005 film Charlie And The Chocolate Factory. Another strange top: Here the TV vet wore a Human Heart top with a photo of a real heart Though he did a nice job with the costume, it could not compare with his look last year: he dressed as Sonny Bono to Kim Kardashian's Cher. Cheban looked happy at the star-studded bash. He posed with Devon Aoki, Steve Aoki and Nicole Zimmermann inside Catch. And he also shared several images to Instagram. Cheban also dressed up as Willy Wonka from the 1971 film Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory. The actor who played Willy in that film was Gene Wilder who passed away in 2016. A smash in Sin City: Cheban dressed up as Willy Wonka for George Clooney's Casamigos Halloween party in Las Vegas on Saturday evening Double take: The Keeping Up With The Kardashians star had the red coat and black top hat Johnny Depp wore for the 2005 film Charlie And The Chocolate Factory These photos surface just as PageSix reported the TV star was a 'diva' at a Halloween party in NYC. It was held at the club Red Rabbit. A source complained he was 'pouting' but his rep told the site: 'Foodgod stayed over his two-hour commitment, took pics with a hundred people and mingled around the club before he flew out just a few hours later for the Catch Las Vegas opening. Lets just say the clubs commitment was not settled during his appearance, but was ultimately resolved.' Another Willy: The night before, Jonathan dressed as Wonka from Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory which came out in 1971 The first: The actor who played Willy in that film was Gene Wilder who passed away in 2016 Last weekend Kim turned 38-years-old on Sunday. His tribute read: 'Happy Birthday legend @kimkardashian .. too much to write about how f***ing perfect you are as a friend a mother and a wife so I wont! As long as we all know its good enough for me!! Love you to death!! Best friends forever. Literally oh and that.' The two have been close for over a decade as he gave her publicity advice when KUWTK first starting airing. He has been at her wedding to Kanye West, her birthdays and he has serves as uncle to her three kids North, Saint and Chicago. She stars as Virginia Woolf's lover Vita Sackville-West in biographical romance drama Vita And Virginia. And actress Gemma Arterton touched upon the seductive role in a new interview for Harper's Bazaar. The 32-year-old told the publication: Language was everything. Vita and Virginias way of seducing, of getting to the nitty-gritty, of pretending to be somebody else. Dazzling: Gemma Arterton addressed the art of lesbian seduction in Virginia Woolf drama Vita And Virginia as she modelled a sequin cut-out dress for Harper's Bazaar shoot Role: Gemma (right) stars as Virginia's love interest in the movie, Vita Sackville-West And talking about her character choices, she added: 'It is all about the complexities of a character. 'Every time I do a project now, its a creative adventure, an experiment in seeing what I can do . . . 'I can have all that technical information in my brain and yet in the end its going to be something that comes through me. The 32-year-old told the publication: Language was everything. Vita and Virginias way of seducing, of getting to the nitty-gritty, of pretending to be somebody else' In the December issue of Harpers Bazaar, Gemma talks being an active supporter of ERA, (Equal Representation for Actresses), saying: 'it is what we are all striving for' Out now: Read the full interview in the December issue of Harpers Bazaar, on sale from 31 October Appearing on the cover of the magazine, Gemma wears a beautiful sequin dress by Michael Kors, which has cut-out details at the sides. In the December issue of Harpers Bazaar, Gemma talks being an active supporter of ERA, (Equal Representation for Actresses): She said: [It is] what we are all striving for: making great parts for women and giving women directors and writers more voice. Gemma is set to receive the award for Outstanding Performance at the Harpers Bazaar Women of the Year Awards on Tuesday night, held in partnership with Michael Kors and Mercedes-Benz. The awards take place at Claridges hotel in London and recognises the outstanding achievements of women in the worlds of fashion, film, literature, art and philanthropy. The full list of winners will be announced on the evening of 30 October. Read the full interview in the December issue of Harpers Bazaar, on sale from 31 October. Congratulations are in order for Zoe Kravitz and boyfriend Karl Glusman in fact, theyre overdue. The Big Little Lies actress sat down with Rolling Stone for an in-depth interview in which she revealed that she and her beau have been engaged for about eight months. Zoe, 29, wanted to keep the news between herself, her fiance and those closest to them for a little while. Karl, 30, popped the question during a low-key night at home. He and Zoe were sat in their living room a little drunk while wearing comfortable clothes. Initially, however, the Gypsy actor had something far more elaborate planned. Zoe Kravitz revealed that she's engaged to boyfriend Karl Glusman in the November issue of Rolling Stone Karl Glusman celebrated Zoe Kravitz's Rolling Stone cover by sharing an image of them together online I think I was a little drunk, Zoe recalled. I could feel his heart beating so fast I was like, Baby, are you okay? I was actually worried about him! I love that it wasnt this elaborate plan in Paris. It was at home, in sweatpants. She said of her future husband: Its so relaxing to be around someone where you can be a hundred per cent how you feel. Zoe appeared on the cover of the latest Rolling Stone issue, which Karl gushed about online. My love, my hero, best friend and greatest inspiration. Youre so f***ing cool @zoeisabellakravitz. Still pinching myself dailyTHATT MY LADY!!! Want to know more about Zoe Kravitzs man? Heres everything we know about Karl Glusman. Who is Karl Glusman? Karl Glusman is a film actor. He was born on January 3, 1988 in New York City. Karl is of German Jewish and Irish descent. He grew up in Oregon, where his family moved when he was only six months old. After graduating from Lake Oswego High School he went to Portland University for a year. During his short time in college and afterward, Karl took acting classes. He attended the Portland Actors Conservatory. Eventually, he moved to New York to attend William Esper Studio. Some of his early work was filming commercials. He met Gaspar Noe while living in France and was cast in Love. The project debuted at Cannes Film Festival in 2015. During that event he met Tom Ford, who cast him in Nocturnal Animals. Karl also appeared in The Neon Demon. He has been dating Zoe Kravitz since 2016. She announced their engagement in Rolling Stones November 2018 issue. Zoe and Karl met at a bar in 2016. The pair ended up leaving together to make out back at her apartment. 'It was cute!,' she told Rolling Stone. Who is Zoe Kravitz? Zoe Kravitz is an actress and model. She was born December 1, 1988. She is the daughter of Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonet. Zoe got her start as an actress in 2007s No Reservations, though her breakthrough role came years later with X-Men: First Class. From there she was cast in The Divergent Series, Mad Max: Fury Road, The Lego Batman Movie, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and more. She delved into the world of TV acting in 2017 with HBOs hit drama series, Big Little Lies. In addition to acting, Zoe has been the face of Vera Wangs Princess fragrance and modelled for magazines. She is the front woman for a band called Lolawolf, whove toured with Lily Allen and Miley Cyrus. Zoe Kravitz engaged Zoe Kravitz revealed that she and boyfriend Karl Glusman are engaged in the November 2018 issue of Rolling Stone. The engagement took place in the living room of the home they share. Karl initially planned to propose in Paris, but decided against it. Zoe Kravitz engagement ring Zoe Kravitz didnt reveal any information about her ring in Rolling Stone. Alicia Davis, Vice President of Merchandise at Shane Co., told Extra she believes the ring is about two-carats. Zoes ring is a round, bezel set center stone of approximately two carats. The center stone is accented by smaller, graduated round diamonds set in milgrain bezels, she said. A two carat center stone diamond of high quality like Zoes typically runs around $36,000. Zoe Kravitz Rolling Stone For her Rolling Stone cover shoot, Zoe Kravitz emulated one her mother, Lisa Bonet, did for the magazines Hot Issue in 1988. The only major difference between the two covers is Lisa wore a white shirt on the cover, while Zoe wore nothing. Asked about her moms cover in the interview, Zoe admitted: Ive always loved that cover so much. When I think of Rolling Stone, thats always the image that pops into my head. Its a really striking image of her. Its beautiful. As for why she didnt completely copy her mothers cover, the actress said she was a little bummed they used the shirt in her moms shoot. She continued: Its less about the picture, and more about doing the thing my mom intended to do. That feels cool. Zoe Kravitz net worth According to Celebrity Net Worth, Zoe Kravitzs net worth is about $8 million (6.2m). Shes made the majority of that money as an actress, though shes enjoyed a career as a model as well. Oleo Chemicals Market Estimated To Perceive Exponential Growth by 2023 Global Oleo Chemicals Market Information by Type (Fatty Acids, Fatty Alcohols, Methyl Ester, Glycerol), by Application (Soaps & Detergents, Intermediates, Plastics, Coatings, Lubricants, Rubber, Personal Care, and Others) and Region- Forecast till 2023 Global Oleo Chemicals Market Competitive Landscape The market appears to be highly fragmented and competitive with the presence of several well-established players having the regional and global presence. Innovation, mergers & acquisitions, and brand reinforcement remain the key trends for leading players. They strive to develop Oleo Chemicals designed to reduce the downtime and maintenance with longer life and lower costs. The market is projected to witness fierce competition owing to the expected extensions in product and innovations. Key Players: Wilmar International Ltd. (Singapore), BASF SE (Germany), Procter & Gamble (US), Cargill, Incorporated (US), Eastman Chemical Company (US), Evonik Industries AG (Germany), PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited (Thailand), Godrej Industries Limited (India), Emery Oleochemicals (US) and Arizona Chemical Company, LLC (US) are some of the prominent players operating at the forefront of the competition in the Global Oleo Chemicals Market and are profiled in MRFR Analysis. Industry/ Innovations/ Related News: October 12, 2017: Inventure Renewables, Inc. (US), a leading global provider of technologies required for the rapid, low-cost, high yield extraction of valuable materials, including oleochemicals and biodiesel, etc. announced the commencement of construction of a new facility in Jiangsu province, China partnering with Wilmar International Limited (Spore), Asias leading agribusiness group & Oleo Chemicals manufacturer and Desmet Ballestra Group N.V. (Belgium), a leading global supplier of plants and equipment for oils, fats Oleo Chemical, surfactants and related chemical industries. Inventures mixed supercritical fluid technology is being used by Wilmar already to produce FAME (fatty acid methyl esters) for Oleo Chemicals and biodiesel from a wide range of vegetable oil feedstock. Considering the expanding market for green Oleo Chemicals, this partnership is certainly going to benefit the trio a great deal. Global Oleo Chemicals Market Segments The MRFR analysis is been segmented into three key dynamics for the convenience of understanding; By Types: Fatty Acids, Fatty Alcohols, Methyl Ester, and Glycerol among others. By Applications: Soaps & Detergents, Intermediates, Plastics, Coatings, Lubricants, Rubber, and Personal Care among others. By Region: North America, Europe, APAC and Rest-of-the-World. Receive a Sample Report for more Detailed Information @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/4914 Global Oleo Chemicals Market Regional Analysis Globally, the Asia Pacific region accounts for the largest market for Oleo Chemicals. Owing to the ample availability of cost-competitive raw materials and labor force required for the production of these chemicals, the APAC market is further estimated to post the highest CAGR during the forecast period, (2017 to 2023). The demand for Oleo Chemicals is predicted to upsurge in numerous developed countries of the North America and Europe due to the high human development index (HDI) figures. However, these region perceive lack of raw material which is compelling them to import these chemicals from the South East Asian countries which, in turn, is expected to provide impetus to the market growth in the APAC region, witnessing hiked-up prices and demand for Oleo Chemicals. Furthermore, the increasing incorporation into the end-use industries such as food & beverages and soaps & detergents is fostering the market growth in the region. Besides, the burgeoning automotive sector in some of the APAC countries such as India, China, Malaysia, Japan, and Thailand is expected to fuel the market growth in the region, observing the rising unit sales and demand for lubricants. North America Oleo Chemicals Market is emerging as another lucrative market, following the APAC market closely. Attributing to the high consumption potential, increasing production capacities, and rising economic growth rate especially, the region is expected to witness a fabulous growth throughout the forecast period. The augmenting demand for Oleo Chemicals and the growth in the crude oil production, especially in the US, is entitling the country as the major contributor to the market growth in the region, witnessing a significant market growth. Europe region is too growing as one of the promising markets for oleo chemicals. Markets in some of the European countries such as Spain, Russia, France, Germany, Russia, and the UK is growing significantly owing to the extensive uptake of the product in some of the well-penetrated end-use industries and substantial investments in R&D and innovation activities. Resurging economy and the presence of major automobile manufacturers specifically in Germany are certainly some of the key driving forces propelling the market growth. Latin American countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia are also estimated to perceive a moderate growth, with the increasing consumer spending on passenger cars and the emergence of new technologies and inventions in Oleo Chemicals. On the other hand, Oleo Chemicals Market in the Middle East & Africa is projected to perceive a steady growth during the forecast period. The growing investments in the field, especially in some of the GCC countries such as Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is expected to impact the market growth in the region positively. For More Details of this Report: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/oleo-chemicals-market-4914 About Market Research Future: At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services. MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by Components, Application, Logistics and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions. Media Contact Company Name: Market Research Future Contact Person: Abhishek Sawant Email: Send Email Phone: +1 646 845 9312 Address:Market Research Future Office No. 528, Amanora Chambers Magarpatta Road, Hadapsar City: Pune State: Maharashtra Country: India Website: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/oleo-chemicals-market-4914 She is starring in the new movie The Nutcracker And The Four Realms. But 17-year-old Mackenzie Foy has ambitions beyond just acting, she told Marie Claire Malaysia: 'Directing! Given the chance to, I would like to act, produce and direct. And I also like cinematography,' she said in the magazine. The teen also said that she got the news she had landed her Nutcracker role when she was taking a shower. 'Directing!': Mackenzie Foy, 17-year-old budding star, has ambitions beyond just acting, she told Marie Claire Malaysia in her new cover interview 'When I first found out that I got the role of Clara in The Nutcracker and the Four Realms, I was so excited, and completely shocked, and happy that all of my hard work at the auditions paid off. 'I was actually in the shower when I got the news, so I was running around, super excited in my towel!' And one of her favorite things is learning new accents. The Los Angeles native dished: 'One thing that you dont know about me is that I am obsessed with doing accents, and I do it constantly!' Mackenzie shared that 'My favorite would be the British and Irish. The hardest accent to impersonate is German.' Honing her skills: The Los Angeles native dished to the magazine: 'One thing that you dont know about me is that I am obsessed with doing accents, and I do it constantly!' She first came to prominence as Renesmee Cullen in The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2. After her Twilight job, Mackenzie also appeared in Interstellar as the child version of Murphy, the daughter of Matthew McConaughey's character. She was in excellent company in the role - Murphy was played at other ages by Oscar nominee Jessica Chastain and Oscar winner Ellen Burstyn. New release: She is pictured this Monday at the premiere of her new film, The Nutcracker ANd The Four Realms, at the Ray Dolby Ballroom in Los Angeles Her new Nutcracker movie was directed by Joe Johnston (Jurassic Park III; Honey, I Shrunk The Kids) and Lasse Hallstrom (What's Eating Gilbert Grape?, Chocolat). It is a take-off of the 19th century German short story The Nutcracker And The Mouse King by E.T.A. Hoffman and the subsequent Tchaikovsky ballet. The new movie boasts a formidable cast including Keira Knightley, Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren and acclaimed ballerina Misty Copeland. He rose to fame back in 2010 as the flirtatious Sugar Hut promoter on The Only Way In Essex, later deciding to leave the show to focus on his family. But Kirk Norcross took to Twitter on Tuesday to vent his frustrations at a Tesco worker who insulted him for giving up the hit reality ITVBe to become a builder, saying he was not ashamed he failed his brief TV career. With the shop assistant telling the 30-year-old his life had 'gone down hill', a distressed Kirk, who suffers from anxiety and depression, revealed the knock back had hit him hard. Hurt: Kirk Norcross took to Twitter on Tuesday to vent his frustrations at a Tesco worker who insulted him for giving up hit reality ITVBe TOWIE to become a builder He wrote: 'So it's no secret and I am not ashamed to say that I failed my TV career and decided to take a job in construction to provide for my family and I'm actually proud to do so! 'So today I popped in Tesco to grab some lunch and the lady serving me very loudly says in front of the huge queue "shouldn't you be filming for TOWIE". I reply saying 'haha na that was a long time ago I'm now building houses down the road' she then adds even more loudly 'WOW YOU'VE GONE DOWN HILL HAVEN'T YOU'. 'To be honest Im proud of what Im doing with my life! I think @Tesco @tesconews should teach their staff some manners! I suffer from depression and anxiety i this definitely hit me hard! So thanks to the lady that said this to me!' MailOnline has contacted Tesco for comment. Devastated: With the shop assistant telling him his life had 'gone down hill', a distressed Kirk, who suffers from anxiety and depression, revealed the knock back had hit him hard Lothario: He rose to fame back in 2010 as the flirtatious Sugar Hut promoter on The Only Way In Essex, later deciding to leave to show to focus on his family (pictured with ex Lauren Pope) After a three-year stint on TOWIE, Kirk quit the show, later becoming a housemate on Celebrity Big Brother 9. He was evicted from the house on day 16. The television personality also made a name for himself as a Lothario, previously confessing he had slept with more than 1,000 women in his autobiography, Kirk Norcross: My Story. Last year, Kirk made headlines as he was involved in a messy row over access to his two-year-old daughter Violett with his ex Holli Willis. New path: He wrote: 'So it's no secret and I am not ashamed to say that I failed my TV career and decided to take a job in construction to provide for my family and I'm actually proud' The former couple fell out after it was revealed the ex TOWIE star had got another girl pregnant just three months after Violett was born. He went on to welcome his baby son Harry in February last year. Kirk has been an advocate for mental well-being following his own battle with depression and anxiety. The TOWIE star previously wrote he felt miserable and paranoid after being catapulted in the public eye. He wrote in his book: 'I always imagined the worst. If I was walking down the road and heard someonelaughing, I would be sure it was at me, so Id do one of two things. If I was feeling aggressive, Id turn round, and say, "What the f*** are you laughing at?" and most of the time that left the person looking shocked, because theyd just been laughing at something with their friends. 'It sounds crazy, I know, but the fame made my insecurities a million times worse.' It was practically raining Victoria's Secret models on Tuesday as the ladies arrived for a fitting in New York City. Preparing for the annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show next week the leggy models put on a stylish display as they turned up at the lingerie brand's headquarters. Leading the pack was Martha Hunt and Josephine Skriver who donned sexy black ensembles with lace detailing and flashed lots of leg. Lingerie beauties: Josephine Skriver and Martha Hunt are pictured out in New York City on Tuesday as they head to a fitting for the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show American beauty Martha, 29, wore a little black dress with fur jacket and over-the-knee boots which gave a glimpse of her thighs. Josephine, who hails from Denmark, rocked a plunging lace bodysuit with slinky satin skirt. She kept the cold out with a fur jacket like Martha's and bared her legs in some black heels. Meanwhile, Behati Prinsloo looked overjoyed to be back at the VS offices as she posed in front of the entrance with her hands in the air. Stopping traffic: Josephine, 25, donned a slinky lace bodysuit and satin skirt with black heels Beauty in black: Martha, 29, flashed her legs in some over-the-knee boots and a sexy little black dress with fur jacket Welcome back! Behati Prinsloo was back at Victoria's Secret after a three-year hiatus Model mom: Behati has been busy welcoming her two children; Dusty Rose and Gio Grace with husband Adam Levine Behati is back on the catwalk after a three year break as she welcomed her two children; Dusty Rose and Gio Grace with husband Adam Levine. During the day Josephine shared a snap of herself from a previous show as she gushed: 'ITS FITTING TIME! Finally getting told what Ill be wearing for the show today. Omg the butterflies in my stomach are going crazy!!' The 2019 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show will be taking place in New York City. Previous years have seen the runway extravaganza take place in Los Angeles, London, Paris and Shanghai. Killing it: Jasmine Tookes looked fierce in a blue animal print blazer and leather pants American beauty: Devon Windsor, 24, looked runway ready in a red sweater and pleated pants Models confirmed for the show include Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner and veteran Angels Behati Prinsloo, who will be returning after a three-year hiatus, as well as Adriana Lima, Elsa Hosk and Romme Strijd. Winnie Harlow and Duckie Thot will be making their Victoria's secret debut. Winnie will be the first model with skin condition vitiligo to walk for the lingerie brand. This year's show sees a collaboration with british designer Mary Katrantzou so it's expected there will be plenty of colorful floral designs. Performers are yet to be announced but in previous years Harry Styles, Rihanna, The Weeknd, Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran have hopped on the catwalk to provide the soundtrack to the visual spectacular. Ready for showtime: Megan Williams, 24, and Barbara Fialho looked camera ready as they arrived at the Victoria's Secret headquarters One of his best known roles was as an ex-boyfriend who jetted to Hawaii resort to get over a break-up in 2008's Forgetting Sarah Marshall. But Jason Segel looked anything but heartbroken on his latest outing. The 38-year-old comedian packed on the PDA with longtime girlfriend Alexis Mixter, 39, on a loved up stroll in New York City on Monday. Getting cozy: Jason Segel packed on the PDA with longtime girlfriend Alexis Mixter on a loved up stroll in New York City on Monday Jason certainly had that look of love as he cuddled up with the talented photographer and artist on their jaunt through the Big Apple. The How I Met Your Mother star was dressed for comfort in a navy blue coat over a blue T-shirt, baggy grey jeans and black leather sneakers. His brown locks were combed to the side as he sported quite a bit of scruff. Just us: No doubt the two were in good spirits as they share a laugh together on the outing Alexis looked fashionable in a black leather biker jacket over a blue denim midid dress. She completed the look with a pair of black suede flat shoes as he accssorized with a black scarf and matching bag draped over her shoulder Her purple locks were pulled back in a ponytail as her hair was buzzed at the side and back. No doubt the two were in good spirits as they share a laugh together on the outing. Chill: The 38-year-old How I Met Your Mother star was dressed for comfort in a navy blue coat over a blue T-shirt, baggy grey jeans and black leather sneakers The happy couple first sparked romance rumors when they were spotted together in public at an organic grocery store in West Hollywood, California in January 2015. The funny man - who is also an ordained minister - has been previously linked to his Freaks And Geeks co-star Linda Cardellini and, in 2012, to My Week With Marilyn star Michelle Williams. In 2013, Segel dated aspiring actress Bojana Novakovic after a longer relationship with Michelle Williams. Kate Hudson sure is a proud new mom. On Tuesday the 39-year-old daughter of Goldie Hawn shared a darling photo of her new baby girl Rani to Instagram. The post was to mark the child's one month birthday. The Almost Famous star captioned the image, 'What a month!' The dad is her boyfriend of one year, Danny Fujikawa, and the baby is named after his late father. The baby had on the same type of turban that Khloe Kardashian has been putting on her daughter True Thompson. The little one was also in a grey outfit with a pink top. And she was laying down on a light pink fake fur throw. This comes after news Kate has been cast with Craig Robinson in Blood Moon. The two actors will take the lead in the upcoming third feature film from writer and director Ana Lily Amirphour, with Zac Efron in talks to join the cast, according to Deadline. Her little addition: The siren welcomed her third child, daughter Rani, in early October The new fantasy adventure from the A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night filmmaker will be produced by John Lesher. The upcoming project focuses on a girl who possesses strange and dangerous abilities, and escapes from a mental asylum in Now Orleans. The film is said to be inspired by classic fantasy adventure movies from the 1980s and 1990s, and its tone will move from strange and violent to humorous along with an eclectic soundtrack featuring Italian techno and heavy metal. She loves being a mommy: Here Hudson is with Rani in a post titled 'early morning calm' Production is set to begin in spring next year, and producer Lesher has praised the writer's 'poetic style'. He said: 'Lily's unique vision and poetic style sets her apart from the pack. She is truly one of the most exciting filmmakers working today.' Hudson's last big screen role came as Eleanor Strubing in 2017's Marshall, while the previous year saw her appear in Kung Fu Panda 3, Mother's Day and Deepwater Horizon. Her co-star Robinson - known for his TV roles in comedies The Office and Brooklyn Nine-Nine - is set for a number of releases over the next year. As well as Zeroville and Henchme' before the end of the year, the actor will be seen in The Voyage of Doctor Dolittle, Dolemite is My Name and The Ark and the Aardvark in 2019. Advertisement She is single and ready to mingle. And no doubt Kourtney Kardashian will have the suitors lining up after seeing how stunning she looked on her latest beach outing. The 39-year-old reality star looked absolutely fantastic as she recently looked after the kids during a beach trip on a family holiday in Bali as younger sister Kim Kardashian did a photoshoot. Flaunting it: Kourtney Kardashian looked incredible in a bikini as she hit the beach in Bali Bonding time: The 39-year-old reality star looked after the kids - pictured from left to right: North, 5, Penelope, 4, and Mson, 8 - during a beach trip on a family holiday Family first: North and Penelope certainly seemed to have a blast on the beach She showed off her toned bikini body as she was joined by ex Scott Disick and their three children together. Kourtney proudly put her toned abs and pert derriere on show as she sported the black string Fendi monogrammed bikini featuring white accents. She added to the look with a pair of designer cat eye shades. Wow factor: Kourtney proudly put her toned abs and pert derriere on show as she sported the black string Fendi monogrammed bikini featuring white accents Amicable: She was also joined by ex-partner Scott Disick Wow factor: Kourtney absolutely scintillated on the outing Stunning: Kourtney certainly seemed to enjoy bonding with her second child Bond: Scott and Kourtney were happy to reunite to hang out with their kids together Her raven-colored tresses were put up in a bun as she let her natural looks show by wearing complementary make-up. No doubt it was an outing chalk-full of family fun as her eight year-old son Mason Disick pushed his mother on a swing. They were also joined by six-year-old daughter Penelope. Not seen the the outing was three-year-old son Reign. Motherly momentum: No doubt it was an outing chalk-full of family fun as her eight year-old son Mason Disick pushed his mother on a swing Coordination: Mason also hit the swing as they enjoyed their beach day together Missing one? Not seen the the outing was three-year-old son Reign Scott rocked his new buzzcut as he sported a pair of blue leopard-patterned Supreme board shorts. The reality star with the self-given nickname The Lord was on full daddy duty as he helped Penelope look for gold with a metal detector. The family were also pictured enjoying their 9-bedroom luxury yacht, the Prana by Atzaro, which costs $13,000 a night to charter, and comes complete with beauty treatments, yoga classes and a private chef. The parents also got to have a bit of fun on their own as they each jumped from the bow of the boat to the water below. World Famous: Scott rocked his new buzzcut as he sported a pair of blue leopard-patterned Supreme board shorts Golddigging: The reality star with the self-given nickname The Lord was on full daddy duty as he helped Penelope look for gold with a metal detector Fun in the sun: Kourtney was around as North and Penelope did some adventuring Kim, 38, showed off her signature curves in a hot pink bikini. The family spent about a week enjoying the sights and sounds of Indonesian culture in Bali as they returned over the weekend. No doubt the trip came at a good time as her relationship with 20-year-old Luka Sabbat has come to an endafter he was spotted kissing another woman. Luxury liner: The family were also pictured enjoying their 9-bedroom luxury yacht, the Prana by Atzaro, which costs $13,000 a night to charter Kourtney appeared to scream with delight as she plunged to the sea Kim stood with new nephew Mason while Kourtney jumped Making a splash: Parent and exes Scott and Kourtney jumped off the bow of the boat Their eldest child Mason watched as the former couple jumped off, hands in the air 'Kourtney is no longer seeing Luka,' a source told People on Monday. 'It was a fun fling for her, but not a big deal.' There doesn't seem to be any hard feelings over the split, with the source adding, 'Kourtney is doing great.' 'She has more important things to focus on, like her kids and work,' the source adds. 'She is looking forward to all the fun holidays. Close bond: Kim held hands with daughter North as they walked along the shoreline Bali nice: For her photoshoot, Kim wore long extension in her glossy brunette hair, which swung all the way down her back, past her waist Still swinging: Kim felt like a kid again as she enjoyed swinging Kardashian and Sabbat first got together in September, just weeks after she ended her nearly two year relationship with French model Younes Bendjima. Kourtney has been keeping busy since her recent break-up as she prepped for a Halloween party in Los Angeles on Sunday night. The reality star showed off her ample cleavage in a white robe, while her glam squad tended to her face and hair. Adventure time: North and Penelope seemed to have a blast together on the luxury yacht Lap of luxury: The boat comes complete with beauty treatments, yoga classes and a private chef Kourtney appeared to be screening Keeping Up With The Kardashian footage as she sat in front of the mirror. It was unclear what her costume might be, but the mom-of-three was wearing an extra-long black wig pulled back in a sky-high ponytail. She also snapped a picture of her clear sandals that read: 'Baby girl.' Transformation: On Sunday night, Kourtney Kardashian took to Instagram to share her Halloween costume prep. The 39-year-old reality star showed off her ample cleavage in a white robe, while her glam squad tended to her face and hair 'Lil Halloween': It was unclear what her costume might be, but the mom-of-three was wearing an extra-long black wig pulled back in a sky-high ponytail Getting into costume: Kourtney snapped a picture of her clear sandals that read: 'Baby Girl' Green with envy: Larsa Pippen took to Instagram to show off her marijuana-themed costume. The former Real Housewives Of Miami star donned a tiny green hat and a skintight bodysuitadorned with pot leaves The KUWTK star's good friend Larsa Pippen took to Instagram to show off her marijuana-themed costume. The former Real Housewives Of Miami star donned a tiny green hat and a skintight bodysuitadorned with pot leaves. Pippen didn't divulge where she was headed with the E! star. Jetsetter: The eldest Kardashian sister returned from a family trip to Bali on Saturday. Kourtney spent roughly a week sightseeing and soaking up the Indonesian culture Work of art! Kourtney shared a truly awe-inspiring pumpkin carving that featured sister Kim and her hubby Kanye. It was from the Jack-O-Lantern destination Night Of The Jack Eek! Kourtney shared a frightful selfie using a Goth-y filter. She captioned the shot writing 'Look i i [sic] stole for the night @jordynwoods' to family friend Jordyn Woods. In the photo she was with Jordyn's sister Jodie They have been together for almost six years and share an adorable son together. And Lauren Silverman and Simon Cowell enjoyed a rare date night as they attended the star-studded Health Lottery event at The Savoy, London on Tuesday. Brunette beauty Lauren, 41, looked effortlessly chic as she cosied up to her dapper music mogul beau, 59 at the bash, which was celebrating raising more than 100m for grass root projects and charities across England, Scotland and Wales. PDA: Lauren Silverman and Simon Cowell enjoyed a rare date night as they attended the star-studded Health Lottery event at The Savoy, London on Tuesday Lauren showed off her toned curves in a figure-hugging navy dress with chic structured shoulders. She boosted her height with elegant black stilettos. Her glossy brunette tresses were styled sleek, straight and parted in the middle while her pretty features were enhanced with a rich palette of make-up. The X Factor head judge Simon looked sharp in a black sweater and slate grey trousers worn with Cuban heels, with the couple both sporting Poppy badges in honour of the Remembrance campaign. Elegance: Lauren, 41, showed off her toned curves in a figure-hugging navy dress with chic structured shoulders Chic: Her glossy brunette tresses were styled sleek, straight and parted in the middle while her pretty features were enhanced with a rich palette of make-up Their outing comes after the X Factor supremo said that he only does 'fun things' with his little boy, Eric, five, and leaves the dirty nappy changing to his partner Lauren. Music mogul Simon gave sweet examples of the activities he and Eric get up to, including on special occasions such as his birthday, where they bought yogurt, went swimming and taught him how to ride a quad bike. He added: 'We talk a lot. He's like my best friend.' Simon also admitted during the interview that the incessant demands of life nearly caused him to quit show business. Glamour: She joined X Factor judge Ayda Field, 39, at the bash Leading ladies: Simon looked delighted as he cosied up to the leading ladies in his life Style: Ayda was a sight for sore eyes in her hot pink gown, which she paired with metallic stilettos Following a fall down the stairs at his London home last November, Simon said that it led to him completely reevaluating his life. He recalled being exhausted and wanting to walk away from it all, before moving his life to LA to focus on his life with Eric. Simon ditched his mobile phone, Twitter and cancelled up to 1,000 meetings a year in order to enjoy a slower pace of life. He added: 'There was one morning a year or so ago when I woke up to 25 unread text messages and I thought, "I'm really not in the mood to read those today." So I left it a week and it went up to 200 unread messages.' Close; The couple looked smitten as they posed up at the event Here she is: Lizzie Cundy flashed some serious leg in a mint green gown She frequently puts on dazzling displays on-camera and at high-profile events. So it's no surprise Jenna Coleman showed off her sartorial flair as she attended the Harper's Bazaar Women Of The Year Awards 2018 at London's Claridge's Hotel on Tuesday evening. The Cry actress, 32, accentuated her slender physique as she donned a eye-catching maxi dress, which featured blue lace embroidery with bedded details throughout. Wow-factor: Jenna Coleman showed off her sartorial flair as she attended the Harper's Bazaar Women Of The Year Awards 2018 at London's Claridge's Hotel on Tuesday Toning down her attention-grabbing look, the screen star added to her height in a pair of strappy heels, which showed off her black pedicure. Former Emmerdale star Jenna ensured all eyes were on her as she accessorised with a pair of silver diamond-shaped dangle earrings. With her tresses in an effortlessly straight locks, the brunette wowed with her dark winged eyeliner look, complemented with light pink eyeshadow and nude lipstick. Demure: The Cry actress, 32, accentuated her slender physique as she donned a eye-catching maxi dress, which featured blue lace embroidery with bedded details throughout Meanwhile, Jenna stars in BBC One mystery drama The Cry is adapted from the novel of the same name, written by Helen FitzGerald. In the series, Joanna (Jenna), who is married to Alistair, travels from Scotland to a town in Australia, to fight for custody of Alistair's daughter, Chloe, against his ex-wife, Alexandra. As they drive from Melbourne to Geelong, their baby son Noah goes missing suddenly from the side of the road. In the aftermath of the tragedy, under public scrutiny, their marriage collapses and Joanna's psychology disintegrates. Striking: Toning down her attention-grabbing look, the screen star added to her height in a pair of strappy heels, which showed off her black pedicure Looking good: With her tresses in an effortlessly straight locks, the brunette wowed with her dark winged eyeliner look, complemented with light pink eyeshadow and nude lipstick Jenna's appearance comes after she awkwardly had to discuss her ex Richard Madden on TV - who she split from in 2015 after a four year on-off romance. Appearing on The One Show, the actress was asked about Bodyguard and its recent finale, which her new series The Cry recently replaced on Sunday nights. Jenna kept her cool as she was asked how The Cry would compare to Bodyguard, after it gripped the nation for six weeks. Taking the questions in her stride, she said: 'I think its quite a different tone and pace perhaps. I watched all of Bodyguard and I thought it was fantastic. She looks good in anything she puts on, whether it's a winter coat or a bikini. And on Tuesday Jasmine Tookes was again showing off her modeling skills in NYC on the street outside a highrise building. The 27-year-old star joined other Victoria's Secret models as they arrived for a fitting in New York City. Perfect fit: She looks good in anything she puts on, whether it's a winter coat or a bikini. And on Tuesday Jasmine Tookes was again showing off her modeling skills in NYC Lovely look: The star joined other Victoria's Secret models as they arrived for a fitting in New York City Tookes is best known of her magazine covers, but she also does several campaigns. And VS is her biggest as she has walked in several shows. Preparing for the annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show next week the leggy models put on a stylish display as they turned up at the lingerie brand's headquarters. Leading the pack was Martha Hunt and Josephine Skriver who donned sexy black ensembles with lace detailing and flashed lots of leg. She puts the skinny in skinny jeans: The catwalk queen had on super tight jeans with heels On her way out: When Tookes left the VS office, she took with her a large shopping bag American beauty Martha, 29, wore a little black dress with fur jacket and over-the-knee boots which gave a glimpse of her thighs. Josephine, who hails from Denmark, rocked a plunging lace bodysuit with slinky satin skirt. She kept the cold out with a fur jacket like Martha's and bared her legs in some black heels. Meanwhile, Behati Prinsloo looked overjoyed to be back at the VS offices as she posed in front of the entrance with her hands in the air. Lingerie beauties: Josephine Skriver and Martha Hunt were also there Stopping traffic: Josephine, 25, donned a slinky lace bodysuit and satin skirt with black heels Beauty in black: Martha, 29, flashed her legs in some over-the-knee boots and a sexy little black dress with fur jacket Welcome back! Behati Prinsloo was back at Victoria's Secret after a three-year hiatus Model mom: Behati has been busy welcoming her two children; Dusty Rose and Gio Grace with husband Adam Levine Kisses! The Namibian 30-year-old puckered up for the photographers Outift #2: Prinsloo later changed into a black bodysuit and blue jeans, but kept the same patent leather booties Behati is back on the catwalk after a three year break as she welcomed her two children; Dusty Rose and Gio Grace with husband Adam Levine. During the day Josephine shared a snap of herself from a previous show as she gushed: 'ITS FITTING TIME! Finally getting told what Ill be wearing for the show today. Omg the butterflies in my stomach are going crazy!!' The 2019 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show will be taking place in New York City. Previous years have seen the runway extravaganza take place in Los Angeles, London, Paris and Shanghai. Killing it: Tookes looked fierce in a blue animal print blazer over a Keepsake The Label knit and leather pants when she arrived in the early morning American beauty: Devon Windsor, 24, looked runway ready in a red sweater and pleated pants Ponytail extension: Candice Swanpoel rocked black leather formal shorts with a grey sweater and patent leather booties Models confirmed for the show include Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner and veteran Angels Behati Prinsloo, who will be returning after a three-year hiatus, as well as Adriana Lima, Elsa Hosk and Romme Strijd. Winnie Harlow and Duckie Thot will be making their Victoria's secret debut. Winnie will be the first model with skin condition vitiligo to walk for the lingerie brand. This year's show sees a collaboration with british designer Mary Katrantzou so it's expected there will be plenty of colorful floral designs. Performers are yet to be announced but in previous years Harry Styles, Rihanna, The Weeknd, Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran have hopped on the catwalk to provide the soundtrack to the visual spectacular. Ready for showtime: Megan Williams, 24, and Barbara Fialho looked camera ready as they arrived at the Victoria's Secret headquarters Racy: The Brazilian beauty rocked a vampy leather look with strapless bodysuit She insisted earlier this year she had never uttered an unkind word to her former Sex And The City co-star Kim Cattrall, as their bitter feud continued. And Sarah Jessica Parker maintained that sentiment during an interview with AJ Calloway on Extra. The actress, 53, opened up about her relationship with Kim, insisting the two never fought and were not in the middle of a 'cat fight.' 'I never fought with Kim': Sarah Jessica Parker opened up once again about her relationship with former Sex And The City co-star Kim Cattrall 'If one more person call this a cat fight,' Sarah said. 'I am not in a fight. I never fought with Kim. I don't have to send any gifts to Kim because I've never done anything. 'She has felt perfectly comfortable to say lots of things, that's the beauty of living in a democracy. But no apologies. 'This isn't a cat fight, this is someone who chose to talk about something,' she said, adding she still is 'enormously grateful' for all the work Kim did on and off camera. Sarah added she hadn't had any talks of a potential third SATC film after negotiations were ended some time ago. 'She has felt perfectly comfortable to say lots of things': Parker (pictured Tuesday in New York) stood up for herself when asked about her former co-star 'I have not had any,' she said. 'We went as far as we could last time and then the studio said, "No we can't meet those demands." We were all signed up except for her. What are you gonna do?' she asked with a shrug. Sarah has been standing by her word that the pair are not engaged in a fight. In April, she told told Vulture: 'I'd just like to remind everybody that there is no catfight. I have never uttered an unkind, unsupportive, unfriendly word, so I would love to redefine it.' 'We went as far as we could last time': Sarah revealed she had not had any talks of a potential third Sex And The City movie Dailymail.com exclusively reported in September 2017 that Kim was the reason Sex And The City 3 had been 'torpedoed' due to her 'diva demands', while the rest of the cast; Parker, Cynthia Nixon and Kristin Davis had all signed on eager to move on with production. 'It's over we're not doing it, I'm disappointed,' Sarah told Extra days later. 'We had this beautiful, funny, heartbreaking, joyful, very relatable script and story. It's not just disappointing that we dont get to tell the story and have that experience, but more so for that audience that has been so vocal in wanting another movie.' Former co-stars: The actresses played long-time gal pals living in New York City on the hit series, Sex And The City The next month Cattrall sat down with Piers Morgan and revealed she had a 'toxic relationship' with the other stars and said Parker 'could have been nicer' about the situation. In recent months however it seems the feud between the duo has reached a point of no return as Cattrall lifted the lid on just how strained the relationship is between the two women. Taking to Instagram Cattrall shocked fans by calling out Parker directly, calling her 'cruel' and a 'hypocrite'. Painful: In recent months however it seems the feud between the duo has reached a point of no return as Cattrall lifted the lid on just how strained the relationship is between the two women 'I don't need your love or support at this tragic time @sarahjessicaparker' the British-born actress posted on Sunday. With the post Cattrall pasted a link to a New York Post article titled 'Inside the mean-girls culture that destroyed 'Sex and the City'. It came following the sudden death of Cattrall's brother Christopher on February 4 and after her former HBO colleagues had expressed their condolences. World Gem Traders has set up shop in Thailand. People can get any kind of gemstone from this wholesale business organization. World Gem Traders launches their wholesale gems trading business in Thailand for achieving their goals of becoming the best wholesale organization in the world. This company launched its business in Thailand because of several reasons. They were looking to expand to start at a place which would give them ample opportunity to grasp the world gemstone market. Every semi-precious, precious, rare or common gem are available from this firm which makes them the forerunner in the gems trading industry. According to various sources inside the company, Thailand is the best place for starting this business as Bangkok is considered the capital of the worlds colored gems. It is the primary reason that this organization decided to set its roots in this country instead of anywhere else. Moreover, having this company set up here makes it easy for the firm to cut and polish stones in Bangkok with any hassle. Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/embed/1XL_kkZnXrY The CEO of the company mentioned, We started our operations in Thailand because no other place is better for having coloured gems cut as well as polished like in Bangkok. We want our clients to have the best and thus, we set up shop in the best place which is known for coloured gems. We expect to be at the top of the gem industry very soon. The company launched with the motto of providing all types of gemstones to their clients. From precious and rare to common stones all are available in this wholesale gem firm. From diamond, emerald, sapphire to amethyst, lapis lazuli and more; all are available in one place. Gem Traders cuts and polishes raw stone which is imported from African nations and due to such resources they are able to set up such a vast operation. Moreover, if any clients want raw and uncut stones, this stone wholesale organization also offers such products to clients who require it. This company with its services and products is trying to achieve their goal to be the one-stop solution for people needing gemstones. With ample dedication and hard work, this firm is looking to create a brand which will help them in sitting at the top of the global gem business. The vice-president of this organization stated, We want to dominate worldwide gemstone market. To make our dream come successful, we have carefully placed strategies along with plans to move forward in the coming times. We know our business will be successful in the long run, but how much; for this, we will have to wait and watch. The company urges people to examine their gems as they are sure no other firm will be able to provide better quality gemstone than them. It is their firm belief that their products along with their services will make them unique and accomplished. About the company: World Gem Traders is a wholesale gem trading company that offers deliveries through the world. They import raw stones from the African continent and cuts as well as polished them in Bangkok before delivering it to their clients. Media Contact Company Name: World Gem Traders Contact Person: Minoy Giri Email: Send Email Address:502, 5th Floor, 99 Piyamit Building, Mahesak Road, Suriyawongse, Bangrak City: Bangkok 10500 Country: Thailand Website: www.worldgemtraders.com Taylor Swift is speaking out against 'fear-based extremism'. The songstress, who earlier this month urged her fans to vote in the midterms -marking the first time she has publicly addressed her political leanings - shared another post on Tuesday about the upcoming election. Swift, 28, continued to show her support for Democratic Tennessee Senate candidate Phil Bredesen with a photo posing beside a 'Bredesen' poster with her mom Andrea Swift, 60. Getting political: Taylor Swift posted another Instagram urging fans to vote in the midterm elections next week 'These two Tennessee women voted for the candidate who has proven himself to be reasonable and trustworthy,' Taylor began her caption. 'We want leadership, not fear-based extremism. Early voting goes til Thursday and Election Day is November 6. Please don't sit this one out.' she added. The Love Story hitmaker is seen wearing black skinny jeans and a v-neck sweater with a hat covering her blonde locks while she waves an American flag. Swift's post comes just days after Florida native Cesar Sayoc, a passionate Donald Trump supporter, was arrested for mailing multiple pipe bombs to prominent democrats across the country. 'Please don't sit this one out' Taylor is urging her fans to get to the polling stations next week 'I'll be voting': Taylor's first post about the elections came on October 7, the first time she has publicly addressed her political leanings Since he started campaigning for the presidency in 2015 Trump has been accused of encouraging extremist views in the US with his nationalist opinions and has been accused of siding with white supremacists. The president was also criticized this weekend for joking about his 'bad hair day' hours after 11 people were gunned at a synagogue in Pennsylvania. Swift's latest post comes after she revealed in a October 7 post that she would be voting for Bredesen instead of the Republican incumbent, Marsha Blackburn. She wrote: In the past Ive been reluctant to publicly voice my political opinions, but due to several events in my life and in the world in the past two years, I feel very differently about that now, 'I always have and always will cast my vote based on which candidate will protect and fight for the human rights I believe we all deserve in this country. I believe in the fight for LGBTQ rights, and that any form of discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender is WRONG. Star power: After Taylor's first post on October 7 voter registration spiked by 65,000 in a 24-hour period 'I believe that the systemic racism we still see in this country towards people of color is terrifying, sickening and prevalent. I cannot vote for someone who will not be willing to fight for dignity for ALL Americans, no matter their skin color, gender or who they love. 'Running for Senate in the state of Tennessee is a woman named Marsha Blackburn. As much as I have in the past and would like to continue voting for women in office, I cannot support Marsha Blackburn.' sheadded. Days later it was reported that voter registration had spiked by 65,000 in a single 24-hour period. Kamari Guthrie, Vote.orgs director of communications, told Buzzfeed that registration in Swift's adopted state of Tennessee saw 2,144 new voter registrations over 36 hours. The state saw a total of 2,811 voters signing up the month prior. They starred alongside each other in the long-awaited sequel to Mamma Mia that finally hit the big screen in July, earlier this year. And nearly a year after filming wrapped for the hit movie, Lily James and Amanda Seyfried enjoyed a sweet reunion as they attended the Harper's Bazaar Women of the Year Awards in London on Tuesday. The actresses stunned at the awards bash, held at the Claridge's Hotel, with both putting on similarly chic displays in their stylish outfit choices. Honey, Honeys! Mamma Mia stars Lily James and Amanda Seyfried enjoyed a sweet reunion as they attended the Harper's Bazaar Women of the Year Awards in London on Tuesday Baby Driver star Lily, 29, commanded attention as she slipped into a monochrome portrait printed dress designed by Burberry for the occasion. Lily favoured a demure look for the evening and teamed her stylish number with sheer black tights and a pair of Riccardo Tisci patent heels, that buckled up at the ankle, on her feet. The War & Peace actress swept her tresses into a chic updo with twin bangs to reveal her stunning visage, accentuated with lashings of mascara and glossy red lipstick. Amanda, meanwhile, opted for a contrasting make-up look as she paired her dewy complexion with neutral tones and a subtle rose pink lip. Co-stars! Lily and Amanda both star in Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again - the sequel to the movie's first film - released in July earlier this year Leading ladies: While Lily stars as a young Donna Sheridan in the movie (L), Amanda reprises her role as Donna's daughter Sophie (R) Old Hollywood glamour: Lily, 29, turned heads as she attended the awards bash, held at Claridge's hotel, in a monochrome portrait printed dress designed by Burberry She left her blonde tresses down to fall past her shoulders, sweeping her locks over to one side and styling them into glamorous curls. The Mean Girls star chose a chic and understated one-shouldered gown for the awards ceremony, that boasted a dipped hem and monochrome design. She paired her frock with monochrome heels and couldn't hide her delight as she rubbed shoulder with friend Lily. Lily and Amanda both star in Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again - the sequel to the movie's first film. While Amanda reprises her role as Sophie Sheridan, Lily plays a young Donna Sheridan - Sophie's mother in her younger years. Demure display: The War & Peace actress swept her tresses into a chic updo with twin bangs to reveal her stunning visage, accentuated with lashings of mascara and glossy red lipstick Meryl Streep plays the older Donna, while Cher stars as Donna's mother Ruby Sheridan. It tells the tale of Donna's younger years, where she finishes university and embarks on a trip around Europe where she meets Sophie's three potential fathers; Harry, Bill and Sam. The film also shows the present day, where Sophie is seen reuniting her mother's old friends and boyfriends while dreaming of renovating a taverna on Kalokairi - a Greek island. Big screen hit: Lily (above as a young Donna) and Amanda's reunion comes nearly a year after filming for Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again wrapped in December last year Meanwhile, Lily is currently in a relationship with actor Matt Smith. Their love story started when the couple were first introduced to each other on the set of their movie Pride and Prejudice and Zombies in 2014. Speculation the pair were an item was first ignited when the couple made an appearance at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival together. Despite going from strength-to-strength over the last four years, the actress admitted that she has found it difficult to find the perfect work/life balance and will consider slowing down in the future to focus on their relationship. In good company: Screen beauty Lily appeared in high spirits as she posed up a storm with stylist Rebecca Corbin Murray (L) and fellow actress Gemma Arterton (R) Winning team: Lily scooped up the Editors choice award on the evening, while Kiera Knightley won the British Actress award Lily recently confessed she almost didn't audition to star as Meryl Streep's younger screen character Donna in the sequel to Mamma Mia. The Downton Abbey leading lady revealed the audition clashed with an event she was attending with her partner Matt. She told NET-A-PORTER's digital magazine PorterEdit: 'So it was a real argument! 'We went straight to Glastonbury and I think I got the part that weekend but my agents knew not to call me because I wouldn't have been reachable.' A farmer displays olives on a grove on RAF Akrotiri in southwestern Cyprus -- British sovereign territory that could be hit by regulatory uncertainties, under a no-deal Brexit Olive farmer Andreas Fotiou steered carefully along a dusty lane in southwest Cyprus, en route from his village to nearby groves -- locations that could have clashing trade regimes, post-Brexit. He fears he could lose out on vital EU subsidies, and even be forced to pay crippling tariffs, if London and Brussels fail to finalise a withdrawal agreement or trade deal. Fotiou is one of thousands of Cypriot farmers who work on British military bases, part of Britain's sovereign territory, and which sprawl over about three percent of the Mediterranean island. "If the UK leaves the EU on bad terms... (it) spells disaster for the communities that are on the British bases," said the 54-year-old. "We cannot afford to pay extra taxes," he added, amid uncertainty about tariffs that generally apply when produce is imported from so-called "third party countries" into EU territory. The European Commission's online trade and customs database flags duties of 15.2 percent for olive imports from nations outside the EU with no agreed trade deals. Historically, relations between local farmers and the British military have been "excellent", Fotiou said, standing in the shade of an olive tree. "When there are problems we sit at the table and solve it on the spot." But "no one has informed us what will happen after Brexit, what the status will be," he added. Farmer Andreas Fotiou farms olives on Akrotiri and fears he could miss out on vital subsidies or even be forced to pay tariffs, if Britain crashes out of the EU without a withdrawal agreement His picturesque village of Avdimou borders Akrotiri -- one of two military bases Britain kept on the island after Cyprus gained independence in 1960. The other, Dhekelia, is in the east. Olives, grapes and potatoes are key crops on extended non-militarised stretches of these British sovereign territories, while farmers also keep livestock. Fellow villager Constantina Pieroua, who grazes 600 sheep on Akrotiri, said she is stressed about the future. "A lot of farmers are afraid. Our farm is on the base and maybe we don't have a job after Brexit - it is a dangerous situation for us," the 41-year-old said. - Cyprus protocol 'developed' - The farmers' sense of insecurity is compounded by losing their original lands after Turkeys 1974 invasion of Cyprus, which came in response to a Greece-sponsored military coup. Displaced from what is now the Turkish-occupied northern third of the island, Fotiou and Pieroua said their families were among some 1,000 people re-homed in Avdimou, many of whom came to farm on Akrotiri base. Sheep and other livestock are kept by Cypriot farmers on the British Sovereign Base Area of Akrotiri, where the rules of the EU's Customs Union currently apply Negotiations between London and Brussels over an EU withdrawal agreement have been running parallel to talks between Britain and Cyprus, which joined the EU in 2004, on an annex to the main exit deal. Prime Minister Theresa May told parliament last week that the Cypriot protocol has now been "developed". But the European Commission has long maintained that "nothing is agreed until everything is agreed", indicating that the Cyprus protocol would be inapplicable if ongoing negotiations over the wider UK-EU withdrawal deal fail. Cyprus's foreign ministry told AFP "the rights and interests of Cypriots residing in the bases should and will be safeguarded", even if there is no withdrawal agreement. Cyprus has "plans for addressing all scenarios", the ministry said in a statement to AFP. It cited the former British colony's 1960 Treaty of Establishment, which stipulates that there be no customs barriers between the bases and the Republic of Cyprus. - Legal ambiguities - But others point to uncertainties surrounding Cypriot, EU and world trade law. Olives are processed into oil at a factory just outside the British Sovereign Base Area of Akrotiri in southwestern Cyprus, using produce grown in groves on the base's territory One legal expert who has followed the Cypriot negotiations closely said "the scenario of farmers paying tariffs cannot be ruled out". The laws of the EU's Customs Union apply on the bases, but a key UK parliamentary committee has warned that arrangement will lapse after Brexit. "Goods will no longer be able to flow freely" between the bases and the Republic of Cyprus, the European Scrutiny Committee said in July. "Instead, EU law will require Cyprus to apply customs and regulatory controls on crossing between the two for the first time," it added. There have also been reports that the passage of British military supplies through Cyprus and onto the sovereign bases could be compromised by a no-deal Brexit. The London daily The Times said in August that British officials had concluded they would need to extend a small existing port on Akrotiri significantly, to avoid complications at Cypriot ports. But one analyst told AFP that under a no-deal scenario, the EU would be likely to agree exemptions. The bases fall under "security cooperation, which both the UK and the EU agree should remain largely unaffected irrespective of future arrangements", said Kit Nicholl, a security analyst for IHS Markit in London. Britain's Ministry of Defence said "constructive discussions" had taken place with Cyprus "to safeguard the effective military functioning of the bases, and minimise disruption and uncertainty for citizens, businesses, and residents". "We look forward to working with the Republic of Cyprus and our European partners to build an enduring and mutually beneficial future relationship," a spokesman said in comments emailed to AFP. A Syrian rebel-fighter from the National Liberation Front (NLF) walks in a street in the rebel-held al-Rashidin district of western Aleppo's countryside near Idlib province, on October 15, 2018 A Turkish-Russian deal for Syria's Idlib has revived efforts towards a diplomatic solution to the country's seven-year war, but analysts say a political settlement is still far off. Diplomatic activity has picked up since regime ally Russia and rebel backer Turkey last month reached an agreement to stave off a government assault on the last major rebel bastion of Idlib. The accord has for now stopped the regime's military advances, after it recaptured swathes of the country with Russian support since 2015 to extend its control to over two-thirds of Syria. Two areas still escape the government's reach: a northwestern chunk including Idlib, and a huge region in the northeast controlled by a US-backed Kurdish-led alliance. "The Idlib deal has opened the way," opposition spokesman Yahya Al-Aridi said. "We have noticed a flurry of diplomacy." The outgoing United Nations envoy to Syria last week visited Damascus, and the political opposition's chief negotiator welcomed the opportunity for dialogue with Moscow. On Saturday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, together with the leaders of France and Germany, called for a political settlement. Numerous rounds of UN-backed indirect peace talks between the opposition and the regime have failed to stem the conflict that has killed 360,000 people and displaced millions. In recent years, those negotiations have been overshadowed by parallel talks overseen by other key regime ally Iran, Russia and Turkey that ended up producing the Idlib deal. - 'Return on investment' - Karim Bitar, of the Paris-based Institute of International and Strategic Affairs, said the Idlib deal was "absolutely fundamental". "The Russians feel they have triumphed militarily and hope to get a return on investment after having carried (Syrian President) Bashar al-Assad for three years," he said. "But they won't be able to transform this military victory into a lasting political foundation without Erdogan's support." Julien Theron, of the Paris Institute of Political Studies, said Syria's main power brokers could not avoid talks if they wanted to rebuild the country. "A diplomatic route seems unavoidable," he said. "Nobody can really stabilise or rebuild the country without the cooperation -- or at least the tacit agreement -- of the others." In recent days, international efforts have focused on setting up a long-awaited committee to discuss a post-war constitution. The mission is fraught with difficulty, as the opposition has pushed for an entirely new constitution, but the regime has said it will only discuss altering the current one. On Saturday, Turkey, Russia, France and Germany called for the committee to be established by the year's end to pave the way towards "free and fair elections". But analysts are not overly optimistic. Under a UN plan, the regime and opposition would choose 50 committee members each, and the UN would nominate the final 50, composed of representatives of civil society and technical experts. - 'Stubborn creatures' - UN envoy Staffan de Mistura travelled to Damascus with a list of 50 candidates last week, but Syria's Foreign Minister Walid Muallem rejected it. Instead, the Damascus regime is to draw up its own list, along with Russia, Iran and Turkey, according to de Mistura, who is set to step down next month. In a briefing with the UN Security Council on Friday, he stressed the need to "not miss the opportunity of the Idlib window". Aron Lund, a fellow with the US-based Century Foundation, said the process was likely to drag on, especially if no committee was formed by the time of de Mistura's departure. Even if formed, any committee would not be likely to persuade the regime to make concessions, after its military victories and repeated threats to eventually retake the whole of the country. "Diplomats are stubborn creatures, but even they should realise that Assad didn't fight his way through seven years of war only to throw his hands up and surrender if he's beaten in a committee vote," Lund said. Last week, Syria's UN envoy Bashar Jaafari set limits to the diplomatic path. "We will retake Idlib... when we are sure that political and diplomatic action has failed in restoring national sovereignty to this part of our territory," he said. And regional expert Lund was not hopeful. "I don't think there's much potential for a political settlement that reintegrates these areas without violence," he said. Indian soldiers during an operation against Maoist guerillas earlier this year Maoist rebels ambushed a convoy Tuesday in a restive Indian state, killing two police officers and a journalist from the national broadcaster covering the lead up to local elections next month. The cameraman was riding on the back of a motorcycle driven by a police officer in a remote stretch of Chhattisgarh state in central India when their convoy was attacked by armed men. Police said the shooters were Maoist guerrillas who have been waging a long-running insurgency against Indian rule in a forested belt of the country dubbed the "red corridor". "A sub-inspector, a constable and a cameraman have been killed," Ratan Lal Dangi, a senior state police officer, told AFP. Two others were injured in the attack. National broadcaster Doordarshan confirmed one of its cameramen had been killed in the attack. The deputy head of operations against the Maoists, P. Sunder Raj, said additional forces had been rushed to the scene. "It is a developing situation and more forces are going to the spot. We will get more information about it once the team comes back," he told reporters. Last week, Maoists blew up a military vehicle in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, killing four soldiers. The state has been governed by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for 15 years. The Maoists have urged voters to boycott next month's polls. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh, who is seeking a fourth term, has blamed the rebels for impeding development projects in the state. The Maoists are believed to be present in at least 20 states across India but are most active in remote parts of Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand and Maharashtra, where much of the population remains mired in poverty and lacks access to critical services. The guerrillas, who say they are fighting for the rights of tribal groups and landless farmers, often collect funds through extortion. The decades-old insurgency is believed to have cost tens of thousands of lives. Critics say the government's attempts to end the revolt through a no-holds-barred military offensive is doomed to fail. India's Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said Tuesday the government was "responding in a befitting manner" to the rebels. "Attack on the police and the press in any manner is heinous," he tweeted. India, the world's largest democracy, is placed 138th out of 180 on a global press freedom ranking by Reporters Without Borders. India was placed 14th in the world on a Committee to Project Journalists list released Monday that ranked countries on their record of prosecuting those who murder reporters. A member of the Tunisian security forces stands guard at the site of a suicide attack in the Tunisian capital Tunis on October 29, 2019 A suicide attack by an unemployed graduate woman on a busy street in the Tunisian capital this week was an "isolated act", a government minister said Tuesday. Mna Guebla detonated explosives Monday near a gathering of police cars in the upmarket Avenue Habib Bourguiba in central Tunis, wounding 15 officers and two teenagers in the first such attack in the city since 2015. Interior Minister Hichem Fourati, whose ministry is on the same street, said Guebla was not on a watch-list of potential extremists "and was not known for her religious background or affiliation". "It was an isolated act, the security services were on the alert, they intervened very quickly," he told AFP. Police sources said the assailant appeared to have used a homemade bomb rather than an explosive belt. A source at the interior ministry said there was a hunt for suspected accomplices. Guebla, from the eastern region of Mahdia, was an unemployed business English graduate aged 30, said prosecution spokesman Sofiene Sliti, who also represents the country's anti-terrorism unit. Police had questioned her two younger brothers, according to their parents, who said their daughter was "naive" and had been "manipulated". They described her as a "model" young woman, who spent a lot of time at the computer. Her family said that in the three years since she graduated, she had been unable to find a job and had instead occasionally worked as a shepherdess. Nearly eight years since a revolution that toppled longtime dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, Tunisia's economy is stagnant and around a third of young graduates are unemployed. Authorities had not previously identified Guebla as a potential extremist, Sliti told AFP. The prosecution spokesman said there had not yet been any arrests in connection with Monday's attack. - Security beefed up - Authorities said nobody was seriously injured in the explosion. Tunis returned to normal on Tuesday apart from a reinforced police presence around the blast site, on a major artery and close to the French embassy. Municipal workers had used high-pressure water hoses to clean the area, where tourists were walking again and cafes had re-opened. Organisers of the Carthage Film Festival, set to begin Saturday at venues on the same road, said it would go ahead as planned. Since 2011, jihadists have been waging a campaign of attacks targeting Tunisian security forces, particularly in the mountainous region near the Algerian border. But Monday's attack was the first in Tunis since November 2015, when a suicide bombing killed 12 security agents on a bus for presidential guards, a few hundred metres (yards) from the site of the latest attack. The 2015 attack was claimed by the Islamic State jihadist group. In June 2015, a student went on a shooting rampage in the coastal resort of Sousse and killed 38 people, including 30 Britons. An attack in March that year on the Bardo National Museum in Tunis left 22 people dead, all but one of them foreign tourists. Those attacks, also claimed by IS, devastated Tunisia's crucial tourism sector, which made up seven percent of gross domestic product. The country has been under a state of emergency since the November 2015 bus attack. The state of emergency was extended this month until November 6, amid a tense political climate ahead of legislative and presidential elections planned for next year. A jovial former journalist who spoke eloquent English, Lodi Gyari - seen here in 2008 - was the de facto foreign minister for the Dalai Lama Lodi Gyari, the Dalai Lama's right-hand diplomat who helped build the Tibetan leader's clout in Washington but came away empty from years of talks with China, has died, colleagues said. He was 69. The International Campaign for Tibet, which Gyari once headed, said he died Monday in San Francisco after a battle with hepatocellular carcinoma, a type of liver cancer. A jovial former journalist whose eloquent English complemented the sometimes humorously fragmented speech of the Dalai Lama, Gyari was effectively a foreign minister for the Tibetan spiritual leader. Basing himself in the United States, Gyari became a driving force in building the broad, bipartisan support for the Tibetan cause in Washington. When China in 2002 reached out to negotiate with the Dalai Lama, Gyari headed a delegation that visited Beijing, the Tibetan capital Lhasa and other largely Tibetan areas. The visit was initially seen as a breakthrough that could open a way for reconciliation between China and the Dalai Lama, who fled Tibet for exile in India in 1959 during an abortive uprising against Beijing's rule. But after nine rounds of dialogue running through 2010, Gyari became increasingly discouraged, with China adamantly opposed to the Dalai Lama's proposals for greater Tibetan autonomy and cultural rights. Many analysts believed that Beijing was intentionally dragging on pointless talks, believing that international pressure over Tibet would end with the passing of the Dalai Lama, a Nobel Peace Prize winner who enjoys rapturous crowds around the world. He is now 83. Gyari and a fellow envoy resigned in 2012, citing frustration over negotiating with China and a deteriorating human rights situation in Tibet. The move also came as the Dalai Lama handed over his political duties to an elected government-in-exile. Lobsang Sangay, the president of the government-in-exile, in a statement said that Gyari "dedicated his entire life serving Tibet and the Tibetan people." - 'Extraordinary champion' - Representative Nancy Pelosi, the top Democrat in the US House of Representatives and longtime activist on Tibet, mourned Gyari as an "extraordinary champion for the Tibetan people." "Lodi's legacy is ours to continue through action and advocacy," she said. "As friends of Tibet, we stand united with Tibetans in their journey to win the freedom to teach their culture and their religion to their children in their own language," she said, adding: "The situation in Tibet is a challenge to the conscience of the world." Gyari worked with Congress as it passed the 2002 Tibetan Policy Act, which required the United States to support Tibetans both in and out of exile in safeguarding their "distinct" culture and created a State Department special coordinator on Tibet, although the position has been vacant under President Donald Trump. Born in eastern Tibet, Gyari was identified as an incarnate lama and devoted himself to monastic study. But he became involved in a young age in the fight against Chinese rule and was selected as a translator for Tibetans who trained with the CIA through the 1960s. He instead used his language skills as the editor of the first Tibetan-run English-language newspaper. Seeking to increase advocacy among Tibetans born in exile, he co-founded the Tibetan Youth Congress, which has become one of the most influential pressure groups and advocates independence for Tibet, beyond the pacifist Dalai Lama's "Middle Path" of seeking autonomy within China. Cameroon strongman Paul Biya won a seventh term in an October 7 poll marred by allegations of widespread fraud, low voter turnout, and violence Cameroon officials on Tuesday released 16 opposition activists who had been detained at the weekend as they protested the re-election of longtime ruler Paul Biya in disputed October 7 polls, their party said. "All 16 were freed. I am with some of them," Movement for the Rebirth of Cameroon deputy treasurer Joseph Okala Ebode told AFP. They were arrested Sunday during an unauthorised march called to protest the vote, in which MRC candidate Maurice Kamto placed second with 14.23 percent of the ballots cast according to election officials. Biya, who has ruled the West African country for 35 years, was credited with 71.28 percent, but the poll was marred by allegations of widespread fraud, low voter turnout, and violence. Since then public demonstrations have been forbidden, press conferences disrupted and opposition militants briefly detained. On Saturday, 50 other activists were detained following an MRC march in the morning, and released that evening. Government minister Paul Atanga Nji has warned that "any attempts to disturb the public order will be met with the greatest firmness". Biya has ruled the country since 1982 with support from the army, government administrations and the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (RDPC) that he created in 1985. L-R: German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and French President Emmanuel Macron take part a working dinner during a summit on Syria in Istanbul, on October 27, 2018 The Istanbul summit on Syria took "huge steps" toward ending its civil war, but the situation remains dangerous with so many foreign armed forces in the country, a top US envoy said Tuesday. The leaders of Turkey, Russia, France and Germany met in Istanbul at the weekend and called for a political solution to Syria's seven-year war and a permanent truce in the last major rebel-held bastion of Idlib. James Jeffrey, the US special representative on Syria, argued that the United States even helped bring about the result despite its absence from the gathering. "We are very happy with the Istanbul result," Jeffrey told journalists in Brussels during a tour of European and Middle East capitals. He cited the summit's appeal for the Idlib truce to become permanent and UN envoy Staffan de Mistura's call for a committee by year-end to produce a post-war constitution. "These are huge steps forward," Jeffrey said. "These would not have happened without the United States." He added that Washington had been in contact with participants Turkey, Germany and France. He said US President Donald Trump had exerted diplomatic pressure by informing his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Helsinki that the US military would remain in Syria. "We are vague on what our military would be doing there but that's a game changer," Jeffrey said. In the run-up to the summit, Jeffrey said a Russian-Turkish deal for a buffer zone around Idlib was a "major step" that has "frozen" the country's war. The agreement, reached last month, was seen as forestalling a devastating regime assault on the area, which hosts around three million people. "The good news is we now have a basically frozen battlefield," Jeffrey said, without minimising the continuing fight with the last elements of the Islamic State group. But he also warned of "real dangers" with so many armed forces present, some of whom could end up clashing with each other. "We have five military forces from the outside -- Iran, Israel, Russia, US and Turkish that are now in close proximity," he said, which could lead to "armies potentially shooting at each other." He recalled for example the accidental downing last month of a Russian plane with 15 personnel on board, which has tested relations between Moscow and Israel. ILAGAN, Philippines (AP) - A strong typhoon blew across the northern Philippines on Tuesday, setting off landslides that left at least six people dead and forcing thousands to flee from villages that were still recovering from a deadly storm last month, officials said. Regional police Chief Superintendent Rolando Nana said authorities were attempting to verify a report that a landslide buried a government building under construction in Natonin in Mountain province, trapping more than 20 people. Several landslides blocked roads and prevented policemen from reaching the area, he said. Typhoon Yutu weakened considerably from its earlier super typhoon status before slamming into the Philippines' northeastern Isabela province before dawn. It knocked down trees and power posts and ripped roofs off houses and stores, officials said. The storm weakened further as it blew across the Sierra Madre mountain range and then barreled westward through Nueva Vizcaya, Benguet and La Union provinces, where an earlier typhoon, Mangkhut, left more than 100 people dead and missing in mid-September. From La Union, Yutu began blowing out into the South China Sea, forecasters said. Yutu's sustained winds of 150 kilometers (93 miles) per hour when it hit the Philippines was considerably less than the 290 kph (180 mph) registered earlier as it tore through the U.S. Pacific territory of the Northern Mariana Islands, where it knocked out power, destroyed homes and delayed elections. Workers clear the road off toppled trees after Typhoon Yutu slammed Isabela province in northeastern Philippines Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018. A strong typhoon battered the northern Philippines on Tuesday, though officials were hopeful that successful evacuations would help avoid a repeat of the death and destruction wrought by a powerful storm last month. (AP Photo) Still, Yutu's winds and rain set off landslides in the mountainous north and caused massive power outages in Isabela and outlying provinces, officials said. In Ifugao province, Baltazar Pinnay and his three young daughters died in a landslide in Banaue, which is famous for its mountainside rice terraces. Rescuers dug up their bodies, police said. Separate landslides in the upland provinces of Kalinga and Mountain province, near Ifugao, killed a 40-year-old man and a young girl, Nana said. Three men were reported missing in the region, including a man who tried to cross a rampaging river and was swept away by the current. More than 10,000 villagers moved to emergency shelters in several northern provinces. In Cagayan province, Gov. Manuel Mamba said by telephone that despite improving weather after the typhoon passed, he asked hundreds of villagers not to return immediately to their homes near a swollen river. "We didn't even have to do forced evacuations. The people are still scared. They readily moved from the mountainsides and away from the river after our police declared it was time to evacuate," said Mayor Victorio Palangdan of Itogon, a gold-mining mountain town where more than 90 villagers died earlier, mostly due to landslides set off by Mangkhut. More than 1,000 villagers moved to emergency shelters in Itogon in Benguet province, which was directly hit by Yutu, Palangdan said by telephone. Mangkhut left more than 100 people dead and missing, mostly in Itogon and nearby mountain towns, and caused considerable damage to vegetable, corn and rice farms because it struck during the harvest season. One of the world's most disaster-prone countries, the Philippines is battered by about 20 typhoons and storms each year. It is also located in the Pacific "Ring of Fire," the arc of seismic faults around the Pacific Ocean where earthquakes and volcanic activity are common. A resident walks on the highway amidst a toppled electric post after Typhoon Yutu slammed Isabela province in northeastern Philippines Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018. A strong typhoon battered the northern Philippines on Tuesday, though officials were hopeful that successful evacuations would help avoid a repeat of the death and destruction wrought by a powerful storm last month. (AP Photo) A boy stays under a dripping tarpaulin amidst a downpour brought about by Typhoon Yutu which made a landfall in northeastern Philippines Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018 in suburban Pasay city, south of Manila, Philippines. A strong typhoon battered the northern Philippines on Tuesday, though officials were hopeful that successful evacuations would help avoid a repeat of the death and destruction wrought by a powerful storm last month. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez) A damaged business establishment is seen after Typhoon Yutu slammed Isabela province in northeastern Philippines Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018. A strong typhoon battered the northern Philippines on Tuesday, though officials were hopeful that successful evacuations would help avoid a repeat of the death and destruction wrought by a powerful storm last month. (AP Photo) September 2018 Quarter Activity Report Adelaide, Oct 30, 2018 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Mithril Resources Limited ( ASX:MTH ) provides the Company's Quarterly Report for the period ending 30 September 2018.Key PointsBilly Hills (Zinc)- Targeting large scale zinc + lead + silver deposits similar to the nearby Pillara deposit- Four initial targets characterised by elevated rock chip results up to 14.24% zinc + lead, an untested IP geophysical anomaly and broad zones of bedrock anomalism in historic drill intercepts prioritised for follow-upKurnalpi (Nickel)- A new copper-cobalt target identified with 1.46% copper, 1.12% cobalt returned from sampling of historic drill spoils on a newly acquired tenement at southern end of projectBangemall (Copper, Lead, Zinc)- Multiple targets identified along strike from the Abra Deposit- Prospectivity highlighted by airborne EM (GEOTEM) anomalies with overlapping anomalous surface geochemistry, and / or zones of copper and zinc in historic drill holesCorporate- Mithril entered into a new Vanadium Joint Venture with Monax Mining Ltd (Monax) at Limestone Well, whereby Monax can earn 80% by completing exploration expenditure of $2.5M over 5 years.- Limestone Well lies directly north along strike from the Barrambie Titanium Vanadium Deposit (2012 JORC Inferred + Indicated Resource of 280.1Mt @ 9.18%TiO2 and 0.44%V2O5)Exploration Plan for next Quarter- Execution of a Heritage Protection Agreement for the Billy Hills Project,- Continuation of target generation activities for the Billy Hills, Bangemall and Duffy Well Projects, and- Aircore drilling at Limestone Well (funded by Monax)To view the full report, please visit:About Mithril Resources Limited Mithril Resources Limited (ASX:MTH) is an Australian resources company whose objective is the creation of shareholder wealth through the discovery of mineral deposits. The Company and its exploration partners are actively exploring throughout the Kalgoorlie, West Kimberley and Murchison Districts of Western Australia for economic nickel, copper, zinc, and vanadium deposits. In the Kalgoorlie District, Mithril is exploring for nickel on the Kurnalpi, Lignum Dam and North Scotia Projects which lie along strike from, or adjacent to previously mined high-grade nickel at the Silver Swan and Scotia Nickel Deposits. In the West Kimberley, Mithril is exploring for zinc on the Billy Hills Project which lies adjacent to the previously mined Pillara Zinc Deposit. In the Murchison, Mithril is exploring for copper, nickel and zinc mineralisation on the Nanadie Well Project and for copper, silver, zinc and lead on the Bangemall Base Metal Project. Mithril's exploration partner Monax Mining Ltd is also exploring for vanadium on the Limestone Well tenements. BARCELONA, Spain (AP) - South Sudan armed opposition leader Riek Machar is coming home under the country's latest peace deal, more than two years after he fled on foot into exile, a spokesman said Tuesday. Lam Paul Gabriel told The Associated Press that Machar is returning to take part in a nationwide peace celebration on Wednesday, leading a small delegation but not bringing his own security despite concerns for his safety. "If this peace has to be implemented we need to trust each other," the spokesman said. Machar is returning to let everyone know he is ready for peace, he added. Under the deal signed last month, Machar will be President Salva Kiir's deputy once again. That arrangement has twice collapsed in deadly fighting, once when the civil war broke out in December 2013 and again in July 2016 when an earlier peace agreement collapsed and Machar fled into neighboring Congo. Concerns are high that this latest fragile agreement will fall apart as well, with the United States among those openly wondering whether the two men whose rivalry has led to so much bloodshed can finally end the conflict. South Sudan's five-year civil war has killed almost 400,000 people with violence and disease, according to a recent estimate. Millions have been displaced and parts of the country have been plunged into famine. FILE - In this Thursday, June 21, 2018 file photo, South Sudan's President Salva Kiir, left, and opposition leader Riek Machar, right, shake hands during peace talks in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It seems that South Sudan's government is spending millions of dollars next week to celebrate a "final final" peace deal to end a five-year civil war. The problem is, the rebel leader who agreed to share power is reluctant to come home. Riek Machar's hesitation and condition-setting amid security concerns is the latest sign that one of Africa's deadliest conflicts might be merely on pause.(AP Photo/Mulugeta Ayene, File) So far the new peace deal has been criticized for its slow implementation, with missed deadlines and continued cease-fire violations. Machar wrote to Kiir last week saying he would attend Wednesday's celebrations only if certain conditions were met, including the release of all political prisoners, the lifting of the state of emergency, free movement inside the country for all opposition groups and a guarantee for his safety. While there has been no indication by South Sudan's government that the concerns have been met, Kiir in an interview with Kenyan's Citizen TV last week said Machar's safety would be secured by the government. ___ Follow Africa news at https://twitter.com/AP_Africa NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) - The normal-looking campaign rally in Somalia's capital this month was anything but. Dozens of people in T-shirts bearing the smiling candidate's image and "Security and Justice" were praising the former No. 2 leader of Africa's deadliest Islamic extremist group, the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab, who until recently was the target of a $5 million U.S. reward. Stunned, Somalia's federal government is in an awkward spot. If Mukhtar Robow's campaign for a regional presidency goes forward, observers say the man who once praised Osama bin Laden and tried to impose an Islamic state has a good chance at winning next month's election. Ever since surprising Somalis by defecting to a delighted government last year, the former al-Shabab spokesman and founding father has not been shy. Robow openly discussed his break with hardliners that led him to quit the extremist group - "I disagreed with their creed, which does not serve Islamic religion," he said - and the threats that pushed him to defect after years of living in the safety of his clan. Then he donated blood in a show of support after Somalia's deadliest attack, the October 2017 truck bombing in Mogadishu that killed over 500 people. Now the lanky, bearded Robow, al-Shabab's highest-profile defector, seeks to lead his native Southwest region despite a sharp "no" from the federal government. The interior ministry says he's ineligible to run because he remains under international sanctions. The problem, observers say, is that Somalia's federal government is in such a state that no one knows who has the authority to decide who can be a candidate. The presidency did not respond to questions. The United Nations mission in Somalia, which provides electoral support, would not comment. "Who has the last call on who runs? Nobody knows," Hussein Sheikh-Ali, a former national security adviser and chair of the Hiraal Institute who has known Robow for years, told The Associated Press. In this photo taken Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018, Mukhtar Robow, who was once deputy leader of Africa's deadliest Islamic extremist group the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab, speaks at a press conference about his candidacy for a regional presidency, in Baidoa, Somalia. Once the No. 2 leader of al-Shabab, now Mukhtar Robow is running for a regional presidency in Somalia, defying a government that says he's ineligible because he remains under international sanctions. (AP Photo) On top of that, relations between Somalia's federal government and its regional ones are so bad that cooperation is almost severed, victim of the wary politics in the Horn of Africa nation recovering from decades of warlord-led fighting and devastating al-Shabab attacks. Over the weekend, Southwest residents and some members of parliament protested what they called the federal government's meddling in the vote. While Robow told the AP he couldn't comment, there's no sign of him backing out of the race, even as al-Shabab calls him an apostate. When the group this month bombed Baidoa, the Southwest's interim capital, he quickly appeared at a local hospital to visit victims and condemn the attacks. Despite his dark history that includes recruiting many local young men into al-Shabab, some in the Southwest reserve goodwill for Robow after he spared several government officials from certain execution when the extremist group overran Baidoa in 2009. "That has contributed to change his people's perception toward him, so they owe him a bit," regional lawmaker Ahmed Nur Adam told the AP. "He's already changed himself for the better, so forget his past identity," said Ali Ahmed Isaq, a local traditional elder. "So, just like other politicians with a dreadful past such as warlords who are now politicians, nothing can deny him any leadership role." Worried about Robow's popularity, the federal government has sent at least one high-level official to try to persuade him to step aside. "I was asked to relinquish my candidacy but I'm telling you that ... I will be running for president," Robow told supporters this month. "With the help of God, we will win and peace will win." Now the government is backing its own candidate with money, armored vehicles and security forces. "I guess you could say it is a positive story to see a former high-ranking al-Shabab official participating in a system he spent many years trying to destroy," Omar Mahmood, a researcher with the Institute for Security Studies, told the AP. "But there is also the other side of it, the lack of having to answer for his time as a jihadist." Some Somalis, haunted by memories of Robow praising al-Shabab attacks and the executions of government supporters, said he should be held accountable for the beheadings and other killings under his command. Others are alarmed that he would severely curtail women's rights and other social freedoms if elected. "He may do a better job in terms of security, but I think it's too early for him to consider such a high-level position before adopting some more moderate and nonviolent views," said a Somali intelligence official who requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media. However, in the first sign of possible tolerance toward women, Robow has urged his constituency to welcome other candidates including women, and he asked for forgiveness for his past while promising security. "We shall reopen roads on which women are raped and people are harassed," he said during a speech in Baidoa last week. "Notwithstanding my previous views, I owe you a lot for this huge welcome," he added, to applause. The election drama is a major test of Somalia's U.S.-backed efforts to encourage fighters to leave al-Shabab in the belief that every defection exposes weakness in the extremist group, which still controls large parts of the rural south and central regions, including the Southwest. "It doesn't help that Somali law and institutions are still very much evolving and the amnesty program for ex-al-Shabab members is a bit unclear," Mahmood said. Some low- and mid-level defectors go to rehabilitation centers while others end up on trial. Robow has received other arrangements, including security. Questions remain about his defection, which occurred soon after the U.S. quietly cancelled the $5 million offer under its "Rewards for Justice" program. That led al-Shabab to believe Robow had made a deal with the Americans, Sheikh-Ali said. The U.S. mission to Somalia did not respond to questions but tweeted on Tuesday that it looks forward to a "credible vote" next month and "We support the process but never any specific candidate." However, Robow is still under U.S. sanctions imposed in 2008 when he was named a "specially designated global terrorist." He has never gone completely through Somalia's defection process, which would include the federal government negotiating with international bodies to clear him from sanctions, Sheikh-Ali said. "Unfortunately, he was thinking everything was fine and that's when he decided to run," he said. Startled, international bodies pressured Somalia and "the government woke up and said, 'You cannot run.'" There likely isn't time for Robow to be cleared before the Nov. 17 election, Sheikh-Ali said. He sees this as a disappointment. Somalia has a tradition of being accommodating, he said. After all, the current president of the Jubaland region was once part of insurgent group Hizbul Islam, which tried to overthrow the federal government. On Monday the new U.N. envoy to Somalia, Nicholas Haysom, greeted the Jubaland leader with a handshake and smile. "The Robow case is really jeopardizing any chance of another al-Shabab leader to consider defecting to the government side," said Sheikh-Ali, who advocates dialogue with the extremist group. "Somalia needs peace." ___ Anna reported from Johannesburg. Associated Press videographer Mohamed Sheikh Nor in Mogadishu contributed. ___ Follow Africa news at https://twitter.com/AP_Africa In this photo taken Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018, Mukhtar Robow, facing television cameras with outstretched hand, left, who was once deputy leader of Africa's deadliest Islamic extremist group the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab, speaks to the media and others gathered about his candidacy for a regional presidency, in Baidoa, Somalia. Once the No. 2 leader of al-Shabab, now Mukhtar Robow is running for a regional presidency in Somalia, defying a government that says he's ineligible because he remains under international sanctions. (AP Photo) In this photo taken Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018, Mukhtar Robow, who was once deputy leader of Africa's deadliest Islamic extremist group the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab, speaks at a press conference about his candidacy for a regional presidency, in Baidoa, Somalia. Once the No. 2 leader of al-Shabab, now Mukhtar Robow is running for a regional presidency in Somalia, defying a government that says he's ineligible because he remains under international sanctions. (AP Photo) FILE - In this Wednesday, May 11, 2011 file photo, then deputy leader of Somalia's al-Qaida-linked militant group al-Shabab, Mukhtar Robow, left, gives a press conference under a banner which reads "Allah is Great" with American-born Islamist militant Omar Hammami, right, who was later killed in an ambush ordered by the militant group's leader, at a farm in southern Mogadishu's Afgoye district in Somalia. Once the No. 2 leader of al-Shabab, now Mukhtar Robow is running for a regional presidency in Somalia, defying a government that says he's ineligible because he remains under international sanctions. (AP Photo/Farah Abdi Warsameh, File) BEIJING (AP) - Marijuana may be legal now in Canada but at least three Asian governments are warning their citizens to avoid it, including the specter of possible arrest for Japanese and South Koreans. China, the latest to weigh in, didn't go that far. Its consulate in Toronto issued a statement dated Friday reminding Chinese in its jurisdiction - and students in particular - "to avoid contact with and use of marijuana for the sake of ensuring your own physical and mental health." Canada legalized the sale of recreational marijuana on Oct. 17. The Chinese statement, posted on the consulate's website, included a long explanation of the Canadian and provincial laws, advising them to read it carefully to avoid running afoul of the new regulations. Both Japan and South Korea warned their citizens in Canada ahead of the legalization. The Japanese consulate in Vancouver warned on its website that Japanese laws outlawing the possession and sale of marijuana may be applied to actions taken abroad. FILE - In this Oct. 17, 2018, file photo, people smoke cannabis on the street in Toronto. China has become the latest Asian country to warn its citizens in Canada about marijuana after it was legalized for recreational use there. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP, File) "Japanese residents and travelers should take ample care to stay away from marijuana, including food and beverages that include marijuana," the statement read in part. South Korea held information sessions in Canada and used a government website and TV broadcasts to lay down the law for its citizens. "Even in a place where marijuana is legalized, if our citizens smoke, purchase, possess or deliver marijuana, it's a criminal act, so they will be punished," the embassy in Canada tweeted. "Please be careful." Neither statement from Japan and South Korea explained how they might attempt to enforce their laws against smoking marijuana while abroad. Police and customs officials in South Korea did not answer calls seeking comment. Both South Korea and Japan have very strict anti-drug laws. In Korea, smoking, buying, possessing or delivering marijuana is punishable by up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 50 million won ($44,000). ___ Associated Press writers Yuri Kageyama in Tokyo and Hyung-jin Kim in Seoul, South Korea, and researcher Yu Bing in Beijing contributed to this story. FILE - In this Oct. 17, 2018, file photo, a depiction of a cannabis bud drops from the ceiling at Leafly's countdown party in Toronto, as midnight passes and marks the first day of the legalization of cannabis across Canada. China has become the latest Asian country to warn its citizens in Canada about marijuana after it was legalized for recreational use there. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP, File) ISTANBUL (AP) - The Latest on the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi (all times local): 12:30 a.m. Senate Democrats are demanding a classified briefing to find out if U.S. intelligence knew anything beforehand about plans by Saudi Arabia to abduct or harm a writer for The Washington Post who was killed earlier this month. Eight Senators say in a letter to Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats that U.S. agencies were required to notify Jamal Khashoggi if they were aware of any such plans. The senators say in the letter Tuesday that the Post reported that U.S. intelligence intercepted Saudi communications discussing a plan to capture the columnist. Khashoggi was allegedly killed by Saudi agents at their consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, on Oct. 2. Saudi Arabia's top prosecutor Saud al-Mojeb leaves his country's consulate in Istanbul, Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018. The Turkish fiancee of slain journalist Jamal Khashoggi has called on U.S. President Donald Trump and other leaders to ensure that his death in Istanbul is not covered up, while Saudi Arabia's top prosecutor on Tuesday visited the Saudi Consulate where officials from his government killed the writer. (Can Erok/DHA via AP) The State Department has said that U.S. had no advance knowledge of any plans to abduct Khashoggi. The DNI had no immediate comment. ___ 7:00 p.m. The U.N. human rights chief says international experts should help investigate the "shockingly brazen" killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi and she also is urging Saudi Arabia to reveal the location of Khashoggi's remains. Michelle Bachelet said she welcomed efforts by Saudi and Turkish authorities to investigate and prosecute the alleged perpetrators. But Bachelet said Tuesday that because "high-level officials in Saudi Arabia were apparently involved" in Khashoggi's slaying, "the bar must be set very high to ensure meaningful accountability and justice." In her strongest public comments yet on the subject, she said international experts should have complete access to evidence and witnesses. She added: "I urge the Saudi authorities to reveal the whereabouts of his body without further delay or prevarication." ___ 11:55 a.m. Saudi Arabia's top prosecutor has arrived , , arrived at Istanbul's main courthouse Tuesday for more talks with Istanbul's chief public prosecutor, , on the investigation into the killing, Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency reported that Saud al-Mojeb of Saudi Arabia and Turkey's Irfan Fidan were continuing a conversation they started with an hour and 15 minute meeting on Monday. Riyadh and Ankara have agreed to cooperate in the investigation of Khashoggi's slaying inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul. Al-Mojeb then went to the consulate and left after spending a little over an hour there. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Tuesday the investigation needs to be completed swiftly. Erdogan said the prosecutor repeated to his Saudi counterpart Turkey's extradition request for 18 suspects detained in Saudi Arabia for the Oct. 2 killing to be put on trial in Istanbul. Fidan asked al-Mojeb to reveal who sent this group, according to the president. ___ 11:15 a.m. The fiancee of slain journalist Jamal Khashoggi has called on U.S. President Donald Trump and other leaders to ensure that his killing at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul is not covered up. Speaking at a memorial in London on Monday, Hatice Cengiz urged Trump to "help reveal the truth and ensure justice be served." Cengiz also told the memorial that she wishes she had entered the consulate instead of her fiance. She said in reference to an alleged Saudi hit squad sent to kill the Washington Post Journalist: "If only I knew that would be the last time I would see my JamaI, his smile, hear his laughter, I would have stood in front of that murderous team myself." Khashoggi, who lived in exile, had written critically of Saudi Arabia's crown prince. Flanked by his aides and standing security officials, Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan waits to address his supporters at the parliament, in Ankara, Turkey, Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018. Erdogan said the Turkish prosecutor repeated to his Saudi counterpart Turkey's extradition request of 18 suspects detained in Saudi Arabia for the Oct. 2 killing to be put on trial in Istanbul. (Presidential Press Service via AP, Pool) Hatice Cengiz, the fiancee of the killed Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, reacts as she speaks during a memorial event for her fiancee at the Mechanical Engineers Institute in London, Monday Oct. 29, 2018. The Al Sharq Forum think tank and Middle East Monitor have organised the event in honour of the murdered journalist Khashoggi who died in the Saudi consulate in Turkey. (John Stillwell/PA via AP) Hatice Cengiz, the fiancee of the killed Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, reacts during a memorial event for her fiancee at the Mechanical Engineers Institute in London, Monday Oct. 29, 2018. The Al Sharq Forum think tank and Middle East Monitor have organised the event in honour of the murdered journalist Khashoggi who died in the Saudi consulate in Turkey. (John Stillwell/PA via AP) People attend a memorial event for killed Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, seen on screen, at the Mechanical Engineers Institute in London, Monday Oct. 29, 2018. The Al Sharq Forum think tank and Middle East Monitor have organised the event in honour of the murdered journalist Khashoggi who died in the Saudi consulate in Turkey. (John Stillwell/PA via AP) Hatice Cengiz, the fiancee of the killed Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, speaks during a memorial event for her fiancee at the Mechanical Engineers Institute in London, Monday Oct. 29, 2018. The Al Sharq Forum think tank and Middle East Monitor have organised the event in honour of the murdered journalist Khashoggi who died in the Saudi consulate in Turkey. (John Stillwell/PA via AP) Hatice Cengiz, the fiancee of the killed Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, reacts during a memorial event for her fiancee at the Mechanical Engineers Institute in London, Monday Oct. 29, 2018. The Al Sharq Forum think tank and Middle East Monitor have organised the event in honour of the murdered journalist Khashoggi who died in the Saudi consulate in Turkey. (John Stillwell/PA via AP) The number of homicides in Scotland last year fell to the joint lowest level on record. Figures for the number of murders and culpable homicides show there were 59 victims in 2017/18, down six from the previous year. The National Statistics publication said last year had the joint lowest number of recorded homicide cases since 1976, the first year for which comparable data was available. Over the last decade, the number of homicide cases in Scotland fell by 39% from 97 to 59 cases. There were 45 male victims and 14 female in 2017/18, with the majority of deaths taking place in homes. The government statistics showed that half of female victims last year were killed by a partner or ex partner while half of male victims were killed by an acquaintance. Figures show there were 59 homicides in Scotland last year (Andrew Milligan/PA) Of the 81 people accused in homicide cases in 2017/18, 37% were reported to have been under the influence of alcohol, drugs or both. It was also found 58% of cases involved a knife or other sharp instrument. Only one of the 59 cases remains unsolved, according to the figures. Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said one death is one too many, adding: Behind these figures are grieving families and friends and my sincere sympathies go out to all those who have lost a loved one. We recognise the enormous trauma experienced by families bereaved by murder and culpable homicide. That is why we are currently funding Victim Support Scotland to develop and deliver a bespoke service for these families, ensuring dedicated and continuous support. We are determined to help people break free from cycles of violence. We will continue our efforts to drive down violent crime in our communities, both through education and enforcement, supporting prevention work with people of all ages and ensuring our law enforcement agencies and courts have the resources to deal with those who harm others. Assistant Chief Constable Gillian MacDonald said: I welcome the fact that fewer people have lost their lives to murder in our communities again this year than in previous years and that homicide in Scotland is now at its lowest level in over 40 years. However, every violent death has a devastating impact on victims families, friends and their communities and Police Scotland remains absolutely committed to tackling violent crime as a priority. Our Major Investigation Teams working alongside local policing officers combine the very best expertise and specialist investigators with local knowledge and the latest investigative technologies and techniques to provide a world class response which leaves no stone unturned in our quest to identify and arrest those responsible. The Scottish Violence Reduction Unit has also played a key role in helping reduce levels of violent crime across Scotland in the last decade and we have also established a National Violence Prevention Board to better understand the issue and share best practice nationally. We are committed to working closely with partners, including those in education, health and social work to tackle the root causes of violence and address the role that alcohol, drugs and weapons play in violent crime. New Zealand has developed a real connection with the royal family and the question of becoming a republic doesnt sit at the fore for Kiwis, the countrys prime minister said. Jacinda Arderns comments came as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex followed in the footsteps of William and Kate on Tuesday as they took in Auckland, the penultimate stop on their 16-day royal tour. Harry and Meghan faced off in a welly-wanging contest before heading to the Viaduct for a public walkabout where 10-year-old Max Henry added to his royal photo collection. The royal fan held up laminated pictures of himself meeting the duke and duchess of Cambridge in 2014 which caught the eye of Harry, and both he and his wife posed for snaps. Wednesday is the final day of Harry and Meghans tour, which has seen them also visit Australia, Fiji and Tonga. The duke and duchess try their hand at welly-wanging (Dominic Lipinski/PA) The mother and father-to-be will head home after visiting Rotorua, having spent four days in the Land of the Long White Cloud. Speaking before a reception at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, New Zealands prime minister Jacinda Ardern said: Theres a real connection between particularly William and Harry in recent years, so its nice to have been able to host them in such close proximity. The Duchess of Sussex during a walkabout in Auckland (Chris Jackson/PA) New Zealand, like Australia, is a constitutional monarchy and as such the Queen is their head of state, represented by a governor-general. When asked if the question of whether the Duke and Duchesss visit has changed views on New Zealand becoming a republic, Ms Ardern said: It just really doesnt come up as much. I dont think its something that really sits at the fore for them (the public). The only time it really comes up is, often off the back of visits, people tend to ask the question. What youll pick up from the New Zealand public is that there is a real affinity for the Queen and a real strength of feeling around members of the royal family, particularly given, in the wake of some of our disasters, that theyve been quick to respond and be present. Meghan and Harry arrive at a reception at the Auckland War Memorial Museum (Dominic Lipinski/PA) The mother and father-to-be started their day in Redvale on the North Shore of Auckland, planting trees and dedicating 20 hectares of forest to the Queens Commonwealth Canopy (QCC) scheme. The duke and duchess planted puriri and kowhai trees, the latter of which was represented on Meghans veil when she married Harry in St Georges Chapel at Windsor Castle in May. After meeting children from environmental education programme Trees for Survival, the couple then got their hands dirty to plant the trees before heading over to throw wellies or gumboots in the sport of welly-wanging. Harry and Meghan each had two children on their team and took it in turns throwing boots as other pupils cheered them on. The duchesss team the reds emerged victorious after she landed her boot a good metre closer to the target than the duke. "In my role as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador, it is a privilege to champion so many exceptionally talented young leaders across all 53 countries; your voices are being heard, and each and every one of you is making this change happen." The Duke of Sussex #RoyalVisitNZ pic.twitter.com/EqCmqEhkwP The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) October 30, 2018 Nelson Poll, 11, was on Meghans team and said: I think Harrys technique was better it was straight-forward instead of going at an angle. I said to Meghan, try to keep it forward and not too high. When asked who he felt wanted to win more, Nelson said: Probably Harry. Ryen Anderson, 10, who was also on Meghans team, added: Meghan was asking us how to throw and we said it doesnt matter. She didnt know she could throw that far and she surprised herself. Father-to-be Harry holds a toy from a young child during a walkabout in Auckland (Chris Jackson/PA) The duke later referenced the mornings competition during his speech at a reception hosted by the prime minister. Were meeting little Kiwis, were meeting big Kiwis, being treated to your fantastic food, culture and sporting activities well, if you can call welly-wanging or gumboot throwing a sport, he said. Perhaps we should have a three-test series and see who comes out on top? Earlier at the reception, the duke showed his language skills were better than his welly-wanging, when he said hello in six different languages. His efforts in Samoan, Tongan, Fijian, Niuean, Cook Islands, and Maori were greeted with applause from the audience of young people as the duke said: This is definitely the first time I have spoken most of those languages, so I apologise if my accent wasnt any good, but I had to give it a go. India has sought Qatari investments in key sectors such as petrochemicals, infrastructure and agriculture, the Ministry of External Affairs said Tuesday. The invitation for Qatari investments was made during delegation-level talks between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Doha, it said in a statement. "Both sides discussed the entire gamut of bilateral relations and signed a declaration to establish Joint Commission at the level of External Affairs and Foreign Minister to periodically review progress in various cooperation initiatives," the statement said. The Indian side mentioned that bilateral trade in 2017-18 was USD 9.9 billion and Indian exports to Qatar during this period registered an increase of 87 per cent over the previous year, it said. Qatari investors were invited for areas such as petrochemicals, infrastructure, agriculture and food processing. Both sides expressed satisfaction at the smooth functioning of various institutional mechanisms for strengthening of bilateral relationship, the statement said. Swaraj visited Qatar from October 28-30. This was her first visit to Doha. The real tribute to Sardar Patel would be to resolve to contribute in the making of a New India inspired by the spirit of unification made possible by Sardar Patel History has often proved that every crisis would find its own man. India had its crisis man in Sardar Patel in the aftermath of our countrys Independence, when a great crisis was staring at the still-to-be-born India. Rulers of about 600 principalities were nursing their own ambitions of becoming independent leaders. Some of them were even thinking of associating themselves with the new-born neighbouring country. Nizam of Hyderabad, right in the centre of our country, was one among them. Such a crisis needed a man with a mind of steel and a great vision. We were indeed fortunate to have found one in Sardar Patel. To understand the significance of Sardar Patels vision and his contribution to the unification of our country, one only needs to imagine a situation in Hyderabad, which had toyed with the idea of joining Pakistan, not being a part of India. But for this great son of our country, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, it is indeed difficult to visualise India of today. One geographical entity of todays India is legacy of Sardar Patel. But has our country done justice to his contributions and legacy? Do our history books and school curriculum present a fair and balanced account of such legacies? Why we were forced to be so dishonest to the great vision and contribution of Sardar Patel? Should we not give a fair and balanced account of the modern history of our country and its lead actors to the post-Independence generations? This is the objective of our Governments decision to observe Sardar Patels birth anniversary as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas. This is not intended to belittle other legacies and contributions of other leaders. Pure and simple, our intention is just to do justice to the words and deeds of Sardar Patel. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was born on October 31, 1875 in Gujarat. He was born into a farmers family. In the due course, he passed his matriculation examination and after some years, he passed the Law examination. He practiced as a lawyer at Godhra. He carried on a roaring legal practice. As he was ambitious, he went to England and became a barister-at-law. In 1923, he became the leader of Bardoli Satyagraha. Since then, he came to be called Sardar Patel. His elder brother, Mr Vithalbhai Patel, was the President of the Indian Legislative Assembly. He was jailed several times in connection with the freedom movement. He was the right-hand man of Mahatma Gandhi and his most trusted lieutenant. It was Patel who maintained discipline in the Congress ranks. In 1936, the Congress at the General Election won the majority of seats in seven provinces of British India. Sardar Patel was the most important member of the Central Parliamentary Board. He became free Indias first Deputy Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru being the first Prime Minister. He was in charge of the Home Department and administered law and order. Future historians will marvel at his organising capacity and superhuman ability. The integration of about 560 Princely States and the elimination of the autocratic rule of the Maharajas and Nawabs will ever stand out as his unique and greatest achievement. He did it without bloodshed and in a short span of two years. Was this not a miracle? To him, rightly goes the credit of completely changing the map of India. He was essentially a man of action. He was Indias man of destiny. He was the Iron man of India. He was the brightest luminary on the home front. He was a walking volcano with fires raging in his heart. He was not a man to be ignored or trifled with. Defeat, he never knew; weakness he never felt, and indiscipline he never tolerated. He was a pillar of fire and enthusiasm, but as a practical statesman, he was also calm and unfathomable. He never hesitated to take a decisive step. He combined quickness of decision with resourcefulness. He was the greatest administrator and the best statesman that India ever produced. His death on December 15, 1950, left India poorer. By his death, free India has suffered a loss in political leadership that is difficult to repair. Crores of our countrymen, including myself, still believe today that Sardar Patel had been the first Prime Minister of our country, the course of events would have been totally different. We as a nation need to correct this distortion. Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi made it clear that we need to look beyond politics, to build an India that lives up to its potential. Without the creation of the India of today, we would have had no voice in the global order of things. That is why we need to commemorate the legacy and memory of Sardar Patel, and that is what we are doing today. Sardar Patel symbolised a decisive leadership. In the past and in recent times, we have paid heavily for the indecisiveness of leaders, in whose hands our destinies have been placed. Todays India needs another Sardar, who can think with clarity and act firmly. We are fortunate to have another leader with such traits in Narendra Modi. Located alongside the Narmada River in Gujarat, the worlds tallest Statue of Unity that is being unveiled today is a real tribute to the Ironman of India. Nearly 30 metres taller than the current record holder the Spring Temple Buddha in China and almost double the height of the Statue of Liberty, the statue of unity is a symbol of India rising, as rightly pointed by our Prime Minister. Besides unifying the country, Sardar Patel had also laid the foundations of all-India services as a permanent executive and a vehicle of building modern India. On this day, we need to resolve to contribute to the making of a new India inspired by the spirit of unification made possible by Sardar Patel. Whatever had happened had happened and it is time for every countryman to strive for the unity, integrity, safety and security of our country, inspired by the spirit and vision of Sardar Patel. We do have some issues relating to external and internal security of our country. I am confident, unitedly, we can overcome these challenges under the leadership of our Prime Minister. Let us remember Sardar Patel, whenever we are confronted with a challenge. That shall enable us to meet it with resolve. (The writer is Union Minister for Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation) Four people, including a service engineer died after a lift in Delhi Development Authority (DDA) under-construction site at Narela fell down from height of about 35 feet on Monday evening. According to Rajneesh Gupta, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Rohini district, the deceased are identified as Pramod (30), Sonu (27) resident of Balia in Uttar Pradesh (UP), Raj kumar (25) resident of Bokaro, Jharkhand and Sonu (25) resident of Jaunpur, UP. The incident occurred around about 4.30pm, when service engineer Pramod along with three labourers Sonu, Raj Kumar and Sonu were working on the lift of a DDA Tower Crane Machine when suddenly the lift fell down, said the DCP. The injured were rushed to SRHC Hospital in the area where doctors declared them brought dead. The chairman of the Supreme court-appointed Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA), Bhure Lal, has tossed up an alarming suggestion to deal with the apprehension that air pollution in the national Capital could further worsen. Ban plying of all private vehicles! Bhure Lals remark has sent shock waves. If his suggestion is implemented at any stage, it could lead to a complete shutdown of Delhi as people are largely dependent on their own vehicles for commuting. Delhi has more vehicles as compared to Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Bangaluru combined. Emerging from the Supreme Court, Bhure Lal on Tuesday said that the Graded Action Response Plan (GRAP) will be implemented from November 1, and if air pollution continued to worsen, private vehicles will be stopped in Delhi. The GRAP is an emergency plan designed to take urgent remedial action when air quality deteriorates. Let us hope Delhi air pollution situation doesnt deteriorate or else will have to stop plying of private vehicles, only public transport will be used, Bhure Lal added. Detailed provisions of the rule, if applied, have not been made known yet. Reacting to Bhure Lals statement, majority of people said that there will be a complete shutdown in Delhi if the Government stops using private vehicles. The exchequer will incur loss of hundreds of crores in even one day of shutdown, they said. Interestingly, public transport system of the Capital is crippled due to ongoing strike by DTC bus drivers and conductors and shortage of buses. The city needs 11,000 buses - it has only 5,429 buses. Of the 464 routes in Delhi, buses dont run on five while on 75 routes, only one bus operates. Nearly half (230) routes have one to five buses operating. The situation is as dire in the cluster services, managed by the Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System (DIMTS) as 40 of its 147 routes are served by just one to five buses each. Together, they take more trips than the Delhi Metro. Approximately seven lakh vehicles are being registered in a year in Delhi and the law does not prescribe any limit for purchase of motor vehicles in the name of any person. Total number of registered vehicles in Delhi has crossed over 1.45 crore. Between April 1, 2017, and March 31, 2018, as many as 7,20,519 vehicles were registered in Delhi. Of these, 4,76,691 are two-wheelers. As per data, total 6,61,494 vehicles were registered in 2015 and 6,93,159 vehicles in 2016. The Supreme Court-appointed EPCA had informed the apex court on Monday that commercial vehicles like trucks and taxis were the major source of pollution in the national Capital and that there was a need to control their operation. Out of all the vehicles, heavy commercial ones like trucks and other commercial vehicles such as taxis are the major polluting source, with very high carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide emissions, it said. There is a western disturbance approaching Delhi and the combination of increased moisture makes it likely that the air quality will dip significantly. This means that there is an urgent need to take action against existing factors leading to air pollution, said officials adding the pollutants at lower levels are not able to disperse due to the light winds and smog can be easily seen. Due to western disturbances, the wind speed is 2.5 km per hour, officials added. Crop stubble burning, a major source of pollution, vehicular exhaust and a drop-off in wind speeds have aggravated the smog that is likely to worsen around 7 November, when fireworks will set off to celebrate the major Hindu festival of Diwali. EPCA has already proposed halting construction, the use of diesel-run power generators, brick kilns and the burning of garbage between November 1 and November 10 when pollution levels are expected to rise. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) report titled, Air pollution and child health: Prescribing clean air, India topped the list of air pollution-induced deaths in children below the age of five, with over 1.25 lakh children dying in 2016 in the country due to polluted air. A 2016 study by IIT-Kanpur had found that vehicular emissions contribute to around 9 per cent of the PM10 load in Delhi and around 20 per cent of the PM2.5 load. A study by TERI and Automobile Research Association of India (ARAI) in its study had also found that the contribution of vehicular emissions in Delhis air could go up to 30 per cent if secondary particles are taken into account. The Ministry of Environment and Forests had in 2003 published a white paper that reported that in the three decades between 1970-71 and 2000-01, the contribution of vehicles to particulate matter in Delhis air had more than trebled to 72 per cent from 23 per cent. Quarterly Report Melbourne, Oct 30, 2018 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Australian Securities and Frankfurt Stock Exchange cross listed iSignthis Ltd ( ASX:ISX ) ( FRA:TA8 ), the global leader in RegTech for identity verification and transactional banking/payments, is pleased to provide the following business update and Appendix 4C for the quarter ended 30th September 2018.Highlights:- $10m Institutional Placement completed (issue price of $0.145 per share)- Acquisition of Core Banking Platform Provider - Probanx.com- The Company continues to increase the value of its contracted GPTV, which is now in excess of AU$880m- iSignthis is now a Principal Member of Mastercard in two key regions (EU and Australia)- JCB now live with ISXPAY in the EEA- Scheme participation - iSignthis Group is now a scheme member of the European Payments Council (EPC) Single Euro Payment Area (SEPA) Scheme- Paydentity now processing identity verification and payments for Finland's largest cryptocurrency broker service - Prasos- Agreement to act as a card acquirer of China Union Pay (CUP) issued cards - ISXPAY to acquire CUP cards in 2019To view the full report, please visit:About iSignthis Ltd iSignthis Ltd (ASX:ISX) (FRA:TA8) is a hybrid monetary financial institution and also a RegTech leader in remote identity verification, payment authentication with deposit taking, transactional banking and payment processing capability. iSignthis provides an end-to-end on-boarding service for merchants, with a unified payment, electronic money and identity service via our Paydentity(TM) and ISXPay(R) solutions. By converging payments and identity, iSignthis delivers regulatory compliance to an enhanced customer due diligence standard, offering global reach to any of the world's 4.2Bn 'bank verified' card or account holders, that can be remotely on-boarded to meet the Customer Due Diligence requirements of AML regulated merchants in as little as 3 to 5 minutes. Paydentity(TM) has now onboarded and verified more than 1.5m persons to an AML KYC standard. iSignthis Paydentity(TM) service is the trusted back office solution for regulated entities, allowing merchants to stay ahead of the regulatory curve, and focus on growing their core business. iSignthis' subsidiary, iSignthis eMoney Ltd, trades as ISXPay(R), and is an EEA authorised eMoney Monetary Financial Institution, offering card acquiring in the EEA, and Australia. ISXPay(R) is a principal member of Mastercard Inc, Diners, Discover, (China) Union Pay International and JCB International, an American Express aggregator, and provides merchants with access to payments via alternative methods including SEPA, Poli Payments, Sofort, PRZ24 and others. Probanx Solutions Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of iSignthis Ltd, provides API based access to CORE Banking solutions, SEPA Core, SEPA Instant and SEPA business scheme, for neobanks, banks, credit unions and emoney institutions, and provides a bridge to the Eurosystem's Central Bank of Lithuania's CENTROLink service. CBI Deputy SP AK Bassi, the former probe officer in the alleged corruption case against Special Director Rakesh Asthana, has claimed that he was being subjected to intimidation and veiled threats by the present Investigating Officer and made a scapegoat and victimised for discharging his duties of filing the FIR pertaining to corruption case against Asthana. Bassi moved the Supreme Court on Tuesday against his transfer to Andaman and Nicobar Islands. In his plea, Bassi alleged that his transfer on October 24 is mala fide and derails a sensitive probe and added that allegations against Asthana are grave. A Bench of CJI Ranjan Gogoi and Justices UU Lalit and KM Joseph said, The court will look into urgent listing of the plea after advocate Sunil Fernandes sought listing of the petition on November 2. Bassi bears a reasonable apprehension that he and his team members and senior officers would be implicated in the same, the plea said. The manner of transfer showed vindictiveness because the fact that the name of Asthana and Joint Director Sai Manohar were cropping up in the false statement of Sana. The applicant herein is being subjected to intimidation and veiled threats by the present Investigating Officer, it said. The plea claimed that Manohar was handpicked because as soon Asthana became interim chief of CBI in December 2016, he handed over the Policy Division to the Junior Joint Director Manohar. Asthana is the main reason why extension was given to Manohar in spite of objections from the CBI Director. Now Sai Manohar is advising and driving the investigation of this case and trying to frame the entire investigation team for doing their job honestly and sincerely, it said. The plea alleged that the all pervasive manipulations and machinations inside the CBI to save some select officers from their misdeeds and penalise officers like Bassi for conscientiously carrying out their duties, have forced him to move the top court. It is instructive to note that all the officers who were a part of the investigation of the aforementioned FIR against Asthana and Kumar were summarily transferred without any valid or cogent reason, it said. Meanwhile, the apex court on Tuesday directed the Hyderabad Police to provide adequate security to businessman Satish Sana, complainant in the alleged bribery case against Asthana. A bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices UU Lalit and KM Joseph refused to stay the CBI summons against Sana and also rejected his plea for recording of his statement in the presence of retired SC judge AK Patnaik who is monitoring the CVC probe against CBI Director Alok Verma. Sana had moved the SC on Monday seeking police protection and a stay on the notice issued by the CBI summoning him for interrogation. Senior advocate Raju Ramachandran, representing Sana, told the court that the businessman needed protection as there is a threat to his life. The Bench said that if there was any threat to his life, it will do the necessary. We will say here is a citizen who claims to be a whistleblower and fears for his life. And he should be given adequate security, the court said. Ramachandran said a fresh summon of the CBI and the change of Investigation Officer (IO) in the case would complicate the task of Justice (retired) Patnaik, who is supervising the probe by Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) into charges against CBI Director Alok Verma. To this the Bench said, Let the task of supervision be handled by Justice Patnaik. He will do whatever is required. The Bench thereafter dictated the order and said adequate security should be provided by Hyderabad Police SP to the petitioner (Sana) and rejected the other two prayers to stay CBI summon and recording of his statement in the presence of Justice (retd) Patnaik. The CBI had booked Asthana on October 15 on the basis of a complaint from Sana, facing probe in a 2017 case involving controversial meat exporter Moin Qureshi, claiming that the Special Director had allegedly helped him to get a clean chit from the probe agency. The SIT led by Asthana, probing the Moin Qureshi case, had sought custodial interrogation of Sana but the move was allegedly stalled by Verma, Asthanas complaint (dated August 24) being probed by CVC alleges. The businessman, in his plea, had referred to the apex courts October 26 order on the petition of CBI Director by which the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) was asked to conclude inquiry against Verma within two weeks under the supervision of former SC judge Patnaik. Sanas plea claimed the CBI moved in haste to issue notice to him under Section 160 of the Code Of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) to attend the proceedings on October 29 before the probe agency and said that the same be recorded before Justice Patnaik. He had sought the courts direction that he be questioned only under the supervision of Justice Patnaik. Sana had also said that he was willing to cooperate with the probe by coming to Delhi as and when directed by the judge supervising the enquiry. The feud between Verma and Asthana led to an unprecedented and extraordinary situation forcing to the Government to divest them of their responsibilities till the CVC probe against them is over. On Sanas complaint, the CBI had even registered a criminal case against its own Special Director Rakesh Asthana and arrested a Deputy SP under him Devendra Kumar. BJPs two-time sitting MLA Sanjay Sharma joined the opposition Congress party in presence of national party president Rahul Gandhi at Indore on Tuesday. Sharma, the two-time BJP legislator from Tendukheda seat of Narsinghpur district is presently the third richest MLA in MP, with assets worth Rs 65 crores, as declared by him during the 2013 assembly polls. He had won from Tendukheda seat in 2003 and 2013. Sharma who was accompanied by senior Congress leader Suresh Pachouri joined the Congress in presence of all top leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, MP Congress chief Kamal Nath and state partys campaign committee chief Jyotiraditya Scindia. It, however, remains to be seen whether he gets the Congress ticket to contest the polls from Tendukheda or not, particularly as the Congress national president had made it clear during his September 17 tour of Bhopal that no paratroopers (those joining the Congress from BJP or other parties) will be fielded as party candidates in the coming assembly polls in MP. On Tuesday morning, while interacting with media editors in Indore, Rahul had dropped hints about some exceptions likely to his no-paratroopers allowed formula in the November 28 polls in MP. Sources within the ruling BJP said, Sharma has joined the Congress, sensing that he would not be fielded this time by BJP from Tendukheda seat. The Lok Sabha member from Hoshangabad constituency Rao Udai Pratap Singh is likely to be fielded from Tendukheda assembly seat this time by the ruling party. If Sharma is at all fielded by the Congress from Tendukheda, then his battle with Udai Pratap Singh of BJP would be an intriguing clash. Talking to journalists in Indore after joining the Congress, Sharma said he was feeling suffocated in BJP under the leadership of CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan. No development work was taking place in my constituency, only lip service was being done by the CM and state government in my constituency, said Sharma. Haryana Director General of Police BS Sandhu said that police would contribute about Rs 50 lakh per month from the salaries of its personnel for State Police Education Fund so that wards of policemen could get qualitative education in Police Public Schools in the state. Sandhu was speaking after inaugurating new building of DAV Police Public School at Fatehabad. IG Hisar Range Sanjay Kumar, DC JK Abhir and SP Fatehabad Deepak Saharan were also present on this occasion. It was recently decided in welfare meeting that every policemen would contribute upto Rs 125 every month for education fund, he said. The DGP said that providing quality education and moral values to children is the key objective of DAV Police Public Schools. Keeping this goal in mind, 22 schools have been set up by the Police Department and all the schools have been provided with the facilities of good teachers and others to ensure that students get quality education. Haryana Tourism Minister meets scientists Chandigarh: Haryana Tourism and Art and Culture Affairs Minister Ram Bilas Sharma on Tuesday met ISROs former scientist Dr AK Gupta and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limiteds former executive director Dr MR Rao, who have been carrying out research on Saraswati heritage. The scientists, showing images of Saraswati River taken by satellite in which rivers course has been shown, said that during Vedic times, the flow of Saraswati River, which used to flow from Kachh to Arab Ocean, has drifted towards east due to natural changes and landed in Chambal River, and the river water is flowing into Ganga River at Prayagraj at the end. BSNLs Diwali mahadhamaka offer Chandigarh: State-owned telecom giant, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), has launched two plans for Rs 1699 and Rs 2099 on Diwali for its prepaid mobile customers. Both new annual plans offer benefits such as unlimited voice calls, unlimited data, unlimited SMS and personalized ring back tone (PRBT) for 365 days. The offers are available from October 29 on PAN India basis. BSNL Punjab Circle CGM (Telecom) JC Menaria said that on the auspicious occasion of Diwali, BSNL has offered Agli Diwali Tak Recharge se Azadi plan for our esteemed customers. Punjab appoints 1,183 health workers Chandigarh: Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Brahm Mohindra on Tuesday handed over appointment letters to first lot of 300 newly-appointed multipurpose health workers (male) including 32 differently-abled candidates, out of the total 1,183 appointed by the Department through a recruitment process initiated by Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot. A counselling and online station allocation session for these new appointees was organised on Tuesday by the Department. Haryana govt employees to file property returns Chandigarh: Haryana Government has decided that all government employees Class I, II and III would submit their property return online for 2017-18 financial year. The deadline for the submission of online property returns is April 30 for every financial year. Spokesperson said that the website for filing the property return is http://intrahry.gov.in, and detailed instructions for the same are also available on the website. Departments could monitor employees property return submission status on http://hrmshry.nic.in with the departmental administrator user. Thus, all departments have been directed to nominate their departmental HRMS nodal officers so that the employees concerned could contact them for any clarification. Haryana to honour winners of Sanjhi competition Chandigarh: The winners of Sanjhi Competition, organised by Haryana Art and Cultural Affairs, in Karnal, Kurukshetra, Faridabad and Palwal from October 10 to 17, will be awarded during a function on the occasion of Haryana Day on November 1 at Haryana Raj Bhavan. The winners have been selected for awards by the Jury after closely inspecting the Sanjhi art by visiting house to house. IIT Ropar held its first alumni meet Ropar: Former students of IIT Ropar took a stroll down the memory lane during first Alumni Meet held at Bangalore. Around 100 former students from BTech were there. The Meet was attended by IIT Ropar director Prof SK Das, ICSR dean Professor Harpreet Sigh, and Alumni Coordinator Dr Puneet Goyal. Prof Das called for greater participation of alumni in the institute's development as many hold wealth of experience and responsible positions in top corporates like Google, Facebook, Flipkart, Walmart, Amazon, Uber, Pepsico, McKinsey & Company, ONGC, IOCL, etc. DD cameraman and 2 cops killed, DD team was working on development story in Dantewada In probably the first ever case of direct attack on the media, Maoists ambushed a three-member DD crew, killing cameraman Achyuta Nanda Sahu, and two policemen Constable Mangal Ram and Assistant Sub-Inspector Rudra Pratap Singh who were part of the team escorting the national broadcaster journalists in Dantewada on Tuesday. Two other policemen, who were part of the squad providing security to the journalists were critically injured in the 45-50 minutes gunbattle that ensued the Naxal ambush. The incident has created outrage and intellectuals in poll-bound Chhattisgarh termed the killing of the young cameraman a move to scare media from covering development stories of sprawling Bastar, epicentre of Maoism in India since late 1980s. This is unfortunate that media has been directly attacked. The DD crew under police protection wanted to cover a report of a brand new road being constructed in the Maoist pocket. The cameraman spotted a Maoist banner and he tried to shoot it. Suddenly Maoists started spraying bullets on him and the police team, Vivekanand Sinha, IG Bastar, told reporters. Shocked and terrified Dheeraj Kumar, one of the DD crew members, shared the nerve-chilling story with reporters in Dantewada after the incident and said, There were blasts and gunshots all around for 45-50 minutes at Aranpur forests while I was lying on thickly forested turf. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh strongly condemned the killing of policemen and DD cameraman and described it a well-planned attempt to block development and scare people who want to report development stories of troubled areas of Bastar. Sahu, 34, hailed from Loisinga in Odishas Bolangir district. The injured police personnel are Vishnu Netam and Rakesh Kaushal. Meanwhile, DD News in a tweet said, DD News had deputed a team to cover the Chhattisgarh polls, comprising cameraperson Achyuta Nanda Sahu, Dheeraj Kumar and MM Sharma. In a Naxal attack, Sahu was martyred. The entire DD News family salutes his service and stands by his family in this hour of grief. Information & Broadcasting Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore tweeted, Strongly condemn the Naxal attack on DD News Live crew. Deeply saddened by the demise of our cameraman and two jawans. These insurgents will not weaken our resolve. We will prevail. On Saturday, the Maoists had fired on a contingent of Central Reserve Police Force in Bijapur district, killing four troopers on a day when Chief Minister Raman Singh kicked off the ruling BJPs election campaign for the Assembly elections. With forest routes left open, Maoists from Chhattisgarh are sneaking into Odisha in large numbers and are hiding in several dense forests, including an ecotourism centre like Debrigarh. The Maoist activities are observed in Debrigarh, which is one of the most famous eco-tourism centres of the State and boasts of dense forests and rich biodiversity. The Maoists are taking forest routes and walking miles and miles to reach the hot spot of ecotourism in the Sambalpur-Bargarh zones, sources revealed. Sources said that the top cops serving in the Northern Range of State Police are continuing their vigil on the movement of the Maoists. The ultras are hiding in several other forests and trying to build their strength and return Chhattisgarh as and when it will be conducive for them. Intelligence inputs revealed that with Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) having started massive anti-Maoist operations in Chhattisgarh, the ultras are quietly sneaking into forests of neighbouring State of Odisha. The CRPF has started large scale operations in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand after the Left Wing Extremists (LWE)s have killed CRPF Jawans in of the neighbouring State. So the ultras are infiltrating through forest routes as those are left unplugged. This is because the Odisha Government has repeatedly asked the Union Government to deploy two more battalions of the Central Armed Police Force to cover the border zones of the State. Deployment of CAPFs in Chhattisgarh and Odisha is highly uneven as there are 65 battalions of the Central forces, where as in Odisha it is only 16. In fact, the intelligence officers all LWE activities that taking place in the State are committed by ultras hailing from either Chhattisgarh or Jharkhand, admitted police. As the Maoist organizations fail to motivate youths from Odisha, they are deputing cadres from Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand to run their show, they said. Odisha youths are disenchanted with Maoists and they are not joining the organisation and those have joined earlier are quietly leaving their fold, said top cops engaged in anti-insurgency operations. With border region open and forest routes available for infiltration, more Left cadres are moving into Odisha, making those areas endangered for people. Under this backdrop, it is high time that Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) allocated two more battalions of Central Security Forces to the State as soon as possible, said officials. While in Odisha one battalion of CoBRA of CRPF was raised and has been taken away for deployment in Chhattisgarh, Home Secretary Asit Tripathy raised the issue with Union Government and demanded for redeployment in Koraput. However, the MHA is yet to respond over the matter and State Government is awaiting for response, said sources. Punjab Government has decided to give a boost to cycle and light engineering industry of Ludhiana by earmarking 100 acres of land in upcoming Hi-Tech Cycle Valley in Village Dhanansu, Ludhiana for development of a state of the art Industrial Park within the Cycle Valley. A government statement said the state government has already approved the project for setting up of Hi-Tech Cycle Valley through PSIEC over 380 acres of Panchayati Land. Industrial growth of Ludhiana city significantly relies on Cycle and small scale manufacturing industry. Though Ludhiana is a traditional hub of cycle industry of India, however, it has witnessed stagnant growth in the past few years. The main idea behind creation of the envisaged Industrial Park is to create an eco-system for hi-tech bi-cycles and engineering products which will give impetus for up-gradation in technology and thus, the industry of Ludhiana would remain relevant and competitive globally. PSIEC is inviting Request for Proposal for selection of Project Company to setup an Anchor Unit for manufacturing of mobility solution like, Automobile, Auto Components, Bicycle, Bicycle Parts, Electric Vehicles such as E-Bikes, E-Rickshaws, Lithium ion batteries etc. and to develop the Industrial Park along with ancillary/ vendor units at Hi-Tech Cycle Valley, Village Dhanansu, District Ludhiana. Request for Proposal would be floated on October 29 and last date for submission of bids has been fixed for November 29. 100 acres chunk of undeveloped land shall be allotted through an objective, open, competitive and technical bidding process to a well-established company of international repute. To ensure fair and transparent selection of the big anchor unit and to provide equal opportunity to the prospective bidders, objective evaluation criteria have been evolved, which would bind the successful bidder to comply with their commitments projected in their proposal. The selected project company shall be responsible for the development of the entire industrial park in the allotted land. Within the proposed project, the selected company shall develop its own Anchor Unit in 50 acres. In the remaining 50 acres, the company shall rope in major national and international manufacturers as ancillary or vendor units. The state Congress president Pritam Singh has questioned the State Governments decision to tighten security of the Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat in the wake of the attempted sting operation. Talking to the journalists at the state party office here on Tuesday, he said that stepping up the CMs security on threat perception is understandable. But revving up security after the sting episode is open to questions. The Government must explain the state of things regarding security inside the CM's residence and must account for why the need has been felt to strengthen security after the sting episode surfaced, he said. He further demanded the State Government to make public the footages associated with the CDs recovered from the possession of Umesh Kumar. It is now clear that the State Government is neck deep in corruption. This is why it is sleeping on the appointment of Lokayukt, the state Congress chief said. He also cast doubt over the intention of the State Government in taking a considerably long time in acting against the conspirators. Why did they keep mum for so long a time as the complaint was lodged on August 10 ? I reiterate the Congress demand of making public all the CDs, pen drives and cameras recovered, he said. Speaking of the upcoming urban local body elections, Singh claimed that the Congress is all set to win. The people are disillusioned with the BJP ruling both in the Centre and the State. They are waiting to teach them a bitter lesson for practising anti-people policies, he said. He further said that the party having selected strong candidates for the civic election would prove an added advantage for them. Quizzed over the presence of the rebels in the poll fray, he said that things on the count are not serious. Most of them have withdrawn from the contest, he added. UP-ites will have a reason to smile this Diwali as piped natural gas (PNG) will cost less with the state government rationalising Value Added Tax on natural gas and approving a proposal to set up common facility centres at all districts under One District, One Product (ODOP) scheme. The government also decided to introduce new colour scheme for commercial vehicles so that taxis could be recognised from some distance. These decisions were taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow on Tuesday. Government spokesperson and Power Minister Shrikant Sharma said the government had waived of 5 per cent additional VAT levied on PNG used for domestic purpose and industries, including urea manufacturing units. Earlier, there were three slabs of VAT. The domestic supply was levied 26 per cent VAT that included 21 per cent VAT and 5 per cent additional VAT. Industries had 10 per cent VAT and urea units 10 per cent VAT and 5 per cent additional VAT. The Cabinet has now rationalised VAT and it will be 10 per cent, Sharma said. The government spokesman said that due to this, urea bags would be cheaper by about Rs 35 per bag while piped gas would be cheaper by almost 16 per cent. The decision will result in a revenue loss of around Rs 1,000 crore to the state exchequer. In another decision, the government amended the provisions of Motor Vehicles Act by making it mandatory for bike taxis, auto taxis and other taxis run by Uber or Ola to print taxi on their vehicles. The government also fixed colour schemes for CNG vehicles, which will be green. and for electric vehicles, which will be white. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by the UP government and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of the Government of Japan to set up food value chains in the state was also approved by the Cabinet. The MoU was signed during Krishi Kumbh last week under which UP government will provide facilities to Japanese entrepreneurs to set up units in the state. Sharma said the government also decided to set up ODOP common facility centres in all districts where test labs, research labs, raw material banks, development lab for concerned products along with other facilities could be set up. Ten facilities will be set up at the centre and users will have to pay for using them. These facility centres will be set up at a cost of Rs 15 crore of which 90 per cent will be granted by the state government. District-level committees chaired by district magistrates will set up Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) which will pay the remaining 10 per cent cost and will charge users. In another decision, the Yogi government approved a proposal to provide 2 kg sugar per person at the rate of Rs 17 per kg to pilgrims staying in Prayagraj Kumbh Mela. Around 20 lakh pilgrims will be staying around the Sangam for 45 days starting from January 14 next. The government will spend around Rs 11.11 crore in purchasing 31.74 metric tons of sugar for the pilgrims. However, akharas, maths and other religious outfits serving the pilgrims will not be bound by any quota and they will be able to avail sugar as per their necessity. In order to make purchase of text books, given free to students of classes 1 to 8, in state-run schools more competitive, the government eased the terms and condition of tenders. Earlier, it was compulsory to print these books on watermark paper, now this clause has been removed. Similarly, earlier companies producing 100 tons of paper daily were eligible for filling tenders, now the limit has been brought down to 50 tons per day. Also, earnest money required to submit tender has been reduced from two to one per cent of the total procurement. The government also approved funds for the construction of Korean princess Queen Hu Memorial Park in Ayodhya and the Chief Minister has been given all powers for sanction of funds for the project. The government also approved amendments to UP Sub-inspector and Inspectors Rules and now training will be imparted to the promoted sub-inspectors and inspectors before their promotion and not after it. The Cabinet also gave its nod for bringing an ordinance to provide more administrative powers to Jal Nigam chairman by making amendments to UP Water Management and Sewage Act. Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said all women should be allowed to enter the Sabrimala temple, noting that his view on the issue was different from that of his party's Kerala unit. The Supreme Court last month lifted the ban on entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine of Lord Ayyappa. "It is a very emotional issue and my personal thinking on the matter is different from my partys Kerala unit," Gandhi told a select group of journalists here in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh. "My personal view point on the issue of Sabrimala temple is that men and women are equal. All women should get permission to enter into the temple. However, my partys Kerala units view is that it is a very emotional issue for both men and women, he said. "Therefore, my personal opinion and my partys Kerala units thinking is different on the matter. My party represents the feeling of the Keralas natives on the issue, the Congress chief said. Referring to Rafale fighter deal, he claimed that the day a probe into it begins, Prime Minister Narendra Modi "will have to go to jail." He alleged that set procedures were violated to "benefit" industrialist Anil Ambani in the deal. The Congress President further claimed that "When the documents related to the deal come out, the names of Modi and Ambani will appear in big letters on either side of the papers." Ambani has already rejected the allegations. Referring to Pakistan, Gandhi said creating hurdles in the way of India is in the DNA of that country. "But Pakistan got the opportunity to push anti-India terror activities because of alleged wrong policies of the BJP and it further led to the martyrdom of Indian soldiers," Gandhi said. Answering a question, he said, I can admit before nearly 200 journalists that we were not able to meet the expectations of people in 2014 Lok Sabha elections. We have committed mistakes. But Modi government performed much worse than us on the issues of corruption, employment and farmers problems after coming to power, the Congress chief said. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 30) The U.S. Navy denied there were plans to do 'show of force' in the South China Sea amid ongoing tensions with Beijing. "It's a policy of mine that I don't comment on future operations but in this case I will say that there is no such operation plan," Admiral John Richardson said Monday. Earlier, CNN reported that the U.S. Navy's Pacific Fleet plans to conduct freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait in November, the same month of Chinese President Xi Jinping's official visit to Manila. U.S. defense officials said the exercises are to warn China about the American military's capabilities. But Richardson said the United States will continue to pursue peaceful ways to resolve conflict. "You can count on us to be persistent and consistent, and advocates for freedom of navigation through international waters," he said. Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua earlier raised concerns over the exercises. But the Philippine government assured that it will not partake in the exercise, as the Armed Forces (AFP) of the Philippines reiterated that there are no scheduled joint military activities between Washington and Manila. "When the matter was brought up by the Chinese ambassador, we categorically stated from the Armed Forces that there is no military activity between the U.S. Navy and the Philippine Navy during the time of November, when we have a very important visitor coming," AFP's Deputy Chief for Plans MGen. Restituto Padilla said. Richardson added the U.S. government is looking into providing more training and equipment to the Philippines to mold a stronger working relationship between the two countries' military forces. Several countries including the U.S. have raised concerns over China's militarization of islands in the South China Sea, a global sea thoroughfare. Manila and Beijing have overlapping claims over some of these islands, but President Rodrigo Duterte developed warmer ties with China despite its refusal to observe a ruling favoring the Philippines' claims over part of the contested waters. READ: Duterte is Chinese President Xi's 'most important friend' - foreign minister CNN Philippines' Chad de Guzman contributed to this report. The latest Women & Retirement report highlights that the current lack of flexibility in pensions is a barrier to saving and that introducing the ability to access funds for unexpected bills could provide a much needed boost to the nations savings. Four in 10 (40%) women aged 22-29 who have a pension say they don't save as much into it as they would like, because they want ready access to money in case of emergencies. This compares to just under a quarter (24%) of men aged 22-29. Around 357,000 women in this age bracket would start saving into a pension for the first time if they could have the option to access some of their savings should they need it. Scottish Widows is calling on the industry to build greater flexibility into pension products by allowing savers penalty free access to some of their pension savings within limits. The report revealed that more than two-thirds of women aged 22-29 (67%) are not saving enough for retirement and 25% arent saving anything at all. Men of the same age are better prepared, with 46% saving adequately for retirement and fewer not saving at all (17%). The current minimum employer pension contribution through auto-enrolment is 8%, however Scottish Widows suggests a combined 12% employer and employee contribution as an adequate level of saving. At every age, mens savings outpace womens and this could be for a number of reasons, including the gender pay gap, women taking maternity leave, or even choosing to work part-time. The gap widens as savers reach their forties when women have an average of around 23,000 in savings and investments but men have more than 50,000. Mens savings continue to grow well into their seventies, where they reach an average of almost 130,000, yet women have around 48,000. Women in their sixties begin to see their savings dip, which could suggest they are accessing their pensions much sooner than men. Financial difficulties While problems with money can affect anyone, the research shows that young women are more likely to face financial difficulties than men of the same age4. More than half of women aged 22-29 (56%) say they have been in financial difficulty, versus 50% of men aged 22-29. More than a quarter (27%) of women aged 22-29 also said their money problems were caused by an unexpected bill. A fifth of women in this age group (21%) say a drop in their income put them into financial difficulty, and one in seven (13%) has faced financial hardship following the breakdown of a relationship. For a young woman in Britain today, an unexpected bill of 270 would be enough to put them into the red, while young men say they could comfortably manage no more than a 315 bill. Beyond this age group, the gender gap persists with women of all ages (18+) expecting a 308 bill being enough to force them into debt, versus 367 for men. Job security One in five working women (20%) aged 22-29 feel insecure in their job, compared to one in 10 (13%) men, which may affect their attitudes towards savings into a pension. Women also feel less confident in their ability to find a new job if they needed to. Nearly three in 10 (28%) say they would not be confident finding a new job within three months, versus 24% of men. Jackie Leiper, retirement expert at Scottish Widows, said: Building greater flexibility into pension products would help kick-start a new wave of young female savers, while helping boost the amount that those already saving are putting aside. We believe that everyone should have penalty-free access to some of their pension savings, to help break down existing barriers and more closely reflect our lifestyles today and in the future. The proportion of women saving adequately has risen steadily over the past few years, with the retirement savings gender gap starting to narrow. While progress is positive, its still a slow burner. Vikki Brownridge, Director of Charity Development, at StepChange Debt Charity said: Its good news that more women are saving for their retirement and undoubtedly auto-enrolment has played a big part in encouraging that shift. However, we are still seeing a disproportionate number of women facing financial hardship. More than 60% of our clients are women and those who come to us are getting in to financial difficulty at a younger age two-thirds of our clients are now under 40. Many women fall in to debt because they simply dont have the savings or financial resilience to manage lifes income and expenditure shocks, so women can be particularly vulnerable if they face situations like job loss, divorce or large unexpected household bills. Having 1,000 in savings can reduce the risk of falling in to problem debt by more than 40%. Giving people access to some of their pensions savings before retirement could help people avoid financial difficulties and encourage people to keep saving for retirement and stay in auto-enrolment. ConvaTec Group Plc develops, manufactures, and markets medical products and technologies worldwide. It offers advanced wound dressings and skin care products for the management of acute and chronic wounds resulting from various conditions, such as diabetes, immobility, and venous disease, as well as from traumatic injury, burns, invasive surgery, and other causes. The company also provides devices, accessories, and services for people with a stoma resulting from colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, bladder cancer, obesity, and other causes. In addition, it offers continence and critical care products, including intermittent urological catheters; and products for people with urinary continence issues related to spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, and other urological disorders, as well as devices and products use in intensive care units and hospital settings. Further, the company provides advanced systems for managing acute fecal incontinence, as well as for monitoring urine production output and intra-abdominal pressure; and various disposable medical devices, such as wound drainage systems, urine collection bags and catheters, airway management and oxygen/aerosol therapy devices, suction handles and tubes, gastroenterology tubes, and securement devices. Additionally, it offers disposable infusion sets to the manufacturers of insulin pumps for diabetes, as well as similar pumps that are used in continuous infusion treatments for other conditions; and various products to hospitals and the home healthcare sector. The company sells its products to pharmacies, hospitals, and other acute and post-acute healthcare service providers directly or through distributors and wholesalers. It serves a range of customers, including healthcare providers, patients, and manufacturers. The company was founded in 1978 and is headquartered in Reading, the United Kingdom. Read More CoreLogic, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides property information, insight, analytics, and data-enabled solutions in North America, Western Europe, and the Asia Pacific. The company operates in two segments, Property Intelligence & Risk Management Solutions (PIRM) and Underwriting & Workflow Solutions (UWS). The PIRM segment combines property information, mortgage information, and consumer information to deliver housing market and property-level insights, predictive analytics, and risk management capabilities. It also offers proprietary technology and software platforms to access, automate, or track the information and assist its clients with decision-making and compliance tools in the real estate and insurance industries. This segment primarily serves commercial banks, mortgage lenders and brokers, investment banks, fixed-income investors, real estate agents, MLS companies, property and casualty insurance companies, title insurance companies, government agencies, and government-sponsored enterprises. The UWS segment combines property, mortgage, and consumer information to provide comprehensive mortgage origination and monitoring solutions, including underwriting-related solutions, and data-enabled valuations and appraisals. This segment also provides proprietary technology and software platforms to access, automate, or track the information and assist its clients with vetting and onboarding prospects, and meeting compliance regulations, as well as understanding, evaluating, monitoring property values. It primarily serves mortgage lenders and servicers, mortgage brokers, credit unions, commercial banks, fixed-income investors, government agencies, and property and casualty insurance companies. The company was formerly known as The First American Corporation and changed its name to CoreLogic, Inc. in June 2010. CoreLogic, Inc. was incorporated in 1894 and is headquartered in Irvine, California. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Eli Lilly and: 1096401 B.C. Unlimited Liability Company, ARMO BioSciences Inc, ARMO Bioscience, Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Alnara Pharmaceuticals, Alnara Pharmaceuticals Inc., Andean Technical Operations Center, Applied Molecular Evolution Inc., AurKa Pharma, Avid Radiopharmaceuticals, Avid Radiopharmaceuticals Inc., ChemGen, CoLucid Pharmaceuticals, CoLucid Pharmaceuticals Inc., Dermira, Devices for Vascular Intervention(DVI), Disarm Therapeutics, Dista Ilac Ticaret Ltd. Sti., Dista S.A., Dista-Produtos Quimicos & Farmaceuticos LDA, ELCO Dominicana SRL, ELCO Insurance Company Limited, ELCO Management Inc., ELCO for Trade and Marketing S.A.E., ELGO Insurance Company Limited, Elanco Animal Health Ireland Limited, Elanco Switzerland Holding Sarl, Eli Lilly (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Eli Lilly (Philippines) Incorporated, Eli Lilly (S.A.) (Proprietary) Limited, Eli Lilly (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Eli Lilly (Suisse) S.A., Eli Lilly Asia Inc., Eli Lilly Asia Pacific SSC Sdn Bhd, Eli Lilly Australia Pty. Limited, Eli Lilly B-H d.o.o., Eli Lilly Benelux S.A., Eli Lilly Bienes y Servicios S de RL de CV, Eli Lilly CR s.r.o., Eli Lilly Canada Inc., Eli Lilly Cork Limited, Eli Lilly Danmark A/S, Eli Lilly Egypt for Trading, Eli Lilly European Clinical Trial Services SA, Eli Lilly Export S.A., Eli Lilly Finance S.A., Eli Lilly Ges.m.b.H., Eli Lilly Group Limited, Eli Lilly Holdings Ltd., Eli Lilly Hrvatska d.o.o., Eli Lilly Interamerica Inc., Eli Lilly Interamerica Inc. y Compania Limitada, Eli Lilly International Corporation, Eli Lilly Ireland Holdings Limited, Eli Lilly Israel Ltd., Eli Lilly Italia S.p.A., Eli Lilly Japan K.K., Eli Lilly Kinsale Limited, Eli Lilly Nederland B.V., Eli Lilly Nigeria Ltd., Eli Lilly Norge A.S., Eli Lilly Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd., Eli Lilly Polska Sp.z.o.o. (Ltd.), Eli Lilly Regional Operations GmbH, Eli Lilly Romania SRL, Eli Lilly S.A., Eli Lilly Saudi Arabia Limited, Eli Lilly Services Inc, Eli Lilly Services India Private Limited, Eli Lilly Slovakia s.r.o., Eli Lilly Sweden AB, Eli Lilly Vostok S.A. Geneva, Eli Lilly and Company, Eli Lilly and Company (India) Pvt. Ltd., Eli Lilly and Company (Ireland) Limited, Eli Lilly and Company (N.Z.) Limited, Eli Lilly and Company (Taiwan) Inc., Eli Lilly and Company Limited, Eli Lilly de Centro America S.A., Eli Lilly do Brasil Limitada, Eli Lilly farmacevtska druzba d.o.o., Eli Lilly y Compania de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Eli Lilly y Compania de Venezuela S.A., Glycostasis Inc, Greenfield-Produtos Farmaceuticos Lda., Heart Rhythm Technologies Inc, Hybritech, Hypnion, ICOS Corporation, ImClone GmbH, ImClone LLC, ImClone Systems Holdings Inc., ImClone Systems LLC, Imclone Systems, Irisfarma S.A., Ivy Animal Health, Kinsale Financial Services Unlimited Company, Lilly (Shanghai) Management Co. Ltd, Lilly Asia Ventures Fund I L.P., Lilly Asia Ventures Fund II L.P., Lilly Asian Ventures Fund III L.P., Lilly Cayman Holdings, Lilly China Research and Development Co. Ltd., Lilly Deutschland GmbH, Lilly France S.A.S., Lilly Global Nederland Holdings B.V., Lilly Global Services Inc., Lilly Holding GmbH, Lilly Holdings B.V., Lilly Hungaria KFT, Lilly Japan Financing G.K., Lilly Korea Ltd., Lilly Nederland Finance B.V., Lilly Nederland Finance B.V. - GCC, Lilly Nederland Holding B.V., Lilly Pharma Ltd., Lilly Portugal - Produtos Farmaceuticos Lda., Lilly S.A., Lilly Suzhou Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Lilly Trading Co. LTD, Lilly USA LLC, Lilly Ventures Fund I LLC, Lilly del Caribe Inc., Lilly ilac ticaret limited sirketi, Lohmann Animal Health, Loxo Oncology, Lylly Centre for Clinical Pharmacology PTE. LTD., Novartis Animal Health, OY Eli Lilly Finland AB, Origin Medsystems, PT. Eli Lilly Indonesia, Pacific Biotech, Pharmaserve-Lilly S.A.C.I., Physio-Control, SGX Pharmaceuticals, SGX Pharmaceuticals Inc, Spaly Bioquimica S.A., UAB Eli Lilly Lietuva, Valquifarma S.A., and Vital Pharma Productos Farmaceuticos. 9 hours ago Footlocker Trips On Supply Chain Worry Supply Chain Disruption Cuts Into Footlocker Results Footlocker (NYSE: FL) shares are down more than 5.0% in premarket trading after confirming something we already knew to be true. The company says the manufacturing shut-downs in Vietnam and other parts of Asia during the 3rd quarter are going to have an impact on holiday sales. Read Article Augusta Gold Corp., a junior exploration company, engages in the acquisition and exploration of mineral properties in the United States. It primarily explores for gold, silver, and other metals. The company holds interests in the Bullfrog gold project located in the north-west of Las Vegas, Nevada. It also owns, controls, or has acquired mineral rights on Federal patented and unpatented mining claims in the state of Nevada for the purpose of exploration and potential development of metals on a total of approximately 7,800 acres of land. The company was formerly known as Bullfrog Gold Corp. and changed its name to Augusta Gold Corp. in January 2021. Augusta Gold Corp. was incorporated in 2007 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. Read More Genworth Financial, Inc. is a financial services company, which engages in the provision of insurance, wealth management, investment and financial solutions. It operates through the following segments: U.S. Mortgage Insurance, Australia Mortgage Insurance, U.S. Life Insurance, and Runoff. The U.S. Mortgage Insurance segment offers mortgage insurance products predominantly insuring prime-based, individually underwritten residential mortgage loans. The Australia Mortgage Insurance segment offers flow mortgage insurance and selectively provides bulk mortgage insurance that aids in the sale of mortgages to the capital markets and helps lenders manage capital and risk. The U.S. Life Insurance segment offers long-term care insurance products as well as service traditional life insurance and fixed annuity products in the United States. The Runoff segment includes the results of non-strategic products which are no longer actively sold but continue to service its existing blocks of business. Its non-strategic products primarily include variable annuity, variable life insurance, institutional, corporate-owned life insurance and other accident and health insurance products. The company was fo Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Kellogg: 545 LLC, AQFTM Inc., Afical - Industria e Comercio de Alimentos Ltda, Afical Holding LLC, Alimentos Gollek S.A., Alimentos Kellogg S.A., Alimentos Kellogg de Panama SRL, Argkel Inc., Austin Quality Foods Inc., BDH Inc., Bear Naked Inc., Bisco Misr, CC Real Estate Holdings LLC, Canada Holding LLC, Cary Land Corporation, Eighteen94 Capital LLC, Favorite Food Products Limited, Gardenburger LLC, Gollek Argentina S.R.L., Gollek B.V., Gollek Inc., Gollek Interamericas S. de R.L. de C.V., Gollek Servicios S.C., Gollek UK Limited, Illinois Baking Corporation, Instituto De Nutricion y Salud Kellogg A.C., Insurgent Brands LLC, K (China) Limited, K Europe Holding Company Limited, K India Private Limited, K-One Inc., K-Two Inc., KBAR SRL, KECL LLC, KELF Limited, KJAL Limited, KPAR Limited, KT International Finance SRL, KTRY Limited, Kashi Company, Kashi Company Pty Ltd, Kashi Sales L.L.C., Keebler Company, Keebler Foods Company, Keebler Holding Corp., Keebler USA Inc., Kelarg Inc., Kelcone Limited, Kelcorn Limited, Kellman S. de R.L. de C.V., Kellogg (Aust.) Pty. Ltd., Kellogg (Deutschland) GmbH, Kellogg (Japan) G.K., Kellogg (Osterreich) Gesellschaft GmbH, Kellogg (Schweiz) GmbH, Kellogg (Thailand) Limited, Kellogg Activation Services Company, Kellogg Argentina S.R.L., Kellogg Asia Inc., Kellogg Asia Marketing Inc., Kellogg Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Kellogg Asia Products Sdn.. Bhd., Kellogg Asia Sdn. Bhd., Kellogg Australia Holdings Pty. Ltd., Kellogg Belgium Services Company BVBA, Kellogg Brasil Inc., Kellogg Brasil Ltda., Kellogg Business Services Company, Kellogg Canada Inc., Kellogg Caribbean Inc., Kellogg Caribbean Services Company Inc., Kellogg Chile Inc., Kellogg Company East Africa Limited, Kellogg Company Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Kellogg Company Subsidiaries, Kellogg Company of Great Britain Limited, Kellogg Company of Ireland Limited, Kellogg Company of South Africa (Pty.) Ltd., Kellogg Costa Rica S. de R.L., Kellogg Ecuador C. LTDA., Kellogg El Salvador Ltda. de C.V., Kellogg Espana S.L., Kellogg Europe Company Limited, Kellogg Europe Finance Limited, Kellogg Europe Services Limited, Kellogg Europe Trading Limited, Kellogg Europe Treasury Services Limited, Kellogg European Logistics Services Company Limited, Kellogg European Support Services SRL, Kellogg Fearn Inc., Kellogg Funding Company LLC, Kellogg Group LLC, Kellogg Group Limited, Kellogg Group S.a.r.l., Kellogg Hellas Single Member Limited Liability Company, Kellogg Holding Company Limited, Kellogg Holding LLC, Kellogg Hong Kong Holding Company Limited, Kellogg Hong Kong Private Limited, Kellogg India Private Limited, Kellogg International Holding Company, Kellogg Irish Holding Limited, Kellogg Italia S.p.A., Kellogg Kayco, Kellogg Latin America Holding Company (One) Limited, Kellogg Latin America Holding Company (Two) Limited, Kellogg Latvia Inc., Kellogg Lux I S.ar.l., Kellogg Lux III S. ar L., Kellogg Lux V S.a.r.l., Kellogg Lux VI S.ar.l., Kellogg Management Services (Europe) Limited, Kellogg Manchester Limited, Kellogg Manufacturing Espana S.L., Kellogg Marketing and Sales Company (UK) Limited, Kellogg Med Gida Ticaret Limited SirketiI, Kellogg Netherlands Holding B.V., Kellogg North America Company, Kellogg Northern Europe GmbH, Kellogg Pakistan (Private) Limted, Kellogg Rus LLC, Kellogg Sales Company, Kellogg Services GmbH, Kellogg Servicios S.C., Kellogg Snacks Financing Limited, Kellogg Snacks Holding Company Europe Limited, Kellogg Superannuation Pty. Ltd., Kellogg Supply Services (Europe) Limited, Kellogg Talbot LLC, Kellogg Transition MA&P L.L.C., Kellogg Treasury Services Company, Kellogg U.K. Holding Company Limited, Kellogg UK Minor Limited, Kellogg USA LLC, Kellogg de Centro America S.A., Kellogg de Colombia S.A., Kellogg de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Kellogg de Peru S.R.L., Kellogg's Produits Alimentaires S.A.S., Kelmill Limited, Kelpac Limited, Klux A Sarl, Klux B Sarl, Mass Food, Mass Food International SAE, Mass Food SAE, Mass Trade for Trade and Distribution SAE, McCamly Plaza Hotel Inc., Multipro Consumer Products Limited*, Multipro Private Limited*, Multipro Singapore Pte. Ltd*, Nhong Shim Kellogg Co. Ltd.*, Nikko Industries*, Nordisk Kellogg's ApS, PRUX S.a r.l., Padua Ltda, Parati Group, Parati Industria e Comercio de Alimentos Ltda, Portable Foods Manufacturing Company Limited, Prime Bond Cyprus Holding Company Limited, Prime Bond Holdings Limited, Pringles, Pringles (Shanghai) Food Co. Ltd., Pringles Australia Pty Ltd, Pringles Hong Kong Limited, Pringles International Operations Sarl, Pringles Japan G.K., Pringles LLC, Pringles Manufacturing Company, Pringles Overseas Holdings Sarl, Pringles S.a r.l., Pronumex S de R.L. de C.V., RX Bar UK Limited, RXBRANDS Canada ULC, Ritmo Investimentos, Rondo Food Manufacturing S.A.E., RxBar, Saragusa Frozen Foods Limited, Servicios Argkel S.C., Shaffer Clarke & Co. Inc., Specialty Cereals Pty Limited, Specialty Foods L.L.C., Stretch Fibres*, Stretch Island Fruit Sales L.L.C., Sunshine Biscuits L.L.C., The Eggo Company, The Healthy Snack People Pty Limited, Trafford Park Insurance Limited, Uma Investments sp. z o.o., Vita+ Naturprodukte GmbH*, Wimble Manufacturing Belgium BVBA, Wimble Services Belgium BVBA, and Worthington Foods Inc.. Koninklijke Philips N.V. is the Netherlands-based health technology company. The Company's segments include Personal Health businesses, Diagnosis & Treatment businesses, Connected Care & Health Informatics businesses, HealthTech Other and Legacy Items. The Personal Health businesses segment is engaged in the health continuum, delivering integrated, connected solutions that support healthier lifestyles and those living with chronic disease. The Diagnosis & Treatment businesses segment delivers precision medicine and treatment, and therapy. The Connected Care & Health Informatics businesses segment provides consumers, care givers and clinicians with digital solutions that facilitate care by enabling precision medicine and population health management. The HealthTech Other segment comprises such items, as innovation, emerging businesses, royalties, among others. The Legacy Items segment consists mainly of separation costs, legacy legal items, legacy pension costs, among others. Read More 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. Read More AU Optronics Corp. researches, develops, produces, and sells thin film transistor liquid crystal displays and other flat panel displays. The company operates through two segments, Display and Solar. The Display segment designs, develops, manufactures, assembles, and markets flat panel displays for use in televisions (TVs), TV sets, and other related products; desktop monitors; mobile PCs, such as notebooks and tablets; mobile phones; and commercial and other applications, including displays for automobiles, industrial PCs, automated teller machines, point of sale terminals, pachinko machines, medical equipment, and others. This segment serves original equipment manufacturing service providers; and brand companies. The Solar segment manufactures and sells solar materials, including ingots, solar wafers, and solar modules, as well as provides technical engineering and maintenance services for solar system projects. This segment sells its ingot and solar wafer products primarily to solar cell manufacturers; and solar modules to installers, solar system integrators, property developers, and other value-added resellers. The company also engages in the renewable energy power generation; repairing and sale support of TFT-LCD modules, as well as sale support of solar-related products; injecting and stamping parts; manufacture and sale of molds, light guide plates, liquid crystal products, backlight modules, and related parts, as well as precision plastic and metal parts; IP related business; design, development and sales of software and hardware for health care industry; manufacture, assembly, and sale of automotive parts; manufacture and sale of motorized treadmills; and planning, design, and development of construction for environmental protection and related project management. It operates in the People's Republic of China, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, and internationally. AU Optronics Corp. was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan. Read More The Bank of Nova Scotia provides various banking products and services in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Colombia, the Caribbean and Central America, and internationally. It operates through Canadian Banking, International Banking, Global Banking and Markets, and Global Wealth Management segments. The company offers financial advice and solutions, and day-to-day banking products, including debit and credit cards, chequing and saving accounts, investments, mortgages, loans, and insurance to individuals; and business banking solutions comprising lending, deposit, cash management, and trade finance solutions to small businesses and commercial customers, including automotive financing solutions to dealers and their customers. It also provides wealth management advice and solutions, including online brokerage, mobile investment, full-service brokerage, trust, private banking, and private investment counsel services; and retail mutual funds, exchange traded funds, liquid alternative funds, and institutional funds. In addition, the company offers international banking services for retail, corporate, and commercial customers; and lending and transaction, investment banking advisory, and capital markets access services to corporate customers. Further, it provides Internet, mobile, and telephone banking services. The company operates a network of 952 branches and approximately 3,540 automated banking machines in Canada; and approximately 1,400 branches, 5,200 ATMs, and 22 contact centers internationally. The Bank of Nova Scotia was founded in 1832 and is headquartered in Halifax, Canada. Read More CEMEX SAB de CV engages in the production, distribution, marketing, and sale of cement, ready-mix concrete, and aggregates. It operates though the following geographical segments: Mexico; United States; Europe; South, Central America and the Caribbean (SCA&C); Asia, Middle East and Africa (AMEA); and Others. The Europe segment covers United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, and Czech Republic, Poland and Latvia, as well as trading activities in Scandinavia, and Finland. The SCA&C segment includes Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Caribbean TCL, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Nicaragua, Jamaica, the Caribbean, El Salvador, and Guatemala. The EMEA segment comprises of Egypt, Israel, the Philippines, and the United Arab Emirates. The Others segment refers to the cement trade maritime operations, information technology solutions business, and other corporate entities as well as other minor subsidiaries with different lines of business. The company was founded by Lorenzo Zambrano Gutierrez in 1906 and is headquartered in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Mexico. Read More Celanese Corp. engages in the provision of technology and specialty materials businesses. It operates through the following segments: Engineered Materials, Acetate Tow, Acetyl Chain and Other Activities .The Engineered Materials segment includes the engineered materials business, food ingredients business and certain strategic affiliates. The Acetate Tow segment serves consumer-driven applications and is a global producer and supplier of acetate tow and acetate flake used in filter products applications. The Acetyl Chain segment includes the integrated chain of intermediate chemistry, emulsion polymers and ethylene vinyl acetate (""EVA"") polymers businesses, based on similar products, production processes, classes of customers and selling and distribution practices as well as economic similarities over a normal business cycle. The Other Activities segment consists of corporate center costs, including administrative activities such as finance, information technology and human resource functions, interest income and expense associated with financing activities. The company was founded by Camille Dreyfus and Henri Dreyfus in 1918 and is headquartered in Irving, TX. Read More 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. The following companies are subsidiares of Brinker International: BI INTERNATIONAL SERVICES LLC, BI MEXICO HOLDING CORPORATION, BIPC GLOBAL PAYROLL COMPANY LLC, BIPC INVESTMENTS LLC, BIPC MANAGEMENT LLC, BRINKER AIRPORTS LLC, BRINKER ALABAMA INC., BRINKER ARKANSAS INC., BRINKER ASIA INC., BRINKER BRAZIL LLC, BRINKER CANADIAN HOLDING CO. ULC, BRINKER CANADIAN RESTAURANT CO. ULC, BRINKER CB LP, BRINKER CB MANAGEMENT LLC, BRINKER FHC B.V., BRINKER FLORIDA INC., BRINKER FREEHOLD INC., BRINKER GEORGIA INC., BRINKER INTERNATIONAL PAYROLL COMPANY L.P., BRINKER LOUISIANA INC., BRINKER MICHIGAN INC., BRINKER MISSISSIPPI INC., BRINKER MISSOURI INC., BRINKER NEVADA INC., BRINKER NEW JERSEY INC., BRINKER NORTH CAROLINA INC., BRINKER OF BALTIMORE COUNTY INC., BRINKER OF CARROLL COUNTY INC., BRINKER OF CECIL COUNTY INC., BRINKER OKLAHOMA INC., BRINKER OPCO LLC, BRINKER PENN TRUST, BRINKER PROPCO FLORIDA INC., BRINKER PROPERTY CORPORATION, BRINKER PURCHASING INC., BRINKER RESTAURANT CORPORATION, BRINKER RHODE ISLAND INC., BRINKER SERVICES CORPORATION, BRINKER SOUTH CAROLINA INC., BRINKER TEXAS INC., BRINKER VIRGINIA INC., CHILIS BEVERAGE COMPANY INC., CHILIS INC. a Delaware corporation, CHILIS INC. a Tennessee corporation, CHILIS INTERNATIONAL BASES B.V., CHILIS OF BEL AIR INC., CHILIS OF KANSAS INC., CHILIS OF MARYLAND INC., CHILIS OF WEST VIRGINIA INC., Grady's Inc., MAGGIANO'S OF ANNAPOLIS INC., MAGGIANO'S OF HOWARD COUNTY INC., MAGGIANO'S OF KANSAS INC., MAGGIANOS BEVERAGE COMPANY, MAGGIANOS HOLDING CORPORATION, MAGGIANOS INC., MAGGIANOS OF TYSONS INC., MAGGIANOS PROPERTY CORPORATION, MAGGIANOS TEXAS INC., PEPPER DINING HOLDING CORP., PEPPER DINING Inc., and PEPPER DINING VERMONT INC.. The following companies are subsidiares of Boston Scientific: 34 Biomedical Merger Corp., 9357-1867 Quebec Inc., Acurate Industria e Comercio Ltda., Advanced Bionics, Advanced Stent Technologies, American Medical Systems, American Medical Systems Europe B.V., Apama Medical, Apama Medical Inc., Asthmatx, Atritech, Augmenix, Augmenix Inc., Augmenix K.K., BSC International Medical Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., BSC Medical Device Technology (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., BTG, BTG Australasia Pty Ltd, BTG Europe B.V., BTG IM Holdings Ltd., BTG International (Holdings) Limited, BTG International Asia Limited, BTG International Canada Inc., BTG International Germany GmbH, BTG International Healthcare Inc., BTG International Healthcare LLC, BTG International Healthcare Limited, BTG International Inc., BTG International Limited, BTG Limited, BTG Management Services Limited, BTG Medikal Limited Sirketi, Bard Electrophysiology, Barosense, Biocompatibles Inc., Biocompatibles International Limited, Biocompatibles UK Limited, Boston Scientific (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Boston Scientific (South Africa) Proprietary Limited, Boston Scientific (Thailand) Ltd., Boston Scientific (UK) Limited, Boston Scientific AG, Boston Scientific Argentina S.A., Boston Scientific Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Boston Scientific Benelux NV, Boston Scientific Canada Limited, Boston Scientific Ceska republika s.r.o., Boston Scientific Chile SpA, Boston Scientific Colombia Limitada, Boston Scientific Comercial de Costa Rica BSCR S.R.L., Boston Scientific Far East B.V., Boston Scientific Gesellschaft m.b.H., Boston Scientific Group plc, Boston Scientific Hellas S.A., Boston Scientific Hong Kong Limited, Boston Scientific Iberica S.A., Boston Scientific India Private Limited, Boston Scientific International B.V., Boston Scientific International Finance Limited, Boston Scientific International S.A., Boston Scientific Israel Ltd., Boston Scientific Japan K.K., Boston Scientific Korea Co. Ltd., Boston Scientific Lebanon SAL, Boston Scientific Limited, Boston Scientific Ltd., Boston Scientific Medical Device, Boston Scientific Medical Device Limited, Boston Scientific Medizintechnik GmbH, Boston Scientific Middle East FZ-LLC, Boston Scientific Middle East SAL, Boston Scientific Nederland B.V., Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation, Boston Scientific New Zealand Limited, Boston Scientific Nordic AB, Boston Scientific Peru S.A.C., Boston Scientific Philippines Inc., Boston Scientific Polska Sp. z o.o., Boston Scientific Portugal - Dispositivos Medicos Lda, Boston Scientific Pty Ltd, Boston Scientific Romania S.R.L., Boston Scientific S.A.S., Boston Scientific S.p.A., Boston Scientific Scimed, Boston Scientific Scimed Inc., Boston Scientific Services Private Limited, Boston Scientific TIP Gerecleri Limited Sirketi, Boston Scientific Technology & Engineering Services Private Limited, Boston Scientific Uruguay S.A., Boston Scientific Vietnam Company Limited, Boston Scientific de Costa Rica S.R.L., Boston Scientific de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Boston Scientific del Caribe Inc., Boston Scientific do Brasil Ltda., Bravo Bidco Limited, BridgePoint Medical, Cameron Health, Cardiac Pacemakers Inc., Cardiac Pathways Corp, Catheter Innovations, Claret Medical, Claret Medical Inc., Cosman Medical, Cosman Medical LLC, CryoCor, Cryterion Medical, Cryterion Medical Inc., Cryterion Medical Ireland Limited, EKOS LLC, EMcision, EMcision International Inc., EP Technologies, EP Technologies Inc., Electron Acquisition Corporation, EndoChoice, EndoChoice Holdings Inc., EndoChoice Inc., EndoChoice Innovation Center Ltd., EndoChoice Israel Ltd., Endotex, Enteric Medical Technologies, Galil Medical Inc., Galil Medical Ltd., Galil Medical UK Limited, Guidant, Guidant Delaware Holding Corporation, Guidant Europe NV, Guidant Puerto Rico B.V., Hong Kong Medtech Trading Limited, Intelect Medical, Millipede, Millipede Inc., NXT Merger Corp., Notebook Merger Sub Ltd., Novate Medical Limited, NxThera, NxThera Inc., PT Boston Scientific Indonesia, PneumRx GmbH, PneumRx LLC, PneumRx Liimited, Protherics Medicines Development B.V., Protherics Medicines Development Limited, Protherics UK Limited, Provensis Limited, RMI Acquisition Corp., Remon Medical Technologies, Rhythmia Medical, Robert S. Smith M.D. Inc., Roxwood Medical Inc., SNS Merger Corp, Sadra Medical, Sadra Medical Inc., Securus Medical Group, Securus Medical Group Inc., Special K Merger Corp., StarMedTec, Stream Enterprises LLC, Symetis, Symetis SA, Target Therapeutics, Target Therapeutics Inc., The LumenR Tissue Retractor System, Veniti, Veniti Inc., VertiFlex, Vertiflex Inc., Vessix Vascular, Xlumena, Zuma Investment Pty Ltd, iogyn, nVision Medical, and nVision Medical Corporation. Raymond James Financial, Inc., a financial holding company, through its subsidiaries, engages in the underwriting, distribution, trading, and brokerage of equity and debt securities, and the sale of mutual funds and other investment products in the United States, Canada, Europe, and internationally. The company operates through Private Client Group, Capital Markets, Asset Management, RJ Bank, and Other segments. The Private Client Group segment provides securities brokerage services, including the sale of equities, mutual funds, fixed income products, and insurance products to their individual clients; and borrowing and lending of securities to and from other broker-dealers, financial institutions, and other counterparties. The Capital Markets segment offers securities brokerage, trading, and research services to institutions with a focus on sale of the United States and Canadian equities and fixed income products; and manages and participates in underwritings, merger and acquisition services, and public finance activities. The Asset Management segment engages in the operations of Eagle, the Eagle Family of Funds, Cougar, the asset management operations of Raymond James & Associates, trust services of Raymond James Trust, and other fee-based asset management programs. The RJ Bank segment provides corporate loans, SBL, tax-exempt loans, and residential loans. The Other segment engages in private equity activities, including various direct and third party private equity investments; and private equity funds. Raymond James Financial, Inc. was founded in 1962 and is based in St. Petersburg, Florida. Read More A group of bars in Montreal have figured out new ways to avoid food wastage and cut back on production cost by using one fruit in about four to five different ways before finally throwing it out. We zest the grapefruit, juice it, boil the carcass for a cordial, then we dehydrate it and make a garnish with it, and we can blitz it in a blender to make a grapefruit-infused salt. Said David Schmidt, co-owner of some of the bars involved, quoted in the report on Montreal Eater. Many bars would just juice the fruits as is standard practice and zest it if need be, and have it thrown out to the trash but not these bars. The bars in question are Chinatown bar Le Mal Necessaire, St-Laurent beer bar Pamplemousse, swimming pool-themed bar Pelicano, and Peruvian-Japanese restaurant Tiradito. In these bars, it goes beyond just the reusing of grapefruit every single fruit thats being used in the bar has to undergo this process. Limes, for instance, are first juiced to make lime juice, then they are boiled to make what Schmidt calls "lime stock" or lime cordial, and coffee grounds are sourced from nearby cafe La Finca to create an orgeat-like syrup. For mangoes, after the flesh is cut off, the mango pits are boiled to make a syrup with coriander. Most of the products gotten this way are then used by the restaurants to create new drinks. Four or five products would usually come out of one type of fruit. At Le Mal Necessaire, this practice was just used for monthly specials, but now they say there is enough product for the bar use the extra syrups and cordials in more items. Needless to say, this reduces waste considerably. Its a question of looking at what you just used and deciding if theres still flavour in there. That half-juiced lime is still a beautiful thing, explains Schmidt. Not all four bars in question share the same ownership, but there is definitely a close relationship between them. Tiki bar, Le Mal Necessaire for instance, makes use of a lot of pineapples, and Pamplemousse picks up the pulp from that to make a dessert best-selling cake. Schmidt notes that while all this extra squeezing of fruit requires more labour, the staff are happy to do it. Mal Necessaire staff, he says, even devised the initiative themselves, to cut back on food waste. He appeals to customers not to see this new process as a decline in quality. Theres the idea that were selling stuff that wasnt good anymore, which is absolutely not the case the case is that were going a little more in-depth in processing," He said We dont want people to think its dumpster diving. Its not. To Schmidt, this idea reduces the cost of production for the restaurant, and consequently, the cost of drinks would fall for the customers too. He is considering introducing the concept to other bars. I want to see what they can do with a little labour to avoid throwing stuff away, he said 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. Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited, through its subsidiaries, provides property and casualty insurance and reinsurance, and investment management services in the United States, Canada, Asia, and internationally. The company operates through Insurance and Reinsurance, Run-off, and Non-Insurance Companies segments. It insures against losses to property from fire, explosion, earthquake, windstorm, flood, boiler explosion, machinery breakdown, and construction defects, as well as underwrites automobile, commercial and personal property, and crop insurance. The company also offers workers' compensation, employer's liability, accident and health, medical malpractice, professional liability, and umbrella coverage insurance products; marine, aerospace, surety risk, and other risks and liabilities insurance products; and reinsurance products. In addition, it retails home improvement goods, toys and baby products, golf equipment, sports apparel and accessories, housewares and home dAcors, and tableware and gifts; invests in retail business; and owns and operates holiday resorts. Further, the company provides integrated travel and travel-related financial services; originates, processes, and distributes pulses and staple foods; creates, produces, and distributes entertainment content; and provision of pet medical insurance and database services, as well as media and marketing solutions. The company was formerly known as Markel Financial Holdings Limited and changed its name to Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited in 1987. Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited was incorporated in 1951 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Read More First BanCorp (Puerto Rico) is a holding company, which engages in the provision of personal, commercial, and corporate banking services through its subsidiaries. It operates through the following segments: Commercial and Corporate Banking, Consumer (Retail) Banking, Mortgage Banking, Treasury and Investments, United States Operations, and Virgin Islands Operations. The Commercial and Corporate Banking segment consists of the company's lending and other services for large customers represented by specialized and middle-market clients and the public sector. The Consumer (Retail) Banking segment includes consumer lending and deposit-taking activities conducted mainly through FirstBank's branch network in Puerto Rico. The Mortgage Banking segment focuses on the origination, sale, and servicing of a variety of residential mortgage loan products and related hedging activities. The Treasury and Investments segment deals with treasury and investment management functions. The United States Operations segment represents all banking activities conducted by FirstBank on the United States mainland. The Virgin Islands Operations segment includes all banking activities conducted by FirstBank in Read More Varian Medical Systems, Inc. designs, manufactures, sells, and services medical devices and software products for treating cancer and other medical conditions worldwide. It operates through Oncology Systems and Proton Solutions segments. The Oncology Systems segment offers hardware and software products for treating cancer with radiotherapy, fixed field intensity-modulated radiation therapy, image-guided radiation therapy, volumetric modulated arc therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, stereotactic body radiotherapy, artificial intelligence based adaptive radiotherapy, and brachytherapy, as well as quality assurance equipment. Its products include linear accelerators, brachytherapy afterloaders, treatment accessories, and quality assurance software; and information management, treatment planning, image processing, clinical knowledge exchange, patient care management, decision-making support, and practice management software. This segment serves university research and community hospitals, private and governmental institutions, healthcare agencies, physicians' offices, medical oncology practices, radiotherapy centers, and cancer care clinics. The Proton Solutions segment designs, develops, manufactures, sells, and services products and systems for delivering proton therapy for the treatment of cancer. The company has a strategic agreement with McKesson Corp. to supply treatment delivery systems and planning, services, and radiotherapy information system solutions to its U.S. Oncology Network and Vantage Oncology affiliated sites of care; and a strategic partnership with Siemens AG to represent Siemens diagnostic imaging products to radiation oncology clinics in the United States and other select markets. Varian Medical Systems, Inc. was formerly known as Varian Associates, Inc. and changed its name to Varian Medical Systems, Inc. in April 1999. The company was founded in 1948 and is headquartered in Palo Alto, California. Read More The city of Ottawa has about three months to make up its mind on whether or not it wants to allow retail cannabis stores to operate within the city, and has decided to seek the publics opinion on the issue. Ottawa residents have been invited to complete a survey, on the issue. The survey began on October 25 and would end on November 7th, 2018 and the questions are targeted towards helping residents to express their views on whether cannabis retail stores should be allowed in Ottawa. Paper copies of the survey are also available at the Citys Client Service Centres. Even though cannabis is now being retailed online in Ontario through the Ontario Cannabis Store, the Province of Ontario has also produced a framework that would permit the operation of retail cannabis stores in Ontario beginning April 1, 2019. However, the province is leaving it to the municipalities in Ontario to decide whether or not to allow cannabis retail stores to operate within their boundaries. The municipalities have until January 22, 2019, to make this decision. The city of Ottawa has therefore decided to use the results of these online and paper surveys to make an informed decision as to whether to allow cannabis retail stores to operate in Ottawa. Residents can take part in the survey at ottawa.ca. It can be recalled that the province had announced in September that the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario will regulate the marketplace, and would have the power to grant and revoke licences and also implement provincial rules on cannabis sales. Owing to this, anyone hoping to run a pot shop will have to apply for a retail-operator licence and a retail store authorization for each potential location. "We want to make sure the consumers are protected but we want to open up the marketplace," said Finance Minister Vic Fedeli. "This is an opportunity for small business to get involved. We want to have as many participants as possible be involved." The government had also warned that anyone breaching provincial rules on cannabis sales would not have the opportunity of ever obtaining a licence in the future, they had mandated every illegal pot shop in the city to close before the October 17th official legalization date and most of the shops had complied. "Any engagement with organized crime, any record of providing youth cannabis, any of that would bar you from participating in the private cannabis market," Fedeli said. "If you are still operating an illegal retail operation after Oct. 17, you would not be able to get a licence in Ontario." A liberal legislator Nathalie Des Rosier said issuing licenses to private firms may result in too many pot shops being set up, which will be a challenge to regulate. "It certainly is a completely free market that may flood Ontario," she said. "The cautious approach that we had used is a little bit undermined here." 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. Read More HSBC Holdings plc provides banking and financial products and services worldwide. The company operates through Wealth and Personal Banking, Commercial Banking, and Global Banking and Markets segments. The Wealth and Personal Banking segment offers retail banking products and services, such as current and savings accounts, mortgages and personal loans, credit and debit cards, and local and international payment services for ultra high net worth individuals; and wealth management services, including insurance and investment products, global asset management services, investment management, and private wealth solutions. The Commercial Banking segment provides credit and lending, treasury management, payment, cash management, commercial insurance, and investment services, as well as commercial cards, and international trade and receivables finance services; and foreign exchange products, and capital raising and advisory services to small and medium sized enterprises, mid-market enterprises, and corporates. The Global Banking and Markets segment is involved in the provision of financing, advisory, and transaction services, including credit, rates, foreign exchange, equities, money markets, and securities services, as well as principal investment activities to government, corporate and institutional clients, and private investors. The Global Private Banking segment provides a range of services to high net worth individuals and families with complex and international needs. HSBC Holdings plc was founded in 1865 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Valero Energy: AIR BP-PBF DEL PERU SAC, BELFAST STORAGE LTD, CANADIAN ULTRAMAR COMPANY, COLONNADE TEXAS INSURANCE COMPANY LLC, COLONNADE VERMONT INSURANCE COMPANY, DIAMOND ALTERNATIVE ENERGY LLC, DIAMOND ALTERNATIVE ENERGY OF CANADA INC., DIAMOND GREEN DIESEL HOLDINGS LLC, DIAMOND GREEN DIESEL LLC, DIAMOND K RANCH LLC, DIAMOND OMEGA COMPANY L.L.C., DIAMOND SHAMROCK REFINING COMPANY L.P., DIAMOND UNIT INVESTMENTS L.L.C., DSRM NATIONAL BANK, ENTERPRISE CLAIMS MANAGEMENT INC., GCP LOGISTICS COMPANY LLC, GOLDEN EAGLE ASSURANCE LIMITED, HAMMOND MAINLINE PIPELINE LLC, HUNTWAY REFINING COMPANY, MAINLINE PIPELINES LIMITED, MAPLE ETHANOL LTD., MICHIGAN REDEVELOPMENT GP LLC, MICHIGAN REDEVELOPMENT L.P., MRP PROPERTIES COMPANY LLC, NECHES RIVER HOLDING CORP., NORCO METHANOL LLC, OCEANIC TANKERS AGENCY LIMITED, PARKWAY PIPELINE LLC, PENTA TANKS TERMINALS S.A., PI DOCK FACILITIES LLC, PICKARD PLACE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, PORT ARTHUR COKER COMPANY L.P., PREMCOR USA INC., PROPERTY RESTORATION L.P., PURE BIOFUELS DEL PERU S.A.C., PURE BIOFUELS HOLDINGS L.P., Parkway Pipeline, Premcor, Pure Biofuels Del Peru, SABINE RIVER HOLDING CORP., SABINE RIVER LLC, SAINT BERNARD PROPERTIES COMPANY LLC, SUNBELT REFINING COMPANY L.P., THE PREMCOR PIPELINE CO., THE PREMCOR REFINING GROUP INC., THE SHAMROCK PIPE LINE CORPORATION, TRANSPORT MARITIME ST. LAURENT INC., ULTRAMAR ACCEPTANCE INC., ULTRAMAR ENERGY INC., ULTRAMAR INC., Ultramar Diamond Shamrock, V-TEX LOGISTICS LLC, VALERO (BARBADOS) SRL, VALERO (PERU) HOLDINGS GP LLC, VALERO (PERU) HOLDINGS LIMITED, VALERO ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DE MEXICO S.A. DE C.V., VALERO ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DE MEXICO S.A. DE C.V., VALERO ARUBA ACQUISITION COMPANY I LTD., VALERO ARUBA FINANCE INTERNATIONAL LTD., VALERO ARUBA HOLDING COMPANY N.V., VALERO ARUBA HOLDINGS INTERNATIONAL LTD., VALERO ARUBA MAINTENANCE/OPERATIONS COMPANY N.V., VALERO BROWNSVILLE TERMINAL LLC, VALERO CANADA FINANCE INC., VALERO CANADA L.P., VALERO CAPITAL CORPORATION, VALERO CARIBBEAN SERVICES COMPANY, VALERO COKER CORPORATION ARUBA N.V., VALERO CUSTOMS & TRADE SERVICES INC., VALERO EAST BAY LLC, VALERO ENERGY (IRELAND) LIMITED, VALERO ENERGY ARUBA II COMPANY, VALERO ENERGY INC., VALERO ENERGY LTD, VALERO ENERGY PARTNERS GP LLC, VALERO ENERGY PARTNERS LP, VALERO ENERGY UK LTD, VALERO ENTERPRISES INC., VALERO EQUITY SERVICES LTD, VALERO FINANCE L.P. I, VALERO FINANCE L.P. II, VALERO FINANCE L.P. III, VALERO FOREST CONTRIBUTION LLC, VALERO GRAIN MARKETING LLC, VALERO H2 PIPELINE COMPANY LLC, VALERO HOLDCO UK LTD, VALERO HOLDINGS INC., VALERO INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS INC., VALERO LIVE OAK LLC, VALERO LOGISTICS UK LTD, VALERO MARKETING AND SUPPLY (PANAMA) LLC, VALERO MARKETING AND SUPPLY COMPANY, VALERO MARKETING AND SUPPLY DE MEXICO S.A. DE C.V., VALERO MARKETING AND SUPPLY DE MEXICO S.A. DE C.V., VALERO MARKETING AND SUPPY INTERNATIONAL LTD., VALERO MARKETING IRELAND LIMITED, VALERO MKS LOGISTICS L.L.C., VALERO NEDERLAND COOPERATIEF U.A., VALERO NEDERLAND COOPERATIEF U.A., VALERO NEW AMSTERDAM B.V., VALERO OMEGA COMPANY L.L.C., VALERO OPERATIONAL SERVICES DE MEXICO S.A. DE C.V., VALERO OPERATIONAL SERVICES DE MEXICO S.A. DE C.V., VALERO OPERATIONS SUPPORT LTD, VALERO PARTNERS CCTS LLC, VALERO PARTNERS CORPUS EAST LLC, VALERO PARTNERS CORPUS WEST LLC, VALERO PARTNERS EP LLC, VALERO PARTNERS HOUSTON LLC, VALERO PARTNERS LOUISIANA LLC, VALERO PARTNERS LUCAS LLC, VALERO PARTNERS MCKEE LLC, VALERO PARTNERS MEMPHIS LLC, VALERO PARTNERS MERAUX LLC, VALERO PARTNERS NORTH TEXAS LLC, VALERO PARTNERS OPERATING CO. LLC, VALERO PARTNERS PAPS LLC, VALERO PARTNERS PORT ARTHUR LLC, VALERO PARTNERS SOUTH TEXAS LLC, VALERO PARTNERS TEXAS CITY LLC, VALERO PARTNERS THREE RIVERS LLC, VALERO PARTNERS WEST MEMPHIS LLC, VALERO PARTNERS WEST TEXAS LLC, VALERO PARTNERS WYNNEWOOD LLC, VALERO PAYMENT SERVICES COMPANY, VALERO PEMBROKESHIRE LLC, VALERO PEMBROKESHIRE OIL TERMINAL LTD, VALERO PLAINS COMPANY LLC, VALERO POWER MARKETING LLC, VALERO RAIL OPERATIONS DE MEXICO S.A. DE C.V., VALERO RAIL OPERATIONS DE MEXICO S.A. DE C.V., VALERO RAIL PARTNERS LLC, VALERO REFINING AND MARKETING COMPANY, VALERO REFINING COMPANY-ARUBA N.V., VALERO REFINING COMPANY-CALIFORNIA, VALERO REFINING COMPANY-OKLAHOMA, VALERO REFINING COMPANY-TENNESSEE L.L.C., VALERO REFINING-MERAUX LLC, VALERO REFINING-NEW ORLEANS L.L.C., VALERO REFINING-TEXAS L.P., VALERO RENEWABLE FUELS COMPANY LLC, VALERO SECURITY SYSTEMS INC., VALERO SERVICES INC., VALERO SKELLYTOWN PIPELINE LLC, VALERO TEJAS COMPANY LLC, VALERO TERMINAL HOLDCO LTD, VALERO TERMINALING AND DISTRIBUTION COMPANY, VALERO TERMINALING AND DISTRIBUTION DE MEXICO S.A. DE C.V., VALERO TEXAS POWER MARKETING INC., VALERO ULTRAMAR HOLDINGS INC., VALERO UNIT INVESTMENTS L.L.C., VALERO WEST WALES LLC, VRG PROPERTIES COMPANY, VTD PROPERTIES COMPANY, WARSHALL COMPANY LLC, and ZELIG COMMERCIAL INC.. The following companies are subsidiares of InterContinental Hotels Group: 2250 Blake Street Hotel LLC, 24th Street Operator Sub LLC, 36th Street IHG Sub LLC, 426 Main Ave LLC, 46 Nevins Street Associates LLC, Allegro Management LLC, Alpha Kimball Hotel LLC, American Commonwealth Assurance Co. Ltd., Asia Pacific Holdings Limited, BHMC Canada Inc., BHR Holdings B.V., BHR Luxembourg SARL, BHR Pacific Holdings Inc., BHTC Canada Inc., BOC Barclay Sub LLC, Barclay Operating Corp., Bristol Oakbrook Tenant Company, Cafe Biarritz, Cambridge Lodging LLC, Capital Lodging LLC, Compania Inter-Continental De Hoteles El Salvador SA, Crowne Plaza Amsterdam (Management) B.V., Crowne Plaza LLC, Cumberland Akers Hotel LLC, Dunwoody Operations Inc., EVEN Real Estate Holding LLC, Edinburgh IC Limited, General Innkeeping Acceptance Corporation, Guangzhou SC Hotels Services Ltd., H.I. (Ireland) Limited, H.I. Soaltee Management Company Ltd, HC International Holdings Inc., HH France Holdings SAS, HH Hotels (EMEA) B.V., HH Hotels (Romania) SRL, HI Sugarloaf LLC, HIM (Aruba) NV, Hale International Ltd., Hoft Properties LLC, Holiday Hospitality Franchising LLC, Holiday Inn Mexicana S.A. de C.V., Holiday Inns (China) Ltd, Holiday Inns (Chongqing) Inc., Holiday Inns (Courtalin) Holdings SAS, Holiday Inns (Courtalin) SAS, Holiday Inns (England) Ltd., Holiday Inns (Germany) LLC, Holiday Inns (Guangzhou) Inc., Holiday Inns (Jamaica) Inc., Holiday Inns (Malaysia) Ltd., Holiday Inns (Middle East) Ltd., Holiday Inns (Philippines) Inc., Holiday Inns (Saudi Arabia) Inc., Holiday Inns (South East Asia) Inc., Holiday Inns (Thailand) Ltd., Holiday Inns (UK) Inc., Holiday Inns Crowne Plaza (Hong Kong) Inc., Holiday Inns Holdings (Australia) Pty Ltd, Holiday Inns Inc., Holiday Inns Investment (Nepal) Ltd., Holiday Inns of America (UK) Ltd., Holiday Inns of Belgium N.V., Holiday Pacific Equity Corporation, Holiday Pacific LLC, Holiday Pacific Partners LP, Hotel Inter-Continental London Limited, Hotel InterContinental London (Holdings) Limited, Hoteles Y Turismo HIH SRL, IC Hotelbetriebsfuhrungs GmbH, IC Hotels Management (Portugal) Unipessoal Lda, IC International Hotels Limited Liability Company, IHC (Thailand) Limited, IHC Buckhead LLC, IHC Edinburgh (Holdings), IHC Hopkins (Holdings) Corp., IHC Hotel Limited, IHC Inter-Continental (Holdings) Corp., IHC London (Holdings), IHC M-H (Holdings) Corp., IHC May Fair (Holdings) Limited, IHC May Fair Hotel Limited, IHC Overseas (U.K.) Limited, IHC UK (Holdings) Limited, IHC United States (Holdings) Corp., IHC Willard (Holdings) Corp., IHG (Australasia) Limited, IHG (Marseille) SAS, IHG (Thailand) Limited, IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan LLC, IHG ANA Hotels Holdings Co. Ltd., IHG Bangkok Ltd, IHG Brasil Administracao de Hoteis e Servicos Ltda, IHG Commission Services SRL, IHG Community Development LLC, IHG Cyprus Limited, IHG ECS (Barbados) SRL, IHG Franchising Brasil Ltda, IHG Franchising DR Corporation, IHG Franchising LLC, IHG Hotels (New Zealand) Limited, IHG Hotels Limited, IHG Hotels Management (Australia) Pty Limited, IHG Hotels Nigeria Limited, IHG Hotels South Africa (Pty) Ltd, IHG International Partnership, IHG Istanbul Otel Yonetim Limited Sirketi, IHG Japan (Management) LLC, IHG Japan (Osaka) LLC, IHG Management (Maryland) LLC, IHG Management (Netherlands) B.V., IHG Management MD Barclay Sub LLC, IHG Management SL d.o.o, IHG Management d.o.o. Beograd, IHG Orchard Street Member LLC, IHG PS Nominees Limited, IHG Systems Pty Ltd, IHG Szalloda Budapest Szolgaltato Kft., IHG de Argentina SA, IND East Village SD Holdings LLC, Inter-Continental D.C. Operating Corp., Inter-Continental Florida Investment Corp., Inter-Continental Florida Partner Corp., Inter-Continental Hospitality Corporation, Inter-Continental Hoteleira Limitada, Inter-Continental Hotels (Montreal) Operating Corp., Inter-Continental Hotels (Montreal) Owning Corp., Inter-Continental Hotels (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Inter-Continental Hotels Corporation, Inter-Continental Hotels Corporation de Venezuela C.A., Inter-Continental Hotels of San Francisco Inc., Inter-Continental IOHC (Mauritius) Limited, Inter-Continental Management (Australia) Pty Limited, InterContinental (Branston) 1 Limited, InterContinental (PB) 1, InterContinental (PB) 2, InterContinental (PB) 3 Limited, InterContinental Berlin Service Company GmbH, InterContinental Brasil Administracao de Hoteis Ltda, InterContinental Gestion Hotelera S.L., InterContinental Hotel Berlin GmbH, InterContinental Hotel Dusseldorf GmbH (Germany), InterContinental Hotels (Puerto Rico) Inc., InterContinental Hotels Group (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd, InterContinental Hotels Group (Australia) Pty Limited, InterContinental Hotels Group (Canada) Inc., InterContinental Hotels Group (Espana) SA, InterContinental Hotels Group (Greater China) Limited, InterContinental Hotels Group (India) Pvt. Ltd, InterContinental Hotels Group (Japan) Inc., InterContinental Hotels Group (New Zealand) Limited, InterContinental Hotels Group (Shanghai) Ltd., InterContinental Hotels Group Customer Services Ltd., InterContinental Hotels Group Healthcare Trustee Limited, InterContinental Hotels Group Operating Corp., InterContinental Hotels Group Resources Inc., InterContinental Hotels Group Services Company, InterContinental Hotels Group do Brasil Limitada, InterContinental Hotels Italia S.r.L., InterContinental Hotels Limited, InterContinental Hotels Management GmbH, InterContinental Hotels Nevada Corporation, InterContinental Management AM LLC, InterContinental Management Bulgaria EOOD, InterContinental Management France SAS, InterContinental Management Poland sp. z.o.o, InterContinental Overseas Holding Corporation, Intercontinental Hotels Corporation Limited, KG Benefits LLC, KG Gift Card Inc., KG Liability LLC, KG Technology LLC, KHP Washington Operator LLC, KHRG 11th Avenue Hotel LLC, KHRG 851 LLC, KHRG Aertson LLC, KHRG Alexandria LLC, KHRG Alexis LLC, KHRG Allegro LLC, KHRG Argyle LLC, KHRG Austin Beverage Company LLC, KHRG Baltimore LLC, KHRG Born LLC, KHRG Boston Hotel LLC, KHRG Canary LLC, KHRG Cayman Employer Ltd., KHRG Cayman LLC, KHRG DC 1731 LLC, KHRG DC 2505 LLC, KHRG Donovan LLC, KHRG Employer LLC, KHRG Goleta LLC, KHRG Gray LLC, KHRG Gray U2 LLC, KHRG Hillcrest LLC, KHRG Huntington Beach LLC, KHRG King Street LLC, KHRG La Peer LLC, KHRG Miami Beach LLC, KHRG Muse LLC, KHRG NPC LLC, KHRG Onyx LLC, KHRG Palladian LLC, KHRG Palomar Phoenix LLC, KHRG Philly Monaco LLC, KHRG Pittsburgh LLC, KHRG Reynolds LLC, KHRG Riverplace LLC, KHRG SFD LLC, KHRG Sacramento LLC, KHRG Savannah LLC, KHRG Schofield LLC, KHRG Sedona LLC, KHRG State Street LLC, KHRG Sutter LLC, KHRG Sutter Union LLC, KHRG Taconic LLC, KHRG Tariff LLC, KHRG Texas Hospitality LLC, KHRG Texas Operations LLC, KHRG Tryon LLC, KHRG VZ Austin LLC, KHRG Vero Beach LLC, KHRG Vintage Park LLC, KHRG WPB LLC, KHRG Wabash LLC, KHRG Westwood LLC, KHRG Wilshire LLC, KHRG Zamora LLC, Kimpton Hollywood Licenses LLC, Kimpton Hotel & Restaurant Group, Kimpton Hotel & Restaurant Group LLC, Kimpton Phoenix Licenses Holdings LLC, Kimpton Sedona Licenses LLC, Louisiana Acquisitions Corp., MH Lodging LLC, Mercer Fairview Holdings LLC, PML Services LLC, PT SC Hotels & Resorts Indonesia, Pollstrong Limited, Powell Pine Inc., Priscilla Holiday of Texas Inc., RM Lodging LLC, Regent Hotels and Resorts, Resort Services International (Cayo Largo) L.P., SBS Maryland Beverage Company LLC, SC Cellars Limited, SC Hotels International Services Inc., SC Leisure Group Limited, SC NAS 2 Limited, SC Quest Limited, SC Reservations (Philippines) Inc., SCH Insurance Company, SCIH Branston 3, SF MH Acquisition LLC, SPHC Group Pty Ltd., SPHC Management Ltd., Semiramis for training of Hotel Personnel and Hotel Management SAE, Six Continents Corporate Services, Six Continents Holdings Limited, Six Continents Hotels Inc., Six Continents Hotels International Limited, Six Continents Hotels de Colombia SA, Six Continents International Holdings B.V., Six Continents Investments Limited, Six Continents Limited, Six Continents Overseas Holdings Limited, Six Continents Restaurants Limited, SixCo North America Inc., Solamar Lodging LLC, Southern Pacific Hotel Corporation (BVI) Ltd., Southern Pacific Hotels Properties Limited, Universal de Hoteles SA, White Shield Insurance Company Limited, and World Trade Centre Montreal Hotel Corporation. iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF's stock was trading at $170.68 on March 11th, 2020 when COVID-19 (Coronavirus) reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Since then, IWO shares have increased by 83.2% and is now trading at $312.65. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. KBR, Inc. engages in the provision of differentiated professional services and technologies across the asset and program life-cycle within the government services and hydrocarbons industries. It operates through the following segments: Government Solutions, Technology Solutions, Energy Solutions, Non-strategic Business, and Other. The Government Solutions segment provides full life-cycle support solutions to defense, space, aviation, and other programs and missions for military and other government agencies. The Technology Solutions segment combines KBR's proprietary technologies, equipment, and catalyst supply and associated knowledge-based services into a global business for refining, petrochemicals, inorganic, and specialty chemicals as well as gasification, syngas, ammonia, nitric acid, and fertilizers. The Energy Solutions segment provides full life-cycle support solutions across the upstream, midstream and downstream hydrocarbons markets. The Non-strategic Business segment represents the operations or activities which the company intends to exit upon completion of existing contracts. The Other segment includes corporate expenses and general and administrative expenses not all Read More Manulife Financial Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides financial products and services in Asia, Canada, the United States, and internationally. The company operates through Wealth and Asset Management Businesses; Insurance and Annuity Products; And Corporate and Other segments. The Wealth and Asset Management Businesses segment provides mutual funds and exchange-traded funds, group retirement and savings products, and institutional asset management services through agents and brokers affiliated with the company, securities brokerage firms, and financial advisors pension plan consultants and banks. The Insurance and Annuity Products segment offers deposit and credit products; individual life, and individual and group long-term care insurance; and guaranteed and partially guaranteed annuity products through insurance agents, brokers, banks, financial planners, and direct marketing. The Corporate and Other segment is involved in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance businesses; and run-off reinsurance operations, including variable annuities, and accident and health. It also manages timberland and agricultural portfolios; and engages in insurance agency, portfolio and mutual fund management, mutual fund dealer, life and financial reinsurance, and fund management businesses. Additionally, the company holds and manages oil and gas properties; holds oil and gas royalties, and foreign bonds and equities; and provides investment management, counseling, advisory, and dealer services. Manulife Financial Corporation was incorporated in 1887 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Read More Imperial Oil Limited explores for, produces, and sells crude oil and natural gas in Canada. It operates through three segments: Upstream, Downstream, and Chemical. The Upstream segment explores for and produces crude oil, natural gas, synthetic oil, and bitumen. As of December 31, 2020, this segment had 138 million oil-equivalent barrels of proved undeveloped reserves. The Downstream segment is involved in the transportation and refining of crude oil, as well as blending, distribution, and marketing of refined products. It also transports crude oil to refineries by contracted pipelines, common carrier pipelines, and rail; maintains a distribution system to move petroleum products to market by pipeline, tanker, rail, and road transport; and owns and operates fuel terminals, natural gas liquids, and products pipelines in Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario. In addition, this segment markets and supplies petroleum products to motoring public through approximately 2,400 Esso and Mobil-branded sites. Further, it sells petroleum products, including fuel, asphalt, and lubricants for industrial and transportation customers, independent marketers, and resellers, as well as other refiners serving the agriculture, residential heating, and commercial markets through branded fuel and lubricant resellers. The Chemical segment manufactures and markets various petrochemicals and polyethylene, such as benzene, aromatic, and aliphatic solvents; plasticizer intermediates; and polyethylene resins. The company was incorporation in 1880 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada. Imperial Oil Limited is a subsidiary of Exxon Mobil Corporation. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Mohawk Industries: A&S Energie NV, A&U Energie NV, Aladdin Manufacturing Corporation, Aladdin Manufacturing Of New York LLC, Aladdin Manufacturing of Alabama LLC, Alsace Logistique S.A., Avelgem Green Power CVBA, Avon Pacific Holdings Ltd, B&M NV, BGE Mexico S. de R. L. de C.V., Berghoef GmbH, Berghoef-Hout B.V., Bienes Raices y Materiales del Centro S. de R.L. de C.V., C.F. Marazzi S.A., Canterbury Spinners Ltd, Carpet Foundation Ltd, Cevotrans BV, Ceramus Bahia S/A Produtos Ceramicos, DT Mex Holdings LLC, DTM/CM Holdings LLC, Dal Italia LLC, Dal-Elit LLC, Dal-Tile Chile Comercial Limitada, Dal-Tile Colombia S.A.S., Dal-Tile Distribution Inc., Dal-Tile Group Inc., Dal-Tile I LLC, Dal-Tile Industrias S. de R.L. de C.V., Dal-Tile International Inc., Dal-Tile Mexico Comercial S. de R.L. de C.V., Dal-Tile Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Dal-Tile Operaciones Mexico S. De R.L. De C.V., Dal-Tile Peru SRL, Dal-Tile Puerto Rico Inc., Dal-Tile Services Inc., Dal-Tile Shared Services Inc., Dal-Tile Tennessee LLC, Dal-Tile of Canada ULC, Daltile, Daltile, Dekaply NV, Durkan, Dynea NV, Eliane Argentina Sociedad Anonima, Eliane S/A - Revestimentos Ceramicos, Emilceramica India Pvt Ltd., Emilceramica S.r.l, Emilgermany GmbH, Emilgroup Asia Ltd, Explorer S.r.l., F.I.L.S. Investments Unlimited Company, Feltex Carpets Ltd, Feltex Carpets Pty Ltd, Feltex New Zealand Ltd, Fibremakers Australia Pty Ltd, Flooring Foundation Ltd, Flooring Industries Limited S.a r.l., Flooring XL B.V., Floorscape Limited, Godfrey Hirst & Co Pty Ltd, Godfrey Hirst (Singapore) Pte Ltd, Godfrey Hirst Australia Pty Ltd, Godfrey Hirst Group, Godfrey Hirst NZ Ltd, Hytherm (Ireland) Limited, IVC BVBA, IVC Far-East Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., IVC France S.a r.l., IVC GROUP LIMITED, IVC Green Power NV, IVC Group, IVC Group GmbH, IVC Luxembourg S.a r.l., IVC Rus OOO, IVC US Inc., International Flooring Systems S.a r.l., International Vinyl Company - Vostok OOO, KAI Group, KAI Keramica Ltd, KAI Mining EOOD, KERAMA CENTER OOO, Kerama Baltics OOO, Kerama Export OOO, Kerama Marazzi OOO, Kerampromservis (LLC), Khan Asparuh - Transport EOOD, Khan Asparuh AD, Khan Omurtag AD, Koninklijke Peitsman B.V., Kraj Kerama OOO, MG China Trading Ltd., MI Finance SRL, MUD (Holding) Brazil Ltda., Management Co EAD, Marazzi Acquisition S.r.l., Marazzi Deutschland G.m.b.H., Marazzi France Trading S.A.S., Marazzi Group, Marazzi Group F.Z.E., Marazzi Group S.r.l., Marazzi Group Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Marazzi Iberia S.L.U., Marazzi Japan Co. Ltd., Marazzi Middle East FZ LLC, Marazzi Schweiz S.A.G.L., Marazzi UK Ltd., Mohawk Assurance Services Inc., Mohawk Australia Pty Ltd, Mohawk Canada Corporation, Mohawk Capital Finance S.A., Mohawk Capital Luxembourg SA, Mohawk Carpet Distribution Inc., Mohawk Carpet Foundation Inc., Mohawk Carpet LLC, Mohawk Carpet Transportation Of Georgia LLC, Mohawk Commercial Inc., Mohawk ESV Inc., Mohawk Europe BVBA, Mohawk Factoring II Inc., Mohawk Factoring LLC, Mohawk Finance S.a r.l., Mohawk Foreign Acquisitions S.a r.l., Mohawk Foreign Funding S.a.r.l, Mohawk Foreign Holdings S.a r.l., Mohawk Foreign Investments Inc., Mohawk Global Investments S.a r.l., Mohawk Holdings International B.V., Mohawk Industries Inc., Mohawk International (Europe) S.a r.l., Mohawk International (Hong Kong) Limited, Mohawk International Capital N.V., Mohawk International Financing S.a.r.l, Mohawk International Holdings (DE) LLC, Mohawk International Holdings S.a r.l., Mohawk International Luxembourg S.a r.l., Mohawk International Netherlands B.V., Mohawk International Services BVBA, Mohawk KAI Luxembourg Holding S.a r.l., Mohawk KAI Luxembourg S.a r.l., Mohawk Luxembourg Capital S.A., Mohawk Luxembourg Financing S.a r.l., Mohawk Luxembourg Holdings S.a r.l., Mohawk Luxembourg Investments S.a r.l., Mohawk Luxembourg Pacific S.a r.l., Mohawk Marazzi International BV, Mohawk Marazzi Russia BV, Mohawk New Zealand Limited, Mohawk Operaciones Mexicali S. de R.L. de C.V., Mohawk Operations Luxembourg S.a r.l., Mohawk Pacific Investments S.a r.l., Mohawk Resources LLC, Mohawk Servicing LLC, Mohawk Singapore Private Limited, Mohawk Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Mohawk Unilin Luxembourg S.a r.l., Mohawk United Finance B.V., Mohawk United International B.V., Mohawk Vinyl Financing S.a r.l., Molber Beheer B.V., Monarch Ceramic Tile Inc., P.F. Onroerend Goed B.V., PF Beheer B.V., Pergo, Pergo (Europe) AB, Pergo Holding BV, Pergo India Pvt Ltd, Polcolorit S.A., Premium Floors Australia Pty Limited, RR Apex LLC, Rata International Pty Ltd, Recubrimientos Interceramica S. de R.L. de C.V., Riverside Textiles Pty Ltd, S.C. KAI Ceramics SRL, Sibir Kerama OOO, SimpleSolutions USA LLC, Soft Step (Australia) Pty Ltd, Spano Group, Spano Invest BVBA, Spano NV, Stroyagromekhzapchast ChaO, Stroytrans OAO Orelstroy, Summit Wool Spinners Ltd, The Flooring Federation Ltd, Tiles Co OOD, Unilin (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Unilin ApS, Unilin Arauco Pisos Ltda., Unilin BVBA, Unilin Beheer BV, Unilin Distribution Ltd., Unilin Distribution Ukraine LLC, Unilin Finland OY, Unilin Flooring India Private Limited, Unilin Flooring SAS, Unilin GmbH, Unilin Holding BVBA, Unilin Insulation BV, Unilin Insulation SAS, Unilin Insulation Sury SAS, Unilin Italia S.R.L., Unilin North America LLC, Unilin Norway AS, Unilin OOO, Unilin Panels SAS, Unilin Poland Sp.Z.o.o., Unilin SAS, Unilin Spain SL, Unilin Swiss GmbH, Unilin s.r.o., World International Inc., Xtratherm, Xtratherm Limited, Xtratherm S.A., and Xtratherm UK Limited. iShares S&P SmallCap 600 ETF's stock was trading at $62.31 on March 11th, 2020 when Coronavirus (COVID-19) reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Since then, IJR stock has increased by 87.7% and is now trading at $116.96. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. The following companies are subsidiares of Travelers Companies: 10762962 Canada Inc., 350 Market Street LLC, 8527512 Canada Inc., Aetna Life and Casualty Co, American Equity Insurance Company, American Equity Specialty Insurance Company, Aprilgrange Limited, Arch Street North LLC, Auto Hartford Investments LLC, Bayhill Restaurant II Associates, Camperdown Corporation, Constitution State Services LLC, Discover Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Discover Specialty Insurance Company, F&G UK Underwriters Limited, Farmington Casualty Company, Fidelity and Guaranty Insurance Company, Fidelity and Guaranty Insurance Underwriters Inc., First Floridian Auto and Home Insurance Company, Gulf Underwriters Insurance Company, IHP Capital Partners Fund VIII L.P., Northbrook Holdings Inc., Northfield Insurance Company, Northland Casualty Company, Northland Insurance Company, Phoenix UK Investments LLC, SPC Insurance Agency Inc., Select Insurance Company, Simply Business Holdings Inc., Simply Business Inc., St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company, St. Paul Guardian Insurance Company, St. Paul Mercury Insurance Company, St. Paul Protective Insurance Company, St. Paul Surplus Lines Insurance Company, Standard Fire Properties LLC, Standard Fire UK Investments LLC, TCI Global Services Inc., TPC Investments Inc., TPC U.K. Investments LLC, The Automobile Insurance Company of Hartford Connecticut, The Charter Oak Fire Insurance Company, The Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company, The Family Business Institute LLC, The Phoenix Insurance Company, The St. Paul Companies Inc., The Standard Fire Insurance Company, The Travelers Casualty Company, The Travelers Home and Marine Insurance Company, The Travelers Indemnity Company, The Travelers Indemnity Company of America, The Travelers Indemnity Company of Connecticut, The Travelers Lloyds Insurance Company, TravCo Insurance Company, Travelers (Bermuda) Limited, Travelers Brazil Acquisition LLC, Travelers Brazil Holding LLC, Travelers Casualty Company of Connecticut, Travelers Casualty Insurance Company of America, Travelers Casualty UK Investments LLC, Travelers Casualty and Surety Company, Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America, Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of Europe Limited, Travelers Commercial Casualty Company, Travelers Commercial Insurance Company, Travelers Constitution State Insurance Company, Travelers Distribution Alliance Inc., Travelers Excess and Surplus Lines Company, Travelers Global Inc., Travelers Indemnity U.K. Investments LLC, Travelers Insurance Company Limited, Travelers Insurance Company of Canada, Travelers Insurance Designated Activity Company, Travelers Insurance Group Holdings Inc., Travelers Lloyds of Texas Insurance Company, Travelers London Limited, Travelers MGA Inc., Travelers Management Limited, Travelers Marine LLC, Travelers Participacoes em Seguros Brasil S.A., Travelers Personal Insurance Company, Travelers Personal Security Insurance Company, Travelers Property Casualty Company of America, Travelers Property Casualty Corp., Travelers Property Casualty Insurance Company, Travelers Seguros Brasil S.A., Travelers Syndicate Management Limited, Travelers Texas MGA Inc., Travelers Underwriting Agency Limited, Ultramar Travel Management, United States Fidelity and Guaranty Company, Xbridge Limited, Zensurance Brokers Inc., and Zensurance Inc.. The following companies are subsidiares of Prudential Financial: 210-220 E. 22nd Street SSGA Owner LLC, AIG Edison, AIG Star, AREF Cayman Co Ltd., AREF GP II Pte. Ltd., AREF GP Ltd., ASPF II - Feeder Fund GmbH, ASPF II - Verwaltungs - GmbH & Co. KG, ASPF II Management GmbH, ASPF III (Scots) L.P., ASSURANCE, AST Investment Services Inc., Adlerwerke CB Investment LLC, Administradora de Fondos de Pensiones Habitat S.A., Administradora de Inversiones Previsionales SpA, Aoba Life Insurance Company, Asia Property Fund III GP S.a.r.l., Assurance IQ LLC, Assurance Intelligence LLC, BSC CP LP, Braeloch Holdings Inc., Braeloch Successor Corporation, Brazilian Capital Fund GP Limited, Broad Street Global Advisors LLC, Broome Street Holdings LLC, CB German Retail LLC, CLIS Co. Ltd., COLICO INC., Campus Drive LLC, Capital Agricultural Property Services Inc., Chadwick Boulevard Investment Holdings Co. LLC, Cibecue LLC, Coconino LLC, Colico II Inc., Columbus Drive Partners L.P., Commerce Street Holdings LLC, Commerce Street Investments LLC, Coolidge LLC, Coral Reef GP, Coral Reef L.P., Coral Reef Unit Trust, Cottage Street Investments LLC, Cottage Street Orbit Acquisition LLC, DHFL PRAMERICA LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED, DICKENS AVENUE HOLDINGS VI LLC, DICKENS AVENUE PARTNERS VI (Ireland) L.P., DICKENS AVENUE PARTNERS VI (US) L.P., Don Cesar Investor LLC, Dryden Arizona Reinsurance Term Company, Dryden Finance II LLC, EVP II GP S.a r.l., EVP II Sweden Resi I GP S.a r.l., Edison Place Senior Note LLC, Essex LLC, EuroCore GP S.a r.l., European Value Partners GP S.a.r.l., Everbright PGIM Fund Management Co. Ltd., Flagstaff LLC, GA 1600 Commons LLC, GA 333 Hennepin Investor LLC, GA BV LLC, GA Bay Area GP LLC, GA Bay Area Investor LLC, GA Belden LLC, GA CLARENDON LLC, GA Cal Crossings LLC, GA Collins LLC, GA E. 22nd Street Apartments Holdings LLC, GA East 86 Street LLC, GA JHCII LLC, GA MENLO PARK INVESTOR LLC, GA Manor at Harbour Island LLC, GA Metro LLC, GA Mission LLC, GA TRITON INVESTOR LLC, GA W Paces LLC, GA/MDI 333 Hennepin Associates LLC, GIBRALTAR BSN HOLDINGS SDN BHD, GIBRALTAR INDIA SOLUTIONS LLP, Gateway Holdings II LLC, Gateway Holdings LLC, German Retail Income CP LP, Gibraltar BSN Life Berhad, Gibraltar International Insurance Services Company Inc., Gibraltar International Service LLC, Gibraltar Reinsurance Company Ltd., Gibraltar Universal Life Reinsurance Company, Glenealy International Limited, Global Portfolio Strategies Inc., Gold GP Limited, Gold II L.P., Gold L.P., Graham Resources Inc., Graham Royalty Ltd., Green Tree GP, Green Tree L.P., Greenlee LLC, Halsey Street Investments LLC, Hirakata LLC, IVP Fund GP LLC, Impact Investments Bridges UK S.a.r.l, Inter-Atlantic G Fund L.P., Inversiones Previsionales Chile SpA, Inversiones Previsionales Dos SpA, Ironbound Fund LLC, Jennison Associates LLC, Kyarra S.a r.l., Kyoei Annuity Home Co. Ltd., LINEUP LLC, Lake Street Partners IV L.P., MC GA COLLINS HOLDINGS LLC, MC GA COLLINS REALTY LLC, MC Insurance Agency Services LLC, Manor at Harbour Island LLC, Marble Canyon LLC, Maricopa LLC, Market Street Holdings IV LLC, Morenci LLC, Mulberry Street Holdings LLC, Mulberry Street Investment L.P., Mulberry Street Partners LLC, Mullin TBG Insurance Agency Services LLC, MullinTBG Insurance Agency Services, National Family Assurance Group LLC, New Savanna, Orchard Street Acres Inc., PAI Bay Farm LLC, PAI Bayrock Groves LLC, PAI Belvidere Farms LLC, PAI Big Cypress Farm LLC, PAI Corcoran 640 Ranch LLC, PAI DeKalb Farm LLC, PAI Delano 1500 Ranches LLC, PAI Flicker Orchard LLC, PAI Good Hope Farm LLC, PAI Hawk Creek Ranch LLC, PAI Hills Valley Ranches LLC, PAI Holly Hill Groves LLC, PAI Hunt Farm LLC, PAI Jackson Bayou Farm LLC, PAI Lake Placid Groves LLC, PAI Wallula Gap Vineyard LLC, PCP V Cayman AIV GP L.P., PEREF II Co-Invest 1 GP S.a r.l., PEREF II GP S.a r.l., PEREF II PV S.r.l, PFI EM-Tech Fund I LLC, PG Business Service Co. Ltd, PG Collection Service Co. Ltd., PGA Asian Retail Limited, PGA European Limited, PGI Co. Ltd, PGIM (Australia) Pty Ltd, PGIM (Hong Kong) Ltd., PGIM (Scots) Limited, PGIM (Shanghai) Company Ltd., PGIM (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., PGIM AVP IV GP S.a r.l., PGIM Advisory (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., PGIM Agricultural Investments GP LLC, PGIM Agricultural Investors LP, PGIM Broad Market High Yield Bond Fund L.P., PGIM Broad Market High Yield Bond Partners LLC, PGIM Capital Partners Management (Feeder) VI LLC, PGIM Capital Partners Management Fund VI L.P., PGIM European Financing Limited, PGIM European Services Limited, PGIM Financial Limited, PGIM Fixed Income Alternatives Fund II L.P., PGIM Fixed Income Alternatives Fund L.P., PGIM Fixed Income Alternatives GP LLC, PGIM Fixed Income Alternatives II GP LLC, PGIM Foreign Investments Inc., PGIM Holding Company LLC, PGIM INDIA ASSET MANAGEMENT PRIVATE LIMITED, PGIM INDIA TRUSTEES PRIVATE LIMITED, PGIM Inc., PGIM International Financing Inc., PGIM Investments LLC, PGIM Japan Co. Ltd., PGIM Korea Inc., PGIM LTIF Berlin GP S.a r.l., PGIM LTIF Berlin MLP S.ar.l., PGIM LTIF GP S.a.r.l., PGIM Limited, PGIM Loan Originator Manager Limited, PGIM M Campus GP S.a r.l., PGIM Management Partner Limited, PGIM MetaProp Investor LP LLC, PGIM Netherlands B.V., PGIM Overseas Investment Fund Management (Shanghai) Company Ltd, PGIM Private Capital (Ireland) Limited, PGIM Private Capital Limited, PGIM Private Placement Investors Inc., PGIM Private Placement Investors L.P., PGIM REF EUROPE SCSp, PGIM REF Europe GP S.a r.l., PGIM REF Europe Member LLC, PGIM REF Intermediary Services Inc., PGIM Real Estate (Japan) Ltd., PGIM Real Estate (UK) Limited, PGIM Real Estate CD S.a.r.l., PGIM Real Estate Capital VII GP S.a r.l., PGIM Real Estate Carry & Co-Invest GP LLC, PGIM Real Estate Carry & Co-Invest GP S.a r.l., PGIM Real Estate Carry & Co-Invest L.P., PGIM Real Estate Carry & Co-Invest SCSp, PGIM Real Estate Co-Invest Holdings LLC, PGIM Real Estate Debt GmbH, PGIM Real Estate Finance Holding Company, PGIM Real Estate Finance LLC, PGIM Real Estate France SAS, PGIM Real Estate Germany AG, PGIM Real Estate Global Debt GP LLC, PGIM Real Estate Inmuebles S. de R.L. de C.V, PGIM Real Estate Italy S.r.l., PGIM Real Estate Loan Services Inc., PGIM Real Estate Luxembourg S.A., PGIM Real Estate MVP Administradora IV S. de R.L. de C.V., PGIM Real Estate MVP Administradora V S. de R.L. de C.V., PGIM Real Estate MVP Inmuebles IV S. de R.L. de C.V., PGIM Real Estate MVP Inmuebles V S. de R.L. de C.V., PGIM Real Estate Management Luxembourg S.a.r.l., PGIM Real Estate Mexico S.C., PGIM Real Estate S. de R.L. de C.V., PGIM Real Estate U.S. Debt Fund GP LLC, PGIM Senior Loan Opportunities Management (Feeder) I LLC, PGIM Senior Loan Opportunities Management Fund I L.P., PGIM Strategic Financing LLC, PGIM Strategic Investments Inc., PGIM USPF VI Manager LLC, PGIM Warehouse Inc., PGLH of Delaware Inc., PIFM Holdco LLC, PIIC Limited, PIISC Holdings (UK) Limited, PIM KF Blocker Holdings LLC, PIM KF Blocker V Holdings LLC, PIM USPF V Manager LLC, PLA Administradora Industrial SRL, PLA Administradora LLC, PLA Administradora S. de R.L. de C.V., PLA Asesoria Profesional II S. de R.L. de C.V., PLA Asesoria Profesional S.de R.L. de C.V., PLA Co-Investor LLC, PLA Mexico Industrial Manager I LLC, PLA Mexico Industrial Manager II LLC, PLA Mexico Residential Manager I LLC, PLA Residential Fund III Aggregating Manager LLC, PLA Residential Fund III Limited Manager LLC, PLA Residential Fund III Manager LLC, PLA Residential Fund IV Aggregating Manager LLC, PLA Residential Fund IV Manager LLC, PLA Retail Fund I Blue LP, PLA Retail Fund I LP, PLA Retail Fund I Manager LLC, PLA Retail Fund I Red LP, PLA Retail Fund II Aggregating Manager LLC, PLA Retail Fund II LLC, PLA Retail Fund II LP, PLA Retail Fund II Manager LLC, PLA Retail Fund II U.S. Carry/Co-Invest LP, PLA Services Manager Mexico LLC, PLAI Limited, PMCF Holdings LLC, PMCF Properties LLC, PPPF General Partner LLP, PR GA SCP Apartments LLC, PRAMERICA PRECAP VI GP (SCOTS FEEDER) LLP, PRAMERICA PRECAP VI GP LLP, PRECO ACCOUNT III LLC, PRECO ACCOUNT PARTNERSHIP III LP, PRECO Account IV LLC, PRECO Account Partnership IV LP, PRECO III GP LLP, PREFG Hanwha Manager LLC, PREI Acquisition I Inc., PREI Acquisition II Inc., PREI Acquisition LLC, PREI HYDG LLC, PREI International Inc., PRIAC Property Acquisitions LLC, PRICOA Management Partner Limited, PRISA Fund Manager LLC, PRISA II Fund Manager LLC, PRISA II Pooled Manager LLC, PRISA III Fund GP LLC, PRISA III Fund PIM LLC, PRREF II Fund Manager LLC, PRU 3XSquare LLC, PRUCO LLC, PRUDENTIAL CAPITAL ENERGY PARTNERS MANAGEMENT (FEEDER) LLC, PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE SKP MEMBER LLC, PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE SKP REIT LLC, PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE SKP VENTURE 2 LLC, PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE SKP VENTURE LLC, PT PFI Mega Life Insurance, Passaic Fund LLC, Pine Tree GP, Pine Tree L.P., Platinum GP Limited, Platinum II L.P., Platinum L.P., Pramerica (Hong Kong) Holdings Limited, Pramerica (Luxembourg) CP GP S.a.r.l., Pramerica (Scots) CP GP LLP, Pramerica Business Consulting (Shanghai) Company Limited, Pramerica EVP CP LP, Pramerica Financial Asia Headquarters Pte. Ltd., Pramerica Financial Asia Limited, Pramerica Fixed Income Funds Management Limited, Pramerica Fosun Life Insurance Co. Ltd., Pramerica General Partner LLP, Pramerica Holdings Ltd, Pramerica Insurance Agency (China) Company Ltd., Pramerica PRECAP I GP LLP, Pramerica PRECAP II GP LLP, Pramerica PRECAP III GP LLP, Pramerica PRECAP IV GP LLP, Pramerica Pan European Real Estate (Scots) LP, Pramerica Property Partners Fund (Scotland) Limited Partnership, Pramerica Real Estate Capital I (Scotland) Limited Partnership, Pramerica Real Estate Capital I GP (Scots Feeder) LLP, Pramerica Real Estate Capital II (Scots) Limited Partnership, Pramerica Real Estate Capital III (Scots) Limited Partnership, Pramerica Real Estate Capital IV (Scots) Limited Partnership, Pramerica Real Estate Capital IV GP (Scots Feeder) LLP, Pramerica Real Estate Capital IV GP Limited, Pramerica Real Estate Capital V (Netherlands) GP LLP, Pramerica Real Estate Capital V (Scots) Limited Partnership, Pramerica Real Estate Capital VI (Scots) Limited Partnership, Pramerica SGR S.p.A, Pramerica Systems Ireland Limited, Preco III (Scotland) Limited Partnership, Pru 101 Wood LLC, Pru Alpha Partners I LLC, Pru Fixed Income Emerging Markets Partners I LLC, PruVen Capital Partners Fund I L.P., Pruco Assignment Corporation, Pruco Life Insurance Company, Pruco Life Insurance Company of New Jersey, Pruco Securities LLC, Prudential 900 Aviation Boulevard LLC, Prudential Affordable Mortgage Company LLC, Prudential Agricultural Property Holding Company LLC, Prudential Annuities Distributors Inc., Prudential Annuities Holding Company Inc., Prudential Annuities Inc., Prudential Annuities Information Services & Technology Corporation, Prudential Annuities Life Assurance Corporation, Prudential Arizona Reinsurance Captive Company, Prudential Arizona Reinsurance Term Company, Prudential Arizona Reinsurance Universal Company, Prudential Bank & Trust FSB, Prudential Capital Energy Opportunity Fund L.P., Prudential Capital Energy Partners L.P., Prudential Capital Energy Partners Management Fund L.P., Prudential Capital Partners Management Fund IV L.P., Prudential Capital and Investment Services LLC, Prudential Chile II SpA, Prudential Chile SpA, Prudential Commercial Property Holding Company LLC, Prudential Customer Solutions LLC, Prudential Equity Group LLC, Prudential Financial Securities Investment Trust Enterprise, Prudential Fixed Income Global Liquidity Relative Value Partners LLC, Prudential Fixed Income U.S. Relative Value Partners LLC, Prudential Funding LLC, Prudential General Services of Japan Y.K., Prudential Gibraltar Agency Co. Ltd., Prudential Global Funding LLC, Prudential Holdings of Japan Inc., Prudential Huntoon Paige Associates LLC, Prudential IBH Holdco Inc., Prudential Impact Investments Mortgage Loans LLC, Prudential Impact Investments Private Debt LLC, Prudential Impact Investments Private Equity LLC, Prudential Industrial Properties LLC, Prudential Insurance Agency LLC, Prudential International Insurance Holdings Ltd., Prudential International Insurance Service Company L.L.C., Prudential International Investments Advisers LLC, Prudential International Investments Company LLC, Prudential International Investments LLC, Prudential Investment Management Services LLC, Prudential Japan Holdings LLC, Prudential Legacy Insurance Company of New Jersey, Prudential Life Insurance Company of Taiwan Inc., Prudential Mortgage Asset Holdings 1 Japan Investment Business Limited Partnership, Prudential Mortgage Asset Holdings 2 Japan Investment Business Limited Partnership, Prudential Mortgage Capital Asset Holding Company LLC, Prudential Mortgage Capital Funding LLC, Prudential Mortgage Capital Holdings LLC, Prudential Multifamily Mortgage LLC, Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC, Prudential Newark Realty LLC, Prudential QOZ Investment Fund 1 LLC, Prudential Realty Securities Inc., Prudential Retirement Financial Services Holding LLC, Prudential Retirement Holdings LLC, Prudential Retirement Insurance and Annuity Company, Prudential Securities Secured Financing Corporation, Prudential Securities Structured Assets Inc., Prudential Seguros Mexico S.A. de C.V., Prudential Seguros S.A., Prudential Servicios S. de R.L. de C.V., Prudential Structured Settlement Company, Prudential Systems Japan Limited, Prudential Term Reinsurance Company, Prudential Trust Co. Ltd., Prudential Trust Company, Prudential Universal Reinsurance Company, Prudential Workplace Solutions Group Services LLC, Prudential do Brasil Seguros de Vida S.A., Prudential do Brasil Vida em Grupo S.A., Prudential/TMW Real Estate Group LLC, Pruservicos Participacoes Ltda., QMA JP EM All Cap Equity Partners LLC, QMA LLC, QMA Wadhwani LLP, Quartzsite LLC, Residential Services Corporation of America LLC, Rio CP LP, Rock European Real Estate Holdings S.ar.l., Rock Global Real Estate LLC, Rock Kensington Limited, Rock Marty GP S.a r.l., Rock Oxford S.a r.l., Rock UK Real Estate Holdings S.ar.l., Rock UK Real Estate II S.a.r.l., Rockstone Co. Ltd., Rosado Grande LLC, Ross Avenue Energy Fund Holdings LLC, Ross Avenue Minerals 2012 LLC, SCP Apartments LLC, SENIOR HOUSING PARTNERS VI GP LLC, SENIOR HOUSING PARTNERSHIP FUND VI GP LLC, SHP IV Carried Interest LP, SHP V Carried Interest L.P., SMP Holdings Inc., SVIIT Holdings Inc., Sanei Collection Service Co. Ltd. (Kabushiki Kaisha Sanei Shuuno Service), Senior Housing Partners IV L.L.C., Senior Housing Partners V LLC, Senior Housing Partnership Fund IV L.L.C., Senior Housing Partnership Fund V LLC, Sterling Private Placement Management LLP, Stetson Street Partners L.P., Strand Investments Limited, TBG Insurance Services Corporation, TENSATOR HOLDINGS LTD, TF Proveedora S.C., TMW ASPF I Verwaltungs GmbH & Co. KG, TMW ASPF Management GmbH, TMW Management LLC, TMW Real Estate Group LLC, TMW Realty Advisors LLC, TMW USPF Verwaltungs GmbH, TRGOAG Company Inc., The Gibraltar Life Insurance Co. Ltd., The Keynes Dynamic Beta Strategy (US) Fund GP LLC, The Prudential Assigned Settlement Services Corp., The Prudential Brazilian Capital Fund LP, The Prudential Gibraltar Financial Life Insurance Co. Ltd., The Prudential Home Mortgage Company Inc., The Prudential Insurance Company of America, The Prudential Life Insurance Company Ltd., The Prudential Real Estate Financial Services of America Inc., The WMF Group, Thurloe Commercial Guernsey Limited, Times Square Center Associates, USPF V - Verwaltungs - GmbH & Co. KG, USPF V Carry LLC, USPF V Co-Invest LLC, USPF V Investment LP, United States Property Fund VI GP S.a r.l., Vailsburg Fund LLC, Vantage Casualty Insurance Company, Wabash Avenue Holdings V LLC, Wabash Avenue Partners V L.P., Wadhwani Capital Limited, Waveland Avenue Holdings I LLC, Waveland Avenue Partners I (Ireland) L.P., Waveland Avenue Partners I (US) L.P., Wellness Services Ecossistema De Bem Estar Ltda., Wellness Services SRL, Yamato Life, and Yavapai LLC. iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF's stock was trading at $39.49 on March 11th, 2020 when COVID-19 reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization. Since then, IEUR shares have increased by 48.4% and is now trading at $58.60. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. Uh-oh! It could be you, or it could be us, but there's no page here. The following companies are subsidiares of Royal Dutch Shell: 10084751 Canada Limited, 1745844 Alberta Ltd., 3095381 Nova Scotia Company, 6581528 Canada Ltd., 7026609 Canada Inc., 7645929 Canada Limited, A Flygbranslehantering Aktiebolag, A.C.N. 081 118 292 Pty Limited, A/S Dansk Shell, A/S Norske Shell, ADNOC Gas Processing, AFSC Management Limited, AFSC Operations Limited, AFSC Refuelling Limited, AGES Maut System GmbH & Co. KG, Aera Energy LLC, Aera Energy Services Company, Airbiquity Inc., Al Badiah Petroleum Company, Al Furat Petroleum Company, Al Jomaih and Shell Lubricating Oil Co.Ltd., Alam El Shawish Petroleum Company, Alberta Products Pipe Line Ltd., Alie Investments Limited, All on Partnerships for Energy Access Limited by Guarantee, Alle S.R.L., Ambarli Depolama Hizmetleri Ltd. Sti., Amberjack Pipeline Company LLC, Amilcar Petroleum Operations S.A., Amsterdam Schiphol Pijpleiding Beheer B.V., Angkor Resources Co Ltd, Angkor Shell Limited, Aquila S.p.A., Arrow Energy Holdings Pty Ltd, Asiatic Petroleum Company (Dublin) Limited, Atlantic 1 Holdings LLC, Atlantic 2/3 Holdings LLC, Atlantic 4 Holdings LLC, Attiki Gas B.V., Attiki Natural Gas Distribution Company S.A., Au Energy, Austen & Butta Pty Ltd, Australian Oil & Gas Corporation Pty Ltd, Autogas Limited, Aviation Fuelling Services Norway AS, Avitair SAS, B.R.E. B.V., B.V. Dordtsche Petroleum Maatschappij, B.V. Petroleum Assurantie Maatschappij, BC 789 Holdings Pty Ltd, BEB Erdgas und Erdoel GmbH & Co. KG, BEB Holding GmbH, BG (Uruguay) S.A., BG 2/3 Investments Limited, BG Alaska E&P, BG Aruba Limited, BG Asia Pacific Holdings Pte. Limited, BG Asia Pacific Services Pte. Ltd., BG Atlantic 1 Holdings Limited, BG Atlantic 2/3 Holdings Limited, BG Atlantic 4 Holdings Limited, BG Atlantic Finance Limited, BG Brasilia, BG CPS Pty Limited, BG CSB2 Limited, BG Canada Ltd., BG Central Holdings Limited, BG Central Investments Limited, BG Comercio e Importacao Ltda., BG Cyprus Limited, BG Delta Limited, BG Egypt S.A., BG Employee Shares Trustees Limited, BG Energy Capital Plc, BG Energy Finance, BG Energy Holdings Limited, BG Energy Iberian Holdings, BG Energy Marketing Limited, BG Energy Merchants, BG Energy Trading Limited, BG Equatorial Guinea Limited, BG Exploration & Production Myanmar Pte. Ltd., BG Exploration America, BG Exploration and Production India Limited, BG Exploration and Production Limited, BG Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited, BG Finance Investments Limited, BG Gas Atlantic Holdings B.V., BG Gas Brazil E&P 12 B.V., BG Gas Brazil Holdings B.V., BG Gas Brazilian Investment B.V., BG Gas Global Holdings B.V., BG Gas International B.V., BG Gas International Holdings B.V., BG Gas Marketing Limited, BG Gas Netherlands Holdings B.V., BG Gas Sao Paulo Investments B.V., BG Gas Services Limited, BG Gas Supply (UK) Limited, BG General Holdings Limited, BG General Investments, BG General Partner Limited, BG Global Employee Resources Limited, BG Global Energy Limited, BG Great Britain Limited, BG Group, BG Group Company Secretaries Limited, BG Group Employee Benefit Trust Limited, BG Group Employee Shares Trustees Limited, BG Group Healthcare Trustee Limited, BG Group Limited, BG Group Mexico Exploration, BG Group Mexico Services, BG Group Pension Trustees Limited, BG Group Trustees Limited, BG Gulf Coast LNG, BG India Energy Private Limited, BG India Energy Services Private Limited, BG India Energy Solutions Private Limited, BG Insurance Company (Singapore) Pte Ltd, BG Intellectual Property Limited, BG International Limited, BG International Services AB, BG Iran Limited, BG Italia Power S.p.A., BG Karachaganak Limited, BG Karachaganak Trading Limited, BG Kenya L10A Limited, BG Kenya L10B Limited, BG LNG Investments Limited, BG LNG Regas India Private Limited, BG LNG Services, BG LNG Trading, BG LNG Transport No.5 Limited, BG Lake Charles Operations, BG Mauritius LNG Holdings Ltd, BG Mongolia Holdings Limited, BG Mumbai Holdings Limited, BG Myanmar Pte. Ltd., BG Netherlands, BG Netherlands Financing Unlimited, BG Norge Exploration Limited, BG Norge Limited, BG North America, BG North Investments Limited, BG North Sea Holdings Limited, BG OKLNG Limited, BG Oil Marketing Pte Ltd, BG Omikron Limited, BG Overseas Holdings Limited, BG Overseas Investments Limited, BG Overseas Limited, BG Pacific Holdings Pty Ltd, BG Pension Funding Scottish Limited Partnership, BG Petroleo & Gas Brasil Ltda, BG Production Company (PA), BG Production Company (WV), BG Puerto Rico, BG Rosetta Limited, BG Singapore Limited, BG South Asia LNG Limited, BG South East Asia Limited, BG Subsea Well Project Limited, BG Tanzania Holdings Limited, BG Thailand Limited, BG Trinidad LNG Limited, BG UK Capital II Limited, BG UK Capital Limited, BG UK Holdings Limited, BG US Gathering Company, BG US Production Company, BG US Services, BG Upstream A Nigeria Limited, BG West Indies No. 2 Limited, BG do Brasil Ltda., BGC, BGMEP, BJS Oil Operations B.V., BJSA Exploration and Production B.V., BNG (Surat) Pty Ltd, BR Oil Sands Corporation, Baconton Power LLC, Badr Petroleum Company, Beijing Shell Petroleum Company Ltd., Belgian Shell S.A., Bengal Pipeline Company LLC, Beryl North Sea Limited, Bituguard Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd, BlackRock Ventures Inc., Blendcor (Pty) Ltd., Bonifacio Gas Corporation, Bonuskad Loyalty Sdn. Bhd., Branstone (International) Limited, Branstone Company Limited, Brazil Crude Services, Brazil Shipping I Limited, Brazil Shipping II Limited, Brazos Wind Ventures, Brindisi LNG S.p.A., British Pipeline Agency, Brunei Energy Services Company Ltd., Brunei LNG Sendirian Berhad, Brunei Shell Marketing Company Sendirian Berhad, Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sendirian Berhad, Brunei Shell Tankers Sendirian Berhad, Bully 1 (Switzerland) GmbH, Bully 2 (Switzerland) GmbH, Burullus Gas Company S.A.E., C.I. Shell Comercializadora Colombia, CNOOC and Shell Petrochemicals Company Limited, CPC Shell Lubricants Co. Ltd, CRI Catalyst Company Belgium N.V., CRI Catalyst Company Europe Limited, CRI Catalyst Company LP, CRI Catalyst Leuna GmbH, CRI Deutschland GmbH, CRI Sales and Services Inc., CRI U.S. LP, CRI Zeolites Inc., CRI/Criterion, CRI/Criterion Catalyst Company Limited, CRI/Criterion Marketing Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, Caesar Oil Pipeline Company, Cansolv Technologies (Beijing) Company Limited, Cansolv Technologies Inc., Carissa Einzelhandel- und Tankstellenservice GmbH & Co. KG, Carissa Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH, Caspi Meruerty Operating Company B.V., Cekisan Depolama Hizmetleri Ltd. Sti., Central African Petroleum Refineries (Private) Limited, China, Chongqing Doyen Shell Petroleum and Chemical Co. Ltd., Chosun Shell B.V., Cicerone Holding B.V., Colbea Enterprises, Colonial Pipeline, Colorado Wind Ventures, Compana Qumica Nicaragense S.A., Concha Chemical Pipeline LLC, Condamine 1 Pty Ltd, Condamine 2 Pty Ltd, Condamine 3 Pty Ltd, Condamine 4 Pty Ltd, Condamine Power Station Pty Ltd, Coral Cibola Canada Inc., Cote d'Ivoire GNL, Crestwood Permian Basin LLC, Criterion Catalyst Company, Criterion Catalysts & Technologies Canada, Criterion Catalysts & Technologies L.P., Deer Park Refining Limited Partnership, Deheza S.A.I.C.F. e I., Delta Business Development Limited, Deutsche Infineum GmbH & Co. KG, Deutsche Shell GmbH, Deutsche Shell Holding GmbH, Deutsche Transalpine Oelleitung GmbH, Dinarel S.A., Dragon LNG Group Limited, ELLBA B.V., ELLBA C.V., EPP LLC, EXCO Appalachia Midstream, EXCO Resources (PA), East Resources, Eastham Refinery Limited, Egypt LNG Shipping Limited, El Behera Natural Gas Liquefaction Company S.A.E., Ellba Eastern (Pte) Ltd, Emdad Aviation Fuel Storage FZCO, Endymion Oil Pipeline Company, Energina Compana Argentina de Petroleo S.A., Energy Finance NZ Limited, Energy Holdings Offshore Limited, Energy Infrastructure Limited, Energy Petroleum Holdings Limited, Energy Petroleum Investments Limited, Energy Petroleum Taranaki Limited, Enterprise Oil Limited, Enterprise Oil Middle East Limited, Enterprise Oil Norge Limited, Enterprise Oil North America Inc., Enterprise Oil Operations Limited, Enterprise Oil U.K. Limited, Equilon Enterprises, Equilon Enterprises LLC, Erdoel-Raffinerie Deurag-Nerag GmbH, Estacion Lima S.A., Ethyleen Pijpleiding Maatschappij (Belgie) N.V., Euroshell Cards B.V., Explorer Pipeline Company, FBG Ferngasbeteiligungsgesellschaft mbH, FP Solutions Corporation, Fahari Gas Marketing Company Limited, Farepilot Limited, First Philippine Industrial Corporation, First Utility, Framecroft Limited, Fuelink Pty Ltd, Fuelng Pte. Ltd, Fulmart Limited, Fusus Comercio e Participacoes Ltda., GOGB Limited, Gainrace Limited, Gas Del Litoral, Gas Investments & Services Company Limited, Gas Resources Limited, GasTerra B.V., Gasnor AS, Gasoducto Cruz del Sur S.A., Gatwick Airport Storage and Hydrant Company Limited, Gaviota Terminal Company, Glossop Limited, Gothenburgh Fuelling Company AB, Greenlots, Groupement Petrolier Aviation SNC, Groupement d'Exploitation du Depot de Reception Chennevieres, Guara B.V., H2 Mobility Deutschland GmbH and Co. KG, HPRDS und SPNV Deutschland Oil GmbH & Co. KG, HPRDS und SPNV Deutschland Verwaltungsges. mbH, Hangzhou Natural Gas Company Limited, Hankook Shell Oil Company, Hazira LNG Private Limited, Hazira Port Private Limited, Heathrow Airport Fuel Company Limited, Heathrow Hydrant Operating Company Limited, Holaw (619) Limited, Hong Kong Response Limited, Hyundai and Shell Base Oil Co., IDKU Natural Gas Liquefaction Company S.A.E., IOT Management Sdn. Bhd., Icolub - Industria de Lubrificantes S.A., Infineum (China) Co. Ltd., Infineum Deutschland Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH, Infineum France, Infineum Holdings B.V., Infineum Italia S.R.L., Infineum Singapore Pte Ltd, Infineum USA Inc., Infineum USA L.P., Inspire Energy Holdings LLC, Integral Investments B.V., International Inland Waterways, Interstate Pipelines Pty Limited, Irish Shell Trust Designated Activity Company, Japan Chemtech Ltd., Jiffy Lube International, Jordan Oil Shale Company B.V., Kamayan Realty Corporation, Karachaganak Petroleum Operating B.V., Karachaganak Project Development Limited, Kebabangan Petroleum Operating Company Sdn. Bhd., Khanty-Mansiysk Petroleum Alliance Closed Joint Stock Company, Khmer Shell Limited, Kite Power Systems Limited, Kuwait Shell Limited, LNG Canada Development Inc., LNG Shipping Operation Services Netherlands B.V., LOCAP LLC, LOOP, Lake Charles Exports, Laurentide E&P, Lensbury Limited, Libra Oil & Gas B.V., Limejump, Limited Liability Company "Shell Neft", Limited Liability Company "Shell Neftegaz Development (IV)", Limited Liability Company "Shell Neftegaz Development (V)", Loyalty Management Netherlands B.V., MP2 Energy LLC, MP2 Energy NE LLC, MP2 Energy NY LLC, MP2 Energy Retail Holdings LLC, MP2 Energy Texas LLC, MP2 Generation LLC, MP2 Mesquite Creek Wind LLC, Maasvlakte Olie Terminal C.V., Mahanagar Gas Limited, Malmoe Fuelling Services AB, Manchester Airport Storage and Hydrant Company Limited, Maple Power Holdings LLC, Maritime Association for Risk Mitigation & Safety Limited, Marmara Depoculuk Hizmetleri A.S., Mars Oil Pipeline Company LLC, Mattox Pipeline Company LLC, Maui Development Limited, Mertvyi Kultuk LLC, Methane Services Limited, Mineraloelraffinerie Oberrhein Verwaltungs GmbH, Monash Energy Pty Ltd, Morzine Limited, Motiva Company, Mpower2 LLC, Multi Tank Card B.V., Murphy Schiehallion Limited, Mzalendo Gas Processing Company Limited, N.V. Rotterdam-Rijn Pijpleiding Maatschappij, NLNG Ship Manning Limited, Nederlandse Aardolie Maatschappij B.V., Nedpower Mount Storm LLC, Netherlands Alng Holding Company B.V., New Market Belgium, New South Oil Pty Ltd, NewMotion, Nigeria LNG Limited, Noble Assurance Company, Noordzeewind B.V., Noordzeewind C.V., Nord-West Oelleitung GmbH, North West Shelf LNG Pty Ltd, O & G Developments Ltd S.A., OME Resources Australia Pty Ltd, Obaiyed Petroleum Company, Oberrheinische Mineraloelwerke GmbH, Ocean Century Tf Limited, Octane Holdings Limited, Octane Properties Limited, Odyssey Pipeline L.L.C., Oman LNG LLC, Ormen Lange Eiendom DA, Oryx Caspian Pipeline, P S Pipeline Sendirian Berhad, P S Terminal Sendirian Berhad, PCK Raffinerie GmbH, PT. Gresik Distribution Terminal, PT. Shell Indonesia, PT. Shell Manufacturing Indonesia, PT. Shell Solar Indonesia, Pacwest Energy, Pak Arab Pipeline Company Limited, Pakistan Refinery Limited, Paqell B.V., Pattanadhorn Company Limited, Pecten Arabian Company, Pecten Brazil Exploration Company, Pecten Middle East Services Company Limited, Pecten Midstream LLC, Pecten Orient Company, Pecten Orient Company LLC, Pecten Producing Company, Pecten Somalia Company Limited Shell GTL Limited, Pecten Trading Company, Pecten Victoria Company, Pecten Yemen Masila Company, Pecten do Brasil Servicos de Petroleo Ltda, Pelican Transmission, Peninsular Aviation Services Company Limited, Pennzoil Products International Company, Pennzoil Quaker State India Limited, Pennzoil-Quaker State Company, Pennzoil-Quaker State International Corporation, Pennzoil-Quaker State Nominee Company, Pertini Vista Sdn. Bhd., Peru LNG Company LLC, Petroleum Development Oman LLC, Petroleum Exploration Australia Pty Limited, Petroleum Resources (Thailand) Pty. Limited, Petrolon Europe Limited, Petrolon International Limited, Petroregional del Lago, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation, Point Fortin LNG Exports Limited, Poseidon Oil Pipeline Company, Power Limited Partnership, Private Oil Holdings Oman Limited, Proteus Oil Pipeline Company, Provident & Pensions Holdings Proprietary Limited, Provista Ventures Sdn. Bhd., Pure Energy Resources Pty Limited, QCLNG Operating Company Pty Ltd, QCLNG Pty Ltd, QGC (B7) Pty Ltd, QGC (Exploration) Pty Ltd, QGC (Infrastructure) Pty Ltd, QGC Common Facilities Company Pty Ltd, QGC Holdings 2 Pty Ltd, QGC Holdings 3 Pty Ltd, QGC Holdings 4 Pty Ltd, QGC Holdings 5 Pty Ltd, QGC Holdings 6 Pty Ltd, QGC Holdings 7 Pty Ltd, QGC Holdings 8 Pty Ltd, QGC Holdings 9 Pty Ltd, QGC Midstream Holdings Pty Ltd, QGC Midstream Investments Pty Ltd, QGC Midstream Land Pty Ltd, QGC Midstream Limited Partnership, QGC Midstream Services Pty Ltd, QGC Northern Forestry Pty Ltd, QGC Pty Limited, QGC Sales Qld Pty Ltd, QGC Train 1 Pty Ltd, QGC Train 1 Tolling Pty Ltd, QGC Train 1 UJV Manager Pty Ltd, QGC Train 2 Pty Ltd, QGC Train 2 Tolling No.2 Pty Ltd, QGC Train 2 Tolling Pty Ltd, QGC Train 2 UJV Manager Pty Ltd, QGC Upstream Finance Pty Ltd, QGC Upstream Holdings Pty Ltd, QGC Upstream Investments Pty Ltd, QGC Upstream Limited Partnership, QPI and Shell Petrochemicals (Singapore) Pte Ltd, Qatar Liquefied Gas Company Limited (4), Qatar Shell Research & Technology Centre QSTP-LLC, Qatar Shell Service Company W.L.L., Quaker State Investment Corporation, Queensland Gas Company Pty Ltd, RDK Ventures, RESCO B.V., RK Caspian Shipping Company, Raffinaderij Shell Mersin N.V., Raizen Combustveis S.A., Raizen Energia S.A., Rashid Petroleum Company S.A.E., Rhein-Main-Rohrleitungstransportgesellschaft mbH, Rheinland Kraftstoff GmbH, Rilette Springs, Roma Petroleum Pty Limited, Rosneft-Shell Caspian Ventures Limited, Rub' Al-Khali Gas Development B.V., Ruvuma Pipeline Company Limited, S T Exchange, SASF Pty Ltd, SCL Pipeline Inc., SCOGI GP, SELAP Limited, SF Investment Management Limited, SFJ Inc., SGA (Queensland) Pty Ltd, SHELL Slovakia s.r.o., SOGEP Societe Genevoise des Petroles SA, SOI Finance Inc., SOPC Holdings East LLC, SOPC Holdings West LLC, SPNV Deutschland Beteiligungsges. mbH, STISA (Pty) Limited, STT (Das Beneficiary) Limited, SWEPI LP, Sabah Shell Petroleum Company Limited, Sable Offshore Energy Inc., Sahapanichkijphun Company Limited, Sakhalin Energy Investment Company Ltd, Sakhalin LNG Services Company Ltd., Salamander Inc., Salym Petroleum Development N.V., Salzburg Fuelling GmbH, Samsun Akaryakit ve Depolama A.S., San Pablo Bay Pipeline Company LLC, Sand Dollar Pipeline LLC, Saraco SA, Sarawak Shell Berhad, Saudi Aramco Shell Refinery Company, Saxon Oil Limited, Saxon Oil Miller Limited, Schiehallion Oil & Gas Limited, Schooner Trustees Limited, Seapos Ltda., Sekelo Oil Trading (Pty) Limited, Select Carbon, Service Aviation Paris (G.I.E.), Sgai Pty Limited, Sharjah Fuelling Services Company Ltd., Shell & BP South African Petroleum Refineries (Pty) Limited, Shell & Disa Aviation Espana, Shell & MOH Aviation Fuels A.E., Shell & Turcas Petrol A.S., Shell (Beijing) Real Estate Consulting Ltd., Shell (China) Limited, Shell (China) Projects & Technology Limited, Shell (Petroleum Mining) Company Limited, Shell (Shanghai) Petroleum Company Limited, Shell (Shanghai) Technology Limited, Shell (Sudan) Petroleum Development Company Limited, Shell (Switzerland) AG, Shell (Tianjin) Lubricants Company Limited, Shell (Tianjin) Oil and Petrochemical Company Limited, Shell (US) Gas & Power M&T Holdings, Shell (Zhejiang) Petroleum Trading Limited, Shell (Zhuhai) Lubricants Company Limited, Shell Abu Dhabi B.V., Shell Additives Holdings (I) B.V., Shell Additives Holdings (II) B.V., Shell Adria d.o.o., Shell Aircraft Limited, Shell Algeria Zerafa GmbH, Shell Americas Funding (Canada) Limited, Shell Arabia Car Service Limited, Shell Asset Management Company B.V., Shell Australia FLNG Pty Ltd, Shell Australia Lubricants Production Pty Ltd, Shell Australia Natural Gas Shipping Limited, Shell Australia Pty Ltd, Shell Australia Services Company Pty Ltd, Shell Austria Gesellschaft mbH, Shell Aviation Finland Oy, Shell Aviation Limited, Shell Aviation Sweden AB, Shell Bab Gas Development B.V., Shell Benin Upstream Ltd, Shell Bermuda (Overseas) Limited, Shell Bolivia Corporation, Shell Borneo Sendirian Berhad, Shell Brands International AG, Shell Brasil Petroleo Ltda., Shell Brazil Holding B.V., Shell Brazil Holding GmbH, Shell Broadwater Holdings LLC, Shell Bulgaria Ead, Shell Business Development Central Asia B.V., Shell Business Development Middle East Limited, Shell Business Service Centre Sdn. Bhd., Shell California Pipeline Company LLC, Shell Canada Energy, Shell Canada Exploration, Shell Canada Limited, Shell Canada OP Inc., Shell Canada Products, Shell Canada Resources, Shell Canada Services Limited, Shell Caribbean & Central America Ltd, Shell Caribbean Investments Limited, Shell Caspian B.V., Shell Caspian Pipeline Holdings B.V., Shell Catalysts Ventures Inc., Shell Chemical Appalachia LLC, Shell Chemical Company of Eastern Africa Limited, Shell Chemical LP, Shell Chemicals (Hellas) Limited, Shell Chemicals Arabia LLC, Shell Chemicals Canada, Shell Chemicals Europe B.V., Shell Chemicals Japan Ltd., Shell Chemicals Limited, Shell Chemicals Philippines, Shell Chemicals Seraya Pte. Ltd., Shell Chemicals Support Services Asia Limited, Shell Chemicals U.K. Limited, Shell Chemicals Ventures B.V., Shell China B.V., Shell China Exploration and Production Company Limited, Shell China Holding GmbH, Shell China Holdings B.V., Shell Clair UK Limited, Shell Club Corringham Limited, Shell Colombia S.A., Shell Communications, Shell Company (Hellas) Limited, Shell Company (Pacific Islands) Limited, Shell Compana Argentina de Petroleo S.A., Shell Corporate Director Limited, Shell Corporate Secretary Limited, Shell Corporate Services Switzerland AG, Shell Custodian Pty Ltd, Shell Czech Republic A.S., Shell Deepwater Borneo Limited, Shell Deepwater Royalties Inc., Shell Deepwater Tanzania B.V., Shell Deutschland Additive GmbH, Shell Deutschland Oil GmbH, Shell Development (PSC19) Pty Ltd, Shell Development (PSC20) Pty Ltd, Shell Development Iran B.V., Shell Development Oman LLC, Shell Developments (HK) Limited, Shell Direct (U.K.) Limited, Shell Distributor (Holdings) Limited, Shell Downstream Inc., Shell Downstream Services International B.V., Shell Downstream South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Shell E & P Ireland Offshore Inc., Shell E and P Offshore Services B.V., Shell E&P Ireland Limited, Shell EP Holdings (EE&ME) B.V., Shell EP Holdings Inc., Shell EP Holdingselskab Danmark ApS, Shell EP International Limited, Shell EP Middle East Holdings B.V., Shell EP Offshore Ventures Limited, Shell EP Russia Investments (III) B.V., Shell EP Russia Investments (V) B.V., Shell EP Somalia B.V., Shell EP Wells Equipment Services B.V., Shell Eastern Petroleum (Pte) Ltd, Shell Eastern Trading (Pte) Ltd, Shell Egypt N.V., Shell Egypt Trading, Shell Employee Benefits Trustee Limited, Shell Energy (China) Limited, Shell Energy Asia Limited, Shell Energy Australia Pty Ltd, Shell Energy Company, Shell Energy Deutschland GmbH, Shell Energy Europe B.V., Shell Energy Europe Limited, Shell Energy Holding GP LLC, Shell Energy Holdings Australia Limited, Shell Energy Investments Australia Pty Ltd, Shell Energy Investments Limited, Shell Energy Italia S.R.L., Shell Energy Marketing and Trading India Private Limited, Shell Energy Merchants Canada Inc., Shell Energy North America (Canada) Inc., Shell Energy North America (US), Shell Energy Resources Company, Shell Energy Supply UK LTD., Shell Energy do Brasil Ltda, Shell Enerji A.S., Shell Erdgas Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH, Shell Erdgas Marketing GmbH & Co. KG, Shell Erdoel und Erdgas Exploration GmbH, Shell Espana, Shell Expatriate Employment US Inc., Shell Exploracion y Extraccion de Mexico, Shell Exploration & Production Company, Shell Exploration B.V., Shell Exploration Company (RF) B.V., Shell Exploration Company (West) B.V., Shell Exploration Company B.V., Shell Exploration Company Inc., Shell Exploration NZ Ltd, Shell Exploration New Ventures One GmbH, Shell Exploration Venture Services B.V., Shell Exploration and Development Libya GmbH I, Shell Exploration and Production (78) B.V., Shell Exploration and Production (79) B.V., Shell Exploration and Production (82) B.V., Shell Exploration and Production (83) B.V., Shell Exploration and Production (84) B.V., Shell Exploration and Production (85) B.V., Shell Exploration and Production (86) B.V., Shell Exploration and Production (87) B.V., Shell Exploration and Production (88) B.V., Shell Exploration and Production (89) B.V., Shell Exploration and Production (90) B.V., Shell Exploration and Production (91) B.V., Shell Exploration and Production (LI) B.V., Shell Exploration and Production (LIX) B.V., Shell Exploration and Production (LVII) B.V., Shell Exploration and Production (LX) B.V., Shell Exploration and Production (LXI) B.V., Shell Exploration and Production (LXII) B.V., Shell Exploration and Production (LXIII) B.V., Shell Exploration and Production (LXIV) B.V., Shell Exploration and Production (LXV) B.V., Shell Exploration and Production (LXVI) B.V., Shell Exploration and Production (LXVII) B.V., Shell Exploration and Production (LXXI) B.V., Shell Exploration and Production (LXXIV) B.V., Shell Exploration and Production (LXXV) B.V., Shell Exploration and Production (XL) B.V., Shell Exploration and Production Africa Limited, Shell Exploration and Production Colombia GmbH, Shell Exploration and Production Guyana Limited, Shell Exploration and Production Holdings B.V., Shell Exploration and Production Investments B.V., Shell Exploration and Production Libya GmbH, Shell Exploration and Production Oman Limited, Shell Exploration and Production Services (RF) B.V., Shell Exploration and Production South Africa B.V., Shell Exploration and Production Tanzania Limited, Shell Exploration and Production Ukraine I B.V., Shell Exploration and Production Ukraine Investments (I) B.V., Shell Exploration and Production Ukraine Investments (II) B.V., Shell Exploration and Production Ukraine Investments (IV) B.V., Shell Exploration et Production du Maroc GmbH, Shell Exploration und Produktion Deutschland GmbH, Shell Finance (Netherlands) B.V., Shell Finance Luxembourg Sarl, Shell Finance Switzerland AG, Shell Frontier Oil & Gas Inc., Shell GNL Peru S.A.C., Shell GOM Pipeline Company LLC, Shell GSB Limited, Shell Gas & Power Developments B.V., Shell Gas (LPG) Holdings B.V., Shell Gas B.V., Shell Gas Gathering Corp. #2, Shell Gas Holdings (Malaysia) Limited, Shell Gas Iraq B.V., Shell Gas Marketing Pte. Ltd., Shell Gas Nigeria B.V., Shell Gas S.A., Shell Gas Supply Trinidad Limited, Shell Gas Trading (Asia Pacific), Shell Gas Venezuela B.V., Shell Gas and Energy Philippines Corporation, Shell Generating (Holding) B.V., Shell Global Customer Services Centre CA, Shell Global Solutions (Deutschland) GmbH, Shell Global Solutions (Eastern Europe) B.V., Shell Global Solutions (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Shell Global Solutions (Thailand) Limited, Shell Global Solutions (US) Inc., Shell Global Solutions Australia Pty Ltd, Shell Global Solutions Canada Inc., Shell Global Solutions Holdings (Thailand) Limited, Shell Global Solutions International B.V., Shell Global Solutions Saudi Arabia LLC, Shell Global Solutions Services B.V., Shell Greenland A/S, Shell Grundstcksgesellschaft Wesseling GmbH & Co. KG, Shell Guam Inc., Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc., Shell Hasdrubal Limited, Shell Holdings (Bermuda) Limited, Shell Holdings (U.K.) Limited, Shell Holdings Switzerland AG, Shell Hong Kong Limited, Shell Hungary Trading close Company Limited by shares, Shell Hydrogen Deutschland GmbH, Shell India Markets Private Limited, Shell India Ventures Pte. Ltd., Shell Information Technology International B.V., Shell Information Technology International Inc., Shell Information Technology International Limited, Shell Integrated Gas Thailand Pte.Limited, Shell International B.V., Shell International Exploration and Development Italia S.p.A., Shell International Exploration and Production B.V., Shell International Exploration and Production Inc., Shell International Finance B.V., Shell International Gas Limited, Shell International Limited, Shell International Petroleum Company Limited, Shell International Shipping Services (Pte) Ltd, Shell International Trading Middle East Limited, Shell International Trading and Shipping Company Limited, Shell Internationale Research Maatschappij B.V., Shell Internet Ventures B.V., Shell Investments NZ Limited, Shell Iraq B.V., Shell Iraq Petroleum Development B.V., Shell Iraq Services B.V., Shell Italia E&P S.p.A., Shell Italia Holding S.p.A., Shell Italia Oil Products S.R.L., Shell Japan Limited, Shell Japan Trading Ltd., Shell Kazakhstan B.V., Shell Kazakhstan Development B.V., Shell Korea Limited, Shell Kuwait Exploration and Production B.V., Shell LNG Gibraltar Limited, Shell LNG Port Spain B.V., Shell LNG T&T Ltd, Shell Leasing Company, Shell Lubricants Egypt, Shell Lubricants Supply Company B.V., Shell Lubricants Switzerland AG, Shell Luxembourgeoise Sarl, Shell MDS (Malaysia) Sendirian Berhad, Shell MRPL Aviation Fuels and Services Limited, Shell MSPO 2 Holding B.V., Shell Macau Limited, Shell Macau Petroleum Company Limited, Shell Madeira Praia Formosa, Shell Malaysia Limited, Shell Malaysia Trading Sendirian Berhad, Shell Manatee Limited, Shell Manufacturing Services B.V., Shell Marine Personnel (I.O.M.) Limited, Shell Marine Products (US) Company, Shell Marine Products AS, Shell Marine Products Limited, Shell Markets (Middle East) Limited, Shell Mexico, Shell Mexico Exploration and Production Investment Limited, Shell Mexico Gas Natural, Shell Midstream LP Holdings LLC, Shell Midstream Operating LLC, Shell Midstream Partners, Shell Midstream Partners GP LLC, Shell Mozambique B.V., Shell Myanmar Energy Pte. Ltd., Shell Myanmar Petroleum Pte. Ltd., Shell NA Gas & Power Holding Company, Shell NA LNG LLC, Shell Namibia Upstream B.V., Shell Nanhai B.V., Shell Nederland B.V., Shell Nederland Chemie B.V., Shell Nederland Raffinaderij B.V., Shell Nederland Verkoopmaatschappij B.V., Shell New Ventures Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Shell New Zealand (2011) Limited, Shell New Zealand Pensions Limited, Shell Nigeria Closed Pension Fund Administrator Ltd, Shell Nigeria Exploration Properties Alpha Limited, Shell Nigeria Exploration Properties Beta Limited, Shell Nigeria Exploration Properties Charlie Limited, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Ltd, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Delta Limited, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Echo Limited, Shell Nigeria Gas Ltd (SNG), Shell Nigeria Infrastructure Development Limited, Shell Nigeria Offshore Prospecting Limited, Shell Nigeria Oil Products Limited (SNOP), Shell Nigeria Ultra Deep Limited, Shell Nigeria Upstream Ventures Limited, Shell North America Gas & Power Services Company, Shell North China Petroleum Group Co., Shell North Sea Holdings Limited, Shell Nusantara Trading B.V., Shell OKLNG Holdings B.V., Shell Offshore (Personnel) Services B.V., Shell Offshore Central Gabon Ltd, Shell Offshore Inc., Shell Offshore North Gabon B.V., Shell Offshore Response Company LLC, Shell Offshore Services B.V., Shell Offshore and Chemical Investments Inc., Shell Oil & Gas (Malaysia) LLC, Shell Oil Company, Shell Oil Company Investments Inc., Shell Oil Products Company LLC, Shell Olie - OG Gasudvinding Danmark B.V., Shell Olie OG Gas Holding B.V., Shell Olie-og Gasudvinding Danmark Pipelines ApS, Shell Oman Exploration and Production B.V., Shell Oman Marketing Company SAOG, Shell Oman Trading Limited, Shell Onshore Ventures Inc., Shell Operaciones Peru S.A.C., Shell Overseas Holdings (Oman) Limited, Shell Overseas Holdings Limited, Shell Overseas Investments B.V., Shell Overseas Services Limited, Shell Pakistan Limited, Shell Pensioenbureau Nederland B.V., Shell Pension Reserve Company (SIPF) Limited, Shell Pension Reserve Company (SOCPF) Limited, Shell Pension Reserve Company (UK) Limited, Shell Pensions Trust Limited, Shell People Services Asia Sdn. Bhd., Shell Petrol A.S., Shell Petroleum (Malaysia) Ltd, Shell Petroleum Inc., Shell Petroleum N.V., Shell Philippines Exploration B.V., Shell Pipeline Company LP, Shell Pipeline GP LLC, Shell Polska Sp. z o.o., Shell Project Development (VIII) B.V., Shell Property Company Limited, Shell Pulau Moa Pte Ltd, Shell QGC Holdings Limited, Shell QGC Midstream 1 Limited, Shell QGC Midstream 2 Limited, Shell QGC Upstream 1 Limited, Shell QGC Upstream 2 Limited, Shell Quebec Limitee, Shell RDS Holding B.V., Shell RSC Company, Shell Rail Operations Company, Shell Research Limited, Shell Response Limited, Shell Retraites SAS, Shell Road Solutions (Zhenjiang) Co. Ltd, Shell Road Solutions Xinyue (Foshan) Co. Ltd., Shell Sabah Selatan Sendirian Berhad, Shell Sakhalin Holdings B.V., Shell Sakhalin Services B.V., Shell Salym Development B.V., Shell Saudi Arabia (Refining) Limited, Shell Seraya Pioneer (Pte) Ltd, Shell Service Station Properties Limited, Shell Services Oman B.V., Shell Servicios Mexico, Shell Shared Services (Asia) B.V., Shell Ship Management Limited, Shell Singapore Trustees (Pte) Ltd, Shell Solar Philippines Corporation, Shell South Africa Energy (Pty) Ltd, Shell South Africa Exploration (Pty) Limited, Shell South Africa Holdings (Pty) Ltd, Shell South Africa Upstream B.V., Shell South Syria Exploration Limited, Shell Spain LNG, Shell Subsidiary Distributors Pension Trustee Limited, Shell Supplementary Pension Plan Trustees Limited, Shell Taiwan Limited, Shell Tankers (Singapore) Private Limited, Shell Tankers (U.K.) Limited, Shell Tankers Australia Pty Ltd, Shell Tanzania Limited, Shell TapUp B.V., Shell Taranaki Limited, Shell Technology Ventures B.V., Shell Technology Ventures Fund 1 B.V., Shell Technology Ventures Investments B.V., Shell Technology Ventures LLC, Shell Thailand E&P Inc., Shell Thrift & Loan Fund Trustees Nig Ltd, Shell Timur Sdn. Bhd., Shell Trademark Management B.V., Shell Trademark Management Inc., Shell Trading (M.E.) Private Limited, Shell Trading (US) Company, Shell Trading Canada, Shell Trading International Limited, Shell Trading Mexico, Shell Trading North America Company, Shell Trading Risk Management, Shell Trading Rotterdam B.V., Shell Trading Russia B.V., Shell Trading Services Company, Shell Trading Switzerland AG, Shell Transportation Holdings LLC, Shell Treasury Center (West) Inc., Shell Treasury Centre East (Pte) Ltd, Shell Treasury Centre Limited, Shell Treasury Company Switzerland AG, Shell Treasury Dollar Company Limited, Shell Treasury Euro Company Limited, Shell Treasury Luxembourg Sarl, Shell Treasury Malaysia (L) Limited, Shell Treasury UK Limited, Shell Trinidad 5(A) Limited, Shell Trinidad Block E Limited, Shell Trinidad Central Block Limited, Shell Trinidad Ltd, Shell Trinidad and Tobago Limited, Shell Trinidad and Tobago Resources SRL, Shell Trust (Bermuda) Limited, Shell Trust (U.K. Property) Limited, Shell Trustee Solutions Limited, Shell Tunisia El Jem GmbH, Shell Tunisia Kairouan GmbH, Shell Tunisia LPG S.A., Shell Tunisia Offshore GmbH, Shell Tunisia Upstream Limited, Shell U.K. Limited, Shell U.K. North Atlantic Limited, Shell U.K. Oil Products Limited, Shell US E&P Investments LLC, Shell US Gas & Power LLC, Shell US Hosting Company, Shell Ukraine Exploration and Production I LLC, Shell Upstream Albania B.V., Shell Upstream Development B.V., Shell Upstream Indonesia Services B.V., Shell Upstream Overseas Services (I) Limited, Shell Upstream Spain B.V., Shell Upstream Turkey B.V., Shell Venezuela, Shell Venezuela Productos, Shell Ventures New Zealand Limited, Shell Ventures U.K. Limited, Shell Verwaltungsgesellschaft fr Erdgasbeteiligungen mbH, Shell Vietnam Ltd, Shell Western LNG B.V., Shell Western Supply and Trading Limited, Shell WindEnergy Inc., Shell WindEnergy Services Inc., Shell Windenergy Limited, Shell Windenergy NZW I B.V., Shell Windenergy Netherlands B.V., Shell and Topaz Aviation Ireland Limited, Shell and Vivo Lubricants B.V., Shell-Mex and B.P. Limited, Ship Shoal Pipeline Company, Singapore Lube Park Pte. Ltd., Sinopec and Shell (Jiangsu) Petroleum Marketing Company Limited, Sirius Well Manufacturing Services Pte. Ltd., Sitra Petroleum Company, Snijders Olie B.V., Societa Italiana per l'Oleodotto Transalpino S.p.A., Societa' Oleodotti Meridionali S.p.A., Societe de Gestion Mobiliere et Immobiliere SAS, Societe des Petroles Shell SAS, Solen Insurance Limited, Solen Life Insurance Limited, Solen Versicherungen AG, Sonnen, Southern Petroleum No Liability, Stansted Fuelling Company Limited, Starzap Pty Ltd, Station Managers of Puerto Rico, Stazioni Autostradali Bellinzona SA, Ste du Pipeline Sud Europeen S.A., Stockholm Fuelling Services AB, Sucre Gas, Sun-Canadian Pipe Line Company Limited, Sunshine 685 Pty Limited, Sunshine Gas Pty Limited, Suzhou Liyuan Retail Site Management Co., Synthetic Chemicals (Northern) Limited, Syria Shell Petroleum Development B.V., Syriaga Neftegaz Development, TBG Tanklager Betriebsgesellschaft m.b.H., TMR Company, TRINLING Limited, Tabangao Realty, Tacoma Company Limited, Tamba B.V., Tanjung Manis Oil Terminal Management Sdn. Bhd., Tankstation Exploitatie Maatschappij Holding B.V., Tanzania LNG Limited, Taranaki Offshore Petroleum Company of New Zealand, Tejas Coral GP, Tejas Coral Holding, Tejas Power Generation, Telegraph Service Stations Limited, Texas Petroleum Group LLC, Texas-New Mexico Pipe Line Company, Thai Energy Company Limited, The Anglo-Saxon Petroleum Company Limited, The Asiatic Petroleum Company Limited, The Consolidated Petroleum Company Limited, The Consolidated Petroleum Supply Company Limited, The Egyptian LNG Company S.A.E., The Egyptian Operating Company for Natural Gas Liquefaction Projects S.A.E., The International School of Port of Spain Limited, The Mexican Eagle Oil Company Limited, The New Motion B.V., The New Motion Deutschland GmbH, The New Motion EVSE Limited, The New Motion France SAS, The Shell Company (W.I.) Limited, The Shell Company of Hong Kong Limited, The Shell Company of India Limited, The Shell Company of Nigeria Limited, The Shell Company of Thailand Limited, The Shell Company of The Philippines Limited, The Shell Company of Turkey Limited, The Shell Company of West Africa Limited, The Shell Marketing Company of Borneo Limited, The Shell Petroleum Company Limited, The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, The Shell Transport and Trading Company Limited, The Valley Camp Coal Company, Thermocomfort Limited Shell Pension Plan Trust Limited, Three Wind Holdings LLC, Tiba Petroleum Company, Trans-Northern Pipelines Inc., Transalpine lleitung in sterreich GmbH, Tri Star Energy LLC, Trident LNG Shipping Services Pty Ltd, Trident Shipping Services Pty Ltd, Triton Diagnostics Inc., Triton Terminaling LLC, Triton West LLC, True North Energy LLC, Tunisian Processing S.A., Tupi B.V., UBAG, URSA Oil Pipeline Company LLC, Union Temporal Bloque Sin Off 7, Unitas Company Limited, United Kingdom Oil Pipelines Limited, Vestprosess DA, Waalbrug Exploitatie Maatschappij B.V., Walloons Coal Seam Gas Company Pty Limited, Walton-Gatwick Pipeline Company Limited, West London Pipeline and Storage Limited, West Shore Pipe Line Company, West Sitra Petroleum Company, Wonderbill Limited, Woodlea Limited, Yanchang and Shell (Guangdong) Petroleum Co., Yanchang and Shell (Sichuan) Petroleum Company Limited, Yanchang and Shell Petroleum Company Limited, Yueyang Sinopec and Shell Coal Gasification Company Limited, Zeolyst C.V., Zhejiang Shell Fuels Company Limited, Zhejiang Shell Oil and Petrochemical Company Limited, Zydeco Pipeline Company LLC, euroShell Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG, and euroShell Deutschland Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH. Safran SA, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the aerospace and defense businesses worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Aerospace Propulsion, Aircraft Equipment, and Defense. The Aerospace Propulsion segment designs, develops, produces, and markets propulsion systems for commercial aircraft, military transport, training and combat aircraft, rocket engines, civil and military helicopters, and tactical missiles and drones. This segment also offers maintenance, repair, and overhaul services, as well as sells spare parts. The Aircraft Equipment segment provides landing gear and brakes; engine systems and associated equipment, such as thrust reversers and nacelles; and mechanical power transmission systems. This segment also offers electrical power generation cycle and associated engineering services; ventilation systems; and maintenance, repair, and related services, as well as sells spare parts. Its products and services are used in civil and military aircraft, and helicopters. The Defense segment designs, develops, manufactures, and markets optronic, avionic, and electronic solutions and services, as well as offers software for civil and defense applications. This segment also develops inertial navigation systems for aviation, naval, and land applications; flight commands for helicopters, and tactical optronic systems and drones; and defense equipment and systems. It serves naval, land, and aviation defense industries. Safran SA was incorporated in 1924 and is based in Paris, France. Read More American Consumer News, LLC dba MarketBeat 2010-2021. All rights reserved. 326 E 8th St #105, Sioux Falls, SD 57103 | U.S. Based Support Team at [email protected]t.com | (844) 978-6257 MarketBeat does not provide personalized financial advice and does not issue recommendations or offers to buy stock or sell any security. Our Accessibility Statement | Terms of Service | Do Not Sell My Information 2021 Market data provided is at least 10-minutes delayed and hosted by Barchart Solutions. Information is provided 'as-is' and solely for informational purposes, not for trading purposes or advice, and is delayed. To see all exchange delays and terms of use please see disclaimer. Fundamental company data provided by Zacks Investment Research. Suncor Energy Inc. operates as an integrated energy company. The company primarily focuses on developing petroleum resource basins in Canada's Athabasca oil sands; explores, acquires, develops, produces, transports, refines, and markets crude oil in Canada and internationally; markets petroleum and petrochemical products under the Petro-Canada name primarily in Canada. It operates in Oil Sands; Exploration and Production; Refining and Marketing; and Corporate and Eliminations segments. The Oil Sands segment recovers bitumen from mining and in situ operations, and upgrades it into refinery feedstock and diesel fuel, or blends the bitumen with diluent for direct sale to market. The Exploration and Production segment is involved in offshore operations off the east coast of Canada and in the North Sea; and operating onshore assets in Libya and Syria. The Refining and Marketing segment refines crude oil and intermediate feedstock into various petroleum and petrochemical products; and markets refined petroleum products to retail, commercial, and industrial customers through its other retail sellers. The Corporate and Eliminations segment operates four wind farm operations in Ontario and Western Canada. The company also markets and trades in crude oil, natural gas, byproducts, refined products, and power. The company was formerly known as Suncor Inc. and changed its name to Suncor Energy Inc. in April 1997. Suncor Energy Inc. was founded in 1917 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Laboratory Co. of America: 1957285 Ontario Inc. dba Quality Underwriting Services, 2089729 Ontario Inc., 2248848 Ontario Inc., 3065619 Nova Scotia Company, 3257959 Nova Scotia Company, 896988 Ontario Limited, 9279-3280 Quebec Inc., Accupath Diagnostic Laboratories Inc., Alpha Medical Laboratory LLC, Assets of Pathology Inc, Beacon LBS IPA Inc., Beacon Laboratory Benefit Solutions Inc., CannAmm GP Inc., CannAmm Limited Partnership, Center for Disease Detection International, Center for Disease Detection LLC, Centrex Clinical Laboratories Inc., Chiltern, Clearstone Central Laboratories (U.S.) Inc., Clearstone Holdings (International) Ltd., Clipper Holdings Inc., Colorado Coagulation Consultants Inc., Colorado Laboratory Services LLC, Correlagen Diagnostics Inc., Covance Inc., Curalab Inc., Cytometry Associates Inc., Czura Thornton (Hong Kong) Limited, DCL Acquisition Inc., DCL Medical Laboratories LLC (DE), DCL Medical Laboratories LLC (FL), DCL Sub LLC, DIANON Systems Inc., DL Holdings Limited Partnership, Decision Diagnostics L.L.C. (aka DaVinici/Medicorp LLC), Diagnostic Services Inc., DynaLifeDX, Dynacare - Gamma Laboratory Partnership, Dynacare Company, Dynacare G.P. Inc., Dynacare Holdco LLC, Dynacare Laboratories Inc., Dynacare Laboratories Limited Partnership, Dynacare Northwest Inc., Dynacare Realty Inc., DynalifeDX Infrastructure Inc., Endocrine Sciences Inc., Esoterix Genetic Counseling LLC, Esoterix Genetic Laboratories LLC, Esoterix Inc., Execmed Health Services Inc., FirstSource Laboratory Solutions Inc., GDML Medical Laboratories Inc, Gamma Dynacare Central Medical Laboratories GP Inc., Gamma Dynacare Central Medical Laboratory Limited Partnership, HHLA Lab-In-An-Envelope LLC, Health Trans Services Inc., Home Healthcare Laboratory of America LLC, IDX Pathology Inc., Impact Genetics Corp, Impact Genetics Inc., Kaleida LabCorp LLC, Lab Delivery Service of New York City Inc., LabCorp BVBA, LabCorp Belgium Holdings Inc., LabCorp Central Laboratories (Canada) Inc., LabCorp Central Laboratories (China) Inc., LabCorp Central Laboratories (Singapore) Pte., LabCorp Development Company, LabCorp Employer Services Inc., LabCorp Health System Diagnostics LLC, LabCorp Indiana Inc., LabCorp Japan G.K., LabCorp Limited, LabCorp Michigan Inc., LabCorp Nebraska Inc., LabCorp Neon Ltd., LabCorp Neon Switzerland S.a.r.l., LabCorp Specialty Testing Billing Service Inc., LabCorp Specialty Testing Group Inc., LabCorp Staffing Solutions Inc., LabCorp Tennessee LLC, LabCorp UK Holdings Ltd., LabWest Inc., Laboratoire Bio-Medic Inc., Laboratory Corporation of America, Lifecodes Corporation, LipoScience Inc., Litholink Corporation, MEDTOX Scientific Inc., MNG Laboratories, Medical Neurogenitics LLC, Medtox Diagnostics Inc., Medtox Laboratories Inc., Monogram Biosciences Inc., Monogram Biosciences UK Limited, Myriad Autoimmunes Vectra Testing Business, NWT Inc., National Genetics Institute, New Brighton Business Center LLC, New Imaging Diagnostics LLC, New Molecular Diagnostics Ventures LLC, Orchid Cellmark Ltd., Orchid Cellmark ULC, PA Labs Inc., Path Lab Incorporated, Pathology Associates Medical Lab LLC, Pee Dee Pathology Associates Inc., Persys Technology Inc., Pixel by LabCorp, Princeton Diagnostic Laboratories of America Inc., Protedyne Corporation, ReliaGene Technologies Inc., SW/DL LLC, Saint Josephs-PAML LLC, Sequenom Biosciences (India) Pvt. Ltd., Sequenom Center for Molecular Medicine LLC, Sequenom Inc, Sequenom Inc., Southern Idaho Regional Laboratory, Tandem Labs Inc., The LabCorp Charitable Foundation, Tri-Cities Laboratory LLC, Viro-Med Laboratories Inc., Visiun, and Yakima Medical Arts Inc.. Legg Mason, Inc. is a publicly owned asset management holding company. Through its subsidiaries, the firm provides investment management and related services to company-sponsored mutual funds and other investment vehicles including pension funds, foundations, endowments, sovereign wealth funds, insurance companies, private banks, family offices, individuals, as well as to global, institutional, and retail clients. It launches and manages equity, fixed income, and multi-asset customized portfolios through its subsidiaries. The firm also launches and manages mutual funds and exchange traded funds for its clients through its subsidiaries. It invests in private and public equity, fixed income, and multi asset markets across the globe through its subsidiaries. Through its subsidiaries, the firm also invests in alternative markets. It also employs a combination of fundamental and quantitative research to make its investments through its subsidiaries. Legg Mason, Inc. was founded in 1899 and is based in Baltimore, Maryland. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Mueller Industries: ATCO Rubber Products, ATCO Rubber Products Inc., Aegis Oil and Gas Leasing Ltd., Amwest Exploration Company, Arava Exploration Company, Arava Natural Resources Company Inc., B & K Industries Inc., B&K Industries, B&K LLC (d/b/a BK Products), Bayard Mining Corp., Canco Oil & Gas Ltd., Carpentertown Coal & Coke Company, Changzhou Mueller Refrigerant Valve Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Climate Components LLC, DENO Holding Company Inc., DENO Investment Company II Inc., DENO Investment Company Inc., Die-Mold Tool Limited, Die-Mold Tool Limited, Extruded Metals, Extruded Metals Inc., Great Lakes Copper Ltd., Halstead Industries, HeatLink Group, Heatlink Group Inc., Heatlink Group USA LLC (Incorporated 2/7/2019), Howell Metal Company (d/b/a Precision Tube in VA 4/2019), Itawamba Industrial Gas Company Inc., Jungwoo Metal Ind. Co. LTD, Jungwoo Metal Ind. Co. Ltd., Kessler Sales & Distribution, Kessler Sales & Distribution LLC, King Coal Company, Leon Water Enterprises Inc., Lincoln Brass Works, Lincoln Brass Works Inc. (Assumed name: Mueller Gas Products), Linesets, Linesets Inc., MA Industrial Secured Lending LLC, MCTC LLC, MCTP LLC, MII Financial Corporation, MPC Foundry Inc., MPC Machine Shop Inc., Macomber Building and Land Corporation, Macomber Construction Company, Macomber Incorporated, Micro Gauge, Micro Gauge Inc., Microgauge Machining Inc., Mining Remedial Recovery Company, Mueller Advanced Connections LLC, Mueller Brass Co. (Assumed name: Mueller Brass Products), Mueller Brass Forging Company Inc., Mueller Brass Holding Company Inc., Mueller Canada Holding Co. Ltd., Mueller Casting Company Inc., Mueller Comercial de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Mueller Copper Tube Company Inc., Mueller Copper Tube Products Inc., Mueller East Inc., Mueller Europe Investment Company Ltd., Mueller Europe Limited, Mueller Fittings Company Inc., Mueller Fittings LLC, Mueller Formed Tube Company Inc., Mueller Impacts Company Inc., Mueller Industrial Realty Co., Mueller Industries Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Mueller LBHC Inc., Mueller Packaging LLC, Mueller Plastics Corporation Inc., Mueller Plastics Holding Company Inc., Mueller Press Company Inc., Mueller Refrigeration Holding Company Inc., Mueller Refrigeration LLC, Mueller Refrigeration Products Company Inc., Mueller Southeast Inc., Mueller Streamline China LLC, Mueller Streamline Co., Mueller Streamline Holding S.L.U., Mueller Streamline II LLC, Mueller Streamline Trading LLC, Mueller Tool and Machine Inc., Muellux Holding Company I SARL, Muellux Holding Company II SARL, Overstreet Hughes, Overstreet-Hughes Co. Inc. (Assumed name: Fabricated Tube Products), PexCor, Pexcor Manufacturing Co. Inc., Precision Tube Company LLC, Propipe Technologies, Propipe Technologies Inc. (Assumed name: Mueller Gas Products), Sherwood Valve LLC, Sherwood Valve Products Inc., Shoals Tubular, Shoals Tubular Inc., Southland Pipe Nipples Company Inc., Summit Systems Inc., Tecumseh Products Co., Tecumseh Products Holdings LLC, Tube Forming, Turbotec Products, Turbotec Products Inc., U.S.S. Lead Refinery Inc., USSRAM Exploration Company, United States Fuel Company, Vemco Brasscapri, WTC HoldCo I LLC, WTC HoldCo II LLC, WTC Holding Company, Washington Mining Company, Westermeyer Industries, Westermeyer Industries Inc., and White Knob Mining Company. The Belgian government has agreed to negotiate with the United States for the purchase of two MALE drone systems. MALE means Medium Altitude Long Endurance. These are reconnaissance drones that collect information from the sky. The MQ-9B SkyGuardian (Source: General Atomics ) Steven Vandeput: "MALE drones play an increasingly important role in operations, but at the European level, there is a shortage of this type of drones. With this purchase, the Belgian Defense is committed to the future while filling a capacity deficit at the European level. Using MALE drones and keeping them operational is a complex undertaking. One of the conditions of this purchase was that our country would be able to partner with another country. " From the information already provided, it will be likely the General Atomics MQ-9B SkyGuardian. GA-ASI has developed a variant of the Predator B Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) that will meet NATO standards (STANAG-4671), and in cooperation with the FAA, will subsequently meet airworthiness certification standards domestically and around the world. It leverages both the Predator B RPA and advanced Cockpit Ground Control Station (GCS) as points of departure systems and identifies and incorporates the changes needed to achieve a "Type-Certifiable" system. MQ-9B is highly modular and is easily configured with a variety of payloads to meet mission requirements. The aircraft is capable of carrying multiple mission payloads and includes a state-of-the art Detect and Avoid (DAA) system including space, weight, and power provisions to enable the retrofitting of an airborne Due Regard Radar (DRR) for operation in non-cooperative airspace. The SkyGuardian can fly up to 40 hours at 15,000 M. Cooperation with a partner country guarantees economies of scale in terms of equipment, maintenance, training and operations. Since MALE drones will be mainly engaged in EU and NATO operations, a partnership will be sought with an EU or NATO member country. With these decisions, the government shows that it believes in a strong Belgian Defense and wishes to continue to invest in it. In the spirit of the Strategic Vision, it gives the department the means to properly carry out its missions in the short and long term. Zalando SE operates as an online fashion and lifestyle retailer. It offers a range of products, including shoes, apparel, accessories, and beauty products for women, men, and children, as well as free delivery and returns services. The company also sells its products through its Zalando Lounge; and brick-and-mortar stores in Berlin, Frankfurt, Cologne, Leipzig, Hamburg, Hanover, MAnster, Stuttgart, Mannheim, and Ulm. It serves in Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The company has a strategic partnership with Sephora SAS to create the online prestige beauty destination. Zalando SE was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Berlin, Germany. Read More The highest selling car in the world will soon enter its 12th generation. Toyota is expected to showcase its new Corolla sedan at the upcoming Guangzhou Motor Show in China which begins from 17th November, 2018. Underpinning the new Corolla will be Toyotas TNGA GA-C platform which also forms the base of cars like the Prius and the Camry. Unlike the previous models, the new Toyota Corolla looks largely similar to its hatchback sibling, which debuted as the Auris earlier in 2018. The carmaker officially announced in August 2018 that the Auris name will be dropped in favour of Corolla globally. While a hybrid powertrain has been available on the Toyota Corolla for quite some time now, it will be getting a PHEV (plug-in hybrid) with the new generation. It is expected to boast an all-electric range of 50km, which is more than the Prius Primes 40km range. Globally, the electric motor is expected to be teamed with a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine and transmission duties might be handled by an E-CVT (electronically controlled continuously variable transmission). The 12th generation Toyota Corolla has already been captured undergoing tests. From the images it can be said that the visible changes will be quite radical. That said, the front fascia and the side profile till the C-pillar is expected to be similar to the hatchback. It will get design cues based on Toyotas Under Priority Catamaran and Keen Look design philosophy. Expect a chunkier trapezoidal front grille flanked by sleeker sickle-shaped upswept bi-beam headlamps. Seen from the sides, the roof and shoulder line seem quite similar to the current model but well reserve our exact judgement till there is an official unveil of the car. The tail section of the new Camry should come with boomerang-shaped side winding tail lights for a contemporary touch. (Pictured: Corolla hatchback) The Corolla sedan is also expected to share its interior design with the hatchback version. We expect to see a minimalistic dashboard with a three-spoke steering wheel and an 8-inch floating touchscreen with Entune 3.0 system. The Corolla hatchback gets the first infotainment unit from Toyota with Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa enabled connectivity suite. As far as Android users are concerned, after some reluctance, Toyota is now expected to offer Android Auto as well on new cars, and the first one could be the Corolla sedan. Optionally, you can also get an 8-speaker 800 watt JBL audio system with the Corolla hatchback. Once the Corolla brings this feature to the fore, Toyota might offer the same to the Fortuner and Innova Crysta facelift models. Get more interior details here. The Corolla sedan is expected to receive Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 with features like pedestrian detection, radar cruise control, lane departure alert, auto high beam and blind spot monitoring system. It remains to be seen if any of these would make their way to the India-spec Corolla and disrupt the market. Once unveiled, the Toyota Corolla sedans sales are expected begin by the end of this year or early next for global markets. The Indian market is expected to receive it in the year 2019 since it last received an update in 2017. In India, the current Corolla Altis rivals the likes of the Skoda Octavia and Hyundai Elantra. Honda is set to re-enter this segment with the new Civic in the first half of 2019. Toyota has also revealed that it would offer the Corolla to Maruti Suzuki, which would badge-engineer it and introduce in India. Both the carmakers are yet to formally announce whether it would be the new model that will be shared or the existing version. The current-gen Corolla Altis starts from Rs 16.27 lakh in India and goes up to Rs 20.01 lakh (both prices ex-showroom Delhi). Image Source Disclaimer: This article has not been edited by Deccan Chronicle and is taken from a syndicated feed. Photos: CarDekho. Reliances shares plunged 6.9 per cent on the day of the announcement and are down about 20 per cent since their record close on Aug 28. New Delhi: Reliance Industries, currently Indias second most valuable listed company, got rich by trading fuel across Asia, Africa and Europe while effectively ignoring its home market. Reliances refineries processed crude from the nearby Middle East and sold fuel to fast-growing markets in North Asia including China, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. That began to change when Indias oil demand surged, overtaking Japan as the worlds third-biggest consumer. Reliance took more interest in the countrys retail fuel sector and has opened more than 1,300 service stations. This push into the domestic fuel market may stumble after Indias government imposed cost controls on Oct 4 on petrol and diesel prices to rein in recent record highs. Reliances shares plunged 6.9 per cent on the day of the announcement and are down about 20 per cent since their record close on Aug 28. The decline has pushed Reliances market capitalization down to 6.64 trillion rupees ($90.47 billion) and it is no longer Indias most valuable company, sitting behind Tata Consultancy Services Ltd at 6.77 trillion rupees. The price shock, driven by soaring crude import costs, angered consumers and triggered riots by farmers, forcing the government to react at the cost of its refiners health. For now, Reliance is staying with its retail plans despite the recent trouble. When prices are cut, you have to effectively match it, said Venkatachari Srikanth, Reliances joint chief financial officer, during their earnings presentation on Oct 17. We are not going to let this alter broadly our strategy on retail petroleum. In line with that, Reliance is planning as many as 2,000 retail stations with oil major BP Plc over the next three years, local media reported on Tuesday. Reliances domestic push made sense in an Asian fuel market that is increasingly crowded with new refinery capacity from the Middle East, Southeast Asia and China. The new capacity, combined with soaring crude prices, has eroded profit margins for producing refined fuels. With the domestic market now also under pressure from price controls, some analysts have been spooked. Sukrit Vijayakar, director of Indian oil consultancy Trifecta said the government move could be disastrous for Reliance. The retail move puts Reliance into competition against government controlled refiners like Bharat Petroleum Corp, Hindustan Petroleum Corp and Indian Oil Corp, the countrys biggest refiner. Reliances domestic strategy initially won the backing of investors and the retail fuels group was touted by company Chairman Mukesh Ambani in a speech at its annual general meeting in July. Between January and August, Reliances shares soared 45 per cent, far outpacing the state-owned refiners as well as Indias main stock index, the Nifty 50, which gained 12.5 per cent. But rising crude prices, which jumped from under $70 per barrel in early 2018 to around $85 in early October, and a tumbling rupee combined to push domestic fuel prices to records, undermining Reliances retail strategy despite some relief from a dip in crude prices in recent weeks. Still, Rohit Ahuja, senior vice president of Indias BOB Capital Markets, which has a buy rating on Reliance, said signs of an oil price shock in India were already visible. Reliance may gradually mothball its retail stations because of the cost controls, said Macquarie Capital Ltd Analyst Aditya Suresh in a note on Oct. 5, though the bank expects no meaningful impact on its earnings. EXPORT MARKET & IMO 2020 Reliance may be better placed to thrive on exports despite the increasing competition in Asia and the Middle East. The company operates the worlds biggest refinery complex at the port of Jamnagar in Gujarat. The first Jamnagar plant can process 663,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude while the second site can process another 709,000 bpd. Reliances refining margins last quarter were at a premium of $3.40 per barrel over the average Singapore margin, the benchmark for Asia. However, the Singapore margin has dropped by about 50 percent since mid-2017 because of rising crude prices. Reliance also said in its results that fewer refinery outages last quarter meant global run rates were high. Still, Reliances refineries benefit from being among the most modern in the world. Several units process residual fuel oil, the leftovers after crude oil is initially refined, into higher-value petrol and distillate products as well as remove pollutants such as sulphur. That ability to cut its high-sulphur fuel oil output to nearly nothing while maximising its diesel fuel output gives Reliance an advantage as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) will require new low-sulphur fuel oil used in ships starting in 2020. IMO regulations are positive because of our mid-distillate configuration, said Reliances Srikanth. With a move towards cleaner fuels as part of IMO, BOB Capitals Ahuja said Reliances gross refining margins could rise by up to $5 per barrel. Beyond IMO 2020 and the Indian fuel price turmoil, the oil industry is threatened by the rise of electric vehicles and alternative fuels that could reduce oils use as a transport fuel. Refiners are looking at petrochemicals to replace potentially lost demand in the transport sector. If I have to look at it from a oil demand hit from electric vehicles perspective, its going to be petrochemicals thats going to survive for them (Reliance) beyond ten years, said Ahuja. Combined, Reliances refining and marketing group along with its petrochemicals division contribute more than 90 percent of the overall company revenues, its latest annual report showed. Under Reliances Oil to Chemicals Journey strategy the company is seeking to upgrade all of our fuels to high value petrochemicals over the next decade. We are focusing to produce and sell at every level, said Reliances Srikanth. Between whether to sell domestically or on bulk, whether we will export, every day is an analysis of which is a better option. Mumbai: Republic of Estonia has welcomed two famous new e-residents in the recent weeks: His Holiness Pope Francis and Bill Gates. His Holiness was presented with his own digital ID card by Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid during his visit to Estonia and Bill Gates was gifted with e-Residency digital ID by Estonian Prime Minister Juri Ratas in Brussels. His Holiness is the first Head of State to receive e-Residency, although other Heads of Government to receive e-Residency are Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Luxembourgish Prime Minister Xavier Bettel. The primary reason at present that people around the world become e-residents however is to overcome barriers to entrepreneurship and create a trusted, location-independent company that they can establish and manage online from anywhere. With e-Residency, the Republic of Estonia is helping democratise access to entrepreneurship globally. The programme even joined forces with the United Nations for an initiative called eTrade For All, which aims to help more people in developing countries access e-commerce. Like e-Residency, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is based on equalising access to opportunities around the world. Kaspar Korjus, Managing Director at e-Residency, said We all wish His Holiness a very warm welcome to our digital nation. Its a huge honour for us that he has accepted to become e-resident and thus they will stay with us both in spirit and digitally long after physically leaving our country. Of course, we dont expect His Holiness nor Bill Gates to start another company using e-Residency. But providing influential friends of Estonia with e-Residency is an invaluable way to help them learn more about our digital nation and raise greater awareness of how Estonia is helping improve the world using new technology and new ways of thinking. Arnaud Castaignet, Head of Public Relations at e-Residency, said For us, the fact these world leaders became e-residents is a great endorsement and acknowledgement of how advanced and innovative Estonia's digital society is. It is also a great support of the values of our programme such as inclusion, transparency and empowerment of individuals. e-Residency raises interest internationally, so we are more than happy to see that it's now an important part of Estonia's soft power and diplomatic relations. Apart from these Head of State and Government, other notable people are e-residents: for instance, British journalist Edward Lucas, American businessman and VC Tim Draper, Trevor Noah, Host of The Daily Show, Jean-Jacques Dordain, former Director General of the European Space Agency, among others. In India, among notable personalities who have appreciated e-Residency programme and have been bestowed with e-Residency are Minister of Electronics and Information Technology - Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad and Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries Mr. Mukesh Ambani. All the dignitaries who are e-residents can now use the digital ID card to verify their identity online, digitally sign documents, and access Estonias public and private e-services from anywhere in the world. People who are very trusting liver much longer, while those who don't are at risk of early death, a new US study has revealed. Between 1978 and 2010, researchers studied the attitudes of close to 25,000 Americans from different backgrounds, the Daily Mail reported. Researchers say the reason for the trust-mortality connection is simple. Trusting people are more social and not so stressed - two factors that promote good health. "Whether or not you trust other people, including strangers, makes a difference of about 10 months in terms of life expectancy," co-author of the study, Alexander Miething, researcher at Stockholm University, told the Daily Mail. However, the study also found a decline in the number of people that are trusting in the country and warn it could pose a major public health concern. Previous research has also found taking vacation can help prolong your life. "Don't think to have an otherwise healthy lifestyle will compensate for working too hard and not taking holidays. Vacations can be a good way to relieve stress, Professor Timo Strandberg, one of the researchers, is quoted as saying by ANI. Britain's Meghan, Duchess of Sussex participates in a gumboot throwing competition with Prince Harry after unveiling a plaque dedicating 20 hectares of native bush to the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy project at The North Shore Riding Club in Auckland on October 30, 2018.(Photo: AFP) AUCKLAND: Meghan Markle displayed an unexpected talent for "welly wanging" in Auckland Tuesday, gaining bragging rights over husband Prince Harry after they competed in the oddball New Zealand sport. When she married into Britain's Royal Family in London five months ago, it's doubtful Meghan envisaged her duties would include standing in a rain-soaked paddock half a world away, hurling a wellington boot into the distance. The Duchess of Sussexs red team won the welly wanging contest, beating The Dukes yellow team! #RoyalVisitNZ pic.twitter.com/D5REmCCJfM Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) October 30, 2018 But as schoolchildren on her team chanted "Meghan, Meghan, Meghan", the pregnant duchess gave a flick of the wrist and sent her red-and-white polka dot welly sailing past Harry's best effort. Clutching her prize, a miniature mounted wellington boot, the American-born former actress told her team: "You should put it in your school. Now that'll make a show and tell!" Pinehill School pupil Isabella Iti said there was a friendly rivalry between the couple as they lined up for the big event. "I think she was thinking that there was no chance that she would win. But she did," she said. Wellington throwing is one of the unusual activities seen at rural fairs and fundraisers in New Zealand, along with wood chopping, olive-pit spitting and speed tree-climbing. Despite her impressive performance, Meghan would need to train hard to match former Commonwealth decathlete Brent Newdick, who once reportedly threw his welly 48.5 metres (160 feet) only to be disqualified because he was not a local. Earlier, the royals helped plant native trees as part of an environmental project. At todays @QueensCanopy dedication, The Duchess of Sussex planted a Kowhai tree, the flower of which was one of 53 on the veil of her wedding dress, representing each nation of the Commonwealth. #RoyalVisitNZ pic.twitter.com/3MbJH03ow2 Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) October 30, 2018 They are in the final days of a jam-packed 16-day tour that has included more than 70 engagements in Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand. Britain's Prince Harry (C) and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (2nd L) meet well-wishers during a public walk along the Viaduct Harbour in Auckland on October 30, 2018. (Photo: AFP) AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Rain, wind and a distant earthquake didn't seem to dampen the enthusiasm of New Zealanders who turned out to see Prince Harry and wife Meghan on Tuesday. The Duchess of Sussexs red team won the welly wanging contest, beating The Dukes yellow team! #RoyalVisitNZ pic.twitter.com/D5REmCCJfM Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) October 30, 2018 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex met with people in Auckland during a walkabout on the penultimate day of the couple's South Pacific tour. Hannah Sergel was overjoyed after Meghan stopped to hug her. Sergel said she traveled from Christchurch for the event and had followed Meghan on Instagram before the royal had to deactivate her account. "It means the world to me," Sergel said. "I am so shaky and flustered. When I first saw her I cried." People got rained upon waiting for the couple but were thankful the rain held off during the walkabout. Prince Harry and Meghan had earlier taken part in a gumboot-tossing competition with children. More than 23,000 children in New Zealand are affected by having a parent in prison and are 9 times more likely to end up in prison as adults.@PillarsINC are working to break the cycle by fostering connections between children of prisoners and positive role models. #RoyalVisitNZ pic.twitter.com/y0tp3YE2bI Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) October 30, 2018 The couple was visiting the head office of the charity Pillars in Auckland when a strong but deep earthquake struck the central North Island. There were no reports of major damage or injuries after the magnitude 6.1 quake. Many thousands of people across the country felt the quake, although those attending the event with the royals said they didn't feel it there. "My wife and I are delighted to be here at the opening of this covenant, which will form part of The @QueensCanopy network." The Duke of Sussex #RoyalVisitNZ pic.twitter.com/jSJWpJft6x Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) October 29, 2018 When Prince Harry and Meghan got married, they asked that people donate to a charity instead of giving them wedding gifts, and so New Zealand's government donated money to Pillars. The charity supports children who have a parent in prison through mentoring schemes and in-home support. The couple finishes their 16-day tour on Wednesday. They arrived in New Zealand on Sunday after earlier visiting Australia, Fiji and Tonga. Prince Harry is scheduled to give a speech Tuesday night during a reception at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, and on Wednesday the couple is scheduled to visit a visit a hatchery for the national bird, the kiwi. New Zealand Post has marked the couple's visit with a special issue of commemorative stamps. Bengaluru: To declare exam results early, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has decided to increase the number of evaluation centres and evaluators. In a letter to the heads of all institutions, CBSE Controller of Examinations Dr Sanyam Bhardwaj has directed schools to update details of its principals and teachers on OASIS, the single-window solution introduced by the Board. Data CBSE would require correct details of Principal/Vice Principal/Head Master/Head Mistress/PGT/TGT etc. Schools have already submitted most of the data on OASIS. However, to ensure that data is correct, it has been desired from the schools to once again check and update this data, he wrote. President of the Managements of Independent CBSE Schools Association (MICSA), M. Srinivasan told Deccan Chronicle, It is good that the CBSE is showing interest in publishing results early. It will benefit students the most. With more evaluation centres and more teachers getting a chance to evaluate, the system is getting more decentralised and transparent. Good move Mansoor Ali Khan, a member of the Board of Directors of Delhi Public Group of schools (Bengaluru and Mysuru), said that it is a good move for all the stakeholders. The number of student registrations for CBSE exams has always been increasing. States like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu also want the results early to avoid confusion for students during admissions, Mr Khan said. List of teachers The Board demanding the list of teachers earlier than usual, which earlier took place from December to January, will help school managements to manage processes easily and effectively. If more teachers are required from our group of institutions for the evaluation process, well be delighted to assist the Board, he said. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 30) Seventy-four people-- including 69 passengers and five crew members of a sunken motor banca-- were rescued off an island in Cordova town, Cebu on Tuesday. The MBCA Meme 5 experienced engine trouble Tuesday morning, as it was sailing near Gilutungan island. Captain Dario Romo said the technical issue, along with large waves, had damaged the boat's hull -- or the watertight body or enclosure -- causing the vessel to sink. Some tourist boats nearby immediately went to rescue the distressed passengers. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Central Visayas had deployed a search and rescue team for the motor banca, which was bound for Getafe in Bohol. PCG Cebu Commander Alvin Dagalea said the boat was allowed to sail as there was no gale warning issued over the region. Initial investigation also showed the boat was not overloaded. Most of the passengers were bound for their respective hometowns in Bohol for the long weekend. Janice Masilao, one of the passengers of the MBCA Meme 5, said she wants to file a case against the owner of the motor banca. Dagalea meanwhile noted all the banca passangers and crew were accounted for. The top court also sought a list of the CBI officers investigating the case from September 20 till date, to be given by October 31. (Photo: PTI) New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered the transfer of Brajesh Thakur, the main accused in the Muzaffarpur shelter home rape case to a high security jail in Punjab's Patiala. Thakur had been staying in Bihar's Badarpur jail but last week the SC said that it would not be appropriate to keep him in a Bihar jail calling him a "very influential man". The court had issued a notice to Thakur asking him to explain why he should not be transferred to a prison outside the state. The apex court on Tuesday also questioned the Bihar government as to why former minister Manju Verma had not been arrested till date, calling the entire issue "highly suspicious". Just because she (Manju Verma) happens to be cabinet minister doesnt make her above the law. The whole thing is highly suspicious. Why has she not been arrested? Its too much. Nobody is bothered about the law", a bench of Justices M B Lokur, S A Nazeer and Deepak Gupta said. Manju Verma, the former Bihar social welfare minister had stepped down from her position after her husband, Chandrashekhar Verma, was linked to Brajesh Thakur in the shelter home sex scandal case. About 50 cartridges had been seized during a raid conducted at Verma's Patna and Begusarai residences by the Central Bureau of Investigation in connection with the Muzaffarpur case. Chandrashekhar Verma, who had been absconding, on Monday, surrendered before a sub-divisional court in Manjhaul in Begusarai district. He was remanded in judicial custody till November 6. He has been booked in an Arms Act case registered in connection with the recovery of ammunition from his residence. The top court also sought a list of the CBI officers investigating the case from September 20 till date, to be given by October 31. The court expressed shock when informed by advocates that girls in the Muzaffarpur shelter home were drugged. "These girls are being injected with drugs so that they can be raped. What is this going on?" the court asked. Over 30 girls had allegedly been raped at a shelter home run by Brajesh Thakur, the chief of a state-funded NGO. The incident was first brought to light in an audit report submitted by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences to the state's social welfare department. New Delhi: Senior CBI officer AK Bassi, who was investigating the agency's No 2 -- Special Director Rakesh Asthana -- in a bribery case, moved the Supreme Court on Tuesday challenging his transfer to Port Blair. Bassi stated that he has incriminating evidence against Asthana. He also sought to set up a Special Investigating Team (SIT) to investigate corruption charges against Asthana. However, the Supreme Court refused to give an urgent hearing and said that they would hear the petition in due course of time. On October 24, the officer was transferred to Port Blair "in public interest" in an order signed by interim CBI chief Nageswar Rao. However, the top court last week had ordered Rao from taking any major policy decisions. Asthana had accused CBI Director and number 1 officer Alok Verma of being corrupt and filed a complaint against him. Following an ugly feud between the top two positions in the investigating agency, the government sent both, Asthana and Verma, on leave. The Supreme Court has given two weeks time to the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) to complete the enquiry and submit the report to the court. The court has appointed a former apex court judge to monitor the inquiry. (With inputs from PTI) On Monday, Rahul Gandhi visited Ujjains Mahakaleshwar temple following which the ruling BJP accused him of pursuing soft Hindutva policy to woo voters. (Photo: File | INC twitter) Mumbai: Taking a jibe at the BJP for accusing him of exhibiting fancy dress Hinduism to fool voters, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said that he understand the Hindu religion better than the saffron party. He also claimed that the BJP doesnt understand Hinduism at all. The most important quality that we can have is humility. It means when someone is speaking, you listen to them and try to understand them. I do not consider someone who is angry a fool. I try to understand why he is angry BJP does not understand Hindu religion at all. I understand Hinduism better than them, Rahul Gandhi said in Madhya Pradesh. With assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, approaching, BJP and Congress campaigning is relying mostly on religion. On Monday, Rahul Gandhi visited Ujjains Mahakaleshwar temple following which the ruling BJP accused him of pursuing soft Hindutva policy to woo voters and questioned what his gotra was. Also Read: Fancy dress Hinduism: BJP slams Rahul Gandhi over temple visits Rahul Gandhi is exhibiting fancy dress Hinduism continuously. To mislead the Hindus, he is sporting a "janeu" (scared thread) over the shirt. We demand that 'janeudhari' Rahul Gandhi clarify to which 'gotra' (clan) does he belong to," BJPs spokesperson Sambit Patra had said. Chennai: Union Minister of state for finance and shipping Pon Radhakrishnan has claimed that the Centre had nothing to do with Mahinda Rajapaksa becoming Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. Taking strong exception to the opposition parties implying Centres role, the Minister said it was not fair to accuse the Centre for each and everything that happened. What is the basis of such accusations? Sri Lanka is a separate nation and there has been problems in that country from the beginning, he said on Monday. Speaking to reporters Mr. Radhakrishnan said it was meaningless to blame the BJP or the Central government on the issue. Speaker of Sri Lankan Parliament, Karu Jayasuriya had backed the claim of Ranil Wickremsinghe and had declined to endorse the sacking of Ranil as Prime Minister, he said and added, let things first get resolved there. On the other hand President Maithripala Sirisena asserted that the appointment of Mahinda Rajapaksa as PM was in strict accordance with the Constitution. The sudden political crisis in the island nation sparked violence on Oct. 28 leading to the death of one person and two others sustaining injuries as the bodyguards of Petroleum Minister Arjuna Ranatunga fired at the supporters of Rajapaksa when they surrounded the cabinet member. Ranatunga is a Wickremesinghe loyalist. Reacting to the political development, PMK leader Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss had alleged that Lankas President and PM would try to derail all probes against them for the atrocities committed during the Eelam war. India must interfere and stop the Lankan Parliament from giving nod for Rajapaksas appointment, he said. Mangaluru: With the 2019 general elections fast approaching and discussions on possible candidates having started in political circles, Muslim organisations have demanded that the Congress party field a Muslim candidate from Dakshina Kannada Lok Sabha constituency. After having a meeting on the issue on October 24 which was attended by various senior Muslim leaders including former Minority Commission chairman K.S. Mohammed Masood, former Mayor of Mangaluru K Ashraf and others, a letter on the decision taken in the meeting has been rushed to Congress leaders."We have sent a letter to Sonia Gandhiji, Rahul Gandhiji and Karnataka incharge and party general secretary K.C. Venugopal. We will personally meet Siddaramaiah, the KPCC president, Dakshina Kannada incharge Minister U.T. Khader and Zameer Ahmed Khan," K.K. Ashraf who is the chief of Muslim Sanghatanegala Okkuta told Deccan Chronicle. "After Kalaburagi, DK is the second constituency with the highest number of Muslims. But Muslims never got a change to contest the Parliament election. Congress leader Janardhan Poojary lost five times and Veerappa Moily seven times. Muslims are in large numbers in the constituency. This time we want the party to field a Muslim," he said. Though the Congress has fielded two MLA candidates from DK district several times, it has not fielded a Muslim candidate for the Parliament election. The meeting of Muslim leaders therefore decided to form a committee that will meet prominent leaders of the Congress to submit a representation and convince them to field a Muslim. Government officials have recently called for the RBI to relax its lending restrictions on some banks. (Photo: File) New Delhi: Indian government officials are very upset with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for publicly talking about a rift with the government, fearing it could tarnish the countrys image among investors, senior officials said on Monday. On Friday night, the RBI Deputy Governor Viral Acharya warned that undermining a central banks independence could be potentially catastrophic, in an indication that it is pushing back hard against government pressure to relax its policies and reduce its powers. In a speech to top industrialists, Acharya cited the Argentine governments meddling in its central banks affairs in 2010 as an example of what can go wrong. That led to a surge in bond yields that badly hurt the South American economy. Also Read: RBI staff union backs calls for autonomy, warns Centre Governments that do not respect central bank independence will sooner or later incur the wrath of financial markets, ignite an economic fire, and come to rue the day they undermined an important regulatory institution, Acharya said. The government officials Reuters spoke to on Monday declined to be identified because of the sensitivity of the subject. One said that it was vital that what happened between the government in New Delhi and the RBI in Mumbai was kept confidential. The government respects the autonomy and independence of the RBI but they must understand their responsibility, the official said. A second official, based in Prime Minister Narendra Modis office, said it was very unfortunate that the RBI took the matters public. The government is very upset. It was not expected from the RBI, the official added. An RBI spokesman was not immediately available for comments after business hours. Government officials have recently called for the RBI to relax its lending restrictions on some banks, and New Delhi has also been trying to trim the RBIs regulatory powers by setting up a new regulator for the countrys payments system. The Modi administration has also been pushing the central bank to part with some of its 3.6 trillion rupees ($49 billion)surplus to help bridge the fiscal deficit and finance its welfare programmes. Japan trip The officials in New Delhi were particularly angry that Acharya launched the attack while Modi was about to head to Japan for talks with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the first source said. Finance ministry officials remained largely silent in response to the speech at the weekend, as they didnt want to aggravate the issue when Modi and top officials were in Japan, this official said. Government officials believe that RBI Governor Urjit Patel has some responsibility for the controversy, and he cannot expect an extension of his current three-year term - which ends next September - as his right, one of the officials added. Acharya had three of his fellow deputy governors in the audience and also thanked Governor Patel for his suggestion to explore this theme for a speech, in a show of unity from an institution typically known for its restraint. The official in the prime ministers office said Patel could face a tough time when he appears before a parliamentary standing committee on Nov. 12. Top government officials said they were surprised that Patel, who was appointed by the Modi administration in 2016 and initially cooperated with New Delhi, is creating tensions when the government is facing criticism over handling of the economy before a national election, due by next May. On Monday, a third government source said the finance ministry was worried how markets would respond to Acharyas public comments but felt more relaxed after they rose. The gains were largely a result of a separate announcement by the RBI about an injection of liquidity through government bond buying. Modis government is pushing the RBI to relax lending norms for small businesses and pump more liquidity into the market to bolster economic growth before key state elections due in the next few weeks and the general election. It is worried that the central banks hawkish monetary stance and stringent regulations on lending by state banks could push economic growth below 7 per cent in the October-December quarter - the last quarter for which data would be available ahead of the general election. When we are facing problems on the external front like high crude oil prices, trade tensions putting pressure on our current account balance, can we afford another domestic crisis? the third government source said. In his statement to the CBI, Satish Sana had said he paid a bribe of Rs 2 crore to Rakesh Asthana to be spared any action in an investigation linked to meat exporter Moin Qureshi. (Photo: File) New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the Hyderabad Police to provide adequate security to businessman Satish Sana, a complainant in the alleged bribery case against CBI Special Director Rakesh Asthana. A bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices UU Lalit and KM Joseph refused to stay CBI summons against Sana and also rejected his plea for the recording of his statement in presence of retired former SC judge AK Patnaik. Sana, on whose complaint an FIR was registered against the CBI Special Director, had moved the apex court on Monday seeking police protection and a stay on the notice issued by the agency summoning him for interrogation. Also Read: Satish Sana, who accused CBI no. 2 of bribery, seeks SC's protection Sana, on whose complaint an FIR was registered against the CBI Special Director, had moved the apex court on Monday seeking police protection and a stay on the notice issued by the agency summoning him for interrogation. The CBI had booked Asthana on October 15 on the basis of a complaint from Sana, facing probe in a 2017 case involving meat exporter Moin Qureshi, claiming that the special director had allegedly helped him to get a clean chit from the probe agency. Besides seeking a stay on CBI's summons against him, Sana in his petition had expressed fear for his life and sought police protection during the pendency of the inquiry against Asthana, who alongside CBI Director Alok Verma has been divested of duties and sent on leave by the Central government. The businessman, in his plea, had referred to the apex court's October 26 order on the petition of the CBI Director by which the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) was asked to conclude inquiry against Verma within two weeks under the supervision of former apex court judge Justice A K Patnaik. He had said that the CBI moved "in haste" to issue a notice to him under Section 160 of the CrPC (Code Of Criminal Procedure) to attend the proceedings on October 29 before the probe agency and said that the same be recorded before Justice Patnaik. Sana had said that he gave a statement under section 161 before the CBI on October 20 and on the same day, under section 164 statement was recorded before the Metropolitan Magistrate in Saket Court and the relevant statements of the applicant are already in record. He had said that he has written a letter to Justice (retired) Patnaik, who would be supervising the CVC's inquiry into the allegations against Verma, stating readiness and willingness to give statements under his supervision. He had sought the court's direction that he be questioned only under the supervision of Justice Patnaik. "This will ensure that the interests of justice are met since the applicant came forward as a whistleblower trusting the officials of the CBI. Without casting any aspersions on the present Investigating Officer, the applicant fears that the change in IO and other surrounding circumstances may put his life in danger and therefore seeks a direction to the Hyderabad SP to provide police protection to the applicant till such time as the inquiry mandated by the top court is completed," the plea had said. Sana had also said that he was willing to cooperate with the investigation by coming to Delhi as and when directed by the judge supervising the enquiry. The feud between Verma and Asthana escalated recently leading to registration of an FIR against Asthana and others including Deputy Superintendent of Police Devender Kumar, who is in the CBI custody in an alleged bribery case. The FIR was lodged on a written complaint of Sana on October 15. It alleged that Kumar, the investigating officer (IO) in a case, was repeatedly calling him to the CBI office to harass and compel him to pay a bribe of Rs 5 crore for giving him a clean chit. Veerappa Moily, a former Karnataka Chief Minister, also hit out at Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) president and caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao. (Photo: File | PTI) Hyderabad: The N Chandrababu Naidu-led Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is welcome to join the UPA for the cause of a united fight against the NDA, senior Congress leader M Veerappa Moily said on Tuesday. The TDP is currently engaged in seat-sharing talks with the Congress for the December 7 Assembly elections in Telangana, which was carved out of Andhra Pradesh in 2014. The TDP broke away from the NDA earlier this year over the Centre's refusal to grant special category status to Andhra Pradesh. In an interview to news agency PTI, Moily said the idea was to bring all the opposition parties together to unitedly fight the BJP-led NDA. He was responding to a query if the electoral alliance in Telangana would continue for next year's Lok Sabha elections. On whether TDP, headed by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Naidu, is welcome to join the UPA, the former Union Minister said, "Naturally. We would like to have proper understanding between the Opposition. This (TDP) is one such opposition party". "It's a good signal. This is going to help", added Moily, who had served as the AICC in-charge of party affairs in the undivided Andhra Pradesh, on TDP's electoral pact with the Congress for the Telangana polls. Moily, a former Karnataka Chief Minister, also hit out at Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) president and caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao. "...the gentleman (Rao) who has been heading (Telangana) is most ungrateful fellow," he said and claimed that Rao became the Chief Minister following the "sacrifice" made by the Congress in terms of conceding the demand for separate statehood for Telangana. "But he (Rao) does not remember at all. He has bad-mouthed our leader. I don't think people of Telangana will forgive him," Moily said referring to Rao describing Congress President Rahul Gandhi as the "biggest buffoon" of the country. Referring to upcoming Assembly elections in five States, he claimed that the Congress is certain to bag Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram, and it would not be a surprise if it wins in Chhattisgarh. "Since there is a proper 'ghatbandhan' in Telangana (where the Congress is in the process of finalising seat-sharing deal with TDP, TJS and CPI), we are also going to win there", he claimed. Once the "graph of BJP is down" in all these states, it will be writing on the wall for that party and it will not return to power at the Centre, Moily claimed. Though Gandhi did not specifically identify the CM in his speech, he was possibly referring to Chouhan because he is popularly known as 'mamaji'. (Photo: DC/File) Mumbai: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that he will be filing a criminal defamation suit against Congress president Rahul Gandhi for mentioning him and his family members in the Panama and Vyapam scam in a speech on Monday. Taking to Twitter, Chouhan said, "Mr @RahulGandhi You have been making patently false allegations of Vyapam to Panama Papers against me and my family. Tomorrow, I am filing a criminal defamation suit for maximum damages against you for frivolous and malafide statements. Let law take its own course now." Mr @RahulGandhi You have been making patently false allegations of Vyapam to Panama Papers against me and my family. Tomorrow, I am filing a criminal defamation suit for maximum damages against you for frivolous and malafide statements. Let law take its own course now. ShivrajSingh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) October 29, 2018 Addressing election rallies in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh on Monday, Gandhi had said, "Udhar Chowkidar, Idhar Mamaji. Mamaji ke jo bte hai, Panama Papers me unka naam nikalta hai. (On one side, you have the watchman (apparently referring to Modi), on the other side you have 'mamaji'. The name of the son of 'mamaji' figured in Panama Papers)." Though Gandhi did not specifically identify the CM, he was possibly referring to Chouhan because he is popularly known as 'mamaji'. Gandhi also accused the Chouhan government of "failing" to provide employment to the youth in the state and "ruining" the traditional textile industry of Indore. He alleged that "rampant corruption" had taken place in the state during Chouhan's rule. (With inputs from PTI) The menace of sexual harassment at workplaces has been increasing in urban and rural areas in the state. Visakhapatnam: Despite the marginal dip witnessed in crime against women, some districts of Andhra Pradesh continued to record the highest number of cases in 2018. On an average, over 40 cases a day related to crime against women have been reported in the state and the majority of the cases were connected to harassment and outraging a womans modesty. A total of 10,891 cases of crime against women we-re recorded in the state between January and September 2018 while it was 10,704 in the same period of 2017. Of the total cases in this category, 5,196 cases were harassment and 3,947 cases come under outraging of modesty. A senior police officer, on condition of anonymity, said that since registration of FIR had been made hassle-free, the number of crimes against women mi-ght be high. However, the officer admitted that a lot needed to be done to control crime against women. Police data shows that Guntur district stands at top place in crime with 1,025 cases, followed by Prakasam with 894 cases and Krishna district with 887 cases, so far in 2018. The menace of sexual harassment at workplaces has been increasing in urban and rural areas in the state. In the cyber crimes category also, besides crimes for financial gain, the motives also include che-ating, outraging the modesty of woman, sexual exploitation and personal revenge or settling of sco-res, said leaders and activists of the All India Democratic Womens Association (AIDWA). While a local journalist Nemichand Jain was killed in south Bastar district of Sukma in 2013, another scribe was killed in Bijapur in Bastar the previous year. Bhopal: Maoists on Tuesday ambushed a Doordarshan (DD) crew and a police team in the forested village of Nilwaya in Chhattisgarhs south Bastar district of Dantewada killing a cameraman and two cops. DD cameraman Achyutanand Sahu was the third scribe killed by Maoists in Bastar in last five years. While a local journalist Nemichand Jain was killed in south Bastar district of Sukma in 2013, another scribe was killed in Bijapur in Bastar the previous year. The three-member DD team was in Nilwaya under Aranpur police limits for election coverage, when armed Maoists opened indiscriminate fire on them, killing the cameraman and two security personnel, assistant sub-inspector Rudra Pratap Singh and assistant constable Mangloo Mandawi, Dantewada district superintendent of police Abhishek Pallav said. Two constables were also injured in the incident. The media team had gone to Aranpur for election coverage. They were covering the historic event on how tribal inhabitants of three villages in Nilwaya area are gearing up to exercise their franchise for the first time in three decades in the November 12 Assembly elections in Bastar, the SP said. Maoists hiding in the jungle first shouted, Mediavalon ko maro maro (kill media people) and then opened indiscriminate fire on them, leading to death of one scribe and two cops. The Maoists snatched away the camera from the slain scribe. Police, however, recovered the weapons of the two slain cops snatched away from them by the Naxals, the SP said Police had recovered 10-15 IEDs at the attack site, special DG, Naxal operation, D M Awasthi said. The polling booth has been shifted to Aranpur from Nilwaya this time to ensure free and fair polls in the Assembly elections in the area.Incidentally, spokesman of Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee spokesman Ganesh Uiki had on October 25 issued a press release inviting media men to come to interior Bastar to highlight the living condition of local tribals. This was the third Maoist attack in Bastar in four days. Visakhapatnam: It seems Janipalli Srinivasa Rao alias Srinivas who attacked YSRC supremo Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy in Vizag Airport on Thursday fears death in the way Mallela Babji died under suspicious conditions after attacking founder of Telugu Desam Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao in 1984. Babji allegedly committed suicide in a lodge two months after the incident. On Tuesday, the attacker Srinivas created a flutter by shouting that he might get killed anywhere. The YSRC leaders are suspecting that the attack on Mr Jagan case replicates the attack on N.T. Rama Rao. The accused Srinivas was hospitalised with chest pain on Tuesday evening. Srinivas, who was in police custody for the past three days, complained of chest suffocation and was admitted to KG Hospital in Vizag for treatment. On the way to the hospital, on seeing mediapersons, Srinivas shouted that there is threat to his life and he wanted to express some key points to the public. No one behind the attack on Jagan, I alone resorted to the attack, Srinivas said. Sources said that Srinivas refused to get treatment and told to the doctors that he wanted to donate his organs. Dismissing Srinivas' claims, the Special Investigation Team, led by ACP (Madhurawada) B.V. Nageswara Rao, said that Srinivas created a confusion among media organisations. Srinivas had fallen sick or was about to have a heart attack, but he is perfectly normal and has been moved back to the station after medical check-up. We have been providing full security to Srinivas and there is no threat to his life, he said. As per the norms, an accused who is kept under Judicial Custody, needs to be taken to a Government Hospital for check-up every 48 hours and the police team took Srinivasa Rao to King George Hospital, ACP Nageswara Rao said. The SIT officials said that Mr Jagan refused to record his statement with AP Police when the SIT officials had gone to his house in Hyderabad. We will seek suggestions of legal experts to get Mr Jagans statement, the ACP said. City Police Chief Mahesh Chandra Laddha said that Mr Jagan has refused to file a complaint with Airport Police station and refused to record his version in the case. As the attack on Jagan was a criminal case, we have already booked an attempt to murder case against Srinivas based on a report filed by the CISF. We are investigating the case in all the possible angles to establish the motive behind the attack and the involvement of anyone, he said. Around 2 lakh litres of liquor, Rs 34.38 crore cash were seized and 198 cases of gold seizure were booked. Nothing more has been heard about these seizures. Hyderabad: Cases booked for violations of the election code do not come to any conclusion. They are either dropped if they are against legislators who are elected to the House, or the maximum punishment is imposition of a fine. In the 2014 election, 9,867 cases were booked for violation of the code, out of which 7,285 cases were for distributing money and liquor and the accused were from all parties since bribing voters in this manner is almost an accepted part of elections in India. Around 2 lakh litres of liquor, Rs 34.38 crore cash were seized and 198 cases of gold seizure were booked. Nothing more has been heard about these seizures. The department concerned has not been held to account about the liquor, and the money has either been pocketed or swallowed by the government, it is alleged. The most number of such cases in 2014 were registered in Hyderabad. In Goshmahal police limits,Rs 89 lakh were seized by the cops on different dates and two cases were booked. The money was sent to the IT department, but that is all that happened. In another case, Rs 89.87 lakh were seized from an RTC bus at Bollarum. During checks, police found that Vijayaramana Rao, candidate of the TD was carrying cash from Karimnagar. He said he was going to hand it over to the TD office as it was party funds. A non-cognizable case was booked and the case is still pending. Money that is seized by the police is handed over to the income tax department in the city or mandal revenue officers in districts. The IT department checks if the cash is accountable or illegal (black or white). For booking a large number of cases the CEO - Election Commission and the commissioner of police have been praised, but then, after the election results everybody forgets about the cases. There has been very little progress in the disposal of cases booked under section 171 IPC. Further, 4,974 cases were booked involving two lakh litres of liquor and there is no information available about this, said M. Padmanabha Reddy, general secretary, Forum for Good Governance. In Andhra Pradesh, action has been dropped against nine legislators who were elected to power. For the election year 2018, since the day the election code for the Assembly elections in TS came into force, the police have seized around Rs 31.41 crore in cash, and liquor worth Rs 1 crore. Six unlicenced arms were seized, 7,411 licenced arms deposited, 8,622 PD cases were booked, 43,101 bindover cases were filed and 3,765 warrants were issued. These are the number of cases booked during the general elections in 2014 n In Andhra Pradesh, action has been dropped against nine legislators who were elected to power. Hyderabad: The All India Congress Committee President Rahul Gandhi supported Professor Kancha Ilaiah and expressed solidarity against criticised Delhi University for removing three of his books from the Universitys political science syllabus. The Congress president blamed the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for this aggressive move. Mr Gandhi noted that Kancha Ilaiahs books have been part of the universitys syllabus for over a decade without any questions being raised about their suitability, but the RSSs aggressive move to propagate a unilateral view of Hinduism is deplorable. In an official release Mr Gandhi stated, The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sanghs (RSS) fascism is apparent in this move. Their aggressive move to propagate a unilateral view of Hinduism is deplorable. Now the RSS, which cannot boast of any intellectual or academic capital, is seeking to destroy academic integrity by silencing diverse voices. This is part of their larger design to keep the Shudras and Dalits disempowered. I hope that the Academic Council rejects this move by the Delhi University's Standing Committee on Academic Matters and students are able to read divergent views and form their own opinions instead of towing the line of the RSS. The court said the states can stagger the timings by issuing appropriate notification but the total duration should not exceed two hours a day. New Delhi: Modifying its October 23 order fixing a slot of 8 pm to 10 pm for bursting firecrackers on Diwali, the Supreme Court on Tuesday said that Tamil Nadu and other southern states will be at liberty to fix the time slots for bursting crackers, subject to the condition that timings should not exceed two hours a day. Taking note of the custom that people in Tamil Nadu and other Southern States of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Kerala and Union Territory of Puducherry burst fire crackers only on the morning of Diwali, the Supreme court permitted them to stagger the timings but clarified that the duration cannot exceed two hours a day. A bench of Justices A.K. Sikri and Ashok Bhushan, after hearing senior counsel Shekar Naphade for the state and senior counsel Maninder Singh for the cracker manufacturers refused to allow bursting of crackers for two hours between 4.30 and 6.30 in the morning and between 6 pm and 8 pm. The court said the states can stagger the timings by issuing appropriate notification but the total duration should not exceed two hours a day. On October 23, the court while declining a ban on sale and bursting of crackers restricted the timings from 6 pm to 8 pm. When counsel urged the court to consider the same for other states as well, and to consider the celebrations by people from Tamil Nadu living in North Indian states, Justice Sikri said that those living in North India should celebrate the way North Indians, do. He said, When you live in North India you should celebrate the way Diwali is celebrated here and when you are in South India, celebrate according to the practice there. As they say when in Rome, do as the Romans do. The court also clarified that the direction regarding green crackers is applicable only for Delhi-NCR and not to the rest of the country. The bench said the final order in the applications filed seeking various clarifications on the directions passed by the Court regarding firecrackers will be passed on Wednesday. The bench also clarified its October 23 order stating that the direction for use of green crackers was meant for the Delhi-NCR region and was not pan-India. This was after firecracker manufacturers approached the Court expressing difficulty to manufacture green crackers before Diwali this year. Contending that tradition and religious belief of Hindus relating to Diwali should be protected, the Tamil Nadu government sought relaxation of the timings for bursting of fire crackers between 4.30 am and 6.30 am as well as between 6 and 8 pm. The state said that India is a federal state with different traditions and cultures. As far as celebrations relating to Diwali are concerned, each state or section of population has a separate set of beliefs, traditions and culture. In Northern India, Diwali is celebrated in the night to celebrate the homecoming of Rama after slaying Ravana, Diwali is therefore on the night of the November 7 this year. However, in Tamil Nadu, Diwali is celebrated commemorating the death of Narakashura, the Evil, slain by the Goddess in the early hours of dawn. In Tamil Nadu, on the day of Diwali, people wake up early in the dawn at around 4.00 am, take oil bath, wear new clothes, and start the celebration with bursting fire crackers in the early morning itself. The celebration goes all day. Diwali this year in is on the early morning of November 6. The irrigation scheme will draw water from river Tungabhadra between Rajoliba-nda Diversion Scheme and the Sunkesula barrage. Hyderabad: The Telangana government has objected to the lift irrigation scheme of the Andhra Pradesh government to draw water from the Tungabhadra River. TS irrigation minister T, Harish Rao in a letter to Union Water Resources Minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday has requested him to advise the AP government not to go ahead with the project. In the letter Mr Harish Rao said the AP government's new lift irrigation scheme will draw water from the Tungabhadra River, between Rajoliba-nda Diversion Scheme (RDS) and the Sunkesula barrage, to irrigate the ayacut through the Penna Ahobilam Balancing Reservoir (PABR) dam under the Tungabhadra project right bank high-level canal system in Ananthapur district. He wrote that the Krishna Water Dispute Tribunal (KWDT-I) has observed that the Tungabhadra tributary has to contribute substantial flows to the main river Krishna in order to meet the requirements of downstream projects. He said that KWDT-II has also held that 31 TMC is still available for downstream contribution from the Tungabhadra for meeting the requirements of the projects considered by KWDT-I and KWDT-II. The proposal of AP to divert about 40 TMC from the Tungabhadra river under this scheme would completely diminish the flows and adversely affect the projects of Telangana, namely the Mahatma Gandhi Kalwakurthy lift irrigation scheme, Alimineti Madhava Reddy Srisailam left bank canal, Nagarjunasagar left bank canal, and Hyderabad water supply scheme, which are drawing water from Srisailam and Nagarjunasagar reservoirs, Mr Rao wrote. Moreover, the AP government order was issued subsequent to the State Reorganisation Act and any new scheme is to be appraised by the Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) and AP will have to make available the detailed project report of this scheme to Telangana State and to KRMB, the minister pointed out. In view of this, Mr Rao said he has requested the intervention of the Union water resources minister to advise the AP government not to go ahead with this scheme, and also to make available the detailed project report to Telangana State for scrutiny. Hyderabad: Caretaker Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) will have to spend the rest of his life in Cherlapally jail after the Congress government digs out his corruption in irrigation projects, said former PCC president Ponnala Lakshmiah. Speaking to media persons at Gandhi Bhavan on Tuesday, Mr Ponnala said, Mr Chandrasekhar Rao does not belong to Telangana, nor can he prove that he belongs to Telangana. The people in the state are completely against KCRs rule, as he has failed to fulfill the promises made during the last general elections. So, the people are not ready to believe his fresh promises now. The state has about 14 lakhs of tenant farmers, who were not benefited by the Raithu Bandhu scheme. The TRS government blocked funds from the centre that should have been paid to 20,000 ration dealers in the state. The management of private educational institutions issues were not solved. The pension was cut for about 2 lakh people. The RTC staff is irritated, and the unemployed are against the government, he added explaining why Mr Rao would not be the voter's choice. A Russian Soyuz-2 booster rocket takes off from the Plesetsk launch facility in northwestern Russia. (Photo: AP) Major European countries are backing a new generation of home-grown space launchers amid growing competition from private space companies and developing nations such as India and China. Ministers from Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Switzerland on Thursday signalled their full support for the development of the Ariane 6 and Vega-C rockets and their use as launchers for all European Space Agency missions. The move is a response to the US governments decision to award lucrative launch contracts to private American space companies such as SpaceX, Orbital ATK and Blue Origin. The maiden flight of the medium-to-heavy Ariane 6 is planned for mid-2020, while the smaller Vega-C is scheduled to debut next year. Separately, ministers decided that the ESA should seek closer cooperation with the European Union already one of its main customers. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Indigenous populations in the upper Amazon region today use cacao for fermented drinks and juices. (Photo: AP) New research strengthens the case that people used the chocolate ingredient cacao in South America 5,400 years ago, underscoring the seeds radical transformation into todays Twix bars and M&M candies. Tests indicate traces of cacao on artifacts from an archaeological site in Ecuador, according to a study published Monday. Thats about 1,500 years older than cacaos known domestication in Central America. Its the earliest site now with domesticated cacao, said Cameron McNeil of Lehman College in New York, who was not involved in the research. The ancient South American civilization likely didnt use cacao to make chocolate since theres no established history of indigenous populations in the region using it that way, researchers led by the University of British Columbia in Canada said. But the tests indicate the civilisation used the cacao seed, not just the fruity pulp. The seeds are the part of the cacao pod used to make chocolate. Indigenous populations in the upper Amazon region today use cacao for fermented drinks and juices, and its probably how it was used thousands of years ago as well, researchers said. Scientists mostly agree that cacao was first domesticated in South America instead of Central America as previously believed. The study in Nature Ecology & Evolution provides fresh evidence. Three types of tests were conducted using artifacts from the Santa Ana-La Florida site in Ecuador. One tested for the presence of theobromine, a key compound in cacao; another tested for preserved particles that help archeologists identify ancient plant use; a third used DNA testing to identify cacao. Residue from one ceramic artifact estimated to be 5,310 to 5,440 years old tested positive for cacao by all three methods. Others tested positive for cacao traces as well, but were not as old. How cacaos use spread between South America and Central America is not clear. But by the time Spanish explorers arrived in Central America in the late 1400s, they found people were using it to make hot and cold chocolate drinks with spices, often with a foamy top. For most of the modern period, it was a beverage, said Marcy Norton, a historian at the University of Pennsylvania and author of Sacred Gifts, Profane Pleasures: A History of Tobacco and Chocolate in the Atlantic World. The chocolate drinks in Central America often contained maize and differ from the hot chocolate sold in the US They did not contain milk, Norton said, and when they were sweetened, it was with honey. By the 1580s, cacao was being regularly imported into Spain and spread to other European countries with milk being added along the way. It wasnt until the 1800s that manufacturing advances in the Netherlands transformed chocolate into a solid product, Norton said. Michael Laiskonis, who teaches chocolate classes the Institute of Culinary Education, said hes seeing a growing interest in cacao flavors, indicating a return to a time when chocolate wasnt just an ingredient buried in a candy bar. He said he tries to incorporate chocolates past into his classes, including a 1644 recipe that combines Mayan and Aztec versions of drinks with European influences. Its something thats always been transforming, he said. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Red Hat is one of the very few companies in the cloud computing sector that has both revenue growth and free cash flow. IBM Corp said on Sunday it had agreed to acquire US software company Red Hat Inc for USD 34 billion, including debt, as it seeks to diversify its technology hardware and consulting business into higher-margin products and services. The transaction is by far IBMs biggest acquisition. It underscores IBM Chief Executive Ginni Romettys efforts to expand the companys subscription-based software offerings, as it faces slowing software sales and waning demand for mainframe servers. IBM, which has a market capitalization of USD 114 billion, will pay USD 190 per share in cash for Red Hat, a 63 per cent premium to Fridays closing share price. Founded in 1993, Red Hat specialises in Linux operating systems, the most popular type of open-source software, which was developed as an alternative to proprietary software made by Microsoft Corp. Headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, Red Hat charges fees to its corporate customers for custom features, maintenance and technical support, offering IBM a lucrative source of subscription revenue. Red Hat is one of the very few companies in the cloud computing sector that has both revenue growth and free cash flow, Rometty, who has been IBMs CEO since 2012, said in an interview with Reuters. This acquisition we are clearly doing for growth synergies. This is not about cost synergies at all, Rometty said in the interview. The acquisition illustrates how older technology companies are turning to dealmaking to gain scale and fend off competition, especially in cloud computing, where customers using enterprise software are seeking to save money by consolidating their vendor relationships. IBM is hoping the deal will help it catch up with Amazon.com Inc, Alphabet Inc and Microsoft in the rapidly growing cloud business. IBM shares have lost almost a third of their value in the past five years, while Red Hat shares are up 170 per cent over the same period. This deal represents the culmination of IBMs existing partnership with Red Hat, and, in our view, allows IBM to gain a highly strategic asset to advance its hybrid cloud initiatives, Barclays analysts wrote in a research note. They added that for the deal to work, it was important for IBM to uphold Red Hats neutrality when it came to operating platforms and maintain Red Hats open-source and multi-cloud position in the market. IBM was founded in 1911 and is known in the technology industry as Big Blue, a reference to its once ubiquitous blue computers. It has faced years of revenue declines, as it transitions its legacy computer maker business into new technology products and services. Its recent initiatives have included artificial intelligence and business lines around Watson, named after the supercomputer it developed. To be sure, IBM is no stranger to acquisitions. It acquired cloud infrastructure provider Softlayer in 2013 for USD 2 billion, and the Weather Channels data assets for more than USD 2 billion in 2015. It also acquired Canadian business software maker Cognos in 2008 for USD 5 billion. Other big technology companies have also recently sought to reinvent themselves through acquisitions. Microsoft this year acquired open source software platform GitHub for USD 7.5 billion; chip maker Broadcom Inc agreed to acquire software maker CA Inc for nearly USD 19 billion, and Adobe Inc agreed to acquire marketing software maker Marketo for USD 5 billion. One of IBMs main competitors, Dell Technologies Inc, made a big bet on software and cloud computing two years ago when it acquired data storage company EMC for USD 67 billion. As part of that deal, Dell inherited an 82 per cent stake in virtualization software company VMware Inc. The deal between IBM and Red Hat is expected to close in the second half of 2019. IBM said it planned to suspend its share repurchase program in 2020 and 2021 to help pay for the deal. IBM said Red Hat would continue to be led by Red Hat CEO Jim Whitehurst and Red Hats current management team. It intends to maintain Red Hats headquarters, facilities, brands and practices. Lazard Ltd offered financial advice to IBM, alongside Goldman Sachs Group Inc and JPMorgan Chase & Co, which also provided financing for the deal. Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP provided legal advice to IBM. Guggenheim Partners LLC and Morgan Stanley were financial advisers to Red Hat, while Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP offered legal advice to the company on the deal. Knowing first-hand how important open, hybrid cloud technologies are to helping businesses unlock value, we see the power of bringing these two companies together, and are honoured to advise IBM and commit financing for this transaction, JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon said in a statement. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Terms were not disclosed for the deal to buy eharmony, which was founded by clinical psychologist Neil Clark Warren. Germanys ProSiebenSat.1 Media said on Monday it had bought US online dating site eharmony, in the first significant deal since it carved out a new e-commerce joint venture with General Atlantic. The acquisition of eharmony, which was founded in 2000 in Los Angeles and expects to register 2.8 million new users this year, complements ProSiebens own Parship dating franchise which is the market leader in Germany. We are bringing together two strong brands and will build them into one of the worlds leading online dating businesses, ProSieben CEO Max Conze said in a statement. Terms were not disclosed for the deal to buy eharmony, which was founded by clinical psychologist Neil Clark Warren and uses an extensive online questionnaire to determine the compatibility of potential couples seeking long-term relationships. Parship and sister brand ElitePartner, which count 2 million registrations a year, use an algorithm that was developed separately in Germany but that is based on a similar approach, said Claas van Delden, co-CEO of Nucom. They are based on the same conviction, van Delden said. In addition, the takeover is so attractive because eharmony has a brand awareness of nearly 90 per cent and a very big user base that we can serve better from a common platform. The transaction follows through on ProSiebens push to diversify away from its core commercial TV franchise, where ad revenues are flat and the sector is being disrupted by streaming platforms like Netflix. The Munich-based broadcaster bought eharmony via its newly created Nucom division, in which investor General Atlantic took a 24.9 per cent stake in February. Nucom, in turn, owns 94 per cent of Parship. It said the deal would open access not only to the online dating markets in the United States but also in Canada and Australia where eharmony is also present. The US market is the most richly valued on a per-user basis and is worth USD 3 billion, ProSieben said, citing independent research. Privately held eharmony has raised a total of USD 113 million in two funding rounds, the most recent being in 2004, when it was backed by Tuputele Ventures, TCV, Sequoia Capital and Fayez Sarofim & Co, according to CrunchBase. Eharmony CEO Grant Langston will continue to run the business while representatives of Parship will join its board. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. The breakup fee for the deal, which would be among the largest on record in the tech sector, has yet to be announced and a high fee would also deter Red Hat from entertaining other buyers. IBM Corps USD 34 billion deal to buy Red Hat Inc drove shares in the small but fast-growing software maker about 50 per cent higher on Monday, reflecting the huge premium IBM is paying to ward off any potential challenger bids. At USD 172, shares of Red Hat were still trading around USD 18 short of the USD 190 price agreed by the two companies in Sundays announcement, and analysts said that pointed to some remaining nerves among investors over the chances of the deal closing. The breakup fee for the deal, which would be among the largest on record in the tech sector, has yet to be announced and a high fee would also deter Red Hat from entertaining other buyers. IBMs stock was down 2 per cent on news of the deal, a hint that investors were concerned that, at 10 times 2019 projected sales, it had overpaid for the deal. The companys Chief Executive Officer Ginni Rometty told CNBC in an interview aired early on Monday that she felt the deal was done at the right price. This is a very fair price...(Red Hat CEO Jim Whitehurst) has built a great company, and unlike others, high growth, high profit and cash and so this is why I think really those are important things for our investors, Rometty said. One brokerage, Stifel, raised the prospect of a competing offer from one of the other major players in cloud computing for whom the deal represents the emergence of a more substantial rival. Google, Amazon, and Microsoft (and potentially Oracle) have the strategic motivations and financial resources to consummate such a transaction and would not be surprised if we were to see one of them make a competing bid, analysts from Stifel said in a note. Rometty told Reuters on Sunday that the increasing use of cloud services from multiple providers was the driving force behind the deal along with the rise of the so-called hybrid cloud, in which companies run some of their software in their own data centres and other elements of it in data centres run by IBM, Amazon Web Services or Google Cloud, among others. Red Hat has been investing heavily in tech tools such as so-called containers, which make it easier for businesses to split up their computing work among a mix of data centres. They want choice and we are going to give it to them, Rometty said. Multi-cloud is a fact of life. In buying Red Hat, IBM will have assembled a cloud that includes physical servers, its own operating system and applications like human resources software. But the combined entity will also sell software that runs on its customer's own hardware and other clouds. That will put it in direct competition with firms like Microsoft, which has a similar mix of software and cloud services. We are going to both compete and partner with those other clouds, Rometty said. The thing about IBM is, weve been around long enough to know this is a multi-cloud world. Jim Whitehurst, the CEO of Red Hat, said the use of multiple clouds has been an advantage for Red Hat. Cloud providers such as Amazon often offer a house-made version of the Linux operating system for free or at little cost. But that version of Linux is available only on Amazon, and if the business wants to run software on another cloud they would have to ensure it works with a different version of Linux there. Red Hat offers a standard version of Linux that runs on commonly available clouds as well as a businesss own data centres, and Whitehurst said Red Hat customers were increasingly running its operating system on public clouds. We are growing faster on the public clouds than the public clouds are growing, Whitehurst said in an interview. Yeah, you pay us a little extra versus a free cloud offering, but you get the benefit of a standard operating environment. Analysts had raised concerns that the purchase may alienate customers worrying that IBM will infringe on the neutrality of Red Hat, which is dubbed as Switzerland of the IT stack. IBM reiterated on a conference call on Monday that Red Hat would continue to be led by Whitehurst and Red Hats current management team. It also intends to maintain Red Hats headquarters, facilities, brands and practices. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Miami: The man suspected of sending pipe bombs to prominent Democrats and other opponents of President Donald Trump kept a list of elected officials and others who investigators believe were intended targets, an official told The Associated Press on Monday. The disclosure came as 56-year-old Cesar Sayoc made his initial court appearance in Miami federal court Monday, saying little but tearing up, and after bomb squads were called to a post office in Atlanta about a suspicious mailing to CNN similar to the pipe bomb packages recovered in the case last week. The official said authorities had recovered soldering equipment, a printer, and stamps similar to those used on the package bombs in the investigation into Sayoc, who was arrested last week in Florida. Authorities believe Sayoc was putting explosives together in his van. The official wasnt authorized to discuss the ongoing investigation and spoke on condition of anonymity to the AP. The official also said that, as part of the investigation, authorities were scrutinizing Sayocs social media posts. The FBI said via its Twitter account that the recovered package in Atlanta was similar in appearance to the bubble-wrapped manila envelopes authorities say were sent by Sayoc to intended targets from Delaware to California, including former President Barack Obama, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former Vice President Joe Biden. CNN President Jeff Zucker says all mail to CNN has been screened offsite since last week, when a series of package bombs began appearing around the country. Among them were two apparent mail bombs sent to CNN. At least some listed a return address of US Debbie Wasserman Schultz, former chair of the Democratic National Committee. She represents the South Florida district where the former male stripper, pizza driver and strip club DJ lived in an older van covered with bumper stickers praising Trump, disparaging Democrats and CNN and showing rifle crosshairs over liberals like Clinton and filmmaker Michael Moore. At Mondays hearing, federal prosecutors said they will seek to keep Sayoc jailed until trial as a flight risk and a danger to the community. A judge set another hearing for Friday on whether to grant bail to Sayoc and to discuss when he will be sent from Miami to New York, where five federal charges were filed. One of Sayocs attorneys, Daniel Aaronson, urged people not to rush to judgment based on media reports. Right now, we know very, very, very little, Aaronson said of the case. We do not know all the evidence the government has. You have to keep in mind he has not been found guilty of anything. Sayoc, shackled at the wrists and ankles and wearing a tan jail jumpsuit, said little at the hearing but at one point tearing up. Aaronson said he did not know what made Sayoc seem emotional but noted he is facing decades in prison if convicted. Although authorities did not immediately say who might be responsible for the most recent package to CNN, the FBI said it believes the package discovered Monday is similar to those that Sayoc is accused of sending. Law enforcement officials have said they believe the packages were staggered and more could be discovered. The New York Times said in a staff memo that it was notified by the FBI on Monday that one of its editors was on a list of potential targets of the mail-bomb suspect. Later that day, an envelope addressed to the editor raised concerns, but New York police determined that it was a false alarm. The editor was not identified. Sayoc was arrested Friday outside a South Florida auto parts store after investigators said they identified him through fingerprint and DNA evidence. Authorities say Sayoc faces more than 50 years in prison if convicted on all charges. None of the bombs exploded and no one was injured. The Admiral Kuznetsov has seen action in Russia's military campaign in Syria in support of President Bashar al-Assad with its planes carrying out air strikes against rebel forces. (Photo: AFP) Moscow: Russia's only aircraft carrier was damaged while undergoing repairs in the north of the country after the floating dock holding it sank in the early hours of Tuesday morning and a crane crashed onto its deck. The Admiral Kuznetsov has seen action in Russia's military campaign in Syria in support of President Bashar al-Assad with its planes carrying out air strikes against rebel forces. It was being overhauled on one of the world's biggest floating docks in the icy waters of the Kola Bay near Murmansk close to where Russia's Northern Fleet is based and was due to go back into service in 2021. Maria Kovtun, Murmansk's governor, said in a statement that a rescue operation had been launched and 71 people evacuated after the floating dock holding the ship had begun to sink. The warship had been successfully extracted from the dock before it completely sank, she said. Investigators, who said they had opened a criminal investigation into the incident that would look at whether safety rules had been violated, said one person was missing and four others were being treated for hypothermia after being plucked out of the water. Alexei Rakhmanov, head of Russia's United Shipbuilding Corporation, told the TASS news agency that the ship's hull and deck had been damaged, although what he called the vessel's vitally important parts had not been harmed. Yevgeny Gladyshev, a spokesman for the shipbuilding factory which operated the floating dock, told the RIA news agency that unspecified equipment had been damaged but that much of the deck had been spared because it had been removed during repairs. The floating dock had been hit by a power outage which had caused its water tanks to fill up rapidly, prompting it to sink, the factory said. The Admiral Kuznetsov gained notoriety in Britain when then Secretary of Defence Michael Fallon dubbed it the "ship of shame" in 2017 when it passed through waters close to the English coast on its way back from the Mediterranean belching black smoke. German former nurse Niels Hoegel (L) is accused of killing more than 100 patients in his care. (Photo: AFP) Berlin: Former nurse Niels Hoegel, accused of killing more than 100 patients in his care, will go on trial Tuesday in the biggest serial killing trial in Germany's post-war history. Hoegel, 41, has already spent nearly a decade in prison for other patient deaths, and is accused of intentionally administering medical overdoses to victims so he could bring them back to life at the last moment. He is to face questioning before dozens of victims' anguished loved ones who still hope to learn the full scope of his murder spree. The trial in Oldenburg, northern Germany, is set to last until at least May, with the first hearing to focus on prosecutors presenting their case. Hoegel, who is already serving a life term, has confessed to dozens of killings. Investigators say at least 36 patients were killed at a hospital in Oldenburg where he worked, and about 64 more at a clinic in nearby Delmenhorst, between 2000 and 2005. "I hope he will be found guilty on each count so that the loved ones can finally find some closure," said Petra Klein, who runs the local chapter of the victims' aid group Weisser Ring. Around 126 relatives will be co-plaintiffs in the new trial and are expected to fill the specially designated courtroom in Oldenburg, along with about 80 journalists. More than 130 bodies of patients who died on Hoegel's watch have been exhumed, in a case investigators have called "unprecedented in Germany to our knowledge". - 'Like a drug' - Caught in 2005 while injecting an unprescribed medication into a patient in Delmenhorst, Hoegel was sentenced in 2008 to seven years in prison for attempted murder. A second trial followed in 2014-15 under pressure from alleged victims' families, who accused prosecutors of dragging their feet. He was found guilty of murder and attempted murder of five other victims and given the maximum sentence of 15 years. It was then that Hoegel confessed to his psychiatrist at least 30 more murders committed in Delmenhorst. That prompted investigators to take a closer look at suspicious deaths in Oldenburg. Investigators say the final toll could top 200 but fear they might never know for sure because the bodies of many potential victims were cremated. Hoegel appears to have followed a similar procedure each time, first injecting a medication that triggered cardiac arrest, followed by an often futile attempt at resuscitation. Prosecutors say he was motivated by vanity, to show off his skills at saving human lives, and by simple "boredom". The choice of victim appears to have been entirely random, with their ages ranging from 34 to 96. Killing in itself was never his aim, according to one psychologist who evaluated him. When he managed to revive a patient, he was sated, but only for a few days, the expert said, before adding: "For him, it was like a drug." Berlin: Former nurse Niels Hoegel, accused of killing more than 100 patients in his care, will go on trial Tuesday in the biggest serial killing trial in Germany's post-war history. Hoegel, 41, has already spent nearly a decade in prison for other patient deaths, and is accused of intentionally administering medical overdoses to victims so he could bring them back to life at the last moment. He is to face questioning before dozens of victims' anguished loved ones who still hope to learn the full scope of his murder spree. The trial in Oldenburg, northern Germany, is set to last until at least May, with the first hearing to focus on prosecutors presenting their case. Hoegel, who is already serving a life term, has confessed to dozens of killings. Investigators say at least 36 patients were killed at a hospital in Oldenburg where he worked, and about 64 more at a clinic in nearby Delmenhorst, between 2000 and 2005. "I hope he will be found guilty on each count so that the loved ones can finally find some closure," said Petra Klein, who runs the local chapter of the victims' aid group Weisser Ring. Around 126 relatives will be co-plaintiffs in the new trial and are expected to fill the specially designated courtroom in Oldenburg, along with about 80 journalists. More than 130 bodies of patients who died on Hoegel's watch have been exhumed, in a case investigators have called "unprecedented in Germany to our knowledge". - 'Like a drug' - Caught in 2005 while injecting an unprescribed medication into a patient in Delmenhorst, Hoegel was sentenced in 2008 to seven years in prison for attempted murder. A second trial followed in 2014-15 under pressure from alleged victims' families, who accused prosecutors of dragging their feet. He was found guilty of murder and attempted murder of five other victims and given the maximum sentence of 15 years. It was then that Hoegel confessed to his psychiatrist at least 30 more murders committed in Delmenhorst. That prompted investigators to take a closer look at suspicious deaths in Oldenburg. Investigators say the final toll could top 200 but fear they might never know for sure because the bodies of many potential victims were cremated. Hoegel appears to have followed a similar procedure each time, first injecting a medication that triggered cardiac arrest, followed by an often futile attempt at resuscitation. Prosecutors say he was motivated by vanity, to show off his skills at saving human lives, and by simple "boredom". The choice of victim appears to have been entirely random, with their ages ranging from 34 to 96. Killing in itself was never his aim, according to one psychologist who evaluated him. When he managed to revive a patient, he was sated, but only for a few days, the expert said, before adding: "For him, it was like a drug." Khashoggi was a Saudi journalist who went into self-imposed exile in the United States last year after falling out with the kingdom's powerful Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman. (Photo: File) London: The fiancee of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi has hit out at US President Donald Trump's response to his murder, saying he must not let Riyadh cover up the killing. "I am extremely disappointed by the stance of the leadership of many countries, particularly in the US," Hatice Cengiz told a memorial event in London late Monday. "President Trump should help reveal the truth and ensure justice be served. He should not allow my fiance's murder to be covered up," she said in Turkish, according to a video published by British media. She said she believed the Saudi regime knew where Khashoggi's body was, and called for the "evil criminals and their cowardly political masters" to be held to account. Khashoggi was a Saudi journalist who went into self-imposed exile in the United States last year after falling out with the kingdom's powerful Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman. He was killed after entering the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul on October 2 to obtain paperwork for his marriage to his Turkish fiancee. Western powers have expressed outrage at his killing and demanded answers from Riyadh, although Trump warned against halting a Saudi arms deal to increase the pressure, saying it would harm US jobs. Cengiz said Khashoggi's death had "left a void in (her) heart and soul", adding: "If only I knew what would happen, I would have entered the consulate myself. "If only I knew that would be the last time I would see my Jamal, his smile, hear his laughter, I would have stood in front of that murderous team myself." The head of the Saudi investigation, Attorney General Sheikh Saud al-Mojeb, last week acknowledged that the killing was "premeditated", based on Turkish evidence. Public sector lender Vijaya Bank on Monday posted 24.54% decline in net profit at Rs 139.94 crore in the second quarter ended September 30, 2018, compared with Rs 185.46 crore in the same quarter last year due to provisioning. "Our operating profit has been consistent, and it is up by 3.39% at Rs 759 crore compared to Rs 734 crore in the corresponding quarter. Our provision coverage ratio has improved to 62.65% from 59.29%. Having 65 to 70% provisioning is healthy for any private or public sector," R A Sankara Narayanan, MD and CEO of Vijaya Bank said. The public sector lender's total income rose to Rs 3,931.36 crore compared with Rs 3,501.31 crore. Its net interest income for the second quarter was up 15.58% at Rs 1,166 crore compared to Rs 1,008 crore in the corresponding quarter. Narayanan said the bank's gross NPAs were down from 7.06% to 5.86% and net NPAs were down from 4.86% to 3.81%. The amount of Net NPAs stood at Rs 4,810 crore in the second quarter ended September 30, 2018, compared with Rs 4,473 crore in the corresponding quarter last year. "Our housing loan portfolio, which is the strength of Vijaya Bank, was up by 31.13% in the second quarter," he said. While gross advances were up by 36.98% at Rs 1,29,040 crore, gross deposits stood at Rs 1,67,628 crore in the second quarter. The bank's total business was up by 30.23% at Rs 2,96,668 crore. Narayanan said going forward, both gross and net NPAs will come down and results will be much better in the coming quarters. Shares of the bank on Monday closed at Rs 43.45, up 7.02% from the previous close. Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso said on Tuesday that a currency swap agreement it signed with India was intended to function as a safety net in case of a financial crisis. Speaking to reporters, Aso also said the $30 billion currency swap deal Japan signed with China last week would support Japanese companies and banks operating in China if they had trouble exchanging yen for yuan. Japan and India signed a $75 billion bilateral currency swap agreement on Monday during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Tokyo. Immigration officials at the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) intercepted a 34-year-old Nepali woman while she was trying to board a Sharjah-bound flight with fake travel documents in the early hours of Sunday. According to the officials, Sita had submitted her travel documents for clearance at the Bureau of Immigration. The documents included a permission letter from the Embassy of Nepal in New Delhi for a three-month visiting visa for UAE. During verification, the officials found that the letter had a spelling mistake. The word Embassy was spelled as Emnassy. Upon further verification, the officials found that the reference number along with the signature of the secretary of the Embassy of Nepal was forged. On questioning it was revealed that she ran a fruit shop in Nepal and wanted to visit UAE to look for a job. She claimed that she had approached the Embassy of Nepal and obtained the required documents. Sita told the police that she has studied only until the fifth standard and did not know the spelling. The police have also written a letter to the embassy officials seeking clarification on the permission letter. A resident of Palpa from Nepal, the accused Sita Sinjali was booked for forgery and cheating. She was produced before a magistrate and has been remanded to judicial custody, the police said. An IISc professor who was accused of sexual harassment by a PhD student has been asked to go on a "compulsory retirement" by the institute, The Indian Express reports. Professor Giridhar Madras, who worked in the chemical engineering department, was asked to leave the institute after the governing council recommended disciplinary action against him, said IISc Director Professor Anurag Kumar. Madras had been working at the IISc for 20 years prior to his dismissal. Earlier this month, a PhD student at the IISc had accused the scientist of making "sexually coloured remarks" and "harassing her with repeated late-night phone calls". The disciplinary action was ordered under Rule 11 of Central Civil Services Classification Control and Appeal Rules, which also governs disciplinary actions against IISc employees for sexual harassment. IISc's policy on sexual harassment says that the Institute will not tolerate any form of sexual harassment and is committed to take all necessary steps to ensure that its women employees and students are not subjected to any form of harassment. Madras is a recipient of the prestigious Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology, IISc Excellence Award in Teaching and Research and a J.C. Bose National Fellow. He has also received fellowships from several institutes. The Tibetan Government-in-Exile wants New Delhi to make clear to China that Tibet was a core issue for India, too. China says Tibet is a core issue for it. India should respond to China. It must say that Tibet is a core issue for India as well, wondered Lobsang Sangay, Sikyong (president) of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile (TGiE), which is based in Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. Sangay was speaking after launching a report by the TgiE (officially known as Central Tibetan Administration) titled Tibet was never a part of China, but Middle Way remains a viable solution. Chinese President Xi Jinping often says stability and security of China are dependent on stability of security of Tibet. India should say that its own security and stability, too are dependent on security and stability of Tibet, said Sangay. Sangay's remark and the report of the TGiE have come at a time when India is trying to mend its ties with China after the bilateral relations between the two neighbours hit a new low last year over the military face-off between Indian Army and Chinese People's Liberation Army at Doklam Plateau in western Bhutan. New Delhi, earlier this year, advised senior leaders and government functionaries to avoid sharing podium with Dalai Lama, who, even after delegating his political powers to leaders elected by the exiled Tibetans, remains the icon of the community's struggle against China's rule in Tibet. The advisory issued by Cabinet Secretariat of the Government of India fuelled speculation that New Delhi was reviewing its traditional policy on Dalai Lama and the struggle by the exiled Tibetans, ostensibly in order to avert hurting the sensitivity of its communist neighbour and to ensure that the efforts to mend ties do not suffer a setback. Beijing calls Dalai Lama a splittist and has been accusing him, Sangay and other leaders of the exiled Tibetans of leading a secessionist movement to undermine China's sovereignty over Tibet. China in April 2017 strongly criticised India for facilitating Dalai Lamas visits to Tawang in Aruanchal Pradesh very close to the disputed boundary between the two nations. New Delhi cold-shouldered Beijing's protest, saying that Dalai Lama was a much revered spiritual leader and, being an honoured guest, he could visit any place in India. But, after June-August 2017 military face-off at Doklam Plateau in Bhutan, New Delhi subtly changed its tack. The TGiE was made to scale down an event it held to thank India for giving refuge to so many Tibetans. It was also made to shift the venue from New Delhi to Dharamshala. Sangay on Monday said that genuine autonomy in Tibet would be a win-win outcome for both China and India. He said that the Freedom of Tibet would ensure security of India had so far remained a slogan for friends of Tibet in India. It, however, had not yet turned into a policy of the Government of India. His comments came just a few weeks ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's proposed meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sideline of the G-20 summit in Buenos Aires in Argentina. The informal summit between Modi and Xi in Wuhan in April brought about a thaw in the relations. They followed it up with meetings at Qingdao on east coast of China on June 9 as well as at Johannesburg in South Africa on July 26 both on the sidelines of multilateral summits. The two sides also had a series of engagements between commerce ministers, defence ministers and home ministers. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will host her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi next month for a meeting. Facing a defamation suit for alleging Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's son was named in the 'Panama Papers', Congress president Rahul Gandhi clarified on Tuesday he had got "confused". "For campaigning, I am touring Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan these days. The ruling BJP has indulged in so many scams and corruption that yesterday I got confused," Gandhi said. "In Panama Paper leak case, Madhya Pradesh chief minister has no role," Gandhi told a select group of journalists when asked about his comments during a rally in Jhabua district of poll-bound Madhya Paresh on Monday. The Panama papers refer to 11.5 million leaked documents published by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists in 2016 with details of offshore entities set up by a Panama-bassed law firm. The list included a number of Indian entities and many of them are facing investigations. Without naming the chief minister or his son, Gandhi had alleged during the rally that the name of the son of 'mamaji' had figured in the Panama Papers but no action was taken against him. Chouhan is often referred to as ''mamaji'. While the chief minister's son Kartikey Chouhan rejected the allegations on Monday night itself, he has now filed a criminal defamation suit against Gandhi in a Bhopal court, alleging that the Congress leader intentionally made the false allegations to defame his family. While clarifying his remarks on Panama link, Gandhi alleged the state's BJP chief minister indeed had a role in scams like Vyapam and e-tendering, among others. Vyapam scam refers to massive irregularities in state government jobs recruitment and selection in medical courses done by the Madhya Pradesh Professional Examination Board. The main Opposition party has also alleged large-scale corruption through e-tendering in Madhya Pradesh. It has claimed massive irregularities in grant of state government procurement and other works through a website developed by two private IT companies. The ruling party has rejected all these allegations. Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, said that the BJP is dreaming that the JD(S)-Congress coalition government would fall after the bypolls. Addressing an election rally for the forthcoming Shimoga by-elections, at Trasi, on Tuesday, the chief minister expressed his dissatisfaction over the 'cheap propaganda by the opposition to defame the coalition government'. 'Communal politics' Kumaraswamy accused BJP leaders of resorting to various tactics to defame the coalition government. "Sadly, they are ignorant about the fact that the coalition government is here to complete its full term--with the support of the people," he added. The CM alleged that people in coastal districts were being misled in the name of dharma. He urged people not to be swayed by 'BJP's communal politics'. 'Divide and rule policy' "BJP is following a divide and rule policy" said Kumaraswamy and called upon the people to be wise. He assured that if there was any harm caused to Hindu religion; it would be he, along with people, that would save dharma. 'Disgusting hate' "The communal hate (BJP is spreading) is absolutely disgusting. People should be aware of BJP's agenda. It is trying to divide people in the name of religion. From Ullal to Karwar, BJP is trying to make the coastal region a hotbed of communal politics, he alleged. The CM said that the coalition government intended to initiate stringent measures against the 'communal hate created by the BJP'. Asserting that the by-election results would be a decisive factor for national politics, the chief minister assured better facilities to the poor. "It is essential for voters to support the coalition government and strengthen the secular environment in state," he appealed. READ MORE Farm unrest threatens BJPs vote harvest My fight is against policies of BJP: Kumaraswamy The Congress-JD(S) alliance and the BJP were at least two hours behind schedule for their roadshows. The sun was blazing as farmer Basavegowda, 65, waited with fellow villagers for the entourage at T Hosahalli. We elected (chief minister) H D Kumaraswamy twice. What has he done? Have you seen the roads here? he scowls. And it is this sentiment that the BJP hopes to milk ahead of the November 3 bypoll for the Ramanagara Assembly constituency, the Vokkaliga heartland. The saffron party has fielded L Chandrashekhar, son of senior Congress leader C M Lingappa. He quit the Congress when the party failed to pay heed to his fathers demand that Ramanagara should not be ceded to the JD(S). The BJP cadre is upbeat and hopes to make electoral gains given that the Congress has not been able to fully convince its workers about the alliance. However, there is also disappointment that tall Vokkaliga leaders like R Ashoka did little to improve the partys prospects here. Ramanagara is one of the old Mysuru districts where the rivalry between the Congress and JD(S) is legendary; there are Congress villages that have cut off ties with JD(S) villages and vice-versa. This will be the first election in four decades without a Congress-JD(S) fight. The party ceded the seat to its rival-turned-partner JD(S), which has fielded Anitha Kumaraswamy, the chief ministers wife. Congress Bengaluru Rural MP D K Suresh, brother of party loyalist D K Shivakumar, finds himself in the undesirable situation of ensuring the victory of Anitha, whom he famously defeated in the 2013 Bengaluru Rural Lok Sabha byelection. Suresh has been accompanying her during canvassing. The Ramanagara constituency is one of the two seats that Kumaraswamy contested in the recent Assembly elections in May. He retained Channapatna and resigned from Ramanagara, necessitating this bypoll. Kumaraswamy, who enjoys immense popularity in the district, bagged over 92,000 votes in the last election. Im sure I will exceed that, Anitha said. My husband is now the CM and people have the confidence that more work can be done if I get elected. The BJPs poll narrative is woven around how the foes turned friends. Youve been voting for them for years like slaves. They dont come to your village fearing rebuke over bad roads. Has Kumaraswamy visited your village even once? Theyve joined hands for the sake of power. Stop being blind now, BJP Ramanagara president M Rudresh told villagers. ALSO READ: Karnataka bypoll: Close contest on cards in Bellary Karnataka bypolls: The battle lines are drawn SALT LAKE CITY Polite chitchat can be awkward for Michele Margolis, an assistant professor of political science at the University of Pennsylvania. When she mentions her research specialty, people sometimes assume she's joking. "They're like, 'No. That's not a thing,'" she said. Margolis studies how political affiliation influences religious beliefs and practices, a cause-and-effect that reverses traditional assumptions. People like to believe their faith informs who and what they vote for, not the other way around. "It's tricky to say something like your religion, which is premised on things like whether you'll go to heaven or hell, can be affected by the dirty, secular world of politics. It's counterintuitive," said Margolis, whose book, "From Politics to the Pews," was released in August. But a growing body of research concludes just that: Our political concerns can affect which church we attend, how faithful we are and whether we drop out of organized religion altogether. "I don't think this is really a matter of debate anymore" among scholars of religion and politics, said David Campbell, chair of the political science department at the University of Notre Dame. As Margolis' small talk experiences illustrate, everyday people aren't there, yet. But people of faith will need to be aware of the power of politics in order to keep it from corrupting their communities, Campbell said. "If religious people want to have their voices heard in the public square they need to rise above partisanship. Unfortunately, I see less and less of that," he said. Old assumptions For decades, political scientists and religious believers assumed the causal relationship between religion and politics flowed in one direction: Religion affected politics. Faith was seen as a powerful, personal force that couldn't be rocked by contentious elections or political ad campaigns. "Many still treat religion as a characteristic outside a person's own choosing," Margolis wrote in "From Politics to the Pews." In evangelical circles, faith has often been described as a "mountain of culture," noted Carmen LaBerge, a Christian talk radio host. It casts a shadow over the other aspects of people's lives, affecting the decisions they make. "The idea is that politics is downstream or downhill" from religion, she said. Margolis and other scholars don't deny that religion is a central influence for many people. But they do reject the idea that faith is unchangeable or immune to pressure applied by other forces. People regularly switch churches or stop attending worship services for long stretches of time, whether because they moved, got close to a new group of friends or grew more invested in their political party. "I'm not out to convince everyone religion doesn't matter. I think it does. But I want to tell a more nuanced story," Margolis said. In her book, Margolis spends a lot of time on life cycle theory, or the notion that our beliefs and commitments ebb and flow over time. Many teenagers and young adults take a step back from the religious tradition they were raised in, whether because they're busy enjoying college or launching their career. When they get married and have their own kids, some will return to regular church attendance. This common downturn in religious involvement coincides with the time when our political identities take shape. Our choice of a political party can go on to affect whether we return to faith or which house of worship we choose, Margolis said. We make religious decisions based on our needs and "politics can be one of them," she said. People aren't necessarily aware that this is happening, which explains why nonscholars sometimes react strongly and negatively when they hear the latest research on religion and politics, Margolis added. "I don't think anyone actively says, 'My politics are more important than my religion and I'm going to let politics drive my religious decisions,'" she said. Moving the mountain When LaBerge discovered Margolis' research this summer, she started to question that traditional map of the mountains of culture. "I thought, 'If she's right, then we have our geography wrong,'" she said. LaBerge wanted to know more. She bought Margolis' book and invited her to discuss it on-air. In the process, she discovered that her own religious journey helps illustrate the findings. LaBerge spent many years attending a politically progressive, mainline Protestant church. She's a registered Republican and the faith's approach to politics frustrated her to the point that she stopped attending. "I would definitely say that the progressive, partisan political agenda pursued by that denomination eventually drove me out," she said, noting that she now worships at a Southern Baptist church. Around 1 in 10 people who've looked for a new congregation cite a church's religious teachings or political stances as the reason they chose it, according to a 2016 study from Pew Research Center. Politics' influence on religious choices doesn't end there, Campbell and Margolis said. It also affects how deeply people commit to their religious community and whether they attend one at all. Recent research shows "people who are politically centrist or liberal will drop their religious affiliation because they view religion as an extension of conservative politics," Campbell said. "We've also seen evidence that if you are politically conservative, you have a tendency to become more religious over time." Margolis has studied how this plays out among young adults, who, as she noted, generally drift away from their childhood faith groups, at least temporarily. In her book, she analyzes a long-term study of 1,500 people, who were surveyed as high school seniors, then in their 20s, 30s and 50s. "I find that 20-something Democrats and Republicans were equally secular. But nine years later, Republicans had become much more likely to attend church than their Democratic counterparts," she wrote in an op-ed about her research for The New York Times. These outcomes stem, in part, from the fact that Republican politicians for about the last four decades have talked about God and their faith a lot more than Democrats. Additionally, conservative Christians have been more vocal and visible supporters of the GOP than progressive Christians have been for the Democratic Party. To be clear, researchers aren't arguing that there are no religious Democrats or secular Republicans. They're saying that each party's religious reputation affects people whose religious status is still evolving. Among liberals, "it's not that you find people who are already highly engaged in religion just stopping on a dime and leaving," Campbell said. It's that people who are only loosely committed to their faith group decide that religion's conservative reputation in the public square is reason enough to leave. Religious response Like Margolis, Campbell often encounters people who are confused by his research. Even if they accept the basic premise, they may not see why they should care. It can seem silly to get worked up about people leaving church who weren't that committed in the first place, he noted. But it's important to remember that a growing number of Americans fit that description. "The rise of religious 'nones' is one of the most significant social trends of the last 25 years," he said. One-quarter of U.S. adults are religiously unaffiliated, according to Public Religion Research Institute. The close relationship between the Republican Party and religion likely helps explain this trend, Campbell and others said. "I don't know how one could prove or how one could quantify exactly how much the growth of the 'nones' is attributable to (the entanglement of religion with conservative politics.) But it's consistent in the sense that religious 'nones' are by and large one of the most consistently liberal and Democratic religious groups in the U.S. population," said Greg Smith, Pew Research Center's associate director of research. In 2017, 68 percent of religiously unaffiliated registered voters identified as Democrats or leaned Democratic, compared to 52 percent in 1994, Pew reported earlier this year. People of faith should also care about the complicated relationship between politics and religion because it holds serious consequences for religion's moral witness, Campbell said. When religious communities come to be defined by their political interests, they lose the support of half of America. "When politics is put ahead of religion, it corrupts religion," Campbell said. To illustrate this point, he often cites data showing how President Donald Trump's candidacy changed evangelical Christians' views on immoral behavior. In 2011, just 30 percent of white evangelicals believed an elected official who committed an immoral act in their personal life could still be an ethical leader, according to Public Religion Research Institute. By 2016, that figured jumped to 72 percent. Similarly, Margolis worries that current trends of congregations becoming more politically homogenous may sabotage religion's ability to bring diverse people together. "I don't have an agenda, but I don't think it's a good thing that this has happened," she said. ELKO, Nevada A Utah man died Thursday in a gold mining accident in Elko, Nevada. Jason Holman, 42, of Goshen, Utah County, was loading materials when ground fell in the mine where he was working, according to a news release from Small Mine Development, which operates the mine. Holman worked at the Lee Smith Mine. The accident is under investigation by the Mine Safety and Health Administration, the Nevada state mine inspector and the local sheriff's office. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time. Small Mine Development lost a valuable employee and our mining family is grieving with the family. We are deeply saddened that this tragic event occurred and will endeavor to determine the cause and work to prevent reoccurrence," the company said in the statement. Violence in the name of religious hatred is particularly odious when it happens in the United States, because this nation is supposed to be the worlds refuge for the religiously oppressed a beacon for tolerance, freedom and liberty. The nations founders felt so strongly about this they made religious liberty specifically, the prohibition of any law establishing an official religion or prohibiting the free exercise of religious belief the very first right enumerated in the Bill of Rights. The mass killing in a Pittsburgh Synagogue on Saturday was an unspeakable tragedy, the violation not only of a basic God-given right to worship, but a murderous repudiation of what it means to be an American. It may have been the deadliest attack on a Jewish community in the nations history, but it was not an isolated incident. The Anti-Defamation League published a report earlier this year that found anti-Semitic incidents rose 57 percent in 2017 over the previous year. The increase included reported incidents on college campuses and other schools, which is particularly troubling. The nations political leaders must speak clearly and unambiguously against such violence, articulating why religious liberty is a foundational American right, and why its violation is a crime not only against a particular group of adherents, but against all Americans. Americans should not need to hire security guards in order to exercise their First Amendment rights. Unfortunately, while President Trump hit some right notes in his initial reactions to the mass-murder, saying Americans must have no tolerance for anti-Semitism and lamenting hatred in the country, he veered off course when he said the synagogue should have had tighter security. Then, his familiar attacks on Democrats during a Saturday speech after the shooting were inappropriate for the nations somber mood and did nothing to inspire or lift the nation. Americans should not need to hire security guards in order to exercise their First Amendment rights, and political banter is at the heart of much of the rage that currently infests social media. The alleged killer, 46-year-old Robert Bowers, reportedly frequented a social media site that caters to fringe conspiracy theories and hatred. He was heard to yell, All Jews must die! as he began to shoot. Unfortunately, that is not a new sentiment. It was at the heart of Nazi Germanys ideological quest for world domination. It fuels constant attacks in the Middle East and elsewhere, just as irrational hatred fuels attacks against various Muslim sects, Christians and others around the globe. As the Wall Street Journal noted Sunday, many of these oppressed adherents have sought refuge in the United States throughout history, relying on the Constitution to shield them as they exercise their beliefs. The proper response to Saturdays tragedy is for Americans to mourn with the victims, sharing their grief and showering them with love, support and prayers. Then, they must follow that with a bipartisan, ecumenical and universal resolve to counter hate its irrational conspiracy theories and unfounded ancient claims for redress with love and good will wherever it is found. Anti-Semitism is a cancer that must be uprooted, no matter how ingrained it is in the shadows. That cannot be done without a renewed understanding of why the United States was founded on religious liberty and why its place as a refuge for believers is so important for the world. SALT LAKE CITY Utah appeared as a glaring exception in promotions underway for free and discounted rides for voters on Election Day from rideshare giants Uber and Lyft, listed as one of just two states and Puerto Rico in which the offers would not be available. But just a week ahead of the general election, a legal review has deemed it acceptable for the gig economy transporters to play a part in encouraging voter participation. The glitch, according to the state's election director, Justin Lee, was a piece of Utah code with the title, "Bribery in elections, paying for votes," that is aimed at prohibiting inducements or "valuable considerations" to encourage people to vote. Lee said an attorney from Uber had asked for a review of the code and on Monday, a state legal review determined that it did not or should not apply to what Lyft and Uber are offering. "After an attorney representing Uber reached out to our office late last week, we had our attorney looking into this issue," Lee said in a statement. "After having done our due diligence, we don't see any reason that Uber or Lyft cannot offer this service." The news was viewed as a very positive outcome by the American Civil Liberties Union of Utah. The group's legal director, John Mejia, told the Deseret News that the state's decision was especially appreciated at a time when the ACLU is involved with pushing back on voter suppression activities. "It's heartening to see a reasonable interpretation of the law that encourages voting in an election season where so much of what the ACLU has had to deal with at the national level have been pretty clear attempts to suppress voting," Mejia said. Details on Lyft's offers for discounted and free rides on Election Day can be found at https://blog.lyft.com/posts/2018/8/22/get-out-the-vote, and for Uber's offers, visit https://www.uber.com/newsroom/update-uber-drives-vote/. Over 100 people march to the Alzahra Islamic Center during the annual Arba'een Procession in South Salt Lake on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018. The Arba'een Procession is held at the end of the 40-day mourning period following Ashura, the religious ritual to commemorate the martyrdom of the Prophet Mohammad's grandson, Husayn ibn Ali, in the 7th century. Qiling Wang, Deseret News One-year-old Hussien Kurmash marches with his family during the Arba'een Procession in South Salt Lake on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018. The Arba'een Procession is held at the end of the 40-day mourning period following Ashura, the religious ritual to commemorate the martyrdom of the Prophet Mohammad's grandson, Husayn ibn Ali, in the 7th century. Qiling Wang, Deseret News Over 100 people march to the Alzahra Islamic Center during the annual Arba'een Procession in South Salt Lake on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018. The Arba'een Procession is held at the end of the 40-day mourning period following Ashura, the religious ritual to commemorate the martyrdom of the Prophet Mohammad's grandson, Husayn ibn Ali, in the 7th century. Qiling Wang, Deseret News A woman joins more than 100 people in a march to the Alzahra Islamic Center during the annual Arba'een Procession in South Salt Lake on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018. The Arba'een Procession is held at the end of the 40-day mourning period following Ashura, the religious ritual to commemorate the martyrdom of the Prophet Mohammad's grandson, Husayn ibn Ali, in the 7th century. Qiling Wang, Deseret News Mohamed Altalibi, 65, center, leads the Arba'een Procession in South Salt Lake on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018. The Arba'een Procession is held at the end of the 40-day mourning period following Ashura, the religious ritual to commemorate the martyrdom of the Prophet Mohammad's grandson, Husayn ibn Ali, in the 7th century. Qiling Wang, Deseret News A woman joins more than 100 people in a march to the Alzahra Islamic Center during the annual Arba'een Procession in South Salt Lake on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018. The Arba'een Procession is held at the end of the 40-day mourning period following Ashura, the religious ritual to commemorate the martyrdom of the Prophet Mohammad's grandson, Husayn ibn Ali, in the 7th century. Qiling Wang, Deseret News Over 100 people march to the Alzahra Islamic Center during the annual Arba'een Procession in South Salt Lake on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018. The Arba'een Procession is held at the end of the 40-day mourning period following Ashura, the religious ritual to commemorate the martyrdom of the Prophet Mohammad's grandson, Husayn ibn Ali, in the 7th century. Qiling Wang, Deseret News Over 100 people march to the Alzahra Islamic Center during the annual Arba'een Procession in South Salt Lake on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018. The Arba'een Procession is held at the end of the 40-day mourning period following Ashura, the religious ritual to commemorate the martyrdom of the Prophet Mohammad's grandson, Husayn ibn Ali, in the 7th century. Qiling Wang, Deseret News Intisar Mahdi, right, chants during the Arba'een Procession in South Salt Lake on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018. The Arba'een Procession is held at the end of the 40-day mourning period following Ashura, the religious ritual to commemorate the martyrdom of the Prophet Mohammad's grandson, Husayn ibn Ali, in the 7th century. Qiling Wang, Deseret News Muslim Altmemy waves a flag during the Arba'een Procession in South Salt Lake on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018. The Arba'een Procession is held at the end of the 40-day mourning period following Ashura, the religious ritual to commemorate the martyrdom of the Prophet Mohammad's grandson, Husayn ibn Ali, in the 7th century. Qiling Wang, Deseret News Ali Alfahem, right, greets his friend during the Arba'een Procession in South Salt Lake on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018. The Arba'een Procession is held at the end of the 40-day mourning period following Ashura, the religious ritual to commemorate the martyrdom of the Prophet Mohammad's grandson, Husayn ibn Ali, in the 7th century. Qiling Wang, Deseret News Mohamed Altalibi, 65, chants during the Arba'een Procession in South Salt Lake on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018. The Arba'een Procession is held at the end of the 40-day mourning period following Ashura, the religious ritual to commemorate the martyrdom of the Prophet Mohammad's grandson, Husayn ibn Ali, in the 7th century. Qiling Wang, Deseret News Over 100 people march to the Alzahra Islamic Center during the annual Arba'een Procession in South Salt Lake on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018. The Arba'een Procession is held at the end of the 40-day mourning period following Ashura, the religious ritual to commemorate the martyrdom of the Prophet Mohammad's grandson, Husayn ibn Ali, in the 7th century. Qiling Wang, Deseret News Fatima Altalibi, 10, hands out brochures during the Arba'een Procession in South Salt Lake on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018. The Arba'een Procession is held at the end of the 40-day mourning period following Ashura, the religious ritual to commemorate the martyrdom of the Prophet Mohammad's grandson, Husayn ibn Ali, in the 7th century. Qiling Wang, Deseret News Over 100 people march to the Alzahra Islamic Center during the annual Arba'een Procession in South Salt Lake on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018. The Arba'een Procession is held at the end of the 40-day mourning period following Ashura, the religious ritual to commemorate the martyrdom of the Prophet Mohammad's grandson, Husayn ibn Ali, in the 7th century. Qiling Wang, Deseret News Over 100 people march to the Alzahra Islamic Center during the annual Arba'een Procession in South Salt Lake on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018. The Arba'een Procession is held at the end of the 40-day mourning period following Ashura, the religious ritual to commemorate the martyrdom of the Prophet Mohammad's grandson, Husayn ibn Ali, in the 7th century. Qiling Wang, Deseret News Mohammad Sultan Al-shurifi takes a video during the Arba'een Procession in South Salt Lake on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018. The Arba'een Procession is held at the end of the 40-day mourning period following Ashura, the religious ritual to commemorate the martyrdom of the Prophet Mohammad's grandson, Husayn ibn Ali, in the 7th century. Qiling Wang, Deseret News Over 100 people march to the Alzahra Islamic Center during the annual Arba'een Procession in South Salt Lake on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018. The Arba'een Procession is held at the end of the 40-day mourning period following Ashura, the religious ritual to commemorate the martyrdom of the Prophet Mohammad's grandson, Husayn ibn Ali, in the 7th century. Qiling Wang, Deseret News Over 100 people march to the Alzahra Islamic Center during the annual Arba'een Procession in South Salt Lake on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018. The Arba'een Procession is held at the end of the 40-day mourning period following Ashura, the religious ritual to commemorate the martyrdom of the Prophet Mohammad's grandson, Husayn ibn Ali, in the 7th century. Qiling Wang, Deseret News Over 100 people march to the Alzahra Islamic Center during the annual Arba'een Procession in South Salt Lake on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018. The Arba'een Procession is held at the end of the 40-day mourning period following Ashura, the religious ritual to commemorate the martyrdom of the Prophet Mohammad's grandson, Husayn ibn Ali, in the 7th century. Qiling Wang, Deseret News SALT LAKE CITY When Rabbi Benny Zippel heard news of the massacre Saturday in a Pittsburgh synagogue, he says his first thought was of his son, a rabbinical student interning at a school in Pennsylvania. "On Shabbat, when it's Saturday, we're forbidden to use the telephone or computer or internet, so I had to wait several hours until Saturday night until I called him," the executive director of Chabad Lubavitch of Utah said. He said he asked his son, "Are you okay? How far from you was it?" "And he said to me, 'under one mile.' Imagine if the perpetrator had chosen a different target. It could've been him. It could've been us. It could've been Salt Lake City," Rabbi Zippel said to hundreds gathered inside and outside the Tess Kaylie Chabad Community Center on Monday evening. "We were granted another day of life. Let us not waste it," he said. State, local and faith leaders, members of the Jewish community and other supporters met for a candlelit vigil at the Salt Lake synagogue to pray for peace and for those lost in the attack on the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. On Saturday, a gunman entered a Pittsburgh synagogue and killed 11 people. Six others were injured, including four police officers who had rushed to the scene. The alleged gunman, Robert Bowers, 46, made his first appearance in court on federal and state murder and homicide charges. "It left me speechless. Yesterday, when the identities of the victims were released, and I learned of 97-year-old Rose Mallinger, who made it through the horrors of Nazi Germany to be killed in a synagogue in the United States in 2018, again, I was speechless," said Rabbi Avremi Zippel, Rabbi Benny Zippel's son. Gov. Gary Herbert, who spoke briefly during the somber vigil, said the people of Pittsburgh hold a special place in his heart, as he served time during his Latter-day Saint mission there. "I know the heart of the people and the goodness of the people there. And as a steel town, really, it kind of symbolizes their toughness," he said. The governor said the Beehive State is "great friends" with the Jewish community throughout the world. "We share a lot of things in common," Herbert said. "I think we are all devastated by the tragic shooting that took place there, the open bigotry, the hatred that was shown there. The senseless violence that's been on display there. Hatred and violence, I think all of us agree, has no place in this country. Period. Certainly not in our places of worship." When Hilda Isaacson learned of the shooting, she said she thought, "Another terrible killing." "It's a horrible thing. It particularly touches me because I'm Jewish. But I have been hurt by the things that have happened in the schools, with children who are innocent also," Isaacson told the Deseret News. "If there's any place that you feel like you should be safe, it's in the house of God," she added. Isaacson's daughter, Anne Ruth Isaacson, said she was picking her mother up to attend synagogue when they heard the "very upsetting" news of the shooting. "My mother is 91, so she was alive during the Holocaust," she said, adding that her father fought for the U.S. during World War II. But when the mother and daughter arrived at the synagogue after hearing the news, Anne Ruth Isaacson said, "There's a lot of wisdom that we get here, comfort, and it's the right place to be." During the vigil, faith and state leaders read Psalms and Rabbi Benny Zippel raised his voice in songs of prayer. Holocaust survivor Abe Katz lit 11 candles for those who were killed, with the help of Rabbi Avremi Zippel. As the vigil ended, the elder Rabbi Zippel asked those in attendance to fight darkness with light by doing good for others. Afterward, as the crowd flowed out of the building, Patrick Fairchild, a member of the synagogue, said, "It was really nice seeing the turnout from everybody. I saw everybody from across the board. Everybody from the neighborhood," adding that the community is "stronger together." The event was sponsored by Chabad Lubavitch of Utah but had interfaith co-sponsors from a number of other churches, including Calvary Baptist Church of Salt Lake, Catholic Community Services, Centenary United Methodist Church, the Utah Islamic Center, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, among others. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released a statement Monday to express "our deepest grief and solidarity with our Jewish friends around the world" after the shooting. "When the security and religious freedom of our Jewish brothers and sisters is violated, we all suffer. Houses of worship should be safe, inviolate places for people of all faiths to join in sacred fellowship and seek communion with God. "We condemn the environment of hate-filled rhetoric that has become so prevalent. Anti-Semitism has no place in our society. It is the responsibility of good people everywhere to speak out and stand up for each other's rights to worship and live peacefully," church officials said. On Friday, while in Uruguay, President Russell M. Nelson condemned religious violence and told the Deseret News that members of the church "need to work together to stem the tide of violence." "Hatred, violence, murder: All are against the teachings of the Lord," President Nelson said. He also called mass shootings "a great offense to God." Herbert on Monday ordered flags be flown at half-staff at state facilities and public grounds from sunrise until sunset through Wednesday. He encouraged businesses and residents to do the same. A vigil was also held Monday evening in Park City. Another vigil is planned for 7 p.m. Tuesday at Congregation Kol Ami, 2425 Heritage Way, in Salt Lake City. BOSTON U.S. colleges and universities have received more than $350 million from the Saudi government this decade, yet some are rethinking their arrangements in the wake of the killing of a journalist that has ignited a global uproar against the oil-rich nation. The Associated Press analyzed federal data and found that at least $354 million from the Saudi government or institutions it controls has flowed to 37 American schools since 2011. Much of the money was provided through a scholarship program that covers tuition for Saudis studying in the U.S., but at least $62 million came through contracts or gifts from the kingdom's nationally owned companies and research institutes, the AP found. Those benefiting the most from Saudi contracts include Northwestern University, which has received $14 million from a top Saudi research center since 2011, and the University of California, Los Angeles, which accepted $6 million from the same institute, known as the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's national oil company, Saudi Aramco, has channeled $20 million to American universities, including $9 million to Texas A&M University and $4 million to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. A national chemical company known as SABIC steered another $8 million to U.S. schools. Although some of the contracts halted before last year, questions surrounding Saudi writer Jamal Khashoggi's death at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul have spurred some schools to reconsider current or future deals. On Oct. 22, MIT announced it will undertake a "swift, thorough reassessment" of the institute's partnerships with Saudi Arabia, calling Khashoggi's disappearance a "grave concern." Richard Lester, an associate provost, said faculty who work with the kingdom can "make their own determinations as to the best path forward." The institute pairs with Saudi universities on numerous research projects and has a long history working with Saudi Aramco. In March, the oil company pledged $25 million to MIT for research in areas including renewable energy and artificial intelligence. Officials at the Saudi Embassy in Washington could not immediately be reached for comment by telephone on Tuesday. At Babson College near Boston, which has received $2.5 million through a contract with the SABIC chemical company, officials told the AP they are "monitoring events closely and gathering input from our community regarding potential paths forward." The school's deal provides leadership training to Saudi business managers, and it joins several other research and training partnerships between Babson and Saudi universities. But many other schools have given no indications they're reconsidering ties. Officials at the University of California, Berkeley, said they are not reviewing their Saudi funding, which includes a $6 million contract to develop nanomaterials that can be used to support renewable energy. Spokesman Roqua Montez said the kingdom's support represents only a small fraction of the contracts and grants that go to campus researchers. Northwestern University refused to say whether any of its funding is under review. Spokesman Bob Rowley said only that the "vast majority" of the $14 million is for science grants but did not respond to further questions. Tufts University spokesman Patrick Collins said school officials are closely following the "deeply concerning news" but remain committed to global engagement. The school has received about $42 million from the Saudi government, including $2.9 million from Saudi Aramco, records show. Others, including the University of Michigan, did not provide details about their Saudi funding. The AP analysis examined data from the Education Department's Foreign Gift and Contracts Report, which details foreign funding to any U.S. university that received $250,000 or more in a given year. The self-reported data covers funding from 2011 through 2017. Besides money directly from the Saudi government or entities controlled by it, U.S. universities received a combined $140 million from private Saudi sources, universities and hospitals. Another $114 million could not be accounted for because schools did not report the specific source of the funding within Saudi Arabia. That included about $40 million at Johns Hopkins University and $28 million at Harvard University. Officials at Johns Hopkins and Harvard did not provide further details. The largest sums of money came through a Saudi scholarship program that sends thousands of students to U.S. schools every year. George Washington University received $73 million from the program, followed by George Mason University, with $63 million. Those schools said they won't refuse the scholarship money because it would force them to reject the students it covers. "Refusing payment would result in us denying an educational opportunity to otherwise qualified students. This would run counter to our mission of serving students," Michael Sandler, a spokesman for George Mason, said in a statement. The public school in Virginia hosts about 250 Saudi students through the program each fall and spring term. America's ties with Saudi Arabia have come under intense scrutiny in the wake of Khashoggi's killing in Turkey, which President Donald Trump called "the worst cover-up ever." Activists and some politicians have called on the U.S. and its industries to break with the nation, and some have. Turkey is seeking the extradition of 18 Saudi suspects detained in Saudi Arabia for the Oct. 2 killing of Khashoggi, who had written critically of Saudi Arabia's crown prince in columns for The Washington Post. Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir has said the kingdom will try the perpetrators and bring them to justice after an investigation is completed. Three Washington lobbying firms recently canceled contracts hiring them to represent Saudi interests, and several other businesses have suspended work in the kingdom, including those owned by billionaire investor Richard Branson. More recently, the pressure to break ties has expanded to college campuses, including at the University of New Haven in Connecticut, which partners with a Saudi police college to provide a degree in security studies in Riyadh. Despite protests from a human rights group in New Haven, the university says it plans to continue the program. In a statement, the school said its work in the kingdom "is something we believe should be supported and fostered." The turmoil has rippled through campuses in other ways, too. At Columbia University, for example, officials recently canceled a planned lecture with Saudi artist Ahmed Mater. Columbia separately received a $1.1 million grant from the Saudi agriculture ministry in 2016, records show, but officials said the school has no further funding scheduled from the kingdom. In some ways, the ties between American colleges and the kingdom were created to ease tensions between the nations. The scholarship program was created in 2005 after leaders of both countries met to lighten the diplomatic strain following the Sept. 11 attacks. Since then, the program has sent tens of thousands of Saudis to study in the U.S. It reached its height in 2015, when more than 120,000 Saudis came to study in the U.S., but numbers have fallen sharply since 2016, when the kingdom scaled back the program amid a budget shortfall tied to falling oil prices. ___ Day reported from Washington. SALT LAKE CITY The president and owner of a Logan funeral home was charged Tuesday with several sex-related crimes against at least one teenage boy. In an odd twist, criminal charges have also been filed against the attorney who represented the funeral home owner's estranged wife during their divorce proceedings for allegedly refusing to hand over evidence of child pornography against him to police. Lonnie Kent Nyman, 34, of Millville, Cache County the owner of Nyman Funeral Home is charged in 1st District Court with three counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, a second-degree felony; four counts of dealing in harmful materials to a minor, witness tampering and obstruction of justice, third-degree felonies; and two counts of enticing a minor, a class A misdemeanor. Attorney Tess Ann Davis, 47, of Logan, who was Jerrilyn Nyman's attorney, is charged with two counts of obstruction of justice, a third-degree felony. Police say Lonnie Nyman arranged to have sex with a boy in March using the app Grindr. During their conversations, Nyman and the boy sent each other pornographic images, according to charging documents. "The minor child did meet with Nyman at the arranged location, but after arriving, became uncomfortable with Nymans behavior and left before engaging in any sexual conduct," the charges state. In April, Nyman's wife discovered pornographic images on her husband's iPad, the charges state. Jerrilyn Nyman used her phone to record videos of the images on the iPad and then contacted Davis, her attorney. The Cache County Sheriff's Office arranged a meeting with Davis, but said she later canceled the appointment. The next day, Davis called the police investigator "and informed him that her client was having cold feet and didnt want to come forward," according to the charges. When the investigator asked Davis if she was in possession of the videos, she "replied that it didnt matter as the evidence was 'protected by attorney-client privilege' and advised she would not be turning it over," the charges state. She then "demanded that (police) stop contacting her and her client." The next day, sheriff's investigators went to Davis' office with a search warrant in an attempt to retrieve the videos, according to court records. Davis declined to tell authorities the identity of the boy in the video, even though Jerrilyn Nyman recognized him, the charges state. "Davis told officers that her client would not be providing the identity of the minor, that Jerrilyn Nyman had already told her bishop and officers could obtain that information from him," according to the charges. When contacted by the Deseret News Tuesday, Davis said she was unaware that charges had been filed against her and said she needed time to investigate before commenting. "The videos feature L. Nyman having sex with potentially underage boys" and "some of the videos appeared to be recorded in the funeral home and possibly at the Nyman residence," according to a search warrant affidavit served by the Utah Attorney General's Office, which was assisting the Cache County Sheriff's Office. The warrant indicates that there were a total of eight videos. During the execution of the search warrant, Davis allegedly told investigators that she had given the tablet back to her client. Investigators later found out she had the tablet in her possession the entire time, according to court documents, and investigators seized it. On the iPad, investigators found screenshots of five males believed to be between the ages of 15 and 20, the affidavit states. A few days later, Lonnie Nyman contacted the boy, "telling him that (his) wife had found out about their relationship and may be going to the police" and then called the boy a few days after that "and told him that if anyone were to question him, he should lie and say, 'All we did was visit,'" according to charging documents. Investigators questioned the 17-year-old boy a few days later at his high school, the warrant says. SALT LAKE CITY A Cottonwood Heights man pleaded not guilty Tuesday to new charges that link a fentanyl overdose death to his alleged home-based, pill-making operation. Aaron Michael Shamo, 28, was arraigned in U.S. District Court on a second, superseding 13-count indictment filed earlier this month. He is now accused of intentionally and knowingly distributing a substance containing fentanyl, the use of which resulted in the June 2016 death of a person identified as R.K. Prosecutors have not revealed details about the death. Shamo also is charged with continuing a criminal enterprise, importation and manufacturing of a controlled substance, possession of drugs with intent to distribute, drug trafficking and money laundering. Prosecutors allege Shamo ran an international drug ring that imported fentanyl and alprazolam from China and made fake oxycodone pills and Xanax tablets. The drugs were sold on the darknet to thousands of people all over the country, according to court documents. Shamo is scheduled to go trial on the previous indictment in January, and the judge Tuesday kept the date in place. Shamo is being held in the Weber County Jail. RIVERDALE, Weber County America First Credit Union members and employees recently collected enough food to provide 41 families with food for one month. The credit union's branches across Utah and southern Nevada served as drop off locations for its 14th Annual Community Food Drive through September and October. Branches collected more than 18,500 pounds of nonperishable food items and $5,000 worth of turkeys equivalent to 14,768 meals, which the credit union says will provide 41 families with food for one month. Since the drive began in 2004, it has collected more than 185,000 pounds of food. The donations were given to the Utah Food Bank and Three Square Food Bank in Las Vegas on Thursday, where they will be distributed to local food pantries leading up to the holiday season. SALT LAKE CITY Halloween is right around the corner. Chances are Utah residents will be thinking about or watching Zombieland, too. Whats going on: A new report from Streaming Observer discovered the most popular horror film in each state. The report used data from Rotten Tomatoes and public sources to find the best horror movies of all time and then compared them to Google Trends search data for each state. The report identified Zombieland as Utahs favorite horror film. It is the only state to appreciate that film the most. Six states Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio and Pennsylvania picked The Silence of the Lambs as the best movie. Four states Nevada, Washington, Wisconsin and Kansas all had Shaun of the Dead" as their favorite. Vermont, Hawaii and the District of Columbia all had The Exorcist as their favorite horror film. Region matters: Some states supported films that take place in their state, Mental Floss reports. Texas Chainsaw Massacre topped the list in Texas. The Shining, which takes place in Colorado, topped the list in Colorado. Maryland-based The Blair Witch Project led the way in Maryland. Modern hits: Yes, some modern horror films also made the list: SALT LAKE CITY Charges were filed Tuesday against a Salt Lake man who prosecutors say went onto the front porch of a Hispanic family, pointed a rifle and threatened to "shoot you all back to Mexico." James Edgar Booth, 27, was charged in 3rd District Court with two counts of aggravated assault, a third-degree felony. On Oct. 8, a woman said Booth was "yelling and cussing" at her aunt and grandma, so she told him to leave them alone, according to charging documents. "That is when Booth pulled out a rifle and told (her) that he was going to kill her," the charges state. Another witness said Booth called everyone a derogatory term and "that he was going to kill all of them back to Mexico, while pointing the gun at all of them," according to court documents. A surveillance camera recorded Booth exiting his house near 800 West and 800 South with a rifle and walking over to the porch of the Hispanic family and pointing the gun at them, according to a Salt Lake County Jail booking report. Salt Lake police served a search warrant on his house and found four rifles and ammunition, the charges state. In April, Booth was arrested for investigation of aggravated assault for allegedly brandishing a gun while driving. A motorist on I-80 near 7200 West claimed Booth waved a handgun at them, according to a jail booking report. Police tracked down his vehicle and pulled him over. Both Booth and his passenger claimed that Booth pulled out his handgun, racked a round and placed the weapon on the steering wheel, but did not aim it at anyone, the report states. Bharti Airtels profit and revenue declined for another consecutive quarter in Q2, with its Indian sales and subscriber numbers falling. For its fiscal Q2 ending 30th September, Airtel saw its profit fall year-on-year by 65.4% to INR1.19 billion ($16.3 million), while its total revenue dropped 6.2% to INR204 billion. Its Indian operations saw revenue fall by 10.6% to INR149 billion in what was attributed to continued ARPU down-trading impacted by competitive pricing pressures. The operators CEO for India and South Asia, Gopal Vittal, said: Led by our focus on quality customers through simplified pricing and content partnerships, the ARPU decline moderated in this quarter. While Airtel grew its Indian subscriber numbers by 14.4% year-on-year in the second quarter to 330 million, this growth peaked at the end of June with the base declining by 6.6 million by the end of September. Vittal noted that mobile data volume had shot up by 239% year-on-year, and stated that the operator would invest accordingly. In the quarter, Airtel added 27,000 broadband sites to meet capacity demands. Airtels fortunes were better in Africa, where revenue saw a year-on-year increase of 10.9%, reaching $824 million. At the end of September, its African operations had 94.1 million subscribers an increase of 14.9% - with a 32% increase in data subscribers. Airtel Africa MD and CEO Raghunath Mandava said: We have stepped up our capex spends during the quarter to build a formidable LTE network. This positions us well to expand our profitable growth journey by enhancing customer experience with best-in-class network and products. He added that the groups mobile money service Airtel Money had transacted $6.3 billion in the past year a year-on-year increase of 31% - on a subscriber base of 12.9 million. Airtel Africa had 94.1 million subscribers at the end of September a year-on-year rise of 14.9% - while data users rose by 32% to 27.1 million. The African unit has dismissed suggestions that it could stall its planned IPO after Bloomberg reported that turmoil in emerging markets stocks was set to delay the process by about half a year. A funding round last week brought in $1.25 billion from investors including major international players such as Singtel and Softbank, which will allow Airtel Africa to reduce its debt. The operator stated that it remains very confident about the IPO process. Increase to eligible age for Ireland-Australia Working Holiday Programme Press release Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr. Simon Coveney, T.D. and Australian Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, the Hon David Coleman MP, have agreed an increase to the eligible age to participate in the Working Holiday Programme between Ireland and Australia. The Minister of State at the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, Patrick ODonovan, T.D, announced the move during an official visit to Australia today. Speaking about the agreement, the Tanaiste said: From 1 November 2018, the age limit for Irish and Australian citizens wishing to avail of the Working Holiday Programme will increase by five years, to 35 years of age. The purpose of this programme is to promote cultural exchange and strengthen people-to-people links by creating opportunities for young people to travel. This extension of the eligible age not only allows a more diverse group of people to avail of this scheme, but also helps to strengthen those links between our two countries even further. Minister of State ODonovan added: Since the Working Holiday Programme began in 1975, it is estimated that more than 275,000 young Irish people have spent up to two years in Australia under this scheme. In 2017 alone, some 8,653 visas were issued to Irish citizens under the Working Holiday Programme. The agreement to extend the age eligibility on a reciprocal basis underscores the wide-reaching success of this programme to date. ENDS Previous Item | Next Item >Two hunters are out in the woods when one of them collapses. He doesnt seem to be breathing and his eyes are glazed. The other guy whips out his phone and calls emergency services. He gasps, My friend is dead! What can I do? The operator says, Calm down sir. Lets make sure hes dead first. There is a short silence, then a gunshot is heard. The guy comes back on the line and says, OK, now what? >What kind of murderer has fibre? A cereal killer. That second joke was made up by a computer, and the first one is considered to be the funniest joke in the world. This is according to a study done by psychologist Richard Wiseman in 2002. You can read more about it on the studys site. Humour is something most of us are inherently capable of grasping. Of course, tastes differ, so not all of us find the same things funny. In fact, even if we find the same joke funny, we may find it funny for different reasons. While we think that comedy is all about the comedian, it is actually all centred in our own heads the comedian merely gets us thinking, and our minds fill in the rest. Comedian Carlos Mencia points at crowd members while telling a joke during his stand-up comedy act at the Denaina Convention Center, Sept. 10 When it comes to this article, however, were going to have to go much further back in time and look at much more than the origins of mere jokes One way to understand the evolution of humour is to see if we humans have always had it. Of course, fossils dont tell us anything about prehistoric humour, so we cannot get this information from our ancestors themselves. Instead, we need to look at our closest evolutionary cousins and check them to see if they can understand and partake in humour. Given that not all of us who speak the same language can agree on whats funny, what makes us so sure we can identify humour in other species, let alone partake in it? This was a challenge, obviously, but then we humans love a challenge almost as much as we love our jokes, right? Laughing There is no humour without laughter and no comedian without an audience in order for humour to prosper the way it has, its obvious that there should be some evolutionary reason for laughing to feel good to people. Some scientists believe laughter actually far outdated humour itself, and go as far back as our fish ancestors to explain the act of laughing. For example, theres a theory by Dutch Biologist Jan Van Hooff that suggests that smiles might be equated to the baring of teeth that many mammals display, and that laughter might actually stem from the relaxed open-mouthed that primates display when playing. In a study done in 2009, it was found that the great apes do indeed laugh when tickled. The reason tickling was chosen is because the researchers didnt know any good ape jokes (ok, I think we can all agree, that was a bad joke). There are two types of tickling as well. The first is the light tickling that feels a little itchy and causes giggles, such as when you use a feather to rub against your skin, and the second is the harsh kind, which is like jabbing your fingers into someones armpits or ribs, which usually causes laughter and screaming. The softer type is called knismesis and is exhibited in many species, while the harder tickling is called gargalesis, and only humans, chimps, bonobos, gorillas and orangutans show the expected reaction to it. There's different types of tickling - ones that result in giggling and ones that result in laughter We think that perhaps many species seem to respond to knismesis because it was evolutionarily advantageous to react to that feeling, which might have been caused by dangerous bugs or spiders crawling on the animals. The response would cause the animal to react and thus remove the cause of the knismesis, and thus prevent injury or poisoning. Gargalesis, however, seems to be something a common ancestor of humans and the great apes developed, perhaps as a way of encouraging young ones to play with adults, or to practice and develop reflexes. Of course, there is no way to comprehensively prove why this trait developed, but given that humans and the great apes exhibit it, its logical to assume that it developed before there were even homo sapiens, and thus the origins of ticklishness are truly ancient. Laughter might have originated before humour More recent studies have shown that rats too might feel ticklish (the gargalesis type), because studies have shown that when tickled hard in some spots on their bodies, rats emit high pitched squeals that researchers equate to laughing. Rats are easily trained with using both positive and negative reinforcement they will do, or avoid doing things based on whether they are rewarded or punished for doing certain things. The researchers at Washington State University who conducted the experiment are convinced that it is a positive response (as in, the rats like being tickled) because they use tickling as a reward. The rats were willing to solve mazes and press levers, etc., (which they normally do in exchange for treats), once they knew they would be rewarded with a good tickling after completing the task. Of course, it is totally possible that this trait evolved completely independently from the way it evolved in the great apes and us. In fact, there have been several examples of the independent evolution of traits or features in animals. The researchers behind this study are of the opinion that all mammals exhibit joy, and thus joy is a primitive emotion that spans many more species than we know of. However, this is contested by other scientists and is not supported by data, so we have to chalk it up to being merely a gut feeling, and not good science. Humour Responding to tickling is not the same as humour though, and this is where things get far more complex. Since we are incapable of truly understanding humour for other species, were going to stick to Homo Sapiens Sapiens in order to try and understand it, and hopefully trace back to the origins. Given that humour seems to be inbuilt into us, and from a very young age (even babies laugh at silly things), and isnt even dependent on language or really anything we learn later in life, researchers believe that it has to be genetic. Something in our DNA must code us to find things humorous, and no human culture we know of has not displayed the ability to partake in humour. Ancient Greeks give us a verifiable historical record of there being jesters and jokes as far back as the records go. In fact, it must go back to far, far before them as well, because the Australian Aborigines also showed the ability to understand and partake in humour during their first contact. Since Australian Aborigines are considered to be the most isolated group of humans on the planet*, its obvious that humour predates them as well. * Australian aborigines are considered to have been cut off from the rest of the world for at least 35,000 years before the Europeans landed in Australia. In fact, all of Australia before the Europeans is essentially a closed evolutionary bubble that was completely separated from the rest of the world. Australian Aborigines also showed the ability to understand and partake in humour (Source: Flickr) If we want to establish a timeline of humour, we have certainly already pushed it back 35,000 years, at the minimum, which is prehistoric, and thus, is impossible to nail down for sure. In terms of timelines, we have to be willing to accept older than 35k years as an answer. If we go by the last common ancestor of the great apes and us, wed have to go all the way back to the last ancestor we had in common with the orangutans, which is about 14 million years ago! If we cant nail down when it started, can we at least nail down why it started, or perhaps even how it started? For humour to have achieved the universal appeal it enjoys now, it would have had to be beneficial to the species, the group, family or individual, because evolution demands that there be an advantage to something at those levels, or else it just will not catch on like it has. One theory suggests that humour is essentially the discovery of something that doesnt fit. There are many incongruity theories of humour, but whats common amongst them all is the idea that humans benefit from spotting incongruities around them. Many jokes contain punchlines that are often unexpected and catch us by surprise. Somewhat like misdirection done by a magician, a joke teller relies on you not jumping ahead and ruining the surprise, yet also following the path faithfully eventually, when the punchline comes, you immediately spot the incongruity and laugh at the joke. That laughter is not something you control, and the understanding of the joke is not something that needs to be scrutinised first, the laughter just flows naturally. Humour probably evolved in order to elevate ones social standing, possibly even to attract a mate Another theory suggests that humour is nothing more than repressed aggression and sexual feelings, and its why so many jokes revolve around aggression or sex, in some form or the other. This obviously isnt universal, because we often laugh at silly things that dont involve either sex or violence in any shape or form, but that isnt the majority of jokes out there these days. A third theory is that humour probably evolved in order to elevate ones social standing. Given that everyone wants a mate, but not everyone has the bodies or looks of Greek gods, it has been suggested that humour might have been used by the brainy to put down the brawny in ancient history. A good joke teller who could make people lose inhibitions and laugh openly would perhaps have had his social status raised, while he might have made the jokes at the expense of others. Because jokes arent a physical threat, it would stand to reason that physical retaliation against a joker would be frowned upon by the group, and thus can perhaps explain its persistence over the years. We wish there was a definitive answer to how humour originated, but the fact is, were still trying to find out. Normally we ask you to write in with feedback, but instead, we want you to write in and tell us the funniest joke you have ever read/heard. The joke the team finds the funniest will win err whatever stuff we have lying around that we dont want anymore. Sources of information/suggested reading Want to read more geeky alternative articles? Check out Digit Geek! The Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are two of the best premium flagship smartphones one can buy this festive season and Google is making the duo available just in time for Diwali shoppers. The Pixel 3 and 3 XL go on sale in India starting November 1, both online on Flipkart and offline through retail stores including Reliance Digital, Croma and others. At the time of the announcement, Google had said that Pixel and Nexus phone owners can encash loyalty benefits from Flipkart and other offline retail stores on the purchase of the Pixel 3 series of devices. Now, popular smartphone retailer Mahesh Telecom, known for his tweets outing special offers on smartphones, has revealed some buying offers for the Pixel 3 and 3 XL, which were not known earlier. The 64GB storage variant of the Google Pixel 3 is priced at Rs 71,000 while the 128GB Google Pixel 3 will be sold for Rs 80,000. The Google Pixel 3 XL (64GB) will be sold for Rs 83,000 while the 128GB variant will be offered at Rs 92,000. According to Mahesh Telecom existing Pixel and Nexus owners will get a free Google Home Mini with the purchase of the Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL. Google Home Mini is a smart speaker made by Google and powered by the Google Assistant. It can be controlled using voice commands, just like Amazons Alexa-powered Echo speakers, and can be used to play music, search the web, play games, control smart home appliances, book cabs and more. The device costs Rs 4,499 on Flipkart, but loyal Pixel and Nexus users will seemingly get it for free when they upgrade to a Pixel 3 smartphone. Note that buyers will not be required to exchange their existing Google devices to avail the offer which is valid from November 1 to November 7. Additionally, Mahesh Telecom lists No-Cost EMI options for 6, 12 and 18 months with the purchase of a Pixel 3 phone. No-Cost EMIs can be availed from HDFC Bank credit and debit cards, Citibank credit card, RBL credit card, and more. The 64GB storage variant of the Pixel 3 can be bought for EMIs of 3,499 per month for 18 months. There are multiple Bajaj Finance schemes also available with the purchase of the Pixel 3 phones. A 5% cashback is also available on EMI transactions on the date of purchase through HDFC credit and debit cards, Citibank credit card, RBL credit card and BFL Super cards. One should note that these offers have been detailed by an offline retailer and may vary on Flipkart. Flipkart is offering no-cost EMIs with the purchase of the two phones, along with a 10% instant discount on Mastercard for first time online payers. Theres also a 5% discount when purchasing the phones using an Axis Bank Buzz credit card. Additionally, there are some unique offers on the two phones. With the Pixel 3, buyers can avail Rs 14,200 off on exchange, including an extra Rs 7,000 off over exchange value on select models. Using HDFC bank debit and credit cards, one will also get to avail an instant discount of Rs 4,000. With the Pixel 3 XL, one can opt for a 50% buyback value offer by paying Rs 199. Airtel Online store also lists the two phones with bundled postpaid offers. You can check them out here. Head here to read the review of the Pixel 3, and here for the Pixel 3 XL. Gaming Laptop Deals on Dell Laptops Extra 1,500 discounts on paying through UPI Extra 1,500 discounts on paying through NetBanking and much more. Click here to know more Advertisements Airline industry titan Sir Richard Branson just claimed Virgin Atlantic would start operating direct flights between the UK and Australia, As soon as possible. The comment, made during an interview with Your Money, a tech & lifestyle news program, has sparked a furore online, with Virgin Atlantic management back-pedalling from their ex-colleagues comments (Branson still has a 20% stake in the company, but is no longer on the executive team). We dont have any plans to launch flights to Perth, a spokesperson told The Telegraph; Richard was probably speaking in an aspirational sense. Although our current fleet doesnt have the right configuration for this route, the spokesperson added, We are always evaluating new destinations for our customers and Perth is a great city. So although Virgin Atlantic are downplaying their eccentric founders comments, there could be some truth to them after all. The British business magnate revealed his ambitions to compete with Qantas not long after it came out that the Australian flagship airline not only broke records when it launched the first nonstop scheduled passenger flight between the two countries, but also lapped up pre-tax profits of A$1.6bn for the 2018 financial year in August (a 14 per cent increase on last year). Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce told The Independent: The customers love (the direct Perth to London flight) and the seat factor that weve had on that service since it started in March is at 92 per cent, with the premium business class at 94 per cent; an amazing performance for a new operation. Although this is a good sign, its still not yet certain this flight route will prove sustainable for one airlinelet alone two (especially when the latter is seen to be catching up as opposed to innovating, which serial entrepreneur Richard Branson may do well to remember). That said, Virgins 787-9s are fitted with 264 seats, instead of Qantas 236, so maybe hes onto something. RELATED: These Are The Most Insanely Luxurious Ways To Fly To Europe From Australia FM Jaitley returns fire, blames RBI for lending excesses A day after Reserve Bank of India deputy governor Viral V Acharya expressed apprehension over the government increasing interference in the central banks regulatory domain, finance minister Arun Jaitley today criticised the RBI for failing to prevent lending excess of banks. The central bank looked the other way when banks gave loans indiscriminately during 2008 to 2014, Jaitley said while speaking at an event in New Delhi. Tensions between the finance ministry and the RBI have risen since the banks deputy governor said in a speech on Friday that undermining a central banks independence could be potentially catastrophic, in an indication that it is pushing back hard against government pressure to relax its policies and reduce its powers. The finance minister and central bank governor will face each other at a scheduled meeting of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) amidst tension over the RBIs push for preserving its autonomy. Jaitley will chair a regular meeting of the FSDC, a high-level panel of financial market regulators, which RBI governor Urjit Patel will also be attending. RBI has been pushing for more powers to clean up a banking system thats saddled with bad debts, accumulated over the years as successive governments continued to pamper voters with free loans and loan waivers. Viral Acharya, deputy governor of RBI, was more outspoken when he said on Friday that the central bank is a long-term, rather permanent, institution, and that it has to go by laid down norms unlike governments that remain in power for a 5-year term. Acharya gave a frank speech defending the independence of the central bank, saying its autonomy would be strengthened by having regulatory control over state-run banks and other financial sector players and intermediaries. However, with elections looming next year, Prime Minister Narendra Modis government is keen to ensure banks continue lending as risks from rising oil prices and a currency slump curb prospects for Asias third-largest economy. Former finance minister Palaniappan Chidambaram, meanwhile, urged the government and the RBI to work out their differences behind closed doors rather than publicly. It will be best if the RBI and the government dont talk across each other through lectures, Chidambaram told reporters. It might be better if the time-honored practice of the finance minister and the governor of the RBI meeting often in private and talking issues. The financial stability council must also deal with the fallout after the Infrastructure Leasing and Finance Service (IL&FS), a systemically-important non-banking finance company, defaulted on its debt payments, raising the risk of contagion in the economy. Pepsico (India) debuts on Inland Waterway-1 with 16 containers Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) will transport container cargo belonging to the food and beverage giant PepsiCo (India) from Kolkata to Varanasi on river Ganga (National Waterway-1) today, marking the countrys first container movement on inland vessel post-Independence. PepsiCo (India) will move 16 containers equivalent to 16 truckloads of food and snacks - in the vessel MV RN Tagore, which will reach Varanasi in 9-10 days. MV RN Tagore will make its return journey with fertilizers belonging to IFFCO that will be procured from its Phulpur plant near Allahabad. The event coincides with another milestone of IWAIs foray into public private partnership (PPP) model becoming a reality with the handing over of operation and management of its terminals in Kolkata to Summit Alliance Port East Gateway (India) Pvt Ltd (SAPEL) on a supply, operate and maintain (SOM) model. Container cargo transport comes with several inherent advantages. Even as it reduces the handling cost, allows easier modal shift, reduces pilferages and damage, it also enables cargo owners to reduce their carbon footprints. The government is developing NW-1 (River Ganga) under JMVP from Haldia to Varanasi (1390 Km) with the technical and financial assistance of the World Bank at an estimated cost of Rs5,369 crore. The project would enable commercial navigation of vessels with capacity of 1,500-2,000 DWT. Union minister for shipping Nitin Gadkari had flagged off a consignment of Maruti cars from Varanasi to Haldia in August 2016. Since then pilot movements on National Waterways are currently being done on various stretches. More than 15 of them have already been successfully completed, including integrated movements through NW-1 (Ganga), Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route and NW-2 (Brahmaputra). The PepsiCo cargo will be the first commercial container movement on inland waterways in the country. A robust fuel cell that runs on methane at practical temperatures Fuel cells have not been particularly known for their practicality and affordability, but that may have just changed. There's a new cell that runs on cheap fuel at temperatures comparable to automobile engines and which slashes materials costs. Though the cell is in the lab, it has high potential to someday electrically power homes and perhaps cars, say the researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology who led its development. In a new study in the journal Nature Energy the researchers detailed how they reimagined the entire fuel cell with the help of a newly invented fuel catalyst. The catalyst has dispensed with high-priced hydrogen fuel by making its own out of cheap, readily available methane. And improvements throughout the cell cooled the seething operating temperatures that are customary in methane fuel cells dramatically, a striking engineering accomplishment. Methane fuel cells usually require temperatures of 750 to 1,000 degrees Celsius to run. This new one needs only about 500, which is even a notch cooler than automobile combustion engines, which run at around 600 degrees Celsius. That lower temperature could trigger cascading cost savings in the ancillary technology needed to operate a fuel cell, potentially pushing the new cell to commercial viability. The researchers feel confident that engineers can design electric power units around this fuel cell with reasonable effort, something that has eluded previous methane fuel cells. 'Sensation in our world' "Our cell could make for a straightforward, robust overall system that uses cheap stainless steel to make interconnectors," says Meilin Liu, who led the study and is a Regents' Professor in Georgia Tech's School of Material Science and Engineering. Interconnectors are parts that help bring together many fuel cells into a stack, or functional unit. "Above 750 degrees Celsius, no metal would withstand the temperature without oxidation, so you'd have a lot of trouble getting materials, and they would be extremely expensive and fragile, and contaminate the cell," Liu says. "Lowering the temperature to 500 degrees Celsius is a sensation in our world. Very few people have even tried it," says Ben deGlee, a graduate research assistant in Liu's lab and one of the first authors of the study. "When you get that low, it makes the job of the engineer designing the stack and connected technologies much easier." The new cell also eliminates the need for a major ancillary device called a steam reformer, which is normally needed to convert methane and water into hydrogen fuel. Liu, deGlee, co-first author Yu Chen, who is a postdoctoral researcher in Liu's lab, and co-first author Yu Tang of the University of Kansas published the results of their research on October 29, 2018. Their work was funded by the Office of Basic Energy Sciences and the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), both in the US Department of Energy. It was also funded by the National Science Foundation's Division of Chemistry. 'Distributed generation' The research was based on a type of fuel cell with high potential for commercial viability, the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). SOFCs are known for their versatility in fuels they can use. If it goes to market, though the new cell might not power automobiles for a while, it could land sooner in basements as part of a more decentralised, cleaner, cheaper electrical power grid. The fuel cell stack itself would be about the size of a shoebox, plus ancillary technology to make it run. "The hope is you could install this device like a tankless water heater. It would run off of natural gas to power your house," Liu says. "That would save society and industry the enormous cost of new power plants and large electrical grid expansions." "It would make homes and businesses more power independent," Liu said. "That kind of system would be called distributed generation, and our sponsors want to develop that." Homemade hydrogen Hydrogen is the best fuel for powering fuel cells, but its cost is exorbitant. The researchers figured out how to convert methane to hydrogen in the fuel cell itself via the new catalyst, which is made with cerium, nickel and ruthenium and has the chemical formula Ce0.9Ni0.05Ru0.05O2, abbreviated CNR. When methane and water molecules come into contact with the catalyst and heat, nickel chemically cleaves the methane molecule. Ruthenium does the same with water. The resulting parts come back together as that very desirable hydrogen (H2) and carbon monoxide (CO), which the researchers surprisingly put to good use. "CO causes performance problems in most fuel cells, but here, we're using it as a fuel," Chen said. Making electricity H2 and CO continue on to further catalyst layers that make up the anode, the part of the fuel cell that yanks off electrons, making the carbon monoxide and hydrogen positively charged ions. The electrons travel via a wire creating the electricity flow toward the cathode. There, oxygen, which is very electron-hungry, sucks up the electrons, closing the electrical circuit and becoming O2- ions. Ionized hydrogen and oxygen meet and exit the system as water condensation; the carbon monoxide and oxygen ions meet to become pure carbon dioxide, which could be captured. For the energy produced, fuel cell technology creates far, far less carbon dioxide than combustion engines. In some fuel cells, the water in the initial reactions must be introduced from the outside. In this new fuel cell, it's replenished in the last reaction phase, which forms water that cycles back to react with the methane. Catalysts converge The new catalyst, CNR, manufactured by research collaborators at the University of Kansas, is the outer layer of the anode side of the cell and doubles as a protectant against decay, extending the life of the cell. CNR has strong cohort catalysts in inner layers and on the other side of the cell, the cathode. On the cathode end, oxygen's reaction and movement through the system are usually notoriously slow, but Liu's lab has recently sped it up to raise the electricity output by using what's called nanofibre cathodes, which Liu's lab developed in a prior study. (See prior study: A tailored double perovskite nanofibre catalyst enables ultra-fast oxygen evolution.) "The structures of these various catalysts, as well as the nanofiber cathodes, all together allowed us to drop the operating temperature," Chen said. Genetic search reveals key to resistance in global cotton pest In the most recent battle in the unending war between farmers and bugs, the bugs are biting back by adapting to crops genetically engineered to kill them. A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences identifies a dominantly inherited mutation that confers resistance to engineered cotton in caterpillars of the cotton bollworm, one of the world's most destructive crop pests. The study's cutting-edge use of genomics and gene editing signals a new era in global efforts to promote more sustainable pest control. Cotton, corn and soybean have been genetically engineered to produce pest-killing proteins from the widespread soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis, or Bt. Non-toxic to people and wildlife including bees, these environmentally friendly Bt proteins have been used in sprays by organic growers for more than 50 years and in engineered Bt crops planted by millions of farmers worldwide on a cumulative total of more than two billion acres since 1996. Entomologists at the University of Arizona (UA), the University of Tennessee (UT) and the Nanjing Agricultural University in China collaborated in the three-part study. Their goals were to pinpoint the mutation conferring Bt resistance in bollworms, precisely edit one bollworm gene to prove this mutation causes resistance and discover how the resistance is spreading through cotton fields in China. "It's a remarkable detective story," says Bruce Tabashnik, Regents' Professor in the UA Department of Entomology and co-author of the study. "Without the latest advances in genetic technology, it would not have been possible to find the single DNA base pair change causing resistance among the hundreds of millions of base pairs in the bollworm's genome." For years, scientists have known that insects can evolve resistance to Bt proteins, just as they have to conventional insecticides. However, Bt resistance is inherited recessively in nearly all previously studied cases. This means insects must have two copies of the resistance gene - one from each parent - to enable them to feed and survive on the Bt crop. To combat resistance, farmers plant refuges of non-Bt crops, where susceptible insects can thrive. The idea is the rare resistant insects will mate with the more abundant susceptible insects from refuges, producing offspring that harbor only one copy of the resistance gene. With recessively inherited resistance, such offspring do not survive on the Bt crop. Though refuges do not stop evolution of resistance altogether, they can delay it substantially particularly when resistance is recessive. But in China, the paper reports, dominant bollworm resistance to Bt is on the rise. Only one copy of a dominant mutation makes a bollworm resistant. Because the genetic basis of dominant Bt resistance was previously unknown, the researchers had to scrutinize the bollworm's entire genome to find the culprit. By comparing the DNA of resistant and susceptible bollworms, they narrowed the search from 17,000 genes to a region of just 21 genes associated with resistance. "But only 17 of those genes code for proteins that are produced by the caterpillars," Tabashnik said, explaining that only the bollworm caterpillars feed on cotton and can be killed by Bt proteins. "In comparing the sequences of those 17 genes between the strains, there was only one consistent difference," Tabashnik said. "There was one position where all of the resistant bollworms had one DNA base pair and all of the susceptible bollworms had a different DNA base pair." This pivotal base pair is in a newly identified gene named HaTSPAN1, which codes for a tetraspanin a protein containing four segments that span cell membranes. Although the normal function of HaTSPAN1 is not known, many other tetraspanins are important in cell-to-cell communication. Despite nearly 30,000 previous studies of either Bt or tetraspanins, the new study is the first to find a strong connection between them. With the mutant base pair identified, the second challenge was to determine if this single mutation causes resistance. To find out, the research team used the gene-editing tool CRISPR to precisely alter only the HaTSPAN1 gene. When the gene was disrupted in resistant bollworms, they became completely susceptible to Bt. Conversely, when the mutation was inserted in the DNA of susceptible bollworms, they became resistant - proving this single base pair change alone can cause resistance. The final step was to test the hypothesis that this mutation contributes to resistance to Bt cotton in the field. By screening for the mutation in the DNA of thousands of preserved bollworm moths collected between 2006 and 2016, the researchers found the frequency of the mutation increased by a factor of 100, from 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 10. The resistant bollworms are not yet numerous enough to noticeably decrease cotton production in China, but the dominant gene is spreading faster than other resistance genes. Tabashnik's analysis predicts that if the current trend continues, half of northern China's cotton bollworms will have resistance conferred by this mutation within five years. "If things continue on the same trajectory, this is the mutation that is going to cause problems for the farmers in the field," said Tabashnik. It is early enough, however, for farmers in China to change their tactics and ward off Bt resistance. The paper mentions they could switch from cotton that produces only one Bt protein to the types of cotton grown in the United States and Australia, which produce two or three distinct Bt proteins. Tabashnik hopes the new research will spur enhanced sustainability for farmers. "It gives them the information to make constructive, proactive decisions before it's too late," Tabashnik said. By sampling pest populations from year to year, farmers and researchers may be able to learn which methods are most effective for thwarting resistance. Understanding bollworm resistance has global implications because it occurs in over 150 countries and now threatens to invade the United States. "It will be interesting to screen for this mutation in cotton bollworm from Australia, India, and Brazil," said Yidong Wu, a professor of entomology at Nanjing Agricultural University who led the research in China. Of course, the technology to scan genomes is not limited to one species of crop pest. "The data shows that genomic scans will be helpful in monitoring resistance evolution not only for Bt, but for insecticides in general," says Fred Gould, who was not involved in the study but is a professor of entomology at North Carolina State University and member of the National Academy of Sciences. Members of the public are being urged not to organise bonfires this Halloween and Donegal County Council has confirmed they are monitoring locations where waste materials are often supplied by businesses for bonfires. Last year fire crews in Donegal were called out to deal with eight separate incidents at bonfires on Halloween night. Figures released to the DPP/Democrat revealed there were 12 reported incidents in Donegal between the hours of 6pm on October 31 and 3am on November 1. Eight of the call-outs were to bonfires and two of the call-outs related to car fires. Warning And while there were no reported incidents relating to fireworks, a senior fire officer in Donegal has warned of the extreme dangers of using them. Dermot Brady, Acting Chief Fire Officer with Donegal Fire Service said illegal fireworks may not be manufactured to the appropriate safety standards and can ignite prematurely, causing serious injury to the user or to others in the vicinity. It is illegal to possess fireworks in Ireland even if they have been legally purchased outside the country, he added. Meanwhile Suzanne Bogan, Waste Awareness Officer with Donegal County Council said the council is currently monitoring a number of bonfire locations. We are undertaking an audit of certain businesses to ensure that there is compliance under the relevant legislation and to ensure that waste materials are not supplied for burning on bonfires, she said. Three witches, a vampire and a child leave Transylvania and move to Donegal where they want to remain incognito before all hell breaks loose, this is the background to a new book penned by Colm Ferriter. The father-of-five had aspirations of writing but found it difficult to find the time, until recently. His new book, has not been given a name, but has an umlaut with two skulls where the dots on the German symbol are on the cover of the book by way of identification. Laghey native The book is based on the life of a young German girl and is due on bookshelves in his native home of Laghey and Gaoth Dobhair this week and is without a doubt a spooktacular treat for children ahead of the Hallowe'en season. However, the book makes a great read all year around for children, filled with fantasy characters, fun, laughter and much, much more. Colm is exceptionally well-known throughout the region due to his Irish-language show on Highland Radio. He said: I did put a drama together for Feile Scoil Dramaichta which was based on the bare-bones of this story. It failed miserably but the children had a great time doing it and that is what it really is all about, he said. Colm is a teacher and spends his days in the National School in Dore which he enjoys immensely. It's a great school. I enjoy working there, he said. Donegal - an inspiration Much of the fantasy novel is based on places in Donegal. The places are some distance apart in terms of geography but greatly helped Colm obtain structures and buildings to place in the book that would fire the imagination of the children who will read the book. This is the story of a wee German girl who together with a family of witches and a vampire move to Donegal due to the rise in tourism in their native Transylvania, he said. The group move to an island in Donegal where the witches are convinced that they have placed a spell on the weather because it rains all the time. The witches develop a love of bingo and go to untold trouble to lessen the number of people attending the event in order to increase their chances of winning. There are adventures go leor as they go about gathering their potions and they even give rise to a local garda paying them a visit to see what is going on in their home. The book is certain to make your little ones smile. (ANSA) - Bologna, October 30 - Foreign Minister Enzo Moavero Milanesi commented on the reported intention of new Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro to extradite Italian former leftist terrorist Cesare Battisti by saying Tuesday "if one of the decisions that may be taken by the Brazilian government will be to give the extradition which our country has requested for many years for a person sentenced to several life terms for bloody murders, I think this is a positive signal for justice and a dutiful signal towards the pain of the victims". Moavero said this pain ", let us not forget, is always keenly felt at bloody deeds like this, above and beyond forgiveness and the passing time". Deputy Premier and Interior Minister Matteo Salvini said Monday he was ready to go to Brazil and get former leftist terrorist Cesare Battisti if new President Jair Bolsonaro decides to extradite him to Italy as promised. "I can't wait to meet new president Bolsonaro," said Salvini, adding "I will be happy to got personally to Brazil also to go and get leftist terrorist Cesare Battisti and bring him back to Italian jails". Bolsonaro's son earlier on Monday suggested that the government is set to keep a promise to extradite Battisti. "The gift is coming! Thanks for the support, the right is becoming stronger," Eduardo Bolsonaro, a federal deputy, said in response to a tweet by Salvini congratulating Bolsonaro senior on his election victory. Justice Minister Alfonso Bonafede said Monday that Battisti must return to Italy. "Cesare Battisti must return. For months the ministry's offices have been in contact with Brazilian authorities, at the ready for an event that might change things, like Jair Bolsonaro's victory in the presidential elections," he said. "We are following the situation with the utmost attention. WE owe it to the families of Battisti's victims, we also owe it to the Country," Bonafede said on Facebook. Battisti, whose extradition was halted by former Brazilian president Luis Ignacio Lula da Silva, is wanted to serve out several life sentences for murders in the so-called 'Years of Lead' of leftist and rightist terrorism. Battisti, who fled to Brazil from France where he had become a crime writer, after the end of the Mitterand Doctrine, has always denied committing murder. Home Bike reviews Boom Shack-A-Lak The Apache Indian Ride In Nepal oi-Jobo Kuruvilla A few Budweisers down, I was reminiscing and reliving the 90s with my boombox banging out Boom Shack-A-Lak by Apache Indian. Almost on cue, a few moments later, I received an email from TVS Motor Company inviting DriveSpark on a celebratory ride in the land of the Himalayas Nepal. Yes, Nepal! This marks TVS' first international media ride and big-league event for the Apache brand. Recently, TVS Motor Company celebrated the 3 million sales milestone of their Apache series, and to commemorate this achievement, a few auto journalists were handpicked to explore Nepal on the many TVS Apache variants: 160, 180, 160 4V, 200 4V, and the RR 310. In the Nepal context, former British Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli's quote, "Travel teaches toleration" couldn't have been more true. Nepal has certainly increased my tolerance of traffic jams. Boy, if you think India has chock-a-block traffic and bottlenecks, head over to Nepal for an enlightening experience. Traffic aside, it wasn't too soon until most of us settled down and made our way out of Kathmandu and headed towards Pokhara. Our route for Day 1: Hotel Crowne Plaza, Kathmandu to Siddhartha Restaurant, Chitwan for lunch; and our pitstop for Day 1 was Shangri La Village, Pokhara (total distance: 200 km). I took an immediate liking to the Apache 180 2V and Siddhartha Riverside Resort in Chitwan, our first half of the day. With the nightmarish road congestions behind us, most of us were soaking in Nepal's picturesque landscape, not to mention the unforgiving heat from Mr. Sun Almighty (it was a dry 32-degrees). Slotted for the first half of my ride, the Apache 180 2V managed to smooth over the distance without breaking a sweat. From Chitwan to Pokhara, I was astride the Apache 200 4V. I was convinced that the BMW-TVS partnership had a positive impact on the new Apache motorcycles. The quality, design and engineering is not restricted to the RR 310, but reflects in the new products too; especially the Apache 160 and 200 4V. From Chitwan to Pokhara, the 200 4V seemed like just the right bike to take on the flowing and twisty mountain roads. The race-tuned KYB suspension and the slipper clutch was the need of the hour, as I began soaking in the purity of the valley. While the Apache 200 4V elevated my whole experience en route to Pokhara, I couldn't wait to reach the destination. It was during our mighty momo lunch break that I was told of the infamous Magars and Gurungs of Pokhara, who have earned worldwide recognition as the Gurkha soldiers. The Pokhara valley is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nepal, surrounded by the mighty Himalayan peaks of the Annapurna range. Pokhara is also the second-largest valley in Nepal; the first being the Dang Valley, which also happens to be the largest in Asia. Shangri-La Village, Pokhara After Day 1 of riding, I was set for the next few days. For the remainder of my Nepal ride, I hopped onto the Apache 160 4V, the latest entrant in the Apache series. The transition to the Apache 160 4V was easy, as much of its design and character is borrowed from the Apache 200 4V, I was riding earlier. On Day 2, we started early from Pokhara to Chitwan, and the following day, we rode from Chitwan back to Kathmandu, where it all began. Enroute to Chitwan, we stopped over at Sarangkot, a village just above Pokhara. Most people come to Sarangkot to experience the panoramic sweep of the Himalayan peaks. Sarangkot offers a spectacular view of one of the largest mountain ranges in the world, the Annapurna range, including Annapurna I, which is the 10th highest mountain in the world. Sarangkot is also the launch pad for paragliders, where they are witness to the stunning view of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Manaslu. After carving corners up Sarangkot's mountain road, I did feel and appreciate the refinement in the Apache 160 4V engine stellar job TVS. The Apache 160 4V is easy-to-ride, and the smooth nature of the engine throughout its rev range was in sync with the scenic views that Sarangkot, Chitwan and the ride back to Kathmandu had to offer. To conclude, the Nepal market is growing. As part of TVS Motor Company's globalisation strategy, the Apache brand is participating in emerging Asian markets and establishing their presence. It should be said, TVS Motor is the third largest two-wheeler manufacturer in India and they seem bent on offering a vehicle for every person be it motorcycles, scooters or mopeds, TVS truly has a vehicle for everyone. And when it comes to the Apache series, the company has done a commendable job, with the Apache motorcycles becoming a brand in its own right. The proof is in the pudding, as they say. Which is why it comes as no surprise that #3MillionApaches have been sold to date. Take a bow TVS. Most Viewed Videos Previously, we had reported about the top-selling cars in September 2018 and the Maruti Swift topped the chart with 22,228 units sold. Now, the new Hyundai Santro has received over 25,000 bookings in October 2018 and the hatchback is set to enter the top 10 selling cars list. The new Hyundai Santro is likely to beat Maruti Suzuki and snatch the top spot from the Indian automaker. With the month coming to an end, we can expect the October sales report to be released in the beginning on November 2018. We can expect the new Hyundai Santro to top the list of best-selling cars in the country. Currently, Maruti Suzuki dominates the top ten selling cars list with Maruti Swift, Alto, Dzire, Baleno, Vitara Brezza and WagonR occupying the first six positions. The Hyundai i20, Grand i10 and the Creta have also been in the best-selling cars list. Now, the new Santro is all set to beat Maruti Suzuki in this month's sales. The new Hyundai Santro is available in five trims: Dlite, Era, Magna, Sportz and Asta. The base variant is priced at Rs 3.89 lakh and the top-spec trim carries a price tag of Rs 5.45 lakh. The new Santro is also available in CNG fuel option and the top-spec CNG model costs Rs 5.64 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom (India). Thoughts On The New Hyundai Santro The new Hyundai Santro has been a hit in the Indian market with the hatchback racking up bookings since the day the bookings were open. Now, the new Hyundai Santro is all set to beat the Maruti Swift in terms of sales in the month of October. We can expect the new Santro to reach the 50,000 sales milestone in the next month. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider subscribing to our ePaper and/or free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. The planned closure of the N53 between Hackballscross and Rassan is now to begin tomorrow, October 31 according to Louth County Council. The section of the N52 is to close to facilitate major road reconstruction works. Louth County Council announced a diversion route that will be in place for the duration of these works, when the road closure was first announced in August It reads as follows: West bound traffic (Dundalk to Castleblaney): From Hackballscross (junction of N53 with LP-31250) travel southeast along the N53 to junction 17 on the M1 Motorway. "Enter the M1 Motorway and travel south, exiting at Junction 16, enter the N52 (Dundalk to Ardee Road) and continue southwest into Ardee. "Turn right off the Dundalk Road roundabout onto the N33, entering the N2 at the Carrickmacross Road roundabout and continue in a north-westerly direction to Castleblaney via Carrickmacross. "Enter the N53 in Castleblaney and continue southeast to the Northern Ireland/Rep Ireland border at Rassan." "Eastbound- Above route in reverse." Louth Sinn Fein TD Gerry Adams has said that An Garda Siochana's new Protective Services Unit in Louth must be adequately resourced to provide the necessary level of service to victims of domestic abuse. Deputy Adams said; "In March 2015 the National Protective Services Bureau was established by An Garda Siochana. "It's remit is to investigate serious crimes against the person including sexual offences in support of the COSC Second National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence 2016-2021 "In addition to this unit operating across the state, the Minister for Justice has confirmed to me, in response to a recent parliamentary question, that the Garda Commissioner intends to establish Protective Services Units (PSUs), with specially trained staff, in every Garda division, on a phased basis. "These PSUs are initially being delivered in three divisions, Louth, Dublin Metropolitan Region West and Cork City, over the coming 12 month period. "The new Louth Protective Services Unit will mirror the responsibilities of the Garda National Protective Services Bureau and will ensure a consistent approach to domestic abuse and sexual crime. "It will be based in Castlebellingham Garda Station and in addition to the one sergeant and five gardai working within the unit, the Minister has confirmed to me that additional resources will be allocated shortly. He continued, "Domestic abuse is highly prevalent, with one in three women suffering at some time in their lives, and its effects are wide reaching impacting terribly on victims and also affecting wider society. "I welcome the establishment of Louth Protective Services Unit and I hope that it becomes operational very soon. "I had also asked the Justice Minister to provide details regarding the numbers of incidents of domestic abuse recorded in each garda division in each month in 2018. "Worryingly his response indicated that the information collected on the garda PULSE system was deemed 'not sufficiently robust to generate reliable statistics' by the Central Statistics Office. "I understand that An Garda Siochana and the Policing Authority are working towards recording crime figures to the standard expected. "This must be done as a matter of urgency. It is impossible to adequately plan future services without an accurate assessment of current incidents. Deputy Adams concluded, "Finally, victims of abuse attending Garda stations to report incidents are often interviewed in unacceptable settings. This must change. "That requires more resources being made available to ensure that victims have access to comfortable, private and therapeutic settings in Garda stations." (ANSA) - Rome, October 30 - Transport and Infrastructure Minister Danilo Toninelli has said it is possible for the government to reach a deal with France to stop the controversial TAV Turin-Lyon high-speed rail link. "We'll reach an agreement with France to not have the TAV," Toninelli said in an excerpt of a interview in a new book by journalist Bruno Vespa that has been released ahead of publication. "I hear that (French President Emmanuel) Macron has said the TAV is not an infrastructure priority after assessing the costs and benefits. "And he has not allocated funds for the Lyon tunnel". Toninelli also dismissed as "all wrong" the assertion by TAV Commissioner Paolo Foiella that halting the project would lead to penalties of two billion euros for the State. Toninelli's 5-Star Movement (M5S) has long protested against the TAV and the contract of government it signed with the League said the project should be reconsidered. Premier Giuseppe Conte stressed Tuesday that a decision on the project has not yet been made, saying it depends on the outcome of a cost-benefit analysis coming soon. "We are finishing the cost-benefit analysis," Conte said during a visit to New Delhi. "The executive is committed to reviewing this project by the contract. "We are trying to take care of all the details. It is the same method used with the TAP," he added, referring to the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) in Puglia. Last week Conte said the TAP would go ahead. (ANSA) - Rome, October 29 - Five people were killed and one missing as storms battered Italy on Sunday and Monday, leading Venice vaporetto services to be suspended as a big 'acqua alta' hit the lagoon city, submerging three quarters of the historic centre. Two people were killed when a tree hit a car they were travelling in near Frosinone south of Rome. The pair were killed when high winds felled the tree at Castrocielo, the Red Cross told the civil protection department. One person is dead and one seriously injured after a tree hit a car at Terracina south of Rome. The accident happened in Viale della Vittoria in the centre of the Lazio seaside resort, battered by heavy winds that felled many trees. A 21-year-old man from San Nicola la Strada, a town near Caserta, Davide Natale, was killed by a pine tree felled by high winds in Naples. Natale was walking in Via Claudio, in the Fuorigrotta district of the southern Italian city. He was rushed to hospital but died there. A woman died when she was hit by a flying object dislodged by a whirlwind near Savona in Liguria. The accident happened at Albisola Superiore. She was taken to hospital where she died. A Turkish website manager was missing after a storm-tossed sailboat was smashed against a pier in Calabria on Sunday. He was the owner of the Canadian-flagged vessel, from which others may be missing. Six regions are on red alert due to the wave of storms, torrential rain and gales that is battering Italy. The regions on maximum alert are Lombardy, Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Liguria, Trentino-Alto Adige and Abruzzo, with gusts of wind reaching 100km/h in some cases. Schools in many cities, including Rome, were closed on Monday due to the extreme weather. Schools in the capital will be closed on Tuesday too, authorities said Monday. Rome's civil protection office on Monday told residents to restrict their movements to the strictly indispensable because of bad weather. They said this was due to the probable worsening of conditions "over the coming hours and the need to allow rescue vehicles to travel freely". Falling trees and branches injured two people in Milan, destroyed a car in Rome and caused disruption to the B line of the Rome metro and rail links to the Roman seaside district of Ostia. The highway and railway at the Brenner Pass have reopened after being closed late on Sunday due to a landslide in the area of the Italian-Austrian border. Vehicles on the Milan-Bologna A1 highway had to be escorted due to flooding. Ground-floor shops and homes in the centre of the Ligurian town of Levanto were evacuated. Winds of up to 130 km/h are whipping across Liguria and a swell of the River Magra is expected between Vezzano Ligure and Arcola as storms continue to hit the region. The scenic Cinque Terre was being lashed by heavy rain and high winds. A road collapsed due to heavy rains at Ovaro in Friuli on Monday. Rain is continuing to lash the northeastern Italian region. The Civil Protection Department said the foul weather is expected to peak on Monday afternoon in southern and central Italy, although there will also be big storms in the north. At the weekend a businessman and three workers were killed in a landslide while doing emergency work on a sewer system in the Crotone area after bad weather there. The first big high water of the autumn hit Venice Monday and sirens blared across the lagoon city as the 'acqua alta' passed the 110 cm above sea level mark at which citizens are alerted to the phenomenon. The water level was measured at 156 cm above sea level, with some 75% of the centre under water, local officials said. The high water level halted vaporetto services. Links to the lagoon islands are the only ones still being run, while buses are also running. The rail service between Venice and the mainland is also running regularly. The last vaporetti picked up stranded passengers. Levels of 100-120 cm above sea level are fairly common in the lagoon city and Venice is well-equipped to cope with its rafts of pontoon walkways. But anything much above 120cm risks swamping the city and washing the walkways away. The high-water threat has been increasing in recent years as heavier rains have hit northern Italy, weather experts say. Scientists have conceived various ways of warding off the waters since a dramatic 1966 flood, and a system of moveable flood barriers called MOSE is being installed after years of rows. Experts say there are three main reasons for high water in the city: the rising floor in the lagoon caused by incoming silt; the undermining of the islands by the extraction of methane gas in the sea off Venice; and the overall increase in sea levels caused by global warming. B2B Lead Generation Service Reach key decision makers with sales-ready leads that shorten your sales process. Move the needle by delivering funnel qualified leads to your sales team. Learn more. People at Oracle must sometimes feel like they're living in Mark Twain's reality. After hearing that his obituary had been published in the New York Journal, Twain published a quip for the ages when he wrote, "The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated." So too with Oracle. Ever since its earnings miss for its first fiscal quarter, a chorus of financial analysts have predicted doom. To be honest, some of Oracle's moves in the market, like its approach to software audits, have not bolstered contrary claims. Then again, Oracle rarely explains or complains, hewing to what could be viewed as an outdated masculine ethic. The Sad Truth Joseph Mwangi, who considers himself a contrarian, last week published his analysis, "The Reason(s) Why Oracle's Growth Story Is Crumbling," on Seeking Alpha. He cited several reasons for his conclusions. Oracle's latest quarterly earnings report disappointed. Also, revenue growth slowed down considerably, with lackluster growth by the pivotal cloud segment assigned much of the blame. For reporting purposes, the company had lumped "the cloud business together with the legacy on-premise business, suggesting all is not well at the pivotal segment," Mwangi noted. Because Oracle has not been pursuing M&A activity as robustly as it did previously, and instead has been buying back stock, the company has not been growing revenue, he claimed, even if that growth was inorganic. Mwangi's complaint that Oracle has been gouging customers seemed based on an out-of-context quote from Oracle CEO Mark Hurd, whom he erroneously referred to as "Mike" in his article. Hurd's comment: "When a customer who is on-prem paying us support moved (sic) to the cloud, they pay us more money. They don't pay us one to one, they don't pay us two to one, they pay us more like three to one. In some cases more than three to one." Let's try to add some context. When I have been in audiences listening to Hurd, he usually has couched this idea in terms of existing customers with paid-for licenses buying Software as a Service, which bundles software, maintenance and service into a single cost paid over some time interval, such as monthly or over multiple years. Also, the quote refers to accumulated revenues over a contract term vs. the cost of support for an already licensed application. However, all of this is a side show. The core issue is that no matter how much lipstick you put on this pig, the sad truth is that cloud computing is a form of commoditization of IT. Nowhere to Hide During any commoditization, a company faces margin erosion, leading to reduced profits. If you try to compare multiple companies in the throes of converting from on-premises to cloud computing, you are liable to get skewed results. That's because the longer a company is in the moving-to-the-cloud tunnel, the less bad its earnings seem. This is because financial comparisons often are made between a current year and the prior year. Sometimes we see five-year comparisons, but that's relatively rare. The more cloud customers you have, the stronger your revenues look. That's due to economies of scale and because invidious comparisons with your former glory are firmly in the history books. Oracle is in the unenviable position of being the last of the big enterprise software vendors to attempt the switch. It is also one of the biggest software companies in the world, making its transition hard to disguise. Moreover, the company is very much in the middle of things, still building out cloud data centers and trying to get its customers to move to them. That's not an easy job, and it's one that the C-suite all said would take 10 years or more, when it got going in earnest a couple of years ago. As customers reach the point of beginning to consider cloud computing, many have not been doing the prudent thing and asking what else is out there. That makes for a dangerous time for Oracle, and the company is trying to parry by offering half measures, such as hosting existing applications on its infrastructure with no penalty for moving a license. All of this has to get sorted out. Hence the 10-year window. My Two Bits Oracle is transitioning while commoditizing, and it will lose some revenue as customers gravitate to cloud systems. At some point, there will be critical mass in the company's cloud systems, and it will be able to reduce its exposure to R&D for both sets of products and all the overhead that implies. So things will look better eventually, but Oracle isn't there yet. The company continues to take its lumps despite the financial community's nearly 20-year experience with the evolution of cloud computing. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ECT News Network. Denis Pombriant is a well-known CRM industry analyst, strategist, writer and speaker. His new book, You Can't Buy Customer Loyalty, But You Can Earn It, is now available on Amazon. His 2015 book, Solve for the Customer, is also available there. Email Denis. Enterprise IT Lead Generation Services Fuel Your Pipeline. Close More Deals. Our full-service marketing programs deliver sales-ready leads. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee! Learn more. We made it. The holiday shopping season is here once again! This is a great opportunity for you as an e-commerce retailer. If you're like many other merchants out there, the run-up to Christmas is one of the most profitable, and busiest, times of the year. You may need some extra help to handle the surge in traffic and maximize your return. That means hiring seasonal employees. Plenty of different businesses will feel the need to bring on additional staff -- from those in the travel sector to shipping and even dining. However, retail is going to experience the biggest holiday hiring bump, and wages for temporary workers in the retail sector are expected to surge 54 percent over last year. It's all part of the booming economy and tight labor market, and those conditions have been forcing recruiters to start hunting for help earlier this year, too. Hourly wages for seasonal workers will rise an incredible 32 percent compared with last year, based on a recent survey. The average seasonal employee in the U.S. can expect to make US$15.40 per hour during the 2018 holiday rush, up from just $11.70 last year. The scarce labor market could force many businesses to compete for less-qualified candidates, though, which could have the effect of further exposing retailers to a key threat source: employee-assisted fraud. When you think of employee-assisted (or occupational) fraud, you probably get the image of a retail worker sneaking merchandise out the back door of a shop or pocketing cash from the till. Employee-assisted fraud is not just a problem for brick-and-mortar sellers, however. It can impact any business that takes on seasonal workers, including e-commerce retailers. Employee Theft and Fraud Worsening Employee theft is now the fastest-growing crime in the U.S., according to the FBI. Looking at employee theft overall, the average company will lose roughly 5 percent of annual revenue to employee fraud. Losses are even higher for companies with fewer than 100 employees. Despite the risk, though, fewer than 20 percent of all small businesses have a system in place to report suspicious activity by employees, compared to 70 percent of larger companies. Let's assume you already take occupational fraud seriously. That's great. Still, what you may not know is that employee-assisted fraud tends to jump an estimated 20 percent during the holiday season. Anyone who hires additional staff during the holidays could face a sudden uptick in occupational fraud -- and really, it shouldn't be that surprising. When you recruit seasonal workers, you're entrusting your business to a group of people who may not have the same interest in the organization's long-term success as a permanent employee. So we know it's a problem. The real question: How are they doing it? Organized Retail Crime and Your Employees Of course, you probably won't have to worry about seasonal employees involved in corporate espionage or anything elaborate like that. The most professional threat you're likely to encounter is accidentally inviting organized retail crime, or ORC, into the business. Organized retail crime involves a professional group who carry out a coordinated criminal attack against a retailer. While we usually think of it in terms of brick-and-mortar locations, ORC can still occur in the e-commerce environment if the thieves have cooperation from someone within the business. For example, 40 percent of retailers of retailers experienced cargo theft last year. An ORC group could work with someone inside your business to coordinate and steal merchandise. ORC cost the average business $726,351 per every $1 billion in sales during that same period. You should know that groups of organized, professional thieves can affect your business. Don't take this as justification to mistrust your employees and assume the worst, though. When it does occur, employee-assisted fraud is more likely to take a simple, more innocuous form. Occupational Fraud Is Primarily an Amateur Effort Workers you bring on as seasonal help probably will not work in high-level positions within the company. They're in positions of lower authority. However, they tend to have more direct interaction with both customers and cash, and those conditions can enable fraud. This speaks to an important distinction when looking at occupational fraud among seasonal employees: It's mostly amateur fraudsters. Eighty-six percent of people who committed fraud had no previous fraud activity, based on recent research. There are three primary reasons that explain why an otherwise-honest employee might commit fraud: Opportunity: Many cases of employee-enabled fraud are primarily crimes of opportunity. Workers who do not feel they have any personal stake in the company's well being will see an opening and take it. Considering that most of your seasonal hires will not be sticking around once the holiday season wraps up, this could be a serious concern. Financial Trouble: Pressures on one's personal finances can lead individuals to commit fraud out of desperation. There are many potential triggers, including debt, substance abuse problems and illness, just to name a few. Attitude: Employees who feel they've been mistreated by the company may try to "get even" through fraud. For example, an individual may be passed over for a promotion, and see fraud as a way to get what is rightfully hers. This easily could happen with a seasonal employee who is turned down for a permanent position. Return fraud is an example of a common occupational scheme. A customer knows someone within the company and goes to that person to request a return. The employee knows the item in question is not eligible, but processes the return anyway. The "customer is always right" mantra has helped foster an environment of lax standards for product returns in general. This makes it easier for a customer to commit return fraud with help from within your company. 5 Tips to Minimize Occupational Fraud This holiday season, you're facing the threat of ORC infiltration, plus the opportunism, desperation and resentment that are three primary triggers of employee-enabled fraud. That points to one very simple question: What can you do about it? Fortunately, there is a solution. Here are five simple suggestions you can adopt that might help cut back on your exposure before and after the holidays: 1. Know Your Employee: Some may see this as excessive, but performing a background check on short-term workers easily can identify anyone who might have been busted for retail crime. A simple background check before you hire any temporary workers can limit your risk of encountering organized retail crime. 2. Recognize Your Employees: You should aim to align individual employees' responsibilities -- and their pay -- with their ability. Overlooking this very basic concept can lead to division and resentment within your team. Make a conscious effort to recognize your permanent and seasonal employees for their accomplishments and good work, and compensate them accordingly. 3. Embody an Ethical Culture: Setting the tone of your business culture in terms of ethics starts at the top. You need to embody the workplace culture you expect from your employees to gain their trust and respect. This sensibility will trickle down to management, and then through to your other workers. You can start by creating a written ethics policy, so that everyone understands what is expected. 4. Enable Employees to Report Fraud: Your employees are in a better position than you to notice abuse and fraud by their coworkers. Do you have a way for employees to anonymously report that information? A lot of people would be hesitant to step forward publicly, but could be much more inclined to do so if they can keep their identity secret. 5. Mandate Purchase Orders: Requiring purchase orders for any items bought by the company can prevent abuse by both seasonal and permanent employees. You should verify all vendors before authorizing an order, and mandate price comparisons as part of the purchasing process. All Fraud Is Connected Of course, being prepped against employee-assisted fraud goes hand-in-hand with protection against other threats. For example, let's take a look at chargebacks. These are forced payment reversals resulting from disputed payment card transactions. In all, chargebacks are projected to cost retailers $30 billion a year by 2020, and most of it will be caused by "friendly fraud," or unsubstantiated chargeback claims. Friendly fraud, return fraud, occupation fraud -- these are all interconnected threats. Employees can try to enable unsubstantiated returns, and you can put measures in place to try and prevent that from happening. However, if employee-assisted return fraud is off the table, the buyer might turn to friendly fraud instead. You see, fraud is like the hydra: You cut-off one head, and three more take its place. Trying to stop one threat, without taking others into account, can enable fraud rather than prevent it. It's best to think about all fraud threats as an interconnected problem. Rather than adopting compartmentalized responses to a bunch of different threat sources, you should think of your approach to fraud prevention as a comprehensive strategy. A Comprehensive Strategy Works Best The best way to take on fraud is with a host of tools and policies all working together. If you can't separate employee-assisted fraud from external criminal fraud, for example, you end up with skewed data, leading you to try and fix nonexistent problems, while leaving real problems unaddressed. While the holiday season is high-time for fraud risk, it's really a year-round issue. Fraud doesn't vanish once the decorations are boxed-up and you've said goodbye to your seasonal workforce. It morphs and adapts, with the post-holiday season being the peak months for friendly fraud. Hiring seasonal employees to help with the surge of holiday shoppers does increase your risk for fraud. Adopting the practices mentioned earlier will help you minimize your exposure. However, the best response is to make multilayer fraud mitigation a year-round priority. Monica Eaton-Cardone is the COO and cofounder of Chargebacks911, a provider of comprehensive risk management solutions to the payment processing industry. It is a division of Global Risk Technologies, which manages more than 200 million transactions worldwide each month. Chargebacks911 is headquartered in Tampa Bay, Florida, and specializes in chargeback mitigation and dynamic loss prevention. Enterprise IT Lead Generation Services Fuel Your Pipeline. Close More Deals. Our full-service marketing programs deliver sales-ready leads. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee! Learn more. 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. The millennial generation came of ageand attended schoolduring a time when authorities were fixated on standardized testing, competition, and top-down accountability. Education budgets took twin hits from the deep recession and politicians who promised austerity. When schools struggled, officials cast blame on educators and advocated for school choice and privatization, rather than strengthening public schools to meet students needs. It is striking that, in a recent national poll, millennials see through the ruse for what it was, and support investment in public education, strengthening teachers voice and agency through unions, and public schools over alternatives. The poll, conducted in September by the GenForward Survey Project housed at the University of Chicagos Center for the Study of Race, Politics, and Culture, surveyed nearly 2,000 respondents between the ages of 18 and 34 . Drawing on a nationally representative sample of African-American, Asian, Latinx, and white millennials, the poll asked a number of questions about public education. While millennials give the nations public schools mixed grades, they strongly support public education over privatized alternatives. Seventy-one percent of respondents said that increasing funding would do more to improve public education than providing more vouchers. And respondents top answer for the best way to improve K-12 education in local districts is to increase school funding. Asked whether strengthening or weakening teachers unions would do more to improve public education, more than three quarters of millennials expressed support for strengthening the unions. The GenForward poll mirrors other recent public opinion polls showing deep and broad support for labor unions. A 2017 Pew study found that 75 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds have a favorable view of labor unions , and the Center for Economic and Policy Research found that same year Millennials have come of age in a time of huge economic inequality and uncertainty. While economic anxiety has dropped for most Americans, 18- to 24-year-olds are now more anxious than ever. Another 2017 studythis one from the financial services company Northwestern Mutualfound that financial anxiety has made almost one-quarter of millennials feel physically ill weekly or monthly. In late summer, the National Opinion Research Corporation found that 48 percent of all nonunionized workers would join a union if given the opportunity to do soa four-decade high. That translates to 58 million Americans who would join a union if they couldquadruple the number of current union members in the country. Its easy to see the appeal of unions to millennials, many of whom work temp jobs, gigs, and side hustles. Many are underemployed, face stagnant wages, and lack paid leave and affordable health care. And theyre not doing as well as their parents. Analyzing data from the Federal Reserve, the advocacy group Young Invincibles concluded that millennials earn 20 percent less than baby boomers did at the same stage of life. They have half the net worth, lower rates of home ownership, and drastically higher student debt, according to the 2017 study. Of course, many millennials know the power and potential of public education and of unions from their own work experienceas teachers, school employees, and other union workers. The wave of school walkouts last spring showed that by joining together individuals can achieve things that would be impossible on their own. I marched with striking teachers in West Virginia, Oklahoma, and Arizona. Ive rallied with educators in Chicago, Philadelphia, and elsewhere. I hear strikingly similar themes, regardless of where I have been: Young professionals are frustrated that their low pay prevents them from buying a home, paying off student debt, and even starting a family. They see collective action through their union as their best shot to achieve their economic and personal aspirations. Some speculated that the recent Supreme Court decision in the Janus v. American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Council 31 case, whose backers intended to defund and defang public employee unions, would weaken teachers unions so much that our opponents could further reduce funding for public schools and promote school privatization. Ironically, what these anti-union proponents seek is exactly the opposite of what millennials support. And their hopes to gut teachers unions have also been stymiedteachers are sticking with their unions, and public support for unions is at the highest level it has been in 15 years. Think about how ordinary Americans get ahead: by getting a good education, having voice and agency in their job, and voting. Millennials clearly want to support strong public schools and see the value of unionsand they are expanding as a share of the electorate. Millennials, together with members of Generation X, cast almost 70 million votes in the 2016 election outvoting baby boomers and prior generations by 2 million votes. Baby boomers still make up the largest segment of the electorate35 percentbut their numbers peaked in 2004. Politicians who fail to pay attention to the concerns and priorities of this generation do so at their peril. Gov. Kate Brown ordered the public release of annual school performance ratings last week after Oregons biggest newspaper reported that a Brown appointee had delayed the release of the statistical rankings until after the high-stakes gubernatorial election Nov. 6. Brown is in a tight race with Republican challenger Rep. Knute Buehler, who has made statewide education funding and reform among his top campaign issues. Oregon ranks third-worst in four-year graduation rates, and the issue is a sensitive one for voters. School districts have had the annual ranking data since Oct. 4 and had been told they could prepare public statements about their results for release Oct. 25. But in recent days, The Oregonian reported, they were told by state education officials that the data would go public after the election. Education department Director Colt Gill said that a changeover in federal testing mandates meant the data needed to be presented in a new way, so he decided to delay the release. Arizona voters are poised to decide whether to dramatically expand eligibility for vouchers in what has become one of the most contentious ballot-box battles over school choice in the 2018 midterm elections. The ballot measurecalled Proposition 305would allow all public school students in the state to apply for Arizona Empowerment Scholarships, a program currently restricted to select groups of students, such as those attending low-performing schools or those in foster care. The push to make all of Arizonas 1.1 million public school students eligible for vouchers has been both contentious and confounding. It started as legislation passed by Republican state lawmakers in 2017 and was signed into law by Republican Gov. Doug Ducey, who is running for re-election. The new law, however, was challenged by a grassroots group of parents and educators called Save Our Schools, which gathered enough signatures to stall it from going into effect and giving voters the chance to weigh in directly. A national school choice advocacy group with deep ties to U.S. Secretary Betsy DeVos sued to scuttle the voter referendum but lost. But as Nov. 6 draws closer, some of the same national advocacy groups that lobbied for expanding voucher eligibility in Arizona have all but abandoned defending it in the upcoming referendum. Meanwhile, recent polling shows that a slim majority of Democratic voters say they plan to vote to expand vouchers while Republicans are less enthusiasticstances which run completely counter to those taken by their elected state representatives. There are some questions, however, about whether rank-and-file voters are interpreting the ballot language correctly. At the moment, it appears the vote to keep the voucher expansion has a slight edge. However, there is a large share of voters who remain undecided, and the referendums fate is still up in the air. A Catch-22 Technically, the Empowerment Scholarships are not traditional school vouchers, but a hybrid voucher program called an education savings account. State per-pupil dollars are put into special savings accounts parents can draw from to spend on educational services beyond just tuition at private schools, as one would with a voucher. This can include home-schooling supplies, tutors, college courses, or even therapy. Making all students eligible for education savings accounts is critical to school choice proponents, given that ESAs give parents near-total control over how money is spent on their childs education. But while the law would expand the programs eligibility, the actual number of students who could receive a scholarship would be capped at 30,000. That was fine with some school choice proponents when the legislation was being passed because there would likely be the opportunity to lift the cap through later legislation. But that was before the referendum. Once voters weigh in on Prop. 305, some school choice advocates worry a cap would be permanent. Its created a Catch-22 for school choice advocates, where keeping the expansiona yes votewould actually mean fewer students overall can get vouchers even though more types of students would be eligible. This is why the American Federation for Children, a prominent school choice group that lobbied for the original law, has reversed its stance on it. "[I]f the No vote wins, more than 250,000 children from the lowest-performing schools, military families, foster care, Native American reservations, or special needs students would have access to an ESA, the AFC said in a statement, listing off the types of students who are currently eligible for the education savings accounts program and will remain so even if the latest expansion effort fails. The American Federation for Children supports giving the maximum number of families access to the education that best fits their childs needs, so on balance, a No vote is the best choice for Arizona voters. The director of Americans for Prosperitythe influential conservative advocacy group funded by the billionaire brothers Charles and David Kochtold The Arizona Republic the group was not backing the ballot measure for similar reasons. Arizona is the second state to attempt to expand eligibility for education savings accounts to include all public school students, and its also the second state in the last few years to have this effort stall. Nevada, in 2015, was the first state to pass whats been called a universal school choice law. But the program has been in a legal limbo since then and remains unfunded. What the Polls Say While the bill to expand vouchers was opposed by Democratic lawmakers in Arizona, and vouchers are generally opposed by liberal politicians nationally, the expansion effort seems to be drawing a surprising amount of support from likely Democratic voters. Fifty-one percent of Democrats say they would vote to expand the voucher program, but only 29 percent of Republicans say they would do so, according to a recent poll by Suffolk University and The Arizona Republic. All told, 41 percent of registered voters support expanding vouchers and 32 percent oppose, while 27 percent were still undecided. However, voters may be confused by the ballot language, which doesnt use the word voucher. In interviews with three voters who were part of The Arizona Republics poll, all of them changed their stances on the ballot measure after a reporter explained it. A Democrat and an independent voter, switched to no, while the Republican voter changed to a yes vote for the measure. In national polling on vouchers, rank-and-file Democrats seem to be more supportive of vouchers than party leadership appears to be, according to an annual survey by Education Next. And there is some polling to suggest that using the word voucher has an effect on peoples attitudes toward the policy. According to the 2018 annual Education Next survey, support for vouchers for all families rose by 9 percentage points from last year, from 45 to 54 percent. But thats only if the pollsters didnt use the word voucher. When they did, support for universal vouchers dropped by 10 percentage points. Charter schools in Washington state can continue to receive public funding, the states high court ruled last week. Washington voters first approved the opening of charter schools in 2012. That law was challenged by several groups, most prominently the states teachers union. In a bombshell ruling in 2015, the state Supreme Court ruled that charters were unconstitutionally funded with money for the states common schoolsessentially traditional public schools. That effectively shut down the states nascent charter sector, at least for the time being. It was the first ruling of its kind nationally in the 25 years that charter schools have been around. The next legislative session, lawmakers passed a law to resurrect the states charter sector. In last weeks ruling, the justices did stike down part of the law that restricted the ability of charter school employees to unionize. Nick Brown turned 18 in September and will vote for the first time in November. But the Brandon, S.D., resident admits he has some research to do. As of right now I know nothing, said Brown, whose high school law and government teacher registered voting-age students in class. I dont follow politics at all, so I need to educate myself before I go in and vote. Many first-time voters are just like Browntheyre excited about voting, but need information about candidates, issues, and even how and where to cast their ballots. Theyre seeking these answers from a laundry list of sourcesfamily, social media platforms, YouTube, teachersand often theyre consulting a handful of these sources at once. But could the influence of so many outletsespecially social media, with its inherent hyperbole, fake news, and nonstop news cyclemean young voters are getting a skewed version of the truth? Not necessarily, said Carolyn DeWitt, the president and executive director of Rock the Vote, a nonpartisan youth-voting organization. This generation is incredibly skeptical and critical, she said. But we have to do a better job with media literacy. Knowing how to fact-check and find credible sources is key. Browns first course of action is to talk to his parents. Its the same step most young voters take. Nearly 39 percent of 18- and 19-year olds who responded to an Education Week Research Center survey about voting said they turned to family members to help them decide how to vote. It was the top choice among respondents. But Brown said just because hes gathering information from his parents doesnt mean hes going to vote the way they do. Some things we agree on and some we dont at all, he said. I find my own opinions. For Delsa Guerrero-Castillo, a 20-year-old junior at Clark Atlanta University in Georgia, social media plays a significant role in the information shes collecting about elections. Twitter and Instagram are her main social media sources. She feels she gets helpful background information about candidates there, and she likes watching videos about issues. Guerrero-Castillo said she takes note of what friends post and retweet, and also searches Twitter using hashtags to get differing perspectives on candidates. For example #StaceyAbramsthe name of Georgias Democratic candidate for governoris a common search of hers. But Guerrero-Castillo also is attuned to the fact that information gleaned on social media may not be reliable. Im aware it can be pretty biased, so I look on Google to double-check information, she said. She considers social media a double-edged sword, because theres a lot of information available, but its not always reliable and her generation can be swayed by what they consume there. Respondents to the Education Week Research Center survey said they got a significant amount of election-related information on social media: 30 percent used Instagram, 25 percent used Facebook, 23 percent tapped Snapchat, and 21 percent looked to Twitter. The September survey was conducted with support from the Education Writers Association. That survey result is mostly in line with those from a 2018 college pre-election civic youth poll by the Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Lifes Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) , based at Tufts University. But that poll, which questioned 18- to 24-year-olds in September who said they would be first-time voters in this election, also found 90 percent of respondents turned to up to six types of sources for election information. Theyre hearing about elections in different places, said Abby Kiesa, the director of impact at CIRCLE. And even if the source is social media, information may come from friends and family, outside organizations, candidates, or news sources. But there are concerns about the impact and reach of social media. Fake news, manipulation techniques, disinformation, and even a phenomena like Instagram flop accountsplaces where discussions on hot-button topics may spread incorrect and unreliable informationall worry observers. It raises a concern because of what we saw in 2016 with disinformation about campaigns on Facebook and Twitter, Kiesa said. But just because young voters are swimming in the social media pond, that doesnt always mean theyre being taken in by information thats skewed, she said. When a young person is looking at a social media outlet, they might be looking at specific people they trust and writing off others, she said. That trust on social media is important. In fact, a report released in October by the Pew Research Center found that younger Americans are actually better than older Americans at discerning what information is accurate. In that survey, a third of 18- to 49-year-olds were able to determine whether statements presented to them were fact or fiction, and 44 percent were able to classify which statements were opinions. A bigger problem, however, may be that younger voters often arent getting much information at all about elections, said Clarissa Martinez, the deputy vice president in the office of research, advocacy, and legislation at the nonpartisan Hispanic voter group UnidosUS , which has a youth-voting initiative called the Power of 18 . Thats particularly true among young Latino voters, she said. In many ways, candidates and parties are not reaching out, she said. Young voters often feel they dont have enough accurate information. In the Education Week Research Center poll, prospective voters also rated television news (cited by nearly 38 percent), YouTube (named by 33 percent), and school and teachers (selected by 32 percent) as important sources of information. For Maggi Davis, a University of Vermont freshman from Denver, it took some digging to make her election choices. Looking at her absentee ballot, she realized she wasnt familiar with the candidates names or with the ballot initiatives. Before she sent the ballot off, she talked to her parents, and went to the website of her local news station in DenverKUSA 9Newswhich featured what she considered to be an impartial review of candidates and issues. She avoided social media because I know thats pretty biased, she said. I was trying to go for reliable, not partisan, information. Afterward she felt ready to fill out her ballot. So does Guerrero-Castillo in Atlanta, who didnt vote the first time she had an opportunity to in 2016. I missed out on the importance of having my voice heard, she said. I dont want to miss out on that again. To build the largest and most complete Amateur Radio community site on the Internet - a "portal" that hams think of as the first place to go for information, to exchange ideas, and be part of whats happening with ham radio on the Internet. eHam.net provides recognition and enjoyment to the people who use, contribute, and build the site. This project involves a management team of volunteers who each take a topic of interest and manage it with passion. The site will stand above all other ham radio sites by employing the latest technology and professional design/programming standards, developed by a team of community programmers who contribute their skills to the effort. The site will be something of which everyone involved can be proud to say they were a part. We welcome your comments. The eHam.net Team, Revision 07/2020. Fujitsu is restructuring worldwide. This also affects 2100 employees in Germany and the plant in Augsburg. The news from the headquarters hits the site with 1800 employees the hardest: "Fujitsu plans to phase out its product development, manufacturing, and logistics activities in Germany and to close the Augsburg site completely by September 2020 at the latest". According to the company, production is to be bundled in Japan in the future. Fujitsu has started negotiations with employee representatives. In addition to Augsburg with its 500 employees in R&D, 400 in sales and marketing, 550 in production, and 300 temporary workers, Munich with its 300 employees will also be affected. Carthage Film Days promote culture against extremism Event confirmed after suicide attack in Tunis (ANSAmed) - TUNIS, OCTOBER 30 - The 29th edition of the Carthage Film Days (JCC) film festival, Tunisia's most important annual cultural event, will go forward as planned from November 3 to November 10, according to a statement on Tuesday by JCC Director Nejib Ayed, following a suicide bombing in Tunis. A woman blew herself up on Monday in front of the Municipal Theatre on the centrally located Avenue Bourguiba, leaving about 20 people wounded including 15 police officers, none in serious condition. "JCC is a place of freedom and resistance and will not fold in the face of those who bring extremism; faithful to its convictions it will continue to proclaim that only culture is the inviolable barrier against ignorance and the business of death," the statement said. "Terrorism today is a global phenomenon and unfortunately no one can consider themselves safe. But the festival will take place and will celebrate the values of tolerance, openness, and life against nihilism," it said.(ANSAmed). Calls for more female representation in Manx politics A panel of female politicians have called for better gender representation in the membership of both local and national government. Around 50 people gathered at the Manx Legion Club to hear from five panellists; MHKs Daphne Caine, Kate Beecroft and Ann Corlett, MLCs Kerry Sharpe and Jane Poole-Wilson, and former MHK, now commissioner, Hazel Hannan. Each gave their views on how female representation in the halls of power could be boosted, as well as describing their encounters with discrimination. Issues such as balancing roles as parents with the demands of politics, encouraging female leadership styles, and countering old boys club attitudes were all discussed. The panellists broke off into groups to mull over possible solutions with members of the audience. Education in schools and greater visibility of female MHKS in leadership roles were mooted as possible solution. Peel Commissioner Hazel Hannan was an MHK for two decades, from 1986 until 2006. She told Ewan Gawne there were times when national politics was a challenging place: Media Peel Commissioner Hazel Hannan Man arrested on suspicion of money laundering Police in Merseyside arrested a man on Saturday at the Isle of Man ferry terminal in Liverpool. The 42-year-old man had arrived from Douglas when police sniffer dogs brought him to the attention of officers. He was carrying a suitcase which was found to contain 10,000 in cash. The man of no fixed abode was arrested on suspicion of money laundering and has been released under investigation. The matter will be investigated under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Brics, debate in Rome on areas of cooperation, role of Italy Organized by Sioi and Eurispes (ANSAmed) - Rome, 30 october - The Embassy of Republic of South Africa in Italy, SIOI and EURISPES, with the patronage of the Italian Network for the Euro-Mediterranean Dialogue (RIDE-APS) and of the Network of Anna Lindh Foundation in Italy, organized at the SIOI in Rome a debate where experts and diplomats discussed the results of the BRICS' July 2018 summit in Johannesburg. After the greetings from SIOI President Franco Frattini and EURISPES President Gian Maria Fara, Amb. Shirish M. Soni, representing the current South African BRICS Presidency, described the new BRICS areas of cooperation and global development, which in the near future will have a significant impact on the international scene on areas and sectors of primary interest also for Italy. In light of the first decade of activity, the Ambassador of the Chinese People's Republic, Ruiyu Li, enlightened the BRICS impact on the economic and financial governance; the Ambassador of Brasil, Antonio De Aguiar Patriota, focused the large audience's attention on multilateralism and the BRICS proposed reform of the global governance's architecture; Pavel Knyazev, Vice-Director of the Policy Planning Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and responsible of the BRICS negotiations for Russian Federation, highlighted BRICS contribution for peace and security, particularly in the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern turbulent areas; the Vice Head of Mission of the Indian Embassy in Rome, Gloria Gangte, emphasized the BRICS action on the field of direct cooperation between peoples. After the first session, devoted to the speeches of the Bilateral and Multilateral BRICS Ambassadors, chaired by Franco Frattini, the second session, chaired by Eurispes Secretary General Marco Ricceri, opened with Dario Fabbri, SIOI lecturer and LIMES scientific advisor, who analyzed the geopolitical BRICS dimension. Enrico Molinaro, President of Mediterranean Perspectives and Secretary General of RIDE-APS, Head of the Anna Lindh Network in Italy, concluded the experts' debate presenting the acquis of the Eurispes Research Laboratory on BRICS, launching the proposal of setting up a permanent Forum Italy-BRICS, an innovative policy-oriented research instrument in cooperation with the BRICS Euro-Mediterranean coordination. (ANSAmed). Her dating struggles have been chronicled in previous seasons of Return to Amish, but Kate Stoltz may no longer need to look for love. Throughout the past year, Stoltz has shared photos on her Instagram page which seem to indicate she has been seeing someone. Though she never mentions him by name, she's received flowers as gifts, including ones she credited to a "sweetheart" on Valentine's Day. Stop and smell the #roses ... Such a thoughtful gift :) us girls love flowers; but even more, we love the thought that was put into giving them and the reason behind them. #beautiful #colorful #daybrightener A photo posted by KATE STOLTZ (@katestoltz) on Jan 31, 2015 at 10:44am PST So who is this mystery man? We have a theory: Stoltz's secret boyfriend may be Dr. Robert Morin, the same plastic surgeon who performed her rhinoplasty to repair a deviated septum. A look at social media posts by both Stoltz and Morin suggests that the two may have hit it off after her surgery. They've since seemed to have grown closer while working together on Morin's charity, Developing Faces, which provides cleft palate and other facial deformity surgery to children in other countries. Stoltz shared images from a mission she and Morin went on to Guatemala for Developing Faces earlier this year, including one which showed the two together as they prepared for a surgery. She also posted a touching tribute to Morin as well back in June, where she identifies him as the surgeon she saw for her own surgery and says how much he inspires her. Morin himself has also posted images to social media that may suggest a deeper relationship between the two, sharing an image of Stoltz from the Guatemala mission on his Instagram page, as well as a photo of them together at an October event to fund their planned second mission on his Facebook page. (Photo Credit: Facebook/Robert Morin) While the posts don't necessarily confirm the two are involved romantically, it appears there is definitely more between the two than they have let on. And though as a team and possible couple they seem to be working together for the good of others, it is unknown if Stoltz has shared news of her relationship with her fellow cast members--Sabrina High, Jeremiah Raber, Abe Schmucker and Rebecca Schmucker--or if Morin will be featured at all in the confirmed upcoming third season of the show. Though Stoltz has admitted that her relationship with her castmates has gotten better over the years, it was rumored back when the very first season of Breaking Amish came to a close that she didn't actually get along with any of them. However, even though things may be better, she has seemed to hint at tension recently, with a Facebook post in October where she admitted in the comments section that she doesn't hear from Mama Mary or anyone else unless they are filming new episodes or seasons. If her relationships with her co-stars are still strained, she may very well be keeping the truth about Morin a secret from them--something that could cause drama on the show! NEW YORK...October 30 - Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards visited Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) in Beer-Sheva, Israel yesterday to participate in the signing of a research Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between BGU'S Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research and the Water Institute of the Gulf in Baton Rouge. The MOU calls for the two institutes to collaborate on research and development projects related to integrated water resource research and applied science, and to collaborate on decisions related to water management issues. This will include exchanging research staff and students, as well as conducting joint research and academic meetings. "This agreement is an important vote of confidence for Israeli science in general and specifically for BGU's scientific and technological prowess on the international stage. We are honored that Governor Edwards personally participated in the signing ceremony," said Prof. Noam Weisbrod, director of the BGU Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research. "Israel's arid climate and worldwide water shortages force us to think creatively about water use and conservation. Our high motivation and dynamic nature will result in a winning collaboration to creatively tackle water-related challenges and solve problems," says Weisbrod. Governor Edwards added that he expects the five-year agreement to lay the groundwork for advanced bilateral projects focusing on issues including ecological and stream restoration, transboundary water resource research, water/groundwater modelling, policy and planning for sustainable management of water resources, agricultural efficiency, improved water quality, advancing water resource technology, and more. "The spirit of our mission to Israel is to join two peoples and two cultures in a way that brings lasting benefit to both our lands, Edwards said. "The Negev, the vast desert of southern Israel and home to the Zuckerberg Institute, is a striking contrast to the Mississippi River and coastal Louisiana, where The Water Institute of the Gulf is based. But the reality is both of these institutes conduct water management research all over the world, and both can bring their scientists and research together to solve our greatest water-related challenges." According to Justin R. Ehrenwerth, president and chief executive officer of The Water Institute of the Gulf, "After suffering widespread damage caused by Hurricanes Rita and Katrina in 2005, Louisiana businesses and public officials understood we needed to act in order to protect residents and preserve the state's natural resources. "Our future generations depend on finding and developing the best possible science. And BGU has done a lot of that. You've made the desert bloom. You've taught the world that water challenges can be solved." ### About BGU's Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research The Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research, Israel's largest and leading water institute, conducts interdisciplinary, cutting-edge research and graduate education in water sciences, aimed at improving human well-being through technologies and policies for sustainable use of water resources. World-renowned Zuckerberg researchers are focused on desalination technologies and groundwater production, water quality and microbiology, as well as water resource economics and management. Zuckerberg graduate programs attract students from all corners of the world who are involved in research projects and collaborations in both developed and underdeveloped countries. Named for New York philanthropist Roy J. Zuckerberg, the Institute was founded in 2002 within the Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research at the Sede Boqer Campus of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. About American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (AABGU) plays a vital role in sustaining David Ben-Gurion's vision: creating a world-class institution of education and research in the Israeli desert, nurturing the Negev community and sharing the University's expertise locally and around the globe. As Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) looks ahead to turning 50 in 2020, AABGU imagines a future that goes beyond the walls of academia. It is a future where BGU invents a new world and inspires a vision for a stronger Israel and its next generation of leaders. Together with supporters, AABGU will help the University foster excellence in teaching, research and outreach to the communities of the Negev for the next 50 years and beyond. Visit vision.aabgu.org to learn more. AABGU, which is headquartered in Manhattan, has nine regional offices throughout the United States. For more information, visit http://www.aabgu.org. Caption: Click here for photo Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards (left) visited Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) in Beer-Sheva, Israel yesterday to participate in the signing of a research Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between BGU'S Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research and the Water Institute of the Gulf in Baton Rouge. Discussing the future collaboration are (center) Justin R. Ehrenwerth, president and chief executive officer of The Water Institute of the Gulf and Prof. Noam Weisbrod, director of the BGU Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research. Nanoparticles that could reprogram a cancer patient's immune system inside their own body. Understanding a mysterious type of brain cell in the hopes of shedding new light on Alzheimer's disease. Reimagining nuclei, the DNA-storage compartments of our cells, as miniature lava lamps. These are the subjects of three of nine new Allen Distinguished Investigator awards announced today by The Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group, a division of the Allen Institute, supporting research that will expand our knowledge of our cells, our brains, disease, and the biology of aging. The Allen Institute was founded by philanthropist Paul G. Allen, who passed away Oct. 15. "Paul's vision and insight have been an inspiration to me and to many others, both here at the Institute that bears his name and in the myriad of other areas that made up the fantastic universe of his interests. He will be sorely missed," said Allan Jones, Ph.D., President and CEO of the Allen Institute. "We honor his legacy by carrying out our mission of tackling the hard problems in bioscience, as evidenced by these new Allen Distinguished Investigator awards." The nine awards will support 10 investigators from several different research organizations in the U.S., Canada and Portugal. Each award confers $1.5 million in research support over the course of three years, for a total of $13.5 million in funding for studies of lymphoma, neuroscience, the immune system, aging and development, and basic biology. The specific award areas were selected in 2017 through a series of in-depth workshops, guided by Allen and other scientific advisors. "With this new class of Allen Distinguished Investigators, we are honored to uphold Paul's vision for accelerating scientific discovery. He was keenly interested in the work of these 10 exemplary researchers and their potential to push the boundaries of knowledge," said Kathy Richmond, Ph.D., M.B.A., Director of the Frontiers Group. "Our new investigators all think outside the box to tackle big challenges and find new insights about disease and health. Each of them is poised to 'move the needle' and drive their fields forward." The Allen Distinguished Investigator program began in 2010 to fund early-stage research that is less likely to receive support from traditional funding sources, but which has the potential to significantly advance our understanding of biology. With the 2018 awards, there are a total of 69 Allen Distinguished Investigators appointed since 2010. Three awards were given to researchers studying lymphoma, a broad class of blood cancers with variable treatment options and prognoses. There have been great advances in developing treatments for some lymphomas, but many patients living with these blood cancers are still in need of better options. The three awards will focus on innovative ideas and new technologies that can catalyze new understanding about lymphoma and spur new treatments. Two awards were given to researchers studying nuclear biophysics, an emerging research field that seeks to understand the special physics inside the nucleus, the cellular compartment that houses DNA. In the past five years, there's been a growing appreciation that DNA and other molecules inside the nucleus are organized into physical states that researchers think of as akin to a microscopic lava lamp or as different phases of the same substance, like ice and water. These physical states may influence everything from how the cell makes proteins to how cancer forms to how well certain drugs function Two awards were given to studies of neuroimmunology, another emerging field that explores the important intersections between the brain and the immune system. Recent studies have uncovered that interactions between neurons and immune cells are incredibly important in human health and disease, but researchers still don't understand all the details of that complex dialogue. Finally, one award was given to studies of astrocytes, a type of brain cell that may play an important role in Alzheimer's disease; and one award was given to the biology of embryonic development and aging. Meet the 2018 Allen Distinguished Investigators Chenghua Gu, Ph.D. Harvard Medical School Our brains and our immune systems are intricately connected, but researchers don't understand the details of how these two complex systems communicate. Chenghua Gu will study the brain's elaborate blood vessel system and how it mediates this dialogue that influences human health and brain disease by examining the specialized cells that line blood vessels, known as endothelial cells, and how they receive and transmit signals between the body's immune system and the brain. Baljit S. Khakh, Ph.D. University of California, Los Angeles Although almost half our brains are made up of a type of cell known as astrocytes, we know very little about how they work. Baljit Khakh aims to change that. He and his team will tackle the first systematic characterization of astrocytes, study how these cells influence neuron activity, and explore how astrocyte function is altered in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, potentially uncovering new therapeutic targets for this devastating neurological disorder. Marc Kirschner, Ph.D. Harvard Medical School Marc Kirschner's lab is taking a large-picture, systematic approach to understanding the biology of early development and of aging, two processes that bookend our lives and the lives of all living creatures. Typically, development and aging are studied in separate research fields, but Kirschner aims to use systems biology and machine learning approaches to uncover the cellular circuitry that drive each and to better understand where they might overlap, using as a model the small crustacean Daphnia magna, also known as the water flea. Clodagh O'Shea, Ph.D. Salk Institute for Biological Studies Clodagh O'Shea and her team have developed new technologies that reveal how the six feet of human genomic DNA is compacted into the microscopic cell nucleus by assembling with proteins into flexible chromatin chains that are packed together at different concentration densities. Her team's hypothesis is that in regions of the cell nucleus where chromatin chains are dilute, they take a liquid form that allows genes to be read out into their protein products, but if their concentration exceeds a critical density threshold, they form gels that keep genes locked away and "silenced." She will ask if liquid-to-gel chromatin state transitions determine genomic DNA activity and ultimately cell fate in response to epigenetic drugs, aging, cancer-causing genes and viruses. Michael Rosen, Ph.D. The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Michael Rosen will lead a project studying how liquids behave inside the nucleus, the cell's DNA-storage compartment. Recent research has found that, much like the separation of oil and vinegar in salad dressing, regions of the nucleus separate into unmixable liquid droplets, also known as biomolecular condensates. Rosen's project will probe how condensates come to be, what they look like in 3D detail and how defects in these mysterious liquid droplets contribute to a rare type of cancer. Christian Steidl, M.D. BC Cancer Research Centre and the University of British Columbia Christian Steidl will take a deep dive into classical Hodgkin lymphoma, a blood cancer that typically strikes adolescents and young adults, by studying the ecosystem of cancer cells and healthy cells that together are known as the tumor microenvironment. Cancer cells can hijack many of our bodies' natural processes to help themselves grow and spread. To better understand this phenomenon -- and ultimately improve diagnoses and treatments for this disease -- Steidl and his team will study lymphoma patients' biopsy samples before and after cancer relapse, cell by cell. Matthias Stephan, M.D., Ph.D. Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and the University of Washington Matthias Stephan will lead the development of a novel nanoparticle immunotherapy for lymphoma, a blood cancer that sees more than 80,000 new diagnoses in the U.S. alone every year. The bioengineered therapy would carry instructions to reprogram a patient's own immune cells in their body to recognize and destroy lymphoma cells. In this project, Stephan and his colleagues will scale up the nanoparticles to ready them for clinical trials and test their safety in a large animal model. Henrique Veiga-Fernandes, D.V.M., Ph.D. Champalimaud Foundation Henrique Veiga-Fernandes has pioneered studies on how the nervous system and the immune system interact throughout our body through his identification of specialized "units" of neuroimmune communication in the gut, lungs, fat and skin. Now, he and his research team will develop new techniques to measure how neurons and immune cells interact and influence each other -- and our health -- throughout the body. David Weinstock, M.D. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Scott Manalis, Ph.D. Massachusetts Institute of Technology David Weinstock and Scott Manalis want to convert lymphoma remissions into cures. They aim to tackle the difficult problem of cancer relapse by studying the tiny amounts of lymphoma cells left behind, also known as minimal residual disease, when patients go into remission. By better understanding what makes these few straggler cells resistant to treatment, their project could ultimately identify ways to prevent lymphoma from coming back. ### About The Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group The Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group is dedicated to exploring the landscape of science to identify and fund pioneers with ideas that will advance knowledge and make the world better. Through continuous dialogue with scientists across the world, The Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group seeks opportunities to expand the boundaries of knowledge and solve important problems. Programs include the Allen Discovery Centers at partner institutions for leadership-driven, compass-guided research, and the Allen Distinguished Investigators for frontier explorations with exceptional creativity and potential impact. The Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group was founded in 2016 by philanthropist and visionary Paul G. Allen, and is a division of the Allen Institute, an independent 501(c)(3) medical research organization. For more information visit allenfrontiersgroup.org. Patients whose cancer has not spread far past the lungs may benefit from targeting tumor sites with radiation or surgery after initial treatment SAN ANTONIO, October 29, 2018 -- Adding radiation therapy or surgery to systemic therapy for stage IV lung cancer patients whose cancer has spread to a limited number of sites can extend overall survival time significantly, according to new results from a multicenter, randomized, controlled phase II study. The findings were presented last week at the 60th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). Researchers previously reported encouraging results for progression-free survival (PFS), which were published in The Lancet Oncology in 2016. The trial was closed prematurely, following accrual and randomization of just 49 patients. The initial results, which also included toxicity data, were for a median follow-up of 12.4 months. These initial data were limited by the absence of an overall survival (OS) endpoint, due to the short-term follow up. These new results include updated data on how long patients lived without disease progression, as well as overall survival and toxicity data for 38.8 months of patient follow-up (range 28.3-61.4 months). "Our hypothesis was that aggressive local therapy -- radiation or surgery -- would improve progression-free survival, and it did," said Daniel Gomez, MD, Associate Medical Director of radiation oncology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. "We found that adding radiation or surgery to target all sites of disease increases the time it takes for the cancer to return or spread, and it also improves overall survival time. But the overall survival results were more impressive than anticipated." Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Few existing treatments offer durable survival benefits for patients whose non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has spread past the lungs, due in part to the aggressive nature of lung cancer and its tendency to progress, even following treatment. Previous research on metastatic colorectal cancer and sarcoma, however, has suggested that directly targeting tumor cells with radiation or surgery can boost the ability of systemic therapies, such as chemotherapy, to control the disease and improve survival in patients with oligometastatic cancer, that is, cancer that has spread to a limited number of sites. These studies suggest the same holds true for patients with oligometastatic stage IV lung cancer. The study included patients from three hospitals (MD Anderson Cancer Center, London Health Sciences Center and the University of Colorado) who had stage IV NSCLC and whose cancer had spread to no more than three sites. These patients received systemic therapy consisting of either four or more cycles of standard chemotherapy (platinum doublet therapy) or three or more months of drugs that target tumor blood vessel growth (EGFR, or ALK inhibitors for EGFR mutations/ALK rearrangements). Those whose cancers did not progress following first-line treatment were then randomized to either an experimental arm, in which patients were treated with surgery or radiation therapy at the tumor site (25 patients), or to a group that received standard systemic maintenance therapy and observation (24 patients). The extended follow-up data reveal that patients in the experimental arm experienced a progression-free survival benefit of 14.2 months (95% CI 7.4, 24.3), compared to 4.4 months (95% CI 2.2, 8.3) for those who received standard treatment and observation (p=0.014). The difference in survival rates for the two groups was even more dramatic: Patients who received radiation/surgery experienced a median overall survival rate of 41.2 months (95% CI 18.9, NA), compared to 17.0 months (95% CI 10.1, 39.8) for those who received standard maintenance therapy/observation (MT/O) (p=0.017). "This is a very long overall survival time for patients with metastatic disease," noted Dr. Gomez. For patients treated with radiation/surgery, the time before a new lesion appeared was a median of 14.2 months (95% CI 5.7, 26.2), compared to 6.0 months for those in the standard maintenance therapy/observation arm (95% CI 4.4, 8.3) (p=0.11). Neither treatment arm saw any additional severe (grade 3 or higher) toxicities than previously reported. The newly updated results represent the first randomized data for overall survival for local ablative therapy in patients with oligometastatic NSCLC, whose cancer did not progress following front-line systemic treatment. Ongoing phase II/III trials will continue to assess the effect of local consolidative therapy (LCT) in larger populations with the addition of immunotherapy and targeted drug therapy. "In patients with limited metastases, our study demonstrates that there is a role for more aggressive treatment," concluded Dr. Gomez. "In fact, the patients initially treated with maintenance therapy had the option to receive surgery or radiation if their cancer spread during the trial. Exploratory analyses suggest that aggressively treating all disease sites at the time of progression improved outcomes for these patients, compared to patients who did not receive late local therapy. Thus, there may be a benefit to either early or late radiation/surgery in the setting of limited metastatic disease." ### This study was jointly funded by the MD Anderson Lung Cancer Priority Fund, MD Anderson Cancer Center Moon Shots Program, Cancer Center Support (Core), National Cancer Institute and the National Institutes of Health. The abstract, "Local consolidative therapy (LCT) improves overall survival (OS) compared to maintenance therapy/observation in oligometastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): Final results of a multicenter, randomized, controlled phase 2 trial," was presented in detail during a news briefing and the clinical trials session at ASTRO's 60th Annual Meeting in San Antonio. To schedule an interview with Dr. Gomez and/or outside experts in lung cancer, contact ASTRO's media relations at 703-286-1600 or press@astro.org. Attribution to the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting requested in all coverage. ABOUT ASTRO ABOUT ASTRO The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) is the world's largest radiation oncology society, with more than 10,000 members who are physicians, nurses, biologists, physicists, radiation therapists, dosimetrists and other health care professionals who specialize in treating patients with radiation therapies. The Society is dedicated to improving patient care through professional education and training, support for clinical practice and health policy standards, advancement of science and research, and advocacy. ASTRO publishes three peer-reviewed journals, the International Journal of Radiation Oncology * Biology * Physics (redjournal.org), Practical Radiation Oncology (practicalradonc.org) and Advances in Radiation Oncology (advancesradonc.org); developed and maintains an extensive patient website, RT Answers (rtanswers.org); and created the Radiation Oncology Institute (roinstitute.org), a nonprofit foundation to support research and education efforts around the world that enhance and confirm the critical role of radiation therapy in improving cancer treatment. To learn more about ASTRO, visit http://www.astro.org, sign up to receive our news and follow us on our blog, Facebook and Twitter. New York (October 30, 2018) -- The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation, the world's largest private funder of mental health research grants, honored ten scientists with its 2018 Outstanding Achievement Prizes and awarded the Pardes Humanitarian Prize in Mental Health at its International Awards Dinner on Friday, October 26, at the Pierre in New York City. The evening celebrated the power of neuroscience, psychiatric research and humanitarian efforts to change the lives of people who are living with mental illness. The ten scientists who are affiliated with universities in the United States, France and Canada were recognized for their extraordinary achievements in research on schizophrenia, mood disorders, child and adolescent psychiatry, and cognitive neuroscience. In presenting the Outstanding Achievement Awards, Dr. Jeffrey Borenstein, President & CEO of the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation, said, "These ten exceptional scientists are dedicated to advancing the science that is changing what it means to live with a mental illness and open possibilities for more people to live full, productive, and joyful lives. He, added, "Their individual projects reflect the unprecedented depth and breadth of brain and behavior research. These are the Academy Awards of brain research." The 2018 Outstanding Achievement Prizewinners are: The Lieber Prize for Outstanding Achievement in Schizophrenia Research The Lieber Prize was established in 1987 by the Stephen Lieber and the late Connie Lieber to bring public recognition to outstanding discoveries in schizophrenia research. Anissa Abi-Dargham, M.D. Stony Brook Univeresity Abi-Dargham Schahram Akbarian, M.D., Ph.D. Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Akbarian The Maltz Prize for Innovation & Promising Schizophrenia Research Established in 2004, the prize was formerly known as the Baer Prize and was renamed in 2016 in honor of Board Members Milton and Tamar Maltz. Kristen Brennand, Ph.D. Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Brennand Guillermo Horga, M.D., Ph.D. New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University Horga The Colvin Prize for Outstanding Achievement in Mood Disorders Research Established in 1993 the prize was renamed in 2012 to honor a Foundation support, the late Oliver D. Colvin, Jr., who bequeathed the largest single contribution in the Foundation's history. Benjamin I. Goldstein, M.D., Ph.D., FRCPC University of Toronto & Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre Goldstein Lakshmi N. Yatham, M.B.B.S., F.R.C.P.C., M.C.Psych (UK), MBA(Exec) University of British Columbia Yatham The Ruane Prize for Outstanding Achievement in Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Research The Ruane prize was initiated in 2000 by philanthropists Jay and William Ruane, and recognizes significant advances in research toward the understanding and treatment of early-onset brain and behavior disorders. Ami Klin, Ph.D. Marcus Autism Center Emory University School of Medicine and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Klin Joseph Piven, M.D. University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Piven Goldman-Rakic Prize for Outstanding Achievement in Cognitive Neuroscience Research The Goldman-Rakic Prize was created by Constance and Stephen Lieber in memory of Dr. Patricia Goldman-Rakic, a neuroscientist renowned for discoveries about the brain's frontal lobe, who died in an automobile accident in 2003. Jean Pierre Changeux, Ph.D. College de France & Institut Pasteur, France Changeux Xiao-Jing Wang, Ph.D. Center for Neural Science, NYU Wang ### Pardes Prize Awarded The Pardes Humanitarian Prize in Mental Health was awarded to Judge Steven Leifman, associate administrative judge in Miami-Dade County, for his leadership in reducing the number of people with mental illnesses in jail and prison. The Honorary Pardes Humanitarian Prize was presented to Bob and the late Suzanne Wright, the founders of Autism Speaks, for their unparalleled leadership in advancing autism research and increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism spectrum disorder. The awards were presented to Judge Leifman and Bob Wright by, Dr. Herb Pardes, President of the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation's Scientific Council and Executive Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Pardes said, "Psychiatry and mental health are important in virtually all aspects of human interaction. While our Foundation's other awards focus on research for brain and behavior disorders, the Pardes Humanitarian Prize was developed from our Board Chairman Steve Lieber's original idea to take special note of people and organizations whose humanitarian work is transformative and of great magnitude. This international Prize, selected by an extraordinary committee of psychiatric leaders, celebrates those who have made a profound and lasting impact on mental health." About the Outstanding Achievement Prizes The recipients of the Outstanding Achievement Prizes are selected by the Foundation's Scientific Council, comprised of 181 leading experts across disciplines in brain and behavior research including two Nobel Prizewinners; two former directors and the current director of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH); four recipients of the National Medal of Science; 13 members of the National Academy of Sciences; 28 chairs of psychiatry and neuroscience departments at leading medical institutions, and 53 members of the Institute of Medicine. About the The Pardes Humanitarian Prize in Mental Health The Pardes Prize was established in 2014, and is awarded annually to recognize individuals or organizations that are making a profound and lasting impact in advancing the understanding of mental health and improving the lives of people with mental illness. It focuses public attention on the burden mental illness places on individuals and society, and the urgent need to expand mental health services globally. Nominations are solicited worldwide. The recipient is chosen by an international distinguished committee of eleven members. The Prize is named in honor of Herbert Pardes, M.D., a noted psychiatrist, outspoken advocate for the mentally ill, and the award's first recipient. The Pardes Humanitarian Prize in Mental Health is sponsored in part by Janssen Research & Development, LLC, one of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson. The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation awards research grants to develop improved treatments, cures, and methods of prevention for mental illness. These illnesses include addiction, ADHD, anxiety, autism, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, depression, eating disorders, OCD, PTSD, and schizophrenia. Since 1987, the Foundation has awarded more than $394 million to fund more than 4,700 leading scientists around the world, which has led to over $3.9 billion in additional funding. 100% of every dollar donated for research is invested in our research grants. The Foundation's operating expenses are covered by separate foundation grants. The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation (ANSAmed) - ISTANBUL, OCTOBER 30 - Saudi Arabian Attorney General Saud al Mojeb conducted the second day of meetings on Tuesday with his Turkish counterpart Irfan Fidan at Istanbul's Caglayan courthouse, in the case of the killing of Saudi dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consolate on October 2 in the Turkish capital city. Mojeb was sent from Riyadh to obtain information on the investigation that a joint Turkish-Saudi task force is working on. Despite information sharing, the two countries are insisting on conducting separate investigations and judicial measures, which Riyadh reconfirmed when it rejected Ankara's request to extradite the 18 suspects who have thus far been arrested in Saudi Arabia in connection with the killing. Al Jazeera said Turkish investigators have shared a 150-page dossier with Mojeb, which contains interviews with 45 employees of the Saudi consulate as well as transcripts of conversations between reporters and consulate officials. Turkish intelligence has allegedly denied sharing evidence gathered at the scene of the crime and the alleged audio recording of the killing that it said it possesses. Following meetings at the courthouse, Mojeb went to the Saudi consulate.(ANSAmed). Moss evolved after algae but before vascular land plants, such as ferns and trees, making them an interesting target for scientists studying photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert sunlight to fuel. Now researchers at the Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) have made a discovery that could shed light on how plants evolved to move from the ocean to land. A team of Berkeley Lab researchers led by Masakazu Iwai and Krishna Niyogi examined photosystem I, a complex of several proteins known as the "electron hub" for its role in photosynthetic electron transport. Using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), which allows an unprecedented level of resolution, they found the structure of the protein in a species of moss called Physcomitrella patens is different from that in other types of plants, such as algae and grass. Their paper, "A Unique Supramolecular Organization of Photosystem I in the Moss Physcomitrella patens," was published in the journal, Nature Plants. Said Iwai, the lead and corresponding author and a researcher in Berkeley Lab's Bioscience Area, "There's still a lot that's unknown about photosynthesis. This study may help us to understand plant terrestrialization, how plants evolved to live on land without aqueous conditions." Niyogi, a biologist and the corresponding author, added, "Adaptation of plants to the terrestrial environment was a huge and challenging step in the evolution of life on Earth, so it is important to understand the biological innovations and processes that allowed this to occur." What's more, improved understanding of how nature performs photosynthesis, which is responsible for nearly all of the primary production of biomass on the planet, can help scientists develop artificial photosynthesis, a scheme for producing fuel from sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide. For the study, the researchers compared the structure of photosystem I in the moss with its structure in the small flowering land plant Arabidopsis thaliana, and in the green alga, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Specifically, they looked at photosynthetic light harvesting, which is performed by a "supercomplex" made up of two protein complexes, photosystem I and its light-harvesting complex proteins. Iwai worked with Patricia Grob and Eva Nogales of Berkeley Lab for the cryo-EM imaging, which allows researchers to get high-resolution images of the structure of the protein without having to crystallize or stain the sample. "Light is absorbed and transferred to the reaction centers of photosystems I and II with almost perfect efficiency, and this paper shows a unique arrangement of the pigment-protein complexes that accomplish this feat," Niyogi said. "The work has implications for the evolution of photosynthesis in plants, because the organism that we studied - Physcomitrella (a moss) - is a representative of one of the earliest lineages of land plants, so we can get a picture of what the light-harvesting antenna might have looked like during land plant evolution." ### This research was funded by DOE's Office of Science. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory addresses the world's most urgent scientific challenges by advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. Founded in 1931, Berkeley Lab's scientific expertise has been recognized with 13 Nobel Prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science. For more, visit http://www.lbl.gov. DOE's Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States, and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit science.energy.gov. BOSTON -- In just a few years, CAR T-cell and other adoptive T-cell therapies have emerged as among the most promising forms of cancer immunotherapy. But even as these agents prove themselves against several forms of leukemia and lymphoma - and, potentially, certain solid tumors - basic questions remain about how they work. In a study published online today by the journal Immunity, scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Vanderbilt University and colleagues at other institutions show how machinery within immune system T cells responds to outside signals and activates the cells to attack cancerous, infected, or otherwise diseased cells. The findings, based on 15 years of painstaking work to recreate and assemble key components of the signal-processing mechanism, may help researchers fine-tune T-cell therapies to the requirements of individual patients, the study authors say. T cells, whose surfaces are dotted with structures known as T-cell antigen receptors (TCRs), patrol the body for signs of infection or other disease. As they keep watch, their TCRs lock onto bits of proteins, called antigens, displayed on protein structures decorating the surface of other cells in the human body. The antigens reveal whether a cell is normal or diseased. If a cell is diseased, these "protein bit flags" are recognized as "foreign" and, the T cell switches on, or activates, to kill the diseased cell. In CAR T-cell therapy, billions of a patient's T cells are removed and engineered to produce a structure called a chimeric antigen receptor, or CAR, that recognizes and latches on to a cancer cell. The resulting CAR T cells - essentially, high-performance versions of ordinary T cells - are then infused into the patient, where they take up the battle against tumor cells. Other TCR immunotherapies use genetically engineered T cells employing natural TCRs rather than chimeric receptors to target specific tumor cell antigens, also called neoantigens. Of note, in every healthy human being there are billions of distinct T cells each bearing unique TCRs and collectively capable of recognizing the myriad antigens that identify diseased cells. "While CAR T cells, and T cells in general, are often effective in identifying and killing tumor cells, the precise mechanism by which the TCR works hasn't been clear," says the study's lead author, Kristine Brazin, PhD, of Dana-Farber and Harvard Medical School. "How is the signal, which originates when the receptor links to a tumor antigen, transmitted through the cell membrane into the cell interior leading to cell activation?" Answering that question involved a deep dive into the intricacies of the TCR. Far from being a rigid, seamless object, the receptor consists of eight distinct subunits which can move as the TCR operates, even dissociating one subunit pair from one another in a highly choreographed manner. The most prominent features of the TCR are two long components, dubbed and , which are unique to each individual T cell and extend like pincers from the cell membrane to snare a particular cell antigen. Beside and , there are six other CD3 subunits common to all TCRs involved in signaling the T cell that the specific pincer has detected antigen. Scientists have had a clear picture of the portions of the TCR that rise from the surface of the cell but knew little about the portions that anchor the receptor in the T-cell membrane. Brazin and her colleagues focused on the region of the TCR. Using nuclear magnetic resonance technology, they determined the structure of the section of TCR implanted in the membrane. Here a surprise was in store. "The assumption had been that this region, known as the transmembrane segment, was always straight," Brazin relates. "We found, however, that it is sometimes bent in an L-shaped formation." When configured like an L, the segment remains largely within the cell membrane. When, like a flexible straw, it straightens up, one end pokes into the cell interior. "We wanted to understand why this segment is sometimes embedded so shallowly in the membrane - in an L shape," Brazin relates. "We tried to make it straight." To do that, she and her colleagues made mutant versions of two protein residues that cling to the sides of the transmembrane segment. Mutating one of those residues, called Arg251, caused the segment to become slightly more embedded in the membrane. Mutating the other, Lys256, made it become much more deeply immersed. Other residues were found to regulate the interconversion between bent and straight forms, with the latter jutting further through the cell membrane. It was on the surface of the cell, however, that this bending and unbending made the biggest difference. When the transmembrane segment is in full L-shape, it presses tightly against the CD3 subunits at its side. When it unbends a little - as when Arg 251 was mutated - that tightness relaxes a bit, and the T cell enters an early stage of activation. When it becomes more fully immersed in the cell membrane, the gap with CD3 widens further and the T cell enters a later stage of activation, ready to attack tumor cells. "The looser the connection between the transmembrane segment and CD3 subunits, the higher the state of T cell activation," Brazin remarks. "Our findings suggest that the mechanical force of the TCR's interaction with antigens during T cell movement initiates T cell activation by weakening the connection between the transmembrane segment and CD3." The finding suggests that small-molecule drugs or genetic engineering approaches that widen or narrow the space between the transmembrane segment and CD3 could be used to tune the strength of T-cell attack on cancers or other non-malignant diseases, as needed for individual patients, the researchers say. "This study represents a success of multidisciplinary basic science, explaining how bioforces involving antigen recognition initiate TCR signaling through the T-cell membrane with potential for future translational impact," says the study's senior author, Ellis Reinherz, MD, Chief of the Laboratory of Immunobiology and Professor of Medicine in the Department of Medical Oncology at Dana-Farber and Harvard Medical School. "A special scientist such as Kristine Brazin with tireless persistence, focus and intellect was required to solve this mystery over more than a decade of research effort," he added. ### Co-authors of the study are Haribabu Arthanari, PhD , Andras Boeszoermenyi, PhD, Kevin Bi, Jonathan S. Duke-Cohan, PhD, Rebecca E. Hussey, MS, and Akihiro Yoshizawa, MD, PhD of Dana-Farber; Robert J. Mallis, PhD, and Gerhard Wagner, PhD, of Harvard Medical School; Pedro A. Reche, PhD, of Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Pavanjeet Kaur, and Likai Song, PhD, of Florida State University; and Yinnian Feng, PhD, and Matthew J. Lang, PhD, of Vanderbilt University. The research was supported by the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation and the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory. About Dana-Farber Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is one of the world's leading centers of cancer research and treatment. It is the only center ranked in the top 4 of U.S. News and World Report's Best Hospitals for both adult and pediatric cancer care. Dana-Farber's mission is to reduce the burden of cancer through scientific inquiry, clinical care, education, community engagement, and advocacy. We provide the latest in cancer for adults through Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Care and for children through Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. Dana-Farber is dedicated to a unique and equal balance between cancer research and care, translating the results of discovery into new treatments for patients locally and around the world. Using a highly sophisticated form of pattern matching, researchers from Florida Atlantic University's College of Engineering and Computer Science are teaching "machines" to detect Medicare fraud. Medicare, the primary health care coverage for Americans 65 and older, accounts for 20 percent of health care spending in the United States. About $19 billion to $65 billion is lost every year because of Medicare fraud, waste or abuse. Like the proverbial "needle in a haystack," human auditors or investigators have the painstaking task of manually checking thousands of Medicare claims for specific patterns that could indicate foul play or fraudulent behaviors. Furthermore, according to the U.S. Department of Justice, right now fraud enforcement efforts rely heavily on health care professionals coming forward with information about Medicare fraud. A study published in the journal Health Information Science and Systems is the first to use big data from Medicare Part B and employ advanced data analytics and machine learning to automate the fraud detection process. Programming computers to predict, classify and flag potential fraudulent events and providers could significantly improve fraud detection and lighten the workload for auditors and investigators. Researchers from FAU's Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science examined Medicare Part B dataset from 2012 to 2015. They focused on detecting fraudulent provider claims within the dataset, which consisted of 37 million cases. Fraudulent activities include patient abuse or neglect as well as billing for services not rendered. Physicians and other providers who commit fraud are excluded from participating in federal health care programs like Medicare, and these cases are labeled as "fraud." For the study, the researchers aggregated the 37 million cases down to a smaller dataset of 3.7 million and identified a unique process to map fraud labels with known fraudulent providers. Medicare Part B data included provider information, average payments and charges, procedure codes, the number of procedures performed as well as the medical specialty, which is referred to as provider type. In order to obtain exact matches, the researchers only used the National Provider Identifier (NPI) to match fraud labels to the Medicare Part B data. The NPI is a single identification number issued by the federal government to health care providers. Researchers directly matched the NPI across the Medicare Part B data, flagging any provider in the "excluded" database as being "fraudulent." The research team classified a physician's NPI or specialty and specifically looked at whether the predicted specialty differed from the actual specialty, as indicated in the Medicare Part B data. "If we can predict a physician's specialty accurately based on our statistical analyses, then we could potentially find unusual physician behaviors and flag these as possible fraud for further investigation," said Taghi M. Khoshgoftaar, Ph.D., co-author and Motorola Professor in FAU's Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. "For example, if a dermatologist is inaccurately classified as a cardiologist, then this could indicate that this particular physician is acting in a fraudulent or wasteful way." For the study, Khoshgoftaar, along with Richard A. Bauder, senior author, a Ph.D. student at FAU and a data scientist at FPL, and Matthew Herland, a Ph.D. student in FAU's Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, had to address the fact that the original labeled big dataset was highly imbalanced. This imbalance occurred because fraudulent providers are much less common than non-fraudulent providers. This scenario can be likened to "where's Waldo," and is problematic for machine learning approaches because the algorithms are trying to distinguish between the classes -- and one dominates the other thereby fooling the learner. To combat this imbalance, the researchers used random undersampling to reduce the dataset from the 3.7 million cases down to about 12,000 cases. They created seven class distributions and used six different learners across class distributions from severely imbalanced to balanced. Results from the study show statistically significant differences between all of the learners as well as differences in class distributions for each learner. RF100 (Random Forest), a learning algorithm, was the best at detecting the positives of potential fraud events. More interestingly, and contrary to popular belief that balanced datasets perform the best, this study found that was not the case for Medicare fraud detection. Keeping more of the non-fraud cases actually helped the learner/model better distinguish between the fraud and non-fraud cases. Specifically, the researchers found the "sweet spot" for identifying Medicare fraud to be a 90:10 distribution of normal vs. fraudulent data. "There are so many intricacies involved in determining what is fraud and what is not fraud such as clerical error," said Bauder. "Our goal is to enable machine learners to cull through all of this data and flag anything suspicious. Then, we can alert investigators and auditors who will only have to focus on 50 cases instead of 500 cases or more." This detection method also has applications for other types of fraud including insurance and banking and finance. The researchers are currently adding other Medicare-related data sources such as Medicare Part D, using more data sampling methods for class imbalance, and testing other feature selection and engineering approaches. "Given the importance of Medicare, which insures more than 54 million Americans over the age of 65, combating fraud is an essential part in providing them with the quality health care they deserve," said Stella Batalama, Ph.D., dean of FAU's College of Engineering and Computer Science. "The methodology being developed and tested in our college could be a game changer for how we detect Medicare fraud and other fraud in the United States as well as abroad." ### About FAU's College of Engineering and Computer Science: Florida Atlantic University's College of Engineering and Computer Science is committed to providing accessible and responsive programs of education and research recognized nationally for their high quality. Course offerings are presented on-campus, off-campus, and through distance learning in bioengineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, environmental engineering, geomatics engineering, mechanical engineering and ocean engineering. For more information about the college, please visit eng.fau.edu. About Florida Atlantic University: Florida Atlantic University, established in 1961, officially opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida. Today, the University, with an annual economic impact of $6.3 billion, serves more than 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students at sites throughout its six-county service region in southeast Florida. FAU's world-class teaching and research faculty serves students through 10 colleges: the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, the College of Business, the College for Design and Social Inquiry, the College of Education, the College of Engineering and Computer Science, the Graduate College, the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing and the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science. FAU is ranked as a High Research Activity institution by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The University is placing special focus on the rapid development of critical areas that form the basis of its strategic plan: Healthy aging, biotech, coastal and marine issues, neuroscience, regenerative medicine, informatics, lifespan and the environment. These areas provide opportunities for faculty and students to build upon FAU's existing strengths in research and scholarship. For more information, visit fau.edu. Dirty runoff sweeps urban streets, pollutes groundwater and pressures sewage systems. A University of Copenhagen researcher has invented a treatment method that is now being used at a large and brand-new wastewater facility in Copenhagen, Denmark. At the facility, stormwater runoff is turned into a clean resource without the use of power or chemicals. It is the first wastewater treatment facility of its kind. The large facility in restad, Copenhagen, uses new green technology to clean up to 110 liters of urban stormwater runoff per second. The facility has been established by HOFOR (Greater Copenhagen Utility) and CPH City & Port Development, while the purification technique is the brainchild of University of Copenhagen Professor Marina Bergen Jensen. After a number of trials in smaller installations, Professor Bergen Jensen's method has been put to use on a large scale, in partnership with Rambll, Watercare and HOFOR. The facility processes urban stormwater runoff from restad which is subsequently clean enough to be released directly into Amager Nature Park. "We have invented a green technology inspired by the way substances are transported through layers of soil in Denmark. The double porosity filter we have developed cleans stormwater runoff entirely without power or chemicals," explains its inventor, Professor Bergen Jensen. Urban runoff is diverted through pipes to the treatment facility, where leaves, plastic caps, bags and other large particles are captured. From there, the water flows into a sandwich-filter system where the double porosity filtering takes place. Using gravity, the runoff flows through the wastewater facility, where very small particles and other pollutants are captured. The water has been cleaned. Finally, the treated water is released into Amager Nature Park. Stormwater runoff steered away from sewers The new stormwater runoff treatment facility is a major win for nature and climate. Among other things, urban runoff is polluted by microplastics, heavy metals and nutrients. It can contaminate lakes, waterways and groundwater if allowed to flow directly into the natural environment. Furthermore, urban runoff requires energy if it is to be pumped to a sewage treatment plant. To solve this problem, HOFOR created the first high caliber stormwater runoff treatment facility. "We have thrown ourselves at this method because it addresses a number of urban runoff challenges. By cleaning the water locally, we can use it for local recreational purposes instead of pumping it through the city to a sewage treatment plant. This benefits the local area as well as the environment in general. Being compact, the method can be established in close proximity to cities," says HOFOR project leader Claus Mouritsen, who continues: "We are able to reduce the amount of rainwater that flows into our sewer systems, which relieves pressure on sewers during heavy rains." CPH City & Port Development is responsible for developing restad, along with other urban areas across Copenhagen. They are one of the partners in the stormwater runoff treatment facility. "Engineers and developers from around the world are being challenged to make climate renovations in cities in preparation for the type of increased rainfall that we have experienced in recent years. Since the beginning of our development in restad, we have succeeded in locally managing rainwater that falls onto "clean" surfaces like rooftops or bicycle paths. Now, the dirty runoff from restad can be cleaned locally as. It is a major gain for climate preparedness," says Anne Skovbro, CEO of CPH City & Port Development. Cleaned water from the underground facility, which is located beneath Asger Jorn's Alle, will also be planned in as a recreational element as it is released into Amager Nature Park. Filter to alleviate urban problems While stormwater runoff has never been dealt with this extensively in Denmark, an increasing amount of rainfall necessitates the retention of water locally more than ever, and in such a sway that runoff is clean before entering the aquatic environment. According to Professor Berger Jensen, "As a society, we have become increasingly aware of the need to protect aquatic environments, but environmental authorities have lacked the means of controlling urban discharge. I hope this solution paves the way for climate resilient cities equipped with a high level of environmental protection, both across Denmark and abroad." Marina Bergen Jensen is currently focusing on further applications for this technology. After being treated by the double porosity filter, water quality if so good that runoff can be used for toilets, car washes and similar purposes. Watercare, a company based on the Danish island of Funen, produces and markets the filter. Facts The idea behind the double porosity treatment method is inspired by Danish nature. The treatment mimics processes found in Danish soil. The stormwater treatment facility is the largest of its kind dedicated to urban runoff. The facility is able to clean 110 litres of water per second - in other words, more than a person uses every 24 hours. The facility measures 51 m x 13.5 m. No power or chemicals are used by the facility and it operates without any odor or noise pollution. The stormwater treatment facility removes tyre wear (microplastic), dust, brake pad surfacing, soot particles, oil, heavy metals and phosphorus (nutrient), which is often the culprit for cloudy water. ### Bottom Line: Children in the United States celebrate Halloween by going door-to-door collecting candy. New research suggests the popular October 31 holiday is associated with increased pedestrian traffic fatalities, especially among children. Researchers used data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to compare the number of pedestrian fatalities from 1975 to 2016 that happened on October 31 each year between 5 p.m. and 11:59 p.m. with those that happened during the same hours on a day one week earlier (on October 24) and a day one week later (on November 7). During the 42-year study period, 608 pedestrian fatalities happened on the 42 Halloween evenings, whereas 851 pedestrian fatalities happened on the 84 other evenings used for comparison. The relative risk (an expression of probability) of a pedestrian fatality was higher on Halloween than those other nights. Absolute mortality rates averaged 2.07 and 1.45 pedestrian fatalities per hour on Halloween nights and the other evenings, respectively, which is equivalent to the average Halloween resulting in four additional pedestrian deaths each year. The biggest risk was among children ages 4 to 8. Absolute risk of pedestrian fatality per 100 million Americans was small and declined from 4.9 to 2.5 between the first and final decades of the study interval. Ways to prevent Halloween pedestrian fatalities could include slowing down traffic and automated speed enforcement in residential neighborhoods, as well as improving pedestrian visibility by limiting on-street parking and putting reflective patches on children's clothing. Authors: John A. Staples, M.D., M.P.H., University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada, and coauthors ### To Learn More: The full study is available on the For The Media website. (doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2018.4052) Editor's Note: The article includes funding/support disclosures. Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, financial disclosures, funding and support, etc. Want to embed a link to this study in your story? Link will be live at the embargo time http://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2018.4052 Researchers studying the sharp decline between 1980 and 2010 in documented landings of the four most commercially-important bivalve mollusks - eastern oysters, northern quahogs, softshell clams and northern bay scallops - have identified the causes. Warming ocean temperatures associated with a positive shift in the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), which led to habitat degradation including increased predation, are the key reasons for the decline of these four species in estuaries and bays from Maine to North Carolina. The NAO is an irregular fluctuation of atmospheric pressure over the North Atlantic Ocean that impacts both weather and climate, especially in the winter and early spring in eastern North America and Europe. Shifts in the NAO affect the timing of species' reproduction, growth and availability of phytoplankton for food, and predator-prey relationships, all of which contribute to species abundance. The findings appear in Marine Fisheries Review. "In the past, declines in bivalve mollusks have often been attributed to overfishing," said Clyde Mackenzie, a shellfish researcher at NOAA Fisheries' James J. Howard Marine Sciences Laboratory in Sandy Hook, NJ and lead author of the study. "We tried to understand the true causes of the decline, and after a lot of research and interviews with shellfishermen, shellfish constables, and others, we suggest that habitat degradation from a variety of environmental factors, not overfishing, is the primary reason." Northern Quahogs, American Lobsters Exceptions Mackenzie and co-author Mitchell Tarnowski, a shellfish biologist with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, provide details on the declines of these four species. They also note the related decline by an average of 89 percent in the numbers of shellfishermen who harvested the mollusks. The landings declines between 1980 and 2010 are in contrast to much higher and consistent shellfish landings between 1950 and 1980. Exceptions to these declines have been a sharp increase in the landings of northern quahogs in Connecticut and American lobsters in Maine. Landings of American lobsters from southern Massachusetts to New Jersey, however, have fallen sharply as water temperatures in those areas have risen. "A major change to the bivalve habitats occurred when the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index switched from negative during about 1950 to 1980, when winter temperatures were relatively cool, to positive, resulting in warmer winter temperatures from about 1982 until about 2003," Mackenzie said. "We suggest that this climate shift affected the bivalves and their associated biota enough to cause the declines." Factors Affecting Decline Research from extensive habitat studies in Narragansett Bay, RI and in the Netherlands, where environments including salinities are very similar to the northeastern U.S, show that body weights of the bivalves, their nutrition, timing of spawning, and mortalities from predation were sufficient to force the decline. Other factors likely affecting the decline were poor water quality, loss of eelgrass in some locations for larvae to attach to and grow, and not enough food available for adult shellfish and their larvae. "In the northeast U.S., annual recruitments of juvenile bivalves can vary by two or three orders of magnitude," said Mackenzie, who has been studying bay scallop beds on Martha's Vineyard with local shellfish constables and fishermen monthly during warm seasons for several years. In late spring-early summer of 2018, a cool spell combined with extremely cloudy weather may have interrupted scallop spawning, leading to what looks like poor recruitment this year. Last year, Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard had very good harvests due to large recruitments in 2016. "The rates of survival and growth to eventual market size for shellfish vary as much as the weather and climate," Mackenzie said. Oyster Demand Increases Weak consumer demand for shellfish, particularly oysters, in the 1980s and early 1990s has shifted to fairly strong demand as strict guidelines were put in place by the Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference in the late 1990s regarding safe shellfish handling, processing and testing for bacteria and other pathogens. Enforcement by state health officials has been strict. The development of oyster aquaculture and increased marketing of branded oysters in raw bars and restaurants has led to a large rise in oyster consumption in recent years. Since the late 2000s, the NAO index has generally been fairly neutral, neither very positive nor negative. As a consequence, landings of all four shellfish species have been increasing in some locations. Poor weather for bay scallop recruitment in both 2017 and 2018, however, will likely mean a downturn in landings during the next two seasons. ### Your credit card company contacts you asking if you've purchased something from a retailer you don't normally patronize or spent more than usual. A human didn't identify the atypical transaction. A computer -- equipped with advanced algorithms -- tagged the potentially fraudulent purchase and triggered the inquiry. Researchers at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, think scientists and engineers could benefit from the same technology, often referred to as machine learning or neural networks. Considered a subset of artificial intelligence, machine learning and neural networks are actually in the avant-garde. Instead of programming a computer to carry out every task it needs to do, the philosophy behind machine learning is to equip ground- or space-based computer processors with algorithms that, like humans, learn from data, finding and recognizing patterns and trends, but faster, more accurately, and without bias. Wide-Ranging Applications "The benefits are many and the applications are wide ranging," said Goddard Senior Fellow and Assistant Chief for Technology Jacqueline Le Moigne, who has been working in artificial intelligence since her graduate school days in France several years ago. "Scientists could use machine learning to analyze the petabytes of data NASA has already collected over the years, extracting new patterns and new correlations and eventually leading to new science discoveries," she said. "It could also help us monitor the health of a spacecraft, avoid and recover from catastrophic failures, and prevent collisions. It could even assist engineers, providing a wide range of knowledge about past missions -- information they would need in designing new missions." With funding from several NASA research programs, including the Earth Science Technology Office, or ESTO, Goddard engineers and scientists are researching some of those applications individually or in partnerships with academia and private industry. Their projects run the gamut, everything from how machine learning could help in making real-time crop forecasts or locating wildfires and floods to identifying instrument anomalies and even suitable landing sites for a robotic craft. "People hear artificial intelligence and their minds instantly go to science fiction with machines taking over, but really it's just another tool in our data-analysis toolbox and definitely one we shouldn't neglect because of preconceived notions," said James MacKinnon, a Goddard computer engineer who is involved in several projects involving artificial intelligence. Finding Fires Since joining Goddard a couple years ago, MacKinnon has emerged as one of the technology's most fervent champions. One of the first projects he tackled involved teaching algorithms how to identify wildfires using remote-sensing images collected by the Terra spacecraft's Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer instrument. His neural network accurately detected fires 99 percent of the time. He has since expanded the research to include data gathered by the Joint Polar Satellite System's Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite. His dream is to ultimately deploy a constellation of CubeSats, all equipped with machine-learning algorithms embedded within sensors. With such a capability, the sensors could identify wildfires and send the data back to Earth in real time, providing firefighters and others with up-to-date information that could dramatically improve firefighting efforts. "The key here is processing the data onboard, not only for wildfires but for floods. There are a lot of things you could do with this capability," he said. He is also developing machine-learning techniques to identify single-event upsets in spaceborne electronic devices, which can result in data anomalies, and compiling a library of machine-learning computer models, dataset-generation tools, and visualization aids to make it easier for others to use machine-learning techniques for their missions, he said. "A huge chunk of my time has been spent convincing scientists that these are valid methods for analyzing the massive amounts of data we generate," he said. Cutting Through the Noise Goddard scientist Matt McGill doesn't need convincing. An expert in lidar techniques to measure clouds and the tiny particles that make up haze, dust, air pollutants and smoke, McGill is partnering with Slingshot Aerospace. This California-based company is developing platforms that pull data from many types of sensors and use machine-learning algorithms to extract information. Under the ESTO-funded effort, McGill is providing Slingshot with data he gathered with the Cloud-Aerosol Transport System, or CATS, instrument, which retired late last year after spending 33 months aboard the International Space Station. There, CATS measured the vertical structure of clouds and aerosols, which occur naturally during volcanic eruptions and dust storms or anthropogenically through the burning of oil, coal, and wood. A Slingshot-developed machine-learning algorithm is ingesting that data so that it can learn and ultimately begin to recognize patterns, trends, and occurrences that are difficult to capture with standardized processing algorithms. McGill is particularly interested in seeing whether machine-learning techniques can filter out the noise that is common in lidar measurements. Although humans already cull noise from data, current techniques are time-consuming and can take days to accomplish -- antithetical to the goal of distributing intelligence in real-time. "The idea is that algorithms, once trained, can recognize signals in hours rather than days," McGill said. Just as important, at least to McGill, is the need to miniaturize CATS-like lidar systems. While CATS was roughly the size of a refrigerator, future systems must be much smaller, capable of flying on a constellation of SmallSats to collect simultaneous, multipoint measurements. However, as instruments get smaller, the data can potentially be noisier due to smaller collection apertures, McGill explained. "We have to get smarter in how we analyze our data and we need to develop the capability to generate true real-time data products." Dolphin Stranding Getting smarter in data analysis is also driving Goddard heliophysicist Antti Pulkkinen and engineer Ron Zellar. A couple years ago, Pulkkinen began investigating whether solar storms were causing otherwise healthy whales, dolphins, and porpoises -- collectively known as cetaceans -- to strand along coastal areas worldwide. While he and his team found no correlation, they did find a link between stranding events in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and wind strength. Is it possible that strong winds, which occur during the winter months when dolphins are more likely to beach, stir ocean phytoplankton and other nutrients that feed fish? Are the dolphins simply following their food source? "We can't assume a causal relationship," said Zellar, who, when not working on this project, serves as a mission-systems engineer on the Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer, or OSIRIS-REx, mission. "That's what we're trying to find." With funding from the Goddard Fellows Innovation Challenge, a program that funds the development of potentially revolutionary technologies, the team is applying machine-learning techniques to delve more deeply into environmental data to see if they can prove a cause. Cutting the Umbilical Cord In November, the OSIRIS-REx mission is scheduled to begin a series of complex maneuvers that take the craft closer to asteroid Bennu so that it can begin characterizing the body and snapping images that will inform the best location for collecting a sample and returning it to Earth for analysis. This will require thousands of high-resolution images taken from different angles and then processed manually by a team of experts on the ground. Scientists want to simplify and hasten the processing time. Under a NASA-funded research effort involving Goddard scientists, Dante Lauretta, a University of Arizona professor and OSIRIS-REx principal investigator, and Chris Adami, a machine-learning expert at Michigan State University, a team is investigating the potential of networked algorithms. The goal is to teach onboard sensors to process images and determine an asteroid's shape and features -- information needed to autonomously navigate in and around an asteroid and make decisions on where to safely acquire samples. "The point is to cut the computational umbilical cord back to Earth," said Bill Cutlip, a Goddard senior business development manager and team member. "What we're trying to do is train an algorithm to understand what it's seeing, mimicking how the human brain processes information." Such a capability not only would benefit future missions to asteroids, but also those to Mars and the icy moons of Jupiter and Saturn, he said. With advances in field-programmable gate arrays or circuits that can be programmed to perform a specific task and graphics-processing units, the potential is staggering, he added. ### For more Goddard technology news, go to: https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/fall_2018_final_web_version.pdf Lori Keesey, NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- You're experiencing jaundice, abdominal pain or constipation. And by then, you may be too late. Pancreatic cancer symptoms often arrive after the cancer has already spread, making the disease one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in the U.S. However, a team of researchers believes that targeting how blood clots form and are naturally cleared could make the cancer more treatable. The team - which includes researchers from Purdue University, the Cincinnati Children's Hospital, the Indiana University School of Medicine and the University of North Carolina School of Medicine at Chapel Hill - is studying the relationship between clots and pancreatic tumors in both animal and human tissue samples through the support of a $4 million grant from the National Institutes of Health. What the team finds could lead to improved therapies for patients suffering from pancreatic tumors. "Pancreatic cancer promotes blood clot formation, and then these clots make the cancer develop faster, which prevents drugs from controlling tumor growth," said Bumsoo Han, professor of mechanical engineering at Purdue University and program leader of the Purdue University Center for Cancer Research. "Our idea is to study this process by use of engineered tumor models mimicking the pancreatic duct," he said. The work aligns with Purdue's Giant Leaps celebration, acknowledging the university's global advancements made in health, longevity and quality of life as part of Purdue's 150th anniversary. This is one of the four themes of the yearlong celebration's Ideas Festival, designed to showcase Purdue as an intellectual center solving real-world issues. The project is based on the initial findings of Matthew Flick, a member of the faculty at Cincinnati Children's Hospital and former Ph.D. student in biological sciences at Purdue, that pancreatic tumors and blood clots are linked through bi-directional mechanisms that promote both pancreatic cancer growth and blood clot formation. Han's group built a tiny device with "microfluidic" channels that host pancreatic duct tissue samples beneath a microslide. The device takes information from these samples to simulate with greater detail how cancer develops from the pancreatic duct and invades surrounding tissue. The microfluidic device will assist in defining key mechanisms of pancreatic cancer growth and blood clot formation. Validation studies will be performed by Flick's group to confirm tumor growth findings in mouse models, while Melissa Fishel's group at the IU School of Medicine and Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center will perform the same using patient samples. Alisa Wolberg's group at UNC Chapel Hill will further validate identified mechanisms of cancer-driven blood clot formation in animal and patient samples. Each member of the team is contributing equally to the project. The NIH grant will facilitate future work on the study of these mechanisms and translation of the findings into new treatments. A patent has been issued for the microfluidic device technology. ### HOUSTON - (Oct. 30, 2018) - There are many ways to slice and dice genomic data to identify a species of bacteria, or at least find its close relatives. But fast techniques to sequence genomes have flooded the public databases and in a biased fashion, containing lots of genomic data about some species and not enough about others, according to a Rice University computer scientist. Todd Treangen and his colleagues tested taxonomic classification methods that match genomic sequences from bacteria of interest with those recorded in large databases to identify species. In the process, they charted a path toward improved accuracy and sensitivity. Treangen is senior author of a study published this month in Genome Biology that demonstrates how changes over time in a widely used federal database, the National Center for Biotechnology Information's RefSeq, have influenced the accuracy of metagenomic classification methods. A primary concern for Treangen, an expert in metagenomics -- the study of genetic material from environmental samples -- is maintaining the ability to quickly identify bacteria that pose a threat to public health. Big data is uniquely positioned to do this -- but there's so much of it. At present, he said, low-cost and high-throughput DNA shotgun sequencing machines, which read short DNA sequences from collections of microorganisms, have resulted in the doubling of genomic data in RefSeq every two to three years. "I initially thought more data is always better for these methods," said Treangen, who joined Rice this year from the University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer Studies. "You would expect that there would be no penalty, because database growth is good." However, the researchers found that bacterial data in RefSeq has an outsized effect at the species level of the taxonomic hierarchy, which is growing at a breakneck pace. That's a problem for researchers who combine two common techniques to identify what they find. One is called k-mer-based classification, which identifies short DNA sequences from all the organisms in a bacterial sample via exact matches. "Most of the methods that have made the problem computationally feasible rely on k-mers, which are exact matches of length 'k,' or a key in to the microbes contained in the database," he said. "If a sequenced read perfectly matches something in the database, the intuition is that you can say what that is with great precision and shortcut more expensive computational approaches." A commonly used technique with k-mer-based classification is lowest common ancestor (LCA) assignment, he said. LCA compares samples to sequences that share a match, assigning them if necessary to a higher level in the taxonomy, such as a genus rather than a species. But this may not be specific enough for researchers trying to pin down a pathogen, he said. In fact, the study found a k-mer-based classification tool called Bracken, which uses Bayesian statistics to infer the best match for a sequence, helped mitigate the imbalance. Even so, it struggled to identify genomes with close relatives, but not perfect matches, in the database. Treangen said well-funded research into particular pathogens is a necessity and has greatly aided rapid-outbreak detection and tracking, but it ultimately biases public databases like RefSeq. "For instance, there's an immense bias toward foodborne pathogens," he said. "Society wants to know a lot about Salmonella, and rightfully so. The FDA, and specifically GenomeTrakr, have aided in the sequencing of thousands of relevant pathogens and have added them directly to the reference database." However, he said that skews the reference database toward particular genera and families of microbes in a way that affects the accuracy and sensitivity of fast taxonomic-classification tools like Kraken that use k-mer and LCA-based approaches. Treangen said the best recent example of a false positive identification is a study that initially reported evidence of anthrax bacteria in New York City's subways. The study, based on sequenced genomes from samples, was later revised to reflect mismatches that falsely identified the sequences as Bacillus anthracis. While a focus on public health is a key priority, Treangen said novel techniques able to cope with database growth and noise, coupled with an increased breadth of sequenced genomes, is needed for continued improvements in the field. "For example, microorganisms from the soil and ocean are severely under-sampled," he said. "There remain a lot of microbes that we need to continue to sequence to better fill out public databases, and that will ultimately help our ability to accurately classify microbes from complex samples." ### Daniel Nasko, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Maryland, is lead author of the study. Co-authors are staff scientist Sergey Koren and investigator Adam Phillippy of the National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, Md. Treangen is an assistant professor of computer science. The research was supported by the Division of Intramural Research of the National Human Genome Research Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health, and the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity via the Army Research Office. Read the abstract at https://genomebiology.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13059-018-1554-6 This news release can be found online at http://news.rice.edu/2018/10/30/flood-of-genome-data-hinders-efforts-to-id-bacteria/ Follow Rice News and Media Relations via Twitter @RiceUNews. Related materials: Todd Treangen: https://sites.google.com/view/treangen/home Rice Department of Computer Science: https://csweb.rice.edu George R. Brown School of Engineering: https://engineering.rice.edu Image for download: http://news.rice.edu/files/2018/10/1102_ANCESTOR-1-web-1sx65j2.jpg A study led by Rice University computer scientist Todd Treangen demonstrates that recent growth in genomic databases has a negative effect on attempts to identify microbes from metagenomic samples. (Credit: Courtesy of Todd Treangen) Located on a 300-acre forested campus in Houston, Rice University is consistently ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has highly respected schools of Architecture, Business, Continuing Studies, Engineering, Humanities, Music, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences and is home to the Baker Institute for Public Policy. With 3,970 undergraduates and 2,934 graduate students, Rice's undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio is just under 6-to-1. Its residential college system builds close-knit communities and lifelong friendships, just one reason why Rice is ranked No. 1 for lots of race/class interaction and No. 2 for quality of life by the Princeton Review. Rice is also rated as a best value among private universities by Kiplinger's Personal Finance. To read "What they're saying about Rice," go to http://tinyurl.com/RiceUniversityoverview. David Ruth 713-348-6327 david@rice.edu Mike Williams 713-348-6728 mikewilliams@rice.edu Quantum supremacy refers to the super strong calculation capacity of a quantum computer to surpass that of any classical computer. So far, such a quantum computer has not been physically made, but as with the rapid development of quantum technologies in recent years, the voice for pursuing the superiority by quantum computing is more loudly heard and how to quantitatively define the criteria of quantum supremacy becomes a key science question. Recently, a world's first criterion for quantum supremacy was issued, in a research jointly led by Prof. Junjie Wu in National University of Defense Technology and Prof. Xianmin Jin in Shanghai Jiao Tong University. They reported the time needed to calculate boson sampling, a typical task that quantum computers would excel at, in a most powerful classical supercomputer, and the paper was published in National Science Review. Boson sampling, as introduced by one of the authors, is to sample the distribution of photons (bosons), and theoretically takes only polynomial time by quantum computers but exponential time by classical computers, showing quite evident quantum advantages as the number of photons involved in the boson sampling system increases. Besides, boson sampling, essentially an analog quantum computing protocol, maps the task directly in the photonic quantum system, and hence is much easier to implement than those based on universal quantum computing. Therefore, the task for boson sampling can be a very good candidate for defining quantum supremacy, for its preference to quantum computing over classical computing and its relative easier realization in the near future. Once a quantum computer can perform boson sampling task for a photon number larger and calculation time shorter than the best classical computer, the quantum supremacy is claimed to be achieved. In the research led by Prof. Junjie Wu and Prof. Xianmin Jin, the boson sampling task was performed on Tianhe-2 supercomputer, which ever topped the world rank of supercomputers during 2013-2016, and still represents the tier one level of computing power that classical computers could ever achieve. The permanent calculation is a core part for theoretically performing boson sampling on a classical computer. If one just calculate the permanent directly based on its definition, it requires an algorithm with time complexity O(n!* n). The researchers used two improved algorithm, Ryser's algorithm and BB/FG's algorithm, both in the time complexity of O(n2* 2n). By performing matrix calculation on up to 312?000 CPU cores of Tianhe-2, they inferred that the boson sampling task for 50 photons requires 100 minutes using the then most efficient computer and algorithms. Put it in other words, if a physical quantum device could 50-photon boson sampling in less than 100 minutes, it achieves the quantum supremacy. If such a quantum setup could be experimentally made, it quite likely will be very quick as photons travel in the speed of light, but many challenges still lie ahead for its experimental implementation. Prof. Xianmin Jin used to conduct pioneering research on boson sampling experiment in Oxford University. So far, the world record for the photon number in boson sampling experiment still remains no more than five. There's still a long way to go towards the ideal quantum supremacy. An author for this Tianhe-2 project also pointed out that, as the limit for classical computing power would keep increasing with the improvement of supercomputers, and more efficient permanent calculation algorithms would emerge that require a time complexity less than O(n2* 2n), the time required for 50-photon boson sampling may be further reduced, making an even more stringent criterion for quantum supremacy. Meanwhile, a task to demonstrate quantum supremacy does not necessarily have any real applications. It is worthwhile to realize a wide range of useful applicable fields by quantum computing while carrying on the pursuit of quantum supremacy. ### See the article: Junjie Wu, Yong Liu, Baida Zhang, Xianmin Jin, Yang Wang, Huiquan Wang, and Xuejun Yang A benchmark test of boson sampling on Tianhe-2 supercomputer Natl Sci Rev 2018; 5: 715-720 https://doi.org/10.1093/nsr/nwy079 The National Science Review is the first comprehensive scholarly journal released in English in China that is aimed at linking the country's rapidly advancing community of scientists with the global frontiers of science and technology. The journal also aims to shine a worldwide spotlight on scientific research advances across China. First refugee asylum law in region enacted in Qatar Human Rights Watch praises measure, holds up as model (ANSAmed) - ROME, OCTOBER 30 - Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Tuesday praised the fact that Qatar has enacted its first law on refugee asylum, according to Al Jazeera. "Great news that Qatar has passed region's first Asylum Law - real security for political exiles in region, hopefully a model for other GCC states who have no asylum or refugee laws. This is a very big deal," tweeted Sarah Leah Whitson, HRW Executive Director for the Middle East and North Africa. According to UN Refugee Agency UNHCR, there are more than five million Syrian refugees in various countries in the Middle East and North Africa. "Qatar's asylum law is a huge step forward in a region made up of wealthy states that have historically shut their doors to refugees," said Lama Fakih, HRW Deputy Middle East Director.(ANSAmed). Applied research is not always initiated by industry - but oftentimes it yields results that can swiftly be implemented by companies. A prime example can be seen on the Empa campus in Thun: Tiny watch springs are on display at the Laboratory for Mechanics of Materials and Nanostructures. These springs - the beating heart of every mechanical clock - are not your usual components. They are not made of the famous Nivarox wires, but rather deposited electrically - or, rather, electrochemically - in the desired form from a cold, aqueous saline solution. By now, the production in the Empa lab has outgrown the first pilot tests. On a regular basis the electroplated springs are delivered to the R&D department at a major Swiss watchmaker, where they are fitted in prototype watch mechanisms. The watches run. However, there is still work to do on their accuracy and long-term stability. Only a few years ago, Empa had to rely on partners to take care of certain process steps. Meanwhile, the knowhow for the entire production process is pooled in Michler's lab. Laetitia Philippe, who oversees the production of the springs, explains the production steps. The base material is a silicon wafer like the ones used to produce computer chips and solar cells. This wafer is initially coated with a conductive gold layer and, later on, a thin layer of light-sensitive paint. The shape of the spring is then projected onto it and the illuminated parts of the paint are etched out. Now the desired metallic alloy can be electroplated onto the conductive gold base. As Philippe knows only too well, this crucial step in the process is tricky. "We need a good swirl in the galvanic bath, the right temperature, some organic additives and a current at just the right strength and - if it's alternating current - in the right form." Eventually, the goal is to dissolve the springs out of the galvanic mold. Initially, the researchers use a light microscope to check whether the spring molds are filled correctly with metal. Then the top side of the mold is fine-polished to ensure all springs are of a defined thickness; the result is verified via X-ray fluorescence analysis. Finally, the paint is removed with an oxygen plasma, the silicon wafer etched away using a strong alkaline solution and the gold coating dissolved. The remaining springs then need to go into a special washing machine for a few hours to remove any ridges and protruding metal remnants. These flawless springs then go into the watch lab for prototype production. A by-product of research For the researchers at Empa, however, this kind of prototype production is only one aspect of their scientific work. "Our goal is certainly not to compete with suppliers in the watch industry," says Michler. "At Empa, we are mainly interested in the process of miniaturization itself." Michler's team studies the mechanical properties of the tiny parts with minuscule stamps and needles. After all, the properties of materials change if we build tiny parts: Ductile metals become harder; brittle ceramics, on the other hand, become ductile with very small component sizes. "The prerequisite for any examination, however, is that we are able to produce the objects we are interested in based on defined criteria," explains the Empa researcher. Thus, Michler's team not only strives to master one single process step, but also keep a grip on the quality of the entire process chain. "Some process steps are closely intertwined," says Michler. "If we change one parameter, such as the geometry of the electroplating molds or the composition of the alloy, we usually have to adjust the preceding and subsequent steps, too. We want to understand these connections and the effects of miniaturization in every aspect." Additive manufacturing in 3D Besides two-dimensional structures, the researchers in Thun have already made progress in the production of 3D structures - also with the aid of electroplating. The required molds are not produced by illuminating layers of paint on silicon wafers, but rather via what is known as two-photon polymerization. This involves emitting a laser beam in a container with a special liquid plastic precursor. In the focal point of the beam, the liquid polymerizes and solidifies. The Empa team succeeded in making delicate structures and electroplating them with a nickel boron coating. In strength tests, these metallized structures exhibited much more stability than the raw polymer scaffold. Meanwhile, the researchers have also managed to produce bridges and columns made of solid nickel that are merely a few micrometers in size. Stress tests reveal how the nickel alloys behave in these dimensions. "We are already able to make such structures with a nice regularity and in a replicable manner," says Laetitia Philippe. "We have taken a major step forward on the road towards micromechanics made of electroplated components." In the not too distant future, these components might permit clock mechanisms with particularly fine mechanical complications. ### (Philadelphia, PA) - The Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University (LKSOM) and Hunter College of the City University of New York (Hunter) have jointly received a five-year, $13.5 million grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The award will underwrite creation of the Temple University Fox Chase Cancer Center (TUFCCC) and Hunter College (HC) Regional Comprehensive Cancer Health Disparities Partnership. The U54 grant from the NCI, which is part of the National Institutes of Health, aims to enable NCI-designated cancer centers and research institutions to better support underserved populations. This new regional partnership spanning Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York City will identify effective approaches to reducing cancer health disparities that adversely affect African-American, Asian-Pacific-American and Hispanic-American communities. It is the first such grant to be received by any institution serving Pennsylvania or New Jersey and will draw on deep community ties to strengthen outreach throughout the NYC-Philadelphia corridor. More than 70 investigators are involved across both organizations. "It is a prestigious honor for Temple and Hunter to receive this competitive and unique grant to establish a cross-regional infrastructure to tackle the disproportionate cancer burden affecting underserved and diverse communities," said Dr. Grace X. Ma, Principal Investigator at TUFCCC, Associate Dean for Health Disparities, Director of the Center for Asian Health, Laura H. Carnell Professor, and Professor of Clinical Sciences at LKSOM. "This partnership will allow us to investigate social determinants of cancer disparities and advance cancer health equity through multidisciplinary research, education and mentorship, and community outreach and engagement." "For too long, certain communities have faced barriers that prevent them from getting the best-available cancer prevention, detection and treatment care, and they suffer disproportionately as a result," said Dr. Olorunseun Ogunwobi, Principal Investigator at Hunter College, Director of the Hunter College Center for Cancer Health Disparities Research, and Associate Professor of Biology at Hunter College. "This grant will enable us to identify research-based solutions to overcome those disparities, improving quality of life and health outcomes. We are grateful that NCI recognized Hunter and Temple's dedication to improving health equity and are ready to leverage our strong community relationships to engage people in harder-to-reach neighborhoods, conduct much-needed research and build a more diverse pipeline of future investigators and health professionals." This new partnership will focus on three core areas: multidisciplinary cancer research, with a spotlight on liver, colorectal and lung cancers; diversifying the research and medical pipeline by training and mentoring minority junior faculty, undergraduate and graduate students and post-doctoral researchers; and educating and engaging the community. Community outreach will include cancer screenings and symposia, with the specific goals of prevention, intervention, early detection and access to treatment. It also will involve attention to the wide range of barriers that contribute to cancer disparities, including proximity to care, economic issues, health literacy, stigma, stress, mental health and more. "Innovative and rigorous research in these areas is a crucial component of the partnership between Temple and Hunter," said Dr. Jean-Pierre Issa, Co-Principal Investigator at TUFCCC, Director of the Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, and Professor of Medicine at LKSOM. "These projects allow us to meld our cultural and scientific strengths to make significant contributions toward addressing cancer health disparities and toward finding and implementing solutions in this immediate region and beyond." Of the communities TUFCCC and HC aim to connect with, African-Americans have the highest mortality rate and shortest survival rate for most cancers compared with any other racial and ethnic groups in the U.S., according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). In Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York City, African-Americans continue to experience significant disparities in lung cancer incidence rate compared to non-Hispanic whites. Cancer has been the leading cause of death since 2000 for Asian-Pacific-Americans, who have the highest incidence rates of liver cancer among all racial and ethnic groups in the U.S., according to the ACS. Chronic hepatitis infection is a major contributor to that and also exacerbates the high liver cancer incidence rate among Hispanic-Americans, which is double that of non-Hispanic whites. "I'm extremely proud that Temple and Hunter were chosen for this incredible opportunity," said Dr. Larry R. Kaiser, Lewis Katz Dean at the School of Medicine, Senior Executive Vice President for Health Affairs at Temple University, and President and CEO of Temple University Health System. "This collaborative effort will yield results for years to come - in basic, clinical and behavioral research; in helping future leaders grow in those fields; and in continuing to build on established relationships with those in the community, as well as create new ones. Their input, their suggestions and their voices are an essential part of this partnership." "We are so honored to be recognized by NCI and to join with Temple in a new partnership that will build on Hunter's long commitment to improving health equity through high-impact research," said Hunter College President Jennifer J. Raab. "At the same time, cancer is not just a disease in a clinical sense - it disrupts families and lives. With our deep community ties and many service-oriented academic programs, we are confident we can make a real difference identifying strategies to reduce cancer disparities while also addressing the multifaceted needs of patients and families affected by the disease." The Lewis Katz School of Medicine and the Center for Asian Health will hold a celebration of the launch of the TUFCCC/HC Regional Comprehensive Cancer Health Disparities Partnership on Tuesday, Oct. 30, at the LKSOM Medical Education and Research Building (MERB). Hunter College will host a separate launch event in New York City later this fall. ### About Temple Health Temple University Health System (TUHS) is a $2.1 billion academic health system dedicated to providing access to quality patient care and supporting excellence in medical education and research. The Health System consists of Temple University Hospital (TUH), ranked among the "Best Hospitals" in the region by U.S. News & World Report; TUH-Episcopal Campus; TUH-Northeastern Campus; Fox Chase Cancer Center, an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center; Jeanes Hospital, a community-based hospital offering medical, surgical and emergency services; Temple Transport Team, a ground and air-ambulance company; and Temple Physicians, Inc., a network of community-based specialty and primary-care physician practices. TUHS is affiliated with the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, and Temple University Physicians, which is Temple Health's physician practice plan comprised of more than 500 full-time and part-time academic physicians in 20 clinical departments. The Lewis Katz School of Medicine (LKSOM), established in 1901, is one of the nation's leading medical schools. Each year, the School of Medicine educates more than 800 medical students and approximately 240 graduate students. Based on its level of funding from the National Institutes of Health, the Katz School of Medicine is the second-highest ranked medical school in Philadelphia and the third-highest in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. According to U.S. News & World Report, LKSOM is among the top 10 most applied-to medical schools in the nation. Temple Health refers to the health, education and research activities carried out by the affiliates of Temple University Health System (TUHS) and by the Katz School of Medicine. TUHS neither provides nor controls the provision of health care. All health care is provided by its member organizations or independent health care providers affiliated with TUHS member organizations. Each TUHS member organization is owned and operated pursuant to its governing documents. About Hunter College Hunter College, located in the heart of Manhattan, is the largest senior college in the City University of New York (CUNY). Founded in 1870, it is also one of the oldest public colleges in the country. More than 23,000 students currently attend Hunter, pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees in more than 170 areas of study. Hunter's student body is as diverse as New York City itself. For more than 140 years, Hunter has provided educational opportunities for women and minorities, and today, students from every walk of life and every corner of the world attend Hunter. In addition to offering a multitude of academic programs in its prestigious School of Arts and Sciences, Hunter offers a wide breadth of programs in its preeminent Schools of Education, Nursing, Social Work, Health Professions, and Urban Public Health. New research focusing on how brain structure may impact brain activity and ultimately human behavior could one day lead to technology that can be catered to an individual Soldier in a training environment or operational setting. Researchers at the U.S. Army Research Laboratory and the University at Buffalo are developing a new tool -- computational models of the brain -- to learn more about how differences in the architecture of each person's brain may influence how quickly a person completes various cognitive tasks. The research specifically focuses on interconnectivity within the brain, looking at how different regions are linked to and interact with one another (traits that vary between individuals). This work has implications for individualized medicine in both the military and civilian healthcare sectors, said Dr. Jean Vettel, an ARL neuroscientist, who's working with a team to extend this concept to the idea of individualized Soldier systems. "Instead of having the same system for all Soldiers, ARL develops novel ways to passively measure differences in the way that Soldiers perform tasks so that systems could be catered to the individual needs of the Soldier," said Vettel, who is also a senior science lead at ARL who is also affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania and University of California, Santa Barbara. Vettel is co-author of research published in PLOS Computational Biology Oct. 17. In the new study, researchers created data-driven mathematical models of the individual brains of 10 people based on diffusion spectrum images which capture the structural wiring of the subjects' actual brains. Scientists then used the models to learn about each person's brain, including how easily the brain jumps into an active state when it's stimulated, and which brain regions become synchronized, exhibiting similar activity, when the left inferior frontal gyrus, an area of the brain important to language, is stimulated. The research identified some relationships between these characteristics of the brain and how quickly people were able to carry out three language-demanding tasks: saying the first verb that came to mind when presented with a noun; filling in a missing word in a sentence; and reading a large number. (Each participant completed each activity multiple times before and after receiving transcranial magnetic stimulation to the left inferior frontal gyrus.) This research identifies a potential strategy for enhancing performance by understanding brain stimulation protocols that can be designed to improve performance. This work has a natural extension for training, where future research could examine how stimulation to specific brain regions may improve performance. In an initial proof-of-concept study, a team led by University at Buffalo mathematician Sarah Muldoon finds that this approach shows promise for understanding the interplay between brain structure and performance on language-related tasks. "We are creating these personalized brain network models to understand what the brain is doing, based on how connected different regions of a person's brain are to one another," said first author Kanika Bansal, a postdoctoral researcher jointly working at UB, ARL and Columbia University. "Models like this are powerful tools because they allow us to conduct 'in silico' experiments to understand brain function on a personal basis," said Sarah F. Muldoon, PhD, assistant professor of mathematics in the UB College of Arts and Sciences and a faculty member in UB's Computational and Data-Enabled Science and Engineering and neuroscience programs. Developing personalized models of brain activity could not only improve neuroscience research, but also spur advancements in using brain stimulation to treat disease or enhancing human performance on various tasks. "It's important to create biologically inspired ways to predict individual responses to brain stimulation," said co-author John Medaglia, PhD, assistant professor of psychology at Drexel University and adjunct assistant professor of neurology at the University of Pennsylvania. "The attractive idea here is that we can examine complex activity in each person's brain networks. Then, we can define relatively simple measures that are strongly related to real-world performance. This balance between simulating complex processes and making simple predictions is necessary to drive brain stimulation research forward." In both medical treatment and task performance, understanding individuals' brains -- as opposed to the human brain in general -- could have benefits, the authors say. This is because variations in the architecture and function of the brain may influence how the organ responds to neurostimulation, leading to different results for different people. ### Danielle Bassett, Eduardo D. Glandt Faculty Fellow and associate professor of bioengineering and of electrical and systems engineering at the University of Pennsylvania, contributed to the study. She is also affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania departments of neurology, and physics and astronomy. The research, Data-driven brain network models differentiate variability across language tasks, was funded by mission funding to ARL, with certain authors supported by the MacArthur Foundation, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and National Institute of Mental Health. The U.S. Army Research Laboratory is part of the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, which has the mission to ensure decisive overmatch for unified land operations to empower the Army, the joint warfighter and our nation. RDECOM is a major subordinate command of the U.S. Army Materiel Command. MADISON, Wis., (Oct. 30, 2018) - With help from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's Bats for the Future Fund, a research team that includes a USDA Forest Service scientist aims to shed light on a possible management strategy to combat white-nose syndrome (WNS), a catastrophic wildlife disease that continues to spread across the nation. The grant of $111,760 from the Foundation's Bats for the Future Fund will help USDA Forest Service scientist Daniel Lindner, co-principal investigator in a study led by Bat Conservation International, continue research on the use of ultra-violet light as a tool to combat WNS. Bat Conservation International will contribute $70,400 to the study. The grant is one of four awarded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation for a total of $1.4 million in research funding. White-nose syndrome is caused by Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), an invasive fungus. In research last year, Lindner and a colleague discovered that Pd is unable to repair damage to DNA caused by ultra-violent light, an unusual trait even for an organism that spends its life in dark environments like caves. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant will allow Lindner and the research team to explore whether using ultra-violent light to clean cave environments will enhance bat survival. Pd is deadly to hibernating bats because it penetrates tissues of the nose and mouth as well as the wings, which are vital to bats' ability to avoid dehydration and maintain body temperature. In affected hibernacula, 78 to 100 percent of bat populations have died; total overall deaths so far are estimated at more than 6 million bats. Bats provide critical ecosystem services by controlling insect pest species that attack agricultural crops. The pest-control services of bats are estimated to be worth at least $3.7 billion per year in North America. ### The Bats for the Future Fund was launched in the fall of 2016 to provide grant funding for existing and novel disease treatments and management strategies urgently needed to stem the impacts of WNS at the leading edge of the disease; areas with a mosaic of contaminated and uncontaminated sites on the front line of the fungus' invasion. Major funding for the Bats for the Future Fund is provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, with additional funding from the USDA Forest Service and Southern Company. The mission of the Northern Research Station is to improve people's lives and help sustain the natural resources in the Northeast and Midwest through leading-edge science and effective information delivery. The mission of the U.S. Forest Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is to sustain the health, diversity and productivity of the nation's forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, and maintains world-renowned forestry research and wildland fire management organizations. National forests and grasslands contribute more than $30 billion to the American economy annually and support nearly 360,000 jobs. These lands also provide 30 percent of the nation's surface drinking water to cities and rural communities; approximately 60 million Americans rely on drinking water that originated from the National Forest System. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Stop 9410, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call toll-free at 866-632-9992 (English) or 800-877-8339 (TDD) or 866-377-8642 (English Federal-relay) or 800-845-6136 (Spanish Federal-relay). As a Swiss network, the TCBM Platform supports the rapid transfer of research results into clinical applications (translation). Researchers and clinicians from the seven main Swiss universities and university hospitals are working together with industrial partners to promote translation of cellular and cell-related products. Joint workshops and exchange of know-how and ressources will simplify and speed up production processes. Last but not least, training courses will support the eduction of junior researchers. Further expansion of the Bern as a medical center For Christian Leumann, Rector of the University of Bern, the TCBM Platform reflects the University of Bern's long tradition in medicine and health. "This made us an important location for teaching and research in the area of advanced medicine", Leumann says. "One of our aims is to fill the gap between fundamental research and clinical application. The TCBM Platform is helping us make this happen". Prof. Eliane J. Mueller, Head of Molecular Dermatology and Stem Cell Research at the University of Bern and at Bern University Hospital, and Dr. Steffen M. Zeisberger, Director of Quality Assurance and Cell and Tissue Biobanking at Wyss Zurich, are co-leaders of the platform. "This first shared Swiss platform for translational and medical production of biological components is an important step towards future-oriented research for regenerative therapies", Uwe E. Jocham, President of the Board of Directors of Insel Gruppe AG, says. "The fact that we, as the Bern site of research, are playing a key role with the co-management fills us with pride. Because, with the Bern University Hospital, we want to be at the forefront of stem cell research and translation." Exploiting synergies The national TCBM Platform promotes synergies in translational and clinical production of biological components on three levels: Firstly, research groups using and operating clean rooms cooperate closely in the bio-manufacturing process. Secondly, they share their expertise in good manufacturing practice, and cooperatly negociate with Swiss regulatory authorities. Thirdly, the platform promotes collaborations of research groups with the private sector or industry to facilitate joint applications at Innosuisse, the Swiss agency for innovation promotion, or the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF). Increasing visibility for industry and Innosuisse The TCBM Platform is affiliated with the national organisation "biotechnet Switzerland", which in turn is part of the National Thematic Network (NTN) "Swiss Biotech". NTN represents the interests of the Swiss Biotechnological industry, while biotechnet Switzerland supports biotechnological research groups in academia and conveys their expertise to industrial partners. Through affiliation with biotechnet Switzerland, the TCBM Platform becomes visible for industry and Innosuisse. The TCBM Platform is financed, among others, by membership fees of public and private partners. Its administration is supported by the University of Bern's Faculty of Medicine. "We value this initiative across Switzerland, which seamlessly incorporates into the translational efforts of the University of Bern. We are therefore committed to ensuring its success", Hans-Uwe Simon, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, reiterates. National and international vision After the successful launch of the TCBM Platform, new members will now be recruited from the public and private sector and the Advisory Board constituted by personalities from science, industry and regulatory authorities. In cooperation with sitem-insel AG, the Swiss Institute for Translational and Entrepreneurial Medicine, and the emerging Center for Precision Medicine, first workshops and joint activities in the area of cellular therapies are planned for 2019. Mark Rubin, Director of the Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR) at the University of Bern, is looking forward to the cooperation: "The TCBM Platform will significantly enhance the development of our Center for Precision Medicine in Bern. Observations made from patients can be translated to model systems for study and the development of new therapies. I am most excited to welcome the TCBM." One of the visions of the TCBM Platform is to start its own National Thematic Network (NTN) in Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy with partners of biotechnet Switzerland. Furthermore, the group envisages to apply for a NCCR (National Centres of Competence in Research) at the SNSF, and extend its activities to the EU and other international partners. Prof. Eliane J. Mueller, Co-Leader of the TCBM Platform: "During the launch ceremony of sitem-insel AG in Bern, Federal Councillor Schneider-Ammann praised Bern for switching from user to provider in the area of translational medicine in Switzerland. I think the industry should take heed of this upward trend." ### TCBM - Swiss Network for Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy Five academic groups of seven universities, university hospitals and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich contributed to its foundation: Stem cell researchers in Regenerative Medicine of the SCRM (Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine) Platform Bern (University of Bern, Bern University Hospital) in cooperation with sitem-insel AG, Wyss Zurich (University of Zurich and ETH Zurich), the Basel GMP Network (University and University Hospital of Basel and ETH Zurich, Basel), the Swiss Institute for Cell Therapies SICT (University Clinics of Lausanne, Geneva, Bern and Cardiocentro Ticino) and the University of Fribourg. Involved in the foundation were: SCRM Platform Bern: Prof Eliane J. Mueller; Prof Gabriela M. Baerlocher, Prof. Daniel Surbek, Prof. Benjamin Gantenbein, Dr. Claudio Brunold, http://www.stemcellsbern.ch Wyss Zurich: Dr. Steffen M. Zeisberger, Dr. Martin F. Kayser, http://www.wysszurich.uzh.ch Basel GMP Network: PD Dr. Paul Zajac, Dr. Alessia Bottos, Dr. Sylvie Miot, Prof. Kobi Benenson, Anke Wixmerten, http://www.baselstemcells.ch SICT Foundation: MD Dr. Marisa Jaconi, Dr. Jean-Francois Brunet, http://www.swiss-ict.ch University of Fribourg: Dr. Marie-Noelle Giraud, http://www.unifr.ch/cardiology The Steering Committee of the TCBM Platform: Children are more likely to be fatally struck by a vehicle on Halloween than on other nights of the year, according to new research led by the University of British Columbia. The study, published today in JAMA Pediatrics, found a 43-per-cent increase in the risk of pedestrian death on Halloween compared to control days one week earlier and one week later. For children between four and eight years of age, the risk of pedestrian fatality was 10 times higher on Halloween than on control days. "Collecting 'trick-or-treat' candy from neighbours has been a Halloween tradition among children for over a century, and adult Halloween parties have become increasingly popular in bars and on campuses across North America," said lead researcher Dr. John Staples, clinical assistant professor in the UBC faculty of medicine and scientist at UBC's Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences. "We wondered if the combination of dark costumes, excitement and alcohol made the streets more dangerous for pedestrians. Our findings suggest that it does." Dr. Staples and his co-investigators examined 42 years of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data on all fatal traffic crashes in the United States between 1975 and 2016. The researchers compared the number of pedestrian fatalities between 5 p.m. and midnight on Halloween with the number during the same hours on control days one week earlier and one week later. The investigators found that the average Halloween resulted in four additional pedestrian deaths. The increase in risk occurred throughout the U.S. and almost all additional fatalities were children or young adults. The most dangerous time was between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Candace Yip, study co-investigator and UBC undergraduate student in the faculty of science, said the findings suggest a need to improve pedestrian safety throughout the year. "Our findings suggest there are opportunities to improve pedestrian safety on Halloween, but they also highlight ways that traffic safety might be improved on the other 364 days of the year," said Yip. "Residential traffic calming, vehicle speed control, and incorporating reflective patches into outerwear might improve pedestrian safety year-round." Although pedestrian fatalities have improved in recent decades across North America, traffic collisions result in the deaths of more than 4,500 pedestrians in the U.S. annually, said University of Toronto professor and study co-author Dr. Donald Redelmeier. "A dead pedestrian cannot be brought back to life," said Redelmeier. "Yet almost all these deaths can be avoided by a small change in behaviour." The researchers recommend that neighbourhoods consider making their area car-free on Halloween. They hope to remind the public not to drive after consuming alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs. They also urge drivers to slow down in residential neighbourhoods, suggest parents talk to children about street-crossing safety, and recommend that younger children are supervised while trick-or-treating. ### The research was supported by Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, the Canadian Institutes for Health Research, and the Canada Research Chair in Medical Decision Science. Dr. Staples is a scientist at the Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences (CHEOS), a joint research centre of UBC and the Providence Health Care Research Institute. He is also an Associate Member at the Centre for Clinical Epidemiology & Evaluation (C2E2). CINCINNATI--Currently, with a pre-malignant breast cancer diagnosis from a biopsy, there are three options: observation, chemoprevention or surgery, all of which require a patient to make decisions while operating from a place of fear and unknown outcomes. Some patients, for example, with early breast cancer indications, might choose to have mastectomies, rather than live in uncertainty, when the disease state may not have progressed. That is why researchers at the University of Cincinnati (UC) are investigating a molecular diagnostic test to determine whether, after biopsy, someone is at high or low risk for actually developing malignant breast cancer. "The test aids in the decision whether to treat aggressively or wait," says cancer researcher and principal investigator Georg Weber, MD, PhD, a professor at UC's James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy. The study, "Osteopontin and Premalignant Breast Lesions," appears in the Oct. 24, 2018 issue of the British Journal of Cancer. In the study, Weber, co-author Elyse Lower, MD, professor of medicine at the UC College of Medicine, director of the UC Cancer Institute's Breast Cancer Center and UC Health oncologist, and colleagues at Wroclaw Medical University in Poland, analyzed variants of the biomarker Osteopontin (OPN) in 434 women with premalignant breast lesions. From the sample, they determined that the presence of Osteopontin variants can very reliably assess the risk group a patient belongs to, thus aiding in the decision on how to proceed. "The value lies in being able to examine invasive potential," says Weber, adding that prognostic biomarkers inform on the probable disease course while predictive biomarkers provide upfront information regarding how likely a patient is to benefit from a specific treatment, and hence may guide the choice of available therapies. Weber attended medical school in Wurzburg, Germany. He worked at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School from 1990 through 2000. He has published over 100 scientific reports, including many in the most respected professional journals, plus various monographs, including textbooks on molecular oncology and anti-cancer drugs. He holds eight patents and has additional applications pending. His research has made key contributions to understanding the molecular mechanisms of metastasis. ### This research was funded by the Marlene Harris-Ride Cincinnati/Pilot Program. Biostatical support was provided by the University of Cincinnati Center for Clinical and Translational Science and Training (CCTST) with funding from the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences of the National Institutes of Health (Award # 5UL1TR))1425-03). The authors cite no conflict of interest. The century old mission to understand how the proteins responsible for amyloid-based diseases such as Alzheimer's, Huntingdon's and Parkinson's work has taken major steps forward in the last 12 months, thanks to a revolution in a powerful microscopy technique used by scientists. High-powered microscopes using electrons instead of light to 'see' the actual shape of samples put under them, at near atomic-levels of detail, have only recently become available to UK scientists. The UK has invested heavily in the 'game-changing' cryo-electron microscopes, but there are still fewer than 25 of the multi-million pound instruments in UK universities and research institutes. The two instruments at the University of Leeds, funded by the University itself and Wellcome, are the only ones of their kind in the north of England. They have already proved their worth as a key tool for scientists who have used them in a number of research projects, but have just delivered their biggest success yet: to reveal the structure of amyloid - a build-up of abnormal proteins in the body that causes disease. There are less than 10 good quality images and structures of these kinds of proteins available to study in the world, so the Leeds' research makes a significant contribution to scientists' understanding of how proteins form aggregates and how they might contribute to amyloid disease. The images and 3D structures of the protein aggregates - which the Leeds scientists showed formed long, twisted fibres - has been published in the journal Nature Communications. The protein involved- 2-microglobulin - is normally involved in a healthy immune system, but can assemble into the pain-causing amyloid fibres in people who undergo long term dialysis for kidney failure. When they lodge in people's joints they can cause osteoarthritis It is anticipated the findings will be used by drug manufacturers and research groups internationally who strive to fund cures for amyloid diseases of all types. Professor Sheena Radford FMedSci, FRS and Professor Neil Ranson from the University's Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, led the five year programme to image the protein fibres and show their 3-D structure. The pair were supported by colleagues at Leeds, Josh Boardman, who at the time was an undergraduate student in Biochemistry. The study also involved a long-standing collaboration with Professor Bob Griffin, from the Massachusetts Institute for Technology, who specialises in another method of advanced biological analysis of biological matter- solid- state nuclear magnetic resonance. Professor Radford said: "Over the past six decades since the first electron microscopy pictures of amyloid were created, scientists have progressed from working with blurred low-resolution images to our razor sharp 3D images and structures, thanks to modern advances in cryo-electron microscopy. "Now we know exactly where each kink and point is on the protein, we may be able to develop compounds which lock tightly to it, or disrupt it, and find out how the fibres contribute to disease. It's the equivalent of going from trying to make two balloons stick together to having two cogs rotating perfectly with each other. She added: "We've used cryo-electron microscopy not only to uncover the shape and structure of amyloid proteins, but also how they grow and intertwine with each other like the stands in a rope to form larger assemblies. This knowledge is going to be crucial for knowing how to deal with them." Professor Ranson said: "Until a year or so ago, scientists knew the structure looked more or less like a ladder, but we have now shown it is much more complex than that. We're now beginning to see how different proteins folded up into different shapes and how those vary with every disease they cause. "The extra detail we have uncovered means we can start to understand these proteins' disease-causing abilities. He added "Amyloid fibres are also known to have the strength of steel, and, now we understand their structures.we might be able to make new biomaterials inspired by their structures. This is a great example of where cryo-electron microscopy can have added advantages." Knowing the structure of the protein in the level of detail the Leeds researchers have provided, and measuring those differences in different types of amyloid disease and different patients, could also allow doctors to show who would be most at risk, meaning treatment can be targeted to those who need it most. The next step for the science community is to begin identifying and developing inhibitors' - compounds which can control protein assembly into amyloid. Professor Radford has secured almost 2million from Wellcome to carry out this stage of development. Further lab trials, clinical trials, regulatory approval and the involvement of a drug developer would still be required before drugs could be brought to market, but the significant steps forward in image clarity and understanding of the amyloid folding structure mark a major leap forward. ### The full research paper The structure of a 2microglobulin fibril suggests a molecular basis for its amyloid polymorphism is published in Nature Communications. The DOI number for the paper is 10.1038/s41467-018-06761-6, and it will be available after the embargo lifts at 9am GMT on 30 October 2018. Copies are available under embargo. The research was funded by the European Research Council and Wellcome. Further information about electron-microscopy at Leeds: http://www.astbury.leeds.ac.uk/biostructurelaboratory/ https://www.leeds.ac.uk/site/custom_scripts/spotlight/better-living-through-microscopy.php http://www.astbury.leeds.ac.uk Professor Radford and Professor Ranson are available for interview, please contact Peter Le Riche, University of Leeds press office on +44 113 343 2049 or email p.leriche@leeds.ac.uk MINNEAPOLIS, MN- October 30, 2018- A team of researchers from the University of Minnesota Medical School, the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, and the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, have used the brain's spontaneously generated patterns of activity to glean novel insights into network structure and development. They found the existence of precise organizational networks in the cerebral cortex much earlier in development than previously thought. The cerebral cortex in humans and carnivores has a very precise special organization that involves networks of neurons. Composed of thousands of neurons distributed over millimeters of the cortical surface, distributed networks play a critical role in all aspects of brain function including the processing of complex sensory input. "Not only are these large scale networks present much earlier than we thought, but they predict future function," said Gordon Smith, PhD., Department of Neuroscience at the University of Minnesota Medical School. "What that suggests is that events happening early in development are setting the stage for what we see later in life." In a study published in Nature Neuroscience, researchers used calcium imaging techniques to visualize with unprecedented resolution spontaneous activity patterns in the mature visual cortex. While they expected to see widespread patterns of activity, they hadn't anticipated the high degree of precision they observed in the network interactions. The spontaneous network activity patterns were so highly correlated that the activity of small populations of neurons could reliably predict coincident network activity patterns millimeters away, and these correlation patterns beautifully predicted the patterns of network activity evoked by visual stimulation. When they looked earlier in development prior to eye opening, they discovered robust long-range patterns of correlated spontaneous activity that extended over distances comparable to what was seen in the mature brain. "This was surprising, since connectivity in the brain is very immature at this point in development," said Smith, whose work on this study was done both at the Max Planck Florida Institute and the University of Minnesota. "This finding led us to propose a novel computational model of the early visual cortex that can replicate these findings." The model shows that at early stages in development, long-range network activity can be generated by activity patterns spreading through chains of local cortical connections. Future studies will test the prediction that activity dependent plasticity mechanisms shape the structure of long-range connections based on the instructive activity patterns derived from local cortical connections. Smith is currently furthering this research at the University of Minnesota. ### About the University of Minnesota Medical School: The University of Minnesota Medical School is at the forefront of learning and discovery, transforming medical care and educating the next generation of physicians. Our graduates and faculty produce high-impact biomedical research and advance the practice of medicine. Visit med.umn.edu to learn how the University of Minnesota is innovating all aspects of medicine. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Extreme Light Laboratory is one of the founding members of a new research network intended to unite the nation's most powerful laser facilities. The network, LaserNetUS, will give U.S. scientists increased access to high-intensity, ultrafast laser facilities across the country. It features the most powerful lasers in the United States, including lasers with powers approaching or exceeding a petawatt -- a million billion watts. The U.S. Department of Energy, through its Fusion Energy Sciences program in the Office of Science, allocated $6.8 million over the next two years to support the network, comprised of laser facilities at nine institutions. Along with Nebraska, participating institutions are the University of Texas at Austin, Ohio State University, Colorado State University, University of Michigan, University of Rochester, SLAC National Laboratory, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Nebraska hosted the inaugural LaserNetUS meeting Aug. 20-21 in Lincoln. It was attended by about 135 members of the U.S. high energy-density science community. Nebraska's leadership in the new network will enable it to stretch one of its strengths: research involving high-intensity laser physics. "As a flagship research facility at Nebraska, the Extreme Light Laboratory has already attracted several students and tenure-track faculty into high energy-density physics research," said Donald Umstadter, Leland and Dorothy Olson Professor of Physics and Astronomy, and laboratory director. "We anticipate the establishment of LaserNetUS will enhance this trend." High-intensity lasers have a broad range of applications in basic research, manufacturing and medicine. They can be used to recreate some of the most extreme conditions in the universe, such as those found in supernova explosions and near black holes. They can generate high-energy particles for physics research or intense X-ray pulses to probe matter as it evolves on ultrafast time scales. They also show promise in detecting otherwise hidden explosive threats, evaluating aging aircraft components, precisely cutting materials and delivering tightly focused radiation therapy to cancer tumors. Petawatt lasers generate light with nearly 100 times the output of all the world's power plants -- but only in the briefest of bursts. Using the technology pioneered by two of the winners of this year's Nobel Prize in physics, called chirped pulse amplification, these lasers fire off ultrafast bursts of light shorter than a tenth of a trillionth of a second. The United States was the dominant innovator and user of high-intensity laser technology in the 1990s, but now Europe and Asia have taken the lead, according to a recent report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine. Currently, 80 to 90 percent of the world's high-intensity, ultrafast laser systems are overseas. All the highest-power research lasers currently in construction, or already built, are also overseas. The report's authors recommended establishing a national network of laser facilities to emulate successful efforts in Europe. LaserNetUS was established for that purpose. Umstadter said the laboratory, with its research on using lasers to detect weapons of mass destruction, is playing a key role in the National Strategic Research Institute, the university-affiliated research center with the U.S. Department of Defense. ### LaserNetUS will hold a nationwide call for proposals for access to the network's facilities. The proposals will be peer reviewed by an independent panel. This call will allow any researcher in the U.S. to apply for access to one of the high-intensity lasers at the host institutions. The University of Texas at Austin will be a key player in LaserNetUS, a new national network of institutions operating high-intensity, ultrafast lasers. The overall project, funded over two years with $6.8 million from the U.S. Department of Energys Office of Fusion Energy Sciences, aims to help boost the country's global competitiveness in high-intensity laser research. UT Austin is home to one of the most powerful lasers in the country, the Texas Petawatt Laser. The university will receive $1.2 million to fund its part of the network. "UT Austin has become one of the international leaders in research with ultra-intense lasers, having operated one of the highest-power lasers in the world for the past 10 years," said Todd Ditmire, director of UT Austin's Center for High Energy Density Science, which houses the Texas Petawatt Laser. "We can play a major role in the new LaserNetUS network with our established record of leadership in this exciting field of science." Watch a Longhorn Network video featuring the Texas Petawatt Laser High-intensity lasers have a broad range of applications in basic research, manufacturing and medicine. For example, they can be used to re-create some of the most extreme conditions in the universe, such as those found in supernova explosions and near black holes. They can generate particles for high-energy physics research or intense X-ray pulses to probe matter as it evolves on ultrafast time scales. They are also promising in many potential technological areas such as generating intense neutron bursts to evaluate aging aircraft components, precisely cutting materials or potentially delivering tightly focused radiation therapy to cancer tumors. LaserNetUS includes the most powerful lasers in the United States, some of which have powers approaching or exceeding a petawatt. Petawatt lasers generate light with at least a million billion watts of power, or nearly 100 times the output of all the world's power plants -- but only in the briefest of bursts. Using the technology pioneered by two of the winners of this year's Nobel Prize in physics, called chirped pulse amplification, these lasers fire off ultrafast bursts of light shorter than a tenth of a trillionth of a second. "I am particularly excited to lead the Texas Petawatt science effort into the next phase of research under this new, LaserNetUS funding," said Ditmire. "This funding will enable us to collaborate with some of the leading optical and plasma physics scientists from around the U.S." LaserNetUS will provide U.S. scientists increased access to the unique high-intensity laser facilities at nine institutions: UT Austin, The Ohio State University, Colorado State University, the University of Michigan, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Rochester, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. The U.S. was the dominant innovator and user of high-intensity laser technology in the 1990s, but now Europe and Asia have taken the lead, according to a recent report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine titled "Opportunities in Intense Ultrafast Lasers: Reaching for the Brightest Light." Currently, 80 to 90 percent of the world's high-intensity ultrafast laser systems are overseas, and all of the highest-power research lasers currently in construction or already built are also overseas. The report's authors recommended establishing a national network of laser facilities to emulate successful efforts in Europe. LaserNetUS was established for exactly that purpose. The Office of Fusion Energy Sciences is a part of the Department of Energy's Office of Science. LaserNetUS will hold a nationwide call for proposals for access to the network's facilities. The proposals will be peer reviewed by an independent panel. This call will allow any researcher in the U.S. to get time on one of the high-intensity lasers at the LaserNetUS host institutions. ### An international team of scientists has completed the first 3D virtual reconstruction of the ribcage of the most complete Neandertal skeleton unearthed to date, potentially shedding new light on how this ancient human moved and breathed. The team, which included researchers from universities in Spain, Israel, and the United States, including the University of Washington, focused on the thorax -- the area of the body containing the rib cage and upper spine, which forms a cavity to house the heart and lungs. Using CT scans of fossils from an approximately 60,000-year-old male skeleton known as Kebara 2, researchers were able to create a 3D model of the chest -- one that is different from the longstanding image of the barrel-chested, hunched-over "caveman." The conclusions point to what may have been an upright individual with greater lung capacity and a straighter spine than today's modern human. The study is published Oct. 30 in Nature Communications. "The shape of the thorax is key to understanding how Neandertals moved in their environment because it informs us about their breathing and balance," said Asier Gomez-Olivencia, an Ikerbasque Fellow at the University of the Basque Country and the study's lead author. And how Neandertals moved would have had a direct impact on their ability to survive on the resources available to them, said Patricia Kramer, professor in the UW Department of Anthropology and corresponding author on the paper. "Neandertals are closely related to us with complex cultural adaptations much like those of modern humans, but their physical form is different from us in important ways," she said. "Understanding their adaptations allows us to understand our own evolutionary path better." Neandertals are a type of human that emerged about 400,000 years ago, living mostly from what is today Western Europe to Central Asia. They were hunter-gatherers who, in some areas, lived in caves and who weathered several glacial periods before going extinct about 40,000 years ago. Studies in recent years have suggested that Neandertals and early Homo sapiens interbred, because evidence of Neandertal DNA has turned up in many populations. Over the past 150 years, Neandertal remains have been found at many sites in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. This team worked with a skeleton labeled Kebara 2, also known as "Moshe," which was found in Kebara Cave in Northern Israel's Carmel mountain range in 1983. Though the cranium is missing, the remains of the young adult male are considered one of the most complete Neandertal skeleton ever found. Two different forms of dating of the surrounding soil, thermoluminescence and electron spin resonance, put the age at somewhere between 59,000 and 64,000 years. Discoveries and studies of other Neandertal remains in the 19th and early 20th centuries gave rise to theories and images of a stereotypical, hunched-over caveman. Over time, further research clarified scientific understanding of many Neandertal traits, but some debate has lingered over the structure of the thorax, the capacity of the lungs and what conditions Neandertals might have been able to adapt to, or not. Over the past decade, virtual reconstruction has become more commonplace in biological anthropology, Kramer explained. The approach is useful with fossils such as the thorax, where fragile bones make physical reconstruction difficult and risky. Nearly two years ago, the same research team created a virtual reconstruction of the Kebara 2 spine, the first step in updating theories of Neandertal biomechanics. The team's paper, published in the book "Human Paleontology and Prehistory," reaffirmed the likelihood of upright posture but pointed to a straighter spine than that of modern humans. For this model of the thorax, researchers used both direct observations of the Kebara 2 skeleton, currently housed at Tel Aviv University, and medical CT scans of vertebrae, ribs and pelvic bones, along with 3D software designed for scientific use. "This was meticulous work," said Alon Barash, a lecturer at Bar Ilan University in Israel. "We had to CT scan each vertebra and all of the ribs fragments individually and then reassemble them in 3D." They then used a technique called morphometric analysis to compare the images of Neandertal bones with medical scans of bones from present-day adult men. "In the reconstruction process, it was necessary to virtually 'cut' and realign some of the parts that showed deformation, and mirror-image some of those that were not so well-preserved in order to get a complete thorax," said Gomez-Olivencia. The reconstruction of the thorax, coupled with the team's earlier finding, shows ribs that connect to the spine in an inward direction, forcing the chest cavity outward and allowing the spine to tilt slightly back, with little of the lumbar curve that is part of the modern human skeletal structure. "The differences between a Neandertal and modern human thorax are striking," said Markus Bastir, senior research scientist at the Laboratory of Virtual Anthropology at the National Museum of Natural History in Spain. "The Neandertal spine is located more inside the thorax, which provides more stability," said Gomez-Olivencia. "Also, the thorax is wider in its lower part." This shape of the rib cage suggests a larger diaphragm and thus, greater lung capacity. "The wide lower thorax of Neandertals and the horizontal orientation of the ribs suggest that Neandertals relied more on their diaphragm for breathing," said senior author Ella Been of Ono Academic College. "Modern humans, on the other hand, rely both on the diaphragm and on the expansion of the rib cage for breathing. Here we see how new technologies in the study of fossil remains is providing new information to understand extinct species." What that means for how Kebara 2 lived is ripe for further research, Kramer said. How did Neandertals breathe, and for what physical demands might they have needed powerful lungs? What does that tell us about how they moved, and the environment in which they lived? Did any of these physical traits make them more or less adaptive to climate change? Reconstructing the thorax was an exercise in starting from scratch, deliberately trying to avoid being influenced by past theories of how Neandertals looked or lived, Kramer said. "Thinking through all the permutations of the different fragments, it was like a jigsaw without all the pieces. What do the pieces tell us?" she said. "People have told you it should be a certain way, but you want to make sure you're not over-reconstructing, or reconstructing it the way you think it should be. You're trying to maintain a neutral approach." Other authors of the study were Daniel Garcia-Martinez of the National Museum of Natural History and Mikel Arlegi, of the University of the Basque Country. ### For more information, contact Kramer at pakramer@uw.edu or 206-616-2449; Gomez-Olivencia at asiergo@gmail.com; or Been at beenella1@gmail.com. Researchers are always seeking more reliable and more efficient communications, for everything from televisions and cellphones to satellites and medical devices. One technique generating buzz for its high signal quality is a combination of multiple-input multiple-output techniques with orthogonal frequency division multiplexing. Virginia Tech researchers Lingjia Liu and Yang (Cindy) Yi are using brain-inspired machine learning techniques to increase the energy efficiency of wireless receivers. Their published findings, "Realizing Green Symbol Detection Via Reservoir Computing: An Energy-Efficiency Perspective," received the Best Paper Award from the IEEE Transmission, Access, and Optical Systems Technical Committee. Liu and Yi, associate and assistant professors respectively in the Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, along with Liu's Ph.D. student Rubayet Shafin, are collaborating with researchers from the Information Directorate of the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory -- Jonathan Ashdown, John Matyjas, Michael Medley, and Bryant Wysocki. This combination of techniques allows signals to travel from transmitter to receiver using multiple paths at the same time. The technique offers minimal interference and provides an inherent advantage over simpler paths for avoiding multipath fading, which noticeably distorts what you see when watching over-the-air television on a stormy day, for example. "A combination of techniques and frequency brings many benefits and is the main radio access technology for 4G and 5G networks," said Liu. "However, correctly detecting the signals at the receiver and turning them back into something your device understands can require a lot of computational effort, and therefore energy." Liu and Yi are using artificial neural networks -- computing systems inspired by the inner workings of the brains -- to minimize the inefficiency. "Traditionally, the receiver will conduct channel estimation before detecting the transmitted signals," said Yi. "Using artificial neural networks, we can create a completely new framework by detecting transmitted signals directly at the receiver." This approach "can significantly improve system performance when it is difficult to model the channel, or when it may not be possible to establish a straightforward relation between the input and output," said Matyjas, the technical advisor of AFRL's Computing and Communications Division and an Air Force Research Laboratory Fellow. Reservoir Computing The team has suggested a method to train the artificial neural network to operate more efficiently on a transmitter-receiver pair using a framework called reservoir computing--specifically a special architecture called echo state network (ESN). An ESN is a kind of recurrent neural network that combines high performance with low energy. "This strategy allows us to create a model describing how a specific signal propagates from a transmitter to a receiver, making it possible to establish a straightforward relationship between the input and the output of the system," said Wysocki, the chief engineer of the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate. Testing the efficiency Liu, Yi, and their AFRL collaborators compared their findings with results from more established training approaches -- and found that their results were more efficient, especially on the receiver side. "Simulation and numerical results showed that the ESN can provide significantly better performance in terms of computational complexity and training convergence," said Liu. "Compared to other methods, this can be considered a 'green' option." ### What do online conspiracy theorists discuss; what are the recurring elements in these conversations; and what do they tell us about the way people think? As Tanushree Mitra, assistant professor of computer science and a faculty member at the Discovery Analytics Center, and Mattia Samory, a post doc in the Department of Computer Science, set out to find answers, they turned to Reddit, a social media platform of thousands of smaller communities or "subreddits" connecting users with similar interests. In the r/conspiracy subreddit, Mitra and Samory analyzed more than 200,000 users and 6 million comments over a 10-year period, focusing on the key elements of a conspiracy theory: conspiratorial agents, the actions they perform, and their targets. They will present their research at the 2018 ACM Conference on Computer-Supported Cooperative Work and Social Computing Nov. 3-7, in New York City. Mitra and Samory extracted 33 topics for their study. Following are some of their findings: "Big pharma," "vaccines," and "GMO" decry corruption of health services while promoting the virtues of a "natural" lifestyle. "U.S. elections" and "email scandal" focus especially on the 2016 elections and include allegations of voter fraud. Distrust in the government is evident in the topic "U.S. Congress and bills," which more broadly discusses policy changes allegedly aimed at harming the public. The nefarious consequences of law enforcement are extreme through the topic "police brutality," which portrays police officers primarily in unwarranted outbursts of physical violence. "NSA Whistleblowers" and "NSA tracking" criticize governmental agencies with three primary allegations: privacy breach through mass surveillance, opinion manipulation through disinformation campaigns, and false flag military operations. "Banks and money" reflect the concern that multinational corporations may circumvent local regulations. "Syria" and the "Israel-Palestine conflict" discuss diplomacy in the Middle East while "Eurozone" discusses how phenomena, such as the immigration crisis, the Greek Depression, and Brexit, may destabilize European politics. Reactions to dramatic events also resonate in r/conspiracy discussion. "Some conspiracy theories on dramatic events remain relevant for decades, as evidenced by the 'JFK. Assassination' topic," said Mitra. Other r/conspiracy discussion is apparent in topics like "Fukushima," "Malaysia Airlines," and "shooting." In particular, topics "9/11 inside job," "WTC demolition," "Australia 9/11 Jews," "9/11 suspects," attempt to frame the 9/11 events as a false flag operation run by Jews, an inside job by the U.S. government, or the outcome of a corporate strategy for profit, among other claims. "By computationally detecting agent-action-target triplets in conspiratorial statements, and by grouping them into semantically coherent clusters, we were able to develop a notion of narrative-motif to detect recurring patterns," Mitra said. A narrative-motif, such as "governmental agency-control-communications," appears in diverse conspiratorial statements alleging that governmental agencies control information to nefarious ends, according to Mitra. Narrative-motifs that focus on minority religions, immigration, war, and globalization all expose perceived threats from the point of view of the "Western world" ingroup. "Country-threatens peace-through military" and "religious group-attacks-population" focus on national and religious outgroups as collective conspirators. These agents perform violent or militaristic actions to defeat a cultural opponent. "Organization-pursues-profit" pictures globalization as a threat to the boundaries that identify a nation. Here, banks and corporations seek profit in a frame of global markets and values to the detriment of their local counterpart. Because leaders have a role in representing public opinion, public trust is a frequent issue in related conspiracy theories. "Political leader-usurps-power" discussions frame powerful political leaders as individuals in a quest for public influence and personal gain. Powerful individuals also appear as conspiratorial agents in the narrative-motif "official-discusses-peer or document." The researchers found that narrative-motifs expose commonalities between multiple conspiracy theories even when they refer to different events or circumstances. References to the 9/11 attacks also allude to larger-scale conspiracy theories involving the U.S. government, foreign intelligence, and religious groups. The topic "climate change" suspects that environmental phenomenon is a machination of lobbying academics and governments. "Adopters of one-conspiracy theory typically believe in more than just one. For example, anti-vaxxers often discuss GMO conspiracy theories," Samory said. "This research suggests a way to find which conspiracy theories are related by uncovering their common narratives. "Our study also suggests that alternative media spreading conspiracy theories appear to better align with anti- and pro-globalism than with left- and right-leaning political ideologies," he said. Read the complete study here. ### this news is not available In a setback to Star India, the Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed its appeal challenging the tariff order of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) paving way for implementation of the tariff order passed in 2017. In the123 page judgement, the Supreme Court uphold the authority of TRAI to regularise pricing in public interest and that by controlling pricing it did not violate the Copyright Act. We are clearly of the view that if in exercise of its regulatory power under the TRAI Act, TRAI were to impinge upon compensation payable for copyright, the best way in which both statutes can be harmonized is to state that the TRAI Act, being a statute conceived in public interest which is to serve the interest of both broadcasters and consumers, must prevail, to the extent of any inconsistency, over the Copyright Act which is an Act which protects the property rights of broadcasters. We are, therefore, of the view that, to the extent royalties/compensation payable to the broadcasters under the Copyright Act are regulated in public interest by TRAI under the TRAI Act, the former shall give way to the latter. As there is no merit in these appeals, the same are, therefore, dismissed. The two-judge bench comprising Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman and Justice Navin Sinha further explained that the issue of copyright Act and TRAI Act did not infringe on eachother. "The interest of the end user or consumer is not the focus of the Copyright Act at all. On the other hand, the TRAI Act has to focus on broadcasting services provided by the broadcaster that impact the ultimate consumer. The focus, therefore, of TRAI is that of a regulatory authority, which looks to the interest of both broadcaster and subscriber so as to provide a level playing field for both in which regulations can be laid down which affect the manner and carriage of broadcast to the ultimate consumers," the judgment added. Early this year, Star had approached the apex court questioning TRAIs jurisdiction to frame tariff order on the grounds that the authority has no jurisdiction on content as that actually comes under Copyright Act and not TRAI Act. The appeal was filed against the fractured judgement passed by a two-judge Bench of Madras High Court comprising Chief Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice M Sundar. The bench had given a split verdict. Justice M Sundar had ruled in favour of Star. Commenting on the judgement delivered by Justice M Sundar, the Supreme Court order stated, I am unable to agree with the conclusion of M. Sundar, J. that the provisions of the impugned Regulation and the impugned Tariff Order are not in conformity with the TRAI Act. In my view the impugned provisions neither touch upon the content of programmes of broadcasters, nor liable to be struck down. However, the clause putting cap of 15% to the discount on the MRP of a bouquet is arbitrary. The said provision is, in my view, not enforceable. In my considered view, the challenge to the impugned Regulation and the impugned Tariff Order fail, the order read further. The 2017 Regulations prevented the mixing of pay channels and free to air channels in a single bouquet. The Regulations restricted placing high definition format and ordinary format of the same channel in the same bouquet. Another restriction was that a bouquet of pay channels should not contain any pay channel where the Maximum Retail Price is more than Rs.19/. Read more news about (internet advertising India, internet advertising, advertising India, digital advertising India, media advertising India) Privacy Settings This site uses functional cookies and external scripts to improve your experience. Which cookies and scripts are used and how they impact your visit is specified on the left. You may change your settings at any time. Your choices will not impact your visit. NOTE: These settings will only apply to the browser and device you are currently using. CLAREMONT, CA October 29, 2018 Arbela, Reveel and the Manufacturing Executive Institute are sponsors of the APICS Inland Empire (APICS_IE) Fall 2018 Symposium on Saturday, November 3, 2018 at Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, California. APICS Inland Empire Chapter (APICS-IE) is the leading association for manufacturing, distribution and logistics professionals focused on the end-to-end supply chain and operations. This event marks the sixth year that APICS-IE convenes a Fall conference and expert panel to share insights on global supply chain trends and strategies. "As the entire supply chain becomes more impacted by global commerce, ongoing innovation and the need for supply chain resilience, it's important to share best practices. We need to be aware of issues that affect our suppliers' suppliers and our customers' customers. Learning from professionals who face these opportunities and challenges each day can help us look at how we can improve customer service, reduce costs and leverage technologies" noted Lisa Anderson, APICS-IE Chapter Leader and President of LMA Consulting Group. This year's title is: Advancing Innovation & Navigating Global Trends. "We have an expert panel lined up and appreciate the support of our sponsors who help underwrite the event" she said. The symposium attracts industry professionals from the Inland Empire and Southern California, as well as sponsors who provide solutions for manufacturers and distributors. Sponsors include: The Manufacturing Executive Institute (MEI), Arbela and Reveel. "The APICS Inland Empire chapter is an important resource for manufacturing executives" noted Alan Dunn, Founder of the MEI and President of GDI Consulting. The symposiums attract a wide range of professionals from entrepreneurs and middle management executives to students. "APICS-IE provides a platform for manufacturing and distribution supply chain professionals to come together, collaborate and build on the supply chain innovation in the industry. We are pleased to provide our continuing support" noted Nima Bakhtiary, President and CEO of Arbela Technologies. All supply chains are affected by transportation whether locally or globally. "We support the different needs of many supply chains. APCIS-IE provides a resource for information, education and collaboration. We are proud to be a part of that" noted Keith Durna, Vice-President at Reveel. The APICS-IE Fall Symposium: "Advancing Innovation & Navigating Global Trends" will be held Saturday, November 3, 2018 from 8:00-11:30 AM at Harvey Mudd College in Claremont. Fees to attend are $15 for members, $25 for non-members and students are no charge (must register in advance). A breakfast buffet is included. Register online: APCIS-IE.org. The Port of Corpus Christi and investment firm The Carlyle Group will team up to develop an inland crude oil export terminal to load some of the worlds largest oil tankers. The project, estimated to cost upward of $1 billion, would operate on Harbor Island, near Port Aransas, and just 2 miles inland from the Gulf of Mexico. The terminal would allow Texas record oil production to be exported around the world. The terminal, which is expected to become operational in 2020, would include two loading docks that can service very large crude carriers, or VLCCs, which can carry 2 million barrels of oil per ship. Exporters prefer larger tankers because they are more efficient and cut transportation costs. READ ALSO: Eagle Ford Shale discovery upended South Texas 10 years ago The deal is a key component of Corpus Christis transformation into a global export hub. Analysts have said the majority of new crude production from the Permian Basin in West Texas, the Eagle Ford Shale in South Texas and other U.S. shale plays will be exported, with Corpus Christi well positioned to handle a large share of the growing volumes because of its proximity to Texas oil fields and the network of pipelines serving the area. From an economic development standpoint, said Iain Vasey, CEO of the Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corp., the amount of investment thats coming into our area thats moving all of the energy products out of the Permian Basin and Eagle Ford into the Port of Corpus Christi, there is an absolute need to be able to load and unload the largest tankers. The Port of Corpus Christi first announced its plan develop property on Harbor Island in May, along with plan to build a related storage complex across Redfish Bay, to the west, in a yet-to-be determined location. From the beginning, said John Coleman, a senior analyst at the energy research firm Wood Mackenzie, port officials have sought a private-sector partner to help finance and operate the terminal. READ ALSO: Permian hangover in West Texas may rekindle Eagle Ford The Carlyle Group, headquartered in Washington, was founded in 1987 and manages $210 billion in assets across the world that include real estate, aerospace, energy projects and lending. The company says that it has fewer than 1,900 investors from 86 countries, according to its website. The investment firm and the Port of Corpus Christi would share the costs of construction of the terminal, although they did not provide details of the costs that would be split. Under the agreement, The Carlyle Group would secure private funding for dredging along a portion of the Corpus Christi Ship Channel to Harbor Island to 75 feet, the depth required for fully laden VLCCs, Under the agreement, Carlyle, which would be the exclusive operator of the terminal, would pay the port rent and fees based on the amount of crude that moves through the facility. The export terminal has sparked opposition from Port Aransas residents who fear the tanker traffic, the powerful wakes they generate and the potential for spills will damage fisheries, beaches and tourism on which the island community depends. John Donovan, one of the leaders of an opposition group, the Port Aransas Conservancy, said the ports claim that the terminal would be the safest, most environmentally friendly marine terminal for large crude oil tankers is somewhere between a bad joke and a lie. READ ALSO: Oil production, exports continue to grow Cathy Fulton, a member of group, said the project will only benefit the port, Carlyles wealthy investors and the oil companies. The benefit to Port Aransas, she said, nothing. In a news release announcing the partnership, the ports CEO Sean Strawbridge said the project underscores the vital role the Port of Corpus Christi plays in the global energy markets and as an important economic generator for the great state of Texas. The Port of Corpus Christi is working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on a $327 million project to deepen the ship channel to around 54 feet and widen it to 530 feet to allow for more traffic and larger ships. Jayson Hudson, a regulatory project manager at the Corps, said the port has submitted a preapplication for dredging the ship channel to 75 feet from the Gulf to Ingleside, the site of a VLCC-capable oil loading terminal. The dredging would require the corps to approve a permit application and to carry out an environmental assessment. The production boom in Permian Basin expected to hit 3.5 million barrels a day is driving other export terminal proposals. Both Enterprise Products Partners of Houston and the Swiss commodities trader Trafigura have announced plans to build facilities offshore. Trafigura has proposed developing its terminal about 13 miles offshore of Corpus Christi and creating a potential competitor to the Port of Corpus Christi, which has filed protests with the U.S. Maritime Administration and Coast Guard. As the second great steel guitarist to join Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys, Herb Remington needed to make his mark. Wills, in particular, pushed the Indiana native because Leon McAuliffe Remington's predecessor in the Playboys had just scored a hit with "Pan Handle Rag." So in early 1949, Remington sat with his steel guitar and began work on "Boot Heel Drag." The song proved a masterful showcase for Wills' band: Remington's steel guitar an instrument he co-designed springs to life from the outset, slurring through an ear worm of a melody before letting the fiddle, piano and guitar take some licks, while Remington pings and slides his vamps in the background. Remington died last week in Houston, where he'd made his home since the 1950s. His legacy includes a number of ageless compositions and a distinctive approach to an instrument crucial to the sound of western swing. He also left behind instruments he designed that bore his name: Remington Steel Guitars. Remington was 92. Born in Mishawaka, Ind., he grew up during the Depression, but Remington's parents had a piano, his first instrument, and they secured him a catalog guitar and mail-order music instruction books. His trailhead, though, wasn't radio or a concert. As a high school student, Remington recalled seeing a movie in the theater that featured a variation on the Hawaiian steel guitar tradition. "It didn't sound like anything else I'd ever heard," he told the Chronicle. "I was a kid in Indiana. And it seemed to be calling from somewhere far away." Remington spent two years in the Army. In 1946, at age 20, he entered hotel room to audition for bandleader Luke Wills, but instead caught the ear of Luke's brother Bob. "Of course I was nervous," Remington said. "But I knew I could play." As the Texas Playboys' leader, Wills had a big set of boots to fill: Houston native McAuliffe is among the most influential guitarists of the 20th century. McAuliffe was a member of the storied Light Crust Doughboys as a teenager before joining Doughboys alum Wills' Texas Playboys in 1935. McAuliffe left the Playboys in 1945, and was replaced by Noel Boggs, who was then recruited by Spade Cooley. Roy Honeycutt filled in briefly, but when Wills heard Remington, he moved Honeycutt to Luke Wills' band and hired Remington. For three years Remington could be heard making all manner of contributions to the Playboys' sound. "Boot Heel Drag" was among the most heard because it was the b-side to "Faded Love." The sounds of the Texas Playboys evolved in an intriguing way with Remington in the fold. His work with the great guitarist Eldon Shamblin and the electric mandolin and fiddle played by Tiny Moore electrified the band's sound. The jazzy interplay between these three instrumentalists is on brilliant display on Wills' "The Tiffany Transcriptions," a set of recordings made in San Francisco between 1946 and 1947 for a radio show. "Herby was the kid in the band when they hired him, but they hired an original," says Ray Benson, frontman of the western swing institution Asleep at the Wheel. "His tunings were unique, they were his own. He told me it's because he didn't want to sound like somebody else. And it worked. I'll tell you the best compliment you could imagine. I was talking with Chet Atkins one time. He asked about who was playing with Wills in the late 1940s because it was the most incredible steel guitar player he'd heard. I told him, 'That'd be Herby.'" Wills and the Texas Playboys also cut quite a few sides for MGM during this time. A lively anthology from the era gets its title from Remington's composition: "Boot Heel Drag: The MGM Years." "Playboy Chimes" was another notable song from that era, one Remington co-wrote with Wills. Remington plinks out the song's theme at its outset, drawing Wills' approval: "Well, that's Herby," the bandleader sing-speaks. "Aaaaaw, that 'Playboy Chimes.'" Remington holds the song down while the other instrumentalists rip through their solos, restating the theme between breaks. Then Wills welcomes him back, "There he is again!" He sits back initially on "Ida Red Likes the Boogie," a song that starts moving with fiddle and vocals before the full ensemble kicks in, Remington's steel guitar the quake that sets off the wave of sound. Though operating in the western swing style, Remington's playing often showed flashing glimmers of that Hawaiian sound that first caught his ear: Just listen to the lines he plays in his solo on "Papa's Jumpin'," elongated almost imperceptibly. In 1949, he left Wills' employ and joined Hank Penny's band, where he contributed the instrumental "Remington Ride." Remington married and settled in Houston in the early '50s, where he was a regular session player, though often uncredited, on some Starday recordings, including some made by George Jones. For Starday he also also cut some songs of his own in the '50s like instrumentals "Slush Pump" and "Fiddlesteel." He continued to tour and play on albums, and can be heard on recordings by Merle Haggard, Floyd Tillman, Merle Travis and Willie Nelson, whose 1959 recording of "Rainy Day Blues" derives much of its blue mood from Remington's sweeping notes. "If I called him with a question about a song, nine times out of 10 he'd have played with that person," says Dan Johnson, an Austin-based steel guitarist, who was one of Remington's students. "Patsy Cline, Hank Williams, Slim Whitman . . ." Remington toggled between old school western swing and his first love, after he formed a band with his wife Melba called the Beachcombers that drew from his love of Hawaiian music. He scaled back his touring and focused more on building and selling non-pedal steel guitars in 1978, work that carried him into the 21st century. And he also mentored younger players like Johnson, a punk rock kid who honored his dying father's wish to give up rock 'n' roll and learn to play country music. "This was before the internet and cell phones, so I had to hunt him down like I was searching for Yoda," Johnson says. He got a phone number and connected with Remington, whose terms were simple: Buy a $1,200 Remington lap steel guitar and you get one free lesson. "It changed the course of my life," Johnson says. "That this guy took the time and cared enough to teach me this skill that so many people would consider a dead art." Three years ago Remington's wife died. Johnson says, "He just kept playing. The concept of retirement didn't register with him. Why wouldn't he play. That's the meat and potatoes of who the guy was. And he never got worse. He was playing stuff in his 80s that was incredible." Still for those unfamiliar with Remington's remarkable life and work, the Wills' "Tiffany Transcriptions" recordings will always be a timeless point of entry, a peak period for the western swing style. They're a deep document of music, as well as testament to Remington's brilliance as an instrumentalist as well as an accompanist, who found his own language on his chosen instrument, which has been carried forward by generations of subsequent players. "Everything he did was in a Herb Remington way," says Will Van Horn, a young Houston pedal steel guitarist. "You can hear something, just a couple of notes, and you know it's Herb. He took the Hawaiian music and the western swing and made something of his own. If you want to learn the instrument, you have to know the vocabulary he created." andrew.dansby@chron.com The Pentagon said Monday that it would order 5,200 active-duty soldiers to the Southwestern border to help fortify the area as a caravan of Central American migrants slowly heads north through Mexico. A San Antonio-based command, U.S. Army North, will help with the mission to assist the Homeland Security Department along the Texas-Mexico border. Air Force Gen. Terrence OShaughnessy, chief of the U.S. Northern Command, said 800 soldiers already were en route to Texas. Theyre coming from Fort Campbell. Theyre coming from Fort Knox, he said at a news conference in Washington. Theyre going to continue their training, and theyre ready to deploy to actually be employed on the border. In a tweet Monday, President Donald Trump warned the convoy of migrants, most of them Hondurans and Guatemalans, that they would not be allowed in the country, calling them an invasion force and adding, our Military is waiting for you! The soldiers, like the National Guard troops already on the border, will be armed and allowed to use their weapons in self-defense, but federal law does not allow the military to detain or confront immigrants. More for you Trudging along, migrants seek a better life Army North, based at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, said military personnel will provide a range of support for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, including planning assistance, engineering support, and fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft to move federal agents. The Army also will provide medical teams to triage, treat and prepare for commercial transport of patients, command and control facilities, temporary housing for CBP personnel and personal protective equipment for CBP personnel, the statement said. Engineering support will include temporary barriers, barricades and fencing, it said. OShaughnessy said the military, working alongside CBP officers, would focus first on hardening the border in Texas, followed by Arizona and California. He said the Pentagon already has sent 22 miles of concertina wire to the border and has enough additional wire to cover 150 miles. The deployments will include three combat engineer battalions, OShaughnessy said. He highlighted the deployment of helicopters, which will have night-vision capabilities and sensors, saying, Well be able to spot and identify groups and rapidly deploy CBP personnel where they are needed. Army North said the U.S. Northern Command would serve as the lead for the duration of the operation but did not elaborate. Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland will be among the staging areas used by soldiers who are part of the border mission, a Pentagon spokesman, Navy Capt. Bill Speaks, said Tuesday. Fort Hood, meanwhile, reported that parts of its 89th Military Police Brigade and 36th Engineer Brigade would be dispatched to the border. A post spokesman, Tyler Broadway, did not know how many soldiers would be involved or when operations would begin. As directed by the Pentagon, III Corps and Fort Hood will deploy soldiers, equipment, and resources to support the Department of Homeland Security along the Southwestern border. The Army will bring along such items temporary barriers, barricades, and fencing, logistics support to move U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel, and medical teams to triage the sick and injured. It also will help prepare for commercial transport of patients and preparing meals in the field. The presidents order, coming eight days before the midterm elections, will add to a National Guard presence on the border, bringing the total number of troops to just under 7,300. Citing a Defense Department official, Newsweek reported that the active-duty contingent could reach 7,000, with another 7,000 on standby and able to join the force on 24 hours notice. The reserve units are to include dog handlers, linguistics personnel and more aviation units, according to documents the magazine reviewed. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Kevin McAleenan said planners were preparing to respond to any large group trying to force an entry at any point on the border. As information on the approach of a large group at a port of entry is available, we have at the ready 1,000 CBP officers, including 250 tactical enforcement officers and mobile response team professionals with training on managing contingencies including riot control. The Washington Post has reported that Trump is preparing to announce a major immigration crackdown Tuesday, in which he is expected to invoke emergency powers to bar migrants from crossing the border and asking for asylum a move that almost certainly would result in immediate legal challenges. The U.S. is a party to the United Nations convention on refugees, which holds in part that countries should not pose penalties on refugees who enter unlawfully to ask for asylum. Trump has sought to make illegal immigration a defining theme for the midterm and has made the migrant caravan a regular topic at political rallies and tweets. He has said, without evidence, that gang members, Middle Easterners and very bad people are among those making their way north. Most are fleeing poverty and crippling gang violence, and many have said they intend to surrender at the border to claim asylum. The main group of about 3,500 is still in southern Mexico, McAleenan said. From a peak of nearly 7,000, its numbers have thinned. At least 1,000 caravan members have applied for asylum in Mexico, authorities say. McAleenan said a second group at the Guatemalan border with Mexico has about 3,000, made up of family units and unaccompanied children who have placed themselves in the hand of violent human smugglers paying $7,000 per person to make the journey. National Guard units in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California had 2,092 troops on the border as the week began, but the number of soldiers was far lower than what originally had been projected when Trump ordered their deployment in early spring. At one point, the administration said it would deploy around 4,000 guard troops to the Lower Rio Grande Valley. The Texas Guard, the nations largest, with around 21,292 soldiers and airmen, has more than 1,000 personnel stationed along the border, said a spokesman, Josh Amstutz. That number is up from the initial number of personnel mobilized this past spring. The overall number of migrants crossing the border illegally dropped to a historic low in the year after Trump took office in 2017, part of a steady decline from a peak of more than 1.6 million in 2000. Though total apprehensions rose slightly this year to 396,579, the greatest source of frustration to the Trump administration has been the change in who is coming, from mostly Mexican men to a large jump in Central American families seeking asylum. More than 16,650 families were apprehended at the border in September, a 30 percent jump from August, bringing the total number of families coming here illegally to 107,212 during the fiscal year ending in September a 42 percent increase from the previous fiscal year. The administration for months has blamed federal rules and congressional loopholes for preventing it from detaining most Central American families until they are deported and has pushed to change them. It is trying to undo a landmark 1997 lawsuit settlement that prevents the prolonged detention of children and to change a 2008 bipartisan law meant to curb human trafficking. It has blamed the two for its zero-tolerance policy this summer that resulted in the separation of more than 2,600 children from their parents, many of whom were deported while their children remained in U.S. shelters. Trump ended the policy in June after facing widespread outrage, and a federal judge in California ordered the government to reunify the families, a process that is still ongoing. The government has few options in limiting the legal right to ask for asylum. The administration said many families are released to pursue their cases and then never show up to court, or, if they do, that their cases take months or years to process in the record-backlogged system. U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, expressed support for the expanded military mission, saying in a statement, I strongly believe that this starts with ensuring that we implement policies and utilize technology that will have long-term, significant outcomes on the area in a safe and reliable way. This partnership with DOD will help enhance CBP capabilities at, and between, our ports of entry. National Guard operations on the border were launched by Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, as well as Texas governors who include Rick Perry and Greg Abbott. Trumps original guard deployment order resembled Obamas Operation Phalanx, which started in 2010 and involved 1,200 soldiers, but its been far smaller than Bushs Operation Jump Start, which saw 6,000 troops descend on the border in 2006. The administration last week began freeing migrant families unrelated to the caravan who were apprehended at the Southwestern border en masse, saying it no longer had the resources to complete their post release plans and drop them at bus stations or otherwise coordinate their travel plans. It has said it doesnt have the capacity to detain them, though the three family detention centers had only 1,977 beds occupied last week out of a funded capacity of 2,500. The mass releases are overwhelming nonprofit shelters from McAllen to San Diego and have led to speculation among advocates and Border Patrol agents that space is being made in the detention centers to hold families in the caravan attempting to pursue asylum. Some migrant advocates have even said it could be part of an effort to suggest instability at the border. sigc@express-news.net Jorge A. Chavez trudged onto the muddy field at Kirbys Friendship Park, leaving behind the 21st century for the days of the Texas Revolution. He wasnt a high school math teacher nor a Church of Christ preacher from Laredo his 21-century duties as he lumbered across the wet grass in his heavy, wool infantry uniform and 2-pound leather shako, a tall military hat, on his head. He gripped his Brown Bess musket, manufactured in Italy, as he joined a dozen soldados, or Mexican Army soldiers, to face off against the Texians. His family watched from behind a roped-off area as he and the other soldados fired at the Texians, who had taken a position in a nearby creek bed, as more than 80 volunteers re-created the battle of Concepcion, one of two opening skirmishes of the Texas Revolution. The re-creation was the highlight of the Texas in Revolt: Fall 1835, put on over the weekend by the San Antonio Living History Association. RELATED: Cenotaph sculptor claimed key role in Alamo preservation But this isnt a one-time deal for Chavez. He has made a financial and cultural investment in historical re-enactments $2,500 for his uniform and weapon, and a depth of gratitude to men he said are often maligned as villains. Unlike method actors of stage and films, he doesnt dwell on motivation, his only thought was fighting on behalf of the soldados. We do it for them, Chavez, 51, said, as clouds of gunpowder left the smell of raw eggs and a salty taste in the air. Its to remember their sacrifice and bravery. The original battle of Concepcion took place on the morning of Oct. 28, 1835, at an area thats now a national park near Mission Concepcion. Unable to use the original site, the city of Kirby allowed the use of land that has the same terrain and size. This was the associations third year at Friendship Park. In the afternoon, the association put on the Grass Fight, replicating when James Bowie led Texians to attack and capture a Mexican cavalry pack train from Mexico, believed to be loaded with silver. They only found grass to feed army horses. RELATED: City Council approves major overhaul of Alamo Plaza The re-enactments go beyond the battlefield. Volunteers also re-created Texian and Mexican army encampments and put on demonstrations of 19th-century life. Anne Marie Berglund, dressed in garb that she once wouldnt have imagined wearing, was helping guests make corn-husk dolls. She joined the association 20 years ago when her 4-year-old grandson wanted to play Davy Crockett. Now shes the groups secretary. The background history is the future for everybody, she said. The associations chairman, Robert Benavides, said it was founded in 1986 for the states sesquicentennial celebration. Some of the groups volunteers have discovered they were related to people from Texas revolutionary days. The blood is in us, Benavides said, and we are a living legacy. Before the event, re-enactors gathered at the park pavilion for safety instructions from event coordinator and Vice President Phillip De La Pena, who joined the group at age 15. He gave the safety word of the day, Buster, and said he would blow a whistle three times for the battle to stop in case of a cannon fire or medical emergency. When the battle began, two drones hovered overhead, capturing the scene for social media coverage. This is how we stay relevant in the age of social media, said De La Pena, who played Col. Nicolas Condelle, commander of the Morelos Battalion. On the Texians side, Jeffery Opperman, who came from Nacogdoches, portrayed Jim Bowie. You try to keep it historic and correct, he said. And at the same time give the crowd something to see. In the early minutes of the skirmish, he knelt and yelled, Maintain your cover! as the Mexican troops advanced through drifting cannon smoke. Before the battle, Opperman, 62, and fellow volunteer, Juan Gonzales, talked with William Pradia, 12, about joining their ranks. We need replacements, Gonzales said. Were too old to be running around. After the battle ended, the ropes were removed and Ben Kruse, 48, and his wife, Jean, were among the crowd that walked out to talk to the re-enactors. Kruse said as school teachers theyd like to talk to the Kirby mayor about bringing students out as a historical and educational experience. Its nice to see there are organizations out here with living history, he said. People dont have that commitment anymore. Vincent T. Davis is a reporter in the Greater San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | vtdavis@express-news.net | Twitter: @vincentdavis Mayor Ron Nirenberg, four former mayors and a bipartisan group of elected and community leaders on Monday called on local citizens to vote against three proposed charter amendments backed by the citys fire union that they said would cause tremendous harm to the city. Nirenberg was joined by former mayors Julian Castro, Phil Hardberger, Ed Garza and Henry Cisneros. The five, along with former Mayor Lila Cockrell, are featured in a Go Vote No television ad that began airing Monday. For us to have a great future here in San Antonio together, we have to run through the tape, Nirenberg said, referring to the Nov. 6 finish line. So were asking everyone to join us in one last push for the polls today. The proposed amendments would make it easier to use referendums to challenge council decisions, including on tax and utility rates; cap the salary of future city managers and impose a term limit; and give the firefighters union unilateral power to decide when contract negotiations would be taken into binding arbitration. There have been times in San Antonios history when we were like a car that was barely moving, Hardberger said. Well, weve got it in fourth gear now, and were about to go into overdrive, and yet we have some people who have come out of the woodwork that would have it go into reverse. So Im going to ask the citizens of San Antonio to not let San Antonio be shoved into reverse and lose 20 years or so. We are making this a great city that gets better every day. The breadth of political support against the measures was on full display Monday at the Go Vote No headquarters. Standing behind the mayors were more than two dozen community leaders, Republicans and Democrats. They held blue-and-orange campaign signs as the former mayors rallied in front of them. Nirenberg said the Go Vote No campaign spans the local political divide. Former and current elected leaders who have thrown their support behind Go Vote No include former Councilman Reed Williams, a Republican; community activist and former Councilwoman Patti Radle; Joe Straus, the former Republican speaker of the Texas House of Representatives; U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith, R-San Antonio; and state Rep. Diego Bernal, D-San Antonio. Meanwhile, the progressive Texas Organizing Project continues to knock on doors, asking more than 100,000 voters to cast ballots against two of the propositions. Toward the end of the news conference, Nirenberg turned to the bank of TV cameras and began speaking directly to the citys firefighters. He doubled down on his strategy of targeting union President Chris Steele, even as the union and its allies have pushed back against what they have deemed personal attacks on the longtime fire leader. Chris Steele is no friend to the San Antonio firefighters. For four years, we have attempted to ask Chris Steele to come to the table to negotiate a contract on behalf of the members of this community the firefighters and their families who put their lives on the line every single day, he said. For four years, we have been told, No, and thats not right. Josh Baugh is a staff writer in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | jbaugh@express-news.net | Twitter: @jbaugh The Go Vote No campaign is preparing to release a new batch of recordings in which firefighters union President Chris Steele is heard boasting in 2017 about his plans to take a pound of flesh from council members who opposed the union and to make Mayor Ron Nirenberg cry uncle. Steele is also heard describing how he used targeted Facebook ads to hound Fire Chief Charles Hood while Hood was on a trip to Arizona in 2016. Go Vote No is expected to release the excerpts at a Tuesday news conference as part of its effort to persuade voters to reject three union-supported city charter amendments on the Nov. 6 ballot. The campaign will cite the recordings as evidence that Steele is a hypocrite who claims the amendments are in the public interest but whose real aim is to amass power and exact retribution against Nirenberg and other adversaries. The San Antonio Express-News independently obtained the excerpts from a Fire Department source. They were made surreptitiously while Steele was speaking to on-duty firefighters at a fire station in late 2017. In excerpts released earlier this month, Steele is heard telling firefighters about his strategic plan to secure a good contract for firefighters and replace Nirenberg with our guy, City Councilman Greg Brockhouse. In the latest excerpts, Steele brags about the San Antonio Professional Fire Fighters Associations political strength. I can shut down anything in Austin. Even with (Republican Speaker of the House) Joe Straus gone, we can pass whatever we want to pass, Steele is heard saying. So, 2019 theres going to be some legislation to take care of contracts, take care of insurance and some other things that were going to pass for us. Since 2014, the fire unions collective-bargaining agreement has been in whats known as evergreen status, meaning that most of the contract stays in force until a new one is negotiated. At times on the recordings, Steele seems confident that hell be able to negotiate a satisfactory contract with Nirenberg. But if that doesnt work, he muses, the union will get Brockhouse to run against him and knock him out in May of 2019. And then well get a contract right after that. Steele also appears to suggest that Nirenberg would bow down if the union spread negative publicity about San Antonios Tricentennial celebration. He says, incorrectly, that San Antonio has the worst violent crime in the country worse than Memphis, New Orleans, Detroit. Dont come to San Antonio for the 300 year because youre not going to be safe, Steele says. San Antonios No. 1 in crime in the nation. Nirenberg, asked for comment, said the recordings showed that the proposed charter amendments are a special-interest power grab. This is further proof of Chris Steeles campaign of lies and deception, he said. Propositions A, B and C are meant to serve his own pursuit of power and would cause chaos in a city he despises and that he doesnt even live in. Prop A would make it easier to use referendums to challenge council decisions, including on tax and utility rates; Prop B would cap the salary of future city managers and impose a term limit; and Prop C would give the firefighters union unilateral power to decide when contract negotiations would be submitted to binding arbitration. The unions Vote Yes campaign said in a statement that City Manager Sheryl Sculley and her puppet mayor keep wanting to make this about Chris Steele because they are afraid of losing unchecked power. These propositions are supported by a broad cross-section of San Antonio because voters are sick of City Hall backroom deals and annual property tax increases. On the recordings, Steele is heard describing plans to use Facebook ads to bring public pressure on council members to give those firefighters a good deal. Steele also recounts how the union used a social-media platform to circulate criticism of Hood among Facebook users in Phoenix while the fire chief was on a trip to that city in 2016. The Facebook ads said Hood was out of touch and had damaged morale by firing six Fire Department cadets for drinking in public. Everywhere he went while he was there, they were hammering him on it, Steele says on the recordings. Hood, asked for comment, said of Steele: Hes got a political agenda. Ive got a department to run. Josh Baugh is a staff writer in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | jbaugh@express-news.net | Twitter: @jbaugh Monica Alcantara has had a rough year at the helm of the Bexar County Democratic Party. Most conspicuously, she presided last month over the special election loss of a Democratic stronghold to Republican Pete Flores, who defeated former congressman Pete Gallego in Senate District 19. More recently, Alcantaras woes have materialized in a mailer sent to voters this past weekend touting the local partys support for three misguided charter amendments on the November ballot. On Monday, I met Alcantara at the Lions Field early voting site, where she emphasized she was about to vote no on all three propositions and grappled gamely with the local partys troubles. READ ALSO: Dem Party chairwoman wants to revisit charter-amendment endorsement Most, she suggested, could be traced to a single troublemaker: the partys former chair, Manuel Medina. Alcantara trounced Medina in the March primary, beating him with 67 percent of the vote. At the time, Medina seemed to take the loss on the chin, publicly celebrating the power of Hispanic women and calling it a good thing. Ever since, he has kept a grip on his expired power by working behind the scenes to undermine the woman who won, deploying the numerous precinct chairs who remain his loyalists, otherwise known as Manuelistas, to upset her attempts at leadership. The math has worked in Medinas favor. Of about 545 precinct chair positions, only about 270 are filled at all and too many with Manuelistas. This imbalance is how despite Alcantaras objections, the local party in August passed a resolution in support of the unions antigovernment charter amendments. READ ALSO: Monica Alcantara, Bexar Democratic Party chair-elect, gears up for November At the meeting, Alcantara recalled, Manuel Medina, who is a former chair, was in attendance, and along with (precinct chair and fire union official) Rudy Morales, when we got to new business toward the end of the meeting, did pose the resolution, did bring the resolution to the floor, and at that time, since so many of our members had left that day, the endorsement passed. That vote, orchestrated by Medina, was about as lopsided as his loss to Alcantara, passing 67 to 29. And the hits just kept coming. A few weeks later, urged on by Medina, a rogue faction of precinct chairs opened a new party headquarters on the citys East Side despite the fact that the party itself had not authorized a new headquarters, as required by party rules. Naturally, Medina appeared to emcee the unauthorized headquarters grand opening. In an email that week to party officials, Alcantara wrote that the office had no affiliation with the local party. (She was more conciliatory on Monday, calling the East Side office an annex of the party.) READ ALSO: Sick leave, firefighter proposals could shake up Bexar County's November vote Then, last month, Flores shocked Texas Democrats by upsetting Gallego in Senate District 19, until then a Democratic redoubt stretching from the South Side of San Antonio past the West Texas town of Alpine. In Bexar County, Democrats took just 53 percent of the vote in the runoff, a precipitous drop from the 66 percent theyd won in the first round and a diminished turnout that caused some to look askance at the local party. Democrats here in Bexar County came out, Alcantara insisted on Monday. Unfortunately, the rural area where Pete Gallego unfortunately, they just didnt turn out for Pete Gallego. When I suggested Bexar County Democrats could have performed better, Alcantara somewhat conceded the point. At that point in time, I was, what, in (office) two and a half months, she said. That could play a part of it. I do know the fact is that, here in Bexar County, we did pull out the numbers. Maybe we could have pulled them out stronger, of course. I know the party was going through a bit of a fracture. We had some issues. Issue No. 1: Medina. His influence was felt once again this past weekend, when voters received a mailer from the San Antonio First campaign with a banner that read: The Bexar County Democratic Party has endorsed Propositions A, B & C. READ ALSO: Rules floated by local Dems On Monday, Alcantara sent an email to local Democrats addressing the mailer and strongly condemning the propositions. I believe the proposed amendments to our city charter are rooted in a fundamental distrust of our government, she wrote. They seek to dupe the citizens of San Antonio into ceding even more power over to developers and other special interests by exploiting our natural inclination to make government more accountable to the people. It is my opinion that the proponents of these propositions are engaging in the same Trump-style populist tactics that Democrats are working so hard to fight against, Alcantara continued. These propositions may as well be ripped from the pages of the Republican playbook. It was a strong statement. But before Alcantara can accrue any real strength as chair, she must first start filling the partys vacant positions with precinct chairs who arent beholden to Medina. (CNN) German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced on Monday that she would not seek re-election when her term expires in 2021. Merkel, who has been Chancellor since 2005, made the announcement during a news conference today in Berlin. "It is time today for me to start a new chapter," Merkel told reporters in Berlin. "This fourth term is my last term as Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany. In the next Bundestag election in 2021, I will not run again as Chancellor. I will not run for the German Bundestag any more, and I do not want any other political office." Merkel told reporters that being Chancellor has been a "very challenging and fulfilling task." Her decision appears to mark the beginning of the end of her 13-year dominance of European politics. Merkel also announced on Monday that she would stand down from the chairmanship of her center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party after 18 years in the post. She said that she's known since the summer break that she no longer wanted to be the CDU chairman and that during the party's conference in December she will not run again for the position. The announcement is a sign of Merkel's weakened power within her own party, and waning popularity in the country. Both parties under Merkel's ruling coalition the CDU and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) suffered heavy losses in a regional election over the weekend. While the CDU remained the largest party in the election, which was held in the central state of Hesse, its vote was down 10% from the previous election. Second blow to Merkel's fragile government This weekend's election is a second blow to Merkel's fragile "grand coalition" government. On October 14, the Christian Social Union, or CSU the Bavarian sister party to the CDU lost its majority in the Bavarian state parliament. The CSU has dominated politics in the state since the end of World War II, ruling for all but three years over the course of nearly seven decades. Speaking on October 15, Merkel admitted that voters had lost trust in the government and that it was her job to "make sure that trust is won back." "I will work on that with as much vigor as I can," she added. Bavaria bore the brunt of the 2015 refugee crisis; at its peak, thousands of asylum seekers were crossing into the state every day. Since then, both Merkel and her CSU allies have been criticized for their management of the influx. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Angela Merkel announced she will not seek re-election as German Chancellor." NEWS FLASH The General Manager of Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport, Sasa Vlaisavljevic, has confirmed he will resign from his post following the airport's takeover by concession company VINCI by the end of the year. "I believe that together with my team I have completed a very successful five-year investment cycle but I don't see myself at the helm of the company upon the concessionaire's arrival. I do believe there are people from my team that could be of great use to VINCI, which is why I will suggest several of my close colleagues to them for whom I believe could successfully manage the company", Mr Vlaisavljevic said. VINCI is yet to name its management team for Belgrade Airport, however, its Serbian subsidiary - VINCI Airports Serbia - is being headed by Massimo Bruzzo, who previously served as the French company's Regional Head for Structured Finance, as well as the Project Director for Business Development. VINCI is expected to take full control of the airport during the first week of December. STAMFORD Julie Hetfield was born blind, but the 65-year-old never let that stop her from regular medical check-ups, including two mammograms in the last five years that saved her life. With the help of her seeing-eye dog, Layla, the Stamford woman has never missed her annual mammograms, even though the trip to the Tully Health Center requires making an appointment with Norwalk Transits Paratransit service for elderly and disabled residents. A two-time cancer survivor, Hetfield has a message for women who dont regularly get checked. "Even for a few seconds of discomfort, its a far better outcome than losing your life," the former medical transcriptionist said. While death rates from breast cancer have steadily declined since the early 1990s, less women over the age of 40 are getting screened. According to a 2017 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 3 women aged 40 and over did not have a mammogram within the previous two years. Doctors recommend annual mammograms for women over 40. Dr. David Gruen, director of womens imaging at the Tully Health Center, said he often hears excuses from women who do not get regularly screened. "We hear women all the time say they dont have time for a mammogram, theyre too busy for a mammogram, that life gets in the way of doing something that is preventative they have their children, their families, their careers," Gruen said. Hetfield said there should be no excuse. "Some people, theyre very fortunate that they have their car, and they can get in their car and come and its not quite so time consuming because once you get there you have the test and you can leave and go right home," she said. "If you rely on paratransit, theres always times when you have to wait and it does take a little more time, but its still worth it." Mammograms typically involve two low-dose X-rays of each breast. Hetfield, who had cancer in both breasts, said the tests were uncomfortable, but that didnt stop her from getting checked. She was first diagnosed in 2014 with cancer in her right breast. Four years later, she received the same diagnosis in her left breast. Even though the cancers were detected early enough to be removed, Hetfield opted for mastectomies. While Hetfield chose to have her breasts removed, Gruen said there were other options. "We know that not choosing a mastectomy or to choose a lumpectomy or a smaller surgery still has the exact same long-term survival," he said. Hetfield was able to walk away cancer-free without chemotherapy or radiation. "I was awed by Julies ability to make normal what so many women find so difficult here is a woman who clearly had more obstacles to overcome just simply to get here, who normalized this important test," Gruen said. He said Hetfields story should serve as motivation for women with special needs. "Not being able to see is not an excuse," he said. Dr. Valerie Brutus, who performed the surgery, said she was moved by Hetfields strength. "What inspired me about Julie is that despite the obstacles she had to deal with, she never complained," Brutus said. Gruen said most women avoid mammograms because they fear what doctors may find. "Most people avoid health care because of a fear of what might be found. So, we might not go to the doctor because the doctor will tell us were overweight. And we dont want a colonoscopy because they may find a cancer," he said. "What we tell women is the real fear should be in finding something thats advanced because we didnt find it earlier." When cancer is found early, he said, the treatments and prognosis are great. "Dont be afraid to get tested, he said. Be afraid to not get tested. Another obstacle for some is cost, even though most insurance companies cover mammograms. Many imaging centers offer low-cost mammograms in October Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Those without insurance can contact organizations such as Planned Parenthood, the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program as well as Susan G. Komen affiliates to find low-cost exams. For Hetfield, one of the benefits of getting a mammogram at the Tully Center was finding out the results the same day. Gruen said the health center remains one of the few in the country that offers same-day results. "I wanted to know that very same day," Hetfield said. "Sometimes the waiting is what can make you more apprehensive, more scared, and then you start wondering what if." ignacio.laguarda@stamfordadvocate.com Greyrock Place and Tresser Boulevard: As hardhats make quick work of putting up 11 new apartment buildings, part of the new Stamford Urby apartment complex, new details this week emerged on when the project will likely be completed. Certificates of occupancy for some of the buildings will be sought in July by developers F.D. Rich Co. and Ironstate Development Co., others in January 2020, attorney Lisa Feinberg told the Zoning Board. The project, started last fall, calls for nearly 650 residential units on the sprawling 4.3-acre site across from Stamford Town Center. The lot was long an undeveloped parcel leftover from Urban Renewals downtown razing. It sat vacant for decades earning the moniker the hole in the ground. Have a question about a building, property or project? Email Barry Lytton with Point of Interest in the subject line at barry.lytton@stamfordadvocate.com. STAMFORD Longtime residents applauded the Zoning Board and the city this week for its recent push to limit high-density housing in neighborhoods outside of downtown. The move, amending the zoning text of the citys three village commercial districts in Glenbrook, Springdale and the West Side, would limit the number of units developers can build in the areas and enact stricter parking requirements to create more spaces. In doing so, the city earned rave reviews from members of the Stamford Neighborhood Coalition, a group founded two years ago in response to what they see as overbuilding in the district. The text overhaul even garnered praise from one of Springdale and Glenbrooks largest developers, Richard Freedman, who said the changes are appropriate. The districts in those two neighborhoods were created in 2009 to spur housing around the train stations, similar to so-called transit-oriented development which hopes to wean people off cars. But on the internet, particularly a blog based in New York City, the move earned outrage. Transit-Oriented Development Under Attack In New York Suburbs? reads the headline of a piece on Streetsblog NYC, a New York version of the multi-city outlet that calls itself adaily news site that connects people to information about how to reduce dependence on cars and improve conditions for walking, biking, and transit. This isnt transit-oriented development. Its the opposite of transit-oriented development, the article reads. The city of Stamford in New Yorks northern suburbs will consider a zoning change that would reduce densities and increase mandatory parking minimums in two neighborhoods next to the Metro-Norths New Canaan Branch a move that opponents fear would lead to less rail-friendly projects. The site attributes the sentiment to an unnamed Stamford resident. The blog said the person was disheartened about this. However, no one voiced opposition to the plan at Monday nights public hearing. City officials said they are using the input of a half-dozen commenters to tweak the new codes language ahead of another hearing. Land Use Bureau staff said they received no additional written comment on the plan. The changes would likely diminish developers returns by limiting the number of units they can rent, yet none spoke against the plan. Instead, Bureau Chief Ralph Blessing earned praise from oft-outspoken critics of his department, Barry Michelson and Mike Battinelli, members of the coalition. I have to applaud you and the Planning Board, Mr. Blessing, Battinelli said. You dont know how aggravating it is to come home and not find a parking spot in front of your house. The public hearing was continued and will likely be taken up at the boards next meeting in November. barry.lytton@stamfordadvocate.com; 203-964-2263; @bglytton BRIDGEPORT The family of a Sacred Heart University student, who died last year during a competitive eating contest, is suing the school. On March 30, 2017, 20-year-old Caitlin Nelson died while taking part in an on-campus, school-sanctioned pancake eating contest for charity. Caitlins family is bringing this case to expose the dangers associated with amateur eating contests and to help prevent other families from having to endure this type of preventable tragedy, said Katie Mesner-Hage of Koskoff, Koskoff & Bieder, which represents the family in the lawsuit filed in Superior Court. These contests are significantly more dangerous than people realize and its critically important for the public - especially educational institutions - to understand that certain foods are safer than others and a modicum of forethought can literally save lives. Nelson, whose father was a Port Authority police officer killed on 9/11, planned to obtain a master of social work upon graduating from Sacred Heart, said Mesner-Hage. Nelson also devoted her time to the Resiliency Center of Newtown, working with children affected by the 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. The lawsuit states that Sacred Heart not only approved the contest and the use of pancakes but it also failed to have medical personnel on-site in the event a student started choking. Moments after the contest began, Caitlin began struggling to breathe and police officers were called to provide emergency medical care. Responding officers described finding a mass of pancake paste like concrete in Caitlins airway, which was impossible to dislodge. Caitlin passed away three days later, the lawsuit states. iShares MSCI Thailand ETF's stock was trading at $63.83 on March 11th, 2020 when Coronavirus reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Since then, THD stock has increased by 22.3% and is now trading at $78.05. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF's stock was trading at $35.66 on March 11th, 2020 when COVID-19 reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Since then, EWL shares have increased by 42.0% and is now trading at $50.64. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. iShares MSCI South Korea ETF's stock was trading at $52.04 on March 11th, 2020 when COVID-19 (Coronavirus) reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Since then, EWY stock has increased by 50.7% and is now trading at $78.43. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. The following companies are subsidiares of Exxon Mobil: AKG Marketing Company Limited, Aera Energy LLC, Al-Jubail Petrochemical Company, Ampolex (Cepu) Pte Ltd, Ancon Insurance Company Inc., Barnett Gathering LLC, Barzan Gas Company Limited, Caspian Pipeline Consortium, Celtic Exploration Ltd., Coral FLNG S.A., Cross Timbers Energy LLC, Ellora Energy Inc., Esmeroon Oil Transporta Imperial Oil Limited, Esso (Thailand) Public Company Limited, Esso Australia Resources Pty Ltd, Esso Deutschland GmbH, Esso Erdgas Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH, Esso Exploration Angola (Block 15) Limited, Esso Exploration Angola (Block 17) Limited, Esso Exploration and Production Angola (Overseas) Limited, Esso Exploration and Production Chad Inc., Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited, Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria (Deepwater) Limited, Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria (Offshore East) Limited, Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited, Esso Exploration and Production UK Limited, Esso Global Investments Ltd., Esso Italiana S.r.l., Esso Nederland B.V., Esso Norge AS, Esso Petroleum Company Limited, Esso Raffinage, Esso Societe Anonyme Francaise, Exxo Holdings Inc., Exxon Azerbaijan Limited, Exxon Chemical Arabia Inc., Exxon International Finance Company, Exxon Luxembourg Holdings LLC, Exxon Mobile Bay Limited Partnership, Exxon Neftegas Limited, Exxon Overseas Corporation, Exxon Overseas Investment Corporation, ExxonMobil (China) Investment Co. Ltd., ExxonMobil (Taicang) Petroleum Co. Ltd., ExxonMobil Abu Dhabi Offshore Petroleum Company Limited, ExxonMobil Alaska Production Inc., ExxonMobil Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., ExxonMobil Australia Pty Ltd, ExxonMobil B Resources Company, ExxonMobil Capital Finance Company, ExxonMobil Capital Netherlands B.V., ExxonMobil Central Europe Holding GmbH, ExxonMobil Cepu Limited, ExxonMobil Chemical France, ExxonMobil Chemical Gulf Coast Investments LLC, ExxonMobil Chemical Holland B.V., ExxonMobil Chemical Services (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., ExxonMobil China Petroleum & Petrochemical Company Limited, ExxonMobil Development Africa B.V., ExxonMobil Development Company, ExxonMobil Egypt (S.A.E.), ExxonMobil Exploracao Brasil Ltda., ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Malaysia Inc., ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Norway AS, ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Romania Limited, ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Tanzania Limited, ExxonMobil Finance Company Limited, ExxonMobil Financial Investment Company Limited, ExxonMobil France Holding SAS, ExxonMobil Gas Marketing Europe Limited, ExxonMobil General Finance Company, ExxonMobil Global Services Company, ExxonMobil Golden Pass Surety LLC, ExxonMobil Holding Company Holland LLC, ExxonMobil Holding Norway AS, ExxonMobil Hong Kong Limited, ExxonMobil International Services SARL, ExxonMobil Iraq Limited, ExxonMobil Italiana Gas S.r.l., ExxonMobil Kazakhstan Inc., ExxonMobil Kazakhstan Ventures Inc., ExxonMobil LNG Services B.V., ExxonMobil Lubricants Trading Company, ExxonMobil Oil Corporation, ExxonMobil PNG Limited, ExxonMobil Petroleum & Chemical BVBA, ExxonMobil Petroleum & Chemical Holdings Inc., ExxonMobil Pipeline Company, ExxonMobil Production Deutschland GmbH, ExxonMobil Production Norway Inc., ExxonMobil Qatargas (II) Limited, ExxonMobil Qatargas Inc., ExxonMobil Ras Laffan (III) Limited, ExxonMobil Rasgas Inc., ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company, ExxonMobil Russia Kara Sea Holdings B.V., ExxonMobil Sales and Supply LLC, ExxonMobil Technology Finance Company, ExxonMobil Ventures Finance Company, ExxonMobil Ventures Funding Ltd., Fujian Refining & Petrochemical Co. Ltd., Golden Pass LNG Terminal Investments LLC, Golden Pass LNG Terminal LLC, Gulf Coast Growth Ventures LLC, Imperial Oil Limited, Imperial Oil Resources Limited, Imperial Oil Resources N.W.T. Limited, Imperial Oil/Petroliere Imperiale, Infineum Italia s.r.I., Infineum Singapore Pte. Ltd., InterOil Corporation, Jurong Aromatics Corporation Pte Ltd, MPM Lubricants, Marine Well Containment Company LLC, Mobil Australia Resources Company Pty Limited, Mobil California Exploration & Producing Asset Company, Mobil Caspian Pipeline Company, Mobil Chemical Products International Inc., Mobil Corporation, Mobil Equatorial Guinea Inc., Mobil Erdgas Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH, Mobil Exploration & Producing Australia Pty Ltd, Mobil International Petroleum Corporation, Mobil Oil Australia Pty Ltd, Mobil Oil Exploration & Producing Southeast Inc., Mobil Oil New Zealand Limited, Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, Mobil Producing Texas & New Mexico Inc., Mobil SerLimited, Mobil Venezolana De Petroleos Inc., Mobil Yanbu Petrochemical Company Inc., Mobil Yanbu Refining Company Inc., Mountain Gathering LLC, Mozambique Rovuma Venture S.p.A., Palmetto Transoceanic LLC, Papua New Guinea Liquefied Natural Gas Global Company LDC, Permian Express Partners LLC, Phillips Exploration LLC, Qatar Liquefied Gas Company Limited, Ras Laffan Liquefied Natural Gas Company Limited, Ras Laffan Liquefied Natural Gas Company Limited (II), SPI Limited, Saudi Aramco Mobil Refinery Company Ltd., Saudi Yanbu Petrochemical Co., SeaRiver Maritime Inc., South Hook LNG Terminal Company Limited, Tengizchevroil LLP, Terminale GNL Adriatico S.r.l, Trend Gathering & Treating LLC, Wolverine Pipe Line Company, XH LLC, XTO Delaware Basin LLC, XTO ENERGY, XTO Energy Canada, and XTO Holdings LLC. Mallinckrodt plc (NYSE:MNK) announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August, 4th. The company reported $1.89 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.34 by $0.55. The firm earned $700.90 million during the quarter, compared to analysts' expectations of $630.19 million. Mallinckrodt had a negative net margin of 89.94% and a positive trailing twelve-month return on equity of 34.26%. The company's revenue was down 14.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $2.53 EPS. View Mallinckrodt's earnings history. Westpac Banking Corp. engages in the provision of banking and financial services. It operates through the following segments: Consumer Bank, Business Bank, BT Financial Group (Australia), Westpac Institutional Bank, Westpac New Zealand and Group Businesses. The Consumer Bank segment covers consumer banking products and services under the Westpac, St. George, BankSA, Bank of Melbourne and RAMS brands. The Business Bank segment involves in sales and customer service of small-to-medium enterprise, commercial and agribusiness customers under the Westpac, St.George, Bank of Melbourne and BankSA brands. The BT Financial Group (Australia) segment manages wealth and insurance division. The Westpac Institutional Bank segment delivers a range of financial services to commercial, corporate, institutional, and government customers. The Westpac New Zealand segment comprises sales and service of banking, wealth, and insurance products for consumer, business, and institutional customers. The Group Businesses segment treasury which is responsible for the management of the Group's balance sheet, group technology which includes functions for the Australian businesses, and core support which covers Read More 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. Previous Next First Quantum Minerals Ltd. engages in the exploration, development, and production of mineral properties. It primarily explores for copper, nickel, pyrite, gold, silver, and zinc ores, as well as produces acid. The company holds 100% interests in the Ravensthorpe nickel and cobalt mine in Australia; the Sentinel copper project in North Western Province of Zambia; the Las Cruces copper mine in Spain; the Guelb Moghrein copper-gold mine in Mauritania; the PyhAsalmi copper, pyrite, zinc mine in Finland; and the Aayeli copper-zinc mine in Turkey. It also holds an 80% interest in the Kansanshi copper-gold mine and copper smelter in Zambia; and a 90% interest in the Cobre Panama project located in Panama. In addition, the company has interests in copper, gold, and molybdenum projects at various stages of development located in Argentina, Peru, and Zambia. The company was formerly known as First Quantum Ventures Ltd. and changed its name to First Quantum Minerals Ltd. in July 1996. First Quantum Minerals Ltd. was incorporated in 1983 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Ingersoll Rand: 211 E. Russell Road LLC, Air-Relief, Belliss & Morcom Brasil, Belliss and Morcom, Boardwalk Enterprises, Charm Merger Sub Inc., CompAir, CompAir (Hankook) Korea Co. Ltd., CompAir Acquisition (No. 2) Ltd., CompAir Acquisition Ltd., CompAir BroomWade Ltd., CompAir Canada, CompAir Finance Ltd., CompAir GmbH, CompAir Holdings Limited, CompAir Holman Ltd, CompAir International Trading (Shanghai) Co Ltd, CompAir Korea Ltd, CompAir South Africa (SA) (Pty) Ltd., CompAir UK Ltd, CompAir USA, Consolidated Distribution Holdings Ltd., DV Systems Inc., Emco Wheaton, Emco Wheaton GmbH Branch, Emco Wheaton Gmbh, Emco Wheaton UK, Emco Wheaton USA Inc, Enza Air Propriety Limited (South Africa), GD Aria Holdings #2 Limited, GD Aria Holdings Limited, GD Aria Investments Limited, GD First UK Ltd, GD German Holdings GmbH, GD German Holdings I Gmbh, GD German Holdings II GmbH, GD German Investments GmbH, GD Global Holdings, GD Global Holdings II, GD Global Holdings UK II Ltd., GD Global Ventures I B.V., GD Global Ventures II B.V., GD Global Ventures III B.V., GD Industrial Products Malaysia SDN. BHD., GD Investment KY, GD UK Finance Ltd., Gardner Denver (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Gardner Denver Austria GmbH, Gardner Denver Bad Neustadt Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Gardner Denver Belgium NV, Gardner Denver Brasil Industria E Comercio de Maquinas Ltda., Gardner Denver CZ + SK sro, Gardner Denver Canada Corp, Gardner Denver Cyprus Investments II Ltd., Gardner Denver Cyprus Investments II Ltd. - US Branch, Gardner Denver Cyprus Investments Ltd., Gardner Denver Cyprus Investments Ltd. - US Branch, Gardner Denver Deutschland GmbH, Gardner Denver Engineered Products India Private Limited, Gardner Denver FZE, Gardner Denver Finance II LLC, Gardner Denver Finance Inc & Co KG, Gardner Denver France SA, Gardner Denver France SAS, Gardner Denver Group Services Ltd, Gardner Denver Group Svcs Ltd, Gardner Denver Hoffman, Gardner Denver Holdings, Gardner Denver Holdings Limited, Gardner Denver Hong Kong Investments Limited, Gardner Denver Hong Kong Ltd, Gardner Denver Iberica, Gardner Denver Industries Ltd., Gardner Denver Industries Pty Ltd., Gardner Denver Industries Pty Ltd. Branch, Gardner Denver International, Gardner Denver International Ltd., Gardner Denver Intl Ltd Middle East Regional Rep Office, Gardner Denver Investments, Gardner Denver Italy Holdings S.r.L., Gardner Denver Japan, Gardner Denver Kirchhain Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Gardner Denver Korea, Gardner Denver Korea Ltd, Gardner Denver Ltd, Gardner Denver Ltd South Africa, Gardner Denver Ltd., Gardner Denver Ltd. Branch (Ireland), Gardner Denver Machinery (Shanghai) Co, Gardner Denver Machinery (Shanghai) Co., Gardner Denver Nash Brasil Industria E Comercio De Bombas Ltda, Gardner Denver Nash Deutschland GmbH, Gardner Denver Nash LLC, Gardner Denver Nash Machinery Ltd, Gardner Denver Nash Machinery Ltd., Gardner Denver Nederland BV, Gardner Denver Nederland Investments B.V., Gardner Denver Oberdorfer Pumps, Gardner Denver Oy, Gardner Denver Petroleum Pumps, Gardner Denver Polska Sp z.o.o., Gardner Denver Pte Ltd., Gardner Denver S.r.l., Gardner Denver Schopfheim GmbH, Gardner Denver Schopfheim Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Gardner Denver Schweiz AG, Gardner Denver Slovakia, Gardner Denver SudAmerica S.r.l., Gardner Denver Sweden AB, Gardner Denver Taiwan Ltd., Gardner Denver Thomas, Gardner Denver Thomas GmbH, Gardner Denver Thomas Pneumatic Systems (Wuxi) Co., Gardner Denver Thomas Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Gardner Denver UK, Gardner Denver Water Jetting Systems, Garo Dott. Ing. Roberto Gabbioneta S.r.l., Hamworthy Belliss & Morcom, ILMVAC (UK) Ltd., ILS Innovative Labor Systeme, ILS Inovative Laborsysteme GmbH, Indonesia Foreign Trade Representative Office, LeROI, LeRoi International Inc, MP Pumps Inc., Mako Compressors, Nash, Nash Elmo, Oina VV, Oina VV Aktiebolag, Robuschi, Rotary Compression Technologies, Runtech Systems, Runtech Systems (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Runtech Systems Inc., Runtech Systems OY, Shanghai CompAir Compressors Co Ltd, Shanghai Compressors & Blowers Ltd., Syltone, TCM Investments, TIWR Real Estate GmbH & Co. KG, TODO AB, Tamrotor Marine Compressors AS, Thomas Industries, Thomas Industries Inc., Tri-Continent Scientific, Welch Vacuum Equipment (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Zinsser Analytic, Zinsser Analytik GmbH, and Zinsser NA. Precision Drilling Corporation, an oilfield services company, provides oil and natural gas drilling and related products and services in North America and the Middle East. The company operates in two segments, Contract Drilling Services, and Completion and Production Services. The Contract Drilling Services segment offers onshore well drilling services to exploration and production companies in the oil and natural gas industry. This segment's services include land drilling, directional drilling, and turnkey drilling; and procurement and distribution of oilfield supplies, as well as manufacture, sale, and repair of drilling equipment. As of December 31, 2020, it operated 227 land drilling rigs, including 109 in Canada; 105 in the United States; 6 in Kuwait; 4 in Saudi Arabia; 2 in the Kurdistan region of Iraq; and 1 in the country of Georgia. The Completion and Production Services segment provides service rigs for well completion, workover, abandonment, maintenance, and re-entry preparation services; wellsite accommodations; oilfield surface equipment rentals; and camp and catering services to oil and natural gas exploration and production companies. This segment operated 123 well completion and workover service rigs, including 113 in Canada and 10 in the United States. It also had approximately 1,400 oilfield rental items, including surface storage, small-flow wastewater treatment, power generation, and solids control equipment; 113 wellsite accommodation units; 966 drill camp beds; 822 base camp beds; and three kitchen diners in Canada. Precision Drilling Corporation was incorporated in 1951 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada. Read More Ormat Technologies, Inc. operates as a holding company. The firm engages in the provision of geothermal and recovered energy power business. It operates through the following segments: Electricity, Product and Energy Storage. The Electricity segment focuses in the sale of electricity from the company's power plants pursuant to PPAs. The Product segment involves in the manufacture, including design and development, of turbines and power units for the supply of electrical energy and in the associated construction of power plants utilizing the power units manufactured by the company to supply energy from geothermal fields and other alternative energy sources. The Energy Storage segment consists of battery energy storage systems as a service and management of curtailable customer loads under contracts with U.S. retail energy providers and directly with large commercial and industrial customers. The company was founded in 1965 and is headquartered in Reno, NV. Read More The Welsh Government's proposals for the farming industry after the UK leaves the EU do not match farmers' ambition for growth, NFU Cymru has said. Following an extensive consultation engagement programme, with an "unprecedented" level of response from the union's farmer members, the lack of acknowledgement of the importance of food production in the proposals has emerged as a "significant concern" for the industry. The Welsh Governments Brexit and Our Land consultation proposes a phased withdrawal of the Basic Payment Scheme to be replaced by two new schemes; an economic resilience scheme and a public goods scheme. But there is some concern within the industry that the proposed scheme will make farmers worse off once the UK leaves the EU. NFU Cymru President, John Davies said: Frustratingly, the proposals contained within the Brexit and Our Land consultation do not match the ambition of Welsh farmers who want to play their part in supplying safe, quality, fully traceable food that will underpin further growth of an industry currently worth 6.9 billion to the Welsh economy. This omission is extremely surprising when you consider that the Welsh food and drink sector is one of Wales four foundation sectors in Prosperity for All The Economic Action Plan for Wales - a national strategy published by Welsh Government only last year to help deliver its priorities for the Assembly term. Mr Davies added: This can be corrected, and an opportunity exists for Welsh Government to work with the sector from farm to fork to put in place a sustainable, and fully integrated, Welsh food and farming policy. Welsh Government should bring together the work on the new Food and Drink Action Plan and future farming policy to drive towards new bold and ambitious targets to grow our share of produce sold in the UK retail and food service sectors, expand our reach in export markets, and increase the amount of Welsh food procured by the public sector, he said. 'Volatility and instability' As part of its response to the Welsh Government document, NFU Cymru has also highlighted its fears that proposals do not contain measures to protect Welsh farming businesses against the volatility and instability that the industry has experienced in recent years. These fears, the union says, are only increased by the uncertainty that the UKs departure from the European Union will bring. During our consultation engagement programme, our membership has reaffirmed the NFU Cymru policy of a future sustainable agriculture programme built around three cornerstones of productivity, environment and stability, explained the NFU Cymru President. All three combine to give a truly integrated and comprehensive programme that will deliver economically, environmentally, socially and culturally for Wales. He added: Without stability the industry cannot deliver the outcomes that the Welsh public associates with the sector. Vibrant farm businesses underpin the delivery of a broad range of goods and services for Wales. This starts with the production of safe, high quality, traceable, affordable food and includes maintaining our iconic Welsh landscapes, enhancing the quality of our environment, supporting tourism, and underpinning the vitality of our rural communities and the Welsh language, Mr Davies said. 'Proud to produce' NFU Cymru does not support the phasing out of current schemes until there is "clear evidence" that replacement policies can deliver at least the same level of stability for farming businesses that current policies provide. Mr Davies said the strength of feeling over the plans contained within the consultation underlined the need for Welsh Government to work with the industry. Every farmer we spoke to was proud to be a farmer, proud to produce food for the consumer, proud to be an integral part of their community, proud to care for their environment and proud to be running a successful and diverse business, said Mr Davies. Not one member identified themselves solely as a land manager many took offence at this narrow definition being used by Welsh Government in this, he added. Farmers are urged to respond to the Welsh Governments Brexit and Our Land consultation before the it draws to a close at 23:50pm on Tuesday 30th October. Rural-based organisations and farm groups have united in their call for a solid Government commitment to long-term funding in any new post-Brexit agricultural policy. Farmers, landowners and environmental groups will bring their united message to Parliament on Tuesday afternoon (30 October) calling for greater certainty on longer-term funding intentions for the farming industry. The organisations are jointly hosting a drop-in event in Parliament to present the message to MPs and Peers. They are the Agricultural Industries Confederation, CLA (Country Land and Business Association), NFU, National Federation of Young Farmers, National Sheep Association, Nature Friendly Farming Network, Soil Association, Tenant Farmers Association, and Greener UK which represents a coalition of 13 major environmental organisations including National Trust, RSPB, Woodland Trust, WWF and The Wildlife Trusts. While these groups each seek independent amendments to the new Agriculture Bill more widely, they all advocate that a commitment to long-term funding is "crucial" to achieving the Governments ambitions of feeding the nation with high quality British food alongside delivering environmental benefits. 'Long-term planning' Politicians to attend include Defra Secretary Michael Gove and Shadow Defra Secretary Sue Hayman. They will be urged to support the organisations bid for the Agriculture Bill to establish a "long term multi-annual budgetary framework", which hopes to deliver certainty for the rural economy and farming. CLA President, Tim Breitmeyer said good land management and profitable farming delivering a healthy environment requires long-term planning. The CLA fully supports Governments aspirations for a productive farming sector that also provides a range of public goods for society, but politicians must recognise that delivery of new policies in the Agriculture Bill will require change and investment by farms and landowners, he said. Greater certainty on longer-term funding intentions will help provide the confidence needed to make these changes. National Farmers Union (NFU) President, Minette Batters said it is "crucial" that the Agriculture Bill has food production "at its heart", which she said will ensure farmers continue to deliver "safe, traceable and affordable" food while maintaining high environmental and animal welfare standards. She said: Farming is a long-term business and farmers need clarity on what their regulatory environment will look like now for the years ahead. A commitment from Government in the Agriculture Bill that they will provide this certainty through clear long-term funding is essential. 'Forestry and farming' Woodland Trust Chief Executive, Beccy Speight said a "long-term funding mechanism" is needed to significantly increase planting rates in the country. The Woodland Trust wishes to see a more integrated approach to land management that enables the benefits of trees at a variety of scales from larger scale planting to smaller agro-forestry initiatives to be realised. Ms Speight said: The Agriculture Bill provides an opportunity to break down the barriers that have artificially divided farming and forestry for so long but it is essential that it is amended to provide a long-term funding mechanism. Land managers need to have confidence in the new system that sufficient support will be forthcoming to back them in delivering key public goods like more resilient and biodiverse habitats, flood alleviation and healthy soils, she added. 'Certainty and security' The National Trust said it supports the Governments plans for a new farming support system, focused on paying farmers to deliver public goods for which there is no market, but big public benefit, such as public access or improving nature. But the organisation said the Government must provide the "certainty and security" of "long term, multi annual budgets" for it to work. Patrick Begg, Outdoors and Natural Resources Director at the National Trust, said: This should be teamed with action in the supply chain to secure a better price for farmers at the farm gate. Many of these public goods like soil health and water quality are also critical to the long-term survival of food production. The MP and Peer drop-in event will take place in the House of Commons from 12.30-4.30pm on Tuesday 30 October. Plant scientists have urgently called on policy makers in the UK and EU to safeguard gene-editing technologies for agriculture. Leading researchers representing more than 75 European plant and life sciences research centres, including those from the UK's John Innes Centre, are "deeply concerned" about a recent European Court of Justice ruling. The ruling concerns modern genome editing techniques that could lead to a de facto ban of innovative crop breeding. They argue the European and British farmers may be deprived of a new generation of more climate resilient and nutritious crop varieties that are urgently needed to respond to current ecological and societal challenges. The joint document follows an outpouring of concerned statements of European research institutes over the recent months following the Court of Justice of the European Union (ECJ) ruling under which genome edited organisms must comply with strict EU Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) legislation. Dirk Inze, Scientific Director at VIB-University of Gent Centre for Plant Systems Biology said the support for this initiative from plant scientists all over Europe has been "overwhelming". It clearly illustrates the current dichotomy in Europe: as European leaders in the field of plant sciences we are committed to bringing innovative and sustainable solutions to agriculture, but we are hindered by an outdated regulatory framework that is not in line with recent scientific evidence, he said. With this mission statement we hope to promote evidence-informed policymaking in the EU, which is of crucial importance to us all. The mission statement makes the case that crop improvement has been done for centuries by means of conventional plant breeding techniques, all leading to genetic changes in the plant. Todays innovative techniques represent a "next step" in plant breeding and enable desired genetic changes with "very high efficiency and precision", the scientists say. Precision breeding One of the latest breakthroughs in this field is precision breeding, an innovative crop breeding method based on genome editing. Precision breeding can contribute to tailoring crops to a specific area, considering the environmental factors of a certain region. Precision breeding is also used to generate crops with improved nutritional composition, improved digestibility, lower content of anti-nutritional components, reduced allergenicity or requiring less input, which has a direct benefit for our environment. The implications of a very restrictive regulation of innovative plant breeding methods are far-reaching. European agricultural innovation based on precision breeding will come to a halt because of the high threshold that this EU legislation presents. The scientist say this will hinder progress in sustainable agriculture and will give a competitive disadvantage to plant breeding industries in Europe. The impacts on society and economy will be "enormous", they say. To safeguard innovation in agriculture in Europe, the signatories of the position paper ask for a new regulatory framework that evaluates new crop varieties based on science. Following the European Court decision in July, Professor Wendy Harwood of the John Innes Centre, warned that the decision: could have major negative impacts on our ability to respond rapidly to the challenges of providing sufficient, nutritious food under increasingly challenging conditions. Professor Nick Talbot, director of The Sainsbury Laboratory, Norwich Research Park described the ruling as: A retrograde step that is not based on any scientific evidence. Three men from Lincolnshire have been charged after undercover footage showed them kicking pigs in the face and head, often violently and repeatedly, in over 100 incidents. The footage was taken in April via a number of secret cameras left on Fir Tree pig farm in Lincolnshire, following an anonymous tip-off to animal welfare charity Animal Equality. The farm is owned by Elsham Linc one of Britains largest pig producers. The workers leave a downed pig without veterinary care for 48 hours before shooting it. Workers are seen laughing about the abuse and swearing at pigs. Troy Wagstaff, 30, from Grimsby, Artirs Grogprkevs, 31, of Fir Tree Farm, and Gavin Hardy, 39, from South Killingholme, are charged with causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. All three are due to appear at Grimsby Magistrates' Court on 23 November. The National Pig Association (NPA) has reacted to the footage, said that as an organisation it does not tolerate or condone violence towards animals in any way. We are clear that the actions of the individuals depicted in the footage are indefensible and should be treated accordingly, the NPA said. Such behaviour is abhorrent to all pig farmers and the business involved, which has acted responsibly and immediately by terminating employment of the members of staff following a thorough investigation and is cooperating fully with the authorities. The NPA will take the lead in investigating what further measures can be put in place to prevent any similar incidents from occurring on British pig farms. The Fauquier Times is honored to serve as your community companion. To say thank you, we are excited to offer 4 weeks FREE Digital & Print access to all subscribers new and returning alike. We are dedicated to continuing providing reliable, high quality journalism. This is possible with the trust and support of our subscribers in the community we are proud to serve. Category Select Category Apparel/Garments Textiles Fashion Technical Textiles Information Technology E-commerce Retail Corporate Association Press Release SubCategory Select Sub-Category Agreement kicks off with investment in premium European organic baby food company Little Freddie as it looks to reach more consumers internationally Little Freddie marks the fourth co-investment in the expanding relationship between Hillhouse and VMG Hillhouse Capital, a leading Asia-based investment firm focused on long-term growth through innovation, and VMG Partners, a private equity firm specializing in building iconic consumer brands, today announced a strategic partnership to co-invest in innovative consumer brands with differentiated offerings looking to expand their global reach. The two companies have allocated up to $100 million toward investments in high-potential brands in the sector. As the first step of the expanded cooperation, Hillhouse Capital and VMG Partners have closed an investment in Little Freddie, a leading maker of premium European organic baby food. Founded in 2014 by husband and wife duo Piers Buck and Taslim Ho, Little Freddie's mission is to make it easier for parents to access organic and nutritious baby food options for their children. Piers and Taslim believe that exceptional ingredients are the foundation for great food-Piers personally visits the farms they source from to ensure nothing but the very best goes into each and every product. Since the brand's inception, the business has grown to a full roster of products, including pouches, cereals, and snacks for children. Little Freddie products are widely available in China, including in-store at Sam's Club, as well as online at T-Mall and JD.com. In the UK, their products can be found in-store at Boots, as well as online at Ocado, Amazon and Tree of Life. Little Freddie has been particularly successful expanding through e-commerce and leveraging big data to better understand consumers habits. The investment will be used, in part, to help drive further expansion in both China and the UK. "We are very pleased that this investment marks the latest step in our expanding cooperation with VMG to help brands leverage innovation to fuel their global expansion," said Lei Zhang, Founder of Hillhouse Capital. "Our previous collaborations with VMG on Ancient Nutrition, Solid Gold and Stone Brewing show the tremendous potential of brands that understand the value of offering consumers a truly differentiated experience." "We are thrilled to be working closely with Hillhouse Capital to create globally reaching, impactful consumer product companies, building upon the success of our previous collaborations," said Mike Mauze, Founding Partner and Managing Director at VMG Partners. "Hillhouse has unparalleled expertise in the Asian market and we are honored to be working collaboratively with their team in this long-term partnership." "Little Freddie is a high-quality, trusted brand that has tremendous potential in Asia and other parts of the world, as parents have become increasingly savvy about what they feed their children," said Cao Wei, Partner at Hillhouse Capital. "We strongly believe that brands able to identify and meet unique and unmet consumer needs will excel in the new and rapidly changing retail landscape." This investment marks Hillhouse Capital and VMG Partners' fourth joint investment, and the first made under their new agreement. Leveraging the unique experiences and expertise of both organizations, these previous investments have resulted in significant international development internationally, exemplified by Stone Brewing's entrance into the Shanghai market. Future investments under the agreement will employ the perspective and resources that Hillhouse and VMG each offer to elevate brand growth and accelerate success. "We are thrilled to partner with Little Freddie, a brand that resonates so strongly with the mission and vision of VMG, and our experience in the food and mother and child market segments," said Kara Cissell-Roell, Founding Partner and Managing Director at VMG Partners. "The company delivers exceptional, organic ingredients, an authentic brand story and an extraordinary growth potential in Asia and beyond." Hillhouse Capital has built its reputation as the premier investment firm building innovative companies for long-term success. With a global mandate and an Asia focus, the company has demonstrated a unique ability to identify entrepreneurs able to redefine their industries through differentiated offerings and by using technology to change how they engage consumers. Hillhouse's deep bench of operational executives and technology experts provide portfolio companies a unique set of resources to help drive growth and manage challenges at every stage of development. VMG Partners, a private equity firm that specializes in investing in and building iconic branded consumer product companies within the food, beverage, pet food, personal care, and wellness categories, has an impressive track record within the consumer products space, including brands such as babyganics, KIND, Quest, and more. About Hillhouse: Hillhouse builds businesses that stand the test of time. With a base in Asia, we look for opportunities around the globe, and have the flexibility to work across the equity spectrum, from seed investments to buyouts. Our team deploys technology to drive innovation, with sustainable, long-term growth as the ultimate goal. Over more than a decade, we've worked alongside iconic companies that have redefined their industries, including Airbnb, Beigene, Belle International, Liangpin Puzi, Didi, iQiyi, JD, Meituan, NIO, Peet's Coffee, Tencent, Traveloka, Uber, and WuXi AppTec. We believe investing and entrepreneurship are two sides of the same coin. Hillhouse not only provides a strategic source of capital to a select group of extraordinary founders, but our teams also incubate, build and operate a number of consumer and healthcare platforms. Hillhouse businesses and operating teams employ thousands of engineers, e-commerce experts, brand managers, talent professionals, and many others. We manage capital on behalf of global institutions such as non-profit foundations and pensions, and we are proud that our efforts help support educational scholarships, scientific innovation, and artistic achievements across the world. About VMG Partners: VMG Partners is focused solely on partnering with entrepreneurs and managers to support the growth and strategic development of branded consumer products companies in the lower middle market. Since its inception in 2005, VMG has provided financial resources and strategic guidance to drive growth and value creation in more than 25 companies. VMG's defined set of target investment categories includes food, beverage, personal care, pet products and wellness. Representative past and present partner companies include Ancient Nutrition, babyganics, Bare Snacks, Colorescience, Daily Harvest, Drunk Elephant, Health Warrior, Humm Kombucha, Justin's, Kernel Season's, KIND Healthy Snacks, Lantana Foods, Mighty Leaf Tea, Natural Balance, Nature's Bakery, Lily's Sweets, Perfect Bar, Pirate's Booty, Pretzel Crisps, Quest, SMASHMALLOW, Solid Gold, Spindrift, Stone Brewing, Sun Bum, Vega, Vermont Smoke and Cure, and Waggin' Train. VMG Partners is headquartered in San Francisco. For more information about the fund please visit www.vmgpartners.com. About Little Freddie Exceptional ingredients are at the core of everything that Little Freddie does. We believe children who start with tasty, nutritious food will become food-loving children and get off to a great start in life. That's why we travel the world searching for the very best ingredients to develop great tasting baby food which helps families feel confident with food and flavours. All of our products are EU-certified organic and produced in the EU. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181029005831/en/ Contacts: Hillhouse Capital Josh Gartner Jgartner@hillhousecap.com or VMG Partners Rebecca Campbell rcampbell@konnectagency.com WISeKey International Holding SA / WISeKey joins The Blockchain Research Institute's special category of member companies dedicated to pushing BlockChain technology forward for a new "Universal Decentralized Identification" (UID) sy... . Processed and transmitted by West Corporation. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. WISeKey joins The Blockchain Research Institute's special category of member companies dedicated to pushing BlockChain technology forward for a new "Universal Decentralized Identification" (UID) system Geneva, ZUG, Toronto - October 30, 2018 - WISeKey (http://www.wisekey.com/) International Holding Ltd ("WISeKey" SIX: WIHN; OTCQX: WIKYY)), a leading Swiss cybersecurity and IoT company, announced today that it joined The Blockchain Research Institute's (BRI) special category of members dedicated to pushing BlockChain technology forward. BRI, an independent global think-tank, brings together the world's leading authorities to undertake ground-breaking research on BlockChain technology. Currently, WISeKey is the largest provider of Digital Identification in the world with over 20 years of expertise in PKI, IoT and Identity Management. Its Root of Trust (RoT) is the most ubiquitous version on the Internet with over 4 billion downloads and installs. WISeKey's CertifyID (https://account.wisekey.com (https://account.wisekey.com/)) integrates Digital Identity with BlockChain technology. CertifyID BlockChain acts as a Digital Identity dual factor authentication-based technology that sits on top of a BlockChain. The CertifyID BlockChain is constantly growing as new Identity blocks are added to it with a new set of recordings. Each CertifyID Identity node gets a copy of the Identity CertifyID BlockChain and is downloaded automatically upon joining the Identity CertifyID network. The system is totally decentralized and can be operated at national or local levels using a distributed identity ledger run by trusted parties spread across the BlockChain (https://findbiometrics.com/wisekey-blockchain-mobile-identity-platform-510163/ (https://findbiometrics.com/wisekey-blockchain-mobile-identity-platform-510163/) ). Last year, WISeKey, a pioneer in Digital Identification and BlockChain, unveiled its plan to create Digital Identity BlockChain Platform CertifyID, which is in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals to provide every person on the planet with a Legal Digital Identity by 2030. "For years, we have used digital identities to allow people to vote electronically, secure their financial transactions, access their health records and now we are moving towards a universal use of Digital Identities," said Carlos Moreira, Founder and CEO of WISeKey. "WISeKey and the BRI are pioneering the way BlockChain and Digital Identity disrupt industries and decentralized Trust. At the heart of this industrial platform is the OISTE-WISeKey Cryptographic RoT which has been actively used since 1999 by over 4 billion desktops, browsers, mobile devices, SSL certificates and IoT devices sharing a universal ledger. The OISTE WISeKey Cryptographic RoT is ubiquitous and universal, and a pioneer in the creation of Digital Identities," concluded Mr. Moreira. "Companies around the world are looking for new, innovative ways for this technology to transform their business model, particularly in identity management" said Blockchain Research Institute co-Founder and Executive Chairman Don Tapscott. "WISeKey has proven itself a tremendous leader in that sector for years." "In the BlockChain ecosystem, no company is an island," said Tapscott. "The network we're building at the BRI between some of the world's most influential global enterprise leaders and pioneers in the BlockChain space is crucial to executing on the insights provided by our research." About the BRI: The Blockchain Research Institute (BRI) is an independent, global think-tank dedicated to inspiring and preparing private- and public-sector leaders to be the catalysts of the blockchain transformation. Funded by international corporations and government agencies, the BRI has brought together the world's top thinkers to undertake ground-breaking research on the strategic implications of blockchain technology, producing practical insights to help its member organizations succeed. The Institute has 80+ research projects underway in the areas of financial services, manufacturing, retail, energy and resources, technology/media, healthcare and government; as well as how this nascent technology is changing the way companies are managed. To complement the research, the BRI offers a suite of services to its members, including a private area on the BRI website for the sharing of deliverables, monthly webinars, executive briefings, all-member summits, and other exclusive activities. The Blockchain Research Institute is based in Toronto, Canada, and was founded in 2017 by Don and Alex Tapscott, the co-authors of the best-selling book Blockchain Revolution: How the Technology Behind Bitcoin Is Changing Money, Business, and the World. BRI Media Contact: Luke Bradley Director of Communications luke@tapscott.com (mailto:luke@tapscott.com) 647-228-3686 About WISeKey: WISeKey (SIX Swiss Exchange: WIHN) is a leading global cybersecurity company currently deploying via a Virtual Platform large scale digital identity ecosystem. WISeKey's Swiss based cryptographic Root of Trust ("RoT") and IoT Microchips provide secure authentication and identification, in both physical and virtual environments, for the Internet of Things, Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence. The WISeKey RoT serves as a common trust anchor to ensure the integrity of online transactions among objects and between objects and people. For more information, visit www.wisekey.com (http://www.wisekey.com/). To receive WISeKey's latest news visit the WISeKey Investors Corner (https://www.wisekey.com/investors/). Press and investor contacts: WISeKey International Holding Ltd Company Contact: Carlos Moreira Chairman & CEO Tel: +41 22 594 3000 info@wisekey.com (mailto:info@wisekey.com) WISeKey Investor Relations (US) Contact: Lena Cati The Equity Group Inc. Tel: +1 212 836-9611 lcati@equityny.com (mailto:lcati@equityny.com) Disclaimer: This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning WISeKey International Holding Ltd and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of WISeKey International Holding Ltd to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. WISeKey International Holding Ltd is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, and it does not constitute an offering prospectus within the meaning of article 652a or article 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations or a listing prospectus within the meaning of the listing rules of the SIX Swiss Exchange. Investors must rely on their own evaluation of WISeKey and its securities, including the merits and risks involved. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to the future performance of WISeKey. Impartner Partner Relationship Management technology continues global award sweep; company's market presence continues to explode as top corporations turn to Impartner PRM to power their channel SALT LAKE CITY, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Impartner, the industry's best-selling, most award-winning pure-play Partner Relationship Management (PRM) solution, today announced that it has been selected as a winner of the 2018 Red Herring Top 100 Global award, which recognizes the leading private companies from North America, Europe, and Asia, celebrating these companies' innovations and technologies across their respective industries. Red Herring's Top 100 Global list has become a mark of distinction for identifying promising companies and entrepreneurs. Red Herring editors were among the first to recognize that companies such as Facebook, Twitter, Google, Yahoo, Skype, Salesforce.com, YouTube, and eBay would change the way we live and work. "This award and the continued, explosive pace of our customer growth is further testament to the power of our technology, our continued pace of innovation, the strength of the Impartner team and the transformative power of PRM to help companies accelerate the performance of their channel," said Impartner CEO Joe Wang. "Choosing the companies with the strongest potential was by no means a small feat," said Alex Vieux, publisher and CEO of Red Herring. "After rigorous contemplation and discussion, we narrowed our list down from hundreds of candidates from across the globe to the Top 100 Winners. We believe Impartner embodies the vision, drive and innovation that defines a successful entrepreneurial venture. Impartner should be proud of its accomplishment." Red Herring's editorial staff evaluated the companies on both quantitative and qualitative criteria, such as financial performance, technology innovation, management quality, strategy, and market penetration. This assessment of potential is complemented by a review of track records and standing of companies relative to their peers, allowing Red Herring to see past the "buzz" and make the list a valuable instrument of discovery and advocacy for the most promising, new business models from around the world. To see a demo of how Impartner helps companies manage their channel and accelerate their revenue 31 percent and decrease administrative costs 23 percent in the first year of use alone, click here. About Impartner Impartner helps companies worldwide transform the performance of their indirect sales, increasing revenue an average of 31 percent and reduce administrative costs as much as 23 percent in the first year of use alone. Impartner's SaaS-based Partner Relationship Management (PRM) software is the best-selling, most award-winning pure-play solution on the market, and can be up and running in as few as 14 days. For more information on Impartner, which is based in Utah's tech hotbed, the Silicon Slopes, visit www.impartner.com , or in the United States call +1 801 501 7000, for EMEA general call +33 1 40 90 31 20, for London call +44 0 20 3283 4465, and for LATAM call +1 954 364 7883. Follow Impartner on LinkedIn , Twitter and Facebook . Contact: Kerry Desberg Impartner 425-231-9529 Kerry.desberg@impartner.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/776631/Red_herring_global_100.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/701684/Impartner_Logo.jpg ISTANBUL, October 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM) today initiated a global campaign to announce the grand opening of Istanbul New Airport. Opening on 29th October 2018, housing 1.6m square metres of logistics space and with 5.5m tonnes of cargo capacity, the new airport is aiming to become the new global hub for exports. Speaking at the opening, TIM Chairman Ismail Gulle said: "As Turkish exporters we are delighted to witness the opening of our new airport today. Timely delivery is a key asset in today's export world and with strong, advanced logistics infrastructure and enormous capacity, Istanbul New Airport will firmly establish Turkey as a global export leader. We are excited for this new platform which will accelerate Turkish goods being delivered around the globe." The Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM) has today launched a new international advertising campaign to announce the opening of Istanbul New Airport, which commenced operations on 29th October 2018. The global campaign is being managed by Turkey Promotion Group (TPG), an agency of the Turkish Ministry of Trade responsible for promoting Turkey's economy and investment potential, and highlights the power of Turkish exporters and the potential available to them through increased cargo capacity and an advanced logistics infrastructure. Launched on the 95th anniversary of the republic of Turkey under the slogan "As the world gets smaller, Turkish exports continue to grow", the campaign highlights the new airport's role in enabling Turkish exports to reach an expanding list of global destinations from the airport's logistics hub. Attending the grand opening TIM Chairman Ismail Gulle said: "We are celebrating the 95th anniversary of our Republic today with the opening of Istanbul New Airport. As the voice of Turkey's export family, TIM is delighted with the launch of the new airport, and we are grateful to all those who contributed to delivering this masterpiece. As Turkish exporters we are excited by the prospect of this new airport. Strength in exports comes from being able to deliver on time and by focusing on logistics - and having the right infrastructure in place will keep us ahead of the competition." Gulle stressed that Istanbul New Airport would place Turkey at the forefront of the global export market, continuing: "Our new airport will enable us to break records, with 1.6m square metres of logistics space and 5.5m tonnes of cargo capacity, it will allow us to bring more Turkish products around the world to more destinations with shorter delivery times. This is a gamechanger - an exciting day for Turkey and for global trade." About Turkey Promotion Group Turkey Promotion Group (TPG) was established under the roof of Turkish Exporters' Association (TIM) to unify all communication activities promoting Turkey, as well as Turkish products and services in the global marketplace. TPG's mission is to amplify and promote Turkey's 'Discover the Potential' brand in the global arena; to highlight Turkey's economic potential and provide facts and figures about the country and its exported products. For further information, please visit http://www.turkeydiscoverthepotential.com/ NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / October 30, 2018 / On the afternoon of October 23rd, 2018, after several rounds of negotiations and discussion of the brand assets evaluation, Serta USA bought back its brand operation right in China from Airland group with a firm confidence and positive and optimistic expectation of the Chinese market. In June 1998, Serta USA and HK Airland group had reached an agreement of letting Airland's wholly owned subsidiary--Serta household products (shenzhen) co., ltd, to be the general agent in China. Under the support and cultivation of Airland group, Serta showed its outstanding performance in China. As the repurchase agreement was signed smoothly, it represents Airland's contribution to Serta's reputation has received a reasonable return, furthermore, it means that Serta has acquired a high brand awareness and reputation in the Chinese market, as well as an excellent operation team. Airland group --"international brand incubator" The chairman of Airland Group, Mr. SZE Man Yuen said that he appreciated the Serta's affirmation of business and management team in China. As both parties have gained a win-win situation after business negotiation, we have built a solid foundation for our future strategic planning. I believe that both Serta and Airland group will have a qualitative change in the future. Also, we sincerely hope that Serta's global business will become better and better, whereas airland will also constantly endeavor to make its "Centenary vision and strategic plan" come true and bring sweet dreams to this world. Mr. SZE also revealed that since we don't only have this high reputation brand of our own, which is Airland, but also have many international brands. Therefore, the withdrawing of Serta will not leave an impact on the future development of Airland. Nowadays Airland has become a real platform of an international brand incubator. This is a new breakthrough for global business, the value of this platform is a full integration of the consumption ecology of local sleeping household, as well as the international resources, and a strategic innovation for Chinese enterprises to serve the world. At present, we are still in strategic cooperation with a number of overseas brands, and successfully cultivated many well-known international household brands such as Serta, My Side, SleepMakers, Therapedic, Therapedic(Medicoil), LadyAmericana, ARTDEVIE, DEA, Haviland, Daum, Brinkhaus, Felix, Griffe, Royale de Champion, etc. The localization operation mode has demonstrated the strong ability of Airland group in incubating and value adding to these global international brands. Airland's legend, Chinese Glory No matter in the past or present, the reason is because of the leading of Airland's supreme brand reputation, advanced industry-leading manufacturing strength and sales ability, as well as its mature channel and terminal system, all of which has contributed to the reason why Airland could make Serta (China) strong and bigger. Since Serta has become "sinicization", its contribution of annual sales and profit to China are well above the industry average. After 10 years of hard working and 10 years of growing, Serta China is becoming newer and newer day by day, it has grown strongly through the platform of an international brand incubator of Airland group, meanwhile, it also provided many inspirations for the latecomers as a textbook. All of these achievements are inseparable from Mr. SZE Man Yuen's strategic plan and Airland's excellent management team. Building dream with ingenuity, Centenary vision and strategic plan 50 years of hard working contributes to Airland's glory, facing hundred years of journey with braveness. Airland group has gone through a glorious progress across a half-century, from the establishment of Shenzhen factory to the second upgrade of the manufacturing scale in building Huizhou production base; from single brand operation to diversified brand flagship; from single industry to multi-industry ecology. Airland has been continuously integrating and breaking through all kinds of boundaries, and devoting itself in providing the best sleeping products to the society. Airland deserved to become the symbol of high-quality mattress brand and enterprise! Ambitious and persistence, self-improvement and comprehensive, grasp the trend and objective laws, self-cultivated, to gather the help and positive energy and prosperous ecology. In the next 50 years, Airland will keep changing and innovating with the passage of time, also, it will integrate the diversified capital, engaging in scale reconstruction and industry innovation, building a century sleep ecological carrier with age competitiveness. A "Chinese dream", the world's dream Follow "The Belt and Road Initiative", connecting the world with sweet dreams. Serta, as an international brand, its development in China depends on the strategy, team, spirit and strength of Airland China, in the future, Airland China as our national brand will have a better development. Our Chinese dream will expand worldwide! Under the new era and new international economic environment, we also need to build more world-class national brands in order to make the Chinese economy become truly powerful! Our Airland spirit inherits the spirit of Chinese national brand, which has been responsible for the development of national enterprises throughout 50 years and has made great contributions to the development of Chinese national brands. Airland's "Chinese dream" is to bring this sweet dream to the whole world! Nowadays, China has already exceeded the US to become the world's largest mattress market, and leaving a significant influence on the global market. "Building an international brand, establishing a century enterprise" is not only the aim of Airland, but also should be the pursuit and develop the goal of all domestic enterprises. As a leading mattress enterprise in China, Airland will also continuously develop to become a national brand of world-class in order to meet the needs of consumers around the world. In the next 50 years, Airland will devote itself to becoming the most competitive mattresses and home furnishing enterprise group in the world. SOURCE: Airland View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/526620/Airland-creates-a-legendary-cradle-of-its-brand-gaining-good-reputation-in-Chinese-market-of-cultivating-Serta STOCKHOLM, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- EQT Credit, through its Mid-Market Credit investment strategy, is pleased to confirm its support for Veritas Petroleum Services ("VPS" or the "Company") with the commitment of a USD 95 million senior secured facility to refinance existing debt and a committed acquisition facility to back the Company's future growth plans. Carved out from DNV and owned by IK Investment Partners, VPS is the leading provider of marine fuel testing and bunker quantity surveys, with broad global coverage via five laboratories. Andrew Cleland-Bogle, Director in EQT Partners' Credit team and Investment Advisor to EQT Mid-Market Credit, commented: "VPS is the largest marine fuel testing provider globally. EQT Credit was particularly attracted by the Company's exceptional quality offering and impressive track record of profitability that IK and the management team have achieved. We would like to thank EQT's Industrial Advisors who, as former senior executives in the testing, inspection and certification sector, provided key support and insight to the EQT Credit deal team throughout the due diligence process." Paul Johnson, Partner in EQT Partners' Credit team and Investment Advisor to EQT Mid-Market Credit, added: "VPS offers market-leading technical advice to the shipping industry and is a well-placed consolidator within its industries. EQT Credit looks forward to supporting VPS and its management team as the Company continues to execute on plans for acquisitions and expansion under IK's ownership." Contacts Paul Johnson, Partner at EQT Partners Investment Advisor to EQT Mid-Market Credit +44-203-372-9424 Andrew Cleland-Bogle, Director at EQT Partners Investment Advisor to EQT Mid-Market Credit +44-208-432-5420 EQT Press Office, +46-8-506-55-334, press@eqtpartners.com About EQT EQT is a leading investment firm with approximately EUR 50 billion in raised capital across 27 funds. EQT funds have portfolio companies in Europe, Asia and the US with total sales of more than EUR 19 billion and approximately 110,000 employees. EQT works with portfolio companies to achieve sustainable growth, operational excellence and market leadership. More info: www.eqtpartners.com About EQT Credit EQT Credit invests through four complementary strategies: Senior Debt, Mid-Market Credit (direct lending), Core Value and Credit Opportunities. Since inception, EQT Credit has invested in excess of EUR 5 billion in over 160 companies. EQT Credit's direct lending strategy seeks to provide flexible, long- term debt capital solutions to medium-sized European businesses, across a wide range of sectors. These businesses may be privately-owned corporates seeking alternative funding to grow or be the subject of private equity-led acquisitions or refinancings. More info: www.eqtpartners.com/Investment-Strategies/Credit This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com http://news.cision.com/eqt-ab/r/eqt-credit-completes-financing-to-support-veritas-petroleum-services,c2658754 The following files are available for download: Orders of $5.7 billion for the quarter, down 5% sequentially and flat year-over-year Revenue of $5.7 billion for the quarter, up 2% sequentially and up 7% year-over-year GAAP operating income of $282 million for the quarter, increased $204 million sequentially and increased $475 million year-over-year Adjusted operating income (a non-GAAP measure) of $377 million for the quarter, up 30% sequentially and up $207 million year-over-year* GAAP diluted earnings per share of $0.03 for the quarter which included $0.16 per share of adjusting items. Adjusted diluted earnings per share (a non-GAAP measure) were $0.19* Cash flows generated from operating activities were $239 million for the quarter. Free cash flow (a non-GAAP measure) for the quarter was $146 million. Included in free cash flow is a cash usage of $151 million relating to restructuring, legal settlements and merger-related payments* The Company presents its financial results in accordance with GAAP which includes the results of Baker Hughes and GE Oil Gas from the transaction closing date of July 3, 2017. However, management believes that using additional non-GAAP measures will enhance the evaluation of the profitability of the Company and its ongoing operations. Please see Tables 1a, 1b and 1c for a reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures. Baker Hughes, a GE company (NYSE: BHGE) ("BHGE" or the "Company") announced results today for the third quarter of 2018. Three Months Ended Variance September 30, June 30, September 30, Year-over- (in millions except per share amounts) 2018 2018 2017 Sequential year Orders 5,746 6,036 5,745 (5)% Revenue 5,665 5,548 5,301 2% 7% Operating income (loss) 282 78 (193 F F Adjusted operating income (non-GAAP)* 377 289 170 30% F Net income (loss) attributable to BHGE 13 (19 (134 F F Adjusted net income (loss) (non-GAAP) attributable to BHGE* 78 41 (7 90% F EPS attributable to Class A shareholders 0.03 (0.05 (0.31 F F Adjusted EPS (non-GAAP) attributable to Class A shareholders* 0.19 0.10 (0.02 90% F Cash flow from (used in) operating activities 239 139 (195 72% F Free cash flow (non-GAAP)* 146 (22 (405 F F *These are non-GAAP financial measures. See section entitled "Charges and Credits" for a reconciliation from GAAP. "F" is used in most instances when variance is above 100%. Additionally, "U" is used in most instances when variance is below (100)%. Prior period information has been restated for the adoption of Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers and Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-07, Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost, which we adopted on January 1, 2018. "We are now in the second year of our journey as BHGE. The Company's operations are improving, and we are driving change in the industry with our differentiated portfolio. We are focused on commercial innovation, outcome-based models and leveraging our leading technology offerings to drive significant efficiency and productivity enhancements for BHGE and our customers. We remain focused on our priorities of gaining market share, increasing margin rates and delivering strong free cash flow," said Lorenzo Simonelli, BHGE Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. "In the third quarter, we delivered $5.7 billion in orders and $5.7 billion in revenues. Adjusted operating income in the quarter was $377 million. Year-to-date we have generated $350 million of free cash flow. We delivered $224 million of synergies in the quarter and are on track to achieve the $700 million target for the year. "In Oilfield Services (OFS), the market environment continues to improve, and our well construction product lines are seeing robust activity increases. We remain focused on gaining share in critical markets, and increasing the margin rate, which was up more than 400 basis points year-over-year. This quarter, we secured some critical wins in the Middle East and achieved a number of significant execution milestones with our customers across the Marcellus and Permian basins in North America. We saw strong growth in our Drilling Services and international Pressure Pumping product lines and we outperformed the market in the Middle East and Asia Pacific. "In our Oilfield Equipment (OFE) segment, the outlook is steadily improving. This quarter we secured several wins across our portfolio, including our first new-build blowout preventer (BOP) order since 2014. We are leveraging our flexible partnership models and enhancing our technology offering to drive better, more sustainable subsea economics for customers, and we are well positioned as the market continues to improve. "In our Turbomachinery Process Solutions (TPS) segment, we continue to see strength in the LNG market and BHGE is well positioned to benefit as customers move forward with new projects. In the quarter, we secured important awards in the upstream production and pipeline segments and are seeing improvements in our transactional services business. We remain focused on maintaining our LNG leadership and delivering on our cost-out initiatives. "In our Digital Solutions (DS) segment, another quarter of strong execution led to solid revenue growth and over 350 basis points of margin expansion year-over-year. The oil and gas end markets continue to gain momentum, specifically in pipeline inspection. We are also gaining further traction with customers in our digital offerings and driving growth in our core hardware business across multiple industries, including aviation, automotive and consumer electronics. "We are encouraged by the improved outlook for the macro environment. We expect both the North American and International markets to grow in 2019 as customers increase spending and overall rig and well counts grow. The offshore market is the strongest it has been in many years and the improving tender and order activity is an encouraging sign as we look out to 2019 and beyond. The LNG outlook is also improving, and we conservatively estimate a total of 65 million tons per annum of new capacity to be sanctioned by 2020. We remain well-positioned for the next build-cycle. "We continue to leverage our differentiated technology, unique portfolio and our focus on customers to build market-leading product companies and deliver productivity solutions to the oil and gas industry. As we enter the second year of our journey as BHGE, we remain focused on what matters most delivering for our customers and for our shareholders," concluded Simonelli. Quarter Highlights Customer Wins BHGE's OFS segment was awarded the first large-scope integrated services contract for the Marjan field in Saudi Arabia, Saudi Aramco's largest upstream development project this year, and the first of three major offshore expansions in Saudi Arabia. BHGE will provide integrated well construction technology and services, including its AutoTrak rotary steerable system, logging-while-drilling services, reservoir navigation services, coiled tubing and drilling fluids engineering services. OFS also secured the largest-ever oilfield services contract awarded in Qatar, a five-year integrated drilling services contract to support offshore and onshore drilling activities. The Company was selected because of its exceptional performance, solid infrastructure and close customer partnership. This represents an important step in expanding BHGE's integrated well services offering to customers in the Middle East. BHGE's OFE segment secured important wins in the North Sea this quarter. Nexen Petroleum awarded the Company a contract to provide subsea production systems for the Buzzard Phase II project in the UK North Sea. BHGE will supply six medium-water horizontal subsea trees (production and water injection), wellheads and subsea and topside control systems for the project. BHGE will also provide oilfield services, including integrated drilling, evaluation, completions, intervention and other well-related services. Also in the North Sea, OFE secured a three-year extension to a subsea services frame agreement with Equinor. As part of the agreement, BHGE will provide a wide-range of aftermarket and life-of-field management services, including repair, testing, offshore field-service support, well intervention and obsolescence management. OFE won its first new build blowout preventer (BOP) order since 2014 for a semi-submersible drilling rig in Asia. BHGE will provide the subsea well control package, which consists of a five-cavity BOP stack, wellhead connectors, a subsea control system and a marine drilling riser system. The TPS segment secured its fourth floating production storage and offloading vessel (FPSO) win of the year, up from just one FPSO in 2017. BHGE will provide gas turbine generators, drivers and electric motor driven compressors, and will work closely with the customer on all commercial and technical aspects of the project. TPS' Pipeline Gas Processing business secured an award to provide turbocompressor packages, using the PGT25 Plus aeroderivative gas turbine technology with dry low emission combustors, at two compression stations on a pipeline in Canada. The DS segment was awarded a large contract for condition monitoring and control systems at the Bruce Power Plant in Canada. The contract includes the Company's industry-leading Mark VIe turbine controls as well as BHGE's Bently Nevada condition monitoring technology, Security ST cybersecurity protection suite and turbine simulator software, which demonstrates BHGE's unique ability to combine hardware and software successfully. DS' Condition Monitoring and Control Systems business is expanding into the mining segment, and this quarter secured a major contract with a customer in Latin America to deploy a plant-wide condition monitoring system across their operations. The wireless condition-based monitoring solution, which enables customers to gain access to data in hard-to-reach areas, is continuing to gain traction with customers in the Middle East, Latin America and North America. Technology and Innovation BHGE's OFE segment is developing a new family of modular products that work together as an integrated subsea system to optimize life-of-well costs. Its new lightweight compact tree is 50% lighter than its predecessor and reduces manufacturing and installation costs. Its new compact block manifold reduces cycle time, cost and footprint. The Company is also developing the world's first subsea multi-phase pump without a barrier fluid system, which allows the pump to be configured to different field requirements quickly and easily. The connecting system enables fast and reliable connections between all three elements, ensuring better reliability and reducing complexity and risk. Executing for Customers BHGE's advanced drilling portfolio continues to deliver superior performance for customers. In the third quarter, BHGE set a drilling world record, delivering over nine thousand feet in a 24-hour period for a customer in the Marcellus. The team used its remote monitoring capabilities to ensure the well path stayed in the target zone 100% of the time, resulting in 35% lower drilling costs. Over the last three years, BHGE has drilled over a mile a day in more than 200 wells in the Marcellus and Utica basins, demonstrating its ability to deliver world-class results on a consistent and sustainable basis. In the Permian this quarter, BHGE partnered with a large customer to improve drilling performance on existing assets. The Company's leading drilling solutions including its AutoTrak Curve rotary steerable system, Dynamus Extended-Life drill bits and an experienced field crew delivered the first well 50% faster than planned, with very high accuracy. In September, BHGE announced the successful deployment of its digital Plant Operations Advisor solution across BP's operated platforms in the Gulf of Mexico, marking the largest "Industrial Internet of Things" deployment in the industry. BHGE has now started implementing the technology with another large international customer, demonstrating its ability to provide advanced software capabilities across different customer environments. Consolidated Results by Reporting Segment* Consolidated Orders by Reporting Segment (in millions) Three Months Ended Variance September 30, June 30, September 30, Year-over- Consolidated segment orders 2018 2018 2017 Sequential year Oilfield Services 3,011 2,866 2,734 5 10 Oilfield Equipment 553 1,035 760 (47 (27 Turbomachinery Process Solutions 1,552 1,498 1,334 4 16 Digital Solutions 629 637 918 (1 (31 Total 5,746 6,036 5,745 (5 Orders for the quarter were $5,746 million, down 5% sequentially and flat year-over-year. This sequential decrease was driven by lower orders in Oilfield Equipment primarily driven by orders timing, partially offset with growth in Oilfield Services and Turbomachinery Process Solutions. Equipment orders were down 11% and service orders were flat sequentially. Year-over-year, orders in both Turbomachinery Process Solutions and Oilfield Services grew. This was offset by lower Oilfield Equipment and Digital Solutions orders. Year-over-year equipment orders were down 8% and service orders were up 6%. The Company's total book-to-bill ratio in the quarter was 1.0; equipment book-to-bill ratio in the quarter was 1.0. Remaining Performance Obligations (RPO) in the third quarter ended at $20.8 billion, a decrease of $0.1 billion from the second quarter of 2018. Equipment RPO was $5.4 billion, flat sequentially. Services RPO was $15.3 billion, down 1% sequentially. Consolidated Revenue by Reporting Segment (in millions) Three Months Ended Variance September 30, June 30, September 30, Year-over- Consolidated segment revenue 2018 2018 2017 Sequential year Oilfield Services 2,993 2,884 2,661 4 12 Oilfield Equipment 631 617 613 2 3 Turbomachinery Process Solutions 1,389 1,385 1,414 (2 Digital Solutions 653 662 614 (1 6 Total 5,665 5,548 5,301 2 7 Revenue for the quarter was $5,665 million, an increase of $118 million, or 2%, sequentially. The increase was driven primarily by higher volume in Oilfield Services and Oilfield Equipment, which was up 4% and 2% respectively, partially offset by lower volume in Digital Solutions, which was down 1%. Turbomachinery Process Solutions was flat sequentially. Compared to the same quarter last year, revenue was up 7%. Oilfield Services was up 12%, Digital Solutions was up 6%, and Oilfield Equipment was up 3%, partially offset by Turbomachinery Process Solutions which was down 2%. Consolidated Operating Income (Loss) by Reporting Segment (in millions) Three Months Ended Variance September 30, June 30, September 30, Year-over- Segment operating income (loss) 2018 2018 2017 Sequential year Oilfield Services 231 189 88 22 F Oilfield Equipment 6 (12 (41 F F Turbomachinery Process Solutions 132 113 134 17 (2 Digital Solutions 106 96 77 10 38 Total segment operating income 475 387 258 23 84 Corporate (98 (98 (89 (11 Inventory impairment (12 (15 (12 20 (2 Restructuring, impairment other charges (66 (146 (191 55 65 Merger and related costs (17 (50 (159 66 89 Operating income (loss) 282 78 (193 F F Adjusted operating income** 377 289 170 30 F **Non-GAAP measure (see Table 1a in the section entitled "Charges and Credits" for a reconciliation from GAAP). "F" is used in most instances when variance is above 100%. Additionally, "U" is used in most instances when variance is below (100)%. On a GAAP basis, operating income for the third quarter of 2018 was $282 million. Operating income increased $204 million sequentially and $475 million year-over-year. Total segment operating income was $475 million for the third quarter of 2018, up 23% sequentially and up 84% year-over-year. Adjusted operating income (a non-GAAP measure) for the third quarter of 2018 was $377 million, which excludes adjustments totaling $95 million before tax, mainly related to restructuring charges, merger and related costs, and inventory impairments. A complete list of the adjusting items and associated reconciliation from GAAP has been provided in Table 1a in the section entitled "Charges and Credits." Adjusted operating income for the third quarter was up $88 million, or 30% sequentially, driven by margin expansion across all product companies. Adjusted operating income was up $207 million year-over-year driven by higher revenues and margin expansion in Oilfield Services, Oilfield Equipment and Digital Solutions, partially offset by Turbomachinery Process Solutions. Depreciation and amortization for the third quarter of 2018 was $353 million. Corporate costs were $98 million in the third quarter of 2018, flat sequentially and up $9 million year-over-year. Other Financial Items Income tax expense in the third quarter of 2018 was $110 million. GAAP diluted earnings per share were $0.03. Adjusted diluted earnings per share were $0.19. Excluded from adjusted earnings per share were all items listed in Table 1a in the section entitled "Charges and Credits" as well as the "other adjustments (non-operating)" found in Table 1b. The other adjustments (non-operating) were driven by a $85 million charge relating to BJ Services. Cash flows generated from operating activities were $239 million for the third quarter of 2018. Free cash flow (a non-GAAP measure) for the quarter was $146 million. Free cash flow included $151 million of merger and restructuring-related cash payments. A reconciliation from GAAP has been provided in Table 1c in the section entitled "Charges and Credits." Capital expenditures, net of proceeds from disposal of assets, were $94 million for the third quarter of 2018. Results by Reporting Segment The following segment discussions and variance explanations are intended to reflect management's view of the relevant comparisons of financial results on a sequential or year-over-year basis, depending on the business dynamics of the reporting segments. Oilfield Services (in millions) Three Months Ended Variance September 30, September 30, Year-over- Oilfield Services 2018 June 30, 2018 2017 Sequential year Revenue 2,993 2,884 2,661 4 12 Operating income 231 189 88 22 F Operating income margin 7.7 6.6 3.3 1.1 pts 4.4 pts Oilfield Services (OFS) revenue of $2,993 million for the third quarter increased by $109 million, or 4%, sequentially. North America revenue was $1,212 million, up 3% sequentially. International revenue was $1,781 million, an increase of 4% sequentially, driven by Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Latin America. From a product line perspective, the sequential increase of 4% in OFS was driven primarily by Drilling Services, Pressure Pumping, Artificial Lift and Completions. Segment operating income before tax for the quarter was $231 million. Operating income for the third quarter of 2018 was up $42 million, or 22%, sequentially, primarily driven by volume increases, synergy benefits and lower depreciation, partially offset by negative foreign exchange impacts. Oilfield Equipment (in millions) Three Months Ended Variance September 30, September 30, Year-over- Oilfield Equipment 2018 June 30, 2018 2017 Sequential year Orders 553 1,035 760 (47 (27 Revenue 631 617 613 2 3 Operating income (loss) 6 (12 (41 F F Operating income (loss) margin 0.9 (1.9 (6.6 2.8 pts 7.5 pts Oilfield Equipment (OFE) orders were down $207 million, or 27%, year-over-year, driven primarily by deal timing. Equipment orders were down 41% driven by lower order intake in the Subsea Production Systems and Flexible Pipe businesses. The equipment book-to-bill ratio in the quarter was 0.9. Services orders were up 14% primarily driven by higher order intake in the Drilling Systems and Surface Pressure Control businesses. OFE revenue of $631 million for the quarter increased $18 million, or 3%, year-over-year. The increase was driven by higher volume in the Subsea Production Systems business, Subsea Drilling Systems business, and Surface Pressure Control business. These increases were partially offset by lower volume in the Flexible Pipe business. Segment operating income before tax for the quarter was $6 million, up $47 million year-over-year. The increase was driven by higher cost productivity, lower impact from foreign exchange, and higher volume. Turbomachinery Process Solutions (in millions) Three Months Ended Variance Turbomachinery Process September 30, September 30, Year-over- Solutions 2018 June 30, 2018 2017 Sequential year Orders 1,552 1,498 1,334 4 16 Revenue 1,389 1,385 1,414 (2 Operating income 132 113 134 17 (2 Operating income margin 9.5 8.2 9.5 1.3 pts Turbomachinery Process Solutions (TPS) orders were up 16% year-over-year. Equipment orders were down 10%. Service orders were up 41% driven primarily by higher transactional and contractual service orders. TPS revenue of $1,389 million for the quarter decreased $25 million, or 2%, year-over-year. The decrease was driven by lower equipment volume, partially offset by an increase in revenue in Services as well as Flow and Process Technologies businesses. Equipment revenue in the quarter represented 38% of total segment revenue, and Service revenue represented 62% of total revenue. Segment operating income before tax for the quarter was $132 million, down $2 million, or 2%, year-over-year. The decline was driven primarily by lower volume, partially offset by deflation benefits and favorable cost productivity. Digital Solutions (in millions) Three Months Ended Variance September 30, September 30, Year-over- Digital Solutions 2018 June 30, 2018 2017 Sequential year Orders 629 637 918 (1 (31 Revenue 653 662 614 (1 6 Operating income 106 96 77 10 38 Operating income margin 16.3 14.6 12.5 1.7 pts 3.8 pts Digital Solutions (DS) orders were down 31% year-over-year, driven primarily by the non-repeat of a large Digital order in the third quarter of 2017. DS revenue of $653 million for the quarter increased 6% year-over-year, mainly driven by the Bently Nevada and Pipeline and Process Solutions businesses, partially offset with lower volume in the Controls business. Segment operating income before tax for the quarter was $106 million, up 38% year-over-year. The increase year-over-year was primarily driven by increased productivity including synergy realization, and to a lesser extent by higher volume. *Certain columns and rows may not sum up due to the use of rounded numbers. Charges Credits* Table 1a. Reconciliation of GAAP and Adjusted Operating Income/(Loss) Three Months Ended (in millions) September 30, 2018 June 30, 2018 September 30, 2017 Operating income (loss) (GAAP) 282 78 (193 Merger integration related costs 17 50 159 Restructuring other 66 146 191 Inventory impairment 12 15 12 Total operating income adjustments 95 211 362 Adjusted operating income (non-GAAP) 377 289 170 Table 1a reconciles operating income (loss), which is the directly comparable financial result determined in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), to adjusted operating income (loss) (a non-GAAP financial measure). Adjusted operating income excludes the impact of certain identified items. Table 1b. Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Net Income/(Loss) Three Months Ended September 30, September 30, (in millions, except per share amounts) 2018 June 30, 2018 2017 Net income (loss) attributable to BHGE (GAAP) 13 (19 (134 Total operating income adjustments (identified items) 95 211 362 Other adjustments (non-operating) (1) 85 (37 Tax on total adjustments (5 (14 (23 Total adjustments, net of income tax 175 160 339 Less: adjustments attributable to noncontrolling interests 109 100 212 Adjustments attributable to BHGE 66 60 127 Adjusted net income (loss) attributable to BHGE (non-GAAP) 78 41 (7 Denominator: Weighted-average shares of Class A common stock outstanding diluted 414 414 428 Adjusted earnings per Class A share- diluted (non-GAAP) 0.19 0.10 (0.02 (1) 3Q'18: Driven by charges related to BJ Services; 2Q'18: Driven by a gain on a business sale Table 1b reconciles net income (loss) attributable to BHGE, which is the directly comparable financial result determined in accordance with GAAP, to adjusted net income (loss) attributable to BHGE (a non-GAAP financial measure). Adjusted net income (loss) attributable to BHGE excludes the impact of certain identified items. Table 1c. Reconciliation of Cash Flow From Operating Activities to Free Cash Flow Three Months Ended Nine months ended September 30, 2018 (in millions) September 30, 2018 June 30, 2018 September 30, 2017 Cash flow from (used in) operating activities (GAAP) 239 139 (195 673 Add: cash used in capital expenditures, net of proceeds from disposal of assets (94 (161 (210 (323 Free cash flow (non-GAAP) 146 (22 (405 350 Table 1c reconciles net cash flows from operating activities, which is the directly comparable financial result determined in accordance with GAAP, to free cash flow (a non-GAAP financial measure). Free cash flow is defined as net cash flows from (used in) operating activities less expenditures for capital assets plus proceeds from disposal of assets. Management provides non-GAAP financial measures in Tables 1a, 1b, and 1c because it believes such measures are widely accepted financial indicators used by investors and analysts to analyze and compare companies on the basis of operating performance and liquidity, and that these measures may be used by investors to make informed investment decisions. *Certain columns and rows may not sum up due to the use of rounded numbers. Financial Tables (GAAP) Condensed Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income (Loss) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, (In millions, except per share amounts) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Revenue 5,665 5,301 16,612 11,380 Costs and expenses: Cost of revenue 4,692 4,349 13,862 9,203 Selling, general and administrative expenses 608 795 1,944 1,748 Restructuring, impairment and other 66 191 374 292 Merger and related costs 17 159 113 310 Total costs and expenses 5,383 5,494 16,293 11,553 Operating income (loss) 282 (193 319 (173 Other non operating income, net 6 4 51 62 Interest expense, net (55 (41 (164 (75 Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in loss of affiliate 233 (230 206 (186 Equity in loss of affiliate (85 (13 (139 (13 Provision for income taxes (110 (114 (86 (112 Net income (loss) 38 (357 (19 (311 Less: Net income attributable to GE Oil Gas pre-merger 42 Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests 25 (223 (83 (219 Net income (loss) attributable to BHGE 13 (134 64 (134 Per share amounts: Basic earnings (loss) per Class A common stock 0.03 (0.31 0.15 (0.31 Diluted earnings (loss) per Class A common stock 0.03 (0.31 0.15 (0.31 Weighted average shares: Basic 412 428 416 428 Diluted 414 428 417 428 Cash dividend per Class A common stock 0.18 0.17 0.54 0.17 Prior period information has been restated for the adoption of Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers and Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-07, Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost, which we adopted on January 1, 2018. Condensed Consolidated and Combined Statements of Financial Position (Unaudited) (In millions) September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 ASSETS Current assets: Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (1) 4,765 7,030 Current receivables, net 5,809 6,015 Inventories, net 4,681 4,507 All other current assets 863 872 Total current assets 16,118 18,424 Property, plant and equipment less accumulated depreciation 6,226 6,959 Goodwill 20,790 19,927 Other intangible assets, net 5,831 6,358 Contract and other deferred assets 2,001 2,044 All other assets 2,634 2,788 Total assets (1) 53,600 56,500 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable 3,686 3,377 Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt (1) 1,000 2,037 Progress collections and deferred income 1,587 1,775 All other current liabilities 2,184 2,038 Total current liabilities 8,457 9,227 Long-term debt 6,293 6,312 Liabilities for pensions and other postretirement benefits 1,082 1,172 All other liabilities 1,205 1,379 Equity 36,563 38,410 Total liabilities and equity 53,600 56,500 (1) Total assets include $936 million and $1,124 million of assets held on behalf of GE, of which $780 million and $997 million is cash and cash equivalents and $156 million and $127 million is investment securities at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, and a corresponding amount of liability is reported in short term borrowings. Prior period information has been restated for the adoption of Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers and Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-07, Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost, which we adopted on January 1, 2018. Condensed Consolidated and Combined Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) Nine Months Ended September 30, (In millions) 2018 2017 Cash flows from operating activities: Net loss (19 (311 Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash flows from (used in) operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 1,133 716 Working capital and other operating items, net (441 (990 Net cash flows from (used in) operating activities 673 (585 Cash flows from investing activities: Expenditures for capital assets (653 (417 Proceeds from disposal of assets 330 76 Net cash paid for acquisitions (20 (3,365 Other investing items, net 139 (173 Net cash flows used in investing activities (204 (3,879 Cash flows from financing activities: Repayment of long-term debt (673 Dividends paid (224 (76 Distributions to noncontrolling interest (400 (122 Repurchase of Class A common stock (387 Repurchase of GE common units by BHGE LLC (638 Net transfer from Parent 1,574 Contribution received from GE 7,400 Other financing items, net (325 (564 Net cash flows from (used in) financing activities (2,647 8,212 Effect of currency exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (87 48 Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (2,265 3,796 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period 7,030 981 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period 4,765 4,777 Prior period information has been restated for the adoption of Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers and Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-07, Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost, which we adopted on January 1, 2018. Supplemental Financial Information Supplemental financial information can be found on the Company's website at: investors.bhge.com in the Financial Information section under Quarterly Results. Conference Call and Webcast The Company has scheduled an investor conference call to discuss management's outlook and the results reported in today's earnings announcement. The call will begin at 9:00 a.m. Eastern time, 8:00 a.m. Central time on Tuesday, October 30, 2018, the content of which is not part of this earnings release. A slide presentation providing summary financial and statistical information that will be discussed on the call will also be posted to the Company's website and available for real-time viewing at investors.bhge.com. The conference call will be broadcast live via a webcast and can be accessed by visiting the Events and Presentations page on the Company's website at: investors.bhge.com. An archived version of the webcast will be available on the website for one month following the webcast. Forward-Looking Statements This news release (and oral statements made regarding the subjects of this release) may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (each a "forward-looking statement"). The words "anticipate," "believe," "ensure," "expect," "if," "intend," "estimate," "project," "foresee," "forecasts," "predict," "outlook," "aim," "will," "could," "should," "potential," "would," "may," "probable," "likely," and similar expressions, and the negative thereof, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. There are many risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are also affected by the risk factors described in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the annual period ended December 31, 2017; the Company's subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2018 and June 30, 2018; and those set forth from time to time in other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). The documents are available through the Company's website at: www.investors.bhge.com or through the SEC's Electronic Data Gathering and Analysis Retrieval ("EDGAR") system at: www.sec.gov. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement. Our expectations regarding our business outlook and business plans; the business plans of our customers; oil and natural gas market conditions; cost and availability of resources; economic, legal and regulatory conditions, and other matters are only our forecasts regarding these matters. These forward-looking statements, including forecasts, may be substantially different from actual results, which are affected by many risks, along with the following risk factors and the timing of any of these risk factors: Integration activities the ability to successfully integrate Baker Hughes with GE Oil Gas, including operations, technologies, products and services. Economic and political conditions the impact of worldwide economic conditions; the effect that declines in credit availability may have on worldwide economic growth and demand for hydrocarbons; foreign currency exchange fluctuations and changes in the capital markets in locations where we operate; and the impact of government disruptions. Dependence on GE any failure by GE to supply products and services to us in accordance with applicable contractual terms could have a material effect on our business. Orders and RPO our ability to execute on orders and RPO and convert those orders and RPO to revenue and cash. Oil and gas market conditions the level of petroleum industry exploration, development and production expenditures; the price of, volatility in pricing of, and the demand for crude oil and natural gas; drilling activity; drilling permits for and regulation of the shelf and the deepwater drilling; excess productive capacity; crude and product inventories; liquefied natural gas supply and demand; seasonal and other adverse weather conditions that affect the demand for energy; severe weather conditions, such as tornadoes and hurricanes, that affect exploration and production activities; Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries ("OPEC") policy and the adherence by OPEC nations to their OPEC production quotas. Terrorism and geopolitical risks war, military action, terrorist activities or extended periods of international conflict, particularly involving any petroleum-producing or -consuming regions; labor disruptions, civil unrest or security conditions where we operate; potentially burdensome taxation, expropriation of assets by governmental action; cybersecurity risks and cyber incidents or attacks; epidemic outbreaks. Baker Hughes, a GE company (NYSE: BHGE) is the world's first and only fullstream provider of integrated oilfield products, services and digital solutions. We deploy minds and machines to enhance customer productivity, safety and environmental stewardship, while minimizing costs and risks at every step of the energy value chain. With operations in over 120 countries, we infuse over a century of experience with the spirit of a startup inventing smarter ways to bring energy to the world. For more information on Baker Hughes, a GE company visit: www.bhge.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181030005496/en/ Contacts: Baker Hughes, a GE company Investor Contact: Philipp Mueller, +1 281-809-9088 investor.relations@bhge.com or Media Contact: Stephanie Cathcart, +1 202-549-6462 stephanie.cathcart@bhge.com or Melanie Kania, +1 713-439-8303 melanie.kania@bhge.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 30, 2018) -EMX Royalty Corporation (TSXV: EMX) (NYSE American: EMX) (the "Company" or "EMX") is pleased to announce that it has received its initial cash distribution of US $65.15 million from IG Copper LLC's ("IGC") sale of the Malmyzh copper-gold porphyry project ("Malmyzh" or the "Project"). IGC sold Malmyzh to Russian Copper Company ("RCC") for US $200 million, of which US $190 million has been released from escrow1. The remaining US $10 million from the sale is being held in escrow, and subject to certain conditions, cash distributions of up to US $4 million will be made to EMX as funds are released from escrow over the next 12 months. EMX's strategic investment in IGC resulted from the Company's recognition of Malmyzh in 2011 as an early-stage opportunity with excellent discovery potential. EMX took a disciplined investment approach by backing IGC's initiatives to steadily advance the Project over the years, and when market conditions allowed, maximized value for EMX's shareholders and IGC's investors by supporting the sale of Malmyzh to RCC. The Malmyzh sale is a milestone event for EMX, and the Company enthusiastically looks forward to future successes in building value for its shareholders. About EMX. EMX leverages asset ownership and exploration insight into partnerships that advance our mineral properties, with EMX receiving pre-production payments and retaining royalty interests. EMX complements its royalty generation initiatives with royalty acquisitions and strategic investments. Please see www.EMXroyalty.com for more information. About IGC. IGC, a privately held company, is led by President and CEO Thomas E. Bowens, and includes key personnel with a track record of exploration discovery and project development in the Russian Far East. -30- For further information contact: David M. Cole President and Chief Executive Officer Phone: (303) 979-6666 Email: Dave@EMXroyalty.com Scott Close Director of Investor Relations Phone: (303) 973-8585 Email: SClose@EMXroyalty.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. 1 See EMX news release dated October 11, 2018. Forward-Looking Statements This news release may contain "forward looking statements" that reflect the Company's current expectations and projections about its future results. These forward-looking statements may include statements regarding perceived merit of properties, exploration results and budgets, mineral reserves and resource estimates, work programs, capital expenditures, timelines, strategic plans, market prices for precious and base metal, or other statements that are not statements of fact. When used in this news release, words such as "estimate," "intend," "expect," "anticipate," "will", "believe", "potential" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which, by their very nature, are not guarantees of the Company's future operational or financial performance, and are subject to risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause the Company's actual results, performance, prospects or opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and factors may include, but are not limited to: unavailability of financing, failure to identify commercially viable mineral reserves, fluctuations in the market valuation for commodities, difficulties in obtaining required approvals for the development of a mineral project, increased regulatory compliance costs, expectations of project funding by joint venture partners and other factors. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this news release or as of the date otherwise specifically indicated herein. Due to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties identified in this news release, and other risk factors and forward-looking statements listed in the Company's MD&A for the six month period that ended on June 30, 2018 (the "MD&A"), and the most recently filed Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2017, actual events may differ materially from current expectations. More information about the Company, including the MD&A, the 20-F and financial statements of the Company, is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the SEC's EDGAR website at www.sec.gov. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 30, 2018) - Pancontinental Resources Corporation (TSXV: PUC) ("Pancon" or the "Company") is finalizing plans for the maiden drill program at its early stage nickel-cobalt-copper Montcalm Project, 65 kilometres northwest of Timmins, Ontario. The Project covers 3,780 hectares (37.8 square kilometres) and surrounds Glencore's former Montcalm Mine. Pancon's boundary is about 1 kilometre from the actual mine. Pancon President and CEO, Layton Croft, stated: "We have taken a methodical, scientific approach to crafting our initial drill program for the Montcalm Project. Our team has compiled a wealth of historic and modern geophysical and drilling data, regarding both our Project and the adjacent former Mine. We prefer to explore in the shadow of a headframe, a key comparative advantage of the Montcalm Project. Our seasoned geologists have been prudent in taking all necessary time prior to the first drill bit breaking ground to ensure optimum potential for success. We have spent months carefully integrating past and present technical analyses, and modeling assumptions. The stage is now set for program commencement, once winter sets in and drilling conditions are optimal." Highlights Approximately 25 drill targets have been identified from extensive analysis of historic works and recent, state-of-the-art VTEM and gravity airborne geophysical surveys; An additional ground pulse electromagnetic (PEM) survey in December will test historic UTEM targets in order to further strengthen our drilling strategy and plan; Drilling is expected to commence the first week in January 2019; The maiden diamond drill program estimates producing approximately 5,000 metres of core; Induced polarization (IP) may also be utilized during the maiden program to further refine target knowledge and drill planning; and All necessary drilling permits have been secured and Flying Post First Nation has demonstrated its support. In addition, Pancon has recently strengthened its technical team. Mr. Todd Keast, P.Geo., is a project geologist with more than 30 years of experience, including expertise in discovering, drilling, delineating and developing nickel-hosted massive sulphide deposits across Canada. Todd will work with Pancon Project Manager Kevin Filo, P.Geo., to oversee Montcalm's maiden drill program. He will also provide technical leadership on Pancon's McBride, Nova and Gambler nickel-cobalt-copper projects. Based in Sudbury, Todd has also joined Pancon's Technical Advisory Committee, which is chaired by Dr. Laurie Curtis. About the Montcalm Project The Montcalm Project (3,780 hectares, 37.8 square kilometres) is located within the prospective Montcalm Gabbro Complex in the Montcalm Greenstone Belt, 65 kilometres northwest of Timmins, Ontario. The Project is contiguous to and surrounds the western, northwestern and southwestern portion of the former Montcalm Mine, which was discovered and developed based on a single airborne electromagnetic anomaly identified in the 1970s and previously mined 3,931,610 tonnes of ore grading 1.25% nickel (Ni), 0.67% copper (Cu), and 0.051% cobalt (Co), producing in excess of 4 million pounds of Co (Ontario Geological Survey, Atkinson, 2011). The Company cautions that the mineralization on this adjacent property is not necessarily indicative of the mineralization that may be identified on the Company's property. In January 2018, Pancon acquired an option to earn a 100% interest in the Montcalm Project, as well as in the nearby Nova Project, as detailed in its January 10, 2018 news release. Qualified Person The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with Canadian regulatory requirements as set out in NI 43-101 and reviewed and approved by J. Kevin Filo, P.Geo., a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101, a member of Pancon's Technical Advisory Committee, and Pancon's Project Manager for the Montcalm West Project. Certain technical information within this news release is historical in nature and pre-dates NI 43-101 standards, this information is believed to be reliable however the Company has not verified this material. About Pancontinental Resources Corporation Pancontinental Resources Corporation (TSXV: PUC) is a Canadian-based mining company focused on four nickel-cobalt-copper projects in Ontario - three early stage projects near Timmins: Montcalm Project, Gambler Project, and Nova Project; and the advanced stage McBride Project near Bancroft. Pancon's mission is to generate value through responsible exploration, focusing on prospective assets in proximity to producing or former mines areas and/or with existing resources. The Company also holds a 100% interest in the Jefferson Gold Project in South Carolina, USA. In 2015, Pancon sold its interest in its Australian rare earth element (REE) and uranium properties, formerly held through a joint venture, and retains a 1% gross overriding royalty on 100% of future REE production. For further information, please contact: Layton Croft, President & CEO or Jeanny So, Manager, External Relations E: info@panconresources.com T: +1.416.293.8437 For additional information please visit our new website at www.panconresources.com and our Twitter feed: @PanconResources. 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. Cautionary Language and Forward Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking information which is not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking information is characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, changes in the state of equity and debt markets, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in obtaining required regulatory or governmental approvals, and other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, including those risks set out in the Company's management's discussion and analysis as filed under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. Forward-looking information in this news release is based on the opinions and assumptions of management considered reasonable as of the date hereof, including that all necessary governmental and regulatory approvals will be received as and when expected. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, other than as required by applicable securities laws. 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. BANGKOK, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that Thailand is an active player in promoting South-South cooperation for development. Since 1992, Thailand has started providing technical assistance to foreign countries and expanded to include trilateral cooperation with a third country development partner. When Thailand was Chair of the Group of 77 in 2016, it proposed Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP) as an alternative path to achieve the SDGs, believing that the value of SEP is universal and applicable anywhere. Before Thailand was hit by the 1997 financial crisis, the economic prospect had been bright and promising with frequent annual double-digit growth. The country's aspiration to be one of Asia's next economic tigers seemed within reach. But when the economy crumbled and investors panicked after the bubbly illusion disappeared, the nation was reminded by His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej to return to the basics and find the right balance between maintaining growth and development through SEP. With over two decades behind us, time has proven that the essence of SEP, namely moderation, reasonableness and prudence have been essential elements in shaping one's mindset that encourage people to examine carefully their strengths and constraints before making any decision. Hence, the country has been relatively immune from external shocks like the global financial crisis in 2007. What exactly is SEP and how relevant is it to development? After years of introducing the philosophy beyond Thailand and organizing training courses, the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) recently launched an essay contest on SEP among TICA alumni. The main objective of this contest dubbed "Share it with TICA" was to follow up on how SEP was understood and applied in various contexts. The viewpoints are interesting and reflect the practicability of SEP. Heidi Inostroza, an NGO volunteer from Chile, initially thought that SEP was just another theory. But after attending three TICA training courses in Thailand, she gradually understood the concept of moderation, reasonableness and prudence and took it as an approach for sustainable development. Rather than being a development model, SEP is a philosophy guiding the livelihood of people at all levels. The main idea is to live a sufficiency lifestyle and avoid taking advantage of other people or the environment. Likewise, SEP evidently shares the underlying concept of sustainable development. Inostroza experimented SEP in an indigenous village in Arauco province in Chile by setting up a sheep cattle bank and an organic farm. The purpose was to create self-reliance and empower the villagers in the community by reducing their expenses while raising income based on local and diversified production, as well as through the sustainable use of the environment involving agricultural practices and the zoning of land. This perspective is supported by Evaristo Makwaya, another TICA alumni from Zambia, who believes SEP could help strengthen the potential of local communities in order to address their own self-identified needs and be less dependent on bureaucratically centralized development planning. Some thousands of miles away from Chile, Jephias Matunhu, a development studies professor at Midlands State University in Zimbabwe, has started incorporating SEP in modules that he is teaching. He attended a training course in SEP at Naresuan University in 2017. For Matunhu, SEP is a way of thinking that aims to achieve development through application of moderation, sufficiency and reasonableness principles. It calls for the implementation of development strategies that are environmentally, socially and economically sustainable while emphasizing morality in all human transactions. In his essay which won first prize, he pointed out that SEP is relevant to SDGs such as in recognizing the importance of water resource and in eradicating poverty by promoting community empowerment. Matunhu is implementing SEP in Chivi District, Zimbabwe, where poverty is forcing people to survive by harmful coping strategies such as reducing the number of meals and portions per day as well as migrating to neighbouring countries. The plan is to empower the villagers with knowledge and provide access to information such as weather patterns and financial management. He views that SEP is a promising narrative to sustainable development and could be applied in decision making of industrial enterprise and government offices as well. In summary, SEP is not a how-to handbook for development projects. It is a philosophy that encourages the 'middle path' and self-reliance that could be applied at individual, organizational or national levels. Examples from Zimbabwe and Chile have demonstrated that SEP could guide the way towards finding balance between people, planet and prosperity. And once the balance exists, sustainability will certainly endure. Ministry of Foreign Affairs Tel: +662-203-5000 ext. 22043 Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/776896/MFA_SEP.jpg Focused on establishment of local pilot zones to stimulate trade cooperation JIAOZHOU, China, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- China (Qingdao) SCO + Trade and Investment Liberalization and Facilitation Summit was held in Jiaozhou, a city adjacent to Qingdao, in Shandong Province, China, on the morning of October 28. More than 300 attendees, including influential trade and investment leaders, representatives from Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member countries and Middle Eastern countries targeted by the One Belt, One Road initiative, as well as executives from entrepreneurial firms in Beijing, Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang, assembled in Jiaozhou to discuss issues concerning the establishment and operation of local pilot zones meant to stimulate trade cooperation among SCO members as well as between SCO members and other countries. Shi Jun, member of the Standing Committee of the Twelfth CPPCC National Committee and deputy director of CPPCC - Subcommittee of Economy, elaborated on Qingdao's unique advantages in terms of basic services, infrastructure and incentive in relation to integrated development. Yang Xiong, Deputy Director of UNIDO Shanghai Global Science and Technology Innovation Center, said that the establishment of China-SCO pilot zones with the intent to foster trade cooperation, in partnership with seven SCO member countries, can be expected to inject new energy into the history-rich city of Jiaozhou. Ye Tan, a financial commentator who writes for leading publications, gave a detailed presentation on the opportunities the pilot zones could bring to Jiaozhou in terms of improved traffic conditions and the urbanization rate, as well as to the surrounding Bohai Economic Rim, saying the pilot zones will become vital to the city's ongoing development. The organizer invited attendees to tour several local facilities including Qingdao Transfar Smart Road-Port, Jingdong E-commerce Industrial Park, South Korean maker Nongshim's cutting-edge processing plant and Innova's railway transportation hub, all of which left a deep impression on the attendees. Looking forward, the pilot zones will, in tandem with related national policies, create a fair and friendly international business environment and, with the backing of its larger neighbor, the city of Qingdao, as well as the SCO, build an "one-stop-shop", open platform targeting the Asia Pacific region, the Eurasian landmass, Africa and Latin America, in addition to facilitating the continued implementation of the One Belt, One Road initiative. SpendEdge, a global procurement market intelligence firm, has announced the release of their Global Acetylene Category Procurement Market Intelligence Report. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181030005455/en/ Global Acetylene Category Procurement Market Intelligence Report. (Photo: Business Wire) Built on the critical insights derived from a comprehensive qualitative and a quantitative analysis of the market, this procurement report has answers to all the queries pertaining to the acetylene market. This report highlights the global competitive landscape and determines the regions that are exhibiting the promise of a sustainable growth in the acetylene market. For existing investors as well as the debutantes, this procurement report offers the necessary insight into the strategies that can be leveraged to create a low-risk business plan that guarantees maximized ROI. Download a Free Sample Report to gain actionable market insights into the cost drivers and pricing models of suppliers. According to this procurement report, the growth of the construction industry in the emerging economies will drive the demand for PVCs. PVCs are manufactured from VCM which is, in turn, made of acetylene. Moreover, acetylene gas is finding applications in the welding and cutting industry, which is a crucial segment of the construction and manufacturing sectors. Talk to us and our experts will offer you customized guidance in creating a procurement strategy that is in line with the dynamics of the market. "We advise the buyers to partner with near-shore suppliers since it will help them to reduce logistics expenditure. Moreover, engaging with nearshore suppliers is particularly crucial for this category owing to its volatile property. Hence, reducing the distance will curb the volume lost during transportation," says SpendEdge procurement expert Anil Seth. The procurement market analysis experts at SpendEdge have enlisted the best procurement practices that have been proven effective in facilitating a cohesive procurement strategy that is tailored to the dynamics of the acetylene market: Buyers can reduce their upfront investments in storage equipment by partnering with suppliers who allow leasing of storage equipment Limited supply pool in the market necessitates long-term engagement with the incumbent suppliers. Moreover, renewing contracts with incumbent suppliers aids buyers in achieving cost savings on contracts Purchase the full report, to know more about the US market and top suppliers of acetylene. SpendEdge is now offering limited-time discounts on report purchases. Buy two reports and get the third one for free SpendEdge's procurement market intelligence reports for the chemicals category offer information on category pricing strategies to help the buyers achieve significant cost-savings. The reports also offer information on supplier performance benchmarking criteria to help buyers reduce spend and establish better SLAs. Additionally, SpendEdge's reports offer insights into the sustainability and procurement best practices for the category. Report scope snapshot: Acetylene market Category ecosystem Market favorability index for suppliers Competitiveness index for suppliers Threat of new entrants Interested to know more about the scope of our reports? Download a FREE sample Category management enablers Procurement organization Category enablers Want customized information? Get in touch Category definition Category hierarchy Category scope Category map To view this report's table of contents, Download a FREE sample Do you purchase multiple reports in a year? Our subscription platform, SpendEdge Insights, provides ready-to-use procurement research reports for multiple categories. Now access latest supplier news, innovation landscape, markets insights, supplier tracking, and much more at the click of a button. Start your 7-day FREE trial now. Related Reports: Global Citric Acid Category Procurement Market Intelligence Report Global Citric Acid Category Procurement Market Intelligence ReportGlobal Sodium Thiosulfate Category Procurement Market Intelligence Report About SpendEdge: SpendEdge shares your passion for driving sourcing and procurement excellence. We are the preferred procurement market intelligence partner for 120+ Fortune 500 firms and other leading companies across numerous industries. Our strength lies in delivering robust, real-time procurement market intelligence reports and solutions. To know more, https://www.spendedge.com/request-free-proposal View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181030005455/en/ Contacts: SpendEdge Anirban Choudhury Marketing Manager US: +1 630 984 7340 UK: +44 148 459 9299 https://www.spendedge.com/contact-us New Phase 3 AMBER study data continues to demonstrate high rates of virologic suppression at 96 weeks in ART-naive adults with HIV-1 when treated with D/C/F/TAF1 The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson Johnson today unveiled 96-week results from the pivotal Phase 3 AMBER study of SYMTUZA(darunavir 800 mg, cobicistat 150 mg, emtricitabine 200 mg and tenofovir alafenamide 10 mg (D/C/F/TAF)) at HIV Glasgow in Scotland. D/C/F/TAF is a once-daily darunavir-based single-tablet regimen (STR), for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older with body weight of at least 40 kg. Genotypic testing should guide the use of D/C/F/TAF.2 Results from the AMBER study demonstrated that a high proportion of antiretroviral treatment (ART)-naive adults with HIV-1 (85%, 308/362) maintained virologic suppression (viral load <50c/mL; FDA-snapshot) at 96 weeks when treated with D/C/F/TAF.No darunavir, primary protease inhibitor, or tenofovir resistance-associated mutations emerged in any patient. As previously reported, onlyone patient receiving D/C/F/TAF developed a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor resistance-associated mutation (M184V) through week 48. In the current analysis through 96 weeks, only one additional patient receiving D/C/F/TAF developed a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor resistance-associated mutation to emtricitabine (M184V).1 These 96-week data, which follow on from the earlier 48-week results,3 reinforce the long-term efficacy, high genetic barrier and safety of D/C/F/TAF as a treatment for ART-naive adults with HIV-1.1 The control arm of the study consisted of 512 patient years exposure to darunavir (D)+ cobicistat (C)+ emtricitabine (F)/ tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and 109 patient years exposure to D/C/F/TAF.1 "The 96-week results from the AMBER study demonstrate that the darunavir-based single-tablet regimen has a good safety profile and efficacy and a high genetic barrier beyond the first year of treatment. The regimen adds to the choices for patients who start and receive life-long HIV therapy," said Professor Chloe Orkin, Lead for HIV research at Barts Health NHS Trust. D/C/F/TAF was generally well-tolerated with 3% (10/362) adverse event (AE)-related discontinuations over 96 weeks and 3% (11/362) of people experiencing a grade 3 or 4 study-drug related AE, compared with 1% (3/295) in the comparator arm. Bone, renal and lipid safety were consistent with known tenofovir alafenamide and cobicistat profiles.1 Efficacy and safety results were consistent with the 48-week results in the D/C/F/TAFgroup.1 "These results mark another important milestone in ensuring that individualised treatment options are available to those living with HIV-1," said Kimberley Brown, PharmD, AAHIVE, Study Responsible Scientist, Janssen Research Development, LLC. "At Janssen, we are building on our 25-year heritage in HIV and remain committed to ongoing research and development of innovative solutions with the aim to make HIV history." On September 26, 2017, D/C/F/TAF was approved for the treatment of HIV-1 infection by the European Commission,4 based on results from a bioequivalence study that compared D/C/F/TAF with the combined administration of the separate agents darunavir [D] 800 mg, cobicistat [C] 150 mg, and emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide [FTC/TAF] 200 mg/10 mg fixed-dose combination.5 US FDA approval was granted on July 17, 20186 based on the results from the two pivotal Phase 3 studies, EMERALD and AMBER.3,7 96-week results from the Phase 3 EMERALD trial in treatment-experienced virologically suppressed adults with HIV-1 were recently presented at IDWeek 2018, in San Francisco, CA.8 D/C/F/TAF does not cure or prevent HIV-1 or AIDS. ENDS Notes to editors About the AMBER clinical trial1,3 AMBER is a Phase 3 randomised, double-blind, active-controlled, international, multi-centre, non-inferiority study designed to assess the safety and efficacy of D/C/F/TAF versus the control in HIV-1 treatment-naive patients at Week 48, and the long-term efficacy and safety of D/C/F/TAF at Week 96. The control was comprised of two separate medications darunavir/cobicistat plus emtricitabine 200mg/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300mg and patients were randomly assigned (362 D/C/F/TAF; 363 control). Based on the results of the primary analysis all patients, after unblinding, received treatment with D/C/F/TAF during an open-label single group treatment phased up to Week 96. The primary endpoint was non-inferiority of the single-tablet regimen versus the control regarding the proportion of patients that achieved viral suppression (viral load of less than 50 c/mL at 48 weeks - per FDA snapshot analysis). Reaching suppression of viral load (or the amount of HIV virus in the blood) is a key treatment goal for people living with HIV-1.FDA snapshot efficacy outcomes were also reported.1 48-week data have been previously reported.3 At Week 96, of the 725 patients treated, a high proportion of patients in the D/C/F/TAF arm (85%, 308/362) maintained virologic suppression (viral load of<50c/mL per FDA Snapshot analysis), compared to 88% (321/363) in the comparator arm. Viral load of =50c/mL per the FDA Snapshot at Week 96 occurred in 20/362 (6%) patients in the D/C/F/TAFarm, compared to 3% (12/363) in the control arm. No darunavir, primary protease inhibitor, or tenofovir resistance-associations emerged in any patient.Through 96 weeks, only two patients receiving D/C/F/TAF developed a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor resistance-associated mutation to emtricitabine (M184V).1D/C/F/TAF was generally well-tolerated with few serious adverse events. 11% (39/362) of patients experienced serious adverse events and 3% (10/362) experienced adverse event-related discontinuations. No deaths occurred. In the comparator arm, 3% (8/295) of patients experienced serious adverse events and 1% (<1/295) experienced adverse event-related discontinuations. Bone, renal and lipid safety were consistent with known tenofovir and cobicistat profiles, with a small change in TC/HDL-C ratio.1 Efficacy and safety results were consistent with the 48-week results seen in the D/C/F/TAF arm.1 Cobicistat, emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide are from Gilead Sciences, Inc. On December 23, 2014, Janssen and Gilead Sciences Inc. amended a licensing agreement for the development and commercialisation of a once-daily single-tablet regimen combination of darunavir and Gilead's TAF, emtricitabine and cobicistat. Under the terms of the agreement, Janssen and its affiliates are responsible for the manufacturing, registration, distribution and commercialisation of this single-tablet regimen worldwide. About D/C/F/TAF2 In the European Union, D/C/F/TAF is indicated for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection in adults and adolescents (aged 12 years and older with body weight at least 40 kg). Genotypic testing should guide the use of D/C/F/TAF.2 D/C/F/TAFis a fixed-dose combination of four active substances (darunavir, cobicistat, emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide), available as 800 mg/150 mg/200 mg/10 mg film-coated tablets. Darunavir inhibits the HIV protease and prevents the formation of mature infectious virus particles. Emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide are substrates and competitive inhibitors of HIV reverse transcriptase. After phosphorylation, they are incorporated into the viral DNA chain, resulting in chain termination. Cobicistat enhances the systemic exposure of darunavir and has no direct antiviral effect.2 About Janssen At the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson Johnson, we are working to create a world without disease. Transforming lives by finding new and better ways to prevent, intercept, treat and cure disease inspires us. We bring together the best minds and pursue the most promising science. We are Janssen. We collaborate with the world for the health of everyone in it. Learn more at www.janssen.com/emea and follow us at @JanssenEMEA. Janssen-Cilag International NV and Janssen Research Development, LLC are part of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson Johnson. Prescribing and safety information For important prescribing and safety information for D/C/F/TAF in the European Union please visit: www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/symtuza For complete prescribing and safety information in the UK, please visit: www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/8430 ?Adverse events should be reported. This medicinal product is subject to additional monitoring and it is therefore important to report any suspected adverse events related to this medicinal product. Reporting forms and information can be found at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. Adverse events should also be reported to Janssen-Cilag Ltd on 01494 567447 or at dsafety@its.jnj.com. References 1 Orkin C, Eron JJ, Rockstroh J, et al. Efficacy and safety of the once-daily, darunavir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (D/C/F/TAF) single-tablet regimen (STR) in antiretroviral treatment (ART)-naive, HIV-1-infected adults: AMBER Week 96 results. Presented at HIV Glasgow 2018, Glasgow, October 28-31,; abstract O212. Available at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jia2.25187. Last accessed October 2018. 2 Symtuza 800 mg/150 mg/200 mg/10 mg film-coated tablets. Summary of product characteristics. Janssen-Cilag Ltd. Last updated 27 Sept 2018. Available at: www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/8430/smpc Last accessed October 2018 3 Gallant J, et al. Week 48 results of AMBER: a phase 3, randomised, double-blind trial in antiretroviral treatment (ART)-naive HIV-1-infected adults to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the once-daily, single-tablet regimen (STR) of darunavir/ cobicistat/ emtricitabine/ tenofovir alafenamide (D/C/F/TAF) versus darunavir/cobicistat (DRV/c) plus emtricitabine/ tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (FTC/TDF). Presented at the European AIDS Clinical Society Conference 2017. Milan, October 25-27, 2017; abstract PS8/2. Available at: www.abstractserver.com/eacsabstractarchive/ Last accessed October 2018. 4 Janssen. European Commission approves Symtuza for the treatment of HIV-1 in adults and adolescents in Europe. Press release 26 September 2017. Available at: www.jnj.com/media-center/press-releases/european-commission-approves-symtuza-for-the-treatment-of-hiv-1-in-adults-and-adolescents-in-europe Last accessed October 2018. 5 Crauwels H, et al. Bioequivalence of a darunavir-based single-tablet complete HIV-1 regimen compared to the separate agents. Presented at 9th IAS Conference on HIV Science 2017; abstract MOPEB0335. Available at: http://programme.ias2017.org/Abstract/Print/?abstractid=4016 Last accessed: October 2018. 6 Janssen. Janssen announces U.S. FDA approval of SYMTUZA (D/C/F/TAF), the first and only complete darunavir-based single-tablet regimen for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. Press release July 17, 2018. Available at: www.janssen.com/janssen-announces-us-fda-approval-symtuza-dcftaf-first-and-only-complete-darunavir-based-single-0 Last accessed October 2018. 7 Molina JM, et al. Efficacy and safety of switching from boosted-protease inhibitor plus emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate regimens to the single-tablet regimen of darunavir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (D/C/F/TAF) in virologically-suppressed, HIV-1-infected adults through 24 weeks: EMERALD study. Presented at 9th IAS Conference on HIV Science 2017; abstract TUAB0101. Available at: http://programme.ias2017.org/Abstract/Abstract/4194 Last accessed: October 2018. 8 Eron J, et al. Efficacy and safety of switching from boosted-protease inhibitors (bPI) plus emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (F/TDF) regimens to the once daily (QD), single-tablet regimen (STR) of darunavir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (D/C/F/TAF) in virologically-suppressed, HIV-1-infected adults: week 96 results of the phase 3, randomized, non-inferiority EMERALD trial. Presented at IDWeek 2018, San Francisco, CA, USA, October 3-7, 2018; abstract 1768. Available at: https://idsa.confex.com/idsa/2018/webprogram/Paper72755.html Last accessed October 2018. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181030005577/en/ Contacts: Media Enquiries: Ines Hammer Phone: +33 688 093 335 or Investor Relations: Lesley Fishman Phone: +1 732-524-3922 or Christopher DelOrefice Phone: +1 732-524-2955 Ottawa, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 30, 2018) - C-COM Satellite Systems Inc. (TSXV: CMI), the world's leading provider of commercial grade auto-acquire mobile satellite antenna systems, announced today that it has received orders of US$1 Million for its iNetVu antenna systems from various customers across Asia. iNetVu Flyaway Antenna System FLY-981 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/5445/40673_full.jpg The systems have been purchased by reseller partners, in multiple countries, and will be deployed by commercial customers in the Telecom and Energy markets for cellular backhaul, disaster management and oil & gas exploration, respectively. "In spite of a recent slow down in sales to the region, C-COM remains a dominant player in the auto-acquire VSAT terminal market in Asia," commented Drew Klein, Director of Business Development for C-COM. "These significant orders, from both new and existing resellers, are indicative that our highly reliable motorized antennas continue to be in great demand, and of significant value, to even the most demanding customers," Klein continued. C-COM expects to deliver these orders over the next few months. The Company offers classic and next generation Driveaway, Flyaway, Fixed Motorized, and Backpack systems (iNetVu) for any vertical market where communications are challenged due to disruption or deficiency. C-COM has more than 20 different Comm-on-the-Pause antenna models, integrated with all major modem manufacturers, approved with most major satellite operators, and is working closely with more than 500 active dealers in over 100 countries. More than 8,000 iNetVu systems have been sold since the brand's inception. Working with a renowned research team at the University of Waterloo, the Company is also developing an electronically steerable, Comm-on-the-Move Ka-band flat panel antenna system based on phased array technology with the potential to revolutionize satellite's addressable mobile markets for land, airborne and maritime. ABOUT C-COM SATELLITE SYSTEMS Inc. C-COM Satellite Systems Inc. is a pioneer and world leader in the design, development, and manufacture of mobile satellite-based antenna systems for the delivery of Broadband Internet to any location via Satellite. C-COM has developed a proprietary, one-button, auto-acquisition controller technology for rapid antenna pointing to a geostationary satellite with just the press of a button, enabling high-speed Internet connectivity where terrestrial markets are overloaded or simply don't exist. The company has sold approximately 8,000 systems to customers in over 100 countries providing service to a wide range of vertical markets such as Oil & Gas Exploration, Military Communications, Disaster Management, SNG, Emergency Communications, Cellular Backhaul, Telemedicine, Mobile Banking, and others. The Company's iNetVu brand is synonymous with high quality, reliability and cost-effectiveness. In partnership with a renowned research team at the University of Waterloo's Centre for Intelligent Antenna and Radio Systems (CIARS), C-COM has been developing a next generation Ka-band flat panel antenna based on advanced phased array technology for enabling high-throughput mobility applications over satellite: land, airborne and maritime. More information is available at: www.c-comsat.com. iNetVu is a registered trademark of C-COM Satellite Systems Inc. Forward Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements. These statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect management's current expectations and assumptions. Statements about the potential deployment of units ordered, what these orders imply about the state of the market in Asia going forward, timing of shipment of orders and the potential impacts of new technology under development all contain forward-looking information. Several factors could cause actual events, performance or results to differ materially from the events, performance and results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Deployment of units ordered may not be as expected by C-COM and the receipt of the orders may not be reflective of the state of the market in Asia. Orders may take longer to ship than anticipated and orders may be cancelled for any number of reasons, some of which are beyond C-COM Satellite Systems' control. Anticipated benefits of the new technology may not be realized, and new products and services may not be released or, if released may not gain market acceptance. Any of those events and others could influence future performance and C-COM's ability to achieve the results mentioned above. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and C-COM does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. # # # 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. C-COM Satellite Systems Inc. Tel: (613) 745-4110 ext. 4950 Fax: (613) 745-7144 lklein@c-comsat.com RECORDATI ANNOUNCES SALES AND MARGIN GROWTHIN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS 2018. REVENUES +5.1%, EBITDA +11.1%, OPERATING INCOME +9.6%, NET INCOME +8.2%.INTERIM DIVIDEND 0.45 (+7.1%). Consolidated revenues 1,013.3 million, +5.1%. EBITDA (1) 380.1 million, +11.1% 380.1 million, +11.1% Operating income 337.0 million, +9.6%. Net income 237.9 million, +8.2%. Net financial position (2) : net debt of 462.7 million. : net debt of 462.7 million. Shareholders' equity 988.0 million. Interim 2018 dividend of 0.45 per share to be distributed. Milan, 30 October 2018 - The Board of Directors of Recordati S.p.A. approved the Group's consolidated results for the first nine months of 2018 prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standards and International Financial Reporting Standards (IAS/IFRS) and in particular as per IAS 34 requirements for interim reporting. These financial statements will be available today at the company's offices and on the company's website www.recordati.com and can also be viewed on the authorized storage system 1Info (www.1Info.it). Financial highlights Consolidated revenues in the first nine months of 2018 are 1,013.3 million, up by 5.1% compared to the same period of the preceding year. International sales grow by 5.4%. in the first nine months of 2018 are 1,013.3 million, up by 5.1% compared to the same period of the preceding year. International sales grow by 5.4%. EBITDA (1) , at 37.5% of sales, is 380.1 million, an increase of 11.1% over the same period of the preceding year. , at 37.5% of sales, is 380.1 million, an increase of 11.1% over the same period of the preceding year. Operating income , at 33.3% of sales, is 337.0 million, an increase of 9.6%. , at 33.3% of sales, is 337.0 million, an increase of 9.6%. Net income, at 23.5% of sales, is 237.9 million, an increase of 8.2% over the first nine months of 2018. at 23.5% of sales, is 237.9 million, an increase of 8.2% over the first nine months of 2018. Net financial position (2) at 30 September 2018 records a net debt of 462.7 million compared to net debt of 381.8 million at 31 December 2017. During the period own shares were purchased for an overall disbursement of 169.8 million, dividends were distributed for an amount of 87.1 million. Furthermore, the Italian company Natural Point S.r.l. was acquired for a value of 75 million. Shareholders' equity is 988.0 million. (1)Operating income before depreciation, amortizationand write down of both tangible and intangible assets. (2) Cash and short-term financial investments less bank overdrafts and medium/long-term loans which include the measurement at fair value of hedging derivatives. Corporate development news In April an agreement with Mylan for the acquisition of the rights to Cystagon (cysteamine bitartrate), indicated for the treatment of proven nephropathic cystinosis in children and adults, for certain territories, including Europe, was concluded. The product was previously commercialized by Orphan Europe (a Recordati group company) under license from Mylan. The definitive acquisition of the rights allows the Group to continue offering this life-saving treatment to patients. In June Recordati acquired 100% of the share capital of Natural Point S.r.l., an Italian company, based in Milan, active in the food supplements market. The company realized sales of 15 million in 2017 and has an excellent profitability profile. The signing and closing of the transaction took place at the same time. Natural Point was established in 1993 with the objective of promoting a culture of healthy use of food supplements. It offers a wide portfolio of very efficacious supplements in highly bioavailable formulations, produced with safe active ingredients, to improve health and well-being. The company's main product is a particular formulation of magnesium carbonate and citric acid that has the characteristic of being easily assimilated into the body, apart from its having an agreeable flavor. Management Comments "The financial results obtained in the first nine months of the year confirm the continued growth of the Group, with further improvement of its profitability", declared Andrea Recordati, CEO. "During the year important initiatives were concluded. The definitive acquisition of the rights to Cystagon from Mylan allows us to ensure the continued availability of this life-saving treatment to patients and the acquisition of Natural Point represents a good opportunity to enhance our presence in the market for food supplements. Furthermore, during the last quarter, Reagila, a new drug for the treatment of schizophrenia, will be launched in some European countries", continued Andrea Recordati. "The growth of Group's business continued during October. Taking into account the strong devaluation of the Turkish lira, which we estimate will have, on its own, an impact of around 30 million for the full year, we expect for the whole of 2018 to achieve sales ranging from 1,340 million to 1,350 million, whilst we confirm our objectives for EBITDA of between 490 and 500 million, EBIT of between 430 and 440 million and net income of between 310 and 315 million." Further resolutions 2018 Interim dividend The Board of Directors resolved to distribute an interim dividend relating to the financial year 2018 amounting to 0.45 (before withholding tax) on each outstanding share, excluding shares in treasury stock. The interim dividend will be paid, through the authorised intermediaries, as from November 21, 2018 (record date November 20, 2018) on coupon No. 22 to be presented on November 19, 2018. The Independent Auditor's opinion on the distribution of the interim dividend is also available at the Company's registered offices as per article 2433-bis of the Italian Civil Code. The Directors' Report and financial statements of Recordati S.p.A. as at 30 June 2018, on which the Board of Directors based its resolution to distribute the abovementioned interim dividend, are available at the Company's registered offices and published on the Company's website (www.recordati.com). Such documents can also be viewed on the authorized storage system 1Info (www.1Info.it). Conference call Recordati will be hosting a conference calltoday 30 October 2018 at 4.00 pm Italian time (3.00 pm London time, 10.00 am New York time). The dial-in numbers are: Italy +39 02 8058811, toll free 800 213 858 UK +44 1 212818003, toll free 800 0156384 USA +1 718 7058794, toll free 855 2656959 France +33 170918703 Germany +49 69 255114451 Callers are invited to dial-in 10 minutes before conference time. If conference operator assistance is required during the connection, please digit * followed by 0 or call +39 02 8061371. A recording of the conference call will be placed on the website www.recordati.com. A set of slides which will be referred to during the call will be available on our website www.recordati.com under Investors/Company Presentations. Recordati, established in 1926, is an international pharmaceutical group, listed on the Italian Stock Exchange (Reuters RECI.MI, Bloomberg REC IM, ISIN IT 0003828271), with a total staff of more than 4,100, dedicated to the research, development, manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceuticals. Headquartered in Milan, Italy, Recordati has operations throughout the whole of Europe, including Russia, Turkey, North Africa, the United States of America, Canada, Mexico, some South American countries, Japan and Australia. An efficient field force of medical representatives promotes a wide range of innovative pharmaceuticals, both proprietary and under license, in a number of therapeutic areas including a specialized business dedicated to treatments for rare diseases. Recordati is a partner of choice for new product licenses for its territories. Recordati is committed to the research and development of new specialties with a focus on treatments for rare diseases. Consolidated revenue for 2017 was 1,288.1 million, operating income was 406.5 million and net income was 288.8 million. For further information: Recordati website: www.recordati.com Investor Relations Media Relations Marianne Tatschke Studio Noris Morano (39)0248787393 (39)0276004736, (39)0276004745 e-mail: investorelations@recordati.it e-mail: norismorano@studionorismorano.com Statements contained in this release, other than historical facts, are "forward-looking statements" (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). These statements are based on currently available information, on current best estimates, and on assumptions believed to be reasonable. This information, these estimates and assumptions may prove to be incomplete or erroneous, and involve numerous risks and uncertainties, beyond the Company's control. Hence, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All mentions and descriptions of Recordati products are intended solely as information on the general nature of the company's activities and are not intended to indicate the advisability of administering any product in any particular instance. RECORDATI GROUP Summary of consolidated results prepared in accordance with the International Accounting Standards and International Financial Reporting Standards (IAS/IFRS) (thousands of ) INCOME STATEMENT First nine months 2018 First nine months 2017 Change % REVENUE 1,013,308 963,827 5.1 Cost of sales (296,015 ) (287,596 ) 2.9 GROSS PROFIT 717,293 676,231 6.1 Selling expenses (250,258 ) (246,544 ) 1.5 Research and development expenses (79,436 ) (72,145 ) 10.1 General & administrative expenses (48,543 ) (48,670 ) (0.3 ) Other income (expenses), net (2,087 ) (1,370 ) 52.3 OPERATING INCOME 336,969 307,502 9.6 Financial income (expenses), net (13,757 ) (11,753 ) 17.1 PRE-TAX INCOME 323,212 295,749 9.3 Provision for income taxes (85,335 ) (75,943 ) 12.4 NET INCOME 237,877 219,806 8.2 Attributable to: Equity holders of the parent 237,841 219,778 8.2 Non-controlling interests 36 28 28.6 EARNINGS PER SHARE First nine months 2018 First nine months 2017 Change % Basic 1.163 1.064 9.3 Diluted 1.137 1.051 8.2 Earnings per share (EPS) are based on average shares outstanding during each year, 204,556,132 in 2018 and 206,627,645 in 2017, net of average treasury stock which amounted to 4,569,024 shares in 2018 and to 2,497,511 shares in 2017. Diluted earnings per share is calculated taking into account stock options granted to employees. COMPOSITION OF REVENUE First nine months 2018 First nine months 2017 Change % Total revenue 1,013,308 963,827 5.1 Italy 206,704 198,554 4.1 International 806,604 765,273 5.4 RECORDATI GROUP Summary of consolidated results prepared in accordance with the International Accounting Standards and International Financial Reporting Standards (IAS/IFRS) (thousands of ) INCOME STATEMENT Third Quarter 2018 Third Quarter 2017 Change % REVENUE 317,254 312,959 1.4 Cost of sales (93,002 ) (90,854 ) 2.4 GROSS PROFIT 224,252 222,105 1.0 Selling expenses (77,465 ) (78,023 ) (0.7 ) Research and development expenses (25,809 ) (24,993 ) 3.3 General & administrative expenses (15,403 ) (14,829 ) 3.9 Other income (expenses), net (537 ) 44 n.s. OPERATING INCOME 105,038 104,304 0.7 Financial income (expenses), net (5,299 ) (4,762 ) 11.3 PRE-TAX INCOME 99,739 99,542 0.2 Provision for income taxes (26,050 ) (26,723 ) (2.5 ) NET INCOME 73,689 72,819 1.2 Attributable to: Equity holders of the parent 73,677 72,811 1.2 Non-controlling interests 12 8 50.0 COMPOSITION OF REVENUE Third Quarter 2018 Third Quarter 2017 Change % Total revenue 317,254 312,959 1.4 Italy 60,913 56,139 8.5 International 256,341 256,820 (0.2 ) RECORDATI GROUP Summary of consolidated results prepared in accordance with the International Accounting Standards and International Financial Reporting Standards (IAS/IFRS) (thousands of ) ASSETS 30.09.2018 31.12.2017 Property, plant and equipment 97,948 103,009 Intangible assets 606,424 540,565 Goodwill 545,601 539,871 Equity investments 20,785 24,171 Non-current receivables 6,725 5,944 Deferred tax assets 75,611 69,162 TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS 1,353,094 1,282,722 Inventories 185,717 179,100 Trade receivables 248,079 244,117 Other receivables 26,251 39,730 Other current assets 7,606 4,836 Fair value of hedging derivatives (cash flow hedge) 4,142 3,825 Short-term financial investments, cash and cash equivalents 235,165 302,077 TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 706,960 773,685 TOTAL ASSETS 2,060,054 2,056,407 EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 30.09.2018 31.12.2017 Share capital 26,141 26,141 Capital in excess of par value 83,719 83,719 Treasury stock (151,311 ) (17,029 ) Hedging reserve (7,753 ) (5,867 ) Translation reserve (161,325 ) (124,004 ) Other reserves 40,239 40,684 Retained earnings 920,302 822,154 Net income for the period 237,841 288,762 Interim dividend 0 (87,470 ) GROUP SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 987,853 1,027,090 Minority interest 183 147 SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 988,036 1,027,237 Loans due after one year 568,911 612,462 Employees' termination pay 21,207 21,093 Deferred tax liabilities 33,474 17,554 Other non-current liabilities 2,516 2,515 TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES 626,108 653,624 Trade payables 123,400 141,740 Other payables 89,177 82,779 Tax liabilities 45,075 24,373 Other current liabilities 1,272 486 Provisions 51,872 48,322 Fair value of hedging derivatives (cash flow hedge) 8,004 9,559 Loans due within one year 59,530 51,710 Bank overdrafts 67,580 16,577 TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 445,910 375,546 TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 2,060,054 2,056,407 DECLARATION BY THE MANAGER RESPONSIBLE FOR PREPARING THE COMPANY'S FINANCIAL REPORTS The manager responsible for preparing the company's financial reports Fritz Squindo declares, pursuant to paragraph 2 of Article 154-bis of the Consolidated Law on Finance, that the accounting information contained in this press release corresponds to the documental results, books and accounting records. Attachment CHICAGO, October 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the new market research report "Hub Motor Market by Installation (Front & Rear), Vehicle (E-Bikes, E-Scooters/Mopeds, and E-Motorcycles), Motor (Geared and Gearless), Sales Channel (OE and Aftermarket), Power Output (Below 1000 W, 1000-3000 W, and Above 3000 W), and Region - Global Forecast to 2025", published by MarketsandMarkets, the global Hub Motor Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.03% from USD 7.92 billion in 2018 to reach USD 11.17 billion by 2025. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg ) Don't miss out on business opportunities in Hub Motor Market. Speak to Our Analyst and gain crucial industry insights that will help your business grow: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/speaktoanalyst.asp?id=62957995 The major factors behind the growth of the Hub Motor Market are improved vehicle performance, powerful acceleration, and high torque. Hub motor helps supply torque to its associated tire and generates more power to improve the efficiency of a vehicle. Electric Bike Segment: Increased power and better vehicle handling is expected to drive the Hub Motor Market The electric bike segment is the largest of all segments of the Hub Motor Market and is expected to witness a significant growth during the forecast period. The market growth of hub motors can be attributed to factors such as high torque, increased power, and better vehicle handling to both new and existing vehicles. This vehicle segment is the most promising market for hub motors as it is the largest in the automotive industry. Browse in-depth TOC on"Hub Motor Market" 45- Tables 36- Figures 105- Pages View more detailed TOC @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/hub-motor-market-62957995.html Rear Hub Motor: Better traction and high flexibility fuels the Hub Motor Market Rear hub motors are predominantly used in the global Hub Motor Market. This type of installation provides powerful acceleration, better traction, and high flexibility. The powerful hub motors are appropriate for rear installation because higher power can be better handled in the rear wheel of the e-bikes. Major electric two-wheeler manufacturers prefer installing hub motors in the rear wheel to take advantage of the traction control. Asia Pacific: China is expected to lead the Asia Pacific market The Asia Pacific region is estimated to be the largest Hub Motor Market in 2018. The region comprises some of the fastest developing economies of the world such as China and India. The governments of these developing economies have recognized the growth potential of the electric two wheelers and, hence, have taken several initiatives to attract major OEMs to manufacture electric two wheelers in their domestic markets. For instance, the Government of India announced financial support and a scheme called Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME). Under the scheme, there is subsidy up to INR 22,000 for electric scooters/e-bikes. Government promotions and schemes have led to an increase in sales of electric two wheelers over the years, which caters to the hub motor demand. Request for Free Sample Report @https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsample.asp?id=62957995 To enable an in-depth understanding of the competitive landscape, the report includes the profiles of some of the top players in the Hub Motor Market. The key players in the market QS Motor (China), Schaeffler Technologies (Germany), Michelin (France), Jiashan Neopower International Trade (China), and Elaphe (Slovenia). 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Contact: Mr. Shelly Singh MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/hub-motor-market.asp Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com NEW YORK, October 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- NetworkNewsWire Editorial Coverage The move towards the adoption of electric vehicles (EV's) along with solar and wind power generation has sparked interest in what could become the next super metal: vanadium. The United States doesn't currently produce vanadium; however, United Battery Metals (OTC:UBMCF) (CSE:UBM) (FWB:0UL) (Profile) is in development of a world-class vanadium resource in Colorado. The vanadium redox battery (VRB) is a potentially revolutionary way to store energy, and major miners such as Largo Resources (TSX:LGO) (OTC:LGORF) may not be able to react quickly enough to offset the potential spike in vanadium demand. The adoption of VRB technology could provide a catalyst for the vanadium industry, a positive for companies such as Prophecy Development Corp. (TSX:PCY) (OTC:PRPCF), Vanadium One Energy Corp. (TSX.V:VONE), and First Vanadium Corp. (TSX.V:FVAN) (OTC:CCCCF), which are eager to serve this growing marketplace. To view an infographic of this editorial, click here. Critical to Security The Department of the Interior deemed vanadium as one of the commodities considered critical to the economic and national security of the United States. This recognition is a result of President Donald J. Trump's executive order to break America's dependence on foreign minerals President Trump has moved relentlessly against China on trade policy, a country that happens to be the global leader in vanadium production by a wide margin. Without Chinese vanadium to depend on, the United Battery Metals' (OTC:UBMCF) (CSE:UBM) Wray Mesa, Colorado, project could help the US develop its own domestic vanadium supply. The price of V2O5 vanadium pentoxide flake 98 percent, a common form of vanadium, has increased significantly over the last three years. The global shift toward EVs is growing stronger. According to Forbes, China is subsidizing the purchase price of an EV by as much as $10,000 per vehicle. Beijing wants to curb its dependency on dirty fuel sources, which has required the government to slash the number of new vehicle registrations allowed in Beijing this year from 150,000 to just 100,000. Of those 100,000, 60 percent must be an EV. Vanadium redox batteries offer a potentially game-changing solution for stationary storage units and charging stations. Unlike lithium-ion batteries, VRBs can be charged and discharged simultaneously, allowing up to 50 vehicles to connect to VRB charging stations at the same time. This means the trend towards EVs could require significant amounts of vanadium in the form of charging infrastructure to provide energy to these new vehicles. Until recently the steel industry used the majority of the vanadium supply as an additive to strengthen steel. Demand in the steel industry continues to grow, thanks in part to the current administration's support of domestic steel production, which has caused companies such as US Steel to open new facilities and cancel plant closures nationwide. Now it looks like vanadium could be vital for cutting-edge battery technology in addition to being a steel additive. There are currently no active vanadium producers in the United States, meaning United Battery Metals could have a head start in development, thanks to its 3,000-acre land package in Wray Mesa. In addition to the steel industry and car charging stations, VRB's could play a critical role in grid power storage. Solar and wind power nationwide is a burgeoning industry that is growing exponentially with a shift to clean energy solutions. California has recently announced that by 2020 all homes and mid-rises will be required to install solar panels. It is here that VRBs can play a part. The ability to store power from low-usage periods and spill it back into the grid during peak demand periods makes VRB's a far superior choice for large-scale energy storage than lithium-ion batteries. Experts predict that it is just a matter of time before this law will be adopted nationwide. Regulations such as these could become a big driver for vanadium demand in the United States, a country in desperate need of a domestic resource. Growing Pressure on Battery Infrastructure EV's offer society an incredible transportation option that could drastically reduce carbon emissions. As the shift towards EV's continues, a new network of charging stations could be necessary to provide the vehicles with electricity. With multiple governments already moving to regulate internal combustion engine vehicles, the move towards electric transportation has already begun, meaning the race is on to create the energy infrastructure necessary to support these new electric vehicles. The electric vehicle revolution has required massive amounts of lithium to produce the lithium-ion batteries found in EV's such as the Tesla. However, the next battery revolution could be built on a different resource altogether. As energy demands grow and the lithium-ion battery becomes as common as the lightbulb, new sources of energy have the potential to become the backbone of the next battery industry. In the case of vanadium, the unique properties of the metal have enabled new means of electric storage, which could greatly benefit vanadium miners such as UBM. Vanadium: Enabling the Energy Storage Revolution Vanadium redox batteries offer unique advantages that no other battery can match. Unlike lithium-ion batteries, VRB's don't heat up when in use, and they can be charged and discharged at the same time. Today VRB's are being developed to work in conjunction with renewable power sources and EV's. Unfortunately, there isn't currently enough vanadium in production to meet growing demand. For United Battery Metals, the vanadium supply crunch in the United States offers a potentially lucrative opportunity. The company has a large land package in a politically stable jurisdiction, and its Wray Mesa project has the potential to become the lone vanadium producer in the country. VRB's also solve a common problem for sustainable power sources, offering an almost perfect solution for storing power at stationary power stations. They offer a long service life and can be recycled when they need to be replaced. VRB's can also charge and discharge simultaneously, meaning a VRB-based power station could be capable of charging itself through the grid while also providing energy to vehicles or other devices. According to Forbes, the number of EV's sold globally is expected to increase from 1.2 million in 2017 to 2 million in 2019. This trend could also greatly benefit vanadium miners such as United Battery Metals, which are capable of providing enough of the super metal necessary to jumpstart the next battery revolution. A Head Start in the Race to Vanadium Production United Battery Metals could be in a prime position to meet US demand with its wholly controlled Wray Mesa project in the UraVan district of Colorado. This year the USGS added vanadium to its list of strategic elements, meaning the Wray Mesa project could become incredibly important to the United States and its national interests as the country focuses on developing its own domestic resources. Wray Mesa has a chance to become the next major source of vanadium in the United States. According to a 43-101 prepared in 2013, Wray Mesa is sitting on an estimated resource of 2,640,000 pounds of vanadium. The property is also close to the town of La Salle, which has access to established roads, and municipal water only six miles away. With a global scramble to lock down large amounts of high-grade vanadium taking place, UBM could be in an optimal position to capitalize on the trend. The UruVan district has a history of producing both uranium and vanadium, with a number of small mom-and-pop mines populating the area. Colorado is also a mining-friendly jurisdiction with a solid track record of protecting resource investments. United Battery Metals has put together a land package that has an estimated resource of more than 2.6 million pounds of vanadium; However, the resource model the company used is based on exploration results that likely understated the resource. Very little modern drill work has been undertaken in the UruVan district, meaning there could be a lot more vanadium waiting to be found during exploration. Most of the elements that will drive the shift away from carbon-heavy power are in short supply. Metals such as vanadium and cobalt have been an afterthought to industry for decades; however, lately the price of these vital elements has been exploding. Others in the Vanadium Space Prophecy Development Corp. (TSX:PCY) (OTC:PRPCF) owns the Gibellini project in Nevada, which is one of the only large-scale, open-pit vanadium projects of its kind in North America. The project is currently undergoing EPCM and EIS preparation and could be the right project at the right time. Vanadium One Energy Corp. (TSX.V:VONE) is a mineral exploration company whose mandate is to acquire vanadium and manganese mineral projects within North America. The company plans to define the economic potential of its properties, define end markets, and process and refine raw materials onsite to create a closed-loop supply chain with end users. Largo Resources (TSX:LGO) (OTC:LGORF) is a strategic mineral company focused on the product of vanadium flake, high-purity vanadium flake, and high-purity vanadium powder. One of the lowest cost producers of V205, the company currently operates the Maracas Menchen Mine in Brazil, an open pit mine that boasts consistent, robust production rates. First Vanadium Corp. (TSX.V:FVAN) (OTC:CCCCF) is another mining company developing projects in North America. The company is working to catch up with vanadium demand through its Carlin project in Nevada. The Carlin project was originally discovered by Union Carbide Corp. in the 1960s, including 127 rotary drill holes that have systematically defined near surface shallow dipping deposits. First Vanadium is also exploring a copper project just outside of Jerome, Arizona. For more information on UBM, please visit United Battery Metals (OTC:UBMCF) (CSE:UBM). Please also read and review and the following article:Why Every Investor Should Learn the Word 'Vanadium' Before It's Too Late About NetworkNewsWire NetworkNewsWire (NNW) is a financial news and content distribution company that provides (1) access to a network of wire services via NetworkWire to reach all target markets, industries and demographics in the most effective manner possible, (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ news outlets (3), enhanced press release services to ensure maximum impact, (4) social media distribution via the Investor Brand Network (IBN) to nearly 2 million followers, (5) a full array of corporate communications solutions, and (6) a total news coverage solution with NNW Prime. 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The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and NNW and FNM undertake no obligation to update such statements. NetworkNewsWire (NNW) is affiliated with the Investor Brand Network (IBN). About IBN Over the past 10+ years we have consistently introduced new network brands, each specifically designed to fulfil the unique needs of our growing client base and services. Today, we continue to expand our branded network of highly influential properties, leveraging the knowledge and energy of specialized teams of experts to serve our increasingly diversified list of clients. Please feel free to visit the Investor Brand Network (IBN) www.InvestorBrandNetwork.com Corporate Communications Contact: NetworkNewsWire (NNW) New York, New York www.NetworkNewsWire.com +1-212-418-1217 Office Editor@NetworkNewsWire.com Media Contact: FN Media Group, LLC NNW@FinancialNewsMedia.com +1(954)345-0611 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 30, 2018) - QMC Quantum Minerals Corp., (TSXV: QMC) (FSE: 3LQ) (OTC PINK: QMCQF) ("QMC" or "the Company") is pleased to provide an update on the company's 100% owned Irgon Mine Project located within the prolific Cat Lake-Winnipeg River rare-element pegmatite field of S.E. Manitoba, which also hosts Cabot Corporation's nearby Tantalum Mining Corporation of Canada ("TANCO") rare-element pegmatite. During the recent SGS Canada Irgon Property site visit, company personnel identified significant spodumene mineralization in pegmatite dikes that outcrop north of Cat Lake, immediately west of the Irgon Dike. Spodumene mineralization was identified in numerous localized pegmatite exposures, directly on strike with and as far as 400 meters west of the Irgon Shaft. This observation of pegmatite outcrops containing significant visual spodumene mineralization and the fact that it occurs on the same dike trend as the Irgon Dike, suggests to QMC geologists that the Irgon mineralization continues westward. This indicates a potential for the original historic resource estimate (1.2MT at 1.51% Li 2 O) published for the Irgon Lithium Mine to be rapidly increased through ongoing exploration. QMC plans to initiate an exploration program in this area, during which this western dike zone will be stripped and washed leading into a program of channel sampling and drilling. This will allow the company to determine whether this zone is the western extension of the Irgon Dike or if it is an entirely new mineralized pegmatite system. Either way, as this new mineralized zone is being evaluated, it could quickly add potential resource expansion within the Irgon Project. HISTORICAL RESOURCE Between 1953-1954, the Lithium Corporation of Canada Limited drilled 25 holes into the Irgon Dike and subsequently reported a historical resource estimate of 1.2 million tons grading 1.51% Li 2 0 over a strike length of 365 meters and to a depth of 213 meters (Northern Miner, Vol. 41, no.19, Aug. 4, 1955, p.3). This historical resource is documented in a 1956 Assessment Report by B. B. Bannatyne for the Lithium Corporation of Canada Ltd. (Manitoba Assessment Report No. 94932). This historical estimate is believed to be based on reasonable assumptions, and neither the Company nor the QP has any reason to contest the document's relevance and reliability. The detailed channel sampling and a subsequent drill program will be required to update this historical resource to current NI 43-101 standards. Historic metallurgical tests reported an 87% recovery from which a concentrate averaging 5.9% Li 2 O was obtained. During this historical 1950-era work program, a complete mining plant was installed onsite, designed to process 500 tons of ore per day, and a three-compartment shaft was sunk to a depth of 74 meters. On the 61-metre level, lateral development was extended off the shaft for a total of 366 meters of drifting, from which seven crosscuts transected the dike. The work was suspended in 1957 awaiting a more favourable market for lithium oxides, and, at this time, the mine buildings were removed. The mineral reserve cited above is presented as a historical estimate and uses historical terminology which does not conform to current NI43-101 standards. A qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. Although the historical estimates are believed to be based on reasonable assumptions, they were calculated prior to the implementation of National Instrument 43-101. These historical estimates do not meet current standards as defined under sections 1.2 and 1.3 of NI 43-101; consequently, the issuer is not treating the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. Qualified Person and NI 43-101 Disclosure The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Bruce E. Goad, P. Geo., who is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. About the Company QMC is a British Columbia based company engaged in the business of acquisition, exploration and development of resource properties. Its objective is to locate and develop economic precious, base, rare metal and resource properties of merit. The Company's properties include the Irgon Lithium Mine project and two VMS properties, the Rocky Lake and Rocky-Namew, known collectively as the Namew Lake District Project. Currently, all of the company's properties are located in Manitoba. On behalf of the Board of Directors of QMC QUANTUM MINERALS CORP. "Balraj Mann" Balraj Mann President and Chief Executive Officer 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 news release. Corporate Communications Contact: NetworkNewsWire (NNW) New York, New York www.NetworkNewsWire.com 212.418.1217 Office Editor@NetworkNewsWire.com Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 30, 2018) - Xtra-Gold Resources Corp. (TSX: XTG) (OTCQB: XTGRF) ("Xtra-Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce assay results for an additional 7 drill holes from its ongoing mineral resource expansion drilling program at the South Ridge gold deposit, on the Company's wholly-owned Kibi Gold Project, located in the Kibi - Winneba greenstone belt (the "Kibi Gold Belt"), in Ghana, West Africa. The 7 diamond core boreholes totalling 990 metres were completed by the Company's in-house drilling crew during the months of August and September; with 18 holes (2,272 metres) drilled to date since initiation of the planned 4,000 metre program in February 2018. Highlights of today's drill results are as follows and complete auriferous intercepts are listed in Table 1 below: - 24.44 metres grading 1.24 grams per tonne ("g/t") gold, including 5.27 g/t gold over 2.44 metres from a down-hole depth of 37.86 metres in KBDD18274 collared at the zone's southeast extremity; demonstrating potential for further resource expansion to the southeast; - 25.65 metres grading 1.4 g/t gold, including 3.14 g/t gold over 5.75 metres and 3.38 g/t gold over 3.15 metres from a down-hole depth of 12.0 metres in KBDD18270; and - 15.0 metres grading 1.19 g/t gold, including 3.25 metres grading 2.99 g/t gold from a down-hole depth of 67.8 metres in KBDD18269; extending gold mineralization in northwestern section of the zone approximately 100 metres downdip from previous drilling forming scope of current inferred mineral resource estimate. James Longshore, President and CEO remarked: "We are very satisfied with the advancements made this year on the South Ridge deposit. Ongoing drilling efforts have so far confirmed the downdip continuity of the gold mineralization within the northwestern section of the deposit, outside the scope of the current inferred mineral resource, as well as indicating the potential for further resource expansion to the southeast. We remain focused on maximizing the resource potential of the South Ridge deposit with the goal of further enhancing project economics." The South Ridge deposit has a current inferred mineral resource estimate of 42,000 ounces at an average grade of 1.48 g/t gold. The South Ridge deposit, along with the Big Bend, East Dyke, and Mushroom deposits in Zone 2 and the Double 19 deposit in Zone 3, form part of a maiden National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") compliant mineral resource estimate (October 26, 2012) on the Company's Kibi Gold Project. In aggregate, these five gold deposits lying within approximately 1.6 kilometres of each other (see Figure 1) are estimated to contain an Indicated mineral resource of 278,000 ounces at an average grade of 2.56 g/t gold and an additional Inferred mineral resource of 147,000 ounces at an average grade of 1.94 g/t gold (@ base case 0.5 g/t cut-off). The Zone 2 - Zone 3 maiden mineral resource represents the first ever NI 43-101 compliant mineral resource generated on a lode gold project within the Kibi Gold Belt. Gold mineralization is characterized by auriferous quartz vein sets hosted in Belt-type granitoids geologically analogous to other "Grantoid-hosted" gold deposits of Ghana, including Kinross Gold's Chirano and Newmont Mining's Subika deposits in the Sefwi gold belt. The NI 43-101 Technical Report entitled "Independent Technical Report, Apapam Concession, Kibi Project, Eastern Region, Ghana", prepared by SEMS Explorations and dated October 31, 2012, is filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Table 1: Significant Drill Intercepts - South Ridge Gold Deposit (Mineral Resource Expansion Program / August - September 2018) Hole ID From (metres) To (metres) Core Length (metres) Gold Grams Per Tonne KBDD18268 108.45 110.9 2.45 2.54 including 109.45 110.4 0.95 5.12 KBDD18269 67.8 82.8 15.0 1.19 including 68.3 71.55 3.25 2.99 KBDD18270 12.0 37.65 25.65 1.40 including 12.0 28.05 16.05 1.92 including 12.0 17.75 5.75 3.14 including 24.9 28.05 3.15 3.38 KBDD18271 67.9 76.7 8.8 1.00 including 72.5 73.85 1.35 4.37 KBDD18272 77.4 80.4 3.0 1.89 and 91.4 103.4 12.0 0.81 including 95.4 101.4 6.0 1.25 KBDD18273 128.05 129.9 1.85 1.25 KBDD18274 37.86 62.3 24.44 1.24 including 37.86 54.38 16.52 1.64 including 37.86 40.3 2.44 5.27 including 38.93 39.68 0.75 11.76 including 50.79 51.59 0.8 10.01 Notes: Reported intercepts are core-lengths; true width of mineralization is unknown at this time. Unless otherwise indicated intercepts constrained with a 0.25 grams per tonne ("g/t") gold minimum cut-off grade at top and bottom of intercept, with no upper cut-off applied, and maximum of five (5) consecutive samples of internal dilution (less than 0.25 g/t gold). All internal intervals above 10 g/t gold indicated. The present drill results correspond to the latest 7 boreholes (990 metres) of an ongoing 4,000 metre resource expansion drilling program at the South Ridge gold deposit on Zone 2 of the Kibi Gold Project. The South Ridge deposit consists of a northwest striking / northeast dipping quartz diorite-hosted gold mineralization zone traced to date along an approximately 400 metre strike length and 230 metre downdip depth from surface. Six (6) of the SW-trending, steeply inclined (-75o) boreholes tested the depth continuity of the northwestern 150 metre segment of the gold zone at downdip depths extending from 55 metres to 175 metres from surface (i.e., KBDD18268 - KBDD18273). With one borehole collared at the southeastern extremity of the zone to further define the litho-structural setting of the mineralization to help guide step-out drilling to the southeast (i.e., KBDD18274). Exploration significant auriferous intercepts are presented in Table 1 and a drill / compilation plan with collar details depicted in Figure 1, available at: Figure 1: South Ridge Drill Plan_(Oct 30 2018) Hole KBDD18268 yielded a mineralized intercept of 2.45 metres grading 2.54 g/t gold, including 5.12 g/t gold over 0.95 metres from a down-hole depth of 108.45 metres; approximately 45 metres downdip of the previously reported KBDD18263 high-grade intercept grading 2.67 g/t gold over 37.78 metres, including 5.23 metres grading 13.53 g/t gold (see August 8, 2018 News Release). Hole KBDD18269 collared approximately 50 metres southeast of KBDD18268 returned a mineralized intercept of 15.0 metres grading 1.19 g/t gold, including 3.25 metres grading 2.99 g/t gold from a down-hole depth of 67.8 metres; approximately 40 metres downdip of the previously reported KBDD18260 intercept grading 0.9 g/t gold over 21.0 metres. The KBDD18268 and KBDD18269 mineralized intercepts are centered approximately 130 metres downdip from surface and extend the gold mineralization approximately 100 metres downdip from previous drilling forming the scope of the current inferred mineral resource estimate. Borehole KBDD18270 consisting of an infill hole collared in the northwestern portion of the mineralization zone returned a near surface intercept of 25.65 metres grading 1.4 g/t gold, including 3.14 g/t gold over 5.75 metres and 3.38 g/t gold over 3.15 metres from a down-hole depth of 12.0 metres. Hole KBDD18274 collared at the southeastern extremity of the South Ridge gold zone to further define the litho-structural setting of the mineralization, to better guide step-out drilling along strike to the southeast, returned a mineralized intercept of 24.44 metres grading 1.24 g/t gold, including 2.44 metres grading 5.27 g/t gold from a down-hole depth of 37.86 metres. Drilling is ongoing at South Ridge with 8 holes (~1,000 metres) currently planned to further define the southeastern 200 metre segment of the mineralization zone and to test the zone's strike extension to the southeast. QA/QC Yves P. Clement, P. Geo, Vice President, Exploration for Xtra-Gold is acting as the Qualified Person in compliance with National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") with respect to this announcement. He has prepared and or supervised the preparation of the scientific or technical information in this announcement and confirms compliance with NI 43-101. All samples in this news release were analyzed by standard fire assay fusion with atomic absorption spectroscopy finish at the ISO 17025:2005 accredited Intertek Minerals Limited's laboratory in Tarkwa, Ghana. Xtra-Gold has implemented a rigorous quality assurance / quality control (QA/QC) program to ensure best practices in sampling and analysis of drill core, trench channel, and saw-cut channel samples, the details of which can be viewed on the Company's website at www.xtragold.com. About Xtra-Gold Resources Corp. Xtra-Gold is a gold exploration company with a substantial land position in the Kibi Gold Belt. The Kibi Gold Belt, which exhibits many similar geological features to Ghana's main gold belt, the Ashanti Belt, has been the subject of very limited modern exploration activity targeting lode gold deposits as virtually all past gold mining activity and exploration efforts focused on the extensive alluvial gold occurrences in many river valleys throughout the Kibi area. Xtra-Gold holds 5 Mining Leases totaling approximately 226 sq km (22,600 ha) at the northern extremity of the Kibi Gold Belt. The Company's exploration efforts to date have focused on the Kibi Gold Project located on the Apapam Concession (33.65 sq km), along the eastern flank of the Kibi Gold Belt. The Kibi Gold Project (Zone 2 - Zone 3) maiden mineral resource estimate produced by Xtra-Gold in October 2012 represents first ever NI 43-101 compliant resource estimate generated on a lode gold project within the Kibi Gold Belt. The NI 43-101 Technical Report entitled "Independent Technical Report, Apapam Concession, Kibi Project, Eastern Region, Ghana", prepared by SEMS Explorations and dated October 31, 2012, is filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Forward-Looking Statements The TSX does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements". These statements are based on information currently available to the Company and the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Forward- looking statements include estimates and statements that describe the Company's future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "estimates", "may", "could", "would", "will", or "plan". Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results relating to, among other things, results of exploration, project development, reclamation and capital costs of the Company's mineral properties, and the Company's financial condition and prospects, could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements for many reasons such as: changes in general economic conditions and conditions in the financial markets; changes in demand and prices for minerals; litigation, legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; technological and operational difficulties encountered in connection with the activities of the Company; and other matters discussed in this news release. 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 made from time to time by the Company or on its behalf, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Contact Information For further information please contact: James Longshore Chief Executive Officer 416-628-2881 E-mail: info@xtragold.com Website: www.xtragold.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 30, 2018) -CanAlaska Uranium Ltd. (TSXV: CVV) (OTCQB: CVVUF) (FSE: DH7N) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that, subject to regulatory approval, it intends to raise up to $500,000 by way of a non-brokered private placement of up to 1,562,500 units ("Units") at a price of $0.32/Unit. Each Unit will consist of one common share and share purchase warrant. Each whole warrant will entitle the holder to acquire an additional common share at $0.51/share for a three year period; provided that after the four month hold period expires, if for 10 consecutive days the closing price of the Company's shares on the TSX-V exceeds $0.90, then the Company may anytime thereafter accelerate the expiry date of the Warrants to the date that is 10 days following the date on which the Company issues notice to all the Warrant holders of the new expiry date. The Company will also issue a press release on the same date as it issues notice confirming the new expiry date of the Warrants. The Company may pay a finder's fee consisting of cash and/or warrants to eligible finders as permitted under applicable securities laws and TSX-V policies. Net proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes. About CanAlaska Uranium CanAlaska Uranium Ltd. (TSXV: CVV) (OTCQB: CVVUF) (FSE: DH7N) holds interests in approximately 152,000 hectares (375,000 acres) in Canada's Athabasca Basin region - the "Saudi Arabia of Uranium." CanAlaska is currently working with Cameco and Denison at two of the company's properties in the eastern Athabasca basin. Canalaska is a project generator positioned for discovery success in the world's richest uranium district. The company also holds properties prospective for nickel, copper, gold and diamonds. For further information visit www.canalaska.com. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Peter Dasler Peter Dasler, M.Sc., P.Geo. President & CEO CanAlaska Uranium Ltd. Contacts: Peter Dasler President Tel: +1.604.688.3211 x 138 Email: info@canalaska.com John Gomez Corporate Development Tel: +1.604.484.7118 Email: jgomez@canalaska.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-looking information All statements included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements.In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information regarding the private placement offering and the use of proceeds of such offering.These forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions made by the Company based on its experience, perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. These assumptions include, but are not limited to: future costs and expenses being based on historical costs and expenses, adjusted for inflation; and market demand for, and market acceptance of, the offering. In addition, these statements involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will prove inaccurate, certain of which are beyond the Company's control.Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.Except as required by law, the Company does not intend to revise or update these forward-looking statements after the date hereof or revise them to reflect the occurrence of future unanticipated events. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful, including any of the securities in the United States of America. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 as amended (the "1933 Act"), or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for account or benefit of, U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available. Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 30, 2018) - Fremont Gold Ltd. (TSXV: FRE) (FSE: FR2) (OTC: USTDF) ("Fremont" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has identified several highly-prospective drill targets at the Company's Gold Bar project located in Eureka County, Nevada. A recently completed soil sampling program, based on a new structural interpretation, has identified coincident gold and mercury geochemical anomalies and suggests that gold mineralization related to the historic Gold Bar mine may extend to the southeast (see Figures 1 and 2). Fremont will look to drill test these promising targets early next year. Gold Bar exploration highlights: Geochemical sampling has defined coincident gold and mercury soil anomalies, approximately 2 x 1 km in size, in the southeastern portion of the Gold Bar project (see Figures 1 and 2). Mercury is an important pathfinder for gold in Carlin-type deposits; The gold and mercury anomalies occur SE of the historic Gold Bar mine in areas thought by Fremont to be underlain by the Devonian Denay Limestone and the Mississippian Webb Formation, both known to host gold mineralization in the Gold Bar district; The soil anomalies suggest NW-SE and NNE-SSW mineralized structures intersect in the areas of the soil anomalies, which were never drilled by previous operators. Clay Newton, Vice President Exploration of Fremont stated, "Whereas historic drilling was confined to a corridor directly southeast of the historic Gold Bar mine, Fremont believes that the mineralization at the Gold Bar deposits, both the historic Gold Bar mine and the Millsite deposit, are offset by a series of left-lateral northeast-southwest trending faults. This new interpretation means that the southern extension of potential mineralization related to the historic Gold Bar mine is likely offset to the northeast. This interpretation was corroborated by our soil sampling program, which revealed anomalous gold and mercury-in-soils in areas never previously drilled. The next step for Fremont is to drill test these targets in the hopes of discovering a new Carlin-type deposit." Figure 1: Gold in Soil Anomalies to Southeast of Historic Gold Bar Mine To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3169/40693_2bee3d9df4c9c81a_002full.jpg Figure 2: Historic Gold Bar Mine and Mercury Anomalies in Soil to Southeast To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3169/40693_2bee3d9df4c9c81a_003full.jpg Explanation of attached figures Gold mineralization at the historic Gold Bar mine is hosted in the Upper Denay Limestone within a southeast plunging anticline as shown in figures 1 and 2. The anticline was cut and offset by a set of northeast-trending faults. These faults localized gold mineralization where they intersected the northwest-trending structures and also offset the ore bodies in a left-lateral direction. For example, the Millsite deposit, north of the historic Gold Bar mine appears to be offset to the southwest along a northeast-trending fault. Likewise, the geochemical data suggests that gold mineralization related to the historic Gold Bar mine may extend further to south but is offset to the northeast by northeast-trending faults. Figures 1 and 2 also show the interpreted distribution of stratigraphic units to the southeast of the historic Gold Bar mine. The stratigraphic and structural geometry suggests that two permissive units known to host gold mineralization in the Gold Bar district, the Devonian Upper Denay Limestone and the Mississippian Webb Formation, exist beneath shallow cover. The mercury and gold geochemical results occur in an area thought to be underlain by the Upper Denay Limestone, which hosts the gold mineralization at the historic Gold Bar mine. The recent geochemical results strongly support Fremont's structural interpretation and suggests that gold mineralization related to the historic Gold Bar mine may extend to the southeast. History of the Gold Bar District Fremont's Gold Bar and Gold Canyon projects are both former mines in the Gold Bar District in Eureka County, Nevada, an active mining district within the Battle Mountain-Eureka Trend. The district contains several Carlin-style sediment-hosted gold deposits, including McEwen Mining Inc.'s ("McEwen") Gold Bar project, which is scheduled to produce 62,800 oz Au/annum, at US$770/oz, starting in early 20191. Fremont's Gold Bar and Gold Canyon projects are adjacent (west) and immediately north of McEwen's Gold Bar project (see Figure 3). While McEwen's project and Fremont's project share the same name, the historic Gold Bar mine is held by Fremont. McEwen's project comprises four of the five satellite pits to the historic Gold Bar mine, whereas Fremont controls the remaining satellite pit, Gold Canyon. Gold Canyon is adjacent to and directly NW of McEwen's project, approximately 800 metres from McEwen's Gold Ridge deposit. Gold Canyon produced approximately 41,000 ounces gold from 1990-19942 and a stockpile of previously mined ore still exists at site. Fremont's Gold Bar project contains the historic Gold Bar mine, which produced 286,354 ounces gold from 1986 to 19942, and the Millsite deposit, which hosts a historic resource of 147,000 ounces gold (1.62 Mt @ 2.57 g/t gold)2,3. Millsite is believed to be a faulted offset of the historic Gold Bar mine and is located to the northwest of the open pit. Figure 3: The Gold Bar District To view an enhanced version of Figure 3, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3169/40693_2bee3d9df4c9c81a_004full.jpg Description of methodology Soil samples were taken at 60-metre intervals along NE-SW lines 300 metres apart. The samples were analyzed by the ionic leach method of ALS Global analytical laboratory in Vancouver, BC, Canada. The data presented here were smoothed by using a 5-point moving average along the soil lines and gridded by a kriging method. Qualified Person Maury C. Newton, III is currently employed as Vice President of Exploration of Fremont Gold Ltd. and is not independent of Fremont. He is a graduate of North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Geology (1977), received a Master of Science degree in Geological Sciences (1983) from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Geosciences (1990) from the University of Arizona. He has practiced the profession of geology continuously since 1977. He is a Registered Member in good standing of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME, #4145342RM) and certifies that by reason of his education, affiliation with a professional association (as defined in NI 43-101) and past relevant work experience, he fulfills the requirements to be a "qualified person" for the purposes of NI 43-101. Dr. Newton has reviewed and approved the technical content of this press release. About Fremont Gold Fremont's mine-finding management team has assembled a portfolio of high-quality gold projects in Nevada with the goal of making a new discovery. Fremont's Gold Bar and Gold Canyon are past producing gold mines adjacent to McEwen Mining's Gold Bar project, where mine construction is underway. Other projects include Goldrun, Hurricane, North Carlin, and Roberts Creek. We are aligned with our shareholders: Management and directors own 26% of Fremont. On behalf of the Board of Directors, "Blaine Monaghan" CEO Telephone: +1 604-676-5664 Email: blaine@fremontgold.net www.fremontgold.net 1McEwen Mining's website 2Internal report, Atlas Precious Metals, Mines, December 13, 1995, prepared by Pincock, Allen & Holt. 3 The Company has not verified these historical resources and is not treating these historical estimates as current mineral resources. 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 Certain statements and information contained in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable U.S. securities laws and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, which are referred to collectively as "forward-looking statements". The United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" for certain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements and information regarding possible events, conditions or results of operations that are based upon assumptions about future economic conditions and courses of action. All statements and information other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "seek", "expect", "anticipate", "budget", "plan", "estimate", "continue", "forecast", "intend", "believe", "predict", "potential", "target", "may", "could", "would", "might", "will" and similar words or phrases (including negative variations) suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook. Forward-looking statements in this and other press releases include but are not limited to statements and information regarding: Drilling the targets at the Gold Bar project early next year. Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Fremont undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements included in this press release if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as otherwise required by applicable law. 33.5 meters at 98 g/t Silver, 0.4 g/t Gold, 5.0% Zinc, 1.1% Lead, 0.2% Copper, 41.5% Barite Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 30, 2018) - Constantine Metal Resources Ltd. (TSXV: CEM) ("Constantine" or the "Company") is pleased to report assay results for nine new drill holes from the AG Zone at its Palmer Joint Venture Project, Alaska ("Palmer" or the "Project"). Expansion of the AG Zone, discovered three kilometers southwest of the main Palmer Deposit in 2017, has been one of the main goals of the Company's 10,000-meter 2018 summer exploration drill program. New drilling at the AG Zone has intersected wide intervals of precious and base-metal rich massive barite-sulphide mineralization in multiple drill holes and extended the overall strike length of the zone to over 550 meters. Key highlights include: 14. 0 meters grading 163 g/t silver, 0.5 g/t gold, 5.6 % zinc , 1.0 % lead , 60.7% barite , including 4.1 meters grading 336 g/t silver, 0.6 g/t gold, 14.9% zinc, 2.3% lead, 67.0% barite , in CMR18-125 , including in CMR18-125 6 . 8 meters grading 247 g/t silver, 0. 8 g/t gold, 5 . 5 % zinc, 2.8 % lead, 69.6 % barite , and 34.4 meters grading 152 g/t silver, 0.4 g/t gold, 1.6% zinc, 0.5% lead, 63.6% barite , in CMR18-128 , and in CMR18-128 33.5 meters grading 98 g/t silver, 0.4 g/t gold, 5.0% zinc, 1.1% lead, 0.2% copper, 41.5% barite , in CMR18-130 in CMR18-130 14.4 meters grading 23 g/t silver, 0.2 g/t gold, 5.5% zinc, 0.2% lead, 0.4% copper, including 3.4 meters grading 44 g/t silver, 0.1 g/t gold, 10.8% zinc, 0.2% lead, 0.4% copper, in CMR18-132, Garfield MacVeigh, President, stated "AG Zone continues to deliver impressive intersections of gold-silver-zinc-lead-barite mineralization. Drilling this season has more than doubled the strike length of the zone and it is developing into a significant deposit with excellent potential for further expansion. We are excited to commence an initial resource estimate for the AG Zone, which will contribute to the total resource base of the Palmer Project." AG Zone Drill Results A total of 16 drill holes were completed at AG Zone during the 2018 drill program with assays now received for 13 holes. A summary of all 2018 AG Zone assays results received to date is provided in Table 1. Location of drill hole intersections are shown in Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1: Cross Section (Azimuth) To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/5413/40694_constantine2.jpg Figure 2: Palmer Project AG Zone Long Section To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/5413/40694_constantine4.jpg The new results expand the strike length of AG Zone mineralization to over 550 meters and include multiple, thick, high-grade intersections of massive barite-sulphide mineralization with excellent continuity between holes. This is well demonstrated by holes CMR18-125, 128, 130 and 132 that were completed on the same section at a nominal drill-spacing of 50-meters over a total dip-length of 150 meters (Figure 1). The four holes intersected cumulative widths of mineralization totalling 44.5 meters, 41.2 meters, 38.5 meters and 19.1 meters respectively and are located 50 meters along strike of previously released drill holes CMR18-109 (12.5 meters grading 217 g/t silver, 1.8 g/t gold, 5.2% zinc, 0.7% lead and 29.7% barite) and CMR18-110 (28.8 meters grading 141 g/t silver, 0.49 g/t gold, 8.98% zinc, 3.55% lead and 21.5% barite; see Company news release dated August 21, 2018). Table 1. AG Zone Assay Results Drill Hole From To Width Ag Au Zn Pb Cu BaSO4 % (meters) (meters) (meters) (g/t) (g/t) % % % (Barite) CMR18-132 232.9 247.3 14.4 22.9 0.16 5.48 0.17 0.41 1.3 Including 234.8 238.2 3.4 44.2 0.13 10.79 0.18 0.36 1.7 And 243.9 247.3 3.4 12.2 0.33 7.72 0.19 1.02 0.5 CMR18-132 264.3 269.0 4.7 7.9 0.09 2.34 0.09 0.07 0.9 CMR18-130 230.3 263.8 33.5 97.9 0.39 4.97 1.11 0.22 41.5 Including 253.0 263.8 10.8 53.9 0.18 6.37 1.23 0.41 37.8 CMR18-130 272.1 273.1 1.0 11.0 0.09 6.79 0.02 0.23 0.6 CMR18-130 275.1 279.1 4.0 32.7 0.14 3.90 0.18 0.39 3.2 CMR18-128 243.4 250.2 6.8 247.4 0.79 5.46 2.79 0.06 69.6 CMR18-128 260.6 295.0 34.4 151.7 0.39 1.56 0.53 0.04 63.6 CMR18-125 242.7 256.7 14.0 162.7 0.48 5.58 1.04 0.10 60.7 Including 243.6 247.7 4.1 336.0 0.63 14.87 2.33 0.21 67.0 CMR18-125 283.6 314.1 30.5 5.2 0.05 2.49 0.08 0.06 0.9 Including 299.7 305.4 5.7 7.5 0.08 4.85 0.10 0.09 0.7 CMR18-124 No significant intersections CMR18-120 No significant intersections CMR18-118 No significant intersections (did not reach ore horizon) CMR18-116 73.5 75.6 2.1 48.8 0.12 1.74 0.86 0.15 8.4 CMR18-116 121.1 124.0 2.9 13.5 0.09 1.77 0.78 0.02 2.8 CMR18-116 130.7 132.6 1.9 17.2 0.19 1.59 1.45 0.04 1.6 CMR18-116 347.2 349.8 2.6 1.0 0.02 2.31 0.03 0.03 0.0 CMR18-115 No significant intersections (dyked-out) CMR18-114* 204.8 226.1 21.3 92.2 0.47 1.03 0.42 0.07 55.0 CMR18-112* No significant intersections CMR18-110* 238.8 282.1 43.3 143.0 0.47 6.54 2.51 0.16 41.1 Including 253.3 282.1 28.8 141.0 0.49 8.98 3.55 0.24 21.5 CMR18-109* 203.6 208.4 4.8 435.9 1.25 3.59 1.61 0.10 61.6 CMR18-109* 219.2 231.7 12.5 217.0 1.81 5.2 0.72 0.27 29.7 Including 219.2 223.4 4.2 387.5 3.08 3.87 1.09 0.08 50.5 Drill intercepts reported as core lengths; true widths are estimated to be approximately 80% to 95% of reported widths. Averages are weighted for length and density, with selection of significant intersections based on geology and assays. Barite (BaSO4) is included as a reportable commodity based on test work that shows a premium-quality barite concentrate can be recovered as a by-product from the polymetallic ores at Palmer. "g/t" equals grams per metric tonne. * Denotes previously reported intersection. There is opportunity to expand the known mineralization of the AG Zone to the northwest, southeast and at depth. Drill hole CMR18-116 extended the strike of the AG Zone over 100 meters to the northwest, and the zone remains open to further expansion in this direction. This hole was drilled through thick overburden directly into bedrock consisting of strong footwall feeder-style mineralization; however, it overshot the targeted massive barite-sulphide horizon that typically overlies feeder-style mineralization. Follow-up drill hole CMR18-118 also failed to test the targeted mineral horizon, remaining entirely within unaltered hanging wall stratigraphy. At the far southeast end of the AG Zone, drill hole CMR18-115 intersected a post-mineralization mafic-dyke over a core length of 80 meters at the depth of the projected target horizon. It is inferred that the hole was drilled sub-parallel to the mafic-dyke and the mineralized zone remains open to expansion in this area and further to the southeast. Collectively, the drilling at AG Zone now defines a thick lens of massive barite-sulphide with potential to add significant tonnage to the total mineral resource base for the Palmer Project. Constantine intends to commence an initial resource at AG Zone for inclusion in the Preliminary Economic Assessment study that is currently underway. The proximity of AG Zone to the main Palmer Deposit and existing access infrastructure enhance the opportunity for AG Zone to make a positive contribution to the Project. Excellent potential also exists for additional future resource expansion at AG Zone, and elsewhere on the district scale property. Drill Program Summary The Palmer project drill program totaled 29 holes for 10,364 meters between early June and late September. Sixteen (16) holes for 5,776 meters were completed at the AG Zone with the rest divided between resource and exploration drilling within the South Wall area (seven holes for 2,822 meters), reconnaissance drilling at the Boundary Prospect (four holes for 1,370 meters), and geotechnical drilling to support future underground exploration (two holes for 400 meters). Results for outstanding drill holes will be summarized and released together pending receipt of final assays. About the Palmer Project Palmer is an advanced stage, high-grade volcanogenic massive sulphate-sulphide (VMS) project, with an Indicated Mineral Resource of 4.7 million tonnes grading 3.84% copper equivalent (11.67% ZnEq), and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 5.3 million tonnes grading 3.26% copper equivalent (9.9% ZnEq)*. The Project is being advanced as a joint venture between Constantine (51%) and Dowa (49%), with Constantine as operator. The project is located in a very accessible part of coastal Southeast Alaska, with road access to the edge of the property and within 60 kilometers of the year-round deep-sea port of Haines. Mineralization at Palmer occurs within the same belt of rocks that is host to the Greens Creek mine, one of the world's richest VMS deposits. VMS deposits are known to occur in clusters and with at least 25 separate base metal and/or barite occurrences and prospects on the property, there is abundant potential for discovery of multiple deposits at Palmer. About the Company Constantine is a mineral exploration company led by a proven technical team with a focus on premier North American mining environments. In addition to the Company's flagship copper-zinc-silver-gold Palmer Joint Venture Project, Constantine also controls a portfolio of high-quality, 100% owned, gold projects that the Company intends to spinout. These include the very high-grade Johnson Tract Au-Ag-Zn-Cu-Pb deposit, located in coastal Southcentral, Alaska (see Company news release dated June 19, 2018) and exploration projects in the Timmins camp Ontario that include the large, well located Golden Mile Property and the Munro Croesus Gold Property that is renowned for its exceptionally high-grade past production. Management is committed to providing shareholder value through discovery, meaningful community engagement, environmental stewardship, and responsible mineral exploration and development activities that support local jobs and businesses. Please visit the Company's website (www.constantinemetals.com) for more detailed company and project information. On Behalf of Constantine Metal Resources Ltd. "Garfield MacVeigh" President For further information, please visit the Constantine Metal Resources website at www.constantinemetals.com, or contact: Naomi Nemeth Vice President, Investor Relations Email: info@constantinemetals.com Phone: +1 604 629 2348 Or Garfield MacVeigh, President Email: info@constantinemetals.com Phone: +1 604 629 2348 * 4.677 million tonne indicated resource grading 1.49% copper, 5.23% zinc, 0.30 g/t gold, 30.8 g/t silver, 23.9% barite, and 5.338 million tonne inferred resource grading 0.96% copper, 5.20% zinc, 0.28 g/t gold, 29.2 g/t silver, 22.0% barite. See the Company's news release date September 27, 2018 and available on www.sedar.com. Resource estimate utilizes an NSR cut-off of US$75/t with assumed metal prices of US$1250/oz for gold, US$16/oz for silver, US$3.00/lb for copper, and US$1.15/lb for zinc. Estimated metal recoveries are 89.6% for copper, 93.1% for zinc, 69.6% for gold (49.5% to the Cu concentrate and 20.1% to the Zn concentrate) and 90.9% for silver (70.8% to the Cu concentrate and 20.1% to the Zn concentrate) as determined from metallurgical locked cycle flotation tests. Readers are cautioned that mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Notes: Samples of drill core were cut by a diamond blade rock saw, with half of the cut core placed in individual sealed polyurethane bags and half placed back in the original core box for permanent storage. Sample lengths typically vary from a minimum 0.3 meter interval to a maximum 2.0 meter interval, with an average 1.0 to 1.5 meter sample length. Drill core samples were shipped by transport truck in sealed woven plastic bags to ALS Minerals laboratory facility in Kamloops, BC for sample preparation and North Vancouver, BC for analysis. ALS Minerals operate according to the guidelines set out in ISO/IEC Guide 25. Gold was determined by fire-assay fusion of a 30 g sub-sample with atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Various metals including silver, gold, copper, lead and zinc were analyzed by inductively-coupled plasma (ICP) atomic emission spectroscopy, following multi-acid digestion. The elements silver, copper, and zinc were determined by ore grade assay for samples that returned values >10,000 ppm by ICP analysis. Barium (BaO) analysis utilized lithium borate fusion into fused discs for XRF analyses, with BaO converted to BaSO4 (barite) using a conversion factor of BaO x 1.52217. Density measurements were determined at the project site by qualified Constantine personnel on cut core for each assay sample. The 2018 exploration program for the Palmer project is managed by Darwin Green, P.Geo, the Company's Vice President Exploration for Constantine Metal Resources Ltd. and a qualified person as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Green has reviewed the information contained in this news release and has also verified the analytical data for drill core samples disclosed in this release by reviewing the blanks, duplicates and certified reference material standards and confirming that they fall within limits as determined by acceptable industry practice. The analytical results have also been compared to visual estimates for the base metals to check for any obvious discrepancies between analytical results and the visual estimates. Forward looking statements: This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively "forward looking statements")." Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "forecast", "expect", "potential", "project", "target", "schedule", budget" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the expected. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Company's expectations include actual exploration results, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, uninsured risks, regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause such actions, events or results to differ materially from those anticipated. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and accordingly readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. 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. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 30, 2018) - Nicola Mining Inc. (TSXV: NIM), (the "Company" or "Nicola") is pleased to announce that it has commenced an extensive Reverse Circulation ("RC") drilling program on the historic Craigmont Copper Mine waste piles ("Waste Piles") and the 3060 Ore Portal. The approximate 80-90 million tonnes of Waste Piles and 3060 Portal surround the historic Craigmont pit, which is located 3km southeast of Merritt, BC. The Waste Piles are part of the Company's wholly-owned New Craigmont Project. In addition to RC drilling of the Waste Piles, the Company is currently conducting a diamond drilling program to actively explore a mineralized halo that is known to exist around the pit. This current program is part of Nicola's second phase ("Phase 2") of RC drilling on both the Waste Piles and the 3060 Portal and is designed as a follow-up to positive results during the Phase 1 RC programs completed in the Spring on 2018 (released August 10, 2018) and 2017 Ore Portal program (released September 26, 2017). In addition to the 49 holes drilled between 2017 and early 2018, Nicola has planned an additional 60 RC holes (Figure 1), focused on the South Waste Piles and Ore Portal to test the economic viability of the crushed rock. Highlights from previous RC drilling in these areas include: An average grade of 0.24% Copper for the first 9 meters of the 29 drill holes at the 3060 Portal. An average grade of 1.03% Copper, 8.5% magnetite / iron in hole P-34 and 0.86% Copper, 9.5% magnetite / iron in hole P-72. An average grade of 0.25% Copper, 6.5% magnetite / iron over 40 metres in CC-RC-18-12. In addition to analyzing copper grades, the Company will also review magnetite grades. Approximately a decade after the Craigmont Copper Mine closed in 1982, mining operations of magnetite (Fe304) began on the approximate 27,000,000 tonnes of historic tailings. Magnetite operations began in 1993 and continued until 2014, at which time Nicola took over sole usage of the tailings. On November 19, 2015 Nicola announced that it had garnered full ownership of all the historic Craigmont crown grants, claims, mine leases and mine permits. Given that the site has hosted both copper mining and magnetite mining operations the Company will focus on the combined economic value. Nicola has awarded Northspan Explorations Ltd., of Kelowna, BC with the contract for RC drilling and a drill rig was mobilized on October 19 to commence the Phase 2 RC program. Waste Piles Drilling is focused on expanding the low-grade, near surface copper mineralization defined earlier this year on the South side of the Craigmont Open pit. The benches of mined rock vary in height from 10-50m, however the anomalous copper assays were found to be within the central portion of the piles where waste pile thickness is the greatest. In addition to the 36 additional drill holes currently ongoing, metallurgical testing will be completed to understand how copper extraction may be optimized. 3060 Ore Portal During the summer of 2017, Nicola executed the first RC drilling program adjacent to the 3060 Ore Portal, an area known to contain material excavated from underground workings of the Craigmont Mine. The results confirmed significant copper grades, however the program was suspended due to poor air quality from forest fire smoke. Nicola will complete the drilling at the Ore Portal that was left unfinished in 2017, aiming to include these results in a potential combined Resource Estimate with the Waste Piles. Figure 1. Map of 2017, 2018 and Phase 2 RC drill hole locations. To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4873/40695_3a4e46b9e45f8bb4_001full.jpg Resource Evaluation Nicola has entered into a Consulting Agreement with James N. Gray, P.Geo of Advantage Geoservices Ltd. with the goal of completing a resource estimate in the first half of 2019, in accordance with CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves. Scientific and Technical Information All information of a scientific or technical nature contained in this document, including sampling, analytical and test data has been reviewed and approved by Kevin Wells, P. Geo., a consulting Geologist to Nicola Mining. Wells is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Sample Preparation, Analysis and Quality Assurance/Quality Control Nicola Mining applies a thorough quality assurance/quality control program at the New Craigmont Project compliant with industry best practices. A qualified geoscientist has logged and sampled all core and samples have been delimited according to lithologic, alteration and mineralization characteristics. This includes systematic insertion of blank, duplicate and certified reference materials into the sample batches by Nicola's geological staff. Core is then halved, where the sample is placed in a labelled sample bag with sample tag and the other half of the core is retained on site as a physical record. Samples are placed in sealed bags and transported to Actlabs (ISO 17025 Certified) in Kamloops, British Columbia for analysis, following a Chain of Custody. Samples are crushed up to 80% passing 2mm, rifle split (250 g) and pulverized to 95% passing 105 m. Samples are analyzed using Aqua Regia-ICP-OES 38-element (1E3) packages. All samples greater than 10,000 ppm Copper are tested using over-limit mass spectrometry methods (8-AR). All results included in this release have passed the QA/QC procedures as described above and have been reviewed by Kevin Wells, P.Geo. There are no known factors that could materially affect the reliability of data collected and verified. No quality assurance/quality control issues have been identified to date. About Nicola Mining Nicola Mining Inc. is a junior mining company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange and is in the process of recommencing mill feed processing operations at its 100% owned state-of-the-art mill and tailings facility, located near Merritt, British Columbia. It has already signed four mill profit share agreements with high grade gold producers. The fully-permitted mill can process both gold and silver mill feed via gravity and flotation processes. The Company also owns 100% of Treasure Mountain, a high-grade silver property, and an active gravel pit that is located adjacent to its milling operations. About New Craigmont The New Craigmont Project (the "Property") is a wholly-owned copper property with an active mine permit (M-68), located within the world-class Highland Valley porphyry district. It benefits from excellent infrastructure. The Property is at the corner intersection of the Nicola and Guichon batholiths, of which the latter is the precursor to mineralization at Highland Valley. In November of 2015, Nicola became the first group in decades to consolidate ownership of the Property and has been actively conducting mineral exploration since. There are currently no mineral resource estimates on the Property. Historical "non-NI 43-101" resource calculations are recorded in internal memos and geological reports for Placer Development. An internal memo written by J.F. Bristow on October 30, 1985 to Craigmont Mines Ltd. reported a zone known as Body No. 3 containing a historic estimate of 1,290,000 tons (1,170,268 metric tonnes) of copper grading 1.53% copper. This estimate assumes a 0.7% copper cut-off and a 20-foot mining width between drill sections 6565E and 8015E. The material in Body No. 3 contains mineralization primarily in silicate-rich rocks. Additionally, J.F. Bristow reported in an internal memo on July 22, 1985 to Craigmont Mines Ltd., a rough calculation of 60,000,000 pounds (1.6 million short tons or 1.45 metric tonnes) of +1.5% copper from an original ore estimate of 27,754,000 short tons (25,178,005 metric tonnes) of copper grading1.79% copper left behind in the sub-level cave. In addition, the Bristow report highlights a 50.0 million tonne halo grading greater than 0.4% surrounding the high-grade underground ore body. It should be noted that these historical estimates do not meet the requirements needed to conform to National Instrument 43-101 standards. The Company notes that an independent Qualified Person has not done sufficient work to verify and classify the historical estimates as current mineral resources and is therefore not treating the historical estimates as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. For further details on the Property, see the technical report entitled "TECHNICAL REPORT on the THULE COPPER - IRONPROPERTY, Southern British Columbia, Canada", filed on May 8, 2013 on Sedar at www.sedar.com. On behalf of the Board of Directors "Peter Espig" Peter Espig CEO & Director For additional information Contact: Peter Espig Phone: (778) 385-1213 Email: info@nicolamining.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange or 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. DISCLAIMER FOR FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION All statements in this release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, including statements that address future exploration and drilling plans, including with respect to the 2018 DD Program; the expected information to be derived therefrom; and potential mineralization. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "project", "predict", "potential", "targeting", "intends", "believe", "potential", and similar expressions, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "should", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievement of the Company to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others: changes in 2018 DD Program parameters as plans continue to be refined; risks related to the interpretation and actual results of historical exploration at the Property; reliance on technical information provided by third parties, including access to historical information on the Property; current exploration and development activities; current economic conditions; future prices of commodities; possible variations in grade or recovery rates; failure of equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; the failure of contracted parties to perform; labor disputes and other risks of the mining industry; and delays in obtaining governmental approvals, financing or in the completion of exploration. 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 information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking information is provided as of the date hereof and accordingly is subject to change after such date. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information included in this news release, except as required by applicable securities laws. Article: http://www.exploregoldcountry.com/pdf/caches/Craigmont%20Mine.pdf BANGALORE, India, October 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Sonata Software , a global technology company that enables successful platform-based digital transformation initiatives for enterprises, today announced that it has been named as a member of the Inner Circle for Microsoft Dynamics for 2018-2019. With this recognition, Sonata Software is part of an elite group that consists of some of Microsoft's most coveted strategic Microsoft Dynamics partners from across the globe. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/689012/Sonata_Software_Logo.jpg ) "From engineering Microsoft Dynamics 365 products to upgrading the first few customers on to Dynamics 365, Sonata Software's engagement with Microsoft Dynamics goes back a long way. Sonata Software also belongs to the top Microsoft Dynamics Partners and is a member of Microsoft's Global Advisory Council. Microsoft Dynamics is also at the core of our Platformation[TM] strategy that helps enterprises ease the transition to digitization. Sonata has a proven track record of working on several Dynamics-led global transformation projects especially in our focus verticals of distribution and retail," said Srikar Reddy, MD & CEO, Sonata Software. Sonata Software has a rich mix of Dynamics 365 customers including some of the largest Dynamics 365 customers across the globe. It also has a strong team of Dynamics 365, as well as AX and CRM consultants. In addition, it is a Tier-1 CSP for Microsoft across several countries. "Partners are a fundamental component of our go-to-market strategy and we greatly value their contribution toward growing our business. Sonata Software is one of our closest partners and has worked closely with us to deliver great value to our customers. We are thrilled to present this well-deserved recognition to the company as we welcome it to our Inner Circle for Microsoft Dynamics. We greatly appreciate Sonata Software's unblemished delivery track record and its investment into building re-usable frameworks and methodologies on Microsoft Dynamics," said Cecilia Flombaum, Senior Director, Microsoft, One Commercial Partner organization. Sonata Software is a global ISV Development Centre Partner for Microsoft Dynamics for both Operations & CRM. The company also has two software IPs that are built on Microsoft Dynamics. These are - Brick & Click, a fully integrated digital retail platform to get the best of in-store and online and Modern Distribution, a digital platform for the distribution industry. It also has a proprietary Upgrade Tool for a simplified and direct upgrade from AX 2009 onwards to Dynamics 365. About Sonata Software Sonata is a global technology company that enables successful platform based digital transformation initiatives for enterprises, to create businesses that are connected, open, Intelligent and scalable. Sonata's Platformation methodology brings together industry expertise, platform technology excellence, design thinking led innovation and strategic engagement models to deliver sustained long term value to customers. A trusted partner of world leaders in the Retail, Distribution, Travel and Software industries, Sonata's solution portfolio includes its own digital platform such as Brick & Click Retail Platform, Modern Distribution Platform, Rezopia Digital Travel Platform, RAPID DevOps Platform and Halosys Mobility Platform, best in class capabilities on ISV digital technology platforms such as Microsoft Dynamics 365, Microsoft Azure, SAP Hybris, Cloud Engineering and Managed Services, as well as new digital applications like IoT, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Robotic Process Automation, Chatbots, Block Chain and Cyber Security. Sonata's people and systems are nurtured to bring together the depth of thought leadership, customer commitment and execution excellence to make a difference to business with technology. For more information, press only: Nandita Venkatesh Sonata Software Limited CIN- L72200MH1994PLC082110 A.P.S. Trust Building, Bull Temple Road, N.R. Colony Bangalore 560019, India Tel: +91-80-67781999 Nandita.v@sonata-software.com LONDON, October 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Leisure Pass Group recommends the most spine-chilling city tours and blood-curdling attractions for the Halloween season With ghoulish ghost tours, secret spectres and tales of witchcraft, America's cities offer visitors plenty of opportunities to get into the Halloween spirit all year round. Experts at the Leisure Pass Group, the world's leading attraction pass company, have recommended five of the most spine-tingling city break experiences available - get ready to get spooked! New York City: what lurks beneath? Descend into the depths of the Basilica of St Patrick's Old Cathedral with the New York Pass' Catacombs by Candlelight Tour . Tread carefully through New York's underground tunnels and passageways as you explore the crypts of the old cathedral and discover the faithfully departed's final resting place on this 1-hour, atmospheric candle-lit guided tour. Prominent bishops, US Army officers, newspaper editors and even a US Presidential candidate are among the figures who may not rest quite so quietly in the catacombs. Usually priced at $35, the Catacombs by Candlelight Tour is included with the New York Pass. www.newyorkpass.com New Orleans: Voodoo Queens and malevolent spectres Visitors to New Orleans can discover the haunting truths of the 'Big Easy', also known as the Voodoo heart of the South, with the New OrleansHaunted History Walking Tour . Take a French Quarter Ghost & Legends Tour and join expert guides on the trail of ghastly criminals and malevolent spectres who still haunt the Quarter - or choose the Cities of the Dead Cemetery Tour, which tells the spooky tale of St. Louis Cemetery, Louisiana's oldest, site of the last resting place of Marie Laveau, the 'Voodoo Queen' of New Orleans.Usually priced at $25, a choice of Haunted History Walking Tours is included with the New Orleans Pass. www.neworleanspass.com Philadelphia:brave the darkened streets of America's most haunted city Philadelphia Pass holders can embark on one of the oldest ghost tours in the country this Halloween. The Ghost Tour of Philadelphia - Candlelight Walking Tour is a 75-90 minute tour of Independence Park and Society Hill led by a guide who recounts historically documented sightings of the ghoulish kind. From accounts of ghostly spirits to haunted houses and eerie graveyard omens, pass holders will learn about the darkest secrets hidden in the shadows of America's most historic (and most haunted) city. Usually priced at $20, The Ghost Tour of Philadelphia- Candlelight Walking Tour is included with the Philadelphia Pass. www.philadelphiapass.com Boston: do you believe in witchcraft? Relive the fear and hysteria of the Salem Witch Trials with a visit to The Salem Witch Museum, included with the Go Boston Card. A short train ride from the city, visitors are transported back to Salem village as it existed in 1692 when the mere whisper of witchcraft struck terror into the hearts of the townspeople. Visitors can learn about the word "witch" and the phenomenon of the witch hunt which led to 180 women being imprisoned for witchcraft. Salem is arguably the most popular Halloween destination in the United States and even the town's name brings to mind the haunting scenes described in works of popular fiction and literature such as The Crucible. Usually priced at $12, The Salem Witch Museum is included with the Go Boston Card. www.gobostoncard.com San Antonio: will you accept an invitation from the undead? San Antonio Explorer Pass holders can brave the #1 Haunted House in San Antonio. Scares lurk behind every corner of the creepy renovated mansion at Ripley's Haunted Adventure , complete with live (or are they?) actors and spooktacular special effects. Are you brave enough to accept an invitation from the undead?Usually priced at $23.80 per adult, entry to Ripley's Haunted Adventure is included with the San Antonio Explorer Pass. www.sanantonioexplorerpass.com The Leisure Pass Group is the world's biggest operator of multi-attraction passes which help visitors to save time and money on their sightseeing activities in 37 cities in 17 countries on five continents, including 14 different US cities. Pass holders can make savings of up to 60 per cent versus gate prices, while they also avoid having to queue for tickets - they simply scan their pass and walk right in. www.leisurepassgroup.com TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / October 30, 2018 / Tree of Knowledge International Corp. (CSE:TOKI; OTC PINK:TRKWF) (the "Company" or "TOK") (formerly Courtland Capital Inc.) is pleased to announce that Mr. Cliff Henley has been appointed Vice President Operations of the Company, responsible for the Company's US and South American operations. Mr. Henley first joined the Company in 2017 as its Director, Global Distribution. Mr. Henley brings extensive leadership, operational, strategic business planning and execution skills gained over a 25 plus year career as a senior executive and at the CEO level of several technology companies. Through various senior positions, he has conducted all aspects of operations, including manufacturing, human resources, sales, development of global distribution channels, marketing, business development, strategic product positioning and branding. In 2002, Mr. Henley founded Fleet Management Solutions Inc. ("FMS"), a private company that provides complete fixed and mobile asset tracking and management solutions. As CEO, Mr. Henley grew FMS from a local technology startup to an industry leader with multi-national distribution spanning over 80 countries. In 2012, FMS was recognized by the State of California, 15th District as one of the fasted growing companies in the Central Coast. FMS was also honored by INC Magazine as one of America's fasting growing companies for five consecutive years. Mr. Henley successfully orchestrated the sale of FMS in late 2012 to a UK public company. Mr. Henley has successfully grown operations, distribution channels and sales for several international technology companies. Most recently he was Vice President, International Enterprise for Inthinc Technology Solutions, where he was responsible for all operations in Mexico and Latin America, growing its sales pipeline to include such companies such as Coca-Cola, Tequila Petron, Netflix and several US government agencies. Michael Caridi, Chairman of the Company stated: "With the Company's focus on expansion domestically and worldwide, we have a large number of corporate initiatives that will enable us to achieve our strategic goals, and Cliff brings the operational excellence to facilitate this. Mr. Henley's expertise not only in operational leadership but with worldwide channel and distribution, sales growth, branding and business development will be instrumental to the Company's growth in the US and South America." ABOUT TREE OF KNOWLEDGE The Company produces and sells hemp-based cannabidiol ("CBD") products in certain jurisdictions in the United States, as well as in Europe, South America, Australia and China. Cannabidiol/CBD is a natural constituent of hemp which is purported to contain wellness properties. TOK's CBD product line contains EVR Premium Hemp Oil, which is an organically grown and handled, gluten-free, vegan, non-GMO, synergistic compound that is derived from U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved industrial hemp grown in the United States. TOK currently offers several CBD products, which may be used in connection with the treatment of a number of ailments and for general wellness purposes. For further information about TOK, please see the Company's website at www.Evrcbd.com or contact the following: Tree of Knowledge International Corp. Michael Caridi, Chairman Tel: +1 (917) 295-1374 Michael@evrcbd.com THE CSE HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS RELEASE. SOURCE: Tree of Knowledge International Corp. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/526619/Tree-of-Knowledge-Announces-Growth-Driven-Executive-as-Vice-President-Operations NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / October 30, 2018 / Reliance Global Group, Inc., formerly known as Ethos Media Network, Inc. (OTC PINK: EOMN) announces that it has signed a Letter of Interest to acquire 100% of an unaffiliated niche insurance agency servicing New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Maryland, the name of which cannot be disclosed at this time, owing to a confidentiality agreement. Insurance agencies, as opposed to carriers, bear no insurance risk. The agency proposed to be acquired had revenues of $510,000 (unaudited) in 2017 for placing insurance premiums in 2017 of nearly $5,700,000 (unaudited) and is projected to have revenues of $600,000 (unaudited) for 2018, supporting nearly $6,700,000 in insurance premiums. Completion of the acquisition is subject to the signing of a definitive purchase agreement and due diligence (which is underway). EOMN's lender has already approved financing of the pending acquisition. Ezra Beyman, EOMN's CEO, stated, "We are delighted with EOMN's continuing to make acquisitions in the insurance agency space, and we also intend to make real estate acquisitions. We have significant experience in both sectors, and, at the appropriate time, we intend to become a SEC-reporting company again." EOMN also announces that it has changed EOMN's corporate name in the State of Florida to RELIANCE GLOBAL GROUP, INC., and is now applying to FINRA for a symbol change. SOURCE: Ethos Media Network View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/526575/EOMN-Announces-Pending-Acquisition Court Decides After 10 Months to Modify the Seminal Legal Question at Issue, Thereby Handing J&J an Easy Victory They Do Not Deserve and Have Not Earned LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / October 30, 2018 / Decision Diagnostics Corp. (OTC PINK: DECN) is a 16 year old, diabetes-focused bio-technology R&D firm, manufacturer, quality plan administrator, FDA registered medical device customer support organization, and exclusive worldwide sales and regulatory process agent for the GenUltimate! ("Sunshine") diabetes test strip, the internationally launched GenSure! ("Feather") diabetes test strip, and the clinical trial in process GenChoice! ("Ladybug"). The company also markets the PetSure! test strip for the diabetic testing of dogs and cats, a diagnostic specifically designed to run on the market leading Zoetis Alpha Trak meter system, the imminently ready PetUltimate! Test strip and Avantage! meter set for commercial launch in November 2018, and the panacea GenPrecis! ("Dragonfly") diabetes testing system, ready for clinical trials. Last week DECH found itself on the wrong side of an inaccurate and unfair ruling by the Nevada Federal District Court in its long running patent battle with industry giant Johnson & Johnson (J&J). Specifically, the Court modified the questions at issue 10 months after the conclusion of the briefings and oral arguments. Rather than directing his ruling to the "equivalent" (which in DECN's case is the J&J/LifeScan system), the Court instead directed its ruling to the system claimed in DECN's patents. More specifically, the Court misrepresented DECN's principal arguments with its ruling by mistakenly comparing DECN's patented system to itself and ignoring J&J's infringing system and the basis for DECN's lawsuit. Keith Berman, CEO of DECN, commented, 'We are obviously disappointed by the ruling. However, upon analysis, it appears that the trial judge's ruling ignored the entirety of DECN's principal arguments and handed J&J a victory by incorrectly ruling that DECN made claims in its pleadings and arguments about its system and patents that are wrong. The judge's ruling ignored a comparison between the accused (J&J) system and our system, and instead incorrectly compared our patented system to itself. Mr. Berman continued, 'Although egregious in itself, this Court also short circuited DECN's right to bring a false advertising claim in this action. J&J's Chairman, who had extensively discussed the workings of J&J's system in public forums and in the media, represented J&J's system and operated in a manner that if he were taken at his word, infringed DECN's patented system; a clear confession of guilt to patent infringement. However, in their lawsuit defense, J&J argued that their Chairman, 'misspoke.' If this is true, then J&J's Chairman misspoke numerous times over an extended period and was never corrected by his staff. J&J cannot have it both ways. Either their OneTouch Ultra system is the equivalent to ours, which we believe to be true, or the J&J Chairman's public statements constitute false advertising.' In the upcoming appeal, DECN will argue the highly erroneous nature of the Court's unacceptably misstated "tangential exception" question. That being said, the act of comparing DECN's system to itself was not the worst part of the trial judge's ruling. When the trial judge ordered the court clerk to dismiss the lawsuit with prejudice, that act also foreclosed DECN's ability to bring a false advertising claim against J&J in this case. The record in this lawsuit strongly suggests that J&J engaged in false advertising on the part of J&J's Chairman who made numerous public statements to audiences that had the effect of describing in detail DECN's patented system. The Court improperly foreclosed DECN's ability to seek justice for J&J's false advertising in this lawsuit, perhaps through a constitutional remedy. Mr. Berman concluded, 'We firmly believe that the Federal Circuit will easily follow our arguments, quickly conclude that the court's rulings should be reversed and that DECN will proceed with and prevail in its patent infringement and forthcoming false advertising claims. We intend for file our appeal quickly, but while the appeal is being fully researched and drafted, the company and its counsels will investigate whether the court actions rise to constitutional issues that need be addressed. The company plans a more detailed update as soon as the appeal is filed.' About Decision Diagnostics Corp: Decision Diagnostics Corp. is the leading manufacturer and worldwide distributor of diabetic test strips engineered to operate on legacy glucose meters. DECN's products are designed to operate efficiently and less expensively on certain glucose meters already in use by almost 7.5 million diabetics worldwide. With new inspired technology diabetic test strips already in the final stages of development, DECN products compete on a worldwide scale with legacy manufacturers currently selling to 71+ percent of a $12 billion at-home testing market. Forward-Looking Statements: This release contains the company's forward-looking statements which are based on management's current expectations and assumptions as of October 29, 2018, regarding the company's business and performance, its prospects, current factors, the economy, and other future conditions and forecasts of future events, circumstances, and results. Contact Information: Decision Diagnostics Corp. Keith Berman (805) 446-2973 info@decisiondiagnostics.com www.genultimate.com www.petsureteststrips.com www.pharmatechdirect.com SOURCE: Decision Diagnostics Corp. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/526576/DECN-Set-to-Appeal-the-Clearly-Unfair-Ruling-in-Courts-Termination-of-the-DECN-Patent-Infringement-and-False-Advertising-Case-Battle-with-Johnson-Johnson Toronto, Ontario and Burlington, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 30, 2018) - ACME Resources Corp. ("ACME" or the "Company") and Rapid Dose Therapeutics Inc. ("RDT"), a Canadian bio-technology company focused on providing disruptive proprietary drug delivery technologies for the nutraceutical, therapeutic and pharamecutical market, are pleased to announce that RDT's "QuickStrip" product won the highly respected "Top Ten in Grocery" award for non-food category at the Grocery Innovations Canada Conference held in Toronto last week at the Toronto Congress Centre. Each year, the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers awards program recognizes the success of outstanding independent retailers and offers insights into innovations that are changing and enhancing the way retailers compete. QuickStrip was spotlighted at the New Product Showcase at Grocery Innovations Canada 2018 - where Grocery Innovations Canadafeatured the latest and greatest innovations. The showcase was used by RDT as an opportunity to introduce QuickStrip as a recognizable consumer brand and product in the grocery and nutraceutical marketplace. RDT's innovative QuickStrip is an oral thin film technology that dissolves easily in the mouth - under the tongue, or inside the cheek - offering consumers a quick, convenient, precise and discreet way to take nutraceuticals. QuickStrip's nutraceutical product line includes Vitamin B12, Energy (caffeine) and Sleep (melatonin) oral thin dissolvable strips. QuickStrip delivers nutraceuticals and supplements directly and quickly into the bloodstream - and can bypass the stomach and blood brain barrier. "We are excited and honoured to have RDT's product QuickStrip selected to win the GIC 'Top Ten in Grocery' by industry experts and the media," said Mark Upsdell, Chief Executive Officer of RDT. "It is a fantastic achievement; Rapid Dose Therapeutics is excited to now deliver QuickStrip and our line of nutraceuticals to retailers and consumers - delivering health and wellness in Canada and beyond. Grocery Innovations Canada, the premier 'must-attend' B2B grocery and specialty food show of the year, was an action-packed two days of keynote speakers, educational workshops and innovative technology. This year's theme, LOOK BEYOND, focused on not just the immediate business concerns of technology, but that consumer and business relationships would be maintained." Proposed Business Combination ACME and RDT have proposed a business combination which, when completed, will constitute a reverse take-over of ACME by the shareholders of RDT and the acquisition of RDT by ACME. The previously announced proposed amalgamation involving ACME, its wholly-owned subsidiary and RDT (the "Amalgamation") and all of the matters relating to the Amalgamation have been approved by more than 99% of the votes cast by ACME shareholders present in person or represented by proxy at an ACME shareholders meeting held on August 30, 2018 and by 100% of the votes cast by RDT shareholders present in person or represented by proxy at a RDT shareholders meeting held on August 27, 2018. For details of the proposed Amalgamation and other aspects of the proposed reverse take-over transaction, please refer to ACME's news release filed on ACME's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com on July 12, 2018 and the management information circular for the ACME shareholders meeting filed on ACME's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com on August 9, 2018. About Rapid Dose Therapeutics Rapid Dose Therapeutics, RDT, is a Canadian bio-technology company providing a Managed Strip Service Program which enables proprietary drug delivery technologies designed to improve patient outcomes. RDT provides a turnkey service program for product innovation, production, and consultation to the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and cannabis industries. More Information about RDT: For more information about RDT, visit: www.rapid-dose.com or contact Rapid Dose Therapeutics Inc at: info@rapid-dose.com, 1121 Walkers Line, Suite 3, Burlington, ON CANADA L7N 2G4 Tel.: (416) 477-1052 More Information about ACME: For more information about ACME, visit ACME's profile at www.sedar.com or contact Jorge Estepa, Corporate Secretary, 20 Adelaide Street East, Suite 200, Toronto, Ontario M5C 2T6 Tel: (416) 818-4035 Information in this news release may contain forward-looking information. Statements containing forward-looking information express, as at the date of this news release, the plans, estimates, forecasts, projections, expectations or beliefs of ACME and RDT as to future events or results and are believed to be reasonable based on information currently available to them. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 30, 2018) -Thunderstruck Resources Ltd. (TSXV: AWE) (The "Company" or "Thunderstruck") is pleased to announce that ongoing geochemical sampling on the Liwa Creek gold prospect has expanded known targets and discovered a significant new gold zone. The combined 2017 and 2018 prospecting and geochemical sampling programs at Liwa Creek have resulted in the discovery of multiple gold showings over a three-km, northeast-trending structural corridor that is open in all directions. The Company's intensive exploration approach combining initial stream BLEG sampling, followed by ridge-and-spur soil sampling, and anomaly-focused prospecting has, and continues, to lead to new discoveries. In particular, sampling programs have returned high-grade gold and silver assays over previously discovered zones and expanded those zones. In addition, a potentially significant new zone, featuring the highest-grade soil sample yet collected, has been discovered. Brien Lundin, Thunderstruck's Chairman stated, "Following up on the successful results from our Rama prospect, field work continues to expand our Liwa prospect as well. In combination with our Nakoro and Wainaleka VMS discoveries, it's becoming obvious that our Fiji properties offer tremendous potential. We are excited about continuing to advance on all fronts." As detailed in the Appendix, prospecting and geochemical sampling programs at Liwa Creek have resulted in the discovery of multiple gold showings over a three-km, northeast-trending structural corridor that is open in all directions. Two distinct styles of gold mineralization have been identified at Liwa Creek: narrow northeast-trending high-grade gold plus base metal veins lacking significant wall rock alteration typified by the Jensen's Showing; and dominantly north-south trending wide zones of gold-silver mineralized quartz-sericite-illite-pyrite altered volcanic rocks such as those occurring at the Liwa Ridge Showing and possibly the newly discovered Lower Vatuvatulevu gold target. The two styles of mineralization exhibit characteristics of sub-epithermal gold-base metal and intermediate sulphidation epithermal gold-silver veins, respectively. The classification is significant in that both deposit styles are interpreted to have close copper porphyry deposit association, with intermediate sulphidation veins being interpreted as shallow-level counterparts of deeper gold plus base metal sub-epithermal veins located alongside porphyry copper deposits. Juxtaposition of relatively shallow high-level intermediate sulphidation gold-silver vein system and deeper sub-epithermal high grade gold veins is interpreted to indicate overprinting of early deep copper porphyry related high grade gold veins by relatively late high-level gold-silver mineralization. The Company believes this indicates the presence of a significant and long-lived hydrothermal system at Liwa Creek. Lawrence Roulston, Thunderstruck Director, noted, "The methodical exploration program at Liwa continues to be very effective at outlining this extensive gold system under soil cover. On-going work continues to push out the limits in prospective areas. Liwa already has a footprint in line with major gold-bearing systems. The size and the gold tenor of this system are extremely encouraging, especially in this Pacific Ring of Fire setting that hosts multiple world-class gold deposits." Thunderstruck is advancing toward securing joint venture partners on its VMS and porphyry targets as it focuses on this highly prospective gold zone. About Fiji Viti Levu, the main island of Fiji, has a long mining history. It is on the prolific Pacific Ring of Fire, a trend that has produced numerous large deposits, including Porgera, Lihir and Grasberg. The island of Viti Levu hosts Namosi, held by a joint venture between Newcrest and Mitsubishi. Newcrest published Proven and Probable Reserves for Namosi of 1.3 billion tonnes at 0.37% Cu and 0.12 g/t Au (5.2M ounces Au and 4.9M tonnes Cu). Namosi is now undergoing environmental assessment as part of the permitting process. Lion One Metals is now developing its Tuvatu Project, with Indicated Resources of 1.1 million tonnes at 8.17 g/t Au (294,000 ounces Au), and Inferred Resources of 1.3 million tonnes at 10.6 g/t Au (445,000 ounces Au). The Vatukoula Gold Mine has been operating for 80 years, producing in excess of 7 million ounces. About Thunderstruck Resources Thunderstruck Resources is a Canadian mineral exploration company that has assembled extensive and highly prospective properties in Fiji on which recent and previous exploration has confirmed VMS, copper and precious metals mineralization. Liwa Creek is one of four projects, each of which is being marketed as potential joint venture opportunities. The Company provides investors with exposure to a diverse portfolio of exploration stage projects with potential for zinc, copper, gold and silver in a politically safe and stable jurisdiction. Thunderstruck trades on the Toronto Venture Exchange (TSX-V) under the symbol "AWE" and United States OTCQB under the symbol "THURF". Qualified Person Statement Kristopher J. Raffle, P.Geo. (BC) Principal and Consultant of APEX Geoscience Ltd. of Edmonton, AB, is a qualified person for the project as defined by National Instrument NI 43-101. Mr. Raffle has reviewed and approved the portion of the technical content of this news release as it relates to the Liwa Creek Prospect. During 2018 all stream sediment samples were submitted to Australian Laboratory Services Pty. Ltd (ALS) labs Perth for BLEG determination of gold. Auger soil samples were submitted for gold and multi-element geochemical analysis via a 25 gram (g) sample split subject ICP-MS. Prospecting and trench rock samples submitted for 30g gold Fire-Assay analysis and multi-element geochemistry by four-acid ICP-ES. Given the reconnaissance nature of the samples, Thunderstruck has relied on the external QA/QC of ALS which included the insertion of insertion of standard, blank and duplicate samples at a rate of 10% into the sample stream to confirm the accuracy of the reported results. For additional information, please contact: Rob Christl, Investor Relations Email: rob@thunderstruck.ca P: 778 840-7180 or, visit our website: http://www.thunderstruck.ca APPENDIX - LIWA CREEK GOLD PROJECT EXPLORATION DETAILS Rock Sampling At Liwa Creek exploration was designed to follow-up and expand on broad trenched gold zones at the Liwa Ridge Showing (0.61 g/t gold over 71.3 metres; including 1.2 g/t gold over 26.5. metres); further develop the high-grade Jensen's Showing (previous outcrop quartz vein rock grab samples returning 36 and 32 g/t gold from outcrop); and locate the source of widespread gold in float rock located within confined drainages of the Lower Vatuvatulevu Creek and Gun showing areas (see the Company's February 13, 2018 news release). Of the 55 current rock grab samples collected at Liwa, a total of 15 samples returned greater than 1 g/t gold or 10 g/t silver; and up to 55.2 g/t gold and 379 g/t silver (Table 1). At the Jensen's Showing two parallel, northeast trending, high-grade gold bearing quartz veins are exposed in the bed of Wainamoli Creek over a distance of 50 metres. The veins dip 60 to 80 degrees to the northwest and occur along the upper and lower contacts of an approximately 10 metre thick intrusive dyke cutting volcaniclastic rocks of the Wainimala Group. Rock grab and small diameter backpack core drilling of the northern vein resulted in four (4) samples returning gold assays of 55.2 , 40.2 , 31.9, and 25.5 g/t gold (the later cored over a 0.22-metre true-width of the vein) with associated lead, copper and zinc values. Jensen's Showing quartz veins are brecciated and contain massive to semi-massive galena, chalcopyrite and sphalerite with vuggy comb to crustiform banded quartz vein textures in association with sericite-illite host rock alteration. The Jensen's south vein ranges in width from 0.1 to 0.5 metres in width and exhibits similar polyphase brecciated, anastomosing pinch-and-swell, comb and crustiform banded textures, with a total of 6 rock outcrop samples returning between 1.45 to 7.13 g/t gold. Table 1: Liwa Creek Gold Prospect Significant Rock Grab Sample Results Sample ID Showing Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Pb (%) Cu (%) Zn (%) 28028 Jenson's 55.2 24.8 10.0 0.35 - 28014 40.2 19.4 1.85 0.39 - 28003 31.9 21.8 0.99 0.34 - 28021 25.5 27.8 0.94 1.42 1.94 28015 7.13 13.4 0.65 0.12 0.63 28004 4.62 8.3 0.36 0.3 - 28002 4.14 8.2 0.34 - - 28013 3.33 7.1 0.17 - - 28029 3.24 8.9 0.24 - 0.29 28018 1.82 11.7 0.61 0.1 0.16 28017 1.45 5.7 0.23 - - 28010 Liwa Ridge - 379 0.28 - 0.54 28009 4.53 9.2 0.36 - - 28027 0.85 13.0 0.1 - - 28007 0.30 36.2 - - - A distance of 100 metres to the east of the main Jensen's discovery outcrops a rock grab sample of silicified and comb textured quartz veined Wainimala Group volcanic breccia rocks returned 4.62 g/t gold. Rock outcrop and subcrop float grab sampling within Liwa Creek at the northern extent of the Liwa Ridge Showing, 800 metres west of Jensen's, returned 4.53 g/t gold and 379 g/t silver (the highest silver assay to date at Liwa Creek), respectively, from silica-flooded and quartz stockwork veined intrusive. Soils A total of 141 additional ridge-and-spur aguer soil geochemical samples were collected Liwa Creek. Sampling was designed to isolate potential source zones to the northeast of the Jenson's gold zone, and widespread gold in float rock recovered within the Lower Vatuvatulevu Creek and Gun showing areas. Auger soil sampling within the Lower Vatuvatulevu Creek area resulted in the discovery of a significant new gold zone. Prior stream BLEG and prospecting float rock grab sampling within this small 400 x 400 metre drainage returned anomalous gold values. Current soil sampling along the southern ridge resulted in 8 soils collected over a 160-metre interval returning greater than 20 ppb gold, and up to 2,480 ppb gold (2.48 g/t gold) in soil.The result is four times greater than any previous soil sample collected on the project (643 ppb gold from the Liwa Ridge Gold Zone 1.5 km to the west). The five highest soils samples returned 707, 804, 894, 1050 and 2,480 ppb gold. The orientation of this newly discovered gold zone is presently not known. An aggressive follow-up via intensive prospecting, hand trenching and expansion of ridge-and-spur aguer soils to the south is warranted. In addition, soil sampling along the Gun Showing ridge returned isolated anomalous gold values including 336 ppb and 82 ppb gold, which warrant additional follow-up sampling and prospecting. Trenching Hand excavated trenching at three locations (GT1, GT2, and GT3) totaling 29 metres within the Gun Showing area was designed to follow up on previously reported anomalous gold in soil values of 65 and 82 ppb gold (see the Company's February 13, 2018 news release). Trenches were excavated to a depth of 1 metre into the subsoil, however competent outcrop was not reached in any of the trenches. Trench GT3 returned 0.2 g/t gold over 2 metres from 0 to 2 metres; and 0.17 g/t gold over 3 metres between 8 and 11 metres. Trench GT2 returned 0.12 g/t gold over 2 metres; in addition to silicified and veined float rock grab samples recovered during excavation that returned 0.44, 0.20, and 0.15 g/t gold; including 4.5, 6.2 and 9.6 g/t silver, respectively. Trench GT1 did not return significant values. Stream BLEG Sampling Completion of stream BLEG geochemical sampling in the Noda Creek drainage designed to evaluate the potential southern extension of the north-south trending Liwa Ridge Gold Zone. Of the 23 Noda Creek stream BLEG samples collected a total of 13 samples returned greater than 20 parts-per-billion (ppb) gold and are considered anomalous. A stream BLEG collected from the Noda Creek headwaters at the southernmost known extent of the Liwa Ridge gold zone returned 93 ppb gold. This sample represents the highest gold in stream sediment value returned form the Project to date, and underscores the potential to expand the Liwa Zone southward. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange Inc. nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". Although Thunderstruck believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of Thunderstruck's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by law, Thunderstruck undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Figure 1 To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/2901/40686_ Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 30, 2018) - Jaxon Mining Inc. (TSXV: JAX) (FSE: OU31) (OTC: JXMNF) is pleased to announce completion of its fifth diamond drill hole, BB18-05, as part of its 2018 Phase One diamond drilling program which was designed to test the extent of the gold-bearing tourmaline breccia zone at its Red Springs project. Jaxon has now completed its 2018 drilling program, completing five holes, totalling 1,057 metres. Red Springs is located on Jaxon's 100% optioned 44,000-hectare Hazelton property in the Skeena Arch area of northwest British Columbia, Canada. Drilling Program Highlights: The fifth drill hole, BB18-05, is an angle (-70 degree) diamond drill hole on the azimuth 160 with HQ core (63.5 mm in diameter) from 0 to 207 metres and NQ core (47.6 mm in diameter) from 208 to 453 metres and completed to a depth of 453 metres. BB18-05 intercepts multiple gold-bearing quartz tourmaline breccia mineralization zones at 18.8 - 25.3 metres (6.50 m, named zone 1); 44.3 - 45.6 metres (1.30 m, named zone 2); 66.4 -85.5 metres (19.10 m, named zone 3) and 280.85 - 294.5 metres (13.65 m, named zone 4) (Figures 1-4). Based on the dip angle and azimuth of BB18-05, zone 3 is the main tourmaline breccia zone which is comparable to the tourmaline breccia zones found in the other four holes and surface Trenches, as well. BB18-05 confirms the near-surface down-dip extension of mineralization in Trench D outcrop which has reported 13 metres grading 2.86 grams per tonne (g/t) gold including 2 metres grading 8.96 grams per tonnes (g/t) in the previous news release dated Sept 20, 2018. BB18-05 was drilled using the same drill pad as BB18-03 and BB18-04, but with a different dip angle and azimuth. BB18-05 confirms the continuity of the gold-bearing tourmaline breccia zone along strike between drill pad 1 and 2 at the Backbone area. The moderate IP chargeability anomaly at depth at the Backbone may be associated with zone 4, which is composed of shattered broken rocks containing sulphide minerals with strong graphite on some fracture surfaces within a fault (Figure 4) at the Backbone. Figure 1 - Segments from 18.8 to 19.30 metres in zone 1 (18.8-25.3 metres of tourmaline breccia) from drill hole BB18-05 at Jaxon's Red Springs Project, which shows silicified disseminated/vein type sulphide mineralization. To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/881/40700_27026d48547e2ba5_001full.jpg Figure 2 - Segments from 44.3 to 44.8 metres in zone 2 (44.3-45.6 metres of tourmaline breccia) from drill hole BB18-05 at Jaxon's Red Springs Project, which shows silicified and sulphide quartz tourmaline mineralization. To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/881/40700_27026d48547e2ba5_002full.jpg Figure 3 - Segments from 66.4 to 67.0 metres in zone 3 (66.4-85.5 metres of tourmaline breccia) from drill hole BB18-05 at Jaxon's Red Springs Project, which shows very strong silicified and sulphide quartz tourmaline mineralization. To view an enhanced version of Figure 3 , please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/881/40700_27026d48547e2ba5_003full.jpg Figure 4 - Segments from 281.5 to 281.8 metres in zone 4 (280.85-294.5 metres of tourmaline breccia) from drill hole BB18-05 at Jaxon's Red Springs Project, which shows silicified and sulphide quartz tourmaline mineralization. To view an enhanced version of Figure 4, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/881/40700_27026d48547e2ba5_004full.jpg Tony Guo, Jaxon's COO, commented: "Including the 19.10 metre intercept of silicified and sulphide tourmaline breccia mineralization in zone 3, we are pleased that BB18-05 has also intercepted three other tourmaline breccia mineralization zones. It also confirms the dip extension of the quartz tourmaline breccia mineralization at Trench D and strike continuity of the tourmaline breccia mineralization zone between drill pad 1 and drill pad 2." About Jaxon's Red Springs Drilling Program Plans for Phase One originally involved a 2,000 to 2,200-metre diamond drilling program consisting of up to eight drill holes on the Backbone gold-bearing tourmaline breccia zone. Drilling commenced October 4, 2018 at its Red Springs project at Hazelton. The program was designed to test the extent of the gold-bearing tourmaline breccia zone already identified and announced. Jaxon has now completed its 2018 drilling program with a total five holes and 1,057 metres of drilling. The Backbone gold-bearing tourmaline breccia zone is a 1000-metre long strike and up to 15-meter-wide surface outcrop mineralization (Figure 5). This zone, per previously released assay results, indicates the brecciated mineralization contains high-grade gold of up to 25.86 g/t with cobalt, copper, antimony and silver credits. Jaxon will start the core sampling program and deliver the samples to the lab for assay by early November of 2018. The assay results for the first batch of samples are expected to be available by the end of November of 2018. The objective of the Phase One drilling program was to determine the width, continuity and grade of gold-bearing tourmaline breccia mineralisation at depth. The Company will provide further information as it becomes available and will release updates on the progress of core assay results over the coming weeks on its website at www.jaxonmining.com. Figure 5- Backbone high grade gold-bearing tourmaline breccia zone at Red Springs Project To view an enhanced version of Figure 5, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/881/40700_27026d48547e2ba5_005full.jpg Figure 6 - 2D resistivity and 2D IP chargeability anomalies at Backbone tourmaline breccia zone To view an enhanced version of Figure 6 , please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/881/40700_27026d48547e2ba5_006full.jpg Qualified Person Yingting (Tony) Guo, P.Geo., COO for Jaxon Mining Inc., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed the drilling program, prepared the scientific and technical information and verified the data supporting such scientific and technical information contained in this news release. About Jaxon Mining Inc. Jaxon is a precious and base metals exploration company with a regional focus on Western Canada. The Company is currently focused on advancing its Hazelton Project in north-central British Columbia and the More Creek Project (consolidating the Wishbone and Foremore properties) in British Columbia's Golden Triangle. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS JAXON MINING INC. "John King Burns" John King Burns, Chairman For Capital Markets for Jaxon Mining Inc., please call 778-938-4459, for Investor Relations, please call 604-609-6152, and for Corporate enquiries, please call 604-398-5934. This news release may contain forward-looking information, which is not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this news release may include, but is not limited to, the Company's objectives, goals or future plans. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, those risks set out in the Company's public documents filed on SEDAR. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames, or at all. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. Neither TSX Venture exchange nor its Regulations Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. KINGSPORT, Tenn., October 30, 2018 - Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE:EMN) today announced that it has commenced a cash tender offer (the "Tender Offer") for any and all of its outstanding 5.500% notes due 2019 (the "Notes"). A comprehensive description of the terms of the Tender Offer is included in Eastman's Offer to Purchase, dated October 30, 2018 (the "Offer to Purchase"), and the related Notice of Guaranteed Delivery (the "Notice of Guaranteed Delivery" and, together with the Offer to Purchase, the "Offer Documents"). The Tender Offer is summarized in the table below and is being made upon, and is subject to, the terms and conditions set forth in the Offer Documents. The Tender Offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on November 5, 2018, unless extended or earlier terminated by Eastman (the "Expiration Date"). Tenders of Notes may be withdrawn any time at or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on November 5, 2018, by following the procedures described in the Offer to Purchase. Security (CUSIP No.) Principal Amount Outstanding U.S. Treasury Reference Security Bloomberg Reference Page Fixed Spread 5.500% notes due 2019 (277432AH3) $250,000,000 3.375% UST due 11/15/2019 FIT4 30 bps The consideration (the "Total Consideration") payable for each $1,000 principal amount of the Notes validly tendered and accepted for purchase pursuant to the Tender Offer will be determined in the manner described in the Offer to Purchase by reference to the fixed spread for the Notes specified in the table above plus the yield to maturity based on the bid-side price of the U.S. Treasury Reference Security specified in the table above, as quoted on the Bloomberg Bond Trader FIT4 page as of 2:00 p.m., New York City time, on November 5, 2018, unless extended or earlier terminated by Eastman. In addition to the Total Consideration, Eastman will also pay accrued and unpaid interest on Notes purchased up to, but not including, the settlement date. The settlement date for Notes validly tendered and accepted for purchase and delivered at or prior to the Expiration Date will be promptly after the Expiration Date, and is expected to be November 6, 2018 (the "Settlement Date"). The settlement date for Notes validly tendered and accepted for purchase and delivered pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedures described in the Offer to Purchase is expected to be November 8, 2018. Holders must validly tender (and not validly withdraw) their Notes at or prior to the Expiration Date, or deliver a properly completed and duly executed Notice of Guaranteed Delivery for their Notes at or prior to the Expiration Date, and tender their Notes at or prior to the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery Date (as defined in the Offer to Purchase), in accordance with the instructions set forth in the Offer to Purchase, in order to be eligible to receive the Total Consideration. In addition, holders whose Notes are accepted for purchase in the Tender Offer will receive accrued and unpaid interest from the last interest payment date to, but not including, the Settlement Date. Interest will cease to accrue on the Settlement Date for all Notes accepted for purchase in the Tender Offer, including Notes delivered pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedures. Eastman's obligation to accept for purchase and to pay for the Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn pursuant to the Tender Offer is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, which are more fully described in the Offer to Purchase, including, among others, Eastman completing the offering and sale of new debt securities (the "New Notes Offering") on terms acceptable to Eastman. The Tender Offer does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or other financial instruments that may be issued or otherwise incurred in connection with the New Notes Offering. Eastman reserves the right, subject to applicable law, in its sole discretion, to: (i) waive any and all conditions to the Tender Offer at any time and from time to time; (ii) extend or terminate the Tender Offer; or (iii) otherwise amend the Tender Offer in any respect. Eastman is not soliciting consents from holders of securities in connection with the Tender Offer. Eastman has retained J.P. Morgan Securities LLC to act as exclusive Dealer Manager. D.F. King & Co., Inc. is the Information and Tender Agent in connection with the Tender Offer. For additional information regarding the terms of the tender offer, please contact: J.P. Morgan Securities LLC at (866) 834-4666 (toll free) or (212) 834-3424 (collect). Copies of the Offer Documents are available via the Tender Offer website at www.dfking.com/EMN (http://www.dfking.com/EMN) and requests for documents and questions regarding the tendering of Notes may be directed to D.F. King & Co., Inc.by telephone at (212) 269-5550 (for banks and brokers only) or (800) 967-5074 (for all others toll-free) or by email at eastmanchemical@dfking.com or to the Dealer Manager at its telephone numbers. This press release is for informational purposes only and is not an offer to purchase or a solicitation of an offer to sell with respect to any Notes nor is this announcement an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase new debt securities. The Tender Offer is being made solely pursuant to the Offer Documents, which set forth the complete terms and conditions of the Tender Offer. The Tender Offer is not being made to, nor will Eastman accept tenders of Notes from, holders in any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the securities, blue sky or other laws of such jurisdiction. None of Eastman, its board of directors, the Dealer Manager or the Information and Tender Agent makes any recommendation to any holder of Notes in connection with the Tender Offer. Holders must make their own decisions as to whether to tender their Notes and, if so, the principal amount of Notes to tender. About Eastman Chemical Company Eastman is a global advanced materials and specialty additives company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With a portfolio of specialty businesses, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. Its market-driven approaches take advantage of world-class technology platforms and leading positions in attractive end-markets such as transportation, building and construction and consumables. Eastman focuses on creating consistent, superior value for all stakeholders. As a globally diverse company, Eastman serves customers in more than 100 countries and had 2017 revenues of approximately $9.5 billion. The company is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA and employs approximately 14,500 people around the world. Forward-Looking Statements This news release includes forward-looking statements concerning, among other things, the Tender Offer and the New Notes Offering, including the terms and timing of the Tender Offer and the New Notes Offering. Such expectations and assumptions are based upon certain preliminary information, internal estimates, and management assumptions, expectations, and plans, and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties inherent in projecting future conditions, events, and results. Actual results could differ materially from expectations and assumptions expressed in the forward-looking statements if one or more of the underlying assumptions or expectations prove to be inaccurate or are unrealized. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such expectations are and will be detailed in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the third quarter of 2018. Contacts Media: Tracy Kilgore Addington 423-224-0498 / tracy@eastman.com (mailto:tracy@eastman.com) Investors: Greg Riddle 212-835-1620 / griddle@eastman.com (mailto:griddle@eastman.com) 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: Eastman Chemical Company via Globenewswire LONDON, October 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The 1 Million Euro 'Kantor Prize For Secure Tolerance', launched in March 2018 by London-based philanthropist Moshe Kantor, is attracting strong interest from academics in Europe and North America. The initiative was launched earlier this year at a roundtable event organized by the European Council on Tolerance and Reconciliation (ECTR), of which Moshe Kantor is President. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/776952/ECTR_Logo.jpg ) The 'Kantor Prize for Secure Tolerance' will be given to groups or individuals who will demonstrate creative and unique ways of balancing the universal right to tolerance with the need to effectively combat security challenges presented by our increasingly globalized societies. Applications are currently being accepted by the ECTR and further information as to how to submit to the grant can be found at http://ectr.eu/. The nominations review and the selection of prize recipients will be carried out by the ECTR's Academic Advisory Group, led by John Gray, and including eminent academics and intellectuals including Antony Beevor, Timothy Snyder, Bernard-Henri Levy and Aleksandr Dynkin. Moshe Kantor has repeatedly warned that Europeans have increasingly felt "vulnerable and insecure". Adding "We urgently need new thinking for a diverse society, accepted not only by leaders of the free world but also by civil society. This new thinking must trigger new legal initiatives - outlawing not only extremist acts, but also verbal intentions". Former British Prime Minister and ECTR Chairman Tony Blair said at the launch event that it was "essential we don't sit back and let extremism and intolerance become an accepted part of our public discourse." He added that "co-existence is a vital universal value in a world where people of different cultures and religions mix, both on and offline. Freedom of speech must be protected. But people also have a right to feel safe in their homes and communities." About the ECTR The ECTR is an opinion-making and advisory body on international tolerance promotion, reconciliation and education, and fosters understanding and tolerance, educates towards reconciliation, facilitates post-conflict social apprehensions, monitors racism, antisemitism and xenophobia and proposes pro-tolerance initiatives and legal solutions. Among its prominent members are Tony Blair, ECTR Board Chairman, Jose Maria Aznar, former Prime Minister of Spain, Goran Persson, former Prime Minister of Sweden, VairaVike-Freiberga, former President of Latvia and Rita Sussmuth, former Speaker of the German Bundestag. Founding member of the ECTR was the late Vaclav Havel, one of the principal leaders of the democratic transformation in Central Europe. www.ectr.eu VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 30, 2018 / PROGRESSIVE PLANET SOLUTIONS INC. (TSX-V: PLAN) ("Progressive Planet", "PLAN" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that an agreement has been signed between Berkwood Resources and Progressive Planet. The Terms of the agreement allow Progressive Planet to earn a 5% interest to the Lac Gueret South Graphite property in exchange for spending $250,000 in expenditure before December 31, 2018. During a period of 6 months, either party will have the right to execute a buy-back scenario in which case Berkwood would purchase the 5% back by paying to Progressive Planet 1,750,000 Units. Each unit will entitle PLAN to receive one share, and one half warrant of the company which at the time of signing this agreement constitutes 5% of the Issued and Outstanding Shares of Berkwood. This transaction is subject to exchange approval. The Lac Gueret project is being led by the same geologist who discovered the Mason Graphite deposit which runs on trend, and borders this project which displays similar prospective geology, including geophysical anomalies. The project is made up of 288 Claims which cover a total area of 15,552 hectares. Three drill programs have been completed to date with 27 holes drilled covering 4,006m. Of the holes drilled, 26 of the 27 had significant graphite intersections (Hole 25 intersected 130.55 m averaging 17.37 Cgr). Assays have confirmed average grades in the range of 14.39% to 25.52% Cgr and true thicknesses ranging 22.1 to 90 meters. The graphite is high grade and large flake, making it highly desirable to industry. "This option agreement allows both our companies to provide great value to our shareholders. We are very excited to have worked out an arrangement which would allow our Company to benefit from the hard work that has already been done to date on the Lac Gueret project. This project is of great interest to our company based on its neighbor, Mason Graphite's success. We are glad that we were able to work together to bring this project forward. We intend to get drilling in the coming weeks." stated Steve Harpur, CEO of Progressive Planet. A drill program is scheduled to begin in November. Qualified Person The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dwayne Melrose, P. Geo., a Director of Progressive Planet and a qualified person as defined in NI 43-101 and is a member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia. Progressive Planet is a Canadian based mineral exploration company with a flagship zeolite mine in British Columbia, the right to earn a 20% interest in a lithium project in Manitoba and a graphite property in Buckingham, Quebec. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Signed "Stephen Harpur" Stephen Harpur, CPA, CGA CEO For further information, or to place a zeolite order, please contact: Derek Knight. COO 1-800-910-3072 DKnight@ProgressivePlanet.ca www.progressiveplanet.ca Forward-Looking Statements: Some of the statements in this news release contain forward-looking information that involves inherent risk and uncertainty affecting the business of Progressive Planet Solutions Inc. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: Progressive Planet Solutions Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/526648/PLAN-Signs-Option-Agreement-with-Berkwood-Resources-on-Graphite-Property-Adjacent-to-Mason-Graphite LIMA, PERU / ACCESSWIRE / October 30, 2018 / Corporacion Aceros Arequipa S.A. ("The Company" or "Aceros Arequipa") (BVL: CORAREC1; BVL: CORAREI1) announced that at a Board meeting held on October 25, 2018, the Company's Board of Directors approved a cash dividend per common and investment share, which represents a total of S/ 22'584,000.00 related to retained earnings as of December 31, 2014. This payment does not consider the treasury shares: 51'016,683 common shares and 18'528,192 investment shares, according to the Company by-laws, which amounted to 1,073'265,820 shares, resulting in a dividend payment per share of S/ 0.02104232. The dividend will pay as follows: COMMON SHARES: CORAREC1 Outstanding common shares: 890,858,308 Dividend per common share: S/ 0.02104232 Record Date: November 21, 2018 Payment Date: December 07, 2018 INVESTMENT SHARES: CORAREI1 Outstanding Investment shares: 182,407,512 Dividend per common share: S/ 0.02104232 Record Date: November 21, 2018 Payment Date: December 07, 2018 About CORPORACION ACEROS AREQUIPA S.A. CORPORACION ACEROS AREQUIPA S.A., founded in 1964, is the leading Peruvian Company in production and commercialization of steel products, with exports to Bolivia and other countries in the region. Its core products are rebars and wire rod and other products for the construction industry as well as merchant bars and flat steel products. The Company has an industrial facility located in Pisco, Peru with an average per-year capacity of 850 thousand tons for its melt shop and 1,250 thousand tons in steel rolling mill. Aceros Arequipa employs approximately 1,100 people. The Company's common and investment (non-voting) shares are listed on the Lima Stock Exchange under the ticker symbols CORAREC1 and CORAREI1, respectively. For more information, please contact: Ricardo Guzman, CFO & IRO Email: accionistas@aasa.com.pe Tel: (511) 517-1818 In New York Rafael Borja i-advize Corporate Communications, Inc. Email: rborja@i-advize.com Tel: 212-406-3693 SOURCE: Corporacion Aceros Arequipa S.A. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/526656/Corporacin-Aceros-Arequipa-SA-Announces-Dividend-Payment GERMANTOWN, Wisconsin, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- J.W. Speaker Corporation introduced two brand new products and a first-of-its-kind mobile app geared toward the off-road market during the first day of The SEMA Show in Las Vegas, NV. After 10 years of research and product development, J.W. Speaker revealed the new Evo J3 headlights and Trail 6 off-road lights along with a brand-new mobile app for best-in-class performance, customization, and intelligence. As the only U.S.-based company designing and manufacturing this level of groundbreaking technology, these new offerings will be a game changer for off-road enthusiasts. The Evo J3 is the ultimate Jeep headlight. Its patented design is instantly recognizable as an authentic J.W. Speaker product and is the first application of SmartHeat heated lens technology in a Jeep headlight. The Evo J3 is the first street-legal, DOT approved, plug-and-play headlight with a built-in turn signal. The compact Trail 6 is the premier off-road light for UTVs, ATVs, and snowmobiles. It provides added safety and control to users with 3 different versions; the Trail 6 Pro with Bluetooth connectivity the Trail 6 Flash that senses deceleration and flashes as a warning to other drivers, and the Trail 6 Sport with class-leading light performance. Users can connect to the Evo J3 and Trail 6 easily on the new J-Link app developed by J.W. Speaker. In the app, lights are registered to a single owner and are customizable to the user's needs. The J-Link exclusively unlocks features in the Trail 6 Pro and Evo J3, including an "Off-Road" and "Guide" mode. Through the J-Link app J.W. Speaker will provide updates and new features directly to their lights. "We're excited about these announcements - these off-road lights give users the best and brightest lighting without compromising performance. Our exclusive technology utilizes Bluetooth and the J-Link app to complement our innovative lights, enabling control and customization for our customer," said Tim Speaker, Co-President of J.W. Speaker. The new, innovative technology for the off-road market can be previewed at J.W. Speaker's SEMA Booth #34229 in Upper South Hall at 9am, 12pm and 3pm each day of the show. Press Conference including special unveiling and Q & A dialogue, will take place on Thursday, November 1st at 10:30am. The SEMA Show is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world. This year's event is held October 30 - November 2, 2018 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Each year, the SEMA Show draws the industry's brightest minds and hottest products to one place and provides attendees with educational seminars, product demonstrations, special events, networking opportunities, and more. To learn more about J.W. Speaker's current offerings, please visit J.W. Speaker's website at www.jwspeaker.com. For the most recent updates on J.W. Speaker and the new products launching at the SEMA Show, follow J.W. Speaker on social media using the handle @jwspeaker on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. About J.W. Speaker J.W. Speaker specializes in the design and manufacture of vehicle lighting systems for OEMs and aftermarket applications. For more information, contact J.W. Speaker at 800.558.7288 or speaker@jwspeaker.com . Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/776455/J_W__Speaker___Evo_J3_PR_Newswire_Image___2018.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/641754/JW_Speaker_Logo.jpg Enhancing customers' understanding of online conversations and enabling the transformation of social data into strategic business insights NEW YORK, Oct. 30, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Synthesio, the company behind the leading global Social Media Intelligence Suite, is pleased to announce that it has been acquired by Ipsos. Founded in 1975, Ipsos is the market research and opinion leader, headquartered in Paris, with over 16,000 employees and a presence in 89 countries. "We are very excited to join the Ipsos family and write the next chapters of the Synthesio story," said Loic Moisand, CEO & Co-Founder of Synthesio. "Our focus on innovative technology including Artificial Intelligence, to detect consumer insights from billions of online conversations coupled with Ipsos' decades of market research & consulting experience, will give our joint customers a single path for building and advancing their social intelligence programs. This acquisition will lead customers to more actionable and real-time social insights, fused with AI, and give them a stronger competitive advantage in the market." Used by hundreds of global enterprises, Synthesio's Social Listening Platform was recently named a Leader in the Forrester Wave: Social Listening Platforms , Q3 2018 report. The report notes the company vision saying that "Synthesio anticipates a convergence among marketing, communication, and customer experience disciplines." This comment is based on Synthesio's product roadmap, which is focused on providing a wide array of solutions to many business units across an enterprise. Upcoming product releases are focused on fast and powerful dashboard setup, influencer marketing, trend analysis, Artificial Intelligence, and more. "The acquisition of Synthesio is part of the Total Understanding Project and its targeted acquisition objectives," commented Didier Truchot, Ipsos Chairman & CEO. "It will reinforce Ipsos' technologies and know-how in social listening and the monitoring of the data that comes with it. We are happy to welcome Synthesio's leadership team onboard. By combining our strengths, we will grant our clients access to a wider range of data, actionable insights and a deeper understanding of customers." Beyond product innovation, Synthesio plans to grow its international presence and services beyond its existing five offices. Synthesio will be a standalone business unit at Ipsos, maintaining the name and brand. Loic Moisand, and the Synthesio leadership team, will continue to drive the company on this exciting new stage of investment and growth. For more details, please go to synthesio.com/ipsos . About Synthesio Synthesio, an Ipsos company, is a global Leader in the latest report on Social Listening Platforms published by an independent research firm. Synthesio provides brands and agencies around the world with social listening tools and audience insights to measure the impact of social and mainstream media conversations. The Synthesio Social Media Intelligence Suite surfaces actionable insights - both qualitative and quantitative - from the most extensive collection of data on the market. Business units can leverage Synthesio dashboards, pre-built use cases, customizable reports, and social media command center displays - coupled with Ipsos' social intelligence solutions - to make strategic business decisions. Synthesio was founded in 2006 and has offices in New York, Paris, London, Singapore, and Brussels. Media Contact: Adam Dalezman Senior Communications Manager adalezman@synthesio.com Transaction is In-Line with Strategic Plan to Provide Range of Imported and Domestic Frac Sand TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / October 30, 2018 / In-line with its strategy to provide a full suite of import and domestic frac sand products to the northern oil and gas markets, Victory Nickel Inc. ("Victory Nickel" or the "Company") (CSE: NI, OTC: VNCKF, www.victorynickel.ca) today announced that its subsidiary Victory Silica Ltd. ("Victory Silica") has entered into an agreement (the "Exploration and Option Agreement") with Short Grass Ranches Ltd. (the "Owner") giving the Company the option to mine frac sand from one of the Owner's properties (the "Short Grass Property"). The Short Grass Property is located approximately 52 kilometres from the Company's Seven Persons frac sand plant (the "7P Plant") near Medicine Hat, Alberta. Since 2014, Victory Nickel has been producing and selling the highest-quality Northern White frac sand imported from Wisconsin at the 7P Plant. The Exploration and Option Agreement gives the Company the potential to produce an in-basin domestic sand which has grown in popularity in North America as a means to reduce overall frac cost. Any sand mined from the Short Grass Property would be trucked to the 7P Plant for processing and sale alongside side the Northern White products. "As a result of increased demand from certain customers for domestic frac sand in particular applications, the Company has been aggressively searching for high-potential properties in the vicinity of the 7P Plant," said Ken Murdock, CEO of Victory Silica. "Our business plan always contemplated sales of domestic frac sand from both our own Minago project in Manitoba and from other strategically-located Canadian frac sand deposits in addition to sales of Northern White. With the signing of the Exploration and Option Agreement, the Company has the potential to join its American competitors in offering both imported Northern White and an in-basin domestic alternative. Broadening its product offering will allow Victory Nickel to appeal to a wider variety of customers and better take advantage of opportunities as the frac sand market evolves." Under the terms of the Exploration and Option Agreement, the Company has a 180-day period to evaluate the Short Grass Property. Should the Company exercise its right to develop a commercial frac sand mine (the "Option"), it will pay the Owner a royalty for frac sand sold from the Short Grass Property. The initial term of the Option would be for five years with the ability to extend for additional five-year terms. About Victory Nickel Victory Nickel Inc. is a Canadian company with four sulphide nickel deposits containing significant NI 43-101-compliant nickel resources and a significant frac sand resource at its Minago project. Victory Nickel is focused on becoming a mid-tier nickel producer by developing its existing properties, Minago, Mel and Lynn Lake (currently under option to Corazon Mining Ltd.) in Manitoba, and Lac Rocher in northwestern Quebec. Through a wholly-owned subsidiary, Victory Silica Ltd., Victory Nickel at its 7P Plant frac sand processing facility in Seven Persons Alberta, has established itself in the frac sand business prior to commencing frac sand production and sales from Minago. Contact: Victory Nickel Inc. Sean Stokes Phone: 416.363.8527 Fax: 416.626.0890 Email: admin@victorynickel.ca www.victorynickel.ca Victory Silica Ltd. Ken Murdock Phone: 403.899.0141 Forward-Looking Information: This news release contains certain forward-looking information. All information, other than information regarding historic fact that addresses activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future is forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained in this news release, including information related to the completion and outcome of any debt restructuring activities reflects the current expectations, assumptions and/or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations. Any forward-looking information speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable law, the Company disclaims any obligation to update or modify such forward-looking information, either because of new information, future events or for any other reason. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking information are reasonable, forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such information due to the inherent uncertainty therein. SOURCE: Victory Nickel Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/526666/Victory-Nickel-Signs-Option-Agreement-for-Alberta-Frac-Sand-Resources GUILDFORD, SURREY / ACCESSWIRE / October 30, 2018 / ANGLE plc (AIM: AGL OTCQX: ANPCY), a world-leading liquid biopsy company, announces that at the Annual General Meeting of the Company held earlier today, all resolutions were duly passed. For further information ANGLE: ANGLE plc +44 (0) 1483 343434 Andrew Newland, Chief Executive Ian Griffiths, Finance Director finnCap Ltd (NOMAD and Joint Broker) Corporate Finance - Carl Holmes, Simon Hicks, Max Bullen-Smith ECM - Alice Lane +44 (0)20 7220 0500 WG Partners (Joint Broker) Nigel Barnes, Nigel Birks, Andrew Craig, Chris Lee +44 (0) 203 705 9330 FTI Consulting Simon Conway, Mo Noonan, Stephanie Cuthbert Matthew Ventimiglia (US) +44 (0) 203 727 1000 +1 212 850 5612 About ANGLE plc www.angleplc.com ANGLE is a world leading liquid biopsy company with sample to answer solutions. ANGLE's proven patent protected platforms include an epitope-independent circulating tumor cell (CTC) harvesting technology and a downstream analysis system for cost effective, highly multiplexed analysis of nucleic acids and proteins. ANGLE's cell separation technology is called the Parsortix TM system and it enables a liquid biopsy (simple blood test) to be used to provide the cells of interest. Parsortix is the subject of granted patents in Europe, the United States, Canada, India, China, Japan and Australia and three extensive families of patents are being progressed worldwide. The system is based on a microfluidic device that captures live cells based on a combination of their size and compressibility. The Parsortix system has a CE Mark in Europe for the indicated use and FDA clearance is in process for the United States. ANGLE's analysis technology for proteins and nucleic acids of all types is called Ziplex and is based on a patented flow through array technology. It provides for low cost, highly multiplexed, rapid and sensitive capture of targets from a wide variety of sample types. A proprietary chemistry approach allows for the capture and amplification of over 100 biomarkers simultaneously in a single reaction. The Ziplex system is ideal for measuring gene expression and other markers directly from Parsortix harvests. ANGLE's proprietary technologies can be combined to provide automated, sample to answer results in both centralised laboratory and point of use cartridge formats. Furthermore, ANGLE has established formal collaborations with world-class cancer centres. These Key Opinion Leaders are working to identify applications with medical utility (clear benefit to patients), and to secure clinical data that demonstrates that utility in patient studies. Details are available here http://www.angleplc.com/the-company/collaborators/ SOURCE: ANGLE plc View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/526669/Angle-PLC-Announces-Result-of-AGM CRx BIO is a researcher and developer of advanced cannabinoid-based therapeutic formulations DENVER, CO / ACCESSWIRE / October 30, 2018 / Nexien BioPharma, Inc. (OTCQB: NXEN) ('Nexien' or the 'Company') announced today that it has acquired Princeton, New Jersey based CRx Bio Holdings LLC ('CRx'). CRx is engaged in the research and development of advanced cannabinoid therapeutic formulations with the objective of enhancing the bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of cannabinoids. Nexien and CRx both share a common vision of developing cannabinoid based and U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA")approved therapeutics to treat specific medical conditions. CRx has filed 3 US provisional patent applications related to the treatment of convulsive disorders, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and targeted pain disorders. Concurrent with the acquisition by Nexien of CRx, Alex Wasyl, the co-founder and CEO of CRx has been appointed as Nexien's Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Company's Board of Directors. Alain Bankier, previously Nexien's Interim CEO, has been appointed as the Company's Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Strategy Officer. Richard Greenberg, who was previously Nexien's Chairman, will remain a Nexien board member. Other members of CRx will also join the senior management of Nexien to create robust management and scientific teams. This includes Jeremy Reeh, M.B., M.B.A., who will be VP of Translational Research, Joseph F. Aceto, M.S., Ph.D., Esq., who will join as VP of Legal and also serve as Intellectual Property ('IP') Counsel, and Frank Manganella, M.B.A., who will join as VP of Corporate Development. The CRx team augments the Nexien team by adding business, IP, pharmaceutical, and drug development experience, as well as strong cannabinoid science knowledge (bios are available at www.nexienbiopharma.com). Nexien acquired CRx by issuing 11 million of the Company's restricted common shares, of which 1.1 million were immediately granted, and the balance vest over a three-year period. CRx will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nexien. In commenting on Nexien's acquisition of CRx, Alain Bankier, Nexien's Executive Chairman and Chief Strategy Officer stated: 'I am delighted that we will be integrating this remarkable team, as well as their group of highly accomplished scientific advisors, to our existing team. I am especially happy to note the complementarity of the skill sets that both teams bring, as well as the common research objectives for the patents and related indications that we are pursuing. In addition, I think that Alex is a remarkable entrepreneur and manager, and I look forward to working with him on a daily basis.' Alex Wasyl, the newly-named CEO of Nexien also commented: 'My team and I are very happy to be joining Nexien, and we look forward to an accelerated pace in research and development, supporting the combined visions of both companies as one unified entity. Moreover, the joint effort will help create and build upon much needed cannabinoid based FDA approved therapeutics.' He added, 'With this combined management team, we are excited to emerge as a leader in the development of cannabinoid based therapeutics.' Definition of Bioavailability, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics Bioavailability is the proportion of a drug or other substance, which is able to enter circulation and target tissues, so as to exert an active effect. Pharmacokinetics ('PK') is the branch of pharmacology that relates to the movement of drugs within the body. Pharmacodynamics ('PD') pertains to the effects of drugs and the mechanism of their action. Cannabinoid molecules intrinsically have limited bioavailability. This negatively impacts the PK/PD profile of the molecules and results in many formulations being unsuitable as potential treatment options for many indications. About Nexien BioPharma U.S. based Nexien BioPharma is focused on pharmaceutical research and development, specifically the formulation and commercialization of cannabinoid based therapeutics in accordance with FDA pre-clinical and clinical pathways, to address a strategically broad range of medical conditions and disorders. Nexien BioPharma's drug development strategy consists of: The determination of medical conditions and disorders that could prospectively benefit from advanced cannabinoid based formulations; Conducting "freedom to operate" investigations on these conditions; The preparation of patent applications and the prosecution of said applications, and/or the licensing of existing patents and technologies; Identifying regulatory pathways with the FDA; and Proceeding with pre-clinical and clinical development activities in accordance with FDA protocols for submission to obtain approval for branded drug products. Current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for Nexien Biopharma are available at www.otcmarkets.com or at www.nexienbiopharma.com. Nexien Disclosure Notice: This press release contains "forward-looking statements. For this purpose, any statements contained herein or which are otherwise made by or on behalf of Nexien BioPharma that are not statements of historical facts may be deemed forward-looking statements. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, words such as "may," "will," "to," "plan," "expect," "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "could," "should," "would," "estimate," or "continue," or the negative or other variations thereof or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainties, which may cause results to differ materially from those, set forth in the statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to the following: the success of research and development activities and the speed with which regulatory authorizations and product launches may be achieved; government regulation generally; competitive developments; the ability to successfully market products domestically and internationally; difficulties or delays in manufacturing or issues relating to manufacturing capacity; commercial obstacles to the successful introduction of brand products generally; legal defense costs, insurance expenses, settlement costs, and the risk of an adverse decision or settlement relating to product liability, patent protection, governmental investigations, and other legal proceedings; Nexien BioPharma's ability to acquire and protect patents and other intellectual property both domestically and internationally; the absence of certainty regarding the receipt of required regulatory approval or the timing or terms of such approvals; any changes in business, political and economic conditions; business interruption due to events outside of Nexien BioPharma's control. Readers are cautioned not to place reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are valid only as of the date they were made. Nexien BioPharma undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect new information or the occurrence of unanticipated events or otherwise, except as expressly required by law. Company Contact Mark Lubchenco Director of Investor Relations Nexien BioPharma Inc. Phone: +1 303 495 7583 Email mlubchenco@nexienbiopharma.com Website: www.nexienbiopharma.com SOURCE: Intiva BioPharma Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/526715/Nexien-BioPharma-Acquires-Princeton-Based-CRx-Bio-and-Announces-Additions-to-Senior-Management Petrol and diesel now being sold at Rs 79.55 and Rs 73.78 per litre in the national capital. In Mumbai, fuel prices witnessed a marginal decline with petrol now being sold at Rs 85.04 per litre. (Photo: Bunny smith) New Delhi: The fuel prices continued to witness a downfall on Tuesday with petrol and diesel now being sold at Rs 79.55 and Rs 73.78 per litre in the national capital. Petrol and diesel witnessed a decrease of 20 and 7 paise respectively in Delhi as compared to the Monday prices. Meanwhile, in Mumbai, the fuel prices witnessed a marginal decline with petrol now being sold at Rs 85.04 per litre (decrease by 20 paise) and diesel is priced at Rs 77.32 per litre (decrease by 8 paise). Fuel prices had earlier witnessed a relentless hike in the country, burning a hole in the common commuter's pocket. Looking at this, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitleyon October 4 announced a reduction of Rs 2.50 per litre on both petrol and diesel prices after curbing excise duty on the commodity by Rs 1.50 per litre. He further urged the state governments to reduce the same amount from their end. Intrusive Breccias Point to Mineralized Porphyry Source of the Alacran Copper-Gold Deposit; Exploration Drill Program Planned Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 30, 2018) - Cordoba Minerals Corp. (TSXV: CDB) (OTCQX: CDBMF) ("Cordoba" or the "Company") today provides an update on recent exploration activities at its Alacran Deposit, located within the 100%-owned San Matias Copper-Gold Project in Colombia. A detailed investigation into the source of Alacran mineralization has led to the identification of a potential porphyry copper-gold source located immediately west of the Alacran Deposit. Drill targets are being finalized ahead of a planned 1,500 metre diamond drill program. Highlights Two distinct styles of mineralization have been identified at Alacran: 1. Replacement (or manto) copper-gold mineralization accounting for the bulk of the Alacran Deposit's Mineral Resources (Indicated: 36.1 million tonnes grading 0.57% copper and 0.26 g/t gold - Inferred: 31.8 million tonnes grading 0.52% copper and 0.24 g/t gold - refer to Cordoba's February 26, 2018 news release ); and 2. Carbonate-base metal ("CBM") feeder zones. New evidence from surface mapping and drill hole re-logging suggests that both mineralization types are truncated to the west by late-mineral intrusive breccias. ); and 2. Carbonate-base metal ("CBM") feeder zones. New evidence from surface mapping and drill hole re-logging suggests that both mineralization types are truncated to the west by late-mineral intrusive breccias. Two distinct types of intrusive breccia have been identified: andesitic and dacitic composition. Both are interpreted to have been emplaced along the same structures that earlier introduced the Alacran mineralizing fluids. While both breccia types contain rock fragments with replacement and CBM styles of mineralization, the dacitic breccia also contains clasts of porphyry-style mineralization with potassic alteration, which may be an indication of a nearby source of porphyry copper-gold mineralization. "We are very pleased by the considerable progress being made at our Alacran Deposit," commented Mario Stifano, President and CEO of Cordoba Minerals. "Through new surface mapping and by re-studying historical diamond drill core, our geological team has identified clasts of porphyry-style mineralization contained within intrusive breccias. We are in the process of finalizing drill targets and expect to commence diamond drilling in the coming weeks." Figure 1: Schematic image showing conceptual porphyry copper-gold target at Alacran. To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3116/40692_9b4498f4d455b939_002full.jpg Mineralization Styles Identified at Alacran Previously, the focus of exploration at Alacran was to identify massive magnetite and sulphide mantos that replace the Unit 2 carbonate-rich mudstone. This style of mineralization extends over approximately 900 metres from South to Central Alacran and can have a true thickness of up to 40 metres (refer to Figure 2 below). In the north of the Deposit, the manto mineralization transitions to CBM feeder-style mineralization. Figure 2: Alacran manto with massive magnetite and sulphides. To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3116/40692_9b4498f4d455b939_003full.jpg The CBM feeder zones consist of carbonate, sericite and albite containing pyrite, chalcopyrite and sphalerite. Hydrothermal fluids are interpreted to have moved along the bedding of the volcano-sedimentary host rocks by exploiting fractures and porosity. Figure 3: Feeder mineralization hosted in fine tuff and siltstone. To view an enhanced version of Figure 3, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3116/40692_9b4498f4d455b939_004full.jpg Intrusive Breccias Are Key to Understanding Alacran Mineralization During recent "boots on the ground" fieldwork, Cordoba's geologists noted that current artisanal mining located near the town of Alacran had exposed a body of intrusive breccia. Through subsequent mapping and drill core re-logging, Cordoba's geologists have been able to identify two distinct types of breccia, each containing clasts with porphyry-style alteration and mineralization. The andesitic breccia has a porphyritic andesite matrix altered to sericite and albite. It contains clasts of fine, equigranular to porphyritic diorite showing phyllic alteration. Mineralized clasts are principally manto-style massive sulphide, but some zones also contain CBM fragments. Figure 4: Andesite breccia. To view an enhanced version of Figure 4, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3116/40692_9b4498f4d455b939_005full.jpg The dacitic breccia is particularly interesting because it has a porphyritic dacite matrix and contains angular clasts of hornblende porphyry with both potassic and phyllic alteration. Importantly, the clasts with potassic alteration also contain porphyry-style A veins. Figure 5: Dacite breccia. To view an enhanced version of Figure 5, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3116/40692_9b4498f4d455b939_006full.jpg Previously identified internal metal zoning patterns within the Alacran Deposit (refer to Cordoba's August 8, 2018 news release), which show increased gold, copper, silver and zinc values in the Central and Northern portion of the Deposit, are now believed to be spatially related to the breccias. Figure 6: Breccias related to mineralized zones in the Alacran Deposit. To view an enhanced version of Figure 6, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3116/40692_9b4498f4d455b939_007full.jpg Evidence of a Nearby Mineralized Porphyry Deposit Altered porphyry clasts are present in both the dacitic and andesitic breccias; however, only in the dacitic breccia are clasts with potassic alteration observed. These fragments have disseminated magnetite and feature sinuous Type A veinlets of saccharoidal quartz containing magnetite and chalcopyrite. Figure 7: Porphyritic fragments with Type A veinlets. To view an enhanced version of Figure 7, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3116/40692_9b4498f4d455b939_008full.jpg Silicified country rock fragments containing quartz veins and disseminated magnetite, chalcopyrite, pyrite and molybdenite have also been identified. Quartz clasts in the breccia are also thought to be "vein clasts" that consist entirely of mineralized vein material. Figure 8: "Vein clasts" as well as silicified country rock fragments containing chalcopyrite, pyrite, disseminated magnetite and quartz veining. To view an enhanced version of Figure 8, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3116/40692_9b4498f4d455b939_009full.jpg Unidirectional Solidification Textures ("USTs") contained within the porphyry clasts are often seen in porphyry deposits at the top or "apical" portions of the intrusive stock in association with potassic alteration and Type A veining. Figure 9: Unidirectional Solidification Textures. To view an enhanced version of Figure 9, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3116/40692_9b4498f4d455b939_010full.jpg Given the potential impact of these recent observations, the Company has decided to delay the Alacran Preliminary Economic Assessment until the area of interest has been explored with drilling. Technical Information & Qualified Person The scientific and technical information in this release has been reviewed and verified by Dale A. Sketchley, M.Sc., P.Geo., a Qualified Person for the purpose of National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Sketchley is a consultant to Cordoba Minerals and is considered independent under National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Sketchley is a geologist with over 40 years in the mineral exploration, mining and consulting industry. He is a Member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia (APEGBC) and the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (CIMM). An independent, National Instrument 43-101 compliant, technical report for the Alacran Deposit, dated April 10, 2018 and prepared by Amec Foster Wheeler Americas Limited, is available under the Cordoba's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com and on Cordoba's website at www.cordobaminerals.com. Corporate Update Eugene Schmidt was instrumental in identifying new prospective targets at Alacran and in the greater San Matias District. Having completed this objective, he will transition back to a consultant role to advise the Company during exploration and drilling at Alacran as well as at Perseverance in Arizona, USA. Although no longer acting as Vice President, Exploration, he will continue to generate new ideas and potential projects for Cordoba. About Cordoba Minerals Cordoba Minerals Corp. is a Toronto-based mineral exploration company focused on the exploration and acquisition of copper and gold projects. Cordoba is currently focused on its 100%-owned San Matias Copper-Gold Project, which includes the advanced-stage Alacran Deposit, located in the Department of Cordoba, Colombia. Cordoba has also entered into a joint venture and earn-in agreement to explore the Perseverance coppery porphyry project located in Arizona, USA. For further information, please visit www.cordobaminerals.com. ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY Mario Stifano, President and CEO Cordoba Minerals Corp. For further information, please contact: Evan Young, Director, Investor Relations Email: eyoung@cordobamineralscorp.com Phone: +1 (647) 808-2141 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 This news release includes "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements including, without limitation, (i) that exploration has identified a potential source of mineralization for the Alacran Deposit; (ii) that an area located to the west of Alacran could represent a potential copper porphyry target; and (iii) that exploration activities may lead to new or large-scale discovery at Alacran. Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "potential", "target", "budget" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management based on the business and markets in which Cordoba operates, are inherently subject to significant operational, economic, and competitive uncertainties, risks and contingencies. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results, and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include actual exploration results, interpretation of metallurgical characteristics of the mineralization, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, future commodity prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, uninsured risks, regulatory changes, delays or inability to receive required approvals, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators, including those described under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties" in the Company's most recently filed MD&A. The Company does not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable law. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 30, 2018) - Platform Eight Capital Corp. (TSXV: PEC.P) (the "Corporation") and GrowForce Holdings Inc. ("GrowForce") announce that the escrow release deadline of the subscription receipts distributed by GrowForce on July 30, 2018, has been extended from October 30, 2018, to November 30, 2018. About GrowForce GrowForce is a Canadian-based cannabis platform that operates within Health Canada's Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations ("ACMPR"). GrowForce owns a majority interest in flagship cannabis facilities operated through the ACMPR, with strategic partnerships for turnkey operations, proprietary software and training, and project financing. GrowForce's flagship facilities are intended to be operated by MJardinGroup, North America's largest turnkey operator of legal cannabis facilities, and financed by Bridging Finance Inc., Canada's leading provider of private credit. For more information, please visit www.growforce.ca. About Platform Eight Capital Corp. The Corporation is incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) and is a Capital Pool Company listed on the TSXV. The Corporation has no commercial operations and has no assets other than cash. For further information please see the final prospectus of the Corporation dated January 9, 2018, filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. For further information please contact: John Travaglini Chief Executive Officer (416) 861-1100 Cautionary Notes All information provided in this press release relating to GrowForce has been provided by management of GrowForce and has not been independently verified by management of the Corporation. Completion of the proposed business combination (the "Transaction") between the Corporation and GrowForce, previously announced on April 25, 2018 and July 25, 2018, is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, TSXV acceptance and if applicable pursuant to TSXV requirements, majority of the minority shareholder approval. If applicable, the Transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative. The TSXV has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This press release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that discusses predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, without limitation, statements regarding: the terms, conditions, and completion of the Transaction; use of funds; conversion of the Subscription Receipts; and the business and operations of the Resulting Issuer. In making the forward-looking statements contained in this press release, the Corporation has made certain assumptions, including, among others, that: due diligence will be satisfactory; that applicable escrow release conditions will be satisfied; and that all applicable shareholder, and regulatory approvals for the Transaction will be obtained or received. Although the Corporation believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that the expectations of any forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: results of due diligence; availability of financing; delay or failure to receive board, shareholder or regulatory approvals; and general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release. Except as required by law, the Corporation disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward-looking statements or otherwise. Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. KINGSPORT, Tenn., October 30, 2018 - Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE: EMN) today announced the public offering of $300 million aggregate principal amount of 3.500% notes due 2021 (the "2021 Notes") and $500 million aggregate principal amount of 4.500% notes due 2028 (the "2028 Notes" and, together with the 2021 Notes, the "Notes"). Citigroup Global Markets Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated are serving as joint book-running managers for the offering. The offering of the Notes is expected to be completed on November 6, 2018, subject to customary closing conditions. Eastman intends to use the net proceeds from the offering of the Notes, together with cash on hand, to complete the previously announced cash tender offer (the "Tender Offer") for any and all of its $250 million aggregate principal amount of 5.500% notes due 2019 (the "2019 Notes"), which will expire on November 5, 2018, unless extended or earlier terminated, to redeem any 2019 Notes not tendered in the Tender Offer, to redeem $550 million of the approximately $800 million aggregate principal amount outstanding of its 2.70% Notes due 2020, and to pay any related fees and expenses. Any proceeds not used for the foregoing will be used for general corporate purposes. Pending the application of any net proceeds, Eastman expects to invest such net proceeds in cash equivalents. The offering is being made under an automatic shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-225564) filed by Eastman with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on June 11, 2018 and only by means of a prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus. A preliminary prospectus supplement and an issuer free writing prospectus have been filed, and a prospectus supplement relating to the offering of the Notes will be filed, with the SEC, to which this communication relates. Prospective investors should read the issuer free writing prospectus, preliminary prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus included in the registration statement and other documents Eastman has filed with the SEC for more complete information about Eastman and the offering. These documents are available at no charge by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov. Alternatively, the prospectus and the prospectus supplement may be obtained by contacting Citigroup Global Markets Inc. at 1-800-831-9146, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC at 1-212-834-4533, or Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated at 1-800-294-1322. This communication is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described herein, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. The offering of these securities will be made only by means of the applicable prospectus supplement and the related prospectus. The securities being offered have not been approved or disapproved by any regulatory authority, nor has any such authority passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of the registration statement, the prospectus contained therein or the applicable prospectus supplement. About Eastman Chemical Company Eastman is a global advanced materials and specialty additives company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With a portfolio of specialty businesses, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. Its market-driven approaches take advantage of world-class technology platforms and leading positions in attractive end-markets such as transportation, building and construction and consumables. Eastman focuses on creating consistent, superior value for all stakeholders. As a globally diverse company, Eastman serves customers in more than 100 countries and had 2017 revenues of approximately $9.5 billion. The company is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA and employs approximately 14,500 people around the world. Forward-Looking Statements This communication includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and the federal securities laws concerning, among other things, the offering of the Notes and the use of proceeds therefrom. Actual results could differ materially from expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements if one or more of the underlying assumptions or expectations prove to be inaccurate or are unrealized. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such expectations are and will be detailed in the company's filings with the SEC, including the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the third quarter of 2018. Contacts Media: Tracy Kilgore Addington 423-224-0498 / tracy@eastman.com (mailto:tracy@eastman.com) Investors: Greg Riddle 212-835-1620 / griddle@eastman.com (mailto:griddle@eastman.com) 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: Eastman Chemical Company via Globenewswire Welcome to the Ausbil Investment Management update. Today Im with the Executive Chairman and CIO, Paul Xiradis and Head of ESG Research, Mans Carlsson-Sweeny. Gentlemen, thanks for having us.Thank you.Thank you.First up over to you Paul. Just tell us for those who dont know, what is sustainable investing and tell us about your investment process?Thats a very good question to start with, because sustainable investing means different things to different people. Certainly at Ausbil here, weve looked at it and weve been looking at sustainable investing for quite sometime. And with our process here, weve come up with something, which we think is quite practical and pragmatic. It is very much based on our active equities process, in the sense of thats where we do start. But what weve done is taken it one step further, where we have really refined the universe, eliminated a number of stocks and sectors. And also stocks, which we think, just dont cut it from an ESG perspective and then optimise the portfolio, going forward.Maybe you can tell us why fossil fuels and mineral extraction isnt classed as controversial?Theres no doubt there is some controversial components to mineral extraction and also particularly, fossil fuels. And weve taken again a fairly pragmatic approach to that, where we have eliminated a number of stocks, because theyre just very much focusing on coal extraction, as an example. We do believe that you need to take a transitory approach, in the sense you need to be encouraging and investing in companies, which are looking to improve their carbon footprint over time. And certainly thats the way that weve approached it.With mineral extraction, I think that again we tend to invest only in the leaders who are very responsible, in the way that they extract the minerals. And also how they make good the environment thereafter as well. In addition though, we will be looking for opportunities particularly in the renewable space. At the moment, there isnt too many opportunities as we speak, but certainly well be actively looking for those opportunities. Also we have tilted the portfolio as much as we can to the gas space, where we think that is certainly the place to be, as far as fossil fuels are concerned.Thanks Paul, now Mans over to you. In regards to ESG, what are some of the key takeaways from reporting season?Weve got an ESG research team that sits within the investment team. We produce proprietary to do research. So what that means is we look at a company, purely from an ESG perspective and we rate companies, so the company has an ESG score. We also pay a lot of attention to a companys trajectory in ESG. So ESG direction we call that, so it could be a positive, neutral or negative. We think that is a good lead indicator for operational performance.In the reporting season there were a number of things of course, but one of them I think was a general improvement of health and safety. Quite a few companies improved on that, examples include Independence Groupand Brambles Limited. We also paid a lot of attention to cultural factors and staff engagement, because we think that could also be a lead indicator for productivity. And other improvers I guess in the reporting season, would have been Woolworths Groupand Santos LimitedThere were quite a few companies that deteriorated as well. So we had eight downgrades in ESG scores and about 15 per cent of the companies covered, actually have negative ESG direction. And thats often for cultural factors as well and falling staff engagement. That was very prevalent in the financial sector, in the wake of the Royal Commission.Now can you give us an introduction to modern slavery and whats happening at the Government level, in terms of legislation?Slavery is a very complex issue. In 2016, we issued an investor statement on slavery highlighting the risk slavery means for investors. And also what we want companies to do to mitigate those risks. So slavery is actually more prevalent today than its ever been in human history. In 2017, the Government announced the intention to have a Modern Slavery Act, based on the one in the UK, which has been operational for a couple of years. And in September this year, it passed the Lower House and we expect it to pass the Senate in the next (few months) or before Christmas at least.So the devils in the detail, but essentially any organisation with $100 million in revenue or more per year, needs to outline, a) what are the risks of slavery in our supply chains operations, b) what actions are being taken to mitigate those risks, and c) how effective have those actions been?Now Mans, I believe youve recently returned from Asia. What took you there and what were the key takeaways?To understand a companys ESG profile, I think you need to understand its entire supply chain. So Ive been to China and Bangladesh in the past and also most recently, I went to Cambodia to see the latest developments there. So labour rights for us in terms of importance as an investor, comes straight back to our investment philosophy. At the end of the day, a companys business model, if it relies on underpaid workers or weak regulation on social issues, we dont think current earnings are going to be sustainable.When you go on a field trip like this you only get to see the best factories, you never get to see the worst factories, because they know youre coming. But that can have value too, because you can learn whats industry best practice. You can take that information with you and use that when you engage with companies, here in Australia. So at the end of the day, we want companies here to adopt what we think is industry best practice. That makes for resilient companies and as investors we prefer stable earnings.Thanks Mans, back to you Paul. Now touching on the Ausbil Active Sustainable Equity Fund, what are your largest positions?We have a number of large positions, BHP Billiton Limitedvery much features in our portfolio, CSL Limitedwould be another. Westpac Banking Corpin the banking side would be a substantial position for us. And Santos as well is a substantial position within the portfolio. Now each one of those stocks are actually leaders in their particular fields. So BHP for instance is one of the highest ranked in our eyes, from an ESG perspective. CSL is probably one of the best-managed companies in Australia and again, is also ranked incredibly highly. In fact one of the highest ratings that we have actually assigned, to any company in Australia.Westpac is a leader in its field, certainly there has been some issues surrounding the banking enquiry. But on a relative basis, Westpac is ranked the highest. And Santos is one that we have been working with and have a substantial position in for some time, where we have been able to engage with the company. They have been listening and they have also been taking corrective steps, so they have been improving their ESG profile.And lastly, how has the fund performed?We are very pleased with the performance of this particular fund since launch, which was launched in the beginning of February. The performance has been 140 basis points over and above that of the benchmark.Paul Xiradis, Mans Carlsson-Sweeny, thanks so much for the introduction to sustainable investing. And Im Jessica Amir. Thanks for tuning into the Finance News Network. By Tim Hepher HONG KONG (Reuters) - Airbus will have to equal a record final quarter for deliveries if the European planemaker is going to meet its overall 2018 targets following a series of production setbacks. Flight Ascend, a UK-based consultancy which monitors fleet developments worldwide, told aircraft investors in Hong Kong that Airbus may struggle to meet its target for 800 total aircraft deliveries this year By Tim Hepher HONG KONG (Reuters) - Airbus will have to equal a record final quarter for deliveries if the European planemaker is going to meet its overall 2018 targets following a series of production setbacks. Flight Ascend, a UK-based consultancy which monitors fleet developments worldwide, told aircraft investors in Hong Kong that Airbus may struggle to meet its target for 800 total aircraft deliveries this year. And Bernstein analyst Douglas Harned said in a note that Airbus faced a shortfall in deliveries of its best-selling A320neo due to ongoing engine delays and operational problems. The warnings came as Airbus prepares to post third-quarter earnings on Wednesday, when all eyes will be on whether it keeps its full-year target of 800 jet deliveries. By end-September, Airbus was already facing a tough - though not unprecedented - challenge in meeting its full-year goal, a Reuters analysis of delivery data shows. To meet the goal it would have to repeat exactly the record pattern of 2017, when 37 percent of the total number of annual deliveries were squeezed into the final quarter. Airbus "usually pulls a rabbit out of the hat, so I wouldn't bet against it," a financial source familiar with the process said, adding delays had stressed the global aircraft industry. For the first nine months, Airbus delivered 503 aircraft, leaving it once again with 37 percent of the targeted annual figure to accomplish in just three months. The average achieved over that quarterly period in the past 10 years was 31 percent, according to a Reuters review of Airbus data. Crucial to whether Airbus meets its goal is progress on best-selling single-aisle jets like the A320 and A321. Commercial jets make up 76 percent of Airbus revenues, which are mostly paid on delivery, while aircraft lessors, who control around half the global fleet, lose $10,000 a day for a late A320-family jet, experts said. Airbus does not publish separate delivery targets for single-aisle jets but Flight Ascend estimates this year's target at around 630, leaving 76 a month to go in the last quarter. "October numbers are sitting in the mid-50s which means it ... is very challenging to reach the target for the end of year," Ascend's Ryan Hammacott told a Hong Kong seminar. Earlier this month, Reuters reported Airbus faced new problems in producing the A321neo, a model central to its ambition to dominate the top end of the single-aisle market and thwart Boeing's plans for a new mid-sized passenger jet. Last week Rolls-Royce disclosed a shortfall in engine deliveries for the big A330neo. Airbus planemaking president Guillame Faury last week confirmed Airbus was facing internal problems with the A321neo, but declined to discuss any impact on the delivery target. Faury, who is the designated future Airbus chief executive has made stabilising deliveries a top priority. Harned said stock markets may absorb a downgrade in the delivery target but would watch for any signs of stress in 2019. (Reporting by Tim Hepher; Editing by Alexander Smith) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Patrick Rucker WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Wells Fargo & Co will not finish paying back the estimated 600,000 customers it wrongly charged for auto insurance until at least 2020, the bank said in a letter to U.S. lawmakers seen by Reuters. U.S By Patrick Rucker WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Wells Fargo & Co will not finish paying back the estimated 600,000 customers it wrongly charged for auto insurance until at least 2020, the bank said in a letter to U.S. lawmakers seen by Reuters. U.S. regulators slapped Wells Fargo with a $1 billion penalty in April when it admitted to wrongly forcing drivers into auto insurance policies. That agreement envisioned the customer payouts would finish within months. "We will be contacting customers and providing them with compensation in multiple stages throughout 2019, with the final stage scheduled for January 2020," the bank said in a letter dated Oct. 9 to the Senate Banking Committee's top Republican and Democrat. As Wells Fargo tries to complete a drawn-out remediation, bank executives are also trying to convince the Federal Reserve to lift a cap on growth put in place due to a string of past sales practice abuses. Bank executives have said they expect the Fed to lift that asset cap by the first part of 2019. And while the bank disclosed the auto insurance issue in July 2017, the amount it expects to pay back customers has grown. In August, Wells Fargo said that it expected to pay back drivers $212 million. The bank had originally estimated it would pay out $64 million in cash remediation when it disclosed the problems. Drivers who bought a car through Wells Fargo and let their insurance lapse could be charged for "force-place" policies. The bank enrolled about 2 million drivers into such policies and more than a quarter of those were not needed, regulators have said. We regret how this issue impacted our customers. We are finalising our remediation plan, which is designed to provide each customer with appropriate compensation for their individual circumstances. We look forward to providing our customers with the full compensation they deserve, Wells Fargo spokeswoman Catherine Pulley said. Wells Fargo plans to automatically refund insurance for drivers in five states but will require drivers in other states to prove that they are entitled to a rebate, according to the letter. State law in Arkansas, Michigan, Mississippi, Tennessee and Washington demands that drivers be given a chance to dispute force-place policies before they are charged and Wells Fargo said it will presume drivers in those states were wronged. But drivers in other states must submit evidence that they were pushed into unneeded insurance before Wells Fargo will consider a complete refund, according to the letter to Republican Senator Mike Crapo, from Idaho, and Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown, from Ohio. Wells Fargo promised to repay customers under a $1 billion settlement the bank reached with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) in April. [nL3N1RQ4SY] But regulators rejected the bank's payout plan this summer and told Wells Fargo it must do more to make sure that it can find and repay everyone who was overcharged, Reuters reported in September. [L2N1VX1X3] Customers who were charged for unneeded insurance could face overdraft fees, damaged credit or vehicle repossession. As part of its settlement agreement, Wells Fargo had to review several years' worth of bank and insurance paperwork for those customers. [nL1N1QU05K] In the letter, Wells Fargo said it will make "appropriate adjustments" to consumer credit scores that might have been hurt by the improper insurance. (Reporting By Patrick Rucker; Editing by Meredith Mazzilli) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. The crisis at Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Service Ltd (IL&FS) that has 348 subsidiaries and Rs 91,000 crore ($12.37 billion) outstanding debt had forced the government to takeover the board and appoint a new one which is expected to present its resolution plan to a company law tribunal on Wednesday. New Delhi: The finance ministry officials discussed issues related to the liquidity crunch in the financial sector at a meeting on Tuesday with the countrys market regulators. The meeting was held to discuss the ongoing funding issues faced by non-banking finance companies (NBFC) after a series of debt defaults by one of the countrys largest infrastructure funding companies in September triggered a heavy sell-off with lenders shunning the entire shadow banking sector. The meeting of the Financial Stability and Development Council was attended by regulators including the Reserve Bank of India, Securities and Exchange Board of India, Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority and Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority. The government has raised the issue of liquidity problems in the NBFC sector with the RBI, a senior finance ministry official who was present at the meeting told reporters. The crisis at Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Service Ltd (IL&FS) that has 348 subsidiaries and Rs 91,000 crore ($12.37 billion) outstanding debt had forced the government to takeover the board and appoint a new one which is expected to present its resolution plan to a company law tribunal on Wednesday. The government, in a rare move, took control of IL&FS this month after the company defaulted on some of its debt, triggering fears of contagion across Indias financial system. New Delhi: The government is considering putting Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Service Ltd (IL&FS) up for sale or divesting some of its assets as it seeks to end the companys debt crisis, a person with direct knowledge of the matter said on Tuesday. The government, in a rare move, took control of IL&FS this month after the company defaulted on some of its debt, triggering fears of contagion across Indias financial system. The government-appointed board plans to propose a sale of the whole firm, some of its units or individual road projects, according to the source, who did not want to be named before the proposals are submitted to the National Company Law Tribunal on Wednesday. It could take six to nine months to fully address the problems at IL&FS, a major infrastructure financing and development company, the source said. IL&FSs foreign shareholders include Japans Orix Corp and the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority. We will be able to gauge buyers interest only when we hit the market, the source said, adding the company had road projects totalling about 12,000 km that could be sold if someone wants to finish whatever work is left and collect tolls. IL&FSs subsidiaries include transport network builder IL&FS Transportation Networks Ltd, engineering and procurement company IL&FS Engineering and Construction Co Ltd and financier IL&FS Financial Services Ltd. IL&FS defaulted on some debt it owes banks in recent weeks, and its credit rating has been downgraded to junk from investment grade by ratings agencies. The defaults triggered sharp falls in Indias stock and debt markets in recent weeks amid fears about risk in the rest of the countrys financial sector. That prompted the Indian government to take control of the company and replace its board with six selected nominees. Government officials, however, have ruled out any direct state financial support for IL&FS, which has 348 businesses and gross debts of around 910 billion rupees ($12 billion). Government-owned firms, including Life Insurance Corp of India and State Bank of India, own nearly 40 percent of the company, while Orix Corp owns 23 percent, and the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority has a 12 percent stake. There was also a plan to ask state-run road developer, National Highways Authority of India, to take over some of IL&FS incomplete road projects and award them to other companies, government sources told Reuters last week. Officials of Indias finance ministry and market regulators met in New Delhi on Tuesday to discuss a liquidity crunch following the defaults by IL&FS. The government, for the third time, is expected to postpone the deadline for the imposition of higher customs duties on US products, including almond, walnut and pulses New Delhi: The government, for the third time, is expected to postpone the deadline for the imposition of higher customs duties on 29 US products, including almond, walnut and pulses, by another 45 days, an official said. The commerce ministry has asked its finance counterpart to extend the deadline for the rollout of duty hike further and a notification in this regard will be issued soon, the official added. In June, India decided to impose retaliatory tariffs from 4 August. But it was extended by another 45 days till 18 September and then till 2 November. The duty hike move by India was in retaliation to US President Donald Trump's 9 March decision to impose heavy tariffs on imported steel and aluminium items. Senior officials of India and the US are in discussions to finalise a kind of trade deal. Both the sides holding two track discussions -- to increase trade in short and medium term, and identify long term trade potentials. India is pressing for exemption from high duty imposed by the US on certain steel and aluminium products, resumption of export benefits to certain domestic products under their generalised system of preferences (GSP), greater market access for its products from sectors, including agriculture, automobile, auto components and engineering. As many as 3,500 Indian products from sectors such as chemicals and engineering get duty-free access to the US market under the GSP, introduced in 1976. On the other hand, the US is demanding greater market access for its farm and manufacturing products, including medical devices. As part of imposition of higher import duties, New Delhi has notified higher tariffs on several products. While import duty on walnut is to be hiked to 120 per cent from 30 per cent, duty on chickpeas, Bengal gram (chana) and masur dal will be hiked to 70 per cent from 30 per cent. Levy on lentils will be hiked to 40 per cent from 30 per cent. Other products which would attract higher duties include boric acid, phosphoric acid, diagnostic reagent, flat rolled products of iron, certain flat rolled products of stainless steel. India's exports to the US in 2017-18 stood at USD 47.9 billion, while imports were USD 26.7 billion. The trade balance is in favour of India. Government officials have recently called for the Reserve Bank of India to relax its lending restrictions on some banks New Delhi: Government officials are very upset with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for publicly talking about a rift with the government, fearing it could tarnish the countrys image among investors, senior officials said on Monday. On Friday night, the RBI Deputy Governor Viral Acharya warned that undermining a central banks independence could be potentially catastrophic, in an indication that it is pushing back hard against government pressure to relax its policies and reduce its powers. In a speech to top industrialists, Acharya cited the Argentine governments meddling in its central banks affairs in 2010 as an example of what can go wrong. That led to a surge in bond yields that badly hurt the South American economy. Governments that do not respect central bank independence will sooner or later incur the wrath of financial markets, ignite economic fire, and come to rue the day they undermined an important regulatory institution, Acharya said. The government officials Reuters spoke to on Monday declined to be identified because of the sensitivity of the subject. One said that it was vital that what happened between the government in New Delhi and the RBI in Mumbai was kept confidential. The government respects the autonomy and independence of the RBI but they must understand their responsibility, the official said. A second official, based in Prime Minister Narendra Modis office, said it was very unfortunate that the RBI took the matters public. The government is very upset. It was not expected from the RBI, the official added. An RBI spokesman was not immediately available for comments after business hours. Government officials have recently called for the RBI to relax its lending restrictions on some banks, and New Delhi has also been trying to trim the RBIs regulatory powers by setting up a new regulator for the countrys payments system. The Modi administration has also been pushing the central bank to part with some of its 3.6 trillion rupees ($49 billion) surplus to help bridge the fiscal deficit and finance its welfare programmes. Japan trip The officials in New Delhi were particularly angry that Acharya launched the attack while Modi was about to head to Japan for talks with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the first source said. Finance ministry officials remained largely silent in response to the speech at the weekend, as they didnt want to aggravate the issue when Modi and top officials were in Japan, this official said. Government officials believe that RBI Governor Urjit Patel has some responsibility for the controversy, and he cannot expect an extension of his current three-year term - which ends next September - as his right, one of the officials added. Acharya had three of his fellow deputy governors in the audience and also thanked Governor Patel for his suggestion to explore this theme for a speech, in a show of unity from an institution typically known for its restraint. The official in the prime ministers office said Patel could face a tough time when he appears before a parliamentary standing committee on 12 November. Top government officials said they were surprised that Patel, who was appointed by the Modi administration in 2016, and initially cooperated with New Delhi, is creating tensions when the government is facing criticism over the handling of the economy before a national election, due by next May. On Monday, a third government source said the finance ministry was worried how markets would respond to Acharyas public comments, but felt more relaxed after they rose. The gains were largely a result of a separate announcement by the RBI about an injection of liquidity through government bond buying. The benchmark stock index rose as much as 2.15 percent and the yields on the 10-year benchmark fell to 7.81 percent, compared with 7.88 percent on Friday. The Modi government is pushing the RBI to relax lending norms for small businesses and pump more liquidity into the market to bolster economic growth before key state elections due in the next few weeks and the general election. It is worried that the central banks hawkish monetary stance and stringent regulations on lending by state banks could push economic growth below 7 percent in the October-December quarter - the last quarter for which data would be available ahead of the general election. When we are facing problems on the external front like high crude oil prices, trade tensions putting pressure on our current account balance, can we afford another domestic crisis? the third government source said. Jaitley comments on Tuesday comes a day after indication by the finance ministry that it didnt want to escalate tiff with the RBI. New Delhi: Amid reports of stand-off between the RBI and the Central government, finance minister Arun Jaitley, on Tuesday, hit out at the central bank for failing to check indiscriminate lending during 2008 and 2014 that has led to the present bad loan or NPA crisis in the banking industry. During 2008-14 after the global economic crisis to keep the economy artificially going, banks were told to open their doors and lend indiscriminately, said Mr Jaitley at India Leadership Summit organised by US-India Strategic Partnership Forum. The central bank looked the other way. I am surprised that at that time the government looked the other way, the banks looked the other way, I do not know what the central bank was doing. It was a regulator of these. They kept pushing truth below the carpet, he said. The finance ministry is upset with the central bank for publicly talking about a rift with the government, fearing it could tarnish the countrys image among investors. Last week, RBI deputy governor Viral Acharya had warned that undermining a central banks independence could be potentially catastrophic, in an indication that it is pushing back hard against government pressure to relax its policies and reduce its powers. The difference between finance ministry and the Reserve Bank have erupted on number of issues including the finance ministry asking the Reserve Bank to relax its lending restrictions on some banks to boost loan to push growth. However, the RBI has said that laggards need to improve their performance to come out of the Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) framework. Difference is also emerged on capital norms, independent payments regulator, NBFC liquidity, oversight of PSU banks and NPA recognition rules among others. During his speech, Mr Acharya had cited the Argentine governments meddling in its central banks affairs in 2010 as an example of what can go wrong. Governments that do not respect central bank independence will sooner or later incur the wrath of financial markets, ignite economic fire, and come to rue the day they undermined an important regulatory institution, Mr Acharya said. Mr Jaitley comments on Tuesday comes a day after indication by the finance ministry that it didnt want to escalate tiff with the RBI. The government of the day, said Mr Jaitley, was pushing banks to lend which resulted in credit growth in a year shooting up to 31 per cent from the normal average of 14 per cent. The finance minister said banks went into projects of demerit which did not have the capacity to sustain the capital. Total bank credit in India from Rs 18 lakh crore in 2008, by 2014 went up to Rs 55 lakh crore. And this is something the banks couldnt sustain, the borrowers couldnt sustain and you had the NPA problem, he said. The non-performing assets or NPAs were put at Rs 2.5 lakh crore during those times but when an asset quality review was ordered by the new government in 2014, it was discovered that bad loans were of the order of Rs 8.5 lakh crore, said Mr Jaitley. Responding to a question on IL&FS and the impact of shadow banking on the Indian economy, Kumar said since it is an NBFC, it has had a contagion effect. New York: In wake of the IL&FS crisis, efforts are underway by the Indian government, RBI as well as SBI to try and stabilise the system very quickly, and things are likely to return to normal in a couple of weeks, SBI Chairman Rajnish Kumar said in New York. Kumar said that the Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services (IL&FS) was a unique institution operating in the infrastructure financing and construction space. It is an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor, holding assets as well as its finances - it was a 3-in-1, Kumar said, adding that whether it is banks or non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), if they are in infrastructure financing, they have faced trouble in India. Infrastructure, particularly the BOT (buildoperatetransfer) model, has caused a lot of problem even to the banks. We ourselves have suffered in the financing of infrastructure, Kumar said during an interactive session at the 9th New India Lecture' organised at the Indian Consulate under the aegis of Consul General Sandeep Chakravorty. The lecture series is organised by the Consulate in partnership with the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF). Responding to a question on IL&FS and the impact of shadow banking on the Indian economy, Kumar said since it is an NBFC, it has had a contagion effect. Because of the IL&FS default, there is pressure on mutual funds. The corporates who were providing liquid funds to mutual funds have become very cautious. In turn, the mutual funds have become cautious about their investments, he said. Kumar added that in wake of the IL&FS crisis, the SBI stepped up in a big way. This is how we are trying to stabilise the system and tackle the situation. RBI has announced measures around improving liquidity for NBFCs. The government, RBI and SBI - all of us are trying that the system stabilises very quickly. I believe it is a matter of time - a couple of weeks when things return to normal, he said. IL&FS and its subsidiaries have defaulted on several debt repayments recently due to the liquidity crisis. It needs an immediate capital infusion of Rs 3,000 crore and is also planning a Rs 4,500-crore rights issue. The company as of March 2018 owed over Rs 91,000 crore to banks and other creditors. On 1 October, the government superseded the board of IL&FS and appointed a new board, with banker Uday Kotak as its executive chairman. On the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, introduced in 2016, Kumar said he considers it the most significant reform that the current government has carried out. It's a new law, a new process. So obviously, there are some hiccups because there are issues around how the provisions of the code are interpreted," he said. It is very hard for the existing promoters to believe that there is a law and a real threat of them losing control of the business. It's never happened in India in the past. That's where the fight is, but this was very badly needed, he said. He said, going forward, the litigation will come down and the resolution will happen within the time frame of 180-270 days. For this process to succeed, it is important that cases are referred at the earliest sign of trouble. Definitely there's a paradigm shift in the creditor-debtor relationship in India, he added. He said as a potential weapon, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code works very well, but we have to be careful before we exercise it. The threat works much better than the actual resolution. Speaking at India-Italy Technology Summit, Modi said that India is taking IT software power to the next level and 'developing technological temperament from scientific temper' Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced the launch of next phase of the India-Italy bilateral industrial research and development cooperation program. Modi addressed the India-Italy Technology Summit in New Delhi along with his Italian counterpart Giuseppe Conte and discussed a range of issues, including ways to boost cooperation in key areas such as trade and investment. Conte arrived in New Delhi On Tuesday morning and was warmly welcomed by Modi. More technology for greater progress. Addressing the India-Italy Technology Summit. https://t.co/Tqn285Hevs Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 30, 2018 Speaking at the summit, Modi said that India is taking IT software power to the next level and "developing technological temperament from scientific temper". He said that digital payments are increasing at a speed of 250 crore transactions per month. "In the past 4 years in India, the price of 1 GB data has reduced by more than 90 percent," the prime minister said. The prime minister informed that India and Italy have agreed to enhance cooperation in the field of LAD Life Style Accessories Design. "There will also be a special focus on the leather sector, transportation and automobile design, he said. He said that the goal of the government is to ensure that the results of the research & development programmes do not get limited to research centres only, but reach the public. "That's why I say that science is universal, but technology has to be local," Modi said. Conte said that he had a fruitful meeting with Modi where the heads of the two countries reviewed all the areas of our bilateral partnership. "Regarding our economic partnership, we've explored possible Italian contribution to 'Make In India', Conte said. The highlight of the day-long visit is the Italian prime minister's participation at the 24th edition of the India-Italy Technology Summit, which is being organised by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The summit will focus on a number of areas, including healthcare, aerospace, education, clean technology, renewable energy and information and communication technology. The bilateral trade between the countries increased to $10.5 billion in 2017-18 from $8.8 billion in the previous fiscal. Italy is India's fifth largest trading partner in the European Union and the annual trade turnover between the two countries was$10.4 billion in 2017-18. Over 600 Italian companies are operating in India. With inputs from PTI American brokerage Morgan Stanley on Tuesday said the Reserve Bank is more independent than it was in the past and the debate triggered by deputy governor Viral Acharya last week illustrates the progress on this front Mumbai: American brokerage Morgan Stanley on Tuesday said the Reserve Bank is more independent than it was in the past and the debate triggered by deputy governor Viral Acharya last week illustrates the progress on this front. Acharya had last Friday made a fervent pitch for independence/autonomy for the regulator and warned of punishment by the markets if it is undermined. "The RBI is more independent today than it has been in the past. Can it be even more independent? I think the debate will be resolved. The fact that it is there in the media, the fact that it is there in the open, suggests that we are a whole lot progressive than we were ever," the brokerage firm's India research head Ridham Desai told reporters here. He further said the fact that the RBI brass is speaking out illustrates that there is the central bank enjoys a lot of independence. Desai said both present Governor Urjit Patel and his predecessor Raghuram Rajan got the issue of independence sorted out with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, when the Monetary Policy Committee for rate setting was formed. It can be noted that Acharya had mentioned about the MPC as a work in the right direction but rued the absence of the same independence in other areas like regulations, balance sheet management etc. "Governments that do not respect central bank independence will sooner or later incur the wrath of financial markets, ignite economic fire, and come to rue the day they undermined an important regulatory institution," Acharya had said delivering a lecture here. Desai said markets react to different aspects and pointed out that the comments were made with a much longer timeframe in the mind of Acharya. He said the markets have not yet factored in the outcomes of the general elections which are months away and investors will make their moves starting early December, once the outcomes of the forthcoming state polls are clear. But he warned of massive volatility if the market feels that a fragmented coalition will replace Modi. The brokerage expects a resurgence in private capex cycle after the elections as the capacity utilisation levels have gone up of late, and Desai said in the next 12 months we should see the revival. On the rupee,he said the $75-billion swap agreement with Japan and the Iran oil deal will help the currency. He said missing out on the troubles brewing at IL&FS are a big miss for the markets and added that over Rs 2 trillion in liquidity has been committed or made available to fight the difficulties. Desai said in the next five-seven years, a lot of retirement savings will be pumped into the equity markets, as was seen in the US in the past where the maturity of such investing leads to fund flows into equities. Morgan Stanley is underweight on information technology, as it feels the IT story is "done" and does not expect the currency tailwinds to last long. The brokerage that normally gives out its market outlook, did not proffer one this time around. Desai said since 1993 when it entered the country, GDP has grown 10-fold (from $260 billion to over $2.68 trillion last fiscal) averaging an annual growth of 7 percent, while the market cap jumped 22 times from $90 billion, averaging an annual growth of 14 percent. The Wall Street brokerage expects the economy to clip at 7 percent over the decade or so and touch the $6 trillion mark by 2028. It also sees the m-cap at the same level. The tensions between the RBI and the central government were brought to light recently by deputy RBI governor, Viral Acharya last week Union finance minister Arun Jaitley criticised the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for failing to prevent lending excess in a speech on Tuesday. The central bank looked the other way when banks gave loans indiscriminately during 2008 to 2014, Jaitley said while speaking at an event in New Delhi, Reuters reported. Tensions between the finance ministry and the RBI have risen since the banks deputy governor said in a speech on Friday that undermining a central banks independence could be potentially catastrophic, an indication that the regulator is pushing back hard against government pressure to relax its policies and reduce its powers. On Tuesday, Jaitley is scheduled to chair a meeting of the Financial Stability and Development Council in Delhi, which Governor Urjit Patel is scheduled to attend, a report in Mint said. Governments that do not respect central bank independence will sooner or later incur the wrath of financial markets, ignite economic fire, and come to rue the day they undermined an important regulatory institution, Acharya said, Reuters reported. In a speech to top industrialists, Acharya cited the Argentine governments meddling in its central banks affairs in 2010 as an example of what can go wrong. That led to a surge in bond yields that badly hurt the South American economy. Government officials have recently called for the RBI to relax its lending restrictions on some banks, and New Delhi has also been trying to trim the RBIs regulatory powers by setting up a new regulator for the countrys payments system. The Modi administration has also been pushing the central bank to part with some of its 3.6 trillion rupees ($49 billion) surplus to help bridge the fiscal deficit and finance its welfare programmes. Former finance minister P Chidambaram believes that there must be some grave reason for Acharya to talk publicly on the issue, a report in The Indian Express said. Speaking to reporters, he suggested that the finance minister and the RBI Governor should meet often to discuss issues rather than talking to each other through lectures. Congress president Rahul Gandhi too supported the RBI after Acharya's remarks. He said it was 'nice' that governor Urjit Patel was defending the RBI: Nice that Mr Patel is finally defending the #RBI from Mr 56. Better late then never. India will never allow the BJP/ RSS to capture our institutions.https://t.co/pdpIPRJvFs Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) October 29, 2018 Meanwhile, media reports said that the government officials are very upset with the RBI for publicly talking about a rift with the government, fearing it could tarnish the countrys image among investors. (Reuters) - The United States is preparing to announce tariffs on all remaining Chinese imports by early December if talks next month between presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping fail to ease the trade war, Bloomberg reported on Monday. (Reuters) - The United States is preparing to announce tariffs on all remaining Chinese imports by early December if talks next month between presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping fail to ease the trade war, Bloomberg reported on Monday. The list would apply to imports from China that aren't already covered by previous rounds of tariffs, which may be $257 billion using last year's import figures, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter. Though final decisions have not been made, U.S. officials are preparing for such a scenario in case a planned Trump-Xi meeting yields no progress on the sidelines of a Group of 20 summit in Buenos Aires in November, according to the report. (Reporting by Ismail Shakil in Bengaluru; Editing by Shounak Dasgupta) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Tom Miles GENEVA (Reuters) - The United States urged European Union governments on Monday to reflect on whether it was really in their interest to go ahead with a trade dispute over U.S. metals tariffs, and said it was hopeful of settling the issue with Mexico and Canada. The U.S By Tom Miles GENEVA (Reuters) - The United States urged European Union governments on Monday to reflect on whether it was really in their interest to go ahead with a trade dispute over U.S. metals tariffs, and said it was hopeful of settling the issue with Mexico and Canada. The U.S. tariffs attracted an unprecedented seven requests for WTO adjudication, as well as a slew of criticism, at a fractious WTO dispute settlement meeting, while the United States hit back with legal actions against its critics. U.S. Ambassador Dennis Shea said he was not surprised by China's opposition, since it had massive overcapacity in metals production and was a non-market economy, but that Washington was "deeply disappointed" with the EU's stance. "We would encourage the European countries to consider carefully their broader economic, political, and security interests," Shea told the meeting. "We will not allow Chinas party-state to fatally undermine the U.S. steel and aluminium industries, on which the U.S. military, and by extension global security, rely." China's representative responded by saying the United States was shifting its arguments to disguise its protectionism. Canada and Mexico have also challenged the tariffs - 25 percent on steel and 10 percent on aluminium - but a U.S. trade official told the meeting that, after constructive discussions, Washington was hopeful of reaching an agreement with both. Adam Austen, a spokesman for Canadian foreign minister Chrystia Freeland, told Reuters the best outcome would be for Washington to rescind the tariffs. TABOO NO LONGER Norway, Russia and Turkey also asked the WTO to judge the legality of the U.S. tariffs, despite Washington's assertion that they are based on national security and therefore outside WTO jurisdiction. National security claims were taboo for most of the WTO's 23-year history, because trade diplomats feared a domino effect as countries cited national security to get out of a wide range of obligations. But Shea suggested it would be even worse to try to challenge the U.S. national security claim. "The United States wishes to be clear: if the WTO were to undertake to review an invocation of (the national security exemption), this would undermine the legitimacy of the WTOs dispute settlement system and even the viability of the WTO as a whole," he said. On Twitter, Joel Trachtman, professor of International Law at Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, and Jennifer Hillman, an American former WTO judge, said Shea's position was not supported by WTO law. Canada's representative at the WTO meeting said fear of a national security threat was "inconceivable", while Norway said it was "evidently divorced from real-world security concerns". Canada, China, the EU, Mexico and Japan argued that the U.S. tariffs were "safeguard" measures that could be addressed with sanctions under WTO rules. Washington for its part requested WTO adjudication of their retaliatory measures taken by Canada, China, the EU and Mexico. All the requests for WTO adjudication will need to be confirmed at another meeting next month before going ahead. (Reporting by Tom Miles, additional reporting by David Ljunggren; Editing by Edmund Blair and Kevin Liffey) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Rights at firms such as Uber, fellow taxi service Addison Lee and food courier Deliveroo have risen up the political agenda in Britain as more people work for companies without fixed hours or a guaranteed income. London: Uber heads to a British court on Tuesday to defend its business model of treating drivers as self-employed, entitling them to few rights in law, in the latest stage of a long-running battle at the taxi app. The Silicon Valley-based company, which could be valued at $120 billion in a forthcoming flotation, has faced legal action, protests, regulator crackdowns and licence losses around the world as it challenges existing competitors and rapidly expands. In 2016, two British drivers successfully argued at a tribunal that Uber exerted significant control over them to provide an on-demand taxi service and that they should be given workers rights, which include receiving the minimum wage. An employment appeal tribunal upheld that decision last year prompting Uber to go to the Court of Appeal, with a two-day hearing due to begin on Tuesday. Unions argue that the gig economy - where people often work for various employers at the same time without fixed contracts - is exploitative, whilst Uber says its drivers enjoy the terms of their work and on average earn much more than the minimum wage. We will do everything that we can to preserve that flexibility and preserve that power for our driver partners because every single one that Ive talked to says that they absolutely treasure it, CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said last week in London. In Britain, the self-employed are entitled to only basic protections such as health and safety but workers receive benefits such as the minimum wage, paid holidays and rest breaks. Uber has introduced a number of benefits for drivers. Co-claimant in the case and chair of the drivers branch of The Independent Workers Union of Great Britain James Farrar criticised the taxi app for continuing to oppose the original tribunal decision. Its two years since we beat Uber at the Employment Tribunal, yet minicab drivers all over the UK are still waiting for justice, while Uber exhausts endless appeals, he said. Rights at firms such as Uber, fellow taxi service Addison Lee and food courier Deliveroo have risen up the political agenda in Britain as more people work for companies without fixed hours or a guaranteed income. A march backed by several trade unions and involving cleaners, receptionists and security officers is due to take place on Tuesday. Prime Minister Theresa May launched a review into working practices but her administration has yet to provide a response after a consultation closed over the summer. The government will reply in due course, a business ministry spokeswoman said. The Bombay High Court on Monday had refused to stay framing of charges by the trial court against Lt Col Prasad Shrikant Purohit and other accused persons in the 2008 Malegaon bomb blast case. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) special court charged all seven persons accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case with terror conspiracy, murder and other related offences, ANI reported. The seven accused, Lt Colonel Prasad Purohit, Pragya Singh Thakur, Major (retd) Ramesh Upadhyay, Sameer Kulkarni, Ajay Rahirkar, Sudhakar Dwivedi and Sudhakar Chaturvedi pleaded not guilty after framing of charges. The court has set the next date of hearing on 2 November. Responding to media queries, Purohit said that he will appeal in the Supreme Court. ANI quoted Pragya Singh Thakur saying: "Earlier, the NIA had given me a clean chit. Now, charges have been framed against me. This was a conspiracy by Congress but I am confident that I will come out innocent as the truth always wins." Earlier on Tuesday, the NIA court had rejected Malegaon blast case accused Lt Colonel Prasad Purohit's plea of deferring the framing of charges, ANI had reported. The court also said that if the charges are ready, the court will frame the charges today (that is Tuesday 30 October 2018) itself. Previously, Purohits lawyer had filed an application in the NIA court, which is the trial court in this case, seeking an adjournment of the framing of charges as Purohit was to appeal in the Supreme Court against Bombay High Court's order refusing to stay framing of charges. The Bombay High Court on Monday refused to stay framing of charges by the trial court against Purohit and other accused persons in the 2008 Malegaon bomb blast case. A bench of Justices SS Shinde and AS Gadkari, however, agreed to hear next month, a petition filed by Purohit, one of the seven accused in the case, challenging his prosecution under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). It directed the NIA counsel Sandesh Patil to file a reply to Purohit's plea by 21 November which is the next date of hearing. The bench refused Purohit's request for staying the proceedings in the trial court, noting that in the past, both the Supreme Court and the Bombay HC had passed orders directing the trial court to expedite the hearing in the case. Framing of charges is a process after which the trial in a criminal case starts. Six persons were killed and over a 100 injured when an explosive device strapped on a motorcycle went off near a mosque in Malegaon, a power loom town located about 200 km from here in North Maharashtra, on 29 September, 2008. With inputs from PTI In a fresh twist in the CBI versus CBI face-off, AK Bassi the man leading the CBI investigations corruption charges against CBI special director Rakesh Asthana, AK Bassi has moved Supreme Court against his transfer orders. In a fresh twist in the CBI versus CBI face-off, AK Bassi, the man leading the CBI investigations corruption charges against CBI special director Rakesh Asthana, has moved Supreme Court against his transfer orders. Bassi was transferred to Port Blair in Andaman and Nicobar islands, and asked to join with immediate effect "in public interest" after M Nageshwar Rao took over as interim CBI chief. In the fall out of the ugly spat between number one and number two officers of the CBI Alok Verma and Rakesh Asthana the government had asked both of them to proceed on leave, appointed an interim chief, and transferred a handful of officers predominantly from the anti-Asthana camp. According to CNN-News18 Bassi has alleged that his transfer orders were illegal, and claimed that he had uncovered crucial evidence implicating Asthana during the course of his investigation. Asthana, had however complained to the Central Vigilance Commission that Bassi was carrying out "roving inquiries" against him on the directions of CBI director Alok Verma. After Rao took over, the agency had previously said that the probe against Asthana will now be headed by Tarun Gauba, instead of Bassi. Bassi had quoted parts of Supreme Court order limiting the powers exercised by Rao as interim chief. The apex court said that Rao cannot take any important policy decisions, and should limit his role to facilitating everyday routine functioning of the agency. The court also asked the government to submit all orders given by Rao since 23 October in a sealed envelope. Bassi used this part of the order to argue that his transfer orders given by Rao were illegal and invalid. The feud between Verma and Asthana escalated recently leading to registration of an FIR against Asthana and others including Deputy Superintendent of Police Devender Kumar, who is in the CBI custody in an alleged bribery case. The FIR was lodged on a written complaint of Sana on 15 October. It alleged that Kumar, the investigating officer (IO) in a case, was repeatedly calling him to the CBI office to harass and compel him to pay bribe of Rs 5 crore for giving him clean chit. Asthana and Kumar have both challenged the FIR in the Delhi High Court. With inputs from agencies In Punjab's Sri Muktsar Sahib district, till last year, farmers used to burn crop residue. However, new initiatives are now helping them abandon the practice. In India, white rice next to bowls of lentils on a plate symbolises nutrition and survival. However, rice is circuitously linked to the particulate matter billowing into the air in Delhi. The journey from farm to plate, which affects everybody who breathes, is not an easy one to explain. In Punjab's Sri Muktsar Sahib district, till last year, farmers like Sukhchain Singh a resident of the Ude Karan gram panchayat used to burn paddy stubble before sowing the next crop of wheat. Singh told Firstpost that an acre of land used to generate 10 tonnes of stubble straw. This would be burned, because the only other way of getting rid of it was selling it to a contractor for Rs 2,000. The lack of subsidies aimed at preventing stubble burning led farmers to resort to a method which is cheap and clears up fields quickly. When the consequences of this became irrefutably visible in Delhi, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) ordered in 2016 that a fine of Rs 2,500 should be imposed on people who violate the stubble burning ban across Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi NCR. Sukhchain said that the NGT's order does not solve the problem, as farmers are poor and they do not burn stubble as an act of defiance. As a result of the ban, farmers would burn stubble at night or unionise themselves to dodge local authorities. Sukhchain, who actively collaborates with municipal authorities in Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) activities like cleanliness drives and construction of toilets, said that the awareness about environmental damage has grown this year. Sukhchain is among the couple of hundred farmers who are participating in an ongoing programme on paddy straw composting. The programme has been conceptualised by C Srinivasan, a member of the apex monitoring committee constituted in 2016 to ensure compliance to the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. This is a six-day programme that is going on in the gram panchayats of Karamgarh and Ude Karan, and Srinivasan says that district authorities like deputy commissioner Arvind Kumar and Dr Richa, additional deputy commissioner (General), Muktsar, are taking part. He further says that this initiative may also be carried out in other districts. To give you a rough estimate, we take two kilos of cow dung and mix it with 100 litres of water and then soak the paddy residue in this stack which is 6 feet high. The bacteria from the cow dung slowly seeps into the paddy straw and turns it into manure, said Raj Kumar, a sanitary inspector of the municipal council who is working with the farmers. Today, such an operation needs Rs 4,000 labour cost but can offer farmers returns of about Rs 30,000. But if machines collect the material, that cost can drastically reduce, he added. Paddy straw can be composted by being mixed with water and cow dung, and being stored in piles as high as 6 feet for 60 days. C Srinivasan is the brain behind the Vellore Model of "Solid and Liquid Resource Management (SLRM)" that entails segregating and processing waste. In the model, waste collection is done twice a day and every day, to ensure that collected inorganic waste is immediately cleaned, processed and packed ready for sale, and organic waste is spread in aerobic compost beds or tanks, after being mixed with cow dung slurry as a bacterial inoculums. We are urging the farmers to provide 126 square feet for one acre of land. In this space, the paddy residue will take 60 days to compost. This will save them 30 percent water and also save on diesel and transportation cost, Srinivasan said. He further explained that this can boost manure trade and create jobs under MNREGA. In the spirit of the Swachh Bharat Mission, which seeks to make citizens responsible for sanitation, the process of composting can encourage people to work together towards a financially and ecologically viable solution. To ensure implementation of SLRM, neighbourhood self-help groups are given responsibilities, and these groups are granted loans and subsidies by the government. Richa said that there is a lack of awareness and asked why manure cannot be made from paddy residue if it can be made from dry leaves. The model that is taking shape here can inspire farmers from different districts. We urge them to come to Ude Karan and understand the benefits of composting, she said. Gurpreet Singh, horticulture development officer at Sri Muktsar Sahib district has been educating farmers on the loss to the air, water and soil that stubble burning contributes to. We are educating the farmers about the fact that for 10 quintals of stubble residue, 70 percent of carbon dioxide, 7 percent of carbon monoxide and 0.29 percent of methane are released, he said, recommending the practice of Zero Till Farming. This makes use of a rotovator, a tractor-drawn implement used to pulverise the stubble, and then to remove and mix the residue. Another solution is the development of shorter duration paddy varieties. Along with the stubble, farmers in north India are burning organic carbon, phosphate, nitrogen and phosphorous off the soil only to save money that is hard-earned and requires long days of working in the fields. Srinivasan feels that through an "each one, teach one" mission and with support from district administrations, a big crisis can be uprooted from its source. The Srilankan beauty queen is concious about her fans and wants to set herself as a right example. The ravishing Jacqueline Fernandez may be a self-confessed fitness freak, but the former Miss Sri Lanka believes that shes setting a good example for the youths who look up to her. Celebrities have influence over their followers and fans, especially young children. And for me, setting a good example in terms of health and fitness is more important than looking good or being fashionable. The actress also says that when she doesnt stick to her fitness regime, she ends up feeling terrible. A lot of times, when I dont feel like going to the gym, or when I gain weight, I think, Ohh no! There are so many kids who see me as a role model, and I don't want to set the wrong example for them. I think fitness is important, she adds. The CBI is investigating Sana in the money laundering case involving meat exporter Moin Qureshi. In a statement to the agency, he had alleged that Rakesh Asthana had taken a bribe of Rs 2 crore from him. The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the Hyderabad Police to provide adequate security to businessman Satish Sana, the complainant in the bribery case against Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Special Director Rakesh Asthana. However, a bench of Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi and justices UU Lalit and KM Joseph refused to stay the CBI summons against Sana and also rejected his plea to have his statement recorded in the presence of former Supreme Court judge AK Patnaik. On Monday, Sana had approached the top court seeking interim protection in the case, alleging a threat to his life. He had moved the court amid reports of the CBI summoning him for questioning. During the hearing, senior advocate Raju Ramachandran, appearing for Sana, said the businessman needed protection as there is a threat to his life. The bench said that if there was any threat to his life it will do the necessary. "We will say here is a citizen who claims to be a whistleblower and fears for his life. And he should be given adequate security," it said. Ramachandran said a fresh summon of CBI and the change of Investigation Officer (IO) in the case would complicate the task of Justice (retired) Patnaik, who is supervising the probe by Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) into charges against CBI director Alok Verma. To this the bench said, "Let the task of supervision be handled by Justice Patnaik. He will do whatever is required." The bench thereafter dictated the order and said adequate security should be provided by Hyderabad Police SP to the petitioner (Sana) and rejected the other two prayers to stay CBI summon and recording of his statement in presence of Justice (retd) Patnaik. The CBI had booked Asthana on 15 October on the basis of a complaint from Sana, facing probe in a 2017 case involving meat exporter Moin Qureshi, claiming that the special director had allegedly helped him to get a clean chit from the probe agency. Besides seeking a stay on CBI's summons against him, Sana in his petition had expressed fear for his life and sought police protection during the pendency of the inquiry against Asthana, who along side CBI Director Alok Verma has been divested of duties and sent on leave by the Central government. The businessman, in his plea, had referred to the apex court's 26 October order on the petition of the CBI Director by which the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) was asked to conclude inquiry against Verma within two weeks under the supervision of former apex court judge Patnaik. He had said that the CBI moved "in haste" to issue notice to him under Section 160 of the CrPC (Code Of Criminal Procedure) to attend the proceedings on 29 October before the probe agency and said that the same be recorded before Justice Patnaik. He had sought the court's direction that he be questioned only under the supervision of Justice Patnaik. Sana had also said that he was willing to cooperate with the probe by coming to Delhi as and when directed by the judge supervising the enquiry. The feud between Verma and Asthana escalated recently leading to registration of an FIR against Asthana and others including Deputy Superintendent of Police Devender Kumar, who is in the CBI custody in an alleged bribery case. The FIR was lodged on a written complaint of Sana on 15 October. It alleged that Kumar, the investigating officer (IO) in a case, was repeatedly calling him to the CBI office to harass and compel him to pay bribe of Rs 5 crore for giving him clean chit. In a statement to the agency, he had alleged that Asthana had taken a bribe of Rs 2 crore from him. Taking cognisance of this, the CBI registered an FIR with bribery charges against Asthana on 15 October. A copy of Sana's purported "handwritten statement" dated 1 October was handed over to the Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) by a CBI joint director to establish that the statement belonged to Sana. However, Asthana later accused CBI Director Alok Verma of being corrupt instead and filed a complaint against him. The Centre then intervened in the internal tussle of the CBI and sent both Verma and Asthana on leave, divesting them of their duties at the agency. M Nageshwar Rao was appointed the interim director of the CBI. After being divested of his duties, Verma had approached the Supreme Court, challenging the Centre's decision to send him on leave. On Friday, Gogoi had given the CVC two weeks to complete the inquiry into the various charges against Verma and submit its report to the court. Asthana, too, had moved the Supreme Court against being divested of his duties and seeking Verma's removal from the CBI. He had also filed a plea in the Delhi High Court to have the bribery case against him quashed. The high court, on Monday, extended Asthana's interim protection from arrest till 1 November and directed the CBI to maintain status quo. With inputs from PTI The Centre's recent notification to register Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian infiltrators from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh as Indians in 16 districts across seven states in India has evoked clashing reactions in Assam. The Centre's recent notification to register Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian infiltrators from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh as Indians in 16 districts across seven states in India has evoked clashing reactions in Assam as Bengali organisations welcome the move while outfits representing Assamese society oppose it vehemently. Though the order is related to districts which do not belong to Assam, we see the move as something clearly in opposition to our demand to detect and deport illegal migrants, irrespective of their religious affiliations, says All Assam Students Union general secretary Lurinjyoti Gogoi. The order passed on Thursday, which will come into effect from 22 December, includes districts Raipur (Chhattisgarh); Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar and Kutch (Gujarat); Bhopal and Indore (Madhya Pradesh); Nagpur, Mumbai, Pune and Thane (Maharashtra); Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Jaipur (Rajasthan); Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh); and West Delhi and South Delhi, reports Hindustan Times. The notification is in line with the proposed Citizenship Amendment Bill 2016 that envisages to grant citizenship to religious minorities from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan who fled their countries facing religious persecution. The notification is also in line with the BJPs poll promise to grant citizenship to minorities who have fled these countries. Many among the tribes and ethnic groups in Assam see the notification as a prior move to pass the Citizenship Amendment Bill 2016, a proposed law they are fighting tooth and nail against. The very idea of granting citizenship to Bangladeshis, irrespective of their religious affiliation, is vehemently opposed, not only in Assam, but also in the remaining six northeastern states. Only recently, more than 46 organisations in Assam called for a statewide bandh opposing Citizenship Amendment Bill 2016. It was observed successfully. If this bill becomes an act, illegal migrants from Bangladesh who are residing in Assam will get citizenship. This will not only turn the indigenous people of the state into minority but also exert tremendous pressure on the existing resources of the state, including land, says Gogoi. The Bodoland Territorial Council, a local self-government of the Bodo tribe in Assam, released data regarding encroachment of land. Though the recent order does not pertain to Assam, it is still seen as a reason to fear in Assam. How can you be sure that the people after getting citizenship as residents of Rajasthan or Madhya Pradesh would not move to settle in Assam, adding to our woes? asks Palash Changmai, general secretary, Asom Jatiyotabdi Juba Chatra Parishad. It is also equally feared that the illegal migrants living in Assam would avail Indian citizenship, showing themselves to be resident of any of the 16 notified districts, and move back to Assam. In contrast to what Assamese organisations demand, the notification is welcomed by Bengali organisations. Shantanu Mukherjee, general secretary of Sadau Asom Bangali Oikyo Mancha, said, Why would not we welcome the Centres move? After all, the people who have been granted citizenship are victims of religious persecution in their countries, which made them flee to India. He also asked, Where will these people go? If Hindus do not get citizenship in India, where will they get? The Centres notification has drawn the line of difference between the majority Assamese and linguistic minority Bengalis. Balancing the aspirations of both the communities might prove tough for the ruling BJP. On the seats where the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPM) or Left parties do not have a candidate in Chhattisgarh, party workers should vote for the Congress candidates as it is the only alternative against the 'communal and anti-people' BJP, Mishra said. Assembly polls will be held in Chhattisgarh in two phases on 12 and 20 November. Kolkata: To prevent the BJP from returning to power in Chhattisgarh, CPI(M) politburo member Surya Kanta Mishra Monday urged party workers to vote for the Congress in the upcoming assembly polls. On the seats where the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPM) or Left parties do not have a candidate in Chhattisgarh, party workers should vote for the Congress candidates as it is the only alternative against the "communal and anti-people" BJP, Mishra said. Assembly polls will be held in Chhattisgarh in two phases on 12 and 20 November. "We are contesting on three seats in Chhattisgarh. On those seats, we should fight hard to defeat the communal BJP," Mishra said while addressing a protest rally outside the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) office here. "But on seats where we don't have any candidates, we should vote in favour of the Congress to stop BJP from returning to power," he added. Mishra, who is also the secretary of CPM West Bengal unit, said the party should fight hard to defeat both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress in the state as both are "two sides of the same coin engaged in competitive communalism". The CPM staged a protest rally outside CBI office over the ongoing tussle in the premier investigating agency and demanded proper probe into the Rafale aircraft deal. "The BJP government seeks to undermine the secular, democratic foundations of the Indian Constitution, the CBI and other Constitutional authorities and institutions," Mishra said. "The NDA government at the Centre has systematically subverted all institutions and its efforts to protect the corrupt and to make the CBI its political instrument must be defeated," he said. Opposition parties, including Congress, have been claiming that the Narendra Modi government bought 36 Rafale fighter aircrafts, built by Dassault Aviation of France, at a much higher price than the one that was being negotiated for 126 aircraft by the previous UPA government Senior Congress leader Anand Sharma said whenever the government of India, through its prime minister, invited a foreign head of state, it has never been declined. New Delhi: The Congress Tuesday termed US President Donald Trump rejecting India's invitation for the Republic Day parade, a "diplomatic faux pas" and an "embarrassment" for the country. The White House has said the US president is unable to participate as chief guest of India's Republic Day celebrations in 2018 due to scheduling constraints. The Congress also attacked the government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the country's foreign policy which it described as "incoherent and episodical" with no "gravitas". Senior Congress leader Anand Sharma said whenever the government of India, through its prime minister, invited a foreign head of state, it has never been declined. "The government takes care to send the invitation only after its assured acceptance, as per diplomatic channels," Sharma said. "It has been a diplomatic faux pas. The invitation should not have been sent in the first place without having an assurance, that once it reaches Washington, it will be accepted," he said. "I will say this was an avoidable embarrassment for the Republic of India," he told reporters. On the country's foreign policy, the Congress leader said, "This government's foreign policy is incoherent, is episodical and Modi must remember that engagement with major strategic partners cannot be transactional, but must have a ring of continuity, coherence and correctness." Sharma alleged, "Modi has failed on the foreign policy front and he considers it as only photo opportunities." "There is no gravitas in Modi's foreign policy. For many years, he thought foreign policy is a photo opportunity" Sharma said, alleging that the prime minister could not maintain the balance between neighbouring countries and the situation is of concern in the neighbourhood. He said day after day the government tried to see that Trump accepted to become the chief guest at the Republic Day function, but the invitation was not accepted. "I have a long list about the prime minister's foreign policy goof ups. His neighbourhood policy is a failure. His Pakistan policy is a disaster," the Congress leader said. On Monday, Sharma had alleged that Modi's approach was "frivolous" and his conduct of diplomacy lacked gravitas. He had also said the prime minister must understand that engagement with strategic partners can not be transactional or episodic. "Never before this honour has been declined by a head of state... He must know that engagement with strategic partners can not be transactional or episodic," the Congress leader had said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited President Trump for a bilateral visit to India during their talks in Washington in 2018. White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders had, in July, said that Trump has received an invitation to visit India, but no decision has been taken yet. "President Donald Trump was honoured by Prime Minister Modi's invitation for him to be Chief Guest of India's Republic Day on 26 January, 2019 but is unable to participate due to scheduling constraints," a White House spokesperson told PTI, when asked about Trump's decision on Modi's invitation. Following the development, the government is understood to be exploring options for a chief guest at the Republic Day parade after Trump turned down its invite for the ceremony. Sources have said the Indian government has leaders from three countries in mind including a head of state from a leading African nation. Tamil Nadu seeks additional time window to burst crackers on Diwali, OnePlus 6T to launch in India today, trial court to begin framing of charges in Malegaon blast case; top stories SC to hear Tamil Nadus plea to extend firecracker timings: The Supreme Court will hear Tamil Nadu government's plea to allow bursting of firecrackers on Diwali morning as per religious practices in the state, besides the already permitted period between 8 pm to 10 pm. The state is seeking permission to burst firecrackers between 4.30 AM to 6.30 AM as well apart from the granted window in the evening. According to the petition, as far as Diwali celebrations are concerned, each state or sect has a separate set of beliefs, traditions and culture and the apex court's restriction would amount to "rejecting the people with their due religious rights and would subject the people of the state into much hardship". Kerala BJP to observe a one-day fast over police 'excesses' on Sabarimala protesters: The BJP will observe a day-long fast on 30 October in front of the Deputy General of Police's office in Thiruvananthapuram and will march to Superintendent of Police's office in other districts protesting the police 'excesses' in handling the Sabarimala protests. So far, over 2,800 people have been arrested and 490 cases have been registered against protestors who prevented women from entering the temple. Donald Trump refuses to participate in Republic Day celebrations: US President Donald Trump is unable to participate as Chief Guest of India's Republic Day celebrations next year due to scheduling constraints, the White House has said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited President Trump for a bilateral visit to India during their talks in Washington last year. "President Trump was honoured by Prime Minister Modi's invitation for him to be Chief Guest of India's Republic Day on 26 January, 2019 but is unable to participate due to scheduling constraints," a White House spokesperson told PTI, when asked about Trump's decision on Modi's invitation. OnePlus 6T to launch in India Following the global unveiling of the OnePlus 6T in the US, the phone is expected to launch at an event in New Delhi. The event is expected to begin at 8:30 pm. The phone packs an in-display fingerprint scanner, chucks the 3.5 mm audio jack and it's also the first smartphone to come with Gorilla Glass 6, which may offer higher resilience and durability to the screen. Hindu leaders demand ordinance on Ram temple construction: With the Sangh Parivar founthead RSS and its affiliate VHP demanding an ordinance to ensure early construction of Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya, the politics around the emotive issue is expected to heat up through the day. After the Supreme Court refused an early hearing of the issue, RSS and VHP asked Central government to "enact a law" to build the Ram temple in Ayodhya while the Congress accused the BJP of "polarising views" on the issue ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. Meanwhile, Asaduddin Owaisi 'dared' the government to try and supersede the apex court, and said that the only way for a solution is through the Supreme Court. Special court to begin framing of charges against Malegaon blast accused: A special NIA court hearing the Malegaon blast case is scheduled to begin framing of charges against Lt Col Prasad Shrikant Purohit and other accused persons in the 2008 Malegaon bomb blast case. Framing of charges is a process after which the trial in a criminal case starts. Six persons were killed and over a 100 injured when an explosive device strapped on a motorcycle went off near a mosque in Malegaon, a power loom town located about 200 kilometres from Mumbai in North Maharashtra, on 29 September, 2008. Besides Purohit, the other accused in the case are Pragya Singh Thakur, Major (retd) Ramesh Upadhyay, Sameer Kulkarni, Ajay Rahirkar, Sudhakar Dwivedi and Sudhakar Chaturvedi. Apple to unveil a new low-cost MacBook and a new Mac Mini: Apple is hosting another hardware launch event on Tuesday, the second of its kind to be hosted in a span of two months. At the event, we expect to see new iPads and a new MacBook that could fill the years-long gap since Apple last had an "affordable" premium laptop in its lineup. The event starts at 10 am EDT which is approximately 7:30 pm IST. Petrol, diesel prices cut: The downward slide in petrol and diesel prices continued on Monday after rates were cut by 30-20 paise a litre on softening international oil prices. Petrol price was cut by 30 paise a litre and now costs Rs 79.75 a litre in Delhi, according to a price notification issued by state-owned oil firms. Diesel rates were reduced by 20 paise to Rs 73.85 a litre. This is the 12th straight daily reduction in rates. In all petrol price has been cut by Rs 3.08 per litre and diesel by Rs 1.84 a litre. Anurag Basu's next not a sequel of Life...in a Metro: Amid the speculation surrounding his upcoming film, director Anurag Basu said it is not a sequel to his critically acclaimed movie "Life... In A Metro", released in 2007. He said all the four stories are interlinked. Also, the film is not at all like "Life... In A Metro" and neither is the previous story being carried forward Expressing his happiness over working with actor Abhishek Bachchan, he said: "I am glad that he said 'yes' as after writing a few scenes, I could imagine Abhishek doing this film. Even he agreed after reading those few scenes." With inputs agencies US President Donald Trump is unable to participate as the chief guest of India's Republic Day celebrations in 2019 due to scheduling constraints, the White House has said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited President Trump for a bilateral visit to India during their talks in Washington in 2017. Washington: US President Donald Trump is unable to participate as the chief guest of India's Republic Day celebrations in 2019 due to scheduling constraints, the White House has said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited President Trump for a bilateral visit to India during their talks in Washington in 2017. White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders had, in July, said that Trump has received an invitation to visit India, but no decision has been taken yet. "President Trump was honoured by prime minister Modi's invitation for him to be the chief guest of India's Republic Day on 26 January 2019 but is unable to participate due to scheduling constraints," a White House spokesperson told PTI on Monday when asked about Trump's decision on Modi's invitation. It is said that the annual State of the Union (SOTU) address to both Houses of the US Congress by Trump is likely to be around the time India will celebrate its Republic Day. The SOTU is normally delivered in the last week of January or first week of February. The spokesperson said that the US President and Modi enjoy a strong personal rapport and Trump is committed to deepening the India-US relationship. "The President enjoys a strong personal rapport with prime minister Modi developed through two meetings and several phone calls and remains committed to deepening the US-India strategic partnership," the spokesperson said. "The President very much looks forward to meeting prime minister Modi again at the earliest opportunity," the White House spokesperson said. Modi and Trump are scheduled to attend the G-20 Summit in Argentina on 30 November and 1 December. It is possible that the two leaders might meet and discuss bilateral relationship there. Every year, India invites world leaders to attend its Republic Day celebrations. In 2015, the then US president Barack Obama had attended it as the chief guest which was his second visit to India as the American president. In 2018, leaders from 10 ASEAN countries had attended the Republic Day celebrations. In 2016, the then French president Francois Hollande was the chief guest of the parade while Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was the chief guest at the celebrations in 2014. The heads of state and government who have attended the Republic Day celebrations include Nicolas Sarkozy, Vladimir Putin, Nelson Mandela, John Major, Mohammed Khatami and Jacques Chirac. The incident occurred when an army of 21 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) headed by an officer of Major rank while passing through forests of Nagranad area of Rajwar, Handwara. Eight soldiers, including an army major, were injured in a grenade explosion at Rajwar area of Handwara in north Kashmir's Kupwara district on Tuesday. The incident occurred when a 21 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) party headed by Surab Suman , a Major rank officer, was passing through forests of Nagranad area of Zatchaldara, Rajwar, Greater Kashmir reported. According to police, the grenade exploded accidentally while Suman was giving instructions to the soldiers. All eight soldiers who suffered major injuries have been taken to a military hospital in Drugmulla, according to the report. However, Kashmir Observer reported that two of the soldiers were seriously wounded and referred to army's 92 base hospital for special treatment. An army official said the nature of the blast is yet to be ascertained, according to the report. Hours after three people were killed in a Maoist attack in poll-bound Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district, there was an IED blast reported in Balrampur. Barely hours after two policemen and a cameraperson of Doordarshan were killed and two others injured in a Maoist attack in poll-bound Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district, there was an IED blast reported in Balrampur. ANI reported that one villager was injured in the blast. Police and CRPF teams have been rushed to the site. The earlier incident took place at around 11 am in a forest area near Nilawaya village, around 450 km from Raipur, Deputy Inspector General (anti-naxal operations) Sundarraj P had told PTI. The Maoists ambushed a squad of local police which was carrying out patrolling on motorcycles from Sameli camp towards Nilawaya on Tuesday morning, he had said. A three-member team of Doordarshan was travelling for election-related news coverage at the same time and was caught in the crossfire, he had said. In the attack, sub-inspector Rudra Pratap Singh, assistant constable Mangalu and DD News cameraman Achyutanand Sahu were killed. Sahu had come from New Delhi for the election coverage. Other two members of the DD team, including a journalist, were safe. Constable Vishnu Netam and assistant constable Rakesh Kaushal sustained injuries in the gunfight. The injured have been admitted to Dantewada district hospital. If required, they would be airlifted to Raipur for further medication. Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore had condemned the attack and said the insurgents won't be able to weaken the government resolve. With inputs from PTI Donald Trump and Xi Jinping were as much a part of the talks as Modi and Abe were, and their invisible presence marked the bilateral agreements and vision statements that both leaders were to sign later Monday. Many of us have seen the picture that Narendra Modi tweeted during his recent trip to Japan. Relaxing at his host Shinzo Abes holiday home in the picturesque Yamanashi prefecture, both friends (who also happen to be prime ministers) appeared to be enjoying their time by the fireplace in a cozy, warm atmosphere where Abe taught Modi how to handle chopsticks the Japanese way. Extremely grateful to PM @AbeShinzo for the warm reception at his home. I am truly honoured by this gesture. PM Abe also taught me the Japanese way of eating food using chopsticks! pic.twitter.com/A4Gr27rPtd Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 28, 2018 We were told that there were just two Heads of State in the room when both leaders engaged in informal talks. That is a trifle misleading. When Modi sat down to chat with Abe, they had in their midst two more Heads of State. Donald Trump and Xi Jinping were as much a part of the talks as Modi and Abe were, and their invisible presence marked the bilateral agreements and vision statements that both leaders were to sign later Monday. This wasnt an episodic event, however. The ramifications of this complex quadrilateral relationship affect and shall continue to affect the interplay between these four key players (whether in bilateral or trilateral format) and in a lesser way their engagements with others. It is easy to explain Xis presence in Modi and Abes informal talks. Chinas neo-imperialism has heightened regional tension and its belligerent rise is reshaping the Eurasian landmass and Indo-Pacific theatre, turning even indifferent actors into close friends. This has resulted in a neat dovetailing of Japan and Indias concerns and interests. If Modi and Abe have doubled down on their respective Act East and Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) policies and have sought to synergize the two into a coherent whole, China has provided the chief motivation for it. The two countries are drawing closer not just in security and defense arenas, Modi and Abe have broad-based the partnership into economic cooperation where both are striving to provide and promote trans-border infrastructure through a more responsible and transparent debt-financing model. Here, India and Japans interests converge with that of the US and this trilateral matrix has been at work to thwart Chinas aims of further its geopolitical agenda through predatory geo-economic tools such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). So far, according to a report in The New York Times that quotes a recent estimate by The China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, Chinese banks have lent $200 billion for 2,600 projects around the world through Xis signature BRI programme, turning several smaller nations into Chinese satellites and expanding Beijings maritime ambition and geopolitical influence. Beijing has leveraged big credits to gain even military presence, as its first overseas naval base at Djibouti illustrates. Trapped in a debt crisis after borrowing billions of dollars, Djibouti was left with no choice but to lease land for the base to China for $20 million in annual rent, writes geostrategist Brahma Chellaney in The Times of India. To counter the Chinese debt-trap mechanism that is pushing infrastructure-hungry smaller nations into bankruptcy and compromising their sovereignty, both India and Japan have envisaged (jointly and individually) a slew of connectivity initiatives based on universally recognised international norms, good governance, rule of law, openness, transparency and equality. These may not be adequate, and progress is slow, but it is a start and a statement of intent. Indias multimodal linkages with Myanmar and Bangladesh; Chabahar Port in Iran; International North South Transport Corridor in Central Asia and multiple connectivity corridors and infrastructure projects through land, air and sea with ASEAN nations are in response to Chinas predatory BRI model that eventually creates unsustainable debt-burden for host nations as Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Laos, Cambodia and Djibouti (to name a few) have discovered in the end. Similarly, Japan is financing the Matarbari deep sea port in Bangladesh modelled on Japanese Kashima, Niigata ports, working with India on the Trincomalee port on Sri Lanka's eastern coast and the Asia-Africa Growth Corridor, etc. The India-Japan vision statement, released after Monday's summit-level talks, opens discussions for establishing the Platform for Japan-India Business Cooperation in Asia-Africa Region to further enhance the exchanges between Japanese and Indian businesses toward developing industrial corridors and industrial network in the region. A separate fact sheet, also released Monday, lines up the infrastructure and capacity-building projects under India-Japan Development Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and Africa. These include development of LNG-related infrastructure in Sri Lanka and housing, education and electrification projects in Myanmars Rakhine State. Connectivity projects in Bangladesh, organising an SME development seminar in Kenya and seeking a possibility of a collaborative project in the area of health service such as developing a cancer hospital in Kenya, among others. Further, both nations pledged to enhance the exchanges between Indian and Japanese businesses toward developing industrial corridors and industrial network in the region and cited the Memorandum of Understanding between NEXI and ECGC, which is expected to promote development of joint business projects. The greater strategic logic behind this joint collaboration lies in meeting the infrastructure needs and debt obligations of nations that are in urgent need of quality infrastructure and promoting democratic norms and rules-based system in a region where these are in short supply. So, while Xis figurative presence during Modi-Abe talks is understandable, how may Trump have barged into talks? Before playing host to Modi, Abe was in China, trying to initiate Tokyos own reset with Beijing. In becoming the first Japanese prime minister to visit China in seven years, Abe was trying to set up a working relationship with Xi to take the edge off an adversarial relationship. Abes motivation behind doing so was apparently to contain the risks in a crucial relationship, but it was equally an effort to come to terms with an altered reality foisted by Donald Trumps US. Lets elaborate upon the second point. Trumps transactionalism has injected uncertainty among its treaty allies, many of whom are unsure whether the US-led security umbrella will hold or whether Trump is convinced of the sanctity of these post World War-II arrangements. Japan, in particular, is apprehensive that a withdrawal of US troops from East Asia and Trumps half-hearted attempts of denuclearising the Korean Peninsula will impose heavy security costs on Tokyo. Doubts have crept up in Japan on US security commitments, and one of the ways in which Abe is looking to mitigate the risk is by engineering a balancing act with China which holds the greatest strategic influence over North Korea. In this context, US trade war has added another dimension. Once again, Trumps protectionist policies have targeted friends (Japan) and foes (China) alike, and Abe and Xi have therefore found common cause in drawing closer. The recent bilateral summit reflected this changing dynamic. The biggest change is reflected in Japans position on BRI. Abe showed an interest in harnessing the BRI mechanism to create opportunities for Japanese companies, and in return, Xi gets to expand investments and dissipate some of the bad press around BRI. As Shiro Armstrong writes in East Asia Forum, For Japan its a pragmatic way to engage China. As Chinese policymakers search for ways to better deploy the countrys vast sums of capital abroad, Japan has experience of doing just that dating back to the 1970s including of geopolitical pushback. The changing dynamic between China and Japan need not bother or constrain the India-Japan relationship. Not only is New Delhi-Tokyo tie based on sound strategic logic and dovetailing of interests, it is also fundamentally different from China-India or China-Japan ties that are fashioned more towards containing the inherent risks borne out of Chinas revisionist policies. Moreover, while Abes China pivot is centred around supplementing the US-Japan relationship, his ties with Modi is independent of such calculations. India has tried its own pivot with China, but analysts are apprehensive that the rapprochement may not last. The Wuhan summit generated warm rhetoric but, as Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan notes in The Diplomat, already China is busy deploying PLA Navy submarines in the Indian Ocean after a gap of more than a year and pushing into Indias sphere of influence in Bhutan. Notwithstanding Indias reset with China, or Japans rebalancing with Beijing, containing the risks in this equation wont be easy for New Delhi or Tokyo unless both nations engage with other maritime powers in the region. This is where the Quad comes in, but not in the way it has been projected. We may see India and Japan, along with like-minded and regional allies such as US and Australia, give more meat to the idea of Quad not in terms of a military bloc of four countries against China, but what Brooking India fellow Dhruva Jaishankar calls a matrix of trilateral and bilateral relationships based on ever-increasing military engagement and interoperability between the four nations. As both nations go about protecting their interests in a rough nighbourhood, bilateral ties will continue to remain a source of stability in the region. In the face of severe drought and crop loss due to floods in large parts of the state, the Karnataka government on Monday sought immediate release of Rs 2,434 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund for affected farmers. Bengaluru: In the face of severe drought and crop loss due to floods in large parts of the state, the Karnataka government on Monday sought immediate release of Rs 2,434 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund for affected farmers. A month after chief minister HD Kumaraswamy approached the centre seeking financial aid, Karnataka revenue minister RV Deshpande wrote to the Union Home minister Rajnath Singh and Union Agriculture minister Radha Mohan Singh. Highlighting the grim situation, Deshpande said about 80 percent of the state, comprising 145 taluk, were either affected by drought or flood. These natural disaster have badly impacted the states economy with a cumulative loss of more than Rs 20,000 crore, Deshpande said. "I request you to kindly consider and expeditiously release the requested financial assistance of Rs 2434 crore from National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) to provide timely relief for aggrieved farmers," the minister said. Deshpande also said the state economy was having financial implications of the crop loan waiver of more than Rs 48,000 to assist the small and marginal farmers facing frequent drought. Sources said the government has in mind leaders from three countries including a head of state from a leading African nation. Trump declined India's invitation to be the chief guest at the parade, citing pressing engagements, including his State of The Union (SOTU) address, around the time India will celebrate its Republic Day. (Photo: File | AP) New Delhi: The government is exploring options for the chief guest at the Republic Day parade after US President Donald Trump turned down its invite for the ceremony. Sources said the government has in mind leaders from three countries including a head of state from a leading African nation. "We have very little time left for deciding on the chief guest and the process will be completed soon," a source familiar with the development said. Trump declined India's invitation to be the chief guest at the parade, citing pressing engagements, including his State of The Union (SOTU) address, around the time India will celebrate its Republic Day. It came at a time when Indo-US ties have witnessed some strain after India went ahead and sealed a deal with Russia to procure a batch of S-400 air defence missile systems, notwithstanding the US threat of punitive action under CAATSA (Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act). The sources said India has already shortlisted names of two to three heads of state for extending invitation to be the chief guest at the Republic Day parade. Sources indicated that India was not exclusively looking at Trump's presence at the Republic Day celebrations and that various other options were also being explored. In July, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders had said that Trump has received an invitation to visit India, but no decision has been taken yet. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited President Trump for a bilateral visit to India during their talks in Washington in June 2017. Every year, India invites world leaders to attend its Republic Day celebrations. In 2015, the then US president Barack Obama had attended it as the chief guest which was his second visit to India as American president. This year, leaders from 10 ASEAN countries had attended the Republic Day celebrations. In 2016, the then French president Francois Hollande was the chief guest of the parade while Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was the chief guest at the celebrations in 2014. The heads of state and government who have attended the Republic Day celebrations include Nicolas Sarkozy, Vladimir Putin, Nelson Mandela, John Major, Mohammed Khatami and Jacques Chirac. The killing of a journalist in Chhattisgarh is a new frontier in the war between Naxalism and the state of India. The killing of a journalist in Chhattisgarh is a new frontier in the war between Naxalism and the state of India. Unlike Kashmiri militants and North East insurgents, the Maoists in Chhattisgarh have not targeted journalists specifically except for two instances in the past. But the killing of Doordarshan cameraperson Achyutananda Sahu on Tuesday morning has brought the horror closer home for journalists especially for those who visit Maoist-hotbed Bastar on assignments from outside Chhattisgarh. Besides Sahu, two police personnel sub-inspector Rudra Pratap and assistant constable Manglu were killed. Once it was the ideology of the Left Wing Extremists (LWEs) that differentiated them from other terror groups, as the former never attacked journalists despite criticism against them in the media. The Maoists even today consider themselves intellectually superior and strongly committed to their revolutionary ideology. But the ideology seems to have been lost. While taking a close look at the conflict zone Bastar, it reminds us of two local journalists: Nemichand Jain and Sai Reddy, who were brutally killed by Maoists in 2013. While Jain, a correspondent working for local Hindi dailies, was killed at Tongapal in Sukma district in February, Reddy, also a Hindi journalist, was killed at Basaguda in Bijapur district in December. The Maoists had claimed that the scribes were killed as they were police informers a justification always given by the LWE cadre whenever they kill an innocent civilian or a tribal villager either in an ambush or during their court of law known as Jan Adalat. In the case of Sai Reddy, the south regional committee of CPI (Maoist) had issued a statement in December 2013 and justified the killing of the 51-year old senior journalist, alleging that he closely worked with the police to dislodge CPI (Maoist) in south Bastar. On 27 September 2017, a thirty-second audio clip was released at Bijapur press club, in which a male voice in an alleged conversation threatened to kill journalists who report on Maoist incidents in the jungle. However, the authenticity of the audio clip couldnt be confirmed. According to Superintendent of Police Dantewada, Abhishek Pallav, and DDs camera assistant Mor Mukut Sharma, the Maoists started firing at Achyutananda Sahu when he along with his crew were moving along the road in Aranpur at Nilawaya forest and shooting as a part of their assignment. Maoists no different than Taliban The experts working on LWEs now equate Maoists with the Taliban militants. The Maoists gave up their ideology long back. They are no different than Taliban militants and are following their footsteps. Basically, the Maoists are anti-development. They want the local people to remain deprived of education, better health facilities, development and modern amenities, so that they can rule over them, counter-terrorism analyst Anil Kamboj told Firstpost. Now, Maoists are targeting journalists as they are writing against them and about their ulterior motives. Anyone questioning Naxals is their enemy, he said. A surrendered 28-year-old Maoist in an exclusive interview with Firstpost had said, I think people are gradually realising the lie behind the Maoist ideology of revolution. Its only destruction and killing of innocents. Our tribal population is not gaining anything out of the Naxal movement as were being used by them for their ulterior motives. Now Maoist leaders have turned extortionists. An act of desperation Besides experts, Chhattisgarh government strongly feels that Maoists attacked the Doordarshan crew in desperation, as they were covering a road construction site at Nilawaya forest area 19 km from Palnar village in Dantewada district. Protecting construction of roads in volatile areas is one of the biggest challenges for the security forces. DM Awasthi, special director general (Anti-Naxal Ops), Chhattisgarh Police, said, Keeping with the governments development agenda, there has been a rapid construction of roads across Bastar in the last three years. This factor, along with pressure from security forces, has pushed Maoists on the backfoot. Todays attack is an act of desperation as the Maoists have been opposing construction of road from Samali to Nilawaya. Weve recovered a poster at the incident spot warning that anyone who does anti-people work would be punished with death (Maut ki sazaa dee jaati hai, jan virodhi kaam ke kaaran). Ambush was laid at the spot and they fired at the journalist. The stretch of road from Dantewada to Jagargunda (in Sukma) has proved to be a killing field. Even in 2017, the Maoists attacked security forces guarding road construction at Bhejji and Burkapal. Apparently, roads built in Naxal strongholds have emerged as the biggest enemies of the Maoists, after police and security forces. Chhattisgarh has witnessed a large number of incidents where the LWE cadre either killed CRPF jawans guarding road construction or damaged the roads by triggering IED blasts. The LWEs have been using IEDs to target security forces, their vehicles, road construction workers and to damage the roads built through volatile areas in Bastar division. In the last few years, maximum casualties of CRPF personnel have been reported in road construction security duties. There are roads like Injeram-Bhejji road, Dornapal-Jagargunda road, Bijapur-Basaguda road etc that are known as khooni sadak (bloodstained road) as large number of security personnel and construction labourers were killed during the making of these roads. The highest casualties have taken place on the Dornapal-Jagargunda axis in Sukma district. Many central security force jawans and policemen were martyred on the 20 km stretch of Injeram-Bhejji road. The construction of the 76 km cement-concrete road from Sukma to Konta remained pending for over a decade, which is now getting completed, inspector general of Chhattisgarh police (Bastar range) Vivekananda said. Attempt to derail election cant be ruled out Todays attack has nothing to do with the upcoming Assembly election in Chhattisgarh. The objective of the attack was not to derail election but oppose road construction, DM Awasthi said. However, the locals in Bastar are not ready to accept the police's claim. A fortnight ago, the Maoists issued warnings to boycott polling in Bastar. On 27 October, the Maoists blew up a Mine Protection Vehicle (MPV) of CRPF in Bijapur that killed four security personnel. Road construction has always been a sore point as Maoists are strongly anti-development and dont want any construction of road that connects interior villages with the mainstream. Besides this, the Maoists want to derail the election in Chhattisgarh. They have already issued warnings and asked villagers to boycott polling on 12 November or face consequences. It happened in the past as well, a Bastar-based journalist said on condition of anonymity. Even the Intelligence Bureau (IB), ahead of the Assembly elections in five states in 2013, had alerted that the Maoists in Chhattisgarh had received training on making human bombs from the LTTE and it could be used to target political leaders during election rallies. Ahead of elections, the Maoists create this kind of terror through IED blasts and launch attack on security forces to get media attention and also to assert themselves, added Anil Kamboj, who had led operations against the Naxals in Bastar in the past. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi is likely to hear tomorrow the two PILs, filed by lawyers Manohar Lal Sharma and Vineet Dhanda, on India's deal with France to buy the Rafale fighter jets. New Delhi: A lawyer, the first to drag the NDA government to the Supreme Court over the Rafale fighter jet deal, has filed an interim plea seeking hearing on his PIL after assembly polls in five states in November to counter the allegation that his was a politically-motivated petition. The poll panel has recently announced the dates for assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Mizoram and Telangana. They would conclude by November end. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi is likely to hear on Wednesday the two PILs, filed by lawyers Manohar Lal Sharma and Vineet Dhanda, on India's deal with France to buy the fighter jets. The bench, also comprising Justices SK Kaul and KM Joseph, on 10 October had directed the Centre to provide in a sealed cover the "details of the steps" taken in the decision making process, sans pricing and technical information, which led to the deal. Sharma, who filed an interim plea in his pending PIL, has referred to certain media reports to allege that the French Dassault company "accepted to work with Reliance as an 'imperative and obligatory' condition for securing the fighter contract". The lawyer mentioned on Tuesday the plea before the bench which asked him to provide its copy tomorrow. Besides seeking nod to initiate the detailed arguments, the lawyer has also sought a direction to Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited and its head to file "all relevant documents of the Rafale deal belonging to them". The lawyer, in his PIL, has sought to quash the inter-government agreement between India and France on account of the violation of "defence procurement procedure" and subsequent registration of an FIR in the case. The apex court had earlier termed the averments made in the two PILs as "grossly inadequate" and had made it clear that it was not issuing notice on them, but had wanted to satisfy itself about legitimacy of the decision making process. A massive fire broke out at a slum in Mumbai's suburban Bandra West area on Tuesday morning and was reportedly doused soon after. A massive fire broke out at a slum in Mumbai's suburban Bandra West area on Tuesday morning, a fire brigade official said. So far, there have been no reports of any fatalities. Eight water tankers, nine fire engines and 10 fire tenders were rushed to the spot to put out the blaze, the official added. Social media users tweeted videos of a fire engine trying to douse the flames from the Bandra Reclamation flyover over the affected area of the slum. The level-III blaze was reportedly brought under control soon after it broke out. The incident was reported at 11.50 am in the Nargis Dutt Nagar slum, located opposite the Bandra fire station, the disaster management cell of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation said in a statement. "A joint team of the fire brigade, ward staffers and Mumbai Police personnel has been mobilised to douse the flames," it added. According to local MLA and Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar, who is overseeing the operation to rescue people in the slum, prima facie, it appears that the blaze was triggered by a cylinder blast. Thick wafts of smoke could be seen rising from the Bandra Reclamation road. Traffic from the Western Express Highway towards Lilavati Hospital in Bandra Reclamation and vice versa was reportedly stopped temporarily. In 10 years, 48,434 fires reported in Mumbai While firefighters tried to douse the flames, a Right to Information (RIT) query revealed that there have been 48,434 incidents of fire accidents in Mumbai in the past decade. Mumbai-based RTI activist Shakeel Ahmed Sheikh obtained the statistics from the Mumbai Fire Brigade, which noted that it had received 48,434 calls reporting fires. Among them, 1,568 broke out in high rises, 8,737 in residential buildings and 3,151 in hutments or slums. As many as 609 people died in these fires, as did five fire brigade personnel during operations to douse the blazes. These fires caused property damage worth over Rs 89 crore, the RTI query found. The response to the RTI query further revealed that 32,516 of all the fire accidents were a result of defective electric circuits, 1,116 due to gas cylinder leakages or explosions which unconfirmed reports suggest triggered the fire in Bandra and 11,889 due to other reasons. In August, four people died after the 16-storey Crystal Tower caught fire in Mumbai's Parel locality. Three of them died after they rushed inside the building ablaze to help. Twenty-three people, including three firemen, were injured in the incident. The building reportedly had no occupancy certificate, and its fire-fighting system was non-functional, even though residents had been living there for five years. The Crystal Tower fire was the third instance of a blaze in a Mumbai high rise in three months. In December 2017, a fire at a rooftop pub in Lower Parel's Kamala Mills had killed 14 people. They had died of suffocation in the smoke at the pub. Investigations later revealed that the restaurant, along with a few others in the Kamala Mills complex, had violated fire safety norms. Activist Heena Shroff said the government must strictly enforce the Maharashtra Fire and Life Safety Measures Act, 2006, which has not been implemented. "Even the pandals set up during festivals need fire No Objection Certificates (NOCs)," she said. "Who comes to check if the pandals are safe? Pedestrians and cars go by pandals, yet they are set up on roads. Fire NOCs are given just for the sake of it. In high rises, there are no regular drills, and equipment are rusted. Authorities are casual about preventive measures." As Chhattisgarh heads towards Assembly elections, the conflict between the state and the Maoists in their strongholds of Bastar division has spiked. Dantewada: As Chhattisgarh heads towards Assembly elections, the conflict between the state and the Maoists in their strongholds of Bastar division particularly in Dantewada, Bijapur and Sukma has spiked. On Tuesday, a police party accompanying a team of three Doordarshan journalists came under Maoist ambush in Nilawaya forests in the Aranpur police station limits of Dantewada district. Doordarshan cameraman Achyutananda Sahu, sub-inspector Rudra Pratap Singh and assistant constable Mangal Ram were killed in the crossfire. Two other constables and a DD reporter were injured in the attack that seemed like a pre-planned operation in which over 100 armed Maoists took part. They even threw grenades at the troops but those did not burst. They were forced to retreat once the reinforcements arrived. The road on which the police team was attacked was under construction and motorable only by a two-wheeler. Inspector General of Police Vivekanand Sinha said that one AK-47 rifle and a walkie-talkie set were missing from the scene of attack. This was a rare incident in which a journalist was killed in a direct Maoist attack. The trend in Bastar region till now had been that journalists face the ire of the police and the administration for reporting on tribal concerns against mining and deforestation activities, which align with the Maoist propaganda. Special Director General of Police (anti-Naxal operations) DM Awasthi said in a press conference after the incident that the encounter between the security forces and the Maoists lasted for around 50 minutes and was not related to upcoming elections. He said it was a planned ambush conducted after a Maoist warning against continuation of road construction in Aranpur. While increased deployment of forces and frequent operations have pushed the Maoists deeper in the forests across Bastar division, Aranpur which is around 60 km from Dantewada and only about 14 km from Jagargonda remains one of the sectors where Maoist activity has been at its peak. Traveling to Jagargonda from Aranpur requires a detour of 172 km via Sukma and Dornapal as the stretch between the two villages has been mined by the Maoists. This election would be the first time when Nilawaya village would have a polling station in two decades because the last time villagers here voted was in 1998. Stories of such villages, which polled zero votes in past and are witnessing a concentrated effort to motivate the tribal population to vote, are being covered by journalists this season. Before the Doordarshan crew reached Dantewada, Tanima Biswas reported from the region for Mirror Now about villages where polling booths are to be set up for the first time. Local scribes said that the Maoists must have observed a pattern of movement to Nilawaya as efforts were being made to spread awareness and get media coverage of the democratic push in the Maoist-infested belt, where painted messages and pamphlets circulated by the Maoists have been calling for boycott of elections. The three Doordarshan journalists were reportedly travelling ahead of the police party of about 40 personnel on a motorcycle. DD cameraman Sahu was on a motorcycle with SI Rudra Pratap at the front and the first bullet hit him, police sources said. Sahus last post on Facebook was a collage of photos/videos showing the beauty of Bastar region from his election yatra, but only hours later, he was shot down while shooting the developmental works being taken up in the Aranpur area. Messages of condolence started trickling down on Sahus post by Tuesday afternoon. The Bastar division in Chhattisgarh, which comprises seven administrative districts of Kanker, Narayanpur, Kondagaon, Bijapur, Dantewada, Bastar and Sukma, has been a perilous ground for journalists, with many facing the state authorities ire for reporting Maoists side of the story and being branded Maoists themselves. The risk involved in working from the region has forced many to leave the state. But this is the first incident when journalists have come under direct attack by Maoists. Earlier this month, journalists Kamal Shukla and a cameraman who were accompanying Pulitzer fellow Siddharthya Roy (who covers South Asian affairs for The Diplomat) on a reporting assignment in Narayanpur district were detained by the CRPF at their Kurusnar camp. They had entered the tribal areas from Kokrajhore police limits and had spent a night inside the forests due to poor connectivity and ongoing tribal festivities, according to Roy. The journalists were questioned for eight hours and their tapes copied by the troops before they were released. With inputs from Shankar Sukma, Rishi Bhatnagar and Hitesh Sharma Contributors are members of 101Reporters.com Last week, an Army jawan and a Seema Shashtra Bal (SSB) personnel were killed in the sniper attacks in Tral area. Srinagar: A Jaish-e-Mohammed module was neutralised in South Kashmir Tuesday after at least two terrorists from the outfit were killed by security forces and an M-4 carbine was recovered, which was possibly used for carrying out sniper attacks on security forces, officials said. "Two bodies were recovered after a day-long encounter that broke in Chaanketaar village of Tral in Pulwama district," they said. "The body of one more militant was expected to be retrieved from the rubble," they said. According to officials, the intelligence inputs as well as the material seized from the encounter site showed that the terrorists belonged to JeM. While the identity of the slain terrorists was not ascertained immediately, reports said that one of those killed was the nephew of Maulana Masood Azhar, the chief of outlawed Jaish-e-Mohammed. "The security forces have also recovered M-4 Carbine rifle from the encounter site which was possibly used by the group to carry out sniper attacks on security forces," they said. Last week, an Army jawan and a Seema Shashtra Bal (SSB) personnel were killed in the sniper attacks in Tral area. Renowned scientist and academician at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) was accused by a doctoral student under his guidance of sexual harassment. The researcher, Giridhar Madras, has now been sent on 'compulsory retirement' over the allegations by the institute's governing council. Earlier this month, a renowned scientist and academic at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) was accused by a doctoral student under his guidance of sexual harassment. The researcher, Giridhar Madras, has now been sent on "compulsory retirement" over the allegations by the institute's governing council, an Indian Express report says. The IISc profile of Madras, which was on the website until recently, has now been taken down. IISc Director, Professor Anurag Kumar, told Express, that Madras, who had worked at IISc for nearly 20 years, was told to leave by the institutes governing council, who recommended that disciplinary action be taken against him. This came after an investigation by IISc's internal complaints committee, which reviewed the complaint and charged made by the doctoral student that was under Madras's guidance. Giridhar Madras is Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar award winner, and awardee of multiple fellowships including those from the Indian National Science Academia, Indian Academia of Science, Indian National Academy of Engineering and others. He was also merited a JC Bose Fellow and conferred an Award for Excellence in Teaching and Research by IISc, and listed as the top 1% of scientists in his field, globally. The accusations against him The complaint against Madras alleged that he made "sexually-coloured remarks" directed at a female doctoral student and persisted with late night phone calls to her. This is one of the five different acts and behaviour recognised as sexual harassment under the Vishakha guidelines against Sexual Harassment in the Workplace. The IISc has its own Anti-Sexual Harassment (ASH) policy, with a broad list of acts that qualify as sexual harassment, including the promise of preferential treatment, threat to an employee's current or future work prospects, interference with an employee's work, persistent unwanted attention, sharing of sexist jokes, texts or messages that could offend a victim of past sexual violence, etc. Academia in the #MeToo radar About a year ago, a law student at the Jadavpur University, Raya Sarkar, circulated a list of 58 known sexual predators in academia from across 29 Indian institutions on Facebook. This was done in the hope of keeping women and newcomers at these universities in the know about sexual harassers in the academic circuit. For using the whisper' network to track these alleged harassers, the list was met with vehement opposition and support in equal measure. The opposition was led by senior Indian feminists and considered an act that undermined the feminism movement since the allegations were alleged and significant, yet unproven. One of the accused Professors even took the stage last year and claimed never to have made an inappropriate sexual advance. Sexual harassment in educational institutes "When harassment comes to light, it is an oppourtunity for the institution to reflect and put in place policies and training to ensure an equitable work place," said Dr Sandhya Koushika, Convenor of the Women's Cell and senior neuroscience researcher at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai. "In several institutions, much more training is necessary." In Dr Koushika's view, more sensitisation training, communication with incoming researchers and students to build a consistent level of awareness particularly in environments with significant turnover of manpower is an important part of keeping organizations free of sexual harassment. Sandhya Menon, a writer and journalist who has triggered an uprising on Twitter and elsewhere with her story of harassment, isn't hopeful about current practises at institutions. "The immediate reaction of most institutions to (an incident) like this would be.. 'Okay, no women will work long hours', or 'No woman will come in alone (to work)'," When a superior is approached with a claim of sexual harassment in the workplace, there's only one acceptable approach: "Let me help you file a complaint." "Institutes are mandated to have letters and policies to address (sexual harassment), but there's a human element to it that doesn't come from having 'systems' in place," Menon says. "The process has been rendered ineffective by everyone involved. It isn't that they don't know what's happening... education is rife with harassment, only few of which are pursued till the point someone is held accountable." It's more important now than ever to follow through on calling someone out for being a harasser, Menon says. "If you've called someone out, that's great, you absolutely should. Now, you walk the talk. Go to the police... file an FIR... do what you have to. The (harasser) may do nothing for two years, but there's no telling that he won't go back to doing exactly the same thing once you're gone." Firstpost has reached out to the Institute's Director, Press Office and Giridhar Madras for a comment, and will update the report with their responses here if and when received. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will dedicate the Statue of Unity, which is a tribute to Sardar Vallabhai Patel, to the country at the inauguration ceremony today. The Statue of Unity, which honours Indias first deputy prime minister, Sardar Vallabhai Patel will be unveiled on Wednesday, 31 October. The statue dedicated to the Iron Man of India has been constructed on a river island called the Sadhu Bet on the Narmada river in Gujarats Kevadiya town. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the structure on the occasion of Sardar Patels 143rd birth anniversary, dedicating the Statue of Unity to the country. At 182 metres, it is the tallest statue in the world, dwarfing the Spring Temple Buddha in China, currently the world's tallest statue at 128 metres. The tribute to Sardar Patel is also twice the size of the Statue of Liberty in New York city in United States. The inauguration is scheduled for 11.30 am on Wednesday, and the statue will be open to public from Saturday, 3 November, according to India Today. The inauguration ceremony is expected last three hours, after which Modi may return to Delhi, reported The Indian Express. Surya Kiran, an aerobatics demonstration team of the Indian Air Force, will perform aerobatics at the event, spreading out the Tricolour. A squadron of Jaguar fighter aircraft will also participate in the inauguration, while MI-17 helicopters will shower flowers on the Sardar Patel statue. For the cultural programme, the prime minister will be welcomed by the bands of the armed forces, Gujarat Police, State Reserve Police Force, Central Reserve Police Force and Border Security Force, as well as by cultural troupes from 29 states and two Union Territories. According to The Financial Express, folk dance performance from various states have been planned. Modi will also inaugurate the Wall of Unity near the statue and also address a public gathering. Infrastructure giant Larsen and Toubro was given the contract to construct the Statue of Unity. L&T said the construction of the raft of the structure began on 19 December, 2015, and was completed in 33 months. The bronze statue, which cost nearly Rs 3,000 crore to construct, is being projected by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as a symbol of unity and a message that the Congress underplayed the contributions of Sardar Patel towards the country in favour of the Nehru-Gandhi family. As a precursor to the unveiling event, the BJP conducted 'Ekta Yatras' (unity marches) across Gujarat from 19 to 29 October. The yatras carried a prototype of the Statue of Unity throughout the state. With the Ekta Yatras, the BJP is believed to have virtually kicked off its campaign for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Facing the Sardar Sarovar Dam, the statue has a viewing gallery at 153 meters from where visitors will be able to see the dams reservoir and the mountain ranges of Satpura and Vindhya. The Statue of Unity website states that after completion, the memorial will generate approximately 15,000 jobs for tribal people. However, chiefs of 22 villages near the Sardar Sarovar Dam on Monday reportedly wrote an open letter to Modi, saying that villagers will not welcome him at the inauguration of the Statue of Unity. Local tribal leaders have also announced a boycott of the function, saying the natural resources were destroyed by the construction of the memorial. With inputs from agencies The Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA) has said that it will ban all private vehicles from plying in Delhi if the pollution level in the capital city is not curbed by 1 November. The Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA) has said that it will ban all private vehicles from plying in Delhi if the pollution level in the capital city is not curbed by 1 November. EPCA chairman Bhure Lal told CNN News18, that only public transport will be allowed on roads if Delhi continues to choke with hazardous levels of pollution. He said that the authority has already put in place a graded response action plan and it has been communicated to the local authorities concerned. He also said that Lietaunat Governor of Delhi, Anil Baijal, has asked officials to work strictly against pollution and questioned them on as to why they havent done anything. #BREAKING Will remove private vehicles in Delhi and will have only public transport, warns Environment Pollution (Prevention & Control) Authority chairman. EPCA heads set heads sets November 1 deadline for reducing pollution. @Runjhunsharmas with more details | #RightToBreathe pic.twitter.com/63C8yu1Qur News18 (@CNNnews18) October 30, 2018 Meanwhile, there were also reports of the Centre and the Delhi environment ministry carrying out week-long raids in Delhi starting from 1 November. Delhi's air quality turned 'severe' on Tuesday for the first time this season with stubble burning intensifying in neighbouring states, authorities said. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) at 3 pm was 401, falling in the 'severe' category, the highest this season, Central Pollution Control Board officials said. An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'. The Centre-run System of Air Quality Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) attributed the spike to "heavy stubble burning in the last 24 hours and calm winds". About 28 percent of pollution by PM2.5 (presence of particles in the air with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres) on Tuesday was caused due to regional factors like stubble burning, SAFAR officials said. The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) also spotted a large number of biomass fire spots through satellite imageries in neighbouring states of Delhi. defence missile systems, notwithstanding the US threat of punitive action under CAATSA. The sources said India has already short-listed names of two-three heads of state for extending invitation to be the chief guest at the Republic Day parade. New Delhi: The government is understood to be exploring options for the chief guest at the Republic Day parade after US President Donald Trump turned down its invitation for the ceremony. Sources said the government has in mind leaders from three countries including a head of state from a leading African nation. "We have very little time left for deciding on the chief guest and the process will be completed soon," a source familiar with the development said. Trump has declined India's invitation to be the chief guest at the parade, citing pressing engagements, including his State of The Union (SOTU) address, around the time India will celebrate its Republic Day. It came at a time when India-US ties have witnessed some strain after India went ahead and sealed a deal with Russia to procure a batch of S-400 air defence missile systems, notwithstanding the US threat of punitive action under CAATSA (Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act). The sources said India has already short-listed names of two-three heads of state for extending invitation to be the chief guest at the Republic Day parade. The sources indicated that India was not exclusively looking at Trump's presence at the Republic Day celebrations and that various other options were also being explored. In July, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders had said that Trump has received an invitation to visit India, but no decision has been taken yet. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited President Trump for a bilateral visit to India during their talks in Washington in June 2017. Every year, India invites world leaders to attend its Republic Day celebrations. In 2015, the then US president Barack Obama had attended it as the chief guest which was his second visit to India as American president. This year, leaders from 10 ASEAN countries had attended the Republic Day celebrations. In 2016, the then French president Francois Hollande was the chief guest of the parade while Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was the chief guest at the celebrations in 2014. The heads of state and government who have attended the Republic Day celebrations include Nicolas Sarkozy, Vladimir Putin, Nelson Mandela, John Major, Mohammed Khatami and Jacques Chirac. On 25 October, the Supreme Court had noted that it may not be appropriate to keep Brajesh Thakur in Bihar jail amid the Muzaffarpur investigation because of his influential status in the state. The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered the transfer of Brajesh Thakur, the main accused in the Muzaffarpur shelter home rape case, to a high-security jail in Patiala, Punjab. The decision was made to ensure a "free and fair" investigation in the case. On 25 October, the court had noted that it may not be appropriate to keep Thakur in a jail in Bihar because of his influential status in the state and also issued a notice to him, asking him to explain why he should not be transferred to a jail outside Bihar. At the hearing on Tuesday, the Supreme Court expressed shock when it was informed that the girls at the shelter home in Muzaffarpur that Thakur ran were given drugs. "These girls are being injected with drugs so they can be raped. What is this going on?" the court asked. The top court also questioned the Bihar government why former state social welfare minister Manju Verma, who resigned amid the Muzaffarpur investigation, has not been arrested under the Arms Act even after her anticipatory bail plea has been rejected. The CBI had found a cache of live ammunition at her house in Begusarai. "Just because she happens to be a (former state) cabinet minister doesnt make her above the law. The whole thing is highly suspicious. Why has she not been arrested? Its too much. Nobody is bothered about the law." On Monday, Manju's husband Chandrashekhar Verma surrendered before a district court at Manjhaul in Bihar's Begusarai in connection with the Muzaffarpur shelter home rape case and remanded in judicial custody till 6 November. He is accused of having links with Thakur because, during the course of the investigation, it was found that Chandrashekhar and Thakur had spoken several times between January and June this year. Soon after, Manju had resigned as the social welfare minister in the Bihar government. At least 30 girls were allegedly raped in the state-funded shelter home run by the Seva Sankalp Evam Vikash Samiti, an NGO Thakur owns. The shelter home was meant to give destitute women vocational training, but they were instead harassed and said to be raped by the shelter home officials. One of the victims had also said that another girl was beaten to death after a disagreement with staff members at the Muzaffarpur shelter home and buried in the premises. After the two incidents, two FIRs were filed against Thakur, who also owns three newspapers and has even contested the Bihar polls. At the hearing on Tuesday, the Supreme Court also ordered the CBI, which is investigating the case, to submit by Wednesday, 31 October, a list of investigating officers looking into the Muzaffarpur shelter home rapes. It said the list should include the name of officers who investigated the case from 20 September till today. On 25 October, the court had asserted that the team investigating the Muzaffarpur case should not be changed, given the recent changes in the CBI's ranks amid the infighting between CBI Director Alok Verma and Special Director Rakesh Asthana. Gandhi said that J&K is on fire right now, apparently referring to the latest killings in the state by the terrorists. Ujjain (MP): On a busy day of campaigning and a temple visit in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, Congress president Rahul Gandhi raked up the issue of Jammu and Kashmir violence and blamed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the mistakes as a result of which the frontier state is on fire. Mr Gandhi on Monday continued his temple run by visiting the ancient shrine of Mahakal, one of the 12 jyotirlingas (Shiva temples considered most revered by Hindus), in Ujjain before kicking off his two-day tour of the Malwa-Nimar region. Addressing a public meeting in Ujjain, Mr Gandhi said that J&K is on fire right now, apparently referring to the latest killings in the state by the terrorists. The Modi government opened the doors of J&K for terrorists. No politician was martyred in J&K but Army men are laying their lives there because of Narendra Modis mistakes, Mr Gandhi said. The Prime minister talks about surgical strike, Army, Navy but doesnt talk about Army men At least, tell us what you did about those who carried out the surgical strike (of September 2016), he said. He also alleged that the one-rank, one-pension (OROP) scheme has not been implemented so far and the Prime Minister has been speaking lies on the issue. On the unemployment issue, he took a jibe at Mr Modi for his remark that selling of pakoda is also a job and said, If you fry pakodas, then BJP will take away the money of the oil. Moreover, it will eat fried pakodas. Earlier, addressing the gathering, state Congress chief Jyotiradittya Scindia alleged rampant corruption by the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government of the state in organising the Simhastha Kumbh in 2016 at Ujjain. Meanwhile, the BJP took a potshot at Mr Gandhi for visiting Ujjaains famous Shiva temple and reminding him of the derogatory remark by senior Congress leader and former Union minister Shashi Tharoor on the Shivling, symbolizing Lord Shiva. Your are visiting Mahakal temple to offer puja to Lord Shiva, whereas a senior leader of your party (Shashi Tharoor) does not hesitate to pour humiliation on the deity by making scorpion on Shivling remark. Are you going to initiate any action against him? asked national BJP spokesman Sambit Patra while talking to reporters in Indore. The BJP leader said Mr Gandhi is exhibiting fancy dress Hinduism to fool people. The saffron partys attack on mr Gandhi came in the backdrop of his frequent visits to temples. Mr Patra said that after the Congress humiliating defeat in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, a committee headed by former Union minister A.K. Antony had said that the Congress should take care of the Hindus for its political revival as it was losing ground because of its projected image of a party of Muslims. After the Antony committees report, Rahul Gandhi is exhibiting fancy dress Hinduism continuously. To mislead the Hindus, he is sporting a janeu (scared thread) over the shirt. We demand that janeudhari Rahul Gandhi clarify to which gotra (clan) does he belong to, Mr Patra said. He also said since Mr Gandhi had not given any answer to this question, people were calling him a Vatican gotra ka Brahmin. The Congress chiefs mother and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi is an Italian by birth. Based on FIRs lodged by the Inspector of Schools from Assam's Goalpara and a local BJP leader, the Lakhipur Police Station arrested Abu Taleb for posting a 'derogatory comment' on social media. A government school teacher at Goalpara district in Assam was arrested on Monday after he allegedly posted a 'derogatory comment' about Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media, reports have said. According to The Indian Express, an FIR was lodged against Abu Taleb, a Hindi teacher at Lakhipur Higher Secondary School based on two complaints one from the president of BJP Lakhipur unit and another one from the Inspector of Schools, Goalpara. Based on the FIR, the Lakhipur Police Station arrested Taleb. According to Times8, Taleb had posted a statement on Facebook saying, Voting for Narender Modis BJP candidate and garlanding a dog is the same thing. Through a notification issued by the Inspector of Schools, Goalpara district, the accused has been put under suspension until department proceedings, reported Northeast Now. The website quoted Amitava Sinha, the Superintendent of Police, Goalpara as saying: "We have already registered a case against the accused teacher for the derogatory remarks he made against the Prime Minister of India." However, he has been allowed to go after interrogation. We are continuing our investigation and he may be brought to book if found guilty, he further added. NIA carried out a search at the residence of Fayaz Ahmad Mir who is suspected of funding anti-terror agencies. According to News18, many documents have been recovered from his house, including bank statements. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday searched the residence of businessman Fayaz Ahmad Mir, in Lalbazar area of Srinagar, in connection with alleged terror funding activities. According to News18, many documents have been recovered from his house, including bank statements. In the recent past, similar raids have been conducted by NIA in connection with the case. The agency is looking into the alleged illegal routing of money from Pakistan through hawala channels to fund terror outfits in the restive Jammu and Kashmir region. On 2 October, the central anti-terror agency carried out searches at the residence and office premises of Ajaz Ahmad Hakak in connection with its ongoing probe into the funding by the Pakistan-based Falah-e-Insaniyat Foundation (FIF), an NIA official told IANS. The search was conducted a week after it had busted a hawala network linked to the Falah-i-Insaniyat Foundation (FIF) and arrested three persons from Delhi, including a Kashmir-based hawala courier. The agency had seized over Rs 1 crore in cash and Rs 43,000 in Nepali currency and several incriminating documents from the arrested men. According to the NIA, some Delhi-based individuals were receiving funds from FIF operatives based abroad and were using the money for terror activities in the country. The FIF is a Lahore-based organisation established by Jamat-ud-Dawa and acts as a front for the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). On 7 September, the house of Zameer Thakur, the personal assistant of separatist leader Shabir Shah, was raided. Several arrests and charge sheets have been filed by the agency against individuals suspected of aiding and abetting unlawful activities in connection with terror funding in the state. With inputs from agencies Jackson Katz's The Macho Paradox makes the case that violence against women is a mens issue. Katz takes the reader deep inside male culture to examine why so many men physically and sexually abuse women and children, including those closest to them. Editor's note: Since 5 October 2018, a slew of #MeToo allegations have emerged on social media timelines in India, heralding the second wave of the movement. The allegations, astounding in the range of behaviour, encompass everything from inappropriate comments and unwelcome advances to sustained harassment, and in some cases, assault. In light of these recent developments, Firstpost is publishing excerpts from Jackson Katz's The Macho Paradox: Why Some Men Hurt Women and How All Men Can Help. The book, first published in 2006, makes the case that violence against women is a mens issue. Katz takes the reader deep inside male culture to examine why so many men physically and sexually abuse women and children, including those closest to them. Katz, PhD, is an educator, author, filmmaker and cultural theorist who is internationally renowned for his pioneering scholarship and activism on the issues of gender, race and violence. You can read more about his work here. The following is the second of two excerpts being published from Katz's book. Read the first one here. *** Some men do not need to experience an assault against a female loved one in order to grasp the urgency of the problem. They understand that mens exploitation of women is a fundamental human rights issue that is tied to countless other social and political problems in the US and around the world. But substantive reductions in gender violence require the involvement of a much broader cross section of men. Transformative social change will come about only if a critical mass of men realises that it is in their self-interest to reduce the level of mens violence against women. Self-interest is a far more powerful motivational tool than is concern for social justice. Consider how opposition to the US war in Vietnam in the 1960s increased dramatically especially among white middle-class college students when the government instituted the military draft. When your own life is on the line, or the life of someone close to you, it has a way of getting your attention. There is a further benefit to making the issue of gender violence personal. When men can feel the issue in their hearts as opposed to intellectualising it in their heads, they are much more likely to gain the self-confidence necessary to confront their fellow men. It often takes special courage and strength for men to risk confrontations with friends and colleagues about the mistreatment of women, to rise above possible ridicule and disbelief, and to withstand whispering campaigns about their manhood if they refuse to conform to sexist and abusive norms. But the question remains: is it defensible is it even possible to mobilise men to work against gender violence by arguing that its in their self-interest to do so? It is obvious that this work is in womens interest. But whether it is in mens interest is less clear and more controversial. For example, some feminists in the 1970s advanced the argument that all men benefit from some mens violence against women because that violence and the threat of it is a key tool in mens continued subordination of women, from which all men benefit. Today we know that the picture is significantly more complicated. Most importantly, men as a category are not homogenous. There are important differences between and among them. Not all men have the same interest in maintaining the current status quo. Take gay men, for example. There are aspects of male privilege that gay men enjoy. But they are also subject to some of the same discrimination and violence that women experience. In fact, violence against women and gay-bashing have a lot in common, not the least of which is that in both cases, heterosexual men often with something to prove are the primary perpetrators. Men of colour derive some of the same benefits from male privilege as dominant white males. But in other respects they do not have as much invested in maintaining the status quo as many white men do. How does it benefit men of colour, for example, if women of color African Americans, Latinas, and others suffer disproportionately high rates of domestic violence and sexual assault, especially in poor communities? Poverty and racism surely contribute to the incidence of domestic and sexual violence by men of colour against their girlfriends, wives, and daughters. But this violence then helps perpetuate poverty and racism in a continuous feedback loop. An early 1990s political slogan aimed at men of colour put it like this: You cant fight the power if youre dissing the sisters. Violence against women of colour (largely perpetrated by men of colour) actually subverts the fight against racism and ethnic discrimination by draining the energies of so many women. How can they fight for peace and justice in their communities if there is no peace and justice in their own homes? There are also the deleterious effects of domestic and sexual violence on children. Domestic-violence researchers have documented the relationship between violence at home and school drop-out rates, gang participation, street crime, and teen pregnancy all of which are persistent problems in communities of colour. Although it is true that men who dominate and abuse women often benefit from their abuse in the sense that they get what they want from it, it is also true that it is in mens self-interest to reduce the violence suffered by our mothers, daughters, wives, and girlfriends. Over the past generation, millions of boys of all socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic groups have trembled in fear and powerlessness as theyve watched their fathers or other men beat their mothers. Most of these boys eventually grow up. If they can negotiate the rocky waters of male adolescence, todays victimised boys will one day be men, many of whom will develop emotional and substance abuse problems linked to their traumatic childhoods. How many men today are in therapy or Alcoholics Anonymous meetings to deal with the effects of growing up in violent families? Of course, there is no comparison between the pain of men who care about female victims of mens violence and the suffering of the girls and women themselves. Regardless, countless boys and men have suffered as a result of violence done to their female loved ones. Think about all of the boys whose mothers have been murdered. Approximately twelve hundred women each year in the US are murdered by husbands, boyfriends, or exes. That is more than thirty-six thousand women in the past three decades. They have left behind tens of thousands of children. Consider, too, all of the fathers whose daughters are raped. Parents know that seeing children suffer is probably the most difficult experience they can imagine. Is it possible to quantify the pain of parents whose daughters (or sons) have been raped? I have talked to many fathers (and mothers) who have gone through this. A fathers pain can be compounded by his sense of guilt that he failed in his manly duty to protect his family, however unrealistic a burden that is. Of course mothers experience their own guilt as well. I once had a male colleague whose only daughter was raped. A few months later, in the middle of a public presentation, his grief and anger at the rapist poured forth in a way that left people sitting in stunned silence. Another friend once called to seek my advice and support when his oldest daughter was sexually assaulted in her first week of college. For these men, violence against women is as personal as it gets. If you factor in all the husbands and boyfriends of women with sexual abuse histories, or who suffer post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms from past abusive relationships, or the male partners of women who are sexually harassed in the workplace, the collective numbers of all these boys and men is in the millions. You do not need to convince a majority of men to prioritise gender-violence prevention in order to effect significant social change. If only a small percentage of the men with a direct personal stake made their personal experiences political, the reverberations would be culturally transformative. Copyright 2006, Jackson Katz A cameraman part of a Doordarshan crew was killed in an attack by Naxals in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district on Tuesday, ANI reported. The crew was attacked by Naxals in the Aranpur area of the district. A cameraperson from Odisha, part of a Doordarshan crew was killed in an attack by Naxals in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district on Tuesday, ANI reported. The crew was attacked by Naxals in the Nilavaya village in Aranpur area of the district. According to TV reports, two policemen have also been killed in the attack. Achyutanand Sahu, the DD cameraperson hails from Loisingha, Bolangir district of Odisha. It is also reported that another DD reporter too took a bullet and has been taken to a nearby hospital. Sources informed Firstpost that the evacuation process is underway and 111 CRPF battalion has been rushed for reinforcement and evacuation. Chhattisgarh is bound for Assembly elections in two phases next month. Doordarshan tweeted: #DDNews had deputed team to cover #Chhattisgarhpolls, comprising of Camera person-Achyuta Nanda Sahu, Dheeraj Kumar and MM Sharma. In a #Naxal attack #AchyutaNandaSahu was martyred. The entire #DDNnews Family salutes his service and stands by his family in this hour of grief pic.twitter.com/xIh74b055g Doordarshan News (@DDNewsLive) October 30, 2018 The slain police personnel were identified as Mangal Ram and Rudra Pratap Singh. Two others, including constable Vishnu Netam and assistant constable Rakesh Kaushal, were injured and were taken to the hospital. "The real face of the Naxals has been exposed," said DIG Naxal Operations P Sundarraj. He further added, "The year 2018 has caused a lot of losses in the resources of the Naxals due to anti-insurgency operations." Sundarraj said that such an attack is an attempt to derail anti-insurgency operations. He also said that two other people have also been injured in the attack. According to the DIG, the media team was travelling with a police patrolling team when the attack took place. A security team is currently at the spot. Even before the stride of democracy, it was the strike of Maoists that brought the nondescript Nilavaya to the news. Nilavaya is actually on the threshold of history as this round of Assembly election would have been the first kind of any polls held in this Maoist-dominated belt since India's Independence. Maoist menace has been so destructive over the years that the Naxals dug off the approach to a bridge over a river hence making transportation to the village nearly impossible unless one crosses it by other means. Ahead of the state's Assembly polls scheduled for November, this is the second incident of insurgency-driven violence in less than five days. On 27 October, four personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were killed and two injured after Naxals blew up a mine-protected-vehicle (MPV) in poll-bound Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district on Saturday, police said. Reactions pour in Prasar Bharti tweeted: Prasar Bharati parivar condoles the death of Cameraman Achyutananda Sahu earlier today near Dantewada in Chhatisgarh. Our prayers with his family during this difficult moment. pic.twitter.com/BQOMg4Jo04 Prasar Bharati (@prasarbharati) October 30, 2018 Shocked and saddened by the death of our brave cameraman Achyutananda Sahu in the line of duty in Chattisgarh for the cause of democracy. Heartfelt condolences to his family. https://t.co/kFf8YsNwNx Shashi Shekhar (@shashidigital) October 30, 2018 BJP's Rajyavardhan Rathore was quoted as saying, "We stand in solidarity with family of the camerman, we will take care of his family. We salute all those mediapersons who go for coverage in such dangerous situations, remember their bravery." The junior minister for sports also tweeted out from his personal handle. https://twitter.com/Ra_THORe/status/1057185430716669952 More details are awaited. With inputs from 101 reporters In 2016, the residents of Dhaurhara were notified that the government had issued regulations to deal with dengue fever. Under this, the additional chief medical officers of all the districts of Uttar Pradesh were considered as the controlling authority. In district hospitals, it was mandatory to provide with 10 beds for dengue patients and at the Community Health Centres, this number was billed at five. In 2017, when the state government changed, Dhaurhara was not informed of any changes in this planning. The government cant save us from mere mosquitoes. Forget about attacks from Pakistan and India! 60-something Vijay Narayan Singh, resident of Dhaurhara village in the district of Benares in Uttar Pradesh, is only being partly melodramatic for the sake of the camera, we know. As the Khabar Lahariya editor Meera Jataw told us in the newsroom later, Those mosquitoes really seem to have declared war! Its a foggy morning in Dhaurhara, but its not an early chill, or the infamous northern smog It is mosquito repellent, being sprayed quite generously through the lanes and bylanes of the gaon, almost as an illustration of what the village pradhan Geeta Yadav shares with us confidently, Chhidkaav toh lagatar chal raha hai (The fogging is happening continuously). Her statement is accurate, but unfortunately only so for the last three weeks; the fact of the matter is that the dengue and malaria outbreak in Dhaurhara has been going on for the last six months. Several people in Dhaurhara have death-by-dengue tales to share, while still others speak of being afflicted by it, or caring for a family member afflicted by it. Om Prakash Yadavs mother passed away on 22 August. Someone else mentions a son, a daughter, a husband, a wife. Pappu, a local activist, remembers the monsoons as the beginning of the saga, when the drain overflowed, while Girish Yadav, another local activist, cites May this year as the beginning of the dengue prakop. According to Yadav, there have been at least nine deaths due to dengue in Dhaurhara since June and he accuses the local health officials of extreme apathy, Whenever they do health camps here, they check for blood pressure and sugar. When people with high fevers went to the camps, people who were visibly weak, and asked for check-ups, they were told its just a viral fever that would pass in a weeks time. If you go check the records at the centre even today, youll find no deaths recorded, due to dengue. Sab lipa-poti ho chuki hai wahaan. It cites reasons such as heart attack and diabetes. Yamuna Singh Yadav tells us in detail what it entails to be sick in Dhaurhara, You get a raging fever, you cant move. But somehow you get yourself to the government hospital, where youre told the doctor is absent today, come tomorrow. The next day, youre told parchi katwa lo, line mein lag jaao, but then you find that the guy who sanctions the receipts, is absent today. Again youre told to come tomorrow. Now, in that state, the person just wants to get better. He will probably seek out private medical care at that point. Here, in Dhaurhara, for many people, that would mean taking a loan, because you cannot afford the consultation plus medication. And of course, all the while youre unwell, you can barely make it to the site where you work, for your daily wages. He goes for rhetoric, So, isnt it the governments responsibility to ensure we get the healthcare were promised? Everyone around him mumbles 'Ayushman Bharat' as a pithy phrase echo. Girish Yadav rants about the adverse effects of the disease on every aspect of village life the market, the school how sales drop and children miss studies. People have even migrated from here in the last four months because of this, he adds. Detected with dengue himself, Girish offers his own tale as a case in point, Its a treacherous disease and imagine the additional suffering you have to go through. I first showed up at the Dhaurhara primary healthcare centre, where I was informed that this kind of treatment is not available here, that there is no proper medication. They referred me to go visit Benares, where I had to wait for two whole days, before I even got to a doctor. When I told them I needed treatment for dengue, that I had already been diagnosed, they told me to go and treat myself on my own then. In 2016, the residents of Dhaurhara were notified that the government had issued regulations to deal with dengue fever. Under this, the additional chief medical officers of all the districts of Uttar Pradesh were considered as the controlling authority. In district hospitals, it was mandatory to provide with 10 beds for dengue patients and at the Community Health Centres, this number was billed at five. In 2017, when the state government changed, Dhaurhara was not informed of any changes in this planning. Speaking to the local healthcare workers every villagers first line of defence in the case of diseases were not surprised at the state Dhaurhara finds itself in today. Kusum Yadav, the ASHA worker, tells us that she hands out the mandatory Paracetamol to whoever turns up at her doorstep or the centre with a fever. She offers nothing much else shes been given no training or literature around monsoon-borne diseases. Renu Yadav, the local Anganwadi worker, speaks only of the constant relapses occurring in Dhaurhara, which have her deeply mystified. Somehow the fever just keeps coming back. Meanwhile, amidst the fogging, dengue camps the need of the hour are still awaited. The residents of Dhaurhara find no solace in the fact that winter is indeed coming. Khabar Lahariya is a women-only network of rural reporters from Bundelkhand. Pesticide deaths are not new to Yavatmal and according to information recently obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act by this correspondent, the district reported two deaths each year in 2013-14 and 2014-15. In 2015-16, eight people died due to pesticide poisoning. In her dingy home, the large garlanded photograph of her husband Devidas Madavi stands out. Last August, he was the first of the 22 men who died in the wave of pesticide poisoning in Yavatmal district (in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra). His wife, Mangala continues to work as a daily wage labourer for Rs 250. Her daughter has dropped out in the fifth standard and her son is errant. After Madavi died, a senior politician had visited her home and promised her education and a livelihood if she moved to Baramati. However, she is hesitant about leaving her home in Kalamb (Yavatmal district) and heading off to an unknown place. She smiles grimly when talking about her son he has learnt driving but cant keep regular hours as a trainee in the state transport corporation. For families of the 40-odd people who died in 2017 due to pesticide poisoning in Vidarbha, the compensation of Rs 2 lakhs is not much. Survivors of those killed in the stampede at Elphinstone Road suburban railway station in Mumbai in 2017 got Rs 10 lakh each. Visiting the region a year later, one finds a few things changed. The government hospital in Yavatmal has a special section for poisoning patients and the total admissions till October 23 were 165. Some of the critically ill persons survived due to timely care and being put on ventilators. No deaths have been reported till now. Pesticide deaths are not new to Yavatmal and according to information recently obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act by this correspondent, the district reported two deaths each year in 2013-14 and 2014-15. In 2015-16, eight people died due to pesticide poisoning. But in all these years there is no record of which pesticides they used. One of those who died in 2015-16, used monocrotophos. Despite this trend of deaths, the medical facilities were completely inadequate for the influx of patients and lacked the ability to treat them appropriately. The police records obtained under RTI show 22 deaths and 349 affected by pesticide poisoning in Yavatmal district in 2017. Only in five deaths did the police file cases against pesticide dealers under section 304(a) of the Indian Penal Code (causing death by negligence and the Insecticide Act). Most of those who died had used monocrotophos as one of the chemicals they sprayed and a mixture of toxic pesticides. Madavi used Profex Super which is a combination of profenofos and cypermethrin, that other farmers also did to their detriment. Polo is another popular chemical and at least 80 of those affected and who survived, reported using it, according to police records, sometimes along with other chemicals. In Nagpur district (rural), too, deaths due to pesticide poisoning occurred in 2013 when five people died, according to police records. In 2014, three deaths were reported, while in 2015 five, two in 2016, and eight in 2017. Akola district reported four deaths in 2017. The other districts in Amravati division, Amravati, Buldhana and Washim did not send replies to RTI requests on the number of deaths due to contact poisoning since 2013. Amravati division in which Yavatmal falls, and other districts reported the highest incidence of pesticide poisoning. A state government Special Investigation Team (SIT) report said that in 2016-17, 434 patients sought treatment, while in 2017-18 the number doubled to 886. Despite there being an annual increase in the number of people affected by poisoning the medical care facilities were abysmal, the SIT report noted. After last years incidents, the Yavatmal government hospital introduced acetylcholinesterase serum tests to detect organophosphate poisoning. However, there are other chemicals being used in Vidarbha. According to the report titled Of Rights and Poisons, Accountability of the Agrochemical Industry (Pesticide Action Network Asia Pacific 2018), the pesticide Polo contains the insecticide active ingredient diafenthiuron. Diafenthiuron is a thiourea compound and not an organophosphate. This fact is alarming, as there cannot be one solution to treat all cases of poisoning. In addition, data from Maharashtra, a Bt cotton-growing state, shows that pesticide consumption increased from 10,969 metric tonnes in 2014 to 11,665 MT in 2016, the report said. The SIT report released in January this year said that non-recommended pesticides were sold in Yavatmal and other districts and no action was taken against those selling them in the past five years. Pesticides have to be certified by the Central Insecticide Bureau and Registration Committee(CIBRC) for a particular crop. Yavatmal district had one quality control inspector for 16 talukas (vacant for two years). Apart from regulatory and administrative failure, the SIT blamed the cases of poisoning on the practice of mixing pesticides which had no scientific basis and the use of battery operated pumps on tall cotton plants. After the poisoning deaths, cases were filed against two insecticide manufacturing companies, and ten agricultural sales centres and licenses of five were scrapped. In addition, the sale of 76 pesticides was prohibited. The report said that over 17 lakh packets of Bt cotton were sown in Yavatmal in 2017 and much of it was susceptible to sucking pests and the pink bollworm, which in turn contributed to the increased spraying of insecticides. The SIT found that people sprayed monocrotophos which is not recommended by the Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR), Nagpur, and that was the main culprit. It demanded a ban on this insecticide immediately. Pesticides newly supplied from the group nicotinamides from the thiourea did not have to booklets with antidotes and the report said unless new pesticides have specific antidotes they should not be cleared for use. The report has a bizarre suggestion which seems to have gone unnoticed. It has recommended a health check-up for farmers/labourers doing chemical spraying which has to be produced before they are given this work, failing which a case of attempted suicide under section 309 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and section 304 for culpable homicide should be registered against them. The report recommended a health check-up in each village at the gram panchayat level of all those who are going to spray chemicals. Each person should get a fitness certificate from a health authority and produce it on demand. A senior government official told Firstpost that the Maharashtra government had accepted the report and this provision to penalise those spraying without fitness certificate was in fact recommended. However, it still has to be enforced. The government so far has only focused on improving reporting of poisoning cases and creating awareness about spraying pesticides. He said due to these measures there have been no deaths till now in 2018. The government, has, instead of setting up new hospitals in Yavatmal and Akola, sanctioned Rs 10 crore to set up a toxicological centre, he added. However, the pesticide shops are doing roaring business and recommending all kinds of chemicals to farmers desperate to stave off another years crop loss to the pink bollworm. The PANAP report said in the Bt cotton-growing areas of Yavatmal, 11 pesticides were used, nine of which are Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHP)s diafenthiuron, profenofos, cypermethrin, monocrotophos, imidacloprid, fipronil, spinosad, glyphosate, and acephate. Not one of the Yavatmal poisoning victims interviewed use safety equipment apart from the casual work clothes. Those affected in the hospital this year said they didnt use safety kits and only tied kerchiefs around their faces. Of the 11 pesticides, two were not approved by the CIBRC for use on cotton. These are the fungicide, copper oxychloride and the highly hazardous herbicide, glyphosate. The use of glyphosate is approved only for tea and non-crop weed control. However, the report said agriculture officers and retailers have been recommending glyphosate to be used for weed control in several crops including vegetables, non-cropped areas, bushes, and general weed control, while the State Agriculture Department recommended seven uses of glyphosate. Victims in the Yavatmal government hospital listed glyphosate use among others while spraying. Also, the farmers are planting illegal BG3 cotton or herbicide-tolerant cotton, which is meant to withstand the spraying of glyphosate. The situation needs much more monitoring if poisoning cases are to be avoided. A key factor that is not regulated is the kind of cotton seeds being planted in Vidarbha which are illegal herbicide tolerant ones and the resistance of pests like the pink bollworm to Bt cotton. Day 2 of the Bangalore Literature Festival started off with a bang, as Shashi Tharoor spoke about his latest book Thanks to the national headlines it made, Shashi Tharoors session on his latest book The Paradoxical Prime Minister on Day 2 of the Bangalore Literature Festival began with a veritable bang. Quoting the last paragraph of the article 'The Emperor Uncrowned the Rise of Narendra Modi' by Vinod K Jose in The Caravan (2012), Tharoor repeated what an anonymous RSS leader said of Narendra Modi of him being like a scorpion sitting on a Shivling, you cannot remove him with your hand and you cannot hit him with your chappal either. This, he said, was perhaps the best description of the complex dynamics between Hindutva and the 'Moditva' expression of it (where Modi has created a personality of himself, which is above Hindutva). He went on to talk of his book and its five segments, all of which are based on his 30 years in politics and four-and-a-half years of analyses of Modis regime. The elegant actor Sarika was in conversation with Sadhana Rao on her journey in the world of movies and outside it as well. She spoke of not having a conventional education or even a home tutor, and how she would circle words and cross reference them with dictionaries to teach herself. It was perhaps the reason why she never let her children miss a day of school. She also spoke of how conducive the industry has become today of creativity, and that the various platforms both online and offline offer movie makers a means to create cinema of their choice and be assured of an audience. At the session An Equal World: Beyond 377, some very pertinent points were made by the panelists. Vasudhendra, a Kannada short story writer and author of Mohanaswamy, said that people do not currently have a knowledge base in their local languages. While #377 is now decriminalised, there is still a lot of ignorance around what it is like to be gay. More literature needs to come out. In fact, most psychologists and psychiatrists are homophobic and that needs to change. What we need is empathy and not sympathy, he said. Madhavi Menon, director of the Centre for Studies in Gender and Sexuality at Ashoka University and author of Infinite Variety: A History of Desire in India, said that for most hetero-identity people, there is no true understanding of the word gay. There is a need to be able to tap into alternate discourses where discussions are fluid and identities are not put into a box. Offering a perspective from Australian society, Robert Dessaix, novelist, essayist and journalist, said that there is a need for a change in the narrative of what it means to be a man or woman in Indian society today, and that may take a century. A very interesting panel was that of Women in the Conflict Zones where well-known journalist Barkha Dutt spoke of her mother Prabha Dutt and how she was the first to report from the war front in 1965. That was not an easy assignment to land, and Barkha drew parallels to her own reporting assignment at Kargil in 1999 and the hesitation of the army to take on women reporters because of the dangers and even the lack of separate toilets for women. The panel comprising Jasmina Tesanovic, Paro Anand, Rashmi Saksena and Humra Quraishi also discussed how they have seen that the impact of conflict on women has changed over the years. While they are still the most scarred and have to rebuild lives of their families from debris, women have now gone from being hurt to being front-line protesters and have forced establishments to reorganise tactics to deal with such pushback. Speaking about Trumpian times, the conversation between Chidanand Rajghatta and Vijay Seshadri, New Yorkbased poet, essayist and literary critic, was punctuated with interesting insights as they shared their reactions on Donald Trump being elected to office. Vijay said, I really think that Trump is not a self-generated phenomenon derived from principles but rather he is the product of a failure of liberalism which created a pocket that held the vote base that brought him to power. It did not help that Hillary Clinton was regarded as a bit too conservative on certain issues Also read on Firstpost Bangalore Literature Festival 2018: Section 377 to Dalit politics, Day 1 brings insights to the fore Shobhaa Des session with Robert Dessaix on her new book, Seventy and to hell with it, though delayed to the second half of the day commanded a full house. Robert and Shobhaa chatted on several thoughts and issues that perhaps come to mind when you hit 70 from wearing comfortable slip-ons because you cant bend down to put on shoes, to feeling unshackled and free, and more. Through the conversation Shobhaa mentioned that while she may want to go on a mountain trek, she knows physically she cant but mentally nothing stops her from going there. Speaking on sex at 70, she said that at that age it is not what it used to be when one is 16, but now it is more sensual something as simple as perfuming yourself. And of course, for Shobhaa, there can be no sex without an emotional involvement. Responding to whether she is afraid of death, Shobhaa explained that there is no stage in life when one does not think of it but, by 70 you are obliged to get the best out of life. It is in the here and now as there may not be a next year. And Shobhaa does believe in life after death. She says, For me its about the fantasy and I imagine it all. It is in my DNA to think that way. It does not however, obsess me." And in keeping with several other sessions that dealt with burning issues of the day, the panel, Mard ko Dard Hoga: #MeToo with journalist Sandhya Menon, Sister Jesme, Tushita Patel, Vinta Nanda and moderated by Barkha Dutt received a much-deserved standing ovation. Recounting their personal stories of harassment and times when women have had to compromise on their careers, Sandhya asked why should a woman's ambition be ignored? We dont want to mistrust men, we like them but, we also end up second guessing ourselves when faced with a lack of belief, Menon said. Speaking on the hypocrisy of the movie industry in sitting up now to pay attention than when Vinta first made the complaint of her rape, Vinta said that at this stage, if hypocrisy leads to something good, why not? And Sr Jesme who faced immense ridicule on leaving the religious congregation to protest sexual harassment said, If you dont deserve the tarnish society paints you with, hold your head high and walk on forward." The Childrens Literature Festival had young ones enthralled with a theatre script writing session with Anuja Ghosalkar, a session on stand-up comedy with comedian Karthik Kumar and more. On the sidelines, team members from Bangalore Busking brought out their typewriters and furiously typed away individualised poems for each person who shared some tidbits with them. Day 2 of the Bangalore Literature Festival closed with the Odyssey of Seven Notes, a performance by Saxophoe Lavanya with Rageshri Dhumal on keyboards, Shalini Mohan on bass, Siddi Shah on drums and Soumya Sanathanan on percussion. Late in the summer of 1977, weeks after the curtain had fallen on the then prime minister Indira Gandhis Emergency, one of its minor characters walked back on to the stage to deliver a strange epilogue. The slight, soft-spoken man who appeared before a special judge in New Delhi was a deputy commissioner in the agriculture ministry, charged by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for possessing assets of Rs 44,86,060.30 that he could not account for. Back then, when Double Seven cost Re 1, this was not a trivial sum the money had bought sprawling properties in upmarket Vasant Vihar and Greater Kailash neighbourhoods of Delhi. The case of deputy commissioner JC Verma, however, had a twist even the best scriptwriters would find unbelievable: his son would go on to become director of the CBI and star in what could be the moment the agency imploded. Like all good melodramas, the savage feud in the CBI has its heroes and villains. For his supporters, CBI chief Alok Verma is the victim of a government determined to block an investigation into the Rafale jet deal. His critics insist the halo of martyrdom belongs to his deputy and bete-noire, Special Director Rakesh Asthana. A caged parrot is how Justice AK Patnaik, now supervising the investigation into the charges Verma and Asthana have levelled at each other, had once described the CBI. For decades, its been clear the parrot in the cage is but a macabre simulacrum, embalmed, stuffed with cotton wool and rigged with gear that lets it occasionally jump about and squawk. Largely based on custodial confessions that have little value as evidence, the legitimacy of these competing narratives is hard to gauge. But the fact that almost every top official in Indias anti-corruption system faces serious graft allegations points us in the direction of the real story: of two powerful gangs of officials, locked in a power struggle. The making of a scandal Born in 1957, Verma grew up in a government housing enclave in Delhis Karol Bagh, graduating from St Xaviers School and Delhi Universitys St Stephens College. He joined the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 1979 and went on to a career of no particular distinction. Bar a year as vigilance commissioner in 2011-12 and another five months as the Delhi Polices intelligence czar in 2012, he held no positions of conceivable relevance to specialised anti-corruption investigations. His longest tenure was at the handicrafts ministry in New Delhi, where he served from 1995 to 2001. In a three-page note opposing Vermas appointment, Leader of the Largest Opposition Party in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said it was imperative to pick a candidate who outranks other candidates on the parameters of experience in the field of anti-corruption and integrity. Rupak Dutta, the senior-most IPS officer then in the CBI, had spent 208 months at the agency and another 43 working under Justice Nitte Santosh Hegde, Karnatakas lokayukta. But Justice Hegde resigned after clashing with Karnatakas BJP government in 2011, and Dutta was tainted by association. Asthana, trusted by Narendra Modi from his Gujarat days, fit the bill but was not senior enough. Former prime minister Manmohan Singhs term saw the CBI target figures close to now-Prime Minister Modi most notably, Amit Shah. The Modi government needed Verma to repay the favour by pursuing two cases that emerged from the United Progressive Alliances years in office. First was a CBI investigation against Delhi businessman Moin Qureshi, alleged to be close to Sonia Gandhi's confidante Ahmed Patel. The second, being investigated by boss-and-lieutenant team Karnal Singh and Rajeshwar Singh at the Enforcement Directorate (ED), involved former finance minister P Chidambaram and his son, Karti Chidambaram. Inside weeks of Vermas appointment, the cast of officers leading these cases was at war and dragged their political patrons into the conflict. The story centered around Rajeshwar Singh, the second-in-command at the ED. Having joined the organisation as a deputy superintendent, Singh rose through the ranks to a position of unprecedented power helped along by the Supreme Courts concern that his investigation of the allegations against Chidambaram was being sabotaged. For an anti-corruption investigator, though, he maintained a close relationship with politicians: Congress leaders Ahmed Patel and Kapil Sibal, who was the former law minister, attended his sons fifth birthday back in 2013. Early in 2017, with Asthana holding the fort as acting director, the CBIs internal vigilance unit shot down the appointments of three officers Rajender Upadhyay, Rajeev Krishna and Meenakshi Krishna citing concerns about their integrity. Upadhyay was considered Vermas protege at the Delhi Police. Perhaps more important, Meenakshi Krishna, Rajeev Krishnas wife, was Rajeshwar Singhs sister. In spite of Vermas efforts, Asthana succeeded in keeping them out. He could have backed down, says a colleague of Asthana, and let the appointments go forward. Perhaps his ego got in the way. In August 2017, when Asthana was to be elevated as CBI special director, Verma hit back. Asthana was, Verma noted, named in a corruption investigation and unfit for promotion. The allegations were related to alleged payoffs from Sterling Biotech, whose promoters Nitin Sandesara, Chetan Sandesara, Dipti Sandesara and Hitesh Patel have fled the country while facing charges. Although the Sandesaras ties to Asthana were well known family sources said they helped the officer resolve a delicate family matter in 2011, and his son interned with Sterling soon after the Supreme Court found that the evidence against him was not compelling. Asthana was promoted but the conflict escalated. In October 2017, the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) had sent out a two-page note, claiming Rajeshwar Singh had made at least one phone call to alleged Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) operative Muhammad Alam Danish Shah. The note led to a furious reaction from Singh, with the ED saying the call was received to gather important information regarding a case. In private, government sources said Singh admitted to having known Shah since the two were children and asked why R&AW had never questioned the supposed ISI agent on his regular visits to India. R&AW chief Anil Dhasmana, the sources said, was asked to examine the allegations that were later withdrawn. ED boss Karnail Singh and Rajeshwar Singh blamed the ugly affair on Samant Goel, who had generated the supposed intelligence. A former Punjab Police officer who heads R&AWs West Asia operations, Goel was a batch-mate and close friend of Asthana. Both men, sources said, suspected Goel had done his friend a favour, hoping it would be repaid with Asthana backing him to the R&AWs top post later this year, over the head of two seniors. Rajeshwar Singh raised the stakes by writing a letter to Finance Secretary Hasmukh Adhia, accusing him of siding with scamsters. For its part, the CBI named Goel and Asthana in an FIR, alleging the R&AW officer acted as a conduit to funnel bribes meant for his batch-mate. In response, Asthana wrote to the Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC), alleging Moin Qureshi-linked businessman Satish Babu Sana had paid Rs 2 crore to get out of the case. Asthana records Sana as saying he had managed Verma through a Telugu Desam Party politician. Politicians inside the government rapidly lined up on either side of the feud. The Verma-Rajeshwar axis received endorsement from Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy as part of his long battle against Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. Jaitley and Adhia turned to the prime minister, seeking backing to end the crisis. Even Modis desperate efforts to bring about a ceasefire failed, and the threat that Verma might use the Rafale deal as a weapon in the battle forced his hand. Who killed the parrot? Industry, Impartiality, Integrity: these must always guide your work, CBIs founding director Dharmnath Kohli wrote to his staff when he retired in May 1968 after five years at the helm. In those years, post-Independent India had seen the first of the corruption scandals that would tear the polity apart: improper investments by the Life Insurance Corporation had cost the then finance minister TT Krishnamachari his job; former mines minister KD Malviya was caught favouring a Kolkata firm, and the then Punjab chief minister Partap Singh Kairon resigned over an accusation of financial impropriety. These conflicts were, arguably, inevitable in an emerging polity. Local elite was, in essence, being asked to surrender power to a central authority. In return, they were offered privileged access to wealth and power. Bureaucrats, in turn, were able to charge rents to give outsiders access to this world of privilege. Indira Gandhi, however, proceeded to transform the CBI into a personal hit-squad, with its chief, D Sen, playing capo. In one case, four junior bureaucrats tasked with gathering data for Parliament on a business run by her son were raided and charged with disproportionate assets. The cases eventually collapsed but the four officers were reduced to wrecks. In less than three years after the Janata government came to power, the CBI saw four directors SN Mathur, CV Narasimhan, John Lobo and RD Singh amid bitter fights over handling of post-Emergency cases against Indira Gandhi. Former prime minister Rajiv Gandhis CBI director Mohan Katre sabotaged investigations into many scandals. The CBI didnt name politicians in the chargesheet involving kickbacks for the purchase of Airbus A320 aircraft. Katre also ensured charges were not brought against Win Chadha, the Bofors agent in India. The investigation team set up to look into the Bofors deal was disbanded by prime minister, Chandra Shekhar. Thus it went on: SK Datta incurred the governments wrath for pursuing bureaucrats named in the stock market scandal of 1992. His successor, K Vijaya Rama Rao, was accused of using corruption cases to silence former prime minister Narasimha Raos opponents in the Congress, and Joginder Singh, hand-picked by former prime minister HD Deve Gowda, was eventually shunted out for moving against a critical ally, the then Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad Yadav. To pursue Amit Shah, the Manmohan Singh government was willing to overlook corruption. Last year, former CBI director Ranjit Sinha was accused of sabotaging the coal block scandal. Another former chief, Amar Pratap Singh, is being investigated for his ties to a Congress-linked businessman. The Modi government did just the same, with predictable consequences. If Asthana or Verma, or both, are telling the truth about each other, the government is responsible for appointing and nurturing criminals in uniform. If both are incorrect, the government will have to answer for putting in office delusional, even crazed, individuals. For the prime minister, there is no way to emerge from this morass untainted. Five decades ago, when Verma was still in college, the then home minister YB Chavan had promised a new law to regulate the CBI. In 1978, the LP Singh committee made suggestions to improve CBI functioning. In 1991-1992, a parliamentary standing committee called for a legislation to regulate the agency. No government has shown the conviction needed to deliver on these promises: expedience seduces more surely than the most attractive principles. The parrots corpse must be autopsied and the cage thrown away for any change to become possible. Theres no sign of political leadership, though that might be willing to do that. Images from Press Trust of India and News18 In the Rajasthan Assembly elections, Hanuman Beniwal's RLP is hoping to divide anti-BJP votes and thus harm the Congress, as well as Vasundhara Raje. The rise of a third front in Rajasthan led by Jat leader Hanuman Beniwal is the best piece of news the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) may have heard in recent months. The new outfit will not only help the BJP in the upcoming Assembly elections but also in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The new front led by Beniwals fledgling Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) is primarily a congregation of former BJP leaders who dont see a future for themselves in the saffron party under Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje. Their common goal is to get into a position from where they can harm not just the Congress but Raje, as well. The end game of their politics is to demolish Raje and return to the BJP as new power centres of politics in Rajasthan. In the Rajasthan Assembly elections scheduled for 7 December, the RLP is hoping to divide anti-BJP votes and thus harm the Congress. Beniwal and his supporters believe they will win a significant number of seats in a hung Assembly and emerge kingmakers like HD Kumaraswamy in Karnataka. If that happens, their first choice would be the BJP, minus Raje. The only leader of significance in the third front is Beniwal himself, by virtue of being a leader of the Jats, who are believed to vote en masse for one party in accordance with an old saying in Rajasthan Jat ki roti, Jat ka vote, pehle Jat ko. At the moment, Jats do not have a leader with a pan-Rajasthan following. Beniwals aim is to fill up this vacuum and become the undisputed leader of the community in the state considered 12 to 14 percent of the electorate and unify them. In an election being defined by an undercurrent of anti-incumbency against Raje, the Congress would have been a natural choice for the Jats. Beniwals presence will give the community another option, therefore hurting the Congress' prospects. However, the challenge for Beniwal is to lead the community away from the Congress. He is trying to do this by attacking former chief minister Ashok Gehlot, who is disliked by Jats for eclipsing leaders from the community in the party. But this strategy may be thwarted by the rise of Sachin Pilot, who is starting with a clean slate with the Jats. The Congress is sending out signals that Pilot is its chief ministerial pick for Rajasthan, thus taking the Jat anger against Gehlot out of the equation. The other problem for the third front is the absence of a broader social coalition. Unlike Lalu Prasad Yadav in Bihar, or Akhilesh Yadav in Uttar Pradesh, who have the support of Muslims and a few other communities, the Jats stand alone with Beniwal. So their 12 to 14 percent votes can help them defeat a candidate but not win an election. Also, whenever a powerful community starts asserting itself in Rajasthan, it leads to counter-polarisation. This problem could have been addressed if the other leaders in the new front had a large base. But Beniwals partners. such as Ghanshyam Tiwari, lack the ability to win from even their own constituencies. So the third front may not find the going easy, with just one leader of significance on the forefront. In the long run though, Beniwals rise will help the BJP. It is widely believed that whatever the outcome of the Assembly polls, the BJP will fight elections to Parliament under a new leader who will replace Raje. In all likelihood, the BJP will either anoint a Rajput or a Brahmin as its new face. If Beniwal joins the party under the new leadership, the BJP will be able to forge a larger social coalition, giving it access to a wider vote base than in the Assembly polls. In both Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema, the story of Telugu politics is rife with both staged attacks by party sympathisers, as well as a long trail of actual murders. The Andhra Pradesh Police on Sunday submitted a remand report to the VII Additional Metropolitan Magistrate Court in Visakhapatnam, formally conceding that cafeteria waiter Janipalli Srinivasa Rao had attacked YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leader YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on 25 October with the intention to kill. This report, thus, dismisses the political narrative of the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) government that it was a "staged attack" aimed at increasing Jagan's popularity by garnering sympathy, ahead of the elections next year. Political accusations Rao attacked Jagan last Thursday at the Visakhapatnam airport. Bizarrely, the accused purportedly requested Reddy for a selfie and even took it before stabbing him in the arm with a sharp object. Reddy escaped narrowly and providentially. The YSRCP called the attack a "conspiracy by the TDP and N Chandrababu Naidu" aimed at eliminating the Opposition leader, whose continuing padayatra (march) of over 3,000 kilometres has augmented palpable anti-incumbency. The YSRCP is sensing a victory in the polls next year and is gearing up to dethrone Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. However, the TDP countered the allegation, calling it a "staged drama" that was part of a conspiracy by the YRSCP in cahoots with the BJP to garner sympathy for Jagan. With the state police acknowledging in court that the attack was a serious one, even saying that had the attack been executed as planned, it could have been fatal, it has triggered a wave of panic across Andhra Pradesh and its politics because after a hiatus of nearly 14 years, murder politics might have staged a comeback. Real murders, staged attacks The story of Telugu politics is rife with both fake attacks staged by party sympathisers, as well as a long trail of actual murders in both the Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema regions of the state. Murder politics, of which both the Congress and TDP are guilty, has kept politicians and their followers at risk and the state at an emotive and hysterical edge in phases. On 9 January, 1984, during the first anniversary celebrations of the formation of the TDP, its founder and cine idol NT Rama Rao was attacked by a 22-year-old assailant, Mallela Babji, with a pen-knife. NTR had escaped with a minor thumb injury, but the attack, in glaring public view at the Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium in Hyderabad, set the precedent. It was subsequently proven conclusively that it was a staged attack aimed at creating a wave of public sympathy for NTR. The Justice C Sriramulu Commission report stated that the attacker was an NTR fan, and worse, his subsequent death by hanging from a ceiling fan was not a suicide but a murder aimed at suppressing the embarrassing truth. The report held the then TDP government responsible for "suppressing the homicide". The report also concluded that the now-deceased sub-inspector investigating the case, J Sambasiva Rao, had misled the inquiry to shield the names of NTR and his son-in-law N Chandrababu Naidu, who were both named in a letter by Babji. In this letter, the supposed assailant had called NTR's injury "self-inflicted", adding that he was offered Rs 3 lakh for the attack but only paid Rs 30,000. Ironically, it is the public memory of this staged attack that has given credence to the fusillade of statements bolstering the TDP theory that Jagan, too, had staged an attack on himself using a "fan" as mentioned in the police report to carry it out, using a "harmless" instrument and causing a minor injury. Trail of murders Political attacks and murders are not new to the politics of Andhra Pradesh. In the mid to late 1980s, Vijayawada was in the grip of rowdies who ran organised crime with political patronage. In some cases, these gangsters joined and rose in political ranks, having penetrated both parties, transforming gang wars into political murders. In the most dramatic case, Vangaveti Ranga Rao, a Congress MLA and gangster with a huge caste following in the Kapu community, was murdered by a rival gang led by TDP leader Devineni Rajasekhar "Nehru" when he was fasting unto death. Earlier, the same rival gang had also killed his brother Vangaveti Radhakrishna. Devineni Rajasekhar "Nehru" had entered politics after the TDP was formed, and his elder brother, Devineni "Gandhi" was killed. Subsequently, his younger brother Murali was also killed as a revenge for the murder of Ranga Rao. The death of Ranga Rao had led to large-scale violence against businesses owned by TDP leaders, particularly those held by leaders from the dominant Kamma caste, including the Eenadu media house. A statewide curfew was imposed for weeks, and buses stopped plying between cities after sunset. Perhaps it was the deep scars in the collective memory of the event that led to controversy over the release of Vangaveeti, written and directed by Ram Gopal Varma. The families of both rival gangs had objected to many a scene and dialogue in the movie. Rayalseema faction killings In the neighbouring hot-headed province of Rayalaseema, with its own long history of faction violence and family feuds spanning generations, TDP legislator P Siva Reddy was killed in a bomb attack on 7 August, 1993. A day before his death, he had asked for additional security from the then Congress government in the Assembly. Making political currency out of the bomb attack, NTR had rushed to the crime scene, prevented the police from moving Siva Reddy's body, and instead, led a procession to Raj Bhavan, seeking dismissal of the Congress government. Taking an "oath" to never enter the Assembly until he was elected chief minister, NTR had used the bombing to make a successful comeback the next year. Between the late 1980s and mid-1990s, Andhra Pradesh was caught in a web of political murders and subsequent retaliations and revenge killings. These murders were not restricted to just political leaders; several followers were also killed. A particularly gruesome killing was of former MP Madduru Subba Reddy, who had also served as a minister in PV Narasimha Rao's cabinet in the state in 1973. Killed on 20 June, 1996, at the age of 83 having undergone a bypass surgery a few weeks earlier the bus in which he was travelling to Kurnool was attacked with bombs. He was beheaded and only his torso was left behind at the bus station. The killers had taken his severed head as a trophy. This had led the Congress, which reportedly had lost over 50 leaders that year, to accuse the Chandrababu Naidu government of having given his party cadre the green signal to eliminate political rivals, a charge he refuted. YSR family and Naidu The most infamous, bloodiest and fiercest of rivalries featured TDP minister Paritala Ravindra, a former Naxalite, and a failed attempt to kill him with a car bomb in 1997 at a film studio in Hyderabad. This had led to the death of over 40 people, including six TV journalists covering the event Ravindra was attending. He was at the studio to launch a movie on his father, Sri Ramulayya. Ravindra was pushed to a career in insurgency and murder after his father and brother were killed in separate incidents. Former TDP MP and actor Mohan Babu had escaped unhurt in the attack. A year later, miner and factionist YS Raja Reddy, father of former chief minister YS Rajasekhara (YSR) Reddy and Jagan's grandfather, was murdered on 23 May, 1998, by bombs and knives as part of a long factionist feud. On 24 January, 2005, months after the TDP was defeated and the Congress came back to power in Andhra Pradesh after nearly a decade, TDP leader Paritala Ravindra was shot dead at point-blank range at the party office. Jagan was accused of having supported the conspiracy, or perhaps even having masterminded the plan to kill Paritala, forcing his father, the then chief minister YSR, to order an inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation, which had acquitted Jagan of all charges. Movies and politics The horror of the rivalry had prompted Ram Gopal Varma to direct a multi-lingual movie in two parts Rakhta Charitra, in which Vivek Oberoi had played the role of Paritala on screen. Subsequently, all major political killings stopped, despite the odd sporadic gang war or faction killing. With the attack on Jagan, the politics of Andhra Pradesh has been jolted out of complacency. The fear that murder politics are back after a long gap of nearly 14 years is real. While it is unlikely there will be any objective conclusions to whether Jagan pulled an NTR and staged the attack on himself, or whether the TDP sent an assailant to get rid of the Leader of Opposition before the elections, fear is truly back in the politics of Andhra Pradesh. And Ram Gopal Varma must have started work on his next movie script. Debnaths name had appeared in the complete draft National Register of Citizens (NRC) published on July 30, the police said. The family of the victim said that he was upset after he received a notice from the foreigners tribunal in Udalguri that he was a suspected foreigner and will have to prove his citizenship. Guwahati: A man suffering from depression following the notice from the foreigners tribunal to prove his citizenship allegedly committed suicide in Assam on Sunday. Police on Monday said that they are probing the allegation of the family that officials of the local foreigners tribunal demanded money in bribe to settle the victims case. Police said that Deepak Debnath was found dead on Sunday in the backyard of his residence in Ghagra village of Udalguri in Bodo Territorial Administrative Districts. The superintendent of police of Udalguri Mr Rajveer told reporters, The case was reported to us on Sunday morning. No sucide note was found from the place, the victim was found dead. 49-year-old Debnath worked as a bicycle mechanic. We have received a complain from the family members. His family has alleged that the officials of the Udalguri Foreigners Tribunal demanded a bribe to settle the case, the SP said. The family of the victim said that he was upset after he received a notice from the foreigners tribunal in Udalguri that he was a suspected foreigner and will have to prove his citizenship. However, Debnaths name had appeared in the complete draft National Register of Citizens (NRC) published on July 30, the police said. TRS does not want any agitation in state, it wants to project everything alright under its regime in Telangana, says activist Bandru Vimala. Hyderabad: Telangana is in the news again, ever since K Chandrasekhar Rao, the states first chief minister and the president of the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), dissolved the Assembly on 6 September this year in a surprise move. Polls to the state will now be held on 7 December and the results announced on 11 December. Weighing in on events and the state of the state is Bandru Vimala, popularly known as Vimalakka among the downtrodden in Telangana, and an activist who played a prominent role as part of the Joint Action Committee for the creation of the state from undivided Andhra Pradesh. In 2014, Telangana became Indias 29th state comprising Telugu-speaking regions. The 54-year-old Vimalakka is also a balladeer, heading the folk troupe Arunodaya Samskritika Samakhya, and leader of the state womens organisation, a voluntary welfare group. She tours Telangana organising cultural events and raising her voice for public issues. The daughter of revolutionary Bandru Narsimayya, who participated in the Telangana rebellion, Vimalakka considers her father a role model and inspiration for her ideas. With him, she used to attend meetings of activists and writers fighting for the state and started singing revolutionary songs when she was only eight years old. Today, Vimalakka faces police cases as part of her longstanding campaign for the separate state, which she has been involved with since 1995, and has even spent time in jail. She believes that the KCR government has over the past four years since Telangana was created ignored the welfare of people, and instead worked to benefit capitalists, landlords and industrialists. Excerpts from the interview: Tell us about your father and his influence on your ideas. My father Bandru Narsimayya is a revolutionary and he took an active role in the rebellion against landlords and the anti-people activities of the government. I witnessed not just revolutionary writers and activists visiting our home but the police too. While the writers and activists visited to chalk out plans for meetings, the police visited our home to harass our father. His commitment and dedication to the downtrodden and oppressed segments of society left a mark on me. I have been taking his advice till date. Many Telangana traditions and cultural symbols, which were looked down upon by the erstwhile Andhra Pradesh government and society, have not been given special attention by the new state government too. How do you think this is working in bringing out the state's rich heritage? The TRS government has done nothing to bring out of the state's rich heritage. Festivals like Bathukamma and Bonalu are part of Telangana tradition and culture and have been celebrated in the region for long. There were no TV channels in the earlier times. Now, the only reason there is some focus on these festivals is because of the media glare. I am not against women celebrating Bathukamma festival in Hyderabad, but it is a festival to be celebrated at the village level. Some people are claiming proprietorship of these festivals. Telangana happened because of the peoples agitation. The state became a reality due to all people. No one person or group has the right to claim credit for it. It is the collective participation of people which made the state. What are you singing about these days? I visited many places in Telangana to promote Bahujana Bathukamma. It is aimed at ensuring the participation of all parties in celebrating the Bathukamma festival. The festival is confined to selective sections of society, now that the dream of Telangana state has been realised. Workers and agricultural labourers are not able to take part in the celebrations. Do you have any plans to campaign for political parties? Who wants your support? The state Congress unit has called upon you to join their campaign. Will you do so? I am not contesting the Telangana Assembly elections, nor am I supporting any political party. I just want to make it clear that we want to safeguard the environment and cannot allow open-cast mining. I want to raise awareness among people so that they ask their candidates to produce a blueprint or plan to prevent people from migrating to cities for livelihood. Many of the prominent faces of the Telangana movement such as Prof B Kodandaram and balladeer Gaddar seem disillusioned with the TRS. Why is this? TRS leaders do not want to encourage or support them. The TRS does not want any dissent or agitation. They want to project that everything is alright under their regime. The government machinery is being misused to suppress Dalit movements in the state. False cases are being filed against activists; people are still being killed in encounters. For example, five suspected terrorists were killed on April 8, 2015, near Alair in Nalgonda district of Telangana. You supported K Chandrashekar Rao during the Telangana movement. Why are you against him now? Rao, after becoming the chief minister of the state, has just forgotten about those who supported him during the Telangana movement. While he wanted our support earlier, is it not required while ruling the state? He has continued to support and encourage capitalists from Andhra Pradesh. I am not against the people of Andhra Pradesh but against capitalists who thrive by exploiting the people of Telangana. Rao has failed to distribute the excess land to the landless poor. Not a single acre of land has been recovered from the landlords till date. He used the suicides of youth in Telangana during the agitation. Around 1,400 people sacrificed their lives for the state but the new government has only identified a few hundreds of people as martyrs for Telangana. Kaluvurthi Kavitha, KCR's daughter, promoted Bathukamma festival in Telangana. It is true that I shared the stage with Kavitha during a women convention in Warangal. She has forgotten me after being elected to the Lok Sabha. I called her over the phone to congratulate her, but in vain. Later, her assistant sent me a message. She has not spoken to me in the last four-and-a-half years. What, in your view, are the KCR government's failings? The TRS government has belied the hopes of the people of Telangana. It promised the moon but delivered nothing. The government has not helped students from economically poor families to pursue higher studies. It has not been spent funds on construction of school buildings or repairing the existing ones in rural areas. I want the government to enable girls to pursue higher studies, instead of offering them some welfare schemes. The TRS has also failed to re-open sugar factories in Telangana. Hundreds of workers and sugarcane farmers will benefit if these factories are made functional again. K Chandrashekar Rao has also not done anything to mitigate the problems of labourers in cities and agricultural labourers in rural areas. He has failed to meet the expectations of the people. The author is a freelance writer and member of 101Reporters.com Randeep Surjewala said the people of Naxal-hit Chhattisgarh had made up their mind to oust the 'incompetent and worthless government of Chief Minister Raman Singh'. New Delhi: Condemning the Maoist attack in poll-bound Chhattisgarh in which two police personnel and a Doordarshan News cameraman were killed, the Congress Tuesday expressed its condolences and said people were determined to oust the Raman Singh government from the state. While Congress president Rahul Gandhi said the attack in the state's Dantewada district had saddened him, the party's chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala paid tributes to the deceased and termed the BJP government in the state "incompetent and worthless". Two policemen were also injured in the attack near Nilavaya village, about 450 km from the state capital Raipur. Chief Minister Raman Singh has described the ambush as a cowardly act by Naxals who are against democracy and development and have acted out of desperation. Expressing his sorrow and condolences, the Congress chief said on Twitter, "I express my sorrow and deep condolences to the families of the two policemen and Doordarshan cameraman killed in the attack." Surjewala paid tributes to the deceased and said the people of Naxal-hit Chhattisgarh had made up their mind to oust the "incompetent and worthless government of Chief Minister Raman Singh". "A coward and scared Raman Singh has no right to be the chief minister even for a minute now," said Surjewala. Senior Congress leader Anand Sharma described the attack as disturbing and said the BJP government in the state and the central government could have made elaborate arrangements ahead of elections in the state. Hitting out at the government, he cited Home Minister Rajnath Singh's claim of having curbed Naxalism. "The attack took place around 11 am in a forest area near Nilavaya village. The Maoists ambushed a squad of local police who were carrying out patrol duties on motorcycles from the Sameli camp towards Nilavaya," said Deputy Inspector General (anti-Naxal operations) Sundarraj P. "A three-member team of Doordarshan was travelling for election-related news coverage at the same time and was caught in the cross-fire," he said. Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore has strongly condemned the attack and said the insurgents won't be able to weaken the government's resolve. "Strongly condemn the Naxal attack on Doorshan crew in Dantewada. Deeply saddened by the demise of our cameraman Achyuta Nanda Sahu and two CRPF jawans. These insurgents will not weaken our resolve. We will prevail," the minister tweeted. Devendra Fadnavis said the Sena understands the 'political fact' that the two parties would suffer if they contest the polls separately. Mumbai: Notwithstanding the Shiv Sena's frequent criticism of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led governments at the Centre and in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has expressed hope that the two parties stitch an alliance for the 2019 general and state assembly polls. Fadnavis, whose government will complete four years in office on Wednesday, said the Sena understands the "political fact" that the two parties would suffer if they contest the polls separately as he said the coming together of Congress, NCP and others has "consolidated the opposition's vote bank". The chief minister, interacting with a group of select media persons late Monday night, said he did not think the general and state assembly elections would be held simultaneously and that his party had favoured against the idea. He rubbished some recent media reports that cited a survey by a Delhi-based agency which claimed that six BJP MPs and around 50 of its legislators were likely to taste defeat due to their "poor performance". Fadnavis said Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) internal survey was rather "encouraging" and also claimed that the party will have more of its MLAs getting elected. In the 2014 Maharashtra polls, the BJP had emerged as the single largest party, winning 122 seats of the total 288. Fadnavis, however, ruled out the possibility of the BJP having any understanding with NCP for the polls. "I think the political fact in Maharashtra right now is that the Congress, NCP and some other parties have come together. Their coming together has consolidated the vote bank of the opposition," he observed. He stressed that the BJP and Shiv Sena were "close to each other ideologically" and shared a big common chunk of the vote bank. "Both the parties would suffer (due to division of votes) in case their candidates are pitted against each other. We understand this political fact, so does the Shiv Sena. Hence, I think both the Shiv Sena and we will come together," he added. The chief minister also made light of the Sena's criticism of his government through its leaders and mouthpiece Saamana, saying it "does not have a bearing on the government". "The government is run by the cabinet which is held peacefully. We discuss issues and take decisions unanimously. There has not been a single decision in the last four years that we took by vote," he claimed. Maharashtra BJP chief Raosaheb Danve had on Monday said in Nagpur that the party's internal survey had showed that it would win 200 Assembly seats in the 288-member state assembly. When asked about the chances of BJP-Sena alliance in view of Danve's comments, Fadnavis said the party's state unit chief only talked about the number of seats the BJP was capable of winning. "But we have to work together (with the Shiv Sena). We will decide on the number of seats to be shared (by both the parties) and will contest (accordingly)," he added. To a question whether the Maratha and Dhangar communities would still support the BJP in the polls in view of their intense agitation for quota, Fadnavis replied in the positive. He said "historically" it was seen that the demand for reservation and elections were unrelated. Citing examples, the chief minister said the previous Congress-NCP coalition had announced quota for Marathas ahead of the 2014 Assembly elections and yet suffered defeat. Similarly, the BJP won the civic body polls in Sangli and Jalgaon despite the pro-quota stir by Marathas being at its peak earlier this year, he added. Mulayam first reached office of his brother's party, PSPL, where he exchanged pleasantries with him and and then drove down to headquarters of SP. Lucknow: Amid the festering family feud, Samajwadi Party (SP) founder Mulayam Singh Yadav on Tuesday visited offices of both his party, now headed by his son Akhilesh Yadav and the newly-floated rebel outfit of his brother Shivpal Yadav, leaving his party workers wondering where his sympathies lie. Coming barely a month after his second son Prateek Yadav's wife Aparna Yadav openly expressed her support to uncle Shivpal Yadav, the SP patriarch's visit to both the outfits during the day compounded the confusion of party workers in the run up to the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. "We have been left wondering with whom Netaji's (Mulayam) sympathies lie and which party to work for," said a veteran party worker, requesting anonymity. Mulayam Singh first reached the office of his brother's fledgling party, Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party-Lohia (PSPL) at 6, Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, where he exchanged pleasantries with him and where he was even requested to don the mantle of the new outfit's president. And then he drove down to the nearby headquarter of his party, headed by his son and briefly addressed the party workers, giving them his 'mantra' on how to win the next Lok Sabha elections. "I have offered the party president's post to 'Netaji' (Mulayam Singh Yadav) and a ticket to contest the LS election from the Mainpuri seat. Our party will carry forward the Lohia ideologies," said Shivpal Yadav. "We have formed the party with the blessings of 'Netaji'," he said as enthusiastic party workers garlanded Mulayam Singh Yadav, who, however, remained non-committal to Shivpal's public offer of the new party's presidentship. At the PSPL office, Mulayam was also offered the new party's flag by Shivpal Yadav and both of them posed before shutterbugs. Shivpal Yadav was recently allotted by the Yogi Adityanath government the sprawling bungalow at Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, vacated by BSP supremo Mayawati on Supreme Court orders. The SP workers' confusion began last month when Prateek Yadav's wife participated in a function organised by Shivpal Yadav and expressed her support for him. She was reported as promising to work towards strengthening the PSPL. Aparna Yadav, who shared the stage with Shivpal Yadav, had said, "I have always respected chachaji and Netaji (Mulayam Singh Yadav) and we will work towards making the Secular Morcha (of Shivpal Yadav) stronger." Aparna Yadav had also said Shivpal Yadav would decide a suitable time for her to join and contest from the Secular Morcha. Previously too, Mulayam Singh Yadav had made an appearance at a function along side his brother Shivpal Yadav after he launched his new outfit. The event was organised to mark the death anniversary of the party ideologue Ram Manohar Lohia. Though on that occasion Mulayam Singh Yadav had refrained from taking questions from the media, Shivpal Yadav had expressed happiness over the presence of his elder brother. "On Tuesday, Netaji has graced the occasion with his presence and has given us his blessings. I am sure he will continue to give us his blessings in the future also," he had said. In August, Shivpal Yadav had launched 'Samajwadi Secular Morcha' after expressing his disappointment with the Samajwadi Party leadership. In the suit, Kartikey Chouhan alleged that Rahul Gandhi intentionally gave the statement to defame him. The court posted the matter for 3 November when Chouhan's statement will be recorded. Bhopal: Kartikey Chouhan, son of Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, on Tuesday filed a criminal defamation case against Congress chief Rahul Gandhi for alleging that his name figured in the Panama Papers. Gandhi, meanwhile, said he mentioned the name of Chouhan's son in the context of Panama Papers due to "confusion". Gandhi, while addressing a rally in Jhabua district of the poll-bound Madhya Pradesh Monday, had said that the name of the son of mamaji, a chief minister, had figured in the Panama Papers but no action was taken against him. Though Gandhi had not specifically identified the chief minister, he was referring to Chouhan who is popularly known as mamaji. The defamation suit was filed by Kartikey Chouhan in the Special Court of Additional District Judge (ADJ) Suresh Singh through his lawyer Shirish Shrivastava. In the suit, Kartikey Chouhan alleged that Gandhi intentionally gave the statement to defame him. The criminal defamation case was filed under sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Under these sections, a person guilty of criminal defamation can be sent to jail for two years. The court posted the matter for 3 November when Kartikey Chouhan's statement will be recorded. "The statement of Rahul is intended to defame Chouhan and his family. When they (the Congress) failed to make a dent in the popularity of the chief minister, they are levelling allegations against his family and children. It was the clear intention. It was a well-planned statement," his counsel Shrivastava said. On Monday night, Kartikey Chouhan had said in a tweet, "Rahul Gandhi has made a false allegation of my involvement in Panama Papers. I am aggrieved as the image of mine and my family were damaged in a childish manner. If he (Gandhi) did not apologise within 48 hours, I am compelled to take strict legal action against him." Gandhi, while interacting with a select group of journalists in Indore on Tuesday, gave a clarification on the issue. "For campaigning I am touring Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan these days. The ruling BJP has indulged in so many scams and corruption that yesterday (Monday) I got confused. In Panama Paper Leak case, Madhya Pradesh chief minister has no role, he said when asked about his controversial remarks made in Jabhua on Monday. However, he reiterated his allegation that Chouhan has a "role" in scams like Vyapam and e-tendering among others. Gandhi had said on Monday, "Udhar Chowkidar, Idhar Mamaji. Mamaji ke jo beta hai, Panama Papers me unka naam nikalta hai. (On one side, you have the watchman, on the other side you have 'mamaji'. The name of the son of 'mamaji' figured in Panama Papers). "Nawaz Sharif Pakistan ke Prime Minister ka naam nikalta hai..Pakistan jaise desh me unko jail me daal dete hai. Magar Yahan ke chief minister ka beta, uska naam Panama Papers me nikalta hai to koi karyawai nahi hoti (The name of former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif appears in Panama Papers. In a country like Pakistan, he is jailed. Here, the name of the son of a chief minister figures in Panama Papers but no action is taken)," Gandhi had said at the rally. The Panama Papers refer to 11.5 million leaked documents published by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists with details of offshore entities set up by a Panamanian legal firm. The papers had named several world leaders and celebrities as having stashed money abroad in offshore companies. They also included details of entities set up by some Indian nationals. The leak had surfaced in 2016. In poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi began his day Monday by offering prayers at Ujjain's Mahakaleshwar temple, addressed two election rallies and signed it off with a road-show in Indore amid chants of 'Har Har Mahadev'. Indore: In poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi began his day Monday by offering prayers at Ujjain's Mahakaleshwar temple, addressed two election rallies and signed it off with a road-show in Indore amid chants of "Har Har Mahadev". While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) retorted, saying Gandhi was trying to build his image as that of a "Shiv bhakt" with his temple visits, the Congress chief hit out at the Narendra Modi government at the Centre and the Shivraj Singh Chouhan regime in Madhya Pradesh, alleging failures on several fronts, including jobs and corruption. Earlier in the day, Gandhi addressed public meetings at Ujjain and Jhabua. The Congress had in 2017 said that Gandhi was an ardent "Shiv bhakt". In August, he had undertaken the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. Clad in white kurta-pyjama, Gandhi waved at the people from an open-top vehicle and shook hands with some of them during the three-kilometre journey from the Bada Ganpati intersection in the state's commercial capital to the historic Rajwada. His vehicle passed through dense commercial areas like the Tory Corner, Lohar Patti and Jawahar Marg, before reaching its destination. He was greeted with the chants of "Har Har Mahadev" (hail Lord Shiva) by the party workers at many places. Addressing a corner meeting from his vehicle at Rajwada, Gandhi attacked the BJP-led central government over the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), which he often dubs as the "Gabbar Singh Tax". "Did the shopkeepers of Indore benefit from the Gabbar Singh Tax? This tax regime has added to the difficulties of small traders," the Congress chief said. The GST would be implemented in a "correct manner" if the Congress was elected to power after the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, he said, adding that his party would bring in "a corruption-free system of one-tax, lower-tax". Gandhi accused the Chouhan government of "failing" to provide employment to the youth in the state and "ruining" the traditional textile industry of Indore. He alleged that the Centre waived the debts of crores of rupees of 15 rich people in the country, "but it does not want to waive the debts of farmers, labourers and small shopkeepers". The Congress chief was accompanied by the party's state unit chief, Kamal Nath, and Jyotiraditya Scindia, who heads its state campaign committee. Indore is considered a bastion of the ruling BJP. In the 2013 state Assembly polls, the saffron party had won all the five seats here. Earlier in the day, Gandhi performed "puja" at the ancient Mahakaleshwar temple of Lord Shiva in Ujjain, located 62 kilometres from here. Mahakaleshwar is one of the 12 "jyotirlingas" (special shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva) in the country. Wearing a cream-coloured "shola" (dhoti), the Congress chief entered the sanctum sanctorum, along with Nath and Scindia. It was Gandhi's second visit to the shrine. His first visit was in 2010. BJP president Amit Shah had visited the temple on July 14. He had then flagged off Chouhan's "Jan Ashirwad Yatra". Meanwhile, Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said at Raipur in Chhattisgarh that Gandhi was trying to build his image as a "Shiv bhakt" with his temple visits Madhya Pradesh, where the Congress is in the opposition since 2003, will go to the polls on 28 November and the results will be announced on 11 December. During his two-day tour that began Monday, Gandhi will visit the politically crucial Malwa-Nimar region, which accounts for 66 of the 230 Assembly seats in the state. In the 2013 polls, the BJP had won 56 seats in the region and the Congress had managed to bag just nine, while one seat had gone to an Independent candidate. During his tour, Gandhi is scheduled to address rallies in Jhabua, Indore, Dhar, Khargone and Mhow. In a tweet, the chief minister said that Rahul had been making 'frivolous and malafide statements' against him and his family in the Vyapam scam and the Panama papers case and said he would file the criminal defamation suit on Tuesday. Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday announced his decision to file a criminal defamation suit against Congress president Rahul Gandhi for making "patently false allegations" against him. In a tweet, the chief minister said that Rahul had been making "frivolous and malafide statements" against him and his family in the Vyapam scam and the Panama papers case. Mr @RahulGandhi You have been making patently false allegations of Vyapam to Panama Papers against me and my family. Tomorrow, I am filing a criminal defamation suit for maximum damages against you for frivolous and malafide statements. Let law take its own course now. ShivrajSingh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) October 29, 2018 In a series of tweets, the chief minister slammed the Congress for a "culture that always demeans the BJP's ground leaders". He said, "The prime minister (Narendra Modi), is called 'vile' and 'bicchu', I am called 'nalayak'. Staying away from power is probably going to be difficult for them and have an impact on their mental health." He added, "The Congress over the past several years has been making unrestrained allegations about me and my family." Chouhan said that his decision to file the suit was taken after Rahul mentioned that Chouhan's son Kartikey had been named in the Panama papers case. Addressing a public meeting on Monday in the Jhabua district of Madhya Pradesh, Rahul had targeted Chouhan, alleging that "rampant corruption" had taken place in the state during his rule. He claimed that the name of the son of 'mamaji', a chief minister, had figured in the Panama Papers but no action was taken against him. Though Rahul did not specifically mention the chief minister, it is speculated that he was referring to Chouhan because he is popularly known as 'mamaji'. "On one side, you have the 'chowkidaar', on the other side you have 'mamaji'. The name of the son of 'mamaji' figured in the Panama papers," Rahul said. He added that even former Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif was jailed after his name appeared in the case, but "no action has been taken against the son of a chief minister". Madhya Pradesh is set to go to polls later in November. With inputs from agencies This newfound love between sworn enemies is a result of the high stakes the elections present for Congress-JD(S) combine, higher than for BJP. Exactly a month ago, on 30 September, former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah announced that he was the troubleshooter for the coalition government of Congress and Janata Dal (Secular). He said this with the same nonchalant confidence that James Bond displayed in Moonraker when he promised to save the world from the evil designs of villain Hugo Drax. The Congress leader gleefully tweeted about his unofficial status in the party as a gallant Knight in Shining Armour who will rescue it from any troubles that may erupt. I have been made the leader of coordination committee to be the troubleshooter for the coalition govt. I ll nt allow anyone to destabilize the govt. Our govt will complete full 5 yr term. Ppl have very good opinion & farm loan waiver is being appreciated by all.@INCKarnataka Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) September 30, 2018 But this only drew amused chuckles on local TV channels and in street-corner teashops and sparked a lively debate on whether Siddaramaiah was a troublemaker or a troubleshooter for the coalition government. That was because his announcement followed a sordid saga of troubles that the former chief minister himself had heaped on the coalition, after it was hastily stitched up to rule Karnataka to keep BJP out of power, following the hung result of the May Assembly elections. The latest trouble that needs shooting is not of the making of Siddaramaiah but, of course, he is at the forefront to redeem the party. Danger, or the possibility of it, has arrived in the form of five by-elections on 3 November: three to the Lok Sabha and two to the Assembly. These are the first elections that the Congress and JD(S) are fighting together, after fighting each other for long before the Assembly elections and squabbling on sundry issues even after they formed a coalition. Siddaramaiah is now ensuring the only thing he can: putting up a facade of unity between leaders of the two parties as they campaign in the constituencies of Mandya, Ballari and Shivamogga (Lok Sabha) and Ramanagaram and Jamkhandi (Assembly). The former chief minister even shared a stage with arch-rival and JD(S) leader HD Deve Gowda, whose son HD Kumaraswamy is the coalition chief minister, for the first time in 12 years. Siddaramaiah and the Gowda family, who havent been able to see eye to eye, are now seemingly discovering the virtue of the ancient wisdom that united we stand, divided we fall. Rubbing shoulders with Gowda and his son could hardly have been a lovely experience for Siddaramaiah. He was Gowdas trusted protege for some 20 years till he left him in 2005. He is miffed that Gowda deprived him of the chief ministers job twicein 1996 and 2004and promoted his own son Kumaraswamy. Even during this years Assembly elections, Siddaramaiah and Gowda tried to politically destroy each other. High-stakes elections This newfound love between sworn enemies is a result of the high stakes the elections present for Congress-JD(S) combine, higher than for BJP. A poor performance may not only wreck the alliance in the state but may have the potential of taking the wind out of the sails of Opposition unity across India. Between the two uneasy partners, a defeat can be more crushing for Congress. It will mean that Congress president Rahul Gandhi, who wants to go down in the history as an impresario of Opposition unity to rescue the nation from the monster of BJPs communalism, will not only lose face but even bargaining power in striking future alliances. Besides, a dismal showing by Congress in the two seats where it has candidatesBallari (Lok Sabha) and Jamkhandi (Assembly)will strengthen the contention within the party that the alliance is doing more harm than good to it. And in case of unexpected victories for BJP, Siddaramaiah doesnt want to be seen as the man responsible. Or perhaps he has been told to hold fire by Gandhi. Leaders are united, workers arent But saving the allianceif it needs savingisnt easy. Though the leaders of Congress and JD(S) seem to be united, the workers of the two parties arent. The unity forced down their throats is choking a lot of them. There is utter unhappiness in Congress over letting JD(S) contest Ramanagaram Assembly seat and Mandya Lok Sabha in the Old Mysuru region, where the rivalry between the two parties before they joined hands was the fiercest. Historically, both have been relying on the same vote bank of upper-caste Vokkaligas here. In Mandya on Sunday, for instance, a former Congress minister and a known enemy of Gowda threw the mic in disgust at a joint meeting of the parties. Discontent in other constituencies too is evident, though it is unclear yet as to what extent it will affect the fate of the alliance candidates. On his part, Siddaramaiah is doing everything he can to rule out any scope for accusing fingers to be pointed at him. But the seriousness of his troubleshooting intentions is suspect in the eyes of many, considering his troublemaking record. Once Kumaraswamy became the chief minister, Siddaramaiah publicly expressed doubts over how long his government would last, said the new government shouldnt present a full-fledged budget, questioned the need for the mega loan waiver scheme for farmers, expressed peeve over the dilution of some of his own populist schemes, got himself admitted to a naturopathy clinic from where he allegedly masterminded the release of some mischievous video clips. Siddaramaiah also created wholesale confusion by declaring he would be the next chief minister without saying how and when, became the rallying point for MLAs unhappy over not being made ministers and, as if all this wasnt enough, he allegedly encouraged the famous Jarkiholi brothers of the Belagavi district to rebel and nearly topple the government. And then he said he was a troubleshooter. Siddaramaiahs troublemaking was always in fits and starts. When he thought his sabre-rattling had made enough newspaper headlines, he would become as peaceful as a dovetill he picked up the next issue to send Kumaraswamy driving up the wall. He alternated between being a provocateur and a peacemaker so fast that it left everybody baffled. But ever since his 30 September declaration that he would not allow anybody to rock the coalition boat, he has done or said nothing to annoy Kumaraswamy. Both Congress and JD(S) are, however, agog with speculation that Siddaramaiah may once again don the hat of a troublemaker after the results of the by-elections are out on 6 November. The author tweets @sprasadindia 20:23 (IST) New iPad Pro features and specifications Edge-to-edge LCD Liquid Retina display like on the iPhone XR Will be available in two models one with a 11-inch display and a 12.9-inch display New iPad Pros are thinner and smaller but with bigger displays Face ID comes to the Apple iPad Offers facial authentication log into apps and pay via Apple Pay Works in portrait landscape and even when using a keyboard New gestures on the iPad Pro work similar to the new iPhones with edge-to-edge displays Powered by an all-new A12X Bionic with 7 nm technology Offers a big bump in performance Offers 10 billion transistors with an 8 core CPU setup. 7 core CPUs with 2X faster performance 1000X faster graphics performance All-day battery life A neural engine with 5 trillion operations per second BJP's aim to make shift political strategy in Bengal appears to be result of their harvesting good number of seats in local body polls. The BJP had fielded more than 850 candidates from the minority community in the poll to the three-tier panchayats, with nearly half of them winning the elections. (Photo: File) Kolkata: The BJP in Bengal is contemplating to field a "considerable" number of Muslim candidates in the Lok Sabha elections next year with an intent to make inroads into Chief Minster Mamata Banerjee's solid support base among minorities. The BJP's aim to make a shift in its political strategy in West Bengal appears to be a result of their harvesting a good number of seats in the local body election early this year by fielding Muslim candidates. The BJP had fielded more than 850 candidates from the minority community in the poll to the three-tier panchayats, with nearly half of them winning the elections. In the last Lok Sabha polls, the BJP had fielded only two minority candidates in the state, which has a total of 42 seats. However, since the last Lok Sabha polls in the state, Bengal politics has witnessed a paradigm shift with the BJP emerging as the main challenger of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) by outsmarting the CPI(M) and the Congress. State BJP president Dilip Ghosh told news agency PTI that the party will aim to field "considerable" number of Muslim candidates, given the fact that the state has nearly 30 per cent Muslim population. "Although in our party, tickets are not distributed on the basis of religion, but we are receiving several applications from people of the minority community, expressing their desire to contest elections on our party ticket," Ghosh said. There is still time left to decide on the issue of candidates and tickets will be distributed on the basis of eligibility, winnability and capability of an individual, he said. Ghosh's views were echoed by party's Bengal Minority Morcha chief Ali Hossain, who felt Muslims are a deciding factor in the Bengal elections and the party cannot afford to ignore them. The ruling TMC, however, discounted BJP's minority outreach plan and asserted that they continue to have faith in party chief Mamata Banerjee. "The minorities have full faith in us. The BJP's strategy is nothing but a farce and the minorities are very well aware of their intentions," senior TMC leader Partha Chatterjee said. The Congress and the CPI(M) also rubbished the BJP's Muslim outreach plan saying it was nothing but "shedding crocodile tears" ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. Ghosh claimed his party has expanded its base in Bengal by leaps and bounds and Muslims too are not out of its reach. "We are running the government at the Centre and in more than 20 states, Muslims are living in peace and there are no problems. We believe in development for all," he said. According to state BJP sources, who did not wish to be named, in order to make party president Amit Shah's target of 22 Lok Sabha seats from Bengal a reality, it is a "necessity" for the party to reach out to the minorities as the community plays a deciding factor in at least 10-12 Lok Sabha seats of the state. Buoyed by its performance in the last Panchayat polls, the West Bengal BJP has prepared its Lok Sabha blueprint, targeting 26-28 parliamentary seats in the state. The party presently has two Lok Sabha seats -- Asansol and Darjeeling -- in the state. The BJP's Bengal minority wing chief Ali Hossain said the ultimate decision on the candidates' selection would be of the party. "We won't pressurise the party by saying that it has to field so many Muslim candidates. Everything will depend on various factors including whether he or she is able to win the seat or not," Hossain told news agency PTI. The BJP minority morcha, West Bengal unit had last week organised a two-day conference to discuss various issues pertaining to the Muslim community. A number of morcha leaders decided to propagate issues ranging from triple talaq to the Assam NRC to counter the "false propaganda" against the party. Indo-Asian News Service Chinese tech giant Huawei Consumer Business Group on 30 October announced it is ready to bring its wireless charging capabilities with the launch of premium Mate 20 Pro smartphone in India next month. The wireless charger is developed on the Qi standard for universal compatibility, thus, allowing it to identify smartphones, earbuds and other devices and adjust output power automatically to charge them safely. With a 10-minute 15W wireless charging session, the wireless charger tops up the battery 12 percent, while a 30-minute charge gives the battery 31 percent juice, the company said in a statement. "With the launch of the flagship Mate 20 Pro slated next month, wireless reverse charging is also a feature that the device is capable of, thus, enabling users to take maximum advantage of the large battery inside the device to charge other Qi-enabled devices," the company added. The Mate 20 Pro would be the first device from Huawei's stable which is powered by the world's first 5G-ready 7nm (nanometre) chipset Kirin 980, equipped with Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities, to launch in India. Other notable features of the wireless charger include comprehensive safety protection features through which the device detects foreign objects such as keys, coins and other metal objects and automatically powers off. The Huawei wireless charger also has a built-in chip that can adjust the output power automatically according to the ambient temperature and real-time battery percentage. Reuters Global card payments giant Mastercard is storing its new Indian transaction data locally, the company said on Tuesday, as it starts to comply with a regulatory directive which US companies unsuccessfully lobbied hard to dilute. The Indian central bank in April said companies such as Mastercard, Visa and American Express will from October need to store their payments data only in India so that the regulator could have unfettered supervisory access. The directive sparked an aggressive lobbying effort from US companies who said the rules would increase their infrastructure costs, hit their global fraud detection platforms and affect planned investments in India where more and more people are using digital modes of payments. The companies had sought dilution of the central bank directive, requesting they be allowed to store data both locally and at their offshore offices, a practice is widely known as data mirroring. But their requests were declined. Mastercard has started storing all its new payments transaction data in India at its technology centre in the western city of Pune, the company said in a statement to Reuters on Tuesday. It did not specify whether a copy of that data was still being stored abroad. The company said it has submitted a proposal with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for storage of data only in India within a specified timeframe. It did not give a timeline. Visa too has started storing a copy of its new transaction data locally and had sought time from the RBI to comply with the requirement to store Indian data only within the country, two industry sources said. Visa and American Express did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The RBI directive was part of a wider push by India to ask companies to store more of their data locally at a time when governments globally are enforcing more stringent rules to protect user data. Government sources have previously told Reuters that stringent data localisation measures were essential for gaining easier access to data during criminal and other investigations. Two US senators this month called on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to soften Indias stance on data localisation, warning that measures requiring it represent key trade barriers between the two nations. Other than the RBI proposal, India is working on an overarching data protection law that calls for the storing of all critical personal data in India. E-commerce and cloud computing policies are also being developed. Nimish Sawant Samsung has been a leader as far as smartphone sales are concerned and its flagship devices such as the Galaxy S series as well as the Galaxy Note series have been setting the benchmarks for Android flagship design annually. Samsung is one of the few brands that hasnt (yet) fallen prey to the notch or sliding module in a display trend that is being seen in a lot of Chinese smartphones. Two things that Samsung devices are well-known for, are its display and the camera. At the Samsung headquarters in Seoul, in the Suwon business district, we got some insights straight from the mobile display and camera team. One of the reasons Samsung phones havent seen any notch style design yet is because the team is focused on making the size of the bezels smaller while ensuring that the phones can still be held easily in the palm. Another area of focus is to not give up on the services being offered, which would have to be optimised for a display with a notch. According to Harksang Kim, head of Mobile Visual R&D at Samsung Mobiles, We try and push the bezel as further up as we can. But its done ensuring that none of the services we offer are compromised in any way. As consumers want more display real estate we are trying to fulfill that in multiple ways, which you will see in our future models. When it comes to Samsung displays, we have been hearing of foldable displays since ages now. There even is a speculative name to the mythical device that will launch with a foldable display - the Galaxy X. And every year, it is expected to launch the following year. This has been happening like clockwork since 2013. This year around, Samsung is rumoured to (again) talk about the commercial manufacturing of a foldable device smartphone soon. In fact, rumours have it that Samsung would be talking about it next month at a conference in the US. When asked about foldable displays, Kim said that Samsung doesnt want to just develop a foldable display smartphone as a means to extend the screen size. According to him, the foldable display technology has been with Samsung for a while now. Simply making a display foldable is not a new innovation, at least from our perspective. At the moment it just provides a larger display. But the research that we are interested in is providing a better user experience in terms of multi-tasking when the screen is unfolded, said Kim. On being asked about Samsungs plans of bringing an in display fingerprint scanner on a future Samsung device, Kim said that Samsung provides three biometric ways of unlocking your device using iris scanning, face scanning, and a dedicated fingerprint sensor. We have been preparing for optical fingerprint sensors, however, there are some challenges to it. We want to ensure theres no scope of snooping using those kind of sensors. Since personal identification is directly linked to personal information, and as that brings potential security risk for consumers therefore we are taking our time developing the in display fingerprint technology, said Kim. QLED TVs have already started selling in many markets around the world. The quantum dot LED sporting TVs offer the promise of improved picture quality and lower power consumption. Just like weve seen OLED displays making it to the smartphone form factor, is the time ripe yet for a QLED display sporting smartphone? While QLED offers a lot of benefits, there are critical issues incorporating it inside a smartphone, said Kim. In a QLED setup, more quantum dots results in better colour reproduction. As smartphone displays have a high dpi resolution, it is difficult to have a large number of quantum dots packed in that small an area for accurate colour reproduction according to Kim. On the other hand if one is too aggressive with adding more quantum dots, then the power efficiency is affected. Safe to say that we are still years away from seeing a QLED display sporting smartphone. Moving on from the displays, one peculiar thing that we saw Samsung Mobiles do in the recent past is adding more than two camera modules to its smartphones. The Samsung Galaxy A7 comes with three rear cameras, whereas the Galaxy A9 comes with four rear cameras. Where does it stop? The idea behind having multiple rear cameras is to offer our customers features that are there on DSLRs, which is a kind of benchmark we look at, said Kim. By that he meant giving users a choice of lens with different focal lengths to capture different styles of photographs. For instance, in the Galaxy A7, we get a regular camera module, a zoom lens and an ultra wide angle lens, which reflects that aspect of switching lenses on your DSLR for a particular kind of photograph. But its interesting to see this kind of camera module not being part of the flagship series, but the mid-range A series of devices. In our review of the Galaxy A7, we found the implementation of the three lens module on the A7 to be quite decent. Theres of course scope for improvement, such as offering a touch to focus option for the ultra wide angle lens as well, improving low light photography, among other things. We are studying the actual use case and benefits of having these multiple camera modules. We plan to expand this technology to other series of products as well, said Kim. Kim also mentioned that the camera will not only be used for capturing high-quality images but with the proliferation of AR, it will be used as a means of communication too. Makes one wonder, will the upcoming Galaxy S10 also have more than two cameras on the rear? Samsung hasnt confirmed anything, but it wouldnt be surprising if it did, considering with the A7/A9, Samsung will have had enough data points to take into account. Disclaimer: The correspondent was invited by Samsung to Seoul, South Korea. All travel and lodging expenses were borne by Samsung India. Reuters Tesla chief executive officer Elon Musk took to Twitter on 29 October, saying he deleted his Tesla titles last week to see what would happen, without giving further details. "Deleted my Tesla titles last week to see what would happen. I'm now the Nothing of Tesla. Seems fine so far," Musk said on Twitter. Deleted my Tesla titles last week to see what would happen. Im now the Nothing of Tesla. Seems fine so far. Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 29, 2018 Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment. While Musk is referred to as chief executive officer in Teslas investor relations web page, his biography page on the company website has no designation. The biography page had earlier referred to Musk as chairman, product architect and CEO. Musk later tweeted " here: "Legally required officers of a corporation are president, treasurer & secretary. Guess I have to keep 1st one or it will confuse the authorities." Legally required officers of a corporation are president, treasurer & secretary. Guess I have to keep 1st one or it will confuse the authorities. Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 29, 2018 Musk has agreed to pay a $20 million fine and step aside as Tesla chairman for three years to settle charges with the US Securities and Exchange Commission related to his 7 August tweet about taking Tesla private. However, in its initial lawsuit, the SEC had sought to bar Musk as an officer or a director of a public company. Musks compulsive tweeting and erratic behavior, which included smoking marijuana during a video interview, has raised concerns about his leadership, with several Wall Street analysts and some investors urging Tesla to appoint a strong second-in-command. But the Silicon Valley billionaire shut his critics last week when Tesla reported a net profit, positive cash flow and wider-than-expected margins in the third quarter, delivering on his promise to turn the electric carmaker profitable as higher production volumes of its new Model 3 began to pay off. tech2 News Staff Xiaomi's Poco F1 was launched in India this year in August and quickly became quite famous for being a midrange smartphone with flagship-like qualities. The phone was launched with a customised version of MIUI 10 with a 'Poco Launcher' based on Android 8.1 Oreo. Xiaomi had promised that the Poco F1 would be getting the Android 9.0 Pie update later this year, and even a Geekbench listing revealed the device running Android 9.0 Pie. While Android Pie is expected soon, it looks like next year's Android Q is also going to be a reality. Jay Mani, who is the head of product for Pocophone has confirmed that the smartphone will also receive Android Q. We don't know what Q stands for though. Android Quinoa? Queen? Quaker Oats? We'll do at least P and Q Jai Mani (@jaimani) October 28, 2018 When a Twitter user asked Pocofone to be "committed to give us atleast two android version updates," Mani responded saying "we'll do at least P and Q." The phone is priced at an incredible Rs 20,999 for the base model (6 GB + 64 GB), going up to Rs 29,999 for the kevlar-backed armoured edition in an 8 GB + 256 GB configuration. There's also a 6 GB RAM and 128 GB variant which is priced at Rs 23,999 and an 8 GB RAM, 256 GB storage standard edition priced at Rs 28,999. The Poco F1 has a "LiquidCool Technology." The phone features a 5.99-inch full HD+ display with a 1080 x 2248 pixels resolution. The screen has a 19:9 aspect ratio, and includes a notch. It is powered by a 4,000 mAh battery paired with support for Qualcomm's Quick Charge 3.0. Agence France-Presse China on Tuesday defended its controversial decision to ease a 25-year ban on trading tiger bones and rhinoceros horns after conservationists warned that the government had effectively signed a "death warrant" for the endangered species. The State Council, China's cabinet, unexpectedly announced on Monday that it would allow the sale of rhino and tiger products under "special circumstances". Those include scientific research, sales of cultural relics, and "medical research or in healing". The country's previous regulations on rhino horn and tiger bone products did not consider the "reasonable needs of reality", such as those from scientific research, education, and medical treatment, foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said Tuesday. China has also improved its "law enforcement mechanism" and plans to step up efforts to crack down on illegal wildlife trade, Lu said at a regular press briefing. China prohibited the trade of rhino horn and tiger bones in 1993 but a black market has flourished, with many products entering the country through Vietnam, according to an investigation conducted last year by the Elephant Action League conservation group. Wildlife campaigners fear that the new rules could fuel the illegal trade and further put the animals at risk of being poached. "With this announcement, the Chinese government has signed a death warrant for imperilled rhinos and tigers in the wild who already face myriad threats to their survival," Iris Ho, senior wildlife programme specialist at Humane Society International, said in a statement. But the State Council said the trade volume will be "strictly controlled", with any sale outside of authorised use to remain banned. The newly sanctioned areas of trade will also be highly regulated. Only doctors at hospitals recognised by the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine will be allowed to use powdered forms of rhino horn and tiger bones. Tourism and cultural heritage authorities will also have to approve any rhino and tiger products that are used for "temporary cultural exchange". 'Total outrage' Despite a lack of scientific evidence, demand for rhino horn and tiger bone is partly driven by their supposed health benefits, from curing cancer to boosting virility. Today, synthetic alternatives exist for a number of animal-based remedies, such as bear bile, which is effective in treating liver cancer. "The use of wild animal parts such as rhinoceros horns and tiger bones is very limited in the traditional Chinese medicine," Lan Jirui, a traditional Chinese medicine doctor in Beijing, told AFP. "It was used in ancient times, but now we have alternative products," he added, emphasising the efforts that doctors of traditional Chinese medicine have made in wildlife protection. For rhino horn and tiger bone used for medical research or treatment, the council said only farmed rhinos and tigers can be used, excluding those raised in zoos. But activists were not reassured by the regulations. Farmed wildlife are "born into a miserable life of suffering, and then killed for use in medicinal products. It's a total outrage," said Kate Nustedt, a programme director at World Animal Protection, an animal welfare non-profit organisation. Up to 6,000 captive tigers twice the global wild population are estimated to be in held in about 200 farms across China. In 1960, there were an estimated 100,000 black rhino in Africa today there are fewer than 28,000 rhinos of all species left in Africa and Asia, according to a 2016 UN World Wildlife Crime Report. Southern white rhinos are "near threatened" but others such as the black and Sumatran rhinos are critically endangered, according to WWF. China has made efforts to crack down on the sale of illegal wildlife products such as ivory in recent years. The country's ban on ivory sales went into effect in December 2017 an attempt to rein in what used to be the product's largest market in the world. A partial ban on ivory had already resulted in an 80 percent decline in ivory seizures entering China and a 65 percent drop in domestic prices for raw ivory, according to a report last year by state media Xinhua. Agence France-Presse Japan's space agency on 29 October launched a rocket carrying a satellite that will monitor greenhouse gases, as well as the first satellite built entirely in the United Arab Emirates. The nation's H-IIA rocket lifted off Monday afternoon at 1 08 pm (0308 GMT) from the Tanegashima Space Centre, according to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). About 16 minutes later, it sent a Japanese satellite nicknamed Ibuki-2 into orbit. The satellite is officially named GOSAT-2, short for "greenhouse gases observing satellite-2", and is intended to provide data that will help Japan create and publish "emission inventories" of the CO2 output of various countries, as outlined in the Paris climate accord. The satellite will also make precision observations of methane and other gases. The Japanese rocket also released "KhalifaSat", the first satellite built entirely in the UAE by local engineers. "The launch of KhalifaSat is an unprecedented Emirati achievement," Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed said in a tweet. "Our dreams to embrace space have become a reality." Five other smaller satellites are scheduled to be released from the Japanese rocket. Japan's space agency and its private partner Mitsubishi Heavy Industries see the international satellite launch market as a possible revenue stream. Sri Lanka's rival prime ministers battled to tempt lawmakers from opposing sides Tuesday as they sought numbers to swing any vote of confidence held in parliament to end the country's constitutional crisis Colombo: Sri Lanka's rival prime ministers battled to tempt lawmakers from opposing sides Tuesday as they sought numbers to swing any vote of confidence held in parliament to end the country's constitutional crisis. Former strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was named head of government by the president on Friday, gave four legislators from rival Ranil Wickremesinghe's party ministerial portfolios after persuading them to defect on Monday. Wickremesinghe, who has remained in the prime minister's residence since he was sacked on Friday, has in turn convinced two lawmakers from President Maithripala Sirisena's camp to join his United National Party. Following the defections, Wickremesinghe has 105 MPs in the 225-seat chamber while Rajapaksa and Sirisena together have 98. A majority of the 22 remaining MPs are expected to back Wickremesinghe in any vote but the horse-trading is sure to intensify, observers said. A deputy minister in Wickremesinghes administration, Ranjan Ramanayake, accused China of funding Rajapaksas buying of legislators. I am telling China not to spend their millions to buy MPs in Sri Lanka. They want to buy the country wholesale," he said. Rajapaksa led a pro-China policy during his 10 years as president up to 2015. But the claim was denied by the Chinese embassy in Colombo. "Recent allegations about China by MP Ranjan Ramanayake are groundless and irresponsible," said an embassy statement to AFP. "It is a matter of internal affairs, and China has consistently supported the principle of non-interference in other country's internal affairs." Despite calls by Wickremesinghe, the United States and other countries for parliament to be called to end the crisis, Sirisena showed no sign of lifting his suspension of parliament meetings which runs until 16 November. Wickremesinghe's finance minister Mangala Samaraweera said the president is trying to buy time to secure votes in the legislature to back Rajapaksa as prime minister. "If he (the president) has the majority there is no need to keep parliament shut. He wants to buy time to do some horse deals," Samaraweera said. Parliament speaker Karu Jayasuriya, who on Monday warned of a "bloodbath" unless the Assembly is allowed to vote for Wickremesighe or Rajapaksa, is to meet with political party leaders on Tuesday. Sirisena appointed a 12-member cabinet late Monday giving the powerful finance portfolio to Rajapaksa. Aides said the cabinet will be expanded to 30 members on Tuesday. Rajapaksawhose rule was marked by grave allegations of rights abuses and authoritarianismsaid he was given the job because his predecessor's party "engaged in a quest to sell off valuable state assets and enterprises to foreign companies". "I was aware that at this moment of national peril, the people expected our leadership and protection," Rajapaksa said after the cabinet was named. "Hence, I accepted the invitation." The Disarmament Week is observed from 24 October to 30 October. The observance of this day was first called for in the final document of the United Nations General Assembly's 1978 special session on disarmament. The Disarmament Week is observed from 24 October to 30 October. The observance of this day was first called for in the final document of the United Nations General Assembly's 1978 special session on disarmament. The UN said, "The document called for abandoning the use of force in international relations and seeking security in disarmament. States were invited to highlight the danger of the arms race, propagate the need for its cessation and increase public understanding of the urgent tasks of disarmament." On a global level, millions of people die in armed-conflict situations. Two billion people are estimated to live under the threat of violence. This is mainly due to a lack of legislative priority towards firearm regulation, along with negligence at the government level, and lobbying of arms manufacturing companies. The global military spending is equivalent to $230 per person. More than 200 schools in the US have experienced a shooting inside the school premises. Millions of school children and teachers in the US are under the threat of gun violence. Despite the conflict over gun violence, the US is home to the most significant gun companies with 90 percent of firearms sales to domestic consumers, as the US constitution protects the right to own a gun. The American government has mollycoddled the burgeoning gun industry since its Civil War days. In India, the state of Uttar Pradesh accounts for 40 percent of all deaths across the country in gun-related violence. Bihar ranks second. A country-made gun or desi katta' costs anything between Rs 3000 and Rs 20,000. The Illegal manufacturing and supply of handguns, pistols, and weapons undermine the security in the country and frequently result in human rights violations and loss of lives. The United Nations in its pursuit of international peace introduced the UN Small Arms Programme of Action. Despite commitments from the member states, there has been little progress in curbing the conventional weapons and small arms and its related toll on life. The Sustainable Development Goal 16 focuses and includes a central target of combating and controlling the illegal arms trade and flows by 2030. The CVC is conducting inquiry into the allegations against CBI director (on leave) Alok Verma. New Delhi: The CBI has handed over all relevant documents pertaining to meat exporter Moin Quereshi case and IRCTC scam to the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC). The CVC is conducting inquiry into the allegations against CBI director (on leave) Alok Verma. The Supreme Court recently ordered the CVC to complete its inquiry into Verma in two weeks and said the latters interim replacement M Nageswara Rao wouldn't be able to take any major decisions. The next hearing is on November 12. The Central government had sent Verma and special director Rakesh Asthana, who have accused each other of corruption, on leave pending an inquiry, putting Rao in charge. The court said the probe into the allegations against Verma made in an August 24 note by the cabinet secretary will be monitored by former top court judge AK Patnaik. Verma had moved the court against the decision asking him to go on leave without the consent of three-committee, arguing that the case against him was mala fide. Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court Monday ordered the CBI to maintain status quo till November 1 on proceedings against its special director Rakesh Asthana. A bench of justice Najmi Waziri questioned the CBI for not filing reply to pleas of Asthana and another official Devender Kumar, deputy superintendent of police, seeking quashing of FIR lodged against them. The high court, in last hearing on October 23, had asked CBI to file its response by today. When CBIs special rosecutor K Raghavacharyulu prayed for a little more time to file its reply, the court asked as to why it has not been done yet. You took three days time the other day (October 23). This court was taking up the matter the next date itself. What do you mean by little more time, please explain, the judge said. The high court directed the CBI to file reply on the pleas of Asthana and Kumar on or before October 31 and listed the matter for hearing on November 1. The CBI prosecutor told the high court that delay in filing of reply occurred as the case files have been sent to the CVC. The court was hearing three separate pleas of Asthana, Kumar and a middleman Manoj Prasad, seeking quashing of the FIR lodged against them by the CBI on bribery allegations. Although hes not on the ballot, US president Donald Trump is closing out his 2018 midterm campaign with a 2020 pitch - a glossy $ 6 million television ad that plays on the red meat of grim contrasts between the great financial crash in Barack Obamas time and the booming US economy of 2018. Trump's norm busting 2020 campaign manager Brad Parscale is hoping will connect with voters at an 'emotional' level. New York: Although hes not on the ballot, US president Donald Trump is closing out his 2018 midterm campaign with a 2020 pitch - a glossy $ 6 million television ad that plays on the red meat of grim contrasts between the great financial crash in Barack Obamas time and the booming US economy of 2018. Trump's norm busting 2020 campaign manager Brad Parscale is hoping will connect with voters at an "emotional" level. The TV spot opens with a mom brushing her daughters hair before school while the television drones on in the living room. When I think about how things are, it reminds me how far weve come, intones a soft female voice, as the visuals cut from 2010s recession to the protagonist moving into a new home, wearing a broad smile. Both mom and daughter have dark/ brunette hair. Shot in sombre mood lighting, the ad's voiceover sends out a warning while the mom drives her child to a violin recital: But this could all change if we dont remember where we all came from - and the visuals cut back to the financial crash. Things are getting better, we cant go back reads the closing frame, paid for by Donald J Trump for President, Inc. The approximately 1 minute long ad comes even as the party of Trump pulls closer in the US House election map - one where the Republicans had barely a long shot until now. As things stand today, the Republicans, according to some polls, are within 5 seat difference of Democrats to retaining control. Most polls have been predicting that the US House and Senate will likely go in opposite directions but the Republicans are coming within striking distance on both sides now. Our new TV ad. Things are getting better. We cant go back. Nov 6th 2018. Vote Republican. Embedded version! pic.twitter.com/lqem7doZ5G Brad Parscale (@parscale) October 29, 2018 Coming back to this latest ad, Team Trump skewers CNN, officially loathed by the US President. The TV news thats playing inside the ad begins with a clip from a CNN New Day morning show noting the historic high economic numbers under President Trump. Parallels are already being drawn between the style and mood of this ad and Ronald Reagans reelection pitch in 1984. The economy narrative and the supporting data have found plenty of takers: On Friday, we saw the results for the second quarter since the tax scam went into effect. And guess what? Its unexpectedly strong 3.5 percent annualized growth is a strong follow-up to the 4.1 percent growth in the second quarter of the year. Together, that makes for the best two-quarter stretch since 2014, reports Washington Times. For his part, the marketer with the scruffy beard whos behind this new Trump campaign is living up the renewed attention: I might not be the right choice for everyone but I am the right choice for him (Trump), Parscale told the New York Times. Early this year, Parscale was chosen by Trumps son Eric and son in law Jared Kushner to lead the 2020 campaign. This ad is that efforts coming out party. Supporting the Parscale choice, Kusher says he knows how to do things in a Trumpian way. Left wing pundits are calling the commercial more super bowl ad and "unprecedented." Parscale puts it differently: You have to make people feel things. The first iPhone was sold based on how great pictures of your family look on it, not how great a phone it is Parscale said in a rash of interviews Monday. With exactly seven days to go before the 2018 midterms, Donald Trump has already raised more than $100 million for his 2020 bid. In an internal memo, White House political director Bill Stepien has pre-empted any complaints from within about Trump making the 2018 midterms all about Trump despite not being on the ballot: The 2018 Senate map is only (potentially) favorable because of the way President Trump rewrote it in 2016, he wrote. In the same memo, there is an effort to scrub the old taxonomy of red and blue states: These are NOT red states or Republican states they are Trump states, Stepien wrote. Meanwhile, the migrant caravan is a gift that keeps on giving to the Trumps law and order storyline. Do not come! This migrant caravan is not getting in. There are legal ways to enter this country - is the firm answer from Trumps trusted aide in the DHS Kirstjen Nielsen. Every action is on the table to stop them, she said. The 2018 midterms is a test case for Trump's appeal with the base that put him into the White House in 2016. Immigration is what got them to the voting booth then. With the near perfect timing of the migrant caravan showing up on the other side of the border; the Trump campaign is in a sweet spot. Sample this slice from a Monday tweetstorm: President Donald Trump, eager to focus voters on immigration in the lead-up to the elections, stepped up his warnings about the caravans, tweeting: 'This is an invasion of our Country and our Military is waiting for you!' Washington: A week out from the midterm elections, the Pentagon said Monday it is sending 5,200 troops, some armed, to the Southwest border this week in an extraordinary military operation to stop Central American migrants travelling north in two caravans that were still hundreds of miles from the US. The number of troops is more than double the 2,000 who are in Syria fighting the Islamic State group. President Donald Trump, eager to focus voters on immigration in the lead-up to the elections, stepped up his warnings about the caravans, tweeting: "This is an invasion of our Country and our Military is waiting for you!" His warning came as the Pentagon began executing "Operation Faithful Patriot," described by the commander of US Northern Command as an effort to help Customs and Border Protection stiffen defenses at and near legal entry points. Advanced helicopters will allow border protection agents to swoop down on migrants trying to cross illegally, he said. "We're going to secure the border," Air Force Gen Terrence O'Shaughnessy, the Northern Command leader, said at a news conference. He spoke alongside Kevin McAleenan, commissioner of Customs and Border Protection. Eight hundred troops already are on their way to southern Texas, O'Shaughnessy said, and their numbers will top 5,200 by week's end. He said troops would focus first on Texas, followed by Arizona and then California. The number of people in the first caravan has dwindled to 3,500 from about 7,000, though a second one was gaining steam and marred by violence. About 600 migrants in the second group tried to cross a bridge from Guatemala to Mexico en masse on Monday but were met by ranks of Mexican federal police who blocked them from entering. The riverbank standoff followed a more violent confrontation Sunday when the migrants used sticks and rocks against Mexico police. One migrant was killed Sunday night by a head wound, but the cause was unclear. The first group passed through the spot via the river wading or on rafts and was advancing through southern Mexico. That group appeared to begin as a collection of about 160 who decided to band together in Honduras for protection against the gangs who prey on migrants travelling alone and snowballed as the group moved north. They are mostly from Honduras, where it started, as well as El Salvador and Guatemala. Overall, they are poor, carrying the belongings that fit into a knapsack and fleeing gang violence or poverty. It's possible there are criminals mixed in, but Trump has not substantiated his claim that members of the MS-13 gang, in particular, are among them. The president's dark description of the caravan belied the fact that any migrants who complete the long trek to the southern US border already face major hurdles, both physical and bureaucratic, to being allowed into the United States. Migrants are entitled under both US and international law to apply for asylum, but it may take a while to make a claim. There is already a bottleneck of asylum seekers at some US border crossings, in some cases as long as five weeks. McAleenan said the aim was to deter migrants from crossing illegally between ports, but he conceded his officers were overwhelmed by a surge of asylum seekers. He also said Mexico was prepared to offer asylum to the caravan. "If you're already seeking asylum, you've been given a generous offer," he said of Mexico. "We want to work with Mexico to manage that flow." The White House is also weighing additional border security measures, including blocking those traveling in the caravan from seeking legal asylum and preventing them from entering the US. The military operation drew quick criticism. "Sending active military forces to our southern border is not only a huge waste of taxpayer money, but an unnecessary course of action that will further terrorize and militarise our border communities," said Shaw Drake of the American Civil Liberties Union's border rights center at El Paso, Texas. Military personnel are legally prohibited from engaging in immigration enforcement. The troops will include military police, combat engineers and others helping on the southern border. The escalating rhetoric and expected deployments come as the president has been trying to turn the caravans into a key election issue just days before the midterm elections that will determine whether Republicans maintain control of Congress. "This will be the election of the caravans, the Kavanaughs, law and order, tax cuts, and you know what else? It's going to be the election of common sense," Trump said at a rally in Illinois on Saturday night. On Monday, he tweeted without providing evidence: "Many Gang Members and some very bad people are mixed into the Caravan heading to our Southern Border." "Please go back," he urged them. "you will not be admitted into the United States unless you go through the legal process. This is an invasion of our Country and our Military is waiting for you!" The troops are expected to perform a wide variety of functions such as transporting supplies for the Border Patrol, but not engage directly with migrants seeking to cross the border, officials said. One US official said the troops will be sent initially to staging bases in California, Texas and Arizona while the CBP works out precisely where it wants the troops positioned. US Transportation Command posted a video on its Facebook page Monday of a C-17 transport plane that it said was delivering Army equipment to the Southwest border in support of Operation Faithful Patriot. Germany's Angela Merkel said that her fourth term as chancellor would be her last and that she would step down as leader of the Christian Democrats (CDU), heralding the end of a 13-year era in which she has dominated European politics. Berlin: Germany's Angela Merkel said that her fourth term as chancellor would be her last and that she would step down as leader of the Christian Democrats (CDU), heralding the end of a 13-year era in which she has dominated European politics. Merkel, who has been CDU chairwoman since 2000 and chancellor since 2005, announced the decision after her party suffered its second regional election setback in as many weeks. "I have the firm feeling that today the time has come to open a new chapter," Merkel, looking serious but calm, told reporters in Berlin after a meeting of the CDU's leadership on Monday. Merkel, 64, made the announcement a day after Sunday's vote in the state of Hesse, at which the CDU came first but suffered a slump from the last election there in 2013. Her authority has already been dented this year by the two election setbacks and a close ally losing his role as leader of her conservatives' parliamentary group. Following the CDU's result in Hesse and dissatisfaction with her coalition, she said: "Firstly, at the next CDU party congress in December in Hamburg, I will not put myself forward again as candidate for the CDU chair." "Secondly, this fourth term is my last as German chancellor. At the federal election in 2021, I will not stand," she added. The move sets in motion the process for the CDU to settle on and prepare Merkel's successor. The euro fell briefly and German government bond yields rose on the news. Stepping down as CDU chairwoman further undermines Merkel's authority, as she had previously said the party chair and chancellery should be held by the same person. Merkel has loomed large on the European stage since 2005, helping guide the EU through the euro zone crisis and opening Germany's doors to migrants fleeing war in West Asia in 2015 a move that still divides the bloc and Germany. "We are witnessing a continuation of the pattern in place ever since Merkels mistakes in the 2015 migration crisis: the gradual but steady erosion of her political power," said Carsten Nickel, managing director at Teneo, a consultancy. "Rather than outright instability in Germany and Europe, it simply means a continuation of the current leadership vacuum." Monday's news came as a surprise to CDU party officials, who had expected Merkel to seek re-election as chairwoman at a party congress in Hamburg in early December. Merkel is under pressure from her Social Democrat coalition partners to deliver more policy results and the centre-left party could yet pull out of the government at a mid-term review next year. Succession race The shock move starts the race in the CDU to succeed Merkel and raises questions about whether she can stage-manage a smooth exit. Germany's other leading CDU chancellors, Konrad Adenauer and Helmut Kohl, both had messy ends to their time in office. German newspapers said the move marked the end of what many saw as an era in the country's history. By naming the time of her departure, Merkel had made herself "the driver of events, not the person driven," the Koelner Stadt-Anzeiger newspaper said. "If all goes to plan, Merkel ends her time in office as a historic figure: not just as the first woman in the Chancellery ... but as the first German head of government to leave of her own accord, not by being deposed or in a scandal," it added. Merkel's move will allow a new CDU chairman or chairwoman to build a profile before the next national election and she said CDU party Secretary General Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer and Health Minister Jens Spahn, one of her leading critics, had announced they would seek the party chair. Party sources said Friedrich Merz, a former parliamentary leader of Merkel's conservative alliance, would also run. Armin Laschet, who as conservative premier of the 17 million population state of North Rhine Westphalia, Germany's largest, would be a frontrunner in any race, also declined to rule himself out. He said only that the party had to decide on its direction before choosing its new leadership. Merkel's weakness at home may limit her capacity to lead in the European Union at a time when the bloc is dealing with the Brexit, a budget crisis in Italy and the prospect of populist parties making gains at European parliament elections next May. When Merkel came into office in 2005, George W Bush was US president, Jacques Chirac was in the Elysee Palace in Paris and Tony Blair was British prime minister. Dhaka: Bangladesh's ailing former prime minister Khaleda Zia cannot contest the upcoming parliamentary election unless the 17-year jail term awarded to her in two separate graft cases is terminated, attorney-general Mahbubey Alam said on Tuesday. Zia suffered a setback on Tuesday when the Bangladesh high court here doubled her jail term to 10 years in a corruption case. The verdict came a day after the 73-year-old leader of the Opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) was sentenced to seven years in prison in another graft case. After the latest verdict, attorney general Alam said Khaleda would be barred from taking part in the general election. "Khaleda Zia is the main accused in the case. But the trial court sentenced her to five years in prison. Based on evidence, the high court has extended the sentence to 10 years," Alam said. "She is convicted in the case, which means she cannot take part in the election, unless the sentence is terminated or suspended," he told bdnews24.com. Asked how come some people participated in the polls while taking advantage of their suspended jail sentences, Alam said they exploited the legal loopholes. "Even if Khaleda Zia's sentence is suspended, she will be freed from jail at best, but she will not be able to participate in the election," he said. Bangladesh is set to hold general elections before a January 5 deadline, although the exact dates have not yet been announced. Expressing his satisfaction over the latest verdict, Alam said, "today's verdict is a warning signal for the abuse of power by anyone, especially for politicians". On Monday, Zia was sentenced for embezzling millions from the Zia Charitable Trust. She faces dozens of separate charges related to violence and corruption that her lawyers insist are baseless. She had recently complained to the court that she was losing feeling in her hand and in a leg. On October 6, she was taken to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University hospital, where she is currently receiving treatment. Tuesday's verdict is crucial as it came ahead of the parliamentary elections in December. Zia's party had boycotted the 2014 elections. The BNP has vowed nationwide marches later Tuesday to protest the verdict. The latest court ruling deals a crushing blow to Zia, who was hoping of running against incumbent Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in elections. The National Search and Rescue Agency said that 10 intact bodies, as well as body parts, have been recovered. Search teams filled ten body bags with limbs and other human remains, Muhammad Syaugi, chief of the Indonesian national search and rescue agency told Metro TV, saying they will be taken to Jakarta for identification and DNA testing. An Indonesian Lion Air aircraft with 189 passengers and crew plunged into the Java sea on Monday. The search teams on Tuesday recovered more remains at the site of the crashed jet, as National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS) all but ruled out finding any survivors. The Boeing-737 MAX, which went into service just months ago, crashed into the sea moments after it had asked to return to Jakarta on Monday. Flight JT 610 sped up as it suddenly lost altitude and then vanished from radar 12 minutes after take-off, with authorities saying witnesses saw the jet plunge into the water. Two minutes after takeoff, Indian-born Captain Bhavye Suneja reported a flight control problem and requested permission to rise to 5,000 feet from 1,700 feet, according to the National Transportation Safety Committee (NTSC), though its cause is still baffling. Indonesia's NTSC said there were 178 adult passengers, one child, two infants, two pilots and six cabin crew on board the flight. Among them were the jet's captain, 20 Indonesian finance ministry employees and Andrea Manfredi, an Italian former professional cyclist. Some 40 divers are part of about 150 personnel at the scene, authorities said, with wreckage from the jet some 30 to 40 metres deep in the water. High-tech equipment was deployed to find its data recorders as reports emerged of problems on the jet's previous flight that had terrified passengers. BASARNAS worked through the night, sending 24 body bags to identification experts. The remains of a baby were among those found, according to national deputy police chief Ari Dono Sukmanto. Another 14 bags filled with debris have also been collected. Shoes, items of clothing and a wallet are among the items found. "We hope we can see the plane's main body everything on the surface of the water has been collected," BASARNAS chief Muhammad Syaugi said. Aircraft debris and personal belongings from ID cards to clothing and bags found scattered in seas northeast of Jakarta are being spread out on tarps at a port in North Jakarta. "We are prioritising finding the main wreckage of the jet using five warships equipped with sonar to detect metal underwater," said Yusuf Latif, spokesman of the Indonesian search and rescue agency. Both the cockpit voice recorder and the flight data recorder which could be key pieces of evidence to ascertain the cause are still missing. Syaugi said he's certain it won't take long to locate the hull of the aircraft and its black box due to the relatively shallow 25 to 30 meter (100 to 115 foot) depths of the waters it plunged into. Earlier, video footage apparently filmed at the scene of the crash showed a slick of fuel on the surface of the water and pictures showed what appeared to be an emergency slide and bits of wreckage bearing Lion Air's logo. New aircraft Lion Air said the jet had only gone into service in August. The pilot and co-pilot had more than 11,000 hours of flying time between them and had undergone recent medical checkups and drug testing, it added. On Monday, Lion Air acknowledged the jet had an unspecified technical issue fixed in Bali before it was flown back to Jakarta, calling it "normal procedure". "It's really a mystery what could have happened," said Greg Waldron, Asia managing editor of industry publication Flightglobal. A technical logbook detailed an "unreliable" airspeed reading instrument on the Bali-Jakarta flight on Sunday and different altitude readings on the captain and first officer's instruments, according to BBC. Copies of several Lion Air technical documents have been circulating on social media, but they could not be immediately confirmed as authentic. The company did not return phones calls seeking comment. Boeing suspended the release of the 737 MAX just days before its first commercial delivery last year due to an engine issue, according to airline safety and product review site airlineratings.com. It said the engines were a product of a joint venture between US-based General Electric and France's Safran Aircraft Engines. Lion Air, Indonesia's biggest budget airline which has been engaged in huge expansion, announced earlier this year it was buying 50 Boeing 737 MAX 10 jets for $6.24 billion. Fake news, safety woes A string of fake news has been circulating in the aftermath of the crash, including one that falsely claims to show a baby who survived and a video purportedly showing panicked passengers just before the deadly accident. Indonesia's disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho has knocked down both claims. Indonesia's air travel industry is booming, with the number of domestic passengers growing significantly over the past decade, but it has acquired a reputation for poor regulation and its airlines had previously been banned from US and European airspace. Lion has been involved in a number of incidents including a fatal 2004 crash and a collision between two Lion Air planes at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta airport. The crash of the Boeing 737 Max 8 is the latest in a series of tragedies that have struck Indonesia this year, including earthquakes and a tsunami that killed several thousand people. The jet crash could be the country's deadliest aviation accident since 234 people died when an Airbus A-300B4 operated by national carrier Garuda crashed in 1997. With inputs from agencies By Emil Gjerding Nielson and Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen COPENHAGEN (Reuters) - Denmark said on Tuesday it suspected an Iranian government intelligence service had tried to carry out a plot to assassinate an Iranian Arab opposition figure on its soil. The alleged plot, which Denmark's foreign minister said he believed the Iranian government was behind, prompted the Nordic country to call for fresh European Union-wide sanctions against the Islamic Republic. By Emil Gjerding Nielson and Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen COPENHAGEN (Reuters) - Denmark said on Tuesday it suspected an Iranian government intelligence service had tried to carry out a plot to assassinate an Iranian Arab opposition figure on its soil. The alleged plot, which Denmark's foreign minister said he believed the Iranian government was behind, prompted the Nordic country to call for fresh European Union-wide sanctions against the Islamic Republic. A Norwegian citizen of Iranian background was arrested in Sweden on Oct. 21 in connection with the plot and extradited to neighbouring Denmark, Swedish security police said. The Norwegian has denied the charges and the Iranian government also denied any connection with the alleged plot. The attack was meant to target the leader of the Danish branch of the Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahvaz (ASMLA), Danish intelligence chief Finn Borch Andersen said. ASMLA seeks a separate state for ethnic Arabs in Iran's oil-producing southwestern province of Khuzestan. Arabs are a minority in Iran, and some see themselves as under Persian occupation and want independence or autonomy. "We are dealing with an Iranian intelligence agency planning an attack on Danish soil. Obviously, we can't and won't accept that," Andersen told a news conference. Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi dismissed the accusations. "This is a continuation of enemies' plots to damage Iranian relations with Europe at this critical time," Tasnim news agency quoted him as saying. The EU is trying to save big powers' 2015 deal with Iran that curbed its nuclear activity in exchange for the lifting of international sanctions after the United States withdrew from the pact and reimposed far-flung financial penalties on Tehran. Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen called the planned attack "totally unacceptable" and said British Prime Minister Theresa May had voiced her support for Denmark during a meeting in Olso. Foreign Minister Anders Samuelsen told a press conference he believed the Iranian government was behind the attempted attack. CALL FOR EU SANCTIONS "In light of the latest development, Denmark will now push for a discussion in the EU on the need for further sanctions against Iran," Samuelsen said. Denmark's ambassador in Tehran had been recalled for consultations, Samuelsen added. "We congratulate the government of Denmark on its arrest of an Iranian regime assassin," U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a tweet. "We call on our allies and partners to confront the full range of Iran's threats to peace and security." Andersen said the arrested Norwegian citizen had denied charges in court of helping a foreign intelligence service plot an assassination in Denmark. On Sept. 28, Danish police shut two major bridges to traffic and halted ferry services from Denmark to Sweden and Germany in a nationwide police operation to prevent a possible attack. A few days earlier, the Norwegian suspect had been observed photographing and watching the Danish home of the ASMLA leader, police said. In November 2017, Ahmad Mola Nissi, an Iranian exile who established ASMLA, was shot dead in the Netherlands. The Danish security service then bolstered police protection of the ASMLA leader in Denmark and two associates. Last month, Iran summoned the envoys of the Netherlands, Denmark and Britain over a Sept. 22 shooting attack on a military parade in Khuzestan in which 25 people were killed. Iran accused the three countries of harbouring Iranian opposition groups. Another Arab opposition group, the Ahwaz National Resistance, and the Islamic State militant group both claimed responsibility for the parade attack, though neither has provided conclusive evidence to back up their claim. Last week, diplomatic and security sources said France had expelled an Iranian diplomat over a failed plot to carry out a bomb attack on a rally in the Paris area by an exiled Iranian opposition group. (Reporting by Emil Gjerding Nielson, Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen and Teis Jensen with additional reporting by Stine Jacobsen and Terje Solsvik, Bozorgmehr Sharafedin in London, John Irish in Paris; Editing by Mark Heinrich) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Nidal al-Mughrabi GAZA (Reuters) - Israeli forces shot dead a Palestinian man and wounded 25 including two medics on Monday during protests along the Gaza Strip's beachfront border with Israel, the Gaza Health Ministry said. Witnesses said dozens of protesters in the north of the blockaded enclave burned tyres and threw stones at Israeli soldiers stationed behind Israel's frontier fence and that troops fired live bullets and tear gas. The Gaza Health Ministry said a 27-year-old Palestinian man was killed by the Israeli gunfire. By Nidal al-Mughrabi GAZA (Reuters) - Israeli forces shot dead a Palestinian man and wounded 25 including two medics on Monday during protests along the Gaza Strip's beachfront border with Israel, the Gaza Health Ministry said. Witnesses said dozens of protesters in the north of the blockaded enclave burned tyres and threw stones at Israeli soldiers stationed behind Israel's frontier fence and that troops fired live bullets and tear gas. The Gaza Health Ministry said a 27-year-old Palestinian man was killed by the Israeli gunfire. The Israeli military, estimating the crowd at around 3,000 people, said explosive devices were also thrown at troops deployed on the Israeli side of the fence along the beach. The soldiers, a military spokesman said, responded with "riot dispersal means and live fire". Gaza medics have tallied 217 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces during almost seven months of protests that have included brief breaches of the border fence and the launching of incendiary balloons that have torched fields in southern Israel. Later, the Israeli army's judicial branch said it would open a military investigation into the killing of a Palestinian nurse during one of the Friday protests in June. The Military Advocate General decided to act after studying the findings of an initial inquiry, a statement said.. Palestinians say they are protesting against Israel's blockade of the territory and in support of a right for Palestinian refugees to return to land lost during Israel's founding in 1948. On Sunday, three Palestinian boys were killed in an Israeli air strike at the Gaza frontier, medics said. Israel said it targeted Palestinians trying to blow up part of the fence. Some of the protesters on Monday held photos of the three youngsters. The Health Ministry said two were aged 13 and one was a 14-year-old. One Israeli soldier has been killed by a sniper during the more than seven months of protests. Israel says its lethal response to the protests is necessary to prevent armed infiltration from Gaza, which is run by the Hamas Islamist militant group. Israel and Hamas have fought three wars since 2007. Violence along the border has occasionally escalated into Palestinian rocket attacks and Israeli air strikes, with Egypt and the United Nations repeatedly mediating ceasefires. Two million Palestinians live in tiny Gaza, most of them stateless descendants of people who fled or were driven from homes in Israel during its establishment 70 years ago. The enclave is in a state of economic collapse, the World Bank says, citing the restrictions on Palestinian movement and the import of goods that Israel and Egypt have enforced along the Gaza border. The two countries have said those measures stem from security concerns. (Writing by Jeffrey Heller in Jerusalem; Editing by Mark Heinrich) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Guy Faulconbridge LONDON (Reuters) - The fiancee of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi has said Saudi authorities are responsible for his murder, and the kingdom should give more details so that those responsible can be brought to justice. The death of Khashoggi - a Washington Post columnist and a critic of Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman - sparked global outrage and pitched the world's top oil exporter into crisis. When asked who was ultimately responsible for the killing, his fiancee, Hatice Cengiz, told Reuters in Turkish: 'This took place inside a Saudi diplomatic mission .. By Guy Faulconbridge LONDON (Reuters) - The fiancee of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi has said Saudi authorities are responsible for his murder, and the kingdom should give more details so that those responsible can be brought to justice. The death of Khashoggi - a Washington Post columnist and a critic of Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman - sparked global outrage and pitched the world's top oil exporter into crisis. When asked who was ultimately responsible for the killing, his fiancee, Hatice Cengiz, told Reuters in Turkish: "This took place inside a Saudi diplomatic mission ... In such circumstances, the Saudi Arabian authorities are responsible for this." "This incident, this assassination, took place in the Saudi consulate," she said, speaking through a translator. "So the Saudi authorities probably know how such a murder took place." "They need to explain what happened." Khashoggi, 59, entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2 to obtain paperwork necessary for his upcoming marriage to Cengiz, a Turkish national. He did not walk out of the consulate. Cengiz first raised the alarm. Asked if she held Crown Prince Mohammed or the Saudi royal family responsible, she said: "I and my government would like all those responsible, from the person who gave this order to those who carried it out, to be brought to justice and punished under international law," she said. Cengiz said she had not been contacted by Prince Mohammed or the Saudi royal family, nor offered any condolences by them. Saudi Arabia initially denied any involvement in Khashoggi's disappearance but a Saudi official eventually attributed his death to a botched attempt to return him to the kingdom. Later, Riyadh said the killing was premeditated and Prince Mohammed has vowed that the killers would be brought to justice. Saudi Arabia has detained 18 people and dismissed five senior government officials as part of the investigation into Khashoggi's murder. Some were members of a 15-man hit team, many of them Saudi intelligence operatives, who flew into Istanbul hours before Khashoggi's death, Turkish security sources say. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has urged Riyadh to disclose who ordered the murder and prosecutors have prepared an extradition request for 18 suspects from Saudi Arabia. "The explanations given so far by Saudi Arabia are not sufficient," Cengiz said. "I want to know the details of who is responsible." (Writing by Guy Faulconbridge; Editing by Kevin Liffey, William Maclean) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Narendra Modi and Shinzo Abe also agreed to initiate 2+2 dialogue involving their foreign and defence ministers. Tokyo: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe on Monday held "fruitful and extensive" talks during which they discussed issues of bilateral interest, the situation in the Indo-Pacific region and threats posed by nuclear terrorism as the two sides signed several agreements including on a high speed rail project and naval cooperation. The two leaders also agreed to initiate 2+2 dialogue involving their foreign and defence ministers. India has a similar agreement with the US and the two sides held the first round of 2+2 dialogue in New Delhi last month. "Held fruitful and extensive talks with PM @AbeShinzo. Today's discussions focused on aspects relating to better economic ties, stronger cooperation in areas of defence and security," Modi tweeted after two days of summit-level talks. During the 13th annual summit, the two prime ministers reviewed developments in bilateral relations and explored new areas of cooperation, focusing on shared vision for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, where China is flexing its muscles. China claims almost all of the South China Sea and also laid claims on the Senkaku islands under the control of Japan in the East China Sea. Chinese ships routinely patrol around the Senkaku Islands. China has resorted to aggressive patrols in the last few years. Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have counter claims over the South China Sea. Abe hosted Modi days after he went to Beijing where held talks with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and President Xi Jinping. Abe's visit the first by any Japanese prime minister since 2011 was aimed at repairing ties that have been riven by disputes over territory, military expansion in the Pacific and World War II history. Modi and Abe agreed that India and Japan must work together for a rules-based and inclusive world order that fosters trust and confidence by enhancing communication and connectivity to ensure rule of law, unimpeded trade and flow of people, technology and ideas for shared prosperity. "The two leaders' vision for the Indo-Pacific is based on a rules-based order that respects sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations, ensures freedom of navigation and overflight as well as unimpeded lawful commerce, and seeks peaceful resolution of disputes...without resorting to threat or use of force," said the India-Japan Vision Statement issued after the talks. "We both agree that from digital partnership to cyber space, from health to protection, and from sea to space, in every field we will strengthen our partnership," Prime Minister Modi said. The two leaders reviewed the progress made on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail project, which is an important symbol of India-Japan collaboration. The two sides signed an agreement on yen loan for the project. They also welcomed the continued cooperation on metro projects which support smarter development of Indian cities. The two sides also signed an agreement on the implementing arrangement for deeper cooperation between the Indian Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). Prime Minister Modi expressed his appreciation for the significant contribution of Japan's Overseas Development Assistance to the socio-economic development of India. He appreciated Japan's role in promoting connectivity through quality infrastructure projects such as the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor and the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor. "The two leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to the total elimination of nuclear weapons and remained resolute in the task of strengthening international cooperation to address the challenges of nuclear proliferation and nuclear terrorism," the Vision Statement said. They condemned in the strongest terms the growing threat of terrorism and its universal reach. The two leaders called upon all countries to work towards rooting out terrorist safe havens and infrastructure, disrupting terrorist networks and financing channels, and halting cross-border movement of terrorists. They underlined the need for all countries to ensure that their territory is not used to launch terrorist attacks on other countries, in an apparent reference to Pakistan which is accused by its neighbours of providing safe havens to terrorists. "They called upon Pakistan to bring to justice the perpetrators of terrorist attacks, including those of November 2008 in Mumbai and January 2016 in Pathankot. They looked forward to strengthening cooperation against terrorist threats from groups including Al-Qaida, ISIS, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Lakshar-e-Tayyiba, and their affiliates," the statement said. After India's full accession to three international export control regimes, the two leaders pledged to continue working together for India's membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, with the aim of strengthening the global non-proliferation efforts. The formal summit between Modi and Abe comes a day after the two prime ministers spent about eight hours together at a picturesque resort near Mount Fuji in Yamanashi prefecture discussing ties between the two countries and ways to deepen strategic dimension of the bilateral relationship. Earlier, Modi was given a guard of honour upon his arrival for the annual summit talks at the Kantei, the Prime Minister's Official Residence. 'Officials who recorded their statements include those who handled Moin Qureshi bribery case, IRCTC scam, among others.' This comes after Supreme Court asked CVC to complete within 2 weeks its inquiry into allegations against Alok Verma levelled by Rakesh Asthana. (Photo: File | PTI) New Delhi: The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) on Tuesday examined some CBI officials probing crucial cases which figured in Special Director Rakesh Asthana's complaint of corruption against the probe agency's chief Alok Verma, officials said. Officials from the rank of inspector up to the superintendent of police of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) were called and their versions were recorded before a senior official of the CVC, they said. The officials who recorded their statements on Tuesday include those who handled the Moin Qureshi bribery case, the IRCTC scam, involving former railway minister Lalu Yadav, the cattle smuggling case in which a senior BSF officer was caught with wands of cash in Kerala, according to the officials. These officials were called from the CBI headquarters in the national capital and some from zonal offices, including Kochi, they said requesting anonymity. The officials were asked to give details of the cases in whose probe, the charges of alleged interference by Verma have come up, the officials said. The development comes after Supreme Court on Friday asked the CVC that exercises superintendence over the CBI in corruption matters to complete within two weeks its inquiry into allegations against Verma levelled by Asthana. The two feuding officers, who have alleged each other of impropriety, have been sent on leave by the Centre. The Supreme Court had directed that the CVC's inquiry into the allegations against Verma, who has challenged the government's decision divesting him of his duties and sending him on leave, would be conducted under the supervision of retired apex court judge Justice A K Patnaik and this was a "one-time exception". The feud between Verma and Asthana escalated recently leading to registration of an FIR against Asthana and others including Deputy Superintendent of Police Devender Kumar, who is in the CBI custody in an alleged bribery case. The CBI had on October 15 registered an FIR against Asthana for allegedly receiving a bribe of Rs 2 crore from Hyderabad-based businessman Sana Sathish Babu which was given through two middlemen Manoj Prasad and Somesh Prasad to sabotage the probe against meat exporter Moin Qureshi. On August 24, Rakesh Asthana, in his complaint to the Cabinet Secretary, had levelled allegations against Verma that he got a bribe of Rs two crore from Sana to help him get some relief from questioning in the matter. By Jessica Resnick-Ault PITTSBURGH (Reuters) - Grieving families and friends gathered on Tuesday for the first funerals for victims of a mass shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue, as protesters prepared for a visit by U.S. President Donald Trump amid accusations his rhetoric had encouraged anti-Semitic extremists. By Jessica Resnick-Ault PITTSBURGH (Reuters) - Grieving families and friends gathered on Tuesday for the first funerals for victims of a mass shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue, as protesters prepared for a visit by U.S. President Donald Trump amid accusations his rhetoric had encouraged anti-Semitic extremists. Nearly 2,000 mourners from across the United States came to offer condolences to the relatives of David Rosenthal, 54, and Cecil Rosenthal, 59, at the Rodef Shalom synagogue in the Pennsylvania city as police officers stood outside. The two brothers were among the 11 mostly elderly congregants shot to death on Saturday at the nearby Tree of Life synagogue. Funerals were also being held for Jerry Rabinowitz, 66, and Daniel Stein, 71. "Words cant describe it. Its so tragic. The world we live in leaves individuals who are so deranged to take actions like this," Bob Farrow, who knows members of the Rosenthal family, said outside the Rodef Shalom temple. "Everyone wants to show their support of the Jewish community," said Farrow, who is not Jewish. Robert Bowers, 46, is accused of storming into the Tree of Life synagogue yelling "All Jews must die" and opening fire on members of three congregations holding Sabbath prayer services there. A federal judge on Monday ordered Bowers held without bail. The attack, which the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) described as the deadliest targeting Jews in the United States, has heightened a national debate over Trump's rhetoric, which critics say has contributed to a surge in white nationalist and neo-Nazi activity. The Trump administration has rejected the notion that he has encouraged far-right extremists who have embraced him. Trump's visit comes just seven days before elections that will determine the balance of power in Congress. The Republicans currently control both the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Republican president said he would visit hospitalized police officers and other people wounded in the shooting. "I'm just going to pay my respects," Trump told Fox News on Monday night. "I would have done it even sooner, but I didnt want to disrupt anymore than they already had disruption." The top four U.S. congressional leaders - Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Democratic Senate leader Chuck Schumer, Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan and House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi - declined to join Trump in Pittsburgh, two sources familiar with the planning said. An aide to McConnell said the Kentucky Republican was unable to attend because of a conflict with events in his home state. An aide to Ryan said he was not able to travel to Pittsburgh on such short notice. The ADL, a nonprofit group dedicated to fighting anti-Semitism and all forms of hate, said last week that far-right extremists had stepped up "online propaganda offensives" in the run-up to the elections to attack and to try to intimidate Jews. "I spend half of each year in Germany. I have seen how another country with a much tougher background has dealt with this, starting at ground zero," said Walter Jacob, a rabbi at Rodef Shalom. 'YOU ARE NOT WELCOME' Members of Pittsburgh's Jewish community said they would protest against Trump on Tuesday afternoon. "The gunman who tore apart our neighborhood believed your lies about the immigrant caravan in Mexico," protest organizers said in an announcement, referring to a group of migrants who are trekking through Mexico toward the United States. "He believed anti-Semitic lies that Jews were funding the caravan" In a social media post on Saturday, Bowers, the suspect, had accused the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS), a group that helps refugees, of bringing "invaders in that kill our people." The protest announcement echoed an open letter from a group of local Jewish leaders who told Trump: "You are not welcome in Pittsburgh until you fully denounce white nationalism." More than 43,000 people have signed the letter, organized and posted online by the Pittsburgh chapter of Bend the Arc, a Jewish organization opposed to what it calls "the immoral agenda of the Trump administration and the Republican Party." Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto said he was also against Trump's visit because it would coincide with the first funerals. Peduto, a Democrat, said Trump should wait until all the funerals were held, adding that the visit and additional security measures entailed would distract attention from the "priority" of burying the dead. On Monday, a U.S. magistrate judge ordered Bowers held without bond. The onetime truck driver, a Pittsburgh resident who frequently posted anti-Semitic material online and was described by neighbors as a loner, was charged with 29 federal felony counts. If convicted, he could face the death penalty. Prosecutors have said they are treating the mass shooting as a hate crime. In addition to the 11 worshipers who were killed, six people, including four police officers, were wounded before Bowers was shot by police and surrendered. (Additional reporting by Barbara Goldberg in New York and Susan Cornwell and Richard Cowan in Washington; Writing by Paul Simao; Editing by Jonathan Oatis) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Jessica Resnick-Ault PITTSBURGH (Reuters) - Thousands of mourners on Tuesday attended the first funerals for victims of a mass shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue, as protesters prepared to greet U.S. President Donald Trump amid accusations his rhetoric had encouraged anti-Semitic extremists. More than 1,800 people from across the United States came to offer condolences to the relatives of David Rosenthal, 54, and Cecil Rosenthal, 59, at the Rodef Shalom synagogue in the Pennsylvania city as police officers stood outside By Jessica Resnick-Ault PITTSBURGH (Reuters) - Thousands of mourners on Tuesday attended the first funerals for victims of a mass shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue, as protesters prepared to greet U.S. President Donald Trump amid accusations his rhetoric had encouraged anti-Semitic extremists. More than 1,800 people from across the United States came to offer condolences to the relatives of David Rosenthal, 54, and Cecil Rosenthal, 59, at the Rodef Shalom synagogue in the Pennsylvania city as police officers stood outside. The two brothers, who lived at a home for people with disabilities, were among the 11 mostly elderly congregants shot to death on Saturday at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill neighbourhood. Services were also held for Jerry Rabinowitz, a 66-year-old family physician, and Daniel Stein, a 71-year-old retiree. Nurses in surgical scrubs were among the crowd of about 2,000 at Rabinowitz's funeral. "He was just precious. I feel like I've lost a father figure and I have a father, said Michele Bucher, a 54-year-old patient of Rabinowitz. Robert Bowers, 46, is accused of storming into the Tree of Life synagogue yelling "All Jews must die" and opening fire on members of three congregations holding Sabbath prayer services there. A federal judge on Monday ordered Bowers held without bail. The attack, which the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) described as the deadliest targeting Jews in the United States, has heightened a national debate over Trump's rhetoric, which critics say has contributed to a surge in white nationalist and neo-Nazi activity. The Trump administration has rejected the notion that he has encouraged far-right extremists who have embraced him. Trump's visit comes just seven days before elections that will determine the balance of power in Congress. The Republicans currently control both the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Republican president said he would visit hospitalized police officers and other people wounded in the shooting. He will be accompanied by first lady Melania Trump, the White House said. "I'm just going to pay my respects," Trump told Fox News on Monday night. "I would have done it even sooner, but I didnt want to disrupt anymore than they already had disruption." The top four U.S. congressional leaders - Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Democratic Senate leader Chuck Schumer, Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan and House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi - declined to join Trump in Pittsburgh, two sources familiar with the planning said. An aide to McConnell said the Kentucky Republican was unable to attend because of a conflict with events in his home state. Ryan was not able to travel to Pittsburgh on such short notice, an aide said. The ADL, a nonprofit group dedicated to fighting anti-Semitism and all forms of hate, said last week that far-right extremists had stepped up "online propaganda offensives" in the run-up to the elections to attack and to try to intimidate Jews. "I spend half of each year in Germany. I have seen how another country with a much tougher background has dealt with this, starting at ground zero," said Walter Jacob, a rabbi at Rodef Shalom. 'YOU ARE NOT WELCOME' Members of Pittsburgh's Jewish community said they would protest against Trump on Tuesday afternoon. "The gunman who tore apart our neighbourhood believed your lies about the immigrant caravan in Mexico," protest organizers said in an announcement, referring to a group of migrants who are trekking through Mexico toward the United States. "He believed anti-Semitic lies that Jews were funding the caravan" In a social media post on Saturday, Bowers, the suspect, had accused the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS), a group that helps refugees, of bringing "invaders in that kill our people." The protest announcement echoed an open letter from a group of local Jewish leaders who told Trump: "You are not welcome in Pittsburgh until you fully denounce white nationalism." More than 75,000 people have signed the letter, organised and posted online by the Pittsburgh chapter of Bend the Arc, a Jewish organization opposed to what it calls "the immoral agenda of the Trump administration and the Republican Party." Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto said he was also against Trump's visit because it would coincide with the first funerals. Peduto, a Democrat, said Trump should wait until all the funerals were held, adding that the visit and additional security measures entailed would distract attention from the "priority" of burying the dead. On Monday, Bowers, a onetime truck driver who frequently posted anti-Semitic material online and was described by neighbours as a loner, was charged with 29 federal felony counts. If convicted, he could face the death penalty. Prosecutors have said they are treating the mass shooting as a hate crime. In addition to the 11 worshippers who were killed, six people, including four police officers, were wounded before Bowers was shot by police and surrendered. Four people, including two police officers, remained hospitalized on Tuesday afternoon, according to a spokeswoman for UPMC Presbyterian hospital. (Additional reporting by Barbara Goldberg in New York and Susan Cornwell and Richard Cowan in Washington; Writing by Paul Simao; Editing by Jonathan Oatis and Cynthia Osterman) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Maithripala Sirisena named former authoritarian president Mahinda Rajapaksa as head of government, triggering a constitutional crisis. Colombo: Tens of thousands of activists blocked the centre of Colombo on Tuesday to protest the sacking of Ranil Wickremesinghe as prime minister. Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP) staged the protest outside his official residence where he stayed since President Maithripala Sirisena dismissed him on Friday. Sirisena named former authoritarian president Mahinda Rajapaksa as head of government, triggering a constitutional crisis. The party said about 100,000 people took part in the protests while police sources gave a figure of 25,000, though many busloads still arrived. "We are against the sacking, the people did not vote for Sirisena to act in this manner," Wickremesinghe told supporters from a makeshift stage. "We will resist what the president has done." Crowds chanted "down with the rogue prime minister", referring to Rajapaksa, and said "respect the mandate, recall parliament." Effigies of Sirisena were torn up in a symbolic protest against the president's move which has been described by many local newspapers as a "constitutional coup." Large crowds, many wearing caps in green, the UNP party colour, took part in the hurriedly arranged rally that forced the closure of several roads. "More than 2,600 police and 10 units of Special Task Force commandos were deployed for the protest," police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera said. Parliament speaker Karu Jayasuriya has warned that the crisis could lead to a "bloodbath" on the streets unless Sirisena ends a suspension of parliament to let MPs choose between Wickremesinghe and Rajapaksa. Wickremesinghe has demanded a parliament meet so that he can prove he has majority backing. Shackled to a wheelchair, the man accused of shooting 11 worshippers to death at a Pittsburgh synagogue made a stony-faced and largely silent appearance on Monday in a federal courtroom, where he was ordered held without bond for the deadliest attack ever on America's Jewish community. Pittsburgh: Shackled to a wheelchair, the man accused of shooting 11 worshippers to death at a Pittsburgh synagogue made a stony-faced and largely silent appearance on Monday in a federal courtroom, where he was ordered held without bond for the deadliest attack ever on America's Jewish community. Robert Bowers, 46, wounded in a gunfight with police on Saturday at the Tree of Life synagogue before his arrest, acknowledged the 29 charges against him, including violation of US civil rights laws in what federal prosecutors are treating as a hate crime. If convicted, he could face the death penalty. The judge ordered Bowers, who has a history of posting anti-Semitic material online, held in a federal detention centre and assigned a court-appointed defence attorney. His next hearing was set for Thursday. The synagogue massacre has heightened debate over the rhetoric US President Donald Trump uses, with critics saying it has fostered a climate of political hostility and encouraged right-wing extremism. The president and first lady planned to travel on Tuesday to Pennsylvania to "express the support of the American people and grieve with the Pittsburgh community," White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said at a briefing. The Trump administration has rejected the notion that he has encouraged white nationalists and neo-Nazis who have embraced him, but a group of Jewish leaders told Trump in an open letter on Monday that he was "not welcome in Pittsburgh until you fully denounce white nationalism." Tree of Life Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, however, said on ABC on Monday that the president of the United States is always welcome to visit. Toxic election campaign Trump's visit will take place just a week before the hotly contested 6 November congressional elections, which will determine if Trump's Republicans keep a majority in Congress. His appearance in Pittsburgh also will coincide with the first funerals for some of the slain worshippers. Myers and other speakers at a memorial service on Sunday night for victims of the synagogue shooting used the occasion to decry a rise in toxic political discourse widely seen as conducive to violence. Trump previously drew condemnation from Democrats and Republicans alike for saying that "many sides" were to blame for violence that erupted last year during a "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, and during a torch-lit march the night before by hundreds of right-wing demonstrators chanting "white lives matter" and "Jews will not replace us." Bowers is accused of storming into the Tree of Life temple in Squirrel Hill, a neighbourhood that is the heart of Pittsburgh's close-knit Jewish community, yelling, "All Jews must die" as he opened fire on members of three congregations holding Sabbath prayer services there on Saturday morning. In addition to the 11 mostly elderly worshippers who were killed, six people, including four police officers who confronted the gunman, were wounded before the suspect surrendered. Two of the surviving victims remained hospitalized in critical condition. "Robert Bowers murdered 11 people who were exercising their religious beliefs," US Attorney Scott Brady said after the arraignment, adding that a grand jury would hear details of the crime within 30 days. Team of sharpshooters Bowers' arraignment was marked by a heavy security presence that included police officers with dogs and a team of sharpshooters at the federal court in Pittsburgh. Wearing a blue sweatshirt, gray sweatpants, sandals and white socks, with a crewcut and bald spot, Bowers remained expressionless throughout the short hearing. Bowers said nothing during the proceedings except to give his name, acknowledge he understood the charges against him and that he lacked funds to pay for an attorney. He spoke in a calm voice and signed the papers handed to him with a steady hand. Only at the end of the hearing when he was wheeled out of the courtroom did Bowers appear unsettled, turning his head in apparent confusion. According to an affidavit filed in the case by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, three handguns and an AR-15 rifle were recovered at the scene. The complaint quoted Bowers as saying to one law enforcement officer, in substance, "They're committing genocide to my people." He was also quoted as saying, "I just want to kill Jews." By Phil Stewart and Yeganeh Torbati WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States said on Monday it will send over 5,200 troops to help secure the border with Mexico, a far larger-than-expected deployment as President Donald Trump hardens his stance on immigration ahead of Nov. 6 mid-term elections. The deployment will create an active-duty force comparable in size to the U.S By Phil Stewart and Yeganeh Torbati WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States said on Monday it will send over 5,200 troops to help secure the border with Mexico, a far larger-than-expected deployment as President Donald Trump hardens his stance on immigration ahead of Nov. 6 mid-term elections. The deployment will create an active-duty force comparable in size to the U.S. military contingent in Iraq, as Trump's administration draws attention to a caravan of migrants that is trekking through Mexico toward the United States. General Terrence O'Shaughnessy, the head of U.S. Northern Command, said 800 U.S. troops were already en route to the Texas border and more were headed to the borders in California and Arizona. "The president has made it clear that border security is national security," O'Shaughnessy said, as he detailed a much larger deployment that the 800 to 1,000 troops predicted by U.S. officials last week. O'Shaughnessy said some soldiers would be armed although it was unclear who, beyond U.S. military police, might need those weapons. U.S. officials have stressed that the troops would not police the border and instead carry out support roles like building tents and barricades, and flying U.S. customs personnel to locations along the border. Trump railed against illegal immigration to win the 2016 U.S. presidential election and has seized on the caravan of Central American migrants at campaign rallies in the run-up to next week's vote, firing up support for his Republican Party. If the Republicans lose control of the House of Representatives or the Senate, it could become much harder for Trump to pursue his policy agenda in his remaining two years in office. According to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in late September and early October, 75 percent of Republican voters said illegal immigration is a very big problem, compared with 19 percent of Democratic voters. Although Trump's supporters in Congress praised the deployment of troops, the American Civil Liberties Union derided it as a political stunt. "President Trump has chosen just before midterm elections to force the military into furthering his anti-immigrant agenda of fear and division," said Shaw Drake, policy counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union Border Rights Center in El Paso, Texas. ARMED SOLDIERS Trump said on Twitter on Monday that the military would be waiting for the procession -- suggesting a far more direct role in confronting the migrants than the Pentagon described. "Many Gang Members and some very bad people are mixed into the Caravan heading to our Southern Border," Trump tweeted. "Please go back, you will not be admitted into the United States unless you go through the legal process. This is an invasion of our Country and our Military is waiting for you!" he added. Trump administration officials have been discussing other options to address the caravan and a surge in border crossings, including having Trump use his authority under the Immigration and Nationality Act to declare certain migrants ineligible for asylum for national security reasons. Officials said no decisions had been made. Kevin McAleenan, the U.S. commissioner of Customs and Border Protection, said a group of approximately 3,500 immigrants were travelling through southern Mexico with the intent of reaching the U.S. border. A second caravan of about 3,000 people were at the Guatemala-Mexico border, McAleenan said. At the same time, over the last three weeks, border agents have encountered nearly 1,900 people per day either crossing the border illegally or presenting themselves at ports of entry, with over half of them being children alone or parents and children travelling together, McAleenan said. "We are already facing a border security and humanitarian crisis at our southwest border," he said. Some migrants have abandoned the journey, deterred by the hardships or the possibility instead of making a new life in Mexico. Others joined it in southern Mexico. Trump's decision to call in the military appears to be a departure from past practice, at least in recent years, in which such operations were carried out by National Guard forces -- largely part-time military members who are often called upon to serve in response to domestic emergencies. There are already 2,100 U.S. National Guard forces at the border, sent after a previous Trump request in April. The latest deployment would be in addition to those forces. The decision to send active duty forces this time gives the Pentagon the ability to more rapidly mobilise greater capability than would be immediately available with the Guard, officials told Reuters. But it also injects the military, which prides itself in being non-partisan, into a highly charged political issue just days ahead of an election. (Reporting by Phil Stewart, Yeganeh Torbati; Additional reporting by Idrees Ali, Eric Beech, Mohammad Zargham, Steve Holland and David Alexander; Editing by Leslie Adler and Lisa Shumaker) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. India, caught flatfooted by the appointment of Mahinda Rajapaksa as Sri Lankas premier, has opened urgent diplomatic and political contacts with the strongman who drew close to China during his previous tenure as president, officials said on Monday. New Delhi: India, caught flatfooted by the appointment of Mahinda Rajapaksa as Sri Lankas premier, has opened urgent diplomatic and political contacts with the strongman who drew close to China during his previous tenure as president, officials said on Monday. The tear-shaped island, located off the southern tip of India, has become an arena of tussle between New Delhi and Beijing, which has built ports, power stations and highways as part of its Belt and Road Initiative of trade and transport links across Asia. Rajapaksa had opened up Sri Lankas main port to Chinese naval submarines when he was president, which stoked anger in India. His return to power in a surprise move by current President Maithripala Sirisena has drawn concern in New Delhi that China would tighten its grip on the island that lies along busy shipping lanes. It is advantage China at the moment, said Srikanth Kondappali, a specialist on India-China ties at New Delhis Jawaharlal Nehru University who closely tracks the regional rivalry between the Asian giants. He said Beijing had invested in Rajapaksa and in his political constituency of Hambantota in the south of Sri Lanka where it has built a $1.5 billion deep water port, an airport and also planned an industrial zone. Chinas ambassador to Sri Lanka, Cheng Xueyuan, was among the first diplomats to meet Rajapaksa soon after he was sworn in as prime minister and he presented a congratulatory message from Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang. Sri Lanka was thrown into a political crisis on Friday when Sirisena sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and named Rajapaksa to replace him, breaking up a fragile coalition governing the island. Wickremesinghe, who was seen as pro-India, said his sacking was illegal and he has maintained that he is still prime minister and had majority support in parliament. Sri Lanka is one of a chain of countries where the India-China rivalry is playing out, stretching from Bangladesh, Nepal to the Maldives, where a pro-China leader was voted out in a surprise election result last month that was welcomed by India, the United States and the European Union. Indian diplomats were in contact with Rajapaksas camp, officials in New Delhi said, adding they were ready to do business with the new leader so long as his appointment was in line with the countrys constitution. India will continue to extend our developmental assistance to the people of Sri Lanka, an Indian foreign ministry spokesman said. By Nerijus Adomaitis and Gwladys Fouche OSLO (Reuters) - British citizens already living in Norway and Norwegian citizens living in Britain will have the right to remain residents, even in case of a no-deal Brexit, the prime ministers of Britain and Norway said on Tuesday. By Nerijus Adomaitis and Gwladys Fouche OSLO (Reuters) - British citizens already living in Norway and Norwegian citizens living in Britain will have the right to remain residents, even in case of a no-deal Brexit, the prime ministers of Britain and Norway said on Tuesday. The agreement announced Tuesday was the first concrete step agreed between Britain and the Nordic country on terms that would apply after Britain leaves the EU in March. Norway is not a member of the EU but is part of the single market as a member of the wider European Economic Area (EEA). "Prime Minister May and I agreed that Norway and UK will put in place a comprehensive citizens rights' agreement," said Erna Solberg, prime minister of Norway. "We will treat all UK citizens living in Norway ... so they will have the same opportunities as they had before also after March 2019," she said, adding that Britain and Norway were "very close" on agreeing a deal to mirror any Brexit deal London concludes with Brussels. British Prime Minister Theresa May, visiting Oslo, said she was making the same commitment to Norwegian citizens, as part of a wider pledge to grant such rights to citizens of all EEA countries already living in Britain. "Whatever happens, we confirm that people from the EEA, the Norwegian citizens and those others who are living in the UK, and who have made their life choice to be in the UK, well, to be able to be in the UK. We want them to stay." Solberg said that in the event Britain leaves the EU without a free trade deal with the EEA countries, the most challenging issue between Norway and Britain would be the trade in goods. "The most difficult part will be goods, especially from Norway to Britain, because there will be problems on the British side more than on our side," she told Reuters. "We will have to deal only with Britain, but (Britain) will have to deal with everybody," she said after a session of the Nordic Council at the Norwegian Parliament where May spoke earlier. Britain is Norway's most important trading partner, buying oil, gas and fish. Still, Solberg said she "absolutely believed" that Oslo and London would be able to make "things function" between Norway and Britain even in the case of a hard Brexit. (Reporting by Gwladys Fouche and Nerijus Adomaitis; Editing by Terje Solsvik and Peter Graff) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. The national broadcaster's crew was attacked on Tuesday in Dantewada's Aranpur. According to reports, the DD cameraperson has been identified as Achyuta Nanda Sahu. (Photo: Facebook) Raipur: A Doordarshan cameraman and two security personnel were killed in a Maoist attack in Chhattisgarhs Dantewada, news agency ANI has reported. The national broadcaster's crew, who were on election coverage in the poll-bound state, were attacked on Tuesday in Dantewada's Aranpur. According to reports, the DD cameraperson has been identified as Achyuta Nanda Sahu. "Those killed were identified as Sub Inspector Rudra Pratap, Assistant Constable Mangalu and DD News cameraman Achyutanand from Delhi," Deputy Inspector General (anti-Naxal operations) Sundarraj P told PTI. Dantewada Naxal attack: Two security personnel who were injured brought to hospital. Two security personnel and a DD cameraman lost their lives in the attack. #Chhattisgarh pic.twitter.com/ZiqbwiNbNs ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2018 Two other security personnel were injured in the incident, he said, adding that reinforcements were rushed to the spot This is a developing story. Further details are awaited. The notch of the Google Pixel 3 XL is possibly the most talked about feature besides the camera. However, making things worse, in a hilarious manner, a bug is said to manifest itself an additional notch on the right side of the display. Its a real-life bug experienced by several users as reported on Twitter. So my Pixel randomly grew another notch today. https://t.co/c6Pff9MVmW pic.twitter.com/ugjfLmCkDZ UrAvgConsumer (@UrAvgConsumer) October 24, 2018 While we are not sure whats causing this issue, but it could be something to do with the screen rotation setting thats probably getting a bit confused about its orientation. On that note, a proper restart of the phone made the second notch go away. So, at least its not a permanent problem. Since it is a software related bug, it can be rectified. As expected, Google acknowledged the issue and it is aware of this highly anomalous behavior and said that a fix is coming. However, the company didnt give an estimate for the fix. Via Samsung Galaxy Note9 supports up to 1TB storage with inbuilt 512GB storage and an additional 512GB support via microSD card. However, theres no 512GB microSD card from Samsung, up until now anyway. Back in August, Samsung teased the 512GB microSD card but never announced it, but 512GB Evo+ is now being spotted on the local Samsung website with a price tag. As one would expect, the 512GB microSD card is a costly affair as it comes with 289.90 ($330 / Rs. 24,265 approx.) price tag. This by no means is cheap as you can get two 400GB SanDisk cards and have few more bucks saved. At the moment, Samsungs website only lets you sign-up for notifications regarding availability. In terms of technical details, the card supports up to 100MB/s read speed, and 90MB/s write speed, which is the standard performance for Samsungs Evo+ cards. The card will work with any other type of device that supports expandable memory. If other microSD cards from Samsung are any clue, the 512GB Evo+ comes with a 10-year warranty and be water resistant. The website claims that it can transfer a 3GB video to your notebook or other devices in just 38 seconds. Since it is listed on Samsungs official website, the official launch may be inching closer. Source | Via In late 2016, ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) launched a disciplined strategy focused on creating value for investors. That led the company to take several actions to reduce its cost structure so it could make more money in the future. This strategy has started paying big dividends over the past year. It can be seen in the company's fast-improving profitability, which once again came in ahead of analysts' expectations in the third quarter. That quick success was a key theme on the company's third-quarter conference call, where CEO Ryan Lance demonstrated how far the oil giant has come in the past two years. Making all the right moves One aspect of ConocoPhillips' strategy has been to sell its less profitable assets to boost its profit margin. It did most of the heavy lifting in 2017 by selling several of its assets in Canada, as well as parting with its position in the San Juan Basin. While those deals caused its production base to fall from an average of 1.55 million barrels of oil equivalent per day (BOE/D) to 1.16 million BOE/D, or more than 25%, its anticipated cash flow from operations was expected to decline by less than 5% assuming oil averaged $50 a barrel. The reason cash flow didn't decline as much as production is that these properties earned lower margins. On top of that, the company used some of the proceeds from the sales to retire debt, which cut interest expenses and boosted cash flow. In addition to reducing debt, ConocoPhillips also used some of its asset sale proceeds to buy back stock, repurchasing about 6% of its outstanding shares in the past two years. One benefit of the reduction in outstanding shares is that it provides a boost to the company's earnings on a per-share basis, since it now divides its profits among fewer shares. The company complimented those strategic efforts to boost profitability with other internal initiatives to drive out costs by becoming more efficient, using new technologies, and cutting out excess. Those actions have all helped push the company's cash flow to breakeven level from needing oil over $75 a barrel to sustain its business to below $40 a barrel. Partying likes its 2014 The result of this effort to improve the company's profitability has been remarkable. That's clear from the jaw-dropping comments of Lance on the third-quarter conference call: In the third quarter, we generated $1.6 billion or $1.36 per share of adjusted earnings. And here is some interesting perspective. The last time ConocoPhillips generated quarterly adjusted earnings of $1.6 billion from continuing operations was in the third quarter of 2014. Brent was over $100 per barrel and our production was almost 1.5 million barrels of equivalent oil per day. So we're as profitable today as we were then, despite prices being 25% lower and volumes being 20% lower. So bigger isn't always better. That's why we're focused on per share growth and value, not absolute volume growth. As Lance noted, the oil company is making just as much money on an absolute basis as it was in 2014, when oil was in the triple digits, even though it's producing fewer volumes. That's because its focus is now on producing the most profitable barrels it can, as opposed to pumping out as much as possible. Another benefit of this focus on profitability over growth is that ConocoPhillips isn't spending money on marginal projects geared to grow production. Instead, it's using the cash it might have invested on a lower-return oil project to buy back stock. That's why earnings are even higher on a per-share basis, with the company reporting $1.36 in adjusted earnings for 2018's third quarter, versus $1.29 in the same period of 2014. This trend of delivering even higher profits on a per-share basis should continue, since ConocoPhillips expects to repurchase up to $15 billion in stock in the coming years, enough to retire 20% of its outstanding shares. The good times should continue rolling ConocoPhillips' plan to create value for shareholders has been doing just that in the past two years, evidenced by the fact that the stock has rebounded more than 60%. However, the company believes there's plenty more where that came from, since it expects earnings to continue rising even if oil prices take a breather, because it's focused on growing production that increases its profitability. Add that profit growth to the company's rapidly expanding dividend, and this oil stock should continue creating value for its investors in the years to come. Oil refiner Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX) posted results for yet another great quarter on Friday -- it handily beat earnings expectations and delivered a 99% increase in earnings per share. Despite that impressive third quarter, though, shares of the company have declined more than 15% since its Q2 earnings report. Looking into the numbers, it's not entirely clear why Wall Street keeps selling off this stock. Let's take a look at what happened last quarter, and consider what may have soured the market on Phillips 66. By the numbers Metric Q3 2018 Q2 2018 Q3 2017 Revenue $30.6 billion $29.7 billion $26.2 billion EBITDA $2.43 billion $2.3 billion $1.70 billion Diluted EPS $3.18 $2.84 $1.60 Operating cash flow $582 million $2.36 billion $401 million It shouldn't be too much of a surprise that Phillips 66's refining business performed as well as it did. Transportation bottlenecks for crude oil are creating wide price differences between the outputs of certain regions, and one of the largest such gaps is between U.S. and Canadian crudes. Phillps just happens to be the largest processor of Canadian crude in the U.S., so it benefited immensely from the fact that it's selling for $25 per barrel less than U.S. crude. What stands out in the company's report is that the rest of its business segments also performed well. Management noted that it benefited from several new transportation assets running at high rates, better than expected results from its CPChem joint venture with Chevron, and high margins for its retail sales. A significant portion of Phillips 66's growth capital spending is in its midstream segment, through its investments in two master limited partnerships: Phillips 66 Partners (NYSE:PSXP) and DCP Midstream LP. This past quarter, the company announced it was going to provide transportation and logistics services to Ryze Renewables, which is building two renewable diesel plants in Nevada that will produce about 11,000 barrels per day. Compared to some of the other major investments it has made in transportation -- the largest being its 900,000 barrel per day Grey Oak pipeline from the Permian Basin to the Gulf Coast -- this renewable fuel system is quite small, but management said it will help the company better meet low carbon fuel standards in California. What management had to say During the company's conference call, CEO Greg Garland highlighted management's priority of rewarding shareholders via dividends and share repurchases, and also touted the progress of Phillips 66 Partners, saying: We've repurchased or exchanged nearly 30% of our initial shares outstanding over the last six years, contributing to our record adjusted earnings per share this quarter. We continued our commitment to distributions by returning $775 million through dividends and share repurchase in the third quarter and $5.2 billion for the year. Strong shareholder distributions remain fundamental to our disciplined capital allocation approach. We're investing in a robust portfolio of projects with attractive returns to create shareholder value and drive future growth. During the third quarter, Phillips 66 Partners once again achieved record adjusted EBITDA. PSXP has grown at a rapid pace during its first five years. With its scale and financial strength, PSXP is well positioned to fund and sustain a significant organic capital program to drive future EBITDA growth. One of the reasons that Garland focused on share repurchases is because the company bought $3.28 billion worth of shares from Berkshire Hathaway earlier this year. The deal was structured so that Berkshire could keep its ownership of Phillips below 10% and avoid the extra regulatory filings that would go with a larger stake. So far this year, the company has repurchased $4.1 billion of its own stock. You can read a full transcript of Phillips 66's conference call here. End of the line for refining stocks? Even though Phillips 66's business has performed well this year, the market hasn't given it much credit. One possible reason why is that the transportation constraints it has been benefiting from could start to ease in 2019 with the addition of the Grey Oak pipeline, as well as several others that will add millions of barrels per day of new capacity. Also, other companies are investing in port facilities to export oil. These infrastructure upgrades will likely knock down those regional price discrepancies significantly. At the same time, though, Phillips 66 has been growing the other parts of the business, which should help it compensate for any declines in profits from its refining segment. Also, its management team has proven shareholder friendly, with generous dividends and share repurchases benefiting its share price. Even though Phillips 66 stock looks cheap at only 8.4 times earnings, it's hard to say whether its recent price declines are an overreaction, or if the market is pricing in a significant profitability decline coming under the assumption that crude prices will normalize. Even if such a decline were to occur, however, the company's reputation for rewarding shareholders ought to be enough to put it on your radar as a potential investment. BP (NYSE:BP) has put together a rather impressive string of earnings results that have surpassed analyst estimates. This past quarter, the company not only beat expectations, it blew them out of the water by nearly doubling its net income for the third quarter. On top of those impressive earnings, the company also announced that it is changing the way it will finance its recent acquisition in a way that will benefit shareholders. Let's take a look at what happened this past quarter, what management is doing to improve the terms of its recent shale acquisition, and what investors should make of BP's recent string of successes. By the numbers Metric Q3 2018 Q2 2018 Q3 2017 Revenue $80.8 billion $76.9 billion $60.8 billion Net income $3.40 billion $2.87 billion $1.76 billion Earnings per ADS (GAAP) $1.00 $0.84 $0.53 Operating cash flow $6.09 billion $6.31 billion $6.02 billion BP has done a truly fantastic job of delivering growth in recent quarters. While much of that can be attributed to higher oil prices, it also has to do with the fact that it's starting up new capital projects both ahead of schedule and under budget. This past quarter's result was the highest per-share earnings since 2014, and that is with an average realized price of $69.6 per barrel of oil and $3.86 per thousand cubic feet of natural gas. What is equally impressive is that BP was able to maintain strong earnings results from its downstream segments even though earnings from the refining and marketing businesses tend to drop as oil prices rise. Management attributed the results to high utilization rates for its fuel refining and resilient results from its lubricant and petrochemical divisions. Cash generation was flat for the quarter, but the company noted that it had a $700 million working capital build in the quarter for maintenance and turnaround expenses. The highlights Production for the quarter came in at 2.46 million barrels per day, which was flat compared to this time last year. Management noted, though, that this was a period of heavy maintenance that temporarily shut in a lot of production. Stripping out the effects of maintenance, production was up 6.8% year over year thanks to new projects starting operations. BP also delivered two new projects in October: its Thunder Horse expansion in the Gulf of Mexico and the Western Flank B project in Australia. Both of these were expected to be completed in 2019 and will grow overall production faster than anticipated. BP's equity interest in Russian oil giant Rosneft produced about 1.2 million barrels per day, up 2.8% compared to this time last year. The company signed an agreement to resume exploration and development work in Libya. As part of the deal, Italian oil company Eni SpA will take half of BP's 85% working interest in the prospective fields and become the operator of the project. This will allow BP to monetize an asset that has been on hold since 2014 while allowing it to benefit from future production. What management had to say Late last quarter, BP announced it would acquire BHP Billiton's (NYSE:BHP) entire portfolio of onshore oil and gas in the U.S. for $10.5 billion. The deal, designed to boost BP's shale position, was going to be paid for with cash from asset sales as well as the company issuing shares. Thanks to another quarter of strong cash generation, though, CFO Brian Gilvary announced some changes to the way it plans to finance the deal. This quarter's underlying result was significantly higher than the second quarter in a very similar price environment. Since we announced the BHP transaction, oil prices have firmed to levels significantly above the acquisition assumptions. While oil prices remain at these levels, we expect to finance the transaction fully using cash. In this event, the $5-6 billion divestment programme linked to the transaction will be used to reduce debt. We will also continue our share buyback programme to offset dilution from the scrip dividend. Investors have to be happy about this outcome. The company will avoid diluting its share count and pay down a decent chunk of debt at the same time. When BP inked the deal for BHP, it was using an assumption of $55 per barrel of oil. With domestic crude prices hovering closer to $70 a barrel lately, this is looking like a great deal. Delivering after years of underperformance BP hasn't been a good investment over the past decade. Between the Deepwater Horizon spill and the oil price crash, the company has struggled to generate returns for its investors. Were it not for its rather generous dividend, investors would still be looking at a stock that is down compared to a decade ago. It appears, though, that all of that history is behind it. It has brought several new major projects into service that have desirable rates of return, its downstream business is performing considerably better than it has in years, and management is making some impressive moves that should drastically improve returns. The fact that it is going to pay cash for its $10.5 billion acquisition is a sign of how much better of a position this company is in today. BP anticipates the BHP deal to close on Oct. 31, which combined with other capital projects will add a significant amount of production to next quarter's result. Pending any unforeseen changes to oil prices or another accident, it looks like BP's shareholders could see much better days ahead. Things were really looking up for Ensco (OTC:VAL) this past quarter. The company had previously posted its first revenue increase in years and management felt comfortable enough with its financial standing and the current offshore rig market that it announced a merger with Rowan Companies (NYSE:RDC). While Ensco posted a slightly smaller loss than expected, it wasn't able to post another quarter of revenue gains. In the long run, though, that may not be a big deal. Here's a look at Ensco's most recent quarter, why this revenue slip shouldn't be too much of a concern for investors, and what investors should expect in the upcoming quarters. By the numbers Metric Q3 2018 Q2 2018 Q3 2017 Revenue $430 million $458 million $460 million Operating income ($41.9 million) ($32.6 million) $35.8 million Net income ($145.0 million ($151 million) ($25.4 million) Diluted EPS ($0.33) ($0.35) ($0.08) After posting its first increase in revenue for the first time in years in Q2, Ensco's revenue slipped again this past quarter. Despite the new contracts it had signed so far this year, there were a lot of rigs that rolled off contract this past quarter that led to the revenue decline. Here's the good news: Many of those rigs that rolled off contract were able to secure new jobs. According to Ensco's most recent fleet status report, the company secured 16 new contracts or extensions. Many of those won't start until January or April of 2019 because the producers that leased these rigs are doing so on their 2019 capital budgets, but it is clearly a positive sign for Ensco. Taking another bold step More important than Ensco's quarterly earnings was the announcement earlier this month that it and Rowan would be combining in a $3.9 billion deal. Adding Rowan to Ensco not only grows its fleet of high-specification floating rigs, but it also helps to address one of the largest concerns for Ensco: Its fleet of older jack-ups. Rowan has a large fleet of modern jack-ups and a big portion of them are designed to handle harsh environments. Combined, the company will have the largest fleet of jack-up rigs, as well as the second-largest fleet of floating rigs, many of which are capable of handling complex jobs in water depths of more than 10,000 feet. Management expects to close the deal in the first half of 2019. This is the second major acquisition Ensco has made during this market downturn (the first being the acquisition of Atwood Oceanics for $6.9 billion last year). This is an industry that was in dire need of consolidation, and Ensco was one of the few companies with the balance sheet and the contracted backlog of work to do deals. What management had to say In the company's earnings press release, CEO Carl Trowell highlighted some of the new work Ensco won this past quarter. These are the awards it won for rigs that were previously inactive or saw their contracts end in the quarter and doesn't include extensions for currently active rigs: Higher levels of customer demand have led to new contracts and extensions for several rigs in our fleet across a range of water depths and geographies. ENSCO DS-9 and ENSCO DS-12, two of our highest-specification drillships, were awarded contracts in South America and West Africa respectively. We also won new contracts for versatile semisubmersibles ENSCO 8503 and ENSCO 8505 in the Gulf of Mexico along with sister rig ENSCO 8504 offshore Japan. Further, contract awards for high-specification, harsh environment jackups ENSCO 121 and ENSCO 122 in the North Sea demonstrate a clear customer preference for high-quality rigs that can deliver the greatest efficiencies for their offshore well programs. A bumpy road today, but getting smoother in time This past quarter probably wasn't the result investors were looking for, as revenue slid again, but the contracts Ensco signed are a clear sign that things are getting better. Next quarter may also be a tougher one, as many rigs will have to mobilize, which will likely increase costs without more revenue coming in the door. Once they start drilling in 2019, though, we should see a considerable improvement in Ensco's results. With the addition of Rowan coming down the pipe, Ensco is looking more and more attractive as an investment. The stock already looks dirt cheap with shares trading well below book value, and the addition of Rowan will give the company about $1.9 billion in cash to see it through these last few challenging quarters for the offshore rig industry. For those willing to wait a long time for a payoff, Ensco stock could be worth a look. Genesee & Wyoming (NYSE:GWR) reported strong third-quarter results, driven by its North American segment as well as a lower tax rate. Those positives more than offset weakness in its international operations. However, while the company's outlook for all its business segments remains positive, it anticipates some near-term headwinds, which will impact its fourth-quarter results. Genesee & Wyoming results: The raw numbers Metric Q3 2018 Q3 2017 Year-Over-Year Change Revenue $603.3 million $576.9 million 4.6% Adjusted net income $73.8 million $50.6 million 45.8% Adjusted EPS $1.23 $0.81 51.9% What happened with Genesee & Wyoming this quarter? North America led the way: Revenue from Genesee & Wyoming's North American operations rose 11.5% from the year-ago period to $355.7 million due to stronger volumes, especially for coal and coke products, metals, and agricultural products. That revenue growth helped boost this segment's adjusted operating income by 23.4% to $102.6 million. The company's revenue from Australia slipped 5.6% to $76.7 million. While carloads rose thanks to strong coal and coke product shipments, freight revenue dipped due to lower pricing per carload. Meanwhile, freight-related revenue also declined versus the year-ago period. That weaker revenue weighted on adjusted operating profit, which slipped 9.2% to $19.8 million. The U.K./Europe segment's revenue dipped 3.3% to $170.9 million, due mainly to the sale of the company's ERS Railways business earlier in the year. That asset sale also weighed on this segment's adjusted operating income, which decreased from $9.3 million to $8.1 million. The strength of the company's North American operations, which contribute 80% of its operating income, along with a much lower tax rate, helped drive the surge in net income. The rail company completed its $300 million share repurchase plan in mid-October, which helped provide an additional boost to earnings per share. That led Genesee & Wyoming to authorize a new $500 million stock buyback program. What management had to say CEO Jack Hellmann commented on the company's quarterly results, saying: Our financial results for the third quarter of 2018 were strong, with reported diluted earnings per share increasing 45% and adjusted diluted earnings per share increasing 52%. Our North American financial results (approximately 80% of operating income) were uniformly positive led by 11.5% revenue growth, an operating ratio that improved around 300 basis points to 71.2%, and a 25% increase in operating income. Meanwhile, third-quarter results in our Australia Region (approximately 15% of operating income) and U.K./Europe Region (approximately 5% of operating income) were slightly below our expectations. Strength in the company's North American segment helped drive results higher during the quarter. Total freight carloads rose from 407,697 in the year-ago period to 446,219 thanks to nearly across the board growth. In addition to moving more carloads, the company hauled in a higher average revenue per carload, which rose from $596 to $613. Those healthy results more than offset weakness in the company's international operations. Looking forward Hellman noted that the company's "commercial outlook remains positive in all three of our geographic segments." However, he warned that "we expect our fourth quarter financial results to be adversely impacted by three items," which included the impact from Hurricane Michael, delays in some coal shipments in Australia that will shift to 2019, and a shortage of locomotive drivers in the U.K. that will squeeze margins as it ramps training and hiring. The mistake occurred while Rahul was sharing story on Sainik Schools in Mizoram opening its doors to girls after over half a century. This is not the first Congress president Rahul Gandhi has mistakenly presented incorrect information on social media. (Photo: File) New Delhi: The BJP mocked Congress President Rahul Gandhi after he mistakenly referred to Mizoram as Manipur on Facebook on Monday. The erroneous post exposed the Congress chief to sharp criticism ahead of the assembly polls in the northeastern state. The mistake by Rahul Gandhi occurred while he was sharing a story on his Facebook on Sainik Schools in Mizoram opening its doors to girls after over half a century. The only problem was, he referred to the state as Manipur. The post was deleted. Minutes later, the Congress president shared a new post along with the story again, making the necessary correction. On Twitter, BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya posted a screenshot of the Congress presidents post, saying "Rahul Gandhi shares an article on Mizoram and writes Manipur. It is this ignorance about the Northeast that is so problematic! Rahul Gandhi go and write this a hundred times, Mizoram and Manipur are two different states in the North East of India and I will remember that for the rest of my term as President of the Congress party! (Edits note after being called out!), Malviya tweeted, in a jibe at Rahul Gandhi after he shared the post again. Rahul Gandhi go and write this a hundred times, Mizoram and Manipur are two different states in the North East of India and I will remember that for the rest of my term as President of the Congress party! (Edits note after being called out!) pic.twitter.com/q4BHSJC9BZ Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) October 29, 2018 This is not the first the Congress president has mistakenly presented incorrect information on social media. Last year, he posted a table detailing the rise in prices of certain commodities, including LPG, lentils, tomatoes, onions and milk, but got the numbers wrong. He later deleted the tweet and posted another with a corrected table. Leaders from other parties too have fallen prey to accidental slip-of-tongue. In 2014, soon after Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister, he referred to Bhutan as "Nepal" while addressing the joint session of the neighbouring nation's parliament in Thimpu. In a speech in April, PM Modi referred to Mahatma Gandhi as Mohanlal Karamchand Gandhi. During the Karnataka elections, BJP president Amit Shah in a faux pas said that the government of BS Yeddyurappa, who is the Karnataka BJP chief, was corrupt while the latter was seated right next to him. The BJP president wanted to say Siddaramiah. 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The incident was reported at 11:50 am in Nargis Dutt Nagar slum, located opposite Bandra fire station in Bandra (West). (Photo: Twitter | ANI) Mumbai: A massive fire broke out at a slum in suburban Bandra on Tuesday morning, a fire brigade official said. No loss of life has been reported so far and eight water tankers, nine fire engines as well as ten fire tenders have been rushed to the spot to put out the blaze, the official said. The incident was reported at 11:50 am in Nargis Dutt Nagar slum, located opposite Bandra fire station in Bandra (West), the disaster management cell of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said in a statement. "A joint team of fire brigade, ward staffers and Mumbai Police personnel has been mobilised to douse the flames," it added. Local MLA and Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar, who is overseeing the rescue operation, said prima facie the blaze was triggered by a cylinder blast in the slum. Further details are awaited. SC questioned Bihar govt as to why former minister Manju Verma had not been arrested till now, calling the entire issue 'highly suspicious'. The top court also sought a list of the CBI officers investigating the case from September 20 till date, to be given by October 31. (Photo: PTI) New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered the transfer of Brajesh Thakur, the main accused in the Muzaffarpur shelter home rape case to a high security jail in Punjab's Patiala. Thakur had been staying in Bihar's Badarpur jail but last week the SC said that it would not be appropriate to keep him in a Bihar jail calling him a "very influential man". The court had issued a notice to Thakur asking him to explain why he should not be transferred to a prison outside the state. The apex court on Tuesday also questioned the Bihar government as to why former minister Manju Verma had not been arrested till date, calling the entire issue "highly suspicious". Just because she (Manju Verma) happens to be cabinet minister doesnt make her above the law. The whole thing is highly suspicious. Why has she not been arrested? Its too much. Nobody is bothered about the law", a bench of Justices M B Lokur, S A Nazeer and Deepak Gupta said. Manju Verma, the former Bihar social welfare minister had stepped down from her position after her husband, Chandrashekhar Verma, was linked to Brajesh Thakur in the shelter home sex scandal case. About 50 cartridges had been seized during a raid conducted at Verma's Patna and Begusarai residences by the Central Bureau of Investigation in connection with the Muzaffarpur case. Chandrashekhar Verma, who had been absconding, on Monday, surrendered before a sub-divisional court in Manjhaul in Begusarai district. He was remanded in judicial custody till November 6. He has been booked in an Arms Act case registered in connection with the recovery of ammunition from his residence. The top court also sought a list of the CBI officers investigating the case from September 20 till date, to be given by October 31. The court expressed shock when informed by advocates that girls in the Muzaffarpur shelter home were drugged. "These girls are being injected with drugs so that they can be raped. What is this going on?" the court asked. Over 30 girls had allegedly been raped at a shelter home run by Brajesh Thakur, the chief of a state-funded NGO. The incident was first brought to light in an audit report submitted by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences to the state's social welfare department. It is totally unacceptable that Iran or any other foreign state plans assassinations on Danish soil. Further actions against Iran will be discussed in the EU. #dkpol The RSS maintained that with the construction of the temple, an atmosphere of unity and harmony would be created. The VHP said it will intensify its campaign for the mandir if its demand for a legislation is not met but remained short of demanding an ordinance on the issue. New Delhi: Asserting that justice delayed is justice denied, the RSS and its affiliate VHP on Monday reiterated their demand for a legislation by the Rambhakt Modi government in the winter session of Parliament for construction of a bhavya(grand) Ram mandir at the disputed site in Ayodhya. The Sangh parivar reaction came after the Supreme Court declined an urgent hearing of the Ayodhya land dispute case and fixed the issue for first week of January before an appropriate bench. The VHP said it will intensify its campaign for the mandir if its demand for a legislation is not met but remained short of demanding an ordinance on the issue. While no official reaction came from the BJP headquarters on the issue, even though some of its leaders, including union minister Giriraj Singh reacted, ruling partys ally Shiv Sena said the Ram temple is an issue of faith and demanded that the government comes out with an ordinance soon. Sena president Uddhav Thackeray will be visiting Ayodhya on November 25 to pay obeisance. We feel that there should be a Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. We are not demanding a Ram temple in Pakistan but in Prabhu Rams Ayodhya. Uddhav Thackeray will go to Ayodhya and put forth his views on the Ram Mandir before people of the country, said Sena leader Sanjay Raut. The RSS maintained that with the construction of the temple, an atmosphere of unity and harmony will be created. Earlier this month, the RSS supremo Mohan Bhagwat had pitched for early resolution of the case while asserting that only a temple would be constructed at the disputed site. People of this nation cannot wait eternally...enact a law to clear the way for the mandir, said the VHP working president, Alok Kumar. He said that if the government fails to bring a legislation then the Dharm Sansad of saints and seers will decided the next course of action when they meet on January 31 in Allahabad. The deferment of the matter fuelled demands for an ordinance within the BJP and various groups linked to its ideological mentor RSS. New Delhi: The Ayodhya temple-mosque dispute will be taken up in the first week of January, the Supreme Court said on Monday, virtually ruling out any chance of a decision on the vexed issue any time before the Lok Sabha polls in May 2019. We have our own priorities whether hearing would take place in January, March or April would be decided by an appropriate bench, said Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, rejecting the Uttar Pradesh governments plea for an urgent hearing on the ground that it was a 100-year-old dispute. Hinting that the court may conduct daily hearings in the matter from January 2019, the bench, including Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and K.M. Joseph, clarified that the appeals would come up in January first week before a bench not for hearing but for fixing the date of hearing. The deferment of the matter fuelled demands for an ordinance within the BJP and various groups linked to its ideological mentor RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh). A three-judge bench headed by the former CJI Dipak Misra had on September 27 rejected the plea to re-open the 1994 ruling which held that a mosque is not an essential aspect of Islam and namaz (prayer) by Muslims can be offered anywhere, even in open. The court had held that this ruling does not require reconsideration by a Constitution Bench. The court had rejected the arguments that the observations made by the Constitution Bench in 1994 had influenced the decisions made by the Allahabad High Court in 2010 while allocating two-third share of the disputed site in Ayodhya to Hindus and one-third to Sunni Wakf board. The court had said that the questionable observations came to be made in the conclusion that places of religious worship like mosques, churches, temples etc. can be acquired under the states sovereign power of acquisition. Such acquisition per se does not violate either Article 25 or Article 26 of the Constitution. The court held that a three judge Bench would hear the appeals in the title dispute on October 29. As many as 14 appeals have been filed against the Allahabad high court judgment, delivered in four civil suits, that the 2.77 acre land be partitioned equally among three parties the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla. The apex courts decision on Monday to put off the matter till January disappointed many Hindu groups, which had hoped for a day-to-day hearing to start in their quest to build a Ram temple on the site where the Babri Masjid once stood and was destroyed on December 6, 1994. Immediately, there was a chorus of demands from within the BJP and various Sangh Parivar outfits that the Centre bring an Ordinance or legislation in the Winter session of Parliament for early construction of Ram temple at Ayodhya ahead of 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The Sangh believes that a Ram Temple should be constructed early at the birthplace of (Lord Ram) and should get land for temple construction at the birthplace. With the construction of the temple, an atmosphere of unity and harmony will be created, RSS chief spokesperson Arun Kumar said in a statement. The Centre said it had full faith in the judiciary and fully respects it. Outlining the governments stand, Union law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, at the same time, said a lot of people in the country want the case to be heard quickly. Union minister and senior BJP leader Giriraj Singh said that Hindus are running out of patience on the Ram temple issue while his party colleague Vinay Katiyar alleged that the issue was being delayed under pressure from the Congress, which denied the charge. Senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram, however, observed that it was a familiar story every five years before the elections when the BJP tries to polarise the issue. Notorious gangster James "Whitey" Bulger has been found dead at a federal prison in West Virginia Tuesday just days after being moved there. Start Your Own Sportsbook For Just $5 Per Customer The Federal Bureau of Prisons online inmate log on Tuesday listed Bulger as an inmate at USP Hazelton, a high-security prison with an adjacent minimum security satellite camp in Bruceton Mills. The 89-year-old Bulger had recently been moved from a prison in Florida to a transfer facility in Oklahoma City. The feared former leader of the Winter Hill Gang, Bulger was convicted in 2013 of participating in 11 murders stretching from Massachusetts to Florida to Oklahoma. Bulger was serving a life sentence. Further details were not immediately known. - Jagajeet Chiba, Gambling911.com Mr Palaniswami said he was not heard when the CBI investigation was ordered against him. The court should consider whether politically motivated complaints could be treated as PILs- filed by Leader of Opposition on party letterhead. (Representational image) New Delhi: In a huge relief to the Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi Palaniswami, the Supreme Court on Monday stayed a Madras high court order directing CBI probe against him in the award of tender for highway projects in the State. A three-judge Bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and K.M. Joseph stayed the high court order after hearing senior counsel Aryama Sundaram and counsel Balaji Srinivasan for the Chief Minister and senior counsel Mukul Rohatgi and Advocate General Vijay Narayan for the DVAC. The Bench issued notice to Mr. Bharati on whose petition the CBI probe was ordered. At the outset, counsel Sundaram submitted that the impugned order was passed without even hearing the chief minister and no opportunity of hearing was provided. Further the High Court had ordered CBI probe even though the main writ petition filed by DMK Member of Parliament R.S. Bharati did not seek such a relief. Such a relief was sought as an after thought, it was submitted. Mr Edappadi Palaniswami in his appeal said he was not heard when the CBI investigation was ordered against him. The court should consider whether politically motivated complaints could be treated as PILs- filed by Leader of Opposition on party letterhead. He also questioned the correctness of the high court order, which had chosen to order fresh preliminary enquiry without looking at the previous preliminary enquiry. 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. 61,000 vacancies in Central forces. New Delhi: In a bid to resolve the ongoing shortage of security personnel in central police forces, home minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting with senior officials of the ministry and police organisations. Mr Singh, sources added, has directed all the authorities concerned to expedite the recruitment process and fill the pending vacancies in a timebound manner. If required the home ministry and central police organisatiosn will use a special mechanism to deal with shortage of security personnel. Central paramilitary forces are facing as many as 61,000 vacancies even as 18,460 posts are lying vacant in CRPF, which happens to be the biggest paramilitary force as on March 1, 2018. This is followed by BSF which has 10,738 vacant posts. The main reason for the vacancies is largely on account of retirement, resignation, death, creation of new posts or raising of new battalions. Normally, these central forces fill the posts through different means like direct recruitment, promotion and by deputation from other police and security units, according to provisions of the recruitment rules. Officials claimed that filling vacant posts was a continual process in central paramilitary forces. Other forces like the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) has 18,942 vacant posts while 5,786 slots are there in Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). In addition, there are 3,840 vacancies in the Assam Rifles and 3,812 vacancies in the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) as on March 1 this year. Rahul Gandhi said he had meant Chhattisgarh chief ministers son Abhishek while making the remark. Bhopal: Soon after Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhans son Kartikeya filed a defamation case against Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday, for linking him to the Panama Papers expose, the Congress president said the large number of corruption cases against BJP leaders and their kin had him confused. Mr Gandhi said he had meant Chhattisgarh chief ministers son Abhishek, and not Kartikeya Chouhan, as amongst the people listed in Panama Papers for having illegally stashed their money in safe havens abroad. I have nothing to do with Panama Papers. Charges levelled against me by the Congress president were not only baseless but also ridiculous. He wanted to defame members of my family by making such baseless charges, the junior Chouhan told reporters here. On Monday, while addressing a public meeting in Nimar-Malwa area in Madhya Pradesh, Mr Gandhi had alleged that the chief ministers sons name was mentioned in the infamous in Panama Papers. On Tuesday, following news of the defamation suit, Mr Gandhi said that he got confused between Chhattisgarh chief minister Raman Singhs son and Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhans ward. Mr Gandhi said he had meant Chhattisgarh chief ministers son Abhishek while making the remark. There were so many scams in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Hence, I got confused over them (where they are taking place), he said while addressing a public meeting at Khargone in Madhya Pradesh. Junior Chouhans counsel said his client had sought an unconditional apology from the Congress chief for making such wild and baseless allegation against him. Union minister and RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha also said said he wanted a 'respectable' number of seats to fight in Bihar. Upendra Kushwaha, who met BJP general secretary Bhupendra Yadav, made it clear that final seat-sharing deal has not been clinched yet but hinted he may remain part of BJP-led NDA. (Photo: File | ANI) New Delhi: Union minister and RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha on Tuesday said he was ready to follow BJP president Amit Shah's call asking allies to "sacrifice" their number of Lok Sabha seats in Bihar but asked why his party was not made a partner in the Nitish Kumar-led government. The Rashtriya Lok Samta Party chief, whose meeting with RJD's Tejashwi Yadav last week sparked speculation over his future course of action, said he wanted a "respectable" number of seats to fight in the state. Kushwaha, who met BJP general secretary Bhupendra Yadav, made it clear that a final seat-sharing deal has not been clinched yet but dropped hints to suggest he may remain part of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance. "I have said it that it is in the interest of the country that Narendra Modi is elected prime minister for another term. I will be working for this," the minister of state for HRD told reporters. However, his differences with Janata Dal (United) president and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar came to the fore as he aired his anguish at his party not being offered a ministerial post in the state government after Kumar joined the NDA last year. "We are ready for sacrifice," he said, referring to Shah's comments last week that the BJP's two allies, the Lok Janshakti Party and the RLSP, will have to agree to fight on a fewer number of seats in 2019 than they did in the 2014 polls to accommodate the JD(U). "Partnership should be equal in profit as well as loss," he said. While BJP and Ram Vilas Paswan's LJP had joined Kumar's government, the RLSP had not. His talks with Yadav were "good and cordial", he said, adding that he had expressed his sentiments to the BJP leader, who is the saffron party's in-charge for Bihar. If needed I will meet Shah and also PM Modi to clinch a respectable deal for his party, he said. Sources said the BJP has offered two seats to Kushwaha, whose party contested three seats in 2014 and won them all. Though he has not spoken about the number of seats he wanted to contest, his party leaders have been seeking a larger share than 2014. The RLSP leader played down his differences with Kumar when questioned and referred to him as his "elder brother". He said it was a coincidence that he met RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav the same day Shah met Kumar and announced that the BJP and the JD (U) will fight on equal number of seats in Bihar. "We both happened to stay in the government's circuit house following our respective events in Arwal (Bihar). Tejashwi Yadav came to my room. There was nothing political," he said, adding that they held no private talks and many people were there. With contours of seat-sharing arrangement still evolving, sources said the BJP, JD (U), LJP and RLSP will contest around 16, 16, five and two seats respectively. Bihar has 40 Lok Sabha seats. Kushwaha also announced the names of his party's candidates for 66 seats in the Madhya Pradesh assembly polls and said more will follow. City-based interior designer duo has won the German Design Award for creating a Greek-styled home in the city. Elaborating on the theme The Passage to India through Greece, Ayushi says there are five things that will define a Greek design: colour, ceiling, furniture details, wall finish and kitchen. Rugged white walls, minimalist decor and hues of blues adorn the sprawling flat in South Mumbais Prabhadevi and will transport one to the cosy Grecian homes in Santorini the point of reference for interior designers Ayushi Kanodia and Parakh Jindal for this project. For siblings Ayushi and Parakh, space doesnt pose a hurdle in a city like Mumbai as they effortlessly converted a 2bhk into a 1bhk, bringing to life a part of Greece, aptly naming the project as The Passage to India through Greece. It has been selected as the winner of the German Design Award, 2019 in the category of Interior Architecture. While the announcement has already been made the award will be conferred in February next year. A recently married couple who love Greece were looking for a cosy, non-typical Bombay house with no contemporary or modern interiors. It was fun doing as we could relate better and had the full creative freedom, says Ayushi. After discussing the basics with the clients, they sought inspiration from the Island of Santorini. With a lot of white, the team penned down all the shades of blue, dashed in rustic finishes on the wardrobes, focal points and the chairs. They wanted a home they shouldnt feel they have stepped back into a Mumbai home. So if you see the Island it has mostly whitewashed walls and coral blue colours. We kept the whitewash walls and brought in arches which are a trademark of the houses in the Island, explains Parakh. Elaborating on the theme The Passage to India through Greece, Ayushi says there are five things that will define a Greek design: colour, ceiling, furniture details, wall finish and kitchen. It will always be whites, rustic, blues and never a loud colour. The house has a raw wood ceiling with antique finish and we have given a lot of arches. If you see the detail of the dresser and chair, it has little carvings and rounded effects. Such details have only to be the focal point in one or two pieces of your furniture while other pieces have to be really straight-lined. All the walls are limestone finish, which is the main Greek look. Lastly, the aqua blue kitchen has moldings. This had to be handmade, unlike the modular ones. Otherwise, it would kill the Greek effect, lists the 29-year-old interior designer. Parakh Jindal The plus point of the arch walls, according to the designers is the fact that it will keep a steady air flow inside the house minimising the need for air conditioning. When you will stay in the room, you will feel as if it is your second home. And you have that feeling only when you go to a resort. You wouldnt want to come out of the room, says Ayushi. As the designing was minimalistic, it took the designers only four months to finish the house. But as far as designing houses in Mumbai is concerned, space has never been an issue for them. The main problem is the mindset of the people. Families are not open to such kind of themes. They will simply say, humay kuch bhi khurdura nahi chaiye. They want adesign that is easy to maintain. They also dont want light colours because then you can see the stains easily, rues Ayushi. Talking about the award, the sibling is thrilled. Ayushi didnt expect it to be so easy and views this as a great confidence booster to pursue great work. It is an achievement for an Indian firm to be recognised on an international platform. It is a great opportunity for us in terms of showcasing our work not only in India but internationally and do some international projects as well, concludes Parakh. Women's contribution is also widely held to have helped secure them the vote, as early as November 1918 in both Britain and Germany PARIS: Driving trams, ploughing fields and manning production lines: World War I radically changed women's role in society, as they stepped into the boots of men gone to fight for their countries. In cities across Europe, women took on traditionally "male" jobs -- waiting on tables, delivering the mail, teaching in boys' schools or handling cash as bank clerks. "Women rapidly became indispensable, not only in the nursing and welfare services but in offices and factories and agriculture, changing the whole balance of society in the process," says historian Michael Howard. As soon as war broke out in 1914, France's prime minister Rene Viviani called on women to "replace in the workplace those who are on the battlefield". In Germany 44 percent of Bavarian farms were being run by women by 1916, according to the historian Benjamin Ziemann, with some even forced to pull carts in place of horses requisitioned for battle. From 1915 onwards, Europe's industry -- devoted to the war effort -- relied massively on the female workforce, as did that of the United States from 1917. "Without women, victory will tarry," warned Britain's soon-to-be prime minister David Lloyd George in 1915. Some 400,000 women were toiling in France's war factories by 1918 -- a quarter of the workforce -- handling some 2,500 shells per exhausting 11-hour shift. In Britain women's share of the workforce had risen by 50 percent by the end of 1917, with one million employed in war factories in 1918. Many were married and from the middle classes, few of whom worked outside the home until then. Most, but not all, roles were again reversed after the end of the conflict in 1918 as returning men looked to regain their jobs. Women's contribution is also widely held to have helped secure them the vote, as early as November 1918 in both Britain and Germany, and in 1920 in the United States. Up until the outbreak of war, feminists on both sides had pledged themselves to peace in a kind of transnational women's solidarity, according to the historian Joshua Goldstein. But within months all the major feminist groups had thrown their weight behind their respective governments, predicting that patriotism would enhance the prospects for women's suffrage, he said. - 'Pretty English girls in khaki' - Women contributed mostly on the home front, but more than 80,000 also served in Britain's Women's Army Auxiliary Corps as nurses, mechanics, cooks or ambulance drivers. An emblematic few were exposed to the danger of war, as soldiers -- or spies. Among them was Mata Hari, the Dutch-born dancer, seductress and spy who was executed by a French firing squad during the war. Another famous figure was Edith Cavell, the British nurse celebrated for saving the lives of soldiers from all sides without distinction in Brussels. She was found guilty by a German military court of assisting the enemy and shot by firing squad on October 12, 1915. After a visit to nurses working on the Belgian front line in 1914, journalist Sarah Macnaughton paid tribute to them in testimony published by Britain's Imperial War Museum. "It is a queer side of war to see young, pretty English girls in khaki and thick boots, coming in from the trenches, where they have been picking up wounded men within a hundred yards of the enemy's lines, and carrying them away on stretchers... I lift my hat to you!" she said. A tiny number of women even went into combat. One was Dorothy Lawrence, an ambitious 20-year-old journalist who became the only woman soldier enlisted in the British army by passing herself off as a man. She turned herself in after only 10 days, worried for the safety of the men who helped her. Flora Sandes, another Englishwoman, enlisted with the Serbian army in 1916, aged around 40, and reached the grade of sergeant major. She stayed on after the war, eventually becoming a major. Some women in Russia also took part in combat, driven both by patriotism and the desire to escape a drab existence. Most joined up dressed as men, but a few served openly as women. The most famous were the "Battalion of Death" -- several hundred women soldiers led by a 25-year-old peasant girl named Maria Boshkareva, who set up the battalion with permission from the tsar. Fadnaviss government will complete its fourth year in office on Wednesday. Mumbai: Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis Tuesday said that the Shiv Sena understands the political fact that both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and itself would suffer if they contest polls separately and that the coming together of the Congress, NCP and others has consolidated the Oppositions vote bank. Mr Fadnaviss government will complete its fourth year in office on Wednesday. On the eve, he met mediapersons at his residence, Varsha, and discussed a range of issues including preparation of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for upcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. We are very confident that the people will elect the BJP again under the strong leadership of Narendra Modi. The people are with us. The Opposition has no space in Maharashtra now, said Mr Fadnavis. Talking about the alliance he expressed confidence that the Sena will form an alliance with BJP. Uddhav Thackeray knows that the division of Hindutva votes will help Congress and NCP at the end. It seems that they are coming together. In that case, Sena chief knows what needs to be done. I am confident that Sena will form an alliance with us, said Mr Fadnavis. The Maharashtra chief minister also ruled out chances of simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in the state. The Assembly polls in the state are scheduled in October 2019. Dunford Shares Thoughts on Maintaining U.S. Military's Competitive Advantage Oct. 28, 2018 By Jim Garamone Defense.gov ARLINGTON, Va. -- It is a dangerous and unpredictable time, and the United States must reverse any erosion in its military capabilities and capacities, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said at the Military Reporters and Editors conference here Oct. 26. Marine Corps Gen. Joe Dunford is confident the U.S. military can protect the homeland and fulfill its alliance commitments today, but he must also look at the long-term competitive advantage and that causes concern. He said the competitive advantage the U.S. military had a decade ago has eroded. "This is why our focus is very much on making sure we get the right balance between today's capabilities and tomorrow's capabilities so we can maintain that competitive advantage," Dunford said. Strategic Alliances Provide Strength The greatest advantage the United States has the center of gravity, he said is the system of alliances and partners America maintains around the world. "That is what I would describe as our strategic source of strength," he said. This network is at the heart of the U.S. defense and security strategy, Dunford said. "We really revalidated, I think, what our threat assessors have known for many years, is that that network of allies and partners is truly unique to the United States of America and it is truly something that makes us different," the general said. A related aspect is the U.S. ability to project and maintain power "when and where necessary to advance our national interests," Dunford said. "We have had a competitive advantage on being able to go virtually any place in the world," he said, "and deliver the men and women and materiel and equipment, and put it together in that capability and be able to accomplish the mission." This is what is at the heart of great power competition, the general said. "When Russia and China look at us, I think they also recognize that it is our network of allies and partners that makes us strong," he said. Challenges Posed by Russia, China Broadly, Russia is doing what it can to undermine the North Atlantic Alliance and China is doing what it can to separate the United States from its Pacific allies. Strategically, Russia and China are working to sow doubt about the United States' commitment to allies. Operationally, these two countries are developing capabilities to counter the U.S. advantages. These are the seeds to the anti-access/area denial capabilities the countries are developing. "I prefer to look at this problem less as them defending against us and more as what we need to do to assure our ability to project power where necessary to advance our interests," Dunford said. These are real threats and include maritime capabilities, offensive cyber capabilities, electromagnetic spectrum, anti-space capabilities and modernization of the nuclear enterprise and strike capabilities. These capabilities are aimed at hitting areas of vulnerability in the American military or in striking at the seams between the warfighting domains. "In order for us to be successful as the U.S. military, we've got to be able to project power to an area and then once we're there we've got to be able to freely maneuver across all domains sea, air, land, space, and cyberspace," the chairman said. This requires a more flexible strategy, he said. During the Cold War, the existential threat to the United States emanated from the Soviet Union and strategy concentrated on that. Twenty years ago, this was different. The National Security Strategy of 1998 didn't address nations threatening the U.S. homeland. "To the extent that we talked about terrorism in 1998, we talked about the possible linkage between terrorism and weapons of mass destruction," Dunford said. "For the most part, what we talked about were regional challenges that could be addressed regionally with coherent action within a region, not transregional challenges." Different Threats Transregional threats are a fact of life today and must be addressed, the general said. "What I'm suggesting to you, is in addition to the competitive advantage having eroded, the character of war has fundamentally changed in my regard in two ways," he said. "Number one, I believe any conflict is going to be transregional meaning, it's going to cut across multiple geographic areas, and in our case, multiple combatant commanders." Another characteristic of the character of war today is speed and speed of change, he said. "If you're uncomfortable with change, you're going to be very uncomfortable being involved in information technology today," the general said. "And if you're uncomfortable with change, you're going to be uncomfortable with the profession of arms today because of the pace of change. It's virtually every aspect of our profession is changing at a rate that far exceeds any other time in my career." He noted that when he entered the military in 1977, the tactics he used with his first platoon would have been familiar to veterans of World War II or the Korean War. The equipment and tactics really hadn't changed much in 40 years. But take a lieutenant from 2000 and put that person in a platoon "and there's virtually nothing in that organization that hasn't changed in the past 16 or 17 years," Dunford said. "This has profound impacts on our equipment, our training, the education of our people." This leads, he said, to the necessity of global integration. "When we think about the employment of the U.S. military, number one we've got to be informed by the fact that we have great power competition and we're going to have to address that globally," he said. The Russian challenge is not isolated to the plains of Europe. It is a global one, he said. "China is a global challenge" as well, Dunford added. Global Context American plans have historically zeroed-in on a specific geographic area as a contingency, the general said. "Our development of plans is more about the process of planning and developing a common understanding and having the flexibility to deal with the problem as it arises than it is with a predictable tool that assumes things will unfold a certain way in a contingency," he said. "So we've had to change our planning from a focus on a narrow geographic area to the development of global campaign plans that actually look at these problem sets in a global context. When we think about contingency planning, we have to think about contingencies that might unfold in a global context." This has profound implications for resource allocation, Dunford said. Forces are a limited resource and must be parceled out with the global environment in mind. "The way we prioritize and allocate forces has kind of changed from a bottom-up to a top-down process as a result of focusing on the strategy with an inventory that is not what it was relative to the challenges we faced back in the 1990s," he said. In the past, the defense secretary's means of establishing priorities came through total obligation authority. The secretary would assign a portion of the budget to each one of the service departments and the services would develop capabilities informed by general standards of interoperability. At the time, this meant the American military had sufficient forces that would allow it to maintain a competitive advantage. "Because the competitive advantage has eroded, in my judgment, the secretary is going to have to be much more focused on the guidance he gives," Dunford said. "He not only has to prioritize the allocation of resources as we execute the budget, but he's got to five, seven or 10 years before that, make sure that the collective efforts of the services to develop the capabilities that we need tomorrow are going to result in us having a competitive advantage on the backside." This fundamentally changes the force development/force design process, he said. "This is not changing because of a change in personalities. It's not changing because different leaders are in place," the general said. "It's changing because the character of war has changed, the strategic environment within which we are operating today and expect to be operating in five to seven years from now, will change. Frankly, were we to not change the fundamental processes that we have in place inside the department, we would not be able to maintain a competitive advantage five or seven years from now." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Granted, it was not a fight between equals, and the mind-boggling incompetence of the Saudis made for easy pickings. Had the twists and turns in the gruesome murder of Jamal Khashoggi been part of a movie script, we would have dismissed it for being too unbelievable. But if what followed was as President Trump rightly called it the worst cover-up ever from the Saudi side, we must also acknowledge that the Turks have carried out what is possibly the greatest information management operation in recent times. Granted, it was not a fight between equals, and the mind-boggling incompetence of the Saudis made for easy pickings. But there was a certain mastery to the way Turkish President Erdogan managed the response. Every time the Saudis were cornered and presented yet another explanation of what had happened in that consulate-cum-abattoir, a leak from Turkish authorities soon followed that left the Saudis humiliated. It was like watching grandmaster Gary Kasparov play chess with a kindergartener, or like watching Bruce Lee fight Shaikh Rashid every strike was surgical, every blow splintered bone and tore muscle. And just as the Saudis would limp away, there would come another carefully calibrated assault. It was Chinese torture delivered through leaks and scoops, and it achieved what is next to impossible in todays clickbaity, easy-to-move-on world: it dominated headlines for weeks and is continuing to do so where the shelf life of the average story is a few days at best. And it culminated with the worlds camera being focused on Erdogan, with ticker typists breathlessly breaking his every word. Heres how it worked: Turkish officials would leak news to local media outlets, and then that news would be picked up and broadcasted the world over. The irony is that Turkey, the worlds most prolific jailer of journalists, became the unquestioned source for the worlds media and the loudest voice calling for justice for Khashoggi. The irony is that Erdogan achieved this international media coup by first effectively breaking, muzzling and intimidating all domestic media into following his line. The very media that is routinely used to target and silence dissenters in Turkey was quoted around the world. Saudi Arabias own attempts at media management while nowhere near as slick as Turkeys and hampered by the nature of the Khashoggi case are not to be disregarded entirely. While Turkey managed to project itself on an international level, Saudi efforts largely focused at keeping Arab media on its side by using the technique of throwing money at a problem until it goes away. Across the Arab world, Saudi Arabia has funded media outlets in a successful attempt to buy influence, the details of which can be found in diplomatic cables published by WikiLeaks in 2015. These include a $2 million bailout for a Lebanese TV network in return for a pro-Riyadh line and tens of thousands of dollars in inflated subscription fees for smaller Arab publications. The fruits of that largesse were visible in the obedient parroting of the Saudi line, even as that line turned into a squiggle and then into something out of the fevered imaginations of Salvador Dali. From denial to dark hints about a conspiracy against Riyadh to actually praising the kingdoms sense of justice and honour once Khashoggis death was admitted, most Arab media used to obeying the commands of police states contorted themselves like a particularly flexible jalebi. Some, more loyal than the Crown Prince, ventured into absurdity with one Lebanese paper claiming that Khashoggis fiance was actually a man in drag, and a member of the Muslim Brotherhood. No matter how laughable, every such claim was obediently amplified by hundreds of pro-Saudi social media accounts, primarily on Twitter, which posted identical content using the hashtag #WealltrustMohammadBin_Salman. This was the product of the now widely adopted phenomenon of government-sponsored troll farms that aim to sway discourse in a certain direction, that aim to confuse where they cannot convince, and intimidate critics into silence by creating an illusion of pro-state consensus. It is yet another irony that Twitter, which many thought would help democratise Saudi Arabia and other countries, itself became a tool of state repression. But even the best marketing campaign cant sell a lousy product. Pro-Saudi channels like Al Arabiya may have consoled the loyalists and spun the already well spun, but beyond their captive audience, no one was buying it. That wont always be the case though. The world over, states that view a free (ish) and thus noisy and inconvenient media as a threat to national interests are taking notes with great interest. Even the most authoritarian states are vying with each other to produce slick media outlets with international appeal that can seamlessly blend propaganda and news, while also providing enough regular clickbait to stay credible. The war for your mind has only just begun. Good luck sifting the news from the noise. By arrangement with Dawn U.S. Department of Defense Press Operations News Transcript Presenter: Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis October 28, 2018 En route to Czech Republic Media Gaggle by Secretary Mattis SECRETARY OF DEFENSE JAMES N. MATTIS: Q&A on the record then we'll go to off the record. That sounds okay? Q: Yes. SEC. MATTIS: Hey, Katie. I couldn't see you back there. OK, so I'll talk first of all about the visit in Bahrain. I didn't see much of you this time. I just see you in the various rooms. Where you at the -- when I gave the talk? STAFF: Yes. SEC. MATTIS: OK, good. OK, it was a pretty impactful visit there. I met with both European and Mid-Eastern leaders, foreign ministers, ministers of defense, spoke with the vice president of Yemen, minister of defense of Germany, U.K. reps, you know, just a broad rage of folks. The GCC secretary general, Retired Lt. General Zayani of the Bahraini forces. Of course, his office is in Riyadh. I was there for the meeting too, so a lot of meetings. I haven't been even told you about all of them, a bunch of them. This one is Shangri-La are probably two of the best forums for drawing a lot of people together. It's a real good environment. Basically, reinforcing relationships, discussing the challenges, making certain I understand how they look at the world based on their threats to them, but also where they want to work with us. You heard me reinforce our commitment to the Middle East, which haven't changed, by the way. I know a lot of people write about it and all, but if you look at it, you know, where you'll pick it up is the planning meeting. They go on all the time with various countries out here from Egypt, for exercises, for crises, for humanitarian assistance or disaster reliefs. These planning meetings are going on all the time and I always look for where we're not doing something, are there gaps in that, and I did not come away with any, even to the point of asking what are we not doing, what do you need from us, what questions do you have? Basically, I called that clarifying and confirming visit with most of them to get some successes. I got the overnight report in on the election done in Kandahar Province. You know, they got delayed for a week due to the murder of the police chief down there wounding of a U.S. officer, general, and all. It looks like very high voter turnout, long lines before 7 a.m. Where both male and female lines, very long lines, to the point they had to extend the hours they were open to accommodate everyone, which they did do. We think there were 172 polling centers open. I was thinking there would be 165. Obviously, they got some others open, so people didn't have to travel as far. There was very limited social media propaganda by Taliban. I can't tell you why. It just something we monitor. They said, of course, they would disrupt the election. They were very proud they were going to disrupt the election. They were unsuccessful a week ago and now it's an additional week where they, you know, military people would have had more opportunity. There was, we think one attack, no casualties from that. It didn't appear to be fist fights or any of the things come out in passionate locations, but no casualties, so probably won't make a lot of news, will it? They pulled it off against everyone and said it wouldn't happen, so why report something like a victory for democracy. Let's wait until we have something worse perhaps. There were administrative delays due mostly to biometric issues, but it looks like the new general, General Keating, did visit polling centers throughout the city. We've also got reports from him that aligned with what we are getting from the poll centers themselves about the numbers. We were out in force doing train, advice, assist at the core and brigade levels, and cadet ministries in Kabul. So, basically, it was perhaps -- I don't want to go into. We also have the continuing rage ongoing against ISIS. I'm not sure why the Taliban weren't ready to carry on what they said they would do. I can't speculate on it. A reminder on this poll election. About 249 positions, over 2,500 people running, do the math, you can figure how many people on average were running for a position. Again, this is something that many of the -- they presented themselves as experts and said that it wouldn't happen like the election would be, you know, put off by Taliban or that there's not much room for democracy in a country governed the way this country has been. I think 2,500 men and women disagreed with that, putting themselves out there even the Taliban said they're going to kill them, and did kill some. A lot of talk in Manama about the strengthened cooperation, and in that regard, the prime minister of Israel visit to Muscat received -- I was at a lunch yesterday hosted by the foreign ministers of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, followed after his talk yesterday as well as mine and all, and it was very well received that visit to Oman. Everyone thought that was a positive development and there were a lot of discussion on other things as well, heavy on Yemen. I would say, though, is very keen alignment on what are the threats to stability right now, very candid discussions about all of those. They were quite interested in the U.N. team being on board the U.S. Destroyer in port that had hundreds of AK-47s that have been seized. We're pretty -- we're very sure ourselves for a lot of reasons where they came from, where they were headed to. We'll see what the U.N. team was able to say about it. They need time now to put their thoughts together as they're flying back to New York or left yesterday, so that was three days ago now. I think I've mentioned to you that earlier this week, Thursday night, before I got on the airplane, it's the 35th anniversary of the bombing of the peacekeeper barracks. We lost 241 U.S. soldiers, sailors, and Marines. The French lost 58 paratroopers the same day as their barracks. There were peacekeepers who were trying to stop what's going on in Lebanon in those days, 35th anniversary, that came up as well, in the lunch and in the dinner the first night, not last night's dinner. But it is a pretty powerful statement that what Iran has been doing through proxies has gotten -- it goes on for decades. It was good to be sitting with Foreign Minister Adel, who I've known for many years, the former U.S. ambassador to Washington. He was the one, of course, and Attorney General Holder and his crew, who put the courier in jail for the plan to murder him two miles from the White House with a car bomb at a Georgetown restaurant on a Saturday night. You can imagine what that would have been like. So, this is emblematic right down to the AK-47 for fixing up, let's see -- this is the way Iran operates and that is probably the one point brought up by everyone I was talking to in various private discussions and public discussions around the table. Just because it's too frosty, we don't agree that in any way that they lose accountability and responsibility for these things. So, we're working with our friends in the region and in Europe to hold them accountable for it as they should be. Of course, the other destabilizing behavior, you know what they're doing in Syria. They'll need to go over that again. But I think one point that I made in the speech and in all the private discussions was the need for addressing the war in Yemen, humanitarian situation was front and center. I said these people need peace to heal, that needs to start. That doesn't need to languish. We've had plenty of discussions of the subordinate issues. I've mentioned yesterday in the Q andA, we don't need to talk about subordinate issues. We need to all get aligned with U.N. Special Envoy Martin Griffiths, very, very capable, experienced guy, who knows what he's doing. By the way, he was much more positive there. I think I've mentioned off the record, I'll say it on the record now, much more positive when I met with him Thursday morning for an hour. I think our third face-to-face and about our fifth or sixth telephone face-to-face meeting. The United States is fully in support of the U.N. efforts to stop the fighting once and for all. So, we'll stay aligned with him and increase our support for him. We'll be looking for every opportunity, calling other nations. All of my calls forward in the private meetings and in even afterwards some of the e-mails I've gotten from Europeans, who were at Manama, on the speech talked about the emphasis on humanitarian situation in Yemen on the speech and the Q and A. Now it's time to get on with it, not discuss it but negotiations, start the negotiations and in November is what I said. Last time I checked that's coming up shortly. But again, it was for all the challenges and there's a bunch of them from Syria to Yemen, and all the rest. There was much more agreement on working together. What surprised me was even with the GCC countries, talking about working together with Qatar. Not that the risk is over, but they've always said they were not going to stop the military to military relationships. As you know in many cases, the exercises have gone on with Qatar to date in the exercise. But they also recognize that we're a lot stronger when we work alongside like-minded folks. I think that's the reason why and I just sat listening to them all yesterday and that was -- I think who was there -- Saudi was there right after the speech, and obviously Bahrain, Yemen's vice president, the Jordanian foreign minister, who gave the talk on behalf of the king. Were you all at the dinner too? OK, the king couldn't make it. If you know about the deaths of the children and some of the teachers and all in the flashfloods. So, this guy came, explained why the king wasn't there, and then read the king's speech. It's only about nine minutes long. As always from the king of Jordan, very hard hitting, no fluff, meet NATO, work together, what we've got to do. So, he was there. The Kuwaiti was there. Who else was there? Emirate was there. Japanese, U.K., Honorable (inaudible). I've got his card here somewhere. He's like their foreign secretary, but he's not really the foreign secretary. The minister for Middle East and North Africa, a whole lot of folks there. But there was much more alignment and I think that may have been why they were so supportive of the sultan in Muscat invited the prime minister of Israel over there. On our way now to visit another like-minded ally, the Czech Republic. They've been very good allies, by the way. He's not anymore. They had a great lady and I will leave it at that. She was wonderful. She called them like she saw them. But they have a great minister there now too. Hopefully, we'll get in. There are some snow flurries and all there and we have to fly through but celebrating a 100th anniversary of the Czech Republic founding. So, the Czech Republic invited me to it. Happy to go there. By the way, I'll also meet with the Slovakian minister of defense while I'm there, just a short meeting. Again, someone we're very much aligned with, of course, NATO ally. Of course, we're aligned with them. Both of these nations, Czech Republic and Slovakia are both have their national plans to get the 2.0 and to do so online with the Wales pledge so full speed ahead. I think they're somewhere -- I think around -- Czech troops I think are somewhere around -- just for those who think that we sometimes do everything in this world. They've got a lot of troops. Both these little countries have a lot of troops. Yes, I've got it here somewhere, but no sweat. They've got probably between about 1,500 troops committed to NATO missions, hundreds to NATO missions, by the way, Iraq, Afghanistan, E.U. missions and U.N. missions. These are responsible countries. They do more than just look up for themselves. They're good partners. Hard fighting in the MERV this week in the Middle Euphrates River Valley. This is as we get down into the -- it's under two percent now as the fighting goes on, very hard fighting. Exactly what we anticipated as we concentrate some more, they become more capable of sailing out. So, they've got a fallback and of course, the reinforcement themselves. So, hard fighting casualties down there both sides, but we'll continue to go after them in the weeks ahead. The minister of defense of China is coming in early November. We are deconflicting with our national holiday, but I'm not sure -- one of you wrote that it was a delay, never been delayed. It's been on the same timeline for the last month of June. We talked about it when I was in Beijing in June when I met with him. It's a very long discussion in Beijing. The two plus two was canceled for me. It was canceled on the diplomatic side, but even at that point, we'd already agreed to meet in Singapore with as you know was a little over a week ago. The November visit was a longstanding invitation from me to him to come to America. All on track. We're developing ways that we're going to work together and reduce mil to mil tensions even as we have other disagreements the way it is. On the border, we are preparing what we call Defense Support for Civilian Authorities. Right now, it will be phased. Right now, if you look at how we organize for the storms, for Puerto Rico where you surround the storm, for Texas, for Florida, we surround the storm. So, right now, we're planning it, how we're going to do it. We need to -- but we're planning the logistics. Right now, logistics are always a tough part where you have to actually line up first to gear up, where the troops at, what are the dimensions. Our staffs have been meeting over the last three days. They're meeting now. They're meeting tomorrow, and we all make certainly have whatever material just like we do for the storms. What's the material requirement, how many troops are needed, break it down like that. The meetings are going on. The orders are being drafted and some material is moving, construction-type material, 30 barriers, that sort of thing that they may need. We anticipate from what they thought they'll need. I'll come back to you when we have it finalized, the details, the rules that the troops will be under, I'll give that. I do not have that at this time. They're working on it. I'll review it either tonight when I get back to Washington or tomorrow. What else is going on here? Good talk with the Japanese foreign minister there in Bahrain about the situation in Korea, very much aligned. We were just again clarifying and confirm. We and Japan are on the same kind of music. That's an opportunity to meet with the foreign minister at the lunch yesterday, which was hosted by foreign ministers. I think let's just go to Q and A. Is there any other figures who you want me to cover before we go to Q and A? Q: I'm just going to ask about -- you mentioned your meetings in Bahrain. (Inaudible). SEC. MATTIS: Yes. We discussed the same thing we talked about, transparency, full and complete investigation, full agreement from Foreign Minister (inaudible). No reservations at all. We need to know what happened and there's very collaborative agreement. Q: Secretary, you talked about meeting your European partners, (inaudible), how would address their concerns about the U.S. leaving the INF Treaty? SEC. MATTIS: We're still on track to have the discussion of the foreign ministerial -- NATO, we needed NATO at summits, from the head of state cons. We meet in DefMin. How often do I do those, Katie? Every three months and then the foreign ministers I meet, I think meets every six months. I'm not sure on that. Don't quote me on that part of it, but they will meet on December 4th, I believe is the date. At that point, we'll I'm sure have some kind of culminating point. Now what it will be is still to be determined. Is it material breach and Russia decided to reverse itself? Have they woken up to the danger they put the treaty in? We'll have to see, but we are in consultations with our European counterparts. I was speaking about it yesterday or a day before. The minister of defense, as I said, the consultations continues. Q: Mr. Secretary, you talked a lot about Yemen. Was there any discussion any shift in U.S. support to the Royal Saudi coalition? You've talked before about how the military has helped press the diplomatic effort. Any changes do you think on U.S. support toSaudis and Yemen? Did you talk about that with (inaudible)? SEC. MATTIS: We support the defense. For example, we continue the training of their guys and how you construct missions so innocent people are not hit, how do you plan those missions. The commander of the Royal Saudi Air Force has visited every base. We're doing much of the same orientations, making very clear the protection of innocents. He's talked to his pilots actually face-to-face going from base-to-base talking to them. We'll continue to support the defense of the kingdom. You'll notice there have been no missiles fired for a while. We are focused right now on supporting the U.N. special envoy. We do not accept that there is any reason for a slowdown in the effort to bring this to a negotiated end because now is the time. As I said yesterday publicly, now is the time to do this. I have worked with Foreign Minister Adil and (inaudible). So, full support from the king of Bahrain. Everybody wants to see this brought to an end and so it's how do we do it in a way that does not allow the Saudi[sic] the opportunity to continue to bring weapons in to destabilize the region. How do the people inside Yemen with the U.N. being the fair broker work out the political situation internally, but you know, we've got to get on this right now. Q: Did you speak with the German minister about the meeting in Istanbul yesterday between the Russian president (inaudible) about Syria? There was a meeting yesterday, Russia, Turkey, France and Germany about Syria. Did you speak about that to the German minister? Did she inform you what they were doing? SEC. MATTIS: Yes, with the collaboration goes on, our position is the Geneva process with the U.N. brokered process to end this fighting, we support it. If other people want to talk in support of getting this to the Geneva, that's great. But the Geneva process must meet all of our alignments right now. Q: Why U.S. was not participating in that meeting? SEC. MATTIS: Pardon? Q: Why U.S. was not a part of that meeting? SEC. MATTIS: We're not part of all meetings in the world. Our goal is to move this towards Geneva. If other nations are trying to move it towards Geneva, we support it. If other nations are trying to delay or divert from Geneva, then we believe that's a mistake, but we're not part of all meetings in the world. Q: Back to the border wall, is this strong response? (Inaudible) or is this a very specific (inaudible)the caravan. SEC. MATTIS: I prefer not to even answer. That's where it's going to be. I'm just going to show for us it's a military problem that we're given, and this is the process we follow. No, I'm not trying to say, this is a storm, OK. I'm just saying this is a mission in support of the civilian authorities and here's how we go through it, so you understand why right now I have something done. Another thing is still on process. Q: But it's very specific to this caravan. It's not a general a general plus up. SEC. MATTIS: This is a result - response to the caravan directed by the president based on what Secretary Kirsten, Secretary Nielsen says we need in order to address that issue. Q: Czech Republic, with their losses in Afghanistan, are you a little concerned that Czech maybe facing more public pressure to maybe not contribute supplies to Afghanistan with how much they have lost there? SEC. MATTIS: No. Q: Have they expressed any concerns to you? SEC. MATTIS: Pardon? Q: Have Czech officials expressed any concerns to you about their amount in losses? SEC. MATTIS: Yes, I keep thosekind of conversation, , generally, I maintain confidentiality but no. In fact, they have not. Q: You support the U.S. withdrawal from the INF? SEC. MATTIS: We have to do as I've said -- I think it was -- well, I've talked about it many times actually, mostly in meetings whether it be with the Russian ambassador to Washington or with the NATO allies or probably at least I know for 16 months, it might be 18 months. I can't remember if I started in February. My first talks I know by April when I came into office, I was talking about it. And I said, it is unsustainable that you have a treaty between two countries and one country denies breaking it and then when they're confronted with the evidence, they say, well -- then they said, we deny that it is a violation of the treaty and they kept going. Finally, they admitted it, but they withdrew it when they realized what they've done. So, we've made it all along. It's untenable. It's a treaty. When two nations have the treaty and one is violating it, and not just for, you know, accident or disagreement on the terms. In fact, the reason they denied the missile even existed initially and then never forced because they've made a mistake to admit they had it. They knew it was in violation if they admitted it. So, it's untenable is I think our position, so Russia has to return the compliance. Q: Can you rule out -- I think one of the things the European, the Czechs are worried about. Can you rule out that the U.S. would supply intermediate range missiles on the ground -- SEC. MATTIS: You're new here, but I never rule things out like that. It's a legitimate question. I never rule things out. I also don't rule ideas. There are a number of ways for us to respond. It does not have to be symmetric and it will be in close consultation with allies. The closest consultation when you look at the destabilizing aspects of what Russia has done that will require us to be in very close, as I have been, and State Department has been for years. Remember, it's under two different administrations, Democrat, Republican. The Democrat administration rules them in violation. The intel is compelling. Russia has eventually inch by inch been put in a place where the have to acknowledge it. They continue now to deny it, but the bottom line is the diplomats have been trying repeatedly in many meetings over two administrations to bring them back in compliance. We put the word out. When I was at NATO last time, I laid out the situation again, and I said, I need your advice. I need to know we have only unpalatable options, that's the words I used, I need to know if you have any ideas about what we can do to bring Russia back into compliance to save this treaty. So far, we have not been able to find any and that's from 28 other nations in Europe. Another question, go ahead. Q: Any reaction to the shooting at the Synagogue? SEC. MATTIS: I know right now what you know plus I've received one bit of intel, which does not add anymore detail. It's just a normal report that I would get on any what we would consider to be a significant event like that. I've talked before about the loss of respect and fundamental friendliness towards one another, but there's one person responsible. This individual I wanted to call him a man who is the the poorest excuse for a man you could even come up with who would use a weapon in a house of worship on unarmed innocent people and even shoot four policemen and then surrender himself. This is a coward and he is not a man by any definition that we use in the Department of Defense. That's tough on the neighborhood, on the members of that synagogue, on all of us, the way you've been creating of religion and one of our most fundamental rights that our country was founded on. Q: Just a follow on that, how come when we speak to troops you talk to them about the stabilizing effect (inaudible) very uncertain time right now for a nation? Wouldn't you talk to them especially like a lot of the division that's going on in the country? SEC. MATTIS: You know what, Tara? The U.S. military -- what I'd expect from our troops and what I've see of them, these men and women working respect alongside each other. People will look at other people's religion as a private matter to be respected. The U.S. military I believe represents what it's all about in America where you work together to solve things, but also in the U.S. military, our job is to protect democracy and we're devoted -- focused like a laser beam on that. So, let's go off the record, okay? http://www.defense.gov/News/News-Transcripts/Transcript-View/Article/1674757/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemenis kill dozens of Saudi forces in western country IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Tehran, Oct 28, IRNA -- Scores of Saudi troops have been killed during an attack by the Yemeni army and Popular Committees in al-Hudaydah Province in western Yemen. Yemeni forces targeted the Saudi positions in the southwest of Al-Jabalia area in the West Coast, according to a report by the Yemeni TV channel Almasirah on Saturday evening. Dozens of Saudi soldiers were killed, wounded or captured, a military source said. Several military vehicles were also destroyed, and some weapons were seized. Earlier in the day, the Yemeni army artillery attacks had inflicted heavy casualties on Saudi troops. The Yemeni army and Popular Committees also managed to capture a number of Saudi bases. Despite international concerns over humanitarian deterioration, the self-proclaimed Saudi-led coalition has launched widespread attacks in Yemen to occupy the harbor of al-Hudaydah in western country. Since March 2015, a coalition of several Arab countries led by Saudi Arabia and the go-ahead and assistance from the United States launched assaults on Yemen, the Arab world's poorest country, under the pretext of bringing the ousted Yemeni President Mansour Hadi back to office. The Yemeni army and Popular Committees have thus far resisted the Saudi raids. The Saudi incursion into Yemen so far has claimed the lives of 16,000 innocent Yemenis and has razed the country to the ground. 9477**2044 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemeni forces shell Saudi troops positions in Jizan IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Tehran, Oct 28, IRNA -- Yemeni forces pounded positions of Saudi military men in Jizan, southern Saudi Arabia with artillery shells Saturday, according to the Islamic Republic News Agency quoting Almasirah news network. Almasirah reported that the Yemeni army forces and members of popular committees inflicted heavy casualties on Saudi troops and affiliated mercenaries by targeting their positions with artillery shells in Al-Khobe region. The Yemeni army forces and popular committees also launched an offensive against a number of positions of Saudi troops in JIzan, inflicting heavy casualties on them and destroying two military vehicles. They also blew up a military watch tower. 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 former president Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi back to power and crushing the country's Houthi Ansarullah movement. Some 16,000 Yemenis have been killed and thousands more injured since the onset of the Saudi-led aggression. 1396**1396 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemenis fire ballistic missiles at base run by Riyadh's mercenaries Iran Press TV Sun Oct 28, 2018 06:14PM Yemeni army forces, supported by allied fighters from Popular Committees, have fired a number of domestically designed short-range ballistic missiles at a position of Saudi-backed foreign forces and militiamen loyal to former President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi in Sana'a province. Yemen's Arabic-language al-Masirah television network, citing military sources, reported that a gathering of Riyadh's mercenaries in Nihm district had been hit with a short-range Zelzal-1 (Earthquake-1) missile on Sunday. Separately, Yemeni soldiers and their allies fired a Badr-1 ballistic missile at a military base of Sudanese forces in Yemen's west coast, which has turned into a 'field of defeats' for the Saudi-led aggressors.. In June, a video showed Sudanese mercenaries fighting alongside Saudi-led forces against Houthi Ansarullah fighters in Yemen's eastern province of Hudaydah. The presence of Sudanese forces in Yemen comes despite an earlier announcement by Sudan about assessing whether to continue its participation in the Yemen war or downgrade its presence in the deadly campaign led by Saudi Arabia. Domestic voices in the African country have long urged a withdrawal from the Saudi-led coalition and those calls gained momentum after three senior Sudanese officers and scores of soldiers were killed during a battle in northern Yemen on April 10. However, a full withdrawal is unlikely to happen as President Omar al-Bashir, who has cultivated close ties to Riyadh in the hope Saudis could help shore up economic situation in Sudan, has on several occasions stressed his intention to continue participating in the Yemen war. In recent months, Yemeni armed forces have fired retaliatory ballistic missiles at military targets in Saudi Arabia's southwestern border regions of Jizan and Asir. In another attack on Sunday, Yemeni forces fired Zelzal-1 (Earthquake-1) missile near the mountainous area of al-Doud in Saudi Arabia's southwestern border region of Jizan. Ansarullah has been defending the Arab world's poorest nation against a Saudi-led coalition of invaders. The coalition, which features many of Riyadh's allies, most notably the United Arab Emirates, began the campaign in March 2015. The United States provides aerial refueling to the Saudi-led coalition's aircraft, while helping out the invading forces with heavy arms support and bombing coordinates. Washington has also deployed a commando force on the border between the kingdom and Yemen to destroy the Houthis' arms caches. The Legal Center for Rights and Developments in Yemen, in a statement released on October 15, announced that the ongoing Saudi-led campaign has resulted in the death of 15,185 civilians, including 3,527 children and 2,277 women. The center said aerial assaults being conducted by the Saudi-led alliance have resulted in the destruction of 15 airports and 14 ports, and damaged 2,559 roads and bridges in addition to 781 water storage facilities, 191 power stations and 426 telecommunications towers. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Is Joint German-French Combat Jet Project on Verge of Collapse? Sputnik News 19:37 28.10.2018 The joint Future Combat Air System project was intended to replace European countries' ageing warplanes with new EU-made jets. However, Belgium recently decided to switch to the US-made F-35 instead of buying European fighters. Recent talks between France and Germany pertaining to the joint project of a new jet, also known as the "Future Combat Air System (FCAS)," have resulted in a deadlock, as the sides disagreed on export terms, Der Spiegel reported, citing a confidential cable from Germany's ambassador to Paris. According to the magazine, Paris demanded unrestricted exports for the future aircraft, while Berlin stood for scrutiny over deliveries of the jet to non-EU and non-NATO countries. Germany believes the jets could be used by governments involved in human rights abuse if exports are not controlled. France, on the other hand, was firm in its position in favor of free sales, saying that otherwise it wouldn't participate in the project, Spiegel reported. Head of Airbus, which is participating in the FCAS project, Tom Enders slammed Berlin's position in an interview with the German outlet, saying that it is impeding European cooperation. "Berlin can't urge greater European cooperation and then refuse it, when projects are taking shape," he said. The Future Combat Air System is a joint project aimed at developing a combat jet for European countries. It is expected to be ready for test flights around 2025 and is intended to replace ageing jets currently in use by EU countries. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address JCAT Airman uses combat forensics to evolve the AFCENT mission By Staff Sgt. Christopher Stoltz, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs / Published October 29, 2018 SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) -- The ideal outcome of any conflict is to achieve victory and come out the other side unscathed. However, an undesired outcome does not mean lessons cannot be learned and applied for future conflicts. The United States military has used this mentality since its inception and applies it today in the form of the Joint Combat Assessment Team. According to 1st. Lt. Collin Dart, 386th Expeditionary Maintenance Group depot liaison engineer, JCATs evaluate aviation combat damage incidents, assess the threat environment for operational commanders, and collect data through combat forensics to support aircraft survivability research and development. Dart, a three-year veteran from Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, decided to join the Air Force after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and said he wanted to do whatever he could to defend his country. Dart not only achieves this goal by serving, but also defends his fellow Airmen by identifying equipment and aircraft vulnerabilities, he said. "Combat forensics consists of assessing aircraft damage and determining what type of weapon system affected or struck the aircraft," Dart said. "It can range from as easy as documenting small arms damage to as difficult as sifting through wreckage to determine how and what destroyed the aircraft." Dart explained he is not too busy investigating enemy strikes or small arms fire on aircraft. However, in the event of a catastrophic incident, he would be notified by his higher headquarters to begin an investigation. In this instance, he forward deploys directly to the site to collect evidence before the site is cleared. After completing his assessment, his report is briefed to the respective leadership and then sent up the chain-of-command. "Assessing aircraft damage helps us gather intelligence on what weapon systems enemy combatants have access to," Dart said. "The data we acquire assists in determining aircraft vulnerabilities and aids in the design of future systems." According to Col. Lindsay Droz, 386th Expeditionary Maintenance Group commander, not only does Dart help the EMXG and 386th Air Expeditionary Wing with their missions, but provides the entire theater a unique capability. "Having Lt. Dart here is a force multiplier," Droz said. "His expertise is not limited to a specific airframe, so he can support any repair, incident, or mishap at any location within the theater. This is the first deployment I have had an opportunity to work with a specialist like Lt. Dart, and I wish I had this capability available to me previously." Droz said Dart's engineering knowledge and ability to effectively communicate their needs to depot engineers expedites their ability to fix aircraft. "Rather than going back and forth with engineers in the states, we can work directly with Lt. Dart to capture our needs," Droz said. "This often cuts the number of iterations we have to go through to get an approved engineering solution. With the time differences, weekends, and amount of time engineers need to work through a solution, cutting down on even a single iteration can save us two to five days on any given repair." The ability to engineer and provide solutions is nothing new for Dart. As the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center chief aircraft battle damage and repair engineer at Robins AFB, he said the puzzle-solving aspect of this career is what keeps him excited for the job. "The best part of my job is that it has a direct impact on personnel safety and mission security," he said. "The data I collect directly reduces the vulnerabilities of current and future aircraft through modification and design." Dart said the position is fulfilling, but can be mentally taxing. He said he prepares for these scenarios by ensuring his equipment bag is ready and staying up-to-date on his training. He went on to say, while physical health is important, his mental acuity proves to be the more-potent weapon while performing his job. "I am proud of what I do and I enjoy the puzzle solving challenge of it," he said. "Looking at the evidence and piecing together the story from the tiniest details is intriguing and rewarding. It is also comforting knowing that the evidence I collect ensures our aircraft are stronger in the future." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NATO Official Defines Role of Disarmament in Alliance Strategy Oct. 29, 2018 By Jim Garamone Defense.gov WASHINGTON -- NATO has been a bulwark of defense and deterrence in the world for almost 70 years, and disarmament is part of that equation, the NATO deputy secretary general said today at an alliance conference in Reykjavik, Iceland. Rose Gottemoeller spoke at the 14th Annual NATO Conference on Weapons of Mass Destruction Arms Control, Disarmament and Non-Proliferation. The Atlantic alliance came into being to prevent wars like the two that killed 90 million people and decimated continents, she said. Part of that effort is supporting pacts that limit or eliminate classes of weapons. Gottemoeller spoke of the success of the chemical weapons pact signed after the experience of World War I. "We should never forget the horror of chemical weapons that scarred a generation, killing 100,000 soldiers and wounding nearly two million more," she said. "And while we swore this would never happen again, deadly chemical agents have been used in our time in Syria, in Malaysia, in Tokyo and in Salisbury [England]." Nonproliferation Treaty Support NATO has supported the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. "We will continue to do so through to tomorrow," Gottemoeller said. "NATO allies have stated clearly that they will not support approaches to disarmament that ignore global security conditions or undermine the NPT." Allied leaders continue to make the point that arms control, disarmament and nonproliferation must continue to make an essential contribution to achieving security objectives, she said. These concepts are part and parcel of the defense and deterrence strategies of the alliance, Gottemoeller added. The deputy secretary general said that the threat from weapons of mass destruction persists. North Korea has developed nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them. Russia used chemical weapons in its attacks in the United Kingdom, she said. Nations and terror groups continue to try to develop these weapons. "Ongoing WMD proliferation and the repeated use of chemical weapons by states and nonstate actors erode the norms that we hold dear," Gottemoeller said. Just recently, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons has been the target of cyberattacks. Hackers are using tools to undermine its efforts to get to the bottom of chemicals weapons use in Syria and in England, she said. Russian Noncompliance Gottemoeller discussed the Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces Treaty. The United States has been raising concerns about Russia's compliance with this treaty since 2014, she said. "The secretary general and the North Atlantic Council have stood with the United States in support of this treaty from the beginning and have continued in this vein ever since," she said. At NATO's Brussels Summit in July, allied heads of state expressed strong concerns about Russian noncompliance. "All allies agree that the United States is in full compliance, but the challenge is Russian behavior," Gottemoeller said. "NATO is in favor of arms control; but to be effective, arms control agreements have to be respected by all parties." NATO is united on this point, she said. "We support effective arms control agreements and the established international legal framework surrounding them," Gottemoeller said. "And we support ongoing talks with Russia." She noted the NATO-Russia Council will meet this week and the INF treaty is one of the discussion areas. "The allies have supported disarmament talks, developing proposals to limit and reduce conventional and nuclear weapons and to prevent the spread of all types of weapons of mass destruction," she said. Defense Secretary James N. Mattis addressed this over the weekend during a discussion with reporters traveling with him. "We will, I'm sure have some kind of culminating point," he said. "What it will be is still to be determined. Is it material breach and Russia decided to reverse itself? Have they woken up to the danger they put the treaty in? We will have to see, but we are in consultations with our European counterparts." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NATO arms control experts discuss Weapons of Mass Destruction, disarmament and non-proliferation NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation 29 Oct. 2018 A major NATO arms control conference got underway in Iceland on Monday (29 October 2018), as senior experts from more than 50 countries and organizations gathered to discuss the state of global arms control treaties. The two-day conference will cover topics ranging from ballistic missile proliferation and the use of chemical weapons by states and terrorists, to the future of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). "Arms control, disarmament, and non-proliferation are essential for NATO's security and for ensuring strategic stability around the world," said William Alberque, Director of NATO's Arms Control, Disarmament, and WMD Non-Proliferation Centre. "Chemical weapons attacks in Syria and the United Kingdom show that the international non-proliferation regime is being challenged," he said, adding that he expected the conference to reinforce the importance of global non-proliferation norms. NATO's annual Conference on Weapons of Mass Destruction, Arms Control, Disarmament and Non-Proliferation, the 14th of its kind, is being chaired by Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy, Ambassador Alejandro Alvargonzalez. NATO Deputy Secretary General Rose Gottemoeller and United Nations Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu will deliver keynote speeches. In her prepared remarks, Deputy Secretary General Gottemoeller stressed that the Alliance strongly supports effective arms control agreements and well-established international legal frameworks surrounding them. Turning to the NPT, Gottemoeller emphasized that the treaty is one of the most important international agreements of its kind and that Allies will not support any approaches to disarmament that ignore global security conditions, or undermine the NPT. NATO has a long record of accomplishments relating to disarmament and non-proliferation. After the end of the Cold War, NATO dramatically reduced the number of nuclear weapons in Europe. Allies support major international arms control treaties, including the Non-Proliferation Treaty, the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention. NATO has also helped destroy surplus stocks of small arms, mines and ammunition and cleared thousands of hectares of land mines across Europe. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address USS Farragut Conducts Lisbon Port Visit Navy News Service Story Number: NNS181029-02 Release Date: 10/29/2018 10:35:00 AM By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Cameron Stoner, Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs LISBON, Portugal (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Farragut (DDG 99) arrived in Lisbon, Portugal, Oct. 28, for a scheduled port visit. The visit offers the two NATO-founding countries an opportunity to strengthen relations as they work alongside one another to promote stability and security throughout the region. Aiming to make an impact on the community of Lisbon, 12 Farragut Sailors will be participating in a community relations (COMREL) event by organizing and assisting in the setup of a clothing drive. "Visiting foreign ports is always something I look forward to after spending time out to sea, but being able to lend a helping hand to the country which is accommodating our ship is always an added bonus," said Cryptologic Technician (Technical) 2nd Class Eric Somera, a volunteer for the event. "Interactions like these between partner nations allow us to learn more about each other as we are not just exploring their country, but working alongside them in a meaningful way." Throughout the ship's visit to Lisbon, Farragut Sailors will be conducting maintenance, topside preservation and onloading supplies and stores as the ship prepares to head back out to sea. When Sailors aren't busy handling ship responsibilities, they will have the opportunity to explore the sights of Lisbon and enjoy the culture and history throughout the country. Portugal is the sixth country Farragut has visited since departing Naval Station Mayport on April 11 as part of a scheduled deployment with the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group. Throughout the ship's deployment, Farragut has also operated independently in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations during the strike group's working port visit at Naval Station Norfolk. Farragut, homeported at Naval Station Mayport, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa. U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chief of Naval Operations Visits Philippines, Highlights Importance of U.S.-Philippine Alliance Navy News Service Story Number: NNS181029-20 Release Date: 10/29/2018 2:31:00 PM From Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs MANILA (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. John M. Richardson visited the Republic of the Philippines Oct. 28 and 29, highlighting the importance of the U.S.-Philippine alliance to the Indo-Pacific region. While in the Philippines, Richardson met with Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Gen. Carlito Galvez and Flag Officer in Command of the Philippine navy Vice Adm. Robert Empedrad. Richardson also traveled to Palawan, where he received an update on the security situation in the South China Sea from Lt. Gen. Rozzano Briguez, Commander of the AFP's Western Command. "The work the U.S. Navy does with the Philippines every year is critical to the peace and stability of the region and the development of both our militaries," said Richardson. "It's important that we continue to collaborate with our partner and ally. We look forward to further strengthening our longstanding security cooperation." Richardson's visit focused on U.S. and Philippine maritime domain awareness and naval capabilities, and the importance of the U.S.-Philippine alliance to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address In the 2015 presidential election, China allegedly funnelled funds to Rajapaksa through its port development budget. The impact of last weeks dramatic political developments in Sri Lanka, which took a dramatic turn on October 26 when President Maithripala Sirisena sacked incumbent Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and swore in former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, whom he had defeated in the 2015 election, are yet to be fully realised, both within and outside the island nation. Mr Wickremesinghe had objected on constitutional grounds as the 19th Amendment made in 2015 to Sri Lankas constitution, barring any future President from accruing power like Mr Rajapaksa during his 2005-15 term, forbids a Prime Ministers sacking. Conforming now to the Westminster form of parliamentary democracy, a Prime Minister can only exit either by resigning or after losing majority or defeat on the House floor. President Sirisena then adjourned Parliament till November 16, giving Mr Rajapaksa ample time to prove his majority. The principal powers with serious stakes in Sri Lanka are India, China and the United States. The US reacted sharply, saying it continues to follow developments with concern. It also demanded Parliaments immediate reconvening after consultation between the President and the Speaker, the latter insisting that Mr Wickremesinghe is still the Prime Minister. Indias milder formulation sought a return to democratic values and the constitutional process, but avoided any outright condemnation. China, on the other hand, showed great alacrity as President Xi Jinping felicitated Mr Rajapaksa, thus granting legitimacy to a constitutional coup. The issues that arise are whether India saw it coming, how it impacts Sri Lanka-India relations and what India must do to retain its influence in Colombo. President Sirisena was elected in 2015 promising to bring to justice defence personnel who had committed war crimes and possible genocide against the Tamils in the civil war that had ended in 2009. He also promised to locate the Rajapaksa clans illicit wealth and prosecute the guilty. Mr Sirisenas rethink appears to have begun when Mr Rajapaksa swept the local elections in February. Furthermore, the economy has been slowing down due to high oil prices, to which the island nation is particularly vulnerable. The GDP, growing at 5.0 per cent in 2015, decelerated to 4.5 per cent next year and then to 3.1 per cent in 2017. It has picked up somewhat, but Mr Sirisena needed a scapegoat and turned his own Prime Minister into one, even though the Sri Lankan debt crisis, with payments of interest and principal of $4.28 billion in 2019, is due to Mr Rajapaksas tango with China. The danger signals were visible for some time. New Delhi, perhaps reading them, ensured that all three dramatis personae visited India this year. President Sirisena arrived to attend the International Solar Alliance meeting in March and was followed by Mr Rajapaksa in mid-September, ostensibly for a private function of member of Parliament Subramanian Swamy. Mr Rajapaksa thus cunningly signalled home that he was no longer persona non grata in New Delhi. Whether India realised that he had an immediate gameplan, in which President Sirisena was complicit, seems highly unlikely. The danger to Prime Minister Wickremesinghes position emerged two days before his three-day India visit on October 17. Suddenly President Sirisena alleged a RAW conspiracy to assassinate him. The bizarre charge, although swiftly retracted, left New Delhi astounded. It, however, indicated political turbulence in Colombo. When Mr Wickremesinghe returned to Colombo on October 20, his political assassination five days later was final. In New Delhi, he had reviewed stalled Indian projects for which a memorandum of understanding had been signed a year earlier during his last visit. Sri Lanka had not yet handed over to India, as earlier agreed, the management of airports near Jaffna and Hambantota port. Apparently serious differences between him and the President were the cause. Prime Minister Narendra Modi told him that India valued relations with Sri Lanka and that is why he announced a Rs 500-crore grant for rehabilitation and reconstruction in the aftermath of the civil war in 2009. India had also agreed to make 50,000 homes for internally displaced persons. Mr Rajapaksas reincarnation as Prime Minister, like Russian President Vladimir Putin alternating between the top two posts to dodge a restriction on consecutive terms, has caused tremors in Tamil Nadu. DMK leader M.K. Stalin and the ruling AIADMK voiced concern as Mr Rajapaksa is a known Sinhala nationalist who thinks a homegrown solution and not as earlier agreed devolution of power is needed for settling the Tamil issue. Fringe Tamil parties are even seeking Indian intervention. His return to power forecloses the possibility of bringing alleged war criminals to justice. It is unlikely that the Sirisena-Rajapaksa partnership will last beyond the 2019 presidential election. Mr Rajapaksa would like a captive President to keep the seat warm till he amends the constitution to allow him another presidential term. The China-Pakistan combine will fully support him. In the 2015 presidential election, China allegedly funnelled funds to Mr Rajapaksa through its port development budget. More suitcases with money may be en route to facilitate defections now. Mr Wickremesinghe may yet emerge victorious due to public sympathy in the next election or, less probably, retain his parliamentarians now. Can India and the United States step up to counter the challenge to Sri Lankan democracy? India missed the bus in the Maldives, although gradual pressure has brought that country back on the track. Similarly, leading from behind may or may not work in Sri Lanka, as China simply cannot be countered by replicating the Chinese strategy consisting of unquestioning financing of mega-projects that suit Chinas Belt and Road Initiative vision more than the local economies. The Indian Tamil parties, however, need to remain calm as fist-pumping would only strengthen Mr Rajapaksa. The counter has to be a mix of carrot and stick. The US under President Donald Trump will only lead from behind. India should get Japan on board for a development push, combined with subtle support to pro-India elements. After all, as Mr Rajapaksa told Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, he had turned to China only when India rejected the projects. Rajapaksa 2.0 may yet surprise India by rebalancing his old China tilt. Yemeni forces shoot down Saudi reconnaissance drone over Hudaydah Iran Press TV Mon Oct 29, 2018 06:04PM The Yemeni army has shot down a Saudi unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) as it was on a reconnaissance mission in Yemen's western coastal province of Hudaydah. Yemen's Arabic-language al-Masirah satellite television network, citing a military source, reported that the "big" drone was shot down as it was flying in the skies north east of Durayhimi district in the province on Monday. The report added that another Saudi spy drone had also been intercepted and shot down by Yemeni forces as it was flying in skies of border areas of Saudi Arabia's southwestern region of Jizan early on Saturday. Yemeni army forces, backed by allied fighters from Popular Committees and fighters from the Houthi Ansarullah movement, have so far managed to shoot down over a dozen Saudi drones over the Yemeni territories and in the skies of border areas of Saudi southern provinces. Leading a coalition of its allies, including the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, and Sudan, Saudi Arabia invaded Yemen in March 2015 in an attempt to reinstall a former Riyadh-friendly regime, which had resigned amid popular discontent, and to crush the country's popular Houthi Ansarullah movement, which has played a significant role, alongside the Yemeni army, in defending the nation and has been running state affairs in the absence of an effective government. The aggression initially consisted of a bombing campaign, but was later coupled with a naval blockade and the deployment of ground forces to Yemen. More than 15,000 Yemenis have so far been killed and thousands more wounded. The Saudi-led war has also taken a heavy toll on the country's infrastructure, destroying hospitals, schools, and factories. The UN has already said that a record 22.2 million Yemenis are in dire need of food, including 8.4 million threatened by severe hunger. According to the world body, Yemen is suffering from the most severe famine in more than 100 years. More than three and a half years into that war, Saudi Arabia has achieved neither of its objectives. This is while it had declared at the start of the invasion that the war would take no more than a couple of weeks. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Nigerian army opens fire on Muslim protesters demanding Sheikh Zakzaky's release Iran Press TV Mon Oct 29, 2018 06:00PM Nigeria's military has opened fire on hundreds of Muslim protesters calling for the release of imprisoned cleric Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky, who is still in prison despite a 2016 high court ruling ordering his unconditional freedom. Nigerian soldiers attacked hundreds of members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) as they took part in the march for the release of Sheikh Zakzaky in the capital Abuja on Monday. Witness said some victims were lying on the ground on a road in the area of Kugbo on Abuja's outskirts following the army assault. "The security agents attacked members of the IMN when they were in the procession coming into Abuja," the IMN spokesman, Ibrahim Musa, said. "People were killed definitely. We don't carry arms on our procession, we don't block roads ... the security agents have decided to shed our blood," he added without giving a death toll. Rights group Amnesty International said reports that troops were firing live bullets at protesters were "very disturbing," adding, "Firing live bullets at unarmed protesters is unlawful." Rights groups have accused Nigeria's military of killing more than 300 IMN supporters and burying them in mass graves during the 2015 confrontation, a charge the military strongly denies. This comes after at least 10 people were killed in an attack by Nigerian security forces against Muslims on Saturday. Reports in local Nigerian media said scores of people had also been injured after Nigerian security forces opened fire on Muslim worshipers gathering for a procession in Zuba in Gwagwalada area of Abuja. James Myam, a military spokesman, claimed in a statement released on Sunday that soldiers opened fire on the IMN members after they "pelted the troops with stones." He also accused mourners of "illegal roadblock" in the area. But the IMN disputed the claim, calling the military account "false" and "unsubstantiated." Musa said the army had attacked a peaceful mourning procession. "We categorically refute the storyline of the Nigerian army." The Saturday attack came as Muslim worshipers had gathered near Abuja from Suleja, in Niger state, for a three-day procession to commemorate the annual Arba'een occasion, which marks the 40th day since the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (PBUH), Prophet Muhammad's grandson. IMN sources earlier said the group will go ahead with plans for "Arba'een Symbolic Trek" and expected that more than a million would turn up at the march. Nigeria's crackdown on IMN followers began in December 2015 when the army attacked a religious ceremony in the city of Zaria in the northern Nigeria. Nigerian forces later raided the house of IMN leader Sheikh Zakzaky and arrested him after killing those attempting to protect the prominent Muslim cleric. Scores of Zakzaky's followers were arrested during the brutal raid by security forces on the cleric's IMN headquarters in December 2015. During the raid, Nigerian forces killed nearly 300 Zakzaky's supporters, including three of his sons, and later buried them in mass graves. Sheikh Zakzaky and his wife, who were shot and injured during the raid, were taken into custody. A Federal High Court had ordered Zakzaky's unconditional release in 2016, but the Nigerian government has so far refused to abide by the ruling. This is while a spokesman for the Islamic movement stated back in March that the government in Abuja was planning to indefinitely hold the cleric and his wife in custody. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sri Lanka crisis could turn into bloodbath: Parliament chief Iran Press TV Mon Oct 29, 2018 11:40AM Sri Lanka's parliament speaker has warned that the political crisis unfolding in the country could turn into a "bloodbath" on the streets unless the parliament is empowered to intervene and resolve the standoff between the president and the sacked premier. "We should settle this through parliament, but if we take it out to the streets, there will be a huge bloodbath," the legislative chamber's speaker, Karu Jayasuriya, said on Monday. Last week, President Maithripala Sirisena abruptly ousted the cabinet, suspended the parliament and appointed the man he had ousted from the presidency, Mahinda Rajapaksa, as the new premier, replacing Ranil Wickremesinghe. Rajapaksa is a controversial Buddhist nationalist, who is said to be the most popular politician in the country. He is the same man against whom Sirisena and Wickremasingh formed a surprise coalition in 2015 presidential elections. Howeve, Wickramasinghe views his ouster as illegal, seeking a chance to prove in parliament that he still commands a majority. Jayasuriya further said he had urged President Sirisena to let the sacked prime minister prove his majority on the floor of the House. The rift had been widening between Sirisena and Wickremesinghe in recent years over several issues, ranging from economy to relations with India. Sri Lanka suffers power vacuum: sacked PM In the meantime, Wickremasinghe demanded that the parliament be allowed to end the standoff. "At the moment there is a vacuum, no one is in full charge of the country," Wickremesinghe told reporters at his official residence. "That is why we want parliament summoned immediately to decide who enjoys the majority. I am still the prime minister who commands that majority." While he remained defiant at his official residence, his security guards were seen leaving the residence early Monday morning, Reuters reported. The newly appointed prime minister said earlier that he will hold local council elections as well as general elections "as soon as possible." The parliamentary elections are not due until August 2020. Several legislators loyal to the ousted prime minster have warned of street violence if the parliament is not summoned. Standoff turns violent Meanwhile, the standoff between supporters and opponents of the president's move turned violent late Sunday night, when a security guard of former cabinet minister, Arjuna Ranatunga, opened fire on the crowd, who were trying to block Ranatunga's entry into his office. A 34-year-old man was killed and two others were injured in the shooting, police said. It also said the bodyguard was arrested and an investigation was underway. The former cabinet minister was also rushed from the scene by police commandos in a helmet and body armor. President under pressure to end crisis The European Union, the United States and India have called the appointment of a new prime minister "unconstitutional" and urged Sirisena to abide by the constitution. US State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert called on Sirisena "to immediately reconvene parliament and allow the democratically elected representatives of the Sri Lankan people to fulfill their responsibilities to affirm who will lead their government." Sources in diplomatic missions also said most foreign envoys had yet to send congratulatory messages to Rajapaksa. China, however, sent a different message, saying Sri Lanka had "enough wisdom" to resolve the issue internally. Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said Beijing was closely following the situation. "Of course, I have also reiterated that the basic principle of China's diplomacy is not to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries," the official said. It is up to Sri Lanka's Supreme Court to decide if it was legal to fire Wickremasinghe. The case is yet to be brought before the top tribunal. Many, however, say Sirisena has violated a 2015 constitutional amendment that diluted the powers of the president to prevent him from sacking any prime minister unless he had died, resigned or lost the confidence of the parliament. His advocates, however, say Sirisena has pointed to another constitutional article that allows the president to appoint as prime minister any MP who, "in the president's opinion," is most likely to command the confidence of parliament. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Bomb attack hits near HQ of Afghan election commission, kills police officer Iran Press TV Mon Oct 29, 2018 08:09AM A bomb attack hits near the head office of Afghanistan's Independent Election Commission (IEC) in the capital, Kabul, leaving multiple casualties. A bomber, who was on foot, blew up at 8:00 a.m. local time on Monday near a vehicle at the gate of the IEC's sprawling compound located near an arterial road in Kabul. The attacker was "identified and gunned down by police before reaching his target," Kabul police spokesman Basir Mujahid told reporters. One police officer was killed and six others, including election workers and policemen, were wounded in the blast. The Daesh terror group has claimed responsibility for the blast, which took place as thousands of ballot boxes are being delivered to the IEC following the war-torn county's parliamentary elections. The long-delayed parliamentary elections, which were held over two weekends, were targeted in some 250 militant attacks across the country, which killed at least 50 people and wounded more than 100 others. Figures by the electoral body indicate that around four million people risked voting in the parliamentary elections. The ballot was also marred by lengthy delays at polling stations and allegations of fraud. The local Taliban militant group had also vowed to attack the elections. People in Kandahar Province went to the polls on Saturday, while elections have yet to be held in central Ghazni Province, which is still reeling from the Taliban's takeover in August. Preliminary results of nationwide voting are not expected before mid-November. The elections in Afghanistan have been regarded as a major test for the government as the Taliban militants wreak havoc across much of the country. The US invaded Afghanistan in 2001 as part of Washington's so-called war on terror. The war toppled the militant group; however, some 17 years on, the Taliban are still active in two-thirds of the country and involved in widespread militancy, killing thousands of civilians as well as Afghan and US forces despite the presence of US-led foreign troops. To add to the war-torn country's woes, Daesh has also established a foothold in eastern and northern Afghanistan. The terrorist group has mostly been populating the eastern province of Nangarhar, from where it has carried out high-profile brutal attacks at major population centers across the country. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address In Setback For Pashinian, Armenian Parliament Again Fails To Pass Election Bill RFE/RL's Armenian Service October 29, 2018 The Armenian parliament has again failed to muster enough votes to approve changes to the Electoral Code drafted by acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian's government ahead of snap general elections expected in December. The proposed amendments were brought to the National Assembly's floor for a second time on October 29, a week after a first attempt to pass the bill failed. The draft legislation was essentially blocked by former Prime Minister Serzh Sarkisian's Republican Party (HHK), which has the largest faction in parliament. The development is a setback for Pashinian, a former opposition lawmaker who was swept into office in May after spearheading weeks of protests that prompted his predecessor, Serzh Sarkisian, to resign. As approved by the government on October 16, the legislation would change the existing legal mechanism for distributing seats in the National Assembly, which critics believe favored the HHK in the last parliamentary elections held in April 2017. Under Armenia's constitution, any amendment to the Electoral Code must be backed by at least 63 members of the 105-member parliament. Only 62 lawmakers backed the bill in the October 29 vote, with two voting against it. On October 22, it was backed by 56 deputies. Pashinian has accused the parliament majority of "sabotaging" the work of his cabinet. The HHK rejects the accusation, accusing the government of ignoring a number of alternative proposals that were jointly made by the four political forces represented in the National Assembly. HHK lawmaker Armen Ashotian on October 29 called the government's second attempt at getting the draft legislation passed "a travesty of democracy." "Changing an electoral law just 40 days before an election is simply absurd," he also told RFE/RL. Gianni Buquicchio, the president of the Council of Europe's Venice Commission, said on October 19 that the draft amendments "pursue legitimate aims and seem mostly positive." He said that the commission had some "reservations" about the proposed changes, but that "these reservations are less relevant if there is consensus among political forces about the change." The National Assembly will be dissolved later this week if, in accordance with an apparent agreement between political factions, deputies again fail to elect a new prime minister. Pashinian announced on October 16 that he was resigning from the post in order to dissolve parliament and force early elections. Under the Armenian Constitution, snap elections can be called only if the prime minister resigns and the parliament fails to replace him or her with someone else within two weeks. New elections then shall be held no earlier than within 30 days and no later than within 45 days -- approximately the first half of December, in this case. Pashinian has pushed for snap elections following his bloc's landslide victory last month in the mayoral race in the capital, Yerevan, in a bid to unseat his political opponents, who have maintained a majority in parliament. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/29570598.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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Georgian Presidential Vote Held On 'Unlevel Playing Field,' Goes To Runoff RFE/RL's Georgian Service October 29, 2018 TBILISI -- Georgians will choose a new president in a runoff after a very close, inconclusive first-round vote in an election that international observers say was competitive but clouded by "an unlevel playing field" and private-media bias. French-born former Foreign Minister Salome Zurabishvili, who has the backing of the ruling Georgian Dream party, will face opposition candidate Grigol Vashadze in a second round to be held by December 2. A nearly complete count gave Zurabishvili a razor-thin lead in the first round, with 38.6 percent of the vote, while Vashadze had 37.7 percent, the Central Election Commission said on October 29, a day after the vote. Both candidates are former foreign ministers of the South Caucasus country, which has warm ties with the United States and European Union. Relations with neighboring Russia remain tense following a five-day war in 2008. Former parliament speaker Davit Bakradze, nominated by the opposition European Georgia party, was third in a field of 25 with 10.9 percent of the vote. Bakradze said his party will throw its support behind Vashadze in the runoff. Final first-round results are to be published within 20 days, with the runoff following within two weeks after that. An observer mission including representatives from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) election-monitoring division, ODIHR, said that voters were offered a real choice and that candidates had been able to campaign freely. But they pointed to problems including "instances of the misuse of state resources" and said that "the involvement of senior state officials from the ruling party in campaigning was not always in line with the law." "It became clear during the campaign that a significant number of candidates had registered so they could use public funding and free air time to support other contestants, giving those an unfair advantage," the mission said in a statement. Zurabishvili, 66, served as Georgia's foreign minister for a little more than a year before she was fired in 2005 amid disagreements with parliament. She is running as an independent but is backed by Georgian Dream, which was founded by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili and has dominated parliament since 2012. Vashadze enjoys the backing of an opposition coalition that includes the United National Movement (ENM), which was founded by Mikheil Saakashvili. Now in exile abroad, former Rose Revolution leader Saakashvili was president from 2004 until 2013, a year after Georgian Dream defeated his ENM in parliamentary elections. Ivanishvili was prime minister for a year and maintains strong influence. Voter turnout in the October 28 first round stood at 46.7 percent, according to the election commission, nearly the same as in the last presidential election in the former Soviet republic, in 2013. In 2017, the constitution was amended so that future presidents would be elected by a 300-member College of Electors, comprising parliament deputies and local and regional political representatives. The president's office is less powerful than that of prime minister in the country of roughly 5 million. Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze congratulated Georgians after polls closed, saying the vote was held in a "peaceful, free, and democratic environment." "We all are serving the nation," said outgoing President Giorgi Margvelashvili, who is not seeking a second term, after casting his ballot. Transparency International Georgia said its observers had reported "up to 90" violations ranging from "insignificant" to "relatively serious" ones including alleged vote rigging and vote buying. Georgia is a strong U.S. ally and has aspirations of joining NATO and the European Union. Former imperial-era and Soviet-era master Russia backs separatists who hold the breakaway Abkhazia and South Ossetia regions, which Moscow recognized as independent states after the 2008 war. With reporting by The New York Times, Civil Georgia, Reuters, AFP, and Interfax Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/zurabishvili- leads-georgia-vote-presidential -runoff-likely/29569348.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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Accuses U.S. Of Trying To Drive Wedge In Relations With Armenia RFE/RL October 29, 2018 Russia has chided the United States, alleging Washington is trying to drive a wedge between Moscow and former Soviet republic Armenia. Russia's Foreign Ministry said on October 29 that it took issue with U.S. national-security adviser John Bolton's comments during a visit to Yerevan last week that the Kremlin says were a thinly veiled call for Armenia to break with its traditional ally. Bolton "demanded openly that Armenia renounce historical patterns [sic] in its international relations and hardly bothered to conceal the fact that this implied Armenia's traditional friendship with Russia," the ministry said in a statement. "Naturally, he did not forget to advertise U.S. weapons that Armenia should buy instead of Russian weapons," it added. Armenia has long had close ties with Russia, but questions about relations between the two have risen since Nikol Pashinian led a bloodless revolution to oust Prime Minister Serzh Sarkisian, seen as close to Moscow. During a visit to Yerevan on October 25, Bolton said he had discussed the issue of possible sales of U.S. military equipment to Armenia. In an exclusive interview with RFE/RL later that day, Bolton said that buying U.S. military equipment was a viable "option" for Armenia. Bolton also said in the interview that Armenia's "excellent" prospects for becoming a "stable democracy" were "really fundamental to Armenia exercising its full sovereignty and not being dependent on -- or subject to -- excessive foreign influence." Russia's Foreign Ministry said that "it would be good for John Bolton to ponder the meaning of his own words." Asked by reporters on October 27 whether Yerevan was actually going to purchase military equipment from the United States, Pashinian said, "The [Armenian] government is not constrained by anything. If there is an offer from the United States that is good for us, we will discuss it." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-accuses-u-s-of-trying-to-drive -wedge-in-relations-with-armenia/29570932.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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address MQ-9 Reaper Kills Drone in Air Combat Test Sputnik News 22:01 29.10.2018 The US Air Force's MQ-9 Reaper drone has accomplished its first ever air-to-air kill in what could mark a revolution for the future of aerial combat. The Reaper drone scored a hit against another small drone for the first time in US military aviation history, Military.com reported last month. The combat drone has been relegated to reconnaissance and air-to-ground attack missions during the course of its short and bloody history in the US military arsenal. While it's not clear if it was intentional to make this information public, the successful downing of a small, aerial vehicle in a controlled environment took place in late 2017. "Something that's unclassified but not well known, we recently in November launched an air-to-air missile against a maneuvering target that scored a direct hit," US Air Force Col. Julian Cheater said in an interview with Military.com. Cheater is the commander of the 432nd Wing at Creech Air Force Base in Nevada. "It was an MQ-9 versus a drone with a heat-seeking air-to-air missile, and it was a direct hit," the colonel said, underscoring that the novel kill was "during a test." In air-to-air combat, the Reaper may be serviceable in fighting small hostile drones, but its top speed of 300 mph makes it vulnerable to virtually any modern jet aircraft it might go up against. Down the line, the service may insert the Reaper into joint operations with conventional attack aircraft to keep the drone flyable against aerial opponents. "We develop those tactics, techniques and procedures to make us survivable in those types of environments, and, if we do this correctly, we can survive against some serious threats against normal air players out there," Cheater said. The colonel added that air crews would go to Red Flag to test the drone's capabilities, an exercise that's considered one of the most advanced and realistic air combat trainings for the US and its allies. It's not clear when that two-week training step will take place, however, Red Flag is typically held several times per year at Nellis Air Force Base, which is also in Nevada. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China Ready to Produce Oil, Gas With Philippines in South China Sea Minister Sputnik News 21:44 29.10.2018 BEIJING (Sputnik) China is ready to study the possibility of joint oil and gas production with the Philippines in the South China Sea, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday. "The Chinese party is ready to continue exploring the possibility of joint development of oil and gas [fields] in the South China Sea together with the Philippines. To postpone the dispute and engage in the joint development is a proposal full of political wisdom, which [former Chinese leader] Comrade Deng Xiaoping made to the Philippine leadership 32 years ago," Wang said, as quoted by the Chinese Foreign Ministry. The minister also pointed out that if the parties could implement joint energy development with mutual respect of the sovereignty, that would not only ease the problem of the lack of energy resources in the Philippines, but would also be a means of solving the territorial dispute, as well as a good example for other states, located in the region. The foreign minister's statement comes amid China's involvement in a number of territorial disputes over the islands in the South China Sea. China and the Philippines along with Taiwan, Malaysia, Brunei and Vietnam are contesting the Spratly archipelago, whose shelf has significant oil and gas reserves. In July 2016, the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration said that there was no legal basis for China's maritime claims in the region after the relevant request of Manila. China refused to recognize the court's ruling. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Greece Seeks to Continue Defense Industry Cooperation With Russia - DM Sputnik News 19:37 29.10.2018(updated 21:01 29.10.2018) MOSCOW (Sputnik) Greece wants to further maintain defense industry cooperation with Russia, Greek Defense Minister Panos Kammenos said on Monday during a meeting with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. "I would like to say that Greece has had strategic partnership with Russia for many years, while also using weapons systems produced by the Russian defense industry. We are maintaining them in working condition and would like to discuss ways in which we can continue our cooperation," Kammenos said. The parties also discussed the increasing military presence of NATO in Europe. "I propose to discuss the boosted presence of foreign NATO countries' contingents and, in particular, those of the United States in Greece. We are registering the same process near our borders. Today, NATO's military activity has reached an unprecedented level since the Cold War. The intensity and the scale of operational and combat training have increased," Shoigu said. The Greek defense minister also stressed that he expected relations with Russia to enter 'new era' following the Prime Minister of Greece Alexis Tsipras' visit to Moscow. The Russian defense minister, on his part, added that he had also planned to discuss with Kammenos the situation in unstable regions, the number of which had been increasing over recent years. In September, US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Joseph Dunford said that Greek Admiral Evangelos Apostolakis, the chief of the Hellenic National Defense General Staff, offered to expand US access to the country's military bases. In addition, according to media reports, Greece and the United States are discussing the establishment of another US military base on Greek territory, specifically, planning to deploy US Patriot air defense missile systems and F-22 Raptor fighters on the island of Karpathos. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address A deputy minister in Wickremesinghe's administration, Ranjan Ramanayake, accused China of paying for Rajapaksa to buy legislators. Parliament has been suspended since President Maithripala Sirisena sacked Ranil Wickremesinghe as head of government last Friday and nominated former strongarm leader Mahinda Rajapaksa for a spectacular return to frontline politics. (Photo: File) Colombo: Sri Lanka's rival prime ministers battled to tempt lawmakers from opposing sides Tuesday as they sought numbers to swing any parliamentary vote of confidence to end the country's constitutional crisis. Parliament has been suspended since President Maithripala Sirisena sacked Ranil Wickremesinghe as head of government last Friday and nominated former strongarm leader Mahinda Rajapaksa for a spectacular return to frontline politics. While Wickremesinghe has been backed by the United States and other countries in calling for the suspension to be lifted, both sides have been marshalling their support for a vote that will decide the rivals' fate. Rajapaksa, 72, gave four legislators from Wickremesinghe's party ministerial portfolios after persuading them to defect on Monday. Wickremesinghe, who has refused to leave the prime minister's residence since he was sacked, has in turn convinced two lawmakers from Sirisena's camp to join his United National Party. Following the defections, Wickremesinghe has 105 MPs in the 225-seat chamber while Rajapaksa and Sirisena together have 98. A majority of the 22 remaining MPs are expected to back Wickremesinghe in any vote but the horse-trading is sure to intensify, observers said. A deputy minister in Wickremesinghe's administration, Ranjan Ramanayake, accused China of paying for Rajapaksa to buy legislators. "I am telling China not to spend their millions to buy MPs in SriLanka. They want to buy the country wholesale," he said. China denies interference Rajapaksa led a pro-China policy during his 10 years as president up to 2015. But the claim was denied by the Chinese embassy in Colombo. "Recent allegations about China by MP Ranjan Ramanayake are groundless and irresponsible," said an embassy statement to AFP. "It is a matter of internal affairs, and China has consistently supported the principle of non-interference in other country's internal affairs." Despite calls for a parliamentary vote to end the crisis, Sirisena showed no sign of lifting the suspension which runs until November 16. Wickremesinghe's finance minister Mangala Samaraweera said the president is trying to buy time to secure votes for Rajapaksa. "If he (the president) has the majority there is no need to keep parliament shut. He wants to buy time to do some horse deals," Samaraweera said. Parliament speaker Karu Jayasuriya, who on Monday said there would be a "bloodbath" unless the assembly votes, stepped up his warnings of unrest in an official letter to the president calling for the suspension to be lifted. "If you do not, we will not be able to stop people taking alternate action to protect their democratic rights," Jayasuriya said in the letter seen by AFP. "In the name of democracy, I urge you to reconsider your decision to prorogue parliament and allow justice to be served." Jayasuriya said more than 125 legislators had signed a petition seeking the reconvening of the assembly. Tensions have already been heightened by the killing of one activist in the capital on Sunday. Sirisena appointed a 12-member cabinet late Monday giving the powerful finance portfolio to Rajapaksa. Aides said the cabinet will be expanded to 30 members on Tuesday. Rajapaksa -- whose rule was marked by grave allegations of rights abuses and authoritarianism -- said he was given the job because his predecessor's party "engaged in a quest to sell off valuable state assets and enterprises to foreign companies". "I was aware that at this moment of national peril, the people expected our leadership and protection," Rajapaksa said after the cabinet was named. "Hence, I accepted the invitation." Beijing Warns US Against 'Showing Off Force' in S China Sea Sputnik News 18:41 29.10.2018(updated 18:49 29.10.2018) The remarks came after a US Pacific Fleet spokesperson said in late September that a Chinese destroyer had allegedly approached the USS Decatur in an "unsafe and unprofessional maneuver", which prompted the US warship to maneuver so as to prevent a collision. Chief of US naval operations Admiral John Richardson has stated that a recent dangerous sail-by of a Chinese destroyer near an American warship in the South China Sea would not stop the US Navy from patrolling the area. "We will continue to progress this program of freedom of navigation operations. We do dozens of these operations around the world to indicate our position for [] illegitimate claims, maritime claims," Richardson underscored. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi responded by referring to some "non-regional countries" which he said fuel tensions by "showing off their force" in the disputed waters. "We shall work together to be vigilant against and prevent interferences and disruptions coming from the outside as China and the Philippines and other littoral states of the South China Sea are cooperating to uphold peace and cooperation," he pointed out. In a nod to bilateral telephone communication hotlines approved by the Chinese and Philippine coast guards, Wang noted that "mechanisms of this kind can effectively avoid misjudgment and prevent unexpected incidents" in the disputed areas. He signaled Beijing's readiness to create such mechanisms "with other claimant states so as to enhance communication and timely handle the emergencies should they happen." In late September, the US Pacific Fleet slammed what it described as an "unsafe and unprofessional maneuver" of a Chinese destroyer which came close to the US Decatur near Gaven Reef in the South China Sea and finally forced the US warship to maneuver in order to prevent a collision. The Spratly Islands and Paracel Islands in the South China Sea remain the most frequently disputed territories claimed by China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines. The US has repeatedly expressed concern about China's construction of industrial outposts and military facilities on artificial islands in the South China Sea, where US Navy ships conduct "freedom of navigation" operations. In response, the Chinese Foreign Ministry urged Washington to stop such "provocative" actions, which Beijing said pose a "threat to its sovereignty." Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address EU Ramps Up Navies to Counter Russia, Germany Takes the Lead Reports Sputnik News 09:29 29.10.2018 The European states have started major naval exercises in the Baltic Sea, with Germany taking a leading role; they are preparing themselves for you guessed it the Russian threat. The nations of Europe seem to be bulking up their navies, and Germany is taking the lead among them, as they prepare to counter a presumed threat from the East Russia. On Sunday, Reuters reported that on Monday, Germany is set to commence major naval exercises off the Finnish coast, which ill include 3,600 sailors and troops, 40 ships and 30 aircraft from more than a dozen European countries. The focus of the drills is keeping the Baltic Sea safe for trade transports. "The Baltic Sea is our front yard, so we and our neighbors obviously want to be able to move freely on the sea lines," Captain Sven Beck told reporters aboard the German frigate Hamburg. Russia has repeatedly stated it has no intention to threaten anyone in Europe with a military offensive. However, responding to the deployment of a US missile defense system, which, according to military experts, can be re-purposed for launching offensive missiles itself, Russia deployed its Iskander-M missile launchers in Kaliningrad Region back in 2013. In February 2018, the head of the State Duma Defense Committee Vladimir Shamanov acknowledged that these weapons are stationed there permanently. However, western military experts believe that in the case of armed conflict, Russia will block the Baltic Sea, cutting trade lines and making it difficult for Western Europe to provide naval military support to the Baltic countries bordering Russian territory. According to the Reuters report, the Baltic Sea is shallow and has narrow straits, which makes it easy to block it with minefields. During the exercise, the European military ships will practice clearing mines, escort cargo ships and simulate the use of force. "The aim of our exercise is to secure the sea lines of communication, those lines that you can't see but that guarantee trade and prosperity in the countries along the Baltic coast," Captain Beck told reporters. Since 2014, when Crimea voted to join Russia and a civil war sparked in Ukraine, Germany has been trying to take a leading role in Europe in terms of naval power, Reuters reports, by establishing regular fleet commander meetings the following year, and by starting the construction of a new command center in Rostock. The center is supposed to become operational to lead European operations in the Baltic in 2023. This signals that Germany is slowly getting rid of its "post-World War II reluctance to take the military lead", the report says. German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen said last month that Germany must "take more responsibility for the region." "We don't have a big navy, but in relation to the Baltic countries it is huge. So we are happy to take the responsibility," Captain Beck echoed. And it looks like Europe is rather happy to hand this initiative to Berlin. "We are very happy that Germany has taken the lead in that sense," Finnish navy chief Admiral Veijo Taipalus said. For most of the Cold War and the following decades, the United States took a leading role in NATO, taking upon itself the responsibility to protect Europe from Russia. However, President Trump more than once called upon the EU, and Germany in particular, to ramp up their own defense spending. Earlier last week, the former Commander of US Forces in Europe, retired General Ben Hodges further hinted that Europe should learn to defend itself, saying that the US "does not have the capacity to do everything it has to do in Europe and in the Pacific to deal with the Chinese threat." It looks like Europe, led by Berlin, finally decided to do just that. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Authorities: Mail Bomb Suspect Had List of Other Potential Targets By Ken Bredemeier October 29, 2018 Cesar Sayoc, the man accused of mailing at least 13 packages containing explosive devices to critics of U.S. President Donald Trump, had a list of more than 100 other potential targets, law enforcement officials said Monday. U.S. news accounts said authorities believe that Sayoc was making his way through the list, which NBC said included journalists and entertainers, when he was apprehended last week. He is accused of mailing suspected explosives to, among others, former President Barack Obama; former Vice President Joe Biden, a potential 2020 opponent of Trump; Trump's 2016 Democratic challenger Hillary Clinton; and two national security officials who served in Obama's administration. The 56-year-old Sayoc made his first court appearance in Miami, Florida, not far from where he was arrested. Prosecutors told a judge they believe Sayoc is a flight risk and a danger to the community and should not be released on bond. The judge set another hearing for Friday on whether to free Sayoc pending trial and whether to transfer his case to a New York court. Federal agents apprehended Sayoc on Friday near the white van that he appeared to use as a home and which police have hauled away. Several of the vehicle's windows were plastered with pro-Trump stickers, American flags or with crosshairs over the faces of Trump opponents. One sticker targeted the television news network Trump calls "Fake News," saying, "CNN Sucks." Another suspicious package addressed to CNN, where Sayoc allegedly mailed two of his devices, was intercepted Monday at an Atlanta post office. The FBI said the package was similar to those mailed to the network's New York offices last week. CNN's president Jeff Zucker said there was no danger to the organization's headquarters in Atlanta. Sayoc faces five federal charges in connection with the mail bomb plot. Packages with the explosives, none of which detonated, were mailed to several leading Democratic opponents of Trump. Attorney General Jeff Sessions says that Sayoc, who at various times has worked as a night club disc jockey, bouncer and pizza delivery driver, could face up to 48 years in prison if convicted. FBI Director Christopher Wray said 13 improvised explosive devices were sent in the packages, and each mailing included 15 centimeters of PVC pipe, a small clock and potentially explosive material. "These are not hoax devices," Wray said of the bombs. Authorities told The Associated Press the devices were not rigged to explode when the packages were opened, but added they were not sure if that was because the devices were poorly made or not intended to cause harm. The FBI chief said a fingerprint found on one package led investigators to Sayoc and that possible DNA evidence was discovered on another package. Sayoc was previously known to law enforcement officials and had been arrested nearly a dozen times in Florida, including in 2002 for making a bomb threat. His first arrest in the state was at age 29 for larceny. Other charges against him have included grand theft, fraud and illegal possession of steroids. His arrest Friday came just hours after the FBI intercepted two more suspicious packages, one addressed to Democratic Senator Cory Booker, the other to former National Intelligence Director James Clapper. And even as Sayoc was being detained, officials said investigators were looking at a package sent to the office of California Democratic Senator Kamala Harris. Clapper said Friday morning on CNN that he was not surprised he was targeted and described the incidents as "serious." Trump vowed that anyone responsible for mailing the suspicious packages would be prosecuted to the "fullest extent of the law." "We must never allow political violence to take root in America," Trump told the Young Black Leadership Summit at the White House. Later Friday, Trump told a political rally in Charlotte, North Carolina, that the media were to blame for polarizing the country. "We have seen an effort by the media in recent hours to use the sinister actions of one individual to score political points against me and the Republican Party." He said the media's "constant unfair coverage, deep hostility and negative attacks" only serve to "drive people apart." In a tweet earlier Friday, Trump referred to the investigation as this "Bomb" stuff, which he blamed for taking focus away from the midterm elections set for next Tuesday, Nov. 6. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. Successfully Conducts SM-3 Block IIA Intercept Test Navy News Service Story Number: NNS181029-04 Release Date: 10/29/2018 10:44:00 AM From Missile Defense Agency Public Affairs KAUAI, Hawaii (NNS) -- Sailors aboard USS John Finn (DDG 113) and the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) successfully conducted an intercept of a medium-range ballistic missile target with a Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block IIA missile during a flight test off the west coast of Hawaii, Oct. 26. The SM-3 Block IIA is being developed cooperatively by the U.S. and Japan and operates as part of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense system. The target missile was launched from the Pacific Missile Range Facility at Kauai, Hawaii. John Finn detected and tracked the target missile with its onboard AN/SPY-1 radar using the Aegis Baseline 9.C2 weapon system. Upon acquiring and tracking the target, the ship launched an SM-3 Block IIA guided missile which intercepted the target. "This was a superb accomplishment and key milestone for the SM-3 Block IIA return to flight," said MDA Director Lt. Gen. Sam Greaves. "My congratulations to the entire team, including our Sailors, industry partners and allies who helped achieve this milestone." Based on observations and initial data review, the test met its objectives. Program officials will continue to evaluate system performance. Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense is the naval component of the U.S. Ballistic Missile Defense System. The MDA and the U.S. Navy cooperatively manage the Aegis BMD program. The Missile Defense Agency's mission is to develop and deploy a layered ballistic missile defense system to defend the U.S., its deployed forces, allies and friends from ballistic missile attacks of all ranges in all phases of flight. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Successfully Tests Nuke Propulsion Spacecraft's Key Element Authorities Sputnik News 04:03 29.10.2018(updated 04:45 29.10.2018) MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The cooling system, which is the most important element of the Russian space transport and energy unit developed on the basis of megawatt-class nuclear electric propulsion, has been successfully tested in Russia, materials published on the government procurement website on Monday stated. "The works have been fully completed. The results meet the requirements of the technical specifications," the information posted on the website read. The tests have been conducted in conditions as close as possible to the outer space. The project is developed by the Keldysh Research Center on request from the Russian Roscosmos state corporation. Russia has been developing a unique project to create a transport and energy unit on the basis of a megawatt-class nuclear electric propulsion since 2010. The propulsion includes a nuclear reactor and systems, required to produce the necessary heat, as well as for reactor control and protection. Technical solutions included in the concept of the unit will allow to solve a wide range of space tasks, including research programs of the Moon and distant planets. In March, Roscosmos unveiled plans to spend around $27.7 million to design a super heavy-lift carrier rocket. The development is expected to be completed by October 31, 2019. The vehicle should be able to lift over 80 million tonnes into low Earth orbit and be able to deliver at least 20 tonnes of payload to the Moon. The project should include the possibility of increasing the rocket's carrying capacity to 140 and 27 tonnes to the two aforementioned distances. It is planned that the new carrier could be used for delivering space ships and stations not only to the Moon, but also to Mars and Jupiter. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump of the tropics Bolsonaro wins Brazil presidential polls in blow to left Iran Press TV Mon Oct 29, 2018 12:07AM Far-right candidate Jair Bolsonaro wins Brazil's presidential polls in a body blow to the country's left-of-the-center politicians, who were in the saddle for the most part of its most recent history. The vote went underway on Sunday, giving Bolsonaro 56 percent of the ballots and left-wing hopeful Fernando Haddad of the Workers Party (PT) 44 percent, with 94 percent of the ballots counted. The PT ruled Brazil for 13 years of the last 15, suffering defeat only two years ago, amid sweeping public resentment at worsening economic conditions. Sixty-three-year-old Bolsonaro, a former army captain and seven-term congressman, was also thrown to the fore by popular outrage at corruption and crime. As assurances were in that he had swept the polls, he pledged to defend "the constitution, democracy and freedom." His past remarks have, however, given rise to speculation that he could drive the country towards authoritarianism. On election trail, he would praise Brazil's 1964-1985 military dictatorship and defend its use of torture on leftist opponents. "We cannot continue flirting with communism ... We are going to change the destiny of Brazil," he added. He has vowed to grant the police more autonomy to shoot criminals, and seeks to let more Brazilians buy weapons. Known as "Tropical Trump," president-elect Bolsonaro said US President Donald Trump called to wish him good luck after his electoral victory on Sunday, in what the former Brazilian Army captain said was "obviously a very friendly contact". Haddad was standing in for the PT founder and former Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who is in jail for corruption. After learning about his defeat, he said he had a responsibility to join the opposition. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Presidential Elections in Brazil Press Statement Heather Nauert Department Spokesperson Washington, DC October 29, 2018 The United States congratulates Jair Bolsonaro on his election as the next president of Brazil. We salute Brazil's strong commitment to democracy and congratulate the Brazilian people on participating in a successful election. The United States and Brazil share a vibrant partnership based on our mutual commitment to promote security, democracy, economic prosperity, and human rights. As two of the largest democracies and economies in the world, we are working together to address the 21st century's most pressing global and regional challenges. We value our deep cooperation with Brazil and look forward to working with President-elect Bolsonaro in the coming years. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Far-Right Candidate Wins Brazil's Presidential Election By VOA News October 29, 2018 Far-right congressman Jair Bolsonaro has won Brazil's presidential election, raising fears of a rollback of civil rights and free speech. Bolsonaro of the Social Liberal Party won about 56 percent of the votes in Sunday's runoff. His left-leaning opponent, Fernando Haddad of the Workers Party, took 44 percent. Bolsonaro is a former army captain whose far-right rhetoric and promises, and feisty personality earned him the nickname of "Tropical Trump." President Donald Trump said Monday he had a "very good conversation with the newly election president," and that the two agreed the U.S. and Brazil will work closely together on "Trade, Military and everything else!" The U.S. State Department on Monday congratulated Bolsonaro on his win as well as the Brazilian people for "participating in a successful election." "We salute Brazil's strong commitment to democracy," said State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert. Bolsonaro, like the U.S. president, paints himself as an anti-establishment outsider. But Bolsonaro spent 27 years in the Brazilian congress. His win is a voter rejection of the leftist administrations that have governed Brazil for most of the last 15 years. Latin America's largest economy has been stuck in recession since 2014. The political establishment has been rocked by a high-level corruption scandal, and crime and murder rates have spiked. Bolsonaro campaigned for change, describing himself as a law-and-order candidate who will give police more freedom to crack down on crime. But many Brazilians are disturbed by his professed admiration of the 1964-1985 military dictatorship, and for offensive comments about gays, blacks and women. They fear a Bolsonaro government will trample on human rights, civil liberties, and free speech especially by leftists. Bolsonaro drew protests after claiming a former dictatorship's main mistake was not killing more people, and that if elected, he would shut down Brazil's National Congress. Many Brazilian military leaders reject such talk. "In terms of the military coming back, I think this is a very remote possibility, if it is a possibility. I think that constitutional Brazil, although imperfect [and] in need of improvement [and] adjustment, will likely prove resilient," said political analyst Paulo Sotero, the director of the Brazil Institute at the Wilson Center in Washington, D.C. Brazil's government was a military dictatorship from 1964 until the establishment of democracy in 1985. During that period, the military was accused of executing and torturing opponents, and stifling dissent in the name of preventing the spread of communism. Bolsonaro has been denounced for his offensive comments, such as saying to a female member of Congress that she was not pretty enough to be raped. A mentally disturbed assailant stabbed him at a campaign rally in September, causing intestinal damage and sending his poll numbers higher. Many business people support Bolsonaro's free-market economic positions, which would stimulate growth by privatizing state-owned enterprises, reduce regulations, and making it easier for foreign investors to enter the Brazilian market. "He will be judged by his capacity to make the Brazilian economy grow again, sustainably, and create jobs," analyst Sotero said. Christian evangelicals also support Bolsonaro's promise to end sex education in the schools, keep abortion illegal, and end same-sex marriage. Brian Padden contributed to this report. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chinese Spy Plane Crosses South Korean Airspace Without Notice Sputnik News 22:15 29.10.2018(updated 22:20 29.10.2018) Once again, a Chinese reconnaissance aircraft has set off alarms in South Korea by flying near Ieo Island, a submerged rock in the Yellow Sea that houses a South Korean research station. South Korean interceptors were mobilized to track the plane. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said Monday that a Chinese military plane had entered South Korea's air defense domain without notice, causing the Air Force to scramble F-15K and KF-16 fighter jets to intercept and ward it off, Yonhap News Agency reported. The plane was reportedly a Shaanxi Y-9 reconnaissance aircraft, a prop-driven transport aircraft that can be refitted for a wide variety of roles, from electronic warfare to airborne early warning. The plane entered the Korea air defense identification zone (KADIZ) at 10:03 a.m. local time and left half an hour later. After turning south toward Socotra rock, the plane re-entered the zone at 3:02 p.m. and lingered there for a much longer period of time. "It flew for about two hours in the KADIZ out of its total five-hour flight after entering the KADIZ," a JCS official told Yonhap. Socotra rock, also called Ieo Island in Korean, is a submerged rock that is not claimed by any nation, but since South Korea operates a science station on a platform above the underwater seamount, it takes special interest in the site, which is only 93 miles from Jeju Island. The Mainichi noted that the Chinese craft did not violate South Korean territorial airspace, though. Instead, an air defense identification zone, undefined by treaty or international agreement, is simply an area extending outward from radar installations on a country's territory in which foreign planes approaching that territory can be identified. This was the sixth such zone crossing by Chinese planes this year, nearly all of which have been by Y-9 recon aircraft. Complaints to the Chinese government came from the South Korean Defense Ministry as well as the Foreign Ministry. The Defense Ministry told Chinese Col. Zhou Yuming that it urged China to recognize the gravity of the situation and to take measures ensuring it wouldn't happen again. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Envoy to N. Korea Expresses Confidence About Denuclearization By VOA News October 29, 2018 The U.S. special envoy for North Korea has expressed confidence about achieving the communist country's nuclear disarmament. Stephen Biegun met with South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha in Seoul on Monday to discuss the progress in the talks between Pyongyang and Washington. Following a meeting with his South Korean counterpart Lee Do-hoon, Biegun said that Washington and the South have a shared goal of ending seven decades of hostility on the Korean Peninsula. "We have a shared goal here, which is to bring an end to 70 years of war and hostility on the Korean Peninsula and the primary requirement for us to get to that endpoint is to achieve the final, fully verified denuclearization of North Korea. So I am absolutely confident that this is within the reach. I think our two presidents are singularly focused on this goal," Biegun said. South Korean Special Representative for the Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs Lee Do-hoon said that the denuclearization process has reached a critical stage and sides need to meet as often as possible. "Denuclearization process is at a critical juncture and we need to meet up as often as possible to make sure there is no daylight whatsoever between our two allies," Lee Do-hoon said Since the Trump-Kim summit in June in Singapore, North Korea has taken some measures, namely halting nuclear and missile tests and dismantling its nuclear testing site. Earlier this month, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made his fourth trip to North Korea and had meetings in Japan and South Korea to arrange a second summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un. Trump will likely have his second meeting with Kim early next year, according to U.S. officials. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Lion Air is a low-cost airline which has engaged in a huge expansion in recent years. Indonesian police and SAR personel identify personal items of passengers of the ill-fated Lion Air flight JT 610 at the Jakarta port. (Photo: AFP) Mumbai/Jakarta: An Indonesia Lion Air plane with 189 passengers and crew that plunged into the Java Sea on Monday is the deadliest aviation disaster since 1997. Authorities on Monday said that all passengers are likely dead. In 1997, 234 people died when an Airbus A-300B4 operated by national Garuda crashed into mountainous woodlands. Lion Air is a low-cost airline which has engaged in a huge expansion in recent years. About the plane crash On September 29, Lion Air flight JT-610 took off from Jakarta en route to Pangkal Pinang city at 06:20 am. The Boeing-737 MAX vanished from radar 13 minutes after taking off and plunged into the Java Sea. The plane had asked to return to the Indonesian capital. Read: Indonesian flight with 189 aboard crashes into sea, wreckage found: Officials Flightradar24s website tracked the plane and showed it looping south on take-off and then heading north before its flight path ended abruptly over the Java Sea, not far from the coast. Witnesses said they did not hear an explosion but saw the Boeing 737 MAX plunge into the sea. Man in-charge of Boeing-737 As per Lion Air, Captain and co-pilot had more than 11,000 hours of combined flying time and both had recent medical and drug tests. The man-in-charge was Bhavye Suneja, 31, an Indian who was a resident of Mayur Vihar, New Delhi. He had joined the airlines in March 2011 after training with Emirates from September to December 2010. Also Read: Delhi's Bhavye Suneja was pilot of Indonesian plane that crashed into sea There were seven crew members on the flight, including the captain. Apart from Suneja, crew members Shintia Melina, Citra Noivita Anggelia, Alviani Hidayatul Solikha, Damayanti Simarmata, Mery Yulianda, and Deny Maula were onboard. Questions for investigators The airline had acknowledged that the jet had previously been grounded for unspecified repairs. The plane that took off from Jakarta had a technical glitch in the previous flight but was resolved according to the procedure, Lion Air CEO said. Read: Indonesia plane that crashed had technical issue in previous flight: CEO Later on Monday itself after the crash, the search and rescue teams found some body parts, personal items of the passengers and debris of the aircraft. The only issue authorities will face is that rescuers havent found any body intact. On Tuesday, officials said that 10 bags have been filled with limbs and other body parts of the deceased and with the help of DNA testing; officials might be able to identify the passengers. Also Read: Indonesia Lion Air crash: Rescuers recover 10 bags filled with body parts of victims The other aspect to find how and why the accident did happen, the cockpit voice and flight data recorder could be key pieces of evidence. The investigators will have to consider various factors including the jets mechanical conditions, weather aspect, and any unusual activity in the cockpit and crew proficiency. Lion Air has been involved in a number of incidents including a fatal 2004 crash and a collision between two Lion Air planes at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta airport. The airline was removed from the European Unions air safety blacklist in June 2016. Indonesia is the worlds fastest-growing aviation market but its safety record is unreliable. German chancellor Angela Merkel not to seek re-election in 2021 Iran Press TV Mon Oct 29, 2018 04:02PM German Chancellor Angela Merkel has announced that she will step down and not seek re-election when her term expires in 2021, ending her 13-year era of dominance in European politics. "It is time today for me to start a new chapter," Merkel told reporters during a news conference in the capital Berlin on Monday. "This fourth term is my last term as Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany. In the next Bundestag election in 2021, I will not run again as Chancellor. I will not run for the German Bundestag any more, and I do not want any other political office," she added. Merkel told reporters that being chancellor has been a "very challenging and fulfilling task." The 64-year-old leader of Germany's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) also said that she would step away from her leadership role at the upcoming party convention after 18 years in the post. "At the next CDU party congress in December in Hamburg, I will not put myself forward again as candidate for the CDU chair," she told said. Merkel had earlier indicated that she would seek another two-year term as the CDU leader at the party congress in December. Merkel's announcement came after a series of regional vote defeats this month. Both parties under Merkel's ruling coalition the CDU and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) suffered heavy losses in the election held in the central state of Hesse over the weekend. Preliminary exit poll results from the state of Hesse show the CDU has gained almost 28 percent of the vote and the SPD only 20 percent. The pro-immigration Green party also garnered nearly 20 percent of the votes. The CDU and the SPD were both down 10 percent from the previous poll, even though they remained in power in Hesse. They also had a poor result in Bavarian elections earlier this month. Speaking on October 15, Merkel admitted that German voters had lost their trust in the government, saying it was her job to "make sure that trust is won back," and that she would work on it with "as much vigor" as she could. Merkel's junior coalition partners have threatened to quit her governing coalition. The German chancellor said she took "full responsibility" for poor performance, and made clear she would not handpick her successor as party leader. Merkel's presumed favored successor is the CDU secretary general, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, who announced her candidacy on Monday, but Merkel declined to back her, saying she did not want to influence the election. German media reported that Friedrich Merz, a former parliamentary leader of the CDU/CSU alliance, was also joining the race to succeed Merkel. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Germany's Merkel To Step Down As Chancellor At End Of Current Term October 29, 2018 Angela Merkel has told her Christian Democratic Union (CDU) that she will step down as Germany's chancellor at the end of her current term in 2021 and will not seek reelection as a CDU lawmaker. Speaking to journalists after a closed-door meeting of the CDU leadership in Berlin on October 29, Merkel also said she plans to give up leadership of her party in December, when the CDU is scheduled to elect a new party head. Asked whether her announcement also applied for a snap election before 2021, Merkel said that she just made this clear and that she did not want to participate in any further speculation. Merkel's statement came after backing for her conservative bloc plunged in two state parliamentary elections in two weeks. Media reports, citing party sources, said that three people including Merkel's favored successor, CDU Secretary-General Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, had announced their candidacies for the party-head post. The other two are Friedrich Merz, a former parliamentary leader of Merkel's conservative alliance, and Health Minister Jens Spahn. Merkel acknowledged that Kramp-Karrenbauer and Spahn had launched bids for her post, but added she did not want to influence the election of her successor. The CDU saw its support drop over 10 percent in the state of Hesse on October 28. On October 14, the CDU's Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), suffered a similar loss in its home state. Merkel has chaired the party since 2000 and has been Germany's leader since 2005. Merkel's predecessor, social democrat Gerhard Schroeder, stepped down as leader of his SPD party in 2004 but remained chancellor. Based on reports by dpa, AP, AFP, and Reuters Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/germany-s-merkel-to-step-down-as -chancellor-at-end-of-current-term/29570334.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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Germany's 'Iron Lady' Begins Descent After Coalition's Electoral Setback By Jamie Dettmer October 29, 2018 For the second time in a month, voters in a regional election in Germany have rebuffed Chancellor Angela Merkel's governing coalition, further confirming that the political landscape in the country is transforming rapidly.Merkel has announced she will not seek reelection as chair of her party and said her current term as chancellor will be her last. Voters in a regional election in the prosperous state of Hesse deserted in droves both Merkel's Christian Democrats and the junior partner in her Berlin government, the Social Democrats (SPD). Coming on the heels of an electoral setback for the governing coalition in Bavaria earlier this month, the trouncing in Hesse, which saw the Greens the biggest beneficiary, prompted questions about whether this defeat will ultimately spell the end of Angela Merkel. "Of course, we in the Christian Democrats are not happy. We need a new work culture in the governing coalition and a regeneration of the Christian Democrats," said Annegret Kamp-Karrenbauer, the CDU's secretary-general. Pressure from within the Christian Democratic Party, CDU, was already mounting on Merkel before Sunday with internal critics saying at the very least she should not stand for reelection as the leader of the CDU in party elections scheduled for December. On Monday, Merkel acceded, confirming she will not seek reelection in December although she would stay on as chancellor until her current term ends in 2021."I will not be seeking any political post after my term ends," she said. Merkel, 64, has led her party for 18 years and served five terms as Germany's chancellor since 2005. While Merkel's CDU emerged as the leading vote-getter in Hesse, a state the party has dominated for two decades, it was expected to secure just 27 percent of the vote more than 10 percent less than in an election five years ago. According to exit polls and projections from the provisional stages of the count, the Social Democrats are expected to lose as much as 11 percent from their previous total, and secure around 20 percent of the vote. Sunday's election is adding to the picture of a fragmentation of German politics, testimony to the continued resonance of the 2015 migration crisis. It confirms the country's once traditional parties are in decline and are seen by a swathe of the electorate as no longer representing them adequately. In Hesse, the Greens' share of the vote jumped from 8 percent to 20 percent; and the far-right Alternative for Germany, AfD, appeared to be on track to garner a 12 percent share. The Hesse vote is demonstrating how Germany has become "politically adrift and fragmented with its political center, commonly known as Volksparteien, imploding," said Frederick Kempe, president of the Atlantic Council, the Washington-based think tank. On the eve of the count he said the Hesse vote "could be the final blow for Merkel, who has been Europe's glue and most influential leader for more than a decade." Known by some as the "Iron Lady" of German politics, Merkel is increasingly beleaguered and even her most faithful supporters are not convinced she will be able to see out her full electoral term due to end in 2021. Since the CDU's poor performance in last year's national parliamentary elections, Merkel has been beset by one crisis after another. Last month she lost her key parliamentary henchman, Volker Kauder when he was ousted by disgruntled coalition lawmakers. Merkel's grand coalition has come close to collapse this year over migration issues and a scandal involving the country's spy chief. Sunday's election is likely to have far-reaching consequences by adding further pressure on all the partners in Merkel's national government to assess the viability of a coalition that is doing none of them any electoral good. One third of SPD members were against joining Merkel's coalition in the first place after last year's federal elections. "The state of the governing coalition is not acceptable," SPD leader Andrea Nahles said to party members Sunday after the results were announced. The problem for the traditional parties is how to halt the electoral fragmentation as the center ground of German politics erodes. As Germany's old political guard cracks, it is compounding Merkel's immediate problem of keeping intact her fragile coalition government, formed in March after four months of testy negotiations. "Where there are losses, there have to be consequences," said Helge Braun, Merkel's chief of staff, told the German public broadcaster ARD. But he did not elaborate on the repercussions. The electoral setback for the governing coalition in Hesse is all the more remarkable considering the state's prosperity. Voters leaving polling stations expressed deep dissatisfaction with the condition of Merkel's national coalition and complained about the constant infighting. On Sunday, Hesse's conservative governor, Volker Bouffier, told supporters, "The message this evening to the parties in the government in Berlin is clear: people want less argument, more objectivity, more solutions." The Hesse vote confirms the Greens' growing electoral appeal. The party leader in the state, Tarek Al-Wazir, whose parents are Yemeni, said before the vote that anyone who wanted to send a message of rejection to the far-right AfD they "could do no worse than vote for a party led by someone like me." The Greens came second in the Bavaria election earlier this month. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address India Finalizes the Deal for Two Russian Frigates Off the Shelf for $950 Million Sputnik News 15:10 29.10.2018(updated 15:55 29.10.2018) Sputnik had reported on 4 October that India's Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) had approved the procurement of four frigates from Russia at a cost of around $2 billion. While two of them are being purchased directly from Russia for $950 million, the other two will be built in India under a separate deal, which is expected later this year. New Delhi (Sputnik): India has inked the final contract with Russia for the purchase of two frigates equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles for $950 million. According to the deal signed last week, the two Talwar-class/Project 11356 frigates will be shipped directly to India. The two frigates which are almost fully built at Russia's Yantar Shipyard at Kaliningrad, will be equipped with M7N.1E gas turbine engines from Ukraine, for which India has already inked a separate agreement. The two frigates were originally designed to be fitted with Ukraine-built gas turbine engines but after Crimea's reunification with Russia, Moscow stopped importing the engines from Ukraine, rendering the ships of little use to the Russian Navy. "Given that the US has implemented sanctions on weapons purchases from Moscow, India could make payments for the ships using the rupee-ruble route," the Economic Times reported. On October 25, Sputnik had reported that India was making a strong case before Russia to avoid payments in US dollars for the purchase of goods, including defense equipment. Sources told Sputnik that a senior government official at the country's Ministry of External Affairs met Russian officials last week, and discussions were held at length about payments for Russian imports. "India wants to finalize arrangements with Russia for imports, including payment for the S-400 Triumf air defense system, very soon," a person familiar with the development told Sputnik. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Zarif: US sanctions against Iran futile IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Istanbul, Oct 29, IRNA -- Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Monday that imposition of the second round of US sanctions against Iran on November 4 will prove that nothing new will happen and the US will fail to attain its goals. Zarif is now visiting Turkey to attend a trilateral meeting of the foreign ministers of Iran, Turkey and Azerbaijan on regional developments. The US will failed to attain its economic and political goals by toughening economic sanctions Iran, Zarif said. There is low possibility for the US to attain its economic goals while there is no room for their political ones, he said. The impact of the second phase of the US sanctions against Iran will be more psychological, Zarif said. Europe is to adopt a new financial mechanism to thwart the impacts of the US sanctions, he said. It is expected that initiation of the new European plan would further isolate the US in the international community. Only a few countries in the Middle East support the US policies against the Islamic Republic of Iran, Zarif underlined. 1430**1396 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US will fail to achieve goals by imposing fresh sanctions: Iran FM Iran Press TV Mon Oct 29, 2018 04:01PM Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has shrugged off the forthcoming US sanctions against the Islamic Republic, saying Washington would fail to achieve its goals by imposing new bans on Iran. Speaking upon his arrival in Istanbul, Turkey, on Monday, Zarif added that nothing new would happen after the imposition of the second batch of US sanctions on November 4. US President Donald Trump announced in May that Washington was pulling out of the nuclear agreement, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which lifted nuclear-related sanctions against Tehran in exchange for restrictions on Tehran's nuclear program. A first round of American sanctions took effect in August, targeting Iran's access to the US dollar, metals trading, coal, industrial software, and auto sector. A second round will be targeting Iran's energy sector and financial transactions. "The possibility that the US will be able to achieve its economic goals through these sanctions is very remote and there is certainly no possibility that it will attain its political goals through such sanctions," the top Iranian diplomat said, emphasizing that the new US sanctions would mainly have "psychological effects." Zarif added that the European Union would approve the establishment of a mechanism by November 4, which aims to bypass American sanctions and to allow the continuation of trade between Tehran and EU member states "However, due to the US pressure, it may take some time before this mechanism becomes fully operational," Iran's foreign minister said, expressing hope that the implementation of the strategies devised between Iran and the EU would lead to further US isolation within the international community. "Today, except for some regional regimes, no country supports the US measures against Iran," Zarif pointed out. Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qassemi said earlier this month that Iran has been doing copious work with Europe to devise a mechanism to guarantee continued bilateral trade despite attempts by the United States to obstruct such cooperation. "After much negotiation over a clear mechanism with Europe, we have neared certain understandings; and for sure, US sabotage in that regard will fail," Qassemi said. Iran has stayed in the JCPOA for the time being, but has stressed that the other parties to the agreement have to work to offset the negative impacts of the US pullout for Iran if they wanted Tehran to continue to remain in it. Europe has been taking a range of measures to meet Iran's demand for practical guarantees. On September 24, Iran and its five partners released a joint statement announcing the setting up of a "Special Purpose Vehicle" to facilitate continued trade with Iran, bypass the US financial system, and avoid any impact of America's secondary sanctions. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Fear of Deportation Drives Some Rohingya Refugees from India By Maaz Hussain October 29, 2018 India's recent deportation of seven Rohingya men to Myanmar has triggered a panic among the country's Rohingya Muslim refugee community. Since the seven men were deported in the past three weeks, many Rohingya refugees have gone underground in India and some others have crossed over to Bangladesh, fearing that they could be arrested, jailed or returned to Myanmar. "After [some people] set fire to our camp in [the north Indian state of] Haryana, three times we fled to West Bengal. We lived peacefully in West Bengal for seven months. After Indian authorities deported seven Rohingyas to Myanmar we got scared. We began fearing that they could even deport us," said Abdul Goni, 29, who two weeks ago fled a Rohingya refugee camp in West Bengal and is hiding with his wife and three children at an unidentified location in southern India. "From Haryana, we were around 350 Rohingyas who fled to West Bengal. After the deportation of those seven men we have all fled the West Bengal camp. Some crossed over to Bangladesh. Others have fled to Jammu, Haryana and other places [in India]. I too have moved to another part of India where I am living in hiding now." The Indian Home Ministry, which handles the issue or refugees, declined to comment for this story. Forced to flee Facing discrimination and violence in Myanmar, minority Rohingya Muslims have for decades fled Myanmar to neighboring Bangladesh and other countries, including India. Currently, approximately 40,000 Rohingya refugees live in different locations across India. About 18,000 are registered with the office of the UNHCR, the UN refugee agency. Stateless, Rohingyas have no way to travel to any country legally and their status as refugees is not always recognized. India did not sign the 1951 U.N. Refugee Convention, and thus treats all Rohingyas entering the country as illegal immigrants. India has jailed some Rohingyas. The UNHCR estimates more than 200 Rohingya are in Indian jails after being arrested and charged for illegal entry. Rights groups say that figure is at least 500. The UNHCR issues identity cards to registered refugees to help prevent their arbitrary arrest, detention and deportation. But after the seven men were deported to Myanmar earlier this month, many Rohingyas in India say they fear deportation despite holding UNHCR ID cards. Among the Rohingyas who have gone in hiding in India or fled to Bangladesh in the past few weeks, many are UNHCR card holders, said Mohammad Junaid, a Rohingya community leader in Bangladesh. "I know of over 100 Rohingya who have fled to Bangladesh from India in the past weeks. Around 75 percent of them held refugee ID cards issued by the UNHCR Delhi. Yet, they crossed over to Bangladesh because they felt the cards could not protect them from actions by the Indian authorities," Junaid told VOA. Cheryl D'Souza, member of a Delhi-based legal rights activist group fighting for the rights of the refugees, also said the Rohingyas are anxious about their future in India despite holding the UNHCR cards. "While those who have been granted refugee cards and protection by UNHCR cannot be arrested, the panic among the Rohingya regarding arrest by the Indian authorities stems from the complete denial by the government of recognizing the Rohingya as a refugee community in India that is in need of protection and the deliberate terming of them as illegal immigrants to buttress their claims in court for their expulsion," D'Souza told VOA. Anti-Rohingya sentiment Rohingya refugees have lived in India peacefully for many years. But sentiment against the Muslim minority group has been surging in predominantly Hindu India after the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party led by current Prime Minister Narendra Modi swept to power following a massive election victory in 2014. Last year in the north Indian city of Jammu, local BJP leaders began a campaign demanding all Rohingya be expelled from the area. The BJP-led Indian federal government subsequently ordered all states to identify and deport all Rohingya Muslims from the country. Two weeks ago, the government in India's northeastern state of Assam announced that it was preparing to deport another batch of 23 detained Rohingya that officials described as "illegal immigrants" to Myanmar. Legal rights activist Prashant Bhushan, who is fighting against the deportation of the Rohingya refugees in India, insists that no Rohingya should be deported to Myanmar. "A fact finding report by the United Nations Human Rights Council has concluded that [the] Myanmarese military have been responsible for committing crimes of genocide and crimes against humanity against the Rohingya. Various other international organizations have warned that conditions are not conducive for the safe return of Rohingya refugees who have been subjected to torture and detained on repatriation. It is in this context that we are opposing the deportation of the Rohingya refugees to Myanmar," said Bhushan. "Refoulement of the seven men to Myanmar was in grave violation of India's international obligations. The principle of non-refoulement is [indeed] binding on India. It is enshrined in various conventions that India has ratified, such as the ICCPR [International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights] and the Convention on Rights of the Child," he said. Myanmar's government has consistently denied allegations that its troops have committed atrocities against the Rohingya. Altaf Hossen, a Rohingya who fled a camp in West Bengal two weeks ago and crossed over to Bangladesh, said he made a wise decision by leaving India. "Hindu majority India is growing hostile for Muslim Rohingya refugees. We were facing violence. We held UNHCR cards. Yet, we faced threats of being deported to Myanmar," Hossen told VOA. "India is unsafe for all Rohingyas. All Rohingyas should leave India for Bangladesh or other countries." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address S. Korea makes efforts to declare end to Korean War within 2018: minister People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 15:48, October 29, 2018 SEOUL, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- South Korea has been making efforts to declare an official end to the 1950-53 Korean War within this year, the country's unification minister said Monday. Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon made the remark during a parliamentary audit of the government ministries, saying Seoul has been making efforts to achieve the goal of making the war-ending declaration within this year. Cho added that there was a possibility for the achievement "at this moment." South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Kim Jong Un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), agreed at their first summit in April to seek an official end to the Korean War. The Korean Peninsula remains in a technical state of war as the three-year war ended with an armistice. Seoul has been pushing to replace the armistice with a peace treaty. The United States has been reluctant to make the war-ending declaration, which Seoul sees as a political declaration, citing what it claimed was the lack of progress in denuclearization talks. Asked about whether the DPRK leader could visit Seoul within this year, the unification minister said, "Yes." After their third summit in Pyongyang last month, Kim agreed with Moon to visit the South Korean capital city at an early date. Moon has said the visit could be possible by the end of this year. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Lavrov Says Moscow Preparing Answers To U.S. Nuclear-Treaty Concerns RFE/RL October 28, 2018 Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said Moscow was drafting responses to a list of questions recently presented by the United States concerning a key Cold War-era arms control treaty. Lavrov made the comments on October 28, days after President Donald Trump announced that the United States would withdraw from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, repeating longstanding U.S. accusations that Moscow had violated the agreement. The 1987 accord prohibits the United States and Russia from possessing, producing, or deploying ground-launched cruise and ballistic missiles with a range of between 500 and 5,000 kilometers. "Just a week ago, a couple of days before they announced their intention to withdraw from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, the Americans via their embassy in Moscow sent the Russian Foreign Ministry an extensive list of questions which are a concern to them," Lavrov said in an interview aired on Russian television. "It is better to come to terms with Russia on an equal basis and it is not necessary to be friends," the Russian minister also said. "We are not forcing a friendship." U.S. threats to withdraw from the INF Treaty came amid persistent tension between the West and Moscow over issues including Russia's seizure of Crimea in March 2014, its role in wars in Syria and eastern Ukraine, its alleged election meddling in the United States and Europe, and the poisoning of a Russian double agent and his daughter in Britain in March. Trump said on October 22 that he was pulling out of the 1987 treaty because Russia has been violating it since at least 2014 and because it does not apply to China, which has been developing the kind of short and intermediate-range missiles eliminated by Russia and the United States under the treaty. START Under Threat? In the wake of U.S. threats to withdraw from the INF Treaty, Lavrov said that the "fate of the New START Treaty is unclear." The New START Treaty limits strategic nuclear weapons. It was signed in 2010 and is due to expire in 2021, although the two sides could agree to extend it for another five years. Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that Washington's withdrawal from the INF Treaty could lead to a new "arms race." Meanwhile, European members of NATO have urged Washington to try to bring Russia back into compliance with the nuclear arms control agreement rather than quitting it, diplomats say. Speaking on October 28, U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said the United States was in consultation with its European allies on the INF Treaty. When asked whether he could rule out placing intermediate-range missiles on the ground if Washington left the INF Treaty, Mattis told reporters travelling with him to Prague, "I never rule things out like that, I also don't rule it in." "There are a number of ways for us to respond [to the alleged Russian violation], it does not have to be symmetric and it'll be in close consultation with allies," he also said. Mattis met in Prague with Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis, who said that relations with Russia "aren't ideal and we're returning to Cold War times." "It would be good for the superpowers to cooperate," Babis also said at a joint news conference. With reporting by Reuters, Interfax, and TASS Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/lavrov-says- moscow-preparing-answers-to-u-s-inf -concerns/29568360.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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian FM asks U.S. to clarify future arms control policy People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 07:56, October 29, 2018 The United States should reveal its arms control plans since it has decided to quit the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Sunday. Washington should be clear on what it will do in the area of arms control after its withdrawal from the key INF Treaty with Russia, Lavrov told Rossiya 1 TV channel. He said the United States has handed a list of questions concerning the implementation of the INF Treaty to the Russian Foreign Ministry via the U.S. embassy, and the Russian Defense Ministry and other departments are preparing answers to the U.S. questions. U.S. President Donald Trump said earlier this month that Washington would pull out of the INF Treaty on account of Russia's alleged breach of the agreement. The INF treaty was signed in 1987 between the Soviet Union and the United States on the elimination of intermediate-range and shorter-range missiles. The deal marked the first-ever pact reached by Washington and Moscow on nuclear disarmament and a major step in restricting the arms race. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said earlier this week that the U.S. withdrawal from the INF Treaty could pave the way for a new arms race. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The 17 women were arrested last Friday without any charges laid so far, following the complaint by neighbours over noise. The Philippines ambassador to Saudi Arabia issued an advisory reminding his compatriots not to take part in non-Islamic celebrations, like Christmas. The recent wave of arrests and rights violations show the superficiality of the reforms undertaken by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Riyadh (AsiaNews/Agencies) Saudi authorities arrested 17 Filipino migrant women for participating in a Halloween party, the Philippines Foreign Ministry has reported. Saudi intelligence officers arrested the women when they raided a compound in the Saudi capital last Friday, following complaints from neighbours over the noise. Upon arrival, the officers found the women were holding a party dedicated to Halloween, which falls tomorrow, an ancient Celtic tradition that is popular in English-speaking countries but also in other parts of the world. At present, the charges are unclear, but the Philippines Foreign Ministry noted that, given the countrys strict adherence to Islam, Saudi laws prohibit unattached men and women being seen together in public The Philippine Star newspaper cited a Facebook post by a man called Humoud Al Fajrawi as saying that some of the partygoers had not known that the event was Halloween-themed. The Philippines ambassador in Riyadh, Adnan Alonto said that initial information indicated the organisers of the party had been charged with holding an event without a permit and for disturbing the neighbourhood. On Sunday, he issued an advisory reminding the Filipino community in Saudi Arabia to "refrain from organising or attending events or gatherings that are unsanctioned or without permission" from the local authorities. "In addition, everyone is reminded to avoid mixed crowds, consuming liquor, and holding public practice of traditions that are associated with religions other than Islam, such as Halloween, Valentines and Christmas." This case shows once again how shallow the reform programme (Vision 2030) of Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman (MbS) actually is, this despite the hoopla by the countrys media. So far, reforms have been minimal, the most hyped being the right to drive granted to women. In reality, over the past year, a large shadow has been cast over MbSs reforms, most notably following the arrest of senior officials and businessmen as well activists and critics, not to mention the latest incident involving the murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Russia Plans Missile-Firing Exercise Off Norway Amid NATO Drills RFE/RL October 29, 2018 The Russian Navy plans to test missiles in international waters off Norway's coast this week, Norwegian and NATO officials say, as the Western military alliance conducts its largest military exercise since the end of the Cold War. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on October 29 the alliance was informed last week about the planned tests. "Russia has a sizable presence in the north, also off Norway," Stoltenberg told Norwegian news agency NTB. "Large [Russian] forces take part in maneuvers and they practice regularly," he added. The exercises come amid persistent tension between NATO and Russia, which seized Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 and backs separatists in an ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine but accuses the alliance of provocative behavior near its borders. A spokesman for Avinor, which operates Norwegian airports and air-navigation services, said Russia had informed them about the tests in a so-called NOTAM, a notice to pilots about potential hazards along a flight route. The spokesman, Erik Lodding, told the dpa news agency that it was "a routine message." The tests are to take place from November 1 to November 3, west of the coastal cities of Kristiansund, Molde, and Alesund. "There is nothing dramatic about this. We have noted it and will follow the Russian maneuvers," Norwegian Defense Minister Frank Bakke-Jensen said. On October 25, NATO launched its Trident Juncture exercise, which Stoltenberg has called a "strong display" of its capability, unity, and resolve at a time of growing danger in Europe. The live-field exercise is set to run to November 7. It involves around 50,000 soldiers, 10,000 vehicles, and more than 300 aircraft and ships from all 29 NATO allies, plus partners Finland and Sweden. The aim of the drills stretching from the North Atlantic to the Baltic Sea is to practice the alliance's response to an attack on one of its members. Russia held large military exercises called Zapad-2017 (West-2017) in September 2017 in its western regions jointly with Belarus, which also borders several NATO countries, and last month conducted massive drills across its central and eastern regions. With reporting by dpa and Interfax Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-plans- missile-firing-exercise-off-norway-amid- nato-drills/29570878.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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Murdered journo was to reveal info on Saudi chemical raids in Yemen: Paper IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Tehran, Oct 29, IRNA -- The Saudi critic journalist, who was murdered last month in Saudi consulate in Istanbul, had planned to disclose details of Saudi Arabia's use of chemical weapons in Yemen, a London-based paper quoted informed sources as saying. Last night a close friend of Jamal Khashoggi revealed that he was about to obtain "documentary evidence" proving claims that Saudi Arabia had used chemical weapons in its proxy war in Yemen, the Sunday Express quoted a close friend of Jamal Khashoggi, who spoke to the daily on condition of anonymity. "I met him a week before his death. He was unhappy and he was worried," the Middle Eastern academic, was quoted as saying. "When I asked him why he was worried, he didn't really want to reply, but eventually he told me he was getting proof that Saudi Arabia had used chemical weapons. He said he hoped he be getting documentary evidence.' The London-based daily also suggested it has learned through its sources that the UK intelligence service was informed of the plot against Khashoggi nearly three weeks ahead of his killing through eavesdropping phone conversations between Saudi officials. An intelligence official has told Sunday Express, "These details included primary orders to capture Mr Khashoggi and bring him back to Saudi Arabia for questioning. However, the door seemed to be left open for alternative remedies to what was seen as a big problem.' The source went on to say they know the orders came from the Saudi royal family but there was no direct information to link the orders to the crown prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Sunday Express source claimed the British Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) had warned Riyadh one day before abducting the journalist, urging the cancellation of the plan, but the Saudi officials had turned a deaf ear to the demand. The UK government has not yet reacted to the report and UK officials have so far refused to directly condemn Riyadh. Jamal Khashoggi, the Saudi critic journalist entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October second to collect paperwork for his forthcoming marriage, but never went back to his fiancee who was awaiting him in front of the consulate. After 18 days of silence and rejecting claims that Khashoggi was killed, the Saudi government finally bowed down to international pressure, particularly from Turkey, on October 20th and claimed the prominent journalist was killed in what it called 'a fist-fight' inside Istanbul consulate. Documents released by the media, however, indicate 15 Saudi intelligence agents who were deployed by the crown prince to Istanbul were in charge of murdering the journalist. 9477**2044 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Turkey says wants Saudi Arabia to reveal 'whole truth' on Khashoggi killing Iran Press TV Mon Oct 29, 2018 03:31PM Turkey has called on Saudi Arabia to reveal the "whole truth" about the murder of dissident Saudi journalist, Jamal Khashoggi, in the Arab kingdom's consulate in Istanbul, as Saudi public prosecutor held talks in the Turkish city. Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu made the request on Monday, as Saudi Public Prosecutor Saud al-Mojeb arrived in Istanbul overnight, more than three weeks after he contradicted days of Saudi statements by asserting that the ill-fated journo was killed according to a plan, and not accidentally during a tussle in the diplomatic mission. "The whole truth must be revealed. We believe this visit is important for these truths to come out," said the Turkish top diplomat during a press conference on Monday, adding that Ankara was exerting "intense" efforts to reveal all the names behind the incident. Khashoggi, 59, an outspoken critic of a critic of Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, had been living in self-imposed exile in the United States since 2017, when Saudi authorities launched a massive crackdown on dissent. He was seeking to secure documentation for his forthcoming marriage when he entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2, but never came out despite Riyadh's initial claim that he exited the mission less than an hour after completing his paperwork. The kingdom, however, later admitted that the journo had been murdered in the consulate during an interrogation that had gone wrong after diplomatic pressure grew tremendously on Riyadh to give an account on the mysterious fate of its national. However, it said that it did not know the whereabouts of the journo's body, which is widely believed to be dismembered. Cavusoglu on Monday said that the "body of Khashoggi couldn't be reached yet", calling on Saudi authorities to conclude the investigation as soon as possible. Al-Mojeb, who has already held talks with his Turkish counterpart Irfan Fidan in Istanbul Caglayan Courthouse in the morning, said days earlier that "the suspects in the incident had committed their act with a premeditated intention." The Saudi top prosecutor, who has come to Turkey in an attempt to assist Turkish authorities' ongoing investigation into Khashoggi's killing, is expected to visit the Saudi consulate building later on Monday. According to a report by Turkey's state broadcaster TRT Haber, Saudi officials at Monday's meeting asked Turkish officials to give them the whole investigation folder, including evidence, statements and footage. The Saudi request, however, was denied, the report added. Turkish authorities believe that a 15-man security team from Saudi Arabia came to Turkey, hours before the incident, and then flew back to the Arab kingdom shortly after the killing. Ankara has already requested Riyadh to extradite the 15 suspects, but the request has been denied, with Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said those behind the killing would be prosecuted in the kingdom. On Sunday, British Sunday Express weekly, citing "highly-placed" intelligence sources, reported that a "member of the royal circle" of Saudi Arabia had ordered to kidnap the journalist and take him back to the Arab kingdom. But it is not clear whether the "member" had been Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. "Whether he was not the original issuer we cannot say," the unnamed sources added. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Saudi Arabia's prosecutor meets Istanbul's in Khashoggi case Iran Press TV Mon Oct 29, 2018 10:30AM Saudi Arabia's public prosecutor has traveled to the Turkish city of Istanbul and met with the city's Chief Public Prosecutor Irfan Fidan for deliberations on the killing of Saudi dissident Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi Arabian agents inside Riyadh's consulate there. Saudi Attorney General Saud al-Mujeb met with Fidan at the courthouse in Istanbul on Monday, according to Turkey's state Anadolu news agency, which provided no more details. Khashoggi entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2 and then disappeared. Turkish officials soon said they were in possession of evidence that showed he had been tortured, dismembered, and killed inside the mission. For 18 days, Saudi Arabia denied that Khashoggi had been killed. Then, and under mounting international attention to the case, Riyadh said that a "brawl" at the consulate had "aggravated to lead to his death." Almost the entire world has rejected that narrative. And there are strong indications that top Saudi leadership Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman in particular has been involved in the killing. Turkey has said, more than once, that Saudi Arabia must reveal who ordered Khashoggi's killing, indicating that Ankara may have evidence of involvement at some levels of Saudi leadership. Earlier, Turkey pressured Saudi Arabia to allow inspections of both the consulate and the consul general's residence in Istanbul, and Turkish forensic officials did gain access to both sites although after delays and collected even more evidence. When it changed its narrative about Khashoggi's fate, Riyadh also attempted to project an image of cooperation, saying it had launched an investigation, charged 18 suspects in the case, and would jointly work with Turkey. On October 23, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan demanded that those 18 suspects be extradited to Turkey for trial. Four days later, Saudi Arabia rejected Erdogan's demand. Still, Turkey has been releasing reportedly incriminating information in the case in a phased manner. It has now shared what Ankara says is an audio recording of the last moments of Khashoggi's life with some media outlets as well as with CIA Director Gina Haspel. While US officials have been generally supportive of Saudi Arabia, The New York Times reported on October 17 that US intelligence officials "are increasingly convinced that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia is culpable in the killing of" Khashoggi. At least one frequent companion of bin Salman's as well as members of his security detail have been implicated in the case. "Officials have also said the prince's complete control over the security services makes it highly unlikely that an operation would have been undertaken without his knowledge," the Times reported. Ilnur Cevik, an adviser to President Erdogan, has called Khashoggi's murder "a disgrace that reaches all the way to Crown Prince [Mohammed bin] Salman," whom he called "a questionable person with Khashoggi's blood on his hands." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ministry of Defense to Participate in "Arab Shield-1" Drill Saudi Press Agency Monday 1440/2/20 - 2018/10/29 Riyadh, Safar 20, 1440, Oct 29, 2018, SPA -- The Saudi Armed Forces is set to participate in the "Arab Shield-1" drill, scheduled for Egypt from October 30 and lasts for three weeks in the participation of armed forces of the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan and host Egypt, it was reported here today. The commander of the Saudi forces assigned to take part in the drill Brigadier Abdullah bin Hussein Al-Subaie said that all land, air, sea and air defense forces selected for the maneuver have completed preparedness. He pointed out that the drill comes within plans of the Ministry of Defense to train armed forces members to raise their readiness. --SPA 17:32 LOCAL TIME 14:32 GMT 0017 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump Administration Weighing Options for Response to Khashoggi Murder Sputnik News 23:00 29.10.2018 WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - US President Donald Trump is considering different options in response to the murder of Saudi journalist and US resident Jamal Khashoggi in Saudi Arabia's Consulate in Istanbul, White House spokesperson Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a briefing on Monday. "The president met last week with CIA Director Gina Haspel after having gathered additional intelligence on her overseas trip and the administration is weighing different options," Sanders told reporters. "The administration is considering what action we will take moving forward based on that information and the briefing the president received last week." Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist known for his criticism of Saudi policies, was last seen entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2. On October 19, Saudi Arabia admitted the journalist had died during a fight inside the consulate. According to Riyadh, 18 people have been arrested over their suspected involvement in the incident. On Thursday, the Saudi prosecutor general acknowledged that the journalist's murder had been orchestrated in advance. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US-led coalition uses white phosphorus bombs against Syrian city: Damascus Iran Press TV Mon Oct 29, 2018 07:13PM Syrian Ambassador to the United Nations Bashar al-Ja'afari says the so-called international coalition led by the United States has once again used white phosphorus bombs against Hajin city in Syria's troubled eastern province of Dayr al-Zawr. Speaking at a UN Security Council meeting on Monday, the Syrian senior diplomat further condemned the use of banned weapon by the US-led coalition against the small city. His comments came a few hours after Syria's official news agency SANA, citing local sources, reported that earlier in the day, the so-called coalition had shelled several localities in Hajin, some 110 kilometers east of Dayr al-Zawr, with white phosphorus munitions that can maim and kill by burning to the bone. On October 13, SANA also reported that the US-led coalition, purportedly fighting the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group, dropped internationally-banned white phosphorus bombs on Hajin. On September 8, two F-15 warplanes of the US Air Force targeted the same Syrian city with white phosphorous bombs. In June last year, Human Rights Watch (HRW) warned that the US-led coalition was deploying white phosphorous bombs in both Iraq and Syria. Elsewhere in his remarks, Ja'afari added that terrorists in Idlib had fired at least 40 rockets at Aleppo city, with no immediate reports of possible casualties and the extent of damage caused. Ja'afari also said that Syria believed in the neutral, independent, and non-politicized role of the world body in assisting the Syrians affected by terrorism and militancy, stressing that this role must respect "Syria's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity." The senior Syrian diplomat further stated that Damascus had approved sending an aid convoy to al-Rukban camp by the UN, but the US forces were hindering the delivery of desperately-needed aid to the camp. He also said that the so-called "cross-border aid," mentioned in a recent report on the "humanitarian situation" in Syria, did not reach those who need it but rather "went to terrorists." Ja'afari also asserted that Damascus made preparations to facilitate the return of displaced Syrians to their home country, and that the Syrian army troops would keep on fighting against terrorism until Syria, in its entirety, is cleared of "terrorism and any illegal foreign presence." Syria has been gripped by foreign-backed militancy since March 2011. The Syrian government says the Israeli regime and its Western and regional allies are aiding Takfiri terrorist groups wreaking havoc in the country. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Syria will not allow anyone to interfere in its national affairs: FM Iran Press TV Mon Oct 29, 2018 06:24PM Syria's Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem says his country's constitution is a purely sovereign matter and that Syrian people will not allow anyone to interfere in their national affairs. Muallem made the remarks during a meeting with delegations participating in the meetings of the Executive Committee of the World Peace Council and the International Young Democrat Union (IYDU) in the Syrian capital Damascus on Monday. "For more than seven years, we have been in a real war against terrorism, and today we can see the signs of victory despite all Western and American attempts to prolong the crisis for many years," he said. Syria's top diplomat added that the Damascus government was working diligently to find a political solution to the Syrian crisis, was taking part in all meetings held in Geneva, Sochi, and Astana, and was also participating in the efforts to establish a constitutional committee. Referring to a last week meeting with UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura, Muallem said he had rejected the UN's attempts to form a list of civil society representatives in the aforementioned committee on its own as the constitution was a sovereign issue in which there can be no foreign interference. "The decision of the political solution for the crisis is intra-Syrian, and we will not allow anyone to interfere in our national affairs," Muallem stressed. Members of the delegation, for their part, expressed support for Syria and its people, army, and leadership, lauded the country's steadfastness and saluted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Earlier this year, Moscow invited representatives of Syria's government and armed opposition groups to the Russian resort town of Sochi and proposed creating a committee to revise the constitution. The committee is expected to include 150 members: 50 chosen by Damascus, 50 by the opposition and the final 50 by de Mistura. It will also include civil society representatives, religious and tribal leaders, experts and women. Russian President Vladimir Putin's Special Representative for Syria Alexander Lavrentyev announced last month that the three guarantor states of the Syria peace process Iran, Russia and Turkey-- had reached a consensus with the United Nations on candidates for the country's constitutional committee. Tehran, Moscow and Ankara have recently stepped up their diplomatic efforts to resolve the Syria crisis. Also in a joint statement in September, the participants at a Tehran summit on Syria attended by the Iranian, Russian and Turkish presidents said the Syria crisis could only be resolved through a negotiated political process, and that it had no military solution. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel Has Conducted Strikes in Syria Since Downing of Russian Plane - Reports Sputnik News 19:20 29.10.2018(updated 20:27 29.10.2018) Earlier, Israeli military officials said they would not target the S-300 air defense systems given to Syria by Russia if they were not used in a way that poses a threat to Israel. Israel has carried out attacks in Syria since the September 17 destruction of a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance plane by Syrian air defenses during an Israeli air raid, a senior Israeli official has said, according to Reuters. "The [Israel Defense Forces] have attacked in Syria, including after the downing of the Russian plane. Military coordination with the Russians continues as before," the anonymous senior official said. The official did not provide any additional details on the nature of Israel's military activity in Syria, nor information about the number of times it had attacked. Tel Aviv and Moscow have yet to comment on the official's statement. Russia began the deployment of modernized S-300 air defense systems to Syria last month following the September incident which resulted in the destruction of a Russian Il-20 recon plane with 15 airmen onboard by Syrian air defenses attempting to repel an Israeli air attack. The Russian military accused Israel of deliberately using the Russian plane as a shield, and of giving it insufficient warning to make it out of harm's way. In addition to the three battalion sets of S-300s, Russia provided Syria with its friend/foe identification system, and promised to provide assistance in the radio-electronic suppression of the satellite navigation, airborne radars and combat communications systems of aircraft attempting to hit non-terrorist targets in Syria. Russian air defense troops are expected to provide training assistance to their Syrian counterparts over a three month period. The Israeli military boasted about having conducted over 200 missions over Syria in a period of a year and a half prior to the incident involving the Russian plane, but has not not been reported to have carried out any air or missile strikes since then. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Aid convoy for north-east Syria postponed over security concerns - UN relief chief 29 October 2018 - A humanitarian convoy carrying relief aid for tens of thousands of "desperate" civilians in north-eastern Syria who have not received aid since January this year, has been postponed owing to security concerns along its route, the United Nations top humanitarian official said on Monday. The UN-Syrian Arab Red Crescent convoy from Damascus to Rukban, on the Syria-Jordan border, would have delivered assistance on Saturday to some 50,000 people. About 10,000 children would also have been vaccinated and other needs in the region assessed. "The population at Rukban has not received assistance since January this year, and they are increasingly desperate," Mark Lowcock, the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, told a Security Council meeting on the humanitarian situation in Syria. "There are continuing reports of children dying due to poor sanitary conditions and a lack of healthcare. This dire humanitarian situation cannot be allowed to continue," he said. Idlib Turning to Idlib where a demilitarization agreement was reached between Russia and Turkey in September Mr. Lowcock called on all actors to protect the "glimmer of hope" offered by the lull in fighting. "The stakes are high," he told the Council, "as the alternative is humanitarian suffering on a scale that would overwhelm all ability to respond, devastating a population that is already weakened through years of conflict, displacement and deprivation." More than seven years of fighting has left hundreds of thousands of Syrians dead, uprooted millions more and enmeshed the interests of several foreign powers. Across Syria, over 13 million people continue to depend on humanitarian assistance, of which more than 6 million are internally displaced people who are food-insecure. Humanitarian access remains a challenge In his briefing, Mr. Lowcock informed the Council that although the UN and humanitarian partners continue to reach over five million civilians with life-saving assistance each month, sustained access remains a major problem, especially in areas that recently changed control. In discussions, Syrian authorities have provided assurances of humanitarian access, he added. "We look forward to rapid implementation," he continued, noting that it would allow relief teams on the ground to undertake "essential independent assessments of the situation and see more of who is being helped and how." 'Critical' that cross-border relief deliveries are sustained In his briefing, the Mr. Lowcock, also spoke of the UN cross-border operation from Turkey, which continues to reach hundreds of thousands of people in need each month. "[The deliveries] have been scaled up in recent weeks to ensure prepositioning of assistance as a contingency measure for the event of a military escalation, as well as to provide support for winter." Sustaining the cross-border lifeline is critical, he added, calling for an extension of the provisions of the Security Council resolutions 2165 and 2393 which established the delivery mechanisms. Some US$1.7 billion has been raised in 2018 for the Syria Humanitarian Response Plan, but it remains less than 50 per cent funded. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address by Mathias Hariyadi "Pesparani is not just a singing competition between choirs, but it is a moment when we are called to strengthen our union," said Mgr Suharyo, president of the Bishops Conference. In recent history, the island saw violent sectarian clashes between Muslims and Protestants. In a video message, Indonesian President Widodo asked Catholics to "maintain the integrity and harmony of the religious community, in order to achieve true brotherhood among the children of the nation". Jakarta (AsiaNews) - The first edition of the Pesta Paduan Suara Gerejani (Pesparani), the national Catholic sacred music festival (27 October-2 November), started with a Mass, followed by a joyful opening ceremony on Merdeka Square in Ambon, Maluku province. The event has attracted almost 10,000 people, both Catholic and non, from all over the country. In addition to Mgr Petrus Canisius Mandagi, bishop of Amboina (suffragan Diocese of Makassar in Ambon), several bishops, hundreds of priests, local government representatives and important dignitaries from the capital were also present at the ceremony. The latter included Mgr Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo, archbishop of Jakarta and president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Indonesia (KWI); Religious Affairs Minister Lukman Hakim Saifuddin (first picture, fourth from right); Maluku Governor Said Assagaff; and Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Ignasius Jonan (first picture, third from right). Mr Jonan stood in for Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, who could not come. Instead, the president sent a short video message, asking Catholics to "maintain the integrity and harmony of the religious community, in order to achieve true brotherhood among the children of the nation". Minister Jonan, a devout Catholic, expressed the nations hope that the 2018 Pesparani will "motivate participants and the residents of Ambon to promote national unity and social harmony". The choice of location, where Catholics are 4 per cent of the population, represents the will and commitment of the Church to peaceful coexistence among residents. In recent history, the city and the island of Ambon have been the scene of violent sectarian clashes between Muslims and Protestants. Even the choice of the first day was not accidental. It comes on the eve of the 90th anniversary of the Sumpah Pemuda (The Youth Pledge), made by young Indonesian nationalists to uphold three ideals: one motherland, one nation and one language. As KWI president, Mgr Suharyo said that "through the Pesparani, Catholics intend to express their gratitude to the founding fathers and their political heritage". The archbishop of Jakarta also emphasised the involvement in the organisation of the event of people from different religious and ethnic backgrounds. "Pesparani is not just a singing competition between choirs, but it is a moment when we are called to strengthen our union as fellow citizens. This is the moment when we must celebrate and ensure social harmony," concluded the prelate. American business leader forecasts upcoming U.S. arms sale to Taiwan ROC Central News Agency 2018/10/29 16:39:14 Annapolis, Maryland, Oct. 28 (CNA) The head of the U.S.-Taiwan Business Council has forecast that the United States will approve another round of arms sales to Taiwan by the end of the year, following a US$330 million deal in September. "It's reasonable to argue that there will be another congressional notification before the end of this year," Rupert Hammond-Chambers said at a press conference before the opening of the U.S.-Taiwan Defense Industry Conference in Annapolis, Maryland, on Sunday. He declined to speculate on what arms the U.S. will decide to sell to Taiwan, saying only that the value of the package will be significant. On Sept. 24, the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced a proposed arms sale to Taiwan that would include standard spare parts and other maintenance supplies for Taiwan's F-16, C-130, F-5, Indigenous Defense Fighter and other aircraft. The sale would be the second of its kind to Taiwan since U.S. President Donald Trump took office, following a US$1.4 billion deal in June 2017. At Sunday's press conference, Hammond-Chambers said he would like to see less influence by the U.S. State Department and China on U.S. arms sales proposals for Taiwan. The U.S.-Taiwan Defense Industry Conference 2018, which will run through Tuesday, is the 17th annual event in a series of ongoing conferences that are addressing the future of U.S. defense cooperation with Taiwan, the defense procurement process, and Taiwan's defense and national security needs. This year, the discussions will focus on Taiwan's role in the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy, how Taiwan can increase regional engagement on defense and national security issues, and how Taiwan can continue to develop its capabilities in order to meet its existing and future defense needs, according to the council. The Taiwan delegation to the conference is being led by Deputy Defense Minister Chang Guan-chung (), who had said recently in the Legislature that his delegation would try to apprise U.S. of Taiwan's defense needs during the three-day conference. (By Chiang Chin-yeh and Elizabeth Hsu) Enditem/pc NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Analysts: Taiwan's Sea Drills to Raise South China Sea Tensions By Ralph Jennings October 29, 2018 Taiwan, normally quiet in the tense six-way South China Sea sovereignty dispute, is likely to raise suspicion among the other claimants with a live-fire drill near the sea's biggest natural island, observers say. The Taiwanese coast guard will conduct "routine" live-fire exercises November 21-23 around Taiping Island in the Spratly archipelago, a spokesman for the agency said Monday. Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense declined to say whether naval units would participate. Because Taiwan normally says little in the broader South China Sea dispute it controls just two of about 500 tiny islets and has no formal diplomatic relations with the other five claimants, its activity may cause pushback as other disputants, including China, try to get along better, say analysts. "I don't know what is meant by routine here, but if it is some sort of military exercise, I don't think it is routine," said Oh Ei Sun, who teaches international studies at Singapore Nanyang University. "That would definitely upset the status quo," he said. "And you have to prepare to face the consequences. That means others will stage similar exercises and there will be a new round of mutual condemnations." Early protest Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam claim parts of the 3.5 million-square-kilometer sea that is prized for fisheries and undersea fuel reserves. China and Taiwan claim all of it. China also claims Taiwan, which has been self-ruled since the 1940s. Beijing is currently working with southeast Asian governments on a code of conduct to head off any mishaps. Taiwan is not a party to the talks because China does not recognize it as a separate country. Vietnam's government denounced the live-fire drill plans last week as a "serious violation" of Vietnamese sovereignty, the country's news website VnExpress International reported Friday, quoting a foreign ministry spokeswoman. Taiwan will use 40-millimeter grenade launchers and other weapons during a drill that will cover a radius of eight kilometers, VnExpress International reported. The coast guard spokesman declined to say which units will participate. Drills around Taiping Island "threaten peace, stability, maritime safety and security, create tension and complicate the situation in the South China Sea," the Vietnamese spokeswoman said. China or Vietnam might try to "dissuade" Taiwan from the drills by increasing their own presence near Taiping Island, Oh said. China occasionally flies military aircraft and passes ships near Taiwan itself, alarming the defense ministry. Taiwan's government may hope to show that President Tsai Ing-wen is "committed to defending" South China Sea interests before mid-term local elections November 24, said Fabrizio Bozzato, a Taiwan Strategy Research Association fellow specialized in Asia and the Pacific. Testing two powers Drills in the South China Sea would insert Taiwan into a dispute that over the past two years has been shaped largely by China and the United States. China staged its largest ever military parade in the South China Sea in April. The United States does not claim the sea but periodically sends ships and B-52 bombers in support of its policy that the sea should be open to freedom of navigation. China has irked other countries by installing military infrastructure on some of the islets under its control. Washington sees Taiwan as part of a network of Asian democracies that hope to contain China's expansion and informal Taiwan-U.S. ties have improved under President Donald Trump. Beijing usually avoids challenging Taiwan's South China Sea activities but has become increasingly testy toward Tsai's government over two-way issues. "The exercises," Bozzatto said, "convey a message to the other claimants that Taipei is willing and ready to defend its territorial integrity." He said the exercises are also "a way to show to the United States and the other powers and to other countries upholding the principle of freedom of navigation in the South China Sea that Taiwan is willing to do its part." Not a first In 2016, Taiwan's coast guard and navy held search-and-rescue exercises near Taiping Island. A year earlier Taiwan had positioned itself as a humanitarian player in the maritime sovereignty dispute and urged all countries to share resources. Taiwan Defense Ministry spokesman Chen Chung-chi said Monday the government sees Taiping as a "humanitarian rescue center" but that any military participation in drills next month would be for "security" purposes. The island, 400 meters wide and 1,400 meters long, has a 10-bed hospital, an airstrip and a pier. Live-fire drills are useful given Taiping's size, said Andrew Yang, secretary-general of the Chinese Council of Advanced Policy Studies think tank in Taiwan. He said they are also "routine" - as are protests from Vietnam. "Geographically the island is so small and actually it's difficult to defend," he said. "I think this is a limited show of resolve in terms of defending the island." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address So far, at least 10 bodies have been recovered, now in hospital for identification. 14 bags of debris and personal belongings of passengers collected from the sea. Two victims are foreigners: an Indian and an Italian. Through the use of drones and sonar technologies, the authorities are focused on recovering the black boxes of the plane, while investigators try to determine the cause of the accident. Jakarta (AsiaNews / Agencies) - 24 hours after the JT-610 flight of Lion Air crash there is no sign of survivors. In the waters off the island of Java, rescue teams are engaged in the recovery of human remains, debris and personal belongings. Headed for the city of Pangkal Pinang, the plane crashed yesterday morning a few minutes after taking off from Jakarta. The National Transport Safety Committee (NTSC) states that 178 adult passengers, one child, two newborns, two pilots and six crew members were on board the aircraft. The only foreign citizens in the cabin were one of the two pilots, Indian, and Andrea Manfredi, 26 year old Italian native of Massa. Muhammad Syaugi, head of the National Rescue Agency (Basarnas), states that a total of 50 divers are engaged in research operations, which take place in waters 30-40 meters deep. So far, they have recovered at least 10 bodies, in hospital for identification. Among these, there are also the remains of a child. Also 14 bags of debris and personal belongings of passengers were recovered. Through the use of drones and sonar technologies, the authorities hope to recover the black boxes of the plane, while the investigators are struggling to determine the cause of the accident. The Boeing-737 Max became operation al on a few months ago. It disappeared from the radar 13 minutes after taking off from Jakarta and crashed into the sea shortly after asking to return to the Indonesian capital. According to the flight data survey websites, before the impact the JT 610 flight first accelerated and then suddenly lost altitude. Edward Sirait, managing director of the Lion Air Group, yesterday revealed that the plane had had a technical problem on a previous flight, but all had been solved according to procedure. The airline added that the pilot and the co-pilot had accumulated 11 thousand flight hours. The Lion Air aircraft was leased from CMIG Leasing Group, a Chinese company based in Tianjin. The JT-610 flight is the first fatal accident involving a plane chartered by a Chinese company. The plane was delivered to Lion Air in mid-August, according to Planespotters.net, a website that monitors air traffic. CMIG Leasing is a subsidiary founded only last year by China Minsheng Investment Group (CMIG), an investment group founded by 59 major private Chinese companies. MELBOURNE, Oct. 30, 2018 - OceanaGold Corp. (TSX: OGC) (ASX: OGC) (the "Company") is pleased to announce updated exploration results highlighting continued high-grade gold intersections from the Martha Project (the "Project") at the Company's Waihi Gold Mine ("Waihi") located in New Zealand. Selection of Significant Drill Results (true width) 10.7 m @ 36.01 g/t Au Empire vein 13.6m @ 5.98 g/t Au Martha vein 3.4 m @ 22.71 g/t Au Martha F/W vein 2.7 m @ 28.43 g/t Au Rex vein 10.2 m @ 7.22 g/t Au Martha vein 4.2 m @ 15.99 g/t Au Empire vein 6.4 m @ 10.49 g/t Au Dreadnought vein 4.1 m @ 13.45 g/t Au Empire F/W vein 6.4 m @ 7.77 g/t Au Empire vein 4.4 m @ 10.59 g/t Au Martha H/W vein 4.8 m @ 8.16 g/t Au Dreadnought vein Mick Wilkes, President and CEO of OceanaGold said, "These latest drilling results from the Martha Underground continue to increase our confidence in the potential resource at Waihi, and further continues to identify areas of high-grade mineralisation that sit deeper and laterally to our exploration targets." He added, "These recent drill results will be included into the Martha Underground resource model scheduled as part of the annual Resource and Reserve update. In August, we increased the Indicated and Inferred Resource significantly and with further exploration drilling, we are confident of defining a sizeable resource that will further support the extension of the mine life at Waihi." "The Waihi operation has delivered significant value to shareholders for a number of years. It has also contributed significant socio-economic benefits to the town of Waihi and to New Zealand. OceanaGold is very proud of its track record for operating to the highest of environmental and social standards with a long, successful and rich history of sustainable development in New Zealand and in other jurisdictions around the world." Following the significant increase in Mineral Resources reported in August 2018 for the Martha Project at Waihi, underground drilling has continued at multiple drill points along the two underground drill drives. Since August 2018, approximately 10,000 metres have been drilled at Waihi with a focus on identifying and defining mineralisation along sections of the Martha, Royal, Empire, Dreadnought and Rex veins. In total, these veins along with the Edward vein have a combined strike length of approximately 3.2 kilometres with a maximum dip extent of approximately 500 metres (Figure 1 and 2). Recent drilling has intersected significant gold mineralisation both deeper in the central Martha area and eastward towards the current mining fronts approximately 200 metres away on the Empire Vein. Drilling from surface and underground is in progress on the Rex Vein where a significant intersection of 2.7 metres (true width) at 28.4 g/t gold supports earlier intersections on the Rex Vein of up to 2.9 metres (true width) at 32.3 g/t gold. In addition, the drill drives which support the underground drill program are advancing well with the 920-drill drive now complete, while the 800-drill drive is advancing ahead of schedule being over 60% complete with a targeted completion at the end of the first quarter of 2019. The continuing intersection of high-grade mineralisation supports the outlined exploration target reported in August with a potential volume of between 5 million and 8 million tonnes at a grade of between 4.0 g/t and 6.0 g/t gold. This exploration target is based on the assessment of surface and underground drilling data collected by the Company in addition to the significant amount of historical and archived geological and mining data from over a century of mining activity at Waihi. Exploration targets are conceptual in nature; there has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource of the potential volume and grade stated and that it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the target being delineated as a mineral resource of this size and grade. Table 1 Significant Intersections from the Waihi Martha UG Resource Drilling Hole ID East# (m) North# (m) Collar RL (m) Az# Dip From (m) To (m) True width (m) Gold Grade (g/t) Silver Grade (g/t) Vein 800SP1MN1203 395966.9 643096.96 778.67 276.32 -29.10 282.70 300.50 13.60 5.98 14.00 Martha 800SP1MN1203 395966.9 643096.96 778.67 276.32 -29.10 345.00 349.20 2.70 6.20 9.10 Loop No.1 800SP1MN1208 395967.5 643097.78 778.84 300.02 -27.50 180.40 185.30 4.80 8.16 11.50 Dreadnought 800SP1MN1208 395967.5 643097.78 778.84 300.02 -27.50 194.10 197.10 2.60 9.49 17.50 Martha 800SP1MN1211 395967.1 643097.28 778.93 284.36 -25.00 266.30 285.60 10.20 7.22 12.70 Martha 800SP1MN1211 395967.1 643097.28 778.93 284.36 -25.00 183.45 187.15 2.70 7.26 10.90 Dreadnought South 800SP3MN1209 395991.7 643115.16 779.41 15.62 -23.50 235.60 240.50 4.10 13.45 15.00 Empire FW 920DDCRN1207 395885.2 642962.62 921.64 188.12 22.00 3.60 6.10 1.50 13.14 1180.90 Unknown 920SP3MR1206 396038 643057.85 921.53 328.72 -8.40 350.20 353.35 3.00 5.61 17.80 Martha HW 920SP3MR1206 396038 643057.85 921.53 328.72 -8.40 377.50 379.60 2.00 6.43 9.70 Mary 800SP1MR1214 395967.2 643097.53 778.74 290.72 -33.60 180.70 191.40 6.90 5.05 6.50 Dreadnought 800SP1MR1214 395967.2 643097.53 778.74 290.72 -33.60 234.80 239.90 4.40 10.59 73.10 Martha HW 800SP1MR1219 395967.2 643097.44 779.42 289.12 -8.10 177.80 179.30 1.00 17.91 15.10 Empire 800SP1MR1219 395967.2 643097.44 779.42 289.12 -8.10 215.00 221.20 3.60 6.22 19.90 Harry 800SP1MR1224 395967.2 643097.51 779.72 290.62 1.20 123.70 132.80 6.40 10.49 13.80 Dreadnought 800SP1MR1224 395967.2 643097.51 779.72 290.62 1.20 159.40 163.75 4.20 15.99 37.70 Empire 800SP1MR1224 395967.2 643097.51 779.72 290.62 1.20 206.10 218.50 10.70 36.01 221.80 Empire 800SP1MR1224 395967.2 643097.51 779.72 290.62 1.20 268.90 273.90 4.70 6.32 49.30 Martha 800SP3MN1218 395989.8 643115.27 779.39 341.12 -18.00 150.90 153.40 2.00 8.07 13.90 Empire 800SP3MR1227 395990.8 643115.32 779.71 6.22 -8.10 183.00 187.65 3.70 6.95 11.50 Empire 800SP3MR1227 395990.8 643115.32 779.71 6.22 -8.10 196.00 197.10 0.90 28.90 33.30 Empire 920SP3MR1210 396038.2 643057.95 921.36 333.72 -15.50 293.20 296.50 3.20 5.71 145.30 Martha FW 920SP5MN1205 395810.5 642983.28 919.46 333.52 -0.60 292.10 296.50 3.40 22.71 32.90 Martha FW 920SP5MN1205 395810.5 642983.28 919.46 333.52 -0.60 298.30 303.10 3.40 9.34 9.70 Martha FW 920SP8GT1238 395480.7 642862.49 925.78 341.72 4.80 127.10 135.10 6.40 7.77 61.20 Empire UW671 395749.8 642846.81 1117.02 167.22 -36.90 203.70 205.00 0.80 24.90 158.00 Rex HW UW671 395749.8 642846.81 1117.02 167.22 -36.90 214.90 217.70 2.70 28.43 79.00 Rex All drill data in relation to the Waihi Project can be found on the Company's website at http://www.oceanagold.com/investor-centre/filings/. In line with ASX listing requirements, OceanaGold has appended the information required by JORC Table 1 for Waihi Exploration Results to its ASX announcement. JORC Table 1 is not required under National Instrument 43-101. Readers are referred to the ASX website at www.asx.com.au or the OceanaGold website at www.oceanagold.com to view JORC Table 1. About OceanaGold OceanaGold Corp. is a mid-tier, high-margin, multinational gold producer with assets located in the Philippines, New Zealand and the United States. The Company's assets encompass the Didipio Gold-Copper Mine located on the island of Luzon in the Philippines. On the North Island of New Zealand, the Company operates the high-grade Waihi Gold Mine while on the South Island of New Zealand, the Company operates the largest gold mine in the country at the Macraes Goldfield which is made up of a series of open pit mines and the Frasers underground mine. In the United States, the Company operates the Haile Gold Mine, a top-tier, long-life, high-margin asset located in South Carolina. OceanaGold also has a significant pipeline of organic growth and exploration opportunities in the Americas and Asia-Pacific regions. OceanaGold has operated sustainably since 1990 with a proven track-record for environmental management and community and social engagement. The Company has a strong social license to operate and works collaboratively with its valued stakeholders to identify and invest in social programs that are designed to build capacity and not dependency. The Company has recently increased its 2018 gold production guidance for a second time this year and now expects to produce 515,000 to 545,000 ounces of gold and 15,000 to 16,000 tonnes of copper with All-In Sustaining Costs that range from $725 to $775 per ounce sold. Competent/Qualified Person's Statement The exploration results were prepared in accordance with the standards set out in the 2012 Edition of the 'Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves' ("JORC Code") and in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects of the Canadian Securities Administrators ("NI 43-101"). The JORC Code is the accepted reporting standard for the Australian Stock Exchange Limited ("ASX"). Information relating to Waihi exploration results in this document has been verified by Lorrance Torckler, a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and an employee of OceanaGold. Mr Torckler has sufficient experience that is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity being undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the JORC Code and is a Qualified Person for the purposes of the NI 43-101. Mr Torckler consents to the inclusion in this public report of the matters based on their information in the form and context in which it appears. /NOT FOR DISSEMINATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES AND NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO US NEWSWIRE SERVICES./ SOURCE OceanaGold Corp. Contact Investor Relations: Sam Pazuki, Tel: +1 416 915 3123; Jeffrey Sansom, Tel: +61 3 9656 5300; Media Relations: Melissa Bowerman, Tel: +61 459 900 099; ir@oceanagold.com; info@oceanagold.com; www.oceanagold.com; Twitter: @OceanaGold LONDON, Oct. 30, 2018 - Fortune Minerals Ltd. (TSX: FT) (OTCQX: FTMDF) ("Fortune" or the "Company") (www.fortuneminerals.com) is pleased to report that the Responsible Ministers of the Governments of Canada and the Northwest Territories ("GNWT") have accepted the environmental assessment approval for the Tcho All-Season Road ("Tcho Road") incorporating the modified measures developed together with the Tcho Government through the consult to modify process with the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board (the "Board"). The Tcho Government also approved the Board's recommendation with modifications.Like our news? Click-to-Tweet.The Tcho Road involves the construction and operation of a permanent 97-kilometre highway, extending north from Highway 3 to the Community of What in the Northwest Territorries ("NWT"). Fortune's 100% owned NICO Cobalt-Gold-Bismuth-Copper Project (the "NICO Project") is located 50 kilometres north of What and the Company has already received environmental assessment approval to construct a spur road from What to the mine site. Construction of the NICO Project mine and concentrator is planned using the existing winter ice road, but all-season road access is required for mine operations in order to transport metal concentrates from the property to a refinery for downstream processing to value-added metals and chemicals. The NICO Project is a primary cobalt asset and one of the few projects outside of the Congo that can be developed to support near-term growing demand for cobalt in lithium-ion batteries needed to power electric vehicles, portable electronic devices and stationary storage cells to support the growing green economy.The Honourable Wally Schumann, the Northwest Territories Minister of Infrastructure commented last Friday, "Improving the highway system across the Northwest Territories helps to keep communities connected while improving safety for all road users. I am very pleased with today's decision. Not only will this project help provide jobs and fosters skills and capacity building for all northerners, especially in the Tcho region, but it is also another step forward for this government in fulfilling our mandate commitment to secure funding and advance planning and construction of transportation projects, including three priority corridors: the Mackenzie Valley Highway, Tcho All-season Road, and Slave Geological Province Access Corridor."Robin Goad, President and Chief Executive Officer of Fortune said, "We are pleased to see the approval for the Tcho Road from the Tcho Government and the federal and Northwest Territories Responsible Ministers. This road will contribute to the socio-economic growth of the Northwest Territories, reduce the cost of living in What, enable families to be more connected, and allow governments to provide services more effectively. It is also an important enabler for the NICO Project and a catalyst for other exploration, mining and hydro opportunities on Tcho lands in this highly prospective geological area."The Government of Canada has announced that it will provide up to 25% of the construction costs for the Tcho Road through the P3 Canada Fund. The GNWT has also approved funding for construction of the remaining 75% cost of the road, using a Private Public Partnership ("P3") funding structure. Three international consortia have already been shortlisted to provide proposals to fund, construct, operate and maintain the Tcho Road and be repaid by the GNWT with interest. The winning bid is expected to be announced shortly.Fortune is a Canadian mining company focused on developing the NICO Cobalt-Gold-Bismuth-Copper project in the Northwest Territories. The Company owns lands in Saskatchewan where it could construct a refinery to process NICO concentrate to value-added products. Fortune also owns the Sue-Dianne copper-silver-gold deposit located 25 km north of the NICO Project, which is a potential future source of incremental mill feed to extend the life of the NICO Project mill.Click here to subscribe to Fortune's email list.http://www.fortuneminerals.com/contact-us/email-alerts/default.aspxClick here to follow Fortune on LinkedIn.http://www.linkedin.com/company/fortune-minerals-limitedThis press release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. This forward-looking information includes statements with respect to, among other things, the construction of the Tcho Road and the Company's plans to develop the NICO Project. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management as well as certain assumptions at the date the information is given (including, in respect of the forward-looking information contained in this press release, assumptions regarding: the Company's ability to arrange the necessary financing to continue operations and develop the NICO Project; the construction of the Tcho Road and the timing of its completion; the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals and the timing thereof; the rezoning of the Company's Saskatchewan refinery lands to allow for the construction of a refinery to process NICO concentrate, if needed, and the timing thereof; growth in the demand for cobalt; the time required to construct the NICO Project; and the economic environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the price of gold, cobalt and other by-product metals, anticipated costs and the volumes of metals to be produced at the NICO Project). However, such forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. These factors include the risks that the Company may not be able to finance and develop NICO on favourable terms or at all, uncertainties with respect to the receipt or timing of required permits, approvals and agreements for the development of the Nico Project, the Tcho Road may not be constructed in a timely fashion or at all, the construction of the NICO Project may take longer than anticipated, the Company may not be able to secure offtake agreements for the metals to be produced at the NICO Project, the inherent risks involved in the exploration and development of mineral properties and in the mining industry in general, the market for rechargeable batteries and the use of stationary storage cells may not grow to the extent anticipated, the future supply of cobalt may not be as limited as anticipated, the risk of decreases in the market prices of cobalt and other metals to be produced by the NICO Project, discrepancies between actual and estimated mineral resources or between actual and estimated metallurgical recoveries, uncertainties associated with estimating mineral resources and the risk that even if such resources prove accurate the risk that such resources may not be converted into mineral reserves, once economic conditions are applied, the Company's production of cobalt and other metals may be less than anticipated and other operational and development risks, market risks and regulatory risks. Readers are cautioned to not place undue reliance on forward-looking information because it is possible that predictions, forecasts, projections and other forms of forward-looking information will not be achieved by the Company. The forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date hereof and the Company assumes no responsibility to update or revise it to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.SOURCE Fortune Minerals Ltd. Troy Nazarewicz, Investor Relations Managerinfo@fortuneminerals.comTel.: (519) 858-8188www.fortuneminerals.com Solitario Zinc Corp. ((Solitario) NYSE American: XPL; TSX: SLR) is pleased to announce that drilling will commence within the next several days on its Florida Canyon zinc project in northern Peru. Two core drilling rigs with helicopter support have been mobilized to the site. The Florida Canyon Project is held in a joint venture between Solitario (39%) and Nexa Resources (61%) ((Nexa) NYSE: NEXA; TSX: NEXA), the worlds fourth largest zinc miner. All permits required to begin drilling have been received and a new 39-month community agreement has been signed. Nexa is the manager of the project. The program consists of drilling 41 core holes totaling approximately 17,000 meters (56,000 feet) designed to test highly prospective resource expansion opportunities identified by deposit modeling during preparation of the 2017 Florida Canyon PEA. Proposed drilling is focused on significant gaps and offsets within and around the drill pattern defining the known high-grade zinc-sulfide resource. Drilling is expected to continue until all 41 core holes are completed, but, depending on this years weather pattern, the rainy season may interrupt the program. The rainy season generally occurs from December through March. Significant progress in interpreting Florida Canyon mineralization was made in 2018 with the relogging of all previously drilled core totaling approximately 117,000 meters in 487 core holes. An informative video found here describes the conceptual drilling program and the local and property-wide exploration potential within and surrounding the Florida Canyon deposit. Drilling will test for extensions of high-grade zinc-sulfide mineralization in four different areas of the deposit. (Map link to North Areas) (Map link to San Jorge). Chris Herald, President and CEO of Solitario, commented, This drilling program is the culmination of an intensive 18-month effort to better understand the geometry of Florida Canyon mineralization and the potential scale of the project, which we believe is significantly larger than is currently defined. The objective of this drilling campaign is to add significant new resources to the existing Florida Canyon resource base. Every drill hole is designed to intersect high probability extensions to known high-grade zinc mineralization. We are excited about the impact this drilling could have on project economics. We are very pleased with the cooperation and support that the local communities have confirmed with the signing of a new long-term community agreement. This agreement ensures employment opportunities for local residents and provides for construction of road access to important community centers and project work areas. Mr. Walt Hunt, COO for Solitario Zinc Corp., who is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed the technical information contained within this release. Terms of the Florida Canyon Joint Venture and Funding of the 2018/2019 Drilling Program Solitario and Nexa have agreed to jointly fund the cost for the 2018/2019 drilling program with Nexa contributing 70% and Solitario funding 30%. Funding that Solitario contributes towards the drilling program will be fully credited towards repayment of a construction loan facility Nexa provides to Solitario for project construction (see below). Solitario owns a 39% interest and Nexa owns a 61% indirect interest in the Florida Canyon project. Nexa can earn a 70% interest in the Florida Canyon project by continuing to fund all project expenditures and committing to place the project into production based upon a positive feasibility study. After earning 70%, and at the request of Solitario, Nexa has further agreed to finance Solitario's 30% participating interest for construction through a project loan. Solitario will repay the loan facility through 50% of its net cash flow distributions from production. About Solitario Solitario is an emerging zinc exploration and development company traded on the NYSE American (XPL) and on the Toronto Stock Exchange (SLR). Besides Solitarios joint venture with Nexa Resources on its high-grade Florida Canyon zinc project in Peru, Solitario also holds a 50% joint venture interest (Teck Resources Ltd. holds the other 50% interest) in the high-grade, open pitable Lik zinc deposit in Alaska, and 11.0 million shares (7.5% equity interest) of Vendetta Mining. Solitarios Management and Directors hold approximately 9.3% (excluding options) of the Companys 58.3 million shares outstanding. Solitarios cash balance and marketable securities stand at approximately US$12.5 million. Additional information about Solitario is available online at www.solitariozinc.com . Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors concerning estimates of Resources: This news release uses the term Resources. Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. The Company advises U.S. investors that while these terms are recognized and are in part required by Canadian regulations, the SEC does not recognize the terms. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of a Measured, Indicated or Inferred Mineral Resources will ever be converted into Reserves. Inferred Resources have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an Inferred Mineral Resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of Inferred Mineral Resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of a Measured, Indicated or Inferred resource exists, or is economically or legally minable. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Information This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 and the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and as defined in the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (and the equivalent under Canadian securities laws), that are intended to be covered by the safe harbor created by such sections. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical fact. They are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made and address activities, events or developments that Solitario expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, and are based on current expectations and assumptions. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the Companys expectation of the projected timing and outcome of engineering studies; expectations regarding the receipt of all necessary permits and approvals to implement exploration or mining plans, if any; the potential for confirming, upgrading and expanding zinc, lead and silver mineralized material; future operating and capital cost estimates may indicate that the stated resources may not be economic; estimates of zinc, lead and silver grades of resources provided are predicted and actual mining grade could be substantially lower; estimates of recovery rates could be lower than estimated for establishing the cutoff grade; and other statements that are not historical facts could vary significantly from assumptions made herein. Although Solitario management believes that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that these expectations will prove correct. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, among others, risks that Solitarios and its joint venture partners exploration and property advancement efforts will not be successful; risks relating to fluctuations in the price of zinc, lead and silver; the inherently hazardous nature of mining-related activities; uncertainties concerning reserve and resource estimates; uncertainties relating to obtaining approvals and permits from governmental regulatory authorities and country risks of operations, both inside and outside of the United States; the possibility that environmental laws and regulations will change over time and become even more restrictive; and availability and timing of capital for financing the Companys exploration and development activities, including uncertainty of being able to raise capital on favorable terms or at all; as well as those factors discussed in Solitarios filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) including Solitarios latest Annual Report on Form 10-K and its other SEC filings (and Canadian filings) including, without limitation, its latest Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The Company does not intend to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181030005591/en/ Contact Solitario Zinc Corp. Christopher E. Herald, 303-534-1030, Ext. 14 President & CEO or Debbie Mino-Austin, 800-229-6827 Director Investor Relations NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES TORONTO and MONTREAL, Oct. 30, 2018 -- Osisko Mining Inc. (TSX:OSK) ("Osisko" or the "Corporation") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with la Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec (la Caisse) pursuant to which la Caisse will acquire, by private placement 9,259,260 common shares (Shares) of the Corporation at a price of $2.70 per Share. We are very pleased to welcome la Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec as a significant shareholder in Osisko Mining. This investment by la Caisse provides meaningful support for the continued development of our Windfall gold project in Quebec, said Mr. John Burzynski, President and Chief Executive Officer of Osisko. La Caisse is pleased to reinvest in Osisko Mining alongside a management team that has significant experience, including launching one of the largest mining projects in Quebec. The company will use this investment to continue growing and enhance its Windfall project in Lebel-sur-Quevillon, stated Mathieu Gauvin, Senior Vice-President, Quebec, at Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec. The Offering is expected to close on or about November 2, 2018 and is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals including the approval of the Toronto Stock Exchange and the applicable securities regulatory authorities. The Shares to be issued under the Offering will be subject to a hold period in Canada expiring four months and one day from the closing date of the Offering. The securities offered have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About Osisko Mining Inc. Osisko is a mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition. exploration. and development of precious metal resource properties in Canada. Osisko holds a 100% in the high-grade Windfall gold deposit located between Val-d'Or and Chibougamau in Quebec and holds a 100% undivided interest in a large area of claims in the surrounding Urban Barry area and nearby Quevillon area (over 3,300 square kilometres), a 100% interest in the Marban project located in the heart of Quebec's prolific Abitibi gold mining district, and properties in the Larder Lake Mining Division in northeast Ontario, including the Jonpol and Garrcon deposits on the Garrison property. The Corporation also holds interests and options in a number of additional properties in northern Quebec and Ontario About Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec (CDPQ) is a long-term institutional investor that manages funds primarily for public and parapublic pension and insurance plans. As at June 30, 2018, it held CA$308.3 billion in net assets. As one of Canada's leading institutional fund managers, CDPQ invests globally in major financial markets, private equity, infrastructure, real estate and private debt. For more information, visit cdpq.com, follow us on Twitter @LaCDPQ or consult our Facebook or LinkedIn pages. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation that is based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. The information in this news release about the Offering; the use of the proceeds from the Offering; the size of the Offering; the timing and ability of the Corporation to close the Offering, if at all; the timing and ability of the Corporation to satisfy the customary listing conditions of the Toronto Stock Exchange, if at all; the timing and ability of the Corporation to obtain all necessary approvals; and any other information herein that is not a historical fact may be "forward-looking information". Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information and are intended to identify forward-looking information. This forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions and estimates of management of Osisko, at the time it was made, involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Osisko to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, risks relating to the Offering; volatility in the trading price of common shares of the Corporation; risks relating to the ability of the Corporation to obtain required approvals, complete definitive documentation and complete the Offering; the ability of Osisko to complete further exploration activities, including drilling; property interests; the results of exploration activities; risks relating to mining activities; the global economic climate; metal prices; dilution; environmental risks; changes in the tax and regulatory regime; and community and non-governmental actions. Although the forward-looking information contained in this news release is based upon what management believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, Osisko cannot assure shareholders and prospective purchasers that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking information, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, and neither Osisko nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any such forward-looking information. Osisko does not undertake, and assumes no obligation, to update or revise any such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information contained herein to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by law. For further information please contact: John Burzynski President and Chief Executive Officer, Osisko Mining Inc. Telephone: (416) 363-8653 Jean-Benoit Houde Senior advisor, Strategic Communications Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec Telephone : (514) 847-5493 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 30, 2018 / Nexus Gold Corp. (''Nexus'' or the ''Company'') (TSX-V: NXS, OTCQB: NXXGF, FSE: N6E) is pleased to announce the issuance of a research report compiled by New York-based consulting firm, RB Milestone Group LLC, for distribution to its North American investor network. The report features an in-depth analyst's view of the Company and its current projects, progress and growth opportunities. The report can be accessed on the Nexus website here: https://nexusgoldcorp.com/investors/coverage or directly by contacting Trevor Burcato, Managing Director at RBMG (tbrucato@rbmilestone.com) RB Milestone Group LLC (''RBMG'') is a US-based consulting firm that specializes in assisting small and venture-stage companies with enhancing corporate strategy, business development, market intelligence and research. RBMG partners with clients internationally and across a wide range of industry segments, including: energy, cleantech, mining, oil & gas, healthcare, professional services, consumer goods and technology. Staff specialists have diverse sector knowledge centered on capital markets. Visit the RB Milestone website here: http://www.rbmilestone.com About the Company Nexus Gold is a Vancouver-based gold exploration and development company operating primarily in Burkina Faso, West Africa. The company controls nearly 500-sq km of highly prospective gold exploration projects and is currently concentrating its efforts on establishing a compliant resource at one or more of those projects. The 38-square km Bouboulou project comprises no less than five established gold zones contained within three separate 5km gold trends. The adjacent 250-square km Rakounga gold concession extends the Bouboulou gold trends and currently contains three drill tested zones of gold mineralization. The Niangouela gold concession is a 178-square km project featuring high-grade gold occurring in and around a primary quartz vein and associated shear zone approximately one km in length. On behalf of the Board of Directors of NEXUS GOLD CORP. Alex Klenman President & CEO 604-558-1920 info@nexusgoldcorp.com www.nexusgoldcorp.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially because of factors discussed in the management discussion and analysis section of our interim and most recent annual financial statement or other reports and filings with the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable Canadian securities regulations. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws. SOURCE: Nexus Gold Corp. TORONTO, Oct. 30, 2018 - Guyana Goldfields Inc. (TSX: GUY) (the "Company") announces that the Board of Directors has accepted the resignation of Mr. Patrick Sheridan Jr. as a director of the Company, effective immediately. Mr. Sheridan served as the Company's Executive Chairman from June 2013 to July 2018. On July 30, 2018, the Executive Chair position was eliminated when Mr. Rene Marion was appointed Non-Executive Chairman. The change was implemented to streamline the organizational structure under the leadership of the President & CEO, Mr. Scott Caldwell. About Guyana Goldfields Inc. Guyana Goldfields Inc. is a Canadian based mid-tier gold producer primarily focused on the exploration, development and operation of gold deposits in Guyana, South America. Forwarding-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" which may include, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the estimation of mineral resources. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be 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. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made and are based on various assumptions. 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 future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the receipt of applicable regulatory approvals, average production grades, future production and earnings guidance, the timing and nature of any proposed update to Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, the timing of underground development activities, the proposed renegotiations and repayment of the project loan facility in respect of the Aurora Gold Project, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the actual results of exploration activities; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; political instability; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities, as well as those factors discussed in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual information form. 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 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 statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. SOURCE Guyana Goldfields Inc. The poor understand the Word of God better because they do not put up any barriers, they have an open heart to receive it. "The Word of God is not heard only through the ear, it enters through the ear but it is heard with the heart". Msgr. Angelelli, the "Romero d'Argentina". Vatican City (AsiaNews) - The proclamation of the Gospel must be done with joy, with "an ear to hear the Word of God and an ear to listen to the people. There is no laboratory evangelization, evangelization is always 'body to body' with the people of God and with the word of God ". Pope Francis said this during a meeting with a group of 30 young people from the French diocese of Viviers, who arrived yesterday morning at the Vatican, returning from a pilgrimage to Argentina, in the diocese of La Rioja. The young people stayed a month in the South American country, addressing them the Pope recalled the events of two priests killed together in 1976 during the military dictatorship: Father Gabriel Longueville and Father Carlos Murias, both from the diocese of Viviers. The Pope met he group yesterday morning and handed them the prepared text for the meeting, which speaks of "becoming servants and friends of the Lord embracing the risks of the mission to which he calls us". In the text Francis recalls the martyrs, witnesses of "Jesus, He who out of love gave his life for all men and for each of us". In addition to the religious also the bishop of La Rioja Enrique Angelelli, close to beatification, and a layman, Wenceslao Pedernera, all murdered. The poor understand the Word of God better because they do not put up any barriers, they have an open heart to receive it. "The Word of God is not heard only through the ear, it enters through the ear but it is heard with the heart. " Praying together makes prayer stronger: the Pope underlined that it is sometimes necessary to be alone before God to encounter Him. But it is a physical solitude, because we must be aware "that the whole Church is with me, the whole community is with me". It is the certainty that animates the same hermit who knows he is united with the people of God. The Pope then supported the importance of living in community even if one returns, after the pilgrimage, to the usual routine. It is necessary to confront, "remember and renew" the experience. The young - he says - must be accompanied by concrete things and challenges. It means giving value to "mutual understanding", "cooperation" and "praying together". "A group dialogue - he reiterates - must be a dialogue with the mind, to know what you are talking about, with your heart and your hands". For young people - he says - it is easier to get your hands dirty, to engage. Speaking then of evangelization, Francis cited Paul VIs Evangelii Nuntiandi: evangelization should be done with joy. One cannot be "sad evangelists, discouraged, without illusion, with a sour face". Finally he recalled Father Gabriel Longueville and of Bishop Angelleli, called "the Romero d'Argentina". Son of Italian emigrants, man of God uncomfortable for the Argentine dictatorship for his commitment alongside the poor and workers. Like the Salvadoran, bishop Angelelli was also killed, but he officially died in a car accident on August 4, 1976. The truth was ascertained after 38 years, when two high ranking officers were sentenced to life imprisonment for Angelelli's murder. A defamatory campaign and resulting attacks had been going on for some time. Before Bishop Angelelli, the bodies of two of his most committed priests were horrendously massacred and mutilated: the young conventual Franciscan Carlos Murias and the parish priest of Chamical, Fr Gabriel Longueville, a French priest, who worked together in the Chamical parish. Father Carlos had long been under military surveillance for his commitment in favor of the poor. He was arrested on July 18 by a group of armed men and his friend Father Gabriel did not leave him alone, shortly after their lifeless bodies were discovered. Francis Chan has issued a warning that Satan likes to use methods of distraction - including cell phones - to prevent believers from sharing the Gospel with a fallen world. Satan knows that when the Church becomes united, understands that Jesus is enough, and gets "all the hatred and all this other craziness out," the world's going to believe, Chan, author of Crazy Love and founder of We Are Church, recently argued. "That's why Satan's going to do everything he can to keep this from happening, to keep everyone just staring at their phones," he said. "Satan wants you isolated. He doesn't want you in close proximity with your brothers and sisters." "He doesn't want you loving them as much as Jesus loved you, because Satan knows when they do that, the gates of hell aren't going to stop them, so let me keep them divided. Let me keep them thinking that they can't be witnesses. Let me keep them thinking they need this life jacket because if they figure out they can swim, look out, man," he continued. Chan lamented that today, Christians look for external "life jackets" to keep them afloat instead of resting in the power of the Holy Spirit. "Satan knows if you actually believed in the power within you, that you'll have the power to look another human being in the eyes, your friends, your family, and tell them the greatest thing that's happened to you and of the forgiveness that is found in Jesus Christ," he said. "You keep believing, 'no, I need someone else. I need a life jacket. Give me my John Piper life jacket, give me my Hillsong life jacket, give my my Ravi Zacharias life jacket,'" he said. "We're kept afloat by all these other things, and you don't realize you can swim. You can be witnesses." He added, "If you discover you cannot swim, it's better to figure that out now and have someone teach you to say, 'I don't want to go back to the life preserver or whatever else has been keeping me afloat. I, from the core of my being, want to cry out to God and experience this power." Previously, Chan argued that churches in the West often rely on external factors, like music, popular speakers, and light shows, to share the gospel instead of understanding that Jesus is enough. They are "so stoppable the moment it gets too difficult," he explained. "What if you actually go, 'I want to suffer for Christ?'" Chan asked. "Will you suffer to obey these things? Will you actually sacrifice? Because it's a lot easier to come somewhere and be fed than to love [others] as much as Christ loved you, as much as the Father loves the Son, and to break bread with [others] thinking, 'Christ was tortured for me; would I do that for [others]?'" Chan explained that in countries like China, where religion is strictly monitored, you must do what is best for the Gospel not what is best for yourself. "Somehow you have millions and millions of believers in China, and it wasn't about all these paid clergy [where] that was their business. And even in the inner cities of America where most of those pastors are bi-vocational." The underground Chinese church, he said, has grown so large despite persecution because Chinese Christians "actually believed they could make disciples and start these gatherings because Jesus was enough." "I started to think, 'This is what made the underground church in China unstoppable. If you have a group of people that actually embrace suffering, how are you ever going to stop them?'" he asked. Those arrested are members of the Early Rain Covenant Church, an unofficial community, led by Rev Wang Yi. Whilst some prayed, others preached in the street and at the station, handing out leaflets. At the police station, they met some Christian policemen. Chengdu (AsiaNews/Chinaid) Police arrested at least 20 Protestants for preaching in public and handing out Christian leaflets to passers-by in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province. On 21 October, the group, from the Early Rain Covenant Church, preached and handed out leaflets at the station and in the streets, then held a prayer service at a local park. In China, the constitution guarantees religious freedom, but regulations ban evangelisation outside registered religious sites. The Early Rain Covenant community is not recognised by the government. Church members took turns sharing their faith at the station. When 20 members were arrested, many others gathered in from of police stations. The Gospel has been proclaimed, said their pastor, Wang Yi (pictured with his wife), in a message posted on Wechat (the Chinese Whatsapp). We gave out all the leaflets. Those brothers and sisters [in Christ] who were waiting at the police station brought more and distributed them all We encountered another police station and got to know a group of people who believe in Christ. May the Lords love be with these law enforcement officers. When the Christians were released, at least a hundred fellow church members greeted them outside the station. The Early Rain Covenant Church is one of the liveliest unofficial Protestant communities. In June, government personnel targeted it when it tried to hold a special prayer meeting to commemorate the victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre. Wang Yi was a human rights lawyer before he became a pastor. For him, the new regulations on religious activities are a tool to stifle religious freedom. 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. The NSSM will have to pay about US$ 88,00 to Lee Chun-sik, a survivor of forced labour in a steel mill. Lee, who is in his 90s, heard the sentence in his wheelchair. Shinzo Abe is against the ruling. Seoul (AsiaNews) South Koreas Supreme Court has ordered a Japanese steel company to pay compensation for using forced labour before and during World War Two. Japan ruled Korea with an iron fist from 1910 to 1945, stifling the local culture and forcing many Koreans into forced labour or sexual slavery. Today's ruling closes a 21-year battle by four Koreans against Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal (NSSM). According to the Court, NSSM should pay 100 million won (about US$ 88,000) to each of the four claimants. At present, only one is still alive, Lee Chun-sik, 90, who attended the trial in a wheelchair. Two South Koreans had initially brought a case before a Japanese court in 1997 seeking damages and unpaid wages for forced labour at steel mills owned by a predecessor company of NSSM. Japanese courts dismissed the case, saying their right to sue had been extinguished by the 1965 treaty which saw Seoul and Tokyo restore diplomatic relations and included a reparations package of about 0 million in grants and cheap loans. But the victims along with two others including Lee launched a separate action in South Korea in 2005, and in 2012 the Supreme Court in Seoul ruled that the company was liable. After the ruling, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his foreign minister, Taro Kono, expressed their opposition. According to official South Korean data, around 780,000 Koreans were conscripted into forced labour by Japan during its 35-year occupation, not including the women forced to work in wartime brothels. The chief of Iranian diplomacy expresses closeness to the dead and their families. Extremism and terrorism, he says, "know neither race nor religion and should be condemned". Trump's visit divides the Jewish community. Over 35 thousand people sign an open letter stating that "He is not welcome". Tehran (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif expressed his condolences yesterday, together with prayers, for all the victims of the shooting in the Jewish community of Pittsburgh, in the United States, and their families. "Extremism and terrorism - he said in a message on twitter - know neither race nor religion and should be condemned in all cases". The world, he added "deserves better than to have to live with weaponized demagoguery". The thoughts and prayers, he concludes in his message, go to the victims of the terrorist attack at the Pittsburgh synagogue and their loved ones ". Tehran and Washington have not had diplomatic relations since 1980, a year after the rise of the ayatollahs in power following the Islamic revolution of the previous year. Zarif's message goes beyond political divisions and is only the latest in a series, including that of Pope Francis at the Sunday Angelus. Last October 27, at least 11 people died in the attack on the synagogue of the Tree of Life in Pittsburgh, by an armed man - close to the white supremacists - who declared to the police to want to see "all the Jews dead ". A violence that has deeply shaken the American Jewish community, divided on the visit of US President Donald Trump, which is expected today on the eve of the funeral. In a CNN interview, Lynnette Lederman, former president of the Tree of Life community, says she does not want to "welcome this president to my city" by stamping the White House tenant as a "dispenser of hate speech" and hypocritical words. Meanwhile, over 35 thousand people have signed an open letter promoted by some Jewish leaders of the city, which states that Trump "is not welcome" until he condemns white nationalism. Unlike the position of Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, who invites us to go beyond the hatred and divisions exacerbated by the shooting at the synagogue. He recalls that the president of the United States must "always be welcome". Revolt By IAS Officers Jolts KCR Government! The sudden decision of several IAS officers belonging to weaker sections to float a separate platform for themselves to fight against alleged discrimination against them in postings has triggered uproar in political circles on Tuesday. More than 20 IAS officers belonging to SC, ST and OBC sections had a secret meeting at Begumpet on Monday and went in arms against the Telangana Rashtra Samithi government headed by chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao for the injustice meted out to them in postings. They decided to float a separate Telangana SC, ST, OBC and minority IAS officers association to raise the issues concerning them with the government. They alleged that several senior IAS officers belonging to these communities were given insignificant posts, while non-cadre officers and those belonging to upper castes were posted in prime positions. They said they would make a representation to Telangana chief secretary in a day or two explaining their issues. They alleged that the TRS government was encouraging only north Indian and Andhra IAS officers, while ignoring the native Telangana officers. A senior officer said former chief secretary Rajiv Sharma, who was appointed as chief advisor to the government, is responsible for discrimination against Dalit and ST IAS officer. Even chief secretary S K Joshi is helpless, he said. Soon after the news broke out about the meeting, the TRS leadership started making inquiries about who had attended the meeting and what their political affiliation is. In any case, revolt by IAS officers caused jolt to the KCR government! Click Here for Latest Direct-to-OTT Releases (List Updates Daily) Hyundai Motor has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Beijing-Tsinghua Industrial R&D Institute (BTIRDI) to establish a Hydrogen Energy Fund. Under this agreement, the South Korean automaker and its Chinese counterpart expect to strengthen their influence in the hydrogen ecosystem while accelerating the advent of a Hydrogen Society. The Hydrogen Energy Fund will be jointly operated by Hyundai Motor and Yield Capital, BTIRDIs investment firm, with a goal to raise a total of US$100 million. The fund aims to attract investments from leading venture capital firms based in China, Europe, and the US. The binational initiatives primary objective is to spur investment in the hydrogen industry and value chain while also fostering growth of promising startups in China and Korea. More specifically, the fund will seek for innovative companies that possess various hydrogen-related infrastructures and leadership in core hydrogen technologies. The partnership will harness its collective expertise in hydrogen technologies to conduct detailed analyses on the investment candidates future growth potential, in order to make the best investment that would benefit the entire industry and ecosystem. The Hydrogen Energy Industry Funds contributions will not be limited to mere equity investments, but will involve active and systematic support based on each members incubating programs and corporate venture capital (CVC) strategies. Hyundai Motor expects that the establishment of the Hydrogen Energy Industry Fund will pave the way for new hydrogen-related business opportunities in China. In particular, the Sino-Korean cooperation will lay a strong foundation for Hyundai Motor to make foray into the Chinese fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) market in the future. Hydrogen is emerging as a key pillar for future growth in China. In February, the China National Alliance of Hydrogen and Fuel Cell (China Hydrogen Alliance) officially launched to accelerate the deployment of hydrogen in China and promote the construction of a hydrogen society in the country. The Chinese government is also targeting a large-scale deployment of one million FCEVs and one thousand refill stations by 2030. BTIRDI is an industrial R&D institute established in 1998 by the Beijing municipal government and Tsinghua University. Focused on driving innovation and supporting the university in developing scientific and technological breakthroughs, the institute serves as a high-tech incubating center as well as a technology consultant for the government. Yield Capital, an investment firm founded in 2014 by BTIRDI, has made a number of investments in the hydrogen industry and value chain, including companies that produce and store hydrogen, as well as fuel cell stack and fuel cell system developers. The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) has awarded New Flyer a new contract for six 40' battery-electric Xcelsior CHARGE heavy-duty transit buses. The purchase is supported by competitive state grants, Californias Cap-and-Trade Program, and the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017. The buses are expected to arrive in 2019 and will be tested along various existing routes. The buses are equipped with 480 kWh battery packs, and will also feature the latest onboard video surveillance systems, enhanced wheelchair restraint systems with forward-facing safety barriers for improved safety, and electric air conditioning, and accessory systems. The purchase includes nine depot chargers from New Flyer. Plans are in place to install six depot chargers at the Imperial Avenue Division as the primary operating facility for the zero-emissions buses, with the remaining three to be installed at other fixed-route operating facilities to expand the route-testing area and provide service continuity. AwazToday.pk Privacy Policy: We use third-party advertising companies to serve ads when you visit our Website. These companies may use information (not including your name, address email address or telephone number) about your visits to this and other Web sites in order to provide advertisements about goods and services of interest to you. If you would like more information about this practice and to know your choices about not having this information used by these companies, click here. Disclaimer: AwazToday.pk is not responsible for any content linked to or referred to from these pages. All videos, live tvs, blogs or video links point to content hosted on third party websites or members. We are using third party links for live tvs. Users who upload these videos or blogs agree not to upload illegal content when creating their user accounts. AwazToday.pk does not accept responsibility for content hosted on third party websites or by the members. If you have any questions please contact us. Copyright 2000-2021 AwazToday.pk. All rights reserved unless where otherwise noted. GREENWICH The statistics when it comes to breast cancer remain stark. Nationally, one in eight women and one in 1,000 men will be diagnosed with the disease. And of those diagnoses, 30 percent will be for people facing metastatic cancer. Added to those imposing numbers is the fact that Connecticut has the second highest rate of breast cancer in the country. But at Tuesday afternoons Breast Cancer Alliance luncheon and fashion show, the focus was on the good news that has come in the fight against the disease, brought about by the Greenwich-based nonprofit. BCA grew up in Greenwich and we are fully engaged here, BCA President Mary Jeffrey said. We are affecting lives across the country and there is so much good news to report. Survival rates for those diagnosed with breast cancer are at an all-time high. Treatment is more personalized and targeted and early detection is saving lives every day. BCAs work is yielding results. Wednesdays luncheon was the 23rd that the BCA has held. It is the organizations biggest fundraiser of the year; the money it raises goes to the BCAs three-pronged mission. The alliance uses its grants to support early-stage research that has not yet qualified for federal grants; breast surgery fellowships that can teach new techniques and innovative methods to those who care for breast cancer patients; and education and outreach for those who have barriers to care. In 2018, the BCAs supporters allowed it to fund five new projects, five young investigators working on research, five fellowships and 14 education and outreach grants, Jeffrey said. More than 1,020 were on hand for the luncheon, which packed a tent outside of the Hyatt Regency in Old Greenwich. The centerpiece of the event was a fashion show featuring 11 models of inspiration, all breast cancer survivors or those currently fighting the disease. The models were called not just survivors, but thrivers as they walked the catwalk to loud cheers from friends and supporters wearing clothes from Richards on Greenwich Avenue. New York radio newscaster Patti Steele, the luncheons guest speaker, joked it was not something she recommended, but her fight against breast cancer ended up being a learning experience, which taught her new things about self-empowerment, inner-strength, the value of humor and the importance of trust, especially when it came to finding the right medical team. Sometimes that trust leads to making tough decisions, Steele said. I went in saying I wanted a lumpectomy and I did not want chemo. My doctor disagreed on both counts and I decided my journalism degree is no match for her credentials. Sometimes the strongest thing you can do is let go and to trust. Steele was joined onstage by her doctor Elisa Port, the chief of breast surgery and director of the Dublin Breast Center in New York City. We have so many treatment options now, Port said. There is no one size fits all. Thats why survival rates for breast cancer are going up. Thats why you need specially trained doctors to perform the surgery. Thats one of the most important things the Breast Cancer Alliance does differently from many other organizations. Jeffrey also touched on that during her remarks, saying funding research leads to needed further studies and even clinical trials. The theme of the luncheon was for our daughters, for our future. You are the reason were here, said event co-chair Lois Kelly. You inspire us to help eliminate this disease and change the future for you. We will continue this fight to change the future for each and every one of us until the day we can all celebrate the end of breast cancer. kborsuk@greenwichtime.com WASHINGTON - The special counsel investigation into President Donald Trump's longtime ally Roger Stone is pressing witnesses about Stone's private interactions with senior campaign officials and whether he had knowledge of politically explosive Democratic emails that were released in October 2016, according to multiple people familiar with the probe. As part of his investigation into Russia's interference in the 2016 campaign, Special Counsel Robert Mueller appears to be intently focused on the question of whether WikiLeaks coordinated its activities with Stone and the campaign, including the group's timing, the people said. Stone and WikiLeaks have adamantly denied they were in contact. On Friday, Mueller's team questioned Steve Bannon, Trump's former chief campaign strategist, about alleged claims Stone made privately about WikiLeaks before the group released emails allegedly hacked by Russian operatives, according to people familiar with the session. In recent weeks, Mueller's team has also interviewed several Stone associates, including New York comedian Randy Credico and conspiracy theorist Jerome Corsi. Both testified before the grand jury. Investigators have questioned witnesses about events surrounding Oct. 7, 2016, the day The Washington Post published a recording of Trump bragging about his ability to grab women by their genitals, the people said. Less than an hour after The Post published its story about Trump's crude comments during a taping of "Access Hollywood," WikiLeaks delivered a competing blow to Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton by releasing a trove of emails hacked from the account of her campaign chairman John Podesta. The group trickled out new batches of Podesta's private messages nearly daily through the campaign's final weeks, ensuring the stolen documents would vex Clinton's campaign until Election Day. Investigators have been scrutinizing phone and email records from the fall of 2016, looking for evidence of what triggered WikiLeaks to drop the Podesta emails right after the "Access Hollywood" tape story broke, according to people with knowledge of the probe. In an interview this week, Stone vehemently denied any prior knowledge of the Podesta emails. He said he did not play any role in determining the timing of their release by WikiLeaks or suggest they be used to blunt the impact of the "Access Hollywood" tape. It is unclear whether the special prosecutor has evidence connecting Stone to WikiLeaks's activities. Assange could have concluded on his own that releasing the emails on that day would benefit Trump. The results of Mueller's inquiry could answer the central question of his probe: whether there was coordination between Trump's campaign and Russian activities. Trump has repeatedly declared there was "no collusion." In his interview Friday with the special counsel team, Bannon was asked about Stone's interactions with the campaign and instances in which Stone allegedly made private comments that matched his public declarations of having knowledge of WikiLeaks' plans, according to people with knowledge of the interview. In a statement to The Post today, Bannon said: "Mueller's team has been very professional and courteous. Out of respect for the process, I will not discuss my interviews with them, but people shouldn't believe everything they read." William Burck, an attorney for Bannon, declined to comment. Stone denied he had discussed WikiLeaks with Trump campaign officials. "There are no such communications and if Bannon says there are he would be dissembling," he said. Stone said he may have briefly discussed WikiLeaks's email releases with former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort, his longtime business partner, but only after Manafort stepped down from his post in August. Last month, Manafort agreed to cooperate with the special counsel as part of a plea deal in which he admitted to two counts of conspiracy and obstruction. Bannon - who was previously interviewed by Mueller's investigators for more than 20 hours in February - was also briefly asked Friday about potential obstruction of the Russia investigation by Trump, including the firing of FBI Director James Comey, according to people briefed on the discussions. The special counsel and Trump's legal team are currently in a standoff over Mueller's request to question the president, a step Mueller has sought before completing a report that will be issued to Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein. A spokesman for the special counsel declined to comment. Stone said he never coordinated with WikiLeaks, and that his tweets and public comments predicting a coming WikiLeaks release were intended solely to generate publicity that might help Trump. "I deserve credit for hyping public attention, but not coordinating," Stone said this week. The special counsel's focus on Stone appears to have intensified in recent weeks. Among those who have been interviewed recently was Corsi, who has written about providing Stone with opposition research about the Clintons. He appeared last month before the grand jury investigating evidence in Mueller's probe, according to people familiar with the investigation. Corsi's attorney, David Gray, confirmed last month that Mueller's team served Corsi with a subpoena that sought information about Corsi's communications with Stone in 2016 and 2017, and that Corsi planned to cooperate with the investigation. Stone said in a text message Tuesday he had added prominent defense attorney Bruce Rogow to his legal team and had "passed" two polygraphs related to matters being investigated by the special counsel. The results of such tests are often declared inadmissible in court. ABC News first reported about the tests and Stone's new attorney. For months, Mueller's team has been investigating public comments - and alleged private claims - Stone made in 2016 suggesting he had access to WikiLeaks. Stone has said he was merely referring to public reports about Assange's plans and information he got from Credico, a liberal New York radio host who interviewed Assange on his show. Credico has repeatedly denied passing any information from WikiLeaks to Stone. Stone recently added to his account, saying he had also been tipped about a possible coming WikiLeaks disclosure by viewing an email from James Rosen, then a Fox News reporter, that was sent to blogger Charles Ortel. Ortel confirmed to The Post that he'd forwarded Stone the email, in which Rosen said he was hearing a major disclosure related to Clinton was in the offing. Rosen declined to comment. During the presidential campaign, Stone at times appeared prescient about WikiLeaks's strategy. In spring 2016, before it was public WikiLeaks had received any hacked Democratic emails, Stone privately told an associate he knew the group had a treasure trove of emails that would embarrass Clinton and torment senior Democrats such as Podesta, The Post reported in March. WikiLeaks first released a series of Democratic Party emails on July 22, 2016. Later, in a widely reported speech to a Republican group in South Florida in early August 2016, Stone boasted: "I actually have communicated with Assange." Then, on Aug. 21, he tweeted, "Trust me, it will soon the Podesta's time in the barrel." Stone has said his tweet was a reference to opposition research he got from Corsi about the business dealings of Podesta and his brother, Democratic lobbyist Tony Podesta. Six weeks later, WikiLeaks began posting online emails stolen from Podesta's account. A little before 4 p.m. that day, The Post had published its story about a 2005 recording of Trump talking in vulgar terms about women with Billy Bush, a host of NBC's "Access Hollywood" show. "And when you're a star, they let you do it," he said. "Grab them by the p---y. You can do anything." The revelation set off a panic inside the campaign and some advisers feared it would end Trump's White House bid. But at 4:32 p.m., WikiLeaks announced its own news: The group had 50,000 of Podesta's emails and was releasing a first tranche of 2,500. The first documents posted did not appear to be selected at random. They included an internal campaign document with quotes from Clinton's paid speeches to Goldman Sachs and major corporations the Democratic candidate had resisted releasing. "On Oct. 7, the Access Hollywood tape comes out. One hour later, WikiLeaks starts dropping my emails," Podesta later said in an interview with NBC's Chuck Todd. "One could say that those things might not have been a coincidence." This July, Mueller indicted a dozen Russian military intelligence officers of conspiring to hack Democrats, including Podesta, and leaking their stolen emails to WikiLeaks. Stone told The Post he had no idea the "Access Hollywood" tape existed until The Post published its story. "I was on the street in New York," Stone said. "I was shocked when I heard this." Stone was a prolific memo writer during the campaign, sending 1- or 1 1/2-page strategy missives to Trump via the New York developer's longtime assistant, Rhona Graff. "She would print them out and put them on the pile," Stone said. But by the time the "Access Hollywood" tape became public, Stone said, he was sending fewer memos than earlier in the campaign because he felt Trump's approach to the campaign had been firmly established and there was less need to offer guidance. In fact, Stone said, he never discussed the "Access Hollywood" tape with Trump or the release of Podesta's emails. "I never discussed WikiLeaks with him," Stone said. "I never discussed Assange with him. I never discussed Billy Bush." However, Stone said in the wake of the "Access Hollywood" story, he aggressively pushed Bannon to mount a counteroffensive. He said he urged the strategist to have the campaign make a central issue of Clinton's efforts to protect her husband, former president Bill Clinton, from allegations of extramarital affairs and sexual assault. A person close to Bannon said he does not recall any such discussion with Stone and denies Stone had anything to do with the campaign's decision to go after Clinton on her husband's treatment of women as a response to the explosive tape. Stone said he had been pressing Trump and campaign officials to use that strategy for months, dating back to the period when Manafort was campaign chairman. But, he said, the candidate and key advisers had resisted. Trump "knew my position," Stone said. "But I had stopped arguing with him." Mitt Romney, the former Republican nominee for president, endorsed Thad Gray, the GOP candidate for Connecticut treasurer Tuesday. Thad Gray is the most qualified candidate to be Connecticuts next State Treasurer, Romney said in a statement. I hope all Connecticut residents see he is the man to help cure the states severe financial challenges. Romney, governor of Massachusetts from 2003 to 2007 and co-founder of Bain Capital, is now campaigning for the Utah U.S. Senate seat of Orrin Hatch, who is retiring after more than 40 years in the Senate. Gray met Romney during his 2012 presidential run, said Catherine Marx, spokesperson for Grays campaign. Gray volunteered for and contributed to Romneys 2012 campaign. The two reconnected in spring 2018 when Romney held a fundraiser for his U.S. Senate campaign in Connecticut, said Marx. Gray contributed $1,000 to Romneys campaign, according to Federal Election Commission filings. Gray reached out to Romney to request his endorsement, Marx said. Gray, 58, is the former chief investment officer for New York-based Abbott Capital Management, which oversees private equity investments on behalf of public pension funds, endowments and foundations. He has never held elected office. I am honored to have the endorsement of such a great American leader, said Gray in a statement. Romneys support, given his stellar record in the private sector and public office is very humbling. Democratic treasurer candidate Shawn Wooden, an attorney at Day Pitney, said he found the endorsement unsurprising. "Just like Romney, Gray was born into privilege and spent his career making himself and other rich people even richer, said Wooden,49, in a statement. "I am proud that I came from a very modest upbringing in Hartford and worked my way up to become an investment and public pension attorney who is committed to helping people on Main Street, not Wall Street." emunson@hearstmediact.com; Twitter: @emiliemunson Wilton Police Dept. WILTON A Massachusetts man has been arrested on allegations he solicited an 11-year-old Wilton girl for pornographic images over the internet. Police said Mark Crowley, 56, was arrested by officers in his hometown of Beverly, Massachusetts, after a month-long investigation revealed he was grooming the unidentified juvenile in an attempt to get her to send him explicit images. Google Pay is a payment method for Android devices with NFC in over 20 countries that allows you to leave your credit and debit cards at home. Today the number of markets it's offered in grew by four after banks in Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark enabled the service for its customers. Google Pay is already rolling out to users Although we have four more countries, the initial number of banks and platforms in Scandinavia is pretty basic. Nordea and Revolut are two financial services available in all new markets, and they are accompanied by Jyske Bank in Denmark, Edenred in Finland, Monobank, Storebrand, Sparebanken Sr in Norway, and Lansforsakringar Bank, Sodexo Pass in Sweden. Some users already report the service is up and available, but you have to make sure your type of card is supported at Googles Support page in the Source link below. Source | Via Market analysts at Canalys have announced the winner of the Xiaomi-Samsung battle in India. It was neck and neck in Q2, but during the third quarter Xiaomi shot up with a record 12 million smartphones shipped. This represents a 32% jump over the numbers from Q3 last year, meanwhile Samsungs shipments (and the Indian market as a whole) declined slightly. Another success story is vivos 12% growth year over year to 4.5 million units shipped, which allowed it to expand its lead over sibling company Oppo. Note that Oppos numbers are worse than they appear on the chart as the analysts bundled its phones along with the Realme. Young Realme (just a few months old) is growing quickly and it shipped 800,000 units in Q3. That gives it just under 2% market share, not quite enough for it to enter the Top 5. Part of that is because Micromax had a stellar quarter with a 62% growth year over year and an even more impressive 5x increase compared to Q2. This is a one-off, though, as its due to a government purchase the state Chhattisgarh (in collaboration with Jio) has ordered 5 million phones (at INR 2,510 each, $34) to give to women and college students. Micromax shipped only 2.6 million phones this quarter so expect a similar bump next quarter while the 5 million order is fulfilled. India-based Micromax was selected to fulfill this order for patriotic reasons or so the analysts believe. Theres more, India is close to levying higher import duties on certain components, which aims to drive more manufacturers to establish facilities in the country. Analysts at Counterpoint Research have polled people and 1 in 3 said they are looking for a phone in the INR 10,000-15,000 range ($135-$200). 2 in 3 people are planning to buy a mid-range or high-end phone. Preferred price ranges for next phone Preferred brand for each price range It shouldnt surprise you to hear that Xiaomi was the most preferred brand. OnePlus has cornered the fast-growing INR 25,000-40,000 segment. OnePlus also leads in customer satisfaction and customer retention rate (88%). Meanwhile Xiaomi trails vivo, Oppo and Samsung in customer satisfaction. Source Haiti - Health : The PCV13 vaccine for babies, now available for free Monday at the Marriott Hotel, US Ambassador to Haiti Michele Jeanne Sison participed with Minister of Health Greta Roy Clement at the launch of the PCV13 pneumococcal vaccine, required for babies to protect them against pneumonia, meningitis, sinusitis, otitis and sepsis... Divided into three doses, the vaccine should be administered to the baby before 11 months of age. The first dose at one month and a half (during the 6th week), the second at two and a half months (during the 10th week), the last at three and a half months (during the 14th week). Minister Clement recalled that this vaccine had already been present in Haiti for several years, but that it was only available to parents who could pay 5,000 gourdes or more to get it, announcing "From now on, October 29, 2018, it is available free to all babies on the national territory." Ambassador Sion congratulated the Government of Haiti for assuming its co-financing responsibility of $ 1.2 million and urged it to continue to include increased national funding for health. For his part, Homero Hermandez, representative of the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) informs that GAVI will co-finance this vaccine for $ 2.1 million. It should be noted that the launch of this vaccine is due to the collaboration between the Ministry of Public Health, the VAVA Alliance, GAVI, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), UNICEF and the US Government, among other key partners . TB/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Social : Passing away of the Haitian photographer Gerald Bloncourt Jean Michel Lapin, the Minister of Culture has learned with great sadness, the news of the death Monday, October 29 in Paris, of the artist engaged photographer, painter and Haitian writer of renowned Gerald Bloncourt aged almost 92 years. "The Minister, on behalf of the Government of the Republic, while welcoming the work and the career of this committed artist, extends his sincere condolences to his family, to the artists who have worked with him and to his loved ones affected by this disappearance." Although he settled in France, Gerald Bloncourt had remained Haitian while carefully preserving his cultural and intellectual identity. The French Institute in Haiti (IFH) who hosted this great artist with his wife and daughters, at the end of November 2016 for an exhibition and a series of events at Jerome workshops "salute the photographer, the writer and the activist and address all its thoughts to his family. That the earth may be light for him." Learn more about Gerald Bloncourt : Gerald Bloncourt, born November 4, 1926 in Bainet, Haiti, from a French mother and a Guadeloupe father, hero of the revolt of 1946 in Haiti spent his childhood in Jacmel. Following a terrible hurricane devastating the region, the family moved to Port-au-Prince in 1936. In 1944, Gerald Bloncourt participated in the founding of the Haitian Art Center. Along with Jacques Stephen Alexis and Rene Depestre, he is one of the leading leaders of the "Five Glorious", revolutionary days that led to the fall of the Government Lescot in 1946. Expelled from Haiti, Bloncourt spent a few months in Martinique, then settles in Paris. He embarks on photography without ceasing to paint. Communist militant, he was appointed in 1948 political manager of the photo service of the newspaper Humanite. Subsequently he becomes an independent reporter and works for Le Nouvel Observateur, L'Express, Le Nouvel Economiste, Options, Le Peuple, Regards, Syndicalisme hebdo, Temoignage chretien, La Vie catholique, La Vie Ouvriere. He returned to Haiti in 1986, after the fall of the Duvalier regime. In 1998, he co-founded the "Committee for the Defense of Human Rights and Democracy in Haiti", better known as the "Committee to judge Duvalier". Awards and Distinctions : 1988: Honorary citizen of the city of New Orleans (USA) 1994: First Prize for all of his work, 2nd Salon of Contemporary Art of Le Mee 2008: Medal of the City of Paris (Echelon Vermeil), for all of his work 2011: Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters 2015: Knight of the Legion of Honor 2016: Grand Cross the Order of Infant Dom Henri, decorated by the President of the Portuguese Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Politic : A delegation of CONATEL in Dubai A Haitian delegation led by Jean-David Rodney, the Director General of the National Telecommunication Council (CONATEL), including the engineer Inrico Dangelo Neard, Director of the Communication and Public Relations Unit of the Council and the engineer Jean-Marie Maignan, Director of Communications at the Ministry of Public Works participates from 29 October to 16 November 2018, at the Conference (PP-18) of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which is held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. LKet's clarify that the PP is the supreme decision-making body of the ITU which is called on the one hand to renew the leading staff of the Union : Secretary General, Deputy Secretary General, the three Directors of Bureau, the Council of Administration (48 country posts for the 5 regions) and the Radio Regulations Board (12 expert posts) and secondly to define the strategic plan and road map of this specialized organization of the United Nations system. Jean-David Rodney will be in Dubai for voting week and national sector policy statements and will let Jean-Marie Maignan and Inrico Dangelo Neard, the care to cover the rest of the conference and sign the Final Acts. Note that the vote involving political issues both sectoral and diplomatic, Chancellor Edmond Bochitt has granted full powers with voting instructions to the Head of Delegation Jean-David Rodney, who is at its fourth representation of Haiti at these meetings unavoidable. This Conference, will offer the National Administration of Telecommunications and Information and Communication Technologies, means to enrich the action plan it carries through the CONATEL and consolidate its implementation taking advantage of the new relationships that will be built on the spot. Photo : Left Jean David Rodney accompanied by Jean Marie Maignan on the right. HL/ HaitiLibre Press release The Montana State Univesity-Northern Diversity Committee is requesting community support for minority students scholarships. A Crunch for a Cause fundraiser with Taco Johns will run between 5 and 7 p.m. Thursday. When people making a purchase at the Havre restaurant between those times mention the MSU-Northern Office of Diversity Awareness and Multicultural Programs or present the small flyer, posted on the Northern Multicultural Center website at https://www.facebook.com/MSUNMultiCenter/, 50 percent of the purchase price will be donated to the fundraiser. The fundraisers will go to scholarships that are dedicated to support the academic success of minority students, who, according to higher education literature, are at a higher risk of dropping out or taking longer than expected to complete their degrees because of specific challenges they typically encounter during their college years such as cultural shock, lack of financial means, or being the first college generation, just to mention some. The Diversity Committee has established that students who apply for this scholarship will identify themselves as an ethnic or racial minority, should demonstrate financial need, and have at least a 2.5 GPA. Interested Northern students should apply in a timely manner according to the deadlines determined by the Financial Aid Office. They should complete the scholarship application, write an essay of no more of 500 words explaining their needs and how this scholarship will help them meet their academic goals. People who are awarded the scholarship will receive them during Northerns scholarship reception in April. Last year was the first year this committee started these scholarships, and the members said they would like to continue increasing the amount and the number of students who would benefit from it. The recipient of last years scholarship was Darcy Joseph Azure, community leadership major. People who want to make donations to this fund can contact the ODAMP at 265-3589 or [email protected] Lt. Gov. Mike Cooney speaks Monday at a Democratic Get Out the Vote rally in Havre with candidates U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, Kathleen Williams, Paul Tuss, Doug Kaercher and Rex Renk. Some high-profile Democrats were in Havre Tuesday at a rally wrapping up a Get Out the Vote tour in the area. "We have a very important election coming up real soon," Lt. Gov. Mike Cooney said during the potluck event Monday at the regional Democratic headquarters in Havre. More than 100 people attended the event, where U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., U.S. House of Representatives candidate Kathleen Williams, Montana Supreme Court clerk candidate Rex Renk, Public Service Commission candidate Doug Kaercher and state Senate candidate Paul Tuss spoke about their individual campaigns. Tester is defending his seat in the U.S. Senate against Republican challenger Montana Auditor Matt Rosendale and Libertarian Rick Breckenridge; Williams is challenging incumbent U.S. Rep. Greg Gianforte, R-Mont., in his re-election bid; Renk is facing off against Libertarian Roger Roots of Livingtson and Republican Bowen Greenwood of Helena; Kaercher is facing Sun River Republican candidate Randy Pinocci, and Tuss is challenging incumbent Montana Sen. Russ Tempel, R-Chester. The Havre stop followed rallies on the Rocky Boy's and Fort Belknap Indian reservations earlier Monday. Cooney said change needs to happen in the state and federal government. "There is a lot of things going on in this country that just aren't right. There is a lot of people that would say the train's kind of gone off the tracks," Cooney said. He added that what people can do to get the country back on track is to get everyone out to vote. "The Legislature is so important," Cooney, a former state senator, representative and secretary of state, said. "Gov. (Steve) Bullock has one more legislative session as governor ,and if he is going to get anything done we have got to make some changes in that Legislature. "We have gotta get some people who are going to be willing to work with the governor and me, to try to get some things done. That's why we need Paul Tuss as our next state senator and make sure that Jacob Bachmeier comes back as your representative," he said. Cooney said Williams is a great candidate for the U.S. House. He said she is committed and has proven that she would work hard to make sure everyday Montanans are heard. Williams' committment to working hands-on with the people and property represents Montana values, he added. Tester, Cooney said, has proven that he represents all Montana, has worked hard for veterans and other groups in the state and displays Montana values. Tester is someone who has grown up in the state, Cooney added, someone who cares about everyday Montanans. "We have some really good candidates on the ballot," he said. Tester said the differences between him and his opponent, Rosendale, couldn't be wider. "Here's the truth," he said, "a few short years ago my opponent said the federal government has no business owning land, to get rid of it. One of the things that make this state great is our public lands." In a response this morning from Rosendale's office, a representative said, "Matt will always protect and fight to expand access to our public lands. He's listened to the people of Montana and he opposes a federal lands transfer. While serving on the Montana Land Board, Matt's increased access to 45,000 acres for more hunting, fishing, hiking, for more public access." At a rally in Havre in 2014 while campaigning for the U.S. House of Representatives, Rosendale said a top priority for him would have been the state taking possession, or at least control of, federal land in Montana. Tester said one thing he has been working on and has had some success in is funding the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund. This fund, he added, will improve access to public lands. He said he has also been working on getting lower costs for health care, something that his opponent has been opposed to. "We have not been successful because there has not been a bipartisan effort to do such," he added. "We, us, the middle class, are having a hard time making ends meet because insurance rates are so damn high," Tester said. Tester said Rosendale has allowed increases in insurance rates since becoming the Montana auditor, rubber-stamping rate increases without making the insurance companies justify the increases. Tester said if Montana wants someone in the Senate who will work in a bipartisan way to drive down health insurance rates, the choice is clear. Rosendale wants to kick people with pre-existing conditions off health insurance, Tester said. He added that Rosendale wants to sell junk plans to Montanans. "Junk plans that don't cover anything, the worst kind of insurance in the world," Tester said. Rosendale's office said this morning that the problem was Tester's vote to approve the Affordable Care Act that led to rate increases. "Jon Tester doesn't get to rewrite history here," the representative said. Tester said he also has worked hard to increase care for veterans, and the system is not perfect but he will continue to work on making sure the men and women who have served their country receive proper care. He added that Rosendale has shown in the past he will not work for veterans' care. Rosendale didn't want to fund Purple Heart veteran scholarships, Gold Star families' housing loans or the veterans homes in Columbia Falls and Butte while he was in the Legislature, Tester said. "Tell me how he's got any credit with the veterans whatsoever," he added. His representative said Rosendale does support those programs and has worked on other programs for veterans. Tester also said outside groups are spending huge amounts of money supporting Rosendale. "Instead of doing things that help promote the democracy, he wants to buy the democracy," he said. Rosendale's office said Tester also is benefitting from millions and millions of dollars from groups buying ads. This is a close race, Tester said, and everyone needs to come out to vote. "We need to have people who are willing to have meetings and meet with people and take the ideas of Montanans back to Washington, D.C.," Tester said, "which is what I've done and which is what I will continue to do." Kathleen Williams Williams said that there is a lot of contrast between her and her opponent, but the bottom line, she said, is that she thinks Montana deserves better. She added that she was very proud of receiving an endorsement from Montana Natives Vote earlier that day while at Fort Belknap. "Gianforte promised to be a voice for Montanans. ... He doesn't meet with Montanans. He represents special interests," Williams said. Gianforte wouldn't hold any public meetings on his wilderness study area bill, she said, so she and her team held a public meeting. "We showed that Montanans can come together," Williams said, "even if they've got really passionate interests on all sides on an issue. They can come together, they can have a civil dialogue, they can learn from each other, and they can give me good suggestions moving forward." She said she invited Gianforte but he didn't come. He later organized his own, Williams added, and her team sent Gianforte notes from her meeting, "so he could learn from Montanans coming together." Gianforte promised to be a champion for agriculture, but as a trade war has been "looming and booming," Williams said, Gianforte was given the opportunity to sign a letter with 107 of his Republican colleagues in the House opposing broad tariffs, but did not. Gianforte promised to stand up for seniors, she said, but he sided with Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan, who said Social Security and Medicare needed to be on the chopping block, and Senate President Mitch McConnell, who is talking about reforming both. Williams said Gianforte promised to stand up for public lands but proposed to remove protections for more than 770,000 acres of wilderness study areas without any public input. Gianforte promised to bring Montana a good health care system, she said, but he has supported the Graham-Cassidy proposal, which would remove protections for people with pre-existing conditions, charge seniors more and roll back expanded Medicaid. "So help me now, Montana deserves better," she said. A representative from Gianforte's office said this morning that those claims are false. "Just like a professional politician, Kathleen Williams is willing to say anything to get elected," the representative said. "Even if it means lying about Greg's record and his work with President Trump. Her dishonest attacks against Greg are a calculated effort to distract from her liberal record and extreme Obama-Pelosi agenda." Kaercher Kaercher said he was very grateful for everyone who has helped him campaign across the state. He said his campaign has been a grassroots campaign and would not be possible without all the support from the different communities he has been to. "I do really want to thank you," he said. "I'm also going to thank one other person and that is my wife, Darla. She's been there the whole time, right by my side, all the way through this thing and I really appreciate that." He said the message that is being put out there is that he has the experience to do a good job on the Public Service Commission. "I have the experience and that makes me the best choice on the ballot," Kaercher said. "It makes me the most reasonable and responsible candidate." Tuss Tuss said he is very glad everyone attended the event, adding people are energized in Havre. "Rural Montana is better when Democrats win," Tuss said. "...Whether the issue is supporting our rural hospitals, that are hanging on by the skin of their teeth right now, whether the issue is public access to public lands, whether the issue is supporting vibrant main streets and small business, these are all issues ... we win through arguments every single time." He said it's important for everyone in the community to elected Democrats on Election Day. He added that his campaign and the other candidates' campaigns would not be where they are now without the support and hard work of the volunteers. Rex Renk Renk said that this year's election is very important and Montana needs Tester's leadership in Congress. Tester is Montana's voice and that voice needs to be back in office, Renk said. It is also imperative for Montana that Williams gets elected, he added, because she is a person of unity and who listens to people rather than further dividing people. "It's not just an off-year election," Renk said. Renk said the office of clerk for Montana Supreme Court is important because it is the public face of the Supreme Court. Renk added that the office assures that all Montanans have fair, equal and open access to the court records but also protects people's privacy when the law requires it. Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., talks during a Get Out the Vote rally in Havre Monday. "For over 23 years I've been serving with Ed Smith, our current clerk of the Supreme Court," Renk said, "to make sure that our office is run in a professional and independent manner." He said, although the office of the clerk of the Montana Supreme Court is a partisan election, politics as well as special interests need to stay out of the office. "Experience matters," Renk said, adding that he has support from more than 40 clerks of courts, seven retired state Supreme Court justices and a former clerk of the United States Supreme Court. "These public officials know that I am running because I really love this job and I have the proven record of treating Montanans fairly when they come before this court," Renk said. "Make our X for Rex," he said, "and by that I mean carefully fill in your oval." Press release American Red Cross will hold a blood drive Tuesday, Nov. 6, in Chinook at Wallner Hall, 330 Ohio, from 1 to 6 p.m. The Red Cross is in urgent need of all blood types. Each pint of blood given can save up to three lives. People are asked to bring themselves, bring a friend, bring a family member, and join the Red Cross in giving of a life-saving gift. Appointments are highly encouraged by the American Red Cross. People who do have not made an appointment can go online at https://www.redcrossblood.org/ or call 1-800-733-2767 1-800-REDCROSS. The Red Cross will begin accepting walk-in donors at 12:30 p.m. and walk-in slots will also be available throughout the day. Appointments times begin at 1 p.m. Any healthy person age 18 or older, or age 16 or 17 with a signed parental consent, and weighing at least 110 pounds is eligible and encouraged to donate blood. Valid identification is required for all blood donations. A drivers license or school ID are acceptable. Parental consents for people 16 or 17 years of age can be picked up at the high school office or at the registration table at Wallner Hall the day of the drive. People with an appointment can save up to 15 minutes at the donation time by completing the health history online the day of the drive. All they have to do is visit http://www.redcrossblood.org/rapidpass/. Before donating it is recommended that people: Get a good nights sleep; have a good breakfast or lunch; drink extra water and fluids to replace the volume they will donate but try to avoid beverages with caffeine; eat iron-rich foods, and avoid fatty foods. Four out of five parents of pupils at a primary school have agreed to a mobile phone ban for their children. The Clarecastle NS policy is that children should not have sole ownership of a mobile while they are pupils there. Social media safety expert Dr Maureen Griffin, who has advised the Co Clare school, said 82pc of parents have signed up to the policy. It has been drawn up to help combat cyberbullying and the problem of pupils being exposed to age-inappropriate content online. In an email to parents, principal Martin Moloney wrote: "Issues such as cyberbullying, sending inappropriate pictures, exposure to age inappropriate content, have all come to light in our school. "As a school, we want to help ensure our students are happy and safe not only in real life but also online. We also want to help alleviate the pressure that parents come under and offer resources and assistance." Scary Along with parents agreeing that their children will not have sole ownership of a phone, the agreement includes "age- appropriate technology use for a reasonable time period per week" at the pupils' homes. At a public information meeting in Ennis organised by the Clare Joint Policing Committee, Dr Griffin endorsed the school's approach. "No child at primary school age should have sole ownership of a mobile phone. My issue is with two-year-olds saying, 'It's my pad, that's my phone and that's my Xbox'," she said. Dr Griffin added that if a pupil has their own phone, they are worrying about "what if someone I don't know contacts me or sends me a scary picture". "You shouldn't have to worry about all of that at primary school age, that is our responsibility as parents," she said. "We should be responsible in making sure the anti-virus software is up to date, and that all parenting controls are in use on the device and then, when they are allowed to use it, it is safe." She also advised parents to keep devices out of the bedroom, saying: "It makes such a big difference in terms of the hold technology has over children." Amy Huberman has issued a warning to her fans that another false advertisement linking her to a skincare line is a scam. The RTE star has been linked to an online scam called DermaVix, which claims to be a cream to promote smooth and youthful skin. However, the product in question does not exist, and buyers have previously been duped by similar scams. Fraudsters "Warning. These fraudsters are running these dark ads. Please ignore ads for this cream, it doesn't exist. And all their articles linking me to it are made up. It's a scam," she wrote. "If anyone sees and could copy and paste link for lawyers, thank you." Amy was linked to the fake product earlier in the year as well, when she confirmed she had sought legal advice on the matter. The latest ad claims to be a special offer and encourages people to claim their free sample while also noting that "free samples run out daily". On the original DermaVix webpage, readers are steered towards a "click here" button, which takes them to another page where they can fill out a form to buy the product. Prices are listed for shipping and package protection, with the total coming to 6.90, but no price for the product itself. Several Irish celebrities have seen their names falsely linked to online scams in recent months. RTE presenter Miriam O'Callaghan discovered an ad featuring her picture for a product named TryVix, which also claimed to be for skincare. The ad said Miriam was so taken with her involvement in promoting the product that she had decided to give up her TV career. A woman called in to Joe Duffy's Liveline in August and said that after buying the product, her bank contacted her about a number of large charges that had been made to her account, with the bank eventually blocking them. The Prime Time host also sought legal advice on the matter. More recently, Ireland AM's Ciara Doherty and Westlife star Shane Filan were linked to the false Bitcoin Revolution, a bogus platform that claimed to generate money quickly for buyers. A ventilation engineer was more than three times the legal drink-driving limit when he was stopped in Dublin after travelling from Cork. Norbert Wojdylaic (41) was driving at speed and veering over the white line in the road when gardai stopped him on an industrial estate, Blanchardstown District Court was told. Judge David McHugh adjourned the case to next month to see if Wojdylaic - who has a previous conviction for drink driving - was suitable to complete 240 hours of community service in lieu of four months in prison. The judge also banned him from driving for three years. The defendant, of Sheraton Court, Glasheen, Co Cork, admitted drink-driving. He was stopped at Damastown Road in Mulhuddart on June 26 last year. Gda Clare Cronin said she was on patrol when she saw a 2004-registered black Audi driving at speed and veering over the while line in the middle of the road. Gda Cronin said she stopped the driver on suspicion of drink- driving. Apologised Wojdylaic provided a breath specimen to gardai and it produced a reading of 72mcgs of alcohol per 100mls of breath. Gda Cronin said Wojdylaic told her he had driven up from Cork - a journey of almost 260km - earlier that morning. The court heard Wojdylaic had a previous drink driving conviction and had received a driving ban in 2014. His licence was returned to him in January last year and he was not disqualified from driving at the time of the latest offence. Defence solicitor John Wood said Wojdylaic was working and was the sole provider for his family. He apologised for his behaviour, the lawyer added. Mr Wood asked the judge not to send Wojdylaic to jail, saying his family would suffer and lose their support. The court also heard that Wojdylaic had a back injury which may prevent him from doing community service work. Judge McHugh expressed his shock that Wojdylaic had driven up from Cork that morning, adding that "anything could have happened". Inspectors will finish initial assessments of schools with structural issues today. Forty-two schools are being examined, and preliminary indications suggest that in many cases the structures are sound. The investigation of the structures put up by Western Building Systems was launched after three of the developer's other schools were found to have structural flaws. Progress Education Minister Joe Mc- Hugh said the review was making progress. "That puts us in a very good position in terms of analysing that data and to continue the communication with principals and the school communities," he said yesterday. "As of tomorrow evening, parents will be assured that the inspection of the walls and the initial assessments are done." He added that once this was done, schools would be told. The minister said it was an evolving situation. "An engineering team and a department team are working very closely on that," he said. "Whatever will be needed will be done thoroughly, and the solutions, as we speak here now, are being put in place for the schools that may have to partially close." Five of the schools under investigation are in Dublin and are due to reopen next week after the mid-term break. They are Gaelscoil Shliabh Rua, Sandyford; Luttrellstown Community College, Clonsilla; Broombridge Educate Together National School, Cabra; Scoil Chaitlin Maude, Tallaght; and Scoil Choilm in Porterstown. Ardgillan Community College in Balbriggan will open to all students by Monday week. Mr McHugh said progress has also been made in putting in place "interim accommodation solutions" for Tyrrelstown ETNS and St Luke's National School and Gaelscoil Eiscir Riada in Lucan. The last will only be opened on the bottom floor of the building, with the Department of Education and the school working together to come up with a stop-gap solution for the remaining classes. Contingency planning is continuing in the event that, following the structural assessments, other schools may need some classes to be moved off-site. The Department of Education has received many offers of support and accommodation from schools, clubs and community groups. Stroke survivors held a protest outside Beaumont Hospital yesterday, calling for the replacement of a vital life-saving machine. The machine is one of just two in Ireland used to perform thrombectomy, a clot retrieval treatment that restores the blood supply to a stroke patient's brain. It is used to treat an average of 250 patients a year, but is broken and has turned off while treating patients. The Irish Heart Foundation says the HSE refuses to provide a replacement. A spokesman said: "In spite of increasingly urgent calls from Beaumont Hospital and its own National Stroke Programme, the HSE has refused to fund the replacement of the machine used for the vast majority of thrombectomies in Ireland, even though it has already broken down on several occasions." Spare The machine is also now so old that spare parts will no longer be made for it from the end of next year. Dozens of stroke survivors joined the protest outside the north Dublin hospital yesterday afternoon. Martin Quinn, from Tipperary, suffered a stroke more than five years ago while he was being interviewed on local radio. He said he had travelled to Dublin to support fellow stroke survivors. "I'm from Tipperary and I've come here in support of and in solidarity with stroke survivors," he said. "My stroke occurred a little over five years ago. I was doing an interview with my local radio station on the telephone when I suffered a stroke. "It was very traumatic for me because my speech was immediately affected. I couldn't answer the interviewer's questions coherently and the interview had to be stopped. "It wasn't until the following day that I got attention. I didn't realise I had suffered a stroke. "I lost my speech and that was one of the hardest things for me because I always prided myself on being able to talk and speak at any event. "In the hospital, I couldn't even say cup when the nurse asked me what I was holding in my hand." Mr Quinn said that there was great difficulty in getting after-stroke services. "They're probably better in the cities but down the country it's a lot more difficult," he said. "I had to fight very hard to get into rehab. I was in my 50s and it was much more difficult to get services. I had to fight hard and lobby politicians to get in there." Last year, 248 thrombectomies were carried out in Beaumont on patients from all over Ireland. A further 31 were carried out in Cork University Hospital, the only other provider of the service nationally. Seven days of horror end with two ex-cops and two little girls dead A few weeks ago, I visited Lakhimpur Kheri, one of the largest districts in Uttar Pradesh. I met Lakshmi Devi, the Gram Pradhan, at the Mukhlishpur panchayat; she was overlooking the proceedings of the Village Health Nutrition Day (VHND). VHND is an initiative under the National Health Mission, which is organised once a month in every panchayat, and provides basic maternal, child health and nutrition services. The initiatives are sparsely attended many pregnant women choose to not avail of these services owing to a general lack of awareness and negligence towards their health. When Lakshmi Devi found this out, she went from door to door, convincing and encouraging women to come for check-ups. Many have benefited from this. The 73rd and 74th amendments to the Indian Constitution provide the legal basis for direct democracy at the local level in rural and urban areas, stressing on the need to bring marginalised populations into the electoral process by reserving seats for women and disadvantaged groups. It was envisaged that this mandate would reflect the voices of women and the challenges that confront them. Ground realities, however, remain different. Most elected women gram pradhans are being represented by male members of their families, establishing that while policies may exist in principle, there is a need to translate them into action on the field. Though representation is adequate (as per the provision that requires reserving one-third of the seats), womens actual participation has been less than that. Deeply entrenched sociocultural norms, restricted engagements in public affairs, class and caste restrictions have fed into the existing patriarchal practices, relegating women to the domestic spaces. Political engagements continue to have men at the helm even today. Women across the world are bearing the burden of this challenge. A study, titled Womens leadership and policy decisions: evidence from a nationwide randomised experiment in India (2001), has concluded that a policymakers gender does influence policy decisions, and that increasing participation of women through political reservation can influence policymaking. Ensuring increased political representation of women can improve equity and take us a step closer towards a more inclusive society and polity. Education and health, two of the most fundamental tenets of sustainable growth, will be prioritised, strengthening families, communities, and entire nations because of the ripple effect. We have to reach the last mile to be able to encourage more women to contest elections, and explain to them the significance of their participation. Civil society organisations will have to raise awareness on governance issues and electoral processes among more women, motivate them to form their own networks and build solidarity. Discussions at different forums must be organised on schemes which are designed to have women as primary beneficiaries like the Janani Suraksha Yojana (cash incentives to promote institutional deliveries), LaQshya (aimed at improving quality maternity care), Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritya Abhiyan (reduce maternal and child mortality by providing universal and free quality antenatal care to pregnant women). Access to services, quality of care and accountability mechanisms will have to be strengthened at village, block and district levels across states. The paramount role that elected women representatives as gram pradhans can play to ensure this cannot be undermined. Nidhi Dubey is a lawyer and senior vice president, Global Health Strategies The views expressed are personal Actor Riya Sen dressed up as the horror movie character The Nun for Halloween, and has shared pictures of her costume on her Instagram. While the key difference in her costume is that Riya has on an all-white habit - the movie character wears black - her makeup does the trick. Sharing the pictures on social media, Riya wrote, A haunting Halloween with hosts that made it o so wicked and truly unforgettable. Riya was partying with friends in London. A second post, which gives a better look at her Nun costume, came with the caption, If I want it, its already mine. Riya also shared a series of Instagram stories, some of which added creepy effects to her costume, such as Valaks fanged mouth. The Nun, which was released in September, told the story of a young nun and a priest, who were sent to a Romanian monastery to investigate mysterious deaths. The film went on the become the highest-grossing entry in the Conjuring series, despite being the most poorly reviewed of the lot. Riya, meanwhile, released a Halloween-themed short film, That Night At A Mortuary, last week. She also starred in the AltBalaji web series, Ragini MMS: Returns. She is the daughter of actor Moon Moon Sen and the sister of actor Raima Sen. Riya tied the knot with boyfriend Shivam Tewari in 2017. Follow @htshowbiz for more The high level FSDC meeting chaired by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Tuesday discussed liquidity issues being faced by the non-banking financial companies, sources said. Headed by the finance minister, the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) includes Reserve Bank Governor, Sebi Chairman, and heads of other regulators like PFRDA, IRDAI, and also Chairman of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board (IBBI). Reserve Bank Governor Urjit Patel said the liquidity problem in NBFCs is not as severe as is being projected, but assured the government that it would ensure adequate liquidity in the system, sources said after the meeting. The meeting assumes significance as the FSDC is meeting for the first time after RBI Deputy Governor Viral Acharya raised the issues regarding independence of the central bank. Unlike in the past, all the four RBI deputy governors attended Tuesdays FSDC meeting along with Patel. Sources said the RBI governor informed the government that there is no liquidity crunch in the system, barring certain sectors and assured they are keeping a close watch on the financial sector. The government, on its part, asked the RBI to prevent spreading of IL&FS crisis to other sectors of the economy, sources added. Among other things, the issue concerning cyber-security in financial markets also came up for discussion. Pension fund regulator PFRDA Chairman Hemant Contractor said there was general discussion on the domestic and global economy. The FSDC was set up to strengthen and institutionalise the mechanism for maintaining financial stability, enhancing inter-regulatory coordination and promoting financial sector development. In May, the government through a gazette notification, had included Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) Secretary in the FSDC in view of the increased focus of the government on digital economy. The series of loan defaults by the IL&FS has resulted in doubts over financial soundness of the non-banking finance companies. The government last month took over the board of IL&FS and appointed seasoned banker Uday Kotak at the helm to resolve the crisis being faced by the NBFCs. Acharya in a speech on Friday had said that undermining the central banks independence could be potentially catastrophic. He had also called for greater powers for RBI to regulate public sector banks as it seeks to clean up the banking system, saying that central banks independence was necessary to secure greater financial and macroeconomic stability. The government, however, has not responded to the concerns raised by the RBI. Four construction labourers were killed after a hydraulic lift malfunctioned and collapsed at a construction site of the Delhi Development Authoritys residential flats in outer Delhis Narela on Monday evening. Police have registered a case against the company, which the DDA had outsourced the construction work to. No arrests were made till late on Monday. According to police, the incident took place around 4.30pm when the four men, Sonu (25), Pramod (30), Sonu (27) and Raj Kumar (25), all natives of Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh, were working at the construction site. A senior police officer said the four contractual labourers had been hired by a company carrying out the construction of DDA flats. When the labourers were in a hydraulic lift being used at the construction site for lifting construction material and workers, the lift collapsed suddenly. The lift was open from all four sides. As the lift came down, four labourers fell out of it and came under the machinery and the construction material it was carrying, the officer said requesting anonymity. Police control vans, civil defence officers and ambulances reached the spot and rescue operations were carried out with the help of other labourers and construction company staff. The labourers were pulled out. They had sustained critical injuries on their heads, backs and necks. They were all rushed to a hospital where they were all pronounced dead. Their family members were informed and the bodies were sent for post-mortem examinations to ascertain the cause of death, the officer added. Deputy commissioner of police (Rohini) Rajneesh Gupta said the malfunctioning of a tower crane machine, which had a hydraulic lift, led to the incident. A case against the company has been registered under section 287 for negligent conduct with respect to machinery and under section 304A for causing death due to negligence, the DCP said. Gupta said the police were probing the case from all angles. We are checking if there is sabotage behind the deaths. All possible angles are being probed and no arrests have been made so far, the officer said. DDA, meanwhile, said the construction agency is responsible for the accident. Poonam Mathur, director PR, DDA, said, The incident happened in Narelas Sector A-4. The tower crane machine during routine maintenance malfunctioned due to which accident happened. The compensation to the families of the workers will be given by the construction agency as per the terms and conditions of our contract. We are looking into the issue to identify the reasons for the lapses at the construction site.The DDA will take all steps to prevent recurrence of such incidents. A committee of two superintending engineers is being formed to conduct a fact finding inquiry. The Delhi Cabinet on Monday approved a proposal to revise the pay scales of teachers and administrative posts in universities and colleges in line with the recommendations of the seventh Central Pay Commission (CPC), said an official. The Cabinet approved the Department of Higher Education proposal for the grant of revised pay scales to teachers and equivalent cadres and administrative posts in universities and colleges following the revision of pay scales of Central government employees on the recommendations of the seventh CPC..., said an official statement. Delhis Directorate of Higher Education is running three universities, 12 fully funded colleges, 16 partially-funded colleges of Delhi University and one more educational institute. The Delhi government, with a view to provide quality education in these institutions, has been taking appropriate measures from time to time to ensure that the faculty has the talent and commitment to effectively contribute towards achieving the desired objectives, it said. The Cabinet also gave approval for allowing the Quality Council of India to be engaged as system integrator by the Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights to assist in the project management of comprehensive school evaluation exercise of all schools -- government, municipal, aided and unaided -- in Delhi, on nomination basis. Teachers at government schools across Delhi on Monday announced they would be going on an indefinite strike from November 20 demanding their safety at schools. The move comes two days after a government school teacher was assaulted with a metal rod by a student in Saket because the teacher reprimanded him over low attendance. On Monday, the government schools teachers association (GSTA) held a meeting attended by hundreds of teachers to raise concerns over their security at school campuses. Teachers at government schools are suffering because of the governments apathy. Saturdays incident was not the first time when a teacher was assaulted by a student. Earlier this year, another teacher was assaulted by parents of a student. In 2016, a teacher was stabbed to death by a student, GSTA general secretary Ajay Veer Singh said. Singh said the teachers will be sitting on a strike outside Delhi Secretariat from November 20. We will not call off the sit-in till we are given a written assurance from the government, he said. Sanjay Goel, director of the Delhi governments Directorate of Education (DoE) said he will meet the teachers and discuss their issues soon. How can we give protection to teachers from students? We cannot deploy security guards inside classrooms. We will anyway discuss what they want us to do, he said. Teachers, however, said that the government should itself decide what measures can be taken for their safety. The government cannot deprive us from our right to live a dignified life. We are not here to be humiliated and assaulted by students and their parents, Singh said. In September, a government school teacher was injured when a chunk of roof fell on her head. After this incident, we had written to the education department demanding teachers safety but to no avail. This time we will not end the protest as long as something concrete is done by the government, he said. Delhis air quality worsened on Monday when the levels of particulate matter, or tiny pollutants that trigger health hazards, shot up by up to four times above the permissible mark after a gap of four months. As the burning of crop stubble, considered one of the reasons behind the spike in pollution at this time of the year, continues in Punjab and Haryana, conditions could deteriorate further on Tuesday, according to an early warning system run by Punes Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology and Safar, which functions under the ministry of earth sciences. Delhis air quality index (AQI) on Monday was 367, which indicates very poor air quality. On a scale of 0-500, AQI in the range of 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor and 401-500 severe. This is the sixth consecutive day that the air quality has remained in the very poor category, said an official of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Conditions in the satellite towns of Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad were not any better, with the air quality in Ghaziabad breaching the severe level. The AQI was 430 in Ghaziabad. The official said levels of PM10 and PM2.5, too, shot up alarmingly, hovering around four times the permissible limits. Such high levels of particulate matter were last encountered in the second week of June when a huge amount of dust gushed into Delhi-NCR after of a dust storm in Rajasthan. PM 2.5 and PM10 pollutants are particulate matters that have a diameter of less than 2.5 and 10 micrometers, respectively. Delhis early warning system, put in place on October 15, has said northwesterly winds have already started blowing. Also, the ventilation index, which determines how fast pollutants get dispersed, and wind speeds are expected to remain low over the next two days. This might help trap pollutants in the air. Safar has forecast toxic fumes from stubble-burning regions of Punjab and Haryana would gush in, worsening the situation. With Delhi engulfed in a thick haze, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal blamed stubble burning in neighbouring states for the deteriorating air quality. Pollution was under control throughout the year. But during this time of the year Delhi has to put up with suffocating pollution because of the BJP and Congress governments at the centre, Haryana and Punjab..., he tweeted in Hindi. Union environment minister Harsh Vardhan said, I would request Kejriwal not to politicise the issue. Congress president Rahul Gandhi kicked off his partys campaign in Madhya Pradeshs Malwa-Nimar region on Monday and Tuesday. This is a particularly crucial belt in the states politics, for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had won 56 of the 66 seats here in the last elections. If the Congress is to displace the BJP from the state, it has to make a dent here. Gandhi, along with state leaders, Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia, visited the Mahakal temple in Ujjain; addressed public rallies in Ujjain and Jhabua; and did a road show in Indore on Monday. And on Tuesday, he had public meetings in Dhar, Khargone and Mhow. In all his public utterances, certain themes were common. These are now clearly emerging as an integral part of Gandhi and the Congress campaign messages for both the state elections and the 2019 battle. One, he launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, for siding with rich industrialists, waiving their loans, letting them flee the country, and engaging in corruption and cronyism on Rafale. These allegations were interspersed with the cry of chowkidar chor hai (the watchman is a thief), a slogan that Gandhi and the Congress have made their own. This is a high stakes gamble. Modis biggest strength has been the electorates faith in his intent and integrity; the Congress wants to shatter that. If it works, Rahul will deserve credit for persistence and changing the narrative. But there is an equally high possibility of this backfiring, for there is no evidence to indicate that Modi is today seen as personally corrupt and he could well play the victim card. The second theme in Gandhis speech was his claim that as opposed to the BJP, the Congress was for the poor, farmers, Dalits and tribals. The Mandasur killings and agrarian distress have given the Congress ammunition to make this claim. The BJP, however, hopes to neutralise this with its range of both central and state welfare schemes. Gandhis third line of attack centred around Shivraj Singh Chouhans governance record and corruption. Chouhan hit back at a factual inaccuracy in Gandhis speech, when the Congress president claimed that the CMs son was named in the Panama papers. The larger story emerging from Gandhis campaign is how Madhya Pradesh matters to the Congress. In fact, this could well be the most important of the five state elections. It is the largest state going to the polls; the BJP has been in power for 15 years and it is imperative for the Congress to be able to make a comeback to sustain its own party organisation and cadre morale; the state has 29 Lok Sabha seats and success now could translate into success in 2019; to win a heartland state will improve the Congresss national standing and its ability to bring together a wider anti-BJP alliance nationally. Gandhi has set the stage for a fierce battle. The outcome will shape national politics. State Bank of India has invited applications for recruitment of 47 specialist cadre officers.The registration process of the recruitment starts on Tuesday ie, October 30, 2018 and closes on November 22, 2018. Click here to check the advertisement. Candidates can apply for one post only from among the various positions announced. The advertisement available on the state-run banks official website sbi.co.in shows 47 vacancies for four posts namely analytics translators, sector credit specialists, portfolio management specialists and sector risk specialists. Heres the direct link to apply online. Selection process Candidates will have to upload the required documents after which the candidates will be shortlisted and called for an interview. Shortlisting and interview will be provisional without verification of documents. However, the candidature will be subject to verification of all details/ documents with the original when a candidate reports for interview (if called), the notification reads. Documents to be uploaded 1. Brief Resume (DOC or DOCX) 2. ID Proof (PDF) 3. Proof of Date of Birth (PDF) 4. Educational Certificates: Relevant Mark-Sheets/ Degree Certificate (PDF) 5. Experience certificates (PDF) 6. Others (PWD certificate, form-16 as on 31.03.2018, current salary slip etc. 1. Visit the career page of SBIs official website at sbi.co.in/careers 2.Scan your latest photograph and signature 3. Fill in the details including education qualification and upload the required documents online 4. Check your application form in the preview section before submitting 5. 2. Pay the application fee using internet banking/credit card/debit card etc Application fees and Intimation Charges (non-refundable) is Rs 600 for general and OBC candidates and intimation charge of Rs 100 for SC/ ST/PWD candidates. The global population of vertebrate species has declined by 60% in 44 years between 1970 and 2014 with the population of freshwater species declining by 83% during the same period, a 4% loss every year, the 2018 edition of the World Wide Fund for Natures (WWF) Living Planet report has found. The report, released on Tuesday, says the two main drivers for such unprecedented ecological loss is over-exploitation of resources and agriculture. India is one of the worst affected by biodiversity loss even though its per capita global ecological footprint is among the lowest in the world, WWF experts said, commenting on the reports findings. The global ecological footprint over the past 50 years has increased by over 190% and this has fuelled the loss in biodiversity. Ecological Footprint accounting calculates human demand on nature by quantifying how much biologically productive area is required by a country to meet demand for food, fibre, timber, roads and buildings, and sequestration of carbon dioxide from fossil fuel burning. It is a function of population and consumption rates. According to the India fact sheet of the Living Planet report, Indias ecological footprint is less than 1.75 ha per person, one of the lowest in the world but the country still faces a widening ecological deficit. This is mainly because of its large population and overall consumption demands. In simple terms, ecological footprint is our demand on biologically productive land for our consumption needs. This includes natural and wild habitat, freshwater and marine areas. Indias per capita ecological footprint may be low, but overall its population is high and therefore consumption is high but that hasnt been evaluated in this report. India is an extremely resource-rich country with at least 80% of the (worlds) one-horned rhino population, and at least 60% of the global population of Asiatic elephants and tigers so it stands to lose a lot, said Dipankar Ghose, director, species and landscape at WWF, India. Pointing at the increasing impact of human beings on species loss, the report has said the planet is driving towards a new geological epoch: the Anthropocene. Its the first time in the Earths history that a single species Homo sapiens has had such a powerful impact on the planet. This rapid planetary change, referred to as the Great Acceleration, has brought many benefits to human society, the report said. The India fact sheet quotes a Tamil Nadu Agricultural University study, which found that India currently has only 1.2 million bee colonies as against 150 million bee colonies needed to meet pollination requirements for agriculture in the country. It has also highlighted the Agriculture Ministrys submission to a parliamentary committee that productivity of major crops could decrease by 10 to 40% by 2100 unless agriculture adapts to climate change impacts. Land degradation may have already impacted 29.32% of land area in India according to an Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) study. India has also lost significant amount of coral cover in Lakshadweep and is seeing an increase in marine capture. The population of the critically endangered Gharial across its range in India and Nepal declined by 58% between 1997 and 2206. The global Living Planet report, a science-based assessment of the health of our planet, has been tracking the state of global biodiversity for 20 years now. It is based largely on scientific literature and data review by experts from across the world. The report has estimated that nature provides economic services and benefits worth 125 trillion USD. It has also found that globally land degradation, including deforestation, is impacting 75% of our terrestrial ecosystem, a whopping 6 billion tones of fish and invertebrates have been taken from worlds oceans since 1950, and wetland area has declined by 87% among many other alarming findings. Science is showing us the harsh reality our forests, oceans and rivers are enduring at our hands. Inch by inch and species by species, shrinking wildlife numbers are an indicator of the tremendous impact and pressure we are exerting on the planet, undermining the very living fabric that sustains us all: nature and biodiversity, said Marco Lambertini, Director General, WWF International. Gurugram has all that it takes to become a solar rooftop cityloads of sun, a conducive policy environment, large buildings, and above all, a progressive mindset. Installations across the city have, in fact, risen sharply in the last two years across schools, colleges, RWAs, hospitals, corporate and commercial buildings, industry and individual homes. The installed solar rooftop capacity in the city has crossed the 25MW mark (8MW is grid-connected, while the rest is off the grid), but the citys real rooftop potential is well over 200MW. The call for solar is loud and clear. Cities urgently need to opt for greener and cleaner energy to control pollution levels. Solar power can decrease significantly, if not eliminate, the reliance on expensive and highly polluting DG (diesel generator) sets. It also partly saturates the rising electricity demand and the need for associated transmission infrastructure. Solar cost is low and falling (Rs 5-Rs 6 per unit), while the cost of grid power (Rs 7-Rs 8 per unit) and DG power (Rs14- Rs 22 per unit) are high and rising. The return on investment for solar is in three to four years, after that consumers can enjoy free electricity for the next 20 years or till the solar panels last. In fact, by putting their excess solar energy into the grid through net metering, one can actually earn too. But for cities to up the ante on adoption of solar power, it is imperative to popularise solar power as a commodity at the household level. For this, substantial work needs to be done to demystify solar power, improve basic understanding of it and update people on government policies on solar power. People seem to be carrying myths, misinformation and pre-conceived notions about solar power. It is considered as a hard-to-understand, fast-changing technology. The upfront cost seems daunting and the financing options appear limited. Besides, installation of and maintaining solar panels seems cumbersome. There is even resistance to use rooftops for solar panels as it may look ugly. Then, its a competitive market with too many vendors with little differentiation. Consumers often get perplexed comparing quotes from various vendors selling multiple qualities of products. Benchmark pricing and empanelment of vendors on government sites gives some indication, but not enough. What will really help is clear and simple guidelines from a credible source on the complete process of going solarfrom inspection of roofs for assessing the solar need to structuring and financing options to commissioning, and observations and measurements, including when and how to apply for subsidy. Besides, success stories highlighting cost savings, the installation and running experience needs to be showcased in workshops and solar melas (fairs) so that potential users gain confidence to take the plunge. Nothing can be more reassuring than listening to real experiences. Citizen visits to National Institute of Solar Energy on the Gurugram-Faridabad Road to get acquainted with solar technology can be organised. Besides, Gurugram serves as headquarters to various solar companies that should provide courses on solar basics in schools, colleges and RWAs as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR). By demystifying solar power, it could be promoted and popularised as a commodity or product rather than a project. This will remove the acquisition barriers to a large extent. (These days solar solution for homes is sold in a box with in-built subsidy and clearances. Such products are generating a lot of interest among residential consumers.) The installation process, too, should be simplified with single-window clearances and seamless coordination among all agencies involved, such as HAREDA (department of renewable energy for subsidy) and DHBVN (for net metering). Since net metering is what adds the real attractiveness, availability of net meters, their speedy installation, and integration with billing systems need to be resolved at the earliest. In fact, the DHBVN should play a more proactive role in facilitating growth of solar power, much beyond simply providing the net metering functionality. As for HAREDA, it needs to have more capacity in creating awareness, coordinating and monitoring. If all government buildings are run on solar power, it will have a huge demonstrative effect on citizens. Besides, RWAs can be encouraged to light up at least all their common areas, such as parking, parks etc, using solar power. Policies need to be more directed. On the one hand, mandatory provisions need to be implemented and monitored well, while on the other, new ways of incentivising solar panel installers need to be put in place. The HUDA (renamed as Haryana Shahari Vikar Pradhikaran) should have more regulatory oversight to ensure that all new buildings install solar panels, as per the mandate. Innovative policies such as rent-a-roof policy or those that support community solar projects should also be put in place. Most developed countries, such as Australia and Germany, started their solar programmes by targeting households and have a huge solar share under the rooftop segment. India, on the other hand, like China, has bulk of solar power under utility. Gurugram will become a solar city in the true sense when homes and residential communities make the solar switch. (Shubhra Puri is the founder of Gurgaon First, a citizen initiative to promote sustainability in Gurugram through workshops and research books) United States President Donald Trump is unable to attend the Republic Day parade on Prime Minister Narendra Modis invitation because of scheduling constraints, the White House has said, but stressed the strong personal rapport shared by them. The White House did not elaborate on the constraints but the Republic Day parade on January 26 is around the time when US presidents present their annual report to Congress, the State of the Union address, which is a statement of achievements of the last year and plans for the next. Barack Obama, who became the first US president to attend the Republic Day parade as the chief guest in 2015, had moved his address up to January 20 from the usual end-of-month slot he favoured. President Trump was honoured by Prime Minister Modis invitation for him to be Chief Guest of Indias Republic Day on January 26, 2019, but is unable to participate due to scheduling constraints, a White House spokesperson said in a statement on Monday. The spokesperson also pointed to the personal rapport shared by Trump and Modi. The President enjoys a strong personal rapport with Prime Minister Modi developed through two meetings and several phone calls, and remains committed to deepening the US-India strategic partnership, the spokesperson said. The President very much looks forward to meeting PM Modi again at the earliest opportunity. In New Delhi, officials said a shortlist of heads of state and government was being considered by the government to choose a chief guest for the parade. The officials were reluctant to provide details in view of the attention attracted by the invitation to Trump. Obamas participation in the parade was seen as a diplomatic victory for India. Trump appeared enthusiastic to the Bastille Day military parade he had witnessed in Paris in 2017. Trump returned from Paris inspired enough to order his administration to hold a similar parade in the US, overruling sceptics and critics that included the US military. The move has since been mired in concerns over costs and logistics, and, most notably, a striking lack of support and enthusiasm from others. The Indian invitation to Trump was never made public. A quiet pre-invitation ensures neither party especially the host is embarrassed and feels snubbed if the visit is not likely to work out, a former White House official involved with several presidential visits said on background. A public announcement follows months of routine comments (such as We have nothing to announce) to media queries, the former official added. But as word about routine preliminary exchanges between the two governments leaked, the White House was compelled in July to confirm receiving an invitation. Modi and Trump met first in June 2017 at the White House. The half-day of engagements included an extended one-on-one meeting, followed by talks where they were joined by aides. The world noted they had hugged. First Lady Melania Trump held a reception for the Indian delegation later. Their next meet was on the sidelines of the Asean Summit in Manila in November 2017. There was a shorter encounter in July 2017 during G20 Summit in Hamburg. Modi was among the first world leaders to congratulate Trump in November 2016, after his stunning victory in the elections. Ajay Bassi, the officer investigating CBI special director Rakesh Asthana in the bribery case against him, on Monday moved the Supreme Court challenging his transfer to Port Blair in the Andamans. Bassi, a deputy superintendent of police with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), said his transfer impedes with the impartial investigation. The officer said he has incriminating evidence against Asthana in the bribery case and asked the top court to call for evidence of technical surveillance, according to news agency ANI. Bassi also sought the setting up a Special Investigating Team (SIT) to investigate charges against Asthana. The Supreme Court, however, refused to give an urgent hearing. Hyderabad-based businessman Sana Satish Babu has alleged that Dubai-based brothers Manoj Prasad and Somesh Prasad claimed that they were acting on behalf of the CBI special director and allegedly struck a deal for Rs 5 crore to protect him (Babu) in a case that the agency registered against controversial meat exporter Moin Qureshi last year. Former CBI director AP Singh is also an accused in the case. A 29-year-old homemaker was tied in chains and set on fire allegedly by her husband and members of his family at Jitnagar village in Bengals Malda district Monday night. Shefali Mondal suffered extensive burns and succumbed to her injuries in hospital Tuesday morning. After Shefali died at Malda Medical College and Hospital, her family lodged a police complaint, accusing her husband and his relatives of murder. However, no arrest was made till Tuesday evening. Her family has alleged that she was murdered because her parents could not shell out Rs 2000 which her husband demanded two days ago. Shefali got married to Sintu Mondal, a wage labourer, seven years ago. She gave birth to a son five years ago but the child was born with some physical disabilities. Shefalis parents told police that the child died when he was six months old because he fell ill and Sintu was not allegedly ready to bear the cost of treatment. Her father Atul Chandra Mondal said, My son-in-law used to torture my daughter. We paid him dowry at the time of marriage but he kept demanding more. My grandson died of an ailment because he refused to pay for his treatment. Sintu used to torture my daughter and send her to me for money. We always tried to meet his demands. Two days ago, he beat up my daughter and asked for Rs 2000. We did not have so much money, he said. On Monday evening, Sintu and some members of his family tied up my daughter with an iron chain and set her on fire alleged Mondal, adding they came to know of the incident from Sintus neighbours. Doctors couldnt save Shefali because she suffered severe burns, he added. In the police complaint, he has named Sintu, his brother Pintu, their parents Urmila and Chaku Mondal and two others. Shefalis body has been sent for autopsy. Raids are on to nab the accused, an officer of Mothabari police station said on condition of anonymity since he is not authorised to brief the media. Bengal is one of the worst performing states in terms of crimes against women. According to National Crime Records Bureau data, in 2014, 2015 and 2016, the state accounted for 11.31%, 10.11% and 9.6% of all the crime against women in the country. In 2012, the state accounted for 12.67% of the total cases registered nationally, making it the worst in the country. The Supreme Court on Tuesday questioned the Bihar police over its failure to arrest former state minister Manju Verma, who resigned in the wake of the Muzaffarpur shelter home sexual abuse scandal, in a case related to recovery of ammunition from her house. Just because she (Verma) was a cabinet minister doesnt make her above the law Why has she not been arrested? Nobody is bothered about the law, a bench led by Justice MB Lokur said. During the previous hearing the bench asked for a status report on the probe from the police and sought to know the whereabouts of Vermas husband, Chandrashekhar Verma. Investigators have alleged that Chandrashekhar Verma was in touch with Brijesh Thakur, prime accused in the shelter home sexual abuse case. The husband surrendered on Monday in the arms case, a day before the top court was to take up the matter. The bench, also comprising justices SA Nazeer and Deepak Gupta, ordered the transfer of Thakur out of Bihar and sent him to a jail in Patiala. It asked for a list of all CBI officers who have investigated the case since September 20. The court will hear both the matters again on Wednesday. The judges, however, did not spare Bihar police for its laxity in arresting Verma and her husband. It was pointed out that even after the former ministers anticipatory bail was rejected, she was not arrested by the police. The Patna high court on October 9 dismissed Vermas plea for pre-arrest bail. The Bihar government submitted to the court that Vermas husband was not to be found for two months. This approach was termed as lackadaisical by the court, which said the state of affairs in Bihar were horrible and shocking. This is a horrible state of affairs. All kinds of weapons are found. What about drugs? Justice Lokur asked senior advocate RAnjit Kumar, appearing for Bihar. When the lawyer said it was indefensible, the judge shot back: It its indefensible, what have you done? What steps have you taken to arrest her? Just because she is a cabinet minister, is she above the law? The court was horrified to learn from CBI counsel that the girls at the home were drugged and then assaulted. These girls are being injected with drugs. The building is constructed flouting all laws, the judge said. When Thakurs counsel asked for two weeks to file a reply to court notice to transfer him out of Patna, the court said: We are not inclined to give more time unless he goes out of Bihar. The court gave him a weeks time but ordered his transfer. The ruling Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) in Rajasthan and the Opposition Congress are making maximum use of social media to reach out to voters in the state ahead of the assembly elections to be held on December 7. The BJP has deployed around 150,000 volunteers and the Congress nearly 100,000 at booth levels to take on each other in cyber space, according to leaders of the two parties. Now social media influences youngsters more than anything, said Bhanwar Meghwanshi, a Jaipur-based social scientist who has worked on digital platforms in Rajasthan for over a decade. Young voters form their opinion not based on conventional media but on basis of what appears on social media. Thats why all parties are running campaigns on social media. The information technology (IT) cells of the two parties have set daily targets for social media posts to take on each other and showcase their promises for voters. Even booth-level workers have been directed to release posts on hyperlocal issues daily to keep voters engaged. We have war room from the state to the booth level and we have engaged around 1.5 lakh volunteers, said Mayank Jain, Rajasthan co-convener of the BJPs IT cell. The Congress, though a late starter on social media, is trying to catch up. We are working effectively to propagate the message of the party and counter the false narratives and lies spread by BJP, said Danish Abrar, head of Rajasthan Congress IT cell. A Congress IT cell member, who didnt want to be named, said the party has appointed district coordinators who are helped by the social media election committee. We have also appointed assembly coordinators which are supported by a minimum of two volunteers of each booth in a constituency . The BJP and the Congress have ensured that there is a social media expert at every booth. Every morning they get the draft of the message to be made viral. In the evening, they are required to submit a report informing the impact. While structure for dissemination of messages on social media of the two parties is similar, the BJPs is more decentralised. The ruling party has 41 each official Facebook pages and Twitter handles. The Congress has 34 Facebook pages and eight Twitter handles. The BJP has thrice the number of Twitter followers as compared to the Congress but on Facebook the grand old party is catching up. The Congress has 7.10 lakh followers on Facebook compared to 7.46 of the BJP. The Congress strategy is simple attack the BJP and project their plan for Rajasthan. The party will get live sessions of senior leaders, such as Rajasthan chief Sachin Pilot, and make them call voters through a pre-recorded message. The BJP is working on several fronts countering the Congress attack, projecting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief minister Vasundhara Raje, releasing pictures of beneficiaries of schemes. The party will also launch 15 hashtags that will cover issues of youth employment, women empowerment, farmer distress and manifesto of the party. We are running a hashtag kesariya Rajasthan to showcase the good work done by the present government, a BJP IT cell volunteer said. As leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress work over their lists of candidates for the December 7 Rajasthan assembly elections, caste groups in the state are exercising their political muscle to seek their share of tickets. At least six caste groups held meetings or press conferences in Jaipur this month to demand tickets commensurate with their numbers from the two principal parties. The Meenas, under the banner of the Akhil Bhartiya Meen Sangh, wrote to Congress chief Rahul Gandhi and BJP chief Amit Shah on October 19 to demand 15 tickets from each. The group claimed that Meenas comprised 7.5% of the states 13.5% scheduled tribe (ST) population. In Rajasthan, 25 seats in the 200-member assembly are reserved for STs. In 2013, the BJP fielded 16 Meenas, of whom 10 won. The Congress gave tickets to 17 Meenas but only two were elected to the assembly. The two parties also respectively fielded 12 and 13 Bhil candidates, who are in the ST category. On October 21, the Akhil Bhartiya Bairwa Mahasabha demanded 11 seats at a press conference in Jaipur. The organisation of Bairwas, a scheduled caste (SC), said its members should get two tickets in Jaipur and one each in Alwar, Bundi, Bhilwara, Chittorgarh, Dausa, Kota, Karauli, Sawai Madhopur and Tonk. There are about 1.7 million Bairwas in Rajasthan. In 2013, the BJP fielded eight candidates from our caste, and the Congress gave tickets to six. Four won on BJP tickets. This year, we are demanding 11 seats, said the Mahasabhas national president, Hari Narayan Bairwa. There are 34 seats reserved for SCs in Rajasthan. The Mali community, to which former chief minister Ashok Gehlot belongs, has demanded tickets from 20 assembly constituencies, where, according to the Rajasthan Mali (Saini) Mahasabha, they are at least 25,000 in number. We are at least 200,000 in 15 Lok Sabha constituencies, said the organisations 65-year-old president, Chuttan Lal Saini. We have given our list of candidates to both the Congress and the BJP. In 2013, the Congress gave tickets to five Mali candidates, and the BJP and the BSP to four each. Four of these candidates won. The Jats, the Kumhars/Prajapatis and the Brahmins, too, have held press conferences to demand their share of tickets from both the parties, in a process that experts have termed commodification of a democratic process by caste groups. Caste has become a political tool. Initially the political parties used caste, now the caste groups are using political parties to cement their identities and consciousness, said Rajiv Gupta, former head of sociology at the University of Rajasthan in Jaipur. This is a dangerous sign as far as Indias democracy is concerned. The caste groups are trying to convert India into a republic of castes. Another political expert, Sanjeev Bhanawat, said political parties have been playing with religion and caste, and have used the two to enter the fray. Caste groups have started feeling that if they use this pressure tactic, their share in politics can improve. By improving their share, they can do things for the favour of their caste, he added. Bairwa agreed that doing politics of caste was unhealthy for a democracy. But when political parties say they will consider caste equations, too, while deciding tickets, we feel compelled to make our claim, he said. BJP spokesperson Mukesh Pareek said in all elections, communities seek tickets on the basis of their population and that is their right. They have affection for the BJP, so accordingly have expectations. BJP workers work in all communities and sections; those who are eligible and winnable are considered during ticket distribution. We ensure representation to all communities, he said. Congress spokesperson Archana Sharma said, During elections, such demands are raised by communities and there is nothing wrong in it. The Congress has always taken everyone along from all communities and sections of society. Whatsapp messages that the two alleged middleman, named accused in the Central Bureau of Investigations FIR against Rakesh Asthana exchanged almost a year back, and a flurry of calls after the arrest of one of them on October 16 form the bulk of evidence in the case that has engulfed the countrys federal anti-corruption probe agency, documents reviewed by HT show. These include CBIs internal documents as well as court filings. Ajay Bassi, a CBI Deputy Superintendent of Police and former Investigation Officer of the case against Asthana, listed most of the messages before the Supreme Court on Tuesday and sought courts intervention to get the case investigated by a special investigation team. Bassi was transferred after CBI director Alok Verma was divested of responsibilities. He has sought a quashing of his transfer order. Court is yet to hear his petition. On October 15, CBI registered an FIR against its own special director Rakesh Asthana on the basis of a complaint received from a Hyderabad-based businessman Sana Satish Babu, who alleged that two Dubai-based alleged middlemen brothers Manoj Prasad and Somesh Prasad agreed to take Rs 5 crore from him for saving him from a agency investigation in the case against meat exporter Moin Qureshi. CBI said in the FIR that the Prasad brothers were acting on behalf of Asthana, who was supervising the probe in the case against Moin Qureshi and thus, also against Satish Babu. HT has seen a copy of the FIR. Much before the registration of the FIR against him, Asthana, in a representation to the cabinet secretary on August 24, said CBI director Alok Verma was trying to save Satish Babu in the case and had taken ~2 crore for this. The representation was forwarded to the Central Vigilance Commission, which cited Vermas non-coperation with its investigation as one reason for his abrupt removal on October 23. HT has seen a copy of the letter to the cabinet secretary. Asthana declined to offer any comment, saying the matter is sub-judice. Asthanas team was investigating Satish Babu as a suspect. Asthana wanted to arrest him, citing non-cooperation in the probe in September this year but the director sought a legal opinion from CBIs director of prosecution, according to a CBI officer familiar with the matter who asked not to be identified. Thats because Satish Babu is a witness of the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case against Moin Qureshi. Director Verma wanted to know whether Babu could be a witness in one case and suspect in another, according to this officer. Alok Verma did not respond to requests for a comment. On October 15, even as the legal opinion was awaited, Satish Babu approached CBI with a complaint saying he was being hounded by the Prasad brothers for money according to documents seen by HT. He gave statements twice before a magistrate under section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code October 4 (in the Moin Qureshi case) and on October 20 (in the bribery case against Asthana), five days after a registration of the case. When Bassi recorded first statement of Satish Babu on October 4, he was not even designated as Investigation Officer. The case was still with DySP Devendra Kumar who was later arrested on the charges of fabrication of evidence. Bassi said in his petition that he has transcripts of conversations where Somesh Prasad is heard telling his father-in-law that Asthana apna aadmi hai (Asthana is on our side) and Manoj (his brother) has met Asthana three to four times. The call records cited by Bassi do not specify the context of the conversations and do not connect Asthana with the Prasads directly, according to a second CBI officer who is is acquainted with the content of these calls and who asked not to be identified. On October 16, CBI arrested Manoj Prasad on his return from Dubai. The documents show alleged demand for bribe and payments were made in two distinct periods December, 2017 and October 2018. Bassis team investigating Asthana also said that after the arrest of Manoj Prasad there were flurry of calls between Research and Analysis Wing special secretary Samant Goel (who is Asthanas batchmate) and Somesh Prasad; between Goel and Asthana; and also between father of the Prasad brothers and Goel. Goel didnt not respond to messages seeking comment. HT has seen a note on the probe carried out by CBI. Dineshwar Prasad, father of Manoj and Somesh, is a former R&AW official who retired from the agency in 1999, says officials familiar with his background. Ajay Kumar Bassi, deputy superintendent of police (DSP) in the Central Bureau of Investigations (CBI) anti-corruption cell and a member of the team probing allegations against CBI special director Rakesh Asthana, approached the Supreme Court on Tuesday alleging threat to his life and attempts to bail out Asthana by the federal investigation agency. Bassi was among the officers who were transferred out of Delhi in the predawn transfer orders issued by the Centre on October 23 an unprecedented shake-up witnessed in the premier agency. He was moved to Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. His lawyer, Sunil Fernandes, mentioned the petition before a bench led by CJI Gogoi, which agreed to fix a date for hearing. In another matter connected with the case, the SC ordered Hyderabad Police to provide adequate protection to Sathish Babu Sana, on whose complaint CBI registered a case against Asthana. Sana has accused Asthana of corrupt practices. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi turned down Sanas request to quash the summons issued by CBI asking him to appear before it. His plea that instead of CBI his statement should be recorded by former top court judge justice AK Patnaik, too, was declined. Justice Patnaik is supervising a Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) probe against CBI director Alok Verma against whom Asthana has made allegations, leading to a bitter feud between the two senior officers, eventually prompting the Centre to intervene and divest them of their duties. Last week, the court entrusted the task to the former judge. Justice Patnaik knows his job and no direction needs to be passed in this regard, CJI Gogoi told Sanas counsel. In his petition, Bassi said he was being targeted by CBI. He added that statements of Sana recorded by him, prior to his transfer, specifically mentioned that the illegal gratification to the tune of crores of rupees was taken by Manoj Prasad and Somesh Prasad (two alleged middlemen) in Asthanas name. The said transfer order is vitiated by malafide, and interference in the fair and impartial investigation of pending cases and intended to penalise and victimize an officer for his honesty and integrity, read Bassis petition. The applicant is also aggrieved by the actions taken after his transfer order, whereby not only the course of the investigation of a highly sensitive case, investigated by the applicant herein is sought to be influenced. The applicant bears a reasonable apprehension that he and his team members and senior officers, would be implicated in the same, it added. The investigation conducted by the applicant herein revealed that the act of demand and acceptance of illegal gratification primarily pertains to two distinct periods of December 2017 and October 2018. There are two instances of acceptance of bribe in December 2017 totalling to R2.95 crore and three instances of acceptance of bribe in October 2018 totalling to around R36 lacs, Bassis application before the top court alleged. Another high-ranking bureaucrat, presently special secretary of R&AW, and two more CBI officers have been named by Bassi in the petition. The applicants life liberty and dignity is under threat of vindictive and vicious officials against whom my investigation was proceeding in a fair and just manner. All the evidences mentioned above are in the custody of the Central Bureau of Investigation and there is a suspicion that the same may be tampered with or destroyed, his petition claimed. The CVC, meanwhile on Tuesday, examined several officers associated with the investigations cited by special director Asthana in his counter-complaint against director Verma. Meanwhile, a Delhi court on Tuesday sent middleman Manoj Prasad and DSP Devender Kumar to 14 days judicial custody after CBI said it does not need their custody any more. Kumar is also under Bassis scanner in the case registered at Sanas behest. Special judge Santosh Snehi Mann said she would hear Kumars bail application on Tuesday and asked CBI to file its reply on the bail plea. Appearing for Kumar, his counsel Rahul Tyagi contended that CBI was tampering and fabricating evidence in a case against him. Kumars counsel submitted that his client had eight mobiles. However, the agency showed that only one mobile phone was seized. Replying to the allegations of Kumars counsel, CBIs investigating officer informed the court that he had recently taken over the probe. He also said that there were other devices which were pending analysis at the scientific branch of the CBI. He also said that the reply to the bail application could not be filed due to the non-availability of case documents, as they have been sent to the CVC following orders of the apex court. The court asked it to file the reply on the basis of the documents available and posted the matter for Wednesday. Meanwhile, Prasad also moved a bail application seeking his release. His plea will be heard on November 2. Separately, acting CBI director M Nageswara Rao on Tuesday described media reports citing irregularities in investments made by his wife in a private company as incorrect and untrue. Rao, a 1986-batch IPS officer from Odisha, in a signed statement said all the transactions and investments made by him or his wife, Mannem Sandhya, have been given to the competent authorities, and everything has been mentioned in his annual property returns filed mandatorily with the government. Despite claims by Congress and BJP leaders of giving more representation to women in politics, the past record of both parties in Rajasthan shows facts to the contrary. On an average in the last three assembly elections 2003, 2008 and 2013 BJP has given 13% tickets to women, while the figure for Congress is 11%. The total number of voters in Rajasthan is 4.74 crore, of which 2.27 crore are women. Congress chief Rahul Gandhi in almost all his election rallies has pitched for more women participation in elections. I want to see more women candidates in elections or else, will not approve the list. Nothing can happen in India without them, they run the country, he said while addressing a rally in Sagwara town of Dungarpur district. Similarly, BJP leaders such as chief minister Vasundhara Raje, state party chief Madan Lal Saini and Rajasthan poll in-charge Prakash Javadekar have on various occasions stressed on more representation to women in elections. But the facts show otherwise. In the 2003 elections, Congress gave tickets to 18 women candidates, while BJP gave to 22. BJP formed the government and Raje became the CM and Usha Poonia was made minister of state. In the 2008 elections, Congress gave tickets to 23 women and BJP to 32. Congress formed the government and there were four women ministers, which included cabinet rank to Bina Kak. In 2013, Congress gave ticket to 24 women and BJP to 26. CM Raje and four women minister were appointed, which included a cabinet minister rank to Kiran Maheshwari. When asked about the poor representation to women, BJP leaders are quick to point out to the fact that it has amended its party constitution to give 33% reservation to women in its organisational structure. However, the representation of women in the different cells and wings of the party remains below 33%. State BJP spokesperson Mukesh Pareek admitted that the representation to women is not 33%, but said it is rising each year. We are making efforts to include more and more women in the organisation, he said. He said the party favours giving more tickets to women. Any woman who is capable and has been working in her area and has a good chance of winning will definitely be considered for a ticket, he said. State BJP womens cell president Madhu Sharma said, BJP has a woman chief minister. And our government has brought 50% reservation for women in panchayats and 33% in civic bodies. Sharma said within the organisation too, the BJP has appointed women at the booth, zone, district and state level working committees. She said the BJP womens cell has demanded that the party give 33% tickets to women candidates. The Congress, however, is lagging at the organisational level. Of the 39 Congress districts, only two have women presidents Saroj Meena in Kota (rural)and Gangaben Garasiya in Sirohi. Of the 400 blocks in 200 assembly constituencies of Rajasthan, Congress has appointed only six women chiefs. The state women Congress had submitted a list of around 23 candidates who should be given opportunity to contest polls, but on Gandhis instructions more names were submitted, said a senior women Congress leader. Rajasthan Women Congress President Rehana Riyaz said, Congress has always encouraged women and we are hopeful that party leadership in state and Centre will give more chance to women candidates in coming elections. Our party chief Rahul Gandhi wants that 50% of CM face in Congress-ruled states should be of women. She added that Congress wants that 33% reservation for women should be there in assemblies and parliament. State Congress spokesperson Archana Sharma said, AICC chief Rahul Gandhi from open platforms has time and again has asked to encourage women. We are hopeful that this time more women candidates will be given tickets. A Doordarshan cameraperson and two policemen were killed in a Maoist ambush in Dantewada district of poll-bound Chhattistgarh on Tuesday morning. Two other police personnel were also injured in the ambush that took place near Sumeli camp. The Maoists have been asking people to boycott the polls. The three-member Doordarshan team was in Bastar for election coverage and heading for reporting on a new polling booth in Nilawaya near Sumeli camp. People in Nilawaya have not exercised their voting rights for the past 20 years. Two other DD News staffers, including a journalist from Delhi, are said to be safe. Those killed were identified as sub-inspector Rudra Pratap, assistant constable Mangalu and DD News cameraperson Achyutananda Sahu from Delhi. Special director general (naxal operations) DM Awasthi said, Dantewada superintendent of police Abhishek Pallav, along with his team, immediately rushed to the spot with reinforcements. Two-three Maoists were also killed in the exchange of fire, Awasthi added. During a search of the place, at least 10 IEDs (improvised explosive devices or crude bombs) planted were recovered by security forces . The ambush was to target the CRPF patrolling team and create fear among road contractors and workers engaged in road construction. Unfortunately, the media team reached there earlier and fell into the trap, Awasthi said. Claiming that the attack was not linked with polls , Awasthi said, The incident should not be linked with polls as it was meant to thwart road construction work which has been going on for the past couple of years in the Maoist affected areas in the state. SP Abhishek Pallav said the Maoists took away the camera of the cameraperson after the incident. After the firing started, two other media personnel of DD crawled into a ditch on the under-construction road to save themselves. The Maoists fired on them but assistant constable Manglu tried to give them cover. He lost his life, Pallav said, almost breaking down. Chhattisgarh chief minister Raman Singh condemned the attack on police forces and the DD team, calling it an attack on democracy. Minister of state (independent charge) for information and broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore also condemned the attack. These insurgents will not weaken our resolve. We will prevail, he wrote on Twitter Last week, four CRPF personnel were killed and two more injured after Maoists used a powerful IED to target a bulletproof mobile bunker vehicle in Bijapur district. Police personnel Rudrapratap, who lost his life today in a Maoist attack in Chhattisgarhs Dantewada. (ANI Photo ) Chhattisgarh will go to polls in two phases, on November 12 and November 20. The counting will be held on December 11. Road construction work between Sameli and Nilawaya villages (where the attack took place on Tuesday) was started a couple of months ago. Maoists have been opposing the construction since it began, Awasthi said in a press conference. Dheeraj Kumar, a DD journalist who survived in the attack, told Hindustan Times that firing took place for about 45 minutes . At around 10.25 am, I saw the motorcycle which was heading our troupe suddenly fell down . My cameraman who was just behind the first motorcycle was hit by a bullet and he fell down in front of my eyes. Our motorcycle also lost balance and to my fortune, I fell into a ditch and crawled deeper, Kumar recounts. For the next 45 minutes, it was horror for me. I laid in the ditch and all I could hear was the sound of bullets. I felt as if 50 rounds whirled above my head, said Kumar, who hails from Begusarai. What actually happened as per DG Awasthi? On Tuesday morning, a Road Opening Party (ROP) of CPRF 111th battalion had launched an operation to ensure security to road construction workers. Meanwhile, a three-member team of Doordarshan, along with personnel from Aranapur police station led by sub-inspector Rudra Pratap Singh, was also heading towards Nilawaya on motorcycles to cover news related to development work and polling preparations, he said. On the way, ahead of Nilawaya, the media team spotted a Maoist poster put up on a branch of a tree. To record, cameraperson Achyutanand Sahu got down from the motorcycle and went close to the tree. Around 200 Maoists opened fire on the team. Sahu was hit on the first round of fire, he said. Another blast in Balrampurs Sarguja A 65-year-old villager was killed when a pressure bomb, suspected to have been planted by Maoists, went off in Chhattisgarhs Balrampur district. The incident took place at around 11:30 am near Nawadih village under Samri police station limits. The deceased was identified as Budhan Yadav from Nawadih. As per police, road construction work is under way in Samri area adjoining neighbouring Jharkhand. For the first time since his discharge from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi, Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar, who is battling pancreatic cancer, on Tuesday chaired a meeting of the Investment Promotion Board at his private residence. The chief minister has not been seen in public since he was discharged from AIIMS on October 14, sparking speculation about his health condition with the opposition Congress alleging that his signature was being forged on official files and demanding that the government release video proof of his health condition. The move to host the meeting at his residence is seen as a bid to quell mounting speculation about the condition of his health. Speaking to reporters after emerging from the meeting, minister of information technology Rohan Khaunte said that the chief minister was very good. His health is good. He has chaired the meeting effectively. We have held a one-on-one and a half-hour group meeting, that itself tells of the health status of the chief minister. He has given certain directions on what needs to be done, based on how we need to go about. These types of meetings will be held continuously , Khaunte said. We have complained (to the police) that there is apprehension that somebody is forging his signatures. We have only made known our apprehensions about a crime that can happen. The file goes (to the CMs office), Krishnamurthy (principal secretary to the chief minister) says, I have spoken to the CM and he has approved the files. We do not know whether this is authentic, Said Congress legislator Reginaldo Lourenco. The chief minister is expected to similarly chair a meeting of the state cabinet on Wednesday, the first since August. Earlier, the chief minister chaired a meeting of Goas Investment Promotion Board via video conferencing. However, a suspicious Congress demanded that the government release the video clip showing whether the chief minister really chaired the meeting via video conferencing. The Congress demand is believed to have prompted the chief minister to summon the members of the board to his residence to hold the meeting. Earlier, too, the Congress had demanded the state government prove that the chief minister is recovering as state BJP president Vinay Tendulkar claimed he was. With todays technology, it is not difficult. Let them show us how he is walking and talking, Congress spokesperson Jitendra Deshprabhu had said. Last week, Tendulkar had claimed that Parrikar would resume office in the first week of November. India and Italy agreed on Tuesday to broaden their defence ties, which had been under a cloud due to the AugustaWestland affair in recent years, with New Delhi inviting Rome to invest under the Make in India initiative. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Italian counterpart Giuseppe Conte recognised the need to broad base defence ties and make them enduring and mutually beneficial, said a joint statement issued after talks between the two leaders. Amid growing uncertainty on global markets, they also agreed on strengthening a free and rules-based system of international trade aimed at ensuring a level playing field. They committed to ensure free and open trade on a level-playing field and fight all forms of protectionism, including protectionist unilateral measures and unfair trade practices, the statement said. Without referring to Chinas Belt and Road Initiative, the two sides said connectivity initiatives must be based on internationally recognised norms and standards, good governance, rule of law, inclusiveness, openness, transparency and equality. India invited Italian defence equipment manufacturing companies to invest in India under the Make in India initiative and to collaborate with Indian companies for design and construction of defence equipment, the statement said. A 32-year-old journalist with a vernacular daily was allegedly abducted and beaten to death in Jharkhands Chatra district late on Monday night, police said on Tuesday, months after he lodged a complaint of a threat to his life. Chandan Tiwary was found critically wounded from Baltharwa forest under Simaria police station of the district hours after some unidentified motorcycle-borne men abducted him from Pathalgadda. Police later brought the badly injured journalist to Simaria Referral Hospital where he was declared brought dead. Tiwary had earlier received a threat to his life and informed the local police station about it in April earlier this year. Following exposure of irregularities in PM Awas Yojana and construction of sheds for goat rearing on social media, I have been threatened of dire consequences by Mahesh Dangi, husband of local Mukhiya. I fear the threat from Mahesh, Md Serajul and a para teacher Devaki Dangi, he said in the written information on April 6, 2018. Chatra deputy commissioner (DC) Jitendra Singh said a medical board would conduct the postmortem examination of the journalist. The districts superintendent of police (SP) Akhilesh B Verior, who inspected the place of occurrence on Tuesday morning, added a special investigation team (SIT) would probe his murder. Son of labour union leader Raghuwar Tiwary, Chandan hailed from Dumbi village under the Pathalgadda police station in Chatra district. He worked for a Hindi daily as a block-level reporter. This is the second murder of a journalist in Chatra since May 2016, when television journalist Indradev Yadav was shot dead in Chatra town. An investigation by the police had revealed the involvement of the cadres of Tritiya-Sammelan Prastuti Committee (TPC), a Maoists faction, in the murder. More than 40 journalists have been killed in India since 1992, according to the US-based Committee to Protect Journalists. Reporters in India often face harassment and intimidation by police, politicians, bureaucrats and criminal gangs. Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday urged saints expressing their displeasure at the Supreme Courts decision to defer the Ram Janmabhoomi case till January 2019 to keep calm, although he made it clear whose side he is on. Timely justice is the best one. Justice delayed, at times, means injustice. Joining other Bharatiya Janata Party and Sangh Parivar leaders who have openly expressed their dismay at the case being deferred till next year, Adityanath added: All peace loving people desirous of an end to the age-old dispute are hoping for expeditious solution and such public sentiment needs to be respected. Our government counsel too had made a similar prayer before the Supreme Court. The Uttar Pradesh chief minister stopped short of joining the chorus for a law or an ordinance. I think all those solutions that lead to peace and amity are good solutions. Best would be if a solution is found through consensus but there are other options too after that. I think the best possible solution would be adopted. Speaking to reporters at his official residence in Lucknow, Adityanath said he was in favour of an early resolution to the case, before the Lok Sabha polls next year. Ram Janmbhoomi is in UP and hence law and order and security are our responsibilities and we would discharge our duties well. A delegation of saints in Ayodhya plan to meet Adityanath and seek appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the CMs appeal to the saints is being viewed as an attempt to keep the saints in good humor ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Yes, the saints are angry and their patience is running thin. We will definitely seek an audience with BJP leadership, said Sharada Sharma VHPs Ayodhya-based spokesman. Adityanath, also the head priest of the Gorakhnath temple, advised the saints pressing the BJP government for an early solution to keep calm.We respect saints and their blessings have always been there for the temple cause. But I will only say that people shouldnt leave patience in an adversity and face any challenge resolutely. The Congress wondered if the CMs remarks amounted to contempt. I guess we all are shocked at the CMs remarks. Right through they have been pre-empting the SC judgement. Now, they are also questioning the deferment. And then these leaders claim they have great faith in judiciary, said Congress secretary Devendra Pratap Singh. UP BJP spokesman Chandramohan had a different take: Despite being ideologically inclined to the temple cause, Adityanathji has shown he is a great leader and administrator by appealing to the saints to exercise restraint. This is unlike the Congress who had brazenly tweaked the SC judgement in the Shah Bano case for narrow vote bank gains. A special court on Tuesday framed charges in the 2008 Malegaon blast case against Lt Col Prasad Purohit, Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur and five others under the stringent Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC), setting the ball rolling for the beginning of the trial. Judge Vinod Padalkar, presiding over the special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court, framed charges against all seven accused for committing terror acts, conspiring to commit terrorist acts, criminal conspiracy and murder, among others. If convicted, the maximum punishment can be life imprisonment or death. The court posted the case on November 2 for the trial to commence. Apart from Purohit and Thakur, the other accused are Major (retired) Ramesh Upadhyay, Ajay Rahirkar, Sudhakar Dwivedi, Sudhakar Chaturvedi and Sameer Kulkarni. On September 29, 2008, six people were killed and over 100 injured when an explosive device strapped to a motorcycle went off near a mosque in Malegaon, a powerloom town about 200 km from Mumbai, Maharashtra. The judge, while reading out the charges against the accused persons said: The Abhinav Bharat organisation was formed with the common object to spread terrorism and a bomb with RDX was planted on a motorcycle in Malegaon that killed six persons and injured 101 others. The accused persons came together to hatch a conspiracy to commit a terrorist act and procured explosives to further their conspiracy. According to the prosecution, the accused had formed the right-wing group Abhinav Bharat and held meetings under this groups name in various parts of the country, where the alleged conspiracy was hatched. All the accused pleaded not guilty in the case. The accused were charged under sections 16 (committing terrorist act) and 18 (conspiring to commit terrorist act) of the UAPA. (With PTI inputs) The Editors Guild of India Tuesday urged law enforcement agencies in Chhattisgarh to provide necessary security to media professionals, particularly when they are covering elections, after a DD News cameraperson and two policemen were killed in a Maoist attack Chhattisgarhs Dantewada. DD News Cameraman Achyutanand Sahu, sub inspector Rudra Pratap Singh and assistant constable Mangalu were killed in Dantewada district in the poll-bound state. The Editors Guild of India, in a statement, said it was saddened to learn of the deaths of Sahu and the two policemen in an attack by Maoist insurgents. The statement said the guild offered its condolences and urged the law enforcement agencies in the state to provide necessary security and protection to the media professionals particularly when they are covering elections. Creating a safe environment for media professionals to discharge their duties will be critical for ensuring freedom of the press, the guild said. The incident took place at around 11 am in a forest area near Nilawaya village. The Maoists ambushed a squad of local police which was carrying out patrolling on motorcycles from Sameli camp towards the village. A three-member team of Doordarshan was travelling for election-related news coverage at the same time and was caught in the cross-fire. CBI officer Ajay Bassi, who has petitioned the Supreme Court for a special team to probe CBI No. 2 Rakesh Asthana, on Tuesday cited evidence with the investigating agency that he claimed could implicate the CBI special director. He produced some details of the phone taps conducted by the probe agency and wanted the court to order the CBI to produce the entire bunch of phone records that the agency had gathered during its surveillance in a sealed envelope. Bassi, who led the investigation against Asthana before he was shunted out to Port Blair, also asked the top court to cancel his transfer orders as it was designed to derail the impartial investigation. Bassi was among the 13 other officers to be transferred as the part of the reshuffle by the acting CBI director M Nageswar Rao following the midnight removal of CBI chief Alok Verma on October 24. According to Bassis petition, Asthana and a senior official of the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) Samant Goel were in touch with each other immediately after the registration of the case. The call records, which were part of his petition, also claimed Goel was in touch with Somesh Prasad, a Dubai-based man who the CBI alleges acted as a middleman along with his brother Manoj Prasad to help Hyderabad-based businessman Sana Satish Babu. Sana Satish Babu, who is the complainant in the CBI case against Asthana, is an accused in a corruption case involving controversial meat exporter Moin Qureshi who faces charges that he used his influence with then CBI director AP Singh to settle cases. Bassi said in his petition that during the conversations Somesh told his father-in-law Sunil Mittal that Asthana apna aadmi hai (Asthana is on our side) and Manoj (his brother) has met Asthana three to four times. Somesh, Bassi said, also claimed that Goel was very close to Asthana and told him to avoid coming to India. The call records cited by Bassi did not specify the context of the conversations but shows that they were in touch with each other. The CBI had booked Asthana on October 15 on the basis of Sanas complaint. Babu has alleged the Dubai-based brothers Manoj and Somesh claimed that they were acting on behalf of the CBI special director and allegedly struck a deal for Rs 5 crore to protect him (Babu) in a case that the agency registered against Qureshi last year. Former CBI director AP Singh is also an accused in the case. However, two months before the registration of the case, Asthana complained to cabinet secretary Pradeep Sinha that it was the CBI chief who asked him in February to call off the questioning of Sana Satish Babu, who was being protected by CBI director Alok Verma under a Rs 2 crore deal. The cabinet secretary forwarded this complaint to the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC). Sana Satish Babu is also a witness in the Enforcement Directorate case against Qureshi. Asthana wrote to the CVC that he recommended Sana Satish Babus arrest in the case in September. After the registration of the FIR against Asthana, the CBI arrested Manoj and Deputy Superintendent of Police Devender Sharma. A party, which represents several communities belonging to the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category, has announced that it will contest all the 200 seats in the Rajasthan assembly elections to be held on December 7. The communities have been demanding scheduled tribe (ST) status for reservation in education and jobs for the past eight years under the banner of Kewat, Kahar, Keer, Bhoi, Kashyap Arakshan Sangharsh Samiti. The Rashtriya Mahan Gantantra Party (RMGP), which represents the politics of these communities, will contest on all seats in Rajasthan this assembly election, said Umashankar Kahar, the partys state president. Formed in 2014, RMGP will contest assembly polls for the first time in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Most of the OBC communities, which support RMGP, are landless and depend on rivers for their livelihood. They mostly live along the banks of the Chambal, Banas and Kalisindh rivers in Kota and Bharatpur divisions. Kewat (traditional boatmen), Kahar (traditional palanquin bearers), Keer and other allied communities are poor and involved in works near rivers to earn their livelihood. They need ST reservation status for progress, Kahar said. These communities, which grow watermelons on riverbeds, rear fish, and take out sand from riverbeds, have failed to get benefits as OBCs because there are so many other communities in the category, he said, adding that these communities account for around 2.5 million voters in Rajasthan. Our party will announce candidates by this month-end, Kahar said. Neither the BJP nor the Congress has done anything for the uplift of these communities; the main parties have continued to ignore our demand for the ST status. In 2016, before the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, the Samajwadi Party-led state government passed a resolution to include these OBC castes in the Scheduled Castes (SC) list, but the move did not come through. Earlier, the Mulayam Singh Yadav government had passed the resolution in February 2004 and recommended to the Centre the inclusion of these castes in the SC list in December 2004. The UP government issued an order on October 10, 2005, to give SC benefits to these castes, but it was struck down by a UP court. In March 2013, the Uttar Pradesh assembly passed a resolution asking the Centre to include these castes in the SC list. The Centre returned the proposal, asking the state to justify their recommendation in the light of observations of the Registrar General of India (RGI). Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday welcomed his Italian counterpart Giuseppe Conte, who is on a day-long visit to India. A warm welcome to the Italian Prime Minister, Mr. Giuseppe Conte in India. I look forward to meeting him and to participate together at the Tech Summit later today, Modi tweeted in English and Italian. During his visit, Conte will hold talks with PM Modi to boost cooperation in key areas such as trade and investment, besides participating in the India-Italy Technology Summit. The highlight of the visit will be the Italian prime ministers participation at the 24th edition of the India-Italy Technology Summit which is being organised by the Department of Science and Technology in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry For Dheeraj Kumar, it was an exciting assignment that turned into a story of pure horror. We were planning to cover a newly-built polling station in Nilwaya where people havent voted since 1998, the 37-year-old Doordarshan journalist, who survived the Maoist attack in Chhattisgarhs Dantewada on Tuesday morning, said. Kumar was a part of a team, including cameraman Achyutananda Sahu and light assistant Mormukt Sharma, that the public broadcaster had sent to cover the upcoming assembly election in the state. A resident Bihars Begusarai district, Kumar and his team were heading to Nilwaya about 5 km from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp at Sameli, when they came under the attack. Sahu and two policemen, sub-inspector Rudra Pratap and assistant sub-inspector Manglu, were killed in the ambush at about 11.20 am. They were being accompanied by security personnel on half a dozen motorcycles, the most favoured vehicle to commute in the Maoist heartland where cars and vans are often known to be blown up in the scores of landmines planted by the rebels. At around 10.25 am, I saw the motorcycle which was heading our group, suddenly fall down. My cameraman, who was just behind the first motorcycle, was hit by a bullet and he fell down in front of my eyes. Our motorcycle also lost balance ... Luckily, I fell in a ditch and crawled deeper, Kumar recounted. For the next 45 minutes, it was pure horror. I kept lying in the ditch and all I heard was the sound of bullets. I felt that around 50 bullets whizzed past, over my head, Kumar, who is still at Sameli camp and luckily sustained no injuries, said. He said before going for the coverage in Sameli, he informed Dantewadas superintendent of police Abhishek Pallav, who gave his nod and assured that security will be provided. Pallav could not be reached as he rushed to the spot after the tragic incident. The injured have been brought to Dantewada for treatment. He went to cover development work in that region when the ambush took place. Rest of things are under investigation, special director general of police (Naxal operations) DM Awasthi said. With the Supreme Court on Monday adjourning the hearing on the Ayodhya Ram temple construction till January next year, the issue is most likely to dominate the midterm review meeting of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS). The All-India Executive Committee meeting of the RSS will be held at Uttan in Bhayander between October 31 and November 2. The meeting will be presided over by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and will be attended by the organisations top brass. They will review the progress of the initiatives taken by the organisation to strengthen its network and also chalk out their future plans. However, it is unlikely to pass any resolution in the meeting. The RSS will also brainstorm on various other issues apart from the Ram temple, including the performance of the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre as well as the 2019 polls, sources said. Meanwhile on Monday, after the apex court adjourned the hearing on the matter, the RSS asked the central government to frame a law to hand over the temple plot to the Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas (a body of saints in Ayodhya which is spearheading Ram temple movement across the country ). The organisations communication in-chargeArun Kumarwhile addressing the media in Bhayandar, said, The saints have spearheaded the Ram temple agitation and the RSS will be with them on the issue. Kumar further said the Centre must frame a law to build the temple, in case the apex court is unable to decide on the case. The Allahabad high court already made it clear that the temple existed at the site, before it was replaced by the mosque. The construction of the temple is thereby inevitable, said Kumar. Bhagwat had earlier in his annual Dussehra speech also asked the Centre to formulate legislation if needed to start the construction activity for the temple. Apart from the RSS, the Shiv Sena too, has been getting aggressive on the issue of Ram temple. Sena president Uddhav Thackeray has planned a visit to Ayodhya on November 25. Thackeray, a sparring ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been critical of the latter in recent times, stating that the BJP is only fooling the people on the Ram temple construction and that it was a part of its 2014 election stunt. Buoyed by recent defections from the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and a positive internal assessment about its prospects, the Congress is confident of upsetting the ruling partys apple cart in Telangana in the December 7 assembly elections. On Saturday, former TRS lawmakers T Narsa Reddy and S Ramulu Naik joined the Congress, followed by TRS Rajya Sabha member D Srinivas. The Congress is also trying to induct (OBC) Other Backward Classes leader and former Telugu Desam Party (TDP) legislator R Krishnaiah into the party. According to its internal assessment, the Congress has regained significant ground across the state since chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, popularly known as KCR, dissolved the Telangana assembly on September 6 for early polls. The primary reason for that is TRSs declining popularity due to the arrogance of the ruling partys first (KCR) family. We have recovered in most of the constituencies and you will see surprising results on December 12, said a Telangana Congress functionary. He said the party is constantly updating its assessment after getting regular feedback from the ground about its electoral prospects. Congress leader M Shashidhar Reddy said his party has also gained ground due to its successful and vigorous campaigning. We are going to the voters telling them that TRS has aligned with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a vote for KCR will, in fact, be a vote for the BJP. Reddy added that KCR had dissolved the assembly six months ahead of the schedule as per a game plan. He said that the Congress has succeeded in derailing that strategy. They (TRS) were no doubt in a hurry besides being overconfident, evident from KCRs announcement of 105 candidates on the day he dissolved the assembly. All this was done under a game plan but we have since upset their calculations. The response to our rallies and public meetings clearly reflects that the Congress is on the upswing. The Congress is also upbeat over the progress in the talks over the proposed grand alliance in Telangana. It has agreed to contest 90 out of the 119 seats. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS) and the Communist Party of India (CPI) will get the remaining 29 seats. However, the TRS appears unruffled. No senior or serious leader, with a mass base, is leaving the TRS. In any case, it is going to be a landslide victory for us. We will cross 100 seats, said TRS Lok Sabha member Boianapalli Vinod Kumar. He said the Congress was unable to face the TRS alone and has hence joined hands with the TDP. Congress and the TDP were two political entities in undivided Andhra Pradesh. Now, how will you assess the popularity of TRS? These rival parties would have been unable to contest against the TRS unless they joined hands. So, they have come together to fight against us. This alliance is, in fact, a blessing in disguise for us, he said. Hyderabad-based political analyst C Narasimha Rao said that it is not the case of Congress gaining ground, but the TRS losing its popularity. People are feeling cheated and deceived because TRS has failed to fulfill the promises it made in 2014. They want to teach KCR and the TRS a lesson. It would have been a cakewalk for the TRS until some weeks ago, but now some of its legislators and ministers are facing some anxious moments in their constituencies with voters questioning them about their promises, Rao added. Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has threatened to sue Congress president Rahul Gandhi for his comments about his son at a rally yesterday. Rahul Gandhi acknowledged a mix-up this morning, but used his clarification to shoot another barb at the BJP. Madhya Pradesh votes next month for a new assembly and the Congress president is campaigning in the state on a two-day visit. Shivraj Singh Chouhan had called out Rahul Gandhi for alleging at a rally that his sons name had figured in the Panama papers. Chouhan hit back in a midnight tweet. Mr @RahulGandhi You have been making patently false allegations of Vyapam to Panama Papers against me and my family. Tomorrow, I am filing a criminal defamation suit for maximum damages against you for frivolous and malafide statements, Chouhan said, responding hours later. Gandhi had attacked the BJP for corruption during his campaign in the state where the BJP has been in power for 15 straight years, singling out Shivraj Singh Chouhans son. #WATCH BJP mein itna brashtachaar hai ki main kal confuse ho gaya tha. Madhya Pradesh ke CM ne Panama nahi kiya unhone to e tendering aur vyapam scam kiye hain: Rahul Gandhi on his earlier remark that MP CM's son was named in Panama papers. #MadhyaPradesh pic.twitter.com/HOapxZfw6M ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2018 His (Chouhans) sons name figures in the Panama papers. Pakistans ex-prime minister Nawaz Sharifs name is found in Panama papers. In the country like Pakistan, he (Sharif) is put behind bars. But here the chief ministers sons name is found in Panama papers but no action is taken in this regard), Gandhi said at a rally in tribal-dominated Jhabua. Rahul Gandhi responded to the tweet with an explanation why he got mixed up. There is so much corruption in the BJP that I got confused. Madhya Pradesh chief minister wasnt involved in Panama, it was the e-tendering and Vyapam scam, Gandhi clarifies, according to news agency ANI. Detemined to make a point, Chouhans son later filed a defamation case against the Congress president. Gandhi has, for months, targeted the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government for corruption, attacking the chief minister for the Vyapam (Madhya Pradesh Professional Examination Board) scam and the e-tendering scam related to alleged manipulation of State Electronic Development Corporations nine tenders worth Rs 3,000 crore. In neighbouring Chhattisgarh, Gandhi has repeatedly alleged that Chief Minister Raman Singhs son held offshore accounts according to the leaked Panama papers. The BJP rejects the charge. Rahul Gandhi is on a two-day tour of Madhya Pradesh and it seems he really ended day one on a sweet note. The Congress president, who has been campaigning in the state ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, visited an ice cream parlour in Indore along with other senior leaders from the party. A video posted by Congress on Twitter and Instagram shows Rahul along with Congress leaders Kamal Nath and Jyotiraditya Scindia waiting for some ice-cream. However, just when Rahul is served the treat, he notices a little boy. Hello! he greets the child. Ice-cream logey? (want some ice-cream?), he asks him and offers the child the first bite. The kid happily laps up the sweet treat. And guess who became the kids favourite person today, says the caption on the Instagram story put out by the Congress. Watch more such amazing videos on our Insta Stories https://t.co/C0Mr9TzMxd pic.twitter.com/EBpayBGMI9 Congress (@INCIndia) October 29, 2018 Since being shared some 16 hours ago on Twitter, the video has collected over 6,000 likes and more than 1,900 shares. Rahul Gandhi began his day on Monday by offering prayers at Ujjains Mahakaleshwar temple. He also addressed two election rallies in the state and held a road-show in Indore as well. Congress president Rahul Gandhi has said that his party will overhaul the Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure if it comes to power in 2019, and once again described GST as it currently exists as Gabbar Singh Tax. Speaking at a gathering of business leaders and professionals in Indore Tuesday, Gandhi alleged that GST, championed by his party-led UPA when it was in power between 2004 and 2014, was introduced by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in a haphazard manner. If the Congress party forms the government in Delhi (Centre), the Gabbar Singh Tax would be changed to GST. Our aim is to provide a single tax with the lowest possible rate. Essential goods for common people would be removed from GST, Gandhi said at the event in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh. Gabbar Singh is a reference to a popular Bollywood villain from a hit Hindi film Sholay (1975). When Gabbar Singh Tax was implemented, traders and people who run small businesses admitted to me that the BJP called them corrupt and thief, and that is what hurt them the most, Gandhi added. His party has long maintained that it supported GST but not in the form it was implemented by the NDA government. The Congress president said the BJP was a party of loudspeakers while the Congress was a party of listeners. Gandhi also spoke about the ongoing controversy in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and repeated his charge that the BJP was attacking autonomous bodies. The case of four Supreme Court judges, the case of the CBI director, pressure on ECI are all examples of autonomous institutions being attacked, the Congress president said. There is certainly further scope of changes in the gst mechanism which has been dynamic since its inception. Under the present government, several changes have already been made to accommodate the concerns of different sectors , particularly the small industries ans traders. In any tax system, further changes can always come, said Tamal Sarkar, executive director. MSME Foundation. Two children were injured in a major fire that broke out at the Lalmati slum near Bandra west fire station on Tuesday. Nearly 70 houses were gutted in the fire. The blaze broke out at around 11.30 am and was brought under control by 1 pm. Officials suspect the fire started due to a short-circuit. A senior fire department official said 7-8 gas cylinder blasts led to the massive blaze. Officials from the disaster management unit of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) confirmed that 10 water tankers and 12 fire engines were sent to the spot immediately. The two children were rushed to Bhabha Hospital. Faisal Khan (21), one of the residents whose house was burnt down in the fire, said, I was sleeping when I heard our neighbours screaming. We ran out of the house with all our belongings we could manage to take. There were only two-three fire engines at the start despite the fire station being at a stones throw. PUNE Investors, some of whom are complainant in DS Kulkarni financial fraud case, on Monday held protest in front of Bank of Maharashtras (BoM) Shivajinagar office demanding action against the banks top executive.The protestors alleged that the bank was to be blamed for the financial scam. Last week, Pune police had given a clean chit to Ravindra Marathe, BoM managing director, who along with others were booked for allegedly colluding with city-based real estate developer DS Kulkarni to divert money. A statement released by the bank said: On Monday, a group of people who had invested their savings with DSK group of companies assembled before the banks headquarters and tried to put the blame on the bank for the losses they suffered from DSK group of companies. A few representatives of these depositors also met the bank officials to share their grievance. According to the statement, the bank officials explained to protestors that the banks lending to DS Kulkarni Developers Ltd (DSKDL) has no relation with the default of the group companies to their small depositors. In fact, the bank has also suffered losses as a creditor to the company and has initiated recovery action. The arguments raised by the depositors for blaming the bank for their losses are already considered by the investigating agency and the matter is dealt with by the Maharashtra protection of interest of depositors (MPID) court. The depositors, thereafter, left the premises, the statement said. On Saturday, Pune police had filed a closure report in the local court seeking discharge of three BoM officials including Marathe; Rajendra Gupta, the banks executive director; and Sushil Munhot, former chief managing director (CMD). The police stated that there was no criminal intent on part of these officials while disbursing loan to DSK. The organisers of the Dussehra event, which turned into nightmare leading to loss of 61 lives, will turn up before Jalandhar divisional commissioner B Purushartha on Tuesday. He visited the Amritsar Improvement Trust (AIT) office for the last day of public hearing on the train tragedy during which commissioner of police SS Srivastava among 74 eyewitnesses, injured, family members of the deceased recorded their statements. Indian railway officials summoned He said, We have also summoned the Indian Railways officials. Purushartha, who has been appointed as a special executive magistrate to probe the tragedy, said, Saurabh Madaan aka Mithu and other organisers of the event will record their statements on Tuesday. Hopefully the organisers will come themselves to get their statements recorded. If they dont turn up, legal action will be taken against them as their statements are crucial to the probe, he said. The chief organiser of the event Mithu Madaan is the son of Congress councillor Vijay Madaan. Local bodies minister Navjot Singh Sidhus wife Navjot Kaur Sidhu was the chief guest of the event. Madaan was accused of mobilising the huge gathering near the railway tracks while Kaur is accused of delaying the ceremonial burning of the Ravanas effigy and leaving the function after the tragedy took place. When asked about whether Kaur will also appear on Tuesday,Purushartha said, How will she come without being summoned? I have not summoned her yet. If need arises everyone will be summoned. Commissioner of police (CP), Amritsar, SS Srivastava, who also appeared before the magistrate on Monday said, I have recorded my statement with the magistrate. Eyewitnesses had accused the Amritsar police for not moving the crowd from the tracks though around 100 policemen, including a deputy superintendent of police (DSP) and two station house officers (SHOs), were deployed for security at the event. Giri avoids media Commissioner of municipal corporation (MC), Amritsar, Sonali Giri, also turned up before the magistrate on Monday but she avoided talking to media Thousands of schoolteachers have been protesting in chief minister Captain Amarinder Singhs hometown of Patiala for the past three weeks to demand regularisation with full pay. These contractual teachers have rejected the governments move to regularise their jobs with a drastic cut in their current salaries during the three-year probation period. Despite repeated warnings of disciplinary action, the protesting teachers have refused to budge. Navneet Sharma dissects the issue. The standoff? A total of 8,886 teachers recruited on contract under the centrally-sponsored Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) as well as Adarsh and Model Schools have been seeking regularisation of their jobs. The Congress had, in its poll manifesto, promised to regularise their services and remove pay-related discrepancies. However, its government kept deferring the matter, triggering protests. On October 3, the state cabinet finally decided to regularise their services on a fixed monthly sum of 10,300 (initial of regular pay scale) with grade pay of 5,000 in addition for three years. The salary offered is roughly a third of what they are getting at present. They rejected it and started a protest under the banner of Sanjha Adhyapak Morcha (SAM), a group formed by 26 teacher unions, in Patiala on October 7. Another 5,178 teachers recruited under the Pendu Sahyogi Teacher Scheme in November 2014 are also protesting here. Their jobs were to be regularised last year on completion of three years, but nothing has been done so far. Why feeling short-changed? Contractual teachers 7,356 recruited under the SSA, 1,194 under the RMSA, 220 for model schools and 116 for Adarsh schools want regularisation of their jobs with pay protection. The salary of 15,300 per month offered to them means a drastic cut as they get 42,300 or more per month at present. A number of them had joined the SSA and RMSA after quitting lucrative jobs in private schools. We have been teaching in government schools for 10 years or so, but they now want to cut our salaries. Never before such injustice has been done, says SSA-RMSA Teachers Union president Hardeep Toderpur. What does the govt say? Over 14,450 contractual teachers were recruited by societies running the SSA and RMSA to improve the pupil-teacher ratio. The two programmes were funded jointly by the Centre and the state on 60:40 basis. Though they were teaching in government schools, they were not employees of the state government. About 6,000 of them, who cleared the teacher eligibility test, got regular jobs during recruitment held subsequently and the rest are continuing on contract. As per the regularisation policy approved by the cabinet, it is a case of change of employer. They were engaged by societies and will now be employed by the department on regularisation. They will have to be governed by norms for the government staff, says a school education department official, denying the salary-cut charge. A government notification issued on January 15, 2015, for departments, according to him, entitles them to basic pay for three years and full benefits thereafter. As for the 5,178 other teachers awaiting regularisation, their case has been sent to the finance department for approval and will then be put up before the cabinet. Where things stand? With the teacher unions rejecting the regularisation terms, the department gave the option to teachers to opt for regularisation on government terms or continue on contract with current salaries. An online portal was also set up to enable them to take their pick. The department officials had initially claimed that 94% of contractual teachers were willing to opt for regularisation, but the response has been tepid with most teachers ignoring the offer. Only 1,600-odd teachers, including some who were recruited in the master cadre three months ago, have given their options. Whats stopping the govt? Despite the Centre cutting down its financial support under the newly integrated Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, which has replaced the SSA and RMSA, this year, the department is willing to pay teachers, who continue on contract, their current salaries. However, those who opt for regularisation will be paid basic pay. Government rules allow basic pay for first three years. And, these are applicable to all, including the state civil service, says the department. What next? A delegation of the morcha leaders had a five-hour meeting with the CMs chief principal secretary Suresh Kumar last Tuesday, but there was no breakthrough. The teacher union leaders will now meet Amarinder, who is currently abroad, on November 5 where their demands will be discussed. The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Monday announced to launch a stir to force the Congress government to apologise for the alleged insults to the Sikh Gurus in the Class 12 history textbook of the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB), in an apparent move to deflect peoples attention from anti-sacrilege protests in Faridkots Bargari. In its core committee meeting in Chandigarh, SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal said the party leaders will perform ardaas (prayers) at the Akal Takht, the supreme temporal seat of Sikhs, on November 1 before launching the protests to bring the chief minister Amarinder Singh and the Congress government on their knees. The party alleged that the new textbook has inappropriate remarks about Guru Arjan Dev, Guru Hargobind, Guru Tegh Bahadur and the tenth master Guru Gobind Singh. The core committee announced that the details of the protest plan will be announced in Amritsar after the ardaas. The CM and the ruling Congress should apologise to the Khalsa Panth for having prepared sacrilegious study material. Criminal cases should be registered against those directly responsible for this, Sukhbir said addressing the media after core committee meeting that was also attended by former CM Parkash Singh Badal and SGPC president Gobind Singh Logowal. The new book containing these insulting portions must be banned. It should be immediately withdrawn and replaced with the old books which had been in use for decades. Our stir will continue till the Congress bends on its knees before the Panth, he said. The experts group comprising eminent historians was constituted by the state government in May after alleged discrepancies cropped up in Classes 11 and 12 history books. The group headed by Prof Kirpal Singh and has JS Grewal, Indu Banga, Pirthipal Singh Kapur besides SGPC representatives Balwant Singh Dhillon and Inderjeet Singh Gogoani as its members. A Sikh American body on Monday sought Prime Minister Narendra Modis help in opening the Kartarpur Sahib corridor, which would give the community members unhindered access to the historic place in Pakistan where Guru Nanak Dev spent last 18 years of his life. Kartarpur is situated in Narowal district of Pakistans Punjab province, close to the Indo-Pak border. A delegation of Sikhs from various parts of the US under the banner of California-based United Sikh Mission submitted a memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister at the Indian Embassy here. The Punjab State Assembly has already passed twice a resolution in this regard, the memorandum noted. The distance from the border to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib is three km into Pakistan, the memorandum suggested. Pilgrims from India will be able to go to Gurdwara with an official Indian ID without having a visa from Pakistan or any other complicated formalities hurting the pilgrims that are not that technology savvy. Pilgrims must return to India the same day after attending the services, the memorandum said. Several members of the Hindu community from in and around the Washington DC joined the Sikh delegation to the Indian Embassy to submit the memorandum. Police in New York searched on Tuesday for clues to what, or who, killed two sisters whose bodies were found duct-taped together on the banks of the Hudson River in Manhattan. The two young women, identified as Rotana Farea, 22, and her sister Tala, 16, were found on the banks of the Hudson last week with no visible signs of trauma, dressed all in black, with fur-trimmed coat collars, and bound together at the ankles and waist by duct tape. New York and Arab media said the sisters, who had run away from home before, were of Saudi origin but their family was living in Fairfax, Virginia. The Saudi embassy in Washington declined to comment on the reports. The young womens bodies were being held by the New York medical examiner pending an autopsy. Tala had been reported missing to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children on August 24, the New York Daily News said. But the missing child report was withdrawn after it was claimed she was living with her elder sister in New York City. Police are considering whether the sisters died as part of a suicide pact, possibly jumping from the George Washington bridge some six miles (10 kilometers) north of where their bodies were found. But investigators have not ruled out that the sisters were murdered. The Hudson River separates New York from New Jersey, and police were scouring the river banks to see if they can establish where the sisters entered the water. US president Donald Trump will be unable to attend the Republic Day parade on Prime Minister Narendra Modis invitation because of scheduling constraints, the White House has said but stressed the strong personal rapport shared by the two leaders. No explanation was offered but the Republic Day parade on January 26 is around the time when US presidents usually present their annual report to the Congress, a statement of achievements of the past year and plans for the next, called the State of the Union address. Barack Obama, who became the first American president to attend the Republic Day parade in 2015, had moved up his address to January 20 from the usual end-of-month slot he had favoured thus far. But it was not clear if Trumps scheduling constraints included the address. President Trump was honored by Prime Minister Modis invitation for him to be Chief Guest of Indias Republic Day on January 26, 2019, but is unable to participate due to scheduling constraints, a White House spokesperson said in a statement to the Hindustan Times on Monday. But the spokesperson stressed the personal rapport shared by the leaders, possibly to prevent the US decision from being spun as a snub, as it might be given recent tensions in ties over trade and American threats of sanctions for buying Russian defence equipment and crude oil from long-time supplier Iran. The President enjoys a strong personal rapport with Prime Minister Modi developed through two meetings and several phone calls and remains committed to deepening the US-India strategic partnership, the spokesperson said. The President very much looks forward to meeting Prime Minister Modi again at the earliest opportunity. India had felt encouraged to invite Trump to the parade partly perhaps because of the success of Obamas visit in terms of optics and impact on ties and partly by Trumps own enthusiastic reaction to the Bastille Day parade military parade he had witnessed in Paris in 2017. He had returned impressed and inspired enough to order his administration to hold one in the US, overruling sceptics and critics that included the US military. The move has been since mired in concerns over costs and logistics, and, most notably, a striking lack of support and enthusiasm from others. The Indian invitation to Trump was never made public. It was extended quietly as something that is called a pre-invitation among diplomats, an opening move to gauge the mood of the guest. If the response seems positive and both parties are certain of an acceptance, a formal invitation follows. A quiet pre-invitation ensures neither party especially the host is embarrassed and feels snubbed if the visit is not likely to work out, a former White House official involved with several presidential visits said on background. A public announcement follows months of routine comments to media queries like We have nothing to announce. But a word about those routine preliminary exchanges between the two governments leaked. And the White House was compelled in July to confirm receiving an invitation but said a decision had not been taken if the president could attend or not. And its official now: Trump is unable to attend. Modi and Trump met first in June 2017 at the White House. The half-day of engagements included an extended one-on-one, followed by talks where they were joined by their aides. And, the world noted, they hugged. First lady Melania Trump had held a reception for the Indian delegation later. Their next substantial meeting was on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Manila in November 2017, for a bilateral. There was a shorter encounter in July 2017 during the G-20 summit in Hamburg, when the two leaders met for a quick exchange, pictures of which were tweeted by Modis aides. They have spoken on phone far more, starting with their first call in November, the morning after Trumps stunning victory in the 2016 presidential elections. Modi was among the first world leaders to congratulate the president-elect beating even Theresa May, prime minister of the UK, Americas closest ally. It was after one of their calls, in August, that India and the US announced an annual 2+2 dialogue of their defence and foreign ministers, the inaugural edition of which took place this past September after a series of postponements caused by sudden personnel changes and scheduling issues. The two people who fell to their deaths from a popular overlook in Californias Yosemite National Park were a married couple from India who were living and working in the United States, officials said. Park rangers recovered the bodies of 29-year-old Vishnu Viswanath and 30-year-old Meenakshi Moorthy from about 800 feet below Taft Point, where visitors can walk to the edge of a vertigo-inducing granite ledge that doesnt have a railing. Yosemite National Park continues to investigate this case, which will take several weeks, park officials wrote in a news release Monday. The couple graduated from the College of Engineering in Chengannur in 2006 in computer science and engineering. They loved travelling and maintained a website called Holidays and Happily Ever Afters about their travel adventures, and described themselves as a dream doer duo. Meenakshi describes herself as the one diagnosed with the curious case of interminable travel bug The Mercury News called Meenakshi a free-spirited Harry Potter fan who dyed her hair pink and ominously warned people on social media about the dangers of falling from cliffs and tall buildings while trying to take spectacular photos. The couples social media pages and their travel website is full of chronicles of their travel from all over the world. It was not clear how the couple fell or what they were doing when the accident occurred. A friend of the couple said they were on a driving trip from New York and were seeing the sights in California at the time. The San Francisco Chronicle writes the couple had recently moved from New York after Viswanath took a job as a systems engineer at Cisco Systems Inc., based in San Jose, according to a friend. BBC.com reports the latest deaths come just one week after a photo of the Taft Point lookout went viral, when a photographer captured a wedding proposal amidst the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains. A principal of a private school in Pakistan was sentenced to a total of 105 years in prison on Tuesday by a local court for sexually exploiting schoolchildren and filming them with secret cameras installed on campus. Attaullah Marwat, who is also the schools owner, was arrested in this city after police registered a case against him on July 14, 2017, on the complaint of a boy student. A sessions court in Peshawar handed a total of 105 years in prison to the principal on charges of child abuse, pornography, rape, blackmail and maintaining illicit relations. Marwat was also fined Rs 1.4 million in addition to the jail terms. A trial court had framed charges against him on eight counts under the Pakistan Penal Code. He was found guilty of all charges and handed various jail sentences under each section - resulting in a total prison term of 105 years. One of the charges against the convict was that he had forced, persuaded, coerced and enticed girl students under the age of 18 to engage in sexual activities and was involved in explicit sexual conduct and abuse of minor schoolgirls. Following his arrest last year, the accused had recorded his confessional statement before a judicial magistrate, wherein he had admitted that it was his hobby to make videos of his sexual activities. He had also admitted that the videos were stored in his personal computer. The police had recovered memory cards and USBs. (This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.) Tens of thousands of supporters of sacked prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe blocked roads in Sri Lankas capital on Tuesday, stepping up a showdown with the countrys newly appointed leader a former strongman accused of grave rights abuses. Wickremesinghe left his official residence for the first time since Friday to condemn President Maithripala Sirisena for dismissing him and appointing Mahinda Rajapakse, a former president accused of human rights violations and corruption. Wickremesinghes party said about 1,00,000 people flooded the streets, while police sources estimated 25,000 even as scores of buses brought more demonstrators to the biggest rally since the constitutional crisis erupted. The army of followers chanted Down With the Rogue PM as they targeted Rajapakse, who Sirisena has brought back into frontline politics as his prime minister. Effigies of Sirisena were torn up in a symbolic protest against the president, who has faced international calls to end a suspension of parliament so it can hold a vote on the rival prime ministers. We are against the sacking, the people did not vote for Sirisena to act in this manner, Wickremesinghe told supporters from a makeshift stage. We will resist what the president has done. Parliament speaker Karu Jayasuriya has warned that the crisis could lead to a bloodbath on the streets if the assembly does not hold a vote. But the rally remained peaceful, watched by more than 2,600 police and special task force commandos. Behind the scenes, the rivals battled to tempt lawmakers from opposing sides to bolster their numbers if a vote is held. Rajapakse, 72, gave four legislators from Wickremesinghes party ministerial portfolios in his cabinet after persuading them to defect on Monday. Wickremesinghe has in turn convinced two lawmakers from Sirisenas camp to join his United National Party. Following the defections, Wickremesinghe has 105 MPs in the 225-seat chamber while Rajapakse and Sirisena together have 98. A majority of the 22 remaining MPs are expected to back Wickremesinghe in any vote but the horse-trading is sure to intensify, observers said. A deputy minister in Wickremesinghes administration, Ranjan Ramanayake, accused China of paying for Rajapakse who favoured a pro-Beijing policy during his decade-long tenure as president to buy legislators. I am telling China not to spend their millions to buy MPs in Sri Lanka. They want to buy the country wholesale, he said. China denies interference The Chinese embassy in Colombo denied the claims in a statement to AFP. Recent allegations about China by MP Ranjan Ramanayake are groundless and irresponsible, the statement said, adding that Beijing follows the principle of non-interference in other countrys internal affairs. With Sirisena showing no sign of lifting the parliamentary suspension which runs until November 16, Wickremesinghes finance minister Mangala Samaraweera said the president was trying to buy time to secure votes for Rajapakse. Speaker Jayasuriya followed up his bloodbath warning by officially calling on Sirisena to recall parliament or risk unrest. If you do not, we will not be able to stop people taking alternate action to protect their democratic rights, Jayasuriya said in the letter seen by AFP. Tensions have been heightened by the killing of one activist in the capital on Sunday. The army has insisted however that it will let politicians solve the crisis. Sri Lankas army chief Mahesh Senanayake told AFP the military expected politicians to constitutionally and legally end the dispute. The army will not get involved, he said, responding to queries on the role of security forces as the constitutional crisis drags on. The police are responsible for maintaining law and order and only if they require our assistance, we will help. Sirisena appointed a 12-member cabinet late Monday, giving the powerful finance portfolio to Rajapakse. Aides said the cabinet would be expanded to 30 members on Tuesday. Rajapakse whose rule was marked by allegations of rights abuses and authoritarianism said on Monday he was given the job because his predecessors party engaged in a quest to sell off valuable state assets and enterprises to foreign companies. I was aware that at this moment of national peril, the people expected our leadership and protection, Rajapakse said. Hence, I accepted the invitation. The man suspected of sending pipe bombs to prominent Democrats and other opponents of President Donald Trump kept a list of elected officials and others who investigators believe were intended targets, an official told The Associated Press on Monday. The disclosure came as 56-year-old Cesar Sayoc made his initial court appearance in Miami federal court Monday, saying little but tearing up, and after bomb squads were called to a post office in Atlanta about a suspicious mailing to CNN similar to the pipe bomb packages recovered in the case last week. The official said authorities had recovered soldering equipment, a printer, and stamps similar to those used on the package bombs in the investigation into Sayoc, who was arrested last week in Florida. Authorities believe Sayoc was putting explosives together in his van. The official wasnt authorized to discuss the ongoing investigation and spoke on condition of anonymity to the AP. The official also said that, as part of the investigation, authorities were scrutinizing Sayocs social media posts. The FBI said via its Twitter account that the recovered package in Atlanta was similar in appearance to the bubble-wrapped manila envelopes authorities say were sent by Sayoc to intended targets from Delaware to California, including former President Barack Obama, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former Vice President Joe Biden. CNN President Jeff Zucker says all mail to CNN has been screened offsite since last week, when a series of package bombs began appearing around the country. Among them were two apparent mail bombs sent to CNN. At least some listed a return address of US Debbie Wasserman Schultz, former chair of the Democratic National Committee. She represents the South Florida district where the former male stripper, pizza driver and strip club DJ lived in an older van covered with bumper stickers praising Trump, disparaging Democrats and CNN and showing rifle crosshairs over liberals like Clinton and filmmaker Michael Moore. At Mondays hearing, federal prosecutors said they will seek to keep Sayoc jailed until trial as a flight risk and a danger to the community. A judge set another hearing for Friday on whether to grant bail to Sayoc and to discuss when he will be sent from Miami to New York, where five federal charges were filed. One of Sayocs attorneys, Daniel Aaronson, urged people not to rush to judgment based on media reports. Right now, we know very, very, very little, Aaronson said of the case. We do not know all the evidence the government has. You have to keep in mind he has not been found guilty of anything. Sayoc, shackled at the wrists and ankles and wearing a tan jail jumpsuit, said little at the hearing but at one point tearing up. Aaronson said he did not know what made Sayoc seem emotional but noted he is facing decades in prison if convicted. Although authorities did not immediately say who might be responsible for the most recent package to CNN, the FBI said it believes the package discovered Monday is similar to those that Sayoc is accused of sending. Law enforcement officials have said they believe the packages were staggered and more could be discovered. The New York Times said in a staff memo that it was notified by the FBI on Monday that one of its editors was on a list of potential targets of the mail-bomb suspect. Later that day, an envelope addressed to the editor raised concerns, but New York police determined that it was a false alarm. The editor was not identified. Sayoc was arrested Friday outside a South Florida auto parts store after investigators said they identified him through fingerprint and DNA evidence. Authorities say Sayoc faces more than 50 years in prison if convicted on all charges. None of the bombs exploded and no one was injured. Last week (and maybe every week into an uncertain future) we were forced to confront some un B rexit uncertainty and a shortage of homes has continued to contribute to a stilted property market across the country. Presenting the Autumn budget, Chancellor Philip Hammond said a 'turning point in our nation's recovery' has been reached and vowed that the era of austerity was ending. Budget measures aimed at tackling housing issues included an extension of the government's Help to Buy scheme and a boost to council house building. Stamp duty has been abolished for many shared-ownership buyers, while a surcharge of one per cent for non-residents buying homes in England and Northern Ireland has been proposed. The Chancellor also pledged an additional 500million for the Housing Infrastructure Fund for councils, to promote the building of 650,000 more homes. So what does it all mean? Help to Buy scheme extended to 2023 The Help to Buy equity loan scheme, which offers a 20 per cent government loan (40 per cent in London) to buyers of new-build properties, has been extended to 2023 and new regional price caps for a property to be eligible for the scheme will be introduced. Help to Buy had already been extended until April 2021 but the Budget confirmed it will be funded for a further two years, for first-time buyers only, until March 2023. In addition, the price caps for homes eligible for the scheme have changed. They will now be set at 1.5 times the average forecast first-time buyer price in an area, to reflect huge regional variations in house prices. In London the maximum price of a Help to Buy house will be 600,000, in the South East it will be 437,600, while in the North East it will be 186,100. How Help to Buy works in London 1 /11 How Help to Buy works in London Five per cent deposit Saving for a deposit is the biggest hurdle for would-be homebuyers without help from the Bank of Mum and Dad. Shutterstock / seamind224 Help to Buy scheme Help to Buy is the Government's answer to the difficulty many young people face raising a deposit to buy a home. PA Government loan Help to Buy allows buyers to put down a five per cent deposit. The government loans 40 per cent of the purchase price. Shutterstock / Andrey_Popov Mortgage Buyers then need to get a mortgage for the remaining balance, 55 per cent. Shutterstock / garagestock The sums If you were spending 500,000 this would mean finding a deposit of 25,000, taking a government loan of 200,000 and getting a mortgage of 275,000. Shutterstock / Yuricazac How much do you need to earn? Banks generally allow you to borrow around three-and-a-half times your income, so a 500,000 home would require an annual household wage of just under 80,000. Shutterstock New builds only The scheme is only available on new build homes. How much can I spend? The maximum you can spend under Help to Buy London is 600,000. Shutterstock / Daniel Leinad Paying it back For the first five years you simply pay your mortgage each month, plus service charges on new-build homes. In the sixth year you start paying interest on your government loan, at 1.75 per cent, growing yearly in line with inflation. Shutterstock / Feelkoy Selling up When you sell up you repay the equity loan plus a share of any increase in the value, leaving you with your original stake plus the capital growth earned on your portion of the property. Daniel Lynch When will the scheme end? The Government says the scheme will continue until at least 2021. Shutterstock / Andrey_Popov Some commentators welcomed the boost for developers, who will have a guaranteed stream of government funding for a further two years. Not only do housebuilders now have more certainty for longer-term planning and building the thousands of new homes our country so desperately needs, but it also gives potential buyers who are saving for a deposit the peace of mind that they too can benefit from the scheme over the coming years, said Kevin Roberts, director of Legal & General Mortgage Club. But others questioned how helpful the scheme had been to struggling first-time buyers. Originally designed to help those in less fortunate financial positions, the scheme hasnt quite worked as intended, with over a third of households using it found to be earning over 50,000 and data showing it has been used by movers to upsize," said Daniel Hegarty, CEO and founder of digital mortgage broker Habito. The new restrictions making it for first-time buyers only with regional price caps should provide a more targeted benefit to those who need it most. House building Local authorities have been restricted from borrowing to build new council housing since the Thatcher era. At this years Tory party conference, Theresa May announced plans to scrap the cap on council borrowing to build new housing, with 60 local authorities pledging an immediate drive to build thousands of homes under the new rules. This new policy will come into effect today and could well have a bigger impact on the housing crisis than any other measures mentioned in this Budget or those previously, according to Philip Woolner, joint managing partner at Cheffins. This extra borrowing has been calculated to add as much as 1bn to the deficit. But the Local Government Association said that investing in social housing generates returned income through rents, while also creating savings in the huge annual housing benefit bill. The Chancellor also pledged several measures to encourage house builders to build, including 653 million for partnerships with nine housing associations; money for neighbourhoods to allocate land for housing which can then be sold to local people at a discount; and 1 billion guarantees for smaller housebuilders from the British Business Bank. He also added 500 million to the Housing Infrastructure Fund, which local councils can apply to for money to help with building. The fund, which will increase to 5.5bn, pays for infrastructure like roads and power supplies for new housing. Mr Hammond said the additional money would help build 650,000 homes. Stamp duty: shared-ownership buyers Higher stamp duty charges for the countrys most expensive homes have been blamed by some for the stagnation of the property market, particularly in London and the South East. But Mr Hammond mostly left the current thresholds as they are, apart from correcting an anomaly in the way first-time buyers of shared-ownership homes were charged. Now, buyers of shared-ownership homes priced up to 500,000 will be exempt from the tax, a saving which has also been implemented retrospectively for any shared-ownership buyers since November 2017. By their nature, first-time buyers purchasing shared-ownership homes are struggling to take that all important first step onto the housing ladder. Making shared-ownership home buyers who are only buying a share of the property eligible for the first time buyer stamp duty exemption is a welcome move and makes complete sense, said Paula Higgins, chief executive, HomeOwners Alliance. The fact Mr Hammond has promised to apply this retrospectively and put right the wrong for all those shared-ownership scheme home buyers since the last Budget is again great to see. Other commentators looking towards the higher end of the market were not so impressed. Rory ONeill, head of residential at estate agent Carter Jonas, says: In failing to address stamp duty for a fourth consecutive year, the Chancellor has missed another opportunity to inject much needed momentum into the market. As the primary hurdle facing residential property, stamp duty fees over the 937,500 threshold coupled with the three per cent levy on second or multiple home purchases are grinding the market to a halt. "While the number of first-time buyers has reached an 11-year high, at present, the market is so congested in the middle that it has reached an impasse." Stamp duty: hike for foreign buyers Theresa May recently announced a stamp study surcharge of between one and three per cent for non-residents buying homes in England and Northern Ireland. It has now been confirmed that a consultation will be published in January, based on a one per cent levy imposed on foreign buyers. This will be in addition to the three per cent surcharge on second homes and buy-to-let properties, which came into effect from April 2016. It is estimated that 13 per cent of new-build London homes have been bought by non-residents. The revenue raised will be used to support a government strategy to tackle homelessness which aims to end rough sleeping by 2027. However, some property market commentators are concerned the additional tax will undermine investment in new housing in London and across the UK. Tax relief for landlords Currently, if someone sells their home, they do not have to pay capital gains tax, provided they have been living there a rule known as private residence relief. At the moment, sellers can have lived away from their property for 18 months before the final sale date and still qualify for the tax exemption, to reflect the difficulty of selling homes in the current property market. In the Budget the Chancellor announced this would be reduced to nine months from April 2020. The Budget also set out changes to lettings relief, where up to 40,000 per owner is exempt from capital gains tax if the landlord has lived in the property. Rebranding 30 October 2018 At Magnuson Worldwide, America's fastest growing hotel brand, we are proud to announce the addition of the Clatskanie River Inn to the new By Magnuson Worldwide Collection. The Clatskanie River Inn is a beautiful property just off the Columbia River and only 35 minutes from the beautiful Oregon coast city of Astoria and 60 miles to Portland. The Port of Astoria, Columbia River Maritime Museum, and world class fishing are all near the Clatskanie River Inn. The Clatskanie River Inn comes with a beautiful indoor pool and spa for guests to relax in all year round. The hotel also has the ability to host conferences as large as 100 attendees. Each guest is treated to a complimentary 5-star continental breakfast each morning. Each room comes furnished with a refrigerator, microwave, hair dryer, coffee maker, and alarm clock/radio. Guests will have access to free wireless Internet, free local calls, and premium television channels. Thomas Magnuson, CEO of Magnuson Worldwide says: "We are delighted to be welcoming the team at The Clatskanie River Inn to the Magnuson family." Industry Update Appointment 30 October 2018 Todd Ruiz Appointed Executive Chef At Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort - FL, USA Executive Chef Ruiz will oversee all culinary operations at the 1,350-acre resort on Amelia Island. Chef Ruiz brings more than twenty years of culinary experience to the resort, having most recently served as executive chef at Omni New Haven Hotel and Omni Berkshire Place Hotel in New York City. Prior to joining Omni, Chef Ruiz held leadership positions at Hotel ZaZa in Houston, The Hotel Hershey in Pennsylvania, and with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. Chef Ruiz's culinary career started in the fields of south Texas, working alongside his father in his produce shipping and receiving business. Chef Ruiz looks forward to biking the tree-canopied trails on Amelia Island with his English bulldog Chefie. Omni Hotels Omni Hotels & Resorts creates genuine, authentic guest experiences at 45 distinct luxury hotels and resorts in leading business gateways and leisure destinations across North America. From exceptional golf and spa retreats to dynamic business settings, each Omni showcases the local flavor of the destination while featuring four-diamond services, signature restaurants, Wi-Fi connectivity and unique wellness options. more information Recent Appointments at Omni Peter Palli - CCO 18 November 2021 As the newest member to the Omni family, Palli will be responsible for all revenue generating efforts across sales, marketing, revenue management, distribution, and analytics, as well as operations at the Omni customer-contact center. read more Kaitlyn Giguere - Director of Activities 8 November 2021 Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa, a luxury retreat in Austin's Hill Country, is delighted to announce the appointment of Kaitlyn Giguere as Director of Resort Activities. In her new role, Giguere is responsible for designing and implementing all of the resort's guest activities, hosted events and on property programming. read more Industry Update Appointment 30 October 2018 Petra Trapp Appointed Resort Manager At Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort in La Baie de Silence, Saint Lucia Petra Trapp joins Sugar Beach from Laucala Island Resort in Fiji, where she was General Manager for over a year. Prior to this, Trapp has held General Manager positions at Les Deux Tours and Banyan Tree in Marrakech, as well as a Resort Manager role in Athuruga Island Resort in the Maldives, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and a passion for luxury hotels. Trapp is adept at immersing herself in new cultures and speaks multiple languages. Viceroy Hotel Group Viceroy Hotel Group delivers one-of-a-kind lifestyle experiences that bring together provocative design and intuitive service in sought-after locations. Signature brand amenities and services created for the diverse business and leisure guests include dynamic dining venues featuring world-class culinary talents and destination spas specializing in health, fitness and beauty. more information Recent Appointments at Viceroy Sherry Abedi - Area General Manager 13 September 2021 Viceroy Hotels and Resorts is pleased to celebrate the highly anticipated appointment of Area General Manager, Sherry Abedi. Demonstrating extensive experience in luxury hotel operations, as Area General Manager Abedi will oversee all facets of Hotel Zena and Viceroy Washington DC - two of the city's most sought after hotel destinations and cultural hubs. read more Lionel Alvarez - General Manager 4 June 2021 Ombria Resort, Portugal's premium sustainable destination situated in Algarve is pleased to announce the appointment of Lionel Alvarez as General Manager of Viceroy at Ombria Resort and Viceroy Residences at Ombria Resort, the 5-star hotel complex due to open in Q2 2022 at the heart of Ombria Resort. read more Supplier News 30 October 2018 SACRAMENTO, CA (October 30, 2018) - California Lodging Industry Association (CLIA) today announced the appointment of OpenKey as Exclusive Mobile Key Provider for the Association, whose mission is to promote, protect and advance the interest of lodging owners and their management teams statewide, and to provide a network of resources to support member efficiency, profitability and professionalism. OpenKey is the industry standard for universal mobile key in hotels. On the OpenKey partnership CLIA President David Bowman remarked, "The California Lodging Industry Association has a long history of serving California hotel owners and the hotel industry through establishing strategic partnerships that promote improved operational outcomes for our members. Partnering with OpenKey is an example of doing that by recognizing the beneficial potential that digital key offers to hoteliers and guests alike." Since its inception in 1946, CLIA has served as a major voice for the independent lodging industry when group action has been needed, especially important when lobbying industry views before government agencies. In addition, the Association is continually aware of the need to provide programs and services required by members to more effectively and profitably operate their businesses. CLIA has become and continues to be increasingly visible and aggressive as a coordinator of industry efforts with a focal point being to develop business strategies to keep the industry economically sound. "OpenKey is honored to be working with CLIA toward a more sustainable future for hotels in California by improving guest convenience and security while eliminating plastic keycard waste for guestroom access," said Brian Shedd, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for OpenKey. "The evolution towards mobile keyless entry is a global trend that OpenKey is proud to be leading through innovative programs for hoteliers and exclusive partnerships like this one. We applaud the important work and forward-thinking that CLIA provides for over 1,000 members." In 2014, OpenKey set out to perfect mobile hospitality. Its keyless entry technology has been elevating the guest experience while reducing hotel staff workload. In addition to empowering guests with a tap of a button on their smartphones, it also reduces waste, eliminating the need for plastic key cards. About CLIA The California Lodging Industry Association (CLIA) is California's hospitality trade association serving independent lodging owners and operators. CLIA, since its inception in 1946, is the recognized leader for providing legislative, educational marketing, and profit oriented programs for the California lodging industry. Visit www.clia.org to learn more about CLIA. Media Contact for CLIA Bobbie Singh-Allen, [email protected], 916.925.2915 JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. You should upgrade or use an You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.You should upgrade or use an alternative browser Effort will help hotels manage removal of materials during renovations and make a positive difference in local communities IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) and the IHG Owners Association have launched the Renovation Donation Initiative, an industry-leading reuse program that is part of a shared commitment to operating responsibly. IHG-branded hotels undergoing renovation or property improvements in the U.S. and Canada will be able to donate furniture, fixtures and equipment to non-profit organizations, including United Way Worldwide and Good360. The Renovation Donation Initiative will reduce the amount of materials reaching landfills, and support the important work these non-profit organizations do in local communities, including workforce development and hospitality skills training programs. This effort is part of IHG's new program for community work and charitable giving, True Hospitality for Good. Developed based on input from owners, the initiative comes at a time when many hotels are implementing new design concepts to remain leaders in meeting guest needs. This includes the hundreds of hotels transforming under the Holiday Inn Express Formula Blue, Holiday Inn H4 and Crowne Plaza WorkLife concepts, as well as Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites hotels which will soon be transitioning to new design prototypes. Elie Maalouf, Chief Executive Officer, Americas, IHG said: Elie Maalouf, Chief Executive Officer, Americas, IHG said: "Responsible business is core to providing True Hospitality for everyone we're delivering a true win-win for our owners and the communities in which we operate with the support of these non-profit organizations. This initiative further strengthens our commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement." Don Berg, Chief Executive Officer, IHG Owners Association said: "Our members have shown tremendous interest in the potential impact of this effort. Through the Renovation Donation Initiative, we're providing another way for owners to deepen the positive impact they make in their communities." Hotels will have access to a single point of contact to schedule pickup of items, making the process as easy and seamless as possible. At scale, there's a real opportunity to make a large difference, with each hotel donating hundreds of items. For example, a 100-room IHG-branded hotel could furnish 200 mirrors, 150 bed frames, 101 TVs, 500 light fixtures and 22,500 sq. ft. of carpeting for potential donation. Following an initial pilot phase, the Renovation Donation Initiative will be open to all owners of all IHG brands in the U.S. and Canada in early 2019. Daily News Delivery Join your colleagues and stay up to date on the latest Hotel industry news and trends. Subscribe 2021 Hotel News Resource Plans include two 'Travelers Oasis' locations with sleep units, spa services, chiropractic care and showers. Minute Suites, which provides private suites inside security at airports where travelers can nap, relax or work before their flight or during long delays, is opening four new locations in the Atlanta airport. Two of these are opening on Concourses T and B as part of the brand new Travelers Oasis concept, which includes Minute Suites, Be Relax Spa and Chiroport to offer travelers a variety of relaxation and self-care options. The oasis locations are expected to open in 2019. Its really meant to be a wellness center... like a true wellness oasis in the airport, says Daniel Solomon, Co-founder and Director of Minute Suites, which already has sleep units on Concourses T and B and has been awarded two additional locations also opening in 2019. Sixteen suites and two showers will open on Concourse E and six suites and one shower will open on Concourse F. With the opening of the new locations in 2019, the Atlanta Airport will have a total of 42 suites and six showers across six locations in Concourses B, E, F and T. This allows travelers to reach a napping zone within 5 minutes from anywhere in the airport. The new design of these suites is more modern, says Chris Glass, Vice President of Minute Suites. And it is centered within the hustle and bustle of one of the busiest airports in the world, making the Minute Suites experience a true private space in a public place. In addition to the Atlanta operations, Minute Suites currently has locations in Dallas, Philadelphia and Charlotte and has locations planned at several new airports that will be officially announced in the coming months. Suites can be booked for a one-hour minimum followed by 15-minute increments; an eight-hour day rate or flat overnight rate is also available. Showers are booked separately in 30-minute increments with special pricing for guests renting a suite in addition to a shower. Advanced booking is recommended when possible and reservations can be made more easily than ever with the brand new Minute Suites Mobile app, available for download on Android and iOS. Daily News Delivery Join your colleagues and stay up to date on the latest Hotel industry news and trends. Subscribe 2021 Hotel News Resource Gresham joins Montage Palmetto Bluff from Charlestowne Hotels, a Charleston, South Carolina-based management company specializing in independent boutique hotels and resorts, where he served as corporate area manager. Montage Palmetto Bluff announced the appointment of Brent Gresham as director of operations. With a deep familiarity of the region and wealth of hospitality experience earned at Forbes Five Star-rated properties, Gresham will oversee overall management and direction of the luxury resort including food & beverage, lodging, security and spa operations. He will also join the senior leadership team alongside the general manager, director of finance, human resources, sales and marketing, and the general manager of the Palmetto Bluff Club. "We are thrilled to welcome Brent to the Montage family," said Casey Lavin, general manager of Montage Palmetto Bluff. "His extensive knowledge of the surrounding area and background in luxury experiences and accommodations are vital assets to our team and will help us continue to build unforgettable experiences for our guests and members." Gresham joins Montage Palmetto Bluff from Charlestowne Hotels, a Charleston, South Carolina-based management company specializing in independent boutique hotels and resorts, where he served as corporate area manager. Prior to that, he served as dual general manager for two Charlestowne properties, French Quarter Inn and The Spectator Hotel, where he was honored as "General Manager of the Year." Gresham was also previously the director of operations at Woodlands Inn in Summerville, South Carolina; and general manager at The Inn at Dos Brisas in Washington, Texas. He began his hospitality career as operations manager at the Westin Hilton Head Resort & Spa, before becoming assistant food & beverage director and director of banquets at The Lodge at Sea Island in the Golden Isles of Georgia. As a graduate of the University of South Carolina, Gresham earned a bachelor's degree in hotel, restaurant and tourism management, and master's degree in international hospitality and tourism management. He participated in the master's graduate program at Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne in Switzerland, the oldest and most prestigious hotel school in the world. A true industry veteran, Gresham has earned recognition as "Hotelier of the Year" by the Boutique & Lifestyle Lodging Association, "Top Thirty Under 30" in the U.S. by Hotel Management Magazine, and "Hotel Manager of the Year" by the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association. Daily News Delivery Join your colleagues and stay up to date on the latest Hotel industry news and trends. Subscribe 2021 Hotel News Resource One of Boston's most notorious mob bosses, James "Whitey" Bulger was found unresponsive in his cell in a federal prison in West Virginia, CNN reports. Bulger, 89, was killed on Tuesday morning at the US Penitentiary Hazelton in West Virginia. The Preston County medical examiner pronounced he was dead after they attempted to save his life. He was found unresponsive in his cell around 8:20 a.m. His death is now being investigated by the FBI. The murder of Bulger comes a day after he was transferred to the federal prison in West Virginia from Florida, although "Hopefully the seven years he spent in prison, as well as his recent death, brings some closure to the families of his many victims," federal prosecutor Brian Kelly said in a statement. Kelly served as one of the prosecutors in Bugler's trial. Bulger, who was the former leader of South Boston's Winter Hill Gang, was on the run for 16 years before he was finally captured in California in 2011. He was sentenced to life in prison after he was convicted of numerous crimes, including his involvement in 11 murders, in 2013. His life ultimately went on to inspire several critically acclaimed films such as Black Mass starring Johnny Depp, and The Departed. The latter went on to win the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2006. While the Department of Corrections hasn't revealed any details pertaining to Whitey's death, three sources told the Boston Globe that an inmate with mob ties is being investigated for the 89-year-old's death. Gotham has been a shining light for DC's television shows since it launched back in 2014. Although shows in the interconnected Arrowverse have garnered millions of fans, nobody commands an audience's attention like Batman. Although the Caped Crusader is still a boy throughout the show, Batman's rogue gallery is integral to the plots of Gotham. Last season ended with a set up for the classic storyline "No Man's Land," and Bane is set to be introduced in the show's final season. Fox has been teasing the show's farewell season for months, but fans now have a premiere date for the beginning of the end. According to EW, Gotham's final season will premiere on Thursday, January 3. The fifth season was slated to feature ten episodes, but Gotham showrunners have expanded the outing to 12 episodes. The two additional episodes will push Gotham into 100 episode territory, which is the television show sweet spot. The industry standard for shows to reach syndication sits at the 100 episode mark, which means fans will likely see Gotham reruns sent to another station. Selina Kyle actress Camren Bicondova took to Twitter to announce the return of the show, while also touching briefly on a heartfelt moment she shared with the cast. https://twitter.com/_/status/1057016280291524609 Earlier today, Nicki Minaj set Twitter ablaze when she chose to speak on her feud against Cardi B one more time on Queen Radio. She told her fans that she wouldn't be speaking on the situation any longer, choosing to release her heaviest ammunition when she offered $100K for somebody to leak video of Rah Ali beating up Cardi after the shoe-throwing incident. She claims that the two have had private conversations about what went down and that she has no reason to be mad at Bardi. Fans of both artists believed that Iggy Azalea was stepping into the beef with one of her tweets from today but the Aussie is defusing that situation quickly. The tweet in question reads, "Mad funny how people talk shit about someone but dick ride on sight." Considering the timing, many believed she was speaking on the Cardi & Nicki situation but according to the Survive The Summer rapper, they're mistaken. "Literally NOTHING I tweet has to do with Nicki or cardi," wrote the artist in a since-deleted message. "Please leave me out of the crazy fan twitter world shit. Im happily living my own life and lamenting on the things that go on in it like everyone else. Theres no shade to anyone on my feed." This wouldn't be the first time Iggy comments on a buzzing rap beef as she spoke out after being name-dropped on Eminem's "Killshot." Do you think Iggy is just saving face or was she really not throwing shade? https://twitter.com/_/status/1056988764222955520 https://www.instagram.com/p/BpiBrXIhQdw Recent headlines have revealed that artists like Rihanna turned down performing at the Super Bowl due to the ongoing treatment of Colin Kaepernick. The Kaepernick effect led to protests nationwide and boycotts of the NFL, with those who consider themselves purveyors of the culture praising the backlash aimed at the league. Speaking with TMZ, legendary producer Jermaine Durpi claims that artist who turned down the Super Bowl are doing it all wrong. Boycotts and marches dont seem like they work to me, Im sorry. I think they should send a message while theyre onstage, take advantage of your platform," Dupri began. "Taking advantage of your platform is to not do the Super Bowl as well," he continued. "But, it seems really interesting to me because were in an industry where you see so many people do things like boycott something one year, and then the next year theyre buddy-buddy with the thing they boycotted. The more people speak on it, the more they talk about it, then the more it's something people feel like they have to address." Dupri does make some valid points. If Rihanna took to the Super Bowl stage and sent a politically charged message, her move might have more impact in the long run. "I feel like people ignore boycotts," Dupri revealed. The Super Bowl will be held in Atlanta this season. Marcus Hyde is the photographer responsible for many of the candid and not so candid photos of Kanye West and Kim Kardashian. From the posted up Miami beach photoshoots and the backstage happenings with Kanye West to the Tokyo moments between Kim and her sisters, Marcus has been the guy behind the lens. TMZ is now reporting that Marcus was involved in a serious crash when he was out driving in Malibu early Monday morning on the PCH, when he lost control of his ride and went over an embankment. The publication says his car fell 200 feet from the main road and paramedics detailed how he was having seizures before he was airlifted to the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. Marcus was said to be driving a Mercedes AMG CLS and had a female passenger in the car who is also hospitalized. Marcus' condition is still unknown at this time, but law enforcement say he suffered critical head injuries. Kim has taken to Twitter asking fans to send prayers to her friend. https://twitter.com/_/status/1057281683840393221 A bank executive from South Carolina celebrated Hallow's eve with some friends over the weekend and his costume was a hit amongst the party's guests. Bryan Lenertz and his partner stole the show with their impersonations of Kanye West & Kim Kardashian. From the comments posted under a facebook photo of the pair, Lenertz friends were truly impressed. They typed their praises with exclamations. One of them commented, "bootylicious!" LOL https://twitter.com/_/status/1057255898178039808 The enthusiasm is questionable considering the laziness and ignorance the costume was pieced together. Every single time Kanye has been spotted with his MAGA hat, there were no sunglasses on his face. The inclusion of shades paired by with the camo jacket is misguided. Oh, and the blackface thing was too. Apparently, the couple wasn't aware of how the history of blackface in North America makes their choices messy at best. Perhaps they didn't notice what happened to Megan Kelly when she attempted to defend the practice on her show. This also comes a few years after another couple was blasted for tapping into the same concept for their Halloween costumes. In 2015, a teacher and his wife were criticized when photos of their attire surfaced online. The teacher apologized soon after by stating how their intentions "were not malicious or directed toward any certain group of people." We haven't heard a lot of music from Thundercat lately, but he did contribute to some of the best projects of the year such as Travis Scott's Astroworld, Mac Miller's Swimming, Kamasi Washington's Heaven And Earth and more. Additionally, he and Flying Lotus helped produce new music for Donald Glover's Atlanta Robbin' Season. As FlyLo's Brainfeeder label gears up to release the 36-track Brainfeeder X compilation project, Thundercat unveils his new song, "King Of The Hill." Thundercat returns with a new cut for the Brainfeeder X project titled, "King Of The Hill." Thundercat teams up with two frequent collaborators, Flying Lotus, and Canadian jazz trio BADBADNOTGOOD, to bring this track to life. This is the second track that we've heard from Thundercat this year. In April, he delivered his song, "Final Fight" as part of Adult Swim's Singles Program. Brainfeeder X drops on November 16th. Quotable Lyrics Playing with your money and your heart Just admit you don't know what to do I've seen a lot of things come and go Lots of pimps and dimes and hoes John Cena isn't the only WWE superstar who is refusing to work the upcoming Crown Jewel PPV in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Less than 24 hours after Cena was officially pulled from the card, pro wrestling website PWInsider has confirmed that SmackDown Live's Daniel Bryan will also be skipping Friday's event. PWInsider reports that Bryan "made it clear he would not be traveling to the event and WWE began making alternative plans last week." Bryan was slated to take on WWE Champion AJ Styles, and the two are still on track to face off on tonight's episode of SmackDown Live, so it will be interesting to see how WWE goes about removing Bryan from the storyline as they head to Riyadh. Per PWInsder, no final decision had been made as of last night. "They could run an angle to take Bryan out of the match and have AJ Styles face someone else at Crown Jewel (we've heard Rusev's name mentioned as a possible replacement) or simply tape the Styles vs. Bryan match at tonight's taping to insert into the Crown Jewel broadcast. The company could also change direction and have the match on Smackdown tonight in order to close out the storyline and move Styles on to another challenger. They have several options open to them as of this writing and we are told no final decision had been made as of last night." The news isn't a total surprise, as both Cena and Bryan have reportedly expressed issues with the Crown Jewel PPV because of the controversy surrounding the murder of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi on October 2 at the Saudi consulate in Turkey. The Crown Jewel PPV will air this Friday at 11am ET on the WWE Network. HotWhopper Privacy Statement Your privacy is important. This page explains the data that is collected from site visits. Any comments you leave on HotWhopper Blog and HotWhopper Chat (inactive at present) and are considered to be in the public domain. This privacy policy applies solely to information collected by HotWhopper websites. 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Land and Sea Surface Temperature The combined land and sea surface temperature is what most people think of first when they hear about global warming. 2016 was the warmest year on record followed by 2017 then 2015. 2018 will most likely be the fourth hottest year on record. The last decade is the fourth in a row to be the hottest decade on record. Although it's not expected that every month or every year will be hotter than the one before (or the hottest ever), the long term trend of an ever hotter world continues. This cartoon pretty much illustrates my experience on HotCopper, an Australian share trading discussion board. The 'f**k you' bit was enacted by the HotCopper moderator who quickly banned me for a month* because I alerted the moderators to sexist posts, telling me in no uncertain terms, in a kneejerk reaction typical of sexist slobs, that "it's you who are sexist (because you said a sexist post was sexist)"! The moderator had the full support of the HotCopper General Manager and reportedly all his fellow moderators - which is not surprising, since the nasty sexist tone of the forum has to come from the top. The General Manager decided that a person like me, being not only female (therefore I must be a feminazi) but having the temerity to express an opinion about sexism while in his "men's playground", is not welcome on his share trading discussion board. When I subsequently made a complaint (to the Human Rights Commission) he banned me completely and forever (as far as he is able). (Note: Victimisation is an offense under the Sex Discrimination Act in Australia but to my knowledge no-one has ever been prosecuted. At least one civil case alleging victimisation under the Act has been successful.) I'm told by people who work in the Human Rights space that some places on the internet (such as HotCopper) are home to quite a few sexist slobs who stick together for support. I've since discovered sexism is rife among climate science deniers, too. You've seen it happen... The cartoon is reprinted with written permission - thanks Gabby. Click here to visit the brilliant Gabby's Playhouse. You can leaf through the pages by clicking the arrows. Perhaps it's a tad sexist to say of a woman who makes decisions about her own body that she has a "PC abnormal dysfunction", or that she demonstrates "simple, selfish, self interested, aggressive, indoctrinated behaviour" or that she is a "stupid and dangerous person" with a "mental misfire" or that it's good that she died ("good riddance") - unless of course you are a man on HotCopper discussion board. Sexism is allowed because we say so - it's called free speech All the HotCopper moderators rally together for support. They see that a couple of men have sent them TOUs complaining about a woman complaining about sexism (and ignore the men who agree with her, dismissing them as bleeding heart liberals). "That PROVES we are right to say she's the one being sexist", they say to themselves. Based on my experience the unwritten Terms of Use of HotCopper means it's not sexist to demean women, it's undoubtedly thought of as 'free speech'. It IS sexist to suggest that demeaning women is sexist (especially if you are a woman). That sort of outspokenness is not "free speech" and will not be tolerated. Your comments will be deleted immediately and you will be banned from posting any more. To imply a man has said something sexist is apparently COMPLETELY PROHIBITED under the "free speech" provisions of HotCopper, even or especially in a private message to moderators. Sigh indeed :( *Posters are typically banned for from one to seven days if they break the rules, offend another poster (a libertarian or conservative male) or offend the forum moderators. A ban of 30 days is extreme and very rare. It is reserved for repeat offenders of extreme behaviour - which was definitely not me. Mild spoilers for "The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina" ahead. "The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina," a Netflix adaptation of the supernatural Archie Comics story, has made thousands of fans among viewers. Not among them: members of the Satanic Temple. On Sunday, Satanic Temple Co-Founder Lucien Greaves tweeted that the group would be "taking legal action" against Netflix and the show for "appropriating" its copyrighted monument design of Baphomet. Greaves confirmed to SFGATE that the group's lawyer sent a letter to Netflix. He also added that Baphomet, and particularly their design of the figure, is a "central icon" to the Satanic Temple. In the new "Sabrina" series, half-witch Sabrina Spellman (Kiernan Shipka) is enrolled at a witchcraft school called the Academy of Unseen Arts, at which a Baphomet statue sits at the center. The show's Satan character becomes Sabrina's adversary and is referred to as the "Dark Lord." STRANGE TEXAS CRIMES: That have been blamed on Satan As CBR and Broadly pointed out, the Baphomet statue created by the Satanic Temple does resemble the statue in the "Sabrina" series; putting aside the similarities adapted from the popular mid-19th century illustration, in both the temple's and Netflix's designs, Baphomet is flanked by two children looking up at his head. "It's deeply problematic to us," Greaves, who said he's seen parts of the show, told SFGATE. "(But) even if that wasn't the case we'd be obligated to make a copyright claim because that's how copyright works." Greaves also noted that if the group didn't make the copyright claim now, it would have a weakened ability to do so in the future. In this instance, he said, "we would have had to send some message." "It's distressing on the grounds that you have to worry about that association being made where people will see your monument and not know which preceded the other," he said, "and thinking that you arbitrarily decided to go with the Sabrina design for your Baphomet monument, which rather cheapens our central icon." Before the show premiered on Oct. 26, some people observed similarities between the Baphomet of the Satanic Temple and the Baphomet figure in the show. It was "distressing" to hear of a ressemblance, Greaves said, because members of the Satanic Temple had over the course of a year and a half raised money and honed the design of the icon until "we felt signified what we were trying to convey." But for the Temple, this issue runs much deeper than a copyright. It incites a "Satanic Panic." Greaves' main concern is that he believes to be the show's visual appropriation of the Satanic Temple's image of Baphomet is being interpreted to represent something "evil," and will subsequently stir fear of the group. "I feel that the use of our particular image that is recognized as our own central icon (being) displayed fictionally as central to some cannibalistic cult has real world damaging effects for us," he said. Greaves added that he isn't looking for any kind of fix to the situation other than a retraction by Netflix of the visual representation however that can happen. "I want them to take it out," he said. "It looks like it's a CGI facsimile to begin with. I don't know how much work that takes, but I simply refuse to have our monument used in this way in perpetuity. I don't want our monument to be associated with this." SFGATE has reached out to Netflix for comment. In La boheme, true love covers up a multitude of plot holes. Giacomo Puccinis 1896 opera checks with gusto many of the boxes commonly associated with the art form itself: lush orchestration, grand costumes, a plot that jumbles broad comedy and unspeakable tragedy and performances that wield emotional sledgehammers. If subtlety falls somewhere towards the bottom of that list well, just go with it. Due in no small part to striking performances by sopranos Nicole Heaston and Pureum Jo, Houston Grand Operas latest production reaffirms the virtues that continually place boheme among the worlds most beloved operas. Bayou City patrons certainly know a good thing when they see it; HGO has now produced an even dozen stagings since the 1957-58 season, one every six years or so. Directed by John Caird, this boheme boasts a cast and crew loaded with alumni of the organizations venerable HGO Studio academy: Michael Sumuel as Marcello, Federico de Michelis as Colline, conductor James Lowe, chorus master Richard Bado and the two female principals. A truly impressive array of homegrown talent. Based on Henri Murgers loose-knit 1851 novel Scenes de la vie de la boheme, La boheme did not come easy. Nor was it especially well-received at first; critical reaction ranged from tepid to outright disdainful. Puccini and his librettists, Italian playwrights Giuseppe Giacosa and Luigi Illica, often locked horns during the operas protracted creation, resulting in the composers rejection of an entire act that takes place square in the middle of the action. La boheme When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 6, 10; 2 p.m. Nov 11 Where: Wortham Theater Center, 501 Texas Details: $35-$270 ; houstongrandopera.org See More Collapse Many works could not survive such a disruption in continuity. This one thrives. Indeed, over time the operas rather episodic nature became one of its chief assets: A century after La boheme premiered, Jonathan Larson took the same story, substituted AIDS for tuberculosis and the East Village for Paris, and stood Broadway on its ear with Rent. Baz Luhrmanns genre-bending 2001 film Moulin Rouge is also in its debt. Such longevity stems directly from Puccinis memorable characters and lavish score, which easily transcends any loss of dramatic coherence. Quickly, the audience grows far too enchanted with these starving artists and their lovers to question their motivations too deeply. Puccini further sweetens the pot with moments like the market-set chorus scene that opens Act 2, a glorious set piece that foregrounds HGOs top-notch costumery and stage design. To pull this off, of course, requires performances that can weather the operas drastic fluctuations in mood. As Mimi, the stricken flower-maker whose doom is foretold the moment she faints shortly after meeting soon-to-be soul mate Rodolfo, Heaston brings a luminous intensity to a role circumscribed by fragility and melancholy. Her delivery underlines the strength it takes to carry a chronic illness from one day to the next, and the hope required to fall in love in such a state. Making his HGO debut as Rodolfo, Italian tenor Ivan Magris supple vocals are flush with yearning early on and dejection in later scenes, first when he thinks Mimi has betrayed him and then in the crushing finale. When Mimi enters his cramped attic apartment searching for a light for her candle, the whole mood changes. Rodolfo is smitten and the feeling is mutual, sealed by the freshly minted couples courtly, flirtatious duet O Soave fanciulla. Up until then, the score has been frothy and brimming with the camaraderie between Rodolfo and his bohemian friends Marcello, Colline and Schaunard, whose pun-heavy opening quartet provokes frequent audience laughter. The freezing flatmates cant burn Marcellos painting, says Rodolfo, because painted canvas smells. Instead they decide on Rodolfos play. Marcello is especially cold, he explains, because he has been frozen out by his girlfriend, Musetta, whom Jo animates with verve and high camp. Clad in a sheath-like hot-pink gown that would impress Nicki Minaj, she dominates the bustling marketplace of Act 2 breaking plates, brazenly flirting with Marcello and brandishing her vanity like a rapier during her famous aria Quando Men Vo (also known as Musettas Waltz). Over the top would be an understatement, and is precisely what the part calls for. Also noteworthy is current HGO Studio artist Richard Trey Smagur as Parpignol, the Pied Piper-like toymaster who leads a colorful childrens parade in the middle of Act 2. And pulling double duty as perhaps the funniest roles in the whole opera, Hector Vazquez is a model of exasperation and exaggerated movements as both Rodolfo and friends easily duped landlord and Musettas cuckolded paramour, the older government official with the misfortune to be temporarily caught in her crosshairs. Such frivolity is a distant memory by Act 4, however, when even the haughty Musetta is moved enough by Mimis illness to sell her jewelry to buy medicine for her ailing friend. According to legend, Puccini wept openly after completing the sorrow-drenched music that accompanies Mimis last breaths. Judging by the sniffles that greeted Fridays final curtain, this La boheme packs the same emotional wallop. Bring extra tissues. Chris Gray is a writer in Houston. A winemaker based in the Houston area will be getting a sip of Hollywood exposure beginning Friday. That's when the latest film from Tyler Perry, "Nobody's Fool" starring Tiffany Haddish, opens and it will feature wines from Darjean Jones Wines, a boutique operation begun by Dr. Dawna Darjean Jones who's based in the Montgomery County town of Magnolia. WASHINGTON - Vice President Mike Pence has rejected suggestions that the inflammatory rhetoric from President Donald Trump and others in the Republican Party has contributed to the rise of political violence, arguing that members of both parties engage in heated debate. Pence made the remarks in an interview with NBC News after Saturday's Pittsburgh synagogue shooting, in which 11 people were killed and six wounded. The incident was the deadliest attack on Jews in U.S. history. Several other Trump administration officials, lawmakers and others weighed in on the shooting in appearances on the Sunday morning news shows. In the interview with NBC's Vaughn Hillyard, Pence denounced the shooting and said that the country has "no tolerance for the kind of anti-Semitic violence that reared its ugly head today." But he also defended the often-explosive language used by Trump, maintaining that the president "connected to the American people because he spoke plainly." "Everyone has their own style," Pence said in the interview, which aired Saturday. "And frankly, people on both sides of the aisle use strong language about our political differences. But I just don't think you can connect it to threats or acts of violence, Vaughn. And I don't think the American people connect it." In the wake of the shooting and last week's string of mail bombs allegedly sent by a Trump supporter targeting high-profile critics of the president, some have called for Trump to tone down his rhetoric. Pence rebuffed those calls, contending that "debate is healthy in America." "We want a free and open political debate in America where everyone expresses themselves passionately and openly - but also recognize the difference between passionate debate and acts of violence and evil," Pence said. Reaction on the Sunday shows to the shooting split largely along partisan lines. In an appearance on "Fox News Sunday," Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen called the shooting "a pure act of evil." "You've heard that from the president and vice president yesterday; that's what it is," she said. "We all condemn this in the strongest terms possible." Nielsen said her agency had conducted a site visit at the synagogue as recently as March, with a protective security adviser - a step officials often take, she said. On CNN's "State of the Union," Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., the ranking Democrat of the House Intelligence Committee, said that the motivation of the alleged killer, 46-year-old Robert D. Bowers, "certainly looks ... pretty clear." Bowers appears to have railed against Jewish people and refugees online. Schiff also raised the issue of the country's current political climate, asking, "What kind of climate are we creating?" "No one sets the tone more than the president of the United States ... There's no escaping the tone that he sets," Schiff said. Former Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson echoed those sentiments, saying in an appearance on ABC's "This Week" that the president "has the largest bullhorn." "Americans should demand that their leaders insist on change, a more civil discourse, and a more civil environment generally," said Johnson, who served in the Obama administration. Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, said on "This Week" that while he was encouraged by Trump's remarks Saturday on the shooting, "it isn't what you say after the tragedy that only matters." "It's the environment that you create with your rhetoric," Greenblatt said. "And at the ADL, we have spoken out when candidate Trump or President Trump has invoked anti-Semitic memes and used the kind of rhetoric favored by white supremacists." He said the organization had seen a 57 percent uptick in acts of harassment, vandalism and violence against Jewish people in 2017, the largest single-year increase ever. "Let me tell you, we should not look away when anti-Semitism is on the rise," Greenblatt said. "We need to act." WASHINGTON - Homeland Security and Pentagon officials said Monday that they will send 5,200 troops, military helicopters and giant spools of razor wire to the Mexican border in the coming days to brace for the arrival of Central American migrants President Donald Trump is calling "an invasion." The troop deployment, one week before the U.S. midterm elections, appears to be the largest U.S. active-duty mobilization along the U.S.-Mexico boundary in decades and amounts to a significant militarization of American border security. Air Force Gen. Terrence O'Shaughnessy, the chief of U.S. Northern Command, told reporters Monday that the deployments, dubbed "Operation Faithful Patriot," already are underway. He said the military, working alongside U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), will focus first on "hardening" the border in Texas, followed by Arizona and California. The mobilization will include three combat engineer battalions, members of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and troops who specialize in aviation, medical treatment and logistics, O'Shaughnessy said. Blackhawk helicopters sent to the area will have night-vision capabilities and sensors, carrying troops trained in the kind of aerial combat missions used by the military in active war zones. "We'll be able to spot and identify groups and rapidly deploy CBP personnel where they are needed," O'Shaughnessy said. The activation of such a large contingent of active-duty forces at the border - as opposed to National Guard troops - has no modern precedent and appeared to be the largest of its kind in a century during peacetime. Kevin McAleenan, the top U.S. border security official, said the decision to send troops was not motivated by electoral politics but rather was a law enforcement necessity, as U.S. agents prepare for the possibility that crowds of migrants will amass and turn unruly. McAleenan, the CBP commissioner, said his agency was tracking a caravan of about 3,500 people moving north through southern Mexico. A second group of about 3,000 that clashed with Mexican police over the weekend lags behind them. "We are preparing for the contingency of large groups of arriving persons in the next several weeks," he said. "We will not allow a large group to enter the United States in an unsafe and unlawful manner." In private, Homeland Security officials acknowledge they were alarmed by scenes of migrants breaking through a gate at Guatemala's border with Mexico last week. The concentration of so many people at the U.S. border, the officials said, would amount to a potentially volatile and unprecedented crowd-control challenge for U.S. border agents and customs officers. "What is new and challenging about this caravan phenomenon is the formation of multiple large groups that present unique safety and border security threats," McAleenan said. Last month, U.S. agents arrested a record number of migrant family members along the border, and more than half of those taken into custody now are parents with children or minors traveling along, McAleenan said. "We're already facing a border security and humanitarian crisis," he said, adding that an average of 1,900 people have been crossing the border without authorization each day in recent weeks. Immigrant advocacy groups and the American Civil Liberties Union blasted the move to send military forces and said migrants are exercising their rights under international and federal laws to seek asylum in the United States. Many are walking toward the United States with their families and say they are escaping violence and grinding poverty back home. "These migrants need water, diapers and basic necessities - not an army division," Shaw Drake, policy counsel for the ACLU's Border Rights Center in El Paso, said in a statement. "Sending active military forces to our southern border is not only a huge waste of taxpayer money but an unnecessary course of action that will further terrorize and militarize our border communities." The active-duty deployment comes in addition to Operation Guardian Support, a National Guard mission launched last spring that involves just short of 2,100 troops. O'Shaughnessy, asked why the National Guard was not selected for the new mission, said the military is bringing "additional capability" with the active-duty troops. However, nearly all of the kinds of troops sought for Faithful Patriot exist in the Guard. Initial deployments for the operation include soldiers from Fort Campbell and Fort Knox in Kentucky, Fort Hood in Texas and Fort Riley in Kansas, according to a Pentagon document obtained by The Washington Post. Those deployments, which primarily include military police and engineers, began Monday and will continue throughout the week, according to the document. A Pentagon activation message for the operation distributed internally Monday states that Homeland Security has requested that the Defense Department provide support to the CBP "through the arrival and detention of the migrant caravan currently traveling to the U.S. southern border no later than 30 October." The support will enhance the CBP's ability to "impede or deny illegal crossings, maintain situational awareness and apply the appropriate law enforcement response as it contributes to the overall border security mission of CBP," the message said. O'Shaughnessy said that the personnel on the border will continue to follow the Posse Comitatus Act, which prevents U.S. troops from taking a direct role in law enforcement missions in most circumstances. O'Shaughnessy said the Pentagon also will deploy military police units and cargo aircraft, including three C-130s and one C-17. Combined command posts will be established to integrate U.S. military and CBP efforts. The Pentagon already has sent 22 miles of concertina wire to the 1,954-mile-long border, he said, and has enough additional wire to cover 150 miles. The deployments thrust the military further into a political fight in which the president increasingly has sought to cast the migrants as a national security threat in the days leading up to the Nov. 6 midterm elections. Earlier Monday, Trump tweeted accusations about the caravan without citing any evidence. "Many Gang Members and some very bad people are mixed into the Caravan heading to our Southern Border," Trump said. "Please go back, you will not be admitted into the United States unless you go through the legal process. This is an invasion of our Country and our Military is waiting for you!" The White House has shown confidence that Trump's hard-line enforcement message will continue to drive his conservative base to the polls and even draw some crossover appeal among more-moderate voters. White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said the administration is considering several administrative actions on the southern border, although she declined to publicly describe the options. Trump will do what "he deems necessary" on immigration, Sanders said. The White House has put significant pressure on the government of Mexico to block the caravan's advance. The group has diminished from a peak of nearly 7,000 migrants, as some footsore travelers and parents with children have dropped out or fallen behind. At least 1,000 caravan members have applied for asylum in Mexico, authorities say. Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto on Friday offered temporary work permits, medical care and other benefits to migrants if they agree to register with authorities and remain in the Mexican states of Chiapas and Oaxaca, far from the U.S. border. But the core group of mostly Honduran migrants has rejected his entreaty and continued heading north toward the U.S. border. The caravan remains at least 900 miles from U.S. territory, so its arrival is not imminent. In an attempt to limit the caravan's size, Mexican police clashed Sunday with a smaller, separate group of Central Americans attempting to enter from Guatemala and catch up to the main group. At least one man was killed as police fired rubber bullets and tear gas. --- The Washington Post's David Nakamura, Seung Min Kim, Alex Horton and Maria Sacchetti contributed to this report. --- Video Embed Code Video: General Terrence John O'Shaughnessy, Commander of the U.S. Northern Command, said Oct. 29 the Trump administration is preparing to send thousands of additional troops to the border with Mexico.(The Washington Post) Embed code: Jason Fochtman/Houston Chronicle When problems arise during elections, most of Harris County turns to Assistant County Attorney Douglas Ray and a team of attorneys and investigators to find a solution. Most of the problems Ray has been getting called about during this early voting season have to do with the 100-foot line that keeps candidates and supporters from campaigning too close to the polls. Harris County officials failed to retain an unknown number of emails over a one-year period that could be pertinent in the hotly contested lawsuit over its bail practices, according to documents made public Monday. The countys lawyers deny any emails were lost and say they have produced all relevant documents. The December trial seeking a permanent injunction against the county follows on the heels of an April 2017 finding that its bail policy amounted to wealth-based detention for poor defendants arrested on misdemeanor charges who were otherwise eligible for pretrial release. Chief U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal wrote in her opinion at that time that the countys judicial officers had unfairly detained indigent defendants who couldnt pay bail costs, while people with access to cash were able to resume their lives and await trial on bond. Rosenthal subsequently revised the terms for the bail protocol based on guidance from the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals after the county appealed her ruling. Now the team of civil rights attorneys behind the bail challenge have asked Rosenthal to let them probe officials over an untold number of emails the county may have lost due to a technological glitch in its IT division. Lawyers for the indigent defendants contend that elected judges and hearing officers sued in the case allowed nearly one years worth of email correspondence between them to be automatically deleted by their email system, despite the lawsuit. If evidence was destroyed, especially in a case in the public spotlight, it would be a huge problem, said Jay Jenkins, project attorney with the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition who has argued for bail reform locally. Destruction of relevant evidence is a very serious charge, as it undermines the courts role as fact finder, Jenkins said. Any attorneys or judges representing Harris County who took part should expect swift and severe disciplinary action. The lawyers who brought the lawsuit say the county was slow to inform the court and opposing counsel that despite the impending lawsuit, electronic data from May 2016 to April 2017 was scrubbed from the countys system, said Elizabeth Rossi, of Civil Rights Corps, an attorney for the indigent defendants. It does not matter if they did so intentionally or as a result of negligence. We want to know why they allowed evidence to be destroyed, Rossi said. The county and the county judges refused to provide an adequate explanation so weve raised the issue with the federal court. The Harris County Attorneys Office says the demand for unspecified and possibly missing documents is a red herring in a case that has already cost taxpayers $7.75 million. Emails were not deliberately destroyed and all relevant emails have been produced either electronically or in paper format, said Robert Soard, first assistant to Harris County Attorney Vince Ryan. Soard explained that since the lawsuit was filed, the magistrates have maintained a binder of all memos and emails provided by the judges. Rossi and her colleagues want permission to take sworn statements from an IT official in the court management department, as well as its chief officer Ed Wells and Kelvin Banks, who heads the countys pretrial services division. gabrielle.banks@chron.com On Monday demolition started on downtown Houston's former Houston Press building and historic car dealership structure. Passersby on Monday afternoon might have notice the building's backside had been partially demolished and on Tuesday even more work was being done to the building. WHAT'S NEXT?: Randalls to close three Houston-area stores Energy giant Chevron has owned the 41,000-square-foot building since 2013 and would like to eventually redevelop the valuable downtown real estate. A Chevron representative told Chron.com last month that the building "has reached the end of its useful life." Now Playing: Demolition of the former Houston Press building at 1621 Milam is shown Tuesday, October 30, 2018. The property is owned by Chevron. Video: Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle In the past month since property owner Chevron told Chron.com that the building had ended its era of usefulness the building had been the subject of a handful of Houston Chronicle editorials written by local historians and architects who hoped it could be saved from demolition. LONG GONE: The buildings that Houston has lost over the years due to age and progress Architectural historian Stephen Fox wrote a piece urging the folks at Chevron to change their minds about the pending demolition of the building that was known as the Houston Press headquarters from 1998 until late 2013. Godofredo A. Vasquez, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Before the building housed the alt-weekly, it was better known as the old Shelor Motor Company Building. Opened in 1928, it sold Dodge and Graham Brothers trucks in the beginning. MOOT POINTS NOW: Saving 1621 Milam from the wrecking ball becomes Houston preservation movement The stretch of Milam was at one time a row of car dealerships, ushering in Houston's stubborn car-minded psyche that exists to this day. According to Fox, Frank Gillman Pontiac was the last car dealer to occupy the Shelor Building, remaining until 1967. Chevron remained mum about the building last week when contacted for further comment. It seems now the demolition equipment is doing the talking. Craig Hlavaty covers Houston history and pop-culture. Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, HoustonChronicle.com. | craig.hlavaty@chron.com | Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message Eddie Sajjad became frustrated in March when he was trying to find a place to vote during the primary election in Fort Bend County. The 38-year-old called friends and asked where the closest location to him was. Were in 2018. It shouldnt be an inconvenience, or it shouldnt take someone 15 minutes, 20 minutes or however long to locate a place to go vote at, said Sajjad. That doesnt make any sense. That should be at your fingertips within literally seconds. Sajjad, whos lived in Fort Bend County since 1998, realized that he might have a solution. He began working with his team from two different companies on designing an app to educate voters in the region about polling locations close to them and candidates running in the race. The free app, VotCen, which launched this month, is available on Android and iPhone devices. Sajjads app is among several efforts of voter outreach this election cycle. Students at the University of Texas launched an app that informs people about candidates, issues and polling locations around Travis County. An app, VoteWithMe helps individuals remind friends to vote before Election Day. As Sajjad worked on the app, VotCen, and invested $50,000 of his own money, he became more educated about the political process himself. He learned more about the diverse group of candidates running for office within his county. If I can read a paragraph about somebody, I might not be completely educated, said Sajjad. I might not be the most informed person in the world, but I can be more informed than a person that simply chooses to vote for someone just because of the party that they represent or just because of what their name sounds like. Sajjad is no stranger to designing and building apps. A graduate of the University of Houston with a degree in management information systems, he oversees two companies, Isitonline.com and ThePointofIT.com, that deal with designing and developing apps. When he began building the app in August, his mission was to provide nonpartisan information about each candidate. People can find short biographical information about candidates, but there are also website links for learning more. Ray Ali, 38, who has a video production company and has helped make political ads for candidates, said that even though hes politically active, its hard for him to remember all of the people running for office when he walks into a voting booth. In the past, what used to happen, it was not an educated decision, said Ali, who votes in Fort Bend County. Sometimes you dont know who youre voting for and you just have to choose. What happens now is I actually get a chance to know whos on the ballot. The app has been downloaded a few hundred times, but Sajjad expects thousands of downloads before Election Day. The app is also expected to expand to cover all counties in Texas for the mayor's races in 2019. Sajjad also strives be able to tell voting centers how much traffic is coming their way. Brandon Rottinghaus, a political science professor at University of Houston, said technology could help boost voter turnout in Texas, especially as Houston becomes a growing space for the technology industry. I think just generally speaking, politics is run under the hood by younger people, said Rottinghaus. The more younger people that get involved, the more likely youre going to see these kinds of developments. In general, any kind of technology that can connect voters to the process is a good thing. As Sajjad sat outside the Missouri City Community Center on the first day of early voting, he noted that the current political atmosphere also played a part in his becoming more politically active. He said his own political views hes no fan of President Donald Trump wont affect the apps content. A persons personal political affiliation or personal feelings should not get in the way of informing people, Sajjad said. My agenda is to inform voters. Do I feel like they should vote as I vote? No. brooke.lewis@chron.com twitter\brookelewisa The Harris County Clerks office on Monday defended a decision by election workers to bar translators offering assistance to Korean-American voters from a Spring Branch polling site the day before. The county said translators are free to approach voters outside the 100-foot protected zone at each polling place, but Dona Kim Murphey of the Korean-American Association of Houston said Harris County is too strict in its interpretation of the Texas Election Code. Nowhere does it say we cant offer that translation at the entrance of the facility, Murphey said. That is unacceptable. Local Korean-language outlets urged voters to cast ballots at the Trini Mendenhall Community Center on Sunday because translators, including Murphey, would be there to provide assistance. She said poll workers barred the group of translators from asking Korean speakers in line if they needed help. The translators were permitted to approach voters in the parking lot, but Murphey estimated they were only able to help 40 to 50 Korean speakers instead of the hundreds they had planned. Several thousand Korean-Americans reside in Spring Branch, and more than 30,000 live in the Houston area. Douglas Ray, a deputy in the Harris County Attorneys Office, said the translators were considered loiterers under the Texas Election Code when they were inside the polling place, because they lacked a legitimate business purpose for being there. The code bars loitering and electioneering advocating for a particular cause or candidate within the 100-foot protection zone. Harris County offers ballots in four languages: English, Spanish, Vietnamese and Chinese. The clerks office places Spanish interpreters at each voting location and Vietnamese and Chinese speakers in neighborhoods where they are most likely to be needed. U.S. Census data in 2015 revealed at least 145 languages are spoken in the Houston area, including thousands of residents who speak Hindi, Urdu, Korean and a variety of African languages. Voters are permitted to bring translators for assistance, so long as they swear an oath to translate accurately. Ray said the problem arose Sunday because the translators were asking voters if they needed help, instead of the other way around. Though journalists and exit pollsters are permitted to speak to voters waiting in line, with the permission of poll workers, Ray said translators offering help are prohibited. Ray said translators are free to offer their services to voters at any point before they enter the 100-foot zone. We just dont want them to solicit inside the polling place, he said. Sam Taylor, spokesman for the Texas secretary of states office, said the election code supports Harris Countys rationale because a translator who has yet to be requested by a voter does not meet the description of an authorized person who is permitted at a polling place. Hyunja Norman, who helped organize the voter drive Sunday in her role as president of the Korean American Voters League, said she was unsure how many voters were left to fend for themselves after translators were booted outside of the community center. Norman said she spoke with an elderly Korean-American couple who voted without a translater and were unsure if they had selected the correct candidates. Norman said she apologized to poll workers for misunderstanding the rules, and wants to work closely with the county in the future to prevent another outcome like Sunday. We are new Americans. We are learning this process, she said. Americans say this is a civic duty. I agree. My people want to do our civic duty. Sang Shin, Houston branch president of the nonpartisan Asian American Bar Association, said he worries Korean-American voters will not know where to seek assistance if they slip inside the 100-foot zone without being intercepted by a translator. I think that if Harris County is now taking the stance, based on this instance, that they are going to consider the translators as loiterers, the effect of that is going to be unfair, Shin said. Regardless of who was right in Spring Branch on Sunday, Shin urged Harris County to contact civic groups in the Korean-American community to clarify the rules for translators at the polls. Shin, who is of Korean descent, said Houston-area residents speak many more languages than the four on the ballot and could benefit from additional outreach. The county should take the lead on this, Shin said. zach.despart@chron.com www.twitter.com/zachdespart The Houston Police Department recently announced the arrest of 16 suspects accused of sex trade-related crimes. Police said the suspects were arrested in September for either the solicitation of prostitutes or compelling prostitution, also known as pimping. "We hope by publishing these suspects' photos we will raise awareness of the issue that is human trafficking and put the community on notice that we will no longer tolerate these crimes in our neighborhoods," HPD Vice Division Captain James Dale said in a prepared statement. According to a University of Texas study, more than 300,000 Texans are victims of human trafficking. Of those, 79,00 youths or minors are forced into prostitution or sex trafficking, the 2017 study found. POLICE: Brazoria man travels 900 miles for sex with minor, who turns out to be cop Fernando Ramirez is a digital reporter for Chron.com and Houstonchronicle.com. Read him on our breaking news site and on our subscriber site. Follow him on Twitter at @fernramirez93 or email him at Fernando.ramirez@chron.com. The thin pieces of spruce and muslin that Astronaut Neil Armstrong carried to the moon in July 1969 dont look like much just bits of trash, really. But the historic significance of those items fragments of the Wright Flyer, the first powered aircraft that successfully flew in 1903 reaching the rocky lunar surface was monumental. Less than 70 years after humankind took to the skies for the first time, a piece of the machine that made it possible touched a different world in another first. Most people will never get a chance to see this bit of history. But this week, someone will get to own it for a price. The fragments of the Wright Flyer that landed on the lunar surface as part of the Apollo 11 mission are among about 1,300 items from the personal collection of Armstrong, the first man on the moon, being put up for auction Thursday and Friday by Heritage Auctions in Dallas. It is the first major sale of Armstrongs personal collection that comes amid a growing demand for space collectibles as the 50th anniversary of the moon landing approaches. Two other auctions of Armstrongs collection are planned in the next year. NASA WOES: Recent problems can be traced back to loss of Space Shuttle program This collection is so significant because it was Neil Armstrongs, Heritage President Greg Rohan said in a statement. Theres only one first man on the moon. The items up for auction span Armstrongs life, from his Boy Scout cap to the Wright Flyer fragments. But other items Heritage thinks will generate interest include a small American flag that went to the moon and back with Armstrong, as well as an envelope signed by him, astronaut Buzz Aldrin and their third crewmate, Michael Collins. The envelope was considered insurance cover that family members could sell if the astronauts failed to return. Heritage has also conducted auctions for other astronauts, including late Alan Bean, the fourth man on the moon, and Aldrin and Collins. Eric Bradley, Heritage spokesman, said the auction house expects every piece of the Armstrong collection to sell over the two-day auction. They havent set a monetary estimate for the sale because the items are so unique: there are no comparable examples. Were talking about Neil Armstrong, Bradley said. His actions were a milestone in human evolution. Theres no way you can put a price or expectation on what will happen. Still, starting bid on the Wright Flyer fragments range from $30,000 to $55,000 and starting bid for the flag is $75,000. Chris Spain, a space memorabilia expert who operates the website, SpaceFlownArtifacts.com, said the 50th anniversary of the first lunar landing next year as well as movies like First Man about Armstrongs life are generating even more interest in space collectibles. EXPLOSION: Movie being made about 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger accident Were definitely seeing a rise in the number of people interested in collecting space memorabilia, Spain said. Theres a worldwide appeal Some of the biggest collectors and collections are outside the U.S. First Man The phrase Neil Armstrong uttered when he became the first man to step foot on the moon on July 20, 1969 is widely recited. Thats one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind, he intoned. Aldrin followed him to the surface soon after. The event was watched and listened to by about 600 million people 20 percent of the worlds population at that time and made Armstrong and Aldrin household names. But Armstrongs interest in flight began long before, when he was a boy growing up in Ohio. He had a pilots license by 16, even before he could drive, and studied aeronautical engineering at Purdue University and aerospace engineering at the University of Southern California. 50 YEARS: Victor Murray remembers working on Apollo 11 and everything thats happened since Before being tapped as an astronaut in 1962, Armstrong flew 78 combat missions in Korea for the U.S. Navy and was a test pilot for what would eventually become NASA. He flew just one spaceflight prior to the Apollo 11 moon landing. In 1966, he commanded the Gemini 8 mission, in which the first docking of two modules in space occurred. Armstrong was never comfortable with the fame that came with being the first man to step foot on the moon, describing himself as a nerdy engineer. MISSION CONTROL: Space Center Houston, former Flight Director Gene Kranz, raising money to restore historic room Chris Kraft, NASAs first flight director, previously told the Houston Chronicle that Armstrong was one of the greatest human beings I have ever known. He was a great American, a great astronaut, a great teacher, a great pilot and one of my closest friends, Kraft said. We grew up together at [the space agency] and were always working toward a better future for aeronautical engineering and space. Armstrong died in 2012 at the age of 82 after complications from cardiovascular procedures. As long as there are history books, Neil Armstrong will be included in them, remembered for taking humankinds first small step on a world beyond our own, then-NASA administrator Charles Bolden said in a prepared statement at the time of his death. RISK-ADVERSE: Pioneer astronaut, 86, urges NASA to push boundaries Besides being one of Americas greatest explorers, Neil carried himself with a grace and humility that was an example to us all, Bolden said. When President Kennedy challenged the nation to send a human to the moon, Neil Armstrong accepted without reservation. A total of 12 men stepped foot on the moon between 1969 and 1972. But Armstrong will always be the first. And thats why this weeks auction will be unlike any other Heritage has conducted. Theres little question that this will be the most exciting space exploration sale weve ever conducted at Heritage, Todd Imhof, Heritages executive vice president, said in a statement. Subhed Not much was known about Armstrongs personal collection of space memorabilia until after he died. He didnt loan, sell or donate souvenirs from his time in the Gemini and Apollo programs, unlike many of his colleagues. So with a few exceptions, the Heritage sale is the first time Armstrongs family has put up the collection for sale, according to CollectSpace.com, an online publication about space history and artifacts. Armstrongs sons, Mark and Rick, could not immediately be reached for comment. But in a statement, Rick Armstrong said that his father was never about himself. I would expect that he didnt give much thought about how he would be remembered, Rick Armstrong said. With that being said, I think he would be pleased to be remembered as being part of a program that demonstrated amazing things can be achieved when people come together to dedicate themselves toward a common goal. ANOTHER FIRST: Mission Controls first female chief flight director stands as NASA role model and team builder The auction begins at 10:30 a.m. Thursday and continues on Friday. Bidding can be done via phone, internet, fax or from the auction house show room at 1518 Slocum Street in Dallas. More information can be found here. This weeks auction is the first of three to be held by Heritage to sell the entire 2,000-item collection. The next two will take place on May 9-10 and in November 2019, after the 50th anniversary of Armstrongs landing. Florian Neller, who runs a small site called artifactcloud.com that sells space memorabilia, said that most of the websites customers (there are at least 100 buyers at any given time) are interested in pre-Space Shuttle items. Items that went to the moon [are] the top seller and certainly the most expensive ones, Neller said. The Apollo program is still considered one of the greatest achievements of mankind and thus will always be remembered in history. Neller said that movies based on real events such as First Man and Apollo 13,about the 1970 moon mission that was aborted after an oxygen tank exploded add to the interest, as do science fiction movies such as Star Wars and Star Trek. I think its the fascination [of] owning something from the space program or even something that went to the moon, Neller said, that creates the demand and interest in space memorabilia. alex.stuckey@chron.com An unprecedented number of Texans cast their ballots during the first week of early voting, but it is impossible to predict whether that surge will benefit Republicans or Democrats because more than 25 percent of the voters have no primary election voting history, an analysis of data from the Secretary of State shows. People whose voting records provide no clue of their party affiliation cast 27.8 percent of the ballots in the 15 most populous counties in Texas, according to the analysis by Republican consultant Derek Ryan. About one-third of the early voters in those counties had voted in a Republican primary in the past; for Democrats, it was 30 percent. Those percentages are consistent with early voting totals from the last midterm primary, in 2014, Ryan said. For subscribers: Houston Chronicle 2018 Voter Guide For subscribers: San Antonio Express-News 2018 Voter Guide But the 2018 numbers leave too many unknowns to draw conclusions, Ryan said. Unless somebody's out there polling those people and calling them, there's really no way necessarily to know if those people are voting Republican or Democrat, Ryan said. The same goes for the people that have primary history. Just because somebody voted in a Republican primary, it doesn't always necessarily mean that they're a Republican or that they are voting for all the Republicans on the ballot. In Harris County, 30 percent of early voters had no primary voting history. Thirty-three percent of early voters in the county most recently voted in a Republican primary, compared to 28.6 percent who most recently voted in a Democratic primary. In Bexar County, 28.5 percent of early voters had no primary voting history. For those who have cast ballots in primary elections before, 29.3 percent most recently voted in a Republican primary, compared to 32.6 percent who most recently voted in a Democratic primary. The 15-county analysis also found an increase in voters with Hispanic surnames. Those voters have cast 19 percent of the ballots in early voting so far; in 2014, 15.2 percent of early voters in Texas had Hispanic surnames. In the 2018 election, People aged 60 to 69 made up 21 percent of early voters so far, the largest age group, the 15-county analysis shows. Voters aged 50-59 made up the second largest group at just under 20 percent, and voters aged 40-49 percent made up the third largest group at about 15 percent. Early voters aged 20-29 made up about 8 percent. This breakdown was consistent with totals for the 2014 midterm elections. More storylines from the first week of early voting: Tally so far already tops 2014 total: In the top 15 most populous counties in Texas, 2,669,506 voters cast in-person ballots and 311,409 cast mail-in ballots through Sunday, in the first seven days of early voting. It took just four days of early voting in the top 15 counties for the tally to surpass the total number of early votes cast in those counties during the 2014 midterms and there is still nearly a week of early voting left. Turnout hits 21 percent in metro counties: Through the first seven days of the 12-day early voting period, 506,356 voters cast their ballots in Harris County; in Bexar County, 241,751 votes were recorded; in Travis County, 216,112 cast ballots; in Dallas, 323,553 cast ballots, bringing voter turnout in each county to 21 to 28 percent. Jump in voter registrations fuels surge: Texas voter rolls grew to over 15.6 million people, Texas Secretary of State Rolando Pablos said. Thats a jump of 1.6 million voters since the last midterm election in 2014. Like a presidential election: Voter turnout is typically higher during presidential elections. An average of about 1.5 million people in Texas have cast ballots in each presidential election since 2000, compared to an average of 591,649 voters in each midterm election over the same time. But the number of voters participating in this election is more similar to the 2016 presidential election than any midterm since 2000, according to the Secretary of States office. Early voting ends Friday, Nov. 2, and Election Day is Nov. 6. The murder of 11 people at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh was more than a mass shooting or a terror attack. That slaughter, at its core, was a pogrom. Whether at the hands of Cossacks or Crusaders or Nazis, for millennia the Jewish people have had to endure violence and death driven by hate-fueled conspiracies about poisoned wells and blood libel. The perpetrator in Pittsburgh AR-15 in hand apparently believed that the Jewish community, specifically HIAS (founded as the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society), was responsible for bringing dangerous migrants into the country and needed to be killed for such sin. This sickening insight into a heart of hatred brings to mind the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.s eulogy after four girls were murdered in their own house of worship in Birmingham, Ala., in 1963. We must be concerned not merely about who murdered them, King said. But about the system, the way of life, the philosophy which produced the murderers. Our way of life deserves some scrutiny after a week that included a slaughter at a synagogue, a gunman specifically targeting blacks in Louisville, Ky., and mail bombs sent to perceived enemies of President Trump. Far too many politicians and media outlets continue to propagate the hateful conspiracies seemingly shared by the trio of domestic terrorists from the White House down but this cascade of violence has some rethinking their own cynical strategies of pandering to fear, bigotry and borderline anti-Semitism. Fox Business announced that it will no longer book Chris Farrell of Judicial Watch. On Lou Dobbs Tonight, Farrell bizarrely claimed that Jewish billionaire George Soros, a top contributor to Democratic candidates, was behind a Central American caravan of migrants. Farrell referred to the State Department as Soros occupied. House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., deleted a tweet that accused former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, California businessman Tom Steyer and Soros all Jewish of buying the midterm elections. Were still waiting for Harris County Clerk Stan Stanart to follow their example and remove false conspiracy theories about Soros from his own campaign website which remained online as of Monday afternoon. Such fear-mongering about Soros feeds, intentionally or not, into anti-Semitic tropes about the all-powerful Jew. Groups such as the Anti-Defamation League spent the 20th century trying to force that rhetoric out of polite society. For a while they were successful. The rise of social media has created dark spaces where hate can flourish unencumbered. Far too many politicians have proven themselves either willing to tolerate those beliefs for electoral gain or, even worse, to perpetuate them in earnest. Public displays of grief and requisite vigil attendance arent enough for political leaders who want to stand in support of Tree of Life and the Jewish community. The only way to truly push back against the loathsome anti-Semitism anywhere is to deprive hatred of its insidious kindling fear. This means ending the bizarre portrayals of Soros as a political boogieman. It means treating refugees and migrants as the tempest-tossed sojourners that Emma Lazarus described, as the visitors that Leviticus tells us we should welcome with love and compassion not demonize as invasive threats and potential terrorists. It means resisting the temptation to construe Americas proud history of welcoming newcomers as some radical agenda that includes open borders and complacency on national security. Compassion is not the enemy of strength; it is the embodiment of it. We also must recognize how our post-9/11 political and media landscape has become a pipeline spewing panic and outrage into our homes regardless of there being any actual danger. We should not merely hope for change. Voters have the power to renounce politicians who run on platforms of fear. Viewers have the power to stop consuming media that promotes division. Pogroms wont be prevented by arming rabbis or installing metal detectors in places of worship. These waves of terror can be stopped only by building a better world. It begins by dousing the flames of hatred before they burn out of control. Getting Started With Email Newsletters As A Musician While most artists likely already have some presence on social media, a great way to strengthen your platform and better connect with fans is to implement an email newsletter into your strategy. Here we look at some tips and ideas for getting started. ____________________________ Guest post by by Freddie Tubbs of the Symphonic Blog Building a platform is an important thing for anyone these days, and thats especially true for writers. A platform gives you a wider reach. You probably already have a website and some social media profiles on platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You might even have a Pinterest board. However, all of your efforts to connect with your audience could be improved by adding a simple feature to your strategyan email newsletter. Social media is quite unstableyou could post something fascinating only to have it buried under other posts on your readers feed. With an email newsletter, you have a great opportunity to reach them on a personal level and be present in their minds for a longer time. Newsletter platforms and plugins have made creating a newsletter much simpler these days. Here are some tips and ideas to help you get started with email newsletters. Build Your Email Newsletter List For building your email list, youll need a website or a blog where readers can subscribe. If youve yet to create a website, check out our absolute beginners guide to making one. Newsletter Platforms Other than your professional website or a blog, you should sign up for one of the email newsletter management services. There are plenty of options available and most of the time they are quite easy to use. Mailchimp is one of the most popular email management services which works well with various platforms and offers a lot of great features. It has a free plan which allows you to send up to 12,000 emails and have up to 2,000 subscribers. They also give good support to new users and various tutorials. Tiny Letter is by far the simplest email management service out there. The downside, however, is it offers no special features, no integrations with other platforms and no templates. All it lets you do is create your landing page, create your emails and send them. You can have up to 5,000 subscribers for free. Constant Contact is a beginner friendly newsletter management service. It allows you to easily manage email lists, templates, contacts and so on. It also offers a lot of storage, great support and built-in social media marketing tools. They offer a 60-day free trial after which you will have to pay the fee of $20 on a monthly basis. One of the biggest rules of email newsletters is that you should never add people to your list without permission. It violates the CAN-SPAM Act. People need to give you consent before you can send them emails. Before you set up your subscribe form, here are some things to consider. Sign-up Form Any service you choose will provide you with a few ways to do this. You could link to the signup form directly at your service provider site, or embed the signup form on your website. The latter works best because you dont have to direct a visitor away from your website. The newsletter platform service will provide a code that you simply paste onto a website page to set everything up. Form Customization The form could contain any kind of questions. People usually prefer to fill shorter forms since it doesnt take as much time and its less complicated but questions about their age, preferences, reasons for signing up and so on could help you segment your email list and target your messages. If you do wish to include more questions, separate the form into a few parts and add a tracker so they can see their progress. Your Mailing Address It is required by law that everyone sending email in bulk should include an unsubscribe option and a physical mailing address. However, if you need to maintain your privacy, you could avoid this up to a point by adding a post office box instead of your full address but being honest about your state and country. Manage And Grow Your Email Newsletters Your main goal should be to grow and manage your email list. Over time, you might notice that your open rates and engagement are decreasing email newsletter management service of your choice will give you this data. This means that your audience is no longer opening your emails and that your topics are not attractive to them. This is your cue to spice things up, add something new and change your strategy a bit. Try the following to boost engagement: Personalize your email newsletter be conversational and direct People like to feel like you are talking to them specifically. Ask them for feedback and opinions on what they would like to see next. Also, make sure that your emails are accurate. A ton of grammar and spelling mistakes wont win your readers confidence in your skills as a writer. Here are some tools that could help: Grammarix is a great tool for proofreading and editing as it recognizes mistakes in grammar, spelling and overall readability and style. It offers many features that can help you write better and tighter content. If you opt to pay for it, you get an upgraded service which comes along with more style editing and a plagiarism checker. Hemingway App and Oxessays are tools similar to Grammarly which can help make your writing more concise and to the point. It works in browser and its main premise is that it compares your work to the writing of Earnest Hemingway who was famous for his concise writing. Study Demic offers email writing guides that could help you with your style and tone. Boomessays is an email editing tool mentioned on Bestbritishessays that can assist you with eliminating mistakes. Academ Advisor and Essayroo are grammar checkers that can revise your emails and catch any grammar mistake. Revieweal is an online proofreading tool helpful in catching misspelled words. My Writing Way can check your work for plagiarism. Ukwritings and Paperfellows are formatting tools that can help your email look good and readable. Segmentation Segmentation is a process of separating your email list into targeted groups of people which share some similarities like age or location, for instance. You could segment your email list based on information that they give you in their subscription forms, their engagement and so on. This helps in making your messages more optimized to their interest. For instance, if you have written a thriller with some elements of romance, you could segment your list into two groups those who prefer the thriller part and those who would enjoy the romance. You could then proceed to market your thriller to one group as it is and put a bit more emphasis on the romance part with the other book. Most services can offer a good support in this aspect and your subscribers will be more satisfied if the newsletter you are sending is tailored to their interests rather than bulk-sent. Serializations Serialization means that you are sending a series of connected emails to your audience. Each email is related to the previous one and they are all there to offer a better overview of a certain topic. For instance, if you decide to offer a free course on self-editing to your subscribers, you could serialize it into 20 emails, one of which arrives every day or every week. It contains valuable information and it can have a cliffhanger at the end. Auto-responder emails are a great option in this case because you can create your email series only once and have an auto-responder send it to every new subscriber. Craft Plans For Your Email Newsletter Before you start, you might want to review some of the following points and devise good strategies for your email newsletter: Create a schedule and be consistent You could send emails weekly or monthly even daily if thats what you feel like would suit you best. However, what matters the most is that you stick to it no matter what. Being consistent helps build some excitement over your newsletter arriving. Be direct with your subscribers Tell people what they can expect once they subscribe to your email newsletter what kind of articles theyll read and how often. This transparent approach will help you create a more high-quality list. Increase your chances of being noticed People get a lot of emails from various writers and sites and they all require time. You could increase your odds by creating an interesting subject line, making your content easy to skim through, highlighting the most important parts in bold colours etc. Take your readers time seriously, Bertha Archer, an Email Marketer at Bestaustralianwriters and Academized writer. Different Types of Newsletters Take a look at some of the models of newsletters that might fit your needs: RSS-based email newsletter This means that your subscribers will get notified every time there is a new blog post or update on your site or blog. Paid subscription Is the content that you are providing is attractive enough for readers to pay for it? Subscriptions are hard to sell, but if you do go this route, remember that your newsletter should be more about serving your readers and providing them with something valuable other than marketing. Auto-responders Auto-responders, as previously mentioned, are tools that send pre-made emails to your audience. You set it up once and then anyone new to the list starts receiving it as well. For instance, you could set up a series of welcoming emails for new subscribers or a course. Even though there are plenty of ways to build a platform, email newsletters might be the best of them all. They can help you build a community of people that truly appreciate your work and are interested in engaging with you. The key is to be creative, personal and above all, human. Think about what you would enjoy in an email newsletter and implement it. Share on: iciHaiti - Justice : Impunity and transitional justice The Minujusth and the European Union (EU) delegation in Haiti, with the technical support of the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ), organized a 3-day workshop in Port-au-Prince on the fight against impunity and the introduction to transitional justice (post dictatorship), intended to strengthen key organizations of civil society. Discussions focused on identifying priorities, opportunities and obstacles to the transitional justice process for past human rights violations. The majority of the 27 participants (including 13 women) were members of NGOs dedicated to the defense of human rights in Haiti, but also representatives of the Interministerial Committee for Human Rights (CIDP). Learn more about transitional justice : The four central measures of transitional justice (trial, publication of the truth, reparations and administrative reforms), are intended to guarantee four objectives : recognition, trust, the rule of law and ultimately reconciliation. The four rights recognized by transitional justice for victims are : the right to the truth, the right to justice, the right to reparation and the guarantee of non-repetition. IH/ S/ iciHaiti iciHaiti - Social : International colloquium on the reintegration of returnees from the Dominican Republic The Human Rights Section of Minujusth participated in a colloquium on "Haiti, Migration and Human Rights" to discuss the problematic reintegration of returnees from the Dominican Republic to Haiti https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-25188-haiti-dr-a-little-more-than-80-000-haitians-deported-or-turned-back-in-7-months.html During this colloquium , which focused on the relationship between migration and human rights in Haiti, national and foreign researchers, State actors, civil society and international organizations discussed issues such as : To what extent do Haitians who emigrate have access to decent work? To what extent have recent migrations, if successful, achieved a level of socio-professional integration and benefit migrants? The risk of human rights violations to which migrants have incurred are they preventable? Can one speak, within the framework of the practices observed, of the existence of a Haitian migration culture? See also : https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-25756-icihaiti-dr-nearly-11-400-haitians-deported-or-turned-back-to-haiti-sept-2018.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-25188-haiti-dr-a-little-more-than-80-000-haitians-deported-or-turned-back-in-7-months.html IH/ iciHaiti Sky-high diesel prices leave south Indian fishermen stranded by ASHEESH MAMGAIN October 30,2018 | Source: The Citizen Its early morning, and the fishermen of Bekal on the Karnataka coast are returning from the mornings fishing trip. A small crowd develops on the beach, surrounding the traditional boats that have just been pulled in. The catch is small and the faces that brought it in do not look happy. With fuel prices shooting up, this is the usual morning scene. The scene is similar across the Malabar coastline, across the south Indian states of Kerala and Karnataka. All along the Malabar coast, fishermen were waiting eagerly for the two-month monsoon fishing ban to end. They had prepared their boats and equipment in anticipation. But their planning and hopes were hit hard with a new problem: the extremely high price of diesel. With diesel costs hitting the roof, going fishing in a diesel-powered boat is becoming a losing business. Now the fishermen are increasingly falling back on the option of taking their traditional wooden rowboats out to sea. But these are smaller and cannot go as far into the sea. They also need more hands to operate. Which means a smaller catch of fish, and more people to share sales with. For those who depend solely on diesel powered trawlers, even the traditional paddle boats are a problem. Increased fishing by the smaller handpowered traditional boats is causing problems for the diesel trawlers. The smaller boats catch all the small fish near the coastline. That forces us to go even further into the sea, which means more consumption of diesel, says Satish, a fisherman from Gokarna in Karnataka. With fuel prices sky high, fishing communities across the country are facing a tough time. In Odisha on October 21, for the first time ever, the price of diesel went higher than the price of petrol, reaching above Rs 80 per litre. In Tamil Nadu, as diesel prices crossed the Rs 75 per litre mark, the fishing community in Rameswaram, where around 900 diesel powered trawlers operate, threatened a strike. They pointed out that the diesel subsidy they get is not enough to cut the losses theyre suffering due to high diesel prices. They also threatened to bring their protest to Delhi, to press their demands with the central government. On October 3, fishermen from several states met in Madgaon, Goa, to discuss their plight. One of their demands is that the union government should bring diesel prices under the ambit of the goods and services tax. The reality is that diesel is an important ingredient in the fishing business. With fish populations in freefall, fishermen depend on the power of diesel to take them ever deeper into the sea to net a good catch. Each fishing trawler burns around 5,000 litres of diesel per month. In Kerala, the state government provides a sales tax exemption of Rs 9, which must be claimed later. If diesel prices remain high, theres no way we will be able to make profits in the coming months of November and December, which are the peak fishing months for us, and when we consume up to 8,000 litres of diesel a month, says Mohammad Hamza, from Kanhangad, Kerala. The Malabar fishing community has been facing financial hardship for a while now. A study by the Malabar Coastal Institute of Training Research and Action found that the average monthly per capita income of a fisherman is only half of that of the average Kerala resident. As a result, many are leaving their fishing work and trying to earn a living through other means. Raghvan from the Mukua fishermen community in Bekal says, Fishing activity is no longer a viable livelihood option for us. There is simply not enough money in it. We have given a representation to the local member of parliament demanding the building of a harbour so that we can get some work there. Theme(s): Others. As part of its Energia + Mujer programme, Chiles Ministry of Energy last week held an international conference to promote the participation of women in the clean energy sector, with the support from the Ministry of Women and Gender Equality, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the International Energy Agency (IEA). The event brought together more than 180 participants from industry, government, academia and other organisations to share domestic and international experiences on how to overcome challenges on increasing the participation and leadership of women in the sector. The conference was inaugurated by Chiles Minister of Energy, Susana Jimenez and Minister of Women and Gender Equality, Isabel Pla. The Chilean government recognises the fundamental role women play in meeting the challenges of the energy sector and is taking action to achieve its twin goal of developing its domestic energy potential while at the same time integrating more women into the sector. The IEA is also committed to supporting gender diversity in the energy sector and recognises the critical role diversity plays in innovation and accelerating the clean energy transition. We believe that Chiles development will be stronger incorporating the talents of all its inhabitants, especially the energy of its women. The Ministry of Energy will incorporate this objective within its 2018-2022 Energy Roadmap, said Minister Jimenez. The conference launched the Energia + Mujer public-private partnership to better understand the barriers women face in pursuing a career in the energy sector. It aims to develop an action plan, in March 2019, to overcome these challenges. According to a 2017 project with 48 energy companies, the energy sector is one of the least gender diverse in Chile, with a participation rate of women of just 22%, and only 12% of company board directors and CEOs held by women. Chile, which has rapidly rising shares of renewable electricity in its energy mix thanks to the highest solar radiation in the world, is also showing how women can contribute and benefit from the clean energy transition. In the north of Chile, a solar company is breaking down gender barriers with an all-women workforce manufacturing mirrors for solar thermal electricity plants and showing how clean energy innovation is opening up opportunities for women to contribute to the rapidly changing energy sector. The Clean Energy, Education and Empowerment Technology Collaboration (C3E TCP), which seeks to promote higher participation of women in the clean-energy sector also supported the conference with its member and observer countries sharing their experiences. Established in 2017 under the IEAs Technology Collaboration Programme, the C3E TCP is now a joint initiative of the IEA and the Clean Energy Ministerial. Its membership now includes seven countries (Australia, Austria, Canada, Czech Republic, Finland, Italy and Sweden) with Chile about to join next. Improving gender diversity has been a central pillar of the IEAs modernisation strategy since 2015 and those efforts are now bearing fruit. For example, the Agency has reported notable increases in the share of women among its professional staff as well as the share of applications from women for vacancies. Also there has been a significant increase in the share of women in the IEAs management team. The IEA will continue to implement measures to improve gender equality and make the agency an attractive workplace for both talented men and women. The IEA C3E Fellowship is one such programme that aims to encourage more women to pursue careers in clean energy as well as to raise the attractiveness of the IEA for female candidates. The fellowship provides a talented female student the opportunity to gain work experience at the IEA and will soon welcome its first C3E fellow. Improving the visibility and attractiveness for women to pursue a career in the energy sector combined with recognition of the important role diversity plays in innovation will help to achieve our global goals of a clean energy transition. International collaboration at both the public and private levels will also be an important enabler to achieve gender equality in the energy sector and the IEA is pleased to be a key partner in the Equal by 30 Campaign which aims to spur government and private sector commitments and actions to achieving the Sustainable Develop Goal of gender equality by 2030 (SDG5). At the G7 Energy Ministers meeting held under Canadas Presidency in September 2019, all G7 countries unanimously signed onto the Equal by 30 Campaign bringing the number of country signatories to 9 and joining over 30 of the worlds leading energy companies in taking action to achieve gender equality. Mike Wiley and Catherine Pratt from the US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) packed their iSeq into a Pelican case, along with 8 other suitcases of lab equipment, and flew through Ethiopia to Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). There was no time to spare as the DRC was experiencing an Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak and people were perishing at an alarming rate. Instead of shipping a sequencer and having it get held up in customs, Wiley waited patiently while dogs sniffed his traveling laboratory, taking special interest in his reagents and consumables. He passed through the airport and within hours of arrival, set up a full-functioning sequencing facility under director general Dr. Jean-Jacques Muyembe at the Institut Nationale de Recherche Biomedical (INRB). He plugged in the iSeq, ran a systems check, and began to process samples immediately. High-quality and accurate sequencing data from the iSeq, in combination with extensive epidemiological findings, enabled local scientists to analyze transmission patterns and trace the origin of the outbreak. With the exception of a few lab power outages, the iSeq was running full-force, performing end-to-end next generation sequencing (NGS) reactions using a targeted enrichment strategy that combines a stranded RNA-seq preparation followed by an in-solution hybridization enrichment reaction. While sequencing was underway, Catherine Pratt was training local scientists on proper sequencing techniques and protocols. All this work yielded high-quality, accurate data to characterize the strain responsible for the EVD outbreak. The first EVD case was identified in May 2018 in the Bikoro health zone, in the Equateur Province. By the time July rolled around, 54 people were infected in three zones - Bikoro, Iboko, and Wangata and 33 people lost their lives. At the culmination of July everyone breathed a sigh of relief, the outbreak was declared over and first responders from abroad started to pack up and leave Kinshasa. Merely one week later, on August 1, a second outbreak was detected in the region of North Kivu, 2000 km east from the Equateur Province. The newly established field sequencing capabilities at the INRB were put to the test and enabled a prompt response to the new outbreak. Dr. Muyemebe and his team were able to generate actionable data within four days of sample receipt. The data demonstrated that the North Kivu outbreak was unrelated to the recent outbreak in the Equateur Province. The iSeq provided timely, crucial information: the viral strain was verified, and this information helped the scientists determine their next steps in response to the outbreak. High-quality and accurate sequencing data from the iSeq, in combination with extensive epidemiological findings, enabled local scientists to analyze transmission patterns and trace the origin of the outbreak. The addition of Illumina technology helped to power an effective response to this public health crisis. Wileys goal is to create a network of trained scientists throughout Africa so that the response to public health epidemics can be conducted locally and expeditiously. The new reality is that you dont need to send samples to fancy genome centers to conduct this work; the scope of where sequencing can be performed has expanded considerably. The protocols and reagents for processing samples are much more user friendly and the sequencers more portable. This all results in generating data and results faster and enabling NGS to become another tool for outbreak response, he said. And, as for Illumina, were proud to support these initiatives throughout Africa by building sequencers that unlock the human (and viral) genome to improve health. *The information contained in this article does not necessarily reflect the position or the policy of the Government and no official endorsement should be inferred. Imperial Valley News Center USDA Announces 2019 Agricultural Outlook Forum Washington, DC - Early bird registration is now open for the 95th annual Agricultural Outlook Forum (AOF), the largest annual meeting of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This two-day event will take place on Feb. 21-22, 2019, at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel in Arlington, Virginia. This years forum, which is being held under the theme Growing Locally, Selling Globally, highlights current issues and trends affecting agricultural production and global markets. It offers a platform for exchanging ideas, information and best practices among producers, processors, policymakers, government officials, and non-governmental organizations, both domestic and foreign. Concurrent sessions will explore topics such as global trade trends, innovations in agriculture, developments in animal and crop biotechnology, frontiers in conservation, and outlooks for food and commodity markets. An exhibit hall will showcase resources from USDA agencies and private organizations. Last year, nearly 1,600 stakeholders attended the forum. Agricultural business, research, and policy are constantly evolving, said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue. It is very important to get our public and private stakeholders together to make connections, share knowledge, and highlight innovations in addressing current and future challenges to agriculture. Speakers at the 2019 forum will include U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and other senior USDA officials; guest speakers from the agricultural sector; and plenary sessions with agricultural industry leaders. USDA Chief Economist Robert Johansson will present the 2019 Economic Outlook for Agriculture. USDA's 95th Annual Agricultural Outlook Forum - "Growing Locally, Selling Globally". Future Leaders in Agriculture Program The USDA Future Leaders in Agriculture Program selects 30 undergraduate and graduate students in agriculture-related studies for a weeklong trip to Washington, D.C. During their visit, students take part in a USDA briefing, discuss career opportunities with agriculture leaders in academia, government, and industry, attend the forum, and tour the nations capital. Winners receive free registration, transportation, and lodging. Apply today (PDF, 109 KB) for this real-world training experience in agribusiness, scientific research, and agricultural policy. Pre-Forum Field Trip The USDA offers a pre-forum field trip for early arrivals. This years trip will focus on urban agriculture. It will feature a local urban farm enterprise and a visit with scientists who conduct research on microgreens, locally adapted fruit varieties and other urban farming topics at USDAs Beltsville Agricultural Research Center. A nominal fee covers transportation and a boxed lunch. Visit the Agricultural Outlook Forum website to register, reserve discounted room rates, join the pre-forum field trip, or apply for the USDA Future Leaders in Agriculture Program. Early Release of Select Commodity Tables for USDA's Agricultural Projections to 2028 Washington, DC - On November 2, 2018, at 12:00 p.m. EDT, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will release selected tables prepared for the upcoming USDA Agricultural Projections to 2028 report. USDA will post online tables containing long-term supply, use, and price projections to 2028 for major U.S. crops and livestock products and will include supporting U.S. and international macroeconomic assumptions. The short-term projections from the October 11, 2018 World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report are used as a starting point. The complete USDA Agricultural Projections to 2028 report will be released in February 2019. The complete report will include a full discussion of the commodity supply and use projections, as well as projections for farm income and global commodity trade. The early-release tables will be posted to the USDA Office of the Chief Economist's (OCE) website. USDA's long-term agricultural projections represent a departmental consensus on a ten-year representative scenario for the agricultural sector. They are a composite of model results and judgment-based analyses, prepared from September through October 2018. The projections do not represent USDA forecasts, but rather reflect a conditional long-run scenario based upon specific assumptions about macroeconomic conditions, policy, weather, and international developments, with no domestic or external shocks to global agricultural markets. The Agricultural Act of 2014 is assumed to remain in effect through the projection period. As President Trump sends another 5,000 troops to the Southern border to help fend off a caravan of asylum seekers, you might think being Latino in America would be something of a handicap. But you'd be wrong. "I use the fact that I'm Brazilian, that I'm [Latina] to my benefit," says Junea Rocha, co-founder and CEO of Brazi Bites, a line of Brazilian cheese-bread snacks based in Portland, Oregon, and No. 219 on the Inc. 5000. For her, being a Latina woman gives her the ability to stand out from a sea of white males--a common sight when she goes to sales meetings--and has allowed her to grow her company's annual revenue from over half a million dollars in 2014 to more than $12.9 million last year. "Here I show up with all my energy and excitement--and on top of that, I have [sales] data to back me up," she adds. "That has benefited me, because it's different." Rocha is just one of a handful of founders on this year's Inc. 5000--a tally of the fastest-growing private companies in America--who describe being Hispanic or Latino as an asset for business. Most of them, though, don't subscribe to labels. Beyond Labels "Although I embrace my heritage tremendously--and I embrace it in hiring people and being in that community--I don't necessarily go out and say 'I'm a Hispanic leader,'" says Joe Fernandez, the Cuban American co-founder and CEO of TBX Employee Benefits, a software platform that helps companies manage enrollment and employee benefits. "I just simply say, 'I'm a leader.' It really shouldn't be any different." Indeed, says Ramiro Cavazos the CEO of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce: "We're just as American as everyone else... We don't think about ourselves as different from other businesses," he says. Even so, business is booming among some members of this community--regardless of how they feel about labels. Latino entrepreneurs in this year's Inc. 5000 have founded businesses that collectively made over $5.6 billion in revenue in 2017. Over the past three years, they have also created more than 13,500 jobs. And while Fernandez might not readily link his success with his heritage, you'd be hard-pressed to not see the connection. His Dallas-based company, which landed at No. 348 on this year's list, booking more than $4.6 million in revenue last year, up 1,429 percent from $302,794 in 2014, in part, by translating his company's services to the Hispanic audience. "One of the things that we wanted to capitalize--that not a lot of people in our space had done until we came along--was to provide an employee interface in both English and Spanish," says Fernandez, noting that his 30-person team includes a "fair share" of Hispanic and other minorities to make sure the software provides a quality experience. Common Bonds Hispanic-owned businesses on the Inc. 5000 are in the minority among minorities. Amid this year's honorees, annual 2017 revenue started at more than $2 million--a rarified benchmark. Although Latinos start up businesses at a faster rate than any other ethnicity in the U.S., only about 2 percent scale enough to reach $1 million in annual revenue. The U.S. Census Bureau uses the terms Hispanic and Latino to track data from people who were either born in or whose lineage comes from a country in Latin America or where the primary language is Spanish, like Spain. What's more, that road to success is almost guaranteed to be bumpy. Minority founders are more likely to experience hardships than non-minority entrepreneurs, says Bianca Caban, director of partnership and business at Republic, a New York City-based crowd-investing platform for startups, with a focus on diversity. Rather than see it as a disadvantage, however, Caban argues that life experience helps these entrepreneurs thrive in business. It also lets them see opportunities that others might miss, she adds. "You're able to call upon that resourcefulness that you had to have growing up, because maybe you didn't come from means." That's just what Michael Cordova did. The founder and CEO of Gold Financial Group, a precious-metal dealer based in Sherman Oaks, California, and No. 409 on the Inc. 5000, grew up as a farmer working in the fields of Washington State. He was the first member of his family to go to college, because he didn't want to "work that hard" for the rest of his life. After using his life savings to launch his company in 2013, Gold Financial Group has grown its revenue from $160,100 in 2014 to more than $2.1 million in 2017. Running a business "keeps me on my feet," Cordova says. "I haven't had a vacation in three years," he adds. Similarly, Peter Maldonado--the co-founder and CEO of Naples, Florida-based dry meat snacks maker Chomps, No. 124 on the Inc. 5000--says working hard is in his DNA. He explains how his grandmother wound up taking three jobs to support her six kids--among them Maldonado's father--after immigrating to the U.S. from Colombia and becoming a widow shortly thereafter. She spoke only a small amount of English, but that didn't deter her, Maldonado says. "She did it all herself," he adds. As for his own strides, his company, which caught on with Crossfit communities after launching in 2012, grew to more than $8.7 million in 2017 revenue, up from $270,482 in 2014. Whether working hard is a defense against anti-immigrant attitudes or just a matter of DNA, James Gutierrez, would suggest it's neither. Instead, the founder and CEO of Insikt, a San Francisco, California-based lending startup that booked $25 million in 2017 revenue, and is No. 397 on the 2018 list, says it all boils down to tenacity. "We have ganas [Spanish word for drive]. We don't stop, we persevere." EXPLORE MORE Inc. 5000 COMPANIES Louis CK performed yet another show in New York City on Monday night, telling his audience he has to stick with comedy because he needs the money. The disgraced comedian real name Louis Szekely has been attempting a comeback after admitting last year that allegations of sexual misconduct brought against him by several women were true. Szekely was standing on the stage of the Comedy Cellar, the Greenwich Village club where he has performed several times since the end of August. His performances have usually been unannounced, popping up sporadically, but Monday evening's show had been advertised in advance giving protesters a chance to prep slogans and cardboard signs ahead of the event. Recommended Sarah Silverman apologises after saying she gave Louis CK comments "I need to make jokes because I need an income," Szekely said during his set, according to The New York Times. He told the crowd he lost $35m (27.4m) when reports of his sexual misconduct first emerged in November last year. However, he attempted to present his personal narrative as a story of resilience, adding: "Hard things, you survive them or you don't. I think even hell you can survive. Hell is not that bad. Ive been there." No one heckled the comedian during his show, The New York Times reported. On stage, Szekely frequently referred to his notes, said he had been working on his new sketches "all year", talked about his love of ice cream, and asked members of his audience whether they had ever pondered how many sexual partners their mothers had been with. Szekely performed twice on Monday night: once at 9.30pm and once at 11.30pm. He started off his set by asking: So what kind of year have you guys had? They tell you that when you get in trouble you find out who your real friends are. It's black people, it turns out. They'll stick by you. The comedian, who has been criticised for trying to return to comedy without making amends for his past behaviour, said he hasn't been keeping up closely with what has been written about himself online. Some expressed their dissent outside the venue. Protester Jennifer Boudinot, 37, held up a sign reading: "When you support Louis CK, you tell women your laughter is more important than their sexual assaults and loss of their careers." Lana McCrea, 27, held up a sign of her own, which read: "Does this sign make you uncomfortable, Louie?" Boudinot told The New York Times she was "furious" to see CK performing again so soon after reports of his sexual misconduct surfaced. "Every female comedian he has harmed deserves a place on the Comedy Cellar stage one hundred times before he should be allowed back on the stage," she said. At the time of writing, 13 mail bombs have been intercepted on their way to prominent Democrats and left-leaning figures in the US. The man charged with dispatching them has a history of posting vitriolic, often threatening, tweets aimed at those on the other side of the political aisle. He appears to be a partisan, attorney general Jeff Sessions said of the suspect, which for many in this polarised climate is all the causality needed. Hes a right-wing extremist. Case closed. To rewatch American History X this week, as it reaches its 20th anniversary, is to be reminded of the importance of trying to understand what drives people to commit heinous acts. Its story of a neo-Nazis attempts at reform has a new-found poignancy. When the film was released on 30 October 1998, America was not wrestling with itself in the same way it is today. Its not that the relationship between citizen and state was harmonious April of that year actually saw the deadliest act of domestic terrorism in US history, the Oklahoma City bombing, when 168 people died after conspirators destroyed a federal building. But the country was not so divided, and the political centre ground was not so untenable. This was pre-9/11 America; Bill Clinton sat in the White House, and American History Xs subject was a fringe one. The drama was released to critical acclaim and with little fuss. American History X - trailer This would not be the case today. Its willingness to take on ugly political realities gives it a substantial raison detre, The New York Times Janet Maslin wrote in her review of the film at the time. If anything, its ugly subject matter would now be reason for it not to exist. The poster (below) for the film is taken up solely by a portrait of a shirtless Derek, who places a hand over the swastika tattoo on his chest. Its intentionally unclear whether hes doing so with pride or in a bid to cover the hate symbol, but its a provocative image regardless. Had the poster been released in October of 2018 instead of 1998, it would have swiftly become a trending topic and in all likelihood led to boycotts. Just what we need, another attempt to humanise the white supremacist, would have been the main thrust of a thousand tweets, the shutters coming down long before anyone had actually seen the film. Edward Norton earned an Academy Award nomination for his role (New Line Cinema) The argument would have been made that there is no place for a film like American History X when Donald Trump is in the White House, a president who could charitably be described as only ever being a maximum of two degrees of separation away from a white supremacist. Its inappropriate, critics would have argued, at a time when people waving Nazi flags marched in Charlottesville chanting Jews will not replace us and when only just this weekend 11 people were senselessly shot dead at a Pittsburgh synagogue. But the argument would have fallen apart upon first viewing of the film, which feels more essential now than it ever has. While American History X is at times prone to sentimentality, and its account of Dereks redemption is a little linear and simplistic, the film is still successful in rallying our hope in humanity. (New Line Cinema (New Line Cinema) Viewed in 2018, certain facets of the movie stand out that didnt before. When Dereks little brother and protege Danny (Edward Furlong) turns in a paper at school entitled My Mein Kampf, his history teacher (Elliot Gould) is filled with the shut it down rhetoric of today. This is dangerous, he tells the African-American principal Dr Sweeney (Avery Brooks), calling on him to expel the pupil. This goes too far. But Sweeney, in whom the film hopes the viewer will find a like-minded ally, retorts: This racist propaganda, this Mean Kampf psychobabble, he learned this nonsense and he can unlearn it too. Crucially: I will not give up on this child yet. Later, the white supremacist gangs exploitative leader, Cameron (Stacy Keach), gloats when trying to persuade a reformed Derek back into the fold: Wait till you see what weve done with the internet. Theres no snappy comeback to this line, and it plays chillingly 20 years on, when the internet has become woven into our lives more than we ever might have imagined, and yet we still havent figured out an effective way to keep hate speech away from it. (New Line Cinema (New Line Cinema) Brutal though the film often is, it was too sappy for its director Tony Kaye, whose disapproval of his own film is now the stuff of Hollywood legend. Kaye turned in his cut on time and within budget, but the studios extensive notes led him to throw what he would later recognise as a prima donna hissy fit. Banned from the cutting room, he could only watch as Norton and parachuted-in film editor Jerry Greenberg created a new version. Their cut, 40 minutes longer than his 95-minute rough diamond, left Kaye so dismayed that he punched a wall and broke his hand. He waged war on the studio, New Line Cinema, trying to prevent the films release and, when the execs would no longer speak to him (nor the Catholic priest, rabbi or Tibetan monk he insisted on bringing to negotiations), he spent $100,000 on ads in trade magazines aimed at them. Unsuccessful in blocking the film, he requested his credit be changed to Humpty Dumpty. The film was, for Kaye, crammed with shots of everyone crying in each others arms. Its a critique very much of its time today it would be hard to imagine a harrowing, black-and-white film like this being given a budget of $20 million, and if it did the characters would be doing a lot more emoting. As Derek ditches his vile beliefs, the film switches from black and white to colour (New Line Cinema) In the early 2000s, American History X would be name checked by film buffs trying to demonstrate their sense of morals. That the film no longer sits comfortably in the collective consciousness as a pillar of virtue shows how much ideologies have shifted. In this incendiary era, forgiveness and rehabilitation arent now the core tenets of liberalism they once were, and have both become the subject of great controversy. But, ultimately, as Sweeneys patience pays off and Derek becomes a crucial ally in de-radicalising white supremacists, the film becomes more about prevention through understanding. That we must try and combat all forms of prejudice, and not let them prosper in societal exile, is something we can surely all agree on. Kasabian frontman Tom Meighan has paid tribute to Leicester City owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha following his death in a helicopter crash over the weekend. Meighan, a native of Blaby,Leicestershire and longtime supporter of Leicester City FC, was among the fans who gathered on Monday morning at the King Power Stadium to honour the memory of the Thai billionaire businessman. Srivaddhanaprabha, 60, had just left the venue after a match on Saturday evening when his helicopter spiralled out of control and crashed in the car park, killing all five people inside. Outside the stadium, a visibly moved Meighan praised Srivaddhanaprabha's legacy, referring to the late owner as "the man who saved our club." He credited Srivaddhanaprabha with getting the ailing Leicester City out of debt after purchasing it for 39m in 2010 and leading it to a widely unexpected Premier League title in 2016. "Theyve been amazing. Theyve come in and got us out of debt and avoided relegation. They won the Premier League and now it's this," Meighan told Sky News of Srivaddhanaprabha and his family. "It feels like it's died. The dream is dead." Meighan recounted meeting Srivaddhanaprabha in person when Kasabian played at the King Power Stadium in 2016 and making "amazing memories" during the encounters. "I remember meeting him. We met a couple of times. We played the stadium here twice," he told Capital East Midlands. "I met him on the stage and gave him a hug. Just amazing memories and now it feels like it's dead. Leicester City feels like it's dead at the minute. It's going to take a long time to recover." Kasabian previously paid a joint tribute to Srivaddhanaprabha on its Twitter account, writing: "We are really shocked and saddened by the events of last night. Our thoughts are with everyone at @LCFC, their friends and their families X." Srivaddhanaprabha's helicopter took off from the King Power Stadium around 8:30pm on Saturday according to witnesses, an hour after Leicester City's 1-1 tie with West Ham United. Two members of the club owner's staff, Nursara Suknamai and Kaveporn Punpare, also died in the crash, as well as passenger Izabela Roza Lechowicz and pilot Eric Swaffer. Leicester City confirmed Srivaddhanaprabha's death in a statement on Sunday night, saying it was left "with the deepest regret and a collective broken heart." Legions of fans paid tribute to the chairman following the news of his death, leaving bouquets of flowers, jerseys and other tokens of gratitude and admiration outside of the King Power Stadium. One of the messages scribbled on top of a yellow jersey read: "You made a dream reality that we will never forget! And we will never forget you!" Kanye West has brought his controversial political views to the fashion world. Over the weekend, the 41-year-old launched a new clothing range meant to promote the Blexit campaign, which urges black Americans to leave the Democratic party. Short for black exit, the term mimics Brexit, the term used for Britains exit from the European Union. Wests merchandise which includes hats and t-shirts was launched at the Young Black Leadership Summit in Washington, where Turning Point USAs communication director, Candace Owens, announced that West was behind the range. Blexit is a renaissance and I am blessed to say that this logo, these colours, were created by my dear friend and fellow superhero Kanye West, she said. (West) has taken one of the boldest steps in America to open a conversation we have needed to have and I cannot tell you how badly he wishes he could be here. Kanye Wests Blexit range (Blexit.com) West has publicly offered admiration for Owens, a controversial pro-Donald Trump spokesperson who has been critical of the Black Lives Matter movement, on multiple occasions. According to the Blexit website, the movement hopes to offer free thinkers across the country a place to release themselves from the political orthodoxy. Owens first attempted to proliferate the use of the term in 2016, publishing an open essay called Blexit: In My Own Words. 'Imma let you finish' - Kanye West's most controversial quotes Show all 10 1 /10 'Imma let you finish' - Kanye West's most controversial quotes 'Imma let you finish' - Kanye West's most controversial quotes "I was the best new artist this year" Kanye asserted this after losing the New Artist of the Year award at the 2004 American Music Awards Getty Images 'Imma let you finish' - Kanye West's most controversial quotes I am the number one human being in music. That means any person that's living or breathing is number two. Kanye made this claim while appearing on the Wendy Williams show in 2007. He had recently released the album 'Graduation' to critical acclaim Getty Images 'Imma let you finish' - Kanye West's most controversial quotes Yo Taylor, I'm really happy for you, I'mma let you finish, but Beyonce has one of the best videos of all time. One of the best videos of all time! In arguably the most famous incident of his career, Kanye bravely stole the microphone from then 19 year old Taylor Swift during her acceptance speech for the Female Music Video of the Year at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards REUTERS 'Imma let you finish' - Kanye West's most controversial quotes "I walk through the hotel and I walk down the street and people look at me... like I'm Hitler" Kanye said this during a mid-set rant while on stage at the Big Chill festival in 2011. Despite releasing the acclaimed 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy' in 2010, he was still widely disliked following the Taylor Swift incident PA Archive/PA Images 'Imma let you finish' - Kanye West's most controversial quotes "I am Picasso. I am Michelangelo. I am Basquiat. I am Walt Disney. I am Steve Jobs" Kanye compared himself to these visionaries in a mid-set rant on stage in Paris, 2013 AFP/Getty Images 'Imma let you finish' - Kanye West's most controversial quotes My greatest pain in life is that I will never be able to see myself perform live. In 2013, Kanye opened up to reveal more Kanye. His pain is understandable, considering such performances as his at the BRITs in 2015, where he came on stage with an entourage of flamethrower wielding grime artists (pictured) Getty Images 'Imma let you finish' - Kanye West's most controversial quotes I have to dress Kim everyday so she doesnt embarrass me. Kanye tweeted this in 2014, around the time that he was designing the first Yeezy range AFP/Getty Images 'Imma let you finish' - Kanye West's most controversial quotes By 50 percent [I am more influential than] Stanley Kubrick, Apostle Paul, Picasso f***ing Picasso and Escobar. By 50 per cent more influential than any other human being. Kanye made this claim backstage after appearing on Saturday Night Live in 2016, he did not show his working out Getty Images for Yeezy Season 3 'Imma let you finish' - Kanye West's most controversial quotes "My wife just called me and she wanted me to make this clear to everyone. I don't agree with everything Trump does. I don't agree 100% with anyone but myself." This quote followed Kanye's recent expression of love for Donald Trump on Twitter, in which he claimed that he and Trump were "dragon energy" Getty Images 'Imma let you finish' - Kanye West's most controversial quotes "When you hear about slavery for 400 years... for 400 years? That sounds like a choice." Kanye made this comment in a May 2018 interview with TMZ. He later clarified that, in saying slavery was a choice, he meant "we can make our own reality" PA Wire/PA Images For decades, the black community has been in an emotionally abusive relationship with the Democrat Party, she wrote on the website Breitbart. BLEXIT is a national movement of minorities that have awakened to the truth. It is for those who have taken an objective look at our decades-long allegiance to the left and asked ourselves What do we have to show for it? West has been an outspoken supporter of Trump for some time, recently visiting the President and often posting photos of himself wearing a Make America Great Again hat. Massive Attack have announced a UK and Ireland tour to celebrate the 21st anniversary of their album Mezzanine. Last month, the trip-hop collective revealed a special edition of their landmark 1998 album would be released on 16 November. The record was their third studio album, and featured singles including "Angel" and the international hit single "Teardrop". The re-release, which has been remastered, will be available in CD and extended box set formats. The tour is being described as a "totally new audio/visual production" featuring Elizabeth Fraser, who performed vocals on three tracks from Mezzanine and toured with the band in 2006. Other collaborators will be announced at a later date, the band have said. The show, designed by Robert Del Naja, will use "custom audio reconstructed from the original samples and influences". "It's going to be a one off piece of work; our own personalised nostalgia nightmare head trip," Del Naja said. See the dates in full below. Tickets go on sale at 10am on Friday 2 November. Monday 28 January Glasgow SSE Hydro Tuesday 29 January Manchester Arena Friday 22 February London O2 Arena Sunday 24 February Dublin 3Arena Friday 1 March Bristol Steel Yard Got sweaty palms already? Check out our handy tips for dealing with the demand: 1) Make sure you are ready and waiting with the web page up at least five minutes before 9am. 2) Do not let your computer, phone or whatever device holds the key to your happiness run out of battery. 3) Register your details with the website you are booking from in advance, if you can, but dont panic if you havent left enough time as your tickets will be held while you fill out your information. 4) Check how many tickets you are allowed to buy in one purchase. If you try to buy more than the limited number, your booking may be cancelled without notice, meaning no-one gets to go. 5) Get your friends to try too, but stay in contact in case you all succeed and end up with a bunch of tickets you didnt want. If you do need to sell any on, do so at face value. No-one likes a tout. Enjoy unlimited access to 70 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events 6) Be patient and avoid refreshing or switching between browsers. Stick with one tab Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Support free-thinking journalism and subscribe to Independent Minds and have some faith! Be prepared to wait for an hour to get tickets Nicki Minaj and Cardi B have seemingly called a truce after a day of fighting on social media. The two rappers have been feuding ever since a physical altercation earlier this year at New York Fashion Week. The pair have exchanged barbed words on multiple occasions over social media, and their rivalry flaring up once more last night (29 October) after Minaj addressed the New York incident on her Beats 1 show Queen Radio. Minaj claimed that Cardi B's Love and Hip Hop co-star Rah Ali had attacked Cardi, punching her "nine or 10 times" in the head. Minaj also offered $100,000 for security footage of the incident. Cardi previously said the perpetrator was one of Minaj's security team. Over 10 Instagram videos, Cardi responded to the new claims: You lie so much you cant keep up with your fuckin lies. First, you say youve got the footage, but then you say you wanna pay somebody $100,000 if they give you the footage? Yo, make sense when youre talking! Cardi went on to make various claims about Minaj, including that the pop group Little Mix asked her to appear on the track 'Woman Like Me' before Minaj took the job. She also alleged that Minaj had been responsible for leaking various private phone numbers to the public. You say you're tired of talking about it, Im tired of talking about it too, Cardi concluded. Im tired of the f**king whole internet shit, Im tired of the interview shit. If you really wanna talk about it, you know where to link me. ... We can talk about it, or we can fight it out. Im with whatever. Minaj responded over a series of Tweets, saying she would pay to have Cardi take a lie detector test over every claim made, calling her a "f**kin fraud". Despite the venomous messages, the pair ended the evening on a surprisingly upbeat note, with Minaj posting: "Lets focus on positive things only from here on out. Were all so blessed. I know this stuff is entertaining and funny to a lot of people but I wont be discussing this nonsense anymore. Thank you for the support and encouragement year after year. Love you." Cardi responded by posting a screenshot of the message to Instagram with the caption: "Alright then! Let's keep it positive and keep it pushing!" Coinciding with the feud, Tyga released a video for his new track "Dip" which heavily features Minaj. The work of 17th-century painter Artemisia Gentileschi is so striking that, for centuries, it was falsely attributed to the artists father, Orazio. Few in the male-dominated art world were willing to believe that it could be the work of a womans hand. Indeed, because she was living at a time when women were rarely accepted behind the canvas, Gentileschis name was largely lost from history, erased from the art historical canon, despite the success she reaped during her lifetime. But in the past few years, her work has been receiving renewed interest, most recently due to the #MeToo movement. Gentileschi worked contemporaneously to Caravaggio, whose use of dramatic chiaroscuro brought biblical depictions to life and made him an icon of the baroque era. His work continues to adorn the walls of galleries and museums worldwide today. The young painter presented a similar style to his, but one altogether more personal. It has widely been interpreted as her way of reflecting the struggle of existing as a woman in patriarchal Renaissance Rome. Her remarkable life story is the inspiration behind a new play from Breach Theatre writers Ellice Stevens and Billy Barrett, Its True, Its True, Its True. Showing to rapturous praise at this years Edinburgh Festival and winning a Fringe First and The Stage Edinburgh Award, it has now come to Londons Diorama Theatre with a three-hander cast of Stevens, Kathryn Bond and Harriet Webb. Although Stevens and Barrett first had their interests piqued by Gentileschi while visiting the National Gallerys 2016 Beyond Caravaggio retrospective, which predated the global feminist call-to-arms that followed the Weinstein accusations, its impossible to view this play through anything other than a post-#MeToo lens. For us, that moment wasnt the reason we made the show, but I think its the reason we were able to make the show, says Barrett. But we wanted to avoid directly referencing anything. All we could do was just tell one womans story and know that people will pick up on the parallels. Wanting to nurture his daughters talent, Gentileschis father invited his friend the celebrated artist-to-the-pope Agostino Tassi into their home to teach her the art of perspective. But behind closed doors, Tassi violated Orazios trust, harassing, taunting and eventually raping the 18-year-old Gentlieschi. In a move unprecedented for the time, the teenager and her father pressed charges against Tassi, taking him to court to boldly recount her story over the course of a seven-month trial which was widely publicised. A celebrity hearing of the era. Its True takes the 1612 trial as its basis, revisiting the existing 300-page court transcripts and dramatising Gentileschis empowering and harrowing testimony that saw her undergo physical torture and be cross-examined by her attacker. For the most part, Its True stays as close to the transcripts as possible (which were translated in the 1970s from the original Italian and Latin), veering from them occasionally only to imagine past interactions between victim and perpetrator. The three actors interchange roles, each chopping and changing from scene to scene through the central characters of Tassi, the judge, Gentileschi and her withering friend Tutzia. It the cross-examination that is most jaw-dropping. The judges questioning verbatim includes horrors like Would you say this intercourse became consensual, pleasurable even? and Were you in love with Signor Tassi? When asked to substantiate her claims while wearing thumb screws, Gentileschi retorts, Im not the one thats on trial, to which the judge replies, We appreciate that Artemisia, but we cant risk Signor Tassis hands hes a painter. Im a painter, she replies. When questioned by Tassi, she is forced to look him in the eye and respond to the questions: What protest did you make? Why didnt you make any noise? Because he held my mouth, I couldnt cry out, she recalls, for the second time. I scratched his face, and pulled his hair this didnt bother him at all, and he continued to do his business, which kept him on top of me for a while. Making it a female-only stage was an important way to capture the plays most shocking moments (The Other Richard) While weve thankfully moved past courtroom torture and defendant questioning, the cross-examination and external influence bring to mind famous trials from recent years the Ulster rugby rape trial, for example. The resemblance to Trumps reaction to Dr Christine Blasey Fords testimony, meanwhile, is chillingly uncanny. Making it a female-only stage was an important way to capture moments like these in a safe space, Stevens explains. Weve made this show for women, she says. The people we hear talking about these topics are often the people we dont need to be hearing from, and the language they use makes my skin crawl. This play is women giving space and credence to this conversation about sexual assault. But, she continues, its not all about that. Theres a moment where [Tassis friend] Cosimo threatens to tell everyone in Rome that shed slept with him even if she wouldnt. This isnt assault but its something that happens to women, too. It happened to me when I was 14. Thats whats at the heart of this show, just showing what it can be like to be a woman. The play isnt all darkness, though. Tassi is a laughably revolting letch, and historic views of female sexuality become in-jokes with the audience. In one scene, several witnesses detail rumours of Gentileschis alleged sexual history. While they speak, all three actors take it in turn to mime lewd sexual acts as all-female punk band The Slitss I Heard It Through The Grapevine plays loudly over top. The humour, Barrett says, was a vital ray of light. Comedians often make rape jokes as a horrible punchline, and theres something powerful about just women being on the stage finding comedy in it but as a way to respond to trauma, not as the punchline. No, its never the punchline, adds Stevens. Weve cried as much as weve laughed making the play. Its impossible to view Gentileschis spirited paintings without seeing the undercurrent of rage she felt prior to and following the trial. Her pain cuts through every brushstroke. Its True, Its True, Its True focuses on the painters two most famous Old Testament works: Susanna and the Elders (1610) and Judith Slaying Holofernes (1614). The central characters don biblical costume and play out the parables live on stage, eventually holding the same positions as the paintings. Seeing Stevens step into the roles of these painterly protagonists brings her experiences and canvases to life. Judith Slaying Holofernes (1614) in the Palazzo Braschi, Rome (Photo: Mimmo Frassineti) (Mimmo Frassineti) After describing her memory of the attack, Stevens, tears streaming down her face and naked except for a cloth clutched over her breasts, looks every member of the audience in the eyes and repeats the phrase: It is true a moment, she says, that is particularly poignant to act. I can see then how many people in the audience are reacting to those words. Its such a generous look from the women, who give you a token of love to help you through it. People have come up to me afterwards and say they wanted to grab me and take me away from it all. Ultimately, Tassi was convicted of Gentileschis rape, but he never served his sentence of prison and exile, leaving Rome for just four days before returning to the warm embrace of the establishment. Gentileschi went on to paint Judith Slaying Holofernes several more times, and she became the first ever woman to join the illustrious Accademia delle Arti del Disegno in Florence, eventually commissioned by numerous high-profile patrons including Charles I. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Dishearteningly relevant, Its True is a courtroom drama laced with female ire that tells an all-too-familiar story. Its no wonder Gentileschis work is seeing a revival on social media. What cuts through the raw emotion of this play is the question of what has really changed for women in 400 years. Its True, Its True, Its True is on at Londons Diorama Theatre until 10 November. Buy tickets here. Hello Catherine. Hello Catherine. Can you make any noise so I know that youre listening to me? Catherine, can you make any noise? Can you bang your phone or anything? Catherine, are you there? I think thats the phone gone... These were the last moments of Catherine Hickman. The words are those of the 999 operator as thick acrid smoke and flames engulfed Catherine in her flat. She had been on the phone for a full half an hour, and, for the whole of that time, was advised told in fact to stay put, because the fire brigade knew where she was, was coming to rescue her, and because, as she was told, she didnt know what was on the other side of her front door. The exchanges, based on a transcript and voiced by actors, are the most traumatic thing Ive witnessed on television for a very long time. She could easily have been calling from Grenfell Tower on 14 June last year. She wasnt, though. She was one of the victims of a notorious earlier blaze in a block of council flats, at Lakanal House in Camberwell, south London back in 2009. It had been fitted with flammable composite cladding, and there was no sprinkler system. That was why Catherine died. That her sisters allowed her words to be used for this broadcast was noble indeed because, as they explain on the film, they did not wish her life to have been lost in vain. As The Fires that Foretold Grenfell forensically and graphically illustrated, the rigid use of the stay put rule, official complacency and a collective failure to learn lessons over many years led inexorably and inevitably to the loss of 72 lives at Grenfell Tower (and even that was mercifully fewer than it might have been). And, given the history presented in this distressing and important documentary, the answer to the question so often asked: Could Grenfell Happen Again?, is: Certainly. The filmmakers take five egregious examples of official failure over the past half-century or so, and, again and again, showed how the usual cries of never again and pledges to learn lessons were forgotten almost as soon as they fell from the lips of those supposed to be doing the learning and protecting. There were five of these precursors to Grenfell, and, in fact, they were often precursors to each other, the lessons stubbornly and consistently ignored as the decades wore on. The fire at Summerland on the Isle of Man in 1973 should probably have been the last of its kind. It was, at the time, the worst loss of life from fire on land in the British Isles since the Second World War 50 killed and 80 seriously injured. Desperately trying to compete with the growing trend of holidaymakers to head to Spain, Summerland was designed to create sunshine indoors though the use of Oroglas, a kind of acrylic window that gave everything in this vast atrium an orangey hue. It made, as one of the firemen from the time ruefully observed, for an excellent, intense firelighter. After Summerland, recommendations were made to tighten building regulations across the UK. But the rules were streamlined in the mid-1980s, as part of some misplaced mission to deregulate the economy, leaving them confused, and then actually weakened further in 2006, and with entirely predictable results: fires at Knowsley Heights, Liverpool (1991); Garnock Court, Irvine, North Ayrshire (1999); Harrow Court , Stevenage, Hertfordshire (2005); Lakanal House, London; and then Grenfell. Mostly out of good fortune, the loss of life was relatively modest but all were near misses, wake-up calls, warnings, whatever youd like to call them. They were not acted upon. If this documentary has a fault it was that it was reluctant to name names and lay blame. Maybe this was for legal reasons, but I would like to have known which ministers or officials had been responsible for failures of omission and commission of policy and administration and, in fact, to hear their side of the story. It would have been illuminating and useful. A couple of names get a mention John (now Lord) Prescott and Eric (now Lord) Pickles, for example but those people didnt appear. Maybe we will learn much more about the historical backdrop from the public inquiry into the Grenfell tragedy. The lesson of this BBC documentary is that we really dont have to wait for that to know whats wrong, and to do something about it. Before Grenfell happens again. Efforts to preserve nature are way off what is required, and a global deal in the mould of the Paris climate agreement is needed to bring it back from the brink, a report has warned. Populations of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish have fallen off a cliff dropping by an average of 60 per cent in just over 40 years. To combat this, WWF says there must be a dramatic re-think of the status quo, as conservationists can no longer afford to merely recommend more of the same nature reserves and programmes to save individual species. In their latest Living Planet Report, the environmental group singles out overexploitation of the planets resources and the food system specifically as the biggest issues that must be addressed. Right now the destruction of nature is seen as the price of development, and we cannot continue like that, Tony Juniper, WWFs executive director told The Independent. Familiar British animals like puffins and hedgehogs joined more exotic species like elephants, rhinos and polar bears on the list of species that have dropped in numbers massively between 1970 and 2014 the most recent year for which data is available. The conclusions were based on information collected from 16,704 populations of 4,005 animal species, which declined an average of 60 per cent during this period. These trends have been particularly pronounced in tropical regions and freshwater habitats. Just a quarter of the planets surface is free from human activity, and this is expected to shrink to a tenth by 2050. Colombian reserve becomes worlds largest rainforest national park Show all 12 1 /12 Colombian reserve becomes worlds largest rainforest national park Colombian reserve becomes worlds largest rainforest national park The Stadium, one of the most impressive geological formations of the Serrania de Chiribiquete. Colombian Amazon Colombian reserve becomes worlds largest rainforest national park Forest burns due to the colonisation front near the northern border of Chiribiquete National Park, Colombian Amazon Cesar David Martinez Colombian reserve becomes worlds largest rainforest national park Grandpa Marcelieno and his son, of the indigenous Araracuara people, with sacred plants from the region: mambe and ambil. Colombian Amazon Cesar David Martinez Colombian reserve becomes worlds largest rainforest national park Cattle ranching at the agricultural frontier near the northern border of the Chiribiquete National Park Cesar David Martinez Colombian reserve becomes worlds largest rainforest national park Oil palm monoculture, Puerto Concordia on the Ariari River, Colombian Amazon Cesar David Martinez Colombian reserve becomes worlds largest rainforest national park Preparation of traditional sugarcane-based beverage by the indigenous Barasano people of Pacoa, on the Apaporis River, near the southeastern border of Chiribiquete National Park Cesar David Martinez Colombian reserve becomes worlds largest rainforest national park Tapir in the community of Buenos Aires, Apaporis River. Colombian Amazon Cesar David Martinez Colombian reserve becomes worlds largest rainforest national park (Left) Pictograms over 20.000 years old found on stone in the Chiribiquete National Natural Park FCDS Colombian reserve becomes worlds largest rainforest national park The main maloca of the Mutanacua indigenous community of Pacoa, on the Apaporis River, near the southeastern border of Chiribiquete National Park. Colombian Amazon Cesar David Martinez Colombian reserve becomes worlds largest rainforest national park Vigilant Grandfather, one of the Chiribiquete National Parks representative tepuyes. Colombian Amazon Cesar David Martinez Colombian reserve becomes worlds largest rainforest national park Aerial view of one of the park's waterfalls FCDS Colombian reserve becomes worlds largest rainforest national park Ajaju River, Chiribiquete National Park. Colombian Amazon Cesar David Martinez This habitat loss, combined with poaching, pollution and climate change, have all contributed to a crisis that experts think can no longer be handled using conventional tactics. We are the first generation to know we are destroying our planet and the last one that can do anything about it, said Tanya Steele, chief executive at WWF. The collapse of global wildlife populations is a warning sign that nature is dying. But instead of putting the world on life support, were using a sticking plaster. However, Professor Ken Norris, director of Science at Zoological Society of London, who helped compile the report said despite the shocking figures all hope is not lost. We have an opportunity to design a new path forward that allows us to co-exist sustainably with the wildlife we depend upon, he said. An explosion of human activity, including overfishing, deforestation and pesticide use, has been at the heart of many species declines. However, the report warned that all economic activity depends on nature, with natural resources estimated to provide services worth $125 trillion (97 trillion) every year. To preserve this value for future generations, WWF called for a game-changing commitment backed by governments and businesses around the world to preserve the Earths biodiversity. We need a new international agreement, a new global deal for nature, to enable countries to get at the root causes of this, said Mr Juniper. Animal declines in numbers WWF have warned that current efforts to protect nature are not working, with wildlife population sizes falling 60% globally since 1970 WWF have warned that current efforts to protect nature are not working, with wildlife population sizes falling 60% globally since 1970 Populations of black and white rhinos have declined by an average of 63% between 1980 and 2006, largely due to trade in their horns Polar bear numbers are projected to decline by 30% by 2050 as climate change melts the sea ice they live on The puffin population size in Europe is projected to decrease by up to 79% between 2000 and 2065 In the Indo-Pacific the whale shark population is estimated to have reduced by 63% over the last 75 years The African grey parrot population in south-west Ghana decreased by 98% between 1992 and 2014 due to exploitation, habitat loss and degradation Though the suggestion has echoes of the Paris agreement put in place to limit global warming, Mr Juniper said such a solution for nature would have to be even more all-encompassing. The Paris accord would be part of the bigger deal because what we need to do now is recognise that the conservation of biodiversity, the reduction of carbon emission and the promotion of sustainable development alongside who we are going to produce enough food these things are all fundamentally related to each other, he said. Besides bringing together all of these factors on a global level, Mr Juniper noted that there is a role for individual action as well, singling out changing attitudes to food as a key strategy. The biggest single thing most of us can do is cut down our meat consumption, he said. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events The warning comes in the wake of a similarly stark report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which concluded urgent action must be taken within 12 years to avoid catastrophic global warming. British conservationists have also released reports of their own, warning that the the UK has become one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. With the situation looking increasingly desperate, WWF recommended the ideal time for such an agreement would be 2020, when UN meetings to discuss climate change, ocean conservation, sustainable development goals and biodiversity are all taking place. The longer we leave it the more dire it is becoming, and it wouldnt be right for us as conservationists to just say lets do more of the same more nature reserves, more protection of animals and plants, said Mr Juniper. This is vital but not sufficient, we need to go a step further and a global deal of nature is how we do it. With the cold making its comeback, if you havent already begun your sartorial switchover (aka digging out the knitwear and packing away the linen), then you should probably be scheduling it in imminently. But theres a lot more to a winter wardrobe than woolly jumpers, thick outerwear or heavy leather boots. Accessories are often forgotten about, as warmth often steals priority over style. But the one add-on you should remember to wear this season? Gloves. As seen at the likes of Balmain, Moschino and Emilia Wickstead this autumn and winter, the humble accessory can elevate your working uniform or weekend ensembles and keep you toasty on your commute win win. Though for a more Audrey Hepburn inspired look and a little less Michael Jackson, the key is in the fabric. Whether you prefer cashmere, wool or leather, budget or designer, there are countless styles to choose from at the moment. When trialling numerous pairs of gloves and putting them through rigorous testing, the best kind dont prevent movement (ie sending a text), in line with todays trends and dont cost an arm and a leg. So if you are looking for a new pair of gloves this season, these are the pairs you should definitely be getting your mitts on right now. You can trust our independent reviews. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections, which are formed from real-world testing and expert advice. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Kley natural cashmere lined suede gloves: 35, Debenhams Debenhams own brand, Kley, which only launched last month is everything you would want a pair of gloves to offer. Quality lining? Check (cashmere to be precise). On-trend? Of course theyre tonal. Affordable price point? Absolutely. Not to mention how chic the logo sits on the seam. This pair, in particular, would greatly offset Kleys wine-coloured wrap coat or look equally as stylish with navy. Buy now Aspinal sheepskin lined gloves: 115, Aspinal of London If you think this pair from Aspinal lacks any talking point, you are clearly mistaken. While this pair is handcrafted using soft buttery suede, the inside is sheepskin-lined which only means heavenly warmth for your hands. Ideal as a gift, or a treat for yourself, your hands will thank you. Buy now Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere gloves: 45, Liberty If you are after a fail-proof pair, this is it. Its cashmere material brings a luxe feel yet the price point doesnt show it. The all-over grey marl boasts a quick return on your purchase, as there will be little in your wardrobe these knitted gloves wont look great with. Buy now Isabel Marant colour block gloves: 250, Net-a-Porter If you find yourself constantly tapping into the tonal trend when it comes to getting dressed in the morning, this pair from Isabel Marant means you dont have to break the habit when it comes to your accessories. The mink and white colourway is an unusual match, but we think theyre ideal for the daily commute or for a chic arrival to impromptu evening drinks. Buy now Arket black leather gloves: 55, Arket Arket is the epitome of quality clothing all year round and its gloves havent disappointed. This goat leather pair are great for those who enjoy a minimal aesthetic which not only makes a great contrast with any camel infused outerwear but is versatile enough for the dog walk. An all-rounder in my opinion. Buy now Paul Smith navy wool gloves: 40, Paul Smith This pair is for the more practical dresser and ideal for those looking for a pair that simply does the job, but does the job well. The gloves navy colouring create a classic look but its folded pop of teal lining can offer a little more something different. Buy now M&S leather stitch gloves, 17.50, M&S These gloves were a pleasant surprise from the high streets favourite, Marks and Spencer. Although this pair is available in black, we prefer the cobalt blue and rouge colours, as they can instantly make up for any forgotten earrings or rings as you leave the house. Plus, have you seen the price? Bargain. Buy now Ted Baker leopard print gloves, 79, Ted Baker How fun are these gloves? In a somewhat dreary sartorial season of subdued knitwear and dull-coloured outerwear, this pair from Ted Baker are an effortless way to inject more of a talking point to your look during the winter season. Why not wear matching leopard print accessories for an even bolder statement? Buy now Valentino gold plaque leather gloves: 355, Matches Fashion Now, if you are willing to invest a little more (ok, a lot) in this accessory, these gloves are the leader of the pack. These are the type of gloves that you keep forever and pass down (if you can part with them that is). The Valentino logo isnt too intrusive yet prominent enough for a luxe statement and the burgundy hue is a personal favourite with us, as its combinations with other items in your wardrobe are endless. Although, the bottle green version is just as luxurious and a little bit different from whats out there. Decisions, decisions. Buy now Reiss camel cashmere gloves: 25, Reiss Available in grey or camel, these Reiss gloves really are just as great quality as its clothing. If opting for this style, we recommend also wearing a matching scarf for a classic take on these camel knitted accessories. Note: they are half price at the moment so grab them while you can. Buy now The verdict: Womens winter gloves The gloves you choose will very much be influenced by your daily routine. Those busy with errands and the children during the day will love Paul Smiths practical woolly version, whilst those that would like a little something extra may be more swayed for Valentinos burgundy pair, or Isabel Marants tonal edition. But for those that dont want to scrimp on style but perhaps are a little more mindful when it comes to budget, the leather and suede pair from Debenhams new collection, Kley, wont disappoint. 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. Cara Delevingne has been named as one of the richest British celebrities aged 30 and under. The annual rich list, which is compiled by Heat Magazine, is made up of reality TV stars, models and influencers, proving that a career in film or music is no longer necessarily the most lucrative career for young people, with Lily Cole, Sam Faiers and Spencer Matthews all included. Across the pond, the wealthiest international celebrity under 30 is Kylie Jenner, 21, who made the bulk of her $900m (704m) fortune from her eponymous makeup brand, which is primarily marketed on Instagram. Taking the number one spot on Heats list is Adele, who has an estimated fortune of 147.5m thanks to her flourishing music career. In fifth place is Emma Watson, whose net worth comes from a combination of high-profile acting roles in films like Beauty and the Beast (for which she received a 2m upfront fee) and the Harry Potter franchise, which is estimated to have bolstered the 28-year-olds fortune by 43m. Delevingne ranks in 14th place, with an estimated fortune of 18m that has come from a mix of the 26-year-olds work in modelling and acting. In addition to fronting campaigns for the likes of Chanel, Fendi and Burberry, the Londoner has starred in films including Suicide Squad and Paper Towns. Fellow model Lily Cole, 30, comes in at 22nd place for her 7m fortune. While the flame-haired model began her career in fashion when she was a teenager, the Cambridge University graduate has since become a passionate advocate for a number of activism projects. In 2013, she co-founded a company that uses technology to combat environmental problems. Now in its eighth year, Heat's Rich List is compiled by combining public information regarding a celebrity's accounts, endorsement deals, TV contracts and record deals. A team of experts goes over the findings to calculate each celebrity's lifetime earnings to date. The only conditions for inclusion are that each person be classed as an entertainer, that they are 30 or under and that they chiefly reside in, or are from, the UK. The list has several sub-categories, such as "wealthiest stars outside the UK", which, after Jenner, includes Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, Rihanna and Miley Cyrus. There is also a list for richest social influencers, which is topped by 26-year-old Dan Middleton, a YouTube personality who goes by the name of DanTDM. See Heat's full list for the 30 Richest Celebrities under 30 below. Ice cream duo Ben & Jerrys have unveiled a new flavour in protest of Donald Trump that celebrates activists. The flavour, released Tuesday morning in Washington DC, is called "Pecan Resist," and is made of chocolate ice cream with chunks of white and dark fudge, pecans, walnuts and fudge-covered almonds. However, the limited-edition ice cream is about much more than taste - as the company announced it is part of its campaign to lick injustice and champion those fighting to create a more just and equitable nation for us all. On the pint, designed by Favianna Rodriguez, it reads: Welcome to the resistance. Together, Pecan Resist! We celebrate the diversity of our glorious nation & raise our spoons in solidarity for all Americans. Take a stand & join those on the front lines," according to USA Today. And in a statement made in the National Press Clubs First Amendment Room, Ben & Jerrys said: The company cannot be silent in the face of President Trumps policies that attack and attempt to roll back decades of progress on racial and gender equity, climate change, LGBTQ rights and refugee and immigrant rights all issues that have been at the core of the companys social mission for 40 years. The 40-year-old company will also be donating $25,000 to four separate organisations - Colour of Change, Honour the Earth, Womens March and Neta, as part of its campaign. The Ten Best Ice Creams Show all 10 1 /10 The Ten Best Ice Creams The Ten Best Ice Creams 203609.bin The Ten Best Ice Creams 203608.bin The Ten Best Ice Creams 203607.bin The Ten Best Ice Creams 203606.bin The Ten Best Ice Creams 203605.bin The Ten Best Ice Creams 203604.bin The Ten Best Ice Creams 203603.bin The Ten Best Ice Creams 203602.bin The Ten Best Ice Creams 203601.bin The Ten Best Ice Creams 203610.bin This isnt the first time the ice-cream makers have used their products to make a political statement. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events In the past, the Vermont-based company has rolled out flavours including Empower Mint and Bernies Yearning, in support of Bernie Sanders. On the eve of bitcoin's 10th birthday, the world's first cryptocurrency may be about to hit an even more significant milestone. Having fallen by almost $200 over the last 24 hours, bitcoin may be about to see its first year-on-year loss of 2018, marking a point where its stuttering price falls since January can no longer come with the caveat that it is still trading higher than it had been on the same date the year before. In late October 2017, bitcoin was trading at around $6,000, having seen its value rise by more than $5,000 over the course of the year. 12 months later, bitcoin is trading at just above $6,000, having fallen by more than $10,000 since the start of the year. If bitcoin remains around its current price of $6,328, or falls even lower, then it will fall below 2017's year-on-year price on 31 October the 10th anniversary of the publication of a paper describing an "electronic cash system" that would eventually give birth to bitcoin, the blockchain, and an entire cryptocurrency industry. Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Show all 10 1 /10 Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Satoshi Nakamoto creates the first bitcoin block in 2009 On 3 January, 2009, the genesis block of bitcoin appeared. It came less than a year after the pseudonymous creator Satoshi Nakamoto detailed the cryptocurrency in a paper titled 'Bitcoin: A peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System' Reuters Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Bitcoin is used as a currency for the first time On 22 May, 2010, the first ever real-world bitcoin transaction took place. Lazlo Hanyecz bought two pizzas for 10,000 bitcoins the equivalent of $90 million at today's prices Lazlo Hanyecz Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Silk Road opens for business Bitcoin soon gained notoriety for its use on the dark web. The Silk Road marketplace, established in 2011, was the first of hundreds of sites to offer illegal drugs and services in exchange for bitcoin Screenshot Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures The first bitcoin ATM appears On 29 October, 2013, the first ever bitcoin ATM was installed in a coffee shop in Vancouver, Canada. The machine allowed people to exchange bitcoins for cash Reuters Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures The fall of MtGox The world's biggest bitcoin exchange, MtGox, filed for bankruptcy in February 2014 after losing almost 750,000 of its customers bitcoins. At the time, this was around 7 per cent of all bitcoins and the market inevitably crashed Getty Images Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Would the real Satoshi Nakamoto please stand up In 2015, Australian police raided the home of Craig Wright after the entrepreneur claimed he was Satoshi Nakamoto. He later rescinded the claim Getty Images Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Bitcoin's big split On 1 August, 2017, an unresolvable dispute within the bitcoin community saw the network split. The fork of bitcoin's underlying blockchain technology spawned a new cryptocurrency: Bitcoin cash Reuters Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Bitcoin's price sky rockets Towards the end of 2017, the price of bitcoin surged to almost $20,000. This represented a 1,300 per cent increase from its price at the start of the year Reuters Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures What goes up... Bitcoin price crashes spectacularly, losing half of its value in a matter of days Getty Images Bitcoin's volatile history in pictures Bitcoin plunges The cryptocurrency eventually bottoms out below $4,000 in 2019 before slowly rebuilding momentum to outperform more traditional assets Getty Images Despite the price falls of 2018, bitcoin has managed to maintain a period of relative stability in recent months, generally trading between $6,000 and $7,000 without any significant fluctuations. Advocates would argue that this addresses the issue of price volatility, which is seen as one of the main stumbling blocks preventing cryptocurrency from becoming a mainstream form of payment. The notoriously volatile price of bitcoin has stabilized in recent months (CoinMarketCap) But while November and December 2017 saw bitcoin's price shoot up by almost $14,000, the next couple of months are unlikely to see a repeat of this run. Analysts believe this will only change if a major event within the cryptocurrency space takes place, such as if the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), which operates the New York Stock Exchange, decides to offer bitcoin futures. "The market is showing no real strength on either the upside of the downside, as bitcoin finds itself unable to break the $7,000 barrier. The market is looking for a catalyst to make its decisive move, which may well be imminent," Matt Newton, from the online trading platform eToro, told The Independent. "ICE's platform launch, announced in September, has the potential to send bitcoin's price soaring... This physically backed settlement could be the next piece of the institutional investment puzzle to send the price upwards." Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Other recent price predictions have suggested bitcoin will more likely see a steady increase in value over time, as the market begins to show more resilience to positive or negative news that has previously tended to disrupt the price. This is the belief of Nigel Green, CEO of financial consultancy firm deVere group, who said the cryptocurrency market is "unquestionably coming of age" following the final report of the UK government's Cryptoassets Taskforce. "Its becoming increasingly clear that cryptocurrencies are the future of money. This is evidenced by bitcoin, the worlds first cryptocurrency turning 10, and by more and more governments, regulators, financial institutions, and retail and institutional investors, amongst others, appreciating the real and growing demand for digital, global currencies in todays ever more digitalised and globalised world," he said. "This is also underscored by the UK government Cryptoassets Taskforces final report which states that the market is continuing to evolve rapidly', before adding there is increasing institutional investment in this space, and many banks are starting to explore how they can interact with this growing market. The reports proactive and pragmatic approach towards regulation of the burgeoning sector should be championed." Nasa's Parker Solar Probe is now closer to the Sun than any spacecraft has ever been before. The probe is currently flying towards the blazing surface of our star as part of a major mission to understand the hidden processes that allow it to provide light and heat to the Earth. And it has now surpassed the record of 26.6 million miles from the surface, set by the European Helios-2 craft in 1976. 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 Its mission is only just getting started. The probe will eventually "touch the Sun", as Nasa refers to it, flying right up to its atmosphere. As it flies through its corona it will pass within 15 million miles of the solar surface. Recommended Nasa prepares to fire Parker Solar Probe spacecraft at the Sun It will then continue to explore the star, doing 24 close approaches over the next seven years. Those will take it as close as 3.8 million miles from its surface. At that sort of distance, the heat will be incredibly intense, and the probe has a thick shield that should be able to protect it from the dangers of the Sun while allowing it to explore its surface close up. When it gets that near, it hopes to look at the mechanisms and processes that power things like the solar wind, and the intense heat that lights up the star. The US photographer who captured the viral snap of a mystery couple getting engaged at Yosemite National Park in California says he has finally identified them. Matthew Dipple had stopped off at the famous landmark with his friend Josh as part of a road trip to Los Angeles when he spotted the proposal happening from afar. He didnt see any other photographers nearby and, as he already had his camera set up to take photos of Josh, decided to document the intimate moment in the hope that he could give the snap to the couple. After taking the shots, Dippel rushed to Taft Point, where hed seen the couple, but they had gone by the time he arrived. The 24-year-old promptly shared the image on Twitter in a bid to track them down, writing: Idk who these two are but I hope this finds them. I took this at Taft Point at Yosemite National Park, on October 6th, 2018. Now, after the tweet was retweeted more than 171,000 times, Dippel has found the couple, who have been identified as Charlie Bear and Melissa. Everyone meet, Charlie and his fiance Melissa the happy happy couple that was out on the point in my Taft Point Proposal [sic], he wrote in a tweet posted on Saturday. Im glad I finally found you to share this special moment with you, thanks for being so awesome, maybe one day we will finally meet in person! Speaking to CNN, Bear said Melissa had come across the photograph on Instagram and quickly got in touch with Dippel. The young photographer was initially sceptical because by that point, hed already received thousands of messages from people falsely claiming to be the couple in the image: so, he asked for proof. "They sent me over iPhone screen shots of some of their friends that were up on that point that day, and they are wearing the exact same thing, and the photos are timestamped on the exact same day and the same time that I was there," Dippel said. "It just perfectly matched up to Charlie and Melissa." Both Bear and Melissa have now posted the image to their respective Instagram accounts with captions thanking Dippel for tracking them down. We cant thank Matt enough for all of his efforts in trying to find us! wrote Melissa. Im still trying to comprehend all of this and half of me still doesnt believe this actually has gone viral online! We love you all!! Now off to wedding planning! The couple are due to wed in April in Malibu, California. Pain is a tricky subject - as it is often considered subjective and dependent on individual pain threshold. However, while the painfulness of getting a tattoo or having a baby may be debatable, there are certain health conditions or illnesses that are undeniably excruciating. According to the NHS, there are 20 conditions that rank as pain so disabling that they can prevent you from performing daily tasks - and they include well-known pains such as broken bones and kidney stones to the lesser-known but still agony-causing gout or trigeminal neuralgia. The NHS also names frozen shoulder as one of the worst pains to suffer, a condition where the joint becomes so tight and stiff that its almost impossible to raise your arm. The condition can last for several years if left untreated. Endometriosis, a debilitating gynaecological condition where tissue similar to the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus is found elsewhere in the body, makes the list as well. The condition, which is thought to affect one in 10 women worldwide, takes an average of 7.5 years to diagnose - during which women can experience general pain, pelvic pain, period pain, and pain during sex, as well as fertility issues. Also amongst the NHSs list of conditions that can cause the most notoriously severe pains are arthritis, appendicitis and migraines.The full list, in no particular order, is as follows: Shingles Cluster headaches Frozen shoulder Broken bones Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) Heart attack Slipped disc Sickle cell disease Arthritis Migraine Sciatica Kidney stones Appendicitis Trigeminal neuralgia Acute pancreatitis Gout Endometriosis Stomach ulcer Fibromyalgia Pain after surgery Of the conditions, Dr Gary LeRoy, a family medicine doctor in Dayton, Ohio, told The Independent: These are all very valid pain conditions that we commonly see in the healthcare setting. However, Dr LeRoy would argue that two other conditions make the list as well - back pain, the most common thing that we see in primary care practices and toothaches. According to Dr LeRoy: Chronic lower back pain affects 80 per cent of the population at some point in their life because as homo sapiens who are bending, stooping, pushing and pulling, we end up with musculoskeletal back pain. Toothaches, which are often dismissed, can also be extremely painful, according to Dr LeRoy, who told us: We often overlook the things above the neck and again, it is such a common thing." Illness abroad - the 10 best countries to be sick on holiday Show all 10 1 /10 Illness abroad - the 10 best countries to be sick on holiday Illness abroad - the 10 best countries to be sick on holiday 234506.bin Getty Images Illness abroad - the 10 best countries to be sick on holiday 234507.bin Getty Images Illness abroad - the 10 best countries to be sick on holiday 234511.bin Reuters Illness abroad - the 10 best countries to be sick on holiday 234504.bin Getty Images Illness abroad - the 10 best countries to be sick on holiday 234509.bin Reuters Illness abroad - the 10 best countries to be sick on holiday 234512.bin Getty Images Illness abroad - the 10 best countries to be sick on holiday 234513.bin Getty Images Illness abroad - the 10 best countries to be sick on holiday 234510.bin Getty Images Illness abroad - the 10 best countries to be sick on holiday 234505.bin Getty Images Illness abroad - the 10 best countries to be sick on holiday 234508.bin Getty Images Dr LeRoy has found himself constantly aware of oral pain syndromes after multiple patients complaining of pain in the mouth, jaw, or ears were actually found to suffer from tooth issues, such as an abscess. Patient on his hernia mesh implant: 'You're constantly in pain. I'm sat here now, and I'm in pain' As for what to do in a situation where pain is affecting a persons ability to function in society, or when it stops them from work, sleep, or providing nutrition to themselves, Dr LeRoy recommends seeking medical advice - as there can be health consequences to prolonged pain. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events And for pain associated with heart attacks, the worst headache you have ever experienced, kidney stones, acute pancreatitis, or appendicitis, Dr LeRoy advises seeking emergency medical attention - as those types of pain can be potentially life-threatening. [This article was originally published in 2018] Surgery students spend so much time on screens that they have lost the ability to perform simple tasks such as stitching and sewing up patients, a professor has warned. Roger Kneebone, a professor of surgical education at Imperial College, London, says the focus on academic knowledge has come at the expense of craftsmanship. It is important and an increasingly urgent issue, Kneebone told the BBC. It is a concern of mine and my scientific colleagues that whereas in the past you could make the assumption that students would leave school able to do certain practical things - cutting things out, making things - that is no longer the case. The professor, who teaches surgery to medical students, believes that this is down to an increase in technology which takes away the experience of handling materials and developing skills. An obvious example is of a surgeon needing some dexterity and skill in sewing or stitching," he explained. A lot of things are reduced to swiping on a two-dimensional flat screen. Kneebone adds that a growing number of students are becoming less competent and less confident in using their hands, resulting in young professionals who have very high exam grades but lack tactile general knowledge. World University Rankings 2018: The top 10 Show all 11 1 /11 World University Rankings 2018: The top 10 World University Rankings 2018: The top 10 1 The University of Oxford holds the top spot globally for the second year in a row Getty World University Rankings 2018: The top 10 2 The University of Cambridge jumps to second from fourth place in 2017 thanks to a perceived improvement in teaching quality Andrew Dunn World University Rankings 2018: The top 10 =3 Beaten by Cambridge this year, the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) falls to third Canon.vs.nikon World University Rankings 2018: The top 10 =3 Stanford University ties in third place with Caltech King of Hearts World University Rankings 2018: The top 10 5 Massachusetts Institute of Technology - the private research institute in Cambridge, US, retains its position in 5th place Madcoverboy World University Rankings 2018: The top 10 6 Harvard University remains in 6th place for another year Wikipedia World University Rankings 2018: The top 10 7 Princeton University retains 7th place for 2018 Quantockgoblin World University Rankings 2018: The top 10 8 Imperial College London retains its position as 8th best in the world, according to the rankings Vinceesq World University Rankings 2018: The top 10 9 The University of Chicago rises one place this year to ninth Ibrahim Old World University Rankings 2018: The top 10 =10 ETH Zurich Swiss Federal Institute of Technology falls to joint 10th place Roland zh World University Rankings 2018: The top 10 =10 The University of Pennsylvania makes a surprise entry into the top 10 this year, jumping forward three places WestCoastivieS The professor will be speaking on Tuesday at the V&A Museum of Childhood in east London, at the launch of a report, published by the Edge Foundation, calling for more creativity in the curriculum. The report warns that entries to creative subjects have fallen by 20 per cent since 2010, including a 57 per cent fall in design and technology GCSE. Tristram Hunt, director of the Victoria and Albert Museum, who will be speaking alongside Professor Kneebone added: Creativity is not just for artists. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Subjects like design and technology, music, art and drama are vitally important for children to develop imagination and resourcefulness, resilience, problem-solving, team-working and technical skills. These are the skills which will enable young people to navigate the changing workplace of the future and stay ahead of the robots, not exam grades." Upskirting is now a criminal offence punishable by up to two years in prison. The Voyeurism (Offences) (No.2) Bill, known as the Upskirting Bill received Royal Assent on 12 February, following an 18 month campaign by activist Gina Martin. It will now become the Voyeurism (Offences) Act 2019 and come into force on the 12 April. The act adds two new offences to the Sexual Offences Act 2003 to cover the practice of upskirting. Heres everything you need to know about upskirting: What is upskirting? Upskirting is a term used to describe the act of taking a sexually intrusive photograph up someones skirt without their permission. It is usually performed in a public place, such as on public transport or in a nightclub, among crowds of people, making it harder to spot people taking the photos. The term was recently brought to the publics attention by writer Gina Martin, who launched a campaign to criminalise the act after being targeted at a festival 20 months ago. Following the incident, Martin informed the police and learned that upskirting was not a specific offence in UK law. After a Facebook post detailing her experience went viral, Martin launched an online petition to get her case reopened with the police and called for upskirting to be made part of the Sexual Offences Act 2003. Within days, here petition received 50,000 signatures. Soon after, Martin received cross-party support from MPs and worked closely with justice minister Lucy Frazer to progress the campaign, which also received backing from a number of celebrities including Laura Whitmore and Dermot OLeary. The campaign also gained the support of Lib Dem MP Wera Hobhouse who brought a private members bill backing the creation of an upskirting offence in England and Wales in March 2018. Why did it take so long to be made illegal? Despite support for Hobhouses bill from fellow government ministers, Conservative MP for Christchurch Sir Christopher Chope single-handedly blocked the bill in the House of Commons in June 2018. Chopes intervention was met with shouts of shame from other MPs and a few days later an anonymous protester showed a more visible sign of dissent by hanging four pairs of knickers across the MPs office door at the Commons. Despite the setback, Theresa May said she was disappointed in the objection and vowed that the government would push the law change through parliament. May described upskirting as a hideous invasion of privacy which leaves victims feeling degraded and distressed. Martins campaign went on to secure government backing on 15 July 2018 and the Voyeurism (Offences) (No. 2) Bill was put before Parliament days later. Speaking after the bill was approved, Martin described the decision as politics and society at its best. Upskirting campaigner Gina Martin and lawyer Ryan Whelan had celebrated securing government support to criminalise the practice (PA) Why was there no law on upskirting in England and Wales before? Upskirting has been illegal in Scotland since 2010 by the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009 when it was listed under the wider definition of voyeurism. However, it has had a more complicated legislative history in England and Wales. Previously, victims and police in England and Wales were only able to prosecute upskirting offences under either the offence of outraging public decency or as a crime of voyeurism under the Sexual Offences Act. Voyeurism applies to filming actions taking place in private while outraging public decency commonly requires someone to have witnessed the action which is rare in cases of upskirting. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Until now, if you caught someone upskirting an individual and informed the authorities, the police could request that the image to be deleted, but no further prosecution was possible. Figures released in February 2018 revealed that girls as young as 10 have been victims of upskirting and that just a third of British police forces in England and Wales report the incidents they encounter. According to a freedom of information request by the Press Association, of the 78 incidents reported, only 11 resulted in suspects being charged using existing laws on voyeurism, indecency and public order. A report in October 2018 conducted by British GQ reveals that one in 10 men dont think upskirting is sexual harassment. Several US and Australian states have legislated against upskirting and it is illegal in New Zealand and India. What does the law mean? According to the Magistrates Association, the law creates two new offences under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 to capture this behaviour. The new offences apply when: BP more than doubled its profits in the third quarter as rising oil prices boosted the energy giants bottom line. Revenue jumped by $20bn to $80.8bn (63bn) compared to the same period last year, helped by the price of Brent crude which is up from $66 a barrel in January to $77 this week due to limited supply in some of the big oil producing countries. That has squeezed British businesses and motorists, who have endured weeks of rising prices at the pumps. Recommended BP given approval to start drilling for oil in North Sea But it has been a boon for BP whose shares lifted 3.8 per cent on Tuesday morning. Underlying profit rose to $3.8bn over the three-month period, up from $1.86bn in the same quarter last year. The London-headquartered oil major pressed ahead with a deal to buy the US shale assets from mining and commodities giant BHP Billiton, despite concerns about the heavy environmental toll inflicted by fracking. BP said it expected to complete the $10.5bn acquisition this week. BP is still paying out for the Deepwater Horizon disaster the most destructive marine oil spill ever with after-tax costs of $500m this quarter. A boat collects oil that leaked from the Deepwater Horizon wellhead in the Gulf of Mexico (Getty) The April 2010 explosion on a rig in the Gulf of Mexico killed 11 people and resulted in a record $18.7bn environmental fine from US authorities. BP said it expected payments relating to the disaster this financial year to be around $3bn. Chief executive Bob Dudley said: Our focus on safe and reliable operations and delivering our strategy is driving strong earnings and growing cash flow. Operations are running well across BP and were bringing new, higher-margin barrels into production faster through efficient project execution. Mr Dudley said the shale acquisition would transform BPs position in the US and create significant value for the firm. He added: This progress all underpins our commitment to growing distributions for our shareholders. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events BP averaged 3.6 million barrels of oil per day over the quarter. Nicholas Hyett, equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown said: Growth in renewable energy and the introduction of electric cars may be long-term worries for investors. But as profits gush and cash flows, the here and now looks pretty rosy for BP. However, oil prices slipped on Tuesday as concerns grew that a trade dispute between the US and China could hurt economic growth. And signs point to global supply increasing, despite US sanctions against Iran, the worlds fifth-largest oil producer. Brent crude was down 15 cents a barrel at $77.19 on Wednesday morning while US light was unchanged at $67.04. A man sentenced to the death penalty used his last moments alive to crack a joke. Rodney Berget was sentenced to death for murdering a prison guard in 2011. Following a six-hour delay in the execution plan, he said Sorry for the delay, I got stuck in traffic, the Daily Mirror reported. He also told several people I love you and Ill meet you out there. Notably, he did not say anything to the family of the victim who he had killed, nor did he express remorse. In 2011, Mr Berget killed prison guard Ron RJ Johnson in a failed attempt to escape his life sentence. He was originally imprisoned for attempted murder and kidnapping. Recommended Death row inmate asks for electric chair instead of lethal injection After his last meal and last words, staff injected Mr Berget with lethal drugs. An attorney claimed that the state of South Dakota violated the constitution by executing Mr Berget, as the he was intellectually disabled. The Supreme Court considered the attorneys claim to stay the execution because of his disability, but ultimately decided to go ahead six hours later. The execution took place around 7.30pm on Monday, and his official time of death was 7.37pm. Attorneys had argued for the past six years that Mr Berget was intellectually disabled; he had even competed in the special Olympics when he was younger. But his trial lawyer never formally delved into this line of defence. "I knew what I was doing, and I continued to do it, Mr Berget said in 2011 after he killed Mr Johnson. I destroyed a family. I took away a father, a husband, a grandpa." He also said that he wanted and deserved to die. The widow of the victim said He chose to be evil, according to the Argus Leader. Eighteen years ago, Mr Berget's brother was also executed by the state of South Dakota. South Dakota has only executed four people since 1976. Police have denied allegations that political sensitivities have delayed a probe into potential criminal offences committed by pro-Brexit campaign groups. London's Metropolitan Police is yet to make a decision on whether to launch a criminal investigation into Leave.EU, Vote Leave and BeLeave, months after the cases were referred by the Electoral Commission. In response to a letter from a Green member of the European Parliament (MEP), Commander Stuart Cundy, of the specialist crime branch, said officers did not receive evidence including more than 2,000 documents until 7 September. These documents are being assessed by specialist investigators, supported with advice from the Crown Prosecution Service, in order to make an informed decision as to whether a criminal investigation is required, he said. There has been reporting that the MPS enquiries have made no progress, inferring this was due to political sensitivities. That is not the case. Commander Cundy added: There has been no contact from any government representative making enquiries into the status of the MPS enquiries. The senior officer said the only approach from any politicians, political parties or officials had been to urge Scotland Yard to undertake a wide-ranging investigation into the European Union referendum. He stressed that referrals from the Electoral Commission do not automatically mean a criminal offence has been committed and added: It is absolutely imperative we assess the evidential material that is available in order to make an informed decision as to whether there are matters that require a criminal investigation. Vote Leave whistleblower Shahmir Sanni calls for criminal investigation in electoral spending allegations Commander Cundy said the Metropolitan Police will make its decision public but did not give a deadline for it. A spokesperson for the Electoral Commission confirmed that police obtained the necessary evidence for the investigation last month. The Electoral Commission concluded its investigation into Leave.EU on 11 May and into Vote Leave on 17 July, she added. Recommended Leave EU boss walks out of select committee during questioning In both cases we immediately referred the responsible person for each organisation to the Metropolitan Police. At the same time, we informed the police of the referrals and explained that the evidence was ready for them to collect as soon as they made the necessary routine data protection request. The police made that request in late August and collected the evidence files in early September. The watchdog fined Leave.EU 70,000 by the Electoral Commission for incorrectly reporting what it spent at the EU referendum. It exceeded its statutory spending limit and delivered incomplete and inaccurate spending, loan and transaction returns, including over services from an American strategy firm, the commission said. It concluded that there were reasonable grounds to suspect that the responsible person for Leave.EU committed criminal offences. Two months later, the Electoral Commission found that Vote Leave and BeLeave broke electoral law by failing to declare joint working or adhering to legal spending limits. A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Show all 65 1 /65 A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit An estimated 700,000 people marched through London to demand a final say on the withdrawal agreement Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Red smoke from a canister hangs in the air as around 100,000 demonstrators march through London during a People's Vote anti-brexit demonstration savings banners and placards Anti-Brexit People's Vote March for the Future in London Rex A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Mayor of London Sadiq Khan takes part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum. PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say campaigners take part in the peoples vote march for the future in London 20/10/2018 Protesters wearing final Say shirts and holding placards Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit MP Chuka Umunna (left) and MP Vince Cable (right) as MP Anna Soubry (centre) addresses Anti-Brexit campaigners at a rally after the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum. PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A Peoples Vote march attendee calls for a Final Say Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators with banners 'We're with EU' during the People's Vote March for the Future in London, Britain, 20 October 2018. Reports state that the 'March for the Future' is to be led by a column of young people and call for a Peopleas Vote on the Brexit deal. After marching through central London, there will be a rally on stage in Parliament Square, including speeches from Mayor of London Sadiq Khan. EPA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Protesters at Londons march for the future in October The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Editor of The Independent Christian Broughton speaks to demonstrators in Parliament Sqaure after they take part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A poster at the March for the Future in October The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum. PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say campaigners take part in the peoples vote march for the future in London 20/10/2018 Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum. PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators hold placards as they take part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say campaigners take part in the peoples vote march for the future in London 20/10/2018 campaigner wrapped in EU flag Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say campaigners take part in the peoples vote march for the future in London 20/10/2018 Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators pass Trafalgar Square as they take part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators wave Union and European flags and hold up placards as they pass Trafalgar Square, taking part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators hold placards as they take part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A demonstrator holds a message during a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum. PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators take part in the 'People's Vote March for the Future,' in central London, Britain, 20 October 2018. Reports state that the 'March for the Future' is to be led by a column of young people and call for a Peopleas Vote on the Brexit deal. After marching through central London, there will be a rally on stage in Parliament Square, including speeches from Mayor of London Sadiq Khan EPA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A protester brandishes an Independent t-shirt during the Brexit March Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Tens of thousands of people take part in People's Vote March for the Future in central London. The march organised by the People's Vote campaign is led by young people calling for a People's Vote on the Brexit deal Rex A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum PA Darren Grimes, the founder of the BeLeave campaign group, was found to have committed two offences and was fined 20,000. David Halsall, the responsible person for Vote Leave, was also referred to the Metropolitan Police in relation to false declarations of campaign spending. Earlier this month, more than 70 politicians of all parties wrote to police and the National Crime Agency calling for criminal investigations into Vote Leave to be pursued. Molly Scott Cato, a Green MEP who was among the letters signatories, said the investigation should be a matter of urgency as the UK prepares to leave the EU in March. I welcome the reassurance from the Metropolitan Police Service that political sensitivities are not impeding this investigation, but progress is far too slow, she said. The fact that it took so long for evidence to reach the Met Police from the Electoral Commission undermines the sense that this crucial investigation is being taken seriously. We need this to be treated as an urgent matter. If crimes have been committed and prosecutions are likely to follow, this could change minds over Brexit. We need this information ahead of the date the UK is due to leave the EU, so that it can form part of the public debate on this vital decision. A father who was separated from his son as they fled their 18th-floor flat in Grenfell Tower found out from a news report that the five-year-old had died, a probe into the blaze has heard. Paulos Tekle said it took 11 days for officials to tell him they had identified the remains of his child, Isaac, by which time the BBC had already reported his death. Recalling the events of the night of the fire, Mr Tekle said firefighters initially told his family to stay inside their flat and wait to be rescued. He and his partner, Genet Shawo, grew increasingly anxious about the safety of their two young sons and considered jumping from the window as smoke filled the rooms. 5-year-old Isaac Shawo (Facebook) The family were eventually instructed to evacuate, but Isaac became separated from them in the smoke-filled stairwell. Police refused to allow Mr Tekle back into the tower to look for Isaac, he told the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. The family spent the days following the blaze looking for the five-year-old. We were still hoping, desperately hoping, that we would find Isaac, but a couple of days later it was confirmed on the BBC that he was dead, Mr Tekle told the probe. I believe the police had access to the building a few days after the fire and dont understand how the BBC found out the information before us. Recommended Grenfell Tower survivor describes final goodbye to father During his oral testimony on Tuesday, Mr Teckle also criticised the London Fire Brigade for telling the family to wait inside and failing to rescue them. Recalling the night of the blaze in a written statement, Mr Teckle said: I made calls to my family to say goodbye to them as I thought we were going to die. He sat on the window ledge and thought that he would rather jump than be burnt alive, he said. I told Isaac: I will hold you and we will jump together. I did not want myself and my family to suffer painful deaths, he said. I also thought that if we jumped and fell down on our backs holding our children we could cushion their falls and there was a chance that they would live. I was arguing with Genet as she was saying that we should not do this. While they waited to be rescued, the family were visited at their front door by at least one firefighter, he said. The inquiry previously heard evidence from firefighter Gregory Lawson, who said a man in an 18th-floor flat told him he was safe and did not want to talk when he knocked on the door. Asked about the claim, Mr Tekle raised his voice slightly, saying: Thats a joke, Im sorry. I did not say this, there is no way in a million years I am going to say [this] because I am desperate to leave. 'Thats a joke, I'm sorry' Grenfell survivor who lost five-year-old son contradicts firefighters' account He said he told the firefighter there were children in the flat many times. Mr Tekle said it was distressing to read Mr Lawsons account of the devastating fire, which broke out in the early hours of 14 June 2017. It is also very upsetting that he made the choice not to attempt to rescue any of us on the 18th floor, Mr Tekle said. If we had been given proper instructions by the firefighter we would have attempted to leave at that time. I dont understand why he made that decision not to help us we were very much in a position to walk down the stairs, as we obviously did later on. Mr Tekle was told to try to evacuate shortly before 3am and the family prepared to leave by soaking wet towels and covering their faces with them, he said. Mr Tekle carried his younger son Lucas, then around three years old, while another man who was lodging with their neighbours took Isaac. I was panicking going down [the stairs], Mr Tekle said. I slipped and fell over. I was falling down on my front and I thought I was going to hurt Lucas so I turned round to my side and I hit my shoulder. I think for a few seconds, maybe minutes, I was unconscious and did not know where I was and then I realised where I was and I needed to move. I was not able to stand up and I slid down the stairs I was very short of breath but I kept going. I could not see anything. All my focus was to save Lucas. Mr Tekle believed Isaac had made it out of the tower ahead of him, so he left the building when he got to the bottom of the stairs. Grenfell Tower Inquiry: photos of inside the flat where fire began Show all 18 1 /18 Grenfell Tower Inquiry: photos of inside the flat where fire began Grenfell Tower Inquiry: photos of inside the flat where fire began Kitchen in flat 16 where the fire started Grenfell Tower Inquiry/PA Grenfell Tower Inquiry: photos of inside the flat where fire began The kitchen from flat 16 ReutersGrenfell Tower Inquiry/Reuters Grenfell Tower Inquiry: photos of inside the flat where fire began The kitchen from flat 16 PA Grenfell Tower Inquiry: photos of inside the flat where fire began Hallway in flat 16, leading to the kitchen where the fire started Grenfell Tower Inquiry/PA Grenfell Tower Inquiry: photos of inside the flat where fire began The kitchen from flat 16 Grenfell Tower Inquiry/PA Grenfell Tower Inquiry: photos of inside the flat where fire began The kitchen from flat 16 PA Grenfell Tower Inquiry: photos of inside the flat where fire began Bedroom in flat 16 Grenfell Tower Inquiry/PA Grenfell Tower Inquiry: photos of inside the flat where fire began Living room in flat 16 Grenfell Tower Inquiry/PA Grenfell Tower Inquiry: photos of inside the flat where fire began Toilet in flat 16 Grenfell Tower Inquiry/PA Grenfell Tower Inquiry: photos of inside the flat where fire began Living room in flat 16 Grenfell Tower Inquiry/PA Grenfell Tower Inquiry: photos of inside the flat where fire began Bedroom 2 of flat 16 Grenfell Tower Inquiry/Reuters Grenfell Tower Inquiry: photos of inside the flat where fire began Bedroom in flat 16 Grenfell Tower Inquiry/PA Grenfell Tower Inquiry: photos of inside the flat where fire began Bedroom 2 of flat 16 Grenfell Tower Inquiry/Reuters Grenfell Tower Inquiry: photos of inside the flat where fire began The kitchen from flat 16 Grenfell Tower Inquiry/PA Grenfell Tower Inquiry: photos of inside the flat where fire began Kitchen in flat 16 where the fire started Grenfell Tower Inquiry/PA Grenfell Tower Inquiry: photos of inside the flat where fire began Door to flat 16 from the lobby on floor 4 Grenfell Tower Inquiry/PA Grenfell Tower Inquiry: photos of inside the flat where fire began Living room in flat 16 Grenfell Tower Inquiry/PA Grenfell Tower Inquiry: photos of inside the flat where fire began Hallway in flat 16 Grenfell Tower Inquiry/PA But outside, the man who had been helping Isaac told him he had become separated from the five-year-old. He told me he had lost him on the stairs, Mr Tekle said. I could not take in what he was saying to me. I was trying to question him but he kept putting the oxygen mask on his face. Genet was very distraught. I saw Genet crawling on the ground and crying and wailing that she had to find our son. Mr Tekle later said: I have been made aware of the contents of the post-mortem report on Isaac, although I have not read it myself because I would find it too distressing to do so. I was incredibly shocked and upset to learn that both of Isaacs ankles had been disarticulated and that the left foot was completely detached. At the end of his oral evidence, Mr Tekle was asked whether he had anything to add. Reading from a piece of paper he took from his breast pocket, he said: I have something which Im going to read. Its very difficult but I have to. I must live with the image and thought of my little boy left alone on the stairs of horror all night. But our nightmare doesnt end there. Our little boy was trampled. This is very painful to sit here and tell you, but I have to because I need you to please feel and hear why. I have been let down by London Fire Brigade, my son would have been alive today if we had been allowed to leave earlier. The probe also heard on Tuesday from another 18th-floor resident, Rabia Yahya, who sheltered in the Shawo familys flat with her three children. Her husband, Bellal Elguenuni was not in the tower on the night of the fire. Ms Yahya, who was 21 weeks pregnant when the blaze took hold, decided to try to escape when she saw Mr Tekle threatening to jump out. After making it out with her three children, Ms Yahya was put in an induced coma for two weeks. Her son, who has asthma, was unconscious for 11 days. She told the inquiry in a written statement that Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea council (RBKC), offered her, her husband and three children a room on the 22nd floor of the Hilton London Metropole hotel on Edgware Road. In a written statement to the public inquiry into the fire, she said: I refused to go. There was no alternative room offered to us on a lower floor, so we went to my mother-in-laws house to stay for a few days, while we tried to get RBKC to sort out proper accommodation for us, which was frustrating. It felt that we had to fight to get our most basic needs met, even when were in a fragile, vulnerable condition, just out of hospital. Ms Yayha continued: I feel really let down by RBKC. It feels like they just dont care about us I mean how else could it feel when they tried to stuff us all into one room on the 22nd floor when we came out of hospital? Its a joke. Thankfully, I have family. Im not sure I would have managed without them. The mother-of-four sat behind a blue screen next to her NHS therapist as she gave evidence on Tuesday afternoon. The Grenfell Tower inquiry is hearing from survivors of the blaze, which killed 72 people. Jamal Khashoggis fiancee has said Donald Trump should not pave the way for a cover-up of his murder. Speaking at a memorial for the Saudi journalist in Westminster, London, Hatice Cengiz called on the US president to help reveal the truth and ensure justice be served. In comments translated from Turkish to English, Ms Cengiz said: I believe that the Saudi regime knows where his body is. They should answer my demand, for this is not only the demand of a fiancee, but a human and Islamic demand. She said she was deeply grateful for the solidarity of people all over the world but was disappointed in the actions of the leadership in many countries, particularly in the US. Ms Cengiz continued: President Trump should help reveal the truth and ensure justice be served. He should not pave the way for a cover-up of my fiancees murder. Lets not let money taint our conscience and compromise our values. Jamal Khashoggi death: key figures Show all 7 1 /7 Jamal Khashoggi death: key figures Jamal Khashoggi death: key figures Jamal Khashoggi Washington Post journalist who was critical of the Saudi regime and the young Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, he was murdered on 2 October in the Saudi Arabian consulate in Istanbul AFP Jamal Khashoggi death: key figures Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Heir to the Saudi throne, Mohammed bin Salman has been implicated in the murder, with US officials claiming that he must have known of the plot AFP/Getty Jamal Khashoggi death: key figures 15 man hit squad Turkish police suspect these 15 men of being involved in the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, issued 10 October, 8 days after the journalist disappeared EPA Jamal Khashoggi death: key figures Saud al-Qahtani Aide to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saud al-Qahtani is claimed to have ordered Khashoggi's murder Saud Al-Qahtani/Twitter Jamal Khashoggi death: key figures Maher Abdulaziz Mutreb A former diplomat who often travelled with the Crown Prince, Mutreb was initially claimed to be the leader of the hit squad and is pictured here entering the Saudi consulate on the day of the murder AP Jamal Khashoggi death: key figures Mustafa al-Madani First implicated in the 15 CCTV photos released by the Turkish police, al-Madani was later found to have been used as a body double for Khashoggi, leaving the Saudi consulate dressed in his clothes on the day the journalist was killed CNN Jamal Khashoggi death: key figures Salah bin Jamal Khashoggi (L) Son of the murdered journalist met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on 23 October EPA Mr Trumps criticism of Saudi Arabia over the death of Khashoggi has been inconsistent. He initially suggested rogue elements could have been behind the murder, then said the kingdoms powerful crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, bore ultimate responsibility for the operation which led to the killing. But he has also insisted he did not want to imperil a tremendous order of $110bn in weapons which he claims will support 500,000 US jobs. Ms Cengiz was speaking on Monday evening at the memorial, which was organised by the Middle East Monitor (MEMO) and the Al Sharq Forum. Mr Khashoggi gave his last public speech at a MEMO event in London last month. He disappeared after walking into the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on 2 October to obtain the documents he needed to marry Ms Cengiz, a Turkish national. If only I knew what would happen, I would have entered the consulate myself, said Ms Cengiz, at times appearing on the verge of tears. If only I knew that would be the last time I would see my Jamal, his smile, hear his laughter, I would have stood in front of that murderous team myself. If only I knew that there were blood-thirsty, evil people waiting inside the consulate for my Jamal, I would have done all I could to prevent him from entering. Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman says Khashoggi killing was 'heinous crime' Saudi Arabia initially denied any knowledge of Khashoggis disappearance and said he had left the consulate, but later admitted he was killed in a botched attempt to return him to the kingdom. Riyadh later changed its story and said his murder was premeditated. It said it had arrested 18 people and dismissed five senior government officials as part of the investigation into the murder, and the crown prince vowed that Khashoggis killers would be brought to justice. Ms Cengiz said the Saudi royal family had not contacted her since her husbands death, nor had they offered any condolences. I want justice to be served, she said. Not only for those who murdered my beloved Jamal, but for those who organised it and gave the order for it. She added: I want the role of the political leadership in this brutal killing to be brought to light. I want justice for Jamal. I call upon the conscience of humanity and the international community please help us to reveal the truth and hold the perpetrators and their masters to account for their crimes. Justice for Jamal Khashoggi protest outside the Embassy of Saudi Arabia Other speakers at the event included Crispin Blunt, the MP for Reigate in Surrey, Michelle Stanistreet, the secretary general of the National Union for Journalists (NUJ) and Sarah Leah Whitson, executive director of the Middle East and North Africa division at Human Rights Watch. When asked about the consequences of Khashoggis killing, Ms Whitson told The Independent that dissidents and journalists were likely to be living in fear. Not just Saudi writers, but people who have sought exile now feel at extra risk, she said. On a political level, this has significantly kicked a leg out of Mohammed bin Salmans stool in terms of his reliability as an ally. This has cost him hundreds of millions of dollars. There is now obviously a serious risk that he might be thrown out. And its a good thing to do because hes a liability and hes a risk. It may well be a tipping point. She said Theresa May and Donald Trump had offered grudging criticisms of Saudi Arabia, which they were forced to make against their will. Do I think Trump gives a damn actually? No. So it really is up to civil society to continue to say no, its not going to happen and were going to keep raising the costs of your continued partnership with the Saudis. During his speech, Mr Blunt said Britain should consider every possible measure to make Jamals dream for freedom of expression in Saudi Arabia a reality. He said the kingdom could start by releasing womens rights activists, ending the death penalty, reversing the criminalisation of satire and ceasing to define its opponents as terrorists. If debate and freedom of expression brings violent repression, who is the terrorist in the proper meaning of the word? The Conservative MP added: If the Saudi state does not deliver full accountability for his murder, the legacy will be one of terror, where all Saudis will not be free to even whisper criticisms of their leaders, even with their family or with their friends. The price of dissent will have been made crystal clear. Ms Stanistreet invited the public to join NUJ journalists outside the Saudi embassies in London and Dublin on Thursday to remember Khashoggi and demand justice. Hundreds of "precarious workers" marched through London as Uber faced the Court of Appeal in a landmark case over its drivers employment status and rights. The Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain (IWGB) organised the protest to offer solidarity with Uber drivers and demand an end to all precarious work. The union said that over 500 people including Uber drivers, fast food workers, Deliveroo couriers and outsourced cleaners joined the march from Transport for London headquarters in Blackfriars to the Royal Courts of Justice, less than a mile away. IWGB described the protest as the biggest ever precarious workers march. Todays action is the articulation of the legitimate rage of the precarious workers and the exploited workers of the UK. Uber have already lost two court battles," the union's general secretary Jason Moyer-Lee told marchers after they reached their destination. "Theyre fighting to not have to give minimum wage and paid holidays and pensions and other basic employment rights to the drivers who work for them. The protest coincided with the beginning of Ubers Court of Appeal hearing contesting the Employment Tribunals October 2016 ruling that the companys drivers should be treated as workers rather than self-employed. Uber argues that its 70,000 drivers are self-employed meaning that they are not entitled to basic workers rights including holiday pay and the National Minimum Wage. Last year, ride hailing app took the case to the Employment Appeals Tribunal and lost. While the case works its way through the appeals process, Uber has not adjusted its contracts to bring them into line with the Employment Tribunals October 2016 ruling - a decision that has cost drivers an average 18,000 according to the GMB Union, which brought the case. James Farrar, IWGB's united private hire drivers branch chair and one of two employees who took Uber to court in 2016, said: "It's two years since we beat Uber at the Employment Tribunal, yet minicab drivers all over the UK are still waiting for justice, while Uber exhausts endless appeals. As the government ignores this mounting crisis, it's been left to workers to fix this broken system and bring rogue bosses to account. "At first, we worked hard to build solidarity amongst Uber drivers who as a workforce have been kept isolated and fragmented thanks to Uber's one-to-many technology. Now, we are all coming together as part of a larger movement of workers with a shared realisation neither the government nor the bosses are going to ride in on a white horse to solve the problem of precarity." As Ubers appeal hearing began, the protesters continued the march to the University of London where outsourced workers are currently on strike. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events More than 100 workers at the University including cleaners, porters and security officers are demanding to be made direct employees. Green Party co-leader Jonathan Bartley spoke to the protest outside University of London Senate House and later wrote on Twitter: "Fighting for cleaners, security guards, couriers, drivers, bikers & riders, receptionists, foster carers & support workers, hotel workers, university staff & the picturehouse workers, the outsourced, overlooked & underpaid who must get the rights they deserve #PrecariousDemo" The march ended at The Doctors Laboratory, where NHS couriers are demanding a pay rise after two rounds of pay cuts. Recommended Uber to raise London fares to encourage drivers to buy electric cars An Uber spokesperson said: Almost all taxi and private hire drivers have been self-employed for decades, long before our app existed. We believe the Employment Appeal Tribunal last year fundamentally misunderstood how we operate. For example, they relied on the assertion that drivers are required to take 80 per cent of trips sent to them when logged into the app, which has never been the case in the UK. Over the last two years weve made many changes to give drivers even more control over how they use the app, alongside more security through sickness, maternity and paternity protections. Well keep listening to drivers and introduce further improvements. The spokesperson also referenced an Oxford Martin School study which stated drivers earn the London living wage and said if drivers were classed as workers the ywould lose freedom and flexibility. Ubers Court of Appeal hearing continues over 30 and 31 October. Home Office officials are not being straight with MPs over the security implications of no-deal Brexit, Yvette Cooper has said. In heated scenes at the Home Affairs Committee, the Labour chair repeatedly asked what information the Border Force will lose if the UK is excluded from the Schengen Information System (SIS II) database in March. The database, which contains details of terrorists, criminals, missing people and objects, is currently checked by British police officers, border and immigration officials 1.4 million times every day. Paul Lincoln, director general of the Border Force said that without SIS II, officers would be checking different information on people arriving at the UKs border. He repeated the home secretarys wording that the situation would be sub-optimal but would not give details of what could be lost when pressed. I dont understand your reluctance on this, are we going to lose significant intelligence information and if so, on what scale? Ms Cooper said. Surely parliament has the right to knowwhether or not there is going to be less security information available to our Border Force officers when making a decision about whether or not to let somebody in the country. Mr Lincoln said he could come back to the Home Affairs Committee with more information, adding: We are doing all that we can to mitigate the disruption. Shona Dunn, second permanent secretary at the Home Office, said discussions on intelligence sharing were ongoing with Interpol and other bodies. A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Show all 65 1 /65 A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit An estimated 700,000 people marched through London to demand a final say on the withdrawal agreement Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Red smoke from a canister hangs in the air as around 100,000 demonstrators march through London during a People's Vote anti-brexit demonstration savings banners and placards Anti-Brexit People's Vote March for the Future in London Rex A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Mayor of London Sadiq Khan takes part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum. PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say campaigners take part in the peoples vote march for the future in London 20/10/2018 Protesters wearing final Say shirts and holding placards Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit MP Chuka Umunna (left) and MP Vince Cable (right) as MP Anna Soubry (centre) addresses Anti-Brexit campaigners at a rally after the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum. PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A Peoples Vote march attendee calls for a Final Say Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators with banners 'We're with EU' during the People's Vote March for the Future in London, Britain, 20 October 2018. Reports state that the 'March for the Future' is to be led by a column of young people and call for a Peopleas Vote on the Brexit deal. After marching through central London, there will be a rally on stage in Parliament Square, including speeches from Mayor of London Sadiq Khan. EPA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Protesters at Londons march for the future in October The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Editor of The Independent Christian Broughton speaks to demonstrators in Parliament Sqaure after they take part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A poster at the March for the Future in October The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum. PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say campaigners take part in the peoples vote march for the future in London 20/10/2018 Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum. PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators hold placards as they take part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say campaigners take part in the peoples vote march for the future in London 20/10/2018 campaigner wrapped in EU flag Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say campaigners take part in the peoples vote march for the future in London 20/10/2018 Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators pass Trafalgar Square as they take part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators wave Union and European flags and hold up placards as they pass Trafalgar Square, taking part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators hold placards as they take part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A demonstrator holds a message during a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum. PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators take part in the 'People's Vote March for the Future,' in central London, Britain, 20 October 2018. Reports state that the 'March for the Future' is to be led by a column of young people and call for a Peopleas Vote on the Brexit deal. After marching through central London, there will be a rally on stage in Parliament Square, including speeches from Mayor of London Sadiq Khan EPA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A protester brandishes an Independent t-shirt during the Brexit March Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Tens of thousands of people take part in People's Vote March for the Future in central London. The march organised by the People's Vote campaign is led by young people calling for a People's Vote on the Brexit deal Rex A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum PA When asked precisely what systems the UK would use instead of SIS II she replied: Its extremely difficult for us to say at this point. Ms Cooper pointed out that there was only five months until Britain leaves the EU and added: It is really hard to have any confidence in your processes of contingency planning for no-deal if you dont know, as a basic question, what the scale of security downgrade is. If you are going to have to find this information through other routes or do additional checks, youre going to have to need extra staff. How are you going to reassure the British public that borders are not going to become less secure as a result of no-deal? Ms Dunn repeated that there would be a range of mitigations and that it depends on the circumstances whether officials will be left with more or less security information on people arriving in the UK. Ms Cooper told the panel: Youre not being straight with us, and I really think at this stage in the process when parliament is going to have to make some decisions about whether there is no-deal or not, I think you really have an obligation to be straight with us about what the security issues are. Lynne Owens, director general of the National Crime Agency, said the loss of SIS II, Europol membership and other EU systems would have major implications for British law enforcement. She said that instead of automatically accessing SIS II as they do now, officers will have to call colleagues in member states for information. The best we can come up with is a very manual system, she added. Serious and organised criminals will adapt their behaviour and working practices on the basis of what is put in place if we don't have access to these tools there is a risk that this country is less safe as a result. Ms Owens also warned that countries including Germany may have to pass new laws to share information passed through Europol with the UK. Chancellor Philip Hammond says a no-deal Brexit would result in a new budget She said that although the UK may apply for associate membership of the policing body, it would lose a leadership voice on priorities. Several nations also have constitutions of practices that would forbid extraditing their citizens to the UK for prosecution outside the European Arrest Warrant system. The committee was told that around 500 police officers will work to minimise the impact of a no-deal Brexit, including delays to extraditions, criminal records checks, missing persons enquiries and obtaining evidence from abroad. Deputy assistant commissioner Richard Martin, of the National Police Chiefs Council, said officers have been mapping fall-backs for each European tool. None of the contingencies are as effective or efficient as the tools we currently use, he added, explaining that if Interpols i24/7 database was used as an alternative to SIS II, officers would not be able to arrest suspects on it without a magistrates warrant. Ms Owens said it would require EU countries to actively check the UKs records on wanted people, rather than cases being flagged on their own systems. The Home Affairs Committee previously condemned the British government and the EU for putting public safety at risk by refusing to cross political red lines in negotiations. Theresa Mays refusal to submit to European Court of Justice jurisdiction has been a major stumbling block for database access. The government has said it is confident that an ambitious agreement on future security cooperation can be reached after drawing up a proposed security treaty with the EU. There is widespread recognition among member states that the UK and EU can act most effectively to combat security threats when we are working together and there is therefore a shared desire to maintain close cooperation in the future, a Home Office spokesperson said. The UK and Norway have agreed a deal to protect the rights of each-others citizens after Brexit even if there is a no deal. Citizens of both countries will be able to legally remain residents abroad even if there is no withdrawal agreement between the UK and EU. The announcement was made at a summit in Oslo, which Theresa May attended on Tuesday to discuss cooperation with Nordic and Baltic leaders. Prime Minister May and I agreed that Norway and UK will put in place a comprehensive citizens rights agreement, Erna Solberg, the Norwegian prime minister said. We will treat all UK citizens living in Norway ... so they will have the same opportunities as they had before also after March 2019. She added that Britain and Norway were very close to agreeing a deal that would mirror any Brexit deal London concludes with the EU. Norway is not a member of the EU, but is part of the European Economic Area, meaning it has free movement with the EU and participates in the single market. Theresa May told a news conference in the Norwegian capital of Oslo: Whatever happens, we confirm that people from the EEA, the Norwegian citizens and those others who are living in the UK, and who have made their life choice to be in the UK, well, to be able to be in the UK. We want them to stay. A deal to respect EU citizens rights and the rights of British citizens in the EU has been mostly agreed as part of withdrawal negotiations but will only come into effect if there is a deal. A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Show all 65 1 /65 A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit An estimated 700,000 people marched through London to demand a final say on the withdrawal agreement Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Red smoke from a canister hangs in the air as around 100,000 demonstrators march through London during a People's Vote anti-brexit demonstration savings banners and placards Anti-Brexit People's Vote March for the Future in London Rex A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Mayor of London Sadiq Khan takes part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum. PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say campaigners take part in the peoples vote march for the future in London 20/10/2018 Protesters wearing final Say shirts and holding placards Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit MP Chuka Umunna (left) and MP Vince Cable (right) as MP Anna Soubry (centre) addresses Anti-Brexit campaigners at a rally after the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum. PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A Peoples Vote march attendee calls for a Final Say Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators with banners 'We're with EU' during the People's Vote March for the Future in London, Britain, 20 October 2018. Reports state that the 'March for the Future' is to be led by a column of young people and call for a Peopleas Vote on the Brexit deal. After marching through central London, there will be a rally on stage in Parliament Square, including speeches from Mayor of London Sadiq Khan. EPA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Protesters at Londons march for the future in October The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Editor of The Independent Christian Broughton speaks to demonstrators in Parliament Sqaure after they take part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A poster at the March for the Future in October The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum. PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say campaigners take part in the peoples vote march for the future in London 20/10/2018 Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum. PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators hold placards as they take part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say campaigners take part in the peoples vote march for the future in London 20/10/2018 campaigner wrapped in EU flag Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say campaigners take part in the peoples vote march for the future in London 20/10/2018 Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators pass Trafalgar Square as they take part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators wave Union and European flags and hold up placards as they pass Trafalgar Square, taking part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators hold placards as they take part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A demonstrator holds a message during a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum. PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators take part in the 'People's Vote March for the Future,' in central London, Britain, 20 October 2018. Reports state that the 'March for the Future' is to be led by a column of young people and call for a Peopleas Vote on the Brexit deal. After marching through central London, there will be a rally on stage in Parliament Square, including speeches from Mayor of London Sadiq Khan EPA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A protester brandishes an Independent t-shirt during the Brexit March Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Tens of thousands of people take part in People's Vote March for the Future in central London. The march organised by the People's Vote campaign is led by young people calling for a People's Vote on the Brexit deal Rex A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum PA Groups representing British citizens abroad have however warned that the agreement is insufficient as it will mostly tie citizens to one country, making it difficult for UK nationals to do jobs that involve them traveling abroad to work as is common for many business roles and professions. EU countries are working on emergency preparations to secure British citizens legal status in the event of a no-deal, while the UK has said it will unilaterally guarantee the residency of EU nationals. Theresa May has stood firm and ruled out giving the British people a final say on her Brexit deal, despite a groundswell of support for a second vote. 700,000 people took to the streets of central London last weekend to demand a referendum, while over a million people have now signed The Independents petition, as polls show a trend in favour of a plebiscite. But speaking during a summit in the Norwegian capital of Oslo the prime minister once again ruled out changing her mind, stating: There will be no second referendum on Brexit. The PM also effectively ruled out any further public input on her negotiations, warning against a general election. No. We are not preparing for another general election. That would not be in the national interest, she said. It comes as Norweigian prime minister Erna Solberg poured cold water on suggestions the UK could temporarily stay in the European Economic Area (EEA) after Brexit, stating it would be a little bit difficult for some of its members to accept. The idea had been suggested by some Conservative MPs as an extra transition period. Ms Solberg however restated that Norway was open to the UK becoming a permanent EEA state. It was announced at the summit that the UK and Norway had reached an agreement that will guarantee the rights of each others citizens after Brexit, even in the event of a no-deal. The accord follows Ms May saying she would unilaterally guarantee EU citizens rights in the event of a no-deal. The question of another general election has been raised in recent weeks as it becomes clear that it will be very difficult for the prime minister to pass any Brexit deal through the House of Commons. Some observers believe that the Budget announced by Philip Hammond on Monday resembled a pre-election budget, with accelerated income tax cuts and some other popular measures. Fresh elections could be tempting because the prime minister lacks a majority in the House of Commons, meaning there is a good chance any Brexit deal she negotiates could be voted down. Theresa May and Erna Solberg (AP) (NTB scanpix via AP) Though she secured the support of the right-wing DUP with an extra 1bn for Northern Ireland after the 2017 election, the party has since said it would not vote for an emerging deal that treats Northern Ireland differently from the rest of the UK. But with the Conservatives yet to open up a substantial lead in the polls and memories of last years shock result still fresh the PM appears yet to be tempted. In a speech at the Oslo summit, which was about Nordic and Baltic cooperation, the PM tried to reassure her counterparts that the UK was not drifting into isolationism with Brexit, stating that the UK would remain active members of the UN. Of Nato. Of the Northern Future Forum, the Nordic Plus group of development ministers and the Northern Group of defence ministers. A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Show all 65 1 /65 A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit An estimated 700,000 people marched through London to demand a final say on the withdrawal agreement Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Red smoke from a canister hangs in the air as around 100,000 demonstrators march through London during a People's Vote anti-brexit demonstration savings banners and placards Anti-Brexit People's Vote March for the Future in London Rex A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Mayor of London Sadiq Khan takes part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum. PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say campaigners take part in the peoples vote march for the future in London 20/10/2018 Protesters wearing final Say shirts and holding placards Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit MP Chuka Umunna (left) and MP Vince Cable (right) as MP Anna Soubry (centre) addresses Anti-Brexit campaigners at a rally after the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum. PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A Peoples Vote march attendee calls for a Final Say Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators with banners 'We're with EU' during the People's Vote March for the Future in London, Britain, 20 October 2018. Reports state that the 'March for the Future' is to be led by a column of young people and call for a Peopleas Vote on the Brexit deal. After marching through central London, there will be a rally on stage in Parliament Square, including speeches from Mayor of London Sadiq Khan. EPA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Protesters at Londons march for the future in October The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Editor of The Independent Christian Broughton speaks to demonstrators in Parliament Sqaure after they take part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A poster at the March for the Future in October The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum. PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say campaigners take part in the peoples vote march for the future in London 20/10/2018 Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum. PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators hold placards as they take part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say campaigners take part in the peoples vote march for the future in London 20/10/2018 campaigner wrapped in EU flag Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Angela Christofilou/The Independent A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say campaigners take part in the peoples vote march for the future in London 20/10/2018 Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators pass Trafalgar Square as they take part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators wave Union and European flags and hold up placards as they pass Trafalgar Square, taking part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators hold placards as they take part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A demonstrator holds a message during a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU. AFP/Getty A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum. PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators take part in the 'People's Vote March for the Future,' in central London, Britain, 20 October 2018. Reports state that the 'March for the Future' is to be led by a column of young people and call for a Peopleas Vote on the Brexit deal. After marching through central London, there will be a rally on stage in Parliament Square, including speeches from Mayor of London Sadiq Khan EPA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A protester brandishes an Independent t-shirt during the Brexit March Angela Christofilou A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum PA A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Tens of thousands of people take part in People's Vote March for the Future in central London. The march organised by the People's Vote campaign is led by young people calling for a People's Vote on the Brexit deal Rex A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum PA She added: We will continue to act as observers on the Arctic Council, further strengthen our relations with the Nordic Council, and embrace the possibilities of closer bilateral engagement. And, of course, we will build a new partnership with the EU and with the EEA and EFTA countries. One that will deliver on the democratic wishes of the British people while maintaining our commitment to international cooperation in pursuit of our shared values. I would ask all of you here today to work with us to build that partnership just as we have worked together for many years to build the partnership the UK and Nordic nations now enjoy. Theresa May has denied she is preparing to hold another general election, stating that another vote would not be in the national interest. The Prime Minister is visiting Norway for a meeting with Nordic and Baltic leaders where she is set to discuss Brexit and other matters, such as strained relations with Russia. Asked about fresh contest to break the Brexit deadlock at a press conference in Oslo with her counterparts from Nordic and Baltic countries, the Prime Minister said: No. We are not preparing for another general election. That would not be in the national interest. Some observers believe that the Budget announced by Philip Hammond on Monday resembled a pre-election budget, with accelerated income tax cuts and some other popular measures. Fresh elections could be tempting because the Prime Minister lacks a majority in the House of Commons, meaning there is a good chance any Brexit deal she negotiates could be voted down. Though she secured the support of the right-wing DUP with an extra 1 billion for Northern Ireland after the 2017 election, the party has since said it would not vote for an emerging deal that treats Northern Ireland differently from the rest of the UK. But with the Conservatives yet to open up a substantial lead in the polls and memories of last years shock result still fresh the PM appears yet to be tempted. 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 PM was speaking alongside Erna Solberg, the Norwegian prime minister. Ms Solberg warned that plans suggested by some Tories for the UK to joint the European Economic Area (EEA) temporarily as a second Brexit transition would be a little bit difficult" for some members to accept. She however re-stated that Norway was open to the UK becoming a permanent EEA state. The European Economic Area agreement replicates most of the EU single market, with some exceptions though it does not include a customs union, meaning border checks are still required on goods passing from the EU. Jeremy Hunt will vow to recruit 1,000 more diplomatic staff and boost their language skills, as he fights warnings that Brexit will weaken Britains international clout. In a major speech, the foreign secretary will promise the biggest expansion of Britains diplomatic network for a generation, opening new embassies in Africa and South East Asia. There will also be a doubling of diplomats who speak the local language to 1,000, Mr Hunt will say and an increase in the number of languages the Foreign Office teaches, from 50 to 70. The move follows warnings that leaving the EU will inevitably diminish Britains influence. One former head of the diplomatic service said other countries believed the UK had lost the plot. The Foreign Office has also been criticised for earlier plans to hollow out embassies around the world, in order to fund diplomatic posts in Europe. Now Mr Hunt, appointed in July, will insist the fears are misplaced, insisting the UK after Brexit can be an invisible chain that links the worlds democracies. And he will argue its role will be badly needed, when our democratic values are arguably under greater threat than at any time since the fall of the Berlin Wall Mr Hunt will say: Our network of friendships is unparalleled. But they are underpinned by something more than shared history, shared language or shared culture. 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 They are underpinned by the values - democracy, the rule of law, the separation of powers, respect for individual civil and political rights, a belief in free trade - that bind us. When these values are under threat, Britains role indeed obligation is to defend them. Which is why to do so, we must become an invisible chain linking the worlds democracies. The promise of a network of friendships comes after Mr Hunts gaffe, at the Tory party conference, when he likened the EU to a prison in the Soviet Union. Donald Tusk, the European Council president, accused him of insulting people who survived the horrors of communism and there were calls for him to resign. Meanwhile, Theresa Mays promise to achieve a new Global Britain outside the EU has been branded mushy thinking and just a slogan. In February, Sir Simon Fraser, the former Foreign Office permanent under-secretary, told MPs: A lot of countries think, for the time being, that we have slightly lost the plot in terms of where we intend to go. But, in his speech to the Policy Exchange think-tank on Wednesday evening, Mr Hunt will confirm plans for 12 new diplomatic positions abroad, in addition to nearly 1,000 extra personnel. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events They will include 335 diplomatic posts overseas, 328 new roles in London, and 329 new locally engaged staff, he will say. A new embassy will open in Dijibouti, in East Africa, the British Office in Chad will be upgraded to a full embassy and a mission will open at the headquarters of the Association of South-East Asian Nations, in Indonesia. The 20 extra languages the Foreign Office will teach will vary from the Central Asian tongues of Kazakh and Kyrgyz, to Shona in Zimbabwe and Gujarati in India. A family is suing Sacred Heart University after their daughter, a 20-year-old student, died after participating in a pancake-eating contest. Caitlin Nelsons family filed the lawsuit on Monday against the Connecticut-based university, according to the Hartford Courant. Nelsons death occurred when, minutes into the March 30 2017 contest, the student from Clark, New Jersey, began to choke. Medics who were called to the scene were unable to clear Nelsons mouth and throat of pancakes, leading to a deprivation of oxygen and subsequent brain damage. According to the Hartford Courant, police found Nelsons mouth compacted with pancakes, almost to her teeth, which felt like concrete. Nelson, a member of the Kappa Delta sorority, was transported to a local New York Hospital, and then Columbia University Medical Centre, where she later died days later. The cause of death, according to the autopsy, was determined to be asphyxia due to obstruction of the airways. In the lawsuit, it is claimed that the university is at fault for allowing the contest to occur. In addition to monetary damages, the lawsuit also seeks to bring awareness to the dangers of eating contests. World University Rankings 2018: The top 10 Show all 11 1 /11 World University Rankings 2018: The top 10 World University Rankings 2018: The top 10 1 The University of Oxford holds the top spot globally for the second year in a row Getty World University Rankings 2018: The top 10 2 The University of Cambridge jumps to second from fourth place in 2017 thanks to a perceived improvement in teaching quality Andrew Dunn World University Rankings 2018: The top 10 =3 Beaten by Cambridge this year, the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) falls to third Canon.vs.nikon World University Rankings 2018: The top 10 =3 Stanford University ties in third place with Caltech King of Hearts World University Rankings 2018: The top 10 5 Massachusetts Institute of Technology - the private research institute in Cambridge, US, retains its position in 5th place Madcoverboy World University Rankings 2018: The top 10 6 Harvard University remains in 6th place for another year Wikipedia World University Rankings 2018: The top 10 7 Princeton University retains 7th place for 2018 Quantockgoblin World University Rankings 2018: The top 10 8 Imperial College London retains its position as 8th best in the world, according to the rankings Vinceesq World University Rankings 2018: The top 10 9 The University of Chicago rises one place this year to ninth Ibrahim Old World University Rankings 2018: The top 10 =10 ETH Zurich Swiss Federal Institute of Technology falls to joint 10th place Roland zh World University Rankings 2018: The top 10 =10 The University of Pennsylvania makes a surprise entry into the top 10 this year, jumping forward three places WestCoastivieS These contests are significantly more dangerous than people realise and its critically important for the public - especially educational institutions - to understand that certain foods are safer than others and a modicum of forethought can literally save lives, the lawsuit states. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events The lawsuit also suggests alternative foods for future competitions, such as ice cream or whipped cream, which would not be as likely to block a persons air passages. Close Donald Trump says he considered cancelling speech due to wet hair on day of Pittsburgh shooting President Donald Trump made a controversial visit to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania just days after a gunman entered a synagogue there and murdered 11 worshippers. The president was met with hundreds of protestors, with the trip coming as the community mourned their lost loved ones, and just as burials began. Recommended Trump makes controversial visit to Pittsburgh after synagogue shooting The attack on Saturday has sparked a national conversation around the president's rhetoric, and Jewish leaders have suggested that the president has not been strong enough in denouncing anti-semitism in the United States as president. At least one mourning family has declined an invitation to meet with the president, and the mayor of the city has asked that Mr Trump not come to the city. The president and his allies, meanwhile, have pushed back on the notion that he in any way fosters an environment that is sympathetic or allowing of hate based upon religion and race. Read events from the visit as they happened below Please allow a moment for the liveblog to load Donald Trump has suggested he will end the centuries-long, amendment-protected practice of providing birthright citizenship in the United States by signing an executive order. The only problem? He cant. The president said in a Tuesday interview that birthright citizenship has to end, repeatedly calling the practice ridiculous and suggesting he can put a halt to it through the signing of an executive order. It was always told to me that you needed the Constitutional amendment, he said in a recent Axios interview, a portion of which was released Tuesday morning. Guess what? You dont. Recommended Trump vows to end US birthright citizenship Birthright citizenship is an American tradition that was adopted into the US Constitution in 1868 through the ratification of the 14th Amendment. That amendment states all persons born or naturalized in the United States are granted citizenship, including former slaves who had just been freed following the US Civil War. The amendment was explicitly found to protect child immigrants born in the United States in the 1898 case US v Wong Kim Ark. At that time, the Supreme Court held that children born to foreigners permanently and legally residing in the country becomes at the time of his birth a citizen of the United States, by virtue of the first clause of the Fourteenth Amendment of the Constitution. A later 1982 case Plyler v Doe also applied the 14th Amendment to immigrant children, holding that the denial of public school admission to undocumented immigrant children violates the amendments equal protection clause. Mr Trump criticised the practice on Tuesday while discussing immigration, saying, Were the only country in the world where a person comes in and has a baby, and the baby is essentially a citizen of the United States for 85 years with all of those benefits. Its ridiculous. Its ridiculous. And it has to end, he continued. You can definitely do it with an act of Congress. But now theyre saying I can do it just with an executive order. However, executive orders cannot amend and must work within the parameters of the US Constitution. Trump says he plans to build 'tent cities' for people traveling with the caravan Trump says he plans to build 'tent cities' for people travelling with the caravan Regardless, Mr Trump appeared to court controversy by suggesting he could demand the end to birthright citizenship without the arduous process of amending the constitution; a move that would typically require two-thirds support from both Houses and three-fourths support from all 50 states. The president could otherwise urge for a Constitutional Convention, which would require the support of two-thirds of the legislatures, and any amendments made during the convention would still need three-fourths support of the states. It seems unlikely the vast majority of US lawmakers would suddenly seek to ratify birthright citizenship out of the constitution, however, it is among the extremely limited ways it may be legally possible. The Independent goes on a ride-along with US Border Patrol Show all 15 1 /15 The Independent goes on a ride-along with US Border Patrol The Independent goes on a ride-along with US Border Patrol Texas and Mexico are connected by entry points like these. US Border Patrol in Laredo, Texas conducts daily patrols throughout the Rio Grande, snaking between the US and Mexico, where it searches for migrants and drug traffickers. The legal entry point to Mexico can be seen above the riverines frequently used by cartels to funnel narcotics into the US. Chris Riotta The Independent goes on a ride-along with US Border Patrol US Customs and Border Protection oversees its side of the entry point. US Customs and Border Protection officers oversee the processing of nearly two million trucks and three million pedestrians annually at the Laredo sector, which also processes the majority of trade between the US and Mexico. Chris Riotta The Independent goes on a ride-along with US Border Patrol The Rio Grande snakes between Mexico and the United States. The US and Mexico have bordering coastlines in Laredo Texas, where the Rio Grande's occasionally rough currents splash onto both nations' shores. For migrants attempting to enter into either country, the swim is much more dangerous than it appears. Chris Riotta The Independent goes on a ride-along with US Border Patrol Drug traffickers and migrants use "highways" to cross the border. US Border Patrol agents call worn pathways like these "highways," as they are frequently used by drug traffickers and migrants entering into the US. Chris Riotta The Independent goes on a ride-along with US Border Patrol The journey is still far from over. If they're able to make it onto land, many obstacles still remain for migrants and drug traffickers. US Border Patrol agents are equipped with high-tech security, K-9 units and aerial camera footage surveilling 40 miles of borderlands. Chris Riotta The Independent goes on a ride-along with US Border Patrol Border Patrol uses classic methods and high-tech to surveil the border. A control room at the Laredo sector headquarters is fully-manned 24/7 with a team of local employees who alert agents on the ground of border crossings in real-time. Their cameras live-stream 40 miles of the 170 mile territory the sector covers. Chris Riotta The Independent goes on a ride-along with US Border Patrol The US provides trusted traveler programs on both its southern and northern borders. Officers lead the way to Sentri offices, which runs a trusted traveller program from US and Mexican local residents who regularly cross the border for work or leisure purposes. Chris Riotta The Independent goes on a ride-along with US Border Patrol The pathway to freedom. Once travellers are processed, they walk up this ramp towards the US. Many Mexicans cross the border each day with collapsable shopping carts to buy goods while visiting the country. Chris Riotta The Independent goes on a ride-along with US Border Patrol But first, the wait. A dog waits for their owner to go through processing with US Customs and Border Patrol. On a good day, processing can take under an hour. On a bad day, well, there's just no telling how long one might be stuck inside the Laredo sector field offices. Chris Riotta The Independent goes on a ride-along with US Border Patrol The first lady of CBP. Inside the Laredo field offices, US Border Patrol agents keep a framed photo of Christine Davis, the first female agent to join the federal agency in 1975. Chris Riotta The Independent goes on a ride-along with US Border Patrol "The hall of fame." US Border Patrol also honors those who have served in the agency for over thirty years. Chris Riotta The Independent goes on a ride-along with US Border Patrol Officers inspect a vehicle in secondary processing. Outside, officers are conducting secondary inspection on a vehicle that's been pulled aside for further investigating. Chris Riotta The Independent goes on a ride-along with US Border Patrol The waiting room for detained migrants. A US Customs and Border Protection officer shows the inside of a holding room where people requiring further questioning go through secondary processing. Chris Riotta The Independent goes on a ride-along with US Border Patrol A man and his daughter go through processing. US Customs and Border Protection also regularly provides humanitarian visas and other temporary permissions for people with valid reasons seeking entry to the US. Here, a father and his daughter await to see whether they will be provided one of those visas. Chris Riotta The Independent goes on a ride-along with US Border Patrol Laredo processes over three million pedestrians annually. Thousands of legal asylum seekers, migrants and refugees seek entry to the US through the southern border annually, where they go through processing at offices like this after arriving at a legal port of entry. For many, the trip can take days, if not weeks or even months. Chris Riotta If the president were to sign an executive order denying the practice, either forth outright for all non-citizens or specifically for children born to parents lacking permanent legal status, it would almost immediately be considered illegal by numerous US courts. Once an executive order is deemed illegal, it is overturned which has happened on numerous occasions. In fact, earlier this year a US District judge ruled Mr Trump exceeded his authority by signing an executive order that made it easier to fire federal employees, striking down key components of the mandate. Previous versions of his executive orders banning travel to the US from several Muslim-majority nations was also blocked by courts across the country. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events But with seven days until the first national election since Mr Trump was elected, the president appears to be rallying his base around the issues that helped him secure the Oval Office in 2016. The president has repeatedly pointed to a migrant caravan nearly 1,000 miles away in southern Mexico as a major cause for concern ahead of the crucial midterm elections and a reason to vote Republican, suggesting the Democrats want open borders and to allow in unlimited immigrants across the US-Mexico border. On Tuesday, the president did not provide a timeline as to when he plans on signing an executive order, only saying it was in the process, adding, itll happen with an executive order. In a new interview, Hillary Clinton ribbed a moderator for confusing two black politicians by deadpanning: I know, they all look alike. Kara Swisher, host of the show Recode Decode, had asked Hillary Clinton how she had felt about the comment when [Republicans] go low, we kick them, which Swisher accidentally attributed to Senator Cory Booker. Mrs Clinton corrected Swisher, pointing out that it was actually Eric Holder, a former Obama administration official, who had said that. Both Mr Booker and Mr Holder are African American men, and Mrs Clinton quipped, Yeah, I know they all look alike. The audience responded with laughter and applause. Swisher responded quickly, saying: "No, they don't." Hillary then said: "I was paid by Mark Zuckerberg to do that," an apparent reference to a recent awkward interview between the Facebook founder and Swisher. Recommended Hillary Clinton hints at running against Donald Trump in 2020 election Holder is an active member of the youth mentoring organisation Concerned Black Men and was the first African American to hold the position of Deputy Attorney General of the United States. This year, Cory Booker and Kamala Harris became the first black members of the Senate Judiciary Committee since the 1990s. The comment about kicking republicans that caused the confusion was in reference to the common phrase when they go low, we go high. Holder had explained that he meant that the democratic party had to start being more tough on republicans, instead of always taking the high road. He also clarified that he didnt mean that democrats should do anything illegal or illicit. Similarly, Mrs Clinton had said in an interview earlier this month that you cannot be civil with a political party that wants to destroy what you stand for. During the Recode interview, Mrs Clinton also discussed the pipe bombs found in the mail recently, Chinas artificial intelligence technology, and the fact that Mrs Clinton does not plan to run for president in the 2020 election, but she does want to be president. Neither Mr Booker, Mr Holder, or Mrs Clinton have tweeted a statement about the mix-up. Mrs Swisher retweeted a clip of the incident. On the campaign trail in her northeast Florida congressional district, Nancy Soderberg says the main thing she hears from the people she hopes to represent in Congress are concerns about the basics not the larger than life reality television president who has come to dominate American political discourse during the past two years. Shortly after sharing a stage with Vice President Joe Biden and other prominent Florida Democrats at a recent Orlando rally, Ms Soderbergs claim was illustrated. As she prepared for an interview in the fast-emptying Cheyenne Saloon a lavish ballroom that oozes a sense of old west Americana the candidate was approached by a constituent who had made the trip to see her speak. The two shook hands, and he told her that her speech had resonated with him on a deeply personal level he recalls his mother struggling to gain access to affordable medicines and cancer treatment before the passage of Obamacare in 2010 required coverage of pre-existing conditions. Now, after nearly two years of attempted assault on that legislation from President Donald Trump and his party, the constituent said he hoped Ms Soderberg could fight in Congress for continued access to essential healthcare services. Recommended Florida governor debate heats up over climate change and race As a diabetic, I know what its like to be told No, you cant have insurance because you have a pre-existing condition. This is before Obamacare we cant go back to that, Ms Soderberg told The Independent after meeting with the voter. People are afraid it is going to disappear. Ms Soderberg a Democrat who once served as a top official on former President Bill Clintons National Security Council is running in something of a peculiar race in the 2018 midterms, where she and her Republican opponent Michael Waltz, a combat decorated Green Beret and Fox News contributor, are hoping to win the seat vacated by Republican former Representative Ron Desantis, who left the seat to run for governor. While Mr DeSantis has publicly embraced his ties with Mr Trump alongside many Republican candidates in the bellwether state of Florida and across the country, Mr Waltz has declined an invitation to campaign publicly alongside the president. Mr Waltz has not been distancing himself from Trump policies per-se, but he and his campaign decided that Mr Trump when he is live in front of a crowd on the campaign trail with nobody holding him back from sparking the next media outrage is just too much of a liability for the candidate, according to Politico, even if others like Mr DeSantis and Florida Governor Rick Scott, who is running for US Senate, are jumping at any chance they can to be seen next to the president. US midterm elections: the voters Show all 10 1 /10 US midterm elections: the voters US midterm elections: the voters Ross Kershey of Exton, Pennsylvania objects to President Trump's recent threat to unilaterally suspend the constitutional protection of birthright citizenship as a way to control undocumented immigrants AP US midterm elections: the voters Thomas Jakel of Eveleth Minnesota is a former miner. The economy is the most important thing to voters in his town AFP/Getty US midterm elections: the voters Jerry Mcneff of Exton, Pennsylvania intends to split his ballot between the parties for Pennsylvania's House, Senate and governor elections AP US midterm elections: the voters Jean Hoffman of Exton, Pennsylvania has concerns about the cost of her daughters' college education. She thinks that voting Republican might help extend the economy's rise AP US midterm elections: the voters Supporters attend a rally of President Trump in Rochester, Minnesota AFP/Getty US midterm elections: the voters Supporters attend a rally of President Trump in Rochester, Minnesota Reuters US midterm elections: the voters Supporter Jenny Haley and son wait in line to see a Trump Rally in Rochester, Minnesota AFP/Getty US midterm elections: the voters Dick Calef of Exton, Pennsylvania is a life-long Republican. He credits the economic gains in suburban Philadelphia to longer-term factors beyond Trump's policies, such as the growth of internet and health care companies. He's not yet sure how he will vote AP US midterm elections: the voters Markus Fasel of Mendota Heights, Minnesota attends a campaign event for Democrat Angie Craig, his favoured congressional candidate AFP/Getty US midterm elections: the voters Supporters attend a rally of President Trump in Rochester, Minnesota Reuters "Michael Waltz proudly supports the many successes President Trump has achieved on behalf of the American people and has said EXACTLY THAT in dozens of interviews on FOX News, on the campaign trail and in campaign ads, the campaign said in a written statement delivered to Politico regarding the decision to not campaign shoulder-to-shoulder with the president. The campaign did not dispute in the statement that there was concern about Mr Waltz appearing at a live event with the president, however. Michael Waltz is determined to make his case directly to the voters of this district based on his own experience as a decorated combat veteran and small business owner whos dedicated his entire adult life to serving this country. And, while Ms Soderberg who in her career so far has also served as a US ambassador at the United Nations, worked as a foreign policy advisor to former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and was appointed by former President Barack Obama to be the chair of the Public Interest Declassification Board that promotes public access to foreign policy decisions said that she thinks Republicans in general are running campaigns based on fear, the 60-year-old Democrat says that she has not encountered an electorate driven primarily by the presidents record. They want to hear ideas, and from candidates who are willing to work across the aisle on difficult issues from healthcare to education and jobs, she said. And, Ms Soderberg has some experience working to find consensus between two warring factions literally, as she played a crucial role in the Clinton administration's successful efforts to broker peace in Northern Ireland in the 1990s. I think people voted for change in 2016, but theyre going to vote for change again in the 2018 midterms because they want Congress to get things done, Ms Soderberg said. Theyre tired of the partisan bickering, more of the same, this divisiveness and corrosive interest of special interests. She continued: People see through that. The American people are smart, and I think theyre going to vote again to have some focus on American families, and kitchen table issues are at the forefront of this campaign. Attempts to contact the Waltz campaign were not returned. If Ms Soderberg manages to claim Floridas 6th Congressional District for Democrats, the victory could represent the kind of blue wave that pundits and political handicappers have been musing about for months now as the November midterm elections have crept closer. The district was carried easily by Mr DeSantis in 2016, when he captured 58.6 per cent of the vote compared to his Democratic challenger, who received 41.4 per cent of that vote. In each of the counties that make up the 6th Congressional District, Mr Trump also beat challenger Hillary Clinton by similar margins, if not more. The district breakdown for the Florida House races (The Independent) To overcome that historic deficit, Ms Soderberg said that she will continue to knock on doors to speak to voters, and highlight her plans to protect Obamacare provisions that Republicans have repeatedly tried to repeal, to push for economic policies that help average Americans instead of the wealthiest Americans who were the major beneficiaries of the Trump tax cuts, and to help struggling American families who are not seeing major economic success even in a flourishing national economy. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events And, she said her campaign is going to continue focusing on those issues instead of the president. Honestly that never comes up. People dont ask me about that, she said of the president. What people ask me about is are they going to be able to keep their kids on their insurance, pay for pre-existing conditions, afford their kids cancer treatment, and be able to get a job here at home. Were going to be very proud of our country on November 6, Ms Soderberg said, referring to the date of Election Day. Were going to stand up and say, this is who we are, and this is the right thing that we want Congress to do. Vice president Mike Pence has been criticised for appearing at a campaign rally with a "Messianic rabbi" - who invoked Jesus while mourning the deaths of 11 people at a Pittsburgh synagogue. Rabbi Loren Jacobs mixes Jewish traditions with the belief that Jesus Christ is the Messiah, however, mainstream Jewish movements dont recognise Messianic Jews as truly Jewish, and instead as converts to Christianity. Jacobs opened by invoking "God of Abraham, God of Isaac, God of Jacob, God and father of my lord and savior Yeshua, Jesus the Messiah, and my God and father, too." On social media, some called him a "fake rabbi" and a "Christian rabbi". Rafael Shimunov, who is on the board of directors for Jews for Racial and Economic Justice, tweeted that a Jewish rabbi would typically start a prayer with a Kaddish, a prayer for the dead, and a list of names of the deceased. Jacobs did not mention the names of any victims by name, but he did mention Jesus the Messiah, and my Lord and Savior Yeshua (another name for Jesus.) He also read a list of republican candidates for whom he asked the audience to pray. Shuminov continued to criticise the prayer in a Twitter thread, saying that the event coopt[ed] our holiest traditions and used it to step on the dead. He called Jacobs a "Christian rabbi." But Lena Epstein, who is running for Congress, tweeted that she invited Jacobs because we must unite as a nation - while embracing our religious differences - in the aftermath of Pennsylvania. US midterm elections: the voters Show all 10 1 /10 US midterm elections: the voters US midterm elections: the voters Ross Kershey of Exton, Pennsylvania objects to President Trump's recent threat to unilaterally suspend the constitutional protection of birthright citizenship as a way to control undocumented immigrants AP US midterm elections: the voters Thomas Jakel of Eveleth Minnesota is a former miner. The economy is the most important thing to voters in his town AFP/Getty US midterm elections: the voters Jerry Mcneff of Exton, Pennsylvania intends to split his ballot between the parties for Pennsylvania's House, Senate and governor elections AP US midterm elections: the voters Jean Hoffman of Exton, Pennsylvania has concerns about the cost of her daughters' college education. She thinks that voting Republican might help extend the economy's rise AP US midterm elections: the voters Supporters attend a rally of President Trump in Rochester, Minnesota AFP/Getty US midterm elections: the voters Supporters attend a rally of President Trump in Rochester, Minnesota Reuters US midterm elections: the voters Supporter Jenny Haley and son wait in line to see a Trump Rally in Rochester, Minnesota AFP/Getty US midterm elections: the voters Dick Calef of Exton, Pennsylvania is a life-long Republican. He credits the economic gains in suburban Philadelphia to longer-term factors beyond Trump's policies, such as the growth of internet and health care companies. He's not yet sure how he will vote AP US midterm elections: the voters Markus Fasel of Mendota Heights, Minnesota attends a campaign event for Democrat Angie Craig, his favoured congressional candidate AFP/Getty US midterm elections: the voters Supporters attend a rally of President Trump in Rochester, Minnesota Reuters Epstein says that she looks forward to serving as the only Jewish republican woman in congress. A spokesperson said that Mr Pence did not know who Jacobs was before the rally, and did not pick him to lead the prayer Times of Israel reported. Jacobs earned a degree in Jewish studies from a Christian college in 1979. Jason Miller, a Jewish rabbi in the Detroit area, wrote on Facebook that there are 60 rabbis in the directory of the Michigan Board of Rabbis. When James Joseph Bulger Jr was born on September 3 1929, it would have been hard to predict that he would grow up to become a dangerous organised crime boss. Bulger, now more commonly known as Whitey Bulger, was born and raised in Dorchester, Massachusetts by his father and mother, an Irish immigrant. During an early life rife with poverty, the eldest Bulger child of six was drawn to a life on the wrong side of the tracks in Boston, Massachusetts. Recommended Infamous gangster Whitey Bulger killed in prison He was arrested for the first time at the age of 14 for larceny, at which point hed already joined a local gang. It was during his early days of petty crime that Bulger was given his nickname, by the local police for the colour of his hair. Despite a brief stint in the US Air Force in 1948, Bulger was committed to a life of criminal activity - evidenced by his continued issues within the military and his multiple stints in military prison. By 1952, Bulger had received an honourable discharge but found himself in federal prison four years later for charges related to armed robbery and hijacking. While serving what was meant to be a 25-year sentence, Bulger spent time in Atlanta, Alcatraz and Leavenworth. He was released after nine years and, by the late 1970s, had become a prominent figure in Bostons organised crime scene. Renowned Boston mobster, Whitey Bulger (AP) Following his time in prison, Bulger had returned to Massachusetts where he began a relationship with Lindsey Cyr and began to work as an enforcer for crime boss Donald Killleen. Bulger fathered a child with Cyr, Douglas Glenn Cyr, in 1967. Their son later died in 1973 from Reyes Syndrome and the couple eventually split up after a 12-year common-law marriage. After Killleen was killed in his line of work, Bulger joined his second gang - the Winter Hill Gang. In just a few short years, he rose through the ranks and assumed the position of boss of the gang by 1979. During his infamous years leading the Winter Hill Gang, Bulger assumed all gang-related responsibilities - including calling for multiple murders and controlling a significant portion of Bostons drug deals, illegal gambling and arms dealing. However, at the same time, Bulger also became a key FBI informant, in part responsible for taking down the Patriarcas, a rival New England crime family - which ultimately allowed him to grow his own gang further. To tip off the FBI, Bulger used his family ties - as his brother William was a member of the Massachusetts State Senate, and the corrupt police forces in South Boston at the time. After successfully evading police capture in 1995 for charges related to illegal gambling, Bugler was added to the list of the FBIs 10 most-wanted fugitives in 1999 and a $2m reward was offered for any information that led to his arrest. At the time, he was considered a mark of national embarrassment for the FBI as it was reported the agency had accepted bribes and offered protection to the gangster. However, Bulgers life story also made for a highly entertaining film narrative, first appearing in 2006 Martin Scorsese movie, The Departed, and later, in a 2015 movie Black Mass starring Johnny Depp. Bulger managed to stay on the run for 16 years before being captured in June 2011 in Santa Monica, California. Mexican military disarm entire police force in resort city of Acapulco 'corrupted by drug gangs' At the time, he was 81 years old and living in a rent-controlled apartment with his long-term girlfriend, Catherine Greig. For her involvement in harbouring a fugitive, Greig was sentenced to eight years in prison. As for Bulger, his own life on the run ended with a trial beginning in June 2013. After a two-month trial, the notorious criminal was found guilty on 31 counts including federal racketeering, extortion, conspiracy, and participating in 11 murders. The court sentenced James "Whitey" Bulger to two life sentences plus five years in November 2013, which he served until October 30 2018 - when the former mob boss was found dead in jail at the age of 89. He had just been moved to a prison in West Virginia. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Following his death, the US attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia said: The FBI will be conducting an investigation into the death of James Bulger. No other information will be released at this time. A travel blogger who fell to her death alongside her husband while apparently taking selfies on a cliff edge had previously warned tourists against attempting to capture dangerous photographs. Rangers at Yosemite National Park in California found the bodies of Vishnu Viswanath and Meenakshi Moorthy around 800 feet below Taft Point, where visitors can gaze over an unguarded cliff face. Viswanaths brother, Jishnu Viswanath, told reporters on Tuesday the pair had set up a tripod close to the sheer ledge shortly before they apparently fell. Park visitors later saw the camera and alerted rangers, who found the Indian couples bodies using high-powered binoculars last Thursday. Viswanath, 29, a software engineer who had recently moved to work in San Jose, and Meenakshi, 30, who had ambitions of becoming a full-time blogger, were said to be travel obsessed. Moorthy wrote for a blog called Holidays and HappilyEverAfters, filled with photos of the couple at the Eiffel Tower, riding gondolas in Venice and exploring mountain ranges. In an Instagram post, Moorthy had previously warned her readers of the dangers of attempting to take photographs in potentially life-threatening situations, sharing an image of herself perched on the edge of the Grand Canyon. A lot of us including yours truly is a fan of daredevilry attempts of standing at the edge of cliffs and skyscrapers, but did you know that wind gusts can be FATAL??? she wrote. Is our life just worth one photo? Jamie Richards, a Yosemite National Park spokesman, told The San Francisco Chronicle that although investigations were still ongoing, the couple indeed appeared to have fallen from the cliff. We still do not know what caused them to fall, he said. Were trying to understand what happened. We may never know, [but] from everything we see, this was a tragic fall. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Yosemite is a wild and scenic place. If you are not paying attention to your footing, it is very easy to have a slip and fall. Now, we don't know what happened in this case, but we urge hikers to stay on the trail. Additional reporting by AP A British woman has been charged with murdering her husband after he was stabbed to death in Malaysia. Samantha Jones, 51, is alleged to have knifed John William Jones, 62, during a heated argument on the tropical resort island of Langkawi earlier this month. She was handcuffed and led into a court on the island by police on Tuesday. The former insurance clerk, her face lowered and covered by hair, confirmed to a court official that she understood the charge. Ms Jones, originally from Somerset, did not enter a plea as magistrates have no jurisdiction to try people for murder. The case is expected to transferred to a high court. She is very, very overwhelmed. It is her husband at the end of the day, said her lawyer Sangeet Kaur Deo. She added: She is also grieving for him despite the circumstances of the case but she is holding up. The next court hearing is scheduled for 29 November, when prosecutors are expected to provide details of the post-mortem examination and forensics. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Mr Jones, a retired firefighter, was found dead with a stab wound to the chest on 18 October. Police chief Mohamad Iqbal said following Ms Jones's arrest that she had confessed that she stabbed her husband in the chest during a heated argument. The couple moved to the island, in northwest Malaysia, 11 years ago under the country's My Second Home programme, which gives foreigners long-stay visas. Murder carries a mandatory sentence of death by hanging in Malaysia, but the government has announced plans to abolish capital punishment and all executions have been put on hold. New Zealands parliament was briefly evacuated on Tuesday after the nations North Island was struck by a powerful earthquake. There were no reports of any major damage or injuries following the 6.1-magnitude tremor, which centred roughly 150 miles north of Wellington. The quake was felt in the city, including in the New Zealand parliament, where lawmakers left the house for around 30 minutes after acting speaker Anne Tolley suspended proceedings. Civil defence minister, Kris Faafoi, warned those in the area to remain cautious and vigilant for possible aftershocks. It's obviously given people a bit of a shake, he said. So just make sure people look after each other and remember those basic lessons around safety. The tremor took place near the volcanically active region of Tongariro National Park. Mr Faafoi said he wasn't aware of any increase in volcanic activity as a result of the quake. Thousands of people across the country felt the quake, many as far away as the South Island. However, with the epicentre almost 150 miles underground, the incident was less damaging than similar seismic activity closer to the surface. The tremor did not disrupt an event around 155 miles north of the epicentre in Auckland, which was being attended by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, who are currently on a four-day tour of the country, were visiting a charity that helps the children of prisoners at the time the earthquake struck. Those who had been attending the event with the royal couple said they were not able to feel the quake. New Zealand sits on the Ring of Fire, an arc of seismic faults around the Pacific Ocean where earthquakes and volcanic activity are common. Additional reporting by AP Three-quarters of Venice is under floodwater as high winds and heavy rain left six people dead across Italy. Tourists were forced to wade through the streets after the water rose by more than five feet (156cm) to the highest level since December 2008. The emergency prompted officials to shut down the lagoon citys water bus system and remove the raised walkways normally put out in flooded areas. Footage on social media showed shop owners using water pumps to try to protect their goods and people standing knee deep in St Marks Square and on the canal paths near the Rialto bridge. In one restaurant waiters wore waterproof boots to serve customers. Regional governor Luca Zaia has warned that flooding could reach the levels of the disaster that struck the city in 1966. Although Venice experiences high water levels several times a year, attempts to relieve the problem have been beset by delays, cost overruns and corruption scandals. The Moses project, which began in 2003 and involves building series of underwater barriers in the lagoon, is still not complete. Mayor Luigi Brugnaro said he had asked to talk with prime minister Giuseppe Conte to underline the urgency of the scheme. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events The storm has also forced officials to close major tourist attractions in Rome, including the Colosseum and Roman Forum, as well as the ancient Roman city of Pompeii. Two young people died south of Rome when a tree hit their car while another was killed when high winds toppled slender pine trees in the nearby town of Terracina. Life on the Venice Lido Show all 11 1 /11 Life on the Venice Lido Life on the Venice Lido With calm spaces overlooking the lagoon, no wonder it's a haven Julia Buckley Life on the Venice Lido Overlooking San Lazzaro degli Armeni Julia Buckley Life on the Venice Lido The Murazzi, a flood barrier as well as a hiking and biking trail Julia Buckley Life on the Venice Lido The Adriatic from the bach Julia Buckley Life on the Venice Lido Oleander-lined canals Julia Buckley Life on the Venice Lido The "gentrified" beach Julia Buckley Life on the Venice Lido Victorian-style cabins Julia Buckley Life on the Venice Lido The wilderness around Malamocco Julia Buckley Life on the Venice Lido Walking to the Murazzi Julia Buckley Life on the Venice Lido The trail to the Murazzi from Malamocco Julia Buckley Life on the Venice Lido Oleander-lined streets A 21-year-old man was killed by a falling tree while walking in Naples and a woman died after being struck by debris blown off a building. Stay at home. Do not go outside for any reason, Terracina Mayor Nicola Procaccini told residents. People walk in a flooded Saint Mark's Square (REUTERS) Much of the country is under alert for flooding and the Interior Ministry urged officials in the affected regions to consider closing schools and offices again on Tuesday. Additional reporting by agencies Turkish and Saudi prosecutors are clashing over the investigation into the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, the dissident journalist killed inside his own nations consulate in Istanbul four weeks ago. Saudi attorney general Saud al-Mujib, arriving in the city on Monday to join a joint investigation into the killing of the 59-year-old Washington Post columnist, reportedly asked for all the evidence in the case, including recordings and testimony. This request was rejected, according to the newspaper Yeni Safak, which is close to the Turkish government. Meanwhile Saudi Arabia continues to brush aside Turkish demands that 15 suspects allegedly involved in planning, executing, and covering up the murder be interrogated and tried in Turkey. In Ankara on Tuesday, Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan demanded greater cooperation from Saudi Arabia. He also pressed for the identity of a man who Riyadh officials said had helped dispense with the body. Our prosecutor told the Saudi prosecutor that the prosecution could be carried out in Turkey since the location of the crime is Istanbul, Mr Erdogan said at parliament on Tuesday. Saudi officials also needed to disclose who had sent a 15-strong team to Istanbul to carry out the operation targeting Khashoggi, as well as the identity of a local agent said to have helped dispose of his body. In some of his bluntest words on the matter, he added, We cannot leave this issue unsolved. We need to solve it now. Saudi attorney general Saud al-Mujib arrives at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on Tuesday, 30 October (Anatolia News Agency) Deep mistrust between the two countries lurks at the heart of the disagreements. After denying responsibility for Mr Khashoggis fate and urging the world to ask Turkey what happened to him, Riyadh changed its story several times before finally admitting last week that he was killed in a premeditated plot inside the consulate. Turkey, a secular republic, has a constitution and a legal system modelled on that of France. Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy governed by sharia law as interpreted by fundamentalist clerics. The contrast could be seen Tuesday as Mr Mujib, the Saudi prosecutor, showed up for a second time at Istanbuls Caglayan courthouse and the Saudi consulate. He had a long beard and wore traditional Muslim clerical garb while surrounded by men in dark suits. Istanbuls chief prosecutor Irfan Fidan, favours a suit and tie and is clean-shaven. Mr Mujib had been mostly known for being the jurist who pursued the rivals of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Last year Mr Mujib played a role in the prosecution of Saudi royals locked inside the Ritz Carlton in Riyadh. It was reportedly the crown prices attempt to consolidate his power and shake down the kingdoms wealthy to finance his ambitious projects and his luxurious lifestyle. Critics have accused Mr Erdogan, too, of turning Turkeys legal system into a cudgel against rival politicians, including a party leader, as well as critical journalists and activists. Both sides anticipate the other side will use legal channels to achieve political goals. Turkey suspects Saudi will obscure the involvement of the crown prince in the murder. Saudi fears Mr Erdogan will use the case to weaken the 33-year-old leader, whom he despises. The course of the investigation will likely be determined through diplomatic rather than straightforward legal channels. This is going to be more a political issue, and an issue concerning international law, said Hatice Han Er, an Istanbul-based criminologist. According to the Turkish criminal code, crimes committed on Turkish soil can be prosecuted inside the country. Turkey has the right to ask for the Khashoggi murder suspects extradition to Turkey, said Deniz Baran, of Fatih Sultan Mehmet University's law centre in Istanbul. On paper, Saudi Arabia should hand them over to Turkey. There isnt any specific bilateral treaty between two countries which reverses this rule. However, he added, Saudi Arabia retains sovereign authority over citizens on its soil. Turkey cant force them, he said. It is another main principle of international law. A coalition of four human rights and press freedom groups have called for a United Nations investigation into Mr Khashoggis murder, worried that justice for the journalist will be subsumed by geopolitical machinations. An independent investigation is urgently needed to reveal the full truth about what happened to Jamal, Kumi Naidoo, of Amnesty International. A former cabinet minister has said Britain is complicit in creating a famine in war-torn Yemen because of its support for the Saudi-led coalition, amid growing calls for the UK to halt its sales of arms to the group. Andrew Mitchell, who was international development secretary in David Camerons government, has urged foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt to reassess the governments stance on the issue. It came as opposition MPs have also criticised the government for maintaining arms sales to the Saudi-led coalition fighting Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in Yemen. Mr Mitchell said: Has our new Foreign Secretary had a chance to review the position of the British Government at the United Nations in respect of the Yemen? Will he move from a position of supporting the Saudi coalition, where Britain is complicit in creating a famine, to one of constructive neutrality to secure a ceasefire and meaningful constitutional negotiations, as the UN special representative Martin Griffiths is consistently urging and trying to secure? In response, Middle East minister Alistair Burt, said the UK would bring forward a resolution at the UN as soon as the right opportunity arises. He told the Commons: On 15 March the UK proposed and co-ordinated a United Nations Security Council presidential statement which called on the parties to agree steps towards a ceasefire that remains our position. Calling for a nationwide ceasefire will only have an effect on the ground if its underpinned by a political deal between the conflicting parties. Given the lack of agreement between those parties, passing a ceasefire resolution risks undercutting the UN envoys efforts to reach a political deal and undermining the credibility of the council. As soon as the right opportunity arises we will bring forward a resolution. Theresa Mays government has previously argued, with high court backing, the supply of weapons to Saudi Arabia does not breach UK arms export licence laws as it claims there is no clear risk of a serious breach of humanitarian law by the Saudi coalition. Recommended The Yemen war death toll is five times higher than we think The value of sales to Saudi Arabia approved by Whitehall in 2017 totalled 1.13bn over 70 per cent of all weapons exports. But MPs heard that civilians were dying and aid supplies bombed by the Saudi coalition. At an International Development Committee meeting on the situation in Yemen, Jan Egeland, secretary-general of the Norwegian Refugee Council, warned Mr Burt: Millions will end up in horrific famine the worst famine for a generation, unless there is enormous change, and we would look to UK action in a number of areas. On the Saudi side there are three countries that have influence not 190 countries, the members of the UN. Its the US, the UK and France You need to take initiatives. One of the key actions must be for the UK to stop selling the Saudi coalition arms, he said. What must change is the UK, US and France saying, we are your main arms salesman, we are your main intelligence and strategic partners, we demand a ceasefire. Stop the air raids, stop the campaign and stop the offensive," he said. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Brighton Kemptown MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle asked whether through arms sales the UK had thrown its lot in with the Saudis, and if it could still play an arbitration role. Mr Egeland replied: No, your chance of being arbitrator has not gone. The continuing policy (of selling weapons) has to change. Marwa Baabbad of the Oxford Research Group, who appeared alongside Mr Egeland also called for an immediate end to arms sales, saying in the case of the Saudi coalition supported by Britain we are seeing air strikes resulting in the deaths of civilians, and had even bombed water sources provided by the UK. The coalition has bombed our own aid? Mr Russell Moyle asked. Yes, Ms Baabbad replied, and her answer was immediately supported by Dina El-Mamoun, the head of advocacy and policy in Yemen, for Oxfam. I echo that very strongly, Ms El-Mamoun said. The children wounded in Yemen's war Show all 15 1 /15 The children wounded in Yemen's war The children wounded in Yemen's war Ali Ashwal / Save the Children The children wounded in Yemen's war Ali Ashwal / Save the Children The children wounded in Yemen's war Ali Ashwal / Save the Children The children wounded in Yemen's war Ali Ashwal / Save the Children The children wounded in Yemen's war Ali Ashwal / Save the Children The children wounded in Yemen's war Ali Ashwal / Save the Children The children wounded in Yemen's war Ali Ashwal / Save the Children The children wounded in Yemen's war Ali Ashwal / Save the Children The children wounded in Yemen's war Ali Ashwal / Save the Children The children wounded in Yemen's war Ali Ashwal / Save the Children The children wounded in Yemen's war Ali Ashwal / Save the Children The children wounded in Yemen's war Ali Ashwal / Save the Children The children wounded in Yemen's war Ali Ashwal / Save the Children The children wounded in Yemen's war Save the Children The children wounded in Yemen's war Save the Children She also said the Houthi rebels opposing the Saudi coalition had laid numerous minefields, resulting in huge numbers of deaths. The UK government must also work on pressuring actors like Iran into stopping aiding the Houthis when it comes to arms, and holding them accountable for their own atrocities. Summing up his comments to MPs, Mr Egeland said: Let us now have the UK not having their fingerprints all over arms transfers and the military relationship but (instead) designing the road plan for an end to this cataclysmic situation. Agencies contributed to this report As the once unthinkable happens in Brazil and far-right candidate Jair Bolsonaro takes the helm, one would think the self-combustion of its leftist parties would serve as a stark warning to counterparts across the globe. However, this seems to just be the continuation of a larger trend that saw Israel elect Netanyahu, India elect Modi and the US elect Trump. In a similar vein, elections in Pakistan saw its leftist parties, once a formidable force, relegated to an afterthought as Imran Khans centre-right Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) surged in the polls. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), the largest self-proclaimed progressive party in the country, saw its vote bank all but disappear nationwide, except for its provincial stronghold of Sindh, where it rules through the patronage of influential feudal families. Imran Khan sworn in as Pakistan's prime minister After decades of empty rhetoric, chronic mismanagement and perceptions of institutional corruption on a massive scale, supporters abandoned the party in droves, flocking to the PTI, which offered accountability and change. Only the most ardent of Bhutto loyalists remain supportive outside of Sindh. Take for instance the nutrition crisis in Thar, where countless children died from preventable diseases, and levels of malnutrition were at times comparable with those in Chad or Niger. Under the PPPs rule, the situation only deteriorated with time, with the local administration proving inept at providing food, water and aid. Not even extensive coverage in the national media could get the PPP to up its game, and all that people received were empty platitudes and no action. They did, however, announce that those villages would get free wifi, which was clearly a priority for residents without basic necessities. For all its lofty progressive rhetoric, the PPP is a party built on the back of feudalism akin to modern slavery. Feudal lords, or Waderas as they are known in Sindh, are notorious for flouting the rule of law and often consider themselves untouchable, as the state institutions turn a blind eye to their activities. Such is the perception among the general populace that a song parodying the excess of feudal culture called Waderai Ka Baita (Son of Feudal), by comedian Ali Gul Pir was an overnight success and turned him into a household name. A clip of the chief justice of Pakistan, Mian Saqib Nisar, visiting the prison cell of Shahrukh Jatoi, a member of an influential feudal family, guilty of murdering a police officers son, expressing his anger at the favourable facilities illegally being provided to him went viral recently. The sight of Jatoi smirking while the chief justice lambasted the jail officials caused tremendous outrage in a country where there often seems to be no accountability for the rich and politically connected. The news of VIP treatment being doled out to the convicted murderer in a Sindh jail did not come as a surprise. The fact that the son of an influential feudal family had been convicted was considered a feat in itself. After murdering Shahzeb Khan in cold blood, Jatoi had been able to escape to Dubai and the lack of an exit stamp on his passport only lent credence to allegations in regard to the PPPs role in aiding and abetting the criminal. The victims family were seemingly abandoned by the state institutions and subjected to unbearable harassment and threats, forced to issue pardons to their sons murderers. Under Pakistani law, out of court settlements with the families of victims were legal and often led to killers walking free. It was only after the Supreme Courts interjection that justice was seemingly finally served. For many, the grinning face of a privileged unrepentant murderer as he flashed a victory sign was the perfect encapsulation of PPPs politics rooted in class divide, entitlement, and corruption. The PPP also played a major role in furthering religious discrimination in the country. Pakistans Ahmadi community is one of the most persecuted religious minorities in the world. While all parties share the blame in pandering to extremist elements for political gain and enabling hate against Ahmadis, it was the PPP government that actually passed the second amendment that officially declared Ahmadis non-Muslims and effectively classified them as second-class citizens. Unfortunately, it is not just class-based or religious discrimination the party has been guilty of enabling. The systemic discrimination against people from the Mohajir or Urdu-speaking community, those who had migrated from India to Pakistan, led to the rise of Mohajir nationalism in Urban Sindh and the formation of the Mohajir Qaumi Movement (MQM). The MQM proclaims itself to be a secular and progressive party but has been marred by accusations of extortion and racketeering, and its militant wing has been accused of countless murders, including one in which 259 people were burnt alive in a factory fire because the owners refused to pay extortion money. For years they ruled Karachi with an iron fist, with journalists and news organisations refusing to name them out of fear of reprisals. The term na maloom afraad (unidentified people) became synonymous with MQM militants. This all changed after an extensive operation carried out by the Pakistan Rangers, a paramilitary law enforcement agency. Khans PTI swept several MQM strongholds in the 2018 election, something that would have been considered impossible just a few years ago and marked an end to MQMs monopoly in Karachi. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, we have the Awami National Party (ANP), another secular and leftist party. In a case that rocked the country, party workers in their student wing, the Pakhtun Students Federation (PSF), were found guilty of lynching the student Mashal Khan after levelling false allegations of blasphemy against him. After under delivering during their tenure as the ruling party of the province and facing accusations of record levels of corruption, they too saw their vote bank dwindle as people turned to the PTI. The marriage between many on the left and the PTI is only temporary. Despite social welfare being its main priority, the partys views on gender and religious equality leave a lot to be desired. Prime Minister Khans appeasement of extremist elements in the country is also unpalatable to many. The Pakistani left is crying out for representation but there are no credible contenders. Jibran Nasir, an independent candidate who won widespread acclaim for never backing down in his fight for Ahmadi rights, and to a lesser extent Ammar Rashid of the tiny Awami Workers Party, do show great promise but lack any significant political clout. What this does illustrate though is that ideology alone is not enough unless it is followed up with meaningful action. Once credibility is eroded, people will vote for change even if it doesnt completely mesh with their ideological beliefs. Leftist parties across the globe would do well to take note. So, how was the end of austerity for you? I had a great one, thanks for asking. Microwaved some of Sundays leftovers, got a few questions right on University Challenge, early night I only ask because its over now. The end of austerity that is. Not austerity itself, thats back with a vengeance. It lasted precisely 19 hours and 40 minutes, the end of austerity, from the moment Philip Hammond sat down at the end of his budget speech, to the moment Paul Johnson, the Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, stood up, a touch bleary eyed to begin his post-budget briefing. Johnson, it was heavily hinted at, had not had a good end of austerity. He and his colleagues had been up all night, poring over the details of the end of austerity, getting ready for their briefing and, what do you know, it turned out that austerity hadnt ended at all. This is not a bonanza, he told his audience. It is not a spending spree. If I was a prison governor, or a head teacher, I would not find much to celebrate in yesterdays budget. In fairness to Hammond, he had not explicitly declared the end of austerity. He had merely said it was the beginning of the end of austerity. He had at no point said that the end of the end of austerity would not come the following day. If wed chosen to read that into it, thats our fault. On 10 November 1942, Winston Churchill got himself into rather similar pickle. And he didnt even announce it was the end, or even the beginning of the end. All he said was that it was the end of the beginning, by which he meant it was the end of the bit of the war where, in contemporary parlance, Britain would be getting its arse handed to it by the opposition. The next day, as it happens, the Germans annexed the whole of France, so predictions on the beginning of ends that turn out not to be either the end or the beginning or vice versa are evidently something of a mugs game. That the rabbit being plucked from the hat survives as the defining metaphor for budgets is appropriate enough. Its all an illusion, smoke and mirrors. If Paul Daniels had ever done the now customary segment at the end of Attenborough documentaries, where they let the light in on the magic, that would be a very close approximation of the now traditional role of the IFS budget briefing. It tends to turn out, with the aid of large numbers of graphs and an even larger panel of red-eyed analysts, that Debbie McGee never was sawn in half . That if you were to drive down the A303 right now then Stonehenge would still appear on your right. And re the 20bn NHS spending, announced with great delight by Hammond yesterday, or rather confirmed by Hammond yesterday after Theresa May had announced it in June, this was what Paul Johnson described as a gamble with the public finances. The end of austerity had happened, he explained, because the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), the independent body the government gets its economic forecasts from, had, in the last few months, revised down borrowing forecasts. This had delivered into Hammonds clutches a theoretical 20bn, which he had thrown directly at the NHS as if it were a red hot potato. But what the OBR gives the OBR can take away, Johnson warned. Which is to say, in six months time, it may yet revise up the forecasts it had unexpectedly revised down, especially in the wake of an event you may have read something about, called Brexit. By which point that red hot potato, will have cooled down, been mashed and gleefully gobbled up. He also had some rather remarkable facts and figures to put out there. Between 2000 and 2010, the percentage of public service spending that goes to the NHS rose from 23 per cent to 29 per cent. By 2023-24, he reckons it will be at 38 per cent. It was the most detailed vision for post-Brexit Britain that anyone has yet come up with. Namely, a care home for all the people that voted for it, funded by all the people that didnt, with far less money than they otherwise would hoped to have had. So how is it going to be paid for then? At some point, he said, we will need to pay more tax. And if higher taxes wont do it, cuts in other areas will have to. And for all but 19 and a half of the 40 minutes of the 85,568 hours that sort of things had a catchy title: austerity. Just between you and me, it never really went away. The UK is set to be battered by near gale force winds and subzero temperatures as several weather fronts converge over the British Isles in the coming days. The country endured its coldest night of the autumn so far and its chilliest overall since 1 April on Monday into Tuesday morning, as the mercury dropped to -7.3C in both Sennybridge in Mid Wales and Shap in Cumbria. Although most have woken up to frosty conditions, Tuesday is likely to be a dry day for many, but those in the southeast corner of England could see unsettled weather brought by the remnants of Storm Adrian. The storm, which brought gale force winds, power cuts and travel disruption to the French island of Corsica on Monday, will have weakened by the time it reaches British shores, but still carries with it wet and windy weather. What is left of Storm Adrian, which has been causing problems in the Mediterranean, will deliver a glancing blow to the southeast of the country, bringing strong winds and rain, said Met Office forecaster Simon Partridge. You will see near gale force winds and heavy spells of rain, but nothing worthy of a weather warning and nothing as strong as has been seen over Europe this week. Temperatures are set to plummet again by Tuesday evening, with most areas likely to see freezing conditions of around -3 or -4C overnight, with western counties also experiencing downpours. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events On Wednesday the southeast will enjoy a much better day, staying dry and bright as temperatures rise to 14C, while more rain is expected in the west. Most places will see showers on Thursday, but parts of the northwest and southeast will get more significant rainfall. But as Friday arrives, what remains of Hurricane Oscar, which is currently brewing in the mid-Atlantic, could sweep across Britain. The cyclone, unlikely to still be hurricane-strength by the time it reaches the UK, is now not expected to hit the country as directly as forecasters first feared. However, the Met Office is continuing to monitor the situation. What is left of ex-hurricane Oscar seems to now be pushing further north, so may not have as much of a direct impact on us as we were thinking, Mr Partridge added. However, it will still bring a spell of wet and windy weather to most places and although it looks at the moment as if Oscar will head further north, it is only Tuesday so much could still change. Dublin Airport has awarded the main contract for the construction of its new 320 million euro runway to a joint Irish-Spanish venture. Irish firm Roadbridge and Spanish infrastructure company FCC Construccion were announced as the winners of the bid to build the 3.1km runway. Construction is set to get under way immediately and it is scheduled for completion by early 2021. The contract includes the construction of 306,000 square metres of runway and taxiways, and 6km of new internal airport roads, as well as installing new drainage and pollution controls, 7.5km of electrical cable, and more than 2,000 new runway and taxiway lights. Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) said its new north runway will be built at no cost to the state as DAA is not funded by the taxpayer. It is expected to create 31,200 new Irish jobs and 2.2 billion euro in additional economic activity by 2043. DAA chief executive Dalton Philips said the authority was delighted to be awarding the contract and moving to the next phase of the plans for the runway. North Runway is an essential project for Ireland, as it will position the country for future economic growth for many decades to come, Mr Philips said. North Runway isnt Dublins new runway, it is Irelands new runway, and it will boost the performance of Irish tourism, trade and foreign direct investment in a post-Brexit world. Expand Close Dalton Philips (John Stillwell/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Dalton Philips (John Stillwell/PA) Roadbridge managing director Conor Gilligan said the Limerick-based company was honoured to be part of the consortium that will build the runway. We are thrilled to be involved with such a prestigious and vital national project, he said. FCCs UK & Ireland director Miguel Angel Mayor said FCC had a strong track record in Ireland and looked forward to working closely with DAA to build the runway. We have been operating successfully in Ireland for many years and also have significant experience of runway construction both in Europe and South America, having built more than 4.5 million square metres of airport runways, he added. About 300 construction jobs will be created onsite during the project, with hundreds more in sub-supply firms offsite. Plans for a parallel runway at the airport were originally mooted in the early 1960s, but the first planning application was not made until December 2004. It was approved but the entire project was put on hold in 2008 because of the economic crisis. It will be about 1.6 kilometres north of the airports current main runway. DAA said it is mindful of the local community and that a sound insulation programme for homes that will be affected was already in place. But it will be seeking amendments to two conditions attached to the project, which would limit flights at the airports busiest time. Transport Minister Shane Ross welcomed the announcement saying he was fully supportive of the additional runway capacity. The airport experienced its seventh consecutive year of growth last year, welcoming close to 30 million passengers, and the importance of ensuring that we have adequate capacity at our biggest airport to drive national economic growth cannot be overstated, he said. British Prime Minister Theresa May and Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg face the media at the Parliament in Oslo, Norway (Vidar Ruud / NTB scanpix via AP) British Prime Minister Theresa May reiterated on Tuesday there would be no second referendum on the decision by Britain to leave the European Union. "There will be no second referendum on Brexit," May told a session of the Nordic Council held in the Norwegian parliament. British citizens already living in Norway and Norwegian citizens living in Britain will have the right to remain residents, even in case of a no-deal Brexit, the prime ministers of Britain and Norway said on Tuesday. "Prime Minister May and I agreed that Norway and UK will put in place a comprehensive citizens rights' agreement," said Erna Solberg, prime minister of Norway which is outside the EU but inside the wider European Economic Area (EEA) free trade and free movement zone. "We will treat all UK citizens living in Norway ... so they will have the same opportunities as they had before also after March 2019," she said, adding that Britain and Norway were "very close" on agreeing a deal to mirror any Brexit deal London concludes with Brussels. May, visiting Oslo, said she was making the same commitment to Norwegian citizens, as part of a wider pledge to grant such rights to citizens of all EEA countries already living in Britain. "Whatever happens, we confirm that people from the EEA, the Norwegian citizens and those others who are are living in the UK, and who have made their life choice to be in the UK, well, to be able to be in the UK. We want them to stay." Sterling languished at a ten-week low on Tuesday as concern about Britain's departure from the EU led investors to largely ignore hopes of an end to austerity raised by Britain's finance minister Philip Hammond. The pound has weakened 4pc since September as traders fret over lack of progress in divorce talks over issues including the Irish border five months before Britain exits the European Union. After a decade of cuts to public services, Hammond's budget on Monday offered a glimpse of higher spending. But he made clear that that will hinge on London getting a trade agreement with Brussels. More to follow... City Council is concerned about the potential impact the redevelopment of Setanta Centre might have on Nassau Street in Dublin 2 A company owned and controlled by the family of beef baron Larry Goodman has agreed a deadline of December 3 next to further clarify its plans for the 100m redevelopment of the Setanta Centre on Dublin's Nassau Street. After considering additional information provided by Goodman family firm Ternary, Dublin city planners have requested further clarification on the proposal in advance of a decision on whether or not to grant planning permission. An examination of the planner's report, published last Tuesday, shows the council remains concerned about the potential visual and conservation impacts of the Goodman scheme on both Nassau Street and the adjacent South Frederick Street. The report specifically calls for Ternary's proposal to "respond to, and better reflect and respect the character and scale of the receiving context and streetscape, including protected structures on both Nassau Street and South Frederick Street". The report also asks that the redevelopment proposal "relates more sympathetically to the adjoining protected structures and in particular the scale and height of the streetscape along Nassau Street". Ternary has also been called upon to "reassess and specifically address and justify in terms of architectural conservation, the height and massing" of its proposed building, Ternary's plan for the Setanta Centre has come up against strong opposition from the Kilkenny Group which operates its flagship store and cafe, the Kilkenny Design Centre, there. While representatives from Ternary met with the Kilkenny Group earlier this year to discuss the potential impact the construction phase of the proposed redevelopment would have on its Nassau Street operations, its bid to allay the retailer's concerns proved unsuccessful. In its objection to the Goodman firm's revised plan for the Setanta Centre, consultants for the Kilkenny Group said that the large number of unaddressed issues associated with the development "is unacceptable and fundamentally lacks consideration for the operation of the Kilkenny Shop". The submission said it would not be possible for the Kilkenny shop to continue trading during the construction period. It added that this would have consequences for the 88 full-time and 20 seasonal employees at the store and the one million shoppers who visit the Kilkenny shop every year. Bord Bia CEO Tara McCarthy, members of the Milkco managing team and Paula Barry Walsh of the Department of Agriculture at the Milkco plant in Indonesia. A delegation from Bord Bia, the Department of Agriculture and members of the media met with the managing team of Milkco, one of Indonesias fastest growing dairy companies on the first day of its trade mission to South-East Asia today. Milkco produces flavoured milk drinks for children, along with cereal based milk drinks. It employs more than 230 people and imports the majority of its dairy from the US. It has recently secured a contract to make products for Nestle. The company is currently working with three local dairy farmers in Indonesia to teach them about quality and how to run a dairy business and requires all employees to give blood regularly. Milkco Director Lira Oktaviani told the Irish delegation that the company aims to become one of the major players in the Indonesian dairy industry in the coming years and is open to doing business with the likes of Ireland in order to achieve this goal. Since we arent as large as other processors we are open and flexible to exporting and not as rigid as larger companies. We like to work together with other multi-nationals and recently received samples of skim milk powder from Ornua, she said. When negotiating with possible exporters, she added that quality and halal certification (ensuring animals are slaughtered according to Muslim guidelines) are factors that are important to them and said that competitiveness is a must. Competitiveness is important. You will say to us you are the best and the US will also say that, so you need to show how you stand out, she said. Expand Close Examples of milk products targeted at kids produced by Milkco. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Examples of milk products targeted at kids produced by Milkco. While consumption of milk in Indonesia currently stands at 12-13 litres per capita, at present consumption of sterilised liquid milk is growing at a rate of 10-20pc each year as people in Indonesia are becoming more health conscious. Condensed milk is still extremely popular and stocked widely in all hypermarkets. Bord Bia CEO Tara McCarthy told the Milkco managing team that it is hoping to enhance its understanding of the Indonesian market with the aim of increasing exports to the country. We have come to learn. We want to understand this market, the companies and where you are going next. Its a country we want to understand better. Dairy is our number one export product to Indonesia, it accounts for one-third of our exports and is something we would like to grow, she stated. Bord Bia Director of Markets Padraig Brennan added that Ireland is ambitious to diversity its export markets. At present Indonesia is 23pc self-sufficient in milk, with a government target to reach 42pc by 2021. There is no cheddar produced locally and only very limited WMP and mozzarella. Irish dairy exports to the Indonesia currently stand at 15b annually but since the country is set to become one of the worlds top seven economies by 2030 and is only 40pc self -sufficient in dairy this has potential to grow. Tech startups in Dublin have benefited to the tune of 2.25m from the city's Local Enterprise Office over the last four years. The capital's LEO has provided funding to 157 businesses in the technology sector since its establishment in 2014. According to 'Driving Dublins tech growth: how Local Enterprise Office Dublin City is helping tech companies start and grow', a report released today, the supports available for techie entrepreneurs has been highlighted. Dave Connolly, Business Advisor at LEO Dublin City, said that providing investment to start-ups and small businesses within the tech sector accounts for one-quarter of all clients. "This is the most active sector we work with. So far this year, 53 per cent of all funding weve approved has been for tech businesses. These range from medtech start-ups and data analytics firms to e-commerce platforms and lifestyle companies," he said. "Each year, we help in the region of 40 tech clients. So far this year, weve provided 340,000 in funding to 23 tech businesses. The funding and other supports we provide help these businesses to build their staff teams; expand into new markets; and move from early-growth stage to high-potential start-ups." Case studies of some of the businesses supported by the group over the past four years are included in the report, which estimates that the LEO funded 610,771 in tech businesses each year since 2014. Based in Dublin and London, film industry analytics usherU received 40,000 in funding, including grants to grow their staff team and help them transition out of their start-up phase. Pati Matsushita, Creative Director of usheru, said that the support they received from Local Enterprise Office Dublin City was invaluable. The report reveals that the LEO's support has led directly to the creation of over 240 jobs in tech businesses in Dublin since 2014. Britain won't get much revenue out of the new digital tax measure announced yesterday, but it does deserve some credit for forging ahead on this most important issue. The move is bound to spur on further action in reforming the way multinationals are taxed, which is plainly broken. It will also ratchet up the pressure on Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe and the Government, who will likely veto any EU equivalent of Mr Hammond's plan. From an Irish point of view, any significant reforms are always a little nerve-jangling given our reliance on FDI. But in the current climate, and given the vituperative criticism levelled at this country from overseas, it's difficult for a small country to present an obstacle. Hence the noises emanating from Government about our openness to reform. Mr Donohoe has said he thinks the best place for discussing tax reform is at a global level, at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). In theory that makes sense, because it's an international issue. After all, mismatches between different countries' regimes are what enables the aggressive planning to take place. Ireland's objection to the EU proposal stems from its view that unilateral action by the EU could undermine international efforts to reach "a sustainable long-term global approach", the Department of Finance told the Irish Independent last week. And perhaps a unilateral action could have those effects. But maybe it could also hurry the whole process along so that this issue is sorted and certainty can return to Ireland's corporate tax regime. Whether it's from the EU or from the OECD, change is coming, and Mr Hammond's move sees momentum gather behind the view that companies should pay tax based on where users are located, rather than where the company is based. If that view prevails at OECD level then Ireland could be in for a bumpy ride. IAG CEO Willie Walsh says he has no immediate plans to retire, but insisted he won't be hanging around in the role until he's 70. Mr Walsh, who turned 57 last week, has frequently been held hostage to a comment he made a number of years ago that his ideal retirement age would be 55. But speaking to the Irish Independent, he said that he has no intention to stepping down as CEO of IAG, which owns Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia and Vueling. "I don't think about retiring. I just know I'll have to face up to it at some stage," he said. "I'm 57 now and you have to think more about it," he said. "I'm 40 years working in the industry at this stage, so I know I'm getting closer to retirement than I have been before. "I won't be there when I'm 70. I've been very clear with the board; my contract is a rolling 12-month contract. That's what I've always been on. I've told the board I'm happy to continue if they want me to, but they obviously have a responsibility to think about succession." Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary, who turns 58 next March, has also insisted on a number of occasions over the past few years that he would be retiring within a couple of years. But he said last month that he probably wouldn't be running Ryanair for another five years. "I like this company. I like working for this company. I don't do it for the pay I get," said Mr O'Leary. Mr Walsh joked that he was "outraged" that Aer Lingus boss Stephen Kavanagh, who recently announced that he'll step down from his role in January, had "beat him to it". Mr Kavanagh will remain as a non-executive director at Aer Lingus. Mr Walsh, a former Aer Lingus pilot who was CEO of the then State-owned airline from 2001 to 2005 before leaving and being appointed CEO of British Airways, said he thinks about potential succession candidates for the IAG post on an ongoing basis. "I have a responsibility to identify people inside, and people in the industry from outside, and then it's for the board to consider whether they want to consider somebody from outside the industry," he said. Last week Mr Walsh criticised government plans for a third terminal at Dublin Airport, saying it's "unrealistic" to expect airlines to pay for something that "isn't needed". The Department of Transport has published a report that has suggested Dublin Airport could need a third terminal as early as 2030. But the DAA, the semi-State company that operates the airport, has insisted it doesn't need another terminal until about 2040. "Let's be clear: airlines don't want empty terminal buildings," Mr Walsh said. "Given that we're the people who would be expected to pay for it, I think it's unrealistic to expect us to pay for something that isn't needed and isn't wanted." IAG owns Aer Lingus, British Airways and Spanish carriers Iberia and Vueling - all of which operate at Dublin. He added: "There's plenty of opportunity to exploit existing terminal facilities at Dublin Airport. Credit to DAA, the relationship between it and Aer Lingus has been strong recently... there's a common agenda there. "If I was the DAA, I wouldn't want to be building something that I don't believe is needed. The airlines will certainly be clear in terms of the growth that we see in that time frame," said Mr Walsh. "It's important that we don't build inefficient infrastructure or infrastructure that's not required. There's no free lunch here." An Irish jewellery brand is getting set to open a pop up store in iconic US store Macy's ahead of the Christmas shopping season. Chupi is collaborating with Violet Black Jewellery to bring its bespoke accessory style to the department store in Florida. Expand Close Chupi Sweetman / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Chupi Sweetman From its official launch in 2013, founder and creative director Chupi Sweetman has worked to build the brand, product range and network. Bridal pop-ups, following the brand's expansion into engagement and wedding rings, in Dublin and London have proved successful. "We are incredibly excited to be bringing our Chupi Pop up to the US and making magic with an iconic store such as Macys. Pop up events are something which we, as a business, have always found great success in and truly look forward to this one especially in the un up to Christmas," said Sweetman. Read More The pop-up will open at Macy's Fort Lauderdale branch on November 4th, and will showcase a select range from the 'Your North Star' and the 'Hawthorn twig' collections. The three month stint, until February 2019, will be Chupi's first foray into the US market. Chupi Sweetman won the Fashion Award at this year's Irish Tatler Women of the Year event. Plans: Profits at Kylemore Abbey are to be re-invested in conservation and restoration works. Profits dipped by around 100,000 last year at Kylemore Abbey, due to maintenance costs and investment in the tourist offering. The Connemara abbey, a popular tourist attraction, is due to launch a new visitor experience on St Patrick's Day. There will be a new entrance to the abbey, more rooms open to the public and "general improvements in all public areas". Profits came in at 722,652 for 2017 - with most income coming from the 330,000 visitors who passed through the doors. John Madden, spokesman for the Kylemore Trust of the Benedictine Nuns at the Abbey, said the profits would be re-invested in conservation and restoration works. "This work on the Castle building is essential to ensure the long-term viability of Kylemore Abbey as the main source of income for the Benedictine community and its mission at one of Ireland's leading tourist destinations," he added. The Benedictine community made Kylemore their home after abandoning their own Abbey in Ypres. a town in the west of Belgium, at the onset of World War I. The castle at Kylemore was built in 1868, with the nuns making it their home in 1920. It was originally built as a gesture of love for Margaret Henry, wife of Mitchell Henry, a Manchester eye surgeon and pathologist with Irish roots. After inheriting his father's business he used his wealth to buy the Kylemore estate. Swiss pharmaceutical giant Novartis has agreed a deal with Compact Imaging - UCD graduate Dr Josh Hogan's medtech startup - to fund the development of a low-cost home monitor to detect eye disease progression. Goggles used at a patient's home will record a test result and upload it over the internet for a specialist to review, thereby reducing clinical visits, saving doctors' and patients' time while delivering cost and efficiency savings to healthcare systems. Compact Imaging's CEO Don Bogue said that the principal development work will be done by its staff in Silicon Valley, while others in Galway and Limerick will work on other applications of the firm's "multiple reference optical coherence tomography", considered the world's fastest-growing medical imaging technology. Mr Bogue declined to reveal what the development work might cost. "The patient-focused goals of this collaboration complement Novartis's efforts to introduce new therapeutics for these conditions," said Dr Michael R Hee, the startup's chief medical officer. Compact Imaging is backed by a number of Irish investors, including Tipperary entrepreneur John Ryan, as well as the Galway University Foundation and the University of Limerick Foundation, which have small stakes. Last year, the startup partnered with a Stanford University spinout in a 10m ($12.5m) fingerprint-scanning technology development contract for IARPA, the R&D wing of US intelligence agencies. Box office: UK chancellor Philip Hammond shows off the traditional red box ahead of his Budget speech. Photo: Getty Images The UK is targeting the likes of Google and Facebook by introducing a digital services tax that aims to raise 400m (450m) a year for the government. Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond unveiled the measure in his Autumn Budget in London yesterday. He said it was designed to hit the largest internet businesses - not consumer or internet startups. It would affect companies that were profitable and with annual revenues of at least 500m, he said. "We will consult on the detail to make sure we get it right, and to ensure that the UK continues to be the best place to start and scale-up a tech business," he said. "It will come into effect in April 2020." The tax follows the Chancellor of the Exchequer's comments during a speech at the Conservative Party conference on October 1 that the UK would "go it alone" if an EU version of the tax continued to stall. Controversially, the UK tax targets revenue linked to UK users, not profits, according to tax practitioners, potentially making the country a less attractive place for large tech firms to supply their services. The EU version of the tax, which would require the unanimous support of the bloc to be passed, is being opposed by a number of countries, including Ireland. Ireland has said that it has concerns about taxing revenue rather than profits, and that the best place for reforming the way multinationals pay tax is via the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Mr Hammond's bold move will probably put more pressure on Ireland and other countries which are against the EU plan. Last week, French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire claimed EU countries were "very close to an agreement" on implementing the deal. "There's a vast movement to progress in this direction, but as always in Europe the most difficult is the decision... we can achieve unanimity." He said concerns about double taxation - being taxed twice for the same activity - that had been raised by Ireland, Sweden, and Finland - were a "smokescreen". Startups will not be in line for the tax, Mr Hammond emphasised yesterday. In his Budget speech he said it would be aimed at "search engines, social media platforms and online marketplaces". Russ Shaw, founder of Tech London Advocates, an industry body, said the digital services tax was "a prudent step" but "the wrong approach". "Tackling the digital tax question without coordinating efforts with the US and EU as key global partners will only further entrench Britain in an isolationist position we cannot afford," he said. Mr Hammond said yesterday that the tax will be a temporary measure until an international framework for corporate tax reform is agreed. Westport owned safety clothing and workwear manufacturer Portwest is investing A$10m (6.24m) to expand its Australian operations. Last year the Hughes family owned firm paid A$10m for Huski, an Australian workwear brand, and paid A$7.5m for Melbourne based Prime Mover Workwear. Portwest said its latest investment will allow the company to continue its global expansion and increase its Australian workforce over the next four years. The announcement was made today at the official launch of Portwests new state-of-the-art warehousing facility in Melbourne. Harry Hughes, CEO of Portwest said, Our vision for the company is clear, by selling more products, in more countries, through more sales people selling to more customers, Portwest will continue its strong growth. Our sights are firmly fixed on our new markets of Australia and the USA where further investments in warehousing, staff and an outstanding pipeline of new designs and innovations will drive this growth. Portwests brand is sold in over 130 countries. The family-run business has been based in Westport, Co. Mayo for over a century where the now global company is run by brothers, Cathal, Harry and Owen Hughes. Keen: Noel Adams (63) at work on the butchers counter in SuperValu in Killester, Co Dublin. Photo: Justin Farrelly Employees over 50 years of age bring experience and a positive attitude to their roles, the manager of a large supermarket store has said. New figures show more than 200 employers have availed of the Government's JobsPlus scheme designed to bring people aged over 50 back into the workforce. But Owen Kennedy, manager of the SuperValu store in Killester, Co Dublin, said he needed no incentive to hire older staff members in his store as their drive and experience speaks for itself. "We hired two people in the past couple of months and the most recent person hired is 63," he said. "We definitely believe they're more experienced. It's the experience and attitude for us and age isn't an issue." The store employs 149 workers in full and part-time roles and across a variety of departments, with 19 of those being accounted for by staff over 50. "Somebody of that age is keen to get back into the workforce and they have a good positive attitude and they're friendly with our customers. "Our business is built around customer service so we look to see if they had those roles before and what kind of varying roles they've had. "People of that generation are a big part of the community and that is a big focus for us around here," he said. "That's important for customers as well as staff." The CEO downloaded 20 photos from the womans smartphone without her consent or knowledge when the two were at a work meeting at a hotel in 2017. Most executives are well briefed nowadays on data security, but heading out on the road is a different matter. A recent study by travel management company CWT found that a mere 35pc of corporate travellers feel confident about the security of their data when travelling - and 37pc of those surveyed admitted to the ultimate no-no of downloading an unknown file from an unrecognised sender. But it's easy to log in to a free hotel or airport wifi network when abroad - and forget the consequences. "There is risk using wifi because you're basically connecting yourself to an untrusted network," Irish cybersecurity expert Brian Honan told the Sunday Independent. "I could set up my laptop and set up a fake wireless access point and call it Dublin Airport Free Wifi, and people could connect to that," he said. "All their internet traffic would go through my computer onto the internet and therefore I would be able to look at see what traffic they're sending, across what they think is that wifi network." And this is where encryption comes in, as if your communications aren't encrypted, the owner of the fake network can access your information. "If you're not encrypting your email and other traffic you are potentially exposing yourself to risk. I'd be able to capture their user names and passwords and log in to their email or social media accounts or other accounts further down the line," says Honan, CEO and principal consultant of Dublin-based BH Consulting. "There are other risks when you commit to a free network as I could be connected to that network and see your device and potentially hack in to your computer and steal your data, but it's a relatively low risk." But not impossible. He recommends that corporate travellers do a little homework to save a lot of headaches. "I would firstly make sure I'm connecting to an official wifi network - if that means going to the hotel reception or information desk at the airport that gives me more reassurance." The good news is that many sites are moving - along the lines of mobile banking - to provide secure connections, and these include the likes of Facebook, online email providers and social media networks." An essential tool for any traveller is a virtual private network (VPN), he adds, to avoid "putting your trust in a wifi network". "Having a VPN at all times means you are protecting the information that you send to and from the internet." But here it's a case of caveat emptor, and not trusting your data to a VPN provider just because it's cheap or even free to set up on your phone or tablet. "I would make sure you do a review of them - most of the major security companies have a VPN solution," he advises, adding that you should check their terms and conditions as "they may be capturing your logs, so it's about making sure you pick a reliable vendor". Buying a sim card abroad can be a solution as a mobile network "is relatively difficult for hackers to get into", but Honan says in this case you're putting your trust in the telco's home country, which is something to be aware of in the more troubled parts of the world. Elsewhere, he has a checklist for travellers, and warns that computing devices should be kept secure at all stages of the trip and, where possible, they should be on your own person. He also advises wiping all confidential information and passwords from your devices before travelling. "Ideally you should consider using a device such as a Chrome Notebook which does not store data locally but uses the cloud," he added. Personal email accounts, social media accounts, or other online services should not be used in high-risk countries, and he urges travellers to enable two-factor/two-step authentication on all online services. And even the humble USB key might not be safe - with Honan warning not to plug in keys, USB drives, cameras, printers, mice, or keyboards, that are given to you, or you could risk attracting malware designed to infect your system. *** While Dublin Airport has announced 11 new routes in recent weeks, there's still life elsewhere. Ryanair's seasonal route from Ireland West to Cologne opens up a key city for business and convention tourism, while Air France is to increase capacity on its Cork-Paris Charles De Gaulle route again. Launched in May, it has already gone from seasonal to year-round, now the carrier is upping capacity by 24pc, with decent onward connections on long-haul routes from the French capital. The company's shares are down around 20pc so far this year. (stock picture) IBM's shares and bonds were hit yesterday after it confirmed its $33bn purchase of Red Hat - the world's second-largest technology deal ever. Shares were down 3pc in afternoon trading in New York, while the company's euro-denominated bonds were having their worst day in three years. The company's shares are down around 20pc so far this year. The Red Hat purchase is aimed at catapulting the company into the ranks of the top cloud software competitors.The cash deal, IBM's biggest by far, boosts the 107-year-old computer-services giant's credentials overnight in the fast-growing and lucrative cloud market and gives it much-needed potential for real revenue growth. IBM, once synonymous with mainframe computing, has been slow to adopt cloud technologies and has had to play catch-up to market leaders Amazon and Microsoft. "We've been reshaping IBM for this moment," said CEO Ginni Rometty. "This is all about resetting the cloud landscape and this is the inflection point to do it." IBM has been positioning itself as a leader in the so-called 'hybrid cloud' market - in which companies run programs on their own internal servers and the big 'public' cloud providers - Amazon's AWS and Microsoft's Azure - at the same time. Red Hat, which sells software and services based on the open-source Linux operating system, helps companies bridge different platforms. "Knowing first-hand how important open, hybrid cloud technologies are to helping businesses unlock value, we see the power of bringing these two companies together," said JPMorgan chief Jamie Dimon. IBM has seen revenue decline by almost a quarter since Ms Rometty took the CEO role in 2012 - mostly from declining sales in existing offerings. She has been trying to steer IBM toward the cloud, AI and security software with inconsistent results. In its third-quarter earnings report, IBM disappointed investors who were seeking more progress. The Red Hat deal could signal that IBM wasn't as well-positioned in cloud as it had been claiming, said Citigroup Research analyst Jim Suva. "We expect investor scepticism around the deal given IBM's messaging that it is well underway in its transformation," he said. Investors have grown impatient as the stock slumped 31pc in the last five years. Warren Buffett virtually gave up on it last year with Berkshire Hathaway cutting its stake by 94pc, while increasing its stake in Apple. The Red Hat deal represents an admission by Ms Rometty that in-house growth wasn't going to be enough to keep it from falling permanently behind. Query: WE are in the middle of a busy period in the company and my employees are under more pressure than usual. How can I help them to manage this extra stress effectively? Answer: What is Stress? Physician Hans Seyle coined the term stress as 'The non-specific response of the body to any demand for change'. Our body has been designed to respond naturally to threats in our environment. Once upon a time this threat may have been due to an attack, war or another reason for us to believe our safety was being threatened. We were designed to respond to this threat in a fight, flight or freeze fashion. When this occurs, the sympathetic nervous system is activated and hormonal changes in the body occur. Every day we face stressors - sick children, tight deadlines, long commutes, lack of autonomy in work, ageing parents, long hours, relationship difficulties etc. What is important when it comes to stress is not what happens to you but how you perceive what happens to you. People will not always react the same to life events - perception will determine the response and how we perceive the threat will determine how we react to it. When we become stressed there are many influences on different areas of our system: psychological, behavioural and physiological. Psychological effects may be anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and burnout. There are many ways of coping with stress in the workplace and in our lives as a whole. We can practice creativity, exercise, manage our time, talk to someone, keep a stress diary, get more sleep, avoid caffeine, and practice abdominal breathing and relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation. Using these coping systems activates the parasympathetic nervous system. This reduces the body to its natural state and controls the balance within the body. The parasympathetic nervous system activates the rest and digest mode and allows the body to relax and repair. Mindfulness meditation has many benefits and can help increase awareness of what causes stress in the workplace and recognise patterns that lead to stress. Mindfulness also enhances emotional intelligence, notably self-awareness and the capacity to manage stress. Many large companies have implemented mindfulness-based programmes for its employees and smaller organisations are educating staff so they can be more mindful at work. Through these sessions employees learn how to be more mindful at work and how to practice mindfulness exercises so that they can engage the wise part of the brain and make good decisions. Employers have a duty of care to employees and this is reinforced in the Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005. It would be wise for employers to have a procedure in place to tackle the issue should they identify an employee experiencing such stress. Policies and procedures that can be put in place to protect and support employees can include Dignity at Work, Grievance and discipline procedures, performance management systems and employment assistance programmes. Employers should ensure that demands that are placed on employees are reasonable. It is best practice that if employers become aware of staff members suffering from stress, they take action immediately to ascertain the cause and identify ways of removing the stressor. Often one of the first ways an employer becomes aware that an employee is suffering from stress is when they receive a sickness certificate from the employee. Once this occurs, the employer should write to the employee immediately expressing concern regarding the nature of the illness. The employer must take steps to establish the cause of the stress and remove it, if practicable, for the employee's health and safety. Legendary rock band Bon Jovi have announced their return to Ireland next summer, as part of their first tour in six years. Following a world tour that has visited the USA, Canada, Brazil and Chile, the 'This House Is Not For Sale' European Tour will reach Ireland on in June 2019. Tickets for the gig, which will take place in the RDS stadium on Saturday 15 June, will go on sale on Thursday 8th November at 9am. Speaking about the announcement, Jon Bon Jovi said that the "rejuvenated" band are sounding better than ever before. Those huge shows, tens of thousands of people all together as one, thats what we do, he said. Weve become a new, rejuvenated Bon Jovi, A refreshed line up that kills every night. "We sound better than ever and were enjoying every minute. We are out there as a band, feeding off each other and the fans, having the time of our lives all over again." This will be the band's first Irish show since their 2013 gig at Slane Castle. In 2011, Bon Jovi sold out two consecutive nights at the R.D.S for their fourth time performing in Ireland. They have promised to change their setlist every night, choosing from 95 hit songs- including classics You Give Love A Bad Name, Its My Life and Livin On A Prayer." Video of the Day Tickets can be booked online on: www.ticketmaster.ie, via phone on ROI: 0818 719 300, Northern Ireland: 0844 277 4455 or at selected outlets. British Trip-Hop band "Massive Attack" performs on the main stage at the Big Chill festival near Ledbury in Herefordshire on August 6, 2010 Massive Attack have announced a 16-date European tour next year with one night in Dublin. The iconic British group will take to the stage at Dublin's 3Arena on February 24, 2019, as part of the 'Mezzanine' anniversary tour, re-imagining the album 21 years later. The show will feature custom audio reconstructed from the original samples and influences with a brand new audio/visual production featuring Elizabeth Fraser and designed by Robert Del Naja. "Its going to be a one off piece of work; our own personalised nostalgia nightmare head trip," Del Naja said. Pre-sale tickets will be available for selected shows from 10am on Wednesday 31st October. Tickets will then go on general sale at 10am on Friday 2nd November from Ticketmaster. They will tour North America in March. Tickets are priced from 49.50, including booking fees, and 1 venue fee from www.ticketmaster.ie The full European tour dates are: 28/01/19: Glasgow, SSE Hydro 29/01/19: Manchester, Manchester Arena 31/01/19: Brussels, Palais 12 01/02/19: Amsterdam, AFAS Live Video of the Day 04/02/19: Frankfurt, Jahrhunderthalle 05/02/19: Munich, Zenith 06/02/19: Milan, Mediolanum Forum 08/02/19: Rome, Palalottomatica 09/02/19: Padua, Kioene Arena 11/02/19:Paris, Zenith 13/02/19: Nantes, Zenith de Nantes Metropole 14/02/19: Bordeaux, Bordeaux Metropole Arena 18/02/19: Lisbon, Campo Pequeno 22/02/19: London, O2 Arena 24/02/19: Dublin, 3Arena 01/03/19: Bristol, Steelyard Full details at https://www.massiveattack.co.uk/ Frustrated: Gerry and Irene Rice say their shop in Sligo cant take cards when the broadband isnt working. Picture: Damien Eagers A Sligo business owner has branded the latest roll-out delay of the National Broadband Plan as "not surprising" and insisted that it is just another example of rural areas being left behind. Gerry Rice, who runs a corner shop in rural Maugherow, Co Sligo, has previously spoken of the difficulties that come with trying to accept payment by card in his shop, if the internet isn't working. This affects card payments and lottery tickets, among other things. Mr Rice said his store, Dunleavys, had a full day recently where the broadband was down, meaning that they could only accept cash. There were cases where customers were unable to pay by cash, so locals in such cases were told to pay for the goods the following day instead. "It's one other thing that they're not prioritising or is not being considered in rural Ireland," Mr Rice said. "If you knew when the finish line was, you could work around it; but now it seems that there's no end in sight or how far away is it at this stage? "When in 2020 is it going to happen? "It could be 2025 by the time it happens, there always seems to be a delay." Referring to the northwest, he added: "We'll get it last." The High Court has ordered the extradition of a Roscommon construction company director wanted in the UK in connection with a 5 million tax fraud. Thomas Joseph O'Connor (50), with an address at Cloughbeirne, The Walk, Co Roscommon had opposed his extradition on grounds including the impact of Brexit. However, last week the Supreme Court ordered his extradition with the Chief Justice, Mr Justice Frank Clarke, saying he had been given "more than every opportunity" to raise any points which might be deployed to resist his surrender. Mr O'Connor was convicted in London's Blackfriars Crown Court in January 2007 and sentenced to 4 years and six months in prison for defrauding the British revenue. After being convicted following a six-week trial, OConnor, who was on bail, did not attend court for the sentencing hearing and now faces further charges in England of absconding. Tony McGillicuddy BL, for the Minister for Justice, told Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly today that the Supreme Court had dismissed Mr O'Connor's appeal on October 24 and on foot of that he was required to surrender bail and had done so. Mr McGillicuddy said an order had been made by the High Court on December 18, 2017 which had placed a stay on the extradition until it's determination by the Supreme Court. "That stay has now been extinguished as the Supreme Court has determined the appeal," he added. Ms Justice Donnelly made an order directing that Mr O'Connor be surrendered to the UK from tomorrow, October 31. Mr O'Connor had returned to Ireland where he was arrested on an extradition warrant in 2009 and the High Court ordered his extradition in December 2014. The Court of Appeal later dismissed his appeal concerning that order in October 2015 and he appealed to the Supreme Court which last February referred Brexit points raised by him to the Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU) for determination. However, earlier this month, the Supreme Court decided a judgment given in September by the CJEU on another case, the RO case, effectively decided the Brexit points raised by Mr OConnor. Last week, the Supreme Court held that there were no issue of European law arising in the case which remained unclear and required further determination by the CJEU. Nor was it necessary for the CJEU to decide a further question concerning Mr OConnors right to be heard. The Supreme Court dismissed O'Connor's appeal and ordered his surrender to the UK. A 16-month-old child was injured when an ambulance, in which she was a passenger, rolled backwards into a tree, the Circuit Civil Court heard Tuesday. Barrister Paul Gallagher told the court that Jessica Abram, of Moore Street, Kilrush, Co Clare, suffered psychological injuries as a result of the accident on 6th July 2016. Mr Gallagher, who appeared with Anderson Gallagher Solicitors, said Jessica, now aged three-and-a-half, had been suffering from a high fever and was being taken to hospital at the time. He said the ambulance had stopped on the N68 where it was to have been joined by a doctor. Unfortunately the hand brake had not been applied properly and the ambulance had rolled backwards. Jessica had sued the Health Service Executive through Katarzyna Kita and Mr Gallagher told Circuit Court President, Mr Justice Raymond Groarke, that a settlement offer of 10,000 had been made by the defendant. He said Jessicas injuries were psychological and not related to her medical condition at the time. She had afterwards suffered from nervousness as a result of the accident. Ms Kita told the court in an affidavit that she had been in the ambulance with Kita at the time. The child had not been strapped in at the time and she had grabbed her to prevent her falling after the ambulance had rolled into the tree. She said Jessica had suffered had become very nervous afterwards and did not want to sleep alone. She became very nervous if she heard an ambulance siren. Judge Groarke approved the 10,000 settlement offer. A 34-year-old man charged with murdering his partner Amanda Carroll who was found dead in her apartment in Dublin has been further remanded in custody. The 32-year-old mother was discovered at her home in Homestead Court, Quarry Road, Cabra, Dublin 7 shortly after 2.30pm on October 21 last. The scene was preserved for an examination by the Garda Technical Bureau are carrying out an examination. A post-mortem found she sustained serious injuries. Electrician Sean Nolan, from Ashington Crescent, Navan Road, Dublin was arrested on the same date and detained at Mountjoy Garda Station under Section 4, Criminal Justice Act, 1984. He was remanded in custody after appearing Dublin District Court on October 23 charged with Amanda Carrolls murder. He faced his second hearing when he appeared before Judge Brian OShea on Tuesday at Cloverhill District Court. The accused was further remanded in custody to appear again at the same court on November 27 next. A book of evidence has yet to be completed by the prosecution. During his first hearing last week, Detective Garda Aidan Flanagan had said that when the charge was put to Mr Nolan he made no reply. The district court cannot grant bail in murders cases. Legal aid had been granted to Mr Nolan who has not yet indicated how he will plead. Due to the nature of the charge a bail application would have to be brought before the High Court. Amanda originally from the north inner city, had worked in Marino, in Dublin. The former child-development student had lived at Homestead Court Apartments for the past 11 years. She had a 16-year-old son and another child aged four. Assault by David O'Donovan (main photo) on Robert Duggan (inset) ended when a woman attending Mass ran over to intervene A HEROIN addict subjected an heroic 80-year-old man who tried to prevent him from stealing from a Church collection box to a cowardly attack - gouging his eye, kicking him in the groin and then stamping on his glasses. The assault by David O'Donovan (41) on the pensioner only ended when a woman attending Mass was so appalled she ran over to bravely intervene. O'Donovan of Glendalough, Grenville Place, Cork pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to a Robert Duggan (80) who was working as a volunteer at St Augustine's Church in Cork city centre. Cork Circuit Criminal Court heard that Mr Duggan, a volunteer at St Augustine's for almost 70 years, heroically challenged a man who he spotted trying to break in to a collection box while Mass was being celebrated. Judge Sean O'Donnabhain was told by Det Garda Padraig Harrington that the incident unfolded at 8:30pm on March 24 last at St Augustine's Church on the Grand Parade. Mr Duggan went over to ask a man interfering with the collection box to stop what he was doing. "He said words to the effect of: 'He was in a house of God and to stop it'. But he (O'Donovan) told him: 'F*** you and f*** the Church. He then counted down, four, three, two, one and then kicked Mr Duggan in the groin." When the pensioner fell to the ground, he gouged his eye and then stamped on his glasses. O'Donovan fled the scene when a Polish Mass goer ran over to protect the pensioner. The defendant, who has a chronic heroin problem, was later spotted by gardai in a nearby supermarket as they went to check CCTV security camera footage in relation to the assault. The court was told that O'Donovan was so under the influence of drink and drugs his interview session had to be suspended at the Bridewell Garda station and he had to be brought to the Mercy University Hospital (MUH). Mr Duggan, who walked to the witness box with the aid of a cane, told the court he had never before experienced such treatment. "I have been working as a volunteer in St Augustine's for almost 70 years," he said. "This has knocked my confidence. He stuck his thumb in my eye and he kicked me in the groin." Mr Duggan said he was particularly upset because the defendant had deliberately stamped on his glasses when they were knocked from his face and were lying on the ground and he was totally helpless. The pensioner suffered a cut to his eye and was deeply shocked by his ordeal. He waited seven hours for assessment at MUH but the hospital was so busy he had to leave without treatment and return the following day. He no longer workers as a volunteer at the church, a job he admitted he loved. "In the past I have seen people with drink, people with drugs and people who were depressed." But he stressed he never experienced anything like what happened to him on March 24. Jane Hyland BL, for the State, said the defendant comes from a very respectable family but is estranged from them. He never came to garda attention until he was 32. Due to drink and drug abuse problems, he now has a total of 22 convictions though none, until now, involved any violence. O'Donovan was, for a time, homeless in Cork. The St Augustine's attack was described as "very cowardly" though the court was told O'Donovan has absolutely no recollection of it. Nikki O'Sullivan BL, for the defence, said O'Donovan deeply regretted what had happened. He is a chronic heroin addict who is currently on methadone maintenance. The 41-year-old is currently receiving assistance for his addiction problems. Judge O'Donnabhain said he wanted to structure a sentence so as to take into account any addiction and psychiatric issues which may be involved. He directed that a report be prepared by the defendant's addiction counsellor for the court. Judge O'Donnabhain remanded O'Donovan in custody to be sentenced before Cork Circuit Criminal Court on November 23 next. The heartbroken partner of a young Co Tyrone man killed in a weekend crash has paid tribute to the "love of her life". Darren Gallagher (23), from Omagh and formerly Gortin, died on a stretch of the A5 near Omagh in the early hours of Sunday morning. It is the second tragedy to hit the family. Mr Gallagher's mother Martina passed away 11 years ago due to illness. Yesterday his heartbroken girlfriend, Shannon Thompson (22), paid a heartfelt tribute to him. She told the Belfast Telegraph: "Darren will forever be the love of my life. "The nine years we had together were the best years of my life and he will be walking right beside me forever. "I'll always love him and he will always be looking over his family and friends." His cousin Chantelle Gallagher (21) described him as "a happy and loving young man". She said: "Darren was the youngest of the family and sadly lost his mum at a young age. The family are just in bits and devastated to face yet more heartbreak. "Darren had a heart of gold and was always smiling and enjoying life. He was always there for his family and would have done whatever he could to help anybody. "He was just a brilliant, caring fella and will be sorely missed." Another cousin, Dean McCullagh, posted on social media: "To say I'm heartbroken is an understatement. You weren't only my big cousin but you were more like a big brother to me. "I'll miss you more than you'll ever imagine Darren. Rest easy lad and help all your family, friends and Shannon through this difficult time. "I'll always remember you." It is the latest fatality on the A5 - one of Northern Ireland's most dangerous roads. Mr Gallagher had been driving a blue Opel Astra when it crashed at around 4.20am, close to the junction of Drumlegagh Road. He was returning from his cousin's stag party in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal. He died only around a mile from his home. Mr Gallagher is the 48th person to die on Northern Ireland roads in 2018 - just two less than at the same time last year. A past pupil of Sacred Heart College and South West College in Omagh, he worked as a builder alongside his father Eunan McGarvey. Mr Gallagher, who would have turned 24 on December 19, is survived by his father Eunan, brother Anthony, sisters Pauline and Kathleen, partner Shannon, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and wider family circle. His remains will be reposing at his father's house at McNulty Park, Rousky, near Gortin, from 1pm this afternoon with family time from 11pm until 10am. His funeral will leave from there on Thursday at 10am going to St Patrick's Church, Cranagh, for Requiem Mass at 11am with interment afterwards in the adjoining churchyard. Investigations into the safety of 42 school buildings where structural concerns were raised are to be completed by the end of today, Education Minister Joe McHugh has confirmed. Mr McHugh, who was briefed by department officials yesterday, said inspections would be completed by "close of business", to be analysed ahead of pupils returning to school next Monday. "We will have all initial assessments complete, so that puts us in a very good position in terms of analysing that data, and obviously to continue that communication with the principals and the school communities," Mr McHugh said. However, as it is an "evolving situation" the minister said a guarantee that all affected pupils would have a classroom to return to in just six days' time could only be given after all assessments were received. "I can say that [in] all the schools that have been assessed and fully assessed we are putting in solutions for those," Mr McHugh said. "But because it is such an evolving situation there are still schools that need to be assessed and that will be evolving. As soon as we get that information we will be in touch with the schools." More than half the schools have been inspected so far with just three being closed or partially closed. Engineers are continuing to analyse the inspection reports received in relation to those. A spokesperson for the department said the outcome for the majority of schools already inspected was positive and they would likely reopen as planned. Additional checks are being carried out on some of the schools already inspected, delaying the full publication of feedback from the first batch of around 20 schools already inspected. Western Building Systems (WBS), the construction company behind the schools in question, said it was continuing to engage with department officials as to why the inspections were launched in the first place. "We are committed to better understanding why schools previously certified as substantially complete and suitable for occupation and which also had defects certificates subsequently issued by the department's advisors are now being assessed by the department," it said. Mr McHugh said his main focus was on pupil and staff safety but the question of accountability and costs had yet to be answered, and "litigation is obviously a road we're examining as well". Blown away by support: Sean Coxs wife Martina and their children Emma (17), Shauna (20) and Jack (21) at the run in St Peters GAA Club in Dunboyne, Co Meath. Photo: Steve Humphreys Thousands of runners helped to raise double the fundraising target when they turned out in their droves for a fun run in aid of injured Liverpool fan Sean Cox. Organisers of the Support Sean Cox Fund were stunned when 2,700 people turned up at St Peter's GAA Club in Dunboyne, Co Meath, yesterday to take part. Together they raised 40,000 - double the initial goal of 20,000 - to provide for the ongoing care of the well-respected businessman, whose life was turned upside when he suffered catastrophic head injuries following an unprovoked attack while attending a Liverpool match at Anfield last April. The father of three was left in a critical condition when he was attacked by rampaging Roma fans before the Champions League match. He is making a slow but steady recovery at the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dun Laoghaire. Mr Cox's wife, Martina, who also took part in the run along with their three children, said she was truly humbled by the outpouring of support for her husband and their family. "Today was a very emotional experience for me. To see so many people give up their bank holiday Monday for Sean really brought it home how much people care," she said. "I had expected to see people from our local community or the GAA, but there were supporters from everywhere. I wasn't prepared to see people from my work or Sean's work or friends that we'd lost touch with. But it felt like they were there in their thousands." Ms Cox, who appeared on RTE One's 'The Late Late Show' on Friday night in her first public appearance since the horrific attack, said she knows her husband will be overcome with emotion when he sees footage from the run. "I'd just like to thank everyone who has been there for me and my family in the last few months," she said. "And I know that when we show Sean videos and pictures of the fun run in the hospital that he'll be as emotional as I was." Stephen Felle, a personal friend of Mr Cox and organiser with his fundraising committee, said 1,600 people had registered online to take part in the run, but another thousand turned up yesterday. Brace yourself for the war zone that is set to be the state of our A&E departments again this winter. We have been here for many years now and it is getting worse despite the empty political pledges to tackle the scourge. But behind the glib descriptions of the winter trolley crisis - which is now also a summer crisis - will be patients who will die prematurely as they are caught up in the chaos. Not only will their deterioration be missed in the mayhem, but their death will be undignified. Leo Varadkar has been given the gift of being Taoiseach and it may never come around again. Why is he letting so much slip through his fingers and failing to make any meaningful change in our worst health blackspots? The temperatures are dipping and the country is slipping deeper into another winter trolley crisis. But there is little indication that the extra beds promised will be open in time for the darkest days of overcrowding. There are some 79 additional beds due to come on stream but many of these will not be opened until early next year. They are also dependent on having enough staff to service them. More funding has been allocated in the Budget to move patients who no longer need acute care to transitional beds and this will ease some pressure, but it will not be enough to cope with the rise in elderly patients, in particular, who seek treatment. The pressure on A&E cannot be divorced from the intolerable waiting lists for outpatient appointments and surgery. Thousands of these patients whose condition will worsen as they endure dangerous delays will end up having no choice but to go to hospital. The Irish Medical Organisation is predicting some of our bleakest days in A&E will see 1,000 patients without a hospital bed. They are not scaremongering. The doctors' union may be accused of ramping up the picture, as it goes into talks on GP fees with health officials and lobbies to reduce the pay gap for new consultant recruits, but it has the figures to back up the grim prediction. Are we yet again facing into excuses about "exceptional winter pressures" when the frailest of patients have nowhere to go but a trolley on a hospital corridor? Hospitals have had no respite during the summer, which again saw record levels of overcrowding. The figure of 495 patients on trolleys which prompted the declaration of a "national emergency" so many years ago is now sadly regarded on the "low side" for your average day. There is still time before the worst of winter hits, but the fear is the momentum has already been lost and we will be back to writing headlines about A&E chaos. But for some patients who end up on trolleys, it's a crisis they will sadly not survive. The intolerable toll of 1,000 patients on trolleys will strike during the peak of winter overcrowding, which is now getting closer. Stock image Hospitals will run out of beds for more than 1,000 emergency patients this winter as the trolley crisis reaches record levels of chaos, senior doctors have warned. The grim forecast will see seriously ill and very elderly patients enduring days and hours of misery on trolleys. The intolerable toll of 1,000 patients on trolleys will strike during the peak of winter overcrowding, which is now getting closer. Dr Peadar Gilligan, president of the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) - who works as an A&E consultant in Beaumont Hospital in Dublin - warned over-stretched hospitals are facing "a perfect storm". "We will be told in January that it is a 'flu crisis' or a 'winter crisis' - it is not. It is a failure of policy," he said. Under-funded hospital emergency services, combined with a lack of beds and experienced doctors will put hospitals under intolerable pressure, he said. Expand Close Overcrowding: Dr Peadar Gilligan of the IMO has issued a stark warning. Photo: Shane O'Neill / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Overcrowding: Dr Peadar Gilligan of the IMO has issued a stark warning. Photo: Shane O'Neill If the numbers of patients waiting for a bed reach 1,000 it will be double the figure of 495 when former health minister Mary Harney declared it "a national emergency" over a decade ago. Patient suffering escalated as hospitals buckled under the strain of a surge in patients in early January, with nearly 700 patients waiting for a bed as A&Es were jammed. But the crisis that engulfed hospitals in March this year was even worse, when the numbers on trolleys reached an all-time high of 714. Dr Gilligan said he is fearful we are heading into the bleakest winter of overcrowding yet and the Government and HSE have left hospitals ill-prepared to cope with the strain. It is yet another indictment of the stewardship of Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Health Minister Simon Harris who have been left floundering by the ongoing mess that makes up so much of the health service. "We cannot expect to have a health service which is meeting the demands of the population when we are training doctors to send them abroad. "A sustained campaign of recruitment, backed fully by the Government, is needed to fill existing vacancies and improve services," said Dr Gilligan, whose union is still fighting a 30pc pay gap between new recruits and long-serving doctors. "Patients will again be cared for in dangerously overcrowded emergency department as hospitals overflow with patients." There are currently 500 unfilled consultant posts, 2,650 too few beds and a need for over 1,000 additional GPs. "We need a major investment in acute beds, a recruitment campaign to attract more consultants to Irish hospitals and an end to the two-tier contract which leaves new consultants since 2012 earning 30pc less than their colleagues and widespread investment in general practice and primary care," he added. Mr Harris has said 10m is being made available in 2019 to increase acute bed capacity this winter. Some of the 79 beds will be in place by the end of this year, but the bulk are not expected to be ready until early 2019, missing the January surge. "My department is currently in discussions with the HSE, in the context of the National Service Plan 2019, to identify the sites for investment and the associated number of beds, as part of an agreed capacity programme for 2019," he told Fianna Fail TD Stephen Donnelly, who quizzed him on the extra beds. The HSE will set out its plan for spending the 17bn allocation to the health service in the coming weeks, including how much will be spent on home care, which is crucial to freeing up beds. In the past week, there are signals the trolley crisis is beginning to worsen with 67 on trolleys in University Hospital Limerick and 33 waiting for a bed in Cork University Hospital. A County Laois woman has bequeathed a total of 30m to five charities in a massive windfall for the charity sector, it has emerged. One of those to receive an equal 6m bequest is the Irish Cancer Society (ICS) and the donation is the single largest donation ever received by the ICS. Today, the ICS identified Mrs Elizabeth OKelly from Stradbally, Co. Laois as the donor and the 6m donation represents the income of two annual Daffodil Days for the ICS. The ICS said today that Mrs OKellys kindness and generosity is reflected in her decision to leave equal amounts in her will to five charities. This represents a 30m windfall from Mrs OKelly for the ICS and the four other charities and according to the ICS annual financial statement, the society is current investigating a number of high impact and transformational projects in which the bequeathed funds will be invested". Mrs OKelly died in her 93rd year in December 2016 - Mrs OKelly was a shareholder in Clylim Properties which has extensive property interests in Dublin while it has been reported previously that Mrs OKelly made around 30m from the sale of the Leinster Leader Ltd in 2005. A statement from the ICS today stated: We are deeply grateful to Mrs Elizabeth OKelly for generously remembering people with cancer in her will. Her generosity will provide hope to so many people affected by cancer and deliver improvements in cancer care that would have been impossible otherwise. The ICS stated: Mrs OKelly, who most recently lived in Stradbally, Co. Laois, was known for displaying great kindness towards her friends and being charitable in supporting those in need. This tremendous kindness and generosity is reflected in her decision to leave equal amounts in her will to five charities. The ICS added that Mrs. OKelly successfully battled cancer in the 1980s. She knew first-hand the challenges cancer patients face and the positive difference the Irish Cancer Society makes to them in their time of need. An ICS spokeswoman said: In the 1980s, when Mrs OKelly was diagnosed with cancer, only three out of ten Irish cancer patients survived. Today, six out of ten do. This is thanks in no small part to the generosity of the Irish public in supporting the Irish Cancer Societys lifesaving research, advocacy and patient support services. The spokeswoman said: The Irish Cancer Society wont give up until Irelands cancer services are truly world-class and every patient has the best possible chance of surviving and thriving after a cancer diagnosis. We wont settle for anything less and we know Mrs OKelly would not want us to. The ICS stated that we cannot deliver truly world-class cancer services in Ireland without far greater investment in research and transformational projects. The scale of the challenge in cancer prevention, treatment and support is simply too great. It added: Mrs OKellys gift will be the seed for this investment. It will therefore enable us to deliver the kind of transformational change that would have been impossible otherwise. On behalf of people affected by cancer all across Ireland, our supporters and volunteers, we are deeply grateful to her for making this possible. Only 2% of the ICSs income comes from the State and the 6m windfall for the society contributed to the societys income increasing by 18% to 26.8m last year. The society's expenditure totalled 20.32m resulting in a surplus of 6.5m for the year - compared to a surplus of 1.65m in 2016. The accounts show that last year the Irish Cancer Society last year generated 3.13m through Daffodil Day and a further 9.55m from Events, Corporate Initiatives and Direct Marketing. The Societys network of shops generated 3.78m in revenues and created a profit of 813,000 after shop costs of 2.97m are taken into account. Numbers employed by the society last year increased from 142 to 148. The society also employs night nurses to provide free end of life care in patients homes. In 2017, over 180 nurses were employed on a sessional basis based on demand with an average of 72 nurses working per week. Staff costs in 2017 increased from 7m to 7.2m while night nursing salaries amounted to an additional 2.735m. Six of the societys workforce last year earned between 90,000 and 100,000 with former Irish Cancer Society chief executive, John McCormack earning in the 130,000 to 140,000 bracket. Former senator, Averil Power was appointed as chief executive of the ICS in January of this year. The ICS stated today that Ms Power is paid an annual salary of 125,000 and this is a reduction of 20,000 on what was paid to the CEO in 2015. Due to the requirement for extensive work-related travel, including weekends, Ms Power receives a car allowance of 10,000 per annum and the Society also contributes 15% of salary to her Defined Contribution pension. An artist's impression of how an entrance to the MetroLink might look on O'Connell Street. REVISED Metrolink plans have been delayed further and wont be ready until early in the New Year - as engineers attempt to resolve a raft of issues and concerns raised. The sheer volume of problems highlighted following consultation with the public and interest groups, has been the catalyst for the delay. Engineers are now attempting to find fair solutions to the litany of concerns raised. Its understood the extra time taken is to ensure there are solid answers to concerns. Among the issues on the table for alterations are two schools on Mobhi Road in Glasnevin - Scoil Chaitriona and Scoil Mobhi. Principal at Scoil Mobhi, Marcella Nic Niallaigh previously said effective education would be impossible with the diesel emissions, noise and vibrations that will come with the construction.. The 26km Metro line will travel between Swords and Sandyford and is projected to cost in the region of 3bn to construct. Fine Gael TD, Noel Rock - who represents the Glasnevin area affected - said were no closer to even getting a definitive timeframe. What we need now is proper, concrete details. I want to see these schools given certainty as to their future and I equally want to see us moving ahead with Metrolink, which, for the northside, is absolutely vital, he said. The metros route through Ranelagh is also being examined by top engineers after uproar with one local saying it will be like creating a Berlin Wall between the community, at an Oireachtas committee. In a statement issued last night, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) said that a high number of submissions were made by the public and the process of addressing these concerns is taking longer than expected. The initial public consultation held by TII was non-statutory and they intend on holding a second one after the revision. The MetroLink engineering designers are carefully considering all the issues raised and as a result are reviewing the Emerging Preferred Route to take into account those concerns and suggestions made as appropriate, the statement read. It was hoped that the project would be in a position to update the public by November, but the process is taking longer than anticipated." A four-month-old puppy had a lucky escape this week after he swallowed an arrow the length of his body. Loki, a Hungarian Vizsla, came into the vets bouncing - but it soon appeared to staff that something was wrong. Lokis owner Olivia Bowen from Blackrock, Dublin explained that he had vomited four days prior to the visit, but the family put it down to being something he ate. "I checked his throat and felt around and noticed a small lump, but when I checked later there was nothing there. I just thought it was just a bone at first," Olivia told Independent.ie. "He was keeping food and water down but when he vomited again, I thought it was going on a bit long so we brought him to the vet." When vet Ruth Wolfsen felt the puppys stomach, she discovered a lump "the size of a plum". The young pup underwent emergency surgery and a 30cm kids' toy arrow was found inside his stomach. "The arrow measured the length of Loki's body and we were all amazed how he managed to swallow it," vet staff at Village Vets in Stillorgan explained. Olivia said the family had "no idea" how he managed to swallow her daughter's toy arrow and that they were shocked when the vet broke the news. "When they said they found what they thought was a toy arrow I thought- oh my god, I know what that is," she said. "Whod have thought - I thought it was a bug!" Olivia said Loki is "flying it" after the surgery and back to his usual, bouncy self. Launch: Fianna Fails Eamon O Cuiv TD (left) and Senator Mark Daly (right) with Sorcha McAnespy in Omagh last week. Photo: PA Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin has sent a "finger-wagging" letter to Eamon O Cuiv and Mark Daly, warning them off any repeat of their party endorsement of a council candidate in the North. But the 14-line letter sent by email to the Galway West TD and Co Kerry Senator makes no reference to disciplinary sanctions. Controversy erupted last Thursday when photographs of the two Oireachtas members alongside Cllr Sorcha McAnespy with the Fianna Fail logo were issued. The party promptly said the announcement of Ms McAnespy as a Fianna Fail candidate for next year's local elections in the North was "premature". Talks about a link-up with the SDLP ahead of the local elections in May 2019 are ongoing and Ms McAnespy, an Independent member of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is also a member of Fianna Fail and has a seat on the national executive. The party has been committed since 2013 to running candidates in the North's local elections next May. But Fianna Fail headquarters staff are known to be reluctant to commit to the costs and required personnel, while others feel it could distract from efforts to ensure they lead the next government in Dublin with Micheal Martin as Taoiseach. There was speculation over the weekend that Mr O Cuiv and Mr Daly could face sanctions for allegedly "bringing the party into disrepute". Party sources pointed out Ms McAnespy was not nominated in line with party rules. On Sunday, Mr O Cuiv told Raidio na Gaeltachta he had received a letter from the party leader and had since replied. Contacted by the Irish Independent, he declined to reveal the letter contents and would not speculate about likely disciplinary proceedings. "Disciplinary procedures? That's above my pay grade," he said. Senator Daly refused to discuss the letter contents but insisted he was acting on a decision of party members at the 2013 Ard Fheis. "This opportunity may not come again. Making Fianna Fail an all-Ireland party has members' support," he said. The future of the Government could now depend on its ability to rescue the National Broadband Plan (NBP) from the brink of collapse. Fianna Fail is preparing to ratchet up the pressure on Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to get the roll-out of high-speed broadband back on track. It comes after the Irish Independent revealed officials are preparing to announce a new delay to a broadband roll-out for one million people living outside our cities. This will push back new rural broadband connections until 2020 at the earliest. The issue is set to become a central theme in the review of the confidence and supply arrangement which formally begins this week. Senior Fianna Fail sources told this newspaper they feel the Government has "ignored" their concerns about the process for the past 14 months - but won't be able to any longer. Broadband will now feature among the headline topics for the confidence and supply negotiations, in the same way that the abolition of water charges did in 2016. Fianna Fail's communications spokesman Timmy Dooley would not comment on the talks last night, but he did say: "The Taoiseach's failure to address the concerns and problems raised by Fianna Fail over the last 14 months is a matter of very serious concern. "For the avoidance of doubt, the Government should know that Fianna Fail sees the non-delivery of the National Broadband Plan as a major failing." There is only one reference to broadband in the original seven-page deal struck by Fianna Fail and Fine Gael two-and-a-half years ago. It merely states that the Government would "increase capital investment" in broadband - but there are no figures or timelines mentioned. If a new document is to be agreed, it is likely Mr Varadkar will have to give much more precise commitments. The Programme for Government did specify a deadline of a 2019 connection date for the NBP. However, telecoms industry executives believe there is a slowing of enthusiasm in Government circles for an expedited rollout of the NBP. There are also concerns that the original 500m estimated cost of the project could fall dramatically short of the final bill, with some reports suggesting it could hit 3bn. The Government is waiting on an audit report from consultant Peter Smyth on whether meetings between former communications minister Denis Naughten and Granahan McCourt boss David McCourt disrupted "the integrity of the procurement process". The final tender was received on September 18 from the consortium headed by Mr McCourt. Mr Dooley said any further delays to the NBP will cause "even more worry and concern in the rural communities up and down the county". "Over the past 14 months, Fianna Fail has been making it clear that there was a problem with the procurement process - a process that resulted in all of the major telecoms companies withdrawing from the contest," he said. "Fianna Fail identified flaws in the process, and raised them repeatedly with the Government since September 2017. At the time, we requested the Government to intervene. "Fourteen months have now passed and we are now facing a nightmare scenario of a full collapse of the National Broadband Plan." Fianna Fail needs me to shake it up, says Peter Casey. Photo: Gerry Mooney Fianna Fail's leadership has been accused of "closing the door too early" on the prospect of party membership for presidential runner-up Peter Casey. Mr Casey, who attracted almost one in four of the votes cast in Friday's presidential election, has further stirred things up by saying Fianna Fail needed his leadership. He also said if he could not join the party he may form his own party calling it "new Fianna Fail". The latest comments by the businessman-turned-politician were dismissed out of hand by several leading Fianna Fail TDs who said his campaign comments about Travellers and people depending on welfare rendered him unsuitable for party membership. But one Fianna Fail councillor, Michael Cahill of Kerry, said the party's hierarchy should give serious consideration to Mr Casey's bid to join the party. "I think the party hierarchy have closed the door too early on this idea. I do not believe Mr Casey is a racist or anything like it. He is a man who spoke his mind and what he had to say resonated with many people since he got nearly one in four of the votes cast," Cllr Cahill told the Irish Independent. Cllr Cahill successfully proposed that Kerry County Council endorse Mr Casey's candidature last month. This gave the Independent contender the first of the required four council endorsements to get on the ballot paper. Mr Casey yesterday further stoked things by saying he would offer leadership to Fianna Fail and go on to become Taoiseach. "They definitely need someone like Peter Casey to shake it up," he told Miriam O'Callaghan on RTE Radio 1. "I'm 100pc serious. If the consensus after talking to them is they don't want me, I'll form a new party and I'll call it the new Fianna Fail," he added. Expand Close Peter Casey says he will form Fianna Fail Nua if he is not allowed to join Fianna Fail (Niall Carson/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Peter Casey says he will form Fianna Fail Nua if he is not allowed to join Fianna Fail (Niall Carson/PA) But Fianna Fail's Eamon O Cuiv said he could never vote for Mr Casey - even if he was the only candidate in an election - given his derogatory comments about Travellers. Limerick TD Willie O'Dea said his comments about people unlucky enough to have to depend on welfare made it unlikely he would be fit to be a party member. He said Mr Casey showed "unbridled arrogance" claiming he would top the poll. Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Ready for battle: The candidates in the RTE radio centre ahead of the first presidential debate on Saturday. Photo: Tony Gavin Class act: Presidential candidate Sean Gallagher at St Laurences Primary School, Co Wicklow, with his wife Trish and their son Bobby (5), and other pupils from Bobbys class. Photo: Colin Keegan Presidential candidate Gavin Duffy buys his wife Orlaith a rose (Niall Carson/PA) Structures need to be put in place: Sinn Feins presidential candidate Liadh Ni Riada Planning ahead: President Michael D Higgins consults a member of his staff at his campaign office in Dublin as he prepares his bid for a further seven years in Aras an Uachtarain. Photo: David Conachy Gavin Duffy and Joan Freeman at Meath County Council Offices. Photo: Seamus Farrelly Taoiseach Leo Varadkar canvassing for Michael D Higgins on Grafton Street (Photo: Kyran O'Brien) Protest: Members of the Travelling community protest against Peter Casey at Carbragh Bridge. Photo: PA Mr Casey visited a housing development intended for the Traveller community on Thursday (Brian Lawless/PA) Controversial Presidential campaign Peter Casey has paid a visit to the houses built for Traveller families in Tipperary (Photo: Mark Condren) Line up: The Presidential candidates with Pat Kenny (centre) for the TV debate on Wednesday. Photo: Brian McEvoy Sinn Feins Presidential candidate Liadh Ni Riada with party leader Mary-Lou McDonald. Picture: Steve Humphreys The ballot box is taken to Tory Island, off the coast of Co Donegal (Niall Carson/PA) 26/10/2018, Sal Healy with her dog Roxy walks past Drumcondra National School after voting in the presidential election. Pic credit; Damien Eagers / INM Handout photo taken with permission from the Twitter feed of @Yokeups of her dog Buffy waiting outside a polling station in Ireland, as the country goes to the polls to vote in the Irish presidential election. Siobhan Quill/PA Wire President Michael D Higgins casts his vote with his wife Sabina for the Presidential Election at St Marys Hospital, Phoenix Park this morning. Photo: Tony Gavin 26/10/2018 26/10/2018, Sean Gallagher casts his vote in the presidential election with his wife Trish and son, bobby, 5, at the Charlesland sports and recreation centre in Greystones. Pic credit; Damien Eagers / INM Gavin Duffy and his wife Orlaith Carmody casting their vote at Whitecross National School in Julianstown, Co Meath. Picture: Mark Condren President Michael D Higgins leaves the polling station with his wife Sabina after voting in the Presidential Election at St Marys Hospital, Phoenix Park this morning. Photo: Tony Gavin 26/10/2018 Taoiseach Leo Varadkar speaks with ex-presidential candidate Peter Casey at Dublin Castle. Picture: Damien Eagers Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina arrive at Dublin Castle to attend the count in Ireland's presidential election. Niall Carson/PA Wire President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina outside Aras an Uachtarain. Photo: David Conachy / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Ready for battle: The candidates in the RTE radio centre ahead of the first presidential debate on Saturday. Photo: Tony Gavin Kildare South TD Fiona O'Loughlin said most of Fianna Fail's elected representatives had a track record of local work, which Mr Casey lacked. "He seems to think his membership would be a great gift to Fianna Fail. But I doubt he could sign up to the values of our party which are based on a 'fair Ireland'," Ms O'Loughlin said. Speaking on RTE Radio One yesterday, Peter Casey told Miriam O'Callaghan said "it's nonsense" that the party is full. "They definitely need someone like Peter Casey to shake it up," he told Miriam O'Callaghan. Responding to suggestions that the party is already "full", Casey said: "the partys full, full of nonsense. If they dont really have room, then they have a problem. "He [Niall Collins] obviously doesnt know me and he has not made an effort to speak to me, Id be delighted to talk to him. I believe that 342,000 people came out and said 'we support Peter'," Casey said in responsee. "I think that should send a message and resonate with the fact how disconnected they are with the people in middle Ireland, the centre, the hardworking people that are getting up, working and feeling that there's no light at the end of the tunnel." Asked whether he had contacted the party officially yet, Casey said he had doubts that party leader Micheal Martin would answer his phone calls. "I can certainly understand why Micheal wouldnt want me because I actually want his job," he said. Read More "I suspect Micheal probably wouldnt take my phone call. I dont have his number. "I think Micheal is a very decent, good and hardworking politician. I think hes too nice to take on the likes of Leo Varadkar, who made scandalous, racist remarks about me and hasnt apologised yet. "Of all the people he knows Im absolutely not a racist. He knows Ive spent more time in India than he has." He continued; "I think you have to be aligned with a party to be successful in Ireland. "The vote wasnt so much a vote for Peter Casey, it was a vote of frustration. The people feel that there hasnt really been a government for the last three and a half years. This confidence and supply- it just hasnt worked in anyone's benefit. "I dont believe as an Independent you can be successful." Mr Casey previously told the Irish Independent that he wants to join Fianna Fail because the party "was always about the people of Ireland", but added it had to start "listening again to real people". In his 1961 collection, A Grief Observed, the famed poet and author CS Lewis says that, "bereavement is a universal part of the experience of love it is not the interruption of the dance, but the next figure of the dance". Unfortunately, when it comes to loss, very few of us have an inbuilt rhythm to guide us around that particular dance floor. Caomhan Keane speaks to people whose personal or professional lives have been shaped by death for advice on how to get through the most difficult days of our lives. GRIEF CAN BE COMPLICATED "A lot of the work we do talks about grief as a normal process," says Orla Keegan, Head of Education and Bereavement at the Irish Hospice Foundation. "It's hard, it's difficult but it's not a counselling issue. Normally, neighbours, family and friends are as much as most people need." However, 10pc of bereaved people will develop prolonged grief disorder, a chronic, heightened grieving process that may require counselling or medication. While everyone's grief is individual, if, after 12 months, a person is still detached, bitter or preoccupied with their sorrow and/or unable to go about normal routines due to their extreme focus on their loved one, they should visit their GP. GRIEF CANNOT SIMPLY BE 'GOTTEN OVER' In her TedTalk, Dr Susan Delaney, a clinical psychologist and Bereavement Services Manager at the Irish Hospice Foundation said: "There are no 'five stages' of grief. There never was. Death ends a life, not a relationship. If someone mattered to you in life, they continue to matter to you after they die. We just have to find a different way to relate to them. For most people I speak to, it would be their worst nightmare that they would 'get over' the person they've lost." Marie Cregan is one of the founding members of Feileacain, the stillbirth and neonatal death association of Ireland. "Very few parents, despite the pain and suffering they have gone through, would be without the memory of their child, the lessons they thought us," she says. "You're never the same. But they are a part of you that you couldn't live without." GRIEF IS FOREVER "The death of a child is probably the worst loss anyone can go through," says Sharon Vard of Anam Cara, the parental and sibling support group. "It's the loss of the future and its milestones - communions, confirmations, graduations, marriages, grandchildren. "The first few years are very, very difficult. But then we learn how to cope. But there are always sideswipes; old songs on the radio, a movie coming up, that can bring you back. It's perfectly OK to have a cry, feel sad. It's your connection to them. They will always be part of your lives." GRIEF IS INDIVIDUAL "One of the hardest things for anybody to do is to try and respect how another person is grieving," says Vard. "My husband didn't want to go to our daughter's grave. Fourteen years on, I accept that. Going to the grave worked for me, but not for him. But it can cause a disconnect. Once it's not causing harm, try and give people the space to grieve in their own way." GRIEF IS COMPULSORY People will avoid grief. They throw themselves into work, fundraise or raise awareness. "Then three years pass," says Vard, "and they've achieved whatever it is they had set their mind on and they are finally ready to grieve. But their support network may have moved on. And they find themselves alone when they need people most. We suggest that from the start you sit down with your grief for 20 minutes every day. Don't put it on hold." GRIEF CAN BE CONTENTIOUS "Friends become strangers and strangers can become friends," says Vard. "People don't know how to be around you, so sometimes they just aren't." Then there are the well-meaning friends who become the victims of your sadness. "Sometimes people blow up as it's the straw that broke the camel's back," says Cregan about volcanic reactions to what might have seemed like an innocuous comment. "But comments like 'they're in a better place,' or 'you can have another baby,' are just not helpful." "It is important that when we realise we have been unreasonable, we apologise" adds Vard. "And if we feel justified in our actions, we can say, 'look, I am really sorry, this is how I feel. I didn't find that remark helpful.'" GRIEF CAN BE PHYSICAL CS Lewis is quoted as having said that he never realised that grief felt so much like fear, that gnawing at the stomach which makes your heart beat faster, which in turn tires you out. "People usually associate grief with sadness and emotions; that's the stereotype," says Keegan. "In reality, grief affects every single part of our life, and that can be disturbing and surprising for people. You physically feel grief. Bereaved people might find themselves exhausted, like physically tired. Doing even simple things are more of an effort." Grieving people can also be immunocompromised, picking up colds more readily than usual. And it can affect your digestion. GRIEF SHOULD BE ACKNOWLEDGED "The victim wants to talk about their loved one," says Margaret Quigley of Support After Homicide, "they want to say his or her name. Talking about them helps to keep that person alive for them, allow them to be what way they were. "But people don't know what to say. So they avoid them in the street. So those left behind often isolate themselves or feel stigmatised." "Acknowledgement of the baby is paramount," adds Cregan. "There's a fear of talking about it. But parents are upset already. Give them a chance to cry. My baby's name might bring tears to my eyes, but it's also music to my heart." GRIEF CAN BE TALKED THROUGH "People think you should be better than perhaps you are, a year down the road," says Teresa Bell, Samaritans Deputy Regional Director. "They don't mention the loved one as often for fear of upsetting the person who is bereaved, who is then less inclined to say how they are feeling. It's like they are being pushed out of the conversation. A volunteer can give time to that person, ask them what their partner was like, what things they enjoyed to do. This allows them to tell the story of the person they have lost, and relive some of those memories with a neutral person. "It can be very good for them. Sometimes all they need to do is talk. Other times it's the start of a journey, where they decide they need to see a bereavement counsellor." GRIEF SHOULD NOT BE GENDERED "What's really sad for dads is that there is an expectation that you need to get on with it and take charge," says Vard. "And they are heartbroken. Yet society expects them to continue on." GRIEF CAN BE DISENFRANCHISED Some types of loss are judged, erroneously, of not being worthy of support. "With the loss of an ex-partner, people often think 'well, you divorced them; this isn't your loss to grieve'," says a spokesperson for Beginning Experience, a peer support group for those who have suffered the loss of a partner through bereavement, divorce or separation. "But marriage is such a strong, strong thing, there is always some connection, even though it ended for whatever reason. "And when you have children together, you are always going to be tied together in some way. So when that person dies, the sadness, guilt and anger of the separation is relieved all over again." GRIEF TOUCHES CHILDREN... It's impossible to be able to plan with any certainty how a child will react when it comes to informing them about an upcoming death or, post-mortem, whether they should see a body or not. For Colman Noctor, a child and adolescent psychotherapist with St Patrick's Mental Health Services, it's important not to force a 'grief agenda'. "Some children will be more able for detail than others. A child who feels they weren't informed enough to say goodbye, or feels the seriousness was kept from them, can feel really aggrieved. "On the flip side is that a child can become overburdened, where they feel beyond what their developmental age can accommodate. You need to get that dial in the middle, informed but not overwhelmed." GRIEF IS NOT TIME SPECIFIC... A younger child may lose a very close relative and not seem to grieve. There may not even be a noticeable reaction at ceremonial events like the wake or the funeral. But grief can be maturational. "A young girl loses her mother at four years of age and she may not have an understanding of the permanency of death," says Noctor. "But when puberty hits, she's 13 and she starts her menstrual cycles, and she really needs a mom, that's when she might start to grieve for a loss she has only just noticed." GRIEF CAN BE SPIRITUAL "I've seen people who would have called themselves good Catholics who, in the face of loss, will question how a good God can do this to them," says Keegan. "While we have also seen people who have no God forced to really think about life and living. If their loved one is gone and the pain is all that's left, they need to go on a secular, spiritual search - what was good about the relationship and what it means to you now." GRIEF KNOWS NO BOUNDARIES Another area where people's feelings may be neglected is after the death of a beloved pet. "People need reassurance that it is valid to grieve the loss of an animal and are sometimes embarrassed by how intense their feelings are when a pet dies," says Annie Kilmartin, of Solace Pet Loss Ireland. "People need to be empathised with and comforted, as there can be a lot of guilt. Did they time the decision to euthanise their pet right - too soon or too late? "They may have witnessed a pet die suddenly and are in a state of shock and grief at never having had an opportunity to say goodbye. "Meanwhile for some people who are living alone, an animal can be their constant companion and a reason for getting out every day. This pet might also be the last connection to a partner who has passed on. "Grief is grief, and love knows no species boundaries." GRIEF CAN BE POSITIVE "People think of grief as just a negative experience but people do change and change positively and grow a little after it. It's very hard for them to see at the time, but it can be you taking on new responsibilities, or a new way of looking at the world," says Keegan. Useful links and websites * feileacain.ie - baby loss * anamcara.ie - for bereaved parents and siblings * supportafterhomicide.ie * beginningexperience.ie - loss of a partner through death, separation or divorce * bereaved.ie - a website of the Irish Hospice foundation * samaritans.ie Irish research has shown a connection between the immune system and the body's natural body clock. For the first time it has been explained why some illnesses, such as arthritis and even the common cold, are experienced differently at different times of the day. "We know that the body's circadian rhythms, also known as the body clock, regulates around 50pc of the genes in our DNA. But it does it a bit differently in different parts of the body so understanding all its effects is very difficult," said Annie Curtis, lecturer at the Royal College of Surgeons. "Shift workers defy their body clocks and are active and eat at times that are unnatural, and that also has an effect on their immune systems. They are much more susceptible to inflammatory diseases such as cancer and obesity." Ms Curtis is a featured researcher in 'Super Bodies', the first of the four 'Science Apprentice' books, produced by UCD and partners and free with the Irish Independent at SuperValu stores from Saturday. Former Olympic champion Ronnie Delany led the tributes to Annagassan's most famous son on Sunday as a fitting memorial was unveiled to running star Noel Carroll. Marking the 20th anniversary of the untimely passing of the local man, a group got together to organise a memorial seat to honour Noel, himself a former Olympic athlete. Ronnie, who won a gold medal in the 1,500m event at the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne, spoke warmly about Noel and what a person and athlete he was. John O'Shea worked alongside Noel with the charity Goal and he too paid tribute to Noel's memory in fitting manner. Family and friends turned out in great numbers for the ceremony, including Noel's widow Deirdre, who also spoke about her husband's great legacy and how delighted she was to see him remembered in the little fishing village where his journey to greatness began. Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex wait to meet New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, at Government House on October 28, 2018 in Wellington, New Zealand New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern waits for the arrival of Britain's Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex at a reception at the Auckland War Memorial Museum in Auckland on October 30, 2018 Meghan, Britain's Duchess of Sussex arrives for a reception hosted by New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at the Auckland War Memorial Museum in Auckland on October 30, 2018 Britain's Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend a reception hosted by New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at the Auckland War Memorial Museum in Auckland on October 30, 2018 Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex arrive at the Auckland War Memorial Museum for a reception hosted by New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in Auckland on October 30, 2018 Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex arrive at the Auckland War Memorial Museum for a reception hosted by New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in Auckland on October 30, 2018 Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends a reception at the Auckland War Memorial Museum with Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern on October 30, 2018 in Auckland, New Zealand Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends a reception at the Auckland War Memorial Museum with Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern on October 30, 2018 in Auckland, New Zealand Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend the Auckland War Memorial Museum for a reception hosted by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on October 30, 2018 in Auckland, New Zealand Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex arrive for Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's reception at Auckland War Memorial Museum on October 30, 2018 in Auckland, New Zealand Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex arrive for Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's reception at Auckland War Memorial Museum on October 30, 2018 in Auckland, New Zealand Meghan, Britain's Duchess of Sussex (R) attends a reception hosted by New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at the Auckland War Memorial Museum in Auckland on October 30, 2018 New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern praised Meghan Markle for her perseverance during her 16-day royal tour with Prince Harry during her second trimester of pregnancy. Britain's royal couple have been on a gruelling tour of Australia, Fiji, Tonga and are wrapping in New Zealand this week, where they will have completed more than 70 different appearances and engagements over the course of the trip. Ms Ardern is an international feminist icon, not only as one of world's most prominent female leaders, but also the fact that she famously gave birth to her first child earlier this year and said she was "pregnant, not incapacitated" in response to critics. She said she received more unsolicited advice than she prepared for and therefore wouldn't be sharing too much information with the Duchess of Sussex during their conversations. "I think because I received so much unsolicited advice, I don't know that I would be dishing too much of it out. Although I actually appreciated the advice that I got, a lot of it was really handy," she said. Expand Close Meghan, Britain's Duchess of Sussex arrives for a reception hosted by New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at the Auckland War Memorial Museum in Auckland on October 30, 2018 / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Meghan, Britain's Duchess of Sussex arrives for a reception hosted by New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at the Auckland War Memorial Museum in Auckland on October 30, 2018 "I don't think she's quite suffered some of the same issues that I had when I went to the Pacific. Its just increased my respect for the role that shes playing at such an often tiring time. I have real empathy and I think shes incredible." It's clear the burgeoning relationship between the pair is growing more and more solid as Ms Ardern reportedly gifted Meghan a pair of earrings from New Zealand-based designer Boh Runga, which feature a Huia feather design. At the weekend, Meghan and Harry were invited to a function with 100 women from local communities fighting for women's rights, during which the former actress delivered a rousing speech on feminism. Expand Close Harry and Meghan meet New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, at Government House in Wellington, New Zealand. Photo: Kirsty Wigglesworth/PA Wire / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Harry and Meghan meet New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, at Government House in Wellington, New Zealand. Photo: Kirsty Wigglesworth/PA Wire Read More "In looking forward to this very special occasion, I reflected on the importance of this achievement but also the larger impact of what this symbolises," she said. "Because yes, women's suffrage is about feminism, but feminism is about fairness. "Suffrage is not simply about the right to vote but also about what that represents: the basic and fundamental human right of being able to participate in the choices for your future and that of your commnity. Video of the Day "The involvement and the voice that allows you to be a part of the very world you are a part of," she added. "And women's suffrage is not simply about the right to vote for women, but also what that represents: the basic and fundamental human right of all people, including those members of society who have been marginalised whether for reasons of race, gender ethnicity or orientation, to be able to participate in the choices for their future and their community. "So bravo New Zealand for championing this right 125 years ago... We all deeply thank you." During last night's reception at the Auckland War Memorial Museum in Auckland, Ms Ardern said there's a "real connection" with the country and Harry and his older brother Prince William. Expand Close New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern waits for the arrival of Britain's Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex at a reception at the Auckland War Memorial Museum in Auckland on October 30, 2018 / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern waits for the arrival of Britain's Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex at a reception at the Auckland War Memorial Museum in Auckland on October 30, 2018 "There's a real connection between particularly William and Harry in recent years, so it's nice to have been able to host them in such close proximity." New Zealand, like Australia, is a constitutional monarchy and as such the Queen is their head of state, represented by a governor-general. Meghan finally recycled her first look, choosing to re-wear a navy asymmetric Antonio Berardi dress which she was pictured in last year, cheering on her then-boyfriend at the Audi Polo Challenge last May. Apus character has been called in to question by some for perpetuating negative stereotypes (Fox) The Simpsons Apu Nahasapeemapetilon could be written out of the show, a producer has claimed, after a row over the characters depiction of Indians. But how do Indian people feel about the cartoons longstanding convenience store owner? Defenders says Apu is only one of many stereotypes on the show, and some even claim he helped them connect with people from other cultures. But others say his characterisation of South East Asians is badly outdated and has emboldened those seeking to mock and belittle their communities. I think its time for Apu to be written out of the Simpsons, Neena Tamber, 23, told the Press Association. I understand that the Simpsons plays up to stereotypes with their characters, but there isnt a large amount of representation on TV of Indian people, and what there is represents something similar to Apu, she said. The offender caseworker, from Cheshire, said her family has experienced prejudice for being Indian due to Apu. Just because my parents' generation may not have had a platform or felt that they couldn't express their dislike of these stereotypes, it doesn't mean it wasn't thereNeena Tamber I tweeted that I was offended by the character and people responded with Thank you, come again, said Neena, referencing the shopkeepers catchphrase. I want people to realise things that were perhaps more accepted when they began can be changed and considered as inappropriate now. Video of the Day Just because my parents generation may not have had a platform or felt that they couldnt express their dislike of these stereotypes, it doesnt mean it wasnt there. Expand Close Hari Kondabolus documentary prompted a debate about Apu (Andy Kropa/Invision/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Hari Kondabolus documentary prompted a debate about Apu (Andy Kropa/Invision/AP) Apu has been a regular fixture on the Simpsons since 1990, but social media has been awash with debate about the role since Indian comedian Hari Kondabolus documentary, The Problem With Apu, last year. In the wake of the debate, Netflix producer Adi Shankar who had been attempting to create a new story for Apu with the help of crowdsourcing told Indiewire that the show plans to drop the character altogether, citing multiple sources in the production team. The Simpsons Al Jean responded by tweeting Shankar does not speak for our show. Adi Shankar is not a producer on the Simpsons. I wish him the very best but he does not speak for our show. Al Jean (@AlJean) October 28, 2018 Among those expressing their dismay at the prospect of Apus departure was Kondabolu, who tweeted: There are so many ways to make Apu work without getting rid of him. If true, this sucks. Agreed. There are so many ways to make Apu work without getting rid of him. If true, this sucks. https://t.co/czBDIvaTV0 Hari Kondabolu (@harikondabolu) October 26, 2018 Others of Indian heritage, such as 26-year-old Chris, believe Apu should not be forced out of the show. Even though he is a stereotype, the other characters are shown to regard him as part of their community, said the student, who is based in Sydney, Australia. If you want to nitpick faults as such in Apu, pretty much every single character in Simpsons is susceptible. I can remember Groundskeeper Willie, Dr Nick, Cletus Spuckler etc, who all bore negative stereotypes. Chris said he did experience racism at school, but never saw references to Apu as derogatory. Although I can never forget the negative remarks, I always felt the people who made such remarks did so because of the poor schooling they have received, he said. Initially, kids did not know how to react to us and obviously Apu was used as a benchmark by some students on how to respond to the aliens in their school. He claimed that the character helped my friends to understand my background and empathise with me in certain situations. You can almost say Apu helped me make friends in a new environment, he added. You can almost say Apu helped me make friends in a new environmentChris Fellow student Megan Gakhreja has a different view. Whenever peers at school would find out that my father is from India they thought speaking in this cartoonish accent was OK because thats how Indian people speak, said the 19-year-old, from San Diego, California. It is beyond disrespectful to me and my people. Apu is voiced by white actor Hank Azaria, who has said he is willing to step aside from the role in the wake of the debate. Expand Close Hank Azaria (PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Hank Azaria (PA) It is a manifestation of hegemony and white privilege, which is unfair and anti-equality, said 33-year-old Prashant Bhatia. Instead of race-baiting, they could have introduced a second-generation Indian-American character who is voiced by Indian actors. They could have included an Indian-origin writer. The masters graduate, from Melbourne, said he has been mocked by people who told him he looked and sounded like Apu. I was also told Oh, do you have a large extended family just like that character in the Simpsons? That is so typical, he said. Apu portrays the way Americans perceive Indians. How inaccurate and racist their perception was. Chris added: The Simpsons is a light-hearted comedy with a message, and that is how it should be taken. I would say, rather than scrapping the character altogether, the Simpsons can use a few episodes where they show the Springfield community in the process of enculturation. However, it is the creators discretion what they see is right because, at the end of the day, they need their audience to be on their side. Princess Sofia of Sweden attends the Sophiahemmet University's graduation ceremony at Stockholm City Hall on June 11, 2018 in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo by MICHAEL CAMPANELLA/Getty Images) Princess Sofia of Sweden attends the Sophiahemmet University's graduation ceremony at Stockholm City Hall on June 11, 2018 in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo by MICHAEL CAMPANELLA/Getty Images) It looks like Kate Middleton is setting a new uniform for European royals. Her balance of high/low attire with an abundance of Jenny Packham dresses sprinkled among some Zara bargain finds has made her a style icon over the course of her 20 years in the spotlight. And it looks like someone was taking notes. Expand Close Princess Sofia of Sweden attends the Sophiahemmet University's graduation ceremony at Stockholm City Hall on June 11, 2018 in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo by MICHAEL CAMPANELLA/Getty Images) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Princess Sofia of Sweden attends the Sophiahemmet University's graduation ceremony at Stockholm City Hall on June 11, 2018 in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo by MICHAEL CAMPANELLA/Getty Images) Sweden's Princess Sofia and Britain's Duchess of Cambridge both come from 'normal' backgrounds, but that's where their similarities end as Sofia was working as a model and reality tv star when she met her husband Prince Carl Philip in New York, and Kate famously met Prince William when they were both studying at St Andrew's University when they were 18. Both boast the same chestnut hair colour and often look as if they stepped off the runway for their various engagements, and during an appearance as guest of honour at a graduation ceremony in Stockholm, Sofia looks to have taken more than a little inspiration from her UK counterpart. The mother-of-two, who welcomed son Prince Gabriel last year, stunned in a floaty silk green dress by Kate's favourite high street store L.K. Bennett, accessorising with a nude Salvatore Ferragamo box bag and nude heels by Stinaa J. She was guest of honour at the Sophiahemmet University's graduation ceremony at Stockholm City Hall, and is taking on more of an independent role within the Swedish royal family since her 2015 wedding. Since welcoming her second child, she is making an increasingly more frequent number of solo appearances and is bringing her own unique style at each turn. She took a break from her public duties after welcoming little prince in September, a little brother for two-year-old Prince Alexander. Expand Close Kate Middleton in Dolce & Gabbana / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Kate Middleton in Dolce & Gabbana She and Carl Philip in 2015 after six years together and when asked about the difficulties of caring for two children under two, she told Swedish magazine Kupe: "We try to create as much family time as possible in the evenings, with bathing and getting into a nighttime routine. Gabriel has started sleeping and eating more regularly. "We do get glimpses that its going to be tougher with two than with one. But there is also twice as much love." For her best looks, check out the gallery below: A suicide bomber blew herself up on a busy Tunis avenue yesterday afternoon, killing herself and wounding many others, Tunisia's TAP news agency reported. The 30-year-old woman set off the blast just before 2pm in the Tunisian capital's popular Habib Bourguiba avenue, according to Interior Ministry spokesman Sofiene Zaag, quoted by TAP. TAP says that eight police officers were among the injured, and one civilian. It said that apart from the bomber, there have been no further reported deaths. An AP reporter at the scene saw many ambulances arriving to take the wounded to hospitals. Mr Zaag was quoted by TAP as saying the explosion took place in front of Tunis' city theatre. Habib Bourguiba avenue is considered the cultural, political and economic heart of Tunis - and is sometimes called Tunisia's Champs Elysees. Public grief: Tears are shed yesterday at a makeshift memorial to the victims of the massacre outside the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. Photo: Reuters The man accused of the Pittsburgh synagogue massacre appeared briefly in federal court in a wheelchair and handcuffs yesterday, to face charges he killed 11 people in what is believed to be the deadliest attack on Jews in US history. Robert Gregory Bowers, who was wounded in a gun battle with police during the rampage, was released from hospital in the morning and a few hours later was wheeled into the courtroom. He was ordered to be held without bail for a preliminary hearing on Thursday, when prosecutors will outline their case against him. During the court appearance, Bowers talked with two court-appointed lawyers, went over documents and confirmed his identity to a judge, saying little more than "Yes" in a soft voice a few times. Courtroom deputies freed one of his hands from cuffs so he could sign paperwork. He did not enter a plea. He remained expressionless. "It was not the face of villainy that I thought we'd see," said Jon Pushinsky, a congregant at Dor Hadash, which lost one of its members to the massacre. Mr Pushinsky was one of two Dor Hadash congregants at the hearing. Federal prosecutors set in motion plans to seek the death penalty against the 46-year-old truck driver, who authorities say expressed hatred of Jews during his attack and later told police, "I just want to kill Jews" and "All these Jews need to die". After the hearing, US Attorney Scott Brady called the shootings "horrific acts of violence" and added: "Rest assured we have a team of prosecutors working hard to ensure that justice is done." The first funeral - for Cecil Rosenthal and his younger brother, David - was set for today. Survivors, meanwhile, started giving harrowing accounts of the mass shooting on Saturday inside Tree of Life Synagogue. Barry Werber (76) said he found himself hiding in a dark storage closet as the gunman tore through the building. "I don't know why he thinks the Jews are responsible for all the ills in the world, but he's not the first and he won't be the last," Mr Werber said. "Unfortunately, that's our burden to bear. It breaks my heart." The White House announced President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will visit Pennsylvania today "to express the support of the American people and to grieve with the Pittsburgh community". The response to Mr Trump's plans has been mixed. Leaders of a liberal Jewish group in Pittsburgh wrote an open letter to the president saying he was not welcome until he denounced white nationalism. But Jeffrey Myers, rabbi with the Tree of Life synagogue, told NB:, "It would be my honour to always meet a president of the United States." The massacre - which took place 10 days before the midterm elections - heightened tensions around the country, coming just a day after the arrest of the Florida man accused of sending a wave of pipe bombs to Trump critics. The mail bomb attacks and the bloodshed in Pittsburgh set off debate over whether the corrosive political climate in Washington and beyond contributed to the violence and whether Mr Trump himself bears any blame because of his combative language. Mr Werber noted the president has embraced the politically fraught label of "nationalist", adding the Nazis were nationalists. "It's part of his programme to instigate his base," Mr Werber said, and "bigots are coming out of the woodwork". Bowers killed eight men and three women before a police tactical team shot him. He was charged with obstructing the exercise of religious beliefs resulting in death - a hate crime - and using a gun to commit murder, criminal homicide, aggravated assault and ethnic intimidation. Relatives of passengers of Lion Air flight JT610 that crashed into the sea, cry at Depati Amir airport in Pangkal Pinang, Indonesia, October 29, 2018. Antara Foto/Elza Elvia via REUTERS Relatives of passengers of Lion Air flight JT610 that crashed into the sea, arrive at crisis center at Soekarno Hatta International airport near Jakarta, Indonesia, October 29, 2018. REUTERS/Willy Kurniawan A policeman helps a woman who is a relative of a passenger of Lion Air flight JT610 that crashed into the sea, as she arrives at a crisis center at Soekarno Hatta International airport near Jakarta, Indonesia, October 29, 2018. REUTERS/Willy Kurniawan Workers of PT Pertamina examine recovered debris of what is believed to be from the crashed Lion Air flight JT610, onboard Prabu ship owned by PT Pertamina, off the shore of Karawang regency, West Java province, Indonesia, October 29, 2018. Antara Foto/PT Pertamina/Handout via REUTERS Workers of PT Pertamina examine recovered debris from what is believed to be the crashed Lion Air flight JT610, onboard Prabu ship owned by PT Pertamina off the shore of Karawang regency, West Java province, Indonesia, October 29, 2018. Antara Foto/PT Pertamina/Handout via REUTERS Passengers wait for their flight in front of a Lion Air office at Soekarno Hatta International airport near Jakarta, Indonesia, October 29, 2018. REUTERS/Willy Kurniawan Workers of PT Pertamina stand onboard Prabu ship owned by PT Pertamina as they watch what is believed to be debris from the crashed Lion Air flight JT610, off the shore of Karawang regency, West Java province, Indonesia, October 29, 2018. Antara Foto/PT Pertamina/Handout via REUTERS Workers of PT Pertamina examine recovered debris of what is believed from the crashed Lion Air flight JT610, onboard Prabu ship owned by PT Pertamina, off the shore of Karawang regency, West Java province, Indonesia, October 29, 2018. Antara Foto/PT Pertamina/Handout via REUTERS In this photo released by Indonesian Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) rescuers inspect oi slick debris believed to be from Lion Air passenger jet that crashed off West Java on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018. (BNPB via AP) In this photo released by Indonesian Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) rescuers inspect debris believed to be from Lion Air passenger jet that crashed off West Java on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018.. (BNPB via AP) In this photo released by Indonesian Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) a rescuer inspects debris believed to be from Lion Air passenger jet that crashed off West Java on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018. (BNPB via AP) In this photo released by Indonesian Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) rescuers inspect debris believed to be from a Lion Air passenger jet that crashed off West Java on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018. (BNPB via AP) In this May 12, 2012 file photo, a Lion Air passenger jet is parked on the tarmac at Juanda International Airport in Surabaya, Indonesia. Indonesia's Lion Air said Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, it has lost contact with a passenger jet flying from Jakarta to an island off Sumatra. (AP Photo/Trisnadi, File) Relatives of passengers of Lion Air flight JT610 that crashed into the sea arrive at Soekarno Hatta International airport near Jakarta, Indonesia, October 29, 2018. REUTERS/Willy Kurniawan Recovered debris are seen of what is believed from the crashed Lion Air flight JT610, that took off from Jakarta and crashed into the ocean, Indonesia October 29, 2018 in this image obtained from social media. Basarnas/via REUTERS Relatives of passengers of the Lion Air plane that crashed into the sea cry at Depati Amir airport in Pangkal Pinang, Belitung island, Indonesia, October 29, 2018. Antara Foto/Hadi Sutrisno via REUTERS A rescue personnel prepares a ROV before starting to find the location of the Lion Air plane crash in the sea in Karawang regency, West Java province Indonesia, October 29, 2018. Antara Foto/Handout/Basarnas via REUTERS Rescue personnel prepare to dive at the location where a Lion Air plane crashed into the sea in the north coast of Karawang regency, West Java province Indonesia, October 29, 2018. Antara Foto/Handout/Basarnas via REUTERS Relatives of passengers of the Lion Air plane that crashed into the sea are seen at Depati Amir airport in Pangkal Pinang, Belitung island, Indonesia, October 29, 2018. Antara Foto/Hadi Sutrisno via REUTERS Rescuers search for victims of a Lion Air passenger jet that crashed in the waters off Tanjung Karawang, Indonesia, Monday, Oct. 29, 2018. The Lion Air flight crashed into the sea just minutes after taking off from Indonesia's capital on Monday in a blow to the country's aviation safety record after the lifting of bans on its airlines by the European Union and U.S. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim) Distraught: Relatives of passengers on Lion Air flight JT610 wait at the airport in Jakarta. Photo: Reuters Relatives began to gather at the airport on Monday (AP/Hadi Sutrisno) In Pictures: Recovery operation underway after passenger jet crashes into sea in Indonesia Close Indonesia on Tuesday stepped up a search for an airliner that plunged into the sea with all 189 aboard feared dead, deploying underwater beacons to trace its black box recorders and uncover why an almost-new plane crashed minutes after take-off. Indonesia, one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets, has a patchy safety record. With the now almost certain prospect of all on board having died, the crash is set to rank as the country's second-worst air disaster. Ground staff lost contact with flight JT610 of budget airline Lion Air 13 minutes after the Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft took off early on Monday from the airport in Jakarta, the capital, on its way to Indonesia's tin-mining region. "Hopefully this morning we can find the wreckage or fuselage," Soerjanto Tjahjono, the head of a national transport safety panel, told Reuters, adding that an underwater acoustic beacon was deployed to locate the main body of the plane. The search and rescue agency added that four sonar detectors were also being used in areas where aircraft debris was found a day earlier off the shore of Karawang, West Java, and 15 vessels were scouring the sea surface. A helicopter circled over five rubber boats carrying about 36 rescuers, as some donned rubber suits, readying to dive. Earlier, however, Yusuf Latif, the spokesman of the national search and rescue agency, had said finding survivors "would be a miracle", judging by the condition of the recovered debris and body parts. In a statement, Lion Air said human remains were collected in 24 body bags after sweeps of the site of the crash, in waters about 30 to 35 metres (98 to 115 ft) deep roughly 15 km (nine miles) off the coast to the northeast of Jakarta. The bags were taken to a hospital for identification, with more expected overnight, authorities told broadcaster Metro TV. On tarpaulins at Jakarta's port, officers laid out items retrieved from the sea, ranging from oxygen bottles to personal effects such as wallets, a mobile telephone, cash and backpacks. Expand Close Distraught: Relatives of passengers on Lion Air flight JT610 wait at the airport in Jakarta. Photo: Reuters / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Distraught: Relatives of passengers on Lion Air flight JT610 wait at the airport in Jakarta. Photo: Reuters Read More Although searchers halted efforts overnight, sonar vessels and an underwater drone kept up the hunt for the wreckage, where many victims were feared trapped, officials said. A witness in Karawang said he had heard an explosion from the beach around the time the aircraft went down. "I thought it was thunder, but it was different from thunder - 'Boom!' - It was loud," said Dadang Hambali. On Monday, the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Boeing Co said they were providing assistance in the crash investigation. (For details of search, crash inquiry, please click on ) The accident is the first to be reported involving the widely sold Boeing 737 MAX, an updated, more fuel-efficient version of the manufacturer's workhorse single-aisle jet. Privately owned Lion Air, founded in 1999, said the aircraft, which had been in operation since August, was airworthy, with its pilot and co-pilot together having amassed 11,000 hours of flying time. Expand Close Rescuers conduct search operation in the waters of Ujung Karawang, West Java (AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Rescuers conduct search operation in the waters of Ujung Karawang, West Java (AP) The pilot of flight JT610, which was bound for Pangkal Pinang in the Bangka-Belitung tin-mining region, had asked to return to base (RTB) shortly after take-off about 6.20 a.m., with landing set for 7.20 a.m. in the city of Pangkal Pinang. "An RTB was requested and had been approved but we're still trying to figure out the reason," Tjahjono told reporters on Monday. No distress signal was received from the aircraft's emergency transmitter, search and rescue agency head Muhmmad Syaugi told a news conference. The aircraft suffered a technical problem on a flight from the resort island of Bali to Jakarta on Sunday night but it was "resolved according to procedure", Edward Sirait, chief executive of Lion Air Group, told reporters. Sirait declined to specify the nature of the issue but said none of the airline's other aircraft of that model had the same problem. Lion had operated 11 Boeing 737 MAX 8s and it had no plan to ground the rest of them, he said. Indonesia's worst air disaster was in 1997, when a Garuda Indonesia A300 crashed in the city of Medan, killing 234 people. The Lion Air Boeing 737 MAX jet that crashed in Indonesia on Monday flew erratically the previous evening and its airspeed readings were unreliable, according to an accident investigator and a flight tracking website. According to data from FlightRadar24, the jet displayed unusual variations in altitude and airspeed in the first several minutes of flight after taking off from Denpasar on the holiday island of Bali on Sunday evening, - including an 875-foot drop over 27 seconds when it would normally be ascending - before stabilising and flying on to Jakarta. However, the pilots kept the plane at a maximum altitude of 28,000 feet compared with 36,000 feet on the same route earlier in the week. Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Relatives began to gather at the airport on Monday (AP/Hadi Sutrisno) Distraught: Relatives of passengers on Lion Air flight JT610 wait at the airport in Jakarta. Photo: Reuters Rescuers conduct search operation in the waters of Ujung Karawang, West Java (AP) Rescuers search for victims of a Lion Air passenger jet that crashed in the waters off Tanjung Karawang, Indonesia, Monday, Oct. 29, 2018. The Lion Air flight crashed into the sea just minutes after taking off from Indonesia's capital on Monday in a blow to the country's aviation safety record after the lifting of bans on its airlines by the European Union and U.S. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim) Relatives of passengers of the Lion Air plane that crashed into the sea are seen at Depati Amir airport in Pangkal Pinang, Belitung island, Indonesia, October 29, 2018. Antara Foto/Hadi Sutrisno via REUTERS Rescue personnel prepare to dive at the location where a Lion Air plane crashed into the sea in the north coast of Karawang regency, West Java province Indonesia, October 29, 2018. Antara Foto/Handout/Basarnas via REUTERS A rescue personnel prepares a ROV before starting to find the location of the Lion Air plane crash in the sea in Karawang regency, West Java province Indonesia, October 29, 2018. Antara Foto/Handout/Basarnas via REUTERS Relatives of passengers of the Lion Air plane that crashed into the sea cry at Depati Amir airport in Pangkal Pinang, Belitung island, Indonesia, October 29, 2018. Antara Foto/Hadi Sutrisno via REUTERS Recovered debris are seen of what is believed from the crashed Lion Air flight JT610, that took off from Jakarta and crashed into the ocean, Indonesia October 29, 2018 in this image obtained from social media. Basarnas/via REUTERS Relatives of passengers of Lion Air flight JT610 that crashed into the sea arrive at Soekarno Hatta International airport near Jakarta, Indonesia, October 29, 2018. REUTERS/Willy Kurniawan In this May 12, 2012 file photo, a Lion Air passenger jet is parked on the tarmac at Juanda International Airport in Surabaya, Indonesia. Indonesia's Lion Air said Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, it has lost contact with a passenger jet flying from Jakarta to an island off Sumatra. (AP Photo/Trisnadi, File) In this photo released by Indonesian Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) rescuers inspect debris believed to be from a Lion Air passenger jet that crashed off West Java on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018. (BNPB via AP) In this photo released by Indonesian Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) a rescuer inspects debris believed to be from Lion Air passenger jet that crashed off West Java on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018. (BNPB via AP) In this photo released by Indonesian Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) rescuers inspect debris believed to be from Lion Air passenger jet that crashed off West Java on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018.. (BNPB via AP) In this photo released by Indonesian Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) rescuers inspect oi slick debris believed to be from Lion Air passenger jet that crashed off West Java on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018. (BNPB via AP) Workers of PT Pertamina examine recovered debris of what is believed from the crashed Lion Air flight JT610, onboard Prabu ship owned by PT Pertamina, off the shore of Karawang regency, West Java province, Indonesia, October 29, 2018. Antara Foto/PT Pertamina/Handout via REUTERS Workers of PT Pertamina stand onboard Prabu ship owned by PT Pertamina as they watch what is believed to be debris from the crashed Lion Air flight JT610, off the shore of Karawang regency, West Java province, Indonesia, October 29, 2018. Antara Foto/PT Pertamina/Handout via REUTERS Passengers wait for their flight in front of a Lion Air office at Soekarno Hatta International airport near Jakarta, Indonesia, October 29, 2018. REUTERS/Willy Kurniawan Workers of PT Pertamina examine recovered debris from what is believed to be the crashed Lion Air flight JT610, onboard Prabu ship owned by PT Pertamina off the shore of Karawang regency, West Java province, Indonesia, October 29, 2018. Antara Foto/PT Pertamina/Handout via REUTERS Workers of PT Pertamina examine recovered debris of what is believed to be from the crashed Lion Air flight JT610, onboard Prabu ship owned by PT Pertamina, off the shore of Karawang regency, West Java province, Indonesia, October 29, 2018. Antara Foto/PT Pertamina/Handout via REUTERS A policeman helps a woman who is a relative of a passenger of Lion Air flight JT610 that crashed into the sea, as she arrives at a crisis center at Soekarno Hatta International airport near Jakarta, Indonesia, October 29, 2018. REUTERS/Willy Kurniawan Relatives of passengers of Lion Air flight JT610 that crashed into the sea, arrive at crisis center at Soekarno Hatta International airport near Jakarta, Indonesia, October 29, 2018. REUTERS/Willy Kurniawan Relatives of passengers of Lion Air flight JT610 that crashed into the sea, cry at Depati Amir airport in Pangkal Pinang, Indonesia, October 29, 2018. Antara Foto/Elza Elvia via REUTERS / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Relatives began to gather at the airport on Monday (AP/Hadi Sutrisno) Lion Air CEO Edward Sirait told reporters on Monday a technical problem had occurred on the Denpasar-Jakarta flight but it had been resolved "according to procedure". National Transport Safety Committee (NSTC) deputy chief Haryo Satmiko told reporters on Tuesday there were technical problems on that flight, including unreliable airspeed readings. Expand Close The search and rescue operation off Indonesia (Tatan Syuflana/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The search and rescue operation off Indonesia (Tatan Syuflana/AP) "The suspected cause of the accident is still being investigated and it is making us all curious what could have caused it," he said. Satmiko gave no further details. Two passengers on Sunday's flight posted on Instagram, reporting that they had been concerned about problems with the air conditioning system and cabin lighting before the plane departed nearly three hours late. "I was angry because as a passenger who had paid her ticket, we have every right to question the aircraft's safety," said one of them, TV presenter Conchita Caroline. She added there was a "weird" engine noise upon take-off that continued during flight. It was not clear if the cabin problems were in any way related to the technical trouble mentioned by the airline's CEO. Expand Close Distraught: Relatives of passengers on Lion Air flight JT610 wait at the airport in Jakarta. Photo: Reuters / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Distraught: Relatives of passengers on Lion Air flight JT610 wait at the airport in Jakarta. Photo: Reuters The Denpasar-Jakarta flight landed at 10:55 p.m. local time on Sunday, giving engineers six-and-a-half hours at most for checks before it was dispatched for the fatal Jakarta-Pangkal Pinang flight at 6:20 a.m. on Monday. The plane plunged into the sea minutes after taking off from Jakarta and all 189 people on board are believed dead. Expand Close Rescuers conduct search operation in the waters of Ujung Karawang, West Java (AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Rescuers conduct search operation in the waters of Ujung Karawang, West Java (AP) FlightRadar24 also reported unusual air speeds and altitudes in the few minutes that Flight JT610 was in the air on Monday. Photos of alleged technical and maintenance logs following the Sunday flight have been circulating online, but to date they have not been verified as accurate by the airline or investigators. Sirait declined to detail the maintenance procedures taken, and on Tuesday he told Reuters the airline had provided the relevant aircraft flight and maintenance logs to NTSC. NTSC Chairman Soerjanto Tjahjono said there was a similarity between the maintenance log circulating online and the one received from Lion Air but he had not checked the exact details. Satmiko said the agency had not yet met with the technician who handled the maintenance of the aircraft between the two flights. Safety experts say the crash investigation is at a very preliminary stage and it is too early to speculate about the cause. But pilot and engineering sources told Reuters the FlightRadar24 data for both flights, while not conclusive, could be a potential indicator of something wrong with the pitot static systems. Those are pressure-sensitive instruments that feed airspeed and altitude information to an avionics computer. "Certainly the big changes in climb/descent very early on in the flight is what makes me think unreliable speed," said a pilot at another airline, who declined to be named because he was not authorised to speak to media. The data from FlightRadar24 shows the first sign that something was amiss on Monday's fated flight came about two minutes after take-off when the plane had reached 2,000 feet. At that point, it descended more than 500 feet and veered to the left before climbing again to 5,000 feet, where it stayed during most of the rest of the flight. It began gaining speed in the final moments and reached 345 knots (397 mph) before data was lost when it was at 3,650 feet. "They were going way faster than you would normally expect," said a second pilot at another airline. Two fishermen who saw the crash from their boat out at sea told Reuters that the plane swayed slightly but made no noise as it fell, almost horizontal with its nose slightly down. There was an explosive sound as it plunged nose-first into the sea, and then there was a column of smoke. The weather was clear at the time of the crash at 6:33 a.m. on Monday, according to the head of Indonesia's transport safety committee, who said the pilots had requested a turnback to Jakarta. A safe visual landing should have been possible even with faulty indicators and a lack of autopilot systems, the pilot sources said. In July, a Malaysia Airlines flight took off from Brisbane, Australia without removing covers on the pitot tubes. The pilots landed the Airbus SE A330 safely after obtaining groundspeed information from air traffic control and using the jet's radar altimeter, according to a preliminary report from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau. There were no reported injuries. In 2009, Air France flight 447 crashed into the Atlantic Ocean after icing that blocked the pitot tubes caused unreliable airspeed data and the confused pilots entered a high-altitude stall and ignored cockpit alarms, according to a report from France's BEA. All 228 people on board died. Distraught: Relatives of passengers on Lion Air flight JT610 wait at the airport in Jakarta. Photo: Reuters Some 189 people are feared dead after a Lion Air passenger flight crashed into the sea yesterday, shortly after taking off from the Indonesian capital Jakarta. The plane was heading to the city of Pangkal Pinang off the island of Sumatra when it lost contact with air traffic control at 6.30am (11.30pm GMT), 13 minutes after take-off. "The plane had requested to return to base before finally disappearing from the radar," said Sindu Rahayu, director- general of civil aviation at the country's transport ministry. Lion Air said the aircraft, a brand-new Boeing 737 Max 8, was carrying 181 passengers, including one child and two babies, and eight crew members. There were two foreigners on board the plane: its pilot, originally from New Delhi, and an Italian citizen. Operation director Bambang Suryo Aji told reporters: "My prediction is that nobody survived because the victims that we found, their bodies were no longer intact. And it's been hours, so it is likely 189 people have died." Rescuers in inflatable boats retrieved human remains, pieces of aircraft and personal belongings from the Java Sea after the jet crashed. Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, a spokesman for the rescue agency, tweeted pictures of debris including a crushed smartphone, books, bags and parts of the aircraft fuselage gathered by search craft. Boats in the area were also said to have retrieved body parts. Distraught friends and relatives prayed and hugged each other as they waited at Pangkal Pinang's airport. At the National Search and Rescue Agency headquarters in Jakarta, family members turned up, hoping desperately for news. Edward Sirait, chief executive of Lion Air Group, told reporters the aircraft had a technical problem on an earlier flight from the resort island of Bali to Jakarta but it had been "resolved according to procedure". He declined to specify the nature of the issue but said none of its other aircraft of that model had the same problem. Lion had operated 11 Boeing 737 Max 8s and it had no plan to ground the rest of them, he said. The accident is the first to be reported involving the widely sold Boeing 737 Max, an updated, more fuel-efficient version of the manufacturer's workhorse single-aisle jet. Privately owned Lion Air said the aircraft had been in operation since August, was airworthy, with its pilot and co-pilot together having accumulated 11,000 hours of flying time. The plane went down in waters about 30-35 metres deep. Bambang Suryo, operational director of the search and rescue agency, said about 150 rescuers and 40 divers were on the site, using an underwater drone to search for the fuselage, where many of the victims were believed to be trapped. "We need to find the main wreckage," he said. Another agency official, Deden Ridwansyah, said authorities were focusing on an area about one nautical mile (1.8km) in radius, based on debris found on the water, and floodlights would be used to search through the night. The flight took off in clear weather at around 6.20am and was due to have landed in Pangkal Pinang at 7.20am. Distraught relatives of those on board arrived at the airport in Jakarta and Pangkal Pinang. "Be patient, pray the best for papa," a woman arriving at Jakarta airport told a sobbing girl. One relative, Feni, who uses a single name, said her soon-to-be-married sister was on the flight, planning to meet relatives in Pangkal Pinang. "We are here to find any information about my younger sister, her fiance, her in-law to be and a friend," said Feni. "We don't have any information," she said. "No one provided us with any information that we need. We're confused. We hope our family is still alive." An official of Indonesia's transport safety committee said the cause of the crash would not be known until the cockpit voice recorder and data recorder were recovered. "We will collect all data from the control tower," Soerjanto Tjahjono said. "The plane is so modern, it transmits data from the plane and that we will review too. But the most important is the black box." The Flightradar website tracked the plane, showing it looping south on take-off and then heading north before the flight path ended abruptly over the Java Sea, near the coast. Preliminary flight tracking data from the website shows the aircraft climbed to around 5,000ft before losing, and then regaining, height, before finally falling towards the sea. Indonesia relies heavily on air transport to connect its thousands of islands but has a poor aviation safety record and has suffered several fatal crashes in recent years. (Daily Telegraph, London) A lawyer who represented James Whitey Bulger is blaming the notorious Boston gangsters death on decisions made by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Attorney JW Carney Jr said in a statement that Bulger was sentenced to life in prison, but as a result of decisions by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, that sentence has been changed to the death penalty. Officials with the Federal Bureau of Prisons say Bulger was found dead in his Bruceton Mills, West Virginia, prison cell Tuesday morning. He was 89. A prison union official says Bulgers death is being investigated as a homicide. Bulger had been serving two consecutive life sentences after his 2013 conviction for participating in 11 murders. A deminer from a bomb-disposal unit holds an unexploded shell recovered in a field in Jametz, close to WWI battlefields, near Verdun, France, October 24, 2018 before the centenial commemoration of the First World War Armistice Day. REUTERS/Pascal Rossignol As the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One draws near next month, bomb disposal experts are still digging up munitions sunk in the killing fields of eastern France -- and it could be another 100 years before they are done. In Vilosnes-Haraumont, where the River Meuse snakes north and west from Verdun, the German army dumped thousands of artillery shells into the river's slowly shifting waters after the battle of Mort Homme in 1916. Last week a pair of scuba divers plunged into the chilly waters to tie ropes around dozens of shells buried in the river bed, before a crane dragged and carefully lifted a string of the rusted ordnance onto the grassy bank. In one day's work, more than five tonnes of unexploded shells were dredged from the river, an unusually large haul. Expand Close A memorial for U.S. soldier Henry Gunther, generally recognized as the last soldier killed in action in World War I just before the Armistice, is seen at Chaumont-Devant-Damvillers. REUTERS/Pascal Rossignol / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A memorial for U.S. soldier Henry Gunther, generally recognized as the last soldier killed in action in World War I just before the Armistice, is seen at Chaumont-Devant-Damvillers. REUTERS/Pascal Rossignol In a normal year, the Metz Demining Centre says it collects between 45 and 50 tonnes of ordnance, and it estimates there are at least 250 to 300 tonnes still buried in the nearby rivers and rolling hills of eastern France. For Guy Momper, the bomb clearance specialist overseeing the clear-up, it is a painstaking but essential task to protect people from ammunition that could still explode and return the French landscape to the way it was before the war. "We need to tidy up the land," said Momper, who estimates it could take more than a century to clear all the munitions. "As a matter of principle, from the moment a shell is reported, we go out and collect it." World War One was largely fought on French and Belgian soil. The bulk of the grinding conflict took place in trenches -- sometimes only a few metres apart -- dug into the soil along the borders of France, Germany and Belgium. More than 10 million soldiers, including 1.4 million French, died in the conflict, which came to an end on Nov. 11, 1918, dramatically altering France's demography and landscape. The physical impact can still be seen, with the traces of old trench networks scarring the fields, and the ground pockmarked by the blast holes from exploded shells. Expand Close Divers from a bomb-disposal unit look at an unexploded shell recovered in the Meuse River at Sivry-sur-Meuse, close to WW1 battlefields, France, October 24, 2018. REUTERS/Pascal Rossignol / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Divers from a bomb-disposal unit look at an unexploded shell recovered in the Meuse River at Sivry-sur-Meuse, close to WW1 battlefields, France, October 24, 2018. REUTERS/Pascal Rossignol While the munitions pulled from the River Meuse have little risk of exploding, Momper and his team want to make sure there are no accidents. Alongside the river, they stack dozens of shells in neat rows, ready to be packed and removed. "There are regularly accidents involving people who fancy themselves as deminers but who go too far," said Benoit, a deminer working with the Metz team. "Unfortunately that costs lives in the worst cases." Jair Bolsonaro swept to power in Brazil's presidential election, marking a hard turn to the right that promises to open up the resource-rich economy to private investment, strengthen ties to the US and unleash an aggressive crackdown on epidemic crime. The former army captain saw off Fernando Haddad, a leftist former Sao Paulo mayor whose Workers' Party became synonymous with graft, winning 55pc of the vote to Mr Haddad's 45pc with almost all votes counted. His supporters thronged public places throughout the world's fifth most populous nation, celebrating with flags, music and fireworks. "This government will be a defender of the constitution, of democracy and of freedom," Mr Bolsonaro told a crowd of supporters in Rio de Janeiro. "This is a promise, not from a party, not the words of a man, it's an oath to God." A little-known politician for almost three decades, Mr Bolsonaro (63) drew public attention with tough talk. He promised to suppress the nation's lawlessness by meeting violence with violence, insulted minorities and women, waxed nostalgic for Brazil's dictatorship and expressed doubts about the electoral process itself. His unforgiving politics places him among nationalists such as Hungary's Viktor Orban, Rodrigo Duterte in the Philippines and Donald Trump in America, who called him after his victory was declared. To many, however, Mr Bolsonaro is the best hope to revive an ailing economy. An exchange-traded fund focused on Brazilian stocks climbed 11pc in Tokyo trading and an US depository receipt of Petroleo Brasileiro rose as much as 6.1pc in Germany. Hari Hariharan, CEO at NWI Management LP in New York, which has been investing in Brazil since 1990, said: "A lot of global money is going to look to Brazil. If the fiscal situation is addressed, Brazil is going to be fantastic." Mr Bolsonaro aims to thwart corruption and downsize a costly state by selling scores of state-owned companies. He would cut corporate and individual taxes to kick-start the economy and push structural reforms such as capping pension spending and simplifying taxes. All that helped drive a rally in Brazilian assets. The Next Funds Ibovespa ETF jumped 13pc in Japan early yesterday. Alberto Ramos, an economist at Goldman Sachs, said Mr Bolsonaro's solid win gives him a strong mandate and "the market is likely to react positively". Former nurse Niels Hoegel covers his face as he arrives for the start of his trial in a courtroom in Oldenburg, Germany, October 30, 2018. Julian Stratenschulte/Pool via REUTERS Former nurse Niels Hoegel covers his face as he arrives for the start of his trial in a courtroom in Oldenburg, Germany, October 30, 2018. Julian Stratenschulte/Pool via REUTERS A German nurse admitted in court on Tuesday to being post-war Germany's deadliest serial killer, murdering 99 patients with lethal injections so that he could play the hero by trying to revive them. When judge Sebastian Buehrmann asked 41-year-old Niels Hoegel if the charges against him were valid, he responded in the affirmative, adding: "All that I have admitted to is true." Hoegel hid his face behind a blue plastic folder as he was ushered into the courtroom in the northern city of Oldenburg by police and his attorney. He had already been sentenced to 15 years in jail in 2015 after he was found guilty of killing two patients with lethal injections. In January, prosecutors brought new charges against him for killing another 97 people. Expand Close Former nurse Niels Hoegel covers his face as he arrives for the start of his trial in a courtroom in Oldenburg, Germany, October 30, 2018. Julian Stratenschulte/Pool via REUTERS / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Former nurse Niels Hoegel covers his face as he arrives for the start of his trial in a courtroom in Oldenburg, Germany, October 30, 2018. Julian Stratenschulte/Pool via REUTERS His admission will not end the trial, at which families of the victims hope to uncover more information about the crimes. "We want him to get the sentence that he deserves," said Frank Brinkers, whose father died in an overdose allegedly administered by Hoegel. "When this trial is over we want to put this whole thing behind us and find closure." Prosecutors in the northern German city of Oldenburg say an investigation and toxicology reports showed that he injected 35 people at one clinic, in Oldenburg, and 62 at another in nearby Delmenhorst, with drugs that could kill them. Ten years ago, a German nurse was convicted of killing 28 elderly patients. He said he gave them lethal injections because he felt sorry for them. He was sentenced to life in prison. Expand Close Niels Hoegel covering his face at a 2015 court appearance (Carmen Jasperson/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Niels Hoegel covering his face at a 2015 court appearance (Carmen Jasperson/AP) In Britain, Dr Harold Shipman was believed to have killed as many as 250 people, most of them elderly and middle-aged women who were his patients. Known as Dr Death, Shipman was sentenced to 15 life terms in 2000; he died prison in 2004, apparently a suicide. The fiancee of murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi has said Saudi Arabia is responsible for his death, and the kingdom should give more details so those who ordered and carried out the killing can be brought to justice. The death of Mr Khashoggi - a 'Washington Post' columnist and critic of Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman - sparked global outrage and pitched the world's top oil exporter into crisis. When asked who was ultimately responsible for the killing, his fiancee Hatice Cengiz said: "This took place inside a Saudi diplomatic mission. In such circumstances, the Saudi Arabian authorities are responsible for this. "This incident, this assassination, took place in the Saudi consulate. So the Saudi authorities probably know how such a murder took place. "They need to explain what happened." Her comments come as Turkey called for the full truth surrounding the killing to be revealed. Saudi Arabia's public prosecutor is holding talks in Istanbul. Saudi prosecutor Saud Al Mojeb arrived in Istanbul days after he contradicted weeks of Saudi statements by saying the killing was premeditated. Yesterday, he met Istanbul's chief prosecutor. "The whole truth must be revealed," Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said. "We believe this visit is important for these truths to come out." Mr Khashoggi was killed inside the Saudi consulate when he went to get documents for his marriage. Officials initially insisted he left the compound on October 2 after completing his paperwork. Turkish officials said they believed he was killed inside by a team sent from Saudi Arabia. Riyadh's shifting accounts of the killing have undermined Prince Mohammed's standing in the West. Mr Cavusoglu called on Riyadh to conclude the investigation as soon as possible. Turkey's state broadcaster TRT Haber said Saudi officials asked for the whole investigation folder, including evidence, statements and footage, be given to them. The request has been refused. Jens Stoltenberg at the Nato-led military exercise in Norway (Gorm Kallestad/NTB scanpix via AP) Natos secretary-general has said he is confident the Western military alliance and Russia will act in a respectable way as the two sides hold drills in the same area in waters off Norways coast. Jens Stoltenberg was speaking as he attended the Trident Juncture war games in his native Norway. He said that this is not a Cold War situation, stressing it is purely to prevent, not to provoke. Russia has been briefed by Nato on the exercises and invited to monitor them, but the move has still angered the Russians. Expand Close Jens Stoltenberg visits the Nato-led military exercise in Norway (Gorm Kallestad/NTB Scanpix via AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Jens Stoltenberg visits the Nato-led military exercise in Norway (Gorm Kallestad/NTB Scanpix via AP) Moscow has warned it could be forced to respond to increased Nato military activities and said its navy plans to test missiles in international waters, close to where the alliance is conducting its largest military exercise since the end of the Cold War. The Russian missile tests will take place at the start of November off western Norway. The Nato drill, which is scheduled to end on November 7, is taking place in central and eastern Norway, the North Atlantic and the Baltic Sea. The exercises come amid persistent tensions between Nato and Russia, and Moscow believes the alliance is behaving provocatively near its borders. Mr Stoltenberg said it is a necessary exercise to send a strong signal of unity. The exercises involve around 50,000 personnel from all 29 Nato allies, plus partners Finland and Sweden. There also are 65 ships, 250 aircraft and 10,000 vehicles in a hypothetical scenario that involves restoring Norways sovereignty after an attack by a fictitious aggressor. We are exercising in Nato territory, Mr Stoltenberg said. Special Counsel Robert Mueller's team has asked the FBI to look into claims that women were offered money to fabricate sexual assault allegations against Mueller, who leads the probe into Russia's attempts to influence the U.S. election in 2016. "When we learned last week of allegations that women were offered money to make false claims about the Special Counsel, we immediately referred the matter to the FBI for investigation," Peter Carr, a spokesman for Mueller, said. The Federal Bureau of Investigation declined to comment. Jack Burkman, a Washington lawyer and Republican operative, told Reuters he was speaking to five women who claimed they were sexually assaulted by Mueller, and denied paying them for the information. He said he would have a news conference close to Washington on Thursday with one of the women who claimed she was sexually assaulted by Mueller in 2010, and that the other four women still needed to be vetted. Mueller is leading the politically sensitive investigation into Russian meddling and possible collusion between Republican Donald Trump's 2016 campaign team and Russian officials. Burkman, who is also a right-wing commentator on social media, has been critical of the Mueller probe and sought to raise funds for Rick Gates and Michael Flynn, two former Trump aides who pleaded guilty to charges brought against them by Mueller's team. Trump denies any collusion and has repeatedly described Mueller's probe as a partisan "witch hunt." Russia denies the allegations that it interfered in the election. James "Whitey" Bulger, who lived a double life as one of Boston's most notorious mobsters and as a secret FBI informant, was found dead after being transferred to a federal prison in West Virginia, NBC News has reported. Bulger was 89 and serving a sentence of life in prison, and had recently been transferred to the high-security Hazelton penitentiary in West Virginia, according to NBC News, which also reported the death but did not specify the cause. Henry Brennan, a defense lawyer for Bulger, said in an email he could not confirm or deny the reports. Officials at the Federal Bureau of Prisons did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Bulger was convicted in August 2013 of 11 murders, among other charges including racketeering, and sentenced to two consecutive life terms plus five years. Read More Prison had been something Bulger had gone to great lengths to avoid - killing potential witnesses, cultivating corrupt lawmen and living as a fugitive for 16 years. It all ended when a tip from a former Icelandic beauty queen led to his capture in June 2011 in Santa Monica, California, where he was living with a long-time girlfriend. Bulger and his Winter Hill gang had operated for more than two decades in the insular Irish-dominated South Boston neighborhood, engaging in loan sharking, gambling, extortion, drug dealing and murder. They did so with the tacit approval of an FBI agent who looked the other way when it came to Bulger's crimes so that he would supply information on other gangsters. Bulger, portrayed by Johnny Depp in a 2015 film "Black Mass," was feared for his short temper and brutality. Prosecutors said he strangled two women with his hands and tortured a man for hours before shooting him in the head with a machine gun. "We took what we wanted," Kevin Weeks, a former Bulger lieutenant who would eventually testify against him, wrote in his memoir, "Brutal." "We made millions through extortion and loansharking and protection. And if someone ratted us out, we killed him. We were not nice guys." Bulger was born Sept. 3, 1929, and grew up in South Boston. He was called "Whitey" because of his light blond hair but was said to detest the nickname and preferred being called Jimmy. As a teenager he joined a gang known as The Shamrocks, compiled an arrest record for assault and armed robbery and ended up in a juvenile reformatory. Bulger was in prison from 1956 to 1965 for robbing banks and upon his release he fell in with the Irish mob in South Boston. He worked his way through the ranks as a bookie and loanshark, survived a gang war between two Irish mobs and was a leading figure in Boston's underworld by the early 1970s. His career was boosted by his relationship with rogue FBI agent John J. Connolly, who Bulger had known since they were boys. Connolly was supposed to be in charge of getting information out of him and Bulger did provide information that helped the FBI go after his main rival, New England's Italian Mafia, as well as local criminals. In return, Connolly let Bulger know about working investigations while Bulger and close associate Steve "The Rifleman" Flemmi carried on with impunity. After he retired from the FBI, Connolly tipped off Bulger about a coming indictment, sending the mobster on the run in 1995. Connolly was convicted in 2008 of racketeering, taking bribes and second-degree murder for his role in the slaying of an accountant who Bulger and Flemmi feared would testify against them. Bulger's former associates turned on him while he was at large and their information led to a 2000 indictment that originally charged him with 19 murders. "The guy is a sociopathic killer," Tom Foley, who worked on Bulger cases for the Massachusetts State Police, told CNN. "He loved that type of life. He's one of the hardest and cruelest individuals that operated in the Boston area. He's a bad, bad, bad guy." When Bulger fled, he first took Teresa Stanley, his girlfriend of 30 years, with him. After a few weeks at large, however, Stanley wanted to go home so Bulger dropped her off in the Boston area. He picked up another of his girlfriends, Catherine Greig, and disappeared again. Bulger spent his final years of freedom in No. 303 of the Princess Eugenia apartment complex in Santa Monica with Greig. One of their neighbors, Anna Bjornsdottir, a former U.S. television actress and Miss Iceland of 1974, earned a $2 million reward for turning in Bulger. She was watching a television news report about the Bulger manhunt when she recognized the man she knew by the name Charlie Gasko and notified the FBI. At first he denied his identity but eventually told authorities, "You know who I am. I'm Whitey Bulger." More than $800,000 in cash and a cache of weapons was found hidden in the walls of his apartment. Greig was sentenced to eight years in prison and fined $150,000 for helping Bulger evade capture. She is scheduled for release in September 2020. Bulger's two-month trial for murder, extortion and drug dealing in 2013 was sometimes raucous. A parade of former associates testified against him, giving brutal details about how Bulger would kill enemies and then take a nap. Sometimes Bulger sat silently at the defendant's table and at other times he engaged in profane shouting matches with witnesses such as Flemmi. Bulger, who denied ever being an FBI informant, refused to testify on the grounds that the trial was a sham. The U.S. Justice Department paid more than $20 million in damages to families of people killed by Bulger on the grounds that he was operating under government supervision while killing. While Bulger was robbing banks and killing people, his younger brother Billy was acquiring political notoriety and power. Billy served in the Massachusetts legislature for 35 years, including several years as president of the Senate, and then was president of the University of Massachusetts. He was forced to resign the latter job in 2003 after it was learned that eight years earlier he had spoken by phone with Whitey, who was a fugitive at the time, and did not report it to authorities. A man has been sentenced to life in prison for conspiring to kidnap a baby that his girlfriend had cut from their neighbour's body. William Hoehn (33) had been found not guilty of conspiracy to commit murder over the death of Savanna Greywind in North Dakota in August 2017. Brooke Crews admitted she sliced Ms Greywind's baby from her womb and is serving life in prison without the possibility of parole. Hoehn denied knowing anything about Crews's plan to kill Ms Greywind and take her baby, but admitted hiding the newborn and giving false information to police to cover up the crime. He will have a chance of parole under the sentence handed down by state Judge Tom Olson. Norberta Greywind, mother of 22-year-old Ms Greywind, of Fargo, North Dakota said: "We want justice. He deserves a life sentence. I don't think this man should ever walk free. "He betrayed our family. He looked us in the eye with a straight face while our daughter lay dead in his apartment. Please don't ever consider letting him out." Hoehn had faced a maximum 21 years behind bars on the conspiracy and lying counts, but Judge Olson granted prosecutors' request to label him a dangerous offender, enhancing his maximum sentence to life with the possibility of parole. Crews testified during Hoehn's trial that she concocted a fake pregnancy because she was afraid of losing him, and that when he figured out she was lying, he told her she needed to produce a baby. Crews said she took that as an ultimatum. Crews said she never explicitly told him what she planned to do, but when he arrived home to find a newborn and a bleeding Ms Greywind, he twisted a rope around her neck to make sure she was dead. A coroner was unable to determine if strangulation or blood loss had killed her. "Savanna would have been an amazing mother, and she was an awesome daughter," her mother said in her victim impact statement. "This man took something that can't be brought back. He devastated our family. Every day is a struggle." Crews said during Hoehn's trial that officers missed Ms Greywind's body and her baby during three searches of the couple's apartment. Police eventually found the baby alive in the apartment, and the child is in the care of her father. Ms Greywind's body was found by kayakers several days after she was killed, shrouded in plastic and dumped in the Red River. Lawyer Gloria Allred, who represents the Greywind family, criticised the police later. "How could the police have searched and failed to find Savanna's body and the baby earlier? These questions demand answers," she said. Another potential explosive device addressed to CNN has been intercepted, as Donald Trump escalated his attack on the media. Following a week of violence, Mr Trump said "fraudulent" reporting was contributing to anger in the country and declared that the press was the "true enemy of the people". Mr Trump tweeted: "There is great anger in our country caused in part by inaccurate, and even fraudulent, reporting of the news." He added the media "must stop the open & obvious hostility & report the news accurately & fairly". Mr Trump's comments came after a mass shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue that left 11 dead and a letter bomb scare targeting Democrats and CNN. The violence rattled a deeply divided nation and prompted questions about whether Mr Trump should tone down his rhetoric. It comes as CNN said yesterday another suspicious package addressed to the cable news network was intercepted at an Atlanta post office. "This morning, another suspicious package addressed to CNN was intercepted at an Atlanta post office," CNN Worldwide president Jeff Zucker said. "There is no imminent danger at CNN Centre," he said in a message to employees that was also posted on Twitter. Since last week, all mail to CNN's US offices has been screened at an off-site location, he said. "So this package would not have come directly to the CNN Centre, even if it hadn't been intercepted first." Cesar Sayoc, who has been charged with sending the letter bombs, was an ardent Trump supporter whom acquaintances said had extremist views and who lived in a van covered in pro-Trump and anti-liberal stickers. Notorious Boston gangster James Whitey Bulger has died in US federal custody nearly five years after being sentenced to spend the rest of his life in prison. Officials at the Federal Bureau of Prisons said he died on Tuesday in West Virginia. He was 89. Bulger led a largely Irish mob that ran loan-sharking, gambling and drug rackets in the Boston area. He also served as an FBI informant. He became one of the nations most-wanted fugitives after fleeing Boston in late 1994. Expand Close James Whitey Bulger has died (FBI via AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp James Whitey Bulger has died (FBI via AP) After more than 16 years on the run, Bulger was captured at the age of 81 in Santa Monica, California, where he had been living with his long-time girlfriend, Catherine Greig. In 2013, Bulger was convicted of participating in 11 murders in the 1970s and 1980s and sentenced to two consecutive life sentences. Bulger was the model for Jack Nicholsons ruthless crime boss in the 2006 Martin Scorsese movie The Departed. When the extent of his crimes and the FBIs role in overlooking them became public in the late 1990s, Bulger became a source of embarrassment for the FBI. During the years he was a fugitive, the FBI battled a public perception that it had not tried very hard to find him. Bulger had just been moved to USP Hazelton, a high-security prison with an adjacent minimum security satellite camp in Bruceton Mills, West Virginia. He had been in a prison in Florida before a stopover at a transfer facility in Oklahoma City. Federal Bureau of Prisons officials and his lawyer had declined to comment on why he was being moved. Bulger, nicknamed Whitey for his bright platinum hair, grew up in a gritty South Boston housing project and became known as one of the most ruthless gangsters in the city. His younger brother, William Bulger, became one of the most powerful politicians in Massachusetts, leading the state Senate for 17 years. In working-class Southie, Jim Bulger was known for helping old ladies across the street and giving turkey dinners to his neighbours at Thanksgiving. He had a kind of Robin Hood-like image among some locals, but authorities said he would put a bullet in anyone who he even suspected of double-crossing him. You could go back in the annals of criminal history and youd be hard-pressed to find anyone as diabolical as Bulger, said Tom Duffy, a retired state police major who investigated Bulger. Killing people was his first option. They dont get any colder than him, said Mr Duffy after Bulger was finally captured in 2011. Riek Machar, left, looks across at South Sudans president Salva Kiir, in an image from 2016 (AP) South Sudans armed opposition leader Riek Machar is coming home on Wednesday under the countrys latest peace deal, more than two years after he went into exile. Lam Paul Gabriel told reporters that Mr Machar is returning to take part in a nationwide peace celebration, leading a small delegation but not bringing his own security despite concerns for his safety. The spokesman said if this peace has to be implemented, we need to trust each other. Expand Close Salva Kiir and Riek Machar (AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Salva Kiir and Riek Machar (AP) Under the peace deal signed last month, Mr Machar will be President Salva Kiirs deputy once again. That arrangement has twice collapsed in deadly fighting. South Sudans five-year civil war has killed almost 400,000 people as a result of disease as well as violence, according to a recent estimate. A strong but deep earthquake struck New Zealands North Island on Tuesday afternoon, causing Parliament to be briefly suspended as a precaution. There were no immediate reports of major damage or injuries. The magnitude 6.1 quake was centred about 48 miles east of the town of New Plymouth. It was at a depth of 141 miles, according to the US Geological Survey. Deeper quakes are typically less damaging. Thousands of people across the country felt the quake, some as far away as the South Island. QUAKE: Mag 5.7, Tue, Oct 30 2018, 03:13:46 PM, 20 km south-west of Taumarunui. Depth: 165 km #eqnz https://t.co/9R6aaQxT7C NZ Earthquake Bot (@nz_quake) October 30, 2018 It did not disrupt an event in Auckland attended by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Harry and Meghan were visiting the head office of the charity Pillars, which is dedicated to supporting the children of prisoners through mentoring schemes and in-home support. In the capital Wellington, politicians left the debating chamber for 30 minutes. When Parliament resumed, Civil Defence Minister Kris Faafoi told politicians there had been no reports of damage. Caskets are carried out of Rodef Shalom Congregation after the funeral services for brothers Cecil and David Rosenthal (Matt Rourke/AP) President Donald Trump has arrived in Pittsburgh to pay tribute to those touched by the worst instance of anti-Semitic violence in American history. He arrived in Pennsylvania to visit Squirrel Hill, the Pittsburgh neighbourhood that is home to the Tree of Life synagogue, where 11 people were gunned down during Sabbath services on Saturday. When Air Force One touched down at the airport outside Pittsburgh, President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were not greeted by the usual phalanx of local officials that typically welcomes a visiting president, a reflection of controversy surrounding the visit. Expand Close President Donald Trump with First Lady Melania (Keith Srakocic/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp President Donald Trump with First Lady Melania (Keith Srakocic/AP) The White House said President Trump was coming to express the support of the American people and to grieve with the Pittsburgh community. But local and religious leaders were divided on whether he should be there. Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, a Democrat, told reporters before the visit was announced that the White House ought to consult with the families of the victims about their preferences and asked that the president not come during a funeral. Neither he nor Democratic Gov Tom Wolf planned to appear with President Trump. His itinerary remained under wraps even as he stepped off the plane, trailed by his daughter Ivanka Trump and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who are Jewish, and members of the first ladys staff carrying white flowers. The White House invited the top four congressional leaders to join President Trump in Pittsburgh, but none accompanied him. President Trump travelled to the historic hub of the citys Jewish community as the first funerals were scheduled to be held for the victims, who range in age from 54 to 97. He is expected to meet with first responders and community leaders. The death toll includes a set of brothers, a husband and wife, professors, dentists and a physician. It was not immediately clear whether President Trump would meet with any family members. Samantha Jones is escorted by police as she arrives at Langkawi Magistrates court in Langkawi,, Malaysia (AP) A British woman has been charged with murdering her husband after he was found stabbed to death at their home on the Malaysian resort island of Langkawi. Police found a blood-stained kitchen knife in the home 51-year-old Samantha Jones shared with John William Jones, 62. Mr Jones was found dead on October 18 with a stab wound to his chest. Jones lawyer Sangeet Kaur Deo said: She is very, very overwhelmed. It is her husband at the end of the day. She is also grieving for him despite the circumstances of the case, but she is holding up. Expand Close Jones lawyer Sangeet Kaur Deo speaks to the media after a court hearing (AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Jones lawyer Sangeet Kaur Deo speaks to the media after a court hearing (AP) Police earlier said Jones confessed to stabbing her husband in the chest during a heated argument. The couple moved to the tropical island 11 years ago under the Malaysia My Second Home scheme, which gives foreigners long-stay visas. Ms Kaur said Jones did not enter a plea as the magistrates court has no jurisdiction to hear a murder case. The case is expected to be transferred to the high court. The next court hearing is on November 29 where prosecutors are expected to provide the defence with the post-mortem, forensic and other related reports, Ms Kaur added. Murder carries a mandatory death sentence by hanging in Malaysia, but the government plans to abolish the death penalty for all crimes. All executions are being put on hold pending changes to the law. A Mexican Federal Police helicopter flies close to the Suchiate River that connects Mexico and Guatemala (AP) US defence chiefs are sending 5,200 troops to the south-west border with Mexico in an extraordinary military operation ordered just a week before mid-term elections in America. During campaign rallies, President Donald Trump has placed a sharp focus on Central American migrants moving north in slow-moving caravans which are still hundreds of miles from the US. The number of troops being deployed is more than double the 2,000 who are in Syria fighting Islamic State. Expand Close A new group of Central American migrants are met by Mexican Federal Police (AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A new group of Central American migrants are met by Mexican Federal Police (AP) Mr Trump, eager to keep voters focused on illegal immigration in the lead-up to the elections, stepped up his dire warnings about the caravans, tweeting: This is an invasion of our Country and our Military is waiting for you! But any migrants who complete the long trek to the southern US border already face major hurdles both physical and bureaucratic before being allowed into the United States. Mr Trump said the US would build tent cities for asylum seekers. Were going to put tents up all over the place, he told Fox News Channels Laura Ingraham. Expand Close Youngsters watch women preparing dinner for Honduran migrants at a makeshift shelter in Ciudad Hidalgo, Mexico (AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Youngsters watch women preparing dinner for Honduran migrants at a makeshift shelter in Ciudad Hidalgo, Mexico (AP) Theyre going to be very nice and theyre going to wait and if they dont get asylum, they get out. Under current protocol, migrants who clear an initial screening are often released until their cases are decided in immigration court, which can take several years. Mr Trump denied his focus on the caravan is intended to help Republicans in next weeks mid-term polls, saying: This has nothing to do with elections. The Pentagons Operation Faithful Patriot was described by the commander of US Northern Command as an effort to help Customs and Border Protection harden the southern border by stiffening defences at and near legal entry points. Expand Close People wait in line for food in Mexico (AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp People wait in line for food in Mexico (AP) Advanced helicopters will allow border protection agents to swoop down on migrants trying to cross illegally, said Air Force general Terrence OShaughnessy. We will not allow a large group to enter the US in an unlawful and unsafe manner, said Kevin McAleenan, commissioner of Customs and Border Protection. Eight hundred troops already are on their way to southern Texas, general OShaughnessy said, and their numbers will top 5,200 by weeks end. Some of the troops will be armed. He said troops would focus first on Texas, followed by Arizona and then California. Expand Close Mexican police escort migrants at the Suchiate River (AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Mexican police escort migrants at the Suchiate River (AP) The troops will join the more than 2,000 National Guardsmen Mr Trump has already deployed to the border. It remains unclear why the administration is choosing to send active-duty troops given that they will be limited to performing the same support functions the Guard already is doing. The number of people in the first migrant caravan headed toward the US has dwindled to about 4,000 from about 7,000 last week, though a second one was gaining steam and marked by violence. About 600 migrants in the second group tried to cross a bridge from Guatemala to Mexico en masse on Monday. The riverbank stand-off with Mexican police followed a more violent confrontation on Sunday when the migrants used sticks and rocks against officers. One migrant was killed on Sunday night by a head wound, but the cause was unclear. Expand Close Migrants line up to receive food handouts in front of a church heavily damaged by an earthquake last September (AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Migrants line up to receive food handouts in front of a church heavily damaged by an earthquake last September (AP) Migrants are entitled under both US and international law to apply for asylum. But there already is a bottleneck of would-be asylum seekers waiting at some US border crossings to make their claims, some waiting as long as five weeks. Mr McAleenan said the aim of the operation was to deter migrants from crossing illegally, but he conceded his officers were overwhelmed by a surge of asylum seekers at border crossings. He also said Mexico was prepared to offer asylum to members of the caravan. If youre already seeking asylum, youve been given a generous offer, he said of Mexico. We want to work with Mexico to manage that flow. From 'Aboriginal' to 'Indigenous' in the Justin Trudeau era The Conversation Justice and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples have been key priorities since Justin Trudeau was elected in October 2015. Prime Minister Trudeau and key cabinet ministers have often expressed their desire to strike a renewed relationship with Indigenous Peoples, one in which the Indigenous will have a meaningful role to play in formulating and implementing policies that impact their communities. The impact on public discourse has been significant, not to mention the effect on language. As an academic who researches media and public opinion on Arctic security, sovereignty and governance, Ive observed a shift in the use of the terms Aboriginal and Indigenous in the mainstream news media. My preliminary research indicates that this change has been driven by the election of the Trudeau government. Canada can & must do better when it comes to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples - we're working together for a stronger future. #UNGA pic.twitter.com/deAwW2Qje3 Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) September 21, 2017 Whats in a designation? Many terms have been used by the Canadian media to refer to the original inhabitants of Canada: Indian, First Nations, Native, Aboriginal and Indigenous. But the term used in public discourse is important because its tied to identity and it matters whether this identity is provided by outside officials or by the group itself. The term Indian might be the most obvious example of a name being thrust upon First Nations from those outside their communities. The term Aboriginal was also considered to be an external creation, and prompted the Association of Manitoba Chiefs and the Anishinabeks of Ontario to reject it in 2014. However, Aboriginal carries legal ramifications as it is used in the 1982 Canadian Constitution in both Section 35 and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, for example. Recently, the term Indigenous has gained credence as a more appropriate terminology as it refers to rights laid out in the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Both terms, Aboriginal and Indigenous, are tied to legal documents with important consequences in terms of consultation and rights, although Indigenous carries a more global undertone. What about the terms preferred by the Canadian media? Usage of "Indigenous" has increase in Canadian media. Graphic by Mathieu Landriault From Aboriginal to Indigenous Such question can only be answered by looking over long periods of time at different media outlets. My research suggests there is strong evidence that the Canadian media started to change their practice after the election of the Trudeau government. As seen in the table below, the term Aboriginal was the dominant one used in televised reports and newspaper articles before October 2015; the situation evolved dramatically after October 2015. We can also conclude from the data below that Indigenous issues have gained more attention and reached an extended audience after the 2015 election. There are different ways to explain this evolution. For one, maybe specific initiatives can account for the increased use of the designation Indigenous. For example, the mentions of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada or the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples could have explained this change of language. That would suggest the shift is more a consequence of specific institutions or documents than a change in journalistic practices. But these three initiatives only account for under 10 per cent of the hits after October 2015. Another explanation could be that left-leaning or more progressive media such as the CBC or the Toronto Star have led this evolution. However, Postmedia newspapers (including the National Post, Ottawa Citizen and Montreal Gazette, among others) also joined this movement in 2016-2017 by using Indigenous more frequently than Aboriginal. Politicians' usage of "Indigenous" on social media has increased. Graphic by Mathieu Landriault The role of social media Political leadership can create momentum on issues, in this case for an increased emphasis on Indigenous justice and reconciliation. In fact, the evolution in media practices followed another important phenomenon: the change of political messaging by the newly elected Trudeau government. Elected representatives use Twitter as part of their daily political messaging strategy. Politicians, most of them Liberal or left-leaning, led the way in the year following Trudeaus election by using the term Indigenous in their social media communications, as we see below: Elected representatives led this shift in language from October 2015 to October 2016. The tendency has only gained more momentum in the following years. A similar pattern can also be noted for the popularity of Indigenous issues in politicians messaging: these issues are receiving increased public attention thanks to politicians. Rhetoric and action Of course, rhetorical changes are about words and language; they are not about enacting policies or investments. Im not arguing that the Trudeau government must be assessed solely on the basis of this discursive evolution. Nonetheless, using the term Indigenous moves us in the direction of the spirit of the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which stresses the necessity to foster the principles of equality, partnership, good faith and mutual respect. Language is about identity and symbols: I argue that a change in terminology is needed in order to move towards reconciliation and a renewed relationship. This evolution is particularly necessary when Indigenous leaders are already calling for such change. Mathieu Landriault is a Political studies professor at University of Ottawa. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Join the Conversation Anup Jalota, who has been evicted this week from the house, declares that he never had any romantic angle with Jasleen Matharu. He revealed that his purpose to be in the house was to make her popular as she is her student. Twitter Indiatimes spoke to Anup Jalota and questioned him about his relationship with Jasleen and he has some shocking details to share, I never announced she is my girlfriend, if you see my entry, you will see, I sang Aisi Laagi Lagan and then I went to meet Salman. We had a quick chat and he asked whos coming with me I said Jasleen, she is my student. But Salman said she is saying something else. The moment she came, she announced that we are lovers and I was shocked, Salman was shocked, the entire family of hers and mine were shocked. I dont know why she said this, once she will come out, you can ask her directly. Now that she said we are lovers, we had no option but go in the house, I didnt even get time to discuss it with her, I was like Chalo acting karna hai kar lete hai. Twitter Further when we probed him about being upset with Jasleen for not destroying her clothes for him during a task, Anup said, How did you like my acting? There are so many TV actors, Maine sabki chutti kar di, The next day I sorted things with her, I am her guru and it was my responsibility to teach her that material things are not important in front of your guru, father or family. It was a lesson for her. Twitter Anup even said how he met Jasleens father and explained to him that there is no romantic angle of him with his daughter, I met Jasleens father today and asked, 'will you call me for Jasleens wedding and let me perform her Kanyadaan', he said 'Hum dono milke uska Kanyadaan karenge'. I am like a father figure to her, I am her guru. Twitter When we asked about why he couldn't expose Jaleen's lies then and there, Anup said, It must be some strategy of her. Its doesnt look good to talk on the show, so I acted on what she said. Let her come out and then we can find out why she said that we are lovers. I was waiting for the show to get over and now that I am out, I spoke the truth. Twitter His fans on social media are appalled at this revelation and he said, I never cheated the audience, what Jasleen told, I acted and rest you can ask Jasleen. My purpose was to come in the house and make Jasleen successful, and within 3 weeks she became very popular. Twitter We even asked Anup about Jasleens closeness with Shivashish, and further he shocked us by saying, Shivashish is a nice guy, he belongs to a good family, I and Kesar ji will do her Kanyadaan. Twitter Analysing what made Jasleen lie to such an extent and Anup said,Bigg Boss must have told her they will cast her in a Salman Khan film, if she does this, so let her come and the truth will be out. Sigh! What is real in a reality show, we will never know. Once deprived of basic amenities, a man, named Azhar Maqsusi, now provides food to 300-400 people daily at the Gandhi General Hospital and Dabeerpura area in Hyderabad. "I have faced a lot of struggle in my younger age. My father passed away when I was just four years old. There were many days when my family and I used to sleep hungry. Later I started working and one day I saw a woman struggling for food. So, I purchased food for her. That's the day when I prayed to God to show me a way to help poor people," Maqsusi told ANI. twitter/azhar maqsusi "I first started distributing free food at Dabeerpura area seven years ago with the money from my pocket and it continued for around three years. Later some people started helping me out by providing groceries. I thought to extend the program and started distributing free food at Gandhi General Hospital four years ago. Three to four hundred people daily eat food at Gandhi Hospital and Dabeerpura area," he added. Maqsusi has now extended this initiative to other states too. twitter/azhar maqsusi "I have extended this program to other states like Bengaluru, Raichur, Tandoor, Jharkhand, and Assam. In all these places our free food distribution program runs and around 1000-1200 people get free food daily. I want to extend this program even more. I am very much happy and satisfied to help poor people," Maqsusi said. Jagdeesh, a labourer, said, "Since last one year, I am having food here. On some days I don't get work to do, therefore, at times I don't have money. On those days, I come here for food." All southern states can burst crackers anytime on Diwali for two hours, the Supreme Court said today. The SC modified its last weeks order which only allowed low emission firecrackers between 8 to 10 pm on Diwali and now the southern states can avail this two-hour window whenever they want to. The top court had several petitions by the Tamil Nadu government and firecracker manufacturers. The Tamil Nadu government had urged the Supreme Court to allow the state to burst crackers on Diwali morning as per the states religious practice, besides the already given window of 8 to 10 pm. bccl The petition said the state should be given permission between 4.30 am to 6.30 am as well. Tamil Nadu will celebrate Diwali or Deepavali on November 6. The SC, however, didnt allow the southern states to breach the two-hour window. If we are not permitting South Indian staying in Delhi to burst crackers in the morning then the same should also apply to North Indians living down south, the top court said. Due to already heavy pollution across north India especially Delhi, the SC had banned the bursting of firecrackers and only a two-hour window had been given for the bursting of the low emission crackers. Hyundai Motor India Ltd has not shied away from making its big plans of bringing electric vehicles to the country known to everyone. First unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, the company had announced its Kona electric SUV to be the first all-electric vehicle in its arsenal to debut in India in the latter half of 2019. While the market waits for it, recent reports reveal that Hyundai might have more plans for the country than just the electric SUV. The company is reportedly looking to bring another electric vehicle in India in a more pocket-friendly range than the Kona SUV, which stands at Rs 25 Lakh (ex-showroom) for the base model. As of now, the make or the body type of the vehicle has not been decided but Hyundais MD & CEO Y K Koo reportedly believes We will review both sedan and SUV (body types) but I think chances for bringing an SUV are much higher. Hyundai Kona Electric SUV (Hyundai Motor) This also falls in line with the scheduled stint of the company at the 2018 Sao Paulo International Motor Show in Brazil, where it is expected to come up with a smaller electric SUV named the Saga EV concept. Once it does, the car might just make its way to India as well. Moreover, the fact that a shaved off body will be more economical for the company in terms of production and even have a wider appeal in the Indian market might just see an electric-SUV on the cards. Whatever might be the final decision, Hyundai is sure to gather feedback from its electric Kona for the next electric car launch. This will include figuring out the target audience and regions, setting up charging stations, altering the range of the vehicle accordingly as well as upgrading the service centres for the maintenance of the said electric cars. As can be figured, the auto giant will be focused on developing the whole ecosystem instead of just selling its electric cars. Hyundai Kona Electric SUV (Hyundai Motor) Scientists always talk about the vast mysteries of space, but you don't need to travel that far at all to find weird wonders not seen before. Instead, just take a trip down to the depths of the ocean, a journey one submarine company is prepping to make. Images courtesy: Triton Submarines Florida-based Triton Submarines makes submersibles meant for undersea exploration. And they're planning to travel to the deepest part of the world, Challenger Deep in the the Mariana Trench. The 36,000-feet-deep trench is a legendary ocean phenomenon. Only three people have ever dived down to Challenger Deep, and those were just one-time visits. Two explorers made it down there on a mission in 1960, and filmmaker James Cameron later went down in 2012. Now, Triton's new $48.2 million submarine, the 36,000/2 Hadal Exploration System, will travel down there, as well as the other deepest parts of the world's five oceans. According to the company's claims, it's the only commercial submersible certified for repeated trips to these depths. The Triton 36,000/2 submarine can fit two people inside, and is humidity and climate-controlled. Alongside it is the 224-foot DDSV Pressure Drop support vessel. This boat can accommodate a crew of 47 passengers and crew, and weighs 2,000 tons. It also has a laboratory space on board, complete with freezers for samples the submersible might bring up. The Triton 36,000/2 had to be custom-built to allow it to survive in the incredible pressure thousands of feet under the ocean's surface. The submersible weighs 11.2 tons, and uses is sheer mass to drop down 36,000 feet in less than two hours, saving energy for the climb up. It is however lighter than previous models, and possesses 10 electric thrusters to allow multi-directional movement. After sea trials to depths of 16,400 feet in the Bahamas this past summer, the submarine was handed over to its new owner, the company Caladan Oceanic. A special titanium pressure hull 3.5 inches thick can supposedly let the sub survive pressure up to even equivalent at 43,300 feet below the sea level. The pilots can observe their surroundings through three viewports, as well as four externally mounted cameras. Most importantly though, the submersible is outfitted with as many safety measures as possible. After all, if something goes wrong miles beneath the ocean, rescue will not be quick. Anything on the exterior that could potentially become entangled with pieces of the environment, can be jettisoned. This includes the 12 batteries, 10 thrusters, four cameras, and main manipulator. Five Deeps Expedition If all the batteries fail, the submarine's main ballast weights will automatically release, letting the sub gradually rise to the surface. Meanwhile, it's also equipped with life-support, like enough oxygen to last two people four days, and a recycler that scrubs carbon dioxide from the the bubble. The sub has been given over to Caladan Oceanic, the new owners, and it will be piloted the founder of the expedition, Victor Vescovo. But just what the pilots will find down there in the dark depths, no one really knows for sure. The Air Quality Index hit 367 on Monday in Delhi and if you think it can't get any worse, you're mistaken. Delhis air could turn even more toxic. An expecting mother in Delhi found an interesting way to send out this message loud and clear - a unique pregnancy photoshoot. Siddharth Malkania Photography Using her photographs and messages, this to-be mother says that she has promised clean air to her newborn and that can turn into a possibility with everyone coming together. Just like other expecting mothers, Urvashi Dagar's schedule should ideally include walks in the park but she adds how due to poor air quality, she ends up coughing and feeling uncomfortable all the time. Siddharth Malkania Photography Even her 5-year- old daughter develops rashes all over her body if she steps out of the house during Diwali. This message has been captured beautifully by a Delhi-based photographer, Siddharth Malkania, whose aim was not only to click an expecting mother's journey but help her start a dialogue around this. These pictures will make you rethink your choices. In fact, it's high time we did that. #1 Siddharth Malkania Photography #2 Siddharth Malkania Photography #3 Siddharth Malkania Photography #4 Siddharth Malkania Photography #5 Siddharth Malkania Photography #6 Siddharth Malkania Photography #7 Siddharth Malkania Photography #7 Siddharth Malkania Photography #8 Siddharth Malkania Photography There have been innumerable protests and campaigns against the infamous dog meat market, but it seems like the demand is still very strong in many Asain countries. In another disconcerting footage, which gives us a peek into these dark slaughterhouses, dogs were found crammed into one cage before being lowered into boiling hot water in Cambodia. Founder of an NGO named The Sound of Animals wasn't going to let this slaughterhouse get away with this cruelty. Animal charity founder Michael Chour, built up a relationship with the owner of the abattoir so that he could enter the large slaughterhouse, reports the Daily Mail. WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT The horrifying clips and images show the disembodied remains of the skinned, butchered and boiled animals being sold, casually, to the market-goers. Chour, a former doctor, said: "My heart stopped beating, my breath became painful, tears came, then anger, then disgust, to recount the infinite distress of these cursed places." Dallas Buckley, a member of the charity, told Mail Online, "Michael has spent 14 years of his life in harm's way, saving the doomed dogs in Thailand and Cambodia. There are no animal welfare laws to protect dogs and cats and it is illegal to speak out about the trade." Chour, managed to rescue more than three of the dogs from death while he was there. We all see traffic as a bane in our lives, it makes us late for work, miss important occasions and most of all causes stress! But for this guy, traffic turned out to be a life-saver, quite literally. AFP It's Indonesia's notorious traffic that stopped a man from boarding the doomed Lion Air Flight that crashed with 189 people aboard. Sony Setiawan, an official in Indonesia's finance ministry, had meant to be on board the ill-fated flight JT610, but fate had something else in store for him. A sprawling and haphazardly planned megacity, Jakarta is known for having some of Southeast Asia's worst traffic congestion with lengthy tailbacks and hours-long delays being a daily frustrating ritual for commuters. "I usually take (flight) JT610 - my friends and I always take this plane," Setiawan told news agency AFP. "I don't know why the traffic at the toll road was so bad. I usually arrive in Jakarta at 3 am but this morning I arrived at the airport at 6:20 and I missed the flight." Reuters That gridlock likely saved Setiawan's life as because the plane crash left absolutely no survivors. But Setiawan said any gratitude he felt was tinged with the knowledge so many people, including six of his colleagues, were not so fortunate, reports AFP. "The first time I heard I cried," he said. "I know my friends were on that flight." Setiawan, who is from Bandung in West Java, said he managed to catch the next flight to Pangkal Pinang city and only learned of the crash once he landed safely. Agency Input: AFP In a heart-wrenching incident, an Indian couple died after falling 800 feet in an area with steep terrain in Californias Yosemite National Park this week. Vishnu Viswanath, 29, and Meenakshi Moorthy, 30, fell to their deaths from Taft Point in Yosemite National Park. Rangers recovered their bodies on the steep terrain below Taft Point - a popular tourist spot that offers spectacular views of the Yosemite Valle. On the cover of Vishnu Viswanath's Facebook page is a picture of the two of them smiling on the edge of a cliff at the Grand Canyon. The couple had recently moved from New York after Vishnu Viswanath took a job as a systems engineer at Cisco, based in San Jose. Together, they chronicled their adventures of travelling around the world in a blog called 'Holidays and HappilyEverAfters'. The National Park Service had said in a statement that the recovery operation for a male and female visitor who had died in the fall from Taft Point was completed on the afternoon of October 25. The department said the two people fell approximately 800 feet below Taft Point is an area with very steep terrain. This recovery operation involved Park Rangers using technical climbing and rappelling techniques, in addition to helicopter support from the California Highway Patrol for a short-haul operation. In a Facebook post, College of Engineering, Chengannur said the two were its alumni and added that it deeply mourns their accidental demise. Raj Katta, 24, of New York, said he got to know both of them while attending Bradley University, in Illinois. He said Vishnu Viswanath was a "thoughtful and amazing guy, very talented. They are a really happy couple. Very positive." Mr Katta described Meenakshi Moorthy as extremely positive and enthusiastic. "She's one of those girls who wants to explore the world and discover a deeper meaning in life." Park spokesman Jamie Richards was quoted as saying in the report that "We still do not know what caused them to fall. We're trying to understand what happened. We may never know, (but) from everything we see, this was a tragic fall." Just a few weeks ago, Matthew Dipple went to Yosemite Park in the US and clicked a picture of the sunset and along with it captured this anonymous couple in it. Twitter help, idk who these two are but I hope this finds them. I took this at Taft Point at Yosemite National Park, on October 6th, 2018. pic.twitter.com/Rdzy0QqFbY Matthew Dippel (@DippelMatt) 17 October 2018 The guy in the photograph is down on one knee, probably to propose to the woman standing at the edge of the cliff. He is dressed in a suit and the woman is dressed in a floor-length gown. The picture immediately went viral. This is the exact same location where the Indian couple died. When Indians go abroad the thing most of them miss the most - even more than food - is the jet spray in the toilet. Yes, that's what we call it. But a lot of people in the world don't know of this wonderful invention and are still using plain old toilet paper or a bidet. So, how was Thomas Carruthers supposed to know what that little shower thing by the toilet seat was? Carruthers took to social media to share the struggle during his trip to Hanoi, Vietnam. He said in his tweet that he was all for saving water but holding the button with a finger was a bit extreme. He also wondered why it was placed so low. Take a look at this picture: Facebook His post read: "Alright guys, I've been in Hanoi almost a week now and I'm loving. My only complaint is the showers. I'm all for saving water but having to hold your finger on the button to keep the water flowing seems a bit extreme. The cold temperature doesn't bother me too much but why are they so low? You have to bend down to wash your head. Vietnamese people aren't that short... I've tried 2 different hostels now and they both have this style of shower, what are other peoples opinions on the Vietnamese shower?" Facebook Facebook Facebook Poor guy. But he isn't the only one who doesn't understand the jet spray. The Vietnamese really said fuck a bidet Shower head do the same thing pic.twitter.com/78QY8NMuYW Wackoswami (@mat_the_who) October 17, 2018 Well, that's one story that's going to take a few years to be funny but it will make people ROFL. Sai Nikhil Reddy Mettupally, an Indian computer science graduate student, won second place in the graduate masters division at the 2018 Science and Technology Open House with his entry entitled "Comprehensive Parking Study at the University of Alabama in Huntsville Using Airborne Sensors." (uah.edu photo) South Asians for America held its official launch event Oct. 18 in New York City. Former Kansas state Rep. Raj Goyle, now the co-founder of the Indian American Impact Fund, was a guest speaker at the event. (photo provided) President Donald Trump reportedly interviewed Indian American law professor Neomi Rao to serve on the DC Circuit Court, to fill the position vacated by new Supreme Court Judge Brett Kavanaugh, who was confirmed last month. Rao currently heads up the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs within the Office of Management and Budget. (Wikipedia photo) Members of a rescue team collect personal items and wreckage at the port in Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta, on Oct. 29, 2018, after they were recovered from the sea where Lion Air flight JT 610 crashed off the north coast. (Resmi Malau/AFP/Getty Images) Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan (2nd R) and his entourage assess the aftermath of an attack on a spiritual retreat in Kundamankadavu on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala Oct. 27. Suspected Hindu radicals attacked the spiritual retreat founded by a preacher who supported allowing women of menstruating age to enter the Sabarimala temple, police said. The incident heightened tensions in southern India where police have rounded up more than 2,000 people suspected of taking part in protests to stop women reaching the Sabarimala temple. (AFP/Getty Images) Hindu leaders attend a Vishva Hindu Parishad meeting in New Delhi Oct. 5. The VHP has demanded Parliament immediately pass legislation allowing the construction of a grand Ram temple in Ayodhya. On Oct. 29, the Supreme Court directed that the hearing be listed for January 2019. (IANS photo) Iodine producer Iofina will focus its efforts on selling raw iodine after an iodine derivative product was made subject to a significant anti-dumping tax by China, so that sales to the East Asian nation are no longer viable. US-produced iodine derivative hydriodic acid (HI) was recently assessed as being subject... Titanium dioxide junior TNG has signed an offtake deal for its planned Mount Peake project with Swiss trader DKSH, the Australian company announced on Tuesday October 30. DKSH will handle all distribution, including logistics and marketing, for TNGs titanium dioxide production, which is an unusual arrangement for a major pigment... Microsofts acquisition of GitHub is complete, and former Xamarin CEO Nat Friedman is now in charge of the cloud code management service. It wasnt a surprising acquisition: Over the last few years, Microsofts own development processes have taken a deeper and deeper dependency on Git and GitHub. And GitHubs own management issues made it hard for the company to move forward, and after a short bidding war Microsoft stepped up to take over. You only have to look at GitHubs annual State of the Octoverse report to see how important it is to Microsoft. In the Top 10 projects three are key Microsoft tools, and three more are important open source projects that are used across Microsoft platforms. Microsoft is also the largest commercial contributor to open source projects hosted on GitHub, with more than 7,700 commits in the last year. Projects like .Net Core, PowerShell Core, F#, C#, the Roslyn compiler, Visual Studio Code, and TypeScript are hosted on GitHub, with open design and development, and with significant third-party input. Its also the back end behind Microsofts new Docs documentation service, with pull requests available for any documentation. Even Windows uses Git, though its on private internal repositories using Microsofts Virtual File System for Git to handle the sheer scale of its code base, downloading only assets that are needed rather than an entire repository. Git in Visual Studio Code With Git and GitHub everywhere at Microsoft, its also built into Microsofts developer tools and into how developers build apps on Windows and for Azure. When you install a new copy of Visual Studio Code, it encourages you to download and install the Windows Git client, so you can connect to any Git-based repository, whether youre using GVFS, using a local Git install, or have an account on GitHub, GitLab, or any other cloud-hosted Git-based service. The Git Windows client is a command-line tool. Available in 32- and 64-bit versions, its a simple way of integrating Git functionality into Windows and into Windows developer tools. Installing it is easy enough, with Windows Explorer integration for its own Bash-based shell and in Windowss own command line. If you havent installed Visual Studio Code, its a download option from the Git Windows installer, and it can be set up as the default editor for Git. Switch the Market flag Open the menu and switch the Market flag for targeted data from your country of choice. for targeted data from your country of choice. Breitburd, who has been with AXA for 14 years, is replacing Bertrand Poupart-Lafarge who himself is moving to another unit. Poupart-Lafarge, who came onboard in 2003 as chief information officer of AXA France, will return to that market as CFO. He worked for AXA US and AXA Canada prior to joining the UK team in 2012. Meanwhile Poupart-Lafarge will also be handing over the baton of AXA UK & Irelands diversity and inclusion programme to Breitburd. I am delighted that Amelie Breitburd is joining AXA UK and Ireland as our new CFO, commented Claudio Gienal, chief executive of AXA UK & Ireland. Amelie has played an important role in the success of AXA Group in Paris and brings significant skill and experience to our management team. I would also like to thank Bertrand for his excellent work as both CFO and executive sponsor for diversity and inclusion. Everyone at AXA UK & Ireland wishes him the best of luck as he starts a new and exciting chapter as CFO of AXA France. Receiving the major award in the workers compensation and liability category was retailer The Reject Shop, for its efforts in improving risk management and reducing injuries across its more than 300 national stores. Winning the small-and-medium-enterprises award was Mind Australia, for its business risk-management approach that has achieved remarkable outcomes, including no driving-related serious injuries or deaths of Mind employees or clients over the last 10 years. In the commercial category, the winner was UnitingCare Queensland, which nabbed the major award for the third time in seven years. Health and safety is important in all workplaces, and with workers compensation often one of the biggest insurance costs, risk management is vital, said Darren OConnell, executive general manager at Suncorp. Across the board, the quality of submissions for all RM Advancer categories show the strong position of risk management in Australian businesses. Wed like to congratulate all our winners and finalists, along with their brokers, for their high-quality submissions and thank them for their focus on risk management. Theres a lot of talk in the market about insurtech and theres a lot of talk about dollars being invested but I think there are also a lot of questions around whats actually been achieved, says Fagen. Its alright for the big insurers to sit there and say theyre going to spend $50 million on investing in start-ups and small organisations but my question to them would be; how much of their core business is actually going to change? While the majority of major insurers are now exploring insurtech, Fagen told Insurance Business that the discussion is still at a surface level for most and is often lacking deeper consideration. Theyre not talking about the change management aspect or how theyre going to bring that innovation into their core business, theres very little transparency there, and they dont talk about which distributions their investment is going to affect or how its going to affect their distribution sources, he said. Fagen, who has almost 30 years experience in the sector including a number of C-suite roles at QBE, says he seriously questions whether incumbents are up to the job of adapting to tech. Their businesses are slow-moving, theyre large whereas the use of technology is actually extremely dynamic, he says. If they dont truly change their organisation from top to bottom, they cant move that quickly and theyll continue to be out-competed by the more nimble, faster players. While Fagens views are unlikely to go down well with the major insurers, hes certainly not the only one who holds them Naby Mariyam, CEO of Coverhero, also says theres a lack of meaningful investment in the Australian insurtech space. There has been a lot of dialogue and awareness and education and a lot of theories as to how this is going to affect the industry but there is still a lot of denial and not knowing what do to, she told Insurance Business. Were only just seeing the industry very slowly dip their toes into digital innovation. Mariyam, whose insurance platform is the first of its kind to be built on Ethereum blockchain, also said shes observed significantly less financial investment in the Australian insurtech space, compared to other regions. A lot of the big insurance companies based here that are not Australian, a lot of the venture funds are not based here so there is very little money, next to no money, being invested into Australian insurtech, she told Insurance Business. Theres been a lot of investment from Europe and America and also in Asia into insurtech but were not seeing Australia participate in that and I think that goes to a very conservative culture around unknown technology or unknown markets. Again mirroring Fagens views, Mariyam also questioned the ability of Australias incumbents to adapt to the rapidly evolving technology of today. Im not a big believer in the capability of structurally and culturally and bureaucratically-challenged enterprises to be able to truly innovate without outsourcing it, she said. There is a way of doing it, and some of the incumbents are actually doing it, and thats by setting up hubs independent of the incumbent so that they can move in an agile way and not be influenced by bureaucracy from the mothership, she continued. That is the way to do it but were just seeing a micro-drop in the ocean in the Australian ecosystem. King, who joined Brit in 2009, has more than 30 years of industry experience. Prior to joining Brit, he served as a production underwriter at Beazley and played a key role in the build-out of its US platform. He began his career at Marsh, where he served as senior vice president and led the US property broking team in London. We are pleased to welcome John to BGSU as chief underwriting officer, and we look forward to building on BGSUs strong growth trajectory, Davies said. Johns appointment will ensure that this growth continues to be underpinned by Brits underwriting discipline. Our US business has seen continued development over the last year, and Johns appointment will further complement the significant progress being made on the ambitious strategy we have for our US platform, said Brit CEO Matthew Wilson. I am extremely honored to be named to this prestigious list three years running, Turpin commented in a statement. It shows the true power of believing in yourself. Its my privilege to be able to use this platform to help encourage and empower young professionals to set and strive after ambitious goals that may feel impossible to them right now. The Advocator Group is a nationwide disability and Medicare advocacy firm that serves individuals whose illnesses and injuries prevent them from working. The company helps those individuals apply for and obtain Social Security Disability Insurance. The Advocator Group also assists Medicare beneficiaries by determining the best coverage possible for their specific needs. My team works incredibly hard, and Im proud of them not only for the success they have achieved, but for the fact that while doing so, we have also helped guide thousands of individuals through difficult times, Turpin added. A North Carolina woman is headed to prison for filing nearly 300 insurance claims that fraudulently maintained she had cancer. Susan Leigh Huebotter, 60, was sentenced to 44-65 months in prison after pleading guilty to false pretense charges, according to the North Carolina Department of Insurance. She has also been ordered to pay more than $231,000 in restitution to Aflac Insurance. Championing the safety of brands online is a matter of good business practice, says industry body IAB Administrative Contact IAB Media Contact The IAB SA has released a White Paper dealing specifically with the safety of brands online. The paper, authored by leaders in South African agencies, brands, publishing and tech, is the first installment of proactively and collectively driving awareness of the definition and challenges of brand safety in digital and looking at the ecosystem of Publishers, Agencies and brands in managing this.The document will be shared via the IAB SA newsletter to IAB SA members, and then available on the IAB SA website Paula Hulley, CEO of IAB SA says, The fundamental objective of the white paper is to create awareness of the collective ecosystem and process to create brand safe environments. When brand safety is managed pro-actively and collectively, the power of digital to deliver business impact is exponential.While businesses are accustomed to curating their image through advertising and marketing, the dominance of digital as a medium has added a layer of complexity to protecting brand reputation but when brand safety is managed pro-actively and collectively, the power of digital to deliver business impact is exponential.Managing brand safety has a far-reaching impact on the South African economy. It is crucial that we foster environments that are favourable to doing good business, which includes doing business online. Hulley adds, The collective goal of South Africas digital economy is to grow, which requires investment and an environment that supports good business practice. Good business practice is defined as the ability to evolve in parallel to the rapid changes, opportunities and even threats of modern technology. For this reason, equity and economy of building brands online has taken centre stage. Good business practice online translates into tangible, sustainable impact.The White Paper clearly defines Brand Safety within the South African context and outlines all players in the digital ecosystem. Every party has a specific role to play in how they strategise, plan their spend, choose their platforms and identify content that is problematic to brands. Daniel Courtenay: CEO MaxAxion and MD AdJoin, IAB SA Publisher Council Member, and IAB SA Brand Safety Committee lead adds, The document will assist brands, agencies and publishers in making informed decisions in the digital ecosystem. We have achieved this by demystifying the technology underpinning digital advertising and identifying proactive strategies to improve Brand Safety.Thriving as a business in the digital economy is possible, but it takes consistent education, awareness of context, a willingness to take on solutions and the grit to confront the issues related to Brand Safety head on.A second paper on viewability and then thirdly ad fraud will follow next, as well as an extended paper on brand safety that speaks to prominent social platforms and their brand safety products, services and practices.Debbie Pistorius010 900 3338Rayner Duveen The utility involved in a series of natural gas explosions and fires in three Massachusetts communities last month acknowledged Friday it would not meet its original Nov. 19 deadline for restoring gas service to all its customers. Columbia Gas set a new timeline for complete restoration of between Dec. 2 and Dec. 16, but officials added they expected most residents and businesses to have heat and hot water back before then. Thousands of customers in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover have been without gas service since the Sept. 13 disaster as the utility replaces some 50 miles of gas pipeline. One person was killed and 25 others injured in the explosions and fires that damaged 131 structures and destroyed five homes. A preliminary report issued by the National Transportation Safety Board this month found over-pressurized natural gas lines as the source, but the investigation is continuing. Republican Gov. Charlie Baker on Friday called the recovery painful, frustrating and inconvenient. As these challenges persist, we all know the temperatures are dropping, said the governor, who urged residents without heat and hot water to consider taking advantage of temporary housing being offered to them in trailers, apartments and hotels. Overnight temperatures dropped to near freezing in much of the region. Baker also called for improved communication between Columbia Gas and affected residents. Joe Albanese, who was brought in by state officials to oversee the recovery effort, said crews are ahead of schedule in replacing pipeline. The key stumbling block, however, has been assessing damage on a house-by-house basis and replacing damaged gas lines, burners and appliances so they are safe to receive gas. Officials say crews will now in some cases make temporary repairs to burners so heat and hot water can be restored, with the promise that the equipment will be permanently replaced at a later time. Each day that goes past our deadline is a day too long, said Albanese, adding that Columbia Gas is also bringing in three more contractors to add to the manpower involved in the restoration. We understand the urgency you all have to return home and reopen your businesses. Its cold outside. The hardship and inconvenience created by this incident is more than just disruptive and devastating, said Albanese. To date, the utility said it had relit 1,040 residential and business meters, and installed hundreds of new water heaters, boilers, furnaces, dryers and ranges. Pablo Vegas, chief restoration officer for Columbia Gas, said the company is doing all it can to reduce suffering by customers. But we have to do more, said Vegas. Every individual, family and business owner that has been impacted by the events of Sept. 13 deserve to know when their lives will be returned to normal. Related: Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Massachusetts The former pastor of a Baltimore, Md., church has been sentenced to three years in prison for setting fire to an apartment he rented in Southeast Washington in a plan to collect insurance money. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu, Thomas L. Chittum III, special agent in charge of the Washington Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Peter Newsham, chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Jamel Carelock, who was pastor of Lead Church, pled guilty in August 2018 in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to charges of arson, felony destruction of property and second-degree insurance fraud. He was sentenced by the Honorable Jennifer A. Di Toro. Following his prison term, he will be placed on two years of probation. According to the governments evidence, on Dec. 17, 2017, at approximately 1 a.m., Carelock intentionally set fire to his apartment unit. Carelock soaked his mattress with gasoline and lit the mattress on fire, causing the fire to burn and causing extensive damage to his unit and the surrounding apartments. The apartment complex includes 94 units, and the residents included small children and elderly individuals, who were home at the time of the fire and forced to evacuate. The fire caused more than $40,000 worth of damage and rendered at least one of the neighboring apartments uninhabitable. A law enforcement investigation revealed that Carelock had applied for an insurance policy eight days prior to the fire. He later filed a claim for more than $11,000 in damage to his property, with the intent to defraud the insurance company. In making the insurance claim, the evidence showed, Carelock presented materially false information. He misrepresented that he was not responsible for the fire, falsely claimed that he was in Georgia at the time of the blaze and falsely claimed that he lost personal items, including suits and a television. In fact, Carelock had removed those items from the unit before the fire, and he still had them at the time that he made the insurance claim. The investigation also determined that Carelocks cell phone was one mile away from the fire five minutes after the fire alarm was pulled. Carelock was arrested on Jan. 19, 2018, and has been in custody ever since. Source: United States Department of Justice Topics USA American International Group Inc. announced the appointment of Peter Bilsby as global head of Specialty. In this new role, Bilsby will report to Christopher Townsend, chief executive officer of AIG General Insurance International, with responsibility for the global energy, marine, aviation and credit lines businesses. Since 2016, Bilsby has served as chief executive officer of the Talbot Group, AIGs Lloyds of London insurance and reinsurance specialist which it acquired in July of this year as part of its purchase of Validus Holdings Ltd. Bilsby will continue as CEO of Talbot until his successor is appointed. Prior to serving as CEO of Talbot, Bilsby was managing director of Talbot and director of Underwriting. He joined Talbot in September 2009 as head of Global Aerospace from XL London Market Ltd. Prior to XL, Bilsby held the role of managing director of the Aviation Division of Markel International. Im pleased to appoint Peter to lead our Global Specialty businesses. Our clients and partners will benefit from Peters deep understanding of this sector and his leadership track record at Talbot, commented Townsend. Source: American International Group Related: Topics AIG Without providing dollar estimates of potential damage from the imagined events, RMS set out to identify events beyond replications of events already seen, including more unusual events that nonetheless have the potential to be particularly devastating on the list. Some were selected for the list precisely because they are not being prepared for, RMS said in the announcement, which states that even though disasters like the Palu earthquake in Indonesia and Typhoon Jebi hitting Japan have assailed the region in 2018, at a national scale there are more events to come at the 1 percent level of annual probability. Robert Muir-Wood, chief research officer, RMS, explained: We picked this list of events to reflect credible catastrophes, not so extreme as to be beyond the concerns of the insurance sector. These are the kinds of events for which nations should also be managing their disaster risk reduction strategies. As we develop large stochastic simulations in catastrophe loss models, we discover a very large number of potential extreme events, he said. The list, in no particular order, focuses only on single events rather than event combinations, balanced among some of the principal countries in the region, RMS said. Listed by country, the potential events are in: New Zealand. A magnitude 7.5 earthquake, directly hitting the city of Wellington, accompanied by massive liquefaction in the roads and harbor reclaimed from the sea, as well as some localized changes in coastal land levels. South Korea. A succession of stalled depressions causing widespread river flooding and affecting the city of Seoul. China. A magnitude 7.8 earthquake occurring in Hebei Province 200 kilometers south of the capital, between the cities of Baoding and Shijiazhuang. Such an event would produce widespread destruction and tens of thousands of casualties. Philippines. An intense typhoon passing south of Luzon and making a near direct hit on Manila at category 4, would cause extraordinary damages. Indonesia. A massive eruption at the volcano on Lombok, up to 6 on the Volcanic Eruption Intensity (VEI) scale, triggered by the recent earthquakes. Sucn an eruption could cover Lombok and Bali with a 20-centimeter-plus layer of volcanic ash, causing roofs to collapse, killing agricultural crops and closing the tourist industry. Australia. A transitioning cyclone, comparable to the 1938 hurricane in the Northeast U.S., which makes direct landfall on the city of Perth at category 3 intensity would bring intense rainfall and damaging winds. Japan. A magnitude 6.9 earthquake occurring on the Uemachi Fault to the southeast of the city of Osaka. India. Extensive 100-year flooding of the greater Mumbai area, allied with extensive wind damage, caused by a category 4 cyclone making landfall and stalling close to the city. Taiwan. A shallow magnitude 6.7 earthquake on the Shanchiao Fault next to the city of Taipei. Thailand. A category 3 typhoon taking an unusual westerly path, entering the Gulf of Thailand, and making landfall close to Bangkok. The combination of the shallow-water storm surge and the intense rainfall, allied with long-term land subsidence from water extraction, could put all of Bangkok under water. This list should be considered illustrative and by no means exclusive, said Muir-Wood. From major earthquakes in New Zealand, Sumatra or Japan, to flooding in India and Korea, or volcanic eruption shrouding Bali in ash; any one of these catastrophic events would have major implications for the region, country, people and insurance industry. Source: RMS This article was originally published in Wells Media Groups Carrier Management, the magazine for property/casualty insurance carrier executives. Topics Catastrophe Earthquake UK insurers and brokers have applauded the UK Treasurys decision not to raise premium taxes, which currently has an annual price tag for each household of an average of 200 ($256.40), according to the Association of British Insurers (ABI). The ABI is pleased that the Chancellor of the Exchequer has done the right thing by not increasing [the] insurance premium tax, said Huw Evans, director general, ABI. IPT already brings in more than 6 billion [$7.7 billion] a year for [the] government and it would have sent out completely the wrong message to increase costs any further for people who do the right thing by buying cover to protect themselves, their properties and their families, he added. While the British Insurance Brokers Association (BIBA), welcomed the move, CEO Steve White said it amounted to a pyrrhic victory. We welcome Philip Hammonds decision not to change the current rate already at a significant 12 pence in the pound of every premium paid, said White. However in a way this amounts to a pyrrhic victory, and we will not stop campaigning for government to freeze, if not reduce, this rate of tax on insurance for the remainder of this parliament, he added. We continue to highlight to the highest level of government the dire consequences of a tax that potentially reduces access to insurance. BIBA called the IPT a tax on protection and has campaigned for it to be frozen in its lobbying, media work and social media campaigns. Quoting the Social Market Foundation, on Oct. 10, the ABI said, the IPT currently costs each household 200 on average. A raid on the responsible is the wrong way to balance the books, said Evans in the Oct. 10 statement. On Oct. 26, the ABI said that official tax receipts for August show IPT raised a massive 1.35 billion ($1.7 billion) for the government in a single month the highest amount ever and 200 million ($256.4 million) more than it raised in August 2017. The IPT for the last 12 months has now hit 6.13 billion ($7.9 billion), more than that brought in by taxes on beer, wine or gambling in the same period, said the ABI. The Treasury predicted revenues of 6 billion ($6.7 billion) from IPT for the financial year 2018/19, so these new figures suggest that taxpayers are paying even more than expected, according to the ABI. Source: Association of British Insurers/British Insurance Brokers Association Related: UK Insurers, Businesses Urge Government Not to Raise Insurance Premium Tax Again Topics Carriers Agencies Pricing Trends The owner of a Columbus, Ohio, cleaning company who continued to run his business after his workers compensation insurance lapsed in 2010 has paid more than $43,000 in restitution to the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation (BWC), the insurer announced. Gyorgy Benedek, owner of Maintenance Free Building Services Inc., pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of Failure to Comply after submitting a check to BWC for $43,069 in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas. The plea followed a BWC investigation that revealed Benedek provided falsified BWC certificates of coverage to land a cleaning contract with another company. BWC said it received a tip that the cleaning companys workers comp certificates looked suspicious. Among BWCs findings: Benedek provided three BWC certificates showing the signature of former BWC Administrator/CEO Marsha P. Ryan when it should have been the signature of her successor, Stephen Buehrer. The certificates were dated during a period Benedeks policy was lapsed. Benedek reported zero payroll between 2009 and 2015, but a BWC audit found he had more than 30 employees during that time and unreported payroll of more than $650,000. Source: Ohio BWC Topics Carriers Workers' Compensation Ohio Hub International Limited (HUB) has launched a hospitality captive, an exclusive member-owned group captive insurance program designed for hospitality clients. Through the use of a captive, hospitality clients can gain better insight into exposures and risks, and have the option of costs savings and rewards, including the potential for the client to earn back as much as 60 percent of their insurance premium. Mid-to large-sized hospitality organizations that are paying minimum insurance premiums of $500,000, who have a better than average loss experience and are committed to safety and risk management, may qualify. The captive includes customizable insurance options and risk services for: Workers compensation General liability Liquor liability Auto liability and auto physical damage Claims management and advocacy services. HUBs hospitality captive participants are also covered for catastrophic losses by an A+ rated carrier. According to Evan Muffly, executive vice president of HUB Captive, HUBs group captive was created out of demand from brokers. HUBs group captive has been specifically designed for insuring the exposures of the hospitality industry as well as other industries, including but not limited to: manufacturing, healthcare, retail, distribution, wholesale and warehouse and storage. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Hub International Limited is a full-service global insurance broker providing property and casualty, life and health, employee benefits, investment and risk management products and services. Topics New Markets Stephens Insurance LLC an independent, financial services firm, has hired Chris Hawkins as senior vice president, Robert Mann and John Rhodes as vice presidents, and Kevin Yandell as claims coordinator. All four are located in Texas. Hawkins will lead the firms automotive risk management services and brings more than 16 years of insurance expertise specializing in automotive dealers, manufacturers and car rental operators. This will be a new offering under Stephens commercial property and casualty team and well-matched to the knowledge and competencies within Stephens Inc.s auto retail investment banking practice. Prior to joining Stephens, Hawkins was a senior vice-president with Arthur J. Gallaghers Automotive Practice. He will work from the Austin branch. Mann joins Stephens after 16 years in operational management and business development in the construction industry. He will play a key role in building relationships among contractors and real estate companies in support of the firms commercial lines business. Recently, Mann served as development manager at Patrinely Group LLC. He will be in the Houston office. Rhodes will support new business development and growth initiatives in Texas. Previously, he spent six years with AmWins Group Inc. assisting in the production and placement of complex energy property risks. Rhodes will be based in Austin. Yandell has 15 years of combined experience in managing a multiline claims department, loss analysis, and the many aspects of administering workers compensation and commercial property claims. Yandell comes to Stephens from Texas Association of Counties where he was a property claims supervisor. He joins the Austin office. Stephens Insurance is headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas, There are currently more than 170 associates throughout Stephens Insurances network of offices in Fayetteville, Dallas, Austin, Jackson, Houston, and Birmingham. Source: Stephens Insurance Topics Texas Three contractors conducting business in Leon, Gadsden, and Gulf counties have been removed from the Panhandle by the Florida Department of Financial Services Disaster Fraud Action Strike Team for unlicensed activity following Hurricane Michael, according to a statement from Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis. The contractors are banned from soliciting or conducting any work in Florida pending a full investigation. The fraud teams, formed last year after Hurricane Irma to stay ahead of post-storm fraud, are investigating reports of potential fraud in Bay, Gulf, Washington, and Leon counties. The Strike Team was activated before Hurricane Michael made landfall and had boots on the ground immediately following the storm. Initials sweeps have been made in Liberty, Gadsden, Gulf, and Leon counties. First sweeps in Bay, Jackson and Washing counties are ongoing. Secondary sweeps in the impacted areas will begin this week. Anyone who tries to take advantage of Florida families and businesses during this vulnerable time will be caught, Patronis said. I cant stress this enough: do not hire anyone without asking for their professional license information and if they have workers comp insurance. Unlicensed activity can put homeowners and contractors at risk and opens the door to fraud. Consumers should always verify that contractors have the appropriate licenses, including workers compensation coverage, before they hire a company to assist in repairs after a storm, DFS said. To report any suspicious activity call CFO Patronis help line at 1-877-MY-FL-CFO. Source: Florida Department of Financial Services Related: Topics Florida Fraud Contractors Police say an explosion at a Kentucky home has killed one person and injured two others. State Trooper Scotty Sharp says in a news release the explosion occurred Saturday in McDaniels. The statement says a preliminary investigation found the explosion was caused by a possible gas leak. One person was found dead inside the home. Their identity wasnt immediately determined pending an autopsy. The statement says two other people were taken to a Louisville hospital with serious injuries. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Kentucky 89th Annual World Congress of News Media to be held in NY New York will host the International News Media Association's (Inma) 89th Annual World Congress of News Media from 13-17 May 2018. The World Congress Week will focus on emerging strategies and best practices for news media companies with an emphasis on the New York market. King County Metro Transit in Washington has apologized and made a multimillion-dollar payment to the family of an Amazon employee who was killed last year by a turning bus. The Seattle Times reports 43-year-old John Ahn had finished dinner with co-workers Oct. 12, 2017, when he began crossing Westlake Avenue at Blanchard Street in Seattle. A bus driver failed to see him while turning right. Sound Transit initially told news reporters a pedestrian had walked into the side of the bus. However, bus-mounted video showed a corner of the bus knocked him down. A Metro safety officer ruled the crash preventable last fall. King County issued Ahns wife a $4.5 million check in July, and agreed to a total $7.7 million, according to the countys risk-management office. The transit operator was fired. A union has appealed on the drivers behalf. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Washington When encountering a centenarian one often asks their secret to longevity. Embrace change. Thats was the secret Andy Barrengos, CEO of Woodruff Sawyer, shot back to the question without hesitation. Barrengos, 54, is himself barely halfway to the 100-year-mark. However, he was the best one to answer on behalf of the San Francisco, Calif.-based insurance brokerage, which first opened for business in 1918. A timeline published on the firms website tells the story of constant change, with the firm starting out in life insurance as E.L. Woodruff & Sons, named after the founder. It moved into personal insurance with a handful of professionals working out of the San Francisco office through the mid-1920s. Goods and services, medical, international and technology, construction, plastics, directors and officers, IPOs and life sciences, venture capital, cyber at least a major specialty per decade was added. A construction boom in the 1960s added to San Franciscos skyline the 48-story Transamerica Pyramid, insured by Woodruff Sawyer. The firm picked up D&O in the 1980s by finding waning coverage for tech companies. IPOs and life sciences in the 1990s. Cyber in 2010 and beyond. You get the picture. Barrengos said change has become part of the firms DNA as theyve had to constantly rethink risk to better serve clients that continually develop and sell products and technologies that change the way we live. Its driven by customer need, Barrengos said. The reason we want to meet that need when they need it, or hopefully before they need it, is because that allows us to be more valuable and impactful. The firm counts among its clients with unique risk needs Sequoia Capital, Netflix, and 23andMe, a privately held personal genomics and biotechnology firm in Mountain View, Calif., which was Barrengos client before he became the sixth CEO in Woodruff Sawyers history in 2016. Barrengos calls these clients unicorns because their risk needs are rare, and being able to cater to their needs and the emerging needs of all their clients is the value they offer. And that value is key to their longevity, he said. Just dont expect the firm to stay on any singular path to success in perpetuity. We have a very strong view of those things that we have done well that have gotten us here, Barrengos said. But we are not going to be doing that for the next 100 years as our formula. He said the firm plans to invest more to grow. Growth for us is new revenue, which is bringing on experts, specialty producers, he said. We dont have knife and fork producers who sell and run. The firm reported roughly $128.2 million in revenue in 2017, which Barrengos said they are on pace to top this year. We will grow organically this year. We will exceed that, he added. Most of Woodruff Sawyers growth has been organic, with the firms leadership focused on hiring specialists and ensuring purchases lean toward agencies that specialize. In 2016 it acquired Neovia Integrated Insurance Services, a Santa Barbara, Calif.-based firm that offers proprietary and client-focused employee benefits solutions. Woodruff Sawyer in 2015 acquired Capstone Insurance, the property/casualty brokerage division of Newton, Massachusetts-based financial services firm EBS Capstone. We when we do M&As we are doing them to add to the culture of the organization, Barrengos said. We are very focused on hiring and retaining people who are a cultural fit. Weve invested a lot of time and money over the years in specialization and expertise, because thats where we make a difference. Thats where were adding value with our clients. Related: Topics California October 30, 2018 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Technical analyst Clive Maund provides an update on a company whose product is replacing antibiotics for growth promotion in animal feed. You may recall that we looked at this stock, Avivagen Inc. (VIV:TSX.V), almost a month ago, which is in the vanguard of the drive to phase out antibiotics in animal feed. Since that time, although the price has moved little, the stock has continued to strengthen, and most importantly, it has been impervious to the crashing stock market, which doesn't seem to have affected it at all. The purpose of this update is to draw your attention to this and also to the fact that it appears to be getting ready to break out to the upside, which could happen at any time now. On the 6-month chart below we can see that it is at the point of breaking out above the downtrend line shown, and more importantly from the large bullish Falling Wedge that may readily be seen on the 3-month chart, which was included in the original report on it posted on September 30th. On the chart below we can see heavy buying showing up again about a week ago, which has driven both volume indicators higher againthis is very bullish volume action and suggests that breakout is drawing near. We therefore stay long, and it is rated an immediate strong buy here. Avivagen Inc website Avivagen Inc, VIV.V, CHEXF on OTC, closed at C$0.60, $0.40 on 26th October 2018. Clive Maund has been president of www.clivemaund.com, a successful resource sector website, since its inception in 2003. He has 30 years' experience in technical analysis and has worked for banks, commodity brokers and stockbrokers in the City of London. He holds a Diploma in Technical Analysis from the UK Society of Technical Analysts. Disclosure: 1) Clive Maund: I, or members of my immediate household or family, own shares of the following companies mentioned in this article: None. I personally am, or members of my immediate household or family are, paid by the following companies mentioned in this article: None. My company has a financial relationship with the following companies mentioned in this article: None. CliveMaund.com disclosures below. I determined which companies would be included in this article based on my research and understanding of the sector. 2) The following companies mentioned in this article are billboard sponsors of Streetwise Reports: Avivagen. Click here for important disclosures about sponsor fees. As of the date of this article, an affiliate of Streetwise Reports has a consulting relationship with Avivagen. Please click here for more information. 3) Statements and opinions expressed are the opinions of the author and not of Streetwise Reports or its officers. The author is wholly responsible for the validity of the statements. The author was not paid by Streetwise Reports for this article. Streetwise Reports was not paid by the author to publish or syndicate this article. The information provided above is for informational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Streetwise Reports requires contributing authors to disclose any shareholdings in, or economic relationships with, companies that they write about. Streetwise Reports relies upon the authors to accurately provide this information and Streetwise Reports has no means of verifying its accuracy. 4) This article does not constitute investment advice. Each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her individual financial professional and any action a reader takes as a result of information presented here is his or her own responsibility. By opening this page, each reader accepts and agrees to Streetwise Reports' terms of use and full legal disclaimer. This article is not a solicitation for investment. Streetwise Reports does not render general or specific investment advice and the information on Streetwise Reports should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Streetwise Reports does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company mentioned on Streetwise Reports. 5) From time to time, Streetwise Reports LLC and its directors, officers, employees or members of their families, as well as persons interviewed for articles and interviews on the site, may have a long or short position in securities mentioned. Directors, officers, employees or members of their immediate families are prohibited from making purchases and/or sales of those securities in the open market or otherwise from the time of the interview or the decision to write an article, until one week after the publication of the interview or article. As of the date of this article, officers and/or employees of Streetwise Reports LLC (including members of their household) own securities of Avivagen, a company mentioned in this article. Chart provided by the author. CliveMaund.com Disclosure: The above represents the opinion and analysis of Mr Maund, based on data available to him, at the time of writing. Mr. Maund's opinions are his own, and are not a recommendation or an offer to buy or sell securities. Mr. Maund is an independent analyst who receives no compensation of any kind from any groups, individuals or corporations mentioned in his reports. As trading and investing in any financial markets may involve serious risk of loss, Mr. Maund recommends that you consult with a qualified investment advisor, one licensed by appropriate regulatory agencies in your legal jurisdiction and do your own due diligence and research when making any kind of a transaction with financial ramifications. Although a qualified and experienced stock market analyst, Clive Maund is not a Registered Securities Advisor. Therefore Mr. Maund's opinions on the market and stocks can only be construed as a solicitation to buy and sell securities when they are subject to the prior approval and endorsement of a Registered Securities Advisor operating in accordance with the appropriate regulations in your area of jurisdiction. 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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. More disclaimer info: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp Learn more about publishing your news release and our other news services on the Investorideas.com newswire https://www.investorideas.com/News-Upload/ and tickertagstocknews.com Global investors must adhere to regulations of each country. Please read Investorideas.com privacy policy: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Private_Policy.asp VANCOUVER, BC, CANADA - October 30, 2018 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Weekend Unlimited Inc. ("Weekend" or the "Company") (CSE: YOLO) (FSE: 0OS1) is pleased to announce the details of its arm's length acquisition of a Wenatchee, Washington cannabis property, now branded Orchard Heights Growers, (the "Wenatchee Assets"). Weekend Unlimited Washington LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary company formed in Washington State for the purpose of acquiring the Wenatchee Assets and providing a suite of services to cannabis licencees in Washington State including intellectual property identification and strategies, equipment, land lease arrangements, nutrient and agriculture consulting services and other services to be developed. "The Company identified a need in the Washington cannabis industry for competent, effective, professional services as well as strong marketing and branding which many Washington cannabis business owners have been unable to effectively provide or manage," said Weekend's President and CEO, Mr. Cody Corrubia. "As such, the Company, through Weekend Unlimited Washington, intends to supply cannabis business owners with land, expertise, compliance and equipment necessary to maximize profits and minimize costs," noted Mr. Corrubia. "Additionally, Weekend Unlimited Washington expects to supply strong branding and marketing expertise to its clients through service and licensing agreements with each cannabis licencee," added Mr. Corrubia. Orchard Heights Growers Acquisition Details On April 26, 2018, the Company entered into agreements to acquire the Wenatchee Assets which included the following: the real property located in East Wenatchee, Washington comprised of approximately 7.2 acres including a 30,000 square foot growing facility, a 16,000 square foot plant canopy and a 5,000 square foot indoor hydro plant canopy; nursery, production, harvesting and processing equipment including a closed loop ethanol extraction system, indoor hydroponic equipment, HPS (high pressure sodium) and LED (light-emitting diode) lights; and the established retail sales network. This part of the transaction has recently closed for a total purchase price of US $1,000,000 As of the date hereof, the Company is actively negotiating contracts for services with three Tier-3 producer/processor licencees. In the event that such contracts are executed, the Company would be providing services to licenced cannabis businesses in the State of Washington representing up to a total of 90,000 square feet of licenced production Orchard Heights Growers Highlights: Pioneering Weekend's B2B model, Orchard Heights provides a platform for farms looking to have a consistent source of premium genetics from advanced tissue culture facilities Orchard Heights will deploy an industrial extraction system that can produce consistent high-quality cannabis concentrate Orchard Heights is located strategically on the Columbia river, in Central Washington allowing for expedient distribution to metropolitan markets In addition to an advantageous location for B2B processing and distribution, Orchard Heights has over 300 days of sunshine with an ideal cultivation climate for cannabis At 2.18 cents/kWh the average (industrial) electricity rate in Wenatchee is 67.32% less than the national average rate of 6.67/kWh, positioning Orchard Heights to benefit, due to its geographic advantages. (source: https://www.electricitylocal.com/states/washington/wenatchee/) Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward Looking Statements Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding future financial position, business strategy, use of proceeds, corporate vision, proposed acquisitions, partnerships, joint-ventures and strategic alliances and co-operations, budgets, cost and plans and objectives of or involving the Company. Such forward-looking information reflects management's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to management. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "predicts", "intends", "targets", "aims", "anticipates" or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases or may be identified by statements to the effect that certain actions "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. A number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause the actual results or performance to materially differ from any future results or performance expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company including, but not limited to, the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions and dependence upon regulatory approvals. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. The Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by securities laws. 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. More disclaimer info: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp Learn more about publishing your news release and our other news services on the Investorideas.com newswire https://www.investorideas.com/News-Upload/ and tickertagstocknews.com Global investors must adhere to regulations of each country. Please read Investorideas.com privacy policy: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Private_Policy.asp October 30, 2018 (Investorideas.com Newswire) The policies proposed by Brazil's new President, Jair Bolsonaro, threaten a human rights and environmental catastrophe with global implications. International NGOs issue stark warning to Bolsonaro on climate change & human rights The policies proposed by Brazil's new President, Jair Bolsonaro, threaten a human rights and environmental catastrophe with global implications. Brazil is already the deadliest country in the world in which to defend your land, with at least 57 people murdered last year, 25 of them in three massacres. Eighty percent of these died defending land in the Amazon rainforest. Against this backdrop Bolsonaro proposes to open up indigenous territories to mining and other economic activities; relax environmental legislation and protections, abolish the Ministry of the Environment, crack down on civil society and to relax laws related to gun ownership, especially in rural areas. Together, these polices are a manifesto for violence and deforestation, and will hand the already powerful agribusiness lobby - the Ruralistas' - a carte blanche to expand land grabbing at the expense of Brazil's most vulnerable people. The Amazon rainforest and its most effective defenders - the people who live in it and depend on it - will face an onslaught comparable with the European and US colonisations of the past centuries - policies which are now matters of national shame. In the wake of the IPCC's dire warnings earlier this month that we have just twelve years to avert a climate catastrophe, the UN Secretary General said that we need to end deforestation and plant billions of trees. Flying in the face of that, Bolsonaro's proposed policies are a declaration of war against not just Brazil's population and environment, but on the world's ability to mitigate climate change. As an international community of NGOs, we call on President Bolsonaro to use his position not just as a national leader, but as a global leader, to fulfill Brazil's global responsibilities to protect human rights, democracy and the environment, and to honour the agreements and conventions it has signed up to Governments and the international business community must work to do the same. We stand in solidarity with our NGOs and civil society partners in Brazil who are fighting daily to protect human lives, as well as the vast and vital habitats in which they reside. And we pledge to renew our efforts to support and bolster their efforts. Our message to the President is simple: We are watching - and you begin building your legacy now. We urge you to make it one that leaves Brazil - and the world - a more just, more sustainable and more equal place than you found it. Co-signed: Amazon Watch Business & Human Rights Resource Centre Global Witness International Land Coalition- America Latina y el Caribe International Service for Human Rights Latin America Working Group Protection International CONTACT Media enquiries media@globalwitness.org +44 (0) 7912 517 127 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. More disclaimer info: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp Learn more about publishing your news release and our other news services on the Investorideas.com newswire https://www.investorideas.com/News-Upload/ and tickertagstocknews.com Global investors must adhere to regulations of each country. Please read Investorideas.com privacy policy: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Private_Policy.asp Aer Lingus is looking for Cabin Crew to work out of its Dublin and Cork bases. The jobs will start between March and May of next year. By Eamon Quinn A UK digital tax targeting tech giants such as Amazon, Google, and Apple will likely undermine efforts by Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe to marshal opposition to a similar plan from the European Commission for an EU-wide tax. The British will be narrowly targeting its new carefully designed digital services tax from April 2020 on firms generating over 500m (562m) a year in global revenues, UK chancellor Philip Hammond said in his budget speech. The proposal is similar to that unveiled in March by EU tax commissioner Pierre Moscovici, for a digital tax of 3% across the EU on the turnover of online giants, designed to bring in 5bn. It is widely seen as potentially challenging a pillar of Irelands corporate tax regime. Alan McQuaid, chief economist at Merrion, said the UK move poses a problem for Ireland in its fight against the commissions tax plan. We have to stick to our guns. Our Government is adamant that the [tax] will not happen. Something has to give. Someone has to blink first, said Mr McQuaid. The commissions proposal, which Bruno Le Maire, the French finance minister, last week urged MEPs to support, is aimed at getting more money out of US technology giants such as Google, Facebook, and Amazon. Mr Donohoe has repeatedly said a number of EU countries, and not just Ireland, oppose its introduction. He wants the commission to defer until the OECD studies the matter. In his budget speech, Mr Hammond said the UK would examine any OECD alternative proposal. Brian Keegan, director of public policy and taxation at Chartered Accountants Ireland, said that the UK move was not totally unexpected. Under the commissions plan, companies with significant digital revenues in Europe will pay a 3% tax on their turnover on various online services in the EU, bringing in an estimated 5bn. Mr Moscovici has, in the past, dismissed accusations he was going after rich US tech companies at a time of huge trade tensions with the Trump administration. By Linda McGrory The Catholic Church is appealing for more donations from parishioners to help plug a 4m debt left over from staging the World Meeting of Families (WMOF). The hosting the event including Pope Francis visit during the summer, cost the Church just under 20m. Some 15m was raised through parish collections and other donations from home and abroad in the run-up to Augusts celebration, but a deficit of 4m remains. Senior clerics hope that will be partially defrayed by its fifth national collection for the WMOF next month. Separately, it had been estimated that the States final bill for the event including security and logistics, would top 10m. Notices about the fifth WMOF collection have been appearing in parish newsletters nationwide. The Diocese of Ossory, in an appeal to its 85,000 parishioners, said: The overall cost to the Church in Ireland for hosting WMOF comes to 19.4m. To date 15.4m has been raised by way of local church collections and by other donations. This leaves us with a deficit of 4m. In order to help defray this debt we are asking you, once again, for your support in promoting our fifth national collection which will take place in churches, North and South, over the weekend of November 10-11. By Sean ORiordan Cork County Council has been urged to set aside a special budget to reduce green areas in housing estates for more parking spaces and to widen entrance roads to provide proper access for emergency services. With a growing number of adult children moving back in with their parents because of huge rent and mortgage increases, the number of cars parked in housing estates is rising all the time. Fine Gael councillor Noel McCarthy has, on several occasions, told council officials this had led to tensions between neighbours who had previously lived in harmony for many years. Cars cluttering estate roads have also caused access problems for fire brigades, ambulances and gardai trying to enter them in emergencies. Councillors have backed a call by Sinn Fein councillor Eoghan Jeffers for a fund to be set up to reduce the size of green spaces in estates to tackle these problems. He referred to the housing crisis causing more stay-at-home adults and cases in estates where the proliferation of parked cars were causing difficulties for emergency service access. Mr Jeffers said the problems were more acute in older estates, many of which had lots of unutilised green space which could be used for road widening and extra car parking spaces. Jim Molloy, a director of council services, reported that the current procedure for the retrofitting/improving parking in publicly-maintained estates and streets, is that residents should write to the relevant Municipal District Officer (MDO) outlining support for the proposal. He said the MDO then discusses the request with the local engineer to assess the feasibility and cost of implementing the request. Should the request be deemed deliverable, it is then added to the works list for the area. Mr Molloy said a similar process is carried out for the allocation of disabled parking spaces, with the primary difference being that the application is on behalf of the person requiring the space. With regard to improving access for emergency vehicles, such requests normally come from the emergency services, he said. However, if the community has a concern re access this would again require that the community writes to the relevant MDO. In this situation, however, it is generally the case that access is inhibited by parking. It also often the case that the only option is to remove parking as there is no scope to widen the road. The man behind Corks derailed tourist train venture has threatened to take the business elsewhere unless City Hall provides him with a commercially viable pick-up point. Operator Pat Flynn spoke out after City Hall confirmed it was considering legal action three years into a stalemate which has seen the service hit the buffers. Councillors signed off on a 70,000 investment in what was supposed to be the citys first tourist train initiative in late 2015, with details on lease arrangements with proposed operator Pat Flynn, from Cloughduv, Co Cork, potential routes, and operating times signed off. It ran from Georges Quay for just two weeks in May 2016. Relations between Mr Flynn and Cork City Council have soured to the extent that the city is now considering legal action for alleged failure to provide the contracted service. In a statement to the Irish Examiner, Mr Flynn defended his position and said the service is just not viable from back street pick-up locations. With nothing sensible happening I am proposing locating elsewhere for a period while they sort themselves out, he said. He said he secured a financial package, including bank loans combined with EU, local enterprise, and city council grant aid, to build the train in 2015 with a view to beginning operations from May 2016. Mr Flynn blamed the stalemate on City Halls unwillingness to provide an operating position in the citys tourist catchment that is commercially viable for the business. He described the Georges Quay location as too remote and lacking tourist footfall. The operator did nevertheless trial the position for some two weeks and found that the numbers did not make it sustainable to remain there. And as a consequence of same this new business start-up has not been enabled to trade for the 2016, 2017 and 2018 tourist visitor seasons, he said. Operating positions (about four) that have been offered since 2016 are back-street and remote from our targeted customers and do not provide for the development of a commercially-viable operating licence. As a commercially viable operating position is not forthcoming in the foreseeable future we are thus seeking to relocate the train to a out-of-town tourist catchment so that we can get on with earning a income to thus help us in meeting with our financial commitments to the various project investors. Thus we are seeking to work the train at the out of town tourist catchment for next years tourist season. The train can come back to Cork City when the officials in the city council find a commercially viable position for the train to operate and work from. He said no amount of city officials side-stepping the issue of the tourist trains requirement for a commercially viable operating position will satisfy the contract from the operators and investor perspective. The operator has done everything possible to help save City Hall any expense with this proposal, he said. The pending loss of a key clinician at University Hospital Kerry (UHK) could jeopardise surgical services and cancer screening services, according to Fianna Fail health spokesman Stephen Donnelly. The hospitals only consultant pathologist gave notice of intention to leave last July and will finish up at UHK on December 31. Mr Donnelly said one doctor he spoke to said there were concerns future histopathology work would be carried out by a locum, or with "some form of patchwork cover from other hospitals in the South/South- West group, and if that were to happen, doctors at UHK would find it very hard to stand over the clinical quality of the service. In that case, they told me, all screening services, as well as many other specialist areas, could be suspended, Mr Donnelly said. The hospital is also without a full-time consultant cardiologist or respiratory physician. Martin Schranz, an interventional radiologist at UHK, said without a pathologist on site, the close interaction between pathology, surgery and radiology in clinical practice in the hospital and in multidisciplinary meetings would be significantly compromised. My main interest, however, is interventional radiology and this will definitely be compromised if the close links with pathology are lost, Dr Schranz said. He said hospital management and management at group level had consistently failed to address staffing issues at the hospital. The persistent failure of both regional and local management to engage with consultants in order to resolve such issues is an ominous sign, not only for the future of the interventional radiology service in UHK, but also for the future of this hospital as a Level 3 facility. In September the Irish Examiner reported that the consultant board at UHK had written to group management warning they could not continue to operate at current levels unless urgent action was taken to boost staffing and improve resources. The consultants said the hospital was unresourced and undersupported by the group and it was becoming impossible to attract new consultants. While UHK is currently a Level 3 hospital, catering for acute medical and surgical patients, and providing a 24-hour emergency department service, doctors believe it is under threat of becoming a Level 2 facility, which would mean treating lowrisk medical patients only and putting ambulance by-pass protocols in place. In October last year, the hospital was forced to undertake a review of more than 46,000 scans after concerns were raised about the work of a consultant radiologist. Eleven patients were identified as having a missed or delayed diagnosis Fianna Fail TDs have outright rejected Peter Caseys calls to allow him to join and make him party leader, saying he would be eaten alive in real politics and will never be welcomed because he is scapegoating minority groups. A dozen Fianna Fail TDs backed the party hierarchys decision to ignore Mr Caseys takeover overtures, despite one TD privately saying the businessmans controversial remarks about Travellers are the one thing most of us think. Mr Casey finished second in the presidential race, with 23% of the vote. He said he wants to not only join Fianna Fail but to become its next leader. The businessman told Miriam OCallaghan on RTE radio yesterday that the party needs him and claimed he will set up new Fianna Fail if it rejects his offer. Mr Casey championed himself as Fianna Fails next leader by saying he could reposition the party very quickly, that leader Micheal Martin is only blocking him because I want his job, and Fianna Fail definitely needs somebody like Peter Casey to shake it up. A dozen party TDs rejected the overtures, insisting to the Irish Examiner that Mr Casey does not belong in Fianna Fail. Describing Mr Caseys ambitions to immediately become leader as laughable, Carlow-Kilkenny TD Bobby Aylward said that Mr Casey may be getting ahead of himself. Limerick City TD and social protection spokesman Willie ODea said Mr Caseys leadership chances are slim because the last thing we need is someone scapegoating groups. Mr ODea said that setting up a new party would be a complete waste of time. Cork North Central TD and business spokesman Billy Kelleher said while we live in a democracy, he does not believe Mr Casey will be able to join Fianna Fail due to his attacks on minority groups. Clare TD and Fianna Fail communications spokesman Timmy Dooley said the comic-like Mr Caseys comments are lazy politics, divisive, and dangerous. Mr Dooley said that while we all realise there are problems, Peter Caseys approach isnt offering any answers whatsoever. Junior spokeswoman for equality, immigration, and integration, Kildare South TD Fiona OLoughlin, said it is bizarre that Mr Casey straight away wanted the top job, saying he doesnt seem to have a vision or a strategy. Ms OLoughlin added that, to be fair, he started a conversation that we as a society need to have about rights and responsibilities. It has already happened at political level, she said, but really needs to happen at grassroots level, otherwise we will remain a society out of sync with one another. Housing spokesman and Dublin Fingal TD Darragh OBrien responded to Mr Caseys leadership bid with laughter, while Wexford TD and mental health spokesman James Browne noted Mr Caseys similar appearance to the mayor in the movie Jaws, by joking: I wouldnt even trust him with all those beaches in Wexford. However, a small number of TDs said they understood Mr Caseys views. They included one TD, who said that while Mr Casey only did well in the presidential race because of a piss-poor field rather than his vision or brilliance and that, in a full field of experienced politicians hed be eaten alive, his attitudes to Travellers are one thing most of us think. Probably a nice guy but obviously made so much money theres nothing left to do but buy a country. That only happens in the movies, said the anonymous TD. Fine Gael and Fianna Fail will provide each other with documents crucial to the confidence and supply talks today before a day-long meeting between the parties negotiating teams on Thursday. Sources in both parties confirmed that the handover of files, which detail their views on the first two and a half years of the deal and how they believe the upcoming talks should move forward, will take place this afternoon. After a fortnight of bickering in the immediate aftermath of the budget, Fine Gael and Fianna Fails four-strong TD negotiating teams formally met for the first time last Thursday to begin talks. As part of the initial schedule, they have agreed to outline their positions on the first confidence and supply deal which runs out when all budget legislation is passed and what to do next tomorrow. It is believed Fine Gaels document will focus on the next steps and the need to ensure a two-year confidence and supply extension due to the threat of Brexit and the ongoing uncertainty in Irish politics. However, such a time period is unlikely to be accepted by Fianna Fail, due in part to the fact that it would tie the party into a deal until 2020 that may damage its independence from the Government. Similarly, Fianna Fails document is expected to strongly focus on failures of the first two and a half years of the confidence and supply deal, with issues such as housing, health, and legislative backlogs set to take centre-stage. However, while Fianna Fail is likely to indicate a one-year deal extension at most, Fine Gael has been clear it does not believe such a timespan would be acceptable. Sources in both parties last night said the files will be examined in detail on Wednesday before a full day of talks on Thursday to decide on the next steps. It is widely expected the parties will agree to at least a month of talks over the coming days, with a breakthrough hoped for in December. Members of the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) have rejected the latest government pay offer. 53% voted against the proposal on salaries for 'new entrant' teachers. INTO says the deal failed to signal an end to pay inequality in the profession. The union's leadership will meet next week to discuss balloting members for industrial action. - Digital Desk By Gordon Deegan A County Laois woman has bequeathed a total of 30m to five charities in a massive windfall for the charity sector, it has emerged. One of those to receive an equal 6m bequest is the Irish Cancer Society (ICS) and the donation is the single largest donation ever received by the ICS. Today, the ICS identified Mrs Elizabeth OKelly from Stradbally, Co. Laois as the donor and the 6m donation represents the income of two annual Daffodil Days for the ICS. The ICS said today that Mrs OKellys kindness and generosity is reflected in her decision to leave equal amounts in her will to five charities. This represents a 30m windfall from Mrs OKelly for the ICS and the four other charities and according to the ICS annual financial statement, the society is current investigating a number of high impact and transformational projects in which the bequeathed funds will be invested". Mrs OKelly died in her 93rd year in December 2016 - Mrs OKelly was a shareholder in Clylim Properties which has extensive property interests in Dublin while it has been reported previously that Mrs OKelly made around 30m from the sale of the Leinster Leader Ltd in 2005. A statement from the ICS today stated: We are deeply grateful to Mrs Elizabeth OKelly for generously remembering people with cancer in her will. Her generosity will provide hope to so many people affected by cancer and deliver improvements in cancer care that would have been impossible otherwise. Mrs OKelly, who most recently lived in Stradbally, Co. Laois, was known for displaying great kindness towards her friends and being charitable in supporting those in need. This tremendous kindness and generosity is reflected in her decision to leave equal amounts in her will to five charities. The ICS added that Mrs. OKelly successfully battled cancer in the 1980s. She knew first-hand the challenges cancer patients face and the positive difference the Irish Cancer Society makes to them in their time of need. In the 1980s, when Mrs OKelly was diagnosed with cancer, only three out of ten Irish cancer patients survived. Today, six out of ten do. This is thanks in no small part to the generosity of the Irish public in supporting the Irish Cancer Societys lifesaving research, advocacy and patient support services. The spokeswoman added: The Irish Cancer Society wont give up until Irelands cancer services are truly world-class and every patient has the best possible chance of surviving and thriving after a cancer diagnosis. We wont settle for anything less and we know Mrs OKelly would not want us to. The ICS stated that we cannot deliver truly world-class cancer services in Ireland without far greater investment in research and transformational projects. The scale of the challenge in cancer prevention, treatment and support is simply too great. Mrs OKellys gift will be the seed for this investment. It will therefore enable us to deliver the kind of transformational change that would have been impossible otherwise. On behalf of people affected by cancer all across Ireland, our supporters and volunteers, we are deeply grateful to her for making this possible. Only 2% of the ICSs income comes from the State and the 6m windfall for the society contributed to the societys income increasing by 18% to 26.8m last year. The society's expenditure totalled 20.32m resulting in a surplus of 6.5m for the year - compared to a surplus of 1.65m in 2016. The accounts show that last year the Irish Cancer Society last year generated 3.13m through Daffodil Day and a further 9.55m from Events, Corporate Initiatives and Direct Marketing. The Societys network of shops generated 3.78m in revenues and created a profit of 813,000 after shop costs of 2.97m are taken into account. Numbers employed by the society last year increased from 142 to 148. The society also employs night nurses to provide free end of life care in patients homes. In 2017, over 180 nurses were employed on a seasonal basis based on demand with an average of 72 nurses working per week. Staff costs in 2017 increased from 7m to 7.2m while night nursing salaries amounted to an additional 2.735m. Former senator, Averil Power was appointed as chief executive of the ICS in January of this year. The ICS stated today that Ms Power is paid an annual salary of 125,000 and this is a reduction of 20,000 on what was paid to the CEO in 2015. Due to the requirement for extensive work-related travel, including weekends, Ms Power receives a car allowance of 10,000 per annum and the Society also contributes 15% of salary to her Defined Contribution pension. By Anne Lucey The construction of a pier in a fishery at Cromane in Dingle Bay has long been described as one of the longest election pledges in Irish history, dating beyond the foundation of the State. However, Kerry County Council now plans to convene a round-table meeting of all relevant State agencies with an interest in a pier development campaign which began before the end of the 19th century. In 2003, South Kerry-based minister John ODonoghue earmarked 7m of the estimated 8m cost, but the grant-aid was not drawn down due to planning difficulties and other issues. A pier and breakwater proposal to be located at Crows Foot in the salmon, mussel and oyster harbour secured planning permission in 2005, after years of wrangling. However, there it has stalled after Bord Pleanala annulled the councils compulsory purchase order for three-quarters of an acre to form part of a new road. A pier for Cromane has appeared on election literature at almost every general and local election for more than 125 years. In May 1895, locals petitioned the members of the Congested Districts Board, forerunners of the county council, to develop a pier at Cromane. However, all 33 councillors at this months Kerry County Council meeting put forward a motion to initiate a process where all the necessary agencies would be brought together. Councillors, in addition to highlighting development benefits, also continued to warn that there were also health and safety matters to consider. Fianna Fails Michael Cahill, who is spearheading the latest attempt, said the Office of Public Works, which governs coastal protection issues, along with the Department of Agriculture and the Marine, which governs the shellfish industry, the Department of Transport, and the county council would all need to be involved for once and for all secure the pier. This is going on forever and ever, said Mr Cahill. This is a big industry, an important industry with knock-on effects for the continuing delays in providing a proper working pier. He said around 100 people, between small boats and trawlers, work the industry in the inner area of Dingle Bay, bringing their harvest back into Cromane. At the moment, tractors are being used to access shellfish beds. Cromane is also very scenic, he said, with a fine beach and restaurants and there was also a need for a pier to develop the leisure industry there. Council management, however, noted that the pier was previously progressed by the Department of the Marine, with support from the council. An official said the council was now again prioritising the project and would invite the relevant agencies. The number of people on trolleys is expected to hit 1,000 around the country as winter sets in. The President of the Irish Medical Organisation, Dr Peadar Gilligan, warned that our already over-stretched hospitals face another chaotic winter, which will put more pressure on the health service. Presidential election runner-up Peter Caseys audacious threat to set up a new Fianna Fail if Micheal Martin blocks him from joining the party has led to Renua Irelands leader saying he will not stand in the way of him taking over his party. Renua told the Irish Examiner of the offer to Mr Casey after the businessmans demand to join Fianna Fail was definitively rejected by TDs. Speaking on RTE radio, Mr Casey said Fianna Fail needs somebody like Peter Casey to shake it up. He finished second in the presidential race after a series of divisive remarks about Travellers and people on welfare saw him surge from 1% in opinion polls to 23% in Fridays election. Championing himself as Fianna Fails next leader by saying he could reposition the party very quickly, and that Mr Martin is only blocking him because I want his job, Mr Casey said the presidential race shows Fianna Fail is out of touch with its grassroots. Mr Casey said he could only accept being leader, because if I was in charge Id be able to speak my mind. He predicted he would top the polls in Donegal, and said the takeover would be in the interests of Fianna Fail because, if they keep going the way theyre going, they will not realise theyve a problem in the polls. He was reminded that Fianna Fails hierarchy rejected the proposal on Sunday, with a spokesperson saying we will not be facilitating any personal crusade of his and foreign affairs spokesman Niall Collins saying that the party is full. Mr Casey hit back by claiming its full of nonsense in the leadership. He said: If the consensus is like that after talking to them, Ill form a new party and call it the new Fianna Fail party. The claim was widely rejected yesterday, with a dozen Fianna Fail TDs labelling it laughable, comic-like, and a waste of time, despite some concerns that Mr Martins leadership is out of touch with traditional Fianna Fail voters. However, Renua Ireland last night threw Mr Casey a lifeline, with its leader and sole elected public representative, councillor John Leahy, saying he will not stand in the way of Mr Casey taking the leadership from him and rebranding the party as new Fianna Fail. I hope to be in touch with Peter in the coming days, said Mr Leahy. If he wants to join, hes a process to go through to be elected to a public role, but if he does that and the membership wants him as leader, I will not stand in the way. Renua has just one councillor and a small voter base, but it shares Mr Caseys views on several issues and would give him a platform on which to build. Mr Casey did not respond to requests for comment yesterday. By Elaine Loughlin and Daniel McConnell Secret plans are being developed to step up checks along the border if a Brexit deal cannot be reached are being made, the Irish Examiner can reveal. Officials have been reviewing State-owned land and properties, including checkpoint sites which had been used during the Troubles. While Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney have repeatedly stated that there is absolutely no planning being done for a return to a hard border, the Irish Examiner understands that preparations for all eventualities are under way. Mr Coveney has stated that, separate to published contingency planning around ports and airports, work is going on in the background to prepare for a no-deal Brexit. Speaking at a Brexit Ready roadshow in Dublins Convention Centre last week, Mr Coveney said these plans would be a much more dramatic response because what that would mean is that we would have to have certain things ready to kick in by March 29 next year and we will have to work with the EU on contingencies for that too. On Friday, Mr Varadkar said he was confident but not complacent that there will not be a hard border in Ireland. The Irish Examiner has spoken to numerous sources from across Government agencies who have confirmed that high-level scoping exercise are being carried out around seeing what type of capacity would be needed along the border and how that could be provided. Things are a lot more advanced than people are saying in public in every aspect in terms of preparing for a no-deal [Brexit], one insider said. There are already customs turnoffs. You go up the M1 to Belfast and you see the cut-out that is still there from 20 years ago where people were brought in for customs checks, and its probably developing more on existing things. While the OPW regularly carries out audits of the land and buildings it owns and controls for other departments, it is understood that a new emphasis is being put on the border region, with the M1 specifically being examined. It is understood that officials looked at land already in State hands along the border with the view to figuring out how they could incorporate maybe customs or agriculture checkpoints on the land that they have or whether they would have to acquire more land. Another Government source said: They did a survey of the entire border and identified all Government properties. That surveying work is done every few years, so working off the basis of where do we have properties on the border, a lot of them are old military installations, or the garda station that has been closed in X border town that are still in the ownership of the OPW or the State, zoning of land and things like that. While the detail and preparing for extra staff and checks on the border is not at the same level as ports and airports, the source said: There is a context, topographical reports on Monaghan are suddenly being looked at a lot closer, but they are being done anyway. A spokesman for the Tanaiste dismissed as rubbish claims that preparations and scoping exercises are going on, adding that under no circumstances will there be a return to the border of the past. However, another senior source said: There is definitely planning taking place, but it is extremely hush hush as to how it is being spoken about and about how it is being driven at secretary general and assistant secretary level. However, he added the main focus is still around east-west checks at ports and airports. Insiders are confident that if Britain does crash out of Europe, Ireland would be given a grace period where goods coming here from the UK could be delivered without any checks. Fianna Fail Brexit spokeswoman Lisa Chambers, who has complained to the Ceann Comhairle about the lack of information being provided to her about Irish preparations for Brexit, said: I have been completely stonewalled. Ireland has been ranked second of 41 wealthy nations in reducing educational inequality between children, according to Unicefs latest report card. Concerns persist in relation to vulnerable groups such as Traveller children and those who are homeless or from migrant families. The report card, titled An Unfair Start Inequality in Childrens Education in Rich Countries, states: In the worlds richest countries, some children do worse at school than others because of circumstances beyond their control, such as where they were born, the language they speak or their parents occupations. The report card looked at 41 high and middle-income countries that are members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and/or the EU. Our primary concern is inequality in achievement among children as they near the end of compulsory schooling, states Unicef. Ireland ranked 33rd overall when it came to inequality at preschool level but was ranked 16th when it came to primary level and was second-best of all 41 countries when second-level schooling was considered. According to the report: Countries can have different degrees of educational inequality at different educational stages. Ireland and Slovenia are in the bottom third of countries (high inequality) for preschool enrolment, but move to the top third (low inequality) towards the end of secondary school. Ireland ranked ninth from bottom based on the percentage of children participating in preschool education in 2015, but performed better based on the percentage of children below the minimum compulsory school age attending centre-based education or care for at least one hour per week in 2016. The variation in childrens reading achievement at grade four, explained by personal and family circumstances, was also less than in other countries assessed. The data also showed that children in Ireland were less likely to have reported being bullied, with the third-best showing among all countries based on percentage of grade-four children reporting bullying. However, about one child in four in Ireland said they experience bullying at least once a month and those who were bullied were more likely to have significantly lower individual reading ability. Unicef Ireland chief executive Peter Power said some aspects of the report card were to be celebrated, but added: We are concerned that some of the children most in need, be they from vulnerable groups such as Traveller children, children experiencing homelessness or immigrant children, or those children living outside of the DEIS support system, are being left behind. In Ireland, around 86% of the inequality in reading scores is between children within schools, and only a small amount is between schools. This means that while our schools produce good results for the many, there are some children, and often those most in need, who are falling through the gaps. In Ireland, most of us are just getting used to contactless payments, and are perhaps distrustful. But resistance may be futile, says an Irish consultant who forecasts trends that will affect businesses and consumer behaviour. Martin Raymond, the founder of The Future Laboratory, has worked with AIB to study what he describes as mobile-first millennials and he believes the future of financial services and retailing can be seen in their behaviour. For this group of innovators and early adopters, who represent between 2.5% and 13% of any population, cash is no longer king, as they identify more fluid, frictionless, and fast-forward ways to reduce hassle, save time, and track their money, Mr Raymond says. Mobiles are being used to save time and perform a range of tasks in our lives and, increasingly, Mr Raymond says, that will extend to our finances. This will go much further than just checking our balances on a banking app, as smartphones will replace our bank cards themselves. According to research commissioned by Visa, contactless card payments doubled in Ireland between 2015 and 2018, yet only 45% of people in Ireland are aware that they can also pay by touching their mobile to the card reader in-store. Mr Raymond expects the numbers to explode. They already have in some other countries. Only 19% of Swedens payments were made using cash last year, compared with a European average of 80%. Stockholms Royal Institute of Technology says this total could reach zero in as little as five years, as all age groups turn to mobile payments. According to The Future Laboratory, we spend an average of 5.6 hours a year at cash points. The individual waiting times might not seem long, but once we get used to something being instant, even minor delays can seem like a massive inconvenience. Remember waiting for dial-up internet connection; would you put up with it now? The obvious question is security, but financial institutions are working hard to show that paying with your mobile is not only convenient, but safe. For example, when you add your Visa credit or debit card into Apple Pay or Google Pay, the Visa Token Service creates a unique digital identifier (the token), which replaces sensitive account information, such as the number, expiry date and security code. When you use your mobile to make a purchase, the token, and not the account number, is exchanged with the merchant and financial institutions to make the payment secure. The other big concern is that the data people enter online is used to profile them. Be it targeted ads or more long-term concerns about private information falling into the wrong hands, social media users are looking at their phones with fresh suspicion. Will fears about data misuse and invasion of privacy slow down the conversion to mobile payments? Mr Raymond thinks not. He believes personal information will be closely managed by individuals, but they will be happy to share it with companies that promise insights into their lives and the potential for improvement. We see it already with fitness apps that can tell you how far you are from optimal health. Similarly, banking apps not only tell your balance, but are moving into the arena of financial advice, categorising your spending and giving you spending and saving targets. Mr Raymond believes the assistance will grow ever more sophisticated and that consumers will decide that the information they receive is worth their personal data. What do you think? Is the march of progress to a cashless society inevitable, or are there too many concerns about potential downsides? I would be delighted to hear Irish Examiner readers views on this, and put any concerns to the experts for a future column. You can contact me at makingcents@examiner.ie, or by writing to Irish Examiner, Linn Dubh, Assumption Road, Blackpool, Cork. Deal of the week This weeks deal is a dream come true for the telly fan. The No 1 complaint I have heard recently from lovers of the small screen is that there are too many providers. Between Netflix, Amazon Prime, Sky and US channels, it is hard to keep up with all the must-see TV without a number of subscriptions. So the news that two are giving viewers a joint option, just in time for the peak TV-viewing months, will be greeted with delight. From Thursday, Netflix will be available as part of a Sky subscription pack called Ultimate On Demand, bringing together Sky Box Sets and the full Netflix service. Ultimate On Demand will be 16 a month for all new and existing customers alongside their Sky Q subscription. Titles available to download can be watched on the go, with Sky shows available through the Sky Go app and Netflix shows through the Netflix app. Customers will also appreciate not having to commit to a long-term, with a 31-day rolling contract available. Find out more at sky.com/netflix. SPONSORED by Ulster Bank. With a thriving jobs market, lower cost of living and an excellent quality of life, its no wonder many ex-Corkonians are considering the move home. Not only that, non-Corkonians are also seeing huge potential in Irelands second city. As a result The Irish Times, in association with Ulster Bank, are hosting a first-time buyers' event in Cork city to hear from local property professionals on just what the city offers. On November 8th, The Irish Times will host a first-time buyers' event in association with Ulster Bank, in The River Lee Hotel, in Cork, designed to help buyers in the city and county get on the housing ladder. As well as the chance to meet Ulster Bank mortgage advisors face-to-face, attendees will hear from speakers including interior designer Nicki Halley; Angela Keegan from Myhome.ie; Wayne Kirby, Ulster Bank Cork area manager; and Lisa OBrien, best known for her work as a quantity surveyor on RTEs Room to Improve. Book tickets now for the Cork first-time buyers' event on November 8th Deirdre Barry of MyHome.ie says Cork has a job market thats hot on Dublins tail and the city is now a globally-renowned centre for tech and pharma. But more than that, there is value for money for first-time buyers when it comes to securing a home. Theres greater value in buying a house in Cork than in Dublin. According to our MyHome.ie Property Report Q3 2018, the average asking price for a three-bed semi in Dublin is 315,000, 34 per cent more than Corks average price of 235,000, Barry says. Of the five most popular searches across Munster, Midleton and Ballincollig in Cork, feature highly. Carrigaline is also an area where there is currently a lot of activity, mainly due to the construction of Janeville, a 111-acre greenfield site which has planning permission for 800 houses, over a phased basis. Development started on site in April 2017 and is now on phase three, with 111 houses sold so far. The Port of Cork will soon be built in Ringaskiddy, just 5 kilometres from Carrigaline and there is also 10,000 to 15,000 people working in the area, offering good employment opportunities close by. A lot of people coming home from Dublin and abroad are interested in Janeville, says Dan Howard of Dan Howard and Co, agents for the development. He says that the homes are A3 BER rating, when previously many new builds would only have had a C BER rating. They are HomeBond warrantied, inspected by BECA, and there is transparency with every single house, he adds. Overall the property market is very good and buoyant in Cork, being driven by a lack of supply, he explains. The second-hand market is very buoyant, particularly the three-bed semi-detached market Nowadays first-time buyers are generally in their mid-30s, previously they would have been in their late 20s, so there is a generation catching up which is bringing more buyers into the market. The second-hand market is very buoyant also, particularly in the three-bed semi-detached market, he says. While good-value-property will be a driving force for anyone considering a move to Cork, there are many other aspects to consider. Sarah Thatt-Foley, public affairs executive with Cork Chamber of Commerce, moved from Dublin to Cork three years ago. It had a lot to do with the right job opportunity coming up but also, more disposable income and not having to pay as much rent. I can also get outside the city really quickly and into nature so there is a quality of life aspect too, she says. Sixty per cent of people who work here get to work within a half an hour Cork is predicted to be the fastest growing city under the Governments Ireland 2040 strategy. With that in mind, there are a lot of exciting new builds happening here. New jobs are being announced every week, there is a lot of strong business confidence and our members are recruiting and expanding, so its a good time to move to Cork with the scale of activity and the renewed confidence in the region, Thatt-Foley says. Its a compact city that is walkable and cyclable. Sixty per cent of people who work here get to work within a half an hour, so there is that huge quality of life piece. As well as that, there is a great food heritage in the region with 20 food festivals held each year and the recent awarding of Michelin stars to three restaurants in Cork symbolises the proud food tradition that has been revived. In terms of schools and third-level institutes, there are many, she says. There is a lot of population growth but there are a lot of new schools planned for Cork so this is not something that is presenting as a challenge at the moment. There are a lot of well performing schools in the city that cater for Irish nationals and international students too, she says. But its job opportunities in the region that are key and Thatt-Foley says many of their members are expanding and hiring. Industries such as pharma and biopharma, IT and cyber are seeing a lot of growth as well as financial services, with the so-called Big Four firms already based in the region. There has been a renewed interest in Cork in the wake of Brexit so this is leading to job opportunities. Salaries overall would be on a par with Dublin and the rest of Europe, she adds. With so much going for it, Cork is certainly a city that offers the first-time buyer plenty of food for thought. Book tickets now for the Cork first-time buyers' event on November 8th. Ulster Bank Ireland DAC is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. For more information on Ulster Banks First Five Mortgage, check out ulsterbank.ie. SPONSORED by Ulster Bank. By Kristina West Halloween is a time when cultural norms are turned upside down. We encourage children to dress up as creatures from nightmares witches, zombies, vampires and we send them out to wander the streets in the dark, demanding sweets from strangers. Yet the witch, so often invoked as a sign of societal disruption through history, is no longer content to be confined either to Halloween or to history if, indeed, she ever was. Witches at a protest against Donald Trump in St. Paul, Minnesota, 2018. Fibonacci Blue, CC BY-SA Witch hunts didnt end with the cataclysmic events of Salem in 1692. In Britain, the last witch trial took place in 1944, when Helen Duncan was jailed for claiming to have conjured up the spirit of a dead sailor from the HMS Barham the sinking of the ship by the Germans was classified information, and the authorities were worried that she might also reveal details of the D-Day landing plans. She was released after nine months, and lived to see the repeal of the Witchcraft Act in 1951, although she continued practising spiritualism for the rest of her life. The practice of witchcraft continues. Browse any new age bookshop, visit the Witch Museum in Boscastle in Cornwall, or Pendle in Lancashire, where Britains most famous witch trial took place in 1612, or the tiny village of Burley in the New Forest where the so-called White Witch, Sybil Leek, lived in the 1950s before she was forced by hostile locals to flee to the US. Youll find that the books available are not just about the history of witches, but their present existence and practices. A current exhibition at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford also shows that both popular and academic interest in witchcraft is thriving. Every witch way in US politics But the witch in Western society continues to exist in other ways too, primarily self-identified and given to using political and sociopolitical language rather than incantations. The inauguration of the US president, Donald Trump, provoked womens protest marches around the world, with some banners reading: Hex the Patriarchy, Witches for Black Lives, and We are the daughters of the witches you didnt burn, and we are pissed off. Witch at a Black Lives Matter demonstration, Brooklyn, 2018. Paul Sableman, CC BY An event even took place in October in Brooklyn, New York, to hex supreme court justice, Brett Kavanaugh. The meeting was sold out and the protest made headlines across the world. It is no surprise that, at a time when womens rights are under increasing pressure in some areas of Western society, that the witch should be used as a feminist symbol of power, both in language and in the claimed reality of witchcraft. But there are other people looking to get in on the act. Trump has repeatedly stated that the 2016 investigation into his alleged collusion with Russia was the biggest witch hunt of a politician in American history. According to the New York Times, Trump used the term witch hunt casting himself as victim in tweets more than 110 times in the period May 2017-18. All the times the president has tweeted about the "witch hunt" since his inauguration: pic.twitter.com/qPslg2QemJ Carrie Dann (@CarrieNBCNews) February 27, 2018 Further, the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements led Woody Allen to invoke the spectre of Salem, but with men as accused witches, saying: You also dont want it to lead to a witch-hunt atmosphere, a Salem atmosphere, where every guy in an office who winks at a woman is suddenly having to call a lawyer to defend himself. In these cases, men are positioning themselves and their peers in the role of witches, but in this scenario the witch is an innocent, a victim. These men are actually denying their own status as witches, using the power associated with claims to victimhood as a weapon against those considered oppressors. They position their accusers as powerful, while simultaneously accusing them of abusing that power. Yet Trump and countless others still use witch as a term of vilification against women. During the 2016 presidential election campaign, Hillary Clinton was repeatedly defined as a witch by Trump supporters: Clinton was the wicked witch of the Left, pictured with green skin, pointy hat, and riding a broomstick; her opponents claimed she smelt of sulphur. Aligning her with such stereotypical representations of witchcraft evidenced the power plays at the root of such blatant and public misogyny. Innocence and guilt This concentration on the binary nature of witch accusations on the guilt or innocence of both accusers and accused shows how the reclamation of the witch for the 21st century is, as it has always been, concerned with power and, frequently, the relative positioning of gender. The accusation of witchcraft is one that has been used to undermine the status of both women and children who have also been branded as witches, from Salem in 17th-century America to Nigeria today. A 19th-century lithograph depicting the Salem Witch Trials. Library of Congress As American historian and philosopher Perry Miller has argued regarding the difficulties of understanding the Salem witch trials, language itself proves treacherous by which he meant we struggle to put ourselves into the minds of the Puritans who threw around accusations of witchery in 17th-century New England. And now, in the early 21st century, it seems that efforts to understand the resurgence of the word witch in public discourse may be no less troubled. This article was written by Kristina West of the University of Reading and was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article here. Liberalism is not a given, but the real threat to a civilised polity is when a populist government fails and millions are left embittered, says John Lloyd. Populist nationalism is here to stay. Many still believe it to be a phase, which, like surliness in adolescence, will pass and be succeeded by orderly, thoughtful maturity. But they will find that the political world, already changed, will disappoint them. Liberalism, however defined, is not politics default position: mainstream politicians are in a fight ring, facing young contenders buoyed by a string of victories. So predicts National Populism, a book by Roger Eatwell and Matthew Goodwin, and which is published this week. The two British academics in contrast to their cheerful surnames go to some pains to warn that anti-liberal politics is likely to grow. Unlike other authors such as Yascha Mounk, in his The People vs. Democracy they do not write to warn and condemn, but to understand, even sympathise with, a movement that seeks to restore the primacy of the nation over distant and unaccountable international organisations and to reassert the importance of stability and conformity over the never-ending and disruptive instability that flows from globalisation. These goals, as Thomas Frank one of the first authors to explore rising populism, in Whats the Matter with Kansas? writes, are not to be despised, being a lower-class response to decades of social marginalisation and economic stagnation: Populism isnt the name for this disease; its the cure. Disease or cure, its present successes in the United States and in Europe prompt the question: What if it succeeds in at least some of its aims, and embeds itself as a governing, rather than a disruptive, force? And more urgent, what if it fails, and the tens of millions who support one or other national form of populism find themselves deprived of Franks cure? Success would mean much-reduced immigration, repatriation of illegal immigrants, and more determined integration of ethnic minorities who remain, together with trade barriers and efforts to reduce the effects of globalisation. Failure could see debt rising to unsustainable levels, trade barriers, and disinvestment by foreign companies, causing unemployment, and national businesses suffering from the loss of both unskilled and highly-skilled immigrants. Success for populist parties would mean that they would displace the left, or would come from the left, since populism is not confined to the right. Their cure borrows heavily from the left indeed, controls on trade and foreign investment, preferential treatment for national workers and heavy, and state-led investment in national infrastructure feature in the policy lists of the populist parties, and have all recently been programmes of the left. In some cases in France, where the leading left group, La France Insoumise (France Unbowed), favours a 100bn economic stimulus and selective nationalisation; and in the United Kingdom, where Labour has rediscovered its radical socialism and plans nationalisations of rail, mail and water, together with higher taxes on the rich they still are. Its easy to see populism, whether of right or left, becoming a dominant strain, fighting it out with pro-globalist parties, including left-centre parties like the US Democrats, the German Christian Democrats, and French president, Emmanuel Macrons Republique en Marche. The latter have on their side the fact of a world in constant, disruptive change. But its an option that has increasingly been felt as senseless by the millions who see themselves as its victims. The political issue, in a world in which populist governments will have been seen, at least partly, to succeed (and no government ever can succeed more than in part) would be to ensure that these policies become part of a reasonably stable political society and not, as now, a centre of constant contention. This is possible; something like it already exists, in the adoption by mainstream parties of policies, particularly on immigration and integration, that had been regarded as outside of a right-left consensus. Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron Failure by the populists could be catastrophic. In Italy, the Lega-5 Star coalition government has been high in the polls for months, and now faces a direct confrontation with the European Union, on a budget that the Union insists contains a far higher figure for the deficit, 2.4%, than that agreed. Matteo Salvini, who heads the Lega and is the effective leader of Italy, seems to relish the confrontation. A tough stance, defending a budget aimed to increase growth and jobs against an austerity-obsessed EU, would play well in the European Parliament elections in May. But almost every economist, in and out of Italy, sees disaster ahead and thus the government dropping its plans, or losing a fight with the EU. The majority of Italians who voted for one or other of the coalition parties, and who have been told to expect shorter working lives, a minimum income for those under a certain salary level, and a flat tax, would be shorn of their hopes. The collapse of the government, and its substitution by a more mainstream administration, would leave millions of embittered Italians looking for someone to blame, and the embittered would be directed, by the formerly governing populists, to international institutions, with the EU in first place. Something of this kind would happen wherever populists took and lost power. Matteo Salvini In the United States, Democrats could win control of the House of Representatives in the November 6 midterm elections, with a net gain of 23 seats out of the 435 up for election. Less likely, but not impossible, they could take over the 100-seat Senate, with a net gain of two more places. Were the Republicans thus to lose control of Congress, then the Trump motor would be slowed. Populism thus remains, win or lose and is certain to be more disruptive, if governments who rule in its name are expelled from office. The US Democrats are presently driven, significantly, by Trump hatred. Not only may that not be enough to take back Congress, but it is certainly not enough to produce a civilised polity. Populist leaders are confrontational, mendacious and ruthless but those who follow them need to have their fears, resentments, and beliefs addressed, if politics is not to descend further. John Lloyd co-founded the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, at the University of Oxford. He has written several books, including What the Media Are Doing to Our Politics and Journalism in an Age of Terror. He is a contributing editor at the Financial Times and the founder of FT Magazine. Far more preparations for Brexit are going on behind the scenes and at a much higher level than Government will admit, writes political correspondent Elaine Loughlin. Our nearest neighbour has landed us in a bit of a predicament. The UK has effectively told us that they have bought the tickets and will be sending us on mystery trip. But with the destination still a surprise we must pack for all types of terrain, weather and conditions. In deciding to leave the EU, Theresa Mays government has set Ireland the unenviable task of planning for the unknown. The Irish Government, grappling with this uncertainty, has decided to pick a spot and are running to it in the hope that this will be the end point. The Department of Foreign Affairs, which is co-ordinating the Brexit ready efforts, has set its target for what they call a central case scenario. These plans, which are based around an orderly Brexit with a two-year transition period, include the recruitment of 1,077 customs, health and veterinary officials at ports and airports and a number of supports to help businesses and the agri-sector adapt including a 300m loan scheme announced as part of Budget 2019. But plans for a more devastating Brexit are also afoot and are being developed quietly in the background. Preparing for a new and perhaps difficult relationship with the UK had already begun as the ballots papers in the 2016 referendum were still being counted, the first of a series of All-Island Civic Dialogues on Brexit was organised in November 2016. The month before then taoiseach, Enda Kenny said he would not be appointing a Brexit minister but instead as head of government, would take the lead. He also set up a Cabinet sub-committee dedicated to the Brexit response. This was the public indication that the wheels were already in motion. One senior source said that immediately after the 2016 Brexit poll, all government departments began preparing for Brexit and preparing for all eventualities. From when Brexit talks started each department had to look at what they had to do to prepare, the source said, adding that government departments with the support of the Office of Public Works began scoping exercises which took in all eventualities including increased presence along the border with Northern Ireland. Another source said the Government is conscious there would have to be some thinking outside the box to make sure there there wasnt too much upheaval. Some of this ongoing work has been published, but much of the Governments contingency planning remains under wraps with the minimum number of people in each department being informed. Speaking at a Brexit Ready roadshow for businesses in Dublins Convention Centre last week, Tanaiste Simon Coveney said: We are in the background... putting together contingency planning for a no-deal Brexit which is a much more dramatic response because what that would mean is that we would have to have certain things ready to kick in by March 29 next year, and we will have to work with the EU on contingencies for that too. Dont forget, a lot of things you dont control, its done by the EU in terms of trading policy and so on. Contingency planning for Ireland will involve our domestic planning as well as a partnership with the EU in terms of how the single market and the customs union will react to Britain leaving without a deal and there are many sectoral areas that will require consideration. Of course, the Government and the select number of civil servants involved in developing these contingency plans will be hoping they will only emerge as a quirky what could have been news story when future state papers are released under the 30-year-rule. On budget day, Mr Coveney said his department and the Government as a whole are now spending and allocating money towards measures that they hope will never have to be rolled-out. It is clear far more is going on behind the scenes and at a much higher level than Mr Coveney could ever admit. A hard Brexit that would see the UK leave the EU without any agreement in place is a frightening vista which would impact on every aspect of this country from the securing our energy supply, to getting planes off the ground, to cross-border healthcare agreements as well as the likely economic impacts of lower than expected growth and job creation. However, if the UK does leave the EU with no agreement in place, one of the most significant threats could come from the lack of a free trade agreement. This could see the introduction of tariffs which would have to comply with World Trade Organisation levels. While the Government has, in public anyway, been solely focused on the east-west at our ports and airports, if the backstop hammered out last year does not remain in play after a cliff-edge Brexit, the border with the North will also come into focus. Many believe that Ireland would be given a grace period where goods coming here from the UK could be delivered without any checks in the immediate aftermath of a hard Brexit. But Fianna Fail Brexit spokesperson Lisa Chambers was keen to stress that the WTO and the EU would only provide leeway for a limited time as protecting the single market will be the most important thing for other European Union member states. It think the EU, other members states, will give us a grace period but they will say you have an exposed border, so there is only so long that they will allow that grace period. Eventually, we could have a border between ourselves and mainland Europe if we refuse to check goods coming across the border, she said. Our partners in the EU will have a key role to play in our future regardless of what type of Brexit we are faced with. The European Commission has also developed a number of contingency measures in preparation for a hard Brexit. It is expected these plan could be published as early as this week. Alluding to these proposals, Mr Coveney said: To be honest with you, they will be skeletal agreements, it wont be a pretty picture and it will be about the reality and the truth of Brexit. But with talks stuck at a critical and fragile phase, insiders claim Europe may try to hold off on publishing these proposals. The hope would be a deal could first be struck with Ms Mays negotiating team and the EUs worst-case scenario proposals could then be used to focus the minds of those in the House of Commons who will have to ratify any agreement. While the outcome of the Brexit talks is still far from certain, all sides, the UK, the EU and of course Ireland, want to avoid a hard border at all costs. Lets hope that is where we end up. In a recent survey, more than a third of European asset managers indicated Ireland as their preferred jurisdiction in which to relocate UK functions after Brexit. In preparation for the possibility of a no deal, Ireland was the most favoured location by 39% of asset managers, followed by Luxembourg at 36%, for any post-Brexit transfer of operations. The time needed to apply to new regulators for authorisation is cited as a key factor, with both Ireland and Luxembourg currently taking six to nine months to process applications. The survey, carried out by PwC in September, was focused on 52 European asset management companies, some with operations in Ireland. The results showed that nearly half of European asset managers are struggling to be ready on time, with 44% still making preliminary assessments of their Brexit needs, while nearly a quarter do not expect to complete their Brexit transformation projects until 2021. Given that asset managers do not have a clear view of how Brexit will affect their products, people or corporate structure, many firms are working on the basis of a no-deal scenario. As a gateway to the EU and the US, and having the same common law jurisdiction as the UK, Ireland is world class centre for financial services with a highly talented workforce, and a great location for investment management companies to operate, according to Patricia Johnston at the PwC Ireland Asset and Wealth Management practice. Ireland is working hard to ensure that we have the capacity, including necessary infrastructure, to support the continued future growth of the industry. We expect the heightened interest in Ireland, noted in the survey, to continue. Just one in five predicted an orderly exit for the UK from the EU with an agreed transition period. For many businesses, the possibility of a transitional period lasting until the end of 2020 if a Brexit deal is agreed has made little difference to the tempo with which they are progressing their Brexit projects. The PwC survey shows 19% of asset managers intend to launch new products in the UK following Brexit, while 35% have plans for launches in the EU27. However, in the absence of a deal on financial product passporting, equivalence or even a temporary permissions regime, it is not clear whether they will be in a position to fulfill their ambitions. The research suggests that many asset managers are considering moving a range of functions out of the UK as a result of Brexit most likely sales and marketing teams, with compliance and portfolio management also under consideration. With managers looking at relocating structures, firms are under pressure to consider how they might redeploy their workforce. More than half the asset managers in the research say that they are exploring ideas such as splitting employment arrangements across territories or asking staff to commute between one or more territories. Around a quarter are planning to ask staff to relocate to a new territory. None of these options are straightforward, and the lack of certainty about immigration rules in the UK and the EU27 in the medium to longer term are also complicating plans. As the clock ticks ever closer to the Brexit deadline, businesses are being forced to make fundamental future decisions but doing so without a full grasp of the facts. That said, sitting still is not an option even in an environment lacking any degree of clarity. Failure to act now in preparing for an uncertain future will result in even greater problems down the road. One wonders if that trademark phrase of Winston Churchill during the Second World War will achieve a renaissance in the English vernacular over the coming months: Keep buggering on. DEBRA Daviss relationship with her boyfriend of nine years was on the rocks when he invited her to a house in south Boston. Stepping in, her much older boyfriend stepped aside as another man emerged from the shadows and strangled her to death. After the murder, Davis teeth were pulled to make identification more difficult and her body taken to the banks of a river, where it was dumped in a shallow grave. It would be 20 years before her body was found by the Neponset River in Quincy, south of Boston. It was only one of many found there after someone began revealing where all the bodies were buried, literally and figuratively. Debra Davis alleged killer was James Whitey Bulger whose federal trial on charges of running a criminal enterprise over three decades and being involved in the murder of 19 people is expected to begin on Monday following jury selection. Her family had warned her about being involved with Stephen Flemmi. In the tight knit Southie community, the most Irish in the most Irish of cities, everyone knew everyone else. And the family knew Flemmi was Bulgers right hand man. And they knew he was a killer. She was just 17 when she met Flemmi, then in his early 40s. In 1981, aged 26, she was tiring of the relationship and wanted out. But she knew too much, according to Flemmi himself. Specifically, she knew of Bulgers links to the FBI. Flemmi had told her, in a fit of impatience after being paged by Bulger one evening. Bulger, it is alleged, ruled she must die. Deborah Hussey was Flemmis step daughter. When she reached adulthood, she accused Flemmi of sexually molesting her as a teenager. She also had to die. This from a court document, one of thousands now filed in connection with numerous criminal and civil cases stemming from the murderous activities of the now notorious Boston Irish mob and its connections to corrupt FBI and other law enforcement agents in Massachusetts. They murdered her in much the same way they murdered their other victims, by luring her into a house and strangling her. Here again, Bulger grabbed Debrorah Hussey from behind and scissored her neck between his forearm to crush her windpipe. Hussey fought desperately for her life and knocked Bulger over. When the two fell to the floor, Bulger jack-knifed his body to work his legs around Husseys body to crush her torso. "The court infers Hussey lost consciousness from asphyxiation and died in minutes. The teeth were extracted and the body buried in Quincy. As Bulger waited for the trial that is set grip Boston over this summer, it appears those two murders are very much on his mind. Of all his alleged criminal deeds, it is those two he wants to refute. I never killed any women, he wrote to a friend from his prison cell. Debra Davis brother Steve certainly does not believe Bulger is innocent of his sisters murder. Davis, who more than once has offered to kill Bulger and save the bother of a trial, was in court last week for jury selection and has vowed to be there every day of the expected three month trial. He watched as the 83-year-old Bulger took his seat in the belly of the Boston federal court room. Good morning, said Bulger to the first batch of some 675 potential jurors to be questioned ahead of the panel being whittled to 18, 12 seated and six alternates. Looking fit, dressed in jeans, a navy jersey, white trainers and wearing wire rimmed glasses, his time in prison appears to have been good for his health. In his first court appearance following his June 2011 arrest in Santa Monica, California, he looked dishevelled and every bit his age. Corruption Bulger is accused in a wide ranging racketeering indictment of leading for nearly three decades the Winter Hill Gang. He is alleged to either have been directly involved or ordered 19 murders, and directing a mob involved in extorting money from drug dealers, bookmakers and businessman. From his headquarters at the South Boston Liquor Store on Old Colony Avenue and the Triple Os Lounge on West Broadway, Bulger orchestrated the corruption of FBI and other law enforcement officials, the laundering of millions in cash and the stockpiling of an arsenal of weapons, according to prosecutors. More than 150 potential witnesses, for the prosecution and the defence, have been listed in court documents. Key to the prosecution case are three of Bulgers one time henchmen, Flemmi, Kevin Weeks, the man who finally spilled all on the site where many bodies were buried, and John Mortarano, a cold blooded hit man who admits to murdering 20 people. Between the three, they have admitted to being involved in a staggering 46 murders. Each cut a deal with the Government. Flemmi is serving life in prison but avoided the death penalty. Mortorano is a free man after serving just a 12 year sentence, while Weeks served less then six. Bulger didnt cut a deal but he tried, according to Boston Globe reporters, Kevin Cullen and Shelley Murphy. In their book, Whitey Bulger: Americas Most Wanted Gangster and the Manhunt That Brought Him to Justice, the authors reveal Bulger offered to admit to the 19 murders, even ones. He also offered to submit to the death penalty in Oklahoma or Florida, where he is charged at state level with murder. In exchange, he asked that his girlfriend, Catherine Greig, be spared prosecution and prison. Bulger wrote in a letter from prison: I never loved anyone like I do her and offered my life if they would free her but no they want me to suffer they know this is the worst punishment for my by hurting her. Prosecutors refused the offer. Greig pleaded guilty to harbouring a fugitive and identity fraud and was sentenced to eight years in prison. In his letter, Bulger complained: Got me to live crime free for 16 years for this they should give her a medal. Catherine Greig was the siste-in-law of Donald McGonagle, a mild mannered and popular figure in south Boston who was shot dead as he sat in his car at a traffic light. McGonagle, it is alleged, was James Bulgers first murder victim. And he killed the wrong man. Gang war The year was 1971 and south Boston was in the middle of bloody gang war between the Killeen and Mullen factions that lasted a decade and leave more than 60 people dead. It began with a petty row. One of the leaders of the Mullen gang was Paulie McGonagle. Bulger belonged to the rival gang. In his book, Kevin Weeks described what happened. One day while the gang war was still going on, Jimmy was driving down 7th Street in south Boston when he saw Paulie driving toward him. Jimmy pulled up beside him, window to window, nose to nose, and called his name. As Paulie looked over, Jimmy shot him right between the eyes. Only at that moment, just as he pulled the trigger, Jimmy realised it wasnt Paulie. It was Donald, the most likeable of the McGonagle brothers, the only one who wasnt involved in anything. Bulger drove to the home of one of the leaders of the Killeen gang, William OSullivan, who was at the stove cooking. Weeks recalled Bulger telling OSullivan that he shot the wrong man, that he shot Donald. Billy looked up from the stove and said: Dont worry about it. He wasnt healthy anyway. He smoked. He would have gotten lung cancer. How do you want your pork chops? Paulie disappeared soon after. Bulger is alleged to have been involved in his disappearance. The gang war ended with victory for the Mullen faction, which was folded in to the Winter Hill mob, headed by Howie Winter. Ever resourceful, Bulger, despite his connection to the Killeen group, managed to align himself with the victors, as did his crew of Matorano, Weeks and Flemmi. Shamrocks gang James Whitey Bulger was born in Dorchester, Massachusetts in September 1929, the eldest son of James and Jean Bulger, nee McCarthy. Five other children would follow, two boys and three girls. In 1938, the family moved to Boston, to the Old Harbour Housing Project, one of the first large scale urban estates in the United States. Bulgers father had lost a leg in a workplace accident, had other health problems and through his life had difficult finding work. But he did encourage his children to pursue an education. And, in the case of two of his boys, William and John, it worked. William became Massachusetts most powerful politician, John spent his working life in the court service. But the eldest embarked on an entirely different path, never attending secondary school, preferring life on the street, including as a member of a gang called the Shamrocks. Bulger, who developed a reputation for his fighting skills, committed his first known offences as a young teenager. He was eventually arrested for theft and assault and sent to reform school for a period. In 1948, he joined the air force and, despite spending time in the stockades for brawling, was honourably discharged in 1952. Bulger went straight back to crime. He embarked on a spree of bank robberies in his home state, Rhode Island and as far away as Indiana. In 1956, aged 26, Bulger was caught and sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, serving his time in various penitentiaries, including the notorious Alcatraz. Letters home to his brother William and mother reveal deep families bonds and his vow to settle down and avoid crime when he returned home. In one letter he urges his brother to pursue a career in politics as it pays a good salary and a pension. While Bulger was serving his time, William Bulger was first elected as a state representative. During his time in prison, he agreed to take part in a CIA experiment where inmates were given LSD in return for a slightly shorter sentence. He claims those experiments are responsible for recurring nightmares. On his release in 1965, he returned to south Boson and went to work as a janitor at a court house. But he was also acting as an enforcer for local mobsters and deeply involved in the gang war. And he had a son, Douglas Cyr, who died in 1973 aged six following a severe allergic reaction to aspirin. He changed after Douglas died, said Douglass mother, Lynsey. He was colder. It was just after Christmas 1976 when mob connected strip club owner Richard Castucci was shot in the back of the head as he sat counting money in a Boston apartment. The shooter was John Matorano. Also present were Bulger and Flemmi. They cleaned up the mess, according to Flemmi and Matorano. Castucci was a high level FBI informant and he had told the agents of the hiding place of two on the run members of the Winter Hill gang. The reason Bulger and his crew knew Castucci was an informer was because they were told by a Boston-based FBI agent named John Connolly. That indictment is one of several handed down against Connolly over the last decade. Following the murder, Connolly directed investigating agents away from Bulger, telling them the execution was not in the style of the Winter Hill gang. In 2009, Castuccis family won a more than $6m lawsuit against the federal government for its agents involvement in the murder. Connolly, currently serving a 40-year sentence for his involvement in a murder in Florida carried out by Matorano, has always insisted that he was not corrupt but that Bulger and Flemmi were his informants. It is a claim that Bulger denies and claims to want to prove in court. But there is a contradiction at the heart of Bulgers defence. On the one hand, Bulger, in his letters, is claiming he was never a government informant. On the other, his lawyer has strongly indicated that one of the planks of his defence will be that Bulger was granted blanket immunity from prosecution by government agencies in return for information. Whatever happens the actions of law enforcement agencies, particularly the FBI, will come under heavy scrutiny. One of the witnesses being called by the defence is none other than the head of the FBI, Robert Mueller. Already, relatives of those killed allegedly by Bulgers gang have won significant amounts of money in civil actions after claiming their loved ones died because of the actions, or lack of, of the FBI. And it was not just John Connolly, it has been argued in repeated court cases. He was able to continue to operate even though he was known to have a close, likely corrupt, relationship with Bulger Others in the Boston FBI office took money from Bulger. His tentacles also stretched to other law enforcement agencies including the state police. Bulger, on his way to taking over full control of the Winter Hill mob, met Connolly, the son of a Galway immigrant, graduate of Boston College and Harvard University, in 1975. Unlike in the film the Departed the Jack Nicholson and Matt Damon characters are loosely based on Bulger and Connolly the mob boss did not cultivate the younger man from child hood. According to Matorano, they were, in fact, introduced by Bulgers younger brother, William, then a rising political star. William Bulger, the long-time former speaker of the state senate and later head of the state university, denies this. However they met, it was to be the start of a fateful relationship that led to Bulger and his cohorts essentially being able to act, and kill, with impunity. Bulger, it is claimed, was recruited as an informant to help bring down the Italian Mafia in Boston. But the two decade relationship appears to have benefited Bulger much more than the FBI. When Roger Wheeler, a respected businessman, was shot dead as he left an exclusive country club in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1980, no one knew where the bloody trail would lead. Colleagues reported being baffled as to why such a fine guy was murdered. The trail was certainly bloody, in large part because Wheeler had become unwittingly embroiled with the Boston Irish mob. And it was John Matorano who pulled the trigger, he claims on the orders of Whitey Bulger, by then undisputed leader of the Winter Hill gang following the jailing a year earlier of Howie Winter. Key Witness Matorano was the key prosecution witness in the murder trial in Florida of John Connolly, later convicted and sentenced to 40 years in prison. Connolly was convicted of being centrally involved in the 1982 murder of John Callahan, a gambling industry executive with close ties to the Boston mob, whose bullet ridden body was discovered in the boot of a car parked at Miami Airport. A dime left on his chest signified he had been killed because he was, in gangster speak, a rat. Not surprisingly it was Matorano who carried out the execution of his one time friend. Matorano told a Florida court that he and an accomplice picked up Callahan. Martorano told the court: He got in the front seat, I got in the back seat... and shot him. I believe once, possibly twice. The next morning, while transferring the body to the trunk of Callahans Cadillac, Martorano said, he and his accomplice thought they heard him moaning, so they shot him several more times. Callahans path to death began with a business deal with Wheeler. They set up a gambling enterprise in Florida together. Callahan was soon ousted after an investigation revealed his close connections to the Boston mob and that he was skimming money from the company. He made several attempts to buy the company back but was rebuffed by Wheeler. It was then, according to prosecutors, he decided Wheeler had to die. Naturally, he turned to Bulger, who dispatched his ace enforcer, Martorano, to carry out the hit in 1981. According to FBI documents, within a month of Wheelers murder the trail had led to Callahan. The FBI in Boston was asked to follow up. Connolly, the agent with the top contacts in the Irish mob, was given the job. Bulger had no information but Flemmi told Connolly according to the agents official report that Callahan had drifted away from the Boston mob and was reduced to hanging about with a small time hood called Brian Halloran. Connolly questioned Callahan, who denied any involvement with the gambling syndicate or the death of Wheeler. However, two other FBI agents in Boston, who did not trust Connolly, were separately in contact with Halloran.He had a story to tell of a meeting with Bulger, Flemmi and Callahan, during which the murder of Wheeler was discussed. Halloran wanted into the witness protection programme. Records show the FBI in Boston limited distribution of Hallorans information and that Connolly was not on the list of those who needed to know. One of Connollys superiors who later admitted taking money from Bulger let slip to the rogue agent that Halloran, a small time coke dealer, was co-operating with authorities. Bulger and two associates shot dead Halloran in broad daylight on a Boston street in May 1982. Hallorans friend, Michael Donohue, entirely innocent but in the wrong place at the wrong time, was murdered with him. The authorities turned their attention once again to Callahan. Martorano claims he was summoned to a meeting in New York with Bulger and Flemmi, and there he was ordered to kill Callahan. At the meeting, Martorano said, Bulger told him that Connolly had warned the gang that the FBI planned to pressure Callahan for information about the Wheeler killing. Bulger told Martorano that the message from Connolly was that Callahan was going to fold and were all going to end up in jail for the rest of our lives if he doesnt hold up. That was the end of Callahan. The defendant is a corrupt FBI agent, prosecutor Fred Wyshak told jurors at Connollys 2008 trial. He gave sensitive information to gangsters who used that information to protect themselves from investigation and prosecution and used that information to kill people and one of those people was John Callahan. Fall guy For his part Connolly maintains he is the fall guy for the FBIs mistakes, and the people killed as Bulger and his crew were essentially allowed to act with impunity. From his prison cell, Connolly is likely to be keeping a close eye on the Bulger trial as his lawyer has said he will appeal if Bulger tells the court he is innocent. When Bulger was recruited as an FBI informant, he did so on the condition that his links to the IRA and gun running would not be investigated, according to authors Cullen and Murphy. And Bulger later met Provisional IRA leader, Joe Cahill, who was smuggled in to the US for a meeting that took place in the Triple Os lounge. According to Kevin Weeks, Bulger idolised Cahill and readily agreed to smuggle guns to Ireland. In 1984, John McIntyre was taken to a house of horrors, tortured for eight hours, including repeatedly strangled to near death, before being shot dead. McIntyre was a mechanic on the shipping trawler, Valhalla, the boat used to smuggle seven tonnes of weapons to the IRA. Off the Irish coast it met and off loaded the arms to the Marita Ann, and its crew, including Martin Ferris, the now Sinn Fein TD. The Valhalla made its way back to Boston but the Marita Ann was intercepted. Picked up on an unrelated charge, McIntyre started talking and reportedly implicated Bulger in the gun running operation. Some one in law enforcement tipped off Bulger. That was the end of McIntyre. He was delivered to Bulger and murdered, tortured, his body buried and not recovered for 15 years. His brother Christophers voice drips with contempt when he talks about Whitey Bulger. I have no respect for this man. Many people think hes intelligent. But when your friends are morons, you look pretty smart, said McIntyre, whose family were awarded more than $3m in a successful law suit against the government. By the time we met it was too late. Bulger wrote in a letter from prison. I was in too deep, had done too much to even consider an honest way of life. He was speaking of Catherine Greig, whom he met in 1975 and went on the run with two decades later. Bulger described his 16 years as a fugitive as the happiest of his life. Became a real citizen and became a different person, experienced emotions, feelings that Id shut down for years, said Bulger. A real citizen living in an apartment with a large stash of guns and $800,000 in cash when he was finally arrested. Still a stone cold killer, says Kevin Weeks. Bulger went on the run in 1995 after being tipped off by Connolly he was about to be arrested on a racketeering charge under the RICO Act. The murder charges were added after Weeks and others began to talk in the late 90s. For years he was one of the countrys most wanted, behind only Osama Bin Laden for much of that time. The alleged mass murderer who used terror to control the streets of south Boston, all the time protected by the FBI, was realistic about his prospects and said he believed he would be convicted and would die in prison. JAMES WHITEY BULGER: FROM TROUBLED TEEN TO THE FBIS MOST WANTED FUGITIVE JAMES Whitey Bulger topped the FBIs Top Ten Most Wanted for more than a decade second only to Osama bin Laden. Born James Bulger on Sept 3, 1929, in Dorchester, Massachusetts, he was one of six children born to Roman Catholic Irish-American parents. Whitey (so-named for his white-blond hair) grew up in a South Boston public-housing project. His father worked as a longshoreman on the docks. Bulger was a troublemaker as a child, and even lived out the childhood fantasy of running away with the circus when he was 10. He was first arrested at age 14 for stealing, and his criminal record escalated from there. As a youth, he was arrested for larceny, forgery, assault and battery, and armed robbery and served five years in a juvenile reformatory. On his release, he joined the air force where he served time in military jail for assault before being arrested for going AWOL. He received an honourable discharge in 1952. His criminal career took off when he returned to Boston. In June 1956, he was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison. He ended up serving nine years, and then returned to Boston to resume his life of crime. Bulger became an enforcer for crime boss Donald Killeen. After Killeen was gunned down in 1972, Bulger was consolidated into the Winter Hill Gang, where he quickly rose through the ranks. A shrewd, ruthless, cunning mobster, Bulger sanctioned numerous killings. By 1979, Whitey Bulger had become a pre-eminent figure in Bostons organised crime scene. That year, Howie Winter was sent to prison for fixing horse races, and Bulger assumed the gangs leadership. Over the next 16 years, he came to control a significant portion of Bostons drug dealing, bookmaking, and loan sharking operations. Under his reign, more than 18 murders accumulated in all. At the same time, unbeknownst to even his closest associates, Bulger was an FBI informant. Taking advantage of his brother Williams stature in the State Senate and childhood friendships that linked him to members of the police force, Bulger helped bring down Bostons Italian-American Patriarca crime family while simultaneously building a more powerful and arguably more violent crime network of his own. Jack Nicholsons character in Martin Scorseses 2006 Academy Award-winning film The Departed was loosely based on Bulger. In the spring of 1994, authorities launched an investigation into Bulgers gambling operations. In early 1995, Bulger and his associate, Stephen Flemmi, were indicted. Bulger, however, managed to slip through the authorities grasp. According to federal sources, Bulgers FBI handler, longtime friend Special Agent John Connelly, tipped Bulger off to the 1995 indictment, allowing Bulger to flee with his common law wife, Theresa Stanley. She soon returned to her family and Bulger took up with a girlfriend, Catherine Greig. Until his arrest in 2011 he was living in plain sight in California with Greig. The two had lived quietly in a Santa Monica apartment packed with weapons and cash. They were arrested after Boston FBI Special Agent in Charge Richard DesLauriers launched a media campaign that included pictures of Greig as well as Bulger. Bulger was accused of committing or ordering the murders while he ran Bostons Winter Hill crime gang. He also faced charged of racketeering and extortion. Bulger plead not guilty but was convicted and sentenced to what ultimately proved to be a life sentence in prison. Burma Myanmar Garment Workers Demand Sacked Colleagues Get Jobs Back Dozens of striking workers from a Chinese-owned garment factory marched to a government compound in Yangon on Monday. / Myo Min Soe / The Irrawaddy YANGON Dozens of striking workers from a Chinese-owned garment factory in Myanmar marched to a government compound in Yangon on Monday, securing a late-night meeting with the citys chief minister, as part of efforts to get sacked colleagues reinstated. Staff from Fu Yuen Ltd factory, on the outskirts of the commercial capital of Yangon, have been demonstrating alongside other labor activists since August, after 30 members of a trade union were fired. Shouting slogans outside the Yangon regional government compound, about 100 protesters demanded to meet Chief Minister Phyo Min Thein, a protege of Myanmars civilian leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. After nightfall, the minister invited a group of workers inside for talks, which ended with protesters agreeing to disperse in return for a second meeting on Tuesday afternoon. We are thinking a lot how we can help you, Phyo Min Thein told them in the meeting, live-streamed on Facebook. We have responsibilities not only to protect workers who are protesting but also to protect workers who are working. This month, dozens of Fu Yuen workers were injured when iron-wielding assailants attacked a crowd gathered outside the factory. Police said a fight had broken out after protesters urged employees still working to join them. Myanmars textile industry is its top export earner after oil and gas, employing more than 450,000 people and generating more than $2 billion in exports last year. Fu Yuen says it fired the workers for their poor attitude rather than because they belonged to a union. As the cost has been rising rapidly in the past few years, the factory had no choice but to lay off those workers with poor attitude at work while hoping to increase the productivity again, Fu Yuen representative Janice Chan said on Monday. Hundreds of thousands of jobs in the sector could soon be at risk as the European Union considers whether to reinstate economic sanctions over the treatment of members of the Rohingya minority, potentially stripping the country of tariff-free access to the trading bloc. Thet Hter Swe, a worker from the factory, said on Monday the protesters would accept only the reinstatement of the sacked colleagues and could not be bought off with compensation. We want to work with dignity, so we only ask to go back to work and to work with full workers rights. Burma President's Office Presses Yangon Govt to Drop Incitement Suit A journalist with the Eleven Media Group being sued for incitement arrives for his court hearing in Yangon on Friday. / Myo Min Soe / The Irrawaddy YANGON The Yangon Region government must follow a presidential directive telling it to adhere to the Media Law in its dispute with three journalists from the Eleven Media Group, a spokesman for the Presidents Office said. The Yangon government filed a lawsuit against the trio earlier this month accusing them of incitement under Article 505 (b) of the Penal Code for allegedly publishing false information relating to the use of public funds. They were arrested on Oct. 10 and detained at Yangons Insein Prison but released on bail last week. The lawsuit and arrests drew strong public rebuke from critics who pointed out that the offending article was based primarily on remarks by lawmakers in a Yangon Parliament session about a recent report by the local auditor general. The lawmakers themselves insisted the story was accurate. The lawsuit prompted President U Win Myint to tell the Yangon government to follow the Media Law, which says the Myanmar Press Council should attempt to settle complaints against the press before they reach the courts. The Yangon government submitted a complaint letter to the Press Council following the presidents directive on Oct. 18. The Press Council then urged the Yangon government to withdraw the lawsuit because its rules forbid it from mediating a dispute that is with the courts. But the government has yet to drop the suit. We have sent it the [presidents] directive. The [Yangon] chief ministers shall be responsible to the president, according to the Constitution, so it has to follow the order; I hope it will. As far as Im concerned, it is now negotiating with Eleven Media Group, U Zaw Htay, spokesman for the President Office, said Monday at a press conference in Naypyitaw. On Oct. 19 the Yangon government demanded that Eleven Media apologize for the article without saying whether it would drop the suit if the news outlet complied. It is not clear if the two sides are negotiating on an apology. Eleven Media Managing Director U Thein Myint was not available for comments on Tuesday. Upon his release on Friday, U Phyo Wai Win, the journalist who wrote the offending article, told reporters outside the court that he stood by everything he wrote. On the day of their release, Press Council Vice Chairman U Myo Thant Tin told The Irrawaddy that, despite the bail, the suit still had to be dropped before it could start mediating. The journalists lawyer, U Kyee Myint, urged the government to follow the presidents instructions and drop the suit without delay. News First Group of Rohingya to Be Repatriated Next Month Myint Thu, permanent secretary of Myanmars Ministry of Foreign Affairs, talks to reporters after a Joint Working Group meeting in Dhaka on Tuesday. / The Irrawaddy DHAKADhaka and Naypyitaw have agreed to repatriate the first group of Rohingya to Myanmar by mid-November, Bangladeshi Foreign Secretary M. Shahidul Haque announced on Tuesday. Were looking forward to starting the repatriation by mid-November. Its the first batch, Shahidul Haque told reporters without saying precisely how many Rohingyas would be repatriated in the first group. The senior Bangladeshi diplomat made the announcement after the third meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) to discuss the repatriation of verified Rohingya in Dhaka. The third meeting of the JWG, a foreign secretary-level forum, was held at the Meghna State Guesthouse in the capital. It was co-chaired by Shahidul Haque and Myint Thu, permanent secretary of Myanmars Foreign Affairs Ministry. Myint Thu said they had a very friendly and candid meeting and came up with very concrete results on the commencement of repatriation. We have shown political will, flexibility, and accommodation in order to commence the repatriation at the earliest possible date, he told reporters. The Myanmar diplomat said the two sides had streamlined local directives to promote awareness of repatriation among potential returnees. They discussed the Rohingya issue in detail amid intensive efforts to begin repatriation, he said. JWG members from both sides will visit Rohingya camps in Bangladeshs Coxs Bazar on Wednesday to meet with refugees. The officials said Bangladesh on Tuesday sought updates on what steps would be taken to facilitate the safe and sustainable return of Rohingya to their homes in Myanmar. Bangladeshi Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali on Oct. 15 told reporters in Dhaka that, Weve completed the village-based verification of 8,000 Rohingyas to determine who came from which village. We want to make sure they can start living in houses in their own villages. The foreign minister said India had built 250 houses for returnees in Myanmar, while China is building 1,000 more. The returnees will first stay at reception centers in Myanmar and then will go to their villages. Chinese Minister and Party Committee Secretary of the Ministry of Public Security Zhao Kezhi and his Bangladeshi counterpart discussed the Rohingya issue on Friday. Bangladesh sought Chinas assistance in repatriating the Rohingyas. Speaking at the 73rd UN General Assembly recently, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina made three recommendations for solving the Rohingya crisis at its root. The first was that Myanmar should abolish discriminatory laws, policies and practices against the minority group. The second was that Myanmar should create an acceptable environment by building trust and guaranteeing protection, rights and a pathway to citizenship for all Rohingyas. If needed, it should create a safe zone inside the country to protect all civilians. The third was that further atrocities against Rohingyas in Myanmar should be prevented by ensuring accountability and justice, particularly in the light of the recommendations of the Fact-Finding Mission of the UN Human Rights Council. To facilitate repatriation, Foreign Minister Ali has emphasized the need to accelerate efforts to create a conducive environment in northern Rakhine State by, among other things, building houses and villages for returnees. In August this year, Ali and JWG members visited northern Rakhine State and saw the trail of widespread devastation suffered by people there, Bangladesh Foreign Ministry officials said. The foreign minister also visited Shwe Zar village, where around 148 prefabricated houses for returnees are being built with assistance from the government of India. Bangladesh and Myanmar formed the JWG in December 2017 with an initial goal to start repatriating Rohingya refugees by Jan. 23, 2018. In May, Myanmar urged Bangladesh to commence the repatriation of 778 Muslims and 444 Hindus whose identities had been verified earlier. News Govt Says Karen Armed Group Not to Blame For Stalled Peace Process KNU delegates arrive for a peace summit between the government, military, and ethnic armed groups in Naypyitaw on Oct. 15. / State Counselor's Office BANGKOK The Myanmar government said it did not blame the Karen Nation Union (KNU) for setbacks in the national peace process following the ethnic armed groups recent decision to temporarily suspend participation in negotiations. We dont blame anyone in regards to the current peace [process]; it is normal, government spokesman U Zaw Htay said of the KNUs move. We can meet such challenges because we are nearer to overcoming the deep problems regarding peace, he said at a press conference in Naypyitaw on Monday. The spokesman urged ethnic armed groups (EAOs) to speak openly with the government and military so that they can help each other. In a letter on Saturday to State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who also chairs the National Reconciliation and Peace Center, the KNU said it would temporarily stop taking part in negotiations with the government and military to give itself time to consult with its members on the current state of the peace process. U Zaw Htay said he hoped thorough discussions within the KNU would ultimately help move the national peace process forward and noted that the group managed to overcome internal divisions before signing the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) in 2015. Therefore we fully believe the KNU will overcome this challenge regarding the political talks, he said. KNU Vice Chairman Padoh Kwe Htoo Win told The Irrawaddy on Tuesday that the group remained committed to achieving a sustainable peace through negotiations based on the NCA. But he confirmed that the EAOs, government and military made no progress in addressing the militarys demands that armed groups forsake secession and agree to a single military when they met for a peace summit in Naypyitaw earlier this month, though they did agree to a rough schedule for further negotiations. Padoh Kwe Htoo Win said KNU members needed to reach a common understanding. And while the group operated on democratic principles and harbored diverse opinions, he added, that does not mean we are divided. He said the KNU would hold consultations with its members on the NCA in light of recent changes to the implementation process and the current structure of the negotiation process. But he did not expect the consultations to take long. U Zaw Htay said the government also wanted to stick to the process laid out in the NCA, especially since they were already about halfway through the implementation process. The government, military and EAOs have already agreed to review the current structure of the negotiation process in order to make it more inclusive. EAOs are also planning to meet with the government and political parties represented in the Union, region and state parliaments to discuss the negotiation process later this week in Yangon. News US Restricts Exports to Chinese Semiconductor Firm Fujian Jinhua Memory chip parts of US memory chip maker MicronTechnology are pictured at their booth at an industrial fair in Frankfurt, Germany, July 14, 2015. / Reuters WASHINGTON President Donald Trumps administration took action on Monday to cut off a Chinese state-backed chipmaker from US suppliers amid allegations the firm stole intellectual property from US semiconductor company Micron Technology Inc. The Commerce Department said it had put Fujian Jinhua Integrated Circuit Co Ltd on a list of entities that cannot purchase components, software and technology goods from US firms. The administration is concerned the Chinese firm could flood the market with cheap chips that are also made by US companies that supply the US military. If the US chipmakers go out of business, the military would lose a supplier for an item that must come from the United States. Trade experts said the Trump administrations move may be an unprecedented effort to use a legal tool known for punishing foreign companies that send US-origin goods to sanctioned countries such as Iran to instead protect the economic viability of a US firm. The move escalated what until now had been a business dispute into the realm of an international trade conflict between the United States and China. The Commerce Department spokesman said the move was based on the regulatory standard. The action against Fujian Jinhua is likely to ignite new tensions between Beijing and Washington since the company is at the heart of the Made in China 2025 program to develop new high-technology industries. The worlds top two economies are already waging a tariff war over their trade disputes, with US duties in place on $250 billion worth of Chinese goods and Chinese duties on $110 billion of US goods. Fujian Jinhua makes so-called DRAM, the memory chips that make computers, phones and other devices run more quickly and smoothly. Micron, a maker of memory chips with factories in Virginia and Utah, has accused Fujian Jinhua and Taiwanese partner United Microelectronics Corp of stealing its chip designs in a lawsuit in California. In turn, the companies countersued Micron in China, where courts sided with them and banned some of Microns chips in China. When a foreign company engages in activity contrary to our national security interests, we will take strong action to protect our national security, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said in a statement. A Commerce Department spokesman said the agency would review any appeal by Fujian Jinhua. Entity List The action is similar to a Commerce Department move that nearly put Chinese telecommunications equipment company ZTE Corp out of business earlier this year by cutting it off from US suppliers. Linley Gwennap, a chip expert and president of the Linley Group, said Fujian Jinhua was a relatively new company building DRAM as part of Chinas larger plan to become self-sufficient at making such chips. He said suppliers such as Applied Materials Inc, Lam Research Corp and KLA-Tencor Corp were likely supplying equipment to Fujian Jinhua. Its pretty much impossible to build a leading-edge fab (semiconductor plant) without buying equipment from these American companies, Gwennap said. On an earnings call on Monday, KLA-Tencor Chief Executive Rick Wallace said the company expected no financial impact in 2018 or 2019 from the move. Neither of the other companies that Gwennap named immediately returned a request for comment. The use of the entity list which governs what companies US firms can do business with to protect the economic viability of a US industry appears to be unprecedented, said Washington trade lawyer Douglas Jacobson. This appears to be a dramatic expansion of the use of the entity list for economic purposes, he said, explaining that the entity list had traditionally been used to prevent imminent violations of US export control laws. Guest Column Stoking the Embers of Fear in Rakhine State Soldiers inspect bomb debris from an explosion outside a building in Sittwe, Rakhine State, on Feb. 24. / Ministry of Information Web portal handout via Reuters The recent arrest of three Arakanese youth activists has come to the fore of Rakhine States political scene, a typically unpredictable affair complicated by regional strife. Theirs was among a series of arrests linked to the death of a military intelligence officer, Phoe Lone, who was shot at point-blank range in the state capital, Sittwe, last month. After mostly silence from authorities, the three have since appeared in court and been charged with murder. It is but the latest episode to spread fear and anxiety among the local Arakanese community. Two main factors are contributing to their increasing sense of insecurity a rise in crime, and the growing perception that they are being pushed out of the public debate on anything the powers that be deem politically sensitive. Together, they are hardening the sense of marginalization within a community that already feels squeezed. Violence in a chaotic state In Rakhine State, 2018 opened with a deadly riot in the ancient city of Mrauk-U when authorities revoked permission on short notice for the flagship event at an anniversary for the fall of the Arakanese Empire. Seven civilians were killed in the ensuing clash between the crowds and security forces. Another eight people hospitalized with gunshot wounds were arrested and convicted of destroying public property. After serving their eight-month sentences, they were re-arrested and sued in connection with the riot again, drawing widespread public rebuke. Shortly thereafter, U Aye Maung, a prominent Arakanese politician, was prosecuted for unlawful association and treason for a speech at the same anniversary during which, according to the government, he encouraged the use of armed struggle to achieve sovereignty for Rakhine State. Many locals believe the arrests of the activists and politician are both part of the ethnic Bamar-dominated states attempts to oppress minorities. In the same month of U Aye Maungs arrest, the Mrauk-U administrator who oversaw the governments handling of the riot was killed on his way to Sittwe. Though there is no evidence that the riot and murder are linked, much speculation has drifted in that direction. In February, three bombs went off in Sittwe near government buildings and a local officials house, injuring a policeman. Authorities soon arrested seven suspects, including a senior leader of the Arakan National Council, the political wing of the Arakan State Army. Crime on the rise Beyond politics, the general public is feeling ever more insecure. One reason is the dramatic increased in crime and theft, especially in Sittwe. People suspect the work of an organized criminal gang and say they see little effort from authorities to stop it. Illicit drugs are also a growing concern. Millions of amphetamine pills have been seized across Rakhine State. Street crime, from assault to daylight robbery, is rising. The trends are eroding the publics trust in the government and the rule of law. Growing sense of oppression According to a report by Athan, a free speech advocacy group, freedom of expression in Myanmar has been declining since the National League for Democracy took power in early 2016. There is increasing use of the Communications Act to sue reporters and anyone else who criticizes the government. Rakhine State is no exception. The local government deserves credit for tolerating its critics during the first two years of the current administration, though it has lately begun to backslide. The jailing of two Reuter reporters in Yangon sent a mixed message to the Rakhine community. Some groups, mainly nationalist and the militarys votary, hailed the prosecution of the journalists, who they condemn as traitors. But what these groups have overlooked is the parallel silencing of Rakhine voices. There was the yet-unsolved knife attack on a local Rakhine reporter for the Democratic Voice of Burma and the prosecution of an Arakanese writer arrested together with U Aye Maung. A lawmaker representing Ramree Township is being prosecuted for a Facebook post addressing the education of ethnic Arakanese. A town elder from Sittwe is also on trial for blaming the Rakhine State secretary for the violence in Mrauk-U. More recently, an activist from Ann Township has been put on trial for sharing news on Facebook about the sudden death of large numbers of sea mussels; authorities accused him of causing public disorder by spreading false information and sued him under the Communications Act. And in the latest case, a group of youth activists was arrested for murder. A final verdict in most of these cases has yet to be rendered. But they all involve activists or prominent local figures. Feeling insecure Muslims stuck in displacement camps see few prospects for a brighter future. At the same time, the Buddhist Arakanese see a rising crime rate and are feeling increasingly oppressed. The trouble in Rakhine can be seen as a three-way struggle in which Muslims, Arakanese and the government are each acting in their own interests. All have their particular concerns and fears. The government postures itself as the eternal protector of national unity and solidarity; perceived threats to that unity are aggressively quashed. To make it that much easier, the former military regime fostered a fear that Myanmar was ever at risk from outsiders sometimes from the West, other times from its neighbors and silenced those who tried to say otherwise. The practice of state-driven fear appeared to have started dissipating with the start of Myanmars democratic transition in 2010. The peoples voices are being heard more than ever. But opportunistic nationalists have since emerged to polarize communities based on race and religion, helping stoke bouts of inter-communal violence across the country, though even their influence has been on the wane since a government crackdown in 2016. The local Muslim community has faced two big blows, driving about 1 million of them to neighboring Bangladesh in recent years seeking refuge. The Arakanese are discontent and also afraid because they see little hope that conditions in Rakhine State will improve in the foreseeable future. Fear now permeates the social fabric of the state, brining latent prejudices to the fore. The state needs to realize that it is an actor in the conflict not a neutral observer and help solve the communal tensions. Its actions in recent months, however, intended or not, are promoting fear, and that fear may turn to anger at any time. Although the discontent of the Arakan community is nothing new, the fear lately engendered by the state has renewed a sense of insecurity. The rising violence and mistrust means taking a step away from a prosperous and peaceful Rakhine State. Ye Min Zaw is a scholar of international development studies focusing on peace processes, transitional issues and Rakhine State affairs. The tech industry, which spoke out against the California Consumer Privacy Act, is now jumping on the privacy law bandwagon, and the person leading the charge is Apple CEO, Tim Cook. At a keynote speech at the 40th International Conference of Data Protection and Privacy Commissioners (ICDPPC) in Brussels, Cook argued for a federal data privacy law and apparently came up with the phrase data industrial complex. Cook railed against the idea that data is being weaponized against the people who generate it consumers and said that the time has come to come up with tough privacy laws. The Guardian quoted Cook: In many jurisdictions, regulators are asking tough questions. It is time for the rest of the world, including my home country, to follow your lead. We at Apple are in full support of a comprehensive federal privacy law in the United States. Cooks speech comes after some of the leading tech companies, including Apple and Google, sat in front of a Senate hearing and claimed there is a need for a federal privacy law. But is it all just self-serving hype? A lot of people seem to think so. The Washington Post pointed out that while the tech companies may say they want Congress to take action on the privacy front, their real goal is to usurp tough state laws with a watered-down federal law that they help create: A federal law wiping out otherwise known as preempting state protections would be a bad deal for consumers. It would likely put existing consumer protections, many of which are state-led, on the chopping block and leave states bound by a federal law that could prevent additional consumer privacy protections from ever seeing the light of day. And some security experts are skeptical of Cooks comments at ICDPPC. For example, in an email comment to me, Colin Bastable, CEO of Lucy Security, compared Cook to the auto and tobacco industries in the past, when they tried to be the arbiter of what is good for the country, but really, it is more about what is good for that particular industry. Bastable sees Cooks commentary as an opportunity to make himself look like Silicon Valleys golden boy in the eyes of consumers: Tim Cook takes a break from virtue signaling to throw rocks at Google and Facebook, because he wants to position himself and Apple as the good guys whilst the others are vulnerable. His message is right, but Apple is also part of the problem. These players hold massive quantities of data, and we should never assume that they will ever have our best interests at heart. Paul Bischoff, privacy advocate with Comparitech.com, agreed, telling me via email that by advocating for privacy laws, Apple isnt really intent on helping its customers, but rather it is a practical way to indirectly lobby against Google. Its going to be very interesting to see how this plays out. Will the states be the movers and shakers of data privacy regulations and seemingly keep consumers interests as the priority or will Apple and other tech companies take the lead to benefit themselves? Sue Marquette Poremba has been writing about network security since 2008. In addition to her coverage of security issues for IT Business Edge, her security articles have been published at various sites such as Forbes, Midsize Insider and Toms Guide. You can reach Sue via Twitter: @sueporemba New Zealands largest telco Spark says it will continue as an exclusive Nokia carrier in its partnership with HMD Global, the home of Nokia. The telco made the announcement on Tuesday as the new Nokia 7.1 hit its retail channels. Sparks Value Management Lead, Rajesh Singh, said the company was happy to secure the exclusive partnership extension which will continue to give New Zealanders more choice when theyre shopping around for a smartphone. Kiwis have a long history with Nokia phones from the iconic 3310 and now the 7.1, the range brings together engineering excellence with premium materials and finish so were proud to be the exclusive stockist of Nokia in New Zealand. The Nokia range has proved popular in the last year so we want to keep giving customers that choice. The Nokia 7.1 delivers a bigger experience without a bigger handset to offer you a stunning smartphone with flagship features at mid-tier prices. Available from Spark in-store and online from Tuesday, the Nokia 7.1 is the first smartphone to come with PureDisplay screen technology, which Singh says promises to take consumers viewing experience to the next level due to its high contrast ratio, greater clarity and enhanced colours across all of your content. James Robinson, Acting Country Manager, HMD Global, said theres plenty for Kiwi consumers to look forward to from Nokia in the next year and thanks to this exclusive partnership with Spark, they will not miss out. Were excited to extend our exclusive partnership with Spark and launch the Nokia 7.1 into the NZ market in tandem, we aim to deliver a unique, premium experience in collaboration with best in class partners to deliver standout smartphones at great value, so having Spark on board makes total sense. Robinson said almost two-thirds of videos around the world are viewed on mobile which is why Nokia has introduced PureDisplay screen technology, to give customers a premium viewing experience on a smartphone. Supporting HDR10, Nokia 7.1s PureDisplay delivers higher contrast and greater clarity. A statement from WePower said the aim was to convert energy consumption and production data onto the blockchain on a national scale and the results were positive for both energy and blockchain industries. Kaspar Karleep, chief technology officer of WePower, said: Projects of this scale and ambition havent been attempted before, in part because of the complexity involved, but also because energy data is highly sensitive. "Blockchain is the ideal enabler because its foundational principle is trust, which can be leveraged to bring revolutionary transparency to the industry. The project will deepen our understanding of blockchain as a means to share data, paving the way for much needed innovation in the energy industry. Estonia was a good subject for this project as it has 100% smart meter coverage and a data-sharing platform called Estfeed which lets consumers download and share their data with any individuals or companies of their choice. They are also able to access anonymous and aggregated data, such as that used for WePowers pilot. WePowers engineers were able to successfully upload such a large amount of real-world data to the blockchain proving that it was possible. The first phase allowed WePower to validate and verify the logic and processes that would be at the core of the WePower platform. In total, 26,000 hours and 24TWh of energy production and consumption data was uploaded to blockchain, creating a total of 39 billion Smart Energy Tokens. One key finding was that ethereum is mature enough to accommodate contracts with multi-year terms. But it was found that a fully decentralised application for large-scale autonomous usage was not yet feasible for WePowers purposes. A hybrid solution is being used, while monitoring the rapid development of Ethereum as well as other blockchain technologies. Through testing real data, WePower built a fundamental new technology layer for the energy industry. This will allow for both software and hardware innovation that will bring much-needed change to the way energy markets operate especially when it comes to developing models for more effective integration of distributed green energy with the grid, enabling new interactions between different partners and breaking silos between energy market participants. Taavi Veskimagi, chief executive of Elering, the Estonian TSO that operates Estfeed, said: Future clean and secure energy will depend on innovative solutions and consumer empowerment. However, a major barrier in most countries is lack of access to energy data. Estfeed unlocks data access within Estonia and we are now working towards doing this on an international level. WePower's proof of concept is important for showing how data access leads to innovation. Nikolaj Martyniuk, chief executive of WePower, said: The energy and wider infrastructure sectors have been largely untouched by the digital disruption that has transformed so many other industries. Start-ups rarely tackle big infrastructure issues because of the cost and complexity involved, but our approach deploys blockchain as the critical means to change this. "Making sector data available on the blockchain enables new innovation with an built-in trust protocol.The successful delivery of our project with Elering shows that we can solve real-world problems at scale. In February 2018, WePower completed the largest ever initial coin offering in the energy space, hitting its US$40 million hard-cap with 22,933 contributors. The companys Ethereum-based energy tokens are essentially digital self-settling power purchase contracts, which each represent one kilowatt-hour of power produced. They are tradable and can also be liquidated into the local energy wholesale market. This is achieved by linking digital contracts with power grid data on the blockchain. WePower received the consumption data from Elering aggregated at the zip code level in order to ensure anonymity of private individuals due to the requirements of the EU's General Data Protection Regulation. The project followed the safety and security of supply standards for Transmission and Distribution System Operators. The pilot has boosted WePower as the team has greater certainty of the impact they can achieve around the world. WePower plans to launch Australian operations soon. San Francisco-based private social network for neighbourhoods, Nextdoor, has launched in Australia, with the establishment of its Asia Pacific headquarters in Sydney as part of an expansion into the region. Australia is the seventh country Nextdoor has launched in outside the US, claiming more than 210,000 neighbourhoods across the US, Europe and now Australia are established on its platform. Nextdoor says that since launching in beta in Australia two weeks ago, 350 new neighbourhoods have already been created on its platform. The company says it is looking to replicate its global success in Australia with its Asia Pacific base in Sydney and plans to appoint a country manager to drive growth across the nation and into Asian markets. According to Nextdoor co-founder and chief executive Nirav Tolia, tens of millions of neighbours around the world are using Nextdoor to quickly get the word out about break-ins, getting help finding a lost pet, requesting recommendations for a babysitter or tradie, helping prepare for and respond to natural disasters, and more. Were thrilled to announce the launch of Nextdoor in Australia, our first market in the Southern Hemisphere," Tolia said. "Nextdoor is a place where neighbours can take online conversations offline to build deeper connections and stronger communities in the real world. The local pride and sense of mateship shared by Australians is perfectly aligned with the practical ways our platform enables richer personal connections in real life." NSW Minister for Trade and Industry, Niall Blair, welcomed Nextdoor's decision to choose NSW and Sydney for its Asia Pacific headquarters. "Australia is the first market in the Southern Hemisphere for Nextdoor and it has chosen Sydney for its Asia Pacific headquarters which will provide it with a launch pad into further Asian markets," Blair said. "It's a great choice as NSW is Australia's tech and business capital and Sydney is among the worlds top-20 startup ecosystems, alongside other Asia Pacific hubs including Beijing, Shanghai and Singapore. "NSW continues to strengthen its position as Australia's startup capital and is now home to nearly half (48.8%) of start-up founders, up from 41% in 2016." Amazon plans to enter the Australian Protected cloud market, but it really can't be bothered to offer the same service as it does to the American Government, it would appear. The behemoth will be offering Australian Government agencies the same commercial cloud service that it does to every entity on the face of the earth just as soon as it gets what it says are 46 different AWS services certified by the Australian Signals Directorate. In a wonderfully detailed interview, which conveyed the sense of well, arrogance is the only word that fits that AWS possesses, the editor of the website InnovationAus, James Riley, quoted its Singapore-based regional managing director for public service, Peter Moore, as saying: "The message is that our scale, and with the length of time we have been in this business that we are able to deliver capabilities that just cant be delivered by an individual government agency of any size. AWS would be the second American company to be certified as a Protected cloud provider if, and when, it does get the ASD tick. Microsoft was the first, though some controversy surrounded its being given the certification, with fiats being attached. In the US, the AWS cloud service offered to the government is air-gapped, has top-notch encryption, controlled metadata and only on-shore security-cleared personnel can operate the facility. But for the plebs in Australia, apparently, these specs aren't really necessary. It may partly be the fault of Australian agencies for bowing and scraping before the Americans and demeaning their own. Three Australian companies Vault (formerly Vault Systems), Sliced Tech and Macquarie Government have been certified to the Protected level, but when a fourth, Secure Collaboration, tried to join the club it was knocked back. After voicing its concerns in public, Secure Collaboration was offered consultations with Angus Taylor, then the minister for cyber security. But then the Coalition Government began the process of assassinating Malcolm Turnbull and, in that mess, the case of Secure Collaboration seems to have disappeared off the table. Indeed, the entire security requirements for government agencies encapsulated in a booklet known as the Information Security Manual appear to have changed. The manual itself got a new name the Cyber Security Manual which, once again according to InnovationAus, seemed to be backfilling the requirements to justify giving Microsoft Protected status. But then, again after the Turnbull troubles, the CSM disappeared from view and a new version of the ISM reappeared. Macquarie's Aidan Tudehope has been the only player to make any comments about all this drama. "It is unfortunate Federal Government processes for certifying and classifying outsourced cloud services for use by Government has become a matter of controversy," he wrote in a letter to InnovationAus. "It is even more unfortunate to see blurring of the lines between the ability of an agency to use a service and the 'gold standard' Australian Signals Directorate certification process. The security of the information held by our Government agencies is too important to be treated glibly." But with the Coalition Government said to be in a rush to push services to the cloud, and the cheaper options not necessarily the most secure being American, it looks like local players will have to be satisfied with crumbs. A classic example of this was witnessed earlier this year, when Vault, which was supposed to be hosting a trial of GovPass, was unceremoniously pushed out. To date, the Digital Transformation Agency is mum on who will be the cloud host for the trial which is to be run by the Australian Taxation Office and the Department of Human Services but given that the DTA itself has engaged the services of Microsoft, it seems very likely that more Australian dollars will be flowing in the direction of Redmond. But when a country has gone to the extent of specifying that documents submitted for the purpose of contesting its elections have to be in a Microsoft-compatible format, then this certainly would not come as a surprise. Bowing and scraping appears to have become an art form Down Under. Australians are more comfortable using digital identities to engage with government than with commercial entities or financial service providers, citing data security concerns and not feeling in control of their own identity as the top barriers, according to a new research report. The 2018 Unisys Security Index, released on Tuesday, also reveals that one in three Australians are not comfortable using a centralised electronic health record, repeating their data security concerns and lack of control of their own identities. The Index list top four security concerns for Australians in 2018 as: Identity theft: 57% of Australians are extremely or very concerned about unauthorised access to, or misuse of, personal information. Bank card fraud: 52% of Australians are similarly concerned about other people obtaining or using their credit/debit card details. Internet virus/hacking: 53%of Australians are concerned about these issues. War or terrorism: 48% of Australians are concerned about these issues. Younger Australians aged 18-24 years are more concerned than those over 55, according to the Index, and unlike the other Asia Pacific countries in the survey (Malaysia, New Zealand and the Philippines), the level of concern is even for both men and women. But, concern is higher for those on higher incomes, which is the reverse of most other countries in the survey. This years Unisys Security Index shows that Australians are more concerned about data security issues such as identity theft, credit card fraud, internet viruses and hacking than about terrorism, natural disasters or personal safety, says Tony Windever, vice-president and managing director, Unisys Asia Pacific. This has a direct impact on how comfortable consumers are in embracing digital services that involve sensitive personal information. This years study also examined how comfortable Australians are with using various forms of digital identity to access services online and offline. And the study found Australians are more comfortable using digital identities to interact with government organisations than with commercial or financial services providers they are most comfortable with biometrics, such as fingerprints or facial scans, used to verify passenger identities at airports (65% of respondents) or exchanged between law enforcement and border control agencies to identify potential criminals (62%). While 56% of Australians are comfortable using a single user ID and authentication to access multiple government services, only 41% are comfortable using the same sort of digital identity to access services from different financial service providers. However, the study reveals that only half of Australians (50%) are comfortable with a centralised electronic health record, with 31% not comfortable, citing concerns about data security (57%) and not feeling in control of ones identity (40%) as the top reasons for not being comfortable. For all of the digital identities we looked at, concern around data security is the top reason for not being comfortable using them. The results indicate Australians have a higher level of confidence in the governments ability to keep their data secure, Windever said. Even so, nearly one in three citizens (31%) are not comfortable with electronic health records due to concerns about data security or not being in control of their identities. And they are even less open to embracing digital identities to engage with banking or commercial entities. "This underscores the need for organisations to gain trust and build consumer confidence in the digital services they provide by not only showing how data is protected, but also having a clear and meaningful benefit that offers a compelling reason for people to use them. To access the 2018 Unisys Security Index click here. Table: courtesy Unisys More than 200 Google engineers will stage a "women's walkout" on Thursday to protect against the company's handing of a handsome payout to Android chief Andy Rubin and the protection of several other big names who had allegedly engaged in sexual misconduct. The website BuzzFeed News reported the plan; it quoted four people who were familiar with the goings-on inside the search company at the moment. As iTWire reported, based on a story in The New York Times on 25 October, Google paid Rubin, the creator of the Android mobile operating system, US$90 million when he left the company in 2014 over a sexual misconduct allegation, with a woman at the company having accused him of forcing her to perform oral sex. Additionally, the article cited several sexual antics at the company: co-founder Larry Page dated Marissa Mayer, one of the first engineers at Google, and later Yahoo! chief. Sergey Brin, the other co-founder, had a consensual extra-marital fling with an employee in 2014. Eric Schmidt, the current chairman of Google's parent Alphabet, retained a mistress of his to work as a company consultant. And the company's general counsel from 2002, David Drummond, had an affair with senior contract manager Jennifer Blakely. They had a child too, after which Google made Blakely leave the legal department. Drummond is now the chief legal officer of Alphabet and has made about US$190 million from stock options and awards. All these details were told to the NYT by sources and were not denied by Google. Buzzfeed quoted one Google employee as saying: "Personally, Im furious. I feel like theres a pattern of powerful men getting away with awful behaviour towards women at Google or if they dont get away with it, they get a slap on the wrist, or they get sent away with a golden parachute, like Andy Rubin. "And its a leadership of mostly men making the decisions about what kind of consequences to give, or not give. The day the NYT article appeared, Google executives held a company-wide meeting during which they attempted to explain why they had treated Rubin the way they had, and apologised to the workers. But over the weekend, many employees who belong to a group for female engineers, began to back a walkout. While Rubin contested some of the details in the NYT story he issued a tweet, saying that the false allegations were part of a smear campaign Google chief Sundar Pichai did not contest anything in a note that he issued jointly with People Operations vice-president Ellen Naughton. Pichai mentioned that over the last two years, Google had sacked 48 people for sexual harassment. Enhanced telecommunications connectivity, data insights, digital planning practices and innovation districts are among the issues addressed in a new standard of practice released by the Smart Cities Council and Green Building Council of Australia. Released on Tuesday as part of Smart Cities Week Australia in Sydney, the Code for Smart Communities is promoted as a new benchmark for urban development practices across greenfield communities, urban regeneration precincts and diverse institutional campuses. According to Adam Beck, executive director for Smart Cities Council in Australia and New Zealand, the release of the Code is an important milestone after deep engagement with the development industry, technology companies, city shapers and all tiers of government. This is the first time a smart community has been defined in a way that can be practically applied. We went back to principles to build this Code from the ground up. Beck said. The GBCAs chief executive, Romilly Madew, says there was a strong synergy between the sustainable development outcomes articulated in the Green Star Communities rating tool and the enabling opportunities from technology and data to enhance community outcomes. This work will provide us with the opportunity to ensure smart cities principles are embedded in Green Star as the rating system evolves to meet industry and global trends, and continues to deliver environmental efficiencies, productivity gains and health and wellbeing outcomes in our buildings and communities. Place Design Group was a technical partner in the development of the Code, and according to Chris Isles, executive director, Planning, developing a single source for planners, developers, communities and governments as they shape our future cities and suburbs will ensure we capitalise on smart city opportunities. Two lighthouse projects are stepping up to be the first to embrace the principles within the Code, Adam Beck said. The projects are: Yarrabilba, a Lendlease community in Queensland, set to be home to more than 40,000 residents; and Sydney Olympic Park, planned to grow into a 23,000-person community with more than 30,000 jobs. Also supporting the development of the Code was the project lead partner Lendlease. Managing director of Lendleases Communities business, Matt Wallace. said Lendlease supported the development and testing of the Code to drive best practice in the industry to better respond to customer needs. Our customers are expecting more seamless connectivity in all aspects of their lives from high-speed broadband at home to free wi-fi in the park. Our Smart Community flagship, Yarrabilba, has provided us with a platform to test and evolve a range of technologies to optimise peoples lives to create healthier, safer and more sustainable communities. We look forward to working closely with Smart Cities Council to test the code at Yarrabilba and provide feedback to enhance its development. Sydney Olympic Park Authority chief executive Charles Moore said, having the chance to be one of the lighthouse projects for the Code is a unique opportunity to be part of an emerging agenda that requires strong collaboration across government and industry. The Authority is committed to ensuring that Sydney Olympic Park has a strong emphasis on sustainability as it grows and evolves, and the Code will integrate well with our plan of achieving a 6 Star Green Star Communities rating. To download the new Code for Smart Communities click here. Microsoft is running out of calendar runway for Windows 10 October 2018 Update, the one it withdrew from distribution earlier this month. With less than 48 hours left in the month, the company is in danger of rendering obsolete the name of the fall feature upgrade and perhaps disrupting the scheduled support. Although Microsoft officially released the refresh on Oct. 2, four days later it barred access to the upgrade via Windows Update, told those who had installed it to stay off their PCs and warned users who had downloaded but not installed it to trash the disk image. The reason for the unprecedented moves: Some users - Microsoft said 1/100th of 1% - reported that the upgrade deleted all files in several folders, including the important Documents and Photos directories. The last word on 1809, Microsoft's name in its now-standard yymm labeling format, was three weeks ago, when John Cable, director of program management in the Windows servicing group, told customers that bugs had been fixed. But rather than again putting the general public at risk, the company handed the re-release to those who had volunteered to test the OS by signing up with the Windows Insider preview program. With the release of Windows 10 1809 now postponed by at least four weeks, the delay has impacted the upgrade's support timeline. According to the definitive "Windows lifecycle fact sheet," 1809 support for Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro will expire April 14, 2020, and for Windows 10 Enterprise and Windows 10 Education on April 13, 2021. (Microsoft recently extended support for Enterprise and Education from 18 to 30 months.) If Microsoft restarted distribution of Windows 10 October 2018 Update today, it would shortchange customers on support. Rather than the promised 18 months for Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro, it would instead provide support for 17 months and 15 days. (The original Oct. 2 release date translated to 18 months and 12 days of support.) And Windows 10 Enterprise and Education would get less than the pledged 30 months. "If Windows-as-a-Service is in fact a hosted service, if general availability is paused, is the support window of 18 or 30 months extended by the number of days for each pause?" asked Wes Miller, an analyst at Directions on Microsoft, in an Oct. 11 tweet. It was unclear if Microsoft will redress the support shortfall, and if so, how. In April, when Microsoft delayed the release of Windows 10 1803 to the month's final day it added time to support. Rather than an Oct. 8, 2019 end of support for Home and Pro - based on an expected April 10, 2018, debut - Microsoft set it to expire Nov. 12, 2019. (That gave Home and Pro customers 18 months and 15 days of support.) Microsoft could extend support for 1809 in the same way. For example, if the firm re-starts distribution on Friday, Nov. 2, it could restate end-of-support for Home and Pro as May 12, 2020, giving users 18 months and 10 days of security patches and bug fixes. When asked today whether Microsoft will add more time to 1809's support, a spokeswoman said the company declined to comment. Today A few clouds. Low around 50F. Winds light and variable. Tonight A few clouds. Low around 50F. Winds light and variable. Tomorrow Partly cloudy skies in the morning will give way to cloudy skies during the afternoon. High 81F. Winds light and variable. Students Share Freeman Asia Internship Experiences Oct. 30, 2018 Michael Modaff '19 explains his internship at Aoyama Gakuin University. BLOOMINGTON, Ill. Learning through immersive, hands-on internships at 16 sites in four countries across Asia, a record 36 IWU Freeman Asia interns shared their life-changing experiences during an October poster presentation. The students, whose internship and travel expenses were fully funded by a Freeman Foundation grant, interned across Hong Kong, Japan, the Philippines and Thailand. Internships ranged from teaching English to Japanese students, to conducting research on food and nutrition, to helping migrant workers fight for equal rights. Michael Modaff 19 (Lincoln, Ill.) and Min Hyuk Kim 20 (Seoul, South Korea) said they enjoyed impacting the lives of students at Aoyama Gakuin University in Tokyo, Japan. As interns at the University, Kim and Modaffs primary responsibility included helping Japanese students enhance their English skills by leading discussion group chat sessions. I felt that one of my greatest accomplishments was making the connections with these individual students, said Modaff, a computer science major and Japanese minor. It was great to envelop myself within the community and become a part of it and help facilitate their goals. Kim Hyuk Min '20 during his hike up Mount Fuji. Still maintaining regular contact with some of the students, Modaff said the connections he made are very real. He said, They dont just go away when the internship ends. In addition to connecting with students, Modaff became accustomed to Japan, including its complex transportation system. Im very proud of my geographical progress, he said. Kim also made geographical progress. Although he is originally from Korea, Kim had never travelled to nearby Japan. He said this opportunity allowed him to explore more and let (himself) out there, and see what (he could) do to really serve others using (his) talent and skill. From exploring Tokyos busy city, to experiencing Japans famous Hot Springs, Kim also completed his first-ever hike, an eight-hour journey 12,000 feet up Mount Fuji. Completing the hike independently, Kim was able to climb out of his comfort zone. After that I felt like I conquered JapanI did this, said Kim, an accounting major. FNRI interns rope climb at the Masungi Georeserve in Tanay, Rizal, Philippines. Nitsueh Kebere 19 (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia) said her internship at the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) in Taguig, Philippines also pushed her to grow personally and professionally. As an intern at the Knowledge and Diffusion Sector at FNRI, Kebere a biology major and math minor was responsible for translating scientific research papers from the nutrigenomics and biochemistry lab into laymans terms. Kebere said it was her job to help ordinary people understand research regarding their health and nutrition. Its important research thats been done, and people need to know this research for their health benefits, Kebere said. While the internship strengthened her abilities as a writer and scientist, Kebere said her experiences outside of the classroom also encouraged her passive-self to step up and act fast. I learned if I didnt ask, I couldnt get answers and learn about the culture and the people around me. I learned to ask questions, be confident and try to make friends. Those are important life lessons I feel like Ive gained from this experience, she said. Jon Recchia '20 shares his time at FNRI. Fellow FNRI intern Jon Recchia 20 (Chicago), who first studied abroad with the IWU London program in 2017, said his Freeman Asia internship in the Philippines was a very different, yet similarly rewarding experience. An English-writing major, Recchia was able to strengthen his writing skills by composing infographics for the various studies conducted at FNRI. He also created a personal travel blog and videos, capturing the highlights of his experiences, as he travelled throughout the Philippines. He said these travel opportunities opened his eyes to the problems in developing countries and made him realize how fortunate he is for earning an education because for so many people in the Philippines and so many people in the world, its only a dream for them. To go from London to a developing country, to provinces where theres a level of poor that is just nonexistent in the U.S., was an eye-opening moment and a humbling experience for me, Recchia said. London was the best three months of my life. The Philippines was probably the most important experience of my life. As interns for Mission for Migrant Workers, Phillip Duda 19 (Barrington, Ill.) and Sydney Rowley 20 (Schaumburg, Ill.) were also exposed to the problems people face in Hong Kong. A registered charitable organization, Mission for Migrant Workers is dedicated to providing services for the more than 300,000 foreign domestic workers in Hong Kong whose labor rights are frequently violated. Sydney Rowley '20 (left) and Phillip Duda '19 (right) present at the poster presentation. Duda and Rowley were responsible for helping this part of Hong Kongs population who are mistreated, overworked and underpaid. They not only gave advice to people who were experiencing problems with their employers, they also accompanied them to hearings, wrote letters to the immigration or labor department on their behalf and provided them with the help needed to win their cases. I really came to know their stories, and it was really rewarding to talk to people and make a difference in their lives, said Rowley, a psychology major who focused on how migrant workers jobs affect their mental health. Its really great to be able to be a part of their lives in some way, said Duda, who continues to talk with clients through Whatsapp. A political science major, Duda was able to familiarize himself with the laws of Hong Kong that dictate the lives of migrant workers, including their ability to legally live and work in Hong Kong. From meeting with many migrant workers, specifically Indonesian and Filipino groups, Duda was exposed to the problems they faced with organizing and communicating their message across to the government. I think the stance of the Mission for Migrant Workers is really that research is the way to make it clear to the Hong Kong government that these are the problems, Duda said. Theyre real, theyre human rights violations, and if you are not going to do anything about it, you are an accessory to human rights violation. While in Hong Kong, Duda and Rowley helped create real solutions to these real problems. Id go back in a heartbeat, Duda said. Haila Hassan '19 (left) and Amber Gauthier '20 (right) at a conference and workshop for the Mekong Migration Network. Through their internship with the Mekong Migration Network in Chiang Mai, Thailand, Amber Gauthier 20 (Westmont, Ill.) and Haila Hassan 19 (Chicago) also focused on human rights and social justice issues concerning migrant workers in the Mekong region. Hassan, a psychology major, worked on a summer-long project collecting research on the policies, laws and working conditions within Laos and the reasons people migrate for labor. Hassan presented her findings to project partners at a general conference at the end of the summer and collaborated with a professor from the Asian Institute of Technology, who used some of her findings to help direct the next phase of the project after she completed her internship. Hassan said the internship further sparked her interest in the field of social justice, human rights and advocacy for migrants, and brought new perspectives in what is going on around the world and how it parallels and contrasts with whats going on here in the U.S. Gauthier said her internship also heightened her interest in international issues. A psychology and international economics double major, Gauthiers main responsibilities included analyzing research in social economic zones in the Mekong Region, and then, comparing demographics for workers inside and outside these zones. From her work in data analytics, Gauthier found that she really likes working with numbers in an international capacity. It sparked my interest for international studies and how countries operate, which is why I added an international concentration to my economics major, she said. Gauthier feeds an elephant at the Elephant Nature Park in Thailand. Not only has Gauthiers internship in Thailand helped her choose a potential career path after graduation, she said the internship is very marketable and could serve as a gateway to other internships. Hassan agreed, adding that work experiences abroad are attractive to potential employers. You get to be abroad in Asia, which is very unique. You also have the chance to work abroad and really absorb the culture in a working environment, Hassan said. I thought it was an awesome opportunity to gain professional, cross-cultural experience. In addition to growing professionally, Gauthier and Hassan also had the opportunity to explore the rich culture of Thailand. From participating in cooking classes to visiting Thailands temples and white water rafting, the interns also learned about the culture surrounding elephants Gauthiers favorite animal in Thailand. It was very eye-opening, because you see elephants in the zoo, but theres actually so many issues surrounding these creatures, Gauthier said. From these many experiences, Gauthier concluded that she loves studying abroad, and I think its an experience that every IWU student should try to make possible during their time here. The $400,000 grant received last year from the Freeman Foundation will provide full funding for students to intern in Asia again during the summer of 2019. Funding supports airfare, housing, a living allowance, and all internship placement and visa costs. Application for the Summer 2019 IWU Freeman Asia Internship Program will be open to all domestic and international students who are currently sophomores and juniors and who will return to the IWU campus for at least a semester following the internship. Destinations include Hong Kong, Japan, the Philippines and Thailand. Informational sessions will be held Tuesday, Nov. 13 and Wednesday, Jan. 16 from 4 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. in the Welcome Center Auditorium. The deadline to apply is Jan. 30. By Vi Kakares 20 Register with JOC.com and receive 5 free pieces of content for the first thirty days. After thirty days, you will receive 3 pieces of content and after sixty days you will receive 1 piece of content. To receive full access, Subscribe Today . You can also subscribe to our daily newsletter. Register TORONTO, Oct. 30, 2018 /CNW/ - Guyana Goldfields Inc. (TSX: GUY) (the "Company") announces that the Board of Directors has accepted the resignation of Mr. Patrick Sheridan Jr. as a director of the Company, effective immediately. Mr. Sheridan served as the Company's Executive Chairman from June 2013 to July 2018. On July 30, 2018, the Executive Chair position was eliminated when Mr. Rene Marion was appointed Non-Executive Chairman. The change was implemented to streamline the organizational structure under the leadership of the President & CEO, Mr. Scott Caldwell. About Guyana Goldfields Inc. Guyana Goldfields Inc. is a Canadian based mid-tier gold producer primarily focused on the exploration, development and operation of gold deposits in Guyana, South America. Forwarding-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" which may include, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the estimation of mineral resources. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be 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. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made and are based on various assumptions. 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 future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the receipt of applicable regulatory approvals, average production grades, future production and earnings guidance, the timing and nature of any proposed update to Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, the timing of underground development activities, the proposed renegotiations and repayment of the project loan facility in respect of the Aurora Gold Project, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the actual results of exploration activities; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; political instability; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities, as well as those factors discussed in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual information form. 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 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 statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. (In United States dollars, except where noted otherwise) TORONTO, Oct. 29, 2018 /CNW/ - First Quantum Minerals Ltd. ("First Quantum" or the "Company", TSX Symbol "FM") today reported comparative earnings1 of $128 million ($0.19 per share1), net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Company1 of $61 million ($0.09 per share) and cash flows from operating activities of $439 million ($0.64 per share1) for the three months ended September 30, 2018. The results include a $31 million gain realized under the corporate copper sales hedge program. SUMMARY: Operations Continue to Deliver Solid Results; Production Guidance Increased for Copper; Costs remain in-line with full year guidance 151,241 tonnes of copper 2 produced: Year-over-year production increases at Kansanshi, Sentinel and Guelb Moghrein. Copper production guidance for 2018 increased to 595,000 tonnes. Scheduled maintenance shutdown at Las Cruces and resolution of grinding thickener issue completed in September, production remains on-track to deliver on full year guidance. Unit cost of copper production 3 : All-in sustaining cost ("AISC") = $1.83 per pound; Cash cost ("C1") = $1.34 per pound; Total cost ("C3") = $2.14 per pound. Improved Operating Cash Flows and Continued Strong Liquidity $439 million of cash flows generated from operating activities ( $0.64 per share) during the quarter, an increase of 8% compared to the second quarter of 2018 and a 64% increase from the comparable prior year period. Ended the quarter with $753 million in net unrestricted cash and cash equivalents, $1,120 million of committed undrawn facilities and in full compliance with all financial covenants. Key Milestones Achieved at the Cobre Panama Project; Over 80% Complete Power station construction completed, commissioning and ramp up progressing. Set 1 power station generated power at nameplate capacity of 150MW. Set 2 power station successfully completed steam blows. Process plant and mine site are 74% complete with commissioning activities continuing in the quarter. Conveyor belt pulling commenced in the process plant. Mechanical completion of the first in-pit primary crusher. Engineering is now considered complete and significant advancement on procurement was achieved. Other In late September 2018 , the Government of the Republic of Zambia announced changes to the Zambian mining tax regime scheduled to take effect January 2019. The Company continues to assess the potential impact on its Zambian operations and maintains a dialogue with Government. Changes include: Increase in mineral royalty rates on copper by 1.5% at all levels of the existing scale; Royalties will no longer be tax deductible; Introduction of a new fourth tier rate of 10% when copper price exceeds $7,500 per tonne; 5% import duty on copper and cobalt concentrates; export levy on precious metals including gold of 15%; Non-refundable sales tax to replace Value Added Tax with no detail on sales tax levels which is expected to be introduced in April 2019 . Also in late September 2018 , the Supreme Court of Panama announced a ruling in connection with the constitutionality of Law 9 4 of 1997. The Company understands that the ruling relates to the enactment of Law 9 and not the legality of the Company's mining concession contract which remains in effect and allows for the continuation of the development of Cobre Panama. Following the ruling, the Government of Panama issued a news release affirming support for the Cobre Panama project and that the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MICI) considers the mining concession contract and its extension to be in effect in all its parts. The Company continues to work with appropriate parties to identify suitable remedies and to clarify the legal position of Law 9 and is confident of a resolution in the near-medium term. 1 Net earnings (loss) attributable to shareholders of the Company has been adjusted to exclude items which are not reflective of underlying performance to arrive at comparative earnings (loss). Comparative earnings (loss), comparative earnings (loss) per share, comparative EBITDA and cash flows per share are not measures recognized under IFRS and do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS. The Company has disclosed these measures to assist with the understanding of results and to provide further financial information about the results to investors. Refer to the "Regulatory Disclosures" section in the MD&A for the quarter ended September 30, 2018 for further information. 2 Production is presented on a copper contained basis, and is presented prior to processing through the Kansanshi smelter. 3 AISC, C1 and C3 costs per pound are not recognized under IFRS. Refer to the "Regulatory Disclosures" section in the MD&A for the quarter ended September 30, 2018 for further information. 4 Law 9 was passed by the Panamanian National Assembly on February 26, 1997, and granted the status of national law to the mining concession contract relating to the Cobre Panama project. CEO'S COMMENTS "Our operations continued to deliver in the third quarter relative to plan. Development of our Cobre Panama project progressed on schedule with some significant milestones achieved," noted Philip Pascall, Chairman and CEO. "Our financial results reflect the positive operational quarter, increased sales volumes and a higher realized copper price which was positively affected by our copper sales hedge program. "The success in the quarter provided the opportunity to increase our copper and zinc production guidance, slightly adjust our gold production expectation while maintaining our projected low unit cost of production. We also remain on track to deliver significant production growth in the coming years with the development of Cobre Panama." Mr. Pascall concluded. OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS Three months ended September 30 Nine months ended September 30 (U.S. dollars where applicable) 2018 2017 2018 2017 COPPER - Production (tonnes) 151,241 145,376 447,549 419,644 - Sales (tonnes) 151,342 148,894 441,766 428,225 - Cost of production: o AISC (per lb) $1.83 $1.75 $1.77 $1.62 o C1 (per lb) $1.34 $1.21 $1.30 $1.20 o C3 (per lb) $2.14 $2.03 $2.13 $2.01 - Realized price (per lb) $2.84 $2.37 $2.85 $2.28 GOLD - Production (ounces) 44,979 47,213 137,375 147,832 - Sales (ounces) 42,864 51,729 139,851 150,653 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Three months ended September 30 Nine months ended September 30 (U.S. dollars millions, except where noted otherwise) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Sales revenues 978 877 2,912 2,425 Gross profit 246 83 698 218 Net earnings (loss) attributable to shareholders of the Company 61 (52) 243 (201) Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share $0.09 ($0.08) $0.35 ($0.29) Comparative EBITDA1 427 304 1,256 836 Comparative earnings (loss)1 128 (28) 305 (75) Comparative earnings (loss) per share1 $0.19 ($0.04) $0.44 ($0.11) Cash flow from operating activities 439 267 1,642 711 CONFERENCE CALL & WEBCAST Conference call and webcast details are as follows: Date: October 30, 2018 Time: 9:00 am (EDT); 1:00 pm (GMT); 6:00 am (PDT) Please note the time of the call in the United Kingdom reflects the reversion to GMT. Webcast: www.first-quantum.com Dial in: North America: (toll free) (877) 291-4570 North America and international: 1 (647) 788-4919 United Kingdom: (toll free) 0-800-051-7107 Replay: Available from noon (EDT) on October 30, 2018 until 11:59 pm (EST) on November 13, 2018 North America: (toll free) (800) 585-8367 North America and international: 1 (416) 621-4642 Passcode: 5499405 COMPLETE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS The complete consolidated financial statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis for the quarter ended September 30, 2018 are available at www.first-quantum.com and should be read in conjunction with this news release. On Behalf of the Board of Directors of First Quantum Minerals Ltd. G. Clive Newall President CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION Certain statements and information herein, including all statements that are not historical facts, contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements include estimates, forecasts and statements as to the Company's expectations of production and sales volumes, and expected timing of completion of project development at Cobre Panama and Enterprise and are subject to the impact of ore grades on future production, the potential of production disruptions, capital expenditure and mine production costs, the outcome of mine permitting, other required permitting, the outcome of legal proceedings which involve the Company, information with respect to the future price of copper, gold, nickel, zinc, pyrite, cobalt, iron and sulphuric acid, estimated mineral reserves and mineral resources, First Quantum's exploration and development program, estimated future expenses, exploration and development capital requirements, the Company's hedging policy, and goals and strategies. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements or information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate" or "believes" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. With respect to forward-looking statements and information contained herein, the Company has made numerous assumptions including among other things, assumptions about continuing production at all operating facilities, the price of copper, gold, nickel, zinc, pyrite, cobalt, iron and sulphuric acid, anticipated costs and expenditures and the ability to achieve the Company's goals. Forward-looking statements and information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. These factors include, but are not limited to, future production volumes and costs, the temporary or permanent closure of uneconomic operations, costs for inputs such as oil, power and sulphur, political stability in Zambia, Peru, Mauritania, Finland, Spain, Turkey, Panama, Argentina and Australia, adverse weather conditions in Zambia, Finland, Spain, Turkey, Mauritania and Panama, labour disruptions, potential social and environmental challenges, power supply, mechanical failures, water supply, procurement and delivery of parts and supplies to the operations, and the production of off-spec material. See the Company's Annual Information Form for additional information on risks, uncertainties and other factors relating to the forward-looking statements and information. Although the Company has attempted to identify factors that would cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those disclosed in the forward-looking statements or information, there may be other factors that cause actual results, performances, achievements or events not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. Also, many of these factors are beyond First Quantum's control. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company undertakes no obligation to reissue or update forward-looking statements or information as a result of new information or events after the date hereof except as may be required by law. All forward-looking statements and information made herein are qualified by this cautionary statement. LONGUEUIL, Quebec, Oct. 30, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Highland Copper Company Inc. (TSXV: HI, OTCQB: HDRSF) (the Company) is pleased to announce that its 100% held Michigan subsidiary, Copperwood Resources Inc., has received the amended wetland, lakes and streams permit (Wetlands Permit) from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Water Resources Division (MDEQ,WRD) for its Copperwood project located in the Upper Peninsula, Michigan, USA. Denis Miville-Deschenes, President & CEO of Highland Copper commented: The receipt of the Wetlands Permit is a significant milestone in obtaining all permits required for the development of the Copperwood project. I want to take the opportunity to thank all stakeholders and employees involved in the process that has led to the receipt of this important permit. Wetland Permit Following the release of the updated feasibility study on the Copperwood project on June 15th, 2018, the Company moved forward with the finalization of the permitting process for its Copperwood project. Based on the updated feasibility study the Company filed amendment requests, renewals or new applications for all permits required to begin mine construction at Copperwood. The Part 301-Inland lakes and Streams, Part 303-Wetlands Protection and Part 325-Great Lakes Submerged Land applications process included a public comment period that ended on July 27th following a public hearing held in Wakefield, Michigan on July 17th. After the review of comments received from public and tribal interests, as well as recommendations from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the MDEQ developed the draft permit conditions which have been accepted by the Company. These conditions include the following mitigation requirements: The preservation of 717 acres of high-quality wetlands and 93 acres of forested upland in the headwaters area of the wild and scenic Black River and the creation of 18.3 acres of forested and emergent wetlands on-site at the Copperwood project; and Stream mitigation by creating 13,700 feet of natural stream channel on-site at the Copperwood project and replacing a culvert on the Two Mile Creek in Ontonagon County that is blocking brook trout passage in a tributary to the wild and scenic Cisco Branch to the Ontonagon River. Other required permits On October 24th, 2018 a combined final public hearing was held in Ironwood, Michigan for the Part 632 Nonferrous Metallic Mining Permit amendment and the Part 55 Air Discharge permit. This public meeting was the last major step prior to the grant of the Part 632 and Part 55 permits. The Company anticipates that the Part 315 Dam Safety Permit-Tailing dam draft permit will be issued shortly now that the conditions of the Wetland Permit have been accepted by Highland. The Lake Superior Water intake application is presently being reviewed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). A final report was submitted by Highland to the USACE in September. To date the permitting process has proceeded well and Company management continues to believe that all required permits for the Copperwood project will be in hand by year-end. Once all of the permits are received, the Company will continue to maintain at all times a high level of environmental commitment as required by the USACE, the MDEQ, and the State of Michigan, Native American tribes and local communities as it advances the development of the Copperwood Project. Financing Update Over the last few months, the Company has held numerous discussions with shareholders and financial institutions, including international banks, private equity groups, equipment suppliers and investment banks, to secure the capital required to construct the Copperwood project. The Company continues to evaluate all possible financing options, taking into account current market conditions, and with the help of its advisors will look to choose the optimal financial package for all stakeholders. About Highland Highland Copper Company Inc. is a Canadian-based company focused on exploring and developing copper projects in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, U.S.A. The Company has 472,933,689 common shares issued and outstanding which are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol HI and trade on the OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol HDRSF. More information about the Company is available on the Companys website at www.highlandcopper.com and on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Please refer to our most recently filed Annual Financial Statements in respect of material risks relating to the Company's business and plans for development of the Copperwood project. Cautionary Statement This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, being unable to complete the financing of the Copperwood project on terms acceptable to the Company, or delays in the permitting process outlines above. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in completing the financing and obtaining all required permits to begin mine construction at Copperwood. All forward looking statements in this press release are based on information available to the Company as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements 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: Denis Miville-Deschenes, President & CEO David Charles, Investor relations Tel: +1.450.677.2455 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday opened Istanbuls new international airport, which his government says will eventually become the worlds largest. The new airport will be the pride of our country and an example to the world, Erdogan said at a lavish opening ceremony featuring several heads of state. At the inauguration which coincided with the 95th anniversary of modern Turkeys founding by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk Erdogan also revealed that the airport would be named Istanbul. Istanbul is not only our biggest city but also the most valuable trademark of our country, he said. The airport, one of a number of mega-projects built under Erdogans rule, will be little used until next year after construction was marred by delays and a workers strike over poor conditions. Erdogan has championed the 10.5-billion euro ($12-billion) project in his bid to make Istanbul a global travel hub linking Europe, Asia and Africa and turn flag carrier Turkish Airlines into an aviation giant. But the airport will only offer flights to five destinations until an expanded opening on December 29, from when it is expected to handle up to 90 million passengers a year, rising to up to 200 million when all facilities are completed in 2028. That would be nearly double the 103.9 million passengers moving through the worlds current busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson in the US city of Atlanta. The opening ceremony was attended by several leaders including Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov and Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court on charges of genocide and war crimes. The first flight from the new facility will be to the capital Ankara on Wednesday. Giant It had been thought the new facility would replace the citys ageing Ataturk Airport, but Erdogan said it would remain in service, including for events such as air shows, adding that its unused parts would be transformed into a national park as promised. Planes and equipment are expected to be moved from Ataturk to the new facility for the expanded launch in late December. Ataturk Airport will continue to serve with the same name, he added. Erdogan called the new airport a giant, with officials saying that its 1.4 million-square metre terminal building was eight times larger than Ankaras terminal. Moreover, 80 Eiffel Towers could be constructed with the steel of 640,000 tonnes used in the construction. When finished in 2028, it will have six runways and two terminals spread over 76 square kilometres (29 square miles). That would make it three times the size of Ataturk. Authorities say a metro line will be built to link the airport, which is near the Black Sea coast on the European side of Istanbul, to the city centre 35 kilometres (22 miles) away. Crackdown on striking workers The airport will be one of the crowning jewels in Erdogans bid to transform Turkeys infrastructure in time for the countrys centenary in 2023. Other massive projects include a third bridge over the Bosphorus Strait connecting Istanbuls Europe and Asia sides, opened in 2016, and a man-made canal to relieve pressure on the strait. However critics have blasted Erdogans mega-projects as excessive and damaging to the environment, and the airports construction was hit by controversy. Last month, hundreds of workers walked off the job to protest poor conditions and work-related deaths on the site. Turkish authorities quickly cracked down, arresting hundreds, according to labour unions. Most were released without charge, but around 20 remain in prison. Thirty workers have died on the site since construction began in 2015, according to Istanbul airport authorities. The unions say the real number is much higher. Construction Union Insaat-Is announced on Twitter that another worker died from a fall on Sunday, just one day before the inauguration. In his speech, Erdogan thanked the workers. fo-dl/dcr TURKISH AIRLINES TURK HAVA YOLLARI AO Prime Minister Narendra Modi shakes hands with his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe during the Joint Press Statement in Tokyo, Japan, on Monday. Photo: PTI TOKYO (PTI): India and Japan have signed six agreements, including on a high speed rail project and naval cooperation, and agreed to hold 2+2 dialogue after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe held talks on Monday during which they discussed a range of bilateral, regional and global issues including the situation in the Indo-Pacific region. During the 13th annual summit, the two prime ministers reviewed developments in bilateral relations and explored new areas of cooperation, focusing on shared vision for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, where China is flexing its muscles. The two leaders agreed that India and Japan must work together for a rules-based and inclusive world order that fosters trust and confidence by enhancing communication and connectivity to ensure rule of law, unimpeded trade and flow of people, technology and ideas for shared prosperity. They agreed to hold a 2+2 dialogue between the Foreign Ministers and Defence Ministers of the two countries. India has a similar agreement with the US and the two sides held the first round of 2+2 dialogue in New Delhi last month. "We both agree that from digital partnership to cyberspace, health, defence, ocean to space, in every field we will strengthen our partnership," Prime Minister Modi said after the talks. The two leaders reviewed the progress made on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail project, which is an important symbol of India-Japan collaboration. The two sides signed an agreement on yen loan for the project. They also welcomed the continued cooperation on metro projects which support smarter development of Indian cities. The two sides also signed an agreement on the implementing arrangement for deeper cooperation between the Indian Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). The formal summit between Modi and Abe comes a day after the two prime ministers spent about eight hours together at a picturesque resort near Mount Fuji in Yamanashi prefecture discussing ties between the two countries and ways to deepen strategic dimension of the bilateral relationship. Earlier, Modi was given a guard of honour upon his arrival for the annual summit talks at the Kantei, the Prime Minister's Official Residence. BUCKS COUNTY >> State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10), along with state Representative Shelby Labs (R-143) have announced the award of $686,000 in Commonwealth funds for the expansion of a multi-use trail originating in Central Park in Doylestown Township. The lawmakers also announced a $450,000 grant to Plumstead Township for pedestrian improvements on Old Easton Road and Route 611 and $50,000... GRANTS PASS, Ore. On Friday, law enforcement agencies in Josephine County began a sweep that they dubbed "Operation Boo 3.0" netting some 16 arrests and probation detainers, according to the Josephine County Sheriff's Office. JCSO said that this is the third such operation done annually around the Halloween holiday thus the name. It began on Friday and went into the early hours of Saturday, lasting a total of about six hours. Deputies conducted "saturation patrols" in the Illinois Valley and North Valley areas with support from Oregon State Police, Josephine County Parole and Probation, BLM law enforcement and the Rogue Area Drug Enforcement Team (RADE). This operation is far from the first themed sweep led by JCSO in the past they have done Operation Lucky Charm, Operation April Fools, Operation Sex Offender Sweep x 2, and Operation Boo" for 2016 and 2017. The agency says that the intensified patrols are funded by savings from the JCSO public safety budget and from each participating agency's budget. According to JCSO, several investigations stemming from those operations are still active and ongoing. The extra patrols resulted in the following actions: Traffic Stops: 28 Arrests/probation detainers: 16 Towed vehicles: 3 Bar checks: 2 Contacts: 13 Area checks: 3 The following parties were arrested during Operation Boo 3.0 [pictured above, beginning at top left]: Arrested: Anna Maria Walker / Charge: Parole Violation; Theft in the 1st / Degree Dispo: Lodged on PV Detainer Arrested: Edmond Frank Fabianek / Charge: FTA Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine / Dispo: Lodged on JOCO Warrant Arrested: Tyson Lee Hutchison / Charge: FTA Assault in the 4th Degree Charge: FTA Contempt of Court X2 / Dispo: Lodged on GPDPS Warrants Arrested: Erica Michelle Godwin / Charge: Attempt to Elude a Police Officer (Vehicle); Reckless Driving; Recklessly Endangering of Another; FTA Felon in Possession of a Firearm / Dispo: Lodged on the above listed charges Arrested: Lillian Ruth Stohlman / Charge: Probation Violation; Delivery of a Controlled Substance / Dispo: Lodged on PV Detainer Arrested: Tayah Lynn Delicino / Charge: Attempt to Elude a Police Officer (Vehicle); Reckless Driving; Felon in Possession of a Weapon/Restricted Firearm; Probation Violation; Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle / Dispo: Lodged on the above listed charges Arrested: Joshua Sanders / Charge: Parole Violation; Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine / Dispo: Lodged on PV Detainer Arrested: Aubreyann Valyn Taylor / Charge: Probation Violation; Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine / Dispo: Lodged on PV Detainer Arrested: Sarah Ivory Jaentsch / Charge: FTA Criminal Trespass in the 2nd Degree X2 / Dispo: Lodged on JOCO Warrants Arrested: Jesse Thomas Hopwood / Charge: FTA Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle; FTA Driving While Suspended; FTA Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine; Probation Violation attempt to elude felony / Dispo: Lodged on JOCO Warrants Arrested: Jessica L Mauri / Charge: Unlawful Delivery of Methamphetamine / Dispo: Lodged on the above charge Arrested: Israel James Hopper / Charge: Felon in Possession of Weapon/Restricted Firearm; Possess Firearms or Ammo by Persons Prohibited / Dispo: Lodged on the above listed charges Arrested: Kyle Matthew Nelson / Charge: Parole Violation; Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle / Dispo: Lodged on the above charge Arrested: Kodi Trayle Dodgin / Charge: Parole Violation; Robbery / Dispo: Lodged on the above charge Arrested: Monica Jean Snow / Charge: Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine / Dispo: Lodged on the above charge Arrested: Scott Michael Jones [Not Pictured] / Charge: FTA Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants / Dispo: Cited to Appear for Jackson County Warrant MEDFORD, Ore. A man from Talent pleaded guilty on Monday to drug trafficking charges after reportedly conspiring to send "more than 500 grams of cocaine" across state lines, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. According to court documents, 31-year-old Jonathan Alan Ochoa conspired with co-defendants Gonzalo Manzo Jr. and Rodolfo Quevedo to transport more than 500 grams of cocaine from California to Oregon between July and August of 2017. The drugs would then be sold and distributed to others. Authorities say that Ochoa and Manzo negotiated the sale of cocaine to an undercover agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) "in exchange for multiple firearms." On August 17 of 2017, Quevedo transported about 1,000 grams of cocaine from California and delivered it to Ochoa in the Medford area "at Manzo's request," according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. The firearms and cash were supposed to be transported back to California but agents arrested Ochoa and his co-conspirators and law enforcement seized the guns before that could happen. Ochoa was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, and one count possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. "Ochoa faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, a $5 million fine and four years of supervised release," the U.S. Attorney's Office said. "He will be sentenced on February 21, 2019 before U.S. District Court Judge Ann Aiken." Manzo pleaded guilty to the same charges on August 27, 2018. Quevedo also faces criminal charges; his case is pending in federal court. Don Richie is the Executive Director of the Rogue Valley Veterans Community Outreach. He tells Newswatch 12 the decision to cancel the veterans day parade was difficult. Don Richie says "it's like where do we, where do we spend our energy? I decided that we just cannot take on a project of that magnitude and serve over 500 veterans a month." The RVVCO helps veterans with everything from mail to getting a birth certificate. They also provide temporary housing for homeless veterans while they are in the process of getting a job. Don says "To me it was a no brainer just to focus more on serving our veterans one on one and I in turn reached out to the veterans community as well as the Jackson County Veterans Advisory Council." Larry Rupp The Commander for Department of Oregon Military says, "I was.... I was disappointed, I mean I can understand some of the reasoning behind it, but yes I was disappointed because it's a time for veterans to come out and show the community that we are here." Veteran groups in Jackson County decided they couldn't have veterans day without a celebration or event. Kirby Rider the Commander of the American Legion Post in Medford says, "There was about 20 of us that got together initially to start having the conversation about how we can make this event happen especially with such a short notice." In under 30 days the American Legion in Medford planned a veterans day event. On November 11th at 11am at Hawthorne Park there will be vendors, foods and a speaker. Kirby is hoping to get a world war 2 veteran. Larry says, "This is sort of like a dream come true for me because for a number of years I've been, my goal is to get all the veteran organizations to work together rather than as separate entities." A campaign to support injured workers who are taking their employer to court has been supported by the British Safety Council and several MPs. The Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers, a UK trade union with more than 433,000 members, has been campaigning to lower the threshold limit for the cost of small claims. A new bill called the Civil Liabilities Bill is currently being processed by the government. It would raise the small claims limit from 1,000 to 2,000 in all cases and from 1,000 to 5,000 in road traffic accident cases. It was designed help prevent vexatious claims against insurance companies for whiplash injuries sustained in vehicle accidents. This would mean that more workplace injury compensation cases would be dealt with in the small claims court, where no legal costs are usually awarded, even in successful cases. In a recent House of Commons debate about the bill, Richard Burgon MP argued that this would dissincetivise workers from taking their employer to court. He said: When legal fees are not covered, tens of thousands of working people will simply be priced out of obtaining legal assistance, resulting in many pulling, dropping or not pursuing their cases. And Ruth George MP, a former Usdaw worker, said that claimants would struggle to win the case without legal representation. She said: It is extremely difficult to determine liability in the case of many accidents at work. Deliveries are made to stores by a third party and there are incidents in warehouses that may be the fault of one party, the fault of another company or the fault of the employee. Those arguments are exceedingly difficult to pin down, especially for an individual claimant, and they require the assistance of a lawyer. The British Safety Council, a charity and corporate membership organisation which works to help protect workers and improve workplace conditions and practices, expressed its support for the Usdaw campaign. David Parr, Policy and Technical Services Director, said: Workers should not be prevented from pursuing redress whenever they sustain workplace injury or ill-health through no fault of their own simply because of financial limitations. Wherever employers are found to be negligent in the management of workplace health and safety, there should be accountability. No-one should be injured or made ill at work, but if they are, workers should have the support and agency to hold the employer to account, so that incidents do not reoccur. 283 Shares Share On November 6th voters in Massachusetts are facing a very important health care-related question. In addition to voting for political parties in the midterms, they also face three ballot questions. The first of these is whether there should be mandatory state enforced nurse-to-patient ratios. For a general medical or surgical floor, this will be no more than four patients for every registered nurse. For other types of adult floors and the emergency room, ratios will be set differently, anything from 1 to 5. Here is the full proposed law. As someone who works at the frontlines of health care in Massachusetts, this issue is obviously close to my heart. Over the last few months, Ive heard a variety of different opinions expressed from frontline nurses. There are a number of strong arguments both ways, and it really has divided many in the health care community. For both the readers in Massachusetts who will be voting, and those out of state who may be interested, I wanted to briefly and simply summarize the main reasoning behind the two camps. I will divide this up by practical reasons each way, and then an ultimate philosophical one too. No Proponents of a no vote say that the law is poorly written, inflexible to different nursing needs, only allows just over a month for implementation, and is a one-size-fits-all approach. They also argue that it will have a devastating effect on health care finances, with some cost estimates around the $1 billion mark. At a time when the financial squeeze is on in health care, this is something thats simply not affordable. Smaller community hospitals, in particular, are worried about the impact on their finances of having to hire more nurses (and whether there are even enough available nurses to hire at such short notice). Some people also cite the nurses union as being overly aggressive with the way its gone about this. Almost all health care facilities already take the issue of high-quality care and a culture of safety very seriously especially in a competitive health care market. Hospitals are receptive to patient and family concerns and never want to deliver suboptimal care. Those strongly in favor of voting no overwhelmingly include health care facilities, physician organizations, and politicians. Many frontline nurses too, have expressed major concerns. A major philosophical argument for a no vote is that the government should never be involved in mandating an issue like this, and that its always a bad idea to have such strict restrictions with harsh financial penalties. Yes Nurses main argument centers around the issue of patient care and safety. It seems like common sense that the more nurse time that patients have, the better it is for everyone. How could four patients ever be deemed too few for a busy nurse? They are frequently rushed off their feet for the entire day and overwhelmed with bureaucratic requirements (its not just doctors who have to perform mind-numbing data-entry tasks). Most professionals at the frontlines of health care can attest to seeing nurses overwhelmed with several patients at a time (I know I have seen this many times), and the problems it causes. Would anybody want a loved one to be cared for under such circumstances? Nurses will tell you that they frequently feel unsafe during everyday patient care. This issue with having stricter ratios has been something they have been pushing for some time, and they reason that health care organizations have not come forward with any realistic alternative to help them care for patients safely, or put any other alternative proposals on the table. A major philosophical argument around the yes campaign, is that many health care organizations in Massachusetts, including CEOs, are making millions and that they can well afford to implement these changes and hire additional nurses if necessary. Partners Healthcare for example, the largest organization (and employer) in the state, which includes Massachusetts General Hospital, is reporting record operating revenues ($3.4 billion in the first quarter of 2018) Although this is not total profit, its still a reasonably healthy financial position. The yes campaign is also accusing the No campaign of using broad and historically well-known scare tactics to persuade people to vote No. Hospitals are not just suddenly going to close (politically that wouldnt be allowed, especially in underserved areas), and whenever an issue like this arises, many people and organizations have a deep vested interest in maintaining the status quo. Rarely does the world come tumbling down, and things have a habit of working themselves out and adapting. There are some valid points to both sides. California is the only other state in the union with mandatory patient ratios for nurses, and Ill let you read yourself the point of view that its been a staggering success, and the point of view that it hasnt, which are widely articulated online. Its up to the people of Massachusetts now to decide on November 6th. Suneel Dhand is an internal medicine physician and author. He is the founder, DocSpeak Communications and co-founder, DocsDox. He blogs at his self-titled site, Suneel Dhand. Image credit: Shutterstock.com 38K Shares Share Ethical OB/GYNs everywhere sighed heavily when they realized from the action on their Facebook and Twitter feeds that the Ellen Show broadcasted incorrect and potentially harmful information about ovarian cancer screening to almost 4 million people. Millions more will likely hear about it on social media. Ellen Pompeo, who plays a doctor on the television show Grays Anatomy, decided to play doctor in real life and used her celebrity platform to recommend that all women get pelvic ultrasounds to screen for ovarian cancer. Sigh. Shes wrong. The segment started out as a fundraiser for breast cancer research. Two women won a chance to walk with Ms. Pompeo to Starbucks. After they shared their stories about why raising money for breast cancer/meeting Ms. Pompeo was important to them, the actor shared something she had just learned. She said, all it takes is a simple ultrasound to screen for ovarian cancer. She also added, When you go to the doctor health insurance wont pay for the ultrasound, so make sure you ask for the ultrasound, because ovarian cancer is not detected otherwise. Insert angry emoji. It is frustrating to see someone with such influence use it to spread such incorrect information. I dont blame Ellen DeGeneres, the segment was about breast cancer and Ms. Pompeos interjection on ovarian cancer seemed unscripted. I also believe Ms. Pompeo was speaking earnestly, but well-meaning misinformation is still misinformation, and it harms just the same. Ovarian cancer affects approximately 20,000 women each year in the United States. A womans lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer is 1 in 75. We OB/GYNs know it is a frightening disease: the 5 year survival is 30-40%. Unfortunately, 65% of women are diagnosed when they have stage III or IV ovarian cancer and for these women the survival rate is 18%. We have all seen patients die from this and wished we had been able to do better. That we can not yet screen for ovarian cancer meaning identify it before there are symptoms and in the early stages when the odds of survival are better is not for lack of trying. There have been multiple studies, and experts have toiled over the data to try to come up with the right recommendations for women. This is what the The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Society of Gynecologic Oncology conclude: Currently, there is no strategy for early detection of ovarian cancer that reduces ovarian cancer mortality. The use of transvaginal ultrasonography and tumor markers (such as CA 125), alone or in combination, for the early detection of ovarian cancer in average-risk women have not been proved to reduce mortality, and harms exist from invasive diagnostic testing (eg, surgery) resulting from false-positive test results. The US Preventative Services Task Force states the following: The USPSTF recommends against screening for ovarian cancer in asymptomatic women. (D recommendation) This recommendation applies to asymptomatic women who are not known to have a high-risk hereditary cancer syndrome. And the American Cancer Society: There are no recommended screening tests for ovarian cancer for women who do not have symptoms and are not at high risk of developing ovarian cancer. In studies of women at average risk of ovarian cancer, using TVUS and CA-125 for screening led to more testing and sometimes more surgeries, but did not lower the number of deaths caused by ovarian cancer. For that reason, no major medical or professional organization recommends the routine use of TVUS or the CA-125 blood test to screen for ovarian cancer in women at average risk. This was not hard information to find. The harm with ultrasound screening for ovarian cancer in women at average risk is several fold: Many women report pain from transvaginal ultrasounds. Women will be falsely reassured. That is unethical and cruel Some doctors will simply give women the tests they request. If health insurance happens to pay then the unnecessary test adds to the overall cost of the insurance. Even with coverage, many women will pay $100 or more in co-payments for an ultrasound. Women without insurance will pay much more. Maybe actors have that kind of money, but the average American does not. Especially not for an unindicated test. Some doctors will be ethical and stick to the screening guidelines meaning no ultrasound. Women who believe Ms. Pompeo may now feel that their doctor is withholding something from them or dismissing them when what they are getting is evidence-based medicine. This could lead to friction and a fracture in the doctor-patient relationship. Many women who get these unindicated ultrasounds will have findings that are likely benign, but it will take more (expensive) testing to prove that or even possibly surgery surgery that would never have been needed if it were not for the unindicated ultrasound. Why dont ultrasounds work for screening? We now believe that the most common ovarian cancers originate in the fallopian tube, so when disease is identified on the ovary it has already spread meaning it is too late for screening. Some experts estimate that by the time the cancer has spread to the ovary it may have been present for 6-7 years. Telling the difference between a cancer and a benign lesion on the ovary can also be hard. Ovarian cancer is typically very aggressive. Higher risk women need different care Some women are genetically at higher risk for ovarian cancer. Anyone with a personal history of breast or colon cancer or a family history of breast, ovarian, or colon cancer should speak with their doctor who can take an appropriate history and order testing and refer, if indicated, to a genetic counselor. If they test positive for a genetic marker for ovarian cancer then there will be specific recommendations for monitoring and/or treatment. Low risk women Symptoms of ovarian cancer are vague and include persistent bloating, pelvic pain or abdominal pain, and feeling full quickly after eating. They are not specific, meaning most women with these symptoms do not have ovarian cancer. A woman with a new onset of these symptoms (meaning within past 12 months) that last 12 days a month may need to be evaluated for ovarian cancer. That is called a diagnostic test. If you have these symptoms tell your doctor. What now? I believe Ms. Pompeo acted in good faith, but that doesnt make her information correct and undoing what she said will be hard. There is a phenomenon called the illusory truth effect the more you are exposed to incorrect information the more likely you are to believe it. Even one exposure to incorrect information can prime you to believe fake news, so the potential for harm from a short segment like this is real. Celebrities have great influence on health care decision-making, and they should be mindful of that privilege. Information about ovarian cancer should come from a doctor, not from an actor who plays a doctor on television. I guess from her 14 years on the show Ms. Pompeo hasnt learned too much about evidence-based medicine or medical Internet hygiene. No woman is ever served by misinformation. I hope the Ellen Show sets the record straight. Jennifer Gunter is an obstetrician-gynecologist and author of the Preemie Primer. She blogs at her self-titled site, Dr. Jen Gunter. Image credit: Shutterstock.com A Chinese Minister recently visited Travis Perkins to see its award-winning apprenticeship model in action. The Vice Minister for the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security of China, Tang Tao, went to the Groups Northampton Head Office last week to find out how Travis Perkins has developed their scheme at the Groups Northampton Head Office last week. He was joined by his ministerial team and the Head of Education and Skills at the Department for International Trade, Liu Jing. The visit was coordinated by WorldSkills UK, which works to improve apprenticeships and technical education, in collaboration with The Education and Skills Funding Agency and Department for Education, which aims to deepen the understanding of skills training between China and the UK. Travis Perkins apprenticeship scheme currently has more than 650 apprentices nationwide, working across a wide range of programmes; from retail and digital marketing to sales and operations. The guests heard from Sam Crichton, an apprentice who was recently promoted to assistant branch manager for Benchmarx, part of the Travis Perkins Group. Crichton told them about the modular-based development plan that has been tailored specifically to him and his branch needs, to build the relevant knowledge and skills and maximise the social, business and personal value of his apprenticeship. Travis Perkins CEO, John Carter, also started his career as an apprentice. He said: Our philosophy is very much that its our people who make our business great. We have an innovative and visionary training and development programme in place to support this belief, and we were delighted to be able to share our insight with the senior delegation from China to support the ideas they are developing for their own people and also exchange reciprocal ideas for the future. We are honoured that the Vice Minister and his team chose to visit Travis Perkins. James "Whitey" Bulger, the notorious and much-feared former Boston mob boss, was killed Tuesday morning at the US Penitentiary Hazelton in Bruceton Mills, West Virginia, officials told CNN. "He lived violently and he apparently died violently," said Dick Lehr, author of "Whitey: The Life of America's Most Notorious Mob Boss." "It marks the full circle of a terrible life." The FBI is investigating the death, which occurred a day after his transfer to the West Virginia facility, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons. "Hopefully the seven years he spent in prison as well as his recent death brings some closure to the families of his many victims," Brian Kelly, one of the former federal prosecutors who tried Bulger, said in a statement. Bulger, 89, was found unresponsive at 8:20 a.m., according to a statement from the prisons bureau. He was pronounced dead by the Preston County medical examiner after failed lifesaving measures. No staff or other inmates were injured, the prisons bureau said. The circumstances of this week's transfer remain unclear. Bulger had also been housed at federal penitentiaries in Oklahoma and Tucson, Arizona. "He was sentenced to life in prison, but as a result of decisions by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, that sentence has been changed to the death penalty," defense attorney J.W. Carney Jr. said in a statement, referring for his former client. He declined further comment. Bulger, who eluded federal authorities for more than 16 years before his arrest in June 2011, was serving the rest of his life in prison for a litany of crimes that included his role in 11 murders. He was sentenced in November 2013 to two life terms plus five years as architect of a criminal enterprise that, in the words of a federal judge, committed "unfathomable" acts that terrorized a city. A federal jury convicted Bulger that year of 31 counts, including racketeering, extortion, money laundering, drug dealing and weapons possession. The jury found him culpable in 11 killings from 1973 through 1985. His death marks a final chapter in the life of one of the country's most infamous criminals, federal informants and fugitives. "We received word this morning about the death of James 'Whitey' Bulger," US Attorney for the District of Massachusetts Andrew Lelling said in a statement. "Our thoughts are with his victims and their families." Former US Attorney Carmen Ortiz, who led Bulger's prosecution said, "Now with his death, I hope the notoriety of Whitey Bulger does not take away the focus from the victims and their families. I am hoping this is the end of a very sad chapter in Boston's history, during which this man caused so much harm to many through his brutal crimes." "It's a happy day," Steven Davis told CNN on Tuesday. His sister Debra was the girlfriend of Bulger partner Steve "The Rifleman" Flemmi, who testified that he lured her to a house where Bulger strangled her. "He had it coming to him and it's just sad that it took so long," Steven Davis said of Bulger. "He didn't have the right to live as long as he did." A man who lived by violence, vengeance and intimidation, Bulger would not make eye contact at his sentencing with the relatives of the people he'd killed, nor those who were slain by his accomplices in the treacherous Winter Hill Gang. As they called him a coward, a rat, a punk and Satan, Bulger kept his head down and showed no emotion as he scribbled on a pad. The statements of victims chronicled some of the darkest years of Boston history. "The testimony of human suffering that you and your associates inflicted on others was at times agonizing to hear and painful to watch," US District Judge Denise Casper said at the hearing. "At times, I wish we were watching a movie, that what we were hearing was not real. But as the families of victims know all too well, it's not a movie." At his trial, Bulger snarled, hissed and scowled at prosecutors and witnesses. At one point, he and onetime enforcer Kevin Weeks shouted obscenities at each other when Weeks called Bulger a "rat" during his testimony. Bulger was captured in California a decade and a half after skipping town ahead of a pending indictment. His girlfriend, Catherine Greig, was sentenced to eight years in federal prison in 2012 for identity fraud and helping the mob boss avoid capture. They lived as Charlie and Carol Gasko in Santa Monica, in what Bulger would later describe as a "16-year honeymoon." After fleeing Massachusetts, investigators learned that the longtime South Boston gang leader had been an FBI informant and that Bulger's FBI handler had not only tipped him off to the charges but also gave up another informant, who was later killed. Bulger's brother William, meanwhile, had risen from the family's blue-collar Irish neighborhood to become president of the Massachusetts Senate and head of the University of Massachusetts. But he was forced to resign from the school in 2003 after admitting to a congressional committee he had spoken to his brother while he was on the run, though he denied any knowledge of his sibling's whereabouts or alleged criminal activity. Whitey Bulger denied being an informant, even as he insisted he'd had an immunity deal with the former head of the Justice Department's Organized Crime Strike Force in New England. Prosecutors countered that with a 700-page file outlining how Bulger provided information on murders, drug deals, armed robberies and criminal fugitives that led to several arrests. Bulger's story became the partial inspiration for the 2006 Oscar-winning film "The Departed," which starred Jack Nicholson as a character modeled on Bulger. In 2015, actor Johnny Depp played Bulger in the film "Black Mass." In 2016, auctioned items seized from Bulger's Santa Monica apartment raised almost $110,000 to compensate victims' families. Bulger was born September 3, 1929, in Boston. The US Penitentiary Hazelton is a high-security facility housing 1,270 male offenders at Federal Correctional Complex Hazelton. EUGENE, Ore. -- Weve all seen the celebrity news about stars who die without a will and the legal fights that follow. KEZI 9 News spoke to Oregon Pacific Bank President and CEO Ron Green to learn if everyday people need wills too. Do only rich people and celebrities need wills and estate planning? Ron Green said hes not an attorney -- and he doesnt even play one on TV -- so he suggested everyone first seek legal advice. However, Green said having an estate plan is not just something for wealthy people. Everyone should have a will. A will directs what happens to your estate, to your assets and to all the things you want to happen after youre gone to make sure it happens. We see on the news all the time right now -- even celebrities who have passed recently without wills. Its a very expensive, lengthy process, and doesnt go well for anyone. If you have banking or finance questions for Ron Green, click here. EUGENE, Ore. -- Several dozen people gathered at Oregon Hillel on the U of O campus to remember the victims of the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting. People of multiple religious and ethnic backgrounds came together for a time of love, support and mourning. KEZI spoke with University of Oregon graduate student Corrie Parrish, who grew up near the Pittsburgh neighborhood where the shooting took place. "Squirrel Hill has a special place in my heart," Parrish said. "From the city I was born in, living in the neighborhood next to it. The places I used to go eat and shop were in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood and to know this violent, atrocious act that could have been totally preventable happened in my city is devastating." Parrish said the shooting is a reflection of what's happening in the United States, and an increase in what she called "hateful rhetoric." EUGENE, Ore. -- FBI agents and security professionals brought their expertise on cybersecurity to the University of Oregon campus on Monday. The university hosted their first ever Oregon Cyber Resilience Summit at the Erb Memorial Union. It addressed topics like social media and the dark web and steps individuals can take to protect themselves from cyberattacks, as well as how people can protect research and other data. "Some other things that they're going to be learning specifically at this conference is anything from what the state is doing to protect the elections coming up here in November as well as what is being done to protect the power grid, said Leo Howell, the Chief Information Security Officer with the university. Also, what is being done to protect students at University of Oregon for example and their data and their sensitive information." Howell said they want to make this an annual event in October, which is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. OREGON -- Measure 103 proposes to ban any and all statewide taxes on groceries. This measure can be confusing because right now, Oregon does not have a statewide sales tax, including on groceries. However, there's no law on the books to prevent local governments from creating one. Voting "yes" would prohibit a sales tax on groceries in the future. Voting "no" means the state and local governments keep the power to tax groceries. Supporters argue a tax on groceries would affect people who can't afford it. Opponents argue this measure is unnecessary because there is no existing tax. "The proponents may say that people are thinking of proposing a sales tax on food, but that's highly highly unlikely," said Lynda Lynch, the President of League of Women Voters of Lane County. "There have been multiple attempts to introduce a sales tax on groceries," said Vonnie Mikkelsen, CEO of the Springfield Chamber of Commerce. "We think it's time now we just say no, and we encourage our voters to vote yes on measure 103 for that reason." Those in favor of the measure are funded by major grocery chains including Costco, Albertsons and Safeway. Opponents formed a coalition made up of businesses and organizations including the Democratic Party of Oregon and Nike. The financial impact of this measure has not been determined. For more information about the measure, click here. Stay with KEZI 9 News leading up to the election and on Election Day for the latest about the races and measures that matter to you. Watch KEZI 9 News at 4 and 11 p.m. on Nov. 6 and follow KEZI on Facebook and Twitter. A nationwide housing boom has doubled the demand for bricks, and so a concrete products manufacturer has invested heavily in its production line to keep up. Tyrone-based Acheson + Glover has increased staff numbers at its factories in Toome and Dungannon to aid production. It has also invested more than 50,000 on a second curing chamber for the first time in a decade, which it says is to capitalise on the renewed demand for facing bricks and address the shortfall products currently being experienced across the UK and Ireland. While levels of facing brick production have not reached pre-crash heights just yet within the business, Acheson + Glover has reported its volumes have doubled year-on-year, signalling a positive trajectory. Rodney Davidson, Head of Specifications, said: Were seeing a huge resurgence of orders from developers especially for first-time-buyer and social housing projects. There has been a scarcity of facing bricks in the last decade as manufacturers wound down production lines. Were lucky to be in the position we are dialling up our brick-making facilities to capitalise on the demand for it. GPs have an important role to play in helping older people throughout Kilkenny to get more physical activity, according to health experts. A seminar organised by the Institute of Public Health in Ireland (IPH) presented research examining how older people can increase their levels of physical activity. Just 26% of older people across the country report taking part in healthy levels of weekly physical activity. Guidelines recommend that those aged 65 and over should aim to get 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity weekly to achieve benefits for every aspect of health. Dr Andrew Boyd, activity champion from the Royal College of General Practitioners, told those gathered that Ireland must focus on getting older people active as our population ages. He suggested; GPs have an important role to play in supporting all patients to optimise their physical activity GPs and other health professionals in Kilkenny can be roles models for active and healthy lives GPs and health professionals can empower older people to recognise the benefits of being more active and take control of their own health and lifestyle Dr Boyd added: GPs are key to older people getting more physical activity. Older people have a strong connection and professional relationship with their GP. GPs, with the support of other health professionals, have an important role to play in providing information to older people and signposting them to physical activity opportunities in their local community. Over 977,000 people are currently aged 65 or over across the island. This will increase to over 2 million people by 2051. Prof Roger OSullivan, Interim CEO at IPH, said: Its important that we keep as active as possible as we grow older. We know from research that as we age, physical activity decreases. However, the benefits of physical activity for older people are significant both physically and mentally. Simple steps such as walking to the shops rather than driving, meeting a friend for a walk rather than sitting down for a chat, and simply sitting less, can have enormous benefits for us all as we age. Burnham-On-Sea businesses have this week welcomed a pledge from the Chancellor to cut business rates in this weeks Budget. Chancellor Phillip Hammond announced a raft of changes in his Budget speech on Monday (October 29th) aimed at helping small businesses amid ongoing challenging trading environment in High Streets across the UK. Burnham-On-Seas MP says he hopes the 900m in business rates relief announced for small businesses and 650m to rejuvenate high streets will benefit Burnham and Highbridge. It will be a real shot in the arm for our high streets, he said. The budget statement said: High streets and town centres are crucial parts of communities and local economies, but the government recognises the challenges they face from changing consumer behaviour and is taking action to help them to evolve. To provide upfront support through the business rates system, the government is cutting bills by one-third for retail properties with a rateable value below 51,000, benefiting up to 90% of retail properties, for 2 years from April 2019, subject to state aid limits. In the longer term, to support a sustainable transformation of high streets, the Plan includes a 675 million Future High Streets Fund, planning reform, a High Streets Task Force to support local leadership, and funding to strengthen community assets, including the restoration of historic buildings on high streets. Burnham business owner Alex Turco told Burnham-On-Sea.com: Whilst we await the detail, the headline announcements of greater business rate relief and the future high street fund are welcome. In particular, there are a number of independent businesses that have high rateable values that would be expected to benefit. Both initiatives should support the work started in Burnham-On-Sea recently with the Burnham Evolution consultation, business plan and associated funding bids, to move on our Town Centre. A Burnham-On-Sea Chamber of Trade spokesperson added: Any reduction in business rates for local small businesses has to be welcome news. We also look forward to hearing more details about the new High Streets Fund and hope that Burnham can benefit from this. Kilkenny student David OCarroll has been awarded a Naughton Foundation scholarship worth 20,000 at a ceremony in Trinity College Biomedical Science Institute in Dublin. At a recent awards night, the award was presented by founding patrons of The Naughton Foundation, Dr Martin Naughton and his wife Carmel who were joined by Minister for Education and Skills Richard Bruton. Supporting academic and innovative excellence in Irish students, this Scholarship Award is an investment in the future of Irelands reputation as a country with outstanding graduates. A former student of St Kierans College, David has accepted a place at University College Dublin studying Engineering, and he joins 36 exceptional Irish students who were awarded third level scholarships towards their studies in the areas of engineering, science and technology. Since its establishment in 2008, scholarships worth over 4 million have been awarded to more than 200 students. There is one guaranteed Scholarship (20,000) for each participating county, with the exception of Cork and Galway where there are two scholarships awarded and four for Dublin. Five additional Scholarships are also to be awarded. Each Scholarship is worth 5,000 per annum for each year of a students three or four year undergraduate degree. Davids former secondary school, St Kierans College was also presented with a prize of 1,000 on the day towards their schools science facilities, for their support of these students. More than 160 schools have benefited from this prize to date with some schools receiving it on more than one occasion. Eleven years ago we envisaged a small scholarship programme to help support local students studying the STEM subjects, said the Naughtons. We never imagined this group of over 200 students and alumni nationwide who are connected across the universities and STEM disciplines and we couldnt be more proud of the unique community they are developing. Kilkenny senior hurling manager visited Scoil Aireagail recently to speak to senior cycle students. Brian needed little introduction given his hugely successful career and his long association with past pupils of the school on senior hurling and camogie panels. Principal of Scoil Aireagail Liam OBrien, reminded him in his introduction that the last Kilkenny All-Ireland hurling winning side had five former Scoil Aireagail students on the pitch as they lifted the Liam McCarthy cup. Brian touched on a number of important points when speaking about the secrets of success. His over-riding message was of the importance of self-belief. He cited a number of players whose self-belief meant they progressed from not being obvious choices for first teams, to going on to become some of the most celebrated hurlers of their generation. He also spoke about determination, resilience and commitment as being important ingredients in achieving your potential in sporting and other aspects of life. In a question and answer session with the students, he assured them that Kilkenny had every chance of winning the All-Ireland in 2019. He concluded by exhorting the students to find and exercise their leadership potential. Principal O Brien said there is no doubt that the students will benefit from his insight into the key factors influencing motivation and success and will use it to their benefit as they engage with their preparations for the Leaving Certificate. MASON CITY, Iowa The Walk to End Alzheimers raised more than $33,000 in Mason City. Organizers say the event on September 29 at Mason City High School had more than 250 people walking to raise money for research programs and care and support of patients. The top fundraising team was from Country Meadow Place, collecting more than $6,700. Donations can still be made through December by clicking here. Officials say more than 64,000 Iowans are living with Alzheimers. ROCHESTER, Minn. Charges have been dismissed against the man who sparked a search for bombs across Rochester. Kyle John Miller, 20 of Dodge Center, was arrested in February after authorities say he sent nearly every on-duty police officer searching for bombs and hazardous material at various locations. Police say what they found were metal containers with what appeared to be writing on them and an envelope, but what was inside was not dangerous. The search began after Rochester police were called to the Generose Parking Ramp at St. Marys Hospital. Officers say they found Miller with what turned out to be a BB gun pointed at his head and claiming he placed explosives and other dangerous substances around the city. Miller was charged with five counts of threats of violence but those charges were dismissed after a hearing on Monday. After considering the available evidence, a judge ruled that Miller was mentally ill and could not be held responsible for his actions. CHARLES CITY, Iowa A Floyd County man facing three drug charges is pleading not guilty to all of them. Johnigan Donyeal Allen Stewart III, 39 of Charles City, was pulled over on December 16, 2017, after police said he did not have a working license plate light. Officers say Stewart had a suspended license and a search found four packages of marijuana in his right pant leg. The Charles City Police Department then executed a search warrant at Stewarts home on June 3 and says they found found 27.22 grams of marijuana and 4.09 grams of methamphetamine. Stewart has entered not guilty pleas to two counts of possession with intent to deliver marijuana and one count of possession with intent to deliver meth. No trial date has been set. MASON CITY, Iowa - It's a horrific story of a school bus crash in Tanzania that killed more than 30 people, but three children were lucky enough to survive. Now in a book titled "Answer the Call" that was released earlier this year, Dr. Steve Meyer says he was able to save thanks to God's help. In May 2017, Dr. Meyer made a trip to Tanzania with a medical ministry. "Our mission called STEMM, the Siouxland Tanzania Educational Medical Ministry was taking a mission trip to Tanzania to do some mission work, but primarily to celebrate 20 years of sending kids to school, doing medical operations, running an orphanage." His team was on their way to a safari when they came across what is now considered to be the deadliest bus crash in Tanzania's history: 33 children, two adults and the bus driver all perished when their bus slid off the road and into a ravine. Three children, Doreen, Sadhia, and Wilson survived, but were badly injured. It became a race against time to save them. "It became very evident that with 25 factures between the three of them, that they didn't really have any hope of survival or restoration in Tanzania where they have very third world medicine yet today." But they didn't give up hope. After many phone calls and conversations with doctors, elected officials, and Samaritan's Purse, they were flown to Sioux City to be treated for their injuries. They became known as the 'Miracle Kids', and were embraced by the community. Sadhia is now 14, and is proud to be honored with that title. "Some of the people do not still believe about God. So if they see this miracle...we are the only ones who remained, so they could see God in there." And she plans to return to the U.S., but for a different reason. "I think maybe after I finish my high school education, I will come here to continue my education at university." Dr. Meyer says that with everything that lined up to get the children healed, it was a miracle. "For these kids to be saved, for these kids to come back, and for these kids to be ambassadors for God's message of love to the people of Tanzania and America, and I do believe that these kids have embraced that, and that they are going to have amazing futures spreading the message of God's love." Dr. Meyer and STEMM travel to Tanzania twice a year, and says that the trips are open to anyone looking to experience a personal spiritual journey. MASON CITY, Iowa The election is just over a week away and democratic nominee for Iowa Governor, Fred Hubbell, visited Golden Grain Energy Monday evening. The purpose of his visit was to learn more about the corn and ethanol industry in order to make better economic decisions in the future. Chad Kuhlers of Golden Grain Energy tells us that it is an issue that impacts everyone. "Its an important issue, said Kuhlers. I believe it impacts not only Iowas renewable fuels industry, it also impacts the Iowa farmer. We are creating part of the demand for homegrown or Iowa-grown commodities and ethanol plays out and has an impact on the demand. Hubbell told KIMT supporting natural assets like this is a huge step toward economic growth. Hes running against incumbent Governor Kim Reynolds. MOUNT PLEASANT, Iowa (AP) A judge has rejected a challenge to a jury pool for a man charged in the death of his infant son. The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier reports Judge Richard Stochl ruled Monday there weren't systematic problems with how the pool was assembled and that it was a representative cross-section of Henry County. Lawyers had objected to the potential makeup of the jury for Zachary Koehn, who is charged with murder and child endangerment. Police say officers found the maggot-infested body of 4-month-old Sterling Koehn in an infant swing on Aug. 30 last year at the couple's Alta Vista apartment. The baby's mother, Cheyanne Harris, is having a separate trial. Koehn's trial was moved to Mount Pleasant in Henry County because of pretrial publicity in Chickasaw County . Defense attorney Steven Drahozal asked the court last week to reconsider the jury pool because of an under-representation of Hispanic people. Drahozal says Koehn has a Hispanic background and is entitled to a jury drawn from a cross-section of the community. BARRON, Wis. (AP) Prosecutors have charged a man with burglarizing a Wisconsin home where a couple was killed and their 13-year-old daughter went missing, but authorities say he's not a suspect in the case. Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald says 32-year-old Kyle Jaenke-Annis was arrested over the weekend at the home of James and Denise Closs. The couple was found shot dead early on Oct. 15 and their daughter, Jayme, was missing. Authorities believe Jayme was abducted, and she has been ruled out as a suspect in her parents' killings. According to the complaint, authorities discovered Jaenke-Annis in the Closs home early Saturday, the morning of the couple's funeral. Jaenke-Annis told investigators he found the house unlocked, walked in and took some of Jayme's clothing. Fitzgerald did not say why Jaenke-Annis was cleared of any involvement in Jayme's disappearance. He is due in court Nov. 7. ROCHESTER, Minn. A man is facing drug charges after allegedly hiding 22 Xanax pills bagged in his underwear. Abukar Mohamed, 19, of Rochester, is facing a charge of fifth-degree possession of a controlled substance and introducing contraband into a correctional facility. Police said a traffic stop was initiated at 10th St. SE and 7th Ave. SE and it was learned Mohamed had a outstanding warrant out of Olmsted County. | BY Ricki Green | To celebrate the spooky goings on this All Hallows Eve, the technical gremlins at Alt have created a Facebook AR face-filter that you can try now on their Facebook page. MASON CITY, Iowa - A Mason City man is facing charges after authorities said he was found with around a pound of marijuana. Riley Willis, 22, is being held in the Cerro Gordo County Jail on $5,000 bond after a traffic stop early Tuesday morning at 6th St. and S. Pierce Ave. Willis is facing charges for failure to affix a tax stamp and a controlled substance violation. Authorities said a strong odor of marijuana was detected and around a pound of marijuana, a digital scale, empty baggies and cash were found. ROCHESTER, Minn.- Healthcare coverage and cost means much more than just a trip to the doctor's office. One organization in Rochester is shedding light on a an overlooked healthcare concern, mental health. Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics or CCBHC is a pilot program. Therapists, counselors and community support staff shared the benefits of it with the DFL Congressional Candidate Dan Feehan and US Senator Amy Klobuchar. You realize hey your need someone to talk to every once in a while, said Feehan. The grant program has a unique model, meaning therapists, doctors and case managers work together to get you the best care possible. People should be able to access mental health and substance abuse help because you got situations where you got the opioid epidemic out there you've got law enforcement working on it but if people aren't able to get the treatment there just going to go back at it again, said Senator Klobuchar. Not only do patients receive essential services to treat their conditions. They also have access to basic needs such as housing, clothing and food. Employers like Shery Block say you can't tackle mental health issues without tackling other issues. The numbers of the homeless population are increasing we've seen an increase. There just a lack of affordable housing and the rents have just been driven up in the last couple of years, said Block. We reached out to each candidates opponent. During our campaign, weve learned of the mental health challenges from social workers, school superintendents, sheriffs, police chiefs and others with whom weve met. In Congress, I will work to improve the existing federal, state and county efforts, and will encourage further partnerships to better serve our counties, schools, communities and those in need of mental health services, said Gregg Peppin press person for Jim Hagedorn. I have worked as a paramedic for 30 years and I have responded to countless mental health related 911 calls. We must make sure we provide adequate funding for people who are in need of treatment for mental health issues and for the programs that are in place to care for folks having mental health problems. I support more funding for treatment facilities and for outreach to the families of mental health patients. My voting record in the Minnesota House demonstrates my commitment to this issue. I also strongly support helping our emergency workers, especially our volunteers, who have very few resources when it comes to the treatment of PTSD. I was very disappointed when Governor Dayton vetoed the funding for this outreach last Spring. I will not stop working to help folks who are struggling with PTSD and mental health issues, Said GOP Senate Candidate Jim Newberger. MASON CITY, Iowa A North Iowa teen accused of dealing drugs changes his plea. Tirrell Harlan Hopkins, 18 of Mason City, was charged with possession with intent to deliver marijuana and possession of contraband in a correctional facility after his arrest on July 3. Police say he was stopped because it was suspected he was driving drunk and Hopkins was found with marijuana, plastic baggies, and marijuana wax. Authorities say a small baggie of cocaine was then found in Hopkins underwear when he was booked into the Cerro Gordo County Jail. Hopkins changed his plea on Monday from not guilty to guilty. His sentencing is set for December 10. CHARLES CITY, Iowa A man accused of stabbing his wife with a screwdriver is sentenced to jail. Matthew John Stiles, 32 of Rudd, was arrested in July after his wife said he forced his way into their home and stabbed her in the back with a screwdriver. There was a no-contact order in place at the time. Stiles was convicted after a two-day trial of trespass and domestic abuse assault, both simple misdemeanors. On Monday, he was ordered to spend a total of 45 days in jail. Stiles must also pay $265 in fines, restitution to his victim, and $1,950 in attorney fees. His sentence also requires him to complete a batterers treatment program. PITTSBURGH (AP) The man accused in the Pittsburgh synagogue massacre appeared briefly in federal court in a wheelchair and handcuffs Monday to face charges he killed 11 people in what is believed to be the deadliest attack on Jews in U.S. history. Robert Gregory Bowers, who was wounded in a gun battle with police during the shooting rampage, was released from a hospital and wheeled into the courtroom, where he was ordered held without bail for a preliminary hearing on Thursday, when prosecutors will outline their case against him. During the proceeding, Bowers talked with two court-appointed lawyers, went over documents and confirmed his identity to a judge, saying little more than "Yes" in a soft voice a few times. Courtroom deputies freed one of his hands from cuffs so he could sign paperwork. He did not enter a plea. He was expressionless. "It was not the face of villainy that I thought we'd see," said Jon Pushinsky, a congregant who was in court for the hearing. Federal prosecutors set in motion plans to seek the death penalty against the 46-year-old truck driver, who authorities say expressed hatred of Jews during the rampage at the Tree of Life synagogue and later told police, "I just want to kill Jews" and "All these Jews need to die." After the hearing, U.S. Attorney Scott Brady called the shootings "horrific acts of violence" and added: "Rest assured we have a team of prosecutors working hard to ensure that justice is done." Meanwhile, the first funeral for Cecil Rosenthal and his younger brother, David was set for Tuesday, and the White House announced President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump will visit the same day to "express the support of the American people and to grieve with the Pittsburgh community." The response to Trump's plans was mixed. Leaders of a liberal Jewish group in Pittsburgh, Bend the Arc, wrote an open letter to the president, accusing him of contributing to the violence with his words and deeds and saying he was not welcome until he denounced white nationalism. But Rabbi Jeffrey Myers with the Tree of Life synagogue made clear Trump would be welcome, telling NBC, "It would be my honor to always meet a president of the United States." The weekend massacre which took place 10 days before the midterm elections heightened tensions around the country, coming just a day after the arrest of the Florida man accused of sending a wave of pipe bombs to Trump critics. The mail bomb attacks and the bloodshed in Pittsburgh set off debate over whether the corrosive political climate in Washington and beyond contributed to the violence and whether Trump himself bears any blame because of his combative language. Barry Werber, 76, said he found himself hiding in a dark storage closet as the gunman rampaged through the building, in the tree-lined neighborhood of Squirrel Hill, the historic hub of the city's Jewish community. Werber said he hopes Trump doesn't visit Pittsburgh, noting that the president has embraced the politically fraught label of "nationalist." He said the Nazis were nationalists. "It's part of his program to instigate his base," Werber said, and "bigots are coming out of the woodwork." Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, a Democrat, said the White House should contact the victims' families and ask them if they want the president to come to Pittsburgh. He also warned Trump to stay away when the first funerals are held. "If the president is looking to come to Pittsburgh, I would ask that he not do so while we are burying the dead," Peduto said. "Our attention and our focus is going to be on them, and we don't have public safety that we can take away from what is needed in order to do both." Bowers killed eight men and three women before a police tactical team shot him, authorities said. Six other people were wounded, including four officers. Four of the wounded remained hospitalized Sunday night, two in critical condition. The president of the hospital where a wounded Bowers was taken said that he was ranting against Jews even as Jewish staff members were treating him. "He's taken into my hospital and he's shouting, 'I want to kill all the Jews!' and the first three people who are taking care of him are Jewish," Jeffery Cohen of Allegheny General Hospital told WTAE-TV. "Ain't that a kick in the pants?" Cohen, who is also Jewish and a member of Tree of Life synagogue, said he stopped by Bowers' room. "I just asked how he was doing, was he in pain, and he said no, he was fine," he told WTAE. "He asked who I was, and I said, 'I'm Dr. Cohen, the president of the hospital,' and I turned around and left." He said the FBI agent outside Bowers' room told him he didn't think he could have done that. "And I said, 'If you were in my shoes I'm sure you could have,'" Cohen said. Bowers was charged in a 29-count federal criminal complaint that included counts of obstructing the exercise of religious beliefs resulting in death a hate crime and using a gun to commit murder. Bowers was also charged under state law with criminal homicide, aggravated assault and ethnic intimidation. Just minutes before the synagogue attack, Bowers apparently took to social media to rage against HIAS, a Jewish organization that resettles refugees under contract with the U.S. government. "HIAS likes to bring invaders in that kill our people," he is believed to have written on Gab.com, a social media site favored by right-wing extremists. "I can't sit by and watch my people get slaughtered. Screw your optics, I'm going in." HIAS had recently weighed in on the migrant caravan heading toward the U.S. from Central America, urging the Trump administration to "provide all asylum seekers the opportunity to present their claims as required by law." The president has vilified the caravan and pledged to stop the migrants. One of the targets of the mail bomb attacks last week was liberal Jewish philanthropist George Soros, who has been accused by far-right conspiracy theorists of paying migrants to join the caravan. The youngest of the 11 dead was 54, the oldest 97. The toll included a husband and wife, professors, dentists and physicians. Bowers shot his victims with an AR-15, used in many of the nation's mass shootings, and three handguns, all of which he owned legally and had a license to carry, according to a law enforcement official who wasn't authorized to discuss the investigation and spoke on condition of anonymity. Bowers was a long-haul trucker who worked for himself, authorities said. Little else was known about Bowers, who had no apparent criminal record. WAUKON, Iowa A drug investigation that ended in a high speed chase is producing a not guilty plea. Mason Edwin Lee Frick, 20 of Waukon, is charged with delivery of a controlled substance, eluding, possession of marijuana-1st offense, and driving while license revoked. He was arrested on October 3 after a pursuit through northeast Iowa that ended in Postville. Authorities say they tried to pull Frick over after an investigation involving seven law enforcement agencies. Frick is now set to stand trial on November 28 in Allamakee County District Court. (Adds comments, detail) MELBOURNE, Oct 30 (Reuters) - The world's biggest miner BHP Billiton has trimmed its expectations of global growth for next year and 2020 due to a "lose-lose" result from the U.S.-China trade conflict, a senior executive said on Tuesday. BHP's modelling suggested the trade row would cut both Chinese and U.S. GDP growth by about a half to three quarters of a percentage point, Chief Commercial Officer Arnoud Balhuizen told the IMARC mining conference in Melbourne. "Which confirms that the trade protection will create a lose-lose outcome," he said. BHP has "not yet seen any material impact on our business," he added. China's economy grew by a slower-than-expected 6.5 percent in the third quarter, its weakest pace since the global financial crisis, and analysts believe business conditions will get worse before they get better. Meanwhile, the United States is preparing to announce tariffs on all remaining Chinese imports by early December if talks next month between presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping fail to ease the trade war, Bloomberg reported on Monday, citing unnamed sources. "We have to be realistic that the current situation will not be solved easily," Balhuizen said. However, despite rising trade tension hitting global growth, less trade between China and the United States would open the door to increased trade elsewhere. "There's a lot of other countries around the Sino-U.S. trade protection scenario which are actively upping their trade," he said. (Reporting by Melanie Burton; additional reporting by Sonali Paul; editing by Richard Pullin) +613 9286 1421; Reuters Messaging: melanie.burton.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net)) BOSTON, Oct 29 (Reuters) - The London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) will begin publishing data on November 20 that will provide the most accurate picture yet of the size of Londons gold trade, its chief executive said on Monday. London is the worlds largest gold market but because most transactions are done bilaterally between banks, brokers and traders reluctant to reveal their activity, its true size remains a mystery. The closest approximation is clearing data which suggest gold worth around $25 billion changes hands each day, but this data contains only transactions which reach settlement in London. The new LBMA figures will show the total trading activity of LBMA members which make up the bulk of the London market and are expected to be much larger than the clearing statistics. For the first three months after the launch, the LBMA will publish weekly reports showing total trading activity that week. After that, it will begin publishing daily reports, it said. The initiative is part of a push to make the gold market more transparent after accusations of price manipulation by banks and traders and pressure from regulators. Last year, the LBMA began publishing monthly data showing how much gold and silver is stored in Londons precious metals vaults. At the end of June, they held 7,684 tonnes of gold worth $309 billion and 34,901 tonnes of silver worth $18 billion, according to the data. The five banks that settle transactions in London have also changed the rules of their clearing house to make it easier for newcomers to join. (Reporting by Peter Hobson; Editing by Jan Harvey) BOSTON - (Kitco News) - The Nov. 6 mid-term elections could have a direct impact on the physical bullion market, according to the head of Perth Mint. Richard Hayes, CEO of Perth Mint Richard Hayes, CEO of the Australian mint, told Kitco News on the sidelines of the London Bullion Market Associations 2018 precious metals conference that if Democrats regain control of Congress next week he would expect to see an increase in coin sales. Hayes added that with President Donald Trump in office, a Democrat Congress would create a new environment of political uncertainty and gridlock in the U.S. He explained that if Democrats gain power in the House and Senate, it will be much more difficult for Trump to pass more business-friendly policies, which have driven economic growth this past year. If Trump doesnt do well during the mid-term elections it will bring people back to the bullion market, he said. For many bullion consumers, Trump is their guy and with him in office and Republicans controlling congress they havent had the need to buy gold and silver as an insurance policy. Along with geopolitical uncertainty, growing economic uncertainty will also continue to support the gold and silver market. Haynes comments come as equity markets continue to struggle to find momentum as they see their worst month since the financial crisis. A lot of investors arent looking at gold because they have been focused on equities, he said. If this correction continues then I would expect people to start talking about gold again. While the Perth Mint is one of the worlds biggest mints with its bullion coins circulated around the world, it has had to adjust how it promotes physical bullion, said Hayes. In an effort to reach out to younger, more tech savvy investors, the mint launched Goldpass, last month, a digital gold token that provides retail investors the ability to buy, sell and store gold via digital certificates. The digital gold is backed by physical metal stored at the mint. The move into the digital market comes after the summer when the mint launched a gold-backed exchange traded product that can be exchanged for physical gold. We are very pleased with the demand that we have seen for these new products, he said. Demand for physical gold remains healthy but we just need to repackage gold to attract new consumers. * Industry ministry says annual rare earth quotas higher in 2018* Says H1 had 60 pct of yearly quota, making H2 look smaller (Changes attribution to ministry, adds details) BEIJING, Oct 30 (Reuters) - China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said on Tuesday that rare earth output quotas for the second half of the year only appear lower because the first half quota was for a larger portion of the total annual quota. The ministry statement follows a Reuters report on Oct. 25, citing data from Adamas Intelligence, that China was limiting domestic production in the second half of the year of rare earth minerals, a group of 17 elements used in electric vehicles and consumer electronics. The ministry said reports China is reducing rare earth output in the second half of 2018 to a five-year low of 45,000 tonnes are "inconsistent with the facts." China raised the annual quota for rare earth mining for 2018 to 120,000 tonnes and for rare earth smelting and separation to 115,000 tonnes, the ministry said on its official Weibo account. Because of a delay in issuing the first half quota, that volume accounted for 60 percent of the annual quota rather than the usual 50 percent, the ministry said. "Therefore it seems that the plan for the second half of the year is lower than in previous years," it added. China, the world's dominant rare earth producer, will "actively work with the international community to build a fair and rational rare earth market order," the ministry said. (Reporting by Tom Daly; Editing by Christian Schmollinger) | BY Ricki Green | After a brief hiatus, Melbournes original award show has returned with a vengeance. The MADC Stars Creative Showcase will pack out Foresters Hall in Collingwood from 6:30pm this Thursday, 1st November. Over 400 industry folk are expected to attend the sold-out event, presented by chairman of judges Matt Eastwood. Tickets are still in high demand, and the MADC advises anyone who has purchased tickets and can no longer attend to post on the MADC Facebook page where they may be able to on-sell them. The success of the event follows the launch of the Meet Grant promo film, which has earned success in its own right as Top Pick on Best Ads, Ad of the Day in AdWeek, a Vimeo Staff Pick, and gained attention from international news media. Says Adrian Bosich, MADC president: The response to the return of the MADC has been overwhelmingly positive, and were thrilled to see Melbournes advertising community come together to celebrate creativity and just plain celebrate this Thursday. The reimagined MADC Stars Creative Showcase will forgo traditional gold, silver and bronze awards in favour of a curated collection of Melbournes best work. Judged by an impartial panel of awarded Australian expats, the show aims to set the standard for local creativity. The MADC would like to thank the judging panel, along with event sponsors //Thirteen & Co., Bang Bang Studios and Mr Fox for their support, as well as Jumbla for designing the events motion graphics. Winners will be published at madc.com.au following the event. Event Details: Thursday November 1 Door open 6:30pm MADC Stars Creative Showcase presentation: 7.30pm Foresters Pub & Dining, 64 Smith St, Collingwood Complimentary nibbles and drinks provided. Cash bar once tab runs out. (Adds detail) ZAGREB, Oct 30 (Reuters) - Croatia plans to formally notify Brussels next year about its intention of joining the two-year waiting room before eventually adopting the euro currency, central bank governor Boris Vujcic said on Tuesday. "We're preparing a letter of intention on joining the European Exchange Mechanism (ERM-2) (that) we plan to send (to Brussels) next year," Vujcic told an economic panel. The ERM-2 is a tool that serves as a testing ground for the countries that want to join the euro zone. During at least two years a candidate country must prove the stability of its currency against the euro within a determined fluctuation band. The Croatian government wants the country to join the ERM-2 in 2020 and to adopt the euro six to seven years from now. "We're aware we must continue working on reducing macroeconomic imbalances and pursuing structural reforms as a precondition for joining the euro successfully," Vujcic said. Brussels already monitors Croatia for excessive public debt which has been on a downward path in the last three years, from around 85 percent of gross domestic product to around 75 percent expected at the end of this year. One of the key conditions for joining the euro is that public debt does not exceed 60 percent of GDP or, if somewhat above it, clearly falling towards that level. The European Commission Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis, who is on a visit to Zagreb, said that Brussels supported Croatia's efforts, but also insisted on structural reforms that would prove the economy resilient to potential shocks. "At the moment Croatia's growth potential is not high enough to converge quickly with more developed European Union economies," he told the economic panel. Croatia's economy is currently growing slightly below three percent annually, but its mid-term growth potential is seen at between 1-2 percent amid a poor investment climate, a rather slow and bloated public administration and low employment level among its active population. (Reporting by Igor Ilic Editing by Richard Balmforth) 334 053;)) * Lead and zinc producer says Q3 core profit drops 74 pct* Shares tumble 11 pct after the results* No decision yet on how to tackle company's debt* Nyrstar says a bond buyback may be one option (Adds comment by CFO) Oct 30 (Reuters) - Metals producer Nyrstar NV said on Tuesday that third-quarter core profit dropped 74 percent, hit by a combination of falling zinc prices, rising energy prices and higher mine operating expenses. The Belgian company, whose biggest shareholder is Swiss-based global commodities trader Trafigura, had already issued a profit warning last month and its shares slid 11.1 percent following Tuesday's results. A weak dollar also hurt third-quarter earnings, it said. "Over the course of the third quarter, Nyrstar was exposed to adverse market conditions (which led to) poor financial results for the group," Chief Executive Hilmar Rode said in a statement. Second-quarter underlying earnings before interest, tax, amortisation and depreciation (EBITDA) totalled 13 million euros ($14.8 million) on revenues of 1 billion euros, the zinc and lead producer said. Nyrstar increased zinc metal production by 9 percent in July-September from a year earlier, but said the average zinc price fell 22 percent in the quarter compared to the average for the first half of the year. The company, whose relatively high debt levels are also a source of investor concern, warned last month that its second-half underlying EBITDA would be materially lower than the first half, although it left forecasts for production, capex and positive free cash flow unchanged. It confirmed the free cash flow outlook on Tuesday. For January-September, underlying EBITDA dropped 17 percent from a year earlier to 134 million euros. Moody's cut Nyrstar's credit rating last month, citing concerns about its liquidity and ability to refinance 350 million euros' worth of bonds maturing next year. Nyrstar's CFO Michel Abaza said that no decision had yet been taken on how to tackle the company's debt levels but that the board would come back with a decision in the coming months. "A bond buyback will be contemplated as an option among others... it will be part of the review of the capital structure of the group," Abaza said. The company said its net debt at the end of September, excluding zinc metal prepay and perpetual securities, had fallen 61 million euros from the end of June. Abaza added that discussions were ongoing to extend a $250 million working capital facility from Trafigura. The facility is due to expire at the end of 2019. ($1 = 0.8789 euros) (Reporting by Piotr Lipinski in Gdynia; Julia Payne in London; Editing by Darren Schuettler and Susan Fenton) By Lee Min-hyung The historic Pyongyang Declaration, adopted by the leaders from the two Koreas last month, will take legal effect, Monday, providing a basis for Seoul to speed up a series of inter-Korean reconciliatory projects. South Korean President Moon Jae-in signed the declaration with the North's Kim Jong-un during their three-day summit in Pyongyang. The declaration includes a string of agreements outlining inter-Korean economic and humanitarian reconciliation and military tension-easing steps. Last week, President Moon ratified the declaration despite a fierce backlash from conservative parties. On Monday, the declaration will be published in an official gazette and be effective from the time of its publication. But the government's ongoing drive is facing a backlash from political circles, with opposition parties stepping up their criticism on Moon for pushing for what they call a "unilateral and dogmatic" decision. "It is highly inappropriate for Cheong Wa Dae to be in a rush to proclaim the inter-Korean declaration without ratification from the National Assembly," Yoon Young-seok, a senior spokesman for the main opposition Liberty Korea Party (LKP), said Sunday. He denounced the President for coming to an agreement with Kim Jong-un over economic partnerships, as the possible lifting of sanctions imposed on the North should come only when the regime's young leader signs a document over its detailed steps on how to scrap its nuclear weapons. "We urge the President to withdraw the ratification of the declaration by taking into account that the complete denuclearization of the North is not an overnight thing," Yoon said. The dogmatic state management by the Moon administration poses a serious threat to national security and the economy, he said. The opposition parties here have blamed the presidential house for carrying out what they view as "pro-North Korea" policy drives without careful consideration of the regime's unpredictable nature. Under the declaration, the Koreas agreed to stop any military provocations against each other and put an end to the decades-long hostility on the Korean Peninsula. They also reached a consensus to kick off a groundbreaking ceremony for inter-Korean railway reconnection no later than the end of this year, as part of a key measure to boost the economic partnership between both sides. "The relaxation of sanctions on the North and the economic collaboration should be carried out on the basis of the strong defense alliance between Seoul and Washington and cooperation from the international society," Yoon said. South Korea's suicide rate remains the highest among developed nations despite declines in recent years, comparative statistics from welfare authorities indicated Monday. An analysis of health data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), conducted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the National Health Insurance Service, showed that as of 2016, 25.8 out of 100,000 South Koreans committed suicide. The number is the highest among (OECD) member countries whose average suicide rate was 11.6. Latvia and Slovenia had the second-highest rate of 18.1. Japan had 16.6, Hungary 16.2 and Belgium 15.8. Turkey had the lowest rate of 2.1. Statistics show that the suicide rate for OECD countries has been falling since 1985. For South Korea, the number has generally been rising since 2000 but has started to drop since 2010. Specifically, the country's suicide rate was 29.5 in 2004, 29.9 in 2005, 26.2 in 2006, 28.7 in 2007, 29 in 2008 and 33.8 in 2009. It fell to 33.5 in 2010, 33.3 in 2011, 29.1 in 2012, 28.7 in 2013, 26.7 in 2014 and 25.8 in 2015. The government in January launched an inter-ministerial action plan to bring down the rate to 17 by 2022. (Yonhap) Over the weekend police took action after a former student allegedly made specific threats directed at the University of Alaska Anchorage campus. Ralph Marcelo, 21, is facing charges of making terroristic threats after sending several text messages containing suicidal threats that "quickly evolved into threats of a mass shooting on UAA campus," according to a release from the Anchorage Police Department. The threats were reported to APD by a current UAA student who was formerly in a relationship with Marcelo. UAA interim Police Chief Michael Beckner said all threats are taken seriously. "Once our guys were notified of a threat, they jumped into action and start thinking about protecting the university, property and life and things of that nature," Beckner said. In the text messages, Marcelo allegedly said that he was going to get his dad's gun, go to UAA and "just (expletive) kill people," according to court documents. During Marcelo's arraignment, his ex-girlfriend said that Marcelo's threats were based on his emotional reaction and anger due to their recent break-up. "When you look at the texts, you can clearly see a young man who is hurting," Marcelo's ex-girlfriend said. "I am 99 percent sure that these were empty threats, but I called because I felt like I had no choice, regarding the other one percent." According to court documents, Marcelo's ex-girlfriend said Marcelo has a history of suicidal attempts/threats involving a gun. "If people think I'm a terrible person, maybe I should be a terrible person," Marcelo allegedly said. According to the criminal complaint, Marcelo also allegedly said that he has no way of actually getting a gun and that "he would not actually do that." At his arraignment, the judge set Marcelo's bail at $30,000 cash performance, citing the very specific and serious threats. Photo: Contributed - trailerpark.wikia.com Lucy Decoutere 7:25 a.m. Oct. 30 Update: Jian Ghomeshi has broken his silence about allegations from several women that he behaved abusively toward them. The former CBC radio personality issued a Facebook post this morning offering thanks to those who have supported him and adding that he plans to "meet the allegations directly." The brief message went on to say that he doesn't plan to discuss "this matter" with the media. The posting comes in the wake of a new Toronto Star story that says eight women are now accusing Ghomeshi of abusive behaviour. The names of the complainants have not been published, except for that of "Trailer Park Boys" actor Lucy DeCoutere, who has chosen to go on record with her allegations. Will it go to court? follow the story here. 8 p.m. Oct. 29 original post: "Trailer Park Boys" actor Lucy DeCoutere has accused former CBC-Radio host Jian Ghomeshi of choking her "to the point she could not breathe" and slapping her "hard three times on the side of her head," the Toronto Star reported late Wednesday. The "Q" radio host has been accused of abusive behaviour by a series of anonymous women over the past few days but DeCoutere is the first to agree to be identified. The Star reported that eight women from across Canada now accuse Ghomeshi who parted ways with the CBC on Sunday of "abusive behaviour ranging from allegations of beating and choking without consent, to workplace sexual harassment." It said that the allegations range from 2002 to the present. The Star said Ghomeshi, his lawyers and public relations staff have not responded to allegations in their latest report, which includes accusations from DeCoutere and other accusers who are not named. A spokeswoman for Ghomeshi did not immediately respond to a request from The Canadian Press for comment. DeCoutere alleged that in 2003 Ghomeshi "without warning or consent, choked her to the point she could not breathe and then slapped her hard three times on the side of her head," the Star reported. He did not ask if I was into it. It was never a question. It was shocking to me. The men I have spent time with are loving people. The CBC announced Sunday that it was parting ways with Ghomeshi because of "information" it had received about him. A short time later, lawyers for Ghomeshi announced plans to sue the public broadcaster. Following that, Ghomeshi issued a long Facebook post in which he alleged that that he had been fired from the public broadcaster for his "sexual behaviour." He said in the Facebook post that he engaged in adventurous forms of sex that included role-play, dominance and submission, along with "rough sex (forms of BDSM)." The activities were consensual and he and his partner used safe words to signal when to stop the activity, he said. He is suing the CBC for $55 million for defamation and breach of trust. The corporation has said it will vigorously defend itself against Ghomeshis lawsuit. The Star report published Wednesday night said Ghomeshi met some of the women during his 2012 book tour for his memoir "1982." It said he met others "at film festivals, at music or CBC events, or at the CBC workplace." The report said two of the women allege that the assaults took place in Ghomeshi's home and that before they took place he "introduced them to Big Ears Teddy, a stuffed bear, and he turned the bear around just before he slapped or choked them, saying that 'Big Ears Teddy shouldnt see this.'" DeCoutere told the newspaper she felt it was "time for someone to speak publicly about the matter." Wednesday's story comes on the heels of a report Monday in the Star that contained allegations from three women who say he was physically violent to them without their consent during sexual encounters or in the run-up to such encounters. Ghomeshi though his lawyer responded that he "does not engage in non-consensual role play or sex and any suggestion of the contrary is defamatory." The Star also reported that a fourth woman who worked at the CBC alleged that Ghomeshi "approached her from behind and cupped her rear end in the Q studio'' and made a sexually obscene comment to her during a story meeting. The Star reported that Ghomeshi told the newspaper that he did not understand why it was continuing to pursue allegations when "my lawyers have already told you it is untrue." After earlier saying no formal complaint was made, the Canadian Media Guild said Wednesday the CBC staffer told a work colleague that alleged "inappropriate comments were made," but that the colleague did not report it to union staff. CBC said the woman it interviewed was not one of the four from the Star report. The woman told the network she did not know the women whose alleged accounts appeared in the Star. Also Wednesday, the CBC aired a radio interview with a woman who alleges physically abusive acts by Ghomeshi more than 10 years ago, accusing the fired radio star of throwing her on the ground and "pounding" her in the head until her ears were ringing. In the radio interview, the woman, who was not identified, told CBC's "As It Happens" that while in his car on their first date he asked her if she would undo her buttons. "And I said 'No' because I didn't know you. And he reached over and grabbed my hair very hard and pulled my head back. It really took me off guard." The woman said she thinks Ghomeshi asked if she liked it but doesn't remember her response. She said that she went on a second date to Ghomeshi's house, where she says they were flirting when "he grabbed my hair again but even harder, threw me in front of him on the ground and started closed-fist pounding me in the head. Repeatedly, until my ears were ringing." "There was no conversation about anything, " she alleged in the 11-minute CBC interview. "He didn't ask me if I like to be hit. He didn't ask me I wasn't expecting it, and he hit me repeatedly." The woman told CBC: "We were fully clothed. We weren't having sex." In the interview on CBC, the woman said she did not go to the police over the alleged incidents. She said she decided to come forward with her story after a recent Toronto Star report. CBC says it agreed not to use the woman's name, and that it tried to reach Ghomeshi but did not hear back by air time. Ghomeshi could not be reached by The Canadian Press on Wednesday evening. A lawyer for Ghomeshi directed inquiries to his publicist, who did not respond. Copenhagen, Oct 30 (AFP) Denmark's intelligence service PET on Tuesday accused Tehran of plotting an attack against three Iranians living in the Scandinavian country, in response to a deadly attack in Iran in late September. "It was an operation by the Iranian intelligence service which, we believe, was planning an attack in Denmark" against three Iranians suspected of belonging to the Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahvaz, PET chief Finn Borch Andersen told reporters. A Norwegian of Iranian origin was arrested on October 21 and placed in custody, suspected of planning the attack and spying for Iran. The suspect was detained in Sweden, according to the Swedish security service Sapo. At the end of September, Tehran had accused Denmark, the Netherlands and Britain of "hosting several members of the terrorist group" that Iran accuses of being responsible for an attack in the mainly ethnic Arab city of Ahvaz in southwestern Iran. The September 22 attack, in which five commandos opened fire on a military parade, left 24 people dead. The so-called Islamic State group and a separatist Arab group claimed responsibility for the attack. Tehran's operation in Denmark was "completely unacceptable", Danish Foreign Minister Anders Samuelsen wrote on Twitter. "The government will respond to Iran and speak to its European partners about further measures," he added. Iran's ambassador to Copenhagen was summoned to the foreign ministry for an explanation on Tuesday. PET's announcement ends weeks of media speculation about why Denmark shut down bridges to Sweden and ferries for several hours on September 28 in a massive manhunt that mobilised hundreds of police and the military. The shutdown was aimed at preventing the Iranian operation, PET acknowledged on Tuesday. (AFP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Copenhagen, Oct 30 (AFP) Denmark on Tuesday recalled its ambassador to Iran after it accused Tehran of plotting a foiled 'attack' against three Iranians living in the Scandinavian country. "I have decided to recall Denmark's ambassador in Tehran for consultations... Denmark can in no way accept that people with ties to Iran's intelligence service plot attacks against people in Denmark," Danish Foreign Minister Anders Samuelsen told reporters. The planned operation was "totally unacceptable", he said, adding he was consulting with "partners and allies", including the EU, about possible sanctions. Earlier Tuesday, the head of Denmark's intelligence service PET, Finn Borch Andersen, said his agency believed the Iranian intelligence service "was planning an attack in Denmark" against three Iranians suspected of belonging to the Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahvaz. A Norwegian of Iranian origin was arrested on October 21 and placed in custody, suspected of planning the attack and spying for Iran. The suspect was detained in Sweden, according to the Swedish security service Sapo. Iran has denied the Danish allegations, with foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi saying they were part of a European conspiracy against Iran. In late September, Tehran accused Denmark, the Netherlands and Britain of "hosting several members of the terrorist group" that Iran accuses of being responsible for an attack in the mainly ethnic Arab city of Ahvaz in southwestern Iran. The September 22 attack, in which five commandos opened fire on a military parade, left 24 people dead. The so-called Islamic State group and a separatist Arab group claimed responsibility. "It is totally unacceptable that Iran or any other foreign state plans assassinations on Danish soil," Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen wrote on Twitter. "Further actions against Iran will be discussed in the EU." In Oslo, where he was participating in a meeting of Northern European leaders, Rasmussen met with British counterpart Theresa May, whom he said expressed "support" for Denmark in the matter. "In close collaboration with UK and other countries we will stand up to Iran," he added. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the US stood behind Denmark. "We congratulate the government of Denmark on its arrest of an Iranian regime assassin. For nearly 40 years, Europe has been the target of Iran-sponsored terrorist attacks. We call on our allies and partners to confront the full range of Iran's threats to peace and security," he wrote on Twitter. Iran's ambassador to Copenhagen was summoned to the foreign ministry for an explanation on Tuesday. PET's announcement ended weeks of media speculation about why Denmark shut down bridges to Sweden and ferries for several hours on September 28 in a massive manhunt that mobilised hundreds of police and the military. The shutdown was aimed at foiling the Iranian operation, PET acknowledged on Tuesday. (AFP) (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 30: A special NIA court on Tuesday framed charges against all seven accused in the 2008 Malegaon blasts case. All seven accused including Lt Col Prasad Shrikant Purohit and Sadhvi Pragya were charged for terror conspiracy, murder and other related offences. All seven accused pleaded not guilty after framing of charges. The trial against the accused will begin on November 2, which is the next date of hearing. On Monday, the Bombay High Court had refused to stay framing of charges by the trial court. A bench of Justices SS Shinde and AS Gadkari had, however, agreed to hear next month, a petition filed by Purohit, one of the seven accused in the case, challenging his prosecution under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Malegaon Blasts Case: Colonel Purohit Moves Supreme Court Seeking SIT Probe Into Alleged Torture in Custody. It directed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) counsel Sandesh Patil to file a reply to Purohits plea by November 21, the next date of hearing. The bench had refused Purohits request for staying the proceedings in the trial court, noting that in the past, both the Supreme Court and the Bombay HC had passed orders directing the trial court to expedite the hearing in the case. Earlier this year, Purohit had moved the Supreme Court seeking an SIT probe into allegations of torture allegedly meted out to him in custody. Purohit had in a 24-page letter to National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) alleged that he was tortured in the custody of the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). On September 29, 2008, six people were killed and 101 were injured after a bomb exploded in Nashiks Malegaon town. In November 2008, the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested 11 people in this connection. However, in April 2011, the investigation was transferred to the NIA. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 30, 2018 02:27 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Panaji, October 29: Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Tuesday put an end to rumours about his death by calling a cabinet meeting tomorrow. Goa cabinet minister Vijay Sardesai confirmed Parrikar has called a meeting, apparently to rest rumours about the chief minister's death. Parrikar will hold the cabinet meeting at his residence. "Goa CM Manohar Parrikar has called a cabinet meeting at his residence tomorrow. This goes to prove that the chief minister is working and is committed towards good governance," Sardesai, who represents the Fatorda constituency, told news agency ANI. Rumours about Parrikar's demise started floating again on Monday when Goa Congress said the CM might have died. Congress spokesperson Jitendra Deshprabhu asked the BJP-led government to prove that Parrikar was alive. "Yes, we are taking that call. It is an extreme call that the honourable Chief Minister may not be there at all," he told reporters, drawing flak from the ruling party. Deshprabhu speculated Parrikar's death because he hasn't made any public appearance since October 14. Reacting to the Congress's claim, Goa BJP General Secretary Sadanand Shet Tanavade said that "Deshprabhu must be frustrated if he is making statements like this", as reported by news agency IANS. He further accused the Congress of lowering the political discourse. Last week, the Goa government finally admitted that Parrikar was suffering from pancreatic cancer. The Goa BJP and the state government had been tight-lipped on Parrikar's ailment for months. Parrikar has been in an out of hospitals in Goa, Mumbai, New York and Delhi. His absence has created a political leadership vacuum in Goa. He was discharged from Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on October 14. Parrikar is currently bedridden at his private residence, which party sources said has been converted into a sophisticated medical facility, with doctors and para-medical staff on 24-hour duty. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 30, 2018 06:20 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Srinagar, October 30: The National Investigation Agency Tuesday carried out raids at three residences of absconding businessman and Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Nasir Safi Mir and his family at Lal Bazar area here in connection with a terror funding case, officials said. Mir, 48, is accused of funding Hurriyat leaders and believed to have fled the country after jumping bail, they said, adding the raids were carried out nearly 10 months after the case was re-registered by the NIA. Details of the raids were not immediately available as the NIA teams assisted by the Jammu and Kashmir Police and para-military forces were in the process of collecting documents from the three places where the raids were conducted, they said. The NIA probe is likely to ascertain how Mir alias Babul managed to secure a passport from a southern state which he allegedly used in Nepal to leave for Europe in October 2008. Maoist Terror Funding: NIA Raids 15 Places in Jharkhand, West Bengal. A resident of North Kashmir, Mir allegedly used carpet trade and later a money exchange business in Dubai for sending hawala money to separatist leaders in Kashmir. He was arrested from Lajpat Nagar by the elite Special Cell of the Delhi Police on February 3, 2006. The police had seized Rs 55 lakh in cash and explosives from him. During his trial, Mir managed to secure bail on a plea that his mother was ill. Mir, who the investigators believe was based in Dubai and owns a carpet showroom and money exchange firms in the gulf, regularly reported to the nearest police station while on a bail till early October 2008. But after that, he failed to turn up at police stations or in court for hearings. According to intelligence inputs, Mir reached Dubai in 2011, making a detour through countries in Europe and Libya. Mir, against whom a non-bailable warrant was issued in 2009, travelled to Nepal from India, and then used the forged passport to fly out, the officials said. A resident of Lal Bazar on the outskirts of Srinagar city, Mir dropped out of school in 1983 to get into the carpet business. He continued with the trade till 1990 after which he shifted to the national capital and started living in the Lajpat Nagar area of South Delhi. In the late 1990s, he went to Dubai after his father was arrested for alleged links with terrorists. Mir had also told investigators that in Delhi he first opened a firm, Kashmir Master Computers, after which he set up a company, Failala, but closed it in 1998. In 1999, he started a firm called Idekas and then opened an information technology company, he had said. Police found that in 2002, Mir had opened two money exchange companies, Reems Exchange and Cash Express, in Dubai, which were allegedly used as a stopover for money being pushed in from Pakistan for terrorist funding in Jammu and Kashmir. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had in 2014 attached Rs 55 lakh that had been seized from Mir. He was subjected to extensive interrogation by central security agencies during which he allegedly spoke about his links with separatists groups and banned terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen. According to the ED attachment order, the cash which was in the custody of the Special Cell was "proceeds of crime of terrorist funding and money laundering and hence stands attached". This is the first major action against terror funding in the country under the stringent provisions of money laundering laws where the onus is on the accused to prove that he or she is "not guilty". The attachment of cash or properties under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) is aimed at depriving the accused of the benefits of the assets earned unlawfully. New Delhi, October 29: Amid the graft allegations levelled against CBI chief Alok Verma and special director Rakesh Asthana, a fresh accusation has now been levelled against the agency's interim director Nageswara Rao. A senior Odisha CPM leader, Ali Kishore Patnaik, has accused Rao of delivering a hate speech nearly two decades ago. The alleged communal remarks were issued by Rao while addressing an event hosted by an NGO called The Humane. CBI vs CBI Row: Alok Verma Remains Director, Rakesh Asthana Special Director; 'Nageswara Rao Given Only Interim Charge'. The incident dates back to December 10, 1998, when Rao was the Vice Chairman of the Behrampore Development Authority -- designated to develop the region of Berhampur in Ganjam district. During his speech, alleged Patnaik, Rao made communal rants which were objected to by some of the listeners. The officer said that "Islamists, Christians and Marxists are the main threat to human rights". Patnaik had filed a public interest litigation in the Odisha High Court in 1999 against Rao, accusing him of stoking communal tensions by targeting the minorities in his speech. The petition could not be pursued by him as Rao was shortly transferred to another state, the CPM leader claimed. Patnaik said he would now be reopening the case as a person "who has such communal views" is heading the nation's premiere investigation agency. Not only did Rao targeted the minorities and communists, he also made a contentious remark against the forefathers of the nation, Pattnaik claimed. "He said those who framed the Indian Constitution were pro-minority," the complainant alleged. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 30, 2018 12:15 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Bhopal, October 30: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's son Kartikey Chouhan on Tuesday filed a defamation case against Congress President Rahul Gandhi for dragging his name into the Panama Papers leak case. Anguished by his false allegations, Chouhan on Monday had threatened to sue Gandhi for his comments about his son at an election rally in Jhabua. Kartikey also hit out at Gandhi for levelling false allegations against him and demanded an apology from him within 48 hours. He said, if Gandhi fails to do so, stringent legal action will be taken against him. On Monday, while addressing a public meeting Madhya Pradesh's Jhabua, Gandhi took a dig at Chouhan and alleged that massive corruption had taken place in the state during his rule. However, Gandhi said the BJP is such a corrupt party that he got confused that Chouhan and his family members are not involved in Panama case but in other bigger scams like e-tendering and Vyapam scam. Mr @RahulGandhi You have been making patently false allegations of Vyapam to Panama Papers against me and my family. Tomorrow, I am filing a criminal defamation suit for maximum damages against you for frivolous and malafide statements. Let law take its own course now. ShivrajSingh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) October 29, 2018 On Gandhi's remark that his sons name had figured in the Panama papers, the Chief Minister said, if a junior leader made these allegations then it would be different, but Congress President levelling such allegations is unfortunate. "Will file defamation case. Will consider if he apologizes", Chauhan added. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 30, 2018 01:02 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Photo: Contributed Why should accident (referring to road traffic incidents) go the way of other words like negro, midget and retarded? Because it carries heavy baggage of unaccountability. History lesson: In the early 1900s, when companies were looking to protect themselves from the costs of caring for workers injured on the job, Relentless safety campaigns started calling these events accidents, which excused the employer of responsibility. (Matt Richtel, New York Times, May 22, 2016, quoting history professor Dr. Peter Norton.) Matt goes on sharing Dr. Nortons history lesson: When traffic deaths spiked in the 1920s, a consortium of auto-industry interests, including insurers, borrowed the word to shift the focus away from the cars themselves. The word stuck, its connotation of unaccountable inevitability getting in the way of taking important steps to fix an ongoing, and growing, road safety disaster. Overly dramatic? There is an average of over 175 collisions resulting in casualties every day in British Columbia. And crashes resulting in at least one fatality occur an average of every one and one-third days (2016 statistics). The numbers are growing. Road safety advocates have been campaigning against the A word for years. Here are some quotes Ive found online: When you use the word accident, its like God made it happen (Mark Rosekind, head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration); The word wrongly implies that human decisions and actions have nothing to do with it (Jeff Larason, former Boston traffic reporter, now director of highway safety for Massachusetts); The phrase it was just an accident serves both as a claim of innocence and as an exoneration. (RoadPeace); When we say accident, we are basically throwing up our hands and saying that the deaths of children like Allison are inevitable, something no one is responsible for, like bad weather (His-Pei Liao). There is a web site dedicated to this issue: Drop the A Word, which has a compelling introduction: Not all crashes are accidents. Crimes are not accidents. It's not an accident when a person makes a decision to drive drunk, distracted, or in a negligent manner. Stop giving criminals a pass by calling it an accident. A national (United States) campaign to eliminate the A word was kicked off June 8, 1997. I cannot possibly articulate the issue better than the road safety giants who carefully crafted the proclamation: PROCLAMATION Whereas, changing the way we think about events and the words we use will affect the way we behave. Our goal is to eliminate the word "accident" from the realm of unintentional injury, on the highway and across the nation; Whereas, motor vehicle crashes and injuries are predictable, preventable events. Continued use of the word "accident" promotes the concept that these events are outside of human influence or control. In fact, they are predictable results of specific actions; Whereas, we can identify their causes and take action to avoid them. These are not "acts of God", but predictable results of the laws of physics; Whereas, use of the word "accident" works against bringing the appropriate resources to bear on this enormous problem. It allows the idea that the resulting injuries are an unexpected part of life; Now, therefore, we the undersigned, in recognition of this life saving and injury preventing opportunity, do hereby proclaim a national campaign:"Crashes Aren't Accidents" To eliminate the word "accident" from the realm of unintentional injury, on the highway and across the nation, with our partners, with the media, and in all public contexts. A researched paper by Canadas Traffic Injury Research Foundation, dated December, 2017, gives a supportive Canadian perspective. My column last week included a teaser, that I would share the results of an on camera debate about this issue with local journalist, Kent Molgat. He was very kind and would have granted me the win regardless of my performance. Unfortunately, you wont be able to see the debate because an example I used for how the A word would not fit all unintentional occurrences (a sniper target shooting on a crowded beach, accidentally blowing off a childs head) failed to meet publication standards. How about we come on board to eliminate the A word when referring to motor vehicle collisions, crashes, and incidents in Kelowna? Will the local news media sign on? Will you? United Nations, October 30: Pakistan has attacked growing arms sales to India by several countries, including the US and Russia, calling them "double standards" that jeopardise regional balances. "The policy of double standards towards South Asia, based on narrow strategic, political and commercial considerations, must be eschewed," Jehanzeb Khan, a First Secretary, in Pakistan's UN Mission, said on Monday during a debate on conventional weapons in the General Assembly committee dealing with disarmament. He did not name India or the countries selling weapons to India, but the context made the references clear. Khan said in an obvious reference to India that in South Asia "one state's military spending grossly and vastly outnumbers that of others" and that "this has the potential of fueling instability and jeopardising the delicate regional balance." Indian Army Targets Pakistan Army's Headquarters Along LoC to Avenge Shelling in Jammu and Kashmir, Watch Video. "Islamabad was concerned over the growing transfers of conventional armaments especially in volatile regions that are inconsistent with the imperatives of maintaining peace, security and stability," he added. He said, "Pakistan, for its part, is committed to the establishment of a strategic restraint regime in South Asia, which includes an element of conventional force balance. He did not say how Pakistan would achieve a conventional force balance with India given the wide disparities in the economies of the two countries nor did he acknowledge that India's military capabilities have to take China into account. Pakistan is smarting under US decisions to block military aid. Last month, Pentagon said it would withhold $300 million aid in what is known as coalition support funds citing Islamabad's failure to curb terrorist organisations including the Haqqani Network and the Lashkar-e-Taiba. The Congress cut $500 million in payments to Pakistan from the Defence Department budget in March. In January President Donald Trump's administration announced it was blocking most military aid to Pakistan estimated to be in the range of $1.3 billion. Meanwhile last month, India and the US signed the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) paving the way for India to access and buy advanced weapons and military technology. The US is also pitching several advanced military jets and other weaponry to India. This month India defied the US, which has threatened sanctions on those making military purchases from Russia, and signed a deal with Moscow to buy an advanced air defence missile system, the S400, at an estimated cost of about $5 billion. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 30, 2018 11:05 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Photo: The Canadian Press Transportation Minister Claire Trevena says private operators in B.C. are moving in to serve former Greyhound bus routes to knit together a patchwork of provincial service as the carrier pulls out of Western Canada. But Trevena says even though 83 per cent of Greyhound's routes are destined to be covered by private companies, gaps in service still remain across B.C. Greyhound announced in July its complete withdrawal of passenger and freight service in Western Canada and parts of Ontario, effective Oct. 31. The company has already cut its passenger service in northern B.C. and other routes throughout the province, citing poor economic returns. Trevena says the government is working with the Passenger Transportation Board to fast-track applications for private entrepreneurs to restore service to smaller, more remote communities. The B.C. government launched BC Bus North earlier this year to cover the majority of northern routes that Greyhound eliminated, with twice-weekly round trips from Prince Rupert to Prince George. Oct 30, 2018, 10:13am ET Former Audi boss Rupert Stadler released from jail Stadler is accused of playing a major role in VW's Dieselgate scandal. Former Audi boss Rupert Stadler has been released from custody. Stadler was arrested by German authorities in June for his alleged role in Volkswagen's Dieselgate scandal. Although Stadler has been freed from jail, the former executive is far from out of the woods. Stadler is facing charges of fraud and false advertising related to VW's diesel emissions coverup. Authorities arrested Stadler in June over fears that he could tamper with evidence critical to their case. Although Stadler was arrested in June, he remained on as Audi CEO and VW board member until earlier this month. On October 2, VW cut all ties with Stadler. "Mr. Stadler is leaving the companies with immediate effect and will no longer work for the Volkswagen Group," VW said in a statement. Stadler started with Audi in 1990 and was named company CEO in 2010. Oct 30, 2018, 5:56pm ET Waymo gets California DMV approval to begin testing without humans behind the wheel The company will begin going completely driverless around its Silicon Valley headquarters. Waymo has announced plans to begin testing without human safety drivers. The company is the first to get a California Department of Motor Vehicles permit for completely driverless operation on public roads. "Fully driverless testing is the latest step in the path Waymo has been on since 2009, when we first began working on self-driving technology at Google," the company wrote in a blog post. "Since then we've driven over ten million autonomous miles on public roads across 25 cities." Waymo's fully driverless test cars will initially operate in a relatively small zone around the company's Mountain View headquarters in Silicon Valley. The program will eventually expand to include other territories. The permit allows day and night testing on city streets, rural roads and highways with posted speed limits of up to 65 mph. Cars will be allowed to operate in light rain and fog, both conditions that Waymo says it can handle. Notably, if the driverless taxis do run into trouble they are programmed to come to a safe stop and wait until a remote Waymo fleet manager can help resolve the issue. The company is already giving rides to the public in Arizona but the driverless California pilot will only host its own employees as passengers at first. - The archbishop wants church goers to give out tithe directly from their salaries - Dr Cyprian Kizito said during a church service that some unscrupulous congregants constantly ditched giving back to the church - He was also adamant everyone should give out 10% of their income as suggested in the Bible Just as the government came up with taxes as a way of having the electorate give back , a Catholic Church in Uganda has suggested an odd way to ensure all congregants pay their weekly tithes. Archbishop of Kampala archdiocese Dr Cyprian Kizito made a proposal that the government should deduct monthly tithe from the salaries of the congregants. Speaking during a holy mass on Sunday, October 28, Kizito analysed that the routine of placing tithe in baskets was not only getting tedious but it also had a number of cons which the church aimed to eliminate. Uganda Catholic Church wants government to deduct tithe from faithfuls salaries READ ALSO: Couple loses only child as generator crashes into their building in Lagos (video) Give me your support as I front this proposal because it is good for us. Arent you tired of putting money in a basket all the time? he posed. According to the archbishop, some members of the church had a tendency of dodging tithe on too many Sundays and this has in turn hindered church operations over time. Whenever we ask for tithe, everyone gives what they have at that time. But the Bible says a tenth of whatever you earn belongs to the church, he went on. So what is the solution to ensuring everyone gives their ten percent, according to Dr Kizito? Have the government deduct tithe from salaries directly. The question of tithe has been a sensitive topic all over and in Kenya, church goers are growing increasingly reluctant to dish away large sums of money for the church. PAY ATTENTION: Best love tips and relationship advice on Africa Love Aid group! At the same time, churches which are genuinely trying to progress and grow their flock have had a hard time doing so because of the skeptical faithfuls who are unwilling to take out too much from their pockets for the church for fear of indirectly being extorted in the name of God. Jesus came here and took me physically to the third heavens | Legit TV. Source: Legit.ng News Photo: Twitter/Noticias Mexico's president-elect said Monday he will respect the result of a referendum that rejected a partly built new airport for Mexico City, effectively ending the $13 billion project. "The decision taken by the citizens is democratic, rational and efficient," Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said after 70 per cent voted against the plan. "The people decided." It is unclear what will be done with the enormous foundations already built on the site, a former lake bed known as Texcoco. Organizers of the referendum reported late Sunday that just over 1 million people voted in the referendum. The vote has been criticized in part because only about one of every 90 registered Mexican voters participated. Mexico's peso dropped about 3.3 per cent against the U.S. dollar after the decision was made public, with the interbank rate ending at 20.06 pesos to $1. The Mexican stock exchange's IPC index ended the day down 4.2 per cent. Critics of the cancellation had said it might affect investor confidence in Mexico, but Lopez Obrador said investors, debt holders and contractors in the abandoned project will be protected. Lopez Obrador pledged during his campaign to cancel the Texcoco project, claiming it was marred by overspending and corruption. After winning, he said the issue should be put before Mexican citizens. He favours adding two commercial runways to a military air base in the town of Santa Lucia, about 45 kilometres from the capital. That would imply an improved road to get there from Mexico City and the current 1940s-era airport. The city's airport is now working at near capacity and would have been closed had Texcoco been built. Lopez Obrador said he has received assurances from international experts that the current airport and Santa Lucia could operate simultaneously. Still, given the distances between the current airport, the planned Santa Lucia terminal and an existing satellite airport in the nearby city of Toluca, it is unclear how people could make connecting flights within any reasonable amount of time. The president-elect said Mexicans will save about $5 billion by abandoning the unfinished Texcoco project, which was started with what critics said was little real environmental study by President Enrique Pena Nieto. It was supposed to be the signature infrastructure project of Pena Nieto's administration, though it wouldn't have been finished for several years more. But the outgoing administration was marked by corruption and allegations of insider dealing with contractors, which helped propel Lopez Obrador to the presidency. The referendum held Thursday-Sunday marked the first time such a large project had been submitted to a public debate and vote. Lopez Obrador said the decision meant "corruption has ended." Mexico's business community, which overwhelmingly supported the now-cancelled project, questioned the referendum, which they said was unofficial, unrepresentative and biased. Juan Pablo Castanon, the head of Mexico's Business Coordinating Council, an industry group, fiercely criticized Lopez Obrador's decision to obey the vote, saying it "seriously hurts Mexico's image in the world" and "sends a message of uncertainty" to financial markets. Former governor of Ekiti state state, Ayodele Fayose has regained freedom after spending 13 days in custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). According to his aide, Lere Olayinka, Fayose was released on Monday, October 29. He is expected to return to the Federal High Court in Ikoyi from November 19 for his trial. READ ALSO: JUST IN: Ekiti lawmaker shot by unknown gunmen reportedly dies in hospital Meanwhile, yodele Fayose through his chief press secretary, Idowu Adelusi, replied the Anglican Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Reverend Christopher Omotunde, that described the tenure of former governor of Ekiti state as four wasted years. Omotunde made this known on Sunday, October 28, at a thanksgiving service in honour of deputy governor Bisi Egbeyemi in the Cathedral Church of Emmanuel, Okesa, Ado-Ekiti, the state capital. He said: The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had a golden chance to make a difference in the lives of Ekiti residents but abused the opportunity to the extent that the people became slaves under them. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda Fayose said only a cleric trying to justify the blatant rigging of the last Ekiti governorship election by the All Progressives Congress(APC) would describe the physical transformation of Ekiti by the Fayose administration as a waste. According to him, Even the blind feel the good works of Fayose and perhaps Bishop Omotunde and the likes need to change their eyeglasses to see well. Our fathers have a saying that it is disheartening when one hears a statement of gullibility from a place where one expects to hear the words of wisdom. The records of the Fayose administration are there for all to see. It organised an Education Summit that led to great improvement in education in the state. Ekiti came first back-to-back in NECO exams and we also did well in WAEC. These are public institutions and the records are there for Omotunde to peruse. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app The Fayose administration built the first flyover in the state and it passes beside Omotundes church. One wonders if the bishop closes his eyes whenever he drives or passes through that place. If he does not, we pray that God opens his spiritual eyes.'' Ekiti Election 2018: Watertight Security in Ado-Ekiti as INEC Expects Election Materials | Legit.ng TV: Source: Legit - Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari has given his scorecard of the present administration - The president said that his administration would continue its drive to develop mechanised farming to achieve food security in the country - President Buhari said that efforts by previous administrations to improve the agricultural sector failed because of selfish interests President Muhammadu Buhari, on Monday, October 29, in Lagos said that his administration would continue its drive to develop mechanised farming to achieve food security in the country. Buhari made the assertion at the 75th anniversary lecture of Island Club with the theme Nation Building and Institutional Development, Lessons for Nigeria from the Island Club at 75. The president, represented by the minister of power, works and housing, Babatunde Fashola, said that efforts by previous administrations to improve the agricultural sector failed because of selfish interests which he fought after taking over power. He said the manufacturing industry largely depended on agriculture, hence the administrations passion which was yielding positive results. READ ALSO: INEC boss sends powerful national message to journalists ahead of 2019 polls The president noted that several small businesses had been groomed and grown in the various agricultural value chains and the feat was impacting positively on the nations economy. Buhari said that Nigeria was spending huge revenue on importation of rice before his administration took the bold step to stop the trend of importing things Nigeria could produce. We will do more for food security of our people, he said. On infrastructure, the president said that most of the nations roads, bridges, power plants, sea ports and other facilities were overstretched because of neglect and lack of renewal by previous administrations. He said that several roads, rail and power projects had been completed, adding that so much had been achieved such that every state in the nation had projects completed with some ongoing. He added that the Tincan Island to Mile 2 Road in Lagos causing gridlock in Lagos had been awarded and that work would begin on it in November. The president listed other ongoing projects in the southwest to include the Lagos-Ibadan rail, Lagos-Ota Expressway rehabilitation and Ikorodu Sagamu reconstruction project among others. Buhari said that institutions in the nation were working and commenced the Island Club for contributing its quota to the progress. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda He said that the fact that more was being expected from most institutions in the nation did not mean that they were not functional. Institutions have never seized to exist, he said. On the security situation, Buhari said that his administration had been able to recover territories occupied by terrorists before his coming to power. He added that some abducted Chibok School girls were freed and all the abducted Dapchi School girls except Leah Sharibu, who is still in captivity were freed. He appealed to Nigerians to let go of negative beliefs and support the APC government in its goals as well as give the president another chance to complete his good works by voting him for a second term in 2019. Speaking in his own capacity as a grand patron of the Club, Fashola appealed to the chairman to lift sanctions against some erring members in the spirit of the anniversary. Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, represented by the Deputy Governor, Mrs Idiat Adebule, while delivering his goodwill message commended the contributions of the club in both the public and private sectors of the economy. Ambode commended the clubs efforts in promoting unity across cultures in the country and enhanced the socio-economic development of the state. On our part as government, we will continue to accord pride of place to social clubs in the state because we believe they have very important roles to play in ensuring social stability, promoting understanding and cooperation which are critical to economic growth, prosperity and general development, he said. PAY ATTENTION: Get the Latest Nigerian News Anywhere 24/7. Spend less on the Internet! In a previous report by Legit.ng, President Muhammadu Buhari has said that Nigerias democracy has continued to improve noting that he continues to emphasize free and fair election all the time. The president made this remark when he received Governor General of Canada, Her Excellency Rt. Hon. Julie Payette at the Presidential Villa on Monday, October 29. In a statement by Femi Adesina, he said the president said Nigeria has been looking at ots own peculiarities in the practice of democracy while also learning from the mistake of those who have practised it for a long time. Nigeria Latest News: Buhari vs Atiku - 2019 Elections | Legit.ng TV Source: Legit.ng - President Buhari said era of awarding votes fraudulently is over - The president said the people will be allowed to vote whoever they want - He noted that each electorate regardless of position will get one vote President Muhammadu Buhari says Nigeria has left that era in which democratic norms are brazenly subverted, with votes awarded to those favoured by the authorities, and the shortchanged told to go to court for redress. The president stated this on Monday when he received members of the Joint United Nations, African Union and ECOWAS Good Offices Mission on Elections, at the State House, Abuja. READ ALSO: Just In: Fayose regains freedom I am highly qualified to talk on this, having ended in Supreme Court three times, after participating in elections with disputed results. Where will a man looking for where his next meal would come from, have money to hire lawyers, particularly senior advocates?" the president queried. He reassured that the 2019 polls would be free and fair. President Buhari added: The President has only one vote, governors have a vote each, just like anybody else. Let the people vote for whoever they choose, without their will being tampered with." According to him, multi-party democracy gives lots of choice to the people, and Nigeria has a vibrant young population, who trusted his administration to handle their affairs and resources well. A lot depends on leadership," he said. He thanked the joint team for being in touch with the nations institutions, particularly the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). President Buhari said the 2015 elections were run with three campaign objectives; securing the country, reviving the economy, fighting corruption, and the opposition has not succeeded in faulting us. We are doing our best with the resources available to us." President of ECOWAS Commission, Jean-Claude Brou, said the team came on a solidarity visit to Nigeria before the forthcoming elections, as it did with other countries like Senegal, Mali, Gambia, among others which recently held polls. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app He appreciated the strong role Nigeria played in the sub-region, while also thanking President Buhari for his strides in the fight against corruption and terrorism. Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas, who spoke on behalf of the UN, appreciated what he called the strong leadership of President Buhari in Nigeria, West Africa, and Africa. He said: Youve always played politics according to the rules. We will do all that we can to strengthen the institutions. Were convinced that INEC is ready to provide free and fair elections. Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari expressed disappointment that Nigeria did not focus on infrastructure between 1999 and 2014. According to a statement by Femi Adesina, the president said this on Monday, October 29 when he received the outgoing British High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency, Paul Arkwright. Nigeria Latest News: Buhari vs Atiku - 2019 Elections | Legit.ng TV Source: Legit Nigeria - Charles Udeogaranya said President Buhari should be preparing to hand-over to Atiku - Udeogaranya is a chieftain of APC and former presidential aspirant of the party - He said the current administration lacks understanding of Nigerias predicaments A chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) and former presidential aspirant of the party, Chief Charles Udeogaranya has declared his support for Peoples Democratic Party, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. Vanguard reports that Udeogaranya made his interest known by saying President Muhammadu Buhari should be preparing his hand-over to Atiku in 2019 presidential election. According to him, ''While President Muhammadu Buhari has tried his best and made slight impact that was overwhelmed by various national needs that are so critically expedient, the overall national interest and patriotism committed towards a better Nigeria should prevail. S-East intelligentia restates support for Atiku, Obi READ ALSO: You can't fix Nigeria in one term - President Buhari ''President Buhari should understand that his administration lacks understanding of Nigerias current predicaments, acceptable vision by Nigerians, leadership and managerial strategies, formidable team, focus and creativity required to lead a stormy nation like Nigeria. ''The greatest obstacle against President Buhari is the unprecedented high level of hopelessness among majority of Nigerians to give him another chance to redeem himself and thats the core reason that he needs to accept that the evening has indeed come. Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that the former pro-President Buhari group, National Coalition of Niger Delta Ex-Agitators said it would back Atiku Abubakar, the PDP presidential candidate, in 2019 general election. Eshanekpe Israel a.k.a Akpodoro-led coalition spoke at the weekend. The coalition noted at the meeting held to consult with critical stakeholders in Niger Delta that it will roll on with Atiku, who is the flying star that can disloge Buhari from power. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda The coalition said it had adopted its operational identity: national coalition of Niger Delta Ex-militants and youth for Atiku and Peter Obi in 2019. Nigeria Latest News: Buhari vs Atiku - 2019 Elections | Legit TV: Source: Legit.ng - Clashes between members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) and security agencies have continued unabated - Nigeria's capital, Abuja, continues to witness riots instigated by the clashes - The army says the IMN members also known as Shiites have been aggressive in the past few days The Nigerian Army says troops deployed on routine duty at Kugbo/Karu bridge checkpoint of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were attacked by the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) sect on Monday, October 29. In a statement posted on its social media pages, the army claimed the sect in massive numbers forced their way into the troops checkpoint after over running the police force. According to the statement, the sect members, fired weapons at troops, throwing bottle canisters with fuel, large stones, catapults with dangerous objects and other dangerous items at troops causing bodily harm and stopping motorist movement, breaking their windscreen and causing heavy traffic. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app The statement however, noted that the troops repelled the attack in conjunction with the Nigerian Police Force to stop the situation from further deteriorating." Unfortunately, during the encounter 3 members of the sect were killed while 4 soldiers sustained various degrees of injuries and are being treated at a military medical facility, the army said. The army enjoined members of the public living within Abuja and environs to go about their normal activities without fear of molestation, warning that the army will not be deterred in carrying out its constitutional roles and safeguarding law abiding citizens. A group known as Abuja Peace and Development Initiative had earlier raised an alarm over alleged plans by members of IMN to invade Abuja this week with violence. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda Alerting the Nigeria Police Force and the directorate of State Security Services (SSS), the president of the Initiative, Reverend Aaron Audu in a statement sent to journalists, said the last batch of fighters to launch the attack are on the way into the capital city. He said their response of attacking the military men at checkpoints instead of making a case for why they should be allowed to pass confirms that they are an invading force and not pilgrims trekking. Nigerian Air Force Operations Against Boko Haram | Legit TV Source: Legit.ng - Prayer now seems the last resort for the family of Leah Sharibu as her abductors, Boko Haram terrorists, are demanding a ransom of N100 billion - This revelation was made by Gloria Samdi Puldu, a friend of Leah's mother - Puldu said that she believes that the federal government, through God's help, will intervene very soon A senior lecturer in the department of Political Science, University of Jos, Gloria Samdi Puldu, has said that the family of Leah Sharibu has turned to prayers over the demand of N100 billion ransom by the Boko Haram insurgents from the federal government. Puldu is said to be a friend of Leah's mother. She said the need for prayers to be intensified became necessary because N100bn was a massive amount of ransom, Punch reports. Leah happens to be one of the 110 female students of Government Girls Science and Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe, who had been held in captivity since February 19, 2018, by Boko Haram terrorists on account of her Christian faith. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng In reaction to the insurgents' demand for such huge ransom, Puldu stated: We read the story (of the demand for N100bn) in the media. Ours is to pray and keep praying for the government and that is all we can say. We are praying for Leah Sharibu; we are praying for the government and even praying for Boko Haram. What do we do and what can we say? I have been in contact with Leah Sharibus parents and I spoke with them yesterday (Sunday). As I said, we have to pray because what else can be said about the demand for N100bn? Is there anything somebody can say about it? Its just prayers, and that is all we are doing. We are praying for Leah, we are praying for the government, we are praying for Boko Haram and everybody. Let God intervene in this situation; that is all. I spoke with her parents, it is only prayers. A source confirmed that members of the factional Boko Haram sect, who abducted Leah had demanded N100bn ransom before her release. The source, which claimed to be involved in the negotiation for the release of the schoolgirl revealed: It is not that the government of Nigeria is not making efforts at getting Leah Sharibu out of the grips of the Boko Haram. PAY ATTENTION: Get the Latest Nigerian News Anywhere 24/7. Spend less on the Internet! "But we are aware that the terrorist organisation holding her is demanding N100bn. Though no amount is too much to get the soul of one innocent person out of danger, I think the government of Nigeria is considering many things. We all know that elections are ahead and that the terrorist organisation may also be planning to embark on inflicting damage on the people; the government has to be careful and also be diplomatic about it. We are pleading that members of the Boko Haram sect be considerate in their demands as well. They should please release the girl to her parents. Earlier, Legit.ng reported that members of the factional Boko Haram sect who kidnapped Leah Sharibu alongside no fewer than 109 students in Dapchi, Yobe state early in 2018 had allegedly demanded N100bn ransom for her release. Legit.ng gathered that diplomatic source which claimed to be involved in the negotiation for the release of the schoolgirl said there were fears that if given the money, the terrorists could use the cash to acquire weapons with which they would unleash terror on innocent Nigerians in the future. Is President Buhari Really Unable to Rescue Leah Sharibu from Boko Haram? - Street Gist | Legit TV Source: Legit - The violence and unrest in Kaduna state has necessitated the visit of President Muhammadu Buhari in the state - The president is expected to visit the state on Tuesday, October 30, to meet with religious and traditional leaders - The venue for the meeting has been scheduled to be at the Murtala Square President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to visit Kaduna on Tuesday, October 30, to meet stakeholders such as religious and traditional heads in the state over the crisis that has ravaged peace in the region. Daily Trust reports that the arrival of the president is eagerly awaited at the Murtala Square, the venue of the meeting. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng Newsmen gathered that religious leaders have arrived the venue, with security around the venue beefed up. According to reports, the killing of the Agom Adara, Maiwada Galadima, recently reawakened another round of violence and unrest in the state. Maiwada was murdered by kidnappers. The 24-hour curfew imposed on the state following the crisis was only reviewed on Sunday, October 28, to 6.am to 5.pm. PAY ATTENTION: Get the Latest Nigerian News Anywhere 24/7. Spend less on the Internet! Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the Kaduna state government on Saturday, October 27, said 32 persons had been arrested in connection with the renewed violence in state metropolis on Friday, October 26. Senior special assistant to the governor on media and publicity, Samuel Aruwan, announced this in a statement in Kaduna on Saturday, October 27. Legit.ng gathered that he said that the number of arrested persons over the renewed disturbances was given by the police at the states security council meeting, adding that these persons will be investigated and prosecuted. Aruwan also said that within the areas covered by the curfew, security agencies thwarted attempts to destroy places of worship in Kawo and Hayin Banki." He added: "It was also reported that one person was killed in Kasuwan Magani and another arrested with a weapon overnight while attempting to burn down the market there. EXCLUSIVE: Be patient with President Buhari, Femi Adesina tells Nigerians | Legit TV Source: Legit.ng - Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says the focus of the present government is on how things can be better for the common man - Osinbajo said the Buhari's government is not in the business of trying to deceive Nigerians - According to the vice president, once the country is able to stop corruption, it would be better The Buhari administration is concerned about the plight of ordinary Nigerians and would continue to carry out programmes that would improve their lives, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. Osinbajo said this on Monday, October 29, while appearing as a special guest on a popular radio programme in Abuja. During the programme, the vice president emphasized that, The focus of our government is on how things can be better for the common man. We are not in the business of trying to deceive Nigerians. You can accuse myself and the president of anything, but you will never find us deceiving Nigerians. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda While making references to the Buhari administrations National Social Investment Programme (N-SIP), Osinbajo noted that the administration is able to do so much more with less resources. This he said is possible because, The president has ensured that nobody steals money from the treasury. The major problem Nigeria had before now was the fact that people stole from the nations coffers. Once the country is able to stop corruption, it would be better. The first thing we did was tackle unemployment by employing young men and women through the N-Power job scheme, which has so far employed 500,000 young graduates." Prof. Osinbajo said: Every state has N-Power, noting that there are plans to employ more because of the number of graduates. This is a social safety net for young unemployed Nigerian graduates. So far, we have given about 400,000 MarketMoni loans, but the target is to give 1 million loans to artisans and traders, while TraderMoni loans is a N10,000 interest-free loans to petty traders, of which 2 million are expected to be reached in the first phase. He also highlighted the federal governments Energizing Economies Initiative, which provides clean, affordable, and constant power to economic clusters such as big markets and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria. Osinbajo further stated the administrations commitment to developing the Niger Delta region and how its engagement has helped to maintain peace and stability in the region, which has also improved oil production and the countrys revenue. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android and read best news on Nigerias #1 news app Meanwhile, the vice presidential candidate of the People Democratic Party (PDP) and former governor of Anambra state, Peter Obi, has reacted to a comment attributed to Osinbajo, saying he was learning how to dance the popular Legit.ng reported that Obi who was returning from a trip to Dubai on Monday, October 29, said for Atiku team it is about, spending our time with the best minds on how to start creating jobs and putting food on peoples table. This period calls for sober reflection not dancing or learning how to dance as there are many challenges facing our nation at the moment, not the least being recently having our country named the world headquarters of extreme poverty with over eighty seven million people, Obi said. 'Nobody can stop Buhari in 2019, Atiku cannot win' - on Legit TV Source: Legit - It was a sad day for the Delta police as a self-acclaimed activist and three others attacked a police station in the state - The self-acclaimed activist dressed in lawyer's rob was reported to have engaged in a brawl with the Divisional Police Officer - He also reportedly smashed the head of the Division Crime Officer The Division Police Officer (DPO) and Division Crime Officer (DCO) of the Delta police command were beaten by a self-crowned activist in what looked like a dramatic stage play. Vanguard newspaper reports that the incident began when a supposed human rights activist wearing lawyers robe stormed the division C of Delta police command seeking for the release of two suspected cultists held over a case of murder. READ ALSO: You can't fix Nigeria in one term - President Buhari Legit.ng gathers that upon entering the police station, he was challenged by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) CSP Aniete Uyo who put his identity on integrity test, leading to a brawl between the two where the DPO was beaten, his uniform ripped off and office vandalised. The Divisional Crime Officer trying to intervene was also assaulted. He was wounded in the head and rushed to the hospital for medical treatment. Addressing the issue before the press, the commissioner of police, Mustafa, said: The supposed activist and three other persons, who carried out the attack on the policemen have been arrested. "We are going to arraign them in court for the incident; you cannot invade a police station and fight our officers in that way. PAY ATTENTION: Download our mobile app to enjoy the latest news update Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that it was a bad day for the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) as two of its officers were gunned down by a bandit suspected to be thieves. The policemen manning Nnamdi Azikiwe bypass in Kaduna met their untimely death on Wednesday, October 17, upon being sighted by the gunmen who shot at them from a close range. Kaduna police command said it was aware of the saddening incident, and all hands had been put on deck to ensure that the culprit face the consequences of their action. Robbers Return Firearms to Nigerian Police (Crime News in Nigeria) | Legit.ng TV Source: Legit - A riders association has promised support for APC and President Muhammadu Buhari - They made it known during a visit to the APC secretariat in Abuja - They also used the avenue to register their grievances against treatments by VIO A pro-President Muhammadu Buhari group, Collections for All Tricycle Owners and Riders Association (CATORA), has donated a Tundra Toyota car to reinforce its support and commitment for the re-election of the president. Daily Trust reports that the group made this known when it stormed the national secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja to protest what it termed as unfair treatment of its members by the Vehicles Inspection Officers (VIO). READ ALSO:Drama as activist slaps DPO, tears uniform, breaks DCOs head in Delta Legit.ng gathers that the group's president, Thomas Ali Danjuma, who led other members to APC office said the group would show support for the party and its candidates come 2019. Danjuma said: "We are in support of APC, our members are supporting them and we want to re-elect the president come 2019; that is why we bought the big vehicle there, we contributed money to buy that vehicle to give the national party office so that they can use it to campaign." PAY ATTENTION: Download our mobile app to enjoy the latest news update Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that Umar Bago, a federal lawmaker from Niger state had said he would support the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Abubakar Bello of Niger state with 100 cars. Bago, who stated this on Tuesday, September 18, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna, said the two leaders remained the credible choices in the 2019 elections for the country and Niger state respectively. President Buhari on 2019 Presidential Election: Will You Vote For Him? | Legit.ng TV Source: Legit Photo: Wayne Moore Candles were lit for each of the 11 victims of Saturday's massacre at a synagogue in Pittsburgh The religious community in Kelowna came together Monday to mourn the victims and pray for the survivors of Saturday's massacre at a synagogue in Pittsburgh, PA. It was the deadliest attack on Jews in U.S. history. Close to 100 people, many Jewish, but some of other faiths, joined in the condemnation of the attack at the Chabad Okanagan Centre. "We really appreciate the outpouring of support," said Rabbi Shmuly Hecht. At the podium, Rabbi Shmuly sent a message of "quiet diplomacy," as a way to try and stop the violence. "I really believe that people have to start speaking up among groups of friends when they are sitting together. "The Jewish people have suffered so much throughout history. But, the interesting things is that we have never become immune to the suffering. Every time, it's like it never happened before. Other community members also spoke to those in attendance. Sharon Silver Gitlin called Saturday's attack an attack on Jewish freedom. "But, it will not break us and will not ruin us," she said. "We will thrive." She said it's time to mourn those who were killed and those who were injured. And, it's time to stand in unison. Steven Finkleman had been attending an academic Holocaust symposium in Tacoma, WA at the time. He said whether it's the massacre Saturday, the murder of blacks in Charleston, S.C. or Muslims in Montreal, "we all stand up in disgust." He said it's all made worse because they happened during times of prayer. He talked about the hatred emanating from the United States, and said he hoped Canada could be shielded from that hatred. Six people, including four police officers, were wounded in Saturday's attack. Monday's event was one of dozens held by Jewish groups across Canada in condemning the attack and remembering those who died. - APC councilors in Ogun state have described the recognition of Dapo Abiodun as the partys governorship candidate as daylight robbery - One councilor demanded the pictorial evidence of the 276 councilors who reportedly declared support for Abiodun - Another councilor said the only visible and tenable governorship primary which held in the state was the one which produced Adekunle Akinlade as candidate The ratification of Dapo Abiodun as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun state has been described as daylight robbery, by councilors elected on the partys platform in the state. The councilors made the assertion after a meeting in Abeokuta on Monday, October 29, Vanguard reports. Legit.ng gathers that speaking on behalf of the councilors, the leader of Remo North local government area legislative council, Jide Opafola, demanded the pictorial evidence of the 276 councilors who reportedly declared support for Abiodun. READ ALSO: 2019: Sen Ibrahim under fire for predicting loss for Buhari, APC in N/East He said: We know ourselves. Let them provide pictorial evidence of the 276 councilors. Failure to do so means they are living in a fools paradise. While pledging their unalloyed support for Adekunle Akinlade, who is the candidate of Governor Ibikunle Amosun, Opafola vowed that the councilors would not allow their mandate to be stolen through the back door. Another councilor, Adedayo Babajuwon, said the only visible and tenable governorship primary which held in the state was the one which produced Akinlade as candidate. He added: Contrary to the rumours going on in some quarters, we were not coerced to do this. We were not paid and we are not under pressure to do this. But he who comes to equity must come with clean hands. I want to say unequivocally that all of us seated here are demanding that the mandate given to Akinlade should be returned to him; or else, hell will be let loose. I want to say on behalf of my colleagues that what the NWC has done is nothing but a daylight robbery and we are saying no, until they return it." PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that in its efforts to end the lingering post-primary elections crisis rocking Ogun state, the All Progressives Congress took steps to pacify Governor Ibikunle Amosun. The party gave the governor three senatorial slots and the right to bring in one member for the House of Representatives. APC is the worst party in Nigeria, i regret being a member - on Legit.ng TV: Source: Legit - The ruling All Progressives Congress appears to be ready for the 2019 general elections - President Muhammadu Buhari, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos state and Babajide Sanwo-Olu have collapsed their personal campaign groups - The trio collapsed their personal campaign groups and floated a new group called Independent Campaign Group The trio of President Muhammadu Buhari, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos state, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, have collapsed their campaign teams and floated a new group. Vanguard reports that the three politicians on the platform of the ruling APC floated a new group called Independent Campaign Group (ICG). Legit.ng gathers that the collapsed groups were the Buhari and Osinbajo Campaign Support Group (BOCSG), Ambode Mandate Support Group (AMSG) and Babajide Olusola Campaign Organization (BOSCO). READ ALSO: You can't fix Nigeria in one term - President Buhari The purpose of collapsing the group is to involve all members of the ruling party in the activities leading to the forthcoming general elections. According to report, Tayo Ayinde, former chief details of the national leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, will lead ICG. The reports also said Ayinde's deputy will be former Lagos West APC vice chairman, Cardinal James Odunbaku. Ex-chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Lagos state, Moshood Salvador, is also on the list. He was named assistant director general, Lagos West senatorial district. Also on the list is Wahab Alawiye-King, who will serve as assistant director general, Lagos Central senatorial district. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that Lagos state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday, October 23, said he would lead a strong campaign to ensure victory for President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the state, Babajide Sanwo-Olu in the 2019 general elections. Governor Ambode stated this while addressing journalists at the presidential wing of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport shortly after he accompanied President Buhari to perform the official commissioning of a joint border patrol post between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin. Governor Ambode said it was important for the APC to retain its leadership positions both in the federal and the state level. He said: I have just accompanied Mr. President to the Nigerian-Benin Border Post. So what we have commissioned today is a joint Border Patrol post between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin and it is called Semo-Krake Border Post." Lagos Governor: Is Sanwoolu a better candidate than Ambode?| Legit.ng TV Source: Legit.ng News - Amira Oron has been appointed as the ambassador to Egypt by the government of Israel - She will be the will be the first woman to serve in the post since the signing of a peace treaty between Israel and Egypt in 1979 The government of Israel on Tuesday, October 30, appointed its first female ambassador to Egypt, Amira Oron. She was appointed by the supreme appointments committee of the foreign ministry headed by Director-General Yuval Rotem, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng Oron will be the first woman to serve in the post since the peace treaty between Israel and Egypt was signed in 1979. She will succeed David Govrin, who has been serving as Israels ambassador to Cairo since 2016. She began working for Israeli foreign ministry in 1991. She has served as a staff member of the Israeli embassy in Cairo, a deputy spokesperson for the ministry and its director of communications in the Arab world. PAY ATTENTION: Get the Latest Nigerian News Anywhere 24/7. Spend less on the Internet! Between 2015 and 2016, she served as the charge daffaires at the Israeli Embassy in Turkey amid diplomatic crisis between the two countries in the wake of the 2010 Gaza-bound flotilla incident. In 2016, Israel and Turkey normalised ties and a new ambassador was appointed. Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that the Israeli government on Sunday, October 21, said it had no evidence about the appearance of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu in the country. Legit.ng gathered that the government said the pictures and videos showing Nnamdi Kanu praying in Israel could be old. Legit.ng reported that while speaking during an interaction with some African journalists in Jerusalem, the spokesman of the Israeli foreign ministry, Emmanuel Nashon, said there was no evidence that the leader of IPOB was in their country of recent. Nigeria Latest News: Father Mbaka On Buhari, Atiku In Nigeria Election 2019 | Legit TV Source: Legit Nigeria - Nigeria Labour Congress has insisted on its 30,000 minimum wage demand - The NLC protested the failure of the government to accept its proposal - The peaceful protest is said to have caused traffic gridlock in some parts of Lagos state Emerging reports have claimed that Nigeria Labour Congress on Tuesday, October 30, staged a protest at Ikorodu road, Lagos state to complain about the failure of the federal government to accept the new minimum wage of N30,000. The Punch reports that the peaceful protest caused traffic gridlock from the Onipanu bus stop to Obanikoro bus stop as of the time our correspondent filed this report. Legit.ng gathered that the protesters were seen holding flags of the NLC, and sharing fliers, to passers-by, which detailed their demands from government. READ ALSO: You can't fix Nigeria in one term - President Buhari The flier, which is titled, National Day of Mourning and Outrage, said the Organised Labour was in mourning and outrage because they receive the lowest salary in the world, while government officials including the president, governors, legislators, ministers are among the highest paid in the world. A footnote on the flier urged Lagos residents to buy foodstuffs as markets, shops, businesses, offices, transportation and filling stations will be shut. Stay at Home! PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that the national president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ayuba Wabba, insisted that there is no going back on its decision over the workers' minimum wage it has been pressing for in recent times. Wabba registered this insistence during an interview with journalists on Monday, October 30, adding that the N30,000 was a resolution arrived at in line with the negotiation procedure with convention 1 of International Labour Organisation (ILO) and in due consultation with state governors. NLC has set November 6 for another shutdown and paralysis of the country if the federal government failed to yield to its pressing demand. Who should get higher salary - doctors or teachers? | Legit TV: Source: Legit Nigeria -Justice B.O. Quadri has okayed accelerated hearing in a certificate forgery case filed against Adamawa state governor Jibrilla Bindow - A human rights group has dragged Bindow to court for alleged forgery - The APC governor is to answer offences bothering on perjury Abuja division of the Federal High Court has ordered Adamawa state governor, Muhammad Jibrilla Bindow, to appear before it over certificate forgery case. Justice B.O. Quadri accelerated hearing in a certificate forgery case filed against Governor Bindow. The case was filed by a group, Incorporated Trustees of Global Integrity Crusade Network. Daily Trust reports that those joined as defendants were the West African Examination Council, the Independent National Electoral Commission, the All Progressives Congress and the Nigeria Police. READ ALSO: Civil servants scamper to safety as Shiites, police clash in front of federal secretariat The leave is hereby granted to the plaintiff/Applicant to serve the concurrent originating summons and other accompanying Court processes filed herewith on the 1st and 2nd Defendants outside the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja particularly at their respective addresses to wit: The 1st Respondent at Adamawa state government House,Yola,Adamawa State while the 2nd Respondent (WAEC) should be served at No. 221, Hussey STREET, YABA, Lagos PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app That further leave is hereby granted to the plaintiff/applicant to serve the Concurrent Originating Summons and other accompanying Court processes on the 1st defendant personally albeit by substituted means through the DHL Courier Service. He ordered that the case be heard on accelerated hearing as the business of this court permits. Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that a human rights group, Global Integrity Crusade Network urged the Abuja division of the Federal High Court to compel the Inspector General of Police to prosecute the governor of Adamawa state, Muhammad Jibrilla Bindow over offences bothering on perjury. In the originating summons, a copy which was shared to journalists, the governor was said not to have completed his secondary education at the Government Secondary School, Mangu, Plateau state, as claimed. Among the relief sought by the plaintiffs is an order compelling the West African Examination Council (WAEC) to produce the result of the governor within fourteen (14) days. Atiku Says He Will Stay in Office for Just One Term if Elected - Nigeria Latest News | Legit.ng TV: Source: Legit - President Buhari has meet with four governors from the south-south region - The meeting was reported to have centred on the Supreme Court verdict on the oil-bearing states - The governors were led to the Presidential Villa by Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday, October 30, met with four governors from the south-south geo-political zone at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governors, who met with Buhari are Nyesom Wike of Rivers, Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa, Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta and Emmanuel Udom of Akwa Ibom. Legit.ng learnt that the meeting, which was held behind closed doors, might have discussed the supreme court verdict on the oil-bearing states of the Niger Delta on October 24. READ ALSO: Civil servants scamper to safety as Shiites, police clash in front of federal secretariat It will be recalled that Rivers, Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom states had approached the Supreme Court for the interpretation of Section 16(1) of the Deep Offshore and Inland Basin Production Sharing Contract Act in suit number SC964/2016 filed on their behalf by their lead counsel, Lucius Nwosu. The section mandated the federal government to adjust the shares of the revenue accruable to the federation whenever the price of crude oil exceeded 20 dollars per barrel. PAY ATTENTION: Download our mobile app to enjoy the latest news update Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday, October 18, held a closed door meeting with security chiefs at the state house in Abuja. The meeting between the president and the chiefs commenced immediately after the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting presided over by the vice president, Yemi Osinbajo. EXCLUSIVE: Be patient with President Buhari, Femi Adesina tells Nigerians on Legit TV Source: Legit - Accolades and encomiums continue to pour in for Late Chief Tony Anenih - A political enigma, Anenih has been praised by his political associates and his political foes - Chief Tom Ikimi, a trusted ally of Anenih, gives more insight into the live of the Uromi-born politician Former minister of external affairs and member, Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Tom Ikimi, has said that the title of 'Mr Fix It' given to late Chief Tony Anenih, was a befitting one. Ikimi, a trusted ally of Anenih, said the late politician had predicted no vacancy in Aso Rock and indeed there wasnt any. Anenih, 85, died at a private hospital in Abuja on Sunday, October 28 after a brief illness. In a special tribute signed on Tuesday, October 30, in Abuja, Ikimi said Anenih's departure, has created an immense vacuum that may be difficult to fill. According to him, Chief Tony Anenih, who he described as a meritorious policeman, successful business man, farmer, a political icon and leader, developed and established a towering image not only in his home land - Esan, in Edo state but right across Nigeria. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda He said: "Anenih consistently presided over intricate and delicate matters with firmness, utmost dexterity and finesse. The wise counsel of this very soft spoken leader, most direly needed at this critical period of our Nations history will be sorely missed. "It will indeed be a long time to come before many of us will come to terms with the reality of the passing of Onwalen Chief Anthony Akahon Anenih CFR, the Iyasere of Esan land, one time federal minister of works and, until recently, the chairman of the Board of Trustees Of The Peoples Democratic Party - PDP. Nature has once again struck to claim from this terrestrial planet, a political giant who in the last three decades or so traversed our country Nigeria menacingly and emphatically recording historic political victories and conquests which earned him the befitting title of Mr Fix it. When he said there was no vacancy in Aso Rock indeed there wasnt any vacancy! His departure, to join his ancestors at this time, as has been the case of a number of other notables before him from our dear Esan Land, has created an immense vacuum that may be difficult to fill. We the Esan people have lost a great voice in Nigeria. The Edo and the South South people of Nigeria have lost a foremost patriot. I will personally miss his regular visits to me particularly on my birthdays. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android and read best news on Nigerias #1 news app Chief Anthony Anenih lived a remarkably fulfilled life; he played his part well and has now taken a glorious exit. I wish him a safe onward journey as he goes to meet his maker and pray that God will receive him into his bosom. I also pray for his family to have the abundance of Gods grace to bear the irreparable loss and the strength to continue his good works. Similarly, the All Progressives Congress (APC) national chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, on Sunday, October 28, described the late Chief Anenih as In a statement sent to journalists by his spokesman, Simon Ebegbulem, Oshiomhole said: Politics may have separated us, but nothing affected our personal relationship. We may have disagreed in terms of methodology, but there is no denying that deep in his heart was a commitment to see the progress of the nation at large and his native Edo in particular, he added. Nigeria Latest News: Father Mbaka On Buhari, Atiku In Nigeria Election 2019 | Legit TV Source: Legit.ng - Parents of Chibok schoolgirls say some of their missing daughters were sighted in Sambisa Forest - The spokesperson of the parents, Ayuba Alamson, made this known to newsmen in Maiduguri - They earlier claimed that the girls have been married off to Boko Haram fighters and many of them are now mothers Parents of the abducted Chibok school girls on Tuesday, October 30, said only six girls were sighted in Sambisa Forest as against 57 indicated by media reports quoting one of the parents. The spokesperson of the parents, Ayuba Alamson, told newsmen in Maiduguri that the lady who escaped from the Boko Haram captivity, claimed to have stayed with only six girls in the forest. Alamson, who identified the lady as Jummai Abouku, said the lady escaped from the Boko Haram insurgents and was released recently by the military to her family after profiling and screening. READ ALSO: Court summons APC governor over alleged certificate forgery According to him, Jummai, a mother of six was abducted together with her elder son by the insurgents at Askira Uba in 2014. Alamson explained that the escapee told the parents that she stayed with six of the girls in Sambisa Forest, adding that she had also identified the girls and their parents. He said: Jumai told us that six of the girls were married to the insurgents, one of them is pregnant with one child and another one has a baby, while the remaining four were married without children. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda Few months before her escape, Jumai was also forced to marry one of the insurgents and she is now pregnant. She escaped with her son and stayed in a camp in Bama, before they were released to their family in Chibok. This is what she narrated to us and we do not know the source of the information about the 57 girls sighted in Cameroon. We are happy over the development, it rekindles our hope that the remaining girls in the insurgents captivity are alive and would be released. He commended the federal government over the release of the over 100 abducted school girls. Alamson called on government and international organisations to secure the release of the remaining girls including Leah Sheribu. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app However, Yakubu Nkenke, the chairman, Parents of the Abducted School Girls, was quoted in a media report as saying that 57 of the girls were sighted in northern Cameroon. Nkenke disclosed that the girls were seen by other female captives at Garin Magaji and Garin Mallam villages of Marwa district, Cameroon saying that seven of the girls were at Garin Magaji, and 50 others stays with their husbands and children at Garin Mallam. He insisted on the 57 figure of the sighted girls saying, What we should be looking at is how to rescue the girls. Their locations has been revealed for the government to secure their release. Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that parents of the missing Chibok girls alleged that at least 57 of their daughters have been seen in villages in neighbouring Cameroun. The parents told the daily newspaper on Sunday, October 28 that 57 Chibok school girls being held by Boko Haram were reportedly sighted in two villages in Cameroon. They said the abducted girls were seen by other female captives who were kept by the insurgents in the two villages in northern part of Cameroon. DSS officially handover 82 rescued Chibok girls to FG for further psychotherapy treatment - on Legit TV: Source: Legit - A university professor, Allan Kadams, has been kidnapped in Adamawa - Kadams who is a lecturer at MAUTECH was kidnapped on Monday, October 29 - This is coming a few weeks after the kidnap and release of a colleague Unknown gunmen have abducted a lecturer of the Modibbo Adama University of Technology (MAUTECH), Allan Kadams, a few weeks after the kidnap and release of a colleague. Confirming the incident, the registrar of the University, Halima Muhammad told journalists in Yola on Tuesday, October 30, that the kidnappers stormed the private residence of the professor at Bajabure federal housing estate around 2am on Monday, October 29, while he was asleep and whisked him away, Premium Times reports. Legit.ng gathers that Muhammad said the chief security officer of the university is already liaising with the family of the professor to ascertain whether they had received a demand for ransom. READ ALSO: Civil servants scamper to safety as Shiites, police clash in front of federal secretariat Recall that about two weeks ago, another professor, Ibrahim Zata, was also kidnapped by unknown gunmen at his private residence in Girei. He was released after the payment of a ransom. Spokesman of the police command in the state, Othman Abubakar said that the command had received an official complaint on the matter and has since detailed its men to search for the teacher. We have received the report on the kidnapping case of the professor from MAUTECH Yola and our men are on top of the situation using all strategies to ensure that the professor of soil science is rescued unharmed and on time, Abubakar stated. He also said the command on Tuesday, October 30, paraded 11 suspects, saying seven out of them are kidnappers who have been terrorising Wuro-jabbe and Vuno-Killang areas in the state capital. It was gathered that when Zata (the first victim) was kidnapped, the family had to pay N2 million to ensure his release. PAY ATTENTION: Install our app for android, read best news on Nigeria's #1 news app Earlier, Legit.ng reported that operatives of the anti-kidnapping unit of the Imo state police command rescued an undergraduate of Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, Esther Nnabuo from the den of kidnappers. The police commissioner of the state, Dasuki Galadanchi, while answering questions from journalists on Thursday, September 27, at the police command headquarters, said the operatives also recovered the sum of N200,000 paid as the ransom for the 18-year-old's freedom. The victim was rescued by the security agents without traces of harms. Lagos Police Commissioner Parades Suspected Criminals (Nigeria News) | Legit TV Source: Legit.ng Easton police were looking for the public's help Tuesday after a snow plow was stolen from the rear/exterior lot area at Pennsylvania Water Rescue, 444 N. 13th St. in the city. The theft is believed to have occurred about 2:40 p.m. Oct. 18, police Inspector Daniel Reagan said in a news release. Surveillance images captured a primarily dark-colored Ford pickup truck leave the dive team's property with the Western Ultramount 8-foot plow in the rear bed, according to police. Police asked anyone with information that may aid in the investigation to call Detective Charles Leauber at 610-250-6780 or leave an anonymous tip at 610-250-6635. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. Photo: The Canadian Press A Westjet Boeing 737-700 taxis to a gate after arriving at Vancouver International Airport in Richmond, B.C., on Monday February 3, 2014. WestJet Airlines Ltd. reported a third-quarter profit of $45.9 million, down from a profit of $135.9 million in the same quarter last year. WestJet Airlines Ltd. reported a third-quarter profit of $45.9 million, down from a profit of $135.9 million in the same quarter last year amid rising fuel prices. The airline says the profit amounted to 40 cents per diluted share for the quarter ended Sept. 30, compared with $1.15 per diluted share a year ago. Revenue totalled $1.26 billion for the quarter, which included the busy summer travel period, up from $1.21 billion a year earlier. Analysts on average had expected a profit of 33 cents per share for the quarter, according to Thomson Reuters Eikon. WestJet says the drop in its quarterly profit compared with a year ago came amid an increasingly competitive environment and rising fuel prices. Aircraft fuel costs per litre were up 37.1 per cent compared with a year ago. WestJet's capacity measured by available seat miles in the quarter was up 9.9 per cent from a year ago, while traffic measured by revenue passenger miles in the quarter increased 8.6 per cent. Its load factor decreased to 84.6 per cent compared with 85.7 per cent a year ago. Slate Belt and Monroe County voters who are concerned about New York City sewage sludge and its impact in our area should vote for new leadership in the 40th Pennsylvania Senatorial race. Mayor Tarah Probst of Stroudsburg has taken the time to listen to the concerns of local voters and is ready to take a leadership role on this issue. She will fight to end "environmental arbitrage," where neighboring states take advantage of Pennsylvania's absurdly weak regulations and ship their toxic pollution problems off to Pennsylvania. She is acutely aware that thousands of homeowners without access to a public water supply depend on private wells for potable water. These homeowners need a zealous advocate for their interests in Harrisburg. Probst is ready for that assignment. John R. Kmetz Pen Argyl Kathleen Bolger who died on Sunday, October 28 was perhaps Laois' oldest citizen. Kathleen of Cannonswood, Cullohill passed away peacefully in her 103rd year in the care of the nurses and staff of Brookhaven Nursing Home, Ballyragget. She was predeceased by her husband Michael John and son Eddie. She is deeply regretted by her children, Sheila, Kieran, Mary, Sr Brigid, Kathleen, Michael, Geraldine and Pat, sister Maureen, sister-in-law, sons in law, daughters in law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends. In January 2016 Lynda Kiernan interviewed Kathleen. Her 100th birthday had taken place the previous December. The following is the interview: I can't complain, thanks be to God, I have enjoyed good health always. That good health has resulted in Mrs Kathleen Bolger celebrating her 100th birthday at home in her Cannonswood farmhouse on December 10. Her relative Fr Robert Fletcher, and Bishop of Ossory Seamus Freeman celebrated Mass in her home, and the next Sunday locals threw her a party after Mass. Born Kathleen Cullinan in Boleybeg just before Ireland's revolution, she has lived through historic times. I saw three wars. Things are so different now, everyone is well off, she said. As a child she attended Spink NS and then cycled to the Brigidine in Abbeyleix. I was six and a half years nursing in England before I came back and married my husband Michael John. I came home with rheumatic fever and didn't go back. I had met him before and he was waiting, she said. They took on the Bolger family farm in Cannonswood, near Durrow. They were married for 17 years, with nine children aged 15 to 3, when her husband died of cancer in 1959. Kathleen, then 43, took on the tillage and beef farm while rearing her children. I just had to get on with it. I got great support from family and neighbours. I had to learn to drive. I used go into town with my eggs and churned butter. I killed our pigs, and grew our vegetables. I was very independent, she said, sitting at the stove in the farmhouse where she still lives, with her son Kieran and daughter-in-law Alice. I had great faith always. I'd say that's what kept me going, said Mrs Bolger. She has 22 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. Sadly her son Eddie's first anniversary mass was three days after her birthday. One of eight children herself, Kathleen's only surviving sibling is her sister Maureen Kennedy, 90, from Ballinakill. My godmother was 107 when she died, and my father was 96, she noted. The secret to long life and health is plenty of hard work. People told me to join the ICA but I was too busy. I'm not fond of sugar, I have my porridge every morning, but my passion is apple tart, I can't say no to it and Alice is a great baker. I enjoy the odd glass of wine, but I have never been in a pub in my life, she said. She is not on medication, and drove until she was in her mid 90's, when a broken leg forced her to take it easy. I love to travel. I went to Dubai for my 90th birthday, to see my granddaughter Caitriona, she said. Another trip brought her to Australia. We stayed with cousins and they drove us around to see the sights. I loved travelling, Mrs Bolger said. She always loved walking. Around seven in the evening when the jobs were done I would go and walk. The dog was always a great excuse, she said. She is glad to be still living in her home. It is great. I am all my life here. That means an awful lot, she said. Kathleen died on Sunday, October 28. Reposing was at Brookhaven Nursing Home on Monday. Funeral Prayers took place on Monday evening followed by removal to St. Tighearnachs Church, Cullohill. Requiem Mass took place on Tuesday at 12 noon, followed by burial in Durrow Cemetery. A local priest hopes that the book he has written about losing his wife and children will help others who are going through grief or difficult times. Fr Sean Hyland from Portarlington has written a book Whisperings of my Soul about the loss of his wife and two children earlier in life and how he gained the strength to carry on through these losses. Tragedy struck him and his wife, Liz, early in their marriage with the deaths of their two young children Seana and Kieran. Lizs deep faith helped her survive the heartbreak, but Sean became an angry man after their devastating loss. Speaking to the Leinster Express, Fr Hyland explained why he wrote the book. I lost my wife and earlier in life, we had lost our two children. Liz carried me through that and when she got sick, I prayed for support, it was kidney cancer and a long nine-month journey. After the children died I had turned to the drink and I was terrified I would go back there. I was always a pessimist and fell into self-pity but I prayed and I was given the strength, more strength than was natural for me. I prayed and I got explicit consolation, dreams and visions of Liz and my children that they were safe and well, I knew this beyond doubt. I have shared it with other people who are grieving or troubled and it comforts them. It is a gift that has been granted to more than me. That was the catalyst to write the book, my experience gave other people comfort, he said. He received help through many consolations of faith which let him know that his wife and children are close by and watching over him. In thanksgiving, he entered a seminary in Rome and has devoted the remainder of his life to God as a Catholic priest. He now lives in his hometown of Portarlington where his wife and children are buried and is a curate in the communities of Clonbullogue and Rhode which he loves. I wanted to live here and minister in a neighbouring area. There is great joy in it from weekend masses, baptisms, funerals and working in the schools in small communities like these. When I go into the school it is like an oasis of peace the children are so well looked after in a small community. I couldn't have scripted it better for myself, he said. Fr Hyland said the process of writing was a positive one. Writing it was a labour of love as I was calling to memory all of my experiences with Liz and the children and writing them down I got to live them again. It was a tremendous year reliving those memories. I poured out all my feelings, he said. A book launch will be held in Portarlington on December 7 at McCann park GAA Centre at 8.00pm and all will be welcome. The issue of homelessness in Ireland was at the forefront of minds at St Mary's CBS Portlaoise recently, when a group of students decided to do a sleepout to raise money for charity. A group of 22 Transition Years and three staff returned to school on the stormy night of Friday October 12 to take part in Focus Ireland's 'Shine a Light 2018', an event that hundreds took part in all around Ireland. They started the sleepout in the courtyard of the school, but with a yellow weather warning in place, it was decided to move inside to the hall. Eadaoin O'Connell is the TY co-ordinator. Focus Ireland advised us to make alternate arrangements and with the heavy rain later in the night it was just as well. It is lucky we had that alternative, but homeless people are facing the elements on a nightly basis, she said. The campaign was a first for the school, and she was delighted with the support the volunteers received. We set up a GoFundMe account, the students had sponsorship cards and we did a bucket collection in the school on the Friday. People were very generous. We hope it has raised in the region of 1,000, and we hope to build on this next year, she said. The junior classes helped with publicity, making posters that were stuck up around the school. The sleepout lasted from 9pm on Friday until 8am Saturday, and all enjoyed the camraderie of the night, while becoming increasingly aware of the difficulty of sleeping on the ground. We brought in a sound system and the boys played cards and played music. Some of them slept quite well but we teachers only got about three hours sleep as we wanted to be sure they were supervised at all times, she said. There was a welcome breakfast at 6.30am on Saturday morning, donated by the school caterers, Rafters Restaurant. A lady from Rafters got up at 5am to cook breakfast rolls and bring them in, they were very welcome,Ms O'Connell said. The overall amount raised has now been confirmed at 1,149. Focus Ireland is a charity that helps homeless people to find homes, and campaigns to end homelessness. See www.Focus Ireland.ie The board of the Oslo Museum traveled to Athy at the weekend for the Shackleton Autumn School. Directors of The Fram Museum, which is tells the story of polar exploration, gathered at the 18th annual Ernest Shackleton Autumn School, which took place at the Athy Heritage Centre Museum from Friday to Monday last. The Autumn School, which was opened by the Norwegian Ambassador to Ireland, Her Excellency, Else Berit Eikeland, commemorates the achievements of Kilkea-born 20th century explorer Shackleton. Shackletons 1914-16 Endurance Expedition to the Antarctic is regarded as one of the epic stories of human survival. The Autumn School featured lectures and tours centred on the life and achievements of Shackleton, an exhibition, film show, sculpture class, and the launch of, The Spectral Arctic: A History of Ghosts and Dreams in Polar Exploration, a book by Shane McCorristine. The Ernest Shackleton Autumn School is a project of Athy Heritage Centre Museum, supported by Kildare Tourism. We hope the experiences of the board of the famous Fram Museum will serve as a calling card for Kildare, said Aine Mangan, CEO, Kildare Failte. We are very conscious of the role that the memory and achievements of Ernest Shackleton can play in developing the visitor offering in Kildare. Also, our county offers wonderful opportunities for corporate gatherings such as these, and we hope that this event will further build on Kildares relationship with the Fram Museum. We are grateful that the Board of the Fram Museum travelled to spend time commemorating Shackleton and exploring and enjoying a wealth of Kildare experiences. SEE ALSO: Athy prepares for Autumn School Irish Rail has no plans to build a second rail station to serve the Naas area despite a growing population and daily traffic traffic congestion on road route to Dublin. Spokesman Barry Kenny told a recent Naas Municipal District meeting that a business case would have to be made for a new station. And he also said any proposal would have to conform with national transport plans. Read also: Tyres under inflated on van seized by Kildare gardai Mr. Kenny also said that there would be no extra train carriages provided to augment the existing services until 2020 at the earliest. He also said additional trains could be leased but this cannot be done without modification work because the rail line widths in Europe and Ireland differ and he refuted the suggestion that Sallins cannot accommodate longer trains. Cllr Fintan Brett said the N7 is choc a bloc from 6.30am almost daily. He predicted this would continue even after work to upgrade the route concludes. He said it is clear that there is a demand for a better train service. He criticised the absence of plans for a better service and said the issue is being left on the long finger. Cllr. Seamie Moore said it is disappointing that a business case must be made when the N7 is congested. Referring to exploratory discussions that Kildare County Council has undertaken to develop a park and ride facility in the greater Naas area, Cllr Moore said Irish Rail is in competition with bus service providers and should be looking to expand train services. A murder trial has heard that the muzzle of the weapon was pressed against the head of a man, whose dismembered remains were found in the Grand Canal. Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis was giving evidence of his post-mortem exam to the Central Criminal Court this morning, Tuesday, October 30. Paul Wells Snr (50) of Barnamore Park, Finglas in Dublin has admitted shooting dead fellow Dubliner Kenneth OBrien and dismembering his body. However, the father-of-five has pleaded not not guilty to murdering the 33-year-old at his home in Barnamore Park on 15th or 16th January, 2016. He claims that the deceased had wanted him to murder Mr OBriens partner, so that he could take their child back to Australia, where he had previously lived. He told gardai that Mr OBrien had brought a gun to his house for this purpose but that he didnt want to do it. He said this resulted in a scuffle between them, that the gun fell, they both tried to get it, but that he got to it first and shot his friend in the back of the head. He said that he then panicked and chopped him into pieces with a chainsaw Mr OBrien had previously lent him. Dr Michael Curtis today gave evidence of the examinations he carried out on the 10 parts of Mr OBriens remains, which were recovered in a number of bags in the Grand Canal. These included the head, torso, both upper arms, both forearms, both thighs and both lower legs with attached feet. The hands were never found. He told Sean Gillane SC, prosecuting, that it appeared that the dismemberment had been done with a high-speed mechanical saw. He said the muscle and bone had been neatly sawed. He said that an x-ray had shown that one of the Tesco carrier bags recovered contained the head and two bricks. The head had appeared to contain metallic fragments. On further examination, he found a bullet entrance wound on the back of the head. He described it as an irregular wound, through which a little brain tissue had extruded. This is a contact entry wound, he testified. The muzzle of the weapon has been pressed against the head. He explained that all the products of the discharge had gone into the head, including the gas, which had caused the skull to balloon outwards. He said that the bullet had tracked forwards and very slightly downwards and was retained inside the cranial cavity. The brain was severely traumatised, he explained. It had destroyed the hypothalamus and midbrain. He concluded that his death had been caused by a bullet wound to the back of the head. It caused catastrophic brain injury and would have been instantaneously fatal, he said. Under cross examination by Michael OHiggins SC, defending, he agreed that the cutting was crude and there was nothing to indicate that the person dismembering the body displayed any anatomical knowledge. The jury also heard from members of Mr OBriens family today, Tuesday. His aunt, Lorraine OBrien, who was close in age to her nephew, had been very, very close to him growing up. Mr Gillane asked how he had been after returning home from Australia before Christmas. He was very happy, probably the happiest I had ever seen him, very relaxed, she said. We were all delighted he was home and he was delighted to be home. She knew that he hadnt officially come off the books with his Australian employer. He knew the company was in some financial difficulty, she said. He had heard a rumour there would be some redundancies. She said she got the impression that he planned to stay on as an employee on annual leave in the hope that he would be paid for redundancy. Under cross examination by Mr OHiggins, she agreed that she had described the deceased as very private in her statement to gardai. She had also said that he would always put his phone screen-side down so no-one could see if he got a message or who it was from. She had said that he had fobbed her off when she asked him about work. Hed said he wasnt stuck for money, wanted a good Christmas and would see what happened in the new year. Shed told gardai that shed asked what the the big secret was and that he would not make eye contact with her. She agreed with Mr OHiggins that hed bought a motorbike in Australia and also had a Pajero jeep there. They were sold before he came home, she said. She was not aware that hed told his employer in Australia that hed be back in January. She was aware that he had sent money back to his partner, but had left her short on occasions. She was asked about speaking to him about this, but being told that it was not a matter for her. I suppose I was crossing a line, she said. Mr OBriens sister, Jean OBrien, was also cross examined by Mr OHiggins. He asked her about telling gardai that if Mr OBrien didnt introduce her to someone it was because he didnt want her to know who that person was. Yes, she replied. He was my big brother so he always tried to protect me. She agreed that shed heard him tell the accused about one of his bosses in Australia. Hed said this man was up to his eyes in debts and was taking crack cocaine. He said hed dropped stuff off to a biker gang for him and had been invited into its clubhouse, where there were lots of bikes. Mr Wells had told him to stay out of it and not to get involved in any of their stuff. She agreed with Mr OHiggins that her brother had seemed to stop talking when he remembered she was there. The trial has now gone into legal argument and will continue before the jury tomorrow, Wednesday. Photo: The Canadian Press Actress Eryn Jean Norvill, center, leaves the Federal Court in Sydney, Australia, Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, after giving evidence during a defamation trial brought on by fellow actor Geoffrey Rush. The actress at the centre of Oscar-winning actor Geoffrey Rush's defamation trial told a Sydney court on Tuesday that he deliberately touched the side of her breast in a Shakespearean stage scene in which her character lay dead on the ground. Rush is suing the publisher of Sydney's The Daily Telegraph newspaper in the Federal Court for defamation over articles published in November that accused the 67-year-old Australian actor of behaving inappropriately toward actress Eryn Jean Norvill during the Sydney Theatre Company's production of "King Lear" in 2015 and 2016. Rush denies the claims against him and argues the articles portrayed him as a pervert and a sexual predator. Norvill never spoke to the newspaper before the articles were published and made her first public allegations against Rush during her testimony in court on Tuesday. The 34-year-old actress testified that she was playing King Lear's dead daughter Cordelia when Rush, playing the distraught father, stroked his hand across the side of her right breast and on to her hip during a preview performance. She said it hadn't happened before, with Rush usually touching her face and sometimes her head, shoulder and arm during the scene. "It couldn't have been an accident because it was slow and pressured," she told the court. During his testimony last week, Rush denied deliberately touching Norvill's breast, touching her lower back under her shirt when they were backstage or making lewd gestures and comments toward her. He became emotional when he said that in the scene where Norvill's character died, he imagined she was his "own real-life daughter and she'd been hit by a bus on the street where we live." While rehearsing the scene with her eyes closed, Norvill told the court she felt shocked, belittled and embarrassed on realizing that Rush was making "groping" gestures over her body to the tittering laughter of a "complicit" rehearsal room. Rush was bulging his eyes, licking his lips and smiling as he made the gestures, Norvill told the court. Norvill, who said she had longed to work with Rush before the production, said his allegedly lewd gestures and sexual innuendo became normalized in rehearsals, but she didn't complain because "his power was intimidating." "Everyone else didn't seem to have a problem about it, ... so I was looking at a room that was complicit; my director didn't seem to have a problem with it, so I felt quashed in terms of my ability to find allies," she said. Several times while waiting to walk on stage, Rush brushed his fingers against hers and traced them on the palm of her hand, she said. Norvill said once when he stroked her lower back, her "panic levels shot up" and she felt "unsafe and probably sad ... because I think Geoffrey's idea of friendship was different to mine." Under cross-examination by Rush's lawyer, Bruce McClintock, Norvill denied fabricating parts of her testimony. She said she "100 per cent" disagreed that her claim of sexual harassment by Rush was a "complete lie." McClintock also put to Norvill that she had made up an allegation about director Neil Armfield telling Rush his touching her during the death scene was becoming "creepy" and "unclear." Armfield told the trial last week he had no memory of making the comment and denied using the word "creepy." McClintock questioned her over an exchange of nickname messages in 2014 when she referred to Rush as "God of Generic Lust," ''Jersey Cream Filled Puff" and "Galapagos Lusty Thrust." When the lawyer suggested Rush was just continuing what Norvill had done in those messages by writing in 2016 that he thought about her "more than is socially appropriate," she replied, "I hadn't spent months sexually harassing him." Norvill agreed that an email she sent Rush during the final days of "King Lear" read as "quite loving," but said she was just trying to "keep it normal" and was not being sincere. The non-jury trial before Judge Michael Wigney is to continue Wednesday. THE ROW over whether the planned roundabout at ORourkes Cross, Bruree, on the M20 should be a four or a five legged roundabout continues. Conn Murray, CEO of Limerick City and County Council, was invited to a rare special meeting of the Cappamore-Kilmallock municipal district last month. The seven councillors asked Mr Murray to use his executive powers to rescind their decision to proceed with a 2m plan for a four legged roundabout in October, 2017. The councillors said a statement was made at that meeting in 2017 that councillors would have legal implications if they did not support a four-legged roundabout. The councillors all want a five-legged roundabout with a dedicated entry to the petrol station. Mr Murray declined to use his executive powers to rescind it. He said it is a matter of road safety as a fifth leg increases the percentage of accidents by 60%. At last weeks regular meeting, Cllr Ger Mitchell read out a motion he had submitted but wasnt on the agenda. He called on the council to rescind the decision to proceed with a four arm roundabout on the grounds that it was made on the basis of insufficient, inadequate, and/or complete information provided to the council prior to arriving at their decision. Specifically, the members were not advised of, or referred to the provisions of the TII guidelines of April 2017, said Cllr Mitchell. Meetings administrator, Mark Leahy said the legal advice he received is that those issues should have been raised at the original meeting. You cant go back and undo this, said Mr Leahy. Cllr Mitchell said he would get legal advice if necessary on his motion. LIMERICKS legal eagles are putting on a charity Strictly Come Dancing event featuring everything from the Argentine Tango to Salsa but no Jailhouse Rock. Members of Limerick Solicitors Bar Association, barristers of the South Western Circuit, Courts Service staff and the Law faculty in UL will be donning their dancing shoes for for two good causes. All monies raised will go to the Childrens Grief Centre and Mid-Western Cancer Foundation. Strictly Legal Eagles takes place in the South Court Hotel from 6.30pm on Thursday, November 1. Secretary of the Limerick Bar Association, Derek Walsh, of Keating Connolly Sellors Solicitors, came up with the idea and made his case to 19 others to take part. There has been an incredible response to this unique event. We are used to a courtroom and very few of us have any background whatsoever in dancing so this is completely out of our comfort zone. I am so grateful to all the dancers who have been brave enough to put themselves forward and who have dedicated their time to raise funds for these two worthy charities. There is a great atmosphere amongst the group of dancers, the practice has been super craic. I also want to thank the strictly committee who have dedicated so much of their time to organising the event, said Derek. The two charities are very close to his heart. A number of weeks after the birth of her second child, my sister Louise was diagnosed with a particularly aggressive form of metastatic breast cancer and she died last year at the age of 36, only 11 months after her diagnosis. During her brief illness, she was a champion for cancer awareness. Unfortunately her story is not unique and cancer affects so many families. The Mid-Western Cancer Foundation is our local cancer charity and all donations are used in this region to enhance services for patients attending the cancer centre at the University Hospital Limerick and for research at the University of Limerick. The Childrens Grief Centre is a support service for children like Louises two little girls who have lost a parent through death or otherwise and they provide an invaluable service to families in the region. The work of the Mid Western Cancer Foundation and Childrens Grief Centre is truly inspirational and they are such deserving charities, said Derek. The legal theme continues with the presenters Declan Copues BL, of Limericks Live 95FM, and solicitor, Will Leahy, of RTE. Attendees can expect lots of craic, fun, hopefully a few good, and bad, dance moves, said Derek. We have 20 dancers. The show will start at 7.30pm with an opening routine by the entire group. The couples will then do their individual routines which range from Argentine tango, freestyle, samba, strictly ballroom, latin mix, jitterbug, lindy charleston, charleston, salsa and jive. We have four special guests judges who will announce the winner at the end of the nigh, said Derek. It will be interesting to see if recognaissance is fixed after the judges decision! The dancers are Derek Walsh, Keating Connolly Sellors Solicitors and Ita Barrett, Holmes OMalley Sexton Solicitors; Donal Creaton, Holmes OMalley Sexton Solicitors, Jennifer Markham Law student, UL; Kieran ODonovan, Tynan ODonovan Solicitors, Lisa OBrien, McMahon OBrien Tynan Solicitors; Olan Buckley, Harrison ODowd Solicitors, Rebecca Treacy BL; John Battles, John Battles & Company Solicitors, Sinead Nolan, Mark Murphy & Company Solicitors; Ger ONeill, ONeill & Company Solicitors, Elizabeth Walsh, solicitor; Mark Potter, Kieran Mulcahy Solicitors, Maria Lane BL; Bryan Sheehan, David Sheehan & Company Solicitors, Hillary McSweeney, Courts Service; Pat Barriscale BL, Sarah Falvey, Holmes OMalley Sexton Solicitors; Philip Moloney BL, Mary Geary, McMahon OBrien Tynan Solicitors. Under the watchful eye of dance instructor, Bridget Harte, they have been rehearsing twice a week since early September. Stephanie Power, president of Limerick Solicitors Bar Association, praised the tremendous effort put in by Derek, the dancers and the strictly committee for two most deserving charities. For tickets, to sponsor, provide a spot prize or make a donation email secretary@limericksolicitorsbarassociation.com or log onto Strictly Legal Eagles Go Fund Me page. A TRAVELLER has been given six weeks to demolish horse sheds which he built without planning permission on a Limerick halting site. Patrick Casey, aged 39, of Toppins Field, Rathbane was convicted of breaching planning laws over his failure to comply with an enforcement notice which was served on him by Limerick City and County Council more than two years ago. Judge Marian OLeary was told the father-of-nine has been a local authority tenant since 1999 and that the sheds are located in an unused bay at the halting site. Following his clients conviction, solicitor Darach McCarthy asked that he be given six months to remove the sheds. He added that Mr Casey also needed time to make alternative arrangements regarding his horses. Judge OLeary commented the sheds were small and that Mr Casey would not need six months to complete the necessary works. She ordered that the sheds be removed by December 7, next. LIMERICK-based building contractor Roadbridge is part of a joint venture awarded the contract for Dublin Airports new North Runway. Transport minister Shane Ross has welcomed the announcement this Tuesday by the Dublin Airport Authority that the main construction contract for Dublin Airports new North Runway has been awarded to a joint venture comprising Roadbridge and Spanish infrastructure company FCC Construccion (FCC). Speaking prior to his departure from the airport, to Washington DC this morning, the Minister reiterated that he has always been acutely aware of the dependence of the national economy on Irelands airports. I remain fully supportive of the provision of additional runway capacity at Dublin Airport, he said. The airport experienced its seventh consecutive year of growth last year, welcoming close to 30 million passengers, and the importance of ensuring that we have adequate capacity at our biggest airport to drive national economic growth cannot be overstated. Project 2040 recognises, at a national level, the importance of delivering the North Runway as soon as possible, given its strategic importance for the whole country. Construction of the North Runway is due to be completed in early 2021. Preliminary works, included site clearance, road and services diversions and a series of archaeological surveys commenced in late December 2016. The Minister published a Review of the Capacity Needs of Ireland State Airports last week. A consultation on this review, which looks at the needs of the airports to 2050, is now underway and is expected to be completed before the end of the year. Roadbridge, based at Crossagalla in Ballysimon, won company of the year at the annual Limerick Chamber business awards last year. Speaking after picking up the award, Conor Gilligan, the managing director of the firm which specialises in roads, civil engineering and waste water management projects said the firm was setting itself to future growth. He said Roadbridge employs 50 people in its city offices plus a further 60 contractors working on Irish Water infrastructure locally. Globally, the firm has 1,000 people on its books 400 in Ireland. THE BODY of a Romanian national, who died from a heroin overdose in a fast food restaurant in the city, has remained at a Limerick morgue for 18 months due to expensive repatriation costs, an inquest has heard. Petru Lascarache, aged 36, of no fixed abode, was found unresponsive by staff members in a toilet cubicle in McDonalds on Cruises Street on the afternoon of Friday, March 3, 2017. Addressing the coroners court on Catherine Street this Tuesday, Insp Helen Costelloe, of Henry Street garda station, read depositions by witnessesstaff, management and paramedicswho were at the scene of the sudden death. At 3pm, Larysa Troka informed her work colleague Shane Simmons that a male was in the upstairs toilet for some time. Mr Simmons said that when the cubicle door was opened, he saw the male slumped over the toilet on the floor, and that there was no response from him. He then informed shift manager Anne Marie Naughton, before searching for a defibrillator at a number of retail outlets nearby, securing one at Arthurs Quay shopping centre. As emergency services were alerted to the scene, Ms Naughton checked for breath and pulse. At that time, I didnt get a pulse, she said, adding that she knew that the man had gone into cardiac arrest. Business manager Violeta Karbauskaite said the mans clothes were cut as they prepared the defibrillator, which said shock not advised. CPR was carried out at the scene by staff, the court heard. Paramedics Mary OBrien and Sharon Hayes, attached to the Dooradoyle station, attended the scene. Ms OBrien said that there were no signs of life upon examination. Advanced life support was administered, but there were no signs of improvement, she said. She added that drug paraphernalia was on the mans person and there were signs of drug use on his body. Dr Anne-Marie Dineen, who pronounced Mr Lascarache dead at 5.30pm, said there were marks on his body that suggested intravenous drug use. Gda Thomas Casey, of Henry Street garda station, said he was on patrol when he was called to the scene at 4.43pm. He told the court that the deceased was identified by his fingerprints through Interpol, and that his body remains at the morgue at UHL. Coroner John McNamara said that he understood contact was made with the Romanian Embassy, and that the family was in no position to repatriate the body, adding it can be quite an expensive process. Mr McNamara said that he would be making contact with authorities to arrange a burial for Mr Lascarache. Pathologist Dr Gabor Laskai said that the cause of death was heroin overdose. Returning a verdict of misadventure, Mr McNamara said it was an unintended outcome of the circumstances and that it would appear he had suffered with drug problems. Mr McNamara commended the McDonalds staff for their efforts and expressed his condolences to the family of Mr Lascarache. Photo: Contributed Premier John Horgan and Opposition Leader Andrew Wilkinson have set a date to debate the merits of electoral reform. The two leaders will take part in a 30-minute debate to be televised on Global BC and broadcast on CKNW radio on Nov. 8, at 7 p.m. A mail-in referendum is already underway in British Columbia, with ballots mailed to eligible voters asking them to decide on proportional representation or the current first-past-the-post system. Ballots can be returned by mail or dropped off at several locations around the province, but must be received by Nov. 30, with results expected sometime in December. The B.C. New Democratic Party says on its website that proportional representation is "used by democracies around the world, provides more choice for voters, more accountability, and more collaboration between parties." Wilkinson says in a news release that the referendum is "a stacked deck in a rigged game," and he accuses the New Democrats of manipulating basic constitutional rights to change B.C.'s voting system. The debate will be moderated by CKNW talk show host Lynda Steele and CBC morning show host Stephen Quinn. On Jan. 17 1803, a young man named George Forster was hanged for murder at Newgate prison in London. After his execution, as often happened, his body was carried ceremoniously across the city to the Royal College of Surgeons, where it would be publicly dissected. What actually happened was rather more shocking than simple dissection though. Forster was going to be electrified. The experiments were to be carried out by the Italian natural philosopher Giovanni Aldini, the nephew of Luigi Galvani, who discovered "animal electricity" in 1780, and for whom the field of galvanism is named. With Forster on the slab before him, Aldini and his assistants started to experiment. The Times newspaper reported: On the first application of the process to the face, the jaw of the deceased criminal began to quiver, the adjoining muscles were horribly contorted, and one eye was actually opened. In the subsequent part of the process, the right hand was raised and clenched, and the legs and thighs were set in motion. It looked to some spectators "as if the wretched man was on the eve of being restored to life." By the time Aldini was experimenting on Forster the idea that there was some peculiarly intimate relationship between electricity and the processes of life was at least a century old. Isaac Newton speculated along such lines in the early 1700s. In 1730, the English astronomer and dyer Stephen Gray demonstrated the principle of electrical conductivity. Gray suspended an orphan boy on silk cords in mid air, and placed a positively charged tube near the boy's feet, creating a negative charge in them. Due to his electrical isolation, this created a positive charge in the child's other extremities, causing a nearby dish of gold leaf to be attracted to his fingers. In France in 1746 Jean Antoine Nollet entertained the court at Versailles by causing a company of 180 royal guardsmen to jump simultaneously when the charge from a Leyden jar (an electrical storage device) passed through their bodies. It was to defend his uncle's theories against the attacks of opponents such as Alessandro Volta that Aldini carried out his experiments on Forster. Volta claimed that "animal" electricity was produced by the contact of metals rather than being a property of living tissue, but there were several other natural philosophers who took up Galvani's ideas with enthusiasm. Alexander von Humboldt experimented with batteries made entirely from animal tissue. Johannes Ritter even carried out electrical experiments on himself to explore how electricity affected the sensations. Actor Boris Karloff as Frankenstein's monster, 1935. (Image credit: Wikimedia) The idea that electricity really was the stuff of life and that it might be used to bring back the dead was certainly a familiar one in the kinds of circles in which the young Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley the author of Frankenstein moved. The English poet, and family friend, Samuel Taylor Coleridge was fascinated by the connections between electricity and life. Writing to his friend the chemist Humphry Davy after hearing that he was giving lectures at the Royal Institution in London, he told him how his "motive muscles tingled and contracted at the news, as if you had bared them and were zincifying the life-mocking fibres." Percy Bysshe Shelley himself who would become Wollstonecraft's husband in 1816 was another enthusiast for galvanic experimentation. Vital knowledge Aldini's experiments with the dead attracted considerable attention. Some commentators poked fun at the idea that electricity could restore life, laughing at the thought that Aldini could "make dead people cut droll capers." Others took the idea very seriously. Lecturer Charles Wilkinson, who assisted Aldini in his experiments, argued that galvanism was "an energizing principle, which forms the line of distinction between matter and spirit, constituting in the great chain of the creation, the intervening link between corporeal substance and the essence of vitality." In 1814 the English surgeon John Abernethy made much the same sort of claim in the annual Hunterian lecture at the Royal College of Surgeons. His lecture sparked a violent debate with fellow surgeon William Lawrence. Abernethy claimed that electricity was (or was like) the vital force while Lawrence denied that there was any need to invoke a vital force at all to explain the processes of life. Both Mary and Percy Shelley certainly knew about this debate Lawrence was their doctor. By the time Frankenstein was published in 1818, its readers would have been familiar with the notion that life could be created or restored with electricity. Just a few months after the book appeared, the Scottish chemist Andrew Ure carried out his own electrical experiments on the body of Matthew Clydesdale, who had been executed for murder. When the dead man was electrified, Ure wrote, "every muscle in his countenance was simultaneously thrown into fearful action; rage, horror, despair, anguish, and ghastly smiles, united their hideous expression in the murderer's face." Ure reported that the experiments were so gruesome that "several of the spectators were forced to leave the apartment, and one gentleman fainted." It is tempting to speculate about the degree to which Ure had Mary Shelley's recent novel in mind as he carried out his experiments. His own account of them was certainly quite deliberately written to highlight their more lurid elements. Frankenstein might look like fantasy to modern eyes, but to its author and original readers there was nothing fantastic about it. Just as everyone knows about artificial intelligence now, so Shelley's readers knew about the possibilities of electrical life. And just as artificial intelligence (AI) invokes a range of responses and arguments now, so did the prospect of electrical life and Shelley's novel then. The science behind Frankenstein reminds us that current debates have a long history and that in many ways the terms of our debates now are determined by it. It was during the 19th century that people started thinking about the future as a different country, made out of science and technology. Novels such as Frankenstein, in which authors made their future out of the ingredients of their present, were an important element in that new way of thinking about tomorrow. Thinking about the science that made Frankenstein seem so real in 1818 might help us consider more carefully the ways we think now about the possibilities and the dangers of our present futures. Iwan Morus, Professor of History, Aberystwyth University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Follow all of the Expert Voices issues and debates and become part of the discussion on Facebook, Twitter and Google +. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. This version of the article was originally published on Live Science On this day (Oct. 30) 80 years ago, actor Orson Welles announced to audiences in a chilling radio performance that Martians were invading New Jersey, leading terrified listeners to believe that Earth was under attack by hostile aliens. But the so-called news was fake. Welles' infamous performance was a dramatization of the H.G. Wells science-fiction classic, "The War of the Worlds," and was part of a weekly series of dramatic broadcasts created in collaboration with the Mercury Theatre on the Air for CBS, according to a transcript of the program. Thanks to decades of space research, understanding of extraterrestrial life has come a long way since Welles' radio play, and it's generally understood that Mars isn't home to an advanced alien civilization with lethal weaponry and spacecraft. Public fascination with extraterrestrials still runs high; however, a modern announcement about alien creatures would likely spur a very different response today than "The War of the Worlds" did in 1938, experts told Live Science. [9 Strange, Scientific Excuses for Why We Haven't Found Aliens Yet] During the radio transmission, an actor posing as a news announcer interrupted a scheduled music performance. With a tone of rising alarm, he described telescope observations of "three explosions" on Mars, then brought in on-the-scene reporting from Grover's Mill, a town near Princeton, New Jersey. As the drama unfolded, performers posing as witnesses described unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and "strange creatures" firing a futuristic heat ray that had killed dozens of people. Though the program was peppered with reminders that it was theatrical, many people who tuned in thought that the alien invasion was real, and breathless newspaper headlines later described widespread panic caused by the prospect of an alien invasion. "Thousands of listeners rushed from their homes in New York and New Jersey, many with towels across their faces to protect themselves from the 'gas' which the invader was supposed to be spewing forth," the Daily News reported the next day. On October 31, 1938, the front page of the New York newspaper the Daily News noted the panic sparked by Welles' broadcast. (Image credit: New York Daily News Archive/Getty) While radio listeners may have fallen for the tale of a Martian invasion, space scientists of the day were already well aware that Mars wasn't capable of harboring a thriving civilization of intelligent aliens, Seth Shostak, a senior astronomer with the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence Institute (SETI) in California, told Live Science. "Certainly, by the late 1930s, no one believed it.There was increasing knowledge from astronomers: Mars has a very thin atmosphere; there's not much oxygen; we don't see any liquid water on the surface," Shostak said. All this suggested that if we did have intelligent cosmic company in the universe, it wasn't on Mars or even in our solar system, he explained. In fact, the violent episode Welles described is by far the least likely scenario for how humans might first encounter extraterrestrial life, according to science writer Michael Wall, author of "Out There: A Scientific Guide to Alien Life, Antimatter and Human Space Travel (For the Cosmically Curious)" (Grand Central Publishing, Nov. 11, 2018). Alien microbes, not alien monsters A militaristic alien attack would involve extraterrestrials that are not only intelligent and technically advanced, but who also know that humans exist and can travel to our solar system, Wall told Live Science. An improbable number of variables would have to fall into place for that to happen. A stronger possibility is that our first encounter with alien life will be through finding microbes from other worlds, which are far more likely to be common across all the cosmos than intelligent organisms, said Wall, who is a senior writer at Live Science's sister site Space.com. Today, an announcement about discovering extraterrestrial microbes is far more likely to promote fascination than panic, he said. "With all the news about exoplanets [planets outside our solar system], people are primed for this," Wall said. "Those who are paying attention know how much habitable real estate is out there. And it just makes sense that if there's something out there that it'd be microbial." However, even though microbes may well be the first "aliens" that we'll encounter, that doesn't rule out the possibility of detecting intelligent extraterrestrial communications, Shostak told Live Science. [Greetings, Earthlings! 8 Ways Aliens Could Contact Us] Eavesdropping on aliens SETI scans the skies daily for radio signals that might be produced by forms of intelligent life. And even though there's probably far less intelligent life in the universe than there is microbial life, intelligent extraterrestrials could potentially broadcast their presence over much greater distances. "Microbes can make oxygen in the atmosphere. But intelligent life could make giant lasers or radio transmitters, so you might be able to hear them from farther away," Shostak said. One way we might find distant aliens is through detection of their radio signals, the subject of SETI's tireless searches using the Allen Telescope Array at the Hat Creek Radio Observatory in California. But SETI is also building equipment to search for possible extraterrestrial signals produced by laser beams, Shostak said. Of course, finding these signals requires that purported intelligent aliens are aiming them in our general direction. Nevertheless, Shostak is confident that one of these signals will be detected sooner than you think. "I bet a lot of people a cup of coffee that we'll find something within two dozen years," Shostak said. "And that's because equipment is getting better and better." A first meeting with E.T. via microbes or faraway signal transmissions would certainly be a lot less frightening than hearing about weapon-toting, tentacled creatures setting fire to our cities. After the broadcast, Welles claimed that he had no idea people would take the program so seriously; he issued an apology saying "it was a terribly shocking experience to realize that I had caused such widespread terror," The Daily Princetonian reported on Nov. 1, 1938. Editor's note: This article was corrected to note that Orson Welles did not play the announcer in the radio broadcast (Welles performed as the narrator and as the character Professor Richard Pierson). Originally published on Live Science. Exploring the deep (Image credit: Ocean Exploration Trust/NOAA) The E/V Nautilus has been working with the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary to send their underwater remotely-operated vehicles (ROVs) to unexplored regions of the Davidson Seamount, about 80 miles (129 kilometers) off the coast of Monterey, California. The researchers discovered an abundance of octopuses in the area an "Octopalooza," if you will. Read more about the expedition at the Nautilus website. Brooding eggs (Image credit: Ocean Exploration Trust/NOAA) During one of its dives, the Nautilus' ROV spotted several octopuses huddled in the rocks. Look closely and you can see the shiny white eggs beneath those tentacles. Dedicated mothers (Image credit: Ocean Exploration Trust/NOAA) Octopus mothers nestle in the rocks to lay their eggs. They wrap their arms around their heads and sit on top of the eggs to keep them safe and clean. Rivers of octopuses (Image credit: Ocean Exploration Trust/NOAA) The ROV cruised over hundreds of octopus moms lined up in the rocks. The researchers identified them as Muusoctopus robustus. Neatly tucked in (Image credit: Ocean Exploration Trust/NOAA) The discovery of the octopus nursery was unprecedented in this region. A similar but smaller aggregation has been found once before off the coast of Costa Rica. Read more about the giant gathering of octopus mothers. Not alone (Image credit: Ocean Exploration Trust/NOAA) There were numerous other creatures in the octopus nursery, too, such as sea anemones, snails and shrimp. Eight-legged wonders (Image credit: Ocean Exploration Trust/NOAA) In a different spot, this beautiful dark-red octopus kept its large eyes on the ROV. Color shifers (Image credit: Ocean Exploration Trust/NOAA) The octopus didn't stay dark-red for long. Many species of octopus can change the color and even the texture of their skin. A diverse group (Image credit: Ocean Exploration Trust/NOAA) There are more than 200 species of octopus and they come in a wide variety of sizes from the 16-foot (5 meters) Pacific octopus (Enteroctopus dofleini) to the tiny pygmy octopus (Octopus wolfi) that's smaller than an inch. [Check out this tiny baby octopus.] No dummies here (Image credit: Ocean Exploration Trust/NOAA) Octopuses are highly intelligent creatures. They're capable of solving complex puzzles and have been known to escape their enclosures. Advanced dexterity (Image credit: Ocean Exploration Trust/NOAA) Their arms have a mind of their own. About two-thirds of an octopus's neurons are in their arms, according to the Ocean Exploration Trust. A minuscule beetle trapped in amber for 99 million years reveals that Myanmar was once one with South America. The rare find, a new species called Propiestus archaicus, is an ancestor of detritus-dwelling rove beetles, which are found today only in South America and in southern Arizona. The discovery of this anthropod ancestor from the Cretaceous period in Myanmar (formerly Burma) helps clarify when and how the continents shifted from two huge land masses then to the seven continents we know today. [Image Gallery: Tiny Insect Pollinators Trapped in Amber] "Although Propiestus went extinct long ago, our finding probably shows some amazing connections between [the] Southern Hemisphere and Myanmar," lead study author Shuhei Yamamoto, a researcher at the Chicago Field Museum, said in a statement. Tiny treasure Yamamoto coaxed the beetle fossil from a penny-size piece of amber found in the Hukawng Valley of northern Myanmar. The amber is hardened tree sap from the Late Cretaceous period, which was dirtied and opaque from ages of accumulated dirt and organic material. Yamamoto used delicate tools and sandpaper to cut and polish the amber just enough to make the beetle visible. The rove beetle Propiestus archaicus is only 0.1 inches (3 millimeters) long. Its modern relatives are found in South America, except for one species from Arizona. (Image credit: (c) Field Museum, Shuhei Yamamoto) "There wouldn't have been a lot of space available in the beetle's habitat, so it was important to be able to detect everything," Yamamoto said. Modern relatives Today, rove beetles are a huge group, with more than 63,650 species found worldwide. The subfamily that P. archaius belongs to, Piestus, is today exclusively a Southern Hemisphere phenomenon, except for one species found in southern Arizona, the researchers reported today (Oct. 30) in the Journal of Systematic Palaeontology. This is the first time a member of the subfamily has been found in Burmese amber, the researchers wrote, though a couple of related fossils have been found in rock in northeastern China. Along with other fossils of insects found in Burmese amber, the tiny new beetle suggests that Myanmar was once part of Gondwanaland, a sprawling megacontinent that formed after the breakup of Pangea. It consisted of much of the continental mass that makes up the Southern Hemisphere continents today. During the Cretaceous period, Gondwanaland itself was rifting apart into land masses more recognizable as today's continents. Tracing the location of today's species and their fossil ancestors can help pinpoint when those rifts occurred. Though DNA evidence would be necessary to truly pin down Piestus' historical journeys, the researchers wrote, it seems possible that the group originated in Gondwanaland. "Our finding fits well with the hypothesis that, unlike today, Myanmar was once located in the Southern Hemisphere," Yamamoto said. Originally published on Live Science. The newest iceberg to break off of Pine Island Glacier is large enough to cover Manhattan with ice five times over. An enormous iceberg about five times the size of Manhattan broke off Antarctica's Pine Island Glacier yesterday (Oct. 29), a mere month after a crack first appeared, satellite imagery shows. "I was a bit surprised" it broke off that quickly, said Stef Lhermitte, an assistant professor in the Department of Geoscience and Remote Sensing at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands. Since spotting the crack in early October, Lhermitte had guessed that the icebergs would take weeks or months to calf, "but it turned out to be on the quick side," he told Live Science. [Photo Gallery: Antarctica's Pine Island Glacier Cracks] At 115 square miles (300 square kilometers), the enormous amount of ice that calved off the glacier's ice shelf is even larger than the mass that broke off last year, Lhermitte said. However, the newborn iceberg didn't stay in one piece for long. Within a day, it had splintered into smaller pieces, with the largest piece measuring a substantial 87 square miles (226 square km) before it later broke apart even more, Lhermitte said. The biggest iceberg was large enough to receive a name, but it's not yet clear whether this will happen, given that it existed for such a short time. But, if it does get a moniker, it will likely be called B-46 by the U.S. National Ice Center, Lhermitte said. Lhermitte first noticed the crack that led to this giant calving event while looking at an Oct. 3 satellite image. Lhermitte said he gets a satellite image of the Pine Island Glacier in his inbox every day, "and all of a sudden I saw something I didn't see the day before," he told Live Science at the time. But, after going back and looking at images from Sentinel-1, a satellite run by the European Space Agency, Lhermitte found that the crack actually appeared the last week of September, between Sept. 25 and 30. By compiling satellite images together, Lhermitte made a GIF showing how rapidly the iceberg cracked off from the ice shelf. (Image credit: Landsat OLI imagery processed by Stef Lhermitte, Delft University of Technology) Even more dramatic is a time-lapse from 1972 to 2018, showing how the ice shelf has retreated over the years. It's natural for ice sheets to grow and shrink over time, as this time-lapse shows. But in 2015, the ice sheet dramatically retreated, and then continued to retreat until present day without showing any growth, Lhermitte said. (Image credit: Landsat OLI imagery processed by Stef Lhermitte, Delft University of Technology) For years, the ice sheet was hitting a shallow point on the ocean floor, called a pinning point, which might have kept it from regressing too far back, Lhermitte said. "After 2015, it lost the connection with this pinning point, which could explain the retreat in 2015 and 2017," Lhermitte said. "And now this [ice shelf break] is about 5 kilometers [3.1 miles] farther inland." Moreover, Pine Island Glacier appears to be calving icebergs more frequently than it used to. In early 2000, the glacier birthed icebergs about once every six years, with calving events happening in 2001, 2007 and 2013. But since 2013, there were four of them: in 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2018, Lhermitte said. "The retreat we see now is outside of what we have observed [in modern times]," Lhermitte said. And that's concerning because ice shelves are key structural elements for glaciers; they slow the flow of ice into the ocean, much like dirt in a clogged drain impedes the flow of water, he said. See more It's unclear exactly why Pine Island Glacier is calving icebergs more frequently than before. Warm, deep ocean water is melting the ice shelf from beneath. "That depends on climate, but this warm water getting there is also driven by how the wind patterns change," Lhermitte said. "It's very difficult to say that this is climate change because we're still figuring out how it all works." Originally published on Live Science. A worker was killed Monday afternoon at a Napa vineyard after getting stuck in a grape harvesting machine. The Napa man was working near the machine at Deconinck Vineyards when his clothing caught in it, pulling him in and killing him, according to Chet Schneider, a spokesman for the Napa County Sheriffs Office. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The vineyard, which is part of Beaucanon Winery, has had no prior worker safety issues, according to a database run by the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Cal/OSHA is investigating the incident. Though worker deaths are rare in Wine Country, they are not unheard of. Last spring, a Fairfield man died when the tractor implement he was cleaning at a Sonoma Valley vineyard crushed him. He was found underneath the machinery at Arrowhead Vineyard. The Sheriffs Office could not confirm what type of grape harvesting machine the unidentified man was working near. Mechanical machines vary from the more basic type, which look like tractors, to expensive models that rapidly sort and de-stem the fruit. And while there has been resistance to mechanical harvesting among high-end wineries, especially in Napa and Sonoma counties, which see hand-picked grapes as an essential component of their premium products, the machines are becoming more common. In 2017, about 80 percent of all California grapes were harvested by machine. Deconinck Vineyards did not immediately respond to calls for comment. San Francisco Chronicle staff writer Esther Mobley contributed to this report. Lizzie Johnson is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: ljohnson@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @LizzieJohnsonnn NEW YORK - Orson Welles, in "The Third Man," posited a cynical theory of what makes some cultures creative and others not: "In Switzerland, they had brotherly love, they had 500 years of democracy and peace - and what did that produce? The cuckoo clock." This isn't a fair summation of the creative potential of peace or democracy, and only slightly more accurate about the cultural accomplishments of the Swiss. But an exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art seems to prove the same thing by inverting the logic. A sumptuous survey of early Christian art in Armenia suggests that no matter how scattered the people, no matter how frequent the wars or painful the disruptions, nothing could dim the Armenian cultural efflorescence. "Armenia: Art, Religion and Trade in the Middle Ages" surveys Christian creativity from the origins of Armenian Christianity in the 4th through the 17th centuries, when the circulation of printed books connected the region and its people to the broader cultural currents of the Renaissance. Most of the more than 140 objects on display speak to the role of Christianity in the cultural definition of the Armenian people. When early-4th-century King Tiridates converted his country to the religion, Armenia became the first nation to officially adopt the new faith, and a four-side carved stella from the 4th to 5th centuries underscores the colorful legends that grew up around that decision. One panel shows a richly dressed man with a boar's head, probably Tiridates, whose path to conversion begins with a murderous assault on Christian nuns, for which he was magically transformed into a boar-headed figure, before finally seeing the error of his ways and adopting the new dogma. (He apparently returned to human form.) That story contains a bit of the Odyssey or some other contemporaneous legend mixed in, and that becomes a recurrent theme of the exhibition. The Armenians were consistently stuck between larger and contentious powers, between the Byzantine Empire and Persians, and often unhappily on the front lines of incursions into the Mediterranean world by the Mongols. Arab forces inspirited with Islam were a threat, the Mamluks menaced, and large parts of the Armenian homeland were ruled at times by Umayyads, Abbasids and Seljuks. The Crusader states established along the eastern Mediterranean by Western Europeans in the 12th and 13th centuries became another power to contend with, sometimes offering chances for constructive alliance, sometimes a more coercive force, but generally a fruitful source of new iconography and cultural exchange. Armenia also straddled major trade routes linking East and West, and much of the exhibition details the wealth and variety of objects that eventually made their way into Armenian strongholds that were secure enough to preserve prosperity for a time. A delicate white ceramic bowl looks like Chinese manufacture but was probably made in Iran in the 11th to 12th century. A page from a 13th-century chronicle by Matthew Paris in England shows Noah's ark resting on a stumpy mountain, visual evidence of one of Armenia's most striking claims to Judeo-Christian centrality, as the final resting spot of the floating menagerie atop Mount Ararat. The habit of syncretic thinking runs deep in the material on view. In three manuscripts, the same nearly identical figure of a fantastic composite beast appears, some kind of four-legged griffin, with its body composed of other animals, including fish and perhaps birds, and even a few human heads. It appears in a pattern book probably used by manuscript illustrators and in a 16th-century illustration from an Armenian translation of the Alexander Romance (a fanciful collection of legends and tales of the historical conqueror of the ancient world). It shows up again, slightly altered, in another edition of the same book, the Romance of Alexander. In the pattern book, it is probably a mythical figure taken from Persian or Mughal sources, but in the Alexander romance, it represents the great warrior's horse, Bucephalus. And why not? We think with the thoughts we have ready to hand, repurposing old ideas for new needs. One might say the illustrator lacked imagination and left us an absurdity; or one might acknowledge that the same mental methodology has given us our new religions, new philosophies and new political ideologies. Armenian culture didn't just absorb the currents flowing through and around it. Diffusion was an essential force, as well, as Armenian diaspora grew up in cities around the world. Armenians played a vital role in the Byzantine Empire, formed communities in Jerusalem and Aleppo and Constantinople, intermarried with the French crusaders, resettled in Crimea and established footholds along pilgrimage routes in Italy. Some of the most stunning pieces on display are from New Julfa, a suburb of Isfahan in what is now Iran. The Armenian community began there after some 150,000 Armenians were forced out of the old city of Julfa in what is now Azerbaijan. The relocation was painful, but under the relatively benevolent protection of the Safavids, the Armenians thrived in New Julfa, commissioning books, building churches and elegant homes, and serving as an essential source of funding to the shahs. But consider a carved stone "Khachkar," a distinctive religious stella depicting the cross, and one of several exquisite examples of this particularly Armenian form on view. It was made in the old city of Julfa in 1586, and near the end of the period covered in this exhibition (roughly the 17th century), there were some 10,000 of them preserved in Julfa. Many were lost during the construction of a railroad in 1903-1904, though about 3,000 remained near the end of 1990s. Only about 30 survive today, after the army of Azerbaijan destroyed them between 1998 and 2005, one of several infamous assaults on Armenian culture, including the Turkish genocide near the end of World War I. Those crimes remain unacknowledged by their perpetrators, unpunished and unatoned for. And that might make one rethink first thoughts: that Armenians somehow proved that culture can thrive despite violence and disruption. Cultures can, and have. But how might Armenian culture have thrived had it enjoyed the stability and prosperity that gave the Swiss their cuckoo clocks? --- "Armenia: Art, Religion, and Trade in the Middle Ages" is on view at the Metropolitan Museum of Art through Jan. 13. For information, visit metmuseum.org. The Needville Education Foundation (NEF) Board of Directors is busy reviewing and scoring academic grant applications submitted by teachers throughout Needville ISD. Once decisions are finalized as to which requests will be met, board members will join NEF Executive Director Shelley Krauss, Needville ISD Superintendent Curtis Rhodes and Assistant Superintendent Beth Briscoe in surprising teachers as they distribute the grants during the holiday season. When teachers return to their classrooms in the new year, their items should be there, ready to implement into the classrooms, said Krauss. In the meantime, she and NEF board members are busy celebrating the fifth year of the organizations existence and planning for its fifth annual Blue Jean Ball. Everything we raise at our Blue Jean Ball is for funding amazing educational resources for our Blue Jays, Krauss said. Doors open at 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18, at Columbus Club Hall on Texas 36 South in Needville. A dinner of Schulzes barbecue with all the trimmings will be served at 6 p.m. and a live auction starts at 7 p.m. A silent auction will continue throughout the evening, drawing to a close at 9 p.m. Seth Sacra will once again serve as D.J., and Shorty Yeaman from YES Auctions is returning as auctioneer. Individual tickets are $25 and VIP tables are $500 for six guests, $1,000 for eight, or $2,500 for 12. The larger the VIP table, the more goodies come with it, said Krauss. I am excited to see new VIP sponsors join us this year Its an amazing feeling to know that as we grow, more businesses see the good we are doing for our school district and want to support Needville ISD teachers. Tickets are available at NISDs administration building located at 16227 Texas 36 South, or by emailing krausss@needvilleisd.com or calling Krauss at 281-509-5524 or 281-725-7815. Auction items are being accepted, and Krauss said they can be dropped off at the administration building or she will pick them up. We are in need of silent auction items such as baskets, homemade jellies or noodles, crafts, plants, art; anything is welcome, Krauss said. Just give me a call and Ill be glad to arrange for pick-up. Live-auction items are also very much appreciated. Game tickets, picnic tables, chairs, fishing poles, hunting trips and the like all have had great success with our buyers. The Blue Jean Ball is an adult-only event, she added. We truly appreciate the support of our community and want our teachers and guests to have a fun-filled evening. Washington The Pentagon said Monday it is sending 5,200 troops to the southern border in an extraordinary military operation ordered up just a week before midterm elections in which President Donald Trump has put a sharp focus on slow-moving caravans of Central American migrants, which are still hundreds of miles from the U.S. The number of troops being deployed is more than double the 2,000 who are in Syria fighting the Islamic State group. Trump, eager to keep voters focused on illegal immigration in the lead-up to the elections, stepped up his warnings about the caravans, tweeting, "This is an invasion of our Country and our Military is waiting for you!" But any migrants who complete the long trek to the southern U.S. border already face major hurdles both physical and bureaucratic to being allowed into the United States. The Pentagon's Operation Faithful Patriot was described by the commander of U.S. Northern Command as an effort to help Customs and Border Protection "harden the southern border" by stiffening defenses at and near legal entry points. Advanced helicopters will allow border protection agents to swoop down on migrants trying to cross illegally, said Air Force Gen. Terrence O'Shaughnessy. Troops planned to bring heavy concertina wiring to unspool across open spaces between ports. "We will not allow a large group to enter the U.S. in an unlawful and unsafe manner," said Kevin McAleenan, commissioner of Customs and Border Protection. Eight hundred troops already are on their way to southern Texas, O'Shaughnessy said, and their numbers will top 5,200 by week's end. Some of the troops will be armed. The troops will join the more than 2,000 National Guardsmen that Trump has already deployed to the border. It remained unclear Monday why the administration was choosing to send active-duty troops, given that they will be limited to performing the same support functions the Guard already is doing. Military personnel are legally prohibited from engaging in immigration enforcement. The number of people in the first migrant caravan headed toward the U.S. has dwindled to about 4,000 from about 7,000 last week, though a second one was gaining steam and marked by violence. About 600 migrants in the second group tried to cross a bridge from Guatemala to Mexico en masse Monday. The riverbank standoff with Mexican police followed a more violent confrontation Sunday when the migrants used sticks and rocks against officers. One migrant was killed Sunday night by a head wound, but the cause was unclear. The first group passed through the spot via the river wading or on rafts and was advancing through southern Mexico. That group appeared to begin as a collection of about 160 who decided to band together in Honduras for protection against gangs and snowballed as the group moved north. Migrants are entitled under both U.S. and international law to apply for asylum. But there already is a bottleneck of would-be asylum seekers waiting at some U.S. border crossings to make their claims. McAleenan said the aim of the operation was to deter migrants from crossing illegally, but he conceded his officers were overwhelmed by a surge of asylum seekers. He also said Mexico was prepared to offer asylum to members of the caravan. The White House is also weighing additional border security measures, including blocking those traveling in the caravan from seeking legal asylum and preventing them from entering the U.S. The military operation drew quick criticism. "Sending active military forces to our southern border is not only a huge waste of taxpayer money, but an unnecessary course of action that will further terrorize and militarize our border communities," said Shaw Drake of the American Civil Liberties Union's border rights center at El Paso, Texas. The escalating rhetoric over the migrants and expected deployments come as the president has been trying to turn the caravans into a key election issue. "This will be the election of the caravans, the Kavanaughs, law and order, tax cuts, and you know what else? It's going to be the election of common sense," Trump said at a rally on Saturday. Illinois officials are working to reverse an increase in fatal traffic crashes. Nearly 1,100 people died on state roads last year, the eighth-highest total in the country. Guy Tridgell, spokesman for the Illinois Department of Transportation, is concerned about the 2 percent rise in fatalities. One fatality is one too many, Tridgell said. Thats been our mantra for a long time and it still applies. Weve undergone several different efforts this year to drive those numbers down. The increase in Illinois comes at a time when national traffic fatalities are declining. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 37,133 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes on U.S. roads in 2017, down about 2 percent from the year before. Road fatalities in Illinois are at their highest level in more than a decade, and that has officials ramping up highway safety efforts. The Life or Death Illinois campaign was rolled out earlier this year, and drivers continue to see messages on electronic road signs. Were also convening a safety summit in Springfield [this week] with several state agencies to start looking at this problem in a more holistic way, Tridgell said. Well get some other ideas from other state agencies to get that number down to where it should be, which is zero. Tridgell said distracted driving and texting while behind the wheel continue to be problems on Illinois roads. The challenge for us and for law enforcement is thats often the hardest behavior to enforce, Tridgell said. What weve really been focusing on is letting drivers know the decisions they make behind the wheel ultimately impact these numbers. Its everybodys responsibility to be safe on Illinois roads. Officials said mild winter weather contributes to the increase, as that leads to more drivers, more crashes, and more fatalities. The economic recovery also could play a role. In general terms, when you have an economy thats doing well and gas prices are lower, you tend to see an increase in crashes and fatalities, just because more people are driving, Tridgell said. Tridgell is optimistic about efforts to push the fatality totals lower, and said the state has seen about 50 fewer fatalities year-to-date this year when compared to 2017. The vast majority of these accidents are avoidable, Tridgell said. Theyre the result of making wrong decisions behind the wheel. An Indiana woman is accused of writing a racist note targeting a black child who was moving into a new neighborhood with his family, using a racial slur and telling them, "THIS IS A WHITE NEIGHBORHOOD." Authorities said 63-year-old Deborah Cantwell, who is white, penned the letter and placed it on the new neighbors' front door this month near Greentown, Indiana. It warned the parents that one of their children, who authorities said is black, was "not welcome" in the community, according to court documents. It's unclear whether his parents are also black; police declined to comment further. A photo posted on GoFundMe, which appears to show the letter, revealed that a racial slur was used to describe the child. "We moved here to a WHITE TOWN, ALL WHITE NEIGHBORHOOD - FOR HEALTH REASONS AMONG OTHER THINGS. THIS IS OUR FOREVER HOME, WE CANNOT AFFORD TO MOVE - BESIDES THIS IS MY DREAM HOME AND WE HAVE BEEN HERE FOR A VERY LONG TIME," it read. It added that the family "SHOULD HAVE CONSIDERED THE NEIGHBORS" before bringing the child into the area. The letter continued, stating that "just the sight of the child reminds me of all the things I live in this town to forget." Authorities have not confirmed whether the photo shows the letter, but the text matches quotes found in the court records. Cantwell was arrested late last week on charges of intimidation and criminal mischief. She has since been released on bond. Officials with the Howard County Sheriff's Department said in a statement that deputies responded to the family's new home Oct. 13 about a letter that was found on the front door leading up to their move-in date. "The letter contained erroneous information concerning the property and also made derogatory racial comments towards a juvenile family member," according to the statement. Court records show that a family member told authorities that his family had not yet moved into the house but that he had stopped by the home about midnight and discovered that the trees had been toilet-papered. The "lengthy note" was attached to the door. In her letter, Cantwell said she has had "negative" experiences with black people, and seeing the child would cause stress. She urged them not to move into the house. Cantwell wrote in the letter that "YOU CAN SELL YOUR HOUSE AND MAKE MONEY ON IT RIGHT NOW," and added, "BY THE WAY HOPE YOU HAVE DEEP POCKETS," according to the court records. Authorities suspected Cantwell after the home's seller said Cantwell did not want the new family to buy the home, the records said. When investigators questioned Cantwell on Oct. 18, she admitted that she had written the letter because she was angry, suggesting that, throughout the years, black people held her father at gunpoint, stabbed an uncle and beat her sister. Cantwell told police that she delivered the note and toilet-papered the house out of "rage" and that "I was trying to vent," according to court documents. When asked whether she regretted her actions, Cantwell told police, "yes and no." "I am sorry that it caused so much ruckus, but I feel like I released some anger writing that letter," she said, according to the court documents. She added that had she received such a letter, "I'd want to get out of the neighborhood." It's unclear whether Cantwell has an attorney. She is due in court Nov. 19. A formal warning for assault is the only consequence handed down by Police at the conclusion of their investigation into the fight at the Raiders league club grounds in Stanmore Bay. The fight took place during a game between the Raiders and Mt Wellingtons premier teams on June 30. Fifteen Raiders club members were injured to the point where medical treatment was required. Initially, two men aged 27 and 26 were arrested in relation to the matter. However, Orewa Polices acting response manager Sergeant Nicholas Herd says Police were unable to proceed with prosecution due to a lack of cooperation from some of the parties involved. As a result, the charges laid by the Orewa Tactical Crime unit were withdrawn. One man pleaded guilty and received a formal warning for common assault. While the club considers the separate Auckland Rugby League (ARL) judicial findings and penalties unfair (HM August 1), Raiders chair Karen Gibbons says the club is satisfied with the Police investigation. She says Raiders members were the only ones injured and requiring medical care on the day, but there was insufficient evidence to prove who was responsible. Our members could not identify who hit them as some of them were king hit from behind and lost consciousness, Karen says. Without formal identification, we understand that no charges can be laid. No Raiders members were arrested for the incident and the club thanks Police for the support and communication they provided throughout the investigation. Raiders and Mt Wellington also attended a restorative justice meeting with ARL and Police. Karen says that it went quite well, with each chair talking freely about the situation and looking at options to move forward. She says members are still very emotional about the incident and next season, when it comes time to play Mt Wellington again, will be crunch time. It will be up to the Raiders Executive and Team Managements next year what decisions they will make with regards to future games against Mt Wellington. The focus of the club has always been to make a safe environment for our members. Sgt Herd says that if anyone wishes to speak to Police and provide any new information in relation to this matter, this will be assessed and dealt with appropriately. A representative body for Longford's Travelling community believe a growing cohort of its younger populace will feel shocked and let down by the county's electorate to vote in favour of businessman Peter Casey during last weekend's Presidential election. Longford Community Resources (LCRL) run a Traveller Healthcare Project with a view to improving the health and life expectancy of Travellers living in County Longford. ALSO READ: Surprise in Longford as voters back Casey over Higgins In a statement issued to the Leader yesterday (Tuesday), the body said it was still taking stock of Longford's decision to endorse the credentials of Mr Casey given his controversial comments in which he described the recognition of Traveller ethnicity as a load of nonsense. Longford Community Resources clg. (LCRL) was saddened by the pre-election campaign for the President of Ireland, where derogatory comments on the Traveller community and people on Social Welfare were allowed to escalate, often presented without a sound facts-check, read the statement. In light of Saturday's vote, which saw many rural areas give their backing to Casey, the group said it was imperative the work carried out by its six Community Health Workers in fostering close ties between settled and Traveller communities was not undone. The Community Health Workers, all members of the Longford Traveller Community, worry that after the results of these elections in Longford, younger Travellers will feel shocked and let down, while so much progress in terms of training, education and employment has actually been made. To read this story in full, see this week's Longford Leader. Local News, Crime, Community, Charity & Cause, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: October 30 2018 Dozens Gather in Show of Unity. Nassau County Executive Laura Curran speaking in the wake of the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. Mineola, NY - October 30, 2018 - Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, joined today by elected officials including Congressman Thomas Suozzi , Senators Todd Kaminsky, Elaine Phillips and John Brooks, District Attorney Madeline Singas, Comptroller Jack Schnirman, Presiding Officer Richard Nicolello, Minority Leader Kevan Abrahams, Legislator Arnold Drucker; area clergy members including Rabbi Jay Rosenbaum from Temple Israel in Lawrence , Rabbi Art Vernon from Congregation Shaaray Shalom in West Hempstead , Father Walter Kedjierski from the Diocese of Rockville Centre , Rabbi Kenny Hain of Beth Sholom in Lawrence; and community leaders including Isma Chaudhry from the Islamic Center of Long Island, spoke out against anti-Semitism, hateful speech and acts of violence. Dozens of supporters stood in solidarity and unity in the wake of the deadly shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. County Executive Curran called for all Nassau County residents to stand together in the memory of victims and end the hateful rhetoric that continues to fuel deadly incidents.The gathering, heldtoday on the steps of the Theodore Roosevelt Legislative and Executive Building in Mineola , offered support for those affected by the violence in Pennsylvania. Today, we all stand in solidarity with our Jewish community, said Curran. We are here to say we are together. We are with you. Your house of worship should always be a place of safe refuge, where community, love and faith are the focus. We will support our vibrant Jewish Community in every way. The health and safety of our residents is always our number one priority, said Curran. In response to the shooting, our police department stepped up patrols and performed a public safety analysis throughout the county. We will continue to be vigilant in the wake of this tragedy. At the close of todays gathering, Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder provided a security update on efforts to secure the safety of our Houses of Worship. Local News, Crime, Business & Finance, Arts & Culture, Press Releases, Politics By Long Island News & PR Published: October 30 2018 Funding will Boost Safety and Security at Non-Public Schools and Centers that may be Targets for Potential Hate Crimes. Albany, NY - October 30, 2018 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that the $10 million grant program to help protect New York's non-public schools and cultural centers, including religious-based institutions, against hate crimes is now accepting applications. Building upon the success of last year's first round which provided $14.8 million in grants, the program provides funding to help strengthen security measures and help prevent hate crimes or attacks against these facilities because of their ideology, beliefs or mission. Day care centers, including those that are housed in community centers, and non-profit cultural museums are also eligible to apply. Following the deadliest assault on the Jewish community in US History, Governor Cuomo will attend an Interfaith Prayer Vigil hosted by Central Synagogue in New York City this evening with New York Interfaith leaders, including Rabbi Angela Buchdal, Cardinal Dolan, Reverend Amy Butler, Pastor Amandus Derr and Rabbi Chaim Steinmets. Additionally, the Governor directed that flags on all state government buildings be flown at half-staff until sunset on Sunday, November 4 in honor of the victims of the shootings at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh and at a supermarket in Jeffersontown, Kentucky. "Here in New York, our diversity of races, cultures, religions and beliefs has always been our greatest strength and we need to protect that legacy," Governor Cuomo said. "Hate crimes have no place in New York and this funding will help those who are targeted due to their ideology, beliefs, or mission to take additional steps to increase the security of their facilities and keep our communities safe." "Following the horrific shooting at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, we are stepping up our efforts to ensure all New Yorkers are protected from hate crimes," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "In New York, our strength is our diversity and we will not tolerate hatred against individuals due to their culture, religion, or beliefs. This grant funding will enhance security measures at cultural centers, nonpublic schools, and religious institutions to keep New Yorkers safe." The grant, which is administered by the State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, will provide up to $50,000 in funding for additional security training needs, cameras and state-of-the-art technology, door-hardening, improved lighting and other related security upgrades at each eligible facility. Organizations that operate more than one facility may submit up to three applications for a total request of up to $150,000. Applications for these awards are due by 5 p.m. on December 19, 2018. The program was announced in October 2017 by Governor Cuomo and first round awards were made earlier this year, providing $14.8 million in funding for 305 projects at facilities across the state. This program is just one piece of an extensive effort launched by the Governor to combat hate crimes in New York. The Hate Crimes Task Force was created last year to mitigate recent incidents of bias-motivated threats, harassment, and violence in New York. The Task Force agencies - State Police, Division of Human Rights, and the Division of Criminal Justice Services - engage local stakeholders and law enforcement agencies to identify and investigate hate motivated crimes and bias related trends, community vulnerabilities and discriminatory practices. Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Roger L. Parrino Sr. said, "Our diversity is also our strength. Schools, day care centers, and community centers need to be safe place where ideas, beliefs, and cultures are shared and fostered. I applaud Governor Cuomo's actions to provide this funding to these non-profit organizations that could be targeted by nefarious individuals or groups just because of who they are or what they believe in." Additionally, the Governor established a telephone hotline and text line through the Division of Human Rights to report incidents of bias and discrimination, as well as a dedicated Hate Crimes Unit in State Police. Texts are monitored by the State Police, who handle any potential criminal matters. Cases of discrimination that are covered by the New York State Human Rights Law may be further investigated by the Division. A $5,000 reward is also being made available for any information leading to an arrest and conviction for a hate crime. All New Yorkers who have experienced bias or discrimination are encouraged to call DHR's toll-free hotline at (888) 392-3644 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday or text "HATE" to 81336. If you want to report a crime or fear for your safety, call 911 immediately. Nature & Weather, Local News, Business & Finance, Press Releases, Politics By Long Island News & PR Published: October 30 2018 The Transparent Disaster Relief Act of 2018 would better inform disaster survivors about duplicative benefits and increase transparency around recoupments. Long Island, NY - October 30, 2018 - U.S. Representatives Kathleen Rice (NY-04) and Peter King (NY-02) today introduced a new bill to amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act and the Small Business Act to better inform disaster survivors about which forms of federal assistance could be considered duplicative and result in a recoupment or, claw-back. The bill also requires the federal government to automatically provide disaster survivors with clear information on how they determine recoupment amounts. The proposed legislation has been endorsed by the Touro Law Center Disaster Relief Clinic, which has been assisting Long Islanders affected by Superstorm Sandy since 2012. The announcement was made on the six-year anniversary of Superstorm Sandy on the Long Beach Boardwalk, where Rep. Rice was joined by local elected officials and several Sandy survivors from New Yorks fourth congressional district. Victims of disasters like Superstorm Sandy use whatever assistance they receive to rebuild their homes and put their lives back together, said Representative Kathleen Rice. But right now, FEMA fails to inform survivors of which benefits could be duplicative and result in a recoupment. Its not fair to subject these survivors to claw-backs after they followed the rules. It should be incumbent upon the federal government to provide survivors with clear instructions and comprehensive information so that they can make well-informed decisions. As hurricanes become more frequent and more powerful, the number of Americans applying for disaster relief will only increase. We need to implement these reforms now to protect future storm survivors from encountering this same issue. It is terrible that Long Islanders subjected to the devastation of Superstorm Sandy have to also be subjected to an unclear and convoluted relief process, said Representative Peter King. I am proud to co-lead this legislation, which will make disaster aid more transparent and efficient. In the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, a difficult recovery process was made even worse for many survivors when they learned that they had used duplicative benefits and would have to repay the government for money already spent. A common scenario was when survivors used New York Rising funding for the same recovery purposes as other forms of federal assistance, such as Small Business Administration (SBA) loans or Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant funding. Following a major weather disaster like Sandy, FEMA encourages survivors to apply for both FEMA funding and SBA loans, which often arrive quickly, in order to begin the recovery process as soon as possible. After Sandy, Congress also appropriated an additional $4 billion in funding to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to further support New York States ongoing recovery effort. This funding was eventually distributed through NY Rising. Eager to rebuild their homes and communities, many Sandy survivors accepted NY Rising funding unaware that it would be considered duplicative to the FEMA funds and SBA loans that they already received and used. As a result, FEMA and NY Rising have sought to recoup millions of dollars in assistance funding from homeowners on Long Island who were simply following the rules. Currently, the Stafford Act does not require federal assistance programs to provide survivors with information on duplicative benefits nor does it provide them with the explicit option to refuse SBA loans. The Transparent Disaster Relief Act of 2018 would ensure that anyone receiving federal assistance signs an acknowledgment statement that includes a comprehensive list of resources that could be considered duplicative benefits. The bill also requires that the SBA clearly notifies all approved loan applicants that they are not required to accept the loan. Finally, the bill requires that anyone who is subject to a claw-back is automatically provided with all the information used by the federal government to determine the recoupment amount. This information is critical to individuals who are challenging a claw-back but is currently only available upon request. What we saw in the aftermath of Sandy was a lack of proper information and education being provided to homeowners, especially regarding SBA Loans, said Melissa H. Luckman, Esq. Director of the Disaster Relief Clinic Touro Law Center. Still to this day, six years after the storm, my organization receives calls from homeowners who simply do not understand how or why an SBA Loan which must be paid back with interest counts as a duplication of benefits against the NY Rising grant program. I want to thank Rep. Rice and Rep. King for working together on this Bill, and for continuing to work hard for those affected by Sandy. We completely endorse this bi-partisan Bill being introduced today and look forward to a more educated future for those affected by natural disasters in the future. Last Year, Rep. Rice was the lead Democrat on the Disaster Assistance Fairness and Accountability Act with Rep. Tom MacArthur (R-NJ), which prohibits FEMA from clawing back disaster assistance funding after three years of initially distributing it to recipients. This bill was included in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 which the President signed into law on October 5, 2018. CHICOPEE -- The Yee family will hand over the keys to the famed Hu Ke Lau restaurant and show bar to Associated Building Wreckers on Nov. 15, and the contractors assure restaurateur Andy Yee that the vacant building will be down by Christmas. "Its bittersweet," Yee said Tuesday of the Hu Ke Lau, famous for its scorpion bowls, comedy shows and Polynesian dance revues. His father, the late Jung Tai "Johnny" Yee, first opened the Hu Ke Lau -- the name means "fishing party" in Hawaiian -- April 6, 1965, and it became the basis for a family-run restaurant group called Bean Restaurant Group that now stretches across Western Massachusetts and into the Hartford area. But the Hu Ke Lau was in an old building that predated Johnny Yee. Its layout was inefficient and it was too big, at 30,000 square feet, to run economically in today's restaurant market. The Yees closed the Hu Ke Lau in April and subsequently auctioned off lots of the decorations and equipment. The South Pacific-themed decorations and Polynesian god carvings went to tiki bar aficionados. The building has been empty since then. Yee says it is expensive to heat and to insure and would be impossible to renovate. There are tentative redevelopment plans, but nothing is final yet, Yee said. The idea is to build a mixed-use retail and restaurant development on the half-acre site, with the restaurant smaller than the old Hu Ke Lau. He expects to come up with a plan in the first few months of 2019. In the meantime, Yee said he and the rest of the family are busy now improving the former McLadden's restaurants that are now part of the Bean Restaurant Group. The Yees, along with investors Peter A. Picknelly and and father-and- son business consultants Michael K. Vann and Kevin B. Vann, bought the McLadden's restaurants in Northampton as well as three locations in Connecticut. The new team is rebranding the old Noble & Co. space, adjacent to the West Hartford McLadden's, at 37 LaSalle Road, into a new concept called Union Kitchen. Yee promised that the Union Kitchen will have a sneak-peek soft opening on the night before Thanksgiving. Other establishments operated by the Bean Restaurant Group include five venues in South Hadley: Johnny's Bar & Grille, Johnny's Tap Room, IYA Sushi & Noodle Kitchen, the Halfwayhouse and The Boathouse at Brunelle's Marina. Other restaurants include Johnny's Tavern in Amherst, Johnny's Roadside Diner in Hadley and the Student Prince Cafe and The Fort Dining Room in Springfield. The group also runs the Wurst Haus German food concession at The Big E. Picknelly recruited the Yees and the Vanns in 2014 to buy The Fort and keep it from closing after after 79 years in business. Westfield author Martin R. Henley says no woman made a more indelible mark on colonial history than Anne Hutchinson. "In the Puritan, male-dominated society of 17th century Massachusetts Bay Colony, Anne Hutchinson was an outlier," he said. Hutchinson (1591-1643) was a Puritan spiritual adviser, the mother of 15 and an important participant in the Antinomian Controversy, which shook the Massachusetts Bay Colony from 1636 to 1638. Her strong religious convictions were at odds with the established Puritan clergy in the Boston area, and her popularity and charisma helped create a theological schism that threatened to destroy the Puritans' religious community in New England. She was tried and convicted, then banished from the colony with many of her supporters. The Ramapogue Historical Society will sponsor a lecture, "Anne Hutchinson, a 21st Century Woman Living in 17th-Century New England," presented by Henley, who retired as chairman of the education department at Westfield State University in 2009. Hutchinson is among those he profiles in his book, "Scoundrels Who Made America Great," published in 2016 by Abbott Publishers. The lecture will take place Nov. 7 at the West Springfield Public Library Community Room at 7 p.m. "Anne Hutchinson challenged the 17th century male-dominated government of Massachusetts Bay Colony," said Eric P. Rosenholm, president and treasurer of the historical society. "Hutchinson never wavered in her conviction that a woman had as much right as a man to speak publicly about her religious and other beliefs." In Puritan society, a woman did not have the right to preach or express political opinions publically. Hutchinson was banished from Massachusetts Bay Colony because she would not bow to the authority of Gov. John Winthrop. "He wanted her to disavow her preaching. It was unheard of in Puritan society for a woman to challenge the authority of the male-dominated culture," Henley said. She refused and subsequently she was tried twice -- once for sedition and the second for heresy. Hutchinson -- who has been called the most famous, or infamous -- English woman in colonial American history, is a key figure in the history of religious freedom in England's American colonies and the history of women in ministry, challenging the authority of the ministers. She is honored by Massachusetts with a Statehouse monument calling her a "courageous exponent of civil liberty and religious toleration." Some historians consider her the first feminist; others call her a champion of religious freedom, and some herald her dedication to free speech. "But the accomplishments of Anne Hutchinson defy niches. Above all else, it was her indomitable will and uncompromising conviction that being female did not limit her right to preach her religious beliefs that is the hallmark of her legacy," Henley said. "In another era Anne Hutchinson would have been a suffragist, a minister or a civil rights advocate. Instead she was a time traveler -- a 21st century woman living in 17th century New England." Hutchinson's life shows that gender is not a barrier to greatness, he continued. "All around us we see examples of women fighting for their rights. ... Anne provides a model for struggling women -- don't give up, believe in yourself and take whatever risk is necessary to fulfill your destiny." Henley profiled Hutchinson because like the other so-called "scoundrels" she would not yield in her beliefs despite castigation and persecution. "All of the so-called 'scoundrels' that I profile in my book shared unwavering convictions and a predilection to action," he said. "She was banished but not beaten. She was a leader when women were expected to be followers. She provides a shining example of how courage, tenacity and conviction can produce greatness." The lecture on Hutchinson is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. The historical society usually presents two historical events or lectures each year, one in the spring and one in the fall. The West Springfield Public Library is located at 200 Park St., West Springfield. "Scoundrels Who Made America Great" will be available for purchase at the lecture. For more information, go to martinhenley.com. SPRINGFIELD- With more than two dozen jobs currently available, MGM Springfield is moving its career center to the company's administrative building located at 95 State St. Just over a year ago, MGM Springfield opened its career center in the Colvest Building at 1259 East Columbus Ave. with the aim of hiring the 3,000 people needed to operate its $960 million casino in the heart of the city. But now, with just 25 current openings two months after the grand opening, MGM is moving that operation into its own building. "We are excited to be moving closer to the daily activity on property," said Marikate Murren, MGM Springfield's vice president of human resources. "There continues to be many promising career opportunities at MGM Springfield, and we look forward to working with enthusiastic job seekers at our new location." The MGM Springfield Career Center will continue to offer hiring services, including interviews, licensing, and training, according to the company. Additionally, the center offers computers to help prospective employees build their career profile, interview rooms for applicant reviews, and an office for the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to provide hands-on assistance with the employee licensing process. Current open positions include cooks, servers, bartenders, dealers, cashiers, massage therapists, restaurant managers, and slot attendants. The full list of job opportunities with detailed descriptions is available online at www.mgmspringfield.com/careers. MGM Springfield is also hiring table game dealers, but a new round of training classes for those jobs started this week. Those classes are administered through The Massachusetts Casino Career Training Institute, which is also located inside 95 State St. Ahead of an on-site visit to the career center, however, job seekers are encouraged to visit the career page online and apply for positions of interest. Starting on Nov. 5, the MGM Springfield Career Center will be open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. During those hours, an MGM representative may be reached at 413-273-5052. All other questions can be directed to careers@mgmspringfield.com. Coca-Cola says it will stop company manufacturing operations at a decades-old facility in Needham, which could result in nearly 146 local layoffs. The Newton Needham Regional Chamber announced that the Coca-Cola facility, a staple business in the community for more than 40 years, will halt beverage manufacturing operations and convert the space into a company warehouse. The change, according to Coca-Cola of Northern New England, is due in part to the fact that the Needham property has "space constraints" and is close in distance to several other production facilities in Londonderry, New Hampshire and East Hartford, Connecticut. The NNRC said beverage production is slated to stop in Needham by the end of 2018, but the company is expected to retain ownership of the space, located in the town's "N-Squared Innovation District" on B Street. "These decisions were not made lightly, and we regret that the necessary changes will result in job impacts for associates currently working in production in Needham," said Nick Martin, director of public affairs and communications for Coca-Cola of Northern New England, in a statement. Martin added: "We are committed to supporting all of [our] associates and to treating them with the utmost respect and dignity throughout this challenging transition." Though 146 workers could potentially be laid off, Martin said the company will try to keep as many interested production associates as possible as the Needham space is converted into a warehousing and "Make Ready Center." The MRC is currently located in a Waltham facility that is leased only until 2019. New operations in Needham will include the maintenance of vending machines and other equipment, as well as company sales and distribution. AMHERST - A report by a consulting organization focusing on costs to the municipality for educating the 52 children living in tax-exempt University of Massachusetts housing was found lacking by town officials. Officials said they expected more information and better research from the UMass Donahue Institute. "I'm disappointed. We waited about two years for this study," Select Board member Connie Kruger said. "It just seems like this was sanitized to favor a particular viewpoint," she said. "It doesn't acknowledge (that UMass) has a shared interest" in the challenges the town faces paying for pre-kindergarten through grade 12 school costs. "That voice was missing," Kruger said. Representatives of the Donahue Institute discussed their findings during a joint meeting of the Amherst School Committee and Select Board last week. The study found that, even if the UMass properties were taxed, the revenue they generated would fall far short of the amount needed to adequately fund the schooling of the 52 children. The data showed the amount that would be paid for the UMass units would cover 6 percent of the education costs each year, versus 29 percent paid per unit based on the average Amherst property tax levy that is dedicated to the school system. "This finding highlights the fact that few households in Amherst (or in other towns) pay the full cost of educating a child," the report says. Select Board member Alisa Brewer said the 16-page report lacked adequate information about children in pre-kindergarten, data about the number of the 52 students delineated by their grade-level, and did not include data for all of them. The report said about 90 percent live at North Village Apartments, and only examined that data. "It would be useful to know" what the data for the units outside of North Village are, Brewer said. According to a slideshow presented by Rod Motamedi, research manager for the Donahue Institute report, the town's estimated "cost per Amherst student" is $14,296 per year. The property tax average per parcel is $6,065, and the share of that tax used for education is $4,124. The taxable amount per unit at North Village would be an estimated $1,237 annually, and that $841 per year would be the "share of North Village tax for education." School Committee member Eric Nakajima was critical of how the Donahue research framed the data related to English language learners. He said ELL students from tax-exempt housing should have been compared to the total number of ELL students in Amherst public schools, instead of comparing them to the total student population in the district. The report says 35 percent of students in Amherst public schools are eligible for free and reduced-cost lunch, compared with the statewide average of 34 percent. By contrast, 75 percent of students living in tax-exempt UMass housing are eligible for reduced lunch. Those students are "more likely to be high need because they are more likely to need English language instruction or because they are more likely to be defined as low income," the report says. The 52 students account for about 2 percent of the total student body of 2,489 in Amherst and Amherst-Pelham schools from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. Most are children of UMass graduate students, according to the report. A strategic partnership agreement signed by Amherst and UMass in 2015 obligates the university to pay the town $120,000 per year "in recognition of ... educating K-12 students who live in tax-exempt housing." That agreement expires on June 30, 2019. NORTHAMPTON -- Nicholas Bilger had two explanations for why his car had just slammed into a police cruiser on a narrow road in Easthampton, injuring two officers and a police dog. "Sorry for hitting your car, but I have to go to work," Bilger said after colliding head-on with the cruiser Wednesday night, according to the arrest report. Minutes later, he offered another explanation. "I had to get out of there. There was a big fight and they were going to beat me up," he said, according to the report. Neither explanation helped Bilger avoid arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol, second offense, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (motor vehicle), speeding, reckless driving, driving without a license, driving an uninsured vehicle, driving an unregistered vehicle and several other charges. Bilger, 24, of Easthampton, denied the charges Thursday in Northampton District Court and was released on personal recognizance with a series of conditions. Neither Bilger, the officers nor the police dog suffered serious injuries in the crash. The trouble began when Easthampton police received a complaint around 10:30 p.m. about loud partying near the bridge on Old Springfield Road. Approaching the bridge on the narrow road, the officers saw a car skidding around a corner and driving directly at them, the report said. "There was nowhere for me to go to avoid the accident so the car slammed violently into my cruiser, subsequently bouncing off and coming to rest in the woods," Officer Andrew Beaulieu wrote. Bilger's breath smelled of alcohol and he performed poorly on a field sobriety test, the report said. Following his arrest, his blood alcohol level was measured at 0.18, more than twice the legal limit. Beaulieu, the department's K-9 officer, and part-time reserve officer Kevin Moskal suffered minor injuries in the crash, and the department's dog, Gino, was shaken up when an air bag activated, slamming him into the side of his cage, the report said. Bilger was bleeding from his back and neck, but refused treatment when an ambulance arrived. The crash came two years after Bilger was found guilty of operating under the influence of alcohol in Maine, court records show. He is due back in court for a pretrial hearing on Nov. 21. Gangster James "Whitey" Bulger was found dead Tuesday in a federal prison in West Virginia shortly after he was moved to the facility. NBC News reported the news, citing multiple sources. Federal inmate records show Bulger, who is now 89, was moved to the USP Hazelton facility in West Virginia this week. Bulger was serving life for 11 murders. He has served in multiple federal facilities, including ones in Arizona, Florida, and Oklahoma. The US Bureau of Prisons declined to discuss why Bulger was moved, according to the Boston Globe. The newspaper reported Bulger had health issues and that is the reason for a move to a prison medical facility. Bulger has a history of heart problems. Bulger was sentenced in federal court in 2013. He ran the Boston Irish mob known as the Winter Hill Gang for two decades, but fled Boston in the 1990s and went into hiding. Bulger remained on the FBI's Most Wanted List for over a decade until he was caught in California with his long-time girlfriend, Catherine Greig. A union official at the Hazelton prison said an inmate was killed overnight, according to WV News. The official did not specify if the man killed was Bulger. SPRINGFIELD - The Hampden District Attorney and area hospitals and services agencies announced they intend to share the costs to equip municipal police and fire departments with Narcan, the drug that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. In a ceremony inside Springfield Fire Department Headquarters, District Attorney Anthony Gulluni and officials with Baystate Health, Trinity Health and the Center for Human Development spoke of the establishment of a fund of $70,000 that will be used to purchase and supply Narcan, also known as naloxone, to local police and firefighters. Gesturing to a table with stacked boxes of Narcan, Dr. Peter Friedmann of Baystate Health said "What you see on the table in front of you are 100 lives that are going to be saved by our first responders." The fund will supply the drug to the police and fire departments in Springfield and Chicopee, and the fire departments in Westfield, Holyoke, and Longmeadow, and the police in Agawam, Wilbraham, Granville, West Springfield, Ludlow, and Southwick. When the fund is depleted on supplies, Gulluni said his office and Baystate Health, Trinity Health and CHD are committed to replenishing it. "We all put up money forward for a total of $70,000 to buy a supply of Narcan on an ongoing basis to allow the first responders behind me to literally save lives," Gulluni said. Narcan is expensive - around $45 a dose - and it has a limited shelf life after which it is no longer effective, he said. The county and the state, he said, continue to make in-roads in combatting the opioid epidemic "but the problem persists. Friedmann, the chief research officer and co-chairman of the Addiction Task Force at Baystate Health, said police, fire departments and hospitals are acutely aware of the opioid epidemic sweeping the country. "Baystate as a level-1 trauma center recognizes the major nature of this crisis," he said. Friedmann cited an average of 200 overdose deaths daily across the country, which works out to around 72,000 deaths per year. He noted this is higher than the number of Americans killed during the Vietnam War. According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, there were an estimated 2,069 fatal opioid overdoses in 2017. This represents a 4-percent decline from the year before when the number of deaths set a record. All police and fire departments taking part in the program already have had their personal trained and certified on the use of Narcan. The drug, administered nasally, is fast acting and helps reverse the effects of opioids during an overdose. Springfield Fire Commissioner Bernard J. Calvi, said that months since Springfield firefighters began administering Narcan, the department has been averaging three to four uses per week. "That's 3 to 4 lives saved per week." He noted that three days after his department deployed the drug on all fire vehicles, firefighters used it to save the life of a man overdosing in the driveway of fire headquarters on Spring Street. "That goes on every day in Massachusetts and Hampden County," he said. Jim Goodwin, president and CEO of CHD, said he was pleased to participate in the ongoing program. "We don't often get a chance to do something that makes a difference and specifically saves lives," he said. The program, he said, gives first responders "a huge tool to make a huge difference." Lt. Katie Kalbaugh of the Chicopee Fire Department said Narcan doses are now administered nasally instead of intravenously, as was the case a few years ago. "Anyone with limited training can do it," she said. She noted that the Chicopee Fire Department will be participating in a Narcan training session for members of the general public on Thursday at the Chicopee Public Library. The event, planned by Tapestry Health, is scheduled from 6-8 p.m. It is intended to teach the family and friends of opioid users how to administer Narcan, she said. NORTHAMPTON - Hundreds of people from the Jewish community, their friends and supporters of different faiths gathered together two days after a gunman killed 11 people worshiping at a Pittsburgh synagogue to mourn the dead, pray and simply gather together. The vigil began with a brief gathering and singing outside the Unitarian Universalist Society on Main Street. People lit candles and held a silent walk over State Street ending at the Congregation B'Nai Israel on Prospect Street, joining members of that synagogue. The congregation had planned to use half the room so Rabbi Justin David said he was speechless when a stream of people kept coming and coming and members quickly started setting up folding chairs and searching for more to accommodate the crowd. Still people stood along the walls, sat in the aisles, on steps and those who could not fit spilled into the hallway. "There is something about the destruction of innocent lives that shakes people to the core and they want to be together...to express what is on their minds and to share," he said. Members of the Florence synagogue Beit Ahavah joined the congregation. It meets at the Florence Congregational Church and members of that church also joined them. Multiple city officials including councilors, state representatives and others also attended. Multiple people said they have watched mass shootings happen in a school in Florida, at a mosque in Canada, at a First Baptist church in Texas and an African Episcopal Methodist church in South Carolina and worried if a synagogue would be next. That came true on Saturday when Robert Gregory Bowers killed eight men and three women inside the Tree of Life Synagogue. Four police officers were also shot and injured before they tracked down the gunman. Bowers, who posted anti-Semitic rantings on social media, was hospitalized after being shot by police but is recovering from his injuries. During the vigil the 11 names of the victims were read. They ranged in age from 54 to 97, two were brothers, two were husband and wife and all 11 were the regular members of the Tree of Life Synagogue, David said. "Please know we mourn with you, we stand with you, we will resist hatred with you and we will do everything in our power to keep you safe," Northampton Mayor David Narkewicz said. U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Worcester, said he cannot explain the level of hate and bigotry the country is seeing now, but said it is not what the country stands for. "I cannot explain why this is happening but I know there is a way out of it because love is stronger than hate," he said. Shortly after word spread about the shootings, Beit Ahavah Rabbi Riqi Kosovske, who organized the vigil with David, said she began receiving calls and messages from old friends, family and even her old high school English teacher. She read the impressions of a few, including one woman who said sometimes she lights Hanukkah candles and sometimes she doesn't but this year she said she will light all eight and recite all the special prayers and an extra blessing. Kosovske brought a light moment to the sad ceremony by adding the candles can be bought at Stop and Shop. "I'm overwhelmed by the outpouring of the community. It means everything," she said. Philip Korman, a member of Beit Ahavah Synagogue stood near the entrance while people milled around trying to find an empty seat. He said he is concerned about the political rhetoric he has been hearing for the past two years that divides so many people and creates hostility. This vigil instead brought people of different faiths and backgrounds together, he said. "When people are killed in a safe place of worship, or any other place, I feel it affects me and my community," he said. James "Whitey" Bulger was killed inside a federal prison in West Virginia by another inmate who has mob ties, according to reports. Both the Boston Globe and the New York Times cited anonymous sources stating Bulger, 89, was killed the day after transferring to the US Penitentiary Hazelton facility. The Globe, citing sources, said the inmate responsible for killing Bulger has mafia ties. The New York Times stated "an organized crime figure" is believed to be the culprit. Authorities from the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the US Attorney's Office overseeing that area of West Virginia have not commented on whether or not Bulger was killed by a fellow inmate. The New York Times reported Bulger was moved to the West Virginia facility after threatening a staff member at the Florida complex where he previously was being held. The Federal Bureau of Prisons said in a statement that Bulger was found unresponsive in the federal prison around 8:20 a.m. Tuesday. The statement issued by the Federal Bureau of Prisons made no mention of the circumstances. The statement reads: "On Tuesday, October 30, 2018, at approximately 8:20 a.m., inmate James Bulger was found unresponsive at the United States Penitentiary (USP) Hazelton, in Bruceton Mills, West Virginia. Life-saving measures were initiated immediately by responding staff. Mr. Bulger was subsequently pronounced dead by the Preston County Medical Examiner." Bulger was transferred to the facility Monday. The FBI was notified of his death and is investigating. The US Attorney's Office in the Northern District of West Virginia did not discuss the details surrounding Bulger's death. "The US Attorney's Office for the Northern District of West Virginia and the FBI will be conducting an investigation into the death of James Bulger," the US Attorney's office said in a statement. "No other information will be released at this time." Bulger was serving life after he was sentenced in a federal court in Massachusetts on several charges in connection with 11 murders. Massachusetts gangster James "Whitey" Bulger was found unresponsive in a West Virginia prison Tuesday morning, according to the federal Bureau of Prisons. The statement reads: "On Tuesday, October 30, 2018, at approximately 8:20 a.m., inmate James Bulger was found unresponsive at the United States Penitentiary (USP) Hazelton, in Bruceton Mills, West Virginia. Life-saving measures were initiated immediately by responding staff. Mr. Bulger was subsequently pronounced dead by the Preston County Medical Examiner." Records show he was transferred to the facility in West Virginia on Monday. The FBI was notified and an investigation is underway. No other staff or inmates were injured. "The US Attorney's Office for the Northern District of West Virginia and the FBI will be conducting an investigation into the death of James Bulger," the US Attorney's office said in a statement. "No other information will be released at this time." Bulger, 89, was serving life after he was sentenced in a federal court in Massachusetts on several charges in connection with 11 murders. USP Hazelton is a high security facility that currently houses 1,270 male offenders. Bulger had been transferred from a Florida facility then to Oklahoma and finally to the West Virginia facility. Bulger was sentenced in federal court in 2013. The notorious gangster ran the Boston Irish Mob known as the Winter Hill Gang for decades. He fled Massachusetts in the 1990s, but was caught in California in June 2011. A union official at the Hazelton prison said an inmate was killed overnight, according to WV News. The official did not specify if the man killed was Bulger. Andrew Lelling, the US Attorney for Massachusetts, said his office was notified of Bulger's death. "Our thoughts are with his victims and their families," he said. For one incoming leader of the Massachusetts Police Association, restraint, de-escalation and stigma reduction are dirty words. Rick Pedrini, an Arlington police lieutenant who will soon become the MPA's executive director, has penned three columns railing against criminal justice reform, progressive policing practices, migrants seeking asylum and Colin Kaepernick. "I am sick and tired of the social justice warriors telling us how to do our jobs. It's time we forget about 'restraint', 'measured responses', 'procedural justice', 'de-escalation', 'stigma-reduction', and other feel-good BS that is getting our officers killed," Pedrini wrote in the 2018 edition of The Sentinel, the official publication of the MPA. "Let's stop lipsynching, please! Let's meet violence with violence and get the job done." For Pedrini, the men who shot and killed Yarmouth Sgt. Sean Gannon and Weymouth Sgt. Michael Chesna earlier this year are not simply murderers or criminals. Rather, they are "maggots" and "animals" who "can only be 'rehabilitated' when they are put down." And the broader "criminal class," as Pedrini puts it, fares little better in his writing. In the articles, he slams the criminal reform bill signed into law in April as a giveaway to "maggot" offenders. "If you haven't read it, the 'CJ Reform Bill' is 100 plus pages of blather and feel-good initiatives that will do nothing to put maggot criminals behind bars," Pedrini wrote. The bill eliminated a handful of mandatory minimum sentences for drug dealing, softened the law for certain juvenile defendants and raised the threshold for felony theft, among other reforms. It also tightened penalties for fentanyl trafficking and established a mandatory minimum sentence for assault and battery on a police officer. The law was hotly debated in criminal justice circles, with reformist prosecutors like Attorney General Maura Healey and Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan advocating for the measure and other district attorneys expressing reservations. Arlington Police Chief Frederick Ryan told MassLive Pedrini's comments do not represent the department's viewpoints or policies. The Arlington Police Department has received recognition for its humane approach to addiction and mental health, which includes having a clinician embedded within the department. And it is one of 10 law enforcement agencies nationwide designated as a mental health training site by the Council of State Governments. "Mr. Pedrini writes as an MPA official, not as an official of the APD," Ryan wrote in an email. "APD's unwavering commitment to fair and impartial policing has been well documented." In an interview, Ryan said he understands if community members become concerned about Pedrini's approach to conflict resolution after reading his comments. "I too am concerned and I will take immediate measures to address the situation," Ryan said. "The public doesn't expect us to be perfect, but they expect us to be honest. And I will have a through and transparent review of this matter." Pedrini did not return an email seeking comment prior to publication of this story. Much of Pedrini's writing in The Sentinel was dedicated to the killings of Gannon and Chesna -- twin tragedies that saw respected officers killed while trying to apprehend men with previous criminal records. Thomas Latanowich is accused of ambushing and fatally shooting Gannon while the officer was attempting to serve him with a warrant in April. And Emanuel Lopes is accused of throwing a rock at Chesna's head, stealing his gun and fatally shooting him and a bystander after Chesna tried to prevent him from vandalizing a home. The killings sparked a wave of outrage and mourning from fellow officers, the public and elected officials. In his articles, Pedrini voiced anger at public officials he felt were insufficiently supportive of police. "These are the same people who have tied our hands with CJ Reform, de-criminalization of dangerous narcotics, and the current juvenile justice disaster," he wrote. "How about you all just leave us alone, go down to the border, and hand out tin-foil blankets to the people you really care about? Or maybe drop the charade and get out on the streets with BLM, Antifa, and the 'Resist' crowd. That's all you're good for. We know whose side you're on and it's not ours." His writing also strayed into his personal politics, including a riff in which he compared the "caravan" of migrants currently walking across Mexico to seek asylum in the United States to Japanese invaders during World War II. "Back on December 7th, 1941, a caravan of Japanese planes tried this in Hawaii. We shot at them. Hell, we didn't even suspend posse comitatus," Pedrini wrote. "The famed Japanese Admiral Yamamoto once said, 'You cannot invade the mainland United States. There would a rifle behind every blade of grass.' How times have changed. Today, we'd let them land on our airstrips." The MPA is a law enforcement advocacy organization that provides services for officers and lobbies for legislation to support police. The organization did not return a request for comment prior to publication. The Arlington police lieutenant who is taking over as head of the Massachusetts Police Association has been relieved of duty and placed on paid administrative leave from his police department after writing columns railing against criminal justice reform and progressive policing practices. Rick Pedrini was placed on paid leave and relieved of duty Tuesday, according to a statement by Arlington Town Manager Adam Chapdelaine and Police Chief Frederick Ryan "The statements were written by Richard Pedrini in his capacity as a leader in the independent, non-profit Massachusetts Police Association," the statement said. The town is now conducting an investigation. "The columns written by Mr. Pedrini in the Sentinel newsletter directly contradict the values, morals and mission statement of the Arlington Police Department," Ryan said. "Such remarks risk eroding the public trust that municipal police departments in Massachusetts have worked so hard to build in recent years. I disavow the remarks in the strongest possible terms, and this matter will be dealt with swiftly and certainly." Chapdelaine found the columns, which were first reported by MassLive, disturbing. "I am deeply disturbed by the apparent disregard for human life and for the duty of a police officer shown by Richard Pedrini in the Massachusetts Police Association newsletter," he said. "These comments do not represent the mission and values of the Arlington Police Department or the Town of Arlington. The sentiment raised by these comments is disturbing. The town is taking these comments very seriously, and we will thoroughly investigate this matter." Pedrini, who will soon become the MPA's executive director and has worked for the Arlington Police Department since 1996, wrote three columns railing against criminal justice reform, progressive policing practices, migrants seeking asylum and Colin Kaepernick. "I am sick and tired of the social justice warriors telling us how to do our jobs. It's time we forget about 'restraint', 'measured responses', 'procedural justice', 'de-escalation', 'stigma-reduction', and other feel-good BS that is getting our officers killed," Pedrini wrote in the 2018 edition of The Sentinel, the official publication of the MPA. "Let's stop lipsynching, please! Let's meet violence with violence and get the job done." He also wrote about the men accused of killing Yarmouth Sgt. Sean Gannon and Weymouth Sgt. Michael Chesna earlier this year. Pedrini called the two men "maggots" and "animals" who "can only be 'rehabilitated' when they are put down." The columns also criticized the criminal reform bill signed into law in April. The MPA is a law enforcement advocacy organization that provides services for officers and lobbies for legislation to support police. Carol Rose, the executive director of the ACLU of Massachusetts, released her own statement about Pedrini's columns. "Law enforcement is meant to promote public safety and protect the peace," Rose said. "These disturbing statements made by the Massachusetts Police Association's executive director raise the question: Do his views represent those of the MPA? Do Massachusetts police - as a group represented by the MPA - actually prefer violence to de-escalation," she added. "Such deeply dangerous approaches to law enforcement have been proven time and again to be bad for both public safety and civil liberties. We urge the MPA and all members of law enforcement to reject this approach and to instead embrace community policing efforts that keep us safe and free." ORANGE -- Dozens of Massachusetts State Police officers filled Orange District Court Tuesday as a man accused of stabbing a trooper was ordered held without bail at his initial arraignment. "Our contention is that there are no conditions of release that would ensure the safety of the community," said First Assistant District Attorney Steven Gagne. Nghia V. Le, 18, wearing a gray sweatshirt, appeared behind glass before Judge David Ross, and remained completely silent. Le did not respond when Ross asked if he needed counsel, so Ross appointed attorney Alan Rubin to represent the defendant. Not guilty pleas were entered on Le's behalf as State Trooper Mark Whitcomb, who Le allegedly assaulted, sat quietly in the courtroom and watched. Le, of Manchester, New Hampshire, is charged with intent to murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault with a dangerous weapon, armed carjacking, assault and battery upon a police officer, receiving stolen property valued at over $1,200, reckless operation of a motor vehicle, failure to stop for police, and resisting arrest. Ross allowed a defense motion for a competency evaluation, and Le will be seen by a forensic psychologist at the Franklin County House of Correction. Le could face further evaluation at Bridgewater State Hospital, depending upon the outcome of a status hearing set for Monday. According to prosecutors, Le on Oct. 19 carjacked a vehicle in New Hampshire, drove south on I-91 at more than 100 miles an hour, barreled east on Rt. 2, swung south on Rt. 122 and 202, and was blocked by state and local police cruisers in New Salem. During the stop, State Trooper Mark Whitcomb was repeatedly stabbed by Le, who allegedly opened the door of the officer's cruiser and wielded a knife. Le was shot and subdued by Erving Police Officer James Loynd, the affidavit states. Le faces additional charges in New Hampshire. At Harrington Hospital on a recent Friday around 10 a.m., the attention of the emergency room was focused on one particular trauma bay. A man had been brought into the ER with a serious cardiac rhythm. Two doctors, two nurses and an EMS provider were all in that trauma bay, trying to quell the man's lethal arrhythmias. If the nurse staffing ratios proposed by ballot Question 1 were in place while treating this patient, the emergency room might not be able to keep both nurses on that trauma patient without running the risk of incurring hefty fines, according to Tracy DiGregorio, a Harrington Hospital registered nurse who has worked in the ER for 16 years. "A nurse could be outside a ratio for that one patient," she said, sitting in the ER of the Southbridge hospital. "And, trust me, you want two nurses in there." The scenario, DiGregorio said, was a perfect example of how RNs need to self-regulate in the emergency department, something she believes Question 1 will inhibit. But the Committee to Ensure Safe Patient Care says the measure, if implemented, would never stop a nurse from going over to help in such a scenario. The ratios apply to a nurse assigned to the case from beginning to end, explained Kate Norton, a spokeswoman for the committee. Typically patients are assigned to one nurse, although other nurses may be involved in the patient's care. There is "absolutely nothing" in the measure that prevents a nurse from helping another nurse treat a critical patient, she said. "There's never going to be a scenario where a nurse is taking care of a patient and goes, 'oh no, I have to stop,'" Norton said. The ballot question seeks to implement nurse-to-patient staffing ratios, which would be mandatory at all times except for in the case of a state or nationally declared public health emergency. Nurses across the state are split. The Massachusetts Nurses Association, a union representing about 23,000 nurses in the state, is pushing heavily to pass the measure, arguing that RNs in Massachusetts have too many patients, leading to poor patient care. However, other RNs, including many emergency room nurses and Massachusetts chapters of the Emergency Nurses Association and American Nurses Association, have come out against the proposed law. "There is no average day and that's why I think this bill, it doesn't fit," DiGregorio said. "I don't know what I'm coming into. Who's going to be left over. Who's coming in the door, how sick they're going to be." Some days in the ER, taking care of three patients can be overwhelming, DiGregorio said. Other days, nurses can treat six patients at once with ease. The hospital serves a community of 170,000 residents and sees more than 30,000 annual emergency room visits. "Busy doesn't always mean unsafe. I think that's what we need to remember as nurses," DiGregorio said. "I expect to be busy. I expect to put at least 8,000 steps on my Fitbit. That's a normal day for me." At Mercy Medical Center in Springfield, 100 new nurses have been hired in the last year, according to Dr. Mark Kenton, who has worked in the emergency department at the hospital for 15 years. However, to keep up with the law if passed, Mercy would need to hire an additional 200 nurses, he said. There are currently seven unfilled nurse positions in the emergency room. "One of the big problems with this is that it becomes very restrictive from a standpoint of individual needs within our healthcare system," said Kenton, who has taken to Facebook to advocate a "no" vote. Hospitals across Massachusetts have come out asking voters to say no to Question 1 at the polls on Nov. 6, or before then in communities with early voting. "Harrington is proud to deliver safe and quality care to those in our community," Jessica Calcidise, the vice president of nursing and ancillary operations at Harrington HealthCare System said in a statement released last month. "The government has no place in implementing cookie-cutter care across all of our patients, all of our departments, and all our hospitals across Massachusetts." At Harrington, 50 new nurses would need to be hired to keep up with the ratios outlined in Question 1, a spokeswoman said. Dr. Jeffrey Hopkins the medical director of Milford Regional Medical Center's emergency department wrote in a statement that Question 1 would "skyrocket" wait times for patients and emergency room nurses would be "stripped of using their expertise and judgment when it matters most." "These arbitrary ratios don't allow for the type of flexibility, discretion or common sense medical decision-making needed to provide emergency care," the statement continued, adding that implementing the measure would set the medical center back $4.7 million. Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Milton has said Question 1 would cost $4.7 million in the first year alone, and that patients and families could face delays or cancellations of surgeries. For Lawrence General Hospital, the cost of Question 1 would be $7.9 million initially, according to a statement. "Question 1 will force us to downsize departments, increase wait times in our emergency room, threaten scheduling of elective surgeries, and cut important health programs that our patients depend on," said Dianne Anderson, a registered nurse and the CEO and president of Lawrence General Hospital. "The last thing we want to do is have our patients wait because this law ties our hands and keeps us from giving them timely service." Cooley Dickinson Health Care, an affiliate of Massachusetts General Hospital located in Northampton, wrote in a statement that the passage of Question 1 would lead to "severe consequences," taking staffing decisions out of the hands of nurses and managers who make those decisions now based on factors like the acuity of patients, the availability of support staff and the experience level of nurses. Estimates on the cost of the measure vary. The Coalition to Protect Patient Safety, an anti-Question 1 group funded by hospitals, has estimated the first-year cost of the measure at $1.31 billion and $900 million in subsequent years. Meanwhile, the union-funded Committee to Ensure Safe Patient Care, which supports the measure, predicts a cost of $35 million to $47 million. Hospital officials have said the law would be especially devastating for small and rural hospitals, like Harrington. Harrington Hospital says it would cost the hospital $6 million to implement Question 1 as written. The hospital would not face an immediate threat of shutting down, a spokeswoman said, but implementing Question 1 leaves open the possibility of having to close in the future. Proponents of the measure have said that such claims are scare tactics lead by hospital administrators. "Nurses wrote and support Question 1 because we have tried for years to convince these executives to provide us with conditions, including safe limits on the number of patients we care for, to ensure we can provide the care our patients need when they need it most," Donna Kelly-Williams, a registered nurse and the president of the MNA and co-chairwoman of the Committee to Ensure Safe Patient Care, said in a statement. Kelly-Williams and the committee criticize hospital executives for taking in seven-figure salaries while saying the measure will force the medical centers to shut down patient services. An independent study by MassInsight and BW Research Partners determined the state would need to hire 5,911 new nurses within 37 days to keep up with the measure if it passes. Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association and Organization of Nurse Leaders estimates that Massachusetts is already short more than 1,200 registered nurses. On the Harrington Hospital website, there are 28 open positions listed for nursing or nursing support. Nearly everyone in the industry agrees: It would be ideal to have more nurses at every hospital. "I'm not against safe staffing," DiGregorio said. "I'm against this bill." SPRINGFIELD -- The city formally launched a $600,000 renovation project at Van Horn Park in Liberty Heights on Tuesday that includes new playground equipment and a small pavilion, aided by federal grant funds. The contractor, Omasta Landscaping of Hadley, was joined by local officials and residents including Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, during the groundbreaking ceremony. The funding consists of a $300,000 federal grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, $150,000 in federal Community Development block grant money, and $150,000 in city funds, as detailed in August. "The improvements will be a welcome addition to the Liberty Heights and Atwater neighborhoods," Sarno said. "The project illustrates the importance of having a master plan ready so when grants do come available we are ready to participate in the application process." The renovations includes new playground equipment, site amenities and exercise stations, and the small pavilion, officials said. The funding follows a master plan for redevelopment of Van Horn Park, located on Armory Street, Sarno said. The cost of $600,000 included construction, design and the purchase of the pavilion and some equipment from vendors to save money, said Patrick J. Sullivan, the city's director of parks, buildings and recreation management. The construction contract was for $274,475, and the work is slated to be completed in the summer of 2019. Prior improvements have included enhanced pedestrian paths around the upper reservoir, a new entrance and parking from Armory Street, site amenities upgrades, and the rebuilding of the lower dam, officials said. Neal said the federal grant from the National Park Service helps fund a very significant recreational project in Springfield, and helps improve the quality of life for residents. "When completed, the renovations to Van Horn Park will help improve a vibrant urban open space that the residents of the Liberty Heights and Atwater neighborhoods will enjoy for years to come," Neal said. Sullivan said the federal grant funds "are a lifeline to urban park systems," culminating a comprehensive plan for Van Horn Park. The city will continue to search for future grant funds for the Carp Pond and upper dam, he said. Brian Santaniello, chairman of the Park Commission, said the grant funds are great news for visitors to Van Horn Park. "The park improvements will ensure for quality playground, picnic and splash pad area," Santaniello said. "By local, state, federal government and the business community working together, we can make great things happen for our city." SPRINGFIELD -- A little more than three years ago, Hampden Superior Court Judge John S. Ferrara expressed concern that Wilfredo Carrion Jr. didn't get a long enough prison sentence for selling guns to a federal informant. When the defense and prosecution recommended a three-year state prison sentence in the 2015 case, Ferrara said he'd only accept it if Carrion agreed to five years probation after his incarceration. Carrion agreed, and Ferrara kept "personal jurisdiction" over the case -- meaning any probation violation would come before him. With Carrion's Aug. 28 arrest on a new round of drug and gun charges, Ferrara will be seeing the 23-year-old city man again. Carrion pleaded not guilty Monday to possession of a large capacity firearm in commission of a felony, possession of a large capacity firearm, carrying a loaded firearm, carrying a dangerous weapon (second offense), and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute (subsequent offense). Assistant Superior Court Clerk Brian Dolaher set Carrion's bail at $25,000 cash. A hearing on a probation violation charge will be scheduled before Ferrara. Carrion was 19 in September 2015 when he pleaded guilty to 22 charges, admitting that he sold four guns, ammunition and large capacity feeding devices to an informant for the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Defense lawyer Daniel Kelly and Assistant District Attorney Mary Sandstrom agreed on the three-year state prison sentence. "He certainly wasn't the mastermind," Kelly said of Carrion's role in the gun dealing. Ferrara said he was "troubled" by the lenient sentence -- even for a young man with no prior record. As he questioned the attorneys, the judge learned Carrion had not disclosed the source of the guns he sold. Sandstrom, meanwhile, explained why prosecutors wanted to reach a plea agreement instead of going to trial: putting the ATF confidential informant on the witness stand would mean the informant could not be used in future weapons investigations. HOLYOKE -- The Fire Department will contact the state about more stacks of rail ties and other debris piled near railroad tracks behind the C-Town Supermarket on Cabot Street where a fire occurred in 2015, an official said Monday. "I'll have an inspector take a closer look at what's left back there," Fire Chief John A. Pond said after The Republican texted photos of the debris. The state Department of Transportation (DOT) removed wooden rail ties and other scraps from the site in January 2017. That came after Fire Department complaints and Pond saying that such heaps "pose a significant hazard not only from a fire load perspective, but also carcinogens (from chemicals that treat the rail ties) and environmental conditions." A fire that began just after midnight on Nov. 24, 2015 at the site in one of the piles of rail ties kept firefighters busy for more than five hours and required two responses later that day to extinguish flare ups. The cause of that fire was undetermined but might have been related to a homeless person sleeping near the stack of ties, officials said. A DOT spokeswoman couldn't be reached for comment Monday. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection said Monday that Pan Am Railways and Boston & Maine Corp. would be fined $90,000 for failing to remove stacks of rail ties in Greenfield, Hatfield and Buckland. At the Holyoke site, stacks of rail ties, scraps of metal and wood, a pile of motor vehicle tires and other trash were visible Monday afternoon. Pond said the Fire Department told the DOT that materials left on site for ongoing work had to be in a solid stack. "Solid stacked materials do not have voids, eliminating the free flow of air through combustible products," he said. A common chemical wood preservative applied to railroad ties is creosote, the burning of which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said should be avoided because of the "possible inhalation of toxic chemicals in the smoke and ash." The "rough cut" logs used as ties in the railroad industry's infancy have given way to uniform beams that each weigh 145 pounds to 200 pounds, are 8 inches to 10 inches thick and are 8 feet to 10 feet long. The beams -- known as crossties, railroad ties, or sleepers -- usually are made from wood and provide the lateral support to anchor railroad tracks for trains to pass over. They usually are made of oak, cherry, chestnut, elm, hemlock, hickory and walnut. ORANGE -- Allegations of staff misconduct are being investigated at Fisher Hill Elementary School and the principal is no longer in charge at the 59 Dexter St. facility, according to news reports. Superintendent Tari Thomas said the school district and the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families are investigating, said reports by WWLP-TV, 22News Monday and The Recorder newspaper in Greenfield Sunday. In an Oct. 25 letter quoted by both news outlets, Thomas said, "Since this is a personnel issue, any and all details are confidential at this time." WWLP-TV, 22News reported that School Committee Chairwoman Stephanie Conrod said "several employees" at Fisher Hill Elementary School have been placed on paid administrative leave in the Franklin County town. Protecting the well-being of students is the district's priority, Thomas said, according to the news outlets. "As the superintendent of schools who is entrusted with caring for other people's children, and as a parent of three children myself (albeit all grown now) I can promise you that the physical and emotional safety and security of our students is always at the forefront of my mind," Thomas said in the letter to parents, according to the news outlets. ORANGE -- A state trooper who was stabbed repeatedly during a New Salem traffic stop has undergone surgery and is recovering from a collapsed lung, deep muscle and nerve damage to his left arm, and a severe laceration to his scalp, a prosecutor said. State Trooper Mark Whitcomb sat quietly in Orange District Court Tuesday as alleged carjacker Nghia V. Le, 18, of Manchester, New Hampshire, was arraigned on multiple charges in relation to the Oct. 19 incident. Whitcomb's life was saved that day by Erving Police Officer James Loynd, who shot and subdued Le at the scene, First Assistant Northwestern District Attorney Steven Gagne told reporters. Whitcomb "came within inches of losing his life for just doing his job," and Loynd displayed "great restraint" by repeatedly ordering Le to show hands and drop his knife before discharging his service weapon, Gagne said. "Neither man is looking for praise, but I believe their actions were heroic on that day," Gagne said. Le is accused of carjacking a vehicle in New Hampshire, leading police on a high-speed chase into Massachusetts, and attacking Whitcomb when his stolen 2016 Toyota Camry became disabled and boxed in by police. When Whitcomb positioned his cruiser to block Le's vehicle, Le exited the Toyota, ran toward the cruiser, opened the door, "and began automatically just slashing and stabbing repeatedly" at the officer, Gagne said. Le "got seven or eight swings of the knife" before Whitcomb was able to get out of the cruiser and stumble away, Gagne said. Le entered the police car but was unable to get it into gear. Loynd fired a single shot into the cruiser. Le exited the cruiser and "rushed at officer Loynd." Loynd, as he was backing up, fired his service weapon four times, Gagne said. Even as Le crumbled to the ground, he still held a knife in his hand and ignored orders to drop the weapon, Gagne said. Loynd then fired another shot and subdued the suspect. "It's no light matter for Officer Loynd to shoot a human being, which he has never done before," said Gagne. Gagne said that both cops behaved "appropriately and professionally" and did what they were trained to do. He said he believes their actions prevented Le from stealing a minivan from a nearby home, where a mother and children were in the front yard. During the traffic stop, Whitcomb "had no idea that Mr. Le was going to approach his cruiser, open up the door, and start stabbing him repeatedly. Nobody could have predicted that." Asked about the dozens of police officers in the courtroom during Le's arraignment, Gagne said the scene was not orchestrated, and that the officers came of their own volition. "It's a hard profession, a hard job," he said. "Every day, every vehicle approach, every motor vehicle stop, every door you knock on ... you don't know what's waiting for you." Gagne said there is no evidence that Le was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, but that the matter is still under investigation. He said Le's family is from South Vietnam, and that it appears that "there are no immigration issues." Before Judge David Ross, not guilty pleas were entered on Le's behalf. Le is charged with intent to murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault with a dangerous weapon, armed carjacking, assault and battery upon a police officer, receiving stolen property valued at over $1,200, reckless operation of a motor vehicle, failure to stop for police, and resisting arrest. Le was ordered held without bail at the Franklin County House of Correction, and will undergo psychological evaluation for his competency to stand trial. Alan Rubin of the Committee for Public Counsel Services was assigned to defend Le. A status hearing has been scheduled for Nov. 5. The Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts are building a new $2.5 million leadership center in Worcester with a focus on science and technology. The building, located at 1 Century Drive in Worcester, should be open by February. The previous Girl Scouts location on Gold Boulevard has been sold in order to pay for some of the new building. Patricia Hallberg, CEO of the Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts, said the remainder of the funding needed will most likely come through donors. The building will be about 7,400-square-feet and house a STEM program. Smart boards, a robotics workplace, 3D printers and computer software will all be available at the facility, which will also house the staff from Central Massachusetts. "This is a place that moves us forward on our path and helping girls on their path to leadership," Hallberg said. Joan Bertrand, board chair for the Girl Scouts, said in a technically-driven world girls need an environment that fosters their interest in technology. The facility will help the Girl Scouts empower young women and create the future leaders in government, non-profit work and the business community, said Timothy Murray, the president and CEO of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce. "This is going to be a center of excellence for girls," Hallberg said. "Whatever girls are asking for, we are going to try to do here." The job of state treasurer rarely makes the news unless there's a problem attached. If we haven't seen or heard much about Deb Goldberg - and we haven't - that tells us something. That doesn't mean the incumbent hasn't been busy. Her innovations and hands-on involvement give more than enough reason for voters to return her to office in the November 6 election. Goldberg is a Democrat, but the office should not be run in a partisan manner and she understands that. It speaks to her style of management that Goldberg has become an influential part of the nation's network of state treasurers, even though the large majority of those people are Republicans. Within Massachusetts, Goldberg's enthusiasm for helping constituents is reflected in her accomplishments: campaigns to increase financial literacy and fraud awareness for seniors, veterans and high school students, a first-in-the-nation salary negotiation training session for women, and regional wage equality round tables in cities including Springfield, among many. She has championed early savings for college and is giving families some help to do it. Beginning in 2020, a college savings program will mean that all babies born to Massachusetts residents will receive a $50 deposit to a 529 savings plan. The 529 program will start families' educational savings program from birth and give them an important first step toward financial solvency with education. Supported by private partnership, Goldberg's office also initiated a savings plan for kindergarten children that began in Worcester, has been incorporated in Monson and promises to spread statewide. Goldberg's office is also charged with the Massachusetts School Building Authority's $50 million school technology infrastructure partnership loan program. She has steered the Massachusetts Lottery to record sales and profits and has the background and knowledge to continue maintaining the lottery's relevance and success against the new competition of casino gambling in Massachusetts. The incumbent has shown no interest in using the treasurer's office as a launching pad for other political dreams. She says she wants to be the treasurer because it gives her the opportunity to help people in various ways, including their education and awareness in financial literacy and pay equity. Goldberg has given no reason for residents to look elsewhere. Her actions have often been under the radar, yet they've had a major impact on countless families and individuals. She deserves another four-year opportunity to keep producing those results. Both candidates for lieutenant governor said Monday that Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, a Democrat, should not have hired a former state representative convicted of violence against a woman. Carlos Henriquez, a Dorchester Democrat, was expelled from the House and sentenced to six months in jail for punching a woman who refused to have sex with him. The Boston Globe reported that Walsh hired Henriquez into an $89,000-a-year job as a special assistant for community engagement working on issues including anti-violence. WGBH host Jim Braude asked Republican Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito and Democratic challenger Quentin Palfrey whether Walsh should have made that hire. Polito first said it is up to the mayor to decide. But when pressed, she said, "That would not be a hire I would support for my administration. We have zero tolerance policy within the executive branch. I encourage all workplaces to have a zero tolerance policy." Polito worried that hiring someone like Henriquez could make it harder for women who are assaulted to feel comfortable coming forward in their workplaces. Palfrey said he had not studied the allegations against Henriquez, but "it looks troubling to me." "It's important we believe women and stand up against sexual assault," Palfrey said. (A Walsh spokeswoman told the Globe that the mayor "believes in second chances.") That was perhaps the only point of agreement in the contentious debate for lieutenant governor, broadcast on the WGBH show "Greater Boston." It was the only debate between Polito, running for a second term on the ticket with Gov. Charlie Baker, and Palfrey, a former Obama aide. From the start, Palfrey tried to tie Polito to Republican President Donald Trump's administration, citing her and Baker's support for U.S. Senate candidate Geoff Diehl. Diehl, a Republican challenging Democratic U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, led Trump's Massachusetts campaign. Asked about the need for more gun control laws in the wake of a mass shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue, Palfrey said there is more to do. "In the era of Trump, it is really important for Massachusetts to lead on fighting back against the Trump administration and the NRA," Palfrey said. "Saying we should replace Elizabeth Warren with Trump's chairman ... is pointing in the wrong direction." Polito said she and Baker have a "solid record" on gun control, including signing a ban on bump stocks and signing a law allowing a judge to temporarily take someone's gun if they pose a danger to themselves or others. Polito said although she and Baker are supporting the Republican ticket, they did not vote for Trump, and they have opposed the Trump administration on issues like immigration and health care. "We didn't feel he had the right temperament for the position," Polito said. "When we had the opportunity to stand up to the Trump administration, we did so." Asked whether Trump's inflammatory rhetoric leads to political violence, Polito said the president's words and tweets "in many instances are more divisive than they are unifying." "I think there is polarization on a national level, on the extreme right and extreme left," Polito said, contrasting the national landscape with what she described as the "civility" and bipartisanship of the Baker administration. Palfrey said rather than equating extremism on the left and right, there is something different about the "cruelty" of the Trump administration, for example the former policy of separating children from their parents at the border when they entered the country illegally. Palfrey said those actions "incite the kind of violence we've seen." Palfrey said Polito cannot distance herself from Trump while also supporting Diehl. "We need to stand up and fight back against the Trump administration, and I don't believe the Baker-Polito administration have done so," Palfrey said. Palfrey also said Baker and Polito "have a track record of fighting against LGBTQ rights," citing Polito's opposition to gay marriage while in the Legislature and Baker's opposition in 2010 to expanding anti-discrimination protections for transgender people. Polito said she "evolved" on the issue of gay marriage. (Baker, who supports gay marriage, ultimately signed the law expanding protections for transgender people in 2016. He is actively opposing its repeal.) "It's a good thing to be able to change," Polito said. Palfrey responded that Baker and Polito continue to campaign and fundraise for the socially conservative state Rep. Jim Lyons, R-Andover, and the national Republican Party. The fallout over a signature-forging controversy in the Hampden County register of deeds race continues, seeping into a statewide contest as Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin's Republican challenger seized on the issue. Galvin challenger Anthony Amore held a press conference Monday at a local GOP campaign office, where he denounced recent revelations that dozens of signatures were apparently forged on register of deeds Democratic candidate Cheryl Coakley-Rivera's nomination papers. Coakley-Rivera's challenger, Longmeadow attorney Marie Angelides, raised the issue and provided The Republican with a stack of nomination papers with dozens of voter names logged in apparently identical penmanship. Nomination papers to appear on the ballot were due in late May, and the narrow window to challenge the validity of signatures expired June 1. "What's more disturbing is these questionable signatures may run into the hundreds and were certified," Amore said, also criticizing a Springfield election commissioner's disclosure that Galvin's office discourages election officials from becoming "handwriting experts" or "going Columbo" when certifying signatures. Each candidate was required to collect a minimum of 1,000 signatures to appear on the ballot. "Inspector Clouseau could have detected this," Amore said, referring to the bumbling fictional character portrayed in the "Pink Panther" movie series. "I think Marie Angelides has suffered a grave disservice in her campaign. It's a disservice to the people of Massachusetts." Amore called on Galvin to fix the "signature fiasco" in Hampden County. The GOP candidate also highlighted the potential penalties for forging signatures on nomination papers, printed in bold on each form. "Criminal penalty for unlawfully signing, altering, defacing, mutilating, destroying or suppressing this petition: fine of up to $1,000 or imprisonment for up to a year," the forms read. Reached for comment, Galvin said any candidate or any citizen has the right to challenge signatures within a certain window of time -- which expired months ago. "The idea that there's been some failure on my part or my office's part is simply untrue," he said. "Neither I nor anyone working under me has the authority to throw out signatures." The only authority allowed by state law to disqualify signatures or candidates based on faulty signatures is a five-member gubernatorial panel called the State Ballot Law Commission. It is composed of a retired judge and four other appointees named by the governor, Galvin said. "The deadline to submit these signatures passed in late May or early June. Six weeks have passed since the primary. My office hasn't heard anything about it," Galvin said. "It gets a little questionable at this point. If her objective is to root out fraud, then we're all for it ... What we don't do is try to create investigations that influence the outcomes of elections." Galvin added that his office's stance on fraud has been strong and crosses party lines. "We go right down the middle on these things," he said, noting that his office referred a voter fraud case that ensnared Enrico Villamaino III in 2012. Villamaino, an East Longmeadow Republican running for state representative, was caught changing voter affiliations and stuffing ballot boxes to advance his bid for the seat. His opponent: Angelides. She won in the Republican primary but was ultimately bested by her Democratic opponent, state Rep. Brian Ashe, who still holds that seat. Ashe's father, the late Donald Ashe, died of cancer amid a bid for a seventh term as Hampden County register of deeds -- leaving Coakley-Rivera as the only Democratic candidate on the ballot. She handily beat Donald Ashe Jr., who tried to run a sticker campaign after his father's death in July. Villamaino pleaded guilty to 11 counts of voter fraud and was sentenced to four months in jail. Galvin also pointed to the 2013 federal prosecution of former state Rep. Stephen "Stat" Smith, an Everett Democrat also charged with voter fraud and sentenced to four months in prison. Meanwhile, Angelides has called for Springfield Elections Commissioner Gladys Oyola to recuse herself from the election because Oyola worked for Coakley-Rivera as a legislative aide. Coakley-Rivera was the state representative for the 10th Hampden District between 1999 and 2014. She is now an assistant clerk in Hampden Superior Court. Oyola said while she did work as an aide to Coakley-Rivera, she took her own oath of office in 2010 and her former boss ran for public office subsequently. "It's never been an issue before. This is the first I'm hearing of this," Oyola said on Monday. While not addressing the signatures directly, Coakley-Rivera characterized the mini-uproar over her signature sheets as a "campaign stunt." Coakley-Rivera said she had hundreds of volunteers gathering signatures for her in the spring and gathered more than enough signatures to get on the ballot. Angelides fired back that Coakley-Rivera was not acknowledging the import of the potential of voter fraud. "This is not a 'campaign stunt' as Ms. Coakley Rivera stated, but a very serious issue that needs to be addressed. Let's ask the affected individuals, including those who came forward and provided testimony, whether they thought identity theft, forgery, and fraud are a 'stunt'?" Angelides said in a statement. In a story about the signature irregularities published by The Republican, three Longmeadow voters said unequivocally that their names had been forged on nomination papers. They included a local eye surgeon, general counsel for Western New England University and a lifelong Republican who told a reporter she would have never offered her signature for a Democratic candidate. "Whoever did this is awfully stupid," Maureen Beattie said during a previous interview. Angelides' camp has since reported the number of voters who have cried foul has grown to more than a dozen. Galvin said the matter is now one for the Hampden district attorney or state attorney general's offices. "(Angelides) obviously failed to do anything at the appropriate time ... At this point she'd be asking us for, I don't know what," he said. "All I've seen are press conferences so far." President Donald Trump's proposal to eliminate birthright citizenship was met with skepticism in Massachusetts Tuesday by legal experts who say it will not pass constitutional muster. "The president is coming out of outer space to think that the president has the authority to change the rules on who is a citizen," said Harvard Law Professor Gerald Neuman, an expert on human rights and immigration law. Neuman said there have been occasional movements over the years to change the definition of citizenship, but there "is no credible argument" that it is permissible under the U.S. Constitution. "Tampering with the guarantee of citizenship under the Constitution is an extremely dangerous and serious business," Neuman said. Trump told Axios on HBO, in a report published Tuesday, that he is considering signing an executive order to eliminate the right to automatic citizenship for anyone born in the United States. "We're the only country in the world where a person comes in and has a baby, and the baby is essentially a citizen of the United States ... with all of those benefits," Trump said, according to Axios. "It's ridiculous." Other countries, including Canada and Mexico, also provide birthright citizenship. Trump, a Republican, has made decreasing illegal immigration a core platform of his presidency. The president said he believes he can eliminate birthright citizenship by executive order. The 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution states, "All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside." There have at times been movements to reinterpret "subject to the jurisdiction" to exclude people without legal status in the U.S. Any move by Trump to change the citizenship laws unilaterally, to eliminate citizenship for children of immigrants without legal status, will almost certainly end up in court. Ivan Espinoza-Madrigal, executive director of Lawyers for Civil Rights, which advocates for immigrant rights, said, "Lawyers for Civil Rights will not allow the Trump administration to turn back the clock on critical civil rights provisions such as birthright citizenship, and we stand ready to protect communities of color and immigrant communities." Espinoza-Madrigal said an executive order eliminating birthright citizenship "is absolutely not constitutional." Espinoza-Madrigal noted that the 14th Amendment was ratified in response to the Civil War and the emancipation of American slaves, to ensure that children born to slaves were free U.S. citizens. "It has a long history of inclusion in our democracy, and it is directly linked to our history of slavery and racism," Espinoza-Madrigal said. "To now propose to strip immigrants of birthright citizenship is not just unconstitutional but also un-American." Patricia Montes, executive director of the immigrant rights group Centro Presente, said, "I think the President of the United States is challenging the U.S. Constitution." Montes said Trump's comments are part of an "extreme level of racism and xenophobic sentiment" present in the U.S. "There is a level of hate against people of color, in particular migrants and refugees, and I think actions like this are a clear message that they don't want to see people like us in this country," Montes said. Omar Jadwat, director of the ACLU's Immigrants' Rights Project, called Trump's comments "a transparent and blatantly unconstitutional attempt to sow division and fan the flames of anti-immigrant hatred in the days ahead of the midterms." Independent legal experts also questioned the legality of Trump's proposal. Michael Coyne, dean of the Massachusetts School of Law, said citizenship "is not something that is capable of being changed by an executive order." Coyne said he believes Trump is more likely trying to sway the midterm elections than making a serious attempt to start the process of passing a constitutional amendment. "I think it's much more likely politically motivated than a real desire to undertake a serious process to change the constitution," Coyne said. "It's meat for the base." The last time the U.S. Supreme Court took up a challenge to birthright citizenship was in 1898, when the court ruled in United States vs. Wong Kim Ark that a child of permanent U.S. residents who were Chinese was a U.S. citizen because he was born in the U.S. "This question's been analyzed already, and the answer's been given by the Supreme Court," said Ragini Shah, clinical professor of law at Suffolk Law School, who founded the school's immigration clinic. "It's very longstanding law." Although that case involved a lawful resident, not someone without legal status, Shah said the court interpreted the clause of "subject to the jurisdiction" of the U.S. to mean anyone subject to U.S. laws. For example, the child of a diplomat who has diplomatic immunity does not get birthright citizenship. If an immigrant without legal status committed a crime, Shah said, "The undocumented immigrant wouldn't have as a defense, 'I'm not subject to your laws'." According to the Pew Research Center, there were 275,000 babies born to parents without legal U.S. status in 2014. Members of Massachusetts' congressional delegation on Tuesday condemned President Donald Trump's reported plan to terminate citizenship rights for babies born in the United States to non-citizen and unauthorized immigrants. The Democrats, who have been a vocal critic of the president's hardline immigration policies, pledged to fight back against any efforts to terminate so-called birthright citizenship. Casting the president's reported plan as "an attempt to stoke xenophobic resentment before the election," U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, D-Massachusetts, argued that such citizenship rights are "enshrined in the Constitution and won't be overturned." "We can't let him distract from GOP efforts to take away health care coverage for pre-existing conditions," he added. Trumps attempt to end birthright citizenship is an attempt to stoke xenophobic resentment before the election. But its enshrined in the Constitution & wont be overturned. We can't let him distract from GOP efforts to take away health care coverage for pre-existing conditions. Ed Markey (@SenMarkey) October 30, 2018 U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, said "President Trump cannot change the Constitution with the stroke of a pen." U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, D-Springfield, argued that "President Trump's threat to eliminate the 14th Amendment's guarantee of birthright citizenship is divisive, cynical and clearly unconstitutional." "The president cannot unilaterally abolish parts of the U.S. Constitution through an executive order. There is a strict constitutional process that has to be adhered to," he said in a statement. "This hardline proposal is about the politics of the moment and a blatant appeal to President Trump's political base before next week's midterm elections." Congressman Jim McGovern, D-Worcester, accused the president of using the issue of birthright citizenship to both energize right-wing supporters and to distract from other controversial proposals ahead of next week's election. "What's happening here is he's trying to divert attention away from the fact that Republicans are trying to take away pre-existing condition protections from people and he wants to change the subject to something else," he said in a phone interview. "But this is a last ditch effort by the president to motivate the far right that he's been pandering to this whole election." McGovern added that Trump's reasoning for ending birthright citizenship "was just filled with lies." "One of the things he said is we're the only country in the world that has birthright citizenship, that's just a lie," the congressman said. "Thirty other countries have birthright citizenship. I think he might need to rewatch Schoolhouse Rock. The bottom line is, the president through executive order cannot change the Constitution." U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Salem, called the president's proposal "a political stunt." "We can't allow the slow rollback of democratic norms to become commonplace. Vote on November 6th like our future depends on it," he tweeted. Once upon a time there was another country that stripped certain groups of citizenship. We can't allow the slow rollback of democratic norms to become commonplace. Vote on November 6th like our future depends on it. pic.twitter.com/cRD3XeS9mc Seth Moulton (@sethmoulton) October 30, 2018 Democratic National Committee spokesman Daniel Wessel, meanwhile, said the president's "obviously unconstitutional" proposal further underscores the importance of the upcoming midterm election. "His intent is clear: To incite fear, divide our nation, and make vulnerable communities feel unsafe," he said in a statement. "If you want leaders who will unite our country instead of divide it, you must vote on Nov. 6." Linda Chavez, director of the Becoming American Initiative -- a Republican immigration group -- also raised concerns about the president's reported plan to end birthright citizenship. "The individuals whom the president has targeted are no less American in any meaningful way than those whose parents were born here, nor has the law treated them as anything but citizens throughout their lives. They have been educated here, work and pay taxes here, and serve in the U.S. military. Yet, the president would cast these millions into a state of legal limbo, subjecting them to the possibility of deportation to countries most of them have never set foot in and whose language they may not even know," she said in a statement. "The president's motives are purely political -- hoping to stir up his anti-immigrant base in advance of next week's midterm election." Trump, in an interview for "Axios on HBO" said he plans to sign an executive order that would end citizenships for non-citizen and unauthorized immigrant babies born in the United States. The president, who called the current policy "ridiculous," said an executive order to terminate birthright citizenship "is in the process -- it'll happen." "It was always told to me that you needed a constitutional amendment. Guess what? You don't. Number one, you don't need that. ... You can definitely do it with an act of Congress, but now they're saying I can do it just with an executive order," he said. "We're the only country in the world where a person comes in, has the baby and the baby is essentially a citizens of the United States for 85 years with all of those benefits. It's ridiculous and it has to end." Axios noted that more than 30 countries provide birthright citizenship. A fundraising expert and the co-founder of the small group that beat back an effort to bring the 2024 US Olympics to Boston are behind a new super PAC inserting itself into the 2018 Massachusetts election as the campaign season draws to a close. Roger Craver, who was involved with building up liberal and progressive groups like NARAL Pro-Choice America and the ACLU, is teaming up with Liam Kerr, who co-founded No Boston Olympics and worked as the state director for Democrats for Education Reform. Kerr is chairing the super PAC, dubbed "Priorities for Progress." Referring to a nonpartisan advocacy and government watchdog group he helped boost in its early days, Craver describes the latest venture as "Common Cause with teeth." Craver says the new super PAC, seeking to pressure elected officials on good government and social issues, is "needed because a small group of people can make a huge difference if they persist and they don't go home after the election." Kerr says the PAC now has more than 50 donors who have contributed more than $5,000. According to the Center for Responsive Politics, super PACs "may raise unlimited sums of money from corporations, unions, associations and individuals, then spend unlimited sums to overtly advocate for or against political candidates." Kerr, who as state director for Democrats for Education Reform has clashed with unions in the 2013 Boston mayoral race and over efforts to expand charter schools, says he and other progressives were recently blocked from joining the Raise Up Massachusetts coalition, the group that includes religious organizations and labor unions. The coalition successfully pressed for a paid family and medical leave program alongside a raise in the state's minimum wage to $15 an hour. "The veto power that they have and the takeover of the progressive movement presents a challenge to an effective government," Kerr says of the unions. The new super PAC's first target is a Republican state senator who is endorsed by the Massachusetts Teachers Association, Boston Teachers Union Local 66 and the American Federation of Teachers. Patrick O'Connor, first elected in 2016 and one of seven Republican senators under the State House's golden dome, is facing Democratic candidate Katie McBrine, a pediatrician, on the Nov. 6 ballot. The district includes cities and towns south of Boston, including Weymouth, Cohasset, Duxbury, Hingham, Hull, Marshfield, Norwell and Scituate. "I think super PAC money is an unfortunate circumstance that we have now, the day and age we live in," O'Connor said in a phone interview. O'Connor said the super PAC is mischaracterizing his stances, particularly his feelings on transgender anti-discrimination protections. O'Connor says he's voting "yes" on Question 3, keeping in place a 2016 law passed by the Democrat-dominated state Legislature and signed by Republican Gov. Charlie Baker. On its website, Priorities for Progress says O'Connor made "transphobic comments," pointing to a 2015 article on the news site New Boston Post in which then-candidate O'Connor said of the legislation, "We'd be opening this up to abuse, not necessarily from the transgender community, but from people who will definitely use this as an opportunity to do deviant things." O'Connor said Priorities for Progress is taking his remarks out of context, and his comments were directed at "people who would abuse this bill, not anyone from the transgender community." "Very simply, this super PAC could've called my campaign and gotten clarification," he said. The 2018 Massachusetts election has "gotten to be a crazy election cycle towards the end and it's because of these shadow groups that come out and say whatever they want to say with limited time to counter-act," he added. Unions such as the National Education Association and the AFL-CIO have also used super PACs. Unions and outside groups poured money into the 2013 Boston mayoral race, with unions supporting labor leader Marty Walsh, the eventual winner, and groups like Democrats for Education Reform supporting his opponent, John Connolly. Democrats for Education Reform, which has a Massachusetts super PAC that donated its email list to Priorities for Progress, has been backed by hedge fund managers. For Priorities for Progress's part, Craver says their goal is to "find the calm, reasonable people who can have a decent discussion within their community and their legislators." "This will be driven in part by very activist type of citizens but also informed by data and using technology properly," he says. The super PAC will keep its focus on state-level politics. "The nature of the organization is to be in place and present across the commonwealth, from the Berkshires to the Cape," Craver says. President Donald Trump plans to sign an executive order that would ban the longstanding tradition of citizenship for all babies born on U.S. soil. In an interview for Axios, Trump said he has been told he can exercise his executive power to end birthright citizenships, and that a process is underway to change how the country has long viewed the 14th Amendment. "It was always told to me that you needed a constitutional amendment. Guess what? You don't," Trump told Axios. "We're the only country in the world where a person comes in and has a baby, and the baby is essentially a citizen of the United States for 85 years with all of those benefits," Trump said, adding, "It's ridiculous. It's ridiculous. And it has to end." Trump admitted he was impressed by the line of questioning by the reporter Jonathan Swan, admitting, "I didn't think anybody knew that but me." Axios is an American media outlet established in 2016 by Politico co-founder Jim VandeHei and other former Politico staff. Trump's actions are expected to set off a battle with the courts as the president tries to override the 14th Amendment of the United States Constitution, which reads: "All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside." The president's thinking aligns with some conservative ideology that says the 14th Amendment was designed to provide citizenship to babies born to lawful and permanent residents, not including undocumented immigrants or people on temporary visas. Most constitutional and immigration scholars believe it is not within the president's executive powers to overhaul the amendment, according to reporting by Axios. "This would be the most dramatic move yet in Trump's hardline immigration campaign, this time targeting 'anchor babies' and 'chain migration,'" Axios reported with the exclusive story. The exclusive interview with Trump is slated to air in a four-part Axios HBO documentary on Sunday, Nov. 4 at 6:30 p.m. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat running for a second term, and her GOP opponent Geoff Diehl are set to face off on live television for the final time before the November election. The hour-long debate starts at 7 p.m. WCVB's Ed Harding is the moderator, and WCVB's Janet Wu and Boston Globe political reporter Victoria McGrane are serving as panelists. The third and final televised debate is sponsored by WCVB Channel 5 and a consortium of groups, including the Boston Globe, the University of Massachusetts system and Western Mass News. The debate will air on Channel 5 and stream on WCVB's website. Warren is running for another six-year term while saying she plans to take a "hard look" at a 2020 White House run after November. At the last two debates, Warren has taken an aggressive stance towards Diehl, noting that the Republican state representative from Whitman co-chaired Donald Trump's presidential campaign in Massachusetts. Firing back, Diehl has said he would be a "full-time" senator, knocking Warren for running for re-election while traveling to other states, helping other Democrats and considering a White House campaign. The election is Tuesday, Nov. 6. Independent candidate Shiva Ayyadurai is also on the ballot. Early voting is already available and underway. The Supreme Judicial Court on Tuesday affirmed the right of drug defendants wrongfully convicted based on misconduct at the state drug labs to be reimbursed for payments they made during their court cases. The court warned that without a clear procedure to reimburse the money, claims for repayments could overwhelm the courts. "The amount of time and effort required from judges, clerks, probation officers, prosecutors and defense counsel to adjudicate each individual defendant's entitlement to a refund, and the amount of such a refund, would pose so substantial a collective burden that it would threaten the administration of criminal justice in our courts," wrote SJC Chief Justice Ralph Gants. There were more than 21,000 court cases dismissed due to the falsification of test results by Hinton drug lab chemist Annie Dookhan. Another 8,000 cases were dismissed, and more are slated to be dismissed, after Amherst drug lab chemist Sonja Farak stole drug samples to feed her addiction. Under a 2017 U.S. Supreme Court case, defendants who are wrongly convicted are entitled to have their fees and fines returned to them. The SJC had heard two cases requesting the court to lay out a process for reimbursing the money. In a unanimous decision, written by Gants, the SJC lays out some parameters for what money will be returned. The court ruled that for defendants who pleaded guilty or were found guilty on drug charges, whose convictions were later overturned, they will be entitled to the return of probation fees, victim-witness assessments, fines and court costs. They will not be reimbursed for forfeited property. The court did not rule on how restitution paid back to private victims will be treated, since that was not an issue in these particular cases. But Gants noted that the issue of restitution is likely to be raised in future cases. The money will be repaid by the state's general fund. The decision, and earlier court briefs, did not say how much money will have to be returned. An assistant attorney general, during oral arguments, gave a rough estimate of $10 million. The decision noted that it may be "difficult and time consuming" to determine what money has been paid by a defendant, since it will require reviewing individual case files. The court wrote that a defendant can make a claim with a sworn affidavit, and the burden will be on prosecutors to dispute that amount. Gants wrote that prosecutors have easier access to case files and better understanding of how to find the information. But Gants wrote that while these procedures may be doable in ordinary times, it will "quickly prove impracticable" if a large percentage of Dookhan and Farak defendants seek refunds. The SJC, however, held back on proposing a widespread remedy as another related court case continues in U.S. District Court. The SJC ordered the attorney general's office and the public defender's office to report back within six months on whether they reached a settlement in the federal court case that will create a way to reimburse the Dookhan and Farak defendants without overwhelming the court system. Carol Rose, executive director at the ACLU of Massachusetts, which has represented drug defendants in the case, said, "Together with public defenders and pro bono lawyers, the ACLU of Massachusetts has worked for more than six years to secure the dismissal of these wrongful convictions, and we are grateful that those dismissals have helped to pave the way for this step toward justice for victims of lab and prosecutorial misconduct." Rose added, "We in Massachusetts have an opportunity and obligation to fix the criminal legal system. Reimbursing money taken from thousands of wrongfully convicted people is an important step toward restoring the integrity of the system." New report published by Global Info Research which offers insights on the global Healthcare and Medical System Integrators market. System integration is defined in engineering as the process of bringing together the component sub-systems into one system (an aggregation of subsystems cooperating so that the system is able to deliver the overarching functionality) and ensuring that the subsystems function together as a system, and in information technology as the process of linking together different computing systems and software applications physically or functionally, to act as a coordinated whole. Click to view the full report TOC, figure and tables: https://www.globalinforesearch.com/global-healthcare-and-medical-system-integrators-market_p54784.html Global Healthcare and Medical System Integrators Market: Forecast by Type / Application / Region The system integrator integrates discrete systems utilizing a variety of techniques such as computer networking, enterprise application integration, business process management or manual programming. Health care and health systems integration aims to ensure that behavioral health care services are more accessible and connected to the broader health care system. The integration of health information technology (IT) into primary care includes a variety of electronic methods that are used to manage information about peoples health and health care, for both individual patients and groups of patients. The use of health IT can improve the quality of care, even as it makes health care more cost effective. Market Segment by Players covers: Johnson Controls, Convergint Technologies, AVI-SPL, AVI Systems, Red Thread Spaces, Whitlock, Yorktel, Ford Audio-Video, Lone Star Communications, CompView, Advanced AV, IVCi LLC, CCS Presentation Systems, Technical Innovation, Signet Electronic Systems, Beacon Communications, All Systems, Sage Technology Solutions, HB Communications, Human Circuit, Genesis Integration, Zdi, Inc., Low Voltage Contractors, DGI Communications, Sensory Technologies. Market Segment by Types covers, Horizontal Integration, Vertical Integration. Market Segment by Applications be divided into: Government Hospitals, Private Hospitals & Clinics, Healthcare Organizations. The global Healthcare and Medical System Integrators market is valued at 1448.51 million USD in 2017 and is expected to reach 2841 million USD by the end of 2023, growing at a CAGR of 11.88% between 2017 and 2023. Associated benefits such as operational cost reduction, minimizing errors in a medical facility and increased successful outcomes are expected to propel healthcare and medical system integrators industry growth. In addition, favorable government initiatives pertaining to the development of healthcare infrastructure and incorporation of information technology in existing establishments are expected to fuel industry growth over the forecast period. In 2017, North America accounted for the majority share of the global market followed by Europe and Asia-Pacific. The large share of this region can be attributed to the stringent legislative and accreditation requirements regarding healthcare. The Asia Pacific medical care IT industry is expected to witness a lucrative CAGR from 2017 to 2023 due to the increased incidences of chronic diseases in geriatric as well as in pediatric population, rising awareness about the cost-effectiveness, convenience offered by these technologies, and rising medical expenditure. Ask for Discount on Research Report and Request Sample Copy of Report@ https://www.globalinforesearch.com/global-healthcare-and-medical-system-integrators-market_p54784.html About Us: GlobalInfoResearch is a report publisher, a customer, interest-based suppliers. Is in the best interests of our clients, they determine our every move. At the same time, we have great respect for the views of customers. With the improvement of the quality of our research, we develop custom interdisciplinary and comprehensive solution. For further development, we will do better and better. GlobalInfoResearch will with excellent professional knowledge and experience to carry out all aspects of our business. At the same time, we will thoroughly look for information, to give a more comprehensive development. Related Information: United States Healthcare and Medical System Integrators Market 2018 Forecast to 2023 Europe Healthcare and Medical System Integrators Market 2018 Forecast to 2023 North America Healthcare and Medical System Integrators Market 2018 Forecast to 2023 Asia-Pacific Healthcare and Medical System Integrators Market 2018 Forecast to 2023 China Healthcare and Medical System Integrators Market 2018 Forecast to 2023 EMEA Healthcare and Medical System Integrators Market 2018 Forecast to 2023 Global Healthcare and Medical System Integrators Market 2018 Forecast to 2023 Contact US : JOE Sales Director (Global Info Research) E-mail: report@globalinforesearch.com Tel: +86-13660489451 00852-58197708(HK) Add: RM 1605C HO KING COMM CTR 2-16 FA YUEN ST MONGKOK KL Hong Kong Using lab animals in medical science is not only an ethical issue, but the research findings often dont match up to what happens in humans. Simulating various natural processes within microfluidic devices often a provides a more reliable, and easier to work with, laboratory technique over live animals. Researchers at Purdue University have built a microfluidic device that will help them understand the relationship between blood clots and pancreatic tumors. Pancreatic cancer seems to lead to increased clot formation, which may be a major factor in this cancers ability to quickly growth and spread throughout the body. Moreover, clots make it harder for drugs to reach tumors. The Purdue hope that the knowledge they gather with the help them and partner teams at Cincinnati Childrens Hospital, the Indiana University School of Medicine and the University of North Carolina School of Medicine at Chapel Hill, to develop new therapies to address pancreatic cancer. Their new microfluidic device has tunnels that are home to tiny pieces of live pancreatic duct tissue, positioned below a microslide. The tissue can be closely monitored and the environment changed to assess how the tissue responds to different stimuli. It will be used with both animal tissue and diseased human samples to eventually confirm that its performing as desired and to begin thinking of new therapeutic approaches. Via: Purdue Venous access is famously difficult in many patients, and devices have been developed in the past to make veins easier to see. Seeing narrow veins doesnt make it much easier to get inside of them, but the Veinplicity device from Physeon, a Swiss company thats part of Germanys Novintum Medical Technology, actually makes veins more engorged and less of a challenge to access. We spoke with Pat Kullman, CEO of Physeon, and Tina Leggett, Physeons Business Development Director, to find out more about the technology within the Veinplicity and what it means for everyday clinical care. Before we dive in, to get an idea of the product heres a video showing how the Veinplicity system is used: Medgadget: Where did the concept for the Veinplicity device come from? Pat Kullman: The concept originated with Dr. David Phillips, MD, PhD, inventor of the infrared ear thermometer and the Rebuilder medical technology. In 2013, our Founder and Dr. Phillips were exploring opportunities to address chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy when we first saw the potential of this concept and its applicability well beyond the realm of an oncology setting only. Dr. Phillips demonstrated the concept on his wife initially by putting her hands in petri-dishes containing an electrolyte solution and two wiring leads connected to a battery and a motherboard. Weve come a long way since those early days in 2013. Medgadget: What was the medical evidence that you were working with? Kullman: Venous access is the most commonly performed procedure in the world. In the US alone, there are nearly 1B access attempts each year. Statistical evidence suggests first stick failure rates at 20-50%. And while we see a lot of visualization technologies on the market, theres absolutely nothing that has physiological impact on the veins themselves.until Veinplicity, that is Medgadget: How does the Veinplicity operate? Tina Leggett: By applying a mild electrical current to the forearm, Veinplicity has a threefold effect muscle contraction creates increased blood flow; parasympathetic nerve block causes vessel dilation and chemical mediators improve vessel tone Medgadget: How much electricity is delivered and how would you compare the sensation to something we can all relate to? Leggett: The device delivers no more than 1mA of current and not more than 90v. You can compare it to the type of mild electrical current you get from a TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) device, which is used to relieve pain. Medgadget: How did you personally get into this space? What excites you about Veinplicity as a company and a technology? Leggett: IV access is the most common invasive procedure performed in clinical settings everywhere in the world. With such a high first stick failure rate, it is one of the greatest challenges faced in healthcare today. Its something we feel passionate about because first stick failure has big implications for patients, providers and for healthcare professionals alike. Medgadget : What types of patients is your product intended for and who is it contra-indicated for? Who will benefit the most? Leggett: Veinplicity is designated for anyone over the age of 2. Anyone with a history of or risk of Difficult Venous Access can benefit from Veinplicity. The device is contra-indicated only for patients with implanted electrical devices. Medgadget: We watched a video demonstrating the use of the Veinplicity system. The patients hand and arm undergo quite a bit of shaking, which may have to go on for as long as ten minutes. What are people saying that have experienced the Veinplicity system? Leggett: The shaking is a physiological side effect of our stimulation of the musculature of the arm, but in no way is it painful. The overwhelming majority of patients describe the sensation as a funny tingling feeling. People with a history of difficult venous access feel its nothing compared to a failed stick. Medgadget: What about the nurses that have used it? What have their experiences been like? Leggett: Nurses, as well as patients, have been amazed with the results. There is no special training required and no need to change the technique theyve always used to access veins. Nurses like the fact that the engorged veins not only become larger but also better anchored in the surrounding tissue, which means they dont roll away from the needle tip. They say that Veinplicity is an critical part of the toolkit visualization devices can help locate a vein but they can still be difficult or impossible to access, while Veinplicity makes the target easier to reach. Medgadget: Youre cleared in Europe. How is the system doing there? Leggett: The first launch country has been the UK, where sales are steadily increasing. In fact, every Apheresis Outpatient Center in the UK carries a Veinplicity device for their patients. Weve just completed a successful trial in the Netherlands and will use the evidence to spearhead a launch in continental Europe. Medgadget: What about the regulatory status of the Veinplicity in the U.S.? Are you seeking a 510(k) clearance or is a more difficult pathway required? Kullman: The pathway in the US will be a de novo pathway approval with supporting clinical data for superiority Link: Veinplicity homepage by Tanya Gazdik , October 30, 2018 People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals' latest campaign aims to shatter what the organization calls the humane myth regarding free-range eggs. A video created in-house by PETAs Online Video Lab team shows Whole Foods shoppers in Brooklyn reacting to the reality of the "free-range" eggs they've just bought. They are shown video of chickens who may not be in cages, but who are crammed into a barn. Well-meaning consumers are often duped into buying "free range" or "humane" eggs with wildly unrealistic visions of rolling hills and chickens scratching around in the dirt, according to PETA. PETA's 2018 investigation into a leading supplier to Nellie's Free Range Eggs showed tens of thousands of birds crammed into filthy, windowless sheds with only a small hatch, which is locked for much of the day. advertisement advertisement These chickens had just 1.2 square feet of floor space each, which is barely larger than their bodies. As one Whole Foods shopper says in the video, "That is not what I imagined 'free-range' to be." But Nellie's website claims that hens whose eggs it uses "roam and strut throughout their wide open pasture." The reaction of the shoppers includes betrayed, false advertising, disgusting and another big lie. Every shopper who viewed the footage said that they would never buy Nellie's Free Range Eggs again. Industry surveys have found that over 60% of consumers find chicken labels confusing and that the majority mistakenly think that "cage-free" and "free-range" mean that the birds have been raised outdoors, according to PETA. No reasonable shopper would think that "free-range" means that hens are crammed together so tightly that it's hard for workers to avoid stepping on them, says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. PETA's new videowhich shows the reactions of actual customers as they learn that 'free-range' and 'humane labels are nothing more than marketing schemes meant to mislead themwill soon be shared on all of PETA's social media channels, Reiman tells Marketing Daily. In 2017, PETAs videos received more than 1 billion views across all platforms, she says. According to PR News, PETA has the "Best Social Media Team" of any advocacy organizationand that includes all the groups that focus on issues other than animal welfare. More people "like," share, and comment on PETAs content than on that of any comparable group, Reiman says. by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, October 30, 2018 Handing another defeat to Crunch Fitness, a federal appeals court has refused to reconsider its recent ruling that the company may have violated a robo-texting law by sending SMS messages to a gym member. A three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals wrote in a brief order issued Tuesday that none of the circuit's judges requested a vote on whether to rehear the case. That panel ruled earlier this month that the gym member Jordan Marks was entitled to proceed with a class-action complaint alleging that Crunch violated the Telephone Consumer Protection Act by sending him three text messages in an 11-month period. That law prohibits companies from using automated dialers to send SMS messages to consumers without their permission. Crunch argued there was no proof it had used an automated dialer to send the messages. U.S. District Court Judge Cynthia Bashant in the Southern District of California agreed with Crunch and dismissed the case. She said an automated dialer must have the ability to generate random or sequential phone numbers, as opposed to storing a list of numbers. advertisement advertisement Earlier this month, the appellate judges reversed Bashant's decision, writing that her definition of autodialer was too narrow. The appeals judges defined autodialers as devices that store numbers to be called, regardless of whether the numbers were generated randomly or by a sequential generator. The appellate panel said Crunch's texting system "dials numbers automatically," and therefore potentially meets the definition of autodialer. But the judges stopped short of ruling either that Crunch's system is definitively an autodialer, or that Crunch violated the law. Instead, they said they sent the case back to the district court for further proceedings. Crunch -- backed by radio company Sirius XM and The Association of Credit and Collection Professionals -- then asked the 9th Circuit to reconsider the ruling. They argued in separate sets of legal papers hat the appellate judges interpreted the concept of robo-texting too broadly. The panel's interpretation disregards the purposes of the TCPA's [autodialer] provisions, Sirius XM wrote in a friend-of-the-court brief filed this month. Sirius XM is facing separate lawsuits alleging it violated the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. The company added that random dialing allows callers to reach and tie up specialized numbers -- emergency rooms, hospital rooms, unlisted pagers, fire departments, and the like, while sequential dialing allows callers to reach, tie up, and overwhelm all of the telephone lines in a hospital, a police station, a fire department, or even an entire cell phone network. Those problems don't occur with automated dialing from a list of numbers, Sirius argues. Dialers that rely on prepared lists reach only the numbers whom the caller deliberately chooses to call -- and nobody deliberately calls a police station or a fire department or a hospital room to hawk wares, the radio company wrote. The panel's decision regarding Crunch conflicts with a recent ruling issued by a different appellate court -- the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals -- which recently sided with Yahoo in a similar dispute over whether its texting system is an autodialer. The 3rd Circuit's ruling stemmed from a 2013 lawsuit by Philadelphia resident Bill Dominguez, who said Yahoo sent him more than 27,000 text messages that were meant for the phone's previous owner. The appellate judges in that case said systems are only autodialers if they can generate and call random or sequential numbers. by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, October 30, 2018 Siding with tech platforms, a federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit seeking to hold Twitter, Google and Facebook responsible for a terrorist attack in Turkey. The decision, issued Monday by U.S. District Court Judged Edward Chen in the Northern District of California, is the latest in a series of court decisions siding with tech companies in lawsuits over terrorist attacks. The ruling stems from a lawsuit filed last year by the family of Nawras Alassaf, a Jordanian citizen who was killed in the January 2017 bombing of the Reina nightclub in Istanbul. The family members alleged that Twitter, Google and Facebook enabled that the Web platforms enable ISIS to recruit new members and promote terrorism. The family added that the killer, Abdulkadir Masharipov, was radicalized by social media. The lawsuit claimed the tech companies violated the federal Anti-Terrorism Act, which prohibits anyone from knowingly providing material support to terrorists. That law contains a provision that allows anyone injured by violations to sue in federal court. advertisement advertisement Chen rejected that theory, writing that the allegations, even if true, wouldn't prove the platforms caused the bombing. Plaintiffs do not allege that Mr. Masharipov ever saw any specific content on social media related to ISIS. Nor are there even any factual allegations that Mr. Masharipov maintained a Facebook, YouTube, and/or Twitter account, Chen wrote. He added that complaint also alleged that Masharipov trained with al-Qaeda in 2011 -- suggesting that he could have been radicalized through other sources. Plaintiffs fail to allege any clear or direct linkage between Defendants platforms and the Reina attack, he wrote. All three companies have prevailed in similar battles in trial courts in New York and California. Earlier this year, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals sided with Twitter in the first appellate decision on questions of tech companies' responsibility for terrorist attacks. That mater stemmed from a lawsuit brought by family members of Lloyd Carl Fields, Jr. and James Damon Creach, who were killed in a November 2015 terrorist shooting in Amman, Jordan. The families had alleged Twitter provided support to ISIS by allowing members to create accounts on the service. But the appellate judges said the complaint didn't show a direct relationship between Twitter and the shooting. The current notion about income and health status is that the wealthier a person is, the longer they can expect to live because they will have easier access to appropriate healthcare. A new study, however, takes a more complex approach and suggests that the answer may not be quite as straightforward. Share on Pinterest A new Danish study overturns existing ideas about how a persons income influences their life expectancy. An influential study published in 2016 in JAMA Network found that there was a significant difference in the life expectancy of people living in different areas of the United States. The difference, the researchers argued, was down to the variation in the populations income levels. Their results suggested that among U.S. men aged 40 years and older, those with the lowest income were expected to live 14.6 years less than men with the highest income. In the case of U.S. women at the same age, life expectancy was 10.1 years shorter for those with the lowest incomes compared with those with the highest incomes. However, researchers from the University of Copenhagen in Denmark now argue that these calculations did not take into account an important factor namely, income mobility. The Danish team comprising economists Claus Thustrup Kreiner, Torben Heien Nielsen, and Benjamin Ly Serena note that their American colleagues treated income levels as constant throughout a persons lifetime. However, they argue, that is not how things work. In reality, people who have low incomes at one point in their lives can transition to higher income levels, while people with high incomes can slide down the income scale over the course of their lives. In a new study, the findings of which appear in the journal PNAS, Kreiners team devised a method of taking such changes into account when calculating differences in life expectancy. Dry drowning is an outdated term. Some have used it to describe instances in which death resulted from swallowing or breathing in liquid, but the person showed no signs of breathing difficulties. Decades ago, the medical community largely abandoned the term, after doctors developed a better understanding of breathing capacity and drowning injuries. Today, some people occasionally use dry drowning to describe cases in which liquid makes the voice box spasm and shut, reducing breathing and other vital functions. This article will discuss the symptoms and causes of dry drowning and explain when to seek medical attention. What is dry drowning? Share on Pinterest Dry drowning can occur many hours after a person inhales water from a swimming pool or other body of water. Dry drowning once referred to instances in which a person died more than 24 hours after swallowing or inhaling liquid but showed no signs of breathing trouble. Most medical authorities and organizations now discourage the use of the term. At present, the medical community has not agreed on a term to replace dry drowning. Some groups use post-immersion syndrome or, less commonly, delayed drowning. Today, researchers and doctors occasionally use dry drowning to describe cases in which liquid stimulates the voice box, causing the organ to spasm and shut. When the voice box spasms, the vocal folds close, and breathing becomes difficult. Liquids may end up in places they should not go, such as the sinuses, and it may be difficult to get air into the lungs. Dry drowning vs. regular and secondary drowning Drowning occurs when someone cannot breathe after going below the surface of water or another liquid. When someone is drowning, lung damage and exposure to liquid cause the major lung passageways to spasm, stopping airflow. Ultimately, people who drown die from a lack of oxygen. Some doctors once used the terms wet drowning and dry drowning before the medical community had the right diagnostic tools to examine breathing. Once they learned that drowning results from a lack of oxygen, not the volume of water in the lungs, the single term drowning replaced wet or dry drowning. Dry drowning once described cases in which other complicating factors were present, such as: no early breathing difficulties or signs of a lack of oxygen no or very little water in the lungs no one else knowing if the person had swallowed, inhaled, or submerged in liquid Today, doctors realize that a person can die if even a little bit of water enters their lungs. According to the Surfers Medical Association, this amount may be as small as 2 milliliters of water per kilogram of body weight. Some researchers and doctors still occasionally use the term dry drowning. When they do, it typically refers to cases in which water or another liquid causes the voice box and vocal folds to spasm. A severe spasm can reduce airflow enough to be fatal. Aside from dry drowning, most health authorities and organizations discourage the use of the following medically inaccurate terms: Near drowning Near drowning once referred to cases in which a person survived for some period after seeming to have drowned. The American Red Cross recommend using the terms fatal and nonfatal drowning. Secondary or delayed drowning These terms describe situations in which a person dies 24 hours after being immersed in water. Active and passive drowning Active drowning typically refers to people who are conscious when they drown, while passive drowning usually refers to people who are unconscious. Symptoms and when to seek help Share on Pinterest A person should seek medical attention if they have trouble breathing after being in water. If a person was recently in the water, inhaling liquid, splashed with liquid, or drinking, and they show any of the following signs, seek emergency care: uncontrollable or continuous coughing wheezing light-headedness or dizziness sleepiness confusion fast or hard breathing abnormal breathing patterns trouble breathing foam at the nose or mouth Watch people especially children who cough or sputter for a bit before breathing normally again. If they develop any of the above signs at any point, seek immediate medical help. Treatment If a person seems to lack oxygen or may have drowned, anyone trained should immediately begin CPR and get someone else to call for emergency help. Once the person arrives at the emergency room, they will often undergo medical tests to determine how well they are breathing. Doctors will also check their vital signs, such as their heart rate, body temperature, and oxygen levels. If the vital signs are all normal, healthcare professionals will usually monitor the person for around 46 hours, then allow them to leave the emergency department. If not, they will admit the person to the hospital for longer-term monitoring and care. Prevention tips There are ways to help prevent drowning. Most involve practicing water safety. Some key tips include: directly supervising children under the age of 4 in any amount of water swimming only in supervised areas with a lifeguard on duty following lifeguards safety warnings swimming, with supervision, in designated areas of lakes or beaches keeping infants, toddlers, and young children away from any stagnant water supervising infants, toddlers, and young children when they are drinking wearing life jackets when doing water sports taking swimming lessons and teaching children to swim from a young age fencing off private pools keeping pool gates closed when the pool is not in use learning CPR and water safety if frequently supervising others while swimming never swimming alone never swimming or going near the water when drinking alcohol or taking illegal drugs removing ladders to inflatable pools when the pool is not in use always supervising children using inflatable toys or loungers In this article, learn about some of the options for treating a COPD exacerbation. We also discuss the importance of treating exacerbations, when hospitalization may be necessary, and some tips for preventing exacerbations. In some people, certain things, such as an infection, a change in the weather, or exposure to irritants or allergens, can trigger an exacerbation. People with COPD may occasionally notice that their symptoms suddenly get worse, or that new symptoms develop. Doctors refer to these periods as exacerbations, or flare-ups. COPD is the name given to a group of long-term lung diseases. The condition tends to get worse over time and symptoms can include: People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may occasionally have symptom exacerbations, or flare-ups. Treatments options for exacerbations include bronchodilators, corticosteroids, antibiotics, oxygen therapy, and ventilation. Generally, the sooner a person begins treatment for a COPD exacerbation, the better. Several treatment options are available, including: Bronchodilators Share on Pinterest A bronchodilator can open the lungs to ease the symptoms of a COPD exacerbation. Bronchodilators are medications that relax the muscles of the airways, which helps them open up. One of the most common bronchodilators that doctors prescribe for people with COPD is albuterol. A COPD exacerbation may result in increased chest tightness, wheezing, or shortness of breath. Taking medication to open the lungs, such as a bronchodilator, can help ease these symptoms. Bronchodilators typically come in the form of an inhaler device or a liquid. To take the liquid form, a person must use a machine called a nebulizer to turn the liquid into an aerosol or mist, which a person can then inhale into the lungs. Side effects of using a bronchodilator may include a faster heart rate, a headache, and shakiness. Corticosteroids Increased inflammation of the lungs and airways can trigger a COPD exacerbation. Corticosteroids can help reduce this inflammation and relieve symptoms. Corticosteroids come in many forms, including tablets, inhaler devices, and injections. Corticosteroids that doctors commonly prescribe for the treatment of COPD exacerbations include prednisone and budesonide. Corticosteroids can cause systemic side effects, especially when a person takes them intravenously or orally. Systemic side effects can affect the whole body. Possible side effects include increased blood sugar, nervousness, and headache. Nebulized corticosteroids may cause hoarseness, dry mouth, or oral yeast infections. The best way to administer corticosteroids to treat a COPD exacerbation depends on the type and severity of symptoms. However, the results of a 2014 study suggest that nebulized corticosteroids may be as effective as intravenous corticosteroids but with fewer systemic side effects. Antibiotics People with COPD are more likely to develop a lung infection than those without the lung disease. These infections can lead to an exacerbation, and people with COPD may be more likely to experience complications from lung infections. If a doctor suspects that a person with COPD has a bacterial infection, they may prescribe them a course of antibiotics. The results of a 2013 study that involved 53,900 participants suggest that adding antibiotics to a treatment plan that also included corticosteroids may briefly improve symptoms for people in the hospital with a COPD exacerbation. Oxygen therapy A persons oxygen levels may decrease during a COPD exacerbation. Oxygen therapy can help improve oxygen levels in the blood and ease the related symptoms, such as shortness of breath. During oxygen therapy, a person will inhale oxygen from a machine through a mask or via nasal tubes. People can use an oxygen therapy machine at home. Noninvasive ventilation Share on Pinterest People with severe COPD exacerbation may need treatment with noninvasive ventilation. Image credit: James Heilman, 2014 Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is a type of respiratory support that can improve oxygen levels, inflate the lungs, and make breathing easier. NIV involves a machine that delivers pressure and oxygen to the lungs through a mask. Doctors will typically provide NIV to people in the hospital with a severe COPD exacerbation. A 2017 study reviewed 17 clinical trials that involved 1,264 people who were in the hospital with COPD. The researchers found that participants who underwent NIV had a 46 percent lower risk of death than those who did not undergo NIV. NIV treatment also reduced the length of hospital stays and lowered the risk of experiencing COPD-related complications. Intubation and ventilation During intubation, a specialist will insert a breathing tube into a persons windpipe to allow for mechanical ventilation, or assisted breathing. The specialist will then connect the breathing tube to a ventilator, which is also known as a breathing machine or a respirator. Doctors may use a ventilator if a person is unable to breathe on their own, or their breathing is ineffective at removing carbon dioxide or oxygenating the lungs. The machine can deliver a set number of breaths per minute, a volume of air, and pressure to the lungs. It also delivers oxygen. PARAMUS, N.J. Oct. 30, 2018 Monroe, North Carolina Monroe the United States Charlotte /PRNewswire/ -- Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, a global pharmaceutical company, today announced the official inauguration of its manufacturing site in. Thefacility will serve as the first manufacturing site for Glenmark in, and the company anticipates the site will grow well beyond its current 168 employees. The Glenmark site is the largest pharmaceutical manufacturer in theregion. "Our investment in Monroe is a key priority for Glenmark, and contributing to the surrounding community through high-quality job creation and educational investments is a critical success factor as we expand our global manufacturing operations into the U.S.," said Robert Matsuk, President, North America & Global API at Glenmark Pharmaceuticals. "We have a commitment to long-term growth and expansion in North Carolina and are thankful for the mutual support from our community partners in helping realize those goals." U.S. Senator Burr weighs in on Glenmark's investment in North Carolina by adding, "North Carolina is a high-growth state that continues to attract innovative companies from all over the globe. Our world class research universities, skilled workforce and vibrant local communities make this the perfect place to conduct cutting-edge research and invest in high-skilled jobs. It is a winning formula, and one North Carolinians can be proud of." In partnership with the South Piedmont Community College, Glenmark has helped design and fund a training program to facilitate learning and development on technical, safety, leadership and process improvement tools and techniques for all employees. To date, more than 200 people have been trained through this program. "Glenmark Pharmaceuticals' decision to build this facility in Union County is a testament to the readiness of our highly skilled manufacturing workforce, which fulfills their needs for quality and safety in the production of a wide variety of drug formulations," states Chris Plate, Executive Director of Monroe-Union County Economic Development. "As Union County's first pharmaceutical facility, Glenmark brings economic growth, increased diversity and employment opportunities that strengthen our community's broad manufacturing sector." With more than 100,000 square feet, the Monroe, North Carolina facility is designed to manufacture a variety of fixed dose pharmaceutical formulations. Glenmark has invested more than $100 million into the facility with plans for further expansion in the coming years. At peak capacity, the site is anticipated to produce 300-400 million tablets and capsules, 20-25 million vials and pre-filled syringes and 25-30 million ampoules for inhaled formulations. Globally, Glenmark has 16 world class manufacturing facilities across four continents operating under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to ensure quality and safety, nine of which are registered with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. About Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (GPL) is a global innovative pharmaceutical company with operations in more than 50 countries. Glenmark has a diverse pipeline with several compounds in various stages of clinical development, primarily focused in the areas of oncology, respiratory disease and dermatology. Glenmark has improved the lives of millions of patients by offering safe, affordable medications for nearly 40 years. For more information, visit glenmarkpharma-us.com. 1 SOURCE: North Carolina Biotechnology Center View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/glenmark-pharmaceuticals-celebrates-the-inauguration-of-its-us-manufacturing-site-in-monroe-north-carolina-300739675.html SOURCE Glenmark Pharmaceuticals It's very easy to feel bad and sympathize with less fortunate people but it's harder to actually take action and do something about it, and a social activist from Hyderabad named Azhar Maqsusi is proving how much of a difference they can make in someone's life if they really try hard enough. Feeding over 400 people every day, he has made it his life's mission to help people in need and provide them with free food. He is seen outside Gandhi General Hospital and Dabeerpura in Hyderabad, feeding people. Turns out it's all personal since he was the one in need while growing up. While talking to ANI, he said, My father died when I was four years old. There were many days when my family and I used to sleep hungry. #insaniyat #Zindabad Friends, Today tears came in my eyes and I started to pray and thank Allah how much you have favoured us. Friends, This is a human and we are human too but why do our hearts don't get restless when we see other human :( pic.twitter.com/OR8BBbAdBS azhar maqsusi (@azhar_maqsusi) October 29, 2018 He went on, One day, I saw a woman struggling for food. By that time, I had started working, so I purchased food for her. That was the day when I prayed to God to show me a way to help poor people. He started with this extremely important cause about seven years ago and started feeding people with whatever money he had. Soon after, actually after about three years, more people started noticing how much of difference he was making and helped him out by providing groceries and stuff. #Hunger #has #no #religion Mera maqsad humare Desh mai koi bhook'ka Na Rahe, Bhook ko Desh se Khatam karna hai , Ye kaam Mushkil hai ye pata hai mujhe , Magar Na-mumkin Nahi Ye Yaqeen bhi hai Mujhe #Insaniyat #Zindabad pic.twitter.com/4joRauvQ0b azhar maqsusi (@azhar_maqsusi) October 19, 2018 He said, I then extended the programme and started distributing free food at Gandhi General Hospital four years ago. Three to four hundred people eat food at Gandhi Hospital and Dabeerpura area daily. Hunger doesn't care about age. pic.twitter.com/IkXzsobxxA azhar maqsusi (@azhar_maqsusi) August 1, 2018 Now, he has managed to expand this initiative to other states as well and over 1000 people are fed every day because of him. He said, I have extended this program to other states like Bengaluru, Raichur, Tandoor, Jharkhand and Assam. In all these places our free food distribution program runs and around 1000-1200 people get free food daily. I want to extend this program even more. I am very much happy and satisfied to help poor people. Jagdeesh, a labourer, was quoted as saying, Since last one year, I am having food here. On some days I don't get work to do, therefore, at times I don't have money. On those days, I come here for food. Main apni kushi dhoondta hoon aise masoom bhooley chaheraon mai jinko insaniyat ka intezar hai :) pic.twitter.com/0nc6r0jg40 azhar maqsusi (@azhar_maqsusi) October 8, 2018 Everyone is quite self-involved these days and it's a good thing to take a minute and look out for other people, we can't even think about how much that would affect someone. What's a better feeling than doing something for someone without asking anything in return knowing that it's making a huge difference in their life? 'Mass-bunks' were a huge rage in our college days. Missing classes to go for movies or just hang out with friends in Hauz Khas village was a huge deal back in the day, and something that we majorly miss in this competitive corporate life. But, clearly, some desi engineers don't miss 'mass-bunks' even at work. While most of us are busy getting our Diwali leaves approved, 236 desi engineers once went on a 6-week (or 47 days approx.) mass-bunk and were recently fired for the same. Pexels This incident happened in Pune, where the company ZF Steering & Gears India, a German-based auto parts manufacturing firm fired as many as 236 engineers for not showing up to work without any prior notice. The employees were absent from December 2, 2017 to January, 19 2018. According to a report in Business Today, the company stated in a release that the concerned employees were found guilty of 'misconduct'. "The Company finally decided to terminate the employment of these 236 employees with effect from 26/27th October, 2018. All the concerned employees have been paid their due amount under the provisions of law." Pexels ZF Steering & Gears India manufactures and supplies ball and nut integral hydraulic power and roller mechanical steering systems, and some of their major clients are Ashok Leyland, Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra and Volvo Group to name a few. Obviously this decision didn't go down too well with the terminated employees. Reportedly, the workers strongly protested against the decision and claim that they were fired not because of the 'mass-bunk', but, for forming a workers' union. Having said that, let's get back to begging our managers to approve our long-pending leaves because 'mass-bunk' is not an idea we should take example from. Sometimes, some people are just at the right spot and end up capturing a moment of a lifetime. This is exactly what happened when a photographer happened to be at the Yosemite National Park in California and managed to capture the exact moment when a guy proposed to someone. Who wouldn't want to have that moment with them forever? That's the reason Matthew Dippel, the man behind the photograph, took to Twitter to find the couple and give them this special gift. While this mystery couple probably had one of the best moments of their lives at this place, another couple, who happened to be Indian, met with a very different, tragic fate there, but more on that later. Twitter help, idk who these two are but I hope this finds them. I took this at Taft Point at Yosemite National Park, on October 6th, 2018. pic.twitter.com/Rdzy0QqFbY Matthew Dippel (@DippelMatt) October 17, 2018 As we all know, sometimes the internet can be a great place with people helping each other and that's why the picture soon went viral, with everyone trying their best to help find the couple. But, even with so many retweets and everyone sharing the picture, there was still no luck. Update #2: Still no luck. A lot of people saying they found them but doesn't turn out to be the right couple. If you honestly think you found them message me please! I can't keep scrolling through the comments to look. Thanks everyone! Matthew Dippel (@DippelMatt) October 19, 2018 Honestly, that's not them, you can easily tell. I'm not sure if that's them unfortunately, it appears the dude in my photo is more casual and has a hat on, and she doesn't have on as flowy of a dress on. I could be completely wrong but look pic.twitter.com/6iiXaUrXDo Matthew Dippel (@DippelMatt) October 18, 2018 Then comes the sad news of a couple falling to their deaths at the exact same spot. I really hope this isn't them. That would be horrible. https://t.co/DgVtmhIYG2 Rando Mall (@randofrommall) October 25, 2018 No, it wasn't the same couple as the viral picture couple, but it's tragic nonetheless. I don't believe it was but I pray that it was not the same couple as in my photo. My couple was from 3 weeks ago and this was from this week, all my love to anyone who might have known that couple. Matthew Dippel (@DippelMatt) October 25, 2018 Coming back to the photograph, at one point Matthew seemed to have believed that the couple wished to not be found but he was still on his quest. Tunnel Vision. Update: At this point I'm beginning to believe they have seen it and choose to remain unnamed. I will continue searching for a while, so don't worry I'm not giving up, just not making it priority #1 anymore. pic.twitter.com/Ar1n3nchhz Matthew Dippel (@DippelMatt) October 25, 2018 And, then came the good news! UPDATE: I FOUND THEM. Check out my latest tweet to all the details. Matthew Dippel (@DippelMatt) October 27, 2018 He posted the update everyone was waiting for. While this couple got a happy ending, another couple's visit to the same spot turned out to be the last place they ever visited. Turns out, the two people who passed away at the same spot, as mentioned above, were Vishnu Viswanath and Meenakshi Moorthy, a Malayali couple behind the travel account Holidays and HappilyEverAfters on Instagram. Their bodies were discovered about 800 feet below the Taft Point. Park spokesman Jamie Richards was quoted as saying in the report that We still do not know what caused them to fall. We're trying to understand what happened. We may never know, (but) from everything we see, this was a tragic fall. It really could've just been a tragic accident as the couple was known to post daring cliffside pictures, and have mentioned it in their captions several times. Rest in Peace. Just a few days ago, we reported that the Department of Telecommunication (DoT) has asked Internet Service Providers (ISPs) across the country to ban a list of porn websites after a directive from the High Court of Uttarakhand came through. The list includes more than 800 websites, and Jio was the among the first ISPs to put the ban in action. People are scrambling to get their fair share of porn by accessing these blocked sites via a VPN (Virtual Private Network). But Pornhub has made it even easier, they've just created a mirror website on a new domain -- pornhub.net. Like I've previously said, the attempt to block porn is futile as the ISPs need to manually block a domain, and a general category of "porn" websites cannot be just blocked. In response to Pornhub getting censored and blocked in India, our fans there can now fully access the site at https://t.co/xWrwXOE5sX Pornhub ARIA (@Pornhub) October 26, 2018 The current list has 827 domain or URLs, and the site operators will simply change the address or create numerous mirror sites. "In response to Pornhub getting censored and blocked in India, our fans there can now fully access the site at Pornhub.net," the company said on Twitter. "This is apparent by the fact that they only banned large sites like Pornhub's, and didn't block thousands of risky porn sites that may contain illegal content," VP Corey Price of Pornhub said in a statement. Reuters The High Court decided to ban these websites after reports of a gangrape in Dehradun where the perpetrators were schoolchildren allegedly influenced by porn clips. Back in 2015, the DoT had directed ISPs to block more than 800 websites, including Pornhub that is legal in the US, for showing porn or face the risk of losing their licenses. But the last attempt never really materialized, obviously. So far not all internet service providers have blocked the popular porn websites with the same zeal. On many networks in India, Pornhub remains accessible. But it seems that Jio has been most thorough in applying the ban. Google Trends It isn't a huge task for the authorities to add up the new domain as well in the ban list, but users still continue accessing these websites via a VPN. For those who aren't aware, a VPN encrypts the connection from your device to the server and acts as a middle person in the process. Hence, even if you are trying to access a website that is blocked in India, the VPN requests the data from another region like Singapore or the US and then transfers the content to you. According to Google Trends, searches for a VPN solution have gone up drastically in the last few days. The ban has been brutally mocked on social networking sites and it's not surprising. Pornhub says the people of India are among largest connoisseurs of adult content, which is also quite apparent from the company's 2017 insights, where India is listed as the third country in terms of traffic. Top Australian brands were offered around $222-225 per tonne cfr China during the day while offers for second-tier hard coking coal were around $200-205 per tonne cfr China, market sources told Fastmarkets. The steel market is doing well and will do well till the end of the year. There will be some production restrictions in the... The Hellenic Republic and the Cook Islands established diplomatic relations on 22 October 2018 through the exchange of Notes Verbales, in accordance with the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961. Speaking at the 3rd European Union-Arab World Summit, held in Athens, Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs Giorgos Katrougalos, stressed that the European Union and the Arab countries ought to tackle together world-wide problems such as migration and terrorism. "The problems cannot be addressed by closing the borders," said the Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs, adding "we must defend international law, and especially the rights of refugees and migrants. At the same time, however, we must also defend European society so that it can overcome the phenomena of nationalism and intolerance. The permanent and lasting characteristics of our foreign policy are the defence of international law, multilateral relations, and respect for UN resolutions in order to solve, through peaceful means, conflicts everywhere in the world, and particularly in our region, such as in Cyprus and Palestine. In this context, Greece has undertaken important initiatives to promote regional cooperation in the region, such as the Rhodes Conference, which brought together 24 countries of the EU and the Arab world, as well as the international conference on religious and cultural dialogue and pluralism with the countries of the Middle East. Our country represents a bridge between Europe and the Arab world. This goes beyond its simple geographical location. We have historical and cultural ties with all the countries of the region. We have never been a colonial power, and we also had large diasporas which have played a very important role in Greece's relations with Arab countries. " "At this juncture," Mr Katrougalos said, "when we are recovering from the most serious financial crisis that any Western country has ever experienced in peacetime, we can offer very significant economic prospects for synergies and investment. We intend to become an important hub for logistics and transport in our region so as to connect the European Union, the Arab world and China, while at the same time exploiting the opportunities of the "One Road, One Belt" strategy. We are promoting initiatives to make our country an energy hub between Europe, Asia and Africa and, at the same time, having come back on the path to economic growth, we offer unique opportunities for investors in various sectors such as energy and renewable energy sources - where we have considerable know-how - real estate, infrastructure and tourism. The presence of Greek businesses in the Middle East, especially in the construction sector, gives us an important lead for the future." On the margin of the summit, Mr. Katrougalos had one-on-one contacts with Egyptian Oil Minister, Tarek El Molla, Malta's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carmelo Abela, Moroccan Minister of State Lahcen Daoudi and Qatar's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sultan Bin Saad Al Muraikhi. Borealis announces its collaboration with Qpinch, a start-up that has developed a revolutionary technology to recover industrial waste heat, using an innovative chemical process. The start-up attracted intense industry attention after winning the 2015 Emerging Technology award in the annual competition sponsored by the Royal Society of Chemistry in the UK. Borealis and Qpinch have agreed to scale up this technology which was patented in cooperation with Ghent University (Prof. Christian Stevens), Belgium - to full commercial size. The Qpinch technology mimics natural processes that store and release energy in living cells a cycle known as ATP/ADP (where ATP refers to adenosine triphosphate and ADP to adenosine diphosphate). The technology provides a heat lift for industrial waste heat by raising the temperature of waste heat by means of a chemical process. In contrast to conventional heat pumps, this closed-loop process minimises operational costs as well as electricity use. The technology is scalable from one to 50 megawatts (MW) and can thus process massive levels of industrial waste heat. Borealis open-innovation collaboration with Qpinch on a full-scale commercial unit is an important step forward in the Borealis journey to reduce CO2 emissions and make its operations more energy efficient and sustainable. Around 2,200 tonne CO2/year will be saved, which is the equivalent of 1,500 small family cars per year. The heat recovery unit will be located at an existing Borealis low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plant in Zwijndrecht/Antwerp, in Europes largest petrochemical cluster. With operations scheduled to begin in the second half of 2019, the unit will be the first ever application of this new technology at commercial scale in a polyolefin plant. The Flemish Government enabled the realisation of the project with ecology funding support. We are proud to be the first polyolefins producer to scale up this revolutionary technology, which will help the Borealis Group deliver on its commitment to enhance sustainability, specifically in our focus areas of Energy & Climate, says Maurits Van Tol, Borealis Senior Vice President Innovation and Technology. We believe that this technology has significant potential for our industry and will ultimately benefit our customers by offering them the same products at a lower carbon footprint. We see this first commercial-scale unit not only as a milestone for Qpinch, but as a beacon for the entire petrochemicals industry, says Wouter Ducheyne, Qpinch co-founder and CTO. Our heat transforming technology could in turn transform the entire industry by reducing CO2 emissions at levels previously unseen. Thanks to our collaboration with Borealis as a leading edge customer, we can scale up our technology. This successful open innovation model between a start-up and an established company will move us to the next organizational stage, enabling to further develop the business worldwide. Eurofins Scientific announces that it has successfully closed the acquisition of Laboratoire Dermscan SAS (Dermscan), a leading provider of Cosmetic & Personal Care Products Testing services in Europe. Dermscan was founded in 1990 in Lyon as a family-owned business. After nearly three decades of scientific innovation and organic growth, Dermscan became one of the European market leaders in Cosmetic Clinical Testing. Dermscan offers a portfolio of more than 200 different tests and clinical studies in dermatology to evaluate the safety and efficacy of cosmetics and pharmaceutical products in this field. Dermscan employs over 150 staff in its laboratories in France, Poland, Tunisia, Mauritius and Thailand, and is expected to generate revenues of over EUR 12m in 2018. Following the acquisition of CRL in the U.S. in September, Eurofins became the global leader in Cosmetic & Personal Care product Testing, with a network of 40 state-of-the-art laboratories across Europe, North America, Asia, Australia and Africa, offering an unmatched range of chemical, clinical and microbiological testing services to its clients. Comment from Dr. Frederique Girard-Ory, Dermscan Group CEO: This is a new adventure and a new challenge for the entire Dermscans team that we are very excited to undertake. Joining Eurofins will enable us to propose an even more complete and diversified offer to the cosmetics industry. Comment from Dr. Gilles Martin, Eurofins CEO: We are very pleased to welcome Dermscan, a renowned family-owned testing company, to Eurofins network of businesses. The acquisition of Dermscan significantly expands our testing capabilities for the Cosmetics & Personal Care Products testing market. In return, Dermscan will gain access to the Groups entire portfolio of tests, logistics and clients, as well as the Groups IT systems, which should lead to improved process optimization to the benefit of Dermscans customers. Indonesia's National Transportation Safety Board said in a statement Tuesday that it's scouring the likely location where the aircraft fell and sifting through debris to find the flight data and cockpit voice recorders documenting the aircraft's final moments. The divers have yet to locate the fuselage or the tail and the agency said it plans to widen the search area to a 15 nautical miles radius from Wednesday. Since then, the program has sent tens of thousands of Saudis to study in the U.S. It reached its height in 2015, when more than 120,000 Saudis came to study in the U.S., but numbers have fallen sharply since 2016, when the kingdom scaled back the program amid a budget shortfall tied to falling oil prices. Twentieth Century Fox told Sears it wanted $207,260.15 worth of merchandise returned, saying it believed Kmart received the products while insolvent, according to a letter filed with the court. The merchandise should not be sold without Foxs written consent or a court order, an attorney for Fox wrote. Invicta Watch Co., Body Flex Sports, Reynolds Consumer Products and East Penn Manufacturing sent similar letters. Contributed photo MIDDLETOWN Bewilderness, a show of works by Tom Smith, will be shown in the Pegasus Gallery at Middlesex Community College Thursday through Jan. 7. An opening reception is scheduled for Nov. 8 from 5-7 p.m. Smiths sculptures and paintings are produced in dialogue with the natural world. Smith describes his practice as observing and chronicling the infinite works of naturein particular, the minutiae of sticks. Line is employed here as an evocative structural device that permits simultaneous readings of containment and of infinite outward growth. STAMFORD In the last debate before Election Day, U.S. Rep. Jim Himes and GOP challenger Harry Arora engaged in a back-and-forth so lively that the moderator jokingly threatened to remove the audience. The debate, on foreign policy and sponsored by nonprofit World Affairs Forum, exposed wildly different views of the U.S.s role in international affairs and had both candidates questioning their opponents grasp of reality in front of a crowd of more than 300. Arora, running for his first political office, challenged international bodies and institutions, formed in part by the U.S., such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organiziation. He also questioned bilateral trade agreements that he said worked in the past to the countrys advantage but have since failed to advance U.S. interests. In amplified and enraged bursts, Arora tried to peg Democrat Himes, seeking his sixth term, to what he called failed Obama-era policies: the unenforced red-line in Syria that led to a humanitarian and refugee crisis, and supporting trade agreements that he said syphon off jobs to fast-growing emerging markets such as China. It is about time the Western World demands fairness in trade, Arora, an ex-banker, said. One of our friends loses a job, but the television flat screen goes from $400 to $398. Thats not worth it Going to the World Trade Organization is not going to work. Weve done that for decades. Himes, meanwhile, tried to attach Arora to the Trump Administration, which Arora occasionally embraced, saying that negotiations with North Korea have landed tangible results including the recent return of remains of U.S. soldiers. While Arora questioned Himess understanding of the world, Himes questioned Aroras choice of language, which at times appeared to veer into threats of war rather than diplomacy. I want to point out that Mr. Arora is playing the realist card on me, Himes said. Do not play the realism card with me. You are the one who stood up here and said, We are going to force China to eliminate climate change, we are going to force Russia out of Syria and we are going to curtail Irans activities in Syria. None of those things are in the realm of possibility. In this, the third debate between the two, the candidates rarely adhered to the carefully worded questions posed by the Forums moderator, Kay Maxwell, and veered instead to platform positions. Himes previously worked at Goldman Sachs. Arora traded commodities for Enron, Amaranth Advisers and had his own hedge fund, Arcim Advisors. Election Day is Nov. 6. barry.lytton@stamfordadvocate.com; 203-964-2263; @bglytton NEW HAVEN A 37-year-old New Haven woman was sentenced to 3 years in prison Monday for stealing another persons identity in December 2015. U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny sentenced Leshanda Long in Hartford, according to a U.S. Department of Justice statement. EAST HAMPTON A Glastonbury man who allegedly stole a pickup truck , crashed into a school bus carrying children, stole a Jeep at the scene, and led police on a miles-long pursuit through multiple towns, now faces multiple charges, police said. Scott Kaminski, 32, of Sunset Drive, Glastonbury, who was injured in the collision, allegedly stole a 2000 Mack pickup truck in Colchester, drove it to East Hampton, and collided with a bus that was carrying students to the middle school at about 7:40 a.m., according to East Hampton Police Chief Dennis Woessner. Neither the students nor the bus driver were hurt in the incident, Woessner said. As a result of the accident, the truck became disabled, so Kaminski reportedly jumped into a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee that was being operated by a good Samaritan who had stopped to help the children. Just after 2 p.m., Troop H officials were alerted by Waterbury police that the Jeep was near the Southington rest area on Interstate 84 eastbound, according to a release from Troop F in Westbrook. Waterbury officers had been unsuccessful in stopping the SUV because Kaminski engaged them in pursuit, the release said. More for you Report: No injuries after man crashes into East Hampton school bus in stolen car At 2:18 p.m., Hartford state police spotted the Jeep traveling at a high rate of speed in the left lane of I-84 eastbound near West Hartfords Exit 39A, the report said. Kaminski allegedly left the highway at Exit 42 and struck several vehicles in West Hartford and Hartford. A short time later, the Jeep was seen traveling on I-84 east near Exit 48 in Hartford, the release said. Troopers tried to stop the Jeep, but Kaminski again led state police in a pursuit, onto Interstate 91 north, left the roadway via Exit 42 and traveled onto Route 140 in East Windsor, police said. The Jeep struck a dump truck nearby and another vehicle, then tipped onto its side, the release said. Following the crash, Kaminski, who was unconscious, was taken to Hartford Hospital, authorities said. Troopers learned Kaminski had four warrants for his arrest, including two from Manchester police. After being released from the hospital, Kaminski was charged with first-degree larceny, interfering with police, engaging in pursuit, reckless driving, operating under suspension, possession of narcotics, possession of drug paraphernalia, a prescription drug container violation, and operating under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. He is free on a $250,000 bond and was expected in Hartford Superior Court Tuesday. The incident remains under investigation. We were a family of laughers, Chomko told me last week, the day after her debut feature played the Chicago International Film Festival. When she was diagnosed it was devastating, and we all thought wed lose that easy laughter how could anything be funny anymore? But we never really lost it, even though watching her lose her memories made me realize how precious they are, and how our memories are always kind of ebbing and flowing. China's Sub Force Is Growing More Powerful. This Is What the US Navy Needs to Do to Stay Ahead Well use this post to catch up on some recent minor moves and track any more that pop up today: The Brewers announced that theyve inked infielder Jake Hager to a minors pact that includes an invitation to MLB camp. With the news, Hager will again factor on the Milwaukee infield depth chart as camp gets underway. He had his most impressive showing at any level to open the 2018 season, slashing .292/.371/.521 with ten home runs in 257 plate appearances at Double-A Biloxi last year. But Hagers output slowed after he was bumped up to Triple-A to finish out the year. The 25-year-old has spent most of his time in the minors at shortstop and also has experience at second and third base. announced that theyve inked infielder to a minors pact that includes an invitation to MLB camp. With the news, Hager will again factor on the Milwaukee infield depth chart as camp gets underway. He had his most impressive showing at any level to open the 2018 season, slashing .292/.371/.521 with ten home runs in 257 plate appearances at Double-A Biloxi last year. But Hagers output slowed after he was bumped up to Triple-A to finish out the year. The 25-year-old has spent most of his time in the minors at shortstop and also has experience at second and third base. First baseman Joey Meneses was released by the Phillies in order to pursue an opportunity in Japan, the club announced. Hell be signing with the Orix Buffaloes. Meneses, 26, was not on the Philadelphia organizations 40-man roster and obviously did not factor in its plans. But that doesnt mean he hasnt shown some impressive skill. After joining the Phillies on a minors pact for the 2018 season, the long-time Braves farmhand picked up International League MVP honors for turning in a stellar campaign in which he slashed .311/.360/.510 with 23 home runs in 536 plate appearances at Triple-A Lehigh Valley. ANN ARBOR, MI - University of Michigan freshman Nusrat Laskar is in the process of looking for her first apartment. It's been difficult so far for her and her three future roommates to find something in their target price range of $700 per person per month for the 2019-20 academic year. But she's hoping UM's off-campus housing website she learned about Monday, Oct. 29, will turn up more options. "What stood out to me was I didn't have to rush to find an apartment, because everyone was telling me you should find an apartment, everyone's signing their lease around October," said Laskar, of Detroit, after a housing town hall discussion hosted by UM's Central Student Government on Monday. To help Laskar and all UM students navigate their off-campus housing search, UM's student government announced Monday its plans to create a new housing guide to provide information on lease terms and landlord reviews for local rental properties. "Because of the turnover, because we're students, because we're sometimes a little too happy and quick to sign things, it opens us to a lot of vulnerabilities," said Student Government President Daniel Greene. "If there is a specific company or landlord who is consistently taking advantage of students, this new housing management guide system will help identify those companies ... and also reward the companies that do have a friendly and beneficial relationship with tenants, especially when it comes to students," he said. UM students have until Thanksgiving to respond to a five-minute survey about their off-campus housing experiences. The feedback is being compiled into a ranking of the most and least student-friendly landlords and property management companies, as well as an interactive map students can use to search for housing by price range and proximity to campus. The goal is to publish the new guide early in December, said Greene, a senior in UM's School of Public Policy. Student government created a Housing Affordability and Food Insecurity Taskforce this year to prioritize work that will address students' housing and food needs. "Oftentimes there's a pseudo-elitist mentality here where we think those problems don't actually exist here," Greene said. "But the data is showing there is a considerable population that either suffers from food insecurity or housing affordability. The Central Student Government is hoping to prioritize those because your Michigan experience hinges heavily on being food secure and having a place to call home at the end of the day." In the 2017-18 academic year, UM student government published an affordability guide, which drew criticism from some as being out of touch with the needs of college students from less affluent families. In response, students crowd-sourced a "Being Not-Rich at UM" guide that garnered national attention and sparked similar guides at other universities. Nearly all first-year students at UM's Ann Arbor campus live on campus, and then many upperclassmen move off-campus. Average rent for off-campus student housing in Ann Arbor in the 2017-18 academic year was $1,522 for a one-bedroom apartment, according to a report from real estate brokerage company Triad Real Estate Partners. The occupancy rate for off-campus student housing that year was 99 percent, according to the report, and more than 1,200 beds in new apartment buildings marketed to students were expected to be added for the 2018-19 academic year. Monday's town hall meeting was geared toward students preparing to sign their first lease, with legal advice from attorney Gayle Rosen, of UM's Student Legal Services; Dean of Students Laura Blake Jones; and representatives from UM's Beyond the Diag off-campus housing program. Rosen emphasized that Ann Arbor has an ordinance that prevents landlords from showing an apartment to new prospective tenants or signing a subsequent lease with a tenant within the first 70 days of the current lease of nine months or longer. If the lease starts Sept. 1, the 70-day period would end in the second week of November, she noted, so students should not feel pressured to - or be able to - commit to housing for the following year before then. "The 70-day provision is out there and something to consider, but it doesn't have a lot of teeth in terms of enforcing it," Rosen said. About 50 students in attendance received advice on important considerations before signing a lease and learned about their rights as tenants and services available on campus to help them resolve issues with landlords, roommates and sub-leasers. "It's how do we help students learn this life skill in terms of navigating finding housing that you can afford, finding housing that's going to be a safe and secure environment for you and that's going to undergird your health and well-being," Jones said. ANN ARBOR, MI - A 22-year-old man who admitted to having sex with a 15-year-old girl, then asking an inmate to break into her house and kidnap her family was sentenced Monday to five to 15 years in prison. Fadi Seada, who was 20 at the time of his illegal contact with the teen in October 2016, pleaded guilty earlier this month to one felony count each of third-degree criminal sexual conduct, soliciting first-degree home invasion, witness intimidation and two counts of soliciting unlawful imprisonment. Judge David Swartz ordered a five to 15-year sentence, with credit for nearly two years served. He is also required to register with Michigan Sex Offenders Registration Act, and was ordered to have no contact with the 15-year-old Superior Township girl and to stay at least 500 feet away from her residence, school or place of employment. "I want to first apologize to my family and everyone I let down. I was blinded by love. She was my first love," Seada told Swartz. "I made a lot of bad decisions ... being locked up allowed me to do a lot of thinking. I want you to know that these cases will impact me and my family for the rest of my life and I'm sorry for that." In December 2016, the girl ran away from home and was seen eating with Seada at a Steak 'n Shake restaurant while he was out on bond. His bond was revoked in February 2017 for having contact with the girl, which violated the conditions of his release, and he was sent to jail to await trial. While lodged in the Washtenaw County Jail, prosecutors said Seada in 2017 asked an inmate to "tie up and restrain the victim and her family," and initially offered $5,000 in cash, "then it turned to drugs, and guns and an AK-47." "My client suffers a lot from immaturity," Seada's attorney Doraid Elder said. "He's a number of years behind his age in terms of his mental maturity. He's never been an individual that has any violence in his history. They were just merely words ... from an immature individual locked up" ANN ARBOR, MI - The University of Michigan saw its enrollment increase by 1.6 percent this fall, with 46,716 students attending classes on its Ann Arbor campus. Of that total, 1,700 in-state students will pay no tuition this fall under the Go Blue Guarantee, according to enrollment figures released Tuesday, Oct. 30 by the university. That number is similar to the number of students qualifying for free tuition last winter when the guarantee it went into effect. Additionally, the Go Blue Guarantee includes tuition support for Michigan families with incomes up to $180,000. President Mark Schlissel announced last week the Go Blue Guarantee also means more than 7,500 in-state undergraduates are receiving institutional grant aid under the guarantee, accounting for 45 percent of the 16,559 total in-state undergraduate students enrolled in classes this fall. The university noted it also saw a 24 percent increase in admissions applications from some of the state's lowest-income students in the first year since implementing the guarantee, contributing to a nearly 6 percent increase in freshmen enrollment from those with incomes of $65,000 or less. "Through the Go Blue Guarantee and commitment to financial aid, we are sending a message to the people of our state and beyond that we seek to welcome students from all communities and backgrounds who have the talent and desire to be Michigan Wolverines," Schlissel told the University Record. Additionally, the percentage of all undergraduates receiving Pell grants, a common marker of socioeconomic diversity, rose to 17.9 percent, up from 16.5 percent in 2014. UM's Office of Undergraduate Admissions reviewed and processed 65,684 applications for admission in the freshman class that will arrive on campus this fall - a 10.6-percent rise from last year's 59,407 applicants. The previous two years, UM saw 7-percent increases in applications processed. A total of 6,695 new freshmen are enrolled at UM this fall, slightly fewer than the 6,847 students from last year's freshman class. Among in-state students, 40.5 percent of the 12,177 students who applied were offered admission and 3,554 in-state freshmen enrolled for a yield of 72 percent. That compares with an admit rate of 18.8 percent of 52,740 out-of-state domestic and international students who were offered admission. Among those, 3,141 enrolled for a yield of 31.8 percent. Overall, UM saw its in-state student population increase by 2 percent to 23,795, while out-of-state student enrollment increased by 1 percent to 22,921. Among incoming freshmen, the in-state student population remained nearly identical at 3,554, despite an overall decrease in freshman students, while out-of-state student enrollment among freshmen dropped 4.6 percent to 3,141. Other notable statistics from UM's enrollment numbers: Transfer-student enrollment increased by 14.6 percent to 1,246 students, with 159 more students transferring to the Ann Arbor campus than in fall 2017. This year's transfer students include more underrepresented minorities among U.S. citizens and permanent residents - 16.6 percent - than five years ago. Students who are the first generation in their family to attend a four-year college or university make up 14 percent of the new freshman class, up from 11.3 percent in 2014. FLINT, MI - A TV judge is making good on a promise Thursday to return to Flint to distribute bottled water. Judge Greg Mathis, along with Flint clergy, other community organizers and citizens, will caravan from Detroit to Flint - collecting bottled water along the way to distribute in Flint, according to a statement. The host of the Judge Mathis reality courtroom show that is nationally syndicated is a former Detroit district judge and civil rights attorney. He said he was inspired by the late Aretha Franklin to return to Flint. "So, in honor of my sister," Mathis said at Franklin's funeral in August, "I'm going to Flint and I'm going to sock it to 'em. Sock it to 'em. Sock it to 'em." Mathis' rally is set to take place at 6 p.m. on Nov. 1 at Quinn Chapel AME Church, 2101 Lippincott Blvd. in Flint, according to the statement. The caravan will depart about 10 a.m. from the Mathis Community Center in Detroit, head to UAW Local 653, 670 E. Walton Blvd. in Pontiac at noon and at about 3 p.m. will go to Wolverine State Baptist Headquarters, 615 S. Jefferson Ave. in Saginaw before heading to Flint. Other water pickup locations in Flint include Second Chance Church, 5306 N. St. and Vernon Chapel AME, 5802 DuPont St., according to the statement. Mathis visited Flint in January 2016 to talk to residents and answer questions on what people affected by Flint water can do legally. On Feb. 19 of the same year, Mathis, along with the Rev. Jesse Jackson, led a march down East Myrtle Avenue to Stewart Avenue and to the city of Flint Water Plant. FLINT, MI -- The man once in charge of city utilities, including the Flint water plant, says workers there were not fully trained and several pieces of equipment were not functioning properly when the facility was put into full-time operation in April 2014. Daugherty Johnson, former city utilities director, told Genesee District Judge Jennifer Manley Monday, Oct. 29, that he was aware of the problems when the plant was put into service, processing Flint River water. But so were at least two Michigan Department of Environmental Quality officials, Johnson testified Monday -- Stephen Busch and Michael Prysby, both of whom are in the midst of preliminary examinations for crimes related to Flint water. Johnson said Busch, 42, a DEQ district supervisor, and Prysby, 55, a district engineer, were both inside the Flint water plant several times in the year before it began processing and distributing water. The pair were exposed to deficiencies, including equipment used for ozone treatment and softening of water that were not fully functioning, the former director said, as well as a staff that "were not fully trained." One Genesee County water official has testified previously that several Flint sanitation workers were transferred into the plant to beef up staffing but had not received formal training in water treatment. Busch is facing seven criminal charges, including involuntary manslaughter, while Prysby, a district engineer at DEQ, is charged with two counts each of misconduct in office, tampering with evidence and violation of the Safe Drinking Water Act. Preliminary exams for Busch; Prysby; Patrick Cook, a former specialist for the DEQ's Community Drinking Water Unit; and former DEQ official Liane Shekter-Smith are overseen by Manley. Johnson's comments Monday were similar to previous testimony from two former county water officials, who have said the plant didn't appear to have the proper equipment or personnel to function. But unlike previous testimony, Johnson was able to described close contact between DEQ officials, particularly Busch and Prysby, and the city. Busch met with staff "many times" to discuss putting the facility into service, Johnson said. State officials were deeply invested in Flint's water in the days before and while the city used the Flint River as its water source -- for 17 months in parts of 2014 and 2015. State-appointed emergency managers were running the city's business, making a series of decisions that led to the water switch, which was designed as a cost-saving, temporary measure. DEQ officials advised the city what needed to be done to make the switch, Johnson said, and allowed Flint to use the treatment plant with just $8 million in improvements -- far less than engineering estimates of $49 million. A top official for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency later said the water plant should never have been allowed to operate, and it required at least $100 million in improvements. Attorneys for the four DEQ defendants, all of whom maintain they are not guilty of the charges against them, have yet to question Johnson. The former utilities manager was initially also charged with water crisis crimes but pleaded no contest to one misdemeanor and agreed to cooperate with special prosecutor Todd Flood in other cases, including the four pending cases against the DEQ defendants. Four of the 15 current and former city and state employees charged with crimes related to Flint water have agreed to similar deals with Flood. Johnson said he had a limited background in treatment of drinking water even though he had oversight responsibility for the water system. A graduate of Michigan State University, Johnson said he went to work as a trainee at the city's wastewater plant in 1991, eventually becoming operations supervisor in that division and then utilities administrator. Asked by Flood if he had training in drinking water or skills for "producing water safe for humans to consume," Johnson answered no. Mike Glasgow, who worked as a licensed plant operator for the city, has also testified previously about problems with personnel and equipment at the water plant, which was built in 1956 and had not treated water on a full-time basis from 1967 until 2014. Glasgow warned the DEQ in an email before the water switch that the city was not prepared to take on the responsibility of water treatment but that "people above me (are) making plans to distribute water ASAP." The DEQ never required the city to treat river water to make it less corrosive to lead in pipes and plumbing, causing lead levels to spike, experts have said, The water switch also coincided with increases in boil water advisories due to bacteria and outbreaks of Legionnaires' disease in the county. Unlike the old Suspiria, the new one foregrounds the occult trappings and makes no real riddle of whats going on within the walls of the dance academy, its adjoining dorm rooms or in the after-hours rituals. The staff communicates by telepathy, and when a spell is cast, its done through the medium of dance (this is the movies most intriguing idea, even if it leads to its most vicious sequence). Suspiria devotes a misjudged amount of screen time to Klemperers journey to East Berlin, and into his own painful memories of WWII, sacrifices made, and loved ones perished. While Susie rises in the ranks of the company, screenwriter Kajganich heightens the notion of collective German guilt, and the shame of recent history that fanned the flames of this coven in tights. DENMARK TWP, MI - A woman was critically injured when she pulled her vehicle out of her driveway and was hit by a truck in Tuscola County early Tuesday morning. The Tuscola County Sheriff's Office responded at 5:06 a.m. on Oct. 30 to M-81 near Vassar Road in Denmark Township for a two-vehicle crash, according to a statement from the sheriff's office. Deputies found a 25-year-old Vassar woman had pulled out of her driveway and was hit by a pickup truck driven by a 44-year-old Snover man driving west on M-81, the statement said. The woman was pinned in the vehicle and was taken to the hospital in critical condition, police said. The man driving the truck had minor injuries. Police had the road closed for two hours while they investigated the crash. MANISTEE, MI -- Authorities conducted a suspicious death investigation at a beach in Manistee after police located a body and hazardous chemicals over the weekend. First responders at the scene, as well as the occupants of three residences nearly 100 miles away in Antrim County, were monitored before it was determined that there was no further exposure to the hazardous substance, known as sodium azide. The investigation began Sunday, Oct. 28, when Manistee police were dispatched to reports of a body being found at First Street Beach in Manistee. Officers identified the deceased man as a 27-year-old from Mancelona. During the investigation, hazardous chemicals were located in the man's vehicle at the scene. As a precaution, first responders were decontaminated and evaluated at Munson Healthcare Manistee Hospital. One officer was admitted overnight as a precaution, while all other individuals were released Sunday evening. No exposure was reported. Authorities have determined that the substance located inside the 27-year-old's vehicle was sodium azide, which when mixed with water releases a toxic gas that can be lethal. Consuming the mixture can also be toxic. Members of Grand Traverse County's hazardous materials team and industrial environmental services experts assessed the site and belongings of the individual that might have been exposed to the chemicals, and performed any necessary cleaning or disposal. On Sunday, Manistee police contacted the Antrim County Sheriff's Office regarding the 27-year-old man, who police said died from a lethal dose of a volatile powder -- sodium azide -- that had been mixed with another solution to become an odorless gas. Police said the man left a suicide note, which led his parents to a lockbox at the end of his bed. When his parents found the box, they located a vial with a cork in it. The residence and two other houses in their cul-de-sac were evacuated and the three families were taken to the Mancelona Fire Department in Lakes of the North to be monitored for exposure. After about two hours, they were allowed to go home with no report of exposure. Hazmat crews checked the homes and determined there was no exposure to the substance. Police said Tuesday that there is no threat to the public. The incident remains under investigation. Crews that assisted were from the Manistee Department of Public Safety, Manistee Police Department, Michigan State Police, Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Police Department, Manistee County Sheriff's Office, Antrim County Sheriff's Office, Mancelona Township Fire Department, Star Township Fire Department, Antrim County Emergency Operation Management, A-1 Hazmat Team, Otsego County Hazmat. Police ask anyone with information about the incident to contact the Manistee City Police Department at 231-723-2533. GRAND RAPIDS, MI - The attorney for a former Kent County prosecutor who was cleared of a felony driving charge said his client shouldn't have been charged in the first place. Attorney Craig Haehnel said publicity about the crash - Josh Kuiper was going the wrong-way on a one-way street, then driven home by Grand Rapids police despite possible intoxication - led to a charge of reckless driving causing serious impairment of a bodily function. "There's no question it was the publicity in this case," Haehnel said, after a Kent County Circuit Court jury found Kuiper not guilty of the felony charge. He was convicted of reckless driving, a 93-day misdemeanor. The defense conceded he was guilty of that charge. The Kalamazoo County prosecutor disputed the allegations, and said the victim deserved to be heard. Daniel Empson suffered a shoulder fracture when his car was hit while he retrieved a jacket. He exaggerated the severity of the injury, Haehnel told jurors in his closing argument. Jurors deliberated an hour, which included lunch in a courthouse diner. Haehnel advised Kuiper not to talk after the verdict came in. He said Kuiper was relieved but frustrated by the long-running case. If convicted of the felony, he faced up to five years in prison and an automatic suspension of his law license. Haehnel doubted that his client would be jailed when sentenced Dec. 19. He thinks that media attention, which included police body-worn camera video of Kuiper going through sobriety tests, contributed to his client being charged. Kalamazoo County prosecutors reviewed the case because of Kuiper's Kent County ties. "It's very unfortunate. When these charges were filed, the prosecutor for Kalamazoo County came to Grand Rapids and announced the charge at a press conference and committed not to reduce (the charge) to a misdemeanor which it obviously should've been reduced to," Haehnel said. "Nobody had the gumption to take control of the case before it went to trial." Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeffrey Getting, in a statement to MLive, said: "The Kalamazoo County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney takes seriously the duty to bring charges only when there is sufficient evidence. In the Kuiper case the District Court Judge who conducted the preliminary exam agreed with the Prosecutor's Office that there was sufficient evidence of the defendant's guilt on the felony charge and bound the case over for trial. "The Circuit Court Judge denied the defendant's motion challenging the decision of the District Court Judge regarding the sufficiency of the evidence and allowed the case to proceed to trial. Although the injury in this case was not life threatening there was clearly sufficient evidence to bring the case to a jury for a decision. The victim deserved to have the case heard." Assistant Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Aubrey Koches tried the case. She contended that Empson suffered serious injuries that still bother him nearly two years later. The crash happened around 12:30 a.m. on Nov. 19, 2016, on Union Avenue SE. Kuiper was driving his 2014 Toyota Tacoma on Union Avenue, south of Fulton Street, when he crashed into Empson's parked PT Cruiser. He was retrieving a jacket from the car when it was hit. Kuiper's breath and blood were not tested for alcohol despite police suspicions he was intoxicated. Police took him home. The reckless-driving conviction will result in Kuiper's driver's license being suspended 90 days. He will also have six points on his license. He has been in contact with the Michigan Bar Association but it's unclear what steps will be taken. Kuiper has support at the Kent County Courthouse where he has been working as a defense attorney. "He loved his job as a prosecutor. He was a good prosecutor ... he was a worthy opponent. IONIA COUNTY, MI -- A 20-year-old New York woman was killed in an early morning crash in Ionia County. The crash occurred shortly before 6 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30, at the intersection of David Highway and S. Keefer Highway on the border of Orange and Portland townships, according to police. Preliminary investigation indicates that the woman's 2008 Honda Civic was traveling north on Keefer Highway when the driver failed to stop at a stop sign and crashed into an oncoming Dodge Ram 2500 pickup truck. Dispatchers were first told that the crash was head-on. Police later said the truck struck the passenger side of the Civic. The driver of the passenger vehicle was killed, according to police. Police are withholding her name to allow time for family to be notified. Police said the driver of the truck, a 28-year-old St. Johns man, suffered minor injuries and was transported to Sparrow Ionia Hospital for treatment. Alcohol and drugs are not believed to be factors in the crash, police said. Both drivers were utilizing their seat belts. Ionia County sheriff's deputies remained on scene at 10 a.m., and police said they expected to be there until around 10:30 a.m.. Traffic was being re-routed around the crash site. The intersection where the crash occurred has a two-way stop sign for traffic traveling north and south on Keefer Highway. Traffic on David Highway has the right-of-way. The crash remains under investigation by the Ionia County Sheriff's Office. KENT COUNTY, MI - In the final week before the general election, Republican Chris Afendoulis and Democrat Winnie Brinks remain locked in what's expected to be a tight race for Michigan's 29th District Senate seat. As part of the hotly contested campaign, both reported significant financial contributions for the most recent financial reporting period. Afendoulis has raised and spent more money than Brinks, based on the financial disclosures for both campaigns and some late contributions. The seat is open for the Nov. 6 election because Republican state Sen. Dave Hildenbrand, R-Lowell Township, is term-limited. The race has garnered statewide attention because political pundits tagged the seat as one of a few that could potentially be flipped by Democrats, despite the district being reliably Republican in the past. The 29th District consists of the cities of Grand Rapids, East Grand Rapids and Lowell, and the townships of Ada, Cascade, Grand Rapids, Caledonia, Lowell and Bowen. The most recent campaign finance reports show state Rep. Afendoulis, R-Grand Rapids Township, out-raised Rep. Brinks, D-Grand Rapids, in the most recent reporting period. The filings released Friday, Oct. 26, cover the period from Aug. 28 through Oct. 21. Afendoulis raised $242,447 during that period, plus another $179,560 in late contributions for $422,000. Those late contributions included $137,560 from the Senate Republican Campaign Committee. The committee has been his largest contributor, previously dropping a total of $130,297 into the campaign on Sept. 10 and Oct. 16. A couple other late contributions included $20,000 from the Afendoulis Leadership Fund, a leadership PAC (political action committee), and $10,000 from the Kent County Republican Committee, which chipped in $15,500 in in-kind contributions for office rent. Afendoulis has raised nearly $895,000 cumulative this election cycle compared to more than $549,000 by Brinks, according to campaign data from Michigan Secretary of State's office. Brinks is term-limited for the 76th District. She raised $170,675 this reporting period, plus received another $51,250 in late contributions from the Michigan Senate Democratic Fund for a total of $221,925. The Fund also made in-kind contributions to Brinks for media totaling $169,482 this reporting period. Brinks expenditures for this period totaled $129,555 and Afendoulis spent $426,920. Political pundit Bill Ballenger, who publishes The Ballenger Report, told MLive/The Grand Rapids Press for a story Oct. 2. He said some early polls showed Brinks up 5 to 10 points in a district that has had Republican representation for decades. He said the potential effect of the Legislature's elimination of straight-ticket voting is the "wild card" in the general election. Both candidates said Monday, Oct. 29 that they are working hard to connect with as many voters as possible in this final week. They each have been running campaign ads on television, continuing to knock on doors, sending out mailers and are active on social media. Below are a few more contributors to each campaign: Afendoulis: Compete Michigan PAC - $20,000 Michigan Association of Realtors - $10,000 VerHeulen Leadership Fund - $20,000 (Leadership PAC, state Rep. Rob VerHeulen, R-Walker) Friends of West Michigan Business, the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce PAC - $20,000 Brinks: United Auto Workers Michigan PAC - $20,500 Michigan Education Association PAC - $16,250 Progressive Women's Alliance of West Michigan - $14,000 Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters - $12,250 GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- InnovaLaB, the rebranded Kent County Land Bank, is in talks to bring about 200 modular homes to a number of communities across the state next year. InnovaLaB Director David Allen says the land bank is budgeting next year to help implement 200 modular homes, with "well over" 100 of them coming in the spring if all goes to plan. Over the summer the land bank rebranded itself as InnovaLaB, an at-cost broker of modular homes for vacant public lands. Realtors and developers pay a fee to build the modular homes on other property. The home prices range between $159,000 to $239,000, depending on the size, model and finishes. Allen billed the price range as a sweet spot for "workforce housing," or homes for income earners who are out-priced by their area's housing market. Word traveled fast across the state about the enterprise. Soon after rebranding, non-profits, governments and for-profit developers in a number of out-county communities reached out to land bank staff about the modular model branded "InnovaHomes." Those communities include Flint, Muskegon, Muskegon Heights, Romulus, Marquette, Hamtramck, Canadian Lakes and Newaygo. Most recently, the modular homes were eyed as a possibility for a 20-home development on the site of the former Glendale school in Muskegon Heights. Allen said while nothing is "concrete" just yet about bringing modular homes to these communities, the reception has been "overwhelmingly good." "Next fall in a lot of those communities, we're going to be helping put modular housing in," he said. Newaygo City Manager Jon Schneider said their involvement with InnovaLab, along with other organizations and developers, is "exploratory" at the moment. Schneider said Newaygo is a growing community with a need for more housing options, from low-wage offerings to high-end. "Our situation is similar to most communities around the state, if not even the country, where housing is tight, housing is an issue," Schneider said. "We're trying to locally solve that. How do we provide enough housing for all points on the spectrum, from the most affordable to high end housing?" One of the "InnovaHomes" models. (Courtesy/InnovaLaB) InnovaHomes is a project spearheaded by InnovaLaB with help from the Michigan Land Bank. Troy-based modular home manufacturer Champion Homes is contracted for all their builds. Modular homes are manufactured at a factory in pieces and then assembled on the property. Though the construction process differs from on-site builds, there's often little difference in the final look. The state land bank is financing InnovaLaB's first nine builds in Grand Rapids. Similar state redevelopment loans could be leveraged for InnovaHomes in other communities, according to Erica Quealy, communications director for Talent and Economic Development Department of Michigan. The involvement of InnovaLaB in out-county modular projects could range from consulting to site planning and design, Allen said, adding that every community's needs are different. The move to broker modular homes and do work outside the county drew some concerns from the Kent County Board of Commissioners at their July 26 meeting. Some commissioners were concerned it was outside their original mission and competed with private business. At the meeting, Allen contended the land bank is a tool to deal with economic development and that it won't abandon work in Kent County. Allen stressed the land bank won't be owning any land outside of the county and that any work will be contracted. The InnovaHomes model fills a housing need that for-profit developers can't, he said. "We're doing this without a profit motive, and that's the only way this is able to be done," he said. OTTAWA COUNTY, MI - Deputies are investigating the disappearance of a man whose car was found abandoned in a parking lot on Ottawa Beach Road in Park Township. Demetrius McKnight, 25, who lives in Park Township, was last seen by family members on Oct. 19. Four days later, his family found his car in a parking lot in the 2000 block of Ottawa Beach Road. At that point, his mother became concerned her son's whereabouts and called police. Sheriff's detectives have checked several possible locations and talked to his friends but could not find him. McKnight lives in the Holland area but is known to frequent the Wyoming area, police said. He is 6-foot-1, 170 pounds, with sleeve tattoos on both arms. Police asked anyone with information to call Ottawa County Central Dispatch at 800-249-0911, Silent Observer at 877-88-SILENT or send tips to MOSOTIPS.com Absentee ballots account for about 25 percent of ballots cast in Michigan's recent elections, and the percentage may be even higher this year. Below are seven things that Michigan's absentee voters need to know in advance of the Nov. 6 election. 1. Not everyone can vote by absentee ballot. Absentee ballots are available to voters: Age 60 or older. Who will be out of town Nov. 6. Unable to get to the polls without assistance. Serving as an election worker. In jail or in prison awaiting arraignment or trial. No proof is required to show someone will be unavailable to vote Nov. 6, although voters do have to sign an affidavit to that effect. Incidentally, Proposal 3 on the November ballot would allow any voter to use an absentee ballot. 2. Absentee ballots can be obtained by mail or in person. But in-person is better at this point. Absentee ballots can be obtained in person at local city and township clerk offices, or click here for a downloadable request form. At this point, election officials are pushing people to obtain and/or return absentee ballots in person versus relying solely on the mail. In fact, you can get an absentee ballot and fill out it on the spot. Need the address or phone number for your local election clerk? Look online at www.michigan.gov/vote and type in your name and birth month and year under "Voter information." That search will yield a map of your polling place. Just above the map is a tab that says "local clerk," which provides an address and phone number 3. Monday is the deadline for getting an absentee ballot, and local election offices must be open Saturday. The deadline for obtaining an absentee ballot is 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 5. However, ballots picked up on Monday from local clerks must be fill out and turned in immediately; they can not be taken home. Note that Michigan's city and township election clerks are required to hold office hours until 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, specifically to hand out and collect absentee ballots. 4. Nov. 6 is the deadline for returning absentee ballots. Absentee ballots must be in the hands of election clerks by 8 p.m. Nov. 6. Postmarks don't count. The law requires election officials to throw out absentee ballots that arrive in the mail after Election Day. That means absentee ballots should be mailed no later than Friday to make sure they arrive in time. Absentee ballots also can be hand-delivered to local election clerks as late as Election Day. Incidentally, the U.S. Postal Service's official policy is to deliver all absentee and mail-in ballots, regardless of whether they have proper postage. That said, no postage or using only one stamp likely will slow down delivery. You can track your absentee ballot at www.michigan.gov/vote. 5. Make sure to fill out the ballot correctly -- including signing the envelope. One big advantage of voting on Election Day is your ballot is immediately feed into a tabulator and if it's filled out improperly, you can redo it. Absentee voters don't have that opportunity, so it's important not to risk having a ballot rejected. Make sure to read the instructions. The common reason ballots are rejected: Voters did not fill in the ovals next to their election choices; drawing a circle around the ovals doesn't count. Michigan law requires markings to appear within the oval to count as a valid vote. The ballot is two-sided, so make sure to fill out both sides. Use a ballpoint pen vs. a felt marker, which can bleed through and spoil the ballot. And make sure to sign the ballot envelope. Unsigned ballots aren't counted. By the way, straight-party voting is not an option in this election. Because of a change in Michigan law, this is the first election in more than 125 years in which voters cannot fill in a single bubble to choose all the candidates of one party. 6. If you lose your absentee ballot or change your mind on how to vote, you can get a new ballot at your polling place on election day. Lost your absentee ballot? O maybe you handed in your absentee ballot but changed your mind on how to vote? Go to your polling place on election day, and you will be given a new ballot once polling-place officials take steps to ensure that you aren't voting twice. 7. You must obtain or turn in your absentee ballot in person for your first election if you registered by mail or during a voter registration drive. This is especially applicable for college students and other young adults who are new registered voters and casting an absentee ballot. If this is your first election after registering to vote, you have to obtain or turn in your absentee ballot in person to your city or township election office -- unless you registered in person at the Secretary of State office or your city or township office. You need to do this to show a photo identification, in compliance with Michigan's voter ID law. Once again: This is only true for absentee voters casting a ballot in their first election after they register AND who didn't register to vote in person at a state, county or local election office. Remember that local election offices will be open Saturday, Nov. 3, until 2 p.m. to collect absentee ballots. Another option: An absentee can get their identity verified by appearing in-person at a Secretary of State branch. Voters guide for November election MLive has partnered with the League of Women Voters Education Fund to provide information and resources in the 2018 election. More information can be found at Vote411.org, which has information on all state and federal races and many of Michigan's county and local races. All responses in the voters 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 by the League of Women Voters. The League never supports or opposes any candidates or political parties. 7 Vice President Mike Pence has heard the conventional narrative that it will be tough for Republicans to be victorious in the midterms. But while speaking to a crowd of about 1,500 supporters at the DeltaPlex Arena near Grand Rapids Monday night, Pence said he's not buying it. "I think we all know what President Donald Trump thinks of conventional wisdom," Pence said. "We're going to make history again in 2018." The evening rally was Pence's second of the day in Michigan, where he campaigned to support gubernatorial candidate Bill Schuette, U.S. Senate candidate John James and other Republicans on the ballot this fall. "I know Michigan's going to deliver again," Pence said. Both Schuette and James are trailing in the polls behind their Democratic candidates, although both say they're feeling confident eight days out from the midterm election. Pence referred to James - whose speech was interrupted due to a small electrical fire in the venue's lighting system - as a candidate "who is on fire," praising his military background and his business expertise. When introducing Pence, James said he was encouraged by Pence's support, noting that he "believes that Michigan is important enough to come back again." Schuette called himself the comeback kid and predicted the race would be 51-49 in his favor: "We'll keep you up late that night," he quipped. "This campaign is just where we want it," Schuette told the crowd, referencing Trump's victory in 2016 and former Michigan Governor John Engler's victory in 1990 despite trailing in state polls. Schuette "basically has public service running in his veins," Pence said, adding that Schuette would continue to build on previous successes of Michigan Republicans. At an earlier rally in Oakland County, Pence also focused attention on Republican Congressional candidates Mike Bishop and Lena Epstein. Bishop, R-Rochester, is running for reelection in the 8th Congressional District, and Epstein is running in the open 11th Congressional District. In Grand Rapids, Pence listed off the Trump administration's recent wins, including a new trade deal with Canada and Mexico and the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. He also said Trump would continue to support law enforcement and border security, and that electing more Republicans to office would help support the administration's goals. Across the street from the DeltaPlex, several members of the Michigan Democratic Party rallied around a 15-foot-tall inflated pill bottle to protest the alleged complicity of Republicans in high drug and healthcare prices. Brandon Dillon, chair of the Michigan Democratic Party, said they chose to protest the get-out-the-vote rally with a pill bottle because "healthcare is the number one issue on people's minds" and Republicans don't hold "Big Pharma" accountable because of the "massive" campaign contributions they receive. The party chairman said Michigan voters are tired of the "divisiveness" stirred by Trump and candidates who embrace him. In contrast, Dillon said, Democratic candidates Gretchen Whitmer for governor and U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow are bipartisan "consensus builders" who will "restore a more civil tone to our politics." "We want people to know that Michigan Democrats stand for change, whether it's making sure healthcare is more affordable, getting the damn roads fixed and a whole host of other issues," Dillon said. MLive reporter Michael Kransz contributed to this report. DETROIT - A man wanted for a triple homicide in Pennsylvania has been arrested in Detroit. Anthony Cooper Anthony Cooper was wanted by the New Castle Police Department for three counts of homicide in connection to the triple homicide which occurred on Oct. 16 in the Western Pennsylvania city near the Ohio border. Amariah Emery,10, Nichole Pumphrey, 31 and Lawrence Cannon, 31, were previously identified as victims in the case. Cooper was arrested by the United States Marshals Service in Detroit and will be extradited back to New Castle to face prosecution for this crime. Also charged in Lawrence County in the slayings is 19-year-old Steven Procopio of New Wilmington, according to the Associated Press. A woman is charged with obstruction of justice. Police have said that all the homicide victims had been shot in the face. Four other children in the home between the ages of 4 and 9 were unharmed, according to the AP. The NCPD is thanking the United States Marshals Service and law enforcement partners in Michigan for their hard work during the search for Cooper. Riffing on a small scene in a work of nonfiction is a fine way to start a play Tom Stoppard started his Rock N Roll that way. And this piece does a service by exploring the difference in how great African-American artists were treated in Europe in the first decades of the 20th century, in some cases literally saving their lives. Im often struck by how many young people in Chicago have no idea of this history, not least because it does not fit into the usual binaries. And thus for Orlandersmith, a distinguished oral historian, to pay tribute in this way to an ordinary Danish family that cared for Holiday is generous, unifying and moving. JACKSON COUNTY, MI - Republican Rodney Walz has represented Jackson County's District 2 on the Board of Commissioners for four years, but that's not long considering the position's history. Before Walz, Republican David Lutchka served the district from 2005-14. Before Lutchka, Republican Gary Adams represented the area for six terms, first elected in 1992. Democrat Roger Maufort looks to break the cycle, running against Walz for the spot in the Nov. 6 election. District 2 includes Henrietta, Waterloo and Grass Lake townships and part of Leoni Township. The area has been redistricted multiple times since Adams started 26 years ago. MLive Media Group has partnered with the League of Women Voters of Michigan to provide candidate information and other voting resources to readers. Each candidate was asked to answer a series of questions about their policy stances. Information on state and federal races and many of Michigan's county and local races is available at Vote411.org - a website run by the League of Women Voters. Maufort and Walz were sent an MLive/Jackson Citizen Patriot questionnaire for details on their background and priorities. Roger Maufort Maufort, 56, ran against Walz in 2014, earning just less than 40 percent of the vote. Walz was uncontested in the 2016 election for the district. He manages at a medical clinic, helping patients with opioid addictions. He was the founder and president of the Jackson County Compassion Club, a medical marijuana dispensary that was shut down last year. Maufort's priorities, if elected, include bringing industrial hemp processing jobs into his district, adding attractions to the county fairgrounds and receive state and federal funds and grants to improve infrastructure to allow millages and bonds to expire. "I am a fiscally conservative democrat and I am not convinced that we are getting the value for our tax dollars," Maufort said. Rodney Walz Walz, 63, was formerly the president of the village of Grass Lake and is a retired Jackson Public Schools employee. He did not respond to the MLive questionnaire, but said his top priorities, if re-elected, include improvements to roads, the incoming county morgue and the county fairgrounds. JACKSON COUNTY, MI - Candidates battling for the District 9 Jackson County Board of Commissioners spot have different visions of where to lead the county. Republican incumbent David Elwell is being challenged by Democrat Daveda Quinn. The pair have opposite priorities, considering their responses to which three issues they'd focus on if elected. District 9 encompasses Blackman Township. MLive Media Group has partnered with the League of Women Voters of Michigan to provide candidate information and other voting resources to readers. Each candidate was asked to answer a series of questions about their policy stances. Information on state and federal races and many of Michigan's county and local races is available at Vote411.org - a website run by the League of Women Voters. Elwell and Quinn were sent an MLive/Jackson Citizen Patriot questionnaire for information on their background and priorities. David Elwell Elwell, 60, prioritizes roads, monitoring the county's new long-term dollars designated for animal control and parks and making conservative decisions with county finances.He notes the county's recent investments into roads - including new, innovative equipment and more employees. Overall, fiscal conservatism will benefit the county, Elwell said. "Responsible government is necessary to draw businesses/employers to our community," Elwell said. "Our taxpayers not only expect that, but deserve it." This would be Elwell's ninth term, if re-elected. He's served the district since 2000 - besides 2005 and 2006, when he unsuccessfully sought a state house of representatives position. Elwell is the chief of police for Columbia Township - a role he's maintained since 2005. He's also been a detective sergeant for Blackman Township and a police officer for Leoni Township. Daveda Quinn Quinn did not respond to the MLive/Jackson Citizen Patriot questionnaire. She did respond to questions from the League of Women Voters, however. The 55-year-old is a supervisor and chemist at the city of Jackson's wastewater treatment plant. Quinn ran against Elwell in 2016, garnering 41 percent of the vote. Her top priorities, if elected, are safety and security, homelessness and pushing to receive more funds to address the opioid epidemic. "I would create a program that would help homeowners keep their homes through education (and create) self-help programs to help with small home repairs," Quinn said. "I would like to see the city and county put a stop to their efforts in continuing to demolish houses that could be renovated for residents to live in." PORTAGE, MI -- Lake Effect, the only retail location in Kalamazoo County where medical marijuana patients can legally buy their medicine, is preparing for the possibility it will have to close, though a judge's order will allow them to stay open through Nov. 9. The dispensary at 8314 Portage Road in Portage was given notice on Sept. 10 that its application to continue operating was denied by the state's Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Board, according to the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. The business planned to close on the state-imposed deadline of Wednesday, Oct. 31, Lake Effect Owner Jevin Weyenberg said. However, Michigan Court of Claims Judge Stephen Borello's Oct. 30 order means the business and other dispensaries can now remain open through Nov. 9, when a hearing is scheduled for a hearing related to the temporary restraining order, Weyenberg said. The judge issued the order in a case involving another marijuana business. Lake Effect, the only marijuana dispensary in Kalamazoo County, has appealed the state's prequalification denial by requesting an investigative hearing, though LARA had not received a notice yet from the Michigan Administrative Hearing System that there is a scheduled hearing date, spokesman David Harns said on Oct. 30. Before the judge's order, Harns said any temporary operation after Oct. 31, 2018, would be considered unlicensed activity and may result in a referral to law enforcement, the Michigan State Police and/or the Department of Attorney General. LARA is reviewing the judge's order, Harns said on Oct. 30. The order allows dispensaries operating without a state license, as required under the updated rules, to operate through Nov. 9, Weyenberg said. Denise A. Pollicella, a founder and managing partner of Cannabis Attorneys of Michigan, confirmed that the temporary restraining order means the state cannot set any deadline for dispensaries to close, and that the issue will be brought before at a Nov. 9 hearing. Gov. Rick Snyder appointed Weyenberg to the state's Marihuana Advisory Panel, which can make recommendations about how the state runs the medical marijuana system. The panel met Tuesday, Oct. 30. Before the meeting, Weyenberg said he planned to "hold the state accountable for the lack of patient care" during the meeting. "When there is not a system in place to support the medical requirements of 300,000 people, then 300,000 people or part of that group lose access to medicine," he said after the hearing. "It's pretty cut and dry." Elizabeth Ouding, 51, of Kalamazoo, said she had six back surgeries over two years because of scoliosis in her back. Doctors prescribed her pain pills and she took them for about a year, she said, but she did not like the side effects. A few years ago, she walked into Lake Effect and met Weyenberg. He told her about medical marijuana and after she obtained a state-issued card, she said. She has been using a topical cream every day since then that immediately helps her pain and allows her to get around better, she said. "I don't have to take opioids because of it," Ouding said. The next closest dispensary is in Breedsville, which is about 45 minutes away or more than twice as far as Lake Effect is from her home, she said. Ouding said she doesn't know if she can make the drive because of the cost of gas and because she has trouble holding up her arms to drive that long. She fears that she will have to seek out another kind of painkiller from a doctor to address her pain if Lake Effect is forced to close. Ouding calls Weyenberg a lifesaver. In September, Lake Effect's prequalification application was "denied under section 402(3)(a) of the Act," LARA said in a statement. The section of the law allows the board to consider "the integrity, moral character, and reputation of the applicant" when considering a license application, LARA said. The Medical Marihuana Licensing Board discussed the case before voting to deny the application. A member of the board alleged the business participates in the recreational market, noting that Lake Effect won an award from High Times' Cannabis Cup in June 2018. Weyenberg disagrees with the suggestion his store participates in the recreational market. A member of the board also mentioned a lawsuit against Lake Effect, which had been dismissed by the plaintiff before the denial was issued. Lake Effect is among a group of dispensaries in the state that could be forced to close, depending on the outcome of the Nov. 9 hearing. The timing of the state's possible shutdowns coincide with several other important milestones for marijuana in Michigan. It comes soon after Oct. 25, when the first marijuana that was grown, transported and sold in facilities that are approved under the state's updated medical marijuana rules. "That's great and it shows the baby steps the state is taking," Weyenberg said. "But baby steps don't do much for people looking for lab-tested medication." On Nov. 6, voters will go to the polls and decide whether or not recreational marijuana use will be legal for everyone 21 and over. Lake Effect is the only existing dispensary in Kalamazoo County. Some other medical marijuana facilities are in the process of obtaining approval from the state, including at least one dispensary that was granted a license in October. "The state argues they want everybody in the registered system," Weyenberg said. "It's just very slow." KALAMAZOO, MI -- Seen any good campaign ads lately? Candidates for Michigan's 6th District House seat are putting more than a year of fundraising to use with time running out to get their name in front of voters before the November general election. More than $7.2 million has been spent as of Oct. 17, which makes the race likely to top the historic $7.3 million spent in 2014. Pre-election campaign finance filings were due to the Federal Election Commission Oct. 25 and became available for voters to view through a searchable online database this weekend. The latest report covers contributions and spending from January 2017 through Oct. 17. As to be expected, filings showed Republican incumbent Fred Upton has more money to leverage than Democratic challenger Matt Longjohn. Voters will decide whether to re-elect Upton to a 17th consecutive term representing Southwest Michigan in the House on Nov. 6. Upton raised $2.92 million as of Oct. 17, including $1.1 million from individuals and $1.8 million from campaign committees. The experienced campaigner spent $2.59 million by mid-October, leaving him with nearly $819,277 to spend in the final weeks of the election. Longjohn raised $1.27 million as of Oct. 17, including $1.14 million from individuals and $53,750 from campaign committees. The first-time politician has just $129,200 to use before Election Day. While Upton outraised his challenger, independent groups poured money into ads opposing the Republican incumbent. Independent groups spent $1.53 million on ads opposing Upton and almost $1.5 million on positive campaign communications for Longjohn. Money spent in support of Longjohn more than tripled the amount independent groups spent to support Upton. Change Now was the most substantial independent donor, chipping in $1.39 million for television ads and other materials supporting Longjohn and $1.4 million in communications opposing Upton. The FEC listed no records for a third candidate in the race, U.S. Taxpayer's Stephen J. Young, though his name will appear on the ballot. Upton's top donors Upton's top individual donor is Jeffrey MacKinnon, a Washington D.C. lobbyist with firms aligned with issues related to healthcare, energy and communications. MacKinnon gave $6,400 so far. Thirty-six people contributed the $5,400 maximum amount allowed by the FEC to Upton's campaign. Prominent members of the business community in Southwest Michigan supported the longtime-incumbent. Several members of the DeVos family contributed a total of $27,000. Daniel, Douglas, Maria, Richard and Suzanne DeVos each contributed $5,400. Members of the Meijer family also supported Upton to the tune of $4,700 total. Kalamazoo philanthropist William Parfet and his wife, Barbara, each contributed $5,400 total. Parfet is one of two community power-brokers who donated $70 million to the city of Kalamazoo in 2016 to subsidize a property tax cut and fund community programs. Southwest Michigan First Executive Director Ron Kitchens also contributed $1,500. Marc Schupan, owner of Schupan and Sons Inc. in Kalamazoo gave $1,000. Upton raised nearly $25,000 from people associated with Whirlpool Corp. Upton's grandfather and namesake was co-founder of the appliance manufacturer and marketer Whirlpool, headquartered in Benton Harbor. Businessman and founder of Quicken Loans Dan Gilbert contributed $1,000. Gilbert has spent tens of millions of dollars to push a revitalization of Detroit's urban core. Forty-four political action committees contributed $10,000 to Upton this election cycle. Twenty are based in Washington, D.C. This includes donors like moderate Republican House caucus Tuesday Group PAC and bipartisan group No Labels, as well as Paul Ryan's committee Prosperity Action, Inc. and GOP leadership committees New Pioneers PAC, Majority Committee PAC and Lone Star Leadership PAC, among others. Ryan for Congress Inc. also gave $4,000 to Upton's campaign. Koch Industries Inc., owned by GOP financiers Charles and David Koch, contributed $5,000. Committees related to Pfizer, Ford Motor Company, DTE Energy, Quicken Loans Inc., Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan each gave $10,000. Other Michigan corporate donors include Consumers Power Co., Michigan Farm Bureau, the Dow Chemical Co. Employees PAC and Michigan Milk PAC. Companies like AT&T, Boeing, Caterpillar, Charter Communications, Comcast, Entergy, Home Depot, the National Association of Broadcasters and Verizon also contributed $10,000. Upton's donors include many companies and organizations related to energy, healthcare and communications. More than half of Upton's funding came from Michigan sources, 57 percent, and a third came from donors inside the 6th District, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. Longjohn's top donors Longjohn's top individual donor is himself. He's put in $69,500 of his own money so far. Eighteen people donated the maximum amount of $5,400 in the primary and general election, including Bell's Brewery Inc. President Larry Bell. Longjohn's primary election watch party was held at Bell's Eccentric Cafe in Kalamazoo. Longjohn's donations include more than $30,000 from people affiliated with the YMCA, his previous employer. The former YMCA health officer gave up his position to pursue Congress. He also attracted dozens of donors from academia, including Michigan universities, Harvard Medical School faculty and the University of Oxford. Longjohn has pledged to accept zero dollars from corporate PACs. FEC filings show he has held to that promise. The Democrat's individual donors were more likely to contribute smaller amounts. Around half gave $500 or less. Donations from people using ActBlue, an online fundraising platform, totaled $60,500. ActBlue solicits small online political donations. Longjohn also received $5,000 from 314 Action, a nonprofit PAC that seeks to elect scientists in the United States. Two-time 6th District Democratic nominee Paul Clements donated $4,000 to Longjohn. Clements planned to run in the Democratic primary, but failed to gain enough signatures to be placed on the ballot. A larger share of Longjohn's funding came from the jurisdiction he would represent, but less so from Michigan. The Center for Responsive Politics shows 43 percent of Longjohn's funding came from sources in Michigan, with 35 percent from inside the 6th District. Independent spending Michigan's 6th District was targeted early on by the Democrat and Republican House campaign committees. Other partisan groups have begun to pump negative ads into the airwaves in Southwest Michigan this month. Independent groups spent $1.53 million on negative ads and nearly $2 million on communications supporting both candidates. Change Now put up $1.38 million in support of Longjohn. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee contributed $125,000 to oppose Upton, while Sierra Club Political Committee spent $5,300 on attack ads against Upton. MoveOn.org and Win Justice also contributed a combined $93,987 in support of Longjohn. Meanwhile, Defending Main Street, the Michigan Republican Party, Clearpath Action, Inc. and No Labels Action, Inc. spent $463,000 to push Upton. Defending Main Street has been particularly active with its $285,000 in ad buys, pushing a negative message about Longjohn's medical credentials. The Congressional Leadership Fund, House Republicans' main campaign arm, is also airing attack ads against Longjohn in Southwest Michigan. SAGINAW, MI -- A 28-year-old father is going to be spending at least a few years in prison for overdosing on heroin while driving a car that contained his two small children. Saginaw County Circuit Judge Janet M. Boes on the afternoon of Tuesday, Oct. 30, sentenced Stephen A. Vliet to three to 15 years in prison. Boes gave Vliet credit for 133 days already served in the county jail. The judge also ordered Vliet to pay $198 in court fines and costs. Vliet gave no statement to the court. Vliet in September pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree child abuse in the presence of another child. Vliet's 26-year-old codefendant, Brandy Lynn Tubbs, also is accused of overdosing in the car. She is charged with second-degree child abuse and is set to face a jury trial on Nov. 27. The couple's charges have their origin in an incident that occurred the afternoon of June 19. First responders arrived to the scene of a vehicle stopped in the roadway near the intersection of Sheridan and Williamson roads in Saginaw County's Spaulding Township. Vliet had been driving with Tubbs as a passenger. Also in the vehicle were Vliet's 10-year-old son and Tubbs' 9-year-old daughter. "MMR had to arrive on scene to revive the people in the front two seats," District Judge Terry L. Clark said at the couple's June 21 arraignment. "The children were telling the police what Mommy and Daddy were doing." Saginaw County Sheriff's deputies later determined the couple was in Saginaw County to buy heroin. After they ingested it, they began to lose consciousness and their vehicle drifted, police said. Vliet hails from Alger and Tubbs is from Roscommon. William Daniels, known for playing Mr. George Feeny on "Boy Meets World," luckily stopped an attempted burglary at his home around 9:30 p.m. Saturday night, Oct. 27. The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed to KABC-TV that the 91-year-old quickly turned on lights in his Studio City home after the suspect forced open a backdoor. Daniels was reportedly at home with his wife Bonnie Bartlett, 89, at the time of the incident. Daniels is known for portraying the influential character of Mr. Feeny on ABC's 1990s sitcom "Boy Meets World," Dr. Mark Craid in St. Elsewhere and as the recognizable voice of K.I.T.T. in "Knight Rider" in the 1980s. The actor's publicist told the ABC affiliate that "Daniels was able to frighten away the person and the LAPD quickly responded. They are both well. Mr. Daniels thanks all his fans for their concern." A suspect has not been identified, and police do not believe that couple was targeted. Later, the blocks return as stand-ins for the buildings in a small town Volodya visits. Smith steps nimbly from one block to another, a working-class Colossus astride a small controlled world. Yet despite Volodyas attempts to think easy, everyday thoughts, reality keeps crashing in. A late-breaking crisis with one of his workers shows him the fragility of his own state. And yet when he tries to discuss his newfound love of art and culture at least as filtered through the radio with his old school friends, they scorn his taste as pedestrian, driving up one more wall of isolation. Images Sorry, there are no recent results for popular images. This was my very first time shooting something in that environment. So they were like, Uh, OK, honey, lets go again. And you know, they dont give a damn about you. Youre like a chess piece. And the clock is ticking. So I did it again, and I missed my mark. Then I did it again, and I didnt bump into anything, but of course I didnt want to miss my mark again, so I looked down at my mark and you cant do that! Everybody can see it, and the camera can see it! I have to say, Brenda Vaccaro was so gracious and so kind. And on Dunham's plate most recently? The "Girls" creator has been tapped by J.J. Abrams and Steven Spielberg to adapt the true story of a Syrian refugee mother of two who flees Egypt by boat, headed for Sweden, only to be shipwrecked along the way. Her tale, per Variety, is one of survival in open water for two days, holding her two children, with only a life ring for assistance. When Katherine Frega was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma eight years ago at age 17, she was so sick that all she could focus on was starting chemotherapy to treat her aggressive blood cancer. It was her dad who thought to ask the oncologist, "How is this treatment going to affect her ability to have children?" The oncologist discussed the risks but stressed that Frega needed to start treatment right away. The question of fertility is often overlooked when young cancer patients are battling a life-threatening illness. And since health insurance doesn't typically cover fertility preservation care, patients and their families may be deterred by the cost. But a growing number of states now require plans to cover such services when medically necessary treatment jeopardizes fertility. Treatment for cancer and other serious conditions involves toxic chemotherapy drugs, radiation and surgery that can cause infertility in women and men. The cost to freeze patients' healthy eggs, sperm or embryos for future use can be a major barrier, said Dr. Eden Cardozo, a reproductive endocrinologist and director of the fertility preservation program at the Women & Infants Fertility Center in Providence, R.I. Cardozo was instrumental in getting Rhode Island's law passed last year. "(Patients) have to move quickly," she said. "They don't have time to raise funds from family and friends. They don't have time to petition their insurance company." Reproductive health advocates argue that fertility preservation should be viewed as a core component of cancer care in younger people, not as an optional infertility offering. Some compare this type of coverage to the federal Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act, which requires plans that cover a patient's mastectomy to also provide for breast reconstruction. New laws in Delaware, Illinois and Maryland require plans to include this benefit. The Delaware law applies to plans issued or renewed after June of this year; the requirement in the other two states starts in 2019. Connecticut and Rhode Island passed similar laws last year. New Jersey lawmakers are considering a bill, and advocates in New York plan to make another attempt after both legislative chambers passed fertility preservation bills in the last session but failed to reconcile them. The state measures don't apply to companies that are self-funded, meaning they pay their employee claims directly rather than buying state-regulated insurance policies for that purpose. They also don't apply to government-funded programs such as Medicaid or the military's Tricare program. Although freezing sperm and embryos has been common medical practice for decades, egg freezing was considered experimental by professional groups until 2012. As the technology has improved, the need for insurance coverage has grown, said Joyce Reinecke, executive director of the Alliance for Fertility Preservation, an advocacy group for cancer patients. When Frega's cancer didn't respond to chemotherapy, her doctors recommended a bone marrow transplant in January 2012. Even if her eggs hadn't been damaged by the chemotherapy, the transplant would likely cause permanent infertility, she was told. So Frega took hormones to stimulate her ovaries to produce more eggs, among other things, and seven were retrieved during an outpatient procedure days before her transplant. Frega's parents paid $10,000 for the medications and egg retrieval, a significant amount but less than what many pay. They were aided by Livestrong Fertility, a nonprofit group that provides access to discounted fertility preservation services for cancer patients who meet income guidelines. Frega has good insurance through her mother's employer plan. "They covered everything else, except for this," she said. "They considered it not medically necessary." Cancer-free following two bone marrow transplants, Frega, now 25, is a third-year medical student at the Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, N.Y. She plans to specialize in oncology. Between 20 and 70 percent of cancer patients experience some degree of fertility impairment, according to Cardozo in Rhode Island. Though they make up the largest at-risk group, the complication isn't unique to cancer patients. People with other conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis who are treated with chemotherapy drugs may be affected, as may patients with conditions such as endometriosis who require surgery. Despite the much-ballyhooed examples of tech companies like Facebook, Apple and Google that offer egg freezing as an employee perk, cryopreservation, as it's called, isn't a typical employee benefit. Only 6 percent of large companies with 500 or more workers offer egg freezing for employees or their spouses, according to the 2017 annual employer survey by benefits consultant Mercer. About a quarter cover in vitro fertilization. Forty-four percent of large employers don't offer any infertility services, the survey found. Men face the same infertility risk when they need cancer treatment. When Blake Hornbrook, an Army medic at Fort Campbell, Ky., had surgery to remove a cancerous testicle in the fall of 2015, he and his wife, Kelsey, were stationed in Germany. Hornbrook, then 26, looked into fertility preservation while overseas, but the annual storage fee of 1,000 euros (about $1,150) deterred the couple. Hornbrook required a second surgery several months later to see if the cancer had spread to his lymph nodes. The couple returned to the United States and drove directly from the airport to a sperm bank in Fairfax, Va. It cost roughly $400 for the initial appointment to provide a sperm specimen and store it, Hornbrook said. Tricare covered Hornbrook's cancer treatment, but it didn't pay for fertility preservation or for IVF, which he estimated cost the couple $6,500 in clinic fees. Tricare provided discounts on some of the fertility drugs. Their daughter, Harper, was born seven months ago, and Hornbrook's cancer remains in remission. For young cancer patients, the cost of storing the eggs or sperm that have been preserved can add up. Even if a state has a fertility preservation law, it typically doesn't cover those costs, Reinecke said. The Hornbrooks pay $480 annually to store his sperm and $375 to store their remaining embryos. Frega pays $1,000 annually to store her eggs. Frega hopes to be able to conceive naturally and knowing she has frozen eggs available is "relieving, but also anxiety-producing," she said. If she can't get pregnant later on, she may have to pay $10,000 or more for IVF as well. "That's what lies ahead," she said. Sixteen states require insurers to offer or cover infertility services to some extent, according to infertility advocacy organization Resolve. Requirements vary: Insurers may have to cover diagnosis or testing for infertility, for example, but not treatments like in vitro fertilization or fertility medications, said Barbara Collura, president and CEO of Resolve. Typically, state infertility coverage laws require couples to try to get pregnant for a year or two before they're eligible for insurance coverage of IVF or other treatments. That requirement makes little sense for patients trying to preserve their fertility before undergoing medically necessary cancer or other treatment. "These people aren't infertile," Collura said. "They need to undergo some sort of intervention that is going to impair their future fertility, and what we say is that if it's medically necessary, they should have a right to have it covered." People affected could be in both the millennial generation and Gen Z. Rohlfing Pryor noted that data have been collected from more than 200 studies, not all of which defined these two groups the same way. So although more than one age group was studied, she has found perfectionism to be particularly prevalent in university students, including both undergraduate and graduate students. The building where the the body was discovered was the former home of the Sykes Health Center before operations there moved to a new 55,000-square-foot building next door operated by Advocate Health Care earlier this year. Britain said it would tax the revenue that online platforms such as Google, Facebook and Amazon make in the country to update a system that had not kept pace with changing digital business models. "It's clearly not sustainable, or fair, that digital platform businesses can generate substantial value in the UK without paying tax here in respect of that business," finance minister Philip Hammond said in his annual budget speech on Monday. The tax will be designed to ensure established tech giants, rather than start-ups, shoulder the burden, Hammond told parliament. The Treasury said profitable companies would be taxed at 2 percent on the money they make from UK users from April 2020, and the measure was expected to raise more than 400 million pounds ($512 million) a year. The tax will be based on self-assessment by the companies. Big internet companies, which say they follow tax rules, had previously paid little tax in Europe, typically by channelling sales via countries such as Ireland and Luxembourg which have light-touch tax regimes. Google, Facebook and Amazon have changed the way they account for their activity in Britain in recent years. In 2016, Facebook, for example, starting recording revenue from its UK customers supported by local sales teams, and subjecting any taxable profit on the income to UK corporation tax. However, a number of offsets meant Facebook had a tax charge for 2016 in Britain of 5.1 million pounds compared with 4.2 million pounds for 2015. SLOW INTERNATIONAL PUSH The tax will target platforms such as search engines, social media and online marketplaces, Hammond said, and it will be paid by companies that generate at least 500 million pounds a year in global revenue. Britain had been leading attempts to reform international corporate tax systems, Hammond said, but progress had been painfully slow and governments could not simply talk forever. Clifford Chance tax partner Dan Neidle said the radical nature of the proposal clearly showed that Britain was becoming frustrated with the slow pace of change in global tax laws. "The UK is running ahead of every other country except Spain," he said. But given the dominance of US tech giants, President Donald Trump's administration may not appreciate the proposal at a time when Britain is trying to agree on new trade deals. The European Commission proposed in March that EU states would charge a 3 percent levy on digital revenues of large firms like Google and Facebook. But the plan is opposed by smaller states like Ireland, which fears losing revenues, and by Nordic governments which think the tax could stifle innovation and trigger retaliation from the US - the home to most of the firms which could be hit by the proposed tax. France, which supports a new levy, put forward last month the idea that such a tax would have a "sunset clause", meaning the tax would end when a global solution is found. Hammond said on Monday that if a global solution emerges, Britain would consider adopting this instead of its levy. But in the meantime, the government would consult on the detail to make sure it got its plan right, and then ensure Britain remained one of the best places to start and scale up a tech business. Amazon and Netflix declined to comment. Facebook said it looked forward to receiving more details about the proposals, and until then it was too early to comment. The beginning of the decade became the age of the smartphone. With it, all our affairs, personal and professional, became compressed on one single black square. But with this hyper-connectivity also comes our fragmented attention spans, the fear of missing out and the eventual burnout from information overload. The smartphone, like the mind, is a wonderful servant, but a terrible master. Fortunately, here are few settings one can tweak on ones smartphone to make it work for you better. (Image: Reuters) Top Chinese smartphone makers Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo and Honor sold handsets worth over Rs 50,000 crore in India during FY18, according to a report by the The Economic Times. This was more nearly twice the revenue they earned by selling smartphones in FY17. Analysts said that with these companies' dominance growing in India, this trend is here to stay. These four brands, along with other Chinese brands like Lenovo-Motorola, OnePlus and Infinix, account for more than half the smartphone sales in India. South Korean, Japanese and Indian phone companies have established themselves as global brands, but these Chinese companies are offering high-specificiation models at lower prices. This makes them more attractive to the average Indian consumer, two analysts told the paper. Counterpoint Research's Tarun Pathak was quoted as saying that these brands have easy access to the Shenzhen hardware and R&D hub, and the supply chain ecosystem. "This has helped them to be innovators and to be always on top of trends," he told the paper. The success of these Chinese brands in India is beneficial for the country too, because it spells more investment in local manufacturing and more jobs. Xiaomi recently announced that it would be investing Rs 15,000 crore in a smartphone component manufacturing unit in April. Oppo is in the process of setting up two facilities in Uttar Pradesh. These companies are conquering all the key price segments in the smartphone space -- Xiaomi in the Rs 6,000-13,000 band, Oppo and Vivo in Rs 10,000-22,000 band, a chief of a major smartphone retail chain was quoted as saying. "These price segments account for more than 80 percent of the overall market where no Indian brands have managed to cut the ice and Samsung is the sole non-Chinese brand to fight it out," he said. Xiaomi Indias revenue from operations was Rs 22,947 crore in FY18, up from Rs 8,334 crore in FY17. Similarly, Oppo's revenue rose to Rs 11,994 crore in FY18 from Rs 8,050 crore in FY17, and Vivo Indias revenue came in at Rs 11,179 crore, up from Rs 6,292 crore in the previous fiscal year. In FY18, the Indian smartphone market was valued at around Rs 1.5 lakh crore. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Anti-trust regulator Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved Malaysia-based IHH Healthcares acquisition of a controlling stake in Indias second largest hospital chain Fortis Healthcare. We understand that Competition Commission of India has approved the proposed Fortis-IHH transaction. We remain committed to work towards the seamless closure of the transaction. Fortis Healthcare said in a statement. This was the last major approval pending for the deal to be consummated. In August this year, shareholders of Fortis approved the deal, ending the prolonged uncertainty and bidding war at the hospital chain that faced liquidity crunch and governance issues. The board of directors of Fortis Healthcare on July 13 unanimously approved a binding investment proposal from IHH to invest Rs 4,000 crore by way of preferential allotment. The allotment will take place at Rs 170 a share. Since IHH's post-acquisition stake in Fortis will exceed 25 percent, it is required to extend an offer to buy an additional 26 percent from existing shareholders at a price not less than the one at which the stake is being bought. After the transaction and the resultant open offer go through, IHH's stake in Fortis could be between 31 to 57 percent, depending on the subscription received for the open offer. With the CCI approval, IHH will be able to make an open offer for an additional 26 percent stake. The money infused through the Fortis-IHH deal is expected to meet Fortis' short term and long term cash requirements including acquiring assets from Singapore-based Religare Health Trust and providing an exit to private equity investors in SRL, Fortis' diagnostics arm. As per the proposal, IHH will have the right to control two-thirds of the seats on the Fortis board. Fortis plunged into a crisis early this year, with the company disclosing that the promoters took out Rs 500 crore from the company through questionable inter-corporate deposits. Soon, both the promoters Malvinder and Shivinder, called as Singh brothers resigned, and their stake in the hospital chain pledged with lenders was invoked, on account of non-payment of due. The Singh brothers' stake in the company has fallen to 0.80 percent from 34.43 percent in February as lenders invoked the shares pledged by them. Fortis board had to overturn its decisions twice in the face of shareholder activism after announcing Manipal Hospitals group and Munjal-Burman as successful bidders. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) is of the view that the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) should examine whether nominee directors of crisis-ridden IL&FS adhered to their fiduciary duty and informed the companies they represented about mismanagement in IL&FS. A source told Moneycontrol that the MCA may take a view on this even as the SFIO is already looking into charges of mismanagement at IL&FS. The IL&FS crisis has put roughly Rs 30,000 crore loans at risk and nearly developed into a contagion, which recently threatened to spread to wider financial markets. IL&FS has nominees of two public sector bank and a nominee from Life Insurance Corporation. LIC holds a major stake in IL&FS with a 25.34 percent shareholding, Central Bank of India (CBI) has 7.67 percent while State Bank of India (SBI) holds 6.42 percent stake. With this stake, PSU banks and LIC appointed their nominees on the board. Nominees who have previously been on the IL&FS board include VK Sharma, the current chairman of LIC, and Anshula Kant, currently the Managing Director of SBI. "Prima facie, the ministry has not found any communication from nominee directors to their respective companies about the apparent mismanagement in the group companies of IL&FS," another source told Moneycontrol. Moneycontrol also analysed the nominee directors' attendance pattern at IL&FS board meetings and AGMs for the last four years. It appears that there were some years -- such as FY2017 -- when attendance was thin. Board members from the companies attended an AGM only once in the last four years. We wrote to LIC, SBI, CBI and LIC for their comment on whether they were apprised of any potential mismanagement at IL&FS. However, Moneycontrol has not received their reply till the time story was published. Drug maker Dr Reddys on October 8 said it got Form 483 with 8 observations from US FDA for its injectable plant in Duvvada. This is to inform you that the audit of our formulations manufacturing facility at Duvvada, Visakhapatnam, by the US FDA, has been completed today, the company said in a statement to stock exchanges. We have been issued a Form 483 with 8 (eight) observations, which we are addressing, the company added. The company didnt disclose the nature of these observations. The US drug regulator conveys its concerns on manufacturing practices through Form 483. Companies that receive observations must respond in writing with a corrective and preventive action plan in 15 days. The company's Duvvada unit, known as FTO-VII, manufactures cytotoxic and hormonal injectables is under warning since November 2015, blocking any new approvals. The inspection has begun on October 22. Duvvada plant is crucial for the company as a portion of complex abbreviated new drug applications (ANDAs) were filed from this facility. Complex injectable drugs have limited competition and a better margin profile compared to oral solids like tablets. In 2015, the regulator had issued a warning letter to the company, citing serious deficiencies in the current good manufacturing practices followed at the plant. The company from then onwards hired external consultants and is working towards resolving the issues raised by USFDA. But the resolution seemed elusive as in a follow-up inspection in February-March 2017 the USFDA issued 13 observations for the Duvvada unit, many of which were repeat violations from its 2015 inspection. The company, which is confident about a resolution, once again invited USFDA in June for re-audit early this year. The announcement came after market hours. Shares of Dr Reddys rose 2.48 percent to close at Rs 2597.70 on BSE, while the benchmark Sensex dropped 0.52 percent to end at 33,891.13 points. The EB-5 visa, seen as the most popular alternative to the H-1B visa, may become dearer to obtain for Indians who are already among the top applicants for this permit. The EB-5 visa is considered a ticket to getting US Green Card. The entrepreneurial visa requires applicants to declare an investment of $500,000 and a promise to create at least 10 full-time jobs in the US. According to data from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, 587 Indians applied for EB-5 visa in FY17. As of October 2018, there are over 1200 Indian EB-5 applicants in the queue. "As the country cap in EB-5 is 700 for each including India, it could take two years or a bit more to complete this backlog... There are no alternatives as far as the US is concerned. We believe the backlog could be as high as five years by end of next year. China now has a backlog of over 15 years," said Ashish Saraff, Managing Director, South Asia and Middle East, AVG America Investments LLC. AVG America Investments is a unit of AVG group founded by Shalabh Kumar who is a top Indian-American donor to US President Donald Trump's election campaign. It helps applicants invest in American businesses. The EB-5 investor visa programme allocates up to 10,000 visas annually to foreign nationals, with a per country cap of 7 percent. India is the third highest filer of EB-5 visa application after China and Vietnam. The current investment amount remains at $500,000 for an entire family of applicants. The EB-5 visa has been around for 27 years now, with the minimum investment remaining the same. However, EB-5 has been under Congressional review and the investment amount is likely to go up from USD 500,000 to close to USD 1 million. Even though there has been an increase in the number of EB-5 applicants from India, China remains the number one user of EB-5. Over 8,000 Chinese investors applied during 2017 fiscal for the EB-5 programme, according to USCIS data. AVG expects the demand to continue to grow as more and more Indian families and their children learn about the benefits of the EB-5 visa programme. Also Read: EB-5 visas gaining popularity as H-1B becomes more difficult to get Young children, some as young as 10 years are potential"investors" for EB-5 visas in China, said Saraff. "EB-5 investors have to now plan more in advance. When I used to meet investors last year, those whose kids were between 14 and 18 told me that it was too early for them. Not anymore," he added. Tanfac Industries has gained 636 percent in the last 5 years. As of June 10, 2015, the share price was Rs 22.00 per share and now the current share price is Rs 161.95 with a market cap of Rs 162 crore. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More PI Industries (PIND) posted a healthy performance in Q2FY19 amid strong traction in the exports business. A strong volume growth helped it clock a 29 percent year-on-year (YoY) revenue rise. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) grew 11 percent but margins contracted sharply due to higher raw material costs and the lag in price hikes. Net margins were also hit by strategic investment in research and development activities, but this would benefit it in the longer run. Impact on margins A spurt in raw material costs due to strained supply from China continued to impact the margins. PIND currently imports around 20 percent of its raw material requirement from China but plans to reduce the dependence and distance itself from the unstable Chinese supply through backward integration and collaborations with new suppliers in Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia. Higher expenses on research and development also ate into the profitability during the quarter. But, the management expects this to be beneficial in the future. Domestic business The domestic business top line grew a healthy 24 percent YoY on strong demand for established brands along with stabilisation of the new products launched in the last 2-3 years. The company launched two new products fantom and cosco which are expected to help capture a higher market share. Strong traction from CSM business After a lull in the previous years, the custom synthesis manufacturing (CSM) business has now started to gain traction and reported a strong 32 percent growth on positive momentum and healthy exports. The company has a healthy line up of new molecules which it believes would bring in higher volumes on commercialisation in the future. An uptick in receivable days While the working capital remained more or less under control, the quarter saw an uptick in the receivable days. According to the management, this was majorly due to sales towards the end of the quarter. New Capacity to help drive volume The company has invested in adding new capacity which is expected to come in by the end of the current year. Along with this, it is also undertaking a debottlenecking process. Both these would help in bringing additional capacity which would help boost the topline in the future. In the current year, the company plans a capex of Rs 300 crore followed by Rs 200 crores in the next two years. Forex situation While the overall depreciation of the rupee stands as a positive for PI, the management insists a majority of the growth was driven by volumes and forex gain was only a small portion. The company hedges a majority portion of the forex exposure which is revised every quarter. Outlook With healthy reservoir levels, strong product line up, prediction of a normal north east monsoon and supportive policy environment, the domestic business is expected to continue the current traction. With a further pick-up of recent product launches along and new molecules lined up for a launch, volumes are expected to improve. The export business has now started to pick momentum and reported a healthy traction with inflows coming in from the order book. With increased enquiries and higher translation into firm orders, we expect the growth in exports to sustain. The company has an aggressive line up of new molecules with which it aims to expand volumes in this segment. The stock has seen a steep correction in recent months and is now trading 27 percent below its 52-week high, at a 2019e (estimate) price to earnings (PE) of 22x and an EV/EBITDA of 17x. Valuation at this price point seems attractive. With a strong order book line up and removal of current hiccup,s we see the stock as an attractive pick. Follow @Ruchiagrawal live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Tech Mahindra on October 30 reported second quarter results that beat analysts' average estimates, helped by strong deal wins, even though it said there was some weakness in its healthcare business. The Mumbai-based IT services firm reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 1,064 crore for the September quarter, a rise of 19 percent quarter on quarter from Rs 898 crore. The revenues rose 4 percent at Rs 8,630 crore against Rs 8,276 crore during the previous quarter. Analysts polled by Reuters, on average, expected revenue of Rs 8,605.8 crore and profit of Rs 1,003.7 crore. "As expected, Telecom (about 42 percent of sales in Q2FY19) saw growth revival and grew 4.3 percent quarter-on-quarter in USD terms in Q2YF19. However, higher than expected de-growth in enterprise business (about 58% of sales; down about 4 percent quarter-on-quarter in USD terms) led to lower than expected growth in overall revenues," said analysts at Emkay Global Financial Services Ltd in a note. He also said Tech Mahindra signed deals worth over $550 million this quarter, its highest ever. The consolidated EBIT margin rose to 15.3 percent a rise of over 2 percentage points from 13 percent quarter on quarter. "The company is focused on how we accelerate digital growth," Manoj Bhat, Chief Financial Officer, Tech Mahindra, told Moneycontrol. The margin had an 80 basis point impact from rupee depreciation against the US dollar. Our strong deal wins especially in the Communication vertical coupled with our 10% plus sequential growth in digital revenues are a validation of our Run, Change and Grow strategy. Barring declines in our implementation business in our healthcare vertical, we have clocked a good quarter in terms of both revenue growth and EB/DTA margin improvement," said Gurnani in a statement to exchanges. Chief executive CP Gurnani said in some way healthcare business weakness was expected because some projects were coming to a closure. Bhat said the communications vertical saw deal wins worth $330 million, a new high in the vertical. The company reported an attrition rate of 20 percent, a rise from 19 percent during the previous quarter. Bhat attributed the rise to independent phenomena and usual increase in attrition post wage hikes. Tech Mahindra also said that it added 4 clients during the quarter, ending the reported period with an active client count of 930. Police believe the Nissan pulled up to another car around 6:40 a.m. last Thursday in the 4100 block of West Diversey Avenue and someone inside opened fire. A passenger in the other car, Peter Rim, was shot in the head and was pronounced dead about four hours later at Mount Sinai Hospital. business Editor's Take | The importance of India-Japan currency swap agreement The swap arrangement is 50 percent higher than what it was the last time in 2013. The agreement was reached after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Japan PM Shinzo Abe in Yamanashi for the 13th India-Japan annual summit on October 28. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley (Image- PTI) Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Tuesday criticised the Reserve Bank of India for failing to check indiscriminate lending during 2008 and 2014 that has led to the present bad loan or NPA crisis in the banking industry. The remarks came amid reports of mounting tension between the finance ministry and the RBI over the autonomy of monetary policy makers. RBI Deputy Governor Viral V Acharya in a speech on Friday stated that undermining the central bank's independence could be "potentially catastrophic". This was seen as a veiled reference to RBI pushing back hard against government pressure to relax its policies and reduce its powers. "You see (between) 2008 to 2014, after the global economic crisis, to keep the economy artificially going, banks were told open your doors and lend indiscriminately," Jaitley said at India Leadership Summit organised by US-India Strategic Partnership Forum. "The central bank looked the other way, there was indiscriminate lending," he said. The government of the day, he said, was pushing banks to lend which resulted in credit growth in a year shooting up to 31 percent from the normal average of 14 percent. Delivering the AD Shroff Memorial Lecture in Mumbai on Friday, Acharya called for greater powers for RBI to regulate public sector banks as it seeks to clean up the banking system. This independence, he said, was necessary to secure greater financial and macroeconomic stability. Neither finance ministry nor Jaitley has so far responded officially to the comments. Jaitley, who had previously stated that politicians have to unfairly take the blame for any wrongdoing while supervisors get away relatively easy, did not refer to Acharya's speech or the reported tension between his ministry and RBI during his comments at the event Tuesday. Jaitley said reforms undertaken by the government have led to significant improvement in revenues. "My own estimation is that from 2014 to 2019, we will be almost very close to doubling our tax base," he said. This has been possible because of formalisation of the economy that demonetisation brought about, the new indirect tax structure (GST) and improvement in indirect tax structure without raising rates. "This gave us the flexibility to take a departure from past where there were only slogans," he said. "Demonetisation (was a) difficult step but helped us to make it clear that formalisation of the economy is our clear intent." India, he said, had 3.8 crore income tax filers when the BJP government took office in 2014. "In four years, it has already moved up to about 6.8 crore. This year, I am sure it will be very close to 7.5-7.6 crore which is almost double," he said adding the first year of Goods and Services Tax (GST) implementation has raised the indirect tax assessee by 74 percent. Recounting achievements of the government, Jaitley said all villages are close to being connected by roads, the target of houses for all is likely to be achieved by 2022 and all households will have electricity by year-end. "I think the whole concept of governance has seen a sea change," he said adding corporate leaders no longer visit corridors of power because approvals are available online and discretion in the allocation of natural resources like coal mines or spectrum has been eliminated. This, he said, has eliminated corruption. The finance minister said demonetisation ended anonymity of cash as depositing the junked old 500 and 1,000 rupee note in banks was the only option. While those who honestly paid taxes had nothing to worry, those who evaded "had to pay a heavy price" as notices were sent and they asked to deposit taxes on unaccounted cash, he said. American brokerage Morgan Stanley on Tuesday said the Reserve Bank is more independent than it was in the past and the debate triggered by deputy governor Viral Acharya last week illustrates the progress on this front. Acharya had last Friday made a fervent pitch for independence/autonomy for the regulator and warned of punishment by the markets if it is undermined. "The RBI is more independent today than it has been in the past. Can it be even more independent? I think the debate will be resolved. The fact that it is there in the media, the fact that it is there in the open, suggests that we are a whole lot progressive than we were ever," the brokerage firm's India research head Ridham Desai told reporters here. He further said the fact that the RBI brass is speaking out illustrates that there is the central bank enjoys a lot of independence. Desai said both present Governor Urjit Patel and his predecessor Raghuram Rajan got the issue of independence sorted out with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, when the Monetary Policy Committee for rate setting was formed. It can be noted that Acharya had mentioned about the MPC as a work in the right direction but rued the absence of the same independence in other areas like regulations, balance sheet management etc. "Governments that do not respect central bank independence will sooner or later incur the wrath of financial markets, ignite economic fire, and come to rue the day they undermined an important regulatory institution," Acharya had said delivering a lecture here. Desai said markets react to different aspects and pointed out that the comments were made with a much longer timeframe in the mind of Acharya. He said the markets have not yet factored in the outcomes of the general elections which are months away and investors will make their moves starting early December, once the outcomes of the forthcoming state polls are clear. But he warned of massive volatility if the market feels that a fragmented coalition will replace Modi. The brokerage expects a resurgence in private capex cycle after the elections as the capacity utilisation levels have gone up of late, and Desai said in the next 12 months we should see the revival. On the rupee,he said the USD 75-billion swap agreement with Japan and the Iran oil deal will help the currency. He said missing out on the troubles brewing at IL&FS are a big miss for the markets and added that over Rs 2 trillion in liquidity has been committed or made available to fight the difficulties. Desai said in the next five-seven years, a lot of retirement savings will be pumped into the equity markets, as was seen in the US in the past where the maturity of such investing leads to fund flows into equities. Morgan Stanley is underweight on information technology, as it feels the IT story is "done" and does not expect the currency tailwinds to last long. The brokerage that normally gives out its market outlook, did not proffer one this time around. Desai said since 1993 when it entered the country, GDP has grown 10-fold (from USD 260 billion to over USD 2.68 trillion last fiscal) averaging an annual growth of 7 per cent, while the market cap jumped 22 times from USD 90 billion, averaging an annual growth of 14 per cent. The Wall Street brokerage expects the economy to clip at 7 per cent over the decade or so and touch the USD 6 trillion mark by 2028. It also sees the m-cap at the same level. Reiterating the government's stand on RBI's role in the NPA mess, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley once again trained his guns on the central bank for failing to prevent lending excess. "The central bank looked the other way when banks gave loans indiscriminately during 2008 to 2014," he said. Speaking at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, Jaitley said that PM Modi was criticised even as the Chief Minister of Gujarat. "If you look at PM Modi's political history... nobody since 1947 onwards has been criticised more than him. Even when he was in Gujarat as the Chief Minister, he set his own agenda and didn't get bogged down by meaningless criticism," Jaitley said. "There is a certain amount of focus... in leadership. A part of the top leadership doesn't allow you to be distracted," Jaitley said. Speaking about Modi's style of functioning, Jaitley said: "Even when he was the CM, he spoke directly to the people, and that worked. That's precisely what he is doing here." Talking about his government's performance since 2014, when the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance came to power, the finance minister said that every village has been electrified since 2014. "Every home will be electrified by December 2019," Jaitley said, adding that the concept of governance has changed ever since the BJP came to power. "The old concept of an Indian village is no more... now, over 92 percent of rural homes have a toilet. (We are) looking to achieve housing for all by 2022," Jaitley said. Speaking about demonetisation, Jaitley said that the move proved that formal economy was the government's goal. "India needed the moral quotient of demonetisation... deposits into banks is the success of demonetisation," the finance minister said, adding that "honest taxpayers has nothing to worry about during demonetisation." Jaitley also said that India will be a huge market in the next 10-20 years. "India can sustain high growth for 5-10 years," he said. manufacturer of Titanium alloys in India. The United States urged European Union governments on Monday to reflect on whether it was really in their interest to go ahead with a trade dispute over US metals tariffs, and said it was hopeful of settling the issue with Mexico and Canada. The US tariffs attracted an unprecedented seven requests for WTO adjudication, as well as a slew of criticism, at a fractious WTO dispute settlement meeting, while the United States hit back with legal actions against its critics. US Ambassador Dennis Shea said he was not surprised by China's opposition, since it had massive overcapacity in metals production and was a non-market economy, but that Washington was "deeply disappointed" with the EU's stance. "We would encourage the European countries to consider carefully their broader economic, political, and security interests," Shea told the meeting. "We will not allow China's party-state to fatally undermine the US steel and aluminium industries, on which the US military, and by extension global security, rely." China's representative responded by saying the United States was shifting its arguments to disguise its protectionism. Canada and Mexico have also challenged the tariffs - 25 percent on steel and 10 percent on aluminium - but a US trade official told the meeting that, after constructive discussions, Washington was hopeful of reaching an agreement with both. Adam Austen, a spokesman for Canadian foreign minister Chrystia Freeland, told Reuters the best outcome would be for Washington to rescind the tariffs. TABOO NO LONGER Norway, Russia and Turkey also asked the WTO to judge the legality of the US tariffs, despite Washington's assertion that they are based on national security and therefore outside WTO jurisdiction. National security claims were taboo for most of the WTO's 23-year history, because trade diplomats feared a domino effect as countries cited national security to get out of a wide range of obligations. But Shea suggested it would be even worse to try to challenge the US national security claim. "The United States wishes to be clear: if the WTO were to undertake to review an invocation of (the national security exemption), this would undermine the legitimacy of the WTO' dispute settlement system and even the viability of the WTO as a whole," he said. On Twitter, Joel Trachtman, professor of International Law at Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, and Jennifer Hillman, an American former WTO judge, said Shea's position was not supported by WTO law. Canada's representative at the WTO meeting said fear of a national security threat was "inconceivable", while Norway said it was "evidently divorced from real-world security concerns". Canada, China, the EU, Mexico and Japan argued that the US tariffs were "safeguard" measures that could be addressed with sanctions under WTO rules. Washington for its part requested WTO adjudication of their retaliatory measures taken by Canada, China, the EU and Mexico. All the requests for WTO adjudication will need to be confirmed at another meeting next month before going ahead. Beleaguered airline Jet Airways has appointed Goldman Sachs Group and Boston Consulting Group as advisers as it seeks to boost operational efficiency and raise funds, two sources told Mint. The Naresh Goyal-led airline needs capital for its dollar-denominated payments, as rising fuel prices and a weak rupee have adversely impacted its financial health. Goldman Sachs has been appointed as an investment banking advisor to help scout potential parties to infuse funds into the company. BCG, on the other hand, will help in increasing operational efficiency, the sources quoted above told the paper. Goldman Sachs would also hunt for bidders for a Jet Airways stake sale. Jet Airways is exploring many strategies to turn its financial situation around and such initiatives need inputs from external agencies and consultants, an airline spokesperson told the paper. The spokesperson added that due announcements will be made at the appropriate time. There have been reports of Jet Airways reaching out to various companies, for help, including Tata Group and Reliance Industries. In September, the airline said it would raise Rs 3,500 crore in the next six months through a stake sale in its loyalty programme. The airline had set up a turnaround plan for itself, including cutting costs by over Rs 2,000 crore, better pricing, inventory management, capital infusion and fleet simplification. The value of the rupee and fuel prices have become a hurdle in Jets ambitious plan, and many analysts are sceptical of cost cutting through non-fuel costs in the next few quarters. Jet Airways, amid tough competition from budget airlines like IndiGo, posted a standalone loss of Rs 1,323 crore for the June quarter. Reliance Industries Ltd. is the sole beneficiary of Independent Media Trust which controls Network18 Media & Investments Ltd. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More In the past two months, Indian market wiped out gains it made in the year 2018. Benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty50, are down about nearly 17 percent from their respective highs which suggest that even quality stocks are now available at attractive valuations. Just ahead of Diwali, more than 50 percent of the stocks in the S&P BSE Sensex and Nifty50 are down over 20 percent which suggests that bears have taken control, or bear phase has begun in these stocks. "This is a Diwali sale, investors should buy good stocks. I would buy IndusInd Bank at current levels. The management of IndusInd Bank is high in quality, Dipen Sheth of HDFC Securities said in an interview with CNBC-TV18. We are optimistic on NBFCs like Mahindra Finance and Chola Finance. RBL Bank is a long-term investment and it is possible to see 30-35% growth rates over the medium-term, he said. As many as 15 out of 30 stocks in the S&P BSE Sensex are down 20-60 percent from their respective record highs which includes Tata Motors, Yes Bank, Vedanta, State Bank of India, Tata Steel, IndusInd Bank, Asian Paints, Hero MotoCorp. Many experts feel that for stocks which have fallen over 20 percent can't be said to be in a bear phase because what we are witnessing it is more of event-based correction. The Indian equity market remained in uptrend during the last 4 years with seasonal corrections of 5-6 percent on event basis but managed to resume the rally. As the price was running ahead of earning by about 15x-20x, especially in small and mid-cap companies at the end of FY18, it was prudent to see the correction on account of muted earnings growth which is happening currently on board level, suggest experts. The current correction doesnt augur completely a bear phase on broad-level but it is more of event-based correction which is not in favour of market coupled with overhung valuation concerns that peaked in the recent period, Dinesh Rohira, Founder & CEO, 5nance.com told Moneycontrol. We have seen few quality large-cap companies correcting more than 20% due to slipover effect despite a strong fundamental. Although select-stocks may have entered the bear phase which doesnt promise the future earnings growth, but overall market is only witnessing an event based correction that have a slipover effect on stock level, he said. Corrections in the price are more fierce in small & midcaps as compared to benchmark stocks. This creates a buying opportunity in quality management and business. However, every stock which plunged in double-digits does not qualify as a quality buy, suggest experts. Among the Nifty50 names, over 50 percent or 28 out of 50 stocks have plunged 20-60 percent which include HPCL, BPCL, Indiabulls Housing Finance, Bharti Infratel, Vedanta, IOC, Adani Ports, Bajaj Auto and UPL. Corrections in the price in the recent times have been sharper or close to 20-25%, this creates a buying opportunity in quality management and business. Every falling knife is not bound to cut your hands, Ritesh Ashar CSO KIFS TradeCapital told Moneycontrol. In recent times, the correction was due to global sentiments and overvaluations in some of the stocks. For example stock like Bharat Forge is moving in a secular uptrend and due to recent correction in the market the stock has corrected from the level of 693 to 541 but that doesnt mean that the stock is in the downtrend. At this point of time one must look for stocks which are in a secular uptrend and can give better returns when the market turns around, he said. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More HDFC Securities An old axiom of investing has prevailed over the trailing year: Equity is a volatile asset class. Frankly, the more things change, the more they remain the same. What could be said in 2013 during the taper tantrum can perhaps be said once again? Indian stock market sentiment has cracked in the face of persistently rising crude prices and the prospect of a bloated current account deficit. The fiscal deficit worry has also resurfaced with government spend running well ahead of income to make the 3.3 percent promise look infeasible, especially as an election year approaches. In response, the rupee has cracked 13 percent so far in FY19. The Nifty is still almost flat for FY19 to date, but the pain in the mid-caps has been terrible. The Nifty Midcap 100 is down 10 percent, while Nifty Smallcap 100 is down 25 percent so far in FY19. Even within the Nifty, the skew is very high with respectable companies such as Tata Motors, BPCL, Bharti Infratel, Hero Motocorp, Bajaj Auto, etc. falling 20-50 percent. The latest crisis to hit markets has been in the form of the liquidity crunch for NBFCs in the wake of the IL&FS crisis. Many NBFC stocks have fallen as much as 40-50 percent since then. Our stock selection for this Diwali is based on two criteria capital preservation (for now) and alpha generation (for later). Firstly, they will be perceived as relatively stable in the face of further market weakness, should it play out. Secondly, they are fundamentally strong businesses with the enduring franchise, large addressable opportunity in their respective sectors and are run by capable management. We think this will help them deliver significant outperformance when broader markets recover. Here is a list of top 10 stocks which could give 20-30 percent return by Diwali 2019: Apollo Hospital Enterprise: Buy| LTP: Rs 1,143| Target: Rs 1,368| Return: 20 percent The company maintains a leadership position and multi-pronged healthcare delivery model make Apollo one of the stronger healthcare stocks. The new hospital cluster has begun to contribute positively, led by an improvement in the Navi Mumbai unit. Post a phase of weak earnings, consolidated profitability could improve led by (a) continuing growth in existing hospitals, (b) contribution from new hospitals, (c) continuing growth in ASAP, and (d) reduction in AHLLs operating losses. HDFC Securities feel that investors could buy the stock at the LTP, and add on dips to Rs 974 982 (14.0x FY20E EV/EBITDA) for a target of Rs 1,368 (18.5x FY20E EV/EBITDA). Cummins India: Buy| LTP: Rs 678.1| Target: Rs 817| Return: 20 percent Cummins India (CIL) is well placed to capture the broad revival in industrial and infrastructure capex in India, with its best-in-class product portfolio, wide distribution reach, and technological leadership. Despite a 7 percent decline witnessed in domestic revenues in Q1FY19, the company maintains a domestic sales growth target of 8-10 percent, indicating a 13-14 percent growth in the remaining part of the current fiscal in domestic business. With the kind of technological leadership CIL has in the Indian market, along with a healthy balance sheet and strong parentage, it deserves a premium over its peers in terms of valuation. Dr Reddys Laboratories: Buy| LTP: Rs 2534.75| Target: Rs 2,952| Return: 16 percent Dr Reddys Laboratories (DRL) has a promising complex generics pipeline. Key factors for this are the resolution of the Duvvada plant and approvals of generics of Suboxone, Nuvaring, and Copaxone. The management indicated FY19 as a challenging year, with price erosion prevailing in the US generic business. Strong growth in the domestic market and other non-US markets should lend support to revenue growth. The company plans to capitalise on the first-mover advantage in China, increase the filing tempo, and break into the Top-10 (from No 16) in the Indian branded market. The stock price could reverse the underperformance witnessed in the last three years. ICICI Bank: Buy| LTP: Rs 349| Target: Rs 411| Return: 17 percent The pressure regarding leadership has now mitigated, asset quality concerns are being addressed, various measures to improve retail asset growth and return ratios are being taken, and the stock looks attractive. With the return of long-term visibility, the bank, with its segment-leading subsidiaries may undergo a gradual rerating. Return ratios could witness an improvement over the next two years (mainly led by falling credit costs), pushing analysts/investors to take a relook at the stock. Cyient: Buy| LTP: Rs 624.7| Target: Rs 748| Return: 20 percent Cyients niche engineering services, strong client relationships, timely acquisitions to support its product solutions profile, strong financial profile with minimal debt, and healthy debt protection metrics and liquidity make a case for investment in its stock. It has some deals in the negotiation phase, and the overall deal pipeline remains good. HDFC Securities feel that investors could buy the stock at the LTP and add on dips to Rs 545 555 (11x FY20E EPS) for a target of Rs 748 (15x FY20E EPS). Sun Pharmaceuticals: Buy| LTP: Rs 572| Target: Rs 690| Return: 20 percent HDFC Securities believe FY19 may witness a gradual comeback for largecap pharma companies, driven by (1) actual and likely regulatory resolutions, (2) moderating price erosion and (3) several product launches across generic and speciality categories in the medium term. Sun Pharma trades at 22x FY20E earnings, which is compelling given strong earnings growth of 84 percent expected over the next two years. The domestic brokerage firm estimates 15.5 percent revenue CAGR and 39 percent PAT CAGR over FY18-20E. Parag Milk Foods: Buy| LTP: Rs 257.8| Target: Rs 329| Return: 28 percent In FY18, PMF registered 12.9 percent revenue growth. Consumer products revenues registered 15.7 percent growth. Value-added products comprised the maximum share with 65.6 percent, followed by fresh milk at 19.9 percent. EBITDA margin stood at 9.9 percent, while PAT margin at 4.5 percent. PMF has a vast range of value-added products, which constituted ~66 percent to its sales. Parag Milk is popular in the branded dairy theme. We expect robust growth from value-added products in the coming years. HDFC Securities estimate 19 percent revenue CAGR, led by 18 percent growth from value-added products. Strong revenues and better operating profit would lead to ~33 percent PAT CAGR over the same period. Exide Industries: Buy| LTP: Rs 254| Target: Rs 304| Return: 20 percent HDFC Securities have valued Exide on a SOTP basis. Standalone EPS for FY20E is Rs 13. Giving 20x multiple the value per share is at Rs 267, and valuing the insurance business at 2 times the book value at Rs 37 per share. The brokerage firm recommends a buy for Exide Industries at LTP of Rs 254, and add on dips to Rs 228 for the target price of Rs 304 till next Diwali. Everest Industries: Buy| LTP: Rs 464| Target: Rs 558| Return: 20 percent Everest offers a complete range of roofing, ceiling, wall, flooring, and cladding products distributed through a large network, as well as EPC of pre-engineered steel buildings for industrial, commercial, and residential applications. Over the time frame of FY18-20E, sale for the company is expected to grow at 12 percent CAGR, while PAT is expected to grow at 24 percent CAGR. Currently, the stock is trading at the 8.6x P/E of FY20. Hindustan Oil Exploration: Buy| LTP: Rs 130| Target: Rs 177| Return: 36 percent The company is debt free, with net cash balances of Rs 35 crore and Rs 53 crore invested in its subsidiary. Over the next two years, the company expects a significant ramp-up in volumes which would ensure growth visibility going ahead. The company had a capex of Rs 60 crore last year. In the current year, it is expected to be ~Rs 60-70 crore. In H1FY19, company has posted stellar numbers, with ~Rs 99 crore revenues and PAT at ~Rs 66 crore. In FY18, revenues were at Rs 49 crore and PAT at ~Rs 38 crore. HDFC Securities expect the growth momentum to continue in the second half of FY19 as well. The company could post Rs 208 crore revenues and Rs 133 crore PAT in FY20. HOEC trades at ~12.5x FY20 earnings and ~10x EV/EBITDA. Disclaimer: 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. Ridham_Desai Indian equity market investors must brace for increased volatility in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections 2019, according to Morgan Stanleys Head of India Equity Research and India Equity Strategist Ridham Desai. The markets are not going to be at all calm about elections. They are going to be all over the place, he said at a media event to mark Morgan Stanleys 25th anniversary in India. Desai said the market has not yet factored in the outcome of the general elections in 2019 but investors will start taking action from early December once the outcome of the forthcoming state polls is clear. The market has still not priced in the election's outcome. I feel it will start doing that in the first week of December...market participants believe the state elections results would give them some perspective about the general election results," he said. He believes December 11 will be an important date in setting market expectations. Counting for the state elections begins on December 11 He said, Thats when we will know what the market has started believing about 2019 (election outcome), whether its going to be a single-party government, or it's going to be a coalition government he said. The brokerage also expects a resurgence in private capex cycle after the elections as the capacity utilisation levels have gone up of late. Desai said in the next 12 months there should be a revival. In Morgan Stanleys 25 Years: Retrospective and Prospective Report, the foreign brokerage house noted that in the medium to long run, the confluence of demographics, productivity and globalisation will be supportive of a higher productivity growth rate. The brokerage firm expects India to grow around 7 percent on average over the next 10 years with investment, exports and consumption contributing to growth. With a bullish view on India, Morgan Stanley expects India to be one of the high-growth economies among large countries over the medium term. Over the long run, Desai is betting on finance companies and consumer discretionary stocks. The Nifty50 is expected to open on a flat-to-negative note on Tuesday following muted trend seen in other Asian markets. The index closed 220 points higher at 10,250 on Monday. Trends on SGX Nifty indicate a negative opening for the broader index in India, a fall of 33.5 points or 0.33 percent. Nifty futures were trading around 11,242-level on the Singaporean Exchange. US stocks fell in a volatile session on Monday, with the benchmark S&P 500 index ending close to confirming its second correction of 2018, hurt by fresh worries about US-China trade policy tensions and a sharp drop in the big technology and internet shares, said a Reuters report. Asian shares came under pressure on Tuesday after Wall Street peers finished weaker, hurt by fresh worries about the US-China trade war and were on track for their biggest October decline since the 2008 financial crisis, added the report. As many as 135 companies will declare their results for the quarter ended September 30 which include names like Bank of Baroda, Bhushan Steel, Cummins India, Dena Bank, IDFC Ltd, JK Tyre, Bank of Maharashtra, Tech Mahindra and Torrent Power among others. Stocks in news: State-run Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) Monday posted a 48.3 per cent decline in its net profit to Rs 1,218.71 crore for the second quarter ended September 2018. Even the GRMs also fell sharply. The average gross refining margin (GRM) for the quarter ended September 2018 was $5.57 per barrel as compared to $7.97 per barrel a year ago. Monsanto India reported a net profit of Rs 24.09 crore for the quarter ended September 2018. Its net loss stood at Rs 6.39 crore in the year-ago period, the company said in a regulatory filing. Century Textiles & Industries (CTIL) reported nearly three-fold jump in its standalone net profit of Rs 156.52 crore for the second quarter ended September 30. Union Bank of India Q2: Net profit at Rs 139 crore versus loss of Rs 1,530.7 crore; net interest income increases 7.4 percent to Rs 2,493.1 crore versus Rs 2,320.7 crore YoY. Swaraj Engines Q2: Profit rises 8 percent to Rs 25.37 crore versus Rs 23.5 crore; revenue jumps 18 percent to Rs 247 crore versus Rs 208.7 crore YoY. Technical Recommendations: We spoke to Religare Broking Ltd and here's what they have to recommend: Bharat Forge Limited: Buy | Target: Rs 595| Stop-Loss: Rs 535| Return 6.2% Havells India Limited: Buy| Target: Rs 680| Stop-Loss: Rs 595| Return 8.8% The India Cements Limited: Buy| Target: Rs 97| Stop-Loss: Rs 79| Return 14.1% Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by investment expert on moneycontrol.com are his own and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. The marked police vehicle was hit by the other car just before 8:30 a.m. at Chicago Avenue and LaSalle Street, police spokesman Officer Michael Carroll said in an email. No .6 | Bank: Punjab National Bank: Annual rate of interest: 6 percent | What Rs 1 lakh grows to in three year: Rs 1,19,562 live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Markets regulator SEBI exempted the government from making an open offer to the shareholders of Punjab National Bank (PNB) following the proposed equity infusion that will hike its stake in the state-owned lender by nearly six percent. The central government, a promoter of PNB, has proposed to infuse capital worth Rs 5,431 crore against allotment of equity on preferential basis. The capital infusion is part of the government's programme to help the bank in meeting capital adequacy norms. The government, presently, holds 66.09 percent stake in the bank and the proposed allotment of 63,81,90,364 equity shares will increase its shareholding by around 5.83 percent to 71.92 percent, mandating an open offer under the Takeover Regulation. The bank had filed applications with the markets regulator to seek exemption on behalf of its promoter. Subsequently, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in an order passed on Tuesday, said there would be no change in the management control post equity infusion in the bank and the infusion of additional capital will enable PNB to meet the stipulated capital adequacy norms. "I am of the considered view that exemption as sought in the application made by the target company (PNB), be granted to the proposed acquirer --GOI," SEBI Whole Time Member G Mahalingam said in a six-page order. Accordingly, the regulator has granted "exemption to the proposed acquirer -- GOI -- from complying with the requirements of... the Takeover Regulations with respect to the proposed acquisition of 5.83 percent equity shares in the target company -- PNB -- during the financial year 201819, through the proposed preferential allotment". The exemption has been granted subject to the condition that the government or the bank would ensure compliance with the statements, disclosures and undertakings made with regard to the transactions, among others. Under the takeover norms, when entities which hold 25 percent or more shareholding in a company acquire additional 5 percent or more in that particular firm in a financial year, then they are required to make an open offer. Earlier also, the government has been granted such exemptions in case of other state-owned entities in similar circumstances. HDFC Asset Management (HDFC AMC), second largest asset management company (AMC) in India, reported stable Q2FY19 earnings with 15 percent year-on-year (YoY) rise in net profit on an increase in assets under management (AUM) and better asset class mix. HDFC AMC has an exposure of around Rs 40 crore towards IL&FSs (holding company) preference shares. It took impairment hit of Rs 21 crore in Q2. Adjusting this one-off impairment expense, core operating profit growth was healthy at 20 percent YoY. Management gave good insights into a couple of issues confronting the mutual fund industry today. At the time when the MF industry is facing redemptions (withdrawals) in liquid schemes, HDFC AMC witnessed good traction in its liquid funds. HDFCs liquid AUM which generally ranges between Rs 40,000 -50,000 crore has increased to over Rs 75,000 crore in October, till date. While the AMC earns negligible fees on liquid funds, market share gain during the tumultuous period is the testimony of HDFC AMCs strong brand. Managements commentary on another most important issue of capping of total expense ratio (TER) by SEBI was very comforting. Management clearly indicated its intent and ability to pass on the cut in expenses to distributors. This should limit the adverse impact of SEBIs move on the AMCs financials which spooked the markets leading to free-fall in AMC stock. Growth in AUM led by equity assets HDFC AMCs AUM increased to Rs 292,600 crore as of end September 2018, a growth of 9 percent YoY. This was slightly better than the industrys total AUM growth of 8 percent during the same period and consequently, HDFC AMC continued to maintain its overall market share at 13 percent. While the AUM growth in line with the industry is positive, the key highlight was the robust growth in equity assets at 20 percent YoY. We are most enthused by the fact that high revenue earning equity assets constitutes 52 percent of HDFCs total AUM as against 50 percent last quarter and 48 percent in the corresponding quarter in the previous year. In terms of asset mix, HDFC AMC stands out far better than the industry which has 44 percent of total AUM in equity assets as at end September 2018. Thanks to better asset mix, Q2 saw revenue growth of 12 percent YoY, higher than AUM growth. Profit to assets was almost stable at 27 bps in Q2 FY19. The granularity of the asset book gives comfort HDFC AMC continues to enjoy the highest share of individual customers. The AMC reported unique individual accounts of 8.62 million as at end September 2018, a growth of 24 percent YoY. As a result, 64 percent of the AMCs total monthly average AUM is contributed by individuals, compared to 53 percent for the industry. This is very encouraging as flows from individual customers are relatively sticky. Also, individual investors favour equity schemes which generate higher investment management fees compared to debt schemes. The current monthly flow through systematic investment plans (SIP) stood at Rs 1,147 crore. 65 percent of SIP book has a tenure of more than 10 years adding to predictability and visibility of AUM growth. Impact of TER reduction manageable In its board meeting in September SEBI announced a major overhaul of the fee structure that AMCs charge to investors. It decided to cap TER, the fees that mutual funds charge from investors every year to manage their money, to 2.25 percent. Read: SEBI cap on MF fee income will have a widespread impact, and not just on AMCs The proposed reduction in TER by SEBI will lead to the weighted average impact of 24 bps on HDFCs equity-oriented AUM which it plans to pass on by cutting the distributors commissions. It is worth noting that SEBI had lowered the charges earlier this year by 15 bps which was entirely passed on to distributors by HDFC AMC. For new inflows, the AMC will have to absorb some impact. The extent of cost sharing with the distributor (whether it is 50:50 or 60:40) will be determined in due course based on how the competition pans out. So overall, profitability impact on the existing assets will be limited or negligible, as the AMC has decided to pass on most of the cost to the distributors. However, on the incremental flow, the impact can be larger but at the same time, it will be more gradual from a P&L perspective. SEBI has not yet notified the effective date for the reduction in TER. We will not be surprised if HDFC AMC rationalises other marketing expenses to limit the downside of the regulatory move in the meantime. We have already seen the growth in total operating expenses excluding non-recurring item was extremely controlled at 2 percent YoY in Q2. Rich valuations but a long-term compounder HDFC AMC, in our view, is best positioned in the investment management space with its strong and trusted brand recall, favourable asset mix with leading position in equity business, expanding distribution network and experienced management. Being an industry leading player, it will continue to be one of the key beneficiaries of the enduring growth in the mutual fund industry and keep growing its AUM and profits. Following SEBIs announcement of capping TER, the stock corrected almost 30 percent from its 52-week high. Despite the sharp fall in stock price, valuations are still rich as the AMC is trading at 10 percent of its trailing AUM and 33 times FY20e (estimated) earnings. On a relative basis also, HDFC AMC is being valued at more than 50 percent premium to its closest peer. This doesnt come as a surprise. Akin to most of HDFC group companies, AMC also commands relative premium valuation purely stemming from its brand and consistency in the performance. Despite management clarifications, we believe TER reduction would continue to be an overhang for the stock till further clarity emerges and limit the near-term upside to the stock price. However, given HDFC AMCs best-in-class return ratios with return on equity (RoE) above 40 percent and future growth levers, we believe downside will be limited. SEBIs complete restriction on upfront commissions paid to fund distributors will reduce the distributor driven churn of schemes and benefit a well-entrenched player like HDFC AMC. Also, the lower charges (TER) will make mutual funds more attractive for investors and aid penetration in the long run. In the intermittent period, the stock can be volatile. Long-term investors should look to buy the stock in a staggered manner as SEBIs move doesnt alter the structural growth story of HDFC AMC. Follow @nehadave01 live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Building material solutions provider Hyderabad Industries Limited (HIL), reported a strong performance for the second quarter of the current fiscal year. The company's topline growth was driven by a combination of realisation and volume growth across multiple product lines. Operational performance improved significantly on the back of internal cost savings as well as efficient working capital management. Hyderabad Industries has benefitted from the introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the management expects the growth momentum to continue as the company enjoys a strong relationship with its dealers and is consistently expanding its product portfolio to cater to the growing demand of the building materials industry. Quarterly result snapshot The company's revenue for the quarter increased 20 percent year on year (YoY) to Rs 307 crore. Its operating profit increased from Rs 23 crores in Q2 FY18 to Rs 41 crore in Q2 FY19, representing a growth of 84 percent. Its operating margin expanded to 13.4 percent as the company benefitted from price hikes, lower inventory as well as a reduction in operating and manufacturing expenses. Profit after tax (PAT) nearly tripled to Rs 27 crore on account of higher other income (Rs 16 crores in Q2 FY19 vs Rs 9 crore in Q2 FY18). Interest expenses for the quarter came in at Rs 4 crore as the company had taken on additional debt to fund its recent acquisition. Building solutions segment leading growth Hyderabad Industries' sales in the quarter gone by were weaker than in Q1 because of the monsoon season. In the roofing solutions segment, sales growth of 4 percent on year was aided by 6 percent rise in volumes in asbestos cement sheets. The building solutions segment recorded a jump in sales of 30 percent on year to Rs 159 crore. A significant rise in dry mix volumes (up 76 percent on year) drove the topline. Board and panel volumes also increased by over 11 percent and 22 percent, respectively, during the quarter. New products gaining traction Sales of roofing sheets, the biggest source of revenue and profit for Hyderabad Industries, have stagnated in recent years. To cater to the growing demand in infrastructure and construction, the company is gradually expanding capacities across product lines and diversifying its revenue stream by launching new products. The company recently launched Charminar Fortune (asbestos-free roofing product) to cater to the requirements of institutional customers. The feedback received from the initial trial runs has been good and it expects the product to gain traction over the next 6-12 months. Parador Holdings acquisition complete Hyderabad Industries' acquisition of Germany-based Parador Holdings is now complete and the business integration is underway. Parador designs, manufactures and distributes flooring solutions for customers across 65 countries. The company has 2 manufacturing facilities located in Germany and Austria. In terms of financials, Parador reported sales of around 142.2 million euros in 2017 and generated an operating profit of 10.7 million euros. The management expects the acquisition to be EPS accretive but margin dilutive as Parador's margin is lower than Hyderabad Industries' standalone margin. The company has funded the acquisition through a combination of rupee and euro-denominated debt. As a result, the debt-equity on a standalone level rose to 0.5 times at the end of H1 FY19 ( vs 0.1 times at the end of FY18). This is expected to move up to 1.0 times on a consolidated level at the end of FY19. Outlook and Recommendation On the demand front, we expect Hyderabad Industries to benefit from a reduction in GST rates (from 28 percent to 18 percent) and improving rural demand. For the company, the scale up in revenue will largely come from new product lines (plumbing, pipes, putty). The recent acquisition of Parador will further expand its product and geographic footprint and position it as an integrated building solutions provider. On the cost front, the operating margin will continue to gain from operational efficiencies as well as economies of scale. From a valuation standpoint, the stock trades at nearly 16 times the company's FY19 price-earnings on a standalone basis. Consolidation of Paradors financials into the parent entity would further aid the bottomline. Hyderabad Industries is a market leader in the building materials industry and the current stock valuations appear fairly reasonable for accumulation from a long-term perspective. Follow @Sach_Pal The widening e-commerce net and the demand created by the Smart City initiative is providing a boost to the data centre segment in the country with Mumbai, Bengaluru and NCR having the highest number of data centre operators across the country, says a report by CBRE South Asia in its report titled India Viewpoint: Is India the next frontier for the Data Center Industry. Mumbai has 35 data centers operators and leads the data centre business in India as it is one of the global cable landing locations in the country. Cable landing stations or submarine cables are vital international telecommunication links between countries across the world. Mumbai currently has four of the ten cable landing stations in the country. The report says India has seen the growth of DCs across all key cities, including Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad. While all cities have strong office markets, Mumbai and Chennai have attracted DC players as they offer cost arbitrage using direct submarine lines/cables. NCR too is a preferred location for data centers as some major corporates are located there. India holds massive potential to become the next destination for data centers, driven by demand created by businesses. Overall, the DC market outlook looks positive on the back of the availability of land and skilled talent pool along with a huge, untapped market. A slew of policy reforms undertaken by the Indian government has generated enthusiasm among overseas investors. Several companies have either amped up their existing DC portfolio or have made plans to do so, says Anshuman Magazine, Chairman, India and South-East Asia, CBRE. According to the report, several states have started developing strategies to leverage this growing interest in India. Maharashtra and Telangana were among the quickest states to tap into the growing demand for DCs by coming up with several incentive schemes for the sector. Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh too have formulated policies for the ITITeS segment as well as introduced a single-window clearance system to encourage investors. The growing importance of DCs in business operations can be attributed to advances in digital technology and the rising reliance on IT strategies in the business delivery process. As a result, the Indian DC market is attracting investors because it offers many untapped opportunities. Abhinav Joshi, Head of Research, CBRE India said. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Rival airlines have accused IndiGo alleging that it is using its fleet size and financial might to squeeze them out of the market, The Economic Times reported. The airlines claim that the low-cost carrier has been launching flights at time slots similar to that of other airlines, lowering their yields and forcing them to discontinue or reduce flights on those routes, the report said. The remark comes when Indias airline industry is struggling because of rising fuel prices and a weak rupee. Last week, Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb wrote to the Aviation Ministry, urging it to intervene into a similar situation on the Agartala-Kolkata route where IndiGo allegedly forced SpiceJet to stop flights. "The withdrawal of flights by SpiceJet created a monopolistic situation for IndiGo Airlines, resulting in a sharp increase in airfares," Deb told Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu, in his letter reviewed by the paper. Deb added that the airfare from Agartala to Kolkata has already shot up from Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000. "We get an impression that IndiGo Airlines is now trying to exploit this situation by withdrawing more flights, which will result in a further increase in airfares to their benefit. This, in our view, certainly calls for intervention from the ministry of civil aviation." IndiGo has denied the accusations, saying that increasing capacity is part of its strategy to remain competitive. It further said that it would continue to add flights to Agartala as and when demand increases. Currently, IndiGo said that it has 10 daily departures out of Agartala. Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Shares of Bank of Maharashtra locked at 20 percent on Tuesday after company reported net profit in the quarter ended September 2018. There were pending buy orders of 234,324 shares, with no sellers available. The company has reported net profit of Rs 27 crore in the quarter ended September 2018 against loss of Rs 23.2 crore in the same quarter last fiscal. Net interest income (NII) was up 4 percent at Rs 1,003 crore versus Rs 963.1 crore. Company's gross NPA was down at 18.64 percent versus 21.18 percent, while net NPA was down at 10.61 percent versus 12.20 percent, QoQ. In the absolute term the gross NPA reduced to Rs 16,873 crore against Rs 17,800 crore, while net NPA was down at Rs 8,743 crore against Rs 9,195 crore, QoQ. The company's provisions were at Rs 857.7 crore against Rs 1,633 crore, QoQ and versus Rs 791 crore, YoY. At 13:15 hrs Bank of Maharashtra was quoting at Rs 14.01, up Rs 2.33, or 19.95 percent on the BSE. BPCL live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Share price of Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) slipped 3 percent in the early trade on the back of weak set of numbers by the company for the quarter ended September 2018. The company has registered 44 percent decline in its Q2 net profit to Rs 1,218.7 crore versus Rs 2,293.3 crore, QoQ. Its revenue rose to Rs 82,884.82 crore versus Rs 82,430.93 crore. Foreign research house Morgan Stanley has put underweight call on the stock with a target at Rs 330 per share. This is a tough quarter and slightly below estimates, said research house. The company's net debt continued to fall, while integrated margin steady despite oil spike. The stock is pricing in near-term challenges and impact of government intervention, it added. Deutsche Bank has put hold rating on BPCL and cut target to Rs 340 from Rs 360 per share. According to firm, the overhang of declining auto fuel margins are going to continue. It cut FY19-20 earnings estimates by 1 percent. The upside risks are refining margin improvement and lower crude price, it said. "Q2FY19 results are disappointing and should weigh down further on the stock price. We have a negative on the stock. Will revisit our numbers post earnings call, said Dolat Capital. At 09:20 hrs Bharat Petroleum Corporation was quoting at Rs 268.05, down Rs 8.90, or 3.21 percent on the BSE. For more market news, click here AAP The Aam Aadmi Party on October 30 announced names of five candidates in Punjab for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, with dissident leader of the party Sukhpal Singh Khaira expressing "surprise" over the decision and claimed that the AAP was "heading towards complete crash in Punjab" The announcements were made by party's core committee chairman Budh Ram, who was accompanied by party's chief spokesperson for Punjab unit Baljinder Kaur. The decision by the AAP is likely to adversely affect the peace talks with rebel group. Khaira, who is leading eight dissident AAP MLAs, expressed "surprise" over the party's move. "The way you are taking unilateral decisions, you are heading towards complete crash in Punjab and complete marginalisation of party. It is going to be very difficult to save the deposits even by star candidates on any seat," he claimed. "We are surprised over this announcement and they have pushed all the unity talks under the carpet. They behaved arrogantly," Khaira alleged. Addressing media, Ram said sitting MPs Bhagwant Mann and Sadhu Singh will contest from their respective constituencies, Sangrur and Faridkot. Mann, a popular face of the party in Punjab and Sadhu Singh, had won their respective seats with a big margin of 2.11 lakh votes and 1.72 lakh votes respectively during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Ram said. Ravjot Singh, who had contested the 2017 Assembly polls from Sham Chaurasi seat, will contest from Hoshiarpur (reserve) seat. Singh, who is party's zonal incharge of Doaba region, had managed to garner over 42,000 votes during last assembly polls. Party's Majha zonal incharge Kuldip Singh Dhaliwal will contest from Amritsar seat and Narinder Singh Shergill, who had contested the 2017 Punjab Assembly polls from Mohali, has been given a ticket from Anandpur Sahib seat. Ram said the names of candidates for the remaining eight seats will be announced later. The AAP had won four out of the total 13 seats during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Talking to media, AAP MLA and chief spokesperson Baljinder Kaur said the election campaign of party candidates will be based on 'Arvind Kejriwal model' which worked successfully in Delhi. She claimed even as one year was left in the term of the Delhi government, the AAP government fulfilled all its poll promises. Kaur also criticised the BJP government at the Centre and the Congress-led government in Punjab for allegedly "failing" to honour their election promises, leaving people in lurch. Khaira said the doors for unity talks were still open from his side. "Do not consider this our weakness. We have decided to extend our ultimatum by one week from November 1 in the interest of Punjab," he said. Earlier, the rebel group had given the other AAP MLAs an ultimatum till November 1 for scrapping of new appointments of district and constituency presidents before holding fresh round of dialogue to end infighting. Khaira said they had proposed to dissolve their ad hoc political affairs committee in order to take unity talks forward. "We are saddened with announcements of five candidates for Lok Sabha," he said. With this announcement, they have hinted that all the doors for unity are now closed, said Khaira. On the unity talks with Khaira group, AAP MLA Baljinder Kaur said, "We have always welcomed them. But the time requires that we need to announce Lok Sabha candidates. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi shakes hands with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte (L) before a meeting at Hyderabad House, in New Delhi, Tuesday, Oct 30, 2018. (PTI Photo/Kamal Singh) (PTI10_30_2018_000049B) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Italian counterpart Giuseppe Conte agreed to expand bilateral cooperation in areas of defence, trade, energy and infrastructure even as they condemned those providing safe havens to terror groups and supporting cross border terrorism. In their wide-ranging talks, the two leaders also underlined that connectivity initiatives must be based on internationally recognised norms and standards, rule of law, and inclusiveness, seen as an oblique reference to China's Belt and Road Initiative. A joint statement said Conte reiterated Italy's support to India's intensified engagement with the Nuclear Suppliers' Group (NSG) which strengthens global non-proliferation efforts. Referring to defence cooperation, it said both sides recognised the need to broad base defence ties and make them "enduring and mutually beneficial". Italy has been pushing for strengthening of bilateral defence ties which were hit by the AgustaWesland choppper scam, being investigated by Indian probe agencies. In 2014, the UPA government had cancelled the chopper deal with AgustaWestland following allegations that the company bribed middlemen to secure the deal. The AgustaWestland is wholly owned subsidiary of Italian defence major Leonardo, formerly known as Finmeccanica. "India invited Italian defence equipment manufacturing companies to invest in India under the Make-in-India initiative and to collaborate with Indian companies for design and construction of defence equipment," the joint statement said. To boost bilateral trade and investment, both sides agreed agreed to set up a fast track mechanism to promote two-way investments, and resolve issues, if any, confronted by the businesses in each other's country. The areas for deepening of cooperation agreed at the talks included railways, infrastructure, food processing, renewable energy, education, skill development and science and technology. The two also touched upon ongoing efforts of both sides to re-engage actively towards an early resumption of negotiations for a comprehensive, balanced and mutually beneficial India-EU free trade agreement. The joint statement said Modi and Conte discussed various global challenges including threat of terrorism and ways to deal with these. "The leaders asserted that strong measures need to be taken against terrorists, terror organisations and all those who encourage, support and finance terrorism," it said. They condemned all kinds of State support to terrorists including cross border terrorism, seen as a reference to Pakistan. "The leaders agreed to strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation through multilateral fora and called upon all UN member countries to effectively implement the UN Global Counter Terrorism Strategy, UNSC Resolution 1267 and other relevant UNSC resolutions," it said. In the talks, the Indian side proposed to host the second India-Italy joint working group on combating terrorism at a mutually convenient date in the first half of 2019. Referring to connectivity projects, Modi and Conte acknowledged their importance in promoting economic growth and people-to-people contacts. However, they "underlined that connectivity initiatives must be based on internationally recognised norms and standards, good governance, rule of law, inclusiveness, openness, transparency and equality". Under its massive Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China plans to build rail, maritime and road links from Asia to Europe and Africa in a revival of ancient Silk Road trading routes. India has been opposing the project as a portion of the corridor passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. India has been maintaining that mega connectivity project must respect sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nations. The statement said the two leaders also resolved to fight all forms of protectionism, including unilateral measures and unfair trade practices. File photo India has so far disengaged itself and continue to "wait and watch" over the ongoing political turmoil in Sri Lanka. This comes even as former Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa sending feelers to the Indian government over the last two days, according to a report by The Economic Times. Rajapaksa on October 29 assumed charge as the island nations new Prime Minister even as defiant Ranil Wickremesinghe asserted that he still commands majority in Parliament. The speaker of the Sri Lankan Parliament has refused to acknowledge Rajapaksa as the prime minister. The speaker has also warned that there could be "bloodbath" on the streets if the political crisis is not resolved immediately. Rajapaksa assumed the duties in the prime minister's secretariat which was not used by the ousted prime minister Wickremesinghe. Whats happening in Sri Lanka? On October 26, President Maithripala Sirisena sacked Wickremesinghe and sworn in Rajapaksa as the prime minister. This happened immediately after Sirisenas party abruptly quit the ruling coalition. Rajapaksa said that he accepted the invitation to become PM with a view to avoid the politics of hate. He has vowed set up an interim government that will protect the human rights of all citizens and judiciary. Rajapaksa has said that he will call parliamentary election as soon as possible. The dramatic political development came days after Wickremesinghe visited New Delhi for a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Days before the meeting, President Sirisena had claimed that Indias Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) had plotted to assassinate him. According to a report by The Hindu, at a cabinet meeting, Sirisena told ministers that the RAW was trying to kill him, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi may not be aware of the plan. However, Sirisena later called PM Modi and "categorically rejected" the reports. Sirisena has suspended the Parliament until November 16. This move is being seen as an extended opportunity for Rajapaksa to gain support of members of parliament ahead of a floor test. The parliament was earlier due to meet on November 5 to unveil the 2019 budget. Wickremesinghe's United National Front (UNF) has 106 MPs while Rajapaksa has 95 MPs of the United Peoples' Progressive Alliance (UPFA). Rajapaksa needs 18 more MPs to give him a simple majority of 113 in the House of 225 members. Rajapaksa has already got support of two UNP MPs on October 26. Main Tamil Party Tamil National Alliance has 16 MPs and the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) has six. Was Sirisenas move legal? Under the 19th Amendment of the Sri Lankan Constitution adopted in 2015, the President no longer has the power to sack the prime minister at his or her discretion. The prime minister can only be dismissed if the Cabinet of ministers is dismissed, the prime minister resigns or the prime minister ceases to be a member of parliament. The President can remove a minister only on the advice of the prime minister. President Sirisena camp's argument is that the Cabinet ceased to exist the moment the United People's Freedom Alliance (Sirisenas party) withdrew from the government. When there is no Cabinet, no prime minister and the president has the power to appoint the person whom he or she thinks commands the majority in parliament. According to the 19th Amendment, the prime minister can only cease to hold office by death, resignation or if the government has lost the confidence of parliament by a defeat on the budget or a vote of no-confidence. While Wickremesinghe has asserted that he still commands majority support in Parliament, his claims are contested by the Sirisenas supporters who assert Article 42 of the constitution clearly says that the president shall appoint as prime minister the Member of Parliament, who, in the his opinion, is most likely to command the confidence of Parliament. What it means for India Rajapaksa is believed to be close to China. Chinese President Xi Jinping was one of the first world leaders to congratulate Rajapaksa on his appointment. China has developed high stakes in Sri Lanka since it made over $8 billion Chinese investments, including the Hambantota and Colombo port projects during Rajapaksas tenure that was widely regarded as pro-Beijing. The Hambantota port in Rajapaksa's hometown was built by a Chinese company and funded by Chinese loans. The Sirisena government subsequently gave Hambantota port on a 99-year lease to China for $1.1 billion debt swap deal raising concerns in India as Beijing stepped its presence in the Indian Ocean region. China has invested billions of dollars in infrastructure and developments in Sri Lanka since Rajapaksa's rule. Wickremesinghes government had tried to re-balance Sri Lanka's foreign relations away from China and towards India and Japan. In the lead up to the 2015 presidential polls, Sri Lanka had expelled the Colombo station chief of RAW, accusing him of helping the opposition oust Rajapaksa, according to a report by Reuters. An Indian foreign ministry spokesman had denied any expulsion and said that transfer was a routine decision. The Reuters report citing sources suggests that India was asked to recall the agent in December 2015 for helping gather support for then joint opposition candidate Sirisena after persuading him to ditch Rajapaksas cabinet. (With inputs from PTI) Richardson, who has a Chicago flag tattoo stretching across his left forearm, used to live in Englewood, where crime is more prevalent. Crime is just everywhere, he said of the city where he was born and raised. So life, for the most part, was business as usual for his family following the two local slayings. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi shakes hands with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte (L) before a meeting at Hyderabad House, in New Delhi, Tuesday, Oct 30, 2018. (PTI Photo/Kamal Singh) (PTI10_30_2018_000049B) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday welcomed his Italian counterpart Giuseppe Conte, who is on a day-long visit to India. "A warm welcome to the Italian Prime Minister, Mr. Giuseppe Conte in India. I look forward to meeting him and to participate together at the Tech Summit later today," Modi tweeted in English and Italian. During his visit, Conte will hold talks with PM Modi to boost cooperation in key areas such as trade and investment, besides participating in the India-Italy Technology Summit. The highlight of the visit will be the Italian prime minister's participation at the 24th edition of the India-Italy Technology Summit which is being organised by the Department of Science and Technology in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry. November 21, 2018 / 07:34 AM IST Turnout dips as compared to 2013 A total of 74.17 percent of the over 1.85 crore electors cast their votes in the Chhattisgarh polls, which is less by nearly 3 percent as compared to the last elections, the Election Commission said yesterday. In the second phase of polling which took place yesterday, the voter turnout was recorded at 71.93 percent till 6 pm. The first phase the poll percentage was 76.42. Notwithstanding the Shiv Sena's frequent criticism of the BJP-led governments at the Centre and Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has expressed hope that the two parties stitch an alliance for the 2019 general and state assembly polls. Fadnavis, whose government will complete four years in office on Wednesday, said the Sena understands the "political fact" that the two parties would suffer if they contest the polls separately as he said the coming together of Congress, NCP and others has "consolidated the opposition's vote bank". The chief minister, interacting with a group of select media persons late Monday night, said he did not think the general and state assembly elections would be held simultaneously and that his party had favoured against the idea. He rubbished some recent media reports that cited a survey by a Delhi-based agency which claimed that six BJP MPs and around 50 of its legislators were likely to taste defeat due to their "poor performance". Fadnavis said BJP's internal survey was rather "encouraging" and also claimed that the party will have more of its MLAs getting elected. In the 2014 Maharashtra polls, the BJP had emerged as the single largest party, winning 122 seats of the total 288. Fadnavis, however, ruled out the possibility of the BJP having any understanding with NCP for the polls. "I think the political fact in Maharashtra right now is that the Congress, NCP and some other parties have come together. Their coming together has consolidated the vote bank of the opposition," he observed. He stressed that the BJP and Shiv Sena were "close to each other ideologically" and shared a big common chunk of the vote bank. "Both the parties would suffer (due to division of votes) in case their candidates are pitted against each other. We understand this political fact, so does the Shiv Sena. Hence, I think both the Shiv Sena and we will come together," he added. The chief minister also made light of the Sena's criticism of his government through its leaders and mouthpiece 'Saamana', saying it "does not have a bearing on the government". "The government is run by the cabinet which is held peacefully. We discuss issues and take decisions unanimously. There has not been a single decision in the last four years that we took by vote," he claimed. Maharashtra BJP chief Raosaheb Danve had on Monday said in Nagpur that the party's internal survey had showed that it would win 200 Assembly seats in the 288-member state assembly. When asked about the chances of BJP-Sena alliance in view of Danve's comments, Fadnavis said the party's state unit chief only talked about the number of seats the BJP was capable of winning. "But we have to work together (with the Shiv Sena). We will decide on the number of seats to be shared (by both the parties) and will contest (accordingly)," he added. To a question whether the Maratha and Dhangar communities would still support the BJP in the polls in view of their intense agitation for quota, Fadnavis replied in the positive. He said "historically" it was seen that the demand for reservation and elections were unrelated. Citing examples, the chief minister said the previous Congress-NCP coalition had announced quota for Marathas ahead of the 2014 Assembly elections and yet suffered defeat. Similarly, the BJP won the civic body polls in Sangli and Jalgaon despite the pro-quota stir by Marathas being at its peak earlier this year, he added. Rahul Gandhi in Chhattisgarh Kartikey Chouhan, son of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, on Tuesday filed a criminal defamation case against Congress President Rahul Gandhi for alleging that his name figured in the Panama Papers. Gandhi, meanwhile, said he mentioned the name of Chouhan's son in the context of Panama Papers due to "confusion". Gandhi, while addressing a rally in Jhabua district of the poll-bound Madhya Pradesh Monday, had said that the name of the son of 'mamaji', a chief minister, had figured in the Panama Papers but no action was taken against him. Though Gandhi had not specifically identified the CM, he was referring to Chouhan who is popularly known as 'mamaji'. The defamation suit was filed by Kartikey Chouhan in the Special Court of Additional District Judge (ADJ) Suresh Singh through his lawyer Shirish Shrivastava. In the suit, Kartikey Chouhan has alleged that Gandhi intentionally gave the statement to defame him. The criminal defamation case was filed under sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Under these sections, a person guilty of criminal defamation can be sent to jail for two years. The court posted the matter for November 3 when Kartikey Chouhan's statement will be recorded. "The statement of Rahul is intended to defame Chouhan and his family. When they (the Congress) failed to make a dent in the popularity of the chief minister, they are levelling allegations against his family and children. It was the clear intention. It was a well-planned statement," his counsel Shrivastava said. On Monday night, Kartikey Chouhan had said in a tweet, "Rahul Gandhi has made a false allegation of my involvement in Panama Papers. I am aggrieved as the image of mine and my family were damaged in a childish manner. If he (Gandhi) did not apologise within 48 hours, I am compelled to take strict legal action against him." Gandhi, while interacting with a select group of journalists in Indore on Tuesday, gave a clarification on the issue. "For campaigning I am touring Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan these days. The ruling BJP has indulged in so many scams and corruption that yesterday (Monday) I got confused. In Panama Paper Leak case, Madhya Pradesh chief minister has no role, he said when asked about his controversial remarks made in Jabhua on Monday. However, he reiterated his allegation that Chouhan has a "role" in scams like Vyapam and e-tendering among others. Gandhi had said on Monday, "Udhar Chowkidar, Idhar Mamaji. Mamaji ke jo bte hai, Panama Papers me unka naam nikalta hai. (On one side, you have the watchman, on the other side you have 'mamaji'. The name of the son of 'mamaji' figured in Panama Papers). "Nawaz Sharif Pakistan ke Prime Minister ka naam nikalta hai..Pakistan jaise desh me unko jail me daal dete hai. Magar Yahan ke chief minister ka beta, uska naam Panama Papers me nikalta hai to koi karyawai nahi hoti (The name of former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif appears in Panama Papers. "In a country like Pakistan, he is jailed. Here, the name of the son of a CM figures in Panama Papers but no action is taken)," Gandhi had said at the rally. The Panama papers refer to 11.5 million leaked documents published by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists with details of offshore entities set up by a Panamanian legal firm. The papers had named several world leaders and celebrities as having stashed money abroad in offshore companies. They also included details of entities set up by some Indian nationals. The leak had surfaced in 2016. Shekhar Iyer Pronouncements by Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJPs) ideological mentor, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and reactions of a section of the party leaders before and after the Supreme Court pushed hearing the Ram Janmabhoomi case to January show Yogi Adityanaths leadership in Uttar Pradesh may not be effective to meet the challenge of the Lok Sabha polls in 2019. Adding to their anxiety is the strong possibility of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati and Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Akhilesh Yadav reaching an understanding to ensure the anti-BJP votes are not divided and their tally of seats matches the BJPs score. An internal assessment has warned of the possibility of pro-Hindutva elements upset with Prime Minister Narendra Modi whipping up an anti-BJP mood among the support base for failing to deliver on the Ram temple issue, and focusing more on toilets (under the Swachh Bharat mission). Both the RSS and the BJP leaders say they have to be wary of efforts by rebel Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Pravin Togadia, who is strongly opposed to Modi. Finding himself out of the fold after he lost the VHP elections a few months ago, Togadia has threatened to float a new front to mobilise voters against the BJP for failing to deliver on the Ram temple despite an impressive mandate in 2014. The BJP had won 71 and its allies two of the 80 Lok Sabha seats from UP in 2014. A repeat performance looks almost impossible today. There is a view among the RSS bigwigs that the Adityanath government has not been able to make a strong impression on voters on the development plank though several steps have been taken to bring visible impact in many interior areas. It is against this backdrop that BJP chief Amit Shah met senior RSS functionaries in Lucknow on October 24. Presiding over a co-ordination meeting involving the BJP functionaries, ministers including the chief minister, Shah sought to know from the RSS leaders like Dattatreya Hosabale and Krishna Gopal about their assessment of the BJPs prospects. Shah went to Lucknow a day after Togadia, announced that he would float a new political outfit with the slogan 'Abki Bar Hindu Sarkar (This time its a Hindu government). Shahs interactions and subsequent statements by the RSS and the BJP leaders came a week after RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat called for appropriate and requisite law to pave the way for construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya. (The RSS chief had used his customary address on Vijayadashmi, on October 18, to declare that the construction of Ram temple is necessary from the self-esteem point of view. It will also pave the way for an atmosphere of goodwill and oneness in the country.) Many RSS functionaries have not minced words in their rating of the Adityanath government. Consequently, Adityanath too has not wasted time in hyping the temple issue. The October 29 proceedings in the Supreme Court in the Ayodhya title suit has dashed hopes of some BJP leaders who counted on a verdict in the case before the next parliamentary elections in April or May. The apex court does not see any urgency in hearing the case. The calculations were that the BJP would stand to benefit in case of an early verdict whether the apex court upheld the Allahabad High Courts judgment or not. The high court favoured division of the disputed 2.77 acres of land in Ayodhya equally between Ram Lalla, the Sunni Waqf Board and the Nirmohi Akhara. Now, the Supreme Courts order deferring the hearing has put pressure from the RSS and the VHP on Modi to bring in a law or ordinance for ensuring the construction of a Ram temple, which is easily said than done. Of course, a section of the BJP feels the ordinance route could force the Congress, particularly its leader Rahul Gandhi, to take a stand on the temple when it is projecting a soft Hindutva line. However, a majority of the legal experts believe any law or ordinance on the subject when the matter is before the SC would be unconstitutional. After all, when the top court first took up the appeals arising out of the high court judgment in 2011, all the parties, including the Union government, had agreed to maintain status quo in the matter. Modi too would not like to wade into doing what could be seen as violating the principle of separation of powers of the executive, the judiciary and the legislature. What could clinch matters, however, in favour of an ordinance is the outcome of the assembly poll in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh on December 11. In case of a mixed bag, a bruised BJP may think that the upcoming Kumbh mela at Prayagraj (Allahabad) in January could hasten the pro-temple mood ahead of the general election. (Shekhar Iyer is former senior associate editor of Hindustan Times and political editor of Deccan Herald. Views are personal) k chandrashekar Rao,telangana assembly polls 2018 Telangana Assembly Elections 2018 will be different and difficult from 2014 for the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) the party faces new challenges ahead of the December 7 polls. The party, formed with a single-point agenda of formation of a separate Telangana state, had won the last elections, held jointly with Andhra Pradesh. It had won 63 out of 119 constituencies of the Telangana region and formed the government under Chief Minister Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao (KCR). In four years, the ruling party introduced several policies, out of which implementation of the Rythu Bandhu scheme has been the most significant. The scheme provides Rs 8,000 per acre per farmer as investment support for Rabi and Kharif crops. Another important scheme launched for the agricultural sector is Mission Kakatiya to remove silt irrigation tanks with a view to increasing their storage capacity. Also read: Key facts about the 1st independent election of India's youngest state Apart from investing in the agriculture sector, the government also introduced several social schemes in its tenure, including providing free housing, assistance to brides under Kalyana Lakshmi and Shaadi Mubaarak. It has also distributed KCR kits for the welfare of mother and child, which includes financial assistance for pregnant women. With elections around the corner, KCR has asked his party workers to highlight welfare schemes implemented by his government. He has further asked the TRS manifesto committee to draft the document after meeting people from different walks of life and taking their suggestions into account. He has already announced some key promises from the poll manifesto, including farm loan waiver of up to Rs 1 lakh, increasing the amount of annual financial assistance given to farmers under the Rythu Bandhu scheme, hike in Aasara pensions, allowance for unemployment individuals and so on. Also read: Here are some key facts on Telangana, its history of formation The report card for this government's performance will be out on December 11 (counting day). With the voting date (December 7) only a month away, here is a look at the challenges faced by the TRS government: Education A major challenge in front of the ruling party is slow growth of literacy in Telangana. It ranks 25 among the states with 66.46 percent literacy rate, as per the 2011 census. The literacy rate in the state is even lower than some of the lower-income states like Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. The Opposition has been targeting the government on this issue. The Congress, in its poll campaigns, often criticised TRS for not implementing education-related policies, such as clearing fee reimbursement dues. The party has promised to pay fee reimbursement amounts every year in two instalments, if voted to power. Congress has also promised to rejuvenate the entire education system within 100 days of coming to power in Telangana. SCs and STs A high percentage of the population of Telangana comes from the marginalised sections of society. Out of the population of 3.5 crore, nearly 86 lakh people fall under Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. As SC/STs have traditionally been a Congress vote bank, the party needs a strong policy to attract this section of population. Also read: Vote for irrigation water, dont accept liquor, says TRS New political parties The challenge to win the polls has become tougher for TRS with the entrance of new political parties as well. Earlier in 2018, Telangana Political Joint Action Committee decided to form a new political party with the name Telangana Jana Samithi. In September, another party was floated by former TV anchor Rani Rudrama, named Yuva Telangana Party. Also read: KTR takes a dig at Prajakutami, says allies will play 'musical chair' for CM's post Congress-led Prajakutami (Grand Alliance) The Congress, eyeing the south Indian state, has formed an electoral alliance with N Chandrababu Naidu-led Telugu Desam Party (TDP), the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS). The grand alliance has been seen as another primary contender for the polls in the state. 10 | Flipkart (Image: Reuters) IBM on October 28 made its biggest-ever acquisition- that of open source software company Red Hat for $34 billion, and the deal could have some impact on the India operations of the combined entity, feel experts. Calling the deal a "game changer", IBM chief executive Ginny Rometty said in a joint statement with Red Hat that it will make IBM the world's "#1 hybrid cloud provider". Red Hat has helped EPFO and the BSE in revamping their data infrastructure and its clientele includes the likes of National Stock Exchange (NSE), Aadhaar, GST, Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), SBI Insurance and most core banking services across India. IBM will pay cash to buy all shares in Red Hat at $190 each, premium of 63 percent to Red Hat's closing share price of $116.68 on October 26, before the deal was announced. "The deal will have implications on technology and sales. It will give IBM more teeth against AWS (Amazon Web Services), Google, Microsoft and VMware," said Sanchit Vir Gogia, founder and CEO of Greyhound Research. He further said that AWS and Google do not have a strategy on hybrid cloud. AWS has tied up with VMware to address this. "That space will be challenged significantly since customers will now have access to both open source virtualisation (offered by RedHat) and IBM enterprise support for critical workloads," he added. Hybrid cloud uses a mix of on-premises, private cloud and third-party, public cloud services with integration between the two platforms. The global hybrid cloud market size is expected to grow from $44.60 billion in 2018 to $97.64 billion by 2023, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.0 percent during the same period, according to research firm MarketsandMarkets. Santhosh Rao, Senior Director Analyst at research firm Gartner, said the deal is 'interesting'. "Well have to see how IBMs public and hybrid cloud shapes up post the deal. It depends on how they integrate Red Hat with existing IBM products," he added. On the issue of employee impact, Gogia said the impact would be minimal. "In terms of employees, there will be some overlap, and restructuring but a bloodbath is unlikely. Talent impact will be minimal from an overlap perspective since both companies have a very different DNA," he said. IBM employed 366,600 people in wholly owned subsidiaries globally last year, and over 130,000 in India alone. As of February 28, 2018, Red Hat had about 11,870 employees. Both companies have a strong R&D ecosystem in India, added Gartner's Rao. Where the combined entity could benefit from the deal in India is in government business as well as financial services. The Indian government in 2015 adopted an open source software promotion policy, which makes it mandatory for all software applications and services of the government be built using open source software. Rao said the deal with Red Hat will help IBM show it is "open source ready". In addition, added Gogia, the deal will help Red Hat in the financial services space. "A lot of large financial services firms used to get cold feet (signing on Red Hat) since Red Hat is open source. Now with the size and scale of IBM, sales will be able to drive confidence among clients," he said. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More After being teased with a concept car, videos and spy shots, Tata Motors has finally released official images of the production-specification Tata Harrier. The designers did promise an SUV that would look as close to the H5X concept car, and they do not disappoint. Built around Tata's Impact Design 2.0, the Harrier has the same slit like headlamps and grille as the concept car. The main headlamp unit is integrated into the lower foglamp cluster near the front bumper. To round everything off, the car gets a chunky cladding and a scuff plate both at the front and rear. Also carried forward are the aggressively contoured side profile, a steep roofline and large wheel sizes. The interiors are expected to be the best Tata has to offer along with its electronics package. The Harrier is also expected to get a 7-seater variant later on with the 5-seater launching first. But the real deal of the SUV is the all-new 2-litre Kryotec engine derived from FCA's Multijet II seen on the Jeep Compass. It will be a four-cylinder turbocharged engine capable of producing 140 PS for the 5-seater and 170 PS for the 7-seater. One also get an option between a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic. The Harrier's platform is based on the Jaguar Land Rover's D8 SUV platform but Tata calls it Omega Arc (Optimal Modular Efficient Global Advanced Architecture) which uses cheaper materials and components while keeping the costs down. No prices have been mentioned as of now, but bookings have already begun for the price of Rs 30,000 and the official launch will take place sometime in January. U.S. President Donald Trump waves prior to departing on a trip to Wisconsin from the White House in Washington, U.S., October 24, 2018. REUTERS/Cathal McNaughton TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY - RC13580F4390 US President Donald Trump and his team is leaving no stone unturned to campaign in favour of his Republican party ahead of the crucial November 6 mid-term polls which will decide the balance of powers in the Congress over next two years. Only a week is left for the November 6 mid-term elections, in which Americans would elect 435 members of the House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 Senate seats in Congress. The Republican party currently has majority in both the Senate and the House and Trump and his team is leaving no stone unturned to campaign in favour of his Republican party. Political pundits say that the opposition Democrats are all set to regain control of the House, while Republicans will retain control the Senate, where it has a wafer-thin majority of 51-49. Given that the two chambers are going to be crucial in fulfilling his political agenda as he goes for re-election in 2020, Trump for the past several weeks has been campaigning several days a week in support of the Republican party. In the outgoing House, Republicans have 235 seats and the Democrats have 193 seats. Trump in recent interviews has said that his party had snatched the momentum from the Democrats till last week, when a series of package bombs were recovered addressed to the former US president Barack Obama, the former vice president Joe Biden, the former Secretary of state Hillary Clinton and Senator Kamala Harris among others. On Saturday 11 people were shot dead in a mass shooting inside a Pittsburg synagogue. Both the developments have given the opposition Democrats an edge over the Republican. The stakes for President Trump are extremely high since a Democratic victory in either chamber would give the party the power to open investigations into various aspects of his administration. In the final six days, the president and his campaign committee will host 11 rallies across eight crucial States: Florida, Missouri, West Virginia, Indiana, Montana, Georgia, Tennessee and Ohio. "President Trump is expected to discuss the booming economy, his tough stance on immigration, free market solutions for healthcare, and more," the Trump campaign said in a statement on Monday. While in the House, Trump's goal is to retain the majority even though with a reduced margin, in the Senate aims at increasing the tally as close as possible to 60, which is the figure required to prevent filibuster. Trump has also fielded Vice President Mike Pence and a host of surrogates to campaign for the Republican candidates and going to key districts and key states to support them. By the time of November 6, Trump is expected to have completed 53 election rallies across 23 States. Since Labour Day, the president has addressed 19 rallies and 11 are left on his schedule, thus making 30 rallies after Labour Day. According to the Trump campaign, Trump has headlined 70 fundraising events since the start of his administration. This includes 28 fundraisers for national State Republican parties and 42 candidate focused fundraisers. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Tuesday specific monetary policy steps must be left for the central bank to decide. "I would like to lay the groundwork for beating deflation in the next three years," Abe told parliament. "I trust that BOJ Governor (Haruhiko Kuroda) would make the appropriate decision" on monetary policy, he said, when asked whether the central bank should seek an exit from ultra-easy policy. Baude said those in favor of changing who can be a citizen have focused on specific wording subject to the jurisdiction thereof that historically was meant to provide an exception for children of diplomats who were in the country. But now, some proponents of changing citizenship have argued that exception should also be applied to children of immigrants, Baude said. Representative image The Trump administration has imposed restrictions on technology exports to a state-supported Chinese semiconductor maker, citing national security grounds amid a mounting tariff battle. The controls imposed on Monday on Fujian Jinhua Integrated Circuit Co. reflect concern Chinese competition could drive American technology suppliers out of business, leaving the military without secure sources of components. Beijing has spent heavily to build up Jinhua and other chip makers as part of efforts to transform China into a global leader in robotics, artificial intelligence and other technology industries. The United States, Europe and other trading partners say Beijing's tactics violate its market-opening obligations. American officials worry they might erode U.S. industrial leadership. President Donald Trump has imposed tariffs of up to 25 per cent on $250 billion of Chinese goods in an effort to pressure Beijing to roll back those plans. Jinhua is completing "substantial production capacity" for integrated circuits, possibly using U.S. technology, which "threatens the long-term economic viability of U.S. suppliers of these essential components of US military systems," said a Commerce Department statement. The company was added to the department's "Entity List," which will require it to obtain an export license for all software, technology and commodities, the Commerce Department said. It said such applications "will be reviewed with a presumption of denial." That "will limit its ability to threaten the supply chain for essential components in our military systems," Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said in the statement. The order marks the second U.S. action this year blocking technology exports to a Chinese buyer. ZTE Corp., China's second-biggest maker of telecoms equipment, faced possible bankruptcy this year after Washington imposed a seven-year ban on sales of U.S. technology to the company over its exports to Iran and North Korea. American authorities lifted the ban in July after ZTE paid a $1 billion fine, agreed to replace its executive team and hired U.S.-selected compliance officers. Meanwhile, Jinhua is embroiled in a court battle with a U.S. chip maker, Micron Technology Inc., which accuses the Chinese company of stealing its technology. Micron sued Jinhua in December in federal court in California. Jinhua sued the US company the following month in a Chinese court and obtained an order blocking sales of some Micron products. Despite the claims, media stories and myth created about help find missing person by matching fingerprints, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), admitted before the Bombay High Court that searching Aadhaar database using latent chance fingerprints is not technologically feasible. This ratifies that Aadhaar is not a magic tool that will put an end to Bollywoods favourite story line of siblings lost and separated on trains, or fairs or parted from their parents, because a quick scan in an Aadhaar database will find anybody, anywhere! In an order issued on 12 October 2018, Justice VK Jadhav from the Aurangabad bench of Bombay High Court, noted, "It has been specifically explained that the UIDAI does not collect biometric information i.e. based on technologies, standards or procedures suitable for forensic purposes. Thus, the matching of the finger prints without mentioning Aadhaar card is not feasible and even the system cannot respond to it." The case is related to identifying a dead woman whose body was found at Daulatabad in Aurangabad district. Since the investigating officer (IO) could not identify the dead woman, he filed an application before the District and Session Court seeking permission to compare fingerprints in Aadhaar database. UIDAI's deputy directed filed his reply, after which the Additional Sessions Judge dismissed the petition. The investigating officer then decided to approach the high court. VM Kagne, counsel for the IO, submitted that the application filed by the IO is not any adversarial litigation against Aadhaar or UIDAI. "IO is seeking help of the Aadhaar authorities to establish the identity of a dead body of a woman. Nobody has come forward to identify the dead body of the deceased and as such, the IO is helpless to find out any way to identify the deceased woman," he said. Bhalchandra Jichkar, deputy director of UIDAI, submitted that it is not at all possible compare the fingerprints with the information stored. BB Kulkarni, counsel for UIDAI, informed the court that, at present ,in all, there are more than 1.22 billion Aadhaar cardholders in the country and technological architecture of UIDAI does not allow matching of the fingerprints without mentioning Aadhaar number. Mr Jichkar contended that "...the technological architecture of the respondent does not allow for any instance of 1:N matching (wherein fingers print, including latent and chance fingerprints are matched against the other fingerprints in the respondent's database), except for generation of Aadhaar number where the biometric information has been collected in accordance with the technically laid down procedures. Further, it is reiterated that, the respondent does not collect biometric information, i.e. iris scan and fingerprints, based on technologies, standards or procedures suitable for forensic purposes. Therefore, searching the Aadhaar database using latent chance finger prints, which may be called as 1:N matching, it may not be technologically feasible." The HC then dismissed the application filed by the IO. Finding missing persons by using fingerprints is a hoax created by vested interests through media propaganda. The biometrics in the Aadhaar apparently help the authorities re-unite lost family members. Unfortunately, it is simply not possible for UIDAI to match fingerprints of anyone with other members of the person's family. Sometimes, Aadhaar holders even face difficulties in matching own fingerprints. Here are some facts. The UIDAI, which has tagged Indian residents with a number, has repeatedly told the courts that it can only provide a 'Yes' or 'No' answer to any query on Aadhaar. It also stated that all biometrics and demographic information of Aadhaar holders is never shared with anyone. UIDAI even went up to the Supreme Court to oppose efforts by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to seek access to its biometric database for investigation in a criminal case. Under these circumstances, how can anyone claim that a lost person was united with his/her family by using Aadhaar? Biometrics do not provide demographic details, so how is this possible? There are three big holes in this propaganda. One, biometrics of a person keep changing every three years. So a perfect match can only happen if the person is recently lost and not in case of long lost persons. Forget about persons missing for years, the biometric authentication of UIDAI's chief executive Ajay Bhushan Pandey also failed, as per his submission to the Supreme Court in the Aadhaar hearings. Documents submitted before the five-judge Constitutional Bench list the attempts at Aadhaar authentication by Mr Pandey. There was only one attempt out of 26 attempts to use biometric authentication. And that failed! You may also want to read... Market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has warned investors about trading in financial products including various types of derivatives traded on foreign platforms and offered through online web portals. In an advisory, SEBI says, "These firms are operating from overseas, but providing/offering services to Indian residents. All investors are cautioned to avoid participating in such unregulated web portals or entities offering transactions in securities (including derivatives) which are executed or undertaken on the terminal of foreign exchanges or platforms." SEBI said it noted that there are several firms or entities offering such trading services. To attract clients, these firms or entities solicit their business through various means of communications such as electronic messages, blogs, advertisements, websites, emails, leaflets or pamphlets, apps, and calls and also many such entities or portals are offering free online registration without complying with the basic know-your-customer (KYC) procedures. These entities, often, offer high level of leverage, low brokerage and other incentives for trading on overseas platform or exchange, it added. "Such firms, web-portals and platforms are not supervised by any regulatory body in India. Further, the inherent complexity of the products offered by such firms, web-portals and platforms may not suit the risk profile of the investors and their excessive leverage can result in significant losses to investors," the market regulator says. According to SEBI, in case of dispute, such investors would not be able to raise any kind of claim or dispute relating to such participation or enforcement of any agreement, contract or claim. In addition, recourses like rights of investors and investor protection under Indian securities laws, dispute resolution mechanism and investor grievance redressal mechanism will not be available to them. Kogan.com Limiteds [ASX:KGN] share price continues to plummet this morning following yesterdays massive 33% drop. At time of writing, Kogan shares are trading at $3.05 this marks close to a 70% loss for the tech company, since its record high of $9.85 on 16 March 2018. Why has Kogans share price fallen? Yesterday morning, Kogan released a business update detailing a disappointing start to the year due to revenue from the global brands category decreasing by 27.4%. Kogan has blamed changes in the GST law effective from 1 July 2018 for the decline, particularly the avoidance of GST by a number of foreign websites selling into Australia. Initially, this saw competitors exit the market and subsequently an increase in revenue. However, the widespread avoidance of GST quickly became apparent. CEO of Kogan.com Ruslan Kogan said: While growth in the Global Brands division presents a challenge to the business in the short term, we have built a resilient portfolio of businesses, with the core divisions of Exclusive Brands, Partner Brands and Kogan Mobile continuing to show healthy growth. If youre on the hunt for some more ASX punts with huge potential, check out this free report. Is this your chance to buy Kogan shares? Despite the loss by global brands, revenue from exclusive brands increased by 15.7% and partner brand sales grew 73%. Kogan said this was driven by on-boarding of new brands and customers transitioning from global to partner brands. This recent fall comes shortly after last months 9% drop on 4 September, when both founders offloaded millions of shares for the second time. Despite a 70% drop in value, Kogans shares are still up just over 100% from its original listing price in 2016. If this is anything to go by, investors might see this as an opportunity to bag a bargain. Regards, Matt Hibbard, For Money Morning PS: Tech can be a seriously lucrative market for savvy investors. If youre interested in adding a few promising biotech punts to your portfolio, dont invest a cent until you read this free special investor report. Download it now for free. Bookers body was found around 11 a.m. at the former Sykes Center at 2555 S. King Drive, about two and a half miles from where she was reported missing, according to police and the Cook County medical examiners office. The surprise decision last year by Attorney General Lisa Madigan, the speakers daughter, not to seek re-election fueled Democrats scramble to run for the seat a significant political plum thats been largely out of reach for hopefuls in both parties while Madigan held the office. Raoul emerged from the crowded Democratic primary by defeating former Gov. Pat Quinn and others. Harold got into the race before Madigan announced her decision and easily won her primary. A New York City man has been sentenced to 21 months imprisonment for his role in a scheme to defraud mortgage lending institutions, the US Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of New York announced. In addition to the prison term, James Bayfield was sentenced by US District Judge Eric Vitaliano to three years of supervised release for conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud. Bayfield was also ordered to pay $184,651 in forfeiture. A self-described mortgage specialist, Bayfield was convicted by a federal jury in January 2017 for his role in the multi-million dollar mortgage fraud scheme. The big news in the world of real estate: After years of home prices going up and up and uprising well out of the reach of many eager wannabe buyersthe market has finally begun to soften. That's prompting sellers, prospective owners, and just about everyone else to wonder if they could even (gasp!) be heading down. But hold your horses! Just because the rate of price acceleration is starting to slow nationally, that doesnt mean every market is pumping the brakes or moving in reverse. There are a few places where home price growth isnt just edging up, it's actually growing at an accelerated rate, putting fat profits into the pockets of sellers. And here's the thing: They're not those ultrapricey, usual suspects like New York, San Fransisco, or Seattle. So where are these booming outlier metros? The realtor.com data team took a deep dive into our listings to find the American housing markets where home prices are growing at the fastest clip. RELATED: Midland is second in nation in percentage rent increase in September There are a couple of different things spurring the growth in these unexpected go-go metros. Some, tethered mostly to one industry, have gone through plenty of boom and bust cyclesand are currently at the top of a boom. Others are still-affordable places located near ultraexpensive cities, enjoying an influx of buyers seeking relief from high costs. Most are places that fell so far in the housing crash that they still have more room to grow. As other markets are starting to level off a bit or go down, some are playing catch-up from a bump in the road, says Joseph Kirchner, senior economist at realtor.com. To come up with our findings, our data team analyzed the increase in median list prices on realtor.com from September 2017 to September 2018 in the nation's 300 largest metropolitan areas.* Then we ranked the places that saw the biggest percentage change in home prices during that span. We limited our list to just two metros per state to ensure some geographic diversity. So where are America's new boomtowns? A combination of rebounding gas prices, improved extraction technology, and a remarkable shale boom in the oil-rich Permian basin in West Texas has pushed the Odessa job market to new heights. (The jobless rate in this region is just 2.7%, a full percentage point lower than the national average.) In fact, global business research firm IHS Markit projects that the region will soon produce more oil than anywhere outside Saudi Arabia and Russia. While everything seems great now, things weren't always so rosythe downside to an oil-based economy is that the city pingpongs between up and down economic cycles. From 2014 to 2016, the price of a barrel of crude oil dropped from above $100 to under $30. But in the years since, oil prices have rebounded, hovering around $70, and Odessa is back on top. And it seems destined to stay there for a while. With all the engineers, truckers, and welders moving here, the number of homes on the market has plummeted by 44% over the past 12 months, which is pushing prices ever higher. Those Texas-sized, four-bedroom ramblers so common to this area don't stay available for long. "There simply aren't enough homes now," says Renee Earls, CEO and president of the Odessa Chamber of Commerce. A couple of hours northwest of Dallas, the streets in Wichita Falls are lined with classic ranch homes with two-door garagescatnip for young families, retirees, and military veterans who served at the Sheppard Air Force Base in the city. Affordability plays a big role: Many of these places are still under $150,000. Not long ago, the housing market in Wichita was in trouble. Buyers backed off in a big way in 2013 when the region was hit by a severe drought that depleted much of its drinking water, says Henry Florsheim, president and CEO of the Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce & Industry. But "in the spring of 2015 it rained so much that our lakes completely filled [back] up," Florsheim says. And the housing market has been on a tear ever since as it dovetailed with a stronger job market. That includes the $55 million expansion of the manufacturing plant owned by Vitro Architectural Glass in 2017. Fun fact: The self-proclaimed "world's littlest skyscraper" is located in Wichita Falls. Built in 1919, the Newby-McMahon Building was supposed to have been a high-rise in the city's downtown. But investors (who forked over $200,000) didn't realize the blueprints listed its measurements in inches instead of feet, leading to construction of a 40-feet-tall, 18-feet-deep, and 10-feet-wide building. It's now used as an antiques store. As soon as the first snow falls, Northeastern boomers grab their sunglasses and bathing suits and take off for Homosassa. They aren't the only warmth-seeking creatures. Hundreds of manatees leave the cold waters of the Gulf of Mexico and swim up rivers and into lakes throughout the region. Just over an hour north of Tampa, Homosassa isn't packed with sprawling retirement communities and big-box stores. Instead, it has more of an outdoor vibe with great wildlife parks and kayaking options. As a result, it's become a hub for retirees who want to buy a well-priced home with some property and woods. "This is one of the most affordable counties to buy in Florida," says local broker/owner Kevin Cunningham of Re/Max Realty One. Homosassa Springs is part of Citrus County. But it isn't just transplanted empty nesters driving up prices. The region's economy is finally growing after undergoing a rough patchemployers are finally hiring again, including Duke Energy, which is nearing the completion of a $1.5 billion natural gas plant on Crystal River RELATED: Midland-Odessa economy continues to rise as expansion nears two years Like many blue-collar towns in the Midwest, Terre Hauta was pummeled by the last downturn. Manufacturing plants sat idle. Construction workers took pink slips. And while the national unemployment rate didn't top double digits, in Terre Haute it peaked at 12.5%. "The reason why our home prices are going up is because were still recovering from the housing bubble," says Cy Marlow, managing broker at L.J. Michaels Real Estate in Terre Haute. "Our baseline was much lower than the rest of the country, and were still catching up." Home to Indiana State University, Terre Haute has a steady flow of college students moving to the region. And with homes so affordable, their parents will often buy them a home to live in while they're in school. Lucky students! The mortgage on older, two-story homes priced between $50,000 to $80,000 is lower than what it can cost to live in a dorm. In the heart of the Rust Belt, Battle Creek has a heavy industrial presence, with employers like DENSO Manufacturing Michigan, an automotive parts maker with a 1.4 million-square-foot campus in the region. With American manufacturers posting good numbers, Battle Creek is looking good for the foreseeable future and seeing more folks snapping up homes. It's not all work and no play in this outdoorsy town just over an hour away from Lake Michigan. Those who aren't afraid of heights can take a hot air balloon ride at Altitude Endeavors. And while they're up there, they'll see neighborhoods that are packed with ranch-style and traditional two-story homes priced below $200,000. Bowling Green's price hikes are due in no small part to nearby Nashville, TN, becoming more and more unaffordable. With the median home price in the country music capital hovering around $350,000 these days, Bowling Green has emerged as a strong alternative. Here buyers have their pick of two-story, traditional homes with an acre or two for around $250,000. The city is also close to the Mammoth Cave National Park, the longest cave system in the world. (It was also famously cited by counselor to the president Kellyanne Conway as the site of the "Bowling Green massacre." Two Iraqi refugees had been arrested there on charges of trying to send weapons and money to al-Qaida in 2011. But there was no massacre.) "Bowling Green has a lot of job opportunity, ranging from Western Kentucky University to Fruit of the Loom, which is headquartered here," says Hank Wilson, a local real estate agent with Crye Leike Executive Realty. "These are jobs that arent going anywhere." But the number of homes on the market isn't keeping up with the demand. "Theyre developing new neighborhoods, but construction isnt going up quick enough for the number of people interested in moving in," Wilson says. All of the engineers and tech firms that have moved to Durham, home to Research Triangle Park, are pushing home prices there out of reach for a lot of folks. To cut that mortgage payment down, many folks in Durham are heading 30 minutes west to Burlington, where finding a two-story, four-bedroom home in the suburbs for under $230,000 is still possible. That sure beats the $356,800 median list price in Durham. Yet prices here are rising fast. Even if many homeowners commute to Durham or even the state capital of Raleigh (about an hour away), they shouldn't discount the local job market in Burlington, a former textile hub that was once known as the "Hosiery Center of the South." If you've ever had to take a drug test for a new job, you've likely encountered LabCorp, a network of laboratories and a S&P 500 company headquartered here. And new residents shouldn't forget to pack their hiking boots. A local go-to is Cedarock Park, a 500-acre park at the foothills of the Cane Mountain Range. Some places pride themselves on everyone knowing each other's names. Not in Boise. With all of the new residents moving in, there are just too many new faces to keep up. Last year Idaho had the largest percentage surge in population the nation, at 12.2% from July 1, 2016, to July 1, 2017, with much of the growth happening in Boise. A number of folks in high-cost states like Oregon and Washington are crossing state lines to save some money. (The median prices in the states are $400,000 and $425,000 respectively and just $329,900 in Idaho.) They love Boise's beautiful Western vistas plus perks like the Gene Harris Jazz Festival each spring and kayaking on the Boise River. The increase in home prices might be even higher if it weren't for the huge building boom: About 1 in 4 homes listed on realtor.com in Boise City was built within the past year. These new homes, often with fenced-in backyards and huge walk-in closets, are being built in sprawling subdivisions. Many of these new homes cost under $300,000something you can't find in Seattle. A decade ago, many neighborhoods in Las Vegas were lined with foreclosed homes, making the city a poster child for the housing bubble. But things are looking up in Sin City. A combo of an improved tourist economy, younger buyers hitting the market, and an influx of folks from high-cost places in California is driving up home prices again. Millennials [in Las Vegas] have found real estate can be a great investment. When they graduated high school or college, they saw their parents losing a lot in real estate here, says Charles Profeta, broker/owner of Engel & Volkers Henderson. "But as they're getting into the meat of their careers and making good money, theyre starting to buy homes." Many of these younger folks are grabbing two-bedrooms condos and townhomes priced below $200,000 in neighborhoods such as Spring Valley, which has a suburban feel but is just a short drive into downtown. Las Vegas is way more than just tourism these days, with companies such as Zappos.com, an online retailer, growing like crazy. That's a good thing for the long-term prospects of its real estate market, since vacations are the first thing people stop spending money on when a recession rears its ugly head. Over the past few years, more millennials have been flocking to Indianapolis, attracted to the good jobs at companies like drug maker Eli Lilly and business software titan Salesforce. And they stay for the lifestyle and cheap real estate. "Whats driving up the prices is the big influx of people moving in," says Stacy Barry, a local real estate agent at Century 21 Scheetz. "Over the last few years weve started to explode." And unlike in many parts of the country, millennials are able to afford to become homeowners, with choices from townhomes near downtown, which is dotted with skyscrapers that are home to large publicly traded companies, to single-family homes in walkable suburbs like Carmel and Fishers. And all that demand is causing inventory to tighten. In fact, Indianapolis has seen the third-biggest drop in inventory among the largest markets in the country. "I just represented a new builder who created a community of townhomes. They ran for about $300,000 to $350,000, and the entire community sold out in eight months," Barry says. * A metropolitan statistical area is a designation that includes the urban core of a city and surrounding smaller towns and cities. Allison Underhill contributed to this report. The post The New Boomtowns: 10 Surprising U.S. Cities Where Home Values Are Soaring appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com. Its important to remember the job of being in Congress, with all of the noise and all of the attention being paid to everything happening, at the end of the day, the job of a member of the House is to take the views, the opinions, the ideas, the thoughts and the concerns of the district, of people, and bring it to Washington, D.C., and find policy solutions, Rubio said. He does it as well as anyone in does in Washington today, on either side of the aisle. Traveling mostly on foot, the caravan of some 4,000 migrants and a much smaller group of hundreds more are still weeks, if not months, before reaching the U.S. border. Thousands have already dropped out, applying for refugee status in Mexico or taking the Mexican government up on free bus rides back home, and the group is likely to dwindle even more during the arduous journey ahead. To the editor: By reading your newspaper, I am amazed as to how well a person can be informed, as is the case by reading [the Oct. 22] paper. On Page 4A, I was reading the article by Scott Reeder titled $300,000 no drop in the bowl. In this article, he states J.B. Pritzker spent $150 million of his own money to run for governor, which is a large amount for the average citizen of the state of Illinois. However, Mr. Pritzker was whacked on the knuckles for removing the toilets from his mansion. This lowered the values of this mansion from $6.25 million to $1.1 million. By doing this, he shorted the taxpayers of Cook County $300,000 in taxes. The next article, written by Brett Rowland, titled What can a 22 point lead do? is also very informative to assist any voter to be well-informed before voting in the upcoming election on Nov. 6. On this same page, you may read the editorial, which gives much more information on the same subject. I also suggest for more good information to go back the Sunday paper Oct. 14 and read the article titled Pensions: One problem, many ideas, written by Greg Bishop. In this article, he states our state has a $130 billion public pension liability add in other post-employment and that debt eclipses to $200 billion. After reading these articles, please remember our state of Illinois has been governed by Michael Madigan and his associates for the past 40 years. We all know our state has the third-highest taxes in the nation and we are losing inhabitants at a fast rate. This is compounding our problems for the remaining residents. To be better informed to reach a decision as how to improve our state and nation, I thoroughly recommend reading these fine articles and to vote accordingly on Nov. 6. Robert Minor South Jacksonville To the editor: This letter is in response to Jim and Trudy Youngs praise of soon-to-be-former-senator Sam McCann. McCann is running under the guise of being a true conservative as a man of the people of Illinois. McCann is anything but that. Hes lied to you from the beginning, pandering to movements and to receive power from his Senate seat for far too long. First of all, he pandered to people, saying he was a Marine on his campaign literature when he first sought election way back in 2012. Then, he refused to pay his income taxes on his construction businesses, resulting in having his licenses revoked by the state. Once again, the Edgar County Watchdogs caught him for his excessive use of mileage expenditures totaling near $80,000 out of Illinois taxpayer pockets. McCanns funding for his campaign has been anything but downstate focused. Hes used two of Michael Madigans ghost Republican candidates in the collar counties of Chicago to collect signatures for him just to get on the ballot as has been reported elsewhere. Hes accepted money from the same union that has endorsed J.B. Pritzker. The major parties have sold you up river. Its time for everyone to look elsewhere. Benjamin Cox Jacksonville As the president touched down in southwestern Pennsylvania on Tuesday, almost 2,000 demonstrators assembled not far from where some of the shooting's victims had been buried that day. The relatives of at least one victim declined to meet with Trump, pointing to his "inappropriate" remarks immediately after the shooting, when the president suggested the shooting could have been avoided if the synagogue had had an armed guard. Hall said Trump disparages the news media to bulletproof himself from criticism and to boost his credibility among his supporters. By way of explanation, she referred to a comment Trump reportedly made to "60 Minutes" correspondent Lesley Stahl when Stahl asked Trump why he was so critical of journalists: " 'You know why I do it?' " Stahl said he responded. " 'I do it to discredit you all and demean you all so that when you write negative stories about me, no one will believe you.' " The surprise here is not that Trump is either dishonest or uniformed about the legal reality. The surprise is that he is so intent on using immigration to induce his most loyal voters to vote next week. Most Americans support birthright citizenship, and most Americans respect the dictates of the Constitution. His vow is bound to alienate and motivate his critics, who are a majority of the public. Microphone and US Flag View Photos During the Democratic Weekly Address, Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) stated Republicans are threatening to cut Medicare and Social Security despite promises to the contrary and that efforts to repeal and undermine the Affordable Care Act contradict GOP promises to improve access to care for the needy. Cortez Masto was Mondays KVML Newsmaker of the Day. Here are her words: Hi, Im Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, and I have the honor of representing the Great State of Nevada in the U.S. Senate. This week, citizens around the country are getting ready to cast their ballots in the midterm elections. And they are looking for candidates that deliver on their promises. For many families in my home state, and across the country, one of the most important promises a candidate can make is the promise to support programs that keep families healthy and protect their financial security. During the 2016 election, President Donald Trump promised not to cut Medicare or Social Security, programs that help millions of Americans afford healthcare and retire with dignity. Yet, when numerous nonpartisan research groups found that Trumps tax plan would balloon the deficit and give the GOP an excuse to propose severe cuts to vital health care and retirement programs, Congressional Republicans like Mitch McConnell promised that wasnt the case. The tax cuts, they said, would pay for themselves. Last week, the Congressional Budget Office reported that the U.S. budget deficit grew to $779 billion in 2018. This 17% increase was caused in part by the GOPs tax plan, which gave away billions of dollars in tax breaks to the wealthiest individuals and big corporations, while doing little for the hard working families it promised to help. And now, to pay for their tax cuts, GOP leadership is beginning their attacks on critical programs for seniors and hardworking families in Nevada, and throughout America, by saying that Congress needs to look at the costs of these programs. This is nothing more than a veiled threat to target cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security to pay for their lavish corporate giveaway. Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security have lifted hundreds of millions of vulnerable Americans out of poverty. Ive seen firsthand the lifeline these programs provide to seniors like my grandmother, who worked as a sales clerk in Las Vegas to provide for her family and had Medicare and Social Security to rely on in her retirement. These programs provide hundreds of millions of families like mine with dignity, security, and peace of mind. Every working American has paid into Medicare and Social Security with the promise that one day those investments would ensure they could maintain a healthy standard of living into their golden years. We cannot allow Republicans to use their reckless corporate giveaway as an excuse to go after programs middle and working class families rightfully depend on. On the campaign trail, President Donald Trump and GOP candidates also promised to improve access to health care for those in need. Yet, despite two failed attempts to push health care repeal through Congress, after more than 20 million Americans gained insurance coverage over the past eight years, Senator Mitch McConnell doubled down last week. He stated in an interview that Senate Republicans are revisiting health care repeal if they have the votes in the next Congressional session. Even without the votes in the Senate, President Trump and the GOP have already taken steps to sabotage our health care system by eliminating the coverage requirement and threatening protections for people with pre-existing conditions. Already in states all across the country, its apparent that many families are paying more for health care than they would were it not for these Trump-GOP sabotage actions. In August, President Trump signed an executive order expanding access to junk plans, health insurance plans that dont cover essential services like prescription drugs, emergency room visits, and maternity care. These plans dont even include protections for people with pre-existing conditions. Two weeks ago, in a profound disservice to families and communities across the country, the Senate failed by one vote to overturn Trumps order. On top of this, Leader McConnell recently doubled down on his support for a lawsuit from Republican state attorneys general and the Trump administration, which if successful, could result in the eradication of pre-existing condition protections overnight. We cannot send Americans back to the days when patients with pre-existing conditions were denied coverage, or where insurance companies werent required to cover basic services like maternity care. We cannot allow Senate Republicans to rip away health care from millions of Americans including over 328,000 in the State of Nevada. Im proud of what my Democratic colleagues and I are fighting for in the Senate, but we cant do it alone. Now, Americans have the opportunity to make their voices heard again by heading to the polls this November. Too much is at stake to sit on the sidelines. Lets stand up for Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, pre-existing condition protections, and the peace of mind Americas seniors and hardworking families deserve. Thank you! 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. I dont think Trumps proposal is a serious one; surely his lawyers have said the same thing, Vladeck said. Birthright citizenship is about the very narrow subset of immigrants who come into the country and have babies. It has long been part of the reactionary anti-immigration platform. Theres no other obvious reason why its coming up this week. Trump is even more ignorant about how to be presidential. Hes the first president who doesnt even know how to pretend to be a unifying figure, at least for longer than it takes to read a statement. Instead, hes enraptured by the rapture of his base, feeding them red meat, dog whistles and cultural wedge issues anything to keep all of the attention, negative or positive, on him. He often says it would be so easy to be presidential, but, as he said at a Pennsylvania rally in March, youd all be out of here right now, youd be so bored. Why try to unify the country if the price is a little less applause and attention? Pizza Hut is fusing two of America's favorite pastimes -- pizza pies and pickup trucks -- in a bid to cut delivery times as fast-food competition heats up. As part of the restaurant's latest partnership with Toyota Motor Corp., Pizza Hut has unveiled a robot-operated mobile pizza factory in the bed of a modified Toyota Tundra. The prototype will use automated technology to cook pies on-the-go in six to seven minutes, letting the chain expand its delivery area without the pizzas getting cold. It's Thanksgiving month at Bill Miller BBQ. The popular San Antonio restaurant chain has announced pre-ordering for Thanksgiving meals is now available online. Lets talk turkey! We take the hassle out of cooking when you pre-order with us. Online ordering is now available, Bill Miller tweeted Monday. Orders can be placed for small parties (complete meal for 10 people, about $105 before tax), large party packs (for 20; about $185) or custom created. RELATED: 17 Halloween parties and events this week in San Antonio In addition to Thanksgiving staples like turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans and pumpkin pie, Bill Miller is also offering cream style corn, potato salad, rice, beans, three additional types of meat, five other kinds of pie and three different bread options. Orders can also include extra dressing or gravy, brownies, cobbler and Bill Miller's famous tea (sweet or unsweetened). Orders must be placed at least 24 hours in advance of pickup time, according to details on the website. All orders must be placed prior to 8:00 p.m. Nov. 19 and must be picked up before 7 p.m. November 21, Thanksgiving eve. All orders must be purchased with credit cards. Click here to place an order. S. M. Chavey is a breaking news and general assignment writer. Read her on our breaking news site, mySA.com and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com | sarah.chavey@express-news.com | @smchavey BROOKFIELD A proposed 115-unit assisted living facility aims to meet the rising demand for senior housing. Columbia Pacific Advisors, a Washington State-based company, plans to submit an application for the three-story building to the town next month. The facility would include 89 assisted living units and 26 memory care units on Federal Road. Developers will introduce the project to residents at a community meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday in Room 133 of Town Hall. We like to make sure we keep in mind peoples concerns, said Darcy Koenig, a land use consultant for the developer. Were not from there, so we dont know everything about the area and the town. Its nice to get peoples input on what they think about the project. Columbia Pacific Advisors has built or owned more than 300 senior living communities across the country. They (the developers) are always looking for areas that are in need of this type of service and Brookfield was one of those places, Koenig said. The facility would be at 291 Federal Road, a half mile down the road from The Village at Brookfield Common, an assisted living community through Benchmark Senior Living. Benchmark did not return a request for comment. First Selectman Steve Dunn said Brookfield could use another assisted living facility. The Village at Brookfield Common has a waiting list, so the two would not be in competition with each other, he said. There is more demand for assisted living these days, Dunn said. People are living longer. They want to move out of their houses. They get to the point where they cant take care of themselves in their apartment. He said his only concern is the impact the facility could have on the police and fire departments. Any time you have an assisted living facility, youre going to get more calls, but I think we can work that out, Dunn said. The facility would be built on a 4.08 acre lot. Koenig said an initial environmental test did not detect any problems at the site. There arent any concerns as far as impact to the property, she said. The assisted living community would include studios, one bedroom and two bedroom units. Private and semi-private units would be available for those in the memory care section, Koenig said. The private units would be similar to studios, while the semi-private rooms have a shared bathroom, she said. The memory care unit is for patients with Alzheimers or dementia who need more supervision, while the assisted living section would be for residents who might need some help with daily tasks, Koenig said. A theater, salon and van to take residents on errands would also be provided. The facility offers a lot of community activities to try and get their residents out and about mingling with each other, Koenig said. GREENWICH The International Space Station. NASA Johnson Space Center. Sacred Heart of Greenwich. World-renowned astronaut Peggy Whitson included the school in her orbit Monday, when she encouraged girls to be the next space explorers. Im pleased that I can be a role model for these girls, Whitson said. I know some of these ladies will be walking on the moon, or on Mars, or on Europa, or on some new discovery that we do. Im very excited for them I think the space industry is on a precipice of big change and theyll get to be a part of that. Whitson visited the private school with IBM distinguished engineer Nancy Greco, on behalf of NASA and IBM. Sacred Heart entered into a partnership this summer with them to improve its science curriculum and upgrade its observatory to include equipment for daytime viewing. Junior Piper Van Wagenen, one of Neil Armstrongs 10 grandchildren, introduced Whitson to her Sacred Heart peers as NASAs most experienced astronaut. Whitson, in turn, cited Armstrong, the first man on the moon, as a source of inspiration. While she was reluctant to feature her family connection, Van Wagenen appreciated Whitsons personal connection to her grandfather. I didnt want to take away from her accomplishments its her day, Van Wagenen said. I thought it was really nice to see that he impacted her. Whitson, a premier woman astronaut, and Greco, who has more than 20 patents and a commitment to promoting women in science, embody the changes the school is making through the partnership. Administrators say the opportunities will encourage girls to take risks, discover their passions and pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. I want to be an astronaut, senior Natalia Pazos said after the Q&A. Matt Damons performance in The Martian first inspired her, but after doing her research, Pazos is ready to use her love of math and science to follow in Whitsons footsteps. With this partnership, the girls see inspiring role models, including Whitson, Upper School head Jennifer Bensen said. Whitson broke the records for days spent in space and for spacewalks for women. She became the first female commander of the International Space Station as well as the first woman and first nonmilitary person to serve as chief of NASAs astronaut office. We know that STEAM fields are severely underrepresented by women, so when you have role models, girls are much more likely to pursue a field in STEAM, Bensen said. Van Wagenen agreed. I dont think role models are missing at this school, but maybe at other schools, she said. Astronaut selection committees are not seeing enough female candidates, Whitson told her morning audience during a Q&A that Greco moderated. The only time in recent years the committee has chosen equal numbers of women and men was in 2013, she said. In general, the number of women astronauts hovers around 25 percent. We need more young ladies to be out there applying, Whitson said. The school started integrating IBM and NASA curricula into its own this year. Our goal is to have all our students experience STEAM education in age-appropriate ways, Bensen said. Fifth-grade classrooms used NASAS Beginning Engineering, Science and Technology Curriculum to build Lunar Rovers with a few craft supplies capable of carrying an egg for 100 centimeters. Middle-school students recently tested a coding program modeled on IBMs interdisciplinary approach. The girls coded alternate endings to books they read in English class and shared those endings with their peers using a Virtual Reality headset. The head of the upper school sees the partnership increasing real-world opportunities for Sacred Hearts high-school girls. Currently, 75 students are pursuing science research, a four-year program in which they explore a topic and are matched with a professional scientist, doctor or researcher with whom they conduct research. Pazos interned at Mount Sinai Hospital for a week, and conducted research with ear, nose and throat doctors, studying how the curved lining of the stomach could be grafted to patch up throats after surgery. Having IBM scientists will unlock capabilities for students, Bensen said. The fruits of the partnership may extend beyond the school grounds, to the town and the international Sacred Heart consortia of schools. The school may open the observatory to neighboring Greenwich schools, Bensen said. Courses infused with IBM and NASA curricula offered in Greenwich, will be offered online to other Sacred Heart schools. Whitson, who is now retired, considers herself lucky to have had women mentors during her training for becoming an astronaut, which the first women astronauts who inspired her did not have. Still, she would not let underrepresentation keep her out, or prevent her from breaking records. She encouraged the girls to think the same way. I dont think you should let the fact that you might be outnumbered be a factor. It doesnt matter, Whitson said. You can break down your barriers, you can do whatever it is you want to do... You might be the pathfinder, but you can succeed. STAMFORD After outcry from parents and poor air quality test results, the district has resorted to closing Westover Magnet Elementary School for at least a week to remediate mold and other facility problems that are allowing its growth. While the school is closed, parents have the option of sending their children to the Boys and Girls Club on Stillwater Avenue for the day if they need child care, deputy superintendent Tamu Lucero announced at a Board of Education meeting Tuesday night. The closing comes after news that Northeast and Newfield elementary schools are shutting their portable classrooms for the time being due to mold infestations. The decision to close Westover was made following the end of the school day Tuesday, after the district received preliminary air quality test results from a Saturday inspection of the building. The early results showed 21 elevated mold counts out of 90 tests performed. If wed gotten these results back at 10 oclock this morning, we wouldve recommended you close school today based on the counts that we saw, Mike Handler, the citys Director of Administration, told school officials at the Tuesday night board meeting. The schools gym, not affected by the mold, will remain open for voting on Election Day, Nov. 6, said city Republican Registrar of Voters Lucy F. Corelli. The mayors office on Tuesday announced the formation of a Stamford Public School Mold Task Force consisting of Handler, interim Director of Operations Cindy Grafstein, Lucero, Chief Financial and Operations Officer Clarence Zachery and City Engineer Lou Casolo. The task force will investigate, develop and implement ongoing remediation efforts and monitoring programs while planning short-term and long-term solutions to the problem. While the initial focus is on Westover due to conditions there, the goal is to ensure the safety of and create an ongoing maintenance plan for all 20-plus Stamford Public School buildings, Handler said. Mold problems have been found throughout the district. The most recent mold status report from Stamford Public Schools shows mold was also found in the OT/PT room at Northeast. Remediation dates are to be determined. According to that report, dated Oct. 25, there is also mold in Cloonan Middle School, Hart Magnet Elementary School, KT Murphy Elementary School and Turn of River Middle School. Initial remediation has already cost the district more than $427,260, not counting custodial overtime. Right now at Westover, its not acceptable, Handler said. Thats why we closed the school. Handler said officials are prepared to keep Westover closed an additional week if needed, as well as work on it during Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks. Maintenance projects, including drain clearing, gutter repair and window caulking, will be done during this time, to prevent further mold incidents. He added that there will be an increased number of people on site during future inspections, including hygienists to identify mold and additional custodians to move ceiling tiles and speed along the process. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration will be present as well. Data will also be collected from teachers and students about symptoms of any mold-related health problems to form a better understanding of whats happening in the building. Our hope is that with the comprehensive peer review and visual inspection, coupled with the test results we get back tomorrow ... we can get a plan for remediation for each of the rooms, Handler said. The reason why school was closed was not just out of an abundance of caution, but because its the right thing to do. ... There is no physical place to put kids anymore thats safe in the school. In the meantime, the districts paraprofessional union will send staff to supervise children the Boys and Girls Club, Lucero said, and Chartwells food service will provide breakfast and lunch. Busing will remain the same, given the clubs close location to the school. Sharon Beadle, spokesperson for Stamford Public Schools, said the displaced students would be housed at the Boys and Girls Club on Wednesday apart from the students in the districts Alternative Routes to Success program, who are normally in the building during the day. After Wednesday, ARTS students will be temporarily moved to the Ferguson Library. Beadle said less than 100 students showed up to the club on Wednesday and the district will continue to re-assess the situation. Were really grateful to the Boys and Girls Club for their generosity, she said. This is sort of a whirlwind, trying to accommodate students on such short notice. While the mold is being remediated, facilities upgrades will also be made to Westover, Handler said, which will hopefully prevent future spread of mold. The ventilators in each classroom are being upgraded, drain valve systems are being replaced, gutters are being repaired, window caulking will be improved and the auditorium HVAC system will be fixed. Were not going to get this all done at once, Handler said. Were going for the low hanging fruit first. Our hope is well get the building safe for kids to occupy, well maintain it safe and well fix its underlying issues. If we dont fix underlying water intrusion issues, this is going to be a perpetual problem were dealing with for the rest of our lives. Lucero said families were notified of the closing Tuesday afternoon. According to Superintendent Earl Kim, there is no plan in place yet to make up the missing days. Suggestions have included making them up at the end of the year (pending any inclement weather days) and sending students to school during spring break. Last week, parents and staff from Westover and Newfield elementary schools spent two hours at a board meeting demanding action be taken to remedy a growing mold problem at both schools. Following the outcry, a decision was made to close the portables at Newfield. According to a letter sent to parents Monday by Northeast Principal Shawn Marinello, the portable classrooms are being closed temporarily out an abundance of caution per the recommendation of industrial hygienist company Hygenix. The letter said Hygenix conducted a further investigation of the portables and advised the school to close the portable classrooms until further testing results come later this week. Music classes, previously conducted in the portables, will now be held in homerooms. erin.kayata@stamfordadvocate.com; (203) 964-2265; @erin_kayata A home invasion at Atascocita apartment left one person wounded when gunfire erupted Monday night, police said. At least one man brandishing a gun barged into the home at the Eagle Crest Apartments in the 5300 block of Atascocita Road. The suspect shot the male resident in the abdomen just before 9 p.m., a Harris County Sheriffs Office spokesman said. DOMESTIC SITUATION: YouTube star arrested in Houston after allegedly assaulting 'My Wife and Kids' actress He was rushed to Houston Northwest Hospital, where he is expected to survive. Police did not say if the suspect responsible for the shooting was being sought. Chicagoans and their politicians have to confront a politically unpalatable reality: CPS has to consolidate and close more schools the sooner the better. The pols usual balm for all problems more money from taxpayers! wont work. Some neighborhoods are emptying out while others fill schools to capacity and beyond. Many students travel far out of their neighborhoods to reach better schools. Often that better school is a charter. Often faced with hostile boardrooms and panels that are 95 percent to 100 percent white male, it's fair to say that as a female visible minority, I've not had the easiest of rides while looking for investment since I founded my company in 2013. Numerous recent studies have found that men are able to get funding easier, despite female headed businesses generating more revenue. In fact, 38 percent of all businesses in the U.S. are owned by female entrepreneurs, yet only 2 percent of all of them receive venture financing. Related: How to Get Male Venture Capitalists to Invest in Your Female-Targeted Product Not only this, but minorities in entrepreneurship face an ongoing hostile investment environment too. A recent report from the Center for Global Policy Solutions found America is losing out on over 1.1 million minority-owned businesses due to discriminatory financing practices, resulting in foregoing over 9 million potential jobs and $300 billion in collective national income. After being forced to face questions from male panels asking me if I had read any books on "how to be an entrepreneur" or "how to grow a business," I followed alternative funding channels to grow my completely bootstrapped business to what it has become today. In this article, I'll share my personal insight into the struggles faced for women minorities in the tech world, and how to gain investment and overcome barriers for anyone who is not white and male that's trying to make it in tech. 1. Leverage contacts. Utilize whom you know: friends, family, former colleagues, college alumni, especially if you've remained in the same industry. I come from a tech background after working in the hardware, software and cloud industry prior to founding my company, and found engaging my multiple networks not only helpful for customers and partnerships, but also for providing further connections and valuable feedback. Ties built through connections made at conferences, business and alumni events can lead to great sources of new ideas and information. Valuable referrals and connections can also be provided this way. Nowadays, with an increase in coworking spaces, startup community organizations and accelerator ran startup events, it's becoming easier for founders to meet more people in the industry in their day-to-day life. Related: 'We Built This Company List By List,' Says the Co-Founder of This At-Home Fertility Testing Startup 2. Be creative with alternative ways to access funding. Apply for government grants. My company received funding from Business Development Canada -- options in the U.S. include the Small Business Investment Company Program (SBIC), Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and State and Local Business Assistance. We also received a grant to work with students from a local college on developing data analytic solutions and artificial intelligence for innovative mobile and software applications, from the Ontario Centres of Excellence and the Natural Sciences and the Engineering Council of Canada. Financial institutions have more faith than investors. Banks will provide financial backing on loans to startups that approach them with a solid business plan. Don't forget to consider the numerous funds that have been designed to democratize the funding landscape, such as HACK Fund, or equity crowdfunding platforms like Bloomio. There are a number of VC funds that focus on women run companies in tech. Funds such as Backstage Capital invest specifically in women and POC, and Halogen Ventures invests in female founded consumer technology. Related: My Female-Led Company Raised $6.25 Million in 2.5 Years. Here's How We Did It. 3. Make sure you have a solid business plan that can face the scrutiny of any potential funding body. Unfortunately, gaining $5 million in investment off the bat for a concept alone is unforeseeable for a non-white female in tech. However, by building a solid brand and broad client base, female minority led startups can prove themselves to alternative sources of funding that aren't VC. Include hard data like revenue, facts, numbers and metrics in your pitch -- this way your legitimacy as a successful investment opportunity is less likely to be disputed. You always have to be prepared for raising funding, but as a woman or person from a minority group you have to be 100 times as prepared. Cover all bases, have more information than they want, and show any doubters that you are the real deal. Related: How to Get Funded as a Female Minority-Led Tech Startup 3 Female-Friendly Fundraising Options You Should Know 98 Percent of VC Funding Goes to Men. Can Women Entrepreneurs Change a Sexist System? Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved Law clerks, ethics professors and advocates of court transparency pressed Tuesday for greater disclosure and accountability about misconduct complaints against federal judges who wield tremendous power in insular courthouses throughout the country. Chief Justice John Roberts proposed revamping the disciplinary system following sexual misconduct claims against Alex Kozinksi, a once prominent appeals court judge in California. Kozinski stepped down last year after The Washington Post reported 15 women accused him of a range of misconduct. The proposed changes cover the handling of workplace harassment claims and were reviewed during a daylong hearing in Washington led by appeals court judges Ralph Erickson and Anthony Scirica. Legal experts and reform advocates urged the creation of a national, confidential reporting system, independent investigations and greater disclosure to enhance public confidence in the courts. "Transparency should be the default," Gabe Roth, executive director of Fix the Court, said in written testimony. "Neither a judge's written response to a complaint nor any disciplinary action should remain private." Charles Geyh, a legal ethics professor at Indiana University, told a panel of 10 judges that the Kozinski controversy exposed serious gaps in the court's disciplinary system. Theprocess in which judges discipline each other, he said, is particularly problematic and gives judges too much discretion to look the other way. The system should "be about promoting public confidence" rather than "self-protection," he said. The draft changes would not apply to the Supreme Court, which is not bound by the misconduct rules, although several people submitted testimony suggesting any overhaul extend to the justices. Earlier this month, Roberts referred more than a dozen complaints filed against now-Justice Brett Kavanaugh to a federal appeals court in Colorado. The complaints against Kavanaugh relate to statements he made during his contentious Senate confirmation hearings and were initially filed with the appeals court in Washington, where he was a judge for 12 years. The revised rules clearly define prohibited abusive and harassing behavior and are designed to protect employees from retaliation for reporting or disclosing judicial misconduct. Under the draft, all judges who hear about bad behavior by a colleague are required to report it to the court's chief judge. More than 650 law students signed a letter urging more sweeping overhaul and said the draft rules "do not go far enough to confront major gaps in information and reduce barriers to reporting." "As law students and future judicial employees, many of us would refuse to file a report under such conditions, for fear of facing retaliation and damaging future career prospects," according to the letter. Law clerks rely on relationships with the judges they serve for recommendations for higher level clerkships, positions at law firms and in academia. Clerks have been concerned that reporting would violate confidentiality policies about case work conducted in an individual judge's chambers and uncomfortable reporting to another judge who may be friends with the accused. Alyssa Peterson, a third-year law student at Yale who helped organize the letter and testified Tuesday, said there is widespread concern among her peers. Without a reporting system that works, she said, the "rest of the changes don't matter." "We don't know how many Alex Kozinskis are out there," Peterson said of the former judge for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit. Former law clerks called for the creation of a national reporting system and an independent investigative process so that judges are not tasked with reviewing allegations filed against their colleagues on the bench. "This arrangement not only puts judges in difficult positions; it also compromises employees' and the general public's confidence in the judiciary's handling of misconduct complaints," former clerks, Kendall Turner and Jaime Santos, wrote on behalf of the organization they founded, Law Clerks for Workplace Accountability. Misconduct complaints are typically confidential and do not become public until they are fully investigated. The chief judge of a circuit court normally reviews complaints against judges in that local circuit. Complaints can be transferred "in exceptional circumstances" by the chief justice to another circuit if the local chief judge concludes it cannot properly handle the claims, for instance, because of the high visibility of the matter. Roberts referred Kozinski's case for review by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit. After Kozinski stepped down, the circuit announced it was closing the investigation because it no longer had jurisdiction over the former judge. The chief justice this month referred the 15 complaints filed against Kavanaugh - that he was dishonest and lacked judicial temperament during his Senate testimony - to the 10th Circuit but because misconduct rules do not apply to Supreme Court justices it is unclear what will become of that review. Paul Horvitz, who filed one of the complaints against Kavanaugh, told the committee in prepared testimony that the rules should require prompt public disclosure of any claim against a judge seeking confirmation to a higher court. The D.C. Circuit announced the complaints about Kavanaugh two weeks after the appeals court sent the first transfer request to the Supreme Court. "The announcement came on a Saturday, hours before the judge was sworn in," wrote Horvitz, an editor in Massachusetts. "This does not inspire confidence, but you can fix this." The changes proposed to the code and rules must be approved by the Judicial Conference of the United States, the governing body for the federal court system. - - - The Washington Post's Matt Zapotosky contributed to this report First, the Lucas museum would have been owned by the Lucas camp. The use agreement pending before the City Council calls for the Obama Foundation to turn over ownership of the campus and its buildings to the city once its all built. The foundation wont get any tax-based funding for operating or capital expenditures. It also would pay for the upkeep of the campus. Morgan County Sheriff ARRESTS, CITATIONS Logan Z. West, 22, of 2568 Twyford Road was booked into the Morgan County jail at 4:44 a.m. Sunday on a driving under the influence charge. Jacksonville Police ARRESTS, CITATIONS Issac G. Rosenberg, 21, of Alton was booked into the Morgan County jail at 8:16 p.m. Saturday on a criminal trespassing charge. Kevin A. Cooper, 26, of 523 W. College Ave. was booked into the Morgan County jail at 12:14 a.m. Sunday on a charge of driving without a license and warrants accusing him of failing to appear in court on charges of domestic battery and contempt of court. Chasten D. Hughes, 18, of 2451 Lindbergh Blvd., Springfield, was booked into the Morgan County jail at 2:21 a.m. Sunday on a possession of liquor by a minor charge. Elizabeth L. Schafer, 18, of 202 Eagle Ridge Drive, Chatham, was booked into the Morgan County jail at 2:23 a.m. Sunday on an illegal possession/transportation of liquor charge. Saun D. Ballard, 30, of 342 W. State St. was booked into the Morgan County jail at 5:03 a.m. Sunday on a charge of resisting a peace officer. Steven E. Easley, 38, of 602 Jordan St. was booked into the Morgan County jail at 11:35 p.m. Sunday on charges of domestic battery and possession of a controlled substance. BURGLARIES, THEFTS A safe containing an unspecified amount of money was taken from a residence in the 1200 block of South East Street between 1:40 and 6 p.m. Sunday, according to a report filed at 10 p.m. Sunday. South Jacksonville Police ARRESTS, CITATIONS Issac G. Rosenberg, 21, of Alton was booked into the Morgan County jail at 3:18 a.m. Sunday on charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of a narcotic instrument. Bobby E. Hyde, 42, of East St. Louis was booked into the Morgan County jail at 5:08 p.m. Sunday on charges of driving while license is revoked or suspended and speeding. State Police ARRESTS, CITATIONS Cole M. Hoots, 21, of 905 Crabtree Lane, Winchester, was booked into the Morgan County jail at 1:28 a.m. Sunday on charges of driving under the influence and illegal possession/transportation of liquor. Pike County Sheriff ARRESTS, CITATIONS Antony Q. Burns, 30, of New Salem was arrested at 9:24 p.m. Sunday on a petition to revoke conditional discharge. Randy L. Jones, 21, of Louisiana, Missouri, was arrested at 6:02 p.m. Saturday on a charge of driving while license is suspended or revoked. Scott B. Shamblin, 59, of Pittsfield was arrested at 9:23 p.m. Saturday on charges of driving while license is suspended or revoked, driving under the influence, illegal transportation of alcohol by a driver and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Jeffrey S. Krupinski, 51, of Pittsfield was arrested at 7:07 p.m. Friday on a charge of aggravated sexual abuse. Nena M. Lothridge, 30, of Pittsfield was arrested at 4:16 p.m. Friday on a possession of methamphetamine charge. Kyle W. Wassell, 34, of Pittsfield was arrested at 2:23 p.m. Friday on a charge of fleeing to elude. Antoine K. McClain, 25, of Galesburg was arrested at 7:41 p.m. Thursday on charges of theft and obstructing justice and on an unspecified Knox County felony warrant. Sckid A. Hodges, 27, of Camden, Arkansas, was arrested at 2:43 p.m. Thursday on charges of driving while license is suspended or revoked, operating an uninsured motor vehicle and having a defective windshield. Ryan T. Brown, 31, of Baylis was arrested at 4:40 p.m. Thursday on a harassment through electronic device charge. Susan R. Severs, 27, of Hannibal, Missouri, was arrested at 2:27 a.m. Thursday on charges of driving under the influence, failing to reduce speed and improper lane use. Laura M. Bequette, 55, of Nebo was arrested at 2:47 p.m. Thursday on a possession of methamphetamine charge and on four unspecified warrants. John A. Pope, 23, of Chicago was arrested at 11:42 p.m. Oct. 22 on an Illinois Department of Corrections warrant. Compiled by Samantha McDaniel-Ogletree, David C.L. Bauer More than a day after a brand-new Boeing Co. 737 Max jet flown by Indonesia's Lion Air plunged into the Java Sea, the search for the plane failed to yield much as investigators continued the grim task of uncovering the cause of the deadly crash. Indonesia's National Transportation Safety Board said in a statement Tuesday that it's scouring the likely location where the aircraft fell and sifting through debris to find the flight-data and cockpit-voice recorders documenting the aircraft's final moments. The divers have yet to locate the fuselage or the tail and the agency said it plans to widen the search area to a 15-nautical miles radius from Wednesday. The accident -- all 189 on board are feared dead -- is the first for Boeing's most-advanced 737, which began flying for airlines last year, and is the worst commercial aviation disaster in three years. There were already hints of possible causes: a request by pilots to return to the airport, a maintenance issue on a previous flight and erratic air speed tracked before the jet's final dive. But the limited and sometimes contradictory information about the flight doesn't obviously match any previous accidents, said Steve Wallace, the former head of accident investigations at the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. "I have no most-likely scenario in my head for this accident," Wallace said. Indonesia's rescue agency said 34 boats were deployed in the search, involving more than 800 military and civilian personnel. As of Tuesday, they had managed to collect more aircraft pieces, body parts and personal belongings, it said. The safety regulator said agencies in Argentina to Singapore and the U.S. have offered assistance. The crash is a setback for Indonesia's efforts to improve air safety, after the country successfully lobbied to reverse a ban that had barred its carriers, including Lion Air, from flying to the European Union. A team of investigators from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, Boeing and engine maker CFM International -- a joint venture of General Electric Co. and Safran SA -- will assist a probe spearheaded by Indonesian authorities. The two-month-old 737 Max 8, operating as Flight 610, took off from the capital, Jakarta, headed for the island tourist destination of Pangkalpinang, at 6:20 a.m. local time Monday. Air-traffic controllers lost contact 13 minutes later when the plane was at an altitude of about 3,000 feet, according to Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency. The aircraft, registered as PK-LQP, had experienced a maintenance delay on its previous flight from Denpasar late Sunday but was cleared by engineers to make the morning trip, Lion Air Chief Executive Officer Edward Sirait told reporters in Jakarta. The jet had just 800 hours of flight time after beginning service in August, according to Indonesia's National Transportation Safety Committee. Flightradar24's track of the flight shows the plane rising and climbing repeatedly with the speed also varying, both of which aren't typical on the latest, computer-driven aircraft. Multiple failures involving the plane's crew and equipment on the plane are possible explanations, from an erroneous speed indication to some sort of electronic interruption. Shortly after takeoff from Jakarta, one of the pilots requested permission to return to the airport, indicating the crew may have been struggling with some type of failure. The weather probably wasn't a factor, according to the Indonesian safety committee. In its final seconds, the airliner was moving downward at a speed of about 350 miles (560 kilometers) an hour, far above the typical rate for a descent, according to preliminary data transmitted by the plane to ground stations and monitored by Flightradar24. That information will need to be verified with the more authoritative flight recorders, known as black boxes. "This thing really comes unglued," John Cox, the president of consulting company Safety Operating Systems, who has participated in numerous crash investigations. "The numbers are barely believable." Indonesia has ordered an inspection of all Boeing 737 Max 8 planes operated by Lion Air and flag carrier PT Garuda Indonesia, according to Transport Minister Budi Karya Sumadi. Prior to Monday's tragedy, Lion Air had suffered seven hull losses, or aircraft damaged beyond the point of repair, in 18 years of service, according to the Aviation Safety Network database. The rapidly growing carrier is the third-largest customer for the Max, trailing only Flydubai and Southwest Airlines Co., according to Boeing's website. First delivered to Lion's Malindo subsidiary, the narrow-body Max family of aircraft is Boeing's fastest-selling 737 version. As of the end of September, Boeing had an order backlog of over 4,564 of the single-aisle planes and its order book is largely sold out through 2023. In Asia, where several dozen low-cost carriers have emerged over the last decade, customers include India's SpiceJet Ltd. and state-owned, full-service carrier China Southern Airlines Co. The latest version of the 737 family, Boeing's biggest source of profit, competes with Airbus SE's A320neo range of jets. Indonesia's search-and-rescue agency said bodies of most victims were probably trapped inside the fuselage of the plane in the seabed. The search is focused on a 124-nautical-mile area in the Java Sea, he said. Based on the number of people on the plane, the incident is the most lethal since a Russian Metrojet-operated Airbus A321 carrying 224 people went down over Egypt in 2015 due to a bomb smuggled aboard. The last major air accident in Indonesia was in December 2014 when an AirAsia Indonesia Airbus A320 crashed into the sea during a flight from Surabaya to Singapore with 162 people on board. Lion Air, owned by closely held PT Lion Mentari Airlines, is among the largest customers for Boeing and Airbus aircraft, and its rapid growth is emblematic of both the promise and challenge for aviation in Indonesia. The Jakarta-based budget carrier has taken delivery of 13 of the 201 Max planes it ordered in 2012 as part of a deal valued at $22.4 billion based on list prices. Still, the airline has seen its share of accidents and runway mishaps over the years. The most recent hull loss was in 2013, when a two-month-old Boeing 737-800 landed in the water short of a runway at Denpasar-Ngurah Rai Bali International Airport. While the aircraft fuselage broke apart on impact, there were no fatalities. Indonesia's domestic airline market has boomed in recent years to become the world's fifth largest travel market. Domestic airline traffic more than tripled between 2005 and 2017 to 97 million, according to Center for Aviation. Carriers have struggled with safety issues partly as a result of the pace of that expansion, as well as issues intrinsic to a region of mountainous terrain, equatorial thunderstorms and often underdeveloped aviation infrastructure. Lion Air was among Indonesian airlines that were banned by the EU from 2007 through 2016, according to the Aviation Safety Network database maintained by the Flight Safety Foundation. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, which also audits safety in other countries, followed a similar track as Europe. It found that the country didn't have adequate aviation laws and standards during the same 10-year period. The European Commission said there'd been "no indication" that safety levels at Lion Air or safety oversight in Indonesia as a whole had deteriorated. The decision to remove Indonesian carriers from the banned list was taken in 2016 on the basis of expert analysis, Commission spokesman Enrico Brivio told reporters in Brussels on Monday. After Monday's crash, Australia's government barred its officials and contractors from flying with Lion Air until further notice, and said the decision will be reviewed when findings of the accident investigation are clear. Bloomberg photo by David Paul Morris WASHINGTON - On Tuesday, President Donald Trump said he will try to end the right to U.S. citizenship for babies born in the United States to noncitizens. He will issue an executive order, he said, to override the 14th Amendment, which states that "all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside." "We're the only country in the world where a person comes in and has a baby, and the baby is essentially a citizen of the United States . . . with all of those benefits," Trump said in an interview with Axios. Such an order would undoubtedly violate the first sentence of the 14th Amendment and seemingly ignore the Supreme Courts take on the issue in United States v. Wong Kim Ark (1898). In a 6-2 vote, the majority of the justices affirmed that a child born to non-citizens in the United States was a citizen. It's becoming more likely that San Antonio trick-or-treaters will see thunderstorms Wednesday evening, according to the National Weather Service. In an updated forecast released Tuesday morning, meteorologists raised the chance of severe thunderstorms in the Alamo City from marginal to slight. In emotional testimony Monday, a former ballerina for Ballet San Antonio said she was awakened by a fellow dancer having sex with her without her consent after they went out with friends in 2017. Hugo Ihosvany Rodriguez, a once-rising star for the group, is on trial, accused of rape. He pleaded not guilty. The trial resumed Monday after allegations of discovery violations against prosecutors delayed the trial more than a week after the jury was selected. The Express-News does not identify victims of sexual assault. Prosecutor Anna Scott called Rodriguezs accuser as the states first witness Monday. The woman told the jury that she, Rodriguez and several members of the company went to a co-workers house for a party March 12, 2017, and then afterward to a bar to drink. RELATED: San Antonio man convicted of killing father sentenced She said around 1 a.m., she and her roommate, also a co-worker, decided to go home, while the others planned on going to a club to dance. "I was tired. We'd been drinking, I knew it was time for bed, she testified. Once home, she said she took her makeup off, brushed her teeth and went to bed. A few hours later, she woke up because she felt him, she said. He was inside me, having sex with me, raping me, she told the jury. I woke up because I felt him. It kind of took me a second to focus my eyes." The woman said she told him to stop, and pushed him off of her. I was confused, I didn't understand, I didn't know how he got there, she said. After she told Rodriguez to leave, the woman located her phone and saw the defendant had sent her numerous text messages that night, asking to go to her apartment. She never responded because she was asleep, she told the jury. RELATED: SAPD: 1 dead in triple stabbing near running trail The woman testified she banged on her roommate's door because she said she was scared. I just broke down and started crying uncontrollably, she said. I asked her around 10 times, How did he get in here? The roommate told her Rodriguez showed up at the apartment and persuaded her to let him in. She recalled he once had slept there because he drank too much and couldnt drive. Did you want him to stay? Did you want to have sex? Did you consent, Scott asked the woman. No, she responded to each question. Defense attorneys James Tocci and Kelly McGinnis attempted to discredit Rodriguezs accuser, whom they said had to be persuaded by her friends to press charges. In his opening statement, Tocci told the court there was no rape. His client was extremely cooperative through the whole process with the alleged victim and the police. This was no way a sexual assault, he told the jury. They had sex. Thats that. The case is being heard in the 175th state District Court with Judge Catherine Torres-Stahl presiding. 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 A pair of suspects allegedly in possession of meth and heroin were released from custody in January after law enforcement agents learned they were suffering from staph infections, according to an arrest affidavit. At least one of the suspects, Lori Virginia De La Vega, 32, has since been apprehended on a warrant for two charges of possession of a controlled substance. She was booked into the Bexar County Jail Monday on a $20,000 bond. RELATED: SAPD: 1 dead in stabbing by running trail near Ingram Park Mall According to De La Vega's affidavit, a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper assigned to the violent crimes task force noticed her in San Antonio on Jan. 20. The trooper saw her get out of a U-Haul vehicle, run into the middle of the roadway and start yelling. She later got back into the truck and was joined by a second suspect, Brendan Delvin Duganne, authorities said. The pair then started traveling towards downtown San Antonio, but De La Vega "appeared to be having difficulty maintaining a single lane." The trooper contacted backup, and another trooper attempted to pull the pair over in the 300 block of Santa Rosa. But rather than pull over, the De La Vega stopped in the middle of the road and refused to exit the car, police said. She and Duganne eventually got out and were secured on the side of the road while the troopers moved the U-Haul out of the way. RELATED: DPS: 18 San Antonio zip codes with the most registered sex offenders According to the arrest affidavit, the troopers found meth in Duganne's shirt pocket and heroin in the U-Haul. The troopers decided to not immediately jail the two because they were both suffering from staph infections and believed "that the Bexar County Jail would not accept them." They sent in the drugs for testing, and when they were positively identified as meth and heroin, authorities secured a warrant for De La Vega. It is unclear in Duganne has yet been charged. Text "NEWS" to 77453 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com Caleb Downs covers crime in San Antonio and Bexar County. Read him on our breaking news site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com | cdowns@mysa.com | @calebjdowns Several Facebook commenters are balking at a Halloween safety tip shared by the San Antonio Police Department advising residents to keep their little trick-or-treaters in their own neighborhood. "I will take my children where I please. Thank you very much," wrote one. Hundreds of registered sex offenders across San Antonio will be kept off the streets on Halloween and in a mandatory meeting that allows law enforcement to keep an eye on them. For the ninth year in a row, Project SAFE Halloween will meet from 5:30 to 10 p.m. on Wednesday at an undisclosed location in San Antonio. The meeting is mandatory for all registered sex offenders on probation in Bexar County. Anyone who doesn't show up will be tracked down by law enforcement and face legal penalties. Shannon Jones, the supervisor of the Sex Offender Management Unit of the Adult Probation Department, said there are roughly 650 such offenders in the county. This year, some of them will miss the meeting to attend their regularly scheduled, court-ordered sex offender therapy sessions at locations across the city. Jones said they'll be monitored at the sessions just as they would be at the mandatory meeting. RELATED: SAPD: 1 dead in stabbing by running trail near Ingram Park Mall The rest of the offenders will be under the supervision of Bexar County Sheriff's Office gang and field units at the meeting, where they will review sex offender registration and probationary law. "It's a felony offense to not register as a sex offender," Jones said, "and one of the things they like to say in court is that they didn't know. But they're reminded at least once a year, so it's not an issue they can raise in court. It's a way to reinforce that we're all on the same page." Jones said the offenders will be released from the meeting in waves beginning at 9:15 p.m. so there's not a "huge concentration of sex offenders flooding the street." "That's not fair to anybody," she said. Jones still recommends parents be vigilant when trick-or-treating with their children this year. Text "NEWS" to 77453 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com Caleb Downs covers crime in San Antonio and Bexar County. Read him on our breaking news site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com | cdowns@mysa.com | @calebjdowns While I do not condone the actions of those who interrupt private dinners, there is no equivalence between President Barack Obama saying "argue with them, get in their faces" and President Donald Trump saying "knock the crap out of them." There is no equivalence between Democrats protesting family separation as a cruel and misguided tactic to curb immigration and Republicans who falsely describe a caravan of potential immigrants as an "invasion" threatening to overwhelm the country with terrorists. In a new batch of recordings set to be released today by the Go Vote No campaign, firefighters union President Chris Steele is heard boasting about how he will place pressure on the city council and Mayor Ron Nirenberg to secure a good contract for firefighters. Go Vote No is expected to release the excerpts at a Tuesday news conference as part of its effort to persuade voters to reject three union-supported city charter amendments on the Nov. 6 ballot. The campaign said the recordings are evidence that Steele is a hypocrite who claims the amendments are in the public interest but whose real aim is to amass power and exact retribution against Nirenberg and other adversaries. The San Antonio Express-News independently obtained the excerpts from a Fire Department source. They were made surreptitiously while Steele was speaking to on-duty firefighters at a fire station in late 2017. In the recordings, Steele brags about the San Antonio Professional Fire Fighters Associations political strength. I can shut down anything in Austin. Even with (Republican Speaker of the House) Joe Straus gone, we can pass whatever we want to pass, Steele is heard saying. He talks about plans to take a pound of flesh from council members who opposed the union and to make Nirenberg cry uncle. The unions Vote Yes campaign said in a statement that City Manager Sheryl Sculley and her puppet mayor keep wanting to make this about Chris Steele because they are afraid of losing unchecked power. These propositions are supported by a broad cross-section of San Antonio because voters are sick of City Hall backroom deals and annual property tax increases. Go to expressnews.com to read more about the secret recordings. Josh Baugh is a staff writer in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | jbaugh@express-news.net | Twitter: @jbaugh Eighty years ago this week, CBS broadcast Orson Welles's adaptation of "War of the Worlds," and mass panic ensued. Or did it? We know today that the popular story of the mass panic sparked by "War of the Worlds," a radio drama staged as a normal news broadcast interrupted by breaking reports of an alien invasion, was far overblown. In a nation of about 130 million people, a generous reading would conclude that fewer than 50 Americans were panicked enough by the broadcast to flee outside. That number emerges from recent scholarship by historian A. Brad Schwartz and others who've explored the scope of the panic in the past decade. And of that small number, nobody can be certain how many people were spooked by anxious telephone calls from friends and family rather than the broadcast. But the myth that thousands - and as many as 1 million - mobbed the streets remains powerful. Sensationalist journalism at the time was later validated by social scientists and relayed by historians, creating a well-sourced myth that just won't die. Efforts to debunk this myth reveal that fake news doesn't just distort the historical record but also often spreads damaging racial and gendered stereotypes. Newspapers that reported on the panic did so in ways that advanced ideas of racial inferiority. "Harlem was shaken by the 'news,' " read one largely forgotten subhead in the New York Times. In "the parlor churches in the Negro district ... evening services became 'end of the world' prayer meetings." The Brooklyn Daily Eagle offered a similar, if more fanciful, account. "Sugar Hill in Harlem was transformed from a gay neighborhood into one in which sober, frightening thoughts were uppermost. Excited Negroes rushed into the parlor congregations they had ignored for years to join in singing spirituals. They were welcomed by their more pious brothers and sisters with 'I told you so,' as they changed their tune from swinging and swigging to hymning and praying," the newspaper reported. The Newark Star-Eagle, New Jersey's most widely circulated newspaper, relayed a typical anecdote. "One officer said he saw a colored boy rush out of a grocery store, after hearing the radio, and turn as 'white as the milk bottle he was carrying.' The lad, screaming at the top of his voice, fled for home." These were scenes straight out of the then-popular "Amos 'n' Andy" radio show being passed off as journalism. Readers in 1938 would have recognized the minstrelsy being proffered here: The comedic stereotype of the easily spooked African American appeared widely in that era's media. Even by ethical standards of the time, the widespread promotion of such denigrating stereotypes in news reports would have been considered unprofessional. The racism in these reports was often coupled with gender stereotypes. Frightened mobs of women and children made appearances in newspapers throughout America. One famous example emerged from Providence, Rhode Island, when "women in hysterical tears . . . besieged the switchboard of the Providence Journal." Reports of phantom crowds of women ("with children clinging to them") were spread widely across the syndicated wire services. As with the mobs of frightened African Americans, none of these women were identified or quoted. Even the policemen involved apparently preferred to withhold their identities. Everyone remained nameless, obscured by anonymity. When researchers from Princeton University later analyzed approximately 12,000 news articles about the panic, the review "failed to produce more than a half dozen interviews" for a follow-up study. That's because, with very few exceptions, real names of actual people weren't published - but racist and misogynistic stereotypes were. Some newspapers, however, searched for facts, not tropes. And quite a few discovered little actual panic. "Maine Refused to Get Excited," read the headline of a piece in the Lewiston Daily Sun. Reporters called police departments in Maine's three largest cities and discovered that "only one . . . call was made to Portland's morning newspaper offices, and police signal officers escaped entirely the busy hours their mates throughout the country put in assuring the anxiety of frightened citizens." "The nationwide wave of hysteria generated by the Sunday night broadcast . . . apparently failed to affect Dubuque," noted the Telegraph-Herald in Dubuque, Iowa. In Chicago, Salt Lake City and elsewhere, some newspapers relayed the lack of any detectable local panic. Perhaps the most professional reporting to occur that evening came out of the Long Island Daily Press newsroom. Once the phone started ringing, the Press's reporters and editors got an idea. They decided to conduct a telephone poll of 50 people, and found only four were tuned into the broadcast but "none of them were upset." More than half of the people telephoned weren't even listening to the radio, thus confirming the findings of the C.E. Hooper nationwide ratings survey. The Hooper survey established that the ratings for "War of the Worlds" were tiny, and it concluded that 98 percent of Americans were listening to something else, or not listening to the radio, when "War of the Worlds" was on the air. The Daily Press telephone survey was excellent journalism. Once alerted to a rumor, the newspaper's staff investigated its reality and reported results. Yet nobody has cited their work. It was forgotten until Tom Tryniski digitized the defunct newspaper's front page and put it on the Web, where we found it. The discovery of this forgotten reporting, when compared with the cultural memory inspired by the media's sensationalism, pinpoints the issues arising when historians inadvertently rely on the fake news from the past. In this case, the mass panic as commonly understood didn't happen - but newspaper journalists believed that readers would pay for stories about huge mobs of panic-stricken citizens. Their unethical and sensational journalism was a response to economic and social incentives. (Today's fake news is responsive to these same incentives.) The story of the "War of the Worlds" mass panic was overhyped and underreported, and it's only recently that revisionist scholars have been able to clarify the historical record. This episode provides a clear example of the process by which fake news can quickly become ingrained deeply in American culture. Political decisions, governmental administrative moves and even social theory in the United States were made based on the idea that masses of panicked listeners fled their homes, terrorized by the radio - even though it didn't happen that way. The lesson is clear. Both journalists and scholars need to be more self-aware and skeptical whenever sensational stories about media manipulation arise. These stories are so irresistible that they can become too-quickly enshrined as fact, told again and again as anecdote until historians eventually certify the myths as reality. That process didn't begin and end in 1938. Today's fake news can just as easily inform tomorrow's social psychology and history textbooks. That's the ultimate lesson we're hoping we've taught with our "War of the Worlds" work, and we hope it's one that scholars will continue to consider. --- Pooley is associate professor of media & communication at Muhlenberg College and writes on history of media research. Socolow teaches journalism at the University of Maine and is the author of "Six Minutes in Berlin: Broadcast Spectacle and Rowing Gold at the Nazi Olympics." In announcing his decision to withdraw from the 1987 Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty, President Donald Trump cited Russias repeated violations and the fact that the treaty does not bind China, which is engaged in the worlds most ambitious ballistic missile development program. But Trumps withdrawal may also be designed for another purpose. It sends a subtle but unmistakable message to North Korea: If you refuse to denuclearize, we can now surround your country with short- and medium-range missiles that will allow us to strike your regime without warning. At the moment, the Trump administration appears to be making little progress in nuclear talks with Pyongyang. The threat of deployment of intermediate-range missiles in Asia could change the dynamics of those negotiations. Recall that in 1983, President Ronald Reagan announced plans to deploy hundreds of U.S. intermediate-range Pershing II missiles in Western Europe in response to the Soviet Unions deployment of SS-20 nuclear missiles. The U.S. deployment sparked mass protests throughout Europe, but it also put enormous pressure on Moscow and in so doing laid the groundwork for a series of arms control breakthroughs, including the INF Treaty. By withdrawing from the INF Treaty, Trump can now put similar pressure on Pyongyang. The treaty barred both conventional and nuclear land-based missiles with a range of 300 to 3,400 miles. Freed from the treatys constraints, the United States can now deploy hundreds of conventional short- and medium-range missiles to bases in Asia, including in Guam (2,100 miles from North Korea) and Japan (650 miles). There would no longer be a need to send U.S. aircraft carriers on temporary deployments to waters off the Korean Peninsula as a sign of military strength. The deployment of intermediate-range missiles in the region would put North Korea permanently in our crosshairs. Pyongyang certainly does not want these U.S. missiles on its doorstep. Neither does Beijing, which knows such a deployment would restore U.S. military supremacy in the Pacific. According to Adm. Harry Harris, former commander of U.S. Pacific Command, China possesses the largest and most diverse missile force in the world and 95 percent of its missiles would violate the INF (Treaty) if China was a signatory. The fact that Beijing has such missiles, while the United States does not, puts the United States at a strategic disadvantage in any conflict with Beijing. As my American Enterprise Institute colleague Dan Blumenthal pointed out in the Washington Post, our only possible response would be to strike China with intercontinental ballistic missiles an unacceptable escalation. By contrast, the U.S. withdrawal from the INF Treaty allows deployment of conventional mobile ground-based missiles in Guam and Japan, improving our ability to deter Chinese aggression. Trump can deploy Tomahawk cruise missiles on ground launchers to the Pacific almost immediately after withdrawal from the treaty. Withdrawal would also pave the way for U.S. development and deployment of new missiles banned by the treaty, as well as new hypersonic weapons which travel five times faster than the speed of sound to compete with Chinas massive investment in these capabilities. This would be a massive strategic setback to both China and North Korea. So by withdrawing from the INF Treaty, and clearing the way for such deployments, Trump has given the United States a massive new bargaining chip. North Korea now has a new incentive to denuclearize, and China has a new strategic interest pressuring them to do so. It still may not work. But if those negotiations fail, Trumps INF Treaty withdrawal has given the United States a fallback option that will allow Washington to more effectively deter both Beijing and Pyongyang and reassert American military primacy in the region. Fake News Must End! he tweeted Monday. There is great anger in our Country caused in part by inaccurate, and even fraudulent, reporting of the news. The Fake News Media, the true Enemy of the People, must stop the open & obvious hostility & report the news accurately & fairly. That will do much to put out the flame ... of Anger and Outrage and we will then be able to bring all sides together in Peace and Harmony. Fake News Must End! I dont ever want to hear again how dangerous, unruly or angry the Democrats are from anyone, especially the White House! These pipe bombs are the result of the rhetoric of Donald Trump at his rallies, in his tweets and in his speeches and statements. There are no pipe bombs being sent to the right! His rhetoric has amped up the rage against any who he perceives as his enemies, which includes anyone who ever disagrees with him! No one on the left is safe, clearly, from these crazies whose irrationality he has stoked into a frenzy. Will he own it? No. Will he care? Probably not. He doesnt care about who he harms, who he hurts, who dies, as evidenced by the Turkish journalist, the children along the border, the media or any of the politicians he has mocked and taunted, as long as we won, it seems anything is on the table In a rally in Montana, he lauded the politician who body-slammed a reporter and hinted that George Soros, a philanthropist, is funding the asylum-seekers heading for the border, much like he accused the women who marched of being funded by him. Enough! You have lost any claim to any moral high ground! It wasnt enough that he mocked a disabled reporter. It wasnt a deal breaker when he was accused by numerous women of molesting them and admitted (on an Access Hollywood tape) that he was a sexual predator. It didnt turn the enthusiasm for him when he lied and lied and lied. He has destroyed our standing in the world, damaged our long-term stability as a nation, undermined our economy, and mocked, bullied and taunted anyone who, in his perception, ever crossed him, and it didnt shake his supporters. These are active acts of aggression, and this is the end of the line for me! There is no equating this with the peaceful protesting, the chanting, the marching, the pussy hats, or the signs or the T-shirt of the left none! Dont ever, ever, ever use those as excuses again! Sandy Young, Hondo Fanning the flames An Express-News headline Thursday reads: Democratic politicians, CNN receive pipe bombs. And then a political cartoon depicts Hillary Clinton inciting a mob to commit civil disobedience. Is this not throwing gas on a fire to escalate a serious problem? What in the world were you thinking? V.J. Martinez, New Braunfels Unity? Really? Oct 24 was Unity Day. Were they talking about the U.S.? In my 84 years, I have never seen disunity like now. The current installed president incites his followers with lies and more lies, spreading political and personal hate, and, according to the news, he has throngs of followers. In my 38 years of military and federal civil service duty, I never encountered hatred because I am not white. America must be getting great again by leaps and bounds. May the Lord bless and help all those disoriented by lies. Guadalupe Flores Doubts confirmed Two years ago, I wrote that District Attorney Nico LaHood was immature for the way he acted in court. His losing the Democratic Party primary proved that. For all the good he says hes done as district attorney, switching parties exemplifies what a sore loser he really is. The article DA, father named in restraining order (Metro, Oct. 23) regarding his fathers alleged involvement in shielding assets for a principal in the Carlos Uresti Ponzi scheme doesnt surprise me, either. It just increases my suspicion what other activities has the DA been involved in behind the scene? Whenever a politician starts claiming what a great Christian he is, I get suspicious. Example: Is the earmark of being a Christian ambition, threats to ruin a business, lying about what he said when several people were witnesses? Doesnt this sound like the presidents Republican Party? The DA has shown himself to be a Trumpian in a Democratic city. We havent heard the last of him, unfortunately. Ray Baird Thanks, journalists If you found out a congressman stashed bribe money in his freezer, thank a journalist. If you saw an article about a cop saving a missing child, thank a journalist. If you learned a company was dumping toxic waste in the lake, thank a journalist. If you heard a president had sex with a subordinate, thank a journalist. If the article about your grandchild winning the state track meet is on your refrigerator door, thank a journalist. If you saw a story about a philanthropist who built an amusement park for handicapped kids, thank a journalist. If you know your appliance was recalled for an electrical defect, thank a journalist. If it was reported that a journalist was fired for misrepresenting facts, thank a journalist. If you ever learned something you wanted to know, or didnt want to know, thank a journalist. Lou Houck, Boerne Save Beacon Hill Its a disgrace how the San Antonio Independent School District has allowed the beautiful old Beacon Hill Elementary to deteriorate. Its tried demolition by neglect for 20 years, but the old building is so well built it wont fall. Should we expect any different from a district that lays off teachers due to declining enrollment, but then wants to build a Taj Mahal on Fox Tech land thats on the new San Pedro Creek project, thus worth a fortune? SAISD has to be one of the most poorly run districts in the state, and it sickens me that I have to pay taxes to a district I wouldnt send my kids to on a dare. Nobody I know who lives in SAISD sends their children to a SAISD school. I hope San Antonio preservation organizations are successful in blocking SAISD from demolishing this historic building. If I have to pay taxes to this horrid district, Id at least like it to respect historical schools in its care. Shannon Deason Yet another mass shooting. Time again for our thoughts and prayers for the victims. Time now must be set aside for funerals. Is it time for Congress to address responsible gun controls? No. It is midterm elections, and Congress is in recess. Is the gun lobby anxious to enter into such discussions? Are you serious? How about the NRA? Its too early for them as well. Let things calm down is their rote response. Have things calmed down since Columbine High School, the shooting in a theater in Aurora my God, at Sandy Hook Elementary? The specter of assault weapons has escalated since those tragedies shocked us. Solutions. More guns, the NRA says. Dont take my assault weapons, advocates of the Second Amendment say. Congress just squirms and obstructs. What is left? I see a deeper decent into the abyss of insanity to which we blindly plunge albeit well-armed. Robert Paul Take action on guns In the wake of another tragedy in this country associated with gun violence, I find it necessary to hold our elected officials accountable for their lack of urgency to address this public problem. Our representatives cannot prevent people from pulling a trigger or having hate in their hearts, but there are measures that could mitigate the occurrence of these tragedies that Congress has balked on time and again. The most recent spending bill paints a disturbing picture of how the crisis of gun violence is labeled a priority only in political rhetoric and not when implementing policy. The March legislation instituted the Fix NICS Act, providing encouragement for states and localities to add necessary information to our national criminal database but failed in instituting a measure that a Quinnipiac poll says 96 percent of Americans are in favor of: universal background checks. The Manchin-Toomey measure was drafted to fulfill this particular purpose, but it has not been debated in Congress since failing to pass the Senate in 2013. I question the benefit of mandating the expansion of a database without clear mandates to utilize it. Further, the spending bill finally addressed a disastrous article, that of the Dickey Amendment of 1996. The change clarified that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is, in fact, able to do research on the causes of gun-related violence, which the 1996 amendment previously prevented. For 22 years, one of our premiere national research institutions was held from researching one of the most hot-button issues of this generation. Even now this glaring mistake may not be corrected, as the new spending bill did limit the scope of researching to only the causes of these incidents and did not allocate to the CDC funding for researching gun violence. I understand that not every issue can be solved through the passage of policy. But I cannot accept the willingness of our countrys elected leaders to ignore measures of public voice while not expanding their scope of data collection for an issue plaguing the nation. Its time to correct the 20-year information gap that they initiated and collect more data, as well as time to act on the data they already have. Alyssa Kerr Aid at the polls I recently drove to the Northside Activity Center with my family of four to vote. Just prior to entering, my wife fell face forward on the sidewalk. Present to witness and assist was a San Antonio Fire Department employee who ordered a cold pack for the bruises and stayed with her until she stabilized. Of significant help were all the volunteers at the voting precinct. They all went out of their way to help. There arent enough words of praise to thank all of them. John McFarland Prompting charges of anti-Semitism, a campaign mailer sent in Middletown this week attacks Democratic state Rep. Matt Lesser with edited imagery showing the Jewish legislator holding $100 bills near his face and smiling maniacally. After spending Sunday night at a candle-light vigil for the victims shot at a Pittsburgh synagogue, Lesser said Tuesday he found the mailer sent by his opponent Republican Ed Charamut deeply upsetting. The mailer has prompted calls from Democrats for Charamut to drop out. Its imagery was also condemned by the state Republican Party and Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob Stefanowski Tuesday evening. For somebody in 2018 in Connecticut to surface this kind of representation is unconscionable, said Howard Sovronsky, president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford. Its that old image of the greedy Jew that we find incredibly offensive. Charamut, a Rocky Hill town council member, accused Lesser of playing identity politics in a statement Tuesday. The mailer makes the point that if elected , Matt Lesser will undoubtedly vote to hike peoples taxes again and again, Charamut wrote. Those wishing to portray a graphic illustration as something hateful are completely wrong. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Ned Lamont called the mailer overt anti-Semitism and demanded Republicans, Stefanowski, reject it. Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney, D-New Haven, and Dan Drew, the Democratic mayor of Middletown, said Charamut should withdraw from the race. Stefanowski released a statement about the mailer Tuesday evening. "I firmly condemn the use of any anti-Semitic imagery or messages on campaign mailers, Stefanowski said. Connecticut's Jewish community is an integral part of who we are as a state, and to disrespect one portion of our community is to disrespect our state as a whole. Stefanowski used the incident to punch back at Lamont. He said he found it remarkable that Lamont would travel to Iran, which does not recognize Israel as a country. He suggested that Lamont should not have taken an endorsement from the Connecticut AFL-CIO, which in 2016 passed a resolution to boycott, divest and sanction Israel. Three months later, the resolution was declared invalid, the Connecticut Jewish Ledger reported. Republican Party Chairman J.R. Romano changed his stance on the mailer throughout the day Tuesday. Originally, he told the Hartford Courant criticism of the mailer was only coming from Democrats. But Tuesday evening he backpedaled, saying he spoke to Jewish friends about the matter. In a race with a Jewish candidate, this image should be recognized as offensive, raising classic anti-Semitic tropes. It cannot be justified, he wrote in a statement. I have requested to sit down with the ADL to broaden my understanding of and sensitivity to anti-Semitism. Michael Bloom, executive director of the Jewish Federation Association of Connecticut, said it was offensive that Romano would insinuate that only Democratic Jews would be insulted by the mailer. Anti-Semitism is becoming normalized in our society and we need to stand up and demand that it must stop, he wrote in a statement. The greedy Jew stereotype dates back to the Middle Ages, Sovronsky said, when many Jews were money lenders because they were barred from other occupations or because Christians were forbidden by the church to lend money while charging interest. Somebody showed me the mailer and I was shocked to be honest, said Lesser. It uses unfortunate tropes that have been used to attack Jews for hundreds of years. Lesser serves on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Jewish Legislators. In the General Assembly, the five-term state representative chairs the Banks Committee and serves on the Insurance and Government Administration Committee. emunson@hearstmediact.com; Twitter: @emiliemunson A Shurugwi man was recently sentenced to 14 months in prison for acquiring and smuggling a pistol from South Africa. Aldart Paul (23) of house number 240 Makusha, Shurugwi appeared before Shurugwi Resident Magistrate Sangster Tavengwa for contravening section 4 (2) of the FIRE ARMS ACT CHAPTER 10:09 as amended by Part L11 Section 1(a) of the Criminal Penalties Amendment Act No 22/2001(unlawful acquiring of a fire arm). Prosecuting, Bertha Bore told the court that on an unknown date but during the month of March 2018 Aldart Paul unlawfully acquired a Browning Pistol 90, MOD 83,9mm calibre. Paul acquired the firearm whilst he was not a holder of any licence or permit under the Fire Arms Act. A ballistic report dated October 23 from the Criminal Investigation Department, Forensics Department showed that the pistol had been fired but was not linked to any crime scenes recorded in their laboratory, it was also established that the Fire Arm was manufactured after 1900. Before passing sentence, Magistrate Tavengwa took time to explain that Zimbabwe was a peaceful nation and citizens must not unlawfully acquire firearms. ZW Breaking News via Email Loading... Related Zimbabwe Latest News Zimbabwes main opposition party, the MDC, all but declared its leader Nelson Chamisa the countrys president on Saturday, insisting that the youthful politician won the popular vote at the July 30 polls. Addressing thousands of party supporters at the MDCs 19th anniversary celebrations at Gwanzura Stadium in Harare, MDC vice president Morgen Komichi proclaimed that his boss has been duly bestowed as the president of Zimbabwe. We voted on July 30 and made our choice and we all know that leaders come from God and now that you have come here and we all agree that our vote was stolen, our leaderChamisa has been duly bestowed as the president of Zimbabwe, he said, as he invited the 40-year-old politician to the podium to light up what he termed the democracy flame, which resembled the countrys independence flame. Chamisa obliged and duly lit the flame to a thunderous applause from the crowd, shouting: President of the republic and commander-in-chief of the defence forces! The ceremony was, however, without rites conducted when a president is sworn in, probably to avoid the long arm of the law. In terms of the countrys laws, a president is sworn in by the chief justice and takes the oath of office while holding the Bible in one hand. Last month, government warned Chamisa that it would arrest him if he proceeded to swear himself in as president. The MDC, founded in 1999, had long planned to inaugurate Chamisa as president even though the Constitutional Court had upheld President Emmerson Mnangagwas narrow victory. Mnangagwa, won the presidential race with 50,6 percent of the vote just enough to meet the 50 percent plus one vote threshold needed to avoid a run-off. Chamisa trailed him with 44,3 percent of the vote. Yesterday, government rubbished Chamisas declaration as president, describing it as childs play. We used to do that when we were growing up giving each other roles as fathers and mothers, but we would come to our senses and realise that it was only playing, said deputy minister of Information Energy Mutodi. The former musician said it was sad that Chamisa was still in denial mode after losing the elections. He is seeking relevance, the country has moved forward but he is in denial that he lost elections and its unfortunate, he said. Before addressing the gathering in Highfield Saturday, Chamisa sang a Christian hymn before declaring that he was ready to govern, saying his party has solutions to the countrys problems. He said contrary to claims by Mnangagwa that he was itching for a government of national unity, he instead was determined to take the Zanu PF leader head-on in his quest to reclaim our stolen victory. I heard Mnangagwa saying he was not ready for government of national unity but he is forgetting that I have not called for one because it is not necessary. What I want is the presidency which I was given by the people, Chamisa said. How is it possible that I would want to work with a loser? I want the presidency that the people who voted gave me and I am coming for you in broad daylight. I will get what is rightfully mine before the end of this year, he declared, adding at 19 the MDC was now a grown-up party ready to govern. DailyNews Breaking News via Email Loading... Related Zimbabwe Latest News Two United States organisations; the International Republican Institute (IRI) and National Democratic Institute (NDI) says while Zimbabwe had recorded incremental gains in entrenching democracy during the July 30 elections, the improvements were insufficient to demonstrate broad confidence in the process to convince the populace that citizens are actually free to make political choices. In their joint final report set for release today, IRI-NDI Zimbabwe International Electoral Observation Mission (ZIEOM) said its findings were part of a seven-month joint mission to observe all phases of the electoral process: pre-election, Election Day and the post-election period. ZIEOM said it recognising that it is the people of Zimbabwe who will ultimately determine the credibility of their elections and the institutes stand ready to support the democratic process if there is will for reform. The mission added that those who seek to establish a genuine democratic transition will have to unite the country, work effectively with their political opposition and civil society, promote a tolerant multiparty system, a free and vibrant press, and vigilantly work to create a more responsive and accountable government. Based on its observation and in the context of 18 years of repressed political rights, deepening economic pain, and decades of deeply flawed elections, including sweeping electoral violence in 2008, ZIEOM acknowledges that Zimbabwe has shown substantive, incremental improvements. Improvements noted by ZIEOM included a public commitment to credible elections, are more open political climate, welcoming of international observers, and a fresh voters roll. However, ZIEOM said these relative improvements were insufficient to demonstrate broad confidence in the process to convince the populace that citizens are actually free to make political choices through a ballot that is secret and through a process that respects the will of the people. The report notes the tragic events on August 1 to quell protesters that resulted in the death of six civilians and the subsequent crackdown of opposition party leaders in the days following the elections caused serious concern in addition to other malpractices such as the politicisation of food aid, intimidation of voters, partisanship of traditional leaders and an inordinate media bias. Throughout the mission, NDI and IRI sought to express the international communitys interest in and support for credible, peaceful elections in Zimbabwe; provide an accurate and impartial report on the character of the election process to date; and offer appropriate recommendations to improve the electoral process. The mission was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Principles for International Observation, in conformity with the laws of Zimbabwe, and in reference to international and regional standards for democratic elections including the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) Guidelines and Principles for Democratic Elections and the African Union (AU) Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance. The mission said it is grateful for the cooperation it received from all Zimbabweans with whom it interacted, including the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) Chairperson and election officials around the country, the leading presidential candidates, political party leaders, citizen election monitors, other civil society leaders. Commenting on the report to be released today, ZIEOM co-director, Jessica Keegan said the report aims to shed light on particular areas of concern. The recommendations offer a roadmap to improve the quality, inclusivity and transparency of future elections. Moving forward it will be critical that the government and opposition remain steadfast in working together to address the electoral shortcomings, to move the country forward and to instil greater confidence in the public that the process meets international standards for democratic elections, Keegan added. She said the voter turnout of 85 percent in the elections demonstrated an enthusiasm among Zimbabweans to participate in the electoral process. However, Zimbabwe has not yet established a democratic culture where parties are treated equitably and citizens can cast their vote freely. This comes hardly a month after the European Union observatory mission said while the election was largely peaceful, use of state resources and delays by the electoral commission to relay presidential results affected the credibility of the vote. Despite the negative comments from Europe and other observers outside Africa those from the Sadc bloc said the vote was peaceful and orderly and opened the door to strengthen the countrys democracy. Zimbabwe held its first election since Robert Mugabe was forced to resign after a November de facto coup in which President Emmerson Mnangagwa and opposition leader Nelson Chamisa were the main contenders for power. DailyNews Breaking News via Email Loading... Related Zimbabwe Latest News MDC President Nelson Chamisa says he had no wish to work with President Emmerson Mnangagwa but was demanding his right to be the countrys leader as per mandate he claims was popularly granted to him by the electorate July 30. Chamisa, who insists Mnangagwa was an illegitimate state leader, was addressing party followers during the main oppositions 19th anniversary celebrations in Harare on Saturday. I told Mnangagwa that for us to reverse the illegitimacy, we have to have political dialogue, not for purposes of having a GNU but to map the way forward, he said. The MDC anniversary was the first since the death of founding party leader Morgan Tsvangirai February this year. Before his rally address, Chamisa had demanded the formation of a transitional authority to take care of the countrys affairs in the wake of a debilitating economic crisis that is threatening to plunge the country back to the 2008 crisis. His calls were later dismissed by Mnangagwa who labelled his younger opponent a dreamer. But Chamisa insisted the Zanu PF leader lacked the goodwill to rule the country adding that the continuation of the status quo will not resolve the countrys economic woes. That is why we approached SADC and other regional bodies to assist us in this way, he said. What we want is that the transitional authority should be made up by us (MDC) as the majority with others being part of us; it should be led by us. His comments also follow calls by the Zimbabwe Council of Churches for both Zanu PF and MDC to form a GNU so as to ease the current economic crunch being felt across the country. Zimbabwes post 2018 election period has seen its fragile economy take an early knock with price hikes, goods and cash shortages taking centre stage. Mnanagwa however says he was firmly in charge and has promised a quick return to normalcy. NewZimbabwe Breaking News via Email Loading... Related Zimbabwe Latest News I still cry, I know what I have UNDER-FIRE PHD Ministries leader, Prophet Walter Magaya last night begged the government to give a herb, which he claimed on Sunday is a cure for AIDS and cancer, a chance by subjecting it to tests as guided by the countrys health regulations. The government, through the Ministry of Health, yesterday repeated the message issued to H-Metro on Sunday saying there are processes and procedures that any new medicines go through before they can be certified as effective and safe for use by patients adding that there are no records on Prophet Magayas herb. Apart from the government, the Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association, the Retail Pharmacists Association and Pharmaceutical Society of Zimbabwe also issued statements urging patients to continue taking ARVs as there is no proof of cure for AIDS. Under Zimbabwean law, Prophet Magayas herb has to go through the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe for review and assessment before it can be given to patients. In what might be ray of hope for Prophet Magaya, the ministry concludes by saying that they will continue to encourage and support innovation and discoveries of new products within the regulatory framework providing for such. In a statement last night, Prophet Magaya said it was unfortunate that his statement on Sunday triggered an outcry that all but derailed their roadmap for the herb. His biggest regret was that social media had seemingly complicated things by distorting his message on Sunday. My plan was to work with the Ministry of Health so that the herb undergoes the requisite tests locally after those done in India as per the law. Most people are commenting on what the social media is dictating but on Sunday I was very clear that people had to continue taking ARVs. I said from the beginning that I will be working in compliance with the Ministry of Healths existing guidelines. I know what I have and I wrote to World Health Organisation, government and other authorities, some of whom have not responded but my intention was to communicate what I have. I believe what the tree I found has properties scientifically proven that they can fight HIV and cancer. That is what I found and I stand guided by the government and its organs. But I am crying, please my government give me a chance, test what I have found. I still cry, give me a chance. Prophet Magaya said the rebuke by some key stakeholders will ultimately derail the project such that what would have been undertaken in 14 days might take over a month now. HMetro Breaking News via Email Loading... Related Zimbabwe Latest News Candidates are imperfect because, like the rest of us, theyre human and have led complicated lives. But unlike the rest of us, theyve subjected themselves to a process that unearths and highlights their imperfections, to the point that it feels obligatory for voters to grouse about having to pick between the lesser of two evils and to wonder whether its even worth going to the polls. CalPERS stakeholder groups are refusing to buy what CalPERS is trying to sell, namely, an untested, poorly conceived private equity scheme that will increase risks and costs and is therefore clearly a bad idea for beneficiaries and California taxpayers. As well discuss in more detail, CalPERS sent a piece under CEO Marcie Frosts byline, entitled Taking Action: Exploring a New Private Equity Model, which it wanted stakeholder groups to include in newsletters to CalPERS members. Not only did virtually all of these organizations refuse to reproduce the article, but some were offended by the request, since they recognized it as CalPERS attempting to bulldoze beneficiaries rather than look out for their interest. These e-mails come from senior individuals and/or board members of different groups. The first one: Did you see what David Teykaerts sent out to the retiree groups which was nothing new on the direct PE? He asked the retiree groups to post it. Other than CSEA, Im assuming no one is going to do this because it doesnt answer any of the questions weve asked about no fiduciary responsibility no transparency no PRA. It is very risky and it looks like [Board President] Priya [Mathur] is trying to go out with one last stand in December. XXXX [from a different group] has a copy of the memo. It didnt address any of our concerns. Here is a second: I just had an email forwarded to me from XXX at YYY. He is describing the pressure his organization is receiving to run Marcies puff-piece in favor of the PE re-structuring even though the materials that CalPERS has shown him to justify the program are nothing but a colorful brochure full of graphs and buzz words, almost completely lacking in detail. And a third: I talked about not running this. FYI people are annoyed that they were asked to do this. In fact, from what we can tell, none of the groups asked to run it agreed to do so, save perhaps CSEA, whose Executive Director, Dave Low, is one of the hidden hands at CaLPERS. CalPERS had to settle for posting the article on its website. CalPERS refusal to provide either a coherent justification for its private equity new business model or anything more than napkin-doodle-level details about how it would work says the funds leaders are doing their very best to keep the public, which ultimately backstops the risk of CalPERS underfunding, and even its board in the dark. That suggests that CalPERS knows full well that even basic due diligence on this new business model would lead to it being rejected. Recall that last May, CalPERS tried to present its sketchy private equity planl as largely approved by the board, forcing board member Margaret Brown to issue a press release saying not only that that was false, but that the board had not been given any research, budget, business plan, or analysis of risks and projected returns. So why is staff and CEO Marcie Frost pushing so hard for an idea when their refusal to describe its private equity plan in detail says they know its a turkey? This smacks of either world class incompetence or corruption. As we go thorough Frosts unconvincing sales pitch, you will see that not once does she even attempt to argue that the new scheme will improve returns or lower risks, which are the only defensible reasons to pursue it. In fact, there are three obvious reasons why this program will almost certainly harm CalPERS beneficiaries. According to the plan, CalPERS would continue to do its current investing in existing private equity funds on a much reduced scale. In place of the curtailed fund investing, CalPERS will allocate more money to emerging managers. That is code for women and minority managers, but to comply with anti-discrimination laws in California,it is presented as meaning something different, which is managers starting their first fund. The other two pillars of this program is for CalPERS to fund two dedicated, external private equity entitieswhich astonishingly, CalPERS would not control or meaningfully oversee. The two boards would be chosen by the management of the entities themselves. By law, the boards duties of loyalty and care would be to the new ventures, and not to CalPERS. As one private equity professional said: Imagine the most terrible governance arrangement youve ever come across in the private sector. This is worse. Here are the reasons this new business model is guaranteed to perform worse than what CalPERS is doing now: No savings on fees and costs. Industry professionals will demand competitive terms to join a new entity. CalPERS will not do any better than it would by setting up a similar-sized dedicated fund with an existing major fund group. On top of that, it will have large startup costs. Lower returns by relying on first time funds. Bear in mind that the two new general partners that CalPERS will sponsor are by definition emerging managers as in these have been presented by CalPERS as new firms. They will have all of the growing pains of starting a new business, like having to hire staff members, possibly having some members in the top management group who have not worked together before and have some initial frictions, needed to set up banking relations, reporting, and other systems. All of these come at the expense of buying good companies at a decent price. Academic studies have consistently found that first-time funds perform worse than later funds by the same fund manager. By putting most of its new money to first time funds (the emerging manager program and the two new funds it is creating), CalPERS is almost assuring itself of poor performance. Note that CalPERS existing program for emerging managers now delivers the worst results of all of its private equity sub-strategies. Less diversification. No competent investment professional would recommend putting 40% or 50% of your money in only two investments. Yet that is how CalPERS is proposing to invest its new funds. There is considerable business risk in relying heavily on only two fund managers. What if a key manager is caught in a sex scandal and is forced to resign, like Steve Jurvetson of DFJ (Draper Fisher Jurvetson)? What if a top partner gets divorced, which not only damages his performance but can even lead to a firm restructuring if that partner has to liquidate his investment in the company to pay off his ex? What if some key partners die in a plane crash, as one did at Summit Partners a few years ago? Those small planes that private equity types love are more accident prone than commercial jets. Recall that CalPERS own consultant, Meketa, deemed CalPERS reduction in the number of its private equity fund managers to have hurt returns. Why is CalPERS doubling down on a failed approach? CalPERS has even gone so far as to mislead its own cheerleaders. The pension fund invited Dr. Ashby Monk of Stanford to speak at a public board meeting in August, and Frost quotes Dr. Monk in her promotional article. Dr. Monk took a generally positive tone but pointed out that what CalPERS was planning to do was not direct investing, which means having CalPERS staff make private equity investments itself, but was forming its own general partners. Dr. Monk then described how some large investors had used pick the pickers methods to assure that the board was loyal to the organization that provided the money. I spoke with Dr. Monk for a half-hour after his CalPERS presentation. He acknowledged in our conversation that CalPERS had not disclosed to him that the board of the new entity would be chosen by its management and CalPERS would have no say in the boards selection. Thus he cannot be deemed to have approved what CalPERS is doing, since he was misinformed. Frost also relies on Dr. Monk to justify continuing to invest in private equity, when Dr. Monk is not an expert in investment management performance. Frost also cites CalPERS returns over the last 20 years, which includes a period of stellar private equity performance, from 1995 to 1999. Private equity has changed structurally since then, with the private equity share of global equity more than doubling from the early 2000s to 2014. Too much money chasing too few deals kills returns. And with even more funding being dedicated to private equity, nothing CalPERS can do will change this unfavorable picture. Over the last ten years, private equity has failed to meet CalPERS benchmarks, meaning CalPERS is not getting paid enough for the risks it is taking. On top of that, Oxford professor Ludovic Phalippou, who is an expert on private equity returns, ascertained that since 2006, even using favorable assumptions, private equity on average has not even beaten the S&P 500. So the entire premise, that CalPERS needs private equity because it delivers superior returns, is false. Frost makes more misrepresentations in her patter. She cites a study that showed that CalPERS had done well in its buyouts, which she does not make clear is only one strategy within its private equity portfolio. She further falsely depicts the study as being done at the international business school HEC Paris when the study was performed by a private consulting firm (a corporate partner) whose principals have connections to HEC. On top of that, the study itself looks dodgy. It uses Value at Risk, which was developed to measure downside risk of portfolio positions, not investment performance. It uses both a proprietary model and proprietary data, which means its results cannot be independently verified. In addition, weve repeatedly criticized CalPERS for using assumed volatility assumptions which are completely out of line with what anyone, including CalPERS own consultants, use. Assumed vol is an input in Value at Risk models. Its quite possible that the favorable results CalPERS got was garbage-in, garbage-out from using CalPERS unrealistically flattering volatility assumptions. And the piece de resistance? One of the members of the Private Equity Observatory, Oliver Gottschalg, who is also a HEC professor, wrote a paper in 2012 with Oxfords Ludovic Phalippou, Publication Preview The Party should be over: Why Private Equity is much less attractive than it looks. One has to wonder why Frost didnt see fit to mention that. Frost also implies that CalPERS can get to an 80% or 90% funded status through investing. This is false. CalPERS has gotten to 71% only by virtue of a $6 billion mini-bailout by the State of California in the form of pre-funding some of its underfunding. The stock market and other risky assets have been at nosebleed levels until the recent corrections, which are not yet reflected in CalPERS estimates. CalPERS own aggressive increases in employer payments shows the fund knows full well it cannot invest its way out of this hole. Finally, Frosts main selling point for this scheme is that it is innovative. Help me. Innovation in finance means using complexity, opacity, and leverage to pluck the feathers from unsuspecting geese. The fact that Frost is shilling for innovation says shes either not remotely qualified to make financial decisions or is expecting somehow to profit personally by being cut in by the innovators. Let us turn over the microphone to former Federal Reserve chairman Paul Volcker: I hear about these wonderful innovations in the financial markets and they sure as hell need a lot of innovation. I can tell you of two Credit Default Swaps and CDOs which took us right to the brink of disaster: were they wonderful innovations that we want to create more of? You want boards of directors to be informed about all of these innovative new products and to understand them but I do not know what boards of directors you are talking about. I have been on boards of directors and the chances that they are going to understand these products that you are dishing out or that you are going to want to explain it to them, quite frankly, is nil. I mean wake up, gentlemen I can only say that your response is inadequate. I wish that somebody would give me some shred of neutral evidence about the relationship between financial innovation recently and the growth of the economy, just one shred of information. A few years ago I happened to be at a conference of business people, not financial people, and I was making a presentation. The conference was being addressed by a very vigorous young investment banker from London who was explaining to all these older executives how their companies would be dust if they did not realize the joys of financial innovation and financial engineering, and that they had better get with it. I was listening to this and I found myself sitting next to one of the inventors of financial engineering who I did not know, but I knew who he was and that he had won a Nobel Prize, and I nudged him and asked what all the financial engineering does for the economy and what it does for productivity. Much to my surprise he leaned over and whispered in my ear that it does nothing. I asked him what it did do and he said that it moves around the rents in the financial system and besides that it was a lot of intellectual fun. In his presentation to CalPERS, Dr. Monk said someone was twice as likely to become a billionaire by working in investment management as in technology. Having marks like Marcie Frost in charge of large pools of money is a big reason why this happens. Yves here. I have some quibbles with Gaiuss piece. First, the disdain of upper classes for lower classes is hardly unique to capitalism. This was a feature of ancient Greece and Rome, of feudalism, and landed aristocracy in England which slowly lost out to the rising bougeoisie during the Industrial Revolution. You see it, for instance, in a prettied up form in Shakespeare, in comic scenes where the low status characters are the butt of jokes, often for their mangling of English. Second, there are versions of capitalism where the elites do not become as distant from everyone else, due in large measure to different social priorities. Japan has long recognized that in a market system where people need to sell their labor as a condition of survival, not having enough work to go around is destabilizing. Entrepreneurs in Japan are revered for creating jobs, not for getting rich. In Japans post bubble years, executives and top managers took pay cuts to preserve employment. The gap between entry level and top level pay, which was never as large as in US companies, narrowed further. Gaius is correct, however, that in late-stage capitalism, American-style, the gap between the rich and everyone else has grown so wide that the rich deal do not live in remotely the same realm. They fly in private jets, They summer at second or third homes. They have servants do what most people have to do in part or in full for themselves, like cook, clean, run errands, shop, raise their kids. In The Great Transformation, Karl Polanyi described long form how market systems ground up social orders, and reformers would manage to impede that process enough to make the pace of change tolerable, if not still painful for many. For instance, weve repeatedly pointed out, the average wage for ordinary people fell during the first two generations of the Industrial Revolution in England. By Gaius Publius, a professional writer living on the West Coast of the United States and frequent contributor to DownWithTyranny, digby, Truthout, and Naked Capitalism. Follow him on Twitter @Gaius_Publius, Tumblr and Facebook. GP article archive here. Originally published at DownWithTyranny Capitalism is an economic system that encourages people to act from the most pathological individual motives and promises the best social outcome. Noam Chomsky said that our current ideology is producing a nation, a world, of psychopaths. From an interview with Rob Kall: R.K.: Okay, so you have written and I am going to quote you here, if you care about other people thats now a very dangerous idea. If you care about other people you might try to organize or to undermine power and authority. Thats not going to happen if you care only about yourself. Maybe you can become rich, you dont care whether other peoples kids can go to school or afford food to eat or things like that. In the United States thats called libertarian for some wild reason. I mean its actually highly authoritarian but that doctrine is extremely important for power systems as a way of atomizing and undermining the public. Now, since we last spoke I have been doing a series of articles on psychopathy, psychopaths, sociopaths, and narcissists and it sure sounds like youre describing them when you describe people who dont care. N.C.: Well there is a huge propaganda effort that we are all aware of to try to turn people into psychopaths who dont care about anyone but themselves. Thats not new actually. They go back a hundred and fifty years, the early days of industrialization in the United States. Working people were bitterly condemning the industrial system that was being imposed, the way it was taking away their freedom, and one of the things they condemned is what they called the new spirit of the age Gain wealth forgetting all but self, Exactly what youre describing. Thats a hundred and fifty years ago and ever since then there have been enormous efforts to drive these sociopathic attitudes into peoples heads. [emphasis added] About this, Chris Hedges adds from his personal experience: At the age of 10 I was sent as a scholarship student to a boarding school for the uber-rich in Massachusetts. I lived among the wealthiest Americans for the next eight years. I listened to their prejudices and saw their cloying sense of entitlement. They insisted they were privileged and wealthy because they were smarter and more talented. They had a sneering disdain for those ranked below them in material and social status, even the merely rich. Most of the uber-rich lacked the capacity for empathy and compassion. They formed elite cliques that hazed, bullied and taunted any nonconformist who defied or did not fit into their self-adulatory universe. It was impossible to build a friendship with most of the sons of the uber-rich. Friendship for them was defined by whats in it for me? They were surrounded from the moment they came out of the womb by people catering to their desires and needs. They were incapable of reaching out to others in distresswhatever petty whim or problem they had at the moment dominated their universe and took precedence over the suffering of others, even those within their own families. They knew only how to take. They could not give. They were deformed and deeply unhappy people in the grip of an unquenchable narcissism. I would take statements like that last one literally. Were ruled by people deformed and in the grip of an unquenchable narcissism. Note: This isnt just Trump hes talking about. Corporations As Force-Extenders for the Pathology of the Rich Hedges observation certainly explains why executives at the Ford Motor Company would use a cost-benefit analysis to decide how much safety to put into the Ford Pinto, a car prone to explode from a simple rear-end collision. As one law student at Wake Forest University bloodlessly put it, Should a risk/benefit analysis be used in situations where a defect in design or manufacturing could lead to death or seriously bodily harm, such as in the Ford Pinto situation? That cost-benefit analysis goes like this: Which is more expensive, to settle lawsuits resulting from death claims, or to upgrade the product so fewer people are killed? Human executives at Ford weighed the options and chose to settle the death claims instead. See what I mean? Psychopaths. Hedges generalizes the situation this way: It is essential to understand the pathologies of the uber-rich. They have seized total political power. He goes on to characterize rule by the super-rich as observed by such varied writers as Aristotle, Sheldon Wolin and C. Wright Mills. Once the uber-rich take over, Aristotle writes, the only options are tyranny and revolution. They do not know how to nurture or build. They know only how to feed their bottomless greed. Keep tyranny or revolution in mind; well come back to it. In todays world the wealth-producing engine of the super-rich is corporate capitalism. As I wrote some years ago, big corporations loot the wealth of the world so their true owners, the CEO class, can loot their corporations and buy anything else on earth they want or need. When only the rich have money, the whole of the rest of the world is always for sale. Now that the super-rich have bought the U.S. political system, the last piece, their last lock on power, is in place. Tyranny or rebellion: if the political system cant be recaptured in an orderly, electoral way, nothing but withdrawal of the consent of the governed can change course were on. The Ubiquity of Assassination Which leaves us where? Not in a good place. For another example of rule by psychopaths, consider the Khashoggi murder, but from a different perspective: Tech executives withdrew in scores from a high-profile Saudi investment summit amid the uproar over the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi but top Silicon Valley companies show no signs they plan to unwind their lucrative business ties with the country. The oil-rich kingdom, with its long history of human rights violations, is the single largest funding source for U.S. startups and a financial pipeline for companies like Uber, Twitter and Tesla. Its not just the Trumps of the world that live by death. Our liberal gods as well are steeped in blood (including the blood of cheered-on, murderous intent). The pathological desire to murder to gain wealth, to kill to retain power, is everywhere we look. To quote an old commercial, were soaking in it. The Pathology of the Climate Debate Which brings us round at last to the climate catastrophe were about to face, the single greatest world-historical issue in the world. As Dave Roberts pointed out here, climate change mitigation and climate change adaptation are not the same, either morally or in their results. Mitigation is a collective and widespread effort by a society to lessen climate damage by collectively addressing the causes. Where will the money come from? The society as a whole. Adaptation, on the other hand, is intensely local: What one town or state will need to adapt to climate disasters will be different, and differently expensive, than what another town or state will need. Where will the money come from? That too will be local. A program of mitigation is collective and deeply moral; also deeply effective, to the extent that good choices are made, since the force of the tsunami itself, as it were, is lessened. A program of adaptation-only, however, is a program of abandonment, a program of each to his own and look out below. Needless to say, were on the path of adaptation only, of not really acting until disaster is at the door, and have been for decades. And when the moment occurs when the waters do rise, the super-rich will only protect themselves, the poor being left to fend as best they can. Who gives a crap about some imbecile? said the CEO of Home Depot about anyone not like him. You can see this attitude as well in the discussions they have amongst only themselves. Rule by psychopaths takes us to this place. So long as were frozen to inaction on our twin disasters, climate and wealth, this is what waits for us. Were ruled by these people until we choose not to be, or events overtake us all. Exxon On the IPCC Report But lets not close on that somber note. Lets close instead with a humorous quote, with Exxons response to the latest IPCC report: ExxonMobil CEO Depressed After Realizing Earth Could End Before They Finish Extracting All The Oil Just think, one day soon, well all be gone and that oil will still be there in the Earth, never to be removed, [said CEO Darren Woods]. Its a travesty. At press time, Woods announced ExxonMobils plans to quadruple its oil production in an effort to extract it all from the Earth while there was still time. Ok, that was the Onion, but theyre never really wrong, are they? Schrodingers Bacterium Could Be a Quantum Biology Milestone Scientific American. Science is popping! Gut microbes alter the walking activity of fruit flies Nature Humanity has wiped out 60% of animals since 1970, major report finds Guardian Pension Funds Point Finger at Lobbyists of Polluting Companies Bloomberg Unions helped write Washingtons carbon fee initiative. Some also want to sink it. McClatchy Red-hot leveraged loan market draws regulatory heat FT 4 questions ahead of Fed proposal to overhaul regional bank rules American Banker Wisconsins $4.1 billion Foxconn factory boondoggle The Verge Brexit A deep dive into the EU regional funds EU Observer Searching in Europe for Glory Days Gone By Der Spiegel Syraqistan China? New Cold War WikiLeaks Assange says Ecuador seeking to end his asylum Reuters (J-LS). Net Neutrality on Pause: California Agrees Not to Enforce New Rules as States Fight FCC in Court Governing Trump Transition Midterm elections: Fearing loss of the House, Republicans blame each other. Welcome to Washington USA Today Paper and the Case For Going Low-Tech in the Voting Booth Wired Democrats in Disarray Latin America braces for Bolsonaro effect France24 Corruption, fake news, and WhatsApp: how Bolsonaro won Brazil (interview) Vox What Brazil Investors Expect From Bolsonaros First 100 Days Forbes To Gut the Amazon, Bolsonaro Needs Local Help Foreign Policy The Lessons for Western Democracies from the Stunning Victory of Brazils Jair Bolsonaro (video) Glenn Greenwald, The Intercept. Very much worth listening to. Investors May Yet Warm to Mexicos AMLO John Authers, Bloomberg The Crash: Ten Years After What Are the Fiscal Costs of a (Great) Recession? Federal Reserve Bank of St Louis. See Figure 2. Imperial Collapse Watch In Defense Of Military Pilots Drawing D*cks In The Sky Task and Purpose Class Warfare Surgery students losing dexterity to stitch patients BBC Using radical hospitality to bring communities together to discuss important issues Nieman Lab Ignore the news and America seems pretty nice Japan Times Antidote du jour (via): Bonus antidote: In Istanbul, every day is National Cat Day! See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here. Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and the 29 ambassadors of the North Atlantic Council are in Trondheim, Norway today (30 October 2018) to visit Exercise Trident Juncture NATOs largest exercise since the end of the Cold War. The drills bring together over 50,000 personnel from all 29 Allies, as well as partners Finland and Sweden. In a press conference with Norwegian Defence Minister Frank Bakke-Jensen, Mr. Stoltenberg said: We train to send a clear message to our own nations, and to anyone who might want to challenge us: NATO is ready and NATO is able to protect all Allies against any threat. The Secretary General also stressed the defensive and transparent nature of Trident Juncture. He noted that all members of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe have been invited to send observers, saying: NATO Allies respect the letter and the spirit of our international commitments. Read the Secretary General's remarks at the press conference here On 29 and 30 October, NATOs Political Affairs and Security Policy Division received a delegation of diplomats from the Kingdom of Morocco. The visit took place in the framework of NATOs Public Diplomacy activities under the Mediterranean Dialogue. The Moroccan delegation received briefings from senior officials from the International Staff and International Military Staff at NATO. Briefings delivered by NATO officials covered the Mediterranean Dialogue, relevant areas of NATO-Morocco cooperation and NATOs operations and current agenda. The visit to NATO HQ included a visit to the Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre (EADRCC). (Natural News) The American Left, always ready to exploit a tragedy for its own political gain, has identified a new villain following the tragic shootings at a Pittsburgh synagogue over the weekend by a raging anti-Semitic Trump hater: Gab, a social media platform that truly embraces free speech, even that which can be offensive to some people. On Saturday, police and federal agents arrested Robert Bowers, 46, who is accused of killing at least 11 people and wounding four police officers. Reports said that Bowers launched his attack when the building was full of congregants. Since the attack, the Left has seized on the fact that Bowers had a confirmed account on Gab, which they are calling a far-right alternative to Facebook, Twitter, and other Left-wing platforms. To be sure, a lot of what he posted online is disgusting and hurtful and definitely fits the definition of anti-Semitic. But in America, such speech is not only allowed, its constitutionally protected. And while were on the subject, the high-and-mighty Left routinely has no problem whatsoever with users on Twitter and Facebook who write some of the vilest, most disgusting things about conservatives, Republicans, and especially POTUS Donald Trump and his family. Heres a sampling of the Left-wing medias biased narrative of Gab. Business Insider reports: The man who allegedly opened fire in a Pittsburgh synagogue Saturday morning, killing 11 people and injuring six, was reportedly a frequent poster on Gab, a relatively new social network that has attracted many from the far-right fringe. Gab, which bills itself as the free-speech alternative to Facebook and Twitter, has become a haven for far-right extremists. The site does not police hate speech, instead encouraging users to take advantage of its tools to filter out posts they find offensive. You get the idea. No speech can be criminalized in America If youve ever visited Gab, no doubt youve seen people post things you would consider offensive and certainly not something you would agree with. But the same thing happens on every other social media site every day. Someone is always saying something that is offensive. That was the point of the First Amendment. As long as youre not slandering someone or making false accusations and claims, then the Constitution protects your speech. Or at least it was designed to before the Left began policing and criminalizing it. (Related: NYT says First Amendment must be outlawed because words can be like rape HUH?) Take the notion of hate speech. What is hate speech but speech that the Left has deemed unallowable? The fact is, no matter what someone says, someone else is always going to disagree with it. So, if no speech is universally unacceptable, no can be banned or criminalized. And yet, we have hate speech rules imposed on us from on high. But wait. How come only the Left gets to decide what is and isnt hate speech, what is and isnt acceptable speech? A simple read of the First Amendment reveals nothing about one political ideology deciding what all other political ideologies can say or, for that matter, think. While a majority of people may find what Bowers wrote on Gab disgusting and not points of view they share, the Left has used vile language against Jews as well and without repercussion, from the same speech Nazis because they align with the right political party. The Rev. Jesse Jackson who once referred to New York City as Hymietown comes to mind. So does that blatant anti-Semite National of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, who just referred to Jews as termiteson Twitter. No, he hasnt been banned from the platform. He wasnt called out by the disgustingly dishonest Left-wing media and blamed for the Pittsburgh synagogue shootings. He hasnt been disowned by Democrats for his hate speech. The American Left wants to blame Gab for Bowers speech. The Left also wants to criminalize some speech but only if the wrong person uses it. Read more about freedom of speech at Freedom.news. Sources include: NaturalNews.com LATimes.com (Natural News) When most people think of licorice, they think of an old-fashioned candy, but dont let the sweets fool you: Licorice isnt just a tasty treat, its a traditional herbal medicine dating all the way back to Ancient Egypt. The health benefits of licorice are said to include soothing upset stomachs and heart burn, promoting a healthy respiratory system and reducing stress but scientists have just found another novel use for the ancient root. Alongside its other health benefits, research has shown licorice offers many neuroprotective benefits, and a new study has shown licorice extract can even help people overcome the deleterious effects of having a stroke. Past research has even shown that the root can help protect brain cells against neurodegenertative diseases like dementia. Licorice extract benefits stroke patients A study recently published in the Journal of Herbal Sciences, researchers from Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in Iran examined the effects of whole licorice root extract in patients whod suffered an acute ischemic stroke. As the American Stroke Association explains, an ischemic stroke is a stroke characterized by the blocking of a blood vessel that supplies blood to the brain. Approximately 87 percent of strokes are ischemic strokes. The scientists studied 75 patients who were divvied up into three groups. Two of the groups received a licorice supplement, either 450 milligrams (mg) or 900 mg three times a day for seven days. A third group was used as a control, and they were given a placebo pill at the same frequency for the same duration of time. The team used scores from the National institute of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) and Modified Rankin Scale (MRS) to assess improvements. Patients were surveyed before the licorice therapy began, and again 3 months after treatment. As sources report: Mean NIHSS scores in 450 mg and 900 mg groups decreased from an initial score of 10.68 and 10.44 to 6.4 and 5.48 after 3 months respectively; while in the control group changed from 8.36 to 5.64. The decline in NIHSS scores were significantly greater in licorice treated groups than the control group. A similar trend was observed in the MRS scale comparisons, with licorice-treated patients showing substantial improvements compared to the placebo group. The scientists also note that no adverse reactions were observed in the groups treated with licorice extract. The team states in their conclusion, The results of this study support the beneficial effect of whole licorice extract in neurologic improvement of patients with acute ischemic stroke. Licorice may be useful as a medication for the treatment of the adverse effects caused by acute ischemic stroke. Other benefits of licorice Theres no doubt that treating strokes is an amazing benefit of this ancient herbal medicine, but licorice root still has more to offer. Dr. Rosemarie Booze, the Bicentennial Chair Professor in Behaviorial Neuroscience at the University of South Carolina has conducted research on a compound found in licorice that prevents the cell death associated with neurodegenerative diseases like dementia and Alzheimers. The compound shes isolated is called liquiritigenin, or LQ for short. Its a phytoestrogen, and according to Dr. Booze, could be hugely beneficial to the brain. Alpha and beta estrogen receptors are very close in structure, but beta estrogen receptors are more localized in the brain and have different effects on brain cells. We know that LQ is the active compound in one traditional Chinese medicine and is used to treat post menopausal women. Were looking at it for its brain effects, Dr. Booze explained. Recent research has also shown that licorice can do more than just protect your brain: It helps protect your heart, too. You can learn more about licorice and other natural medicines at AlternativeMedicine.news. Sources for this article include: ScienceDirect.com MedicalXpress.com Healthline.com (Natural News) The threats associated with the incoming migrant caravan extend far beyond just border penetration and a potential crime infestation. According to Dr. Jan Orient, executive director of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, the approaching caravaners could also be bringing disease with them. Unlike the days of old when the poor, huddled masses entered through Ellis Island, the roving hordes south of the border likely wont be screened before possibly being granted entry based on asylum status. As a result, they could end up becoming disease carriers, spreading all sorts of exotic illnesses to American families. It just makes no sense from a public health standpoint to let in a lot of people who have not been screened, Dr. Orient told Amanda House, deputy political editor for Breitbart News and host of Breitbart News Sunday on the SiriusXM Patriot Channel. Unscreened immigrants have already been crossing Americas southern border for many years now, and as NaturalNews.com has previously reported, often bring with them diseases that threaten law-abiding American citizens. This threat will only increase exponentially if Americas southern border isnt sealed in time for this latest onslaught of migrants. I think we really need to control entrance to our country, added Dr. Orient. It just doesnt make any sense in these days of exotic diseases [and] increasing antibiotic resistance to be allowing an invading flood of people. To keep up with the latest news about the migrant caravan, be sure to check out InvasionUSA.news. President Trump promises to stop migrant caravan from illegally entering the U.S. through Mexico With as many as 14,000 migrants set to reach Americas southern border in the coming weeks, President Donald Trump has promised that he will do everything possible to stop them. The president says he will even go so far as to send the U.S. military to the border to make sure that nobody gets through without first being properly vetted and taking the legal immigration route. The Department of Defense (DoD) is also getting involved. According to the Military Times, at least 800 active-duty troops, not National Guard forces will soon join the 2,100 National Guardsmen who are already stationed and ready along the border to deal with the incoming threat. These added forces will reportedly handle various administrative duties associated with fending off the caravan, though it remains unclear whether or not these individuals will be armed for self-defense purposes. DoD is committed to continuing its support to ensure the safety and security of CBP personnel involved in border security operations, increase the effectiveness of those operations, as well as support DHS efforts to stem the tide of illegal entry into the United States, stated Navy Captain Bill Speaks, a spokesman for the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Back in April, General James Mad Dog Mattis granted authorization for as many as 4,000 U.S. troops to be sent to the border, so long as the governors of their respective states approved. These National Guardsmen will be prohibited from interacting with migrants, as well as from taking on any type of law enforcement role while stationed there. Many Gang Members and some very bad people are mixed into the Caravan heading to our Southern Border, tweeted the president on October 29, following an announcement by the Pentagon that it plans to send 5,000 troops to the border as well. Please go back, you will not be admitted into the United States unless you go through the legal process. This is an invasion of our Country and our Military is waiting for you! he added. More related news about threats to the United States can be found at NationalSecurity.news. Sources for this article include: Breitbart.com NaturalNews.com MilitaryTimes.com RT.com (Natural News) A new study confirms that taking large doses of vitamin C can significantly reduce the duration of the common cold. Researchers from the University of Helsinki suggest that taking up to eight grams of vitamin C at the first signs of a cold can reduce the sick period by nearly 20 percent. These findings, which are published in the scientific journal Nutrients, acknowledge that while previous research on the relationship between vitamin C and cold duration have been extensive, studies were based on incredibly small amounts (around one gram) of the nutrient. Dr. Harri Hemila, the lead author of the study, says that these new findings prove a statistically significant association between higher doses of vitamin C and sickness duration. Most controlled trials made on vitamin C and cold duration used a modest dosage of only one gram a day of vitamin C. Pooled data from these previous studies show a genuine effect between vitamin C intake and symptom improvement of the cold. Nevertheless, a definitive conclusion regarding dose-response has never been reached, particularly in terms of higher intake of vitamin C. For the purpose of this study, Dr. Hemila analyzed the findings of two randomized trials. In the first trial, two study groups were given three grams of vitamin C a day, another group six grams of vitamin C a day, and the last group a placebo. The group that took six grams of vitamin C a day experienced a 17 percent reduction in cold duration compared to the placebo group. This was twice as much as the three grams a day group. The second trial increased the dosages. In this trial, groups were given four grams of vitamin C a day, eight grams of vitamin C a day, or a placebo. As with the first trial, participants who took the higher amount showed a shorter cold duration. Both of these studies showed that there is indeed a direct relationship between vitamin C intake and cold duration. The dose-response link was linear up to amounts of six to eight grams a day. Nevertheless, Dr. Hemila suggested that it is quite possible that even higher doses of vitamin C can result to even greater reductions in the duration of the common cold. She proposed an intake of upwards of 15 grams a day of vitamin C for the best treatment of cold. (Related: Can Vitamin C Really Cure Your Cold?) Given the consistent effect of vitamin C on the duration of colds, and its safety and low cost, it would be worthwhile for individual common cold patients to test whether therapeutic eight grams a day [of] vitamin C is beneficial to them, she wrote in an article on Science Daily. Self-dosing of vitamin C must be started as soon as possible after the onset of common cold symptoms to be most effective. Dr. Hemila further added that more clinical trials should be conducted to fully investigate the dose-response relationship in vitamin C amounts over eight grams a day. Not only is it safe, its cheaper too This is excellent news for the millions of people who get sick from the cold each year. Not only is the condition annoying, it also accounts for billions of dollars lost due to absenteeism. A 2002 study in J Occup Environ Med concluded that the economic loss of productivity due to the common cold is around $25 billion. This was further broken down to $16.6 billion from on-the-job productivity loss, $8 billion from absenteeism, and $230 million from caregiver absenteeism. In addition, each cold experienced by an adult caused an average of 8.7 lost work hours. Read more articles on the healing benefits of vitamin C at Healing.news. Sources include: ScienceDaily.com ConsumerAffairs.com MDPI.com NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov (Natural News) When the Obama administration quietly legalized government propaganda back in 2013, few could have anticipated that basically the entirety of the mainstream media would eventually succumb to fake news. But this is where were at in 2018. So much of whats broadcast on television, radio, and even the internet these days is little more than parroted lies designed to project a narrative thats increasingly further from reality. Many of the talking points come not from those who convey them to the public, but from shady, behind-the-scenes corporate, financial, and political operatives with a dirty agenda. As reported by The Waking Times, its a whole lot of government spin being publicly projected as news, using tactics of mind control and mind enslavement to keep people confined to their respective political and ideological boxes. Corporate media has become a weapon of war, and they follow a certain missive, writes Sigmund Fraud. Once you wake up to this game, though, its easy to see the framework in which they operate, and when you do, the talking heads and recycled government experts are a joke, albeit a dangerous one. Their tactics become more and more obvious, and their intent is easily recognized for its duplicity, subterfuge and hypocrisy. So what are these tactics, exactly? The following 10 directives illustrate some of the most prominent methods of media mind control that contribute to the mass blinding of humanity: 1) Be afraid, not empowered. In case you havent noticed, the media loves to fear-monger about various issues and threats in order to keep the public subservient to the narrative rather than consciously engaged. 2) Omit and forget. How many times has a false flag event occurred in which key details dont seem to align, but eventually gets swept under the rug, never to be heard about again? This is the medias way of memory-holing truth and keeping the public enslaved to nonsensical propaganda. 3) Self-destruction is cool; self-awareness is passe. The medias constant glamorization of destructive lifestyles and ways of thinking is a prolifically corrosive presence in society. At the same time, active cognition and self-reflection is almost demonized, because we cant have individuals thinking honestly for themselves, now can we? 4) Youre always a victim, and the government is your savior. According to the media, no matter who you are unless you have white skin, of course youre automatically a victim in need of the government to come and save you. 5) Overreact, dont over think. One of the medias goals is to rile people up, not to get them thinking critically. This further keeps the masses enslaved to the narrative. 6) Enrage, dont engage. So much of whats broadcast on the news is rhetoric designed to sensationalize and stoke an emotional response from the public effectively closing the door to public engagement. 7) Indulge, dont conserve. Buy, buy, buy: This is another message of the media. 8) Stoke conflict while ridiculing peace. The division in this country is stronger than ever, and you know what they say: Divide and conquer. 9) Think of war as a permanent societal fixture. Along these same lines, the media is constantly trying its hardest to normalize war, both domestic and abroad. If our troops arent galavanting off somewhere taking over some new country, then the American public, divided along political lines, is picking up the slack in the streets. 10) Panic rather than prepare. Another form of fear-mongering, the panicked nature of todays reporting seems to be putting people into a frenzy more than encouraging everyday folks to do what they can to actually prepare themselves for the worst. For more analysis on the onslaught of fake news in todays world, visit Propaganda.news. Sources for this article include: WakingTimes.com NaturalNews.com Over the weekend, early voting tallies continued to climb past numbers seen in 2014, when about 790,000 people across the state cast their ballots in person or via mail before Election Day, according to the Illinois State Board of Elections. Voters still have a way to go to reach the level of early voting in 2016, when 1.9 million ballots were cast in the weeks leading up to the election. (Natural News) You would do well to heed celebrity trainer Bob Harpers advice to never ever walk into a gym..that doesnt have CPR, people that know their CPR, and theres an AED [automated external defibrillator] somewhere in that gym. Harpers statement is not mere caution; Harper is alive today because of the quick actions of two trainers at his local gym. Last February 2017, the famous CrossFitter went into sudden cardiac arrest and would have died if he was not resuscitated using the AED. The trainer talks about his experience in an interview with Today and is mentioned in an article on Health.com. Always check if your gym has an AED It could save your life. Health and fitness experts advocate the widespread stocking of AEDs in public spaces. These devices, usually held in a small portable box, carry electrical sensors that are used to shock a persons heart back into rhythm. As of this writing, there are no federal laws requiring the devices in specific locations. American College of Cardiology (ACC) President, Mary Norine Walsh, M.D., recommends checking potential gyms to see if they have these devices, or asking the staff where it is located. Dr. Walsh says in the same article on Health.com that it should depend on your individual risk factors and personal preference. Maybe a group of younger individuals might not consider it, whereas a more middle-age group of amateur athletes might think about it more carefully. According to the ACC, sports-related sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) incidents are more prevalent than perceived. People cannot come to terms with the contrast. People think, Arent fit people more healthy? In general, yes. Numerous studies prove that long-term physical exercise improves overall health and reduces the risk of countless of diseases. Yet, short-term strenuous exercise can lead to an increased risk of cardiac arrest. Exercise-related SCAs typically occur within one hour of physical activity. In North America and Europe, the incidence of SCAs ranges from 500 to 1,000 per million per year. There are several factors to consider, including age, gender, race, medical problems, and even genetics. In Harpers case, he was predisposed to the arrest, having a mother who passed away from a heart attack. The American Heart Association (AHA) says that 350,000 people suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest each year in the United States a majority of cases occurring while people are working out. In fact, a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology concluded that 16 percent of reported sudden cardiac arrests over a 12-year period in and around Seattle happened in either a traditional or non-traditional exercise facility. That being said, there is a higher survival rate for those who suffer a cardiac arrest in a traditional exercise facility. These gyms, usually equipped with an AED, boast a 56 percent survival rate, compared to 45 percent for people who exercise in non-traditional facilities like community centers, church gyms, and dance studios. Those who exercise in public spaces like malls or airports only have a 34 percent survival rate if they go into cardiac arrest. This isnt an excuse for a sedentary lifestyle Dr. Walsh stresses that exercise is still necessary for optimum health. The fact that there is a risk of a sudden cardiac arrest among gym-goers should not deter couch potatoes or hesitant athletes. Exercise-induced SCA can happen to anyone; and even when it does, outcomes are often better. One study in the European Heart Journal notes that 46 percent of exercise-related SCA victims survived, compared to only 17 percent of victims whose arrests are not exercise-related. These numbers hold true even after adjusting for age, location, and AED-use. An additional factor to consider is to enroll in a gym with staff specifically trained in CPR. Following these tips can make your exercise routine not only productive, but safe as well. Sources include: Health.com ACC.org OnlineJACC.org HuffPost.com ScienceDirect.com (Natural News) Four women were arrested in mid-October and now face felony charges for allegedly taking part in an organized vote fraud ring in Fort Worth, according to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxtons office. CBS Dallas-Fort Worth reported that the charges involve a mail-in ballot scheme that occurred during the 2016 primary election in the state in which elderly voters on the north side of Fort Worth were targeted. At the time of the arrests, Paxtons office said his prosecutors were dealing with an organized ring but officials did not say whether the investigation was ongoing and whether additional arrests were expected. Thus far a grand jury has indicted Leticia Sanchez, Leticia Sanchez Tepichin, Maria Solis and Laura Parra on multiple felonious voter fraud charges. The local CBS affiliate reported further: Paxtons office said the women harvested votes, by filling out applications for mail-in ballots, with forged signatures. Then they would either assist the voter with filling out the ballot, or fill it out themselves, and use deception to get the voter to sign the envelope the ballot would be sent back in. Aaron Harris, a political consultant, said Paxtons office developed the case from information he gave investigators during the 2016 election cycle. The harvesters sit around and fill these out by the hundreds, often by the thousands, he told the CBS affiliate in October. He showed investigators documents from 2016 containing signatures that did not match on applications and envelopes. Harris told the affiliate that he personally has identified other people he believes are involved in the vote fraud ring but said he understands that sometimes cases can be hard to make. Just because they may have been indicted on one or two, or 16 counts, doesnt mean they dont have 200 counts but those are the only 16 that can be proven, he said. (Related: Liberal court strikes down voter ID law in latest desperate effort to ensure ILLEGALS get to vote in U.S. elections.) Election officials from Tarrant County said they were cooperating in the investigation. Its always Democrats who are caught doing this The CBS affiliate reported that Deborah Peoples, chairwoman of the Tarrant County Democratic Party, said she has met Leticia Sanchez in the past, which pretty much ties her party to the vote fraud. As the Star-Telegram reported further, a statement from Paxtons office said that the four women face 30 counts of voter fraud. They were allegedly paid by a Democratic operative to target older voters in a scheme to generate a large number of mail ballots and then harvest those ballots for specific candidates in 2016, the statement continued. Ballots by mail are intended to make it easier for Texas seniors to vote, Paxton said, according to the statement. My office is committed to ensuring that paid vote harvesters who fraudulently generate mail ballots, stealing votes from seniors, are held accountable for their despicable actions and for the damage they inflict on the electoral process. The state attorney generals office said vote harvesting schemes work in two phases. First, there is the seeding, then the harvesting. Fraudsters send mail-in ballots to targeted precincts, then harvesters attempt either to intercept the ballots outright or to assist elderly voters in casting their ballots while ensuring that the votes are cast for the candidates of the harvesters choice, the AGs office said, according to the Star-Telegram. Most of the time voters do not even know their votes have been stolen. POTUS Donald Trump delivered on a campaign promise to look into the issue of voter fraud, but the commission he empaneled was stymied by mostly blue (but some red) states at every turn by refusing to provide voter information and other data investigators needed to make determinations. But for Democrats to claim such fraud doesnt exist is not only fantasy but proves that their party is the one that engages most in it which is why they oppose every voter ID law and other efforts to clean up voter registration rolls. Read more about how voting Republican will help solve this problem at VoteRepublican.news. Sources include: CBSDFW.com TheNationalSentinel.com Star-Telegram.com (Natural News) Do you have high uric acid levels? This East Asian herb may be the solution. A study published in the Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines has found that vaticaffinol, a resveratrol tetramer derived from the extracts of gurjum tree (Dipterocarpus alatus), is an effective natural medicine for hyperuricemia. The study, which was conducted by a team of researchers from Nanjing University in China, assessed the anti-hyperuricemic and anti-inflammatory effects and possible mechanisms of vaticaffinol in oxonate-induced hyperuricemic mice. For the study, the research team induced hyperuricemia in mice by giving them potassium oxonate. After an hour, the team treated the mice with vaticaffinol. The vaticaffinol treatment was done once a day for a week. Results of the vaticaffinol treatment revealed that the hyperuricemic mice experienced a great decrease in uric acid levels. At the same time, the mice experienced improvements in the functioning of their kidneys. In addition, the vaticaffinol treatment reduced inflammation in the kidneys of hyperuricemic mice. Based on the findings of the study, the research team concluded that vaticaffinol, which is found in gurjum plant, can be used to prevent and treat hyperuricemia with kidney inflammation. Hyperuricemia develops when the blood has too much uric acid. Uric acid is a chemical in the blood created when a substance called purine is broken down in the body. Purine is typical food in foods such as red meat, organ meat, seafood, and beans. Normally, the body removes uric acid through urination. However, there can be too much uric acid in the blood when the body makes excess uric acid or is unable to excrete enough of it. Having excessive levels of uric acid can result in diseases like gout, which is a painful type of arthritis. High uric acid levels are also linked to other health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, and kidney problems. (Related: Acupuncture found to help normalize uric acid levels, reduce risk of gout and kidney damage.) Other natural treatments for high uric acid levels Since purine is found in certain foods, it is important to avoid these foods if you have high uric acid levels. In addition, there are also certain foods that can help you regulate high uric acid levels. These include: Apple cider vinegar Apple cider vinegar works as a natural cleanser and detoxifier. It also contains malic acid which aids in breaking down and removing uric acid from the body. To use apple cider vinegar in lowering uric acid levels, mix one teaspoon of organic apple cider vinegar with a glass of water. Drink this every day to reap its benefits. Apple cider vinegar works as a natural cleanser and detoxifier. It also contains malic acid which aids in breaking down and removing uric acid from the body. To use apple cider vinegar in lowering uric acid levels, mix one teaspoon of organic apple cider vinegar with a glass of water. Drink this every day to reap its benefits. Berries Research has shown that eating dark-colored berries like cherries, blueberries, and strawberries can help reduce inflammation and stiffness because of their anthocyanin content. Research has shown that eating dark-colored berries like cherries, blueberries, and strawberries can help reduce inflammation and stiffness because of their anthocyanin content. Celery seeds Celery seeds contain high levels of omega-6 fatty acids and other diuretic oils that help remove the excess liquids in the body by encouraging the kidneys to flush out the uric acid. These natural diuretics alkalizes the blood and reduces inflammation in the body. To reap celery seeds benefits, take half teaspoon of dried celery seeds once daily and drink plenty of water after. Celery seeds contain high levels of omega-6 fatty acids and other diuretic oils that help remove the excess liquids in the body by encouraging the kidneys to flush out the uric acid. These natural diuretics alkalizes the blood and reduces inflammation in the body. To reap celery seeds benefits, take half teaspoon of dried celery seeds once daily and drink plenty of water after. Fiber-rich foods Eating foods rich in fiber can help regulate uric acid levels in the blood. This is because the fiber-rich food can absorb the excess uric acid the blood and help remove it from the body. Eat good sources of soluble fiber such as oats, bananas, and grains. Eating foods rich in fiber can help regulate uric acid levels in the blood. This is because the fiber-rich food can absorb the excess uric acid the blood and help remove it from the body. Eat good sources of soluble fiber such as oats, bananas, and grains. Lime juice Lime contains citric acid which helps in dissolving uric acid. Therefore, drinking lime juice at least twice a day can help remove excess uric acid. Read more news stories and studies on alternative medicines for high uric acid levels by going to AlternativeMedicine.news. Sources include: Science.news Healthline.com Food.NDTV.com (Natural News) Research has found that a Chinese decoction called Taohong Siwu can be used to treat symptoms of sclerosis. The study, published in the Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine, assessed the efficacy and safety of bathing therapy with Taohong Siwu decoction in the treatment of diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis. Researchers from Gansu Provincial Hospital in Lanzhou, China hypothesized that adding a Chinese medicine therapy particularly bathing with Taohong Siwu decoction to a Western medicine therapy would improve the management of diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis. For the study, the researchers recruited 148 participants, aged 18 to 60 years, with diffuse cutaneous system sclerosis. Then, they randomly assigned the participants to the Taohong Siwu decoction group or a placebo control group. The participants bathed their upper and lower limbs once a day for 12 consecutive weeks. However, only 135 participants completed the treatment. Results of the study revealed that no improvements seen in both groups after two weeks of treatment. At 12 weeks, skin disease assessments improved in the Taohong Siwu decoction group. The quality of life of the participants in the Taohong Siwu decoction group. In addition, Taohong Siwu decoction did not cause any serious side effect. Overall, patients who bathed with Taohong Siwu decoction significantly experienced greater improvements in their condition than those who received the placebo treatment. Based on the findings of the study, the researchers concluded that bathing with Taohong Siwu decoction may help improve the symptoms of diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis. What is diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis? Diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc), a subtype of systemic sclerosis, is characterized by skin hardening, or fibrosis, and problems in many organs of the body. Although this condition can develop at any age, it primarily affects people between 40 and 50 years old. The exact cause of the disease still remains unknown. There is no cure for the disease, but there are treatments available to manage its symptoms. (Related: How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy can Cure Systemic Sclerosis Ulcers.) The symptoms of diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis include the following: Difficulty eating, or dysphagia, together with weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation Gastroesophageal reflux Raynauds phenomenon Skin fibrosis beginning on the fingers Telangiectasias or spider veins on the thorax, face, lips, tongue, and fingers Dry mouth and dental problems can also occur. Other symptoms such as joint pain, muscular pain, weakness, cramps, and destruction of the tips of the fingers or toes frequently occur. This condition can also result in serious problems that affect the lungs, such as pulmonary hypertension, and kidney problems. More on Taohong Siwu Taohong Siwu is known in English as Four Substance (Things) Decoction with Safflower and Peach Pit. This Chinese medicine decoction contains the following Chinese herbs: Chuan Xiong, Dang Gui, Bai Shao, Shu Di Huang, Tao Ren, and Hong Hua. This Chinese decoction is believed to tone and revitalize the blood, regulate blood flow, breaks up blood stagnation, regulate menstruation, and relieve pain. It is used to treat concurrent blood deficiency and blood stagnation. Like all other medications, Taohong Siwu should be used with caution, especially for those who have a weak digestive system and anemia. Moreover, women with menstrual disorders with underlying Qi and blood deficiency should use this medicine with caution. It should not be used by pregnant women. Use of this decoction should be stopped immediately after the desired effects have been achieved to avoid profuse bleeding. Read more news stories and studies on Chinese medicines like Taohong Siwu by going to ChineseMedicine.news. Sources include: Science.news RareDiseases.Info.NIH.gov AmericanDragon.com (Natural News) Elected Democrats and their party propaganda wing, the establishment media, have portrayed the thousands of mostly Central American migrants traipsing towards the United States as harmless, poor individuals escaping violence and political persecution in their home countries. No doubt that most of them are poor, but there are questions about whether theyre really being persecuted, whether theyre really in danger, and whether many of them are who they say they are. Over the weekend, Fox News reporter Griff Jenkins, who is traveling with one of the caravans, interviewed a man called Jose who says he wants to come to the U.S. Actually, he said he wants to get back into the United States. Hes been deported before, so that makes him a criminal already. But thats not all. Jose is wanted for attempted murder in his words, a third-degree felony. You read that right. He says he wants to come back into the U.S. to seek a pardon, but the chances of that happening are about as remote as the chances of Barack Obama admitting his was the most corrupt administration in U.S. history. Watch: It would only make sense that there would be criminals among the 7,500-odd migrants who are currently in southern Mexico. Jose cant be the only migrant whos been deported from the United States. But more than that, other reports have said that MS-13 members are among the caravan. (Related: Trump on migrant caravan: We dont want them.) The criminal/terrorist element Investigative journalist Sara A. Carter, who has traveled to Central America to interview Guatemalan, Honduran, and Mexican leaders and officials regarding the migrants, reported, Guatemalan intelligence discovered people from India, Bangladesh, [and] Africa had also joined in with the caravan. I bumped into a number of young MS-13 gang members, she tweeted, according to AMI Newswire. POTUS Donald Trump tweeted last week that people from the Middle East were among those traveling with the caravan, but the disgustingly dishonest American media refused to report it and instead questioned the presidents truthfulness (because hes a bigot and hates people from Muslim countries, dont you know). They were, however, quick to report that he said last week he had no proof of anything regarding who was actually traveling within the caravan, though he said he had very good information about it which, to a president, means hard-core intelligence. Turns out he was right. Again. AMI Newswire reported further: Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales told American reporters that his country has detained roughly 100 terrorism suspects, some of whom were ISIS members. Morales reportedly made the comments during a speech at a conference in Washington D.C. over the weekend. [W]e have not only detained [terrorists] within our territory, but they have been deported to their country of origin, Morales said in reference to his efforts since taking office in 2016. There is no bigger criminal and threat to the U.S. than a terrorist. And theres no better way to infiltrate our country than by blending in with a mass of humanity across open borders. But their efforts are not likely to be successful. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nelson said Sunday that the migrants arent going to be allowed into the country so the best thing they could do is turn around and go home or accept Mexicos offer of asylum (which hundreds have done). There is a legal way to get into this country. Those who choose to enter illegally will be stopped, she told Fox News Sunday. The Trump administration is serious about preventing the migrants from entering. Reports last week said the Pentagon was sending 800 active duty Army soldiers to the border to help bolster security along with Border Patrol and about 2,100 National Guard troops. Troop strength, however, has been increased to 5,000. Read more about the migrant invasion of the U.S. at InvasionUSA.news. Sources include: TheNationalSentinel.com ZeroHedge.com TheGatewayPundit.com (Natural News) When we think of vitamin C we probably think of citrus fruits, winter and preventing the flu. However, this powerhouse nutrient is so much more than an immune booster albeit a powerful one. A groundbreaking but undervalued study published over two decades ago in the peer-reviewed journal Radiation Physics and Chemistry, found that vitamin C can provide amazing hormone balancing benefits and could potentially even prevent cancer. Unsurprisingly, the Big Pharma-led mainstream media and medical establishment have chosen for the most part to ignore the studys findings. Green Med Infos Sayer Ji recently commented on that vital study, explaining that the Austrian researchers set out to explore the role that vitamin C could play in preventing steroid hormones like progesterone, estrone (a form of estrogen) and testosterone from degrading and becoming toxic, cancer-causing metabolites called hormone transients. They found that vitamin C could facilitate almost total estrone regeneration, along with 52.7 percent regeneration of progesterone and 58.6 percent regeneration of testosterone. This has profound implications for the use of vitamin C as an alternative to cancer-causing hormone replacement therapy in middle-aged women. And, since vitamin C also reduces the formation of carcinogenic hormone-transients, it is a potentially vital component of cancer prevention. The link between hormones and cancer Sayer Ji explains that when steroid hormones are exposed to environmental and other factors like high temperature, pH and UV light, they change, losing electrons and becoming toxic hormone transients. Thats where vitamin C comes in, since it is a reducing agent, which means it has the ability to donate electrons to other compounds. When vitamin C donates electrons to steroid hormones it regenerates them and at the same time acts as an antioxidant, neutralizing cancer-causing free radicals. The study abstract explains the methodology employed by the researchers: Investigations were performed using progesterone (PRG), testosterone (TES) and estrone (E1) as representatives of hormones. By irradiation with monochromatic UV light (?=254 nm) in a media of 40% water and 60% ethanol, the degradation as well as the regeneration of the hormones was studied with each hormone individually and in the mixture with VitC as a function of the absorbed UV dose, using HPLC. Calculated from the obtained initial yields, the determined regeneration of PRG amounted to 52.7%, for TES to 58.6% and for E1 to 90.9%. What conclusions did the research team reach? Firstly, that the electron emission process can successfully be regenerated by electron donation from a potent donor like vitamin C. Secondly, with regard to cancer prevention, they noted: The regeneration of hormones by electron transfer process using a potent electron donor, such as VitC, might offer a new pathway for an efficient reduction in the formation of metabolites, also such initiating cancer among others. And, with regard to hormone replacement therapy (HRT), they added: The reported results concerning the ability of VitC to act as electron donor in the regeneration of hormone transients might also be of benefit in the clinical application of hormones (e.g. contraceptive, HRT). Other reasons to supplement with vitamin C A study published back in 2007 indicated that most Americans are deficient in vitamin C, and that supplementing with very large, therapeutic dosages of this nutrient could prevent chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease and cancer. In addition, as previously reported by Natural News, vitamin C deficiency is associated with a host of health problems, including joint pain, muscle weakness, fatigue, bleeding gums and much more. Writing for Natural News, Jonathan Landsman made the astounding claim that there is not a known virus that can survive in the presence of this essential antioxidant. There are therefore really good reasons to increase consumption of fruits and veggies that are high in vitamin C, as well as to consider supplementation with a trusted, clean source of this amazing gift from nature. Learn more at Nutrients.news. Sources include: GreenMedInfo.com NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov NaturalNews.com NaturalNews.com A toxicology report done as part of Aaron Hernandez's autopsy following his April 2017 suicide in a Massachusetts prison "came back negative for all substances tested to include synthetic cannabinoids," according to a report issued two weeks after his death by the Massachusetts State Police. But the report redacted an interview conducted with a fellow inmate who told police that Hernandez spent the last days of his life smoking K2, a synthetic drug that can cause hallucinations and psychosis and can be difficult to detect in routine drug tests. Firefighters, police officers and 911 operators in Houston, Texas, got a surprise lunch from a famous local as Oscar-winner Matthew McConaughey showed up with roasted turkey to give thanks on National First Responders Day. The actor's appearance and catered lunch Sunday shocked those at a fire department. Later, he did the same for police officers and 911 operators at other facilities. In an interview with The Associated Press, the Austin native said he wanted to do something in his home state, particularly for Houston. The city dealt with the devastating effects of Hurricane Harvey last year. He went as part of a promotion for Wild Turkey, for which he serves as a creative director and spokesman. "This year, I said, 'Let me get you down here to my home state,' and what's a good place to go," McConaughey said. "Harvey just hit last August here. So much of Houston was under water. ... We're going around here today, delivering a turkey, a little bourbon and a little gratitude to the men and women who responded first when that disaster hit," he said, though technically, no alcohol was given to first responders on duty. McConaughey also met with Houston's mayor, Sylvester Turner. Turner told the AP that McConaughey embodies the Texas and Houston spirit with his generosity, but also "never forgetting his roots." It wasn't the 48-year-old actor's only civic duty of the weekend. He told the AP that he voted Saturday, braving an hour and a half wait in line at an early polling place. "It's not one of those lines that you get moved to the front, nor should you get moved to the front. It's one of those common denominators, 'Hey we're all in the same place as Americans,'" McConaughey said. He said even though the U.S. may appear politically polarized and divided, he thinks it's a phase and "we'll come out on the other side. We'll find our proverbial water line." "It's the push and the pull," McConaughey said. "There is a divide there to push. I'm preferably aggressively a little more centric. But we'll see where we come out and getting out to vote is the first step in doing something about it. " A new report released Tuesday by a nuclear policy expert concluded the publics health is at risk because the Navy is using radiation cleanup standards at the Hunters Point Naval Shipyard that are weaker than required by law. Daniel Hirsch, the retired director of the Environmental and Nuclear Policy Program at UC Santa Cruz, was asked by residents of the Bayview-Hunters Point community to review the adequacy of the cleanup of shipyard, a federal superfund site in San Francisco. Hirsch and a team of students reviewed thousands of government documents. They found the Navy is using outdated cleanup guidelines and that it refuses to update them, despite what Hirsch says are repeated recommendations by the Environmental Protection Agency to do so. You are required to use EPA guidance; they didnt, Hirsch said, referring to the Navy. They used something else and that would be leaving hundreds to thousands of times more contamination. According to Hirschs research, the public would be at a vastly higher risk of cancer under the Navys cleanup standards than they would be if they Navy used current EPA cleanup guidelines. Hirsch says the Navys cleanup standards for shipyard buildings are four decades old and thousands of times less protective than the EPAs current cleanup goals. His team performed calculations and found if people were exposed to radiation inside buildings at levels allowed by the Navys cleanup standards, the risk estimated by the EPA is that every 37th person exposed would get cancer from the exposure. The shipyard is slated for a massive redevelopment complete with homes, shops and parks. We stand by our existing clean-up goals at Hunters Point, said Derek Robinson, environmental cleanup coordinator for the Navy at Hunters Point. Robinson said the Navys standards have been confirmed by expert review across multiple regulatory agencies to be protective of human health. He added, While different methodologies can be used to calculate goals and risk, the Navy has consistently evaluated EPA risk criteria and leveraged their expert guidance in our calculations. An evaluation of past cleanup actions have confirmed the Navys standards are protective of human health, Robinson said. The EPA declined to comment, but pointed NBC Bay Area to letters it wrote Navy officials this year encouraging them to use current versions of cleanup standards. Hirsch is a longtime critic of the radiation cleanup at the Hunters Point Shipyard. The report is the third in a series issued by Hirsch through the nonprofit nuclear policy organization, Committee to Bridge the Gap. The NBC Bay Area Investigative Unit has reported a series of stories on the Hunters Point cleanup. See the latest investigation here. Out of 54 California agencies surveyed by the Investigative Unit, 20 percent had launched internal pornography investigations since 2015. The official term for surfing porn at work is computer misuse, and it violates state policy. One Caltrans worker admitted to searching for porn on a regular basis for 15 years. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation investigated 14 employees for downloading sexually explicit material on government devices. For a complete list of NBC Bay Areas findings, see the agency logos below. State workers viewed all of this pornography on the job and California taxpayers are paying their salaries. Some cases involved child pornography. A spiritual leader at the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation was fired after managers discovered the employee used three department computers to access images of child erotica and possible child pornography. An energy resource specialist at the California Energy Commission was arrested in May 2016 for attempting to perform sexual acts with a child. His arrest was part of a sting operation by the Sutter County District Attorneys Office. Energy Commission investigators found 100 pornographic videos and images on his portable hard drive. After launching an investigation, the Department of Social Services did not substantiate an allegation that a health program manager was looking at naked women on his computer. Managers at Cal Recycle found printouts of pornographic images on a department printer, but couldnt identify a specific employee. In all, 10 state agencies queried by the NBC Bay Area Investigative Unit found employees accessed sexually explicit material on state computers. Out of 54 California agencies surveyed by the Investigative Unit, 20 percent had launched internal pornography investigations since 2015. NBC Bay Area Investigative Reporter Liz Wagner reports in a video that first aired on Oct. 29, 2018. In general, Americans are watching more pornography than ever. Exact figures are difficult to come by, because, as sex addiction therapist Robert Weiss puts it, Most people don't want to talk about their sex lives - they lie. But Pornhub, one of the worlds leading pornography sites, tracks its annual traffic. In 2017, the site had 28.5 million visits. Thats nearly double the total of 14.7 million visits in 2013. According to Pornhub statistics, midnight to 1 a.m. is peak time to watch porn. The work hours between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. are a close second. People are watching porn between 9 and 5 because they dont want to do it in the home setting, Weiss said. Aside from policy violations, Weiss finds pornography incompatible with the workplace. There is something wrong with a workplace that doesnt have an IT department that is observing or carefully monitoring what employees are doing, he said. And it isnt okay for employees to look at porn in the workplace. Caltrans recently found seven employees accessed porn on state computers. The workers were caught using internal safeguards, which include software that reports access to inappropriate websites, a department spokesman said. A forensic analysis of employees computers found one man accessed inappropriate material every one of the days investigators analyzed his network and internet usage. The terms he searched for online are so graphic NBC Bay Area cant show or even describe them. Another employee, when questioned by department investigators, admitted to a porn addiction and said he searched for sexually explicit material at work regularly since he started with the department in 2000. But NBC Bay Area found these werent the only cases of employees watching porn at Caltrans. Program analyst Rachel Elizondo stumbled onto a secret porn exchange ring at the department in 2009. It started when her boss asked her to monitor his emails while he was gone. When she logged into his account, Elizondo saw the first in a series of emails that disturbed her. I clicked on it, she said, and from what I remember I think it was two women that were on a beach and they were laying down and there was a donkey coming behind them with the penis out. Elizondo reported the email to a manager right away, who asked her to click through some more sexually explicit emails. Ive been raised with Biblical principles and thats not something we look at, Elizondo said. You know, you get images like that in your brain and its hard to take them out of your brain. Once theyre there it's permanent. I just felt like it was a slap to my face. An internal investigation eventually uncovered that more than two-dozen Caltrans employees took part in a so-called pornography viewing ring at work. One engineer admitted that he had been forwarding sexually explicit emails to colleagues for up to three years. Elizondo said the inappropriate content also went to state employees at other agencies. Once co-workers caught wind that she blew the whistle, Elizondo said they began to harass her. She believes a dead rat she found hanging in her gazebo was planted by colleagues. She found her tires slashed at work. And Elizondo said someone shot a bullet into her guest bedroom. None of these incidents was ever linked to Caltrans co-workers, but Elizondo is sure she was singled out as a troublemaker. You had some of these men coming through your cubicle, theyd make like stop sarcastic looks at you. Some of the time you could tell they were upset, kind of like it was threatening, she said. The intimidation got so bad Elizondo quit, and sued Caltrans. She won her lawsuit in 2017. A jury awarded her $605,000. During her trial, her attorney uncovered a multitude of pornographic images. Some Caltrans workers said they thought the photos were funny. I dont think it is funny using state time, taxpayers money watching pornography at work, Elizondo said. If you have a tip for the Investigative Unit email theunit@nbcbayarea.com. Follow Liz Wagner: @Lizwags and Facebook. The suspect identified Sunday in the murder of an active duty Navy sailor in Mountain View on Saturday was also involved another shooting minutes before, police said. Brandon Acuna, 21, was accused in the shooting death of Curtis Adams, 21, early Saturday morning, police said. Acuna was also involved in another shooting 10 minutes earlier near the 600 block of Boundary Street in Mount Hope, police said. He allegedly shot at a man who interrupted his attempt to break into the man's car, according to police. Police said Adams was driving southbound on Interstate 15 around 2:20 a.m. when he saw what he thought was a stranded driver near the northbound Interstate 5 on-ramp and pulled over to help. When Adams got out of his car and approached the stranded vehicle, he was shot, Lt. Anthony Dupree said. He was with his girlfriend at the time who quickly called 911. Adams was taken to UC San Diego Medical Center where he died. The vehicle Acuna was in sped off and he was taken into custody when California Highway Patrol spotted the car on northbound I-5, near 32nd Street and contacted SDPD. Acuna was booked into San Diego County Central Jail on charges of first-degree murder and second-degree burglary and held with no bail. Acuna has a long criminal history dating back to 2015 when he was 18 years old, according to court records. It was unclear why Acuna shot Adams. The investigations into both incidents are ongoing, police said. Anyone with information about the incidents was urged to call the Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477. Thousands of migrants were resting Sunday night to gear up for a long day Monday when they plan to start making their way again toward the U.S.-Mexico border. The migrants spent Sunday resting Tapanatepec, a small town in Oaxaca, Mexico. They were washing their clothes, showering in the streets before they continue their journey Monday. They plan to begin walking at 3 a.m. before it gets too hot and to walk as far as they can toward the U.S. border. Many of the migrants in the caravan are from Honduras. NBC 7's Catherine Garcia has more on the history of the moving caravan. It was still unknown if they are aiming for the border in California, Texas or New Mexico. The migrants said they are scared but at the same time, they say, there is no going back. "If I can't get into the U.S., I am staying in Mexico," Maryuri Elizabet said. "I am not going back." Images: A look Inside the Migrant Caravan Maryuri is from Honduras. She is eight months pregnant and is due in less than three weeks. She is also traveling with her husband and 2-year-old son. She said if she goes back to Honduras, she would always be afraid of violence and hunger. Her family, like others, have been resting Sunday and recovering from the heat. The migrants plan to walk at least 25 miles Monday. Apple's new iPads will more closely resemble its latest iPhones as they ditch a home button and fingerprint sensor to make more room for the screen. As with the latest iPhone models the XR and XS the new iPad Pro will use facial-recognition technology to unlock the device and to authorize app and Apple Pay purchases. Apple also unveiled new Mac computers, including an overdue refresh of the MacBook Air laptop, now with a high-resolution screen. Better screens come with price increases for both iPads and Macs. Tuesday's announcements took place at an opera house in New York, where the company emphasized its products' ability to create music, video and sketches. Neither the Mac nor the iPad generates as much revenue for Apple as iPhones. Tablet sales have been declining overall, though Apple saw a 3 percent increase in iPad sales last year to nearly 44 million, commanding a 27 percent market share, according to research firm IDC. Apple has been promoting its high-end iPad Pro as ideal for artists, photographers and other creators. D.A. Davidson Co. analyst Tom Forte said Apple did "a nice job of rolling out next-generation devices with features customers want to sustain momentum" in iPad sales growth. The smaller of the two new Pros will have a wider display than before when held horizontally. Its screen is 11 inches rather than 10.5 inches, measured diagonally. It starts at about $800, or $150 more than the 10.5-inch version. For the larger, 12.9-inch model, Apple is fitting the same-size display into a smaller device about the size of a standard sheet of paper. That starts at about $1,000, a price hike of $200. The new iPads will have an LCD screen similar to the iPhone XR rather than the more vibrant one found in the top-of-the-line iPhone XS models. The displays on the new iPads don't run to the edges as much as they do on iPhones. An updated pencil, still at $99, will attach magnetically to the iPad for storage and charging. Apple is bringing a high-resolution display to its low-end MacBook Air, something until now limited to pricier models such as the MacBook Pro products. But the starting price goes up $200 to about $1,200. The Air also joins higher-end Pros in sporting a fingerprint sensor, something the iPad just lost. Apple also announced an updated desktop computer, the Mac Mini, starting at about $800. The company said both Macs will use aluminum left over from producing iPads and other products. The new MacBook Air and iPad Pros will now use a standard, oval-shaped connector called USB-C. That means accessories using the iPad's old Lightning port will need adapters, sold separately. The change will allow people to charge their iPhones through the iPad. The Air also loses the slot for camera memory cards. An adapter costs $39. Patrick Moorhead, founder of Moor Insights & Strategy, said the refreshed products are likely to please Apple fans and users. "The company hadn't updated the Mac Mini for years, and the MacBook Air for a while, so these are very welcome changes," he said. But he said the new Mac features aren't significant enough to draw many people away from Windows computers. "Overall some nice improvements, but I don't think these are game changers," he said. All the new products come out Nov. 7. Apple also is releasing a free software update for iPhones and iPads on Tuesday with previously announced features such as group video chats on FaceTime. Four California Highway Patrol officers who flew through hurricane-force winds to rescue dozens of residents trapped by a wildfire north of Napa last year were awarded the state's highest law enforcement honor Monday. "There's a lot of people who thought they were going to die that night. Thankfully, we were able to be there and make a difference," recalled Officer Whitney Lowe, a flight officer on one of two helicopters. Gov. Jerry Brown and Attorney General Xavier Becerra awarded them medals of valor, along with a Yuba County sheriff's deputy who rescued two wounded deputies while wearing shorts and a polo shirt but no bulletproof vest. The four CHP officers were flying in two helicopters about 10 p.m. Oct. 8, 2017, when 14 large wildfires began ripping through wine country and other areas of Northern California, forcing an estimated 20,000 people to evacuate. Lowe and pilot Pete Gavitte were responding to one of numerous terrified calls for help but arrived too late fire had already consumed the home. They spotted a line of vehicles trapped by downed trees and powerlines while trying to flee "a towering wall of flames more than a mile long," said Lew Stone, chairman of the medal of valor review board. "There was only one way out at this point it was on the helicopter," Lowe said in an interview after the awards ceremony. Gavitte landed nearby despite what Lowe described as hurricane-force winds. The pair made three trips, carrying trapped motorists to safety four at a time, then found another pocket of trapped residents and lifted them out, too. They also called in a second helicopter, with pilot Chad Millward and flight officer Phil Agdeppa aboard. "It's basically turning into a firestorm. It's just consuming everything in its path," Millward said in an interview. He said he's flown innumerable rescue missions and assisted in many fires but "none were as precarious as this situation because it was so fast-moving and there were so many people trapped." Together the crews rescued 41 people, along with four dogs and one cat. Forty-four people died during the October fires, but none from the fire where the two crews responded. "Forty-one lives were saved from certain death," Stone said in announcing the honor. Medal of valor recipients are recommended annually by a review board representing law enforcement unions. There were 41 nominations this year from 10 incidents, and the final five were unanimously recommended to Becerra and then chosen by Brown for acts of extraordinary valor beyond the call of duty. "We need these examples of heroism to teach us how we're supposed to act," Brown said. Yuba County Sheriff's Deputy Dan Harris said he was unprepared on Aug. 1, 2017, when he helped two fellow deputies chasing an armed suspect from an illegal marijuana farm. He was working with the department's marine unit and preparing to change the tires on a boat trailer when he responded to the call. He was guarding the back of a house when the suspect shot deputies Phillip Bronson and Andrew Everhart three times each through a closed door. They returned fire and killed the suspect, but Harris didn't know that as he helped Everhart flee and dragged Bronson to safety. "I realized that I was grossly undressed," Harris said of not wearing his bulletproof vest. "Then I went in anyway." The two deputies were flown to a hospital and are still recovering. Police and California Department of Wildlife crews late Monday removed a mountain lion from a parking lot of a busy office complex in Pleasanton. Four doses were used to tranquilize the puma, police said. The big cat dubbed the #PleasantonPuma appears to be a 9- to 12-month-old male, police said. The mountain lion is about 75 to 80 pounds and appears healthy, which means he can be re-released, according to police. Officials first notified residents of the mountain lion around 4:35 p.m. Monday through a police Nixle alert and posts on social media. The puma was spotted at 3825 Hopyard Road, near West Las Positas Boulevard and east of Interstate 680. Police later confirmed a mountain lion was "hunkered down" in the area, prompting Hopyard Road to be shut down in both directions. During the response, office workers in the area were escorted by police to their cars. The Alameda County Sheriff's Office also assisted in capturing the mountain lion, even deploying a drone with thermal imaging to track the puma's movements. The puma was released late Monday in a remote part of the Sunol Regional Wilderness, DFW officials said. A large demonstration wound through the University of Vermont campus Monday, standing up for transgender rightsone week after President Donald Trump indicated the future for transgender Americans is in flux. They have a lot of different things happening with respect to transgender right now, President Trump told reporters last week. You know that as well as I do. Were looking at it very seriously. The presidents remarks came in response to a New York Times article. The paper obtained a memo showing the administrations thinking about narrowing the legal definition of gender, based on genitalia at birthand making that definition unchangeable later in life to reflect how a person identifies. Im protecting everybody, Trump said, answering an NBC correspondents question about past promises to protect LGBT Americans. I want to protect our country. Health and Human Services had no comment on the matter, saying it doesnt comment on alleged leaked memos. Many advocates for LGBT rights have said such a move from the federal government would appear to significantly blunt transgender protections and recognition from the Obama era. For me personally, it would be completely, completely devastating, said Carter Shapiro, one of the organizers of the rally Monday at UVM. Its just a complete invalidation of who I am. Shapiro warned such a move would likely have catastrophic mental health impacts on transgender people. I think were looking for exactly what everyone else is, UVM employee Ben Kennedy said in response to an necn question about what transgender people are seeking. Equal protections under the lawaccess to equality, equity, health care, to education. Were not asking for anything special, were just asking to be treated the same as everybody else. The protesters heard assurances from the University of Vermonts president, Tom Sullivan. There is nothing more important that we can do at UVM but to ensure your safety, your health, your well-being, and your dignity, Sullivan told the crowd of several hundred that gathered on campus. But the group wont stop there. Theyre insisting they wont be erased, promising to keep up the pressure in the face of any possible rollbacks at the federal level. PHOTOS 25 helpful tips to become a more efficient packer After years of overpacking and stuffing things in your bag at the very last minute, its time to do things differently. Little tips and tricks make all the difference, here is your ultimate list for finally becoming an efficient packer. (Zareen Syed, The Active Times) What to Know Notorious Boston gangster James "Whitey" Bulger was found dead at a West Virginia prison on Tuesday, federal sources told NBC News. Bulger, the head of Boston's Irish mob and an FBI informant, was serving a life sentence after being convicted in 2013 of 11 murders. His case was the basis for the 2015 Johnny Depp film "Black Mass," based on the book by Boston Globe reporters Dick Lehr and Gerard O'Neill. Notorious Boston gangster James "Whitey" Bulger was killed inside a federal prison in West Virginia on Tuesday. NBC News is reporting that investigators are probing whether he was beaten to death by another inmate or inmates, according to multiple senior law enforcement officials. Bulger, 89, had just been moved on Monday to the United States Penitentiary in Hazelton, a high-security prison with 1,270 male inmates and an adjacent minimum security satellite camp in Bruceton Mills, West Virginia. "On Tuesday, October 30, 2018, at approximately 8:20 a.m., inmate James Bulger was found unresponsive at the United States Penitentiary (USP) Hazelton, in Bruceton Mills, West Virginia," the Federal Bureau of Prisons said in a statement. "Life-saving measures were initiated immediately by responding staff. Mr. Bulger was subsequently pronounced dead by the Preston County Medical Examiner." The FBI and the US Attorney's office in the Northern District of West Virginia has been notified and an investigation has been initiated, the statement said. No staff or other inmates were injured. Bulger, the head of Boston's Irish mob and an FBI informant, was serving a life sentence after being convicted in 2013 of a litany of gangland crimes in the 1970s and '80s, including participating in 11 murders. He was one of the FBI's most wanted fugitives for 16 years until his 2011 arrest in Santa Monica, California. James Whitey Bulger, one of the most infamous killers in the country, eluded police for years before his capture. He was killed Tuesday in prison. Bulger had recently been moved from a prison in Florida to a transfer facility in Oklahoma City. A spokesperson there said he was at the Oklahoma transfer center until Monday, according to a spokesman. Prior to that, he was held at a prison in Tucson, Arizona. Bureau of Prisons officials and his attorney declined last week to comment on why he was moved. Bulger's attorney. J.W. Carney Jr. issued this statement on Bulger's death: "I was proud to be appointed by the Federal Court to represent James Bulger. He was sentenced to life in prison, but as a result of decisions by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, that sentence has been changed to the death penalty." Bulger is now the third inmate killed at the federal prison in Bruceton Mills this year. Earlier this month, a Congresswoman called for a federal investigation into what she described as appalling conditions at Hazelton. In a letter to the Department of Justice (DOJ) Inspector General, Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) wrote, I believe that the federal employees serving in this facility have likely received inadequate training, are under-supported, and are being compelled to perform duties outside the scope of their positions and their training, which is leading to these horrific and entirely unacceptable outcomes. That letter came after two inmates died during violent struggles inside the prison. Former Boston mob boss James Whitey Bulger is the third inmate to be killed at USP Hazelton in West Virginia this year. Last week, the president of the union representing corrections officers at the facility expressed concern about increasing workplace assaults. Richard Heldreth, president of Local 420 of the Federation of Government Employees, told a newspaper that Hazelton is dangerously understaffed. The most recent DOJ prison death statistics show there are about 10 homicides per year nationwide, according to figures reviewed by NBC10 Boston. With three inmates already killed this year, that would put Hazelton far above the norm. There was plenty of reaction to Bulger's death in the Boston area. Among the 11 victims Bulger was convicted of killing was Michael Donahue. Patricia Donahue, Michael's widow, said her husband was killed 36 years ago giving a friend a ride home. She said she doesnt believe in the death penalty so she was content to have Bulger rot in prison. "I believe that you die the way you live," Patricia Donahue said. "He killed a lot of people and he was killed, so that says a lot to me." Steve Davis, the brother of Debra Davis who was another one of Bulger's victims, told NBC10 Boston his phone has not stopped ringing since the news of Bulger's death. He said Bulger's death is the closest he and his family have ever been to justice, although the relief doesn't erase the pain for any of the victims. "There's never going to be closure to the heart of the victims and the families. It's never going to be closure for them," said Davis. "We lost something we can't get back. We lost a life." The families of victims allegedly killed by James Whitey Bulger are reacting to his death. Bulger's story was the basis for the 2015 Johnny Depp film "Black Mass." and he was also the model for Jack Nicholson's ruthless crime boss in the 2006 Martin Scorsese movie, "The Departed." His character led a largely Irish mob that ran loan-sharking, gambling and drug rackets. Bulger also was an FBI informant who ratted on the New England mob, his gang's main rival, in an era when bringing down the Mafia was a top national priority for the FBI. Bulger fled Boston in late 1994 after his FBI handler, John Connolly Jr., warned him he was about to be indicted. With a $2 million reward on his head, Bulger became one of the FBI's "Ten Most Wanted" criminals, with a place just below Osama bin Laden. Tom Duffy, a retired state police detective who searched for Bulger and was a consultant on "The Departed," called word of Bulger's death "celebratory news." When the extent of his crimes and the FBI's role in overlooking them became public in the late 1990s, Bulger became a source of embarrassment for the FBI. During the years he was a fugitive, the FBI battled a public perception that it had not tried very hard to find him. [NATL] The Life and Times of Mobster Whitey Bulger After more than 16 years on the run, Bulger was captured at age 81 in Santa Monica, California, where he had been living in a rent-controlled apartment near the beach with his longtime girlfriend, Catherine Greig. In 2013, he was convicted in the slayings, as well as extortion and money-laundering, after a sensational racketeering trial that included graphic testimony from three former Bulger cohorts: a hit man, a protege and a partner. He was sentenced nearly five years ago to two consecutive life sentences plus five years. Bulger, nicknamed "Whitey" for his bright platinum hair, grew up in a gritty South Boston housing project and became known as one of the most ruthless gangsters in Boston. His younger brother, William Bulger, became one of the most powerful politicians in Massachusetts, leading the state Senate for 17 years. While South Boston may have changed dramatically in the 25 years since James Whitey Bulger fled, his notorious legacy still lingers over many in the neighborhood. In working-class "Southie," Bulger was known for helping old ladies across the street and giving turkey dinners to his neighbors at Thanksgiving. He had a kind of Robin Hood-like image among some locals, but authorities said he would put a bullet in the brain of anyone who he even suspected of double-crossing him. "You could go back in the annals of criminal history and you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone as diabolical as Bulger," said Duffy. "Killing people was his first option," Duffy said after Bulger was finally captured in 2011. "They don't get any colder than him," Duffy said after Bulger was finally captured in June 2011." Bulger was accused of strangling Debra Davis, the 26-year-old girlfriend of his partner, Stephen "The Rifleman" Flemmi, and Deborah Hussey, also 26, the daughter of Flemmi's common-law wife. In both cases, Bulger insisted on pulling out the women's teeth so they would be difficult to identify, Flemmi testified. During a search of his Santa Monica apartment, agents found over $800,000 in cash and more than 30 guns, many hidden in holes in the walls. A property manager at the building said Bulger and Greig, who used the names Charles and Carol Gasko, had lived there for 15 years and always paid the rent-controlled rate of $1,145 a month in cash. They were caught days after the FBI began a new publicity campaign focusing on Greig. The daytime TV announcements showed photos of Greig and noted that she was known to frequent beauty salons and have her teeth cleaned once a month. A woman from Iceland who knew Bulger and Greig in Santa Monica saw a report on CNN about the latest publicity campaign and called in the tip that led agents to them. The Boston Globe identified the tipster as a former Miss Iceland, a former actress who starred in Noxzema shaving cream commercials in the 1970s. Greig is still serving her sentence at a federal prison in Minnesota. [NATL-NECN] Whitey Bulger's Belongings Auctioned for Over $100,000 Clothing, jewelry, books and other possessions once owned by Bulger and Greig went up for auction at the Boston Convention Center and online in 2016, with the money going to Bulger's victims' families. Bulger, a physical fitness buff, had been taken to a Boston hospital from his jail cell at least three times, complaining of chest pains, since being brought back to Boston to stand trial. Rep. Dan Lipinski won a decisive victory in Illinois' 3rd Congressional District Tuesday night, NBC News projected, handily defeating his white supremacist Republican opponent Art Jones. Lipinski won 71.5 percent of the vote with 96.2 percent of precincts reporting by 11 p.m., while Jones earned 28.5 percent of the vote. The race results were all but guaranteed heading into the general election, but the race remained one to watch to see just how many voters would cast their ballots for Jones, a Holocaust denier and former leader of the American Nazi Party. As of Tuesday night, it appears that number was more than 56,500. Jones ran unopposed in the March Republican primary, racking up more than 20,000 votes to win the GOP nomination. While he has unsuccessfully run for elected office several times since the 1970s, appearing on a general election ballot was a significant victory for Jones, who refers to the Holocaust as "the biggest, blackest lie in history" on his campaign website and has praised the leadership of Adolf Hitler. Jones ran for the same district five times before, including in 2016, when he failed to make the ballot after the Illinois Republican Party challenged his petition signatures. In 2017 however, the state GOP declined to challenge Jones' candidacy or run another candidate, clearing his path to the Republican nomination. Just before the March primary, the party denounced Jones, with the chairman saying in a statement that the country has "no place for Nazis like Arthur Jones." There were two write-in candidates, Justin Hanson and Kenneth Yerkes, though voters in the solidly-blue district will send Lipinski back to Congress for a seventh term in the seat previously held by his father. Lipinski - a conservative, anti-abortion member of the party - won a narrow 2-point victory over a strong progressive challenger in the Democratic primary for the district, where Hillary Clinton took 55 percent of the vote in 2016. Democrat Sean Casten won the race for Illinois 6th Congressional District Tuesday night, NBC News projected, defeating incumbent GOP Rep. Peter Roskam in a high-profile and contentious election. Casten earned 53.2 percent of the vote with 71 percent of precincts reporting as of 11 p.m., compared to Roskams 46.8 percent of the vote. The race garnered plenty of national attention from the beginning, with implications well beyond its suburban boundaries. The district, largely in DuPage County, has been red for decades, represented by Rep. Henry Hyde from 1975 to 2007 and by Roskam for six terms since. In 2016, Roskam held onto his seat even though presidential nominee Hillary Clinton won the district by 7 points over President Donald Trump - making Roskam a prime target for Democrats looking to take back the House. Roskam's work as one of the architects of the GOP's tax reform bill and his votes to repeal Obamacare, plus criticism over his refusal to hold town hall meetings with constituents in person, have been among the issues that dogged him even before the general election. That spurred seven candidates to jump into the Democratic primary race to unseat him, with Casten, a scientist and entrepreneur, emerging victorious. Casten highlighted his experience working in the environmental and energy sectors and made access to healthcare one of his chief issues - running ads attacking Roskam over his votes to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Roskam launched an offensive against Casten as well, painting him as "another shady Illinois politician," tying him to House Speaker Michael Madigan and criticizing his record as a registered lobbyist, among other lines of attack. But that wasnt enough to carry Roskam over the finish line, as the so-called blue wave swept Casten to victory in an area that Democrats previously thought was untouchable. Carsons is returning to a Chicago suburb just in time for holiday shopping. The department store that shuttered all locations in Illinois this year will reopen its Evergreen Park location as a new concept store on Black Friday, according to CSG Generation, which acquired the retailer. The concept store will offer Carsons traditional brands and prices but will also feature new services like interior design and personal styling, the company said. Its been a race to prepare to open our first store, and were looking forward to growing our brick and mortar footprint over the coming months, Justin Yoshimura, interim CEO, said in a statement. The store, located at 9700 S. Western Avenue, will also hold a hiring at event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday. If you are interested in joining us on this journey to Make Carsons Great Again, please stop by or contact us through our website, Store Manager Lisa Beardsley said in a statement, noting that former employees and customers will "receive priority consideration." The parent company for Carsons filed for bankruptcy in February, forcing all stores to close by the end of August. The company was acquired by CSG Generation, which said it was inspired by the opportunity to rebuild an American icon. The Jewish community in Chicago and the suburbs are on alert after hearing about Saturdays fatal attack on a synagogue that left 11 dead in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. An interfaith vigil is being held in Skokie Monday night, to commemorate the innocent lives lost in yet another senseless shooting in America history. This is a time that we as Jews feel vulnerable and its a time for us to come together as a community," said Rabbi Ari Hart of Skokie Valley Synagogue. Rabbi Art Hart and Rabbi Michael Weinberg are hosting Mondays vigil. Well pay tribute to victims, wish a speedy recovery to first responders and others injured and well also speak out against hate," Rabbi Michael Weinberg of Temple Beth Israel said. [NATL] PHOTOS: Pittsburgh Reels After Shooting at Tree of Life Synagogue Leaves 11 Dead Hate is something the Executive Vice President of the Jewish United Fund, Jay Tcath, says is all too familiar. Tcath stresses the fact that although hate crime has recently dominated headlines, this is an issues the Jewish community faces on a daily basis. "It is very frustrating that our Jewish United Fund needs to invest over $5 million a year on security, said Tcath. Those are dollars that should be going to healthcare, vocational training and education." An unfortunate reality sets in when hate turns into violencesynagogues and other institutions need to be prepared and increase their security measures to ensure maximum safety. While we have the attention of institutions and individuals(this can) remind them to create a security plan if they haven't done so, to review their existing one and consider any new measures that can make their institution safer for the staff, the volunteers and the clients they serve," said Tcath. Chicago police say they are monitoring synagogues throughout the city, though many individuals in the community say theyre finding ways to tackle hate. Regardless of the source of hatred, regardless of who the target of hatred is we can never contextualize or rationalize bigotry, expressed Tcath. It's always wrong, no matter who is the hater and who is the hated." A 24-year-old woman has been charged in the deaths of three children who were struck and killed Tuesday morning at a school bus stop in Indiana, police said. Alyssa Shepherd was charged with three counts of reckless homicide and one count of passing a school bus and resulting in bodily injury. It is unclear if she has an attorney. The crash happened around 7:30 a.m. in Fulton County near 4600 N. State Road 25, according to Indiana State Police. Authorities said the children were at the bus stop on the west side of the road and the stop-arm on the bus was out when a pickup truck hit and killed the kids. An 11-year-old boy was also injured in the crash and airlifted to Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne where his condition was not immediately known. Police said the children killed were all from the same family. They were identified as twin brothers Xavier and Mason Ingle, both 6 years old, and their 9-year-old sister Alivia Stahl. "Obviously that compounds this situation even more," said Sgt. Tony Slocum with the Indiana State Police's Peru District. "I just can't imagine the pain that family is going through. The one thing I'd like to tell people - we all have a responsibility to share the road in a safe manner. I don't know why this crash - why this person did not see the stop arm extended but we all need to pay a little more attention because it's all our responsibility to make sure our children get to and from school safely." There were no children on the school bus at the time of the crash. Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation said all four children struck were students. "Our school corporation has suffered a tragedy this morning," the group said in a statement. "We have learned of three student fatalities and one student seriously injured and airlifted to a Fort Wayne hospital as they were hit by a vehicle while boarding their bus. We have deployed all school counselors to meet the emotional needs of our staff, students and parents. We are awaiting to learn more confirmed details but wish to ask the community to come together to pray for the families, our students and our staff." One witness said her grandchildren were supposed to be at the bus stop as well but a last-minute change of plans kept them from being at the scene. "I knew something bad happened," she said. The accident happened near Rochester, about 100 miles north of Indianapolis. The Connecticut gubernatorial race is considered too close to call, according to a poll released by Quinnipiac University on Tuesday. The poll found Democrat Ned Lamont has a four-point lead over Republican Bob Stefanowski with 47 percent of likely voters to Stefanowski's 43 percent. Unaffiliated candidate Oz Griebel has fallen to 7 percent of likely voters. Earlier this month, Lamont had a 47-39 percent lead over Stefanowski among likely voters with 11 percent for Griebel, a QU poll showed. Lamont tops Stefanowski 90-4 percent among Democrats with 5 percent for Griebel, while Stefanowski leads Lamont 93-5 percent among Republicans with 2 percent for Griebel. Independent voters went 43 percent for Stefanowski while 38 percent went for Lamont and 13 percent went for Griebel. vit.load({ modal: true, officialOnly: false, title: 'Voting Information Tool', subtitle: 'Enter your address to find out your polling place and ballot information', width: '728px', height: '480px', colors: { 'header': '#229acd', 'landscapeBackgroundHeader': '#228a9d' }, language: 'en', }); Women back Lamont over Stefanowski 55-34 percent with 7 percent for Griebel, while men back Stefanowski over Lamont 51-38 percent with 7 percent for Griebel. Only 4 percent of Connecticut likely voters remain undecided and 13 percent of those who name a candidate for governor say they may change their mind within the next week, the QU poll found. The poll has a margin of error of +/- 4 percent. See the full poll results here. Hartford Police have arrested a man who they said is a registered sex offender after he was seen pleasuring himself inside of a cemetery. Officers were called to the Ancient Burial Ground Cemetery on Gold Street after getting an indecent exposure complaint. The complainant told police that he saw a man with his pants down, sexually pleasuring himself in full public view, inside of the cemetery. Officers located the man, later identified as 50-year-old William Payne, of Hartford, still inside of the cemetery and detained him. Police said they then spoke with the complainant who showed them a video of the lewd activities. Officers said Payne's activities were in full view of the busy streets in the area. According to police, Payne, who is a registered sex offender, had no explanation for the activities. Payne was placed under arrest and is facing charges including public indecency, breach of peace and possession of marijuana. Tuesday is the last day eligible Connecticut residents can register to vote and there are several ways to do it. Residents can head to their town hall, the Department of Motor Vehicles, do it online or even by mail. The deadline to register in person is by the close of business and online is 11:59 p.m. Registrations done by mail must be postmarked by midnight on Tuesday. Residents can also register in person on Election Day, but the Secretary of State's Office encourages voters to register in advance. We are one week away from selecting a new governor. There is a governor's debate on Tuesday night. Last week, a Hearst Connecticut Media poll found Democrat Ned Lamont and Republican Bob Stefanowski in a statistical tie. The Quinnipiac poll on the governor and senate race is expected to come out Tuesday morning. It was the kind of security lapse that gives election officials nightmares. In 2017, a private contractor left data on Chicago's 1.8 million registered voters including addresses, birth dates and partial Social Security numbers publicly exposed for months on an Amazon cloud server. Later at a tense hearing, Chicago's Board of Elections dressed down the top three executives of Election Systems & Software, the nation's dominant supplier of election equipment and services. The three shifted uneasily on folding chairs as board members grilled them about what went wrong. ES&S CEO Tom Burt apologized and repeatedly stressed that there was no evidence hackers downloaded the data. The Chicago lapse provided a rare moment of public accountability for the closely held businesses that have come to serve as front-line guardians of U.S. election security. A trio of companies ES&S of Omaha, Nebraska; Dominion Voting Systems of Denver and Hart InterCivic of Austin, Texas sell and service more than 90 percent of the machinery on which votes are cast and results tabulated. Experts say they have long skimped on security in favor of convenience, making it more difficult to detect intrusions such as occurred in Russia's 2016 election meddling. The businesses also face no significant federal oversight and operate under a shroud of financial and operational secrecy despite their pivotal role underpinning American democracy. In much of the nation, especially where tech expertise and budgets are thin, the companies effectively run elections either directly or through subcontractors. "They cobble things together as well as they can," University of Connecticut election-technology expert Alexander Schwartzman said of the industry leaders. Building truly secure systems would likely make them unprofitable, he said. The costs of inadequate security can be high. Left unmentioned at the Chicago hearing: The exposed data cache included roughly a dozen encrypted passwords for ES&S employee accounts. In a worst-case scenario, a sophisticated attacker could have used them to infiltrate company systems, said Chris Vickery of the security firm Upgard, which discovered the data lapse. "This is the type of stuff that leads to a complete compromise," he said. ES&S said the passwords were only used to access the company's Amazon cloud account and that "there was no unauthorized access to any data or systems at any time." All three of the top vendors declined to discuss their finances and insist that security concerns are overblown. ES&S, for instance, said in an email that "any assertions about resistance to input on security are simply untrue" and argued that for decades the company has "been successful in protecting the voting process." STONEWALLING ON SECURITY Many voting systems in use today across the more than 10,000 U.S. election jurisdictions are prone to security problems. Academic computer scientists began hacking them with ease more than a decade ago, and not much has changed. Hackers could theoretically wreak havoc at multiple stages of the election process. They could alter or erase lists of registered voters to sow confusion, secretly introduce software to flip votes, scramble tabulation systems or knock results-reporting sites offline. There's no evidence any of this has happened, at least not yet. The vendors say there's no indication hackers have penetrated any of their systems. But authorities acknowledge that some election mischief or malware booby traps may have gone unnoticed. On July 13, U.S. special counsel Robert Mueller indicted 12 Russian military intelligence operatives for, among other things, infiltrating state and local election systems. Senior U.S. intelligence officials say the Kremlin is well-positioned to rattle confidence in the integrity of elections during this year's midterms, should it choose to. Election vendors have long resisted open-ended vulnerability testing by independent, ethical hackers a process that aims to identify weaknesses an adversary could exploit. Such testing is now standard for the Pentagon and major banks. While the top vendors claim to have stepped up their cybersecurity game, experts are skeptical. "The industry continues to stonewall the problem," said Bruce McConnell, a Department of Homeland cybersecurity czar during the Obama administration. Election-vendor executives routinely issue assurances, he said, but don't encourage outsiders to inspect their code or offer "bug bounties" to researchers to seek out flaws in their software. Sen. Ron Wyden, an Oregon Democrat, has long criticized what he calls the industry's "severe underinvestment in cybersecurity." At a July hearing, he accused the companies of "ducking, bobbing and weaving" on a series of basic security questions he'd asked them. ES&S told The Associated Press that it allows independent, open-ended testing of its corporate systems as well as its products. But the company would not name the testers and declined to provide documentation of the testing or its results. Dominion's vice president of government affairs, Kay Stimson, said her company has also had independent third parties probe its systems but would not name them or share details. Hart InterCivic, the No. 3 vendor, said it has done the same using the Canadian cybersecurity firm Bulletproof, but would not discuss the results. ES&S hired its first chief information security officer in April. None of the big three vendors would say how many cybersecurity experts they employ. Stimson said that "employee confidentiality and security protections outweigh any potential disclosure." SLOPPY SOFTWARE AND VULNERABILITY Experts say they might take the industry's security assurances more seriously if not for the abundant evidence of sloppy software development, a major source of vulnerabilities. During this year's primary elections, ES&S technology failed on several fronts. In Los Angeles County, more than 118,000 names were left off printed voter rolls. A subsequent outside audit blamed sloppy system integration by an ES&S subsidiary during a database merge. No such audit was done in Kansas' most populous county after a different sort of error in newly installed ES&S systems delayed the vote count by 13 hours as data uploading from thumb drives crawled. University of Iowa computer scientist Douglas Jones said both incidents reveal mediocre programming and insufficient pre-election testing. And voting equipment vendors have never seemed security conscious "in any phase of their design," he said. For instance, industry leader ES&S sells vote-tabulation systems equipped with cellular modems, a feature that experts say sophisticated hackers could exploit to tamper with vote counts. A few states ban such wireless connections; in Alabama, the state had to force ES&S to remove them from machines in January. "It seemed like there was a lot more emphasis about how cool the machines could be than there was actual evidence that they were secure," said John Bennett, the Alabama secretary of state's deputy chief of staff. California conducts some of the most rigorous scrutiny of voting systems in the U.S. and has repeatedly found chronic problems with the most popular voting systems. Last year, a state security contractor found multiple vulnerabilities in ES&S's Electionware system that could, for instance, allow an intruder to erase all recorded votes at the close of voting. In 2014, the same contractor, Jacob Stauffer of the security firm Coherent Cyber, found "multiple critical vulnerabilities" in Dominion's Democracy Suite that could allow skilled hackers to compromise an election's outcome. "These systems are Frankenstein's monster, essentially," Stauffer said. The federal Department of Homeland Security began offering confidential vulnerability testing to vendors over the summer. But only one vendor has submitted to such testing, said an agency official who spoke on condition of anonymity because the official was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly. STALLED INNOVATION More competition might help, but industry barriers to smaller vendors are "absolutely enormous," said Larry Moore, president of upstart Clear Ballot. Its auditable voting system took two and a half years to win federal certification at a cost of $1 million. Startups are hard-pressed to disrupt an industry whose main players rely heavily on proprietary technologies. ES&S and other vendors have jealously guarded them in court and also unleash lawyers against election officials who purchase competitors' products. In October, ES&S sued Cook County, Illinois, seeking to void its $30 million, 10-year contract with a competitor. It also recently threatened Louisiana and Douglas County, Kansas, with lawsuits for choosing other suppliers. Cook County Elections Director Noah Praetz said suing in defense of market share only chills competition in an industry with "horribly low" margins, especially considering limited government funding for election equipment. "The market isn't functioning real well in terms of bringing innovation," he said. LIMITED OVERSIGHT Elections are run by the states, whose oversight of suppliers varies. California, New York and Colorado are among states that keep a close eye on the vendors, but many others have cozier relationships with them. And the vendors can be recalcitrant. In 2017, for instance, Hart InterCivic refused to provide Virginia with a paperless e-Slate touchscreen voting machine for testing, said Edgardo Cortes, then the state election commissioner. In this year's midterms as in the 2016 election roughly 1 in 5 voters will use such electronic machines. Their tallies cannot be verified because they produce no paper record. Cortes decided to decertify all such systems. If anyone tried to break in and alter votes, he concluded, "there was really no way for us to tell if that had happened." Hart InterCivic's vice president of operations, Peter Lichtenheld, did not dispute Cortes' account in July Senate testimony, but said its Virginia customers were already moving to newer machines. At the federal level, no authority accredits election vendors or vets them or their subcontractors. No federal law requires them to report security breaches or to perform background checks on employees or subcontractors. Election vendors don't even have to be U.S. companies. Dominion was Canadian-owned until July, when a New York private equity firm bought a controlling interest. Federal oversight is limited to the little-known Election Assistance Commission, a 30-employee agency that certifies voting equipment but whose recommendations are strictly voluntary. It has no oversight power and cannot sanction manufacturers for any shortcomings. "We can't regulate," EAC chairman Thomas Hicks said during a July 11 congressional hearing when the question came up. Neither can DHS, even though it designated the nation's election systems "critical infrastructure" in early 2017. Firefighters, police officers and 911 operators in Houston, Texas, got a surprise from a famous local as Oscar-winner Matthew McConaughey delivered a catered lunch to give thanks on National First Responders Day. The actor wheeled in a roasted turkey Sunday to the shock of those at a fire department. He did the same for police and 911 operators at other facilities. The Austin native told The Associated Press he wanted to do something in his home state, particularly for Houston. The city dealt with the devastating effects of Hurricane Harvey last year. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner was on hand. He praised McConaughey for "never forgetting his roots." McConaughey made the trip as part of a promotion for Wild Turkey. He is a creative director and spokesman for the company. Vigils and prayer services were held across the nation, including in North Texas, on Monday for the victims of the mass shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue. We stand as one on this evening of remembrance, said Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker. It was standing room only at the Congregation Beth Israel. We weep over the incomprehensible loss of life, he said to the crowd. The congregation held an inter-faith ceremony to remember the 11 Jewish worshipers killed Saturday. For some in North Texas, the loss is personal. To know that the community that I grew up in is grieving but is also going to move forward and I believe that, said Noreen Wasserman Houston. She grew up in Squirrel Hill attending the Tree of Life synagogue and still remembers 97-year-old shooting victim Rose Mallinger. I even pulled out my Tree of Life, my mothers cookbook, and there was Mrs. Mallingers recipe. The first page that I went to. And I graduated high school with her son, said Houston. Others on hand in Colleyville have also been touched by gun violence. I lost two friends in the Parkland shooting that happened just in February, said Katie Silverman. Seeing constantly in the news that theres a new shooting everyday its frustrating. Representatives from different religions and organizations came forward to offer the Jewish community their support. While we come to mourn tonight the love and supper we are experiencing has to continue, said Cytron-Walker. The Florida man who allegedly mailed explosive devices to prominent politicians as well as CNN searched for the term "UC Berkeley Library" on the internet, the Federal Bureau of Investigation said in an advisory Tuesday. Officials said there's no reason to believe any suspicious packages went to the University of California, Berkeley, but the police department have asked the community to stay vigilant and report anything out of the ordinary. "No specific persons affiliated with the University have been identified as possible recipients and the 'library' was the only identified location," the FBI said in a statement. Tuesday's advisory comes after federal investigators last week linked suspicious packages sent to Sen. Kamala Harris in Sacramento and billionaire Democrat Tom Steyer in Burlingame to accused bombing suspect Cesar Sayoc of Florida. Sayoc was arrested Friday and is accused of sending more than a dozen suspicious devices to CNN, Barack Obama, California Congresswoman Maxine Walters and other key Democrats last week. What to Know David Gray Hall and a white prison van went missing from a San Luis Obispo prison Tuesday morning. He was sent to prison for five years for a second-degree robbery charge. Anyone who spots Hall or the missing van should call 911. A minimum security inmate at a San Luis Obispo prison, a little over a year away from parole, disappeared Tuesday morning. David Gray Hall was last seen at 10 a.m. at California Mens Colony, located about 200 miles north of Los Angeles. Hall was a worker in the garage, and staff noticed that Hall had vanished when they conducted an inmate count at 10:15 a.m., according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. They also noticed a state vehicle, a white 1997 Ford Aerostar van with California plate number E431260, was nowhere to be found. Within 20 minutes, the prison deployed search teams, alerted local law enforcement as well as the California Highway Patrol and began scouring the area for Hall. Hall, 26, was sent to prison to serve a five-year sentence for second-degree robbery Dec. 22, 2015 in Los Angeles. He was set to be released for parole December 2019. He's described as being 6 feet tall and 184 pounds. Anyone who spots Hall or the missing van should call 911. A 22-year-old man suspected in the shooting death of a man he may have known in Woodland Hills has been detained in Germany, police said Monday. Sohrob Morshedi, a resident of the San Fernando Valley, was detained on Saturday in Munich as he exited a plane that had originally departed from Mexico, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. The FBI and German authorities helped secure his apprehension, police said. The shooting was reported about 8 p.m. Tuesday in the 23000 block of Leonora Drive, one block north of Ventura Boulevard, according to Officer Tony Im of the Los Angeles Police Department. Officers responded to the location and found the victim -- Dexterkane James, 22, of Los Angeles -- lying in the street, unresponsive and not breathing, police said. James died at the scene, the LAPD reported. Police said Morshedi is suspected of shooting James several times and then running him over before stealing his vehicle and leaving the scene. "The suspect and the victim may have known each other at the time of the incident," according to a police statement. The vehicle was found several blocks away. A warrant had been issued for Morshedi's arrest and LAPD detectives are working with the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, the FBI and German authorities on the case. A 24-year-old man pleaded not guilty Monday to attempting to pimp two underage girls in an undercover sting operation in Orange County. Terry Hammond Williams was charged Monday with two counts of human trafficking of an underage victim, two counts of pandering a 16-year-old and two counts of attempting to pimp a minor older than 16, all felonies, according to court records. Williams is accused of contacting an Orange County sheriff's investigator about 9:30 p.m., Oct. 19, posing as a 16-year-old prostitute on Facebook, according to an affidavit filed to boost Williams' bail. Williams said he wanted to take the fictitious teen girl to Northern California to have her work for him as a prostitute, according to investigators. The undercover agent said she had a friend who was 15 years old who was working with her as a prostitute. Williams allegedly said he wished to also pimp the 15-year-old, adding, "he didn't care what age she was," according to investigators. The agent sent $132 to Williams through a WalMart electronic money transfer as he requested, investigators said. When Williams went to meet with the fictitious teen in Buena Park he was arrested, investigators said. Williams was ordered to return to court Nov. 6 for a pretrial hearing. The streets of San Pedro Tapanatepec in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico changed overnight. The tranquil town in south-western Mexico was interrupted by the bustle of thousands of migrants, mostly Honduran, who stopped to rest for a few hours in between long days of walking on their journey toward the U.S.-Mexico border. Among those who arrived, are Raquel and her parents. The newborn barely opens her eyes and her tender fingers move slowly while her father, Ernesto, uses a piece of cardboard as a fan to protect her from humidity and heat. "We are here because of the heat, but at night we go to the shelters," said Ernesto, who is accompanied by his wife and two other daughters, a 4-year-old and a 6-year-old. Images: A look Inside the Migrant Caravan Ernesto, who did not share his last name and asked not to be identified on camera, said he fears for his life and his safety is in under constant threat in Honduras. It was a sentiment shared by several of the migrants NBC 7 and T20 spoke with while traveling with the caravan from Tapanatepec northwest to Santo Domingo Zanatepec. Maryui Elizat said that if she returned to Honduras, she would fear violence and face hunger for the rest of her life. She is eight months pregnant and scheduled to give birth in less than three weeks. Elizat still has several hundred miles ahead of her before reaching the border, where she, along with others in the caravan, planned to seek asylum to gain entry into the U.S. They traveled approximately 25 miles Monday through the state of Oaxaca. The caravan of thousands is made up of hundreds of children like 9-year-old Aisleen. "I feel a little happy, but like, I have a little bit of fear. I feel a little nervous," the young girl said. "But first, God, let's get there." About 7,000 people make up the migrant caravan that traveled through southern Mexico Monday. NBC 7's Rigo Villalobos has more with an exclusive look. Aisleen's mother, Eucebia Dominguez, only brought one of her three children along for the long journey. Aisleen admitted that the hardest part of the journey hasn't been the walking, but the fatigue and hunger is what haunts them. When the migrants can rest -- trying to fight exhaustion, prevent illness and deportation during the journey -- they are helped along the way by locals. The Mexican Red Cross has also been offering assistance. "Thank God, they have supported us a lot, just like when we were in Guatemala, they supported us a lot," said a migrant in the caravan. Many of the migrants in the caravan are from Honduras. NBC 7's Catherine Garcia has more on the history of the moving caravan. Angela Corte, a merchant in Tapanatepec, made a salsa and cheese for the migrants. Corte told T20 that it was all she could afford to offer. Meanwhile, other Mexican residents along the route have opened their homes and business for the migrants to charge their cell phones and provided water drums for them to bathe in. Some preferred to clean themselves in the rivers that run along the road. When they change their clothes, the migrants shield one another. And although they carry very little money, with all the help they've received, they haven't lacked anything. Nine-year-old Aisleen wants to get an education when she arrives in the U.S. She said while the path to get there is long, she knows it will be worth it. "We are going to get there; we have faith that we are going to get there, and you know, only God can break barriers," said Eucebia Dominguez, citing scripture. The Pentagon said Monday it is sending 5,200 troops to the Southwest border in an extraordinary military operation ordered up just a week before midterm elections in which President Donald Trump has put a sharp focus on Central American migrants moving north in slow-moving caravans that are still hundreds of miles from the U.S. The number of troops being deployed is more than double the 2,000 who are in Syria fighting the Islamic State group. Trump, eager to keep voters focused on illegal immigration in the lead-up to the elections, stepped up his dire warnings about the caravans, tweeting, "This is an invasion of our Country and our Military is waiting for you!" But any migrants who complete the long trek to the southern U.S. border already face major hurdles both physical and bureaucratic to being allowed into the United States. In an interview Monday, Trump said the U.S. would build "tent cities" for asylum seekers. "We're going to put tents up all over the place," told Fox News Channel's Laura Ingraham. "They're going to be very nice and they're going to wait and if they don't get asylum, they get out." Under current protocol, migrants who clear an initial screening are often released until their cases are decided in immigration court, which can take several years. Trump denied his focus on the caravan is intended to help Republicans in next week's midterms, saying, "This has nothing to do with elections." The Pentagon's "Operation Faithful Patriot" was described by the commander of U.S. Northern Command as an effort to help Customs and Border Protection "harden the southern border" by stiffening defenses at and near legal entry points. Advanced helicopters will allow border protection agents to swoop down on migrants trying to cross illegally, said Air Force Gen. Terrence O'Shaughnessy. Troops planned to bring heavy concertina wiring to unspool across open spaces between ports. "We will not allow a large group to enter the U.S. in an unlawful and unsafe manner," said Kevin McAleenan, commissioner of Customs and Border Protection. Eight hundred troops already are on their way to southern Texas, O'Shaughnessy said, and their numbers will top 5,200 by week's end. Some of the troops will be armed. He said troops would focus first on Texas, followed by Arizona and then California. The troops will join the more than 2,000 National Guardsmen that Trump has already deployed to the border. It remained unclear Monday why the administration was choosing to send active-duty troops given that they will be limited to performing the same support functions the Guard already is doing. The number of people in the first migrant caravan headed toward the U.S. has dwindled to about 4,000 from about 7,000 last week, though a second one was gaining steam and marked by violence. About 600 migrants in the second group tried to cross a bridge from Guatemala to Mexico en masse Monday. The riverbank standoff with Mexico police followed a more violent confrontation Sunday when the migrants used sticks and rocks against officers. One migrant was killed Sunday night by a head wound, but the cause was unclear. The first group passed through the spot via the river wading or on rafts and was advancing through southern Mexico. That group appeared to begin as a collection of about 160 who decided to band together in Honduras for protection against the gangs who prey on migrants traveling alone and snowballed as the group moved north. They are mostly from Honduras, where it started, as well as El Salvador and Guatemala. Another, smaller caravan earlier this year dwindled greatly as it passed through Mexico, with only about 200 making it to the California border. Migrants are entitled under both U.S. and international law to apply for asylum. But there already is a bottleneck of would-be asylum seekers waiting at some U.S. border crossings to make their claims, some waiting as long as five weeks. McAleenan said the aim of the operation was to deter migrants from crossing illegally, but he conceded his officers were overwhelmed by a surge of asylum seekers at border crossings. He also said Mexico was prepared to offer asylum to members of the caravan. "If you're already seeking asylum, you've been given a generous offer," he said of Mexico. "We want to work with Mexico to manage that flow." The White House is also weighing additional border security measures, including blocking those traveling in the caravan from seeking legal asylum and preventing them from entering the U.S. The military operation drew quick criticism. "Sending active military forces to our southern border is not only a huge waste of taxpayer money, but an unnecessary course of action that will further terrorize and militarize our border communities," said Shaw Drake of the American Civil Liberties Union's border rights center at El Paso, Texas. Military personnel are legally prohibited from engaging in immigration enforcement. The troops will include military police, combat engineers and others helping on the border. The escalating rhetoric over the migrants and expected deployments come as the president has been trying to turn the caravans into a key election issue just days before elections that will determine whether Republicans maintain control of Congress. "This will be the election of the caravans, the Kavanaughs, law and order, tax cuts, and you know what else? It's going to be the election of common sense," Trump said at a rally in Illinois on Saturday night. On Monday, he tweeted without providing evidence, "Many Gang Members and some very bad people are mixed into the Caravan heading to our Southern Border." "Please go back," he urged them, "you will not be admitted into the United States unless you go through the legal process. This is an invasion of our Country and our Military is waiting for you!" It's possible there are criminals mixed in, but Trump has not substantiated his claim that members of the MS-13 gang, in particular, are among them. The troops are expected to perform a wide variety of functions such as transporting supplies for the Border Patrol, but not engage directly with migrants seeking to cross the border, officials said. One U.S. official said the troops will be sent initially to staging bases in California, Texas and Arizona while the CBP works out precisely where it wants the troops positioned. U.S. Transportation Command posted a video on its Facebook page Monday of a C-17 transport plane that it said was delivering Army equipment to the Southwest border in support of the operation. The U.S. military has already begun delivering jersey barriers to the southern border in conjunction with the deployment plans. Associated Press writers Elliot Spagat and Lolita C. Baldor contributed to this report. President Donald Trump is making another hardline immigration play in the final days before the midterm elections, declaring that he wants to order an end to the constitutional right to citizenship for babies born in the United States to non-citizens. But such an order may violate the Constitution. Most scholars think he can't implement such a change unilaterally. Trump made the comments to "Axios on HBO" with seven days to go before high-stakes elections. Trump, seeking to energize his supporters and help Republicans keep control of Congress, has stoked anxiety about a caravan of Central American migrants and refugees making its way to the U.S.-Mexico border by foot the group is still hundreds of miles away from U.S. soil. Trump's administration announced Monday it was dispatching thousands of active-duty troops to the border, and Trump said he'd set up tent cities to house asylum seekers. Trump has long called for an end to birthright citizenship, as have many conservatives. An executive order would spark an uphill legal battle for Trump about whether the president has the unilateral ability to declare that children born in the U.S. to those living here illegally aren't citizens. Most scholars think he can't. Asked about the legality of such an executive order, Trump said, "they're saying I can do it just with an executive order." He added that "we're the only country in the world where a person comes in and has a baby, and the baby is essentially a citizen of the United States." According to the CIA World Factbook, the U.S. is one of more than 30 countries that offer citizenship by birth, many of them in the Western Hemisphere, including Canada, Mexico, Brazil and Argentina. The Pew Research Center found in a survey published two years ago that births to "unauthorized immigrants" were declining and accounted for about 1 in 3 births to foreign-born mothers in the U.S. in 2014. About 275,000 babies were born to such parents in 2014, or about 7 percent of the 4 million births in the U.S. that year, according to Pew estimates based on government data. That represented a decline from 330,000 in 2009, at the end of the recession. An excerpt of Trump's interview was posted on Axios' website on Tuesday. The president said White House lawyers are reviewing his proposal. It's unclear how quickly he would act and the White House did not provide further details. A person familiar with the internal White House debate said the topic of birthright citizenship had come up inside the West Wing at various times over at least the last year, but has some internal detractors. White House lawyers have debated the topic, and expect to work with the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel to develop a legal justification for the action. It is one of many immigration changes being discussed including asylum law changes, and barring the migrant caravan from entering the country. But administration officials said there would likely be no decisions until after the midterms, due in part to the president's trip to Pittsburgh Tuesday to meet with victims of the deadly synagogue shooting. The Supreme Court ruled in 1898 in the case of a child born to Chinese parents in the U.S. that the amendment "includes the children born, within the territory of the United States, of all other persons, of whatever race or color, domiciled within the United States." Legal experts questioned whether Trump has the authority for his proposed executive action. Omar Jadwat, director of the Immigrants' Rights Project at the American Civil Liberties Union in New York, said Tuesday that the Constitution is very clear. "If you are born in the United States, you're a citizen," he said, adding that it was "outrageous that the president can think he can override constitutional guarantees by issuing an executive order." Jadwat said the president has an obligation to uphold the Constitution. Trump can try to get Congress to pass a constitutional amendment, "but I don't think they are anywhere close to getting that." "Obviously, even if he did, it would be subject to court challenge," he added. Suzanna Sherry, a professor of law at Vanderbilt Law School specializing in constitutional questions, said those advising Trump that he can change the Constitution via executive order are simply mistaken. "He can't do it by himself and, in fact, he can't do it even if Congress passed a statue." "I think it would take a Constitutional amendment," she said. "I don't see it as having any plausible legal basis," she said. But others suggest the president may have an opening. Jon Feere, a senior adviser at Immigration and Customs Enforcement, is among those who has long argued that that the president could limit the citizenship clause through executive action. "A president could direct his agencies to fall in line with his interpretation of the Supreme Court's rulings, which are arguably limited to children of permanently domiciled immigrants (the court has never squarely ruled on children born to tourists or illegal aliens). He could direct his agencies to issue Social Security numbers and passports only to newborns who have at least one parent who is a citizen or permanently domiciled immigrant," he wrote in 2015 in an op-ed in the Hill. If such a plan worked, it would likely create a "whole different class of people, right from birth," according to Muzaffar Chishti, director of the Migration Policy Institute's New York office. That underclass would be similar to "Dreamers," young people who were brought into the country by undocumented parents and whose legal status often hinders their professional growth once they finish high school, Chishti said. He also said birthright citizenship makes documenting citizenship much clearer after the United Kingdom ended birthright citizenship, he'd heard of cases in which it took years to prove people qualified under the new rules. "There are so many disadvantages we get handed by life, but at least in the U.S. we say at birth, legally, we're not going to handicap you," he said. In the final days before the Nov. 6 midterms, Trump has emphasized immigration, as he seeks to counter Democratic enthusiasm. Trump believes that his campaign pledges, including his much-vaunted and still-unfulfilled promise to quickly build a U.S.-Mexico border wall, are still rallying cries for his base and that this latest focus will further erode the enthusiasm gap. Trump voiced his theory that birthright citizenship could be stripped during his campaign, when he described it as a "magnet for illegal immigration." During a 2015 campaign stop in Florida, he said: "The birthright citizenship - the anchor baby - birthright citizenship, it's over, not going to happen." The Citizenship Clause of the 14th Amendment states: "All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside." The amendment was passed by Congress in 1866 during the period of Reconstruction after the Civil War. It was ratified in 1868 by three-fourths of the states. By extending citizenship to those born in the U.S., the amendment nullified an 1857 Supreme Court decision (Dred Scott v. Sandford), which ruled that those descended from slaves could not be citizens. In addition to the debate over Trump's authority to declare that children born in the U.S. aren't citizens, a separate question is whether Congress could pass a law to that effect, or whether only a constitutional amendment could accomplish Trump's apparent aim of denying citizenship to U.S.-born children of those here illegally. Republicans in Congress continue introducing bills to end birthright citizenship, including legislation this session from conservative GOP Rep. Steve King of Iowa who has aligned himself with some nationalist political leaders abroad. King's bill has almost 50 co-sponsors in the House. King's legislation though would likely face a cool reception in the Senate where there is no companion bill pending, and only a handful of senators supported past efforts. King said he had not discussed the issue with the president at any length in recent months, but that it had come up "in passing" several times in group discussions. He said he hadn't personally considered birthright citizenship to be part of the caravan issue and applauded the president for connecting the issues. "Sending this message out, it's another component of saying to the caravan: Don't come in here. Some are pregnant, no doubt," he said. Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, now a close ally of the president, also tweeted his support for the change. "This policy is a magnet for illegal immigration, out of the mainstream of the developed world, and needs to come to an end," he said. AP's Jill Colvin, Deb Riechmann, Colleen Long, Mark Sherman, Lisa Mascaro, Zeke Miller and NBC's Asher Klein contributed. Attended by more than 5,000 people annually, Aurora's Diwali festival, which is free to attend, will feature India's music, dance, clothing and cuisine, while also highlighting the contributions of Indian-Americans locally and nationally. What to Know Its Tuesday, October 30th and NBC 6 has the top six stories you need to know for the day. Its Tuesday, October 30th and NBC 6 has the top six stories you need to know for the day. Weather wise, the cooler morning temperatures will lead to a comfortable afternoon with high temperatures in the mid-80s. No. 1 The first of 11 funerals is today following this weekend's deadly synagogue shooting. President Trump is expected to visit the crime scene in Pittsburgh this afternoon, joined by the first lady. No. 2 An interfaith peace vigil will be held tonight on Miami Beach to remember the victims of the shooting. Guests can show up as early as 5pm at the Holocaust Memorial on Miami Beach for the special service. No. 3 We are one week away from midterm election day. President Trump will hold rallies in Florida this week to campaign for gubernatorial candidate Ron DeSantis and Senate candidate Rick Scott. Former president Barack Obama will also hit the campaign trail in Florida this week to campaign for gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum. No. 4 A South Florida student is accused of planning a school shooting. Police say the teen at Somerset Academy in Pembroke Pines wanted to shoot students at his former school who he says bullied him. No. 5 Florida's two senators want the federal government to do more to help the victims of Hurricane Michael. In an open letter to FEMAs director, Marco Rubio and Bill Nelson asked the agency to deploy mobile homes and RVs to the panhandle for thousands displaced by the storm. No. 6 Today you could score free pizza courtesy of Miamis first Blaze Pizza location. The restaurant is celebrating the new store with a free "build your own pizza" for anyone who visits the new location on London Square in West Kendall. What to Know Alexander Barter, 21, was arrested at his Texas home on Oct. 19 following an investigation begun by the Brevard County Sheriff's Office Barter had posted an ad on the internet looking for someone who would allow him to commit necrophilia and cannibalism, officials said A Texas man who wanted to rape, murder and cannibalize a child was arrested thanks to an investigation that was started by a Florida sheriff's office. Alexander Barter, 21, was arrested at his home in Joaquin, Texas on Oct. 19 following an investigation started by the Brevard County Sheriff's Office, including Immigration Customs Enforcement/Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Attorneys Office and Texas authorities. Brevard Sheriff Wayne Ivey told reporters at a news conference Tuesday that Barter had posted an ad on the internet looking for someone who would allow him to commit necrophilia and cannibalism. "I would like to try necrophilia and cannibalism and see how it feels to take a life," Barter posted, according to Ivey. "I really need to do something about my intense bloodlust." Ivey said an undercover agent responded to the ad, saying he had a minor child he could provide. The agent arranged to meet Barter at his Texas home to carry out the plan, but Barter was taken into custody. "This case is probably one of the most unusual and most disgusting cases I've ever seen," Ivey said. "This individual is one of the most sick, disgusting and demented people I believe I have ever had the unfortunate nature to be involved with." Ivey said Barter fully intended to carry out the plan, even bringing a knife and bags to transport the remains. Barter thanked authorities for stopping him, telling them he couldn't control his urges, Ivey said. There is no indication Barter had been previously successful in carrying out his plan, Ivey said, but the investigation into his history is ongoing. Barter remains in federal custody in Texas and faces charges including criminal solicitation, attempted capital murder, conspiracy to commit capital murder and attempted sexual performance of a child. What to Know Its Tuesday, October 30th and NBC 6 has the top stories you need to know. Its Tuesday, October 30th and NBC 6 has the top stories you need to know. Weather wise, the cooler morning temperatures will lead to a comfortable afternoon with high temperatures in the mid-80s. No. 1 First funerals held for Pittsburgh synagogue shooting victims as memorials take place across the country A candlelight vigil is being held in Miami Beach tonight to honor the 11 victims. The Greater Miami Jewish Federation is welcoming a community of all faiths to the solidarity vigil to denounce anti-Semitism and all acts of hate in our country. This is happening at 6pm at the Holocaust Memorial on Meridian Avenue - heavy traffic is expected, so try to use ride sharing services to get there. No. 2 South Florida landmark Knaus Berry Farms opens for 2018 fall season A popular fall tradition is back as the location in Redland is open! Lines are long but worth the wait for those cinnamon rolls and really anything else. It's cash only and you have a better chance of a shorter list of you go weekday. No. 3 Election Day just one week away President Trump and former President Obama are both hitting the campaign trail this week in Florida as NBC 6 breaks down the issues, candidate, early voting sites and what to bring with you. No. 4 Candy corn fans enjoy day of honor before Halloween Did you know that candy corn was created in the late 1800s? Originally made with corn syrup, sugar, water, marshmallows, wax and more, the original ingredients are still used in the recipe. People have a love-hate relationship with candy corn. A recent names it as one of the ten worst Halloween candies. No. 5 Need a last minute costume idea? You can be a "smart cookie" with a cardboard cookie cutout over any outfit. If you have a partner, dress up as Snapchat filters in human form or as Starbucks and Target employees. Or maybe you can go as Em and m" - as in Eminem the rapper and M&M the candy. What to Know The man accused of sending packages with explosive material to prominent Democrats faced a judge as sources say he had a list of targets Superstorm Sandy roared into the nation's most populous metropolitan area six years ago Monday A Norway Spruce from the upstate New York hamlet of Wallkill will be the 2018 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, Tishman Speyer said Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018 Happy Tuesday! It's going to be a pleasant day today with mostly sunny skies and comfortable highs in the mid-50s. As always, get the latest forecast at nbcnewyork.com/weather. 1. Pipe Bomb Suspect Had List of Potential Targets: Source The Florida man accused of sending packages containing explosive material to prominent Democrats and others who've been criticized by President Trump had a list of more than 100 people to target, a senior law enforcement official told NBC. Cesar Sayoc's initial hearing took place in Florida federal court. The 56-year-old faces five federal charges; he was arrested in South Florida after investigators said they identified him through fingerprint and DNA evidence. Sayoc was seen crying in the courtroom before the hearing started. Prosecutors said they want to keep him behind bars without bond, arguing he's a danger to the community and a flight risk. Read more here. 2. 6 Years After Sandy, Stories of the Storm Have New Chapters A community where residents rallied with surfboards and kayaks to rescue neighbors from flood and fire. A survival story in a suburban garage. A religious statue that stood firm while its surroundings were leveled. Superstorm Sandy roared into the nation's most populous metropolitan area six years ago. When it was all over, the meteorological monster created by a former hurricane merging with other weather systems had left at least 182 people dead from the Caribbean to the Northeast and a trail of tens of billions of dollars in damage. Read more here. 3. 2018 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Coming From Upstate NY A Norway Spruce from the upstate New York hamlet of Wallkill will be the 2018 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, Tishman Speyer said. The tree is due to be cut down on Nov. 8 before making the roughly 75-mile journey to midtown Manhattan, where it will arrive two days later. Some 50,000 LED lights and a new Swarovski crystal star designed by Daniel Liebskind later, the tree will be lit on Nov. 28. It will remain on display until Jan. 7. Read more here. For the latest entertainment news and things to do, tune in to New York Live, Monday through Friday at 11:30 a.m. on NBC 4 New York. What to Know Two bodies found in the Hudson River last week have been identified as missing sisters from Fairfax, Virginia; it's unclear how they died Rotana Farea, 22, and Tala Farea, 16, were fully clothed and duct taped together when they were found Tala Farea had last been seen Aug. 24; the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children said she may have been with her sister Two sisters from Virginia who had been missing since August were found dead, fully clothed and bound together in the Hudson River last week. The medical examiner's office has said it's still not clear how they died. And with a two-month chunk of time unaccounted for, there are more questions than answers. But investigators are saying one thing for sure. "We are out to get justice for those two girls," NYPD Chief of Detectives Dermot Shea said at an unrelated news briefing Tuesday. Shea made the comment when asked for an update on the investigation into the deaths of Rotana Farea, 22, and Tala Farea, 16, of Fairfax. He noted the deaths had not been ruled homicides -- the medical examiner's office says the autopsies require further analysis -- and said NYPD detectives have been in Virginia following up on leads. Shea didn't elaborate further on those leads, but said the initial priority was to identify the women. That done, he says investigators are looking into whether there could be clues in Virginia that could help develop a timeline of where they were the last few months. Why were they in NYC? Why did they leave Virginia? Shea said those were some questions detectives would look to answer as the investigation develops. Tala Farea was last seen Aug. 24, according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The organization had said she may be with her sister, Rotana. Their bodies were found fully clothed and bound in the Hudson River off Riverside Park last Wednesday afternoon. They had no signs of trauma. The two women were found with no signs of trauma, according to officials. They were taped together at the waist, and both were wearing coats, Shea previously said. Anyone with information is asked to call authorities. What to Know Sgt. Steven Floyd was killed during the riot, and three other staffers were taken hostage at the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center. 16 inmates were charged with murder, kidnapping, assault and other crimes following the Feb., 2017 uprising. Two others face lesser counts. The first trial began a full year after the inmates were indicted on riot-related charges. A judge has temporarily halted the trial of four inmates charged with murder, kidnapping and other crimes after a riot at Delaware's maximum-security prison that left a guard dead. The trial was to have resumed Monday with testimony from a convicted murderer who defense attorneys say played a key role in the February 2017 uprising but was allowed to plead guilty to a single count of riot after agreeing to testify for the prosecution. The judge huddled with attorneys behind closed doors for more than an hour Monday before dismissing jurors. The trial is to resume Tuesday. The judge did not disclose the issues that caused the delay but said they "have not gone away," and that cancelling Monday's proceedings will give him and attorneys time to work through them. What to Know A Rider University campus security officer and volunteer fire captain is accused of sexually assaulting three teen boys. Alan Berman, 58, of Bordentown City, New Jersey, is charged with sexual assault, endangering the welfare of a child and related offenses. Berman was also arrested last month for allegedly having sexually explicit conversations with a teen boy online. A college security officer and volunteer fire captain is accused of sexually assaulting three teen boys a month after he was arrested for allegedly having explicit conversations with a teen boy online. Alan Berman, 58, of Bordentown City, New Jersey, is charged with sexual assault, endangering the welfare of a child and showing obscenity to a minor. Investigators say Berman sexually assaulted three teen boys between the ages of 12 and 15 inside his home. He also allegedly gave marijuana to one teen, showed pornography to another and allowed five teens unrestricted access in his home to a handgun, ammunition and magazines. One of the teen boys also claimed that another boy pointed Bermans loaded firearm at him. The victims and their families knew Berman at the time of the incidents, according to investigators. Berman was arrested at his home on the 100 block of Lucas Drive. Neighbors told NBC10 they had spotted teen boys walking in and out of the house. A lot of young kids around here and some of them live in the neighborhood and Im almost sure that he had activity with, Najee Burroughs, Bermans neighbor, said. It was Bermans second arrest in two months. In September, he was arrested for allegedly pretending to be a teen girl online and trying to convince a teen boy to send him nude photos and videos of himself through an online video streaming app. He also allegedly had sexually explicit conversations with the teen boy and possessed child pornography. At the time of his initial arrest, Berman worked as a campus security officer at Rider University in Lawrence, New Jersey. The Burlington County Prosecutors Office has made the university aware of the additional charges against Mr. Berman, a spokesperson for Rider University wrote. He remains on administrative leave from Rider University. Berman also served as a captain in Bordentown Citys volunteer fire department. One of the alleged victims said Berman told him nobody would believe him if he reported the abuse because of Bermans status with the fire company. The investigation into Berman began earlier this year when an Arkansas woman reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that a man was trying to have inappropriate conversations with her son online. Investigators then identified the man as Berman. The Burlington County Prosecutors Office High-Tech Crimes Unit was then notified. If you have any information on Berman, please call the Burlington County Prosecutors Office at 609-265-5035 and ask to speak with a detective in the High-Tech Crimes Unit. Three children, all from the same family, were struck and killed at a school bus stop in Indiana Tuesday morning, police said. The crash happened around 7:30 a.m. in Fulton County near 4600 N. State Road 25, according to Indiana State Police. Authorities said the children were at the bus stop on the west side of the road and the stop-arm on the bus was out when a pickup truck hit and killed the kids. An 11-year-old boy was also injured in the crash and airlifed to Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne where his condition was not immediately known. Police said the children killed were all from the same family. They were identified as twin brothers Xavier and Mason Ingle, both 6 years old, and their 9-year-old sister Alivia Stahl. "Obviously that compounds this situation even more," said Sgt. Tony Slocum with the Indiana State Police's Peru District. "I just can't imagine the pain that family is going through. The one thing I'd like to tell people - we all have a responsibility to share the road in a safe manner. I don't know why this crash - why this person did not see the stop arm extended but we all need to pay a little more attention because it's all our responsibility to make sure our children get to and from school safely." There were no children on the school bus at the time of the crash. Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation said all four children struck were students. "Our school corporation has suffered a tragedy this morning," the group said in a statement. "We have learned of three student fatalities and one student seriously injured and airlifted to a Fort Wayne hospital as they were hit by a vehicle while boarding their bus. We have deployed all school counselors to meet the emotional needs of our staff, students and parents. We are awaiting to learn more confirmed details but wish to ask the community to come together to pray for the families, our students and our staff." One witness said her grandchildren were supposed to be at the bus stop as well but a last-minute change of plans kept them from being at the scene. "I knew something bad happened," she said. Police were interviewing the woman who was driving the pickup, but no charges had been filed as of Tuesday afternoon. The accident happened near Rochester, about 100 miles north of Indianapolis. Check back for more on this developing story. A sense of sadness and loss was palpable in the San Diego Jewish community this week after the so-called Synagogue Shooting Saturday that left 11 people dead at a congregation in Pittsburgh. Six more were injured. Its very scary, said Liudmala Serniai, who lives in San Diego. Its not right. At the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center in University City, locals were in shock at the violence. I think it's appalling," said Jim Koziol, a member of the JCC in University City. "It's something that our country should not be standing for, should not be tolerating." Betzy Lynch, CEO of the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center in University City said there were extra police patrol cars on campus Monday. "We have excellent support from local and federal law enforcement," said Lynch. "Anytime there is an act against any Jewish community, they increase their patrols of all the areas." Lynch said anti-Semitism is still an issue in San Diego. In 2017, her JCC received a bomb threat that led to evacuations. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) said in 2017 there was a 57 percent increase in Anti-Semitic violence in the United States compared to the previous year. Local psychologist Dr. Edwin Yager said it is important not to live in fear during these events. "All of the sensationalism seems to encourage the incidents," said Dr. Yager. He said it is especially important for parents to stay calm in front of their kids. "Children live in a very suggestible state," said Dr. Yager. "When mom reacts with fear, that's a fundamental communication to the child. We mustn't live in a state of fear." A vigil was held at Congregation Beth Israel in La Jolla Monday night to honor the shooting victims. Organizers said security at the vigil would be increased. Several San Diego police cars were seen in the parking lot, and everyone who entered the vigil went through a security checkpoint that included an ID check and bag searches. SDPD even positioned snipers on the roofs of nearby buildings. "I think we all feel a sense of loss of what happened over the weekend and it really reverberates through all communities because everyone feels like they want to go into their place of worship and be safe," ADL Regional Director Tammy Gillies said. "And if you're not safe there, where can you be safe?" The vigil was at capacity as people from all walks and faith came together in song and prayer, and vowed to stand against prosecution. Mayor Kevin Faulconer also attended the vigil. "There is no place for hate," the mayor said. "Not in San Diego, not in Pittsburgh, and not anywhere in our great country." The ADL said the shooting Saturday was likely the deadliest attack on the Jewish Community in U.S. history. Resources for parents and teachers who need help talking to kids about hate crimes can be found here. As the sheriff, you have to be front and center, Hain said. You have to take accountability and stand in front of the press and say you are going to do anything you can to make it better. Millions of dollars are being spent on a California proposition that impacts roughly 70,000 Californians. Prop 8 is being called the most expensive item on the November ballot, not only in the state but in the nation. Prop 8 is about state regulation for kidney dialysis clinics. According to the ballot, it limits the charges to 115 percent of the costs for direct patient care and quality improvement costs, including training, patient education, and technical support. So far, the two sides have already poured in close to $120 million to the campaign. Those sides include the Service Employees International Union, one of the largest health care labor groups in California, and DaVita and Fresenius Medical Care, the two companies that control the majority of the dialysis market in California. Proponents say Prop 8 will increase quality care to patients. Amar Bajwa is a dialysis patient who complains of understaffing at the clinic he goes to three times a week. This is going to give me and the people taking care of me enough power to do what we want to do, Bajwa said. But opponents argue Prop 8 will make it harder for clinics to stay afloat, which in turn could make it harder for patients to get the care they need. This is about labor and dollars, not about healthcare, says Ted Mazer, M.D. and former president of the California Medical Association. Dr. Mazer says Prop 8 is being improperly used in a labor dispute over unionization and he fears patients healthcare is jeopardized because of it. San Diegans will get to vote on Prop 8 and others in the general election on November 6. The Pentagon has confirmed that U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Smiley was shot in a Taliban attack that killed two Afghan leaders in Kandahar province last week. U.S. military spokesman Cmdr. Grant W. Neeley provided no other details. The Washington Post reported earlier Sunday that Smiley was recovering after suffering at least one gunshot wound while he was inside the Kandahar governor's compound. The Taliban assassinated two top provincial officials Thursday in an attack on a security conference attended by the top U.S. military commander in the country, Gen. Scott Miller. He escaped injury. Smiley was assigned in the summer to lead a Kandahar-based command with a mission to train and advise Afghan security forces and help with counterterrorism operations in southern Afghanistan. The U.S. has released a dual American-Saudi citizen who was suspected of working with the Islamic State and detained by the U.S. military for more than a year without charge, the American Civil Liberties Union said Monday. The ACLU said the identity of the man and the country where he was released are protected by a court order to ensure the safety of him and his family. The New York Times, citing unnamed U.S. officials, said the man was released in Bahrain. The man, who is married and has a young daughter, once lived and studied in Louisiana. His release followed months of legal wrangling between government lawyers and the ACLU. It has been a test case for how the government should treat U.S. citizens picked up on the battlefield and accused of fighting with ISIS militants. "This is a victory our client fought for long and hard. The victory sends a strong message that the president cannot take away an American's liberty without due process, and it shows the continuing importance of judicial review," said his ACLU attorney, Jonathan Hafetz. The ACLU has argued since October 2017 that the government should either charge or release the man. Negotiations for releasing him began after the ACLU filed an emergency request in June to block the government's plan to release him in war-torn Syria. "When I fled violence in Syria, I never imagined that my country would deny me access to a lawyer for nearly four months and imprison me without charge in solitary confinement for over a year," the detainee said in a statement released by the ACLU. "No one no matter what they are suspected of should be treated the way my government treated me. Once I got the chance to stand up for my rights, the Constitution and the courts protected me." The man, who was detained in Iraq, told his attorneys that he wished to remain anonymous so that he could rebuild his life. U.S. government officials did not respond to several requests seeking comment. The government argued in court it could detain the citizen under the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force, which Congress passed after 9/11. The ACLU, however, argued that those war powers pertain to al-Qaida and the Taliban and don't apply in the battle against ISIS. In defense of the detention, U.S. authorities said that when the man surrendered in mid-September to U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, he was carrying thumb drives containing thousands of files. There were 10,000 or more photos some depicting pages of military-style manuals. There were files on how to make specific types of improvised explosive devices and bombs. The detainee said he had press credentials to do freelance writing about the conflict in Syria, although the FBI hasn't found any published articles or blogs he authored. Court documents offered other details about his background. An individual who met the detainee in July 2005 in New Orleans, where he was studying, told the FBI that he was a "wild and typical" college student, who drank and used marijuana and gambled at Harrah's casino in the city. The associate said the man lived briefly during 2005 or 2006 in Covington, Louisiana, where he frequented casinos and strip clubs. After an argument with friends about not repaying money he used to gamble, the detainee left the United States for Saudi Arabia. Between 2006 and 2014 the detainee got married and lived in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, working in various family businesses, including a women's tailoring shop and a construction company. While his wife was pregnant, he traveled on business to Indonesia, Singapore, China and Malaysia. While in Asia, the government said, the detainee tweeted pro-ISIS messages. The associate from New Orleans said the man stayed with him briefly in the summer of 2014 when he tried unsuccessfully to get a U.S. passport for his daughter. He said the detainee returned with his wife and child on a second visit to New Orleans in late 2014. In early 2015, the detainee flew to Athens, Greece, and then to Gaziantep, Turkey, where he paid a smuggler $300 to get him into Syria. He arrived there with $40,000 in his pocket. The detainee said that three days after he entered Syria he was kidnapped by ISIS militants and imprisoned for seven months. He said he was released only after agreeing to work for ISIS. He spent two months at an ISIS training camp near Mayadin, Syria, before being assigned to a brigade responsible for guarding the front lines in Deir el-Zour province. He then worked getting fuel for ISIS vehicles, handling brigade expenses and guarding a gate of an oil field. He left the oil field without permission one day and was apprehended by ISIS military police. After another stay in ISIS detention, he worked for ISIS monitoring imams and prayer callers and civilians running heavy equipment. When he was captured at a checkpoint, he told the American-backed SDF forces that he was "daesh" another name for ISIS and said "he wanted to turn himself in and speak to the Americans." When he surrendered, he was carrying the thumb drives, $4,210, a global positioning device, hats, clothes, a Quran and a scuba snorkel and mask. Its a race at the very bottom of the Districts ballot, but the contest to elect new members of the D.C. State Board of Education is drawing attention and beaucoup bucks from across the country. Donors from more than two dozen states are cutting checks to candidates for the D.C. education board, a News4 I-Team review found. Despite maximum donations being capped at $200, 10 candidates have raised well more than $200,000 collectively all for a shot on a nine-member board that has relatively little authority. Some say the election has become a proxy war between traditional district school and charter school advocates, especially as the D.C. City Council contemplates expanding the boards power. Others reject the narrative as too simple a way to define candidates and say the high-dollar hauls reflect the realities of modern campaigning. Its an arms race, said Emily Gasoi, an educator who has raised about $31,000 for a shot at the open Ward 1 seat. It should be about local concerns, and local contributions, and that's not what's happening. Gasoi told News4 she had no idea when she declared her candidacy just how competitive it would become. Shes facing off against businessman Jason Andrean, who has raised a whopping $65,000, and former teacher Callie Kozlak, who has raised more than $16,000. Gasoi, who has been endorsed by the Washington Teachers Union, is among those who see the contest as a battleground between traditional public school and charter school interests. Her daughter attends a Chinese-immersion charter in the District, but she said shed consider capping charter growth. Andrean has the backing of the D.C. chapter for Democrats for Education Reform (DFER), a powerful pro-charter group for which hes a former board member. But he said the district versus charter debate is not what this race is about. "I've never made this about charter versus traditional schools. Im pro-kid," said Andrean, who raised more than any other board candidate this cycle. Kozlak acknowledged via email that the charter-versus-district public school narrative is prevalent but called it "ironic as she and her competitors have not drawn a hard line in the sand around charters. Kozlak added, We all recognize that charters are a big part of the D.C. landscape, but not a panacea, nor something we would want to extract. Ward 1 is the most high-profile education race this cycle, but similar battles are playing out across town with the teachers union and DFER taking sides. In Ward 5, union-backed Zachary Parker has raised nearly $45,000, according to the latest campaign filings, while DFER-backed candidate Adrian Jordan has raised about $18,500. And in Ward 6, incumbent Joe Weedon has raised five times as much campaign cash as he did in 2014 about $15,500 but lags behind Jessica Sutters roughly $21,000. Asked whether the high-dollar donations reflect a battle between opposing educational forces, Weedon, who noted hes received the support of the teachers union and some local parent-teacher organizations, demurred. I hate that narrative, that Im the public school champion and my opponent is supporting charter schools or that I dont support all students, he said. I work hard every day to make sure our kids have multiple high quality options, but that only begins when we have quality choices in our neighborhood. Sutter, who received the endorsement of the local DFER, has taught and worked with charter schools. She said that makes her an honest broker for voters wondering where she stands. I support the choices families make for charters but Ive also seen where charters go wrong and the kinds of changes we need to make, Sutter told News4, adding, But most importantly, we need to pay attention to the fact that 50 percent of students go to charters. This isn't some fringe element. In a statement to News4, the D.C. chapter of DFER rejected the notion it's solely a pro-charter political action committee, saying it chose candidates who have a record for "fighting for kids ... regardless of the governance structure of their public schools." Earlier this year, the national organization announced it will spend around $4 million in races across the country. Reported by Scott MacFarlane, produced by Katie Leslie, shot by Steve Jones and Tony Pittman, and edited by Steve Jones. After a week that saw a mail bomber targeting political leaders and another deadly mass shooting in a house of worship, a Vermont man is now urging a renewed focus on peace and kindnessin a creative way. I have fun with this, said Dave Caccavo of New Haven, as he fired up his lawnmower Tuesday. Yard maintenance doesnt always seem like a chore to Caccavo, who finds opportunity in it: a chance to make a mark and show his point of view. Its a simple expression, Caccavo said. The small business owner uses his lawnmower as a brush, and a horse pasture next to his home as a canvas, for a kind of paintingin grass. Caccavo regularly trims a peace symbol into the pasture. Theres a lot of good out thereeverybody just has to grab for the good and keep pushing forward, Caccavo said, explaining how he aims to maintain optimism even when news headlines can seem dispiriting. Since the universally-recognizable peace symbol that Caccavo trims with his blade is only fully visible from above, certified drone photographer Matt Benedetto, of Vermont Aerial Photo, captured images of the field for necns viewers. Maybe someone flying over Vermontmaybe heading to Montreal or something like thatgets a glimpse of it as theyre flying over Vermont and gets a little bit of hope, Benedetto said after seeing the peace symbol for the first time from his drones camera. Caccavo noted he has been maintaining the peace symbol in the field for just over a decade, but he thought now was really the right time to show it off, especially after the awful massacre inside the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. Caccavo said he hopes as many people as possible see the symbol through this news story and find kindness and calm in their hearts. It generates a moment of peace in your head, Caccavo said of the symbol. We need more moments of peaceits crazier now than ever. Asked why he maintains the sign so faithfully, despite the fact most people cannot see it fully unless they were to fly above, Caccavo responded, I know its thereI see it, and I feel it. For me, its always there. Dave Caccavo clearly found his peace in a farm field, and now wants everyone else to strive for that ideal in their own communities. My little part is making the sign, the rest is up to the rest of the world, Caccavo said, smiling. A Massachusetts police lieutenant has been relieved of duty after suggesting in a newsletter that police should put aside restraint and meet "violence with violence." Arlington town officials said Tuesday that Lt. Richard Pedrini has been placed on paid leave while officials investigate columns he wrote for the Massachusetts Police Association. Pedrini is the incoming executive director of the organization, which advocates for law enforcement officers. Referencing the recent killings of police officers from Yarmouth and Weymouth, Pedrini wrote he was tired of "social justice warriors" telling police how to do their jobs, and that officers should forget about restraint and other "feel-good" measures he said were "getting our officers killed." Arlington Police Chief Frederick Ryan says the comments aren't reflective of the department's values. "Such remarks risk eroding the public trust that municipal police departments in Massachusetts have worked so hard to build in recent years. I disavow the remarks in the strongest possible terms, and this matter will be dealt with swiftly and certainly," Ryan said. The Massachusetts Police Association Executive Board and President Alan Andrews also issued a statement: "The Massachusetts Police Association is committed to earnestly advocating for members of the law enforcement community and seeks to unify and empower law enforcement officers throughout the Commonwealth. However, some of the columns that were written in the latest issue of The Sentinel newsletter do not uphold the high standards of the MPA and its mission." Rhode Island officials have identified the Massachusetts couple who died after being swept into the sea while fishing off some rocks at a state park. The Department of Environmental Management said Monday that 51-year-old Kongjuan Wei and 52-year-old Xianzan Tan were pronounced dead at Newport Hospital after being pulled from the waters off Fort Wetherill State Park in Jamestown by the U.S. Coast Guard. Witnesses on Sunday morning said they saw a large wave knock Wei down onto the rocks and drag Wei into the water. Tan then jumped into the water in an attempt to rescue her. The couple lived in Quincy, Massachusetts. Environmental Police estimated waves in the range of six to eight feet, generated by Saturday's nor'easter, were breaking onto the ocean-facing coast of Jamestown. A New Hampshire state lawmaker accused of assault in a civil lawsuit in California says he's the victim of an extortion attempt. State Rep. Frank Sapareto was sued by Jonathan Carter of Simi Valley. Carter said he and Sapareto were business partners in the making of an adult film that Sapareto produced and appeared in. Carter said Sapareto was upset with how the filming went and hit him. Sapareto said Monday he never assaulted Carter and only worked with him to produce tourism promotion films. He says Carter later called him to demand money. Carter's attorney says his client has hours of footage from the adult film featuring Sapareto. Police investigated the incident but no charges were brought. In a police report, authorities said Sapareto told them he was involved in making an adult film. Sapareto said police misinterpreted comments he had made about Carter. Maine health officials have confirmed a case of hepatitis A in Portland. WCSH-TV reports the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention say the person stayed at two shelters in Portland from Oct. 1 through Oct. 21. According to the Maine CDC, the person stayed at the Oxford Street Shelter and Florence House. Maine and other states are experiencing an increase in reported cases among homeless people. The disease can be spread through contaminated food and water or through sexual contact. Symptoms of an infection can include tiredness, low appetite, stomach pain and jaundice. Officials say vaccination is the best way to prevent the disease. The Maine CDC's Public Health Nursing Program will administer hepatitis A vaccine at Preble Street in Portland on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. And if you do chose to use candles in your home for any reason, Rhodes insisted, be smart about it. Makes sure they are placed in sturdy holders and sitting on an uncluttered hard surface. And always remember the 10-inch rule since more than half of all fires from candles start because they are too close to something that is combustible, including your clothing and hair. Harrison Lewis wasnt looking for SD-WAN, but hes glad he found it. Northgate Gonzalez, which operates 40 specialty grocery stores throughout Southern California, had distributed its compute power for years. Each store individually supported applications with servers and other key infrastructure and relied on batch processing to deal with nightly backups and storage, according to Lewis, the privately held companys CIO. Over time, the companys needs changed, and it began centralizing more services, including HR and buying systems, as well as Microsoft Office, in the cloud or at the companys two data centers. With this shift came a heavier burden on the single T-1 lines running MPLS into each store and the 3G wireless backup. Complicating matters, Lewis says, rainy weather in the region would flood the wiring, taking down terrestrial-network connectivity. It was problematic. We even doubled up on T-1 lines to each location, but it still wasnt enough. The network had to be a lot more reliable, Lewis says. Lewis searched for a suitable and cost-effective alternative, researching incremental options that could have increased bandwidth and addressed the companys security needs. They all came with a significant price tag, he says. In July 2016, Lewis and his team came upon software-defined wide-area networking (SD-WAN), technology that decouples the control plane from the data plane and enables networking groups to control the entire WAN in a centralized manner. Uniquely, SD-WAN supports the use of multiple types of connectivity (such as MPLS, broadband, broadband wireless), offering flexibility and ease of use for organizations with multiple locations. Lewis thought the technology was too immature to deploy at the time, but he kept an eye on its growth and by late 2017, considered it ready for a proof of production. With the NSX SD-WAN appliance from VeloCloud (VMware acquired VeloCloud in December 2017), he, along with his carrier AT&T, created a test zone at a single store, running the SD-WAN and traditional network side by side. The SD-WAN linked to two broadband connections and 4G wireless as a backup, along with ZScaler for Internet security. He put a similar configuration in the two data centers, which soon proved a viable approach. Today, Northgate Gonzalez has deployed SD-WAN in all 40 stores, with a recent bump to 5G wireless as backup. READ MORE: How enterprises can prep for 5G The move to broadband and wireless backup increased bandwidth because all three connections can be used interchangeably by SD-WAN, Lewis says. It also decreased monthly connectivity expenses by about 40%. Hes particularly proud of this result, as he is mindful of his fiduciary responsibility to not just keep throwing T-1 lines at the problem. Doing so could have led Northgate Gonzalez to have to raise prices or negatively impacted shareholders. That just doesnt make sense if there are alternatives, he says. He appreciates SD-WANs ability to prioritize traffic in support of business-critical activities, including payments and ordering, allowing them to take precedence over all else, and the somewhat zero-touch nature of provisioning the appliances. It doesnt require a great deal of skill to install the appliance, he says, adding he leveraged store technicians and help desk members to get the preconfigured appliances up and running at each site. SD-WAN handles diversity of circuits Luis Castillo, senior network manager for global network engineering at National Instruments, also was drawn to SD-WAN for its ease of deployment. National Instruments, an Austin-based maker of scientific equipment and software, operates in 50 countries and needed a solution that could handle the complexity of its distributed workflow. Customer service calls and research and development are handled by teams around the world, requiring tight attention to quality of service. We were throwing money at QoS toolsets to get classification, packet shaping, queuing, etc. that was the only way we could maintain a certain quality of service, Castillo says. Along with the cost of the toolsets, requirements for bandwidth would climb as much as 25% or more. We only got approved for 1% or 2% increases in our annual budget, so the gap kept getting wider, he says. As bandwidth demands grew, the company began to bump up against issues surrounding availability and the cost of more lines into their offices. In Russia, a 4M bit/sec [connection] cost $10,000 a month. We couldnt pay that, he says. The global nature of their business also made it difficult to get a single MPLS provider to handle all locations and some locations, such as Armenia, didnt have MPLS. Castillo first began looking for alternatives in 2008, and deemed performance-based routing, a precursor to SD-WAN, not good enough to operationalize. Most of the efforts in those early days didnt leave the lab, he says. When SD-WAN emerged, he connected with Viptela (Cisco closed its acquisition of Viptela in August 2017), and determined the software-driven technology (atop Cisco vEdge routers) to be the best bet to integrate with National Instruments environment, especially its diversity of circuits. Viptelas zero-touch provisioning was also a draw. It saved money because we didnt have to ship engineers Legal Question Time with Gardner Leader Katie Dyson Following the launch of a recent high profile campaign by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Pensions Regulator, now is the perfect time to make sure that you and your colleagues are ScamSmart. Fraudsters use a number of tactics to persuade victims to transfer their pension pots into unusual or exotic- sounding investments. In reality, the targets money is often either kept by the fraudsters or invested in high risk, unregulated schemes that are inappropriate for pensions and have little prospect of providing a return. Once the money is gone, it is extremely difficult to trace and rarely repaid. In 2017 alone, Action Fraud received reports from 253 victims of pension scams, with an average loss of more than 91,000 each. Sadly, this is likely to be the tip of the iceberg, as there is evidence to suggest that the majority of such scams are unreported. The recent rise of pension scams is an unfortunate side effect of the various pension freedoms introduced by the Government a few years ago. While the flexibility provided by the rule changes have been welcomed by many, fraudsters have devised new ways to exploit them by duping people out of their savings. Not all high risk investments are fraudulent and, within the bounds of the law, people are free to invest their money however they wish even if their decisions appear unwise to others. In the 2016 case of Hughes v Royal London [2016] EWHC 319 (Ch), the High Court upheld a savers right to transfer her pension pot to a potentially risky overseas investment that she had no employment links to. It is important, however, that savers have all of the information that they require to understand the potential risks and make an informed decision. If the investment is not only high risk but also potentially fraudulent, thorough research may help to uncover some important warning signs. You and your colleagues can avoid pension scams by learning how fraudsters operate. According to the Pensions Regulator, scam tactics can typically include unexpected contact from a professional offering to provide a free pension review. Fraudsters often come prepared with impressive-looking material and testimonials to try to convince you that they are legitimate, and may put pressure on you to act quickly so that you do not have an opportunity to verify their claims. I would recommend that you are extremely cautious about such unexpected investment opportunities. Always take the time to get advice and make sure that it is entirely independent of the investment scheme and its representatives. There are a number of trustworthy organisations that may be able to give you free impartial guidance, such as the Pensions Advisory Service. If the schemes representatives put pressure on you to act quickly and without the benefit of independent advice, walk away. In addition, you may also conduct your own investigations into the scheme and its representatives. The FCAs website allows you to check the Financial Services Register to make sure that the investments representatives are properly authorised, and provides information on scam warnings provided by foreign regulators. Remember to always access the register through the FCAs website do not trust any links contained within materials provided to you by the scheme. If you think that you have been approached by fraudsters, you can report it to the FCA and Action Fraud. If you have already taken steps to transfer your pension or savings to a suspicious scheme, contact your pension provider immediately there may still be time to stop it. For free guidance, go to www.fca.org.uk/scamsmartwww.fca.org.uk/scamsmart Katie Dyson, solicitor dispute resolution team, Gardner Leader, Newbury office. T: 01635 508073 E: k.dyson@gardner-leader.co.uk Newbury MP Richard Benyon joined the NFU in Westminster last month to show his support for agriculture on Back British Farming Day. He collected a Back British Farming pin badge which he wore during the day, in recognition of the role farmers play in feeding the nation and caring for the countryside. The pin badge was made from British wheat and wool to symbolise the importance of food and farming in Britain. NFU South East regional director William White said: It is more important than ever that politicians recognise the value of food and farming to the nation, which is worth over 110bn to the economy and employs 3.8 million people. Farming is an invaluable business sector within the region, putting quality food on our plates and maintaining the beautiful countryside we all enjoy. Agriculture is one of the sectors that will be most affected by Britains withdrawal from the EU. Therefore it is crucial that MPs not only show their support for our industry on Back British Farming Day but in their decision-making over the next few months during the passage of the Agriculture Bill, and beyond our departure from the EU. Thatcham journalist's book tells of life and love in Russia AN award-winning journalist from Thatcham has written a book on his search for love and the realities of living in Russia. The Madness of Moscow tells Cary Johnstons journey of life and love in Russia, based on his time anchoring Russia Todays morning show. Mr Johnston, who now works for ITV News Meridian, said: Most books about Russia seem to be boring political or academic essays. I just thought it was about time the world saw how things are on the street. Muscovites daily lives I suppose, not just the bad things, but also out on the town having fun. They are human just like us. Also, I was hoping to find my perfect partner or Russian bride I suppose, so dating in Russia was always going to be an interesting prospect. Mr Johnston, the winner of the first Royal Television Societys Young Journalist of the Year award, started at newspaper and ITV News channel. He then spent 10 years with the BBC before moving to Moscow to anchor the morning show for the international Russia Today network. What started as diary snippets about modern-day Russia developed into a fully-fledged book. Mr Johnston said: Sitting in your Moscow apartment looking outside at 10 feet of snow in minus 25 degrees Celsius and grey skies theres plenty of time to contemplate. He said that the western view of the Russian state is not half the picture. Russians just have a very different view of the world, he said. They told me that if you see President Putin on Russian TV for several hours, we in the West all say Oh look, that TV station is a Kremlin puppet. Yet their view is that no one blinks an eye in the UK when the BBC (a state-funded broadcaster) covers Royal weddings wall-to-wall, with no dissent allowed. Whats the difference? Russians would ask me. Mr Johnston said that his experiences of Russia were good and bad, with nothing much in-between. If you go for a night out in Moscow you could either end up being invited to an oligarchs party in the penthouse of a five-star hotel, swilling buckets of Champagne, or you could end up beaten up and abandoned in the gutter somewhere on the edge of the city. Theres no safety net. So although I dont miss the biting cold, the rudeness of shop assistants or the fairly bland food, I do miss the adrenalin and the strangeness. I miss the madness of Moscow, so to speak. The book tells Mr Johnstons bittersweet search for love with a Russian bride, with things on the dating front being very different. The man pays for the taxi, the meal, everything, he said. There is no thought of going Dutch. The woman expects this and if she ever offered to pay half, a Russian man would be hugely insulted. When asked why people should read on sale on Sunday, Mr Johnston said: If you want to know what Moscow is really like, minus the politics, the media hype and the cliches, then this is it. Whether you are a man or a woman, the dating scene out there is fascinating too. I wont tell you if I eventually found my Russian bride, youll have to read the book. Lynette Lederman attended Hebrew School at Ahavath Achim when it was on Hancock Avenue in Bridgeport and was married at Rodeph Sholom on Park Avenue. Her adult life, however, has been spent in Pittsburgh and as a congregant at Tree of Life Synagogue there. Horrible, is how Lederman, a former president of the congregation, described the aftermath of what is believed to be the deadliest attack on Jewish people in U.S. history. Lederman wasnt in synagogue on Saturday morning when a gunman opened fire with an automatic weapon, killing 11, but she knew eight of the victims. We want people to know that (those) killed on Saturday were in the synagogue doing what they always do, said Lederman in a telephone interview Monday. And we are going to continue doing what we always do. We will never let anti-Semites intimidate us. In the aftermath of the shooting, Lederman, 70, has appeared on CNN, to not only let the world know about the victims, but to condemn the hate she said led to their deaths. This happened because of the climate of hate in our country, she said. I am not suggesting that any particular person incited this man, but he does have a voice and he didnt get it by accident. It happened because of hate. The guy was pretty clear. He came into the building screaming All Jews should die. She was asked on CNN if she would welcome Donald Trump to the city. She said no, calling Trump a purveyor of hate speech. Her rabbi, Jeffrey Myers, who this week will have to officiate at seven funerals, gave the opposite answer. The president of the United States is always welcome, Myers told CNN. Im a citizen. Hes my president. He is certainly welcome. Proud Jews I am sure those people would want the world to know that they were proud Jews, Lederman said, And they were worshiping in their safe space until it wasnt safe anymore. Tree of Life is a large, 154-year-old synagogue that had 800 members when Lederman was its president from 2000 to 2002. Membership has since shrunk to about 400 members. As such, it now shares its building with two other Jewish congregations Dor Hadash and New Light. Of the 11 who perished, one was from Dor Hadash, three were from New Light and the rest were from Tree of Life, Lederman said. Andrea Wedner, 61, who was wounded in the attack, told Lederman she saw the gunman out of the corner of her eye. Before she could completely turn, she heard her mother moaning, Lederman said. It happened very, very fast. It was very, very loud because he had an assault rifle. Within seconds, it was a horrific scene, she said. The rabbi, up front, got the four people with him down on the floor and eventually out a side door. Wedner was shot in the arm. Her mother, Rose Mallinger, 96, was killed. A beautiful community shaken to the core Lederman described her adopted home of Squirrel Hill, a Pittsburgh neighborhood, as very friendly, with a high Jewish population. The synagogue reflects that kind of picture of the community, she said. This is just overwhelming for us. We dont want to be Parkland or Columbine. We are just a beautiful community. This has shaken us to our core. It is a place, she said, where everyone knows everybody or is related to somebody. A Bridgeport native, Lederman has lived in Pittsburgh since 1972. Now a retired nurse, Lederman works as an executive assistant to a Pittsburgh city councilman. Her husband grew up in Pittsburgh and was bar mitzvahed there. So were her kids. Lederman herself had a bat mitzah at Tree of Life 20 years ago. Alvin Berkun, the rabbi emeritus at Tree of Life, once served as rabbi at Temple Beth Sholom in Hamden. At the moment, the synagogue remains a crime scene. The FBI has yet to finish its investigation. We truly are waiting for the funerals to be over to go into some kind of coordination gear. We understand there is money being raised all over the place, said Lederman. A GoFundMe page has thus far raised over a half million dollars. The Pittsburgh Penguins have raised money. The Muslim Community of Pittsburgh has written a check for $70,000. At a Sunday night vigil, Lederman called the outpouring of support unbelievable. We draw strength from that, Lederman said. But we dont know yet what we are going to encounter. The chapel in which our congregants were killed is treif (or non-kosher). When we get down to the nitty-gritty, we will probably need some renovation. One whole side of the building is glass, floor to ceiling. They were all shot out. Scores of synagogues around the region and the nation beefed up security in the wake of Saturdays Tree of Life massacre in Pittsburgh as rabbis and other religious leaders called for a dialing down of the toxic rhetoric that seems to have taken hold of the nation in recent years. Soon after the Saturday morning attack that was called the deadliest on the Jewish community in U.S. history, rabbis and synagogue officials began sending reassurances to congregants although some had to delay because the use of electric devices is forbidden until sundown for Orthodox Jews. I am sure that when Shabbat ended and you turned your phones on, you were as horrified as I was at the events that took place in Pittsburgh, wrote Simeon Wohlberg, president of Congregation Agudath Sholom in Stamford. This week, the security committee will be meeting with the chief of police as well as a representative from the mayors office to discuss what can be done to enhance our security needs. That conversation between rabbis and police was repeated is some form or another throughout the region in the hours that followed the Tree of Life bloodbath that left 11 people dead. Agudath Sholom has long had a police officer posted in the lobby during Shabbos and high holy days Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur as do many other area synagogues and temples. When we had religious school yesterday (Sunday), a Bridgeport police car was parked outside the synagogue, said Jim Prosnit, rabbi of Congregation Bnai Israel. And a lieutenant from the police department was just here discussing security measures, and were very appreciative of their concerns. Prosnit said that hes received an outpouring of support from religious and political leaders, which, he said, has meant a lot to him and others at Bnai Israel. Unfortunately, the guard rails that have kept the hatred in this country to a narrow lane seem to have disappeared, he said. But people have to live their lives and we cant allow fear to keep us from our faith. Temple Sholom in Greenwich told its members that it takes security extremely seriously. The synagogue was built and has been updated to be a protective environment with obvious and also nonvisible safety features, leaders said in a statement. We use a security company both to provide security guards, but also to provide educated guidance. As people of various faiths joined hands to comfort one another Saturday, law enforcement stationed officers at local synagogues and churches. When we learned of the incident in Pittsburgh, the deputy chief reached out to our Community Police Services Division who contacted our local temples to reassure them that we were aware and would be providing extra police coverage and would remain in contact with them should they have any further concerns, Norwalk Police Chief Thomas Kulhawik said Monday. We had established prior relationships. We then provided added police presence. Coincidentally, there was a prayer service Sunday at The Klein in Bridgeport to recall the 80th anniversary of Kristallnacht. The featured speaker was Anne Franks stepsister, Eva Schloss. On Nov. 10, 1938, Nazis in Germany torched synagogues, vandalized Jewish homes, schools and businesses and killed close to 100 Jews. Soon after this Night of Broken Glass, 30,000 Jewish men were sent to Nazi concentration camps. She was clear that this incident was very different, said Rabbi Yehuda Leib Kantor, co-director, Chabad Lubavitch of Wesport, who was at The Klein. But at the same time, the Tree of Life tragedy is very unsettling. She pointed out that the warning signs of hatred and bigotry cannot be ignored. Local reaction again included calls for gun control, particularly on the sale of the AR-15 assault rifle that was used in the Pittsburgh massacre and other mass murders across the country. An attacker with an AR-15 would be all but impossible to stop by an armed guard or a police officer with a handgun, said U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn. The challenge of providing security today is a lot more difficult than one might think. The attack was unsettling to the Muslim community, too, itself a target of vandals and hatred in recent years, said Ahmed M. Ebrahim, the Fairfield University economics professor who leads the Bridgeport Islamic Community Center on State Street. The threat of violence is always there, especially with the difficult political climate that were seeing now, Ebrahim said. We have taken security precautions, but ultimately, you have to put your faith in God. We stand with our Jewish friends they, like us, need to be proud of who they are, and we cant be intimidated by these horrible acts of violence. Its up to all of us to find the positive, said Rabbi Shlame Landa, co-director, Chabad of Fairfield. Youre never going to defeat darkness with more darkness and that was Evas message, too. In light of the horrific display of intolerance this weekend in Pittsburgh, we at the (Danbury) United Jewish Center continue to, as a community, work toward elimination of ignorance, hatred and social injustice as we always have, but with a renewed commitment, said Lisi Marcus, the volunteer president for the center . Staff writers Julia Perkins, Ken Dixon and Thane Grauel contributed to this story. jburgeson@ctpost.com BRIDGEPORT The dead will remain at peace at Park Cemetery. A Superior Court judge on Monday issued a temporary injunction barring the cemeterys manager, Dale LaPrade, from selling any more plots at the 140-year-old cemetery where gravestones already exist and interfering with any plots already there following allegations that she was burying new bodies in old graves and moving headstones. This is fantastic news for all Park families, said Cheryl Jansen, who has generations of family buried at the Lindley Street cemetery. We can now move forward and give our loved ones the respectful resting place they deserve. I hope the Bridgeport Police Department continues its investigation into all the wrongdoing, including financial questions still to be answered by Ms. LaPrade. During a hearing, police detectives Jorge Cintron and Kimberly Biehn told Superior Court Judge Elizabeth Stewart that dozens of headstones, some dating to the 1800s, had been moved so the newly dead could be buried in plots stacked on old graves. New dirt was put over older graves and new graves were put there, Biehn testified. There was fresh soil over old headstones and they were in the process of building an access road through the stones, Cintron testified. In the woods, we found old headstones and human bones that had just been thrown around. Cintron said a grave digger told him he had been ordered by LaPrade to throw old bones and caskets away to make room for new graves. Following the initial stories on the situation by Hearst Connecticut Media, dozens of people from around the state who have family buried at the cemetery rushed there. Some left happy to find their loved ones graves intact but others were not so lucky. Jean Stott of Shelton burst into tears after she saw that a new grave had been placed on top of the grave of her grandfather, a World War II veteran who died in 1979. And burials were still being done at the cemetery. This court finds that preexisting gravesites have been disturbed to the point of breaking up bones and caskets. This court also finds that grave markers have been moved from their original locations and broken. The court concludes from this evidence that Park Cemetery has not been maintained in compliance with the statutes governing cemeteries, Stewart ruled in her decision on Monday. This damage is continuing and will likely continue unless a temporary injunction issues to stop it. The New Milford Youth Agency has announced a ski club for teens in grades seven to 12. Ski groups will travel to Mohawk Mountain beginning in December and ending in March. A: I went through it all until I started doing theater and I really wanted to be a performer. In college, my folks encouraged me to get a degree in business. I have a marketing degree, and I worked a long time in theater administration and marketing. BRIDGEPORT - State Police have identified a person of interest in the fatal hit and run of a pedestrian on Route 8 last Thursday. Maria Mendoza-Robles, 54, of North Avenue in Bridgeport was struck by a truck was she attempted to cross southbound Route 8 near Exit 5. The driver of of the truck did not stop. Although initially, witnessess described a dump truck in the area as having a red or orange cab and a silver or gray dump bed, subequent investigation identified the vehicle as a blue Peterbuilt dump truck as being the involved vehicle, according to the updated accident report. A person of interest has been identfied as a possible operator. While the name of the person of interest was not released, the accident report said the 2019 truck is owned by Newtown Electric of Newtown. An official with the company confirmed Monday that their vehicle was involved in the crash and that the driver, who they declined to identify, would be speaking with police late Monday afternoon about the incident. Police officials came to the company property to pick up the truck, said Ted Standish, the officer manager for the electrical contractor. Standish declined to say why the driver apparently left the scene of the crash. Our prayers and consolences go out to the family during this very difficult time, he said. More for you Pedestrian IDd in fatal hit and run by dump truck on Route 8 The company, which state documents say is owned by Gary Gaydosh, has been in business for at least 16 years and has two drivers. The company is located out of Huntingtown Road on the south end of Newtown. The suspect truck was found to have drivers side front end damage, according to the police report. The truck was towed to Hilarios in Danbury where the vehicle was being kept under lock and key Monday afternoon until police arrived to inspect the truck. After the initial 911 call came in at the state police Troop G, state police and Bridgeport officers rushed to Route 8 south and norths Exit 5 ramps at 8:12 p.m. Thursday to search for a possible victim, reports indicated. State and Bridgeport police personnel quickly checked the exit ramps and the wooded areas off the highway near the ramps but it took more than 15 minutes before Mendoza-Robles was found on the highway median. Bridgeport fire units headed out around 8:20 p.m. to help in the search for the victim, with their thermal imaging camera, but were sent back to their firehouse by 8:30 p.m. By 8:51 p.m., a description of the vehicle suspected in the hit-and-run was relayed to Bridgeport police and officers were told to be on the lookout. The investigation remains open. Anyone with information on the accident is asked to contact Troop G at (203) 696-2500. Staff writer Dirk Perrefort contributed to this article. Adding radiation therapy or surgery to systemic therapy for stage IV lung cancer patients whose cancer has spread to a limited number of sites can extend overall survival time significantly, according to new results from a multicenter, randomized, controlled phase II study. The findings were presented last week at the 60th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). Researchers previously reported encouraging results for progression-free survival (PFS), which were published in Lancet Oncology in 2016. The trial was closed prematurely, following accrual and randomization of just 49 patients. The initial results, which also included toxicity data, were for a median follow-up of 12.4 months. These initial data were limited by the absence of an overall survival (OS) endpoint, due to the short-term follow up. These new results include updated data on how long patients lived without disease progression, as well as overall survival and toxicity data for 38.8 months of patient follow-up (range 28.3-61.4 months). "Our hypothesis was that aggressive local therapy -- radiation or surgery -- would improve progression-free survival, and it did," said Daniel Gomez, MD, Associate Medical Director of radiation oncology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. "We found that adding radiation or surgery to target all sites of disease increases the time it takes for the cancer to return or spread, and it also improves overall survival time. But the overall survival results were more impressive than anticipated." Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Few existing treatments offer durable survival benefits for patients whose non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has spread past the lungs, due in part to the aggressive nature of lung cancer and its tendency to progress, even following treatment. Previous research on metastatic colorectal cancer and sarcoma, however, has suggested that directly targeting tumor cells with radiation or surgery can boost the ability of systemic therapies, such as chemotherapy, to control the disease and improve survival in patients with oligometastatic cancer, that is, cancer that has spread to a limited number of sites. These studies suggest the same holds true for patients with oligometastatic stage IV lung cancer. The study included patients from three hospitals (MD Anderson Cancer Center, London Health Sciences Center and the University of Colorado) who had stage IV NSCLC and whose cancer had spread to no more than three sites. These patients received systemic therapy consisting of either four or more cycles of standard chemotherapy (platinum doublet therapy) or three or more months of drugs that target tumor blood vessel growth (EGFR, or ALK inhibitors for EGFR mutations/ALK rearrangements). Those whose cancers did not progress following first-line treatment were then randomized to either an experimental arm, in which patients were treated with surgery or radiation therapy at the tumor site (25 patients), or to a group that received standard systemic maintenance therapy and observation (24 patients). The extended follow-up data reveal that patients in the experimental arm experienced a progression-free survival benefit of 14.2 months (95% CI 7.4, 24.3), compared to 4.4 months (95% CI 2.2, 8.3) for those who received standard treatment and observation (p=0.014). The difference in survival rates for the two groups was even more dramatic: Patients who received radiation/surgery experienced a median overall survival rate of 41.2 months (95% CI 18.9, NA), compared to 17.0 months (95% CI 10.1, 39.8) for those who received standard maintenance therapy/observation (MT/O) (p=0.017). "This is a very long overall survival time for patients with metastatic disease," noted Dr. Gomez. For patients treated with radiation/surgery, the time before a new lesion appeared was a median of 14.2 months (95% CI 5.7, 26.2), compared to 6.0 months for those in the standard maintenance therapy/observation arm (95% CI 4.4, 8.3) (p=0.11). Neither treatment arm saw any additional severe (grade 3 or higher) toxicities than previously reported. The newly updated results represent the first randomized data for overall survival for local ablative therapy in patients with oligometastatic NSCLC, whose cancer did not progress following front-line systemic treatment. Ongoing phase II/III trials will continue to assess the effect of local consolidative therapy (LCT) in larger populations with the addition of immunotherapy and targeted drug therapy. "In patients with limited metastases, our study demonstrates that there is a role for more aggressive treatment," concluded Dr. Gomez. "In fact, the patients initially treated with maintenance therapy had the option to receive surgery or radiation if their cancer spread during the trial. Exploratory analyses suggest that aggressively treating all disease sites at the time of progression improved outcomes for these patients, compared to patients who did not receive late local therapy. Thus, there may be a benefit to either early or late radiation/surgery in the setting of limited metastatic disease." Dr. Alluri Raju, a native of India, vividly remembers how his ethnicity prompted concern and discrimination in the southwest Georgia town of Richland. Doctors there hesitated to grant the family practitioner and general surgeon privileges to the local hospital when he arrived in 1981. I guess they wanted to cut me off so that I wouldnt be a competitor, he recalled. Yet, in the 37 years Raju has been practicing in Richland, more than 20 doctors have come and gone and hes the only physician left not just in Richland, but in all of Stewart County and neighboring Webster County, an area roughly half the size of Rhode Island with a population of more than 8,000. Today, Im it, he said. And his patients, he said, treat him with respect and not as a foreigner. Stories like Rajus are the common thread for many immigrant doctors in the United States. The American Medical Association said that, as of last year, 18 percent of practicing physicians and medical residents in the U.S. in patient care were born in other countries. Georgia's percentage of foreign-born doctors is similar, at 17 percent. Yet President Donald Trump's focus on securing U.S. borders and restricting immigration and the bitter arguments between the national political parties on the issue during midterm campaigns have sown concerns about opportunities for foreign-born doctors. Many of these doctors, like Raju, work in rural areas that are desperate to attract medical professionals. Yet those areas are often reliable supporters of Trump and his strict immigration policies. A recent national poll found that immigration is the top concern for Republican voters. Some health care experts say Trump's tough stance could make it harder for rural areas such as Richland to relieve critical physician shortages. Georgia's Republican lawmakers have considered legislation in recent years that opponents say would have restricted the rights of some immigrants. And Republican candidates for governor here campaigned in the primary this year on cracking down on illegal immigrants, though advocates for that position say bias is not the motivation, but rather the need for border security. Raju's patients say they don't see any problem in seeking care from an immigrant. Raju has been treating Willie Hawkins, a retired road worker, for 30 years, as well as his mother and his sister. Sometimes, Hawkins said with a smile, he has to ask the nurse what the doctor just said. You know, he talks a little funny, said Hawkins, 66. But who cares? Maybe when Raju first came here to practice, people were a bit skeptical, Hawkins recalled. Many had never met someone from India before, he said. But today it just doesnt matter, he said. Foreign-born doctors are vital to the national health system. The U.S. is grappling with a doctor shortage that's expected to grow to as many as 120,000 physicians by 2030, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. Even now, primary care doctors are relatively scarce in certain areas of the country. Georgia has a few counties without any doctors at all, and many counties lack a pediatrician or an OB-GYN. These immigrants help fill some of the gaps, especially in primary care, said Dr. William Salazar of Augusta University's Medical College of Georgia, who came to the U.S. from Colombia. And rural Georgia has a higher percentage of immigrant doctors than do urban areas, said Jimmy Lewis of HomeTown Health, an association of rural hospitals mostly in Georgia. "Foreign-born doctors go to places no one wants to go," said Dr. Gulshan Harjee, a Tanzanian-born physician who co-founded the Clarkston Community Health Center, a free clinic serving mainly immigrants and refugees in metro Atlanta. Patients' Bias Several foreign-born doctors here recalled awkward interactions with patients, occasionally experiencing bias. "When they think you're different, they think you're not as smart, and think they won't understand what you're saying," said Salazar. "You develop skills to overcome that.'' But patients overall are getting used to people from other countries, he added. Saeed Raees, a pharmacist originally from Pakistan who co-founded the Clarkston clinic, said that "you'll run into a small minority who don't want to be seen by a foreign-born doctor or a Muslim doctor." Physicians from predominantly Muslim countries face increased pressure after the Trump administration tightened its visa and immigration policies. Several doctors said that their visa applications take longer than before or are on hold, and re-entry into the U.S. after traveling was difficult. Nearly half of Muslim physicians in the U.S. felt more scrutiny at work compared with their peers, and many said they experienced discrimination in the workplace, according to a study by Dr. Aasim Padela at the University of Chicago. Nearly a tenth of the physicians surveyed reported that patients had refused their care because they were Muslim. There is also acceptance. Dr. Buthena Nagi, a native of Libya, is employed as a hospitalist at Navicent Health in Macon. Nagi, 40, completed her residency at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta in 2015. But to stay in the country she has to meet immigration criteria. Most foreign physicians complete their residency in the U.S., typically on a student visa. To remain beyond that, U.S. immigration law requires them to practice in a medically underserved area for at least three years. Afterward, they can apply for a green card and, eventually, American citizenship. Nagi wears a hijab a traditional head covering for many Muslim women with her scrubs, and sometimes patients and colleagues ask her about it. I then explain that this is part of my religion, she said. And once the dialogue kicks in, the fear dies down, and people seem to understand that Im not an alien from outer space." In metro Atlanta's highly diverse DeKalb County, about 75 percent of the patients at the free Clarkston health center are immigrants, refugees or migrant workers. Up to 30 languages are spoken there. Co-founder Harjee said she speaks "only six. Sameera Vadsariya, 37, said through an interpreter that she loves the services there. She was born in India and is here on a visa. She has no health insurance, so the free services are worth the long wait for treatment. Most of the volunteer doctors at the Clarkston clinic are foreign-born, said Harjee. "This is a passion for them. They want to give back.'' Opportunity Lost Belsy Garcia Manrique also wants to play a role. At age 7, she left her home in Zacapa, Guatemala, and headed north through Mexico with her mother and sister. It was a two-week odyssey a combination of walking and driving up to the southern tip of Texas. Her father, Felix, who had come to the U.S. two years earlier seeking political asylum, met them and drove the family to his home in Georgia. For many years, she dreamed of being a doctor, hoping to treat Spanish-speaking patients in the parts of northwest Georgia where she was raised. U.S. immigration policy, however, blocked her path to medical school. She was not a legal resident. Most states, including Georgia, prevented undocumented immigrant children like Garcia Manrique from qualifying for in-state tuition at public universities. But Garcia Manrique caught a break when President Barack Obama issued an executive order six years ago that created the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. DACA offered more than 800,000 undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. by their parents a chance to stay without fear of deportation. From 2012 to 2016, medical schools from California to Massachusetts accepted roughly 100 DACA students, whose families hailed from Mexico, Pakistan, Venezuela and other countries. Garcia Manrique applied to nearly 40 schools. The Stritch School of Medicine at Loyola University Chicago, the first medical school to accept DACA students, was the only one that offered her admission. Shortly after taking office in 2017, Trump rescinded DACA, a move that has become the subject of ongoing legal and political battles. If the law stands, Garcia Manrique will be allowed to stay in the U.S. But if it's overturned, she and DACA medical trainees won't be allowed to renew their work permits. Garcia Manrique is finishing medical school and applying for a residency program to train in family medicine. Only two Georgia medical programs at Emory University and Morehouse College said they would consider a DACA recipient. She applied to both. Of her 50 applications, Garcia Manrique received interview offers from nearly a dozen programs, including ones in Illinois, California and Washington. She hasn't heard from the ones in Georgia. And these days she isn't sure if the Georgia she knew, and the Georgia she loved, is a place where she'd feel welcome. "After a certain time of being looked down upon, being told no, going the extra mile to get the same benefits, you get tired of that," Garcia Manrique said. "I've seen many immigrants who have talent in the South move out. Why not be somewhere where you're wanted?" Katharina Paschinger's father, a conservation chemist in Vienna, was a devoted beekeeper. Paschinger remembers fondly that he would bring royal jelly, an important food for bee larvae, as a gift on visits to her maternal grandmother. "He would feed it to my grandma and tell her it was for long life and beauty," Paschinger said. "And actually, she lived to be 98." Royal jelly is widely believed to have health benefits, although the medical evidence is scarce (and doctors caution that some people have severe allergic reactions). One thing the substance certainly does is promote caste development in honeybees, causing genetically identical larvae to develop into very different adults. All bee larvae eat royal jelly secreted by worker bees for the first few days of life, but those picked out to be queens continue to eat it until they pupate and beyond, whereas those that will become workers switch to honey and pollen. Biologists believe molecular signals in royal jelly drive larval bees to develop into queens, but the details of that signaling -- including what molecule is most important and how it is recognized -- are not yet clear. Questions along that line brought Katharina Paschinger, a chemist, to revisit royal jelly this year in research published in the journal Molecular & Cellular Proteomics. Paschinger and colleagues in Iain Wilson's lab at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences in Vienna focus on glycoproteins, proteins to which a chain of sugar molecules is attached. These sugar chains, called glycans, can dramatically affect proteins' binding and signaling activities. Previous studies of royal jelly glycoproteins had mostly found classes of glycans known as oligomannosidic and simple hybrids. As these contain no special recognition elements, they could not explain the unique effect of royal jelly on larval fate. But Paschinger, her colleagues and some other scientists recently began to find more complex glycan structures in several insect species, such as mosquitoes and moths. Their data, Paschinger said, challenged "a really long-held belief that insects only synthesize oligomannosidic glycans. You see these statements everywhere. It's a nightmare to read such simplifications." The diversity in other insects' glycans was a reason to suspect that royal jelly glycoproteins also had hidden depth. Royal jelly, available in bulk at health food stores, was a good candidate for a combined glycomic and glycoproteomic analysis, said first author Alba Hykollari. "If you have a sample and you want to start with glycomics, the first question is how much you have and how pure is it. We were quite lucky: We got a lot of royal jelly, and it was very pure." To determine the structure of the glycans in royal jelly, Hykollari used enzymes to isolate the glycans from proteins and added chemical tags. She separated the tagged glycans using liquid chromatography and analyzed them using a mass spectrometer, an instrument that breaks molecules into smaller pieces and separates them by size and charge. Paschinger analyzed the data to draw conclusions about the glycan structures. First, she compared fragmentation patterns to precursor molecules, making inferences about the glycans' structures from how they broke apart. Then, she suggested specific chemical or enzymatic treatments to test those hypotheses. Because glycans are modular chains, like Legos, breaking off one unit at a time can give a good idea of how the whole fits together. For example, phosphoethanolamine, a subunit the team observed in royal jelly, blocks digestion by some enzymes, but it can be removed using hydrofluoric acid. If glycan fragments of a certain mass appeared after treatment with hydrofluoric acid, it was a clue that phosphoethanolamine was present. "I would say that the N-glycome of royal jelly was definitely underestimated," said Hykollari. Of the approximately 100 glycan structures the team defined, many had not been observed before in bees. Their laboratory's exclusive focus on glycan biochemistry and their extremely sensitive mass spectrometer helped the research team determine the identity of scarce glycans, said Hykollari. "We have worked (on glycans) for many years, so I would say our workflow is optimized." Knowing these structures could help future scientists understand the activity of glycosylated proteins in royal jelly--either how they designate larval bees as future queens or how they trip allergic alarms in the human immune system. For example, said Paschinger, a researcher could synthesize a glycan from royal jelly to see how it interacts with signaling proteins in the larva. Their own plans moving forward are to tackle the glycome of another species. "Our driving force is understanding glycoevolution," said Paschinger. "But very often we're also driven by the element of challenge." The research team dedicated their manuscript to Paschinger's father, the chemist-beekeeper. "I am sure he would have been very happy to see something scientific come out of his beekeeping hobby," said Paschinger. Seneca Valley Virus sounds like the last bug youd want to catch, but it could be the next breakthrough cancer therapy. Now, scientists at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) and the University of Otago have described exactly how the virus interacts with tumors -- and why it leaves healthy tissues alone. A cryo-EM map of the receptor decorated capsid in which a single protomer was replaced with the atomic model. Seneca Valley Virus capsid proteins are shown in blue, green, and red, and the ANTXR1 receptor is shown in magenta. Credit: OIST and University of Otago The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America on October 29, 2018, provides the first detailed images of the complex Seneca Valley Virus forms with its preferred receptor. The researchers used cryo-electron microscopy to capture images of over 7000 particles and render the structure in high-resolution. They predict their results will help scientists develop the virus, and other viral drug candidates, for clinical use. If you have a virus that targets cancer cells and nothing else, thats the ultimate cancer fighting tool, said Prof. Matthias Wolf, principal investigator of the Molecular Cryo-Electron Microscopy Unit at OIST and co-senior author of the study. I expect this study will lead to efforts to design viruses for cancer therapy. Targeting two-thirds of human cancers In the past few years, so-called virotherapy has grown up as a new branch of cancer immunotherapy. Anticancer viruses tend to target tumors while sparing the healthy cells around them, and many already exist in nature. Scientists hunt down these cancer-killers, study their attack strategies, and optimize their effectiveness through genetic modification. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has already approved one viral therapy to treat Stage IV melanoma, and other viral drug candidates appear promising in clinical trials. Seneca Valley Virus stands out as a potential virotherapy for one key reason: it selectively targets a receptor found coating tumor cells in over 60 percent of human cancers. The receptor, known as ANTXR1, is only expressed on tumors, but it has a cousin that only appears on healthy tissues, called ANTXR2. Seneca Valley Virus doesnt bind with the similar receptor on healthy cells -- it only shows strong affinity for ANTXR1. The studys authors wanted to know why. The differences between the two receptors are subtle, but nonetheless, these subtle differences make one bind the virus with high affinity while the other doesnt, said Wolf. The researchers found that the outer shell of the Seneca Valley Virus locks tightly onto specific structural features of ANTXR1 -- features that arent conserved in ANTXR2. The components must fit together like a key in a lock -- this is a highly evolved system where everything fits perfectly. Designing an optimal cancer therapy Seneca Valley Virus has already demonstrated its cancer-fighting abilities in Phase I clinical trials in pediatric solid tumors and Phase II trials in small-cell lung cancers. But theres one problem: the body builds up immunity to the virus within three weeks and squashes the bug before its work is done. If you give a virus as a vaccine, you want an immune response -- there, the goal is the destruction of the virus, said Wolf. In this case, you want the opposite. You want the virus to evade the immune system, continue to replicate and kill the cancer cells. By looking at this structure, we can learn what part of the virus is essential for binding to the receptor and which is not, said Prof. Mihnea Bostina, the academic director of the Otago Centre for Electron Microscopy at the University of Otago and co-senior author of the study. If we want to make the virus better, we can try to change the non-essential parts in order to escape the action of the immune system while leaving the essential part intact. With deeper understanding of how the virus works, scientists may be able to outsmart the bodys immune system and protect their mighty cancer-killer. In principle, Seneca Valley Virus could also be modified to recognize different receptors, Wolf said, rendering it a broadly applicable weapon in the fight against cancer. "I have always been intrigued by ways how we can make use of naturally occurring microorganisms for our benefit, said Nadishka Jayawardena, a graduate student at the University of Otago and first author of the study. Being able to work on a virus that can kill cancers is very rewarding, especially knowing that one day our findings could potentially lead to tackling a major global health issue." The Seneca Valley Virus at Near-Atomic Resolution Play The Seneca Valley Virus at Near-Atomic Resolution Nanoparticles that could reprogram a cancer patient's immune system inside their own body. Understanding a mysterious type of brain cell in the hopes of shedding new light on Alzheimer's disease. Reimagining nuclei, the DNA-storage compartments of our cells, as miniature lava lamps. These are the subjects of three of nine new Allen Distinguished Investigator awards announced today by The Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group, a division of the Allen Institute, supporting research that will expand our knowledge of our cells, our brains, disease, and the biology of aging. The Allen Institute was founded by philanthropist Paul G. Allen, who passed away Oct. 15. "Paul's vision and insight have been an inspiration to me and to many others, both here at the Institute that bears his name and in the myriad of other areas that made up the fantastic universe of his interests. He will be sorely missed," said Allan Jones, Ph.D., President and CEO of the Allen Institute. "We honor his legacy by carrying out our mission of tackling the hard problems in bioscience, as evidenced by these new Allen Distinguished Investigator awards." The nine awards will support 10 investigators from several different research organizations in the U.S., Canada and Portugal. Each award confers $1.5 million in research support over the course of three years, for a total of $13.5 million in funding for studies of lymphoma, neuroscience, the immune system, aging and development, and basic biology. The specific award areas were selected in 2017 through a series of in-depth workshops, guided by Allen and other scientific advisors. "With this new class of Allen Distinguished Investigators, we are honored to uphold Paul's vision for accelerating scientific discovery. He was keenly interested in the work of these 10 exemplary researchers and their potential to push the boundaries of knowledge," said Kathy Richmond, Ph.D., M.B.A., Director of the Frontiers Group. "Our new investigators all think outside the box to tackle big challenges and find new insights about disease and health. Each of them is poised to 'move the needle' and drive their fields forward." The Allen Distinguished Investigator program began in 2010 to fund early-stage research that is less likely to receive support from traditional funding sources, but which has the potential to significantly advance our understanding of biology. With the 2018 awards, there are a total of 69 Allen Distinguished Investigators appointed since 2010. Three awards were given to researchers studying lymphoma, a broad class of blood cancers with variable treatment options and prognoses. There have been great advances in developing treatments for some lymphomas, but many patients living with these blood cancers are still in need of better options. The three awards will focus on innovative ideas and new technologies that can catalyze new understanding about lymphoma and spur new treatments. Two awards were given to researchers studying nuclear biophysics, an emerging research field that seeks to understand the special physics inside the nucleus, the cellular compartment that houses DNA. In the past five years, there's been a growing appreciation that DNA and other molecules inside the nucleus are organized into physical states that researchers think of as akin to a microscopic lava lamp or as different phases of the same substance, like ice and water. These physical states may influence everything from how the cell makes proteins to how cancer forms to how well certain drugs function Two awards were given to studies of neuroimmunology, another emerging field that explores the important intersections between the brain and the immune system. Recent studies have uncovered that interactions between neurons and immune cells are incredibly important in human health and disease, but researchers still don't understand all the details of that complex dialogue. Finally, one award was given to studies of astrocytes, a type of brain cell that may play an important role in Alzheimer's disease; and one award was given to the biology of embryonic development and aging. Meet the 2018 Allen Distinguished Investigators Chenghua Gu, Ph.D. Harvard Medical School Our brains and our immune systems are intricately connected, but researchers don't understand the details of how these two complex systems communicate. Chenghua Gu will study the brain's elaborate blood vessel system and how it mediates this dialogue that influences human health and brain disease by examining the specialized cells that line blood vessels, known as endothelial cells, and how they receive and transmit signals between the body's immune system and the brain. Baljit S. Khakh, Ph.D. University of California, Los Angeles Although almost half our brains are made up of a type of cell known as astrocytes, we know very little about how they work. Baljit Khakh aims to change that. He and his team will tackle the first systematic characterization of astrocytes, study how these cells influence neuron activity, and explore how astrocyte function is altered in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, potentially uncovering new therapeutic targets for this devastating neurological disorder. Marc Kirschner, Ph.D. Harvard Medical School Marc Kirschner's lab is taking a large-picture, systematic approach to understanding the biology of early development and of aging, two processes that bookend our lives and the lives of all living creatures. Typically, development and aging are studied in separate research fields, but Kirschner aims to use systems biology and machine learning approaches to uncover the cellular circuitry that drive each and to better understand where they might overlap, using as a model the small crustacean Daphnia magna, also known as the water flea. Clodagh O'Shea, Ph.D. Salk Institute for Biological Studies Clodagh O'Shea and her team have developed new technologies that reveal how the six feet of human genomic DNA is compacted into the microscopic cell nucleus by assembling with proteins into flexible chromatin chains that are packed together at different concentration densities. Her team's hypothesis is that in regions of the cell nucleus where chromatin chains are dilute, they take a liquid form that allows genes to be read out into their protein products, but if their concentration exceeds a critical density threshold, they form gels that keep genes locked away and "silenced." She will ask if liquid-to-gel chromatin state transitions determine genomic DNA activity and ultimately cell fate in response to epigenetic drugs, aging, cancer-causing genes and viruses. Michael Rosen, Ph.D. The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Michael Rosen will lead a project studying how liquids behave inside the nucleus, the cell's DNA-storage compartment. Recent research has found that, much like the separation of oil and vinegar in salad dressing, regions of the nucleus separate into unmixable liquid droplets, also known as biomolecular condensates. Rosen's project will probe how condensates come to be, what they look like in 3D detail and how defects in these mysterious liquid droplets contribute to a rare type of cancer. Christian Steidl, M.D. BC Cancer Research Centre and the University of British Columbia Christian Steidl will take a deep dive into classical Hodgkin lymphoma, a blood cancer that typically strikes adolescents and young adults, by studying the ecosystem of cancer cells and healthy cells that together are known as the tumor microenvironment. Cancer cells can hijack many of our bodies' natural processes to help themselves grow and spread. To better understand this phenomenon -- and ultimately improve diagnoses and treatments for this disease -- Steidl and his team will study lymphoma patients' biopsy samples before and after cancer relapse, cell by cell. Matthias Stephan, M.D., Ph.D. Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and the University of Washington Matthias Stephan will lead the development of a novel nanoparticle immunotherapy for lymphoma, a blood cancer that sees more than 80,000 new diagnoses in the U.S. alone every year. The bioengineered therapy would carry instructions to reprogram a patient's own immune cells in their body to recognize and destroy lymphoma cells. In this project, Stephan and his colleagues will scale up the nanoparticles to ready them for clinical trials and test their safety in a large animal model. Henrique Veiga-Fernandes, D.V.M., Ph.D. Champalimaud Foundation Henrique Veiga-Fernandes has pioneered studies on how the nervous system and the immune system interact throughout our body through his identification of specialized "units" of neuroimmune communication in the gut, lungs, fat and skin. Now, he and his research team will develop new techniques to measure how neurons and immune cells interact and influence each other -- and our health -- throughout the body. David Weinstock, M.D. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Scott Manalis, Ph.D. Massachusetts Institute of Technology David Weinstock and Scott Manalis want to convert lymphoma remissions into cures. They aim to tackle the difficult problem of cancer relapse by studying the tiny amounts of lymphoma cells left behind, also known as minimal residual disease, when patients go into remission. By better understanding what makes these few straggler cells resistant to treatment, their project could ultimately identify ways to prevent lymphoma from coming back. Mrs Lam (second left) takes a selfie with Hong Kong people living, working and studying in Japan. Chief Executive Carrie Lam (second left), accompanied by Secretary for Innovation & Technology Nicholas Yang (left) tours Kashiwa-no-ha Smart City during a visit to Japan. Chief Executive Carrie Lam toured innovation and technology institutions and facilities in Japan today. In the morning, Mrs Lam visited Kashiwa-no-ha Smart City to learn about its developments in innovation, health services and smart city initiatives. Kashiwa-no-ha Smart City uses advanced technology to create a liveable neighbourhood which is environmentally friendly, favourable to the development of new industries and suitable for people of all ages. Mrs Lam then visited the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science & Technology (AIST) in Ibaraki Prefecture and was briefed on its operation and research achievements. She noted there are exchanges between universities in Hong Kong and the AIST, and welcomed it to collaborate with more universities and scientific research institutions in Hong Kong. In the afternoon, Mrs Lam had lunch with the Mayor of Tsukuba City Tatsuo Igarashi to learn about the city's successful experience in promoting I&T and measures in attracting scientific research institutions and talents. Mrs Lam said Hong Kong is striving to advance I&T development and said she hopes to strengthen collaboration with Tsukuba at the government level to provide more opportunities for joint development for enterprises of the two cities. She then visited the University of Tsukuba, which holds academic strengths in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, medicine and physical education. Mrs Lam said she was pleased to know the university has international exchange arrangements with the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, adding the Hong Kong University of Science & Technology has also collaborated with it on publications. The Chief Executive learned about the schools research on artificial intelligence and cybernics. She said the Hong Kong Science Park will establish in Hong Kong two world-class research clusters on healthcare technologies as well as on artificial intelligence and robotics technologies to attract top universities, research and development institutions, and scientific technology enterprises. She encouraged the University of Tsukuba to join the clusters and take part in scientific research projects in Hong Kong, and also welcomed its students to the city. Later, Mrs Lam met Chinese Ambassador to Japan Cheng Yonghua and attended a dinner he hosted. She thanked the embassy for its continuous support for the work of the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office (Tokyo), and the assistance to Hong Kong people visiting Japan when in need. Mrs Lam then met Hong Kong people living, working and studying in Japan to learn about their everyday lives. She updated them on the city's latest developments, including the recent commissioning of the Hong Kong Section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Edward Yau and Secretary for Innovation & Technology Nicholas Yang accompanied Mrs Lam during the days events. Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng will visit Tokyo, Japan and Shenzhen from October 31. During her stay in Tokyo, Ms Cheng will lead a delegation of Hong Kong legal and dispute resolution practitioners to make presentations at the "From Deal Making to Dispute Resolution: Legal Risk Management for Enterprises in Japan" thematic session. The session is part of the "Think Global, Think Hong Kong" symposium organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. During the event, Ms Cheng will meet representatives from legal and business associations in Japan to promote professional exchanges and Hong Kong's legal services. She will also meet senior government officials there. Ms Cheng will then travel to Shenzhen on November 2 to attend the 3rd Qianhai Legal Intelligence Forum. The forums theme this year is "International Commercial Litigation & Alternative Dispute Resolution". She will speak on the topic of "The Contribution of 'One Country, Two Systems' to the Sustainable Development of International Commercial Dispute Settlement". She will return to Hong Kong on November 3. Several months after the crash, Myles was also charged with aggravated driving under the influence after authorities received blood test results that indicated he had morphine and codeine in his system at the time of the crash. Those charges, though, were dropped as part of his negotiated plea. The 47-year-old faces charges that include reporting a false crime linked to her claims that a ring of influential pedophiles exists in Lithuania. She denies the charges and says she could be killed if sent to Lithuania by those she's angered with her accusations. Watson was charged with four counts of first-degree murder, as well as one count of armed robbery and one count of unlawful use of weapon by a felon. Francimore was charged with one count of first-degree murder and one count of armed robbery, according to the news release. Both men are being held in Will County Jail in lieu of $500,000 bail. Sorry! This content is not available in your region This was very well timed for the fall, said David Milan, a 30-year Army veteran from Northlake who brought his dogs. This is when we would normally get the dogs ready for winter making sure they didnt pick up any fleas or ticks. New Delhi: Commuters travelling to South Delhi from Northeast Delhi and vis-a-vis would now be able to cut down on travel time as the Delhi Metro's 17.8 km-long Shiv Vihar-Trilokpuri Sanjay Lake section of the 59 km-long Majlis Park-Shiv Vihar corridor (Line 7) of the Pink Line is all set to chug from Wednesday. This section will ease connectivity between North East Delhi and South Delhi by connecting Shiv Vihar and Lajpat Nagar. The Shiv Vihar-Trilokpuri section will have 15 stations that will include Shiv Vihar, Johri Enclave, Gokulpuri, Maujpur, Jaffrabad, Welcome, East Azad Nagar, Krishna Nagar, Karkardooma Court, Karkardooma, Anand Vihar, IP Extension, Vinod Nagar, Vinod Nagar East, Trilokpuri. This part of Pink Line will also provide three interchange stations at Welcome (Red Line), Karkardooma Court and Anand Vihar (Blue Line) that will tremendously boost the connectivity of areas such as Shiv Vihar, Gokul Puri, Maujpur, Jaffrabad, among others. The Maujpur Station is a four track station having provision of connection from Maujpur to Mukundpur, a corridor proposed in Phase-IV of the Delhi Metro project. Read More | Settlement of Ayodhya dispute calls for faith in Supreme Court However, because of infrastructure constraints, trains on the Trilokpuri Sanjay Lake-IP Extension section will ply on single route with a frequency of a little over 15 minutes, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) officials said on Monday."Due to constraints at Trilokpuri area, the section from there till IP Extension will enable plying of trains on a single line only till we resolve the issue. The trains will run at a frequency of 15 minutes and 36 seconds," Executive Director, Corporate Communications at DMRC, Anuj Dayal told reporters.A bottleneck near Triloklouri station has arisen due to multiple issues, including land acquisition, resulting in a portion of metro segment, about few kilometres remaining incomplete, rendering the Trilokpuri Sanjay Lake station, a terminus. "Trilokpuri Sanjay Lake station is not planned as a terminal or interlocking station which generally have crossovers for trains to change the tracks. Therefore, in the absence of a crossover for trains to turn back after terminating at this station, they can only be run on single line to provide the service in this section," he said.There are two stations on the Trilokpuri-Sanjay Lake and IP Extension section -- East Vinod Nagar-Mayur Vihar- II and Mandawali-West Vinod Nagar. Also Read | Aamir Khan does not cover hickeys, same cannot go for Karan Johar; Koffee with Karan 6 will reveal some fun-secrets With a record height of 21 metres, the Karkardooma Metro Station is also the second highest point on the rail network. The Majlis Park Shiv Vihar Corridor is crossing the existing Vaishali- Dwarka elevated line (Line-4) 21 metres above the ground and is 10 metres above the existing Metro line. With the opening of this section, the Delhi Metro network will become 314 kilometres long with 229 Metro stations. After the inauguration of this section, Delhi Metro will have opened over 80 kilometres of new lines this year. All the major corridors under Delhi Metro's Phase 3 are expected to be opened for passengers by the end of the year. (With PTI inputs) New Delhi: A day after the Supreme Court deferred hearing the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute, a Haryana minister mocked the apex court's decision and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said justice delayed can be justice denied. Union minister Giriraj Singh challenged Congress president Rahul Gandhi to come out openly in support of a Ram temple at Ayodhya instead of visiting shrines across the country. "Let us see if he has the courage," Singh told reporters in Patna on Tuesday. In Lucknow, Adityanath tweeted, "The matter pertaining to Shri Ram Janmabhoomi is before the Supreme Court. Justice delivered timely is considered to be the best justice. Delay in justice sometimes amounts to injustice." But at the same time, the tweet in Hindi appealed to the seers demanding early construction of a Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya to exercise patience. The UP chief minister stopped short of demanding that the Centre bring legislation to allow the construction of the Ram temple, while suggesting that "all alternatives" to resolve the issue should be explored. But the demand for a law was reiterated on Tuesday by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). "It's up to the Centre whether they bring an ordinance or a bill. We want a law which ensures that rights of the land are transferred to Shriram Janmabhoomi Mukti Yajna Samiti for construction of the Ram temple," VHP's international working president Alok Kumar told PTI. Legal experts do not back the demand for an ordinance, voiced by some other saffron outfits as well. Senior jurists Rakesh Dwivedi and Ajit Kumar Sinha said there is no bar on the Centre to bring an ordinance for early construction of a Ram temple but propriety demanded that the government should wait for the Supreme Court's verdict. While Adityanath told reporters on the sidelines of an event in Lucknow that it would have been better had the Supreme Court decided to hear the land dispute early, a BJP colleague in Haryana went a step further. "Supreme Court mahan hai (The Supreme Court is great)," Haryana's Health Minister Anil Vij said, using the phrase twice in a tweet that seemed to mock the apex court decision. He compared the decision to defer the Ayodhya title suit hearing to the late-night hearing on a plea to delay the hanging of Mumbai attacks convict Yakub Memon. "If it so wishes, it can open its doors on 29 July 2014 for an appeal to delay the death sentence awarded to 1993 Mumbai serial blasts convict Yakub Memon. And if it wants, it can give a date on the issue of Ram Mandir, for which crores of Indians are eagerly waiting. The Supreme Court is great," the Haryana minister's tweet in Hindi read. The pre-dawn Yakub Memon hearing actually took place on July 30, 2015. The apex court Monday said the course of hearings in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute will be decided in the first week of January by an appropriate bench. The court decision intensified demands by the RSS and its affiliated organisation that the government should bring a law allowing construction of a Ram temple at the disputed site. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: AK Bassi, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officer who was investigating corruption allegations against the agencys special director Rakesh Asthana, has moved the Supreme Court against his transfer to Port Blair following the upheaval in the CBI last week when Asthana and agency director Alok Verma were divested of all charges. However, the apex court refused an urgent hearing of his plea. AK Bassi then said he had "incriminating evidence" against Asthana in bribery case and asked Supreme Court to call for evidence of technical surveillance. Bassi also sought the setting up a Special Investigating Team (SIT) to investigate charges against Asthana. Read More | Indian couple falls to death 800 feet in California's Yosemite National Park The Delhi High Court on Monday said CBI Special Director Rakesh Asthana, who was sent on leave by the government, cannot be arrested till November 1. A bench of Justice Najmi Waziri questioned the CBI for not filing reply to pleas of Asthana and another official, Devender Kumar, Deputy Superintendent of Police, seeking quashing the of FIR in the matter. The CBI has lodged an FIR against Asthana and Kumar in connection with bribery allegations. The high court also directed the CBI to file reply on the two pleas on or before November 1. The CBI prosecutor told the high court that delay in filing of reply occurred as the case files have been sent to Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) and sought more time for filing the response. Also Read | India, Japan sign $75-billion currency swap agreement Kumar, earlier the investigating officer in a case involving meat exporter Moin Qureshi, was arrested on October 22 on the allegations of forgery in recording the statement of businessman Sathish Sana, who had alleged to have paid bribe to get relief in the case. The high court had on October 23 directed the CBI to maintain status quo on the criminal proceedings initiated against its special director Asthana, who has challenged the FIR lodged against him on bribery allegations. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: An Indian couple living in the US fell to their deaths 800 feet in an area with steep terrain in Californias Yosemite National Park last week, according to a media report. Identified as Vishnu Viswanath, 29, and Minaxi Moorthy, 30, the married couple fell from Taft Point in Yosemite National Park, a popular tourist spot that offers spectacular views of the Yosemite Valley, Yosemite Falls, and El Capitan, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. Read More | Delhi Air Quality: As capital gasps, Supreme Court bans old petrol, diesel vehicles The report said that the couple had recently moved from New York after Viswanath took a job as a systems engineer at Cisco, based in San Jose. Rangers recovered their bodies on the steep terrain on Thursday, while visitors had spotted the bodies a day earlier. Park spokesman Jamie Richards was quoted as saying in the report that we still do not know what caused them to fall. Were trying to understand what happened. We may never know, (but) from everything we see, this was a tragic fall. It is being investigated as to how the couple fell or what had occurred when the accident happened. Earlier, the National Park Service had said in a statement that the recovery operation for a male and female visitor who had died in the fall from Taft Point was completed on the afternoon of October 25. The department said the two people fell approximately 800 feet below Taft Point in an area with very steep terrain. Also Read | NASAs Parker Solar Probe creates record for closest approach to Sun This recovery operation involved Park Rangers using technical climbing and rappelling techniques, in addition to helicopter support from the California Highway Patrol for a short-haul operation. The report added that the couple had been married since 2014 and both were software engineers. On the cover of Viswanaths Facebook page is a picture of the two of them smiling on the edge of a cliff at the Grand Canyon. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Two former Con-Agra/Monfort executives founded Colorado Premium in 1998. The company markets a variety of retail and restaurant-ready beef, poultry and other protein products under its own brands and more than 60 private-label brands to customers in the United States, Central America, the Caribbean, the Philippines, Taiwan, UAE and more. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unveil the Statue of Unity, a 182-metre giant structure built in honour of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, near the Sardar Sarovar Dam in Gujarats Narmada district on Wednesday. Touted as the world's tallest, the statue is twice the height of Statue of Liberty and is built on an islet, Sadhu Bet. As soon as Modi unveils the statue, three IAF planes would fly past and create the tricolour in the sky by emitting saffron, white and green colours, said an official release on Tuesday. #WATCH: Laser light show at #StatueOfUnity of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel that will be inaugurated on his 143rd birth anniversary tomorrow. #Gujarat pic.twitter.com/3g5VKF0VJo ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2018 Here are some interesting facts about Statue of Unity: # Tourists can see the dam and nearby mountain ranges from a gallery created at the height of 135 metres inside the statue. The gallery can accommodate 200 visitors at one go # The statue has been built using over 70,000 tonnes of cement, 18,500 tonnes of reinforcement steel, 6,000 tonnes of structural steel and 1,700 metric tonnes of bronze, which was used for the outer cladding of the structure, according to the government statement. Gujarat: More visuals of the preparation, underway for the inauguration of #StatueOfUnity tomorrow in Kevadia. pic.twitter.com/m4sEwXWxok ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2018 # According to reports, the Statue of Unity was built in a record 33 months. Designed by the Ram V Sutar, a sculptor from Noida, the statue is built by Larsen & Toubro. # Cost of constructing the Statue of Unity is estimated at Rs. 2,989 crores. # The Shrestha Bharat Bhavan adjacent to the Statue of Unity is designed to be a 128-key, 3-star hotel facility with food service, guest amenities, and conference facilities. Lets compare: Statue of Unity, India: 182 Metres Spring Temple Buddha, China: 153 Metres Ushiku Daibutsu, Japan: 120 Metres Statue of Liberty, USA: 93 Metres The Motherland Calls, Russia: 85 Metres Christ The Redeemer, Brazil: 38 Metres Meanwhile, local tribal leaders have announced a boycott of Wednesday's event claiming "mass destruction" of natural resources due to the project. In an open letter addressed to Modi, sarpanches of 22 villages situated near the Sardar Sarovar dam on the Narmada river have said villagers will not welcome the prime minister when he arrives for the function. "We villagers want to tell you with extreme grief that we will not welcome you on October 31. Even if you come here like an unwanted guest, you are not welcome here," said the common letter signed by sarpanches of the villages of Narmada district, located around 200 km from Ahmedabad. The area still lacks basic facilities like schools, hospitals and drinking water, they alleged. (With PTI inputs) For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unveil the aStatue of Unitya, a 182-metre giant structure built in honour of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, near the Sardar Sarovar Dam in Gujaratas Narmada district on Wednesday. Gujarat: More visuals of the preparation, underway for the inauguration of #StatueOfUnity tomorrow in Kevadia. pic.twitter.com/m4sEwXWxok a ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2018 Touted as the world's tallest, the statue is twice the height of Statue of Liberty and is built on an islet, Sadhu Bet. As soon as Modi unveils the statue, three IAF planes would fly past and create the tricolour in the sky by emitting saffron, white and green colours, said an official release on Tuesday. #WATCH: #StatueOfUnity in Gujarat's Kevadiya. The worldas tallest statue, with the height of 182 metres, will be inaugurated tomorrow on the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. pic.twitter.com/0udIob1pL0 a ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2018 Here are some interesting facts about Statue of Unity: # Tourists can see the dam and nearby mountain ranges from a gallery created at the height of 135 metres inside the statue. The gallery can accommodate 200 visitors at one go # The statue has been built using over 70,000 tonnes of cement, 18,500 tonnes of reinforcement steel, 6,000 tonnes of structural steel and 1,700 metric tonnes of bronze, which was used for the outer cladding of the structure, according to the government statement. # According to reports, the Statue of Unity was built in a record 33 months. Designed by the Ram V Sutar, a sculptor from Noida, the statue is built by Larsen & Toubro.A # Cost of constructing the Statue of Unity is estimated at Rs. 2,989 crores. # The Shrestha Bharat Bhavan adjacent to the Statue of Unity is designed to be a 128-key, 3-star hotel facility with food service, guest amenities, and conference facilities. Letas compare: Statue of Unity, India: 182 Metres Spring Temple Buddha, China: 153 Metres Ushiku Daibutsu, Japan: 120 Metres Statue of Liberty, USA: 93 Metres The Motherland Calls, Russia: 85 Metres Christ The Redeemer, Brazil: 38 Metres For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Steering clear of faith and frenzy, the Supreme Court has decided to continue hearing appeal in the Ayodhya land dispute case from early next year. A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi heard the case on October 29 for barely a few minutes before adjourning it until the first week of January 2019. A suitable bench will be constituted to hear the case when it comes up next. ALSO READ | Lenovo K9, Lenovo A5 under Rs 10,000 on sale in India from November 1 With this order of the top court, the three judges, including Justices SK Kaul and KM Joseph besides the Chief Justice have virtually averted the political stakes to come in the way of hearing as these have been gathering around the case in view of the upcoming polls in a few states from November which are to be followed by the countrywide general elections in 2019. The courts decision on Monday has come as a disappointment to the protagonists of Ayodhyas temple movement which invariably picks up around the time of every election. This time too the votaries of the temple in Ayodhya were critical of the court order, blaming the judges for unnecessarily delaying the hearing of the case which, according to them, should clear the way for the construction of a temple to commemorate the memory of Lord Rama. This, they want to be constructed at the very spot which is thought to be his birthplace and where Babari Masjid once stood until it was razed in mob frenzy in December 1992. The apex court is now looking at the appeal brought by different parties after the Allahabad High Court judgment that had trifurcated the disputed land at Ayodhya equally into three parts which were to be shared between Sunni Muslim Waqf Board, Nirmohi Akhara and Shri Ram Lalla, the infant god who as per belief was born in Ayodhya. ALSO READ | Scientists confirm existence of ghostly dust clouds Kordylewski All the three parties have moved the appeal and the top court has been hearing it amid demands for expediting the hearing by the supporters of one set of parties and pleas for delinking this with electoral parties by the other. This divide is more on political lines than those between the adherents of the two faiths. And it is a fact that over the years and even through decades the Ayodhya issue has been getting greatly enmeshed with politics and more so electoral politics. Yet, it is a fact that nearly five years ago when the BJP successfully fought the last parliamentary polls the Ayodhya issue had figured on the last pages of the partys manifesto. It also remained on the backburner through most of the present tenure of the BJP-led Government. But with the time for another round of general elections approaching again, the BJP and its sister organisations and affiliates have started raking up the Ayodhya issue. Often the Central Ministers and ruling party leaders like their counterparts in Uttar Pradesh demand the need for a legislation to be passed by Parliament without waiting for the court verdict to pave the way to build the temple. This was once again the case on Monday when the top court decided to hear the case only in January, or after another two months. In the past also the Ayodhya case in the court has often been adjourned because of the heat that the temple issue generally generates. This appears to be the case even today. Thus, the need is to first delink the Ayodhya issue from politics and it should not be allowed to write off the rule of law where title of any property has got primacy. But unlike this in case of Ayodhya, faith, belief and larger public sentiment are often cited to bolster claims over what once used to be a mosque. The net result of this has been the deepening of communal divide and increased strife in the society. ALSO READ | Fuel prices see a fall for 13th day; petrol at Rs 79.55 per litre, diesel at Rs 73.78 in Delhi So in a nutshell, the Ayodhya dispute has been bringing back medieval instincts in modern times. And this is clearly detrimental to all sides. It only reminds of pre-independence days when the alien power at the helm followed the policy of divide and rule. What gets badly throttled in this battle of yore is the civilized way to conduct public affairs and ensure universally accepted citizens rights through equality before law. Thus, the law and the court should be left alone to find a way out of the badly entangled issue called Ayodhya. And the courts verdict should be accepted in all circumstances by everybody unlike what has recently been the case with the apex courts order vis-a-vis Sabarimala Temple in Kerala. New Delhi: Scientists have confirmed two elusive clouds of dust first reported in 1961, located just 400,000 kilometres away from the Earth. Known as Lagrange points, L4 and L5, form an equal-sided triangle with the Earth and Moon, and move around the Earth as the Moon moves along its orbit. The clouds, named after Polish astronomer Kazimierz Kordylewski, are exceptionally faint, so their existence is controversial, said researchers from Eotvos Lorand University in Hungary. ALSO READ | Ayodhya Dispute: SC to fix hearing of case in January; RSS demands law for Ram temple The Earth-Moon system has five points of stability where gravitational forces maintain the relative position of objects located there. L4 and L5 are not completely stable, as they are disturbed by the gravitational pull of the Sun. They are thought to be locations where interplanetary dust might collect, at least temporarily. In 1961, Polish astronomer Kazimierz Kordylewski found two bright patches near the L5 point, which might refer to an accumulation of dust particles, with various reports since then, but their extreme faintness makes them difficult to detect and many scientists doubted their existence. The team, led by Gobar Horvath from Eotvos Lorand University, modelled the Kordylewski clouds to assess how they form and how they might be detected. The researchers were interested in their appearance using polarising filters, which transmit light with a particular direction of oscillation, similar to those found on some The images they obtained show polarised light reflected from dust, extending well outside the field of view of the camera lens. The observed pattern matches predictions made by the same group of researchers in an earlier paper and is consistent with the earliest observations of the Kordylewski clouds six decades ago, researchers said. Horvath's group was able to rule out optical artefacts and other effects, meaning that the presence of the dust cloud is confirmed. "The Kordylewski clouds are two of the toughest objects to find, and though they are as close to Earth as the Moon are largely overlooked by researchers in astronomy," Slz-Balogh said. ALSO READ | Train 18: India's first engine-less train rolled out, to replace Shatabdi Express; Here are things to know "It is intriguing to confirm that our planet has dusty pseudo-satellites in orbit alongside our lunar neighbour," Slz-Balogh said. Given their stability, the L4 and L5 points are seen as potential sites for orbiting space probes, and as transfer stations for missions exploring the wider solar system. KDCs are two of the toughest objects to find, and though they are as close to Earth as the Moon are largely overlooked by researchers in astronomy, said team member Dr Judit Sliz-Balogh, of the Eotvos Lorand University. It is intriguing to confirm that our planet has dusty pseudo-satellites in orbit alongside our lunar neighbour. (With inputs from agencies) For all the Latest Science News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: NASA's Parker Solar Probe has set a new record for becoming the closest human-made object to the Sun, the US space agency announced. "The spacecraft passed the current record of 26.55 million miles (42.73 million kilometres) from the Sun's surface on Oct. 29, 2018, at about 1:04 pm EDT (1704 GMT)," said a NASA statement. ALSO READ | Scientists confirm existence of ghostly dust clouds Kordylewski "The current record for heliocentric speed is 153,454 miles (246,960 kilometres) per hour, set by Helios 2 in April 1976." Parker's first close encounter with the Sun is scheduled for October 31. Its final close approach -- coming just 3.83 million miles from the Sun's surface -- is expected in 2024, NASA said. "The previous record for closest solar approach was set by the German-American Helios 2 spacecraft in April 1976." Its goal is to make a series of 24 flybys past our scorching star. Another record is in sight for the Parker Solar Probe. What is Parker Solar Probe? The probe is named after US physicist Eugene Parker, whose early theory of solar winds supersonic particles being shot out of the sun in all directions were confirmed by the first space missions after World War II. Parker, now 91 also travelled to NASA s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida to attend the launch of his namesake satellite. The mission, which is coming at a cost of USD 1.5 billion, is aimed to study the sun, and send back scientific data to Earth on its findings. ALSO READ | Sania Mirza and Shoaib Malik welcome 'Baby Mirza Malik' The Parker Solar Probe is protected by an ultra-powerful heat shield that can endure unprecedented levels of heat, and radiation 500 times that experienced on Earth. Parker Solar Probe carries the names of 1.1 million people on a memory card mounted on a plaque on the satellite, along with images of Eugene Parker. For all the Latest Science News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. It is an old saying that not all wisdom resides in Washington, D.C., but it is gratifying to see so many folks step forward wanting to prove that to be the case, he said. President Donald Trump's greatest ally in escaping responsibility for the spasm of violence across the U.S. is false equivalence, the idea everybody is equally to blame. Television commentators spent the weekend trying to be fair-minded by declaring that both sides contribute to the lack of civility that emboldens the crazed minds behind violent acts like sending bombs to Trump critics, or murdering worshipers in a Pittsburgh synagogue, or killing two African-Americans in a Kentucky grocery store. An example cited was when Democrats charge that Republicans use phrases like "people will die" in debates over access to medical insurance. But that's part of a policy argument over whether insurance companies should be allowed to deny coverage to people with preexisting medical conditions, and it's not even close to the hate-filled rhetoric that Trump uses simply to stoke anger and resentment. Obviously, there were many acts of violence before Trump appeared on the political scene. But unlike every other president, who in moments of trauma tried to tame the darker human impulses, he poisons the environment. Cesar Sayoc, the stripper and low-level criminal accused of sending 14 pipe bombs to prominent Democrats, is an avid Trump fan who decorated his van with signs echoing the president's anti-immigrant tweets and vitriolic rants against the media and Democrats. Robert Bowers, who has been charged with federal hate crimes in the killing of 11 people on Saturday inside the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, was obsessed with the caravan of Latin Americans traveling across Mexico headed for the U.S. border. It is Trump, in a gambit to help Republicans in the midterm elections next week, who has spun a false narrative about the caravan as an invading alien horde. There are several thousand people traveling in a caravan for safety, most of them from Honduras, to seek asylum from persecution from their repressive regime. There is no evidence, as Trump has charged, of terrorists in the caravan. If the migrants reach the border by the end of the year, the U.S. Border Patrol will be capable of handling the situation. Other Republicans have seized on Trump's demagoguery. In Arizona, GOP senate candidate Martha McSally responded angrily when queried about voting in the House of Representatives last year against insurance guarantees for people with preexisting medical conditions, asking why she wasn't invited instead to discuss "real" issues like the caravan. Trump's race-tainted fear-mongering has little to with policy issues or differences between liberal and conservative values. He rode to political prominence on the fantastical claim that President Barack Obama wasn't born in the U.S., insulted an American-born judge for his Mexican heritage, cruelly mocked a person with disabilities, equated peaceful protesters with neo-Nazis who rioted in Charlottesville, Virginia in 2017, calls the press "the enemy of the people" and declared a Republican congressman who body-slammed a reporter to be "my type." None of this in any way resembles even the most tendentious policy arguments Democrats make about their opponents on health care or taxes. Both sides do include fringe elements like the right-wing Representative Jim Jordan of Ohio and the left-wing Representative Maxine Waters of California who make extreme comments. Likewise, there are people on both flanks who engage in terrible behavior: left wingers insulting conservatives at restaurants or right wingers attacking women going to abortion clinics. And there are many factors that contribute to violence, including permissive gun laws and social media. Trump didn't create the social divisions that cultivate hate. But he has made them worse. - - - 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. Bing Crosby: Swinging on a Star: The War Years, 1940-1946 By Gary Giddins Little, Brown. 736 pp. $40 --- It's been almost 18 years since the publication of "Bing Crosby: A Pocketful of Dreams," Gary Giddins' intelligent and formidably well-informed biography covering the entertainer's life from his birth in 1903 through the film that launched his mega-grossing partnership with Bob Hope ("The Road to Singapore," 1940). "Bing Crosby: Swinging on a Star" was worth the wait. As in the first volume, Giddins makes Crosby's career the framework for an astute account of broad shifts in the radio, record and movie industries. Crosby was a big star in 1940, but his fame was on another level by 1946. Giddins traces his trajectory across this eventful half-decade in a densely packed, sometimes excessively detailed narrative. He begins with a snapshot of the troubled Crosby marriage in 1940, describing an evening when Bing came home from work on "The Road to Zanzibar" to find his wife, Dixie, drunkenly berating their four young sons. The marriage fell into a grim pattern during the World War II years: Dixie was mostly drunk; Bing was mostly gone. It didn't help that Crosby's personality - "impatient with introspection ... stoic, manly, rarely nostalgic, never sentimental, and often flippant"- was poorly suited to dealing with a fragile spouse. Crosby twice considered divorce during this period, but each time was dissuaded by a priest; he had been raised and remained a devout Catholic. Crosby was determined to end his relationship with "Kraft Music Hall," the popular weekly radio program he hosted. It took five years to extricate himself, but during that time, he used his clout to get the show reduced from an hour to 30 minutes and began a long battle that would eventually transform radio from a live medium to a prerecorded one. Giddins covers this and other industry issues with his usual savvy. His critical prose, somewhat blunted in the first volume, is back at full incisiveness in a shrewd analysis of how broadcasters' 1941 boycott of music licensed by copyright-enforcer ASCAP solidified Crosby's connection to older forms of American popular culture. Decca responded to the boycott by recording Crosby singing Stephen Foster tunes and other public domain material, Giddins writes, which resulted in "a distillation of his style into its purest components - the peerless Crosby baritone as national security blanket." Giddins' pen is at its sharpest in his account of Crosby's film career as he skewers Hollywood's manifold absurdities. Starlet Marilyn Maxwell, he wisecracks, was "a girl-next-door type, if your neighborhood was MGM." Production Code enforcer Joseph Breen scrupulously monitored "Road to Zanzibar" to forestall any unseemly displays of female flesh, Giddins notes dryly, "while expressing no qualms about depicting a public slave market in modern-day Zanzibar." He conveys with zest the relish Crosby and Hope took in evading such nonsense. In Crosby's case, however, the kidding went only so far. "No matter how jolly or friendly he might seem, you knew there was that invisible line you did not cross," commented a supporting player in another Crosby movie. "I doubt anyone knew him really well." Ironically, the tens of thousands of soldiers Crosby entertained during the war felt they knew him quite well. "What a guy, a regular guy, a real pal," one man enthused in a letter to his wife. "He brought home right to your heart." Crosby's wartime tours form the emotional center of this volume. They poignantly show him reaching out to audiences of strangers with a warmth he seldom offered to intimates. Crosby had been terrified of hospitals since his guitarist Eddie Lang - the only person he was truly close to, Giddins suggests - died after a botched tonsillectomy. But he gave shows to horribly wounded soldiers in field hospitals. He sang "White Christmas" over and over, even though he never sang it "without a wrench," seeing battle-hardened men cry over a song they cherished as a reminder of home and peace. It was the least he could do for "the best audience we ever worked for,"which had rescued him from personal and professional malaise. The reserve that frustrated his family was the key to Crosby's popularity with the troops. "He [created] a particular kind of bond, a zone of emotional safety," Giddins writes, adding pointedly, "A zone has boundaries." The stern boundaries he established at home created a fraught dynamic with his sons and wife that Giddins analyzes with nuance and empathy for all parties. Crosby was much better at being a fictional "father" in "Going My Way," the 1944 film that won Crosby critical respect and an Academy Award for his role as a hip young Catholic priest. He entered the postwar period as "a bulwark of stability and reassurance," a dominant presence on film, record and radio. It must be noted, with regret, that Giddins has a terrible weakness for unnecessary material. We don't need minute analysis of lackluster performances of trivial songs in each recording session. Twelve pages of background on "Going My Way" director Leo McCarey is too much, no matter how important a role he played in Crosby's professional development. The worst failure of Giddins' editorial judgment is his decision to close the book with endless excerpts from the diary of a teenage Crosby fan, who chronicles her uninteresting interactions in the winter of 1945-6 at excruciating length. Her entries bring to a jarring conclusion Giddins' evocative portrait of a man and a historical moment, which would be even better if it were about 100 pages shorter. --- Smith is the author of "Real Life Drama: The Group Theatre and America." DANBURY A new wing of the Victorian Meadows apartment complex on Osborne Street received a thumbs up from top city officials this month. The expansion will add 13 more rental units to the back complex near the Danbury Hospital and Western Connecticut State University campus. The addition will include two handicap accessible apartments that are required to meet affordable housing rates for the next 40 years, per an agreement endorsed by a City Council committee last week. Its very nice over there its a plus to the neighborhood, Councilman Warren Levy said. The project will add Buildings 6 and 7 to the complexs footprint with four two-bedroom units, five three-bedroom units and four one-bedroom units. The addition will bring the total complex up to 52 apartments including seven affordable rentals. Developer Bob Botelhos original Victorian Meadows was first approved by city leaders in late 2009 under the citys housing incentive option to encourage developers to hold rents low for some units in exchange for allowing more density for their projects. This new phase expands on that plan, which requires the City Council to approve the new agreement, Planning Director Sharon Calitro said. Its a benefit to the city because we increase our affordable housing stock without having to be subject to the (state) statutes, she said. Its a good thing for the city in the use of this housing incentive option. What qualifies as affordable rent is a calculation based on the regions median income, though that calculation is often much, much higher than what federal housing programs set as affordable rent here, said Mark Nolan, chair of the Danbury Housing Partnership. Those programs put rent near $1,000 for a one-bedroom unit and about $1,600 for a two-bedroom unit, he said. That is compared to about $1,800 to $2,400 for market-rate apartments. The Victorian Meadows expansion meets those requirements and Botelho said he often rents below market-value anyway to attract and retain long-time tenants. An available one-bedroom unit listed in the existing Meadows buildings goes for $1,400 per month, according to the complexs website. The City Council is expected to consider the expansion at its meeting next week. The project already received the enthusiastic support of the Planning Commission. I hope Im helping make a difference in the town, but Im building my brand, too, Botelho said. zach.murdock@hearstmediact.com If you have worked in business as an employee or an entrepreneur, you have probably heard phrases such as crying is for the weak or never let them see you sweat. What these phrases teach us is that emotions -- especially negative ones -- are not welcomed in the workplace. They are oftentimes perceived as being too emotional, weak, or unprofessional. However, as Americans spend more time at work and the rise in entrepreneurship and hustling continue, todays business environment has become more competitive than ever. In fact, workplace suicides in the US are already on the rise. Entrepreneurs, in particular, work an average of 63 percent more hours per week than employees. In China and Japan there are even phrases coined to describe people who die at their desks due to overworking. Within this context, where do people decompress from their negative emotions and stress? Expecting people to not show any vulnerability isnt just unsustainable -- its nearly nonsensical. Suppressing our vulnerabilities is not conducive to long-term growth and success. It is time to introduce compassion into leadership and entrepreneurship and add an emotional touch to the contemporary business environment. Dalai Lama is a well-known spiritual leader and teacher. However, his teaching contains profound business lessons that demonstrate how compassion can be incorporated into entrepreneurship and leadership. Below are three lessons from Dalai Lama that can help redefine entrepreneurship in a more sustainable, constructive and blue-ocean way. Related: Dalai Lama's Lessons for New Grads on Global Responsibility and Compassion 1. If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion. -- Dalai Lama Dalai Lama embodies compassion and offers life lessons on happiness. Yet, the pursuit of happiness is almost a luxury concept in the business world. After all, isnt business all about pursuing the bottom line? Yes and no. It is yes in the sense that no business or entrepreneur can survive without having money to pay its employees and bills to keep the business going. Apple is one of the worlds most profitable companies, yet its factories in China are constantly dealing with suicidally depressed employees. Amazon has faced similar issues regarding its treatment of its warehouse employees and white-collar staff and Amazon has just raised their minimum wage due to public pressure. These kinds of profit-oriented situations may be immediately beneficial for output, but they are long-term productivity killers for businesses. Long-term growth isnt just about short-term output. Businesses want to achieve profit, but also want the people who work for them to feel happy, fulfilled and engaged. For example, the founder of MindValley, Vishen Lakhiani, once gave a powerful talk titled, Why Happiness is the New Productivity. Vishen shared powerful stories that demonstrated that happier employees lead to higher productivity and profitability. Vishen introduced Love Week into MindVallleys culture. During Love Week employees are encouraged to show each other love and appreciation via various compassionate deeds. Surprisingly, both employee productivity and company sales improved during this week. Related: 10 Dalai Lama Quotes to Make You Happier, Stronger and More Successful 2. Give the ones you love wings to fly, roots to come back, and reasons to stay. -- Dalai Lama A company is only as good as its team. Leaders need to invest in their people. If you are a solo-entrepreneur, invest in yourself. Dont use fear to control your employees; instead, use love to nurture your people and invest in their wellbeing and professional development. This new way of running people operations isnt just for small start-ups or quirky founders. Instead, the need for compassion and deeper meanings is starting to take hold in the private industry. Major companies are investing in developing more fulfilled and balanced employees. Companies like Basecamp, a popular Chicago-based web development firm, offer paid sabbaticals to employees as well as extensive parental leave. These kinds of perks not only keep employee churn low but also help employees stay fresh and updated with their fields by encouraging them to take time for personal development. These compassionate deeds help infuse the company with fresh ideas and innovations. Related: 7 Inspiring Traits of Compassionate Leadership 3. Today, more than ever before, life must be characterized by a sense of Universal responsibility, not only nation to nation and human to human, but also human to other forms of life. -- Dalai Lama Typical businesses are driven by the bottom line. How about a business that is driven by universal responsibility based on love and compassion, while serving the people within and without? One primary example is Aetna, a major US health insurance company. Mark Bertolini, the chairman and former CEO of Aetna, was profoundly affected by a near-death experience and his subsequent recovery. By turning to traditional healing methods like yoga, meditation and chanting, Bertolini was able to overcome his extreme pain and disability, eventually rising to be the CEO of the company. Bertolinis experiences affected his outlook for both his customers and employees. It led to the company raising their minimum wage for all workers and offering free yoga, mindfulness meditation, and other wellness and therapy programs for employees. Aetna has since started focusing on social determinants of health -- a way to combat the social causes of health conditions -- to keep its customers healthier and reduce medical spending. In a similar vein, Google is now starting to help customers unglue from their mobile devices through a new series of apps and features on its Android OS. This might seem a bit counter-intuitive since Google is a tech company. However, its promotion of focused screen time is designed to help customers have a more satisfying experience while they are actually using devices. By designing products and services with a long-term, compassionate and holistic approach, companies from health insurance to tech are finding alternative ways to be innovative and make happier, healthier customers. Compassion and profitability do not have to be mutually exclusives. Related: 3 Observations About Compassion From the Dalai Lama That Could Change Your Approach to Entrepreneurship 10 Dalai Lama Quotes to Make You Happier, Stronger and More Successful Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved Professor Rajesh Chandra, Vice-Chancellor and President and Mr Winston Thompson, Pro-Chancellor and Chair of USP Council browse through the book. The fatal blue screen of computer demise took place last week. Those urgent emails went unanswered. Bills now needed an envelope and a trip to the post office for a stamp. This weeks column was merely a bunch of notes next to a worthless piece of metal and wires that connected me to you. The replacement model is as if a stranger moved into the house. It was treated gently and positioned carefully but I soon realized it had an electronic mind of its own. Passwords and old connections need changing. Treasured sites seemed to disappear into a huge black hole and the woeful cry of why is this happening? was met with no response. Following Uruguays lead, Canada became the second country in the world to federally legalize cannabis with implementation this month. This measure will allow the country to capitalize on huge economic opportunities, propelling it towards becoming the cannabis capital of the world and providing valuable insights for investors and businessmen in advance of a potential legal change in the much larger US market. Related: 7 Hottest Jobs in the Cannabis Industry Right Now The economic boom is hard to overstate. Trade, taxes and job growth would benefit from adult-use cannabis sales but categorization of marijuana as a Schedule I drug bars the U.S. economy from what could be a lucrative global market. Legalizing cannabis on a federal level would allow the U.S. to enter the worldwide market for the plant itself, as well as products derived from its compounds. Arcview Market Research and its research partner BDS Analytics, expect substantial growth in the legal cannabis industry around the globe in the next 10 years. Spending on legal cannabis worldwide is expected to hit $57 billion by 2027. The adult-use (recreational) market will cover 67 percent of the spending; medical marijuana will take up the remaining 33 percent. Assuming an eventual alignment of laws, the U.S. could trade with Mexico and Canada, its neighbors and NAFTA partners, in addition to some of the most overlooked markets such as Germany, United Kingdom and Switzerland. Entering the global cannabis trade could bring in money from international sectors, while consumer cannabis spending and taxation would bring in money from home. If the U.S. legalized cannabis on a federal level, the government could tax cannabis sales and profit from the plant rather than spend limited tax revenue policing it. In 2016, there were 587,700 marijuana arrests in the U.S., accounting for roughly 40 percent of all drug arrests. Tax dollars spent to arrest, prosecute and imprison people for possessing marijuana would be available for other government priorities. For example, Colorado, where recreational cannabis is legal, has generated more than $500 million in tax revenue since legalizing cannabis for adult-use, and roughly half of that revenue is used to fund public education. Between 2015 and 2017, $117.9 million of Colorados tax revenue was used to fund school construction projects, while $5.7 million was distributed to the Public School Fund, taking pressure off general revenue. In addition, as cannabis was previously not taxed, this extra tax revenue broadens the tax base. Municipalities are less reliant on existing ratepayers, a boon to local property owners and owners of small businesses. Colorados local governments are generating substantial new annual revenue by collecting standard local sales taxes on cannabis products, enacting cannabis-specific taxes and local application and licensing fees. Municipal governments need money for improved infrastructure, sewage and water main development, and education funding to support future housing and economic development which in turn supports increased property tax collection. Related: Here's Where Colorado Spends Its Skyrocketing Pot Tax Revenue Taking a big bite out of federal deficits. The Canadian federal government predicts it will raise $400 million a year in tax revenues on the sale of cannabis. An analysis by New Frontier Data estimated full legalization of marijuana in the US, similar to what Canada has done would create at least a combined $131.8 billion in in federal tax revenue between 2017 and 2025. The legal cannabis industry is already projected to create 283,422 new jobs in the U.S. by 2020 but the New Frontier analysis estimates full legalization would create a million new jobs by 2025. The economic growth as a result of federal legalization of cannabis could create more jobs and investment opportunities in retail, construction, agriculture and packaging industries, among many others. Luxury dispensaries will become more popular generating a need for retail employees and a location for the stores, a boost to an otherwise suffering retail sector. Construction is likely to rise as a result. Agricultural scientists and agricultural heavy goods are going to be in high demand, as would everything from farm equipment to proper transportation of goods. In addition, food, pharmaceutical and agricultural scientists will be in demand to create cannabis derived products and improve the taste, efficacy and convenience of cannabis products. Packaging plays a crucial role in the cannabis industry for shipping the product and the product itself, creating more employment for packing engineers and warehouse staff. With legalization and more mainstream adoption, a more sophisticated marijuana consumer will emerge, increasing demands for sophisticated and graphically designed packaging. Due to cannabiss illegal status on the federal level, the adult-use industry lacks nationwide consistent regulation and quality standards, leaving each state to set its own packaging, labeling and testing legislation. Not only does this increase costs for business, which are passed onto consumers, the lack of federal regulatory framework creates potentially dangerous situations. National testing protocols would ensure that only safe and reliable cannabis products are on the shelves, so consumers know what they are ingesting and how much they are ingesting. Related: Walmart Just Said It's Exploring Selling Cannabis Products Moreover, adults could confidently purchase cannabis and cannabis products from legitimate retailers instead of through illegal drug deals that can be dangerous for all participants. Legal cannabis in Canada will be an economic experiment with the potential to pay off in a big way for local governments, businesses and investors. The Canadian experiment in legal marijuana will provide a microcosm and lessons for a potential US legalization. Smart investors and business people will look to Canada to gain insight regarding investment opportunity. Related: What Will Happen if the U.S. Legalizes Pot Like Canada? A Mind-Boggling Economic Boon, That's What. Georgia Could Become the First Country to Export Legal Marijuana Higher Education Cautiously Begins to Train Cannabis Industry Leaders Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved In political science, the term banana republic describes a politically unstable country with an economy dependent upon the exportation of a limited-resource product, such as bananas or minerals. Honduras is the poster-country that defines the term banana republic. There is some history and economics relevant to the Caravan of people from Honduras. Venezuela and Cuba have been deeply involved in Honduran politics. Honduras is the second poorest country in Central America. It has extremely unequal distribution of income and high underemployment. It has been dependent on the export of bananas and coffee, Honduras has diversified its export base to include apparel and automobile wire harnessing. Hondurass economy depends heavily on US trade and remittances. Honduras has a population of 9.3 million. It has a per capita income of $2830 and 65% poverty rate. In 2009, the New York Times reported that much of Zelayas support was derived from labor unions and the nations poor, while the middle and upper class feared Zelaya was seeking to establish Hugo Chavezs type of socialist populism with a powerful leader in the country. On 22 July 2008, Zelaya announced plans to incorporate the country into the Bolivarian Alliance for the People of Our America (ALBA), an organization founded by Hugo Chavez, and that the country had been an observer member for four or more months. The 2009 Honduran constitutional crisis was a political dispute over plans to rewrite the Constitution of Honduras. Honduran President Manuel Zelaya planned to hold a poll on a referendum on a constituent assembly to change the constitution. Because the president can amend 368 of the 375 articles in the Honduran constitution without calling a constituent assembly, some suspected that Zelayas true intention was to extend his rule. One-time Christian Democrat presidential candidate Juan Ramon Martinez argued that Zelaya was attempting to discredit parliamentary democracy. A majority of the government, including the Supreme Court and prominent members of Zelayas own party, saw these plans as unconstitutional as they could lead to presidential reelection, which is permanently outlawed by the Honduran constitution. The Honduran Supreme Court upheld a lower court injunction against a 28 June poll. The crisis culminated in the removal and exile of Honduran president Manuel Zelaya by the Honduran military in a coup detat. On the morning of 28 June 2009, approximately 100 soldiers stormed the presidents residence in Tegucigalpa and put him on a plane to San Jose, Costa Rica. Zelaya immediately called this a coup upon his arrival. Later that day, the National Congress voted to remove Zelaya from office, having read without objection a purported letter of resignation. After Zelayas exile, Venezuelan leader Chavez alleged that the Venezuelan ambassador was assaulted by Honduran soldiers; Chavez said that if the ambassador were killed or the Venezuelan Embassy were violated, this would constitute an act of war requiring a military response. On 2 July, Honduran police arrested several Cubans and Nicaraguans present at demonstrations, and police sources claimed Venezuelans were active in the anti-coup movement. On 5 July, Venezuelan media showed Hugo Chavez watching Zelayas attempt to land. Accidentally visible in Chavezs office was the text 051345JUL09 Swarm of Africanized bees, Presidential Podium, wounded by stings and desperation of the people, the military-style code for 5, 13 July:45 coincided with a violent confrontation in Honduras. In May 2011 a court in Honduras dropped all corruption charges against Zelaya, allowing him to return to Honduras. He did so on 28 May 2011 to a massive reception at Toncontin International Airport. On 1 June the OAS voted to re-admit Honduras into the OAS (Organization of American States.) Zelaya has been blamed for organizing the caravan with Venezuelan funding. Slightly older Background information with fewer biases from current political fight Pew research examined the Honduras illegals to the US in 2014. In 2014, the number of unaccompanied minors from Honduras apprehended at the U.S.-Mexico border shot up from less than 7,000 in fiscal year 2013 to more than 17,500 through July, 2014. Honduras was the country of origin for the highest number of those minors. In 2014, over half of Honduran immigrants currently living in the U.S. arrived in 2000 or later, and about a quarter since 2006, according to a Pew Research analysis of 2012 census data. In 2014, more than 60% of the 573,000 Honduran immigrants in the U.S. are unauthorized, a higher share than those from Guatemala, El Salvador and Mexico, where most other apprehended minors are from, according to an analysis by Pew Researchs senior demographer Jeffrey Passel. Honduras has led the world with the highest homicide rate: In 2012, some 90 people were murdered for every 100,000 inhabitants. That was more than twice the rate in El Salvador and Guatemala, and more than four times the rate in Mexico. Honduras murder rate fell by more than a quarter in 2017 to 42.8 killings per 100,000 people, the security ministry. Honduras is second or thord in murder rate after El Salvador and Venezuela. With just 8% of the worlds population, Latin America accounts for roughly a third of global murders. It is also the only region where lethal violence has grown steadily since 2000, according to United Nations figures. Nearly one in every four murders around the world takes place in just four countries: Brazil, Venezuela, Mexico and Colombia. Last year, a record 63,808 people were murdered in Brazil. Mexico also set a record at 31,174, with murders so far this year up another 20%. With just 8% of the worlds population, Latin America accounts for roughly a third of global murders. It is also the only region where lethal violence has grown steadily since 2000, according to United Nations figures. Above Mexican soldiers and police guard a severed head which was left as a message between rival drug cartels. Nearly one in every four murders around the world takes place in just four countries: Brazil, Venezuela, Mexico and Colombia. Last year, a record 63,808 people were murdered in Brazil. Mexico also set a record at 31,174, with murders so far this year up another 20%. * Large drug and organized crime problem. Latin America supplies a lot of the US illegal drug demand * Latin America has more young people than most other regions * high youth unemployment * weak educational systems. Only 27% of Brazilians aged 25 or older have completed high school In the 1950s, Singapore and Caracas had very similar murder rates, between 6 to 10 per 100,000 residents, according to Manuel Eisner, who studies historical levels of violence at the Violence Research Centre in Cambridge, U.K. Singapore suffered from gangs, prostitution, drug trafficking and corruption. But after independence in 1962, authoritarian Lee Kwan Yew enforced rule of law, boosted education, and created a culture of working hard and achievement, and ensured social integration. Singapores murder rate is 0.4 per 100,000 residents. The nongovernmental Venezuelan Violence Observatory estimates the countrys murder rate is roughly 110 per 100,000about 34,000 a year. Not all of Latin America has this problem. Chiles murder rate of 3.6 per 100,000 is less the U.S. rate of about 5 per 100,000. In 2016, the estimated number of murders in the USA was 17,250. Chicago had a murder rate of 23 per 100,000 in 2016. CULINARY CALENDAR Sexiest Chef Alive, Nov. 1, 8 p.m. Watch on Food Network. Hosted by People Magazine editor Jess Cagle. Follow the 10 talented chefs competing for the coveted title, including Connecticuts Ryan Durant, owner and executive chef of Assaggio in Branford as they discuss their culinary philosophies, while sharing a sneak peek into their personal lives as viewers are introduced to family and coworkers, showcasing all the unique qualities that make these chefs so appealing. They will be featured in Peoples annual Sexiest Man Alive issue on newsstands, Nov. 9. 5th Annual Quince Festival, Nov. 3-4, noon-5 p.m., White Silo Farm & Winery, 32 Route 37 E, Sherman, 860-355-0271 or 917-699-7355. www.whitesilowinery.com . Features six small plates of food prepared with quince. Menu: poached quince with honey ricotta and pistachios, homemade pretzels with quince mustard, quince panna cotta, quince panini, quince butternut squash soup, and the NY Times featured White Silo Thanksgiving recipe with quince, onion, and bacon. Admission is free. Pay for food and wine. Live music 1-4 p.m. Free outdoor tours, weather permitting. New Haven Restaurant Week Nov. 4-9. Many of your New Haven favorites offer prix-fixe menus: $17.10 two-course lunches, $34.10 three-course dinners. For participating restaurants and menus, visit infonewhaven.com/dining/nhrwinfo . Consiglios Cooking Demonstration and Dinner: Nov. 9, 6:30 p.m., Consiglios Restaurant, 165 Wooster St., New Haven, 203-865-4489 (reservations required), $75 (beverages, tax and gratuity not included). https://bit.ly/2Nd0xAg Menu: Seared sea scallops, pancetta butter sauce, homemade linguini cacio e pepe, peppercorn crusted ribeye brandy wild mushroom sauce, garlic mashed potatoes, cannoli cheesecake torte. Elm City Brew Festival Nov. 17, 1:00-5:00 pm. College Street Music Hall, 238 College St., New Haven featuring 65+ breweries, food vendors and music by local artists. $45 in advance; $50 at the door. VIP tickets $60 include early entrance at noon. Designated drivers $10.Tickets, info and list of breweries at https://bit.ly/2NtcmgK. Chefs of Our Kitchen Series: Faith Middleton host of Food Schmooze and Chris Prosperi chef/owner of Metro Bis. Nov. 7, 6 p.m., Gateway Community College, 20 Church St., New Haven, 203-285-2617, $85 includes pre-event reception and three-course dinner, with wine pairings, featuring signature dishes from Ina Gartens cookbook, Cook Like a Pro. Mingle with the Faith and Chris at the reception and then watch the demonstration of the dishes being prepared as you enjoy dinner. Reservations required. Validated parking (bring parking ticket to event) at the Temple Street Garage. Proceeds benefit Gateway students, faculty and staff. Tickets and series information at https://www.gatewayfdn.org/cook-tickets. A New Haven man pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to embezzling about $1 million from a New Haven biotech company that receives federal research grants, officials said in a release. Thomas Malone, 49, of New Haven, pleaded guilty to four counts of theft from a program involving federal funds, an offense that carries up to 10 years in prison on each count, the release from the office of Connecticut U.S. Attorney John H. Durham said. Malone also agreed to pay restitution of $1,031,508.07, the release said. Further, the release said, according to court documents and statements made in court, Malone was the chief financial officer of Artificial Cell Technologies, Inc. of New Haven, a biotech company that is working to develop better ways to deliver malaria and Respiratory Syncytial Virus vaccines to affected populations. ACT, which has received funding from private investors, also has received about $4.1 million in grants from the National Institutes of Health since 2008, the release said. ACTs chief executive officer discovered in Nov. 2016 that Malone was paying himself about $660,000 a year, far above the approximately $281,000 in salary he was entitled to receive, the release said. Upon further review of payroll and other financial records, ACTs CEO discovered that, for several years, Malone had been writing checks to himself that were disguised as bonuses, that he had been giving himself unauthorized additional salary payments, that he had been using the ACT credit card for personal expenditures, and that he had used ACTs funds to make unauthorized donations to an organization that Malone personally supported. A subsequent forensic audit revealed that, between 2012 and 2016, Malone had embezzled nearly $1 million from ACT. Malone was arrested on March 1, 2018. As the CFO, Malones responsibilities included collecting, posting, and depositing investor and grant funds; tracking and reporting grant expenditures; managing accounts payable and cash disbursements; facilitating payroll; reconciling ACT credit card and bank accounts; and providing overall financial management. Malone is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton on Jan. 18, 2019. He is free on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing, the release said. The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service, Office of Inspector General, and the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas P. Morabito, the release said. NEW HAVEN City finance department leaders answered policy questions Monday on how items get approved for its procurement card, after a former employee was charged with illegally using one for meals and lodging. Bianca Bowles was dismissed from her position in the youth services department on Aug. 22 and is awaiting trial. The warrant for her arrest said there were 35 unauthorized transactions from May 16 through Aug. 21 on a city procurement card totaling $13,294.43. Twenty-four transactions were for a room at the Village Suites on Long Wharf Drive. Several other transactions were for travel-booking sites. The warrant said the charges included some suspected unauthorized food purchases. The card, one of seven the city issues to high-level staff, was taken from one staffers desk when she was out on sick leave. Budget Director Michael Gormany said the city was on top of the misuse within about 30 days, although the warrant had a more expansive timeline over which the alleged abuse took place. The staff explained the general procurement process in which bills are paid off completely every month on a card its uses through JP Morgan Chase that provides rebates at the end of the year. For 2017, that amounted to $33,000. The financial institution also reimbursed the city completely for the fraudulent use. Alder Anna Festa, D-10, and Alder Abby Roth, D-7, had the most questions and were two of three alders who had requested a public hearing on the cards in light of the charges against Bowles. No one from the public testified. The alders had access to some two years of credit card statements. The majority of the questions were on process, limits on expenditures and specific charges. For three of the charges there was no immediate answers at the evening public hearing. Roth asked what was the $490 charge through PayPal for something called Boykink85 in August 2017. There was another charge, also through PayPal, for $284 on May 23, 2017 for Aboveaverage.ca, which a Google search seemed to indicate was for lingerie. The last one was $31.50 for movie tickets on March 30, 2018, which Roth said was Good Friday when City Hall was closed. The finance staff and aldermanic Majority Leader Richard Furlow, D-27, said, after the hearing, that the alleged misuse of a credit card was an aberration and they trust the employees at City Hall. In reviewing the credit records, until more recently, trips taken by staff have not been reported monthly to the alders as required, although the staff said all of them have been approved at the department level and are in the budget. Roth said on the September 2018 monthly report, a trip to San Franciso was $239 and three days in New Orleans for $166, so I worry that there is still a problem with the accuracy of reporting to the alders on travel. We are trying to get the most accurate information in the monthly report. That is something we will continue to work on, Gormany said. Roth said she appreciates the effort made by the department, but frankly, people are paying taxpayer money on travel, we should get the information. Gormany said not all the money is taxpayer money. Some of the funding sources are grants, he said. Roth said it is probably taxpayer money through the state or federal government. Purchasing Agent Michael Fumiatti said some is reimburseable. Roth asked about the relatively small amounts of money used to purchase sporting tickets and if they were being spent appropriately. They include $200 for the New York Jets; $200 on the Nets; $56 on the Nets. She was concerned if they were just for individual tickets, rather than for city youths. Fumiatti said he will find out, but it could be for a small group. Roth also asked about an $18,839 charge at Walmart.com in July 2017. Fumiatti said he made the purchase on behalf of the Board of Education which had to buy various items for young children, such as strollers, car seats and high chairs as a grant was expiring and the funds would be lost. The board then reimbursed the city. She also inquired about three $505.950 cards for Stop and Shop. Fumiatti said he believes they were used to purchase Halloween candy for the Department of Parks, Recreation and Trees, which were justified with receipts. Festa wanted to know what the policy is on paying for staff meals. Gormany said generally the city does not pay for them, but if the city is conducting city business with an outside entity that is different. So, it is fluid depending on the situation? Festa asked. Each situation is different, Gormany answered. Laurence Grotheer, spokesman for Mayor Toni Harp, said for ethical reason she has to put these meals, when official business is being discussed, on the procurement card so there is no question she is not being unduly influenced. As for smaller amounts for lunch, which show up on the card, he said the mayor works through her lunch hour. Roth said she appreciates that expenses listed on the procurement card all fall within the budget and are not approved unless they are linked to a line item. But it is the responsibility of this board to set the budget amounts and it is impossible for us to know if the budget is the right level if we dont know what items are going into it, she said. So I do think having specificity is very important. Gormany said there has been a travel policy for as long as he can remember. In the event that meals are not provided by the conference being attended by an employee, the worker is entitled to $10 for breakfast, $15 for lunch, $31 for dinner and $5 for incidentials. Festa asked if there is a minimum that can be put on a procurement card. I went through these statements and I saw $2.60 something for Dunkin Donuts coffee. I found that a little ridiculous. I understand your concern about the expenses, I really do, Fumiatti said. If the money for coffee was not on the P card, the worker would have had to put in a request for a reimbursement. In a way, this is far more transparent, the purchasing agent said. Gormany said in the past they would pay a vendor by check; the procurement card now substitutes for that. She also asked how they reconciled all the charges to Amazon. Festa wanted to see the invoices that correponded with those charges for transparency purposes. We definitely need some (additional) reporting to the board on some of this, Festa said and promised to get back to the financial staff. Fumiatti said he can easily get the information for the alder. As for the thousands spent monthly on purchases through Amazon, Fumiatti said he does it when he finds the lowest prices there. The idea behind all of this is to reduce the costs, he said. mary.oleary@hearstmediact.com;203-641-2577 She has lived in New York, parts of Europe and Asia, and in Chelsea, Mich., where she served on the planning commission and as a village trustee, her biography said. When she returned to Elgin, she was elected to the Elgin Township Board and is currently a member of the Elgin-Kane HOME Commission. She helped found the Elgin Discovery Science Fair and is involved in the effort to bring a food co-op to Elgin, she said. WEST HAVEN A pained City Council voted by an 11-1 margin Monday to approve a 5-year fiscal recovery plan submitted to the state Municipal Accountability Review Board that would increase the citywide real estate tax rate from 36.26 to 39.99 over five years. Councilman Aaron Charney, D-3, voted against it. Councilwoman Portia Bias, D-7, was absent. The plan also would increase the additional real estate tax rate for the area covered by the City of West Haven Fire Department - Allingtown from 14 mills to 15.5 mills over five years. And because of an adjustment related to underfunded health benefits in the current budget, Allingtown real estate taxes also will rise by 0.94 mill this fiscal year, with supplemental tax bills to go out in the near future. The five-year plan, which the MARBs West Haven Subcommittee approved last Tuesday by a 3-1 vote with one abstention, goes before the full MARB at a meeting in Hartford Thursday morning. The motor vehicle rate would remain at 37 mills. Several council members said that while they found the tax increases to be distasteful, the city needs $16 million in state funds that would come to the city once the plan gains MARB approval, including $8 million to fill a hole in the last fiscal years budget and $8 million for the current fiscal year. MARB chairman and state Office of Policy & Management Secretary Ben Barnes told the council that without approval of the supplemental tax increase to cover current years expenses, I do believe that the chance of accessing the $16 million is extremely slim. The council also voted to designate Chairman Ronald Quagliani, D-At Large, as the councils representative who will sit on an expanded MARB along with Mayor Nancy Rossi and non-voting City Treasurer Michael Last at a second MARB meeting Thursday to consider whether West Haven should be moved to the tighter supervision of Tier 4. Barnes told the council that if the MARB approves the 5-year plan, its unlikely that it would vote to move West Haven to Tier 4. The vote came after a fair amount of soul searching by council members. West Haven is in a dire financial positon and it will take decades to rectify the situation, said Councilman Nick Ruickoldt, D-2, saying that the city was at a crucial moment. We cannot go back and change the beginning, but we can start where we are and change the ending, Ruickoldt said. As a council, it is our responsbility to start the city down the right path. ... It is time now to say no no to continuing to borrow from future generations ... and no to kicking the can down the road. Charney said the city needs to change the way it does business, because it keeps relying on money it doesnt have like it falls from the sky. Every time city officials hink about raising taxes, they need to think about it again, he said. He also suggested that perhaps its time to sit down with officials at University of New Haven and Yale University and see if theyd be willing to give us money in the form of voluntary payments. Charney said that Yale gives to New Haven. Quinnipiac gives to Hamden and Connecticut College gives to New London. Council Majority Leader Robbin Watt Hamilton, D-5, said, This is a very hard or difficult position that we find ourselves in but we do not want to endure the wrath of Tier 4. Councilman Peter Massaro, D-6, a former Allingtown fire chief and still an Allingtown resident said it was hard for him to vote for the 0.94-mill supplemental tax increase, but said he would vote for it because I dont want to go into Tier 4, which would strip the city of some of its decision-making authority. Councilwoman Tracy Morrissey, D-8, said she came to the meeting with the intention to vote no on the 5-year plan, but said, I cant turn away $16 million, because the people are struggling. But we need to make changes, she said. Minority leader Richard DePalma, R-At Large, who also lives in Allingtown, said he was prepared to support the supplemental increase and the 5-year plan, and my only concern is, are we going to be here again? It seems to me, after 25 years, weve learned nothing, DePalma said. Council members Mitchell Gallignano, D-4, and Bridgette Hoskie, D-1, also spoke reluctantly in favor of the 5-year plan Rossi said she thought that charter revision, which is currently under way, is likely to be a key element in helping West Haven to operate better in the future. I dont know yet what will come out of that process, she said, but I know one thing: we cant continue going the way weve been going. She said the 5-year plan before the council was the best plan that we could put forward. I hope that people on this council support it. In fact, To me, this is our only option right now, she said. We need that $16 million. Quagliani said it took us 35 years to get here, but Im very comfortable with moving this forward. Barnes said, in response to a question from Morrissey, that from the states perspective, City Council approval wasnt necessary and the mayor has authority to submit the plan. But thats a (city) charter question, he said. And whether approval was legally necessary, If the mayor were to submit a plan and the council to disavow it ... I believe that would undermine it. In order for you to have the maximum support on the MARB, I believe its important for the council to approve the plan, he said. mark.zaretsky@ hearstmediact.com Thanksgiving dinner drive The Derby-Shelton Rotary Club is again joining forces with Liberty Bank and the Liberty Bank Foundation to alleviate hunger in the Valley. The 2018 Liberty Bank/Rotary Club Thanksgiving Dinner Drive will run through Nov. 17. The Food Banks at Spooner House and St. Vincent DePaul have been selected as the beneficiaries of all funds raised by the Derby-Shelton Rotary Club during the Thanksgiving Dinner Drive, said Arlene Greco, co-chairwoman. There are a variety of ways people can help, including doing a collection at work, church, collecting donations through the sale of paper turkey legs, by sponsoring a collection jar or making a personal donation. The Liberty Bank Foundation will add 25 cents for each dollar raised during the drive. To make a donation, visit Liberty Bank branches at 49 Pershing Drive, Derby or 504 Bridgeport Ave. No. 30, Shelton. For more information, call Shawna Vallilo at 203-980-0838 or Arlene Greco at 203-906-3736. Seymour police to toss razors SEYMOUR Officers from the Seymour Police Department will participate in No-Shave November to raise money for cancer. No-Shave November is a monthlong journey during which officers will forgo shaving and grooming in order to evoke conversation and raise cancer awareness. The department has partnered with the Connecticut Cancer Foundation and all money raised will go to Connecticut families of cancer patients. Last year the Connecticut Cancer Foundation provided financial and social support to more than 500 Connecticut cancer patients and their families along with providing over $125,000 to cancer research. Derby library announces fall programs DERBY Derby Neck Library, 307 Hawthorne Ave., will host a series of events for fall. A Womens Forum will be held at 12:30 p.m. Nov. 19, featuring a presentation of Ginny, a rescued racing greyhound dog, by her owner Miss Barbara. Free tea and coffee will be served. Author Marty Podskoch will discuss his new book, The Connecticut 169 Club: Exploring CTs 169 Towns at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 19. The book highlights the best each municipality has to offer. Copies of his book will be available for sale and signing. An evening book club will be held at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 26 with this months selection, Woman in the Dark, a mystery by author Dashiell Hammett. Copies of the book are available at the library, including some large print editions. A Friends, Food and Books cooking club will be held at 6 p.m. Nov. 28 to celebrate cooking and a shared meal experience. For more information, call 203-734-1492. Food drive in Shelton SHELTON A food drive will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Nov. 10 at Countryside Veterinary Hospital, 374 Leavenworth Road. All donations of both human food and pet food will benefit the Shelton Animal Shelter and Monroe Food Pantry. Those who bring a donated item will get a free pet photo with Santa. Free refreshments and raffle prizes will be featured. Compiled by Jean Falbo-Sosnovich A lawsuit filed by an Atlantic County man who was shot by police and left paralyzed in 2013 can go forward only against two of the three officers who fired on him, a U.S. District Court judge ruled Monday. The ruling in Camden by Judge Robert B. Kugler dismissed all remaining counts against a former Atlantic City officer who fired and four New Jersey State Police troopers who had tried to stop the plaintiff's car before the shooting. But Kugler declined to dismiss counts against two former Egg Harbor Township cops, saying a jury should decide whether they used excessive force and violated the civil rights of David Gardner, 45. "These disputes about what the officers could see and how Gardner was moving in the key moments before the shooting prevent summary judgment," Kugler wrote. "And if Gardner's version is believed, a reasonable jury could find that it was not objectively reasonable for the officers to use deadly force because, as Gardner tells it, he 'just turned' his back to the officers with his hands in view -- though not up -- to head in the opposite direction when the EHT Defendants fired." Kugler said the complaints should remain against the retired Egg Harbor Township officers because there are factual disputes between Gardner's and the officers' version of events, and a jury should decide who to believe. The now-retired Egg Harbor Township cops testified that they thought Gardner had a gun. Michael Bordonaro was a lieutenant and Steven Swankowski was a patrol sergeant at the time of the shooting. Gardner, who also goes by Donald Capriotti, was hiding in a swamp Nov. 7, 2013 when police shot him five times, including twice in the back. He is now paralyzed from the chest down, according to Kugler's written opinion. He is serving an 18-year prison sentence in connection with a January 2013 raid on his home where police found a drug distribution operation and two firearms. He was sentenced May 2, 2014, six months after he was shot in the swamp, Department of Corrections records show. Kugler wrote in his decision that law enforcement in Atlantic County had been warned that Gardner had made statements that he planned to shoot people, including cops, before he'd ever go back to jail. Police also knew he had been found with guns and had served 19 years for shooting his friend to death in 1993 in Egg Harbor Township, Kugler said. After hearing the police warnings about Gardner, four state troopers saw his Jaguar and started to tail him, Kugler wrote. They said they tried to stop Gardner's car -- something he denies -- but he drove at them and fled, prompting them to report the incident. Gardner then ran into a swamp, Kugler wrote, prompting a manhunt. Among them were Bordonaro, who was in charge, Swankowski, and Jeremy Nirenberg, an Atlantic City officer who is now retired. The officers said in depositions that they saw Gardner lying in shallow water and ordered him to show his hands, which were under the murky water. He did not comply and Bondonaro released his K9, at which point the officers said they saw Gardner pull "what looked like a black barrel out of the water pointing directly at Swankoski," Kugler wrote. The three officers opened fire, shooting at least 16 times and hitting the K9 as well as Gardner, Kugler noted. The Press of Atlantic City reported the dog survived. No gun was recovered but investigators found a 30-inch metal pipe in the area, Kugler noted. However, Gardner maintains that his hands were visible, he wasn't holding anything and that he was shot as he fled from police. He claims he was getting out of the marsh when he saw police coming towards him, and decided to turn back into the water, the judge wrote. Two witnesses nearby said they never saw the man hold a weapon, Kugler said, and one reported seeing the man jump back into the water before the shooting started. The judge in 2016 and 2017 tossed numerous counts of the lawsuit against Egg Harbor Township, Atlantic City and some of the law enforcement defendants. His decision Monday dismissed all remaining charges against retired Atlantic City detective Nirenberg, New Jersey State Police and the four troopers who followed Gardner's vehicle: Edwin Huber, Andrew Koch, Paul Horsey, and Jack Donegan. In his written opinion, Kugler said he dismissed the excessive force and civil rights complaints against Nirenberg because the officer believed, based on what he saw and heard, that he had to fire. Nirenberg testified that he fired after he saw Gardner turn toward Swankoski and heard a gunshot, which led him to believe Gardner had shot at Swankoski. Nirenberg's attorney, John C. Hegarty, said his client is "grateful" the court made the right decision to dismiss the counts against him. "Although we also believed that law supported dismissing all claims against all Defendants, we are confident that a jury will find for the police officers remaining in the case," Hegarty said in a statement. The judge also dismissed counts for intentional infliction of emotional distress and rejected Gardner's argument that the state troopers violated his rights by trying to stop his vehicle. Rebecca Everett may be reached at reverett@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @rebeccajeverett. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips A truck driver from Queens, New York has been jailed on accusations he groped a child in an Englewood grocery store last week, Bergen County authorities said Monday. Prosecutor's detectives and city police on Thursday arrested Jorge Galarza, 60, on charges of sexual assault by contact and endangering the welfare of a child, according to the prosecutor's office. Police began investigating Galarza on Oct. 13 after receiving a report he had touched a child under the age of 13 "on an intimate body part" while inside the unspecified grocery store, authorities said. Galarza, who remains lodged in the Bergen County Jail, is scheduled to make his first appearance in court Wednesday in Hackensack. It was not immediately clear Monday if he had an attorney who could comment on the charges. Thomas Moriarty may be reached at tmoriarty@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ThomasDMoriarty. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips Be sure to have your account numbers handy the account you have with the city and the credit card you will be using to pay the bill, Phillips said. If you dont have your utility bill account number, you can call the 311 center during business hours, press 0 and a citizen advocate will assist you. A Lodi middle school teacher, who is the mayor's daughter, exchanged explicit photos and videos with a student under the age of 16, authorities said Monday. Stephanie A. Carafa, a 32-year-old teacher at Thomas Jefferson Middle School, was arrested after an investigation found she shared the images and also had sexual contact with the student, acting Bergen County Prosecutor Dennis Calo said. Carafa is the daughter of longtime Lodi Mayor Emil Carafa. The mayor did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but told NorthJersey.com that "there is a process in this country and that process is the court of law." She was charged with aggravated criminal sexual contact and endangering the welfare of a child, and is due to appear in court for a detention hearing on Friday at 9 a.m. Sophie Nieto-Munoz may be reached at snietomunoz@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her at @snietomunoz. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips A prominent Bergen County developer was charged Tuesday with orchestrating a loan scheme to obtain millions of dollars from Mariner's Bank, an institution he founded and formerly served as CEO. Fred Daibes is shown in this 2006 Star-Ledger file photo. (Mitsu Yasukawa | The Star-Ledger) Fred Daibes, 61, of Edgewater, was charged with misapplying bank funds, making false entries to deceive a financial institution and loan-application fraud. The real-estate developer, well-known for his projects along the Edgewater waterfront, is now facing decades in prison. Daibes also served, until April 2011 as the chairman of the board of Mariner's, a local bank with several locations in Bergen County. Along with basic banking services, the bank also offers residential, commercial and construction loan mortgages as well as home equity and small-business loans. From January 2008 until December 2013, Daibes and others recruited nominees to obtain loans from Mariner's, according to an indictment filed in United States District Court. Authorities said Daibes and others had these nominees apply for loans that were for Daibes' "beneficial interests." They were able to circumvent lending limits by having several different nominees "obtain millions of dollars in loans" for Daibes, according to authorities. Daibes was also the chief financial officer of Daibes Enterprises, which is a consortium of companies specializing in real-estate development, property management, contracting and financing. His chief financial officer, Michael McManus, is also named in the federal indictment. McManus, 61, of Madison, is charged with misapplying bank funds, making false entries to deceive a financial institution and loan application fraud. A future court date for both Daibes and McManus has not been set. In a statement, an attorney representing Daibes, Lawrence Lustberg, said the indictment against his client is "completely unjustified, both legally and factually." "The U.S. Attorney is well aware, after a 6-year investigation, that there is no victim, no deception, and no fraud," Lustberg said. "Mariner's Bank is owned by Mr. Daibes and the government knows that he invested millions of dollars into the Bank during the course of this investigation - far more than the amount of the nominee loans. The notion underlying the indictment is that he conspired to defraud himself, which is obviously ridiculous. Moreover, every penny of every loan has been paid back. I am completely confident that the judicial system will work and that, at the end of the day, Mr. Daibes' name will be cleared," the attorney said. A phone call to an attorney representing McManus was not immediately returned. Alex Napoliello may be reached at anapoliello@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @alexnapoNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips A 41-year-old man was killed in a head-on crash Monday night in Burlington County after another driver veered into his lane on Route 70, authorities said. Matthew A. Ziegler, of Brick, was pronounced dead at the scene in Browns Mills after a woman driving a westbound SUV crossed the center line on the two-lane road and slammed into his car just before 10 p.m., Pemberton Township police said in a statement. An eastbound dump truck behind Ziegler tried to avoid the crash, but drove between the two vehicles and struck the the front end of the SUV, according to Lt. Brian Smith. The driver of the SUV, a 63-year-old New Castle, Delaware woman, was flown to Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton to be treated for injuries that are serious but not considered life-threatening. The 52-year-old Waretown man driving the dump truck was not hurt. All three drivers were wearing seat belts. No summonses have been issued, though the investigation is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Pemberton Township police at 609-894-3308 or the department's confidential tip line at 609-894-3352. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook. A Campbell Soup executive has left the company a month early after he posted a conspiracy theory on his now-deleted Twitter account that billionaire George Soros was behind a Central American migrant caravan heading north to the U.S.-Mexico border. In his Oct. 22 tweet, which was posted on Twitter in a screen shot by New York Times reporter Kenneth Vogel, former Campbell Soup vice president of government affairs Kelly Johnston, wrote that Soros' foundation, Open Society, "planned and is executing" the caravan. "And they have an Army of American immigration lawyers waiting at the border," the Tweet said. Vice President of Government Affairs for @CampbellSoupCo @johnston_kelly (a former Secretary of the US Senate under Bob Dole) spreading conspiracy theory about @GeorgeSoros' @OpenSociety planning & executing migrant caravan "including where they defecate." https://t.co/vDQvw4mUwh pic.twitter.com/NdLnpGQ9uE Kenneth P. Vogel (@kenvogel) October 23, 2018 Soros, who is a supporter of Democratic ideals, had a pipe bomb delivered to his home in Katonah, N.Y. on Oct. 22, along with several prominent critics of President Donald Trump including the Clintons, Barack Obama and CNN. A Campbell's Soup spokesperson said Johnston and the Camden-based company had discussed in August that he would "transition out of his role" and was scheduled to leave in early November, but the Tweet "accelerated" the timing of his departure. "In the last few days, the company and Mr. Johnston agreed that under the current circumstances it would be best to accelerate the timing of his departure," the spokesperson said. Following Johnston's Tweet, Open Society responded to him on Twitter by saying the foundation that neither it nor Soros were funding the caravan. "We are surprised to see a @CampbellSoupCompany executive spreading false stories," the tweet said. "We do support the historic U.S. commitment to welcoming people fleeing oppression and violence in their homelands." Mr. Johnston, neither Mr. Soros nor Open Society is funding this effort. We are surprised to see a @CampbellSoupCo executive spreading false stories. We do support the historic U.S. commitment to welcoming people fleeing oppression and violence in their homelands. Open Society Foundations (@OpenSociety) October 23, 2018 Open Society's president also wrote a letter to Campbell Soup last week, and the company's CEO wrote a letter back on Oct. 23 saying Johnston's remarks did "not represent the position of Campbell and are inconsistent with how Campbell approaches public debate." "We regret that this episode happened and has colored his service to us," the letter stated. The caravan was estimated to include around between 3,000 and 4,000 people, consisting mostly of Honduran migrants, the Washington Post reported Monday. The Pentagon said Monday it was sending 5,200 troops to the Southwest border this week to stop the caravan, which was still hundreds of miles from the U.S., according to the Associated Press. President Trump said in a Tweet early Monday that the caravan included many "gang members and some very bad people." "Please go back, you will not be admitted into the United States unless you go through the legal process," his Tweet said. "This is an invasion of our Country and our Military is waiting for you!" Many Gang Members and some very bad people are mixed into the Caravan heading to our Southern Border. Please go back, you will not be admitted into the United States unless you go through the legal process. This is an invasion of our Country and our Military is waiting for you! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 29, 2018 Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @chrisrsheldon Find NJ.com on Facebook. The black eye that "Jersey Shore" star Ronnie Ortiz-Magro recently posted a photo of is the result of a fight with his girlfriend, Jen Harley, TMZ reports. The report says that the couple, who have had an on-again, off-again relationship, had been fighting on Oct. 5 when Harley allegedly hit him in the head with a phone and punched him in the face. Ortiz-Magro previously posted a photo of his face to Instagram that showed a black eye and mentioned "Jen" in his caption but did not talk about the cause of the injury. "Sorry for lying to my friends and family," Ortiz-Magro had posted on the black eye photo. "Sometimes u love people so much your (sic) willing to lie and the (sic) hurt the people that love u the most to Protect." A representative for Harley told People that he did not know how the "Jersey Shore" star was hurt. "I don't post my s*** on IG lol," Harley posted on Instagram, replying to his photo. "He's lying. I'll prove it again with the car thing I can't deal with a drug addict anymore it's getting so out of control (sic)." TMZ reports that police told Ortiz-Magro he had to file a police report in New Jersey, the site of the alleged attack (no town was specified beyond that), but that he has not filed a report. Ortiz-Magro, 32, has a 6-month-old daughter, Ariana Sky, with Harley. They live in Las Vegas. TMZ reports that in a separate incident, police were called for their home on Thursday in connection with a custody dispute over Ariana. An argument between the couple was shown on the most recent episode of MTV's "Jersey Shore Family Vacation," when Harley came for a visit as the group partied in Atlantic City at a gig for Paul "DJ Pauly D" DelVecchio. People reports that in another recent Instagram post, Ortiz-Magro disparaged Harley, claiming that she left her 12-year-old son from a previous relationship alone while she went drinking. But Ortiz-Magro and Harley were pictured together as recently as this past weekend. The couple had reportedly been celebrating Harley's birthday on a boat in Miami, with evidence of the outing visible on both of their Instagram posts. The volatile relationship has produced other encounters with police. Harley was arrested for domestic battery in June in connection with an incident in which she was alleged to have dragged Ortiz-Magro from a car with their daughter in the backseat. The charge was dropped due to insufficient evidence. On a recent episode of "Jersey Shore Family Vacation," Ortiz-Magro brushed the incident off, calling it an accident, saying he had leaned on the car and had fallen as Harley drove off. His fellow cast members were skeptical and said they were scared for Harley to visit them during the filming of the show in Atlantic City. Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @AmyKup or on Facebook. Human errors and "failures of execution and common sense" led to a delay in restoring power to a New Jersey home where a dying woman's life-sustaining medical equipment depended on electricity, a utility company's probe found. Linda Daniels, 68, died of congestive heart failure at her home on the afternoon of July 5, the same day her power was shut off by Public Service Electric & Gas Co. An independent report commissioned by PSE&G found that "both human errors and systemic failures" in the company contributed to the delay in eventually restoring power to Daniels' Shepard Avenue house in Newark once the utility became aware of her fragile medical condition. "The tragic loss of Linda Daniels has left everyone at PSE&G with a heavy heart. ... We are truly committed to understanding the circumstances surrounding Mrs. Daniels' passing and making the necessary changes to ensure that we are fulfilling our commitment," said David M. Daly, president and chief operating officer of PSE&G. The company says it has already made sweeping changes in its culture to make sure this tragedy is not repeated. Linda Daniels, right, is seen with an unidentified family member in this photograph. Daniels, who depended on medical equipment, died after electricity was cut to her Newark home July 5. (Provided photo/Daniels Family) A PSE&G crew cut off power at about 10 a.m. to Daniels' home where she depended on an electrically-powered oxygen concentrator to breathe, her family said. She died at 4:24 p.m. that same day. "She was trying to catch her breath -- she was gasping for air," one of her granddaughters said when describing the scene in the Daniels home on July 5. "She suffered and she passed right in front of us. She was gasping until the time she died." The temperature in Newark that day was in the 90s, according to weather records. A summary of the report which the utility commissioned says Daniels' family members called immediately after power was turned off, saying electricity needed to be restored for the ailing Daniels. The utility's call center employees "correctly determined that, based on Mrs. Daniels' health and safety, power to the Shephard Avenue residence should be restored. However, those employees made significant, but unintentional errors in how they entered and followed up on the reconnection order." According to the report, despite being called "multiple times" by Daniels' family members, "PSE&G employees failed to take steps to compensate effectively for the initial errors and to restore electric service in a timely fashion." However, attorney Ted Wells and his team "did not find that the initial disconnection of service to the Daniels' home was improper." The family had an overdue bill of $1,400, according to the report, but had just made a $500 payment. The company also said it was not aware of Daniels' condition and she should have been given a "Priority 4" designation because of her use of critical medical equipment. The report details a number of errors that followed after a reconnection order was issued. The first was a routing error sending the reconnection order to the company's gas department. Next, the report found, a representative failed, despite a reminder, to alert a dispatching team. When a technician did arrive at the Daniels' home around 2 p.m. July 5, they were not equipped to reconnect the power since it had been cut at the pole, not at the meter on the home. Finally, well after Daniels had died, a PSE&G technician arrived around 10 p.m. at the house to reconnect power but, the report said, "felt concerned for his safety and left without reconnecting power to the home. Power was restored the next morning." While Daniels family members were "unfailingly polite," and some PSE&G customer service reps were "appropriately polite," others were "dismissive" and "showed a notable lack of empathy," according to the report. Daly promises sweeping changes in the company as the result of the findings. "Step one is resetting our culture" including "a renewed commitment to customer service, focusing on ownership and accountability," he said. New measures toward greater accountability include changes already made in leadership and "more senior oversight of call center operations 24 hours a day." Daly said PSE&G is "moving aggressively to properly prioritize and escalate medical emergencies for priority attention." Technology is being upgraded so computer systems used by PSE&G's gas, electricity and customer operations are better integrated. He said the company is also expanding community outreach to make it easier for customers to let the utility know if they depend on life-sustaining equipment. Daniels' daughter Desiree Washington referred a request for comment on the report to the family's attorney, Michael Robbins, who did not immediately respond to the inquiry. The state Board of Public Utilities, which is also investigating the incident, is reviewing the results of PSE&G's investigation, according to a statement Tuesday from BPU spokesman Peter Peretzman. The board staff is to meet with the utilities to discuss the rules for the discontinuance and restoration of service "to help ensure that a tragedy like this never occurs again," said Peretzman. [Editor's note: This story has been updated to include more information.] Karen Yi contributed to this report. Bill Gallo Jr. may be reached at bgallo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Bill Gallo Jr. on Twitter @bgallojr. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips A priest from the Archdiocese of Newark who advised the Pope has been ordered back to the U.S. following his arrest in England for crashing into a pregnant woman's car while driving at the twice the legal limit for alcohol. Monsignor Anthony Figueiredo, 54, had worked closely with the Pope, advised cardinals and was a former spiritual adviser to student priests in Rome, according to the Daily Mail. The priest was recalled to the archdiocese "within the last week," Archdiocese of Newark Spokesperson James Goodness told NJ Advance Media. "He has been recalled to the archdiocese from earlier assignment in Italy," Goodness said. Goodness said he could not comment further on the incident, but added that Figueiredo, who is a media commentator on Church and Vatican affairs, was working overseas for nearly 10 years. The pregnant driver, Olivia Parfitt, 35, of Guildford, U.K., told the Daily Mail she was on her way home from work on Oct. 1 when a Nissan driven by Figueiredo hit the rear passenger side of her Range Rover on the M25, a highway in southern England. They both pulled over and Parfitt said she could see he was "visibly sloshed" and tried to say the accident was her fault. "I could smell alcohol on his breath," she said in the article. She said Figueiredo told her he had to catch a flight, but then drove off after a few minutes while she stayed on the scene to wait for the police. She also snapped a picture of him before he drove away. Police stopped him further down the highway, administered the breath test and he was held in a police cell until he sobered up and was released, the report said. He was charged with driving a motor vehicle above the legal limit. He pleaded guilty at Guildford Magistrates' Court on Oct. 19 and was banned from driving for 18 months, the Daily Mail said. Parfitt and her unborn baby were fine following the accident and criticized Figueiredo's actions. "He's in the media talking about the importance of being a moral, upstanding person, but he gambled with other people's lives when he decided to drive when he had been drinking," she told the Daily Mail. He was visiting his mother in England when the accident occurred, the Daily Mail reported. Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @chrisrsheldon Find NJ.com on Facebook. More than 100 people turned out Monday night to mourn the victims of the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania mass shooting Saturday. Rabbi Robert Scheinberg and United Synagogue of Hoboken hosted the two-hour vigil to pay tribute to the 11 people who were killed in the anti-Semitic attack while worshipping at the Tree of Life Synagogue. Six more people were injured. Robert Bowers, who made anti-Semitic statements during the shooting spree and afterward at the hospital, was charged with the killings. Among the speakers at the event were Rabbi Shmuel Levitin, of Chabad of Hoboken and Jersey City; Rabbi Moshe Schapiro of the Chabad of Hoboken; and Imam Mohammed Moussa, of the Islamic Center of North Hudson. The Rev. Gene Squeo, representing the Interfaith Brotherhood/Sisterhood Association of Hudson County, also spoke at the vigil. JERSEY CITY -- Back-to-back weekends of shootings have left community leaders bewildered and angry over senseless violence they say plagues neighborhoods in the southern part of the city. The recent spate of violence includes Friday's fatal shooting of Jade Saunders, a 17-year-old Lincoln High School student, and a Sunday morning gunfire that left a 20-year-old woman and 2-year-old boy hospitalized, authorities said. "I am outraged by the senseless murder of a young queen whose life was just beginning to bloom and that of a 2-year-old could not be protected from gun violence," said Pamela Johnson, the director of the Jersey City Anti-Violence Coalition Movement. "The gun violence that we see on the south side creates a level of trauma that is detrimental to the entire city." Since Oct. 18, at least 13 people have been reportedly wounded in shootings five of which have taken place south of Communipaw Avenue. Late Friday night, Saunders and several friends were hanging out inside the hallway of a Brinkerhoff building when shots rang out. Saunders suffered a gunshot wound to her upper body and was pronounced dead at the scene, while three other victims were wounded in the gunfire, authorities said. Just over 24 hours later, the woman and 2-year-old boy were shot inside an apartment at 166 Myrtle Ave. Authorities said the woman told the police she heard a knock at door around 2 a.m., and as she opened it she was struck by gunfire. Both were transported to a local hospital and were in stable condition as of Sunday afternoon No arrests have been made in connection to either incident. In a statement Sunday, Mayor Steve Fulop said both incidents this weekend "happened indoors which makes the investigations more complicated" and that it "also usually indicates the incidents were not random as they were targeted. "In some of the incidents, some of the victims and witnesses have been uncooperative which, in turn, usually ends up taking more time for us to gather information," he said in the statement. "We are currently still sorting through information and will remain vigilant in catching the shooters." But Johnson said it's "unfortunate that the Mayor continues to perpetuate the narrative that because a shooting appears to be targeted that the community-at-large is safe and if you are not a target, you have nothing to worry about." "Indoors or outdoors, random or targeted doesn't lessen the impact of gun violence on the community," she said. Jersey City officials did not respond to a request for comment on Johnson's assessment. Others remain bewildered by the violence. Community leaders say each loss of life continues to tear at the fabric of a community that sees its youth in a seemingly endless cycle of violence. "I ask myself all the time and I still don't have an answer," said Hessie Williams, the organizer of Mothers in Pain, a support group for mothers who have lost children to street violence. Williams' 17-year-old son Leander Williams was killed during a party at a Jersey City church hall on Communipaw Avenue in August 2016. "Since my son passed away, I've told (the community) if we don't get a hold on the situation, the more bodies are going to drop and the harder it's going to be," she said. "It's hard to say if it's getting worse or better. To be honest with you, I don't think it's getting better. "But I'm hopeful." Authorities say they are making progress. Jersey City spokeswoman Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione said last week that both shootings and homicides "are down significantly year over year," but the city's goal remains "to drive this down to zero. The Rev. Herbert Daughtry, of the The House of the Lord Church and a spiritual adviser for the Mothers in Pain, called it "a terrible time." "This is the climate in which we live: a violent, angry climate," he said. "In Jersey City we've been working diligently to try and reduce the violence." He said he has seen a gradual reduction in violence, but said things need to be done to eliminate it, including funding youth centers in the southern portion of the city and more employment opportunities "to add meaning to their lives." "Some of them are caught up in gang-related activity that they'd love to get out of but are caught up in it," he said. "We, particularly the clergy, need to hit the streets and talk to these kids in these hot spots." When asked why she thinks this violence keeps occurring in the community, Johnson said it's "the direct effect of years of being dehumanized and demonized; the outcome of years of exposure to adverse childhood experiences and a lack of treatment for that trauma." "Until we see it as such, we won't be able to help them," she said. Corey W. McDonald may be reached at cmcdonald@jjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @coreymacc. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook. A West New York man faces up to 20 years in prison after a jury found him guilty of sexually assaulting a girl last year, authorities said. Edwin Romero-Larios, 30, was convicted Thursday of sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child in the second degree after more than three days of trial testimony, Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said. He faces up to 10 years in state prison for each count. The victim, whose age has not been released but was described as "pre-pubescent," was assaulted on various dates in 2017 in West New York, Suarez added. Romero-Larios was in a relationship with the victim's mother at the time of the assaults, authorities said. While the jury deliberated approximately for seven hours before returning with its guilty verdict, Romero-Larios was acquitted of one count of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, Suarez added. He will have to serve at least 85 percent of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole. Romero-Larios will register as a sex offender. His sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 8, 2019. Besides feeling sick, my first thought was to call over here, Mikyska said. I knew they were in worship and that during a service there as no way anyone would have a phone on. But I was worried if it was happening at one place, it could be happening in multiple places. JERSEY CITY-- The lobby of Summit Plaza is lined with sea-blue walls and earthy-colored floors. Glass doors lead to a community room where a television is hung on a porcelain white wall and two Macintosh computers sit under a string of modern lights. This is what the newly renovated Section 8 residential building looks like after a multimillion-dollar renovation was completed this month. The 483-unit residential building, Summit Plaza, provides housing to 1,200 people -- 67 percent of whom are seniors, disabled or are families of five or more, which HUD defines as the "most vulnerable population." The Summit Plaza, located at 730 Newark Ave., is privately owned by two companies: Belveron Real Estate Partners and LIHC Investment Group, which spent $18.5 million on the renovations. "Our primary goal is to preserve for the future for these tenants," said Charlie Gendron, president of LIHC Investment Group, which owns over 38,000 affordable housing units across the country. Gendron said the renovations included installation of solar panels, a new playground and a community room. The kitchens were updated with new cabinetry, granite counter tops, large profile flooring, and built-in microwaves and dishwashers. The bathrooms now have water conservation toilets and shower heads and new flooring. "We prioritize affordable housing and building more of it ... It's a really great day today where we could preserve and modernize hundreds of units here for Jersey City residents," Mayor Steve Fulop told The Jersey Journal. The Summit Plaza apartment sizes range from studio apartments to four-bedroom units. Nabil Abdelnour, a 59-year-old resident, said he saw a big difference in his apartment after the renovations. "It's wonderful," he said. Abdelnour said he is a retired teacher and spent eight years on the housing waiting list. "They tried to do their best," he said of the renovations. A 58-year-old man who was driving drunk in a crash last year that killed another motorist in Hunterdon County has been sentenced to six years in state prison. Joe A. Holmes, of Willimantic, Connecticut, will also have his license suspended for 10 years after finishing his prison term, the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office said in a statement Monday. Wilson A. Sumbana, 57, of South Bound Brook, was killed in the three-vehicle crash after his vehicle was struck from behind by a pickup driven by Holmes at the intersection of Route 202 and Summer Road in Readington. Neither Holmes nor the driver of a third vehicle was injured. Holmes was charged with vehicular manslaughter, drunk driving and reckless driving following the crash on Dec. 26, 2017. He was indicted on the vehicular manslaughter charge on June 21, pleaded guilty on Aug. 24 and sentenced Friday. "Despite Mr. Holmes being sentenced to seix years in state prison we recognize that no amount of time the defendant serves will diminish the grief and emotional pain suffered by Mr. Sumbana's family and friends," Hunterdon County Prosecutor Anthony Keans said in the statement. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Back-to-back weekends of shootings have left community leaders bewildered and angry over senseless violence they say plagues neighborhoods in the southern part of the city. The recent spate of violence includes Friday's fatal shooting of Jade Saunders, a 17-year-old Lincoln High School student, and a Sunday morning gunfire that left a 20-year-old woman and 2-year-old boy hospitalized, authorities said. "I am outraged by the senseless murder of a young queen whose life was just beginning to bloom and that of a 2-year-old could not be protected from gun violence," said Pamela Johnson, the director of the Jersey City Anti-Violence Coalition Movement. "The gun violence that we see on the south side creates a level of trauma that is detrimental to the entire city." Since Oct. 18, at least 13 people have been reportedly wounded in shootings -- five of which have taken place south of Communipaw Avenue. Late Friday night, Saunders and several friends were hanging out inside the hallway of a Brinkerhoff building when shots rang out. Saunders suffered a gunshot wound to her upper body and was pronounced dead at the scene, while three other victims were wounded in the gunfire, authorities said. Just over 24 hours later, the woman and 2-year-old boy were shot inside an apartment at 166 Myrtle Ave. Authorities said the woman told the police she heard a knock at door around 2 a.m., and as she opened it she was struck by gunfire. Both were transported to a local hospital and were in stable condition as of Sunday afternoon. No arrests have been made in connection to either incident. In a statement Sunday, Mayor Steve Fulop said both incidents this weekend "happened indoors which makes the investigations more complicated" and that it "also usually indicates the incidents were not random as they were targeted. "In some of the incidents, some of the victims and witnesses have been uncooperative which, in turn, usually ends up taking more time for us to gather information," he said in the statement. "We are currently still sorting through information and will remain vigilant in catching the shooters." But Johnson said it's "unfortunate that the Mayor continues to perpetuate the narrative that because a shooting appears to be targeted that the community-at-large is safe and if you are not a target, you have nothing to worry about." "Indoors or outdoors, random or targeted doesn't lessen the impact of gun violence on the community," she said. Jersey City officials did not respond to a request for comment on Johnson's assessment. Others remain bewildered by the violence. Community leaders say each loss of life continues to tear at the fabric of a community that sees its youth in a seemingly endless cycle of violence. "I ask myself all the time and I still don't have an answer," said Hessie Williams, the organizer of Mothers in Pain, a support group for mothers who have lost children to street violence. Williams' 17-year-old son Leander Williams was killed during a party at a Jersey City church hall on Communipaw Avenue in August 2016. "Since my son passed away, I've told (the community) if we don't get a hold on the situation, the more bodies are going to drop and the harder it's going to be," she said. "It's hard to say if it's getting worse or better. To be honest with you, I don't think it's getting better. But I'm hopeful." Authorities say they are making progress. Jersey City spokeswoman Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione said last week that both shootings and homicides "are down significantly year over year," but the city's goal remains "to drive this down to zero. The Rev. Herbert Daughtry, of the The House of the Lord Church and a spiritual adviser for the Mothers in Pain, called it "a terrible time." "This is the climate in which we live: a violent, angry climate," he said. "In Jersey City we've been working diligently to try and reduce the violence." He said he has seen a gradual reduction in violence, but said things need to be done to eliminate it, including funding youth centers in the southern portion of the city and more employment opportunities "to add meaning to their lives." "Some of them are caught up in gang-related activity that they'd love to get out of but are caught up in it," he said. "We, particularly the clergy, need to hit the streets and talk to these kids in these hot spots." The heartbroken family and friends of the 17-year-old high school student shot dead Friday night in Jersey City said she was in the wrong place at the wrong time when she was killed inside a Brinkerhoff Street building. "The one time she went out, look what happened," Da'nasia Gardner lamented when speaking of her cousin Jade Saunders, the slain Lincoln High School student. Speaking at Saunders' home yesterday morning, Gardner said her cousin was usually at school, home or with her boyfriend. She said Saunders "loved her boyfriend" and that she was sure her cousin "had nothing to do with" the shooting. The slain teen's mother, Courtney Boone, traveled to identify her body at the state Regional Medical Examiner's Office in Newark. Gardner said Boone is devastated. "She's in shock," Gardner said of Boone. "That's her baby girl." Among the grieving family members and friends who gathered at Saunders' home yesterday was Narire Williams, the teenager's counselor at the Jersey City's Boys & Girls Club. "I didn't want to know it was real," Williams said of the moment he heard Saunders had been killed. "I had to call and find out if it was actually true. Even when they told me, I didn't want to believe it." Family members and friends gathered around a life size image of Saunders yesterday morning. In front of it were numerous candles arranged in the shape of a heart. Gardner said her cousin wanted to go to cosmetology school and become a hair stylist. The slain teen has four brothers and two sisters. Gardner said Saunders was "the center piece of everything. She had the spotlight on her and she brought everybody to her. Her attitude was crazy. She was bold, loving, caring, supporting, always smiling, bubbly. She was the youngest but she was our protector and she loved unconditionally." Born in Jersey City, Saunders attended School 15, School 38, Sacred Heart School and St. Anthony High School. She was currently attending Lincoln High but studying at the city's Renaissance Institute. Grief counseling was available and both Lincoln and Renaissance for students and staff. Jersey City school district spokeswoman Maryann Dickar said some may not take advantage of the counseling, but just knowing it is available can be comforting. "It's always so devastating and it makes everyone feel vulnerable when someone is a victim of a terrible act of violence and it's awful to lose someone so young," Dickar said yesterday morning. At Lincoln High School yesterday morning, a girl leaving the school to board a bus on Crescent Street said "It's sad because she was a senior. This is her last year." Another girl in the group said "She is resting well now." In late January, Lincoln High student Angel Cruz, 18, was in his Rose Avenue home when he received a call that apparently lured him out of the building where he was fatally shot. "We lose too many students this way," Dickar said. Lincoln High School principal Chris Gadsden took to Facebook on Saturday morning to reflect on Saunders' death and call on the community to put an end to "this senseless violence." A woman who lives in the Brinkerhoff building near Bergen Avenue said Saunders was killed in a hallway in the building. Responding officers found her with a gunshot wound to her torso around 11:35 p.m. and she was pronounced dead at the scene. No arrests have yet been made but people familiar with the investigation confirmed some details the resident gave The Jersey Journal on Saturday. There were mostly girls and a few boys gathered in the building when it appears the gunman arrived in a vehicle, killed Saunders and wounded a 26-year-old male. The second victim was treated at an area hospital and released. Authorities announced yesterday that two other people -- a pair of 19-year-old men from Jersey City -- sustained gunshot wounds in the incident but did not remain at the scene. One of the men was struck in the "upper extremities" while the other suffered a "gunshot-graze wound" to his torso, Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said. Meanwhile, Saunders' family members said arrangements for her funeral will be made at Watson Mortuary Service on Gifford Avenue. Authorities say they have arrested the man believed to be responsible for multiple bank robberies in New Jersey and Pennsylvania this month. Mark Elbaum. (North Brunswick police) Mark E. Elbaum, 52, of Hillsborough, was taken into custody around 6:30 p.m. Monday near his home, the West Windsor and North Brunswick police departments said. Hours earlier, around 10:14 a.m., he had attempted to rob a Santander bank branch in West Windsor, though he didn't get any cash from his efforts, West Windsor Lt. Robert Fow said. Around 10:50 a.m. the same day, Elbaum allegedly robbed the Valley National Bank on Route 27 in North Brunswick, police said. "North Brunswick was able to get a license plate," Fow said, adding that this was likely the big break in the case. The Somerset County Prosecutor's office said Elbaum was arrested in his hometown, and has been charged with two counts of second-degree robbery in their county, along with a first-degree robbery charge from North Brunswick. The other robberies are still being investigated. He is in the Somerset County Jail before a detention hearing. The FBI had created a wanted poster this month for Elbaum hoping to generate leads. At that point, he was thought to have struck at two banks on October 1: one in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, and another in Franklin Township, Somerset County. But then last week, the Peapack-Gladstone bank in Bridgewater was hit, along with a Northfield Bank branch in Flemington. And then on Thursday, he allegedly struck at the Unity Bank in Middlesex Borough, fleeing with an undisclosed amount of cash. He may have also struck in Trenton before the final spree Monday. Joe Brandt can be reached at jbrandt@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JBrandt_NJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips Nearly three years after inmates sued the Middlesex County Jail over their "inhumane" stays in solitary confinement, the county and the ACLU have reached a settlement that will change the way the punishment is used. Inmates will get shorter confinements, and more hours out of their cell. The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey and the state's Office of the Public Defender announced the resolution Monday, saying the county has agreed to limit the number of days an inmate can be sent to solitary and give those inmates a chance to interact with others. "In Middlesex County, it's no longer possible to lock someone in solitary confinement and throw away the key," said the plaintiffs' attorney, Deputy Public Defender Fletcher Duddy. The 2015 lawsuit had argued that that is exactly what the county did with at least some of the nine inmates who put their names on the federal suit, alleging the treatment violated their civil rights and constituted cruel and unusual punishment. Three were placed in solitary confinement in the North Brunswick jail's "C-Pod Unit" for at least a year, even though they had not yet been convicted, the suit said. In C-Pod, the inmates were subjected to complete isolation and "forced idleness," eating and spending at least 23 hours a day in a cell the size of a parking space, the suit said. Five days a week, they were allowed out to shower or spend time in another small space, but couldn't talk to other inmates. Generally, inmates are sent to solitary confinement as punishment for infractions, to keep them safe from other inmates or separate them from co-defendants. In recent years, the practice has come under fire as experts argue it is cruel, counter-productive to rehabilitation and can exacerbate mental health problems. Under the terms of the agreement - reached Sept. 25 - the jail agreed it will restrict disciplinary detentions in the C-Pod to 15 days for a single infraction or 30 days for multiple charges. Anyone in the unit will have at least 28 hours per week outside of their cell, bringing the average hours per day in a cell to 20. The settlement also makes official a mental health screening process that gives the jail's director of mental health the authority to block placements in solitary confinement. The county agreed to pay $11,230 for the inmates' attorneys fees, the agreement said. The statement announcing the agreement notes the jail has already implemented some of the reforms. On its own, the county worked with the Vera Institute of Justice to find ways to reduce the use of solitary confinement, the release said. The county received funds and technical assistance as part of the national institute's Safe Alternatives to Segregation Initiative. "We appreciate the efforts of both the ACLU and the Vera Institute in working with us to implement these county initiatives and believe we stand today as the model for other county jails and other correctional facilities," county officials said in a statement. In a statement, the Vera Institute said jail officials welcomed their input and that the reforms in the facility have cut the population of "restrictive housing" in half. Inmates who are housed there stay for about half as long as they used to, as well. "We have been encouraged by not only their commitment to reforming this practice, but also specific actions they report taking, including reforming conditions in their intake unit, appointing an external senior psychiatric social worker to chair all disciplinary hearings, establishing an interdisciplinary team that meet weekly to discuss people in restrictive housing with an eye toward moving people out as quickly as possible, and creating specialized units that serve as an alternative to solitary confinement," the institute said. Earlier this year, the county agreed to pay $100,000 to settle another solitary confinement civil suit with the ACLU of New Jersey and law firm Blank Rome LLP in state superior court. In that case, an inmate referred to only as P.D. argued that his confinement in solitary for more than four months while he couldn't make bail worsened his numerous mental health issues. He received $25,875 in damages, and the remaining $74,125 went to the ACLU's legal costs and fees, according to the settlement. "The harms of solitary confinement last long after release from incarceration, which makes it incredibly important to limit its use," ACLU of NJ Legal Director Jeanne LoCicero said in the statement. "Middlesex County deserves credit for recognizing the need to curb cruel practices of solitary confinement and for taking action. We will continue to work with the county to guarantee that every person in the jail has an opportunity to engage with the world beyond concrete walls and their own thoughts." The announcement said that the county's C-Pod was a "particularly egregious example" of the problems with solitary confinement, but problems persist in state and county facilities across New Jersey and require a legislative fix. The Isolated Confinement Restriction Act, a New Jersey bill that "would drastically limit the human rights abuses involved in solitary confinement" if passed, the statement said. However, former Gov. Chris Christie vetoed it in 2016. A new version has been reintroduced and proposes requiring mental health and medical exams before placement and limiting stays to no more than 15 days, among other things. Rebecca Everett may be reached at reverett@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @rebeccajeverett. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips A 32-year-old MS-13 gang member previously incarcerated in California will spend an additional decade behind bars for arranging a 2015 drug shipment to New Jersey, federal prosecutors said. Chief U.S. District Judge Jose L. Linares on Tuesday sentenced Luis Calderon, also known as "Lagrima," to 10 years in prison for arranging the shipment of heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine to an Edison business park, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. Prosecutors said Calderon, who pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy and possession charges, had access to numerous contraband cellphones while behind the bars of Calipatria State Prison. Calderon's calls arranging the shipment with a New Jersey gang member, prosecutors said, were being monitored by Homeland Security Investigations, whose agents intercepted the package before it could be delivered. The package contained 95.5 grams of heroin, 54.7 grams of cocaine and 52.4 grams of methamphetamine hidden inside a box of Little Debbie Swiss Rolls, authorities said. Calderon, who was represented by defense attorney Stacy Ann Biancamano, faces five years of government supervision once he serves his sentence, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. Thomas Moriarty may be reached at tmoriarty@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ThomasDMoriarty. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips An Aberdeen man is reeling a week after the double dog-napping of his beloved pugs, Joyce and Basil, who were stolen from his parked car. "I'm not doing too good," Joseph Savoca said in a phone call Tuesday. "Someone took my dogs. It's just horrible." On Oct. 22, Savoca was parked at the Goodwill in the Cliffwood section of Aberdeen while waiting for his girlfriend, who was shopping. After some time, he went into the store to look for her, and figured the dogs would be okay in the car on the 54 degree day, he said. Basil, a 7-year-old pug, was also taken from Joseph Savoca's car on Oct. 22. (Courtesy Joseph Savoca) Within 15 minutes, he said, he returned to the car to find the pugs missing -- someone had stolen them. "They're really good dogs," said Eddie Kohlhepp, a friend of Savoca who has been helping him through this tough time. "He's so tired, he's on edge, I'm on edge." Joyce is a 4-year-old cream-colored pug purchased from a breeder in Kansas for $1,200, and Basil is a 7-year-old pug Savoca bred, he said. Aberdeen police reviewed the store's surveillance footage, which showed a gray Nissan pulling up next to Savoca's unlocked car while he was in the store, a police report states. The passenger exited the Nissan -- which appears to have an out-of-state plate on the back and no front plates -- and used a shopping cart to obstruct the view of the camera, the report said, before taking the pups. Savoca and Kholhepp have been distributing fliers around the area, offering a cash reward and asking for the dogs to be returned, with no questions asked. "We just want the dogs back," Kholhepp said, who noted Savoca had to put a dog down earlier this year. "To lose two more dogs, it's really devastating. Sophie Nieto-Munoz may be reached at snietomunoz@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her at @snietomunoz. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips An Salvadoran man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported following a prison term for a sex crime against a child has been sentenced again to prison. Samuel De Jesus Corvera-Mata, 43, pleaded guilty in May to the federal crimes of illegal re-entry following a conviction for an aggravated felony and failing to register as a federal sex offender, On Monday, a federal judge in Camden sentenced him to 18 months in prison, the U.S. Attorney's Office for New Jersey announced. Corvera-Mata was convicted in the 1990s in California of lewd and lascivious conduct on a 7-year-old, and then deported to El Salvador in 2004 following a 10-year prison term. As part of the conviction, and deportation, Corvera-Mata was required to register as a sex offender if he ever returned to the United States, the office said. Corvera-Mata was located and arrested in Camden County in October 2017, the office said, and he'd not registered as a sex offender. Authorities also found he'd not legally returned to the country as well. Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@kevintshea. Find NJ.com on Facebook. A former investigator in state Comptroller Philip James Degnan's office is suing the agency over his firing, claiming he was made a scapegoat for controversial "discounts" in a Medicaid fraud amnesty program. The investigator, Andrew Poulos, claims he was removed from his role in the program and wrongfully fired after a supervisor lied that Poulos had let participants renegotiate the amounts they owed without authorization. "Mr. Poulos worked tirelessly to uncover and put an end to Medicaid fraud within Lakewood's Orthodox community," Poulos' attorney, Matthew Luber, said in a statement Tuesday. "His unlawful termination is just another classic case of retaliation by New Jersey political operatives who, rather than face public scrutiny for their own decisions, terminated our client when he blew the whistle on an attempted cover-up." The amnesty program, established in the wake of a joint state-federal investigation focused on Lakewood, which saw more than two dozen people arrested on benefits fraud charges. It has been the subject of scrutiny since the Asbury Park Press first broke news this month of the discounted payment agreements. One of the participants, a Lakewood school board member, was allowed to pay back just half of the $48,000 he owed the government, the paper reported. Degnan's office subsequently released a report showing it left $2.6 million on the table under such agreements, which officials said were authorized by a single staffer. The comptroller said he was unaware of the reduced payments until just days before the amnesty program ended. But Poulos, in a complaint filed in state Superior Court in Mercer County, claims he allowed participants to renegotiate the amount of their payments only at the direction of his supervisors. When he was suddenly removed from the program in early December 2017 -- purportedly at Degnan's direction -- Poulos sent an email to a supervisor expressing concerns the comptroller had "not been provided an accurate accounting of the operation of the program," according to the complaint. Poulos claims he also forwarded memos documenting his conversations with supervisors about the renegotiated payments. The comptroller's office has said those supervisors deny the conversations ever took place, according to the Park Press. Officials told Poulos of his termination just three days after he sent the email, according to the complaint. "Mr. Poulos looks forward to exposing the lies, to setting the record straight, and to restoring his reputation," Luber said. "The complaint filed today is the first step in that process." The complaint, which seeks damages under the state's Conscientious Employee Protection Act, names as defendants both the comptroller's office and Jonathan Lichtblau, the director of the office's Medicaid fraud division. A spokesperson for Degnan's office on Tuesday said they were aware of the lawsuit but could not comment because of the pending litigation. Staff writer Rebecca Everett contributed to this story. Thomas Moriarty may be reached at tmoriarty@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ThomasDMoriarty. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips Lindsey created the program on General Charles Dawes as a commission for the Dawes House in Evanston. I got the exact uniform made, the exact medals that he won, Lindsey said. We started doing programs at the Dawes House for special occasions. Then the people that were on staff moved on to other things and they were getting into financial difficulties. One day after a deranged anti-Semite attacked worshippers at a synagogue in Pittsburgh, Rabbi Cliff Kulwin called his congregation together to mourn at Temple B'nai Abraham in Livingston. "Jews are a family," he said. "You hurt one part of us, the rest of us all feel it. It is a kind of tribal moment. You hurt my people, my community, my family. You hurt me." Cliff and his wife, Robin, are good friends. We had dinner together a few nights before the shooting. I've met their children and visited their home, as they have mine. So those words broke my heart. I wanted to tell him that his family and his tribe matter to me, too, that this gunman hurt me, too. That their grief is shared. That while America is carved up into 100 different tribes, the stuff that binds us is strong, too. I should have known he'd get to that. He's not the sort to miss the big picture. He went on: "While this nasty, foul act of anti-Semitism stands on its own, we cannot view it in isolation. We are, quite literally, in the crosshairs. But so are others. We as a community must take care of ourselves, but we must do our part to take care of everyone assailed by violent bigotry and prejudice; through our activism, our generosity, our love. The more bridges we build, the less we are alone." I don't want to talk today about gun safety. If you are among the fanatics who insist that every American has a right to military-style rifles with no purpose beyond increasing the body count, I don't know where to even start. We'll pick up that argument another day. But not today. Today, I am thinking about Jewish children across New Jersey learning to dive under their desks when they hear the alarm. I'm thinking about rabbis like Cliff having to show their elderly worshippers where the nearest closet is, so they have a place to hide. Safety training, Jewish leaders said Monday, is in the works. I'm thinking about Jewish parents teaching their children about the Holocaust for the first time, and then explaining that it's not over, that this ancient hatred lives, that they must be ready. Try to imagine that. I stumbled when Cliff described this as a "tribal" moment for Jews. That word is attached to President Trump these days, and it's become poisonous. Trump's tribalism isn't about loyalty to one's group. It's not about making America great for all of us. It's about whipping up phantom grievances against other groups, like immigrants, journalists, or Nancy Pelosi. It's a call to combat. Cliff was talking about something more benign, a feeling of special loyalty to one's family, one's faith, one's country. Read history, and you can't deny that tribalism, of some kind, is baked into humanity's DNA. One core question facing America today is what kind of tribalism we will embrace. We've seen what Trump has to offer. He barely finished offering condolences after the synagogue shooting when he was back on the campaign trail, vilifying his opponents. The migrants are coming, with terrorists hidden among them! Democrats are evil! The FBI is conspiring to overthrow the results of the election! The New York Times is lying! We don't know if Trump is the inspiration behind any individual act of violence. But when a sick soul hears this stuff, it's not surprising that he might pick up a rifle, or a pipe bomb, and put action behind the president's hateful words. It's not surprising that anti-Semitic attacks jumped by 57 percent during his first year in office. "The question we must pose," Cliff said on Sunday: "Was it coincidence that it took place now? My own answer is an unequivocal 'no.' There was no coincidence. "When the most important, loudest voice in American life says of a Congressman who assaults a journalist, 'Any guy that can do a body slam...he's my kind of guy.' When that same voice repeatedly says, 'Lock her up.' When that same voice witnessing a massive march of loud, aggressive Nazis chanting 'Blood and soil. Jews will not replace us' says that there are 'good people on both sides.' "There is no coincidence." My hope is that Jews across the country feel the love from the rest of us today, just as I hope African-Americans did after the outpouring in 2015, when nine worshippers were mowed down by a white man, nursing the same kind of sickness in his soul, and using the same kind of weapon. Gov. Phil Murphy rushed to the synagogue to speak Sunday at Cliff's invitation. Also in the audience was Tom Puryear, the president of a local chapter of the NAACP. "Too often, in the 21st century, our communities have drifted apart," he wrote to Cliff on Monday. "The failure to recognize that our fates are intertwined have allowed those who seek our demise the ability to perpetrate crimes against our people." I don't know what kind of tribalism will carry the day in America. Will it be Trump's brand? Will the divides become even deeper? I'm scared, to be honest. Sometimes, it feels like we are living in Germany in the 1930s, that things could fall apart. Here's hoping that Americans of good will, from all tribes, push back hard against Trump's brand of tribalism. So this week, hug a Jewish friend. And next week, vote. Tom Moran may be reached at tmoran@starledger.com or call (973) 836-4909. Follow him on Twitter @tomamoran. Find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. With the Nov. 6 election nearly upon us, Republicans are at it again, lauding their efforts in the fight against opioids. President Trump vowed to "end" the crisis, "or at least make an extremely big dent in this terrible, terrible problem." He said the same in his 2016 campaign: that if he won, he'd "spend the money" to help people who "are so seriously addicted." Virtually all the Republicans running for Congress in New Jersey are now making an identical promise. Like Trump, who said he won New Hampshire because it's "a drug-infested den," they know this is a potent issue for voters. An outsized number of Republicans in tight races, like Tom MacArthur and Leonard Lance, scrambled to get their names on opioid bills that Trump just signed into law, less than two weeks before the election. Fire Rep. Tom MacArthur. Put Andy Kim in Congress. | Editorial But the facts speak for themselves. This latest opioids package, yet again, makes no significant new investment in treatment. It just tinkers around the edges, as thousands languish on waiting lists or get turned away from rehab. For an opioids crisis that now kills more people in a single year than guns, car crashes or HIV/AIDS, the 2019 budget includes only about $3.8 billion. For perspective, we spend $32 billion a year domestically on HIV/AIDS alone, and Trump's tax plan just gave $17 billion away to millionaires this year. Deaths in New Jersey continue to grow and could top 3,000 this year. And it won't stop until politicians cut the nonsense and spend money on a good system of universal treatment. We pay for cancer. We don't for addiction. Democrats are pledging to increase federal spending on the opioids crisis by tens of billions of dollars, but their bill hasn't budged in the Republican-controlled House or Senate. Remember that when you go to the polls. Republicans talk big, but don't want to spend the money. They are limited by a pinched, small-government philosophy, like former Gov. Chris Christie. And that's not even the worst of it. The truth is, in effect, Republicans have done more to inflame this epidemic than they have to solve it. While a staggering 72,000 Americans were dying of overdoses last year, and many more desperately sought help, the GOP tried to slash health coverage for 23 million people, which would have killed drug treatment. Tom MacArthur, who co-chairs an opioid task force in Congress, is the biggest fraud of all. He helped lead this effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act, which would have stripped coverage from 2.8 million people with addictions, including 220,000 hooked on opioids. Had it not failed by a single vote, tens of thousands of New Jerseyans wouldn't have been able to pay for what limited beds or medication do exist. MacArthur also voted for Trump's tax plan, proving that like the president, he's willing to hand out giant tax cuts to corporations that explode our federal deficit, but not put real money into treatment. We can't trust other Republicans on this, either. While Lance and Chris Smith ultimately voted against last year's repeal and tax measure, both remain sworn enemies of the health law, which their party is out to destroy. Jay Webber, Bob Hugin and John McCann also haven't offered any concrete plan to protect drug treatment, in the face of this onslaught on our health care. Webber gets special mention. At the height of the opioids crisis, with thousands of lives at stake, he was the only lawmaker in New Jersey to vote against requiring insurers to cover addiction treatment. Now his website touts his "compassion for our most vulnerable." Everybody wants their name on an opioids bill, but only the Democrats are willing to invest where it counts. Bob Menendez, Mikie Sherrill, Tom Malinowski, Andy Kim, Josh Welle and Josh Gottheimer all promise not only to protect the Affordable Care Act, but to significantly expand treatment. That's only real way to make a dent in this crisis: Replace the people in Congress. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. James Madison feared that our democracy cannot survive without the free and independent press -- "chequered as it is with abuses," he admitted, but essential for "all the triumphs which have been gained by reason and humanity over error and oppression." That's still the mission statement. That is probably why journalism is the only profession Madison deemed important enough to be granted explicit protection in the Constitution, and as he would have guessed, the press is just as crucial today as it was in the 1780s. What is different is how we access it: Most of us read news in digital form, often through portals such as Facebook and Google News. Odds are you are reading this sentence through one right now. It is heartening that the demand for news remains extremely strong on the internet. Its appeal to advertisers remains very robust. But only a few companies benefit financially from that digital ad revenue, and they do it without supplying any of the digital news content. This is an economic imbalance that needs to change, and we hope news consumers - particularly those who have abandoned newspapers but still value journalism - agree. Perhaps you've heard this before: Facebook and Google capture 73 percent of U.S. digital advertising and 83 percent of ad revenue growth. They do it by exploiting the skills and using the content of professional news operations such as this one. Facebook does not employ reporters. Google does not send people to state capitals to uncover corruption. Neither sends correspondents into conflict zones. Yet those websites make towering piles of money while using the work of another industry that is in a death spiral. Newspapers, the epicenter of our nation's civic life, made more than $49 billion in ads in 2006. By 2016, years after its business shifted online, that revenue had cratered to $18.2 billion, according to Pew estimates. Where has the ad money gone? To the social networks. Facebook users often read the best journalism right in their news feeds, and even if they click through, the ads they view on the newspaper's site are far less lucrative than those they see on the social network. So in most cases, the money does not fairly flow back to publishers, who now have trouble keeping the lights on. With print ads and subscription dollars plummeting, newsrooms are no longer adequately staffed: In 2006, there were 69,000 newsroom employees nationally. A decade later, there were 41,000. It is harder for journalists to do their jobs. Coverage of governments - local, state, federal - has atrophied. Serious investigative reporting has suffered. Yes, great work is still done every day, but not as much as there was. And the economics are clearly unsustainable. The only way to break the Facebook/Google duopoly is to allow 2,000 newspapers to take them on in a collective negotiation, but antitrust laws protect these trillion-dollar web behemoths from united actions by publishers. One solution can come from Congress, where Rep. David Cicilline (D-R.I.) has introduced the Journalism Competition and Preservation Act of 2018 (JCPA), which grants limited exemption from antitrust laws for the news industry so it can address this economic imbalance. Newspapers need the leverage to band together and use their collective might to set a fairer price for the news they provide to Facebook and Google. Nobody wants a war. Newspapers do not want to deny the digital platforms the ability to distribute their content. And Facebook does not want to choose between trustworthy journalism or another tsunami of fake news that cheapens democracy. The exemption, known as "safe harbor," has been granted in the past. And as Christine Varney, the former assistant Attorney General in the antitrust division wrote recently, the antitrust laws are "flexible and adaptive, and do not stand in the way of procompetitive solutions to the challenges facing the newspaper industry." These solutions cannot wait. At the time of year when we consume news at a voracious rate, this is an ideal moment to tell your Congressman that you care about the digital landscape and the future of news. Because our democracy, as Madison predicted, depends on it more than ever. Are your interests being served in Congress? Use this tool to keep track. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. WASHINGTON -- As Donald Trump travels the nation seeking to rev up Republican voters before the midterm seen as a referendum on his presidency, a New Jersey native stands by his side. Bill Stepien, 40, who cut his teeth on Jersey politics and ran Chris Christie's two successful gubernatorial campaigns, heads the White House Office of Political Affairs, supervising a team of 10 people. He meets weekly with Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, and his boss, counselor to the president John DeStefano, to discuss strategy. He travels aboard Air Force One as it carries Trump coast-to-coast to political rallies in support of fellow Republicans. "The president's not on the ballot," Stepien, who grew up in Long Valley, told NJ Advance Media. "What are on the ballot are good Republican candidates who need to run good campaigns to win the faith and trust of the voters. What's also on the ballot are the president's policies. The president's not on the ballot, but his two-year record is and it's a strong one." Stepien's involvement in the midterms means that both sides are being led by Jersey natives. The Democratic National Committee's political and organizing director, Amanda Brown Lierman, grew up in West Orange. Another New Jersey resident, Michael Glassner, serves as chief operating officer of Trump's 2020 re-election committee. "One of New Jersey's greatest exports is its political operatives," New Jersey State Republican Chairman Doug Steinhardt said. Stepien acknowledges the difficult task facing him Nov. 6, even as recent polls showed an uptick in support for Trump. The president's party traditionally loses congressional seats in midterm elections. "You can't deny history," Stepien said. "It's going to be challenging. But given the president's accomplishments, he has set his party in the best position possible to defy history." Like Christie, Stepien helped Trump reach the White House. He worked on the campaign as national field director and then became political director after his candidate won. "I was drawn to the candidate in 2016 the same way the American people were," Stepien said. "He spoke to me the same way he spoke to voters in Ohio and Michigan who were forgotten for decades by both political parties. He was a inspiration to those voters." He began his political career helping to elect state Sen. Anthony Bucco, R-Morris, in 1997. In addition to the Christie campaigns, he worked on the 2000 U.S. Senate bid of Republican Bob Franks, who lost a close race to Democrat Jon Corzine even though he was vastly outspent. Christie named him state Republican chairman in 2014 but severed ties after investigators found emails between Stepien and some of those involved in the George Washington Bridge lane closing scandal. Stepien was never charged. Nationally, Stepien served as New Hampshire director of President George W. Bush's 2004 re-election campaign, and as national field director for former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani during the primaries and then U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., in the general election during the 2008 presidential campaign. "There's no better training ground than New Jersey for the national political stage," Stepien said. "You learn to fight for every inch, you need to develop coalitions and work together to advance your cause or campaign, and it's an inherent Jersey trait to try to outwork your opponent. Those three things are great training for working here in Washington on the national stage." While he tracks political developments in all 50 states, Stepien admits to having a soft spot for his native Jersey. His influence can be seen in the president's decision to raise money for endangered Rep. Tom MacArthur, R-3rd Dist., and for Assemblyman Jay Webber, R-Morris, who is seeking to succeed retiring Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen, R-11th Dist. He flew with Pence when the vice president traveled to New Jersey in August to host a fundraiser for Webber. "The fact that he has roots here certainly makes him a welcome resource for all of us," Steinhardt said. "Knowing I can pick up the phone and we have a pressing issue and Bill Stepien is on the other end of the line would make any party chairman -- especially if you're from New Jersey -- know that you're getting personal attention and the best political advice you can get." Almost two years in, Stepien says he still has a sense of wonderment about working for the president of the United States. "It has been the opportunity of a lifetime," he said. "I tell my team once a month to walk outside the gates of the White House and take a lap around. Look at the people who come to see where we work every day." Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JDSalant or on Facebook. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook. Gov. Phil Murphy reported nearly $6.8 million in income last year, according to partial tax returns released by the administration Tuesday. That's a $2.2 million -- or 48 percent -- increase over what Murphy and his wife, First Lady Tammy Murphy, took in the year before. The couple reported $4.6 million in income in 2016. The couple also paid about $2.2 million in taxes last year -- up from $1.5 million in 2016. Murphy, a former U.S. ambassador to Germany, amassed his wealth during a career as an executive at Wall Street investment banking firm Goldman Sachs. Though the 61-year-old Murphy is retired from Goldman Sachs, he continues to make money from his stock portfolio. The figures released Tuesday reflect the money Murphy, a Democrat, made in 2017 as he ran to succeed Republican Chris Christie as New Jersey's governor. Murphy was elected in November and took office in January. Murphy's office released the first two pages of his Form 1040. Reporters will have four hours to review the couple's full returns on Thursday. Christie used to release his full returns to the press via email -- though he made less money than Murphy. In a statement Tuesday, Murphy once again took aim at a favorite target, Republican President Donald Trump, who has not released his tax returns despited repeated claims that he would. "In stark contrast to President Trump, we believe New Jerseyans have a right to transparency and openness," Murphy said in the statement. "Operating with the spirit of those values, we are releasing our tax returns today." Murphy reported about $1 million in income from dividends, $142,314 in interest, and about $5.8 million from capital gains last year, according to the documents. The Murphys and their foundation gave a combined $603,543 to charity last year. The couple paid $2.2 million in taxes, at a rate of 32.8 percent. Murphy and his wife made a combined $39.6 million from 2010 to 2017, according to a tax summary released by the governor's office. They paid $13.5 million in taxes during that time, paying a tax rate ranging from 31.99 percent to 39.08 percent. Murphy is accepting the $175,000-a-year salary he makes as governor. NJ Advance Media staff writer Samantha Marcus contributed to this report. Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MatthewArco or Facebook. Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @johnsb01. In the final stretch of the fight of his political life, U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez is is getting a boost from some of New Jersey's other high-profile political figures. Gov. Phil Murphy and his wife, First Lady Tammy Murphy, are expected to visit all 21 of the state's counties before Election Day on Nov. 6 -- next Tuesday -- to make campaign appearances for fellow Democrats running in closely watched midterm elections. That included multiple stops Sunday for Menendez, who's facing a tough challenge from Republican Bob Hugin as he vies for a third term in the Senate. "This election is the most important in memory, and we absolutely cannot afford to sit on the sidelines," Murphy said in a statement, referencing how Democrats across the nation are trying to wrest control of Congress away from a Republican Party led by President Donald Trump. New Jersey's other Democratic senator, Cory Booker -- a potential presidential candidate in 2020-- has also hit the campaign trail for Menendez this week. And on Monday, Menendez stood alongside both Murphy and Booker for a news conference in Union Beach to mark the sixth anniversary of Hurricane Sandy slamming into New Jersey's coast. Though it may have been a government event, it was as much a pep rally for Menendez as an announcement on how to help families still struggling to rebuild get back into their homes all these years later. "I don't know where we'd be without Sen. Bob Menendez," Murphy said near the top of his remarks inside a Union Beach fire station. "Everyone has to understand the centrality of the role that he played (in getting federal disaster relief funding)." Murphy isn't just focusing on Menendez as he tours the state this week. He's also stumping for the Democrats running in New Jersey's 12 U.S. House races. Still, the Menendez race is getting the most attention. The senator would normally cruise to re-election in Democrat-heavy New Jersey. The state hasn't elected a Republican to the Senate since 1972. And Democrats are bolstered by Trump's unpopularity here. But Hugin, a retired pharmaceutical executive, has pumped more than $30 million of his own money into the race -- mostly on negative ads focusing on how Menendez was put on trial last year on federal corruption charges. Menendez escaped via a hung jury, and the U.S. Justice Department dropped the charges, though he was "severely admonished" by the Senate. While he hasn't trailed in any public opinion poll, surveys show Menendez leading by only single digits. And the Cook Political Report is now calling the race a "tossup," though FiveThirtyEight says it's not. Senate Democrats' super political action committee, Senate Majority PAC, announced last week it was pouring another $2.8 million into the race to help Menendez -- on top of the $3 million it has already spent. A Menendez loss could be detrimental to the Democratic Party's already-slim hopes of taking back the Senate and hurt the party's broader effort to fight Trump. Murphy, a rookie governor with approval ratings in the 50s, spent all of Sunday stumping for Menendez, culminating in an appearance at a rally in Jersey City. Then, in Union Beach on Monday, Booker joined in the Menendez lovefest. "I'm telling you right now: I wished every New Jersey resident knew what I knew, could see what I see, day in, day out," Booker said at the Sandy anniversary event. "I have seen this man work, sweat and fight." "I have seen him love this state in a way that would inspire every New Jerseyan," he added. "This is who Bob Menendez is: He lives and dies for this state. His heart breaks for this state. He gets up to struggle for this state." "We need Bob Menendez," Booker concluded. U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, D-6th Dist., was also at the event, exclaiming that New Jersey needs a lawmaker like Menendez in Washington because "programs at the federal level" like the federal aid relief that helped New Jersey recover from Sandy "don't work unless somebody (like Menendez) is watching." Booker and Pallone joined Menendez at campaign events later Monday. And Booker is scheduled to be back on the trail with Menendez on Tuesday evening at a rally in East Orange. Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver will be on hand, as well. Menendez will appear earlier in the day with Murphy at another government event, this one focused on the Affordable Care Act, at the War Memorial in Trenton. Hugin spokesman Nick Iacovella called it a "disgrace" that Menendez and his fellow top Democrats on Monday "had to exploit Hurricane Sandy victims in a shameful attempt to try and distract voters from the fact that Bob Menendez is a morally bankrupt, corrupt politician." "But we should expect nothing less from a New Jersey Democratic establishment that continues to put their own partisan politics ahead of the people of New Jersey in hopes that voters will 'choke it down' and vote for a crook like Menendez," Iacovella added. Meanwhile, Hugin -- who has never before run for elected office -- received the endorsement Monday from La Alianza Civica Ministerial, a Passaic County alliance of Hispanic ministers. It came as Hugin held a roundtable discussing issues affecting New Jersey's Hispanic communities. "Today's discussion reaffirmed that the best way to serve the people of New Jersey is by bringing people together to work constructively to solve problems," Hugin said in a statement. "New Jersey needs an independent leader who brings people from both sides of the aisle together to deliver solutions for the people of New Jersey. Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MatthewArco or Facebook. Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @johnsb01. Gov. Phil Murphy on Tuesday announced a new state website to promote Affordable Care Act open enrollment, saying New Jersey will lead the way to "prove" the law -- also known as Obamacare -- works. It's the first coordinated public awareness campaign by the state since the implementation of former President Barack Obama's signature health-care law, Murphy said. The website is getcovered.nj.gov and is set to go live later Tuesday. "We are proving that the ACA works and we are leading the fight across our country," Murphy said at an event at the War Memorial in Trenton. "We are more focused than ever on making sure residents know about their option," added the governor, who, like Obama, is a Demcorat. "We are going to show that the ACA works. We are going to send a strong message to President Trump and to everyone who wants to subvert and destroy (Obamacare)." Open enrollment starts Thursday and goes through Dec. 15. The effort comes after a January executive order from Murphy, when he called on his administration to identify ways to increase public awareness of open enrollment. New Jersey's efforts come after Republican President Donald Trump's administration cut the open enrollment period from three months to six weeks in 2017 and 2018 and slashed the advertising budget for the ACA. Last month, Murphy announced New Jerseyans seeking health insurance through the individual market under Obamacare next year will see average premium rates decrease by 9.3 percent thanks to a pair of new state laws. He credited two laws he signed in May. One preserved the "individual mandate" under Obamacare, which congressional Republicans and the Trump administration eliminated at the federal level under a recent tax bill. The other created a reinsurance program, a reimbursement system that protects insurers from very high claims, beginning next year in New Jersey. The "individual mandate" was one of the most controversial parts of Obamacare, often drawing the most scorn from Republicans and other critics. It required people who are not already covered by their job or a government program to buy an insurance policy or pay a fine at tax time. About 275,000 New Jersey residents bought plans through the individual market last year, according to the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Murphy's administration -- which succeeded Republican former Gov. Chris Christie's administration in January -- said last month that insurance carriers told them state residents would see premium rates in the individual market rise by 12.6 percent over last year if the state took no action. But after New Jersey saved the mandate, the administration said, carriers requested only a 5.8 percent average increase. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @johnsb01. Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MatthewArco or Facebook. More than a hundred officers from New Jersey's largest corrections union rallied at the Statehouse on Monday to ask for a long-delayed pay raise and safety reforms at the state's prisons. Members of PBA 105 say problems that started under Republican Gov. Chris Christie's administration have persisted under Gov. Phil Murphy, who took office in January. They filled the halls of the Statehouse annex Monday morning to urge state lawmakers to pass two bills aimed at helping injured officers and improving safety behind bars. The first bill (S2841) would restore sick leave benefits for officers attacked by inmates and the second (S2842) would re-establish a 30-minute overlap between shifts. The overlap, eliminated in 2006, allows officers to share information about contraband, gang activity and other potential problems. Both measures were introduced in July and have yet to receive a hearing. Brian Renshaw, the union's president, said Murphy pledged to support pay raises for his members - many of whom make around $44,000 a year - and earned the union's endorsement during his campaign. The more than 5,000 members of the corrections officers union haven't received a pay raise since their contract expired in 2015, when Christie's administration froze "step" increases for most of the state's public workers amid ongoing disputes over pensions. Murphy's administration has since agreed to new contracts restoring some of that pay for two public-sector unions, but negotiations with the corrections officers are ongoing. Union member Victoria Richardson, whose husband is also a corrections officer, said her family has been waiting on $20,000 in combined pay increases during the three-year contract dispute. "We just want what's owed to us," she said. "We don't want anything more." A spokesman for Murphy, Mahen Gunaratna, said Monday that Murphy's office "believes in negotiating in good faith with our partners in labor, including PBA 105." "We anticipate a speedy resolution of the contract negotiations," he said. A spokeswoman for the state Department of Corrections declined to comment on the proposed bills or the contract dispute. S.P. Sullivan may be reached at ssullivan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter. Find NJ.com on Facebook. An Uptown man whose lawyers argued his declining health was among reasons a judge should consider a lesser sentence was sentenced to the maximum 40 years in prison Tuesday (Oct. 30) for manslaughter. Richard Donovan, 61, was convicted in August of killing Bernell Collins Sr., a 36-year-old father of seven who lived with Donovan briefly at his Uptown apartment before the 2016 shooting. Donovan went to trial in August on a second-degree murder charge, and his lawyers argued the shooting was self-defense. A jury rejected that claim, and convicted him of a lesser manslaughter charge after a two-day trial. At his sentencing hearing Tuesday, defense attorney Leon Roche again brought up self-defense, telling Criminal District Judge Daryl Derbigny that Collins entered Donovans apartment high on heroin and armed with the gun he was killed with. Roche said Collins intended to rob Donovan of his disability check that was scheduled to arrive in the mail the next day. Derbigny disagreed with Roches assertion that Donovan was defending himself, noting Donovan did nothing to render aid or get help after the shooting. Derbigny said Donovan showed no indication of any kind of remorse at any court appearance leading up to trial. This was an execution-style killing, pure and simple, Derbigny said. This was a deliberate and incredibly violent act against a person who had no chance of defending himself because he was shot in the back of the head. It was the back of the head; there was no opportunity for self-defense. Collins was asleep on the sofa inside Donovans apartment in the 700 block of Lyons Street when he was fatally shot on Sept. 30, 2016. Police found his body in the bathroom the next morning, his wrists and ankles bound by zip ties, following an hours-long standoff involving SWAT officers. Assistant District Attorney Sarah Dawkins said after Donovan shot Collins, he had a cup of coffee, took a nap, then dragged Collins body to the bathroom and covered it with a white sheet. She and Assistant District Attorney Daniel Smart asked Derbigny to impose the maximum sentence allowed by law, which is 40 years. Donovan faced a minimum of 20 years in prison because a firearm was used in the commission of the crime. Roche asked Derbigny to impose a sentence less than that. Donovan, a veteran, has Parkinsons disease, walks with a cane and suffers from seizures, Roche said. Sentencing him to 20 years or more is a death sentence for him, Roche said. Allow this soldier to be buried in a proper graveyard where solders are buried, not in one at the Angola prison yard. Dawkins argued evidence from inside the apartment painted a different picture of Donovans health. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up At the time of this murder, Mr. Donovan was more than capable of executing Bernell Collins while he slept, zip tying his body, dragging it to a bathroom and attempting to clean up the crime scene, she said. Collins mom, Donna, told Derbigny her son graduated from Alcee Fortier High School in 1998, and worked several jobs around town. Bernell was loved, she said. He gave love. He showed respect. He had a smile that was awesome. Nicole McCaskill, the mother of three of Collins children, read letters their twin 7-year-old boys wrote about how much they miss their dad. I love my dad because of all the good things he has done for me, for us, one boy wrote. My dad will always be in my heart. Collins 15-year-old daughter also spoke tearfully before Donovan was sentenced, telling Derbigny, I dont understand why my dads life was taken. Accused Uptown killer served time for strangling wife in 1993 Donovans manslaughter conviction in Collins death was his second conviction for that crime. He pleaded guilty to strangling his wife in 1993 in Jefferson Parish, and served five years of a 10-year sentence, according to court records. Taking that into account, Derbigny said he couldnt impose anything less than the maximum penalty. Theres nothing I can do to restore this man to life, but Im going to make sure youre never in a position to do this to anybody again, Derbigny told Donovan. Youre not going to have that chance. New Orleans musicians and athletes were among those mourning the loss Monday (Oct. 29) of local rapper Young Greatness, after he was found fatally shot in a Waffle House parking lot. The New Orleans native, whose birth name is Theodore Jones, is known for his 2015 song Moolah, which appeared on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart and was performed by Jones on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. The song was later remixed with Lil Wayne and Yo Gotti. Rolling Stone, which featured Young Greatness in March 2016 among a list of 10 New Artists You Need to Know, on Monday wrote of Jones death. Various media outlets describe Jones as a still-rising star, a hardworking talent who used grit and the slow burning success of Moolah to make his way onto the hip-hop scene. According to an interview with New York-based music magazine The FADER, Jones said he began rapping just before Hurricane Katrina hit, having left college due to his fathers death and his mothers battle with cancer. The FADER and Rolling Stone both report Jones moved to Houston after Katrina and was influenced by the grueling work ethic of that citys rappers. When I went to Houston, it made me wanna go harder because I didn't have anything after leaving everything behind and it was rock bottom, he said in the March 2016 interview. So that's where my hustle and passion come from, and that's where I made my decision that this is what I'm doing with my life. Update: Family mourns slain rapper Young Greatness He later spent time in Atlanta, a shift reflected in the rattling trap beats of Jones music, according to a March 2016 Rolling Stone article. But music writers regularly noted that the sounds of Young Greatness were distinctly melodic. It was New Orleans, specifically the citys second lines, that Jones credited with inspiring the melodies that ride atop his beats. Every Sunday, I gotta get a hair cut, get new clothes. Youre walking for like 15 miles through the whole New Orleans. So if its cold, youre gonna freeze. If its hot youre gonna sweat. Its just a party on feet, Jones told Rolling Stone in 2016. Moolah was released by Quality Control Records, an Atlanta-based label that boasts Migos and Lil Yachty. Before signing to Quality Control, he collaborated with Juvenile on the song Buku, with Meek Mill on Rollie On My Wrist. He also made music with Pusha T and Gucci Mane. He performed in 2016 at Lil Waynes Lil Weezyana Fest among a lineup that included local hip-hop stars Mystikal, Partners N Crime and 2 Chainz. The following spring, he signed with Cash Money Records. When reached by phone Tuesday (Oct. 30), New Orleans rapper Dee-1 also made note of Jones drive to succeed. What stood out most was his work ethic. I would say that he was relentless when it came to wanting to make it, he said. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Dee-1, whose real name is David Augustine, said he knew Jones from the local hip-hop scene and remembers seeing the rapper work his way into the spotlight. (He) went from being unknown to the masses to making his name known and making his presence felt, Dee-1 said. Once he tasted a little bit of successfor some people, that makes them get comfortable, Dee-1 added. He just got hungrier for more. Jones death has spurned discussions about violence in the city and talk of how, upon achieving some success, New Orleans rappers should leave their hometown, Dee-1 said. He describes the idea as a slap in the face to the citizens of New Orleans." No one should have to leave here out of fear, he said. Jones often mentioned his hometown and its influence, in all of its complexities, in interviews with national media outlets. Growing up in New Orleans there's so much poverty and so much murder, so you only have two choices if you're a young black man: it's either get killed or go to jail. I didn't want to get killed, I didn't want to go to jail, he told The FADER. However, along with Hurricane Katrina and his move to Houston, Jones often cited his time in prison as a turning point and motivator to accomplish his musical goals. New Orleans also provides the setting for the music video for Moolah, which is popping with color and New Orleans cultural markers: brass bands, Mardi Gras Indians, boiled crawfish, second lines, cemeteries, a worn-in church. The videos storyline includes a funeral visit at the church and then a procession, a casket carried by mourners and set afloat in murky water. It ends on a more joyful note with Jones, surrounded by musicians, rapping, a large smile on his face, as his image fades into a view of the city. New Orleans is an "emotionally driven city; were passionate about everythingI never had stage fright, he told The FADER in 2016. I never was scared to express myself. I was always ready. As word spread Monday morning of Jones death, fans and friends of the rapper took to social media, memorializing him with photos and grief-stricken messages. Its a loss for everybody, Augustine said. Nobody deserves to get murdered. This post was updated Tuesday (Oct. 30) with comments from New Orleans rapper Dee-1. Laura McKnight covers crime in New Orleans for NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune. St. Charles Parish Sheriffs Office investigators arrested a 38-year-old Luling man accused of having sex with a 14-year-old girl. Nicholas Palmisano was booked Oct. 26 with two counts of carnal knowledge of a juvenile, oral sexual battery and contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile, according to Cpl. James Grimaldi, spokesman for the department. State Police arrest suspect in fatal Luling hit-and-run Palmisano is accused of having sexual contact with the girl three times since June. The girls parents contacted the sheriffs office in October when she told them about Palmisano, who is a family acquaintance, according to Grimaldi. Palmisano was booked into the Nelson Coleman Correctional Center in Killona, Louisiana. Bond on one carnal knowledge charge was set at $100,000. No bonds had been set for the other charges, according to jail records. Anyone with information about the case is asked to Detective Christopher Waguespack of the St. Charles Parish Sheriffs Office at 985.783.1223. A man who pleaded guilty to manslaughter and obstruction of justice for his role in a 2016 fatal shooting outside an Algiers tire shop was sentenced Tuesday (Oct. 30) to 30 years in prison. Ronnie Smith Jr., 24, was charged with killing 36-year-old Thomas Henry outside the A&M Repairs Mechanic Service at 3333 General Meyer Ave. on Oct. 8, 2016. Henry, a father of 10, worked at the shop. Smith was indicted last year for second-degree murder. He pleaded guilty earlier this month to the lesser manslaughter charge under an agreement with the state. Smiths 30-year sentence was agreed upon and approved by Henrys family and by Criminal District Judge Franz Zibilich. Defense attorney Keith Coutoure said the sentence was reasonable, given the circumstances. Coutoure said there were many issues in the case that were not presented in court. Man fatally shot Saturday afternoon in Algiers, NOPD says According to a warrant for Smiths arrest, a witness reported seeing Henry arguing with a man wearing dark clothing, then heard several gunshots and saw the man run away. Photos from surveillance video near the A&M Repairs Mechanic Service showed three people get out of a blue Nissan sedan, then approach Henry and argue with him, according to the warrant. Detectives said they received several tips identifying Smith as the man in dark clothing and Aigetta Locure as a women seen in the video in a yellow dress. Locure, 41, was indicted in the killing in November 2017. She pleaded guilty as charged to being an accessory to second-degree murder on July 20, and was sentenced to three years in prison. Assistant District Attorney Tiffany Tucker prosecuted the case. A New Orleans man was sentenced to 20 years in prison Monday (Oct. 28) after he pleaded guilty in Criminal District Court to strangling and raping his ex-girlfriend at her Algiers apartment in 2016. Terry Fields, 51, pleaded guilty as charged to second-degree rape, second-degree kidnapping, failure to register as a sex offender and two counts of domestic abuse battery involving strangulation in connection with the Sept. 8, 2016, attack, according to District Attorney Leon Cannizzaros office. According to an arrest warrant affidavit, the woman told police she and Fields were arguing inside her apartment in the 5500 block of Tullis Drive when she ran out to get away. He followed her to the parking lot, grabbed her, and ripped her clothes off, according to the warrant. In the parking lot, Fields punched her in the face and knocked her to the ground, according to the warrant. Fields then strangled her, and the woman told police she might have blacked out. Fields raped the woman inside her apartment, according to authorities. Criminal District Judge Paul Bonin sentenced Fields to 20 years without the benefit of probation, parole or a suspended sentence. Per a plea agreement, the state did not bill Fields as a multiple offender, according to Cannizzaros office. Fields also pleaded guilty Monday to charges filed against him while in jail, including aggravated battery and stalking a person with a protective order. Bonin sentenced Fields to 10 years on the battery charge and two years for stalking, according to Cannizzaros office. He ordered those sentences to be served concurrently with the rape case sentence. Assistant District Attorneys Daniel Smart and Jacques Landrieu prosecuted the case. Judson Mitchell represented Fields. Notorious Boston gangster James Whitey Bulger, 89, has died in a West Virginia prison nearly five years after being sentenced to spend the rest of his life incarcerated, the Associated Press reports. Bulger had just been moved to the US Penitentiary Hazelton, a high-security United States federal prison for male inmates, the day prior, according to the according to the BOPs inmate locator. He previously was serving two life sentences at a federal penitentiary in Florida. In 2013, a federal jury in Boston convicted him of participating in 11 murders in the 1970s and 1980s while running a sprawling criminal enterprise involving gambling, extortion, and drug trafficking throughout New England. The former South Boston crime boss and longtime FBI informant ranked No. 1 on the FBIs Ten Most Wanted list (rising to the spot after terrorist mastermind Osama bin Ladens death) until his capture in California in 2011. Hed spent more than 16 years on the run, including time in Grand Isle where he and his accomplice and girlfriend, Catherine Greig, posed as unassuming snowbirds with a tendency to pay for things with $100 bills. Reputed Boston mobster James 'Whitey' Bulger and his girlfriend drew little attention while living in Grand Isle Ex-deacon George Brignac, who was accused decades ago of raping an altar boy at the Holy Rosary School in a case that led to a more than $500,000 settlement from the Archdiocese of New Orleans, has been named in another lawsuit filed Monday (Oct. 29) that alleges he sexually molested another altar boy at the same school between 1977 and 1982. The 17-page suit, filed in Orleans Parish Civil District Court, claims that Brignac sexually assaulted the unnamed plaintiff, who was between the ages of eight and 13 when the instances occurred, on multiple occasions while teaching at the Holy Rosary School in New Orleans. The suit says Brignac began at the school on Esplanade Avenue in New Orleans after being acquitted on charges in Jefferson Parish that he abused a child at St. Matthew School in River Ridge. The Archdiocese paid out more than half a million dollars May 11 to settle a lawsuit in connection with the St. Matthew incident in the 1970s and 80s, a settlement first reported by the New Orleans Advocate. Archdiocese of N.O. pays over $500K to settle child rape accusations against deacon: report The lawsuit argues the Archdiocese took no steps to protect the children at either school. The New Orleans Police Department is now investigating the Holy Rosary allegations of the other former altar boy. Following allegations that he molested a 7-year-old boy, Brignac was defrocked and removed from the ordained ministry in 1988, but allowed to still serve as a lector at the St. Mary Magdalen church in Metairie. Archbishop Gregory Aymond issued a statement in July saying Brignac should not have been allowed to perform lector duties. In interviews with The Advocate, Brignac, now 83, did not deny touching children but said his actions had no sexual motive. A spokesperson said Monday the archdiocese had not yet been served with the lawsuit. Brignac met the plaintiff in Mondays suit in 1977, when the boy was in third grade and serving as an altar boy. According to the lawsuit, Brignac immediately began grooming the boy for further abuse by hugging and kissing him on the head, face and lips. John Does father abandoned his family a year later and the lawsuit alleges Brignac used this vacancy to take full advantage of John Does vulnerability. Brignac then began fondling John Doe under his cassock as they were alone and preparing for morning Mass, according to the lawsuit. Ousted Catholic deacon accused of sexual misconduct continued serving 'for several years' as lector Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Countless acts of abuse followed, including one that occurred in 1981 when Brignac took a group of altar boys to a local water park. When dropping off the plaintiff at his home, Brignac parked in from of the house, pulled down the boys swimming trunks and assaulted him, the lawsuit says. Brignac warned the boy that he would get in trouble if he reported the inappropriate behavior, the suit says. The boy remained silent for years out of fear and embarrassment, according to the suit. Attorneys Benjamin Sanders, Matthew Fransen, John Denenea and Richard Trahant make up the plaintiffs legal team. Some church leaders have said that this crisis is the first thing they think about when they wake up, and the last thing they think of when they go to sleep now imagine our client and the countless other victims who not only endure that experience, but also has had to re-live the abuse each and every day of their lives for more than 40 years, wrote Denenea in a statement to NOLA.com | Times-Picayune. The plaintiff argues that the church treated claims against Brignac with negligence and fraudulence and granted him a favored position despite the allegations because his twin brother is a longtime priest assigned to several parishes within the Archdiocese of New Orleans. The plaintiff also contends he is owed an unspecified amount of damages from Brignac and the archdiocese, saying the abuse caused severe and permanent emotional distress, nervousness and anxiety, sleeplessness, depression, crying spells and suicidal thoughts. Louisianas statutes of limitation for civil child sexual abuse cases could prevent the plaintiff from seeking damages for actions dating back decades. But attorneys could argue that the limitations do not apply if there were recent efforts to cover up actions prompting lawsuits. At least 10 other men also accused Brignac of abusing or raping them when they were children, according to a report by the Advocate. Sooner or later someone will have to answer for all of the victims. There is a clear distinctionyou are either on the side of protecting the victims of sexual abuse or you are on the side of the pedophiles its that simple, the plaintiffs counsel added. Authorities have arrested the driver accused of killing a pedestrian in LaPlace and fleeing the scene. Charles Combetta, 28, of LaPlace, was booked Monday evening (Oct. 29) with hit-and-run, obstruction of justice and driving with no license, said Trooper Melissa Matey, spokeswoman for the Louisiana State Police. Filming to close Harvey Tunnel, part of River Road this week Combetta is accused of hitting Danny Simoneaux, 55, as Simoneaux was walking near the westbound lane of East 5th Street near Clement Drive in LaPlace during the early morning hours of Oct. 20. Simoneauxs body was discovered about 7 a.m. He was pronounced dead at the scene, State Police said. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Based on damaged parts left behind at the crash site, investigators began looking for a Chevrolet truck or sport utility vehicle. But several people in the community called in tips about Combettas vehicle, a 2000 GMC Sierra pick-up truck, Matey said. Troopers later discovered that Combetta had installed Chevrolet parts on the vehicle, including a Chevrolet headlight. Investigators determined that Combetta had removed and destroyed some of his trucks parts that had been damaged in the crash, Matey said. Troopers obtained an arrest warrant and towed Combettas truck to be processed for evidence. Combetta was being held at the St. John the Baptist Parish jail, Matey said. State Police investigators thanked the members of the public who helped identify a suspect in the case. Tulane University has received a federal grant to study whether maintaining vacant lots and fixing up blighted properties in high-crime areas reduces incidents of child and family violence. The National Institutes of Health awarded Tulane a $2.3 million grant to test that theory in New Orleans, according to a Tulane news release. Researchers from Tulanes schools of Public Health and Tropical Medicine and Architecture will work with the city of New Orleans and community organizations to clean up 300 blighted properties citywide, Tulane said Tuesday (Oct. 30). Researchers believe fixing blighted properties will provide fewer locations for storing illegal weapons, the university said. The team also believes fixing these properties will reduce perceived stress among residents and improve their sense of community and social control in a way that could reduce social isolation and potential family violence. Tulane researchers will look at the impact of blight remediation on incidents of youth violence, property crimes, school arrest rates and violence-related injuries and deaths, according to the university. They will also examine incidents of child abuse and neglect and intimate partner violence in an effort to track family violence. The team plans to measure the results by splitting the properties into two randomized intervention groups, Tulane stated. One half will feature overgrown vacant lots that are cleared and maintained, and the other half include both remediated buildings and lots. Researchers plan to compare crime rates in the intervention groups with those in matched, untouched control areas to see whether mending disordered spaces can trigger healing psychosocial effects in a neighborhood. Tulane stated the projects principal investigator will be Katherine Theall, who holds the Cecile Usdin Professorship in Womens Health at the university. Theall will work with Columbia University epidemiologist Charles Branas, who recently studied in Philadelphia that gun assaults declined 9 percent in the 18 months following the cleaning up of vacant lots in high crime areas. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up To our knowledge, no other studies have examined the impact of blight remediation on youth and family violence, specifically, Theall said in a statement. However, research on other forms of neighborhood disorder suggest that it could have a substantial impact. Researchers pointed out that remediation efforts resemble public health campaigns to make cities safer by cleaning up sewerage and water systems to prevent the spread of disease. However, Tulane stated this time the pathogen is crime, and researchers like Theall think its spread can be interrupted within disordered neighborhoods. Disordered communities have been shown to have more violence, Theall stated. There are a couple of theories as to why that is. One is that with greater disorder, there is less social control or eyes on the street that could potentially prevent some forms of violence. In the case of intimate partner violence or child maltreatment, if there's less cohesion, neighbors may be less likely to intervene. Louisiana mailing out $15 million in unclaimed property checks, $3 million to New Orleans area Wilborn P. Nobles III is an education reporter based in New Orleans. He can be reached at wnobles@nola.com or on Twitter at @WilNobles. Filming for the CBS series NCIS: New Orleans will close a stretch of River Road in Harvey as well as the Harvey Tunnel for extended periods this week, local motorists are being advised. River Road will be closed Thursday (Nov. 1) from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. between Barataria Boulevard and Fourth Street, according to a news release issued by Jefferson Parish officials. Then, on Friday (Nov. 2), the westbound lanes of the Harvey Tunnel will be closed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the access road running from the lower West Bank Expressway to Destrehan Avenue will be closed from 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. NCIS: New Orleans, which just marked its landmark 100th episode, is in production on its fifth season. On the 'Today' set in New Orleans with Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission Three school children were struck by a vehicle and killed Tuesday (Oct. 30) while boarding a bus in Rochester, Indiana, ABC 7 Eyewitness News reports. Indiana State Police told the TV station that a fourth student was seriously injured and taken to a hospital. The accident happened about 60 miles from Fort Wayne. In a statement, the local school system, named the Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation, said, "Our school corporation has suffered a tragedy this morning. We have learned of three student fatalities and one student seriously injured and airlifted to a Fort Wayne hospital as they were hit by a vehicle while boarding their bus. See the full report from ABC 7. Jefferson Parish property is worth almost $4.5 billion this year, up 1.8 percent from 2017, Assessor Tom Capella said Tuesday (Oct. 30). The increase extends a trend of slight annual gains dating from 2012. Thats pretty decent growth for an off year, Capella said, referring to a period in which the only changes on the assessors roll typically are for properties that are sold or improved. Every four years, Louisiana assessors offices must revalue their entire parishes; Jeffersons next reassessment comes in 2020. Capella released the 2018 numbers two weeks after the state Tax Commission certified Jeffersons roll. No owners challenged the assessments at the state level, he said. Where did home prices go up in Jefferson Parish during the first half of 2018? The total valuation for 2018 is more than $4.46 billion, the taxable value almost $3.72 billion. Subtracting the $746 million value of 102,626 homestead-exempt properties means the property will generate tax revenue of more than $389 million for local government. Capella said East Jefferson and West Jefferson property generally saw about the same increase in values in 2018. Theres obviously tremendous movement in the Old Metairie and Bucktown area, he said, citing other gains in Old Jefferson, River Ridge, Harahan and Gretna. Kenner values were flat, he said. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Next year, officials hope to see real estate values rise in upriver parts of West Jefferson, where Avondale Marine LLC plans to redevelop the former Avondale Shipyard site as a multimodal transportation center and employ perhaps 2,000 people. That could led to new restaurants, dry cleaners, gasoline stations and perhaps residential development. Key takeaways from the Avondale Shipyard sale announcement . . . . . . . CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated the taxable value. Drew Broach covers Jefferson Parish politics and education, plus other odds and ends, for NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune. Email: dbroach@nola.com. Facebook: Drew Broach TP. Twitter: drewbroach1. Google+: Drew Broach. President Donald Trump says he will sign an executive order that would eliminate U.S. citizenship for children born in the country from parents who are illegal immigrants. He committed to the action in an interview for Axios for HBO that will air Sunday (Nov. 4). Were the only country n the world where a person comes in and has a baby, and the baby is essentially a citizen of the United States ... with all of those benefits, Trump said. Its ridiculous. According to Axios research, more than 30 countries provide birthright citizenship. Whether Trump has the authority to enforce such an order is in question. The 14th Amendment expressly states that children born in the U.S. are guaranteed citizenship, though conservative views of the law insist that only applies to immigrants with legal status. Read more from the Axios interview. Entergy Louisiana owes up to $4.4 billion for getting the lights back on after a string of storms and needs a $1 billion loan to meet those costs in the short-term, says the head of the utility that provides electricity to about half the states c The village had set aside just over $500,000 in the current budget for the project and the balance will be paid through a $50,000 grant awarded to Glencoe from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which is part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the remaining will be covered with proceeds from a 2015 bond referendum, Mau explained. Intel, Volkswagen and Mobileye have joined forces and published plans to launch a taxi service in Israel in 2019 that relies entirely on autonomous cars. This is another step towards a future in which cars drive completely on their own. 4 Reviews , News , CPU , GPU , Articles , Columns , Other "or" search relation. 3D Printing , 5G , Accessory , AI , Alder Lake , AMD , Android , Apple , ARM , Audio , Business , Camera , Cannon Lake , Cezanne (Zen 3) , Charts , Chinese Tech , Chromebook , Coffee Lake , Comet Lake , Console , Convertible / 2-in-1 , Cryptocurrency , Cyberlaw , Deal , Desktop , E-Mobility , Education , Exclusive , Fail , Foldable , Gadget , Galaxy Note , Galaxy S , Gamecheck , Gaming , Geforce , Google Pixel , GPU , How To , Human 2.0 , Ice Lake , Intel Evo / Project Athena , Internet of Things (IoT) , iOS , iPad Pro , iPhone , Jasper Lake , Lakefield , Laptop , Launch , Linux / Unix , Lucienne (Zen 2) , MacBook , Mini PC , Monitor , MSI , OnePlus , Opinion , Phablet , Radeon , Renoir , Review Snippet , Rocket Lake , Rumor , Ryzen (Zen) , Science , Security , Single-Board Computer (SBC) , Smart Home , Smartphone , Smartwatch , Software , Storage , Tablet , ThinkPad , Thunderbolt , Tiger Lake , Touchscreen , Ultrabook , Virtual Reality (VR) / Augmented Reality (AR) , Wearable , Windows , Workstation , XPS , Zen 3 (Vermeer) Ticker When Tesla introduced the first version of the autopilot a few years ago, a race began among car manufacturers for the best system for autonomous driving and the introduction of the first completely autonomous car. Of course, driver assistance systems existed before, but for the first time the goal was set to develop fully autonomously driving cars. Now Volkswagen, Intel and Mobileye have joined forces to take another big step towards autonomous driving. In a blog entry, the companies have announced that they intend to launch an autonomous taxi service in Israel next year. Volkswagen will provide the electric cars, while Intel and its subsidiary Mobileye will contribute the technology for stage-4-autonomous driving. Stage 4 means that the car drives largely autonomously and the driver no longer has to focus on the traffic, as the car alerts the driver automatically in unusual situations. In order to be able to offer this service, these companies want to set up a joint venture in Israel, which will reach full commercialization in 2022. The first autonomous cars are to enter the road at the beginning of 2019. Furthermore, the Israeli government has announced that it will provide the company with the necessary traffic data and adapt the laws accordingly. It will be exciting to see how this service will work in the real world and whether the companies will be able to keep to the tight schedule MAMI Film Festival - Day 4 Oct 30, 2018 Piyush Chopra Here's a run-through of the films of Day 4: Shadow Taking the term "black and white" quite literally, director Zhang Yimou returns to familiar ground with a period action-drama in which everything on screen is either white or black or grey and all of it is beautiful. The tale of a "shadow", a lookalike of the commander of the army of Pei who is asked to live as his double to prevent him from any assassinations, the story has a few loopholes and it's at the same time too simplistic and too convoluted to incorporate the various twists. The writing during the film's dramatic moments, however, is wonderfully tight and effective. Yimou's direction is assured and restrained at the right times, someone who knows what he's doing and that he's doing it well. The action is beautifully conceived, choreographed and executed (if a little over the top at times) and there's beautiful use of slo-mo just the right number of times (compared to wayyyy too much usage of it in another MAMI action film, Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota). Overall, a solid entertainer with great performances, good drama, great action and wonderfully pleasing to the eye. Burning A slow-burn thriller that explores dark human nature and toxic masculinity at a metaphorical level, Lee Chang-dong's is a rewarding watch for the attentive viewers. The tale of a clueless young man who gets in deep way over his head, it charts the path of destruction that men leave in their wake wherever they go through their sense of entitlement and their savior complex. The performances are very very good. The fantastic music builds the atmosphere just as much as the acting and the pacing does. The whole film itself might not have the staying power in your mind months later but there are a few individual memorable sequences like the naked dancing and the climax, that make the film worth watching. The Image Book Jean Luc Godard's newest showcase of rapid cuts and archived footage begins with a shot of a lady about to have her eyeball sliced off. It's the instantly recognizable shot from Salvador Dali and Luis Bunuel's cult short film Un Chien Andalou, which is infamous for being a film that was made to be indecipherable to audiences. If that isn't an indication (or a declaration) of what to expect from The Image Book, I don't know what is. I can only assume that the point Godard tries to make here is that in today's messed up world, the people need to continue having faith and expectations for better times. I think. There's no way to tell. The film is more incoherent than an alcoholic who has just discovered drugs. On the positive side, it's still better than his previous headache-inducing 3D film Goodbye to Language. Small mercies. Viewed of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Now hes busy touring with the old songs and some new ones and getting excited about the movie. The director is being picked now, he said. James isnt offering an opinion on who should play him or Levy, but he does say the part of Morris Levy has to be done by somebody who really is scary. At that time, a limited number of subscriptions were available based on how many people could fit into a house. But now that the group has found a slightly larger venue at the Family Piano Company in Waukegan, members are inviting the public to join them for three concerts left in its four-concert subscription series at a prorated fee of $120. Is learning through cake fractions and knitting any better? The Waldorf advocates make it tough to compare, partly because as private schools they administer no standardized tests in elementary grades. And they would be the first to admit that their early-grade students may not score well on such tests because, they say, they dont drill them on a standardized math and reading curriculum. When asked for evidence of the schools effectiveness, the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America points to research by an affiliated group showing that 94 percent of students graduating from Waldorf high schools in the United States between 1994 and 2004 attended college, with many heading to prestigious institutions like Oberlin, Berkeley and Vassar. Of course, that figure may not be surprising, given that these are students from families that value education highly enough to seek out a selective private school, and usually have the means to pay for it. And it is difficult to separate the effects of the low-tech instructional methods from other factors. For example, parents of students at the Los Altos school say it attracts great teachers who go through extensive training in the Waldorf approach, creating a strong sense of mission that can be lacking in other schools. Absent clear evidence, the debate comes down to subjectivity, parental choice and a difference of opinion over a single world: engagement. Advocates for equipping schools with technology say computers can hold students attention and, in fact, that young people who have been weaned on electronic devices will not tune in without them. Ann Flynn, director of education technology for the National School Boards Association, which represents school boards nationwide, said computers were essential. If schools have access to the tools and can afford them, but are not using the tools, they are cheating our children, Ms. Flynn said. Paul Thomas, a former teacher and an associate professor of education at Furman University, who has written 12 books about public educational methods, disagreed, saying that a spare approach to technology in the classroom will always benefit learning. A person strolling through Riverside Park last Wednesday afternoon spotted something jarring on the riverbank and called the police. There, below a small pier that juts out from the park at 68th Street, lay the bodies of two young women, bound together by duct tape at their waists and ankles. They had not been in the water long, the police said. Clad in similar black leggings and black jackets with fur trim, their bodies bore no obvious signs of trauma. The police initially had trouble identifying the young women. Hints that they might be related surfaced a day after they were found when police sketches revealed striking similarities: the same curly dark hair, the same build, the same skin tone. By Friday, detectives had learned the women were sisters from Saudi Arabia who lived in Fairfax, Va. When the bombs were discovered, many on the right immediately claimed that they were fake news or a false flag operation by liberals. But the F.B.I. quickly tracked down the apparent source of the explosive devices: A fanatical Trump supporter, whom many are already calling the MAGABomber. His targets were people and a news organization Trump has attacked in many speeches. (Since the bombings, Trump has continued to attack the news media as the enemy of the people.) The man arrested at the Tree of Life synagogue has been critical of Trump, who he apparently believes isnt anti-Semitic enough. But his rage seems to have been fueled by a conspiracy theory being systematically spread by Trump supporters the claim that Jewish financiers are bringing brown people into America to displace whites. This conspiracy theory is, it turns out, a staple of neo-Nazis in Europe. Its what our own neo-Nazis whom Trump calls very fine people were talking about in Charlottesville last year, when they chanted, Jews will not replace us. Its also the barely veiled subtext of the manufactured hysteria over the caravan of would-be migrants from Central America. The fearmongers arent just portraying a small group of frightened, hungry people still far from the United States border as a looming invasion. They have also been systematically implying that Jews are somehow behind the whole thing. Theres a straight line from Fox News coverage of the caravan to the Tree of Life massacre. So how are Trump apologists dealing with this ugly picture? Partly through denial, pretending not to see any link between hateful rhetoric and hate crimes. But also through attempts to spread the blame by claiming that Democrats are just as bad if not worse. Trump supporters try to kill his critics? Well, some Trump opponents have yelled at politicians in restaurants! Angela Merkel announced Monday that she would step off the political stage when her term as Germanys chancellor ends in 2021. It may happen sooner if elections are called before that, but in any case it leaves plenty of time to get ready for the time after me, as Ms. Merkel put it to check out potential successors and future challenges. This is the time to look back at one of the most remarkable Western leaders of our time. It is not charisma, daring or eloquence that have made her remarkable. Like her mentor and predecessor as chancellor, Helmut Kohl , Ms. Merkel is rather bland in speech and demeanor. Her slogan in the last election For a Germany where life is good and we enjoy it about summed up the comforting combination of moderation, stability, centrism and decency that have rallied voters behind Mutti (Mommy). In her 13 years at the helm, Germany has been a fairly calm and prosperous place, despite some political storms. But it was precisely in that calm, consistency and decency, at a time when populists were rising in many corners of Europe, when Vladimir Putin was reviving a hostile Russia, President Trump was ceding Americas leadership role and Britain was trying to quit the European Union, that Ms. Merkel made her mark and assumed a role as the de facto leader of the free world. The title may be an exaggeration; it may be more accurate that she became aware of the need to manage a leaderless free world. Yet it is Ms. Merkel, trained as a scientist in East Germany and the first woman to serve as German chancellor, who has stood up to Mr. Trump and Mr. Putin, who nobly some now say foolishly opened Germanys doors to refugees and who agreed to three bailouts to save Greece from bankruptcy. All that was done without drama, without a lot of words and often without rush (merkeln has come to mean to dither). It is no surprise that Ms. Merkels uncompromising dedication to whats right has become a threat to Germanys conservatives. The state elections in Hesse and Bavaria in the past two weeks were painful reminders of the disintegration of Germanys postwar party system. As in the national election in September 2017, voters slammed the two establishment parties. In surveys, Ms. Merkels party is now at around 27 percent, down from 41.5 in the election of 2013. The center-rights problem goes beyond low poll numbers. Ms. Merkel has modernized the party and given up on most of its hard-held beliefs. While she opposed legalizing same-sex marriage, she has pushed her party to embrace green energy, end mandatory military service and accommodate refugees. As a result, her leadership has left her party without principles. It has no answers for fundamental questions like What is Germanys identity in an age of globalization? and What is the place of Islam within German culture? That lack of identity, and Ms. Merkels unwavering (some would say self-righteous) leadership, have allowed the far right to make her a main target. Merkel muss weg! Merkel has to go! has become the battle cry of the movement. For years, Ms. Merkels pragmatism has caused subcutaneous tensions within the Christian Democrats and their Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union. Those tensions are now open cracks. A few weeks ago, a rebellion by conservative members of her coalition forced out a longtime Merkel confidant as the head of the parliamentary caucus in favor of an unknown back bencher. Almost immediately after Ms. Merkels statement Monday, three candidates announced they would run for party chairman in December, each representing a different center-right faction: Jens Spahn, the young minister of health who has positioned himself as a true conservative; Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, the partys secretary general and a pragmatic ally of Ms. Merkel; and Friedrich Merz, a conventional pro-market liberal (at this point, largely considered a long shot). The campaign among those three could be healthy for the party if it leads to a clarification of its basic values, and therefore for the country, too. For that to happen, though, the Christian Democrats will need a period of introspection, with one leader on the way out and another with perhaps a very different idea about where Germany is headed still unchosen. Thats bad news for Europe, which desperately needs a strong pro-unification voice, something Ms. Merkel provided for so long. Nor can the other party in the governing coalition, the Social Democrats, step into the breach likewise decimated in the recent elections, they are suffering through their own period of self-reflection. The two parties are set to reconsider their alliance next year. Its not hard to imagine the coming months: two parties striving for clearer profiles, unsettled by infighting, staggering toward a man-made deadline while clutching each others throat. They will be led by a chancellor who may be rendered a lame duck, depending on whether a friend (Ms. Kramp-Karrenbauer) or foe (Mr. Spahn) succeeds her as chairman of her party. And still, while the future may be rocky in the near term, theres hope in the political air. Angela Merkels stepping aside may prove the beginning of a revival of political discourse in Germany, and a much-needed resolution about where the country is headed. She may again, though maybe for the last time, have truly served her country. Follow The New York Times Opinion section on Facebook, Twitter (@NYTopinion) and Instagram. But as Johann Hari argues in his book Lost Connections, these mental health issues are at least as much about problems in life as ones neurochemistry. They are at least as much about protracted loneliness, loss of meaningful work, feeling pressured and stressed in the absence of community. Protracted loneliness causes you to shut down socially, and to be more suspicious of any social contact, Hari writes. You become hypervigilant. You start to be more likely to take offense where none was intended, and to be afraid of strangers. You start to be afraid of the very thing you need most. This sounds like a pretty good summary of American politics in 2018. I keep coming back to this topic because the chief struggle of the day is sociological and psychological, not ideological or economic. The substrate layer of American society the network of relationships and connection and trust that everything else relies upon is failing. And the results are as bloody as any war. Maybe its time we began to see this as a war. On the one side are those forces that sow division, discord and isolation. On the other side there are all those forces in society that nurture attachment, connection and solidarity. Its as if were witnessing this vast showdown between the rippers and weavers. And heres the hard part of the war: Its not between one group of good people and another group of bad people. The war runs down the middle of every heart. Most of us are part of the problem we complain about. Most of us bought into a radical individualism that, as Tocqueville predicted, cuts each secluded self off from other secluded selves. Most of us buy into a workaholic ethos that leaves us with little time for community. Most of us live in insular media and social bubbles that provide us with Pravda-like affirmations of our own moral superiority. Most of us hew to a code of privacy that leads us to not know our neighbors. The good news is that most of us are part of the solution as well. Most of us admire and want to be the teacher who reaches out to the lonely boy. Most of us mentor and serve people unlike ourselves. Most of us are part of the chosen families that Americans are constructing to replace the decimated biological ones. When the rally was over I checked the news. Reports of the killings at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh were coming in. The social media posts of the man arrested in the shootings echoed a lie being peddled by Donald Trump, Fox News and some Republican politicians, which paints a group of bedraggled migrants about a thousand miles away as a dangerous invading horde subsidized by a shadowy puppet master. The gunmans rampage, believed to be the deadliest anti-Semitic massacre in American history, came on the heels of a bomb campaign against leading Democrats that the police say was carried out by a fanatical Trump supporter, and by what the authorities describe as the racist murder of two African-Americans in their 60s at a Kentucky supermarket. Right now America is tearing itself apart as an embittered white conservative minority clings to power, terrified at being swamped by a new multiracial polyglot majority. The divide feels especially stark in Georgia, where the midterm election is a battle between Trumpist reaction and the multicultural America whose emergence the right is trying, at all costs, to forestall. Any time there is progress made there will always be moments of retrenchment, Abrams said to me later on Saturday. But, she added, what I am more excited about is the counterforce that were seeing in the number of people running for office who represent a much more forward-looking, progressive vision. Abramss goal is to put together a coalition of African-American and other minority voters and white liberals. The potential is there; Georgia is less than 53 percent non-Hispanic white. Georgia is a blue state if everybody votes, DuBose Porter, chairman of the Democratic Party of Georgia, told me. SAN FRANCISCO On Monday, a search on Instagram, the photo-sharing site owned by Facebook, produced a torrent of anti-Semitic images and videos uploaded in the wake of Saturdays shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue. A search for the word Jews displayed 11,696 posts with the hashtag #jewsdid911, claiming that Jews had orchestrated the Sept. 11 terror attacks. Other hashtags on Instagram referenced Nazi ideology, including the number 88, an abbreviation used for the Nazi salute Heil Hitler. The Instagram posts demonstrated a stark reality. Over the last 10 years, Silicon Valleys social media companies have expanded their reach and influence to the furthest corners of the world. But it has become glaringly apparent that the companies never quite understood the negative consequences of that influence nor what to do about it and that they cannot put the genie back in the bottle. Social media is emboldening people to cross the line and push the envelope on what they are willing to say to provoke and to incite, said Jonathan Albright, research director at Columbia Universitys Tow Center for Digital Journalism. The problem is clearly expanding. Mr. Trump later confirmed plans to visit Pittsburgh on Tuesday. Rabbi Myers, who was hired just over a year ago by the Tree of Life congregation, which numbers a few hundred families, has found himself serving as a spiritual leader to an entire country in shock after the massacre, which left 11 people dead. At a vigil in Pittsburgh and in a series of television interviews, the rabbi has warned that the attack was aimed at the American ideal of freedom of worship, and at America itself. He has also reiterated his belief that good will prevail over evil. He awoke on Monday to hundreds of emails from strangers, he told CNN, sent by people of all faiths and from all around the world. He has said the synagogue will not close down or cede any ground to violence. And he has called on politicians to avoid hateful rhetoric. My cup overflows with love, Rabbi Myers said at the vigil in Pittsburgh on Sunday, according to an account in The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Thats how you defeat hate. Rabbi Myers made the first 911 emergency call on Saturday morning when the gunman began his deadly assault. Until two months ago, he rarely carried his cellphone on the Sabbath, when some Jewish people avoid using technology and electronics, he has said in interviews. But at a training session in August, he said, a security expert told him he should start. He also said Del Re respected all officers in law enforcement, regardless of rank, and would go out of his way just to say hello or ask about family. BEIT SHEMESH, Israel The slaughter of 11 Jews in Pittsburgh elicited responses in Israel that echoed the reactions to anti-Semitic killings in Paris, Toulouse and Brussels: expressions of sympathy, reminders that hatred of Jews is as rampant as ever, reaffirmations of the need for a strong Israel. But Saturdays massacre also brought to the surface painful political and theological disagreements tearing at the fabric of Israeli society and driving a wedge between Israelis and American Jews. Israels Ashkenazi chief rabbi took pains to avoid the word synagogue to describe the scene of the crime because it is not Orthodox, but Conservative, one of the liberal branches of Judaism that, despite their numerous adherents in the United States, are rejected by the religious authorities who determine the Jewish states definitions of Jewishness. And the attackers anti-refugee, anti-Muslim fulminations on social media prompted some on the Israeli left like many American Jewish liberals to draw angry comparisons to views espoused by the increasingly nationalistic leaders who now hold sway in their governments. Like some of the best New York stories, it started with a chance encounter on a subway platform. The longtime dancer Kimberly Bartosik was waiting for a train when a colleague, the choreographer and curator Dean Moss, approached her with an unexpected question: Would she be interested in making a dance? That was about 20 years ago, and Ms. Bartosik has since choreographed more than a dozen works. She related that anecdote over coffee recently near the Brooklyn Academy of Music, where her latest evening-length piece, I hunger for you, will be presented, beginning on Wednesday, as part of the Next Wave Festival. Though she had performed with the Merce Cunningham Dance Company for nine years, and with Wally Cardona for several more, she hadnt seriously considered creating her own work until Mr. Moss proposed it. Something in me was like, I think you should see what this is, she said, and it opened up this whole Pandoras box. The choreographer Arthur Pita has made something of a career of depicting extreme mental states through dance. He has been called the David Lynch of dance for his interpretation of the strange, the over-the-top, and the intense. And so it seems natural that he was intrigued by the central question of The Tenant, Roland Topors lean 1964 novel: At what precise moment does an individual cease to be the person he and everyone else believes himself to be? The book depicts the final days of a Parisian Everyman, Trelkovsky, whose identity begins to dissolve into that of his apartments former resident, a woman named Simone who took her own life. The transformation is both mental and physical. Dance can explore the surreal space of the subconscious, Mr. Pita said on a recent Skype call. You can tell the story with a gesture. As usual, Leonardos musings were written backward, starting from the right side of the page and moving to the left, so that the words appeared normal only when seen with a mirror. Theories abound about why he did this: One simple explanation is that he was left-handed, and that writing this way didnt smudge. The codex now belongs to the Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates, who bought it at auction at Christies in 1994 for $30.8 million. Until last year, when the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints bought the printers manuscript of the Book of Mormon for $35 million, it was believed to be the most expensive manuscript ever sold. Next year is the 500th anniversary of Leonardos death, as well as the 25th anniversary of Mr. Gates ownership of the manuscript. We felt the codex needed to be part of the picture, said Fred Schroeder, the curator of the Codex Leicester for Mr. Gates, and as homecomings go, Florence was the logical site for that celebration. Its exciting for the codex to pay visit to its birthplace, Mr. Schroeder said. The exhibition uses technological tools to better explain the codex and the extraordinary value of ideas it contains, said the Leonardo expert Paolo Galluzzi, who is the director of the Museo Galileo in Florence and the curator of the codex exhibition. The digital animations, which were developed by a team at the Museo Galileo, are a way of exploding his ideas, he said. The philosopher and classicist Martha Nussbaum has been named the winner of the 2018 Berggruen Prize, which is awarded annually to a thinker whose ideas have profoundly shaped human self-understanding and advancement in a rapidly changing world. The prize, which carries a cash award of $1 million, will be awarded at a ceremony in New York in December. Dr. Nussbaum, 71, is the author or editor of more than 40 wide-ranging books covering topics including the place of the emotions (including negative ones like disgust) in political life, the nature of human vulnerability, the importance of liberal education and connections between classical literature and the contemporary world. She is also known for helping to advance the so-called capabilities approach to economic development, which holds that progress should be measured by things like increases in life expectancy and education, rather than simply by increases in income. Truth has always worked for me, so to see the truth defiled every day is very, very painful for me. I only can do what I can do. I probably will turn a lot of people off. When Im creating an album there has to be musicality there has to be beauty in the music. I dont know what people are going to think when they hear whats on my mind. It may bring up things that are on their mind. Dont Lie to Me, if you dont look at the video, can be a more general idea. But the music is upbeat, the music is interesting, its nice for me, kind of a contemporary track. And it expressed my anger, it expressed my frustration. I can only be true to me as an artist and if people like it thats great, and if they dont, they dont have to buy it or listen to it. But me in real life is more important than me as the artist. As a citizen, thats the role. What about offending Trump fans who like your music? It doesnt matter. I remember being onstage in Washington, D.C., and asking, Im just curious, how many Republicans are in the audience? because everyone knows Im a staunch Democrat, and a lot of people raised their hands. Art or music transcends politics, I think. I hope it does. I actually said that to George Bush. Can you think of anything good Trump has done? [Very long pause] I mean, this is a man whos kind of, not kind of hes mean. I worry about the children. I worry about what is the image hes projecting to them. How do you feel about how the music industry has dealt with #MeToo? The music industry, I didnt have a lot of problems there. I mean, it depends on how many records you sell, you know what Im saying, whether youre male or female. It matters more in directing. The idea of being in control doesnt go over well. What would you like to see here? Email us at popculture@nytimes.com. Hello! Welcome to your daily roundup of whats going on in pop culture. Today is the 80th anniversary of Orson Welless War of the Worlds radio broadcast, a dramatization of H.G. Wellss 1898 novel. It caused panic at the time, with some listeners believing Martians really had landed in New Jersey. Its also one of those cultural events that launched decades worth of college essays (some of them by editors at Times HQ) analyzing media habits and American paranoia. Its well worth a (re)listen it is really convincing, to be totally honest! 1. A fitting Prince project One of the liveliest debates in American history, which Ellis has described before, took place in the letters Adams and Jefferson exchanged during their final 14 years of life, between 1812 and 1826 (the two men died, as legend and fact both have it, on the same day, July 4, 50 years after declaring Americas independence). Ellis returns to their correspondence in American Dialogue, focusing on Jeffersons romantic notion that economic and social equality would be the natural order of American life and Adamss retort that as long as property exists, it will accumulate in individuals and families. The snow ball will grow as it rolls. Jeffersons was the prevailing view at the time. Meanwhile Adamss prophecy, as Ellis notes, struck most of his peers as so bizarre and thoroughly un-American that it served as evidence for the charge that he had obviously lost his mind. Adams saw no way to prevent the consolidation of wealth and power by American oligarchs, but he did believe it could and must be moderated regulated by a strong national government. Image There can be no question whose forecast was right. Jeffersons ideal of an egalitarian, agrarian society was an anachronism before the 19th century was out, while the Gilded Age, near that centurys end, provided garish confirmation of Adamss insight. So, of course, does the current age. Turning his attention to the present, Ellis paints a vivid if familiar picture of the redistribution of wealth to the top of the income scale, as well as the abandonment indeed the denigration of Adamss belief that, in Elliss words, the free market required regulation for capitalism to coexist with the egalitarian expectations of democracy. And here, the dispassionate historian calmly takes the gloves off. Since the 1980s, Ellis argues, the political right has engaged in a persistent, well-funded and radically revisionist act of historical fraud, painting government as demonic in the eyes of its creators. Faced by the reality that Adams anticipated deep, endemic, expanding inequality conservatives peddle Jeffersonian remedies, like the crippling of federal power. Ellis thinks the right has been so successful in selling this extreme version of capitalist theology that it has, to a meaningful degree, shut down the centuries-old debate about the role of government. The advocates of regulation and economic reform have been shouted down and shoved to the sidelines, Ellis contends, turning mainstream politics into a one-sided conversation, a muted version of the American Dialogue. New this week: HEY, MARFA By Jeffrey Yang. (Graywolf, paper, $20.) Yangs third collection offers a fractal portrait of Marfa, the improbable art mecca in the Texas badlands with its vibrant culture and stark scrubby landscape where the blood of the defeated runs / fast through the earths veins. Rackstraw Downess paintings and drawings of the areas electrical grid add a visual element throughout. SPELL By Ann Lauterbach. (Penguin Poets, paper, $22.) The quicksilver elusiveness of language dances through Lauterbachs 10th collection, which darts from pithy observation to clinical definition to a chatty ongoing conversation between the poet and evening. Fittingly, the books title refers variously to language and magic and the passage of time, as in were having a spell of dark weather. YOU DARLING THING By Monica Ferrell. (Four Way, paper, $15.95.) This lively, subversive book is fascinated by questions of feminism and femininity womanhood as it is lived, and as it is socially constructed. In one poem a bride who takes scissors to her husbands shirts explains: That kind of violence is the other side of love. FRUIT GEODE By Alicia Jo Rabins. (Augury, paper, $16.) The rewards and demands of pregnancy and young motherhood, emotionally and especially physically, anchor Rabinss second collection. I cannot think of my old ambition, she writes in a blunt statement of maternal sacrifice, before my nipples darkened. THE POPOL VUH Translated by Michael Bazzett. (Milkweed, paper, $16.) Bazzetts verse translation of the Mayan creation myth grants contemporary readers access to one of the few epics indigenous to the Americas. & Noteworthy In which we ask colleagues at The Times what theyre reading now. At home with a book, I tend toward the opposite of the internet lyrical, linguistically inventive work that can knock loose the paving stones of functional prose. To that end I am reading OCTAGON COMMONWEAL, a book-length poem by the Connecticut-based poet Michael Sweeney. The work is set in the titles metaphorical eight-sided ring made infamous by the brutal, wildly popular world of mixed martial arts fighting. It consists of some 700 sentence-length stanzas that begin with Socrates and unfold without respect to linear time to draw in figures from MMA, legit martial arts, politics, history and pop culture. Gorgeous George, Levon Helm, Joe Frazier and Butterbean appear or are invoked. Think world history as cage match. Also, this book sings. Sweeney studied with Allen Ginsberg at Brooklyn College in the late 1980s (where I first met him), and employs something like his teachers mesmerizing intonation and grand ambition, but with a discipline that would make a sensei proud. It also prophetically invokes a no-holds-barred world that feels a lot like the real-time one we live in now. Peter Catapano, Opinion Editor At the heart of our Milky Way, hidden by the dust clouds of Sagittarius, lies a trapdoor to eternity: A supermassive black hole. Or at least astronomers think its there. Nobody has ever seen a black hole directly. But astronomers can measure it, by its pull on nearby stars. In 2002, a young blue star named S2 made a sharp turn. The star was moving so fast that only the gravity of four million suns, condensed into a tiny space, could have kept it on course. That object is Sagittarius A*, the dark hub of our home carousel of stars. If its not a black hole, astronomers dont know what else it could be. Every 16 years, S2 zips close to the black hole, accelerating to speeds of 3,000 miles a second. And this year, astronomers were watching closely. Two teams tracked the star to see what it might betray about gravity and the dark monster it orbits. As S2 passed close to the black hole, time for it appeared to slow down, reddening the starlight in what astronomers call a gravitational redshift. S2 survived its close encounter, but other intruders to the galactic center have fared far worse. A few years ago, an approaching gas cloud was heated, stretched and torn apart. Now the clouds head is rushing away, while its tail is falling into the black holes bottomless gullet. Last spring, the Very Large Telescope in Chile captured blurry glimpses of the star and of a cloud of heat that surrounds the black hole. The black hole itself is black. No light can escape from it. But the area around the hole can be hundreds of times brighter than the sun. Doomed gases swirling inward are heated to billions of degrees, spraying jets of radio energy into space. Astronomers recently detected a wobble in the inner ring of the swirling disk: A hot spot that circled the black hole every 45 minutes. Thats the closest weve come to probing the edge of a black hole. Anything orbiting closer would fall in and vanish. In the coming months, the Event Horizon Telescope, a planet-size network of eight telescopes, may produce the first image of the black hole itself. At certain radio frequencies, the accretion disk of hot gas becomes transparent. Light curves in the intense gravity, creating bright arcs around a dark silhouette: The shadow of the black hole. A tombstone for matter and spacetime. Black holes dont only destroy. As the hole feeds on the material swirling around it, turbulent magnetic fields can shoot jets of gas above and below. Astronomers studying other galaxies have found hot, bright stars within the escaping jets. Newborn stars, born on the run. S2 will swing past the black hole again in 16 years, to once more walk its tightrope along eternity. By then, we might have glimpsed the silhouette of doom at the center of our galaxy. Perhaps it will look as mathematically immaculate as Einstein dreamed a century ago: A sphere of no return. But thats just the outside. The inside we can only imagine. A mystery as opaque and unknowable as the future, or time itself. Donald stated the hull of the plane broke apart, causing the aircraft to be incapable of taking off again. This resulted in the plane coming to rest in the lake. Mr. Fechtner was not injured and walked to shore, according to a press release. FedEx is ending a partnership with the National Rifle Association that offered discounts to members of the gun-rights group. A spokesman for FedEx said the decision was not prompted by the mass shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue that left 11 people dead on Saturday. Instead, FedEx said on Tuesday that its decision to end its marketing relationship with the N.R.A. was the result of a review that began months ago. The review showed that members of the group did not bring in enough shipping volume to warrant its participation in the program, the company said. More than 100 companies were dropped from the discount program as part of the review. While FedEx is ending the program, N.R.A. members who had access to the discount previously will continue to be able to use it. A study to be released this week by the Economic Innovation Group, a think tank in Washington that advocates policies to help economically distressed parts of the country, finds that 28 of the 70 most competitive House districts this year rank as prosperous the highest quintile on the groups distressed communities index. Another 15 districts rank in the next quintile, comfortable. Those districts have higher incomes and faster job and business growth than other areas. Only six of the most competitive districts rank as distressed, the lowest quintile in the index. As a group, the 70 most competitive districts have not seen their incomes grow more, or their unemployment rates drop faster, than the rest of the country since Mr. Trump took office. But they began the Trump era in better shape than the rest of the country. In 2017, the median household income in a typical competitive district was just over $66,000, according to the Census Bureau. For the typical noncompetitive district, it was just under $57,000. The median income for a prosperous competitive district was more than $73,000. Those districts frequently run through the suburbs of large cities in high-income states. The prosperous and comfortable list includes four districts in California and three each in New Jersey, Minnesota, Florida and Texas. It also includes Colorados Sixth District, one of the most prosperous in the nation according to the Economic Innovation Group rankings, where the incumbent, Representative Mike Coffman, a Republican, is trailing badly in the polls. Toss-up districts are more dynamic and diverse than the nation The broad universe of competitive seats is wealthier and whiter than the nation as a whole, the Economic Innovation Group analysis finds. But in a narrower group of seats that could hand Democrats control of the House by themselves those that Cook ranks as toss up or lean Democratic the relatively high-earning population includes a larger share of immigrants than the typical district. The toss-up districts are by and large pretty dynamic places, where the status quo is working rather well, John Lettieri, the president of the Economic Innovation Group, said in an interview. Things like globalization and immigration arent things to be feared there. Theyre woven into the fabric. Want climate news in your inbox? Sign up here for Climate Fwd:, our email newsletter. WASHINGTON The Interior Departments top watchdog has referred an investigation into a possible conflict of interest by Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to the Justice Department, according to a person familiar with the matter, a sign that the federal government is considering a criminal investigation of Mr. Zinkes actions. It is not known which investigation was referred to the Justice Department. Mr. Zinke is the subject of at least six known federal investigations into allegations of ethical misconduct or other policy violations. However, the person familiar with the matter, who was not authorized to speak publicly, said it was highly likely that the investigation now being examined by the Justice Department was one involving a Montana land deal involving Mr. Zinke and the chairman of the energy giant Halliburton. The Interior secretary has come under heightened scrutiny since the resignation in July of the Environmental Protection Agency administrator, Scott Pruitt, who stepped down after investigations revealed multiple violations of ethics rules and possibly of the law. SANTA MONICA, Calif. Standing beside a table of four at Rustic Canyon, a casual but ambitious restaurant here, a server described an elaborate new special for two or more to share: an entire spatchcocked chicken, cut into parts, with blueberries and chicken jus, and grilled chicken hearts on rosemary skewers. He detailed the three sides: housemade toast with chicken-liver mousse and poached gizzards; polenta that used corn six ways; and an okra confit with gribenes, crispy bits of chicken skin. Jeremy Fox, the executive chef and an owner, expected that most diners would pass judgment on the dish, which was being introduced that night in July, well before the servers spiel was done. If its something really good and appealing, he said, youre like, Im getting that. You can stop talking. By that calculation, just a few seconds might help decide the fate of a complicated offering that Mr. Fox had been contemplating for a year, and actively working on for weeks. For some chefs, putting a new item on the menu is a routine affair, even a daily one adding a simple tomato salad, say, when tomatoes are plentiful. For many others, it is a painstaking process. For Mr. Fox, a restless chef who goes to bed and wakes up thinking about flavor combinations, the dish he had in mind was a puzzle requiring both creativity and practicality. Ive always fought for kids on both sides of the gun, Johnson-Harrell said. Young people who cause crimes are often victims themselves, even victims of a broken society. This was how Keir Bradford-Grey, the citys chief public defender, talked about her clients and the need to stop the destructive cycle of crime. But Johnson-Harrell worked for the Philadelphia D.A. and as the leader of the offices victims unit, she was saying the very word victim was in play. Johnson-Harrell explained that she was pushing diversion programs, restorative justice and reconciliation for both victims and defendants. That way we reduce recidivism and crime, she told me. Isnt that the job of the D.A.s office? That question, of course of what job district attorneys can or should do was anything but settled. Krasner and other recently elected progressive prosecutors were proof of the uncertainty. In June, Krasners office released a statement that it had secured guilty verdicts or guilty pleas in 70 of the 85 homicide cases it tried in court, as if it were necessary to point out that the D.A. was still fighting crime. And in October, Krasner made a show of announcing a lengthy drug-trafficking investigation led by his office, which resulted in 57 people charged. Ben Waxman said they werent embracing law and order tactics or claiming that convictions were the only measure of success. But there was misinformation out there that Krasner, as a result of his policy changes, was letting all the murderers and drug dealers go. You can push for sweeping criminal-justice reform while also efficiently prosecuting serious violent crimes, Waxman told me. For Bradford-Grey, the most radical difference over the past year was that she now had a willing partner in the district attorney. She and Krasner worked together on big-picture issues, and her defense attorneys had come to trust their counterparts enough to share vital information about clients earlier in the legal process, believing that prosecutors would use the information to make more individualized decisions. Bradford-Grey said Philadelphia still had a long way to go in what she called this era of reform. The government continued to respond to drug addiction, mental health and poverty mostly through law enforcement. The city had yet to turn its attention to juveniles and how to keep them out of the criminal system. Weve reduced our prison population, but we havent changed our understanding of what people need, she said. We havent shifted dollars and resources to communities to do more social services than we do criminal services. But in the weird alchemy of Philadelphia today, it didnt seem like a fantasy to imagine those deeper structural changes moving forward. When the city decided earlier this year to allow nonprofits to run supervised-injection sites for drug users, Krasner described the reorienting of power and perception that was taking root in Philly. What we have today is the celebration of the fact that government is following a movement that is showing them where to go, he said. The Eagles beating the Patriots in the Super Bowl in February felt to many in the city as if part of the world they knew had turned magically upside-down. The week after the underdog win, a veteran prosecutor named Chip Junod entered a room in the courthouse where two dozen people had been summoned. They had all been arrested for possessing small amounts of marijuana. Junod is 64, a lifelong Philadelphian, and he started at the district attorneys office in 1987, with a stopover working as a court-appointed private defense attorney representing indigent clients. Under Krasner, he was made supervisor of diversion programs, and on this day he wore a suit coat over a No. 86 Eagles jersey. Philadelphia is a sports-mad city, its fans celebrating not infrequently by breaking things or climbing light poles greased by workers to impede just such ascents. In the City of Brotherly Love, people seemed to come together less out of some mutual affection for the home team than out of a shared sense of being downtrodden and needing to lash out. But mutual suffering had also led to Larry Krasner, and to Junods delivering a Super Bowl speech to those arrested on drug charges. I think I said, Not only did the Eagles win, the district attorney is withdrawing all charges, he told me. Everyone there was free to go home no diversion program, no fee, no arrest on their record. It was Krasners new policy. Most of the people arrested on these low-level offenses, Junod said, had been picked up in the citys black neighborhoods. In other parts of Philadelphia, people caught smoking weed were issued citations or ignored. But in areas where officers targeted sellers, the police swept up buyers and smokers in their arrests. No more. The roomful of pot smokers remained silent as they gaped at Junod in his Eagles jersey and suit, trying to make sense of this prosecutor who just wanted to send them home. At Liedys Shore Inn, many of the guitar aficionados and ex-roadies play the Rolling Stones by night and collect Social Security checks by day. Their nostalgic, tight-knit culture is maintained by Liedys geographic remoteness it is sandwiched between empty lots on the North Shore of Staten Island and the bars detachment from the rest of the city. Only members of Liedys inner circle seem to know the correct phone number, as opposed to the obsolete one outsiders find on Google. Its family, said Anthony Galante, 64, a bassist and Liedys devotee. Everybody knows everybody, and everybody knows about everybody. And it stays here. Even given the history of Mexicos bloody drug wars, it was startling this month when federal prosecutors said they planned to offer evidence that Joaquin Guzman Loera, the longtime leader of the Sinaloa drug cartel, had taken part in no less than 33 murders. That number was high enough that on Tuesday the judge presiding over his trial in Brooklyn called it way too much and out of control. Apparently exasperated at the prospect of testimony about so many slayings, the judge, Brian M. Cogan, told the government that it hardly needed to detail every murder that Mr. Guzman, who is known as El Chapo, is suspected of committing to make its point that he used violence to run his operation. Judge Cogan also warned the prosecution that if its presentation got too gory, he might cut it short. He toed the party line, but did I feel he was a zealot? No, Mr. ODonnell, who is openly gay, said. The ones that really hate gay marriage, they dont ask about your husband every time. In 2011, Mr. Molinaro successfully ran for Dutchess County executive, and he was easily re-elected in 2015. Neither victory gathered the attention or curiosity of his election as the teenage mayor of Tivoli, which led to appearances on the Today show and the Phil Donahue Show. Mr. Molinaro has recounted the story of that election dozens of times I tell the joke, I ran home and asked my mom if it would be O.K. if I ran for mayor and he still lives near Tivoli. His first marriage ended in divorce in 2014, and he remarried a year later to Corinne Adams, whose employment at an architecture firm that received business and subsidies from the county led to accusations of pay-to-play by the Cuomo campaign. Mr. Molinaro angrily denied this, calling Mr. Cuomo a classless buffoon for bringing his wife due with the couples second child in late November into the race. It was not the first time Mr. Molinaro had thrown punches. He also memorably compared the governor to the sheriff of Nottingham and a deranged Wizard of Oz, and during last weeks debate he chided Mr. Cuomo for being born on third base. For all of that invective, Mr. Molinaro said he remains proud of the race he has run, describing it as a chance for someone from his world to engage with he called the power and grandeur and romance that political world can sometimes contain. Listen, theres only one time that a poor kid gets to run for governor in the State of New York, Mr. Molinaro said. How many times does a guy like me get an opportunity to do this? Some residents are frustrated at how long it took the city to admit the problem. I applaud the city for now, finally, acknowledging the issue, but they first denied it, said Bishop Jethro C. James Jr., the senior pastor at Paradise Baptist Church. The denial was an insult to the citizenry. Candice Grant, 25, an administrative assistant, did not even know there was a lead issue until she got an alert on her cellphone about the filter giveaway. Whoa, theres lead in the water? Ms. Grant remembered thinking. Her mind flashed to her 7-month-old son, and she immediately called her husband. I said, Get more bottled water because were not giving the baby any more from the house. No amount of lead exposure is known to be safe for children, whose mental and physical development can be impaired, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In adults, lead can increase risks of high blood pressure and kidney disease; it can cause complications, including miscarriage, for pregnant women. In Newark, about a quarter of the more than 14,000 children under 6 who were tested in 2016 had measurable levels of lead in their blood, according to an analysis by Advocates for Children of New Jersey of the most recent publicly available state data. This suggests a pervasive problem throughout the city coming from a variety of sources, and water could easily be one of them, said Peter Chen, policy counsel at A.C.N.J. The list of Washington ballot measures getting regular rotation on the Seattle airwaves also includes 940, which focuses on the use of deadly force by police officers; 1639, which among other things would raise the minimum age for purchase of a semi-automatic rifle from 18 to 21; and 1634, which would prohibit local governments from enacting soda taxes, which once again might make you think you never left Chicago. If bells were originally believed to be the voice of God, it could be said that Mr. Lind got closer to the source than anyone else in either of the congregations for whom he played. At Riverside, he was perched in a glass-enclosed aerie below the belfry of the tower, which rises 392 feet above the sanctuary. He would ascend from his 21st-floor office at Riverside, up a catwalk in a limestone tower so lofty that the peals must be piped into the nave below. Once there, he would execute feverish four-limbed virtuosity with fists over the knoblike keys, called batons, and feet on the pedals. The batons and pedals tug on wires and levers that control the clappers and merge the notes of the 74 bells into harmony. I love the bells, Mr. Lind told The New York Times in 1994. Sometimes, when Im depressed, I come to church and play, and it just lifts me up. Until 2002, when St. Thomas Church on Fifth Avenue added more bells, St. Martins, on Malcolm X Boulevard and West 122nd Street, and the Riverside Church, at Riverside Drive and West 120th Street, were the only carillons in New York City that met the standard definition of the instrument: played from a keyboard and consisting of at least 23 bronze bells capable of spanning at least two octaves (as opposed to smaller groups of bells, or bells that are rung by hand using ropes). That was after the killings. And please do not saunter over to YouTube or Twitter or Reddit if you want any relief, as you will only find more of the same. The negligence does not stop at the platforms but includes who pays for these platforms, which is how I found myself at a dinner party recently where the guests were ranking Silicon Valley funders from most to least toxic: Russia, China, Kuwait, Qatar, along with various dicey high-net-worth individuals across the globe. They are all linked to awful behavior in some way if you are being really honest with yourself, a well-known entrepreneur said. Thank goodness for Singapore. (Apparently Crazy Rich Asians had been good for the brands of funds tied to the Singapore government, like Temasek and GIC.) And of course there is Mohammed bin Salman, the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, who has flooded tech with Saudi investments. His glossy reform sheen has worn thin in the wake of the brutal murder of the journalist Jamal Khashoggi at what appears certainly to have been the behest of the government Prince Mohammed heads or more precisely, beheads. His government also jails activists and decimates Yemen with a war, but it was only a few months ago that he was squired around Google headquarters by Sergey Brin. In hindsight, the obsequious reception now looks unfortunate, to say the least. So where are we now? Far too much of the money social media companies are using to host thugs like Mr. Sayoc and Mr. Bowers was paid for by thugs like Prince Mohammed . And, other than some tut-tutting about the horror of it all, there are no signs that the industry that considers itself the most woke on the planet is thinking of giving the money back or talking about not taking it in the future. I cannot tell you how sad that is to write, because when I first saw the internet way back when, I hoped that it would help eliminate the attitudes that had fueled those horrible letters to me. I naively thought a lone man sending a reporter a missive of malevolence could not find such refuge on the wide-open internet, where his hate would be seen for what it was and denounced and exorcised. It is part of my Islamic teaching to make sure we are charitable, Ms. Omar told me. A huge part of the Islamic faith is that you cant sleep with a full belly if your neighbors and those around you arent sleeping with a full belly. Abdul El-Sayed who recently lost his race for the Michigan governors nomination but started a PAC to support liberal candidates echoed the sentiment. Dr. El-Sayed calls himself openly, honestly and unapologetically Muslim and told me he believes privilege begets responsibility. That Islamic value inform his progressive politics. Nonetheless, both Ms. Omar and Dr. El-Sayed said critics have tried to use their religion against them. Islamophobia comes with the territory, Dr. El-Sayed said. Theyve each been hounded by the far-right activist Laura Loomer, who has been traveling the country investigating Muslim candidates running for office. This includes disrupting their talks and asking whether they support Hamas. Ms. Omar refuses to be intimidated. We say what we want to say, she said. They cannot continue to instill fear in us and stop us from achieving critical conversations. Unfortunately, many Christian Republican voters are still encouraged to fear Muslims. Running on Hate 2018, a report by the nonprofit organization Muslim Advocates, examined 80 campaigns using anti-Muslim messages leading up to the midterm elections and found that almost all of the candidates engaged in these tactics are Republican. The evangelical leader Franklin Graham has said Islam is an evil religion. After Dr. El-Sayed lost his race, a message appeared on the Twitter page of Corey Stewart, a Republican Senate candidate from Virginia, that read, Michigan almost elected a far left ISIS commie. It was quickly deleted and Mr. Stewart said that it was sent by someone with access to his account. Duncan Hunter , a California Republican who has been indicted on a charge of campaign finance violations, said his opponent, Ammar Campa-Najjar, was a national security risk because of his Palestinian Muslim roots and because his grandfather was involved in the 1972 Munich Olympics terrorist attack. (Mr. Campa-Najjar is a Christian and his grandfather died 16 years before he was born, but who needs facts? Certainly not President Trump, who warned last week, without any proof, that unknown Middle Easterns were among the caravan of Central American migrants walking toward the United States to seek asylum.) These are reminiscent of the attitudes behind the anti-Catholic hazing of the 1950s that forced John Kennedy to assuage fears that he was not the Catholic candidate for president but instead the Democratic Partys candidate for president who happens also to be a Catholic. But Kennedy won the presidency, and now a quarter of United States senators and six Supreme Court justices are Catholic . Hana Ali, seeking a seat in the Tennessee legislature, is taking a cue from President Kennedy. She told me shes running as a Democrat, a proud Tennessean and an American who also happens to be Muslim. To the Editor: Re Trump Wants to Use Executive Order to End Birthright Citizenship (nytimes.com, Oct. 30): As the immigrant parent of a United States citizen born before I was naturalized, I found that President Trumps exclusionary statements around birthright citizenship hit close to home. The argument by the president and others that the 14th Amendment language subject to the jurisdiction thereof indicates birthright citizenship applies only to children of citizens and permanent residents fails on its face. How many of the freed slaves this amendment was written for, some descendants of Thomas Jefferson aside, had a parent who was a permanent resident or citizen? As a social worker and psychologist concerned about the impact of hostile rhetoric on immigrant children, regardless of status, I also worry that arguments that we should not give oxygen to absurd pre-election statements by the president fail to appreciate that it is not just whether he will actually try to end birthright citizenship that could hurt kids. Living in an environment in which their legitimacy is constantly under question is harmful to child health and well-being in and of itself and must not go unchallenged. Michael J. MacKenzie Montreal The writer is a professor of social work at McGill University. To the Editor: No other developed countries besides Canada and the United States offer birthright citizenship for illegal immigrants. Not in Europe or Asia is this a right. Many countries have some requirement either of a parent or a duration of stay by parent or child, which can then be followed by an application for citizenship. In response, Merkel announced that she would not run for re-election as head of her center-right party a separate position from the chancellorship and that she would retire from politics in 2021. Many observers think the turmoil may lead to new elections and the end of her tenure well before 2021. Merkels departure is an opportunity for the political center, argues Anna Sauerbrey of the German newspaper Der Tagesspiegel in The Times. Merkels stepping aside may prove the beginning of a revival of political discourse in Germany, and a much-needed resolution about where the country is headed. Even more so, though, Germanys politics point to an opportunity for the left. The party that finished third in Hesse well ahead of the far right was the Green Party. And Germanys Greens have fared well in other recent elections, too. They are showing how a left-leaning message can resonate in these anti-establishment times much as Bernie Sanders did in the 2016 Democratic primary. The key point is that the Greens offer a certain outsider independence, The Wall Street Journals Joseph Sternberg writes. He continues: Which raises the prospect that outsiderness, not nationalism or xenophobia, has been the main factor drawing voters to the [far right]. The Greens story tends to support a theory that fringe politics is more about the politics than about the fringe that voters care more about taking a sledgehammer to ossified political systems than about the particular views of the politicians swinging the hammer. Still, the decline of the center brings huge risks. Since the end of World War II, liberal democratic ideas have been hegemonic, Yascha Mounk of Harvard told Newsweeks Cristina Maza. The decline of the political center means we may be approaching a tipping point at which democratic ideas are no longer sufficiently popular, and that could have big consequences. In The Times. My colleague Michelle Alexander writes about using reincarnation to think about climate change, and Nick Kristof continues his work on gun safety by writing about the N.R.A. in the wake of Pittsburgh. You can join me on Twitter (@DLeonhardt) and Facebook. I am also writing a daily email newsletter and invite you to subscribe. Follow The New York Times Opinion section on Facebook and Twitter (@NYTOpinion). We also deserve to be disillusioned and disappointed with what our politicians, thus far, have offered. For the most part they have failed us spectacularly because they understand that radicalism doesnt play well even though radicalism is what we need now, more than ever. And it is certainly a travesty that universal health care and a livable minimum wage and civil rights and higher taxes on the wealthy are considered radical, but here we are. I am going to vote on next Tuesday but I cant say I am particularly optimistic about the impact my vote will have. Between the corrupt stranglehold the Republican Party has on political power and the incompetence and cowardice of the Democrats, voting feels futile. The politicians I will vote for dont represent me and what I believe in as much as I would like them to. Voter disillusionment makes perfect sense but it is also incredibly selfish and shortsighted. In the past week, a biracial man was charged with sending pipe bombs to prominent Democrats; reports said he drove a van covered in hateful propaganda. A white man tried to enter a black church in Louisville, Ky., and when he couldnt, he went to a nearby Kroger grocery store and killed two black people. On a Saturday morning in Pittsburgh, a white man entered a synagogue, shouting anti-Semitic epithets. He killed 11 Jews and injured six others. This took place in the same week in which it was reported that the Trump administration thinks it might be able to define the transgender community out of existence, and in which the president continues to use the caravan of migrants heading to the United States to stoke the xenophobic hysteria of his base. Every single day there is a new, terrifying, preventable tragedy fomented by a president and an administration that uses hate and entitlement as political expedience. If you remain disillusioned or apathetic in this climate, you are complicit. You think your disillusionment is more important than the very real dangers marginalized people in this country live with. Dont delude yourself about this. Dont shroud your political stance in disaffected righteousness. Open your eyes and see the direct line from the people in power to their emboldened acolytes. It is cynical to believe that when we vote we are making a choice between the lesser of two evils. We are dealing with a presidency fueled by hate, greed and indifference. We are dealing with a press corps that can sometimes make it seem as though there are two sides to bigotry. Republican politicians share racist memes that spread false propaganda and crow fake news when reality interferes with their ambitions. Progressive candidates are not the lesser of two evils here; they are not anywhere on the spectrum of evil we are currently witnessing. If you are feeling disillusioned, get over it, at least enough to vote and vote pragmatically. Tell your friends to vote. Drive people to the polls. Support candidates you believe in with your time or, if you can afford it, money. Volunteer for community organizations that address to the issues you most care about. Attend town halls held by your elected officials. Hold them accountable for the decisions they make with the power you give them. Run for local office. Do something. Do anything. Nothing will change by sitting at home for the midterms or any other election. We cannot afford disillusionment. We cannot afford to do nothing. Lives are at stake and if you dont recognize that, you are no better than those with whom you are disillusioned. Roxane Gay, an associate professor at Purdue University, is the author of Hunger, and a contributing opinion writer. Ross: Once youve decided to stick with Trump through thick and thin as Pence certainly has this is the only argument you can make. But the real problem with the presidents rhetoric isnt that he uses strong language, even insults its that he feeds conspiratorial and apocalyptic thinking among people who trust him because they distrust the mainstream press. Thats what carries us beyond simple polarization into more dangerous territory beyond being angry at the media for its biases (which is fine) to regarding reporters as the enemy of the people. You can see a lot of the dynamic among Democrats in this cycle as reflecting two competing impulses in response one that tries to make politics normal again, attacking the G.O.P. on health care and taxes and corruption, and one that wants to leap into the vortex, too, screaming about Manchurian candidates and looming fascism. Frank: Democrats continue to grapple with, and to be divided about, the proper response to Trump. And to look at the midterms is to see different Democrats behaving differently, often in accordance with the dynamics and demographic profiles of their districts. But I wish that all of us would stop speaking of this as a tactical question. Its a moral one. Its vital and urgent that a better kind of politics be modeled, before we all sink any deeper, and Id implore Democrats to do that, because Republicans certainly wont, not as long as theyre quivering before and genuflecting to Trump. Know what else is vital and urgent? That we in the media give that better politics as much coverage as we do whatever new insult Trump flings. Ross: Maybe, but Im a little wary of that formulation because theres a constant media temptation to use positive coverage as a kind of wish-casting, where the definition of better politics is just politics as liberal journalists wish it to be. The 17,000 profiles of Beto ORourke, whos interesting enough but not nearly as relevant to a possible Democratic revival as a less liberal candidate would have been, are a case in point. So was all the hosanna-ing over Emmanuel Macron, the great centrist hope (current approval rating: 29 percent) when he ascended to the French presidency. Journalists dont need to cover Trump wall to wall, but they also shouldnt feed liberal delusions about how easily the populism tide will be turned back. Frank: Ross, there have been only 16,423 profiles of Beto. But seriously, what Im saying isnt about Beto or French Beto, liberals or conservatives, populism or socialism. When I mention a better politics, Im not talking about Medicare for All or whether the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency should be preserved or the wall or any policy or partisan stripe. Im talking about the nature of our conversations, the quality of our interactions. Im talking about a fidelity to truth. Im talking about an emphasis on inspiration over fear. Another child made a joke about the murderer and what he would do to him (humor too is a normal form of response!) and another child responded that this was serious. They then went on to speak about sports. At that moment, I was thankful for our childrens resilience and felt deeply appreciative of the depth and richness of our tradition that sadly provided the children a helpful narrative frame to make sense of a world that seems so senseless. Rabbi Yonatan Cohen, Congregation Beth Israel, Berkeley, Calif. I listened, affirmed and reassured. Rabbi Amy Loewenthal, Congregation Ahavas Achim, Keene, N.H. (Reconstructionist) As a rabbi who educates and counsels teenagers, I think it is vitally important to balance two messages. The first message is that hate is real, and that deranged individuals who are full of that hate (particularly hatred of the other) and have access to military-grade weapons are a problem that our nation must confront. Jewish teens in my community in New Jersey and across the U.S. feel a direct connection between Parkland and Pittsburgh. The second message is that our response, from the first responders to all those who offer comfort and support, gives us a glimpse of the world that we want to create. Rabbi Daniel Brenner, chief of education and programming for Moving Traditions, a mentoring program for Jewish teens, Montclair, N.J. I held a session with my bar/bat mitzvah students about the tragedy in Pittsburgh. I want them to understand that we cant prevent all bad things from happening but we can choose our response. We talked about the outpouring of support that brought people together across all lines of difference after the massacre. Mostly I listened to the children. Rabbi Julie Greenberg, Leyv Ha-Ir~Heart of the City, Philadelphia Break Some Rules Ive never used a formula when setting a table, and I definitely dont want it to feel so perfect that youre afraid to mess it up, said Ken Fulk, an event designer in San Francisco known for his exuberant style. It should be loosely arranged for balance, but not perfectly symmetrical. Glassware and silver should be arranged in the order theyre used, starting from the outside and working your way in, he said. But we give ourselves some flexibility with glasses when there are more than five pairings. In those cases, were often mixing vintage glassware with crystal, and it looks so much prettier to arrange by style, size or color. Ms. Standefer and Mr. Alesch have a similar philosophy: Stephen and I take classic placement of utensils and tabletop tools seriously, but we dont let these restrictions limit the needs of our table, she said. The standard of outside-in can be revisited depending on the density of the table and amount of guests. So we might put the utensils above the plate if the place settings are close together or if we are using flora on the plate. Invest in Stemware Nothing speaks louder in a setting of celebration than the clinking of water or wine glasses, Ms. Standefer said, noting that the right glassware can influence the mood at the table. So which stemware to choose? There really are no absolutes in finding the right pieces for your home, as long as they are functional and beautiful, of the earth and hold narrative, she said. A robust glassware collection can be high and low glass you admire that youve found at a flea market or a set you invest in from the collection of an expert artisan whose work you follow. The important thing, she added, is that its not so precious youre afraid to use it. Id like those people who think America is falling apart under President Trump to be a little more specific. Whats wrong with their lives now? Unemployment is way down. Black and Hispanic unemployment is way, way down. The stock market is up. Its been up almost steadily under him. North Korea is not sending out nuclear weapons every few months. The feds are not threatening the Little Sisters of the Poor. Our trade deals are being renegotiated in a way thats more favorable and just toward us. Our allies are chipping in more, which they should be, for NATO. The list goes on. I, too, wish that President Trump would kind of watch his mouth. But I think that hes done an awful lot of good. I think that there was a lot of harm done under President Obamas presidency, even though he was very dignified and well spoken. But actions really are what count the most. After years of hearings and litigation, the Supreme Court of Hawaii on Tuesday approved a building permit for a giant telescope on the ancient, contested site of the volcano Mauna Kea. The Thirty Meter Telescope, as it is known, would be the largest ever contemplated in the Northern Hemisphere. Hawaiian activists have opposed it, saying that decades of telescope-building on Mauna Kea have polluted the mountain. Some of them went so far as to block construction vehicles from the mountain to prevent work on the telescope. Welcome to The Edit. Each week in our newsletter, youll hear from college students and recent graduates about issues going on in their lives. Sign up here to get it in your inbox. Were one week away from the midterm elections and the holiday season is approaching. For many people that means uncomfortable conversations with family members about politics are on the way. This week, I asked several contributors to The Edit to share how they approach talking to their parents about politics. Heres what they said: Nushrat Rahman, Detroit As midterms quickly approach, Im going to take some time this week to print out ballot suggestions for my parents. Its something I started doing since the 2016 elections. My parents came to America from Bangladesh in the 1990s and later became citizens. My voter guide is our version of political dialogue. We dont talk politics as a family, but that doesnt mean my parents are apathetic. I think we just dont have the shared vocabulary (me in Bangla, them in English) to have detailed conversations about it all. Hallie Reed, Birmingham, Ala. I would describe my parents and I as sort of unconventional Republicans. We do hold many conservative values, but we deviate from the party line on certain policies. For example, my dad owns a restaurant and often struggles to be fully staffed. He advocates for a moderate approach to immigration policy that would allow undocumented immigrants to become legal and able to work jobs that may otherwise be difficult to fill. Likewise, my mom and I are generally opposed to the death penalty, with certain, rare exceptions. This Halloween , Gorey fans will pay tribute to the man who stored a mummys head in the closet of his Manhattan apartment and counted as his most intimate life partner a herd of cats: dressing up as his characters, performing his work or just engaging in acts of Goreyesque weirdness . What would Mr. Gorey make of his status as an All Hallows Eve grand ghoul were he alive to see it? That would have given Gorey himself the fantods, said Mark Dery, using one of the antiquated words the artist loved to collect and trot out in his books. (It means a state of uneasiness.) Gorey shrank from the obvious. Gorey is deep. Image The cover of Born to Be Posthumous, by Mark Dery. Credit... Hachette Book Group A cultural critic and author, Mr. Dery has written a new biography, Born to Be Posthumous: The Eccentric Life and Mysterious Genius of Edward Gorey (Little, Brown). He spent seven years on the project, time he needed to wrap his head around the panoramic sweep of his subjects mind. For Mr. Dery, and for anyone else, plunging into Goreyland means becoming acquainted with Diaghilevs Ballets Russes , with French silent films, the surrealist collage novels of Max Ernst, Victorian childrens literature, the ancient Japanese novel The Tale of Genji and so forth. It means looking through a pre-Stonewall lens, when many gay men and women led closeted lives and their sexuality didnt necessarily figure in their expressed personal politics. It is Adnan who volunteers, of course. He will go in and get it. Cant have their last weeks wages go to waste. The others arent so sure. The well is wide, its stones are smooth, polished by some prehistoric masons hand, or by the sea, or rubbed imperviously by heaven it cant be climbed. Adnan is not a spider. So lower me then, he says, its only water. Serious, somber, ready. His face, as any enlisting mans might be, is on the brink of something. He picks the rope, puts it around his waist, threads it through his legs and round his balls. Laughter. Jokes about opera, and doesnt he want children? No, I want a beer, he says, before the army dries me out. Fair enough, who wouldnt. He climbs across the wall, clings and braces. His friends take up the strain. The rope goes taut. He tests it, tugs and bounces, faces the dark tunnel. Hazirim! Then, hand over hand, the boys release their burden, and down goes Adnan. Heavier than a pig! Jokes about ravioli. How many pieces has he eaten? One hundred? Laughter. And the gold, he calls. Gold, comes up the echo. Whats that, captain? Gold, gold! The rope sings uncertainly against the wall, its strands begin to struggle. It was me, he shouts. Me. Me. I got the coin. The coin. The words come up from nowhere, like a confession from a dungeon. The others cheer and send flocks of birds fluttering from the treetops. Hand over hand, steadily, they send their friend into the world below the world above. The rope is running out, fraying and unraveling get a move on, boys. He must be nearly there, about to secure the beer, a hero for the day, if not the century. The borehole swims in darkness; there is no light inside this wound. The unreflecting surface seems to wink. The rope, by choice or by collusion, breaks, and Adnan is released. The men fall back and over, one on top the other, scrambling to get up and calling out and calling down. Adnan! Adnan! Tamam? But there is only silence. Strangest silence. Silence, like the spirits worst suffering. And in their dreams across the years, theyll never hear a plunging cry, a shout for help, not even one small ripple, as if that fall is endless. MEANWHILE, WHERE ARE the women? Still no sign. They are not riding those noble steeds bred from Arabian horses, bowing low under the heavy trees. They are not weaving through the forest, one behind the other, like wolves, taking turns to flatten down a path. They are at home. They are sitting around Halimes table, perhaps discussing their lives and their children, the children they would have or the men they might marry, the roads out of the village or the wars their grandmothers endured, the usual things. No. Not this time. Tonight, as the moon rises above the roof of forest, they are sitting quietly, holding hands. They have, on the table, an unopened bottle of raki, glasses, a jug of ice water that will charm the solution milky. They have, on the table, a coiled length of rope. Good rope, fit for any purpose, salvage, cattle, the binding of wives and daughters by an uncivil army, the hanging of those who will not change their names. Who sees? Who pays? Always the women. They have agreed. If one of them breaks hold of her sisters hands, they will all stand, and they will go immediately, as fast as they can, into the forest, as if late for a party or an accidental rescue. It is hard. One of them is his cousin. They played together when she and he were small; she thought that it was play. How can the weight of a single man go on to break a country? How can knowing be unseeing? Their grip is tight. Their knuckles white and risen. Fatma, half-handed, death-signed, daughter of the last violence, says to them, do not, do not ask to be forgiven. And in the Well of Souls, the water is so cold that it can shatter bones; it can sting the brain and seize the heart within a minute. It is so clear that it can strip the body of all reason, rob the mind of all possession and ambition, stop those who are, as if they never were, so they will never be. Extraordinary, intolerable, uncorrupted water. Water, born from the middle of the earth, that pure and secret place no sun or human hand has ever warmed. Water, come from the past, in one form or another, rain, river, sea, thoughts like tears in clouds, as old as it is new, designed to serve no purpose other than its future. Retouching: Anonymous Retouch. Photographers assistants: Karl Leitz and Caleb Andriella. Set assistants: Adam Kenner and Hannah Black I recently wrote my fourth solo play, a comedy about how no one should ever have children, and how, after my wife and I had a child, I learned that I was right! Anyway, The New One is going to Broadway and the biggest question Im asked since I announced the run is How did that happen? Im not sure. But if I take a step back and try to answer the question, Id say, There was no single step. It was a series of steps over years. And, even then on top of that, its luck. Its your 10,000 hours of preparation meeting 12 other peoples 10,000 hours of preparation meeting $3 million laundered through the Cayman Islands meeting luck. [Read Mike Birbiglias six steps to making it small in Hollywood. Or anywhere.] So what are those steps? For me, it began with my first solo play, Sleepwalk With Me, 15 years ago. If you want to try writing a solo play, Id suggest that you: 1. WRITE IN A JOURNAL. Document your life. The good stuff. The bad stuff. But mostly the bad stuff. Whats wrong with you is more interesting than whats right. Ive always felt like we go to solo theater to be told secrets. When I was developing The New One I was writing in my journal all of these secret feelings I had about being a new dad. Feeling like everything I did was a mistake. One day I wrote, My wife and daughter love each other so much and Im there too. In the margin I wrote, This could be something! I shared it with my wife, Jen, whos a poet, and she encouraged me to say it onstage. That line ended up forming the foundation of the whole play. The man accused of the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting, Robert Bowers, legally purchased the guns he used to kill 11 people in what is believed to be the deadliest attack against the Jewish community in the United States, according to the federal authorities. Officials have said Mr. Bowers used four guns an AR-15 assault rifle and three Glock .357 handguns in his shooting spree at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh on Saturday morning. An investigation has concluded that the guns were acquired and possessed legally by Bowers, the Philadelphia office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said on Tuesday. Mr. Bowers did not fall into any category barred from gun ownership under federal law, including felons, convicted domestic abusers, dishonorably discharged veterans, or people adjudicated to be mentally ill or subject to certain restraining orders. But Ms. Lee had driven around a barricade and onto a road that the authorities had closed because of flooding. As a result, the sheriffs office of Union County, N.C., charged her on Monday with involuntary manslaughter, which could carry a sentence of 13 to 16 months in prison. Image Kaiden Lee-Welch died in the floodwaters of Hurricane Florence. Credit... Union County Sheriff's Office, via Associated Press The tragic death of this child and the circumstances surrounding this case are heartbreaking, the sheriff, Eddie Cathey, said in a statement. We continue to pray for all those suffering as a result of this childs death. However, after a very thorough investigation and taking all facts into consideration and applying the law, we feel that these charges are appropriate. Ms. Lee also faces a misdemeanor charge of driving on a closed highway. South Carolina authorities are still investigating a similar deadly incident in that state during the storm. Two women seeking mental health treatment were being transported in a van driven by sheriffs deputies to hospitals away from the coast when the deputies drove around a barricade and onto a closed road. When the van became trapped in floodwaters, the deputies managed to escape but were unable to free the women, Nicolette Green, 43, and Wendy Newton, 45, who drowned. The Horry County Sheriffs office fired the two deputies, Stephen Flood and Joshua Bishop, last week. Scott Bellamy, a lawyer representing Ms. Greens family, said the family was satisfied with the dismissal of the deputies, but still planned to pursue a civil suit once the state investigation is completed. PITTSBURGH One of Pittsburghs most solemn days began with hundreds coming together in anguish and grief in synagogues and at gravesides, to start the services for those killed as they prayed on the Sabbath. In the afternoon, they came together again, in shivas to honor the dead and comfort the living, and, later by the thousands, in solemn marches of protest around the Squirrel Hill neighborhood where the attack took place on Saturday. This is the Pittsburgh that met President Trump, who arrived with members of his family on Tuesday. The presidential visit, welcomed by some in Pittsburgh, unwanted or vigorously opposed by many others, began with a motorcade into the city and a visit to the Tree of Life synagogue. Mr. Trump lit memorial candles in a vestibule near where the shooting unfolded, and placed stones and white roses from the White House outside, in commemoration of those killed in an attack by a gunman full of anti-Semitic rage shouting that Jews must die. But if Mr. Trumps visit was intended to bring healing, it instead laid bare the nations deep divisions. Many protesters in Pittsburgh had no doubt of what one called the dotted line between presidential rhetoric and violence, though some people in the city have pushed back on the idea that Mr. Trump had fomented the atmosphere of anger. As the president moved around Pittsburgh, a largely Democratic city, the signs of discord were apparent. [Rabbis tell us what theyre doing to secure their synagogues and comfort their congregants in the wake of the shooting.] All night long, Jewish volunteers stood solemnly in the rain outside the Tree of Life synagogue, where 11 dead bodies lay inside, sealed off with yellow crime-scene tape. The deceased were not supposed to be left alone, according to Jewish tradition, from the moment of death until burial. So when the medical examiner removed the bodies at 5 a.m. Sunday, the volunteers were there to escort them to the morgue. Earlier in the night, the volunteers had been allowed to peer briefly inside. They saw a scene of carnage, with bodies sprawled everywhere. Once homicide investigators give them the all clear, they intend to meticulously clean the crime scene. They consider everything left behind to be sacred remains, to be preserved and buried with the bodies. Judaism has a strict set of laws governing death: Burials are expected to take place as soon as possible, autopsies are discouraged, and bodies are ritually washed and clothed in white shrouds. But balancing observance with a complex criminal investigation is presenting a rare set of challenges for the mourning families and religious leaders. Never before in modern American history have there been so many people murdered in one Jewish community. This is what we do the community needs us and we mobilize but we have never seen anything like this before, said Rabbi Daniel Wasserman, who runs the Orthodox burial society in Pittsburgh, known as a chevra kadisha. These are people who were killed because they were Jewish, they are bodies of holy martyrs. In congressional debates about the 14th Amendment in 1866, lawmakers said its sweep should be wide. Is the child of the Chinese immigrant in California a citizen? Senator Edgar Cowan of Pennsylvania asked on the Senate floor. Senator John Conness of California said the answer was yes. The children of all parentage whatever, born in California, should be regarded and treated as citizens of the United States, entitled to equal civil rights with other citizens, Mr. Conness said. The Supreme Court confirmed that understanding in 1898 in United States v. Wong Kim Ark, ruling that a child born in San Francisco to Chinese parents was a United States citizen, even though the parents were prohibited by the Chinese Exclusion Act from ever becoming citizens. To hold that the 14th Amendment of the Constitution excludes from citizenship the children, born in the United States, of citizens or subjects of other countries, the court said, would be to deny citizenship to thousands of persons of English, Scotch, Irish, German, or other European parentage who have always been considered and treated as citizens of the United States. James C. Ho, a conservative legal scholar recently appointed by Mr. Trump to the federal appeals court in New Orleans, has written that the message of the decision is unmistakable. This sweeping language reaches all aliens regardless of immigration status, he wrote in 2006. The 1898 decision did not specifically discuss unauthorized immigrants. But in 1982, in Plyler v. Doe, the Supreme Court ruled that undocumented children were entitled to free public education. The court relied on another part of the 14th amendment, its equal protection clause, and it interpreted language similar to that in the citizenship clause. Although the court splintered over the specific question of public education, Mr. Ho wrote, all nine justices agreed that the Equal Protection Clause protects legal and illegal aliens alike. And all nine reached that conclusion precisely because illegal aliens are subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S., no less than legal aliens and U.S. citizens. This is in regard to the guy whos suing Monsanto over Round Up. Hes accusing them that it caused cancer. According to what I read, there is no definite proof that that Round Up ever caused the cancer. Not that it couldnt. But my thing is, how can they award that kind of money for something that nobody knows? Is there anybody else whos ever gotten sick from the Round Up, and is there any warnings on the bottle? If there are, then the guy didnt take care. I think everybodys getting to be sue-happy nowadays, in getting a buck where they dont deserve it. These jurors make me mad because what they want to give, and what the judge was willing to give. So I dont know. Its a crazy world. Everybodys sue-happy. Ive never heard of anybody getting sick from Round Up. Ive used it, and a lot of people I know use it. Missouri. Gateway to the West. Barbecue, baseball and the blues. [Blues music] Home of Truman, Twain and the father of rock n roll. [Rock n roll music] Oh, and this thing. This former swing state packs political power. And while these days its leaning more red, its also home to one of the tightest Senate races in the nation. Its a contest between a straight-talking, but politically vulnerable, Democratic incumbent. Its dirty. Its unfair. But you know what? Its worth it. And an attorney general backed by President Trump. Our country is at a critical turning point. So whats at stake? Trump won Missouri. But his popularity there is teetering. I love you people. This race? It could be a referendum on his presidency. Its also one of the G.O.P.s best shots at adding a seat to their slim majority in the Senate. So who are the candidates? Claire McCaskill: the Democrat. When I think its the right thing for Missouri, I go after it. She was elected to the Statehouse in 1982 and became the first female prosecutor for a large county in Missouri. McCaskill is known as a moderate Democrat who says she isnt afraid to buck the party line. I could care less what the national party thinks, or what theyre doing. Shes also one of the wealthiest sitting senators in Congress, and its something shes taken some heat for. Claire spent big bucks chartering a private plane with public funds, a plane they co-owned. The Republican? Josh Hawley. Hes young and telegenic. Josh is a star. He went to an Ivy League school and clerked for a Supreme Court justice. Nine months after becoming Missouris attorney general, he announced his Senate candidacy. Im going to run for the United States Senate. That didnt really match up with his promise not to be a ladder-climbing politician. Using one office to get another. Also, his short time as attorney general has been characterized by chaotic management and high costs for taxpayers. Both candidates have tried to paint the other as out of touch with real Missourians. D.C. changed Claire McCaskill. Josh Hawley. Hes just part of the problem in Jefferson City. So what about the issues? Hawley is pretty happy with just about all of Trumps policies. Ill tell you what, hes delivering big for the state of Missouri and the United States of America, isnt he? Hes defended tariffs, and the practice of family separations for those who cross into the U.S. illegally. Hes also part of a lawsuit to repeal the Affordable Care Act. It has proven to be outrageously expensive for federal taxpayers. McCaskill mostly likes Obamacare but thinks it needs a few fixes. Im not afraid to fight for folks health care. Shes supported more Trump administration moves in the Senate than most other Democrats. I voted for more than half of his cabinet members. I vote with him half the time. Including a law rolling back regulations on banks. But she voted against both of Trumps Supreme Court picks. And the polls? The margins are razor-thin. So the Show-Me State? Theyll be showing the nation just where they stand on Nov. 6. [Rapping] Ive lived here my whole life, so I know where everybody lives on a reservation. We dont even have physical addresses. If somebody told me to go to BIA Number 8, I wouldnt even know where that is. But tell me who lives on BIA Number 8 and I can get there. Here on this North Dakota reservation, the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians dont use residential addresses. Do you have your ID? But if they want to vote in the midterm election, they need to have one printed on their ID card. Theyre giving free IDs right now. Yeah. And you should get the word out to everybody around here. Thats because of a recent Supreme Court ruling that lets a controversial North Dakota voter ID law stand. The fight against the North Dakota law started after Richard Brakebill and other members of the Turtle Mountain tribe were turned away from the polls in 2014. They said that because my ID didnt have my address, and I didnt really have a North Dakota ID or anything that was really a letdown to me, you know? I felt bad, you know, when they refused me. Now a seasonal laborer, Brakebill is also a Navy veteran, who says hes voted steadily since he was 18. Thats what kind of upset me too, you know, you go serve our country and then to be treated like that, you know? With the Native American Rights Fund and others representing them, the Turtle Mountain members tried to block the law. They argued that it was discriminatory, in part because reservations dont use physical addresses. They won their case. A federal judge ruled the law unconstitutional in 2016. But their fight wasnt over. The next year, the North Dakota governor signed a new law with essentially the same rules. Turtle Mountain tried to block the law again. And that case made its way up to the Supreme Court of the United States. I didnt hear a lot of conversation about the Supreme Court decision when it first came down. I think it was when people started realizing, a day or two after, that it really meant suppression of our votes. Jamie Azure has been meeting with other tribal leaders and advocates to figure out how to get people the documentation they need. We came up with a tribal letterhead in when we met at Spirit Lake. I mean, they have everything on there. They have post office box, physical address, enrollment number. They have a photo ID. Proponents of the law say its necessary to stop fraud, especially since North Dakota doesnt require voters to register in advance. But according to the Native American Rights Fund, native voters are more than twice as likely as others to lack a qualifying ID. Come on. Bring it into your heart and bring it over your head. With the midterms fast approaching, the tribes are not alone in feeling the pressure. The Democratic Party is also rallying to get the word out in native communities here. [chanting] [drumming] The reservations in North Dakota are patches of blue in a sea of red. This is a very conservative state. Democratic Senator Heidi Heitkamp barely won in 2012. Her margin of victory was only about 3,000 votes. You need to vote. And you need to vote in record numbers. Lets send a message that the highest turnout of any group in North Dakota is Native Americans because they wont mess with you again. [applause] Now, Heitkamp is trailing her Republican opponent in the polls. If Democrats are to have a chance of flipping the Senate, Heidi Heitkamp needs to win. And her winning depends on getting native North Dakotans out to vote. Theyre depending on her too. The most important issues on the federal level for the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa are federal programs and federal grants. Its scary knowing that we dont have control over our own future right now. The Democratic Party has field organizers working on four reservations across North Dakota. Anna Giron focuses on Turtle Mountain, where shes from. Thank you. The new tribal ID, right? No one knows exactly how many people here lack the proper ID. And Ill give you a ride to go and get your O.K. ID. Younger residents are more likely to have a state-issued drivers license, which always has an address on it. The problem is bigger for the elderly. Miss Wally, are you up for a little bit of company? The voter name Eugene Oh, you did it already? You dont have any type of North Dakota ID that has a physical address on it? No. Joe, do you have any of your ID on you? All right. Now see, this is an old tribal ID that we have. This has no address on it. New tribal IDs usually cost $10. That may not sound like a lot, but this reservation has a 59 percent unemployment rate. In response to the voter ID law, all the tribes in North Dakota are now issuing IDs for free. One, two, three. Thats nice. Yep, its nice. The county generates the addresses. I look like a criminal here. In Turtle Mountain, there will also be a machine at each polling place on Nov. 6, ready to print new cards for those who still need them. Back in the 1800s, we fought the same battles. The only difference between the 1800s and now is, 1800s, we have guns. Now we have a pen. Yep. And the pen is what we need to use So now, we are in 2018. And we are reengaged back into the fight. Were not going to let anybody stop us from voting. This is the power that we have. And we have a very unique power for this specific election. And I just want people to understand the importance of that. Maggie Astor, a political reporter for The Times, recently traveled to North Dakota to report on a voter ID law that might keep Native Americans away from the polls. She sent us this story, about experiencing the issue firsthand: I spent three days last week in North Dakota reporting on the voter ID law there, which requires residential addresses. Many Native Americans dont have residential addresses, and the problem was driven home for me by what should have been a very simple task: getting to one of the reservations to report. I didnt have enough cell service in North Dakota to use Google Maps, so I rented a GPS unit with my car. It took me to the city limits of Fort Totten, the seat of the Spirit Lake Reservation and then it stopped. It told me I had arrived at the tribes administrative offices. I was actually in the middle of a remote highway, with a lake on one side and fields on the other. I had just enough service to make a call, so I pulled over and called OJ Semans, of the Native American voting rights group Four Directions, whom I was meeting at the office. He named some landmarks the GPS might be able to find, but it couldnt find any of them. What we ended up doing was almost comical. I told OJ the lake was on my left, which told him which direction I was facing. He went to a spot where he could see the highway, and he started describing the oncoming cars. The amount of time that passed between him describing one and me seeing it told us how far away I was. I put my flashers on to identify my car, and when he finally saw it, he told me to turn. Alls well that ends well until a few hours later, when I drove to the Turtle Mountain Reservation in Belcourt and the same thing happened again. This is the heart of the problem. Even tribal headquarters, the biggest buildings in town, dont always have addresses. As state officials have noted, addresses can be assigned, and many have been. But the sheer scope of their absence tells you what a huge task it is. Welcome to The New York Timess international election newsletter, where Sarah Lyall tries to explain the U.S. midterm elections to readers outside the United States (and perhaps to herself). Only a week to go. Its been an awful few days, with the slaughter of 11 worshipers by an anti-Semitic, anti-immigrant gunman at a Pennsylvania synagogue, and the efforts, apparently by a deranged Floridian supporter of President Trump, to send pipe bombs to prominent Democrats and Trump critics. I have been thinking, wistfully, of the time more than half a century ago when, faced with what feels to me to be a similar kind of moral turbulence, Americans finally woke up and said enough. The year was 1954. The longtime anti-Communist obsessions of the Republican senator Joe McCarthy had succeeded in infusing the country with a toxic brew of fear, mistrust and paranoia. But then, in the midst of a televised hearing about whether Communists secretly lurked in Army, as Mr. McCarthy claimed, an Army lawyer named Joseph Welch could not take it any longer. No official details were given on the circumstances of Mr. Bulgers death. But some of the federal prison employees, all of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity because the information was not yet public, said Mr. Bulger did not die of old age. Rather, they said, he was beaten to death by at least two fellow inmates at the West Virginia federal prison, where he had been transferred to the day before. Inside a maximum security cell at the U.S. Penitentiary, Hazelton in Bruceton Mills, W. Va., Mr. Bulger was likely attacked early in the morning sometime between 6 a.m., when cell doors were unlocked so inmates could go to breakfast, and 8 a.m., when the staff made rounds, federal prison employees said. Mr. Bulger had not emerged from his cell for breakfast and when prison staff went to check on him, they found him wrapped in blankets and unresponsive, they said. When they tried to shake him, blood spattered the floor. He was dead. One of the federal prison workers said that the inmates involved in the killing were thought to be affiliated with the mob. Separately, a senior law enforcement official, who oversees organized crime cases but was not involved in the investigation into Mr. Bulgers death, said he was told by a federal official that an organized crime figure was believed to be responsible. And a lawyer for Mr. Bulger, J.W. Carney Jr., made clear that he blamed the prison system for the death of his client, whom, he said, he was proud to have been appointed to represent. He was sentenced to life in prison, but as a result of decisions by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, that sentence has been changed to the death penalty, Mr. Carney said. Mr. Bulger is by no means the first organized crime figure to be killed once arrested, tried, convicted and sent off to serve his time. In his new book, Dr. Jauhar tells the stories of the intrepid doctors who pioneered cardiovascular surgery in the late 19th century, cutting open patients to deftly repair acute wounds with needles and catgut before quickly closing them back up to avoid heavy bleeding. More complicated procedures, however, necessitated more sophisticated machinery. Surgeons needed a device that could take over the job of the heart so they could temporarily stop the organ from beating and cut into it to repair congenital defects and other chronic problems. That led Dr. C. Walton Lillehei to develop cross-circulation, a procedure in which a heart patient was hooked up to a second person whose heart and lungs could pump and oxygenate their blood during long procedures. Dr. Lillehei practiced cross-circulation on dogs before finally trying the procedure on humans in 1954. Like other heart surgeons who would advance the field through risky procedures, Dr. Lillehei faced enormous criticism as he tried to break new ground. His critics were aghast, said Dr. Jauhar. They said, this is the first operation in the history of mankind that could kill not one but two people. Some of Dr. Lilleheis patients survived. Others succumbed to infections and other complications. But the work he did allowed others to develop the heart-lung machine, which today is used in more than a million cardiac operations around the globe each year. Since then scientists have developed procedures that bypass or prop open diseased coronary arteries, as well as implantable cardiac devices and heart medications that save millions of lives annually. Nationwide, heart disease is still the leading killer of adults. But cardiovascular medicine has grown by leaps and bounds: Mortality after a heart attack has dropped tenfold since the late 1950s. Yet the role that emotional health plays in the development of the disease remains largely underappreciated, Dr. Jauhar says. He traces this to the landmark Framingham Heart Study, started in 1948, which followed thousands of Americans and identified important cardiovascular risk factors like cholesterol, blood pressure and smoking. The Framingham investigators initially considered looking at psychosocial determinants of heart disease as well, but ultimately decided to focus on things that were more easily measured. What came out of it were the risk factors that we now know and treat, Dr. Jauhar said. What was eliminated were things like emotional dysfunction and marital health. That, he says, was a mistake. In the decades since then, other studies have shown that people who feel socially isolated or chronically stressed by work or relationships are more prone to heart attacks and strokes. Studies on Japanese immigrants to America found that their heart disease risk multiplies. But those who retain their traditional Japanese culture and strong social bonds are protected: Their heart disease rates do not rise. Dr. Jauhar argues that health authorities should list emotional stress as a key modifiable risk factor for heart disease. But it is much easier to focus on cholesterol than emotional and social disruption. Divers scoured the Java Sea on Tuesday looking for clues that could explain why a brand new airliner fell out of the sky just moments after takeoff, killing all 189 people on board. Before Lion Air Flight 610 lost contact on Monday, the plane displayed erratic changes in its speed, altitude and direction, causing experts to speculate that a problem with the aircraft's instruments used to calculate airspeed and altitude may have contributed to the crash. Those indicators, or pitot tubes, have been implicated in previous aviation disasters, but experts said that determining the cause of the crash would ultimately require the recovery of the planes flight data recorders, the so-called black boxes. It is also possible, experts said, that the type of plane involved in the crash the Boeing 737 Max 8, which entered commercial service only around a year and a half ago may have another flaw that had not manifested itself in other fleets before because it is so new. [Heres a look into Indonesias troubling aviation safety record.] Pilots and aviation analysts, however, cautioned that they had not heard chatter about any such problem afflicting other Max 8 planes. So could this be another case of lax safety and maintenance standards in Indonesia? Lion Air has a troubling air-safety record, with at least 15 major incidents. The companys spate of problems mirrored a surge in crashes that afflicted the entire Indonesian aviation industry, causing Western nations to ban Indonesian carriers. Pilots who worked for Lion Air and its competitors in Indonesia said training for flight and ground crews sometimes did not keep up with the latest developments in new planes. And aviation experts have raised questions about whether pilots like Bhavye Suneja, the captain of Flight 610, are given adequate training in flying planes during emergency conditions or in handling new technology like that in the Max 8. The 737 Max family of planes is Boeings fastest-selling in history, the company said, with nearly 4,700 orders worldwide. Indonesian transport authorities said they had ordered an inspection of all the Max 8 jets operated by domestic carriers. On Tuesday, Mr. Ony, the Indonesian safety investigator, said the immediate priority was finding the so-called black boxes the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder which may offer critical information about what happened in the final minutes of the flight. For descendants of the millions in Asia who were killed or brutalized in a war started by Imperial Japan, Mr. Gerteis said, the ruling is a stark reminder. This was their holocaust, he said. Here is some background on the South Korean courts ruling and what it could mean going forward: What did the South Korean court decide? It upheld a lower-court ruling in 2013 that Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal must pay 100 million won, or about $88,700, to each of four South Korean men who said they had been subjected to forced labor between 1941 and 1943. Korea was a Japanese colony from 1910 until Japans surrender in 1945. The ruling could apply to pending cases involving other companies accused of using forced labor. The court said there was nothing in postwar agreements or international law that prevented individual victims from seeking redress. The Nippon Steel case has added resonance because the lawsuit was filed more than 20 years ago, and nearly all former forced laborers there who could have received compensation have since died. I am the only one still alive to see this day come, Lee Chun-shik, 94, the surviving plaintiff, told reporters outside the courthouse. What are the broader implications? The verdict could open the floodgates for other victims and their relatives to file lawsuits against an estimated 300 Japanese companies accused of using forced labor during the colonial era. BRUSSELS The European stage Angela Merkel commanded for so long and so effectively may be cracking, if not collapsing. She has been the poster woman for Europes democratic center, but the center is imploding. She and Germany have been a symbol of stability, but now even Germany is seen as politically unstable. But the prospect of her departure she announced this week that she will not run for another term as the German chancellor has nonetheless created a degree of panic at the core of the European Union. Ms. Merkel may be becoming more unpopular at home, and her influence over others may be waning. But to those who believed and worked for the dream of an ever-closer union, Ms. Merkel was considered fundamentally reliable, decent and committed to Europe and its values. She stood as a bulwark against the strutting populists who now run countries as varied as Italy, Hungary and Poland. What Europe will do without Ms. Merkel is no small question, especially when nationalism is rising and Europes politics seem to be reorganized not along the usual left-right spectrum, but rather around who is for Europe, and who is against it. One of the museums most arresting possessions is a drawing of each level of the Marie Seraphique, a ship that could carry up to 312 slaves. The drawing shows that the bottom of the boat carried barrels of water while the third level carried slaves. They are shown naked, chained to the ships wall, seemingly not an inch of space between them. The drawing also indicates the number and gender of the slaves acquired in Africa, how many survived the journey, and an accounting of the goods bought in the Caribbean with the earnings from the sale of slaves. You would not find that ships diagram in many other places, said Anthony Bogues, a historian and head of the Slavery and Justice Center at Brown University, who has worked with the Nantes museum and others across Europe to rethink how they portray their slave trading and colonial past. In the memorial, three ninth-grade girls from a school in rural Normandy stopped to read a quote on the wall from Nantess slave-trading heyday in the 1700s. It was from Louis Mosnier, the commander of the ship The Sun. 23rd of March, 1774. They threw themselves into the sea, 14 black women, all together, all at the same time, in a single motion what diligence they had, the waves were very large and rough, the winds blowing with torment. The sharks had already eaten many before it was possible to launch a boat so that we could only save seven of them of which one died. As one girl finished reading, she pulled her sweatshirt around her. Its cold here, she said. Im done. She and the others turned to go. Visitors will be invited to explore their notions of food through the lens of disgust, said Dr. West, an organizational psychologist, who hopes the museum will stimulate discussion and self-reflection. Whats interesting is that disgust is hard-wired biologically, Dr. West said this week over a restaurant lunch of cabbage pudding. But you still have to learn from your surroundings what you should find disgusting. The idea for the exhibition was prompted, in part, by his concerns about the ecological impact of eating meat and his own environmental footprint. He said he hoped the exhibition would stimulate discussion about sustainable protein sources. We cant continue the way we are now, he said. I was asking myself why dont we eat insects when they are so cheap and sustainable to produce? The obstacle is disgust. Some tourists decided to go for a swim in famed Saint Marks Square, in front of the citys cathedral. The cathedral itself was damaged by flooding as water submerged part of the floor in the central part of the basilica for only the fifth recorded time in its nine-century history, officials said. The water covered several dozens of square meters of the marble pavement in front of the altar of the Madonna Nicopeia, a 12th century icon, and submerged the baptistery, the board responsible for the building said in a statement. Near the covered entrance to the basilica, the mosaic floor was under as much as 35 inches of water, it said, soaking the monumental bronze doors, columns and marble. Water levels remained above ground in the basilica for 16 hours. It may not be visible to the eye, but structures age because of the salt water drenching the bricks, which were not meant to remain underwater for long; that goes for bronze, too, said Pierpaolo Campostrini, one of the board members. The bricks are like sponges, and if the water levels dont drop, the water rises several meters to the mosaic level. In one day, the basilica aged 20 years, he said. An editorial on Tuesday in the Venice daily Il Gazzettino asked what had happened to the Moses Project, the divisive, still-unfinished, multibillion-dollar system of floodgates that has been under construction for years. Venice, built on a lagoon of the Adriatic on Italys northeastern coast, has always been vulnerable to flooding, and the system of barriers is supposed to offer some protection as global warming and rising seas make the threat worse. LONDON A senior member of the Saudi royal family, who had feared returning to the kingdom, flew back to Riyadh from London on Tuesday in the most significant move in the royal family since the killing of the dissident Jamal Khashoggi. [Update: Three senior members of the Saudi royal family are arrested.] The return of Prince Ahmed bin Abdulaziz, which was confirmed by three Saudis close to him, comes amid an international backlash against the kingdom after the brutal death of Mr. Khashoggi. Prince Ahmed, the younger brother of King Salman, had been afraid to return, associates of his family said, since he had made public comments last month that appeared to criticize Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, 33, the kings favorite son and the de facto ruler of the kingdom. As one of the most senior figures in the royal family, Prince Ahmed, in his 70s, could help bestow legitimacy on any family response to the furor over Mr. Khashoggis killing whether that response might be some effort to limit the crown princes unrivaled power or instead to reinforce his grip on the kingdom. Our poll result is about what was expected. But remember: Its just one poll, and we talked to only 477 people. Each candidates total could easily be five points different if we polled everyone in the district. And having a small sample is only one possible source of error. Can Democrats finally flip this Republican-held blue district? We made 32395 calls, and 477 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: The districts quirky boundary encompasses affluent high-tech suburbs and Boeing facilities to the west and cherry and apple farms across the Cascade Mountains, and its business makeup leaves it vulnerable to the presidents actions on trade . Ms. Schrier is focusing on health care and has said the Republican effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act prompted her to run. He has served as a state senator and has repeatedly sought statewide office, running for governor twice and the U.S. Senate once. He won this district each time. Mr. Rossi is considered one of the top Republican recruits of the cycle, and his bid is a major reason this is still considered a top-tier race. This district has never sent a Democrat to the House, but it has regularly voted for Democrats in presidential races. Congressman Dave Reicherts decision to retire dealt a big blow to Republicans chances of extending their streak. He even held the district through the 2006 and 2008 Democratic wave elections. is a former legislator with high name recognition from several statewide campaigns. 44% favorable rating; 47% unfavorable; 9% dont know Each dot shows one of the 32395 calls we made. If sampling error were the only type of error in a poll, we would expect candidates who trail by three points in a poll of 477 people to win about two out of every seven races. But this probably understates the total error by a factor of two . 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. Assumptions about who is going to vote may be particularly important in this race. Our poll under different turnout scenarios Who will vote? Est. turnout Our poll result The types of people who voted in 2014 226k Schrier +2 People whose voting history suggests they will vote, regardless of what they say 257k Schrier +3 Our estimate 260k Schrier +3 People who say they will vote, adjusted for past levels of truthfulness 275k Schrier +2 People who say they are almost certain to vote, and no one else 297k Rossi +3 The types of people who voted in 2016 312k Schrier +3 Every active registered voter 433k Even 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 4 3 5 9 4 9 1 in 89 10% 10% 30 to 64 1 7 0 0 5 2 9 4 1 in 58 62% 62% 65 and older 4 4 5 7 1 3 4 1 in 33 28% 29% Male 1 1 6 8 2 2 4 2 1 in 48 51% 48% Female 1 4 1 4 4 2 3 5 1 in 60 49% 52% White 2 0 0 6 6 3 8 5 1 in 52 81% 79% Nonwhite 3 2 2 2 4 5 1 in 72 9% 11% Cell 1 5 2 7 8 2 6 6 1 in 57 56% Landline 1 0 5 4 8 2 1 1 1 in 50 44% Pollsters compensate by giving more weight to respondents from under-represented groups. Here, were weighting by age, primary vote, gender, likelihood of voting, race, education 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 Dont weight by education, like many polls in 2016 Schrier +3 Our estimate Schrier +3 Dont weight by primary vote, like most public polls Schrier +1 Weight using census data instead of voting records, like most public polls Rossi +4 A resident of the 1900 block of Milton Avenue reported to police Oct. 23 receiving a telephone call from someone claiming they were from a utility supplier. The caller requested that the resident complete an electronic fund transfer or the service would be cut off. The resident realized this was a scam and provided no information. The way that I think about this is not in the context of not slating incumbents. It really is in the context of competition, Hanley said. We saw tons of really qualified candidates running for a limited number of spots. In the past, typically there has been maybe one maybe (no) extra candidates in addition to the incumbents seeking to be slated. So, with competition lends a lot of choices and we went with the highest quality candidates. Chihuahua Julep, a cocktail bar that opened in central Helsinki, Finland, in August, has banned patrons from using smartphones inside the venue to encourage real-world social interaction. Initially, the owners of Chihuahua Julep only encouraged visitors to put their smartphones away so that the light from their screens wouldnt ruin the bars ambience, but after seeing that those who followed the recommendation seemed more relaxed and at the same time more engaged in conversations with their friends, they decided to impose an outright ban on handhelds. Now, anyone wanting to enjoy a drink inside the venue must store their phone inside a box on arrival. Photo: Chihuahua Julep Owner Jami Jarvinen said that some people struggle with the ban, especially young people and parents anxious to keep track of their children, but most patrons actually welcomed the chance to unwind without the pings and buzzes of smartphones. Its great to see that it was the right decision. People really need a moment in their hectic daily lives to relax without smart devices, and many wouldnt do so if we hadnt decided to enforce the ban, Jarvinen told Finnish broadcaster Yle, adding that bar staff have witnessed many unforgetable moments of human interaction thanks to the lack of smartphones. Social interaction is so different when phones are out of the picture. Many people would like to cut down on smartphone use but cant seem to manage it, Mr. Jarvinen said. Smartphone and social media addiction is a hot topic in Finland these days, with some experts claiming that around 90% of smartphone users in the northern country are addicted to their smartphones. Other have called for a ban on smartphones in schools, and therapies for internet addiction. Interestingly, Chihuahua Julep isnt the worlds first bar to ban smartphones. A couple of years ago, the owner of The Gin Tub, a pub in Brighton, UK, installed a Faraday cage that blocked all mobile phone signals completely. A self-described whimsical scientist locked himself in a small air-tight plastic foil tent with 200 plants to see if they could covert CO2 into oxygen fast enough to keep him alive. Kurtis Baute sealed himself in a 3m by 3m plastic-wrapped biodome in his brothers backyard in British Columbia, Canada, last week, but he announced his audacious plan to his YouTube fans, in August. He hoped to find out if by surrounding himself with plants, enough of the CO2 he breathed out could be converted into oxygen to allow him to survive in the sealed enclosure for at least three days. Unfortunately, he had to abort the experiment after only 15 hours, as CO2 levels reached a dangerous point where he risked suffering brain damage or even falling into a coma. Photo: Kurtis Baute/Instagram I could probably survive in the jar three days, Baute wrote on his website last week. But my goal is not to just not die, my goal is to end this project without having turned blue, developed brain damage, gotten heat stroke, or just generally caused lasting harm to my body. But as it turns out, thats exactly what he risked as the 200 plans he took with him into the air-tight biodome couldnt keep with his needs. Apparently, a cloudy sky prevented them from receiving all the sunlight they needed to perform photosynthesis, so they couldnt recycle CO2 fast enough. Plants are great at soaking up CO2, they love the stuff.. But they can only handle so much, and since it isnt a bright and sunny day (its overcast) they arent getting the light they need Which means CO2 just keeps rising. Will have to abort today if this keeps up, the young experimenter tweeted on October 24. 15 hours into the experiment, Baute reached the set danger threshold and called it quits. Still, he called the experience a huge success as his main goal was actually the devastating effects of climate change and CO2 emissions. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kurtis Baute (@kbaute) on Oct 19, 2018 at 5:49pm PDT The messed up thing about my experiment is that some of my abort values (eg If CO2 is too high I escape) are just everyday experiences for many people on this planet. Everyone deserves clean air, but not everyone has it, he wrote. A 29-year-old American man decided to leave the United States behind and move to a remote jungle village in India so he wouldnt have to constantly worry about paying back his student loan. Like many other Americans, Chad Haag had to rely on a student loan to pay for his college education, but he struggled to find a college-level job after graduating, and going back school to pursue a masters degree in comparative literature didnt really help in that regard. His first job had him unloading trucks and constructing toy rockets on a factory assembly line, then he worked as an adjunct professor, but with only one class assigned per semester, he could barely make a living, let alone pay back his $20,000 student loan. At one point, struggling to pay the $300 monthly instalments became too stressful, so he just packed his bags, said goodbye to his life in the US and moved to a small village in India. Photo: prasadganapule69/Pixabay The philosophy major told CNBC that before moving to a country on the other side of the globe, he considered living in a cave to escape his student loan. He knew someone who had done the same, but after thinking it over, he decided that emigrating to a far away country was better. He lives in a concrete house in the village of Uchakkada for only $50 a month, and recently married an Indian citizen, a professor at a local college. As for his soon-to-default student loan, hes not worried about it anymore. Its kind of like, if a tree falls in the woods and no one hears it, does it really exist? he said. I would say that the debt does not weigh on me the way that it might have in the past, in the sense that most of the measures they could take against me have become practically irrelevant. For example garnishing wages from an American employer is not even an avenue of power that they have anymore. While he acknowledges that his $20,000 student loan wasnt that much of a burden as that shouldered by other borrowers, Haag said that the inability to find a job that would have allowed him to make the monthly $300 payments and still have enough to live on made it a lot more stressful to deal with than most people think. Chad Haag left for India in 2018 to escape student debt from CNBC. Chad admits that putting his life in America behind him did involve some sacrifices for example some toilets in his village are just simple holes in the ground overall he is very happy with his decision to move there. I saw four elephants just yesterday, he told CNBC, adding that he hopes to never set fut in a Walmart again. I have a higher standard of living in a Third World country than I would in America, because of my student loans, Haag concluded. I couldnt make the math work in America. Experts say that moving to a foreign country to escape student loans is risky, as if borrowers ever want to return to the US theyll find that their debt larger than before because of compound interest, collection charges and late fees. Still, many choose this options, and personal finance websites even offer guides on how to pull it off. Finn Partners has acquired New York-based agency MFA Marketing & Public Relations. Financial terms of the deal were not publicly disclosed. MFA, formerly known as Missy Farren & Associates, specializes in food, travel, sports, wellness, crisis and social responsibility. The agency, which staffs 20, was founded in 1994 by CEO Missy Farren. Finn Partners founding partner Peter Finn with MFA founder and CEO Missy Farren. In light of the acquisition, MFA will now operate under the Finn brand name, with the agency set to relocate into Finns New York headquarters sometime next year. Farren becomes FP managing partner. Rick Gould, Gould+Partners, introduced the agencies and served as MFAs advisor during negotiations. Finn Partners earlier this year acquired London-based travel and tourism firm Brighter Group, a deal that came on the heels of its 2017 acquisitions of New York-based global B2B firm ABI Marketing Public Relations and Singapore-based B2B PR and marketing agency Ying Communications. New York-based Finn Partners accounted for nearly $82 million in net fees last year, according to ODwyers rankings of PR firms. Kelly Johnston Campbell Soup fired VP-government affairs Kelly Johnston for spreading false information that billionaire philanthropist George Soros was funding the caravan of people from Central America heading for the US. Johnston, on his personal Twitter account, charged Soros' Open Society Foundation with bankrolling "rail cars" for the migrants who are walking through Mexico heading for the US. Keith McLoughlin, interim CEO of Campbell, sent a letter to Open Society to rebuke Johnston's remark. We expect our leaders to present facts, to deal with objective truths and to exercise impeccable judgment," wrote McLoughlin. Mr. Johnstons remarks do not represent the position of Campbell and are inconsistent with how Campbell approaches public debate. The Open Society said it was surprised to see a Campbell's executive spreading false stories, though it supports "the historic U.S. commitment to welcoming people fleeing oppression and violence in their homelands." Johnston joined Campbell in 2002, Earlier, he was secretary of the Sentate under then Majority Leader Bob Dole and a PR staffer at the National Food Processors Assn. Campbell is in the midst of takeover battle with investor Daniel Loeb. Sally Bain As we move deeper into the final quarter of 2018, weve observed and experienced some significant trends emerging in our healthcare practice. Notably, weve collaborated with a steady influx of healthcare companies headquartered in Asia who are staking a claim for their brands in the U.S. market. Were also getting back to basics: our team has had an increased refocus on traditional earned media asks from both existing clients and prospects. Finally, the second coming of the digital health revolution is here. Companies are innovating in regards to how theyre engaging with stakeholders and influencers that matter. East meets west in the west The interest and expansion of healthcare companies based in APAC or funded by APAC investors to launch their brands in the U.S. has grown significantly. Weve had the exciting opportunity to work with a number of these companies and to support the introductions of their unique and innovative services, including investigative therapeutics. Their approach to communications and engagement has been a welcomed transformation as we continue to expand and refine our global capabilities. More specifically, a global healthcare company with headquarters in Singapore whos cultivated a number of spinoff brands playing in the hottest healthcare trends including digital health, drug delivery, AI and patient engagement, recently came to us with one request: help us establish these companies with a targeted and strategic approach. The team recently launched a technology that can support a fully remote clinical trial through smart-phone technology. The back-end analytics thats produced through the companys technology platform is the first-of-its-kind and theres no doubt that we believe that the benefits of a remote digital trial will positively impact how drugs are brought to market. Our team also engaged with a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company with investments from a large Korean pharmaceutical organization that truly has a unique approach to its clinical pipeline. With treatments currently being investigated to treat neuropathic pain and Alzheimers, in true East meets West fashion, the therapy combines chemical compounds with botanicals from China and Korea. The offering will be a category disruptor for its mechanism of action. Traditional media is evolving Were a work in progress. Weve continued to fine-tune our integrated offering but earned media has and will continue to live at our core. In this new real-time media environment, where the rules of engagement are changing daily, we are taking the necessary steps to ensure we are in lock step with our clients and their communications objectives. Whether you define yourself as on the left or the right, red or blue, a supporter or resister of the current administration, we as an industry cant ignore the impact its had on our day-to-day work. Its affected our planning, approach, how we counsel our clients and ultimately, the results. So, what does this look like in real terms? Were dedicating more time to the development of storytelling and narratives that support our clients mission but also follow trends that allow us to insert points of view on to the national stage. Weve created our own version of a war room except were not in crisis mode, were in creative mode. In this mindset, were analyzing the current healthcare media landscape and how we approach inundated reporters and influencers with our messaging. The digital health revolution continues We believe that every company is a technology company. Over the past 12 months, weve experienced an upsurge of interest in the digital health arena. Weve continued to successfully serve clients that are driven by technology at their core offering. Whether its optimizing clinical research to enable discoveries through the creation of real-world evidence or providing amplification for a social platform for doctors to collaborate, were helping to differentiate their value proposition to targeted decision makers. With so many healthcare and healthcare technology trade publications dedicated to covering the evolution of digital health, we recognized quickly as a team that its essential for us to follow, read, like, retweet and engage with influencers to effectively stay on top of the news and guidance in a regulated environment. Most recently, a statement from FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb detailed the new steps they are taking to spur innovation in digital health a recognized and welcomed big step for a regulated entity. Gottlieb detailed their approach as a government agency to assist companies not accustomed to operating in a regulatory environment. As we anticipate a bright and productive 2019, growth and a streamlined and focused approach will continue for us. Building stories to support our clients is second nature to our team. We thrive on digging into the details and creating opportunities to define our clients unique and innovative solutions to the market. Storytelling gets us out of bed every day. Let us do it for you. *** Sally Bain is senior vice president, earned media at Racepoint Global. JobPath supplier Turas Nua has announced they are increasing their efforts to work with more employers in Offaly and are targeting an additional 180 businesses and organisations over the course of the coming year. This is on top of the 554 employers they are already working within the county. The employment activation organisation delivers the JobPath programme on behalf of the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection in 13 counties across the southern half of the Republic of Ireland. They are now placing approximately 1,000 people in jobs each month. In Offaly, they have helped 769 people find work and expect that number to increase further over the course of the coming year. Turas Nua are tasked with preparing the long-term unemployed (ie those out of work for 12 months or longer) to secure and sustain employment. Across their entire area of operations, Turas Nua has now placed more than 20,000 long-term unemployed people in work. While a total of 4,873 people in Offaly have participated in training courses delivered as part of the bespoke training programme provided by Turas Nua for each participant. For the next phase of their operations, Turas Nua is looking to add to their roster of employers and will be making a push across their area of operations to add an additional 5,000 employers to their roster over the next 12 months. This will bring the total number of employers they work with to over 20,000. Turas Nuas employer service includes the provision of training and development courses that are specifically designed to meet the employers requirements, onsite visits to ensure the employers needs are being addressed, detailed candidate screening, the provision of off-site interview space as well as advice on how employers can progress their workforce and access free employee training. Speaking about the focus on attracting more Offaly employers, Colin Donnery, Director with Turas Nua said, We are making a concentrated effort over the coming year to work with additional employers from throughout Offaly. This includes employers of all sizes, from household name brands to local operations and start-up businesses." "Employers large and small have all seen how we can tailor our approach to give them what they need. That focus applies both during the recruitment process and in the provision of post-hire support. This approach has helped us work with most of our employer partners in Offaly again and again as new job opportunities arise, involving fresh needs for the employer." We are here to help improve the entire employment activation process. That means working with employers as well as job seekers. Which is why we have put a lot of focus into developing a strong package of support for employers. Creating employment opportunities has never been a numbers game, it is a qualitative process which needs to benefit both the job holder and the employer. We understand that employers dont just want employees, they want the right employees." We are delighted that Turas Nua is already working with a large and growing contingent of Offaly employers who value our service. We are constantly seeking to help enable more successful employment placements. We are now seeking to bring our services to an additional 180 employers in Offaly over the course of the coming year." "We expect the number of Offaly companies we are working with to keep growing, meaning more jobseekers can secure lasting jobs and more employers can thrive by securing the staff they require to fulfil their business needs, Mr. Donnery concluded. RENUA Ireland leader and Offaly County Councillor John Leahy has told the Offaly Express that he will be approaching failed presidential candidate Peter Casey to join his party following the weekend election. Peter Casey was the bolter of the controversial presidential election as he emerged from the pack to finish second to Michael D Higgins with over 20% of the vote. Casey received over 30% of the vote in Offaly and amassed over 340,000 votes across the country. Casey had been polling at 2% before making controversial comments about the ethnic status of travellers and labelling them "people living on other people's land." He also questioned their contribution to society in terms of tax and said he did not see them as a different ethnic group, despite former Taoiseach Enda Kenny announces such special status before leaving office in 2017. Peter Casey also made it clear that "middle Ireland" taxpayers were being forgotten about as a group of people became dependent on social welfare, and John Leahy says this tallies with one of RENUA's six pillars, 'taxpayers first.' "We're reaching out to Peter Casey because we believe he's in line with what we're saying, particularly on three of six of our core pillars, namely taxpayers first, entrepreneurship and law and order," Leahy told the Offaly Express. "He's touched on law and order in terms of the traveller movement and from our point of view, we believe he was honest in what he was saying. We don't believe he was anti-traveller in any shape or form, but at least he was honest and reflecting what's actually happening on the ground," Leahy continued. John Leahy, who sits on the Traveller Accommodation Committee, said, "I've said this for two or three years at committee level that the way a small proportion of travellers carry on is disgraceful." "You can't have a situation where there is an element of crime related to travellers, an element of illegal encampment and disregard for property and burning rubbish. There is one rule for the travellers and another rule for settled people, and that's the reality." Continuing, Leahy said, "I work with travellers, and don't get me wrong, I'm not anti-traveller, but what I'm saying is it's a reflection of what's happening on the ground, and people are looking for someone to come out and say that and he [Casey] came out and said it." "But he said a lot more too, he spoke about taxpayers and entrepreneurship and I feel like people felt it was a breath of fresh air and decided they were going to reward him for his honesty and bravery in coming out," Leahy added. Speaking about the surprising level of the vote around Ireland for Peter Casey, Leahy said, "there is a message in that and it's that rural middle Ireland are sick to the teeth of everything going on at the moment, they're seeing ethnic minority groups getting status, making no contribution, not them all now but the vast majority, and people are absolutely sick of it." "They're working every day, they're listening to Fine Gael's spin that the economy is recovering and they're looking after people who get up early in the morning. The reason they are getting up early in the morning is to sit on a motorway and to get an extra fiver a week in their pay packet in 2019, that's the reality." John suggested rural crime is another reason people voted for Peter Casey, saying, "people are frightening." "Renua is strong on crime and we believe repeat offenders and anyone stepping out of line needs to be dealt with severely. Judges are not being tough enough and the people are suffering, especially in rural Ireland." Leahy said he thinks Peter Casey aligns with RENUA on these issues to a large extent and that he would welcome him to the party. He also said that if it came to it and Peter Casey had a mandate and the members of the party wanted him as leader, he wouldn't stand in his way and he would remain in the party in support of Peter Casey. He aims to make contact with the Presidential runner-up in the coming weeks. A seminar organised by the Institute of Public Health in Ireland (IPH) presented research examining how older people can increase their levels of physical activity has heard that GPs have a responsibility to get older people doing more exercise. Just 26% of older people across the country report taking part in healthy levels of weekly physical activity, according to recent reports. Guidelines recommend that those aged 65 and over should aim to get 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity weekly to achieve benefits for every aspect of health. Dr Andrew Boyd, activity champion from the Royal College of General Practitioners, told those gathered that Ireland must focus on getting older people active as our population ages. He suggested: GPs have an important role to play in supporting all patients to optimise their physical activity. GPs and other health professionals in Offaly can be role models for active and healthy lives. GPs and health professionals can empower older people to recognise the benefits of being more active and take control of their own health and lifestyle." Dr Boyd added: GPs are key to older people getting more physical activity. Older people have a strong connection and professional relationship with their GP. GPs, with the support of other health professionals, have an important role to play in providing information to older people and signposting them to physical activity opportunities in their local community. Over 977,000 people are currently aged 65 or over across the island. This will increase to over 2 million people by 2051. Prof Roger OSullivan, Interim CEO at IPH, said: Its important that we keep as active as possible as we grow older. We know from research that as we age, physical activity decreases. However, the benefits of physical activity for older people are significant both physically and mentally." "Simple steps such as walking to the shops rather than driving, meeting a friend for a walk rather than sitting down for a chat, and simply sitting less, can have enormous benefits for us all as we age," he concluded. A man who defiled a 14-year-old girl he collected from a teenage disco in Dublin has had his three year jail term cut to two on appeal. The man, then aged 19, had agreed to drive the manifestly intoxicated girl home from the Wesley disco in Donnybrook, but made her perform oral sex in his car on the way, a court heard. The now 22-year-old, whose details cannot be published to protect the victims identity, had pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to one count of engaging in a sexual act with a girl under the age of 15 on July 17, 2015. Judge Melanie Greally sentenced him to four years imprisonment with the final 12 months suspended on November 24, 2017. He was resentenced to two years imprisonment today following a successful appeal. President of the Court of Appeal Mr Justice George Birmingham said the 14-and-a-half-year-old girl was attending a teenage disco in Dublin with a few of her friends. She had consumed some vodka which hit her very badly by the time she arrived to the disco. Mr Justice Birmingham said the girl didnt want to be seen by her mother in the state she was in. Although they had never met, they were friends on Facebook, she decided to contact the accused because he was the only person she knew who had a car. He collected her at a garage and they drove around for a while before stopping. He took her head into his lap and she was made to perform oral sex. She felt herself getting sick and pulled away before vomiting. The accused then took her hand and moved it up and down his penis. She was dropped off near her home, visibly upset and unable to sleep. She was found crying by her sister and the following day contacted the gardai. The accused man was arrested some days later and made admissions. In the intervening period he sent her a text message apologising for his behaviour. Mr Justice Birmingham said the accused had just turned 19 at the time of the offence and had left school at 14 due to learning difficulties. He lost his mother to a stroke aged just four and thereafter, struggled badly in school, requiring a special needs assistant. Mr Justice Birmingham said there were factors present which aggravated the offence. The fact the injured party was obviously inebriated and obviously unwell had to be a cause for serious concern. However, in a situation where the injured party was close to her 15th birthday, at which stage the maximum sentence would have been reduced from life imprisonment to five years, the sentencing judge should not have selected a starting point of more than five years, Mr Justice Birmingham said. She started with a headline sentence of six years, the court heard. Mr Justice Birmingham said the appropriate headline sentence was four years with a two year discount for the mitigating factors. These were: the apology, the admissions, the guilty plea, the fact he was a young man who had never been in any kind of trouble before, his remorse, his background, his intellectual limitations and the fact he had a very supportive family. Mr Justice Birmingham, who sat with Mr Justice Michael Peart and Mr Justice Brian McGovern, resentenced the man to two years imprisonment with 12 months post release supervision. Lofton and the juvenile were armed with guns when they entered the salon and demanded purses, phones, cash and other items from customers in the store before taking cash from the register and fleeing the area, police said. There were no injuries. I am so deeply disappointed that I had to resign in such a manner, Paskalides said. I have witnessed the harassment of our superintendent, the attacks on past board members and board presidents. I believe I am being harassed and lied about to the public in retaliation for standing up for what I believe is right. Ayodhya is getting its glory back with new grand Ram Mandir: PM Modi Ayodhya row: Have they been sleeping for last 4 years, Kapil Sibal taunts BJP India oi-Deepika S New Delhi, Oct 30: Senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal on Tuesday attacked the BJP and accused it of raking up the Ram Temple issue for political gains. Sibal said that no one has stopped the ruling party from bringing a law for construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh. ''Have they (BJP) been sleeping for the past 4 years,'' he quipped. ''Court will decide when will Ayodhya case be heard. It can't be decided by BJP or Congress. If they want to make a law, then make it. Congress hasn't stopped them. This issue is raised as elections approach. Have they been sleeping for last 4 years?,'' Sibal said while speaking to ANI. Ram Temple: Why it is not a bad idea to test the ordinance route Remarks from Sibal came hours after the Supreme Court deferred the Ayodhya Ram Janmabhoomi title suit hearing till January, triggering a debate on whether the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre must bring an ordinance to start the construction of the temple before 2019 Lok Sabha elections. His comments came amid growing clamour from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad for a central legislation in the winter session of Parliament to facilitate the construction of a Ram temple. But opposition leaders described these demands as attempts to communalise the issue. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, October 30, 2018, 11:43 [IST] Lewis said that white racial illiteracy needs to be addressed before racial equity can occur in schools the "historical amnesia that we have about our own racial history and our own place in it." BJP to ensure 100% voting of its own voters besides taking other measure to ensure 51% votes India oi-Vinod Kumar Shukla New Delhi, Oct 30: Though Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah is simultaneously working for Assembly elections in five state and 2019 Lok Sabha elections in the country. But the BJP president's special focus is on Uttar Pradesh where he himself is taking care of everything along with chief minister Yogi Adityanath and organising secretary Sunil Bansal. The BJP president is visiting the state quite frequently. Party president along with Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath are working on the party's plan to get 51 per cent votes for the party and they also want to get their own votes to be polled 100 per cent in the Lok Sabha elections to repeat 2014 performance. Sources in the BJP said, "We are working it out on two counts. First the party wants to ensure all its voters to reach poling booth as a big number of Bharatiya Janata Party workers and supports are left out even when there is even good voting percentage especially women folks. So the party is working out on plans how to first minimise that number and then how to take it to 100 per cent. Second, the party is also focusing on such small sections which are neglected by everyone and not given any importance by any political party. The party is drawing list of such sections and will start working among them soon." Fragmented Third Front in Rajasthan unlikely to pose any threat to BJP and Congress The party is also taking feedback not only from its workers but also from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) workers and other affiliate organisation about public mood and what needs to be done. The party is also trying to address resentment among certain sections of the party on the feedback it got from the party workers only. Party president is not only meeting minister in the government but also workers at different level. But sources in the party denied that party president is also discussing cabinet reshuffle in the Uttar Pradesh government which was also being dubbed as one of the important measures to done away with some resentment. Sources said that this will create more hurt burn than making people happy. Cabinet reshuffle has been approved in principal by the party leadership and some sections need more representation but that will happen only after the Lok Sabha elections as it might cause more trouble than easing it out. Mizoram polls 2018: No alliance with BJP, says NEDA member MNF The issue of Ram Temple is also a major concern that the BJP has to deal with wisely. So the party is also in discussion with all the concern persons on the issue in this regard. Did you know the first by-election in Mandya was held in 1968 India oi-Chennabasaveshwar P Bengaluru, Oct 30: Mandya Lok Sabha constituency has witnessed three byelections so far. The by-elections have propelled prominent political figures to the state and national political theater. Comprising eight Assembly segments - Malavalli, Maddur, Melkote, Mandya, Srirangapatna, Nagamangala and K.R. Pet in Mandya district, and Krishnarajanagar in Mysore district - the Mandya Lok Sabha constituency was considered a safe seat for the Congress until former PM HD Deve Gowda-led JD(S) snatched the seat twice in 2009 and 2014. 1968 byelection: For the first time, byelection for the Lok Sabha seat was held in 1968 after Congress MP MK Shivanjappa passed away. He was Congress MP for two full terms (1952, 1957, 1962 and 1967). SM Krishna, who later rose to prominence in Congress party, contested from Praja Socialist Party. It was founded when the Socialist Party, led by Jayprakash Narayan, Acharya Narendra Deva and Basawon Singh (Sinha), merged with the Kisan Mazdoor Praja Party led by J.B. Kripalani (former president of the Indian National Congress and a close associate of Jawaharlal Nehru). Also Read | Siddaramaiah warns BJP against 'Operation Lotus 2.0', says party in a state of 'coma' 1998 byelection: The second by-election was held in 1998, actor-turned-politician MH Ambareesh contested as Janata Dal candidate. He defeated Congress candidate G.Made Gowda. Ambareesh successfully contested from the Congress in 1999 and 2004. He became Minister of State, in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, from 24 October 2006 to 2008. However, resigned protesting against the injustice done to Karnataka by Kaveri dispute tribunal in 2008. 2013 byelection: In 2013, in an interesting byelection, actor-turned-politician Ramya/Divya Spandana from the Congress defeated JDS candidate CS Puttaraju by 67,611 votes. The bypoll was held after JDS leader Cheluvarayaswamy resigned as MP to return to state politics. Also Read | Karnataka bypolls 2018: Renewed bonhomie, war of words Mandya district is considered the 'heartland of Vokkaligas' is going for bypolls after sitting MP CS Puttaraju returned to state politics. This time, JD has fielded former MLA LR Shivarame Gowda. The byelections in Mandya have introduced leaders who can create space for themselves in national and state politics. Only voters can decide whether Shivarame Gowda will also join the league. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, October 30, 2018, 17:44 [IST] DNA of those who burst firecrackers in India on Pakistans win cannot be Indian: Anil Vij Firecrackers ban: SC modifies time restriction during Diwali, allows state govts to decide it India oi-Madhuri Adnal New Delhi, Oct 30: The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered the bursting of firecrackers in Tamil Nadu during Diwali for two hours. The two-hour slot has to be decided by the state government. The apex court said its order on use of green crackers during Diwali was meant for Delhi-NCR, not pan-India. While hearing the plea filed by the Tamil Nadu government, the Court said the state government can decide the time slot but duration cannot exceed the two hours limit. The Tamil Nadu government on Monday had asked the apex court to modify its verdict on bursting crackers to allow them to be used on Diwali morning, as per religious practices in the state. The plea, filed through advocate B Vinod Khanna, sought modification of apex court order that allowed bursting of firecrackers from 8 PM to 10 PM on Diwali and other festivals and said the state should be given permission between 4.30 AM to 6.30 AM as well. Last week, the Supreme Court had refused to impose a blanket ban on firecrackers, allowing the use of "green crackers". The top court had said crackers containing barium salt or those producing a lot of noise would be banned. Firecrackers, it added, can be burnt only between 8 pm and 10 pm on Diwali and other religious festivals, except Christmas Eve and New Year's night, when they will be allowed between 11.45 pm and 12.45 am. ISI stole US sniper guns and handed it over to Jaish in Kashmir India oi-Vicky Nanjappa Jammu, Oct 30: The fresh worry in the Valley is the use of sniper guns by terrorists. Three personnel were killed in sniper attacks, which has led the security mechanism to re-work a fresh strategy. The guns that the terrorists of the Jaish-e-Mohammad are using are the same ones used by the NATO forces against the Taliban in Afghanistan. Security officials tell OneIndia that these weapons were stolen from the US forces by the Taliban and then sold to the ISI. Jaish snipers launched in Valley to introduce element of surprise The ISI in turn provided them to the Jaish terrorists, the official also added. It may be recalled that Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Samir Tiger, had circulated images of himself on the social media posing with the M-4 Carbine. While it was believed that the Hizbul Mujahideen too was using this weapon, investigations later revealed that he had borrowed it to pose for the photograph. When Samir Tiger was killed in an encounter a few months back, the security forces had recovered from him an AK-47 rifle. Sniper strikes: The first sniper attack took place on September 18, when a CRPF personnel was injured at Newa in Pulwama. While at first it was seen as a one off attack, the concerns grew after three more attacks claimed the lives of a Sashstra Seema Bal jawan and an Army personal in Tral and a CISF jawan in Nowgam. While the Jaish-e-Mohammad has claimed responsibility for the attack, the concern is that this new strategy by terrorists would require an overhaul of the security mechanism. Four highly-trained snipers active in Kashmir since Sep: Security officials An Intelligence Bureau official told OneIndia that this is a new strategy that has been adopted by the Jaish. They wanted to move away from their routine attacks and introduced an element of surprise. The official also said that the sniper team comprises four persons from the Jaish who move around in buddy pairs. The sniper team was trained thoroughly by the ISI and Pakistan army, before they were launched into the Valley, officials also say. The M-4 carbine is mounted with a telescope and the terrorists are using night vision devices to locate their potential targets, the officials said. The weapon can fire at its target up to 500-600 metres with precision. In all the instances of sniper attacks, the terrorists used a nearby hillock to carry out strikes on a security force campus when unsuspecting jawans were using their mobile phones to talk to their family or friends. These attacks have been precise, even while targeting a personnel inside a sentry post as he uses his mobile phone. They pick up the light of the mobile phone to carry out the attack on jawans, officials also said. Upping the guard: Meanwhile the security mechanism has upped its guard and a manhunt launched to track down these snipers. The worry is that there could be more attempts by Pakistan to launch snipers and hence a high alert too has been sounded in the Valley. Big concern raised in Valley after terrorists resort to sniperattacks A letter written by Kashmir IGP, S Pani says that there is a concern over sniper attacks by terrorist groups. The letter also suggests safety measures such as raising the height of the walls around security camps. Further the letter also states that there is a need to sensitise the forces to this new trend. With 2 more arrests NIA steps up heat on terrorists targeting civilians in J&K Cleaning up the inside rot: The importance of gunning down Kashmirs white collared terrorists Hyderpora encounter: Bodies of two civilians exhumed, to be handed over to families J&K: 2 JeM terrorists killed in encounter in Tral India oi-Vikas SV Srinagar, Oct 30: Two terrorists affiliated with proscribed terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed have been killed in an encounter with security forces in Chaanketaar village of Pulwama's Tral on Tuesday. The identities of the killed terrorists are being ascertained. Search is still going on in the area. J&K Police requested citizens not to venture inside encounter zone it can be dangerous due to stray explosive materials. People are requested to cooperate with police till area is completely sanitized and cleared of all explosives materials if any. The exchange of fire is said to have ensued after terrorists fired upon a search party. The security forces were on a cordon and search operation in Chaanketaar village of Pulwama, said reports. Jaish snipers launched in Valley to introduce element of surprise Yesterday (October 29), at least five Border Security Force jawans were injured after terrorists attacked BSF vehicle at Pantha Chowk in the outskirts of Srinagar. On the same day, three terrorists were arrested after a brief shootout with the security forces in Narbal area. On Sunday, a 40-year-old PDP worker was gunned down by terrorists in Srinagar. In another incident on Sunday, terrorists opened fire at army patrolling party in Shopian. Sadhvi Pragya Singh told to appear before court once a week in Malegaon blasts case Malegaon blast case: Pragya Singh Thakur, two other accused exempted from court appearance Malegaon blast case: Sadhvi Pragya appears before NIA Court today after skipping twice Not the way to treat people says Sadhvi Pragya after court appearance Lt Col Purohit, Sadhvi Pragya charged in 2008 Malegaon blast case: A timeline India oi-Deepika S Mumbai, Oct 30: Ten years after a blast in Malegaon near Nashik in Maharashtra killed six and injured 101 people, a special court on Tuesday framed charges against the seven accused including Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Purohit and Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur. The seven will face trial under anti-terror law Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and other sections, including murder, criminal conspiracy of the Indian Penal Code. Earlier, in the day, Purohit through his advocate sought deferring of the framing of charges by stating that he wants to appeal against the trial court's order dismissing his claim that UAPA could not be applied in the case. The court, however, said that since there was no stay on proceedings, the court would go on to frame charges against the accused. Malegaon blasts case: Purohit's plea rejected, all seven accused charged for terror conspiracy All seven accused including Purohit, Thakur, Major (retired)Ramesh Upadhyay, Sameer Kulkarni, Ajay Rahirkar, Sudhakar Dwivedi and Sudhakar Chaturvedi, pleaded not guilty to the charges. The court will hear the case next on November 2. Following is a brief timeline on the Malegaon case: September 29, 2008: Seven people are killed and 101 injured after a bomb planted on a motorcycle goes off at Malegaon in Maharashtra's Nashik district. October 2008: Police arrest Sadhvi Pragya and 3 others. November, 2008: Anti-Terror Squad arrest Colonel Purohit, a serving army officer. January 2009: Anti Terror Squad files final chargesheet against 11 accused. . July, 2009: A special court says that Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) charges are not applicable and the accused be tried by a lower court in Nashik. July, 2010: Bombay high court overturns the earlier court order and upholds the charges under provisions of MCOCA. August 2010: Colonel Purohit and Sadhvi Pragya challenge Bombay High Court order for upholding the MCOCA charges. April 2015: Supreme Court sends case back to lower court to consider the applicability MCOCA Act. Case transferred to National Investigative Agency (NIA). February 2016: NIA tells court that the Attorney-General's opinion is being sought on whether the accused can be tried under MCOCA Act. April 2016: MCOCA court gives clean chit to the 9 accused, saying there is no evidence against them. April 2017: Sadhvi Pragya granted bail. NIA recommends charges against her are dropped. August 2017: Colonel Purohit released from jail on conditional bail. December 2017: A special court of the NIA discharges Sadhvi Pragya and Colonel Srikant Purohit. Oct, 2018: The Bombay High Court on Monday had also refused to stay the framing of charges by the trial court against Purohit and other accused persons. Oct 30, 2018: A special court on Tuesday framed charges against the seven accused including Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Purohit and Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, October 30, 2018, 16:06 [IST] Telangana elections: KCR returns in style and here is how he did it Media, fake media, money and booze: The big challenge ahead of the Telangana elections India oi-Vicky Nanjappa Hyderabad, Oct 30: It is a high stake battle and no party is leaving any stone unturned to conquer Telangana, India's youngest state. In the second election since its formation in 2014, the big players have been accused of misusing the media and splurging cash and goodies to rope in the voter. Telangana votes on December 7 and the results would be announced on December 11. Why purification of electoral rolls for Telangana elections was needed The Election Commission of India has acknowledged this problem. Chief Election Commissioner O P Rawat said that the political parties voiced their apprehension over large scale of abuse of money, distribution freebies and liquor and misuse of social media and fake media. He said the Election Commission was interacting with heads of social media platforms and would organize workshops with them to strengthen arrangements to prevent any adverse impact on elections. The CEC said some parties raised concern about alleged presence of intelligence officers of a neighbouring state and the likely impact of advertisements by political parties in that state on the election process in Telangana. The EC team took note of concerns and suggestions of the parties and assured that it will put in place an effective mechanism to ensure smooth conduct of entire poll process in free, fair and inclusive manner. The two major challenges before the EC is the abuse of money power and the inflow of liquor. The EC has every reason to worry about. The highest amount of cash seized was from an undivided Andhra Pradesh in 2014. Incidentally the cash seized accounted for more than half the total money seized across India. In AP alone the cash seized amounted to Rs 154 crore, while the all India number stood at Rs 303 crore. In this context one must also note that the three richest MPs in the current Lok Sabha are from Andhra and Telangana. Data provided by the Association for Democratic Reforms states that TDP's Jayadeva Galla from Guntur is top on the list with assets over Rs 683 crore. He is followed by Konda Vishweshwar of the TRS from Chelvella with Rs 528 crore. The BJP's Gokaraju Gangaraju from Narsapuram comes third with Rs 288 crore. Telangana Assembly Polls 2018: Facts about India's youngest state The luring of the voter with cash has already been caught on camera recently. Ravinder Reddy of the TRS who is contesting from Yallareddy was recently caught on camera offering voters Rs 5, if they voted for him. In the video the women voters were also seen bargaining with him. Nayini Narasimha, the Home Minister of the state landed himself in a controversy after he said that KCR had offered Rs 10 crore for his electoral expenses, if he agreed to contest from a different constituency. He however backtracked on his statement later. The ECI apart from using its squad to keep a track of the money flow would also use an application to curb the flow of money in the elections. C-Vigil an application would be used in this regard. Through this application, the people can upload photographs or videos of violations of the model code of conduct. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, October 30, 2018, 6:20 [IST] No protection, no hearing until we know where you are, SC tells Param Bir Singh Muzaffarpur Shelter Home case accused transferred to higher security: Supreme Court India oi-Madhuri Adnal New Delhi, Oct 30: The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered transfer of Brijesh Thakur, the main accused in Muzaffarpur shelter home case, to a high-security jail in Punjab's Patiala. The apex court also expressed shock when advocate informs it that girls in the shelter home were given drugs, says, "These girls are being injected with drugs so that they can be raped. What is this going on?". Brajesh Thakur was earlier shifted to Bhagalpur jail in Bihar from Muzaffarpur, while the 14 other accused in the case were shifted to the Beur jail in Patna. In shocking and horrifying testimonies of the victims from the other Muzaffarpur shelter 'Balika Grih', which was backed by state-funded (main accused) Brajesh Thakur-owned NGOs Sewa Sankalp and Vikas Samiti, 34 of 42 rescued girls were either raped or molested. The victims, all of whom were minors and some of whom were as young as 7 years old, revealed to probe officers the atrocities they had been forcefully subjected to, including rape, sexual abuse, torture, the use of sleeping pills to facilitate sexual abuse by visitors, and even murder, as per three accounts. PM Modi: We have decided to withdraw all three agricultural laws PM to dedicate 'Statue of Unity' to nation today India oi-Chennabasaveshwar P Ahmedabad, Oct 31: Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Ahmedabad on Wednesday. The 182-metre statue of Vallabhbhai Patel, the world's tallest statue the 'Statue of Unity', will be dedicated to the nation in Narmada District of Gujarat. At the launch ceremony, the prime minister will pour soil and Narmada water into a 'kalash' to mark the dedication of the statue, a statement from his office said. The Prime Minister will press a lever to commence a Virtual Abhishek of the statue. The Prime Minister will address the gathering. Train from Varanasi chugs off to Vadodara to witness unveiling of Statue of Unity He will then arrive at the Wall of Unity, and inaugurate it. At the feet of the Statue of Unity, the Prime Minister will perform a special prayer. He shall visit the Museum and Exhibition, and the Viewers' Gallery. This gallery, at 153 metres height, can accommodate upto 200 visitors at one time. It offers a spectacular view of the Sardar Sarovar Dam, its reservoir, and the Satpura and Vindhya mountain ranges. The dedication ceremony shall also be punctuated by flypast of IAF aircraft, and performances of cultural troupes. RBI vs Govt: Arun Jaitley meets Urjit Patel as rift widens India oi-Deepika S New Delhi, Oct 30: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley met RBI governor Urjit Patel on Tuesday as tension mounted over the Reserve Bank of India's push for more independence. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley held a regular meeting of the Financial Stability and Development Council -- a high-level panel of financial market regulators -- which Governor Urjit Patel and his deputies attended. If not for BJP, Congress would've turned India into Kingdom: Arun Jaitley There have been differences between the government and the RBI over regulation of state-owned banks and handling of non-performing loans, with the central bank repeatedly raising concerns about lack of power to oversee PSU banks. Meanwhile, the government has maintained that RBI has sufficient powers to regulate both private and PSU banks. The RBI has already warned the government of "potentially catastrophic" consequences if it keeps meddling in its affairs. "Governments that do not respect central bank independence will sooner or later incur the wrath of financial markets, ignite (an) economic fire, and come to rue the day they undermined an important regulatory institution," Viral Acharya, deputy governor of the RBI, said at an event in Mumbai on Oct. 26. Not surprisingly, the government is reportedly very distressed by these public comments. There are fears that the simmering tension has sparked an unprecedented crisis that may spook the stock and currency markets. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, October 30, 2018, 17:05 [IST] The second incident took place in the early-morning hours of Oct. 28, when an Oak Park resident was robbed while walking in the 1100 block of Wesley Avenue, police said. According to police, the pedestrian said he was approached by two men at about 1:11 a.m. when one of the men said, Give up your stuff. Touts in Assam charge Rs 8,000 to get illegal immigrants into NRC India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Oct 30: All it took was Rs 8,000 for this man from Bangladesh to get a fake eligibility certificate, a requirement to be included in the National Register of Citizen (NRC). This concern comes in the wake of the NRC 1951 being updated in Assam. The interim report found that 40.07 lakh persons out of the 3.29 crore applicants did not make it to the NRC. The draft document was released on June 30 this year based on the directive of the Supreme Court of India. No genuine Indian citizen will be victimised in NRC exercise: Ram Madhav With so many names missing in the draft NRC, the touts in Assam have sprung into action. They are charging Rs 8,000 for a fake eligibility certificate, one of the accepted documents for the name to be in the NRC. A report prepared by Prateek Hajela, the NRC coordinator cites the example of a person who goes by the name Nikhil Das. He submitted his documents in the Cachar district of Assam to incite his name and four of his family members in the NRC. During the verification it had been found except him, the rest were living in Kachua village of Sunamganj district, which borders Bangladesh. The report states that he had illegally come into India through the border in Tripura. He then reached Silchar in Assam with his uncle. He has sought a fake eligibility certificate, for which he contacted a lawyer, who demanded Rs 8,000. With the help of the fake document, he managed to obtain a fake birth certificate, PAN card, voter ID card and Aadhaar. The report also goes on to state the touts are sneaking in illegal immigrants with the help of refugee registration and citizenship certificates. These were the certificates that were issued by the Assam government to migrants from Bangladesh. The NRC coordinator while raising serious concerns about the frauds being committed sought for a comprehensive probe into the matter. The investigation conducted by the police has revealed that there have been nearly 484 cases of forgery committed relating to the NRC. Rohingyas: The southern sojourn and how a Kerala govt scheme is giving them cover "It is humbly submitted that in the interest of an error-free NRC or even in the background of a problem of illegal immigration, it will be desirable that a comprehensive probe be conducted regarding submission of forged documents by applicants and issue of bogus documents by various public authorities," the report said. The report was submitted in support of his stand in the Supreme Court that five documents including citizenship certificates and refugee registration certificate should not be accepted for submission of claims by those who could not make it to the draft For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, October 30, 2018, 6:26 [IST] Collapse of Kabul will go down as one of the greatest defeats in American history: Donald Trump Thousands of terrorists might have been airlifted out of Kabul: Trump slams Biden Never in history has withdrawal from war been handled so badly: Trump Trump declines Republic Day invite; White House cites schedule constraints India oi-PTI Washington, Oct 30: US President Donald Trump is unable to participate as chief guest of India's Republic Day celebrations next year due to scheduling constraints, the White House has said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited President Trump for a bilateral visit to India during their talks in Washington last year. White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders had, in July, said that Trump has received an invitation to visit India, but no decision has been taken yet. Failure of Indian diplomacy: Congress slams Centre for inviting Trump for R-Day event "President Trump was honoured by Prime Minister Modi's invitation for him to be chief guest of India's Republic Day on January 26, 2019 but is unable to participate due to scheduling constraints," a White House spokesperson told PTI on Monday, when asked about Trump's decision on Modi's invitation. It is said that the annual State of the Union (SOTU) address to both Houses of the US Congress by Trump is likely to be around the time India will celebrate its Republic Day. The SOTU is normally delivered in the last week of January or first week of February. The spokesperson said that the US President and Modi enjoy a strong personal rapport and Trump is committed to deepening the India-US relationship. Donald Trump turns down India's invite for Republic Day celebrations "The President enjoys a strong personal rapport with Prime Minister Modi developed through two meetings and several phone calls and remains committed to deepening the US-India strategic partnership," the spokesperson said. "The President very much looks forward to meeting Prime Minister Modi again at the earliest opportunity," the White House spokesperson said. Modi and Trump are scheduled to attend the G-20 Summit in Argentina on November 30 and December 1. It is possible that the two leaders might meet and discuss bilateral relationship there. Every year, India invites world leaders to attend its Republic Day celebrations. In 2015, the then US president Barack Obama had attended it as the chief guest which was his second visit to India as American president. This year, leaders from 10 ASEAN countries had attended the Republic Day celebrations. In 2016, the then French president Francois Hollande was the chief guest of the parade while Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was the chief guest at the celebrations in 2014. The heads of state and government who have attended the Republic Day celebrations include Nicolas Sarkozy, Vladimir Putin, Nelson Mandela, John Major, Mohammed Khatami and Jacques Chirac. PTI For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, October 30, 2018, 8:38 [IST] Union Minister Alphons questions motive of Christian, Muslim women trying to entering Sabarimala India oi-Vikas SV New Delhi, Oct 30: Amid war of words between the BJP and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan over Amit Shah's remarks on the Sabarimal Temple row, Union Minister KJ Alphons has questioned the motive of a Muslim and a Christian woman wanting to enter the shrine. Alphons said said both women did it for "10 seconds of television time." Activist Rehana Fatima along with journalist Kavitha Jakkal had on October 19 within 500 metres of the Sabarimala temple but had to return after shrine's chief priest threatened to shut it down. There is a prohibition on entry of women aged betwee 10-50 into the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala. This practice is being followed for hundreds of years. BJP is with Lord Ayappa devotees, Kerala CM 'anti-Hindu': Amit Shah The Supreme Court on Septembet 28 struck down this practice and ruled that women of all ages be allowed enter the temple. After this there was a massive protest in Kerala over this and many women expressed their willingness to enter the shrine to which the devotees have vehemantly opposed. "The statement by the Kerala Chief Minister for BJP president Amit Shah is not acceptable. Who are the people trying to disrupt Sabarimala Temple? A Muslim lady, who doesn't even go to mosque, tries to climb Sabarimala to prove a point. What she wants to prove? There was another Christian girl, who doesn't even go to church. She was going to Sabarimala just to be there before cameras," Alphons told ANI. "They want to have 10 seconds of television time. All this is not acceptable. People of Kerala have a certain sentiment for Ayyappa. Therefore, all of us need to respect that," he added. BJP president Amit Shah on October 27 launched a blistering attack on the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government in the state over the Sabarimala Temple row. Sabarimala issue: Complaint filed in Sitamarhi court against Amit Shah "We are standing like a rock with the devotees of Lord Ayyappa," Shah had said in Kannur. The Kerala government should stop the brutality in the name of the Supreme Court judgement, he said. After Shah's remark, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan accused the BJP president of trying to destabilise the left government on Sabarimala issue. Vijayan alleged that Shah and the sangh parivar were making "conscious efforts to create unrest in Kerala" when his government was following its constitutional responsibility to implement the Supreme Court verdict. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, October 30, 2018, 12:47 [IST] At least 6 members of Sushant Singh Rajputs family killed in road accident in Bihar VC of Bihar-based central university submits resignation: Sources India oi-PTI New Delhi, Oct 30: The vice-chancellor of a Bihar-based central university is believed to have tendered his resignation over allegations of he fudging his academic credentials to get the post. Mahatma Gandhi Central University (MGCU), V-C, Arvind Agarwal has been under the government's radar for allegedly giving false information in his application. Sources said Agarwal submitted his resignation to the HRD ministry last week, after he was asked to respond to the allegations. Also Read | Motihari University woes continue as relay strike against VC enters 43rd day Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry officials, however, did not comment on the fate of his resignation. The ministry has received complaints that Agarwal lied about a foreign education to get the job and he did not pursue his Ph.D at a German institute as claimed, and actually got the degree from the University of Rajasthan. When contacted, Agarwal refused to comment on the issue. He was appointed as the first VC of MGCU in Motihari by the incumbent government in February 2016 from a panel of three names submitted by the search-cum-selection committee. PTI For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, October 30, 2018, 19:20 [IST] VHP demands calling joint Parliament session if the government finds necessary India oi-Vinod Kumar Shukla New Delhi, Oct 30: All the Saffron outfits are not just looking at the government to bring in legislation in Parliament for the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya but will put pressure on the government to do so. If Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and Vishwa Hindu Parishad are saying it directly, Bharatiya Janata Party is saying it indirectly. The way court had heard the case on October 29 its solution through the court is definitely not anytime soon this is what the VHP feels. Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leaders keep on insisting that they have already made a request to the government that they must bring the matter before Parliament. It seems the VHP has some kind of assurance that the government may consider bringing the bill to Parliament. International Executive president Alok Kumar has been of the view that it is well within the jurisdiction of the government to introduce it in Parliament. "Now it is the responsibility of the government to fulfil its commitment. It must clear the way for the construction of Ram Temple with the Parliamentary legislation. As the saints have said that the government must not worry about the fact that if the bill falls there is no need to worry. The government has the option to call a joint session of Parliament and if still, the bill falls, Hindu society is to ready to face it," VHP spokesperson Vinod Bansal told Oneindia. Also Read | Ayodhya row: Have they been sleeping for last 4 years, Kapil Sibal taunts BJP Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath who has constantly been talking about the construction of Ram Temple said that justice delayed is justice denied. However, he ruled out ordinance on the matter. But the VHP further said, "We have made a formal request with President of India to tell his government to facilitate construction of Ram Temple. Sources said that neither the VHP nor the RSS is going to wait till January. As per VHP sources, this is for the first time in the history of Indian judiciary any case was adjourned without fixing and court and date for it. So this is sure that the court is not going to give justice with some kind of bias and some other solution will have to be looked for. This is also an indication for the government which must understand the delaying tactics of some people. Similar opinion has also been expressed by Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh of RSS Arun Kumar who has made it clear that the RSS is of opinion that temple should be built immediately on Ram Janamsthan. Building Ram temple at Ayodhya would lead to an atmosphere of goodwill and harmony in the country. Kumar said that with the High Court decision has already been established beyond doubt that concerned land is Ramjanamsthan and a temple existed at the site before the disputed structure and hence now the issue is limited only to decision on land for temple construction. Also Read | SC adjourns Ayodhya matter to January 2019: Who said what "We are of the opinion that Supreme Court should immediately decide the case and if there are some problems, The government should bring legislation to remove the obstacles and handover the Ram Janamsthan bhoomi to Shri Ramjanambhoomi Nyas. We have supported all the decisions of Pujay Sant and Dharam Sansad regarding the movement to build construction of temple and will do also in future." For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, October 30, 2018, 19:47 [IST] Weather forecast for Oct 31: Chennai rains likely to return as Northeast Monsoon to make onset India oi-Madhuri Adnal New Delhi, Oct 30: Here is the weather forecast for Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad and Chennai on October 31. Bengaluru: Bangaloreans have been witnessing once again experiencing dry weather with no rains. According to Google, the city would witness scattered Thunderstorms on October 31. Meanwhile, the Northeast Monsoon is also expected to make onset by the first week of November. However, the maximum temperature will be recorded around 30 degree Celsius and humidity will be around 59 per cent. Delhi: Situation remains grim for Delhi-NCR as air quality continued to deteriorate. With overall Air Quality Index of 361, with most places remaining in the "very poor" category and some in severe category. As per Skymet weather, weather conditions would continue to be unfavourable along with persistent stubble burning and vehicular pollution. With this, residents need to gear up for highly polluted Diwali this year. The maximum temperature will be recorded around 31 degree Celsius and humidity will be around 49 per cent. Chennai: Rains have once again picked up pace over Tamil Nadu, which has been battling deficit rains. As per Skymet weather, in view of the Northeast Monsoon making onset, widespread rains are expected to lash the state of Tamil Nadu during the next 24 hours. The maximum temperature will be recorded around 29 degree Celsius and humidity will be around 80 per cent. Hyderabad: As per Skymet weather, during the next 24 hours, Scattered light to moderate rains are expected over Coastal Tamil Nadu, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Coastal Odisha and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The maximum temperature will be recorded around 33 degree Celsius and humidity will be around 43 per cent. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, October 30, 2018, 16:45 [IST] China is not competing with India in Sri Lanka, analysts say in wake of island crisis International oi-Shubham Ghosh Beijing, Oct 30: While the Indian establishment watched alarmingly the sudden political transition that took place in Sri Lanka on October 26, when the president of the island-nation, Maithripala Sirisena, sacked his ally Ranil Wickremasinghe as the prime minister and replaced him with former president Mahinda Rajapaksa. In the presidential elections of 2015, Sirisena and Wickremasinghe came together to oust Rajapaksa, who is seen by many as pro-China. On Monday, October 29, China said it was closely monitoring the affairs in Sri Lanka but remained at a distance saying it was it internal matter and hoped that the concerned political parties can settle the differences through dialogue. Sri Lankan political crisis its internal affairs: China China's Global Times, the news website under the auspices of the People's Daily, also came up with a piece that cited Chinese analysts' as saying that "China and India should focus on pragmatic cooperation in Sri Lanka for the shared interest of all three countries" and not engage in "strategic competition over influence" in Sri Lanka. "With the ongoing political crisis in Sri Lanka continuing to unfold following President Maithripala Sirisena's dissolution of the cabinet on Saturday and the swearing in of former Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapakse as the new prime minister, who some consider "pro-China", some Indian and Western media reports have been driving a narrative that pitches India against China in a fight for influence in Sri Lanka," it said. It also cited the analysts as saying that such "rhetoric" is more based on a "misunderstanding" of the relationship between China and Sri Lanka and is "counterproductive" to the situation prevailing in Sri Lanka and also the relationship between New Delhi and Beijing which they said have improved recently. The Chinese analysts refuted the allegations brought by Wickremasinghe loyalists that China played a key role behind the political change in Sri Lanka. They also said the India and western media's accusations that Chinese investment in infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka has led the country into deep debt and Beijing is gaining influence on its soil at India's expense was not true. Arjuna Ranatunga released on bail by Colombo court in shooting incident "It has become a pattern for some foreign media and officials to blame China whenever there is a political or economic crisis in a country that China has a relationship with or has cooperated with. It is both irresponsible and counterproductive," Global Times quoted Qian Feng, a research fellow at the National Strategy Institute of Tsinghua University, Beijing, as saying. 'China not trying to push India out of Sri Lanka' Qian said contrary to what some media report is suggesting, China is not trying to push India out of Sri Lanka and rather, both countries have a lot of room for both the South Asian giants to cooperate in the island nation. Liu Xiaoxue, another scholar from China, said the viewpoint that Rajapakse would move the country away from India towards China once he becomes prime minister is "preposterous", the piece reported. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, October 30, 2018, 7:10 [IST] Re-introducing cheetahs in India: What are its advantages and is this a first? In Pics: Interesting facts you did not know about lions From A Surgeon To One Of the Finest WildLife Photographers, Meet Dr. Arpit Bansal Earths wildlife population 'falls by 60% in 44 years': Report International oi-Deepika S Switzerland, Oct 30: A startling report from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has shown that Earth's wildlife population declined by nearly two-thirds in just over four decades. From 1970 to 2014, 60 percent of all animals with a backbone - fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals - were wiped out by human activity, according to WWF's Living Planet report, based on an ongoing survey of more than 4,000 species spread over 16,700 populations scattered across the globe. Human activity, including habitat loss, wildlife trade, pollution and climate change contributed to the declines. But over the past 50 years expanding agricultural activity and the over-exploitation of natural resources to feed a growing world population, particularly its booming middle class, has pushed many ecosystems to the brink of collapse. The decline is yet another sign that people have become the driving force for change on Earth, ushering in the epoch of the Anthropocene, a term derived from "anthropos", the Greek for "human" and "-cene" denoting a geological period. Conservation efforts appear to be having scant impact as the index is showing a steeper plunge in wildlife populations than two years ago, when the WWF estimated a 52 percent decline by 2010. "Wildlife is disappearing within our lifetimes at an unprecedented rate," Marco Lambertini, Director General of WWF International, said in a statement of the group's Living Planet Report, published every two years. 80% of freshwater populations has vanished More than 80 per cent of freshwater populations has vanished, with freshwater fish accounting for a higher rate of extinction than any other vertebrate. Since 1950 nearly 6bn tonnes of fish and other seafood have been removed from the world's oceans. Measured by weight, or biomass, wild animals today only account for four per cent of mammals on Earth, with humans (36 per cent) and livestock (60 per cent) making up the rest. Ten thousand years ago that ratio was probably reversed. Measured by weight, or biomass, wild animals today only account for four per cent of mammals on Earth, with humans (36 per cent) and livestock (60 per cent) making up the rest. Ten thousand years ago that ratio was probably reversed. Global warming The Paris Agreement, negotiated under the UN convention on climate change, also set a clear target: global warming must be held to "well below" 2C, and 1.5C if possible. The parallel UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), by contrast, has lots of targets running out to 2020 which are not only too weak, but -- with one possible exception -- will probably not be met, Lambertini said. "The CBD is failing," he told AFP. But an upcoming meeting of the 195-nation body could be the beginning of a "revolution" that will see the Convention re-engineered in 2020 into "a new deal for Nature." For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, October 30, 2018, 9:59 [IST] Sri Lanka won't be allowed to be used for 'any activity' against India: President Rajapaksa Sri Lanka crisis turns uglier as power supply to PM residence cut; security compromised International oi-Shubham Ghosh Colombo, Oct 30: The fight over grabbing power in Sri Lanka turned uglier on Monday, October 29, with snapping power supply to Temple Trees, the official residence of the prime minister of the country, following orders from President Maithripala Sirisena, Colombo Telegraph reported. The move indicated a ploy to forcibly take over the Temple Trees, which has been occupied by ousted prime minister, Ranil Wickremasinghe, since last Friday, October 26. Sirisena sacked Wickremasinghe, his ally in the country's unity government, and replaced him with former president Mahinda Rajapaksa. In 2015, Sirisena and Wickremasinghe had joined hands to defeat Rajapaksa in the presidential election. Sri Lanka crisis: Shooting incident hits fuel supply; to be restored by tomorrow Wickremasinghe's supporters brought in generators to the Temple Trees to show their solidarity for the United National Party (UNP) leader. A number of parliamentarians of the UNP have also camped inside the Temple Trees protecting the ousted premier, the report added. Meanwhile, it was also learnt that the authorities were asked to reduce the number of STF personnel provided for Wickremasinghe's security. The move made the UNP leaders feel that Wickremasinghe's life was in jeopardy. "Under our government, former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who did not hold any government position, had 70 STF personal," UNP parliamentarian Harsha De Silva was quoted as saying by Colombo Telegraph. China is not competing with India in Sri Lanka, analysts say in wake of island crisis Meanwhile, members of the civil society and academics expressed worry over Sirisena appointing Rajapaksa as the prime minister without a parliamentary majority. Sri Lankan students studying abroad also condemned the development. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, October 30, 2018, 11:52 [IST] Collapse of Kabul will go down as one of the greatest defeats in American history: Donald Trump Thousands of terrorists might have been airlifted out of Kabul: Trump slams Biden Never in history has withdrawal from war been handled so badly: Trump Trump interviews Indian-American woman Neomi Jehangir Rao to replace Kavanaugh in DC Court International oi-PTI Washington, Oct 30: US President Donald Trump has interviewed an Indian-American woman to replace Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh in the powerful federal appeals court in Washington, DC, according to a report. Neomi Jehangir Rao, 45, who is currently administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, was recommended for the judgeship on the DC Circuit Court by former White House counsel Don McGahn, news website Axios reported Sunday. Citing sources, the website said Trump was interested in Rao so that he could appoint a minority woman to Kavanaugh's old job. Rao, a former clerk for conservative Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, was confirmed by the Senate with a 54-41 vote in July 2017 to head the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs. The agency reviews executive branch regulations, a task the DC Circuit often addresses. Rao in this capacity is called the regulatory czar of the Trump administration. Before being sworn in as the US Supreme Court Judge, Kavanaugh, whose confirmation process was marred by sexual misconduct allegations, was a judge at the United States Circuit Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. The position has now fallen vacant and Trump is reported to be interviewing several individuals for this position. Sree Srinivasan is another Indian-American on this prestigious US federal court. While one source told the website that Rao did not leave Trump with a good first impression, another said the president had not ruled her out of contention. "Immediately after Trump met with Rao, two sources briefed on their encounter say they got the strong impression that the president was not impressed by her," the news portal said. "Yes, but: A third source, who is close to Trump, told me late this week that it seemed like he was reconsidering his initial judgement of Rao and may still pick her," Axios said. Rao has previously served in all three branches of the federal government. She served as Associate Counsel to President George W Bush; counsel for nominations and constitutional law to the US Senate Committee on the Judiciary; and law clerk to Justice Clarence Thomas of US Supreme Court. She practiced public international law and arbitration at Clifford Chance LLP in London. Rao received her JD with high honours from the University of Chicago and her BA from Yale University. Last December, Trump had praised Rao's contribution in cutting down regulations. Rao was born to mother Zerin Rao and father Jehangir Narioshang Rao, both Parsi physicians from India. She grew up in Michigan and did her schooling from Detroit High School. Its not just all punching; its not just all hitting, Pucinski said. It can be more than that. It can be mentally abusing somebody. It can be constantly belittling or berating somebody, holding on to their finances, keeping them a virtual prisoner, not letting them visit their families or friends, keeping track of how many minutes they are gone. All of that is domestic abuse, and all of that needs to be recognized. US President Donald Trump Only a week is left for the November 6 mid-term elections, in which Americans would elect 435 members of the House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 Senate seats in Congress. White House The Republican party currently has majority in both the Senate and the House and Trump and his team is leaving no stone unturned to campaign in favour of his Republican party. Political pundits say that the opposition Democrats are all set to regain control of the House, while Republicans will retain control the Senate, where it has a wafer-thin majority of 51-49. Given that the two chambers are going to be crucial in fulfilling his political agenda as he goes for re-election in 2020, Trump for the past several weeks has been campaigning several days a week in support of the Republican party. In the outgoing House, Republicans have 235 seats and the Democrats have 193 seats. Also Read |Eight US states go to all important primaries before Nov mid-term polls The stakes for President Trump are extremely high since a Democratic victory in either chamber would give the party the power to open investigations into various aspects of his administration. Trump in a senate meeting While in the House, Trump's goal is to retain the majority even though with a reduced margin, in the Senate aims at increasing the tally as close as possible to 60, which is the figure required to prevent filibuster. Also Read |US stand on China unlikely to change even if Dems win midterm polls: Experts Trump has also fielded Vice President Mike Pence and a host of surrogates to campaign for the Republican candidates and going to key districts and key states to support them. US Vice President Mike Pence By the time of November 6, Trump is expected to have completed 53 election rallies across 23 States. Since Labour Day, the president has addressed 19 rallies and 11 are left on his schedule, thus making 30 rallies after Labour Day. Also Read |Weeks before midterm polls, US launches massive probe into packaged bombs' case According to the Trump campaign, Trump has headlined 70 fundraising events since the start of his administration. This includes 28 fundraisers for national State Republican parties and 42 candidate focused fundraisers. PTI Collapse of Kabul will go down as one of the greatest defeats in American history: Donald Trump Trump thinks of ending birthright citizenship for immigrants babies born in US International oi-Shubham Ghosh Washington, Oct 30: US President Donald Trump has given hint at signing an executive order to remove the right to citizenship for babies of non-American citizens and illegal immigrants born on the US soil. The president said this in an exclusive interview for "Axios on HBO", on Moday, October 29. The programme is a four-episode documentary news series that was first shown on HBO on Sunday, October 28. According to a report in Axios, if Trump's words materialise, it would be the "most dramatic move yet" by the administration's hardline immigration campaign. It also said that this will also lead to a stand-off with the judiciary since the president's power to do what he plans through executive action is debatable. Trump said in the interview that he had the idea of scrapping the birthright citizenship by his counsel and plans to work on it. Also Read | Trump plans for huge campaign ahead of mid-term polls "It was always told to me that you needed a constitutional amendment. Guess what? You don't," he said, saying he could do it through executive order. "We're the only country in the world where a person comes in and has a baby, and the baby is essentially a citizen of the United States ... with all of those benefits. It's ridiculous. It's ridiculous. And it has to end," Trump was quoted as saying by Axios which however also said that more than 30 countries, mostly in the Western Hemisphere, give birthright citizenship. Also Read | Eight US states go to all important primaries before Nov mid-term polls Trump also expressed surprise during the interview that "Axios on HBO" knew about his secret plan. "I didn't think anybody knew that but me. I thought I was the only one," he was quoted as saying. Talks with China will not help says USA NSA on situation on Ladakh 20 members of a family removed from US flight after mask of 1 slipped under nose US: Mail bomb suspect had 100 potential targets, say reports International oi-Shubham Ghosh Washington, Oct 30: Cesar Sayoc, the man accused of despatching potentially explosive devices to a number of Democrats who are known to be critics of US President Donald Trump, had a list of more than 100 potential targets, several reports said. Sayoc, 56, faces five federal charges that include from transportation of an explosive to illegal mining of explosives to threats against former presidents to threatening interstate communications and assaulting federal officials. The man from Florida reportedly prepared the list through online research of political figures, journalists, etc. According to a report in the Associated Press, the list contained names of more elected officials. The names of those people were not publicly revealed but the New York Times reported that they were being notified, National Public Radio reported. Also Read | US arrests suspect over 12 bombs, suspicious packages "The list recovered by the authorities included an editor at The New York Times, suggesting that Mr. Sayoc was considering threatening other media outlets," the New York Times reported. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Tuesday, October 30, 2018, 20:03 [IST] Diners who mention the Kiwanis Club fundraiser will have 20 percent of their total bill donated to the morning and noon Park Ridge Kiwanis Clubs, the groups said. The proceeds will be used to provide holiday meals to District 64 families identified as living below the poverty level, the Kiwanis Clubs said. The morning of July 16, the three males wore ski masks and gloves and entered the house, the affidavit states. A female who was sleeping on a couch was awakened by the intruders, and one of them pointed a shotgun at her and ordered her to lie face down on the couch, according to the affidavit. When the detective returned, Bond asked if this was his first time and at one point climbed on the table as she massaged the detective, according to the affidavit. After the massage, Bond told him if he came back again he would get two females to massage him, the affidavit states. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip Benson said a contractor would file a 1099 Form with the IRS, and the form Snyder failed to submit is a business side of that filing. Benson said the IRS uses those forms to track what is paid to non-employees. If Republicans get one more vote, theyll repeal that as sure as Im standing here, Durbin said. Joe stood up and fought and put his political life on the line. Its a 49-51 vote in the Senate and one vote will make a difference. Its right here in Indiana. The class of 80 law students on track to graduate in the spring will continue on that track, said Mark Heckler, the universitys president. Another 17 students in the program are scheduled to graduate in May 2020, and the university will discuss with its accreditors, the American Bar Association and the Higher Learning Commission, what the best options for them might be. A commenter tried to give the impression that one parties dark money somehow out weighs the other parties dark money. But the comment didn't even phase me because until we get all the dark money out of politics, don't count on anything changing any time soon. People need to figure out how to talk to their neighbors and use their anger to go after every politician on both sides, for the better good of the people. This is America and we have a election every four years for a new president, so suck it up butter cup and quit your crying! Daniels, who led the community prayer service and read the names of each victim, told those in the sanctuary that the shooter meant to inspire fear in the Jewish community, but instead brought that community and those who stand with it together. National Planning Minister Richard Maru says he wants to see Papua New Guinea among the top 50 developed nations by 2050.He was speaking on Thursday during the unveiling of the PNG Development Cooperation Policy (DCP) 2018-2022.Papua New Guinea is currently ranked 156th out of 187 countries on the Human Development Index, according to the United Nations Development Programme.That is a long shot as we have to compete with 155 other countries before we get there, Maru said.Our vision that we must get there in 30 years time.Our biggest needs are infrastructure like roads, electricity, undersea cables (communications) and so on.Maru said the very first DCP was in 2015.With a review of the policy due, my department undertook a consultative process in May 2018 to look at the achievements this far, the challenges and how best we go forward, he said.Maru said that they found during the review that provinces and districts were benefitting from donor funds.This practice was creating unequal distribution of resources across the country, he said.We cannot leave others behind.We also found out that donors come here with their plans that had worked in other countries expecting it to work here, which in most cases, do not work here.On the utilisation of technical advisers, aid received by PNG is likened to boomerang aid with large components of development partner-financed programmes employing many foreign technical advisers. In addition, there is limited skills and knowledge transfer between international technical advisers and local counterparts.That trend must stop as we want more locals to take the responsibility to take on these jobs.I know you experts dont trust PNG experts, but in this policy, we want you to provide assistance and capacity to this programme to support our departments.You must get PNG experts and all expert position should be advertised for Papua New Guineans only. The National/ONEPNG A Turkish archery exhibition opened in Beijing on Monday, featuring Turkish bows and arrows, as part of a series of events held for the 2018 Turkey Tourism Year in China. The 10-day exhibition was designed to show the long history of bow and arrow manufacturing in Turkey, and visitors could learn about archery, as well as view pictures and video clips or participate in interactive activities. Prompted by the Belt and Road Initiative, China declared 2018 as the Turkey Tourism Year, with a launching ceremony held in April. Apart from the archery exhibition, Turkey will hold dozens of other events with themes including music, painting, handicrafts, literature, movie and food. According to Turkey's official data, over 190,000 Chinese tourists visited Turkey during the first six month of this year, an increase of 91 percent year on year. U.S. energy storage market include Duke Energy, E.ON, East Penn Manufacturing, EDF Renewable Energy, Fluence Energy, GE Power, Invenergy, LG Chem, Tesla, ABB, Johnson Controls, SolarEdge and EnerVault amongst others U.S. Energy Storage Market https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/2952 https://www.gminsights.com/inquiry-before-buying/2952 https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/us-energy-storage-market https://www.gminsights.com https://gminsights.wordpress.com http://algosonline.com/news Growing regulatory focus toward minimizing carbon emissions while increasing the share of renewables on the grid will drive the U.S. energy storage market size. Key states including California, Massachusetts, New York, and Oregon have adopted legally defined energy storage capacity to be integrated into the electric grid. In December 2017, the New York government introduced a new law mandating a state-wide energy storage deployment target of 1,500MW by 2025.Request for Sample Copy of this research report @The U.S. residential energy storage market will witness robust expansion on account of increasing penetration of solar PV levels along with introduction of supportive policies and energy storage subsidies. California and Hawaii constitute the sizeable proportion of the overall residential energy storage sector in the country with fresh participation anticipated from Arizona and Massachusetts in the near term. The industry growth is further stimulated by growing implementation of time-of-use rates by utilities coupled with reduction in net metering compensation.Lithium ion energy storage market will witness growth on account of continued downturn in battery costs driven by enhanced manufacturing capacity. Li-ion batteries are utilized in a wide array of energy-storage applications, including residential systems with rooftop photovoltaic arrays and grid ancillary services amongst others. High charge/discharge efficiency and appreciable energy density are some of the key features that will continue to boost the technology adoption over the conventional counterparts.The U.S. utility energy storage market size will exceed USD 1.5 billion by 2024. Strengthening need to build a disruption-proof grid with the implementation of increased efficiency, resilience, and sustainability will favor the industry growth. Growing concerns over climate change and aging grid infrastructure will further favor the business scenario.U.S. energy storage market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of MW and USD from 2013 to 2024, for the following segments:U.S. Energy Storage Market, By Deployment Residential Non-residential UtilityU.S. Energy Storage Market, By Technology Lithium Ion Lead Acid Sodium Chemistry Flow Vanadium Flow Zinc OthersMake an inquiry for purchasing this report @Increasing share of renewables in the national grid facilitated by several fiscal incentives and ventures will stimulate the U.S. energy storage market size. The share of renewable in the California energy mix has been growing exponentially, thereby supporting the industry growth. In addition, legislative mandate to increase renewable generation to achieve emissions reductions targets will positively influence the industry outlook.Key industry participants active in the U.S. energy storage market comprise Duke Energy, East Penn Manufacturing, E.ON, EDF Renewable Energy, GE Power, EnerVault, LG Chem, Fluence Energy, Invenergy, Johnson Controls, Tesla, SolarEdge, and ABB amongst others.The research process begins with extensive data mining, using authentic sources such as trade magazines, technical publications, independent studies along with paid avenues such as ICIS, Hoovers, etc. Primary objectives of data mining include: Definition and scope of research Market dynamics, growth drivers and industry pitfalls Regulatory and political guidelines for the industry Demographics and statistical dataBrowse key industry insights spread across 140 pages with 34 market data tables & 29 figures & charts from the report @ Report Content Chapter 1 Methodology & Scope 1.1 Methodology 1.2 Market definitions 1.3 Market estimation and forecast parameters 1.4 Data Sources 1.4.1 Primary 1.4.2 Secondary 1.4.2.1 Paid sources 1.4.2.2 Public sources Chapter 2 Executive Summary 2.1 U.S. Energy storage market 3600 synopsis, 2013 2024 2.1.1 Business trends 2.1.2 Deployment trends 2.1.3 Technology trends 2.1.4 Regional trends 2.1.4.1 Central and Midwest 2.1.4.2 Northeast 2.1.4.3 Northwest 2.1.4.4 Southeast 2.1.4.5 SouthwestAbout Global Market InsightsGlobal Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary researchContact Us:Arun HegdeCorporate Sales, USAGlobal Market Insights, Inc.Phone: 1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email: sales@gminsights.comWeb:Blog:Explore Our Blog @ Archiving Software Market by Technology (Hardware, Software), by Size (Small, Large) and Development: With Key players: HPE, Veritas, Proofpoint, Mimecast, Dell Technologies and Forecast 2018 - 2023 https://www.researchnreports.com/request_sample.php?id=77829 https://www.researchnreports.com/ask_for_discount.php?id=77829 https://www.researchnreports.com/enquiry_before_buying.php?id=77829 www.researchnreports.com A rapidly growing information and technology sector has increased the importance of data and document management. Managing and maintaining data such as e-mails, photos, and financials along with survey data and voicemails is a tedious task for any organization. Furthermore, inactive data occupies a huge part of storage space from the primary storage system.Inactive data is the data that is not required immediately but could be required in the future by the organization. Archiving Software Market manages and controls archived data for users. The major advantage of using archiving software is the improved efficiency of storage infrastructure.Get Sample Copy of this Report @Archiving Software Market manages and controls archived data for users. The major advantage of using archiving software is the improved efficiency of storage infrastructure. The archives will store metadata, the names and lengths of the files been archived. Additional information can be stored such as timestamps, metadata, file attributes, and more. These data archives are indexed in a manner that part of file or data can be searched and retrieved.The need for data discovery is also generating demand for archiving software.This report also provides an in-depth analysis and forecast of regional Global Archiving Software Market size. The report identifies the key driving factors, restraints, challenges, and opportunities impacting this market and shaping the future roadmap. The factors such as smartphone penetration and explosive growth in mobile analytics are driving the mobile analytics market globally.Top Key Vendors in Market:HPE, Veritas, Proofpoint, Mimecast, Dell Technologies, Global Relay, SmarshAsk for discount@The overall Archiving Software Market from the viewpoint of all its bleeding edge characteristics which can be affecting it is critical to see with the goal that you can accomplish the most adjusted answer for business systems in it. These characteristics are geological, financial, fiscal, supporter, political, social, and their commonplace impact on client or client potential outcomes could have a top notch insights in how this market will frame itself inside the next years to come.Elements and the manner in which they impact the worldwide Archiving Software Market were examined in outright specific data inside the record. The rest of the aim for the dispersal of this information is to make a top to bottom spellbinding assessment of ways those qualities may need to most likely affect the fate of the worldwide Archiving Software inside the document's figure length.Table of Content:Archiving Software Market Research Report 2018-2023Chapter 1: Industry Overview of Archiving SoftwareChapter 2: International and Archiving Software AnalysisChapter 3: Archiving Software Market and China MarketChapter 4: Analysis of Revenue by ClassificationsChapter 5: Analysis of Revenue by Regions and Market ApplicationsChapter 6: Analysis of Technologies Market Revenue Market Status.Chapter 7: Analysis of Archiving Software MarketChapter 8: Sales Price and Gross Margin AnalysisChapter 9: Distributor Analysis of Archiving SoftwareChapter 10: Archiving Software Market Industry 2016-2021Chapter 11: Telemetry Monitoring System Market with Contact InformationChapter 12: Feasibility Analysis of Archiving SoftwareChapter 13: Archiving Software Market Industry 2015 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 Potassium Gluconate Market Growing Fast during 2018-2025- Estimated By Top Key Players like GlaxoSmithKline plc, Novartis AG, Merck & Co., Inc. Potassium Gluconate Market Growing Fast during 2018-2025- Estimated By Top Key Players like GlaxoSmithKline plc, Novartis AG https://www.upmarketresearch.com/home/requested_sample/11799 https://www.upmarketresearch.com/home/requested_sample/11799 https://www.upmarketresearch.com/home/enquiry_before_buying/11799 https://www.upmarketresearch.com/home/request_for_discount/11799 https://www.upmarketresearch.com/buy/potassium-gluconate-market www.upmarketresearch.com UpMarketResearch offers a latest published report on Global Potassium Gluconate Market Analysis and Forecast 2018-2025 delivering key insights and providing a competitive advantage to clients through a detailed report. The report contains 91 pages which highly exhibits on current market analysis scenario, upcoming as well as future opportunities, revenue growth, pricing and profitability.Get Free Exclusive PDF Sample Copy of This ReportPotassium Gluconate Industry research report delivers a close watch on leading competitors with strategic analysis, micro and macro market trend and scenarios, pricing analysis and a holistic overview of the market situations in the forecast period. It is a professional and a detailed report focusing on primary and secondary drivers, market share, leading segments and geographical analysis. Further, key players, major collaborations, merger & acquisitions along with trending innovation and business policies are reviewed in the report. The report contains basic, secondary and advanced information pertaining to the Potassium Gluconate Industry global status and trend, market size, share, growth, trends analysis, segment and forecasts from 2018 - 2025.In this study, the years considered to estimate the market size of Potassium Gluconate :History Year: 2013-2017Base Year: 2017Estimated Year: 2018Forecast Year 2018 to 2025The scope of the report extends from market scenarios to comparative pricing between major players, cost and profit of the specified market regions. The numerical data is backed up by statistical tools such as SWOT analysis, BCG matrix, SCOT analysis, PESTLE analysis and so on. The statistics are represented in graphical format for a clear understanding on facts and figures.Get Free Exclusive PDF Sample Copy of This ReportThe report for Potassium Gluconate market analysis & forecast 2018-2025 is segmented into Product Segment, Application Segment & Major players.Global Potassium Gluconate Market: Manufacturers Segment Analysis GlaxoSmithKline plc Novartis AG Merck & Co., Inc. Abbott Laboratories Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH AstraZeneca plc F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. Vectura Group plc Pfizer Inc.For More Information Please VisitPotassium Gluconate Consumption by Region North America Asia-Pacific Europe Central & South America Middle East & AfricaGet Best Discount @Potassium Gluconate Breakdown Data by Type Oral ParenteralPotassium Gluconate Breakdown Data by Application Hospitals ClinicsKey Stakeholders Potassium Gluconate Manufacturers Potassium Gluconate Distributors/Traders/Wholesalers Potassium Gluconate Subcomponent Manufacturers Industry Association Downstream VendorsTo Buy This Report and Get It Delivered In Your Inbox Within 24 Hours @The Report covers in-depth analysis as follows1 Study Coverage2 Executive Summary3 Market Size by Manufacturers4 Potassium Gluconate Production by Regions5 Potassium Gluconate Consumption by Regions6 Market Size by Type7 Market Size by Application8 Manufacturers Profiles9 Production Forecasts10 Consumption Forecast11 Upstream, Industry Chain and Downstream Customers Analysis12 Opportunities & Challenges, Threat and Affecting Factors13 Key Findings14 AppendixKey Reasons to Purchase: To gain insightful analyses of the market and have a comprehensive understanding of the Global Potassium Gluconate Industry Analysis and Forecast 2018-2025 and its commercial landscape Learn about the market strategies that are being adopted by your competitors and leading organizations To understand the future outlook and prospects for Potassium Gluconate market analysis and forecast 2018-2025.Customization of the Report:UpMarketResearch provides free customization of reports as per your need. This report can be personalized to meet your requirements. Get in touch with our sales team, who will guarantee you to get a report that suits your necessities.About UpMarketResearch:UpMarketResearch () is a leading distributor of market research report with more than 800+ global clients. As a market research company, we take pride in equipping our clients with insights and data that holds the power to truly make a difference to their business. Our mission is singular and well-defined we want to help our clients envisage their business environment so that they are able to make informed, strategic and therefore successful decisions for themselves.Contact Info:Name: Alex MathewsEmail: Alex@upmarketresearch.comOrganization: UpMarketResearchAddress: 500 East E Street, Ontario, CA 91764, United States Muscle Relaxant Drugs Market Growth Opportunities and Country Level Segments, Share Analysis of The Top Industry Players Like Roche, Johnson & Johnson, GlaxoSmithKline, Intas Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer, Merck & Co https://www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/muscle-relaxant-drugs-market https://www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/muscle-relaxant-drugs-market/report-sample https://www.psmarketresearch.com/send-enquiry?enquiry-url=muscle-relaxant-drugs-market https://www.psmarketresearch.com The global muscle relaxant drugs market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 5.5% during 2015 - 2020. The global muscle relaxant drugs market is growing, due to increasing aging population, increasing incidences of skin diseases and harmful effects of ultra violet radiation. In addition, the increasing usage of neuromuscular blocking agents in surgeries, and increase in disposable income are also driving the growth of the global muscle relaxant drugs market.Access Detailed Report Summary:The information and data in the publication Global Muscle Relaxant Drugs Market Size, Share, Development, Growth and Demand Forecast to 2020 represent the research and analysis of data from various primary and secondary sources. The bottom-top approach has been used to calculate the global market size by type and drugs. The market numbers for countries are obtained through top-down approach. P&S Market Research analysts and consultants interacted with the authorities from leading companies of the concerned domain, to substantiate every value of data presented in this report. The company bases its primary research on discussions with prominent professionals and analysts in the industry, which is followed by informed and detailed, online and offline research.Request to Get the Sample Pages at:However, the high capital expenditure, stringent regulatory requirements, and risks associated with muscle relaxants are inhibiting the growth of the global market. The tradition of online shopping for muscle relaxant drugs and their increasing usage in cosmetic industry are the major trends observed in the global muscle relaxant drugs market.Make Enquiry Before Buying the Report:Geographically, North America dominated the global market of muscle relaxant drugs in 2014; whereas the Asian market is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period.The key companies operating in the global muscle relaxant drugs market include F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Johnson & Johnson, GlaxoSmithKline plc, Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Pfizer Inc., Galderma S.A., and Merck & Co. Inc.About P&S IntelligenceP&S Intelligence, a brand of P&S Market Research, is a provider of market research and consulting services catering to the market information needs of burgeoning industries across the world. Providing the plinth of market intelligence, P&S as an enterprising research and consulting company, believes in providing thorough landscape analyses on the ever-changing market scenario, to empower companies to make informed decisions and base their business strategies with astuteness.Contact:P&S IntelligenceToll-free: +1-888-778-7886 (USA/Canada)International: +1-347-960-6455Email: enquiry@psmarketresearch.comWeb: FDA Approvals to Fuel the Demand for Biosimilars in Oncology https://www.marketresearchhub.com/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1918212 https://www.marketresearchhub.com/report/biosimilars-in-oncology-report.html Biosimilars are gaining major application in the healthcare sector owing to their advanced benefits and cost-effectiveness compared to the other biologics. Although biologics represent the fastest growing segments of cancer treatment and are recommended for treating cancer as a part of the supportive care that helps in treating side effects of the disease, rising cost of cancer treatments are leading to opt for lower cost solutions and budget-friendly treatments. As biosimilar have no clinically relevant differences compared to the approved biologic drugs and that they focus on achieving similar results, they are gaining major significance in the healthcare sector. A comprehensive report titled as Biosimilars in Oncology, examines the use of biosimilars in treating cancer and significantly showcases its effectiveness as it helps reduce the side effects that patients undergo while being treated for cancer.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Biosimilars to received FDA approvals for their use in OncologyFDA approval stands to be the most important milestone when it comes to the application of drugs across the globe. Being equally effective and providing cost-savings biosimilars are being used predominantly in the healthcare sector. Adding to this, the recent FDA approvals are fueling the use of biosimilars for the treatment of cancer. A recent approval was received by CT-P10 by Teva Pharmaceuticals industry, which is a monoclonal anti-body biosimilar to Rituxan or rituximab for treating various forms of cancer. Being the first biosimilar generic version of Rituxan, this approval is expected to open new doors of opportunities for the biosimilars in oncology. Similarly, FDA also approved Pfizers Talazoparib for the treatment of breast cancer. The two emerging markets that are significant in the landscape of oncology biosimilars include India, being the nation with the most approved biosimilars and South Korea, where major biosimilar developer Celltrion is situated.View Full Report with Table and Content@The research report discusses about the use of biosimilars in oncology, providing the assessment of the current landscape of oncology biosimilars in major markets. The report guides the reader with the inclusion of current and foreseen use of biosimilars, potential of the market, regulatory pathways, and overview of the leading and emerging biosimilar developers. 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The major players including Celltrion, Sandoz, Amgen, Bioson, and Mylan as well as the emerging players such as Boehringer and Pfizer are discussed in the research report.About Market Research HubMarket Research Hub (MRH) is a next-generation reseller of research reports of different sector like Pharmaceuticals market research and analysis. MRHs expansive collection of industry reports has been carefully curated to help key personnel and decision makers across industry verticals to clearly visualize their operating environment and take strategic steps.MRH functions as an integrated platform for the following products and services: Objective and sound market forecasts, qualitative and quantitative analysis, incisive insight into defining industry trends, and market share estimates. Our reputation lies in delivering value and world-class capabilities to our clients.Contact Us90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United StatesToll Free: 800-998-4852 (US-Canada)Email: press@marketresearchhub.com Global Texture Paint Market Analysis Demands, Top Companies, Trends and Forecast 2024, AkzoNobel N.V., The Sherwin-Williams Company, Asian Paints, Nippon Paints, Axalta Coating Systems, Kansai Paint, Valspar, Berger Paints, https://www.vynzresearch.com/chemicals-materials/texture-paint-market/request-sample https://www.vynzresearch.com/chemicals-materials/texture-paint-market https://www.vynzresearch.com Texture paint is a specialty paint which holds texture designs. These paints are available in different varieties that are sand, smooth, and coarse. These paints are used to cover imperfections which includes cracks, old paneling, uneven dry wall, and holes, and secondly to create unique and dramatic well designs. The global texture paint market is progressing at a good rate and expected to register a decent growth during the forecast period. This is attributed to the growing preference of urban population to provide aesthetics looks to the homes and also the increased applicability of these paints in the interior designing.Download Free Report Sample at:Increasing construction activities, increasing demand from middle-class population due to rising income level are the major factors that are driving the texture paints market growth. The construction activities around the world are increasing at a fast pace for the infrastructure development in order the meet the increasing demand of ever-increasing population, particularly in developing countries. The investment in new and existing construction projects are booming, which is driving the demand of these paints in residential and non-residential projects. Also, the income levels of people are rising, which is providing them the freedom to spend on decorating their homes to provide aesthetics look to their homes.The major challenges identified in the texture paint market are the high cost of these paints as compared to traditional paints, and easy availability of alternatives. These paints are comparatively expensive, hence the affordability factor can potentially hinder the market growth, as these paints does not provide any advantages to the application areas and only add up to the looks, which can make the user skeptical about paying higher price.Explore Full Report Description at:The paint industry is very fragmented with the presence of various small and large players. However the major market is dominated by few leaders operating in the market. The dominant players are expanding their product portfolio, which in intensifying the competition in the texture paint market.Globally, Asia-Pacific texture paint is expected to register the highest growth in the market during the forecast period, owing to the rising demand of these in the residential and commercial sectors, increasing disposable income of the middle-class population, ongoing infrastructural projects are the major factors that are anticipated to contribute toward the market growth of the region. Along with that, the expanding construction industry in countries such as China, India, and others is also one of the major factors contributing in market growth.Some of the major players operating in the texture paint market are PPG Industries, AkzoNobel N.V., The Sherwin-Williams Company, Asian Paints, Nippon Paints, Axalta Coating Systems, Kansai Paint, Valspar, Berger Paints, and Haymes Paints.About VynZ Research :VynZ Research is an innovative market research and competitive intelligence company with global competences. We have helped several customers to develop their strategy and make better business decisions by providing actionable intelligence through market research report.ContactVynZ Research USA165 Broadway, 23rd Floor,New York City, New York 10006United States of AmericaToll-Free:1-888-253-3960Email: support@vynzresearch.comWebsite:Connect With us: Linkedin | Twitter | Facebook | Google+ Solar Water Heater Market Trends 2018-2024 | Industry Analysis with Top Key Players - SunTank, A.O. Smith, Alternate Energy Technologies, Rheem manufacturing, Wagner Solar, Bosch, Rinnai, Racold Solar Water Heater Market https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/2219 https://www.gminsights.com/inquiry-before-buying/2219 https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/solar-water-heater-market http://cmferesearch.com/ www.gminsights.com Rising concern to maintain fossil fuel sustainability along with stringent government norms to reduce carbon emissions will stimulate the solar water heater market growth. Introduction of several targets to reduce carbon emissions and encourage the development of renewable energy will further complement the industry growth.In 2016, the government of UK sets target to reduce carbon emissions up to 57% by 2030 from 1990 levels. Solar Water Heater Market size is set to exceed USD 4 billion by 2024, as reported in the latest study by Global Market Insights, Inc.Request for a sample of this research report @Growing demand for environment friendly, cost effective and reliable systems for water heating purposes across commercial, industrial, and residential sector will augment the solar water heater market. Ability to reduce electricity bill by 50% to 80% will encourage the product penetration over the forecast timeline.China solar water heater market size is predicted to exceed 45GWth by 2024. Introduction of green building regulations and standards to curb greenhouse gas emissions will positively impact the business landscape. Technological innovation in evacuated tube collector design to reduce the cost and improve efficiency of solar thermal system will further boost the product demand.Thermosyphon solar water heater market is predicted to witness strong growth owing to its wide application across commercial and residential buildings. Cost effectiveness, ease of installation and simple design are some of the primary benefits which will boost the product penetration.Make an inquiry for purchasing this report @Favorable measures to encourage the deployment of solar energy along with strict government regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions will propel the U.S. solar water heater market share. Under the Obama administration, the country set target to reduce GHG emissions up to 28% by 2025 from 2005 level. Positive outlook towards housing sector will further complement the business growth.Italy in 2016, accounted for over 5% of the Europe solar water heater market share. Introduction of building code with an aim to reduce the overall emissions will further boost the product demand. In March 2011, the government of Italy introduced law number 28 according to which all new building and buildings that are under construction have been required to fulfil up to 50% of hot water demand with renewable energies since June 2012.Revamp of social housing program for lower income families will drive the Brazil solar water heater market. In August 2016, the United Nation relaunched the Minha Casa, Minha Vida, a social housing program for lower income group which mandated installation of SWH in new buildings.Browse Complete Report Summary @Increasing investment toward renewable energy development will augment the Jordan solar water heater market. In 2016, the EU invested USD 170.56 million to support the development of green energy including Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency II program in Jordan under the 2014-2017 bilateral strategy.Industry giants across solar water heater market include Wagner, Bosch, Alternate Energy Technologies, V Guard Industries, Himin Solar Energy, SunTank, Viessmann, EMMVEE, Rinnai, Chromagen, Linuo Ritter, A.O. Smith, Rheem, Racold and Bradford White.Solar Water Heater market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of Units, GWth and USD from 2013 to 2024, for the following segments:Solar Water Heater Market, By CollectorEvacuated TubeFlat PlateUnglazed WaterSolar Water Heater Market, By ProductThermosyphonPumpedRead More Related News @About Global Market Insights:Global Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology.Contact Us:Arun HegdeCorporte Sales, USAGlobal Market Insights, Inc.Phone:1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email: sales@gminsights.comWeb: Synthetic Flocculant 2018 Global Market Key Players SNF Group, BASF, Huntsman, Akzonobel, Organic Defoamer Group Analysis and Forecast to 2025 Synthetic Flocculant Market https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/3355709-global-synthetic-flocculant-market-insights-forecast-to-2025 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/3355709-global-synthetic-flocculant-market-insights-forecast-to-2025 www.wiseguyreports.com WiseGuyRerports.com Presents Global Synthetic Flocculant Market Insights, Forecast to 2025 New Document to its Studies DatabaseGlobal Synthetic Flocculant market size will increase to Million US$ by 2025, from Million US$ in 2017, at a CAGR of during the forecast period. In this study, 2017 has been considered as the base year and 2018 to 2025 as the forecast period to estimate the market size for Synthetic Flocculant.This report researches the worldwide Synthetic Flocculant market size (value, capacity, production and consumption) in key regions like North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (China, Japan) and other regions.This study categorizes the global Synthetic Flocculant breakdown data by manufacturers, region, type and application, also analyzes the market status, market share, growth rate, future trends, market drivers, opportunities and challenges, risks and entry barriers, sales channels, distributors and Porter's Five Forces Analysis.This report focuses on the top manufacturers' Synthetic Flocculant capacity, production, value, price and market share of Synthetic Flocculant in global market. The following manufacturers are covered in this report:SNF GroupBASFHuntsmanAkzonobelOrganic Defoamer GroupRequest For Sample Report @Synthetic Flocculant Breakdown Data by TypePolyacrylamidesPolyethylene-IminesPolyamides-AminesPolyaminesPolyethylene-OxideOthersSynthetic Flocculant Breakdown Data by ApplicationOil and GasPower-generationMetal and MiningWater TreatmentOthersSynthetic Flocculant Production Breakdown Data by RegionUnited StatesEuropeChinaJapanOther RegionsThe study objectives are:To analyze and research the global Synthetic Flocculant capacity, production, value, consumption, status and forecast;To focus on the key Synthetic Flocculant manufacturers and study the capacity, production, value, market share and development plans in next few years.To focuses on the global key manufacturers, to define, describe and analyze the market competition landscape, SWOT analysis.To define, describe and forecast the market by type, application and region.To analyze the global and key regions market potential and advantage, opportunity and challenge, restraints and risks.To identify significant trends and factors driving or inhibiting the market growth.To analyze the opportunities in the market for stakeholders by identifying the high growth segments.To strategically analyze each submarket with respect to individual growth trend and their contribution to the market.To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market.To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.Complete Report Details @Table Of Contents:1 Study Coverage1.1 Synthetic Flocculant Product1.2 Key Market Segments in This Study1.3 Key Manufacturers Covered1.4 Market by Type1.4.1 Global Synthetic Flocculant Market Size Growth Rate by Type1.4.2 Polyacrylamides1.4.3 Polyethylene-Imines1.4.4 Polyamides-Amines1.4.5 Polyamines1.4.6 Polyethylene-Oxide1.4.7 Others1.5 Market by Application1.5.1 Global Synthetic Flocculant Market Size Growth Rate by Application1.5.2 Oil and Gas1.5.3 Power-generation1.5.4 Metal and Mining1.5.5 Water Treatment1.5.6 Others1.6 Study Objectives1.7 Years Considered2 Executive Summary2.1 Global Synthetic Flocculant Production2.1.1 Global Synthetic Flocculant Revenue 2013-20252.1.2 Global Synthetic Flocculant Production 2013-20252.1.3 Global Synthetic Flocculant Capacity 2013-20252.1.4 Global Synthetic Flocculant Marketing Pricing and Trends2.2 Synthetic Flocculant Growth Rate (CAGR) 2018-20252.3 Analysis of Competitive Landscape2.3.1 Manufacturers Market Concentration Ratio (CR5 and HHI)2.3.2 Key Synthetic Flocculant Manufacturers2.4 Market Drivers, Trends and Issues2.5 Macroscopic Indicator2.5.1 GDP for Major Regions2.5.2 Price of Raw Materials in Dollars: Evolution.8 Manufacturers Profiles8.1 SNF Group8.1.1 SNF Group Company Details8.1.2 Company Description8.1.3 Capacity, Production and Value of Synthetic Flocculant8.1.4 Synthetic Flocculant Product Description8.1.5 SWOT Analysis8.2 BASF8.2.1 BASF Company Details8.2.2 Company Description8.2.3 Capacity, Production and Value of Synthetic Flocculant8.2.4 Synthetic Flocculant Product Description8.2.5 SWOT Analysis8.3 Huntsman8.3.1 Huntsman Company Details8.3.2 Company Description8.3.3 Capacity, Production and Value of Synthetic Flocculant8.3.4 Synthetic Flocculant Product Description8.3.5 SWOT Analysis8.4 Akzonobel8.4.1 Akzonobel Company Details8.4.2 Company Description8.4.3 Capacity, Production and Value of Synthetic Flocculant8.4.4 Synthetic Flocculant Product Description8.4.5 SWOT Analysis8.5 Organic Defoamer Group8.5.1 Organic Defoamer Group Company Details8.5.2 Company Description8.5.3 Capacity, Production and Value of Synthetic Flocculant8.5.4 Synthetic Flocculant Product Description8.5.5 SWOT AnalysisContinued.CONTACT US:NORAH TRENTPartner Relations & Marketing Managersales@wiseguyreports.comPh: +1-646-845-9349 (US)Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (UK)ABOUT US:Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports features an exhaustive list of market research reports from hundreds of publishers worldwide. We boast a database spanning virtually every market category and an even more comprehensive collection of market research reports under these categories and sub-categories.Address:WISE GUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India Greenhouse Film Market 2017 - 2025| Berry Global Group, Inc., BASF SE, RPC BPI Group, Barbier Group, RKW Hyplast NV, and Plastika Kritis S.A. https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1362737 https://www.researchmoz.us/greenhouse-film-market-global-industry-analysis-size-share-growth-trends-and-forecast-2016-2024-report.html/toc http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG https://marketsizeinfo.blogspot.in/ Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Greenhouse Film Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2017 - 2025" to its huge collection of research reports.Greenhouse films are used to cover greenhouse structures in order to generate suitable conditions for cultivation of crops against adverse environmental settings. The global greenhouse films market can be segmented based on type of resin, thickness, application, and geography. In terms of type of resin, the greenhouse film market can be divided into LDPE, EVA/EBA, LLDPE, PVC, and others. LDPE accounted for a significant share of the greenhouse film market in 2016. Based on thickness, greenhouse films with thickness of more than 150 microns constituted a leading share of the greenhouse film market in 2016. Applications of greenhouse films include cultivation of vegetables, flowers & ornamental plants, and fruits.Greenhouse Film Market: Trends and OpportunitiesIncreasing greenhouse cultivations owing to the rising need for appropriate environmental conditions is a major driving factor for the growth of greenhouse films. These conditions play a crucial role in increasing the yield of crops. Crops such as tomatoes, lettuce, basil, and cucumbers grow outdoors only during a specific period in the year. These crops command high prices commercially. Greenhouse films used in greenhouse structures help in cultivation of these crops during their off-season. However, there is an additional investment involved in the process, such as heating of the greenhouse during winter, labor cost, etc.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Asia Pacific dominated the global greenhouse film market in 2016 and is expected to witness a significant growth of the market during the forecast period. Asia Pacific was followed by Europe in terms of revenue and volume of the greenhouse film market in 2016. In Latin America, Mexico and Brazil were the major markets for greenhouse film in 2016. The trend is expected to continue during the forecast period. Middle East & Africa is considered an attractive market for greenhouse films owing to the rise in greenhouse cultivation in Israel, Iran, and Turkey.This report analyzes and forecasts the greenhouse film market at the global and regional level. The market has been forecast based on volume (kilo tons, tons) and revenue (US$ million, thousand) from 2017 to 2025, considering 2016 as the base year. The study includes drivers and restraints of the global greenhouse film market. It also covers the estimated impact of these drivers and restraints on the demand for greenhouse film during the forecast period. The report also highlights business opportunities for the greenhouse film market at the global and regional level.The report includes detailed value chain analysis, providing a comprehensive view of the global greenhouse film market. Porters Five Forces model for the greenhouse film market has also been included to help understand the competitive landscape of the market. The study encompasses market attractiveness analysis, wherein end-users are benchmarked based on their market size, growth rate, and general attractiveness.Greenhouse Film Market: SegmentationThe study provides a decisive view of the global greenhouse film market by segmenting it in terms of thickness 150 microns; resin type LDPE, EVA/EBA, LLDPE, PVC, others; and application vegetables, flowers & ornamental, fruits. These segments have been analyzed based on present and future trends. Regional segmentation includes current and forecast demand for greenhouse film in Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa.The report provides the actual size of the greenhouse film market in 2016 and the estimated size of the market for 2017, along with forecast for the next eight years. The global market size has been provided in terms of volume and revenue. Volume has been defined in kilo tons & tons, while revenue in US$ million & thousand. Market numbers have been estimated based on key applications of greenhouse films. Market size and forecast for end-users have been provided at global, regional, and country levels.The report comprises profiles of major companies operating in the global greenhouse film market. Key players include Berry Global Group, Inc., BASF SE, RPC BPI Group, Barbier Group, RKW Hyplast NV, and Plastika Kritis S.A. Market players have been profiled in terms of attributes such as company overview, financial overview, business strategies, and recent developments.The global greenhouse film market has been segmented as follows:Greenhouse Film Market: By Thickness (Volume Kilo Tons and Tons, Revenue US$ Mn and Thousand; 2016-2025)150 micronsGreenhouse Film Market: By Resin Type (Volume Kilo Tons & Tons, Revenue US$ Mn & Thousand; 2016-2025)LDPEEVA/EBALLDPEPVCOthersGreenhouse Film Market: By Application (Volume Kilo Tons & Tons, Revenue US$ Mn & Thousand; 2016-2025)VegetablesFlowers & OrnamentalFruitsGreenhouse Film Market: Regional Analysis (Volume Kilo Tons & Tons, Revenue US$ Mn & Thousand; 2016-2025)North AmericaU.S.CanadaEuropeSpainItalyPolandFranceNetherlandsGreeceRest of EuropeAsia PacificChinaJapanIndiaRest of Asia PacificLatin AmericaColombiaMexicoBrazilRest of Latin AmericaMiddle East & Africa (MEA)GCCIsraelTurkeyIranRest of Middle East and AfricaKey TakeawaysThe greenhouse film market is mainly concentrated in Asia Pacific and Europe. The Middle East is generating considerable revenue as Israel and Iran are adopting greenhouse cultivations extensively.Table of Content1. Preface1.1. Research Scope1.2. Market Segmentation1.3. Key Research Objectives1.4. Research Highlights2. Assumptions & Acronyms Used2.1. Assumptions and Acronyms Used3. Executive Summary3.1. Global Greenhouse Film Market, Revenue and Application (US$ Mn), 201620253.2. Global Greenhouse Film Market Share, by Region (US$ Mn), 2016 - 20253.3. Key TrendsGet Complete TOC With Tables and Figures @4. Market Overview4.1. Product Definition4.2. Applications4.3. Value Chain Analysis4.3.1. List of Key Raw Material Suppliers4.3.2. List of Key Manufacturers4.4. Key Industry Developments4.5. Market Indicators4.6. Market Dynamics4.6.1. Drivers4.6.2. Restraints4.6.3. Key Opportunities4.7. Porters Five Forces Analysis4.8. SWOT Analysis5. Global Greenhouse Film Market Price Trend Analysis, by Thickness (US$ / Ton), 20165.1. Price by Thickness (US$ / Ton), 20175.2. Price by Resin (US$ / Ton), 20166. Global Greenhouse Film Market Analysis, by Thickness (US$ Mn) (Kilo Tons), 2016-20256.1. Introduction & Definition6.2. Key Findings6.3. Market Size Analysis and Forecast, by Thickness (US$ Mn) (Kilo Tons), 2016-20256.3.1. 150 micronsContinue...About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.For More Information Kindly Contact:ResearchMozMr. Nachiket Ghumare,Tel: +1-518-621-2074USA-Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn @Follow me on @ Peyronies Disease Treatment Market Size, Growth and SWOT Analysis by Key Players BioSpecifics Technologies Corporation,XIAFLEX Peyronies Disease https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/61 https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-pdf/61 The market is dominated by a single player, Endo International plc who sells the only FDA approved Peyronies disease product. In May 2015, the American Urological Association presented the first ever treatment guidelines for Peyronies disease recommending the use of Xiaflex. Furthermore, the company is creating awareness through its Ask About the Curve campaign. On the other hand injectables show some positive outcomes over placebo. However, more studies are required to establish the efficacy. Studies with collagenase have shown positive outcomes for its use in Peyronie's disease. Therefore, Xiaflex (Collagenase clostridium histolyticum) from BioSpecifics Technologies Corporation is the only FDA approved product indicated for Peyronie's disease in adult men. Approved in 2013, Xiaflex is marketed in the U.S. by Endo International plc. In Europe, Collagenase clostridium histolyticum is available by the brand name Xiapex.Also, reimbursement from the U.S. insurance providers will boost the demand for this product. The product is estimated to generate USD 100 million in revenue for Peyronies disease by 2018. In Japan, BioSpecifics Technologies Corp. has granted Asahi Kasei Pharma the rights to develop and market XIAFLEX in Japan for Peyronie's disease. Further, the company is also partnering with global companies in Canada, Europe, Mexico, and Brazil for commercializing XIAFLEX for PD.A penile prosthetic device is another good treatment option for Peyronie's disease and moderate-to-severe ED. This device helps straighten the penis. Surgical procedure on the other hand involves grafting the space being emptied on removal of the plaque.Get HOLISTIC Request Sample Copy Of This Business Report:Peyronie's disease (PD) is condition wherein the penis is curved or bent due to development of plaque or a fibrous scar tissue inside the penis. This condition can cause painful erections and the penis gets bent while it is erected. The bent is towards the side where plaque is being formed i.e. either downwards or upwards. Peyronies disease is a rare condition observed in about 6 out of 100 men in the age group of 40 to 70 years. Moreover, the Urology Care Foundation also estimates that the number of people affected by this condition can be higher than this as many men are embarrassed and do not see their healthcare provider.The condition is identified by a major bend or pain. In a few people Peyronie's disease may go away on its own. However, in most cases it may remain stable or worsen. Hence, it is advisable to visit an urologist to avoid consequences in future. Treatment may be needed if the curvature prevents successful sexual intercourse. It is mostly at times when the men visit the healthcare practitioner for erectile dysfunction treatment and the healthcare practitioner may notice Peyronies disease. Lack of awareness among patients has resulted in under reporting of this condition.Download the PDF brochure:About Coherent Market Insights:Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity.1001 4th Ave Cover: Aerial view of Wangwu Mountian. [Photo/China Daily] A mountain has appealed to many with its household folklore, rising patriotism education, Taoism culture and stunning scenery. Many Chinese learned the classic tale "The Foolish Old Man Removes the Mountains" back in their elementary school time. In the story, a 90-year-old man attempts to move two mountains standing in his way by himself and fails to make much headway. He decides the job would fall on his children after him. But his perseverance impresses the gods who grant his wish. One of the two mountains is Wangwu, located in Jiyuan, central China's Henan Province, which was clad in red-and-yellow leaves earlier this month. Wangwu Mountain, named a UNESCO world geological park in 2006, covers an area of 270 square kilometers, with the peak at 1,715 meters, and has many Taoist temples. Offset Lithography Machines to Remain Top-selling Products https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-5833 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-5833 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/checkout/5833 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/disposable-barrier-sleeves-market https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/child-resistant-re-closable-edible-bags-market www.futuremarketinsights.com Future Market Insights exclusive study on the global printing machines market delivers a forecast on how the demand for printing machines will shape up in the years to come. According to the research study, the global market for printing machines will be worth over US$ 25 Bn by the end of the forecast period, 2017-2026. During this period, the market is poised to expand at a moderate CAGR of 4.1% as a range of factors are likely to restrain the production and sales of printing machines.Request to Sample of Report @One of the key restraints for the global printing machines market is the stringent environmental laws. Manufacturers of printing machines are compelled to modify their production techniques and create machines that can optimize the use of printing inks. Since these inks contain VOCs, strict environmental laws are curbing the commercialization of machines that arent able to optimize the use of printing inks. In addition, the report also projects that increasing penetration of electronic devices will lower the need for printing, and ultimately limit the demand for printing machines in the near future. Printed hoardings on streets will be replaced by digital signage, and consumers will gradually shift to print-free media. Leading manufacturers of printing machines, which are the key stakeholders in the global printing machines market, will face the brunt of the changing dynamics as such. The study reveals that companies namely, Agfa-Gevaert Group, Oce Imagistics, Inc., Bobst Group SA, Fujifilm Holdings Corporation, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company, Koenig & Bauer AG, Komori Corporation, Apex Machine Company Inc., and Cerutti Group will remain active in the expansion of the global printing machines market through 2026.High Demand for Offset Lithography Printing MachinesA majority of key players in the global printing machines market are focusing on increasing the production of offset lithography printers. Competitive advantage of offset lithography when compared to digital printing techniques and flexography will continue to drive the demand for such machines. By the end of 2026, over US$ 12.7 Bn worth of offset lithography printing machines are expected to be sold across the globe. Digital printing machines, on the other hand, will register a CAGR of 5.4%, reflecting fastest sales during the forecast period.APEJ and North America Leading Markets for Printing MachinesRegional analysis and forecast, developed in the study, projects that the printing machines market in North America and Asia-Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) region will register impressive growth. By 2017-end, the printing machines markets in these regions are expected to be worth over US$ 4 Bn individually. North America is anticipated to record higher sales of printing machines due to booming packaging businesses in the US and Canada, while the APEJ printing machines market will be characterized by mass-scale production of printing machines at affordable costs.Request to Report Methodology @Global Printing Machines Market: Additional Forecast HighlightsThe report has further revealed that:By 2017, paper and paperboard will be the leading type of substrate used in printing machines. Revenues procured from sales of paper and paperboard substrates for printing machines is estimated to net over US$ 8 Bn in global revenues by the end of 2017.Packaging is expected to be the leading end-use industry for printing machines, accounting for nearly half of the global market value by 2017 and beyond.Throughout the forecast period, printing machines will be predominantly used in packaging and labelling applications.Get full report now @More from Packaging Market Intelligence:Disposable Barrier Sleeves Market report covers exhaustive analysis on: Market Segments, Market Dynamics, Market Size, Supply & Demand, Current Trends/Issues/Challenges, Competition & Companies involved, Technology, Value Chain :Child Resistant Re-Closable Edible Bags Market Segmented By function type - Sliders, Zipper, Combinations of sliders and zipper :About UsFuture Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centres in the U.S. and India.FMIs research and consulting services help businesses around the globe navigate the challenges in a rapidly evolving marketplace with confidence and clarity. Our customised and syndicated market research reports deliver actionable insights that drive sustainable growth. We continuously track emerging trends and events in a broad range of end industries to ensure our clients prepare for the evolving needs of their consumers.Contact UsU.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWeb: Paraformaldehyde 96 Global Market Research Report 2018 https://www.research2reports.com/sample-report-chemical/paraformaldehyde-96-market/79773 https://www.research2reports.com/report-chemical/paraformaldehyde-96-market/79773 https://www.research2reports.com/enquiry-before-buy-chemical/paraformaldehyde-96-market/79773 GET SAMPLE REPORT @Paraformaldehyde 96 Report by Material, Application, and Geography Global Forecast to 2022 is a professional and in-depth research report on the world's major regional market conditions, focusing on the main regions (North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific) and the main countries (United States, Germany, united Kingdom, Japan, South Korea and China).The report firstly introduced the Paraformaldehyde 96 basics: definitions, classifications, applications and market overview; product specifications; manufacturing processes; cost structures, raw materials and so on. Then it analyzed the world's main region market conditions, including the product price, profit, capacity, production, supply, demand and market growth rate and forecast etc. In the end, the report introduced new project SWOT analysis, investment feasibility analysis, and investment return analysis.The report includes six parts, dealing with:1.) Basic Information;2.) Asia Paraformaldehyde 96 Market;3.) North American Paraformaldehyde 96 Market;4.) European Paraformaldehyde 96 Market;5.) Market Entry and Investment Feasibility;6.) Report Conclusion.ACCESS REPORTTable of Contents1.1 Paraformaldehyde 96 Definition1.2 Paraformaldehyde 96 Classification Analysis1.2.1 Paraformaldehyde 96 Main Classification Analysis1.2.2 Paraformaldehyde 96 Main Classification Share Analysis1.3 Paraformaldehyde 96 Application Analysis1.3.1 Paraformaldehyde 96 Main Application Analysis1.3.2 Paraformaldehyde 96 Main Application Share Analysis1.4 Paraformaldehyde 96 Industry Chain Structure Analysis1.5 Paraformaldehyde 96 Industry Development Overview1.5.1 Paraformaldehyde 96 Product History Development Overview1.5.1 Paraformaldehyde 96 Product Market Development Overview1.6 Paraformaldehyde 96 Global Market Comparison Analysis1.6.1 Paraformaldehyde 96 Global Import Market Analysis1.6.2 Paraformaldehyde 96 Global Export Market Analysis1.6.3 Paraformaldehyde 96 Global Main Region Market Analysis1.6.4 Paraformaldehyde 96 Global Market Comparison Analysis1.6.5 Paraformaldehyde 96 Global Market Development Trend AnalysisChapter Two Paraformaldehyde 96 Up and Down Stream Industry Analysis2.1 Upstream Raw Materials Analysis2.1.1 Upstream Raw Materials Price Analysis2.1.2 Upstream Raw Materials Market Analysis2.1.3 Upstream Raw Materials Market Trend2.2 Down Stream Market Analysis2.1.1 Down Stream Market Analysis2.2.2 Down Stream Demand Analysis2.2.3 Down Stream Market Trend Analysis. CONTINUEDFOR ANY QUERY, REACHContact Us:Office No. 212/213, B Block 2nd Floor,Parmar Chambers,Sadhu Vaswani Road, Pune 411001Phone Number: 020 - 2612 6969Email: info@research2reports.comResearch 2 Reports offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe.Office No. 212/213, B Block 2nd Floor,Parmar Chambers,Sadhu Vaswani Road, Pune 411001 Pulse Flours Market 2018 2023 By Analyzing the Performance of Various Competitors Archer Daniels Midland, SunOpta, Ingredion Incorporated, The Scoular Company, Batory Foods, Anchor Ingredients, Blue Ribbon, Etc. https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/4865 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/pulse-flours-market-4865 Market Overview:Pulse flours are powdered material, which are prepared by grinding dried pulses such as bean, chickpea, lentil, pea, and others. These flours are used in the preparation of food, beverages, and functional foods owing to its therapeutic importance. Pulse flours are rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates, and also contain high amount of dietary fiber. Additionally, these flours are widely used in enhancing products taste and aroma.Market Forecast:Growing preference for pulse flour is increasing the growth of the market owing to its several benefits associated with the consumption. Also, health benefits connected with the consumption such as maintenance of blood sugar levels, improved digestion, and weight management have strengthened the use of pulse flours in the food & beverage, and functional food industry. Additionally, increased preference for green-label food & beverage products has surged the demand for pulse flours in the global market.Get a Prime Sample Report @Increasing awareness regarding healthy products among the consumers is adding fuel to the growth of the global pulse flours market. Furthermore, increasing demand for gluten-free products by gluten-resistant consumers is likely to increase the global pulse flours market over the review period. Additionally, pulse flours used in food and beverage products have a long shelf-life which has uplifted the demand for pulse flours in the food & beverage industry. However, poor taste and olfactory properties, and fluctuating prices of pulses at global level are likely to hamper the market growth over the forecast period. Nevertheless, all these factors are projected to contribute to the estimated CAGR of 12.5% of pulse flours market during the forecast period 2017-2023.Downstream Analysis:Pulse flours are segmented on the basis of type, which includes bean, chickpea, lentil, pea, and others. Chickpea hold the major market share followed by lentil owing to several health benefits, such as maintenance of blood glucose level, improved digestion, and weight regulation.On the basis of the application, pulse flours market is segmented into beverages, bakery products, savory snacks, meat products, and others. Among all the applications, application in bakery products is dominating in the global market owing to high use of pulse flours in bakery & confectionary products.On the basis of the distribution channel, the market is segmented into the store-based and non-store based distribution channel. However, the store-based distribution channel is dominating the market based on the one-stop shopping experience.Competitive Analysis:The major players in pulse flours marketArcher Daniels Midland (U.S.)SunOpta (Canada)Ingredion Incorporated (U.S.)The Scoular Company (U.S.)Batory Foods, Inc. (U.S.)Anchor Ingredients Co., LLC (U.S.)Blue Ribbon, LLC (U.S.)Regional Analysis:The global pulse flours market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and rest of the world (Row). Asia Pacific is dominating the global pulse flours market followed by North America. Asia Pacific is dominating the pulse flours market followed by North America. India accounted for a higher consumption of pulse flours owing to increasing awareness about the benefits of consuming pulse flours products. Additionally, improved agricultural growth trailed by innovations in the food processing and food service industry is considered to be the key driving factor in this region.Access Report Details @Moreover, increasing demand for organic and green label convenience foods products in North American countries like the U.S. and Canada are likely to boost the growth of the pulse flours market during the assessment period. Furthermore, ongoing R&D activities to eliminate unpleasant smell and flavors from the pulse flours are likely to raise the growth of the pulse flours market.About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.ContactMarket Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Human Machine Interface (HMI) Market Analysis by ABB Ltd., Emersion Electric, GE, Honeywell International, Kontron, Mitsubishi Electric, Rockwell Automation,, Schneider Electric, Siemens, Yokogawa Electric, Advantech Co. https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1092 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/human-machine-interface-market-1092 Human Machine Interface Research Report: By Components (Hardware, Software), Configuration Type (Standalone, Embedded), End User (Automotive, Semiconductor, Pharmaceutical, Oil & Gas, Food & Beverages, Aerospace & Defense) Global Forecast till 2023The global Human Machine Interface Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of approximately 9% during the forecast period 2017-2023.Market Scenario:Human machine interface (HMI) refers to a technology that provides connection between operator and controller in an industrial system. Industrial control systems (ICS) comprise of integrated hardware and software, designed to monitor and control the operation of machinery and related devices in industrial environment.Technology giants such as ABB Ltd. (Switzerland), Advantech Co., Ltd. (Taiwan), Emersion Electric Co. (U.S.), General Electric Co. (U.S.), Honeywell International Inc. (U.S.). ABB Ltd. a prominent player in human machine interface market has designed a premium technology named ABBs System 800xA DCS with its leading object oriented engineering platform, it can be used in a variety of diverse industries, ranging from a single operator workstation with 50 signals and scale up to applications with several thousand signals and workplaces.Request a Sample Report @Major factors driving the human machine interface market includes growing adoption of industrial automation equipment in the manufacturing sector, emergence of industrial internet of things (IIoT) and demand for smart automation solution, efficient monitoring in the manufacturing plant are aiding HMI market.The global human machine interface market has been segmented on the basis of components, configuration type and end user. The components segment comprise of hardware and software. The hardware segment consists of basic HMI, advanced panel-based HMI, advanced PC-based HMI and others. By configuration type, the market is segmented into standalone and embedded. The market for embedded HMI solution is expected to grow at a higher. Owing to rapid technological developments, increasing need of integrated systems, and emergence of machine-to-machine (M2M) communication technology that ease the operational work are some of the significant factors expected to promote the adoption of embedded HMI solutions. By software segment, the cloud-based HMIs are gaining popularity owing to the growing industrial internet of things market and increasing demand for new technology by end-user industries. Furthermore, the cloud-based HMIs are being increasingly adopted as it provides better visibility and competitive edge as compared to others.The North American region holds the largest market share of the market across the globe followed by Europe, and Asia Pacific regions. U.S. and Canada are dominating the North America market is due to rising technological enhancements, the R&D activities in the areas of HMI is increasing owing to the increased adoption of IoT and machine-to-machine communication (M2M) in numerous industries in this region. Asia Pacific region is expected to grow with the highest CAGR. Owing to growing manufacturing sector, advanced industrial operation monitoring technology.Key PlayersSome of the prominent players in the global human machine interface market: ABB Ltd. (Switzerland), Advantech Co., Ltd. (Taiwan), Emersion Electric Co. (U.S.), General Electric Co. (U.S.), Honeywell International Inc. (U.S.), Kontron AG (Germany), Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (Japan), Rockwell Automation, Inc. (U.S.), Schneider Electric SE (France), Siemens AG (Germany), Yokogawa Electric Corporation (Japan) among others.Browse Complete Report @SegmentsThe global human machine interface market is segmented by components, configuration type and end-user. Based on components segment, the market is bifurcated into hardware and software. The hardware segment consists of basic HMI, advanced panel-based HMI, advanced PC-based HMI and others. By configuration type, the market is segmented into standalone HMI and embedded HMI. By end-user segment, the market is segmented into automotive, semiconductor, pharmaceutical, oil & gas, food & beverages and others.Regional AnalysisThe global human machine interface market is studied for Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, and Rest of the World. It has been observed that North America region accounts for the largest share of the market. Asia Pacific region is expected to show the highest growth opportunities in the market owing to increase in industrial sector, advance technology implementation in manufacturing unit, rising popularity of machine to machine communication are the main factors fuelling the market growth.List Of FiguresFIGURE 1 Global Human Machine Interface Market SegmentationFIGURE 2 Forecast MethodologyFIGURE 3 Five Forces Analysis Of Global Human Machine Interface MarketFIGURE 4 Value Chain Of Global Human Machine Interface MarketFIGURE 5 Share Of Global Human Machine Interface Market In 2017, By Country (In %)FIGURE 6 Global Human Machine Interface Market, 2017-2023,FIGURE 7 Sub Segments Of ComponentsFIGURE 8 Global Human Machine Interface Market Size By Components, 2017FIGURE 9 Share Of Global Human Machine Interface Market By Components, 2017 TO 2023FIGURE 10 Global Human Machine Interface Market Size By Configuration Type, 2017FIGURE 11 Share Of Global Human Machine Interface Market By Configuration Type, 2017 TO 202FIGURE 12 Global Human Machine Interface Market Size By End-User, 2017FIGURE 13 Share Of Global Human Machine Interface Market By End-User, 2017 TO 2023About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.ContactMarket Research Future:+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Dental Restorative Supplies Market will Account for Revenues Worth US$ 6,000 Mn by 2028-End https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=1588 https://www.factmr.com/checkout/1588/S https://www.factmr.com/report/1588/dental-restorative-supplies-market https://www.factmr.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/factmr/ Demand for dental restorative supplies is likely to be on an upswing as several industry-specific and macroeconomic factors continue to influence the dental space. Technological advancements have not left any domain untouched with manufacturers of dental restorative supplies focusing on new innovations in their product lines, says Fact.MR report. Manufacturers of dental restorative supplies are focusing on developing and using advanced material in a bid to enhance the customer satisfaction quotient, achieving sustenance in the competitive dental restorative supplies marketplace. Fact.MR envisages that the demand for dental restorative supplies is projected to expand at a steady CAGR of 4.1% in terms of value during the period of assessment, 2018-2028. Sales of dental restorative supplies during the said period are likely to surpass US$ 6,000 Mn by end of 2028, says the report.Sales of dental restorative supplies are likely to remain influenced with increasing investments in the dental space. This aspect is further fuelled with growing edentulous population that prefers unanchored dentures and dental cosmetic procedures. In addition, the rising oral disease burden globally is anticipated to impact the growth of the dental restorative supplies market. World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that oral disease treatments are the fourth most expensive resulting in high economic burden among low and middle class population.Click here to subscribe Sample @Distributors of dental restorative supplies are playing a major role in enhancing the visibility of dental restorative supplies across regional markets, reveals Fact.MR report. They are focused on enhancing the customer-manufacturer relationship to obtain tangible benefits and are providing information on price adjustments and changing trends. The report says that the dental restorative supplies are driven toward customers largely by distributors as most of the composite material manufacturers are small scale players.Sales of dental restorative supplies are expected to remain concentrated in the developed counties of Europe region, particularly the EU-4. Fact.MR foresees that the demand for dental restorative supplies in Europe region is largely influenced with growing cases of dental diseases, which is expected to translate into sales crossing US$ 1,800 Mn in Europe by 2028 end. The market for dental restorative supplies in Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) region is expected to be optimistic and manufacturers of dental restorative supplies can expect significant momentum in the emerging countries of China and India during the assessment period. Closely following the suit, developed countries in North America, particularly the United States, are likely to showcase notable demand for dental restorative supplies on the back of increasing occurrences of root canal in the region.Get Access to Report @Composite dental restorative supplies are estimated to witness significant demand and adoption during the period of forecast. Sales of composite dental restorative supplies are estimated to touch US$ 2,200 Mn owing to their high durability and availability in different shades suiting the aesthetic requirements of the customer. However, their post-operative sensitivity is expected to confine their scope of application in some cases. On the contrary, impression material is gaining high traction owing to rising demand for indirect restoration procedures, says the report.Demand for dental restorative supplies in dental clinics is projected to expand at a relatively robust rate throughout the period of assessment as compared to hospitals. Hospitals lack wards needed for dental restoration, which is limiting use of dental restorative supplies in the hospital sector.Future prospects of the dental restorative supplies market are expected to be bullish on account of changing customer approach toward dental aesthetics and treatment of dental caries coupled with increasing number of dental procedures worldwide. Moreover, environmental concerns associated with use of mercury in dental restorative supplies has led to the development of ceramic material and glass ionomers that deliver higher customer satisfaction in turn facilitating momentum to the adoption of dental restorative supplies.Report Analysis@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:Follow us in Linkedin: Gastrointestinal Stents Market Key Players : Boston Scientific Corporation, Medtronic Plc., CONMED Corporation, Becton, Dickinson and Company, ELLA - CS, s.r.o., Taewoong Medical Co., Ltd. Gastrointestinal Stents Market https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-toc-and-sample/3534 https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com A stent is a tube-like implant that is implanted in the lumen of any blood vessel or a duct in order to keep the passage open. Gastrointestinal stents are employed to open bile ducts, esophagus, small bowel, and colon when they are blocked by large, cancerous tissues. The incorporation of stents improves the patients natural ability to digest food and drinks when they undergo trouble in swallowing, passing stools, or digestion during their cancer treatment.The key players that operate in this market include Boston Scientific Corporation, Medtronic Plc., CONMED Corporation, Becton, Dickinson and Company, ELLA - CS, s.r.o., Taewoong Medical Co., Ltd., BVM Medical Limited, Hobbs Medical, Inc., Merit Medical Systems, Inc., and Cook Group Incorporated.Get Sample PDF Brochure :The major factors that contribute to the growth of the gastrointestinal stents market include increasing prevalence of gastrointestinal diseases, high demand for minimal invasive procedures, technological developments in devices such as bio absorbable gastrointestinal stents, and growth in geriatric population. However, stringent governmental regulations and complications linked with gastrointestinal stents are expected to restrain the market development. Rising demand for newer versions of gastrointestinal stents such as nitinol material-based gastrointestinal stents and improving healthcare infrastructure in emerging countries contribute to significant demand for gastrointestinal stents in the near future.The global gastrointestinal stents market is segmented on the basis of product, material, indication, end-user, and region. On the basis of product, the market is segmented into esophageal stents, duodenal stents, colonic stents, and biliary or pancreatic stents. According to material of stents the market is divided into metal, plastic, and biodegradable or drug eluting stents. Based on indication, the market is categorized into gastrointestinal obstructions, colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and others, which include gastrointestinal bleeding and gastric cardia cancer.On the basis of end user, the market is segmented into hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and others, which include clinics and academic & research centers. Geographically, the market has been analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.Key Benefits The study provides an in-depth analysis of the global gastrointestinal stents market with current trends and future estimations to elucidate imminent investment pockets. The report provides information about the current and upcoming trends in the global gastrointestinal stents market from 2016 to 2023, which helps determine prevailing opportunities. Comprehensive analysis of factors that drive and restrict the growth of the global gastrointestinal stents market has been provided. Identification of factors that are instrumental in changing the market scenario, rise in opportunities, and identification of key companies that can influence this market on a global and regional scale have been provided. Key market players within the market have been profiled in this report and their strategies thoroughly analyzed, which help understand the competitive outlook of the global gastrointestinal stents market.Gastrointestinal Stents Market Key Segments:By Product Esophageal Stents Duodenal Stents Colonic Stents Biliary or Pancreatic StentsBy Material Metal Stents Plastic Stents Biodegradable or Drug Eluting StentsBy Indication Gastrointestinal Obstructions Colorectal Cancer Inflammatory Bowel Disease OthersAllied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions. AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain.We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry.David C5933 NE Win Sivers Drive#205, Portland, OR 97220United StatesToll Free: +1-800-792-5285UK: +44-845-528-1300Hong Kong: +852-301-84916India (Pune): +91-20-66346060Fax: +1855550-5975help@alliedmarketresearch.comWeb: SaaS-based IT Security Market Latest Trends and Growth by Global Key Players: Microsoft Corporation, IBM Corporation, Cisco Systems Inc, McAfee Inc SaaS-based IT Security Market https://www.qyresearchgroups.com/request-sample/830584 https://www.qyresearchgroups.com/check-discount/830584 https://www.qyresearchgroups.com/checkout/830584 https://www.qyresearchgroups.com The Global SaaS-based IT Security Market 2018 to 2025 renders deep perception of the key regional market status of the SaaS-based IT Security Industry on a global level that primarily aims the core regions which comprises of continents like Europe, North America, and Asia and the key countries such as United States, Germany, China and Japan.The report on Global SaaS-based IT Security Market is a professional report which provides thorough knowledge along with complete information pertaining to the SaaS-based IT Security industry a propos classifications, definitions, applications, industry chain summary, industry policies in addition to plans, product specifications, manufacturing processes, cost structures, etc.This report focuses on the top players in global market, like Microsoft Corporation IBM Corporation Cisco Systems, Inc. McAfee, Inc. Symantec Corporation Blue Coat Systems, Inc. Citrix Systems, Inc. Barracuda Networks, Inc. F5 Networks, Inc. Trend MicroGet Sample Copy of This Report @Market segment by Type, the product can be split into Identity and Access Management Services Web Gateway Services Email Gateway Services Cloud Encryption Services SIEM ServicesMarket segment by Application, SaaS-based IT Security can be split into Small and Medium Size Enterprises Large EnterprisesThe potential of this industry segment has been rigorously investigated in conjunction with primary market challenges. The present market condition and future prospects of the segment has also been examined. Moreover, key strategies in the market that includes product developments, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, etc., are discussed. Besides, upstream raw materials and equipment and downstream demand analysis is also conducted.Get The Best Offer of This Report @Report Includes:-The report cloaks the market analysis and projection of SaaS-based IT Security Market on a regional as well as global level. The report constitutes qualitative and quantitative valuation by industry analysts, first-hand data, assistance from industry experts along with their most recent verbatim and each industry manufacturers via the market value chain.The research experts have additionally assessed the in general sales and revenue generation of this particular market. In addition, this report also delivers widespread analysis of root market trends, several governing elements and macro-economic indicators, coupled with market improvements as per every segment.Major Points Covered in Table of Contents Global SaaS-based IT Security Market Size, Status and Forecast 20251 Industry Overview of SaaS-based IT Security2 Global SaaS-based IT Security Competition Analysis by Players3 Company (Top Players) Profiles4 Global SaaS-based IT Security Market Size by Type and Application (2013-2018)5 United States SaaS-based IT Security Development Status and Outlook6 EU SaaS-based IT Security Development Status and Outlook7 Japan SaaS-based IT Security Development Status and Outlook8 China SaaS-based IT Security Development Status and Outlook9 India SaaS-based IT Security Development Status and Outlook10 Southeast Asia SaaS-based IT Security Development Status and Outlook11 Market Forecast by Regions, Type and Application (2018-2025)12 SaaS-based IT Security Market Dynamics13 Market Effect Factors Analysis14 Research Finding/Conclusion15 AppendixBUY NOW @About Us:QY Research Groups is a company that simplifies how analysts and decision makers get industry data for their business. Our unique colossal technology has been developed to offer refined search capabilities designed to exploit the long tail of free market research whilst eliminating irrelevant results. QY Research Groups is the collection of market intelligence products and services on the Web. We offer reports and update our collection daily to provide you with instant online access to the world's most complete and current database of expert insights on global industries, companies, products, and trends.Contact us:Email- sales@qyresearchgroups.comWeb- Next-Gen ATM - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Analysis and Forecast 2018 2025 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/3444193-global-next-gen-atm-market-size-status-and-forecast-2018-2025 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/3444193-global-next-gen-atm-market-size-status-and-forecast-2018-2025 Global Next-Gen ATM IndustryNew Study On 2018-2025 Next-Gen ATM Market Global Key Player, Demand, Growth, Opportunities and Analysis Forecast Added to Wise Guy Reports DatabaseThis report focuses on the global Next-Gen ATM status, future forecast, growth opportunity, key market and key players. The study objectives are to present the Next-Gen ATM development in United States, Europe and China.Automated teller machines (ATM) enhance managing an account and money-related administrations, for example, reserves exchange, money withdrawal, money stores, smaller than normal articulations, charge installments by charge or Visas and other financial enquiries.Try Sample Report @The key players covered in this studyDIEBOLD INC. (USA)Euronet (USA)Fujitsu (Japan)GRG Banking (China)...Market segment by Type, the product can be split intoDeploymentManaged ServicesMarket segment by Application, split intoBank Service AgentBankMarket segment by Regions/Countries, this report coversUnited StatesEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaCentral & South AmericaThe study objectives of this report are:To analyze global Next-Gen ATM status, future forecast, growth opportunity, key market and key players.To present the Next-Gen ATM development in United States, Europe and China.To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their development plan and strategies.To define, describe and forecast the market by product type, market and key regions.For Detailed Reading Please visit WiseGuy Reports @Some Major Points from Table of content:1 Report Overview1.1 Study Scope1.2 Key Market Segments1.3 Players Covered1.4 Market Analysis by Type1.4.1 Global Next-Gen ATM Market Size Growth Rate by Type (2013-2025)1.4.2 Deployment1.4.3 Managed Services1.5 Market by Application1.5.1 Global Next-Gen ATM Market Share by Application (2013-2025)1.5.2 Bank Service Agent1.5.3 Bank1.6 Study Objectives1.7 Years Considered2 Global Growth Trends2.1 Next-Gen ATM Market Size2.2 Next-Gen ATM Growth Trends by Regions2.2.1 Next-Gen ATM Market Size by Regions (2013-2025)2.2.2 Next-Gen ATM Market Share by Regions (2013-2018)2.3 Industry Trends2.3.1 Market Top Trends2.3.2 Market Drivers2.3.3 Market Opportunities3 Market Share by Key Players3.1 Next-Gen ATM Market Size by Manufacturers3.1.1 Global Next-Gen ATM Revenue by Manufacturers (2013-2018)3.1.2 Global Next-Gen ATM Revenue Market Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)3.1.3 Global Next-Gen ATM Market Concentration Ratio (CR5 and HHI)3.2 Next-Gen ATM Key Players Head office and Area Served3.3 Key Players Next-Gen ATM Product/Solution/Service3.4 Date of Enter into Next-Gen ATM Market3.5 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion Plans4 Breakdown Data by Type and Application4.1 Global Next-Gen ATM Market Size by Type (2013-2018)4.2 Global Next-Gen ATM Market Size by Application (2013-2018)5 United States5.1 United States Next-Gen ATM Market Size (2013-2018)5.2 Next-Gen ATM Key Players in United States5.3 United States Next-Gen ATM Market Size by Type5.4 United States Next-Gen ATM Market Size by Application6 Europe6.1 Europe Next-Gen ATM Market Size (2013-2018)6.2 Next-Gen ATM Key Players in Europe6.3 Europe Next-Gen ATM Market Size by Type6.4 Europe Next-Gen ATM Market Size by Application7 China7.1 China Next-Gen ATM Market Size (2013-2018)7.2 Next-Gen ATM Key Players in China7.3 China Next-Gen ATM Market Size by Type7.4 China Next-Gen ATM Market Size by Application8 Japan8.1 Japan Next-Gen ATM Market Size (2013-2018)8.2 Next-Gen ATM Key Players in Japan8.3 Japan Next-Gen ATM Market Size by Type8.4 Japan Next-Gen ATM Market Size by Application9 Southeast Asia9.1 Southeast Asia Next-Gen ATM Market Size (2013-2018)9.2 Next-Gen ATM Key Players in Southeast Asia9.3 Southeast Asia Next-Gen ATM Market Size by Type9.4 Southeast Asia Next-Gen ATM Market Size by Application10 India10.1 India Next-Gen ATM Market Size (2013-2018)10.2 Next-Gen ATM Key Players in India10.3 India Next-Gen ATM Market Size by Type10.4 India Next-Gen ATM Market Size by Application11 Central & South America11.1 Central & South America Next-Gen ATM Market Size (2013-2018)11.2 Next-Gen ATM Key Players in Central & South America11.3 Central & South America Next-Gen ATM Market Size by Type11.4 Central & South America Next-Gen ATM Market Size by Application12 International Players Profiles12.1 DIEBOLD INC. (USA)12.1.1 DIEBOLD INC. (USA) Company Details12.1.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.1.3 Next-Gen ATM Introduction12.1.4 DIEBOLD INC. (USA) Revenue in Next-Gen ATM Business (2013-2018)12.1.5 DIEBOLD INC. (USA) Recent Development12.2 Euronet (USA)12.2.1 Euronet (USA) Company Details12.2.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.2.3 Next-Gen ATM Introduction12.2.4 Euronet (USA) Revenue in Next-Gen ATM Business (2013-2018)12.2.5 Euronet (USA) Recent Development12.3 Fujitsu (Japan)12.3.1 Fujitsu (Japan) Company Details12.3.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.3.3 Next-Gen ATM Introduction12.3.4 Fujitsu (Japan) Revenue in Next-Gen ATM Business (2013-2018)12.3.5 Fujitsu (Japan) Recent Development12.4 GRG Banking (China)12.4.1 GRG Banking (China) Company Details12.4.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.4.3 Next-Gen ATM Introduction12.4.4 GRG Banking (China) Revenue in Next-Gen ATM Business (2013-2018)12.4.5 GRG Banking (China) Recent DevelopmentContinued..For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comAbout UsWise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports understand how essential statistical surveying information is for your organization or association. Therefore, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available.Contact Us:Norah Trent+91 841 198 5042Office No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, India Soaring Demand Drives Skin Cooling Systems Market Growth during the Forecast Period, 2018-2028 | Top Market Players- Zimmer MedizinSystems in the US of America, Cryonic Medical, Vacuactivus, and Zamar care https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=RC&rep_id=2186 https://www.factmr.com/report/2186/skin-cooling-systems-market https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=AE&rep_id=2186 https://www.factmr.com/ https://www.industrynewsanalysis.com/ Skin cooling systems are devices primarily used to relieve pain caused due to laser treatments or cosmetic surgeries. Laser surgery is used for plethora of medical treatments ranging from plastic surgery, dentistry treatments, reconstructive and rejuvenation surgery, dermatology, otorhinolaryngology, podiatry, anti-aging therapies, lipolysis, pre-cancerous skin conditions, treatment of varicose veins, hair and tattoo removal, Telangiectasia treatment, removing skin lesions, etc. Laser treatment causes pain, swelling, inflammation, disturbed pigmentation and erythema.Request Customized Report As Per Your Requirements-Skin cooling systems work by chilling the skin layer, thereby minimizing the pain at the injury or pain point. This application in which the skin is exposed to cold air or liquid that constricts the blood flow to the target site, decreases pain and inflammation and helps recover faster. Skin cooling systems apply cold treatment to the areas of trauma and decrease the demand for oxygen and reduce muscle spasms. Traditional methods of cooling treatment such as ice packs, cooling creams, painkillers, etc. are being replaced by the skin cooling systems, as they are drug and chemical free, safe and increase the efficacy of laser therapy. There are two types of skin cooling systems used with laser surgeries, namely contact and non-contact. Contact skin cooling systems include ice packs, dynamic cooling systems (cryogen spray/cryotherapy) and non-contact skin cooling system, which introduces cool air directly on the site where the laser beam interaction occurs. The skin cooling system can be used pre-treatment, parallel treatment or post-treatment of laser therapy. The burst of cool air on the skin layer numbs the epidermis allowing professionals to use higher levels of laser for treatment and yet making the patient pain free and comfortableAnother type of skin cooling system is cooling vest which is an apparel worn to maintain the body temperature. Heat stress is a major issue in medical science as it contributes to possibilities to impaired judgment, confusion, seizures and even to strokes. Cooling vests absorb heat and lower the body temperature. Moreover, cooling vests have also been a great influence on the market and are certain to be the potential product in the skin cooling systems. Cooling vests also help the patients of multiple sclerosis to maintain their body temperature and remain calm. Skin cooling systems in the form of cooling vests also aid athletes in body heat catastrophes. These cooling vests have also been used for firefighters and army officers. Contagious disease care experts are also using skin cooling systems to enhance performance and work duration and reduce heat stress, dehydration and rest.Skin Cooling Systems Market: Drivers and RestraintsSkin cooling systems are highly recommended in laser and dermatology clinics because of the vital part in patient comfort and ease after treatment. Confidence in laser treatments after accidents and traumas is attributed to high adoption of laser treatments and in turn demands adjuvants such as skin cooling. Skin cooling systems are thus exponentially being utilized in health and skin spas. Economic growth of the country, stability, and demand from the aesthetic industry are some other factors driving the demand for skin cooling systems due to penetration of cosmetic surgeries and anti-aging treatments. Adoption of the skin cooling systems by these clinics result in higher demand for the cooling systems over the period. However, skin cooling systems are expensive which restricts the widespread adoption of skin cooling systems across the globe. Moreover these skin cooling systems must be handled by medical experts only and lack of trained professionals to handle skin cooling systems also limits their use in specialized clinics and hospitals. Technological advances in skin cooling systems would bring the revolution and provide cheaper, compact and easy-to-use skin cooling systems. For instance, transition from trolley mounted to table top skin cooling systems is a step towards this revolution.To know more about the Skin Cooling Systems Market Trends, visit this link-Skin Cooling Systems Market: SegmentationTentatively, the skin cooling system market has been segmented on the basis of product type, treatment type, laser treatment and end users.Based on product type, the skin cooling system market is segmented into:Contact Skin Cooling SystemsNon-contact Skin Cooling SystemsWearable Skin Cooling SystemsBy indication/application, the skin cooling systems market is segmented into:Aesthetic TreatmentsMedical TreatmentsPhysiotherapyBased on end user, the skin cooling systems market is segmented into:HospitalsDermatology and Cosmetic Surgery ClinicsAmbulatory Surgical CentersHealth Spas and physiotherapy ClinicsSkin Cooling System Market: OverviewThe skin cooling system market is expected to register high growth over the forecast period primarily due to the increase in aesthetic surgeries and growing dependency on laser surgeries for disorders or accidents. Skin cooling systems are greatly recommended in clinics and hospitals. Non-contact skin cooling systems are in more demand than contact skin cooling system, primarily because non-contact skin cooling systems are chemical free, extremely fast and safe to use. It is estimated that the demand for non-contact skin cooling systems will exponentially rise and will hold a prominent market in the upcoming years.Skin Cooling Systems Market: Regional OutlookGeographically, the global custom nucleic acid market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), Japan and the Middle East and Africa (MEA). Among these, North America is expected to be the dominant regional market for custom skin cooling systems owing to presence of high number of dermatology and laser treatment clinics. Also, highly established healthcare infrastructure would contribute to adoption of such costly devices by hospitals and clinics in the U.S. The climatic conditions in the southern part of America demand for skin cooling systems in the form of cooling vests. Europe is expected to contribute second large share in the global skin cooling system market throughout the forecast period, because of adaptation of advance technology and economic growth. The skin cooling system market in Asia Pacific excluding Japan is expected to expand at a high CAGR due to presence of a large number of regional and local manufacturers in China and South Korea.Skin Cooling Systems Market: Key PlayersExamples of some of the key players in the global skin cooling devices market are Zimmer MedizinSystems in the US of America, Cryonic Medical, Vacuactivus, and Zamar care, among others. Qualified medical devices of Hako-Med Italia, Mecotec Freezing technology and gbo Medizintechnik in Germany, Lynton Surgical in United Kingdom, are popular in Europe. VYDENCE medical in Brazil, Kriosystem in Poland are leading. Sorisa beauty solution manufacture skin cooling systems especially for beauty and body re-modeling.For Further Insights and Segment-Specific Information, Contact a Market Analyst at-About FactMRFactMR is a fast-growing market research firm that offers the most comprehensive suite of syndicated and customized market insights 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 UsFactMR11140 Rockville PikeSuite 400Rockville, MD 20852United StatesEmail: sales@factmr.comWeb:Read Industry News at- Rapid growth of the Asia-Pacific Travel Insurance Market with CAGR of 10.1% Asia-Pacific Travel Insurance Market http://bit.ly/2PwroaF https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, Asia-Pacific Travel Insurance Market by Insurance Cover and Distribution Channel: Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2016-2022, the Asia-Pacific travel insurance market was valued at $5,540 million in 2016, and is estimated to reach $9,875 million by 2022, registering a CAGR of 10.1% from 2016 to 2022. In 2016, the single trip segment dominated this market.Access Full Summary at:Growth of the Asia-Pacific travel insurance market is driven by the increase in number of outbound travelers among senior citizens, who focus on secure travel and largely travel in groups or with family. Moreover, rise in number of family travelers and business travelers is expected to generate a high demand for travel insurance in this region.Japan dominates the market, accounting for nearly 22% share in 2016, followed by Australia. Japan is expected to maintain its dominance during the forecast period, owing to the steady growth in the number of domestic travelers. In addition, outbound travel from Australia is on a continuous rise due to the booming Australian dollar. Moreover, domestic traveling is also increasing at a rapid pace in Australia since the last five years.Download Exclusive Summary of Asia-Pacific Travel Insurance Market:The India travel insurance is expected to grow at a relatively high CAGR of 22.3%, owing to increase in number of travel operators offering discounts, reduced air fares, and growth in expenditure among the urban population. Moreover, online insurance is growing at a significant rate, providing a substantial opportunity for the Asia-Pacific travel insurance market.The insurance intermediaries segment is expected to maintain their dominance in the Asia-Pacific travel insurance market, as it is the most used distribution channel among senior citizens and baby boomers, in terms of availing services. Insurance intermediaries are trustworthy and they provide sufficient knowledge about different products, offering the best possible product to the client. However, insurance aggregators are expected to grow at a comparatively high CAGR in the future, owing to the rise in usage of digitalized channel for e-tailing and increase in penetration of internet in Asia-Pacific.Key Findings of the Asia-Pacific Travel Insurance Market:Currently, Japan leads the Asia-Pacific travel insurance market, followed by Australia.India and Thailand are currently in their growth phase of adopting travel insurance policy, wherein India is expected to grow at a significant rate during the forecast period.The insurance aggregators segment is expected to present numerous growth opportunities in the Asia-Pacific travel insurance market; however, insurance intermediaries are expected to maintain their dominance throughout the forecast period.The single-trip travel insurance policy is expected to account for higher market share, whereas, multi-trip travel insurance policy possesses high market potential.The demand for travel insurance in Asia-Pacific is subject to the rise in travel among middle-income groups and growth in disposable income. Moreover, the shift from traditional channel to modern distribution channel is expected to create a substantial growth opportunity for travel insurance.The key players profiled in the report include American International Group Inc., Allianz Group, ACE, Munich Re, Tokio Marine Holdings, China Pacific Insurance Company, Bajaj Finserv, Ping An Insurance Company of China, Dongbu Group, and MS&AD Insurance Group.Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions. AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain.We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry.Shriram Dighe5933 NE Win Sivers Drive#205, Portland, OR 97220United StatesToll Free: +1-800-792-5285UK: +44-845-528-1300Hong Kong: +852-301-84916India (Pune): +91-20-66346060Fax: +1855550-5975help@alliedmarketresearch.comWeb: President Xi Jinping's attendance at the first China International Import Expo shows the country's determination to expand its opening-up policy as the event injects more growth momentum into economic globalization, senior commerce officials said on Monday. The Ministry of Commerce announced that the president will deliver the keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the expo on Nov 5 in Shanghai and visit country pavilions with foreign leaders. Xi will meet heads of state and government during the expo, which runs to Nov 10, Vice-Minister of Commerce Fu Ziying said at a news conference. Government officials, business leaders and heads of international organizations from about 150 countries and regions will participate in the expo, said Fu, who also is China's international trade representative. Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang announced on Monday that leaders from 18 countries, including Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, will attend the expo. As the world's first import-themed national exhibition, the expo will include goods exhibitions and business forums. Eighty-two countries and three international organizations will participate in the section for country pavilions, according to the Ministry of Commerce. The expo will help advance economic globalization, Fu said. According to exhibitor registration data, about 5,000 exhibits will be shown in China for the first time via the expo platform. Consumers and companies will be able to experience global quality and bargain prices without going abroad, fully enjoy the benefits of globalization, better meet the needs of upgrading domestic consumption and promote high quality economic development in China, said Wang Bingnan, vice-minister of commerce. Experts said China's huge demand for imported products and services will provide a historic opportunity for global companies to enter its massive market for the long run. Many foreign companies also hope that through the expo, they will have better exposure in China and find more partners to help them distribute their products and services not only in top-tier cities, but also further into lower-tier cities and county-level markets, as well as markets related to the Belt and Road Initiative, said Li Gang, vice-president of the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation in Beijing. Because the government has lowered its value-added tax on imports as well as taxes on vehicles, auto parts, medicines and consumer goods this year, the import expo will help seal more goods and service trade deals between Chinese and global companies, said Sang Baichuan, a professor of international trade at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing. Packaging Resins Market - Factors boosting awareness 2025 | ExxonMobil Corporation, PetroChina Company Ltd https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=B&rep_id=3443 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=T&rep_id=3443 https://www.tmrresearch.com/packaging-resins-market Packaging Resins Market: SnapshotPlastic is usually a more effective material to pick than the other options. That is on the grounds that plastics are extraordinarily energy saving when comes to manufacturing and on the grounds that they are lighter than the other materials.Request Sample Copy of the Report @High Density Polyethylene HDPE is the most commonly utilized kind of plastic. It's utilized to make numerous kinds of containers and jugs. Uncolored containers are translucent, have great stiffness and barrier characteristics, and are appropriate to packaging items with a short shelf life, for example, milk. Since HDPE has good resistance to chemicals, it is utilized for packaging numerous families and modern industrial compounds for example, bleach and detergents.Polypropylene, PP has great chemical composition, is solid, and has a increased melting point making it useful for hot-fill fluids. This kind of resin found in fibers, adaptable and unbending packaging, and huge molded parts of consumer items and automobiles.Notwithstanding its stable physical properties, PVC has great flow properties, weatherability, chemical resistance, and stable electrical properties. The varied slate of vinyl items can be extensively isolated into inflexible and adaptable materials.Polystyrene, PS is a kind of all-propose plastic that can be foamed or rigid. Broadly useful polystyrene is brittle, clear, and hard. It has a moderately low melting point. Major usage of polystyrene incorporate foodservice packaging, protective packaging, food and containers, and jugs. PS is frequently mixed with rubber to have high impact polystyrene (HIPS), utilized for packaging which need durability, however not clarity.Request TOC of the Report @Global Packaging Resins Market: OverviewThe packaging resins market is expected to grow at high pace owing its soaring demand in various sectors such as healthcare and FMCG. The market is anticipated to expand at a robust CAGR of 7.6% within the forecast period from 2017 to 2025. The market was valued at around worth of US$192.17 bn in year 2017. This value is expected to reach around US$277.13 bn by the end of forecast period.There is an extensive variety of resins available to meet particular needs. Adhesive resins make a solid bond between dissimilar materials, while sealant resins offer leak-free solidness. Barrier resins protect freshness, decrease flavor loss, and increases shelf life. Modifier resins help enhance packaging structure performance. Peelable lidding resins can seal to, and peel off of, nearly anything. Resins for molded products offer exceptional flexibility and durability.On the basis of type, the packaging resins market is segmented into PP, LDPE, HDPE, PS & EPS, PET, PVC, and so on. Among these, LDPE is anticipated to be the leading segment owing to its properties, for example flexibility, toughness, moisture barrier, and chemical resistance. The affordability of LDPE resins at low price and varied usage in several sectors are likely to be the key factors behind the growth of the packaging resins market.Global Packaging Resins Market: Trends and OpportunitiesPlastic is frequently a more productive material to pick among the other options. That is on the grounds that plastics are extremely proficient to produce and they are lighter than other materials.HDPE packaging resins are utilized to make numerous kinds of containers and bottles. Unpigmented containers are translucent, have great barrier properties and firmness, and are apt for packaging products with a short shelf-life, for example, milk.LDPE packaging resins are utilized mainly in film applications because of its transparency, toughness, and flexibility, making it mainstream for use in applications where heat sealing is required. It is additionally used to make some jars and containers along with, cable and in-wire application.Read Comprehensive Overview of Report @PET packaging resins are tough, clear, and has great gas and moisture resistance properties. This resin is normally utilized as a part of drinking bottles and numerous injection- molded customer products jars. Cleaned, reused PET pellets and flakes are in high demand for making fiber for fiberfill, carpet yarns, and geotextiles.PP has great chemical protection, is solid, and has a high melting point, which makes it useful for hot-fill liquids. This resin is found in rigid and flexible packaging, fibers, and huge molded parts for customer and automotive products.Global Packaging Resins Market products: Regional AnalysisOn the basis of geography, Asia Pacific region is the fastest-growing and the biggest market for packaging resins because of the soaring demand from food and beverages sector. Moreover, the rise in population in the nations such as India and China provide a huge customer base to food and beverages and FMCG products. As a result of this, the Asia Pacific region seems to lead the market in coming years as well.Global Packaging Resins Market: Competitive LandscapeSome of the major players dominating the packaging resins market are Sinopec Corporation (China), ExxonMobil Corporation (US), LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V. (Netherlands), PetroChina Company Ltd. (China), SABIC (Saudi Arabia), and DowDupont Inc. (US). These firms are indulging themselves in the advanced business strategies in order to maintain their position in the market.About TMR ResearchTMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in todays supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends. Our savvy custom-built reports span a gamut of industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and metals, food and beverages, and technology and media, among others. With actionable insights uncovered through in-depth research of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.Contact:TMR Research,3739 Balboa St # 1097,San Francisco, CA 94121United StatesTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com Global Veterinary Vaccines Market By Product Type,By Disease Type,By Vaccine Type, Distribution Channel and Geography. Top KeyPlayers are Merck & Co., Inc., Eli Lilly and Company, Zoetis Inc., Virbac S.A. Global Veterinary Vaccines Market https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-veterinary-vaccines-market/#ulp-h4n2eZVGqb32xpPc https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-veterinary-vaccines-market/ https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com The global veterinary vaccines market was valued around US$ XX Mn in 2017 and growing at a significant CAGR over eight years forecast period 2018-2025Precision Business Insights (PBI) in its report titled Global veterinary vaccines market: Market Estimation, Dynamics, Regional Share, Trends, Competitor Analysis 2017 and Forecast 2018-2025 assesses the market performance over eight years forecast period over 2018-2025. The report analyses the market value forecast and provides the strategic insights into the market driving factors, challenges that are hindering the market revenue growth over forecast period.Market boosts and restraining factorsRise in demand for safe and effective meat for consumption and rising trade restriction of meat and animal owing to zoonotic diseases expected to create demand for veterinary vaccines over the forecast period. Moreover, market growth is driven by improving food security and rising human and pet bondage adoption in recent times. The growth of veterinary Vaccines market expected to hinder owing to lack of cold chain infrastructure for vaccine storage and transportation in several developing and underdeveloped economies.Moreover, the dearth of diseases surveillance data for carving out effective immunization programs expected to impede veterinary vaccine market growth over the forecast period.The global veterinary vaccines market is segmented into product type, companion animal vaccine, disease type, companion animal vaccine, vaccine type, end-users and geographical regions.Here you get a free sample report:Europe holds the strongest place in the global veterinary vaccines marketEurope accounted for larger revenue share in global veterinary vaccines market with moderate CAGR. There has been increased in awareness among cattlemen in U.S. regarding animal rearing, animal health and proper vaccination and judicious use of antibiotics in animals, which are driving the market revenue growth in the region. Asia Pacific market projected to grow at significant rate owing large pool of animal population and increased consumption and trade of meat.Some of the key players profiles in this market include: Bayer AG (Germany) Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH (Germany) Ceva Sante Animale (France) Eli Lilly and Company (U.S) Hester Biosciences (India) Merck & Co., Inc. (U.S) Vetoquinol S.A. (France) Virbac S.A. (France) Zoetis Inc. (U.S)Technological advancements and strategic alliances are the key strategies adopted by market playersPlayers in the veterinary vaccine market are launching the products in newer markets to garner larger market share in the market. Based on product type livestock vaccines accounted for larger market revenue share in 2016 and projected gain market revenue share over the forecast period. Players focusing on launching products to retain market position in global veterinary vaccines marketDetailed SegmentationBy Product Type Live Stock Vaccineso Bovine Vaccineso Poultry Vaccineso Small Ruminants Vaccines Companion Animal Vaccineo Canine Vaccineso Feline Vaccines Porcine Vaccines Equine Vaccines OthersBy Disease Type Live Stock Diseaseso Foot and Mouth Diseaseso Brucellosiso Infectious Bronchitiso Mareks Diseaseo Newcastle Diseaseo Others Companion Animal Diseaseso Canine Distempero Canine Parvoviruso Feline Rabieso Others Equine Diseases Porcine Diseases Aquaculture DiseasesBy Vaccine Type Live Attenuated Vaccines Inactivated Vaccines Recombinant vaccines Toxoid vaccines Conjugate Vaccines DNA Vaccines Subunit VaccinesBy distribution channel Veterinary Pharmacies Veterinary Hospitals Veterinary Clinics E-CommerceBy Geography North America Latin America Asia-Pacific Europe The Middle East & AfricaGet access to full summary @Precision Business Insights is one of the leading market research and business consulting firm, which follow a holistic approach to solve needs of the clients. We adopt and implement proven research methodologies to achieve better results. We help our clients by providing actionable insights and strategies to make better decisions. We provide consulting, syndicated and customised market research services based on our client needs.Kemp House,152 160 City Road,London EC1V 2NXEmail: sales@precisionbusinessinsights.comToll Free (US): +1-866-598-1553Website @ Protein Bars Market Future Outlook 2026 Profiling Major Key Players - Groupe Danone, Kellogg Co., General Mills, Inc., Premier Nutrition, Abbott Laboratories, Quest Nutrition, Universal Nutrition Corp. Protein Bars https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-pdf/1277 https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-customization/1277 Protein bars are nutritional supplements that provide protein and other nutrients, including carbohydrates, vitamins, fats, and minerals. Protein bars include isolated protein from plant or animal source such as soy, milk, and eggs. They have high content of essential amino acids, which help maintain muscle mass, repair wounds or rebuild damaged tissues, synthesize red blood cells, and boost immunity. Protein bars are gaining popularity among all age groups, especially sport persons and athletes, who are involved in vigorous physical activities.Download PDF Brochure :Rising awareness regarding protein deficiency or protein-energy is majorly driving growth of the protein bar market. Additionally, increasing fitness trends coupled with growing demand for on-the-go food products due to the hectic lifestyle is expected to boost growth of the protein bars market. Furthermore, high prevalence of lactose intolerance worldwide, is expected to fuel the demand for protein bars made from gluten-free plant sources.Protein Bars Market Outlook:North America held a dominant position in the global protein bars market in 2016, with S. being the major contributor. Increasing awareness regarding protein supplements and growing demand for convenience food in the region are key drivers for growth of the market in North America. Additionally, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, average daily participation rates in sports and exercise rose by 3.6% from 2003 to 2015. This in turn, is expected to fuel the consumption of protein bars in the region.In Europe, the U.K. accounted for a major share in the protein bars market, owing to the steadily increasing adoption of nutritional products among consumers in the country. Meal-replacement bars are largely gaining popularity among the obese and overweight population. According to the American Dietetic Association, protein bars help in reducing weight, when part of a well-balanced diet.Asia Pacific is expected to exhibit a significant market growth, owing to the rising prevalence of protein deficiency in the region. According to Coherent Market Insights analysis, in 2015, over 80 percent of the people living in India were found deficient in protein. The protein bars market in emerging economies such as China and India is expected to exhibit rapid growth, owing to the rising inclination of the young populace, towards maintaining good physique.Protein Bars Market Taxonomy:On the basis of protein source type, the global protein bars market is segmented into:Plant ProteinAnimal ProteinOn the basis of product type, the global protein bars market is segmented into:Energy Protein BarsLow- Carb Protein BarsMeal Replacement BarsOthersOn the basis of protein content, the global protein bars market is segmented into:Low Protein ( 0-15 gm)Medium Protein (16 gm - 25 gm)High Protein ( Above 25 gm)Key Players in the Global Protein Bars Market:Some of the key players operating in the global protein bars market are Groupe Danone, Kellogg Co., General Mills, Inc., Premier Nutrition, Abbott Laboratories, Quest Nutrition, Universal Nutrition Corp., and Active Nutrition International GmbH.Request For Customization of Research Report :About Coherent Market Insights:Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity.Contact Us:Mr. ShahCoherent Market Insights1001 4th Ave,#3200Seattle, WA 98154Tel: +1-206-701-6702Email: sales@coherentmarketinsights.com Bakery Market 2018 Global Analysis By Key Players Bahlsen, Allied Bakeries, Barilla Holding Societa per Azioni, Bakers Delight, Britannia Industries, Dunkin' Donuts Bakery Market https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/3493207-global-bakery-market-2018-by-manufacturers-regions-type https://www.wiseguyreports.com/enquiry/3493207-global-bakery-market-2018-by-manufacturers-regions-type https://www.wiseguyreports.com/checkout?currency=one_user-USD&report_id=3493207 WiseGuyReports.Com Publish a New Market Research Report On Bakery Market 2018 Global Analysis By Key Players Bahlsen, Allied Bakeries, Barilla Holding Societa per Azioni, Bakers Delight, Britannia Industries, Dunkin' Donuts.Description:-A bakery is an establishment that produces and sells flour-based food baked in an oven such as bread, cookies, cakes, pastries, and pies. Some retail bakeries are also cafes, serving coffee and tea to customers who wish to consume the baked goods on the premises.Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Bakery in global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.The increasing demand for bakery drives the market. Availability of foods at reasonable prices, variety of products, rapid urbanization, hectic lifestyles, health benefits and the convenience of baked products are key factors contributing to the growth of market. Increasing preference for bread, rolls, cakes and pastries, pies, cookies, crackers, pretzels and tortillas is expected to augment demand over the forecast period. Europe dominates the global bakery market and is expected to be the highest revenue contributor until the end of 2020. The European bakery industry is a traditional one with many established bakers and bakery chains that follow traditional artisanal practices and also align with modern-day requirements.Get a Sample Report @For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comThe worldwide market for Bakery is expected to grow at a CAGR of roughly 2.4% over the next five years, will reach 77100 million US$ in 2023, from 66900 million US$ in 2017, according to a new GIR (Global Info Research) study.Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversBahlsenAllied BakeriesBarilla Holding Societa per AzioniBakers DelightBritannia IndustriesDunkin' DonutsBruegger's EnterprisesEinstein Noah Restaurant GroupFlowers FoodsNestleMondelez InternationalFinsbury Food GroupMarket Segment by Regions, regional analysis coversNorth America (United States, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia etc.)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Market Segment by Type, coversBread and RollsCakes and PastriesCookiesOthersMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoHyper MarketsSuper MarketsConvenience StoresDepartmental StoresSpecialty StoresOnline PurchaseThere are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Bakery market.Chapter 1, to describe Bakery Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Bakery, with sales, revenue, and price of Bakery, in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 4, to show the global market by regions, with sales, revenue and market share of Bakery, for each region, from 2013 to 2018;ContinuedEnquiry About Report @Table Of Contents Major Key Points1 Market Overview1.1 Bakery Introduction1.2 Market Analysis by Type1.2.1 Bread and Rolls1.2.2 Cakes and Pastries1.2.3 Cookies1.2.4 Others1.3 Market Analysis by Applications1.3.1 Hyper Markets1.3.2 Super Markets1.3.3 Convenience Stores1.3.4 Departmental Stores1.3.5 Specialty Stores1.3.6 Online Purchase1.4 Market Analysis by Regions1.4.1 North America (United States, Canada and Mexico)1.4.1.1 United States Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.1.2 Canada Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.1.3 Mexico Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.2 Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)1.4.2.1 Germany Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.2.2 France Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.2.3 UK Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.2.4 Russia Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.2.5 Italy Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.3 Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)1.4.3.1 China Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.3.2 Japan Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.3.3 Korea Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.3.4 India Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.3.5 Southeast Asia Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.4 South America, Middle East and Africa1.4.4.1 Brazil Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.4.2 Egypt Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.4.3 Saudi Arabia Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.4.4 South Africa Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.4.5 Nigeria Market States and Outlook (2013-2023)1.5 Market Dynamics1.5.1 Market Opportunities1.5.2 Market Risk1.5.3 Market Driving Force2 Manufacturers Profiles2.1 Bahlsen2.1.1 Business Overview2.1.2 Bakery Type and Applications2.1.2.1 Product A2.1.2.2 Product B2.1.3 Bahlsen Bakery Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.2 Allied Bakeries2.2.1 Business Overview2.2.2 Bakery Type and Applications2.2.2.1 Product A2.2.2.2 Product B2.2.3 Allied Bakeries Bakery Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.3 Barilla Holding Societa per Azioni2.3.1 Business Overview2.3.2 Bakery Type and Applications2.3.2.1 Product A2.3.2.2 Product B2.3.3 Barilla Holding Societa per Azioni Bakery Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.4 Bakers Delight2.4.1 Business Overview2.4.2 Bakery Type and Applications2.4.2.1 Product A2.4.2.2 Product B2.4.3 Bakers Delight Bakery Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.5 Britannia Industries2.5.1 Business Overview2.5.2 Bakery Type and Applications2.5.2.1 Product A2.5.2.2 Product B2.5.3 Britannia Industries Bakery Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.6 Dunkin' Donuts2.6.1 Business Overview2.6.2 Bakery Type and Applications2.6.2.1 Product A2.6.2.2 Product B2.6.3 Dunkin' Donuts Bakery Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.7 Bruegger's Enterprises2.7.1 Business Overview2.7.2 Bakery Type and Applications2.7.2.1 Product A2.7.2.2 Product B2.7.3 Bruegger's Enterprises Bakery Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)ContinuedBuy 1-user PDF @For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comABOUT US:Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports features an exhaustive list of market research reports from hundreds of publishers worldwide. We boast a database spanning virtually every market category and an even more comprehensive collection of market research reports under these categories and sub-categories.Office No.528,Amanora Chambers,Magarpatta Road,Hadapsar,Pune-411028. Feed Enzyme Market and its Growth Prospect in the Near Future - Top Key Players are Adisseo France SAS, Rossari Biotech, Alltech, Associated British Foods plc, ovus International Inc. https://www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/feed-enzyme-market/report-sample https://www.psmarketresearch.com/send-enquiry?enquiry-url=feed-enzyme-market http://bit.ly/2JpqDuH https://www.psmarketresearch.com Feed enzymes are enhancer that are incorporated in the animal feed during the manufacturing process to resolve the nutrient deficiencies in farm animals. Sometimes, animals face digestive troubles due to the consumption of anti-nutritional ingredients in the feed, which can be avoided by addition of feed enzymes. The feed enzymes are not only capable of withstanding acidic condition but also the heat generated during the pelleting process that breakdown starch, making the feed more digestible. With the global rise in demand of meat industry, and awareness among customers for the animals health and wellbeing, the considerable growth in the global feed enzyme market has been observed. Further, the need to opt for cheaper alternatives and to fulfill the globally growing demand of protein will drive the feed enzyme market in the coming years.Browse report sample at:The global feed enzyme market is segmented on the basis of type, livestock, form, source. On the basis of type, phytase held the largest share in the global market in 2016; in comparison to protease, carbohydrase, lipase, and non-starch polysaccharides. However, protease is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period (2017 2023) due to its low cost and its ability to reduce nitrogen emission. On the basis of livestock, poultry livestock was the largest contributor to the global market in 2016, as a result of the high demand in poultry meat. On the basis of form, the feed enzyme market is segmented into liquid and dry form. Liquid form has advantage over dry form due to the ease of mixing enzyme in the animal feed, and is economical over dry feed. Therefore, liquid form was the largest contributor to the global market in 2016, as compared to dry form.Pre-Purchase Inquiry at:The global feed enzyme market is expected to witness considerable growth during the forecast period. The major factors driving its growth are the increase in demand in the consumption of animal-meat and animal based products. Recently, the outbreak of diseases among livestock such as avian influenza, classical swine fever, bovine spongiform encephalopathy, has raised awareness among consumers to focus on the healthy well-being of livestock and to avoid recurrence of such situations. The need to develop cheaper alternative to feed has persuaded manufacturers to look for other options such as plant source for feed enzyme. This is expected to have positive impact on the growth of the global market in the coming years. Moreover, the ban applied on usage of antibiotics to opt for more natural based products is also driving the global feed enzyme market.Europe accounts the largest share in the global feed enzyme market in 2016, followed by North America, owing to the larger consumption of meat in the European countries. Besides, research in these countries to generate better performing enzymes will strengthen the global market. Different countries in Asia-Pacific such as; China, India, Japan, Australia with the larger population and changing food habits are expanding the feed enzyme market and is expected to be the fastest growing market during the forecast period. China expected to be the largest consumer of feed enzyme in the Asia-Pacific market.Browse report at:Some of the key players in the global feed enzyme market are BASF SE, E. I. duPont de Nemours and Company, Adisseo France SAS, Rossari Biotech Ltd., Alltech Inc., Lesaffre & Cie, Associated British Foods plc, Koninklijke DSM N.V., Azelis S.A., Novus International Inc., and BIO-CAT.About P&S IntelligenceP&S Intelligence, a brand of P&S Market Research, is a provider of market research and consulting services catering to the market information needs of burgeoning industries across the world. Providing the plinth of market intelligence, P&S as an enterprising research and consulting company, believes in providing thorough landscape analyses on the ever-changing market scenario, to empower companies to make informed decisions and base their business strategies with astuteness.Contact:P&S IntelligenceToll-free: +1-888-778-7886 (USA/Canada)International: +1-347-960-6455Email: enquiry@psmarketresearch.comWeb: Color Cosmetics Products 2018 Global Market Key Players Loreal, P&G, Unilever, Estee Lauder, LOccitane, Shiseido, Avon, Johnson & Johnson -Analysis And Forecast To 2025 Color Cosmetics Products Market 2018 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/3356405-global-color-cosmetics-products-market-insights-forecast-to-2025 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/enquiry/3356405-global-color-cosmetics-products-market-insights-forecast-to-2025 Color Cosmetics Products Market 2018Wiseguyreports.Com Adds Color Cosmetics Products Global Market Demand, Growth, Opportunities, Manufacturers, Analysis of Top Key Players and Forecast to 2025 To Its Research Database.Description:This report studies the global market size of Color Cosmetics Products in key regions like North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Central & South America and Middle East & Africa, focuses on the consumption of Color Cosmetics Products in these regions.This research report categorizes the global Color Cosmetics Products market by players/brands, region, type and application. This report also studies the global market status, competition landscape, market share, growth rate, future trends, market drivers, opportunities and challenges, sales channels, distributors and Porters Five Forces Analysis.In 2017, the global Color Cosmetics Products market size was million US$ and is forecast to million US in 2025, growing at a CAGR of from 2018. The objectives of this study are to define, segment, and project the size of the Color Cosmetics Products market based on company, product type, application and key regions.The various contributors involved in the value chain of Color Cosmetics Products include manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, intermediaries, and customers. The key manufacturers in the Color Cosmetics Products includeLorealP&GUnileverEstee LauderLOccitaneShiseidoAvonLVChannelAmore PacificJahwaBeiersdorfJohnson & JohnsonJialaINOHERBSisleyRevlonJane iredaleHenkelCotyRequest for Sample Report @Market Size Split by TypeNail productsLip productsEye Make-upFacial Make-upHair Color ProductsSpecial Effects ProductsOthersMarket Size Split by ApplicationBeautySkin CareMarket size split by RegionNorth AmericaUnited StatesCanadaMexicoAsia-PacificChinaIndiaJapanSouth KoreaAustraliaIndonesiaSingaporeMalaysiaPhilippinesThailandVietnamEuropeGermanyFranceUKItalySpainRussiaCentral & South AmericaBrazilRest of Central & South AmericaMiddle East & AfricaGCC CountriesTurkeyEgyptSouth AfricaEnquiry before Buying @If you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.Table of Content:1 Study Coverage1.1 Color Cosmetics Products Product1.2 Key Market Segments1.3 Key Manufacturers Covered1.4 Market by Type1.4.1 Global Color Cosmetics Products Market Size Growth Rate by Type1.4.2 Nail products1.4.3 Lip products1.4.4 Eye Make-up1.4.5 Facial Make-up1.4.6 Hair Color Products1.4.7 Special Effects Products1.4.8 Others1.5 Market by Application1.5.1 Global Color Cosmetics Products Market Size Growth Rate by Application1.5.2 Beauty1.5.3 Skin Care1.6 Study Objectives1.7 Years Considered2 Executive Summary2.1 Global Color Cosmetics Products Market Size2.1.1 Global Color Cosmetics Products Revenue 2016-20252.1.2 Global Color Cosmetics Products Sales 2016-20252.2 Color Cosmetics Products Growth Rate by Regions2.2.1 Global Color Cosmetics Products Sales by Regions2.2.2 Global Color Cosmetics Products Revenue by Regions..11 Company Profiles11.1 Loreal11.1.1 Loreal Company Details11.1.2 Company Description11.1.3 Sales, Revenue and Gross Margin of Color Cosmetics Products11.1.4 Color Cosmetics Products Product Description11.1.5 Recent Development11.2 P&G11.2.1 P&G Company Details11.2.2 Company Description11.2.3 Sales, Revenue and Gross Margin of Color Cosmetics Products11.2.4 Color Cosmetics Products Product Description11.2.5 Recent Development11.3 Unilever11.3.1 Unilever Company Details11.3.2 Company Description11.3.3 Sales, Revenue and Gross Margin of Color Cosmetics Products11.3.4 Color Cosmetics Products Product Description11.3.5 Recent Development11.4 Estee Lauder11.4.1 Estee Lauder Company Details11.4.2 Company Description11.4.3 Sales, Revenue and Gross Margin of Color Cosmetics Products11.4.4 Color Cosmetics Products Product Description11.4.5 Recent Development11.5 LOccitane11.5.1 LOccitane Company Details11.5.2 Company Description11.5.3 Sales, Revenue and Gross Margin of Color Cosmetics Products11.5.4 Color Cosmetics Products Product Description11.5.5 Recent Development11.6 Shiseido11.6.1 Shiseido Company Details11.6.2 Company Description11.6.3 Sales, Revenue and Gross Margin of Color Cosmetics Products11.6.4 Color Cosmetics Products Product Description11.6.5 Recent Development11.7 Avon11.7.1 Avon Company Details11.7.2 Company Description11.7.3 Sales, Revenue and Gross Margin of Color Cosmetics Products11.7.4 Color Cosmetics Products Product Description11.7.5 Recent Development11.8 LV11.8.1 LV Company Details11.8.2 Company Description11.8.3 Sales, Revenue and Gross Margin of Color Cosmetics Products11.8.4 Color Cosmetics Products Product Description11.8.5 Recent Development11.9 Channel11.9.1 Channel Company Details11.9.2 Company Description11.9.3 Sales, Revenue and Gross Margin of Color Cosmetics Products11.9.4 Color Cosmetics Products Product Description11.9.5 Recent Development11.10 Amore Pacific11.10.1 Amore Pacific Company Details11.10.2 Company Description11.10.3 Sales, Revenue and Gross Margin of Color Cosmetics Products11.10.4 Color Cosmetics Products Product Description11.10.5 Recent Development11.11 Jahwa11.12 Beiersdorf11.13 Johnson & Johnson11.14 Jiala11.15 INOHERB11.16 Sisley11.17 Revlon11.18 Jane iredale11.19 Henkel11.20 CotyContinued..Contact US:NORAH TRENTPartner Relations & Marketing Managersales@wiseguyreports.comPh: +1-646-845-9349 (US)Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (UK)About Us:Wise Guy Reports Is Part Of The Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. And Offers Premium Progressive Statistical Surveying, Market Research Reports, Analysis & Forecast Data For Industries And Governments Around The Globe. Wise Guy Reports Features An Exhaustive List Of Market Research Reports From Hundreds Of Publishers Worldwide. We Boast A Database Hair Toolsnning Virtually Every Market Category And An Even More Comprehensive Collection Of Market Research Reports Under These Categories And Sub-Categories.Addres:: Wise Guy Research Consultants Pvt Ltd: Pune 411028: Maharashtra,: Ph: +91 841 198 5042 Surfactant Cleansers and Adjuvants Market: Soaring Demand Assures Motivated Revenue Share during 2017-2026 | Key Players are BASF, Akzo Nobel, Kao Corporation, Stepan Company, etc. https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=454 https://www.factmr.com/report/454/surfactant-cleansers-adjuvants-market https://www.factmr.com/checkout/454/S https://www.factmr.com/ https://factmrblog.com/ The report studies the Surfactant Cleansers and Adjuvants Market worldwide, especially in North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, India and Other Regions with production, size, growth, revenue, consumption, import and export in these regions. The intelligent report also anticipates that Surfactant Cleansers and Adjuvants Market would grow at a constructive CAGR until 2026. In order to study the various trends and patterns prevailing in the concerned market, Fact.MR has included a new report titled Surfactant Cleansers and Adjuvants Market to its wide online database including upcoming trends and growth factors through 2017-2026. This research assessment offers a clear insight about the influential factors that are expected to transform the global market in the near future.Get Free Sample of Global Surfactant Cleansers and Adjuvants Market Research Report Here -A surfactant is also known as a surface active agent and possesses molecules that have the properties of being polar and water-loving and other portion being hydrophobic or water fearing. Due to this dual nature of such molecules, they can favorably interact with water and water-soluble molecules and also interact with water insoluble molecules. Surfactants aid in cleansing and building foam by working at the surface between water and fat. They have the property of being mixed with water and fat in the skin, and thus allowing the dirt to be cleaned. Surfactants are found in all the personal cleansing products and also possess the properties of wetting, conditioning, thickening and defatting. The demand for surfactants is growing day by due to the positive signals exhibited by the global economy and particularly due to the rapid economic growth in Asia. Manufactures are working towards providing lower cost solutions and providing new innovative products which are better performing.Fact.MRs latest forecast study estimates that the global surfactant cleansers and adjuvants market will expand at a value CAGR of 3.4% over the forecast period, 2017-2026. In terms of volume, the report estimates that more than 13,543,340 tonnes of surfactant cleansers and adjuvants will be sold globally by the end of 2026.APEJ is set to Dominate the Global Surfactant Cleansers and Adjuvants Market in Value Terms in 2017The APEJ market was estimated to dominate the global surfactant cleansers and adjuvants market in terms of revenue in the year 2017, and this trend is projected to sustain itself throughout the forecast period. APEJ surfactant cleansers and adjuvants market is an attractive market, growing at a moderate CAGR during the assessment period. The APEJ market is forecasted to be valued at nearly US$ 11,350 Mn by the end of the year 2026.Anionic Surfactants Segment to Demonstrate a Sluggish CAGR During the Assessment PeriodAs per the forecasts of Fact.MR, the anionic surfactants segment is poised to touch a value of nearly US$ 12,750 Mn in 2026. This represents a sluggish CAGR growth during the assessment period 2017-2026. The anionic surfactants segment was estimated to account for nearly half of the revenue share of the product type category by 2017. The largest share is contributed by APEJ region in the anionic surfactants market segment.Learn More about Global Surfactant Cleansers and Adjuvants Market Research Report Here -Skin Care Products Segment to Account for Nearly One Fourth of the Revenue Share of the Application Category in 2017As per the findings of the Fact.MR research report, the skin care products segment is poised to grow at a moderate CAGR and touch a valuation of nearly US$ 6,450 Mn in 2026. The skin care products segment was estimated to account for nearly one fourth of the revenue share of the application category by 2017 end and is forecasted to gain market share by the end of the year 2026.Competition TrackingLeading manufacturers of surfactant cleansers and adjuvants have been profiled in this report to ascertain the markets global competition landscape. BASF, Akzo Nobel, Kao Corporation, Stepan Company, Rhodia, Clariant, Evonik Industries, Croda International and Huntsman Corporation have been recognized as key players in the global surfactant cleansers and adjuvants market.Table of Content:Global Economic OutlookGlobal Surfactant Cleansers & Adjuvants Market - Executive SummaryGlobal Surfactant Cleansers & Adjuvants Market Overview3.1. Introduction3.1.1. Global Surfactant Cleansers & Adjuvants Market Taxonomy3.1.2. Global Surfactant Cleansers & Adjuvants Market Definition3.2. Global Surfactant Cleansers & Adjuvants Market Size (US$ Mn) and Forecast, 2012-20263.2.1. Global Surfactant Cleansers & Adjuvants Market Y-o-Y Growth3.3. Global Surfactant Cleansers & Adjuvants Market Dynamics3.4. Surfactant Market Overview3.5. Supply Chain3.5. Cost Structure3.6. PORTERs AnalysisContinued..Buy Hassle Free Global Surfactant Cleansers and Adjuvants Market Research Report Here -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:Blog: Global and United States Dupuytren Contracture Drug Market Research by Company, Type & Application 2013-2025 https://www.marketdensity.com/contact?ref=Sample&report_id=180287 https://www.marketdensity.com/global-and-united-states-dupuytren-contracture-drug-market-research-by-company-type-application-2013-2025.html https://www.marketdensity.com Market Segment as follows:By TypeBupivacaine ERMWPC-003OthersBy ApplicationClinicHospitalOthersBy CompanyMediWound LtdPacira Pharmaceuticals IncThe main contents of the report including:Section 1:Product definition, type and application, global and United States market overview;Section 2:Global and United States Market competition by company;Section 3:Global and United States sales revenue, volume and price by type;Section 4:Global and United States sales revenue, volume and price by application;Section 5:United States export and import;Section 6:Company information, business overview, sales data and product specifications;Section 7:Industry chain and raw materials;Section 8:SWOT and Porter's Five Forces;Section 9:Conclusion.Get sample copy of this report:Table of Contents1 Market Overview2 Global and Regional Market by Company3 Global and Regional Market by Type4 Global and Regional Market by Application5 Regional Trade6 Key Manufacturers7 Industry Upstream8 Market Environment9 ConclusionBuy this report online :About Market Density:Market Density is your one stop market research and industry analysis reports' library providing business data and intelligence information on thousands of micro markets with global as well as regional coverage.Market Density offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe.Market Density understands how essential statistical surveying information is for your organization or association. Therefore, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available.Contact Us:Email: Support@marketdensity.comWebsite:Phone: +1 669 264 16564340 Stevens Creek Blvd,Suite # 172,San Jose, CA 95129 Global and United States Canned Preserved Foods Market Research by Company, Type & Application 2013-2025 https://www.marketdensity.com/contact?ref=Sample&report_id=180115 https://www.marketdensity.com/global-and-united-states-canned-preserved-foods-market-research-by-company-type-application-2013-2025.html https://www.marketdensity.com Market Segment as follows:By TypeCanned MeatCanned FishCanned FruitsCanned VegetableOthersBy ApplicationSupermarketConvenience StoreOnline StoresOthersBy CompanyBRF S.A.Maple Leaf Foods Inc.Dole Food Company Inc.Campbell Soup Co.Pinnacle Foods Inc.B&G Food Holdings Corp.MTR Foods Pvt. Ltd.H.J. Heinz Co.DelMonte Pacific Ltd.ConAgra Foods Inc.The main contents of the report including:Section 1:Product definition, type and application, global and United States market overview;Section 2:Global and United States Market competition by company;Section 3:Global and United States sales revenue, volume and price by type;Section 4:Global and United States sales revenue, volume and price by application;Section 5:United States export and import;Section 6:Company information, business overview, sales data and product specifications;Section 7:Industry chain and raw materials;Section 8:SWOT and Porter's Five Forces;Section 9:Conclusion.Get sample copy of this reportTable of contents:1 Market Definition2 Global Market by Vendors3 Global Market by Type4 Global Market by End-Use / Application5 Global Market by Regions6 North America Market7 Europe Market8 Asia-Pacific Market9 South America Market10 Middle East & Africa Market11 Market Forecast12 Key Manufacturers13 Price Overview14 Research ConclusionBuy this report onlineAbout Market Density:Market Density is your one stop market research and industry analysis reports' library providing business data and intelligence information on thousands of micro markets with global as well as regional coverage.Market Density offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe.Market Density understands how essential statistical surveying information is for your organization or association. Therefore, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available.Contact Us:Email: Support@marketdensity.comWebsite:Phone: +1 669 264 16564340 Stevens Creek Blvd, Suite # 172,San Jose, CA The authorities in Hong Kong are working closely and proactively with central government departments to take forward new policies to unleash the innovation and technological potential of inter-regional cooperation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Speaking at the forum themed "Belt and Road Conference: Tapping Belt and Road Opportunities in the Greater Bay Area" organized by China Daily and the Silk Road Economic Development Research Center, Hong Kong Chief Secretary for Administration Matthew Cheung Kin-chung said "the aim is to develop the Greater Bay Area into the Silicon Valley of China". "Leveraging our advantage in scientific research, internationalization, our robust legal system, rule of law and our status as an international financial, business and logistics center, Hong Kong is in an excellent position to contribute to the national strategy of innovation-driven development, namely the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area into an international innovation and technology hub," Cheung said. The Greater Bay Area, comprising the two special administrative regions and nine mainland cities in the Pearl River Delta region, has a population of nearly 68 million people and a gross domestic product of nearly $1.4 trillion. It will be a key pillar for the Belt and Road Initiative as an innovation and technology hub. "We have gathered to hear how Hong Kong can take full advantage of this increased opportunity. We would like to be able to realize the roadmap that must follow to play a pivotal role in the process of China's reaching out to the outside world," said Zhou Li, publisher and editor-in-chief of China Daily Asia-Pacific. Cheung said the government is committed to fostering innovation and technology development in eight areas, namely increasing resources for research and development, pooling resources, providing investment funding, providing technological research infrastructure, renewing existing legislation and regulation, opening up government data, changes in government's procurement policy, and strengthening science education. Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, in her October policy address, announced the government would allocate additional HK$28 billion ($3.57 billion) to expedite reindustrialization, promote research and development in universities, revamp e-Government services and encourage innovation in society. The amount is in addition to the HK$50 billion announced by Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po in February to support key technology areas such as biotechnology, artificial intelligence, smart city and financial technology. The Hong Kong Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park in the Lok Ma Chau Loop, when completed, will be the largest technology business park in Hong Kong with an area of 87 hectares and is expected to boost the area's global position in technology and provide an incubator for technology startups. Hong Kong has earmarked HK$20 billion for the first phase of its development. Besides infrastructure, Cheung said that a highly-skilled workforce is an essential element of innovation and technological development. The government has launched a three-year pilot scheme "Technology Talent Admission Scheme" which provides a fast-track arrangement for eligible technology companies and institutes to admit overseas and mainland technology professionals to undertake R&D work in biotechnology, artificial intelligence, cyber security and robotics. Wi-Fi Hotspot Global Market 2018: Key Players Aerohive Networks, Aptilo Networks, Aruba Networks, Boingo Wireless Inc, Cisco Systems Inc, https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/3457702-wi-fi-hotspot-global-market-outlook-2017-2026 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/enquiry/3457702-wi-fi-hotspot-global-market-outlook-2017-2026 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/checkout?currency=one_user-USD&report_id=3457702 https://www.wiseguyreports.com Wi-Fi Hotspot IndustryDescriptionWiseguyreports.Com Adds Wi-Fi Hotspot -Market Demand, Growth, Opportunities and Analysis Of Top Key Player Forecast To 2026 To Its Research DatabaseGlobal Wi-Fi Hotspot Market is accounted for $1,790.48 million in 2017 and is expected to reach $8256.00 million by 2026 growing at a CAGR of 18.5% during the forecast period. Increasing use of cell phones and smart devices, growing adoption of Wi-Fi hotspots by the retail, hospitality & education sectors and adoption of carrier Wi-Fi by the network operators for data traffic offload are the key driving factors for the market growth. However, meeting the bandwidth requirement of the applications and security issues are some of the factors hindering the market growth.A Wifi hotspot is a physical location where people may obtain Internet access, typically using Wi-Fi technology, via a wireless local area network (WLAN) using a router connected to an internet service provider. Public hotspots may be created by a business for use by customers, such as coffee shops or hotels. Public hotspots are typically created from wireless access points configured to provide Internet access, controlled to some degree by the venue. In its simplest form, venues that have broadband Internet access can create public wireless access by configuring an access point (AP), in conjunction with a router and connecting the AP to the Internet connection. A single wireless router combining these functions may suffice. Private hotspots may be configured on a smartphone or tablet with a mobile network data plan to allow Internet access to other devices via Bluetooth pairing or if both the hotspot device and the device/s accessing it are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.Based on Component, the Wireless hotspot gateways segment accounted for considerable market share during the forecast period. A hotspot gateway is a device that provides authentication, authorization and accounting for a wireless network. This can keep malicious users off of a private network even in the event that they are able to break the encryption. A wireless hotspot gateway helps solve guest user connectivity problems by offering instant Internet access without the need for configuration changes to the client computer or any resident client-side software. Geographically, The Asia-Pacific market is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period owing to the growth in access of internet; increase in number of mobile subscribers, rise in acceptance of internet communication-oriented services such as Snapchat and WhatsApp, and large share of mobile data traffic..Some of the key players profiled in the Wi-Fi Hotspot Market include Aerohive Networks, Aptilo Networks, Aruba Networks, Boingo Wireless Inc, Brocade Communications Systems Inc, Cisco Systems Inc, Ericsson, Huawei Technologies Co Ltd, Ipass Inc, Motorola Solutions, Netgear Inc, Nokia Corporation (Alcatel-Lucent S.A.), Ruckus Wireless and Ubiquiti Networks.Request for Sample Report @Components Covered: Mobile hotspot devices Wireless hotspot controllers Wireless hotspot gateways Other ComponentsServices Covered: Installation and Integration Services Managed Services Professional Services Consulting ServicesApplications Covered: Education Financial services Healthcare Hospitality Retail Telecom and IT Transportation Other ApplicationsSoftwares Covered: Wi-Fi security software Wi-Fi hotspot billing software Cloud based hotspot management Centralized hotspot managementEnd Users Covered: Service providers Enterprises Government Network operators Other End UsersRegions Covered: North Americao USo Canadao Mexico Europeo Germanyo UKo Italyo Franceo Spaino Rest of Europe Asia Pacifico Japano Chinao Indiao Australiao New Zealando South Koreao Rest of Asia Pacific South Americao Argentinao Brazilo Chileo Rest of South America Middle East & Africao Saudi Arabiao UAEo Qataro South Africao Rest of Middle East & AfricaWhat our report offers:- 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 advancementsLeave a Query @Table of Content1 Executive Summary2 Preface2.1 Abstract2.2 Stake Holders2.3 Research Scope2.4 Research Methodology2.4.1 Data Mining2.4.2 Data Analysis2.4.3 Data Validation2.4.4 Research Approach2.5 Research Sources2.5.1 Primary Research Sources2.5.2 Secondary Research Sources2.5.3 Assumptions3 Market Trend Analysis3.1 Introduction3.2 Drivers3.3 Restraints3.4 Opportunities3.5 Threats3.6 Application Analysis3.7 End User Analysis3.8 Emerging Markets3.9 Futuristic Market Scenario....11 Key Developments11.1 Agreements, Partnerships, Collaborations and Joint Ventures11.2 Acquisitions & Mergers11.3 New Product Launch11.4 Expansions11.5 Other Key Strategies12 Company Profiling12.1 Aerohive Networks12.2 Aptilo Networks AB12.3 Aruba Networks12.4 Boingo Wireless Inc12.5 Brocade Communications Systems Inc12.6 Cisco Systems Inc12.7 Ericsson12.8 Huawei Technologies Co Ltd12.9 Ipass Inc12.10 Motorola Solutions12.11 Netgear Inc12.12 Nokia Corporation (Alcatel-Lucent S.A.)12.13 Ruckus Wireless12.14 Ubiquiti NetworksBuy Now @Continued...Contact Us: Sales@Wiseguyreports.Com Ph: +1-646-845-9349 (Us) Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (Uk)About Us: Wise Guy Reports Is Part Of The Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. And Offers Premium Progressive Statistical Surveying, Market Research Reports, Analysis & Forecast Data For Industries And Governments Around The Globe. Wise Guy Reports Features An Exhaustive List Of Market Research Reports From Hundreds Of Publishers Worldwide. We Boast A Database Spanning Virtually Every Market Category And An Even More Comprehensive Collection Of Market Research Reports Under These Categories And Sub-Categories.Addres: Wise Guy Research Consultants Pvt Ltd Pune 411028 Maharashtra, Global Ph: +91 841 198 5042 Contraceptives Market: Analysis By Product Type, By End Use, By Geography, Demand, & Forecast - 2025 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1091 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-1091 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com Contraception is deliberate prevention of pregnancy by interfering with normal process of ovulation, fertilization and implantation through the use of barriers, drugs, medical devices or surgical techniques. Contraceptives are the drugs or devices which not only inhibit pregnancy but also sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The contraceptive devices are available in various forms such as coil, loop, triangle, and T-shaped, and are made of plastic or metal. Currently the trend witnessed in the global contraceptive devices market is the development of products such as self-administrative contraceptive injections, vaginal rings, non-surgical permanent contraception devices, sub-dermal contraceptive implants, etc. The contraceptive products are in the market for more than 50 years and are used by 100 million women across the globe. The World Contraception Day was initiated by Bayer Healthcare in coalition with several NGOs as a market strategy and is celebrated on 26th September in order to spread awareness about contraceptives and their benefits.Contraceptives Market: Drivers & RestraintsGlobal contraceptives market is projected to grow rapidly due to increasing public awareness in making right decisions about their sexual and reproductive health. Major drivers for global contraceptives market are technological advancements and an increase in the development of effective female contraceptive drugs and devices. At the same time, increasing government and NGO initiatives to promote contraceptives, implementation of the patient protection act or the affordable care act as well as rising global prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STI) are fuelling the growth of global contraceptives market.Request Sample Report @Large number of regulatory approvals of contraceptives, for instance Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has authorized self-injection of subcutaneous injectable contraceptives in United Kingdom. This is an example of increasing market opportunity in developed countries. Adoption of new permanent contraceptive practices instead of critical family planning procedures is the major driver especially in low-income countries. The side effects associated with the use of contraceptive drugs and devices and rising prevalence of infertility are the major factors that can hamper the global contraceptives market growth over the forecast period.Contraceptives Market: SegmentationThe global contraceptives market is classified on the basis of product type, end use and geography.Based on product type, global contraceptive market is segmented into the following:DrugsContraceptive pills/ Combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs)Male contraceptive pillsFemale contraceptive pillsTopical contraceptivesContraceptive injectableOthers (contraceptive gels, jellies and creams)Medical devicesMale contraceptive devices (Condoms)Female contraceptive devicesFemale CondomsIntrauterine DevicesHormonal IUCDCopper IUCDContraceptive SpongesContraceptive DiaphragmsContraceptive PatchesSub-dermal Contraceptive ImplantsNon-Surgical Permanent Contraceptive DevicesContraceptive Vaginal RingsBased on end use, the global contraceptive market is segmented into the following:HospitalsHome careClinicsAmbulatory Surgical CentresContraceptives Market: OverviewIn North America, the combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) market sub-segment is dominating the overall drugs segment owing to their high usage in preventing pregnancy and convenience of use. By product type, female contraceptive devices is the leading sub-segment due to their low cost, ease of usage and high potential in the prevention of pregnancy as well as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The intrauterine devices (IUD) sub-segment held the largest share in the global contraceptive devices market in 2014 due to high usage rates in Europe and China. However, the introduction of other effective female contraception devices such as implanted sub-dermal contraceptives particularly Sino-implant (II), FC2 female condom and non-surgical permanent contraception devices such as Essure, which suits the purchasing preferences of contraceptive users in Asia is expected to witness substantial growth. On the other hand, Asia Pacific is expected to be the most opportunistic region in global contraceptive market through forecast period due to strong economic growth in countries such as India, China, Singapore, Philippines, Australia and others. The approval of self-injection contraceptives by the United Kingdoms regulatory agency has introduced it to the countries such as South Africa other low-income countries.Request to View TOC @Contraceptives Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players identified in the global contraceptives market are Bayer HealthCare AG, Medisafe Distribution Inc, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, Medicines360, Pace Pharmaceuticals Inc., Actavis, Inc., Church & Dwight, Co., Inc., CooperSurgical, Inc., Mayer Laboratories, Inc., Merck & Co., Inc., Reckitt Benckiser plc, Pfizer, Inc.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centres in the U.S. and India.FMIs research and consulting services help businesses around the globe navigate the challenges in a rapidly evolving marketplace with confidence and clarity. Our customised and syndicated market research reports deliver actionable insights that drive sustainable growth. We continuously track emerging trends and events in a broad range of end industries to ensure our clients prepare for the evolving needs of their consumers.Future Market InsightsU.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWeb: COMATCH solidifies expansion into UK with two new key hires COMATCH, one of Europes leading marketplaces for independent consultants cements its expansion into the UK market with the hiring of Dr. Charlotte Gregson as the new UK&I Managing Director, and William Jones as Senior Manager Business Development & Sales for the UK&I. The pair will fortify the COMATCH London office, and spearhead the development of UK operations, acting as the primary contacts for both client businesses and consultants.As Brexit continues to destabilise UK industries, companies will need to respond to unforeseen complications more frequently, using narrow, targeted expertise quickly. This is where COMATCH comes in. COMATCH matches independent experts and consultants with company projects quickly, capitalising on the growing work opportunities for people in the top-end of the gig economy.Charlotte brings a wealth of capability to the role, having formerly been a management consultant with consultancies L.E.K. and IMS Health (now IQVIA). With significant experience in assessing and deploying independent consultants, since 2011 she has built networks and specialised in placing consultants as executive advisors, leaders and supplemental expert resources into national and international clients across industries. Charlottes wide-ranging expertise in cross-sector talent management, along with her diligent and professional approach will play an invaluable leadership role in COMATCHs development of the UK market.Charlotte Gregson: In the digital age, COMATCH embodies the flexible needs for businesses to quickly access expert resources. I am excited to join them and I look forward to being part of cementing their international presence in the independent consulting market.Before joining COMATCH, William Jones worked with FMCG and public sector organisations to deliver Organisational Transformation, Product Innovation, and IT Deployments. As a consultant with a background in engineering, William brings sharp professionalism with hands on practicality to the company. His role as Senior Business Development Manager will allow companies to comprehensively benefit from COMATCHs portfolio of services, including COMATCHPerm, which enables independent consultants to transition into permanent positions, if there is a right fit.William Jones: Im looking forward to working with some incredibly gifted and passionate people as we establish COMATCH in the UK market. The company perfectly combines the benefits of the gig economy with the consultant desire for greater autonomy. The result is a great success for clients, consultants, and COMATCH.Co-Founder Dr. Christoph Hardt commented:While COMATCH operates globally, we believe the UK presents unique opportunities for consultancies and companies alike to utilise independent experts, especially with regards to Brexit and a changing job landscape. In securing the support of Charlotte and Will, COMATCH is in prime position to penetrate the UK market further, and provide companies with the experts they need.About COMATCHCOMATCH is the online marketplace for independent management consultants and industry experts. Since March 2015 COMATCH has matched consultants with clients in need of external support. Companies of all sizes use COMATCH, among them international corporates as well as consultancies, start-ups and SMEs. Consultants that want to join the network have to pass a two-step selection process that guarantees high quality consulting (Only half of consultant applications are accepted). Founders and Managing Directors of the Berlin-based company are former McKinsey consultants Dr. Christoph Hardt and Dr. Jan Schachtele.COMATCH GmbH | Stromstrae 15 10551 Berlin Andalusite Market to Penetrate Untapped Regions During 2015 to 2021 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/4546 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/4546 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Andalusite is an aluminum nesosilicate mineral belonging to the sillimanite family and found in metamorphic rocks. It is a polymorph with two other minerals: kyanite and sillimanite and is named after Andalusia, a province in Spain. Since it is polymorph, it has similar chemical composition but different physical structure as compared to kyanite and sillimanite. Andalusite is commonly used for production of refractory materials and as a precursor for porcelain which is used in spark plugs and other products. Andalusite generally forms under low pressure and high temperature and converts to sillimanite or kyanite at different temperature-pressure regime. It comes in pink, green, yellow, violet and gray colors among others.Andalusite is a precursor for production of refractory materials, which is used in linings for incinerators, furnaces, kilns and reactors. It can also be used for the production of crucibles. A refractory material should be physically and chemically stable at high temperatures, resistant to thermal shock and chemically inert. Andalusite has high purity, stable volume, good creep resistance, a high thermal shock resistance, metal penetration resistance and low porosity that make it suitable for production of refractory. The steel, glass, aluminum and cement industry are the key end users of andalusite.Request For Report Sample@The andalusite industry is driven by the growth of refractory industry. The global demand for longer lasting, higher quality and low cost refractories is rising in emerging economies of the Asia Pacific, especially China and India due to rapid economic growth. The refractory industry follows the trend set by the main end user, the steel industry. The steel production makes up the majority of demand for refractories and profitability of the refractories industry is influenced by investment in steel production and steel plants. The continued demand for andalusite by China for its refractive industry will drive the demand of andalusite. Although end users other than the steel industry consume less andalusite, they have a strong impact on the growth of andalusite industry. The ceramic, glass, aluminum and cement industry contribute heavily to the growth of andalusite industry. However, fluctuations of major currency such as Euro and Dollar, rising oil prices and availability of substitutes such as bauxite could hamper the growth of this market.The Asia Pacific is one the biggest consumer of andalusite due to the rapid growth of refractory industry in emerging economies such as China and India. China is the main producer and user of refractories, mainly driven by the steel industry. Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Russia and Turkey are some of the other key markets in this region. The future of the refractories will depend on emerging economies of Asia and Latin America. Brazil remains the most promising end market for andalusite in Latin America. The consumption of refractories will be moderate in the European Union and North America.Request For Report Table of Content (TOC):The production of andalusite is concentrated in the hands of few companies who produce majority of andalusite for the global market. Some of the key players in this market are Andalusite Resources, Rhino Minerals Pty Ltd (IMERYS), Samrec Pty ltd (IMERYS), Damrec (IMERYS), Picobello Andalucita and Andalucita S.A. among others. Damrec, subsidiary of IMERYS, is the largest producer of Andalusite and has operations in China, South Africa, France and Peru. Andalusite Resources (Pty) Ltd is a newcomer to the Andalusite Industry and plans to increase its production capacity due to strong growth potential of andalusite market.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 Commercial Coffee Brewers Market By Industry Business Plan, Manufacturers, Sales, Supply, Revenue, Applications and Forecast Report 2018-2025 http://globalqyresearch.com/download-sample/532181 http://globalqyresearch.com/checkout-form/0/532181 The recently published report titled Global Commercial Coffee Brewers Industry 2018 Market Research Report is an in depth study providing complete analysis of the industry for the period 2018 2025. It provides complete overview of Global Commercial Coffee Brewers Market considering all the major industry trends, market dynamics and competitive scenario.The Global Commercial Coffee Brewers Industry Report 2018 is an in depth study analyzing the current state of the Global Commercial Coffee Brewers Market. It provides brief overview of the market focusing on definitions, market segmentation, end-use applications and industry chain analysis. The study on Global Commercial Coffee Brewers Market provides analysis of China market covering the industry trends, recent developments in the market and competitive landscape. Competitive analysis includes competitive information of leading players in China market, their company profiles, product portfolio, capacity, production, and company financials. In addition, report also provides upstream raw material analysis and downstream demand analysis along with the key development trends and sales channel analysis. Research study on Global Commercial Coffee Brewers Market also discusses the opportunity areas for investors.The report provides key statistics on the state of the industry and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market.Download Sample Copy of this Report:Reasons to Buy this ReportThe research report will enrich your decision-making capability by helping you to Design and improve your product development and sales strategies and enhancing your marketing activitiesDevelop business strategies by understanding the market dynamics and developments driving the Global Commercial Coffee Brewers MarketDevelop market-entry strategies and effective ways to sustain competitionCreate merger and acquisition opportunities by identifying the market players with the most innovative pipelinesIdentify the regional market potential which would further help in designing regional market strategiesUnderstand the competitive scenario in the Global Commercial Coffee Brewers MarketTake more informed business decisions by relying on the insightful opinions from industry expertsWhy Global QY Research ?Technically acclaimed Analysts with complete industry know howRobust research methodology followed by our publishers to arrive at market estimatesFocus on technology trendsExtensive repository of market research reports to meet our clients needsBased on extensive research, we provide clear view of real market scenario and help clients with making informed business decisionsTable of ContentsGlobal Commercial Coffee Brewers Market Research Report 2018 - 20251 Study Coverage1.1 Commercial Coffee Brewers Product1.2 Key Market Segments in This Study1.3 Key Manufacturers Covered1.4 Market by Type1.4.1 Global Commercial Coffee Brewers Market Size Growth Rate by Type1.4.2 Satellite Brewers1.4.3 Decanter Brewers1.4.4 Airpot Brewers1.4.5 Coffee Urns1.5 Market by Application1.5.1 Global Commercial Coffee Brewers Market Size Growth Rate by Application1.5.2 Coffee Shops1.5.3 Restaurants1.5.4 Hotels1.5.5 Others1.6 Study Objectives1.7 Years Considered2 Executive Summary2.1 Global Commercial Coffee Brewers Market Size2.1.1 Global Commercial Coffee Brewers Revenue 2013-20252.1.2 Global Commercial Coffee Brewers Production 2013-20252.2 Commercial Coffee Brewers Growth Rate (CAGR) 2018-20252.3 Analysis of Competitive Landscape2.3.1 Manufacturers Market Concentration Ratio (CR5 and HHI)2.3.2 Key Commercial Coffee Brewers Manufacturers2.3.2.1 Commercial Coffee Brewers Manufacturing Base Distribution, Headquarters2.3.2.2 Manufacturers Commercial Coffee Brewers Product Offered2.3.2.3 Date of Manufacturers Enter into Commercial Coffee Brewers Market2.4 Key Trends for Commercial Coffee Brewers Markets & Products3 Market Size by Manufacturers3.1 Commercial Coffee Brewers Production by Manufacturers3.1.1 Commercial Coffee Brewers Production by Manufacturers3.1.2 Commercial Coffee Brewers Production Market Share by Manufacturers3.2 Commercial Coffee Brewers Revenue by Manufacturers3.2.1 Commercial Coffee Brewers Revenue by Manufacturers (2013-2018)3.2.2 Commercial Coffee Brewers Revenue Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)3.3 Commercial Coffee Brewers Price by Manufacturers3.4 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion Plans4 Commercial Coffee Brewers Production by Regions4.1 Global Commercial Coffee Brewers Production by Regions4.1.1 Global Commercial Coffee Brewers Production Market Share by Regions4.1.2 Global Commercial Coffee Brewers Revenue Market Share by Regions4.2 United States4.2.1 United States Commercial Coffee Brewers Production4.2.2 United States Commercial Coffee Brewers Revenue4.2.3 Key Players in United States4.2.4 United States Commercial Coffee Brewers Import & Export4.3 Europe4.3.1 Europe Commercial Coffee Brewers Production4.3.2 Europe Commercial Coffee Brewers Revenue4.3.3 Key Players in Europe4.3.4 Europe Commercial Coffee Brewers Import & Export4.4 China4.4.1 China Commercial Coffee Brewers Production4.4.2 China Commercial Coffee Brewers Revenue4.4.3 Key Players in China4.4.4 China Commercial Coffee Brewers Import & Export4.5 Japan4.5.1 Japan Commercial Coffee Brewers Production4.5.2 Japan Commercial Coffee Brewers Revenue4.5.3 Key Players in Japan4.5.4 Japan Commercial Coffee Brewers Import & Export4.6 Other Regions4.6.1 South Korea4.6.2 India4.6.3 Southeast Asia5 Commercial Coffee Brewers Consumption by Regions5.1 Global Commercial Coffee Brewers Consumption by Regions5.1.1 Global Commercial Coffee Brewers Consumption by Regions5.1.2 Global Commercial Coffee Brewers Consumption Market Share by Regions5.2 North America5.2.1 North America Commercial Coffee Brewers Consumption by Application5.2.2 North America Commercial Coffee Brewers Consumption by Countries5.2.3 United States5.2.4 Canada5.2.5 Mexico5.3 Europe5.3.1 Europe Commercial Coffee Brewers Consumption by Application5.3.2 Europe Commercial Coffee Brewers Consumption by Countries5.3.3 Germany5.3.4 France5.3.5 UK5.3.6 Italy5.3.7 Russia5.4 Asia Pacific5.4.1 Asia Pacific Commercial Coffee Brewers Consumption by Application5.4.2 Asia Pacific Commercial Coffee Brewers Consumption by Countries5.4.3 China5.4.4 Japan5.4.5 South Korea5.4.6 India5.4.7 Australia5.4.8 Indonesia5.4.9 Thailand5.4.10 Malaysia5.4.11 Philippines5.4.12 Vietnam5.5 Central & South America5.5.1 Central & South America Commercial Coffee Brewers Consumption by Application5.5.2 Central & South America Commercial Coffee Brewers Consumption by Country5.5.3 Brazil5.6 Middle East and Africa5.6.1 Middle East and Africa Commercial Coffee Brewers Consumption by Application5.6.2 Middle East and Africa Commercial Coffee Brewers Consumption by Countries5.6.3 GCC Countries5.6.4 Egypt5.6.5 South Africa6 Market Size by Type6.1 Global Commercial Coffee Brewers Production by Type6.2 Global Commercial Coffee Brewers Revenue by Type6.3 Commercial Coffee Brewers Price by Type7 Market Size by Application7.1 Overview7.2 Global Commercial Coffee Brewers Breakdown Dada by Application7.2.1 Global Commercial Coffee Brewers Consumption by Application7.2.2 Global Commercial Coffee Brewers Consumption Market Share by Application (2013-2018)8 Manufacturers Profiles8.1 BUNN8.1.1 BUNN Company Details8.1.2 Company Overview8.1.3 BUNN Commercial Coffee Brewers Production Revenue and Gross Margin (2013-2018)8.1.4 BUNN Commercial Coffee Brewers Product Description8.1.5 BUNN Recent Development8.2 Bloomfield8.2.1 Bloomfield Company Details8.2.2 Company Overview8.2.3 Bloomfield Commercial Coffee Brewers Production Revenue and Gross Margin (2013-2018)8.2.4 Bloomfield Commercial Coffee Brewers Product Description8.2.5 Bloomfield Recent Development8.3 Grindmaster-Cecilware8.3.1 Grindmaster-Cecilware Company Details8.3.2 Company Overview8.3.3 Grindmaster-Cecilware Commercial Coffee Brewers Production Revenue and Gross Margin (2013-2018)8.3.4 Grindmaster-Cecilware Commercial Coffee Brewers Product Description8.3.5 Grindmaster-Cecilware Recent Development8.4 Hamilton Beach Brands8.4.1 Hamilton Beach Brands Company Details8.4.2 Company Overview8.4.3 Hamilton Beach Brands Commercial Coffee Brewers Production Revenue and Gross Margin (2013-2018)8.4.4 Hamilton Beach Brands Commercial Coffee Brewers Product Description8.4.5 Hamilton Beach Brands Recent Development8.5 Wilbur Curtis8.5.1 Wilbur Curtis Company Details8.5.2 Company Overview8.5.3 Wilbur Curtis Commercial Coffee Brewers Production Revenue and Gross Margin (2013-2018)8.5.4 Wilbur Curtis Commercial Coffee Brewers Product Description8.5.5 Wilbur Curtis Recent Development8.6 Avantco Equipment8.6.1 Avantco Equipment Company Details8.6.2 Company Overview8.6.3 Avantco Equipment Commercial Coffee Brewers Production Revenue and Gross Margin (2013-2018)8.6.4 Avantco Equipment Commercial Coffee Brewers Product Description8.6.5 Avantco Equipment Recent Development8.7 Bravilor Bonamat8.7.1 Bravilor Bonamat Company Details8.7.2 Company Overview8.7.3 Bravilor Bonamat Commercial Coffee Brewers Production Revenue and Gross Margin (2013-2018)8.7.4 Bravilor Bonamat Commercial Coffee Brewers Product Description8.7.5 Bravilor Bonamat Recent Development8.8 Brewmatic8.8.1 Brewmatic Company Details8.8.2 Company Overview8.8.3 Brewmatic Commercial Coffee Brewers Production Revenue and Gross Margin (2013-2018)8.8.4 Brewmatic Commercial Coffee Brewers Product Description8.8.5 Brewmatic Recent Development8.9 FETCO8.9.1 FETCO Company Details8.9.2 Company Overview8.9.3 FETCO Commercial Coffee Brewers Production Revenue and Gross Margin (2013-2018)8.9.4 FETCO Commercial Coffee Brewers Product Description8.9.5 FETCO Recent Development8.10 Franke Group8.10.1 Franke Group Company Details8.10.2 Company Overview8.10.3 Franke Group Commercial Coffee Brewers Production Revenue and Gross Margin (2013-2018)8.10.4 Franke Group Commercial Coffee Brewers Product Description8.10.5 Franke Group Recent Development8.11 HLF8.12 Jacobs Douwe Egberts (JDE)8.13 Newco8.14 West Bend9 Production Forecasts9.1 Commercial Coffee Brewers Production and Revenue Forecast9.1.1 Global Commercial Coffee Brewers Production Forecast 2018-20259.1.2 Global Commercial Coffee Brewers Revenue Forecast 2018-20259.2 Commercial Coffee Brewers Production and Revenue Forecast by Regions9.2.1 Global Commercial Coffee Brewers Revenue Forecast by Regions9.2.2 Global Commercial Coffee Brewers Production Forecast by Regions9.3 Commercial Coffee Brewers Key Producers Forecast9.3.1 United States9.3.2 Europe9.3.3 China9.3.4 Japan9.4 Forecast by Type9.4.1 Global Commercial Coffee Brewers Production Forecast by Type9.4.2 Global Commercial Coffee Brewers Revenue Forecast by Type10 Consumption Forecast10.1 Commercial Coffee Brewers Consumption Forecast by Application10.2 Commercial Coffee Brewers Consumption Forecast by Regions10.3 North America Market Consumption Forecast10.3.1 North America Commercial Coffee Brewers Consumption Forecast by Regions 2018-202510.3.2 United States10.3.3 Canada10.3.4 Mexico10.4 Europe Market Consumption Forecast10.4.1 Europe Commercial Coffee Brewers Consumption Forecast by Regions 2018-202510.4.2 Germany10.4.3 France10.4.4 UK10.4.5 Italy10.4.6 Russia10.5 Asia Pacific Market Consumption Forecast10.5.1 Asia Pacific Commercial Coffee Brewers Consumption Forecast by Regions 2018-202510.5.2 China10.5.3 Japan10.5.4 South Korea10.5.5 India10.5.6 Australia10.5.7 Indonesia10.5.8 Thailand10.5.9 Malaysia10.5.10 Philippines10.5.11 Vietnam10.6 Central & South America Market Consumption Forecast10.6.1 Central & South America Commercial Coffee Brewers Consumption Forecast by Regions 2018-202510.6.2 Brazil10.7 Middle East and Africa Market Consumption Forecast10.7.1 Middle East and Africa Commercial Coffee Brewers Consumption Forecast by Regions 2018-202510.7.2 GCC Countries10.7.3 Egypt10.7.4 South Africa11 Value Chain and Sales Channels Analysis11.1 Value Chain Analysis11.2 Sales Channels Analysis11.2.1 Commercial Coffee Brewers Sales Channels11.2.2 Commercial Coffee Brewers Distributors11.3 Commercial Coffee Brewers Customers12 Market Opportunities & Challenges, Risks and Influences Factors Analysis12.1 Market Opportunities and Drivers12.2 Market Challenges12.3 Market Risks/Restraints12.4 Key World Economic Indicators13 Key Findings in the Global Commercial Coffee Brewers Study14 Appendix14.1 Research Methodology14.1.1 Methodology/Research Approach14.1.1.1 Research Programs/Design14.1.1.2 Market Size Estimation14.1.1.3 Market Breakdown and Data Triangulation14.1.2 Data Source14.1.2.1 Secondary Sources14.1.2.2 Primary Sources14.2 Author Details14.3 DisclaimerThe report is readily available and can be dispatched within 4 hr after payment confirmation.To Purchase this Premium Report:About Us:Global QYResearch is the one spot destination for all your research needs. Global QYResearch holds the repository of quality research reports from numerous publishers across the globe. Our inventory of research reports caters to various industry verticals including Healthcare, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Technology and Media, Chemicals, Materials, Energy, Heavy Industry, etc. With the complete information about the publishers and the industries they cater to for developing market research reports, we help our clients in making purchase decision by understanding their requirements and suggesting best possible collection matching their needs.Contact Us:Unit1, 26 Cleveland Road, South Woodford, London,E182AN, United KingdomContact: +44 20 3286 1546 Spinal Fusion Market Professional Study and Research Report 2015-2025 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-cn-877 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-cn-877 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com There are several huge aspects impacting medical device technology field nowadays. A number of trends including consolidation, research and developments, and international strategies and alliances are driving the market for china spinal fusion market. The spinal fusion is one of the most common surgeries suggested for back problems. With the increasing spinal fusion surgery volumes in china due to the favourable reimbursement levels and patients willingness to undergo surgery with minimal invasive techniques is expected to foster the china spinal fusion market. Spinal fusion is surgical process are done to the patients suffering from a number of conditions such asdeformity, scoliosis, disc disease and fracture.The China Spinal Fusion Market is expected to register a double digit growth holding the fact that there is an increasing number of surgeries due to advancement in the technologies and use of minimal invasive techniques that benefits reduced cost. The procedures are highly benefited with the investment in the new technologies and their clinical success which are gaining more and more importance in the recent days and causing the China spinal fusion market to grow.Request to Sample of Report @The emerging China spinal fusion market has been experiencing a phase of new product development and technological advancements due to greater demand. The manufacturing companies are raising their respective market share with aggressive marketing activities and increased R&D activities.China Spinal Fusion Market: Drivers & RestraintsSome of the major factors subsidizing the growth of China spinal fusion market are increasing rate of aging population with spine related diseases & related injuries coupled with the rising incomes of the Chinese populace ensuring the patients capability to pay for the treatment. On the other hand the price sensitive population of china is very responsive to the treatment price that are anticipated to drip considerably in near future due to the increasing competition in the market.Due to existing and upcoming advance technologies such as minimal invasive surgery and better implant materials are making it more widely accepted including the younger adult populace and thereby increasing the China spinal fusion market.The economic growth and additional initiatives taken by the Chinese government had resulted in treatment of a large number of previously untreated spinal disease patients in China's rural populace who are now undergoing minimally invasive spine surgery due to increased access.Despite of being widely used procedure for curing extremely debilitating disease related to spine, and spinal deformities, such as scoliosis and kyphosis, the China spinal fusion market is facing some challenges such as reimbursement cuts and heavy government regulations, high surgery cost, risk factors involved in the surgery etc.Due to high competition in the market, prices for bone graft substitutes and spinal implants are expected to come down in the Asia Pacific market, even when demand and expenditure on them has become greater than before, thus restraining the China spinal fusion market from growing. Some of the other growth restraining factors of the China spinal infusion market can be growing awareness for some other treatment methods such as IDET, artificial disc, posterior dynamic stabilization, disc regeneration.China Spinal Fusion Market: SegmentationBy spine fusion device types is segmented as follows:Spinal Plating SystemsPedicle Screw SystemsInterbody CagesBy procedure, the china spinal fusion market is segmented as follows:Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF)Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF)Anterior/Posterior Spinal FusionTransforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF)Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion (XLIF)The developing region of China is projected to be potentially growing in market with reference to the increasing demand for spinal fusion holding the fact that increased number of technological advancements have made the devices and surgeries cost-effective.Request Report for TOC @China Spinal Fusion Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players in the China spinal fusion market are Trauson, Depuy Synthes Companies, Biomet, Inc., Medtronic, Inc, Nuvasive Inc, Stryker Corporation, Zimmer Holding, Inc., Orthofix International N.V, B. Braun Aesculap and Weigao Orthopaedic Device Co., Ltd.About UsFuture Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centres in the U.S. and India.FMIs research and consulting services help businesses around the globe navigate the challenges in a rapidly evolving marketplace with confidence and clarity. Our customised and syndicated market research reports deliver actionable insights that drive sustainable growth. We continuously track emerging trends and events in a broad range of end industries to ensure our clients prepare for the evolving needs of their consumers.U.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWeb: Game Software Industry Market 2018 new report focus industry growth, game monetization, demands by Google, apple, Sony, Microsoft https://www.researchnreports.com/request_sample.php?id=220877 https://www.researchnreports.com/ask_for_discount.php?id=220877 https://www.researchnreports.com/enquiry_before_buying.php?id=220877 www.researchnreports.com Game Software Industry MarketGaming Software market 2018 report provides fresh insights into the market, including competitive landscape, mobile game software manufacturing technology, demand drivers, top players and technology foundations. The Global Mobile Game Software Market 2018 report includes all aspects of the mobile gaming software industry along with progressive performance. Earlier and current research on mobile game software market value and mobile game software market in the past and present predicts the forecast period from 2018 to 2025 to provide important data for business decision making. Mobile game software sales grew the fastest with sales of $ 39 billion, up +28.2%. Meanwhile, Sony PlayStation 4 had a good year, and Nintendo's switch was a strong launch. Together, these combined with video game software sales of $ 58 billion in 2018.For Sample Copy of this report:Companies MentionedAppleGoogleMicrosoftNintendoSonyAvail discount on this report:This research addresses all the key issues that provide important exercises in the mobile gaming software business. This report provides insight into the business organization and corporate profile, contact information, strategies and plans of mobile gaming software market, mobile gaming software manufacturing guidelines, gross gross profit and consumer volume in the mobile gaming software industry. For direct reading, the Mobile Gaming Software Market Report includes a wide range of factors, both positive and negative, that affect the decision making of industry experts with complex and profitable enhancements. The report provides a list of the top traders, distributors and vendors of the mobile gaming software industry along with findings, conclusions, and appendicesBy Gaming Device TypeMobilesGaming ConsolesPCBy Distribution ChannelOnline Distribution ChannelOffline Distribution ChannelFor more enquiry:Reasons for Buying this ReportThis report provides pin-point analysis for changing competitive dynamicsIt provides a forward looking perspective on different factors driving or restraining market growthIt provides a six-year forecast assessed on the basis of how the market is predicted to growIt helps in understanding the key product segments and their futureIt provides pin point analysis of changing competition dynamics and keeps you ahead of competitorsIt helps in making informed business decisions by having complete insights of market and by making in-depth analysis of market segmentsTable Of ContentGlobal Game Software Industry Market Research ReportChapter 1Game Software Industry Market OverviewChapter 2 Global Economic ImpactChapter 3 Competition by ManufacturerChapter 4 Production, Revenue (Value) by RegionChapter 5 Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by RegionsChapter 6 Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by TypeChapter 7 Analysis by ApplicationChapter 8 Manufacturing Cost AnalysisChapter 9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream BuyersChapter 10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/TradersChapter 11 Market Effect Factors AnalysisChapter 12 Market ForecastChapter 13 AppendixAbout Research N ReportResearch N Reports is a new age market research firm where we focus on providing information that can be effectively applied. Today being a consumer driven market, companies require information to deal with the complex and dynamic world of choices. Where relying on a sound board firm for your decisions becomes crucial. Research N Reports specializes in industry analysis, market forecasts and as a result getting quality reports covering all verticals, whether be it gaining perspective on current market conditions or being ahead in the cut throat Global competition. Since we excel at business research to help businesses grow, we also offer consulting as an extended arm to our services which only helps us gain more insight into current trends and problems. Consequently we keep evolving as an all-rounder provider of viable information under one roof.(Research N Reports)10916, Gold Point Dr, Houston, TX, Pin - 77064,Sunny Denis(Sales Manager),+1-8886316977,sales@researchnreports.com Security Assessment Market Report 2018: Segmentation by Security Type (Endpoint Security, Network Security, Application Security, Cloud Security, Others) Security Assessment Market http://marketreportscompany.com/contact.php http://marketreportscompany.com/contact.php http://marketreportscompany.com/contact.php Global Security Assessment market research report provides company profile for Kaspersky (Russia), IBM (US), FireEye (US), Optiv Security (US), Qualys (US), Trustwave (US), Veracode (US), Check Point (Israel), Absolute Software (Canada), Rapid7 (US), CynergisTek (US) and Others.This market study includes data about consumer perspective, comprehensive analysis, statistics, market share, company performances (Stocks), historical analysis 2012 to 2017, market forecast 2018 to 2025 in terms of volume, revenue, YOY growth rate, and CAGR for the year 2018 to 2025, etc. The report also provides detailed segmentation on the basis of product type, application, end user and regional segmentation. The regional segment is further bifurcated on country level.Request for Free sample copy of ready Report @Report Coverage:Top Manufactures/vendors of Security Assessment market:Veracode (US)Check Point (Israel)Absolute Software (Canada)Rapid7 (US)CynergisTek (US)Kaspersky (Russia)IBM (US)FireEye (US)Optiv Security (US)Qualys (US)Trustwave (US)Others (Note: We can profile additional players without any additional charges)By Security Type:Endpoint SecurityNetwork SecurityApplication SecurityCloud SecurityOthers (ICS security and Database security)By Assessment Type:Vulnerability AssessmentRisk AssessmentThreat AssessmentPenetration Testing ServicesSecurity Program AssessmentOthers (Policy and Process assessment, Compliance Assessment and Mergers & Acquisitions Risk Assessment)By Deployment:On-premisesHostedBy Organization Size:Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)Large EnterprisesRegions covered in Security Assessment Market Research Report:North America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia, Italy and Others)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India, Southeast Asia and Others)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia and Others)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa and Others)(Note: We can provide country or region specific report on request; please contact us for your specific requirement)The Global Security Assessment Market analysis report covers detailed value chain analysis of Global Security Assessment Market. The value chain analysis helps to analyze major upstream raw materials, major equipments, manufacturing process, downstream customer analysis and major distributor analysis.The report also covers in-depth description, competitive scenario, wide product portfolio of prime players active in this market and business strategies adopted by competitors along with their SWOT analysis. The report also provides Porter analysis, PESTEL analysis and market attractiveness which helps to better understand the market scenario on macro and micro level. Side by side, it also explicitly provides information about mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and all the other important activities occurred in the market during current and past few years. The Global Security Assessment Market report explores manufacturers competitive scenario and provides market share for all major players of this market based on production capacity, sales, revenue, geographical presence and other major factors. The report also covers import/export data across all major regions covered in this report. Moreover, we can exclusively provide information about import/export data across any particular country as per requirement.How helpful this report will be? Security Assessment Market share (regional, product, application, end-user) both in terms of volume and revenue along with CAGR from 2018 to 2025 Key parameters which are driving this market and restraining its growth What all challenges manufacturers will face as well as new opportunities and threats faced by themEnquire before Buying @......Table of Content:1 Introduction1.1 Objectives of the Study1.2 Market Definition1.3 Market Scope1.4 Years Considered for the Study1.5 Currency1.6 Stakeholders........................Continue (What does Report Include?Historic Data: What was the Security Assessment Market data (Size, competition, company share, YoY growth rate, etc.) from 2013 to 2018.Current Market Status: A comprehensive analysis of current market Size, trends, growth drivers, industry pitfalls, challenges and opportunities for players.Market Forecast: Report will comment and provide details about market growth and forecast till year 2025.Customization: We can provide following things 1) On request more company profiles (competitors) 2) Data about particular country or region 3) We will incorporate the same with no additional cost (Post conducting feasibility).Contact UsJason Smith,Sales Manager, Global Business Development,Website: marketreportscompany.comEmail: jasonsmith@marketreportscompany.comContact us: +1-312-376-8303Address: 20 N State Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60602 United States Micro-Hospitals Market Estimated to Experience a Hike in Growth by 2027 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-3704 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-3704 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com Micro-hospitals are small scale In-patient facility that offers a variety of emergency medical services. They mostly focused on treating low-acuity patients and provides ambulatory and emergency services. Micro-hospitals can bridge the gap in care delivery and quality of healthcare in underdeveloped areas. Due to its economic nature, intimate delivery model, micro-hospitals are ideal in rural areas. Micro-hospitals differs from traditional hospitals in the range of operations done. It is also gaining importance to improve healthcare system by reducing cost and patient compliance.Micro-hospitals are typically composed of five components, namely a) Emergency Department, b) Imaging and Diagnostics, c) Surgery and Procedure Centers, d) Inpatient Nursing Unit and e) Medical Office. Micro-hospitals designed for both operationally and functionally to deliver the right care, at the right time. Micro-hospitals subjected to same rules and regulations imposed on large scale hospitals in the place they are built. Telehealth facilities are offered for integration of care continuity with micro-hospitals. Micro-hospitals providers are mainly concentrated on the single access point for multiple levels of care and specialty. The primary focus is on industry-leading clinical quality and patient satisfaction.Request to Sample of Report @Micro-Hospitals Market: Drivers and RestraintsDecreasing admission rates of large-scale hospitals and rising importance of micro-hospitals due to increasing patient compliance are expected to boost the growth of the micro-hospital market. The micro-hospital market is gaining traction globally due to the comparatively lower construction cost and higher reimbursement for services that large hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers. Rising health care demand due to the need for more intensive service offerings locally that cannot be provided by traditional hospitals. This unmet need for large scale hospitals acts as a driver in the burgeoning growth of the micro-hospital market. Growing technology along with increasing expectation of patients on healthcare system becomes a significant threat to large-scale hospitals and give the opportunity to micro-hospitals. All these factors are fueling the growth of the micro-hospital market. Micro-hospitals are shifting the healthcare landscape, as they become an integral component of health care system.Slower penetration of micro-hospitals due to slower adoption rate results in the slow growth of the micro-hospital market.Micro-Hospitals Market: SegmentationSegmentation based on LocationTier-1 CitiesTier-2 CitiesTier-3 CitiesSegmentation based on End UserInternational TouristsCorporatesIndividualsMicro-Hospitals Market: Market OverviewGlobal Micro-Hospitals Market has witnessed a burgeoning growth due to increasing adaptation due to increased ease of use. Increasing government support for healthcare development is encouraging private organizations to participate in funding and partnership. Micro-hospital cost is comparatively less than large-scale hospitals and more than urgent care units which act as a driver in the growth of the micro-hospital. Micro-hospital enables fast treatment for emergency cases and also offers primary care services which are competitive advantage over ambulatory surgical centers. The future of Micro-Hospitals Market anticipated with double CAGR during forecasting period.Micro-Hospitals Market: Region-Wise OverviewGlobal Micro-Hospitals Market segmented into following regions North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific, Japan and the Middle East and Africa. North America is dominant in the Global Micro-Hospitals mainly due to the well-established health care system. In North America, USA is dominating because of increased of increased adoption of micro-hospitals. European region follows North America, growth fuelled by increased penetration of the micro-hospital market. Economic conditions in the APAC region are set to drive the Micro-Hospitals Market to new heights. APAC is fastest growing region due to increasing government support for healthcare system. Growth in the Middle East and African region is considerably less but still with significant growth.Request Report for TOC @Micro-Hospitals Market: Key ParticipantsThe key participants in the Micro-Hospitals Market are Emerus Hospitals, SCL Health, Saint Lukes Health System, etc. The service providers are mainly focusing on the collaboration and partnership to increase the adaptation of Micro-Hospitals.About UsFuture Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centres in the U.S. and India.FMIs research and consulting services help businesses around the globe navigate the challenges in a rapidly evolving marketplace with confidence and clarity. Our customised and syndicated market research reports deliver actionable insights that drive sustainable growth. We continuously track emerging trends and events in a broad range of end industries to ensure our clients prepare for the evolving needs of their consumers.U.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWeb: Psoriasis Treatment Market Prognosticated For A Ravishing Growth By 2026 Key Players In The Market Are Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited, Sun Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd., Cipla Ltd., Johnson and Johnson Psoriasis Treatment https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-pdf/99 https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-customization/99 Psoriasis is a non-communicable autoimmune disease characterized by patches of abnormal skin. These skin spots are red, itchy, and scaly which may be small and localized or cover the entire body. Skin injury may cause psoriatic skin changes at that spot, a phenomenon called Koebner phenomenon. There are five main types of psoriasis namely Plaque, Guttate, Inverse, Pustular, and Erythrodermic. Plaque psoriasis, also known as psoriasis vulgaris, is the most prevalent type of psoriasis, accounting for around 90% of reported cases. Most commonly affected areas of the body include back of the forearms, shins, around the navel, and the scalp. Guttate psoriasis has drop-shaped lesions. Pustular psoriasis is characterized by the presence of small non-infectious pus-filled blisters. Inverse psoriasis forms red patches in skin folds. Erythrodermic psoriasis occurs when the rash become widespread and can develop from other types. Fingernails and toenails are affected in most people at some point of time. This may include pits in the nails or changes in nail color.Download PDF Brochure of This Business Research Report :Treatment Options For Psoriasis Fueling Growth Of The Psoriasis Treatment MarketVarious treatments can help control the symptoms fueling growth of psoriasis treatment market. These treatment methods include administering steroid, vitamin D3, exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) light, and immunosuppressive like methotrexate. Around 75% of cases can be managed with creams alone. Cream and ointments of corticosteroid, and calcipotriol can effectively treat mild-to-moderate psoriasis. However, when condition become more severe, creams are combined with oral medications such as methotrexate, acitretin, and cyclosporin.Topical drugs used in treatment of psoriasis include corticosteroids, vitamin D, hydroxyanthrone, and retinoid aiding in growth of the psoriasis treatment market. Topical corticosteroids are frequently prescribed for treating mild-to-moderate psoriasis. Low-potency corticosteroid ointments are recommended for sensitive areas such as face or skin folds and for treating widespread patches of damaged skin. Medicated foams and scalp solutions are available in market to treat psoriasis patches on the scalp. Vitamin D analogues are synthetic forms of vitamin D and they slow the growth of skin cells. Calcipotriene (Dovonex) is a cream or solution a vitamin D that contains analogue, used by itself to treat mild-to-moderate psoriasis or in combination with other topical medications. Anthralin (Hydroxyanthrone) is used to normalize DNA activity in skin cells. Anthralin (Dritho-Scalp) also can remove scale, making the skin smoother. Topical retinoids normalizes DNA activity in skin cells and decreases inflammation.Light Therapy (Phototherapy) For Psoriasis TreatmentThis psoriasis treatment involves use of natural or artificial ultraviolet light. Phototherapy involves exposing skin to controlled amounts of natural sunlight. Other forms of light therapy include use of artificial ultraviolet A (UVA) or ultraviolet B (UVB) light either alone or in combination with medications.Key Players Involved In Psoriasis Treatment MarketThere are many global players operating in the global psoriasis treatment market. This includes Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited, Sun Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd., Cipla Ltd., Johnson & Johnson, Rowan Bioceuticals Private Limited, Stiefel Laboratories Inc. (GlaxoSmithKline plc), Win Medicare Pvt. Ltd., and Novartis AG. Novartis AG acquired Ziarco Pharma Ltd a U.K.-based dermatology therapeutics firmin December 2016 to acquire a pipeline of oral and topical products for treatment of psoriasis. Acquisition of the potentially first-in-class therapy would bolster dermatology portfolio and pipeline of Novartis. Ziarco completed Phase II trial, a proof-of-concept study with ZPL-389.Request For Customization Of This Business Research Report :Increasing Prevalence Of Psoriasis Coupled With Early Diagnosis To Propel Growth Of Psoriasis Treatment MarketThe growth of psoriasis treatment market is projected to gain traction in North America owing to large patient pool in this region. Also, better medical facilities, commercialization of new diagnostic technology, medical policies, and favorable reimbursement policies are factors fueling growth of psoriasis treatment market. According to the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA), around 3% of the worlds population has some form of psoriasis. According to a study published in Cleveland Clinic in September 2013, there are around 150,000 new cases of psoriasis reported each year in the U.S. According to a study published in Medical Journal of Malaysia, in 2015 prevalence of psoriasis varies between 2.0% to 3.0% worldwide. Incidence rate is highest among Caucasians and lowest among Japanese and Africans. The study states that prevalence rate of psoriasis in Japan is 0.05% to 0.1%, as compared to China 0.5% and Taiwan 0.2%, and in India, the prevalence of psoriasis was reported in the range of 0.4% to 2.8%. High prevalence and increasing incidence propels growth of the psoriasis treatment market.About Coherent Market Insights:Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity.Contact Us:Mr. ShahCoherent Market Insights1001 4th Ave, #3200Seattle, WA 98154Tel: +12067016702Email: sales@coherentmarketinsights.com Dongxing, located in the southern part of Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, is China's only port city linking it with Southeast Asian countries by land and sea, serving as a "friendship bridge" for trade and personnel exchanges. The gateway of Dongxing, a port city in south China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. [Photo/China.org.cn] As one of the most convenient passages for China to reach Southeast Asian countries, Dongxing makes full use of its strategic geography and the golden opportunity provided by the Belt and Road Initiative to rapidly develop the border trade economy. From 2015 to 2017, the total import and export volume in Dongxing amounted to 151.67 billion yuan (about US$22 billion), of which the import volume increased from 13.62 billion yuan to 24.21 billion yuan, and the export volume decreased from 33.81 billion yuan to 26.63 billion yuan. More encouragingly, with the establishment of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area and the China-Singapore (Chongqing) Demonstration Initiative on Strategic Connectivity, Dongxing has played a more important role in China's opening up to the outside world. In 2017, the number of people entering and leaving the port was 9.97 million, witnessing a significant achievement in cross-border personnel exchanges. At the same time, Dongxing has made great progress in poverty alleviation and industrial upgrading, with the whole city having taken on an entirely new look. Since 2015, the number of border trade processing enterprises has increased from five to 28, providing more than 600,000 jobs for local people, whose annual income has increased from 7,200 yuan to 170,000 yuan. E-commerce in Dongxing has developed quickly in recent years, with the number of related enterprises reaching 2,573, recruiting more than 10,000 employees. From January to September this year, e-commerce trading volume in Dongxing exceeded 2.6 billion yuan. Driven by border trade, the local economy has seen continuous and high-quality development, including the rising living standards of those living in Dongxing. Methanoic Acid Market 2018 Growth: Top Manufacturers are BASF, LUXI, Eastan, Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers, Tianyuan Group Market Expertz https://www.marketexpertz.com/sample-enquiry-form/7282 https://www.marketexpertz.com/checkout-form/7282 https://www.marketexpertz.com/report-detail/methanoic-acid-market-size-share-trends-analysis-report-by-product-by-application-by-region-and-segment-forecasts-2018-2025 www.marketexpertz.com https://www.marketexpertz.com/market-news The latest report, Methanoic Acid market enables stakeholders to gain insights into their potential consumers to construct more effective marketing strategies for the forecast period, 2018 to 2025. Most importantly, the document empowers business owners to seek information about potential consumers and where they can find them. With an exclusive coverage of the top vendors, the study enables business owners to know more about the local market and locate potential consumers.The comprehensive study offers an overview of the current state of development of the business as well as predicts the course of progress across different regions. A large number of factors including the major driving forces, threats and opportunities are taken into account to present an analytical picture of the industry portrayed in the report.Request for Sample Copy of Methanoic Acid Market @The research further examines and provides data on the market by type, application and geography interspersed with illustrations and other graphical representations. The market analysis not only determines the attractiveness of the industry but also the evolving challenges and opportunities and their association with the weaknesses and strengths of prominent market leaders.Estimating the potential size of the Methanoic Acid industry:Industry experts conducting the study further estimate the potential of the Methanoic Acid industry. Such information is important for firms looking to launch an innovative service or product on the market. Industry experts have measured the total volume of the given market. Researchers have calculated the industry in terms of sales by the competitors and end-user customers. Data on the entire size of the Methanoic Acid market for a particular product or a service for the forecast period, 2018 to 2025 covered in the report makes it valuable. This information reveals the upper limit of the Methanoic Acid industry for a specific product or service.Market Segment by manufacturers, the report covers the following companies:BASF, LUXI, Eastan, Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers, Tianyuan Group, Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & , Chemicals, Feicheng Acid, Perstorp, Wuhan Ruisunny Chemical, Shandong Rongyue Chemical, Chongqing Chuandong Chemical, Huaqiang Chemical, Shanxi Yuanping Chemicals, Shandong Baoyuan ChemicalMarket Segment on the basis of Product, the report covers: 0.85 0.98 OthersMarket Segment on the basis of Application, the report covers: Agriculture Leather & Textile Rubber Chemical & Pharmaceuticals OtherOrder a copy @The research provides answers to the following key questions: What is the expected growth rate of the Methanoic Acid market? What will be the market size for the forecast period, 2018 - 2025? What are the major driving forces responsible for transforming the trajectory of the industry? Who are major vendors dominating the Methanoic Acid industry across different regions? What are their winning strategies to stay ahead in the competition? What are the market trends business owners can rely upon in the coming years? What are the threats and challenges expected to restrict the progress of the industry across different countries? What are the key opportunities that business owners can bank on for the forecast period, 2018 - 2025?The study segments the complete Methanoic Acid market on the basis of different application, end-use, end-user, and production capability. From a business standpoint, the industry has been thoroughly examined across various countries located in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and others. The size of the industry for the forecast period 2018 - 2025 is evaluated on the basis of current sales figures and past financial report can be used to forecast the future sales.Key points from TOCGlobal Methanoic Acid Market Research Report 20181 Methanoic Acid Market Overview2 Global Methanoic Acid Market Competition by Manufacturers3 Global Methanoic Acid Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2013-2018)4 Global Methanoic Acid Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2013-2018)5 Global Methanoic Acid Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type6 Global Methanoic Acid Market Analysis by Application7 Global Methanoic Acid Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7.1 BASF7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.1.2 Methanoic Acid Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.2.1 Product A7.1.2.2 Product B7.1.3 BASF Methanoic Acid Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 LUXI7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.2.2 Methanoic Acid Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.2.1 Product A7.2.2.2 Product B7.2.3 LUXI Methanoic Acid Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.2.4 Main Business/Business OverviewContinue8 Methanoic Acid Manufacturing Cost Analysis9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders11 Market Effect Factors Analysis12 Global Methanoic Acid Market Forecast (2018-2025)13 Research Findings and Conclusion14 AppendixRead More @About Us:Planning to invest in market intelligence products or offerings on the web? Then marketexpertz has just the thing for you - reports from over 500 prominent publishers and updates on our collection daily to empower companies and individuals catch-up with the vital insights on industries operating across different geography, trends, share, size and growth rate. There's more to what we offer to our customers. With marketexpertz you have the choice to tap into the specialized services without any additional charges.Contact Us:John WatsonHead of Business DevelopmentMarket Expertz | Web:Direct Line: +1-800-819-3052E-mail: sales@marketexpertz.comNews: Carbon Nanotubes Market : Major Leaders of the Global Industry https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-78 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-78 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/ Carbon nanotubes (CNT) are nano-sized tubes made up of carbon atoms. Their properties depend on how carbon atoms are aligned to each other in a sheet. It is gaining prominence in various industry verticals primarily due to its varied applications as well as its durability. It is 100X times stronger and 6 X times lighter when compared to steel. Research is underway to explore its market potential in the auto mobile and electronics industries. It is a multi-billion dollar investment in technology when compared to other synthesized nanomaterial.A sample of this report is available upon request @Owing to its attractive features, it is penetrating various end use markets. The growing demand for nanotechnology is set to cater to the growing demands of energy, healthcare, environment, aerospace and electronics sector. Analysis of the growing market of carbon nanotubes (CNT), there has been a tremendous rise in CNT patents over the last 5 years.In the healthcare domain, it plays an important role in body implants, medical devices, and dental filling materials. Researchers have developed sensors using carbon nanotubes, which can be injected into the blood to know the concentration level of nitric oxide. It has potential in assessing critical illnesseslike oral cancer. In oil and energy sectors, it can play an important role in cleaning of oil spills. Besides the oil sector, it finds its usefulness in water purification plants. Compared to other alternatives, it is a cost-effective and reliable platform.Globally, North America and Europe are the biggest markets for the companies operating in nanotechnology. Together, they account for almost 70% of market share. Though the market for North America is seeing a declining phase after the recent economic downturn, it is expected to bounce back with potential investment in various business sectors. With a market share of 25%, APAC is third biggest and fastest growing regional market for carbon nanotubes primarily due to the inflow of FDI in energy and healthcare sectors as well as the growing demand for specialised materials. Growing industrialisation in China and India are the other major driving factors for carbon nanotubes.Electronics and transportation are the key market segments which will see a massive investment in the APAC region. China, being the global leader in electronics market, will witness a massive investment in carbon nanotubes in the future. India, on the other hand,is the market hub for automation industries. It contributes almost 22% of Indias manufacturing sector. With 100% FDI inflow in the automation sector in India, the market seems promising for enterprises operating their business in carbon nanotubes. Chinas electronics industry has witnessed a massive double digit growth since 2001. Though Chinese nanotube markets pace has been reduced by the 21stcentury economic downturn, it soon regained its growth momentum by 2009. With carbon nanotubes, it is expected that China will soon repeat its double digit growth in the next few years. Besides the transportation and electronics segments, APAC is set to witness a CAGR growth of 49.2% (2014-2018) in the field of nanotechnology for energy sectors. The aged population in India and China is the other key factor that is driving the healthcare market in the APAC region. Carbon nanotubes with its cost effective and reliable solutions is set to penetrate the healthcare market in APAC in the coming years.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @Nanocyl S.A, Arkema S.A. (France), CNano Technology Ltd. (USA), Bayer MaterialScience AG, Showa Denko K.K. and Hyperion Catalysis International Inc. (U.S.) are some of the leading companies in the carbon nanotube market. With rising popularity of carbon nanotube technology, global market will witness many new emerging players in this sector.Going through the potential benefits of carbon nanotubes, there is almost no doubt that this is the promising technology of the future. It is expected to grow at double digit CAGR over the next 6 years. Though the biomedical and automotive industries will be the leading end-use sectors for carbon nanotubes, automotive industries will see a massive surge in investment in coming days. Developed economies, i.e. USA, Japan and the European nations, are investing lump sum amounts in R&D to expand the commercial horizons of carbon nanotubes.About UsFuture Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centres in the U.S. and India.FMIs research and consulting services help businesses around the globe navigate the challenges in a rapidly evolving marketplace with confidence and clarity. Our customised and syndicated market research reports deliver actionable insights that drive sustainable growth. We continuously track emerging trends and events in a broad range of end industries to ensure our clients prepare for the evolving needs of their consumers.Contact UsU.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWeb: Smart Cards Market Size by Global Industry Analysis 2018 and Forecast to 2023 by Revenue, Type, Application, Growth and Top Key Companies: American Express Company, Atos SE, CPI Card Group, Gemalto, Giesecke & Devrient (G&D) http://supplydemandmarketresearch.com/home/contact/28373?ref=Sample-and-Brouchure&toccode=SDMREL28373 http://supplydemandmarketresearch.com/home/toc_publisher/28373?code=SDMREL28373#1 Global Smart Cards Market peaks the detailed analysis of industry share, growth factors, development trends, size, majors manufacturers and 2025 forecast. The report also analyze innovative business strategies, value added factors and business opportunities. The Perfume report introduces market competition situation among the vendors and company profile, revenue, product & services, latest developments and business strategies.This report includes the estimation of market size for value (million USD) and volume (K Units). Both top-down and bottom-up approaches have been used to estimate and validate the market size of Smart Cards market, to estimate the size of various other dependent submarkets in the overall market. Key players in the market have been identified through secondary research, and their market shares have been determined through primary and secondary research. All percentage shares, splits, and breakdowns have been determined using secondary sources and verified primary sources.Request for Sample Copy of this Report @Key Manufacturer Includes: American Express Company Atos SE CPI Card Group Gemalto Giesecke & Devrient (G&D) Infineon Technologies AG and MoreThe study objectives of this report are: To analyze and research the global Smart Cards status and future forecastinvolving, production, revenue, consumption, historical and forecast. To present the key Smart Cards manufacturers, production, revenue, market share, and recent development. To split the breakdown data by regions, type, manufacturers and applications. To analyze the global and key regions market potential and advantage, opportunity and challenge, restraints and risks. To identify significant trends, drivers, influence factors in global and regions. To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market.Click Here For More Info @Smart Cards Breakdown Data by Type1 Contact Cards2 Contactless Cards3 Multi-Component CardsSmart Cards Breakdown Data by Application1 BFSI2 Government3 Telecommunication4 Retail5 Healthcare6 Hospitality7 OthersWe can also provide the customized separate regional or country-level reports, for the following regions: North America United States Canada Mexico Asia-Pacific China India Japan and MoreIn this study, the years considered to estimate the market size of Smart Cards are as follows: History Year: 2013-2017 Base Year: 2017 Estimated Year: 2018 Forecast Year 2018 to 2025Table of Content: 1: Study Coverage 2: Executive Summary 3: Market Size by Manufacturers 4: Market Size by Manufacturers 5: Smart Cards Consumption by Regions 6: Market Size by Type 7: Market Size by Application 8: Manufacturers Profiles and MoreTables and Figures: Figure Smart Cards Product Picture Table Smart Cards Key Market Segments in This Study Table Key Manufacturers Smart Cards Covered in This Study Table Global Smart Cards Market Size Growth Rate by Type 2018-2025 (K Units) & (Million US$) Figure Global Smart Cards Production Market Share 2013-2025 Figure Contact Cards Product Picture Table Major Manufacturers of Contact Cards and MoreAbout Us:We have a strong network of high powered and experienced global consultants who have about 10+ years of experience in the specific industry to deliver quality research and analysis. Having such an experienced network, our services not only cater to the client who wants the basic reference of market numbers and related high growth areas in the demand side, but also we provide detailed and granular information using which the client can definitely plan the strategies with respect to both supply and demand side.Contact Us:Canada Office:302-20 Misssisauga Valley, Missisauga, L5A 3S1, TorontoGlobal- +1-778-686-7521Email- sales@supplydemandmarketresearch.com Utility Tractor Market 2024|Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. Group (Shanghai) Co.,Ltd., Argo Tractors S.p.A. LS Mtron Tractor Caterpillar Inc. https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/upsample/120124577/Utility-Tractor-Market https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/TOC/120124577/Utility-Tractor-Market https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/upcomming/120124577/Utility-Tractor-Market https://www.researchreportinsights.com/ Utility tractors are commonly used for various agricultural and non-agricultural purposes. The main applications of utility tractor are ground keeping, landscaping and other commercial purposes. Furthermore, additional features of utility tractors are attaching or detaching of plaguing equipment such as grader, blades, mid- or rear-mount finish mowers, subsoiler, rotary cutter and rototiller. It is very easy for the farmers to purchase these tractors for small agricultural applications. In North American region, utility tractors with rear-mounted snow blowers are gaining superior traction in the market due to cold climatic conditions. The major end users of the utility tractors are agricultural farmers and landscape contractors. Over the last few years, sales of 2-WD (Two Wheel Drive) and 4-WD (Four Wheel Drive) tractors have witnessed an increase in the growth of sales and the same trend is anticipated to continue over the slated time period. The sales of utility tractors in the global market is projected to grow with a healthy CAGR during the forecast time period.SegmentationThe global utility tractor market can be segmented on the basis of Drive:Pedestrian TypeWheeled TypeThe global utility tractor market can be segmented on the basis of Application:LandscapingConstruction CompanyGovernment AgenciesHay & Agriculture Products OperationsMunicipalitiesOthersDriverRequest For Report Sample:Increasing demand of low budget agricultural equipment for personal plaguing purposes and in government projects such as field plaguing is expected to drive the global utility tractor market over the forecast time period. Furthermore, growing government subsidies on agricultural machine is also capturing consumers eyes towards the market in the foreseeable time period.TrendIndustry leaders are investing hefty money in the research and development in order to make a cornerstone in the global market. Moreover, Tech giants are focusing on manufacturing Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT) system for utility tractor. Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT) system is easy in operation owing to this system has no manual gear & clutch system, each and every transmission related to tractor is automatic.Regional Market OutlookThe global utility tractor market is segmented into the following regions North America, Latin America, Europe, APAC and Middle East and Africa. APAC region is expected to dominate in the market owing to rapidly growing agricultural industry. North America is anticipated to be the 2nd largest market, owing to growing small scale government projects related to agricultural industry. In Europe, the growth rate for the market is witnessed to be healthy due to increasing mid-size dairy farm, particularly in Italy and Germany. Middle East & Africa region is projected to grow with sluggish growth rate owing to low growth rate of agricultural industry particularly in GCC countries. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and Egypt are estimated to grow with noteworthy growth rates throughout the forecast time period.Request Report For Toc:Key PlayerKey player for the global utility tractor market are:Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.LS Mtron TractorDeere & CompanyAGCO TractorArgo Tractors S.p.A.Daedong-USAVmax InternationalGroup (Shanghai) Co.,Ltd.,AC&ECaterpillar Inc.Research Methodology:RRI surveys a number of companies in order to estimate the data covered in the report through triangulation methodology. A detailed market understanding and assessment of the drive and application segments covered in the study. The research methodology also includes interviews conducted for various industry leaders by the research experts. This helps the researchers to match their previous findings with the ones confirmed from various resource persons. The report focuses on analyzing the supply-side approaches and keeps a track of that of the demand-side so as to make sure the findings are true. The global market scenario has been derived by consolidation of regional market overviews.Report Analysis:Research Report Insights (RRI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver a host of services including custom research reports, syndicated research reports, and consulting services which are personalised in nature. RRI delivers a complete packaged solution to clients; this combines current market intelligence, technology inputs, statistical anecdotes, valuable growth insights, 360-degree view of the competitive framework, and anticipated market trends.Research Report Insights (RRI)42 Joseph StreetPort carling P0B 1J0Muskoka, Ontario1Phone - +1-631-721-4201Website:Email: sales@researchreportinsights.com Bio-Herbicides Market 2018 Size, Shares | Global Industry Revenue by Top 5 Key Companies BHA (BioHerbicides Australia), Certified Organics Australia, Emery Oleochemicals, Hindustan Bio-Tech Chemicals & Fertilizers, MycoLogic https://www.reporthive.com/enquiry.php?id=1638912&req_type=smpl https://www.reporthive.com/enquiry.php?id=1638912&req_type=purch https://www.reporthive.com Bio-herbicides consist of phytotoxins, pathogens, and other microbes used as biological weed control. Bio-herbicides may be compounds and secondary metabolites derived from microbes such as fungi, bacteria or protozoa; or phytotoxic plant residues, extracts or single compounds derived from other plant species.Global Bio-Herbicides Market Covers a complete market structure across the world with the detailed analysis of major key factors. This report provides strategic recommendations consulted by the industrial experts including market forecasts, profit, supply, latest market trends, demands and much moreDownload PDF Sample Of this Report @The Key Players Covered in this report: BHA (BioHerbicides Australia) Certified Organics Australia Emery Oleochemicals Hindustan Bio-Tech Chemicals & Fertilizers MycoLogicReasons for Buying this Report This report provides pin-point analysis for changing competitive dynamics It provides a forward looking perspective on different factors driving or restraining market growth It provides a Five-year forecast assessed on the basis of how the market is predicted to grow It helps in understanding the key product segments and their future It provides pin point analysis of changing competition dynamics and keeps you ahead of competitors It helps in making informed business decisions by having complete insights of market and by making in-depth analysis of market segmentsSegmentation by product type: Microbials Biochemicals OthersSegmentation by application: Grains and Cereals Oil Seeds Fruits and Vegetables Turf and OrnamentClick Here for Purchase Full Report with Full TOC @If you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.Scope of the Report: This report focuses on the Bio-Herbicides in global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application. The awareness about bio-herbicide is on the rise among the consumers as an increasing number of people are becoming aware of the hazardous effects of synthetic chemicals on the ecosystem. Also, the evolution of stringent regulatory norms against the use of synthetic chemicals and the phasing out of certain active ingredients, such as glyphosate, in many countries are further accelerating the market for bio-herbicides. Low prices of synthetic herbicides are expected to remain a key challenge for its penetration in the global market. Additionally, chemical based herbicides are known to show better results on account of which farmers tend to use them more than bio-herbicides. Lack of awareness among the farmers is also anticipated to restrain the industry development in the near future. Integration of bio-herbicides with chemical herbicides increases the impact of bio based products on weed and helps in enhancing the process efficiency. The consumption of bio-herbicides is high in North America due to the growing demand for crop protection chemicals in the ornamental horticulture sector. The rise in environmental safety concerns and increase in organic farming will continue to boost the demand for bio-herbicides in the region throughout the forecasted period.There are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Bio-Herbicides market. Chapter 1, to describe Bio-Herbicides Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force; Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Bio-Herbicides, with sales, revenue, and price of Bio-Herbicides, in 2016 and 2017; Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017; Chapter 4, to show the global market by regions, with sales, revenue and market share of Bio-Herbicides, for each region, from 2013 to 2018; Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, to analyze the market by countries, by type, by application and by manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share by key countries in these regions; Chapter 10 and 11, to show the market by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2013 to 2018; Chapter 12, Bio-Herbicides market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2018 to 2023; Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Bio-Herbicides sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourceTable of Contents1 Market Overview2 Manufacturers Profiles3 Global Bio-Herbicides Sales, Revenue, Market Share and Competition by Manufacturer (2016-2017)4 Global Bio-Herbicides Market Analysis by Regions5 North America Bio-Herbicides by Countries6 Europe Bio-Herbicides by CountriesTOC Continued.!Tables And Figures Figure Bio-Herbicides Picture Table Product Specifications of Bio-Herbicides Figure Global Sales Market Share of Bio-Herbicides by Types in 2017 Table Bio-Herbicides Types for Major Manufacturers Figure Microbials Picture Figure Biochemicals Picture Figure Others Picture Figure Bio-Herbicides Sales Market Share by Applications in 2017 Figure Grains and Cereals Picture Figure Oil Seeds Picture Figure Fruits and Vegetables Picture Figure Turf and Ornament Picture Figure United States Bio-Herbicides Revenue (Value) and Growth Rate (2013-2023) Figure Canada Bio-Herbicides Revenue (Value) and Growth Rate (2013-2023) and More.About Report Hive ResearchReport Hive Research delivers strategic market research reports, statistical survey, and Industry analysis & forecast data on products & services, markets and companies. Our clientele ranges mix of global Business Leaders, Government Organizations, SMEs, Individual & Start-ups, Management Consulting Firms, and Universities etc. Our library of 600,000+ market reports covers industries like Chemical, Healthcare, IT, Telecom, Semiconductor, etc. in the USA, Europe Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific. 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 UsMike RossMarketing Managersales@reporthive.comPhone Number: +1-312 604 7084 Cloud ERP Market Size, Insights, Trends, Outlook 2018 | Top Key Players: Microsoft Corporation, Oracle Corporation, SAP SE, Infor, Sage Software, Inc. https://www.reporthive.com/enquiry.php?id=1638786&req_type=smpl https://www.reporthive.com/enquiry.php?id=1638786&req_type=purch https://www.reporthive.com The global Cloud ERP market is valued at 18500 million USD in 2017 and is expected to reach 32700 million USD by the end of 2023, growing at a CAGR of 10.0% between 2017 and 2023.Cloud ERP is a type of enterprise resource planning (ERP) software that is hosted on a cloud computing platform, rather than on premises within an enterprise's own data center.Global Cloud ERP Market peaks the detailed analysis of industry share, growth factors, development trends, size, majors manufacturers and 2023 forecast. The report also analyze innovative business strategies, value added factors and business opportunities. The Cloud ERP Market report introduces market competition situation among the vendors and company profile, revenue, product & services, latest developments and business strategies.Download PDF Sample Of this Report @The Key Players Covered in this report: Microsoft Corporation Oracle Corporation SAP SE Infor Sage Software, Inc.and More..Reasons for Buying this Report This report provides pin-point analysis for changing competitive dynamics It provides a forward looking perspective on different factors driving or restraining market growth It provides a Five-year forecast assessed on the basis of how the market is predicted to grow It helps in understanding the key product segments and their future It provides pin point analysis of changing competition dynamics and keeps you ahead of competitors It helps in making informed business decisions by having complete insights of market and by making in-depth analysis of market segmentsSegmentation by product type: Finance Marketing Sales Operations Human ResourceSegmentation by application: SMEs Large EnterprisesClick Here for Purchase Full Report with Full TOC @If you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.Scope of the Report: This report studies the Cloud ERP market status and outlook of Global and major regions, from angles of players, countries, product types and end industries; this report analyzes the top players in global market, and splits the Cloud ERP market by product type and applications/end industries. The cloud ERP market is segmented on the basis of deployment type, vertical and organization size. By deployment type segment consists of public, private and hybrid. A public cloud is one based on the standard cloud computing model, in which a service provider makes resources, such as applications and storage, available to the general public over the Internet. Public cloud services may be free or offered on a pay-per-usage model. The Asia-Pacific will occupy for more market share in following years, especially in China, also fast growing India and Southeast Asia regions. North America, especially The United States, will still play an important role which cannot be ignored. Any changes from United States might affect the development trend of Cloud ERP.There are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Cloud ERP market. Chapter 1, to describe Cloud ERP Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force; Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Cloud ERP, with sales, revenue, and price of Cloud ERP, in 2016 and 2017; Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017; Chapter 4, to show the global market by regions, with sales, revenue and market share of Cloud ERP, for each region, from 2013 to 2018; Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, to analyze the market by countries, by type, by application and by manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share by key countries in these regions; Chapter 10 and 11, to show the market by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2013 to 2018; Chapter 12, Cloud ERP market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2018 to 2023; Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Cloud ERP sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourceTable of Contents1 Market Overview2 Manufacturers Profiles3 Global Cloud ERP Sales, Revenue, Market Share and Competition by Manufacturer (2016-2017)4 Global Cloud ERP Market Analysis by Regions5 North America Cloud ERP by Countries6 Europe Cloud ERP by CountriesTOC Continued.!Tables And Figures Figure Cloud ERP Picture Table Product Specifications of Cloud ERP Table Global Cloud ERP and Revenue (Million USD) Market Split by Product Type Figure Global Cloud ERP Revenue Market Share by Types in 2017 Figure Finance Picture Figure Marketing Picture Figure Sales Picture Figure Operations Picture Figure Human Resource Picture Table Global Cloud ERP Revenue (Million USD) by Application (2013-2023) Figure Cloud ERP Revenue Market Share by Applications in 2017 Figure SMEs Picture Figure Large Enterprises Picture Table Global Market Cloud ERP Revenue (Million USD) Comparison by Regions 2013-2023 and More.About Report Hive ResearchReport Hive Research delivers strategic market research reports, statistical survey, and Industry analysis & forecast data on products & services, markets and companies. Our clientele ranges mix of global Business Leaders, Government Organizations, SMEs, Individual & Start-ups, Management Consulting Firms, and Universities etc. Our library of 600,000+ market reports covers industries like Chemical, Healthcare, IT, Telecom, Semiconductor, etc. in the USA, Europe Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific. 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 UsMike RossMarketing Managersales@reporthive.comPhone Number: +1-312 604 7084 Demand For Passenger Car, Light & Heavy Commercial Vehicle Is Expected To Contribute Towards The Growth In Global Automotive Piston System Market https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-532 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-532 www.futuremarketinsights.com The increasing demand for automobile, especially in emerging economies, is expected to drive the global Automotive Piston Systems Market in the coming decade. As a piston is an essential part of an internal combustion engine, the demand for pistons is directly coupled with the automobile production. Owing to the continuous developments, the automobile sector is witnessing increased demand for lightweight pistons, which is expected to result in push for the global automotive piston system market.A piston is a key component of automobile internal combustion engine, which reciprocates within the cylinder, delivering energy to the crankshaft after each power stroke during an engine cycle.Request Sample Report@Automotive Piston System Market: Drivers & ConstraintsThe global automotive piston system market is expected to grow on account of increasing sales of automobiles across various segments such as two wheelers, four wheeler, and other automobile segments. With increasing demand for automobiles, especially two wheeler segment in emerging economies such as India, demand for pistons is expected to increase further thereby positively impacting the global automotive piston system market.Furthermore, the two wheelers is increasingly moving towards double cylinder engines as opposed to conventional single cylinder engines, particularly in the high end bikes segment. A double engine cylinder requires two pistons as compared to a single cylinder, wherein only one piston is used, hence with increasing production of high end bikes, the global automotive piston system market is expected to grow as well. Demand for passenger car, light & heavy commercial vehicle is also expected to contribute towards the growth in global automotive piston system market in coming years.Additionally, due to burgeoning fuel costs across the globe, the automobile industry is in continuous phase of research & development in order to increase fuel efficiency. The global automotive piston system market is hence witnessing an increased demand for light weight pistons across the globe.One of the key constraints for the global automotive piston market can be attributed to the increasing penetration of electric vehicles, which do not use pistons. Yet another constraint in the global automotive piston system market is the downsizing of engines in order to reduce weight and fuel increase efficiency. Using technologies such as turbocharger, automobile manufacturers have been able to downsize engines by reducing number of cylinders, without compromising on power of the engine.Automotive Piston System Market: SegmentationThe automotive piston system market has been segmented on the basis of types of vehicle such as two wheelers, passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, and heavy commercial vehicles. On the basis of piston material, the market has been segment as aluminium & steel piston. Increasing demand for lightweight aluminium piston is expected to have a positive impact on the global automotive piston system market in coming years.In terms of geography, the global automotive piston system has been divided in to seven key regions including North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia-Pacific excluding Japan, Middle East & Africa and Japan. Within these regions, the Asia-Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) and Japan can be attributed as the largest contributing regions towards the global automotive piston system market, in terms of volume. The North American region is follows the aforementioned regions in the global automotive piston system market.Request For TOC@Automotive Piston System Market: Key PlayersThe global automotive piston system witnesses key players such as Rheinmetall AG, Aisin-Seiki Co. Ltd., Mahle GmbH, Federal-Mogul Corporation, and Hitachi Ltd.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, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Global Packaged Tacos market research report provides company profile for Hain Celestial, McCormick, AJINOMOTO, B&G Foods, General Mills and Others. This market study includes data about consumer perspective, comprehensive analysis, statistics, market share, company performances (Stocks), historical analysis 2012 to 2017, market forecast 2018 to 2025 in terms of volume, revenue, YOY growth rate, and CAGR for the year 2018 to 2025, etc. The report also provides detailed segmentation on Global Packaged Corn on the Cob market research report provides company profile for GloriAnn Farms, Tesco, B&G FOODS NORTH AMERICA, Birds Eye, Farm Harvest and Others. This market study includes data about consumer perspective, comprehensive analysis, statistics, market share, company performances (Stocks), historical analysis 2012 to 2017, market forecast 2018 to 2025 in terms of volume, revenue, YOY growth rate, and CAGR for the year 2018 to 2025, etc. The Leftover land from the construction of TriMet's next light rail line could become a land bank for affordable housing. The transit agency usually has extra land left over when it opens a new line, either from buying larger-than-needed parcels for tracks and stations or for construction staging. In the past, it's sold that land to the highest bidder, with a big chunk of the proceeds going to the federal government to pay back its contribution to the project. In the coming project, TriMet will give the Portland Housing Bureau the first shot at the property and sell it for a discount just enough to pay back the feds. It's an effort to head off what happened after the MAX Yellow Line opened in 2004. The rail project was designed to serve some of Portland's poorest neighborhoods, but those neighborhoods gentrified rapidly in the following years. "On some level we're a victim of our own success," said Marshall Runkel, chief of staff for city Commissioner Chloe Eudaly, who oversees the Transportation Bureau. "The light rail was part of the story, but the market forces made it so it's no longer the poorest part of the city. How do we account for the additional pressure associated with the next light rail line?" Portland transportation officials say they're not aware of a similar effort in another city. The disposal of surplus land is strictly regulated for federally funded transit projects, in part because it's often acquired through eminent domain. Only recent federal legislation has made viable for that land to be sold at a discount to a local government rather than highest bidder. The line would connect downtown Portland and Bridgeport Village in Tigard, passing through an area of Portland that contains 11,400 homes that are within reach for low- and moderate-income renters, according to a Portland State University study. Most of those affordable homes are unregulated, however, and could disappear if the light rail line pushes property values higher and draws more high-income residents to the area. The preliminary agreement between various government agencies involved in the project calls for TriMet to set aside room for at least 600 units of affordable housing in Portland and at least 150 in Tigard on the surplus land. Other initiatives in the works would preserve more affordable rentals near the line. "We're looking at potential impacts while building the project, not just waiting until the end," said Leah Robbins, TriMet's director of the Southwest Corridor project, as the agency calls the line for now. TriMet recently has started working with affordable housing nonprofits to develop some of its other surplus sites. Reach Community Development Inc. is set to build 198 affordable apartments on a TriMet-owned site in North Portland, and the agency is preparing to sell two Southeast Portland sites to affordable housing developers. If voters approve funding for the $2.6 billion to $2.9 billion rail line, likely in a 2020 ballot measure, and if the federal government agrees to fund the remainder of the project, it could open in 2027. By that time, however, speculation could push land prices much higher than they are today. That's why agencies are eager to secure land early, before construction gets underway. The surplus land is one part of a broader affordable housing strategy that in part calls for a new urban renewal district encompassing hundreds of acres in Southwest Portland to help pay for it. Urban renewal districts issue debt to pay for projects within its boundaries, then pay it back with property taxes primarily resulting from new development. Depending on the size of the urban renewal district, it could make available between $47 million and $119 million to spend in the district. Some would go toward the light rail line itself, but at least 45 percent $21 million to $54 million would go toward housing projects. The effort could also use money from Metro's proposed $652.8 million affordable housing bond, if it's approved by voters next week. The multi-pronged plan the agencies have developed could create up to 2,300 affordable homes in Portland and Tigard, a number still far short of actual need, which a recent city report pegs at 4,100. -- Elliot Njus enjus@oregonian.com 503-294-5034 @enjus Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Monday called for mobilizing the country's hundreds of millions of workers to make accomplishments in the new era and break new ground in the cause of the workers' movement and trade unions' work. Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks during a talk with the new leadership of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU). The Workers' movement is an important part of the cause of the Party, while trade unions' work is a regular and fundamental job for the Party's governance, Xi said. He urged upholding Party leadership over trade unions' work, mobilizing hundreds of millions of workers to make accomplishments in the new era, strengthening ideological and political guidance for employees, and advancing reforms and innovations in trade unions' work. He told the ACFTU leadership to be brave to shoulder responsibilities, be enterprising and active, and make solid efforts to break new ground in the cause of workers' movement and trade unions' work in the new era. Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, joined the talk. Xi, on behalf of the CPC Central Committee, congratulated the new leadership on the success of the 17th National Congress of the ACFTU and greeted workers, model workers and trade union workers of all ethnic groups. Commenting on the work of the ACFTU and trade unions at all levels in the past five years, Xi said they made a lot of productive efforts in strengthening political guidance for workers, organizing employees' work, protecting workers' rights and interests, keeping the team of employees stable, deepening trade union reforms and innovations, and advancing Party building in the trade union system. Trade unions should be loyal to the Party's cause and put the principle of upholding Party leadership and the Chinese socialist system into the practice of workers, Xi said. He stressed upholding the authority and centralized, unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee, and closely following political stance, direction, principle and path of the committee. Trade unions should improve their ability to apply the Marxist stance, viewpoint and method to analyze and solve problems, he said. They should align the firm implementation of the Party's will with effective efforts to serve the workers, he said. Xi said the working class should be fully utilized as the main force to accomplish the targets proposed at the 19th CPC National Congress. He encouraged the country's workers to devote themselves to their jobs, strive for excellence, and make unremitting efforts to create a happy life and a bright future. Various competitions should be held with the theme of fostering new development philosophy, promoting high-quality development and building a modernized economy, he said. Faster work should be done to build a team of knowledgeable, skillful and innovative industrial workers, he said. He also demanded efforts to cultivate more model and highly-skilled workers. It is the political responsibility of trade unions to guide employees and the people in following the Party, and consolidate the class foundation and public support for the Party's governance, Xi said. Although the times have changed, the work method of coming from the people and going to the people should not be changed, he said. Trade unions should adapt to new situations and new tasks, he said. They should improve and strengthen ideological and political work for workers, and make more efforts to inspire the country's workers to embrace shared ideals, convictions, values and moral standards, Xi said. Rural workers should be included in trade unions to the largest extent to make them a new staunch and reliable force behind the working class, he said. Online work should be taken as an important platform for trade unions to link and serve the workers and to raise their penetration, guidance and influence, he said. Trade unions should adhere to the employee-centered working approach; focus on the most pressing, most immediate issues that concern the employees the most; and fulfill the obligation of safeguarding workers' rights and interests and sincerely serving workers and the people, Xi said. Work should also be done to help urban employees in difficulties out of trouble and offer timely assistance to employees who returned to poverty for different reasons, he said. As the reform of trade unions is an important component of deepening overall reform, trade unions should meet the new requirements on reforming people's organizations and create a working system of extensive connection to serve the workers, Xi said. More strength and resources should be put into the community level to unite all workers around the Party, he said. Meanwhile, the country will reinforce the education, management and supervision of trade union cadres, and improve the mechanism of linking the Party with workers and the people, he said. Party committees and governments at all levels must implement the Party's principle of wholeheartedly relying on the working class, and ensure the status of the working class as the master, Xi said. The country should also improve and strengthen the Party's leadership on the work of trade unions, move to resolve major problems in the work of those unions, build a quality and professional team of trade union cadres, and support the creative work of trade unions in accordance with laws and regulations, he added. Two more teens were arrested Monday after authorities say they helped hold a man captive in a Vancouver home last week after he was lured there by a woman who stole his car, then drove it to allegedly abduct her 4-year-old daughter. Francisco J. Hernandez Reyes, 18, and a 15-year-old boy who hasn't been identified by Vancouver police are accused of first-degree kidnapping and first-degree robbery. Erick Garcia-Valdovinos, 18, was arrested Sunday and faces the same accusations. Authorities still haven't found Esmeralda Lopez-Lopez, 21, or her daughter Aranza Ochoa Lopez, whom Vancouver police say was taken by her mother during a supervised visit at the Vancouver Mall Thursday morning. Aranza has been in foster care since being removed from her home in 2017. The mother, daughter and another teen girl were last seen somewhere in California, en route to Mexico, according to the California Highway Patrol. The law agency on Saturday issued a statewide Amber Alert, an urgent broadcast about endangered missing children. Lopez-Lopez was last seen driving the car of alleged robbery victim Jose Orellano-Gomez, a red 2012 Chevrolet Cobalt with Washington license plates BLK1552. According to a probable cause affidavit, Garcia-Valdovinos told police Lopez-Lopez solicited him and three other people in a plot to steal Orellano-Gomez's car. Garcia-Valdonvinos said he knew Lopez-Lopez planned to take her daughter from Child Protective Services, that she planned to flee to Mexico, and that he and another person involved in the robbery plan bought a roll of duct tape, a car seat and boys clothes to dress Aranza in, the affidavit said. Garcia-Valdovinos said he deleted several text massages from his phone about the plan, according to the court papers. He also said he wasn't there when Orellano-Gomez, 23, was tied up in Lopez-Lopez's apartment, but arrived later with his face hidden like the other people involved and carried a kitchen knife with him, the affidavit said. Garcia-Valdovinos said he guarded Orellano-Gomez and helped take him to the bathroom during the night, the affidavit said. Orellano-Gomez was discovered by a passer-by the same day Aranza was taken. He told police he was held in Lopez-Lopez's apartment for more than 12 hours until he was able to free himself, escape and seek help. Orellano-Gomez told police he knew Lopez-Lopez and that he was called to her Vancouver home earlier that day to give her a ride to Centralia, Washington, about 95 miles from Vancouver. Orellano-Gomez said he and Lopez-Lopez were alone in her apartment for about 20 minutes when three men in masks came into the unit carrying knives, pushed him down, tied him up with duct tape and carried him to a bedroom, the affidavit said. Once there, they taped him to an office chair. Orellano-Gomez said his captors told him they were taking his car and they demanded the PIN number to his credit card, the affidavit said. Child Protective Services filed a missing person report for Aranza after she was taken, the affidavit said. Authorities placed the girl, her mother and another teen girl in central Oregon later that day after seeing them in surveillance footage, according to the affidavit. The identity of the other teen is not clear. Authorities have since canceled the Amber Alert after Vancouver police say they suspect Lopez-Lopez took her daughter into Mexico. -- Everton Bailey Jr. ebailey@oregonian.com 503-221-8343; @EvertonBailey Paying a highway toll is better than giving up the car. That's according to an October poll from Cars.com, an automotive classified site. The website commissioned the poll earlier this month to gauge interest in ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft. The survey was intended to boost the car industry's argument that people love their cars much more than they do Uber and Lyft. But the survey also comes as Oregon readies its plans to prepare for tolling on sections of Interstates 5 and 205. It found Portlanders were the most likely of those polled to give up their car, at 23 percent, rather than pay a toll. Cars.com polled 200 people in six cities. The website asked drivers in Portland; Los Angeles; Hartford, Connecticut; Albany, New York; Pittsburgh; and Raleigh, North Carolina, about topics related to car ownership and Uber and Lyft. Here are some takeaways: 84 percent: Of all those polled said they would rather pay larger tolls or road fees designed to reduce congestion than ditch their personal automobiles. 108 miles: Portland drivers logged the fewest miles of the six cities included in the survey, with the average driver putting in 108 miles per week, compared with 128 miles for the other cities. Sight unseen: Portlanders are most likely to buy a car sight unseen from a dealership, with 64 percent of respondents saying they would be willing to do that. Airport: Portlanders polled use Uber and Lyft to get to the airport, with 77 percent saying that was the main reason they use the ride-hailing apps. Going to bars came in the third spot at 56 percent while going on vacation came in second. Minimal time: While Portland's commutes seem to be getting ever worse, respondents spent the fewest amount of hours per week behind the wheel compared with the other cities, with survey-takers estimating they spend 5.5 hours driving every week compared with 8.4 hours in Pittsburgh. By Peter Cornelison A key conservation program that has been at the center of protecting and preserving lands for more than 50 years is at risk. On Sept. 30, Congress allowed The Land and Water Conservation Fund to expire. Congress has taken the first step in both the House and Senate committees. But now that the fund has expired, it is crucial that Congress work quickly to ensure the future of America's best conservation program and its countless projects that now have an uncertain future. The federal Land and Water Conservation Fund is set up to invest in the conservation and preservation of public lands and waters. It has helped secure and enhance public access, conservation, ecosystem preservation and outdoor recreation infrastructure in every state over the past 52 years. Instead of tax dollars, this bipartisan legislation used royalty payments from offshore oil and gas reserves to protect important land and water resources nationwide including national wildlife refuges, forests, rivers, lakes, community parks, trails and ball fields. These funds have provided grants to towns like Hood River for conservation and enhancement of outdoor spaces that support diverse opportunities for outdoor recreation and tourism. In the 11 Western states alone, the fund has provided $17.6 billion to protect and enhance 368 sites, including numerous national treasures. In Oregon, approximately $305 million in grants went to 46 areas, including Mt. Hood National Forest, Siskiyou National Forest, Three Sisters Wilderness, Cascade Siskiyou National Monument, the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and one I'm particularly fond of, the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area. The fund has been a vital component of job creation and economic development for our community. And permanent reauthorization and full funding of it will encourage further infrastructure investments and ensure protection of America's natural heritage and Hood River's outdoor recreation opportunities. Outdoor recreation and open spaces -- many enhanced through use of the fund -- draw residents and tourists to mountain communities, providing significant economic support. Outdoor pursuits including hiking, biking, kayaking, hunting and fishing contributed an incredible 2 percent to the U.S. gross domestic product in 2016 and is growing faster than the overall national economy. Further, the Outdoor Industry Association found that Oregon has a $16.4 billion outdoor recreation industry that is supported by these public lands. This industry supports 172,000 jobs in Oregon that generate $5.1 billion in wages and salaries. Without the funding for further protection and enhancement of America's public lands and waters, the economic success and cultural vitality of communities such as Hood River may be at risk. Congress must continue the bipartisan momentum and pass a bill that will provide full and permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and preserve our American public lands legacy. -- Peter Cornelison is a Hood River City Council members who is involved with The Mountain Pact, which works with elected officials in 50 mountain communities in 11 states to build resilience in the face of environmental stresses and their economic impacts. 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. Elizabeth Hovde is at best a dupe and at worst an abettor of right-wing hate speech " based on one conversation with him and one meeting at Washington Sate University Vancouver. She conveniently ignores the history of white nationalists attending Patriot Prayer meetings and far right militiamen working as security. She generalizes from one peaceful meeting to blame violence on protesters at other meetings. She doesn't realize that these groups have learned to soften their explicit hate speech against African Americans, Jews and LGBT people to talk of how whites are threatened or their need for guns -- against who exactly is not stated except by implication. Hovde thinks that since Joey Gibson is not white he couldn't possibly be racially motivated. There are many examples of people of a race or religion expressing hate for others like them (Roy Cohn being just one example). -- Byron Rendar, Northeast Portland The mother of Meighan Cordie -- the 27-year-old who Yamhill County prosecutors believe tumbled from her mothers moving car under mysterious circumstances in August -- gave up her quest Tuesday to enter a program for first-time drunken driving offenders. Oregon's diversion program allows dismissal of charges against defendants who follow court orders to attend substance abuse treatment and listen to victims talk about how impaired drivers have devastated their lives. Jennifer Weathers, 50, faced opposition from the prosecution to enter the program. Yamhill County Circuit Judge Ladd Wiles would have made the decision after hearing arguments from both the defense and prosecution. But Weathers defense attorney, Walter Todd, told the judge that Weathers no longer plans to seek diversion. Instead, Todd said he will use the next five weeks to further investigate his clients case. Weathers' next court date is scheduled Dec. 6 on charges of driving while under the influence of intoxicants and endangering another person, her 3-year-old granddaughter, who was in the back seat of the car when authorities believe Cordie fell or jumped out to her death. A trial date hasn't been set. Weathers didnt make any statements Tuesday. She promptly left the courthouse as soon as the two-minute hearing ended. Several family members or friends were in court but declined to comment to The Oregonian/OregonLive. Yamhill County District Attorney Brad Berry ruled Cordie's death accidental. Weathers originally was investigated for possible homicide charges when Cordie went missing after attending a rural Yamhill County wedding on Aug. 18. Her mother called a non-emergency dispatcher on Aug. 19 to report that she was kind of worried about Cordie. In a recording of the call, Weathers isn't forthcoming with all she knew -- saying that after the wedding her daughter "was upset and got out of the car and I haven't heard anything since." Cordie's body was found down an embankment on Aug. 23 by joggers along Southeast Foster Road in Dayton. An autopsy showed that she suffered two broken or severed vertebrae and died instantly upon hitting the roadway. In the call to non-emergency dispatch, Weathers said she checked hospitals and jails for her daughter to no avail. The King City resident said she drove around for two hours that morning looking for her daughter but couldnt find her. Weathers didn't tell the dispatcher that she and her daughter had gotten into an argument and physical fight -- with Cordie pulling out a clump of Weathers' hair, according to a memo written by the prosecution. Prosecutors said they believe Cordie then tumbled barefoot out of the car and that it was moving much faster than Weathers later came to admit and was much farther away from the wedding than Weathers reported. Weathers eventually said her daughter had jumped out as Weathers drove less than 5 mph, according to memo written by the prosecution. Weathers claimed they were a short distance from the wedding, but prosecutors said they were nine miles down the road. Prosecutors could have a challenging time proving their DUII case because police didnt stop Weather and administer field sobriety tests or test her blood alcohol content that night. The case might have to rely heavily on witnesses, who authorities said recounted how Weathers appeared too intoxicated to be driving away from the wedding that night. If convicted of the misdemeanors she faces, Weather could face jail time. But that would be up to the judge. First-time offenders typically receive 80 hours of community service or two days in jail, plus orders to undergo substance abuse treatment. -- Aimee Green Yitzhak Husband-Hankins had led a service at the Tree of LIfe synagogue in Pittsburgh on Friday night and was planning to return for worship Saturday morning, but he was running behind. "I was late ... so I wasn't there at the time," he told KDKA, a local Pittsburgh news outlet. "And I received a phone call from a friend telling me not to go because of what was happening." Robert Bowers, reportedly motivated by anti-semitic and anti-immigrant rhetoric, had allegedly opened fire at the synagogue, killing 11 before being taken into custody by police. Husband-Hankins has deep roots in Oregon, working for years at Temple Beth Sholom in Salem, according to KATU. He now serves as rabbi emeritus at Temple Beth Israel in Eugene. He did not immediately respond to calls from The Oregonian/OregonLive. Husband-Hankins immediately rushed to the temple to check on his friend, who had led the service that morning. "I went up to the synagogue to just be in the perimeter to wait for my friend to come out," he told KDKA. "I heard rapid-fire shooting happening. He ended up being in the hospital. He was one of the people wounded." As a boy growing up in Pittsburgh, Husband-Hankins was devout, sometimes attending services 4 or 5 times a week, according to a 2015 profile from the Register-Guard. "I loved it," he told the newspaper. "I loved the music. I loved the feeling there. And it was a place where I felt my own personal place, of where I lived inside." Husband-Hankins arrived in Oregon in the 70s after a cross-country trip in a Volkswagen van and served the Eugene community for some 40 years before retiring. "I feel that I've learned a lot from the community here," he told the Register-Guard. "You really get to share in those sacred moments in life. And I feel so privileged to have been a part of people who have been born here and aged here and all the concurrent experiences. The attack in Pittsburgh, which he missed by just minutes, shook him. "It's an attack on everything that we stand for as a country. Being a multi-ethnic and multi-faith and the beautiful nation we've been developing," Husbands-Hankin told KDKA. -- Kale Williams kwilliams@oregonian.com 503-294-4048 Ceasefire Oregon on Monday denounced a page on the Oregon Firearms Federation's website that calls out one of the chief petitioners of a now-defunct initiative to ban assault weapons in the state. Under a headline reading "Michael Z. Cahana Memorial Page," it names Rabbi Michael Cahana of Portland's Congregation Beth Israel reform synagogue, accompanied by graphic photos of the Holocaust. The post suggests that the killing of millions of Jews wouldn't have occurred if they had been armed with such weapons. "Cahana wants the state to have a monopoly on force. Apparently they no longer teach history in Yeshiva. So here's to you rabbi, we've seen this before," the federation's page says. The federation, which bills itself as Oregon's only no compromise gun lobby, opposed the initiative that sought a ban on assault rifles and high-capacity magazine. Ceasefire Oregon advocates for gun control legislation and supported it. "This is really what the Oregon Firearms Federation is made of, cruelty, hate and ignorance,'' said Penny Okamoto, Ceasefire Oregon's executive director. "People need to be aware of that.'' Cahana, who is out of the country, responded by email late Monday night. He called the firearm federation's stance the "same kind of offensive 'blame the victim' ideology'' that was espoused following Saturday's massacre at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. "As the child of a Holocaust survivor, I believe I know far more about the reality of the Shoah than these purveyors of hate,'' Cahana wrote. "To suggest that the Holocaust could have been averted if more people had guns is an insult to the memory of the six million Jews who died at the hands of the Nazi regime." Cahana, the Rev. Alcena Boozer of St. Philip the Deacon Episcopal Church and Pastor Mark Knutson of Augustana Lutheran Church filed the initiative in the spring but withdrew it in late June. Instead, Ceasefire Oregon and the political action committee "Lift Every Voice Oregon,'' have submitted legislative concepts for a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines of ammunition for the 2019 legislative session, and are pursuing a similar initiative in 2020, Knutson said. Okamoto said she was aware that the firearms federation months ago had put up something similar on its Facebook page but she said she believed the group removed it. She said she learned only recently that the page remained separately on the group's website. Kevin Starrett, executive director of Oregon Firearms Federation, said he stands by the page. In an email, he wrote that it "highlights the horrific suffering of the Jews of Germany at the hands of barbarians who first disarmed them and rendered them helpless.'' He suggested the Portland rabbi "was determined to repeat'' it with his petition to ban assault weapons. Starrett then reposted the page Monday on the firearms federation's Facebook page, referencing questions from The Oregonian/OregonLive seeking his comment for this story. "It illuminates the horrors of what happens to people when the state disarms them and then finds them to be expendable,'' he wrote. "It has been up for months and we totally stand by it. We also stand by Trump's comments about how armed people in the Synagogue might have saved some lives.'' President Donald J. Trump said the mass shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue Saturday would have been different if there was an armed security guard there. A gunman opened fire inside the Tree of Life synagogue in Squirrel Hill, a heavily Jewish section of Pittsburgh, killing 11 and wounding several others, including police, while declaring that he wanted "to kill Jews." He was armed with an AR-15-style assault rifle, a Glock, and two other handguns. Under Initiative Petition 43, the ban would have applied to certain semiautomatic rifles and pistols capable of accommodating detachable magazines and other military-style features, such as a collapsible stock or grenade launcher. It also would have covered some semiautomatic shotguns. It included exemptions for military and law enforcement employees who are required to carry firearms and retailers and manufacturers that supply those agencies. Gun rights proponents successfully challenged the petition language, saying it didn't adequately describe the types of firearms banned by the measure or the extent of its proposed registration requirements. The Oregon Supreme Court ruled that the ballot title needed significant changes before the petition could be circulated. Robert Horenstein, community relations director for the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland, called the firearms federation page "disgusting.'' Judy Margles, director of the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education, condemned the page, calling it "an offense to human dignity in every sense.'' "The vile imagination that produced this nightmarish page is devoid of human sympathy, hateful in its intentions, grotesque in its techniques, and altogether reprehensible to any Oregonian who lives here in good faith,'' Margles said. "This dishonest and deeply violent propaganda is fabricated in the worst of bad faith, and so deserves condemnation in the strongest of terms.'' Margles noted that the page insults Cahana by putting his rabbinical title in quotation marks. "It despicably and dishonestly implies that Jewish educational institutions do not teach their tragic past. It insults the innocent millions depicted in the deplorable and disgusting photographs that converts into sadistic pornography meant to incite the viewer,'' Margles said. "It appropriates the very term Holocaust itself for its own ends, expropriating the slogan 'never again'meant to memorialize 6,000,000 Jewish victims and re-functions it to apply to owners of 'ammo feeding devices.' " Knutson said when he saw the firearm federation's page on Cahana, "I wondered 'is he a marked man?' '' "That's just ugliness,'' Knutson said Monday night, adding that state lawmakers who align themselves with the gun federation should be held accountable. -- Maxine Bernstein mbernstein@oregonian.com 503-221-8212 @maxoregonian Oregon voters could be forgiven for thinking Kate Brown and Knute Buehler are the only people running for governor this fall. Fueled by an unprecedented $29 million in campaign contributions, the respective Democratic and Republican candidates dominate the TV commercials, the social media ads and the mailbox flyers. So Independent Party nominee Patrick Starnes, who has raised just $12,400 for his campaign, is nearly invisible amid the frenzy. In recognition of that deficiency, Starnes is running what is nearly a one-issue campaign for governor, focusing almost exclusively on campaign finance reform. He wants to see a constitutional amendment to allow for limits on political contributions, which could put outsider candidates on more equal footing. "Hopefully this is the last $25 million governor's race," he said last week before the latest surge in contributions broke what already had been a record. There are actually five gubernatorial candidates on November's ballot. In addition to the Democrat (Brown, the incumbent), Republican (Buehler) and Independent (Starnes) there are two minor-party candidates. GOVERNOR CANDIDATES While the Democratic and Republican nominees dominate fundraising, primary voting and public attention, Oregon actually has five gubernatorial candidates in next months general election. They, and their top issues, are: Aaron Auer , Constitution Party : Self-employed pastor Issues : Protecting private property, freedom of religion, speech and the right to bear arms, sanctity of life and marriage. Nick Chen , Libertarian Party : Logistics specialist Issues : Would veto bills to increase spending, create incentives for entrepreneurship. Kate Brown, Democrat : Incumbent governor Issues : Womens rights, jobs, quality education, environmental stewardship. Knute Buehler, Republican : State representative, orthopedic surgeon Issues : Education, health care, PERS, addressing homelessness. Patrick Starnes, Independent Party : Home restorer Issues : Campaign finance reform, fighting gerrymandering, opening Oregons primary. Sources: Oregon Voters' Pamphlet, public statements The Independent Party gained "major" party status in Oregon in 2015, when its share of registered voters crossed the 5 percent threshold. (Some voters may believe they're registering as independent, unaffiliated voters rather than joining a party whose name is "Independent.") Independents haven't gained much traction with Oregonians in the past three years. Just 23,000 voted in the party's May primary, compared with the nearly 400,000 who cast ballots in the Democratic primary. Starnes captured 6,000 votes, just 26 percent of his party's primary vote but more than any other Independent candidate. A cabinetmaker and home restorer who spent a decade on the board of the tiny McKenzie School District east of Eugene, Starnes said he saw the same problems other elected officials do namely, the state's public pension debt and rising health care costs, which are diverting funds from essential public services. "I just kept waiting for solutions for the issues I saw that were taking money out of the classroom," Starnes said. Like other Oregonians, Starnes watched the years go by without meaningful reform. And he concluded that special interest money was the obstacle to a solution. So, he launched his longshot gubernatorial bid to bring attention to the issue. No one expects an out-of-the-blue upset from Starnes, not even him. And even if he did, the governor has no power to enact a constitutional amendment to allow campaign finance limits. That's ultimately up to the electorate, and in 2006, when Oregon voters had that choice, they emphatically rejected it. (Measure 46 lost by nearly 20 percentage points.) What the governor could do, Starnes said, is use a bully pulpit to campaign for an amendment and "hold other legislation hostage" unless lawmakers act to put the issue before voters. Even from his marginal position in the gubernatorial race, Starnes said he's been able to raise campaign finance at joint appearances with the leading candidates. And while Starnes isn't on your TV, he's appearing at candidate forums in small towns across the state. He's making his case at senior centers, chambers of commerce and other places his opponents haven't gone, racking up 400 miles a week in a campaign that will bring him to all 36 Oregon counties. "We're doing it old school," Starnes said, "meeting and greeting people directly." -- Mike Rogoway | twitter: @rogoway | 503-294-7699 Oregon's tiny Independent Party lost its gubernatorial candidate Tuesday morning, just a week before ballots are due. "I'm going to step down from my campaign. I'm going to endorse Gov. Brown," Patrick Starnes said on Portland ABC affiliate KATU, with Democratic Gov. Kate Brown seated beside him. He said the governor shares his enthusiasm for campaign finance reform, which was his main issue during the race. Independent Party co-chairman Rob Harris, who had already endorsed Buehler over his own party's candidate, said Starnes had not notified him in advance about his plans to drop out. Still, Harris defended Starnes' decision and said it wasn't a complete surprise. "The question isn't whether or not he's going to win the election," Harris said. "It's how much he can swing the race." Polls show Brown has a narrow lead over Knute Buehler, a Republican legislator from Bend. The Independent Party has 120,000 members, and even a relatively small number of votes could be important in deciding the election. Still, it's uncertain Starnes can deliver even that modest boost. Roughly 600,000 ballots have already been turned in ahead of next Tuesday's deadline -- more than a fifth of all voters -- and the Independent Party hasn't gained much traction with Oregonians since the state classified it a "major" party three years ago. Just 23,000 Oregonians voted in the party's May primary, compared with the nearly 400,000 who cast ballots in the Democratic primary. Starnes captured 6,000 votes, just 26 percent of his party's primary vote but more than any other candidate for the party's nomination. Late Tuesday, the Independent Party's official Twitter account sent out a message denouncing Starnes' decision and stating that the party does not endorse Brown. "To the people who may have already voted for him, we apologize," the tweet said. "We disagree with how he handled his decision." A cabinetmaker and home restorer, Starnes, 56, spent a decade on the board of the tiny McKenzie School District east of Eugene before beginning his abortive campaign for governor. The party's goal wasn't to win the election this time out, Harris said, but to raise a key issue and win support for that issue campaign finance reform in this case from the major candidates. "We try to be strategic," Harris said. "This race between Buehler and Brown is probably going to be decided by a few percentage points." Writing on Twitter later Tuesday, Harris expressed doubt that Brown would follow through on the commitment she made to Starnes to support campaign finance reform. "Problem is...she's been Governor and the leader of her party for almost 4 years and hasn't done CFR," Harris wrote. "Either she's as ineffective as Buehler says, or she doesn't really want to give up the political capital to do CFR." -- | twitter: | 503-294-7699 Editor's note: Platforms 2018 is a weekly series on the policy positions and records of Oregon's two leading gubernatorial candidates. Here's a recap of Republican Rep. Knute Buehler's record and views on government transparency: Should the state extend formal protections to state employees and certain nonprofit workers willing to expose corruption, abuse or fraud by reporting it to law enforcement or other government agencies ( Should anyone hired to lobby in Oregon be required to register as a lobbyist ( Should lobbyists be required to disclose which bills they're working on ( Should the state update its public records law to add deadlines, while giving many governments an exception ( Should Oregon create a "sunshine committee" to review the more than 500 exemptions to the state's public records law ( Released only partial tax returns for the three most recent tax years, citing the need to protect the information of his business partners. The 12th National Women's Congress (NWC) opened in Beijing on Tuesday. President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, attended the opening of the congress at the Great Hall of the People. The meeting was also attended by other leaders of the CPC and the state including Li Keqiang, Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Wang Huning and Han Zheng, all of whom are members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee. Zhao Leji, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, delivered a speech on behalf of the CPC Central Committee. A total of 1,637 delegates from all walks of life and 79 specially-invited delegates from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) and the Macao SAR, attended the congress. Shen Yueyue, vice chairperson of the National People's Congress Standing Committee and executive chairperson of the presidium of the 12th NWC, announced the opening of the meeting. Women's federations at all levels have taken Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as a guide, and made new contributions to the development of the women's cause and consolidating public support for the Party's governance since the 11th NWC, Zhao said. Xi's discourses about women and the work of women have provided fundamental rules for the cause of women and the work of women's federations in the new era, he noted. Zhao called on Chinese women to have firm ideals and convictions, act under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, contribute to the new era, advance the great cause, and continue their efforts to achieve the two centenary goals and the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation. When making a report on behalf of the 11th Executive Committee of the All-China Women's Federation (ACWF), Huang Xiaowei, executive chairperson of the presidium of the 12th NWC, called for holding high the great banner of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and contributing to securing a decisive victory in building a moderately prosperous society in all respects and realizing the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation. A draft amendment to the ACWF constitution was submitted to the delegates for deliberation. Roughly 600,000 registered Oregon voters have turned in ballots for the Nov. 6 election, which is far ahead of pace compared with recent mid-term elections. As of the close of business Monday, 21.5 percent of voters had returned their ballots to their county election office, the state elections division reported. That compares with just 13 percent to 17 percent in the past three mid-term elections in Oregon. Turnout is particularly high among registered Republicans and Democrats, and Independent Party voters also have returned a high share of their ballots. Roughly 27 percent of the big party members turned in ballots before election offices closed Monday, and 22 percent of Independents had done so, the elections division reported. The most expensive race on the ballot is the contest for governor. Incumbent Kate Brown and her Republican challenger, Knute Buehler, have raised more than $29 million so far. Voters have until 8 p.m. Nov. 6 to get their ballots to elections offices or an official drop box. It's unclear whether the high rates of early voting will translate into higher eventual turnout. In 2014, 71 percent of eligible voters cast votes in time. Of those, 29 percent turned in their ballots on Election Day. -- Betsy Hammond betsyhammond@oregonian.com A man shot by Portland police after robbing a bank and trying to rob a check-cashing store in North Portland was sentenced Tuesday to just over five years in federal prison. Chase Arnae Peeples, 26, told a judge he was desperate for money to return to his family in Florida when he committed the crimes last year. Police shot Peeples three times, wounding him in the upper right bicep, lower left abdomen and right big toe. "I was happy to be alive,'' Peeples said in court. "I apologize about it. It was life-changing.'' Chase A. Peeples Defense lawyer Alison Clark sought a four-year sentence for Peeples and urged U.S. District Judge Anna J. Brown to consider his permanent injuries. Peeples continues to suffer significant nerve damage in his leg, has trouble walking and balancing and can no longer run, Clark said. "This man is essentially disabled,'' she said. "This was a near-death experience. It makes him less likely to commit crimes in the future.'' Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan Knight sought a sentence of five years and 10 months. Although the injuries are tragic, he said, the police shooting of Peeples "was something of his own making." The judge agreed with the recommendation of a pretrial services officer to send Peeples to prison for five years and three months. "I do hope this will be the turning point for you,'' Brown told Peeples. "The voice of desperation I can understand, but no one can excuse what you did.'' On Oct. 27, 2017, Peeples tried to rob the Ace Check Cashing store but walked off with no money, then robbed a nearby U.S. Bank branch of $2,149. Both of the businesses are on North Lombard street. At Ace, he told an employee "I need $5,000 now.'' When an employee explained that Ace didn't make loans in that amount, Peeples made it clearer, "No, I'm robbing you.'' Peeples ended up leaving the business and walked over to the U.S. Bank. He passed the teller a note written on Ace stationery with the number 5 followed by multiple zeroes and proclaimed: "This is a robbery.'' He took off with the money, including bait bills and a GPS tracking device. Portland Police Officer Ryan Reagan was near the Portland Police Association office on Lombard when he heard a call at 1:16 p.m. reporting an attempted robbery at the check-cashing store. As Reagan and his partner drove there, a second robbery call came in 11 minutes later, this time at the bank. Reagan turned the police car around and headed to the bank. Dispatchers alerted police that the suspect was walking south on North Oatman Avenue, nearing North Saratoga Street. The two-officer car headed south on Oatman Avenue and the officers spotted Peeples at the southeast corner of Oatman and Saratoga, according to police and grand jury testimony. Reagan testified before grand jurors that he told Peeples to put his hands up and then fired six shots when he thought the man was pulling a black handgun out of his right pocket. Peeples wasn't armed. A black wallet was found beside his right hand after he fell backward when he was shot. Peeples admits he made a "grievous error'' in that split second, not following the officers' commands, his lawyer said in court. But Peeples was unarmed and he didn't use force at the bank or check-cashing store, Clark said. Peeples pleaded guilty to bank robbery and attempted robbery. The judge called it unusual that Peeples accepted his injuries as the consequence of his actions and was willing to forgo suing the police. Brown said she believed Peeples' remorse was genuine. "It could have been worse,'' she told him. "You could have died.'' Police recovered $2,070 from a pocket in Peeples' sweatpants after his arrest. That money will go toward the $2,149 in restitution he must pay. The judge recommended Peeples serve his sentence in a federal prison in Florida, closer to his family. Peeples joined the U.S. Army two weeks after high school and was stationed at Fort Lewis in Washington state. He ended up being discharged after failing to show up for deployment, he told the judge. After completing his sentence, he'll face three years of supervised release. -- Maxine Bernstein mbernstein@oregonian.com 503-221-8212 @maxoregonian Seven Occupy ICE protesters Monday pleaded not guilty in federal court to misdemeanor charges alleging they created disturbances and failed to comply with federal officers' orders to leave the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in Southwest Portland. The seven appeared separately with defense lawyers before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jolie A. Russo. A three-day trial is set for March 11. The defendants are Cameron M. Cruscial, Lauren M. Halcomb-Hudson, MacKenzie G. Hilmes, Emma C. Mavros, Anna V. Moklayk, Kathryn A. Pyland and Stuart W. Tanquist. They initially appeared in federal court facing citations stemming from the June 28 demonstrations outside the ICE office that started on Father's Day. Prosecutors allege the seven protesters "unreasonably obstructed'' entrances, foyers, lobbies and parking lots of the federal immigration enforcement agency's building, "impeded and disrupted'' government employees' official duties and refused orders to leave the property. Defense lawyer Philip Lewis, who represents Pyland, said he usually represents people accused of child abuse, but not in this case. "Here, I'm representing people who are protesting government-sponsored child abuse of the most profound kind,'' Lewis said. The protesters were demonstrating against President Donald Trump's zero tolerance policy in detaining immigrant children separately from their parents. The occupation of the ICE building lasted about five weeks. Protesters had set up a makeshift camp at the office in Portland and remained there around the clock. They said their intention was to protest the Trump administration's policy of separating children and parents who are detained after border crossings and seek the abolishment of ICE. The field office closed for days because protesters blocked its entrances. Early on July 25, Portland police moved in to clear out the remaining demonstrators, finding the camp was posing biomedical and fire hazards. -- Maxine Bernstein mbernstein@oregonian.com 503-221-8212 @maxoregonian Tyler Chism A Portland man was killed last Thursday by another man who stabbed him in the chest with a sword hidden in a cane, court records allege. Timothy C. Cato pulled out the sword as 28-year-old Tyler Chism was arguing with his girlfriend around 2 a.m. in Northwest Portland, according to a probable cause affidavit. Cato then sheathed the sword after and used the cane for assistance as he walked away -- leaving the wounded man collapsed on the ground near Northwest Third Avenue and Everett Street , the affidavit said. After his arrest, Cato, 59, would tell court staff that he didn't know Chism. It's not clear from available court documents if Cato gave authorities any explanation for why he allegedly attacked Chism. He remains held in jail Monday on suspicion of murder and unlawful use of a weapon and has pleaded not guilty. Cato's criminal history includes convictions in the '80s and '90s for assault, drug and gun possession, being a felon in possession of a firearm and unlawful use of a weapon, Oregon records show. Witnesses told police Chism was arguing with his girlfriend when they were approached by Cato and another woman and Chism was stabbed, the affidavit said. The woman with Cato wasn't identified in the affidavit nor is it clear if she had any connection to Chism and his girlfriend. Surveillance video in the area showed Cato meet up with the woman, walk together toward a parking lot where Chism was standing and then Chism is seen shortly after stumbling away and falling to the ground, the affidavit said. At least one witness identified the assailant as "Tim," the court papers said. In a statement released Monday by the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office, Chism's parents said they are grateful that police were able to identify a suspect in Chism's death and made an arrest. The parents described their son as a creative and passionate man who was inspired by art and music and worked through challenges presented by undisclosed disabilities. "Our hearts are broken with the loss of our son...His death seems so senseless," the statement said. -- Everton Bailey Jr. ebailey@oregonian.com 503-221-8343; @EvertonBailey BY JIM RYAN AND SHANE DIXON KAVANAUGH Consultants hired to review Portland State University's safety policies after a fatal police shooting this summer held their first of nine scheduled forums Tuesday, drawing questions about the future of campus security. The gatherings are billed as a platform for students, staff and others to voice their thoughts about safety on the downtown Portland campus, including whether campus police should be armed. They come as part of an independent review of the university's safety policies and procedures that began after campus police shot and killed Jason Washington on June 29. "I don't want to manipulate or take advantage of a tragic incident, but there is less chance of death by firearm on our campus if the officers do not have arms," said Gina Greco, a professor in the school's World Languages & Literature department. "Arming officers increases the risks of death on campus." Greco was among the two-dozen faculty, students and community members who attended the opening 90-minute session, with others scheduled Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Consulting firm Margolis Healy will study all aspects of safety on campus and make recommendations to the university's president and board. Discussion centered on attendees' perception of security and public safety on campus. Participants talked about implicit or institutional bias among security workers, campus sexual assault and violence, and how school officials had raised the possibility of mass shootings and campus shootings to justify arming police in 2015. Steven Healy, the firm's chief executive and moderator of the forum, said the talks are intended to help determine "what is the appropriate model of campus public safety for Portland State University today." Forum schedule Each of the events will happen in Room 515 at the university's Academic and Student Recreation Center. The remaining schedule: Tuesday, Oct. 30 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Police at the school started carrying guns after a Board of Trustees vote approving the proposal. The shooting of Washington, during a bar fight that had spilled out onto a sidewalk near Portland State, was the first involving campus police. It set off impassioned protests, including a 10-day occupation outside the university's campus public safety building. Protesters also attended a trustees meeting earlier this month, calling for the disarmament of the school's police force. Activists for years have opposed arming Portland State police. The board said in a statement after the shooting that it was prepared to revisit the policy around armed campus officers "with open minds to determine whether the current policy should be continued or changed." Two campus police officers shot Washington after he had taken a gun away from a friend who had planned to confront a group of people outside the bar. The friend, Jeremy Wilkinson, 43, and Washington, 45, had been drinking for hours at the bar. The officers said Washington appeared to point the gun at them during the chaotic brawl. A grand jury found the shooting was justified. Margolis Healy said during the forum that its employees will be on campus for the next three weeks doing site visits and that the consultants plan to have a draft report about 30 business days after the final session. Everyone with a Portland State email address will get a public safety survey Tuesday, and other Portlanders can take the survey beginning next Monday. -- Shane Dixon Kavanaugh skavanaugh@oregonian.com 503-294-7632 || @shanedkavanaugh Oregon's original technology company, Electro Scientific Industries, sold Tuesday to a Massachusetts business for $1 billion in cash. The $30-a-share price is a little more than double ESI's closing stock price Monday. The Washington County company's stock has been erratic despite a recent revival in its business due to soaring demand for its laser drills, which are used to manufacture the iPhone and many other tech gadgets. The buyer, MKS Instruments, had no immediate statement on the future of ESI's Oregon operations or the roughly 220 employees at the company's Washington County headquarters, north of Highway 26. "We believe this combination will provide significant value for ESI's customers, as well as create exciting opportunities for our employees," Michael Burger, ESI's chief executive, said in a written statement. He did not respond to a message seeking additional information. Though Oregon has a growing tech sector, the nation's technology businesses are increasingly concentrated in large centers such as Seattle and Silicon Valley. Portland and other second-tier markets frequently serve as outposts for big tech companies, low-cost alternatives for support and ancillary functions. Founded in 1944 as Brown Engineering, ESI is older even than Tektronix, the tech company that helped seed the Silicon Forest. ESI survived rapidly advancing technology, erratic sales and a 1990s accounting scandal that resulted in federal charges against a former CEO. ESI draws on Oregon's roots in electronics manufacturing, adapting to help produce the very latest in tech gadgetry. Its lasers drill tiny tunnels between layers of technology within gadgets, conduits to link the computer chips crammed inside. ESI's lasers can drill a path thinner than a human hair and precisely control how deep they go. Tuesday's deal means Oregon is nearly out of large, homegrown technology companies. ESI's sale follows deals for many of the state's other big tech businesses, including Radisys, Planar Systems, TriQuint Semiconductor, Mentor Graphics and FEI Co. It leaves Oregon with just three publicly traded tech companies: Digimarc, Flir Systems and Lattice Semiconductor. Before taking over as ESI's CEO last year, Burger had been chief executive of two other Beaverton tech manufacturers - Merix Corp. and Cascade Microtech - that he later sold. Tuesday's deal makes three consecutive exits for Burger. In February, Burger insisted no deal was in the offing for ESI. "We've got nobody that's expressed interest, and we're not actively selling it," Burger said then. Still, Tuesday's deal isn't a surprise given ESI's uneven financial results and its volatile stock price. The sale to MKS gives ESI investors a big, quick return on a stock whose performance was often unreliable. ESI said Tuesday that sales in its fiscal second quarter were $85.9 million, up from $71.0 million a year ago but down sharply from $110.6 million in the first quarter of the year. ESI Founded : 1944, making it Oregon's oldest tech company Business : Laser drilling machines for computer electronics manufacturing Headquarters: North of U.S. 26, near Beaverton Employees : 615, including 220 in Oregon. The company makes its laser tools in Singapore but manufactures the prototypes at its corporate headquarters. It also has a small factory in Klamath Falls, where it makes tools for a small part of its business. Sales : $368 million in fiscal 2018, up from $161 million the prior year Profits : $116.2 million, up from a $19.5 million loss the prior year Such volatility has resulted in wide swings in ESI's share price. In the past year the stock has traded between $13.92 and $27.72; it closed Monday at $14.93, well below the $30 MKS offered. ESI's shares soared 91 percent Tuesday to $28.53 on news of the pending deal. MKS, like ESI, is focused on technology for printed circuit boards. It said the combined business will have revenue of $2.2 billion (ESI's sales totaled $368 million last year) and will save $15 million through cost cuts following the deal. "We anticipate that the addition of ESI will strengthen our expertise in the photonics and optics markets, enabling us to develop systems that provide rich and robust solutions to meet the challenges of evolving technology needs," MKS chief executive Gerald Colella said in a written statement. -- Mike Rogoway | twitter: @rogoway | 503-294-7699 Intel has notified employees it will no longer provide campaign support to Iowa Rep. Steve King. The decision follows the Republican congressman's support for white nationalists in Europe and Canada. "We had engaged with Rep. King because of his support for IP (intellectual property) theft protections, which is important to Intel's business," Intel wrote in a note to employees, which the company provided to The Oregonian/OregonLive. "However, an Intel employee raised concerns about the donations earlier this month. We looked into the congressman's public statements and determined that they conflict with Intel values. As a result, we are no longer donating to his campaigns." Online publication Popular Information first noted Intel's decision. The publication said Intel had donated $2,000 to King's campaign this year. Dairy company Land O'Lakes also withdrew its support Tuesday, and Ohio Rep. Steve Stivers, chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, denounced King on Twitter. In June, King retweeted anti-immigrant comments from a Nazi sympathizer in England. And earlier this month, the Iowa congressman endorsed a white-nationalist candidate for mayor in Toronto. King, in a tight re-election fight, has made many other inflammatory statements about immigration and diversity. Under former chief executive Brian Krzanich, Intel denounced President Donald Trump's immigration policies and quit the president's manufacturing council after Trump issued a muddled response to racist riots in Virginia last year. Intel is Oregon's largest corporate employer and has previously spoken out on state issues such as same-sex marriage. This year, though, Intel has been silent on Measure 105, an initiative that would revoke Oregon's status as a sanctuary state. Nike, Columbia Sportswear and other large Oregon companies are vocal opponents of the measure. -- Mike Rogoway | twitter: @rogoway | 503-294-7699 President Donald Trump is vowing to sign an executive order that would seek to end the right to U.S. citizenship for children born in the United States to noncitizens, a move most legal experts say runs afoul of the Constitution and that was dismissed Tuesday by the top House Republican.. The action, which Trump previewed in a television clip broadcast Tuesday, would be the most aggressive by a president elected to office pledging to take a hard line on immigration, an issue he has revived in advance of next week's midterm elections. "We're the only country in the world where a person comes in and has a baby, and the baby is essentially a citizen of the United States for 85 years with all of those benefits," Trump said during an interview with Axios scheduled to air as part of a new HBO series starting this weekend. "It's ridiculous. It's ridiculous. And it has to end." In fact, more than 30 countries, including Canada and Mexico, have similar policies. Leading Democrats and immigrants-rights activists blasted Trump's promise Tuesday. And House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., also dismissed the idea during a radio interview, saying it is not consistent with the 14th Amendment of the Constitution. "Well you obviously cannot do that," Ryan said on WVLK in Kentucky. "You cannot end birthright citizenship with an executive order." Ryan also said that Republicans did not like it when President Barack Obama changed immigration policy by executive action and that altering the Constitution would be a lengthy process. Whether the move contemplated is legal, Trump seemed to welcome the controversy his comments ignited. The White House has been intent on stoking a debate over immigration as a way to motivate Trump's base to turn out for midterm elections in which Republicans risk losing the House. In recent weeks, Trump has also repeatedly called attention to a migrant caravan making its way toward the U.S.-Mexico border, invoking it as a symbol of what he sees as wrong with the U.S. immigration system and blaming Democrats for a lack of action. Trump, who has long decried "anchor babies," said he has discussed ending birthright citizenship with his legal counsel and believes it can be accomplished with executive action, a view at odds with the opinions of most legal scholars. "It was always told to me that you needed a constitutional amendment. Guess what? You don't," Trump told Axios. When told that view is disputed, Trump asserted: "You can definitely do it with an act of Congress. But now they're saying I can do it just with an executive order." "It's in the process. It'll happen . . . with an executive order," he said, without offering a time frame. The Justice Department declined to comment on the legality of what Trump vowed, referring questions to the White House. Trump's comments to Axios were cheered Tuesday by some fellow Republicans, including Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who has long sought to end birthright citizenship. "This policy is a magnet for illegal immigration, out of the mainstream of the developed world, and needs to come to an end," Graham said, adding that he would introduce legislation toward the same end. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., called Trump's promised move an attempt to divert attention from health care, which Democrats have sought to make the leading issue of the election. "President Trump's new claim he can unilaterally end the Constitution's guarantee of citizenship shows Republicans' spiraling desperation to distract from their assault on Medicare, Medicaid and people with pre-existing conditions," she said in statement. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., the 2016 Democratic vice-presidential nominee protested that "the U.S. presidency is not a dictatorship." "Patriotic Americans must rally to defeat the President's unprecedented attempt to rewrite the Constitution on his own," said Kaine, who is in a reelection battle against Republican Corey Stewart, an outspoken Trump supporter. Omar Jadwat, director of the ACLU's Immigrants' Rights Project said Trump was engaged in "a transparent and blatantly unconstitutional attempt to sow division and fan the flames of anti-immigrant hatred in the days ahead of the midterms." Cristobal Alex, president of the Latino Victory Project, called Trump's comments "a dangerous political stunt." "This is Trump at his most vile and un-American," Alex said. An executive order would be certain to spark a constitutional debate about the meaning of the 14th Amendment. It reads: "All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside." Legal scholars have widely interpreted that to mean that anyone born on American soil automatically becomes a natural-born citizen. In the part of the Axios interview that was released, it was not clear whether Trump would deny citizenship to the babies of any noncitizens, or just to those of immigrants in the country illegally. The most cited Supreme Court decision in the area is the 1898 case United States v. Wong Kim Ark. The court held that a child born to Chinese immigrants who were legal residents was a birthright U.S. citizen under the 14th Amendment. Related, but less directly on point, was the 1982 case Plyler v. Doe, which held that denying immigrant children in the country illegally admission to public schools would violate the 14th Amendment's equal protection clause. Justice William Brennan, writing for the majority in the 5-to-4 decision, noted language from the Wong Kim Ark ruling. He said that "no plausible distinction with respect to Fourteenth Amendment 'jurisdiction' can be drawn between resident aliens whose entry into the United States was lawful, and resident aliens whose entry was unlawful." But modern Supreme Courts simply have not been presented with the issue, so it is unclear how the current justices would see it. Vice President Mike Pence highlighted that fact during an interview Monday morning with Politico Playbook. "I think the president is looking at executive action," Pence said during the live-streamed interview. "We want to look in the broadest way possible at American law that may be used as a magnet to draw people into our country." Pence dismissed critics who say Trump's recent rhetoric on immigration is an election ploy. "It is not," he said, adding: "Let's recognize we have a crisis on our Southern border." In a National Review column last month, New York lawyer Dan McLaughlin wrote that there are "fair grounds for debate" about the wisdom of the policy but little doubt on the law. "A proper originalist interpretation of the U.S. Constitution, as presently written, guarantees American citizenship to those born within our borders, with only a few limited exceptions," McLaughlin wrote. Some other scholars have argued that the case for birthright citizenship is based on a misreading of the 14th Amendment, which was drafted in relation to former slaves following the Civil War. They argue that the amendment should apply only to children born in the United States to lawful permanent residents, not unauthorized immigrants. Michael Anton, a former national security official in the Trump administration, recently sought to advance that argument in a Washington Post op-ed, writing that the "notion that simply being born within the geographical limits of the United States automatically confers U.S. citizenship is an absurdity - historically, constitutionally, philosophically and practically." In the Axios interview, Trump incorrectly asserted that the United States is the only country that offers birthright citizenship. NumbersUSA, a group that favors reduced immigration, has compiled a list that shows 33 nations grant citizenship to anyone born within their borders. The list includes Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and most other countries in Central and South America. The United States and Canada are the only two "developed" countries, as defined by the International Monetary Fund, that have unrestricted birthright citizenship laws. Trump acknowledged his planned executive order as his administration prepared to take several other steps to address immigration in advance of the midterm elections. Homeland Security and Pentagon officials said Monday that they will send 5,200 troops, military helicopters and giant spools of razor wire to the Mexican border in the coming days to brace for what Trump is calling an "invasion" of Central American migrants. The troop deployment appears to be the largest U.S. active-duty mobilization along the U.S.-Mexico boundary in decades and amounts to a significant militarization of American border security. Among those criticizing Trump's planned executive order ending birthright citizenship was conservative commentator Bill Kristol, editor at large of the Weekly Standard. "The shrinking caravan of refugees isn't a threat to the country or the constitutional order," he wrote on Twitter. "A president who tries to end birthright citizenship by executive order is." A Research Center poll taken shortly after Trump launched his presidential bid in 2015 found that 60 percent opposed the idea of changing the U.S. Constitution to prohibit the children of people who are not legal residents from becoming citizens. Thirty-seven percent favored changing the Constitution to end "birthright citizenship." Raise your hand if you have ever hit a deer with your vehicle. You're not alone. Just in 2017, nearly 51,000 vehicle crashes involving deer were reported in Michigan, resulting in more than 1,100 injuries and 16 deaths, according to statistics provided by the Insurance Alliance of Michigan and the Michigan State Police. One of those fatalities occurred in Midland County. Almost half of those crashes occurred in the fall. Mother Nature has something to do with that. "In a week or two, when the deer go into the rut, claims will double," said Mark Bone, owner of Bone and Bailey Insurance in Midland. The rut is mating season. Both archery and firearm hunting season coincide with the rut when the deer are on the move. "When the hunters go into the woods, the deer come out," Gladwin County Sheriff Mike Shea said. There are an estimated 1.75 million deer in the state. The typical times of day for vehicle crashes involving deer are dawn and dusk. Gladwin County is on track to record about 500 of these type of accidents this year. "You just need to slow down and give plenty of distance between you and the vehicle in front of you ... Use their headlights to your advantage," Shea said. Bone's advice: "Don't swerve to avoid the deer. You just end up in more trouble." Drivers often end up hitting another vehicle or a fixed object off the road if they swerve. Shea added, "If you're going to take evasive action, make sure you can maintain control at the end of it." Shea encouraged drivers to call 911 right away after an accident. If the vehicle can be safely driven, you can take it home and law enforcement will get there as soon as they can. If it's not safe to drive, then the vehicle needs to be towed. If the injured deer is still on the scene, motorists are discouraged from going near them because they could be injured by the deer's hooves. The next steps are to contact your insurance agent, take some photos of the damage, and get the vehicle to a body shop for a repair estimate. Bone said the average claim for these type of accidents run from $4,000 to $6,000. "Cars keep getting more expensive with the electronics, sensors on the front and back of the car," he said. "It's driving up the cost of claims." Ten Saginaw Valley State University students are engaged in a year-long leadership development initiative following their selection for the highly competitive Roberts Fellowship. The program annually challenges SVSU students in both academic course work and extracurricular activities designed to enhance their potential as future political, economic and civic leaders. The program culminates in a trip to Asia to provide the Fellows with an international perspective on leadership. The class recently selected for the program will travel to Asia in May 2019. As a candidate for the Michigan Senate 36th District seat, whenever I take questions from voters there are three subjects I can count on to be raised roads, schools and auto insurance. On these topics, I think its helpful and important to take a step back and ask the question how did we get here? How did Michigan become the state with the worst roads in the nation? How did Michigan become the state with the highest automobile insurance costs in the nation? How did Michigan become a state with some of the most poorly educated children in the nation? What happened? It didnt used to be that way. Brazil's far-right president candidate Jair Bolsonaro has won a resounding election victory in a second-round run-off vote, reflecting the public desire for a strong stand on law and order. Bolsonaro, known for his controversial "soundbites," won over 55 percent of the votes in what was a turbulent election. The ruling Worker's Party that ruled for 13 of the last 15 years slipped to around 44 percent amid public anger at its alleged corruption. Bolsonaro, an ex-army paratrooper and a long-term member of Congress, portrayed himself as a straight-talking outsider ready to deal with the crime and corruption problems plaguing the country. He is a controversial figure due to his comments on homosexuals and women, as well as his policies towards the Amazon rain forest and the role of free markets. Mostly, however, it was his comments about crime and Brazil's past that aroused the concern of liberal and human rights groups. Bolsonaro has vowed to eradicate crime in a country known as one of the most crime-ridden in Latin America. He has also praised Brazil's past military dictatorship as glorious. There are questions about how much he believes what he says, and how much he is just playing to the gallery; however, his statements have caught the attention of the international press. He was also stabbed during one campaign trip that further bolstered his campaign in the final run-up to the vote. Brazil's election is a continuation of the trend that is becoming increasingly prominent globally a public craving for authority in the face of unchecked liberty. This includes the rise of strongmen leadership in Europe, and Americas, as well as in Asia, which is a sign of social discontent and not just a general economic downturn. Crime is a factor in almost all the scenarios. From Sweden, Germany to Philippines, and now Brazil, this is the biggest factor propelling to power politicians with a strong law and order platform. Brazil, for example, had at least 64,000 murders last year. It's impossible to even contemplate how serious that is. In what has been a pattern in politics now, liberal drugs and crime policies, has led to extreme lawlessness, which in turn leads to people trumpeting a return of order. Brazil is no exception to this rule, as most people surveyed said they would vote for any candidate who could bring back order to their lives. Bolsonaro, with his tough talk, took full advantage of the vacuum left by the failing ruling party. Second, research suggests Bolsonaro's win was heavily propelled by conservative women. Brazil is a deeply religious country. Women turned overwhelmingly to Bolsonaro, seeing him arguably as a candidate who would solve endemic corruption, as well as criminal violence, which has disproportionately affected them. Further, it was a backlash against the socially-liberal policies of feminism and LGBT rights. Brazil is a paradox with a large number of evangelical Christians as well as being one of the most liberal of countries in social policy. The evangelicals flocked to support Bolsonaro's socially conservative rhetoric. His open support for weapons for every citizen also appealed to people fed up with rampant gangsterism. Exceptions are interesting as rules prove there is nothing new under the sun. It's now become a rule in global politics that the last quarter century of socially liberal policies and rise of new LGBT and feminist ideas are unleashing a global backlash. Increasingly, it is evident people everywhere are voting for anyone, whether left or right wing, ready to bring back order. In Italy, it was a leftist party; in Sweden, Brazil and Germany was the right. Fundamentally, people crave law and order and peace, and those who are promising to bring that about are going on to win elections. However, one cannot imagine which direction Brazil will take, whether it will see a massive crackdown like Philippines, or more mellow politics like Europe; yet, this is an important lesson for policy makers to remember, that anyone who neglects law and order, stands a chance of losing political power. Sumantra Maitra is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit: http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/SumantraMaitra.htm Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors only, not necessarily those of China.org.cn. Flash European and Arab leaders urged for the enhancement of collaboration between the two rapidly changing regions in order to deal with common challenges and build the foundations for a shared better future during a forum hosted on Monday. More than 500 delegates from over 30 countries, including heads of state and government, senior EU officials, ministers and influential business leaders and scholars participate in the "3rd Euro-Arab World Summit" entitled "Shared Horizons". During the two-day event they are seeking paths to strengthen the political dialogue, economic ties and cooperation in tackling issues of common interest such as migration, extremism, climate change, energy transition and institution building. "The European economy is facing challenges. The Arab world is going through difficult times. However, it is in this challenging time that we need to put our friendship to work together and to strengthen cooperation and explore new avenues," Tawfic Khoury, Chairman of the Al-Iktissad Wal-Aamal media and event management group, one of the organizers of the forum, said in the opening remarks. Greece has always been a bridge between Europe and the Arab world, supporting inter-regional collaboration, in particular in difficult times, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, said while delivering a speech. "Today's summit is a critical summit taking place at a critical momentum, at a significant conjuncture for EU-Arab and Greek-Arab relations which I would say have great prospects... In this period it has become clear that Europe and the Arab World must work even closer together," the Greek leader said. EU-Arab dialogue is instrumental for the peace, stability and economic growth of the greater region, he stressed. "The serious challenges we need to address together require the strengthening of partnerships as well as of the interaction between Europe and the Arab League," the President on the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades stated, addressing the event. Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov who was also among the keynote speakers, pointed to Greek-Bulgarian cooperation as an example for bilateral and multilateral cooperation. Dimitris Avramopoulos, EU Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship, joined the Athens summit representing the European Commission, noting that his presence marked the European support to initiatives and efforts to deepen inter-regional collaboration. "In this period of geopolitical instability in the wider region of the Middle East and North Africa which de facto has an impact on Europe, this dialogue contributes to the creation of a climate of mutual respect, understanding and trust," Avramopoulos said during his speech. The two sides must work together to address the migration crisis at its roots, underlining that better protection of the EU's borders does not mean closing borders, he added. The Mediterranean Sea should unite Europeans and Arabs and not divide them, Lahcen Daoudi, Minister Delegate to the Head of Morocco's government, stressed on his part, supporting closer cooperation to promote peace and prosperity for all. When you think of Hawaii you probably think of beaches and Mai Tais, but you should also think of beer. Hawaii is home to a number of amazing breweries. I recently had the opportunity to visit one of them, Kona Brewing, located on Hawaiis Big Island. If you find yourself on the Big Island I definitely recommend stopping by (you can also grab Kona in the airport bar, I learned). A number of the brewerys beers are also distributed to the United States, so you can get a tiny bit of Aloha no matter where you are. If youre not familiar with Kona (I know I definitely wasnt before my trip), here are a few interesting facts about the brewery worth pointing out. 1) Kona Brewing has been around on the big island since 1994 and is still headquartered where the brand got its roots in Kailuaa-Kona on Hawaiis Big Island. 2) Some of the leftover grains from Konas brewing process are used to make the pizza dough used at the brewerys brewpub. 3) Kona uses solar energy to help power its brewery on the Big Island. Its roof-mounted photovoltaic system produces an average of 645 KWh of electricity per day. 4) Kona is owned by Craft Brew Alliance, which also owns Red Hook and Widmer Brothers. 5) While you can find Kona all over the mainland these days, the brewery also makes a number of beers that are only sold at its brewpub, including a beer made in conjunction with the Pink Boots Society brewed exclusively by women. 6) All of Konas beers are named after Hawaiian legends or landmarks. 7) Kona is currently in the process of building a new brewery (it had just broke ground when I visited) on the Big Island. Located nearby its current facility, the new brewery will take up a 30,000-square-foot space and will include a 100,000-barrel brewhouse. 8) Kona will start canning on the island for the first time when that new brewery is completed. Currently the beer is only sold in kegs and bottles in Hawaii proper. 9) Kona is currently bottled exclusively on the mainland, so if you grab a bottle on the Big Island youre actually drinking beer that was put in the bottle and possibly brewed elsewhere. Craft Brew Alliance has breweries in Oregon and New Hampshire that brew Kona. 10) Konas Pipeline Porter is brewed with 100% Kona coffee from their neighbor on the Big Island, Cornwell Estate. Fox Business Channel has apologized for a recent broadcast of Lou Dobbs Tonight, in which a guest alleged that the migrant caravan was being funded by the Soros-occupied State Department. The comments drew little attention when they first aired on Thursday, but took on a tragic new light when they re-aired Saturday night, following the tragic shooting that took 11 lives in Pittsburgh earlier that day. Update: Fox Business says "we condemn the rhetoric by the guest on Lou Dobbs Tonight. This episode was a repeat which has now been pulled from all future airings." https://t.co/KMxCYySLuM Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) October 28, 2018 Soros, a Hungarian-American Holocaust survivor and billionaire philanthropist known to donate to progressive causes, has long been a target of such conspiracy theories. But the latest onethat Soros is funding the migrant caravan slowly headed to the U.S.-Mexico borderseems to have fueled right-wing rage that is now linked to tragedy. Robert Bowers, the alleged synagogue shooter, was reportedly active on far-right social media haven Gab, where he reposted comments describing the third-world caravan as a group of approaching invaders on his since-deactivated account, as well as reposting a number of anti-Semitic remarks. Cesar Sayoc, the Florida man who stands accused of mailing bombs to a number of high-profile left-wing figures last week, also appears to have a long paper trail of anti-Semitic posts on social media, and he also mentioned Soros dozens of times on his Twitter account before authorities say he mailed one of his bombs to the billionaire investor. Washington Post reporter Joel Achenbach aptly describes the factors that seem to have made this conspiracy so compelling for violent, conspiracy-minded right-wingers: The Soros-caravan conspiracy theory weaves together anti-Semitism, fear of immigrants and the specter of powerful foreign agents controlling major world events in pursuit of a hidden agenda. And it appears to have had real-world consequences on Saturday for Jews attending services, including a baby-naming ceremony, in their synagogue in Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill neighborhood. While one would hope that such ideas would be relegated to the darkest corners of the Internet, some of the most powerful people in the country have chosen to amplify and mainstream these conspiracies, with conservative media proving all too willing to let them slide. On Oct. 17, Fla. Rep. Mark Gaetz shared a grainy video that purportedly shows Honduran immigrants being paid to join the U.S.-bound caravan (the video has since been debunked as having originated in Guatemala), and directly named Soros as a possible funder. Donald Trump Jr. liked the original Gaetz post on Twitter that same day, and the following morning, also liked a post in which conservative actor James Wood referenced the Soros caravan conspiracy. DonaldJTrumpJr liked this tweet: https://t.co/J9o4ozVKdA Trump Alert (@TrumpsAlert) October 18, 2018 DonaldJTrumpJr liked this tweet: https://t.co/eC2gW2svzW Trump Alert (@TrumpsAlert) October 18, 2018 Later that day, his father President Trump reposted the original Gaetz video and also accused Democrats of letting the caravan into the country. Can you believe this, and what Democrats are allowing to be done to our Country? pic.twitter.com/4aDpASkjIU Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 18, 2018 The same day that President Trump reposted his video, Rep. Gaetz appeared on Fox Business program Kennedy, on which host Lisa Kennedy Montgomery asked Gaetz about the pushback to his original tweet, although she offered no such pushback when Gaetz failed to provide evidence for his accusations that Soros was funding Hondurans to enter the caravan. On Oct. 19, the following day, the conspiracy escalated when NPRTV correspondent Chuck Holton claimed that the real story here is the nexus were finding between left-wing groups from the United States, Soros-funded groups in Latin America and the Venezuelan government. Now, it appears that this escalating rhetoric has unleashed tragedy in Pittsburgh and beyond, and its unclear whether theres any clear way to stop the spread of such virulent conspiracies. Thankfully, earlier today, a step was taken in the right direction with the de-platforming of Gab, the far-right social media haven on which accused Squirrel Hill shooter Bowers reportedly festered some of his most virulently anti-Semitic views tied to the Soros caravan conspiracy. The right-wing infrastructure that allows such hateful conspiracies to run wild, though, still has a number of mouthpieces, leading all the way up to the highest office in the land. The U.S. Administration is planning to propose by early December tariffs on all remaining Chinese imports if an upcoming summit between the president and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping fails to reach an agreement on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Buenos Aires in November. Trump, in an interview with Fox News late Monday, said "I think we will make a great deal with China, and it has to be great because theyve drained our country." Any further broadening of tariffs would show the Trump administrations determination to escalate its trade war with China even as companies complain about the rising costs of tariffs and financial markets continue to be nervous about the global economic fallout. If the U.S. Administration proceeds with the next phase of tarriffs against China, it could well hit over $505 billion in total. For more on this read the full Bloomberg report here. Gizmodo ratcheted up the news by adding that the new tariffs would "guarantee pain for companies like Apple that have so far evaded Trumps trade war." Over and above trade war clouds, it's being reported by CNN Business that the United States is restricting exports to a state-backed Chinese company that makes semiconductors, the latest escalation in Washington's trade fight with Beijing. On Monday, the US Commerce Department said Fujian Jinhua Integrated Circuit Company would not be able to buy components from American companies without a special license. The export ban was put in place because Fujian Jinhua "poses a significant risk of becoming involved in activities that are contrary to the national security interests of the United States," the agency said. "When a foreign company engages in activity contrary to our national security interests, we will take strong action to protect our national security," Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said in a statement. Ross said the ban will limit the company's ability to "threaten the supply chain for essential components in our military systems." The move comes as the United States and China are locked in a standoff over trade, market access and the transfer of technology secrets. It could add strain to an already tense bilateral relationship. Negotiations have reportedly stalled ahead of a planned meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the upcoming G20 summit in Argentina. Reuters noted in their coverage that the Trump administration cut off the Chinese state-backed chipmaker from U.S. suppliers amid allegations the firm stole intellectual property from U.S. semiconductor company Micron Technology Inc. The action against Fujian Jinhua is likely to ignite new tensions between Beijing and Washington since the company is at the heart of the Made in China 2025 program to develop new high-technology industries. Micron, a maker of memory chips with factories in Virginia and Utah, has accused Fujian Jinhua and Taiwanese partner United Microelectronics Corp of stealing its chip designs in a lawsuit in California. In turn, the companies countersued Micron in China, where courts sided with them and banned some of Microns chips in China. When a foreign company engages in activity contrary to our national security interests, we will take strong action to protect our national security, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said in a statement. You could read more about this developing story at both CNN Business and Reuters. Flash U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spoke with Brazilian President-Elect Jair Bolsonaro over phone on Monday to discuss bilateral ties and collaboration on Venezuela. Pompeo congratulated Bolsonaro on his win and "reinforced the vibrant partnership between the United States and Brazil based on our mutual commitment to promote security, democracy, economic prosperity, and human rights," said a statement issued by State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert. They have discussed collaboration on "priority foreign policy issues including Venezuela, countering transnational crime, and ways to strengthen economic ties between the United States and Brazil, the two largest economies in the Western Hemisphere," the statement read. Earlier Monday, Nauert said in a separate statement that the United States congratulates Bolsonaro on his election win. "As two of the largest democracies and economies in the world, we are working together to address the 21st century's most pressing global and regional challenges," she said. Earlier on Sunday, the White House spokesperson Sarah Sanders said in a statement that U.S. President Donald Trump had called Bolsonaro to congratulate him on the elections. "Both expressed a strong commitment to work side-by-side to improve the lives of the people of the United States and Brazil, and as regional leaders, of the Americas," the statement read. Brazil's right-wing candidate Bolsonaro of the Social Liberal Party won the country's presidential run-off on Sunday, with a 55.13 percent of the valid votes against 44.87 percent for his rival Fernando Haddad of the left-leaning Workers' Party. Bolsonaro, 63, said he planned to govern "following the teachings of God, alongside the Brazilian constitution and with good technical advice, without political leanings." The transition of power began on Monday at the cultural center of the Bank of Brazil. The browser historya list of every page you've visited online and the time you were thereis a standard of modern computing. And it can lead to trouble; it's practically a cliche. Think of the romantic "comedies" where a guy (it's always a guy) finds himself in hot water after his girlfriend looks at his browser history. For most of us, sharing a PC is normal (sadly, setting up multiple user accounts is not) and handing off a smartphone to someone isn't unheard of. It doesn't matter if you're encrypting your emails, using Tor and VPNs while browsing to stay anonymous, or if you wear a false moustache at your desk: if someone has access to your devices, they can see where you've been. A browser will hold your history indefinitely in the event you need to find your way back to a perhaps-forgotten corner of the internet you visited once upon a time. The reality is, it can be used against you by significant others, friends, coworkers, teachers, even the authorities. It doesn't even matter if you never stopped to look at the site's contents. These days, simply visiting can be impetus enough for outrage, blackmail, or whatever you fear most in reprisal. Think that's fear-mongering? Hopefully it is, for 99% of us. But consider that in 2016 an employee was accused in a Canadian court of destroying evidence after he cleared the browser history of his own personal laptop. (In the end, he prevailed.) In the US, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act is intended to prevent evidence deletion by corporations, yet it's been applied to at least one individual. The caveat: the individual in question also did a lot of other stupid things. Let's assume you're not a criminal and just want a little digital privacy. What can you do to keep your past visits hidden? Delete them. Regularly. Or perhaps the smartest move of all: make sure it is never even stored. It may make your web travels a little less convenient, but that's the price of security. Here's how to remove the history. PC Browsers Google Chrome Go to the three-dot menu at the upper right of Chrome to select More tools > Clear browsing data. This will open a dialog box to delete your browsing browsing, as well as your download history (it won't delete the actual downloaded files), cookies, cached images and files (which help load pages faster when you revisit), saved passwords, and more. You can delete only the info from the last hour, day, week, month, or all of it from "the beginning of time." Chrome doesn't give you the option to not collect your browser history. Worse, Google is collecting your web and app activity constantly. But you can delete it regularly. Navigate to myactivity.google.com, and click Web & App Activity. Uncheck Include Chrome History and activity and turn on Auto-Delete so that Google deletes anything older than three, 18, or 36 months (your choice). Also click Manage Activity to delete even more. Opera Under the main menu in Opera, in the navigation bar on the left, click the clock icon to enter History. You'll see a Clear browsing data button that offers almost identical settings as Chrome. That's because Opera is built with the engine from the Chromium Project, which also underlies Chrome. Opera offers a little extra to those who want to go around the web safely, however, via a built-in VPN option courtesy of SurfEasy, which is also found in the Privacy & Security settings. Microsoft Edge Microsoft Edge is also build on Chromium now, so many of the same steps above apply. To find your browser history, press Ctrl+Shift+Del, type "edge://settings/clearBrowserData" in the address bar, or go to the hamburger menu > Settings > Settings (again) > Privacy, search and services > Clear Browsing Data and click Choose what to clear. Get rid of browsing history, cookies, and more, for the same date rangesthe last hour up to all time, with increments in between. If you do, it deletes it on any device you've synced Edge with as well. To avoid that, sign out of the browser first. Back up a step into Settings and you'll see a link that says Choose what to clear every time you close the browser. Toggle the switch for Browser History to delete it every time. Like Google, Microsoft is keeping some of your history online. Click Manage your data to visit a page on your Microsoft account where you can delete that synced browser activity history. Microsoft Internet Explorer Still using Internet Explorer (IE)? You should stop. But if you can't, you can wipe the history in IE11 and IE10 by going to the Gear icon on the upper left and selecting Internet Options. On the General tab, check a box next to Delete browsing history on exit, or click the Delete button to instantly get rid of history, passwords, cookies, cached data (called Temporary Internet files and website files), and more. If you instead click Settings, you go to a History tab, where you can ensure your history is only collected for a specific number of days and automatically deletes anything older. You have the option to get rid of your browsing history using the Favorites Menu. Click the star on the top-right and click the History tab. There, you can see websites you visited on specific dates (Today, Last Week, 3 Weeks Ago, etc.). Right-click to delete everything from a specific time period, or click to view and delete specific websites. If you're using an older version of IE, there are instructions online for deleting the history. Safari On macOS, Safari rules. Clearing your website visit history is simple: click History > Clear History. In the pop-up, pick a timeframe for how far back you want to erase. This is doing a lot more than deleting the browser history, howeverit also takes out your cookies and data cache. (PCMag) You can instead click History > Show All History and search for individual sites you want to zap from your history. Delete cookies by going into Safari > Preferences > Privacy; you can then Manage website data via the button. Mozilla Firefox In the latest version of Firefox, go to the hamburger menu and section Options > Privacy & Security. Scroll down to get to History. Set Firefox to remember, to never remember, or get some custom settings like remember history, but not cookies. This section also has a Clear History button. Click it to pick a time range to clear (one, two, four, or 24 hoursor everything), and what data to dump (history, logins, forms/search, cookies, and cache). Check the Sync section while you're in Settingsif you've signed on with a Mozilla Firefox account, your history (plus bookmarks, tabs, passwords, and preferences) may be synced with your other PCs and devices using Firefox, even on smartphones. Mobile Browsers Image: Getty Safari On the iPhone and iPad, Safari is the default browser. To not record a browser history, you can stay in Private mode while surfing. When you do have a history to delete, go to Settings > Safari > Clear History & Website Data. Doing takes out the history, cookies, and other data. Plus, if the phone is signed into iCloud, it clears the history on iCloud, as well as on other devices hooked into that iCloud account. If you want to only delete data for select sites, go back to Settings > Safari and scroll down to Advanced > Website Data. After it loads (it can take a while) you'll see a list of every website you've visitedand probably a lot you didn't, because it also records the sites serving third-party cookies. Tap Edit > [minus symbol] next to each to delete, or just swipe left on each one. Chrome Google's Chrome browser is the standard on all Android phones, and is downloadable on iOS. In either, go to the three-dot menu, select History, and you're looking at a list of all sites you've visited while cognito (as opposed to Incognito). That includes history across all Chrome browsers signed into the same Google account, so your desktop history shows up here too. With iOS, you have the option to either tap Edit or Clear Browsing Data at the bottom. With the latter (which is the only option on Android phones and tablets), you're sent to a dialog box (pictured) that allows the eradication of all browsing history, cookies, cached data, saved passwords, and autofill datayou pick what you want to delete. Android users get the added ability to limit deletion to an hour, a day, a week, a month, or the legendary "beginning of time." Again, check the Google My Activity page later to see what may be stored online. On iOS, there is a completely separate Google app for searching (iOS, Android), with its own integrated browser. You can't delete the history of surfing within that Google app, though you can close all the tabs by tapping the Tabs icon at lower right, swiping one floating window right to delete, then selecting CLEAR ALL. That app's search history is stored at My Activity, of course. Firefox The Firefox browser is available for iOS or Android, free on both platforms. How you delete the browser history in each is a little different. On iOS, tap the hamburger menu at the bottom right and select Settings. Scroll down to the Privacy section, and select Data Management. On the next screen you can turn off collection of browser history (or data caching, cookies, and offline website data) entirely. Click the Clear Private Data link at the bottom to clear all of the above. Note in Settings there is also a toggle to Close Private Tabs, which shuts them all down when you leave the browser. On Android, Firefox uses the three-dot menu at upper right. Select History to see the list, and click CLEAR BROWSER HISTORY at the bottom to nix them all. If you click the menu and go to Settings > Privacy and check the Clear Private Data on Exit box, you get the option to clear the private data of your choice whenever you quit the browser app. Opera Opera's app is on iOS and Android, naturally, and comes in many variations like Opera Mini and Opera Touch, depending on the platform. To clear history in Opera Mini on iPhone, click the O menu at bottom and select History, then click on the trash can icon to delete it. Or from the O menu, select Settings > Clear to find options to clear saved passwords, browsing history, or cookies and dataor hose all of them at once. In regular Opera, access the Tabs page and use the ellipsis (...) menu to go to Settings > Clear Browser Data > Browsing History. On Android, on the hamburger menu, select history and kill it with the trash can icon in the toolbar. Or go to hamburger menu to access Settings, and scroll down to the Privacy section and find Clear Browsing Data, which lets you individually kill passwords, history, or cookies. A Hanover company has acquired Hanover Lantern, bringing the brand back to Hanover. Hanover Outdoor Products Inc. has acquired Hanover Lantern from Philips Lighting. Hanover Lantern provides commercial and residential outdoor lighting and accessories. Hanover Lantern was founded in the Hanover area by Mike Hoffman in 1970. His brother, Andy also joined him later in growing the company. The business was purchased by Genlyte in 2007, and then by Philips Lighting in 2008. Philips manufactured the Hanover Lantern items in the Littlestown area. The company stopped making Hanover Lantern products two years ago. Hanover Outdoor Products plans to source component materials from local suppliers and foundries, then craft and assemble its products in the Hanover area, according to a statement from Hanover Outdoor Products which plans to focus on both the United States and Canadian markets. Tim Raubenstine, president and CEO, and Keith Fogle, vice president and COO, have more than 39 combined years invested in the Hanover Lantern brand. Both had their first major jobs at Hanover Lantern in the 1990s. The new address for Hanover Lanterns is 425 E. Middle St. in Hanover, York County. The transaction was completed in April. --Business Buzz Good Tuesday Morning, Fellow Seekers. Pittsburgh's Jewish community will begin the first funerals for victims of Saturday's deadly rampage at the Tree of Life Synagogue in the city's Squirrel Hill neighborhood. And amid that tense moment, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are set to visit the Steel City today to meet with victims and officials at the synagogue. But at least one prominent leader, Mayor Bill Peduto, won't be among them. Peduto, a Democrat, tells The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that he will not appear with the Trumps, who will be accompanied by Ivanka Trump, the president's daughter, and Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, both of whom are Jewish. "All attention [Tuesday] should be on the victims," Peduto told reporters on Monday. "We do not have enough public safety officials to provide enough protection at the funerals and to be able, at the same time, [to] draw attention away to a potential presidential visit." He added that he "would ask that White House staff contact the families and ask them if they want the president to be here. That's not my call to make. That really comes from the victims' families themselves." A city spokesman later told journalists that "all necessary steps will be taken" for security, the newspaper reported. Trump's visit comes even as the White House struggles to balance empathy against the tensions of a looming mid-term election next week. Trump has publicly denounced the violence at campaign-style rallies, but in the next breath has continued to attack his political opponents and journalists. Driven by the White House's response to political violence that also included a series of pipe bombs sent to more than a dozen government officials, journalists and other Trump critics, the president's approval rating has dropped by 4 points in the last week. As our colleagues at sister site AL.com report: "The Gallup Weekly Approval Rating Tracker showed the president's approval rating at 40 percent, down from 44 percent the week before. The president's disapproval rating is at 54 percent, up from 50 percent, according to the poll. "Trump's approval rating has never topped 45 percent in the Gallup poll and only reached that level twice - once just after he took office in January 2016 and again in June 2018. "The president remains popular among members of his own party, with 89 percent of Republicans saying they approve of the job Trump is doing. Only 7 percent of Democrats said they approve of the president. Trump's approval rating among independent voters was 38 percent. "Men are more likely than women to approve of the president - 51 percent to 36 percent - as are whites (55 percent) over Hispanics (20 percent) or blacks (13 percent). "There are geographic differences, too. Trump's approval ratings were higher in the South and Midwest, 49 percent and 47 percent, respectively, than in the East (37 percent) or West (35 percent.) The president was most popular among people ages 65 and older (51 percent) and 50-64 (47 percent) compared to those 30-49 (40 percent) and 18-29 (35 percent)." The rest of the day's news starts now. The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear another Republican appeal of the state's congressional map, WHYY-FM reports. The fight for Bucks County's 1st Congressional District has become one of the most high-priced contests in the state, WHYY-FM also reports. On trial for corruption, state Rep. Vanessa Lowery-Brown, D-Philadelphia, has asked a judge to dismiss the charges against her, The Inquirer reports. Despite some serious missteps, U.S. Rep. Tom Marino, a Republican, looks set for re-election in northeastern Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District, The PA Post reports. The right-wing celebrity sister act, Diamond and Silk, stumped for Republican governor candidate Scott Wagner, Philadelphia Magazine reports. The Incline explains how Squirrel Hill became the center of Jewish life in Pittsburgh. A final New York Times/Siena College live poll finds GOP U.S. Rep. Scott Perry leading Democrat George Scott by a whisker-thin 45-43 percent, with 12 percent of voters still undecided (via PoliticsPA). WolfWatch. Gov. Tom Wolf has no public schedule today. And now you're up to date. A high school band director was marched away in handcuffs Monday after police say he engaged in inappropriate sexual contact with students at Pittston Area School District in Luzrene County. As the Citizens Voice reports, Pittston High band director Brendan J. Carter, 28, was arrested and charged Monday with three counts of indecent assault, four counts of corruption of minors, and one count each of possessing child porn and indecent exposure. Police told the newspaper Carter has been suspended from his position at Pittston Area as well as a similar post he had at Wyoming Area. Other details were still emerging in this breaking story, the newspaper added. The greater Harrisburg area might not replace Hollywood any time soon as the epicenter of the film industry. But November will bring three different indie films to our region, at three different stages of production. Calf Rope An open casting call for extras of all ages has been announced for a film shoot in Palmyra. Lancaster-based director Bradley Hawkins will be shooting scenes for his upcoming film, Calf Rope, from 1-5 p.m. on Nov. 3. The film tells the story of a retired rodeo champion who bonds with his grandson, and will be shot entirely in rural central Pennsylvania. Background extras will be needed for a cattle roping scene, so interested parties are asked to dress in appropriate Western wear, such as blue jeans, cowboy boots and hats, flannel shirts and the like. Minors are welcome but anyone under the age of 17 must be accompanied by a parent. To register for an extra position, email Jackie Walker at jmwproductionsllc@gmail.com. For more information about Hawkins, visit his website or the website for Dadley Productions. 7 Hills The next event is a reception hosted by filmmaker Bill Herndon on Nov. 8 at the King George Club in York. Herndon is the founder of M2M Studios, and will be announcing plans to shoot a feature-length film in the York area. The film is titled 7 Hills, and based on a series of the same name, produced by M2M Studios, which focuses on opioid drug addiction and the challenged faced by addicts and their families. The production will include local actors, musicians and crew, according to the press release. For more information on M2M Studios, visit the website here. Billboard Midtown Cinema in Harrisburg will host an early screening of the indie film Billboard on Nov. 12. The film was created by Lehigh Valley film maker Zeke Zelker over a span of nearly a decade, and tells the story of a young man trying to save his familys radio station. To drum up attention, he starts a contest where participants vie to stay the longest on a catwalk in front of a local billboard. The story is inspired by similar true events in Whitehall Township, in a contest which lasted three months. The film stars Eric Roberts, Heather Matarazzo, John Robinson and Leo Fitzpatrick, and was entirely shot and produced in the Lehigh Valley. Tickets are on sale on at the Midtown Cinema website for $9.50. The planned replica of the ill-fated cruise ship Titanic is once again aiming to set sail. Originally planned to launch in 2016 by the Blue Star Line, Australian businessman Clive Palmer, the brainchild of the endeavor, shut down efforts in 2015 because of a financial dispute with a Chinese company and Blue Star Lines parent company, the Palmer-owned Mineralogy. Now a news release for the line says that financial dispute has been resolved and Palmer is once again planning to put the ocean liner into service. Palmer made the announcement in September along with the revelation of a video showing the new ships technical details. Blue Star Line will create an authentic Titanic experience, providing passengers with a ship that has the same interiors and cabin layout as the original vessel, while integrating modern safety procedures, navigation methods and 21st century technology to produce the highest level of luxurious comfort, Palmer said in the news release. The original cruise liner sank in 1912 after it struck an iceberg in the North Atlantic killing 1,503 passengers and crew. The new version will have more lifeboats and a steel-reinforced hull. Plans for the ship have it not only retracing the original Titanics Southampton-to-New York route, but also doing global sailings, Palmer said. USA Today reported the ships first sailing is aiming for 2022. Millions have dreamt of sailing on her, seeing her in port and experiencing her unique majesty, Palmer said. Titanic II will be the ship where those dreams come true. A Perry County man who was appointed to protect the interest of a disabled Army veteran stole more than $316,000 from the vet instead, federal prosecutors claim. Jason Ehrhart already has a tentative deal to plead guilty for the alleged fraud, records filed in U.S. Middle District Court show. Charges filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Douglas Daniel state that Ehrhart was appointed as legal custodian for the veteran in 2006, about 11 years after the man was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. By the time of Ehrhart's appointment, the vet was bedridden in the VA hospital in Lebanon. When Ehrhart signed the agreement to act as the vet's representative, he was warned "that the funds were not for Jason's personal use," the charges state. Ehrhart and his wife Laurie nevertheless lied about how the vet's Social Security and VA benefits were being used, investigators contend. The couple wrote themselves checks on that money, the feds claim, deposited $157,742 in their personal checking account, gave money to friends, bought cars, paid for Laurie's dental work and financed two vacations to Disney World. At the same time, they didn't pay the mortgages on the homes of the vet and the vet's mother and allowed the properties to be seized through foreclosures, court filings state. They also refused to pay for repairs to the vet's wheelchair-accessible van after it broke down along a Perry County road. The Ehrharts submitted false reports to cover the fraud, the feds claim. In all they are accused of stealing $316,360 of the $476,260 in federal benefits that were supposed to go to the disabled vet between 2006 and Jason Ehrhart's removal as the man's representative in 2016. The tentative plea agreement calls for Jason Ehrhart to plead guilty to a health care fraud charge that carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He has no deal for a specific sentence and must agree to make full restitution. That agreement won't be final unless it is approved by Chief Judge Christopher C. Conner. Laurie Ehrhart also is charged in the case. She entered a not guilty plea to fraud and conspiracy counts before Judge John E. Jones III on Monday. WILLIAMSPORT - An "exceptionally violent" inmate who participated in the brutal attack on another prisoner in the maximum security Lewisburg Federal Penitentiary in 2014 will remain behind bars longer. U.S. Middle District Judge Matthew W. Brann Tuesday cited the violent history of Perlie Johnson, 33, when he sentenced him by video to an additional 8 years, 7 months. The term is to run consecutive to a 16-year, 8-month term he is serving from New York City related to two shootings. One was related to road rage and the other took place in an elevator. Johnson laughed after one of shootings because a single bullet struck two people, Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey W. MacArthur told Brann. Johnson was the last of four inmates to be sentenced for the assault on R.G. on Nov. 14, 2014, that left him with a partially paralyzed vocal cord. R.G. also suffered 20 cuts to the head and neck, five puncture wounds to the back, broken collar bone and multiple lacerations to the face that required stitches. Johnson, Christopher Goins, Troi Venable and Ashley Dixon admitted they punched, slashed and kicked R.G. during a two-minute assault in a recreation pen of the maximum-security prison. Johnson stabbed R.G. in the head and upper back while the victim's head was held back by another of those charged, Brann noted. Two melted 5-inch plastic spikes with sharpened points and a piece of folded metal the size of razor blade with a jagged edge were recovered after the assault. The victim, who still is in prison, continues to recover and no longer requires a neck brace, MacArthur said. Defense attorney Andrew Shubin, citing his client's mental health issues related to impulse control, argued for a 64-month sentence. The 2008 sentence in New York included the recommendation that Johnson undergo mental health treatment in prison to address self-control and aggression issues. Although Johnson has a lengthy history of write-ups for assault in prison, Shubin pointed out he had not had any in more than year. Upon learning he would not be given credit for acceptance of responsibility due to his prison conduct, Johnson commented he felt as if he was "hoodwinked" into pleading guilty. He called the proceeding a "kangaroo court" and left the room at the federal prison at Canaan, where he had participated by video, as his attorney said he would file an appeal. Goins is serving 10 years, Venable 7 years, 8 months and Dixon 9 years, 2 months for their roles in what was described as a "grizzly assault." They all pleaded guilty to a charge of assault with a dangerous weapon. Their sentences require them to share paying restitution of $94,905 to the Bureau of Prisons to cover R.G.'s medical expenses. You are here: World Flash China on Monday extended congratulations to Jair Bolsonaro on his election as the president of Brazil. "The Chinese side wishes new achievements would be made continuously by Brazil in the path of developing the country," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang told a news briefing. According to Brazil's Superior Electoral Court, Jair Bolsonaro of the Social Liberal Party won the country's presidential run-off on Sunday. "China always attaches great importance to its relations with Brazil from a strategic height and long-term perspective," Lu said, adding China is willing to work together with Brazil to safeguard and develop the China-Brazil comprehensive strategic partnership, to better benefit the two countries and the two people. A Wormleysburg woman faces a felony charge for her alleged part in a drug deal that resulted in a death. Tara M. Lafever, 35, is accused of playing a role in the Jan. 24 death of Joshua Armolt, who was found dead on the 100 block of West Hillcrest Drive in North Middleton Township. Near his body, investigators found ripped bags consistent with those used to package heroin, according to a criminal complaint filed by North Middleton police. He was later declared dead as a result of acute morphine/fentanyl toxicity, police said. Armolt, who was on state parole, was required to wear an ankle monitor, which tracked his location. Police said the monitor showed he had traveled to a Karns grocery store in Lemoyne with a group of people. There, he purchased $200 worth of groceries, police said, noting a savings card used to make the purchase was registered to Lafever. Later, a confidential informant told police that Armolt had purchased the groceries to exchange for heroin, according to the complaint. The informant told police that Lafever and another man named Adam Pittman -- a 33-year-old of Wormleysburg -- also were in attendance. Lafever also wanted drugs and told Armolt to purchase the items, which were later exchanged, the informant told police. Pittman supplied the drugs that caused Armolts death, police said. Lafever was arraigned Tuesday morning on a felony charge of conspiracy drug delivery resulting in death before Magisterial District Judge Paul Fegley. She is to appear for a preliminary hearing at 10 a.m. Dec. 3. Online court documents show Lafever was released from police custody on her own recognizance. No related charges had been filed online against Pittman by Tuesday afternoon. A new policy by the state Department of Corrections to withhold and retain confidential legal mail from inmates is under challenge. Four legal advocacy organizations on Tuesday filed two lawsuits in federal court seeking to overturn the recently installed policy, which state officials say is designed to keep drugs out of the prisons. The lawsuits were filed by the ACLU of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Institutional Law Project, the Abolitionist Law Center, Amistad Law Project and the law firm of Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis LLP on behalf of a prison inmate. The suits claim that the new mail protocol violates First Amendment rights of attorneys and prisoners to confidential legal communications. No other corrections institution in the nation screens and duplicates legal mail in this way, said Reggie Shuford, executive director of the ACLU of Pennsylvania. Attorney-client privilege is a cornerstone of legal representation. The Department of Corrections new mail policy undermines that privilege in violation of First Amendment protections for both the prisoners and their attorneys. Pennsylvania last month installed the new policies at its state prisons after several employees were exposed to dangerous drugs and hazardous substances. Gov. Tom Wolf and Corrections Secretary John Wetzel said the new protocols for mail handling and visits were put in place to protect staff, visitors and inmates. The Department of Corrections is reviewing the lawsuit, department spokeswoman Amy Worden said in a written statement. We remain confident that our new policy will withstand judicial scrutiny, she said. She noted that correspondence entering the prison system through the legal mail process was subject to same type of manipulation as the regular mail system. Individuals secreted drugs, including synthetic cannabinoids, into the contents of the legal correspondence documents in an attempt to pass the contraband into the prison, Worden said. Prisons were placed on lockdown in early August after about 50 employees reported illnesses at 10 prisons. Under the new mail protocol prisons confiscate all incoming legal mail and photocopy it. Prison officials give prisoners the photocopy of their correspondence and retain the original for 45 days. Under the plan, state prisons are tasked with hiring vendors to handle the new mail protocol, as well as destroy the correspondence after 45 days. Plaintiffs in the lawsuits say the mail policy interferes with the ability of prisoners and lawyers to discuss legal matters confidentially. Bret Grote of the Abolitionist Law Center said his organization has received countless complaints about a range or problems, including extreme delays in the communication process between attorneys and clients. Grote said they have also received reports of backlogs with mail stacked up and not being secured in a manner that the Department of Corrections says its supposed to be. Staff are casting their eyes on it. Keith E. Whitson, an attorney with Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis, which is representing the inmate in one of the lawsuits, said the policy is unethical and hampers privileges between attorneys and clients. Attorneys are ethically required to keep communications with their clients confidential, and when that is threatened, they must act to prevent unauthorized access to those communications. Because of these requirements, and the new Pennsylvania policy on legal mail, public defenders, other attorneys and legal organizations have ceased communicating by mail with their incarcerated clients, Whitson said. This is a tremendous hardship and interferes with the attorney-client relationship. He said attorneys are ethically obligated to maintain confidentiality with clients and must take reasonable steps to do so. He said the mail policy violates that. Additionally, he said under the plan attorneys are forced to travel what are in some cases long distances to state prisons to meet with clients in order to have confidential communication with them. And while the prevention of entrance of drugs and hazardous substances to prisons is a valid goal, the state has no basis for correlating legal mail with the premise of that goal, Whitson said. There is no rational connection between the new policy and the departments stated goal to eliminate contraband, he said. The department has no reason to believe mail from attorneys introduces drugs or contraband into facilities. The lawsuits, which were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, claim the Department of Corrections new legal mail policy is an exaggerated, irrational response to a non-problem that deprives Plaintiff legal organizations of an indispensable and often the only viable -- means of communicating with their imprisoned clients, thereby seriously undermining the lawyers ability to provide zealous and effective legal representation. The sweeping measures put in place last month are designed to totally eliminate drug smuggling and drug trafficking in prisons. Under the new changes: Inmate mail will be routed to a separate facility where it will be scanned and processed before delivery. Legal mail will be copied by staff wearing protective clothing. All mail currently in the prisons will be returned to senders. All prisons will be equipped with body scanners and technology to detect drones. Prison libraries will transition to electronic books and magazines. Staff will be doubled in all visit rooms. Photos and vending machines won't be allowed for 90 days. In a recent update on the impact of the the new measures, DOC noted that in the first month of the new policies: Staff sent to the emergency room for drug exposure dropped from 48 visits in August to 8 in September; Drug finds dropped by 46 percent to the lowest level in more than a year; Positive drug tests from random inmate drug testing dropped in half to the lowest level in more than a year; Both inmate-on-inmate and inmate-on-staff assaults declined; The number of inmate misconducts written for drug-related activity were cut in half. The lawsuits seek an immediate injunction. This report was updated include comment from DOC. Authorities in Chester County said Tuesday they have charged a West Chester University student with multiple felony counts for allegedly hiding a cell phone in public restrooms and using it to record women. Joshua Yannuzzi, 24, of Honey Brook, Pa., has been charged with more than 100 counts, some felonies, including wire-tap violations, criminal use of a communication facility, distribution of obscene materials and invasion of privacy, Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan announced on Tuesday. Hogan said Yannuzzi was charged and arrested and also faces punishment at West Chester, where he has been banned from campus and was scheduled to perform in the upcoming production of "My Fair Lady." Hogan said the alleged offenses took place at the university's theater as well as the Genesius Theatre in Reading, the Footlighters Theater in Beryn, Pa. and the Street Lamp Productions Threater in Rising Sun, Md., as well as at homes in the Philadelphia area, Reading and Rehoboth Beach in Delaware. Hogan said that on Oct. 10 a woman using a single-person bathroom at the O.E. Bull Center on the West Chester campus found an iPhone taped inside the bathroom and pointed at the toilet with a recording in progress. The woman turned the phone over to police, who found Yannuzzi outside the bathroom, according to Hogan. Surveillance recordings showed Yannuzzi entering the bathroom before the woman and checking it after she left, authorities allege. Authorities allege that a search of the phone showed Yannuzzi had used his phone to record woman more than 50 times, targeting woman he knew through theater involvement. In some cases he inadvertently recorded himself hiding his phone, authorities allege. Authorities further allege he used an app called "The-Spy-Camera" to help take illegal images of woman and posted at least one of the recordings on a website where it was viewed more than 1,000 times. Hogan said in a news release, "This defendant was a technological predator. Using his ties to the theater community, he specifically targeted certain young woman for hidden recordings in private places, all for his own sexual gratification. The victims, the victims' friends and family, and the entire theater community have been portrayed." Hogan said he believes there may be more victims. He asked anyone with information to contact Chester County Det. Robert Balchuis at 610-344-6866. Early on the morning of August 22, 2012, a nurse and a corrections officer went to Frederick Kirkland's cell in the state prison at Forest to give him his medicine. Kirkland's cellmate, Elwood Braswell, told them they didn't need to bother with that. "In an 'upbeat' manner (Braswell) told the CO and nurse that the victim could not take his medication because (Braswell) killed him," state Superior Court Judge Mary P. Murray wrote in a newly-issued opinion denying Braswell's appeal of his murder conviction. Braswell "further stated that he 'was god' and 'wanted his power' and thus killed the victim and now possessed the victim's powers," the judge added. Murray and two other Superior Court judges weighed the case when Braswell, now 33, appealed a Forest County jury's guilty but mentally ill verdict on murder, aggravated assault and abuse of a corpse. Braswell is serving a life-plus-22-year prison sentence on those convictions. On appeal, Braswell argued that he should have been acquitted of the murder, or not even been tried for it, because he was legally insane when he killed the 63-year-old Kirkland. Murray cited testimony by one of Braswell's own witnesses, a psychiatrist, in rejecting the legal insanity argument. Although the psychiatrist found Braswell to be schizophrenic, Murray noted he also mentioned that Braswell planned the killing and took at least rudimentary steps to conceal the crime. For example, the psychiatrist noted, Braswell flushed the cell's toilet to try to cover the noise as he beat, stomped and suffocated Kirkland, the covered his victim's body with a sheet. That evidence of planning and realization that he was doing wrong sinks Braswell's insanity argument, Murray found. Braswell was serving a sentence on an assault by a prisoner conviction when he was housed with Kirkland. In a federal lawsuit filed in 2013, Kirkland's daughter Carla Davis-Vining claimed prison officials violated her father's constitutional right against cruel and unusual punishment when they decided to house him with Braswell. Kirkland was confined to a wheelchair at the time, Davis-Vining noted in the suit. She claimed Braswell shouldn't have been housed with any other inmates because of his schizophrenia. Braswell was originally committed to state prison for assault convictions out of Philadelphia. Davis-Vining reached an undisclosed settlement with the state Corrections Cepartment through mediation in 2014, court records show. WILLIAMSPORT - Williamsport's next police chief has been accused of interfering with and coercing members of the bargaining unit. The accusation about Capt. Jody Miller, who is scheduled to become chief in January, is contained in an unfair labor practices complaint that Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 29 filed with the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board. Miller is accused of telling Agent Fred Miller, no relation, that FOP members should "keep their mouths shut." The PLRB complaint stems from an Aug. 31 conversation that Agent Miller, a member of the FOP negotiations committee, had with an officer before shift in the police headquarters locker room. The unnamed officer reportedly complained about a new flex schedule being used in the patrol division and the lack of days off. Agent Miller says he told the officer when the flex shift was negotiated that working numerous days with no time off was not contemplated. Capt. Miller called in Fred Miller the same day, saying he learned FOP members were talking about the contract, flex shift and days off, the complaint states. That is when the patrol division commander is alleged to have told Fred Miller that FOP members should "keep their mouths shut." Fred Miller states in the document he was required by Capt. Miller to prepare a memo by the end of the day detailing the locker room conversation so "Donnie and the chief can hear about it." Donnie is Capt. Donald Mayes, who is Agent Miller's immediate supervisor. READ MORE: Williamsport cop who was on paid suspension for 10 months fighting termination The FOP contends the "discriminatory action" taken by Capt. Miller is a violation of the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Act. The PLRB has scheduled a Feb. 1, 2019, hearing on the complaint, one of two pending by the FOP that make accusations about Capt. Miller. The other stems from a mass casualty exercise held April 29, 2018. In that one, Capt. Miller is accused of violating the labor contract by having Pennsylvania College of Technology police cover the city while on-duty officers were participating in the exercise. In the past, off-duty city officers were given the opportunity to work overtime, the FOP points out. A hearing on that complaint is scheduled for Dec. 3. Mayor Gabriel J. Campana last week announced Capt. Miller will become chief Jan. 12 following the resignation for family reasons of retired state police Capt. David J. Young. Mayes is to become assistant chief the same day. FOP Lodge this year has filed four unfair practices complaints against the city, two of which were combined, the PLRB says. In the combined one, PLRB Examiner John Pozniak found FOP president Lt. Steven Helm had been reassigned in retaliation for union activity. The examiner concluded the city used a purported reorganization of the department to mask its true unlawful intentions to retaliate against Helm. He ruled the city was unlawfully motivated when Helm was given an employee performance review in 2017 and reassigned to support services lieutenant, a newly-created position. Capt. Miller conducted the review and gave Helm an overall satisfactory rating except for communications, interpersonal relations and supervision. Pozniak directed the city to stop discriminating by encouraging or discouraging membership in any labor union. The order would have taken effect had the city not filed exceptions, which are pending. The rash of school shootings that averaged one a week in the first 21 weeks of this year - most notably ones in Florida, Texas, and Maryland - has raised the profile of school safety in political campaigns, including this year's gubernatorial contest in Pennsylvania. All four candidates running for governor in the Nov. 6 election have ideas about what they would do to make schools safer for students. None, though, has a more audacious plan than that of Republican challenger Scott Wagner. Running for governor in this year's election are (clockwise from top left) Republican Scott Wagner, Democratic incumbent Tom Wolf, Libertarian Ken Krawchuk, and Green Party candidate Paul Glover. Not only does he want the state to pay for putting an armed security guard in every school, Wagner has also called for imposing the death penalty on anyone who kills a child or teacher in a school. "I have a very bold message for any coward who is deranged enough to consider attacking our children at school: when I am governor, these cowards will pay the ultimate price," Wagner said. When told that legal scholars say the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled repeatedly that mandatory death sentences are unconstitutional, Wagner doesn't back off his position. "When you senselessly kill someone I think there needs to be a day of reckoning," Wagner told PennLive/The Patriot-News' editorial board earlier this month. Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf offered little in the way of new ideas about what he would do in a second four-year term to enhance school safety when talking with the editorial board earlier this month. Instead, he pointed to two accomplishments from this year that he hopes will boost safety going forward. He formed a school safety task force with Auditor General Eugene DePasquale that came back with a series of recommendations, most of which he concluded came down to the need for more robust communications between the school, law enforcement, and students. Additionally, this year's state budget included a historic investment in school safety by adding what he said was one-time bipartisan-backed funding of $60 million for school and community grants. That money is being distributed by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency's School Safety and Security Committee to pay for a host of improvements. They include building upgrades, security equipment, teacher training, or community violence programs, among others. Local officials will determine how the grants will be used. "It'll be interesting to see what they allocate money for and how effective that is," Wolf said. He also noted that the budget included a $1.5 million increase in funding, to $10 million, for a school safety grant program that the state has continued to fund annually for the past five years. It was created in the aftermath of the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Connecticut. Whether that combined $70 million is enough remains to be seen, Wolf said. But he added, "It's certainly more money than we've invested on school safety before." An idea that has won support of the Senate last year would allow school employees to be armed. It's a concept Wolf opposes. Wagner said he could be for it but teachers have told him they are against it. That's why Wagner said he favors leaving the firearms to trained professionals. "At the end of the day, teachers are there to teach," Wagner said last spring. "They didn't go to school or go to college to get teaching degrees to be armed." Green Party candidate Paul Glover said he, too, doesn't favor arming teachers with lethal weapons. But he would support giving them modern Tasers that have a 100-foot reach to protect their students and themselves. But he added a condition. "Any teacher who threatens to use that Taser on an unarmed student would be immediately dismissed," he said. As for who would pay for the Tasers, he said he would leave that up to the local districts to pay for them but would consider making a state matching grant available. Two Boyne City charities hosting meet and greet Two regional non-profit groups are hosting a meet and greet event at the Veterans Park Pavilion in Boyne City on Tuesday, Nov. 30th. Flash Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Philippine counterpart, Teodoro Locsin, pledged on Monday joint efforts to advance consultation on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC). Wang said at a joint press conference with Locsin that under the guidance of the leaders of China and the Philippines, and thanks to joint efforts, the situation in the South China Sea is improving and getting more stable. "Countries concerned have returned to the track of dialogue and negotiations and consultations to properly handle the differences, together with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries, China and these countries are jointly upholding peace and stability in the South China Sea," Wang said. Wang, who is on a two-day visit to the Philippines, added that a peaceful and stable South China Sea meets the common interests of the regional countries and that it is the shared aspiration of the regional countries and shared responsibility for all concerned. More efforts needed Wang said that China will work together with the Philippines and other concerned ASEAN countries to make new breakthroughs in maritime cooperation. "China is ready to enhance cooperation with the Philippines and other coastal countries along the South China Sea, strengthen cooperation on environmental protection, scientific research, fishery and search and rescue, so as to enhance trust and deliver more benefit to the peoples of the countries. China is also ready to further discuss with the Philippines about joint development of oil and natural gas in the South China Sea," Wang said. Wang said that China will work with the Philippines to set up and improve institutions and mechanism for maritime communication. "Now China and the Philippines have increased interactions on the sea. We should work together to build up the mechanism for such interactions," Wang said, adding that China is ready to set up similar mechanism with other concerned parties to enhance communication and properly handle emergencies. "We should work together to speed up the COC consultation," Wang said, referring to the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, of which a single draft negotiating text has been reached. Wang said China is ready to work with other ASEAN countries to speed up COC consultation and that China also hopes to conclude the consultation during the term of the Philippines as a country coordinator for China-ASEAN relations. "So that we can set up a set of regional norms to ensure peace and stability in the South China Sea," Wang said, adding that China welcomes all constructive opinions within the framework of the single text that has been agreed. Wang also urged all concerned parties to be vigilant against and prevent interferences and disruptions coming from the outside. "As China and the Philippines and other coastal countries are cooperating to uphold peace and cooperation in the South China Sea, some non-regional countries are doing things completely counter to our efforts," Wang warned. Wang said these countries have never hesitated in stirring up troubles, and making waves in the South China Sea, and they are willful in showing off their forces in the waters. "Regional countries need to keep high vigilance against these. We must further enhance our solidarity and work together to make the South China Sea a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation.By this we will not leave any chance to be exploited by any external forces," Wang said. Locsin, Philippine foreign secretary, said the South China Sea issue is not the exclusive one between China and the Philippines. Countries like Indonesia and Malaysia in the ASEAN have the same problem. "The South China Sea issue should not stand in the way of developing mutually beneficial and friendly relations between China and the Philippines, nor should it stand in the way of developing friendly cooperation between China and ASEAN," Locsin said. "We hold fast to our unwavering commitment to the Declaration of Conduct in the South China Sea. Through respectful dialogue with each other and with our partners in ASEAN, we are moving forward with astonishing amity in the negotiations toward a Code of Conduct," Locsin said. Firm supports to the Philippines The friendship between China and the Philippines expands over a thousand years, and many of the peoples in the two countries share the same ancestry, Wang said. "China has never been, and will never be a rival for the Philippines, and will never be a threat. On the contrary, in the Philippine pursuit of rejuvenation and future development, we stand ready to stand by the Philippines and always be your sincere and trustworthy friend," Wang said at the press conference. "China will firmly support the Philippines in speeding up economic and social development. The Philippines is an important link on the Maritime Silk Road, It is a natural partner in the joint building of the Belt and Road. China is ready to actively dovetail with the Philippine development strategy," he said. He said China will firmly support the Philippines' efforts in safeguarding its national security and stability. "President (Rodrigo) Duterte has launched fights against illicit drugs and terrorism. This is a just cause which is conducive to providing a tranquil environment for the economy and peoples' lives," Wang said. "China is continuing to provide support in terms of assistance in intelligence sharing and capacity building. We are going to speak up for the just causes of the Philippines in the United Nations (UN), UN human rights organizations and other multinational occasions," Wang told the press conference. Wang also said China will firmly support the role the Philippines plays in the regional affairs. He noted that this year celebrates the 15th anniversary of China-ASEAN strategic partnership, and that the Philippines has recently taken over the role as the country coordinator for China-ASEAN relations. "China is ready to work with the Philippines to enhance China-ASEAN relations and East Asia cooperation. China will scale up the input into BIMP-EAGA, the initiative first proposed by the Philippines, which can be a new platform for China-ASEAN cooperation. The BIMP-EAGA, or the East ASEAN Growth Area, includes Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines. The BIMP-EAGA was launched in 1994 by the four countries to accelerate and balance their economic development. Written by Andrew Jones Trust us. When it comes to finding amazing bikes in weird places, we at the House of Burnt Pipes have pretty much heard it all before. Just discovered a unit Triumph in a nearby barn or shed? Pffft! Unless its a three-wheeled Brough Superior or a priceless Harley down a toilet, well barely bat an eyelid. So imagine our busy little palpebra superiors when a man called Petros came to us with this, a 70s Yamaha TZ250 production racer that was found in a paralysed mans cargo container in southern Cyprus Well, my name is Petros Louca and Ive just turned 30. I am from Limassol in southern Cyprus. I studied Business Management in the UK; it is the one thing that I sometimes regret because I was always interested in automotive engineering. Anyway, the business skills can come in handy. When I was a teenager, I used to work in a motorcycle shop every summer and thats where I found my love for motorcycles. Petros shop is called Underground Custom Cycles and unsurprisingly, it is located in the basement of his house. Its not just words. Its a real underground workshop and this became the inspiration for the whole business. Ive been running the garage for the last 5 years as a part-time job; I work mostly with 80s and older bikes doing restorations and customisation. I want to expand the shop maybe find a bigger place to rent and then sell bike accessories with classic rock on all day and some good coffee, too. Maybe it will become my main job. Anyway, thats the plan for the future and Im not in a hurry. Petros says that the bike was probably imported from Japan to Cyprus in the early 80s. The previous owner was one of the best bike mechanics in Cyprus. Sadly he was paralysed after an accident. All his tools and motorbikes were stored in a cargo container until last year, when he and his wife decided to open it up and sell the now unwanted moto goodies to the local bike nuts. [superquote]I dont care what it costs or how long it takes, I want this bike to look like she just came out of the Yamaha factory.[/superquote] Entirely unaware of the sale, Petros received a call from a friend that evening instructing him to drop by. I want to show you something, said the friend, dryly. So I went to his shop and this is what I saw. I was speechless for almost a minute. In Cyprus, it is incredibly rare to see a bike that used to race in Grand Prix and the Isle of Man in the flesh. The friends next words remain crystal clear to Petros. I dont care what it costs or how long it takes, I want this bike to look like she just came out of the Yamaha factory. 7 months later and after countless hours of painstaking hard work, this is the result. Theres no two ways about it, the bike was in very bad shape at the start. The fairing and its brackets were missing, it was wearing an exhaust from an RD350, there was no tacho and the salty mediterranean air had grown a liberal coating of surface rust on pretty much everything. Then I started searching for the missing parts, along with a bunch of replacements. Almost everything on the bikes engine is new; parts from Australia, the UK, the USA, the Netherlands and Japan were used. It took me 2 months to locate a good tachometer. It was on eBay and I stayed awake all night to make sure that I won the auction. With the parts safely secured, Petros rolled up his sleeves and got to work. I started with a complete disassembly. The frame went for powder coat and everything else went for polishing. While he was waiting for shiny time, he commenced a ground-up engine rebuild, including new pistons, rings, a water pump, crank bearings, and replacements for every damn gasket the Yamaha engineers could conceive of. And then he turned his attention to the carbs, which got a similarly methodical revamp. The paint all laid down by hand without the use of stickers was done by Aris, a respected local expert. The hardest aspect of the build was locating the parts; all the searching, auctions, emails and the like was exhausting and thats before the build had even started. Also, fitting the painted fairing back on the bike without scratching anything was pretty stressful. But thats all forgotten when youre sitting on a two-stroke race bike thats hitting its 14,000 rpm redline. Absolutely nothing can compete with that! Well, maybe one thing can. Next on the program is to take the bike to the race track. And guess whos going to be the rider? [ Underground Custom Cycles | Photos by Renoss Demetriou & Antonis Engrafou ] Wonder whats going on in ballet this week? Weve pulled together some highlights. Youth America Grand Prix After months of semi-finals, the final round of YAGP 2018 is finally here! This week, 1,800 finalists from 30 countries (chosen from the over 10,000 who auditioned) are gathered in New York. On April 18, the competition culminates in the Final Round at the Koch Theater at Lincoln Center, where the most promising participants will compete for scholarships and contracts with ballet schools and companies around the world. April 19 marks YAGPs Stars of Today Meet the Stars of Tomorrow gala, featuring finalists from the competition alongside international ballet stars including Dutch National Ballet principal Sasha Mukhamedov, American Ballet Theatres Isabella Boylston and Daniil Simkin, and New York City Ballet principal Daniel Ulbricht, among others. YAGP is live-streaming the finals all weekyou can check it out on their website. Also, keep an eye on Pointes social media channels tomorrow, April 17, for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the competition. Competing in YAGP this week? Heres a good luck message from ABTs Stella Abrera. SFB Presents 12 World Premieres in 17 Days San Francisco Ballets Unbound: A Festival of New Works is breaking boundaries this spring by presenting 12 world premieres by 12 major choreographers (David Dawson, Alonzo King, Edwaard Liang, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Cathy Marston, Trey McIntyre, Justin Peck, Arthur Pita, Dwight Rhoden, Myles Thatcher, Stanton Welch and Christopher Wheeldon) in just over two weeks. The festival will run April 20May 6 at the War Memorial Opera House and include a two-day symposium on the ways that diversity and technology are shaping the future of ballet. ABT Studio Company Performs in NYC April 17-18, American Ballet Theatres Studio Company will appear at Ailey Citigroup Theater in a mixed repertoire program including an excerpt from Johan Kobborg and former ABT principal Ethan Stiefels Giselle, August Bournonvilles William Tell pas de deux and Liam Scarletts Untitled. Also on the program are new works by Marco Pelle and New York City Ballets Lauren Lovette. Though the company frequently performs all over the country, we rarely get a chance to see them on their home turf. Heres company dancer Ingrid Thoms performing a sneak peek at New York City Center last week. Smuin Ballets Season Finale From April 20-29, San Francisco-area audiences can see Smuin Ballet at the YBCA Theater in an exciting triple bill closing out their spring season. Works include the world premiere of Val Caniparolis If I Were A Sushi Roll, Helen Picketts Oasis and resident choreographer Amy Seiwerts Falling up. This will be Seiwerts final season as the companys choreographer in residence before she departs to become artistic director of Sacramento Ballet. Check out this interview with her on her time with Smuin Ballet here, and get a better sense of whats on the program with the fast-paced program trailer below. Jose Mateos Farewell Performances The Boston-based choreographer Jose Mateo is stepping down as artistic director of the company he founded, Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre. His farewell performances run April 6-29 before the company finishes the season. (A new director has not been named yet.) Mateo has been a staple in the Boston dance world for many years, and this final program represents an exemplary range of his work since 1991. The program, titled Moving Violations, includes Mateos Schubert Adagio (1991), House of Ballet (1993), Timeless Attractions (2010) and the world premiere of New Parts. 417 SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard By Lee van der Voo EUGENE, Ore. (Reuters) Activists rallied in Oregon and other states on Monday in support of young plaintiffs whose lawsuit against the U.S. government over the impact of climate change is under review by the U.S. Supreme Court. The lawsuit, Juliana v. U.S., had been scheduled to begin in U.S. District Court in Oregon on Monday before it was temporarily blocked from proceeding by the Supreme Court on Oct. 18.. The plaintiffs rallied along with hundreds of students on the steps of the federal courthouse in Eugene, Oregon, and heard speeches from Native Americans, activists and religious leaders. Their words were broadcast by bicycle-powered speakers for hours in the Oregon rain. Twenty-one children and adults, aged 11 to 22, accused federal officials in a lawsuit filed in 2015 during President Barack Obamas administration of violating their due process rights by knowing for decades that carbon pollution poisons the environment, but doing nothing about it. The activists are seeking various environmental remedies. NO RIGHT TO CLIMATE The Department of Justice contends that letting the case proceed would be too burdensome, unconstitutionally pit the courts against the executive branch, and require improper agency decision-making by forcing officials to answer questions about climate change. The Justice Department also argues there is no right to a climate system capable of sustaining human life. The Supreme Court said it would rule on whether the case could proceed in the lower court after it received responses from the plaintiffs and the lower court to the Department of Justices objections. We know this is our place, plaintiff Jacob Lebel told the crowd at the rally, referring to the courthouse. Because regardless of what (President Donald Trump) tries to do, or when we get our day in court, the wildfires around my farm in Oregon keep getting worse, the winters keep getting warmer, the salmon keep dying the seas keep rising and our politicians keep lying. The organizers in Eugene said supporters demonstrated in more than 70 rallies nationwide, including in New York, San Francisco and Boston. Smaller demonstrations were also staged in Stockholm, London, Amsterdam and Uganda within the past week, they said. The plaintiffs said they delayed school and jobs to attend the rally and the trial they hope will start soon. They include hip-hop artist Xiuhtezcatl Martinez, who interrupted a concert tour. (This story has been refilled to correct the byline) (Reporting by Lee van der Voo; Writing by Bill Tarrant; Editing by Peter Cooney) 1.1k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard The mainstream media was given the Trump family was involved in racketeering during the 2016 election, but they refused to cover it until the lawsuit was filed today. In response to the RICO being filed against Trump and his kids, Rick Wilson tweeted: Another damn story we pitched to the media in 2015 and 2016. cc: @LizMair https://t.co/yZD6TlPYMy Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) October 29, 2018 Liz Mair backed Wilson up: It's almost like a weekly fucking drip. I've lost count of how many good stories we pitched in 2015/2016 that they passed on and are now "news." Liz Mair (@LizMair) October 29, 2018 Variation on that theme: It's almost as if a bunch of the media didn't want to kill their fucking cash cow by doing their, you know, jobs. Liz Mair (@LizMair) October 29, 2018 The Mainstream Media Wouldnt Give As Much Coverage To Stories That Could Hurt Trump The corporate media was making a ton off of money off of Trump from the moment that he entered the Republican primary, and Liz Mair is right, they didnt want to kill their cash cow. I sat in the press section at campaign events and heard reporters complain that Hillary Clinton was boring and bad television. The corporate media turned the presidential campaign into a reality television show, and they didnt want to hurt their profits by doing their jobs and exposing Trump and his family for what they are. Trump got $5 billion worth of free media during the 2016 campaign, but that well has dried up since he won the White House. However, the damage has already been done, and nearly two years later, stories like the corporate media rejecting stories about the Trump familys crimes drive home how badly the media let the American people down by placing profits over their jobs when it mattered most. For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group. Follow Jason Easley on Facebook. Flash China would like to express deep sympathy to the bereaved families of the victims of Monday's Indonesian plane crash, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said at a routine press briefing. A passenger plane of Indonesia's Lion Air crashed shortly after taking off from Jakarta's international airport on Monday, local media quoted the country's search and rescue agency as saying. The Chinese side has not been informed that any Chinese nationals were aboard the plane so far, said Lu, adding that "we will keep track of the rescue progress." He stressed that the Chinese side will make an announcement in due course if there is any news regarding Chinese passengers and will provide assistance in relevant work. 12.7k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard Pittsburgh mayor Bill Peduto told Donald Trump to stay out of his city until the families of the victims of Saturdays mass shooting attack can mourn. Trump and the First Lady are scheduled to visit Pittsburgh on Tuesday, despite the fact that officials, like the mayor, are urging him not to. In an interview on MSNBC, Peduto said, I would prefer if he would wait until we have had the opportunity to have all of the funerals. Video: The Pittsburgh mayor shares his thoughts about Trumps planned visit to his city following this weekends mass shooting attack. #ctl #p2 pic.twitter.com/YMDeE0nczP PoliticusUSA (@politicususa) October 30, 2018 Peduto said: I would prefer if he would wait until we have had the opportunity to have all of the funerals. We are planning them out starting tomorrow and then going all the way through Friday. Thats where our priority is in Pittsburgh. We are trying to take care of the families and the victims and are coordinating our efforts around that. Obviously, we are going to need a lot of security at those locations as well as security thats been placed at schools and synagogues and other of our Jewish communities, larger facilities. And theres a lot of work that comes into planning a presidential visit and it would just be better to let the focus of attention be with the families tomorrow and not trying to detract it or place it somewhere else. Donald Trump isnt capable of consoling people Its not only the timing that is bad for a presidential visit. Its also the fact that Donald Trump simply isnt capable of assuming the role of consoler-in-chief following national tragedies. It would be one thing if Trump was capable of showing compassion and empathy after such attacks. But time and again, he has shown that he doesnt have it in him to do that whether its after natural disasters, violent white supremacist rallies or previous mass shootings. The best thing Trump can do after any tragedy particularly since his reckless rhetoric contributed to it is to stay home and be quiet. Follow Sean Colarossi on Facebook. 4.5k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard Former Republican strategist Steve Schmidt tore into Fox News on Monday night for encouraging right-wing extremists to carry out violent attacks based on the propaganda spewed on the network. Schmidt blamed Donald Trump and the right-wing propaganda network for planting the seeds that led to the attempted bombings and mass shooting attack this past weekend. In an interview with MSNBCs Chris Hayes, the ex-GOP strategist said Fox News is a right-wing propaganda machine that is as sophisticated as it has turned deadly. Video: Steve Schmidt trashes Trump and right-wing media for contributing to the violent political climate. #ctl #p2 pic.twitter.com/hcKZ22dLaO PoliticusUSA (@politicususa) October 30, 2018 Schmidt said: [Bowers] went in to kill Jews, the Jews he believed that were financing the caravan, the invading army like a panzer division that is threatening the southern border. An army that is racked and riddled with disease. The same type of rhetoric, the same type of propaganda that you would have seen in Germany in 1938, the Dee humanization, turning people into infested vermin. What Trump is doing is stoking and inciting, for the purposes of political power, the worst amongst us to take action in his name. We have a situation where, but by the grace of God, the largest assassination attempt against them, two former presidents of the United States. Every one of those people was a target of Donald Trumps, and this man, a fanatic, was radicalized by Fox News, by talk radio, by a right-wing propaganda machine that is as sophisticated as it has turned deadly. Trump and Fox News have created a violent monster Fox News has spent years spewing bigotry and fear in order to appeal to its right-wing audience. In the Donald Trump era, they have turned it up to 11. The last week is a real-world example of what happens when a deranged individual consumes right-wing propaganda and then decides to act on it. Its no accident that the dozen-plus individuals that received bombs last week were also top targets of Trump and right-wing media. Its also no surprise that the shooter in this weekends attack on a Pittsburgh synagogue was afraid of the migrant caravan being hyped by the president and Fox News. We are learning very quickly that the type of propaganda spewed by Trump and his favorite propaganda network on a daily basis does more than just rile up the GOP base. It also emboldens the most violent and deranged right-wing extremists. As Steve Schmidt pointed out on Monday, its having deadly consequences. Follow Sean Colarossi on Facebook. By James Oliphant WASHINGTON (Reuters) U.S. Senator Ted Cruz and Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker last week learned the same lesson many other Republicans have during this congressional election year: One way or the other, it is hard to escape Donald Trump. Cruz and Walker both ran against Trump for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination, and had been campaigning for re-election largely independent of the president. But with polls showing their races tight ahead of the Nov. 6 elections, each walked onto a stage with Trump last week at separate rallies in Texas and Wisconsin. In Wisconsin, Trump told the boisterous crowd that Walker could be nasty during the 2016 presidential campaign but now was a great friend. Earlier in the week Trump told Texans that Cruz, who he once derided as Lyin Ted, was now Beautiful Ted. When election season began, many Republican candidates tried to avoid making the vote a referendum on the president, who remains unpopular with a majority of Americans. Instead, they trumpeted the strong U.S. economy and tax cuts passed by Congress last year, but those issues did not resonate with voters. Faced with the prospect of losing control of the U.S. House of Representatives and a tough Senate battle, more Republicans have turned for help to the president despite his divisive poll numbers, to insure that his passionate supporters will turn out. The party is also adopting his blistering rhetoric on matters such as immigration and national security. Trump plans to be a campaign trail fixture between now and Election Day, with a spate of rallies planned. Democrats must win two seats in next weeks elections to assume control of the Senate and 23 to take the House, a more likely outcome. Cruz remains in a close race with Democratic challenger Beto ORourke. On the heels of Trumps visit, he echoed Trumps rhetoric on 2016 Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, saying at an event last week that ORourke should be locked up in a cell with Clinton. Cruz later said he was joking. Walker, who has been courting independent voters during his re-election campaign, released a TV ad ahead of Trumps arrival accusing his Democratic opponent, Tony Evers, of favoring special treatment for illegals. Evers termed the ad desperate. Immigration is at the heart of Trumps push to help Republican candidates in the elections final days.He has frequently warned that a migrant caravan making its way to the southern border from Central America poses a security threat. Democratic candidates say endangered Republicans are embracing Trump now because independent voters view last years tax bill as a boon for the wealthy and are concerned about issues such as health care. They dont have any kind of consistent economic message they can run on, said Jeb Fain, a spokesman for House Majority PAC, an advocacy group that supports Democratic candidates. A CULTURE WAR Last month Democratic chances of taking both the Senate and the House seemed brightest. Then Republicans, with Trump leading the way, seized on the battle over the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh to tag the nominees opponents as a liberal mob, suggesting that the country would plunge into anarchy if Democrats took control of Congress. The message was quickly amplified by the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) and allies such as the Congressional Leadership Fund. Both groups cut ads accusing Democrats of being closet radicals and socialists. The Congressional Leadership Fund, tied to outgoing House Speaker Paul Ryan, released a wave of radio ads this month targeting Democratic contenders in tight races in states such as Kentucky, Minnesota and Virginia, as part of the liberal mob. The Democrats included Amy McGrath, a former Marine Corps pilot, Dan Feehan, who served as an Army officer in the Iraq War, and Abigail Spanberger, a former CIA officer. Republican Senate candidates such as Marsha Blackburn in Tennessee, Mike Braun in Indiana, and Josh Hawley in Missouri last week also warned that the caravan is a threat. Blackburn called it an illegal alien mob. Many Republicans say the strategic shift has boosted their chances of holding the Senate, with several races breaking their way in recent weeks. If Democrats take back power, their far-left mobs would hasten dysfunction and grind our economic progress to a halt, said Matt Gorman, communications director for the NRCC. A Republican source familiar with the partys strategic thinking said the effort was aimed at keeping Republican voters from crossing over to Democratic candidates by appealing to their social values while taking advantage of Trumps affinity for waging battles over culture. Marc Lotter, a former top aide to Vice President Mike Pence, praised Trumps ability to identify key messages and themes, set the table, and see it play out in the electorate. But there is a political risk in going too far in Trumps direction. Last year as the election approached for Virginia governor, Republican Ed Gillespies campaign increasingly turned to warning about immigrant gangs. Suburban voters were not swayed and he lost decisively. That is largely why a bevy of Republican House candidates from suburb-heavy districts have tried to keep their distance from the president during the campaign. Even so, many of those moderate candidates could lose their seats to Democrats next week. In the long term, this means Republican lawmakers, whether in the majority or the minority, will be tied to Trump more closely than ever. (Editing by Jason Szep and David Gregorio) By Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON (Reuters) Democrats will try to harden U.S. policy toward Saudi Arabia, Russia and North Korea if they win a majority in the U.S. House of Representatives, while maintaining the status quo on hot-button areas like China and Iran, congressional sources say. If Democrats win at least 23 more seats on Nov. 6, they will regain control of the 435-member House of Representatives from Republicans for the first time since 2011. That means they can determine what legislation can be considered in the chamber and have a bigger role in setting spending policy and writing legislation, in their challenge to U.S. President Donald Trumps foreign policy agenda. But since they must still work with a likely Republican-controlled Senate to pass any bills, the Democratic majoritys greatest influence will be oversight, the ability to call hearings and, if necessary, subpoena witnesses, as they chair committees like Foreign Affairs, Armed Services and Intelligence. If Republicans defy opinion polls and maintain control of the House after weeks of campaigning by Trump, they are expected to embrace his policies. Several influential moderates are retiring, paving the way for a more conservative Republican House that could heed Trumps calls to cut aid for Central America and slash the foreign affairs budget by some 30 percent. SAUDI ARABIA The furor over the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul has added to lawmakers frustration with Saudi Arabia over civilian deaths in the war in Yemen and human rights. A Democratic-led House would vote on legislation to block arms deals with Riyadh, make it difficult to win congressional approval of a nuclear energy deal with the kingdom and take up a measure to stop U.S. aircraft refueling and other support for the campaign in Yemen. RUSSIA Democrats plan Russia-related investigations, such as a probe of business ties and conflicts of interest between Trump and Russia. But from a policy perspective, a Democratic-led House would push to punish Russia for interference in U.S. elections and activities including its aggression in Ukraine and involvement in the Syrian civil war. The House would push for more sanctions, including measures targeting new Russian sovereign debt. They would also try to pressure Trump to enact all of the sanctions in a sweeping bill he reluctantly signed into law in August 2017. Trump would have to accept policies that he is not so enthusiastic to accept, said Ilan Goldenberg, a former congressional aide and State Department official now at the Center for a New American Security. Members of Congress have also vowed to push harder, using subpoena power if necessary, to obtain information about Trumps summit last summer with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The White House has released few details about the meeting. NORTH KOREA Democrats say they are determined to obtain more information about meetings by Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo with North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un, worried that Trump is so eager to make a great deal that he will give Kim too much. They plan to call administration officials to testify in public, and behind closed doors, about the status of talks. But they also will walk a fine line, because they do not want to be seen as interfering with diplomacy and efforts to prevent a nuclear war. CHINA Aides and outside experts do not expect that Democratic House control will mean significant changes in China policy. Democrats will hold more hearings, and demand more briefings, but criticism of Beijing has so far crossed party lines and that is not expected to change. Prominent Democrats, such as Representative Adam Schiff, who is in line to chair the House Intelligence Committee, have joined Republicans backing measures to clamp down on China, like legislation treating ZTE Corp and Huawei Technologies Co Ltd [HWT.UL] technology and phones as major cyber security threats. Like Republicans, Democrats are divided on Trumps trade war with China. Some party members see free trade as a generator of jobs, while others back tariffs to protect workers in industries such as steel and manufacturing. IRAN Democrats were infuriated by Trumps withdrawal from the international nuclear deal with Iran that Democratic President Barack Obamas administration reached in 2015. But there is little they can do to change the policy as long as Republicans occupy the White House. Lawmakers also are wary of seeming too friendly to Iran, especially given hostility to Tehran by the government of Israel. While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has worked increasingly closely with U.S. Republicans, strong ties to Israel remain a top priority for both parties. (Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Mary Milliken and Peter Cooney) 804 SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard Presidents are supposed to unify our country and bring Americans together for a common purpose. But the majority of people believe we currently have a president who fosters division and promotes white supremacy, according to a new poll. The Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) poll published Monday found that 54 percent of respondents think Trumps decisions and behavior as president have encouraged members of white supremacist groups. This is compared to 39 percent who say Trumps behavior has had no effect and five percent who say he has discouraged these groups. More than two-thirds of black Americans (72 percent) and Hispanic Americans (68 percent) say Trumps decisions and behavior have encouraged white supremacist groups. White Americans, however, are less likely (45 percent) to hold this view. Whites with a college degree are much more likely than whites without a degree to say Trumps decisions and behavior have encouraged white supremacist groups (58 percent vs. 38 percent). The poll also found that a large majority of Americans do not approve of the president. According to the poll: Across a wide array of measures, a majority of Americans disapprove of the president and his conduct in office. Almost six in ten (58%) disapprove of Trumps job performance as president. Nearly seven in ten say they would like his speech and behavior to be more consistent with his predecessors (69%) or that He has damaged the dignity of the presidency (69%). Nearly six in ten (59%) say he has not used his authority to pardon appropriately, and A majority (54%) believe that his decisions and behavior as president have encouraged white supremacist groups. The poll also found that 42 percent of Americans strongly disapprove of the presidents performance while just 41 percent of respondents approve of his performance. Among those who plan to vote for Democratic candidates in next weeks midterms, 48 percent said they are voting in an effort to oppose Trump and his agenda. Robert Jones, the chief executive of PRRI released a statement saying that Trump is unquestionably casting a long shadow over the midterm elections. Attitudes toward the president appear to be driving not only the intensity of attitudes on key issues such as immigration and racial equality but the likelihood of voting among groups such as African American women who are strongly opposed to the president and white men who strongly favor the president, Jones said. Trump has faced criticism for not consistently condemning white supremacism, including when he initially said that both sides were to blame for violence at a white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Va., last year. Millions of people are very unhappy with the presidents behavior over the past week, as he has denied responsibility for violence and has blamed the press. Ohios GOP Gov. John Kasich believes Trump is selling fear ahead of next weeks midterm elections. In an interview with MSNBCs Chris Matthews, Kasich said, Our president is trying to have an electoral gain by selling fear and division, and its not right. Former Republican strategist Steve Schmidt said he believes Trump is encouraging right-wing extremists to carry out violent attacks. Schmidt blames Trump and right-wing media for planting the seeds that led to the attempted bombings and mass shooting attack this past weekend. 808 SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard By Jessica Resnick-Ault PITTSBURGH (Reuters) Grieving families and friends gathered on Tuesday for the first funerals for victims of a mass shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue, as protesters prepared for a visit by U.S. President Donald Trump amid accusations his rhetoric had encouraged anti-Semitic extremists. Nearly 2,000 mourners from across the United States came to offer condolences to the relatives of David Rosenthal, 54, and Cecil Rosenthal, 59, at the Rodef Shalom synagogue in the Pennsylvania city as police officers stood outside. The two brothers were among the 11 mostly elderly congregants shot to death on Saturday at the nearby Tree of Life synagogue. Funerals were also being held for Jerry Rabinowitz, 66, and Daniel Stein, 71. Words cant describe it. Its so tragic. The world we live in leaves individuals who are so deranged to take actions like this, Bob Farrow, who knows members of the Rosenthal family, said outside the Rodef Shalom temple. Everyone wants to show their support of the Jewish community, said Farrow, who is not Jewish. Robert Bowers, 46, is accused of storming into the Tree of Life synagogue yelling All Jews must die and opening fire on members of three congregations holding Sabbath prayer services there. A federal judge on Monday ordered Bowers held without bail. The attack, which the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) described as the deadliest targeting Jews in the United States, has heightened a national debate over Trumps rhetoric, which critics say has contributed to a surge in white nationalist and neo-Nazi activity. The Trump administration has rejected the notion that he has encouraged far-right extremists who have embraced him. Trumps visit comes just seven days before elections that will determine the balance of power in Congress. The Republicans currently control both the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Republican president said he would visit hospitalized police officers and other people wounded in the shooting. Im just going to pay my respects, Trump told Fox News on Monday night. I would have done it even sooner, but I didnt want to disrupt anymore than they already had disruption. The top four U.S. congressional leaders Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Democratic Senate leader Chuck Schumer, Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan and House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi declined to join Trump in Pittsburgh, two sources familiar with the planning said. An aide to McConnell said the Kentucky Republican was unable to attend because of a conflict with events in his home state. An aide to Ryan said he was not able to travel to Pittsburgh on such short notice. The ADL, a nonprofit group dedicated to fighting anti-Semitism and all forms of hate, said last week that far-right extremists had stepped up online propaganda offensives in the run-up to the elections to attack and to try to intimidate Jews. I spend half of each year in Germany. I have seen how another country with a much tougher background has dealt with this, starting at ground zero, said Walter Jacob, a rabbi at Rodef Shalom. YOU ARE NOT WELCOME Members of Pittsburghs Jewish community said they would protest against Trump on Tuesday afternoon. The gunman who tore apart our neighborhood believed your lies about the immigrant caravan in Mexico, protest organizers said in an announcement, referring to a group of migrants who are trekking through Mexico toward the United States. He believed anti-Semitic lies that Jews were funding the caravan In a social media post on Saturday, Bowers, the suspect, had accused the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS), a group that helps refugees, of bringing invaders in that kill our people. The protest announcement echoed an open letter from a group of local Jewish leaders who told Trump: You are not welcome in Pittsburgh until you fully denounce white nationalism. More than 43,000 people have signed the letter, organized and posted online by the Pittsburgh chapter of Bend the Arc, a Jewish organization opposed to what it calls the immoral agenda of the Trump administration and the Republican Party. Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto said he was also against Trumps visit because it would coincide with the first funerals. Peduto, a Democrat, said Trump should wait until all the funerals were held, adding that the visit and additional security measures entailed would distract attention from the priority of burying the dead. On Monday, a U.S. magistrate judge ordered Bowers held without bond. The onetime truck driver, a Pittsburgh resident who frequently posted anti-Semitic material online and was described by neighbors as a loner, was charged with 29 federal felony counts. If convicted, he could face the death penalty. Prosecutors have said they are treating the mass shooting as a hate crime. In addition to the 11 worshipers who were killed, six people, including four police officers, were wounded before Bowers was shot by police and surrendered. (Additional reporting by Barbara Goldberg in New York and Susan Cornwell and Richard Cowan in Washington; Writing by Paul Simao; Editing by Jonathan Oatis) 706 SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard Political observers closely watch the so-called generic congressional ballot to get an idea of which party is likely to win control of Congress in the upcoming midterm elections. Because of Republican gerrymandering, it is widely believed that Democrats need an advantage of approximately six percent in the national popular vote if they are to win control of the House of Representatives. But according to a new USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times poll, Democrats are leading Republicans by 17 points on the generic ballot. This is the highest percentage of any poll taken all year, and it is sending shockwaves through Washington. This is a highly-regarded poll that people pay attention to. And if these new numbers are correct the predictions of a Blue Tsunami election in favor of Democrats will come true. The new survey, conducted over the past week, found that 57 percent of likely voters said they plan to cast their ballots for Democrats in the November 6 midterm elections, compared with just 40 percent who said they plan to vote for Republican candidates. The poll also found higher levels of enthusiasm among Democrats, with 52 percent saying they will vote in the midterms, while only 42 percent of Republicans said the same. The timing of the survey is such that it was conducted before, during and after over a dozen pipe bombs were mailed to prominent Democrats and critics of President Trump. The final day of polling was last Saturday, when 11 people were killed during a shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. This poll may be evidence that Americans not only possibly blame the president for the violence, but they also blame other members of the ruling Republican Party. In early October there appeared to be a Kavanaugh Effect which gave Republicans a bump in their approval ratings, but that seems to have completely disappeared. Democrats are increasingly confident about taking back control of the House. Gaining control of the Senate, however, seems like a longshot. The existence of a massive Democratic victory could change that, however. The statistical analysis website FiveThirtyEight now is showing Democrats with an 86 percent chance of winning control of the House, but only a 17 percent chance of taking the Senate. Other recent polls have shown Democrats leading the GOP by single digits on the generic ballot. Democrats need to pick up just 23 seats in the House to win the majority, but if they win the national popular vote by 17 points they would probably gain at least 50 seats. The USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times poll gained fame and notoriety when it was the only major poll that correctly predicted a Donald Trump victory in the 2016 presidential election. That is why few people are ignoring these new results now. If they are correct in their assessment of the generic congressional ballot then Republicans should be very, very worried. On October 26, Alexander Hug, deputy head of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europes monitoring mission in Ukraine, described in a Foreign Policy magazine interview the challenges and frustration of monitoring Europes forgotten war. In comments that have since been amended, Hug reportedly said that the OSCE had not seen direct evidence of Russian involvement in eastern Ukraine. Russian media quickly reacted to the initial interview. Russia-24 state television posted a report on YouTube headlined BREAKING! OSCE Finally Speaks Up: No Russian Military Presence in Donbass; Kiev Lied! In it, Correspondent Andrey Rudenko played up Hugs statement, using it to back the Kremlins well-established narrative about eastern Ukraine. Alexander Hug is well informed. For four years hes been working in the Donetsk and Lugansk Peoples Republics, and in Ukraine as the head [SIC] of the OSCE mission. They basically have open access to any place in the country. Im not sure about western Ukraine, but here they have free access. They are fully informed. The statement he voiced today is confirmation of what weve been broadcasting from here for four years. The armed people here are the locals. Rudenko noted the presence of volunteers from Russia, Belarus, Italy, Poland and the U.S. in eastern Ukraine who, he said, account for 10% of the fighters, although those countries are not themselves viewed as parties to the conflict. But Kyiv naturally began screaming that it had been betrayed. The OSCE destroyed the fairytale that Ukrainian television has been broadcasting, Rudenko said. On October 27, Hug told the Ukraine Crisis Media Center in an interview that the text published by Foreign Policy of his interview was misleading and did not reflect his opinion. As you know, we do not conclude on the facts we establish and we do not provide evidence. Estimates, facts speak for themselves, Hug said. When pressed on his original comments regarding whether or not he had seen evidence of Russian military involvement in Ukraine, Hug reiterated that the monitoring mission does not draw conclusions from the evidence it gathers. A Correction to the Original Report Foreign Policy has since offered the following correction and clarification: Correction, October 25, 2018: Alexander Hug is the deputy head of the OSCEs observer mission in Ukraine. An earlier version described him as the head. Clarification, October 25, 2018: In an earlier version, Hug stated that OSCE had not seen direct evidence of Russian involvement in eastern Ukraine. We have removed this remark, as it did not convey his intended view. He goes on to cite facts and observations that his monitors have recorded. In the most up-to-date version of the Foreign Policy article, Hug stated regarding the situation in eastern Ukraine: If the question is what we have seen on the ground we have seen convoys leaving and entering Ukraine on dirt roads in the middle of the night, in areas where there is no official crossing. In one border area, weve also made this public, including some footage we have put out. We have seen specific types of weapons that we have described in detail, including electronic warfare equipment. We have spoken to prisoners taken by the Ukrainian forces who claim to be members of the Russian armed forces fighting on rotation in Ukraine. We have seen men with the insignia of the Russian Federation, but you can buy this jacket anywhere. We have also seen the insignia of Germany, Spain, and othersbut also of the Russians. In any case, Russia has long denied its role in fomenting the current war in eastern Ukraine. Responding to a U.S. State Department statement condemning provocations against international monitors in Ukraine, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said last year: "We can only - for the hundredth time - repeat that Russia is in no shape or form a party of the conflict in Ukraine, he said. As Polygraph.info noted at the time, there is abundant verifiable evidence of the presence of Russian military hardware, troops, intelligence agents, and economic aid from Russia in the conflict in Ukraines Donbas region. Russian President Vladimir Putin himself once admitted to having some military personnel in the Donbas. On October 27, the OSCE reported an SMM long-range unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) had spotted a surface-to-air missile system (9K33 Osa) and a fuel truck east of Nyzhnokrynske (non-government-controlled, 66km east of Donetsk). That UAV, which experienced signal interference that the monitoring mission assessed as jamming, is now considered lost, the OSCE said. In August, the OSCE posted UAV footage showing a convoy of trucks entering and exiting Ukraine (via Russia) in the middle of the night on a dirt track where there are no border crossing facilities. As previously reported by Polygraph.info, Russia has failed to come up with a verifiable explanation as to where the separatists continue obtaining advanced military technology and the ammunition, fuel, and spare parts to operate them. These include T-90A main battle tanks, which the Ukrainian armed forces have neither purchased nor produced. As early as August 2014, NATO released satellite imagery which it said showed that Russian combat soldiers, equipped with sophisticated heavy weaponry, are operating inside Ukraines sovereign territory. The following year, VICE News correspondent Simon Ostrovsky tracked one Russian soldier via social media in a groundbreaking report that proved Russian military involvement in Ukraine. So, regardless of the initial comment by Hug to Foreign Policy, there is plenty of verifiable evidence that shows Russias direct, if covert, involvement in the conflict in eastern Ukraine, And so, we judge Russia-24s assertion denying Russia presence in Ukraines Donbas region to be false. Food editor and chief critic Eating all of the chicken livers just as fast as I can. Get the SC business stories that matter. Our newsletter catches you up with all the business stories that are shaping Charleston and South Carolina every Monday and Thursday at noon. Get ahead with us - it's free. Jerrel Floyd is an Alabama raised reporter who covers Summerville and Dorchester County for The Post and Courier. Abigail Darlington is a local government reporter focusing primarily on the City of Charleston. She previously covered local arts & entertainment, technology, innovation, tourism and retail for the Post and Courier. Angie Jackson covers crime and breaking news for The Post and Courier. She previously covered the same beat for the Grand Rapids Press and MLive.com in Michigan. When shes not reporting, Angie enjoys teaching yoga and exploring the outdoors. Charleston, SC (29403) Today Mainly clear skies. Low 43F. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Mainly clear skies. Low 43F. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph. COLUMBIA For the first time in decades, a South Carolina lawmaker charged with abusing public office is heading to prison. The conviction and 18-month sentence last week for former Rep. Jim Harrison, pending a likely appeal, was the biggest boost in years for proponents of cleaning up corruption in the S.C. Statehouse, which has long fought a reputation for being ethically compromised. Harrison must turn himself in by the end of November. When he does report, Harrison will have a brief stay at a Columbia processing and evaluation center before being transferred to a permanent facility. He will be eligible for parole at the quarter mark of his sentence, or about four-and-a-half months, authorities said. Harrison's conviction after a week-long trial was the most significant victory to date for special prosecutor David Pascoe and his Statehouse corruption probe. Pascoes investigation, dating to 2013, netted convictions against four other lawmakers through plea deals but no prison time. That changed in a Columbia courtroom last week, when a jury sided with Pascoes arguments that Harrison, while in office, secretly raked in nearly $900,000 through a dubious connection to the powerful Richard Quinn & Associates consulting firm. Judge Carmen Mullen handed down the 18-month sentence. It was the kind of slam dunk case that ethics watchdogs have been waiting for. If they had acquitted him, it would have been a huge miscarriage of justice, said John Crangle, a former law professor who has monitored ethical issues at the Statehouse for decades. Its given me a renewed faith in the people of South Carolina. Crangle, who is running for a state representative seat, said Harrisons case highlighted a need for reform to state ethics laws. Among the changes Crangle backs is a requirement that all lawmakers disclose their annual income tax returns. That would discourage lawmakers like Harrison from accepting money from outside firms that could be considered questionable or outright illegal, Crangle said. The abuse would have been revealed almost immediately, within a year, he said. Other lawmakers are calling for stricter guidelines for how lawmakers must disclose their incomes. Rep. Gary Clary, a Clemson Republican, said hell reintroduce a bill next legislative session requiring lawmakers to disclose the amounts, and not just the sources, of their incomes. Rep. Kirkman Finlay, a Columbia Republican who is running for re-election against Crangle, said hes considering introducing a proposal requiring lawmakers in some instances to explain the paid work they do for outside firms. So that everybody understands who is paying who and for what, Finlay said. Efforts to enact stricter ethics legislation, which have faltered in the past, are likely to be bolstered by Harrison's five-day trial and imprisonment, Clary said. "The people that I talk to are fed up," he said. "They expect better and theyre demanding better." Before the recent corruption probe, South Carolina was known for the FBIs infamous Operation Lost Trust investigation of the 1990s that exposed widespread corruption at the Statehouse and led to convictions of 27 lawmakers, lobbyists and other officials. Harrisons case marks the first instance since then that a current or former lawmaker was sentenced to prison for abusing an office. Harrisons conduct in office makes Lost Trust look like a joke, Pascoe told the jury last week. During 13 years in office, including a stint chairing the powerful House Judiciary Committee, Harrison accepted more than $900,000 in payments from the Quinn firm while helping their clients pass legislation, Pascoe said. Harrisons legal team tried portraying him as an honorable public servant. The jury of five men and seven women, which deliberated for more than four hours, didnt buy that. Harrisons lawyer, Reggie Lloyd, in an interview Monday said Harrison didnt belong in the company of other lawmakers disgraced by corruption. Anybody who has ever been around Jim knows that the last thing in the world you would call him is corrupt, Lloyd said. Until his imprisonment, Harrison is staying at his Columbia home recovering from health issues, Lloyd said. Harrison was hospitalized Thursday during the trial after a minor stroke. Lloyd said Harrison will appeal the verdict against him, but declined to discuss details. The Post and Courier provides a forum for our readers to share their opinions, and to hold up a mirror to our community. Publication does not imply endorsement by the newspaper; the editorial staff attempts to select a representative sample of letters because we believe its important to let our readers see the range of opinions their neighbors submit for publication. 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. U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley came to President Donald Trump's defense for his handling of the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting, saying it's not a time to play the blame game which most avoided after the Emanuel AME Church massacre. "I have struggled w/ what happened in Pitts bc its so similar to what happened in Chas," she tweeted late Monday night. "The country was very racially divided @ the time. We didnt once blame Pres. Obama," Haley, South Carolina's governor during the Emanuel shooting, went on to say. I have struggled w/ what happened in Pitts bc its so similar to what happened in Chas. The country was very racially divided @ the time. We didnt once blame Pres. Obama. We focused solely on the lives lost & their families. Have some respect for these families & stop the blame. Nikki Haley (@nikkihaley) October 30, 2018 "We focused solely on the lives lost & their families," she said. "Have some respect for these families & stop the blame." Trump has been criticized for his response to the shooting in which a lone gunman accused of murdering 11 members of the Tree of Life synagogue reportedly told authorities he wanted "to kill Jews." One of Trump's first reactions was to say the attack could have been prevented if there were armed guards inside the synagogue that Saturday morning. Others pointed out his failure to immediately call out the anti-Semitic views of the alleged gunman but instead opting to tweet, "There is great anger in our country caused in part by inaccurate and even fraudulent reporting of the news." He went on to call the media "the true enemy of the people." Haley did not specifically mention Trump by name in her tweet Monday night. Sign up for updates! Get the latest political news from The Post and Courier in your inbox. Email Sign Up! While Haley is calling for calm and respect now, she has been critical of Trump in the past for fanning divisive rhetoric as tied to the Emanuel AME shooting. In June 2015, self-avowed white supremacist Dylann Roof entered the church and gunned down nine members of the Charleston church's black congregation. Haley in 2016 said the type of rhetoric and messaging Trump was using on the presidential campaign trail was dangerous. "I know what that rhetoric can do. I saw it happen," Haley said. She additionally pointed out Trump's reluctance to speak out against the support he was getting from white supremacists, saying she opposed a politician who "chooses not to disavow the KKK," Haley said. "That is not a part of our party, that is not who we want as president. We not allow that in our country." Haley used the Emanuel shooting as an opportunity to press the South Carolina Legislature into removing the Confederate flag from the Statehouse grounds. Their public differences thawed when Trump appointed Haley U.N. ambassador after winning the White House. Haley earlier this month announced her resignation and will leave office at the end of the year. Haley's support for the president has become a pattern for her since joining the administration. While she criticized Trump during the presidential primary for his immigration stance and general demeanor, she has become a strong supporter in the administration, even pledging not to challenge him in 2020. With a week to go until the election, U.S. Rep. Mark Sanford has committed to staying on the sidelines, declining to endorse fellow Republican Katie Arrington for Charleston's seat in Congress. "Part of leadership, at times, means knowing when it's best to keep quiet," Sanford told The Post and Courier on Monday. "To me, this is probably one of those times," he added of Arrington, the candidate who beat him in the June GOP primary. Sanford's silence comes as Arrington's race with Democrat Joe Cunningham is showing signs of being much closer than Republicans envisioned months ago, with the National Republican Congressional Committee on Monday sinking $87,000 into TV ads on her behalf. The buy signals the race could be more competitive than initially thought, experts say, in a district traditionally considered "safe Republican." "She's in a fight," College of Charleston political scientist Jordan Ragusa said of Arrington. "She is still likely to win that fight, but it's going to be a tough battle." The ad begins running district-wide Tuesday and will be on the air until Election Day, according to details of the media buy. The message of the ads was not disclosed. An NRCC official downplayed the competitive nature of the race. "We are confident in the campaign Katie Arrington is running and are excited about having her in Congress," NRCC spokeswoman Maddie Anderson said in an email. "The NRCC's job is to make absolutely sure this seat stays in Republican hands." The fact the NRCC is investing at all in this race is raising eyebrows among political watchers. The 1st Congressional District, which spans much of the South Carolina coastline from McClellanville south to Hilton Head, has been under Republican control for more than two decades. Even the nonpartisan Cook Political Report considers the district to be one that "leans Republican," and notes historical election data gives a Republican candidate in the district a built-in 10-point advantage. As far as the non-endorsement goes, Sanford said Monday that he has been asked for months by Republicans and Democrats to pick a favorite in the race, but each time he has refused. That responsibility, Sanford contends, falls squarely on the voters and not him. Sanford was one of only two House Republican incumbents to lose their primary challenges this election cycle. The other GOP House member was North Carolina's Robert Pittenger. Sign up for updates! Get the latest political news from The Post and Courier in your inbox. Email Sign Up! Sanford said his reluctance to wade into this congressional race has nothing to do the candidates individually but admits he has been facing some political pressure for his silence. "I think I have to be true to what Ive been about for the 20-plus years Ive been in politics. There are times when an endorsement can move you to being at odds with those historical promises and actions," Sanford said, before affirming that this is one of those times. Sanford also said he just doesn't like to make endorsements, period. It stems from his own 1994 congressional race, where he won despite his opponents getting the backing of high profile names of the day like Jack Kemp and Dick Armey. "It really left a very strong belief with me that, as much as possible, elections ought to be about direct conversations between the voters and the candidates. Let everybody else stay out of it," he said. Arrington's campaign confirmed their candidate has reached out to Sanford after the primary, but was not seeking an endorsement. The Cunningham campaign issued a statement when asked whether the Democrat had sought Sanford's public support. "We understand the complexity of the situation, but have certainly made it clear that we would appreciate Congressman Sanford's support," campaign spokesman Tyler Jones said in a statement. The impact of a Sanford endorsement might not carry as much political weight these days, especially among Republican voters, Ragusa said. "Normally, I would say yes, his endorsement would matter, but Sanford is what the Republican Party was rather than what the Republican Party is becoming," Ragusa said. A former Sanford staffer said the non-endorsement is not out of character. "You're more likely to see the Lizard Man than Mark Sanford endorsing a candidate," said Scott English, his former chief of staff. Jamie Lovegrove is a political reporter covering the South Carolina Statehouse, congressional delegation and campaigns. He previously covered Texas politics in Washington for The Dallas Morning News and in Austin for the Texas Tribune. The James Beard Foundation just released the book "Waste Not: How to Make the Most of Your Food," with celebrity chef/activist Tom Colicchio on board; in the introduction, he points out that, "Forty percent of all the food produced in the U.S. gets thrown away in a nation where one in six people go hungry." When it comes to groceries, people of means in the United States overbuy, stuff their fridges full, eat some of it and then, lo and behold, the rest gets old, and into the bin it goes. No, the food we stop wasting wont go directly to feed those in need. But the environmental footprint of such waste, taken altogether, is huge: Think of the water and energy to grow and process it, the transport, the packaging, etc. And theres the cost: an estimated $1,500-plus per household of wasted food annually. Grandmas would be aghast. Yes, we do have bigger problems, and figuring out how to eat every stem isnt going to save the world. But simple adjustments to how we shop and store food and how we think about cooking and planning what we eat can make a difference. Tasty stuff can be made with a ton of what gets thrown away, with concomitant money saved (along with trips to the store and packaging). Chefs know all about avoiding food waste their profits depend on it. When I wrote about vichyssoise this past summer, Seattle restaurant heroes had excellent ideas for what to do with leftover leek tops they stir-fry beautifully, chef Jerry Traunfeld (Poppy, Lionhead) said, while Tamara Murphy (Terra Plata) advocated for charring them with onion, peppers, garlic and whatever else to blend up into a salsa verde. In "Waste Not," chefs from all around the country including Seattles own Maria Hines (Tilth, Agrodolce) share their recipes for maximally capitalizing on everything you buy. Getting comfortable enough with cooking to mess with recipes and experiment on your own really, really helps. The day I used an orange instead of watermelon in a summery tomato, cucumber and feta salad, I felt like a genius; Ive never once since made it the "real" way (who has a watermelon lying around?). Switching kinds of onions or using a little garlic instead of a whole shallot isnt going to ruin anything, since alliums are all friends and then youre working with what youve got, seeing how food can fit together in different ways. Simpler still, recognizing food as food, in its entirety, is a tremendous step. Sauteing radish greens (just with olive oil, salt, pepper, a little nice vinegar) instead of throwing them away will make your day. (I did that after having them that way treated simply and lovingly at Sitka & Spruce.) A broccoli stem, when you think about it, is made of more broccoli: Just trim off the bottom, cut it into stick-shapes and steam it with the florets any leaves can come along, too. (Hines "Waste Not" recipe for Charred Broccoli Stems with Anchovy Vinaigrette sounds even better.) Seattle food writer (and occasional Seattle Times contributor) Jill Lightner knows all the tips like this, and her brand-new book "Scraps, Peels, and Stems: Recipes and Tips for Rethinking Food Waste at Home" is stuffed full of them. If youve got the will to reduce how much you waste, shes got all the ways and while she admits that she got obsessive about her research, weighing her scraps every day, she doesnt want to guilt-trip anyone. Her tone is that of a smart friend who happens to be an expert, but whod never make you feel dumb for not being one. Little things do count, she says, and doing the right thing in small ways can make an out-of-control world a little more tenable. Among Lightners favorite easy pointers is to get the most out of your ingredients (a grandma-approved one, for sure). A rotisserie or roasted chicken makes a dinner, then burritos, then chicken stock; the oil from sun-dried tomatoes or peppers goes great on scrambled eggs, salad or sandwiches. These "second uses," she points out, also give you ways to experiment with your cooking. And, Lightner encourages, "When it comes to, Uh oh; can I still eat this? trust your senses, not the date on the package." Baby formulas the only food legally required to have a date stamp, she says, and the rest are not set in stone. Food-poisoning bacteria is different from food spoilage, and the latter is visible ("salad thats turned to sludge") or pungent (spoiled milk). If youre the kind of person who trims mold off cheese and eats whats still good, thisll make perfect sense to you. If not, Ive done it a million times and never gotten sick. Come be weird with me! Speaking of that, as a food writer, I end up with plenty of leftovers, and my makeshift creation known as Sandwich Casserole (born of a lot of Paseo and Un Bien in the fridge) made it into Lightners book (page 223, in case you want to see). Shes got lots of her own recipes, too, and one of her favorites is Savory French Toast with Fried Eggs, for a dinner-y take on the classic. She says she ends up with leftover bread quite a bit and usually has eggs on hand I do too, and heres my own recipe for that, plus cheese (I cant stop buying cheese), plus whatever else you have lying around. Its a brunch casserole called strata, and it gets big and puffy and browned, and it makes a splendid dinner, too. Its the spookiest time of the year, here at 507 and everywhere else. No wonder, then, that our rental lists and Netflix history have been littered with some spectacularly creepy fare. This year, we decided to again share some of our favorite movies ranging from mildly creepy to incredibly scary to help you get into the Halloween mood. Katie Lauer and Anne Halliwell, our co-editors, share family-friendly and slightly scary films, while Emily Wessing, our podcast columnist, dishes up a truly terrifying flick. So grab some popcorn (or candy corn), settle down, and leave the lights on. "The Craft" (R, 1996) "We are the weirdos, mister." When troubled teenager Sarah Bailey moves to LA, she clearly isnt expecting much from her new high school. But as her supernatural powers manifest (with the help of a friend group-turned-witch coven), things appear to be going much better for her. Alas, with great power comes great instability. As a special effects showcase, 1996 cult classic "The Craft" doesnt exactly shine. But its still worth a watch in 2018, as the themes of female empowerment, high school trauma, and karmic justice havent aged nearly as badly as the CGI. -Anne Halliwell "Hocus Pocus" (PG, 1993) There is no better kooky, spooky film to watch on Halloween than "Hocus Pocus." But theres even more to celebrate, as this is the 25th anniversary of the film! Join the hilarious yet sinister Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker in their roles as the Sanderson sisters a trio of witches who returned to life after being executed for their magic 300 years prior. As curses are broken and spells are awoken, a group of teenagers must work to save others from the sisters, who plot to maintain their youth by sucking the life out of the children in the infamous Salem, Massachusetts. -Katie Lauer "The Babadook" (NR, 2014) If you havent had your fill of creepy children in this years Halloween movie roundup, "The Babadook" is one to add to your queue. Amelia, a widowed mother, is struggling to move on from the tragic death of her husband with her troubled son, Samuel. As the pair adjusts to a new way of life, Samuel begins having nightmares that a violent presence is lurking in the house. When a disturbing storybook called "The Babadook" arrives unexpectedly, Samuel is convinced that this is the monster haunting his dreams. As his hallucinations escalate, Amelia becomes fearful of her son and dubious of her own sanity as she begins to see glimpses of an evil presence as well. This Australian horror flick combines elements of the supernatural and psychological to create one spooky thriller and maybe a night spent with one eye open. -Emily Wessing I will vote for keeping most of them in elected office I will vote to replace most of them I will vote to replace some of them I will vote for just a few, if any I will not vote Vote View Results On Election Day, voters in Montgomery County, Maryland, where I live, will choose among six candidates for the school board running in three contested two-person elections. A seventh candidate is running unopposed after her challenger dropped out of the race. Montgomery County is Marylands largest school district. Its operating budget exceeds $2.5 billion a year. The Washington Post has presented profiles of the seven candidates based on their written answers to questions. One of the questions called on the candidates to identify the greatest problem facing the school system. Five of the seven candidates identified the achievement gap affecting students of color or some variation on the same theme. Is this really the school systems greatest problem? There was a substantial achievement gap when I was a student in Montgomery County public schools. Some students were extraordinarily high achievers. Others achieved very little that was positive. I dont recall anyone saying that this gap was a problem with the school system. I think we assumed that, to the extent the gap didnt flow from variations in abilities that help one succeed in school, the problem resided in the students and/or their parents. In those days, the vast majority of students in the county were White. That has changed dramatically. At our 50th high school reunion, we learned that only 7 percent of the student body at our alma mater are White. But the change in racial composition, and the fact that White students as a group are higher achievers than Blacks and Hispanics, shouldnt change the analysis. Why assume that its the school systems fault if Black students as a group achieve less than White students? Why not place the blame for poor achievement where it has always been placed on the students and/or their parents? Are Black students in a given class instructed differently than Whites in the same class? Do they take more difficult exams? Is student placement determined by race instead of demonstrated aptitude? The answer to these questions surely is no. Its true that Black students are disciplined more frequently than Whites, but thats the result of behavior, not race. The same analysis applies to Hispanic students, assuming that schools make reasonable efforts to offset any language barrier. Im not aware of any evidence that in Montgomery County they dont. I suspect that blaming the school system for the collective inability of certain racial and ethnic groups to achieve depresses minority student achievement. Only to the extent that the school system mindlessly blames itself does it bear some responsibility for the problem. So what is the biggest problem facing the Montgomery County school system? I dont know. Im tempted to say its that all students, regardless of race and ethnicity, are subjected to the victimization mindset exhibited by five of the seven school board candidates. I suspect this mindset pervades large chunks of the curriculum and makes most students dumber. What did the other two candidates say? The candidate whos running unopposed, Brenda Wolf a retired civil rights attorney and the only Black candidate, said: Prioritizing use of limited resources. Thats a conventional, all purpose answer, and its encouraging to see a former civil rights lawyer not citing the achievement gap. However, it seems odd to talk about limited resources as the districts biggest problem when the education budget exceeds $2.5 billion. The other candidate, Patricia ONeill, a liberal from my neck of the woods who has served on the school board forever, said: Aging and overcrowded schools. Thats a sensible answer. I might vote for her this time. As longtime Power Line readers may recall, I have occasionally posted the political commentary of my conservative cousin from New York over the years. This post, though, is by my conservative cousin from California. But heres the thing: its the same guy. After more than 70 years in New York City, my conservative cousin the quintessential New Yorker has moved to California so he can live near his two grandchildren. (All five of my other first cousins were born in New York City too, but each on moved away 40 years ago, or more). My cousin sent this dispatch from his new State: Been in Walnut Creek for six weeks, becoming a real suburbanite. Havent been to San Francisco yet. The town is a pleasant bastion of civility, the GOP, and middle class values. Voted by mail yesterday, as the polling locations a long walk from my apartment. Voted straight Republican where that was an option. Left U.S. Senate ballot blank. Hard to get information on state and local issues. The San Francisco Chronicle and East Bay Times share the same liberal biases of the NY Times. For the non-partisan judges where I was a low information voter, I went to a site called Progressive California; supported all the candidates they opposed and did the opposite for the ones they liked. Followed that logic for the propositions, [except that I] used the Public Service Employees Unions as my lodestar. Reading The NY Times daily; a habit I cant seem to kick. Todays paper included a piece by Jim Rutenberg puzzling as to why Trumps attacks on the mainstream media resonate with so many Americans. Mr. Rutenberg might want to take a look at the headline Outspoken Trump Supporter in Florida Charged in Attempted Bombing Spree that headlined the October 27th issue of his paper after Cesar Saydoc was caught. Would the Times even consider a headline Trump Opponent Shoots Up Synagogue? Both statements are literally true and totally misleading. Another Times gem Trump and GOP Candidates Escalate Race and Fear as Election Ploys from the Oct. 23rd NY Times. Apparently the President and some Republican candidates have the nerve to express concerns about the broken immigration system and letting the Honduran caravan into Texas without any meaningful screening. To Joe Biden, who was quoted in the same article, thats enough to charge the GOP with seeking to win the election with racial appeals. Apparently, this is considered perfectly reasonable commentary. . rather than what it blatantly is; an attempt to stoke fear among minority voter and to silence serious debate on any meaningful way to secure our borders. Great post on Salonika. How fortunate we are that our grandparents had the luck or foresight to make the trip across the ocean. But what do I know? Andrew Cuomo says America was never that great. From a political point of view, moving from New York to California seems like a case of out of frying pan and into the fire. But having lived in Maryland for the past 38 years, Im not in a position to talk. The Institute for Science and International Security has just released the paper Breaking Up and Reorienting Irans Nuclear Weapons Program: Irans Nuclear Archive Shows the 2003 Restructuring of its Nuclear Weapons Program, then called the AMAD Program, into Covert and Overt Parts by proliferation experts David Albright, Olli Heinonen and Andrea Stricker. I have embedded a copy of the report at the bottom of this post. Here is the introductory summary (footnotes omitted): New documentation seized by Israel from the Iranian Nuclear Archive shows that in mid-2003, Iran was making decisions about how to decentralize and disperse the elements of its nuclear weaponization program, the AMAD program and its subsidiary Project 110, which included nuclear warhead development. The archive shows that the AMAD program intended to build five nuclear warhead systems for missile delivery and possible use in preparation for an underground nuclear test; an actual test would require a decision to proceed. The program was also partially designed to have its own independent uranium mining, conversion, and enrichment resources. The documentation indicates that Irans nuclear weaponization efforts did not stop after 2003, following a so-called halt order. To conduct this assessment of the evolution of Irans nuclear weapons program, the Institute obtained vital archive documentation from the media and during interviews with senior Israeli intelligence officials familiar with the archive. In this report, we assess and compare new information with other public documents and information. The archive documentation shows that rather than halting its nuclear weaponization work, Iran was carrying out an elaborate effort to break the AMAD program into covert and overt parts, where the overt parts would be centered at research institutes and universities, and any effort that could not be plausibly denied as civilian in nature was left as a covert activity. The weaponization program carried on in a more research-oriented fashion after 2003, aimed at eliminating scientific and engineering bottlenecks in developing nuclear weapons, increasing know-how about them, and maintaining valuable expertise. A key criterion for whether a program could be considered covert or overt was whether it involved handling of nuclear material leaving traces of radioactive contamination, presumably that which could be detected by international nuclear inspectors or foreign intelligence services. In addition, work was judged on whether it could be explained as a peaceful application, e.g. it allowed Iran to disguise a nuclear weapons effort as a carefully sculpted civilian nuclear activity or non-nuclear military activity. Iran also focused on the portability of sensitive work, or ease of moving it quickly if needed. The most recent name of the nuclear weapons program that evolved from the AMAD program is known by the acronym SPND (Sazman-e Pazhouhesh-haye Novin-e Defaei), or Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research, in English, according to Israel and reports by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The United States incorrectly assessed with high confidence in a 2007 declassified National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) that in fall 2003, Tehran halted its nuclear weapons program. Based on the information in the archives, Irans nuclear weapons program continued after 2003 in this more limited, dispersed fashion. Moreover, the 2007 NIE also incorrectly asserted that Iran had not re-started its nuclear weapons program as of mid-2007, albeit with only moderate confidence. It should be noted that the term moderate confidence demonstrates the limitations of intelligence information. However, there is no evidence that the program was ever fully halted, even up to today. The information in the archive evaluated so far does not answer the question of what the current status of Irans nuclear weapons program is. The archives existence and its careful maintenance strongly support that Iran at least wants to remain ready to build nuclear weapons, despite the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). It is sobering that the question of whether Irans nuclear weapons program was truly halted was not settled by the time the JCPOA was implemented in early 2016. At the time, most deal advocates argued that the absence of evidence is evidence of absence, or even that intelligence communities had a sound enough understanding of how far Iran had gone in nuclear weapons development, so it did not matter that a full IAEA accounting and investigation would not be done. This was a mistake, as the archives are now revealing the United States overstated the fulsomeness of what it knew at the time of the conclusion of the JCPOA. Today, there is only partial implementation of the key verification arrangements in the JCPOA aimed at limiting Irans nuclear weapons work, and progress on this issue is expected to remain slow at best. Moreover, the IAEA, under its safeguards agreement with Iran, has remained, inter alia, due to the lack of support from the P5+1 and its own governing bodies, unable to access relevant military sites or personnel associated with potential on-going or past nuclear weapons work. Almost three years after the implementation of the JCPOA, and with its fate at issue, there is insufficient information to settle the question of the status of Irans on-going work on nuclear weapons. This together with the sunset provisions in the JCPOA, and lack of any credible verification of the status and monitoring of its ballistic and cruise missile program, have kept open a pathway for Irans nuclear weapons capability. Via Foundation for Defense of Democracies Overnight Brief. Reorienting AMAD Program 29Oct2018 Final by Scott Johnson on Scribd Much (if not most) of what we have learned about the real scandals and true Russian collusion underlying the 2016 presidential election derives directly or indirectly from the dogged work of House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes and his Republican colleagues on the committee. In recognition of his efforts, Rep. Nunes has been punished by the dross of April Doss and others soldiering in the Democrat/Media complex. Rep. Nunes deserves some kind of award for service to the republic such as a Presidential Medal of Freedom. In his October 21 Washington Examiner column Byron York took a look back on what we have learned so far thanks to Nunes and colleagues including Trey Gowdy, John Ratcliffe, Bob Goodlatte, Jim Jordan, Mark Meadows: The important role that the incendiary allegations in the still-unverified Trump dossier played in the FBIs investigation of the Trump campaign. The fact that the dossier was commissioned and paid for by the Hillary Clinton campaign and the Democratic Party. The unusual circumstances surrounding the formal beginning of the FBIs counter-intelligence investigation into the Trump campaign. The troubling deficiencies in the FBIs application for the FISA warrant and renewals to wiretap onetime Trump campaign figure Carter Page. The anti-Trump bias of some of the top officials in the FBI investigation. The degree to which the dossiers allegations spread throughout the Obama administration during the final days of the 2016 campaign and the transition. Obama officials unmasking of Trump-related figures in intelligence intercepts. The fact that FBI agents did not believe Michael Flynn lied to them in the interview that later led to Flynns guilty plea on a charge of lying to the FBI. The role of the opposition research firm Fusion GPS in the Trump-Russia probe. Nunes and his colleagues learned these things, and told the public about them, over the determined opposition of the FBI, the Justice Department, and Democrats, both on the Intelligence Committee and in the larger House. In factthe FBI and Justice Department fiercely resisted the investigation. They withheld materials, dragged their feet, and flat-out refused to provide information to which congressional overseers were clearly entitled. Sometimes disputes were settled by the intervention of House Speaker Paul Ryan on Nunes behalf. Sometimes they werent. Nunes and the others performed a public service by investigating something no one else was investigating. The Senate Intelligence Committee conducted the big, bipartisan, flagship congressional probe into the Trump-Russia matter. Special counsel Robert Mueller, with full law enforcement powers, investigated Russian meddling, whether any Trump people were involved, and the question of whether the president attempted to obstruct the investigation. No one wanted to investigate the investigators, even though their conduct cried out for scrutiny. The work is not yet done. These days, a joint group from the House Judiciary and Oversight committees is conducting interviews with several figures in the Trump-Russia matter. In addition, Nunes and other Republicans are still urging President Trump to release additional parts of the Carter Page surveillance application that they say will be contain new revelations. None of this has been bipartisan. The work has been done by Republicans and opposed by Democrats. And if Democrats win control of the House, as a number of polls suggest they will do, it will stop immediately. I add the following related bullet point courtesy of the rhetorical question posed by Holman Jenkins in his October 19 Wall Street column (accessible via Outline here): President Trump is accused of violating norms, but the Democratic Party is the one that concocted evidence tarring its opponent as a Russian agent and questions the legitimacy of basic institutions like the Electoral College and the Supreme Court. Its leading lights also encourage the mobbing of partisan opponents in restaurants and elsewhere. If Democrats win, as Byron notes, Nuness work comes to a screeching halt. To adapt a thought from Warren Zevon, send lawyers, guns and money; the Schiff will hit the fan. The committees declassified but redacted report on Russian active measures is a valuable and underreported document. I have embedded it below for those who may have forgotten about it or missed it previously. Hpsci Declassified Commit by on Scribd PR-Inside.com: 2018-10-30 14:06:38 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 936 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 CALGARY, AB / ACCESSWIRE / October 30, 2018 / ELEPHANT HILL CAPITAL INC. (TSXV - EH.P) (the "Corporation" or "Elephant Hill"), a capital pool company, is pleased to announce that Podium Advertising Technologies Ltd. operating under the commercial name ADCORE, the Corporation's proposed business combination partner as disclosed in its previous press release of September 5, 2018 (the "Transaction"), has fully implemented an agreement with the Israeli Government Advertising Agency ("IGAA"), on behalf of the Israel Ministry of Tourism, to manage jointly with Maple Team Ltd. up-to $125MM CAD over the next 5 years in online advertising spend (the "Agreement"). The Agreement has an annual budget of $25MM CAD and is renewable annually without requirement of further government tendering.The results of the Agreement thus far have led to various achievements for the IGAA, showcasing the benefit of ADCORE's advertising technology. According to the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics, Israel has reported an increase in tourism by 15% in Jan-Sep 2018 vs. 2017 period. Parties believe that ADCORE's Search Engine Marketing ("SEM") system that is being utilized for the IGAA's advertising campaigns has contributed to greater effectiveness in reaching potential tourists and is creating results.This Agreement will contribute additional revenue and should realize in significantly increased margins in ADCORE's financials in 2018 and beyond. Under the terms of the Agreement certain compensation provisions remain confidential but industry experts estimate that the average fee to be earned by ADCORE and Maple under the Agreement will be approximately 5-6% of the aggregate advertising spend.Omri Brill, CEO of ADCORE, commented, "When we secured this agreement in Q1 2018, we were very eager to see the extent of which our technology could deliver superior results. Now that our strategy has been fully implemented, we are witnessing incredible milestones for our company and our client, and we are excited to see this accelerated success continue."About ADCOREADCORE is a leading digital advertising high-tech company. ADCORE's machine learning AI technology significantly improves online advertising effectiveness for its clients. The software allows Fortune 500 Companies and small to mid-size businesses to optimize ad spend and see an immediate measurable return on advertising investment.For further information regarding the Transaction, please contact:For Elephant HillMo FazilTel: +1 (403) 613-7310Email: mofazil@ gmail.comFor ADCOREOmri BrillCEO+972-54-6769-415omri@ adcore.comRoy NevoCOO+972-54-6605-006roy@ adcore.comFor PI Financial Corp.Blake CorbetHead of Technology & Healthcare Investment Banking+1 (604) 644-9222bcorbet@ pifinancialcorp.comFor XIB Asset Management Inc.Joel KitsulDirector+1 (604) 309-9938joel@ xibfinancial.comCompletion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, TSXV acceptance and, if applicable, pursuant to the requirements of the TSXV, majority of the minority shareholder approval. Where applicable, the Transaction cannot close until the required shareholder and regulatory approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of the Corporation should be considered highly speculative.This press release is not an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The securities described in this press release have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended) absent registration or an exemption from registration. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction where such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful.The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: the terms and conditions of the proposed Transaction; the terms and conditions of the proposed Financing; future developments and the business and operations of the "Resulting Issuer" after the proposed Transaction. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; and delay or failure to receive board, shareholder or regulatory approvals. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will proceed and 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. The Corporation and Podium disclaim 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 required by law.SOURCE: Elephant Hill Capital Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2018-10-30 05:06:07 Attracts over 270,000 Visitors and Proves to be Asias No. 1 Festival 2018 Busan One Asia Festival Winds Up 9-day Feast For Busan One Asia Festival NPR Comm LEE KYUNG EUN, +82-10-2325-6113 kelee@nprcom.co.kr The 2018 Busan One Asia [..], Asias No.1 Hallyu festival, wrapped up its nine-day run with the closing concert on Oct. 28. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181029005 The 2018 Busan One Asia Festival (BOF 2018), Asia's No.1 Hallyu festival, wrapped up its nine-day run with the closing concert on Oct. 28. The BOF 2018 ended in great success, attracting 273,300 visitors. It is the largest number of visitors to the festival in its history. The BOF 2018, in its third edition this year, seeks to be a festival dealing with everything about Hallyu. Thus, it presented a wide array of Hallyu-leading K-content which goes beyond K-pop to arts, beauty and fashion. The festival communicated with citizens and also shared joy with them through various genres of performances and experience programs. (Photo: Business Wire) The BOF 2018 ended in great success, attracting 273,300 visitors. It is the largest number of visitors to the festival in its history. The opening concert on Oct. 20 drew a 36,000-strong audience, who were enthralled by performances by Koreas top musicians such as EXO, Wanna One and Seventeen. Park Concert pleased the ears and eyes of about 47,000 people. BOF Land events attracted 159,723 visitors from Oct. 20-28. Many tourists came from overseas to Busan for the BOF 2018. They did not come only from Japan, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan but also from Southeast Asia, which proves it is Asias No. 1 Hallyu festival. It delighted some 40,000 foreign visitors, including 16,000 who enjoyed the opening concert. Red Velvet, Teen Top, Astro, Dynamic Duo and Mighty Mouth showed spectacular performances in the BOF Closing Concert. Mixed-gender group KARD, rising idol band Favorite, Spectrum, Mighty Mouth, girl group April and hip hop band Rhythm Power captivated spectators with powerful and cheerful performances. Mighty Mouth evoked exclamations by singing a hit song, I Love You, with Ah Ra of Favorite. Dynamic Duo created a new mood by singing Friday Night Fever with Rhythm Power. Teen Top and Astro also got explosive responses. The grand finale of the closing concert was top-notch girl group Red Velvet, who presented a charismatic performance. The BOF 2018, in its third edition this year, seeks to be a festival dealing with everything about Hallyu. Thus, it presented a wide array of Hallyu-leading K-content which goes beyond K-pop to arts, beauty and fashion. The festival communicated with citizens and also shared joy with them through various genres of performances and experience programs. We tried hard with top musicians and experts to make the BOF 2018 the best festival, BOF Project Group said. The festival was an opportunity to let the world know once again that Busan is a city rich in Hallyu content. Busan citizens, tourists from home and abroad, thank you so much for coming here for the nine-day festival. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181029005 PR-Inside.com: 2018-10-30 13:36:04 Six Chinese Cities Receive Wetland City Accreditation by Intergovernmental Treaty at The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands Ma Guangren, Secretary General of the China Wetland Conservation Association, was the Individual Winner of the Merit Award China Recognised for Its Wetland Conservation Efforts at COP13 Dubai APCO Worldwide Magdalena Stepien, +971561142948 mstepien@apcoworldwide.com or APCO Worldwide Sami Salameh, +971561146179 ssalameh@apcoworldwide.com Six Chinese cities were awarded the Wetland City Accreditation at the 13th Meeting of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP13) in Dubai, in appreciation of Chinas commendable efforts on the conservation and wise use of wetlands. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181030005 Representatives from 18 cities that were awarded the Wetland City Accreditation receive their certificates at COP13, Dubai. (Photo: AETOSWire) Changde, Changshu, Dongying, Haerbin, Haikou and Yinchuan were the six Chinese cities to win the Wetland City Accreditation, which aims to underline the importance of urban wetlands for making cities livable, from providing drinking water through to reducing floods and filtering waste. It was introduced this year by the Ramsar Convention an intergovernmental treaty to encourage cities that are close to and depend on wetlands, and to establish a positive relationship with wetlands through increased awareness and consideration of them in the local planning and decision making. Hosted by the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and sponsored by Dubai Municipality, COP13 is a platform for member states to plan wetlands policy and discuss their progress for the next three years, vote on 26 draft resolutions, and discuss a range of ongoing and emerging environmental issues. The rapid decline of wetlands has received the attention of governments around the world and I would like to commend Chinas efforts through wetland conservation and restoration projects, said His Excellency Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment. As a pioneer in the region for environmental efforts, the UAE is honoured to host COP13 and use the event as a platform to drive international cooperation to protect these valuable ecosystems that have an impact on our lives, society and our future. Ma Guangren, Secretary General of the China Wetland Conservation Association, also received a Merit Award at COP13 for his significant contributions for wetlands conservation in China and Asia. The Chinese government has introduced many new laws and regulations for the protection of our wetlands in the past decade, under the guidance of the Ramsar Convention. However, challenges do remain, such as the lack of scientific and technological support, and insufficient public awareness of the significance of wetlands, said Ma Guangren, Secretary General of China Wetland Conservation Association. I believe that international cooperation and the sharing of best practices is important for us to draw on the wisdom and experience of others around the world. It is a great honour for me to receive this award in recognition of the work that has gone into the protection and wise use of wetlands and its resources. Ma has contributed to the establishment of wetland conservation regulations, investigation and monitoring, project planning, publicity and education and an international cooperation system. He persuaded the Central Government of China to invest $1.3 billion (9 billion Chinese yuan) to implement national wetland conservation and restoration projects. Ma also helped set up the National Ramsar Implementation Committee, and the China Wetland Conservation Association, and has developed networks for the Conservation of the Yangtze River, Yellow River and coastal wetlands, as well as initiated various environmental and public awareness education activities. The total wetlands area in China is 53,602,600 hectares, comprising marine/coastal wetlands, riverine wetlands, lake wetlands, marshy wetlands and human-made wetlands. China joined the Ramsar Convention in 1992, and has since designated 57 Wetlands of International Importance covering more than 6.9 million hectares. These sites provide a range of critical benefits and services to people and nature. They are biodiversity hotspots and provide habitat for a wide range of endemic and threatened species, including critically endangered species such as the Chinese pangolin, the Chinese sturgeon, and birds such as Baers pochard, the Siberian crane and the yellow-breasted bunting. They also serve as wintering, breeding and resting sites for a variety of migratory birds. The recently launched Global Wetlands Outlook (GWO) by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands highlights that the worlds wetlands are declining rapidly, with 35 per cent losses since 1970. Authors of the report also stressed the need for immediate action, lest there be serious repercussions for the future. Findings from the GWO will inform discussions and decisions at COP13. The other cities to be given the Wetland City Accreditation were Amiens, Courteranges, Pont-Audemer and Saint-Omer in France, Tata in Hungary, Republic of Koreas Changnyeong, Inje, Jeju and Suncheon, Mitsinjo in Madagascar, Colombo in Sri Lanka and Ghar el Melh in Tunisia. About COP13 The 13th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP13) is held in Dubai, UAE from October 21 to 29, 2018, under the theme of Wetlands for a Sustainable Urban Future. Hosted by the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and sponsored by Dubai Municipality, representatives from governments of Contracting Parties will convene at COP13 to agree on a work programme, budgetary arrangements for the next triennium and consider guidance on a range of ongoing and emerging environmental issues. Representatives of non-member states, intergovernmental institutions and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) also participate in these meetings as non-voting observers. The UAE has been a party to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands since 2007, and has designated 7 wetland sites, with a surface area of 34,978 hectares, onto the List of Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Sites), considered to be of high value to the country and to the world because of the ecosystem services they provide. Although the UAE is situated in one of the most arid regions in the world, the wetland ecosystem in the country is one of the most unique and diverse in the Arabian Peninsula. It includes marshes, vast tidal flats, fresh water aquifers, mangroves and coral reefs. *Source: AETOSWire View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181030005 PR-Inside.com: 2018-10-30 16:11:44 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 290 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 LIMA, PERU / ACCESSWIRE / October 30, 2018 / Corporacion Aceros Arequipa S.A. ("The Company" or "Aceros Arequipa") (BVL: CORAREC1; BVL: CORAREI1) announced that at a Board meeting held on October 25, 2018, the Company's Board of Directors approved a cash dividend per common and investment share, which represents a total of S/ 22'584,000.00 related to retained earnings as of December 31, 2014.This payment does not consider the treasury shares: 51'016,683 common shares and 18'528,192 investment shares, according to the Company by-laws, which amounted to 1,073'265,820 shares, resulting in a dividend payment per share of S/ 0.02104232.The dividend will pay as follows:COMMON SHARES: CORAREC1Outstanding common shares: 890,858,308Dividend per common share: S/ 0.02104232Record Date: November 21, 2018Payment Date: December 07, 2018INVESTMENT SHARES: CORAREI1Outstanding Investment shares: 182,407,512Dividend per common share: S/ 0.02104232Record Date: November 21, 2018Payment Date: December 07, 2018About CORPORACION ACEROS AREQUIPA S.A.CORPORACION ACEROS AREQUIPA S.A., founded in 1964, is the leading Peruvian Company in production and commercialization of steel products, with exports to Bolivia and other countries in the region. Its core products are rebars and wire rod and other products for the construction industry as well as merchant bars and flat steel products. The Company has an industrial facility located in Pisco, Peru with an average per-year capacity of 850 thousand tons for its melt shop and 1,250 thousand tons in steel rolling mill. Aceros Arequipa employs approximately 1,100 people. The Company's common and investment (non-voting) shares are listed on the Lima Stock Exchange under the ticker symbols CORAREC1 and CORAREI1, respectively. For more information, please contact: Ricardo Guzman, CFO & IRO Email: accionistas@ aasa.com.pe Tel: (511) 517-1818 In New York Rafael Borja i-advize Corporate Communications, Inc. Email: rborja@ i-advize.com Tel: 212-406-3693 SOURCE: Corporacion Aceros Arequipa S.A. PR-Inside.com: 2018-10-30 16:07:48 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 742 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 This press release replaces the press release disseminated October 29, 2018 at 5:45PM ET. The press release contained incorrect information in the second to ninth paragraph. The corrected press release is below:MISSISSAUGA, ON / ACCESSWIRE / October 30, 2018 / Armada Data Corporation (TSV-V: ARD) reports its interim financial results for the quarter ended August 31, 2018 have now been filed on SEDAR and are available to view on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and the company's web site www.armadadata.com.Selected Quarterly Information Fiscal Year 2019 2018 2018 2018 2018 2017 2017 2017 Quarter Aug-31 May-31 Feb-28 Nov-30 Aug-31 May-31 Feb-28 Nov-30 Ended 2018 2018 2018 2017 2017 2017 2017 2016 Total Revenue 748,287 687,745 738,577 750,684 777,838 594,625 568,029 633,385 Comprehensive Income(Loss) before taxes 91,679 (144,518) 51,546 166,313 199,064 (118,352) 51,733 117,740 Comprehensive Income per share $0.01 $0.00 $0.00 $0.01 $0.01 $0.00 $0.00 $0.01 OperationsThe Company's total revenue decreased by 4% in the period ended August 31, 2018 to $748,287 from $777,838 in the same period a year earlier. Comprehensive income decreased to $91,679 in this quarter, down 46% from $199,064 at August 31, 2017. Stock-based compensation expenses, and higher salaries and wages account for this decrease.The Insurance Services division experienced a 4% decrease in revenue, from $359,470 in the three months ended August 31, 2017 to $344,700 in 2018. The Company has combined the Retail, Dealer and Advertising/Marketing divisions into one segment, known as CarCostCanada, due to the fact that the revenues earned by these divisions comes directly or indirectly from the carcostcanada.com website, and as the Company has moved into free trial memberships, the business model for the former Retail Services Division has changed. CarCostCanada revenue was down 8% to $316,725 from $345,791 in 2017. The Information Technology division revenue increased by 20% to $86,862 in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 ended August 31, 2018, from $72,577 in the same quarter in fiscal 2018. IT continues to offer technical support and web site hosting to hundreds of customers, and is developing new customer relationships on a regular basis, as well as offering new services for sale.Expenses in this first quarter of fiscal 2019 before amortization and stock-based compensation increased to $633,966, compared to $568,908, an 11% increase over the same period last year. After the many cost-cutting measures to reduce expenses in 2015 and 2016, the largest increase is in salaries and wages, and employee benefits.Accounts receivable decreased 1% to $504,379 as at August 31, 2018, compared to $510,299 as at August 31, 2017. Related party accounts receivable decreased from $3,508 to $1,116.Accounts payable decreased 24%, to $256,660 as at August 31, 2018 from $339,317 a year earlier. Related parties accounts payable decreased to nil as at August 31, 2018, from $1,964 last year.As a result of the income reported by the Company in this quarter ended August 31, 2018, the Company's deficit decreased to $(841,721) compared to $(1,007,480) at the quarter ended August 31, 2017. Earnings per share at August 31, 2018 are $0.01, unchanged from $0.01 per share at August 31, 2017.Management does not plan on issuing any dividends until further notice.Segmented Quarterly Information Revenues earned by divisions were as follows: 3 months ended 3 months ended August 31, 2018 August 31, 2017 Insurance Services $ 344,700 $ 359,470 CarCostCanada 316,725 345,791 IT Services 86,862 72,577 Total Revenue - Armada Data Corporation $ 748,287 $ 577,838 Outlook The Company's outlook is to continue to increase sales, update and improve our data services products and services, and deliver significantly better results to our shareholders by way of the following: Build upon the historical success of the Company's ongoing sales and marketing efforts focused on increasing sales in the three divisions Insurance, CarCostCanada and IT. Launch first-to-the-market features and tools to further increase market share and take advantage of the significant available base of new car buyers currently not using third-party pricing and dealer referral services. Exploit market awareness and demand for new vehicle pricing information and dealer referrals that result from the additional competition with that market space; by putting more emphasis on outside partners, data outsourcing and our underutilized online magazine TheCarMagazine.com Continue to improve our relationships with some of the largest insurance companies in Canada and partner with some of these organizations to produce new products and services for their vast client base.About Armada Data Corp.Armada Data is a Canadian publicly traded Information & Marketing Services Company providing accurate and real-time data to institutional and retail customers, through developing, owning and operating automotive pricing-related web sites and providing information technology and marketing services to its clients. Armada Data shares are listed on the TSX Venture exchange under the trading Symbol ARD. Armada currently has a total of 17,670,265 shares outstanding.Additional information relating to Armada Data Corporation is filed on SEDAR, and can be viewed at www.sedar.com . For further information, please contact:Armada Data CorporationMr. R. James Matthews, President & CEOEmail: investors@ armadadatacorp.caNeither 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: Armada Data Corporation PR-Inside.com: 2018-10-30 14:13:10 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 865 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Court Decides After 10 Months to Modify the Seminal Legal Question at Issue, Thereby Handing J&J an Easy Victory They Do Not Deserve and Have Not EarnedLOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / October 30, 2018 / Decision Diagnostics Corp. (OTC PINK: DECN) is a 16 year old, diabetes-focused bio-technology R&D firm, manufacturer, quality plan administrator, FDA registered medical device customer support organization, and exclusive worldwide sales and regulatory process agent for the GenUltimate! ("Sunshine") diabetes test strip, the internationally launched GenSure! ("Feather") diabetes test strip, and the clinical trial in process GenChoice! ("Ladybug"). The company also markets the PetSure! test strip for the diabetic testing of dogs and cats, a diagnostic specifically designed to run on the market leading Zoetis Alpha Trak meter system, the imminently ready PetUltimate! Test strip and Avantage! meter set for commercial launch in November 2018, and the panacea GenPrecis! ("Dragonfly") diabetes testing system, ready for clinical trials.Last week DECH found itself on the wrong side of an inaccurate and unfair ruling by the Nevada Federal District Court in its long running patent battle with industry giant Johnson & Johnson (J&J). Specifically, the Court modified the questions at issue 10 months after the conclusion of the briefings and oral arguments. Rather than directing his ruling to the "equivalent" (which in DECN's case is the J&J/LifeScan system), the Court instead directed its ruling to the system claimed in DECN's patents. More specifically, the Court misrepresented DECN's principal arguments with its ruling by mistakenly comparing DECN's patented system to itself and ignoring J&J's infringing system and the basis for DECN's lawsuit.Keith Berman, CEO of DECN, commented, ''We are obviously disappointed by the ruling. However, upon analysis, it appears that the trial judge's ruling ignored the entirety of DECN's principal arguments and handed J&J a victory by incorrectly ruling that DECN made claims in its pleadings and arguments about its system and patents that are wrong. The judge's ruling ignored a comparison between the accused (J&J) system and our system, and instead incorrectly compared our patented system to itself. Mr. Berman continued, ''Although egregious in itself, this Court also short circuited DECN's right to bring a false advertising claim in this action. J&J's Chairman, who had extensively discussed the workings of J&J's system in public forums and in the media, represented J&J's system and operated in a manner that if he were taken at his word, infringed DECN's patented system; a clear confession of guilt to patent infringement. However, in their lawsuit defense, J&J argued that their Chairman, 'misspoke.' If this is true, then J&J's Chairman misspoke numerous times over an extended period and was never corrected by his staff. J&J cannot have it both ways. Either their OneTouch Ultra system is the equivalent to ours, which we believe to be true, or the J&J Chairman's public statements constitute false advertising.''In the upcoming appeal, DECN will argue the highly erroneous nature of the Court's unacceptably misstated "tangential exception" question. That being said, the act of comparing DECN's system to itself was not the worst part of the trial judge's ruling. When the trial judge ordered the court clerk to dismiss the lawsuit with prejudice, that act also foreclosed DECN's ability to bring a false advertising claim against J&J in this case. The record in this lawsuit strongly suggests that J&J engaged in false advertising on the part of J&J's Chairman who made numerous public statements to audiences that had the effect of describing in detail DECN's patented system. The Court improperly foreclosed DECN's ability to seek justice for J&J's false advertising in this lawsuit, perhaps through a constitutional remedy.Mr . Berman concluded, ''We firmly believe that the Federal Circuit will easily follow our arguments, quickly conclude that the court's rulings should be reversed and that DECN will proceed with and prevail in its patent infringement and forthcoming false advertising claims. We intend for file our appeal quickly, but while the appeal is being fully researched and drafted, the company and its counsels will investigate whether the court actions rise to constitutional issues that need be addressed. The company plans a more detailed update as soon as the appeal is filed.''About Decision Diagnostics Corp:Decision Diagnostics Corp. is the leading manufacturer and worldwide distributor of diabetic test strips engineered to operate on legacy glucose meters. DECN's products are designed to operate efficiently and less expensively on certain glucose meters already in use by almost 7.5 million diabetics worldwide. With new inspired technology diabetic test strips already in the final stages of development, DECN products compete on a worldwide scale with legacy manufacturers currently selling to 71+ percent of a $12 billion at-home testing market.Forward-Looking Statements:This release contains the company's forward-looking statements which are based on management's current expectations and assumptions as of October 29, 2018, regarding the company's business and performance, its prospects, current factors, the economy, and other future conditions and forecasts of future events, circumstances, and results.Contact Information:Decision Diagnostics Corp. Keith Berman (805) 446-2973 info@ decisiondiagnostics.com www.petsureteststrips.comwww.pharmatechdirect.com SOURCE: Decision Diagnostics Corp. PR-Inside.com: 2018-10-30 14:16:17 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1003 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 30, 2018 / Global Cannabis Applications Corp. ("GCAC" or the "Company") (CSE: APP, FSE: 2FA, OTCQB: FUAPF), a leading developer of innovative data technologies for the medical cannabis industry, is pleased to announcea major marketing and sales campaign starting October 31, 2018, targeting medical cannabis dispensaries in cannabis friendly jurisdictions across North America, through it's citizengreen.io website. The new website will have all the information necessary for medical cannabis retailers to learn about the smart technology driven Citizen Green Community designed to improve patient outcomes and grow retail businesses. The citizengreen.io website is part of an aggressive marketing and sale campaign to introduce the Citizen Green Community to all medical cannabis retailers starting with over 3,300 retail dispensaries with the majority located in California, Colorado and Arizona. The newly launched website will include detailed descriptions about the powerful tools for retailers, thorough explanations about the potential returns available to members and live demonstrations. It will also include examples of data insight reports that are generated by the Prescriptii Patient-Care solution and the proprietary Pain to StrainTM machine learning engine."We are launching the citizengreen.io website to support our marketing and sales efforts of the Citizen Green Community to thousands of medical cannabis retailers in the United States," said Brad Moore, CEO of GCAC. "Our Community is designed for medical cannabis retailers to build loyalty with patients while growing their underlying retail business. The new website includes a myriad of information about how the Community can build valuable customer loyalties, improve medical cannabis patient outcomes and grow a retail dispensary's bottom line. We are very proud of this new website and the novel approach to supporting medical cannabis dispensaries in this burgeoning industry. We offer a solution that can optimize business operations, transform the relationships between retailers and their customers, and increase revenue. The marketing and sales campaign is a significant milestone for GCAC as we move to meeting and exceeding our sales targets."As part of the Company's sales effort, the GCAC executive team is attending the MJBizCon Conference and Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada on November 14 - 16, 2018, the premier marijuana business conference in North America. In addition to networking with professionals from leading U.S. cannabis businesses, the team will also meet with key accounts and conduct live demonstrations of the Citizen Green Community. Retailers attending the conference will be able to schedule a demo with the GCAC team at www.citizengreen.io.The Citizen Green Community was developed to improve patient outcomes and grow medical cannabis businesses using data insights created through smart technologies. It includes a mobile and desktop application, a one-of-a-kind loyalty reward program based on a utility cryptocurrency, and an exclusive marketplace for trading data and insights.Together the three components create the Community where retailers can build customer loyalty, improve medical cannabis patient outcomes and increase the bottom line of their operation.The new citizengreen.io website also includes a blog with professional articles about everything cannabis and an informative FAQ, answering an extensive list of questions about the Citizen Green Community. Here is a short preview of the powerful tools included in the Citizen Green Community:Prescriptii Patient-Care SolutionThe Prescripitii Patient-Care Solution is an innovative patient care application that builds and enhances the relationship of trust that already exists between medical cannabis retailers and their patients. It uses smart technology and a proprietary Pain to StrainTM machine learning engine to drive better health outcomes and allows retail dispensaries to focus on the success of their business. Citizen Green Onward Rewards Onward Rewards is a one-of-a-kind loyalty reward program powered by the Citizen Green Coin (CGC) cryptocurrency as an incentive tool to build loyalty, acquire new customers and retain existing ones. Patients earn CGCs through profile information and providing data insights, and they are rewarded with special promotions and more personalized treatment programs. Citizen Green MarketPlaceThe Citizen Green MarketPlace offers a setting in which retailers can trade Prescriptii reports and data insights in exchange for CGCs. Through buying and selling reports and data insights in the MarketPlace, retailers earn CGCs which can be used to drive marketing and promotion programs to increase sales or use CGCs to buy reports and data insights to jumpstart their business."The Citizen Green Community offers a powerful set of tools to retailers who are interested building customer loyalty, increasing customer spend and most importantly growing the bottom line," continue Mr. Moore. "Please join us at MJBizCon at the Las Vegas Convention to experience a live demonstration of our innovative Citizen Green Community and see how it can change your business."For more information regarding the Citizen Green Community or to book a live demonstration at the MJBizCon please visit www.citizengreen.io.About MJBizConMJBizDaily's flagship event, MJBizCon, is the preeminent conference to drive business deals and forge valuable connections with cannabis professionals in business today. Don't miss the largest cannabis conference in the world, where business ideas become business deals. Join 20,000+ cannabis professionals and 1,000+ exhibitors for the preeminent event for industry professionals. For more information: www.mjbizconference.com.About Global Cannabis Applications Corp.Global Cannabis Applications Corp. is a global leader in designing, developing, marketing and acquiring innovative data technologies for the medical cannabis industry. The Citizen Green platform is the world's first end-to-end - from patient to regulator medical cannabis data solution. It uses six core technologies: mobile applications, artificial intelligence, regtech, smart databases, blockchain and digital reward tokens, to qualify candidates for clinical studies. These technologies facilitate the proliferation of digital conversations by like-minded people in the medical cannabis community. Managed by digital and cannabis industry experts, GCAC is focused on viral global expansion by providing the best digital experience in the cannabis market.For more information about the Company, please visit online atwww.cannappscorp.com , or review its profiles www.sedar.com and on the Canadian Securities Exchange's website ( www.thecse.com) . To schedule an interview, please contact: Bradley Moore Chief Executive Officer Telephone: 514.561.9091 Email: PR-Inside.com: 2018-10-30 20:01:47 Press Information Polaris Market Research Contact us- Mr. Neel Corporate Sales, USA Polaris Market Research Phone: 1-646-568-9980 Email: sales@polarismarketresearch.com Web: www.polarismarketresearch.com Mr. Neel Manager 1-646-568-9980 email https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/ # 730 Words Contact us-Mr. NeelCorporate Sales, USAPolaris Market ResearchPhone: 1-646-568-9980Email: sales@polarismarketresearch.comWeb: www.polarismarketresearch.comManager1-646-568-9980 According to the new market research Microscope Market [By Type (Optical Microscopes - Confocal Microscopes, Inverted Microscopes, Stereo Microscopes, Phase Contrast Microscopes, Fluorescence Microscopes, Other Optical Microscopes; Electron Microscope - Transmission Electron Microscope, Scanning Electron Microscope; Scanning Probe Microscope Near-Field Scanning Optical Microscopes; Others); By Applications (Material Science, Nanotechnology, Life Sciences, Semiconductors, Other Applications); By Region]: Market Size & Forecast, 2017 2025", The Microscope market is expected to reach USD 12,851.2 million by 2025 from USD 6,912.2 million in 2017, at a CAGR of 7.1%.Request sample copy of this report @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/microscope-market/request-for-free-sample Top Key Player: -NikonCarl Zeiss AGLeica MicrosystemsHitachi High TechnologiesBruker CorporationNT-MDT CompanyFEI CompanyJeol Ltd.Olympus CorporationAsylum ResearchOmax CorporationAmscope, CelestronMoticMagnus Analytics.Several technological advancements in the fields of nanotechnology, semiconductors and life sciences have augmented the growth of the microscope industry. In addition, this has encouraged government bodies to invest in research and development; which in turn has led to an increase in research and development activities in companies, small laboratories and academic institutions. Companies and academic institutions are increasing collaborations for shared use of advanced laboratory equipment has further supplemented market growth. The other factors driving the market growth include lightweight and portability of certain microscopes production of robust, more accurate and relatively cheaper instruments, and widespread adoption of microscope use by manufacturers across various domains. Emerging market in developing countries and newer innovative fields of application provide numerous opportunities for growth.Speak to our analyst and gain crucial industry insights that will help your business grow: https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/microscope-market/speak-to-analyst The major driver of the growth of the microscope market is the advancements in the field of nanotechnology. Various factors such as optimal energy consumption and its conservation, environmental preservation, and increasing industrial productivity and quality by optimizing operational efficacy have fuelled the growth of nanotechnology. Also, miniaturization in semiconductor and electronics industry and material science has boosted market growth. Furthermore, the extensive use of microscopes and technological advancements in the field of forensic sciences, pharmacology, cell biology, biophysics and microbiology among other life sciences has augmented market growth.In view of increasing technological advancements and its benefits, there has been an increase in the research and development activities in companies, small laboratories and academic institutions. It has also encouraged the government bodies to increase funding of such research and development activities. Moreover, companies and academic institutions are collaborating in order to use advanced laboratory equipment, which in turn has also supplemented market growth.The recent technological advancements in the manufacturing process of microscopes has led to the production of robust, more accurate and relatively cheaper instruments. In addition, certain microscopes are lightweight and portability in nature which has further contributed to the market growth. Furthermore, recent advancements in commercial applications of nanotechnology, life science and semiconductor manufacturing has led to a widespread adoption of microscope use by manufacturers across various domains.Browse Complete Report Details @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/microscope-market/ Asia-Pacific dominates the global market and is predicted to exhibit growth at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This rapid growth is due to the swelling economic growth in countries such as China and Japan. Various factors governing the growth in this region include presence of major market players in this region, increasing government and rapidly increasing research and development activities. Furthermore, various technological advancements in the field of material and life sciences, and nanotechnology is further boosting the market growth.About Polaris Market ResearchPolaris Market Research is a global market research and consulting company. The company specializes in providing exceptional market intelligence and in-depth business research services for our clientele spread across different enterprises. We at Polaris are obliged to serve our diverse customer base present across the industries of healthcare, technology, semi-conductors and chemicals among various other industries present around the world. We strive to provide our customers with updated information on innovative technologies, high growth markets, emerging business environments and latest business-centric applications, thereby helping them always to make informed decisions and leverage new opportunities. Adept with a highly competent, experienced and extremely qualified team of experts comprising SMEs, analysts and consultants, we at Polaris endeavor to deliver value-added business solutions to our customers.Contact us-Mr. NeelCorporate Sales, USAPolaris Market ResearchPhone: 1-646-568-9980Email: sales@ polarismarketresearch.com Web: www.polarismarketresearch.com PR-Inside.com: 2018-10-30 14:42:02 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 543 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 30, 2018 / PROGRESSIVE PLANET SOLUTIONS INC. (TSX-V: PLAN) ("Progressive Planet", "PLAN" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that an agreement has been signed between Berkwood Resources and Progressive Planet.The Terms of the agreement allow Progressive Planet to earn a 5% interest to the Lac Gueret South Graphite property in exchange for spending $250,000 in expenditure before December 31, 2018. During a period of 6 months, either party will have the right to execute a buy-back scenario in which case Berkwood would purchase the 5% back by paying to Progressive Planet 1,750,000 Units. Each unit will entitle PLAN to receive one share, and one half warrant of the company which at the time of signing this agreement constitutes 5% of the Issued and Outstanding Shares of Berkwood. This transaction is subject to exchange approval.The Lac Gueret project is being led by the same geologist who discovered the Mason Graphite deposit which runs on trend, and borders this project which displays similar prospective geology, including geophysical anomalies. The project is made up of 288 Claims which cover a total area of 15,552 hectares. Three drill programs have been completed to date with 27 holes drilled covering 4,006m. Of the holes drilled, 26 of the 27 had significant graphite intersections (Hole 25 intersected 130.55 m averaging 17.37 Cgr). Assays have confirmed average grades in the range of 14.39% to 25.52% Cgr and true thicknesses ranging 22.1 to 90 meters. The graphite is high grade and large flake, making it highly desirable to industry."This option agreement allows both our companies to provide great value to our shareholders. We are very excited to have worked out an arrangement which would allow our Company to benefit from the hard work that has already been done to date on the Lac Gueret project. This project is of great interest to our company based on its neighbor, Mason Graphite's success. We are glad that we were able to work together to bring this project forward. We intend to get drilling in the coming weeks." stated Steve Harpur, CEO of Progressive Planet.A drill program is scheduled to begin in November.Qualified PersonThe technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dwayne Melrose, P. Geo., a Director of Progressive Planet and a qualified person as defined in NI 43101 and is a member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia.Progressive Planet is a Canadian based mineral exploration company with a flagship zeolite mine in British Columbia, the right to earn a 20% interest in a lithium project in Manitoba and a graphite property in Buckingham, Quebec.ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Signed "Stephen Harpur" Stephen Harpur, CPA, CGACEOFor further information, or to place a zeolite order, please contact:Derek Knight. COO1-800-910-3072DKnight@ ProgressivePlanet.cawww.progressiveplanet.ca Forward-Looking Statements:Some of the statements in this news release contain forward-looking information that involves inherent risk and uncertainty affecting the business of Progressive Planet Solutions Inc. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.SOURCE: Progressive Planet Solutions Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2018-10-30 09:55:02 (Bali, 29 October 2018) CEO of REV Ocean, Nina Jensen, took the stage at the Our Ocean Conference in Bali today and announced REV Ocean and owner Kjell Inge Rkke's pledge for the ocean. The pledge of 500 million USD include the construction costs of the world's largest research and expedition vessel and the first three years of operating costs, and is one of the biggest from a private initiative ever put forward in the context of Our Ocean. With financing from its owner, Kjell Inge Rkke, REV Ocean is currently building the world's largest and most advanced research and expedition vessel. The vessel, scheduled to be completed in 2021, will be an important tool in combatting the challenges of our ocean. The vessel will be available to world leading scientists through independent calls for proposals reaching out to the global marine science community. The vessel will also be used for education, capacity building, ocean literacy and policy-making programs both through the science program and selected expeditions and symposiums organized on the boat. Our goal is that the vessel will be an important contribution to the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. -This pledge shows the dedication and commitment of Kjell Inge Rkke and REV Ocean to make a true difference in improving the state of our ocean. Mr. Rkke is a businessman and a visionary who has pledged to donate substantial portions of his wealth to the improvement of ocean health. He has made much of his fortune from the ocean and it was only natural for him to choose improving ocean health as his philanthropic goal. REV Ocean is lucky to have such a devoted owner, says CEO Nina Jensen. A key factor for REV Ocean's success are partnerships with other leading ocean environments. Hence, REV Ocean works with UNESCO/IOC, UN Environment, the WEF Friends of Ocean Action, WWF and others in developing the vessel's scientific program and activities. We are in close dialogue with the High-level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, as well as the various Norwegian scientific institutions and organizations involved with the ocean. -Our hope is that REV Ocean, through our partners and the people on board will make a big difference in the effort to find more sustainable solutions for life in the ocean. We welcome interested parties to reach out to us with good ideas, partnership suggestions and for sharing scientific ocean data and related opportunities. Together we will make sure that the ocean continues to thrive and can provide oxygen, food and jobs for mankind for generations to come - there is no alternative, says Nina Jensen. For more information please contact: Nina Jensen, CEO of REV Ocean, nina@revocean.org , Cell: +47 9916 9694 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: Aker ASA via Globenewswire PR-Inside.com: 2018-10-30 13:00:58 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1039 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Net Income of $3 Million in Q2 of FY2019, Cash Flow from Operations Up 330% in Q2 of FY2019 Compared to FY2018TORONTO, ONTARIO / ACCESSWIRE / October 30, 2018 / Quantum International Income Corp. (the "Corporation" or "Quantum") (TSXV: QIC) is pleased to announce the filing of its Q2 financial results for the 2019 fiscal year. For more information, please see the interim consolidated financial statements of the Corporation for the first quarter ended August 31, 2018 and the related management's discussion and analysis, which are available electronically on SEDAR under Quantum's issuer profile at www.sedar.com . All figures are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted."Inspite of this quarter being seasonally slow historically for the COAM market in Georgia we were able to deliver solid growth and cash flow generation." said Manu K. Sekhri, Chief Executive Officer of Quantum. Highlights Quarter Ended August 31, 2018 (1) Generated gaming revenues of $17.0 million; a 40% increase compared to revenues of $12.14 million for the same period in the prior year. The Company generated Adjusted EBITDA in the amount of $7.05 million, compared to $5.23 million for Q2 fiscal year 2018; an increase of ~35% over the same period in the prior year. Generated positive cash flow from operations of $7.90 million, compared to $1.80 million in the same period last year. Net income of $3.1 million compared to a net loss of $0.4 million for the same period in the prior year. Basic and diluted earnings per share of $0.021 and $0.018, compared to a basic and diluted loss per share of $(0.025) and $(0.025) in the same period last year. These reported figures are based on consolidated results and do not reflect the impact of the non-controlling interest.About Quantum International Income Corp.Quantum International Income Corp. is a gaming company. Quantum's vision is to build a diversified portfolio of world class gaming operations. The Corporation looks to enhance shareholder value by growing organically and through acquisitions. The Corporation has an active acquisition strategy with a particular focus on cash-flows and high margins. Currently, the Corporation is the largest route operator of skill-based gaming machines in the State of Georgia, United States of America.Material information pertain to the Corporation may be found on SEDAR under Quantum's issuer profile at www.sedar.com or on Quantum's website at www.quantumincomecorp.com.Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking InformationThis news release may contain forward-looking statements or "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws ("forward-looking statements"). Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or describes a "goal", or variation 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. In this press release, forward-looking statements pertain, among other things, to the Corporation's ability to deliver sustainable growth to its shareholders; the success of the Corporation in the Georgia gaming market; and the ability of the Corporation to execute upon a consolidation strategy in the Georgia gaming market.All forward-looking statements reflect the Corporation's beliefs and assumptions based on information available at the time the statements were made. Actual results or events may differ from those predicted in these forward-looking statements. All of the Corporation's forward-looking statements are qualified by the assumptions that are stated or inherent in such forward-looking statements, including the assumptions listed below. Although the Corporation believes that these assumptions are reasonable, this list is not exhaustive of factors that may affect any of the forward-looking statements. The key assumptions that have been made in connection with the forward-looking statements include the following: the digital gaming terminals being fully-licensed by the Georgia State Lottery, the continuation of the Corporation's consolidation strategy in the Georgia gaming market, the growing footprint of Quantum in the Georgia gaming market, generating value for the shareholders of the Corporation, the regulatory regime governing the business of Quantum in Georgia, the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and Canadian dollar, the ability to grow the business and generate stable distributions for shareholders, the availability of high growth, high margin opportunities, and the execution of the Corporation's business strategy.Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, future events, conditions, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, prediction, projection, forecast, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the availability of opportunities to consolidate additional assets in the Georgia gaming market, the availability of investment opportunities on terms acceptable to the Corporation, the regulatory regime in the State of Georgia, the licensing regime governing the Georgia State Lottery, the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and Canadian dollar, and other internal and external factors disclosed in the most recent annual information form of the Corporation and other documents publicly filed by the Corporation. Although Quantum 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 not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.The Corporation disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.Non-IFRS Financial MeasuresStatements in this news release make reference to Adjusted EBITDA, which is a non-IFRS (as defined herein) financial measure that the Corporation believes is appropriate to provide meaningful comparison with, and to enhance an overall understanding of, the Corporation's past financial performance and prospects for the future. The Corporation believes that Adjusted EBITDA provides useful information to both PR-Inside.com: 2018-10-30 17:45:37 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 405 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Global Accelerated Ventures (GAV) Announce Premier Global Fintech Pitch Event For Startups Start-Up Innovation Challenge Event Scheduled for February 2019LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM / ACCESSWIRE / October 30, 2018 / Global Accelerated Ventures, LLC (f/k/a The South Florida Accelerator) announced their inaugural FinTech Challenge at Rise London Barclay's Accelerator on October 26th, 2018. Christopher Malter, Managing Partner of Global Accelerated Ventures led the program in London and was joined by JAX Jaguar's owner, Shad Khan, pushing Jacksonville as the next FinTech hub.The Innovation Challenge is a "premier" two-day, multi-discipline, tiered elimination format competition, and will begin on Wednesday, February 6th and end on Thursday, February 7th, 2019. The event, which will be title sponsored by global financial technology leader FIS, will be held at the Florida Theatre located in Jacksonville at 128 E Forsyth St, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Participants will compete for cash and visibility. "It was a big week for Jacksonville, Florida and Shad Khan's Jaguars, who played the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday October 28th, 2018 in London. Many of Jacksonville's business leaders attended the event, said Malter. "GAV is a global innovation aggregator and in announcing this event in London will further demonstrate our worldwide connectivity." The FinTech Challenge will commence by selecting FinTech startups from the top tier acceleratorsaround the world. Five startups will be selected to compete in each of the following product groups: Blockchain, Process Automation, Data/Analytics, Payments Innovation, and Banking Innovation. The winner from each category will then compete to advance in the program finale to be announced as the "FinTech Startup of the Year" on the evening of February 7th, the last day of the competition."This event will showcase the world's most promising FinTech innovations and provide a clear path to success through our channel partners," said Thomas Buchar, Managing Partner of Global Accelerated Ventures. "We are thrilled to have FIS sponsor the event and be involved in the judging."Further details will be released in the coming days and weeks.About Global Accelerated Ventures:Global Accelerated Ventures (GAV) is multinational innovation aggregator - harvesting talent globally, embracing all stakeholders in the value chain, and executes strategic matching, which is beyond reproach. GAV drives communities to embrace "shared economy idealism" and develop sustainable innovation eco-systems.For more information, and to register for this event, please visit www.gavfintech.com.Contact: Jessica MarcellaroEmail: jm@ gaventures.coPhone: +1 (772) 584-9980SOURCE: Global Accelerated Ventures, LLC PR-Inside.com: 2018-10-30 08:06:52 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 896 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 7.2-Acre Orchard Heights Growers Property in Eastern Washington Draws From its Roots in the Commercial Tree Fruit Industry to Bring the Emerging Cannabis Industry Advanced Farming PracticesVANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 30th, 2018 / Weekend Unlimited Inc. ("Weekend" or the "Company") (CSE: YOLO) (FSE: 0OS1) is pleased to announce the details of its arm's length acquisition of a Wenatchee, Washington cannabis property, now branded Orchard Heights Growers, (the "Wenatchee Assets"). Weekend Unlimited Washington LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary company formed in Washington State for the purpose of acquiring the Wenatchee Assets and providing a suite of services to cannabis licencees in Washington State including intellectual property identification and strategies, equipment, land lease arrangements, nutrient and agriculture consulting services and other services to be developed."The Company identified a need in the Washington cannabis industry for competent, effective, professional services as well as strong marketing and branding which many Washington cannabis business owners have been unable to effectively provide or manage," said Weekend's President and CEO, Mr. Cody Corrubia. "As such, the Company, through Weekend Unlimited Washington, intends to supply cannabis business owners with land, expertise, compliance and equipment necessary to maximize profits and minimize costs," noted Mr. Corrubia. "Additionally, Weekend Unlimited Washington expects to supply strong branding and marketing expertise to its clients through service and licensing agreements with each cannabis licencee," added Mr. Corrubia.Orchard Heights Growers Acquisition Details On April 26, 2018, the Company entered into agreements to acquire the Wenatchee Assets which included the following:(a) the real property located in East Wenatchee, Washington comprised of approximately 7.2 acres including a 30,000 square foot growing facility, a 16,000 square foot plant canopy and a 5,000 square foot indoor hydro plant canopy; (b) nursery, production, harvesting and processing equipment including a closed loop ethanol extraction system, indoor hydroponic equipment, HPS (high pressure sodium) and LED (light-emitting diode) lights; and (c) the established retail sales network. This part of the transaction has recently closed for a total purchase price of US $1,000,000 As of the date hereof, the Company is actively negotiating contracts for services with three Tier-3 producer/processor licencees. In the event that such contracts are executed, the Company would be providing services to licenced cannabis businesses in the State of Washington representing up to a total of 90,000 square feet of licenced productionOrchard Heights Growers Highlights: Pioneering Weekend's B2B model, Orchard Heights provides a platform for farms looking to have a consistent source of premium genetics from advanced tissue culture facilities Orchard Heights will deploy an industrial extraction system that can produce consistent high-quality cannabis concentrate Orchard Heights is located strategically on the Columbia river, in Central Washington allowing for expedient distribution to metropolitan markets In addition to an advantageous location for B2B processing and distribution, Orchard Heights has over 300 days of sunshine with an ideal cultivation climate for cannabis At 2.18 cents/kWh the average (industrial) electricity rate in Wenatchee is 67.32% less than the national average rate of 6.67/kWh, positioning Orchard Heights to benefit, due to its geographic advantages. (source: https://www.electricitylocal.com/states/washington/wenatchee/) For further information, please contact:Cody Corrubia, President & CEOTelephone: 1 (236) 317-2812E-mail: IR@ weekendunlimited.com Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.Forward Looking StatementsCertain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding future financial position, business strategy, use of proceeds, corporate vision, proposed acquisitions, partnerships, joint-ventures and strategic alliances and co-operations, budgets, cost and plans and objectives of or involving the Company. Such forward-looking information reflects management's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to management. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "predicts", "intends", "targets", "aims", "anticipates" or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases or may be identified by statements to the effect that certain actions "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved.A number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause the actual results or performance to materially differ from any future results or performance expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company including, but not limited to, the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions and dependence upon regulatory approvals. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. The Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by securities laws. SOURCE: Weekend Unlimited Inc. Despite nine cycles of oil and gas as well as seven solid minerals sectors audits, the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) says not much progress has been recorded in resolving key remediation issues in the reports. The NEITI Executive Secretary, Waziri Adio, said for the agencys mandate, the lack of progress was due to its flawed legal structural foundation. Mr Adio was speaking on Monday in Abuja at the one-day national conference on Resolving Remedial Issues in the NEITI Industry Audit Reports. The official said NEITI performed creditably well on two of its primary responsibilities, namely conducting the audit and disseminating information on audit reports. He said the annual audit report was for people to know whether the companies are paying to government what they should be paying, or whether government is receiving all it should be receiving from the sector. He said the report usually highlights the processes to give government maximum benefits from the sectors, including the utilisation of the revenues. Mr Adio said NEITI also carries out remediation, by identifying gaps and the requirements to bridge them, whether structural and systemic issues, to guarantee maximum benefits to government of the revenues received. Although remediation is the most critical part of our mandate, sadly it is also the weakest. Despite the progress in conducting the audit and communicating its findings in the report, not much progress has been made on resolving remediation issues and bridging the gaps in the audits, Mr Adio noted. He traced the background of remediation to NEITIs first report in 2005, which threw up reports on missing monies or those not reconciled by the companies. The discrepancies were as a result of either inadequate measurement infrastructure, limited interface between the different government agencies or lack of records keeping, he said. Apart from the issue of money, there were also issues of processes, good governance and the need for government agencies to come together to identify the gaps and reconcile the discrepancies that prevented government from getting what it should be getting, or gaps preventing the sector from operating optimally. That was how remediation started in 2006, even before the NEITI Act of 2007 that provided the legal basis for remediation, he said. To handle the NEITI audit remediation process, he said an Inter-ministerial Task Team (IMTT) was constituted, with NEITI as the secretariat and chairman. The IMTT consisted of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), Office of the Auditor General of the Federation (OAuGF), Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and other agencies. Regardless, he said the IMTT has not functioned effectively due to some structural issues bordering on the legal framework establishing NEITI. Although NEITI was mandated to handle the remediation process, he said there was nothing in the enabling law empowering the agency to compel any person or company to act in compliance with stipulated regulations. There is nothing in the NEITI Act that empowers NEITI to sanction or take any legal action against anybody for refusing to undertake remedial issues. If an issue is identified with NNPC, CBN or DPR, NEITI cannot do anything other than call a meeting and persuade them to comply, he said. Even where the meetings are called, he said, those who have powers to influence action would either not attend, or send lower grade representations that lack authorities to take important decisions to enforce remediation. Achievements, Challenges, Recommendations To strengthen the IMTT to be more effective, Mr Adio said NEITI proposed the inclusion of high ranking government officials, like the Vice President, with the power to compel action towards compliance with remedial issues on NEITI audits. On overview of NEITI remediation status, acting director, technical department, Saad Balarabe, listed some of the remedial issues identified in the various audit reports since 1999 that have either been resolved, partially resolved or yet to be resolved. Some of the resolved issues include the 33.02 million barrels crude oil production volume by NPDC; $25 million unremitted NLNG feed-stock sales paid in January 2014 and $0.39 million education tax paid by Platform Energy in 2014. The partially resolved issues include $0.40 million outstanding royalty from crude oil sales by NPDC after paying $50 million; $0.48 million outstanding value added tax by NPDC after paying N6.54 billion. Others include N2.3 billion outstanding balance of the Niger Delta Development Commission levy by Nigerian Agip Oil Company after initial payments of N5.36 billion and $7.57 million between March and September 2017. Issues pending resolution include N1.08 trillion unreconciled proceeds of domestic crude sale, after only N1.36 trillion was paid in the federation account by the NNPC out of N2.44 trillion for 2014. Other outstanding issues include $1.7 billion unpaid consideration for Shell joint venture assets which NNPC agreed to settle the balance, and the $1.55 billion unpaid consideration for Agip joint venture assets which NPDC is yet to pay the renegotiated amount. Mr Balarabe said NEITI was conducting a study on the losses NNPC claimed it suffered for the non-renegotiation of the 1993 production sharing contract agreement (deep offshore Act) provided fiscal terms different from petroleum profit tax (PPT). Under the deep offshore inland production agreement, the Act stipulates the renegotiation of governments revenue take to make PSC economically beneficial if the price of crude oil at any time exceeds $20 per barrel. Also, the Act also stipulates a review of the law after 15 years period from the date of commencement (January 1, 1993) and every five years thereafter. Mr Balarabe lamented that despite the rise in the price of crude oil to $145 per barrel in 2014 before it dropped to the current price of about $80, none of the stipulated reviews have been effected. The conference was attended by civil society groups, government agencies and the media. A new Mr Nigeria has emerged and he is Nelson Enwerem. Nelsen, 23, defeated 19 other contestants to clinch the coveted prize at an exciting event, which held at the Silverbird Galleria, Lagos on Sunday. Nelson is the fifth winner of the contest. The titleholder, who also won the award for the Most Talented contestant will represent Nigeria at the Mr World contest. The Mr World contest holds in January in Manila, Philippines. Clearly not a stranger to stardom, Nelson, who is a graduate of Pure Physics from the University of Calabar, also won the Face of University Nigeria unisex pageant in 2016. The live show also attracted a huge turnout of fans and celebrity guests who were treated to several activities ranging from fashion exhibition, dance, musical performances and comedy by Bash and Koffi. Adressing the media at the finals, the promoter of the contest, Ben Murray-Bruce, a sitting senator, said the contest was out to discover one ideal man. He added, Over the years, the contest has developed into a unique global brand touching lives and making positive impacts on the lives of young Nigerians and African youths. A former senator, Florence Ita-Giwa was the head of the panel of judges which included top fashion designer, Mudi; security expert, Kunle Komolafe; PR practitioner, Kufre Ekanem; blogger, Ono Bello and Temi Osin, among others. The 20 contestants shortlisted for the 2018 Mr Nigeria contest tagged, The Ideal Man, began their journey when they were camped on Tuesday. The contestants, who were drafted into the competition after a nationwide screening, were involved in various activities like business grooming, physical exercise, basic home management, catwalk, elocution, among other etiquettes. Past Mr Nigeria winners include Bryan Okwara 2007, Kenneth Okolie 2010, Deji Bakare 2012 and Emmanuel Ikubese. The latter emerged first runner-up at the 2014 Mr World contest. The past Mr Nigeria winners have all made remarkable impact in Nollywood. A Bangladesh court sentenced former prime minister and opposition leader, Khaleda Zia, to two extra years in prison for corruption on Monday, lawyers said. Ms Khaleda was jailed for five years in a separate case in February. The terms will run concurrently. The opposition, Bangladesh Nationalist Party, has been in disarray ahead of general elections set for December after Ms Khaleda was jailed in February for stealing funds for an orphanage. State prosecutors said Ms Khaleda, 72, and three aides were convicted on Monday of misappropriation of 31.5 million taka (371,550 dollars) for a trust when she was last prime minister, from 2001 to 2006. Her party says the charges are part of a plot to keep her and her family out of politics. Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda, both related to former leaders, have dominated politics in poverty-stricken Bangladesh for more than two decades, nursing a long and bitter rivalry. Hasinas Awami League came to power for a second consecutive term in 2014 after a bloody parliamentary election that was boycotted by Ms Khaledas party. (Reuters/NAN) President Muhammadu Buhari is currently on his way to Kaduna State where he will meet with religious and traditional leaders in the state. Renewed violence has led to several killings including that of a first class traditional ruler, Maiwada Galadima of Adara kingdom. He was killed by suspected kidnappers. The crisis first began in the village of Kasuwan Magani. At least 55 people were killed there. The violence spread to Kaduna metropolis where 22 people were confirmed killed. Following the violence, the state government imposed 24 hours curfew in the affected areas. The curfew was relaxed Sunday evening. The presidents jet left Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja at about 9:30 a.m. State House correspondents in Kaduna report that Mr Buhari is currently being awaited at the popular Murtala Square, venue of the meeting. Already, religious and traditional leaders have arrived the Square even as security officials have been deployed there. Details later The Nigerian Army on Monday night admitted its personnel fired live ammunition at Shiite protesters on the outskirts of Abuja on Monday afternoon, killing at least three protesters who allegedly tried to breach a security checkpoint. The violence that broke out in Karu, a densely populated suburb of the nations capital, gripped Abuja and its environs on Monday afternoon, with vehicular and human movements in and out of the axis virtually grounded for the rest of the day. Two witnesses who live in the area and spoke with PREMIUM TIMES under strict anonymity for fear of security agencies backlash estimated between 16 and 22 people were killed. Most of those killed were Shiite protesters, while the rest were passersby or elderly caught in the mayhem while out on their individual businesses. It was the second time Nigerian soldiers encountered Shiite protesters in two days. Nigerian soldiers opened fire during a Shiite procession in Zuba, another suburb of Abuja, on Saturday afternoon. The military denied being the aggressor in the violence, which witnesses said left many protesters dead. In that incident, the army also admitted three Shiites were killed. The army said its personnel conveying military equipment were waylaid by the Shiites in the Saturday encounter, during which some soldiers were brutalised with stones and sharp objects. No soldier was killed during the encounter. In a Facebook post at about 10:40 p.m. on Monday, the army explained similar circumstances played out in the violent encounter with Shiites earlier in the day. The statement said soldiers unleashed their firearms on the protesters after they became violent and started shooting stones with catapult, wounding four soldiers in the process. The army said the protesters repeatedly lobbed Molotov cocktails at troops and police officers manning the security checkpoint near the overhead bridge in Karu, and uploaded pictures of wounded soldiers, catapults, stones and Dane guns allegedly recovered from the protesters. The sect in massive numbers forced their way into the troops checkpoint after overrunning the Police Force. The Police withdrew back to own troops position to join efforts to repel them. They fired weapons at own troops, throwing bottle canisters with fuel, large stones, catapults with dangerous objects and other dangerous items at troops causing bodily harm and stopping motorist movement, breaking their windscreen and causing heavy traffic, the army said of the incident, which it estimated broke out at 3:00 p.m. However, Troops repelled the attack in conjunction with the Nigerian Police Force to stop the situation from further deteriorating. Unfortunately, during the encounter 3 members of the sect were killed while 4 soldiers sustained various degrees of injuries and are being treated at a military medical facility, the army said. The statement said calm has returned to the area and vehicular and human traffic no more hectic as of the time of its statement late Monday. The militarys account appeared to significantly downplay the intensity of devastation witnessed near the scene on Monday. At least two witnesses told PREMIUM TIMES the soldiers opened fire not only on protesters but also passersby. The indiscriminate use of lethal force prompted thousands to scamper for safety in the neighbourhood, during which some fleeing persons were knocked down by moving vehicles. At least three of those killed were denied burial at a local burial ground in Karu because they were accused of being Shiites and not Muslims, a witness said. Videos showing bodies of some of the protesters allegedly shot by soldiers have been circulated on the internet, although PREMIUM TIMES has not independently verified their authenticity. Members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria have held regular protests to demand for the release of their leader since December 2015. Ibrahim el-Zakzaky was taken into custody with his wife after soldiers massacred hundred of his members in Zaria, Kaduna State, between December 12 and 15. Mr el-Zakzakys children were said to be amongst those killed. A judicial panel set up by the Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai found the military culpable in the massacre, recommending a major-general for trial. The Nigerian Army denied culpability in the massacre, which President Muhammadu Buhari defended during a media chat on December 30, 2015. Mr Buhari said it was wrong for the protesters to have blocked a road the Chief of Army Staff Tukur Buratai was travelling on, and has also defended security agencies refusal to obey court orders for Mr el-Zakzakys unconditional release from custody. The International Criminal Court is currently investigating the December 2015 massacre which has official estimate of 347 deaths while Shiite leaders insist over 1,000 were killed by Nigerian soldiers. Other rights groups like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch are looking into deaths resulting from frequent Shiite protests across Nigeria. At least five people were feared dead Tuesday in a fresh clash between soldiers and members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria in Abuja. A spokesperson for the group, Abdullahi Musa, told PREMIUM TIMES the groups members were killed, after they repeatedly tried to avoid military attacks around central parts of Nigerias Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Mr Musa also denied that the Shiite members violently confronted the army, to start the attacks. Yes there has been a renewed attack on our members. I can confirm that five of us were killed. They have taken four of the dead bodies away and one of them is still here with us, he said. We were headed for the Unity Fountain, when we met some members of the guard brigade at the Nicon junction. We retreated and took the Ademola Adetokumbo Road, but we were stopped again at Abia House. Then we tried to follow the back of the Ministry of Justice area, but they came again and started using teargas and shooting at us. Asked whether the group had taken measures to prevent these repeated clashes with the military, Mr Musa alleged the attacks were inevitable because they were approved at the highest level of government. That claim could not be independently verified. I will just say that the people attacking us have presidential directive that is why these attacks are inevitable. We had announced that we will undertake an annual religious trek. We had also said that we will start from outside Abuja and end in Abuja, he said. When we started today for example, we did not see any check points or road-blocks. Yet they came and attacked us, Mr Musa said. The Islamic Movement Nigeria began a three-day trek across some states of the federation on Sunday. But the processions have been bloody in Abuja, with at least nine shot dead by soldiers. The army has however accused the Shiite members of violently confronting them, resulting in the attacks. The recent invitation by the State Security Service (SSS) of some senior officials of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) for vetting and documentation is a normal practice in the public service, the Executive Secretary of the agency, Sharon Ikeazor, has said. Ms Ikeazor was reacting to reports that at least 30 senior officials of her agency were invited for investigation by the security outfit as a way of harassing them. She said there was nothing illegal about the exercise. It is normal to vet and profile senior government officials in public service. When one attains a certain level in government, and working in a place like the pensions office, it is compulsory one must undergo the process, she told PREMIUM TIMES in an exclusive interview in Abuja on Monday. I went for mine as well. It is not for selected persons. So far as you have attained a certain level in government, you must do it. I understand the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) is also doing its own vetting of its officials. It is not something one should be afraid of. One of the officials affected by the exercise, who requested not to be named, for fear of victimisation, told PREMIUM TIMES they were invited by the vetting department of the SSS for vetting and documentation. At the SSS, we were asked to fill a form stating personal details about your primary, secondary and university education; family background; where you worked before; your relations and neighbours and all such information, the official said. The official expressed surprise they were asked to undergo the process, saying it was only when one was being offered appointment that vetting or background checks were usually done. Recent publications on some online platforms and social media accused the executive secretary of being behind the SSS invitation ostensibly to harass the top staff opposed to some of her alleged corrupt practices and illegal contract awards. One of the publications in elombah.com by the chairman of George Uboh Whistleblowers Network (GUWN), George Uboh, accused Ms Ikeazor of disobeying the Vice President, the National Assembly and Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Mr Uboh said she refused to carry out directives by the trio for her to reinstate four of the five directors of the directorate sacked after a staff audit revealed they were irregularly appointed. In March 2017, the executive secretary announced the sack of Director, Pension Support Services Department, Roz Ben-Okagbue; Director, Parastatals Pension Department, Taiwo Ogundipe; Director, Customs, Immigrations and Prisons Pension Department, Uloma Uruakpa; Director, Civil Service Pension Department, Godson Ukpevo, and Atiku Saleh of the Police Pension Department. One of the directors is still undergoing investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other offences Commission (ICPC). But, in an interview with PREMIUM TMES, Ms Ikeazor denied she disobeyed directives to reinstate the sacked directors, saying they were indicted during the staff audit conducted by the anti-graft agency. She said the audit report found the directors were above the age of 50 at the time of their employment, which is clearly in violation of the public service regulation. After the directors were asked to leave after the staff audit, the letter terminating their appointments stated clearly the salaries they earned throughout the period of their irregular appointments must be recovered and returned to government treasury. Following the sack, Ms Ikeazor said the affected directors not only took the matter to court, but also to the National Assembly Committee on Establishments (Senate) and the Pensions Committee in the House of Representatives. She said before the Senate passed the final resolution requesting their reinstatement, the directors withdrew the matter from court. I am 33 years at the bar as a lawyer. I could not have responded when the matter was still before the court, because that could have been subjudice. If the Senate had the true picture of the issues, I am sure they would not have passed the resolution, she said. The people who are still saying I refused to respond to the Senate invitation have chosen to hear one side of the case, she said. On reports that she ignored the vice presidents directive to reinstate the directors, Ms Ikeazor said the sacked directors wrote petitions individually through their lawyers to the vice president alleging irregularity in the termination of their appointments. Ms Ikeazor said in her response to the vice president, she attached the highlights of the report of the staff audit which found the directors guilty of irregular appointment. She said after the staff audit report, the then Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, who was the supervising minister of PTAD, approved the implementation of the staff audit report. Nigeria has left that era in which democratic norms are brazenly subverted, with votes awarded to those favoured by the authorities, and the shortchanged told to go to court if they were not happy. President Muhammadu Buhari stated this Monday while receiving in State House, Abuja, members of the Joint United Nations, African Union and ECOWAS Good Offices Mission on Elections. I am highly qualified to talk on this, having ended in Supreme Court three times, after participating in elections with disputed results. Where will a man looking for where his next meal would come from, have money to hire lawyers, particularly senior advocates? the President said. He assured that the 2019 polls would be free and fair, submitting: The President has only one vote, governors have a vote each, just like anybody else. Let the people vote for whoever they choose, without their will being tampered with. Thanking the joint team for being in touch with our institutions, particularly the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the President said multi-party democracy gives lots of choice to the people, adding that Nigeria has a vibrant young population, who trust us to handle their affairs and resources well. A lot depends on leadership. President Buhari said the 2015 elections were run with three campaign objectives; securing the country, reviving the economy, fighting corruption, and the opposition has not succeeded in faulting us. We are doing our best with the resources available to us. President of ECOWAS Commission, Jean-Claude Brou, said the team came on a solidarity visit to Nigeria before the forthcoming elections, as it did with other countries like Senegal, Mali, Gambia, and others which recently held polls. He appreciated the strong role Nigeria plays in the sub-region, while also thanking President Buhari for his strides in the fight against corruption and terrorism. Mohammed Ibn Chambas, speaking on behalf of the UN, appreciated what he called the strong leadership of President Buhari in Nigeria, West Africa, and Africa. Youve always played politics according to the rules. We will do all that we can to strengthen the institutions. Were convinced that INEC is ready to provide free and fair elections, Mr Chambas said. EDITORS NOTE: The headline of this story has been changed to reflect the actual statement by President Buhari. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) says it has no plans to increase pump prices of petroleum products, especially petrol. The corporation disclosed this in a statement signed by its spokesman, Ndu Ughamadu, on Tuesday. He said though NNPC, since October 2017, had been the sole importer of petrol into the country, the government had no plan to review the market prices of products either upwards or downwards now. He cautioned Nigerians against spreading false news, and urged those doing so to be wary of the impacts their behaviour could have on the prices of petroleum products especially petrol as the festive period draws near. According to him, if not checked, the rumours of unsubstantiated price review can lead to artificial scarcity and hoarding of products by consumers. This, he added may result in unwarranted queues and suffering of Nigerians at fuel stations. Mr Ughamadu urged members of the public to report any station that sells PMS above the N145 recommended price to the offices of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) nationwide. The Department is authorised to monitor and regulate the Industrys activities, he added. He reiterated the recent statement of the NNPC Group Managing Director, Maikanti Baru, that the corporation had 37 days stock of PMS in the country. He added that the corporation had mapped out strategies to ensure that Nigerians have a hitch-free festive period. (NAN) Former Minister of External Affairs and member of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the People Democratic Party (PDP),Tom Ikimi,has described the nickname of Mr. fix it given to the late Anthony Anenih as befitting. Mr Anenih died at 85 in a private hospital in Abuja on Sunday. In a special tribute on Tuesday in Abuja, Mr Ikimi said Mr Anenihs departure has created an immense vacuum that may be difficult to fill. He said the deceased was a meritorious policeman, successful businessman, farmer, a political icon and leader, who developed and established a towering image not only in his home land Esan, in Edo State, but right across Nigeria where he consistently presided over intricate and delicate matters with firmness, utmost dexterity and finesse. He lamented that Mr Anenih died when his wise counsel was most direly needed at this critical period of our nations history. It will indeed be a long time to come before many of us will come to terms with the reality of the passing of Onwalen Chief Anthony Akahon Anenih CFR, the Iyasere of Esan land, one time Federal Minister of Works and, until recently, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees Of The Peoples Democratic Party PDP. Nature has once again struck to claim from this terrestrial planet, a political giant who in the last three decades or so traversed our country Nigeria menacingly and emphatically recording historic political victories and conquests which earned him the befitting title of Mr Fix it. When he said there was no vacancy in Aso Rock indeed there wasnt any vacancy! His departure, to join his ancestors at this time, as has been the case of a number of other notables before him from our dear Esan Land, has created an immense vacuum that may be difficult to fill. We the Esan People have lost a great voice in Nigeria. The Edo and the South South people of Nigeria have lost a foremost patriot. I will personally miss his regular visits to me particularly on my birthdays. Chief Anthony Anenih lived a remarkably fulfilled life; he played his part well and has now taken a glorious exit. I wish him a safe onward journey as he goes to meet his maker and pray that God will receive him into his bosom. Mr Ikimi prayed for his family to have the grace to bear the irreparable loss and the strength to continue his good works. Also in a tribute, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) described Mr Anenih as an illustrious son whose contributions to the country are immeasurable. The party in a statement by its publicity secretary, Alfa Mohammed, on Monday said for his good deeds and contributions towards peace and stability of Nigeria, his name will continue to appear in gold when ever the history of this country is being rewritten. The party said Mr Anenih was one of those who fought and earned the current democracy in Nigeria and would be remembered for living a life of tremendous service to the nation while serving as a senior police officer, National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party in the Third Republic and Minister of Works. We wish to commiserate with Nigerians, the government and people of Edo State as well as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the demise of their illustrious son and the former Chairman, Board of Trustees whose immeasurable contributions to the unity, peace and stability of the country is not hidden. During his life time as key political figure in the country, the deceased was known across Nigerias political spectrum, for his stance on issues pertaining to the unity and stability of the country. The SDP prayed God to grant his soul eternal rest and grant his family the fortitude to bear his loss. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has denied starving suspects in its custody, contrary to some reports. The EFCC head of public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, said in Lagos that the commission never starved suspects but allowed their family members to bring food for them daily. He spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos. Mr Uwujaren reacted to a press statement by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), alleging that some security agencies starved detainees in their custody. MURIC had said that the immediate past Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti state fed more than 150 people including hungry suspects in EFCC custody when he was detained there for alleged fraud. In the statement signed by its director and founder, Ishaq Akintola, MURIC said that starving of suspects violated provisions of Nigerias Constitution. However, Mr Uwujaren told NAN that he was not aware that Mr Fayose fed suspects in detention. I am not aware that former Gov. Ayodele Fayose fed some people while he was in the EFCC cell in Ikoyi, he told NAN. MURIC said in the statement that EFCC detainees sang the national anthem after eating with Mr Fayose. It alleged that Mr Fayose also secured lawyers for some of them and promised to assist those who could not meet their bail conditions. MURIC described the alleged developments as outrageous, preposterous and embarrassing, saying that it was against the Constitution and religious laws to dehumanise detainees with hunger. It is highly immoral to arrest and detain a man you do not have the capacity to cater for his basic needs, it said. (NAN) The Nigerian government has debunked an online publication alleging deplorable conditions of the troops fighting Boko Haram in the North-east, saying the report is a classic example of fake news. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, said in view of the grave security implication of the allegations contained in the publication, President Muhammadu Buhari ordered an investigation to determine its veracity. Gentlemen, the investigation has since been concluded and, in line with the transparent stance of this administration, I have invited you here today to share with you the outcome. The summary of the findings is that there is no case of hunger, starvation or begging among the troops fighting in the North East, and in particular in the Armed Forces Special Forces Battalion that was referenced in the publication. There is also no irregular/short payment of allowances, while claims of poor equipment, inadequate kitting and accommodation are found to be ill-conceived and unfounded, he said. Mr Mohammed said contrary to the publication, the troops in question, deployed at Brig.-Gen. Maimalari Secondary School along Gubio Road, are being fed centrally three times a day, and are kitted immediately after their training before they are deployed in the theatre. How then can soldiers who are fed centrally be starving or begging for food? Concerning the payment of allowances, the monthly allowances of troops of the AFSF Battalion are being paid directly into their various accounts from the Defence Headquarters, hence they cannot be shortchanged, he said. On the allegation of poor equipment and inadequate kitting, the minister said it was found that the inflow of logistics into the theatre in the past six months showed an enormous quantity of material was distributed to troops in the theatre. If anything, the publication in question exhibited poor understanding of what obtains in the theatre of military operations. For example, the claim of poor accommodation in an operational environment. By their training, soldiers in theatres of war are usually in trenches, tents or other makeshift structures. Fighting insurgency is not a walk in the park and the gallant men and women in uniform who are engaged in counter-insurgency operation in the North East are not on a luxurious expedition. The battlefront is no playground, he said. Mr Mohammed warned that engaging in fake publication about the troops is not only a great disservice to the nation, but a terrible downplay of the kind of sacrifices being made by the gallant troops in fighting the insurgency. He said such fake reports amount to collaborating with fifth columnists and enemies of the nation to weaken the fighting spirit of our forces, and represent a clear and present danger to the nations security. While restating the administrations belief in the freedom of the press, the minister appealed to the media to always commit to the highest standards of journalism by double-checking with the government before publishing any information from the theatre of operation in the North-east. Kemi Busari, an investigative journalist with PREMIUM TIMES, has been nominated for the 2018 Newcomer of the Year Award category of the global Free Press Award. Other nominees with Mr. Busari are Chinwe Agbeze, also from Nigeria, and a Cameroonian journalist, Amos Nkunchoh. According to the organisers, the winner of the award will officially be honoured at Free Press Live 2018 in Netherlands on November 2. Free Press Unlimited every year organises Free Press Live focusing on the impunity of crimes against journalists. During this international event in the Peace Palace in the Hague, policymakers and media professionals are invited to draw attention to the risks journalists take when doing their job. The Free Press awards has three categories which are: Newcomer of the Year, Most Resilient Journalist and Best Report made with the support of the Dutch Postcode Lottery Fund. The category for which Mr. Busari was nominated recognises a new talented journalist who has demonstrated strong performance when it comes to reporting the news. Winner of this award will receive a media scholarship as well as all expenses paid to the event in The Hague, Netherlands. Mr Busari is a Political Science graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University. A bill seeking the establishment of a Federal Polytechnic in Daura, Katsina State, was one of five that came under public hearing at the Senate on Tuesday. The News Agency of Nigerian (NAN) reports that Daura is the country home of President Muhammadu Buhari. When approved the proposed Federal Polytechnic, Daura, would be the first federal institution in Katsina North Senatorial District, according to promoters of the bill. The bill, being sponsored by Ahmed Babba-Kaita, was initiated by his immediate predecessor, Mustapha Bukar, who died early this year. Also featuring at the public hearing were bills seeking the establishment of the Federal University of Education, Aguleri, Anambra State, and the National Institute of Construction Technology and Management, Uromi, Edo State. They are being sponsored by Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) and Clifford Ordia (Edo Central) respectively. Others are the Federal Polytechnic, Ikom, Cross Rivers (Establishment) Bill, 2018 sponsored by John Eno (Cross Rivers Central), and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2018. The hearing was conducted by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND chaired by Barau Jibrin (Kano-North). Speaking at the event, President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, said the proposed laws were designed to ensure the provision of quality education in all parts of the country. Mr Saraki, represented by the Minority Whip of the Senate, Philip Aduda, decried the fallen standards of education in Nigeria over the last two decades. He, however, said the Senate remained committed to reversing the situation through quality legislation and oversight. Earlier, Vice Chairman of the committee, Tijjani Kaura, congratulated and lauded promoters of the bills for their efforts in pushing them this far. Mr Kaura, who presided on behalf of the committee chairman, said it was a demonstration of their commitment to their constituents. He also commended the senate president for his concern for nations educational system, and for ensuring the bills were subjected to public hearing in a conducive atmosphere. NAN reports that all the bills, except that of the NBTE Act, were endorsed by relevant stakeholders present. The NBTE bill was skipped because none of its invited stakeholders was present at the hearing. (NAN) The Nigeria Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has denied claims by the Organised Labour that the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage agreed on N30,000 for the country. This was contained in a press statement signed by Samuel Olowookere, Director Press, Ministry of Labour and Employment and made available to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday. According to the statement, the representative of NACCIMA in the tripartite committee, M. F Dankaka in a letter to Ama Pepple, Chairman of the committee, had said NACCIMA did not agree to such figure. At no time did NACCIMA agree to such a figure. Rather the last figure offered by us as part of the Organised Private Sector was the sum of N22, 000 and negotiation was still ongoing for the meeting to arrive at a consensus and not by moving a motion, the statement quoted her as saying. (NAN) The average improvement of Gross Domestic Products (GDP) of African countries have not been translated into sustainable economic opportunities, Mo Ibrahim Foundation says. News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2018 Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG) was launched by the foundation during a live event on Monday. According to the report, Sustainable Economic Opportunity remains on average the worst performing and slowest improving category of the IIAG. Its 2017 African average score is 44.8 (out of 100.0), only +0.1 points higher than ten years ago (2008). Although Nigeria ranked 29 with a score of 43.5 and a growth rate of 2.7, the African average is 44.8 with a 0.1 growth rate. Comparatively, Morocco had the highest improvement with a growth rate of 14.1 and a score of 68.3, while Libya had the lowest improvement a negative growth rate of -22.6, scoring 23.7. On the state of Sustainable Economic Opportunity, the report says, Africas combined GDP has increased by +39.7% over the last decade. But this has not translated into a similar level of progress in providing Sustainable Economic Opportunity for its citizens. In contrast, the increase in the African average score in this category of the IIAG is only +0.1 (a percentage increase of only +0.2%), the index stated. The Sustainable Economic Opportunity category in the IIAG measures the extent to which governments enable their citizens to pursue economic goals and provide the opportunity to prosper. NAN reports that this is calculated under four main categories including public management, business environment, infrastructure and rural sector. Analysing the index, Mr Ibrahim, Yvonne Mensah, Head of Africa and Governance Directorate at the Commonwealth and Nasi Rwigema, an energy expert and Mo Ibrahim scholar examined the development growth rate for Africa. Mr Ibrahim said, My reading of the report is that there is trickling down. A country is getting richer, getting more revenue. Somehow, that has been translated in improving the conditions of the country. This is probably false and is not happening in many countries. Inequality is a problem and it is increasing and it seems that the wealth generated during the boom has not been retranslated into better job opportunities or money has been invested in infrastructure in improving quality education. It is a challenge, African economies have grown by almost 40% over the last few years but we dont see really a proportional growth in the area of sustainable economic development itself. It really seems that governments are not paying enough attention to rural areas and I have a feeling that people in the city have more influence in the government behaviour than people outside. We really are not delivering in the rural sector which is sad because half of the population is there, Mr Ibrahim said. Meanwhile, Rwigema worries that African governments are not doing enough to translate GDP growth into better economic opportunities for the citizens. He said, What I see with my friends and family is that the government tend not to be creating enough sustainable economic opportunities. So, the economics are growing significantly over the last 10 years but the growth of economic opportunities created by these governments is stagnant. The worry is that we are going to lose out on the incredible opportunity that is our people, Mr Rwigema said. However, Ms Mensah stated that governments ought to create better environments for several business and economic opportunities to thrive. She said, The state has to create the enabling environments for jobs to be created. For the private sector to be able to create those jobs. If you look at the business environment which is actually going down, thats serious, Mensah said. The Mo Ibrahim Foundation was established in 2006 with a focus on the critical importance of leadership and governance in Africa, by providing tools to assess and support progress in leadership and governance. The IIAG provides an annual assessment of the quality of governance in African countries and is the most comprehensive collection of data on African governance. (NAN) A senator, Bukar Abba Ibrahim (APC, Yobe), has predicted President Muhammadu Buhari will win next years election in the North-east and that nothing will stop him from returning for second term. Mr Abba Ibrahim had earlier warned that the president may lose in the region and may not be reelected because he deviated from the crucial issues that brought him to power in 2015. The lawmaker condemned Mr Buharis performance in the last three years, saying his failures were waiting to catch up with him at the general elections next February. The politics of the North-East has always been different from the politics of the North-West and it was under APC that we all united for the first time, Mr Abba Ibrahim said at a book launch in Abuja over the weekend. As we move towards the elections, I have to give a dire warning to the APC that things are no longer the way they were in 2015 when we rode to power on a cloud of euphoria believing that things will change for better. Simply put, things have not changed and many things are getting worse and the people are bitter. We should not assume that we can win even with massive rigging. However, in a four-minute video on the official Facebook page of Nigerias Ambassador to Nigeria, Aminu Iyawa, in which Mr Abba Ibrahim was addressing some journalists, the senator said he was misquoted and pledged his support for Mr Buhari in the 2019 general election. My superior, Muhammadu Buhari, I supported him before he became president, I am supporting him now that he is is president, I will support him even if he wins second term. By the grace of God, we will win the election, he will serve his second term and we will do four years together thats eight years. But people of this town, I dont know where they got their fact from, they said, I attacked Buhari. That I said we will not win in the North-East, that Buhari will fail in the North-East. Thats a useless statement. What I said is, they way that people in the North-West have held on to his re-election strongly, because Buhari is their person, we too in the North-East, we should stand up and support them as required so we can win the election. As far as I am alive, there is nothing that will make Buhari fail in the North-East. Not in Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, Adamawa or Taraba. There is no way he will lose the election. By the grace of God, Buhari will win the election and serve his second term. Thats what they misinterpreted as Bukar Abba Ibrahim said Buhari will lose in the North East. What will stop him? Nothing, he said. He vowed to forever be a member of the All Progressives Congress. I, Bukar Abba Ibrahim, I am in APC now, tomorrow I will be in APC and by the grace of God, I will forever be in APC, if they dont change the party. I will remain in the APC. I am not seeking anything, I am not seeking any political post, I am not seeking anything in the government office. Nothing will separate me from APC. A presidential aide has called for strict enforcement of the law by security agents to curb abuse of social media. Lauretta Onochie, the personal assistant on social media to President Muhammadu Buhari made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja. She said the challenge in the country was that the laws were not being enforced by the appropriate authorities, adding that the country had the necessary laws to guide what was being published and spoken online. Our laws are not being enforced; we must plead with the law enforcement agencies to look into this to help the president and the nation to stay together, she said. She said hate speech was capable of disintegrating the country, adding that if this happened, everybody would be a victim because the people would not have anywhere to run to for succour. Ms Onochie noted that the social media had given a voice to young Nigerians who were hitherto trained by their parents not to ask questions or raise their voices. Many of our youth are raised by mothers and fathers who rebuke them when they ask question. Now that they are on social media, they can air their opinions, but I must counsel them that whatsoever they say today they should make sure it is the truth. If you are lying in order to bring bloodshed on our nation, the blood would be on you and your generation, she said. The SA noted that Nigerians should ensure that they must at all times ensure that whatever they said on social media must be the truth. Ms Onochie advised them to always consult Google to be sure of their posts online if they found something that was not the truth. If they are not the truth, it should not be shared, sharing it means you are breaking the law, she said. Gunmen have abducted a lecturer of the Modibbo Adama University of Technology (MAUTECH), Allan Kadams, a few weeks after the kidnap and release of a colleague. Confirming the incident, the Registrar of the University, Halima Muhammmad told journalists in Yola Tuesday that the kidnappers stormed the private residence of the professor at Bajabure federal housing estate around 2 a.m. on Monday while he was asleep and whisked him away. Mrs Muhammmad said the chief security officer of the university is already liaising with the family of the professor to ascertain whether they had received a demand for ransom. About two weeks ago, another professor, Ibrahim Zata, was also kidnapped by unknown gunmen at his private residence in Girei. He was released after the payment of a ransom. Spokesman of the police command in the state, Othman Abubakar said that the command had received an official complaint on the matter and has since detailed its men to search for the teacher. We have received the report on the kidnapping case of the professor from MAUTECH Yola and our men are on top of the situation using all strategies to ensure that the professor of soil science is rescued unharmed and on time, Mr Abubakar stated. He also said the command on Tuesday paraded 11 suspects, saying seven out of them are kidnappers who have been terrorising Wuro-jabbe and Vuno-Killang areas in the state capital. A source told our correspondent in Yola that when Mr Zata (the first victim) was kidnapped, the family had to pay N2 million to ensure his release. Residents of Nyanya in the Federal Capital Territory have narrated their experience Monday evening during the deadly clash in the area between Nigerian soldiers and members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria. The Shiites were staging yet another in their series of protest over the continued detention of their leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky. The protest took place in Nyanya in the FCT and neighbouring Mararaba in Nasarawa State. Mr El-Zakzaky was arrested in 2015 after members of his group had a confrontation with the motorcade of the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, in Zaria, Kaduna State. Over 300 Shiites were killed by the army in that incident, killings that have been condemned by rights groups including Amnesty International. The protest on Monday resulted in a gridlock that forced many residents closing from work in the Abuja municipal area to trek several kilometres from AYA to Maraba/ Nyanya and other neighbouring settlements. The residents narrated their experience to PREMIUM TIMES Tuesday morning. There were women who I suspect cannot be up to 20 years old carrying their children on their back, bare-footed, wearing black and carrying placards marching for the release of their leader, Johnson, a resident who witnessed the clash at Nyanya Market told PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday. According to him, the protest started around 3 p.m. but some other eye-witnesses said it was between 4 and 5 p.m. Mr Johnson said despite soldiers shooting, some of the protesters kept advancing in a column towards the soldiers, with some of them carrying their injured colleagues. All those small children, they have mind! With the shooting you could see them advancing towards the soldiers. With the heavy sound of gunshots, the sect members would carry any of their injured colleagues,. the ones that died they put on bikes and you would see the legs of the victims scratching the ground. Another eye-witness said he saw men and women members of the sect wearing turban and chanting. I stay around Mararaba and that was where they were coming from. They caused a lot of (traffic) hold-up and disturbed movement of people and businesses. As they got here (Nyanya Market), we started hearing gunshots from afar. It was now like there was a stampede among them, the way some were running and some advancing. And we that were here, we started packing our things. Before you know it, we started hearing more gunshots and people started running. It was later we heard that the military first asked them to go back, that they were not allowed into the city. But they insisted that they must go into the town and the clash got more intense. One of the sect leaders came out with his chest opened, some said he was with a charm, challenging the soldiers. That was when the soldiers started shooting. With the shooting, some were going back while some were moving forward, (chanting) that they would not agree. Before the clash, there was a military post just under the bridge with about four Hilux jeeps. When I was coming, I saw military police there and some police officers there too and it was later that the army now came. We did not stay long before we all packed and we moved out around 6 p.m. to our homes. We heard that the group said they would still come and repeat the protest. So whoever is their sponsor, the government should find them out, Mr Johnson said. Before, I dont like commenting on their issue, said another trader at Nyanya Market. But the day I saw them at Nicon Junction in Abuja trying to take an armoured tank from policemen who were spraying hot water. They were trekking without shoes, with women not up to 15 years, marching from Area 1 to Secretariat (in the Central Business District), just because they said they are protesting! When our reporter arrived at the scene of the clash Tuesday morning, normalcy had been restored. People were going about normal businesses as police officers mounted a check point searching vehicles going towards the municipal area. Earlier on Saturday, the FCT police command had assured residents of adequate security against the planned protests by the sect in the territory. Later, the army confirmed that three sect members were killed and four soldiers injured in the Monday incident. A similar protest, however, continued on Tuesday in Abuja. The four governors who met with President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday said they had a robust and fruitful discussion with the president. They, however, refused to disclose what was discussed with the president. The four governors who belong to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party include Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta, Emmanuel Udom of Akwa Ibom, Nyesom Wike of Rivers and Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa states. The meeting held inside the presidents office at State House Villa, Abuja. Speaking with State House correspondents after the meeting, Governor Dickson of Bayelsa said, My colleagues and I came to have audience with the president to discuss issues pertinent to our country and pertinent to our respective states. The Bayelsa governor also said they had a robust and fruitful discussion with the president and he promised to look into it in anyway possible. When pressed for details of what was discussed, Mr Dickson simply said we dont want to go into those details. Parents of the abducted Chibok school girls on Tuesday said only six girls were sighted in Sambisa forest as against 57 indicated by media reports quoting one of the parents. The spokesperson of the parents, Ayuba Alamson, told reporters in Maiduguri that the young lady who escaped from the Boko Haram captivity claimed to have stayed with only six girls in the forest. Mr Alamson, who identified the lady as Jummai Abouku, said she escaped from the Boko Haram insurgents and was released recently by the military to her family after profiling and screening. According to him, Jummai, a mother of six, was abducted together with her elder son by the insurgents at Askira Uba in 2014. Mr Alamson explained that the escapee told the parents that she stayed with six of the girls in Sambisa forest, adding that she had also identified the girls and their parents. He said: Jumai told us that six of the girls were married to the insurgents, one of them is pregnant with one child and another one has a baby, while the remaining four were married without children. Few months before her escape, Jumai was also forced to marry one of the insurgents and she is now pregnant. She escaped with her son and stayed in a camp in Bama, before they were released to their family in Chibok. This is what she narrated to us and we do not know the source of the information about the 57 girls sighted in Cameroon. We are happy over the development, it rekindles our hope that the remaining girls in the insurgents captivity are alive and would be released. He commended the federal government over the release of the over 100 abducted school girls. Mr Alamson called on government and international organisations to secure the release of the remaining girls including Leah Sheribu. However, Yakubu Nkenke, the chairman, Parents of the Abducted School Girls, was quoted in a media report as saying that 57 of the girls were sighted in northern Cameroon. Mr Nkenke disclosed that the girls were seen by other female captives at Garin Magaji and Garin Mallam villages of Marwa district, Cameroon. Mr Nkenke revealed that seven of the girls were at Garin Magaji, and 50 others stays with their husbands and children at Garin Mallam. When contacted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) he insisted on the figure. What we should be looking at is how to rescue the girls. Their locations has been revealed for the government to secure their release, he told NAN. Human rights groups on Tuesday again protested in Makurdi, Benue State capital, over the death of Ochanya Obaje, a 13-year-old girl, who was allegedly raped by a lecturer of Benue State Polytechnic, Andrew Ogbuja, and his son, Victor. A similar protest held last Thursday in Abuja. Similar protests had earlier been held in Makurdi. The victim, who was a Junior Secondary School 1 student at the Federal Government College, Gboko, Benue State died of Vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) and other health complications after being allegedly abused by the duo on several occasions. She was allegedly sexually abused by the suspects for about five years, while she lived with them. While Mr Ogbuja was arrested by the police, arraigned before a Makurdi Upper Area Court in August 2018 and remanded in prison, his son fled. On Tuesday, a child right foundation, Blue Baby Support Initiative, led other right activists to demand justice for the late Miss Ochanya. The protest took place at Benue State University and its environs. Aisha Ogieriakhi, founder of Blue Baby Support Initiative, told PREMIUM TIMES why the protest held. What did this child do to suffer a fate like this? Ochanya, they killed her innocence and her body. And for all the perpetrators, calamity will come upon them suddenly. They (such victims) are violated, molested & sexually abused. They suffer from depression & other psychological problems which scars them for the rest of their lives. They are deprived of a normal childhood and are filled with fear, anxiety and pain. Some die in the process like Ochanya! Lets lend them a voice, let them know they have the power to speak up now! Some of the protesters today in Makurdi, Benue State Some of the protesters today in Makurdi, Benue State The horror they experience is unacceptable to every girl, woman, mother, parent. Every one of us who doesnt fight back gives the abusers another chance and creates more victims! It isnt their fault. Life has just been unfair to them! Nobody has the right to abuse a child! But we all have the right to stand up for them. Until Ochanya gets the required justice, the walk (protest) continues, she said. The Zamfara State Police Command has confirmed the release of Hindatu Ibrahim, wife of the provost of the College of Agriculture and Animal Science, Bakura, in the state. The 35 years old victim, according to police, was abducted on October 27 by unknown persons at her husbands house located inside the college. She was rescued a day after. The commands spokesperson, Mohammed Shehu, who disclosed this in a statement, said she (Hindatu) was taken to an unknown destination by her abductors. The command quickly responded by deploying its tactical forces who commenced immediate search and rescue operation. On 28th October, 2018, the victim was rescued hale and hearty. She has been debriefed and reunited with her family, he said. The statement did not mention if ransom was paid before her release. Mr Shehu explained that extensive search of the surrounding bush and other areas is ongoing with a view to arrest the perpetrators. He said investigation has commenced to unravel the circumstances surrounding the act. He said the command will not relent in its effort to ensure the peace, security and safety of Zamfara State and its people. A senator, Kabiru Marafa (APC, Zamfara), has asked the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to expel Abdulaziz Yari, governor of Zamfara State. The lawmaker also enumerated 10 reasons why Mr Yari should be expelled from the party. Mr Marafa, who is also a governorship aspirant in the state, has been the governors political foe overtime. Both men have constantly accused each other of being responsible for the lapses and unrest in Zamfara State. Mr Marafas most recent accusation was that the state governor hired protesters to call for the sack of the APCs national chairman, Adams Oshiomhole. In a statement which he titled 10 reasons why Yari should be immediately expelled from APC on Sunday, Mr Marafa said the National Working Committee (NWC) under the leadership of Mr Oshiomhole should expel the governor and all those he declared as winners of the illegal and controversial primaries he conducted. While reiterating his support for the president, Muhammadu Buhari, he said the action has become necessary to stop the governor and his cohorts from their plot to pull down the APC and frustrate the second term bid of the president. The governor should be expelled for gross indiscipline and violation of our party constitution. The measure becomes necessary to maintain party discipline and deter others that may be tempted to take similar actions in future to achieve their selfish objectives, he said. Below, are the 10 reasons he gave for which the governor should be expelled: 1) Frustrating the efforts of NWC to conduct direct primaries for Zamfara State. 2) Directing state officials to conclude an election that was cancelled by a panel that has legal authority to do so. 3) Aiding and abating of violence that led to the death of six people, and injuring of many others including women and children on October 3. 4) Insulting publicly, the national chairman, Adams Oshiomhole and issuing threats to cause bloodshed if the NWC refuses to do his bidding, 5) Announcing the result of an illegal election conducted by his faction in violation of a subsisting court order. 6) Blocking APCs chances of fielding candidates by conducting and announcing an illegal election on October 7. 7) Causing disunity and disaffection among APC family in Zamfara State by conducting illegal primary elections. 8) Hiring of Commercial NGOs to issue useless statements/ultimatum on matters before the law court. 9) Neglecting totally, his primary responsibility of providing leadership in the face of wanton killings, raping and kidnappings of innocent people that he is being paid to protect, thereby portraying APC in a bad light, both locally and internationally. 10) Spending of Zamfara taxpayers money ignorantly for the sponsorship of protest to remove the law abiding national chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole. Efforts to reach Mr Yaris special assistant on media, Ibrahim Dosara, were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls and text message two days after he was contacted. Earlier, the lawmaker declared his support for the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that the APC does not have a candidate for the 2019 general election. He also warned the party against illegality. INEC declared the APC ineligible to field candidates for all elective positions in Zamfara State in the 2019 general elections. This is because the party failed to meet the October 7 deadline for conducting primaries to elect candidates for the elections. In its response, the national chairman of the party, Mr Oshiomhole, said the party will present its candidates for all elective positions in Zamfara State in the 2019 general elections despite contrary directive by the electoral commission. Governor Yari, however, said the primaries held and his favoured candidates won. Mr Marafa had in June, declared his intention to vie for the governorship slot. He said he joined the race due to numerous calls from members of the party in the 14 local government areas of the state. The lawmaker had pledged to fight corruption, injustice and provide the much needed leadership to stimulate the growth and development of the state. He also pledged to provide security as well as look at the states legal system to make it conform to the true teachings of Islam for the benefit of all. The state has been ruptured by violence in recent months with armed bandits killing scores of people and destroying several houses. The lawmaker has continuously blamed the state governor, Mr Yari, for the high rate of insecurity and poverty in the state. The governor of Jigawa State, Mohammed Badaru, on Tuesday assured members of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Jigawa chapter, of his governments readiness to fully implement the outcome of an ongoing meeting of governors over national minimum wage. A meeting with regard to the minimum wage is ongoing, the governors are discussing with the federal government as well, to agree on a fix minimum wage and Im sure there will be good news after the meeting, he said Tuesday. As the discussion continues we keep our fingers crossed and hope that beautiful outcome will come after the meeting. I assure you whatever the outcome of the meeting in Abuja, Jigawa will fully implement the decision of the governors. Mr Badarus remark was interrupted by thunderous applause from the labour members who visited the Government House. Early in his remarks, the Jigawa state chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Usman Yau, thanked Governor Badaru for the prompt payment of salaries, pension and gratuity. He stated that the labour congress in Jigawa had acknowledged the position of Jigawa State government on the issue of the proposed national minimum wage and called on the governor to intervene to convince other colleagues to agree on the proposed N39,000 as the national minimum wage in the country. Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State on Tuesday declared a three-day mourning period in honour of late elder statesman, Tony Anenih. Mr Obaseki announced the mourning period after his visit to the family home of the late political icon in Abuja. The mourning period, according to the governor, is effective from October 31 till November 2. Mr Anenih, who retired as a Commissioner of Police ln 1975, died at a private hospital in Abuja on Sunday. He was 85. The governor, who had expressed deep sadness over the passing of the former Minister of Works and Housing and the Iyasele of Esan land, said the mourning period was a mark of honour for Anenih. Mr Obaseki also expressed the state governments resolve to give the late consummate statesman, a political icon with an outstanding career, who believed in a prosperous Edo, a state burial, during which flags would be flown at half-mast in the state. The governor was received by the late politicians eldest son, Tony Anenih Jnr, in the company of the former Vice President, Namadi Sambo, and other members of the family and friends. It would be recalled that the governor, upon receiving the news of the passing of Mr Anenih, described his death as a huge loss to the state and the nation. Mr Obaseki had said the elder statesman devoted a better part of his life to the development of the state and country, contributing to national development in the various capacities he served in his lifetime. The governor lamented that: The whole of Edo State has suffered a huge loss with the death of Chief Anenih, the Iyasele of Esan land, who ranks as one of the most illustrious sons of the state. He added that Mr Anenih rose to the occasion when it mattered most, to defend the interest of Edo and her people. The governor noted that he attracted development to the state and groomed several Edo sons and daughters who were now active players in the nations political space. (NAN) The Trader Money, an initiative of the federal government to empower petty traders under the Government Enterprise Empowerment Programme (GEEP) in collaboration with the Bank of Industry, was on Monday launched in Ebonyi State. The programme powered by the Generating Demand Management Group (GDM) has the target of empowering petty traders across the country with at least N10,000 each to improve their businesses. About N400 million was expected to be disbursed to beneficiaries across Ebonyi State through their various bank accounts already profiled by the GDM. Speaking with journalists at the Abakpa Market, Abakaliki, venue of the project kick-off in the state, the Project Supervisor, Adebowale Bakare, said the scheme targets between 30,000 to 40,000 traders in the state. He said the beneficiaries had been captured in a database together with their various businesses by the GDM enumerators since the past two months. Mr Bakare said the collateralfree loan was initiated by the government to grow the economy and reduce poverty through micro enterprise development, adding that the beneficiaries were expected to pay back between three to six months interval with a minimal interest of N250 on the principal . Basically in Ebonyi State, we are targeting 30,000 to 40,000 beneficiaries. And as I am speaking to you, right in this market, we have had over 2,000 beneficiaries and we are still looking forward for about 5,000 others. All over the many markets in the state, we are still targeting more and more. Some of the prospective beneficiaries interviewed by journalists, including Kingsley Ogbonna and Monday Ibina, thanked the federal government for the initiative, noting that the loan would help boost their trading especially as Christmas was around the corner. Mr Ogbonna said: I feel the federal government is doing well if we receive the money and we will abide by whatever demand expected of us. It will help my business a little as we are entering the trading season. Meanwhile a few others, including Nwafor Ogechukwu, expressed reservations over the programme, regretting that they were initially told that the money was to be a grant rather than a loan. This development, our correspondent gathered, led to non-submission of bank account details by some people, on the notion that they were no longer comfortable about the programme. The Ondo State Government says it has awarded 318 projects worth over N28 billion in Ondo Central Senatorial District of the state between January and September 2018. Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state disclosed this on Tuesday at a town hall meeting organised by the state Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget. The Ondo senatorial district comprises six local government area: Akure South, Akure North, Ifedore, Idanre, Ondo East and Ondo West. Mr Akeredolu, who was represented by Wale Akinterinwa, the state Commissioner for Finance, said the projects spanned the six council areas. He said over N2 billion was earmarked for renovation and construction projects in 175 schools and would be executed through the state Universal Basic Education Board. According to the governor, the least projects in the district would gulp N5 million and were being executed by state Agric-Business Empowerment Agency. The governor said the stakeholders meeting became necessary to harvest inputs of the people with a view to including them in the states 2019 budgetary process. This will translate developmental plans of government into actionable programmes and strategies and increased democratisation, citizen participation and the desire to respond to developmental challenges, he said. The town hall meeting, Mr Akeredolu said, was a new dimension in the state budgetary process and would give feedback on what the government had done and was doing to ensure a better life and future for the people of the state. He enjoined residents of the state to continue to contribute their quota in order to enable development of the state. Earlier, Bunmi Alade, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, said the forum would assist government to prioritise peoples needs and desires in the preparation of the 2019 budget. Mr Alade stressed that everybody must have a say in governance because budget was an instrument of development. Commending the move by the state government, Abiodun Adefehinti, the Alara of Ilara-mokin, said it was good to get citizens involved in budgetary provisions so as to guide against waste of resources. He urged the state government to always carry traditional rulers along in policy formulations and programmes in order to enable them to mobilise their subjects in supporting the government. (NAN) Traditional rulers in Ekiti State have appealed to the state governor, Kayode Fayemi, to revisit their welfare packages that have been bastardised in the last four years. At a meeting with the governor in his office on Tuesday, the traditional rulers narrated their ordeals during the last administration where their salaries were not paid regularly and their allowances slashed to 40 per cent leading to situations where some obas get sitting allowances as low as two thousand or four hundred naira. The monarchs, led by their chairman, Oluwole Ademolaju, the Oloye of Oye- Ekiti, said it was unfortunate that custodians of the culture and tradition of the people could be treated in such a shabby and despicable manner where peanuts approved for them could not be paid while some people were living grandiose lifestyle. They called on the governor to be compassionate on them and return their rights and privileges that have been denied them in the last four years, urging that their plight be looked into within the ambit of available resources. The obas also used the opportunity to appreciate the governor for the cars he bought for them five years ago which is what majority of them were still using. They, however, lamented that about 13 obas who were crowned after the exercise were denied official vehicles by the Fayose government. They gave kudos to Mr Fayemi for giving over 120 cars to all Ekiti obas during his first tenure adding that it was commendable and unprecedented in the history of the state and Nigeria at large. Earlier, Governor Fayemi had solicited their support for his administration adding that government cannot move forward without the support of the traditional institution. While assuring them that his administration would complete all abandoned projects before his tenure lapses, the governor promised to partner with them in his drive to develop the state as all projects would be based on the needs of the people. He assured them of adequate security in all communities of the state by restoring the vigilante and further strengthening of the security forces and ensure better welfare for them adding that peaceful coexistence was the only antidote for development. Mr Fayemi said I know that there are various projects also that my government started which relate to your various communities, in the course of my visits during the campaign, I noticed that many of those projects had remained at a standstill and your expectation is that having returned from my sabbatical leave that those projects should come to fruition and completed in the various communities where they are located. We would do our best to try and do an assessment of those projects in the shortest possible time and see how we can quickly effect its completion within available resources. We would try not to leave any project abandoned. I have only been here for ten days and in the course of that we have had some skirmishes here and there, I am glad that Owa of Ilogbo is here with us and in one peace, I dont know whether you have returned to your community, but if you have not, we would have to ensure that you get back there. Owa of Ilogbo Ekiti was recently barred from entering his domain as a result of a disagreement that happened in the town. On road network, the governor assured the people that very soon, roads leading from Ado-Ekiti to Akure and Ikare Akoko both in Ondo state would be fixed by the federal government. Mr Fayemi also hinted the obas of plans by his administration to invest massively in agriculture, urging the traditional rulers to key into the programme. He also promised to effect the release of their entitlement within the ambit of available resources. The governor promised to build a council hall with chambers and offices where all the traditional rulers in the state could meet at the same time. For the New World Order, a world government is just the beginning. Once in place they can engage their plan to exterminate 80% of the world's population, while enabling the "elites" to live forever with the aid of advanced technology. For the first time, crusading filmmaker ALEX JONES reveals their secret plan for humanity's extermination: Operation ENDGAME. Jones chronicles the history of the global elite's bloody rise to power and reveals how they have funded dictators and financed the bloodiest warscreating order out of chaos to pave the way for the first true world empire. Watch as Jones and his team track the elusive Bilderberg Group to Ottawa and Istanbul to document their secret summits, allowing you to witness global kingpins setting the world's agenda and instigating World War III. to Ottawa and Istanbul to document their secret summits, allowing you to witness global kingpins setting the world's agenda and instigating World War III. Learn about the formation of the North America transportation control grid, which will end U.S. sovereignty forever. Discover how the practitioners of the pseudo-science eugenics have taken control of governments worldwide as a means to carry out depopulation. View the progress of the coming collapse of the United States and the formation of the North American Union. Never before has a documentary assembled all the pieces of the globalists' dark agenda. Endgame's compelling look at past atrocities committed by those attempting to steer the future delivers information that the controlling media has meticulously censored for over 60 years. It fully reveals the elite's program to dominate the earth and carry out the wicked plan in all of human history. Endgame is not conspiracy theory, it is documented fact in the elite's own words. This innovative program will move private health plan reimbursement for hospitals away from the volume of care they provide patients to the value of care they provide. Today, most hospitals are still paid based on volume, including a fee for each admission, test, and procedure. This "fee-for-service" approach often results in unnecessary medical care and an increased administrative burden, driving up costs without reliably improving patients' health. The program breaks new ground in payment reform and is an important complement to the payment model Blue Cross has in place with the majority of Massachusetts physician groups, known as the Alternative Quality Contract or AQC. Under the AQC, Blue Cross pays doctors a set amount to care for their patients and rewards them when they meet certain quality standards. While the AQC has helped motivate hospitals to collaborate with physician groups on the goals of improving quality and reducing costs, the modellike other Accountable Care Organization (ACO) models locally and nationallydid not fundamentally change the volume-based payment incentives for hospitals. Under the new program, which builds on the AQC, the financial reward system for a hospital will be tied to its success in working with physician groups in its immediate geographic areaeven those affiliated with a different hospitalto provide high-quality, cost-effective care. A key factor motivating the approach is that patients are often treated in hospitals closest to where they live, even if their primary care physicians group is affiliated with a hospital located elsewhere. The model asks hospitals to be stewards of care in their communitycollaborating with physicians in their geographic area to improve quality, outcomes, and cost for the patients they share, and rewarding them for their success in doing so. "This is true, community-based population health," said Blue Cross President & CEO Andrew Dreyfus. "Blue Cross is committed to providing the data, support, and financial incentives to help hospitals improve care and lower costs for everyone who comes through their doors, regardless of primary care affiliation. We're confident this model will encourage hospitals to unleash the creativity to look at new and different ways of keeping their communities healthy. We're excited to partner with South Shore Health System on this innovative program, deepening our shared commitment to making quality health care affordable." The program is designed to improve care coordination for South Shore Health System patientsregardless of whether their primary doctor is part of the Health Systemand ensure that those patients are treated in the setting that is most appropriate for their needs, whether at their doctor's office, an urgent care center, the hospital, or their own home. The Health System will work closely with its patients' primary care physicians to support their efforts in managing the cost, quality, and outcomes of care. This more collaborative approach aims to improve care for patients, decrease wait times in the Emergency Department, and enable South Shore Health System to reserve the hospital setting for patients with the most complex or acute health needs. "What's so encouraging about this partnership is that the provider and the payer are finally coming together at the same table with the same goal: drive down costs without affecting quality of care," said South Shore Health System CEO Dr. Gene Green. "Together, our aim is to redefine Total Medical Expenses and create a more sustainable approach to care that benefits our patients and Health System and serves as a model for future initiatives throughout the Commonwealth," added Dr. Green, who previously led a hospital that was part of a similar, state-run program in Maryland. "As an independent community health system, it's our responsibility to consistently innovate and grow in ways that make health care as accessible and cost-effective as possible. This model will not only create a better experience for patients, but it will also help improve clinical outcomes, lower expenses, and reduce the resource strain within the walls of our hospital. We look forward to what this initiative will do for our Health System and the future of care throughout the Commonwealth." Nearly a decade ago, Blue Cross introduced the AQC, a first-of-its-kind payment program for physician groups that is currently one of the largest private payment reform initiatives in the United States and has become the blueprint for physician payment programs across the country. Studies have shown that the AQC has decreased health care costs and improved overall patient quality and health outcomes, including measures related to diabetes, cholesterol, and hypertension. The pilot with South Shore Health System, which will last for three years, will allow Blue Cross both to test and refine the model as the insurer considers how to expand the program to other hospitals. About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (bluecrossma.com) is a community-focused, tax-paying, not-for-profit health plan headquartered in Boston. We're the trusted health plan for more than 25,000 Massachusetts employers and are committed to working with others in a spirit of shared responsibility to make quality health care affordable. Consistent with our corporate promise to always put our 2.8 million members first, we're rated among the nation's best health plans for member satisfaction and quality. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. About South Shore Health System South Shore Health System is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt, charitable health system that provides acute care, ambulatory care, and home health services to the 700,000 residents of Southeastern Massachusetts. It is the parent organization of South Shore Hospital, South Shore Medical Center, South Shore Visiting Nurse Association, Hospice of the South Shore, South Shore NeuroSpine, and other not-for-profit health organizations. About the AQC Launched in 2009, the AQC now includes more than 80 percent of the physicians in the Blue Cross HMO network. It is an innovative way to pay for care that focuses on promoting quality and rewards positive health outcomes. It is a crucial component of Blue Cross' agenda to make quality health care affordable for its members and employer customers and is the predominant contract model between Blue Cross and its network physicians and hospitals. The alternative payment model fosters shared responsibility for both improving care and moderating the unsustainable rate of increase in health care costs. The AQC is currently one of the largest private payment reform initiatives in the United States. Read more about the AQC. SOURCE Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Related Links http://www.bluecrossma.com A few regions, including Temecula, Paso Robles and San Diego County, experienced issues with heat spikes, but most reported even temperatures throughout the season with little-to-no frost damage. As the season drew to a close, vintners braced for a compacted harvest of later-ripening varieties in early October. Vintners reported abundant yields in line with the United States Department of Agriculture's August forecast of 4.1 million tons in 2018, up 2% from 2017, and above the historical average of 3.9 million tons. Overall, vintners are enthusiastic about both the quality and quantity of the 2018 vintage. THE GROWING SEASON "The mild summer weather allowed fruit to mature slowly without heat stress, and canopies are looking healthy," said John Killebrew, winemaker for Z. Alexander Brown winery in Napa. "Crop levels looked good and quality appears very high, with balanced sugar, acid and tannin levels." Like many wineries in the North Coast region, Napa's Black Stallion Estate Winery began picking two weeks later than in 2017. "Fortunately, compared to previous years, we did not see any major heat waves in the early part of harvest, so the fruit ripened evenly and stress-free," said winemaker Ralf Holdenried. Dennis Cakebread, chairman and senior vice president of sales and marketing for Cakebread Cellars in Rutherford, Napa Valley, reported normal to above-average yields and high-quality fruit. "We're really happy with the grapes," he said. "They have good flavor and balance." Mark Burningham, director of grower relations for Benziger Family Winery in Glen Ellen, Sonoma County, is equally optimistic about the 2018 vintage. "This is one of those years where everyone is happy," he said. "Yields are up and quality is excellent, thanks to the moderate temperatures and dry conditions." "It was a compacted harvest for the Cabernet Sauvignon, coming in right on top of the large crop of Chardonnay, so tank space was at a premium," he continued. "Labor was tight, but we managed it by scheduling far in advance." In Lodi, vintners began picking old-vine Zinfandel mid-September. "This year we've seen a later bud break, set and veraison, followed by a hot July and a cool August," said Stuart Spencer of St. Amant Winery. "The cool temperatures in mid- to late-September led to gradual sugar accumulation and good flavor development. In general, we saw better flavors at lower sugars and the quality looks great." Despite ongoing challenges with drought in Santa Barbara County, vintners reported a healthy crop for 2018. "The vines produced a big, bountiful crop that we began harvesting in mid-September," said Karen Steinwachs of Buttonwood Winery & Vineyard in Solvang. "The hottest July on record led to cool temperatures in August, continuing into September. Cold, crisp evenings kept our legendary Santa Barbara County acidity in the grapes, and the flavors are simply divine." Click here to view the full report including regional reports from Amador County, Calaveras County, Lake County, Livermore Valley, Lodi, Madera, Mendocino, Monterey, Napa Valley, Paso Robles, San Diego County, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara Valley, Santa Cruz Mountains, Sonoma County and Temecula Valley. SOURCE Wine Institute Related Links http://www.wineinstitute.org Chief's broad distributor network makes it much easier for independent collision repair shops, MSOs and dealers to more quickly and conveniently get the Chief or Celette equipment they need to achieve a wider range of OEM certifications. "Celette is proud to expand our market coverage by tapping into the impressive infrastructure and highly experienced representation of the Chief team in these important global markets," says Pierre Nicolau, President of Celette. Celette offers a complete range of European collision repair equipment including bench systems, fixture sets, measuring systems and straightening/pulling equipment for vehicles ranging from small cars up through heavy-duty trucks. Its equipment has a host of OEM global approvals (homologations). For example, Celette's Sevenne bench has been approved for use on more than 60 different vehicle brands, including Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Citroen, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Isuzu, Jaguar, Jeep, Lamborghini, Lexus, Maybach, Mazda, McLaren, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Rolls Royce, Smart, Subaru, Toyota and Volkswagen, among others. A complete list of homologations is available at celette.com. The Celette products complement Chief's extensive line of OEM-approved frame-pulling equipment, vehicle-anchoring systems, measuring systems, joining equipment such as welders and rivet guns, wheel service and alignment equipment, as well as related equipment like adhesive debonders and fume extractors. "Chief has great respect for Celette's dedication to highly accurate repairs, and we are excited to represent the brand in the Americas and China," says Mickey Swartz, Vice President of Global Collision for Chief's parent company Vehicle Service Group. "As we continue to see vehicle manufacturers add body shop certification programs or expand the requirements of existing programs, customers can save time and effort by getting all the structural repair equipment they need to achieve certification from a local Chief distributor." An array of Celette equipment is on display in the Chief SEMA Show booth #10122 this week, including a Sevenne XL bench, Naja measuring system and MZ fixturing system. Additional equipment is showcased in Celette booth #11261. For more information about Chief and its full line of collision repair equipment, specifications and training, visit chiefautomotive.com, contact your local Chief distributor or call (800) 445-9262. Chief is also active on Twitter, twitter.com/ChiefAutomotive, and Facebook, facebook.com/ChiefAutomotive. To learn more about Celette and its full line of collision repair products, visit celette.com or contact your local Chief distributor. Celette is also active on Twitter, twitter.com/Celette38 and Facebook, facebook.com/CeletteFrance. About Chief: Chief is one of the world's largest manufacturers of high-quality collision repair equipment and services. The Chief product line includes frame-pulling equipment, vehicle-anchoring systems, measuring systems, vehicle dimensional specifications, joining equipment such as welders and rivet guns, wheel service and alignment equipment, as well as related equipment like adhesive debonders and fume extractors. Through Chief University, Chief provides comprehensive training on structural analysis, computerized measuring, collision dynamics, aluminum repair, and design based repair. Chief also offers products from the Celette and Globaljig presented by Chief brands. Chief is a Vehicle Service Group (VSG) brand. VSG is a strong, diverse and dynamic global leader in the vehicle service industry. It comprises 13 major vehicle lifting and collision repair brands: Rotary, Chief, Forward, Direct-Lift, Revolution, Hanmecson, Ravaglioli, Elektron, Blitz, Nogra, Butler, Space and Sirio. With its American headquarters in Madison, Indiana, VSG has operations worldwide, including ISO 9001-certified manufacturing centers in the U.S., Europe and Asia. About Celette: Celette has been a worldwide leader in the collision repair industry for over 60 years and has been globally renowned for the accuracy of its equipment for the control, diagnosis and repair of damaged vehicles, whether light, commercial or heavy-duty. Celette designs products with the aim to offer unique solutions to the repair processes, as well as to increase the profitability of the body shop by reducing labor time. Celette has maintained strong partnerships from car manufacturers worldwide over the years, and these partnerships have helped to increase the technical capabilities of Celette's product line to deliver highly productive and innovative body repair equipment. It is Celette's goal to consistently escalate the number of OEM approvals in the industry. This has been met with wide acceptance by the car manufacturers because of the overall efficiency of its products and the ease of the vehicle repair process using Celette tools. Celette has subsidiaries located all around the world: USA, China, Thailand, India, Germany, and Japan. Manufacturing facilities are located in both France and Thailand. About Dover: Dover is a diversified global manufacturer with annual revenues of approximately $7 billion. We deliver innovative equipment and components, specialty systems, consumable supplies, software and digital solutions, and support services through three operating segments: Engineered Systems, Fluids, and Refrigeration & Food Equipment. Dover combines global scale with operational agility to lead the markets we serve. Recognized for our entrepreneurial approach for over 60 years, our team of over 24,000 employees takes an ownership mindset, collaborating with customers to redefine what's possible. Headquartered in Downers Grove, Illinois, Dover trades on the New York Stock Exchange under "DOV." Additional information is available at www.dovercorporation.com. SOURCE Dover ATLANTA, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- For the third straight year, Church's Chicken has announced it will be partnering with No Kid Hungry, a national campaign dedicated towards ending childhood hunger. Over the past few years Church's has set company fundraising records and even earned No Kid Hungry's newcomer award, but 2018 marks an exciting new milestone for the relationship system-wide restaurant participation featuring a new commemorative Church's, No Kid Hungry and Fanta branded keepsake cup with the order of any large beverage. "Every dollar raised for No Kid Hungry can provide 10 meals for children in need. That means everything we can do to raise more money ends up having a significant impact on the communities and people who count on No Kid Hungry's efforts," explained Kim Benjamin, Senior Manager of Brand Activation for Church's. "I'm very proud of our team for coming up with new ways to get guests involved and engaged in this important nationwide cause." Guests will receive a keepsake, limited-edition Church's, No Kid Hungry and Fanta branded cup with the purchase of any large beverage and 10 from every cup sold will go directly to No Kid Hungry. The cups will be available at all participating Church's restaurants nationwide, while supplies last. 1 in 6 children live in food insecure homes, meaning their families don't regularly have enough food to eat. Over the past few years combined, Church's restaurants and their guests have raised approximately $700,000 in support of No Kid Hungry. For 2018, Church's is endeavoring to reach a benchmark of $1 million in total funds raised. "The generosity of our guests and our employees surpasses our expectations each year," said Georgia Margeson, Senior Director of Advertising for Church's and one of the key leaders for the company's No Kid Hungry partnership. "The new keepsake cup not only creates a new donation option for guests, but also helps bring more visibility to the issue of childhood hunger for everyone who sees the cup out in our communities." "Church's has been one of our most dedicated partners over the past few years," said Diana Hovey, Senior Vice President at Share Our Strength, the organization behind the No Kid Hungry campaign. "We applaud their continued enthusiasm and creativity in finding new ways for their guests to donate and get involved with No Kid Hungry. And, as always, we appreciate the generosity of Church's guests who year after year continue to support this important cause." About Church's Chicken Founded in San Antonio, TX in 1952 by George W. Church, Church's Chicken is one of the largest quick service restaurant chicken chains in the world. Church's specializes in Original and Spicy Chicken freshly prepared throughout the day in small batches that are hand-battered and double-breaded, Tender Strips, honey-butter biscuits made from scratch and freshly baked, and classic, home-style sides all for a great value. Church's (along with its sister brand Texas Chicken outside the Americas) has more than 1,500 locations in 23 countries and international territories and system-wide sales of more than $1 billion. For more information, visit www.churchs.com. Follow Church's on Facebook at www.facebook.com/churchschicken and Twitter at www.twitter.com/churchschicken. About No Kid Hungry No child should go hungry in America. But 1 in 6 kids will face hunger this year. No Kid Hungry is ending childhood hunger through effective programs that provide kids with the food they need. This is a problem we know how to solve. No Kid Hungry is a campaign of Share Our Strength, an organization working to end hunger and poverty. Join us at NoKidHungry.org. Contact: Peyton Sadler 866.571.3449 [email protected] SOURCE Church's Chicken Related Links http://www.churchs.com (In United States dollars, except where noted otherwise) TORONTO, Oct. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - First Quantum Minerals Ltd. ("First Quantum" or the "Company", TSX Symbol "FM") today reported comparative earnings1 of $128 million ($0.19 per share1), net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Company1 of $61 million ($0.09 per share) and cash flows from operating activities of $439 million ($0.64 per share1) for the three months ended September 30, 2018. The results include a $31 million gain realized under the corporate copper sales hedge program. SUMMARY: Operations Continue to Deliver Solid Results; Production Guidance Increased for Copper; Costs remain in-line with full year guidance 151,241 tonnes of copper 2 produced: produced: Year-over-year production increases at Kansanshi, Sentinel and Guelb Moghrein. Copper production guidance for 2018 increased to 595,000 tonnes. Scheduled maintenance shutdown at Las Cruces and resolution of grinding thickener issue completed in September, production remains on-track to deliver on full year guidance. Unit cost of copper production 3 : All-in sustaining cost ("AISC") = $1.83 per pound; Cash cost ("C1") = $1.34 per pound; Total cost ("C3") = $2.14 per pound. : All-in sustaining cost ("AISC") = per pound; Cash cost ("C1") = per pound; Total cost ("C3") = per pound. Improved Operating Cash Flows and Continued Strong Liquidity $439 million of cash flows generated from operating activities ( $0.64 per share) during the quarter, an increase of 8% compared to the second quarter of 2018 and a 64% increase from the comparable prior year period. of cash flows generated from operating activities ( per share) during the quarter, an increase of 8% compared to the second quarter of 2018 and a 64% increase from the comparable prior year period. Ended the quarter with $753 million in net unrestricted cash and cash equivalents, $1,120 million of committed undrawn facilities and in full compliance with all financial covenants. in net unrestricted cash and cash equivalents, of committed undrawn facilities and in full compliance with all financial covenants. Key Milestones Achieved at the Cobre Panama Project; Over 80% Complete Power station construction completed, commissioning and ramp up progressing. Set 1 power station generated power at nameplate capacity of 150MW. Set 2 power station successfully completed steam blows. Process plant and mine site are 74% complete with commissioning activities continuing in the quarter. Conveyor belt pulling commenced in the process plant. Mechanical completion of the first in-pit primary crusher. Engineering is now considered complete and significant advancement on procurement was achieved. Other In late September 2018 , the Government of the Republic of Zambia announced changes to the Zambian mining tax regime scheduled to take effect January 2019. The Company continues to assess the potential impact on its Zambian operations and maintains a dialogue with Government. Changes include: , the Government of the Republic of announced changes to the Zambian mining tax regime scheduled to take effect January 2019. The Company continues to assess the potential impact on its Zambian operations and maintains a dialogue with Government. Changes include: Increase in mineral royalty rates on copper by 1.5% at all levels of the existing scale; Royalties will no longer be tax deductible; Introduction of a new fourth tier rate of 10% when copper price exceeds $7,500 per tonne; 5% import duty on copper and cobalt concentrates; export levy on precious metals including gold of 15%; per tonne; 5% import duty on copper and cobalt concentrates; export levy on precious metals including gold of 15%; Non-refundable sales tax to replace Value Added Tax with no detail on sales tax levels which is expected to be introduced in April 2019 . . Also in late September 2018 , the Supreme Court of Panama announced a ruling in connection with the constitutionality of Law 9 4 of 1997. , the Supreme Court of announced a ruling in connection with the constitutionality of Law 9 of 1997. The Company understands that the ruling relates to the enactment of Law 9 and not the legality of the Company's mining concession contract which remains in effect and allows for the continuation of the development of Cobre Panama. Following the ruling, the Government of Panama issued a news release affirming support for the Cobre Panama project and that the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MICI) considers the mining concession contract and its extension to be in effect in all its parts. issued a news release affirming support for the Cobre Panama project and that the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MICI) considers the mining concession contract and its extension to be in effect in all its parts. The Company continues to work with appropriate parties to identify suitable remedies and to clarify the legal position of Law 9 and is confident of a resolution in the near-medium term. 1 Net earnings (loss) attributable to shareholders of the Company has been adjusted to exclude items which are not reflective of underlying performance to arrive at comparative earnings (loss). Comparative earnings (loss), comparative earnings (loss) per share, comparative EBITDA and cash flows per share are not measures recognized under IFRS and do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS. The Company has disclosed these measures to assist with the understanding of results and to provide further financial information about the results to investors. Refer to the "Regulatory Disclosures" section in the MD&A for the quarter ended September 30, 2018 for further information. 2 Production is presented on a copper contained basis, and is presented prior to processing through the Kansanshi smelter. 3 AISC, C1 and C3 costs per pound are not recognized under IFRS. Refer to the "Regulatory Disclosures" section in the MD&A for the quarter ended September 30, 2018 for further information. 4 Law 9 was passed by the Panamanian National Assembly on February 26, 1997, and granted the status of national law to the mining concession contract relating to the Cobre Panama project. CEO'S COMMENTS "Our operations continued to deliver in the third quarter relative to plan. Development of our Cobre Panama project progressed on schedule with some significant milestones achieved," noted Philip Pascall, Chairman and CEO. "Our financial results reflect the positive operational quarter, increased sales volumes and a higher realized copper price which was positively affected by our copper sales hedge program. "The success in the quarter provided the opportunity to increase our copper and zinc production guidance, slightly adjust our gold production expectation while maintaining our projected low unit cost of production. We also remain on track to deliver significant production growth in the coming years with the development of Cobre Panama." Mr. Pascall concluded. OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS Three months ended September 30 Nine months ended September 30 (U.S. dollars where applicable) 2018 2017 2018 2017 COPPER - Production (tonnes) 151,241 145,376 447,549 419,644 - Sales (tonnes) 151,342 148,894 441,766 428,225 - Cost of production: o AISC (per lb) $1.83 $1.75 $1.77 $1.62 o C1 (per lb) $1.34 $1.21 $1.30 $1.20 o C3 (per lb) $2.14 $2.03 $2.13 $2.01 - Realized price (per lb) $2.84 $2.37 $2.85 $2.28 GOLD - Production (ounces) 44,979 47,213 137,375 147,832 - Sales (ounces) 42,864 51,729 139,851 150,653 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Three months ended September 30 Nine months ended September 30 (U.S. dollars millions, except where noted otherwise) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Sales revenues 978 877 2,912 2,425 Gross profit 246 83 698 218 Net earnings (loss) attributable to shareholders of the Company 61 (52) 243 (201) Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share $0.09 ($0.08) $0.35 ($0.29) Comparative EBITDA1 427 304 1,256 836 Comparative earnings (loss)1 128 (28) 305 (75) Comparative earnings (loss) per share1 $0.19 ($0.04) $0.44 ($0.11) Cash flow from operating activities 439 267 1,642 711 CONFERENCE CALL & WEBCAST Conference call and webcast details are as follows: Date: October 30, 2018 Time: 9:00 am (EDT); 1:00 pm (GMT); 6:00 am (PDT) Please note the time of the call in the United Kingdom reflects the reversion to GMT. Webcast: www.first-quantum.com Dial in: North America: (toll free) (877) 291-4570 North America and international: 1 (647) 788-4919 United Kingdom: (toll free) 0-800-051-7107 Replay: Available from noon (EDT) on October 30, 2018 until 11:59 pm (EST) on November 13, 2018 North America: (toll free) (800) 585-8367 North America and international: 1 (416) 621-4642 Passcode: 5499405 COMPLETE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS The complete consolidated financial statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis for the quarter ended September 30, 2018 are available at www.first-quantum.com and should be read in conjunction with this news release. On Behalf of the Board of Directors of First Quantum Minerals Ltd. G. Clive Newall President CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION Certain statements and information herein, including all statements that are not historical facts, contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements include estimates, forecasts and statements as to the Company's expectations of production and sales volumes, and expected timing of completion of project development at Cobre Panama and Enterprise and are subject to the impact of ore grades on future production, the potential of production disruptions, capital expenditure and mine production costs, the outcome of mine permitting, other required permitting, the outcome of legal proceedings which involve the Company, information with respect to the future price of copper, gold, nickel, zinc, pyrite, cobalt, iron and sulphuric acid, estimated mineral reserves and mineral resources, First Quantum's exploration and development program, estimated future expenses, exploration and development capital requirements, the Company's hedging policy, and goals and strategies. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements or information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate" or "believes" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. With respect to forward-looking statements and information contained herein, the Company has made numerous assumptions including among other things, assumptions about continuing production at all operating facilities, the price of copper, gold, nickel, zinc, pyrite, cobalt, iron and sulphuric acid, anticipated costs and expenditures and the ability to achieve the Company's goals. Forward-looking statements and information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. These factors include, but are not limited to, future production volumes and costs, the temporary or permanent closure of uneconomic operations, costs for inputs such as oil, power and sulphur, political stability in Zambia, Peru, Mauritania, Finland, Spain, Turkey, Panama, Argentina and Australia, adverse weather conditions in Zambia, Finland, Spain, Turkey, Mauritania and Panama, labour disruptions, potential social and environmental challenges, power supply, mechanical failures, water supply, procurement and delivery of parts and supplies to the operations, and the production of off-spec material. See the Company's Annual Information Form for additional information on risks, uncertainties and other factors relating to the forward-looking statements and information. Although the Company has attempted to identify factors that would cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those disclosed in the forward-looking statements or information, there may be other factors that cause actual results, performances, achievements or events not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. Also, many of these factors are beyond First Quantum's control. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company undertakes no obligation to reissue or update forward-looking statements or information as a result of new information or events after the date hereof except as may be required by law. All forward-looking statements and information made herein are qualified by this cautionary statement. SOURCE First Quantum Minerals Ltd. Related Links http://www.first-quantum.com PRAGUE, October 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- IBA Group, an alliance of IT companies with more than 2,500 people - ibagroupit.com - will present a new AI solution intended for automated support of business applications at the GSE UK Conference to be held from November 5 to November 7 at Whittlebury Hall, near Towcester, Northamptonshire. The GSE UK Conference, now in its eighth year, brings together executives with responsibility for mainframe-based services, mainframe specialists in all disciplines, and application developers with the idea to exchange experience and information related to IBM software and hardware, and influence product and service providers. Better, stronger, faster; The Mainframe.. the Machine! is the motto of the event. At the conference, IBA Group will present its newly-developed solution designed for monitoring and support of business applications that run on z/OS servers. A centralized platform for L1 and L2 support, APPULSE covers a full support cycle, from proactive problem detection and automatic ticket creation to stakeholder notification, and solution generation and execution. The AI platform embedded in APPULSE is capable of automatic generation of solutions for typical problems in application support. Aleh Lapushanski, IBA Product Manager, says: "We hope that customers will take advantage of APPULSE. This platform solves a whole range of problems that support teams face in their everyday activities. APPULSE provides a single entry point for distributed business applications and shortens the problem management lifecycle. It ensures uninterrupted operation of critical business applications and guarantees business continuity. APPULSE will help you digitize, accumulate, and share your team experience, increasing your performance." IBA Group has been an IBM business partner since its creation in 1993. The company looks forward to building and expanding partner relations. We invite visitors to our stand to discuss their specific needs and to find solutions to their problems. We also welcome delegates to attend the AI in Action keynote presentation on November 7 at 8 a.m. and a workshop entitled AI Platform for Business Continuity on November 5 at 4.40 p.m. About IBA Group IBA Group is one of the largest IT service providers in Eastern Europe performing software development, migration, maintenance, support, and IT consulting services with more than 2,500 IT and business professionals. Headquartered in Prague, Czech Republic, IBA Group has offices and development centers in the United States, Great Britain, Germany, Czech Republic, Belarus, South Africa, Cyprus, Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Slovakia, and Bulgaria. IBA Group focuses on mainframe systems, enterprise and web applications, SAP solutions, CAMSS (cloud, analytics, mobility, social media, and security) technologies, ECM solutions, and RPA / ML / AI technologies. IBA Group is recognized by IAOP as one of The Global Outsourcing 100 in the Leaders category and ranks as one of the world's largest software companies in the Software Magazine's Software 500. IBA Group is a winner of IT Europa's European IT & Software Excellence Awards and GSA Awards by the Global Sourcing Association. For more information, visit http://ibagroupit.com SOURCE IBA Group CANONSBURG, Pa., Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Huntley & Huntley Energy Exploration, LLC ("HHEX") announced that, effective immediately, John Applegath will join the company as its Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, responsible for HHEX's operational and technical activities. "We are thrilled to add John and his deep Appalachian experience to the HHEX team. As we move into development, John's proven track record of driving operational excellence in this basin will be invaluable," said M. Chris Doyle, HHEX President and CEO. "HHEX's initial delineation wells have outperformed expectations, and industry success in the deep Utica play is immediately adjacent to our position. John's entrepreneurial spirit, operational and technical expertise, and deep knowledge of this asset will help us build upon that foundation." Mr. Applegath joins HHEX after recently retiring from Range Resources, where he served as Senior Vice President of Operations from 2014 to 2018, leading both the Marcellus Shale Division and, more recently, the North Louisiana Division. Mr. Applegath joined Range Resources in 2008, helping establish Range's Marcellus operations and serving as Vice President of Operations from 2009 to 2014 for their southwestern Pennsylvania assets. Mr. Applegath's distinguished career spans over 40 years and includes experience at Anadarko Petroleum, Union Pacific Resources, and ExxonMobil Corporation. "I am excited to join HHEX at this pivotal time in the company's history," said Mr. Applegath. "I look forward to returning to a basin I know extremely well and working with our industry partners, as well as the entire HHEX team." Mr. Applegath joins Morrow Evans as the most recent additions to HHEX's leadership team. Mr. Evans, former Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Lime Rock Resources, joined HHEX in April 2018 as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. About HHEX Huntley & Huntley Energy Exploration, LLC ("HHEX") is a privately-held energy company that specializes in upstream and midstream development of natural gas resources in the Appalachian Basin. HHEX has a significant asset position in southwestern Pennsylvania, having assembled over 100,000 largely contiguous and operated acres within the core Marcellus, Utica, and Upper Devonian fairways. HHEX seeks to responsibly develop natural gas resources while serving as stewards of the communities where it operates. Additional information on the company can be found at www.huntleyenergy.com. SOURCE Huntley & Huntley Energy Exploration, LLC Related Links https://huntleyenergy.com The Advancement team accepted an Award of Excellence for their Explore MUIH brochure , a comprehensive booklet that details the fundamental principles, history, and unique academic offerings of MUIH. The booklet serves as the centerpiece of the University's "Explore MUIH" enrollment campaign , which features a series of fresh storytelling tools that vibrantly illustrate the school's distinctive ethos. The award was presented on October 18, 2018 at PRSA-NCC's 50th Annual Thoth Awards Gala at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. PRSA-NCC sponsors the local annual Thoth competition to recognize and reward outstanding achievement in public relations and to encourage continued excellence in the field. "We are thrilled to have been honored at this year's Thoth Awards," said Natalie Williams, Vice President of University Advancement at MUIH. "Our goal as a team has always been to never settle for good and rather always strive for greatness. This Award of Excellence is a testament to that ceaseless endeavor, and recognizes the tremendous, collective effort that goes into defining and implementing MUIH's bold brand vision." More than 200 industry professionals attended the gala that honored the industry's top programs, products, and campaigns in the nation's capital region. PRSA-NCC presented 54 Thoth Awards and Awards of Excellence. Finalists were selected by an experienced panel of judges who reviewed numerous entries from a wide range of public relations firms, government agencies, nonprofits, associations, and corporate organizations located in the greater Washington, D.C. area. About Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH) Maryland University of Integrative Health is one of the nation's leading academic institutions for natural medicine. For nearly 40 years, MUIH has educated and informed practitioners and leaders in health and wellness through transformative and relationship-centered programs that draw from traditional wisdom and contemporary science. Progressive graduate degrees in a wide range of disciplines are offered both on campus and online. For staff and faculty, MUIH offers a collaborative and vibrant work environment that is mission and values-driven. For more information, please visit www.muih.edu. MEDIA CONTACT: Susan Larsen [email protected] 410-888-9048 ext. 6763 SOURCE Maryland University of Integrative Health Related Links https://www.muih.edu BEND, Ore., Oct. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- n-Link Corporation and its Small Business Team has been awarded the U.S. Army's Information Technology Enterprise Solutions - 3 Services (ITES-3S) contract vehicle. ITES-3S is a $12.1 billion contract comprised of a 5-year base contract with 4 Option Periods. The n-Link Team of Small Businesses will leverage their niche and expert capabilities to provide end-to-end solutions through services and related incidental hardware to include worldwide development, deployment, operation, maintenance, and sustainment requirements. Task orders may also include support to analyze requirements, development and implementation of recommended solutions, and operation and maintenance of legacy systems and equipment for the US Army and to all Federal Contracting Officers in which a delegation of procurement authority (DPA) has been executed to place task orders against this MAIDIQ contract. Places of performance include government locations worldwide. Ms. Sandra Green, founder and CEO of n-Link stated, "Our Small Business Team's win is a testament to its excellence in customer service evidenced by our collective outstanding past performance ratings. Our Team's partners are nimble and innovative while also sophisticated and experienced using industry best practices to serve our customers' missions in Enterprise Solutions, Cyber Security, Enterprise Infrastructure Implementation and Operations, Business Process reengineering, IT Supply Chain Management, IT Education and Training, and Network and Systems Operations." About n-Link ITES-3S Team n-Link as a 100% Employee-Owned company, was woman founded and grown over 23 years managing and transforming thousands of its customer's enterprise missions with innovative solutions. The Team is comprised of ALEX Alternative Experts, LLC (SDB, WOSB, 8(a)), Aretec, Inc. (SDB, 8(a)), Crossworks Technologies, Inc. (SDB, VOSB, SDVOSB, HUBzone), Insight Technology Solutions, Inc. (WOSB), Logistics Solutions Group, Inc. (SDB, VOSB, SDVOSB), Lunarline, Inc. (VOSB, SDVOSB), Romanyk Consulting Corp. (SDB, VOSB, SDVOSB), Stauder Technologies (SB), The Cybrix Group, Inc. (VOSB, SDVOSB), Tracen Technologies, Inc. (WOSB), TrustedQA, Inc. (WOSB) n-Link is a 23-year old seasoned Small Business. Our employee-owners are resourceful and seasoned thinkers that bring tremendous innovation to the mission and save millions of budgeted dollars. Our capabilities include Cyber Security, NOC/SOC Operations, Identity Access Management, Enterprise Wide Architecture and Solutions and more recently, Intelligence Center Data Analytics applied to big data received from UAS and sensor technologies to achieve actionable intelligence for clients in the precision agriculture, energy, and mining industries. For more information, visit n-link.net or contact Mary Voy at (541) 233-8363 or [email protected]; or Sandra Green at 425.864.7222 or [email protected]. SOURCE n-Link Corporation Related Links http://www.n-link.net ARLINGTON, Va., Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Washington DC fourth Annual Timmy Awards, officially named Ostendio as 2018's Best Tech Workplace for Diversity winner. Factoring in community voting and deliberation by a panel of expert judges, Ostendio joins the ranks of past innovators like SAP and Jellyvision to claim a Timmy Award, which recognizes the top places for tech professionals to work. Ostendio was recognized during Tech in Motion's Timmy Awards ceremony in front of 200 tech enthusiasts, executives and entrepreneurs. 2018's Best Tech Workplace for Diversity winner. "Companies are realizing diversity is a necessary ingredient for creativity and success, and Tech in Motion DC is thrilled to celebrate Ostendio as our winner for the Best Tech Workplace for Diversity award," said Mandy Walker, Director of Marketing at Tech in Motion and Motion Recruitment Partners . "Ostendio continues to provide the tools and resources necessary for diverse thinking and collaboration among its teams, recognizing the value of an inclusive environment." Ostendio has three founders - each founder an immigrant, a veteran, a minority (or both!), so diversity has always been important to the company right from the get-go. Ostendio believes that what makes people different allows us to thrive, which is why we place such a big emphasis on building an inclusive environment. "At Ostendio, we focus on attracting candidates with a diverse skillset. We want to foster collaboration between teams. We have an open floor plan, combined with an open-door policy to encourage employees, no matter their role, to provide feedback and affect change within the organization. It's a great honor to be recognized by Tech in Motion. We are excited to keep building a diverse tech team and workplace," said Niamh Bennett, Director of Marketing. Including DC, Timmy Awards ceremonies take place across 10 North American tech hubs this month, celebrating the best in tech employers. A list of 2018 winners and finalists is available here as revealed in each city. About Tech in Motion Events & The Timmy Awards Tech in Motion is a North American event series that brings local tech community professionals together to connect, learn, and innovate. What started as a collaborative project in 2011 between IT recruiting firms Jobspring Partners and Workbridge Associates, part of the Motion Recruitment network, grew into an organization of over 100,000 members across 12 chapters in North America including Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, New York, Philadelphia, DC, Chicago, San Francisco, Silicon Valley, LA, Orange County and Toronto. Please visit techinmotionevents.com for more information about notable speakers, sponsors and events. About Ostendio Ostendio's MyVCM streamlines the way companies build, manage and demonstrate their information security framework. The MyVCM platform provides an enterprise view of an organization's cybersecurity program. MyVCM's unique bottom-up security approach provides a workflow solution which engages every employee and manages all aspects of security and compliance. With MyVCM, customers can ensure they are secure and compliant. To learn more about Ostendio, please visit www.ostendio.com Media Contact: Niamh Bennett 617-504-5214 [email protected] SOURCE Ostendio Related Links https://ostendio.com 87 percent of surveyed physicians say they find it is increasingly harder to spend time "developing an authentic engagement with each patient." 80 percent say they are personally at risk for burnout at some point in their career. Nearly all surveyed doctors (96 percent) report they have personally witnessed or personally experienced negative impacts as a result of physician burnout 66 percent say the challenges of practicing medicine in today's environment have caused them to consider career options outside of clinical practice, an 11 percent increase compared to Geneia's inaugural survey in January 2015 . . 89 percent say the "business and regulation of healthcare" has changed the practice of medicine for the worse. The intensity of agreement has increased over time; today, 57 percent strongly agree, up from 48 percent in 2015. 86 percent agree that "the heightened demand for data reporting to support quality metrics and the business-side of healthcare has diminished my joy in practicing medicine." Despite increasing awareness of pervasiveness of physician burnout, the nationwide Physician Misery Index has increased from 3.78 to 3.94 out of 5, since the January 2015 physician survey. Female physicians, in particular, are frustrated by the challenges of practicing medicine and expressed greater dissatisfaction than their male counterparts. Female survey respondents are more likely to know a physician who is likely to stop practicing medicine due to burnout, consider options outside clinical practice at a higher rate, and feel more at risk for burnout. "In the years since Geneia's inaugural Physician Misery Index, awareness of epidemic levels of physician burnout has increased dramatically," said Heather Lavoie, Geneia president. "Yet, there is much more work for all of us in healthcare to do to restore the Joy of Medicine to today's physicians. We're calling on all health IT companies to involve physicians in the design and implementation of health technology products and to measure physician satisfaction." Join Geneia in Helping to Restore the Joy of Medicine Geneia's survey showed physicians continue to be challenged by the electronic health record (EHR). 68 percent of physicians say the data collected by EHRs isn't being used and analyzed to its full potential 96 percent believe it's important for EHRs to be better designed so they seamlessly integrate with technology systems used by their office and insurers "I know from experience that which gets measured gets done," said Aurel Iuga, MD, MBA, MPH, CMQ, Geneia chief medical officer. "That's why Geneia is committed to measuring the satisfaction of physicians as a part of onboarding new clients for our analytics and insights platform. Even more importantly, we will survey the physicians who use our products annually to gauge changes in sentiment and work with those doctors to remedy their technology and analytics pain points." All health IT companies are invited to join Geneia in monitoring and addressing physician satisfaction and to use the company's nine-question physician survey. For more information on the Joy of Medicine initiative and to download the physician satisfaction survey, see: http://marketing.geneia.com/2018/joy-of-medicine/. Physicians who wish to take the survey and compare their answers to the national results are invited to visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BD32LYM. ABOUT GENEIA Geneia LLC is a healthcare analytic solutions and services company that focuses on improving systems to support personalized, patient-centered care. We help clients improve outcomes, lower costs and restore the Joy of Medicine to physician practice. Our technology, education and training, insights and clinical services simplify the evolution to value-based care and drive alignment and collaboration among healthcare providers, health plans and employers. The company has offices in Harrisburg, PA and Manchester, NH. To learn more, visit Geneia.com or connect with us Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. SOURCE Geneia Related Links http://www.geneia.com ROANOKE RAPIDS, N.C., Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Real estate agents can make more money and make more sales when they build and maintain trust with their clients and prospects, says real estate keynote speaker Mark Given, the author of three books on the subject of trust. Mark Given Mark Given logo "Success begins with trust and ends when there is no trust. There are simple habits that guarantee success regardless of personality, experience, or market conditions," said Given who has spoken at more than 1,200 real estate conferences such as The National Association of REALTORS National Convention and for companies like REMAX, ERA, Coldwell Banker, and Century21. "Trust-based selling is the proven way to start attracting clients," said Given, who was a CEO for 20 years of a multi-state retail sales and rental company that grew to 47 locations. "Once you have established trust in your skill set, you move from icky salesperson to attractive adviser. That guarantees more sells and less stress." Given, who conducts keynotes and multi-day, onsite training for real estate companies, offers three tips for building more trust. 1. Social media and electronic communication may be easy, but humans (and your pets) crave hugs and handshakes. Invest more quality time in face to face interaction and timely phone calls and you're guaranteed to increase trust. 2. There's scientific proof that shows listening skills far exceed only hearing. You can hear what I say, but are you really listening to what I mean? Steven Covey expressed it well by sharing "Seek first to understand, then to be understood." Learning to listen is a powerful and fast way to build and maintain trust. 3. You can never say "thank you" enough. A well-timed, sincere thank-you builds trust and guarantees you positive results. Today, seek to find 25 opportunities to express a sincere thank-you and you'll discover new benefits to your beneficial trust-building habit. In addition to sales training, Given offers keynotes and training sessions on: Trust Based Leadership: Proven Ways to Stop Managing and Start Leading Trust Based Success: Proven Ways to Stop Stressing and Start Living Trust Based Selling: Proven Ways to Stop Selling and Start Attracting He also offers programs on negotiations, creating an exit strategy and succession plans, and building and maintaining a repeat and referral-based business. "Mark, you are simply an event planners dream! I have been involved with contracting hundreds of speakers for various programs over the last 24+ years, and consider you and exemplary example of an ideal speaker!" Rebecca Fletcher Director, Georgia Real Estate Institute VP of Education "Your enthusiasm, quality advice and dedication to the national REALTOR association contributed to this excellent leadership program. Your extra effort to customize your session were greatly appreciated and recognized by the hundreds of participants. Thank you for sharing your important messages on trust with our constituency." Laura Oken Manager, Leadership Development Association Leadership Development National Association of REALTORS "For more than 10 years, you have provided effective seminars that have been delivered with knowledge, experience, passion, and humor. My reason for inviting you back time and again is purely selfish it makes me look good!" Kit Hale Principal Broker / Managing Partner MKB, REALTORS "I love and trust Mark and I know he can deliver on teaching your organization how to achieve more success by following his trust-based philosophy." Jack Canfield Co-Creator #1 N.Y. Times Best-Selling book series "Chicken Soup for the Soul" For information, go to www.markgiven.com About Mark Given Mark has been changing businesses and improving lives for nearly four decades. He has shared Leadership Training, Sales Mastery and Trust Based Philosophy systems with thousands of people and has worked with hundreds of businesses across the world. Audiences and students say that Mark's speaking and teaching delivery is timely, relevant, witty, engaging, funny, cutting edge and a breath of fresh air. Mark also is a prolific author; evidenced by his Trust Based Philosophy book series and his Amazon #1 best-selling book "Finding My Why Ernie's Journey." He has also co-written three books and writes his weekly blog "Mark's Minute" which is read by thousands of people. Mark continues to have a powerful influence through his keynote speeches, educational sessions, books, and CDs. Mark grew up in a rural Ohio town, headed to North Carolina to finish college, and resides in a small community with his wife of 40 years. Together, they have raised 5 great kids and inspire 6 grandchildren. After his education at The Ohio State University and Elon College, Mark spent 20 years as CEO of a multi-state retail sales and rental company that grew to 47 locations. The next 18 years have included international speaker/trainer, REALTOR, volunteer, and community leader. Contact: Mark Given 252-536-1169 [email protected] SOURCE Mark Given Related Links https://www.markgiven.com GLASGOW, Scotland, October 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- S2 Partnership Invests in Private Cloud and DDoS Protection A leading risk management specialist has chosen a private cloud solution from managed cloud provider iomart to ensure the security of its clients' data. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/776401/iomart_Logo.jpg ) Cambridge-based S2 Partnership helps some of the world's biggest commercial property managers and investment funds to reduce risk liability and ensure compliance through its market-leading online platform RiskWise . The company was looking for a new hosting partner that could provide the dedicated UK data centre infrastructure and 24/7 technical support it required to meet its security challenges. S2 Partnership chose a fully managed private cloud solution from iomart, which includes enterprise grade DDoS protection to detect and mitigate against potential threats, as well as Disaster Recovery from one of iomart's other Tier 3 UK data centres. Rob Mead, Software Business Director for S2 Partnership, says, "We were looking to partner with a hosting company who were forward-thinking and could work with us to continually improve our services levels. We work largely with investment funds and property managing agents, who want to know that the data being held is secure and can be accessed quickly. Our new environment is scalable, incredibly secure, and is faster than our previous configuration." As a result of the move to iomart the software team at S2 Partnership is now able to focus on working to enhance the company's software products rather than spending time directly managing and maintaining the infrastructure that supports them. For organisations with concerns around the safety and security of hosting their data, systems or applications in the cloud, a private cloud solution from iomart offers complete peace of mind - a dedicated resource in the cloud without losing the protection or security that a traditional on premise solution provides. Read the full case study with S2 Partnership. To find out more about iomart follow @iomart on Twitter. About iomart Group plc iomart Group Plc (AIM: IOM) helps organisations maximise the flexibility, cost effectiveness and security of the cloud. From strategy to delivery, our 300+ consultants and solutions architects provide the cloud expertise to transform your business. With a dynamic range of managed cloud services that integrate with the public clouds of AWS and Azure, our agnostic approach delivers solutions tailored to your exact needs. iomart is a long term supplier to G-Cloud and our infrastructure and cloud and backup services are designed to meet the requirements of the UK public sector. For further information visit www.iomart.com Contact: Jane Robertson PR Manager [email protected] +44-(0)-141-931-6400 SOURCE iomart ROCKVILLE, Md., Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Kravitz Dentistry (http://www.kravitzdentistry.com/) is pleased to announce an innovative dental treatment offering of pain-free dental implants and tooth extractions utilizing light wavelengths in conjunction with interventional pain management procedures. Dr. Joseph Kravitz, DDS, MS, a nationally recognized dentist and author, states, "for people suffering from dental diseases, our scientific findings substantiate that 99.99% of patients will have pain free dental implants and tooth extractions when receiving the combined treatment modalities. We are truly excited for all patients who now have hope to fully restore their smiles with our advanced solution." Practical Procedures and Aesthetic Dentistry published an article authored by Dr. Joseph Kravitz in 2006 to help other dentists and patients prevent suffering. It shows a method to block mouth pain during sharp needle injections. Building upon a distinguished record of research, Dr. Joseph Kravitz has developed a series of wavelengths of light and various pressures that can be used to prevent inflammation, swelling and pain associated with tooth extractions and dental implants. "Over my 50-year career as a Biophysicist and Cell Medical Pathologist for the U.S. Army, major universities in Europe and the USA, and in private industry, I've had the honor of collaborating with the best minds in medical healthcare to make suggestions for the prevention of disease in the human body. The mouth is connected to the rest of your body, and Dr. Kravitz is a true innovator for how protect it to achieve better health," says Dr. A.J. Tousimis. To maximize the chance for successful outcomes with every dental implant and tooth extraction, Dr. Kravitz provides an initial examination and consult to discuss choices for that patient. Dr. Kravitz can remove the damaged tooth and replace it during the same appointment with a dental implant, abutment and new tooth. The tooth looks natural, real and beautiful. The patient has no bleeding, no swelling and no pain. Thousands of patients at Kravitz Dentistry have already received pain-free dental implants and tooth extractions with excellent results using this advanced therapy. Over the years, Dr. Kravitz has utilized this therapy to treat broken teeth, damaged teeth, loose teeth, infected teeth, infected gums, infected bones, and missing teeth. In most cases, the results have far exceeded expectations. Dr. Kravitz is now looking forward to making Pain Free Dental Implants and Tooth Extractions a major component of the clinic's offerings, especially given the high demand for pain-free therapies by patients themselves. Dr. Kravitz has taught dental students and dentists at the University of Maryland Dental School, NYU College of Dentistry, and the National Naval Medical Center. His credentials include a Doctorate of Dental Surgery and a Specialty Certificate in Prosthodontics from the University of Maryland Dental School, a Master of Science in Oral Biology from the University of Maryland Graduate School, and a Fellowship in Implant Dentistry from NYU College of Dentistry. Other dentists travel to learn the innovative dental implant techniques from Dr. Kravitz every year and he enjoys the process of watching his students learn and improve their skills. Above all, the health, comfort and happiness of his patients drives him to be the one of very best research scientists and practitioners of fine dentistry in the nation. About Kravitz Dentistry Kravitz Dentistry, PC is a specialty dental practice utilizing a simple, beautiful and pain-free approach to treating the smile, located in Rockville, Maryland. Using state-of-the-art techniques and diagnostic tools, Kravitz Dentistry offers kind friendly, nonjudgmental evaluation, beautiful and pain-free treatment and follow-up care for a variety of dental conditions, from broken teeth, missing teeth, crooked tooth, loose teeth, infected gums, infected bones, and mouth pain. For more information or to make an appointment, please visit www.KravitzDentistry.com or www.DentalImplants.us or Call 1-877-9-Kravitz or 301-761-4840. Contact: Media Contact: Dr. Joseph Kravitz, DDS, MS 301-761-4840 [email protected] https://drjosephkravitz.com/ SOURCE Kravitz Dentistry Related Links http://www.kravitzdentistry.com HOUSTON, Oct. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Rowan Companies plc ("Rowan" or the "Company") (NYSE: RDC) announced today that the Rowan Reliance, an R-Class ultra-deepwater drillship, has been awarded a contract in the United States Gulf of Mexico by Fieldwood Energy LLC with a firm term of one year plus three 90-day options at then market rates. The contract is expected to commence the first quarter of 2019. The Rowan Reliance is currently warm stacked offshore Louisiana in the US Gulf of Mexico. Tom Burke, Rowan's President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We are excited to continue our long-standing relationship with Fieldwood, a premier offshore operator, and look forward to a successful, long-term partnership with this major player in the Gulf of Mexico." In addition, Cantium has extended its previously announced contract for the EXL III in the US Gulf of Mexico by three months. The firm term of this contract is now nine months followed by two six-month options with increasing day rates. Finally, BP has extended its contract with the Joe Douglas in Trinidad by one well with an expected duration of 76 days. The extension includes one additional two-well option at then market rates. Rowan is a global provider of contract drilling services with a fleet of 25 mobile offshore drilling units, composed of 21 self-elevating jack-up rigs and four ultra-deepwater drillships. The Company's fleet operates worldwide, including the United States Gulf of Mexico, the United Kingdom and Norwegian sectors of the North Sea, the Middle East, the Mediterranean Sea, and Trinidad. Additionally, the Company is a 50/50 partner in a joint venture with Saudi Aramco, entitled ARO Drilling, that owns a fleet of seven self-elevating jack-up rigs that operate in the Arabian Gulf. The Company's Class A Ordinary Shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "RDC." For more information on the Company, please visit www.rowan.com. Statements herein that are not historical facts are forward looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, without limitation, statements as to the effective commencement date and duration of the contracts. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and are subject to numerous risks, assumptions, trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include oil and natural gas prices and the impact of the economic climate; changes in the offshore drilling market, including fluctuations in supply and demand; variable levels of drilling activity and expenditures in the energy industry; changes in day rates; ability to secure future drilling contracts; cancellation, early termination or renegotiation by our customers of drilling contracts; customer credit and risk of customer bankruptcy; risks associated with fixed cost drilling operations; unplanned downtime; risks related to our joint venture with Saudi Aramco, including the timing and amount of future distributions from the joint venture or contributions to the joint venture; cost overruns or delays in transportation of drilling units; cost overruns or delays in maintenance, repairs, or other rig projects; operating hazards and equipment failure; risks of collision and damage; casualty losses and limitations on insurance coverage; weather conditions in the Company's operating areas; increasing costs of compliance with regulations; changes in tax laws and interpretations by taxing authorities; hostilities, terrorism, and piracy; impairments; cyber incidents; the outcomes of disputes, including tax disputes and legal proceedings; and other risks disclosed in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date hereof, and the Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, except as required by law. SOURCE Rowan Companies plc More than 10 billion devices have been connected over the last few years and several profitable business models have emerged from these simple cloud connections. This has been the low hanging fruit. The next challenge is upon us. We are poised to be awash in data and the real promise of IoT is low latency processing of data as close to the source as possible. But enabling low latency processing is not just simply replicating topology and control systems of the cloud or enabling a more complex end point. Merely replicating approaches to processing and securing the cloud or end device will fail if applied to the new EDGE processing paradigm. The EDGE is a heterogeneous ecosystem with untrusted barriers which dramatically increases the attack surface of connected networks. Breaches have been front page news and the industry is finally responding with better security features at the cloud and at the microcontroller. The technology to secure these cloud to device networks is finally shipping in volume. The next gap is to secure the EDGE. The EDGE and its innovation surrounding its rollout are key to these challenges. For example, in the automotive and connective transport market, the localized EDGE is generating massive amounts of unstructured data that needs to be authenticated and then processed using a wide variety of processors. AI and ML workloads will be most beneficial if processed as close to the source data as possible. This is not your mothers' cloud computing. Additionally, one size fits all processors are a thing of the past. EDGE workloads will just as likely be running on GPU's and FPGA as the will on CPUs. Clearly a new approach to identity and security at the EDGE will be required. Schultz in his talk will provide solutions for empowering the EDGE including discussing how EdgeX Foundry is providing a framework to help design, develop, and deploy solutions faster. In turn, this will help enable the business opportunities and services and for fast ROI for any IoT investment. Rubicon Labs is a member of EdgeX Foundry, an open-source, vendor-neutral project that enables an ecosystem of plug-and-play components to unify the IoT edge computing marketplace. Schultz's IoT Device Security Summit presentation -- "The Emerging Battle for the IoT Edge: How Security can be Used to Gain Competitive Advantage and Protect the Next Wave of Innovation" -- will be held at 2:30pm pm, Oct. 30, 2018 in the Hyatt Regency Santa Clara, Santa Clara, CA, as part of the conference's Track II. About Rubicon Labs Rubicon Labs provides trust, identity, and security for connected IoT devices. The company believes secure identities are foundational to help the IoT market achieve its massive potential. Rubicon Labs has created a unique platform to provide security and identity seamlessly from the cloud to gateway and even to the most resource-constrained IoT endpoints. Rubicon Labs' Identity Platform is delivered as Software as a Service (SaaS), providing developers with a simple path to authenticate, secure and control their devices. Once identity is provisioned, data can be encrypted and signed, devices can be controlled with policies and over-the-air updates can be targeted to unique devices. Rubicon Labs is based in San Francisco and operates an R&D lab in Austin, Texas. The company is venture-backed by Third Point Ventures, Pelion Venture Partners, and Akamai Technologies. For more information, please visit: https://www.rubiconlabs.io/ About EdgeX Foundry EdgeX Foundry is an open-source, vendor-neutral project that enables an ecosystem of plug-and-play components to unify the IoT edge computing marketplace. www.edgexfoundry.org. Media Contact: Julia Cline, Rubicon Labs 408.515.5339 [email protected] SOURCE Rubicon Labs Related Links http://www.rubiconlabs.io (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/776840/KKFF_Logo.jpg ) (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/776838/KKCG_Czechoslovakia.jpg ) (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/776837/Czechoslovakia_100th_anniversary.jpg ) There is a strong bond between the Czech Republic and the United States of America, the foundation of which was laid in the fall of 1918 when the United States recognized Czechoslovakia as an independent state based on the Washington Declaration of Independence drafted by the Paris-based Czech and Slovak Provisional Government. "I admire the prophetic political views of our first president, T. G. Masaryk, who convinced the American administration 100 years ago of his political vision. His actions, among other achievements, paved the way for the relationship between the United States and the Czech Republic," said Karel Komarek, philanthropist and founder of the KKCG Group, in expressing his appreciation for being able to celebrate the founding of Czechoslovakia. This celebration focused on a concert given by one of the world's best orchestras, the Czech Philharmonic, at the Kennedy Center. "It is a deeply symbolic event, as we're celebrating the founding of our country and, at the same time, commemorating Antonin Dvorak, a highly notable figure of Czech cultural heritage," mentioned Karel Komarek, founder of the Antonin Dvorak Prize and a long-term supporter of the composer's works not only in the Czech Republic, but also abroad. According to the Kennedy Center's president Deborah Rutter, one of the Kennedy Center's principal, long-term objectives is to cultivate international artistic partnerships and enrich American culture through cultural diplomacy and exchange. "Events, such as the one held today, serve to fulfill this purpose," said Rutter, emphasizing her personal appreciation for the collaboration with Komarek and his wife. "Karel and Stephanie are generous philanthropists, and we hold them in exceptionally high regard," said Rutter. Thanks to the Mr. Komarek's chairmanship of the Culture Committee, Czech artists have had the opportunity to perform on the renowned Millennium Stage. Mr. Komarek has been a member and sponsor of the Kennedy Center for many years, in addition to chairing its International Committee on the Arts since 2017. SOURCE KKCG MYRTLE BEACH, SC and QUEBEC CITY, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - TSO 3 Inc. (TSX: TOS) ("TSO 3 " or the "Company"), an innovator in sterilization technology for medical devices in healthcare settings, announced that the Company has been awarded a sole-source contract relating to a low temperature sterilizer Request for Proposal (or tender) in the Province of Quebec for its STERIZONE VP4 Sterilizers. The award provides for the purchase by the CHU de Quebec - Universite Laval of one STERIZONE VP4 Sterilizer with an option for up to two additional sterilizers. "We are pleased to be able to provide value and serve the needs of hospitals in our home province of Quebec," stated R.M. (Ric) Rumble, TSO 3 's President and CEO. "This is the first new business in Canada since assuming direct sales and marketing of our products in August. We are looking forward to winning more business in Quebec and the rest of Canada based on our proven value proposition." About the STERIZONE VP4 Sterilizer The STERIZONE VP4 Sterilizer is a low-temperature sterilization system that utilizes the dual sterilants of vaporized hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) and ozone (O 3 ) to achieve terminal sterilization of heat and moisture-sensitive medical devices. Its single pre-programmed cycle can sterilize a large number and wide range of compatible devices, creating a cost-effective sterilization process with error-free cycle selection. The device's unique Dynamic Sterilant Delivery System automatically adjusts the quantity of injected sterilant based on the load composition, weight and temperature. This capability removes the guesswork and potential for human error, as there is no need to sort instruments and choose the appropriate cycles as with other machines. The STERIZONE VP4 Sterilizer is the only terminal sterilization method that is FDA cleared to sterilize multi-channeled flexible endoscopes (with a maximum of four channels) of up to 3.5 meters in length, such as video colonoscopes, duodenoscopes and gastroscopes - an industry first for any medical device sterilization process. The STERIZONE VP4 Sterilizer is also the only cleared low temperature sterilizer that can process a mixed load consisting of general instruments, single channel flexible endoscopes, and single or double channel rigid endoscopes in the same cycle with load weights of up to 75 lb. The ability to run mixed loads significantly reduces labor costs by minimizing the amount of instrument sorting required, while maximizing the device turns (more productivity from increased throughput capacity). More information about the STERIZONE VP4 Sterilizer is available through TSO 3 's website, under the Products section. About TSO 3 Founded in 1998, TSO 3 's activities encompass the sale, production, maintenance, research, development and licensing of sterilization processes, related consumable supplies and accessories for heat-sensitive medical devices. The Company designs products for sterile processing areas in the hospital environment that offer an advantageous replacement solution to other low temperature sterilization processes currently used in hospitals. TSO 3 also offers services related to the maintenance of sterilization equipment and compatibility testing of medical devices with such processes. For more information about TSO 3 , visit the Company's website at www.tso3.com . The statements in this release and oral statements made by representatives of TSO 3 relating to matters that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that involve certain risks, uncertainties and hypotheses, including, but not limited to, the limited history of sales or distribution of the Company, the ability of the Company to obtain the required regulatory clearances to market its products, general business and economic conditions, the condition of the financial markets, the ability of TSO 3 to obtain financing on favourable terms and other risks and uncertainties. Although TSO 3 believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. The complete versions of the cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements as well as a description of the relevant assumptions and risk factors likely to affect TSO 3 's actual or projected results are included in the Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2017, which is available on the Company's website. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof, and TSO 3 does not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise unless expressly required by applicable securities laws. SOURCE TSO3 Inc. Related Links http://www.tso3.com DUBLIN, Oct 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Curcumin Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Application (Pharmaceutical, Food, Cosmetics), By Region (Asia Pacific, North America, CSA, Europe, MEA), And Segment Forecasts 2018 - 2025" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global curcumin market size is expected to reach USD 130,671.7 thousand by 2025, registering a 13.3% CAGR during the forecast period. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of curcumin make it an ideal ingredient in several food and medical applications. The market is expected to witness significant growth in light of growing consumer awareness regarding the aforementioned therapeutic properties. Turmeric or curcumin is popularly used in cosmetic products. In India, turmeric forms a key ingredient in numerous Ayurveda medicines. It is used to prevent and heal dry skin, treat acne and eczema, and slow down the aging process. Natural cleansers, such as milk, when mixed with turmeric, serve as effective natural cosmetics. Glowing skin and controlling and reducing formation of wrinkles and lines are some of the benefits of these cosmetics. Turmeric is also used for dyeing silk, cotton, wool, and fabrics for a yellowish shade. The dye is also used as a coloring material in rice milling and leather dyeing. Pharmaceuticals formed the largest application segment in terms of volume, accounting for a share of over 50.0% in 2016, owing to increasing demand for curcumin-based OTC supplements. Demand in food applications has also witnessed a surge in terms of absolute volume on account of growing demand for natural coloring and flavoring substances. Players in the market include Wacker Chemie AG, BioMax Life Sciences Ltd., Synthite Industries Ltd., Hindustan Mint & Agro Products Pvt. Ltd., and Arjuna Natural Extracts Ltd. Arjuna Natural Extracts Ltd. invested approximately USD 1.5 million in proactive curcumin research in March 2016. Further key findings from the repot suggest: North America was the largest regional market in 2016, with a value of USD 23,552.9 thousand . Growing demand for processed food products and curcumin-based health supplements is expected to drive demand in this region was the largest regional market in 2016, with a value of . Growing demand for processed food products and curcumin-based health supplements is expected to drive demand in this region India is one of the largest manufacturers of curcumin, contributing to more than 80.0% of the global production, which is on account of presence of large scale turmeric cultivations. Low consumer awareness of curcumin as a healthy ingredient in India results in majority of it being exported to North America and Europe is one of the largest manufacturers of curcumin, contributing to more than 80.0% of the global production, which is on account of presence of large scale turmeric cultivations. Low consumer awareness of curcumin as a healthy ingredient in results in majority of it being exported to and Europe is expected to be the fastest growing region, with the market estimated to rise at a revenue-based CAGR of 14.8% over the forecast period. Growing demand from buyers, coupled with regulatory support from the European Food Safety Association (EFSA), have made curcumin a preferred pharmaceutical ingredient, thereby fueling the market is expected to be the fastest growing region, with the market estimated to rise at a revenue-based CAGR of 14.8% over the forecast period. Growing demand from buyers, coupled with regulatory support from the European Food Safety Association (EFSA), have made curcumin a preferred pharmaceutical ingredient, thereby fueling the market Key players in the global curcumin market include Arjuna Natural Extracts Ltd., Synthite Industries Ltd., Sabinsa Corporation, and Helmigs Prima Sejahtera PT. Arjuna Natural Extract Ltd. has a patent for curcumin formulation from turmeric, making it a prominent player. Key Topics Covered: Chapter 1 Report Scope Chapter 2 Methodology 2.1 Research Methodology 2.2 Research Scope and Assumptions 2.3 List to Data Sources Chapter 3 Executive Summary 3.1 Market snapshot Chapter 4 Curcumin Market Variables, Trends, & Scope Chapter 5 Industry Outlook 5.1 Market Segmentation & Scope 5.2 Curcumin Market Dynamics 5.3 Distribution channel trends of curcumin byproducts 5.3.1 Multi-Level Marketing 5.3.2 Retail 5.3.3 Direct TV 5.3.4 E-Commerce 5.4 Value Chain Analysis 5.4.1 Production Cost 5.4.2 Raw Material Trends 5.4.2.1 Consideration before buying and using turmeric/curcumin 5.4.2.2 Threat from other demand sources 5.5 Market Variable Analysis 5.5.1 Market driver analysis 5.5.1.1 Rising demand for herbal products in skin care industry 5.5.1.2 Growing demand for OTC curcumin supplements 5.5.1.3 Growing pharmaceutical industry in Asia Pacific 5.5.2 Restraints 5.5.2.1 Uncertainty in raw material (turmeric) supply 5.6 Penetration and growth prospect mapping Chapter 6 Regulatory & Political forces 6.1 Regulatory Landscape 6.1.1 List of regulations by country 6.1.1.1 U.S. 6.1.1.2 U.K. 6.2 Curcumin - Porter's analysis 6.3 Curcumin - PESTEL analysis Chapter 7 Competitive & Vendor Landscape 7.1 Participant Categorization 7.1.1 Innovator 7.1.2 Market Leader 7.2 Strategic initiatives & outcome analysis 7.2.1 List of key strategies, by company Chapter 8 Curcumin: Application Estimates & Trend Analysis 8.1 Curcumin Market: Application Movement Analysis, 2017 & 2025 8.2 Pharmaceutical 8.2.1 Curcumin market in Pharmaceutical market estimates and forecasts, 2014 - 2025 (tons) (USD Thousand) 8.3 Food 8.3.1 Curcumin market in food market estimates and forecasts, 2014 - 2025 (tons) (USD Thousand) 8.4 Cosmetics 8.4.1 Curcumin market in cosmetics market estimates and forecasts, 2014 - 2025 (tons) (USD Thousand) 8.5 Others 8.5.1 Curcumin market in others market estimates and forecasts, 2014 - 2025 (tons) (USD Thousand) Chapter 9 Curcumin Market: Estimates & Trend Analysis Chapter 10 Company Profiles Wacker Chemie AG BioMax Life Sciences Ltd. Synthite Industries Ltd. Hindustan Mint & Agro Products Pvt. Ltd. Arjuna Natural Extracts Ltd. SV Agrofood Star Hi Herbs Pvt. Ltd. Herboveda India Pvt. Ltd. Helmigs Prima Sejahtera P.T. Tri Rahardja PT/Javaplant Konark Herbals & Health Care Rosun Natural Products Pvt. Ltd. Sabinsa Corporation For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/4qm34r/2018_curcumin?w=5 Did you know that we also offer Custom Research? Visit our Custom Research page to learn more and schedule a meeting with our Custom Research Manager. 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 SAO PAULO, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Telefonica Brasil - (B3: VIVT3 [Common Shares] / VIVT4 [Preferred Shares];NYSE: VIV), announces its results for 3Q18. Solid evolution in postpaid and FTTH, combined with digitalization and simplification initiatives, lead to 35.9% recurring EBITDA margin in 3Q18 and record accumulated net income in the year, reaching R$ 7.4 billion, +140.7% y-o-y in 9M18 Consolidated in R$ million 3Q18 (Pro forma) % y-o-y Net Operating Revenues 10,777.2 (1.0) Net Mobile Revenues 6,732.0 1.8 Net Fixed Revenues 4,045.2 (5.4) Recurring Operating Costs (6,905.3) (4.2) Recurring EBITDA 3,871.9 5.3 Recurring EBITDA Margin % 35.9 2.1 p.p. Net Income 3,177.3 159.9 Total Accesses (thousand) 96,718 (0.9) Mobile Accesses 74,432 (0.2) Fixed Accesses 22,285 (3.4) Mobile Market share expansion, reaching 31.8% in September 2018 (+0.8 p.p. y-o-y). Mobile Postpaid accesses increased 10.5% y-o-y, reaching 41.1% of market share in September 2018 (17.9 p.p. above the second player). Broadband accesses totaled 7.5 million customers in 3Q18 (+0.3% y-o-y), with UBB connections already accounting for 65.8% of the base after growing 9.9% y-o-y (with 167 thousand FTTH net additions in 3Q18 record level of FTTH net additions in a quarter). Broadband ARPU recorded y-o-y growth of 13.7% in 3Q18 reaching R$59.4, influenced by the evolution of the ultra-broadband customer base. Net Operating Revenues decreased 1.0% in 3Q18 over 3Q17, but grew 0.6% in accumulated trends. Net Mobile Revenues rose 1.8% y-o-y in 3Q18. This growth was mainly driven by the expansion of Data and Digital Service Revenues (+8.2% y-o-y) and by higher Net Handset Revenues (+72.4% y-o-y). Recurring Operating Costs fell 4.2% in 3Q18 versus 3Q17 (LTM IPCA +4.5%), driven by digitalization and simplification initiatives. Recurring EBITDA totaled R$3.9 billion in 3Q18, 5.3% up on 3Q17, reaching a solid Recurring EBITDA margin of 35.9% (+2.1 p.p. y-o-y), fueled by the increase of Net Mobile Revenues and by our remarkable cost efficiency. CAPEX amounted to R$2.4 billion in 3Q18, mainly focused on improving network capacity and quality by increasing 4G/4G+ coverage and FTTH roll-out, that allowed us to launch 16 new cities with this technology in the first nine months of the year. Recurring Operating Cash Flow (Recurring EBITDA Capex) reached R$5,289.7 million in 9M18, slightly lower than the same period in 2017 due to the higher level of investments in the first nine months of 2018. Free Cash Flow from Business Activities rose 6.4% in 9M18, reaching R$4,846.8 billion so far this year. Net Income (Reported) totaled R$3.2 billion in 3Q18 (+159.9% y-o-y), reaching a record-level of R$7.4 billion (+140.7% y-o-y) in 9M18, on the back of extraordinary judicial gains registered in the quarter and solid EBITDA expansion. TELEFONICA BRASIL Investor Relations Eduardo Navarro David Melcon Luis Plaster Joao Pedro Carneiro +55 11 3430-3687 / [email protected] To download the complete version of the Company's earnings release, please visit our website: http://www.telefonica.com.br/ir SOURCE Telefonica Brasil S.A. Related Links http://www.telefonica.com.br/ir PORT ORANGE, Fla., Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Hurricane Maria's damage in Puerto Rico has left a profound impact on the country and its citizens. And now, one year later, Thompson Pump and its employees are still on the island helping citizens recover from the aftermath providing safe drinking water to 250,000 citizens every day. More than 65 Thompson employees have assisted, on the ground in Puerto Rico and in supporting roles back in the US. They have worked tirelessly, providing ongoing maintenance and pump operation assistance while local citizens put their lives back together. "One year later, we're still providing drinking water to the area," said Thompson Pump National Sales Manager Bobby Zitzka. "Since last October our pumps have run around the clock, seven days a week. We still have at least eight people on the ground in Puerto Rico at any given time four people per shift. People who go there typically stay for three weeks at a time." "The number of employees who volunteered to put their own lives on hold to help the people of Puerto Rico is outstanding," said Chris Thompson, President of Thompson Pump. "I'm really proud of the way our team came together for this demanding project." The jobsite conditions continue to change because the area reservoir water levels constantly fluctuate. But the one constant has been the performance of Thompson's equipment. Their 10 18-inch diesel John Deere-powered pumps have shown incredible dependability during times when they were needed. As the months pass, things are slowly returning to normal and additional water treatment facilities are being brought online. The entire experience has been a humbling one for Zitzka and his staff. "When I was there, the locals would frequently come over and express their appreciation for the job we're doing after seeing the Thompson Pump logo on my shirt," he said. "This was and still is one of the more challenging jobsites I've been involved with, but seeing and hearing about how much of a positive effect we've had on people's lives makes every second of it worthwhile." Thompson Pump, a 48-year old family-owned company based in Port Orange, Florida, is a full-service manufacturer and provider of high-quality dewatering pumps, pumping equipment and engineering expertise for dewatering, bypass, and emergency pumping applications worldwide. www.thompsonpump.com SOURCE Thompson Pump Related Links https://www.thompsonpump.com SANTA MONICA, Calif., Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Today AirMap, the leading global airspace management platform for drones, announced that it has selected Microsoft Azure as its exclusive cloud platform to power its drone traffic management platform and developer ecosystem. AirMap will be partnering with Microsoft to evolve their products and scale to countries looking to enable the use of drones for commercial scenarios in a responsible way. With the AirMap platform powered by Microsoft Azure, customers will have access to more intelligent and ethical solutions for managing their drone operations around the world. AirMap's migration to Microsoft Azure is part of Microsoft's commitment to supporting the rapidly increasing use of drones in the enterprise. The two companies will work together to help customers use drones to improve the efficiency and performance of existing business processes. Drone adoption is having an impact across industries, from inventory tracking in manufacturing environments, to inspection of power lines and wind turbines by energy companies, to saving human lives in disaster recovery efforts. The data generated by drones can be infused with intelligence to augment the value that companies and governments deliver to customers and communities. However, concerns about regulatory compliance, privacy, and data protection are still barriers for many organizations wanting to adopt drone technology at scale. To help address these concerns, AirMap is working with civil aviation authorities, air navigation service providers, and local authorities to implement an airspace management system that supports and enforces secure and ethical access to low-altitude airspace for drones. "AirMap is a critical enabler for countries and companies embracing drone technology," said Ben Marcus, AirMap cofounder and Chairman. "Microsoft Azure provides essential cloud computing infrastructure for the AirMap platform to orchestrate safe and responsible drone operations around the world." "Drones are an exciting new compute platform and intelligent edge device with great potential to bring speed, efficiency and safety to critical jobs," said Sam George, Director, Azure IoT. "We believe it's critical to build an ecosystem that enables the safe and responsible use of drones for these jobs, and AirMap is a natural partner as a leader in drone traffic management." Skyguide, the air navigation service provider of Switzerland, is the first to deploy a nationwide airspace management system using AirMap technology, powered by Microsoft Azure, to support the country's thriving drone economy. Earlier this year, thanks to the integration of AirMap services, the national postal service Swiss Post and drone manufacturer Matternet kicked off beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations to transport laboratory samples between Tiefenau Hospital and University Hospital Insel in Bern. Other examples include the Lausanne-based commercial drone manufacturer senseFly, a Parrot company, which provides drone mapping solutions for surveyors, farmers, mining and quarry operators, as well as Zurich-based Wingtra, which specializes in building autonomous drones for precision mapping. Switzerland is home to a thriving community of drone companies and host of the world's first autonomous drone delivery network. "We selected AirMap as our partner in deploying an airspace management system with the highest standards for safety and performance," said Klaus Meier, Chief Information Officer at skyguide. "AirMap's migration to Microsoft Azure brings enhanced security, capabilities, and innovation to Swiss operators, developers, and enterprises." Through this collaboration, airspace authorities, commercial drones solutions providers and enterprises, will be able to better harness the power of AirMap's drone traffic management platform built on the most trusted and scalable cloud platform to accelerate a safe and sustainable drone economy. Both companies remain committed to working towards a future in which organizations can maximize the potential with drones in responsible ways. About AirMap AirMap is the world's leading airspace management platform for drones. Thousands of drones, hundreds of industry developers, and hundreds of airspace managers and stakeholders rely on AirMap's airspace intelligence and services to fly safely and communicate with others in low-altitude airspace. AirMap connects the majority of the world's drones to airspace authorities through integrations with major drone manufacturers such as DJI, Intel, senseFly, Matternet, 3DR, DroneDeploy, and more. Deployed in Japan, Switzerland, Czech Republic, and the United States, AirMap leads the industry in delivering technology solutions for Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Traffic Management (UTM) and U-space to enable safe and responsible drone operations at scale. M12, Microsoft's venture fund, is an investor in AirMap. Contact: [email protected] SOURCE AirMap Related Links https://www.airmap.io/ IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- AIVITA Biomedical, Inc., a biotech company specializing in innovative stem cell applications, announced today it has executed a deal to sell the Company's ROOT OF SKIN line of rejuvenating skincare products on the Japanese home shopping channel QVC Japan. AIVITA has partnered with Japan-based Trade & Research Co., Ltd. to manage Japanese distribution channels for its skincare products. "We are delighted to access one of the largest skincare distribution markets in the world," said Dr. Hans S. Keirstead, AIVITA's Chairman and CEO. "And we are proud to dedicate all proceeds from the sale of this revolutionary product to the treatment of women with ovarian cancer." ROOT OF SKIN is AIVITA's proprietary consumer skincare line for skin rejuvenation, made possible through the same proprietary knowledge and expertise used to develop its cutting-edge cell therapies. The all-new actives complex SourceCode Technology contains the complete set of factors and supporting biological components present in young, healthy skin. ROOT OF SKIN will be premiered on the QVC Japan network November 26, 2018 at 14:00 JST. About ROOT OF SKIN ROOT OF SKIN is a rejuvenating line of skincare products fueled by an unrelenting pursuit for advancements in life-changing and life-saving treatments. Harnessing breakthroughs in stem cell therapy, AIVITA Biomedical developed a technology that does more than just boost regeneration. The patented actives complex SourceCode Technology renews, repairs and protects, just as your skin did at its youngest and healthiest stage. Rich with every biological component healthy skin needs for development, and free of any unnecessary ingredients. All proceeds support treatment of women with ovarian cancer. About AIVITA Biomedical AIVITA Biomedical is a privately held company engaged in the advancement of commercial and clinical-stage programs utilizing curative and regenerative medicines. Founded in 2016 by pioneers in the stem cell industry, AIVITA Biomedical utilizes its expertise in stem cell growth and directed, high-purity differentiation to enable safe, efficient and economical manufacturing systems which support its therapeutic pipeline and commercial line of skin care products. SOURCE AIVITA Biomedical Related Links http://www.aivitabiomedical.com BIRMINGHAM, Ala. and MEDFORD, Mass., Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Alabama Fertility, a leading infertility practice in Birmingham, Alabama, today announced the birth of the clinic's first newborn utilizing INVOcell, the in-vivo fertilization technology from INVO Bioscience (OTC: IVOB). This marks the first baby born from this technique in the state of Alabama. INVOcell has the ability to transform the way in which doctors assist infertile patients to become pregnant in a simpler, more natural and cost-effective manner. INVOcell is a patented medical device used in the treatment of infertility that enables egg fertilization and early embryo development to take place in the woman's body, in vivo. The simplistic INVOcell procedure can be easily performed in an appropriately trained infertility specialist's office without the need for expensive overhead. Beth Malizia, MD, a specialist in infertility and reproductive surgery at Alabama Fertility and the first physician trained in the state of Alabama in the INVOcell technique, said, "We are thrilled to announce the birth of the state of Alabama's first INVOcell baby. Peter was born on September 27, 2018. He is healthy, with no medical complications at the time of birth. He and his mother are thriving. We are blessed to have had a hand in this joyous occasion for this sweet family and we look forward to many others in the years to come. Alabama Fertility is dedicated to providing a broad scope of services and solutions to help those that desire to achieve pregnancy. INVOCell is a unique, and cost effective, alternative that may produce a pregnancy where other treatment options have failed. We are thrilled to welcome Peter to the world and for his lovely family as a result of the INVOcell procedure." Katie Karloff, chief executive officer of INVO Bioscience, commented, "This is a joyous occasion for the family, Alabama Fertility and all of us at INVO Bioscience. We are proud that our technology was the enabling force to make this birth possible. Our expectation is that the simplicity, the efficacy and the cost efficiency of the INVOcell process will help many more couples in the years to come to build the families that they so fervently desire." About Alabama Fertility Alabama Fertility is an international referral center for complex reproductive problems including endometriosis, uterine fibroids, congenital abnormalities and infertility. At Alabama Fertility, our experienced doctors are committed to treating each patient as an individual with the understanding and compassion that complex reproductive problems require. We have a caring staff who are dedicated to providing you with a compassionate setting while our office allows for privacy (and free parking!) with a convenient location in Birmingham. We strive to care for you with advanced fertility care in a personalized setting. For more information, please visit www.alabamafertility.com or call (205) 874-0000. About INVO Bioscience We are a medical device company focused on creating simplified, lower cost treatments for patients diagnosed with infertility. Our solution, the INVO Procedure, is a disruptive new technology. The INVO Procedure is a revolutionary in vivo method of vaginal incubation that offers patients a more natural and intimate experience. Our lead product, the INVOcell, is a patented medical device used in infertility treatment and is considered an Assisted Reproductive Technology ("ART"). The INVOcell is the first Intravaginal Culture ("IVC") system in the world used for the natural in vivo incubation of eggs and sperm during fertilization and early embryo development, as an alternative to traditional In Vitro Fertilization ("IVF") and Intrauterine Insemination ("IUI"). Our mission is to increase access to care and expand fertility treatment across the globe with a goal to lower the cost of care and increase availability of care. For more information, please visit https://invobioscience.com Safe Harbor Statement This release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company invokes the protections of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements regarding our expected future financial position, results of operations, cash flows, financing plans, business strategies, products and services, competitive positions, growth opportunities, plans and objectives of management for future operations, as well as statements that include words such as "anticipate," "if," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "could," "should," "will," and other similar expressions are forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control, which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from anticipated results, performance, or achievements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include those set forth in our filings at www.sec.gov. We are under no obligation to (and expressly disclaim any such obligation to) update or alter our forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Contact: INVO Bioscience, Inc. Kathleen Karloff, CEO 978-878-9505 ext. 504 [email protected] SOURCE INVO Bioscience, Inc. Related Links https://www.invobioscience.com ROME, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- K. Raj Singh was among a handful of American Entrepreneurs invited to dine with dignitaries, be featured on Italian TV, and collaborate with delegates from the Italy-USA Foundation, Embassy, Rotary and Chamber of Commerce this month. While in Italy, Singh received the Maverick Entrepreneurial Award of Excellence plaque from The Winner's Circle, Wajed Roger Salam, and the supermodel, Hollywood actress, and media icon Clarissa Burt, and Rotary Club's Guido Franceschetti. The trip included a private lunch with Mr. Tonino Lamborghini, a tour of his museum, fine dining, and the exclusive chance to stay at the Ferragamo Castle where King Raj enjoyed lunch with Salvatore Ferragamo himself. Raj also had a private meeting with Mr. Horacio Pagani, who has one of the fastest and most expensive cars in the world. Pagani's start at $2.3 million dollars. Raj and just a handful of others enjoyed a private tour of the Vatican including a dozen private rooms the public never sees and a private tour of BVLGARI luxury Italian jewelry. Pictured here: King Raj Singh received the Maverick Entrepreneurial Award of Excellence plaque from The Winner's Circle, Wajed Roger Salam, and the supermodel, Hollywood actress, and media icon Clarissa Burt, and Guido Franceschetti who is the Rotary Club of Rome's Past President. King Raj Singh is being broadcast live on TV during a Parliament session in Italy. Singh says, "Sometimes you find yourself living an experience even bigger than your dreams. Being in Italy surrounded by such big-hearted business owners, with exclusive access to some of the most successful brands and their owners, along with masterminds was nothing short of amazing." ABOUT K. Raj Singh: K. Raj Singh, also known as "The Passive Income Artiste," is a successful and inspiring example of those who have gained freedom through passive income. While obtaining his Bachelor's degree at New Jersey City University, he entered Corporate America's information technology field and grew multiple successful investment businesses during his time there. In 2017, Singh was honored with The Social Business Icon of The Year Award to his company King Royalty LLC. He was featured in the Cash Flow Generator TV infomercial nationally. Due to his past business successes, Singh left the IT field in 2007 and began to pursue his passion of music. K. Raj Singh actively serves on the executive board of directors for Toastmasters International, non-profits, spiritual groups, and cultural organizations. K. Raj Singh is a goal-oriented, confident, adventurous, and charismatic man who has obtained true success through the constant effort of self-improvement. Raj in Hindi means "King," so it is no coincidence that he is truly living a life dedicated to serving and inspiring others. King Raj Singh has several upcoming speaking engagements in November, including the annual South Florida Caribbean Conference, and in Hawaii at a Global Mastermind by Success Resources. Then he will be speaking in the UK at London's Best You Expo, and the Brand in 2 Days event in Miami with Global Branding Expert Rey Perez. Look out for him at an upcoming TEDx Talk as well. A few key people can join Raj on an exclusive high-level mastermind experience like his Italy trip. For future masterminds, interview opportunities, and to learn how you can book Raj on your stage visit: www.KingRaj360.com. Please contact: Meredith Allan/The Drive Marketing Agency, (C) 803.727.5549 SOURCE K. Raj Singh Related Links http://www.KingRaj360.com PORTLAND, Oregon, October 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Rise in consumption of antibiotics in low & middle-income countries (LMICs), heavy inflow of investments for R&D activities by biotech companies, and supportive rules & regulations would propel the growth of the global antibiotics market Allied Market Research published a report, titled, Antibiotics Market by Class (Beta Lactam and Beta Lactamase Inhibitors (Penicillins, Cephalosporins, Carbapenems, and Monobactams), Quinolones, Macrolides, and Others), Drug Origin (Natural, Semisynthetic, and Synthetic), Spectrum of Activity (Broad-spectrum antibiotic and Narrow-spectrum antibiotic), and Route of Administration (Oral, Intravenous, and Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2018-2025. The report provides detailed analyses of the top winning strategies, driving forces & opportunities, key market segments, competitive landscape, and strategic developments. As per the report, the global antibiotics market generated $42.33 billion in 2017 and is expected to reach $50.37 billion by 2025, registering a CAGR of 2.1% from 2018 to 2025. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg ) Increasing utilization of antibiotics in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) due to high incidence of severe infections, high capital allocation for R&D activities by biotech companies, and supportive norms and regulations drive the growth of the market. However, development of antibiotic resistance and rise in drug approval costs hinder the market growth. Conversely, discovery of advanced prospect molecules and innovative combination therapies for the treatment of antibiotic-resistant microbial infections would create opportunities for the market in future. Request Sample Report at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/5072 Beta lactam and beta lactamase inhibitors segment to maintain its dominance by 2025 The beta lactam and beta lactamase inhibitors segment contributed nearly two-thirds of the total market share in 2017 and is expected to maintain its dominance by 2025. This is due to rise in demand for its effectiveness in treating Gram-positive & Gram-negative bacteria as well as use in the treatment of broad-spectrum of infections. However, quinolones segment would register the fastest CAGR of 4.3% from 2018 to 2025, owing to their characteristics such as remarkable oral bioavailability, good tissue penetration, and high broad-spectrum bactericidal activity, especially in new generation quinolones. The report also analyzes macrolides and others. Semisynthetic segment to lead throughout the forecast period The semisynthetic segment accounted for more than one-third of the total market share in 2017 and will continue to maintain its lead by 2025. This is due to the enhanced coverage and efficacy against a wide range of organisms as well as ease in administration and cost effectiveness as compared to other antibiotics. However, the synthetic segment would register the fastest CAGR of 2.7% from 2018 to 2025 due to high demand for synthetic membrane-targeted antibiotics, broad spectrum activity, rapid bactericidal activity, no cross-resistance with existing antibiotics, and low probability of developing resistance. The report also discusses antibiotics of natural origin. Broad-spectrum antibiotics segment to be lucrative by 2025 Broad-spectrum antibiotics segment contributed more than two-thirds of the total market share in 2017. This segment would dominate by 2025, registering the fastest CAGR of 2.4% from 2018 to 2025. This is attributed to the growing demand for broad-spectrum antibiotics to curb widespread antimicrobial resistance. The research also discusses narrow-spectrum antibiotics. For Purchase Enquiry: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/5072 Intravenous segment to dominate in terms of revenue during the forecast period Intravenous route of administration segment accounted for nearly half of the total market share in 2017, owing to the rise in incidence of severe infections, which requires intravenous antibiotics for reaching the tissues faster and achieving higher concentrations as compared to oral antibiotics. This segment would maintain its lead position by 2025. However, the oral segment would grow at the highest CAGR of 2.5% from 2018 to 2025, owing to ease in self-administration, which results in high demand for oral drugs and reduction in hospital stay. Asia-Pacific to register the highest revenue by 2025 Asia-Pacific region contributed more than one-third of the total market share in 2017, owing to the burgeoning rate of antibiotics consumption, ease in availability of antibiotics, and increase in sales of antibiotics without prescription. This region would continue to dominate throughout the forecast period. However, LAMEA region would grow at the fastest CAGR of 3.5% from 2018 to 2025. This is due to easy of availability and relaxed legislations or restrictions on their usage in this region. Leading market players The key market players analyzed in the report include Abbott Laboratories, F.Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Allergan Plc., Merck & Co. Inc., GlaxoSmithKline plc, Novartis International AG (Sandoz), Mylan N.V., Sanofi, Pfizer Inc., and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. They have implemented various strategies such as expansions, mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures, partnerships, collaborations, and others to achieve a strong position in the industry. Access KNOWLEDGE TREE (Premium on-demand, subscription-based pricing model) at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/knowledgetree Knowledge tree is a cloud-based intelligence platform that offers more than 2,000 selective, off-the-shelf reports on niche markets to enable our clients gain deep insights on the latest trends, dynamic technologies, and emerging application areas. Purchase an enterprise user license and get 1 month complimentary access to our Knowledge Tree subscription. Offer valid till 15th November 2018. (*Terms and Conditions apply) Get subscription: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/checkout/612796 Similar Reports: Animal Therapeutics and Diagnostics Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2016 - 2022 Sickle-cell Anemia Therapeutics Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2017 - 2023 About Us Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. Contact: David Correa 5933 NE Win Sivers Drive #205, Portland, OR 97220 United States USA/Canada (Toll Free): +1-800-792-5285, +1-503-894-6022, +1-503-446-1141 UK: +44-845-528-1300 Hong Kong: +852-301-84916 India (Pune): +91-20-66346060 Fax: +1(855)550-5975 [email protected] Web: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com SOURCE Allied Market Research PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- ArtistYear, the recently-founded national service organization that enables artists to commit a year of service to their country, has been awarded $1.5 million in Commonwealth of Pennsylvania AmeriCorps funding over three years. ArtistYear is the first national and state organization dedicated to service through the arts to receive recognition from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), the federal agency that oversees AmeriCorps and national volunteering initiatives. This 2018-2019 school year 55 ArtistYear AmeriCorps Fellows will serve as full-time teaching artists alongside established educators in 51 federally-designated Title I schools, delivering over 93,000 hours of arts instruction to 11,000 non-duplicated students at least twice per-week. ArtistYear is nearly tripling its impact in Philadelphia with 34 Fellows in the School District of Philadelphia; doubling in Queens, NY with 16 Fellows in the New York City Department of Education's Queens School District; and continuing its commitment with 5 Fellows in the Roaring Fork Valley School District, Colorado, in partnership with the Aspen Music Festival and School. ArtistYear's mission is to recruit, develop, and support higher-education arts graduates across artistic discipline to serve as dedicated teaching artists ArtistYear AmeriCorps Fellowsin Title 1 schools, to ensure every student experiencing poverty in America has arts education through a national service arts corps. Partnering with schools and Districts to make all schools "arts-rich" over time, ArtistYear's programming is designed to yield positive changes for students, schools, and the Fellows themselves. "National service provides an opportunity to create shared cultural experiences for our citizens, giving us stake in and responsibility to one another, our communities, and our country," said ArtistYear Cofounder and CEO Margo Drakos. "We've found that pairing recent arts graduateswho want to use their art for goodwith fantastic teachers in low-income schools, is an effective way to significantly increase the number of underserved students with access to the arts. ArtistYear is honored to provide artists with the chance to tackle big challenges facing our nation through a service year." Full news release 2018-2019 ArtistYear AmeriCorps Fellow bios and school assignments PRESS CONTACT: Margo Drakos, Cofounder & CEO, ArtistYear [email protected] SOURCE ArtistYear TAIPEI, Taiwan, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- ASE Technology Holding Co., Ltd. (TAIEX: 3711,NYSE: ASX) ("We", "ASEH", or the "Company") was jointly established by Advanced Semiconductor Engineering, Inc. ("ASE") and Siliconware Precision Industries Co., Ltd. on April 30, 2018. The financial results for 3Q18 reflect a full quarter of combined operations following the completion of the merger. The financial results for 2Q18 reflect operations of ASE starting from April 1, 2018 and operations of ASEH starting from April 30, 2018. The financial results for 2Q17 reflect the operations of ASE and its subsidiaries prior to the establishment of the Company. As a result, the Company's financial results for 3Q18 may not be comparable to those of 2Q18 and 3Q17. ASEH, the leading provider of semiconductor manufacturing services in assembly and test, today reported unaudited net revenues[1] of NT$107,597 million for 3Q18, up by 46% year-over-year and up by 27% sequentially. Net income attributable to shareholders of the parent for the quarter totaled NT$6,257 million, down from a net income attributable to shareholders of the parent of NT$6,336 million in 3Q17 and down from a net income attributable to shareholders of the parent of NT$11,463 million in 2Q18. Basic earnings per share for the quarter were NT$1.47 (or US$0.096 per ADS), compared to adjusted basic earnings per share of NT$1.52 for 3Q17 and basic earnings per share of NT$2.70 for 2Q18. Diluted earnings per share for the quarter were NT$1.43 (or US$0.094 per ADS), compared to adjusted diluted earnings per share of NT$1.39 for 3Q17 and diluted earnings per share of NT$2.69 for 2Q18. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 3Q18 Results Highlights Consolidated Net revenue contribution from packaging operations, testing operations, EMS operations and others, each represented approximately 50%, 10%, 39% and 1%, respectively, of total net revenues for the quarter. Cost of revenue was NT$89,216 million for the quarter, up from NT$70,791 million in 2Q18. Raw material cost totaled NT$52,487 million for the quarter, representing 49% of total net revenues. Labor cost totaled NT$13,115 million for the quarter, representing 12% of total net revenues. Depreciation, amortization and rental expenses totaled NT$11,839 million for the quarter. Gross margin increased 0.9 percentage points to 17.1% in 3Q18 from 16.2% in 2Q18. Operating margin was 7.8% in 3Q18 compared to 6.4% in 2Q18. In terms of non-operating items: Net interest expense was NT$971 million . Net foreign exchange gain of NT$262 million was primarily attributable to the appreciation of U.S. dollar against NT dollar. Loss on valuation of financial assets and liabilities was NT$112 million . Net gain on equity-method investments was NT$118 million . Other net non-operating income of NT$448 million were primarily attributable to miscellaneous income. Total non-operating expenses for the quarter was NT$255 million . Income before tax was NT$8,117 million for 3Q18, compared to NT$ 12,920 million in 2Q18 . We recorded income tax expenses of NT$1,554 million for the quarter, compared to NT$1,268 million in 2Q18. In 3Q18, net income attributable to shareholders of the parent was NT$6,257 million , compared to net income attributable to shareholders of the parent of NT$6,336 million in 3Q17 and net income attributable to shareholders of the parent of NT$11,463 million in 2Q18. Our total number of shares outstanding at the end of the quarter was 4,320,148,632, including treasury stock owned by our subsidiaries. Our 3Q18 basic earnings per share of NT$1.47 (or US$0.096 per ADS) were based on 4,246,971,593 weighted average numbers of shares outstanding in 3Q18. Our 3Q18 diluted earnings per share of NT$1.43 (or US$0.094 per ADS) were based on 4,255,740,934 weighted average number of shares outstanding in 3Q18. 3Q18 Results Highlights ATM [2] Cost of revenues was NT$52,056 million for the quarter, up by 19% sequentially. Raw material cost totaled NT$18,476 million for the quarter, representing 28% of total net revenues. Labor cost totaled NT$11,704 million for the quarter, representing 18% of total net revenues. Depreciation, amortization and rental expenses totaled NT$11,277 million for the quarter. Gross margin increased 1.6 percentage points to 21.5% in 3Q18 from 19.9% in 2Q18. Operating margin was 10.1% in 3Q18 compared to 8.4% in 2Q18. 3Q18 Results Highlights EMS Cost of revenues for the quarter was NT$37,846 million , up by 37% sequentially. Raw material cost totaled NT$34,096 million for the quarter, representing 81% of total net revenues. Labor cost totaled NT$1,390 million for the quarter, representing 3% of total net revenues. Depreciation, amortization and rental expenses totaled NT$452 million for the quarter. Gross margin increased to 9.9% in 3Q18 from 9.4% in 2Q18. Operating margin increased to 4.1% in 3Q18 from 2.7% in 2Q18. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES Capital expenditures in 3Q18 totaled US$290 million , of which US$128 million were used in packaging operations, US$139 million in testing operations, US$21 million in EMS operations and US$2 million in interconnect materials operations. As of September 30, 2018 , total unused credit lines amounted to NT$165,108 million . Current ratio was 1.04 and net debt to equity ratio was 0.68 as of September 30, 2018 . Total number of employees was 93,486 as of September 30, 2018 , compared to 93,680 as of June 30, 2018 . Business Review Customers ATM consolidated Basis Our five largest customers together accounted for approximately 41 % of our total net revenues in 3 Q1 8, compared to 39 % in 2Q18 . One customer accounted for more than 10% of our total net revenues in 3Q18 . Our top 10 customers contributed 55% of our total net revenues for the quarter, compared to 52% in 2Q18. Our customers that are integrated device manufacturers or IDMs accounted for 35 % of our total net revenues for the quarter, compared to 37 % in 2 Q1 8 . EMS Basis Our five largest customers together accounted for approximately 80 % of our total net revenues in 3 Q1 8 , compared to 75% in 2 Q1 8 . O ne customer accounted for more than 10% of our total net revenues in 3Q18 . Our top 10 customers contributed 90% of our total net revenues during the quarter in 3Q18, compared to 87% in 2Q18. About ASE Technology Holding Co., Ltd. ASEH is the leading provider of semiconductor manufacturing services in assembly and test. The Company develops and offers complete turnkey solutions covering front-end engineering test, wafer probing and final test, as well as IC packaging, materials and electronic manufacturing services through USI with superior technologies, breakthrough innovations, and advanced development programs. With advanced technological capabilities and a global presence spanning Taiwan, China, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia and Mexico as well as the United States and Europe, ASEH has established a reputation for reliable, high quality products and services. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.aseglobal.com Safe Harbor Notice This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Although these forward-looking statements, which may include statements regarding our future results of operations, financial condition or business prospects, are based on our own information and information from other sources we believe to be reliable, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this press release. The words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan" and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify these forward-looking statements in this press release. Our actual results of operations, financial condition or business prospects may differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements for a variety of reasons, including risks associated with cyclicality and market conditions in the semiconductor or electronic industry; changes in our regulatory environment, including our ability to comply with new or stricter environmental regulations and to resolve environmental liabilities; demand for the outsourced semiconductor packaging, testing and electronic manufacturing services we offer and for such outsourced services generally; the highly competitive semiconductor or manufacturing industry we are involved in; our ability to introduce new technologies in order to remain competitive; international business activities; our business strategy; our future expansion plans and capital expenditures; the strained relationship between the Republic of China and the People's Republic of China; general economic and political conditions; the recent global economic crisis; possible disruptions in commercial activities caused by natural or human-induced disasters; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; and other factors. For a discussion of these risks and other factors, please see the documents we file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the 2017 Annual Report on Form 20-F for our predecessor company, Advanced Semiconductor Engineering, Inc., filed on March 28, 2018. Supplemental Financial Information Consolidated Operations 3Q/18 2Q/18 3Q/17 EBITDA (NT$ Millions) 21,579 24,893 15,244 ATM Consolidated Operations 3Q/18 2Q/18 3Q/17 Net Revenues (NT$ Millions) 66,324 54,534 41,854 Revenues by Application Communication 54% 52% 49% Computer 14% 14% 10% Automotive, Consumer & Others 32% 34% 41% Revenues by Type Bumping, Flip Chip, WLP & SiP 31% 29% 26% Wirebonding 43% 46% 46% Discrete and Others 8% 7% 9% Testing 16% 16% 16% Material 2% 2% 3% Capacity & EBITDA CapEx (US$ Millions)* 269 317 117 EBITDA (NT$ Millions) 19,092 23,306 13,175 Number of Wirebonders 25,219 25,216 16,083 Number of Testers 4,802 4,726 3,739 EMS Operations 3Q/18 2Q/18 3Q/17 Net Revenues (NT$ Millions) 42,009 30,476 33,100 Revenues by End Application Communication 34% 38% 45% Computer & Storage 14% 19% 14% Consumer 36% 25% 26% Industrial 10% 11% 8% Automotive 5% 6% 6% Others 1% 1% 1% Capacity CapEx (US$ Millions)* 21 19 13 * Capital expenditure excludes building construction costs. ASE Technology Holding Co., Ltd. Summary of Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income Data (In NT$ millions, except per share data) (Unaudited) For the three months ended For the nine months ended Sep. 30 2018 Jun. 30 2018 Sep. 30 2017 Sep. 30 2018 Sep. 30 2017 Net revenues: Packaging 53,473 44,318 32,880 127,159 93,180 Testing 10,838 8,467 6,889 24,984 19,604 EMS 41,996 30,472 33,098 101,154 90,663 Others 1,290 1,244 1,011 3,767 3,008 Total net revenues 107,597 84,501 73,878 257,064 206,455 Cost of revenues (89,216) (70,791) (60,030) (214,585) (168,516) Gross profit 18,381 13,710 13,848 42,479 37,939 Operating expenses: Research and development (4,274) (3,621) (2,986) (10,670) (8,701) Selling, general and administrative (5,735) (4,702) (3,794) (13,734) (11,726) Total operating expenses (10,009) (8,323) (6,780) (24,404) (20,427) Operating income 8,372 5,387 7,068 18,075 17,512 Net non-operating (expenses) income: Interest expense - net (971) (819) (350) (2,147) (1,150) Foreign exchange gain (loss) 262 (1,469) 33 (705) 2,723 Gain (loss) on valuation of financial assets and liabilities (112) 2,341 598 1,850 (2,566) Gain (loss) on equity-method investments 118 (201) 323 (527) 405 Others 448 7,681 143 8,267 6,126 Total non-operating income (expenses) (255) 7,533 747 6,738 5,538 Income before tax 8,117 12,920 7,815 24,813 23,050 Income tax expense (1,554) (1,268) (1,083) (4,242) (5,176) Income from continuing operations and before noncontrolling interest 6,563 11,652 6,732 20,571 17,874 Noncontrolling interest (306) (189) (396) (755) (1,132) Net income attributable to shareholders of the parent 6,257 11,463 6,336 19,816 16,742 Per share data[3]: Earnings (losses) per share Basic NT$1.47 NT$2.70 NT$1.52 NT$4.67 NT$4.16 Diluted NT$1.43 NT$2.69 NT$1.39 NT$4.60 NT$3.79 Earnings (losses) per equivalent ADS Basic US$0.096 US$0.183 US$0.100 US$0.313 US$0.272 Diluted US$0.094 US$0.182 US$0.092 US$0.308 US$0.248 Number of weighted average shares used in diluted EPS calculation (in thousands) 4,255,741 4,252,767 4,312,402 4,249,525 4,133,048 FX (NTD/USD) 30.61 29.57 30.22 29.83 30.54 ASE Technology Holding Co., Ltd. Summary of Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income Data ATM (In NT$ millions, except per share data) (Unaudited) For the three months ended For the nine months ended Sep. 30 2018 Jun. 30 2018 Sep. 30 2017 Sep. 30 2018 Sep. 30 2017 Net revenues: Packaging 54,321 44,973 33,897 129,607 96,676 Testing 10,839 8,467 6,889 24,985 19,604 Direct Material 1,134 1,059 1,048 3,243 2,943 Others 30 35 20 95 64 Total net revenues 66,324 54,534 41,854 157,930 119,287 Cost of revenues (52,056) (43,689) (31,368) (125,116) (90,941) Gross profit 14,268 10,845 10,486 32,814 28,346 Operating expenses: Research and development (3,257) (2,670) (2,123) (7,792) (6,236) Selling, general and administrative (4,298) (3,577) (2,639) (10,293) (8,301) Total operating expenses (7,555) (6,247) (4,762) (18,085) (14,537) Operating income 6,713 4,598 5,724 14,729 13,809 Net non-operating (expenses) income: Interest expense - net (1,032) (865) (416) (2,304) (1,357) Foreign exchange gain (loss) 128 (1,612) 129 (799) 2,835 Gain (loss) on valuation of financial assets and liabilities (13) 2,337 365 1,822 (3,185) Gain (loss) on equity-method investments 1,230 359 1,249 1,629 7,260 Others 329 7,713 154 8,209 512 Total non-operating income (expenses) 642 7,932 1,481 8,557 6,065 Income before tax 7,355 12,530 7,205 23,286 19,874 Income tax expense (1,181) (1,095) (784) (3,526) (2,895) Income from continuing operations and before noncontrolling interest 6,174 11,435 6,421 19,760 16,979 Noncontrolling interest 83 28 (85) 56 (237) Net income attributable to shareholders of the parent 6,257 11,463 6,336 19,816 16,742 ASE Technology Holding Co., Ltd. Summary of Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income Data EMS (In NT$ millions, except per share data) (Unaudited) For the three months ended For the nine months ended Sep. 30 2018 Jun. 30 2018 Sep. 30 2017 Sep. 30 2018 Sep. 30 2017 Net revenues: Total net revenues 42,009 30,476 33,100 101,176 90,711 Cost of revenues (37,846) (27,608) (29,691) (91,445) (81,067) Gross profit 4,163 2,868 3,409 9,731 9,644 Operating expenses: Research and development (1,041) (969) (877) (2,936) (2,516) Selling, general and administrative (1,388) (1,088) (1,101) (3,308) (3,328) Total operating expenses (2,429) (2,057) (1,978) (6,244) (5,844) Operating income 1,734 811 1,431 3,487 3,800 Net non-operating (expenses) income: Total non-operating income 298 255 235 616 818 Income before tax 2,032 1,066 1,666 4,103 4,618 Income tax expense (356) (158) (293) (674) (880) Income from continuing operations and before noncontrolling interest 1,676 908 1,373 3,429 3,738 Noncontrolling interest (397) (219) (338) (823) (940) Net income attributable to shareholders of the parent 1,279 689 1,035 2,606 2,798 ASE Technology Holding Co., Ltd. Summary of Consolidated Balance Sheet Data (In NT$ millions) (Unaudited) As of Sep. 30, 2018 As of Jun. 30, 2018 Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents 55,335 68,028 Financial assets current 8,278 16,966 Notes and accounts receivable 79,809 69,791 Inventories 47,153 41,395 Others 10,625 10,507 Total current assets 201,200 206,687 Financial assets non current & Investments equity method 13,698 13,202 Property plant and equipment 216,200 218,447 Intangible assets 80,857 81,589 Prepaid lease payments 10,500 10,832 Others 13,516 14,214 Total assets 535,971 544,971 Current liabilities: Short-term borrowings 63,365 57,341 Current portion of long-term borrowings & capital lease obligations 24,420 24,924 Notes and accounts payable 60,470 47,587 Others 44,493 57,006 Total current liabilities 192,748 186,858 Bonds payable 16,985 16,984 Long-term borrowings & capital lease obligations 103,386 117,388 Other liabilities 11,719 11,786 Total liabilities 324,838 333,016 Shareholders of the parent 197,330 195,770 Noncontrolling interest 13,803 16,185 Total liabilities & shareholders' equity 535,971 544,971 Current Ratio 1.04 1.11 Net Debt to Equity 0.68 0.62 ASE Technology Holding Co., Ltd. Summary of Consolidated Cash Flow Statements (In NT$ millions) (Unaudited) For the three months ended For the nine months ended Sep. 30 Jun. 30 Sep. 30 Sep. 30 Sep. 30 2018 2018 2017 2018 2017 Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Profit before income tax 8,117 12,920 7,814 24,813 23,050 Depreciation & amortization 12,469 10,768 7,338 30,469 21,784 Other operating activities items (3,312) (17,469) (5,641) (23,057) (11,565) Net cash generated from operating activities 17,274 6,219 9,511 32,225 33,269 Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Net payments for property, plant and equipment (13,078) (11,641) (4,702) (30,266) (18,427) Other investment activities items 7,622 (86,682) 778 (83,053) 3,947 Net cash used in investing activities (5,456) (98,323) (3,924) (113,319) (14,480) Cash Flows from Financing Activities: Total net proceeds from (repayment of) debts (8,177) 120,857 (395) 112,176 (14,737) Dividends paid (10,614) 0 (11,214) (10,614) (11,214) Other financing activities items (4,115) (5,483) 474 (11,183) 11,203 Net cash generated from (used in) financing activities (22,906) 115,374 (11,135) 90,379 (14,748) Foreign currency exchange effect (1,605) 1,612 632 (28) (3,459) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (12,693) 24,882 (4,916) 9,257 582 Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of period 68,028 43,146 43,891 46,078 38,393 Cash and cash equivalents at the end of period 55,335 68,028 38,975 55,335 38,975 [1]All financial information presented in this press release is unaudited, consolidated and prepared in accordance with Taiwan-IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards as endorsed for use in the R.O.C.). Such financial information is generated internally by us and has not been subjected to the same review and scrutiny, including internal auditing procedures and audit by our independent auditors, to which we subject our audited consolidated financial statements, and may vary materially from the audited consolidated financial information for the same period. Any evaluation of the financial information presented in this press release should also take into account our published audited consolidated financial statements and the notes to those statements. In addition, the financial information presented is not necessarily indicative of our results of operations for any future period. [2]ATM stands for Semiconductor Assembly, Testing and Material. [3]Per share data for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017 has been retrospective adjusted to reflect the impact from the joint share exchange agreement. IR Contact: SOURCE ASE Technology Holding Co., Ltd. Related Links http://www.aseglobal.com LAS VEGAS, NV, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - Australis Capital Inc. (CSE: AUSA) ("Australis" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has entered into a definitive agreement (the "Investment Agreement") with Body and Mind Inc. (CSE: BAMM, US OTC: BMMJ) ("BaM") to purchase units and debentures of BaM. BaM is a publicly traded company investing in high quality medical and recreational cannabis cultivation and production and retail. BaM products include dried flower, edibles, topicals, extracts as well as GPEN Gio cartridges. BaM marijuana strains have won numerous awards including the Las Vegas Hempfest Cup 2016, High Times Top Ten, the NorCal Secret Cup and the Emerald Cup. Pursuant to the terms of the Investment Agreement, Australis will acquire (i) 16,000,000 units of BAM, each comprised of one common share and one common share purchase warrant (the "Warrants"), at a purchase price of $0.40 per unit for $6,400,000, and (ii) $1,600,000 principal amount 8% unsecured convertible debentures of BaM (the "Debentures") maturing two years following the date of issue (collectively, the "Financing"). "We are solely focused on leveraging our resources and penetrating markets aligned with our growth vectors," stated Scott Dowty, Chief Executive Officer of Australis. "BaM checks all the boxes with preeminent brands, first rate domain experience, ideal market positioning and a superb culture. Together with our strategic partners and expansive eco-system, BaM's vertically integrated, multi-state operations will super charge our move into key geographic regions in the United States. We are fully committed to supporting BaM's expansion into Ohio, building out operations in Nevada and supplying additional brands into distribution channels with a keen focus on creating value for our collective shareholders." Under the terms of the Investment Agreement, the parties have agreed to negotiate in good faith a license agreement pursuant to which Australis will gain an exclusive and assignable license to use the BaM brand outside of the United States on commercially reasonable terms. "We are delighted to partner with Australis, the premier influencer in the sector, in what is a transformational endorsement for BaM," said Leonard Clough, Chief Executive Officer of BaM. "Not only does this relationship provide capital for on-going initiatives, it provides resources for assessing and executing on additional opportunities, operational expertise and a global platform to showcase our quality brands beyond Nevada and Ohio." In addition, in connection with the Financing, Australis Capital (Nevada) Inc. ("Australis Nevada"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, will enter into a commercial advisory agreement with BaM, pursuant to which Australis Nevada will provide advisory and consulting services to BaM for a term ending on the date that is the earlier of: (i) five years following the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Investment Agreement, and (ii) the date Australis no longer holds 10% or more of the issued and outstanding common shares of BaM. Subject to certain exceptions, Australis will be entitled to maintain its' pro rata interest in BaM until such time as it no longer holds 10% or more of the issued and outstanding Common Shares. Assuming that no share purchase warrants and/or stock options outstanding prior to the Financing are exercised, upon closing of the Financing Australis will hold approximately 25% of the currently issued and outstanding common shares of BaM. Further, using the same assumptions as above, and assuming the exercise of the Warrants and the conversion of the Debentures by Australis, Australis will hold approximately 35,142,000 common shares, representing approximately 42% of the issued and outstanding common shares of BaM. About Australis Capital Inc. Australis Capital identifies and invests in the cannabis industry predominately in the United States, a highly regulated, fragmented, rapidly expanding and evolving industry. Investments may include and are not limited to equity, debt or other securities of both public and private companies, financings in exchange for royalties or other distribution streams, and control stake acquisitions. Australis Capital adheres to stringent investment criteria and will focus on significant near and mid-term high-quality opportunities with strong return potentials while maintaining a steadfast commitment to governance and community. Australis Capital's Board, Management and Advisory Committee members have material experience with, and knowledge of, the cannabis space in the U.S., extensive backgrounds in highly regulated industries, adherence to stringent regulatory compliance, public company and operational expertise. Australis' Common shares trade on the CSE under the symbol "AUSA". For further information about Australis, please visit the website at ausacap.com or contact the Company by e-mail at [email protected]. About BaM BaM is a publicly traded company investing in high quality medical and recreational cannabis cultivation and production and retail. Our wholly-owned Nevada subsidiary was awarded one of the first medical marijuana cultivation licences and holds cultivation and production licenses. BaM products include dried flower, edibles, topicals, extracts as well as GPEN Gio cartridges. BaM marijuana strains have won numerous awards including the Las Vegas Hempfest Cup 2016, High Times Top Ten, the NorCal Secret Cup and the Emerald Cup. BaM continues to expand operations in Nevada and Ohio and is constantly reviewing accretive expansion opportunities. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS "Scott Dowty" ________________________________ Scott Dowty Chief Executive Officer Forward-Looking Information Statement This news release contains statements and information that, to the extent that they are not historical fact, constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, including statements in respect of completion of the Financing. Forward-looking information is based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of management made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made, but which may prove to be incorrect. There can be no assurance that the Financing will completed as proposed or at all. The Financing remains subject to customary closing conditions. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking information. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company's management to predict all of such factors and to assess in advance the impact of each such factor on the Company's business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking information to reflect information, events, results, circumstances or otherwise after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law including securities laws. The CSE has in no way passed upon the merits of the Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE Australis Capital Inc. PETALUMA, Calif., Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Should an entrepreneur form a business at all? If it's for the money, they may be taking a greater risk becoming an entrepreneur compared to other opportunities. For example: If an entrepreneur pursued an education and employment to be a businessman, engineer, or lawyer, they would remove much of the risk that comes with forming a start-up. Brandon Frere, CEO of Frere Enterprises and other ventures, advises that entrepreneurs really ask themselves why their business is necessary before dedicating years of their life to that business. From a money standpoint, it may be possible to make a significant amount of money by getting into that company as an early employee; taking risks and providing real value may open up a path to upper echelon management. However, this background may only be possible with a legal, business, or engineering background. Freelancing or self-employment may be worth considering if the vision behind the entrepreneur's business already exists; it may be easier to try to get into that business instead of making their own. "It's a hard truth that most businesses will fail," said Frere. "You need to be sure that you would be happy creating your business even if it was going to fail. You need to be sure you would regret it for the rest of your life if you didn't at least make the attempt." The chances of a business being successful are about the same as becoming a star athlete or a professional artist. It is the artist that has the most direct comparison to an entrepreneur, as both professions are bringing a vision into the world. Most businesses will fail. With this in mind, it is often safer to be an employee in an earlier employee position, preferably with management potential, instead of the company founder. There is a guarantee of money and skill development in the employee role. There may be only two reasons to form a start-up business. One reason is passion, the other is opportunity. Passion: If the founder has had the idea for a long time, and it just won't go away, and they share that passion with others who seem to be just as interested in the idea, then the business may be worth starting. If an entrepreneur thinks they'll regret not making the attempt to form the business for the rest of their life, this could be another indication of passion. Opportunity: If the founder believes the opportunity has value and that they are in the best position to take advantage of it, then they should pursue the business. Before committing to this business, a founder may want to think about whether the business is important to them or whether they can stand leading the business for 10 or more years. Hopefully, an entrepreneur's business will be formed with both passion and opportunity, but either one should suffice. "When you decide to be an entrepreneur you need to start specializing in being a generalist," said Frere. "You need to judge which activities are worth doing and focus on knowing enough to ask the right questions and guide people in the right direction. Be ready to form quick answers to problems you've never considered with whatever the hodgepodge of ideas comes to mind. Get ready for the casual hundred to hundred-and-twenty hour work week every week. Get ready to do this for two years if the company fails and ten years if it succeeds. If all of that doesn't discourage you, only then should you consider trying to make your crazy idea come to life." 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 image1.png the-thinker.jpg The Thinker 139904/Pixabay.com Related Links Brandon Frere website SOURCE Brandon Frere Related Links http://www.brandonfrere.com CHICAGO, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Brennan Investment Group, LLC, a private real estate investment firm that acquires, develops, and operates industrial facilities, announced its purchase and simultaneous leaseback of a 194,519 square foot facility to Westfall Technik in a joint venture with a client of Arch Street Capital Advisors, LLC. The building is 100% leased to Amaray, a specialized global plastic packaging company that was simultaneously acquired by Westfall Technik. The property has been occupied by Amaray since 2003. "This acquisition demonstrates our quick-close capability as we went from letter of intent to closing in 42 days," said Robert Vanecko, Brennan Investment Group's Managing Principal and the head of the firm's single-tenant, net lease division. "We are excited to add this property to our growing portfolio. We have a strong appetite for additional properties that meet our criteria." "The Amaray transaction is an example of our joint venture's ability to partner with private equity firms to structure a simultaneous acquisition of an operating business and underlying real estate assets. The dual closings create an accretive transaction for both parties and allows private equity firms to right-size their equity investment at acquisition," said Gautam Mashettiwar, Vice President of Arch Street Capital Advisors, LLC. Kevin Brennan, Managing Principal at Brennan Investment Group stated, "We are pleased to complete the acquisition of 1300 West Park Road, located in the Bullitt submarket of Louisville. The Louisville market has demonstrated strong fundamentals, evidenced by over six million square feet of net absorption year-to-date, which is already nearly 120% higher than the highest year on record in 2015." Brennan and Arch Street continue to seek single tenant, net leased industrial investments meeting the following criteria: location in the top 100 U.S. markets, remaining lease term of at least ten years, non-investment grade credits, "mission critical" properties with significant facility investment by the tenant, and all industrial facility types, including manufacturing, assembly, R&D and distribution. About Brennan Investment Group Brennan Investment Group, a Chicago-based private real estate investment firm, acquires, develops, and operates industrial properties in select major metropolitan markets throughout the United States. Since 2010, Brennan Investment Group has acquired over $3 billion in industrial real estate. The company's current portfolio spans 27 states and encompasses over 35 million square feet. Brennan Investment Group co-invests with private and institutional capital to achieve outstanding risk-adjusted returns. The firm's management team is among the most accomplished in its industry, having invested in over 4,000 properties covering more than 60 cities throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. For more information on Brennan Investment Group, go to brennanllc.com. About Arch Street Capital Advisors Arch Street Capital Advisors, L.L.C. is a full service real estate investment and advisory firm formed in 2003. The firm specializes in advising international investors on their U.S. real estate strategies and has advised clients on more than $6.5 billion of transactions. Arch Street actively manages a diverse portfolio of investments on behalf of our clients spanning multiple real estate sectors and risk-return profiles. Arch Street has significant experience in the office, multi-family, industrial, retail, hospitality, student housing, healthcare, single-family residential, land entitlement, and development sectors. For more information please visit www.archstreetcapital.com. Contact: Sarah Brennan, [email protected] SOURCE Brennan Investment Group, LLC Related Links http://brennanllc.com OKLAHOMA CITY and HOUSTON, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Chesapeake Energy Corporation (NYSE:CHK) and WildHorse Resource Development Corporation (NYSE:WRD) today jointly announced that Chesapeake has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire WildHorse, an oil and gas company with operations in the Eagle Ford Shale and Austin Chalk formations in southeast Texas, in a transaction valued at approximately $3.977 billion, based on yesterday's closing price, including the value of WildHorse's net debt of $930 million as of June 30, 2018. At the election of each WildHorse common shareholder, the consideration will consist of either 5.989 shares of Chesapeake common stock or a combination of 5.336 shares of Chesapeake common stock and $3 in cash, in exchange for each share of WildHorse common stock. The transaction was unanimously approved by the Board of Directors of each company. The acquisition of WildHorse expands Chesapeake's oil growth platform and accelerates progress toward its strategic and financial goals of enhancing margins, achieving sustainable free cash flow generation, and reducing net debt to EBITDA ratio. Transaction highlights and pro forma performance projections include: Materially Increases Oil Production/Enhances Oil Mix: Projected to double adjusted oil production by 2020 from stand-alone adjusted 2018 estimates, increasing to a projected range of 125,000 to 130,000 barrels (bbls) of oil per day in 2019, and 160,000 to 170,000 bbls of oil per day in 2020; Chesapeake's 2020 projected adjusted oil production mix is expected to increase to approximately 30% of total production, compared to approximately 19% today; Projected to double adjusted oil production by 2020 from stand-alone adjusted 2018 estimates, increasing to a projected range of 125,000 to 130,000 barrels (bbls) of oil per day in 2019, and 160,000 to 170,000 bbls of oil per day in 2020; Chesapeake's 2020 projected adjusted oil production mix is expected to increase to approximately 30% of total production, compared to approximately 19% today; Significant EBITDA Margin Accretion: Increases projected EBITDA per barrel of oil equivalent (boe) margin by approximately 35% in 2019 and by approximately 50% in 2020, based on current strip prices; Increases projected EBITDA per barrel of oil equivalent (boe) margin by approximately 35% in 2019 and by approximately 50% in 2020, based on current strip prices; Transforms Portfolio with Expanded Oil Growth Platform: Adds approximately 420,000 high margin net acres, approximately 80 to 85% of which is undeveloped, in the Eagle Ford Shale and Austin Chalk formations with strategic access to premium Gulf Coast markets; addition of the WildHorse asset creates an expansive oil growth platform which complements Chesapeake's existing high margin Eagle Ford and Powder River Basin positions; moving forward, Chesapeake expects over 80% of future drilling and completion activity will be directed toward high-margin oil opportunities. Adds approximately 420,000 high margin net acres, approximately 80 to 85% of which is undeveloped, in the Eagle Ford Shale and formations with strategic access to premium Gulf Coast markets; addition of the WildHorse asset creates an expansive oil growth platform which complements Chesapeake's existing high margin Eagle Ford and Powder River Basin positions; moving forward, Chesapeake expects over 80% of future drilling and completion activity will be directed toward high-margin oil opportunities. Substantial Cost Savings: $200 to $280 million in projected average annual savings, totaling $1 to $1.5 billion by 2023, due to operational and capital efficiencies as a result of Chesapeake's significant expertise with unconventional assets and technical and operational excellence; incremental savings through elimination of redundant corporate overhead, gathering, processing and transmission synergies and improved capital markets execution due to improved credit metrics; to in projected average annual savings, totaling to by 2023, due to operational and capital efficiencies as a result of Chesapeake's significant expertise with unconventional assets and technical and operational excellence; incremental savings through elimination of redundant corporate overhead, gathering, processing and transmission synergies and improved capital markets execution due to improved credit metrics; Accelerates Deleveraging: Transaction will accelerate progress toward goal of 2.0x net debt to EBITDA ratio; improves projected 2019 net debt to EBITDA ratio to approximately 3.6x and projected 2020 net debt to EBITDA ratio to approximately 2.8x, based on current strip prices. Doug Lawler, Chesapeake's President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "This transaction accelerates Chesapeake's strategic plan and expands the value-creation opportunities for our shareholders by adding a premier asset at an attractive valuation, significantly boosting oil production, EBITDA margins and cash flow growth, while improving our leverage metrics. The addition of WildHorse, together with our substantial growth profile in the Powder River Basin, advances our transformation into a highly competitive company with a diverse portfolio of high-quality assets, a stronger balance sheet and meaningful oil-growth potential." Jay Graham, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of WildHorse Resource Development said, "We are extremely proud of the company we built and brought public less than two years ago. This combination creates an impressive oil growth platform which provides both immediate value and potential for significant long-term upside to our shareholders. As a highly regarded operator, Chesapeake brings the technical expertise and operational efficiencies needed to maximize the value of this premier asset." Upon closing, Chesapeake shareholders will own approximately 55% of the combined company, and WildHorse shareholders will own approximately 45%, depending on the consideration elected. Prior to closing, WildHorse will designate two individuals, presently expected to be Jay Graham and current WildHorse Director David Hayes to be added to Chesapeake's Board of Directors. R. Brad Martin and Doug Lawler will continue to serve as Chesapeake's Chairman of the Board of Directors and President, Chief Executive Officer and Director, respectively. Investment funds managed by NGP Energy Capital Management, LLC, collectively WildHorse's largest shareholder, have entered into a voting and support agreement in support of the transaction. NGP's Managing Partner, Tony Weber, commented, "NGP has observed Chesapeake's significant transformation over the last several years and believes it is a compelling investment. We have the utmost confidence in the leadership team's strategy and ability to deliver incremental, meaningful value creation." Chesapeake expects to finance the cash portion of the WildHorse acquisition, which is expected to be between $275 million and approximately $400 million, through its revolving credit facility. The transaction, which is subject to shareholder approvals from both companies and customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, is expected to close in the first half of 2019. Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC acted as financial advisor, and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz and Baker Botts L.L.P. acted as legal counsel to Chesapeake. Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co., Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and Guggenheim Securities, LLC acted as financial advisors and Vinson & Elkins LLP and Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP acted as legal counsel to WildHorse and NGP, respectively. Conference Call Information Additional details about the transaction and Chesapeake's strategy will be provided on a teleconference call that has been scheduled for today, October 30, 2018 at 9:00 am EDT. The telephone number to access the conference call is 877-871-3172 or 412-902-6603. The passcode for the call is 0118883. The conference call will be webcast and can be found at www.chk.com in the "Investors" section of Chesapeake's website. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, Chesapeake Energy Corporation's (NYSE: CHK) operations are focused on discovering and developing its large and geographically diverse resource base of unconventional oil and natural gas assets onshore in the United States. WildHorse Resource Development Corporation is an independent oil and natural gas company focused on the acquisition, exploration, development and production of oil, natural gas and NGL properties primarily in the Eagle Ford Shale and Austin Chalk in East Texas. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This communication may contain certain forward-looking statements, including certain plans, expectations, goals, projections, and statements about the benefits of the proposed transaction, WildHorse's and Chesapeake's plans, objectives, expectations and intentions, the expected timing of completion of the transaction, and other statements that are not historical facts. Such statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks, and uncertainties. Statements that do not describe historical or current facts, including statements about beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as expect, anticipate, believe, intend, estimate, plan, target, goal, or similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as will, may, might, should, would, could, or similar variations. The forward-looking statements are intended to be subject to the safe harbor provided by Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. While there is no assurance that any list of risks and uncertainties or risk factors is complete, below are certain factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained or implied in the forward-looking statements: the possibility that the proposed transaction does not close when expected or at all because required regulatory, shareholder or other approvals are not received or other conditions to the closing are not satisfied on a timely basis or at all; the risk that regulatory approvals required for the proposed merger are not obtained or are obtained subject to conditions that are not anticipated; potential adverse reactions or changes to business or employee relationships, including those resulting from the announcement or completion of the transaction; uncertainties as to the timing of the transaction; competitive responses to the transaction; the possibility that the anticipated benefits of the transaction are not realized when expected or at all, including as a result of the impact of, or problems arising from, the integration of the two companies; the possibility that the transaction may be more expensive to complete than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected factors or events; diversion of management's attention from ongoing business operations and opportunities; the ability of Chesapeake to complete the acquisition and integration of WildHorse successfully; litigation relating to the transaction; and other factors that may affect future results of WildHorse and Chesapeake. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described above can be found in WildHorse's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 and in its subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2018 and June 30, 2018, each of which is on file with the SEC and available in the "Investor Relations" section of WildHorse's website, http://www.wildhorserd.com/, under the subsection "SEC Filings" and in other documents WildHorse files with the SEC, and in Chesapeake's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 and in its subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2018 and June 30, 2018, each of which is on file with the SEC and available in the "Investors" section of Chesapeake's website, https://www.chk.com/, under the heading "SEC Filings" and in other documents Chesapeake files with the SEC. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and are based on information available at that time. Neither WildHorse nor Chesapeake assumes any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements were made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events except as required by federal securities laws. As forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, caution should be exercised against placing undue reliance on such statements. Important Additional Information This communication relates to a proposed business combination transaction (the "Transaction") between WildHorse Resource Development Corporation ("WildHorse") and Chesapeake Energy Corporation ("Chesapeake"). This communication is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval, in any jurisdiction, pursuant to the Transaction or otherwise, nor shall there be any sale, issuance, exchange or transfer of the securities referred to in this document in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law. In connection with the Transaction, Chesapeake will file with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4 that will include a joint proxy statement of Chesapeake and WildHorse and a prospectus of Chesapeake, as well as other relevant documents concerning the Transaction. The Transaction involving WildHorse and Chesapeake will be submitted to WildHorse's stockholders and Chesapeake's shareholders for their consideration. STOCKHOLDERS OF WILDHORSE AND SHAREHOLDERS OF CHESAPEAKE ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND THE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS REGARDING THE TRANSACTION WHEN IT BECOMES AVAILABLE AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THOSE DOCUMENTS, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Investors will be able to obtain a free copy of the registration statement and the joint proxy statement/prospectus, as well as other filings containing information about WildHorse and Chesapeake, without charge, at the SEC's website (http://www.sec.gov). Copies of the documents filed with the SEC can also be obtained, without charge, by directing a request to Investor Relations, WildHorse, P.O. Box 79588, Houston, Texas 77279, Tel. No. (713) 255-9327 or to Investor Relations, Chesapeake, 6100 North Western Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73118, Tel. No. (405) 848-8000. Participants in the Solicitation WildHorse, Chesapeake and certain of their respective directors, executive officers and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of the Transaction. Information regarding WildHorse's directors and executive officers is available in its definitive proxy statement, which was filed with the SEC on April 2, 2018, and certain of its Current Reports on Form 8-K. Information regarding Chesapeake's directors and executive officers is available in its definitive proxy statement, which was filed with the SEC on April 6, 2018, and certain of its Current Reports on Form 8-K. Other information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the joint proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant materials filed with the SEC. Free copies of this document may be obtained as described in the preceding paragraph. CHK INVESTOR CONTACT: Brad Sylvester, CFA 405-935-8870 [email protected] CHK MEDIA CONTACT: Gordon Pennoyer 405-935-8878 [email protected] CHESAPEAKE ENERGY CORPORATION 6100 North Western Avenue P.O. Box 18496 Oklahoma City, OK 73154 WRD INVESTOR CONTACTS: WILDHORSE RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT Pearce Hammond, CFA 713-255-7094 Vedran Vuk 713-255-6962 9805 Katy Freeway, Suite 400 Houston, TX 77024 [email protected] [email protected] SOURCE Chesapeake Energy Corp. Related Links http://www.chk.com AUBURN, Ala., Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Chicken Salad Chick, the nation's only southern inspired, fast casual chicken salad restaurant concept, announced today the opening of its 100th restaurant, which will open on November 8th just outside Lexington, Kentucky in Nicholasville at 254 E Brannon Road. This milestone marks the brand's first location in Kentucky and emphasizes Chicken Salad Chick's accelerated growth, with 22 new openings to date this year and an additional six slated to open by the end of 2018. "We're so proud to be opening our 100th restaurant and to see how far the brand has come since its launch," said Scott Deviney, CEO of Chicken Salad Chick. "This is a significant achievement that wouldn't be possible without our passionate franchisees and loyal guests. We're thankful for their unwavering support and look forward to continuing the momentum as we grow Chicken Salad Chick." The Lexington restaurant will celebrate its grand opening on November 8th with five days of giveaways including free chicken salad for a year to the first 100 guests. During grand opening week, guests will experience the southern hospitality that Chicken Salad Chick is known for, with giveaways and specials that include: Thursday, November 8 Free Chicken Salad for a year The first guest will receive one free large Quick Chick of chicken salad per week for an entire year; the next 99 guests receive a free large Quick Chick of chicken salad per month. * Any guest not part of the first 100 in line can purchase The Chick and enter to win free chicken salad for a year. ** Free Chicken Salad for a year The first guest will receive one free large Quick Chick of chicken salad per week for an entire year; the next 99 guests receive a free large Quick Chick of chicken salad per month. * Any guest not part of the first 100 in line can purchase The Chick and enter to win free chicken salad for a year. ** Friday, November 9 Free Chicken Salad of the Month Club The first 100 guests to purchase a Chick Special will be automatically enrolled in the Free Chicken Salad of the Month Club, where members earn one free scoop per month for a year. *** Free Chicken Salad of the Month Club The first 100 guests to purchase a Chick Special will be automatically enrolled in the Free Chicken Salad of the Month Club, where members earn one free scoop per month for a year. *** Saturday, November 10 The first 50 guests to purchase two large Quick Chicks will receive a free large Chick Cooler. The first 50 guests to purchase two large Quick Chicks will receive a free large Chick Cooler. Monday, November 12 Free Chick Tumbler The first 100 guests to purchase a Chick Trio will receive a free 30oz RTIC Chick tumbler. Free Chick Tumbler The first 100 guests to purchase a Chick Trio will receive a free 30oz RTIC Chick tumbler. Tuesday, November 13 The first 100 guests to purchase a Chick Trio will receive a free Chick Coozie and large drink. The Nicholasville restaurant is owned and operated by first-time Chicken Salad Chick franchisees Vickie and John Tranter. The Tranters have an extensive background in foodservice and hospitality and have been business owners for more than two decades. Prior to franchising with Chicken Salad Chick, they owned a variety of other concepts including Fazoli's, Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn and Best Western locations throughout Virginia and Ohio, and currently own an Auntie Anne's Pretzels in Lexington. "John and I have been in the business for a long time, and we know a good concept when we see one. I knew immediately after experiencing Chicken Salad Chick firsthand that this was a brand we had to be a part of," said Vickie Tranter. "From the made-from-scratch menu items to the warm hospitality and welcoming atmosphere, Chicken Salad Chick's southern charm is unlike anything I've ever experienced. We're so thrilled to be opening the brand's 100th location and look forward to bringing such a unique concept to the greater Lexington area." The Chicken Salad Chick concept, born in Auburn, was established in 2008 in the kitchen of founder, Stacy Brown. When Stacy discovered that the local county health department would not allow her to continue making and selling her delicious recipes out of her home kitchen, she overcame that obstacle by launching her first restaurant with the business expertise of her future husband and fellow founder, Kevin Brown. Together, they opened a small takeout restaurant, which quickly grew and began franchising in 2012. In 2015, Eagle Merchant Partners purchased a majority stake in Chicken Salad Chick, and under the leadership of CEO Scott Deviney and team, the company now has 100 restaurants across the Southeast. Chicken Salad Chick in Nicholasville will be open Monday Saturday from 10 a.m. 8 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.chickensaladchick.com or call (859) 273-4000. Follow Chicken Salad Chick on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest news and trends. *Eligible winners must be over 16 years of age, purchase The Chick and are required to download the Craving Credits app. Redemption will start 11/12. ** Eligible winners must be over 16 years of age, purchase The Chick and are required to download the Craving Credits app. 25 winners will be announced via Facebook Live after closing on grand opening day. *** Eligible winners must be over 16 years of age, purchase a Chick Special and are required to download the Craving Credits app. Redemption will start 11/12. For more information on giveaways and specials, visit www.facebook.com/ChickenSaladChick/Nicolasville/ About Chicken Salad Chick Founded in Auburn, Alabama, in 2008, Chicken Salad Chick serves full-flavored, Southern-style chicken salad made from scratch and served from the heart. With more than a dozen original chicken salad flavors as well as fresh side salads, gourmet soups, signature sandwiches and delicious desserts, Chicken Salad Chick's robust menu is a perfect fit for any guest. Today, the brand has 100 restaurants in 12 states and is continuing its rapid expansion with both franchise and company locations. Chicken Salad Chick was recently named as one of FastCasual.com's top Movers and Shakers and one of Nation's Restaurant News 2017 Next 20 brands. The brand also ranked #37 on the 2016 Inc. list of the 500 fastest-growing companies in the U.S. See www.chickensaladchick.com for additional information. Contact: Nikki Rode Fish Consulting 954-893-9150 [email protected] SOURCE Chicken Salad Chick Related Links http://www.chickensaladchick.com "Our extensive quantitative and qualitative research determined what users were really looking for in a tape," said Kevin Fitzpatrick, product manager. "Saving time was critical, so when measuring on a jobsite one person can now do a two-person measuring job using this tape. And, since a tape measure is one of the most used tools on a job site, our team also focused on durability to create a product that withstands potential drops and lasts longer." The compact design features steel "roll bars" to protect the lock button against drop impact damage, while the diamond-coated end hook provides 50 percent more hook grasp to prevent surface slippage. The dual-sided print combined with enhanced print size and clean design provides superior legibility for quicker measuring. Crescent Lufkin Shockforce Tape Measures will be available in the following sizes: 16-foot, 25-foot and 35-foot at hardware stores, home centers, online retailers, and industrial and commercial distributors beginning starting in February 2019. For more information, go to www.crescenttool.com About Crescent Crescent is a premier brand from Apex Tool Group, one of the largest hand tool manufacturers in the world. The product line includes Crescent adjustable wrenches, mechanics hand tools and sets, Crescent Wiss snips, scissors, shears, knives and trade tools, Crescent Lufkin measuring tapes, rules, and wheels, Crescent Nicholson files and saws, Crescent H.K. Porter heavyduty cutting products and Crescent JOBOX on-site, flammable liquid and truck storage products. Visit www.crescenttool.com. About Apex Tool Group Apex Tool Group, LLC, headquartered in Sparks, Maryland, is one of the largest worldwide producers of industrial hand and power tools, tool storage, drill chucks, chain and electronic soldering products. Apex serves a multitude of global markets, including automotive, aerospace, electronics, energy, hardware, industrial, and consumer retail. Visit www.apextoolgroup.com. SOURCE Apex Tool Group Related Links http://www.apextoolgroup.com SAN DIEGO, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Cubic Corporation (NYSE: CUB) today announced that its Cubic Transportation Systems (CTS) business division will demonstrate its proof of concept for a connected in-vehicle information system at CAV Scotland 2018 in Edinburgh, from October 31November 1. CAV Scotland is a new event that brings together global experts in connected and autonomous vehicles (CAV) with live demonstrations that aim to assess the latest developments and discuss the way forward with future trials and research across the world. "Cubic is delighted to participate in the connected and autonomous vehicle discussion and demonstrate novel connectivity and messaging technology that could help Scotland benefit from safer, lower cost CAV deployment," said Matt Cole, president, CTS. "Our proof of concept will showcase Cubic's global leadership in information delivery to both travelers and transportation operators through our payment and information systems currently in use around the world." The following proof of concept will be displayed at stand #E55: Connected In-Vehicle Information System: delivering in-vehicle signage known as virtual Variable Message Sign (VMS) using standard cellular communications and equipment installed and available in production cars. The use of MirrorLink smartphone integration enables an effective channel of communication into the built-in infotainment units on the car dashboard screen. A series of virtual VMS messages will be presented in real time as the vehicle travels the course, demonstrated by a live video feed to the car. Visitors will be able to ride in the two test vehicles and learn how the technology works. In addition, CTS President, Matt Cole and CTS transportation experts will present at the following sessions: "The Future of Mobility" Wednesday, October 31 , 12:45 p.m. ; CAV Scotland Theatre, Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Newbridge EH28 8NB, U.K. Speaker: Matt Cole , president, CTS. , ; CAV Scotland Theatre, Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Newbridge EH28 8NB, U.K. Speaker: , president, CTS. "Validating the Safe, Low-Cost Provision of Information to Drivers of Connected Cars" Thursday, November 1 , 11:20 a.m. ; CAV Scotland Theatre, Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Newbridge EH28 8NB, U.K. Speaker: George Brown , principal systems architect lead, CTS. , ; CAV Scotland Theatre, Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Newbridge EH28 8NB, U.K. Speaker: , principal systems architect lead, CTS. "Mobility as a Service" Thursday, November 1 , 11:20 a.m. ; Road Expo Theatre, Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Newbridge EH28 8NB, U.K. Speaker: Andy Taylor , strategy director, CTS. Follow Cubic Transportation Systems on Twitter @CubicTS and join the conversation on social media with #CAVScotland. About Cubic Corporation Cubic is a market-leading, technology provider of integrated solutions that increase situational understanding for transportation, defense, C4ISR and training customers worldwide to decrease urban congestion and improve the militaries' effectiveness and operational readiness. Cubic Global Defense Systems is a leading provider of live, virtual, constructive and game-based training solutions for the U.S. and allied forces. Cubic Transportation Systems is a leading integrator of payment and information technology and services to create intelligent travel solutions for transportation authorities and operators. Cubic Mission Solutions provides networked Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities for defense, intelligence, security and commercial missions. For more information about Cubic, please visit the company's website at www.cubic.com or on Twitter @CubicCorp. SOURCE Cubic Corporation Related Links http://www.cubic.com DALLAS, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- A Dallas judge has entered a final judgment of more than $213 million against Toyota on behalf of a Dallas family whose two young children were seriously injured by defective seats in their 2002 Lexus ES 300. Lawyers for the Reavis family successfully argued that, based on Texas statutes regarding monetary caps for punitive damages verdicts, the original $131 million punitive award should be reduced to no less than $95 million. District Judge Dale Tillery left the jury's compensatory damages verdict unchanged, bringing the total judgment to $213 million. The Oct. 26 ruling preserves the bulk of an August 2018 combined jury verdict of $242 million against Toyota Motor Corp., Toyota Motor Sales and other defendants. "The men and women on this jury paid close attention to the evidence and the law in determining that Toyota deserved a sizable punishment," said lead trial attorney Frank Branson of The Law Offices of Frank L. Branson. "We're pleased that the judge looked closely at the trial record and made his ruling." In addition to Mr. Branson, the trial team included Debbie Dudley Branson, Chip Brooker and Eric Stahl. The verdict stems from a 2016 wreck in which Benjamin and Kristi Reavis' two children suffered severe injuries when their Lexus sedan was struck from behind on a Dallas freeway. The force of the collision caused the front seats to collapse backward, seriously injuring the 3-year-old boy and 5-year-old girl. During the trial, the Branson team documented engineering, design and structural problems with the Lexus seats and argued that the automaker made a conscious decision to protect front-seat occupants at the expense of rear-seat passengers. The case is Benjamin Thomas Reavis and Kristi Carol Reavis et al. v Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.; Toyota Motor Corporation et al., Cause No. DC-16-15296 in the 134th Judicial District in Dallas County. The Law Offices of Frank L. Branson maintains a reputation for courtroom excellence based on significant verdicts and settlements for clients in high-stakes litigation and business disputes. The firm's record verdicts and recoveries stem from cases involving trucking and transportation injuries, dangerous products, construction accidents, commercial plane crashes, explosions and burns caused by gas and electric power utilities, oilfield injuries, workplace catastrophes and business disputes. To learn more, visit http://www.flbranson.com. Media Contact : Robert Tharp 800-559-4534 [email protected] SOURCE Law Offices of Frank L. Branson Related Links http://www.flbranson.com WASHINGTON, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Data science and visualization company RS21 announced today that it is one of the first companies in the industry to receive the U.S. Small Business Administration's HUBZone Certification. The certification provides federal procurement opportunities for small businesses to work with government agencies and contractors. "We look forward to even better serving our partners, clients and community as a HUBZone company," said the company's President and Founder, Charles Rath. "Empowering key decision-makers to enact purpose-driven decisions is RS21's sole mission. This certification will enable us to work closely alongside companies and agencies where these decision-makers can be found working diligently to create safer, healthier and more secure tomorrows." The new designation is only the latest key certification for RS21, which also holds a GSA IT 70 Schedule and has conducted work on a wide variety of government and corporate projects. The SBA's Historically Underutilized Business Zone program, introduced in 1997, has a goal of awarding 3% of all dollars for federal prime contracts to certified small businesses. To qualify for a HUBZone Certification, a business must meet the following requirements: qualify as a 'small business' by the SBA's standards, have its principal office located within a HUBZone, and have at least 35% of its employees reside in a HUBZone. Businesses that meet these requirements can apply for HUBZone status to further enable economic development and employment growth in underserved communities that have historically faced economic difficulties. RS21's own HUBZone designation (#60369) positions the company ideally to help other businesses meet their own HUBZone targets by teaming up as a partner or subcontractor. With its main office located in Downtown Albuquerque and a second office in Washington, D.C., RS21 is demonstrative of the type of business that the program aims to support. RS21 uses state-of-the-art technology and a network of experts to pinpoint opportunities to make systems stronger in the face of a myriad of shocks and stresses everything from natural disasters to national security to public health to crime. RS21 uses groundbreaking data science, modeling, and analysis approaches, coupled with stunning and intuitive data visualizations, to help its clients understand complex data sets and make previously impossible decisions. RS21 harnesses the potential of spatial imagery, processing and visual learning to translate information to ideas, and ideas to action. RS21, which employs 40 individuals, is headquartered in Albuquerque with a branch office in Washington, D.C. To learn more, visit http://www.rs21.io. SOURCE RS21 Related Links https://www.rs21.io STOCKHOLM, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- An IDG Connect survey of 300 senior decision makers across Sweden and Norway has revealed DigiPlex as the most-recognized brand in one of the world's most active and attractive markets for international data center investment. The survey, which gathered the opinions of CEOs, CFOs, and CIOs, revealed the best-recognized data center brands in both countries showing DigiPlex in an uncontested position. This result is attributed to an ambitious international marketing strategy, constant innovation and attention to the long-term cost advantages that are drawing the biggest global brands to the region. "The incredible pace of digitization, and the accompanying rise in international demand for better, faster and greener data solutions has significantly changed the `math' at C- level when it comes to data centers" says DigiPlex co-owner of DigiPlex and Chairman, Byrne Murphy, based in Washington, D.C. "When I founded DigiPlex, I wanted it to become first name in data centers. Not just in the most attractive and active market, but across the world. I'm delighted to see more people than ever getting the message." The Nordic region has achieved greater international attention in recent years for data center development, largely due to the region's political stability, secure locations, strong connectivity infrastructure and access to 100% clean, low-cost power. Significant investment by global hyperscale brands such as Amazon, Google and Facebook have highlighted the region's appeal further and paved the way for more international business. "An international firm deploying 100 megawatts over 10 years will save approximately $1 billion by placing their data center in Sweden or Norway versus Germany", concludes Mr Murphy. "We want more business leaders to realize what some hyperscalers already have - that innovative data centers in the Nordic region are presenting incredible long-term strategic advantages. Building our Nordic brand is an essential part of our growth strategy, and it also reflects what we feel is a crucial next step for the whole industry" says Fredrik Jansson, Chief Strategy and Marketing & Communication Officer at DigiPlex. "Winning the argument for innovation and attention for data centers at the C-level shows the growing appetite for solutions like ours, and for dedicated partners that offer responsible, efficient and green solutions designed for the long-term." Since 2004, DigiPlex has run on 100% renewable energy and the company's sites are some of the world's greenest and most energy efficient. The company's innovations, from its ultra-efficient Air-to-Air cooling systems and `Concert Control' management software have emerged from its dedication to the market. The company has further improved its appeal by announcing plans to retrofit its data centers to recycle waste heat to thousands of apartments in the central heating systems in Stockholm and Oslo. Customer inflow through innovation and increased visibility In just the past year, DigiPlex's has secured several major new customers including Amazon Web Services, City Network, Verisec, Telia and NexGen Networks. During this period the company has expanded two of its data centers in Oslo, and entered the Danish market through the acquisition of a Telia data center in central Copenhagen. Its investments in innovation, environmental sustainability and a more focused approach to marketing have garnered in a number of awards including as "Best Data Centre Energy Solution" and "Data Center Operations Team of the Year - Colo + Cloud". DigiPlex has, in the past two years, undertaken a major uplift in its global strategic marketing and communications, headed by Fredrik Jansson, Chief Strategy and Marketing & Communication Officer at DigiPlex. This has included the introduction of new brand identity, new messaging strategy, communication initiatives together with customers and a renewed channel strategy. Earlier this year Fredrik Jansson, was named "Marketer of the Year" by Datacloud Europe Awards. DigiPlex marketing- and communication efforts have also been noted internationally in many ways both in and outside of the data centre industry with nominations to "Best In-House Marketing Team" at Computing's Tech Marketing & Innovation Awards, "B2B Brand Team of the Year" at The Drum Marketing Awards, "Best Marketing Team" and "Best Marketing Campaign" at Global Carrier Awards and "Communications Team of the Year" at European Excellence Awards. Contact: Elisabeth Lennhede Head of Communications +46-703322705 [email protected] This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com http://news.cision.com/digiplex/r/digiplex-takes-lead-in-world-s-coolest-data-centre-market,c2658210 The following files are available for download: http://mb.cision.com/Main/7526/2658210/935555.pdf DigiPlex Takes Lead in World's Coolest Data Centre Market http://news.cision.com/digiplex/i/idg-connect-brand-awareness-chart-2018,c2517295 IDG Connect Brand Awareness chart 2018 http://news.cision.com/digiplex/i/byrne-murphy-chairman-digiplex,c2517303 Byrne Murphy Chairman DigiPlex http://news.cision.com/digiplex/i/fredrik-jansson--chief-strategy-and-marketing---communication-officer-at-digiplex,c2517302 Fredrik Jansson, Chief Strategy and Marketing & Communication Officer at DigiPlex SOURCE Digiplex NEW YORK, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- DJI, the world's leader in civilian drones and aerial imaging technology, today opened the doors to its third annual AirWorks enterprise drone conference by showcasing new hardware, software and strategic partnerships, expanding the global DJI ecosystem to help more enterprises embrace the benefits of aerial productivity. In presentations at the AirWorks 2018 keynote address today, DJI announced major new steps to enhance the usefulness of the DJI flight platform: DJI showcased the Mavic 2 Enterprise, its latest and most portable commercial drone which features zoom imaging, modular accessories and heightened security features for professionals ready to put drones to work. DJI unveiled a realistic new DJI Flight Simulator which helps equip new drone pilots with skills for a new era of work. DJI also launched the official version of DJI Pilot, its flight control app designed for professional use, and introduced upgrades to its Ground Station Pro (GS Pro) software which helps enterprises manage drone fleets. Industry leaders demonstrated their use of DJI platforms for deep aerial functionality in their work, such as inspecting railroad bridges with Union Pacific and AutoModality, jetliners with American Airlines, and power lines with Southern Company; and Microsoft's Windows Software Development Kit (SDK), which enables a wide world of custom drone applications and payloads to be controlled by computers running Windows 10. "Drones are transforming daily work in industries such as construction, infrastructure, energy and insurance, and we are proud to unveil new tools at AirWorks 2018 to help the growing number of people and enterprises putting drones to work," said Mario Rebello, Vice President and Country Manager of North America at DJI. "Hundreds of thousands of professional drone pilots around the world are setting the new standard for aerial productivity, and DJI and our partners are creating the ecosystem to support a future where every enterprise routinely incorporates drones into their operations." Tools That Transform Industries The Mavic 2 Enterprise is designed with uniquely powerful enterprise features to give businesses, governments, educators and other professionals a reliable tool that helps them achieve aerial productivity in everyday operations: The 12-megapixel camera has 2x optical and 3x digital zoom capability, allowing precise monitoring of dangerous, distant or difficult scenarios. AirSense technology automatically alerts drone pilots of ADS-B signals from nearby airplanes and helicopters, providing an extra level of safety in congested airspace or complicated operations. Data security for sensitive flight missions is built in, with password protection for onboard data storage, GPS timestamps for every recorded image, and Local Data Mode integration to stop all internet data transfer. Mavic 2 Enterprise also features custom accessories to expand its capabilities in professional situations, including a powerful spotlight to illuminate nighttime operations; a loudspeaker to broadcast critical instructions and messages to anyone within earshot; and a bright beacon to make the drone visible to other operators and aircraft from miles away. DJI demonstrated the Mavic 2 Enterprise for AirWorks 2018 attendees, and American Airlines, the world's largest airline, debuted a video showing how the drone can be used to perform an aircraft inspection in a hangar more safely, efficiently and quickly than with traditional means. To learn more about Mavic 2 Enterprise, please visit www.dji.com/mavic-2-enterprise. To watch a video inspired by the demonstration, please click here. Integrating Drones Into Enterprise Workflows DJI is also expanding the functionality of its platform by making it easier for enterprises to collect, manage, share and protect drone data. New software packages recognize that the systems for operating drones and managing their data are just as important as drones themselves in providing value to the enterprise. DJI Flight Simulator - Training For A New Era Of Work As enterprises rapidly adopt drone technology, they must develop standards to train and manage the new corps of drone pilots required to operate their fleets. DJI Flight Simulator is designed to create a realistic simulated flight experience for pilots in training, allowing them to hone their skills without the costs, restrictions and potential risks of real-life training. The DJI Flight Simulator runs on a computer and is controlled by a DJI drone remote controller. Pilots take off and fly in a life-like environment, which can be manipulated to provide different wind and weather conditions, lighting and visibility. They receive feedback from the surroundings just as they would piloting a real drone, learning how to manage complicated flight situations and safely perform their missions. DJI Flight Simulator allows pilots to practice flying in varied environments, such as an island or a city landscape, as well as to train for a specific application, such as power line inspections or search and rescue missions. Enterprises can also customize training courses to meet their specific requirements. Flight Simulator supports most DJI drones, including the Mavic 2 Enterprise, the Phantom 4 Pro, the Inspire 2 and the Matrice 210 RTK. DJI Pilot - Official Release DJI's premier flight control app for professional work, DJI Pilot, is now out of beta and available on both Android and iOS devices. DJI Pilot is seamlessly compatible with DJI enterprise drones and payloads, giving pilots the capabilities they need to operate most efficiently and get the most value from their drone operations. DJI Pilot is purpose-built to provide the intuitive functionality that enterprises demand, allowing pilots to build detailed operations into their flight plans and generate true semi-automatic inspection capability. It can create and control the parameters of a flight as well as photo and video operations along the way. It can operate a range of professional payloads, including the Zenmuse XT2 thermal imaging camera and the Zenmuse Z30 zoom camera; accessories for the new Mavic 2 Enterprise; and third-party payloads built on the DJI Payload SDK. DJI Pilot also integrates with other DJI software systems for enterprise applications. It can share a live video feed and real-time flight data from a drone with the DJI FlightHub fleet management software; it supports Local Data Mode operations, which sever all internet connections to ensure customer data remains secure; and it displays warnings from the DJI AirSense system when a Mavic 2 Enterprise or Matrice 200 Series drone detects a signal from a nearby airplane or helicopter. Ground Station Pro (GS Pro) - Version 2.0 The upgraded GS Pro app is a powerful flight route planning tool that gives critical missions added accuracy and reliability. With this version, enterprises will now be able to manage fleets of drones, the pilots who operate them, the missions they fly and the data they generate. GS Pro's enhanced functionality enables cloud data storage and backup, as well as more robust data sharing options with accompanying controls for which only members of teams with the necessary permissions can view and operate relevant flight missions. Users can use their DJI Account credentials to store and track the data they generate using the app. The intuitive interface now also lets users plan and execute automated flight missions with just a few taps. Pilots and managers can create repeatable missions, enhancing reliability and accuracy in flight operations, as well as to review past flights to optimize future missions. Partnering With Leaders To Enhance The Ecosystem As drones become standard tools to increase aerial productivity, DJI's strategic partners have taken a proactive role in demonstrating how the DJI ecosystem gives them the tools and the platform to build custom drone operations. At AirWorks 2018, some of these leaders in aerial innovation showed how enterprises can adapt new technology to enhance their operations, and provided inspiration for other business, government, academic and nonprofit users to adopt that technology in their work. Southern Company formalized its ongoing collaboration with DJI by announcing that it is now a Solution Development Partner. A leading adopter of drone solutions, the company will help co-develop and test customized solutions for the utilities industry, and will continue to explore ways in which it could expand the use of drone solutions across a wide range of applications from airlifting heavy loads to the top of power poles to routine maintenance inspections. Microsoft is developing ways to integrate its Azure IoT, edge computing and AI cloud services and developer tools with DJI drones, to enable a broad range of high-value commercial IoT scenarios. Today, Microsoft and DJI are announcing the public preview of the DJI Windows SDK which developers can now access by visiting http://github.com/dji-sdk/Windows-SDK. With the SDK, drone solutions developers can wirelessly transfer images to Windows-powered edge devices, integrate and control drones and third-party payloads via Windows apps and bring real-time AI and machine learning capabilities to imagery from DJI drones exponentially increasing the ways drones can be used and scaled in the enterprise. Union Pacific, North America's premier railroad franchise, worked with AutoModality, the automated flight control leader, to demonstrate how they built on top of DJI drone platforms to perform automated inspections of the BeniciaMartinez Bridge north of San Francisco, which is the second-longest railway bridge in North America. Propeller Aero launched the Propeller PPK solution, which is a fully integrated software and hardware system that leverages DJI's Phantom 4 RTK drone. Distributed through their channel partners, including Trimble's SITECH network, the solution will increase surveying efficiencies by 70% across the civil, mining, aggregates, and waste management industries. Skycatch announced that the Skycatch Edge1 GNSS base station is now available worldwide. Manufactured by DJI, the Edge1 streamlines workflows with centimeter-level data outputs in 30 minutes or less and gives all DJI users the ability to process and receive data without the need for internet or cellular connectivity. Kespry has integrated the DJI Mavic 2 Pro drone as part of its stockpile measurement solution for mining and aggregates companies. The solution delivers the unique Kespry autonomous flight and aerial intelligence experience for stockpile measurement using DJI drones. About DJI DJI is a global leader in developing and manufacturing civilian drones and aerial imaging technology for personal and professional use. DJI was founded and is run by people with a passion for remote-controlled helicopters and experts in flight-control technology and camera stabilization. The company is dedicated to making aerial photography and filmmaking equipment and platforms more accessible, reliable and easier to use for creators and innovators around the world. DJI's global operations currently span across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and its revolutionary products and solutions have been chosen by customers in over 100 countries for applications in filmmaking, construction, inspection, emergency response, agriculture, conservation and many other industries. For more information, visit our: Website: www.dji.com Online Store: store.dji.com/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/DJI Instagram: www.instagram.com/DJIGlobal Twitter: www.twitter.com/DJIGlobal LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/dji Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/DJI SOURCE DJI Related Links http://www.dji.com WASHINGTON, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Statement by Lanny J. Davis, attorney for Dmitry Firtash: The book, "House of Trump, House of Putin: The Untold Story of Donald Trump and the Russian Mafia," written by Craig Unger and published by Penguin Random House, and the film, "Active Measures," directed and written by Jack Bryan and Marley Clements and produced by Bryan, Clements, and Laura Dubois, contain allegedly knowingly or recklessly false assertions about Dmitry Firtash. Indeed, the book's and movie's negative references to Mr. Firtash are unsupported by any proven facts raw innuendo and guilt-by-association word-strings reminiscent of the ugly McCarthyism of the 1950's. Mr. Firtash has never had any business dealings with Semion Mogilevich and has never been involved in any organized criminal activities. These and other allegedly knowingly or recklessly false allegations made in the book and film, for example, that Mr. Firtash is somehow a financial conduit to Donald Trump and an owner of Cambridge Analytica and that he is connected to the ongoing investigation into the US elections are all nonsense and without foundation. Google search hits are not surrogates for truth or proven facts. I have served as attorney for Mr. Firtash for several years, which has been reported in the media, and I never received any inquiries asking me to verify facts by anyone associated with the book or the film. Therefore, I ask the author and publishers of the book and writers and producers of the film to repudiate, delete and retract all references to Firtash immediately and publish such retractions in widely disseminated public statements with apologies. If not, then we will consider all legal options. For further inquiries please contact: Eleanor McManus [email protected] 202-460-1451 cell DISSEMINATED BY DAVIS GOLDBERG GALPER, A REGISTERED FOREIGN AGENT, ON BEHALF OF DMITRYO FIRTASH. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE AT THE US DEPT OF JUSTICE, WASHINGTON, D.C. SOURCE Lanny J. Davis "The 1320 Club provides our Dodge brand enthusiasts with an exclusive online destination to record and share their official quarter-mile achievements within the drag racing community," said Steve Beahm, Head of Passenger Car Brands Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and FIAT, FCA North America. "With more Dodge brand enthusiasts than ever wanting to be part of our 'brotherhood of muscle,' the addition of the 1320 Club to the Dodge Garage further expands the ultimate digital content hub where muscle car and race enthusiasts can find the latest on all things Dodge, SRT and Mopar." The 1320 Club is currently open exclusively to U.S. and Canadian owners of late model Dodge Challengers (2008 current) and Chargers (2006 current). All 1320 Club members will have the ability to create a public profile displaying their rides, take the safe racing pledge, comment on entries, submit time slips for review and approval, find the next drag strip to conquer, view the most recent racing news articles and earn digital achievement badges. Decals of driver's earned achievement badges will be available to purchase to display on their vehicles. Achievement badges and decals will be available in gray for Stock or red for Modified. Stock or Modified badges that can be earned are the following: 1/4 mile ET // Ranging from 8.0 to 13.9 0-60 ft. time // Ranging from 1.4 to 2.0 Top speed // Ranging from 105 to 170 Once a 1320 Club decal is purchased, members will also receive an exclusive 1320 Club hat. #SaveYourSlips and upload them to join the leaderboard ranks for ultimate bragging rights! How it works: Log in to your DodgeGarage.com account Visit the 1320 Club landing page to sign up New 1320 Club members will be required to: Provide vehicle year, model and trim level details Provide vehicle VIN (not for public display) Select Stock or Modified and provide a list of modifications, if applicable Create your "My Garage" public profile by uploading an image of your vehicle that will be connected to the time slips you submit Submit time slips to earn your spot on the leaderboard and achievement badges by: Manually entering the track name, 1/4 mile ET, 0-60 ft. time and top speed as shown on your time slip Upload two pictures of your time slip: By itself to be displayed publicly with your entry with your entry Above your vehicle's VIN tag for vehicle eligibility verification Submissions will be reviewed and verified by Dodge Garage admins When submissions are approved, you'll receive an email confirming your next level of achievement Achievement badges will be added to your Dodge Garage profile, can be shared on social media and will be available for purchase as decals to be displayed on your vehicle The Dodge brand does not endorse any form of street racing. All submissions must be from a race conducted at a sanctioned race facility. Dodge Garage curates content from across hundreds of websites and forums, in addition to the Dodge brand's digital and social channels, including YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, to deliver the latest muscle car and racing news to enthusiasts. Once inside the Dodge Garage, enthusiasts will find toolboxes full of daily updates, curating muscle car and racing enthusiast content from across the automotive spectrum. About Dodge//SRT Dodge//SRT offers a complete lineup of performance vehicles that stand out in their own segments. Dodge is America's mainstream performance brand and SRT is positioned as the ultimate performance halo of the Dodge brand, together creating a complete and balanced performance brand with one vision and one voice. For more than 100 years, the Dodge brand has carried on the spirit of brothers John and Horace Dodge, who founded the brand in 1914. Their influence continues today. New for 2019, the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye is possessed by the Demon. Its 797-horsepower supercharged HEMI high-output engine makes it the most powerful, quickest and fastest muscle car reaching 0-60 miles per hour (mph) in 3.4 seconds and the fastest GT production car with a -mile elapsed time (ET) of 10.8 seconds at 131 mph. It also reaches a new top speed of 203 mph. Joining the Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye is the 2019 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat with its more powerful 717-horsepower engine, the Challenger R/T Scat Pack Widebody, which features fender flares from the SRT Hellcat Widebody and adds 3.5 inches of width to Scat Pack's footprint, as well as and the new Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320. Infused with exclusive drag strip technology from the iconic Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, the Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320 is a drag-oriented, street-legal muscle car and a blank canvas for the serious grassroots drag racer. The 2019 Dodge Durango SRT, America's fastest, most powerful and most capable three-row SUV with a best-in-class tow rating of 8,700 lbs. fills out the brands' performance lineup. These visceral performance models join a 2019 brand lineup that includes the Durango, Grand Caravan, Journey, Charger and Challenger a showroom that offers performance at every price point. Follow Dodge, SRT and FCA US news and video on: Company blog: http://blog.fcanorthamerica.com Media website: http://media.fcanorthamerica.com Dodge brand: www.dodge.com Dodge blog: blog.dodge.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/dodge or https://www.facebook.com/FiatChrysler.NorthAmerica/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/dodgeofficial or www.instagram.com/FiatChrysler_NA Twitter: www.twitter.com/dodge or www.twitter.com/FiatChrysler_NA YouTube: www.youtube.com/dodge or www.youtube.com/fcanorthamerica SOURCE FCA US LLC Related Links http://www.fcanorthamerica.com DUBLIN, Oct 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Down Syndrome - Market Insights, Epidemiology and Market Forecast-2027" drug pipelines has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Down Syndrome - Market Insights, Epidemiology and Market Forecast-2027' report delivers an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical & forecasted epidemiology as well as the market trends of Down Syndrome in the United States, EU5 (Germany, Spain, Italy, France and United Kingdom), and Japan. The Report provides the current treatment practices, emerging drugs, market share of the individual therapies, current and forecasted market size of Down syndrome from 2016 to 2027 segmented by seven major markets. The Report also covers current treatment practice/algorithm, market drivers, market barriers and unmet medical needs to curate best of the opportunities and assess underlying potential of the market. Down syndrome - Disease Understanding and Treatment Algorithm The Down Syndrome market report gives the thorough understanding of the Down syndrome by including details such as disease definition, classification, symptoms, etiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic trends. It also provides treatment algorithms and treatment guidelines for Down syndrome in the US, Europe, and Japan. Down syndrome Epidemiology The Down syndrome epidemiology division provide the insights about historical and current patient pool and forecasted trend for every 7 major countries. It helps to recognize the causes of current and forecasted trends by exploring numerous studies and views of key opinion leaders. This part of The report also provides the diagnosed and treatable patient pool and their trends along with assumptions undertaken. The disease epidemiology covered in the report is segmented by gender- specific [Male and Female] and type specific [Trisomy 21, Mosaicism and Translocation] and diagnosed prevalent population of Down syndrome by clinical manifestation (Congenital heart disease, Ophalmologic complication, Neurological disorder, Hematologic - transient myeloproliferative disorder, Gastro intestinal, Otolaryngology, Endocrinlogy and Others). According to this research, the prevalent cases of Down syndrome was 541,538 in 2016 in 7 MM and, is expected to increase during the study period i.e., 2016-2027. Among 7MM, United States account for highest prevalent cases of Down syndrome with 258,502 prevalent cases in 2016. In 7MM, males had highest prevalent cases of DS as compared to females in 2016. This trend is expected to increase during the study period Down syndrome Drug Chapters This segment of the Down syndrome report encloses the detailed analysis of marketed drugs and late stage (Phase-III) pipeline drugs. It also helps to understand the clinical trial details, expressive pharmacological action, agreements and collaborations, approval and patent details, advantages and disadvantages of each included drug and the latest news and press releases. This report includes detailed chapters of promising upcoming therapies. Down syndrome Market Outlook The Down syndrome market outlook of the report helps to build the detailed comprehension of the historic, current and forecasted trend of the market by analyzing the impact of current therapies on the market, unmet needs, drivers and barriers and demand of better technology. This segment gives a through detail of market trend of each marketed drug and late-stage pipeline therapy by evaluating their impact based on annual cost of therapy, inclusion and exclusion criteria's, mechanism of action, compliance rate, growing need of the market, increasing patient pool, covered patient segment, expected launch year, competition with other therapies, brand value, their impact on the market and view of the key opinion leaders. The calculated market data are presented with relevant tables and graphs to give a clear view of the market at first sight. Down syndrome market is expected to grow during the forecasted period of 2018-2027 owing to the launch of few drugs (presently in Phase III and Phase II). Down syndrome therapeutics market has seen a 7MM sales of USD 1621.40 Million in 2016. Down syndrome Drugs Uptake This section focusses on the rate of uptake of the potential drugs recently launched in the market or will get launched in the market during the study period from 2016-2027. The analysis covers market uptake by drugs; patient uptake by therapies and sales of each drug. This helps in understanding the drugs with the most rapid uptake, reasons behind the maximal use of new drugs and allows the comparison of the drugs on the basis of market share and size which again will be useful in investigating factors important in market uptake and in making financial and regulatory decisions. Down syndrome Report Insights Patient Population Therapeutic Approaches Pipeline Analysis Market Size and Trends Market Opportunities Impact of upcoming Therapies Down syndrome Report Key Strengths 10 Year Forecast 7MM Coverage Epidemiology Segmentation Drugs Uptake Highly Analyzed Market Key Cross Competition Down syndrome Report Assessment Current Treatment Practices Unmet Needs Detailed Pipeline Product Profiles Market Attractiveness Market Drivers and Barriers Key Benefits This report will help to develop Business Strategies by understanding the trends shaping and driving the Down syndrome market Organize sales and marketing efforts by identifying the best opportunities for Down syndrome market To understand the future market competition in the Down syndrome market. Companies Mentioned Eisai Transition Therapeutics Ireland Limited Balance Therapeutics AC Immune For more information about this drug pipelines report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/tbbzdf/down_syndrome?w=5 Did you know that we also offer Custom Research? Visit our Custom Research page to learn more and schedule a meeting with our Custom Research Manager. 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 SAO PAULO, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- EMBRAER S.A. (NYSE: ERJ; B3: EMBR3) releases its Third Quarter 2018 earnings results. HIGHLIGHTS In 3Q18, Embraer delivered 15 commercial and 24 executive (17 light and 7 large) jets, compared to the 25 commercial and 20 executive (13 light and 7 large) jets in 3Q17; The Company's firm order backlog was US$ 13.6 billion at the end of 3Q18, including contracts of the Services & Support segment; at the end of 3Q18, including contracts of the Services & Support segment; Reported EBIT and EBITDA in 3Q18 were US$ 45.4 million and US$ 104.8 million , respectively, yielding margins of 3.9% and 9.1%. On a year-to-date basis, the Company's reported EBIT and EBITDA in 2018 were US$ 54.1 million and US$ 238.4 million , respectively. The year-to-date figures include the negative impact of a non-recurring special item of US$ 127.2 million related to additional costs on the KC-390 development contract in 2Q18 resulting from the incident with prototype aircraft 001 in May; and , respectively, yielding margins of 3.9% and 9.1%. On a year-to-date basis, the Company's reported EBIT and EBITDA in 2018 were and , respectively. The year-to-date figures include the negative impact of a non-recurring special item of related to additional costs on the KC-390 development contract in 2Q18 resulting from the incident with prototype aircraft 001 in May; Over the first nine months of 2018, adjusted EBIT and adjusted EBITDA, excluding the impact of the KC-390 special item, were US$ 181.3 million and US$ 365.6 million , respectively. Year-to-date adjusted EBIT margin over the first nine months of 2018 was 5.3% and adjusted EBITDA margin in the same period was 10.8%, in line with Embraer's published 2018 guidance ranges of 5-6% for adjusted EBIT and 10-11% for adjusted EBITDA; and , respectively. Year-to-date adjusted EBIT margin over the first nine months of 2018 was 5.3% and adjusted EBITDA margin in the same period was 10.8%, in line with Embraer's published 2018 guidance ranges of 5-6% for adjusted EBIT and 10-11% for adjusted EBITDA; 3Q18 Net loss attributable to Embraer shareholders and Loss per ADS were US$ (21.3) million and US$ (0.12) , respectively. Adjusted net loss (excluding deferred income tax and social contribution) for 3Q18 was US$ (29.1) million , with Adjusted loss per ADS of US$ (0.16) ; and , respectively. Adjusted net loss (excluding deferred income tax and social contribution) for 3Q18 was , with Adjusted loss per ADS of ; Embraer had negative Free cash flow of US$ (166.4) million in 3Q18, and finished the quarter with total cash of US$ 3,142.1 million and total debt of US$ 4,022.6 million , yielding net debt of US$ 880.5 million ; in 3Q18, and finished the quarter with total cash of and total debt of , yielding net debt of ; The Company reaffirms all aspects of its 2018 financial and aircraft deliveries guidance, which does not include the non-recurring impact of the KC-390 cost base revision recognized in 2Q18. MAIN FINANCIAL INDICATORS in millions of U.S dollars, except % and earnings per share data IFRS (1) (1) (1) (1) 2Q18 3Q17* 3Q18 YTD18 Revenue 1,256.5 1,301.5 1,151.7 3,400.2 EBIT (17.7) 55.4 45.4 54.1 EBIT Margin % -1.4% 4.3% 3.9% 1.6% Adjusted EBIT 109.5 59.0 45.4 181.3 Adjusted EBIT Margin % 8.7% 4.5% 3.9% 5.3% EBITDA 44.1 130.0 104.8 238.4 EBITDA Margin % 3.5% 10.0% 9.1% 7.0% Adjusted EBITDA 171.3 133.6 104.8 365.6 Adjusted EBITDA Margin % 13.6% 10.3% 9.1% 10.8% Adjusted Net Income (Loss) 2 6.1 65.4 (29.1) (47.6) Adjusted earnings per share - ADS basic 0.0331 0.3557 (0.1586) (0.2596) Net income (loss) attributable to Embraer Shareholders (126.5) 103.9 (21.3) (160.1) Earnings (losses) per share - ADS basic (US$) (0.6898) 0.5653 (0.1161) (0.8727) Adjusted Free Cash Flow 47.8 (22.8) (166.4) (549.3) Net debt (721.2) (722.8) (880.5) (880.5) (1) Derived from unaudited financial information. * Restated 2017 results for new accounting rules (IFRS 15 and IFRS 9) For additional information, please check the full document in our website ri.embraer.com.br INVESTOR RELATIONS Eduardo Couto, Chris Thornsberry, Caio Pinez, Nadia Santos, Paulo Ferreira and Viviane Pinheiro. (+55 12) 3927 1000 [email protected] ri.embraer.com.br CONFERENCE CALL INFORMATION Embraer will host a conference call to present its 3Q18 Results on Tuesday, October 30, 2018 at 11:30 AM (SP) / 10:30 AM (NY). The conference call will also be broadcast live over the web at ri.embraer.com.br Conference ID: EMBRAER Telephones USA / International: (Toll-free) +1 (866) 262-4553 / (Dial-in) +1 (412) 317-6029 Telephones Brazil: +55 (11) 3193-1001 / +55 (11) 2820-4001 PRESS OFFICES: Headquarters (Brazil) Corporate Communications [email protected] Cell: +55 11 98890 7777 Tel.: +55 11 4873 7984 North America Alyssa Ten Eyck [email protected] Cell: +1 954 383 0460 Tel.: +1 954 359 3847 Europe, Middle East and Africa Guy Douglas [email protected] Cell: +31 (0)657120121 Tell: +31 (0)202158109 China Mirage Zhong [email protected] Cell: +86 185 1378 5180 Tel.: +86 10 6598 9988 Asia Pacific Nilma Missir-Boissac [email protected] Cell: +65 9012 8428 Tel.: +65 6305 9955 SOURCE Embraer S.A. Related Links http://ri.embraer.com.br LONDON, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Ex Libris, a ProQuest company, is pleased to announce that campusM Attendance module is now available to all development partners. This first release represents an important phase in the development of a feature intended to facilitate class attendance tracking for institutions of higher education across the globe. The outcome of pilot programs and close collaboration with academic institutions, campusM Attendance is currently being implemented at development-partner sites. Using the device of their choice, students at these sites can check in to lectures through the institution's mobile app or desktop portal. The app reminds students of when they need to attend a class via personalized push notifications and displays their attendance record on the Check-in History screen, all on their handheld device. Frederik Creugers, associate vice provost at Miami Dade College, noted, "In less than a year the campusM mobile application has quickly become an essential tool for Miami Dade College students to manage their university life. From registering for courses to accessing academic support or even using a personalized QR code to access student life events, our students use campusM as a 'one stop shop.' We are excited to partner with Ex Libris to extend the same convenience to our academic colleagues and to provide our input, enabling other colleges to streamline and automate student and faculty attendance." "Being able to easily collect and analyze student attendance data is a key component to our student engagement strategy. Being able to identify students who are disengaged from their study enables us as an institution to make meaningful interventions." As with all Ex Libris solutions, the features for this release were defined in collaboration with development partners in the United KingdomLancaster University, the University of Exeter, and the University of Plymouthand the University of Montana in the United States. The development partners' in-depth feedback through ongoing conversations, along with their experience using the current campusM release and previous versions, will assist Ex Libris in improving and streamlining the full set of processes and workflows in campusM Attendance. "I am delighted to continue our close collaboration with our development partners," noted Ido Peled, vice president of mobile campus solutions at Ex Libris. "With this first partner release of campusM Attendance, we can now leverage our mobile app technology to support institutions in one of their core processes for engaging students. We are currently launching regional early-adopter programs of campusM Attendance in North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, as we work toward a general release in 2019." To learn more, visit the campusM Attendance Overview Page. About Ex Libris Ex Libris, a ProQuest company, is a leading global provider of cloud-based SaaS solutions that enable institutions and their individual users to create, manage, and share knowledge. In close collaboration with its customers and the broader community, Ex Libris develops creative solutions that increase library productivity, maximize the impact of research activities, enhance teaching and learning, and drive student mobile engagement. Ex Libris serves over 7,500 customers in 90 countries. For more information, see our website and join us on LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter. SOURCE Ex Libris WASHINGTON, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Fannie Mae (OTC Bulletin Board: FNMA) today announced the winning bidder for its fourteenth Community Impact Pool of non-performing loans. The transaction is expected to close on December 18, 2018, and includes approximately 66 loans totaling $22.9 million in unpaid principal balance (UPB); the loans are geographically focused in the New York City area. The winning bidder was VRMTG ACQ, LLC (VWH Capital Management, LP), a minority woman owned business. In collaboration with Bank of America Merrill Lynch and First Financial Network, Inc., Fannie Mae began marketing these loans to potential bidders on September 13, 2018. The loan pool awarded in this most recent transaction includes: 66 loans with an aggregate unpaid principal balance of $22,947,058 ; with an average loan size of $347,683 ; weighted average note rate of 5.46%; weighted average delinquency of 66 months; and weighted average broker's price opinion loan-to-value ratio of 63% weighted by UPB. The cover bid, which is the second highest bid, for the Community Impact Pool was 90.0% of UPB (48.41% of broker's price opinion). Potential buyers can register for ongoing announcements or training, and find more information on Fannie Mae's sales of Community Impact Pools of non-performing loans and on the Federal Housing Finance Agency's guidelines for these sales, at http://www.fanniemae.com/portal/funding-the-market/npl/index.html. On September 27, 2017, the Federal Housing Finance Agency announced additional enhancements to its requirements for sales of non-performing loans by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that build on requirements originally announced in March 2015 and apply to this Fannie Mae non-performing loan sale. These added enhancements encourage sustainable modifications that have the potential to give more borrowers the opportunity for home retention by requiring evaluation of underwater borrowers for modifications that may include principal and/or arrearage forgiveness; forbidding "walking away" from vacant homes; and establishing more specific proprietary loan modification standards. Fannie Mae helps make the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage and affordable rental housing possible for millions of Americans. We partner with lenders to create housing opportunities for families across the country. We are driving positive changes in housing finance to make the home buying process easier, while reducing costs and risk. To learn more, visit fanniemae.com and follow us on twitter.com/fanniemae. SOURCE Fannie Mae Related Links http://www.fanniemae.com Wagner OE X Car is engineered with a combination of the most advanced braking features available: galvanized steel plates provide better corrosion resistance and fitment over paint and powder coatings; premium OE-quality shims are made up of five sound-deadening layers and laser-etched for easy part reference; and shims are attached using the most advanced and secure application-specific shim attachment methods - tabs that "lock" the shim to the backing plate, or riveted. "The launch of Wagner OEX Car completes our plan to offer a premium line covering all makes and models," said Christopher Battershell, director, business development and product management, Aftermarket Braking, Federal-Mogul Motorparts. "Newer and late model vehicles targeted by Wagner OEX and OEX Car demand a premium product; Wagner OEX Car delivers a great value proposition, offering unique features, performance and life benefits that are rarely seen in the aftermarket for braking products." Wagner OEX Car also employs unique CNC machine technology that cuts application-specific, double- or single-curved slots in the Wagner OEX Car pads, providing more opportunities for debris to escape for longer pad life. Additionally, formulations meet 2025 requirements for zero copper. Wagner OEX and Wagner OEX Car will also feature new packaging: the Wagner OEX packaging strongly identifies it as being for SUVs, CUVs and pick-ups, while Wagner OEX Car packaging identifies it as being for passenger cars. To learn more about Wagner OEX Car, Wagner OEX, or any of the other Wagner friction products, please visit the Federal Mogul Motorparts booth #3217 at the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) in Las Vegas, Nev., October 30 November 1. Additionally, to learn more about these and other Wagner solutions, please contact your Wagner Brake supplier or Federal-Mogul Motorparts representative, and visit www.wagnerbrake.com. About Tenneco Headquartered in Lake Forest, Illinois, Tenneco is one of the world's leading designers, manufacturers and marketers of Ride Performance and Clean Air products and technology solutions for diversified markets, including light vehicle, commercial truck, off-highway equipment and the aftermarket, with 2017 revenues of $9.3 billion and approximately 32,000 employees worldwide. On October 1, 2018, Tenneco completed the acquisition of Federal-Mogul, a leading global supplier to original equipment manufacturers and the aftermarket with nearly 55,000 employees globally and 2017 revenues of $7.8 billion. Additionally, the company expects to separate its businesses to form two new, independent companies, an Aftermarket and Ride Performance company as well as a new Powertrain Technology company, in late 2019. About the Future Aftermarket and Ride Performance Company Following the separation, the aftermarket and ride performance company will be one of the largest global multi-line, multi-brand aftermarket companies, and one of the largest global OE ride performance and braking companies. The aftermarket and ride performance company's principal product brands will feature Monroe, Walker, Clevite Elastomers, MOOG, Fel-Pro, Wagner, Champion and others. The Aftermarket and Ride Performance company would have 2017 pro-forma revenues of $6.4 billion, with 57% of those revenues from aftermarket and 43% from original equipment customers. About the Future Powertrain Technology Company Following the separation, the powertrain technology company will be one of the world's largest pure-play powertrain companies serving OE markets worldwide with engineered solutions addressing fuel economy, power output, and criteria pollution requirements for gasoline, diesel and electrified powertrains. The powertrain technology company would have 2017 pro-forma revenues of $10.7 billion, serving light vehicle, commercial truck, off-highway and industrial markets. CONTACT: Karen Shulhan (Federal-Mogul Motorparts) 248.354.4383 [email protected] Drew Shippy (Pinnacle Media) 330.688.3500 [email protected] SOURCE Federal-Mogul Motorparts TOKYO, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Fintopia Inc. (the "Company"), a leading global Fintech company, recently won the grand prize NIKKEI Award at FIN/SUM 2018, the largest Fintech summit in Japan. Organized by the Financial Services Agency of Japan (FSA) and Nikkei Inc., FIN/SUM 2018 took place in Tokyo from September 25 to 28 with the goal of advocating the latest developments and to encourage the potential growth of Fintech in the global community. The event included a series of symposiums, workshops, pitch runs and exhibits through which in-depth discussions took place on broad issues related to Fintech. A group of industry experts and financial authorities also attended the panels to discuss topics such as blockchain payment systems and artificial intelligence. With over 17 million registered users and nearly USD 6 billion of credit-based transactions facilitated, Fintopia bridges investors and borrowers on its big-data driven marketplace, creating alternative credit and investment opportunities for the under-served population through its proprietary A.I. credit analysis system. During the pitch run section, Bo Geng, Co-founder and CTO of Fintopia presented the Company's mechanism behind leveraging user data and A.I. to predict consumers' credit levels and the streamlined application process to improve user experiences. "It only takes 3 minutes for a user to upload information and our platform can determine his or her credit level within 5 seconds," said Geng. "Our technology enables efficient online applications for loans." Headquartered in Beijing, China, the Company has now branched out to Indonesia, Thailand, Japan and Brazil so that people around the world can benefit from more accessible, efficient and high-quality financial services. As Liu Yongyan, Co-founder and CEO of Fintopia points out, "our technical strengths lay the solid foundation for our unique competitiveness in the Fintech market, and we make every effort for our future breakthroughs." SOURCE Fintopia Inc. DENVER, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Full Spectrum Nutrition and John Merritt have recently filed counterclaims in a lawsuit brought against them by Josse Mazo Mayorquin and his wife Maritza Riascos, two Florida doctors who decided to invest in Full Spectrum Nutrition, a Colorado Springs Hemp CBD company. The counterclaims allege that soon after the doctors got involved, they conspired with certain employees to loot the company of hundreds of thousands of dollars in inventory and other property while the founder of the business, John Merritt, was out of the country participating in a cannabis industry exposition. The lawsuit further alleges that in an effort to try and deflect attention from their conduct, the doctorsMazo and Riascos of Melbourne, Floridafiled a lawsuit against Full Spectrum Nutrition and Mr. Merritt riddled with false and defamatory accusations. Full Spectrum Nutrition and Merritt contend that the doctors then publicized what are alleged to be frivolous and defamatory claims to the Denver Post, which broadcast them across the Denver Post's platform, including on the Post's Cannabist website and newsletter. The story quickly gained traction, perhaps due to the salaciousand falseallegations, including the absurd claim that the Doctors' investment went into Mr. Merritt's charitable wildlife refuge in Costa Rica. A local Denver newspaper known as Westword published an article on the topic, which can be found here: http://www.westword.com/news/cbd-lawsuit-in-colorado-claims-counterclaims-and-a-woman-named-swindler-10326759. The Westword article told the other side of the story, although unfortunately that article did not reach as many readers as the Denver Post article did. The full counter claim lawsuit can be read here: https://www.scribd.com/document/391137556/Full-Spectrum-Nutrition-v-Mazo-Answer-to-Amended-Complaint-Counter-Cross-Claims "John is a successful entrepreneur with a fantastic track record of success. He is passionate about helping people and the environment and believes strongly in the incredible health benefits that hemp and CBD are bringing to the world," said Henry Baskerville of Fortis Law Partners, who is representing Full Spectrum Nutrition and John Merritt. "It is unfortunate that Full Spectrum Nutrition had some questionable employees that we believe duped these Doctors into trying to destroy the company. We believe that the allegations against Full Spectrum Nutrition and John are fabricated and that our counterclaims will prevail, including our claim for defamation based on the false and defamatory statements in the Denver Post article about John and Full Spectrum. John and Full Spectrum Nutrition look forward to clearing their names." If any customers of Full Spectrum Nutrition have any questions, comments or concerns about these false allegations or about continuing to do business with the company, they are encouraged to contact Mr. Baskerville, lead counsel for Full Spectrum Nutrition. Mr. Baskerville can be reached at (303) 656-8066. Full Spectrum Nutrition LLC is represented by Henry Baskerville of Fortis Law Partners in Denver, Colorado. This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com. SOURCE Full Spectrum Nutrition DUBLIN, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Women's Health Diagnostics Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By End Use, By Application (Cancer, Infectious Disease, Osteoporosis, Pregnancy, Prenatal), and Segment Forecasts, 2018 - 2025" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global women's health diagnostics market size is expected to reach USD 76.2 billion by 2025 Rising adoption of point-of-care diagnostics and growing incidence of various chronic and lifestyle diseases are among the key factors stimulating the growth of the market. Besides this, introducing various awareness programs is also anticipated to work in favor the market during the forecast period. For instance, in 2014, the European Commission launched joint action for European Guide on Quality Improvement in Comprehensive Cancer Control. Women's health diagnostics is witnessing high growth due to increased funding from various organizations. For instance, in May 2015, Abcodia received funding of USD 8.0 million from Cambridge Innovative Capital, Scottish Equity Partners, Albion Ventures, and UCLB to launch Risk of Ovarian Cancer Algorithm (ROCA) test in the U.K. for early detection of ovarian cancer. On the basis of end use, the market has been bifurcated into hospital & diagnostics centers and home. Hospitals and diagnostic centers accounted for a larger share in the market due to high number of visits to hospitals and more reliable detection. The market in Asia Pacific is likely to witness significant growth over the coming years. The growth of the market can be attributed to increasing investments in healthcare, growing focus of international device manufacturers on strengthening their distribution networks within the region, and epidemiological shift from infectious diseases to chronic diseases within regional boundaries. Further key findings from the report suggest: Increasing investments by governments and private bodies and rising disposable income are providing a push to the market Cancer accounted for the highest share in the market in 2017. The segment will register noteworthy growth during the forecast period owing to availability of early detection tests and government initiatives to tackle cancer Prenatal testing is estimated to be the fastest growing segment during the same period owing to rising prevalence of prenatal diseases, increasing maternal age, surging healthcare expenditure, and development of advanced diagnostic tests Geographically, North America was the leading revenue contributor to the women's health diagnostics market in 2017. It is anticipated to maintain its dominance through 2025, thanks to widening base of diagnostic and imaging centers, mounting cases of cancer, growing awareness about fertility testing, and spiraling adoption of point-of-care testing devices was the leading revenue contributor to the women's health diagnostics market in 2017. It is anticipated to maintain its dominance through 2025, thanks to widening base of diagnostic and imaging centers, mounting cases of cancer, growing awareness about fertility testing, and spiraling adoption of point-of-care testing devices Some of the key players are Siemens Healthcare Private Limited; Hologic, Inc.;GE Healthcare; F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.; bioMrieux SA; Koninklijke Philips N.V; Abbott; Becton, Dickinson and Company, Quest Diagnostics, Inc.; and PerkinElmer, Inc. Key Topics Covered: Chapter 1 Executive Summary 1.1 Market Snapshot Chapter 2 Research Methodology 2.1 Information Procurement 2.2 Data Analysis Chapter 3 Market Variables, Trends & Scope 3.1 Market Segmentation and Scope 3.1.1 Market driver analysis 3.1.1.1 Incidence of various chronic and lifestyle disorders in women 3.1.1.2 Increasing adoption of point-of-care diagnostics 3.1.1.3 Increasing number of diagnostic and imaging centers 3.1.1.4 High prevalence of infectious diseases among women 3.1.2 Market restraint analysis 3.1.2.1 Lack of skilled laboratory technicians 3.1.2.2 High cost 3.2 Penetration & Growth Prospects Mapping 3.3 Women's Health Diagnostics Market - PESTLE Analysis 3.4 Industry Analysis - Porter's 3.5 Women's Health Diagnostics Competitive Landscape: Market Position Analysis (Based on Services, Regional Presence, and Recent Updates) Chapter 4 Women's Health Diagnostics Market : Application Estimates & Trend Analysis 4.1 Women's Health Diagnostics Market: Application Analysis 4.2 Cancer Testing 4.2.1 Market estimates and forecast, 2014 - 2025 (USD Million) 4.2.1.1 Breast cancer 4.2.1.2 Cervical cancer 4.2.1.3 Ovarian cancer 4.3 Infectious Disease Testing 4.4 Osteoporosis Testing 4.5 Pregnancy and Fertility Testing 4.6 Prenatal Testing Chapter 5 Women's Health Diagnostics Market : End Use Estimates & Trend Analysis 5.1 Women's Health Diagnostics Market: End Use Analysis 5.2 Hospital and Diagnostics Centers 5.3 Home Chapter 6 Women's Health Diagnostics Market : Regional Estimates & Trend Analysis Chapter 7 Competitive Landscape Siemens Healthcare GmBH Hologic, Inc. GE Healthcare F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd bioMrieux SA Koninklijke Philips N.V. Abbott Becton, Dickinson and Company Quest Diagnostics, Inc. PerkinElmer, Inc. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/vkbwql/global_womens?w=5 Did you know that we also offer Custom Research? Visit our Custom Research page to learn more and schedule a meeting with our Custom Research Manager. 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 ROCKVILLE, Md., Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Goodwill Industries International (GII) Board of Directors today announced that former HUD Secretary Steven C. Preston will be the organization's next president and CEO. In January 2019, Preston will replace Lorna G. Utley who has served as interim president and CEO since August 2018. In this role as president and CEO, Preston's focus will be building upon GII's success and impact. Preston will leverage his management experience across the private, public and nonprofit sectors to further advance the organization in its mission of helping individuals and families reach their full potential through learning and the power of work. "I am grateful and humbled that the Board has invited me to join as a partner and leader in advancing Goodwill's critical mission," said Steve Preston. "Millions of people begin their day without the stability, dignity and purpose that employment can provide." "For over a century, Goodwill has faced that challenge head on, person by person, extending training, counseling, compassion and ultimately jobs," added Preston. "As challenges in our society persist and our job market evolves, I am confident Goodwill will continue to provide that bridge to opportunity in meaningful and innovative ways." Preston demonstrated significant commitment to public service, as evidenced by his work as head of two major federal agencies Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and Administrator of the Small Business Administration. During his career, Preston served as CEO of two large privately-owned companies and has held executive leadership roles within several other businesses including Waste Management, ServiceMaster and First Data. Currently, he is Vice Chair of Liberty Advisor Group. His work in the private sector spans more than 30 years and has afforded him significant expertise in managing complex structures and systems, growing collaborative partnerships, and catalyzing innovative and forward-thinking business expansion opportunities. "Steve has a proven track record of exceptional leadership during his highly successful careers in both the private and public sectors," said Dale Jenkins, Chair of the GII Board of Directors. "He also has a deep personal commitment to serving others that is truly inspirational. I am excited about what this dynamic combination of talent, business acumen, and servant leadership will mean to the future impact of Goodwill." In addition to his professional roles in the public and private sectors, Preston has served on the boards of various nonprofit organizations, currently including the Wheaton College Board of Trustees, the Partnership for Public Service, and Sunshine Enterprises. The selection of Steven Preston follows an extensive executive search, conducted with the assistance of an executive search firm. In July, the GII Board of Directors appointed Lorna G. Utley, retired president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit, to the role of interim president and CEO while the company searched for a candidate. Utley leveraged her Goodwill experience to ensure a smooth executive transition. Preston will continue to build upon the strides she made while in office. About Goodwill Industries International In 2017, GII was ranked by consumers as the top brand doing the most good for the world by enso known for the World Value Index. Goodwill also has been on the Forbes' list of top 20 most inspiring companies for three consecutive years the only nonprofit featured on that list. Preston's mission-focused motivations will continue GII's tradition of respect, stewardship, ethics and learning innovation. Goodwill helps people facing challenges finding employment receive job training, job placement and career advancement. Local Goodwill organizations build revenues and expand employment opportunities by contracting with commercial, state, government and non-government organizations to provide a wide range of business services, including janitorial and grounds maintenance, flexible staffing, food service, manufacturing and contracts packaging, reverse logistics, document imaging and shredding, and laundry services. GII is a network of 161 community-based, autonomous organizations in the United States and Canada with a presence in 13 other countries. Local Goodwill organizations are innovative and sustainable social enterprises that offer job placement and training services, and other community-based programs by selling donated clothing and household items in more than 3,300 stores collectively. SOURCE Goodwill Industries International Related Links http://www.goodwill.org BOSTON, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Gravyty , the first provider of AI-enabled fundraising software for Advancement, today announced the establishment of the AI in Advancement Advisory Council (AAAC), a board of the world's most forward-thinking thought leaders, technologists, and Advancement experts aligned under the common goal to shape the future of Advancement through revolutionary artificial intelligence (AI) technology. "Artificial Intelligence has proven to be the catalyst that changes the way people work, across all industries," says Adam Martel, CEO at Gravyty. "With the launch of this first-of-its-kind council, I'm excited and grateful to have the opportunity to partner with these amazing and inspiring leaders to define how artificial intelligence will impact the future of advancement for nonprofit organizations. This council will be at the center of major progress in applying AI in advancement and, ultimately, this core will change the world by accelerating the impact that nonprofit organizations have on the world at large." The AI in Advancement Advisory Council will initially focus on three key initiatives: Define and evaluate specific use-cases to accelerate the impact of AI in Advancement Aggregate learnings from the use of artificial intelligence in advancement and communicate best practices to the community, at large Guide the Advancement community in ethical applications of AI technology "We're living in the most exciting, but also the most critical time in the history of philanthropy. A one-percent increase in annual giving in the U.S., for example, would generate billions of dollars more for organizations working to improve our world. I believe that AI and Machine Learning have the power to achieve this incremental change and go even further to define the future of generosity," said Nathan Chappell, Senior Vice President, Philanthropy, City of Hope. "I'm honored to join the AAAC because our collective work will make these revolutionary technologies accessible to nonprofits around the world while inspiring more acts of generosity at scale." The AAAC will guide the progress of AI in Advancement, discuss where the technology can and should have an impact, and solve key challenges that stand in the way of widespread progress. The AAAC will also have access to Gravyty's product roadmap for the purpose of influencing Gravyty's development of real-world applications of AI in Advancement. The AAAC is comprised of 15 inaugural members, including: Armin Afsahi, Vice Chancellor, Advancement, University of Denver Dan Allen, Vice President, Advancement, DePaul University Marijana Radic Boone, Executive Director, Advancement Services, College of Charleston Evelyn Buchanan, Associate Vice President, University Advancement, California State University, Chico Nathan Chappell, Senior Vice President, Advancement Operations and Giving Campaigns, City of Hope Jim Dicker, Vice President, Development and Alumni Relations, University of Delaware Karin George, Principal & Co-owner, Washburn & McGoldrick Rod Grabowski, Vice President, University Advancement, University at Buffalo Laurel Lyle, Vice President, Development Operations and Fundraising Programs, Cure Alzheimer's Fund Adam Martel, co-founder & CEO, Gravyty Rich Palmer, co-founder & CTO, Gravyty Kim Rich, Executive Director, Advancement Services and Annual Giving, Medical University of South Carolina Reed Sheard, Vice President, College Advancement and Chief Information Officer, Westmont College Colleen Whelan, Director, Advancement Services, Providence College David Woodruff, Associate Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Resource Development, MIT "Higher Education is going to change more in the next 10 years than it has in the past 100 years. Some people think this change means higher education is in trouble but I believe our best days lie ahead as we learn to leverage disruptive technologies in ways that benefit our institutions and students," said Reed Sheard, Vice President for College Advancement and Chief Information Officer, Westmont College. "The AAAC is a group of leaders who understand that AI and Machine Learning present opportunities to combine the art of building strong relationships with the science and data of systems so we can redefine the future of fundraising. I couldn't be more excited to join the council and work alongside the top thought leaders in Advancement." To keep updated on the AAAC's progress, please follow the council's page: www.gravyty.com/aaac . About Gravyty Gravyty is the nonprofit industry's leading provider of AI-enabled fundraising software. With Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Gravyty automates the most time-consuming processes for frontline fundraisers. Gravyty's products empower fundraisers to build lasting donor relationships and raise more revenue for their missions in ways never before possible. Led by former fundraiser Adam Martel and AI technologist Rich Palmer, Gravyty was founded at Babson College and is driven by their motto, "You shouldn't have to learn your software; your software should learn you." Media Contact: Kevin Leahy Gravyty 1-833-GRAVYTY (472-8989) [email protected] SOURCE Gravyty ST. LOUIS, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Graybar, a leading distributor of electrical, communications and data networking products and provider of related supply chain management and logistics services, today reported record third quarter results. For the third quarter, Graybar achieved a net sales record of $1.9 billion, a 10.0 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Net income for the quarter was also a record at $54.0 million, up 82.0 percent from the same period in 2017. For the first nine months of the year, the company reported net sales of $5.3 billion, an 8.0 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Net income for the first nine months of the year increased 48.1 percent to $119.1 million. The increase in net income was partially due to a lower corporate income tax rate as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and ongoing company tax planning initiatives. "I am very pleased with our results through three quarters," said Kathleen M. Mazzarella, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Graybar. "We continue to see positive results as we remain focused on delivering an exceptional customer experience and transforming the supply chain for the future. We are committed to investing in our people, technology and service innovation to drive our growth and power a new era of distribution." Graybar, a Fortune 500 corporation and one of the largest employee-owned companies in North America, is a leader in the distribution of high quality electrical, communications and data networking products, and specializes in related supply chain management and logistics services. Through its network of nearly 290 North American distribution facilities, it stocks and sells products from thousands of manufacturers, helping its customers power, network and secure their facilities with speed, intelligence and efficiency. For more information, visit www.graybar.com or call 1-800-GRAYBAR. Media Contact: Tim Sommer (314) 578-7672 [email protected] SOURCE Graybar Related Links http://www.graybar.com SAN DIEGO, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Griffin Funding, a San Diego-based mortgage company, announced today that it will be expanding its product offerings to self-employed homeowners and homebuyers. The company has partnered with one of the largest private equity buyers of non-QM mortgages as a fully-delegated direct seller. "As an approved seller to a private equity fund, we are able to make direct credit decisions based on common sense underwriting," said Bill Lyons, CEO of Griffin Funding. "The 16 million self-employed professionals in the U.S. have been underserved since the great recession. Now, with the gig economy, you can expect that number to double. We are here to change that by giving the self-employed and gig economy workers access to mortgages." Founded in 2013, Griffin Funding became the fastest growing mortgage company in the nation in 2017 (83rd overall) for its 2014-2016 growth and the 693rd fastest growing company overall in 2018 for its 2015-2017 growth, according to Inc. The company currently operates in California, Hawaii, Arizona, Washington, Colorado, and Texas, and focuses on providing veterans and the self-employed with five-star service. "We are excited to offer lending solutions to self-employed homebuyers and homeowners by expanding our underwriting box to allow for alternative forms of income documentation to prove the ability to repay," said Lyons. "Now those who traditionally would be rejected for a loan can get approved and buy a home." Griffin Funding allows self-employed borrowers to use bank statement deposits or assets as income rather than tax returns with low adjusted gross income (AGI). One of the most popular programs is where the self-employed buyer with a 700 credit score uses the average deposits on 24-month bank statements (business or personal) to qualify for a 10 percent down, $1.5 million mortgage with no mortgage insurance. Not all lenders offering non-QM expanded criteria loans are the same. Griffin Funding frequently finds ways to fund loans on an exception basis as long as there are compensating factors and the loan makes sense. Griffin works directly off guidelines from the investor, with fewer overlays or restrictions than most other mortgage companies. To do this, Griffin's team of self-employed specialists prepare a comprehensive analysis for each client. In addition to bank statement and asset-based loans up to $5,000,000, the company also provides 40-year mortgages, interest-only mortgages, non-warrantable condo loans, foreign national loans, and investment property loans using the rental income to qualify. To learn more about bank statement loans, visit https://griffinfunding.com/bank-statement-loans/. About Griffin Funding Griffin Funding's mission is to serve its military and self-employed clients with honesty, integrity, and competence through its flexible underwriting and five-star service. Through Griffin Funding's wide selection of loan services, the company offers five-star customer service and competitive rates in minutes. Its loan specialists take a customized approach to each client, striving to understand and meet individual needs and looking ahead to create long-term plans for the future. For more information on Griffin Funding, visit www.griffinfunding.com. State Licensing: CA BRE 01943169 | CA DBO CFL 60DBO-44274 | Hawaii: HI-1120111 | Arizona: DFI 0939726 | WA: CL-1120111 | Texas: 1120111 (Texas Disclaimer) | Colorado: 1120111 This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com. SOURCE Griffin Funding Related Links http://griffinfunding.com LONDON, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- H2O AI World London 2018 -- H2O.ai , the open source leader in AI, highlighted the vibrant H2O community at the sold-out H2O AI World London event. The conference, the first-ever in London, with nearly 1000 people, representing hundreds of different companies, and 33 countries registered to attend in person, and thousands registered for the live stream, will focus on key AI and machine learning open source projects including H2O-3 , H2O Sparkling Water , data.table and AutoML. The premier AI conference celebrates the advancements of the community, customers and makers, with keynotes, talks, tutorials and panels. Customers such as Citi, Booking.com, Travelport, Beeswax, Groupon and PwC, will highlight the business value and real-world use cases showcasing how these key open source technologies are used in their business. H2O.ai is at the heart of fostering a grassroots movement of data engineers, data scientists, and data analysts that is moving machine learning forward. The H2O open source movement is embraced by 14,000 organizations and hundreds of thousands of data scientists for mission-critical use cases in Finance, Insurance, Healthcare, Retail, Telco, Sales and Marketing industries. "We are humbled by the welcome we have received here in London. We find our inspiration in the service of our community with beautiful products and are driven by the belief that open source benefits all," said Sri Ambati, CEO and founder at H2O.ai. "We make data science available for companies of all sizes with automatic machine learning. Our commitment to the community and to bring meaningful change to the world with AI is strong as ever." Open Source AI and ML Advancements With code commits added to its open source projects nearly daily, H2O.ai leverages direct and fast feedback loops from the H2O community. Its latest innovations include the addition of new algorithms like Isolation Forests for anomaly detection, the ability to combine two models into one MOJO for easy deployment of pipelines, the inclusion of XGBoost models in AutoML and more. These improvements will be showcased in talks by the makers of H2O.ai: Erin LeDell with an overview of the field of "Automatic Machine Learning," and the AutoML projects well as H2O-3 with an overview of the field of "Automatic Machine Learning," and the AutoML projects well as H2O-3 Matt Dowle with a technical session on data.table and the updated data.table wiki with benchmarks with a technical session on data.table and the updated data.table wiki with benchmarks Jakub Hava will be highlighting the latest with H2O Sparkling Water will be highlighting the latest with H2O Sparkling Water Customer sessions from both Booking.com and Groupon will highlight real-world business use cases for H2O Sparkling Water At the event, H2O.ai also announced the H2O.ai Academic Program and the formation of a new community for H2O Driverless AI. To learn more, tune into the keynotes and all H2O AI World sessions live at www.h2o.ai . Connect with H2O.ai Download H2O suite of open source and commercial products: https://www.h2o.ai/download/ Check out our Github to learn more and participate in our open source projects: https://github.com/h2oai Visit us to learn more: www.h2o.ai Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/H2Oai Connect with us on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/0xdata/ About H2O.ai H2O.ai is the open source leader in AI with a mission is to democratize AI for everyone. H2O.ai is transforming the use of AI with software with its category-creating visionary open source machine learning platform, H2O. More than 14,000 companies use open-source H2O in mission-critical use cases for Finance, Insurance, Healthcare, Retail, Telco, Sales and Marketing. H2O Driverless AI uses AI to do AI in order to provide an easier, faster and cost-effective means of implementing data science. In February 2018, Gartner named H2O.ai, as a Leader in the 2018 Magic Quadrant for Data Science and Machine Learning Platforms. H2O.ai partners with leading technology companies such as NVIDIA, IBM, AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud Platform and is proud of its growing customer base which includes Capital One, Progressive Insurance, Comcast, Walgreens and PayPal. For more information and to learn more about how H2O.ai is driving an AI Transformation for businesses with intelligence, visit www.h2o.ai . Media Contact: Erika Kamholz [email protected] 949-282-8560 SOURCE H2O.ai Related Links http://www.h2o.ai LONDON, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- H2O AI World London 2018 -- H2O.ai , the open source leader in artificial intelligence, today announced the availability of its full suite of products including open source platforms H2O , Sparkling Water and the award-winning automatic machine learning platform, H2O Driverless AI in Microsoft Azure Marketplace , the online store providing applications and services for use on Microsoft Azure. H2O.ai customers can now take advantage of the scalability, high availability, and security of Azure, with streamlined deployment and management. H2O.ai makes it simple for any organization to make smarter business decisions using artificial intelligence. "The winning combination of H2O.ai best-in-class products with Microsoft Azure private and public cloud infrastructure makes it faster, cheaper and easier to monetize data for enterprises. With H2O and Driverless AI in the Microsoft Azure Marketplace we bring powerful AI capabilities to the fingertips of data science and machine learning teams worldwide," said Sri Ambati, CEO and founder of H2O.ai. Used by over 14,000 organizations globally, H2O is a fully open-source, distributed in-memory machine learning platform with linear scalability. The platform supports the most widely used statistical and machine learning algorithms and has an AutoML functionality that automatically runs through all the algorithms and their hyperparameters to produce a leaderboard of the best models. H2O Driverless AI employs the techniques of expert data scientists in an easy-to-use platform that empowers data scientists to work on projects faster using automation and state-of-the-art computing power from GPUs to accomplish tasks in minutes instead of months. The platform delivers automatic feature engineering, model validation, model tuning, model selection and deployment, machine learning interpretability, time-series, NLP, and automatic pipeline generation for model scoring. Health data science and services company ArmadaHealth, an H2O.ai and a Microsoft Azure customer, created a scalable, automated, data-driven platform that handles the high-volume needs of a healthcare physician recommendation service based on sophisticated ontologies and algorithms that determine provider quality. "At ArmadaHealth, we understand that searching for the right doctor or specialist can be daunting. Our goal is to ensure we bring the best data science, analytics and clinical intelligence to provide precise navigational assistance for patients seeking care," said Bharath Sudharsan, director of Data Science and Innovation at ArmadaHealth. "H2O Driverless AI and Microsoft Azure really give us the edge in terms of feature engineering the core of any machine learning project." "Through Microsoft Azure Marketplace, customers around the world can easily find, buy, and deploy partner solutions they can trust, all certified and optimized to run on Azure," said Sajan Parihar, Director, Microsoft Azure Platform at Microsoft Corp. "We're happy to welcome H2O and H2O Driverless AI to the growing Azure Marketplace ecosystem." The Azure Marketplace is an online market for buying and selling finished Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) applications and premium datasets. The Azure Marketplace helps connect companies seeking innovative, cloud-based solutions with partners who have developed solutions that are ready to use. Connect with H2O.ai Download Driverless AI for a free 21-day trial: https://www.h2o.ai/try-driverless-ai/ Watch the Live Stream of H2O AI World London: www.h2o.ai Visit us to learn more: www.h2o.ai Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/H2Oai Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/0xdata/ About H2O.ai H2O.ai is an open source leader in AI and ML with a mission is to democratize AI for everyone. H2O.ai is transforming the use of AI with software with its category-creating visionary open source machine learning platform, H2O. More than 14,000 companies use open-source H2O in mission-critical use cases for Finance, Insurance, Healthcare, Retail, Telco, Sales and Marketing. H2O Driverless AI uses AI to do AI in order to provide an easier, faster and cost-effective means of implementing data science. In February 2018, Gartner named H2O.ai, a Leader in the 2018 Magic Quadrant for Data Science and Machine Learning Platforms. H2O.ai partners with leading technology companies such as NVIDIA, IBM, AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud Platform and is proud of its growing customer base which includes Capital One, Progressive Insurance, Comcast, Walgreens and PayPal. For more information and to learn more about how H2O.ai is driving an AI Transformation for businesses with intelligence, visit www.h2o.ai . Media Contact: Erika Kamholz [email protected] 949-282-8560 SOURCE H2O.ai Related Links http://www.h2o.ai MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Aurora Labs S.A.and Nomics.com have announced that IDEX (the leading decentralized crypto exchange ) would become the first crypto exchange to complete a "deep data integration" with the Nomics.com data platform. With this integration, IDEX also becomes the first A+ Verified Exchange on Nomics.com. With over 220k+ total users, IDEX is the most popular decentralized exchange by volume and is consistently the #1 Ethereum Dapp in the world by daily users, volume, and transactions. Nomics.com -- a price aggregation website -- provides a free crypto market data API (with no rate limits) and is the only market data API with gapless and normalized historical raw trade & order book data. Here's what this integration means . . . IDEX has completed a "deep data integration" integration with Nomics; this integration brings current and historical gapless raw trade data to investors via the Nomics.com website and market data API. IDEX will be listed on Nomics.com as A+ Verified Exchange. This means that Nomics has vetted IDEX's trade history and verifies that an exchange meets the highest reliability, consistency, and data integrity standards. This means that Nomics has vetted IDEX's trade history and verifies that an exchange meets the highest reliability, consistency, and data integrity standards. A+ Verified Exchange status is a distinction that not only comes with a verification badge on Nomics.com but also means that IDEX's markets will be highlighted and receive priority exposure on Nomics' website. status is a distinction that not only comes with a verification badge on Nomics.com but also means that IDEX's markets will be highlighted and receive priority exposure on Nomics' website. Over 2.2 million trades, 750+ trading pairs, and 700 cryptoassets will be added to the Nomics dataset through IDEX's integration with Nomics. "IDEX already had a fantastic API that exposes high-quality data; now that data is normalized across the Nomics dataset and available behind our API," said Nomics CEO Clay Collins. "IDEX is the model for exchange operations and data, which is why we're proud to list them as our first A+ Verified Exchange." Collins added "IDEX has been great to work with throughout this process, and they have an excellent technical team." "Comprehensive, high-quality market data is critical in the decision making of any modern trader," said Aurora Labs CEO Alex Wearn. "As Nomic's first A+ Verified Exchange, IDEX is excited to deliver constant, reliable trading information to all users of Nomics' website and API." Normalized IDEX market data will be available to all API users. Nomics' free crypto exchange data API comes with dozens of endpoints, including endpoints that return sparkline, exchange rate, all-time high (ATH), and supply data. Also included are historic candle/OHLC data for cryptoasset trading pairs. Users of Nomics' paid API plan will get access to every trade on every IDEX trading pair market, going back to the inception of those markets. About Aurora Labs S.A. Aurora is a collection of blockchain applications and protocols, including IDEXthe first real-time decentralized exchangethat together form a completely decentralized financial and banking platform. Founded by a group of blockchain enthusiasts who aspire to see digital currency flourish, Aurora aims to provide decentralized financial solutions to anybody in the world. About Nomics Based in Boston and Minneapolis, Nomics.com launched in January of 2018 as an API-first company and is led by co-founders Clay Collins and Nick Gauthier. The company was created in response to increasing demand for professional grade market data products and APIs for institutional crypto investors. Contact: Clay Collins, [email protected] SOURCE Nomics Related Links https://nomics.com LONDON, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- International Game Technology PLC (IGT) (NYSE: IGT) announced that its subsidiary IGT Global Solutions Corporation (with International Game Technology PLC, hereinafter "IGT"), has signed a six-year contract extension with the Texas Lottery Commission ("Texas Lottery") to continue printing instant tickets. The extension will run through August 31, 2024. IGT and the Texas Lottery have worked together to develop key product strategies which have enhanced the Lottery's portfolio of games and delivered increased sales. Texas was the first jurisdiction in the U.S. to launch IGT's Super Ticket, offering players the chance to play multiple games on a single, oversized instant ticket. In collaboration with the Texas Lottery, IGT also developed the successful Loteria line at the $3, $5, and $10 price points, with a $20 "Million Dollar Loteria" ticket scheduled to launch in November. "IGT and the Texas Lottery Commission have established a valuable partnership since the Lottery's inception in 1992, and IGT looks forward to furthering our longstanding relationship through this contract extension," said Jay Gendron, IGT Chief Operating Officer, Lottery. "Together with the Lottery, we will continue to deliver innovative games to Texas Lottery players to help increase sales, attract new players, and maximize contributions for education and Veterans." In addition to instant tickets, IGT provides the Texas Lottery with lottery central systems, data center operations, field sales organization, retail sales and support, warehouse and distribution, call center, and marketing services. About IGT IGT (NYSE:IGT) is the global leader in gaming. We enable players to experience their favorite games across all channels and regulated segments, from Gaming Machines and Lotteries to Digital and Social Gaming. Leveraging a wealth of premium content, substantial investment in innovation, in-depth customer intelligence, operational expertise and leading-edge technology, our gaming solutions anticipate the demands of consumers wherever they decide to play. We have a well-established local presence and relationships with governments and regulators in more than 100 countries around the world, and create value by adhering to the highest standards of service, integrity, and responsibility. IGT has more than 12,000 employees. For more information, please visit www.igt.com. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release may contain forward-looking statements (including within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) concerning International Game Technology PLC and its consolidated subsidiaries (the "Company") and other matters. These statements may discuss goals, intentions, and expectations as to future plans, trends, events, dividends, results of operations, or financial condition, or otherwise, based on current beliefs of the management of the Company as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, such management. Forward-looking statements may be accompanied by words such as "aim," "anticipate," "believe," "plan," "could," "would," "should," "shall," "continue," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "future," "guidance," "intend," "may," "will," "possible," "potential," "predict," "project" or the negative or other variations of them. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which such statements are made and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside the Company's control. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may differ materially from those predicted in the forward-looking statements and from past results, performance, or achievements. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance on such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include (but are not limited to) the factors and risks described in the Company's annual report on Form 20-F for the financial year ended December 31, 2017 and other documents filed from time to time with the SEC, which are available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov and on the investor relations section of the Company's website at www.IGT.com. Except as required under applicable law, the Company does not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements. You should carefully consider these factors and other risks and uncertainties that affect the Company's business. Nothing in this news release is intended, or is to be construed, as a profit forecast or to be interpreted to mean that financial performance of the Company for the current or any future financial years will necessarily match or exceed the historical published financial performance of the Company, as applicable. All forward-looking statements contained in this news release are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to International Game Technology PLC, or persons acting on its behalf, are expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Contact: Robert K. Vincent, Corporate Communications, (401) 392-7452 James Hurley, Investor Relations, (401) 392-7190 Simone Cantagallo, (+39) 06 51899030; for Italian media inquiries SOURCE International Game Technology PLC (IGT) Related Links http://www.igt.com The Renovation Donation Initiative will reduce the amount of materials reaching landfills, and support the important work these non-profit organizations do in local communities, including workforce development and hospitality skills training programs. This effort is part of IHG's new program for community work and charitable giving, True Hospitality for Good . Developed based on input from owners, the initiative comes at a time when many hotels are implementing new design concepts to remain leaders in meeting guest needs. This includes the hundreds of hotels transforming under the Holiday Inn Express Formula Blue, Holiday Inn H4 and Crowne Plaza WorkLife concepts, as well as Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites hotels which will soon be transitioning to new design prototypes. Elie Maalouf, Chief Executive Officer, Americas, IHG said: "Responsible business is core to providing True Hospitality for everyone we're delivering a true win-win for our owners and the communities in which we operate with the support of these non-profit organizations. This initiative further strengthens our commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement." Don Berg, Chief Executive Officer, IHG Owners Association said: "Our members have shown tremendous interest in the potential impact of this effort. Through the Renovation Donation Initiative, we're providing another way for owners to deepen the positive impact they make in their communities." Hotels will have access to a single point of contact to schedule pickup of items, making the process as easy and seamless as possible. At scale, there's a real opportunity to make a large difference, with each hotel donating hundreds of items. For example, a 100-room IHG-branded hotel could furnish 200 mirrors, 150 bed frames, 101 TVs, 500 light fixtures and 22,500 sq. ft. of carpeting for potential donation. Following an initial pilot phase, the Renovation Donation Initiative will be open to all owners of all IHG brands in the U.S. and Canada in early 2019. About IHG IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON:IHG,NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is a global organisation with a broad portfolio of hotel brands, including Regent Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Hotel Indigo, EVEN Hotels, HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, voco, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, Holiday Inn Resort, avid hotels, Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites. IHG franchises, leases, manages or owns more than 5,500 hotels and approximately 826,000 guest rooms in almost 100 countries, with more than 1,800 hotels in its development pipeline. IHG also manages IHG Rewards Club, our global loyalty programme, which has more than 100 million enrolled members. InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group's holding company and is incorporated in Great Britain and registered in England and Wales. More than 375,000 people work across IHG's hotels and corporate offices globally. Visit www.ihg.com for hotel information and reservations and www.ihgrewardsclub.com for more on IHG Rewards Club. For our latest news, visit: www.ihgplc.com/media and follow us on social media at: www.twitter.com/ihg, www.facebook.com/ihg and www.youtube.com/ihgplc. About the IHG Owners Association The IHG Owners Association, originally established by Holiday Inn founder Kemmons Wilson in 1955, was the first association of its kind in the hotel industry. It currently represents the interests of 4,500 owners and operators of more than 3,600 InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) properties in the United States, Africa, Asia Pacific, Canada, the Caribbean, Greater China, Europe, Latin America, Mexico and the Middle East. The Association is a voice for its members and plays an integral role in communicating with IHG leadership on issues related to franchised hotel operations. The IHG family of brands includes Regent Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants, Hotel Indigo, EVEN Hotels, HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels and Resorts, voco, Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts, Holiday Inn Express, avid hotels, Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites. For additional information, visit www.owners.org. SOURCE IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) Related Links http://www.ihg.com "IXL and ABCya's views on education are perfectly aligned: we both put students' needs first, develop creative ways to make learning engaging, and are committed to producing the highest-quality products," said Paul Mishkin, CEO of IXL Learning. "Together, we will provide an enriching learning experience through IXL's unique approach to personalized learning and ABCya's dynamic educational games." Since 2004, ABCya has provided students from pre-K to 5th grade with access to hundreds of educational games and apps. To date, ABCya has reached more than 120 million learners who have played more than 1.5 billion games. In addition to math and language arts, ABCya also covers topics such as science and holiday trivia, and provides fun activities to help kids improve typing skills and even create animations. Notable games and apps from ABCya include: Pecking Order : Featuring whimsical penguins, owls, parrots and more, this game challenges students to practice number values with fractions, percents and decimals. : Featuring whimsical penguins, owls, parrots and more, this game challenges students to practice number values with fractions, percents and decimals. MathBINGO : With more than 1.3 million downloads since its release in 2010, the MathBINGO app includes lively music, colorful visuals and playful characters that keep kids entertained as they practice addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. : With more than 1.3 million downloads since its release in 2010, the MathBINGO app includes lively music, colorful visuals and playful characters that keep kids entertained as they practice addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. ABCya Paint : Kids draw, color and paint on a blank canvas, using multiple tools such as brushes, stamps, text and more to create their own masterpieces. : Kids draw, color and paint on a blank canvas, using multiple tools such as brushes, stamps, text and more to create their own masterpieces. Hydro Logic : In this activity, kids are challenged to use their knowledge of the water cycle to solve various puzzles. "Our mission at ABCya is to build fun games that make kids light up when they learn something new," said Lisa Tortolani, CEO of ABCya. "I'm proud to align our brand with a company that is similarly dedicated to helping kids learn. This merger brings together IXL's focused, mastery-based learning with our enriching, one-of-a-kind games. Students need both types of experiences to succeed, and I can't imagine them using one without the other!" Over the last 10 years, IXL Learning has built an integrated learning solution that makes it easier than ever for teachers to personalize learning. IXL's comprehensive curriculum and guidance, Continuous Diagnostic and real-time Analytics work together seamlessly to empower teachers to differentiate instruction and help all students reach their full potential. Currently, IXL is used by 7 million U.S. students and trusted by schools in 95 of the 100 top districts. The addition of ABCya, based in Providence, Rhode Island, allows IXL Learning to expand its presence on the U.S. East Coast. IXL Learning is headquartered in San Mateo, California, with a second office in Raleigh, North Carolina. Media, please note: Screenshots of IXL may be downloaded at www.ixl.com/press/media-resources. For demos of IXL and ABCya or screenshots of ABCya, please contact [email protected] . About IXL Learning IXL Learning is dedicated to creating innovative learning experiences. Currently used by 1 in 9 students in the U.S. and by schools in 95 of the 100 top districts, IXL is an integrated learning platform that effectively supports personalized learning in math, English language arts, science, social studies and Spanish. Built on comprehensive K-12 curriculum and guidance, actionable real-time Analytics and the IXL Continuous Diagnostic, IXL gives teachers the tools they need to differentiate instruction and help students achieve mastery. To learn more about IXL, visit www.ixl.com , facebook.com/IXL and twitter.com/IXLLearning . About ABCya ABCya is the leader in educational games for kids. The brainchild of a public school teacher, ABCya is an award-winning destination for elementary students that offers hundreds of fun, engaging learning activities. Over the past year, more than 120 million users in over 150 countries have visited ABCya and have played over 1.5 billion games. To learn more about ABCya, visit www.abcya.com , facebook.com/ABCyaGames and twitter.com/ABCyaGames . Press Contact Lauren Kido [email protected] 650-436-5552 SOURCE IXL Learning Related Links http://www.ixl.com GLASGOW, Scotland, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson unveiled new 96-week data for SYMTUZA (darunavir 800 mg, cobicistat 150 mg, emtricitabine 200 mg and tenofovir alafenamide 10 mg; (D/C/F/TAF)), a once-daily single-tablet regimen (STR) for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection in treatment-naive and certain virologically suppressed adults, at HIV Glasgow in Scotland. Click to Tweet: Janssen announces long-term Phase 3 data for adults new to #HIV therapy at #HIVGlasgow 2018. Read full press release here: http://po.st/LK3iIr Click to Tweet: @JanssenUS announces new long-term efficacy and safety data for SYMTUZA. See full PI incl Boxed Warning: http://po.st/kuzDlg These 96-week data, which follow on from the earlier 48-week results, reinforce the long-term safety, efficacy and tolerability profile of SYMTUZA as a treatment for antiretroviral treatment (ART)-naive adults with HIV-1.1,2 Results demonstrated that a high proportion of ART-naive adults with HIV-1 (85%, 308/362) achieved virologic suppression (viral load <50 c/mL; FDA-snapshot) at 96 weeks when treated with SYMTUZA. There was a low virologic failure rate (6%, 20/362; viral load of 50 c/mL; FDA-snapshot) in patients treated with SYMTUZA and no darunavir, primary protease inhibitor or tenofovir resistance-associated mutations emerged in any patient. As previously reported, only 1 patient receiving SYMTUZA developed a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor resistance-associated mutation (M184I/V) through week 48. In the current analysis through 96 weeks, only 1 additional patient receiving SYMTUZA developed a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor resistance-associated mutation to emtricitabine (M184V).1 Efficacy and safety results were consistent with the 48-week results in the SYMTUZA group presented at the 2017 European AIDS Clinical Society (EACS) Conference and published in the journal AIDS.1,2,3 SYMTUZA was well-tolerated with 3% (10/362) of people experiencing adverse event (AE)-related discontinuations over 96 weeks and 3% (11/362) of people experiencing a grade 3 or 4 study drug-related AE. The most common study drug-related AEs (all grades, 5% of adults) in the extension period were diarrhea, rash and nausea. Bone, renal and lipid safety results were consistent with known tenofovir alafenamide and cobicistat profiles.1 "The 96-week AMBER data further demonstrate the importance of SYMTUZA as a treatment option for adults new to HIV therapy who may benefit from a single-tablet regimen that offers the protective barrier to resistance of darunavir along with the tolerability profile of TAF," said Joseph Eron, M.D., Professor of Medicine and Director, Clinical Core, University of North Carolina Center for AIDS Research, Chapel Hill, NC.* "Based on the DHHS guidelines, darunavir-based regimens are a recommended option in situations where clinicians may not have all genotypic resistance test results, when patients may be at risk for sub-optimal adherence or in rapid initiation scenarios." The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) guidelines recommend darunavir for patients who may have suboptimal adherence and face the risk of developing HIV drug resistance, which is when a medication stops working to fight the virus, or for those who may require the rapid initiation of ART before full blood work is available.4 The International Antiviral Society (IAS)-USA guidelines also recommend darunavir-based regimens in rapid initiation scenarios.5 "Long-term AMBER results further build on the growing clinical data set that provides additional support for SYMTUZA as a treatment option for patients who are starting therapy," said Richard Nettles, M.D., Vice President, Medical Affairs, Janssen Therapeutics, Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC. "At Janssen, we are building on our 25-year heritage in HIV and remain committed to the research and development of transformational medicines and solutions that span the continuum of HIV care to address real-world clinical challenges, combat HIV drug resistance and meet the diverse needs of those living with HIV." SYMTUZA was approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in July 2018 for treatment-naive and certain virologically suppressed adults. The approval was based on the results from the two pivotal Phase 3 studies, EMERALD and AMBER.2,3,6 96-week results from the Phase 3 EMERALD trial were recently presented at IDWeek 2018, in San Francisco, CA.7 SYMTUZA has also been approved by the European Commission (EC) and Health Canada for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older with body weight of at least 40 kg. European approval allows Janssen to market SYMTUZA in all member states of the European Union and the European Economic Area. Janssen plans additional regulatory filings in other markets worldwide. SYMTUZA does not cure or prevent HIV-1 or AIDS. Please see Important Safety Information below, including Boxed Warning for SYMTUZA. To learn more about Janssen's commitment to the prevention and treatment of HIV, please visit jnj.com/HIV. About the AMBER clinical trial1,2,3 AMBER is a Phase 3 randomized, double-blind, active-controlled, international, multi-center, non-inferiority study designed to assess the safety and efficacy of SYMTUZA versus the control in HIV-1 treatment-naive patients. The control was comprised of two separate medications darunavir/cobicistat plus emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and patients were randomly assigned (362 SYMTUZA; 363 control). The primary endpoint was non-inferiority of the single-tablet regimen versus the control regarding the proportion of patients that achieved viral suppression at Week 48 (viral load of less than 50 c/mL per FDA-snapshot analysis). Reaching suppression of viral load (or the amount of HIV virus in the blood) is a key treatment goal for people living with HIV. Based on the results of the primary analysis, patients were eligible to receive treatment with SYMTUZA during an open-label single-group treatment phase up to Week 96. 48-week data have been previously reported.2,3 At Week 96, a high proportion of patients in the SYMTUZA arm (85%, 308/362) achieved virologic suppression. Viral load of 50 c/mL per the FDA snapshot at Week 96 occurred in 20/362 (6%) patients in the SYMTUZA arm. No darunavir, primary protease inhibitor, or tenofovir resistance-associated mutations emerged in any patient. Through 96 weeks, only two patients receiving SYMTUZA developed a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor resistance-associated mutation to emtricitabine (M184I/V).1 SYMTUZA was well-tolerated with few serious adverse events (n=39, 11%) or adverse event-related discontinuations (n=10, 3%), and no deaths occurred. Bone, renal and lipid safety were consistent with known tenofovir and cobicistat profiles, with a small change in TC/HDL-C ratio.1 Efficacy and safety results in the SYMTUZA arm were consistent with the 48-week results.1 WHAT IS SYMTUZA? SYMTUZA is a prescription medicine that is used without other antiretroviral medicines to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 (HIV-1) infection in adults who: have not received anti-HIV-1 medicines in the past, or when their healthcare provider determines that they meet certain requirements. HIV-1 is the virus that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION I SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SYMTUZA? SYMTUZA can cause serious side effects including: Worsening of hepatitis B virus infection. Your healthcare provider will test you for hepatitis B virus (HBV) before starting treatment with SYMTUZA . If you have HBV infection and take SYMTUZA , your HBV may get worse (flare-up) if you stop taking SYMTUZA . Your healthcare provider will test you for hepatitis B virus (HBV) before starting treatment with SYMTUZA . If you have HBV infection and take SYMTUZA , your HBV may get worse (flare-up) if you stop taking SYMTUZA . Do not stop taking SYMTUZA without first talking to your healthcare provider. without first talking to your healthcare provider. Do not run out of SYMTUZA . Refill your prescription or talk to your healthcare provider before your SYMTUZA is all gone. . Refill your prescription or talk to your healthcare provider before your SYMTUZA is all gone. If you stop taking SYMTUZA , your healthcare provider will need to check your health often and do blood tests regularly for several months to check your HBV infection or give you a medicine to treat your HBV infection. Tell your healthcare provider about any new or unusual symptoms you may have after you stop taking SYMTUZA . , your healthcare provider will need to check your health often and do blood tests regularly for several months to check your HBV infection or give you a medicine to treat your HBV infection. Tell your healthcare provider about any new or unusual symptoms you may have after you stop taking SYMTUZA . Change in liver enzymes. People with a history of hepatitis B or C virus infection or who have certain liver enzyme changes may have an increased risk of developing new or worsening liver problems during treatment with SYMTUZA . Liver problems can also happen during treatment with SYMTUZA in people without a history of liver disease. Your healthcare provider may need to do tests to check your liver enzymes before and during treatment with SYMTUZA . People with a history of hepatitis B or C virus infection or who have certain liver enzyme changes may have an increased risk of developing new or worsening liver problems during treatment with SYMTUZA . Liver problems can also happen during treatment with SYMTUZA in people without a history of liver disease. Your healthcare provider may need to do tests to check your liver enzymes before and during treatment with SYMTUZA . Severe liver problems. In rare cases, severe liver problems can happen that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: In rare cases, severe liver problems can happen that can lead to death. Skin or the white part of your eyes turn yellow Dark "tea-colored" urine Light-colored stools Loss of appetite for several days or longer Nausea Vomiting Stomach area pain SYMTUZA may cause severe or life-threatening skin reactions or rashes which may sometime require treatment in a hospital. Call your healthcare provider right away if you develop a rash. Stop taking SYMTUZA and call your healthcare provider right away if you develop any skin changes with symptoms below: Fever Tiredness Muscle or joint pain Blisters or skin lesions Mouth sores or ulcers Red or inflamed eyes, like "pink eye" (conjunctivitis) Who should not take SYMTUZA? Do not take SYMTUZA with any of the following medicines: alfuzosin, carbamazepine, cisapride, colchicine (if you have liver or kidney problems), dronedarone, elbasvir and grazoprevir, ergot-containing medicines (such as: dihydroergotamine, ergotamine tartrate, methylergonovine), lovastatin or a product that contains lovastatin, lurasidone, oral midazolam (when taken by mouth), phenobarbital, phenytoin, pimozide, ranolazine, rifampin, St. John's wort ( Hypericum perforatum ) or a product that contains St. John's wort, sildenafil when used for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), simvastatin or a product that contains simvastatin, or triazolam. with any of the following medicines: alfuzosin, carbamazepine, cisapride, colchicine (if you have liver or kidney problems), dronedarone, elbasvir and grazoprevir, ergot-containing medicines (such as: dihydroergotamine, ergotamine tartrate, methylergonovine), lovastatin or a product that contains lovastatin, lurasidone, oral midazolam (when taken by mouth), phenobarbital, phenytoin, pimozide, ranolazine, rifampin, St. John's wort ( ) or a product that contains St. John's wort, sildenafil when used for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), simvastatin or a product that contains simvastatin, or triazolam. Serious problems can happen if you take any of these medicines with SYMTUZA. Before taking SYMTUZA, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you: have liver problems (including hepatitis B or hepatitis C), have kidney problems, are allergic to sulfa (sulfonamide), have diabetes, have hemophilia, or have any other medical condition. are pregnant (if you become pregnant while taking SYMTUZA ), or plan to become pregnant. It is unknown if SYMTUZA will harm your unborn baby. ), or plan to become pregnant. It is unknown if SYMTUZA will harm your unborn baby. SYMTUZA should not be used during pregnancy. should not be used during pregnancy. are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you take SYMTUZA. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medicines interact with SYMTUZA. Keep a list of your medicines to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist. Do not start taking a new medicine without telling your healthcare provider. HOW SHOULD I TAKE SYMTUZA? Take SYMTUZA 1 time a day with food. WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF SYMTUZA? SYMTUZA may cause serious side effects including: See "What is the most important information I should know about SYMTUZA ?" Immune system changes can happen in people who start HIV medications. can happen in people who start HIV medications. New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys before you start and while you are taking SYMTUZA . . Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis). Too much lactic acid is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat. weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat. Diabetes and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Some people who take protease inhibitors including SYMTUZA can get high blood sugar, develop diabetes, or your diabetes can get worse. Tell your healthcare provider if you notice an increase in thirst or if you start urinating more often while taking SYMTUZA . Some people who take protease inhibitors including SYMTUZA can get high blood sugar, develop diabetes, or your diabetes can get worse. Tell your healthcare provider if you notice an increase in thirst or if you start urinating more often while taking SYMTUZA . Changes in body fat can happen in people taking HIV-1 medications. can happen in people taking HIV-1 medications. Increased bleeding can occur in people with hemophilia who are taking SYMTUZA. The most common side effects of SYMTUZA are: Diarrhea, rash, nausea, fatigue, headache, stomach problems, and gas. These are not all of the possible side effects of SYMTUZA. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit http://www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects to Janssen Products, LP at 1-800-JANSSEN (1-800-526-7736). Please see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning for SYMTUZA. Notes to editors Cobicistat, emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide are from Gilead Sciences, Inc. On December 23, 2014, Janssen and Gilead Sciences, Inc. amended a licensing agreement for the development and commercialization of a once-daily single-tablet regimen combination of darunavir and Gilead's TAF, emtricitabine and cobicistat. Under the terms of the agreement, Janssen and its affiliates are responsible for the manufacturing, registration, distribution and commercialization of this single-tablet regimen worldwide. About Janssen At the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, we are working to create a world without disease. Transforming lives by finding new and better ways to prevent, intercept, treat and cure disease inspires us. We bring together the best minds and pursue the most promising science. We are Janssen. We collaborate with the world for the health of everyone in it. Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC is a part of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson. Learn more at www.janssen.com and follow us at @JanssenGlobal. *Dr. Eron is a paid consultant for Janssen. He was not compensated for any media work. References 1 Orkin C, Eron JJ, Rockstroh J, et al. Efficacy and safety of the once-daily, darunavir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (D/C/F/TAF) single-tablet regimen (STR) in antiretroviral treatment (ART)-naive, HIV-1-infected adults: AMBER Week 96 results. Presented at HIV Glasgow 2018, Glasgow, October 28-31, 2018; Available at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jia2.25187. Last Accessed October 2018. 2 Eron JJ, Orkin C, Gallant J, et al. A week-48 randomized phase-3 trial of darunavir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide in treatment-naive HIV-1 patients. AIDS. 2018;32:1431-1442. 3 Gallant J, Orkin C, Molina JM, et al. Week 48 results of AMBER: a phase 3, randomised, double-blind trial in antiretroviral treatment (ART)-naive HIV-1-infected adults to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the once-daily, single-tablet regimen (STR) of darunavir/cobicistat/ emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (D/C/F/TAF) versus darunavir/cobicistat (DRV/c) plus emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (FTC/TDF). Presented at the European AIDS Clinical Society Conference 2017, Milan, October 25-27, 2017; abstract PS8/2. Available at: http://www.abstractserver.com/eacsabstractarchive/. Last accessed October 2018. 4 Panel on Antiretroviral Guidelines for Adults and Adolescents. Guidelines for the Use of Antiretroviral Agents in Adults and Adolescents Living with HIV. Department of Health and Human Services. Available at http://www.aidsinfo.nih.gov/ContentFiles/AdultandAdolescentGL.pdf. Last accessed October 2018. 5 Saag MS, Benson CA, Gandhi RT, et al.Antiretroviral drugs for treatment and prevention of HIV infection in adults: 2018 recommendations of the International Antiviral Society-USA panel. JAMA. 2018;320:379-396. 6 Orkin C, Molina JM, Negredo E, et al. Efficacy and safety of switching from boosted protease inhibitors plus emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate regimens to single-tablet darunavir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide at 48 weeks in adults with virologically suppressed HIV-1 (EMERALD): a phase 3, randomised, non-inferiority trial. Lancet HIV. 2018; (1):e23-e34.5. 7 Eron J, Orkin C, Cunningham D, et al. Efficacy and safety of switching from boosted-protease inhibitors (bPI) plus emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (F/TDF) regimens to the once daily (QD), single-tablet regimen (STR) of darunavir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (D/C/F/TAF) in virologically-suppressed, HIV-1-infected adults: week 96 results of the phase 3, randomized, non-inferiority EMERALD trial. Presented at IDWeek 2018, San Francisco, CA, USA, October 3-7, 2018; abstract 1768. Available at: https://idsa.confex.com/idsa/2018/webprogram/Paper72755.html. Last accessed October 2018. MEDIA CONTACTS: Rebecca Genin +1 215-620-8721 [email protected] Kristina Chang +1 201-213-4115 [email protected] INVESTOR RELATIONS: Lesley Fishman +1 732-524-3922 Christopher DelOrefice +1 732-524-2955 SOURCE Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson Related Links http://www.janssen.com OVERLAND PARK, Kan., Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Two organizations at the Jewish Community Campus Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy and the Jewish Community Center's Child Development Center recently installed SafeDefend, a proactive crisis response system. This system uses multiple communication methods to alert security, faculty, students, and visitors within seconds of a crisis situation occurring. It also sends an immediate detailed message to local police. The installation of this security notification system, which was made possible by a security grant from the Morgan Family Foundation, is one of the Jewish Community Campus' newest security enhancements. The system was installed after a thorough review of the Campus' security needs by Chuck Green, Community Wide Security Director for Kansas City's Jewish community. "The more information and the more quickly we get it, the safer we can keep our community. The SafeDefend system allows us to improve our response time and security awareness. My job is to make this community a safer, more secure place for everyone to enjoy, and this system is a critical tool in helping us achieve this goal." The security enhancements in Kansas City's Jewish community come as a result of April 13, 2014, shooting at the Jewish Community Campus and nearby Village Shalom senior living center. Three individuals were killed in the shooting. Following the shooting, a Jewish Community Security Director position was immediately put into motion. Green came on board as the current director in February 2017. He has extensive experience in the security field, having served as a special agent for the U.S. Secret Service for more than 30 years. Jeff Green, a former Kansas elementary school principal, developed the SafeDefend Active Shooter Response System to address the following priorities. Ensuring law enforcement and onsite staff has detailed, real-time information about a crisis. Reducing law enforcement response time. Providing onsite staff with tools to effectively manage a crisis until help arrives. About SafeDefend: The SafeDefend system uses multiple communication methods to communicate specific details of a crisis situation to local police and onsite staff. Police and staff are immediately notified of the specific location of the crisis in detailed text and/or email, a 911 call is placed, and audible sirens and warning lights notify onsite staff and visitors. Staff is provided with training and tools to survive the crisis until help arrives. Faculty and staff will attend active shooter response training as well as SafeDefend system training on Friday, Nov. 2, from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. at the Jewish Community Campus. Media Contact: Jeff Green 913 856 2800 [email protected] Related Links Website SOURCE SafeDefend, LLC Related Links http://www.safedefend.com STOWE, Vt., Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Scout Film Festival (Scout) announced Colin Trevorrow as Sponsor of two Scout short film grants. Mr. Trevorrow is funding a $10,000 grant split between the 18 and under and 19 to 24 age categories, and will join the panel of Judges to select the winner. Mr. Trevorrow's sponsorship represents his commitment to championing the next generation of storytellers and provides an unparalleled opportunity for young artists to have their work reviewed by one of the industry's leading filmmakers. Scout is accepting submissions to the EMERGING STORYTELLERS GRANT through November 16, 2018, inviting filmmakers to submit a new short film project or work in progress. The winner will be announced and prize distributed at the Scout Awards Ceremony January 5, 2019. "Today's technology gives young filmmakers from all backgrounds an unprecedented opportunity to create. I'm proud to partner with the Scout Film Festival to support our next generation of storytellers." - Colin Trevorrow. "We are honored to have the generous support of Colin Trevorrow in our Grant program," said Scout Founder Anna Colavito. "This is an important time to encourage the creativity and expression of young people and to provide forums for thought and discussion." This year's festival is January 4-6, 2019 in Stowe, Vermont, nicknamed the "Ski Capital of the East". Grant Industry Jury A nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, Scout was founded with the vision of providing a platform for young voices to connect. Scout has developed into a global community of thoughtful, creative dreamers, industry professionals, supporting sponsors who believe in empowering young filmmakers - future leaders. Scout relies on the support of its generous sponsors including, Visura.co, Two Trees Management, Spruce Peak at Stowe, John M Bissell Foundation, Barr Law Group, Adolescent Content and BlackEagle. For more information please visit: www.scoutfilmfestival.org and follow at: instagram.com/scoutfilmfestival scoutfilmfestival.org/grants-short-film facebook.com/ScoutFilmFestival @ScoutFilmFest Anna Colavito [email protected] SOURCE Scout Film Festival Related Links http://www.scoutfilmfestival.org/ STOCKHOLM, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Klarna and Shopify today announced that Klarna's Pay later and Pay now solution, Sofort, are being integrated into Shopify Payments, which will enable German merchants to offer two of the most popular payment methods for e-commerce. Together, Klarna and Shopify will ensure that merchants can provide a superior customer experience and the freedom and flexibility for customers to choose when and how they want to pay. Shopify Payments seamlessly integrates with merchants' stores and makes it possible to go live with just a few clicks. Klarna's Pay now and Pay later are being integrated as default payment methods, with no additional costs, complications or effort. Pay now, available today, enables customers to pay instantly via bank transfer at checkout. Pay later, available in the coming weeks, offers customers the flexibility to pay for their products up to 30 days later with no interest or fees, allowing customers to try before they buy. Together, Klarna and Shopify are providing SME merchants a competitive advantage, helping them to unlock growth, boost conversion rates and drive customer satisfaction and loyalty through a smoother shopping experience. This integration further strengthens the work Klarna and Shopify has already been doing, with Klarna's payment gateway available in nine markets, including the US, the UK, Germany, the Nordics, the Netherlands and Austria for Shopify merchants. One of the leading German watch & accessory brands, Paul Valentine, who offers Klarna Pay later as one of their payment methods through Shopify, saw that by offering the popular 'try before you buy' payment service, customer satisfaction as well as revenues have increased. At the same time, Paul Valentine does not have to take any risk as Klarna assumes responsibility for managing credit and fraud risks, allowing merchants to quickly receive payment for the orders, and allowing customers to pay only if they're happy with their purchase. Paul Franzreb, CEO and co-founder of Paul Valentine, says: "Since we started using Klarna's payment alternatives we've seen an increase of up to 20% in revenue. The wider scope of payment alternatives we now offer, and giving the customers the opportunity to pay after delivery are the main reasons for this uptick. For a merchant our size, we also see that Shopify and Klarna add credibility and trust to our store, and people are more willing to buy from us." Sebastian Siemiatkowski, CEO and co-founder of Klarna, says: "Klarna's partnership with Shopify is going from strength to strength and we are continuously impressed by Shopify's efforts to innovate and keeping their commerce platform as simple and user friendly as possible. We have a shared vision of helping merchants, especially SMEs, to unlock growth by providing an exceptional customer experience by removing unnecessary friction associated with the checkout process. This will also help merchants to meet customers' increasing demands on a smooth experience and thereby enable them to compete more effectively on key markets and ultimately achieve their full potential. The optimised customer journey will deliver customer satisfaction and loyalty as well as consistently improved conversion rates and increased average order value for the SME merchants powered by Shopify." Tobi Lutke, CEO of Shopify, says: "Shopify accidentally went global when merchants around the world began using our software. Now, we're strategically going local. We want to make sure that Shopify works perfectly in Germany, and Klarna and its payment alternatives really complete our checkout system." For more information Johanna Nyman, Senior Communications Manager [email protected] +46 (0) 72-855-83-29 About Klarna Klarna is one of Europe's leading payments providers and a newly-licensed bank, which wants to revolutionise the payment experience for shoppers and merchants alike. Founded in Stockholm, Sweden, in 2005, we give online consumers the option to pay now, pay later or over time offering a simple, safe and smoooth checkout experience. Klarna now works with 90,000 merchants. Klarna has 2,000 employees and is active in 14 countries. About Shopify Shopify is the leading omni-channel commerce platform. Merchants use Shopify to design, set up, and manage their stores across multiple sales channels, including mobile, web, social media, marketplaces, brick-and-mortar locations, and pop-up shops. The platform also provides merchants with a powerful back-office and a single view of their business, from payments to shipping. The Shopify platform was engineered for reliability and scale, making enterprise-level technology available to businesses of all sizes. Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, Shopify currently powers over 600,000 businesses in approximately 175 countries and is trusted by brands such as Nestle, Kylie Cosmetics, Allbirds, MVMT, and many more. This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com http://news.cision.com/klarna-bank-ab--publ-/r/klarna-and-shopify-further-strengthen-global-partnership,c2658672 The following files are available for download: http://mb.cision.com/Main/1740/2658672/935545.pdf PDF http://news.cision.com/klarna-bank-ab--publ-/i/shopify-x-klarna,c2517721 Shopify X Klarna SOURCE Klarna Bank AB (publ) LOS ANGELES, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- On November 13, 2018, at 1 pm ET, Brad Rogers, Recruiting Director at LibGig, will kick off a webinar to clear up the misconceptions of remote work in " Busting the myths of working remote ." He will be joined by Vice President of Research & Intelligence, John DiGilio, who manages LAC Group's virtual research team, to discuss: What remote work is really like The pros and cons and what it takes to be a remote worker What employers expect of their remote employees Potential remote work openings for LIS candidates Brad Rogers, LibGig Recruiting Director John DiGilio, LAC Group Vice President of Research & Intelligence Click here to register for this webinar. Brad is responsible for running LibGig operations, web services and managing recruitment for LibGig and LAC Group. John oversees all of LAC Group's Library as a Service research programs and staff. He has authored numerous articles and research papers on law librarianship, legal research and ethics. About LAC Group Los Angeles-headquartered LAC Group provides critical knowledge and information management solutions such as competitive intelligence, research services, preservation and archival services, spend and cost management as well as knowledge management services for Fortune 500 companies, law firms, Hollywood studios, academic institutions and government agencies. Founded in 1986, LAC Group is a leader in delivering high-quality, cost-effective business services that help organizations manage and curate physical and digital information, data and content. For more information, please visit lac-group.com . MEDIA CONTACT LAC Group media relations [email protected] + 1 (323) 468-4479 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES LAC Group Press Kit LAC GROUP ONLINE SOURCE LAC Group Related Links http://www.lac-group.com KELOWNA, BC, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - Liht Cannabis Corp. (CSE: LIHT) (OTCQX: LIHTF) (FSE: 2M0) ("Liht") or the "Company") would like to provide supplemental information on how the Company intends to deal with quality assurance and shortages of cannabis in Canada, post-prohibition. Within this news release, the Company will provide our current and prospective shareholders with the steps and measures we will be taking to ensure product quality and cultivation yield. Liht has researched product quality and yield related issues facing cannabis cultivators to aid in the development of our own methodology of growing organic cannabis that meet patients' medical needs. Our facilities are monitored by a series of state-of-the-art computers controlling molecular and environment reading technologies that allow the operators to "communicate" with the plants and control the growing conditions needed for each plant. This reduces the level of human error involved in the growing process. The Company utilizes a unique lighting technology that encourages the plants own natural chemical resistance to fighting off pests and diseases. This is achieved through the adjustment of the lighting spectrum instead of through the utilization of chemicals. Our "lighting recipe" can be altered to introduce additional specific spectrums which will inhibit the growth of mold and mildew without hindering the plant development. Through photomorphogenics, a "stage of life" control for plants giving us the ability to differentiate plant "stem cells"' without the use of chemicals, we will be able to control internodal (branching) spacing and overall structure of the plant. This helps us predict and control the quality of flower, the timing of harvest, the curing process post-harvest, and genetic expressions during growth. The system suppresses negative genes and enhances the environment for positive traits. Photomorphogenics will work together with a proprietary testing and quality assurance technology known as the S5 Microscopic Spectroscopy Analysis and S5 Biochip technology. The technology is a highly accurate, fully-integrated, non-invasive and non-destructive testing platform providing the highest resolution testing available. Typical testing requires reliance on dead plant matter while the S5 Microscopic Spectroscopy Analysis and Biochip technology tests living material and monitors plant development down to a cellular level. The technology defines nutrient and hormone needs and the timing of delivery of each, respectively, and alerts operators of any stress in the plant caused by contaminants. This provides early detection of pests, disease or fungus and identifies the perpetrators. The S5 Microscopic Spectroscopy Analysis and S5 Biochip technology will then incorporate interactive mitigation techniques with evidentiary support documenting how and when mitigation of that specific case of pest/disease/fungus was achieved. We have the ability to identify each plant genetically at a cellular level, allowing incorporation of our proprietary tamper-proof holographic labelling for each plant. As we can monitor from seed to harvest, we will have the ability to identify the most productive plants for cloning which will help us achieve manufacturing of perfected seed cells. This technology gives us the ability to produce mature plants, shortening cultivation cycles while producing exact replication of successful strains. In closing, the aforementioned growing methods and technologies help us determine what metrics will provide for consistent and optimum crop quality and yield, early seed germination, earlier crop harvest, increases and escalation of valuable oils, strain purity and optimization of hybrid methods for rapid deployment to harvest. Liht's growing technologies are not limited to the technologies mentioned in this article and the Company is dedicated to research and ongoing development of its cultivation processes. "Being an established Industrial Engineer with years of hands on research and development, I have direct access to unique resources and technologies, from technology leaders who have paved the way and have set the standards which all other corporations then follow. My expertise in ago-sciences and the associated technologies allows me to provide Liht with the greatest understanding of how to best apply well suited products, technologies and systems to reduce unnecessary time and resources on trial and error research. The single greatest advantage in business is having the correct people who are integral to the overall vision and its successful conclusion." Josef Tyls M.Sc., Ph.D Ind.Eng., Liht Management Advisory Board ABOUT LIHT CANNABIS CORP. www.lihtcannabis.com Liht Cannabis Corp. is a publicly traded company investing in the medical and recreational cannabis space, since 2014. Liht has rapidly expanded to include cultivation, production and dispensary locations in the key North American states of Washington, Nevada, and California, and are seeking expansion opportunities worldwide. SOCIAL MEDIA: facebook.com, twitter.com STOCK EXCHANGES: Liht trades in Canada, ticker symbol LIHT on the CSE, in the United States, ticker symbol LIHTF on the OTCQX, and in Europe, ticker symbol 2M0 on the FSE. The Company also trades on other recognized platforms in Europe including Stuttgart, Tradegate, L & S, Quotnx, Dusseldorf, Munich, and Berlin. Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider, the FSE nor the OTCQX has approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. Neither the CSE, the FSE nor the OTCQX accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. MARIJUANA INDUSTRY INVOLVEMENT: Canadian listings (CSE) will remain in good standing as long as they provide the disclosure that is rightly required by regulators and complying with applicable licensing requirements and the regulatory framework enacted by the applicable state in which they operate. Liht owns marijuana licenses in California and Nevada. Marijuana is legal in each state however marijuana remains illegal under US federal law and the approach to enforcement of US federal law against marijuana is subject to change. Shareholders and investors need to be aware that adverse enforcement actions could affect their investments and that Liht's ability to access private and public capital could be affected and or could not be available to support continuing operations. Liht's business is conducted in a manner consistent with state law and is in compliance with licensing requirements. Copies of licenses are posted on Liht's website. Liht has internal compliance procedures in place and has compliance focused attorneys engaged in jurisdictions to monitor changes in laws for compliance with US federal and state law on an ongoing basis. These law firms inform any necessary changes to our policies and procedures for compliance in Canada and the US. FORWARD - LOOKING STATEMENTS: Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements, which includes, the effective trading date for the new name and symbol, the expected outcomes of its business, and other matters. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding looking wording such as "may", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "intend", "believe" and "continue" or the negative thereof or similar variations. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are based will occur. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, estimates, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not occur. Forward-looking statement are necessarily based upon a number of factors that, if untrue, could cause the actual results, performances or achievements of the Company to be materially different from future results, performances or achievements express or implied by such statements. These assumptions, risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the state of the economy in general and capital markets in particular, present and future business strategies, the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. While such estimates and assumptions are considered reasonable by the management of the Company, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and regulatory uncertainties and risks. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual events, level of activity, performance or results to differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: that laws and regulations may become more onerous; the ability of the Company to obtain necessary financing; the economy generally; the future growth, results of operations, performance and business prospectus and opportunities; changes in and the effect of government policies; demand for products; competition; anticipated and unanticipated costs; reliance on management; claims and legal proceedings; conflicts of interest; and market price and volatility of the Common Shares. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions, the loss of key directors, employees, advisors or consultants, technology failures, failure to obtain a license from Health Canada or from other government agencies, failure to develop new and innovative products, failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations and fees charged by service providers. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include, litigation, global economic climate, loss of key employees and consultants, additional funding requirements, changes in laws, competition, and failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and, accordingly are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty of such statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additionally, the Company undertakes no obligation to comment on the expectations of, or statements made by, third parties in respect of the matters discussed above. The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, nor approved the contents of this news release. SOURCE Liht Cannabis Corporation Related Links www.lihtcannabis.com OAK PARK, Mich., Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Ooze, a vaporizer and accessories company within the concentrate, tobacco and dry herb industry is giving back to the Metro Detroit community in a major way this holiday season. They have dedicated each month to a specific charitable goal and are partnering with dispensaries in the area to join in the effort. "We feel that it's important for companies to be involved with the local community and give back whenever they can," said Ooze Chief Financial Officer Vince Ayar. "These holiday donations will be the first of many contributions we intend on making." October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Ooze has joined the campaign to support organizations that raise funds for research, prevention and treatment. Pink is the international symbol for breast cancer awareness; Ooze has pledged 100 percent of profits made from the sale of every pink item to be donated to Shades of Pink Foundation. The increased expenditure expected during the holidays is a burden to many underprivileged families. To help ease the financial pain and provide kids with a happy holiday, Ooze is hosting a toy and food drive beginning Nov. 1. They will be partnering with local dispensaries, which will act as the donation sites. As an added incentive, a raffle ticket will be awarded for each toy or two nonperishable food items. The drive will end on Dec. 19, and winners will be drawn that Friday, Dec. 21. Winning tickets will receive a basket full of Ooze products and apparel. A total of ten winners will be selected, so there are plenty of opportunities to win. Nutrient-dense, nonperishable food items are desperately needed to keep families fed and healthy in the winter. Canned beans, peanut butter, canned chicken and tuna, brown rice, and whole grain pasta are all great options to donate. All new, unwrapped toys for children of all ages are accepted and appreciated. This food drive will benefit Volunteers of America Michigan, whose programs address the needs of the community's disadvantaged, fighting for the dignity of every person and striving to help achieve self-sufficiency. All toy donations will go to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, whose mission is to assist the Marine Corps in providing a tangible sign of hope to economically disadvantaged children at Christmas. ABOUT OOZE WHOLESALE Ooze Wholesale is a Michigan-based company looking to enhance the consumer experience like never before. Our products are ideal for concentrates, tobacco and essential oils. Ooze sells all across the country to consumers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers of all sizes. For more information about the company, please contact Ed Koury at (855) 669-3420 or email [email protected] SOURCE Ooze Wholesale C$ unless otherwise stated TSX/NYSE/PSE: MFC SEHK: 945 TORONTO, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - Manulife Financial Corporation ("Manulife" or the "Company") today addressed the expected impact of new regulations to the Saskatchewan Insurance Act made by the Government of Saskatchewan. The Saskatchewan regulations, published yesterday on the website of the Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan, limit the amount of premiums a life insurer may receive or accept for deposit in life insurance policies and associated side accounts. The basis of the claims by Mosten Investment LP ("Mosten") against Manulife has been that life insurers can be compelled to accept unlimited premium payments. In effect, Mosten is seeking to use insurance policies to invest sizeable sums that have no connection to the insurance coverage. As previously stated, Manulife believes Mosten's position is legally unfounded and that consumers purchasing universal life policies, and the insurers issuing these policies, never intended to have the policies function as deposit or securities contracts. Manulife has always been confident it would prevail with respect to this matter, and that this lawsuit would not have any material impact on the Company's business operations or its ability to meet its obligations to customers, employees, vendors and other key stakeholders. Given the new Saskatchewan regulations, Manulife and the other life insurers involved in similar matters plan to make submissions to the court, asking it to dismiss the claims that life insurers can be compelled to accept unlimited premium payments. Manulife believes these regulations should accelerate the resolution, in its favour, of the principal matters in the Mosten litigation in Saskatchewan. With respect to any possible remaining ancillary matters in the litigation, Manulife continues to believe that it will prevail and that those matters are insignificant in any event. Because the public policy concern addressed in Saskatchewan is equally relevant across Canada, the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association, which intervened in the litigation on behalf of the industry, plans to request other provincial and territorial governments to take comparable regulatory steps to avoid unnecessary, costly litigation in other jurisdictions. About Manulife Manulife Financial Corporation is 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 Manulife elsewhere. We provide financial advice, insurance, as well as wealth and asset management solutions for individuals, groups and institutions. At the end of 2017, we had about 35,000 employees, 73,000 agents, and thousands of distribution partners, serving more than 26 million customers. As of June 30, 2018, we had over $1.1 trillion (US$849 billion) in assets under management and administration, and in the previous 12 months we made $27.6 billion in payments to our customers. Our principal operations are in Asia, Canada and the United States where we have served customers for more than 100 years. With our global headquarters in Toronto, Canada, we trade as 'MFC' on the Toronto, New York, and the Philippine stock exchanges and under '945' in Hong Kong. SOURCE Manulife Financial Corporation Related Links http://www.manulife.com BOSTON, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Caresyntax, a surgical automation, analytics, and AI technology company, announced today that MC Healthcare, a subsidiary company of Mitsubishi Corporation, acquired a minority stake of caresyntax. This strategic investment of MC Healthcare will support business and technology development for caresyntax's groundbreaking IoT and analytics solutions. "We are delighted to be working with MC Healthcare, and we trust this partnership will help us to expand our technological leadership," said Dennis Kogan, CEO of caresyntax. "We are especially gratified that a core healthcare subsidiary of multinational conglomerate of the size and reputation of Mitsubishi has acknowledged the value and potential of our advanced surgical data applications, which are already improving surgical care in more than 6,000 operating rooms worldwide." "We expect that caresyntax analytical solutions contribute the quality of medical treatment as well as the enhancement of hospital operations," said Osamu Miyashita, CEO of MC Healthcare. MC Healthcare, providing an integrated healthcare supply chain platform for hospitals, is serving about 250+ facilities in Japan. The company offers a wide variety of solutions such as a cost efficient procurement and inventory control of medical supply, running of a group purchasing organization (GPO), and importing cutting-edge medical devices from overseas for hospitals in Japan. Functionally, the caresyntax platform integrates medical devices, electronic health records (EHRs), and other sources inside the OR, and aggregates the accumulated data inside of a unified dashboard to support a variety of surgical use cases. For example, automated case reporting allows surgeons to reduce time spent on manual documentation, while also generating a higher quality and structure of data to run analytics applications, such as video-based training or surgical risk calculation powered by AI. With a granular focus unique among data analytics products, caresyntax deciphers the causes of surgical performance variability and makes recommendations for fixing them, resulting in reduced readmissions, improved patient safety and better clinical workflows. Caresyntax was launched in 2013 in Berlin - Germany, and established its full-time North American operations and headquarters in Boston in 2017. About caresyntax Caresyntax technologies enable surgical care providers to automate and analyze the OR, thanks to actionable clinical data, made available through a combination of IoT and data analytics. Used in more than 6,000 ORs worldwide, caresyntax helps surgeons and healthcare executives to improve quality, efficiency, and clinical outcomes in over 10-million procedures per year. For more information, visit www.caresyntax.com, and join Smart Surgery our global community of healthcare leaders and influencers. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. About MC Healthcare MC Healthcare has been the partner for hospitals in Japan for more than 20 years. The company continuously provides solutions that are aimed to enhance the quality of care and to improve efficiency of hospitals. In addition, MC Healthcare is a pioneer for providing an "integrated healthcare supply chain platform" for hospitals in Japan. With dedication of reducing healthcare cost in hospitals, the company provides their services to more than 250 hospitals nationwide. MEDIA CONTACT: Joy DiNaro Amendola Communications (for caresyntax) 847-809-0406 [email protected] SOURCE caresyntax Related Links http://www.caresyntax.com PITTSFORD, N.Y., Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Earlier today, St. John Fisher College, Tom Golisano, and the Golisano Foundation announced the creation of the Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing thanks to a $5.8 million gift, $5 million from Tom Golisano and $800,000 from the Golisano Foundation. The Institute will be fully integrated into Fisher's Wegmans School of Nursing and is designed to transform the health care and support of individuals with developmental disabilities. It will be the first institute of its kind in the country, and will have local, national, and international impact. The Golisano Institute will be led by Dr. Dianne Cooney Miner, founding dean of the Wegmans School of Nursing, the largest enroller of nursing and mental health counseling students in the region. The Schoolwhich consistently achieves rankings as a top nursing program in the region, state, and nationwill draw upon relationships with professional nursing associations, and partnerships with international nursing schools such as the Waterford Institute of Technology in Waterford, Ireland. It will also capitalize on the network of Golisano Children's Hospitals and community health centers as well as the Foundation's collaboration with Special Olympics Health to extend the Institute's reach. Tom Golisano, as well as representatives from the Golisano Foundation; College officials; Special Olympics; and Wegmans School of Nursing students, faculty, and staff gathered Tuesday afternoon to make the announcement. "We are honored to partner with the Golisano Foundation in advancing Tom's vision for both the Rochester community and for individuals with developmental disabilities," said President Rooney. "This vital work and education will have an impact far beyond Rochester, and we are proud to lead the Golisano Institute." Since its establishment in 1985, the Golisano Foundation has worked to create a better world for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through its support of Special Olympics Health and many other initiatives that promote inclusion and quality of life. Fisher is the newest partner to join the Foundation's vital work and mission. "I am pleased to provide financial support for this extraordinary initiative, which will have a long-lasting, positive impact on health care for those with developmental disabilities," said Tom Golisano. "Nurses play a critical role as primary care providers in health centers, and medical and dental practices. By preparing the next generation of nurses and thought leaders and by creating a network of health care professionals who care for people with developmental disabilities, St. John Fisher has demonstrated a commitment to making a significant impact on improving access to both quality and inclusive health care for people who are underserved." Ongoing research conducted by the Special Olympics has revealed that there are significant health disparities between individuals with developmental disabilities and the general population. The study revealed that a greater number of individuals with developmental disabilities face health issues such as tooth decay, bone deformation, and obesity. Some of those issues go untreated or undiagnosed due to the limited availability of health care services, leading to even more serious and often life-threatening conditions. The research also points to the fact that many health care providers are inadequately trained or not trained at all to provide care and support to this population. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one of the barriers facing individuals with developmental disabilities is their provider's lack of knowledge and understanding of their unique needs and challenges. "The creation of the Golisano Institute is a major step forward in filling the gaps in access to care and ensuring inclusive health for individuals with developmental disabilities," said Cooney Miner. "There is a real need to develop advocacy leaders in development disability health care to encourage dialogue and promote positive change to ensure that this population receives the quality of life that they deserve." The Golisano Institute will deliver an internationally recognized and technology enriched curriculum for developmental disability nursing education through on-the-ground and online micro-credential formats, as well as the use of avatars and the state-of-the-art simulation lab in the School of Nursing. Cooney Miner also noted that it will lead the effort to enhance nursing curricula in the care of individuals with developmental disabilities at the national and global level to ensure that entry level and advanced practice nursing graduates are fully prepared to care for this special population. "The lack of inclusive curriculum for health care professionals has been identified as a critical barrier for people with intellectual disability receiving quality health care," said Mary Davis, CEO of Special Olympics International. "Curriculum improvement and preparing the next generation of health professionals is one of our key strategies. To date, Special Olympics Health, made possible by the Golisano Foundation, has partnered with 41 university medical schools globally to improve their curriculum. The design and adoption of improved inclusive nursing curriculum by the Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing will prepare St. John Fisher College nursing graduates to better meet the health needs of this underserved population, inspire others, and provide critically needed curriculum for adoption by other nursing schools." Through the Golisano Institute, hospitals, health centers, schools, advocacy groups, and families around the country and across the globe will also have access to a strong network of community clinical nurse specialists who will advise them on providing care for individuals with developmental disabilities. In addition, the Golisano Summer Fellows Program will offer specialty training in developmental disability health care and policy to develop the next generation of thought leaders who will care and advocate for this unique population. As well, current health care professionals will be exposed to best practices through a biannual national symposium bringing together expertise from health systems and health practitioners, specialty organizations along with other Golisano supported institutions including the Special Olympics. For more information about the Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing, visit http://go.sjfc.edu/golisanoinstitute. About St. John Fisher College St. John Fisher College is a coeducational liberal arts institution located in Pittsford, N.Y. The campus community consists of over 2,600 full-time undergraduates, nearly 200 part-time undergraduates, and over 1,000 graduate students. Founded in 1948 by the Congregation of St. Basil as a Catholic College for men, St. John Fisher College became independent in 1968 and coeducational in 1971. As it moves through the twenty-first century, the College remains true to its Catholic and Basilian heritage. The College now offers 37 academic majors in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, business, education, and nursing, as well as 11 pre-professional programs. Fisher also offers a variety of master's and doctoral programs. About the Golisano Foundation B. Thomas Golisano is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and civic leader and the founder and chairman of the Board of Paychex, a leading national provider of payroll, human resource, and benefit outsourcing solutions. Mr. Golisano has demonstrated an ongoing dedication and commitment to a many civic issues and organizations. His personal philanthropic contributions to the Golisano Foundation, hospitals, educational institutions and other organizations now exceed $304 million. This includes gifts exceeding $37 to Special Olympics to increase year-round access to inclusive health for people with intellectual disabilities world-wide. The Golisano Foundation was founded in 1985 with an initial gift of $90,000 from Tom Golisano, the founder and Chairman of Paychex. It is one of the largest private foundations in the nation devoted exclusively to opening doors to opportunity, changing negative perceptions and stereotypes, and forging unprecedented partnerships to ensure individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities have pathways to personal dignity, independence and the best possible expression of their abilities and talents throughout their lifetimes. The Foundation has more than $40 million in gross assets, and has awarded more than $24 million in grants, about $2 million annually, to non-profit organizations in the Rochester, New York region; Western New York and Southwest Florida. For more information on the Foundation and Tom Golisano see www.golisanofoundation.org. SOURCE St. John Fisher College Related Links www.sjfc.edu Legal cannabis industry leaders join forces to educate new market entrants at regional InterCannAlliance Symposia in Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa SYDNEY, Oct. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- New Frontier Data, the authority in data, analytics and business intelligence in the global cannabis industry, in conjunction with CannaTech and leading companies representing the key building sectors of any legal cannabis market, announces the creation of the InterCannAlliance (ICA). The ICA has been established to educate and inform future regional market and thought leaders interested in the cannabis industry, fostering responsible, transparent and effective market practices learned across more mature North American cannabis sectors. "The InterCannAlliance is a much-needed effort," said New Frontier Data Founder & CEO Giadha Aguirre de Carcer, "as we now have dozens of nations around the world simultaneously decriminalizing or legalizing cannabis, in response to the increasing acceptance, support and demand of millions of patients around the globe. The Alliance will help empower and engage government and commercial stakeholders by sharing what current leaders have learned in the past decade. Given the speed to market we are seeing, it is imperative to avoid the pitfalls and be aware of expected challenges across each of these unique regions, while understanding where the opportunities will come from, and how to best capitalize on them as they arise. " Multinational Cannabis market leaders exclusively sharing their expertise at one-day, invitation-only, regional ICA symposia, will include: VicenteSederberg, Policy Hoban Law Group, Regulation CohnReznick, Taxation SteepHill Labs, Lab Testing Simplifya, Compliance Lift, Distribution and Customer Education Cultivation and Processing global enterprises which will only be announced to attendees And New Frontier Data, Data & Reporting ICA has committed to working with local partners and decision-makers across the Latin American, Asia-Pacific and African regions, starting with the Latin America ICA Symposium in 2019. "New Frontier Data is proud to have partnered with CannaTech who has been fostering education and connectivity across the international cannabis space for almost a decade," added Aguirre de Carcer. "CannaTech will organize and coordinate locally for all regional ICA events." About InterCannAlliance: The International Cannabis Alliance (InterCannAlliance) was created in March of 2018 to bring advancements from existing legal cannabis markets to new and evolving legal cannabis markets around the globe. As established and emerging markets look to cannabis to reinvigorate their economies, healthcare and a range of industries, InterCannAlliance unites recognized leaders from industry segments considered to be critical building blocks for any cannabis market. The organization seeks to simplify the complex and inconsistent regulatory environments being implemented across and within nations and to help emerging markets capitalize on lessons learned elsewhere. The InterCannAlliance conducts invitation-only quarterly regional symposia to facilitate collaboration among governments, non-government organizations and large commercial enterprises to expedite access to and assessment of opportunities while accelerating growth. For more information, visit www.intercannalliance.com. About New Frontier Data: New Frontier Data is an independent, technology-driven analytics company specializing in the cannabis industry. It offers vetted data, actionable business intelligence and risk management solutions for investors, operators, researchers and policymakers. New Frontier Data's reports and data have been cited in over 69 countries around the world to inform industry leaders. Founded in 2014, New Frontier Data is headquartered in Washington, D.C. with additional offices in Denver, CO, London, UK, Bogota, Colombia, and Hong Kong. New Frontier Data does not take a position on the merits of cannabis legalization. Rather, its mission and mandate are to inform cannabis-related policy and business decisions through rigorous, issue-neutral and comprehensive analysis of the legal cannabis industry worldwide. For more information about New Frontier Data please visit: http://www.NewFrontierData.com. About CannaTech: CannaTech is widely recognized as the premier cannabis event, designed to deliver the most sophisticated conference experience in cannabis today. CannaTech showcases leading thinkers and influencers from across the globe and presents the most relevant conversations industry wide. The company features dynamic presentations that focus on science, research, finance, medicine, tech, agriculture, innovation and government policy. For more information about CannaTech, please visit http://www.canna-tech.co. SOURCE New Frontier Data Related Links http://www.NewFrontierData.com ALBANY, N.Y., Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The organization dedicated to giving vulnerable children a voice in New York State Family Court is pleased to announce the passage of legislation officially recognizing the importance of its volunteer advocates. "This legislation will make it easier for Family Court judges in New York State to assign Court Appointed Special Advocates to children in cases of abuse and neglect," said Arthur Siegel, President of Court Appointed Special Advocates of New York State (CASANYS). "More children will be helped as a result." The CASA Bill signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo October 1 amends Section 212 of the judiciary law and creates a new article 21-C standardizing the administration of CASA programs statewide. CASA programs currently operate in 29 counties with more than 600 volunteers serving approximately 2,600 children. Volunteers are assigned a child who is either in foster care or at risk of placement in foster care due to neglect or abuse. The volunteer gets to know the child and submits reports to Family Court about the child's health, education, safety and well-being. The reports are used by judges to make informed decisions about the child's future. "With this statutory framework in place, CASA can more fully integrate its services into the Family Court system in New York State," Siegel said. "By helping more children find a safe place to call home, we increase their chances to succeed as adults." About Court Appointed Special Advocates of New York State (CASANYS) CASANYS is the state association supporting an affiliate network of more than 600 trained volunteers appointed by Family Court judges to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in foster care or at risk of placement in foster care. The organization currently serves approximately 2,600 children throughout New York State. Media contacts: Arthur J. Siegel President, CASANYS O: (518) 533-3211 [email protected] Barb Benedict Executive Director, CASANYS (315) 420-4904 [email protected] SOURCE Court Appointed Special Advocates of New York State (CASANYS) Related Links http://www.casanys.org With picturesque scenes of nature, historical sites, local culture and more, the campaign features experience-focused themes for every type of traveler: slow tourism, active tourism and food tourism. City dwellers and visitors alike can enjoy scenes from Italy into the month of November on buses in Boston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., as well as on San Francisco's Caltrain. "When visiting Italy, many will visit the well-known cities and architecture, but our country offers a variety of great experiences of tourists that we want to share, from rolling mountains to secluded lakes," said Giovanni Bastianelli, Executive Director of the Italian National Tourist Board. "By partnering with OUTFRONT, we are able to bring a piece of Italy to a variety of people, and inspire them to visit one of Europe's most extraordinary and unforgettable countries and landscapes." Only transit advertising offers large, moving canvasses that have the ability to reach consumers during numerous points in their day, ensuring passers-by can not only see an activity Italy has to offer, but also immerse themselves in that experience, creating a memorable brand touchpoint. "The Italian National Tourist Board wanted to reach consumers of all demographics, and we know that the urban population has a strong desire to travel, which is why transit was such a natural choice for the campaign," said Jodi Senese, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of OUTFRONT Media. "Our canvases capture Italy's beautiful experiences, and audience's attention, like no other." About OUTFRONT Media Inc. OUTFRONT leverages the power of technology, location and creativity to connect brands with consumers outside of their homes through one of the largest and most diverse sets of billboard, transit, and mobile assets in North America. Through its ON Smart Media platform, OUTFRONT is implementing digital technology that will fundamentally change the ways advertisers engage audiences on-the-go. SOURCE OUTFRONT Media Inc. Related Links http://www.outfrontmedia.com MIAMI and NEW YORK, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Parkinson's Foundation will host a Caregiver Summit "Cumbre Para Cuidadores" geared specifically toward caregivers of people living with Parkinson's disease (PD). The daylong event on December 1 in Phoenix, AZ, will broadcast live at Parkinson.org/Summit in English and Spanish to 15 satellite locations across the country. "The Parkinson's Foundation Caregiver Summit is a much-needed event for caregivers, who so often focus more on the person with PD than on themselves," said John Lehr, president and chief executive officer of the Parkinson's Foundation. "This event is a critical component of our efforts to better understand and address the needs of today's caregivers and to recognize the work they are doing to support their loved ones living with PD." The agenda focuses on collaborative care self-care and caregiving and includes the following topics: intimacy and PD, collaborative care teams, in addition to communication and coping strategies. Each attendee will receive a complimentary copy of the Parkinson's Foundation Caring & Coping workbook, to help caregivers prepare for every step of the PD journey. "The Parkinson's Foundation Caregiver Summit is going to provide a real chance to be with other caregivers that completely understand the challenges of caring for someone living with PD. Taking care of ourselves, so that we can care for our loved ones is so important," said Leslie Peters, a member of the Caregiver Summit committee. "Everyone will leave this event with a feeling of positivity and the knowledge that they are not alone." The live event will be held on Saturday, December 1, at the Sheraton Grand located at 5594 W. Wild Horse Pass Blvd. in Phoenix, AZ, and will be broadcast online and at 15 satellite locations: Bay Area, CA, Columbus, OH, Fargo, ND, Jacksonville, FL, Kansas City Area, Manhattan, KS, Milwaukee, WI, Minneapolis Area, MN, Orange County, CA, Rochester, NY, San Diego, CA, South Florida Area, St. Petersburg Area, FL, Syracuse, NY and Tampa, FL. The content will be recorded and archived for caregivers to use as a resource. ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc., is the Presenting Sponsor of the Parkinson's Foundation Caregiver Summit, which will offer encouragement, education and access to much-needed resources to those caring for people with PD. ACADIA is dedicated to developing and commercializing innovative medicines that address unmet medical needs in central nervous system disorders, including hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson's disease. "ACADIA is proud to be the Presenting Sponsor of this important initiative to support Parkinson's disease caregivers and contribute to educational tools and resources to support the patient community," said Robert Kaper, M.D., senior vice president of Global Medical Affairs. The summit is free of charge. All caregivers in the PD community are welcome to attend in person, at a satellite location or online. Register for the Caregiver Summit at Parkinson.org/Summit or Parkinson.org/Cumbre. Please call the Parkinson's Foundation Helpline for more information about the Caregiver Summit at 1-800-4PD-INFO (473-4636) or email [email protected]. About the Parkinson's Foundation The Parkinson's Foundation makes life better for people with Parkinson's disease by improving care and advancing research toward a cure. In everything we do, we build on the energy, experience and passion of our global Parkinson's community. For more information, visit www.parkinson.org or call (800) 4PD-INFO (473-4636). About Parkinson's Disease Affecting nearly one million Americans and 10 million worldwide, Parkinson's disease is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's and is the 14th-leading cause of death in the United States. It is associated with a progressive loss of motor control (e.g., shaking or tremor at rest and lack of facial expression), as well as non-motor symptoms (e.g., depression and anxiety). There is no cure for Parkinson's and 60,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the United States alone. Contact: Leilani Pearl, 305-537-9907 SOURCE Parkinson's Foundation Related Links http://www.parkinson.org DALLAS and NASHVILLE, Tenn., Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Pharos Capital Group, LLC ("Pharos"), a private equity firm based in Dallas and Nashville, announced it has made a majority investment in Charter Health Care Group ("Charter"), a leading provider of post-acute care services based in Southern California. Founded in 2006 by industry veterans Fred Frank and Sabina Del Rosario, Charter offers a variety of post-acute care programs including hospice, home health, transitional care, and palliative care services. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The transaction forms the basis for Pharos's post-acute care platform, which will focus on building and acquiring high-quality hospice and home health companies that manage healthcare needs across the post-acute care continuum while also working to improve the patient experience and lower the costs of care for those patients. "We are excited to establish a platform in the rapidly growing post-acute care segment of the healthcare industry," said Bob Crants, Founding Partner of Pharos. "Charter has built a strong model that will lead the industry toward better solutions for patients, families, and caregivers as end-of-life and home health services are increasingly important to patient care." Steve J. Larkin, a seasoned industry executive and member of Pharos's entrepreneur-in-residence program, will serve as Chief Executive Officer of Charter. Mr. Larkin has more than 15 years of post-acute care experience and most recently served as Division President for Hospice Compassus, a nationwide network of community-based hospice, home health, and palliative care services. Mr. Frank, former Chief Executive Officer, will become President of the company, and Ms. Del Rosario will remain as Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Larkin said, "We are delighted that Charter will form the basis of our new healthcare platform. The company has built an enviable record of mitigating hospital readmissions, reducing acute care length of stay, and bridging care delivery gaps. We aim to replicate those achievements in new markets across the country as the company expands through additional acquisitions and organic growth. Most families will need transitional or home care services for themselves or a family member and our goal is to offer access to high-quality care that ensures comfort while lowering overall healthcare costs." Mr. Frank added, "Our goal from inception has been to become the preferred post-acute care provider to patients leaving hospitals and to transition them to the most appropriate level of care. The operational expertise and financial resources Pharos brings will allow us to continue to refine our model while expanding our collaborative efforts with local communities and healthcare providers." This marks the tenth platform portfolio investment from Pharos III and III-A, healthcare-focused private equity sister funds. Recent Pharos investments include Behavior Care Specialists, a provider of autism spectrum disorder services and an addition to Pharos's Family Treatment Network platform, and Verdi Oncology, an oncology practice and clinical research management company. About Charter Health Care Group Charter Health Care Group ("Charter"), founded in 2006, is an integrated post-acute care provider offering hospice, home health, and transitional care services. With over 1,000 patients and eight locations across San Bernardino, Riverside, Los Angeles, Ventura and Orange counties, the company has established a deep presence in the Southern California market and has uniquely positioned itself as a trusted partner for hospital systems, managed care organizations, assisted living facilities, skilled nursing facilities, medical groups, and surrounding communities. For more information, visit http://www.charterhcg.com/ . About Pharos Capital Group Based in Dallas and Nashville, Pharos Capital Group (www.pharosfunds.com) is an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Since inception, Pharos has invested in 53 companies and currently has over $785 million of private equity assets under management. Pharos typically invests $25-$50 million in rapidly growing middle market companies seeking later stage funding for internal growth, acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, management buyouts, or recapitalizations predominantly across healthcare sectors. For business development opportunities with Pharos Capital Group, please contact Adam Persiani at 214-740-7003 or [email protected]. Media Contact Caroline Luz Owen Blicksilver Public Relations, Inc. 203-656-2829 [email protected] SOURCE Pharos Capital Group Phoenix senior executives, Krupp General Contractors, local and state officials including Congressman Mark Pocan and representatives from Senator Tammy Baldwin's office will join Phoenix CEO Ross Radel and President Evan Sengbusch at the ceremony located onsite in Fitchburg's Uptown neighborhood. The ground-breaking ceremony will take place at the new location on October 30, 2018 at 1PM. "This commercial neutron imaging center, the first non-reactor facility of its kind, is another indicator that Wisconsin's technology sector is at the forefront of several growing industries including medical and industrial imaging," said Sengbusch. "It's incredible to be part of a team that is passionate about developing cutting-edge technologies and deploying them in ways that improve our world." External support has also been critical to achieve this milestone, and Phoenix has partnered with several state government representatives, such as Senator Tammy Baldwin and Congressman Mark Pocan. "Wisconsin has a proud tradition of entrepreneurship and innovation, so I have worked hard to support small business start-ups like Phoenix. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I have taken great pride in being their partner over the years, working to secure millions of dollars in additional funding for the federal national security programs that have supported Phoenix's cutting-edge efforts to keep our servicemembers and citizens safe," said Senator Tammy Baldwin. "By advancing 'Made in Wisconsin' science and technology, Phoenix is carrying on our state's entrepreneurial spirit and creating new, high paying jobs. The growth of Phoenix will help produce economic growth for our state and boost the next generation of technology startups in Wisconsin." "With the groundbreaking of Phoenix's Neutron Imaging Center, Wisconsin continues to demonstrate its leadership in technology and innovation," says Congressman Mark Pocan. "Today, Phoenix is not only creating new applications for neutron science but is also making their technologies more accessible by building this Imaging Center right here in Wisconsin. Companies like Phoenix play a key role in our regional economy, creating good-paying, middle class jobs, and solidifying Madison as a leader in science and technology. I'm proud to support Phoenix and will continue to work with the company's leaders on its future growth and success." The Madison-based technology company selected Fitchburg, WI as the site for the 10,000 square foot neutron imaging services facility that will provide neutron activation analysis, radiation effects testing, neutron (n-ray), and x-ray imaging. The company's 50,000 square foot corporate headquarters will also be located on the same site and will allow Phoenix to meet increasing demand for both accelerator systems and the estimated additional 50 full time, highly paid professionals over the next several years. "We are so impressed by the Phoenix team and their cutting-edge technology for the medical, energy, aerospace and defense sectors," says Fitchburg Mayor Jason Gonzales. "With their existing employment base and projected growth, with above per capita wages, Phoenix is the first corporate anchor within Uptown in Fitchburg and will be a great addition to the science and tech industry." Phoenix has seen a high rate of recent growth-- doubling in size, developing custom solutions for scanning nuclear fuel for two of the large electric companies, landing 2 U.S. Army contracts, delivering a high-profile accelerator to help sister company Shine deliver on its promise to provide a domestic supply of Mo-99, and closing a recent round of $12M in financing. The company is currently working on additional applications for neutron radiography in key verticals and plans to open the Phoenix neutron imaging center in mid 2019. They are currently accepting customer orders. About Phoenix: Transforming nuclear technology since 2005, Phoenix designs and manufactures the world's strongest neutron generators. Phoenix's cutting-edge technology has been used in the aerospace, defense, medical and energy sectors to improve manufacturing efficiency, safety and quality. They are the foremost experts on neutron imaging services and the first non-reactor facility to offer commercial neutron imaging services. For more information on the applications of neutron imaging visit http://phoenixwi.com. SOURCE Phoenix LLC Related Links http://phoenixwi.com JAMISON, Pa., Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Physicians Endoscopy (PE), is pleased to announce the addition of three new GI ambulatory surgery center partnerships finalizing transactions between July and September 2018. These partnerships increase PE's portfolio of affiliated centers to a total of 60 ASCs while also adding 26 new gastroenterologists to their coalition of 600+ GI partners across the country. Limerick, PA, July 31, 2018Physicians Endoscopy finalized a strategic partnership with the Endoscopy Associates of Valley Forge (EAVF), located in Limerick, Pennsylvania. EAVF is a three-room ambulatory surgery center specializing in gastroenterology. The center opened for operations in 2007, and currently performs over 5,600 procedures annually. Upon finalizing the partnership, two additional community GI physicians were recruited to the center, significantly increasing center utilization. Dr. Elizabeth Rock serves as the center's Medical Director. EAVF represents PE's fifth center in Pennsylvania. Chalfont, PA, August 18, 2018Gastrointestinal Associates, Inc., of Rydal, PA, is the area's largest GI physician practice serving Montgomery and Bucks Counties as well as Philadelphia. The 17-physician group along with PE opened Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Center (GEC) which includes an adjacent satellite professional practice. GIEC is an AAAHC accredited, two-room ASC, estimated to perform 6,000 procedures annually. PE spearheaded the development and construction process taking less than one year to complete and obtain center licensure. Dr. Joseph Bruno serves as the center's Medical Director. GEC represents PE's sixth center in Pennsylvania. Bethesda, MD, September 30, 2018 The physician owners of Bethesda Endoscopy Center (BEC) recently concluded an acquisition partnership with Physicians Endoscopy. The 15 GI physicians represent multiple medical practices spread throughout the greater Washington, DC metro area. BEC is a three-room, licensed ASC performing over 8,400 annual procedures. Dr. Gary Roggin serves as the center's medical director. BEC represents PE's second center in Maryland. MORE INFORMATION Physicians Endoscopy is a nationally recognized development and management partner for GI-focused ambulatory surgery centers. The company currently operates 60 partnered facilities in 15 states with 23 different hospital systemsbuilding collaborative, long-term relationships with physicians that positively impact the center, patients, and the bottom line. To learn more about Physicians Endoscopy's partnered centers, visit www.endocenters.com/partnered-centers or call (866) 240-9496. Media Contact: Carol Stopa (215) 589-9018 SOURCE Physicians Endoscopy Related Links http://www.endocenters.com Puppyoo's best-selling WP536 cordless handheld home vacuum cleaner with wireless aspirator is a cost-effective option with a special Double 11 price of US$120, a huge markdown compared to the regular price of US$480. The WP536 is a breakthrough in cordless technology and offers 35 minutes of suction time per charge. It comes with different nozzles and brushes to provide more cleaning options, as well as an ergonomic design that greatly improves user experience. Puppyoo's latest A9 cordless handheld stick vacuum cleaner will also be part of the Double 11 promotion. It features a brushless motor, powerful 17,000PA suction and 45 minutes of long working time. The promotional price will be US$159. How it works Puppyoo has already kickstarted a pre-order special event on AliExpress, offering 15 products for early reservation from October 20 to November 10. Customers only need to pay a 10% advance deposit to get the discounts, which are up to 82%, and wait until the Festival commences to pay the remainder. Prices during the pre-order period will be lower than the promotion on November 11. From November 11 to 12, Puppyoo will mark down 20 products with discounts of up to 82%. The AliExpress platform is providing top resources for the brand's promotion. In addition to price discounts, additional coupons will save customers US$6 for every US$199 spent. Official Puppyoo AliExpress Store: https://www.aliexpress.com/store/1147367 About Puppyoo Puppy Appliance Co., Ltd (Puppyoo) (870077.OC) develops and sells world-class, high-quality household cleaning appliances. For nearly two decades, Puppyoo has been a leader in China's vacuum cleaner sector with more than 200 technical patents. Listed on the OTC Bulletin Board in 2016, the company is the #2 vacuum manufacturing brand that is based in the China market. Puppyoo's products are now sold in 86 countries worldwide. For more information, please visit www.puppyoo.com. SOURCE Puppyoo Related Links http://www.puppyoo.com WESTON, Florida, October 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Pyramidion Technology Group, Inc. (OTC: PYTG), displaying Leafywell (Leafywell.com) products, will appear at CBD.io "The Future of Wellness" (CBD.io) trade show at the Las Vegas Convention Center dedicated to the latest in CBD brands and innovations including expert speakers discussing current trends, regulations, and markets, and much more. Leafywell (Leafywell.com) brand products include hemp-based CBD oils, tinctures, creams and lotions, edible candies, among a variety of other goods. Attendees and presenters at the conference may have the opportunity to visit with the representatives of Leafywell to discuss the product lines and potentially sample select products. CEO of PYTG, Carlos Hurtado, when asked to share his thoughts on the event in Las Vegas, responded by saying, "We are ecstatic to have the opportunity to exhibit our products at our convention center booth and expose so many people to our wide range of product lines. We view this expo as an opportunity to meet with our existing clients and shareholders as well as introduce our products to new potential clients, consumers, retailers, distributors and wholesalers as well as gain the exposure to potential future shareholders. This is also a chance for colleagues in industry related businesses to first-hand see our products and discuss potential avenues of collaboration." Leafywell representatives, information, and products can be viewed at Booth Q6 at the CBD.io "The Future of Wellness" trade show and exhibition in Las Vegas, Nevada on November 9th and 10th, 2018. See event information and updates at the website CBD.io. For information on Leafywell products, visit them on the web at Leafywell.com. About Pyramidion Technology Group, Inc Pyramidion Technology Group, Inc. ("PYTG" or the "Company") is best described as a business incubator. The purpose of our business model is to leverage equity, to acquire, merge and or joint venture with early stage companies in emerging sectors, to facilitate growth and cash flow utilizing a diverse distribution method. Our intention is to develop and acquire fast growing companies in up-trending industries and positioning technology for economic growth. This platform will combine natural relationships, marketing synergies and distribution methods that enable combined companies to provide a wide variety of unique and complete solutions, services and necessities to consumers. We believe our overall business model could effectively create a company of unlimited opportunities for our growing shareholder base. For more information on PYTG, please visit the Company's website at https://www.pytgcorp.com.com/. To be added to the Company investor email list, please email [email protected] with PYTG in the subject line. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined within Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements relate to future events, including our ability to raise capital, or to our future financial performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements since they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond our control and which could, and likely will, materially affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Any forward-looking statement reflects our current views with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to our operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. We assume no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future. For a discussion of these risks and uncertainties, please see our filings with the OTC Markets Group Inc. Our public filings with the OTC Markets Group Inc are available from commercial document retrieval services and at the website maintained by the OTC Markets at https://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/PYTG/filings. Contact: [email protected] Phone: +1-954-329-2205 SOURCE Pyramidion Technology Group, Inc. CARY, N.C., Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- PeriGen, the innovator in perinatal early warning systems, today announced northern Nevada's Renown Health has implemented PeriGen's PeriWatch labor analysis software in its childbirth unit. The software system includes PeriWatch Cues, the only fetal surveillance solution that is both cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and validated by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The software incorporates artificial intelligence features to help clinicians interpret fetal heart rate patterns and provides a consistent, objective and standardized assessment to enhance care collaboration. "We strive to deliver optimal patient safety for every mother and baby in our care by giving our childbirth team the most advanced tools available for assessing fetal heart rate and labor progress, while making it easier for caregivers to maintain the patient record," said Paul Sierzenski, M.D., MSHQS, RDMS, FACEP, FAAEM, Renown Health vice president and chief medical officer of acute services. "Following a seamless implementation, PeriGen gives us real-time information that will help our care team make the most informed decisions possible." Renown Health, which provides care for more than 4,200 babies delivered each year, focuses on providing the most compassionate and comfortable environment for mothers and their newborns, knowing expectant mothers expect the best medical care to ensure their babies are born healthy. "Our clinical team works tirelessly to help our mothers and babies have the best outcomes possible," said Natalie Nicholson, DNP, MBA, RN, CENP, director of nursing for Renown Women's Health. "Before PeriGen, we looked at long streams of paper to discern if one data point was cause for intervention, making it difficult to identify worrisome trends quickly. Now, we have several hours of information at our fingertips, along with the analytics to add further context." PeriWatch labor analysis modules provide comprehensive, patented, FDA-cleared clinical decision support for the Renown Health labor & delivery team. Integrated with the health system's Epic electronic health record system as part of its Epic Refresh Project, the software uses patented algorithms to help clinicians interpret fetal heart rate patterns and provides a consistent, objective and standardized assessment of the data as a basis for collaborative care at the bedside. The tool has been cited as invaluable in facilitating communication among nurses and physicians. "The unique capabilities of the PeriWatch solution assist Renown Health in providing exceptional, safe patient care that will ultimately lead to better health outcomes for mothers and medically fragile newborns," said PeriGen CEO Matthew Sappern. "Both the clinical and IT teams at Renown Health helped facilitate a flawless implementation and were up and running in less than one day. We're proud to help healthcare organizations like Renown quickly and easily leverage the most advanced technologies available in their labor & delivery units to reduce risk throughout the birthing experience." The NIH validation is based on the findings of an extensive, independent study which determined an analysis of fetal strip tracings performed manually by top NIH experts matched the findings from PeriWatch Cues automated, real-time analysis more than 97 percent of the time. ABOUT RENOWN HEALTH Renown Health is a locally governed and locally owned, not-for-profit integrated healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California. Renown is one of the region's largest private employers with a workforce of more than 7,000. It comprises three acute care hospitals, a rehabilitation hospital, the area's most comprehensive medical group and urgent care network, and the region's largest and only locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown has a long tradition and commitment to continually improve the care and the health of our community. For more information, visit renown.org . ABOUT PERIGEN, INC. PeriGen offers innovative perinatal software solutions that incorporate advanced statistical analysis features to enhance clinical efficiency and standardization of care during childbirth. Led by skilled OB practitioners and IT visionaries, PeriGen has created the PeriWatch platform to provides consistent analysis and efficient display of complex data in real-time to promote better human recognition and communication about impending problems during labor. With PeriWatch, clinicians can spend more time on direct patient care and less time on manual calculations and data manipulation. To learn more, visit www.perigen.com; follow us on Twitter , LinkedIn , YouTube , and Facebook ; or call 877.700.4755 or email. Media Contact for PeriGen: Heather Caouette Amendola Communications 508.579.3894 [email protected] Media Contact for Renown Health: Allison Williams Renown Health 775.691.7308 [email protected] SOURCE PeriGen Related Links http://www.perigen.com NEW YORK and SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Rizort, a luxury vacation marketplace, today announced that new and exclusive destinations in North America, including Mexico and the Caribbean, will be added to its stellar roster of destination offerings. Since the company's cutting-edge, interactive platform launched in April 2018, more than a hundred customers have journeyed with Rizort.com for their luxury vacations. Rizort is the world's first experience driven luxury vacation marketplace that helps travelers plan and book an end-to-end vacation seamlessly on one platform. The company leverages immersive media and virtual reality (VR) across web and mobile to enable travelers to virtually explore the best in class hotels, resorts and experiences before deciding where they want to stay from anywhere in the world. The Rizort VR app is available on Oculus GO and Samsung Gear VR app stores and current destinations include Bali, Thailand, the Maldives and most recently as of this month, Dubai. "Rizort is a one-stop solution for all travelers who love to plan, personalize, and experience vacations around their travel intent. We are at a pivotal and exciting time in the travel and technology industry by leveraging VR, we are unifying a traveler's path to purchase through our immersive platform. We aim to create a new way of seeing things that are both personalized and social," said Sachin Kanodia, CEO, Rizort. "We are also engaging with travelers in a way that has never been done before. Within the upcoming weeks, we will be launching a social feature within our app that allows up to two travelers to interact with each other - whether you're in New York City, working overseas in Asia or studying in Europe - the possibilities are limitless when using our global-friendly app." Rizort offers a unique on-travel loyalty advantage, PrivilEDGE, for exclusive benefits to every traveler who plans a vacation through the Rizort platform. To further assist discerning vacationers on their holiday, Rizort offers a Concierge app as well, that assists travelers with their travel itinerary, curated experiences, local events to participate in, and access to a 24/7 support, thus guiding them during their vacation journey. In March 2018, Rizort closed a seed round of funding of $2.9 million from Blume Ventures, Dream Incubator Japan, Greenfield Advisory Singapore and a few other angel investors. The company is planning to offer additional destinations in the upcoming quarters, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by the end of 2018 and Fiji and Japan in 2019. About Rizort Inc. Rizort is the world's first intent and experience driven luxury vacation marketplace based out of San Francisco. Rizort's proprietary algorithm leverages data to match user intent to highly curated luxury hotels, resorts and experiences across multiple destinations. Its immersive web experience and virtual reality (VR) app built on the Oculus platform, deliver highly interactive narratives to travelers, helping them dream, plan and personalize their vacation experience. Rizort has raised $2.9M dollars in seed funding, to date. Media Contacts: Sumit Kumar, Rizort [email protected] Khiavett Diaz, Gutenberg [email protected] SOURCE Rizort Inc. Related Links https://www.rizort.com LAS VEGAS, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- PRESS CONFERENCE ANNOUNCING COMPLAINT Date and Time: Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018 at 10:00 AM Place: Below the Steps of Federal Courthouse 333 Las Vegas Boulevard Las Vegas, Nevada 89101 Ryan Bundy, candidate for Nevada Governor and his father, Cliven Bundy, will hold a press conference tomorrow, Wednesday, October 31, 2018, in front of the federal courthouse in Nevada where the fatally flawed indictment against them and other peaceful protesters, who had lawfully exercised their constitutional rights to freedom of speech and to keep and bear arms under the First and Second Amendments to successfully stand down a tyrannical federal government at Bunkerville, had been dismissed last January, 2018. Incredibly, the U.S. Attorney's Office filed a notice to appeal this dismissal. This indictment was dismissed because agents of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and U.S. Department of Justice were caught lying to the court and withholding evidence favorable to the Bundys; thus attempting to wrongfully convict them with mandatory life sentences. Even an "unfriendly" federal judge, Gloria Navarro -- who had been recommended to the bench by former Senator Harry Reid who, had branded the Bundys "domestic terrorists" -- and who had been called a friend of the prosecutors by the mainstream "Las Vegas Review Journal," found it necessary to throw the case out for the federal government's egregious misconduct. Now Ryan Bundy is fighting back against federal overreach and corruption in the courts and seeking to not just protect the constitutional rights of the people of Clark County, where the Bundy Ranch is located, but all Nevadans and Americans. The lawsuit which he filed today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia will be distributed at the press conference, which will be attended by Ryan and Cliven and other members of the Bundy family, as well as supporters. Mr. Larry Klayman, the founder of Judicial Watch and now Freedom Watch and a former federal prosecutor, and who filed the suit with the Bundys in his private capacity, will also be present to speak. He will also discuss another complaint which he filed for Cliven Bundy, seeking a declaration that the land upon which he and others ranch, live and do business is owned not by the federal government, but as of right by the people of Clark County and Nevada. For more information contact [email protected] or (424) 274 2579. Media contact: Adrienne Mazzone 561-750-9800 x2270; [email protected] SOURCE Larry Klayman Shred-it announces contest to win a trip-for-two to NYC to be a part of Good Riddance Day event in Times Square NEW YORK, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - Shred-it , the leading information destruction company, together with Times Square New Year's Eve, announced today it will once again host Good Riddance Day. From job rejection emails, to pictures of an ex, to the last mortgage or student loan bill, Good Riddance Day is a chance for people to shred and destroy the most forgettable moments of 2018. It's a free one-day, shredding event that's open to the public and takes place December 28 in Times Square. "Our Good Riddance Day event and contest is all about giving people a fresh start to the new year as we help them get rid of their most forgettable memories from 2018," said Monu Kalsi, Vice President Marketing for Shred-it. "Whether you're bidding farewell to costly bills, rejection letters from potential employers or simply getting rid of an object that symbolizes your personal "elephant in the room" there's no better way to embark on 2019's new beginnings than by shredding unwanted memories at the Good Riddance Day event." In addition to the Good Riddance Day shredding event in Times Square on December 28, Shred-it is also hosting a contest from October 29 to November 29 for people in the continental U.S. to share what item they would like to say good riddance to in 2018. Entries can be submitted here in the form of private video or email. Upon submission, they will be automatically registered for a chance to win: A grand prize five-night trip to New York City to attend Good Riddance Day and New Year's Eve in Times Square. This includes airfare for the winner and one guest within the continental United States , five-night hotel stay in the center of NYC, special up-close, pre-New Year's Eve VIP Ball viewing and photo opportunity, and two tickets to the Official Times Square New Year's Eve VIP Party. Last year, the contest received more than 1,500 submissions, and the grand prize winner, Carissa Payan and her husband, said good riddance to their last credit card bill as the couple reached their goal of paying off more than $25,000 of debt by New Year's Eve 2017. "Good Riddance Day gives us a chance to reflect on the past year and purge ourselves of the things that remind us of our frustrations, mishaps, and faults," said Tim Tompkins, President of the Times Square Alliance. "Each year we look forward to encouraging all New Yorkers and visitors alike to join us as we say Shred-it and Forget it to last year's unwanted memories and prepare for the next with a clean slate." For more information about the Good Riddance Day event and to enter the Good Riddance Day contest, please visit this link and connect with Shred-it on Twitter or Facebook . About Shred-it Shred-it is a world-leading information security company providing information destruction services that ensure the security and integrity of our clients' private information. Shred-it, a Stericycle solution, operates in 170 markets throughout 18 countries worldwide, servicing more than 400,000 global, national and local businesses. For more information, please visit www.shredit.com . About Times Square New Year's Eve The Times Square Alliance and Countdown Entertainment are the organizers of Times Square New Year's Eve. The Times Square Alliance works to improve and promote Times Square so that it retains the energy, edge and distinctiveness that have made it an icon of entertainment, culture and urban life. Countdown Entertainment, which represents the owners of One Times Square, and the New Year's Eve Ball, is a marketing management and event production company specializing in the Times Square area. SOURCE Shred-it NEW YORK, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Life House launches a collection of lifestyle hotels that are experience-driven, locally-rooted, and accessible to everyone. The first two hotels are located in Miami's Little Havana and South Beach neighborhoods, and begin accepting reservations today. The company also unveils its proprietary technology platform, which provides a frictionless direct booking journey, mobile app, and social network for travelers. Life House is founded by Rami Zeidan, a seasoned hotel and real estate executive and Yury Yakubchyk, a software entrepreneur. The company has raised $70 million in funding to date between venture and real estate capital, with investment from Global Founders Capital, Comcast Ventures, Trinity Ventures, Henley Investments, among others. As the first US-based lifestyle hotel company to be backed by venture and real estate capital, Life House is positioned to modernize an antiquated industry. "The problems in the hotel industry are multi-faceted and stem from technology and real estate not solely price, or solely experience," said Zeidan. "The ability to bring prices down and improve the guest experience requires a holistic solution to the technology, real estate, operations and branding. Life House is focused on all of these components, and our capital and expertise provides us the opportunity to make it happen." Life House remains asset-light and signs long term management agreements instead of leases, a rarity in Silicon Valley. Despite the popularity of leases in the real estate tech space, the company is being cautious of signing leases with mismatched duration in a cyclical hotel market. This approach allows the company to scale its revenues without increasing its expenses, much like a SaaS product. Life House's diverse expertise allows for vertical integration, from construction, design, technology, food and beverage, and operations. Through this model, Life House creates cohesive, expressive hotels, while drastically reducing the cost and time to develop and operate them. Those savings are passed on to investors who in turn pass them on to travelers, providing them a 4.5-star hotel experience at a fraction of the price. Global Founders Capital Partner, Ludwig Ensthaler, states, "We are thrilled to see Life House launching such a complex and robust platform only several months after their Series A. With this launch, Life House is poised to quickly scale up in the near trillion-dollar hotel market that has long been ripe for disruption." To power the company's digital marketing, pricing and distribution, finance and accounting, and on-property operations, Life House created its own technology platform, a single hub of data that can be used to nimbly target the right customers, and innovate as needed. In addition to the back-end technology, the company offers an intuitive and branded booking experience, akin to what modern consumers have become accustomed to from other direct to consumer brands. "Existing hotel technology architecture is dated and suffers from siloed vendors and messy APIs, leading to unstable, and vulnerable integrations," says Yury Yakubchyk, co-founder and CTO of Life House. "The solution requires a modern approach to software development and a significant amount of capital; we've built a robust team to architect a scalable hotel management platform from the bottom up." An industry first, and one of Life House's most defining features is its social network a product that allows guests traveling on the same dates to opt into an online community where they can make plans, meet spontaneously, join forums based on interest (i.e. nightlife, wellness, food, art etc.), and ultimately meet in person on-property. Additionally, verified local members will belong to the community to foster community and conversation between guests and locals, and organize events and activities. Each Life House hotel has its own unique identity that is thoughtfully designed to embody the spirit of the neighborhood. Every space is crafted to inspire creativity and encourage connection with a distinct aesthetic and story that is tied together through the shared Life House ethos. The properties weave in the local history and culture in a modern way through innovative food and beverage, music, and more while still offering a consistent, high-end hospitality experience. Life House begins taking reservations today with its doors opening shortly thereafter in the heart of Miami's Little Havana neighborhood, quickly followed by a second location in South Beach. The hotels offer a mix of room types catering to all travelers who appreciate an experience at a conscious price point. The brand will always offer a room category that is less than $149 per night, and for a limited time, rooms will open at $109. Life House is pacing to have over 20 hotels under development in the U.S. by the end of 2019. After Miami, the team will open new hotels in Denver and Brooklyn. To learn more about Life House and book a room, visit www.lifehousehotels.com . About Life House: Based in New York City, Life House creates lifestyle, boutique hotels at an affordable price point, powered by world-class design, food & beverage, technology, and operations. Co-founded by real estate and hotel executive, Rami Zeidan and software entrepreneur, Yury Yakubchyk, Life House is a new kind of hotel stay: experience-driven, inexpensive, for everyone. For more information, visit http://lifehousehotels.com Media Contact: [email protected] SOURCE Life House Related Links http://www.lifehousehotels.com DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Smart Dubai and IBM (NYSE: IBM ) today announced the launch of the Dubai Blockchain Platform, the first government-endorsed blockchain platform as-a-service in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Delivered through an IBM Cloud environment and built locally in the UAE, the enterprise-ready platform will serve as a stepping stone for organizations in the UAE and globally to transition their blockchain testing and development into full-production. It will also transform and digitize applicable government processes and citizen services. New blockchain platform in the UAE set to revolutionize citizen services (Credit: IBM) Dubai has been leading efforts to encourage the use of blockchain, with a vision to make the emirate a paperless government by 2021. As part of the Dubai Blockchain Strategy, for which IBM is the official Blockchain Strategic Partner, Dubai has seen the launch of various blockchain applications in a number of government entities across different sectors, including roads and transport, energy, healthcare and education. The new Dubai Blockchain Platform will help integrate digitized services and experiences run on IBM Blockchain into citizens' day-to-day lives. Organizations will also benefit from keeping their data in-country and conducting transactions locally, and in turn, lower operational costs. The platform will conform to the Information Security Regulation (ISR)* standards issued by the Dubai Government. It will also be powered by IBM's mainframe technology, LinuxONE, which is capable of running more than 6.2 billion web transactions per day. The Dubai Pay Blockchain Settlement and Reconciliation System, officially launched on 23rd September, will be one of the first projects to migrate onto the Dubai Blockchain Platform. Through this service, a process that used to take entities approximately 45 days to reconcile and settle payments with other government entities, banks and financial institutions, is now reduced to real time. Her Excellency Dr. Aisha Bint Butti Bin Bishr, Director General of the Smart Dubai Office (SDO), said: "Guided by the forward-thinking vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, and the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, Smart Dubai has been moving rapidly towards our main objective of transforming the emirate into a full-fledged smart city that tops global competitiveness and happiness indexes." "Dubai has been a pioneer in blockchain technology since its inception, while other major cities around the world were reluctant to embrace it for city-wide implementation," H.E. Dr Aisha added. "The Dubai Blockchain Strategy set a clear path for the emirate to have the world's first fully digitized government by 2021. The Dubai Blockchain Platform we are launching today with IBM who bring a wealth of insight and expertise in the advanced tech industries drives us forward in our mission and allows us to power all blockchain applications in the city from one united portal." H.E. Wesam Lootah, CEO of the Smart Dubai Government Establishment (SDG), said: "As Dubai persists on its path to becoming a world leader in the industries of the future, Blockchain technology will occupy an increasingly significant status in Governments' and organizations' day-to-day undertakings, as well as in individuals' everyday lives." "Blockchain is steadily moving towards becoming a multibillion market by 2019 and we, at Smart Dubai, have successfully embedded the technology in numerous services, the latest of which was the advanced 'Dubai Pay Blockchain Settlement and Reconciliation System', which eliminates friction from financial processes between government entities through automation and minimal human intervention. And with the launch of the Dubai Blockchain Platform today, we will be one step closer to implementing Blockchain-powered services and experiences into citizens' day-to-day lives," H.E. Lootah concluded. "In the past few years, technologies such as blockchain have moved up on the agenda in Dubai. Today, proof of concepts are bypassed and organizations are moving into full-scale production," Amr Refaat, General Manager, IBM Middle East and Pakistan. "Blockchain provides an added layer of trust and transparency among government organizations and businesses and helps make collaboration more efficient. The new IBM Blockchain-based service will enable organizations to keep their data in-country and conduct transactions locally. It also conforms to Dubai Government's Information Security Regulation standards." Through the collaboration with IBM, Smart Dubai aims to run all applicable government transactions on blockchain and make Dubai a global benchmark for city-wide blockchain implementation. About IBM Blockchain IBM is recognised as the leading enterprise blockchain provider. The company's research, technical and business experts have broken barriers in transaction processing speeds, developed the most advanced cryptography to secure transactions, and are contributing millions of lines of open source code to advance blockchain for businesses. IBM is the leader in open-source blockchain solutions built for the enterprise. Since 2016, IBM has worked with hundreds of clients across financial services, supply chain, government, retail, digital rights management and healthcare to implement blockchain applications, and operates a number of networks running live and in production. The cloud-based IBM Blockchain Platform delivers the end-to-end capabilities that clients need to quickly activate and successfully develop, operate, govern and secure their own business networks. IBM is an early member of Hyperledger, an open source collaborative effort created to advance cross-industry blockchain technologies. For more information about IBM Blockchain, visit https://www.ibm.com/blockchain/ or follow us on Twitter at @ibmblockchain. *ISR mandates government entities in Dubai to implement specific requirements and controls to ensure appropriate level of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information assets. CONTACT: Leesa DAlto, 212-671-9806, [email protected] SOURCE IBM Related Links http://www.ibm.com "Serving as president of CHA has been an incredible privilege for which I will always be grateful. The opportunity to get to know the entire Catholic health ministry across our nation and work with the wonderful staff at CHA and our committed board was an honor for me. It is an inspiration to see the genuine commitment of the members of the Catholic health ministry in the United States to providing people with the health care they need, not just the health care they can afford," said Sr. Carol. "The efforts to do this as a ministry of the Church, both in our daily actions as well as in raising a voice for them in the public square, characterizes the members of CHA even in the most challenging times. Having been able to represent them in many forums is a privilege I will always treasure." During her tenure at CHA, Sr. Carol has been a leading voice in promoting access to health care for all, especially for the vulnerable and those burdened by poverty. She was instrumental in gathering political support for passage of the Affordable Care Act. In 2010, she was named one of TIME magazine's "100 Most Influential People in the World" and "Person of the Year" by the National Catholic Reporter. Sr. Carol has been named to Modern Healthcare's list of "100 Most Influential People in Healthcare" for several years, topping the list at number one in 2007. "Sister Carol has provided superb leadership to CHA. Because of her relentless energy and passion for Catholic health care and the people we serve, CHA and its members are key influencers for improving and standardizing community benefit reporting standards and increasing access to high quality health care for all Americans. She leaves an incredible legacy for Catholic health care that has greatly benefited the people and communities we serve across the nation," said Michael A. Slubowski, president and chief operating officer, Trinity Health, and chairperson, CHA Board of Trustees. "Sister Carol has led the Catholic Health Association with distinction during a critical time for Catholic health care and for health care generally in the United States. She has always focused first and foremost on our values, and as a result, has had an outsized impact on U.S. health care policy to the benefit of those most in need. Her impact will be felt for generations," said Kevin J. Sexton, vice-chairperson, CHA Board of Trustees. Prior to joining CHA, Sr. Carol served in various administrative and governance positions at hospitals sponsored by the Daughters of Charity, including 15 years as president and chief executive officer of Providence Hospital in Washington, D.C. She has served as board chair of Ascension Health's Sacred Heart Health System, Pensacola, Fla; on the boards of Catholic Relief Services, Baltimore, Md.; the Catholic Health Association of the United States; Catholic Healthcare Partners (now Bon Secours Mercy Health), Cincinnati; St. Agnes Hospital, Baltimore; Mercy Health System, Miami; Catholic Healthcare Audit Network, Clayton, Mo.; and SOAR! (Support Our Aging Religious), Silver Spring, Md. During her career, Sr. Carol has furthered Catholic teaching around social justice with her tireless advocacy for the poor and vulnerable. These efforts have been celebrated with numerous awards and honors including the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (Cross for the Church and Pontiff), bestowed by Pope Benedict XVI; the Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Award from Catholic Common Ground Initiative; the American Cardinals' Encouragement Award; LCWR 2011 Outstanding Leadership Award from the Leadership Conference of Women Religious; and Commonweal magazine's 2018 Catholic in the Public Square Award. The CHA Board of Trustees will conduct a national search for a new president and chief executive officer during the next several months with the goal of having a successor named by June 2019. A search committee made up CHA board members and representatives from the CHA membership will lead the recruitment process. "Sr. Carol did so much to strengthen Catholic health care during the past 13 years. While we will miss her outstanding leadership, the CHA Board of Trustees recognizes that we have a talented and dedicated staff and that our members remain committed to advancing the important work of ensuring that health care is a basic human right. Sr. Carol leaves big shoes to fill, but we as a ministry are up to the challenge and will continue to march forward on the path that she blazed," added Slubowski. The Catholic Health Association of the United States is the national leadership organization of the Catholic health ministry, representing the largest nonprofit provider of health care services in the nation. 1 in 6 patients in the U.S. is cared for in a Catholic hospital each day. Catholic health care, comprised of more than 2,200 hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, systems, sponsors, and related organizations, serves the full continuum of health care across our nation. SOURCE Catholic Health Association of the United States PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University (LKSOM) and Hunter College of the City University of New York (Hunter) have jointly received a five-year, $13.5 million grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The award will underwrite creation of the Temple University Fox Chase Cancer Center (TUFCCC) and Hunter College (HC) Regional Comprehensive Cancer Health Disparities Partnership. The U54 grant from the NCI, which is part of the National Institutes of Health, aims to enable NCI-designated cancer centers and research institutions to better support underserved populations. This new regional partnership spanning Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York City will identify effective approaches to reducing cancer health disparities that adversely affect African-American, Asian-Pacific-American and Hispanic-American communities. It is the first such grant to be received by any institution serving Pennsylvania or New Jersey and will draw on deep community ties to strengthen outreach throughout the NYC-Philadelphia corridor. More than 70 investigators are involved across both organizations. "It is a prestigious honor for Temple and Hunter to receive this competitive and unique grant to establish a cross-regional infrastructure to tackle the disproportionate cancer burden affecting underserved and diverse communities," said Dr. Grace X. Ma, Principal Investigator at TUFCCC, Associate Dean for Health Disparities, Director of the Center for Asian Health, Laura H. Carnell Professor, and Professor of Clinical Sciences at LKSOM. "This partnership will allow us to investigate social determinants of cancer disparities and advance cancer health equity through multidisciplinary research, education and mentorship, and community outreach and engagement." "For too long, certain communities have faced barriers that prevent them from getting the best-available cancer prevention, detection and treatment care, and they suffer disproportionately as a result," said Dr. Olorunseun Ogunwobi, Principal Investigator at Hunter College, Director of the Hunter College Center for Cancer Health Disparities Research, and Associate Professor of Biology at Hunter College. "This grant will enable us to identify research-based solutions to overcome those disparities, improving quality of life and health outcomes. We are grateful that NCI recognized Hunter and Temple's dedication to improving health equity and are ready to leverage our strong community relationships to engage people in harder-to-reach neighborhoods, conduct much-needed research and build a more diverse pipeline of future investigators and health professionals." This new partnership will focus on three core areas: multidisciplinary cancer research, with a spotlight on liver, colorectal and lung cancers; diversifying the research and medical pipeline by training and mentoring minority junior faculty, undergraduate and graduate students and post-doctoral researchers; and educating and engaging the community. Community outreach will include cancer screenings and symposia, with the specific goals of prevention, intervention, early detection and access to treatment. It also will involve attention to the wide range of barriers that contribute to cancer disparities, including proximity to care, economic issues, health literacy, stigma, stress, mental health and more. "Innovative and rigorous research in these areas is a crucial component of the partnership between Temple and Hunter," said Dr. Jean-Pierre Issa, Co-Principal Investigator at TUFCCC, Director of the Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, and Professor of Medicine at LKSOM. "These projects allow us to meld our cultural and scientific strengths to make significant contributions toward addressing cancer health disparities and toward finding and implementing solutions in this immediate region and beyond." Of the communities TUFCCC and HC aim to connect with, African-Americans have the highest mortality rate and shortest survival rate for most cancers compared with any other racial and ethnic groups in the U.S., according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). In Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York City, African-Americans continue to experience significant disparities in lung cancer incidence rate compared to non-Hispanic whites. Cancer has been the leading cause of death since 2000 for Asian-Pacific-Americans, who have the highest incidence rates of liver cancer among all racial and ethnic groups in the U.S., according to the ACS. Chronic hepatitis infection is a major contributor to that and also exacerbates the high liver cancer incidence rate among Hispanic-Americans, which is double that of non-Hispanic whites. "I'm extremely proud that Temple and Hunter were chosen for this incredible opportunity," said Dr. Larry R. Kaiser, Lewis Katz Dean at the School of Medicine, Senior Executive Vice President for Health Affairs at Temple University, and President and CEO of Temple University Health System. "This collaborative effort will yield results for years to come - in basic, clinical and behavioral research; in helping future leaders grow in those fields; and in continuing to build on established relationships with those in the community, as well as create new ones. Their input, their suggestions and their voices are an essential part of this partnership." "We are so honored to be recognized by NCI and to join with Temple in a new partnership that will build on Hunter's long commitment to improving health equity through high-impact research," said Hunter College President Jennifer J. Raab. "At the same time, cancer is not just a disease in a clinical sense - it disrupts families and lives. With our deep community ties and many service-oriented academic programs, we are confident we can make a real difference identifying strategies to reduce cancer disparities while also addressing the multifaceted needs of patients and families affected by the disease." The Lewis Katz School of Medicine and the Center for Asian Health will hold a celebration of the launch of the TUFCCC/HC Regional Comprehensive Cancer Health Disparities Partnership on Tuesday, Oct. 30, at the LKSOM Medical Education and Research Building (MERB). Hunter College will host a separate launch event in New York City later this fall. About Temple Health Temple University Health System (TUHS) is a $2.1 billion academic health system dedicated to providing access to quality patient care and supporting excellence in medical education and research. The Health System consists of Temple University Hospital (TUH), ranked among the "Best Hospitals" in the region by U.S. News & World Report; TUH-Episcopal Campus; TUH-Northeastern Campus; Fox Chase Cancer Center, an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center; Jeanes Hospital, a community-based hospital offering medical, surgical and emergency services; Temple Transport Team, a ground and air-ambulance company; and Temple Physicians, Inc., a network of community-based specialty and primary-care physician practices. TUHS is affiliated with the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, and Temple University Physicians, which is Temple Health's physician practice plan comprised of more than 500 full-time and part-time academic physicians in 20 clinical departments. The Lewis Katz School of Medicine (LKSOM), established in 1901, is one of the nation's leading medical schools. Each year, the School of Medicine educates more than 800 medical students and approximately 240 graduate students. Based on its level of funding from the National Institutes of Health, the Katz School of Medicine is the second-highest ranked medical school in Philadelphia and the third-highest in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. According to U.S. News & World Report, LKSOM is among the top 10 most applied-to medical schools in the nation. Temple Health refers to the health, education and research activities carried out by the affiliates of Temple University Health System (TUHS) and by the Katz School of Medicine. TUHS neither provides nor controls the provision of health care. All health care is provided by its member organizations or independent health care providers affiliated with TUHS member organizations. Each TUHS member organization is owned and operated pursuant to its governing documents. About Hunter College Hunter College, located in the heart of Manhattan, is the largest senior college in the City University of New York (CUNY). Founded in 1870, it is also one of the oldest public colleges in the country. More than 23,000 students currently attend Hunter, pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees in more than 170 areas of study. Hunter's student body is as diverse as New York City itself. For more than 140 years, Hunter has provided educational opportunities for women and minorities, and today, students from every walk of life and every corner of the world attend Hunter. In addition to offering a multitude of academic programs in its prestigious School of Arts and Sciences, Hunter offers a wide breadth of programs in its preeminent Schools of Education, Nursing, Social Work, Health Professions, and Urban Public Health. This news release was issued on behalf of Newswise(TM). For more information, visit http://www.newswise.com. SOURCE The Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University (LKSOM) BANGKOK, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- To drive concrete development of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), Thailand's Board of Investment (BOI) has recently approved investment incentive scheme for the bidding winners of U-Tapao Airport's Passenger Terminal 3 and Digital Park Thailand (EECd) development projects, two among six major development projects in EEC. With the biddings for the development of both projects planned for late 2018, BOI has offered the incentive scheme to attract more investors to participate in the biddings. The investment incentive scheme is aimed to increase investors' confidence and success opportunity. When completed, the two projects will play a key role in moving the EEC forward as a new regional business hub and accelerate the government's plan to transform Thai economy. The bidding winner of U-Tapao Airport's Terminal 3 development project will be granted exemption of import duty on machinery and 8-year corporate income tax (CIT) exemption. In case the developer has cooperation with an educational institution to develop human resources, and BOI will grant 50% reduction of CIT for another three years under the EEC investment incentive scheme. The U-Tapao Airport's Terminal 3 is part of the Aerotropolis development project. Under public-private partnership format, the Aerotropolis would include the construction of a 7.1 billion-USD (233-billion-baht) Passenger Terminal 3 which will increase the airport's passenger handling capacity from 5 million passengers to 22 million passengers in 2033, and increase flight handling capacity from currently 25,000 units per year to 120,000 aircraft per year by 2033. When completed, the project will cover additional passenger terminals, cargo zone, cargo & logistics village, commercial gateway, MRO zone, and the aviation training center. While the development of Aerotropolis is taking shape, the government is working on other infrastructure development to build seamless road, rail, sea and air transportation network. Such infrastructure development includes the construction of the 6.8 billion USD (224-billion baht) high-speed train linking the three airports -- Don Mueang Airport, Suvarnabhumi Airport and U-Tapao, the 4.7-billion-USD (155-billion-baht) development of Laem Chabang Port Phase 3 which increases container throughput from 7.7 million TEUs per year to 18.1 million TEUs per year, and 306-million-USD (10.1-billion-baht) Map Ta Phut Port Phase 3 which be able to handle 19 million additional tons of cargo (petrochemicals and natural gas) upon completion. The development of U-Tapao Airport, high-speed train, Laem Chabang Port, Map Ta Phut Industrial Port and MRO Center are included in the Public-Private-Participation (PPP) fast track program which shortens bidding process from 40 months to 8-10 months. For the bidding winner of the Digital Park Thailand or EECd, BOI will grant import duty exemption on machinery and CIT exemption for eight years. The investment project including cooperation with the educational institution to develop human resources will enjoy an additional four-year tax holiday. EECd is designed to become the center for digital industry and investment of the region, which will promote commercialized digital innovations that drive Thailand 4.0 transformation. EECd will also play an important part in making Thailand the trade and investment hub for the region's digital business. Targeted activities for EECd include software development, digital services, digital park, data center, innovation incubation center, cloud service, R&D, and relevant services. The Digital Park Thailand will have comprehensive digital infrastructure, including high-speed optic fiber network, innovation infrastructure such as living lab, and other facilities to support business activities. Built as a Smart City, the EECd will be fully equipped with advanced digital systems, such as face recognition security system, smart tap water system, 5G testing area, etc. For more information, please contact: Thailand Board of Investment Email: [email protected] Tel. +66 (0) 2553 8111 Website: www.boi.go.th SOURCE Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) Related Links http://www.boi.go.th CHARLESTON, S.C., Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation (DJFF), the nation's first not-for-profit organization to focus exclusively on adult autism, announced today that it has established a new endowment fund at Arizona State University, adding to DJFF's existing endowed program initiatives at Rutgers University, Yale University, Brown University and the University of Miami. Leaders in Adult Autism collaborate to form The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Center for Public Policy at the First Place Global Leadership Institute With a gift of $100,000, The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Adult Autism Public Policy Fellowship Endowed Fund at Arizona State University's Watts College of Public Services and Community Solutions will provide support for a Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Fellow at the graduate or post-graduate level in public policy. The Fellow will be tasked with developing a national public policy agenda (The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Adult Autism Public Policy Agenda) and a national public policy white paper (The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Adult Autism Public Policy White Paper), shining a light on prevalent, pressing issues impacting the lives of the diverse population of adults diagnosed with autism and their families. The agenda and white paper will guide the work of the First Place Global Leadership Institute's newly named The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Center for Public Policy. The Fellow will also lead meetings of stakeholders, professionals and legislators to facilitate the creation and implementation of the agenda and white paper, which will be distributed statewide and nationally to agencies, legislative bodies and policymakers whose work impacts adults diagnosed with autism and their families. "The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Adult Autism Public Policy Fellowship Endowed Fund is the first endowed fund in the nation to support the creation of a unified, national adult autism public policy agenda and white paper," says Linda J. Walder, founder and executive director of the Foundation and a pioneer in the field of adult autism. "Both will bring together stakeholders and professionals to focus on issues that impact those on the lifelong journey of autism." "To fuel a new wave of housing and community options and shift the paradigm for adults with autism and other neuro-diversities, we must recognize pioneering practices with positive, data-driven outcomes and advance public policy," says Denise D. Resnik, Founder, President and CEO of First Place AZ. "We're honored to be part of Daniel's family and the collection of endowed funds enabling us to leverage promising adult research, programs and resources that lead to policy initiatives and systems-level changes. This critical combination will result in greater choice, integration, support coordination and equity." Jonathan Koppell, Dean of the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions adds: "This builds on the great collaborative work with First Place that is driving innovation in this critical area. The gift from DJFF is actually the first to our newly renamed Watts College, and it speaks eloquently to our philosophy. Here we are connecting public policy with direct practice and doing so in partnership with field leaders and other universities to magnify the impact." The DJFF university endowment initiatives continue to expand the Foundation's mission for a global focus on adult autism. Designed to increase awareness, opportunities and knowledge about autism and aging, each of the five DJFF-endowed programs serves a specific area relating to adult autism: research, program development, fostering creativity and expression through the arts, counseling and resources for family members of adults on the spectrum, and public policy. Founded by Walder in 2002, The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation has blazed trails to develop, fund and advocate for programs and public policy related to all aspects of adult life for those with autism, including job training, residential living, the arts, recreation, health and wellness, and socialization. DJFF is named in honor of Linda's son Danny, who was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Danny passed away at age 9. DJFF-endowed program funds are opening new doors with the establishment of "in perpetuity," adult-autism-focused collaborations with the nation's leading researchers and practitioners at renowned universities. They are poised to lead and address critical issues in adult autism and will advance research and the creation of model programs to expand opportunities for this diverse adult population with autism. "Our aim is to ensure that there will be an impactful focus on adult autism for generations to come," says Walder. "Today, more than 3.5 million Americans live with an ASD. We need to do more to understand adult autism and to create as many paths as we can for them to participate in and contribute to community life. It is a matter of human rights for all autistic adults to be accepted for who they are and to live the fullest lives possible." To learn more about The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation and its endowed and signature programs for adults with autism, visit djfiddlefoundation.org. Media Inquiries contact: Linda J. Walder @ [email protected] or 877-444-1149. Related Images denise-d-resnik-founder-and.jpg Denise D. Resnik, Founder and President of First Place and Linda J. Walder, Founder and Executive Director of The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Leaders in Adult Autism collaborate to form The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Center for Public Policy at the First Place Global Leadership Institute jonathan-koppell-dean-of-the-watts.jpg Jonathan Koppell, Dean of the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions at Arizona State University and Linda J. Walder, Founder and Executive of The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation The gift from The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation is the first to our newly renamed Watts College, and it speaks eloquently to our philosophy. image3.png Related Links The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation First Place, Inc. SOURCE The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Related Links http://djfiddlefoundation.org ORRVILLE, Ohio, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The J. M. Smucker Company (NYSE: SJM) has announced a transformation of its marketing model to better engage today's consumer. The new marketing model, titled the "Power of One," allows the Company to connect with consumers by aligning its creative, data, media, and technology resources; developing bolder, breakthrough creative; and moving at the speed of consumers and culture. "We have consistently embraced change when it makes sense for the long-term success of our business and our stakeholders. The introduction of the 'Power of One' model is the latest example of our ability to evolve and innovate to meet the needs of consumers," said Mark Smucker, President and Chief Executive Officer, The J. M. Smucker Company. "The transformation of our marketing model, which enhances our ability to put the consumer at the center of everything we do, highlights our commitment to capitalize on opportunities for continued growth." The "Power of One" model is built upon seamless collaboration internally, and with external business partners, to anticipate and meet the changing needs of consumers. Adoption of the new model meant three significant changes for Smucker: Overhauling the Company's internal marketing model; Introducing an innovative agency model and partner in Publicis Groupe; and Investing in resources to bolster content, consumer insights, and data capabilities. "We want to continue building brands people love brands that stand for something. To do that, we needed to make changes internally as well as how we leverage our strategic partners," said Geoff Tanner, Senior Vice President, Growth and Consumer Engagement, The J. M. Smucker Company. "One of the pillars of the transformation is increasing our speed and agility. In only four months, we have been able to move from establishing our objectives to launching this new 'Power of One' model." The restructuring of the Company's internal marketing operations involved consolidating multiple Centers of Excellence into three, multi-discipline teams to holistically support the Company's three major business units of coffee, pet food and snacks, and consumer foods. This model brings together discipline experts in a collaborative environment that ensures the omni-channel consumer remains at the center of every brand's efforts. As part of the "Power of One" model, Smucker is consolidating the majority of its marketing business with Publicis Groupe, the third largest communications group in the world. Publicis Groupe was selected based upon its ability to bring together the best professionals from across its diverse roster of agencies to create multi-functional teams, thought leadership, strong data capabilities, and commitment to breakthrough programs. "We are thrilled to have a business partner the caliber of Publicis so invested in the success of our business," added Tanner. "The introduction of a single holding company partner allows us to truly embed them into our business, both at a strategic and an operational level." In this new model, Publicis Groupe will create three dedicated, multi-functional agency teams to support the three major business units at Smucker, pulling from its network of talented professionals across agencies. Publicis Groupe will begin work on the business this fall. "Smucker is going through an incredible journey and we are proud to partner with them to accelerate their transformation and impact with a Publicis Groupe end-to-end Power of One solution spanning creative, media and business transformationall with data and insights at the core," says Arthur Sadoun, Chairman & CEO, Publicis Groupe. In addition to the operating model changes, Smucker is investing in resources to support its content, consumer insights, and data analytics needs. "These investments will allow us to leverage the latest technologies to power our first-party data efforts and introduce a new suite of insights tools, so our teams can make quick, informed decisions," commented Tanner. "This is a significant endeavor and one we are confident will allow us to continue to best serve our consumers." About The J. M. Smucker Company For more than 120 years, The J. M. Smucker Company has brought families together to share memorable meals and moments. Guided by a vision to engage, delight, and inspire consumers through trusted food and beverage brands that bring joy throughout their lives, Smucker has grown to be a well-respected North American marketer and manufacturer with a balanced portfolio of leading and emerging, on-trend brands. In consumer foods and beverages, its brands include Smucker's, Folgers, Jif, Dunkin' Donuts, Crisco, Cafe Bustelo, R.W. Knudsen Family, Sahale Snacks, Smucker's Uncrustables, Robin Hood, and Bick's. In pet food and pet snacks, its brands include Rachael Ray Nutrish, Meow Mix, Milk-Bone, Kibbles 'n Bits, Natural Balance, and Nature's Recipe. The Company remains rooted in the Basic Beliefs of Quality, People, Ethics, Growth, and Independence established by its founder and namesake more than a century ago. For more information about our Company, visit jmsmucker.com. The J. M. Smucker Company is the owner of all trademarks referenced herein, except for the following, which are used under license: Dunkin' Donuts is a registered trademark of DD IP Holder LLC, and Rachael Ray is a registered trademark of Ray Marks Co. LLC. Dunkin' Donuts brand is licensed to The J. M. Smucker Company for packaged coffee products sold in retail channels such as grocery stores, mass merchandisers, club stores, and drug stores. This information does not pertain to Dunkin' Donuts coffee or other products for sale in Dunkin' Donuts restaurants. SOURCE The J. M. Smucker Company Related Links http://www.smuckers.com NEW YORK, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kinetix Group (TKG) is proud to partner with the Ochsner Health Network (OHN) to present the second-annual Value Summit on November 29-30, 2018 in New Orleans, with support from the American Medical Group Association (AMGA). During this event, OHN will host top healthcare experts from across the country to share best practices in delivering value-based care. Leaders from health systems, accountable care organizations (ACOs), hospitals, group practices, payers, employers, and life science companies from across the U.S. plan to attend. The Value Summit will explore some of today's top healthcare challenges in-depth, including redesigning care to meet the needs of value-based payment models, enabling competencies for value-based partnerships, achieving high-value care at lower cost, and the impact of value-based care on both the primary and specialty care spaces. Some of the country's leading voices in healthcare innovation will be featured, including: Adam Boehler, Director of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation, Thomas Lee, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Press Gainey, Dennis Weaver, Chief Clinical Officer of Oscar Health; and many more. "After a successful inaugural event in 2017, the Kinetix Group is pleased to partner with OHN to present the Value Summit 2018, a one-of-a-kind event in the industry," stated John Strapp, Chairman of the Kinetix Group. "The event brings together a diverse group of some of the brightest minds in healthcare to share challenges and strategies for success in the increasingly value-based care environment. We're proud to play a role in cultivating collaboration opportunities that will ultimately benefit the most important stakeholder of all: the patient". The Summit also represents an opportunity for the life science and device manufacturing industry to explore their role in value-based care success and successful partnership models. To sponsor or attend this event, please visit http://valuesummit2018.com/ for more information. About Ochsner Health System Ochsner Health System is Louisiana's largest non-profit, academic, healthcare system. Driven by a mission to Serve, Heal, Lead, Educate and Innovate, coordinated clinical and hospital patient care is provided across the region by Ochsner's 30 owned, managed and affiliated hospitals and more than 80 health centers and urgent care centers. Ochsner is the only Louisiana hospital recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a "Best Hospital" across three specialty categories caring for patients from all 50 states and more than 60 countries worldwide each year. Ochsner employs more than 19,000 employees and over 1,200 physicians in over 90 medical specialties and subspecialties, and conducts more than 700 clinical research studies. Ochsner Health System is proud to be a tobacco-free environment. For more information, please visit ochsner.org and follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Anchored by Ochsner Health System and comprising five of the highest quality partners, encompassing 30 hospitals across the region, the Ochsner Health Network is a leader in healthcare delivery innovation and is the largest clinically integrated network in the region. Founding partners include Ochsner Health System, St. Tammany Parish Hospital, Lafayette General Health, CHRISTUS Health Louisiana, Terrebonne General Medical Center and Slidell Memorial Hospital. For more information, please visit ochsnerhealthnetwork.org. About AMGA AMGA is a trade association leading the transformation of health care in America. Representing multispecialty medical groups and integrated systems of care, we advocate, educate, innovate, and empower our members to deliver the next level of high performance health. AMGA is the national voice promoting awareness of medical groups' recognized excellence in the delivery of coordinated, high-quality, cost-effective care. More than 175,000 physicians practice in our member organizations, delivering care to one in three Americans. For more information, amga.org About The Kinetix Group The Kinetix Group (TKG) empowers life science companies to effectively engage with health system and payer customers by developing strategies and real world solutions aimed at impacting the right patient, at the right time, with the right care. TKG also works directly with health systems and payers to build and implement value-based delivery models for identified patient populations. To learn more, go to https://thekinetixgroup.com/. CONTACT: Anna Sedgwick [email protected] SOURCE The Kinetix Group Related Links http://thekinetixgroup.com VALHALLA, N.Y., Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- In an emotional call-to-action, President & CEO Larry Levine, Blythedale Children's Hospital, speaks about crucial impact midterm elections will have on children's healthcare. "There is a lot at stake for children in the midterm elections. Americans need to step out of their comfort zone and put themselves in the shoes of those less fortunate. We have a moral obligation to care for and protect the health and well-being of the country's kids." Consider: 33 million children, or 1 in 4 of our nation's children, are covered by Medicaid. 21% of the kids in our country suffer from a behavioral or mental disorder, such as depression or anxiety, with suicide now the second-leading cause of death for kids ages 10-19. The legal immigrant parent, faced with the choice of using Medicaid, public housing, or food stamps, and the ensuing risk according to Department of Homeland Security draft regulations of being denied permanent resident status and the Green Card that allows you to work to support your kids. "If these were your kids, and your family faced any of these problems, at the very least you'd want people running for office to tell you where they stand on these issues. They're not your kids, so you have the option of looking away. But, what if you considered all the children in our country as your own children and felt it your responsibility to vote for legislators who are committed to protect them? Do not stay silent. Raise your voice on November 6 in the powerful way our democracy provides, on behalf of those who have no voice." Read Levine's latest Op-Ed published in The Journal News/Lohud.com. Levine has more than 40 years of experience in the children's hospital, healthcare policy and advocacy fields and is a widely published thought leader who lectures frequently across New York State and the country. Levine is available for interviews to provide perspective on the crucial impact the midterm elections will have on children's healthcare. Blythedale Children's Hospital is one of only 14 pediatric specialty hospitals in the country and the only one in New York State. Blythedale is a proven leader in the provision of care to medically complex children and recognized as a safety net hospital, with 76% of its patients dependent on Medicaid. Social Media: [email protected], [email protected] & [email protected] Contact: Justin Barbo [email protected] SOURCE Blythedale Children's Hospital WINDSOR, Ontario, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- It is only natural to think about the freedoms Americans have won as a result of the sacrifices made by veterans of the armed forces. As Veterans Day approaches, along with the parades and retail sales, award-winning author and speaker Melissa Lyons suggests that we pause to consider what it really means to live as free people aligned with our true purpose. Melissa Lyons Melissa Lyons In some cases, Lyons says, that may mean letting go of the raw grief and guilt that may be lingering after losing a veteran in battle, in service to the country or after passing away. In I Will Always Love You, which won two Independent Publisher Awards this year, Lyons writes: "Realize that by letting me (the deceased person) go you give us both freedom more than you know." She says, "Slight changes in our perspective can change the trajectory of our lives." Perhaps the best way to honor veterans, she says, is to use their memory to enhance our lives and those of future generations. She suggests asking yourself these questions: What would your deceased loved one want you to do if the roles were reversed? What makes you happy? (Hint: It provides a clue to your life purpose) Are you focusing on life goals instead of the journey? What could you be doing to make the world better for the next generation? Through writing and publishing I Will Always Love You, Lyons has found her own purpose. She is reaching other people who are doing what she had been doing: living life on autopilot. A successful entrepreneur, she decided to pause her life to work on her first book. Her planned three-month period of dialing back her life ended up lasting 30 months. The book has allowed her to bring peace and comfort to many people who are mourning. About the Author Melissa Lyons is an award-winning author, speaker and entrepreneur who has been featured on CTV News, CBC radio and other media outlets. She is passionate about helping people connect with and embrace fresh perspectives when faced with loss or tragedy. Her debut book, I Will Always Love You, has helped thousands of people move forward with their lives. Her new book about pet loss, Until We Meet Again: From Grief to Hope After Losing a Pet, will be published in December. Both books are stories about love, healing and hope to share with your loved ones. Lyons also offers workshops and speaks on The Power of Pressing Pause. Contact: Melissa Lyons, (519) 562-0209; [email protected] SOURCE Melissa Lyons Pecan Resist will highlight four groups and movements focused on freedom, belonging, community, and justice. Color Of Change designs campaigns powerful enough to end practices that unfairly hold Black people back, and champions solutions that move everyone forward. Honor the Earth works on issues of climate change, renewable energy, and environmental justice with Indigenous communities. Women's March is committed to harnessing the political power of diverse women and their communities to create transformative social change. Neta is one of the fastest-growing independent media platforms led by people of color along the Texas-Mexico border. Ben & Jerry's is donating $25,000 to each organization and encouraging its fans to sign up, learn more and engage with each group at www.benjerry.com/pecanresist. Ben & Jerry's feels that it cannot be silent in the face of President Trump's policies that attack and attempt to roll back decades of progress on racial and gender equity, climate change, LGBTQ rights, and refugee and immigrant rights all issues that have been at the core of the company's social mission for 40 years. The Pecan Resist campaign graphics and pint design were developed by Bay Area artist and activist Favianna Rodriguez, whose art focuses on the intersection of issues such as immigration, economic inequality, gender justice and climate change. She has received numerous awards for her commitment to justice and her collaborations with social movements across the nation. "As an artist, I know well the power of culture and I recognize when a business is using its platform to push for love, justice and a green planet," Rodriguez said. "Let's declare our resistance, march in the streets, and elect a new generation of change makers." To underscore Rodriguez' artwork, the message on the Pecan Resist pint reads: "Welcome to the resistance. Together, Pecan Resist! We honor & stand with women, immigrants, people of color, & the millions of activists and allies who are courageously resisting the President's attack on our values, humanity & environment. We celebrate the diversity of our glorious nation & raise our spoons in solidarity for all Americans. Take a stand & join those on the front lines at benjerry.com/pecanresist." "We couldn't be prouder or more excited to support these four organizations that are doing incredible work every day," said Ben & Jerry's new CEO Matthew McCarthy. "Our goal is to use our company's voice, our ice cream, and our activism to encourage all Americans to support and help build these movements which counter the current regressive agenda. We think it's more important now than ever that citizens and businesses alike stand up and be counted." Ben & Jerry's has a history of using its ice cream to promote justice, from racial equity, climate change and marriage equality, to refugee and immigrant rights. For example, Chubby Hubby became Hubby Hubby in 2009 to celebrate same sex marriage in Vermont. Chocolate Fudge Brownie temporarily became "Food Fight Fudge Brownie" to support GMO labeling, and EmpowerMint was launched in 2016 to promote voting rights. In a previous incarnation, Pecan Resist was known as New York Super Fudge Chunk. Pecan Resist is chocolate ice cream with white & dark fudge chunks, pecans, walnuts & fudge-covered almonds, with the goal of bringing deeply important values to freezers across the country. It is available at store.benjerry.com and coming soon to participating Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shops. To find Pecan Resist, please visit: https://www.benjerry.com/pecanresist About Ben & Jerry's As an aspiring social justice company, Ben & Jerry's believes in a greater calling than simply making a profit for selling its goods. The company produces a wide variety of super-premium ice cream, yogurt and sorbet using high-quality ingredients. Ben & Jerry's incorporates its vision of Linked Prosperity into its business practices in a number of ways including a focus on values-led sourcing. In 2015 the company completed its transition to using entirely non-GMO (genetically modified organisms) ingredients by source as well as to fully source Fairtrade-certified ingredients wherever possible, which benefits farmers in developing countries. Ben and Jerry's products are distributed in 35 countries in supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, franchise Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shops, restaurants and other venues. Ben & Jerry's, a Vermont corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Unilever, operates its business on a three-part Mission Statement emphasizing product quality, economic reward and a commitment to the community. Ben & Jerry's became a certified B Corp (Benefit Corporation) in 2012. The Ben & Jerry's Foundation's employee-led grant programs totaled $2.7MM in 2017 to support grassroots organizing for social and environmental justice around the country. About Honor the Earth Honor the Earth is a Native-led organization, established by Winona LaDuke and the Indigo Girls- Amy Ray and Emily Saliers- in 1993 to address the two primary needs of the Native environmental movement: to break the geographic and political isolation of Native communities and to increase financial resources for organizing and change. www.honorearth.org About Women's March The mission of Women's March is to harness the political power of diverse women and their communities to create transformative social change. Women's March is a women-led movement providing intersectional education on a diverse range of issues and creating entry points for new grassroots activists & organizers to engage in their local communities through trainings, outreach programs and events. Women's March is committed to dismantling systems of oppression through nonviolent resistance and building inclusive structures guided by self-determination, dignity and respect. www.womensmarch.com About Color Of Change Color Of Change is the nation's largest online racial justice organization. It helps people respond effectively to injustice in the world around us. As a national online force driven by over 1.4 million members, Color Of Change moves decision-makers in corporations and government to create a more human and less hostile world for Black people in America. www.colorofchange.org. About Neta Neta is one of the fastest-growing independent media platforms led by people of color along the Texas-Mexico border. Neta creates stories that inspire and move people to change the world by amplifying the voices of border residents in the Rio Grande Valley. www.netargv.com SOURCE Ben & Jerry's Revenue for the first nine months of 2018 reached 3.4 billion, +3% at actual and +6% at constant exchange rates (CER). Adjusted by the one-time other revenue in Q1 2017 of 56 million for out-licensing the OTC-allergy drug Xyzal ( levoceterizine ), revenue grew by 5% (+8% CER). Core driver of the continued growth are UCB's main products - Cimzia, Vimpat, Keppra, Briviact and Neupro - with combined net sales of 2 780 million, +6% actual (+12% CER). million 9M 2018 9M 2017 Act CER Revenue 3 441 3 331 3% 6% Immunology/Cimzia 1 052 1 022 3% 9% Neurology 1 728 1 601 8% 14% Vimpat 795 707 13% 19% Keppra 608 607 0% 5% Briviact 97 57 70% 81% Neupro 228 230 -1% 2% Financial outlook 2018 confirmed 2018 revenue is expected to reach 4.5 4.6 billion. Recurring EBITDA in the range of 1.3 1.4 billion. Core earnings per share are therefore expected in the range of 4.30 4.70 based on an average of 188 million shares outstanding. Key events: In September, in line with its strategic focus, UCB sold its subsidiary "Innere Medizin". "Innere Medizin" has been successfully promoting pharmaceutical products in Germany for many years, mainly in the internal medicine area for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. R&D update Neurology: In April, UCB agreed to acquire midazolam nasal spray from Proximagen and closed on the acquisition in June. This nasally administered investigational midazolam formulation is intended as a rescue treatment of acute repetitive seizures in patients with epilepsy. The new drug application was accepted for filing by the FDA in August, following previous orphan drug status and fast-track designation. In July, positive phase 2 results were achieved for Briviact (brivaracetam) in acute repetitive seizures. UCB pioneered with the extrapolation concept in China: in March 2018 UCB filed Keppra (levetiracetam) for monotherapy of partial onset epilepsy seizures based on extrapolation from adjunctive therapy with sound scientific rationale and was approved in August. Launch preparations are ongoing. In September, UCB submitted Vimpat (lacosamide) IV and oral formulation for the adjunctive therapy of partial onset epilepsy seizures in children above 4 years and for adults, based on extrapolation. In October, UCB announced positive results from a phase 2 study with a novel, subcutaneous FcRn (neonatal Fc receptor) monoclonal antibody, rozanolixizumab, in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG), achieving proof-of-concept. These results support the acceleration of rozanolixizumab development with a confirmatory study in MG starting in the second half of 2019. Immunology: In September, Cimzia (certolizumab pegol) was submitted to the U.S. regulatory authorities for non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) and was accepted for filing in October. In May this year, UCB announced positive topline results from a Phase 3 placebo controlled study to investigate the efficacy of Cimzia on the signs and symptoms of active axSpA in patients without x-ray evidence of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) - the first phase 3 study to follow nr-axSpA patients for 52 weeks. In August, the Japanese authorities approved the Cimzia AutoClick device. In September, the label update for Cimzia in pregnancy and breastfeeding was approved in Japan. Also in September and in Japan, positive phase 3 results were achieved for Cimzia in patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. In October, UCB and its partner Biogen announced top-line results from a Phase 2b study with dapirolizumab pegol (DZP) in moderately-to-severely active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The primary endpoint of the study to demonstrate a dose response at 24 weeks on the British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG)-based Composite Lupus Assessment (BICLA) was not met (p=0.06). The study did demonstrate consistent and potentially meaningful improvements for the majority of clinical endpoints in patients treated with DZP compared with placebo. UCB and Biogen continue to further evaluate these data while assessing potential next steps. All other clinical development programs are continuing as planned. Immunology Cimzia (certolizumab pegol) for people living with inflammatory TNF mediated diseases contributed net sales of more than 1 billion. The sustainable growth is driven by the recently launched new indications, with "women of child bearing age" label extension and psoriasis to have an impact in the future. million 9M 2018 9M 2017 Act CER U.S. 652 656 -1% 7% Europe 294 271 9% 9% International markets 106 95 11% 22% Total Cimzia 1 052 1 022 3% 9% Neurology Vimpat (lacosamide) continues to reach more and more people living with partial onset seizure epilepsy and demonstrates sustainable strong growth in all regions with net sales of 795 million. million 9M 2018 9M 2017 Act CER U.S. 589 540 9% 17% Europe 152 128 19% 19% International markets 54 39 39% 50% Total Vimpat 795 707 13% 19% Keppra (levetiracetam) for epilepsy reached flat net sales of 608 million with continued growth in international markets. million 9M 2018 9M 2017 Act CER U.S. 168 173 -3% 4% Europe 168 178 -6% -5% International markets 272 256 6% 13% Total Keppra 608 607 0% 5% Briviact (brivaracetam), available for people living with epilepsy continues to show strong growth - especially in the U.S. - and achieved net sales of 97 million. million 9M 2018 9M 2017 Act CER U.S. 75 40 85% 99% Europe 20 16 27% 28% International markets 2 1 >100% >100% Total Briviact 97 57 70% 81% Neupro (rotigotine), the patch for Parkinson's disease reached net sales of 228 million. This is compiled of stable sales in the U.S., growing net sales in Europe and international markets with a decrease due to different shipment patterns for Japan. In-market growth in Japan is positive with +12%. million 9M 2018 9M 2017 Act CER U.S. 68 72 -6% 1% Europe 127 122 4% 5% International markets 33 35 -7% -2% Total Neupro 228 230 -1% 2% About UCB UCB, Brussels, Belgium (www.ucb.com) is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative medicines and solutions to transform the lives of people living with severe diseases of the immune system or of the central nervous system. With more than 7 500 people in approximately 40 countries, the company generated revenue of 4.5 billion in 2017. UCB is listed on Euronext Brussels (symbol: UCB). Follow us on Twitter: @UCB_news Forward looking statements This press release contains forward-looking statements based on current plans, estimates and beliefs of management. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including estimates of revenues, operating margins, capital expenditures, cash, other financial information, expected legal, political, regulatory or clinical results and other such estimates and results. By their nature, such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions which could cause actual results to differ materially from those that may be implied by such forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Important factors that could result in such differences include: changes in general economic, business and competitive conditions, the inability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals or to obtain them on acceptable terms, costs associated with research and development, changes in the prospects for products in the pipeline or under development by UCB, effects of future judicial decisions or governmental investigations, product liability claims, challenges to patent protection for products or product candidates, changes in laws or regulations, exchange rate fluctuations, changes or uncertainties in tax laws or the administration of such laws and hiring and retention of its employees. Additionally, information contained in this document shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. UCB is providing this information as of the date of this document and expressly disclaims any duty to update any information contained in this press release, either to confirm the actual results or to report a change in its expectations. There is no guarantee that new product candidates in the pipeline will progress to product approval or that new indications for existing products will be developed and approved. Products or potential products which are the subject of partnerships, joint ventures or licensing collaborations may be subject to differences between the partners. Also, UCB or others could discover safety, side effects or manufacturing problems with its products after they are marketed. Moreover, sales may be impacted by international and domestic trends toward managed care and health care cost containment and the reimbursement policies imposed by third-party payers as well as legislation affecting biopharmaceutical pricing and reimbursement. 1 EBITDA = Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization charges CER = constant exchange rates; All figures are unaudited. SOURCE UCB KANSAS CITY, Mo., Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Unite Private Networks (UPN), a leading provider of high-capacity, fiber-based communication networks, is pleased to announce the launch of a new comprehensive and intuitive carrier customer portal. The self-service portal is free to Carriers and other similar providers, and aims to improve the customer experience. The initial portal rollout automatically quotes all on-net locations. Phase two will incorporate buildings which are close to UPN's existing network. "Buying bandwidth has never been easier. Carriers can get quotes anywhere, anytime using UPN's new application for pricing and buying infrastructure," said Terry Bellinger, Vice President of Carrier Sales at Unite Private Networks. "We truly value our relationships with carrier partners and know that our new customer portal will allow us to work even more closely. This new application is just another example of how we continually strive to add value and make it easy to do business with UPN." "Important projects are often pushed to the back burner because back office personnel are asked to do more with less. We are happy to partner with UPN and help them expand their product offering by providing a web-based customer portal," said Don Eben, CEO of CORE. New Carrier customers and prospects interested in using the Wholesale Portal can request more information from their Carrier account director. About Unite Private Networks: UPN provides high-bandwidth, fiber-based communications networks and services to schools, governments, carriers, data centers, hospitals, and enterprise business customers across a 21-state service area. Service offerings include dark and lit fiber, private line, metro-optical Ethernet, Internet access, data center services, and other customized solutions. Headquartered in Kansas City, MO, UPN has been providing customer focused communications solutions since 1998. For more information on UPN, please visit www.uniteprivatenetworks.com , or connect with us on Twitter and LinkedIn. About CORE: CORE provides specialized services to keep businesses centered on the things that make them unique. Businesses can focus on their key offerings and become more effective and profitable. CORE provides experienced consultants and engineers who provide flexible project focused services, or full outsourced services based on customers' needs. Media Contact: Brandi Tubb 816-903-9400 [email protected] SOURCE Unite Private Networks Related Links upnllc.com ATLANTA and NORTHBROOK, Ill., Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- WestRock Company ("WestRock") (NYSE: WRK) and KapStone Paper and Packaging Corporation ("KapStone") (NYSE: KS) today announced that the U.S. Department of Justice has cleared WestRock's pending acquisition of KapStone through Whiskey Holdco, Inc. ("Holdco"). As this was the last antitrust approval required to complete the pending acquisition, WestRock and KapStone expect the pending acquisition to close on November 2, 2018, subject to customary closing conditions. As a result of the acquisition, among other things, Holdco will become the ultimate parent of WestRock, KapStone and their respective subsidiaries. Assuming the acquisition closes as expected, former KapStone stockholders will have the right to receive, with respect to each share of KapStone common stock they hold, either $35.00 in cash or, if they made and did not revoke a valid election in respect thereof by the election deadline at 5:00 p.m. New York City time on September 5, 2018, 0.4981 shares of Holdco common stock and cash in lieu of fractional shares. WestRock expects that shares of KapStone common stock will cease trading on the New York Stock Exchange prior to market open on November 5, 2018. Forward-Looking Statements This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements in this communication about WestRock's and KapStone's expectations, beliefs, plans or forecasts, including statements regarding WestRock's expectation that the pending acquisition will close on November 2, 2018 and that shares of KapStone common stock will cease trading on the New York Stock Exchange prior to market open on November 5, 2018, that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These statements are typically identified by words or phrases such as "may," "will," "could," "should," "would," "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "project," "intend," "plan," "believe," "target," "prospects," "potential" and "forecast," and other words, terms and phrases of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements involve estimates, expectations, projections, goals, forecasts, assumptions, risks and uncertainties. WestRock and KapStone caution readers that a forward-looking statement is not a guarantee of future performance, and actual results could differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements are the following: the parties' ability to consummate the transaction; the conditions to the completion of the transaction; and the parties' ability to meet expectations regarding the timing, completion and accounting and tax treatments of the transaction. Additional information and other factors are contained in WestRock's and KapStone's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Because the factors referred to above could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by WestRock or KapStone, you should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this communication, and WestRock and KapStone undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after such date, except as required by applicable law. Additional Information and Where to Find It This communication may be deemed to be solicitation material in respect of the proposed transaction among Holdco, WestRock and KapStone. In connection with the proposed transaction, Holdco has filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4 that includes a prospectus of Holdco and a proxy statement of KapStone (which registration statement was declared effective on August 1, 2018). The definitive proxy statement was mailed to KapStone stockholders on or about August 2, 2018. Investors and security holders are urged to read the proxy statement/prospectus and any other relevant documents filed or to be filed with the SEC by Holdco, WestRock or KapStone, including the definitive proxy statement/prospectus, because they contain or will contain important information about the proposed transaction. The proxy statement/prospectus and other documents relating to the proposed transaction can be obtained free of charge from the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov. No Offer or Solicitation This communication is neither an offer to sell, nor a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, nor the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction pursuant to, or in connection with, the proposed transaction or otherwise, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of securities in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and otherwise in accordance with applicable law. About WestRock WestRock (NYSE:WRK) partners with our customers to provide differentiated paper and packaging solutions that help them win in the marketplace. WestRock's 45,000 team members support customers around the world from more than 300 operating and business locations spanning North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Learn more at www.westrock.com. About KapStone Headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois, KapStone is a leading North American producer of containerboard, unbleached kraft paper and corrugated products, and a provider of packaging and logistics solutions. KapStone operates four paper mills, 22 converting facilities, and more than 60 distribution centers located in North America. The business employs approximately 6,400 people. SOURCE KapStone Paper and Packaging Corporation Related Links http://www.kapstonepaper.com WASHINGTON, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in education rankings for more than 30 years, today announced the 2019 Best Global Universities rankings. In its fifth year, the rankings evaluate 1,250 schools across 75 countries, providing the most comprehensive assessment of research universities around the world. Universities in the U.S. and United Kingdom remain at the top of the rankings. The top four schools are in the U.S., with Harvard University leading at No. 1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Stanford University follow at No. 2 and No. 3, respectively. The University of CaliforniaBerkeley takes the fourth spot, and the United Kingdom's University of Oxford finishes out the top five. With 227 schools ranked, the U.S. has the most institutions on the overall list of 1,250 schools, followed by the following countries: China : 130 : 130 U.K.: 78 Japan : 67 : 67 Germany : 62 "When we first started publishing Best Global Universities, the rankings evaluated 500 schools in 11 countries. Since then, we've added 750 schools and have expanded to 75 nations," said Robert Morse, chief data strategist at U.S. News. "One thing has remained the same: Schools that prioritize quality academic research remain at the top of the rankings." In addition to the overall list, the newest edition of Best Global Universities includes rankings by country, region and subject. Three of the top 10 schools in engineering and four of the top 10 schools in computer science are based in China, with Tsinghua University coming in at No. 1 in both subjects. Across the 22 subject rankings, which evaluate the humanities, applied sciences, mathematics and more, Harvard University ranks No. 1 in more subjects than any other school, taking the top spot in 10 of these rankings. These nations performed the best in the following subject rankings, listed in order of countries with the most schools on each list: Based on Web of Science data and InCites metrics provided by Clarivate Analytics, the Best Global Universities methodology weighs factors that measure a university's global and regional research reputation and academic research performance. For the overall rankings, this includes bibliometric indicators such as publications, citations and international collaboration. Each subject ranking has its own methodology based on academic research performance and reputation in that specific area. "Higher education continues to be more global, meaning that prospective students are looking beyond universities in their country when thinking about where to enroll," said Anita Narayan, managing editor of Education at U.S. News. "The Best Global Universities rankings offer students the resources to begin their search, whether they're interested in a specific part of the world or subject for study." 2019 U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities Overall Best Global Universities Top 10 Harvard University (U.S.) Massachusetts Institute of Technology (U.S.) Stanford University (U.S.) University of CaliforniaBerkeley (U.S.) University of Oxford (U.K.) California Institute of Technology (U.S.) University of Cambridge (U.K.) Columbia University (U.S.) Princeton University (U.S.) University of Washington (U.S.) Africa Top 3 University of Cape Town ( South Africa ) University of Witwatersrand ( South Africa ) University of KwaZulu Natal ( South Africa ) Asia Top 3 National University of Singapore Nanyang Technological University ( Singapore ) Tsinghua University ( China ) Australia/New Zealand Top 3 University of Melbourne ( Australia ) University of Sydney University of Queensland ( Australia ) Europe Top 3 University of Oxford (U.K.) University of Cambridge (U.K.) Imperial College London Latin America Top 3 Universidade de Sao Paulo (Brazil) Pontificia University Catolica de Chile State University of Campinas (Brazil) The Best Global Universities rankings serve the broader U.S. News mission of providing trusted information and rankings such as Best Colleges, Best Graduate Schools and Best Online Programs to help all students navigate their higher education options. For Chinese students in particular, U.S. News offers online resource centers published in Chinese to help guide prospective undergraduate and graduate students interested in studying abroad. In addition, U.S. News collaborates with U.S. News Global Education, a subsidiary company of Shorelight Education, to help international students and their families connect with universities. For more information on the Best Global Universities, visit Facebook and Twitter using #BestGlobal. About U.S. News & World Report Celebrating its 85th year, U.S. News & World Report is a digital news and information company that empowers people to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives. Focusing on Education, Health, Money, Travel, Cars and Civic, USNews.com provides consumer advice, rankings and analysis to serve people making complex decisions throughout all stages of life. More than 40 million people visit USNews.com each month for research and guidance. Founded in 1933, U.S. News is headquartered in Washington, D.C. SOURCE U.S. News & World Report Related Links https://www.usnews.com TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- USF Federal Credit Union (USF FCU) is donating an additional $25,000 to the Southeastern Credit Union Foundation to assist credit unions in and around Panama City that were heavily damaged by Hurricane Michael. Earlier this month, USF FCU donated $10,000 to the relief effort. The donations are meant to help credit unions make repairs, restore power and resume operations in order to serve the many members affected by the Category 4 storm. "The more we learn about the absolute devastation some of our fellow credit unions suffered, the more we need to step up and help," USF FCU president and CEO Richard J. Skaggs said. "It's probably going to take months for some credit unions to return to normal operations. We want to assist them so they can get back to doing what credit unions do best serving our members." According to news reports, claims exceeding $10 million have been filed by credit unions damaged by the hurricane. And many predict that number will continue to rise. About USF Federal Credit Union USF Federal Credit Union offers a full range of financial services to the faculty, staff, students, alumni association members, and families of the University of South Florida. USF FCU divisions include Darden Credit Union serving employees of Darden Restaurants, Inc., and Red Lobster Credit Union for employees of Red Lobster restaurants. USF FCU serves more than 59,000 members with membership available through more than 35 Select Employee Groups. Please visit: www.usffcu.com for more information. Media Contact Bill Steiger / 813.569.2151 / [email protected] SOURCE USF Federal Credit Union Related Links http://www.usffcu.com The Social Venture Internship program, launched during the Fall 2018 Semester, is facilitated by Vassar's Office of Community-Engaged Learning and sponsored by the Career Development Office. SVI is a three-part experience developed by GCSEN, initially designated for six Vassar students but designed to scale up based on future student demand. The SVI program is now available to all colleges, starting with a 12-hour blended learning on-line and live coaching experience, enabling students to learn the fundamentals of starting a business tied to a relevant, socially beneficial venture or social enterprise that they create. The first phase of the SVI program results in a Principles of Social Entrepreneurship Certificate and an accredited internship endorsed by the college, along with a professional reference by GCSEN. A great resume builder, SVI includes a next-step 40-hour experience designed to assist enrollees in creating a new business pitch or prototype for potential customers and investors, resulting in a Social Venture Formulation Certificate. A final 10-hour field study experience results in SVI's Entrepreneur Ecosystem Mapping Certificate, reflecting proficiency in identifying local community, and campus assets, as well as the economic development resources necessary for each enrollee to launch a successful business and social venture. Students at other campuses, recent graduates, and adult learners are also eligible to purchase the program directly from GCSEN. SVI offers a life-changing experience, allowing students to intern on their own idea, at their own pace. The experience facilitates student design of a "4 P" social venture, for People, Planet, Place and Profit. Based on GCSEN's intellectually rigorous pedagogical research, SVI offers students a meaningful reality-based internship experience utilizing applied learning, within the context of their own community's business and social needs. Vassar College's Director of Career Development Ms. Stacy Bingham said of the new program, "We are thrilled to partner with GCSEN on the SVI initiative at a time when we are assessing student appetite and building campus support for social entrepreneurship. We know students are hungry for experiences like this, that give them the tools, time, and support for their entrepreneurial ideas. The fact that students can receive academic credit for the experiences they create further exemplifies Vassar's support for this initiative." Professor Mike Caslin, The Global Center for Social Entrepreneurship Network's Founder and President, said, "We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with Vassar College, which has long been a global leader in liberal arts higher education and innovative social programs. Our agreement is a win-win-win: for Vassar, its students, and for GCSEN. Vassar College has indicated they will use their good offices to reach out to other institutions about the new SVI program. We are excited about more students learning to 'Make Meaning, Make Money, and Move the World to a Better Place." Mike Caslin is Adjunct Lecturer of Social Entrepreneurship at SUNY New Paltz NY Business School, and St. Peter's University, Jersey City, NJ. He has spent the last three decades studying, lecturing and facilitating efforts to promote and develop social entrepreneurship on a global scale. GCSEN's leadership and influence in the field of Social Entrepreneurship in Higher Education continues to build, as seen in its support of Wheaton College's successful effort last year to create enhanced social entrepreneur programming, facilitated by a grant of $10M from the visionary Diana Davis Spencer Foundation of Bethesda, MD. SVI was developed by GCSEN with the support of the Diana Davis Spencer Foundation and GCSEN's national pilot campus partner, Wheaton College, and its WIN Hub Social Entrepreneur Launch Program. GCSEN has been a leader in the effort to accelerate innovative Social Entrepreneur (SE) curricula in partner colleges, while also offering innovative programs to students and adult learners. Caslin says, "It is vital that a new generation of business-oriented, socially conscious millennials emerge and become successful, high-impact social entrepreneurs. Our life-changing, prac-ademic blended-learning programs benefit colleges with enhanced recruitment, improved retention rate rankings and institutional advancement. The programs promote greater post-college success for their students, due to their improved practical business and community engagement skills." Recently, GCSEN was featured in the financial Trends Journal magazine article entitled "Want to Change the World? There May be Money In It," and in a New England Journal of Higher Education article which said, "GSCEN's research has conclusively shown that SE education results in significant content knowledge gains retained by students; shows significant gains in self-confidence; is ranked highly as "life-changing" by students; and is highly recommended by students to their peers. Additionally, SE gained a business formulation rate near 50% by students participating in GSCEN programs." GCSEN Foundation's vision is to expose 1 million millennials to the ideals and concepts of Social Entrepreneurism, while providing life-transforming learning experiences to 100,000 certified "Meaning Makers" and assisting in the formulation and launch of 10,000 new social ventures by Year 2027. The organization's Social Entrepreneur System Institute's on-line courses, campus-based Meaning Maker Boot Camps, faculty and administrator certifications, and at international academic forums help spread the word about the importance of accelerating the Social Entrepreneurship movement. The GCSEN Foundation is an IRS-approved 501(c-3) not-for-profit organization, accelerating social entrepreneurship around the world. Mike Caslin is a graduate of Babson College's prestigious Fast-Track MBA Program at the Olin Graduate School, considered one of the top-ten in the world. The Founder and President of GCSEN Foundation, he was co-founder and CEO of NFTE (Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship) from 1988-2008. Caslin is a past faculty member of Babson College, CUNY-Baruch, Marist College School of Business and Manhattanville College. Caslin has been a featured lecturer at the Harvard Business School, Stanford Graduate School of Business, Dartmouth Tuck School of Business, Columbia Univ. Business School Eugene Lang Center for Entrepreneurship, at International Association of Jesuit Business Schools Conferences and at The Fund for American Studies events, where annually he inspires college students from over seventy different campuses. Mike Caslin has also been a Subject Matter Expert Witness for the United Nations, the U.S. Congress and The White House. For more information about GCSEN, or for an interview with Founder & President Mike Caslin, call 212-444-2071; e-mail [email protected] & visit www.gcsen.com SOURCE GCSEN Foundation LONDON, October 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Forecasts by Product Type (Woven, Non-Woven, Knitted), by Application (Road Construction, Waste & Landfill, Water Construction, Agriculture, Railroad, Others) and by Material (Polypropylene, Polyester, Polyethylene) Plus Profiles of Leading Companies and Regional and Leading National Market Analysis Geotextiles are part of the geosynthetic group of materials which include geogrids, geomembranes, geopipes, geocomposites, geosynthetic clay liners, and geonets. A wide range of sectors have used geotextiles since 1950. The first geotextiles were woven industrial fabrics. Initially, they were used for waterfront structures, then the first nonwoven geotextiles for construction purposes were developed. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/523989/Visiongain_Logo.jpg ) Visiongain calculates the global geotextile market is worth $7.05bn in 2018. China, India and the US are the biggest markets, each with a significant share in 2018. These are followed by the Danish and Dutch markets. Argentina, China and Germany have the most dynamic growth among the national markets, although this varies by process and application. Visiongain's report reveals where these market growth opportunities are, keeping you informed and ahead of your competitors. Gain that competitive advantage. This report answers questions such as: How is the geotextiles market evolving? What are the drivers and restraints of the geotextiles market? What are the market shares of the materials, applications, delivery systems and products of the geotextiles market in 2018? How will each geotextiles submarket by material, applications and manufacturing process grow over the forecast period and how much revenue will these submarkets account for in 2028? Which trends and developments will prevail and how will these shifts be responded to? How will political factors influence the regional geotextiles markets and submarkets? Will leading national geotextiles markets broadly follow the macroeconomic dynamics, or will individual country sectors outperform the rest of the economy? How will the market shares of the geotextiles national markets change by 2028 and which geographical region will lead the market in 2028? Who are the leading geotextiles players and what are their prospects over the forecast period? Reasons why you must order and read this report today: The report provides detailed profiles of 15 leading companies operating within the geotextile market: - Agru America Inc. - Belton Industries Inc. - Carthage Mills, Inc. - Contech Engineered Solutions LLC - Don & Low Ltd - E. I. Du Pont De Nemours & Company - Fibertex Nonwoven A/S - GSE Environmental/ Solmax GSE - HOV Environment Solutions Pvt. Ltd. - Huesker Synthetic GmbH & Co. - Koninklijke Ten Cate bv - Minerals Technologies Inc. - Officine Maccaferri Spa - Strata Systems, Inc. - TERRAM Geosynthetics The study reveals the geotextile market forecast by regional and national markets from 2018 to 2028: - North America Geotextile Market 2018-2028 - United States of America Geotextile Market 2018-2028 - Canada Geotextile Market 2018-2028 - Mexico Geotextile Market 2018-2028 - Europe Geotextile Market 2018-2028 - Russian Geotextile Market 2018-2028 - Italian Geotextile Market 2018-2028 - Denmark Geotextile Market 2018-2028 - Netherlands Geotextile Market 2018-2028 - UK Geotextile Market 2018-2028 - German Geotextile Market 2018-2028 - Rest of Europe Geotextile Market 2018-2028 - Asia Pacific Geotextile Market 2018-2028 - Chinese Geotextile Market 2018-2028 - Indian Geotextile Market 2018-2028 - Japanese Geotextile Market 2018-2028 - Rest of Asia Pacific Geotextile Market 2018-2028 - Latin America Geotextile Market 2018-2028 - Brazilian Geotextile Market 2018-2028 - Argentina Geotextile Market 2018-2028 - Rest of Latin America Geotextile Market 2018-2028 - MEA Geotextile Market 2018-2028 - United Arab Emirates (UAE) Geotextile Market 2018-2028 - Rest of MEA Geotextile Market 2018-2028 - South Africa Geotextile Market 2018-2028 Our overview also forecasts geotextile applications from 2018 to 2028: - Road Construction Submarket Forecast 2018-2028 - Waste and Landfill Submarket Forecast 2018-2028 - Water Construction Submarket Forecast 2018-2028 - Agriculture Submarket Forecast 2018-2028 - Railroad Sumarket Forecast 2018-2028 - Other Applications Submarket Forecast 2018-2028 Our study also forecasts geotextile product type submarkets from 2018 to 2028: - Nonwoven Submarket Forecast 2018-2028 - Woven Submarket Forecast 2018-2028 - Knitted Submarket Forecast 2018-2028 Our analysis also forecasts geotextile material submarkets from 2018 to 2028: - Polypropylene Submarket 2018-2028 - Polyethylene Submarket 2018-2028 - Polyester Submarket Forecast 2018-2028 How will you benefit from this report? This comprehensive report will: Enhance your strategic decision making Full understanding and potential business opportunities in the geotextiles market Show which emerging market opportunities to focus upon. Increase your Industry knowledge and positioning in the geotextiles market Run a successfully a new marketing strategy Build new partnerships available in the geotextiles market Keep you up to date with crucial geotextiles market developments and issues Allow you to develop informed growth strategies Build your technical and management market insight Illustrate trends to develop new business opportunities Strengthen your analysis of competitors' innovation and its market penetration. Provide risk analysis, helping you avoid the pitfalls other companies could make Ultimately. Engage effectively your internal and external stakeholders. Competitive advantage This independent 238-page report guarantees you will remain better informed than your competition. With 335 tables and figures examining the geotextile market space, leading market forecasts, as well as analysis from 2018-2028, the report will help you to design an effective sales strategy. Don't miss out This report is essential reading for you or anyone with a desire to penetrate the geotextiles market or increase sales. Purchasing this report today will help you to recognise those important market opportunities and understand the possibilities there. We look forward to receiving your order. To request a report overview of this report please contact Sara Peerun at [email protected] or refer to our website: https://www.visiongain.com/report/geotextiles-market-report-2018-2028/ ACE Geosynthetics ACF Environmental Agru America AGRU America, Inc. AMCOL International Corporation Apex Erosion Control Supply Inc. Bareen Construction Belton Industries Bezaleel Consults Bonar Geosynthetics Kft. Bonar Technical Fabrics NV BonTerra Weiland GmbH Bradley Industrial Textiles, Inc. Cahyana Styrofoam/EPS Carthage Mills Cascade Geotechnical Inc. Construction Fabrics & Materials Contech Engineered Solutions Dinagrid Geosynthetics Earthmate Geosynthetics Edilfloor S.p.A. Enviro Engineers Exceed Construction Company Fibertex Nonwovens Fontana International GmbH Fritz Landolt AG GEOfabrics Limited Geolab Limited Geoline Geosinindo Geosynthetic Systems Geotextile & Gabions Limited Geotextiles East Africa Ltd Global Industrial Services LLC Golden Gate Technologies Groupe Solmax GSE Environmental GSE Holding, Inc. Hamp, Mathews & Associates (HMA) Jolinca Products K K Enviro Tech Pvt Ltd Koninklijke Ten Cate bv KT Exports India Pvt.Ltd L & M Supply Company Laiwu Runjie Nonwoven Fabric Co.,Ltd Luyuan Engineering Material Co.,ltd Macias Gabions Inc. Manas Geo Tech India Pvt. Ltd. Mattex Geosynthetics Mineral Technology Inc. Nordson Corporation Norfolk Southern Railway Novintiss Officine Maccaferri Spa Panjin Yuwang Non-woven Co.,Ltd Performance Fabrics & Fibers Premier Ponds & Wildlife Inc. Process express international PT Multibangun Rekatama Patria Randall Manufacturing Inc. Ribatek Roofiran Mashhad Branch Sai Geocare Shandong taian sanyou building materialco., ltd. Sitework, Erosion & Seeding Supply Company Spuntex Company for engineering Textiles SynTec, LLC Syn-Tex Geo TenCate - Geotube Terageos Terram - a Fiberweb business Times Fiberfill US Fabrics Inc Vietnam Fibers JSC. Vigano Pavitex Willacoochee Industrial Fabrics, Inc. Wolseley Waterworks Group List of Other Organisations Mentioned in This Report American Society of Civil Engineers Government of Brazil Government of China Government of India International Finance Corporation (IFC) Michigan Department of Environmental Quality U.S Government United States Census Bureau United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) World Bank To see a report overview please e-mail Sara Peerun on [email protected] SOURCE Visiongain LONDON and PARIS, October 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- London and Paris launch new campaign to end US vacation procrastination Visit London, Paris Tourist Office and Eurostar have partnered up to promote the campaign which urges US travellers to visit #LondonParisNow to discover over 177 Michelin restaurants, 325 museums and galleries, 371 theatres and over 490 nightclubs across the two European capitals which are separated by a short rail journey of just over two hours. Following research from YouGov Plc, European cities London and Paris will unite for the first time in tourism history in a bid to end US millennial vacation procrastination. Starting on 30 October, the campaign will focus on the 'power of now' as both cities provide a lifetime of experiences for all ages across all interests from culture to adventure, history to hidden gems. With less than one in 10 millennial Americans (8%) having visited both London and Paris, and over seven out of 10 (72%) expressing a desire to visit both destinations as part of one vacation, the two famous cities have teamed up to encourage people to make the journey today, not tomorrow. The YouGov poll revealed that from checking something off their bucket list to getting up in the morning, American 18-34-year-olds are hitting the "snooze" button on their life more than their Generation X and baby boomer counterparts. Although there are actions that all Americans put off doing, such as getting healthier** (69% of millennials and 67% of 35 years+) and ending a relationship (32% of millennials and 27% of 35 years+) the research reveals greater disparities between the generations for most activities. Results show the biggest difference between the generations was around getting up when the alarm goes off in the morning, with over two thirds of millennials (67%) preferring to hide under the duvet, compared to only half of 35 years+ (51%). The polls showed that calling parents was also less of a priority for US millennials, with almost half (42%) saying it was something they put off doing, while only 29% of 35 years+ delayed checking in with mom and dad. From the results, it appeared that perhaps most significantly for the so-called #FOMO generation, more millennials are putting off taking a vacation from work (43%) and doing something on their bucket list (55%) than any other age group (36% putting off taking a vacation from work and 49% doing something on their bucket list respectively for 35 years+). Laura Citron, Chief Executive of Visit London, said: "Vacation procrastination seems to be a very real problem, with more people than ever putting off taking a break to check experiences off their bucket lists. We want to change that. "We know that once people experience London and Paris, they fall in love and want to visit again and again to discover more. Just over two hours apart, whether it's enjoying an Instagrammable afternoon tea at Sketch in central London or hovering over Paris in Ballon Generali; riding down the Champs Elysees in a sidecar with Retro Tour Paris, or zipping up the Thames in a speedboat rib, visitors can flit easily between the two European capitals and uncover all they have to offer . "These are destinations that have inspired some of the most prolific minds in the world, from Shakespeare to Monet and that passion and vitality can be felt by all that make the journey." Pierre Schapira, Chairman of Paris Tourist Office, said: "Let's keep things simple: two incredible cities, two different cultures, a little more than two hours apart by Eurostar. If you're someone who wants to get the most out of life, why pass up the opportunity to experience London and Paris in one go? With so many experiences on offer, you'll need a whole lifetime. So, don't wait! Start checking off those bucket list must-dos now." The London and Paris #LondonParisNow campaign will start on 30 October 2018. For more information, visit http://www.londonandparis.com . US Proc r astination Table Statement - Do you EVER postpone or put off doing each of the following? % put off doing 18-34yrs 35+yrs Doing things to be healthier (eating better, exercise etc) 69% 67% Getting up when alarm goes off 67% 51% Cleaning the oven 58% 54% Booking a dentist appointment 57% 52% Doing something on your bucket list 55% 49% Listening to your voicemail 52% 47% Taking a vacation from work 43% 36% Calling your parents 42% 29% Updating anti-virus software on computer 41% 40% Ending a relationship 32% 27% Writing a screenplay / novel / book 20% 17% *All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1,224 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 4th - 5th October 2018. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all US adults (aged 18+). **e.g. eating better, doing exercise, etc. Notes to Editors: About London & Partners London & Partners is the Mayor of London's official promotional agency. Its purpose is to support the Mayor's priorities by promoting London internationally, as the best city in the world in which to invest, work, study and visit. We do this by devising creative ways to promote London and to amplify the Mayor's messages, priorities and campaigns to international audiences. Its mission is to tell London's story brilliantly to an international audience. London & Partners is a not-for-profit public private partnership, funded by the Mayor of London and our network of commercial partners. For more information, visit & Partners is a not-for-profit public private partnership, funded by the Mayor ofand our network of commercial partners. For more information, visit http://www.londonandpartners.com Visitlondon.com is the most influential source of information for overseas visitors to London and features thousands of attractions both large and small across the entire city. Every year the site attracts 28 million unique users. London , please register at For high res, rights-free images of, please register at http://photos.london/press/ Twitter: @LondonPartners SOURCE Visit London MIAMI, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- President Trump is one of the most controversial people in the world right now. No matter what he says or does, someone has something to say about it. As a result of this controversy, a new collection of Christmas stories has been published by We Just What, Inc. "Trump's 24 Days of Christmas" is a collection of 24 children's stories written from the point-of-view of United States President, Donald Trump. As such, the stories have a political angle, though it's only visible to adults as well as older children who have learned about politics. Partisan Guidance Suggested The Christmas Hoax The book is rated PG - Partisan Guidance Suggested! The 24 stories take a fun look at the news stories we have been bombarded with over the last 2 years. However, the stories are never judgmental. The stories can be read to children by parents or parents can choose to let the children read the stories out loud. "This is a great tradition to start," comments the author of the books, Amin El-Gazzar. "Children can read a different story each night leading up to Christmas morning. And parents can start a fun conversation with their kids about the craziness going on all around us." The stories are entertaining, with tales of what's going on at the North Pole. The character lineup throughout the stories includes Santa (as President Trump) and Mrs. Claus (as the First Lady), his head elf (Layla as Kellyanne Conway), the reindeer, some penguins, and plenty of elves who have a lot of responsibilities in order to get ready for Christmas Eve when Santa takes to the sky in his sleigh to deliver presents. A Kickstarter page has been created to help get the necessary funding. Whether you love or hate President Trump - anyone will enjoy reading the book and they can choose to fund the project for any amount. By choosing to fund the Kickstarter, it also enables people to reserve their copy of the book to ensure that they have it in their hands by December 1, 2018. The book will be just as popular with adults as it will be for kids. "I'd highly recommend any adult to get their hands on the book just to place on the coffee table. It's definitely going to be a conversation starter," comments Amin El-Gazzar. For those who are interested in the Kickstarter, the launch is happening now. Visit our Kickstarter page at 24DaysOfChristmas.com. The goal is to get all of the funds in place as early as possible so that the book is live in time for the Christmas season. Media Contact: Amin El-Gazzar 305-213-9018 [email protected]r.com SOURCE We Just What, Inc "We know our customers and personalization is a fundamental aspect of our new rewards programit's very responsive to what consumers want regardless of how and where people choose to shop for our wines, whether in store, at restaurants or online," says Jennifer Leitman, EVP of Marketing, The Family Coppola. "We also know how important experiences are to our fans. By giving away once-in-a-lifetime opportunities like a trip to the 2019 Sundance Film Festival and thousands of rewards across our entire portfolio, we hope more people will explore all The Family Coppola has to offer." Coppola Rewards will invite more brand affinity not only through experiences, but also education and service. Some initial earnings could include a digital wine pairing guide or recipe book, or the ability to connect with an award-winning Francis Coppola Winery winemaker. The program launches with select rewards and will continue to roll out other special offers, like exclusive branded merchandise and partner rewards, to evoke an element of discovery. Anyone can easily sign up for free at CoppolaRewards.com and use code REWARDS to immediately earn 20 bonus points. As part of the simple registration process, Coppola Rewards members can customize a profile, upload receipts for wine purchases and track points. Members will learn there are several ways to earn points, one is by purchasing at retail, online, through Francis Coppola Wine Family club participation, Virginia Dare Winery Lost Colony Society wine club or at either of the winery properties. In addition to receiving exclusive access, Coppola Rewards members enjoy several benefits, including no membership fees and a monthly e-newsletter bringing announcements and offers. The program runs all year and members will receive special perks during key time periods as they support The Family Coppola wine brands, including Francis Coppola Diamond Collection, Coppola Directors and Director's Cut and Sofia. Connect with The Family Coppola online through its website, blog and video content. Fans can also enjoy The Family Coppola brands while visiting the Francis Ford Coppola Winery and RUSTIC, Francis' Favorites restaurant in Sonoma County, California, or at the legendary Cafe Zoetrope restaurant in San Francisco. Other Coppola-owned brands include Mammarella Foods and Great Women Spirits. Coppola Hideaway experiences include Blancaneaux Lodge, Turtle Inn and Coral Caye in Belize, La Lancha in Guatemala, Palazzo Margherita in Italy, and Jardin Escondido in Argentina. To learn more about Coppola Rewards visit CoppolaRewards.com including Terms of Service and Frequently Asked Questions. Check out the Store Locator to learn where to buy The Family Coppola wine brands near you or visit us online. About The Family Coppola The Family Coppola encompasses all of the things Francis loves mostcinema, wine, food, resorts and adventureand embraces quality, authenticity and pleasure as a backbone to each of these vibrant business endeavors. Anchored in Sonoma County, Francis Ford Coppola Winery, known for its superior level of quality and integrity, is, as Francis puts it, "a wine wonderland, a park of pleasure where people of all ages can enjoy all the best things in life: food, wine, music, dancing, games, swimming and performances of all types. A place to celebrate the love of life." Coppola's second foray into Sonoma County came in 2015 with the launch of Virginia Dare Winery, American wines since 1835, ushering in a new era of elevated quality and vineyard-specific wines. The Family Coppola are lovers not only of wine, but spirits as well. Great Women Spiritssmall-batch, house-crafted, classically styled spiritsare a collection of spirits as unique and remarkable as the women they honor. The Family Coppola Hideaways are a collection of unique properties where adventure meets serenity. Drawing upon inspiration from his film career and travels around the globe to the far-reaching corners of the world, Francis created each resort, embracing off the beaten path locations and making each locale an ideal destination for exploring the natural wonders of the area while relaxing in tranquil surroundings. Additionally, The Family Coppola operates a venerable film production company, American Zoetrope; the award-winning literary and art magazine, Zoetrope: All-Story; Cafe Zoetrope in San Francisco's iconic Sentinel Building in North Beach; and Mammarella Foods, an authentic line of premium organic pastas and sauces. Earn and redeem points through Coppola Rewards membership at CoppolaRewards.com or visit www.TheFamilyCoppola.com to learn more. Media Contacts: Kristin Thwaites Rose Jimenez Communications Director, The Family Coppola PR Manager, The Family Coppola [email protected] [email protected] SOURCE The Family Coppola Related Links https://www.thefamilycoppola.com Total Revenues and Total System Sales* Grew 4% year over year Share Repurchase Authorization Increased by $850 million to an Aggregate of $1.4 billion SHANGHAI, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Yum China Holdings, Inc. (the "Company" or "Yum China") (NYSE: YUMC) today reported unaudited results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2018. Reported GAAP results include Special Items, which are excluded from adjusted measures. Special Items are not allocated to any segment and therefore only impact reported GAAP results of Yum China. See "Reconciliation of Reported GAAP Results to Adjusted Measures" within this release. Third Quarter Highlights Total revenues increased 4% year over year to $2.2 billion from $2.1 billion ( 6% year over year increase excluding foreign currency translation ("F/X") ). increased 4% year over year to from ( foreign currency translation ("F/X") Total system sales grew 4% year over year, with 6% growth at KFC partially offset by 2% decline at Pizza Hut, excluding F/X. grew 4% year over year, with 6% growth at KFC partially offset by 2% decline at Pizza Hut, excluding F/X. Same-store sales declined 1% year over year, with a 1% increase at KFC and a 5% decrease at Pizza Hut, excluding F/X. declined 1% year over year, with a 1% increase at KFC and a 5% decrease at Pizza Hut, excluding F/X. R estaurant margin was 17.6%, as compared with 18.0% in the prior year period. was 17.6%, as compared with 18.0% in the prior year period. Operating P rofit increased 2% year over year to $269 million from $264 million (4% year over year increase excluding F/X). increased 2% year over year to from (4% year over year increase excluding F/X). Net Income increased 15% to $203 million from $176 million in the prior year period (17% year over year increase excluding F/X). increased 15% to from in the prior year period (17% year over year increase excluding F/X). Effective tax rate was 24.2%. Effective tax rate was 24.2%. Diluted EPS increased 16% to $0.51 from $0.44 in the prior year period (18% year over year increase excluding F/X). increased 16% to from in the prior year period (18% year over year increase excluding F/X). Opened 195 new restaurants during the quarter, bringing total store count to 8,313 across more than 1,200 cities. Dividend and Share Repurchase The Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.12 per share on Yum China's common stock , payable as of the close of business on December 18, 2018 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on November 27, 2018 . During the third quarter, we repurchased approximately 2.7 million shares of Yum China common stock for $93.7 million at an average price of $35.14 per share. In October 2018 , the Board of Directors increased Yum China's existing share repurchase authorization from $550 million to an aggregate of $1.4 billion . Recent Development As of today, the Company has repurchased approximately 11.3 million shares for $406 million , including 3.4 million shares for $110 million in October 2018 . There is approximately $1 billion remaining under the new share repurchase authorization. *System sales growth rate excludes the impact of F/X. Key Financial Results Third Quarter 2018 Year to Date Ended 9/30/2018 % Change % Change System Sales Same-Store Sales Net New Units Operating Profit System Sales Same-Store Sales Net New Units Operating Profit Yum China +4 (1) +6 +2 +4 - +6 +17 KFC +6 +1 +8 +3 +6 +2 +8 +11 Pizza Hut (2) (5) +3 - (1) (5) +3 (38) Third Quarter Year to Date Ended 9/30 (in US$ million, except % Change % Change for per share data and percentages) 2018 2017 Reported Ex F/X 2018 2017 Reported Ex F/X Operating Profit $ 269 $ 264 2 4 $ 857 $ 731 17 12 Adjusted Operating Profit1 $ 269 $ 261 3 4 $ 759 $ 728 4 (1) Net Income $ 203 $ 176 15 17 $ 634 $ 505 26 19 Basic Earnings Per Common Share $ 0.53 $ 0.46 15 15 $ 1.64 $ 1.30 26 20 Adjusted Basic Earnings Per Common Share1 $ 0.53 $ 0.45 18 18 $ 1.45 $ 1.30 12 6 Diluted Earnings Per Common Share $ 0.51 $ 0.44 16 18 $ 1.59 $ 1.27 25 19 Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Common Share1 $ 0.51 $ 0.43 19 21 $ 1.41 $ 1.26 12 6 1 See "Reconciliation of Reported GAAP Results to Adjusted Measures" included in the accompanying tables of this release for further details. Note: All comparisons are versus the same period a year ago. NM refers to changes over 100%, from negative to positive amounts or from zero to an amount. Yum China's fiscal third quarter 2018 includes July, August and September results. Percentages may not recompute due to rounding. System sales and same-store sales percentages exclude the impact of F/X. Prior period results have been recast for the change of fiscal quarter, same-store sales growth definition and adoption of the new revenue accounting standard. CEO and CFO Comments "We recorded 4% system sales growth during the third quarter, excluding foreign exchange impact, as we expanded our portfolio and delivered more value-oriented offerings to address growing competition and softer trading conditions," said Joey Wat, CEO of Yum China. "KFC continued to perform well, posting 1% same-store sales growth during the quarter, on top of a 10% growth in the same period last year. Pizza Hut recorded a 5% decline in same-store sales during the quarter, as healthy growth in delivery was offset by lower dine-in traffic. We made further progress on the revitalization program as we launched a refreshed brand identity, improved our value proposition, expanded our digital capabilities to include tableside ordering via mobile, and generated greater delivery traffic through our own channels." "Looking ahead, we are excited by the opportunity to grow our portfolio in China's western quick service restaurant and casual dining markets. We will continue to add a range of store formats across the spectrum of low and high tier cities to drive growth. We will also build out our digital and delivery eco-system so that we can better serve our customers and create a seamless online to offline experience," said Ms. Wat. "We are pleased to report that we effectively managed restaurant margins at both brands during the quarter, despite an increase in promotional activities," said Jacky Lo, CFO of Yum China. "Pizza Hut maintained operating profit at the same level as the year ago period due to more targeted investments in new products and better labor efficiencies." "With a solid balance sheet and strong cash generation, we returned over $132 million of capital to our shareholders through a combination of share buybacks and dividends in the third quarter. We are pleased to announce that we increased our quarterly cash dividend by 20% to $0.12 per share, and expanded our share repurchase authorization by $850 million to a total of $1.4 billion. We are committed to continuing to create long-term value for our shareholders," added Mr. Lo. Digital and Delivery As of September 30, 2018 , the KFC loyalty program had over 145 million members and the Pizza Hut loyalty program had over 50 million members, an increase of 45 million and 20 million, respectively, year over year. over 145 million members and the Pizza Hut loyalty program had over 50 million members, an increase of 45 million and 20 million, respectively, year Mobile payments accounted for 64% of Company sales in the quarter, an increase of 17 percentage points year over year. Digital payments accounted for 82% of Company sales in the quarter, an increase of 18 percentage points year over year. Delivery contributed to 17% of Company sales in the third quarter of 2018, an increase of 3 percentage points year over year. Delivery services are now available in 1,063 cities, up from 864 cities in the prior year period. New-Unit Development and Asset Upgrade The Company opened 195 new restaurants and remodeled 209 restaurants in the third quarter of 2018. New Units Restaurant Count Third Quarter Year to Date As of 9/30 2018 Ended 9/30/2018 2018 2017 Yum China 195 562 8,313 7,813 KFC 139 411 5,800 5,393 Pizza Hut 38 106 2,215 2,157 Others2 18 45 298 263 2 Others include Little Sheep, East Dawning, Taco Bell and COFFii & JOY, a coffee concept recently developed by Yum China. Restaurant Margin In the third quarter of 2018, Yum China restaurant margin was 17.6%, as compared with 18.0% in the prior year period, primarily attributable to same-store sales deleverage at Pizza Hut and investment in product upgrades and promotions at both KFC and Pizza Hut. Third Quarter Year to Date Ended 9/30 2018 2017 % pts change 2018 2017 % pts change Yum China 17.6% 18.0 % (0.4) 16.9% 18.3% (1.4) KFC 19.2% 19.6% (0.4) 19.0% 19.3% (0.3) Pizza Hut 13.8% 14.4% (0.6) 11.8% 16.3% (4.5) Conference Call Yum China's management will hold an earnings conference call at 8:00pm U.S. Eastern Time on Tuesday, October 30, 2018 (8:00am Beijing/Hong Kong Time on Wednesday, October 31, 2018). A copy of the presentation will be available on the Yum China Holdings, Inc. website, http://ir.yumchina.com US: +1 845 675 0437 Hong Kong: +852 3018 6771 Mainland China: 400 620 8038 or 800 819 0121 UK: +44 20 36214779 International: +65 6713 5090 Passcode: Yum China A replay of the conference call will be available two hours after the call ends until 8:00am U.S. Eastern Time on Wednesday, November 7, 2018 (9:00pm Beijing/Hong Kong Time on Wednesday, November 7, 2018) and may be accessed by phone at the following numbers: US: +1 855 452 5696 International: +61 2 8199 0299 Passcode: 8893952 Additionally, a live webcast and an archived webcast of this conference call will be available at http://ir.yumchina.com . Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. We intend all forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts and by the use of forward-looking words such as "expect," "expectation," "believe," "anticipate," "may," "could," "intend," "belief," "plan," "estimate," "target," "predict," "project," "likely," "will," "continue," "should," "forecast," "outlook" or similar terminology. These statements are based on current estimates and assumptions made by us in light of our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that we believe are appropriate and reasonable under the circumstances, but there can be no assurance that such estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the future business plans, earnings and performance of Yum China, statements regarding the revitalization of Pizza Hut, anticipated effects of population and macroeconomic trends, statements regarding the capital structure of Yum China, and beliefs regarding the long-term drivers of Yum China's business. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance and are inherently subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and could cause our actual results or events to differ materially from those indicated by those statements. We cannot assure you that any of our expectations, estimates or assumptions will be achieved. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are only made as of the date of this press release, and we disclaim any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as required by law. Numerous factors could cause our actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: whether we are able to achieve development goals at the times and in the amounts currently anticipated, if at all, the success of our marketing campaigns and product innovation, our ability to maintain food safety and quality control systems, our ability to control costs and expenses, including tax costs, as well as changes in political, economic and regulatory conditions in China. In addition, other risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial could affect the accuracy of any such forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements should be evaluated with the understanding of their inherent uncertainty. You should consult our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (including the information set forth under the captions "Risk Factors" and "Forward-Looking Statements" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K) for additional detail about factors that could affect our financial and other results. About Yum China Holdings, Inc. Yum China Holdings, Inc. is a licensee of Yum! Brands in mainland China. It has exclusive rights in mainland China to KFC, China's leading quick-service restaurant brand, Pizza Hut, the leading casual dining restaurant brand in China, and Taco Bell, a California-based restaurant chain serving innovative Mexican-inspired food. Yum China also owns the Little Sheep and East Dawning concepts outright. The Company had more than 8,300 restaurants in over 1,200 cities at the end of September 2018. For more information, please visit http://ir.yumchina.com Investor Relations Contact: Tel: +86 21 2407 7556 [email protected] Media Contact : Tel: +86 21 2407 7510 [email protected] Yum China Holdings, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Income (amounts in US$ million, except for per share amounts) (unaudited) Quarter Ended % Change Year to Date Ended % Change 9/30/2018 9/30/2017 B/(W) 9/30/2018 9/30/2017 B/(W) Revenues Company sales $ 2,008 $ 1,924 4 $ 5,912 $ 5,326 11 Franchise fees and income 36 38 (5) 110 107 3 Revenues from transactions with franchisees and unconsolidated affiliates 159 160 (1) 461 448 3 Other revenues 9 8 8 18 16 12 Total revenues 2,212 2,130 4 6,501 5,897 10 Costs and Expenses, Net Company restaurants Food and paper 610 560 (9) 1,775 1,529 (16) Payroll and employee benefits 430 403 (7) 1,296 1,137 (14) Occupancy and other operating expenses 615 614 1,841 1,683 (9) Company restaurant expenses 1,655 1,577 (5) 4,912 4,349 (13) General and administrative expenses 119 123 3 334 339 2 Franchise expenses 18 19 8 55 54 (1) Expenses for transactions with franchisees and unconsolidated affiliates 156 159 2 454 443 (2) Other operating costs and expenses 6 8 19 17 14 (21) Closures and impairment (income) expenses, net (1) 2 NM 15 20 25 Other income, net (10) (22) (53) (143) (53) NM Total costs and expenses, net 1,943 1,866 (4) 5,644 5,166 (9) Operating Profit 269 264 2 857 731 17 Interest and other income, net 10 8 34 28 16 76 Income Before Income Taxes 279 272 3 885 747 19 Income tax provision (67) (87) 22 (227) (220) (4) Net income including noncontrolling interests 212 185 15 658 527 25 Net income noncontrolling interests 9 9 (5) 24 22 (8) Net Income Yum China Holdings, Inc. $ 203 $ 176 15 $ 634 $ 505 26 Effective tax rate 24.2% 31.9% 7.7 ppts. 25.7% 29.4% 3.7 ppts. Basic Earnings Per Common Share $ 0.53 $ 0.46 $ 1.64 1.30 Weighted average shares outstanding (in millions) 384 386 386 387 Diluted Earnings Per Common Share $ 0.51 $ 0.44 $ 1.59 1.27 Weighted average shares outstanding (in millions) 394 398 398 397 Cash Dividends Declared Per Common Share $ 0.10 $ $ 0.30 $ Company sales 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Food and paper 30.4 29.1 (1.3) ppts. 30.0 28.7 (1.3) ppts. Payroll and employee benefits 21.4 20.9 (0.5) ppts. 21.9 21.3 (0.6) ppts. Occupancy and other operating expenses 30.6 32.0 1.4 ppts. 31.2 31.7 0.5 ppts. Restaurant margin 17.6% 18.0% (0.4) ppts. 16.9% 18.3% (1.4) ppts. Operating margin 13.4% 13.7% (0.3) ppts. 14.5% 13.7% 0.8 ppts. Percentages may not recompute due to rounding. Yum China Holdings, Inc. KFC Operating Results (amounts in US$ million) (unaudited) Quarter Ended % Change B/(W) Year to Date Ended % Change B/(W) 9/30/2018 9/30/2017 9/30/2018 9/30/2017 Revenues Company sales $ 1,452 $ 1,347 8 $ 4,248 $ 3,705 15 Franchise fees and income 34 36 (7) 104 102 1 Revenues from transactions with franchisees and unconsolidated affiliates 16 19 (17) 48 51 (7) Total revenues 1,502 1,402 7 4,400 3,858 14 Costs and Expenses, Net Company restaurants Food and paper 444 400 (11) 1,281 1,101 (16) Payroll and employee benefits 297 266 (12) 879 748 (18) Occupancy and other operating expenses 432 416 (4) 1,281 1,139 (12) Company restaurant expenses 1,173 1,082 (8) 3,441 2,988 (15) General and administrative expenses 44 44 (2) 135 121 (11) Franchise expenses 17 19 8 53 53 Expenses for transactions with franchisees and unconsolidated affiliates 16 19 15 48 51 6 Closures and impairment expenses, net 31 6 10 43 Other income, net (12) (18) (30) (42) (48) (12) Total costs and expenses, net 1,238 1,146 (8) 3,641 3,175 (15) Operating Profit $ 264 $ 256 3 $ 759 $ 683 11 Company sales 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Food and paper 30.6 29.7 (0.9) ppts. 30.2 29.7 (0.5) ppts. Payroll and employee benefits 20.4 19.7 (0.7) ppts. 20.7 20.2 (0.5) ppts. Occupancy and other operating expenses 29.8 31.0 1.2 ppts. 30.1 30.8 0.7 ppts. Restaurant margin 19.2% 19.6% (0.4) ppts. 19.0% 19.3% (0.3) ppts. Operating margin 18.1% 19.0% (0.9) ppts. 17.8% 18.4% (0.6) ppts. Percentages may not recompute due to rounding. Yum China Holdings, Inc. Pizza Hut Operating Results (amounts in US$ million) (unaudited) Quarter Ended % Change B/(W) Year to Date Ended % Change B/(W) 9/30/2018 9/30/2017 9/30/2018 9/30/2017 Revenues Company sales $ 548 $ 568 (4) $ 1,640 $ 1,592 3 Franchise fees and income 1 1 4 2 2 17 Revenues from transactions with franchisees and unconsolidated affiliates 1 (7) 1 1 (3) Total revenues 550 569 (3) 1,643 1,595 3 Costs and Expenses, Net Company restaurants Food and paper 163 157 (4) 486 418 (16) Payroll and employee benefits 130 135 3 410 381 (8) Occupancy and other operating expenses 179 195 8 550 534 (3) Company restaurant expenses 472 487 3 1,446 1,333 (9) General and administrative expenses 24 27 15 80 78 (1) Franchise expenses 1 13 2 1 (23) Expenses for transactions with franchisees and unconsolidated affiliates 1 5 1 1 2 Closures and impairment (income) expenses, net (1) 1 NM 9 9 Other income, net NM (2) NM Total costs and expenses, net 497 515 4 1,536 1,422 (8) Operating Profit $ 53 $ 54 $ 107 $ 173 (38) Company sales 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Food and paper 29.7 27.6 (2.1) ppts. 29.6 26.2 (3.4) ppts. Payroll and employee benefits 23.8 23.7 (0.1) ppts. 25.0 23.9 (1.1) ppts. Occupancy and other operating expenses 32.7 34.3 1.6 ppts. 33.6 33.6 ppts. Restaurant margin 13.8% 14.4% (0.6) ppts. 11.8% 16.3% (4.5) ppts. Operating margin 9.8% 9.4% 0.4 ppts. 6.6% 10.9% (4.3) ppts. Percentages may not recompute due to rounding. Yum China Holdings, Inc. Consolidated Balance Sheets (amounts in US$ million) (unaudited) 9/30/2018 12/31/2017 ASSETS Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,334 $ 1,059 Short-term investments 198 205 Accounts receivable, net 65 79 Inventories, net 270 297 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 179 162 Total Current Assets 2,046 1,802 Property, plant and equipment, net 1,605 1,691 Goodwill 266 108 Intangible assets, net 133 101 Investments in unconsolidated affiliates 68 95 Other assets 498 385 Deferred income taxes 75 105 Total Assets 4,691 4,287 LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTEREST AND EQUITY Current Liabilities Accounts payable and other current liabilities 1,116 985 Income taxes payable 76 39 Total Current Liabilities 1,192 1,024 Capital lease obligations 26 28 Other liabilities 385 388 Total Liabilities 1,603 1,440 Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest 5 5 Equity Common stock, $0.01 par value; 1,000 million shares authorized; 391 million shares and 389 million shares issued at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively; 382 million shares and 385 million shares outstanding at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively 4 4 Treasury stock (315) (148) Additional paid-in capital 2,393 2,375 Retained earnings 916 397 Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income (14) 137 Total Equity Yum China Holdings, Inc. 2,984 2,765 Noncontrolling interests 99 77 Total Equity 3,083 2,842 Total Liabilities, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest and Equity $ 4,691 $ 4,287 Yum China Holdings, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (amounts in US$ million) (unaudited) Year to Date Ended 9/30/2018 9/30/2017 Cash Flows Operating Activities Net income including noncontrolling interests $ 658 $ 527 Depreciation and amortization 343 301 Closures and impairment expenses 15 20 Gain from re-measurement of equity interest upon acquisition (98) Deferred income taxes 46 (3) Equity income from investments in unconsolidated affiliates (52) (54) Distributions received from unconsolidated affiliates 51 39 Share-based compensation 18 18 Changes in accounts receivable 2 12 Changes in inventories 14 18 Changes in prepaid expenses and other current assets (13) (5) Changes in accounts payable and other current liabilities 184 89 Changes in income taxes payable 41 51 Other, net (36) (28) Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities 1,173 985 Cash Flows Investing Activities Capital spending (359) (295) Purchases of short-term investments (513) (394) Maturities of short-term investments 513 387 Investment in equity securities (74) Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired (91) (25) Other, net (3) Net Cash Used in Investing Activities (527) (327) Cash Flows Financing Activities Payment of capital lease obligation (2) (2) Repayment of short-term borrowings assumed from acquisition (10) Repurchase of shares of common stock (161) (128) Proceeds from exercise of stock options 5 Cash dividends paid on common stock (115) Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests (29) (22) Other, net (1) Net Cash Used in Financing Activities (318) (147) Effect of Exchange Rates on Cash and Cash Equivalents (53) 27 Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents 275 538 Cash and Cash Equivalents - Beginning of Period 1,059 885 Cash and Cash Equivalents - End of Period $ 1,334 $ 1,423 In this press release: The Company provides certain percentage changes excluding the impact of foreign currency translation ("F/X"). These amounts are derived by translating current year results at prior year average exchange rates. We believe the elimination of the F/X impact provides better year-to-year comparability without the distortion of foreign currency fluctuations. System sales growth reflects the results of all restaurants regardless of ownership, including Company-owned, franchise and unconsolidated affiliate restaurants that operate our restaurant concepts, except for non-Company-owned restaurants for which we do not receive a sales-based royalty. Sales of franchise and unconsolidated affiliate restaurants typically generate ongoing franchise fees for the Company at a rate of approximately 6% of system sales. Franchise and unconsolidated affiliate restaurant sales are not included in Company sales on the Consolidated Statements of Income; however, the franchise fees are included in the Company's revenues. We believe system sales growth is useful to investors as a significant indicator of the overall strength of our business as it incorporates all of our revenue drivers, Company and franchise same-store sales as well as net unit growth. Effective January 1, 2018, the Company revised its definition of same-store sales growth to represent the estimated percentage change in sales of food of all restaurants in the Company system that have been open prior to the first day of our prior fiscal year. We refer to these as our "base" stores. Previously, same-store sales growth represented the estimated percentage change in sales of all restaurants in the Company system that have been open for one year or more, and the base stores changed on a rolling basis from month to month. This revision was made to align with how management measures performance internally and focuses on trends of a more stable base of stores. Prior period results have been adjusted accordingly. Company Restaurant profit ("Restaurant profit") is defined as Company sales less expenses incurred directly by our Company-owned restaurants in generating Company sales. Company restaurant margin percentage is defined as Restaurant profit divided by Company sales. Reconciliation of Reported GAAP Results to Adjusted Measures (amounts in US$ million, except for per share amounts) (unaudited) In addition to the results provided in accordance with US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP") in this press release, the Company provides measures adjusted for Special Items, which include Adjusted Operating Profit, Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Common Share, Adjusted Effective Tax Rate and Adjusted EBITDA, which we define as net income including noncontrolling interests adjusted for income tax, interest and other income, net, depreciation, amortization and other items, including store impairment charges. The Special Item for the year to date ended September 30, 2018 represents a gain recognized from the re-measurement of our previously held equity interest in Wuxi KFC at fair value upon acquisition, as described in the accompanying notes. The Special Item for the quarter and year to date ended September 30, 2017 represents income from the reversal of contingent consideration. The Company excludes impact from Special Items for the purpose of evaluating performance internally. Special Items are not included in any of our segment results. In addition, the Company provides Adjusted EBITDA because we believe that investors and analysts may find it useful in measuring operating performance without regard to items such as income tax, interest and other income, net, depreciation, amortization and other items, including store impairment charges. These adjusted measures are not intended to replace the presentation of our financial results in accordance with GAAP. Rather, the Company believes that the presentation of these adjusted measures provide additional information to investors to facilitate the comparison of past and present results, excluding those items that the Company does not believe are indicative of our ongoing operations due to their nature. These adjusted measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for GAAP financial results, but should be read in conjunction with the unaudited Consolidated Statements of Income and other information presented herein. A reconciliation of the most directly comparable GAAP measures to adjusted measures follows. Quarter Ended Year to Date Ended 9/30/2018 9/30/2017 9/30/2018 9/30/2017 Detail of Special Items Gain from re-measurement of equity interest upon acquisition(b) $ $ $ 98 $ Income from the reversal of contingent consideration(c) 3 3 Special Items Income - Operating Profit 3 98 3 Tax Expenses on Special Items(d) (24) Special Items Income, net of tax including noncontrolling interests 3 74 3 Special Items Income, net of tax noncontrolling interests Special Items Income, net of tax Yum China Holdings, Inc. $ $ 3 $ 74 $ 3 Weighted Average Diluted Shares Outstanding 394 398 398 397 Special Items Diluted Earnings Per Common Share $ $ 0.01 $ 0.18 $ 0.01 Reconciliation of Operating Profit to Adjusted Operating Profit Operating Profit $ 269 $ 264 $ 857 $ 731 Special Items Income - Operating Profit 3 98 3 Adjusted Operating Profit $ 269 $ 261 $ 759 $ 728 Reconciliation of EPS to Adjusted EPS Diluted Earnings Per Common Share $ 0.51 $ 0.44 $ 1.59 $ 1.27 Special Items Diluted Earnings Per Common Share 0.01 0.18 0.01 Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Common Share $ 0.51 $ 0.43 $ 1.41 $ 1.26 Reconciliation of Effective Tax Rate to Adjusted Effective Tax Rate Effective Tax Rate 24.2% 31.9% 25.7% 29.4% Impact on Effective Tax Rate as a result of Special Items % (0.5)% (0.1)% (0.1)% Adjusted Effective Tax Rate 24.2% 32.4% 25.8% 29.5% Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA (amounts in US$ million) (unaudited) Net income, along with the reconciliation to Adjusted EBITDA, is presented below. Quarter Ended Year to Date Ended 9/30/2018 9/30/2017 9/30/2018 9/30/2017 Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA Net Income Yum China Holdings, Inc. $ 203 $ 176 $ 634 $ 505 Net income noncontrolling interests 9 9 24 22 Income tax provision 67 87 227 220 Interest and other income, net (10) (8) (28) (16) Operating Profit 269 264 857 731 Depreciation and amortization 108 105 343 301 Store impairment charges 2 5 23 28 Special Items Income - Operating Profit (3) (98) (3) Adjusted EBITDA $ 379 $ 371 $ 1,125 $ 1,057 Unit Count by Brand KFC 12/31/2017 New Builds Acquired Closures Refranchised Others 9/30/2018 Company-owned 4,112 313 2 (75) (9) 157 4,500 Unconsolidated affiliates 891 82 (14) (157) 802 Franchisees 485 16 (2) (10) 9 498 Total 5,488 411 (99) 5,800 Pizza Hut 12/31/2017 New Builds Closures Refranchised 9/30/2018 Company-owned 2,166 100 (85) (1) 2,180 Franchisees 29 6 (1) 1 35 Total 2,195 106 (86) 2,215 All Other 12/31/2017 New Builds Closures Refranchised 9/30/2018 Company-owned 29 7 (3) (2) 31 Franchisees 271 38 (44) 2 267 Total 300 45 (47) 298 Yum China Holdings, Inc. Segment Results (amounts in US$ million) (unaudited) Quarter Ended 9/30/2018 KFC Pizza Hut All Other Segments Corporate and Unallocated(1) Elimination Total Company sales $ 1,452 $ 548 $ 8 $ $ $ 2,008 Franchise fees and income 34 1 1 36 Revenues from transactions with franchisees and unconsolidated affiliates 16 1 6 136 159 Other revenues 10 2 (3) 9 Total revenues $ 1,502 $ 550 $ 25 $ 138 $ (3) $ 2,212 Company restaurant expenses 1,173 472 9 1 1,655 General and administrative expenses 44 24 9 42 119 Franchise expenses 17 1 18 Expenses for transactions with franchisees and unconsolidated affiliates 16 1 4 135 156 Other operating costs and expenses 9 1 (4) 6 Closures and impairment income, net (1) (1) Other (income) expense, net (12) 2 (10) 1,238 497 31 180 (3) 1,943 Operating Profit (Loss) $ 264 $ 53 $ (6) $ (42) $ $ 269 Quarter Ended 9/30/2017 KFC Pizza Hut All Other Segments Corporate and Unallocated(1) Total Company sales $ 1,347 $ 568 $ 9 $ $ 1,924 Franchise fees and income 36 1 1 38 Revenues from transactions with franchisees and unconsolidated affiliates 19 5 136 160 Other revenues 8 8 Total revenues $ 1,402 $ 569 $ 23 $ 136 $ 2,130 Company restaurant expenses 1,082 487 8 1,577 General and administrative expenses 44 27 9 43 123 Franchise expenses 19 19 Expenses for transactions with franchisees and unconsolidated affiliates 19 4 136 159 Other operating costs and expenses 8 8 Closures and impairment expenses, net 1 1 2 Other income, net (18) (4) (22) Total costs and expenses, net 1,146 515 30 175 1,866 Operating Profit (Loss) $ 256 $ 54 $ (7) $ (39) $ 264 Year to Date Ended 9/30/2018 KFC Pizza Hut All Other Segments Corporate and Unallocated(1) Elimination Total Company sales $ 4,248 $ 1,640 $ 24 $ $ $ 5,912 Franchise fees and income 104 2 4 110 Revenues from transactions with franchisees and unconsolidated affiliates 48 1 17 395 461 Other revenues 18 4 (4) 18 Total revenues $ 4,400 $ 1,643 $ 63 $ 399 $ (4) $ 6,501 Company restaurant expenses 3,441 1,446 25 4,912 General and administrative expenses 135 80 25 94 334 Franchise expenses 53 2 55 Expenses for transactions with franchisees and unconsolidated affiliates 48 1 13 392 454 Other operating costs and expenses 18 3 (4) 17 Closures and impairment expenses, net 6 9 15 Other income, net (42) (2) (1) (98) (143) 3,641 1,536 80 391 (4) 5,644 Operating Profit (Loss) $ 759 $ 107 $ (17) $ 8 $ $ 857 Year to Date Ended 9/30/2017 KFC Pizza Hut All Other Segments Corporate and Unallocated(1) Total Company sales $ 3,705 $ 1,592 $ 29 $ $ 5,326 Franchise fees and income 102 2 3 107 Revenues from transactions with franchisees and unconsolidated affiliates 51 1 14 382 448 Other revenues 16 16 Total revenues $ 3,858 $ 1,595 $ 62 $ 382 $ 5,897 Company restaurant expenses 2,988 1,333 28 4,349 General and administrative expenses 121 78 16 124 339 Franchise expenses 53 1 54 Expenses for transactions with franchisees and unconsolidated affiliates 51 1 12 379 443 Other operating costs and expenses 14 14 Closures and impairment expenses, net 10 9 1 20 Other income, net (48) (5) (53) 3,175 1,422 71 498 5,166 Operating Profit (Loss) $ 683 $ 173 $ (9) $ (116) $ 731 The above tables reconcile segment information, which is based on management responsibility, with our Consolidated Statements of Income. (1) Corporate and unallocated expenses comprise items that are not allocated to segments for performance reporting purposes. Amount includes revenues and expenses associated with transactions with franchisees and unconsolidated affiliates such as inventory procurement and other services provided to franchisees and unconsolidated affiliates. The Corporate and Unallocated column in the above tables includes, among other amounts, all amounts that we have deemed Special Items. See "Reconciliation of Reported GAAP Results to Adjusted Measures". Notes to the Consolidated Statements of Income, Consolidated Balance Sheets, Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and Reconciliation of Reported GAAP Results to Adjusted Measures (amounts in US$ million) (unaudited) (a) Amounts presented as of and for the quarter and year to date ended September 30, 2018 are unaudited. (b) As a result of the acquisition of Wuxi KFC in the first quarter of 2018, the Company recognized a gain of $98 million from the re-measurement of our previously held 47% equity interest at fair value, which was not allocated to any segment for performance reporting purposes. (c) During the third quarter of 2017, we recognized income from the reversal of contingent consideration previously recorded for a business combination as the likelihood of making payment became remote. (d) The tax expense was determined based upon the nature, as well as the jurisdiction, of each Special Item at the applicable tax rate. SOURCE Yum China Holdings, Inc. PALO ALTO, Calif., Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Sitetracker , the project and asset management standard for infrastructure owners and developers, is proud to announce their collaboration with new customer ZenFi Networks , an innovative, locally-owned and operated communications infrastructure company serving the New York and New Jersey metro region. ZenFi Networks will use the Sitetracker Platform to manage internal and external teams designing, building, and maintaining small cell and fiber assets, allowing them to scale their operations and project deployment. ZenFi Networks' accommodating support services, nimble problem solving and deep industry experience enables them to quickly overcome hurdles and navigate challenging construction logistics to meet their clients' growing demands for network access. Having recently merged with Cross River Fiber, ZenFi Networks is the leading and most experienced communications infrastructure provider in the New York and New Jersey metro region, with 700 route miles of fiber-optic network, 119 on-net buildings, 47 colocation facilities and nearly 6,000 outdoor wireless locations under contract. ZenFi Networks is committed to meeting the demand for next generation network access by building, owning, and maintaining a world-class fiber optic network, distributed colocation, and wireless siting solutions for enterprise, carrier and wireless operators. ZenFi Networks chose Sitetracker to help drive alignment across the company's operations by gathering data and updates from the field as projects progress. President and Chief Operating Officer, Vincenzo Clemente, states, "The ability to track and report project and site data in real time greatly enhances our capabilities. Sitetracker's superior functionality provides us with the dynamic tool we needed to continue growing our business." Giuseppe Incitti, Sitetracker CEO, agrees, "We're excited to collaborate with ZenFi Networks to help propel the growing company into a more productive and efficient future, as they continue their work creating a more connected world by enabling the deployment of small cells and the future of 5G networks." ZenFi Networks will benefit from reduced time spent on project management and faster time to ROI on their deployments. The Sitetracker team is excited to be working with ZenFi Networks to enable them to more effectively design and build small cell and fiber assets through New York and New Jersey. To learn more about ZenFi Networks, Inc., visit www.zenfi.com . For more information on Sitetracker, visit www.sitetracker.com . About Sitetracker Sitetracker, Inc. empowers innovative organizations to build the future faster. Created by expert project managers, Sitetracker is the world's first complete platform for managing modern, high-volume distributed capital projects and assets. Innovators use Sitetracker to plan effectively, deploy efficiently, and grow the value of their portfolios. Market leaders in the telecommunications, utilities, smart cities, and alternative energy industries such as Verizon, SAC Wireless (Nokia), Intersection Media (Alphabet), and Panasonic rely on Sitetracker to manage over one million sites and projects representing over $12 billion of capital assets in the United States, Europe, and Latin America. About ZenFi Networks, Inc. ZenFi Networks is an innovative, locally-owned and operated communications infrastructure company focused on enabling fiber optic network, distributed colocation and wireless siting solutions in the New York and New Jersey metro region. As the area's most experienced communications infrastructure builders, ZenFi Networks has an unparalleled reputation for efficiently architecting, and delivering fiber optic network, distributed colocation, and wireless connectivity solutions. ZenFi Networks innovative infrastructure solutions meet the Enterprise, Carrier, and Wireless Operator connectivity needs of today and those required to sustain their growth into the future. SOURCE Sitetracker; ZenFi Networks Related Links http://www.sitetracker.com Washington, Oct 30 : US is weighing "different options" concerning the death of a Saudi journalist and will announce its decision of action, said the White House. In a press briefing, White House spokesperson Sarah Sanders said that US President Donald Trump had met last week with CIA Director Gina Haspel "after having gathered additional intelligence on her overseas trip," Xinhua news agency reported on Monday. "The administration is weighing different options, and we'll make an announcement about what the decision of that action is," she said. "The administration is considering what action we will take moving forward based on that information and the briefing that the President received last week," she added, refusing to predict what the actual action would be and when that will happen. Khashoggi, a columnist for The Washington Post, disappeared during a visit to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, on October 2. After two weeks of denial, Riyadh admitted that the journalist was killed during a physical fight with the people in the Saudi consulate, but did not give any explanation about the cause of his death. In his first public comments since the journalist's death, the Saudi crown prince promised on Wednesday that Khashoggi's killers would be brought to justice. So far, 18 Saudis have been arrested in connection with the incident. Trump said earlier this month that he will impose severe punishment if Saudi Arabia is confirmed to be behind Khashoggi's death. However, he refused to list what measures he would take, only saying that he would not choose to impose sanctions on the country for fear of losing its military sales orders with US companies. London, Oct 30 : The Mayors of Paris, Copenhagen, Seoul, and Medellin on Monday called for vehicle manufacturers to stop producing petrol and diesel cars as soon as possible to protect the health of children in cities around the world. In the wake of an alarming new research released by the World Health Organization (WHO) earlier in the day, the mayors also urged every city around the world to help their youngest citizens by signing the C40 Green and Healthy Streets Declaration. The declaration commits mayors to procure only zero-emission buses from 2025 and ensure that a major area of their city is zero emission by 2030. "The children of Paris and cities around the world have the absolute right to breathe clean air," Mayor of Paris and Chair of C40 Anne Hidalgo said. "They have no power to change the environment they are growing up in, so we as responsible adults and political leaders must act on their behalf." "The problem of petrol and diesel vehicles polluting our streets needs to be fixed if we want to improve air quality and protect the health of our children,a said Frank Jensen, Lord Mayor of Copenhagen, and Vice-Chair of C40 Cities. The WHO report "Air pollution and child health: Prescribing clean air" urges "strong action from decision-makers to protect the most vulnerable, voiceless citizens: children who have little or no control over the air they breathe". It says every day around 93 per cent of the children globally under the age of 15 years (1.8 billion children) breathe air that is so polluted it puts their health and development at serious risk. Tragically, many of them die. To tackle the man-made crisis, mayors of the world's big cities are already committing to the bold action required to deliver clean, safe air for all to breathe, as well as delivering on the highest goals of the 2015 Paris Climate Change Agreement. Twenty-six cities have already committed to Green and Healthy Streets. They included Paris, Copenhagen, London, Tokyo, Los Angeles, Seoul, Barcelona, Quito, Vancouver, Cape Town, Seattle, Mexico City, Auckland, Milan, Rome, Warsaw, Oslo, Rotterdam, Medellin, Heidelberg and Birmingham. More than 80,000 buses run on the streets of these 26 cities, representing a major shift towards zero emission vehicles in the world's great cities. Washington, Oct 30 : The US has restricted exports to a state-backed Chinese company that makes semiconductors in the latest escalation in Washington's trade fight with Beijing. On Monday, the US Commerce Department said Fujian Jinhua Integrated Circuit Company would not be able to buy components from American companies without a special license, reports CNN. The export ban was put in place because Fujian Jinhua "poses a significant risk of becoming involved in activities that are contrary to the national security interests of the US", the Department said. "When a foreign company engages in activity contrary to our national security interests, we will take strong action to protect our national security," Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said. Ross said the ban would limit the company's ability to "threaten the supply chain for essential components in our military systems". Monday's action comes after Micron Technology, a memory chip maker in Idaho, accused Fujian Jinhua of stealing its trade secrets in a federal lawsuit last December. Fujian Jinhua had filed a countersuit against Micron in Chinese court in January. The move comes as the US and China are locked in a standoff over trade, market access and the transfer of technology secrets, CNN said. It could add strain to an already tense bilateral relationship. Negotiations have reportedly stalled ahead of a planned meeting between US and Chinese Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the upcoming G20 summit in Argentina. Earlier this year, the Trump administration put an export ban on ZTE, one of China's biggest tech companies. The Commerce Department said that ZTE lied to American officials about punishing employees who violated US sanctions against North Korea and Iran. The ban, which became a flashpoint between the two nations, was lifted in July after ZTE paid a $1 billion fine and agreed to oversight measures. Fujian Jinhua, based in China's Fujian province, was founded in 2016 and has financial backing from the provincial government. It's building a $5.7 billion chip factory in the region. Washington, Oct 30 : US State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert is under consideration to be the next US Ambassador to the UN, according to a senior Republican official. Nauert met President Donald Trump on Monday, the official told CNN. The former Fox News anchor joined the State Department in April 2017 as a spokesperson and is now the Acting Undersecretary of Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs. She has also previously worked as a health insurance consultant, according to the State Department. Administration officials have been scrambling to fill the position after Nikki Haley announced in early October she would resign as Ambassador to the UN by the end of the year. Haley's decision caught senior administration officials off guard and raised questions about the timing of her departure. She insisted she would not be running for president in 2020. When Haley, a former governor of South Carolina, resigned, the President praised her as a "fantastic person" who has "done an incredible job" and said he would gladly welcome her back into his administration down the line. Nauert is one of a few women the White House is considering to fill Haley's shoes. The White House has also reached out to Nancy Brinker asking if she would be open to consideration. Brinker, the founder of the Susan G. Komen foundation, has already gone through Senate confirmation as an ambassador, the Republican official told CNN. Kelly Craft, the current US ambassador to Canada, was considered for the post during the transition but lost out to Haley. Craft is also under consideration. Kelly Ayotte, a former New Hampshire senator, has ties to the White House after serving as the "sherpa" for Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch during his Senate confirmation hearings. Ayotte remains close to top Trump ally South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey Graham. Another name being floated is Kay Bailey Hutchison, who is currently the US' Permanent Eepresentative to NATO, according to a US official. New Delhi : Book: The Paradoxical Prime Minister: Narendra Modi and his India; Author: Shashi Tharoor; Publisher: Aleph Book Company; Pages: 504; Price: Rs 799 The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) revels in being in the public eye, and reaps the advantages that come with it. Public scrutiny, however, seems to unsettle it. In a democratic set-up, a citizen who hails and praises a leader also has the right to evaluate and, if necessary, criticise him. Shashi Tharoor, who presented a lengthy argument on (and in) "Why I Am A Hindu", tackles in his new book a different subject -- and has run smack into a controversy with a prickly BJP. Consider the "scorpion sitting on the Shiva lingam" (icon of Lord Shiva, one of the Hindu Trinity) metaphor, for instance. It appears on page 81 and is used to convey the dilemma of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) -- the BJP's ideological parent -- with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The comparison, in the first place, is not Tharoor's, but that of an unnamed RSS leader, quoted in an article that appeared in 2012, six years ago, in Caravan magazine. "In his 2012 profile of Mr Modi, the journalist Vinod K. Jose quoted an unnamed RSS leader describing his feelings about the Gujarat supremo with 'a bitter sigh': 'Shivling mein bichhu baitha hai. Na usko haath se utaar sakte ho, na usko joota maar sakte ho'...Try to remove the scorpion, and it will sting you; slap it with a shoe and you will be insulting your own faith. That remains a brilliant summary of the RSS's dilemma with Narendra Modi," Tharoor writes in the book. No sooner were these words uttered by the author at a literary gathering that the BJP cried foul, accusing him of insulting the faith of Hindus. The irony remains that the BJP's offensive further substantiated Tharoor's assertions -- in this book, and more so those from his last, "Why I Am A Hindu", where he pointed out that his Hinduism is a lived faith and that the self-proclaimed 'Hindutva Wadis' had no business to dictate how one worshiped -- or even chose not to worship. What would one anyways do if a scorpion was to be found sitting on the Shiva lingam? Tharoor does not answer this question but reiterates what the unnamed source had said: That either way there will be a problem. How is this comparison an insult to Hinduism, as Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad claimed? But more importantly, the scorpion and not the Shiva lingam is Tharoor's subject and allegations of hurting the sentiments of Hindus are, at best, attempts to derail the discourse arising from this book. The book is about Modi, and not Hinduism. Criticising Modi is not criticising Hinduism, and those in power would do themselves a great service by reading how a leader from the opposite end of the political spectrum evaluates Modi and his government. "The Paradoxical Prime Minister" is dedicated to "the People of India who deserve better". The book is divided into five sections spanning 50 lengthy chapters in about 500 pages. Interestingly, Tharoor's target is not the post of the Prime Minister, and one can argue that even Modi is not targeted as vehemently as could be expected from a prominent Opposition leader. Remember how the BJP went all out against Manmohan Singh? Tharoor, even in his criticism, is respectful towards the office of the Prime Minister. What Tharoor does, and succeeds in doing, is show his readers what Modi said and says, and what he and his government did during the four years of their rule so far. The contrasts are presented through a range of sources, not "crack-pot" links hovering all over the internet, but widely accepted, credible sources of information, such as leading newspapers, acclaimed books and magazines. And Tharoor's most significant source in "The Paradoxical Prime Minister" is Modi himself. He refers to Modi's numerous speeches -- some emotional, others rhetorical, all of them full of alliterations and punchy slogans -- to contend that there is a huge gap between the promise and performance, rhetoric and reality. It deals with all the core issues that have been at the centre of national discourse during the Modi-led National Democratic Alliance government and ends with a chapter titled "The New India We Seek", where the author paints a picture of the future that he envisions for the country. Tharoor is not a neutral observer in the book, as he himself acknowledges in its Introduction, but is, nonetheless, objective. "The Paradoxical Prime Minister" deserves credit for scrutinising the actions of a ruling Prime Minister, focusing on how, according to the author, there is a gap between what he said and what he achieved, and for really laying bare the governance during the past four years. Isn't this what democracy is all about? And since a lot is being said in the name of God, one is reminded of Nissim Ezekiel's "Night of the Scorpion", a poem set during the night the narrator's mother was stung by a scorpion. And what happened? "The peasants came like swarms of flies/and buzzed the name of God a hundred times/to paralyse the Evil One". In the end, rationality survives and superstitions bear no fruit. (Saket Suman can be contacted at saket.s@ians.in ) Srinagar, Oct 30 : A National Investigation Agency (NIA) team on Tuesday raided the residence of a businessman here. An NIA official in New Delhi confirmed that the raid was being conducted at Fayaz Ahmad Mir's residence in the city's Lal Bazar area. The team was accompanied by Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel. No other details of the raid were immediately available. The agency has been carrying out raids at the offices and residences of separatists and businessmen in connection with the hawala scam that the NIA has been investigating. Two months ago, the NIA raid the residence of another businessman in Srinagar's Nowhatta area. New Delhi, Oct 30 : Talents coming from a non-Bollywood background and standing on two feet in the industry gain more respect from the audience, says actress Amyra Dastur. Daughter of a doctor and a businesswoman, Amyra belongs to a Parsi family. She made her acting debut in Bollywood with "Issaq" in 2013 and was later seen in Hindi films like "Mr. X", "Kaalakaandi" and "Kung Fu Yoga". She also featured in Tamil and Telugu movies like "Anegan", "Manasuku Nachindi" and "Raja Gadu". Asked if she feels the industry is tougher for an 'outsider', Amyra told IANS in an e-mail interview from Mumbai: "Getting that debut film is definitely harder than someone who has got a known last name. I mean some star kids don't even audition... I think one gains more respect from the general public as well when you have no ties to the film background and manage to stand on your own two feet in this industry." The 25-year-old actress said she went through over 30 film auditions and got rejected until she finally managed to bag her debut film "Issaq" in 2013. "Then there's the survival aspect which again is definitely harder for someone who is not a part of the industry. If your first film does badly, there's no guarantee of the second film. There's no one to shield you from the dark side of the industry either. But I feel that's why outsiders are stronger mentally as well. "You just have to be. Only you can take care of yourself and only you can push yourself to do better and work harder and make someone believe in your talent," she said. Talking about the pressures of being an actress, Amyra said: "What aren't the pressures of being an actress? Don't get me wrong, I love my job. It has been my one and only dream but it's scary. There's a certain lifestyle and image one has to live up to or face the criticism which is quite harsh and cruel." But times are changing, she said. "People are becoming more accepting. One doesn't have to be a size zero any more or ridiculously fair or tall. Women in the industry are voicing their opinions more and change is definitely occurring," she added. On the work front, Amyra has several films in her kitty, including "Mental Hai Kya", "Made In China" and "Rajma Chawal". For director Leena Yadav's "Rajma Chawal", which will release on Netflix, Amyra is sporting a side-shaved look. Was she apprehensive about partly shaving her head? "I was really excited about this look. We shaved it a month in advance to see how it would look and if any changes needed to be incorporated once it was done. I didn't tell my parents about the look, I just showed up once it was done and they freaked out in the best way possible," she said. The actress said her mother was a little apprehensive but her father cracked up in laughter. "I got used to it and forgot it was even there. So when people in Delhi would stare at me, I'd scream and be like -- 'Kya dekh rahe hain? (What are you seeing) and they'd say, 'Madam nice hairstyle' It would be quite entertaining for people around me," she added. (Durga Chakravarty can be contacted at durga.c@ians.in) Beijing, Oct 30 : When Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan arrives in Beijing later this week, the newly-minted leader will have his task cut out: To secure fresh Chinese loans for his country's hobbling economy. Khan's four-day visit, which begins on Friday, is also significant for Beijing, which is worried over the tardy progress of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Islamabad's new government's reported second thoughts on the project, a linchpin of President Xi Jinping's Belt and Road initiative. "During his election campaign, he said some words against the Belt and Road initiative. We were worried if there would be some policy changes (if he came to power). But recently, I think, things have become better," Wang Dehua, a South Asia expert at the Shanghai Municipal Center for International Studies, told IANS. "This is Imran Khan's first visit (to China) and will be a landmark one," Wang added. In the run-up to Pakistan's general election earlier this year, Khan had slammed his predecessor Nawaz Sharif for alleged corruption in the Chinese-funded project. Beijing grew more worried when the new government under Khan reportedly said Islamabad thinks the deals under the CPEC were "unfair" and wants to renegotiate them with Beijing. "This was a misleading interpretation by the media," Wang added. Xi Jinping has poured about a trillion dollars into the Belt and Road project that aims to connect Asia, Africa and Europe through a vast network of highways, railways and sea lanes. Of the allocation, China has pledged some $60 billion for the CPEC alone, the crown jewel of its connectivity project that aims to connect Kashgar in its restive western province Xinjiang with Pakistan's Gwadar port in the troubled Balochistan region. Beijing knows the strategic importance of Gwadar port in the Arabian Sea which, once developed, will give China easy access to one of the most important trade arteries, the Straits of Hormuz. China is building railways, highways and industrial parks under the framework of the CPEC, which, it says, will give jobs and bring prosperity to Pakistan. Islamabad too says this publicly. The "iron-brothers" keep swearing unflinching loyalty to each other. India has made no bones about its opposition to the CPEC as it claims the part of disputed Kashmir held by Pakistan through which the route of project is planned. Besides this, the West sees the Belt and Road as a tool for Beijing to spread its geo-strategic influence and push poor countries like Pakistan into a debt trap by giving them high-interest loans. When China and Pakistan inked the CPEC deal in 2013, Pakistan's foreign debt was $61 billion, which now stands at about $95 billion. According to independent estimates, Islamabad owes $19 billion to Beijing alone. Pakistani Railway Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad lent credence to these reports when he announced that Chinese investment in a rail project was being lowered from $8.2 billion to $6.2 billion, citing his country's inability to repay. "CPEC is like the backbone for Pakistan, but our eyes and ears are open," Ahmad said. China vehemently denies the charge of "debt diplomacy", saying the US is jealous of the success of the Belt and Road initiative and Beijing's rise. It maintains that the CPEC has brought stability to the region. Pakistan is a broke nation today whose biggest lender is China. Since 1980, Islamabad has gone to the IMF 13 times seeking bail outs. When Khan made the 14th attempt, the IMF told Islamabad to disclose all the financial details of the CPEC about which China and Pakistan have been cagey. Khan changed his mind, flew to "friendly" Saudi Arabia and came back with a $6 billion loan. The leader, who has vowed to change the fortunes of Pakistan, will try his luck yet again when he meets Xi. Asked if he thinks Beijing will give another loan to Islamabad, Wang said: "No comments." Beijing has sounded positive about granting new loans to Islamabad with the Foreign Ministry saying that China supports Pakistan in dealing with a difficult financial situation. In the face of a bleeding trade war with the US and a slowing down of China's economy, Chinese critics have begun questioning the way Xi is giving loans to other countries. If Beijing extends another loan to Pakistan after sanctioning $2 billion earlier this year, it is to be seen what promise it exacts from Islamabad. Also, Beijing would never want the US-dominated IMF to know about the financial details of the CPEC. Khan is all praise for the CPEC now and might go back home happy. However, he might be conveyed Beijing's displeasure over Pakistan raising human rights issues in Xingjiang. In October, Pakistan's Religious Affairs Minister urged the Chinese envoy to soften the restrictions placed on Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang. A Pakistani minister telling the Chinese envoy to handle the situation was unexpected for Beijing from its "best friend." The issue of stability in Afghanistan is also likely to figure between both sides as Beijing wants a peaceful Kabul for geo-strategic reasons. The two allies will also discuss America's foreign policy. The US has turned the heat on China on trade and other fronts. It has scrapped military aid to Pakistan and signed a big defence deal with India. "It is natural that Pakistan will move closer to Beijing in the light of the growing proximity between Washington and New Delhi," Wang said. (Gaurav Sharma is the IANS correspondent in Beijing. He can be contacted at sharmagaurav71@gmail.com ) Lucknow, Oct 30 : A day after a cashier working with a gas agency was shot dead here and robbed of Rs 10 lakh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday announced a financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh for the bereaved family. An official spokesman said the Chief Minister has directed Lucknow District Magistrate Kaushal Raj Sharma to ensure that the amount was handed over to the family at the earliest. He has told the police to investigate the killing and submit a report within 24 hours. Family members of the cashier had led a protest late on Monday night against the killing and demanded that the police arrest the assailants. Los Angeles, Oct 30 : Actress Lena Dunham will write for the big screen the harrowing survival tale of a Syrian refugee stranded at sea. Dunham has been tapped by co-producers Steven Spielberg and J.J. Abrams to adapt "A Hope More Powerful Than the Sea: One Refugee's Incredible Story of Love, Loss and Survival", reports variety.com. The non-fiction release comes from author Melissa Fleming, the chief spokeswoman for the UN High Commissioner and Flatiron Books. It documents the true story of Doaa Al Zamel, a mother of two fleeing Egypt for Sweden by boat. Shipwrecked along the way, Al Zamel survived for days in open water holding two small children in each arm with only the support of an inflatable water ring. The project is set up at Paramount Pictures with Abrams' Bad Robot and Spielberg's Amblin Partners producing. Arif Hussein will executive produce the film, which Amblin and Paramount are expected to co-distribute globally. Mumbai, Oct 30 : Benedict Cumberbatch's "The Grinch" will release in India on November 8, a day after Diwali. Illumination and Universal's animated feature is based on Dr. Seuss' beloved holiday classic. The original children's book tells the tale of the titular grouch who plots to ruin Christmas for the residents of his neighbouring village of Who-ville. Directed by Scott Mosier and Yorrow Cheney, the film will be released in India by Universal Pictures International India, read a statement. Cumberbatch has voiced the iconic character of Grinch. Actors Rashida Jones, Kenan Thompson, Cameron Seely and Angela Lansbury are amongst the others who have lent their voice for the film. It is produced by Chris Meledandri and Janet Healy. "The Grinch" tells the story of a cynical grump who lived a solitary life inside a cave on Mt. Crumpet with his loyal dog, Max. Each year at Christmas his neighbours in Who-ville disrupt his tranquil solitude with their increasingly bigger, brighter and louder celebrations. When the Whos declare they are going to make Christmas three times bigger this year, the Grinch realises there is only one way for him to gain some peace and quiet: he must steal Christmas. Grinch then goes on a mission to steal Christmas. Raipur, Oct 30 : A cameraman of Doordarshan TV and two police personnel were killed in a Maoist attack in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district on Tuesday. A Doordarshan crew was moving with a security patrol for a story when they were ambushed in Aranpur area, Deputy Inspector General of Police P. Sundar Raj told the media here. "Two police personnel died on the spot while a cameraman suffered grievous injuries and later succumbed to his injuries," he added. The slain police personnel were identified as Mangal Ram and Rudra Pratap Singh. The cameraman who was killed was Achyutanand Sahu. The attack came ahead of the Chhattisgarh Assembly elections. Maoists have asked people to boycott the polls. Los Angeles, Oct 30 : The producers of "Crazy Rich Asians" are planning to shoot the sequel of the hit film in China. The film will release in China at the end of next month, but the makers are already warming up plans to shoot the film's sequel there. Producer John Penotti, President of SK Global, said that "China Rich Girlfriend" is targeting a shoot in Shanghai. He shared the details on Monday at the Chinese American Film Festival's Co-Production Summit here, reports variety.com. Billed as the first contemporary English language Hollywood movie with an almost all-Asian cast after a long time, "Crazy Rich Asians" is based on the book by Kevin Kwan with the same name. It tells the story of Chinese-American Rachel Chu, her boyfriend Nick Young and the adventure that they go on when Nick takes Rachel to Singapore for his best friend's wedding. The sequel is an adaptation of Kwan's second book in the "Asians" series. It is located substantially in China and set two years after the events of "Crazy Rich Asians". Penotti said that it is currently unclear whether the producers will attempt to structure "China Rich Girlfriend" as an official China-US co-production, according to variety.com. "We certainly tried to make the (first) film as a China-US co-production. But (as a company we) haven't been very good at doing co-productions." "Crazy Rich Asians" was a Warner Bros. Pictures release and presentation, and produced by SK Global, Starlight Culture, Color Force, Ivanhoe Pictures, Electric Somewhere. Lucknow, Oct 30 : The one-day visit of UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi to her Lok Sabha constituency Rae Bareli on November 2 has been cancelled, a Congress leader said on Tuesday. The visit of the Congress leader was taking place after a gap of seven months. Informed sources said the cancellation was due to some pressing engagements and added that the visit would take place after Diwali. Gandhi was to take part in a meeting with officials to oversee developmental works in her constituency. Chennai, Oct 30 : Getting tangled in fishing nets and dolphins are some of the challenges that an Indian Army expedition team have faced till date, an official said here. "The coming days will be more challenging as we will be on the Western Coast where the traffic on the high seas will be high with fishing as well as commercial ships," Major Alok Yadav, who is leading the 40-member Around Indian Peninsula Sailing Expedition team, told IANS on Tuesday. Yadav said they will be the first to attempt to cross the Pamban Bridge between India and Sri Lanka on a sail boat. "The boat is expected to cross the Pamban Bridge early next month. With its sail mast measuring about 18 metres, the bridge has to open in the middle to allow passage," team member Major Mukta Shree Gautam told IANS. Yadav said the boat might also cross the Ram Sethu near Rameswaram. The expedition started from West Bengal's Haldia port on October 21 and will end at Porbandar, Gujarat. "High seas are actually like a jungle for sailors. Navigation at night is a nightmare. One may not know what one would encounter like a group of fishing boats in non-fishing zones. Similarly, there will be big ships that have to be carefully negotiated by boats on sails," Yadav added. "The expedition started with a good omen. Soon after we left Haldia, a bird came and sat on the Bavaria class 44 ft boat. A bird on the boat is said to be a good omen... The bird was on the boat for a day." Yadav said the boat got entangled in fishing nets twice. "Once it happened between Haldia and Paradeep port and the second time between Visakhapatnam and Chennai," Yadav said. He also recalled encountering waves as high as 1.5 metres between Visakhapatnam and Chennai on October 26. Regarding dolphins, he said two pods were with them soon after the expedition team cast off from Visakhapatnam port. "It was fun and interesting to see them jump from right to left near the bow," Yadav mused. According to him, weather updates were obtained regularly and from bigger ships that pass them on the high seas so that they are not caught in a sudden storm. As for the food while on the high seas, Yadav said they carry normal and emergency rations onboard which get replenished at various ports. "Every team member has a specified duty to perform. So, cooking is done on board," Yadav said. The expedition team comprises Army officers, Junior Commissioned Officers and jawans. The team includes five women officers. "It is the Army's all arms team, meaning, the team members are from various divisions of Army including infantry and artillery," Yadav said. "The sailing team would also include ladies. There will be two ladies in Chennai-Karaikal leg and three in Kochi-Mangalore leg." However, the Karaikal-Trivandrum leg will be an all-male team. While the sailing team will be about eight to 10 members, there will be a ground support team to coordinate with port/navy/coast guard officials for permissions. The other team members will travel by road in an Army truck. The expedition will call at nine ports -- Visakhapatnam, Chennai, Karaikal, Trivandrum, Kochi, Mangalore, Goa, Mumbai and Porbandar. Yadav said the nine leg expedition is designed in such a way that about 30 days will be spent on the seas. It will cover 3,850 nautical miles (NM) sailing through the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. The expedition is under the aegis of the Army Adventure Wing. According to Yadav, water samples will be collected on East and West coast for testing in labs for pollution levels. "The East Coast is relatively clean," he added. Major General TSA Narayanan, Deputy Commandant, Military College of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (MCEME), will flag off the next leg of the expedition at the port here on Tuesday. Dhaka, Oct 30 : Bangladesh and Myanmar on Tuesday agreed to begin the repatriation of the 1st batch of Rohingyas from November, it was announced here. Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Md Shahidul Haque made the announcement after the third Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting with his Myanmar counterpart Myint Thu on the repatriation of verified Rohingyas, bdnews24.com reported. "We have the political will for repatriation. We will begin the process next month," said Mynt Thu. Haque said that Bangladesh was "looking to mid-November to start the first group". The joint working group members from both the sides will visit Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazar on Wednesday and will have interactions with the refugees, an official said. This was the third meeting of the working group formed after the two countries signed a repatriation deal following an appalling exodus of Rohingyas into Bangladesh in 2017 due to a military crackdown in Myanmar's Rakhine state. Currently, over a million Rohingyas are living in Bangladesh. Myanmar authorities do not recognize the Rohingyas as its citizens and consider them to be Bangladeshi immigrants, denying them basic rights. According to the report, Bangladesh and Myanmar for the first time came up with a specific time to start the repatriation of Rohingyas from Cox's Bazar. It remains a concern of the international community whether the repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar will be voluntary and dignified. Lucknow, Oct 30 : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday said the majority community in the country expects an early Supreme Court verdict in the Ram Janmabhoomi title suit saying "justice delayed is justice denied". "If justice is given in time it is appreciated as fair but when delayed it is equivalent to injustice," Adityanath tweeted, adding that the "majority community in the country and the peace-loving people expect the verdict at the earliest, honouring their sentiments". The Advocate General of the state government has also appealed for the same, he pointed out. The Chief Minister's tweets came a day after the Supreme Court said an appropriate bench would take up the matter of its hearing only in January 2019. Responding to the growing dissatisfaction among the seers' community over the postponement of the daily hearing that was expected earlier to start from October 29, Adityanath pleaded with them not to "lose patience and join hands with the positive efforts being made in the direction". He said in the interim transitionary phase the holy men should boost positive efforts to strengthen peace and harmony in the country. On whether he expected the verdict to be out before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Adityanath said he wanted the issue to be settled as soon as possible as the "responsibility of maintaining law and order in the state was on him". He said though "consensus remains the best solution, there were many other ways to thrash out..." Adityanath, however, throughout his string of Twitter thread, maintained that "like any other person he respected the judiciary and understood the constitutional constraints". On the promulgation of an ordinance for constructing the Ram temple, the BJP leader said "the matter was sub-judice but that he was of the view that all options should be explored". His comments were being seen in political circles as an attempt by the BJP to put pressure on the judiciary for an early settlement of the issue. On Monday, his deputy Keshav Prasad Maurya said delaying of the hearing by the Supreme Court had "sent wrong signals". New Delhi, Oct 30 : Actress-models Shubra Aiyappa and Diva Dhawan, who will be featured in Kingfisher Calendar 2019, say that shooting for it was a truly memorable experience. Commenting on her experience shooting for the Kingfisher calendar, Shubra said, "Being a part of this year's Kingfisher calendar campaign was indeed a one of a kind experience. I was quite nervous in the beginning as this is my first swimsuit shoot, however the whole journey was a lot of fun. Working with a crew, who have been shooting the Kingfisher calendar for more than a decade was truly an unforgettable moment. "The calendar has been shot in some stunning locations across the globe, but this year's destination Sardinia was indeed a wanderlust paradise. We shot some stunning swimwear in some gorgeous locations and are still recovering from the Sardinian after-effect. There was never a dull moment or a time where I didn't feel comfortable, only vibes I felt were the Good Times. Looking forward to the years Kingfisher Calendar." Diva Dhawan also shared her thoughts on being part of this year's calendar shoot. "Being a part of the Kingfisher calendar was truly a great experience indeed, as it celebrates Indian women and beauty in all forms. I think it's nice to be part of something that has been around for so long because everyone in the team has been working together for years. The Kingfisher calendar truly was a memorable experience," she said. Kingfisher, The King of Good Times, has the calendar featuring four top models shot by ace photographer Atul Kasbekar. The other two ladies who will be part of the calendar are beauty queen from Orissa Sushrii Mishraa and Hayley Parr from the United Kingdom. Sardinia, a gem of an island in the Mediterranean Sea, will form the breathtaking backdrop for the Kingfisher calendar 2019. The Kingfisher calendar has featured stars like Deepika Padukone, Katrina Kaif, Nargis Fakhri, Liza Hayden over the years. Shimla, Oct 30 : President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday said the Himachal Pradesh University was heading towards becoming the country's first to be disabled-friendly. Addressing the 24th convocation of the varsity in Shimla, he hailed it for playing a key role in spreading education in the region. He also presented gold medals to 10 toppers. After staying in the university for about 90 minutes, he flew back to New Delhi. Also present on the occasion was Governor Acharya Devvrat, who expressed concern over the declining moral values in society. "If teachers, police and politicians work with more honesty and dedication, society will be reformed for sure," Devvrat said. The Governor, who is alo the Chancellor awarded degrees to the 180 students. Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said his government was committed to providing quality education strengthening the existing infrastructure. Ottawa, Oct 30 : Scientists in Canada have warned that massive glaciers in the Yukon territory were shrinking even faster than would be expected from a warming climate, bringing dramatic changes to the region. After a string of recent reports chronicling the demise of the ice fields, researchers hope that greater awareness will help the public better understand the rapid pace of climate change, the Guardian reported. The rate of warming in the north is double that of the average global temperature increase, concluded the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in its annual Arctic Report Card, which called the warming "unprecedented". "The region is one of the hotspots for warming, which is something we've come to realise over the last 15 years," said David Hik of Simon Fraser University. "The magnitude of the changes is dramatic." In their State of the Mountains report published earlier this year, the Canadian Alpine Club found that the Saint Elias mountains - which span British Columbia, the Yukon and Alaska - are losing ice faster than the rest of the country. Previous research found that between 1957 and 2007, the range lost 22 per cent of its ice cover, enough to raise global sea levels by 1.1 mm. The accelerating melt of the glacier has resulted in major shifts to water sources at lower elevations. Kabul, Oct 30 : The Taliban said on Tuesday that it has deployed five members freed in 2015 from the US military prison in Guantanamo Bay to its political office in Qatar. The five were freed in exchange for Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl of the US military who had been captured by the Taliban five years earlier. The five had been living in Qatar since then under restrictions on them travelling to the war zone, Efe news reported. "We confirm that Mullah Muhammad Fazel Mazlum, Mullah Noorullah Noori, Mullah Abdul Haq Wasiq, Mullah Khairullah Khairkhwa and Maulavi Muhammad Nabi Omari have been appointed as members of the Qatar political office," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told Efe news. Another Taliban member said the group's leader Haibatullah himself ordered the appointment of the "Taliban Five" -- as the ex-prisoners are known -- a decision that came two weeks after US Special Envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad met members of the Taliban's Qatar office. The five new appointees served in high-ranking positions in the Taliban: Fazel Mazlum was the Deputy Defence Minister during Taliban rule (1996-2001), Noorullah Noori served as Governor of Balkh province, Abdul Haq Wasiq was deputy intelligence chief, Khairullah Khairkhwa was the Interior Minister and Nabi Omari worked in the military in late 1990s. Their appointment came after the Taliban's political head met Khalilzad in Qatar on October 12 to discuss the possibility of a peaceful resolution of the Afghan conflict, the first such known encounter between the two sides. The dialogue between the Taliban and the Afghan government until now has been limited to just one official meeting in July 2015 although the talks were suspended after Afghanistan revealed that Mullah Omar, the founder of the insurgent group, had died in 2013. Since then the insurgents have insisted on negotiating with the US, which has a presence in the country through the NATO training and advising mission for Afghan troops as well as anti-terrorist operations. New Delhi, Oct 30 : Sharpening its attack on Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, the Congress on Tuesday accused the government of trying to destroy autonomous institutions like the Reserve Bank of India and alleged him of interfering in the work of the central bank. "I have been surprised today by the sharp attack of the Finance Minister on the RBI and its performance. The central bank is independent and autonomous," Congress leader Anand Sharma told reporters here. He said that it was in the interest of India and the economy that the RBI alone remains the regulator for the banks for the lending, borrowings and fixes the rates for the banks. "Only the RBI must have the powers to regulate the public sector banks and none else. This government has ignited a fire through its repeated interference from day one. And now government move to take charge of the monetary policy is a very ominous move," he said. "It (attack on RBI) cannot be accepted. It must be opposed. Government being the spending authority, cannot become the monetary authority for the country. Equally important is to remember the role of the RBI as the payment regulator cannot be diluted or taken away by a government nominated body," the Congress leader said. His remarks came soon after Jaitley on Tuesday held the central bank responsible for the mountain of bad loans, saying the RBI looked the other way when banks lent indiscriminately during 2008-14 to keep the economy humming. "Under Modi and BJP, they are damaging all the independent institutions of the country which have their role in maintaining governance and administration like CBI, ED, IT, DRI, Central Universities and many others," he said. "I want to make one thing very clear today to Jaitley, since he specifically commented from the year 2008. Very eminent Governors of the RBI, far more competent than Jaitley or Prime Minister Narendra Modi, were there. And that time also the country had the benefit of an eminent economist of unimpeachable integrity in Manmohan Singh as country PM," he said, adding 2008 was the year when the big financial crisis enveloped the global economy. "The RBI played a stellar role. It ringfenced the Indian economy and the big economies across the globe took note of the functioning of the RBI," he said. Even in other big countries their central banks could not effectively ringfence their economy as the RBI did in India," Sharma said. Criticising Jaitley for insulting the RBI, he said, "Today Jaitley saying that the RBI is not competent, not capable, is the most unfortunate thing. I demand Jaitley to take his words back and apologise for insulting RBI." He said that it was not the first time that the government tried to interfere in the work of the RBI. "The first example the entire world saw was on November 8, 2016 (demonetisation) when 85 per cent currency was invalidated by the Prime Minister," he said. "That was the first biggest attack on RBI when it was forced in a board room to take that step," he alleged. The Congress leader described Modi and Jaitley as incapable leaders and said, "they have damaged the economy. They have no thinking, and they have wrong policies and wrong direction." Slamming the government over the depreciating value of the Rupee, Sharma said, "On the one hand they say that we have the fastest growing GDP and economy and on the other hand there is no investment in the economy, industries shutting down and no employment generation and the rupee value depreciating. He said that the Indian rupee has lost 16 per cent since January 2018. "And the Prime Minister is busy talking about all matters which are irrelevant and not paying attention to what he and his Finance Minister have proved to be not only inefficient but thoroughly incompetent when it comes to managing of the economy, which has been nose diving." "What explanation they have, fastest economy there is a grave contradiction and the worst performing currency in Asia. "Therefore we demand from this government to desist from destroying another autonomous institution, to retrace their steps and engage in dialogue and consultations rather than seeking to justify what is wrong and unjustified," Sharma added. Guwahati, Oct 30 : The Disaster Management Department of Arunachal Pradesh on Tuesday issued a flash flood warning in the state following information of a landslide taking place along the Yarlung Zangbo river in China that flows into India. The river is known as Siang in Arunachal Pradesh and Brahmaputra in Assam. The department has asked the people living in and around the Siang river to prepare for a flash flood-like situation, as the landslide at Yarlung Zangbo is expected to influence the water level of the rivers downstream. In view of the situation, the Disaster Management Department of the hill state has warned the people against venturing into the Siang river for fishing or swimming. The department has also asked everyone to maintain a strict vigil. The Central Water Commission (CWC), which keeps a vigil on the water level of these rivers, has already confirmed that the water level of Siang recorded a drop at Tuting around 11.00 pm on Monday. In case of such a landslide, the water level goes down as it blocks the flow of river, triggering fears of sudden gushing of the blocked water once the path is clear. "The Upper Brahmaputra Division of the CWC has received a letter from Chinese authorities about a landslide occurring in Yarlung Zangbo on Monday," said a senior CWC officer, adding the water level in the river might rise due to the landslide. The CWC, however, said that at present there is nothing to panic about. Yarlung Zangbo, which originates in the glaciers of Tibbet, flows through China to India before merging into the Bay of Bengal in Bangladesh. Earlier this month also there were reports of some landslide in the river which had blocked the flow of the river, leading to speculation that there might be flash flood-like situation in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. The Central government had sent eight companies of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to Assam and six to Arunachal Pradesh to deal with any kind of eventuality. Srinagar, Oct 30 : Eight soldiers, including a Major, were injured on Tuesday in an accidental explosion in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district. Two of them were reported to be in critical condition. The explosion took place in Rajwar area when the grenade went off when the officer was giving a demonstration to the soldiers in the forest area. Some reports said earlier that a Rashtriya Rifles team led by the Major was passing through the forested patch of Zatchaldara when the blast occurred. All the injured were taken to the military hospital in Drugmulla from where two seriously wounded soldiers, including the Msjor, were referred to the Army's Base Hospital for specialized treatment. Raipur, Oct 30 : Achyuta Nanda Sahu, the 34-year-old cameraman who died in a Maoist attack in poll-bound Chhattisgarh state on Tuesday, was always up for challenges, said his colleague at Doordarshan TV. "He was jolly by nature... always ready to take up challenges. I don't remember a time when he said no to an assignment. "He always liked going for challenging stuff. We went to many events together. His death was such a shocking news for me. I don't have words to express how bad it feels to have lost a colleague and friend like him," said Sudharkar Das, a reporter at DD News. Hours before Sahu was killed, along with two police personnel identified as Mangal Ram and Rudra Pratap Singh, he had uploaded pictures on Facebook of waterfalls in the district and two selfies with the caption -- "At Dantewada Chhattisgarh Election Yatra". He certainly couldn't envisage that this was going to be his last day and he would never return home. His Facebook account describes him as a video journalist hailing from Loisingha, Odisha. He was currently living in Delhi. Bhubaneswar, Oct 30 : Congress leader Krushna Chandra Sagaria on Tuesday said he would resign from the membership of the Odisha Assembly for failing to ensure justice to a gangrape victim. He represents Koraput Assembly constituency. Sagaria said he has no moral right of holding the position as he has failed to get justice for a gangrape victim who committed suicide earlier this year. "I feel I have failed to provide justice to the victim girl. If I am unable to give justice to a poor dalit girl using the constitutional post, I have no moral rights of holding the position anymore," Sagaria said in the state capital. Sagaria said even after a year, not a single accused has been arrested in the case. The Kunduli victim was gang-raped while returning home from a market under Pottangi police limits in Koraput district in October last year. She committed suicide at her house on January 22 citing police inaction in the rape case. Sagaria was not happy with the Congress state leadership after he was removed from the chairmanship of the Scheduled Caste Cell of the party. Even though he was appointed as a general secretary of the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC), Sagaria refused to accept it. IANS cd/prs New Delhi, Oct 30 : The CBI on Tuesday filed a status report in a sexual assault case against self-styled godman Daati Maharaj in the Delhi High Court. The CBI filed the reply in a sealed cover before a division bench headed by Chief Justice Rajendra Menon. The court has listed the matter for hearing on November 2. The CBI took over the investigation and filed the case against Maharaj on charges of raping and having unnatural sex with an inmate of his ashram. Daati Maharaj alias Dati Madan Lal Rajasthani has been named in a CBI FIR along with three associates Ashok, Arjun and Anil --- all known by their first names -- for raping and having unnatural sex with a 25-year-old disciple at his Ashram in Fatehpur Beri in south Delhi on January 9, 2016. Delhi Police had in June registered the case following a complaint from the Delhi-based victim and on October 1 filed the chargesheet against Daati Maharaj and others in the case. New Delhi, Oct 30 : INS Tarangini, the first sail training ship of the Indian Navy, returned to Kochi naval base after a seven-month voyage across the world during which it visited 15 ports in 13 countries. The voyage, "Lokayan 18", was flagged off on April 10 from Kochi. The ship sailed across the Arabian Sea, Red Sea, Suez Canal, Mediterranean Sea, Strait of Gibraltar, North Atlantic Ocean, Bay of Biscay, English Channel and North Sea and right up to Norway, a Defence Ministry statement said on Tuesday. During its journey, the ship participated in the 'Three Festival Tall Ships Regatta' in France and 'Tall Ships Races Europe 2018' in the UK. "During the tall ships regatta, the ship sailed along with hundreds of other sailing vessels, of which 200 were tall ships, besides taking part in the parade of sails, which was conducted at all these ports," the statement said. "It touched Esbjerg, Denmark and Stavanger, Norway, before finishing (the voyage) at Harlingen, Netherlands," it added. INS Tarangini is the first sail training ship in the Indian Navy and was commissioned in November 1997. In her 21 years of service, it sailed over 220,000 nautical miles across the world's oceans, the statement said. Jaipur, Oct 30 : The Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP), formed by Independent MLA Hanuman Beniwal, wants a "BJP-Congress mukt Rajasthan". "We have formed the party with a promise to free the people from the clutches of the Congress and BJP. People want a third option," Beniwal told IANS on Tuesday. The new party's election symbol will be 'bottle'. Beniwal launched his party on Monday in the presence of thousands who had gathered from all over Rajasthan. He asserted that the Congress, now the main opposition party, will find his party, not the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the main foe in the upcoming Assembly elections in Rajasthan. Until now, he said, most leaders in the state were mostly bothered about the interests of their respective areas. "Now we are focussing on all the burning issues of the state," he said. Beniwal insisted that the ruling BJP will be wiped out in these elections. According to him, while the BJP gives money to attract people to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rallies, his public meeting on Monday attracted "lakhs who came by spending their own money". He said discussions were on with the BSP while the Samajwadi Party had already shown its support. Ghanshyam Tiwari, a six-time BJP MLA who recently floated Bharat Vahini, had also promised support, he said. Tiwari claimed that people were fed up with both the BJP and Congress. "The differences between former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Congress leader Sachin Pilot are well known. And the BJP's internal fight is evident. Hence people shall vote for alliance this time." New Delhi, Oct 30 : A court on Tuesday sent suspended Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Deputy Superintendent of Police Devender Kumar and another man, arrested in a corruption case allegedly involving Special Director Rakesh Asthana, to 14 days judicial custody. CBI Special Judge Santosh Snehi Mann sent Kumar and Manoj Prasad to jail for 14 days after the investigating agency said it no longer needed their custody for interrogation. Both were presented before the court on the expiry of the CBI custody. The court also asked the CBI to file a response on the bail plea of Kumar and listed its hearing for Wednesday. Kumar was arrested last week on charges of falsification of records while probing allegations against meat exporter Moin Qureshi and was remanded to CBI custody till October 30. Manoj Prasad was arrested on October 17. Kumar was an Investigating Officer in a case against Qureshi, who is facing multiple cases of money laundering and corruption. The CBI alleged that bribes were taken at least five times between December 2017 and October this year. Asthana, a 1984-batch IPS officer of Gujarat cadre, is accused of accepting a bribe of Rs 2 crore from a Hyderabad-based businessman Sana Sathish Babu, who was under probe in the Qureshi case in a bid to "wreck" the investigation. The case was being examined by a special investigation team (SIT) headed by Asthana. Berlin, Oct 30 : A former nurse in Germany on Tuesday admitted murdering 100 patients in his care, on the first day of his trial in the town of Oldenburg. Niels Hoegel, 41, has already spent nearly a decade in jail on a life term for other patient deaths. Detectives say Hoegel administered fatal doses of medication to the people at two hospitals in the north of the country, the BBC reported. When asked by the judge in court if the charges against him were true, Hoegel confessed to "more or less" all of them. The admission made him one of Germany's worst post-war serial killers. According to prosecutors, his motive was to impress colleagues by resuscitating the very patients he had attacked. Hoegel is said to have killed 36 patients in Oldenburg and 64 in Delmenhorst between 1999 and 2005. The current trial was expected to last till May. Investigators say that he may have killed even more. "I hope he will be found guilty on each count so that the loved ones can finally find some closure," said Petra Klein, who runs a victims' support group. Relatives of his alleged victims packed the court. Hoegel was first caught in 2005 injecting unprescribed medication into a patient in Delmenhorst. In 2008, he was jailed for seven years for attempted murder. In 2014-15, a second trial found him guilty of two murders and two attempted murders and he was given the maximum sentence. Hoegel said he was "honestly sorry" and hoped the families would find peace. He said the decisions to carry out his crimes had been "relatively spontaneous". However, during the trial he confessed to a psychiatrist that he had killed up to 30 people. Investigators then widened the investigation, exhuming 130 former patients and looking for evidence of medication that could have triggered cardiac arrest. They also pored over records in the hospitals he worked at. Investigators said the case was "unprecedented in Germany to our knowledge". Records at the Oldenburg hospital showed rates of deaths and resuscitations had more than doubled when Hoegel was on shift, the German media reported. Kolkata, Oct 30 : The West Bengal government on Tuesday received plaudits from Union Minister Shripad Naik for doing a "very good job" in developing the infrastructure and promoting healthcare and education under the National Ayush Mission(NAM) scheme. Naik, the Union Minister of State for AYUSH, said Bengal was able to utilise Rs 71.64-crore fund provided under the scheme. "Under NAM, the state of West Bengal has been provided Rs 71.64 crore since 2014-15. The West Bengal government has done very good job in improving the infrastructure and developing other aspects of AYUSH education and healthcare by utilising funds provided under NAM," he said while laying the foundation stone of a girls' hostel in National Institute of Homeopathy (NIH) here. He requested the state authorities to give "focused attention to utilisation of central funds", so that the Ministry of AYUSH could provide more assistance for further development and promotion of AYUSH in the state. "I would urge the state government to give attention to the administrative setup of AYUSH Directorate and the state medicinal plant board for result-oriented outcome of different components under NAM," the Minister said. Male, Oct 30 : The Maldives Supreme Court on Tuesday stayed an arrest order against former President Mohamed Nasheed, paving the way for the return of the self-exiled politician to the country later this week. On Monday, the Prosecutor General's office had requested the top court to review the terrorism conviction and prison sentence of 13 years awarded to Nasheed, Efe news reported. "The Maldives Supreme Court orders to delay Nasheed's sentence and orders on relevant state authorities to not take measures against Nasheed till the court comes to a decision following a review of his case," the court order read. "The Supreme Court has been requested for a judicial review of the decision made by the criminal court and appellate courts against Mohamed Nasheed," the Prosecutor General's office said in a statement, adding that the step was taken in "public interest". Nasheed had announced that he will return to Maldives on November 1 after the opposition, led by his Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), had registered a surprise victory in elections held in September. Nasheed, the first democratically-elected President of the country, was forced to resign in 2012 and was sentenced three years later for the illegal detention of a judge during his term in a controversial trial. In September, the opposition, led by Nasheed's close aide Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, had defeated incumbent President Abdulla Yameen, paving the way for the return of Nasheed, who was barred from contesting the elections. Following Solih's victory, courts in the Maldives had freed former dictator Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and other political prisoners, most of whom were arrested on terrorism charges during a political crisis in February despite the Supreme court annulling the conviction of opposition leaders, including that of Nasheed. Meanwhile, Nasheed's MDP and other parties in the coalition were planning a grand welcome for the leader on Thursday. Seoul, Oct 30 : South Korea's Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered a Japanese firm to compensate South Korean workers, who were forced to work in its steel plants during the Second World War. The apex court, while ratifying a 2015 decision by a Seoul court, ordered Nippon Steel and Sumitomo Metal to pay a compensation of 400 million won (around $350,000) to four South Koreans, only one of whom is still alive, Efe news reported. The decision was a further setback to bilateral ties that have been severely strained owing to unresolved issues from the time of Japanese occupation of the Korean peninsula between 1910 and 1945. The Japanese Foreign Ministry termed the verdict "totally unacceptable" and said it violated an earlier bilateral agreement regarding compensation for colonization. The ministry said it would take the case before international courts. There were approximately 70 Japanese firms, including Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Yokohama Rubber, who had been implicated in similar cases of forced labour during the Second World War. During its occupation of the Korean peninsula during the Second World War, the Japanese empire had forcefully recruited hundreds of thousands of Koreans to work in its defence industry. Chennai, Oct 30 : The Special Judge for CBI cases in Puducherry P. Dhanabal on Tuesday sentenced sitting legislator Ashok Anandane and his father C. Anandane to jail for one year each for accumulating assets disproportionate to their known sources of income. In a statement issued here, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said they were also fined Rs 200,000. The CBI had registered a case against Anandane, Chief Engineer, Public Works Department (PWD), and his legislator son and his wife Vijayalakshmi for accumulating assets to the tune of Rs 3,75,30,221.11 between January 1997 and January 2006 -- which was disproportionate to their known sources of income. During the trial, Vijayalakshmi expired. New Delhi, Oct 30 : Acting CBI Director M. Nageswara Rao on Tuesday described media reports citing irregularities in the investments made by his wife in a private company as "incorrect and untrue." Rao, a 1986-batch IPS officer from Odisha, in a signed statement said all the transactions and investments made by him or his wife, Mannem Sandhya, have been given to the competent authorities, and everything has been mentioned in his annual property returns filed mandatorily with the government. Rao's remarks came after a media report cited that his wife borrowed Rs 25 lakh from Angela Mercantile Pvt. Ltd. (AMPL) in the financial year ending March 2011, according to the records maintained by the Registrar of Companies. Denying all reports, Rao gave a chronological order of events. Rao said: "In 2010, my wife had borrowed Rs 25 lakh from AMPL, a company belonging to our longtime friend Praveen Agarwal for purchase of an immoveable property in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh". He said the property was purchased jointly along with her cousin K. Ratna Babu, who is a well-known orthopedic surgeon in Guntur. He said in 2011, his wife sold some 5.12-acre land from her inherited agricultural property for Rs 30.72 lakh. Two months later she sold 6.05-acre land for an amount of Rs 27.90 lakh and received a total amount of Rs 58.62 lakh as sale proceeds during 2011. "This along with Rs 1.38 lakh from personal savings and a total of Rs 60 lakh was sent to Angela Mercantiles Private limited in 2011, who after deducting the loan amount retained the balance of Rs 35 lakh as investment," Rao said. He said after a period of little less than three years, in July 2014, Angela Mercantiles Pvt Ltd returned to her a total amount of Rs 41,33,165 which included interest amount of Rs 6,33, 165. "Therefore the question of any unaccounted money does not arise at all," he said, adding, "I deny all other reports as they are incorrect and untrue." In a dramatic post-midnight action, the government on October 24 divested CBI chief Alok Verma of his charge and made Joint Director Rao the interim Director. Asthana was also divested of all his supervisory responsibilities. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) took the decision after Verma and Asthana accused each other of taking bribes. On Friday the Supreme Court directed the Central Vigilance Commission to complete its probe into bribery allegations against Verma under the supervision of a retired apex court judge Justice A.K. Patnaik in two weeks while restraining interim chief from taking any policy or major decisions during the period. Asthana, a 1984-batch Indian Police Service officer of the Gujarat cadre, is accused of accepting a bribe of Rs 2 crore from a businessman who was being investigated in the Qureshi case in order to "wreck" the investigation. The case was being examined by a special investigation team (SIT) headed by Asthana. Kolkata, Oct 30 : RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group's Phillips Carbon Black Ltd (PCBL) is at an "advanced stage" of finalising a site in one of the southern states for its Rs 600 crore greenfield project, Group Chairman Sanjiv Goenka said on Tuesday. "The greenfield project will have a capacity of 1,50,000 tonnes per annum at an estimated investment of Rs 600 crore, for which site selection is at an advanced stage. A decision on the location of the project will be taken next month," Goenka said. The Group is negotiating with the state governments of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for setting up the carbon black project. Goenka said the 50,000-tonne capacity expansion at Mundra in Gujarat is expected to be commissioned next month. The 30,000-tonne capacity expansion at Palej, also in Gujarat, is expected to be completed by the second quarter of next fiscal year starting April. The company on Tuesday reported a whopping 113 per cent growth in its net profit to Rs 107.97 crore for the quarter ended September 30. New Delhi, Oct 30 : Over-exploitation of nature has wiped out about 60 per cent of the wildlife and 87 per cent wetlands since 1970, and ours is possibly the last generation of humans with a chance to act and reverse this trend, warns the WWF's Living Planet Report-2018. The biannual report mapped serious threats to pollinators like bees, soil ecology and wetlands which have direct repercussions on human food security and health. The report also recorded a rise in ecological footprint or consumption of natural resources by 190 per cent in the past 50 years. India was among the countries with the lowest footprints. However, it was among the worst when it came to soil biodiversity. The report held over-exploitation of nature, through agriculture and deforestation as major causes behind the findings. It also held invasive pollution, dams, fires, mining, and climate change as additional sources of pressure on nature. "Globally, 40 to 33 per cent forest land was converted between 2000 and 2010," the report stated. "Average abundance of 16,704 populations representing 4,005 species monitored across the globe declined by 60 per cent between 1970 to 2014," the report states, adding that the current rates of species extinction are 100 to 1,000 times higher than those before human pressure became a prominent factor. The species monitored were vertebrate species, or animals with a backbone, with database containing information on over 22,000 population of mammals, birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians. The abundance of pollinators, which has over 20,000 species of bees including other insects and animals, has been threatened due to intensified agriculture, the report said. "More than 75 per cent of leading global food crops depend on pollinators... Economically, pollination increases the global value of crop production by $237-$577 billion per year to growers alone and keeps price down for consumers," the WWF report stated. The report also warns of a sharp decline in wetlands, with WWF-India officials believing India to be one of the most affected. "Globally, wetland extent is estimated to have declined by 87 per cent in the modern era... Index shows an 83 per cent decline in freshwater biodiversity since 1970, equivalent to 4 per cent every year," the report said. The population of the critically endangered "gharial" across its range in India and Nepal declined by approximately 58 per cent between 1997 and 2006, the report states. "We are the first generation that has a clear picture of the enormous impact we have on nature. We may also be the last that can act to reverse this trend, from now until 2020 will be decisive moment in history," the report stated. Soil biodiversity, where India looks in a bad position, was mapped for the first time to find potential threats. "A risk was generated combining eight components including pollution, loss of above ground diversity, nutrients overloading, overgrazing, intensive agriculture, fire, soil erosion," the report added. It suggests that India's ecological footprint is among the lowest at less than 1.75 global hectares per person. "These are hard times... Nature globally provides services worth around $125 trillion a year... we need more research, efforts from government, business and financial sectors, researchers and conservation communities to revive the planet," said Ravi Singh, Secretary General and CEO, WWF-India. New Delhi, Oct 30 : The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed for shifting of Brajesh Thakur -- the main accused in Muzaffarpur shelter home rape case -- to Patiala prison from Bihar's Bhagalpur jail. A bench headed by Justice Madan B. Lokur ordered for Thakur's shifting to the high-security prison in Punjab, despite the defence counsel suggestion to shift him to Delhi. "No, no, Delhi is already polluted (overcrowded)," Justice Lokur said. The court also expressed its displeasure over the police not arresting another accused and former Bihar Minister Manju Verma. She was a Minister in Chief Minister Nitish Kumar-led government. "Her bail was rejected on October 9. Why have you not arrested her...because she was a Cabinet Minister? Nobody could trace her. Why was she not arrested?" Justice Lokur asked, brushing aside all explanations by senior counsel Ranjit Kumar appearing for the state. Pointing to the depravity of the crime where 34 of the 41 minors housed in a short-stay home were confirmed to have been raped, Justice Lokur said: "These girls were injected with drugs and a person is allowed to construct a four-storeyed building without windows!" Describing what all has happened as "indefensible", senior counsel Kumar said the authorities are looking into how the building was constructed, who sanctioned the plan and why it should not be demolished. The court also questioned the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) over changing the team investigating the case despite its orders. Telling the CBI officer present in the court that it had issued the September 20 order on keeping intact the investigating team, the court directed that the names of the officers who were there in the investigating team and that of those who are at present in the team be placed before it on Wednesday morning. Frankfurt (Germany), Oct 30 : Rupert Stadler, the former Chief Executive of premium-car maker Audi AG, will be released from pre-trial detention even as the investigation over diesel-emission manipulation against him continues, a German court said on Tuesday. Stadler was arrested in June following a probe into the German car maker's emissions cheating. He remains a strong suspect and will only be released under certain conditions, the Munich Higher Regional Court was cited as saying by Efe news. Prosecutors arrested Stadler citing evidence that he was planning to interfere with their investigation. Stadler has in the past said that he had no prior knowledge that illegal software was installed on Volkswagen or Audi engines. Under the conditions set by the court, Stadler was required to "refrain from contact with all persons relevant to the investigation", the report said. In order to enforce the ban, he was required to post bail, the court said. Audi parent Volkswagen said at the beginning of October that Stadler will leave both companies. Jodhpur, Oct 30 : The Rajashan High Court on Tuesday admitted an appeal against conviction of self-styled godman, Asaram, and issued notice to the state government. The defence will now move application seeking bail for Asaram, sentenced for life on April 25 for sexual exploitation of a teenager in his ashram. With notice to the state government asking for its reply, a division bench of justice Nirmaljit Kaur and justice V.K. Mathur has also summoned the record of the case. "We had moved a criminal appeal in the High Court praying for setting aside the conviction order. Since it has been admitted, we would now file a bail application soon," said Asaram's counsel Mahesh Bora. This came a week after Asaram got a reprieve in a case against him under the Income Tax Act. The court last week granted him bail in the case, which was registered against him by the then SHO (Udaimandir) for threatening him on social media and making viral a caricature of the officer depicting him as Ravana. His counsel Gokulesh Bohra said that bail to a co-accused Shiva had already been granted in the case and on Tuesday, Asaram was also granted bail in the matter on a bail bond of Rs 25,000. An application has also been moved by a relative of Asaram to the District Parole Committee seeking parole for Asaram for 20 days stating he has been sentenced by the trial court and has already served five years in jail and is now entitled for first bail. A district administration official said a report will be obtained on the matter and a decision taken on that basis. Asaram was arrested in August 2013 and has been cooling his heels in the Jodhpur Central Jail since then with the bail applications rejected by the respective courts a dozen times. New Delhi, Oct 30 : Union Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore has announced a compensation of Rs 15 lakh and job to the wife of the Doordarshan cameraman who was killed in the line of duty in a Maoist attack in poll-bound Chhattisgarh on Tuesday. In his condolence message on Twitter, the Information and Broadcasting (I and B) Minister "strongly" condemned the attack on Doordarshan (DD) News crew in the Maoist-affected Dantewada. "Deeply saddened by the demise of our cameraman Achyuta Nanda Sahu and two jawans of CRPF. These insurgents will not weaken our resolve. We will prevail," he said. He later told reporters that Rs 15 lakh will be given to the family of the cameraman, who worked for the organisation owned by government's Prasar Bharati. The minister also promised a job to his wife. A senior official at Prasar Bharati said: "Despite hostile environment in some parts of the country, DD News has been bringing in reportage from ground zero from all over the country." He said DD and the I & B Ministry stood committed to the welfare of its employees under all circumstances. A senior officer of DD News is accompanying the family members of the deceased cameraman to Raipur for bringing the body back to Delhi. The Chhattisgarh government is providing all assistance, he said. New Delhi, Oct 30 : India and Italy on Tuesday agreed to fast-track bilateral trade and investments and set up a bilateral industrial development and cooperation mechanism at a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Italian counterpart Guiseppe Conte here. "In order to give an impetus to enhanced economic cooperation between India and Italy, it was decided to set up a CEO Forum guided by a Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation (JCEC)," Modi tweeted following the meeting. "To increase two-way investments, we have decided to create a fast-track mechanism," he said. The Indian Prime Minister said both sides have decided to boost ties in key sectors such as lifestyle accessories design, transportation and automobile design, energy, and life sciences. According to a joint statement issued following the meeting, both sides agreed on the need for an institutional framework for a sustained dialogue to enhance the environment for ease of doing business in their countries and further facilitate and promote bilateral economic cooperation. "To take this forward, the leaders tasked the JCEC to work towards constituting a CEO Forum and setting up a fast-track mechanism to promote two-way investments, and resolve issues, if any, confronted by the businesses in each other's country," the statement said. India is Italy's fifth largest trading partner in the European Union while Italy is the fifth largest investor in India. The India-Italy trade stood at $10.5 billion in 2017-18, up from $8.8 billion in the previous fiscal. Conte, who assumed office in June, arrived here earlier on Monday to take part in the India-Italy Technology Summit organised by industry chamber CII in collaboration with India's Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Italian government. Lauding Italy's rich tradition of scientific research and its reputation in manufacturing during the course of his valedictory address at the summit, Modi said the two sides can cooperate in devising technological solutions for industry. "We have also decided to set up various Indo-Italian Centres of Excellence. Business and industry of both countries are already cooperating in bringing cutting edge technology in various sectors and can cooperate fruitfully in areas like renewable energy, neurosciences and IT," he said. In his address, the Italian Premier said Italy's participation as partner country in this edition of DST's Technology Summit has a special symbolism coming on the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Italy and India. "Innovation can be a catalyst for more inclusive growth and globalisation should not leave anyone behind," Conte said. "The common goal of our two governments is to be strategic partners in innovation," he said, adding the whole gamut of bilateral relations had been reviewed in his talks with Modi. According to the joint statement, Modi and Conte expressed their commitment to strengthening the India-EU economic partnership and noted the ongoing efforts of both sides to reengage actively towards an early resumption of negotiations for a comprehensive, balanced and mutually beneficial India-EU Broad Based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA). Negotiations for the BTIA started in 2007 but were put on hold in 2015. In all, 16 rounds of negotiations have been held. After India renounced its bilateral investment treaties (BITs) with all countries, investments from European nations are now not protected. India has terminated all BITs following a new BIT model New Delhi released in December 2015. The 28 EU member-states have now passed on the responsibility of investment protection negotiations to the EU. Both sides also recognised the need to broad-base defence ties. "India invited Italian defence equipment manufacturing companies to invest in India under the Make in India initiative and to collaborate with Indian companies for design and construction of defence equipment," the statement said. This assumes significance given that India cancelled the contract with Italian firm Finmeccanica's British subsidiary AgustaWestland for supplying 12 AW-101 VVIP choppers to the Indian Air Force, over alleged breach of contractual obligations and on charges of paying kickbacks amounting to Rs 423 crore. During their meeting, Modi and Conte also agreed to strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation through multilateral fora. "The leaders asserted that strong measures need to be taken against terrorists, terror organisations and all those who encourage, support and finance terrorism," the joint statement said. "They condemned all kinds of state support to terrorists including cross border terrorism and providing safe havens to terrorists and their network," it stated in what can be seen as a veiled reference to Pakistan. Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 30 : The state BJP on Tuesday observed a state-wide protest against the manner in which the devotees were "roughed-up" in and around the Sabarimala temple town last week when they did not allow a woman devotee in the age group of 10-50 to enter the temple. Tuesday's protest is the first in a series of planned protests to ensure that Sabarimala's tradition of keeping away women in the age group of 10 to 50 was kept intact. Over 3,500 protesters have been arrested till now and around 100 are still in judicial custody for the strong position they took against the September 28 Supreme Court ruling that allowed all women to pray at the temple. Leading the protest in the state capital, a few hundred metres from the office of the state police chief, was Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state President P.S. Sreedharan Pillai. Joining the protesters here was Emmanuel Milan, a Class 11 student and the grandson of veteran Communist leader M. M. Lawerence. Similar protests were held by the BJP in all the 13 district headquarters of the state. The temple closed after five days of monthly puja on October 22 and the strong protests of the devotees stopped 12 women who tried to go up to the temple with police security. The temple will now open at 5 p.m. on November 5 and close the next day at 10 p.m. and Pillai has said that they will be out in full strength and will support the devotees' wishes when the temple opens. In a related development, the Kerala High Court on Tuesday failed to intervene in a petition demanding a judicial probe into the police action at the temple town last week. The court said it cannot prevail upon the state government to order a judicial probe as it can only be done by the state cabinet. Later, the petitioner said he is withdrawing his petition and was allowed to do so. Kolkata : Kolkata Oct 30 (IANS) India's first container vessel movement on the river Ganga (National Waterways-I) began on Tuesday, with the Inland Waterways Authority of India transporting container cargo belonging to the food and beverages giant PepsiCo (India) from Kolkata to Varanasi. Union Shipping Secretary Gopal Krishna along with IWAI Chairman Pravir Pandey flagged off the vessel carrying the consignment in the presence of PepsiCo representatives. Gopal Krishna said that cargo movement to the east and northeastern states will become easier with the new mode of transportation through waterways. Development of multi-modal hubs within three years will lead to considerable increase in volume of cargo movement through waterways. "Cruise tourism will also improve by next year," he said. The vessel -- MV Rabindranath Tagore -- is transporting 16 containers equivalent to 16 truckloads of food and snacks through the river Ganga, and will reach Varanasi in 9-10 days. It will make its return journey with fertilisers from IFFCO that will be procured from its Phulpur plant near Allahabad. The central government is developing NW-1 (River Ganga) under Jal Marg Vikas Project form Haldia to Varanasi (1,390 km) at about Rs 5,369 crore with the technical and financial assistance from the World Bank. The project would enable commercial navigation of vessels with a capacity of 1,500-2,000 DWT. IWAI officials said container cargo transport reduces handling cost, allows for easier modal shift, decreases pilferage and damage, besides enabling cargo owners to lessen their carbon footprints. Kolkata, Oct 30 : A private port operator from Bangladesh on Tuesday pledged to invest USD 8 million foreign direct investment in coastal inland waterways transport segment implemented by Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) on National Waterways-I. "We will invest USD 3 million in the first phase and an additional five million will be done to import cargo handling equipment in the second phase," said an official of Summit Alliance Port East Gateway (India) Pvt Ltd. Summit Alliance Port East Gateway (India) Pvt Ltd is part of a Bangladesh-based group which won global contract as a private operator for three terminals GR-1, GR-II and BISN in Kolkata and upcoming one multimodal terminal at Kalughat in Patna. The terminals were handed over to the operator in the event in the presence of Shipping secretary Gopal Krishna, IWAI chairman Pravir Pandey, Kolkata Port Trust chairman Vineet Kumar and other senior officials. New Delhi, Oct 30 : Thousands of commuters in Delhi continued to remain stranded on Tuesday as DTC contractual drivers and conductors intensified their protest by going on a hunger strike. Although there was no major shutdown of services, the commuters on many routes had to wait for hours for a bus. A 29-year-old media professional, who takes a bus to Noida Sector 16, said she has to wait for at least 40 minute before an over-crowded bus arrives. "Even if the bus arrives, it is so crowded that you can't even get in. Because of the protest and over-crowded buses, we are not able to use Metro cards to get a ticket...," she told IANS. The Delhi government and the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), on the other hand, said the 'out-shedding' of buses on Tuesday was better than Monday. "The out-shedding on Monday was 89 per cent and on Tuesday, it was 94 per cent," DTC Chairman said. The Delhi government has also conceded to DTC contractual workers' demand of restoring old wages, which were earlier decreased due to a High Court decision. However, the contractual workers are also demanding same pay for same work. "We do not want them to just restore old wages. We are not labours, we are employees and we want to be treated as such," a source in the DTC contractual employees told IANS. Other demands of the contractual workers include the return of eight of their terminated workers and job security. The agitated protestors said that they will continue their strike until their demands are met by the government. "This is our ninth day and no one from the government or the DTC has come to talk to us. We have been sending them notices, but to no avail," President of the contractual workers employees said. Meanwhile, the Delhi government called the protest "illegal" as it violates the Essential Services and Maintenance Act. New Delhi, Oct 30 : A day after unveiling its flagship device at an event in New York, Chinese premium smartphone brand OnePlus on Tuesday brought to India its much-anticipated OnePlus 6T with 6GB RAM and 128GB internal storage for a starting price of Rs 37,999. The smartphone will also be available in midnight black and mirror black colours in 8GM RAM + 128GB storage and 8GB RAM + 256GB storage variants for Rs 41,999 and Rs 45,999, respectively. Notably, the rear mounted fingerprint scanner has been done away with for an "in-display" scanner in this iteration. "We constantly challenge ourselves to give people the best experience possible, to do what's right, no matter what," Pete Lau, Founder and CEO, OnePlus, told reporters here. The device will be available during a preview sale starting November 1 on Amazon.in where people can avail cashback worth Rs 2,000 on ICICI Bank debit and credit cards and Citibank credit cards. From November 2, OnePlus 6T will be available on all online and offline channels, with Rs 1,500 cashback on certain banks' debit and credit cards. Featuring "screen unlock" -- the industry's fastest in-display fingerprint technology, the smartphone provides users with a fast, natural and intuitive way to unlock their devices, thus, benefiting from a large display with minimal bezels, according to the company. The much-talked about waterdrop notch lends OnePlus 6T an immersive 6.41-inch Optic AMOLED display with a 19.5:9 aspect ratio. "The device is protected by the latest Corning Gorilla Glass 6 and over 40 different manufacturing steps go into crafting the 3D glass back of the smartphone which is made from multiple layers of glass, including anti-glare coating and a texturised multi-layer film," the handset maker said in a statement. "A great user experience means your phone needs to get out of the way and make you feel free -- it has to enhance your life instead of distracting you from it. I'm so proud of what we've built with the OnePlus 6T and can't wait to see what people think when they use it," Lau added. A flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset powers the device. "Smart Boost" is a new feature in the OnePlus 6T which improves app cold start speeds by up to 20 per cent by storing data from frequently used apps in the phone's RAM. The smartphone has a bigger 3,700 mAh battery which provides a 20 per cent increased battery life compared to the previuous-gen OnePlus 6. The OnePlus 6T's camera includes software optimisations and added features such as the "Nightscape" feature which assists in capturing low-light urban environments with improved clarity, less noise, accurate colour reproduction and better dynamic range. The camera hardware boasts of a combination of 16MP f/1.7 and 20MP f/1.7 rear-facing cameras with Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) and Electronic Image Stabilisation (EIS) features, while the front-facing camera is a 16MP sensor with f/2.0 aperture and EIS. "Working with critically acclaimed photographer and artist Kevin Abosch, the device's rear camera features 'Studio Lighting', a feature that has been fine-tuned to recognise faces and adjust the lighting accordingly to simulate professional lighting," the company said. The company also introduced its new Type-C Bullets earphones in matte black colour variant for Rs 1,490. New Delhi, Oct 30 : The air quality of Delhi and neighbouring areas deteriorated on Tuesday, turning "severe", with a rise in particle pollutants overnight, mostly due to the local sources of pollution. A Supreme Court-appointed committee has already ordered the pollution control panels of Delhi and neighbouring states to stop all the dust generating construction activities from November 1 to 10, when the pollution is suppose to peak. At 4 p.m., the Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi, which includes 36 regions, was 401 considered "severe". The AQI was 451 at Ghaziabad, 426 at Gurugram, 408 at Noida and 413 on Faridabad, all considered "severe". Greater Noida was the least polluted with near severe AQI at 394, on a scale of 0 to 500. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the "severe" levels affect healthy people and seriously impact those with existing diseases. The city was covered in a smoky haze due to a high volume of trapped pollutants that affect visibility and hurt eyes of commuters. Experts warned that episodes of smog will begin in a couple of days. "It is haze since ozone is at a good level. We cannot call it smog," K.J. Ramesh, head of India Meteorological Department (IMD) told IANS. Haze is the reflection of sunlight from particulate matter (PM). Smog, which is far more dense, is a mixture of moisture and PM, and allows for limited visibility. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the air quality is set to deteriorate further from November 1, and the Diwali this year is likely to be more polluted. "Currently Delhi has trapped pollutants because dispersion is negligible. There is hardly any wind, so the pollutants are from local sources and dust," Mahesh Palawat, director Private Weather forecasting agency Skymet told IANS. According to Met officials, the local pollutants are largely a combination of meteorological reasons and dust generating from vehicles and renovations of buildings due to festival season. On Tuesday, almost all places in the NCR saw a sharp rise in the major pollutants -- PM2.5 and PM10 -- particles in the air with diameters less than 2.5mm and 10mm, respectively. Across 35 active pollution monitored area in Delhi, the average concentration of PM2.5 and PM10 was 263 microgrammes per cubic meters and 472 units by 7 p.m. The same PM2.5 and PM10 concentration across 48 monitored area of National Capital Region (NCR) was 257 units and 457 units. Air quality is considered "severe" when either AQI is between 401 and 500 or PM2.5 is between 250 and 300 or the PM10 levels are between 430 and 500, according to CPCB. The safe limit for PM2.5 is 60 units as per national standards and 25 units according to the international standards. For PM10, up to 100 units is safe from national standards and 50 units international standards. "Both PM2.5 and 10 get into the lungs and cause cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, but PM2.5 is more dangerous because it mixes with blood stream," Shambhavi Shukla, researcher with the CSE, told IANS. She said some international studies have noted that particle pollutants have a direct effect on life expectancy. Anand Vihar in east Delhi was the most polluted region with AQI of 457. While Dwarka, Rohini, Jahangirpuri, Wazirpur, Delhi University North Campus, Mundaka were among other most polluted regions. Thiruvananthapuram, October 30 : Congress leaders in Kerala found themselves on the defensive on Tuesday as party national president Rahul Gandhi contradicted the Kerala units stand on womens entry into Sabarimala. Mr. Gandhi told reporters that he was in favour of allowing women of child-bearing age into the Sabarimala temple, adding that women and men were equal and that women enjoyed the liberty to go anywhere as they pleased. On his view on the Sabarimala issue being at odds with that of the party Kerala units stand, he clarified that the Kerala unit was of the view that that Sabarimala womens entry was a sentimental issue. Mr. Gandhi also tempered his remarks in favour of womens entry into Sabarimala by saying that the congress party was obliged to bow to public sentiments since it represented the public at large. However, with media outlets in Kerala interpreting Mr. Gandhis comments as a rejection of the Kerala units stand against womens entry into Sabarimala, the state unit of the party scrambled to clarify their national presidents remarks, explaining them away as Mr. Gandhis personal view. Opposition leader and senior congress leader Ramesh Chennithala rejected suggestions in the media that Mr. Gandhi disowned the view of the Kerala unit (KPCC) on the Sabarimala issue, clarifying that Rahul Gandhi was merely airing his personal view. Notwithstanding his personal opinion, Mr. Gandhi took regional sentiments into consideration and left it to the KPCC to formulate a stand on Sabarimala womens entry because of his democratic convictions, Chennithala added. Mumbai, Oct 30 : Isha Ambani and Anand Piramal -- both scions of the Ambani and Piramal business families -- will get married in Mumbai on December 12, their parents announced on Tuesday. "We are delighted to share that the marriage of Isha Ambani and Anand Piramal will take place in the residence of Mukesh Ambani and Nita Ambani in Mumbai with family members and close friends on 12th December, 2018. The ceremonies will be performed in accordance with Indian traditions, customs and culture," said a statement late this evening. During the weekend prior to the wedding, the Ambani and Piramal families will host their friends and family in Udaipur, where they are partnering with artisans and craftsmen to integrate local culture and traditions into the festivities. Both families sought the blessings and good wishes of everyone for Isha and Anand as they start their journey of togetherness, said the parents Mukesh and Nita Ambani and Ajay and Swati Piramal. The twin sister of Akash Ambani and sister of Anant, Isha is on the Boards of Reliance Jio and Reliance Retail. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and South Asian Studies from Yale University and is a master in Business Administration programme from the Graduate School of Business, Stanford. Anand and Isha have been long-time friends and both the families have known each other for over four decades. Anand, who had proposed to Isha at a temple in Mahabaleshwar last May, is the founder of Piramal Realty, one of India's leading real estate companies. The son of corporate magnates Ajay and Swati Piramal with varied business interests, Anand had also launched Piramal Swasthya, a rural healthcare initiative that treats 40,000 patients a day. Anand holds a Bachelor's Degree in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania and a Masters in Business Administration from Harvard Business School. IANS qn/prs New Delhi, Oct 30 : Kerala has been ranked as the top state to achieve highest annual decline in Infant Mortality Rate followed by Mizoram and Karnataka, according to the Health Ministry. Union Health Minister J.P Nadda on Tuesday inaugurated the 5th National Summit on "Good and Replicable Practices and Innovations in Public Health Care Systems in India" being held in Assam and also released a report 'Healthy States, Progressive India' which ranks states and UTs on improvements in common health meters. While Himachal Pradesh stood first for the highest annual decline in Neonatal Mortality Rate 2015 vs 2016, Tamil Nadu and Delhi were ranked second and third respectively. West Bengal was declared the best state in Family Planning category while Chattisgarh and Rajasthan were ranked second and third respectively. Himachal Pradesh again was ranked the best state for highest annual decline in Under 5 Mortality followed by both Assam and Jharkhand in second position and Gujarat and Kerala in third rank. For best performance in Revised National TB Control Program (RNTCP) Andhra Pradesh Gujarat and Arunachal Pradesh were declared top states. Haryana and Himachal Pradesh were ranked as best performance states in National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS). Speaking at the event, Nadda said the government is focused on promoting innovative approaches. "The govt believes in cooperative federalism. The Health Ministry stands with the states. While the ownership is that of the states, we are ready to lend all technical and financial support. The essence of co-operative federalism lies not in decentralization alone but also in sharing and learning from each other," he stated. New Delhi, Oct 30 : Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday asserted that safety of passengers should be at the centre of all airline operations. He said this while releasing the Economic Impact Report and a Coffee Table Book, encapsulating 12 years of operations of GMR Group at Delhi Airport, here today. "The Economic Impact Study has also been a huge eye-opener. I am happy to note that the Delhi airport contributes to almost 0.7 per cent of the national GDP and almost 18 per cent of Delhi's GSDP. "It is extremely heartening to note that this entity employs nearly 28 lakh employees both directly as well as indirectly," Naidu said addressing a gathering at the launch as per a statement issued by his office. His comments came in the aftermath of the crashing of Indonesian Lion Air Boeing airliner, which was carrying 189 people and was flown by Indian pilot Bhavye Suneja. The plane crashed into the Java Sea on Monday minutes after taking off from Jakarta. On the economic front, the Vice President cited the global airlines body International Air Transport Association (IATA), to claim that India will be the third largest aviation market around 2024, surpassing the UK. "The present trends in air transport suggest passenger numbers could double to 8.2 billion in 2037 and this doubling of air passengers could support 100 million jobs globally," according to the IATA statement. Itanagar, Oct 30 : The Indian Army and China's People's Liberation Army on Tuesday held military border personnel meeting on the Chinese side at Bum-La, a defence official said. The meeting followed after 11 PLA troopers had intruded in the Upper Dibang Valley district of Arunachal Pradesh earlier this month. The Indian delegation was led by Brigadier Zubin Bhatnagar. Senior Colonel Yao Shi Cheng led the PLA team. The meeting began with the Indian delegation being received by PLA at the famous Heap of Stones at Bum-La Pass, followed by rendition of national anthems and a formal meeting between the two delegations, the statement said. Both sides highlighted importance of such meetings for maintenance of Peace and Tranquility along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The BPM mechanism in Bum-La sector was established in 1990, for enhancing interaction between the border guarding troops of the two sides. "The delegations interacted in a friendly environment and parted with a feeling of commitment towards enhancing cooperation and maintaining the peace along the LAC. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to uphold the agreements and protocols signed between their governments to maintain peace and tranquillity along the borders," the statement stated. New Delhi, Oct 30 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday called upon the US companies to fully avail of business opportunities in India in new areas such as energy, health care, digital technology besides start-ups. He was addressing board members of United States India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) who called on him. The board members include senior industry and business captains of the United States. They briefed Modi on the outcomes of India Leadership Summit held earlier in the day. An official release said the business leaders appreciated the economic and regulatory reforms implemented by the government in the past four years and expressed their desire to further deepen their engagements with India to make use of the mutually beneficial opportunities created by the rapidly growing Indian economy. Modi said that both countries have benefited in an unprecedented manner through economic engagement. "He encouraged US companies to fully avail of the business opportunities in new areas as well, such as start-ups, energy, health care and digital technology," the release said. A release issued by the Forum said that the theme of this year's Summit was 'In Pursuit of Inclusive Prosperity,' showcasing the contributions of both countries to inclusive growth. It said that USISPF board members, Jim Umpleby, CEO of Caterpillar and John T. Chambers, Chairman Emeritus of Cisco and Founder & CEO of JC2 Ventures presented a study: "Inclusive Prosperity: The Story of American Business in India", to Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. According to its findings, US companies contributed over $ 90 billion to India's GDP (2017) as over 6.6 million jobs are supported by US companies in India (2018). The US is India's largest trading partner and top export market. It is also India's top source of FDI with $50 billion worth of flows between 2014 and first quarter of 2018. The study also said US companies invested over $ 5.5 billion in R&D in India (2016) and the US companies contributed to over five per cent of total CSR expenditure in India (2017). Chennai, Oct 30 : Plagiarism charges against A.R. Murugadoss' forthcoming Tamil political thriller 'Sarkar' were dropped on Tuesday as the filmmakers agreed to honour writer and co-director Varun Rajendran via a special message in the credits. Rajendran had alleged that Murugadoss' 'Sarkar' is heavily inspired by his story 'Sengol', which he had registered in 2007. Following the allegations, Rajendran registered a complaint with South Indian Film Writers' Association and then later filed a petition with the Madras High Court, demanding a ban on the film's release until he is given his due credits along with a remuneration of Rs 30 lakh for his story. The case came up for hearing on Tuesday in the Madras High Court. However, both the parties decided to settle the matter amicably, with Murugadoss agreeing to honour Rajendran with a special message. Murugadoss took to Twitter to share the statement, which will reportedly be flashed for 30 seconds in the credits. "Denying the fundamental rights of voters by bogus voting is a dangerous crime affecting the welfare of our country," Murugadoss tweeted. "I imagined that a movie could be made with the theme that a hero whose vote is bogusly cast fights against the injustice and establishes the truth and creates awareness among the people. After discussing for months, I wrote the script of 'Sarkar' and directed the movie. "I came to know that one co-director K.V. Rajendran aka Varun had also imagined the same theme and had registered his script with South Indian Film Writers' Association. I'm writing to praise Varun for having imagined and registering the script before me." Murugadoss thanked the South Indian Film Writers' Association for "identifying a talented colleague in cinema world". 'Sarkar', which features Vijay in the lead role, is gearing up for release on November 6. The film also stars Keerthy Suresh, Radha Ravi and Varalaxmi Sarath Kumar among others in key roles. The film is produced by Sun Pictures and features music by A.R Rahman. Kolkata, Oct 30 : Upcoming Bengali film, 'Kia and Cosmos', based on the themes of parenthood and class divides where a teenage girl embarks on an investigative journey, will be screened at the Asian Film Festival Barcelona and Milan International Filmmaker Festival of World Cinema 2018, a release from the director Sudipto Roy said on Tuesday. The release said an official statement from the organisers of the Asian Film Festival Barcelona has confirmed the official entry of Kia and Cosmos in the competition category. Roy's directorial debut starring Ritwika Pal as Kia will be screened at the Asian Film Festival Barcelona 2018 on November 9. Among the Indian entries, there are films such as 'Liptstick Under My Burkha' by Alankrita Srivastava as a special entry along with three other films in the non-competition category of the festival that celebrates films from almost 24 countries such as Australia, Iran, Japan and China. The release said the Milan International Filmmaker Festival of World Cinema 2018 popularly known as Milan IFF, in its list of official entries, has included the film in its competition category with four nominations. The film will be screened on December 2, the day two of the eight-day festival. While Abhinav Agnihotri has been nominated in the Best Sound Design category, Anirban Maity has got nomination in Best Editing of a Foreign Language Film, Aditya Varma in the Best Cinematography of a Foreign Language Film and Director Sudipto Roy for Best Director of a Foreign Language Feature Film,the statement said. The plot of the film revolves around a 15-year-old other-worldly girl diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorders, living with her single mother, takes on the quest of writing a mystery novel spurred by the murder of the neighbourhood cat. Subsequently, with the help of her shadow teacher and her best friend and rickshaw puller, she finds herself in an audacious journey from Kolkata to Kalimpong to uncover the mysterious disappearance of her father. 'Kia and Cosmos' is set for an India release next year. Bhubaneswar, Oct 30 : India on Tuesday successfully conducted the night trial of the indigenously developed nuclear capable Agni-I ballistic missile off the Odisha coast. The surface-to-surface missile test was test-fired as part of a user-trial from the Abdul Kalam Island off Odisha coast. Defence sources said Strategic Forces Command of Indian Army test-fired the missile and the night trial of Agni missile was successful. The night trial of the ballistic missile with a strike range of 700 km was first conducted in April 2014, said sources. The missile with a strike range of beyond 700 km has a specialised navigation system. It has already been inducted in the Indian Army. IANS cd/prs New Delhi, Oct 30 : India's civil aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Tuesday reviewed the performance of Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft with India-based airlines and found "no significant technical issue" with them. The aircraft type was reviewed by the DGCA a day after a Lion Air-operated Boeing 737 Max 8 plane with 188 passengers on-board crashed into the sea shortly after take-off from Indonesia's capital Jakarta. "DGCA has reviewed performance of B737 Max 8 aircraft with Jet Airways and Spicejet today (Tuesday)," a senior DGCA official said. "As on date, six B737 Max 8 aircraft in India have accumulated about 4,000 hrs since their induction effective June 2018 onwards. There are no significant technical issues encountered in these aircraft. "In the meantime, Boeing has communicated to its worldwide operators including Jet Airways and SpiceJet that they do not recommend its operators any action at this time," said the official. After Monday's crash, the DGCA got in touch with Boeing and US aviation regulator FAA to know more details about the unfortunate accident. According to the civil aviation regulator, Boeing has informed that as on September 2018, 219 737 Max airplanes have been delivered across the world. Mumbai, Oct 30 : Automobile major Tata Motors on Tuesday announced the roll-out of its first SUV "Harrier" from its all-new manufacturing line. "Tata Harrier needed a completely new approach to product development and manufacturing processes," the company said in a statement. "The completely new world-class assembly line has been built in a record time of six months with the best manufacturing practices adopted from Jaguar Land Rover. It boasts of 90 per cent automation levels with over 100+ 'KUKA and ABB' robots." The five-seater monocoque SUV is engineered on the new generation "Optimal Modular Efficient Global Advanced" architecture, which is derived from Land Rover "D8" architecture and developed in collaboration with Jaguar Land Rover. Tata Motors plans to the launch the SUV early 2019. Shillong, Oct 30 : Congress leader Mukul Sangma on Tuesday hit out at the ruling National People's Party-led Meghalaya government for turning a blind eye to the "pain" and "agony" of its people living along the boundary with Assam. "There has been a standoff between Assam authorities and residents of Meghalaya, but how many times did the Chief Minister (Conrad Sangma) or Home Minister (James Sangma) speak to their counterparts," Mukul, a former Chief Minister, told journalists here. "Their silence shows the complete insensitivity of the Meghalaya government towards its people," Sangma said, urging the Chief Minister and Home Minister to speak to their Assam counterparts to prevent a law and order situation along the inter-state border. Sangma said also that the solution to the vexed boundary dispute could be found out only if political parties in both the states put a stop to politicising the issue. Terming Assam an aggressor on the Meghalayan territory, Mukul suggested that the two state governments involve all political parties in the states to resolve the boundary dispute. Recalling that Meghalaya had submitted documents pertaining to the areas of differences, the opposition leader said, "Assam was keeping quiet and sought time for studying the documents but they were engaged in various activities along the inter-state boundary. Maybe after studying our documents, they found that they were weak." In fact, the Meghalaya Assembly had adopted a resolution on March 2011 urging the Union government to constitute a commission to re-examine and redefine the inter-state boundary between Meghalaya and Assam. However, the Assam Assembly unanimously passed a resolution opposing the constitution of such a commission. Meghalaya became an autonomous state in 1971 and a full-fledged state on January 21, 1972. Since then, the inter-state boundary as defined under the North Eastern Areas (Re-Organisation) Act, 1971 has been a point of difference between Meghalaya and Assam. The 12 areas of difference include Upper Tarabari, Gizang Reserve Forest, Hahim, Langpih, Borduar, Boklapara, Nongwah-Matamur, Khanapara-Pilangkata, Deshdemoreah, Khanduli-Psiar area, Ratacherra and Blocks I and II. The total area of difference is 2,765.14 square km, of which Blocks I and II cover 1,583.42 square km. Kochi, Oct 30 : The sail training ship of the Indian Navy, INS Tarangini, returned to Indian shores on Tuesday after a seven-month long voyage across the world, during which it crossed waters of 13 countries. The ship had embarked on its voyage, named 'Lokayan 18', on April 10 this year from Kochi. "During the voyage, the ship has proudly 'shown the flag' and highlighted the diverse culture of India across 15 ports in 13 countries," the Defence Ministry said in a statement. "A welcome ceremony was conducted by the Southern Naval Command at south jetty of the naval base to mark the occasion. "The ship sailed across the Arabian Sea, Red Sea, Suez Canal, Mediterranean Sea, Strait of Gibraltar, North Atlantic Ocean, Bay of Biscay, English Channel and North Sea, right up to Norway before commencing her homeward passage back to Kochi," it said. During its voygae, the ship participated in events like 'Three Festival Tall Ships Regatta' at Bordeaux, France, and 'Tall Ships Races Europe 2018' which started at Sunderland, the UK, and culminated at Harlingen, Norway. "INS Tarangini is a three-masted 'square rigged' barque which carries a total of 20 sails. She is the First Sail Training Ship in Indian Navy and was commissioned on Nov 11, 1997. In her 21 years of glorious service, she has sailed over 2,20,000 nautical miles to date across the world's oceans," the Ministry said. Beirut, Oct 31 : The Lebanese army has arrested 113 Syrian refugees in Adayse, Marjeyoun, for entering Lebanon illegally, media reported. According to the National News Agency, some of these refugees stayed in Lebanon without legal papers or expired documents, Xinhua news agency reported on Tuesday. 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. A big number of Syrian refugees entered Lebanon in an illegal way. Lebanese General Security issued in August a decision to allow illegal Syrian refugees to go back to Syria. Illegal Syrian residents in Lebanon can pay fines and return home, which would allow them to enter Lebanon in a legal way in the future. However, they will be denied access to Lebanon permanently if refusing to pay fines. Aden (Yemen), Oct 31 : The Saudi-led coalition on Tuesday night launched airstrikes on a training camp of the Shiite Houthi rebels in Yemen's Red Sea coastal city of Hodeidah, killing 150 of them, a pro-government military force said. The Houthis cordened off the bombing site in Marouah area, the pro-government Giants Brigades forces said in a press statement on its official news website alamalika.net, reports Xinhua news agency. Several vehicles were seen transporting the Houthi casualties to different hospitals in Hodeidah, the statement added. Sky News Arabia TV channel based in Dubai also reported the deadly airstrikes in Hodeidah. Houthi sources are yet not available for comment on the airstrikes. The Yemeni government is seeking to expel Houthi rebels out of the strategic city of Hodeidah in recent days despite warnings by international humanitarian agencies. The impoverished Arab country has been locked into a civil war since the Iran-backed Shiite Houthi rebels overran much of the country militarily and seized all northern provinces, including the capital Sanaa, in 2014. 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. The UN has listed Yemen as the country with world's biggest humanitarian crisis, with seven million Yemenis on the brink of famine and cholera causing more than 2,000 deaths. Houston, Oct 31 : Several offices at the State Capitol in the US' Texas were briefly evacuated on Tuesday due to a suspicious package. The incident came days after a man in the US state of Florida was arrested for sending a wave of suspicious packages containing potentially explosive devices to critics of US President Donald Trump, reports Xinhua news agency. The staff members were asked to leave offices in part of the Capitol building, located in Texas capital city of Austin, but the majority of the Capitol grounds remained open to the public. Texas State Representative Matthew Ray Schaefer, who is serving on the Defense and Veterans' Affairs and Urban Affairs committees, wrote on Twitter that his office and other offices in the vicinity "were evacuated" due to a suspicious package that was discovered around noon. The evacuation order was lifted hours after the Texas Department of Public Safety determined that the package delivered to a state representative's office posed "no viable threat." Amazon's Australian headquarters will be on Market Street in the Sydney CBD. As the technology giant steps up its expansion, Amazon already occupied office space at 2 Park Street. The Australian Financial Review says it is now set to occupy 2 Market Street. Allianz is leaving the building after it sold its half-stake in the tower to Charter Hall. Allianz occupies more than 18,000 square metres in the building's total of nearly 40,000 square metres in office space. The second largest tenant is Caltex with 9,000 sq m. The Commonwealth Bank of Australia will be vacating in 2021. Amazon's distribution centres started in Melbourne's Dandenong South, securing a 24,387 square metre former Bunnings distribution centre from Melbourne's Pellicano family. The online retailer will open its second distribution centre in Sydney's south-west after leasing a 43,000 square metre facility at Moorebank from Goodman Group. The Bendigo Bank building in Albury has been sold to a Sydney investor for $2.9 million. The three-level property was sought by 10 bidders. It sold for $600,000 over the reserve, reflecting a yield of 4.8%. Other recent bank sales saw the Commonwealth Bank building in Shepparton sell for $3.6 million and Gympies Bank of Queensland property fetch $825,000. The Mona Vale ANZ premises (pictured above) sold after its recent auction for $5.7 million on a 4.57% yield. There had been significant interest on the property with 84 enquiries and 15 contracts issued by Burgess Rawson. A local Sydney Northern Beaches private investor was its buyer. We simply couldnt handle the demand with only one clinic. Families in Coral Gables and the surrounding area needed our services and it was time to answer the call. To meet the growing demand for all-natural head lice removal services, Lice Troopers has recently expanded to its second clinic in the Miami area. This new location will serve families and schools in the areas of Pinecrest, Key Biscayne, Coral Gables, Miami Beach and Aventura. According to Lice Troopers owner and operator, Arie Harel, the expansion was a natural move: We simply couldnt handle the demand with only one clinic. Families in Coral Gables and the surrounding area needed our services and it was time to answer the call. Handling lice naturally can be time consuming, and parents often dont feel up to the task. Who can blame them? Now there is a service in their area that takes care of the problem and gets them back to regular life as soon as possible. The new salon clinic, which opened in early January, is located at 2100 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Coral Gables, Florida, 33146. Lice Troopers will continue to provide services at their original Bay Harbor Islands location (1005 Kane Concourse, Suite 212, Bay Harbor Islands, FL 33154), and by house calleither in your home or any other chosen location. Parents looking to limit chemical exposure are reportedly pleased that there is a way to get rid of the bugs without the use of over-the-counter treatments or prescription shampoos. These treatment methods rely on products that are mostly composed of commercial grade pesticides. Services like Lice Troopers rely on a method of combing and thorough screening to make sure all bugs and nits are removed. While parents can purchase a lice comb and spend weeks trying to make sure every bug and nit has been removed, letting the experts do the job (it only takes them an hour) is easier, faster and cleaner. For this reason, more parents are taking this job to the professionals. Relieving parents of the daunting task of head lice removal, Lice Troopers are branching out to various locations to provide access to chemical-free head lice treatments to a larger group of people. The company also provides screenings for schools and camps, the two places where head lice outbreaks are most common. They also conduct thorough home inspections and cleanings following a treatment to ensure fewer chances of a re-infestations. About the Company Lice Troopers is the all-natural, guaranteed Head Lice Removal Service that manually removes the head louse parasite safely and discreetly in child-friendly salon settings, or other chosen location. Providing safe solutions for frantic families, the Lice Troopers team has successfully treated thousands of families nationwide, with services widely recommended by pediatricians and reimbursed by many major health insurance carriers, flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts. Contact Information Postal Address: (Miami Beach) 1005 Kane Concourse, Suite 212, Bay Harbor Islands, FL 33154 Website: https://www.licetroopers.com/ Phone: 1.800.403.5423 Email: info(at)licetroopers(dot)com Working Hours: 8:00AM-9:00 PM (Open 7 days/week) Iron Lot, Owner Mike Campbell We are excited to have been even a small part of the overall work and opening of the orphanage. We are going to continue to support their mission for the foreseeable future. The first of its kind special needs orphanage, Casa Providencia, has been opened in Panama, and a North Carolina business has played a key role. Since 2015, Iron Lot, LLC, a construction safety equipment company in Burlington, has been donating a percentage of their product sales to help build the orphanage. Iron Lot sells aluminum and steel trench boxes to customers across the U.S. In 2015, owner Mike Campbell was moved to support the building of Casa Providencia, which is run by Hearts Cry Childrens Ministry. Campbells wife Jenny has a strong connection to Hearts Cry through her cousin Misty Hedspeth. In 2008, Hedspeth and her husband, Matt, traveled to Panama to begin the process of adopting a child. While in Panama, the Hedspeths were so moved by what they saw there that they quit their jobs, sold their home, and moved to Panama to create Hearts Cry. The connection between Iron Lot and Hearts Cry is faith-based. Campbell says that God gave him both the vision and the willingness to use part of the companys profits to support Hearts Cry. We are excited to have been even a small part of the overall work and opening of the orphanage. We are going to continue to support their mission for the foreseeable future. In fact, since Campbell made that decision three years ago, every time a customer has purchased a trench box or any of the products Iron Lot sells (bedding boxes, road plates, or used construction equipment) a donation has been made. Casa Providencia, or Providence House, is a first-class facility whose goal is to connect special needs children with forever families and to offer those children physical, mental, speech, and occupational therapy. The facility is opening in three phases. In the first phase, the orphanage will house 15 children and provide a hydrotherapy center, physical and occupational therapy, a medical clinic, and both indoor and outdoor playgrounds. During Phase 2, Casa Providencia will house an additional 15 children and a learning center, therapy pool, and rooftop terrace will be added. When Phase 3 is realized, a total of 55 children will be housed in the orphanage and vocational training and a mentoring program will round out the service offerings. As the phases are realized, the cost per child will drop from $122 per day in Phase 1 to $52 per day at full capacity. Campbell and his family have had the opportunity to see the results of their donations first hand. Over the summer, they travelled to Panama. We took our kids to Panama to visit their cousins and were blessed to get to meet some of the first kids at the new orphanage. In addition to the new orphanage, the Christian-based Hearths Cry has two initiatives Family Services and Orphan Cares. The Family Services program provides free adoption and foster care services to families in Panama to care for Panamanian orphans. Orphan Cares is an umbrella program for Hearts Cry projects that occur throughout the year, such as baby holding programs, hosting international mission teams, and providing financial aid. Read more about the Iron Lot & Hearts Cry connection at http://www.ironlot.com/hearts-cry/. Visit Hearts Cry Childrens Ministry at http://www.heartscrychildren.com. Learn more about Iron Lot products and services at http://www.ironlot.com. About Iron Lot, LLC Iron Lot, LLC is a family-owned business headed by Mike Campbell. Founded in 2007 as an equipment brokerage service, Iron Lot has evolved to sell construction safety equipment like trench boxes as well as a global exporter of used construction equipment. Headquartered in Burlington, NC, the company has distribution points for some of our products throughout the US. For more information visit ironlot.com or call 336-516-8011. About Hearts Cry Childrens Ministry Hearts Cry Childrens Ministry was founded in 2008 in the Republic of Panama by Americans Matt and Misty Hedspeth. The faith-based orphans care ministry has a three-fold mission: Orphan Cares, Family Services, and the new Casa Providencia. Learn more about the programs and projects of Hearts Cry Childrens Ministry at heartscrychildren.com. Congress got this one right. Its unlike anything Ive seen before. The Opportunity Zone legislation leverages private investment, creating jobs and transformational opportunity for those areas. Today, Viceroy Equities LLC, the investment management group headed by Joseph Douek announced the formation of its $75 million BKOZ Opportunity Zone Fund. The BKOZ Fund will invest exclusively in projects in Opportunity Zones in Brooklyn, NY. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 enacted by Congress set out the formation of Opportunity Zones throughout the USA with the intent of catalyzing growth in various census tracts. By investing in Opportunity Zones through designated Opportunity Funds, investors can garner substantial tax benefits. Opportunity Funds allow investors to defer federal taxes on any recent capital gains until December 31, 2026, reduce that tax payment by up to 15 percent, and pay as little as zero taxes on potential profits from an Opportunity Fund if the investment is held for 10 years. Congress got this one right. Its unlike anything Ive seen before. The Opportunity Zone legislation leverages private investment, creating jobs and transformational opportunity for those areas, said Mr. Douek. All of America benefits by keeping the torch lit on the economic vitality unleashed by the 2017 legislation. Our goal through the BKOZ Fund is to invest in Brooklyn, NY development projects in Opportunity Zones only. The Brooklyn market has experienced rapid growth and Im optimistic that Brooklyn will continue to experience above average success for the foreseeable future. The fund will be limited to raising to $75 million allowing the firm to deploy capital in a focused manner, ensuring that investors benefit not only from the tax incentives but also from the asset appreciation. From 2001-2012, Joseph Douek served as a Director for the NYC Economic Development Corporation and concurrently from 2002-2012 served as a Director for the NYC Industrial Development Agency. Through his role at both agencies, Mr. Douek helped design and implement various economic development and land use initiatives to create jobs and growth in NYC through a mix of Federal, State and City government incentives, including tax incentives and the issuance of billions of dollars of triple tax exempt bonds. Since 2012, Mr. Douek serves as NYC Planning Commissioner. About Viceroy Equities LLC: Viceroy Equities LLC is a NY based investment management group founded in 2018. For more information visit http://www.viceroyequities.com. Faculty Guild The model we developed, that Faculty Guild is now bringing to scale, was designed by faculty for faculty. It leverages the latest thinking in adult learning theory to engage faculty in a way that is immediate and important while preserving their privacy and independence. Faculty Guild, an educational services and technology organization focused on improving student outcomes through purposeful teaching, today announced that it has exclusively licensed the research, methodology and assets of the Global Skills for College Completion (GSCC) project, led by the LaGuardia Community College Foundation. LaGuardia Community College is one of 24 institutions within The City University of New York. For years, weve seen a wide range of college and university investments in important student success initiatives. What has been underrepresented, however, is the voice of the faculty those with the most frequent and closest contact with students, said David Yaskin, CEO of Faculty Guild. By authentically engaging faculty in evidence-based, purposeful teaching, we have an opportunity to get to the heart of student success in a way not previously considered. We are honored to build on LaGuardias impressive work scaling their approaches to serve the diverse needs of higher education. Yaskin is the founder and former CEO of Starfish Retention Solutions, now part of Hobsons. Founded in 2009 under the leadership of Dr. Gail Mellow, president of LaGuardia Community College, and with funding from The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Kresge Foundation, GSCC began as a research project to demonstrate that higher education teaching matters and that pedagogy is a determining factor in student success and completion. Changes in student achievement in the tested cohorts of both full-time and part-time faculty were promising, affecting retention and pass rates with differences ranging from 4 percent to 8 percent improvement. The results of the work are documented in the book Taking College Teaching Seriously: Pedagogy Matters! Improving teaching is not just about exposing faculty to evidence-based practices those are widely documented in many pedagogy books and a variety of prescriptive curriculum programs. The hard part in faculty development is getting faculty and their institutions to embrace a growth mind-set of continuous improvement and to stick with it. This takes regular practice, time and community, said Dr. Mellow. The model we developed, that Faculty Guild is now bringing to scale, was designed by faculty for faculty. It leverages the latest thinking in adult learning theory to engage faculty in a way that is immediate and important while preserving their privacy and independence. We are excited Faculty Guild will continue this important work in a way that will benefit the students our foundation serves, for years to come. The model was developed over six years with the support of hundreds of faculty members from dozens of institutions. The project, including the refinement of 20 evidence-based instructional practices, was evaluated by Stanford Research Institute. The model consists of placing faculty members in small, online teaching circles of their peers where they each journal (in a highly structured format) about a weekly classroom activity, connect that work to any of the 20 evidence-based instructional practices, and participate in peer-to-peer analysis and feedback using appreciative inquiry. Inspired by this work, Faculty Guild provides a software platform that powers a national network of facilitators and faculty members as they work together to explore evidence-based teaching practices. Specifically, Faculty Guild offers two-term fellowships to full-time and part-time faculty members, as well as graduate assistants. Part-time faculty members receive an honorarium from Faculty Guild at the completion of each term. We are excited to be a founding partner institution with Faculty Guild. The work is promising and aligns nicely with our commitment to supporting faculty as they seek to make a difference in the lives of our students, said Dr. David A. Vanko, interim provost of Towson University. We have a cohort of faculty participating now leveraging the model originally developed by the work of GSCC. Our faculty members are appreciating the opportunity to spend time reflecting on their work, connecting it in a natural way to evidence-based instructional practices and getting to see and learn from their peers across the country. Towson University is one of more than 35 institutions, including four- and two-year institutions, that have joined Faculty Guild. Going forward, Dr. Mellow and other project staff will serve as advisors to the company. In addition, the LaGuardia Community College Foundation will receive an ownership interest in Faculty Guild to support the foundations mission of helping students succeed. About Faculty Guild Faculty Guild believes purposeful teaching is vital to student success. We offer a multi-term fellowship where faculty members bolster their existing teaching practices. Fellows learn by reflecting on their own teaching not from disconnected, general guidance. Additionally, their institutions receive aggregated, non-identified data to measure return on investment. Our approach has been tested by hundreds of faculty members and is based on more than six years of research, originally led by Dr. Gail Mellow. For more information, please call 844-776-3374 or visit http://www.facultyguild.org. "[SIA's] continued collaboration with PSA and ISC Events [presents] new and impactful insights that attendees may leverage to improve their risk management, understand the threat landscape and enhance their cybersecurity strategies." Don Erickson, CEO, SIA The next Cyber:Secured Forum, a cybersecurity educational summit focusing on integrated security systems, will be held July 29-31, 2019, at the Westin Dallas Park Central in Dallas, Texas. This event hosted by the International Security Conference and Exposition Events (ISC Security Events), PSA Security Network and the Security Industry Association (SIA), will explore the ramifications of cybercrime, the strategies for cyber hardening and new technologies and tools designed to improve the security of solutions and systems and provide a framework for developing new business opportunities. This event marks the second annual Cyber:Secured Forum. The 2018 forum, held in Denver, Colorado, featured keynote remarks from Suneeta Hazra and Judy Smith of the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Colorado and representatives from UL and the National Institute of Standards and Technology and sessions on the hackers perspective, Internet of Things cybersecurity, right-sizing a cybersecurity strategy and more. Providing compelling and practical cyber and data privacy educational content is a top priority for SIA. Our continued collaboration with PSA and ISC Events furthers this goal by presenting new and impactful insights that attendees may leverage to improve their risk management, understand the threat landscape and enhance their cybersecurity strategies, said Don Erickson, SIAs CEO. Last years inaugural event was an amazing learning opportunity for all the parties involved, said Bill Bozeman, CEO and president of PSA. The conversations that were had after each session made it clear that cybersecurity is an area that many companies have yet to fully grasp. The continued partnership with SIA and ISC Security Events for this event will surely provide the attendees with the necessary tools and resources to advance their cybersecurity policies and offerings. Whether physical security, IT leaders, systems integrators or cyber professionals, attendees of Cyber:Secured Forum 2019 will have the opportunity to interact with peers, share lessons and learn how to make their businesses more resilient, their systems more secure and their cyber practices standardized. Figuring out the best strategies and action plans for cyber, operational technology and physical security convergence is one of the top challenges, opportunities and urgencies that the industry faces today, said Will Wise, group vice president/security portfolio, Reed Exhibitions. Our ISC Security Events team is enthusiastic about partnering with SIA and PSA Security Network to bring together enterprise, government and education end users, manufacturers and integrators for this summit format event in Dallas. This event connects IT and physical security leaders to examine and share information on: Cyber hardening of integrated security systems How to improve your firms cyber posture New cybersecurity tools and resources for integrators The business of cyber, from liabilities to opportunities Pre-registration and additional event details are available on the Cyber:Secured Forum website, cybersecuredforum.com. About SIA SIA (securityindustry.org) is the leading trade association for global security solution providers, with more than 900 innovative member companies representing thousands of security leaders and experts who shape the future of the security industry. SIA protects and advances its members interests by advocating pro-industry policies and legislation at the federal and state levels, creating open industry standards that enable integration, advancing industry professionalism through education and training, opening global market opportunities and collaborating with other like-minded organizations. As a proud sponsor of ISC Events expos and conferences, SIA ensures its members have access to top-level buyers and influencers, as well as unparalleled learning and network opportunities. SIA also enhances the position of its members in the security marketplace through SIA Government Summit, which brings together private industry with government decision makers, and Securing New Ground, the security industrys top executive conference for peer-to-peer networking. About PSA Security Network PSA Security Network is the worlds largest systems integrator consortium made up of the most progressive security and audio-visual systems integrators in North America. Combined, PSA members boast over 400 branch locations, employ over 7,500 industry professionals and are responsible for over $4.5 billion annually in security, fire, life safety and pro audio-visual installations. PSAs mission is to empower its owners to become the most successful systems integrators in the markets they serve. PSA brings this mission to life by partnering with industry leading product and solution providers, delivering unparalleled education and training programs and by offering a variety of distinctive services that can enhance any companys operations. Learn more at psasecurity.com. About the ISC Security Events The ISC Security Events are owned and operated by Reed Exhibitions, the worlds leading event organizer with over 500 events in over 30 countries. The ISC Security Events include ISC West, ISC East, ISC Brazil and Expo Seguridad Mexico powered by ISC, in addition to the Unmanned Security Expo New York. ISC West is the portfolios flagship event with over 1,000 security exhibitors and brands participating, and 30,000 industry professionals in attendance. ISC West takes place annually in April at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada; the 2019 event will be held April 9-12. La Chocolatera Salinas Ecuador If you can lower your housing expense, it frees up funds to spend in ways you prefer, to enhance your life. Retirees spend more on housing in retirement than on anything else, says Jennifer Stevens International Living Executive Editor. If you can lower your housing expense, it frees up funds to spend in ways you prefer, to enhance your life. Overseas, all sorts of creative alternatives exist, which can allow retirees to eliminate their mortgage (or rent) payments entirely, and, at the same time, lower the costs for everything else as well. That can provide for a high quality of life lived in a place where the cost of living is much lower than it is at home. Our new report outlines three interesting ways American retirees are enjoying a mortgage-free life abroad. #1 House-sitting When Terry Coles and her husband Clyde decided to leave the U.S. and retire to Panama in 2011, they thought that would be their forever home. But after their first trip to Europe a few years later they were overcome with the desire to travel. We knew there had to be a way to travel for lesswe just needed to figure out how, Terry says. A friend suggested we try house sitting, which we tried while maintaining our home in Panama. Homeowners the world over are looking for house sittersreliable individuals and couples to take care of their properties, and very often their pets, when theyre out of town. In return, the house sitter gets to stay in the home, rent-free. In some cases, sitters even get the use of a vehicle. Its not a free holiday, there are responsibilities of course, but they pale into insignificance when stacked up against the cost savings and local experiences. Once we discovered the trick to living rent free around the world, we started our travels close to home in Latin America, since we already spoke Spanish, Terry says. First stop was the Andes mountains of Ecuador, where we lived among the indigenous Andean. From our apartment in the town of Ambato we could see the smoldering plumes rise from the Cotopaxi volcano. Since, the Coles have embraced the warmth of the beaches of Costa Rica, and lived in a Mexican casita while they ate their way around the Lake Chapala area of Mexico. Their wanderlust even took them halfway around the world to the Land of Smiles, Thailand. But it was Europe that stole their heart. In Tuscany, Italy they stayed in a medieval, stone farmhouse on a traditional Italian piazza. In romantic Chianti, their home was a 20-room restored farmhouse where they enjoyed fresh olive oil and wine from the owners private stock. Along the way we fell in love with the idea of living in Europe fulltime and that's when we discovered Portugal. Attracted by its Old-World charm, weve decided to stay here long term. And we couldnt be happier with our decision. We are grateful for the savings house sitting allowed us to make on the way to discovering our new home. #2 Selling one property, buying two At 57, IL Coastal Ecuador Correspondent, Jim Santos, decided to call it a day and retire. He and his wife, Rita, had sold their house in the U.S.and were able to buy two other properties. Today, the couple live a mortgage-free retirement. In the U.S. we were living in a waterfront condo on Marylands Eastern Shore, he says. We had a mortgage, but that was just the start of our expenses. Our condo maintenance feesin a building with no amenities at allwere just over $900 per month. The property taxes on our 3,000 sq. ft. home were $9,000 per year the first year, but then dropped, a little, to $6,000. Our monthly expenses were averaging just over $6,000. To add insult to injury, Maryland charges not only a state income tax, but also an additional 50% to your bill for the county. Clearly, we were living just to work. We sold all of our U.S. properties, and were able to pay cash for both a smaller safety house in West Virginia, and our new home in Ecuador. Ecuador is a very diverse country, from the Galapagos Islands to the Amazon basin and the Andes Mountainsfrom big, modern cities to small, quaint villages. Salinas, a relatively small town, lies on the Pacific coast. Despite its 937 miles of coastline with striking mainland beaches, it is one on the worlds best-value beach resorts. Here, the Santos found their ideal home. In Salinas, we were able to secure a 2,000 sq. ft. four-bedroom, four-bathroom condo. Bye-bye to the mortgage, Jim says. Today, our monthly expenses average about $1,800 per month. #3 Living large on a boat The dream of living on a boat, exploring the seas, savoring the clear blue waters and gentle rocking, listening to the lapping waves, remains a fantasy for some. But for Alaskan writer and biologist Bill Streever its a reality. At 54, he and his wife decided to leave their day jobs. Since then, they have sailed to Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Cuba, the Bahamas, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Curacao. We love boat life, and for us there is no reason to keep a house ashore, he says. We are glad to be rid of the expenses and worries that come with property. Sure, boat life has its own expenses, from marina fees to boat parts, but most of those are discretionary. For example, if marina prices are out of reach, it is almost always possible to anchor out, usually at no cost. Although they are on the move, they often stop for months at a time at choice locations. And they leave the boat once or twice a year to visit friends in other parts of the world. Within the community of cruising sailors, their lifestyle is not at all unusual. As to the cost of cruising, we have friends who live well and sail well on less than $2,000 a month and friends who spend almost that much every week, Bill says. It really depends on the boat, the location, and, most of all, the personalities involved. Very few cruising sailors are on boats that they do not wholly own. Of course, it is possible to spend a million dollars or more on a sailboat, but it is also possible to find a boat that is more than adequate for under $50,000. And those aboard the million-dollar boat have the same experiences as those aboard the $50,000 boat. As often as not, they are anchored in the same harbors and tied to the same docks." More information can be found here: 3 Ways to Live Mortgage Free in Retirement Editor's Note: Members of the media have permission to republish the article linked above once credit is given to Internationalliving.com Further information, as well as interviews with expert authors for radio, TV or print, is available on request. Photos are also available. For information about InternationalLiving.com content republishing, source material or to book an interview with one of our experts, contact PR Managing Editor, Marita Kelly, +001 667 312 3532, mkelly@internationalliving.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/internationalliving/ Twitter: @inliving https://twitter.com/inliving?lang=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/International.Living/ About International Living Since 1979, InternationalLiving.com has been the leading authority for anyone looking for global retirement or relocation opportunities. Through its monthly magazine and related e-letters, extensive website, podcasts, online bookstore, and events held around the world, InternationalLiving.com provides information and services to help its readers live better, travel farther, have more fun, save more money, and find better business opportunities when they expand their world beyond their own shores. InternationalLiving.com has more than 200 correspondents traveling the globe, investigating the best opportunities for travel, retirement, real estate, and investment. Smart Yields is building what we hope will become the largest public-private partnership of its kind through a unique service-based approach to agriculture technology Hawaii-based agriculture technology company Smart Yields has developed a new program to help small- and medium-size farmers form collaborative partnerships with research, educational, industry and community partners throughout the U.S. The #AlohaAg Challenge is designed around the needs of horticulture regions affected by climate and weather issues such as late frost. The program focuses on workforce development through the deployment of technology and shared data. Smart Yields supplies state-of-the-art sensors to farmers to monitor everything from soil and water inputs to weather and pests, while partner agencies tap into a national network of data. This collaborative approach allows farmers to gain access to leading crop technologies for as little as 50 cents a day, while partners support agricultural best practices and the growth of agriculture jobs in local and regional communities. Smart Yields is building what we hope will become the largest public-private partnership of its kind through a unique service-based approach to agriculture technology, said Vincent Kimura, CEO of Smart Yields. By collaborating with a large network of farmers and stakeholders, we provide low-cost solutions for agriculture to thrive. This data cooperative opens investment opportunities in farming communities, which allows farmers to better invest in our future, because no farmer grows alone. Through shared data, the program is also designed to create and accelerate regional solutions to pressing challenges in agriculture, like climate change. Each community needs a stakeholder sponsor and a minimum of 42 farmers to sign up. Farmers and partners interested in learning more are encouraged to visit smartyields.com/solutions or contact Smart Yields at support(at)smartyields(dot)com for additional information. Smart Yields connects farmers, agricultural researchers and their communities through crowd-sourced data gathered from a long-range network of integrated, state-of-the-art sensors that measure everything from soil health to inputs such as water, energy and nutrients. The company recently launched an extensive pilot program with the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union in Colorado, covering nearly 1 million acres and supplying dozens of fruit growers with data that has saved hundreds of thousands of dollars in high-value crop losses. The companys global expansion includes markets in Europe and Asia, as well as the establishment of Centers of Excellence to encourage farming best practices. About Smart Yields Founded in 2015, Smart Yields is a Honolulu-based agriculture technology company that connects farmers, researchers and their communities through real-time analytics gathered from a long-range network of integrated, state-of-the-art sensors. Managed in an easy-to-use mobile app, this system helps protect crops, optimize operations and increase yields. For more, visit SmartYields.com. Accuro, an award-winning staffing company, announces Center of Excellence in Noida. AccurosCenter of Excellence will position our company to capitalize on opportunities to expand client relationships around the world. Jennifer Dunleavy, founder and CEO of Accuro, a leading talent acquisition solutions company to global corporations, has announced that the company recently opened its Global Talent Acquisition and Recruitment Center of Excellence in Southeast Asia. Located in Indias information technology hub of Noida, Accuros Global Talent Acquisition and Recruitment Center of Excellence (CoE) will employ 300-400 leading IT recruitment and account management professionals to support Accuros US Talent Acquisition and Recruitment teams and its enterprise clients across North America, Europe and Asia. We are very pleased to announce the opening of our Global Talent Acquisition and Recruitment Center of Excellence, said Dunleavy. Accuros CoE will position our company to capitalize on opportunities to expand client relationships around the world. CoE Leadership will work closely with Accuros US Leadership in executing on the companys growth strategy. Accuros Global Talent Acquisition and Recruitment Center of Excellence is located in Tower A of Logix Cyber Park in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Logix Cyber Park is home to many leading technology companies, including Samsung, Nokia, Siemens and Pitney Bowes. ABOUT ACCURO Accuro is a leading provider of talent acquisition solutions to the worlds best companies. Founded in 2003, the company offers professional & technology staffing, executive search and contingent workforce solutions to global and Fortune 500 corporations. Accuro is recognized as one of the fastest-growing companies in the U.S. The company has been perennially named to the Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Companies in America by Inc. Magazine and as one of the Fastest-Growing Staffing Companies in the U.S. by Staffing Industry magazine. Michelle Worley, Aeroflow Pulmonary Manager Her leadership will be critical in improving our processes and efficiencies, and incorporating new equipment to advance Aeroflows mission of improving the quality of life for more patients Vaughn Williams, Director of Business Operations at Aeroflow Healthcare. Aeroflow Healthcare, an Inc. 5000 fastest growing company, today announced that Michelle Worley has been named manager of its new Pulmonary Unit. Formerly Aeroflows Sleep division, Aeroflow Pulmonary incorporates more healthcare products and services, such as ventilation and AffloVest mobile airway clearance therapy. This allows Aeroflow to provide an enhanced quality of care for current and future patients, and more quickly provide them with the necessary medical equipment. Michelles experience with Aeroflow and as a registered nurse makes her ideal to lead the Pulmonary unit to new levels of success, said Vaughn Williams, Director of Business Operations at Aeroflow Healthcare. Her leadership will be critical in improving our processes and efficiencies, and incorporating new equipment to advance Aeroflows mission of improving the quality of life for more patients. Its an incredible opportunity to have such a crucial role in managing the transition from Aeroflow Sleep to Aeroflow Pulmonary, shared Michelle Worley, Pulmonary Unit Manager, Aeroflow Healthcare. Expanding the amount of care were able to provide is key to our ongoing mission of improving the quality of life for more patients. Part of our success will depend on precisely managing the processes involved with getting medical equipment to patients in need in a timely manner. Prior to being named manager of Aeroflow Pulmonary, Michelle was Aeroflows Clinical Operations Manager and was responsible for leading the clinician's team. As a Registered Nurse, she was more than able to assist patients by meeting with them to set up their medical equipment. About Aeroflow Healthcare Aeroflow Healthcare was founded Asheville, NC in 2001 as a home oxygen provider, and has since grown to become one of the leading durable medical equipment providers nationwide. For three consecutive years, Aeroflow has been ranked on Inc. Magazines List of 5000 Fastest Growing Companies. In 2017, Aeroflow was also awarded the HME Excellence Award for Best Home Medical Equipment Provider and has been recognized as a business offering top-notch benefits to employees with the Great Place to Work Award. Aeroflow is an accredited Medicare and Medicaid provider and accepts most commercial insurance. To learn more about Aeroflow Healthcare and getting medical equipment through insurance, visit Aeroflowinc.com. Animal Behavior College "This years winners story was deeply moving. Despite major health challenges, she never lost sight of her career goal to heal and help animals. Her determination is not only admirable but also inspiring, said Steven Appelbaum, president and CEO of Animal Behavior College. Animal Behavior College (ABC) today announced the winner of the 2018 Sleepypod Scholarship contest. Stacy Marquar of Slidell, Louisiana, was awarded a full-ride scholarship to the colleges Veterinary Assistant Program (VAP) for her winning essay that explained what she planned to achieve as a veterinary assistant. Passion and commitment to a pets well being begins with the veterinary assistant in the exam room, said Michael Leung, co-founder of the Pasadena, California-based company. Sleepypod is privileged to provide resources to an exemplary Animal Behavior College candidate such as Stacy Marquar. We look forward to all that Stacy will accomplish in her future role as a member of a veterinary team. We appreciate Sleepypods continuing support of veterinary assistant education and for making it possible for a student to fulfill her dream of helping animals, said Steven Appelbaum, president and CEO of Animal Behavior College. This years winners story was deeply moving. Despite major health challenges, she never lost sight of her career goal to heal and help animals. Her determination is not only admirable but also inspiring. The Essay Growing up on a farm, Stacy Marquar always knew she wanted a career helping animals. After earning a Bachelor of Science degree, she worked as an animal care technician in primate husbandry at a research center and planned to become a veterinary assistant. Her plan changed after getting injured on the job. During rehabilitation, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. At the end of my surgeries and treatments, I had to start all over again and find a way to become a vet [veterinary] assistant, she recalled. I knew that I couldnt give up and that this wasnt the end. I would survive and make my dreams come true. Becoming a veterinary assistant would start a new chapter in my life. Recognized for reinventing pet products with innovative design, Sleepypod is best-known for its durable carriers, safety harnesses and travel accessories. The companys in-vehicle carriers and harnesses have passed rigorous third-party testing by the Center for Pet Safety, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit research and advocacy organization dedicated to protecting pets and the people who love them. The scholarship provides financial assistance and support for a student enrolled in ABCs Veterinary Assistant Program. To qualify, applicants needed to demonstrate a financial need and submit an essay. Judges reviewed each entry and selected the applicant who best explained their hopes and goals in their chosen field. This year marks the 10-year anniversary of VAP. Since its inception, there has been an increased demand for veterinary assistants and laboratory caretakers. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts employment will grow 19 percent for these occupations from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. ABCs online veterinary assistant course is approved by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA), a distinction that is highly regarded in the veterinary community. Participants learn everything from examination room procedures and pharmacology to surgical preparation, radiology and ultrasound imaging. Upon completing the program, graduates are certified by ABC as Animal Behavior College Certified Veterinary Assistants (ABCVA). They then qualify to take NAVTAs national examination, and if they pass, receive Approved Veterinary Assistants (AVA) designation that recognizes their accomplishments. Currently, there are 1,409 students enrolled in VAP. As of September 30, 2018, 8,675 students in the U.S. and Canada have graduated from VAP. ABC has graduated and certified more than 27,000 students from its four core programs combined, which includes the Cat Training Program, the Dog Obedience Program and the Grooming Instruction Program. ABC offers specialized certificates of completion in seven short-term programs on subjects including doggie daycare, pet nutrition, pet fostering and training shelter dogs. For more information about VAP, call 800-795-3294 or visit ABCs website at https://www.animalbehaviorcollege.com/. About Animal Behavior College Now celebrating its 20th Anniversary, Animal Behavior College is a vocational school that trains professional dog trainers, cat trainers, veterinary assistants and pet groomers nationwide and in the 10 provinces of Canada. Students obtain practical hands-on experience applying what they learn by working side-by-side with a member of ABC's expert mentors group. These professional mentors include thousands of professional dog trainers, veterinary hospitals and clinics and grooming salons from all across the U.S. and Canada who are dedicated to helping students succeed in the pet services industry. ### "We are honored to join the Top 100 Global list of companies. Across the country and around the globe, we partner with brands who are embracing Artificial Intelligence to shape their futures" - Krishna Kumar, CEO of App Orchid. Red Herring announced its Top 100 Global in recognition of the leading private companies from North America, Europe, and Asia, celebrating these startups innovations and technologies across their respective industries. We are honored to join the Top 100 Global list of companies. Across the country and around the globe, we partner with brands who are embracing Artificial Intelligence to shape their futures, said Krishna Kumar, CEO of App Orchid. "Our customers recognize that extraordinary growth comes from tapping into their employee knowledge and volumes of hidden data that exists across the organization. The App Orchid platform combines this volume of data with Tribal Knowledge and Internet of Things to improve how businesses operate. Real-time trends and patterns are unlocked and solutions to enterprise problems such as employee safety, compliance, and customer satisfaction are uncovered through Artificial Intelligence-powered apps. We work with enterprises who are ready to unleash the value of their data to compete differently." Red Herrings Top 100 Global list has become a mark of distinction for identifying promising companies and entrepreneurs. Red Herring editors were among the first to recognize that companies such as Facebook, Twitter, Google, Yahoo, Skype, Salesforce.com, YouTube, and eBay would change the way we live and work. Choosing the companies with the strongest potential was by no means a small feat, said Alex Vieux, publisher and CEO of Red Herring. After rigorous contemplation and discussion, we narrowed our list down from hundreds of candidates from across the globe to the Top 100 Winners. We believe App Orchid embodies the vision, drive and innovation that define a successful entrepreneurial venture. Red Herrings editorial staff evaluated the companies on both quantitative and qualitative criteria, such as financial performance, technology innovation, management quality, strategy, and market penetration. This assessment of potential is complemented by a review of the track records and standing of startups relative to their peers, allowing Red Herring to see past the buzz and make the list a valuable instrument of discovery and advocacy for the most promising new business models from around the world. App Orchid Inc. helps business leaders gain insights, trends and predicts future events that re-imagine business operations and uncover new ways to compete in the market. The enterprise operational platform, powered by Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Natural Language Processing makes use of all enterprise data, including the experience and knowledge of your workforce (Tribal Knowledge) to drive business transformation. Designed for the energy, insurance, and asset-heavy industries, this award-winning platform delivers rapid deployment, low cost of implementing, and minimal disruption to systems and employees. Let us fuel your transformation in areas such as capital planning, field service management, asset risk, compliance management, customer care, and workplace safety. http://www.apporchid.com Asset Panda The combination of an outstanding pro-business local government, plus access to a solid talent pool, gives us an edge. The end result will be tremendous growth and employment opportunities. We are proud to be in Frisco! In September 2018, Inc. Magazine named asset tracking and management platform Asset Panda to its renowned Inc. 5000 list as one of the fastest-growing private companies in America, with the company placing #104 overall, #9 in the software category, and #4 in the state of Texas. Since its founding in 2012, the Frisco-based company has grown an impressive 3551.8% thanks to the flexibility and customization capabilities of its software, as well as the companys dedication to incredible customer service. The City of Frisco has also seen significant growth over the last five years, becoming the nations fastest-growing city with a population jump of 8.2% as of May 2018. To celebrate Asset Pandas Inc. 5000 honor, as well as the welcome growth of both Frisco and the software company, Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney officially declared September 25 as Asset Panda Day. In an effort to acknowledge the achievements of Asset Panda and the team who has created and grown an innovative platform, I recognize September 25, 2018 as Asset Panda Day, said Major Cheney at the event. Were trying to be a city thats innovative. Were really driving towards tech companies, and Asset Panda is a bullseye company for Frisco as far as what were looking to do here in the future. The skys the limit! We are excited to be the fastest-growing company in the fastest-growing city, which is also, according to Money Magazine, the #1 city to live in in the U.S., said Rex Kurzius, Founder of Asset Panda. The combination of an outstanding pro-business local government, plus access to a solid talent pool, gives us an edge. The end result will be tremendous growth and employment opportunities. We are proud to be in Frisco! Thousands of Asset Panda customers can attest to softwares customization, flexibility, and efficiency. You can read more about these success stories on Asset Pandas website, where you can also sign up for a free tour and 14-day trial. Dr. Robert A. Colgrove IDEAL IMPLANT has become the number one breast implant my patients choose once we present the pros and cons of all of the implants from all of the manufacturers. Atlanta Plastic Surgeon Dr. Colgrove began offering the IDEAL IMPLANT Structured Breast Implant in their practice to better address womens increasing concerns about silicone gel implants and silent rupture. At the time, Dr. Colgrove saw that the IDEAL IMPLANT offered women the benefits of saline and silicone gel implants, without the compromises of either. As a result, Dr. Colgrove has just been recognized as an IDEAL IMPLANT Premier Surgeon, an elite group of Board-Certified plastic surgeons with the most experience with the new implant technology. IDEAL IMPLANT has become the number one breast implant my patients choose once we present the pros and cons of all of the implants from all of the manufacturers, explained Dr. Colgrove. It's got a better feel, a better look to it. I think it's a combination of the aesthetics of the implant and the safety of the implant. Patients are not worrying about rippling or wrinkling. Theyre not worrying about silent rupture. Dr. Colgrove explains that there are now three types of breast implants: saline implants, silicone gel implants, and structured implants, which are filled with saline, but have an inner layered structure which supports the implant to look and feel more natural. Saline implants were the norm during the FDA moratorium on silicone gel implants between 1999-2006, and offered women the peace of mind of only saline inside and instant rupture detection. However, since many felt saline lacked the more natural look and feel of silicone gel implants, silicone gel became the more popular choice once reapproved by the FDA. The IDEAL IMPLANT offers the advantages of feeling more natural than the typical saline implant and feels a little bit more like the silicone gel implants, without the drawbacks of silent rupture and the frequent MRIs which are recommended, said Dr. Colgrove. My experience with the silicone implants when they rupture, it becomes a very complicated procedure, particularly if they've been ruptured for a long period of time. Dr. Colgrove also points out that silicone gel implants also have a higher risk of implant rupture, as high as 24% at ten years with some implants, compared to only 1.8% risk with IDEAL IMPLANT at seven years for primary augmentation. These factors may be driving the trend toward the structured breast implant technology. We are very pleased to add Dr. Colgrove to the select group of IDEAL IMPLANT Premier Surgeons who have shown a commitment to ensuring women have all of their options available and are presented with the performance data between the breast implants in an unbiased way, explained Dr. Robert S. Hamas, IDEAL IMPLANT inventor and board-certified plastic surgeon. Technology is advancing in every area of our lives, and, as a result, women no longer have to compromise the beautiful look and feel they want for the peace of mind of knowing what is happening inside their body. Dr. Colgrove agrees, A colleague recently asked about my experience with the structured implant, and I told him it has been very positive for the both the patient, and myself as the surgeon. I feel good about putting the implant in, because I know I'm helping these patients in the long run avoid issues down the road. About Dr. Robert Colgrove Dr. Robert Colgrove graduated from Loma Linda University Medical School before completing an extensive internship and residency in general surgery at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. His residency in plastic surgery was then completed at Charles F. Kettering Hospital in Dayton. Dr. Colgrove is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He has been a licensed Medical Doctor (MD) since 1981, and his private practice specializes in plastic, cosmetic, and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Colgrove lectures on a regular basis to hospital groups, radio and television talk shows, business, and educational organizations. For more information, visit http://www.colgrove.com. About IDEAL IMPLANT Ideal Implant Incorporated is a privately held company that was founded in 2006 by Robert S. Hamas, MD, the plastic surgeon who invented the IDEAL IMPLANT. After years of dealing with ruptured silicone gel implants and listening to patient concerns, Dr. Hamas realized that women wanted a new type of breast implantone that would combine the natural feel of a silicone gel implant with only saline inside for safety and peace of mind. The unique design of the IDEAL IMPLANT provides a natural feel and youthful lookwithout using silicone gel. The IDEAL IMPLANT incorporates a series of shells nested together and two separate chambers that hold saline. Though made with standard implant materials, the IDEAL IMPLANT uses an advanced internal structure to control movement of the saline and support the implant edges to reduce collapse and wrinkling. IDEAL IMPLANT has undergone ten years of development, testing and refinementincluding contributions of clinical expertise from several board-certified plastic surgeons. IDEAL IMPLANTS were approved by both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Health Canada in 2014. For more information, visit https://idealimplant.com/. ASI Mining: Integrated Autonomous Vehicle Command & Control System Diagram This is the future in mining, and the great team at ASI Mining has developed state-of-the-art solutions that will enhance Epirocs delivery of productivity and safety improvements to customers worldwide. ASI Mining, an Autonomous Solutions, Inc. company, has secured an investment from Epiroc to scale ASI Minings autonomous mining platform and ensure access to Epirocs world-wide service and support channels. ASI Mining is now able to leverage Epirocs extensive mining automation experience and global service and support network, said Mel Torrie, CEO of ASI. This puts us in a position to rapidly scale in delivering mine automation systems that retrofit or integrate with any vehicle make or model. Epirocs investment in, and support of, ASI Mining reflects a growing, collaborative approach to addressing key industry concerns such as labor shortages, production levels and safety. The support of Epiroc will help ASI Mining provide its leading autonomous mining technology to its customers on a larger scale. The investment in ASI Mining is part of our strategy to expand in automation and interoperability in the mining segment, said Helena Hedblom, Epirocs Senior Executive Vice President Mining and Infrastructure. This is the future in mining, and the great team at ASI Mining has developed state-of-the-art solutions that will enhance Epirocs delivery of productivity and safety improvements to customers worldwide. About ASI Mining ASI Mining is recognized for its products and solutions in robotics and autonomous vehicle technology with product offerings that cover a broad spectrum of machines and applications including autonomous haulage, semi-autonomous blasting, drilling, dozing, loading and others. In addition to providing solutions for some of the worlds largest mining corporations, ASI Mining is also an automation partner for several global mining vehicle manufacturers. Learn more at http://www.asirobots.com/mining. About Epiroc Epiroc is a leading productivity partner for the mining, infrastructure and natural resources industries. With cutting-edge technology, Epiroc develops and produces innovative drill rigs, rock excavation and construction equipment, and provides world-class service and consumables. The company is based in Stockholm, Sweden, had revenue of SEK 31.4 billion in 2017, and has more than 13,000 passionate people supporting and collaborating with customers in more than 150 countries. Learn more at http://www.epirocgroup.com. Our partnership with FCTI...provides another platform to promote the Axiom Bank brand nationwide and introduce more customers to our banking model," said Daniel Davis, President and CEO of Axiom Bank. Axiom Bank, N.A., a Florida-based national bank, and FCTI, Inc. recently launched a multi-year agreement to provide Axiom customers with no-charge unlimited access to cash at more than 8,000 ATMs located inside 7-Eleven stores. This partnership also includes branded marketing messages to be shared on the machines screens and toppers. Expanding ATM access outside our branches and existing network allows our customers to take greater control over their money without paying fees, said Daniel Davis, President and CEO of Axiom Bank. Our partnership with FCTI also provides another platform to promote the Axiom Bank brand nationwide and introduce more customers to our banking model. FCTIs MBA program affords a unique opportunity for banks and credit unions to generate greater awareness of brand, products, and services utilizing technologies not available at other ATMs, said Robel Gugsa, CEO for FCTI, Inc. We are very excited to be working with Axiom Bank to help provide their cardholders with surcharge-free ATM access nationwide at 7-Eleven as well as extending their marketing toolbox with a package of flexible and dynamic options to better reach their ATM users. For more information and to find the nearest Axiom Bank location, visit http://www.axiombanking.com. To find out more about surcharge-free participation and ATM marketing opportunities at 7-Eleven locations throughout the U.S., contact FCTI at (800) 454-2317 or sales(at)fcti.net. __________________________ About FCTI FCTI, Inc. is a nationwide ATM solutions provider specializing in advanced ATM placements and operations for financial institutions and retailers. Our patented MBA technology, network partnerships, and leading software developments offer banks, credit unions, and businesses real marketing, distribution, and revenue-generating opportunities through the ATM channel. Find out more at FCTI.com About Axiom Bank, N.A. Axiom Bank, a nationally chartered bank headquartered in Central Florida, serves the financial needs of its customers through a wide range of banking solutions and a commitment to exceptional service. The bank has a rich history dating back to 1963. By definition, axiom means a universally recognized truth the name exemplifies the banks principles of truth, trust, value, convenience, and service excellence. Axiom Bank holds the SBA Preferred Lender status, and specializes in commercial loans, treasury management and other merchant services. The bank also offers asset-based lending and invoice factoring through its division, Allied Affiliated Funding. Axiom is constantly working to expand its services and products and provides consumer banking through 24 branches, including 22 in select Walmart Supercenters, to conveniently serve local communities. Visit AxiomBanking.com. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. Ayuda "Ayuda is a great company with exceptional people and powerful software. We're excited for media owners on the Ayuda platform to now be able to participate in the marketplace and get access to the same new revenue as our existing media owner partners. Brent Thomson, CEO of Blip Ayuda Media Systems, the leading business software provider for out-of-home advertisers, and Blip, North Americas most successful marketplace for driving new, incremental revenue to digital billboard operators, formally announced their partnership today. With the integration recently completed, established OOH operator Jones Outdoor shares its experience as the first Ayuda client to benefit from the incremental digital demand that Blip has generated and successfully executed on Jones digital billboard inventory via the Ayuda Platforms CMS & player. Jones Outdoors Sales Director Christine Rutchik, shares: As a 5+ year customer of Ayuda, running most of my daily sales operations on Ayudas platform, including the CMS and player, I was thrilled when they asked me to be the charter client to benefit from their partnership with Blip. I know many media owners who have benefited greatly from Blip; and I am proud to say that, through Ayuda, I am now able to seamlessly allocate and sell any unsold inventory in the Blip Marketplace as well. We are now bringing in new revenue from small businesses whose budgets dont allow for a traditional buy, but who can benefit from reaching their audience at specific times and places within their budgets. The best part is how it all gets seamlessly scheduled to Jones boards through the integration with Blip, allowing us to continue with business as usual. The adoption of Blip by Ayudas customers will allow Blips sizable, existing advertiser base to take advantage of the entirety of Ayudas supply and gain access to many additional markets, locations, audiences and advertising opportunities. Any existing Ayuda customer who is using Ayudas CMS and player can easily configure their current Ayuda software to work with Blip, and need only sign up to the Blip marketplace to get started. The integration also means that outdoor operators currently using the blip marketplace can now use Ayudas world-class OOH inventory management and business operations platform with seamless Blip integration, leaving their incremental revenue stream unperturbed should they migrate to Ayudas platform. "Ayuda is a great company with exceptional people and powerful software, explains Brent Thomson, CEO of Blip. We're excited for media owners on the Ayuda platform to now be able to participate in the marketplace and get access to the same new revenue as our existing media owner partners. Ayudas Revenue Intelligence initiative announced earlier this year focuses Ayudas vision on optimizing media owner inventory yield, shares Daniel Fleischer, Ayudas VP Business Development & Marketing. One of the several key components of this strategy is to help the OOH operator garner incremental revenue that does not cannibalize their existing direct sales. The partnership between Blip and Ayuda is thus a perfect match strategically, in addition to our companies similar innovative and customer-first cultures. Blips offering is extremely effective and easy to use for advertiser and operator alike. Fleischer concludes: Given the success and facility of the Jones Outdoor pilot together, Im looking forward to opening up the ecosystem to all billboard operators in North America, independent and national alike. Soon, I look forward to working with Blip to bring their fantastic offering to our international clients, globally. Any existing Blip or Ayuda customer may contact either company to learn more and get set up today. About Ayuda Media Systems Ayuda is an advertising technology and operations software company specializing in OOH business optimization. The Ayuda Platform is used globally by some of the worlds largest OOH companies to manage day-to-day business operations. It includes an end-to-end ERP specially built for OOH, a fully native ad-based digital signage platform, and partner integrations that enable OOH media companies to tap into new digital revenue streams and modernize their trading models. Ayuda is a proud member of the DPAA, OAAA and FEPE. For more information, visit http://www.ayudasystems.com About BLIP By providing small businesses with a self-serve, pay-per-blip advertising experience with no contracts or minimums, Blip brings the 98% of businesses who have not historically purchased space on billboards to the medium for the first time. Blip not only changes the advertising game for small businesses, but also dramatically increases profits for media operators by filling up any unsold space with large numbers of new advertisersall without adding to costs. Whats more, by profitably engaging the masses, Blip primes the pump for the DOOH industry at large, ushering in a new era of DOOH for all businesses. Now, with over one hundred media owner partners and many tens of thousands of advertisers, Blip is rapidly expanding across the United States with inventory in nearly every state. For more information, including case studies on Blips impact for DOOH operators visit https://www.blipbillboards.com/for-sign-operators/ AYUDA Contact Details: Marie-Eve Reid Head of Marketing Communications Phone: +1.514.910.7587 Email: marieeve.reid(at)ayudasystems.com Blip Contact Details: Andy Gotshalk Director of Sign Operator Relations Phone: 801.692.3217 Email: andy(at)blipbillboards.com I was thrilled to partner with Li Ying and Todd to welcome guests to our Bellevue listing to recognize the new HSBC Private Banking office in Seattle, discuss local and global market trends, and honor this truly fantastic property." - Becky Gray Becky Gray, senior global real estate advisor of Realogics Sothebys International Realty (RSIR), hosted a catered cocktail reception at an exclusive Bellevue listing on October 17th from 5:30 to 8:30 pm to commemorate the opening of a new HSBC Private Banking office in downtown Seattle. A collective of top-tier HSBC clients and executives, members of the RSIR executive team, and other esteemed guests toasted to HSBCs sustained success with the new office and acknowledged the appointments of Li Ying Wang and Todd Haberly to vice presidents of HSBC Seattle. I was thrilled to partner with Li Ying and Todd to welcome guests to our Bellevue listing to recognize the new HSBC Private Banking office in Seattle, discuss local and global market trends, and honor this truly fantastic property, reflected Gray. I echo Li Ying and Todd in their excitement at what the future holds for our work together as we advocate for our local and international clients with white-glove service and expert wealth management advisement. While guests settled in to stellar surroundings with views of Mount Rainier, the Seattle skyline and Lake Washington, Gray opened with a welcome to guests and an overview of the luxurious property. The home, located at 719 96th Avenue Southeast in Bellevue, Washington, is currently listed at $10.8 million. As Gray noted, it offers an unparalleled lifestyle opportunity with over 14,000 square feet of living space set upon 2.5 acres. Gray touched upon the global recognition garnered by the property, as Sothebys International Realty selected it for inclusion on their YouTube channel, which received the Silver Creator award earlier this year. With over 159,000 subscribers, Sothebys International Realty is the first and only real estate brand to achieve this milestone. After Grays remarks, Dean Jones, president and chief executive officer of RSIR shared insights on Seattles global presence and its international middle name. Jones outlined the firms dedication to partnering with local and international clients, with connections to trusted wealth managers to advise their clients. As a board member of the Washington State China Relations Council, Jones has played a key role in the organization through his involvement with the Inbound Investment Committee, to better serve international clients. The new HSBC Private Banking office in Seattle is yet another indication that the Seattle market has been discovered, said Jones. This event provided an excellent opportunity to discuss growth in the Emerald City and whats on the horizon both in our backyard and around the world. Next, Li Ying and Todd Haberly offered a few brief words to thank attendees and express their excitement at this monumental step for their clients in Seattle and future partnership opportunities with the Gray Team. As the evening wound down, Alex Catterick, vice president of the HSBC New York office, offered guests an update on the Big Apple market. As Catterick outlined, New York City has long served as an international hub of financial influence. Now that Seattle has emerged in the global marketplace at a rapid pace, he expressed his belief in the potential and longevity the Pacific Northwest will afford in the coming years. In addition to Wang, Haberly, and Catterick, distinguished representatives from HSBC included Anil Daryani and Junia Pan Li, vice presidents with HSBCs San Francisco office. Other notable guests included Mr. Benjamin Lee, chairman, Hong Kong Greater China Business Association of Washington; and RSIR executive team members Dean Jones, president and chief executive officer; Stacy Jones, vice president and chief people officer; and Andrea Savage, vice president of marketing. In addition to Wang, Haberly, and Catterick, distinguished representatives from HSBC included Anil Daryani and Junia Pan Li, vice presidents with HSBCs San Francisco office. Other notable guests included Mr. Benjamin Lee, chairman, Hong Kong Greater China Business Association of Washington; and RSIR executive team members Dean Jones, president and chief executive officer; Stacy Jones, vice president and chief people officer; and Andrea Savage, vice president of marketing. I want to extend my gratitude to those that joined us to toast HSBC and their accomplishments, added Gray. I was glad to extend my relationship with HSBC and arrange private tours of the home throughout the evening; it provided a truly unique opportunity for exposure to a number of well-qualified international clientele. Gray invites prospective buyers to explore additional details and schedule a tour of the home here. About Realogics Sothebys International Realty (http://www.RSIR.com) - Artfully uniting extraordinary homes with extraordinary lives, Realogics Sothebys International Realty is a leading global sales and marketing brokerage firm in the Pacific Northwest. Recognized by the Puget Sound Business Journal amongst the fastest-growing private companies in Washington State for 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 and 2018 with branches in downtown Seattle, Bainbridge Island, Kirkland, Issaquah and Madison Park. For the second year in a row, Lifestory Research has awarded Sothebys International Realty the acknowledgement as Most Trusted Residential Real Estate Brand according to a survey of consumers. Editors Note: High-resolution photography and additional event details available upon request. BountyJobs and NextWave Hire Partnership Through this partnership, we'll be able to help more companies to drive quality hires faster, which in turn fuels their businesses and the economy as a whole. BountyJobs, Inc., leading provider of third-party recruiting platform for collaboration between employers and search firms with over $1.6 billion in placement fees to recruiters and the worlds largest recruiter marketplace, today announced a strategic partnership with employer branding and career site developer, NextWave Hire. This strategic relationship with NextWave Hire is the latest in the fast-growing BountyJobs partner network, seeing 500% growth in 2018 and resulting in the largest partner network of any recruitment marketplace. This network connects innovative technology providers focused on improving the way companies recruit, attract and retain talent. This mix of partners has been hand-selected to help support the key constituents of the two-sided BountyJobs Marketplace; employers and recruiting agencies. The BountyJobs solution can be integrated within any ATS and values the relationships and expertise that partner agencies bring to the table. NextWave Hires software allows employers to take an innovative look at employer branding, giving them a platform to better connect with prospective candidates. Enhanced career sites and microsites house employee stories and give the employer a channel to express their overall culture resulting in an increased number of quality applicants. Talent Communities are then used to nurture more passive job seekers until they are ready to apply. The technology that NextWave Hire brings to the table tackles an often overlooked aspect of talent acquisition, said Stacey Steiger, Vice President of Product and Marketing at BountyJobs. The combination of engaging career sites with a fresh look at employer branding and the vast resource of vetted third-party recruiting agencies via BountyJobs is a home run for employers looking to fill their critical roles. "As a leader in using Inbound Recruiting methods, we're incredibly excited to partner with another innovator in the recruiting space, BountyJobs, said Phil Strazzulla, Founder of NextWave Hire. Through this partnership, we'll be able to help more companies to drive quality hires faster, which in turn fuels their businesses and the economy as a whole." The new relationship, which marries data-driven hiring solutions and traditional talent acquisition, creates an innovative approach for employers when making critical hires. About NextWave Hire NextWave Hire allows busy HR teams to build their employer brands through talent communities, employee testimonials, and enhanced career sites. Originally founded out of Harvard's Innovation Lab, NextWave's software enables HR teams to attract and hire the right people through the power of inbound recruiting. Learn more at http://www.nextwavehire.com. About BountyJobs Sometimes sourcing talent for business-critical positions requires a little help. Our web-based platform features a marketplace of over 10,000 highly-qualified agencies and a performance-based matching algorithm that helps hiring teams of all sizes find and engage the recruiters for each of their roles. All this inside our simple yet effective platform designed to keep you in control of the entire recruitment process. Help makes hiring happier. Learn more at http://www.bountyjobs.com. Neil Anderson, CMO of Cask accepts Consulting Magazines Fastest Growing Firms Award We are well suited for this as Cask offers a rare blend of both deep domain and technical expertise, which enables our clients to find both business and digital transformations that seamlessly fit into their existing working environments. Cask has been named one of 2018s Fastest Growing Firms by ALMs Consulting magazine. Casks CMO, Neil Anderson, attended the awards dinner on Thursday, October 25th at the Seattle Marriott Waterfront Hotel to accept the award. Every year, Consulting magazine releases its annual ranking of the consulting industry's Fastest Growing Firms. These firms demonstrate exemplary revenue growth over a three-year period. For more information, including the full rankings and editorial coverage, visit http://www.consultingmag.com/the-magazine for the publications November issue. Cask has grown exponentially from 2014 to 2017 as a result of the companys focus on our ability to solve hard problems, Anderson said. We are well suited for this as Cask offers a rare blend of both deep domain and technical expertise, which enables our clients to find both business and digital transformations that seamlessly fit into their existing working environments. On the heels of being named one of Consulting magazines Best Small Firms to Work For in 2018, this latest award is another proud moment for Cask. The company was also recently included on the Inc. 5000 as well as being listed as one of Inc. Best Workplaces. We believe a strong correlation exists between Best Firms to Work For and the top 15 Fastest Growing Firms, Anderson continued. Having experts that are at the top of their respective fields, are happy in their jobs, and love solving the challenges presented by clients is a real recipe for success. This accolade is a tribute to the mission, vision, and ethos by which Cask operates both internally and externally. About Cask Cask is a results-oriented business and technology consulting firm that helps organizations change, grow and run their businesses at new levels previously thought not possible. Our team is a rare blend of experienced business consultants and artisan engineers. This unique combination enables our customers to embrace organizational change, adopt transformational technology solutions and operate their business generating optimal results. For more information, visit http://www.caskllc.com. About ALM ALM, an information and intelligence company, provides customers with critical news, data, analysis, marketing solutions and events to successfully manage the business of business. ALM serves a community of over 6 million business professionals seeking to discover, connect and compete in highly complex industries. Please visit http://www.alm.com for more information, and visit http://www.alm.com/events/ to learn about our upcoming events. Please follow us on Twitter @ALMMedia. "This partnership with The French Pastry School helps Robert Morris take its culinary program to new heights in pastry, baking and confectionery arts," -- Mablene Krueger, president, Robert Morris University Illinois If chocolate-filled croissants are a passion, or the art of patisserie is a skill you hunger for, The French Pastry School is the pinnacle of sweets education. FPS has offered its world-class baking and pastry program to student chefs since 1995. Now the School is partnering with Robert Morris University Illinois Institute of Culinary Arts, which has been ranked the Best Culinary School in Illinois, #3 in the Midwest and #16 in the USA by US Culinary Schools Ranking. Together, FPS and RMU will offer certificates in Pastry and Baking, Cakes, and upon approval, a certificate in Breads. This partnership with The French Pastry School helps Robert Morris take its culinary program to new heights in pastry, baking and confectionery arts, said RMU President Mablene Krueger. It enables our students to complete a special concentration with legendary pastry chefs. The certificate program, which is part of the Bachelor of Professional Studies degree for RMU students, will also be available to accomplished chefs who are interested in adding this specialty to their repertoires. The highly ranked RMU culinary program has been in operation since 2003 at the downtown campus on State Street. In addition to state of the art teaching kitchens with closed circuit television monitors, the facility has an oversized restaurant kitchen, industrial refrigeration-freezer-pantry section, a dining room, a demonstration area and a large pastry kitchen. The French Pastry School, also located in downtown Chicago, is known for providing a specialized culinary experience that draws students from all over the world to learn everything from classic French pastries to chocolate candies to artisan breads and everything in between. Bringing the French Pastry School program to Robert Morris will enhance the offering of both schools and ensure students obtain the best education available for careers in culinary arts. By partnering with RMU, FPS will be able to bring our world-class programs to even more students, said Chef Jacquy Pfeiffer, co-founder of The French Pastry School. We believe the collaboration will be a great success and will provide an ongoing supply of pastry chefs to the culinary industry here in Chicago and around the world, said Chef Sebastien Canonne, M.O.F., co-founder of FPS. The French Pastry School Founded in 1995, The French Pastry School is the only major culinary school in N.A. dedicated to all things sweet and baked. FPS provides hands-on education taught entirely in state-of-the-art kitchens by world-renowned chefs. FPS has trained thousands of chefs through its full-time certificate programs in Pastry and Baking, Cake, and Bread and its continuing education workshops. Co-founders Sebastien Canonne, M.O.F., and Jacquy Pfeiffer, James Beard Award-winning author, are both recipients of the French Legion of Honour Award and were featured in the Kings of Pastry documentary. Robert Morris University Illinois is a not-for-profit, baccalaureate and graduate degree granting institution, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.* The University serves students interested in getting an education in business, graphic arts, nursing and health care, culinary and computer studies at its main campus in Chicago, as well as at locations in Arlington Heights, Elgin, Orland Park, Springfield, Peoria, and Lake County. In all communications, please refer to the university by its full name, Robert Morris University Illinois. *Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, 30 N. LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60602, 312-263-0456. Dr. Ellen A. Mahony It's pretty amazing that this particular implant has the lowest capsular contraction rate and the lowest leak rate of all of its competitors, yet offers a similar natural look and feel for which silicone gel implants are known. Connecticut Plastic Surgeon Dr. Ellen Mahony shared her patients concerns about the potential for silent rupture with silicone gel implants, so she began offering the IDEAL IMPLANT Structured Breast Implant in her practice to better address their needs. Her patients have responded enthusiastically, and as a result, Dr. Mahony has now been recognized as an IDEAL IMPLANT Premier Surgeon, an elite group of Board Certified plastic surgeons with the most experience using the new implant technology. The IDEAL IMPLANT Structured Breast Implant has the best safety profile out there right now, explained Dr. Mahony. It's pretty amazing that this particular implant has the lowest capsular contraction rate and the lowest leak rate of all of its competitors, yet offers a similar natural look and feel for which silicone gel implants are known. Women dont have anxiety about potential silent rupture or wondering whether the implant is intact. Its truly an ideal option for the majority of my breast augmentation patients. Dr. Mahony explained that there are now three types of breast implants: saline implants, silicone gel implants, and structured implants, which are filled with saline, but have a unique inner structure which controls movement and creates a more natural look and feel. Traditional saline implants were the norm during the FDA ban on silicone gel implants between 1992-2006, and offered women the peace of mind of only saline inside and instant rupture detection. Yet, many felt saline lacked the more natural look and feel of silicone gel implants, which became more common in recent years, despite increasing concerns women have about silent rupture. The structured breast implant was developed to avoid the concerns of both earlier options. Recent survey findings showed that over 98% of women reported feeling concerned about the potential of silent rupture with silicone gel breast implants, which is best determined through an MRI. While the FDA recommends women with silicone gel implants get an MRI every two years to detect potential rupture and that the implant be removed if ruptured, compliance rates are low. In addition, the sensitivity of the MRI for detecting a leak is very poor meaning that not only are leaks not being detected by the study but also the MRIs are detecting leaks that dont really exist. This issue has resulted in new sets of problems. First, an estimated 150,000 women are unknowingly living with ruptured silicone implants, and detection delays can result in increased complications and more complex removal surgery. Further, some women are undergoing unnecessary surgery for leaks that do not exist. These factors may be driving the trend toward the structured breast implant technology. We are very pleased to add Dr. Mahony to the select group of IDEAL IMPLANT Premier Surgeons who have shown a commitment to ensuring women have all of their options available and are presented with the performance data between the breast implants in an unbiased way, explained Dr. Robert S. Hamas, IDEAL IMPLANT inventor and board-certified plastic surgeon. Technology is advancing in every area of our lives, and, as a result, women no longer have to compromise the beautiful look and feel they want for the peace of mind of knowing what is happening inside their body. As both a woman and a surgeon, Dr. Mahony agrees. I've had saline breast implants for 14 years and I've been very happy with them, yet I expect at some point in the future it will be time for a change. I have been waiting for something better. Just like my patients, I dont want to feel stuck between the two previous choices and their compromises. Now that we have IDEAL IMPLANT, this is absolutely what I would go with when that time comes. About Dr. Ellen Mahony Dr. Mahony offers her extensive academic, surgical, and therapeutic background to cosmetic surgery patients across southern Connecticut and the surrounding areas. Over the course of her career, she has been awarded research and merit scholarships, and recognized with several awards from professional medical organizations, including the American Medical Association (AMA). She is one of the very few female plastic surgeons in Connecticut to be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and is a member of The American College of Surgeons and The American Society for Aesthetic Surgery. She is licensed to practice in Connecticut, New York and Maine, and is also a licensed physical therapist in the state of Connecticut. For more information, visit http://www.drellenmahony.com. About IDEAL IMPLANT Ideal Implant Incorporated, a privately held company, was founded in 2006 by Robert S. Hamas, MD, the board-certified plastic surgeon who invented the IDEAL IMPLANT. After years of dealing with ruptured silicone gel implants and listening to patient concerns, Dr. Hamas realized that women wanted a new type of breast implantone that would combine the natural feel of a silicone gel implant with only saline inside for peace of mind. The unique design of the IDEAL IMPLANT provides a natural feel and youthful lookwithout using silicone gel. The IDEAL IMPLANT incorporates a series of shells nested together and two separate chambers that hold saline. Though made with standard implant materials, the IDEAL IMPLANT uses an advanced internal structure to control movement of the saline and support the implant edges to reduce collapse and wrinkling. The IDEAL IMPLANT has undergone ten years of development, testing, and refinementincluding contributions of clinical expertise from several board-certified plastic surgeons. The IDEAL IMPLANT was approved by both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Health Canada in 2014. For more information, visit http://www.idealimplant.com. Conversicas ongoing momentum speaks to the power of using conversational AI to automate routine but important business conversations that lead to real business results Conversica, the leader in conversational artificial intelligence (AI) for business, today announced the achievement of several key milestones in 2018, including significant growth in customer count and recurring revenue, the acquisition and integration of Intelligens, development of enhancements to the companys AI technology, and the closing of a new round of funding. Conversica created and defined the conversational AI category with autonomous AI Assistants that engage in human-like conversations and take appropriate actions to solve important business problems. A few key milestones for Conversica in 2018 include: Continuing aggressive growth of annual recurring revenue, now exceeding $35 million, with sales to new customers and significant expansions in existing accounts. Growing the customer base across a number of industries, including firms in the technology, financial services, education, sports, hospitality, and automotive sectors. Notable new customers in 2018 include Cloudera, Epicor, Gainsight, the New York Mets, Jitterbit, LeasePlan, Sutter Physician Services, Textron, and the Orlando Magic. Releasing new AI Assistants, new assistant skills and new third-party integrations with Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle Sales and Marketing clouds, HubSpot, and CDK. Expanding internationally with new offices and employees in the UK and Latin America, as well as delivering platform and security enhancements to support our compliance efforts with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Introducing an AI Admissions Assistant, the first conversational assistant designed specifically for higher education institutions seeking to improve their engagement with prospective students to drive higher enrollment. Expanding the companys intellectual property portfolio with a new patent granted for AI-powered systems that automatically carry on conversations, including tools to build those conversations and train the AI to execute them. Completing the Intelligens acquisition with the addition of customers in South America, over 200 Spanish conversation types, and new technical integrations and communication channels. Receiving multiple technology and business awards and recognition in notable lists, including the CB Insights AI 100, the Inc. 5000, Silicon Valley Fast 50, and San Francisco Business Times Fast 100 lists of fastest growing private companies. Increasing international presence on three continents and the number of employees, with important new additions in data science, engineering, customer success, and sales to support the companys continuing growth. Conversicas ongoing momentum speaks to the power of using conversational AI to automate routine but important business conversations that lead to real business results, observed CEO Alex Terry. Conversica created the conversational AI category and continues to lead the industry in terms of technology innovation, customer acquisition and revenue. In addition to growing the market for our flagship sales and marketing solutions, we are also investing in our larger vision of automating important conversations and processes across the enterprise to create a better customer experience, free employees for more valuable work, and deliver on the promise of AI Assistants and humans working harmoniously and efficiently together. Driving Product Innovation in Conversational AI Conversica deployed important technical capabilities in 2018, including enhancements to interoperability, customer conversations, platform administration, and security and data privacy. The company delivered new integrations with popular CRM, marketing automation, and dealer management systems, including Microsoft Dynamics CRM, HubSpot Sales Hub and CRM, CDK and AutoAlert, to further enrich conversations between Conversica AI Assistants and humans. The AI Assistant conversation library was also expanded with hundreds of new conversations across multiple assistant skill categories, as well as new support for German, Portuguese and Japanese languages. Creating Specialized AI Assistants This year Conversica added the industrys first AI-powered Admissions Assistant for higher education to the companys portfolio of virtual assistants powered by conversational AI. Contacting prospective students to boost enrollment, the new assistant enables busy admissions teams to engage prospective students in a personal yet automated way, at scale. Another addition to the Conversica virtual assistant portfolio, the AI Customer Success Assistant which focuses on boosting customer retention and revenue expansion, will be launched next month. Security and Data Privacy Enhancements Conversica also extended its support for the EUs GDPR in 2018. Conversica created services and processes designed to help customers who are data controllers under GDPR to achieve compliance by protecting end user data and personal information. Conversicas expansive and thorough GDPR program shows its serious commitment to supporting companies which are serving persons residing in the EU. More information on Conversica and the GDPR can be found here and here. Strategic Acquisition of Intelligens 2018 also saw Conversicas acquisition of Intelligens, a Santiago-based provider of conversational AI for sales and marketing focused on the Latin American market. Founded in 2016, Intelligens served dozens of customers in Chile, Peru, Colombia and Bolivia. The Intelligens acquisition brings new integrations and a rich repository of AI conversations in Spanish, adding to Conversicas already extensive machine learning data set. Conversica has integrated Intelligens technology, conversations and data set into the companys conversational AI platform, allowing Conversica customers to leverage new capabilities, as well as a larger training data set and increased AI accuracy when seeking to reach the 400 million+ Spanish speakers in the world. Multiple Awards and Honors Conversica was recognized numerous times in 2018. The company earned a Best Application of AI for Sales and Marketing Alconics award and was named to the CB Insights AI 100. Conversica also earned a Digiday Technology Award for best sales automation platform. Finally, Conversica was named the 10th fastest growing company on the Silicon Valley Business Journals Fastest Growing Private Companies in Silicon Valley list and was again recognized with an improved position in the San Francisco Business Times Fast 100 list. The company also continued its move up the Inc. 5000 for the third year in a row, while Conversica CEO Alex Terry was named a Top 50 SaaS CEO of 2018. About Conversica Conversica is the leader in conversational AI for business and the only provider of AI-driven lead engagement software for marketing and sales organizations. The flagship Conversica AI Sales Assistant helps companies find and secure customers more quickly and efficiently by automatically contacting, engaging, qualifying and following up with leads via natural, two-way conversations. Used by more than 1,000 companies worldwide, Conversicas sales assistants are built on a proven and patented AI platform integrating natural language processing (NLP), natural language generation (NLG), and machine learning (ML) capabilities and engage prospects over multiple communication channels and in multiple languages. Recognized by Gartner as a Cool Vendor, Conversica is a portfolio company of Providence Equity, Kennet Partners and Toba Capital and is headquartered in Foster City, Calif. To learn more, visit conversica.com and follow the company on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Dr. Loubert S. Suddaby, a neurosurgeon practicing in Buffalo, New York, attended NASS 2018 and provided educational training to physicians and company personnel about his experience with ORTHOReBIRTH USA's ReBOSSIS, the only biosynthetic scaffold with electrospun microfiber construction. Dr. Suddabys has had a great deal of success with ReBOSSIS, says Doris Blake, president and COO of ORTHOReBIRTH USA. We are thrilled that he is sharing information with his peers, and we hope that others in this field realize the superior outcomes offered by this biologic. Last year, the Food and Drug Administration cleared ReBOSSIS for use in posterolateral spine procedures, and tests performed at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute and at the Orthopaedic Stem Cell Research Laboratory at Cedars-Sinai further validated the fact that ReBOSSIS supports cell activation, retention, and proliferation. We have been pleased with ReBOSSIS results, says Blake, and having this product at an event put on by The North American Spine Society is monumental. We are anxious to see whats next. About ORTHOReBIRTH USA We recognize the challenges associated with orthopedic surgeryfor patients, surgeons and hospitals alike. We are committed to bringing to market cutting-edge orthopedic biologics that improve patients quality of life and offer superior outcomes. We have carried out extensive studies on what makes biologic materials successful and have used that knowledge to engineer world-class products for use in a host of orthopedic surgical procedures. ORTHOReBIRTH USA is proud to bring premium orthopedic biologics, such as ReBOSSIS, to surgeons practicing around the world. E8 Storage today announced that Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) has deployed its E8-D24 array, to underpin its genomic workflow and significantly increase performance. With the newly updated high-performance cluster, supporting both researchers and students, the university will be able to leverage the benefits of the industrys first shared NVMe storage solution to optimize its data intensive workloads. QMUL is part of the Russell Group and is ranked fifth in the UK in terms of research quality. Integral to this ranking is its study of genomics, which requires high computing and processing power. IT services has a fundamental role to play in supporting this research, and with the need to cater to students and influential researchers, the institution decided to research the market and with the support of its channel partner, OCF, looked for the latest cutting-edge technology with performance and optimization. With a shared NVMe platform in place, QMUL will be able to accelerate the performance of the fast-tier scratch space behind a distributed file system to support genomic sequencing. The high performance and capacity of E8 Storage NVMe-over-Fabrics system will be used for both data and metadata, enabling QMUL to push more jobs through the cluster at a faster rate. The previous high-performance system that the university used to support its genomics research was no longer fast enough to support its needs. Upon seeing the new performance benchmarks published by E8 Storage, the institution decided to upgrade, opting for the E8-D24 array to support genomics and moving the existing storage to a bulk storage tier. With E8 Storage, QMUL now has equipment that can scale for the future and deliver the fastest performance speed in the industry. Performance and data optimization are essential to the work behind genomic processing, and E8 Storage overcomes the traditional storage constraints with its first-to-market shared NVMe storage platform, commented Tom King, Assistant Director for Research, IT Services at Queen Mary University of London. The team have been extremely responsive right from the start, and we were able to discuss our main use case and pain points to see how the technology would enable us to overcome this. In addition, we were extremely pleased with the latest benchmark performance tests which showed E8 Storage as a leader in NVMe. Mahesh Pancholi, business development manager at OCF noted: OCF are pleased to be working with E8 Storage to provide the industry leading NVMe-over-Fabric solution to QMUL. The combination of great performance figures and integration with IBM Spectrum Scale make the E8 Storage appliance a great way for QMUL to provide a high-performance scratch tier to their cutting-edge researchers. OCF are proud to have been working with QMUL to expand their cluster and provide cutting edge technologies and services to their world-class researchers. The combination of Mellanox InfiniBand and E8 Storage provides the high computing and storage performance needed for QMULs research activities, said Gilad Shainer, Vice President of Marketing at Mellanox. "Connecting the shared NVMe storage with high speed InfiniBand network is an ideal design for genomic applications. About E8 Storage E8 Storage is a pioneer in shared NVMe storage for data-intensive, high-performance applications that drive business revenue. E8 Storages affordable, reliable and scalable solution is ideally suited for the most demanding low-latency workloads, including real-time analytics, financial and trading applications, genomics and large-scale file systems. Driven by the companys patented architecture, E8 Storages high-performance NVMe over Fabrics certified storage delivers record breaking performance at half the cost of existing storage products. When performance matters, enterprise data centers turn to E8 Storage for unprecedented storage performance, density and scale, without compromising on reliability and availability. Privately held, E8 Storage is based in Santa Clara with R&D in Tel Aviv, and channel partners throughout the US and Europe. For more information, please visit http://www.e8storage.com, and follow us on Twitter @E8Storage and LinkedIn. The holiday season is almost here and its time to start thinking about what delicious foods you plan to serve to friends and family. Now, if you really want to impress your friends and family, treat them with the world renowned Mahon-Menorca Cheese from Spain. Mahon-Menorca Cheese is crafted to the highest standards using a unique process handed down by centuries of meticulous care, time and knowledge. Mahon-Menorca Cheese is produced on the island of Menorca, one of Spains Balearic Islands. A paradisiacal Biosphere Reserve island (certified by the UNESCO) located in the Mediterranean Sea. Mahon-Menorca Cheese is a Protected Denomination of Origin (P.D.O.) cheese based upon the geographic and distinct climate factors including its temperature, humidity, light, wind and salty pastures, and its ancient farming methods mastered by generations of the Menorca family farms. Made from menorcan cows milk (pasteurized or raw), exclusively matured on the island of Menorca. You can find Mahon-Menorca Cheeses on U.S. retailers shelves in two delicious degrees of maturity; semi-hard pasteurized 3 months old and hard pasteurized 6 months old. Mahon-Menorca Cheese is a very versatile cheese that can be used as a topping, infused with an array of vegetables, rices or as a stuffing or filling that delivers a full range of flavors that can transform any dish. When purchasing Mahon-Menorca Cheese, consumers are supporting the viable economic livelihood of the Menorca farmers and promoting a sustainable agricultural environment for future generations. Mahon-Menorca Cheese can be purchased nationwide at Whole Foods, and at other fine retailers such as Fairway Markets, Harris Teeter, Saveway, Kroger, Murrays, Central Markets, Costco, Gourmet Garage, West Side Markets, Zabars, Central and Town & Country Markets in Seattle and at the best specialty stores all over the country. For more information on how your store can sell Mahon--Menorca Cheeses in the United States contact Richard Kessler at 973.417.8890 or email him at r.kessler(at)specialities.com. About Mahon-Menorca Cheese Mahon--Menorca Cheese is one of Spains most prized Cheeses. Its produced on the island of Menorca, one of Spains Balearic Islands. A Biosphere Reserve island (certified by the UNESCO) located in the Mediterranean Sea. Mahon--Menorca Cheese is a Protected Denomination of Origin (P.D.O.) cheese based upon the geographic and distinct climate factors including its temperature, humidity, light, wind and salty pastures, and its ancient farming methods mastered by generations of the Menorca family farms. Made from menorcan cows milk (pasteurized or raw), exclusively matured on the island of Menorca. Mahon-Menorca Cheese are produced in two delicious degrees of maturity; semi-hard pasteurized 3 months old, hard pasteurized 6 months old. A very versatile cheese, it is often grated and used for topping pasta, rice and vegetable dishes or eaten sliced thin and drizzled with extra virgin olive oil. This is a must on the traditional Spanish cheese table. By purchasing Mahon-Menorca Cheese, you are supporting the viable economic livelihood of our farmers and promoting a sustainable agricultural environment. Mahon-Menorca Cheeses are positioned for retail markets nationwide such as Supermarkets, Independent Supermarkets, Gourmet Food Stores and Club Stores that seek to provide their consumers with a unique cheese experience. For more information regarding Mahon-Menorca Cheese, contact Richard Kessler at 973.417.8890 or email him at r.kessler(at)specialities.com. Enjoy a romantic evening by the fire. Enjoy the simple tranquility of Door County, WI. When the weather gets cold relax indoors with a sip of coffee and listen to the gentle roar of a fire inside a quaint bed and breakfast. Visitors can plan their vacation today at DoorCounty.com or by calling the Door County Visitor Bureau toll free at 800-527-3529. November Events Run 1, 2, or 4-miles at the Door County Turkey Trot, November 3. Admire beautifully decorated Christmas trees at the Merry-Time Festival of Trees at the Door County Maritime Museum, November 10 - 30. Celebrate the holiday season at Christmas by the Bay in Sturgeon Bay, November 16-18. The weekend includes a tree lighting, parade, and breakfast with Santa. Sip hot cocoa while watching the Thanksgiving Parade in Jacksonport, November 22. Sing Christmas carols and enjoy fun holiday activities at Egg Harbors Holly Days and Sister Bays Capture the Spirit, November 23-24. For more events visit, DoorCounty.com/events Did you know? Door County has approximately 31,000 acres of permanently protected land. On-Going Fall Activities Shopping Purchase early Christmas presents at unique boutiques. The Flour Pot LLC Learn how to make a traditional Belgian pie. Door County Coffee & Tea Choose from over 100 flavors of coffee to warm up with. Make Your Own Art Visit one of the many studios to create one of a kind artwork. Spas Pamper yourself with a relaxing spa day. Sister Bay Bowl Get a strike at a vintage bowling alley. Door County Land Trust - Take a refreshing hike on a beautiful fall day. Cant Miss Arts & Culture Event Southern Door Community Auditorium hosts the duo Switchback who perform a mix of Americana and Irish music, November 16. #### Door County is located in the northeast corner of Wisconsin. Surrounded by Lake Michigan, it is one of the top leisure travel destinations in America. Door County features 300 miles of shoreline, 34 named islands, 11 lighthouses and 5 state parks. It is known for its natural beauty, artistic offerings, outdoor recreation and local cuisine and offers scenic seaside experiences in the heart of the Midwest. The Villa Riviera is iconic not only in Long Beach but in the West, and we are excited to add this premier building to our ever-growing high-rise portfolio of distinguished clients, said Gary Hamblin, business development manager for FirstService Residential. FirstService Residential, Californias leading high-rise management firm, was awarded the management contract for Villa Riviera Condominium Association in Long Beach. FirstService Residentials High-Rise Management Division is providing day-to-day operational support, cost-containment measures and efficiencies, oversight and development of on-site staff, an enhanced resident experience, IT support as well as finance and accounting expertise. The Villa Riviera, built in 1928, is on the National Register of Historic Places and recognized for its Gothic revivalism architecture. The 16-floor high-rise contains 134 residential units and numerous amenities, including a grand common area entry, a ballroom sundeck and access to the beach. The Villa Riviera is iconic not only in Long Beach but in the West, and we are excited to add this premier building to our ever-growing high-rise portfolio of distinguished clients, said Gary Hamblin, business development manager for FirstService Residential. The board was seeking a highly committed business partner with the depth of resources to provide hands-on professional guidance, strong financial acumen and transparency, efficiencies in operations and staffing as well as expertise in local legislation impacting the association. Hamblin continued, Our dedicated high-rise team has a proven track record for delivering exceptional value to our clients, and we look forward to exceeding the expectations of Villa Riviera. About FirstService Residential FirstService Residential is recognized as Californias leading and most experienced full-service association management firm. For more than 35 years, FirstService Residential has continued to provide the best-in-class association management solutions and genuinely helpful service to its over 950 commercial and residential associations encompassing more than 235,000 homes and commercial units throughout California. FirstService Residential is North America's largest manager of residential communities and the preferred partner of HOAs, community associations and strata corporations in the U.S. and Canada. FirstService Residential's managed communities include low-, mid- and high-rise condominiums and cooperatives, single-family homes, master-planned, lifestyle and active adult communities, and rental and commercial properties. With an unmatched combination of deep industry experience, local market expertise and personalized attention, FirstService Residential delivers proven solutions and exceptional service that add value, enhance lifestyles and make a difference, every day, for every resident and community it manages. FirstService Residential is a subsidiary of FirstService Corporation, a North American leader in the property services sector. For more information, visit http://www.fsresidential.com. With the amazing exposure we have received through Google My Business and our reviews on Google, FDC has stood out in a sea of coffee websites. We feel very supported."-Luke Schneider Fire Department Coffee is honored to be recognized by Google for National First Responders Day for their dedication to the firefighter community and their passion to give back to the men and women who put their lives on the line everyday. The small batch, roasted-to-order coffee brand has built a reputation for supporting the nations hardest working men and women with their high octane, boldly flavored roasts and charitable contributions. When we started this endeavor we knew very little about marketing and growing a brand, but we knew our mission and purpose, explained Fire Dept. Coffee Founder Luke Schneider. Starting with the creation of our website and the drive to learn more, we have been able to reach new customers, develop new partnerships, and strengthen our charitable involvement. Grow With Google, the tech companys initiative to help create economic opportunities for all Americans, offers free service that includes training, tools, and even events that small business owners can use to expand their skills and online presence. After working through some of the trainings, Fire Dept. Coffee started gaining greater traction in their niche. Now, almost 100% of their sales are through the website and driven by online reviews. In the last year, production has more than doubled. With the amazing exposure we have received through Google My Business and our reviews on Google, FDC has stood out in a sea of coffee websites. We feel very supported, said Schneider. With our growth weve been able to donate over $50K to first responder charities, and have now started our own--the Fire Dept. Coffee Foundation. Fire Dept. Coffee is establishing the foundation as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, created to support first responders who have been injured mentally and physically on the job. With each cup of coffee, a portion is donated to help a first responder in need. Watch the new Fire Dept. Coffee video by Google here: https://youtu.be/O9hfs_Kp6w8 To learn more about Fire Department Coffee and their charitable work with first responders visit https://www.firedeptcoffee.com/ or contact Janie Thomas at janie@veteranpr.com. About Fire Department Coffee: Luke Schneider launched Fire Dept. Coffee in July of 2016 with the mission to bring the easiest drinking coffee to the nation's hardest working men and women. Luke is a Navy Veteran and firefighter paramedic, serving Rockford, IL. Connect on social media by following @firedeptcoffee on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter Huffman Engineering continues to stay on the cutting edge of technologies related to the water and wastewater industries. We are honored to share our wealth of experience with conference attendees through our presentations. Past News Releases RSS Huffman Engineering Achieves... Huffman Engineering Named a... Huffman Engineering Hires... Huffman Engineering, Inc., a leader in control systems integration for the water and wastewater industries, today announced that three engineers from the company will present educational seminars at the American Water Works Association (AWWA) Nebraska Section Fall 2018 Conference. The event is held jointly with the Nebraska chapters of the American Public Works Association (APWA) and Water Environment Association (NWEA) at the Younes Conference Center in Kearney, NE November 7-9, 2018. On Thursday, November 8, 2018 at 11:30 am, Senior Electrical Engineer James Fricke, P.E. will present Control System Documentation Who Needs It? at the NWEA Conference. The presentation will help attendees identify the various stages of a project and the associated instrumentation and controls documents that are used for each. On Friday, November 9, 2018 at 8:30 am, Engineering Manager Keith Mandachit and Mechanical Engineer Jay Steinman will present Cybersecurity at the Nebraska Section of the AWWA. The presentation will educate attendees about cybersecurity and industrial control systems with a case study on a customers ransomware attack in June 2017. Also on Friday, November 9, 2018, Mechanical Engineer Alex Winking will co-present with Amit Shrivastava of HDR Hastings Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Project: Design and Implementation. The presentation begins at 10:30 am. Attending for the 21st consecutive year, Huffman Engineering will participate in the conferences Expo and share the companys expertise and experience in the implementation of turnkey automation solutions for sustainable and intelligent water infrastructure technologies. New control system technologies allow utilities to optimize and measure productivity, access and analyze critical operational data, automate regulatory documentation, improve network security and manage facility costs. Huffman Engineering continues to stay on the cutting edge of technologies related to the water and wastewater industries, said Howard Huffman, president of Huffman Engineering. We are honored to share our wealth of experience with conference attendees through our presentations. Huffman Engineering is currently working on the final phase of a three-phase project for a water treatment plant modernization for the City of Omaha at the Missouri River Wastewater Treatment Plant. This phase includes the design and implementation of the instrumentation and controls for a new chemical treatment building and chlorine contact basin. These facilities will be utilized to treat wet weather flows into the plant before being discharged to the Missouri River. In an earlier phase, Huffman Engineering designed and installed the instrumentation and controls, resulting in an expansion of capacity, an increase in efficiency, and a reduction of the amount of wastewater flowing through the storm sewer system. For more information or to register for the conference, click here. For over 30 years, Huffman Engineering has served as a trusted technology and services partner to many of Nebraskas water industry professionals. In 2017, the company recently opened a new office in Denver to better serve the needs of a growing client base in Western Nebraska, Colorado and Wyoming. Specializing in process control applications, Huffman Engineering has a proven track record of delivering large-scale system integration projects for highly regulated industries which require clients to meet stringent regulatory requirements. Whether meeting requirements for the FDA, USDA, or EPA, Huffman Engineering builds robust reliable automation systems. To learn more about Huffman Engineering, visit HuffmanEng.com. About Huffman Engineering, Inc. Huffman Engineering, Inc. is a CSIA Certified control systems integration company offering turnkey engineering design and control systems integration services to manufacturing and utility customers. The companys highly-skilled team of electrical, mechanical, control systems, and chemical engineers, and experienced technicians practice a proven, results-driven project methodology to consistently deliver optimal industrial automation solutions. Based in Lincoln, Nebraska, Huffman Engineering has served the Midwest since 1987, specializing in pharmaceutical, life science, machine, and utility process control applications. For more information, visit http://huffmaneng.com. Payways cost-free analysis compared our current rates and showed us how we could reduce our fees by reducing our non-PIN debit transactions to a lower interchange cost. That adjustment alone saved us $12,000 annually," said Carol Rodas, accounts receivable manager for ImpreMedia. Payway, an integrated payment processing solution, announced today that ImpreMedia, a leader in Hispanic content, insights and marketing, has selected Payway to help move its payment business into the cloud. ImpreMedia is a portfolio of influential multimedia brands that reaches 15 highly engaged, multi-generational Hispanic markets across the U.S. The news organization recently evaluated its credit card processing approach assessing everything from recurring subscription payments for its publications to reviewing the most cost-effective merchant account services to support all of its business operations, including online payments. ImpreMedia wanted to move from a batch solution that wasnt web-based to a cloud-based solution that would deliver PCI Compliance, simplicity and lower costs; and it wanted to integrate with its advertising system, circulation and digital subscriptions too. The transition to Payways cloud solution was effortless, with 24/7 technical support that was quick to respond and resolve, says Carol Rodas, accounts receivable manager for ImpreMedia. We have been extremely happy with the integration, which includes our advertising system, circulation and digital subscriptions. ImpreMedia has a 20-year history with Payway, utilizing its legacy systems. The news outlet wanted to continue its long-standing relationship with Payway as it moved its business towards a cloud-based gateway and merchant service solution. As a result, ImpreMedia has benefited from the ease and assurance of recurring billing through Payways payment gateway, they have more competitive fees and an improved risk profile that has helped improve their bottom line. It was a big step for ImpreMedia to move its operations to the cloud. The organization wanted a system and solution that would be hassle free and provide them with the reliability, security and convenience of the cloud, said Daniel Nadeau, co-owner, Payway. Going to the cloud allowed ImpreMedia to set up different levels of access and create different restrictions for employees based on job title, level and division. It made reporting more intuitive and provided the ability to quickly reconcile issues such as bank deposits. Payway also conducted an analysis of ImpreMedias merchant account to determine where they could save money. Payways cost-free analysis compared our current rates and showed us how we could reduce our fees by reducing our non-PIN debit transactions to a lower interchange cost. That adjustment alone saved us $12,000 annually, added Rodas. Using an Independent Software Vendor (ISV), for ImpreMedias payment processing has just made good business sense for our business and our customers too. Beyond improving ImpreMedias recurring merchant costs, the payment solution has also helped improve the companys risk position as Payway assisted the company in lowering its risk by defining the types of transactions being processed. We are excited to be able to continue our strong relationship with ImpreMedia and help provide them with significant savings on their credit card processing, while providing guidance on how they can improve operations, said David Fabrizio, co-owner, Payway. We make sure that our customers dont miss out on a payment or revenue opportunity, and they can grow their business. About ImpreMedia With a rich history of serving the Latino community, ImpreMedia operates La Opinion in Los Angeles, the nations #1 Spanish-language daily newspaper; El Diario newspaper in New York, which just recently celebrated its 100 years in business; La Raza in Chicago; La Opinion de La Bahia in San Francisco; and La Prensa in Orlando. About Payway Payway is an integrated payment processing solution developed by Edgil Associates, a privately owned, Level 1 Service Provider in the payment card industry. The Payway team built our user-friendly payment gateway and merchant services solution to be responsive to the needs of merchants who operate a recurring payment business model, like the many publishing companies we have served since 1984. To learn how you can save on payment processing, call us at 1 800.457.9932, or, visit http://www.paywaycomplete.com. Bruce MacDiarmid Success in the restaurant industry is all about moving quickly to stay with the trends, and being nimble enough to engage customers continually - Bruce MacDiarmid Synergy Restaurant Consultants is expanding their reach into new high-growth strategic opportunities through a valued partnership with noted industry veteran Bruce MacDiarmid. "We are thrilled to have Bruce as part of our team and share a common vision of helping and inspiring others to succeed. Bruce embraces our culture and mission that ultimate success in the restaurant business derives from a consistent focus on enhancing the overall guest experience, says Synergy Restaurant Consultants Founder and Managing Partner Dean Small. "Innovation and operating efficiency are the keys to delivering that long-term success. Having Bruce on the Synergy team allows us to leverage his unique range of industry experience to thereby offering our clients the insights gained through a successful career leading and operating multi-unit concepts in multiple restaurant segments." MacDiarmid began his career in restaurant operations eventually taking on executive roles in training, operations and marketing. His record of accomplishments include: award winning brand building, the creation of scalable restaurant concepts, financial turnarounds, menu development, technology implementations, restaurant design, marketing, human resources and labor optimization. His financial expertise and leadership skills most recently were highlighted in the Pacific Northwest as President and CEO of Sharis Restaurants where he was instrumental in reinvigorating the brand and guest experience. He holds a bachelors degree in Business/Marketing from California Polytechnic State University and attended graduate school at San Diego State University. He has served on multiple boards including chairmanship roles. Success in the restaurant industry is all about moving quickly to stay with the trends and being nimble enough to continually engage guests, says MacDiarmid. One of the greatest challenges today, regardless of the dining segment is continuing to add value to the guest experience in an environment of constantly escalating labor cost pressure, adds MacDiarmid, explaining that delivering that value requires an unwavering focus on the guest. There remains significant upside to the restaurant operators who step up their game and take advantage of all the new opportunities with an eye on innovation and efficiency. MacDiarmid looks forward to helping Synergy clients improve their operations, execution and financial performance I am excited join the team of professionals at Synergy, a team lead by founding partners Dean Small and Danny Bendas who have demonstrated a 30-year track record of helping clients with their revitalization and growth challenges. The fact that the company was founded and is currently lead by two graduates of the Culinary Institute of America speaks volumes to their passion and commitment to the restaurant industry. About Synergy As a premier restaurant consulting firm, Synergy Restaurant Consultants is a team of restaurant management professionals that develops innovative ideas and creates sustainable brands to drive top-line sales. Our restaurant consulting team specializes in both launching new restaurant startups and jump-starting struggling or financially distressed brands. Since 1988, Synergy has been a strategic resource to more than 250 national and independent restaurant companies within every dining segment. The company is based in Newport Beach, California. Intrinsic ID It is my pleasure to recognize BroadKey, an innovative solution that earned Intrinsic ID the 2018 IoT Evolution Security Excellence Award. I look forward to seeing more innovation from Intrinsic ID in the future. - Rich Tehrani, CEO, TMC Intrinsic ID, the worlds leading provider of digital authentication technology for Internet of Things security, announced today that BroadKey has received a 2018 IoT Evolution Security Excellence Award from IoT Evolution magazine, the leading publication covering IoT technologies. The award honors organizations delivering software or hardware solutions which enable the advancement of security for IoT devices and networks. This award is further validation of the great work our team has done to bring BroadKey to market and deliver the option to secure any IoT-connected device at any time, said Pim Tuyls, chief executive officer of Intrinsic ID. BroadKey enables designers and product managers to choose right-sized security that balances cost and market demands. BroadKey is a secure root key generation and management software solution for IoT security that allows device manufacturers to secure their products with a unique secret key or identity without the need for adding a costly, standalone, security-dedicated silicon. Its unique operation uses a silicon fingerprint to generate, but never store, the secret device root key, greatly raising the bar for attackers. BroadKey can be loaded at any time in a devices life even retrofitted on deployed devices without the need for physical access to the device. This enables a never-before-possible remote brownfield installment of a hardware root of trust. It delivers right-sized security that aligns well with the high security standards demanded by use cases such as device-to-cloud security, privacy, financial transactions and defense. BroadKeys underlying technology is well proven: Shipped into more than 100 million IoT devices Used by some of top electronics companies in the world Recognized with Amazon Web Services Advanced Tier Partnership Deployed in banks to tanks delivers a high standard of security Tested for NIST and FIPS compliance The solutions selected for the IoT Evolution Security Excellence Award exemplify innovation driving the fast-growing Internet of Things marketplace. It is my honor to congratulate Intrinsic ID for their innovative work and contribution to this rapidly evolving industry, said Carl Ford, CEO of Crossfire Media, a co-publisher of IoT Evolution Magazine. It is my pleasure to recognize BroadKey, an innovative solution that earned Intrinsic ID the 2018 IoT Evolution Security Excellence Award, said Rich Tehrani, CEO, TMC. I look forward to seeing more innovation from Intrinsic ID in the future. About Intrinsic ID Intrinsic ID is the worlds leading digital authentication company, providing the Internet of Things with hardware-based root-of-trust security via unclonable identities for any IoT-connected device. Based on Intrinsic IDs patented SRAM PUF technology, the companys security solutions can be implemented in hardware or software. Intrinsic ID security, which can be deployed at any stage of a products lifecycle, is used to validate payment systems, secure connectivity, authenticate sensors, and protect sensitive government and military systems. Intrinsic ID technology has been deployed in more than 100 million devices. Award recognition includes the Frost & Sullivan Technology Leadership Award and the EU Innovation Radar Prize. Intrinsic ID security has been proven in millions of devices certified by Common Criteria, EMVCo, Visa and multiple governments. Intrinsic IDs mission: Authenticate Everything. Visit Intrinsic ID online at http://www.Intrinsic-ID.com. LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/intrinsic-id Twitter: https://twitter.com/intrinsicid Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Intrinsic-ID-367721959973148/ YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/IntrinsicID Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/intrinsic_id/ Intrinsic ID, the Intrinsic ID logo, BroadKey and Authenticate Everything are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intrinsic ID, Inc., and are protected by trademark laws of the United States and other jurisdictions. All other product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. About Crossfire Media Crossfire Media is an integrated marketing company with a core focus on future trends in technology. We service communities of interest with conferences, tradeshows, webinars and newsletters. Crossfire Media has a partnership with Technology Marketing Corporation (TMC) to produce events and websites related to disruptive technologies. Crossfire Media is a division of Crossfire Consulting, a full service Information Technology company based in New York. About TMC Through education, industry news, live events and social influence, global buyers rely on TMC's content-driven marketplaces to make purchase decisions and navigate markets. As a result, leading technology vendors turn to TMC for unparalleled branding, thought leadership and lead generation opportunities. Our in-person and online events deliver unmatched visibility and sales prospects for all participants. Through our custom lead generation programs, we provide clients with an ongoing stream of leads that turn into sales opportunities and build databases. Additionally, we bolster brand reputations with the millions of impressions from display advertising on our news sites and newsletters. Making TMC a 360-degree marketing solution, we offer comprehensive event and road show management services and custom content creation with expertly ghost-crafted blogs, press releases, articles and marketing collateral to help with SEO, branding, and overall marketing efforts. For more information about TMC and to learn how we can help you reach your marketing goals, please visit http://www.tmcnet.com and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, @tmcnet. TMC Contact Stephanie Thompson Manager 203-852-6800, ext. 139 sthompson(at)tmcnet(dot)com Media Contact for Intrinsic ID Milan G. Lazich +[1] (408) 933-9980 press(at)intrinsic-id(dot)com Koble Accepts Red Herring Honor We believe Koble embodies the vision, drive and innovation that define a successful entrepreneurial venture. Red Herring announced its Top 100 Global in recognition of the leading private companies from North America, Europe, and Asia, celebrating these startups innovations and technologies across their respective industries. Red Herrings Top 100 Global list has become a mark of distinction for identifying promising companies and entrepreneurs. Red Herring editors were among the first to recognize that companies such as Facebook, Twitter, Google, Yahoo, Skype, Salesforce.com, YouTube, and eBay would change the way we live and work. Choosing the companies with the strongest potential was by no means a small feat, said Alex Vieux, publisher and CEO of Red Herring. After rigorous contemplation and discussion, we narrowed our list down from hundreds of candidates from across the globe to the Top 100 Winners. We believe Koble embodies the vision, drive and innovation that define a successful entrepreneurial venture. Koble should be proud of its accomplishment. Were thrilled to receive this distinction from Red Herring, said Fabrice Saporito, Koble Founder and CEO. I believe the recognition of Koble as a Red Herring Top 100 Global company illustrates the potential we have to reimagine the way larger corporations and smaller companies connect to do business around the world. Were opening the door for small businesses across the globe to a trillion dollar opportunity of supplier contracts with Fortune 1000 companies on the Koble platform. Red Herrings editorial staff evaluated the companies on both quantitative and qualitative criteria, such as financial performance, technology innovation, management quality, strategy, and market penetration. This assessment of potential is complemented by a review of the track records and standing of startups relative to their peers, allowing Red Herring to see past the buzz and make the list a valuable instrument of discovery and advocacy for the most promising new business models from around the world. About Koble Koble is a business-to-business (B2B) matchmaking platform that is reimagining the way larger companies and smaller businesses connect. The Koble platform is a buyer-friendly community that encourages business professionals like you to use content to spark genuine conversations and mutually beneficial engagements. Matches between business buyers and sellers are created through the Koble platform and the Koble mobile application when a user shows interest in the content posted by another user or by viewing a company profile page. By improving upon current B2B social networks and platforms that are designed solely for building personal brands, businesses on Koble see message response rates twice as high as the response rates on other professional networks and click-through rates more than five times the industry average. Koble is headquartered in Boston. To learn how Koble can help you make more valuable business connections, visit http://www.koble.com. Our made-to-order flooring will offer our North American customers a competitive alternative to whats currently on the market. Lico-U.S. will exhibit its Hydro Fix Comfort Core flooring line Nov. 6-8 at the 2018 NAFCD + NBMDA Annual Convention in Dallas, Texas. Sponsored by the North American Association of Floor Covering Distributors and the North American Building Material Distribution Association, the event brings together distributors, suppliers and service providers from the floor covering, specialty building material, cabinetry and woodworking industries. Lico-U.S. will be at booth #456. We are eager to make our debut at one of the premier flooring events of the year and introduce our Swiss-quality floors to the industry, says Rob Rebman, president of Lico-U.S., a newly-formed C-Corporation between LI & CO (Switzerland) and ACP (Wisconsin). Our made-to-order flooring will offer our North American customers a competitive alternative to whats currently on the market. Hydro Fix Comfort Core flooring integrates RCB technology, which is twice as dense as any LVT/WPC core and offers a thinner, more rigid plank. It is 100 percent waterproof, can be installed over most existing hard surfaces and will not telegraph minor subfloor imperfections. Lico-U.S. is investing $10 million to begin manufacturing Hydro Fix at its Neenah, Wis., headquarters, a 200,000-sq.-ft. manufacturing and distribution facility that will include PVC flooring extrusion and milling lines. The company will also provide sales and service in North America for Licos many other flooring technologies and brands manufactured at Licos main production facility in Mustair, Switzerland. LI & CO is a privately held company with over 20 years of high-quality, innovative flooring manufacturing experience. The Swiss company currently manufactures 13 flooring lines in Mustair. ACP, LLC is a privately held, 25-year-old manufacturing, marketing and distribution company. ACPs history includes manufacturing and distributing decor offerings including backsplash, ceiling and wall products for residential and commercial customers. More information about Lico Swiss-quality floors, including where to buy, technical specifications, installation guides and FAQs, can be found at http://www.lico-us.com. Lico flooring products are a product of ACP. ACPs products blend ingenuity with style giving customers finished projects that feature easy installation, quality, affordability and timeless appeal. Company contact information: ACP 2341 Industrial Drive, Neenah, WI 54956. 800-434-3750. Bonfire is the most agile e-sourcing platform on the market and allows us to manage the global supply base from a centralized, secure environment Global supply chain and operations consulting firm Maine Pointe announced today it has entered into a strategic agreement with Bonfire Interactive Ltd., a leader in strategic sourcing software. Bonfire is one of the fastest-growing procurement technologies of the last few years. It's a powerful, collaborative toolkit for modern sourcing teams. Maine Pointe's procurement experts, working closely with our data analysts, deploy this cloud-based sourcing software to help clients leverage deeper collaboration, deeper data, and deeper automation to help clients make more strategic sourcing decisions. We are excited to become a Bonfire Partner, said Nathanael Powrie, Maine Pointes Executive Vice President, Data Analytics, Maine Pointe helps its clients go to market with billions in spend annually. Time and complexity are traditionally a huge challenge for our team when we are managing multiple sourcing events. Bonfire is the most agile e-sourcing platform on the market and allows us to manage the global supply base from a centralized, secure environment. Data analytics capability is foundational to Maine Pointes Total Value Optimization (TVO) approach to transforming the end-to-end supply chain into a competitive weapon for clients. The powerful combination of Bonfire cloud-based platform and Maine Pointes deep industry and subject-matter expertise will provide clients with a single workflow for data blending, modeling and reporting, delivering the insights to identify, track, measure and report on end-to-end supply chain improvements and move up the Total Value Optimization Pyramid. Maine Pointes expertise is foundational for companies to be able to realize maximum impacts across all procurement activities. This partnership offers corporate executives and the private equity market portfolio owners an opportunity for substantive savings from procurement events, said Corry Flatt, CEO at Bonfire. Maine Pointe has been able to leverage Bonfire to gain visibility into aggregate savings, which has had a direct impact on EBITDA - were excited to partner with a team that has experienced such impressive results themselves. The Bonfire Strategic Sourcing Platform provides a collaborative and centralized hub for all bid and RFx activities. A flexible cloud-based solution, Bonfire goes beyond basic sourcing systems and modules by including automated tools such as online solicitation, submission, contract management, and vendor performance. The solution is collaborative and powerful, allowing teams to conduct the entire procurement process - including deep vendor evaluations - in a streamlined and easy-to-use place. Bonfires unique advantage is in how the solution collects and manages data, then surfaces relevant information to specific stakeholders for class-leading in-depth analysis and comparison. Bonfire makes the RFP process easy. About Maine Pointe Maine Pointe is a global supply chain and operations consulting firm trusted by many chief executives and private equity firms to drive compelling economic returns for their companies. We achieve this by delivering accelerated, sustainable improvements in EBITDA, cash and growth across their procurement, logistics and operations. Our hands-on implementation experts work with executives and their teams to rapidly break through functional silos and transform the buy-make-move-fulfill supply chain to deliver the greatest value to customers and investors at the lowest cost to business. We call this Total Value Optimization (TVO). Maine Pointes engagements are results-driven and deliver between 4:1-8:1 ROI. We are so confident in our work and our processes that we provide a unique 100% guarantee of engagement fees based on annualized savings. http://www.mainepointe.com About Bonfire Interactive Ltd. Bonfire, a leader in strategic sourcing and procurement technology, empowers organizations to make the right purchasing decisions. With tools to support the entire vendor lifecycle (sourcing, contract management, and vendor performance), the Bonfire strategic sourcing platform goes beyond the mechanics of traditional procurement suites to centralize all sourcing activities. The platform works the way you do and is designed to unite stakeholders, absorb compliance requirements, and facilitate advanced evaluation activities. Bonfire powers over $20-billion dollars worth of decision making across 250+ customers globally, and is recognized as a 2018 Gartner Cool Vendor. http://www.goBonfire.com Were avid travellers ourselves. When we looked around for reasonably priced luggage that aligned with our design sensibilities and didnt cut corners on materials and parts, we couldnt find any. Monos an independent Canadian studio creating beautifully designed, accessibly priced, exceptionally high quality luggage announced the official pre-launch of its Kickstarter campaign today. The studio was founded to give discerning travellers what the market is sorely lacking premium, minimalist luggage without superfluous gimmicks, built with only the best materials and components all at a fair price. Were avid travellers ourselves, said Victor Tam, CMO and Founder. When we looked around for reasonably priced luggage that aligned with our design sensibilities and didnt cut corners on materials and parts, we couldnt find any. We didnt want to compromise on anything, so we got to work on making luggage wed actually want to buy. By cutting out the middlemen and selling directly to customers, the studio is able to offer high-end luggage at honest prices, without the exorbitant markups found at traditional luggage retailers. With a design-focused approach and a rigorous attention to detail, Monos is challenging the notions of what a premium suitcase should be (and should cost), as well as defying the recent trend of flashy, bloated luggage packed with gimmicky features of questionable utility. While other companies all rush to build power banks into their luggage which, lets face it, most people already carry separately the studio decided to focus their efforts on making a top quality suitcase that excels at being a suitcase. We didnt see the need for our luggage to have GPS tracking or transform into a moped. We chose to double down on the design and the quality the stuff that really matters, said Daniel Shin, Managing Director and Founder. Drawing inspiration from the Japanese wabi-sabi aesthetic as well as the visual rhythms of natural phenomena like sunsets and rippling water, the studios luggage design is at once striking and understated in its minimalist distillation of form. It cuts no corners in function either, with exactingly crafted details and thoughtful features. All the Monos suitcases boast a sleek and sturdy telescopic handle befitting of the luggages premium status. The custom telescopic tubes are made of high-grade aluminum, and are set at an angle to reduce lateral motion and wobbling, standing in stark contrast to the flimsy, low-quality handles of other similarly priced luggage. A cleverly hidden release button keeps the handles appearance clean, while also making it more natural to use. The luggage case is made of ultra-light, aerospace-grade Makrolon polycarbonate, sourced from Germany. In addition to being light in weight (the Carry-On, Carry-On Plus, and Check-In weigh only 6.9 lb, 7.1 lb, and 10 lb, respectively), the polycarbonate shell is remarkably durable and impact-resistant a far cry from the usual ABS plastic found in most hard shell suitcases. Even the roughest luggage handler literally wont make a dent polycarbonate is near impossible to break, and it easily bounces back into its original shape. The polycarbonate is finished with a powder coating to add extra durability and to give the case its handsome, matte appearance. In addition to being light and strong, Monos luggage is also silent. Outfitted with Hinomoto Lisof Silent Run 360 wheels (typically found only in much more expensive suitcases), the luggage is whisper-quiet. And sparing no detail, the studio also sourced colour-coordinated YKK reverse coil zippers, chosen as much for their sleek appearance as their unrivalled reliability. The interior is lined in a luxuriously soft, anti-microbial fabric with subtle pattern detailing. The complete collection of Monos luggage will be available in three sizes: Carry-On (22 x 14 x 9), Bigger Carry-On (23 x 15 x 9.5), and Check-In (30 x 21 x 13.7), starting at an early backer price of $150 for the Carry-On. Early backers will be able to get over 40% off all models when the Monos Kickstarter campaign officially launches on November 13, 2018. See more at monos.com/kickstarter The Magic Rocking Chair Series: Papaw and the Talking Donkey: an inspiring Bible moral story for children. The Magic Rocking Chair Series is the creation of published author Melissa Tucker, a long-time educator with three decades experience in public school, Christian school, and at the university level, developing womens and childrens ministries in various countries and currently serving in the Teacher Education Program of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Tucker writes, Elisabeth and her papaw are swept back in time to the banks of the Jordan River by Papaws magical rocking chair. The sights and sounds of the people camped at the Jordan River allow an insight to this biblical time. When Elisabeth and her papaw begin to follow Balaam, she watches as he tries to decide whether he is going to obey God or King Balak. Then suddenly the donkey began to talk to Balaam, and Elisabeth couldnt believe her ears! The important character trait of obedience is seen throughout this story. As the child reads this chapter book with illustrations, Numbers 22:138 is also shown on the page so that it is known that this book is taking the truths of Gods word and showing how it can be used in present situations. Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Melissa Tuckers new book is a motivating tale that introduces a classic Bible story while reminding children of the importance of honoring God and their elders. Young readers will delight in the imaginative setup and the willful main character as they absorb wisdom from the Bible and the loveable Papaw. View a synopsis of The Magic Rocking Chair Series: Papaw and the Talking Donkey on YouTube. Consumers can purchase The Magic Rocking Chair Series: Papaw and the Talking Donkey at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or inquiries about The Magic Rocking Chair Series: Papaw and the Talking Donkey, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919. Rendering of new Metro Self Storage facility to be developed in South Brunswick, New Jersey "The mix of interior climate controlled and traditional drive up access units will provide options to meet all of the storage needs of the surrounding community. Metro Storage LLC announced the purchase of a parcel of land in South Brunswick, New Jersey with plans to construct a new state-of-the art storage facility offering 668 units across 75,000 rentable square feet (RSF). Located at 3963 U.S. Route 1 in South Brunswick, the facility will feature a multi-story, 100% climate controlled, self-storage building totaling 60,000 RSF and three single-story, drive-up, non-climate controlled self storage buildings with an additional 15,000 RSF. The exceptional location of this property sets Metro up for success, said Marty Gallagher, President of Metro Storage LLC. We are excited to get started on construction of this facility and adding to the thriving business community along the Route 1 corridor. This site, with over 500 feet of frontage, provides us the strong retail visibility that we strive for in our developments. The mix of interior climate controlled and traditional drive up access units will provide options to meet all of the storage needs of the surrounding community. The new store will be located on a major north/south highway with excellent exposure, in a dense and affluent suburban market southwest of New York City, close to residential areas and major retailers. The store will feature a mix of interior climate-controlled and traditional drive-up access storage, large interior drive-in loading/unloading bays with several access points around the building, elevator access, state of the art security, and a large, modern retail office. Construction is scheduled to commence in the coming months with expected completion in the third quarter of 2019. This will be Metros tenth store in New Jersey. About Metro Storage LLC Metro Storage LLC is a privately owned, fully integrated, international self-storage company specializing in the development, construction, acquisition, and management of self-storage facilities in the USA, Brazil, and Central America. Metro operates under the trademark Metro Self Storage in the US, being one of the top 10 largest owner/operators of self-storage facilities in the United States with over 135 stores covering 14 states. Metro Storage International (MSI) has an affiliate/partner in Brazil which operates under the trade name MetroFit. MSIs affiliate/partner in Central America operates under the trade name Mr. Bodeguitas, and is Central Americas leading self-storage operator with locations throughout Guatemala, El Salvador, and Costa Rica. More information about the firm is available at http://www.metrostoragecorporate.com. About Fremont Realty Capital Fremont Realty Capital (FRC) is the real estate private equity business unit of the Fremont Group, the investment office of the Bechtel family of San Francisco. Since formation in 1997, FRC has provided its investors with superior risk-adjusted returns and value-creation through investments in non-traditional and traditional real estate sectors, both domestically and abroad. FRC has been has been investing in U.S. and European self-storage businesses since 1998. Its success is based on a disciplined investment strategy, enduring long term relationships with best-in-class operating partners, and the collective experience of the firms principals. FRC has made investments in 365 properties in 11 countries, totaling over $5 billion. Myoscience, Inc. announced today that it has completed enrollment in its randomized, controlled trial at the Campbell Clinic in Memphis, Tennessee. This study enrolled 125 patients and compares the effect of cryoanalgesia using the iovera system to the standard of care for managing pain after total knee replacement surgery (TKA). The Myoscience iovera system is currently being used to treat chronic and perioperative knee pain. The Campbell Clinic study will demonstrate how cryoanalgesia can significantly reduce opioid consumption after TKA, and lead to improved physical function and enhanced recovery. Analysis of interim data confirms that cryoanalgesia with the iovera system can be a preferred treatment for relieving postoperative TKA pain. I am very impressed with the results of this prospective randomized study thus far. The positive effect of the iovera system has exceeded our original expectations, stated Dr. William Mihalko, MD, Principal Investigator for this study. Having a technology as effective as this to combat excessive opioid use after primary TKA can be a game changer for many patients. Many of us will adopt the use of the technology on a regular basis at my institution, he added. The company will be sharing these interim results during a sponsored symposium at the upcoming American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS) annual meeting in Dallas, Texas. The symposium Cryoanalgesia: A Path to an Opioid-Free TKA, Pre-op through Rehab, will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on November 1. Timothy I. Still, President and CEO of Myoscience stated, I share Dr. Mihalkos enthusiasm about iovera. We look forward to sharing these interim results during the AAHKS meeting in a few days. For additional information, please visit http://www.iovera.com or email us directly at mediarelations(at)myoscience(dot)com. ABOUT MYOSCIENCE Silicon Valley, California-based Myoscience is a privately-held medical device company committed to making its platform technology, the iovera system, the standard of care for the treatment of peripheral nerves. The iovera treatment is powered by a patented device that enables cryoneurolysis. The iovera system is 510k cleared in the U.S. for the blocking of pain, the relief of pain and symptoms associated with osteoarthritis of the knee for up to 90 days and general surgical use. For more information, please visit http://www.iovera.com. 2018 Myoscience. All rights reserved. iovera is a trademark of Myoscience. MKT-0524 REV A Steptoe & Johnson PLLC is pleased to announce that Nathaniel R. Nate Kissel has joined the firm. Kissel will be part of the firms litigation department, focusing his practice in the area of professional liability. Kissel has experience defending hospitals and long-term care facilities belonging to some of the nations largest health care providers. Nates addition marks the next step in the expansion of our Kentucky litigation team, said firm CEO Susan S. Brewer. Nate understands the needs of health care providers in the commonwealth, and will add depth to our ability to represent them in and out of the courtroom. He joins Steptoe & Johnson from a multi-state firm where he represented physicians, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities in medical malpractice litigation. Kissel is also experienced in guiding companies in diverse industries through bankruptcy, restructuring, and commercial litigation. He also has significant experience in assisting health care providers in collection matters. Kissel previously practiced with a Lexington-based firm where he asserted creditor claims in Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and Chapter 11 bankruptcies on behalf of banking and secured creditors, as well as prosecuting state and federal collection matters for local and regional businesses. Prior to beginning his legal career, Kissel was a writer and photojournalist for The Oldham Era in La Grange, Ky. where he received accolades from the Kentucky Press Association for news coverage and investigative reporting. Kissel earned his law degree from the University of Kentucky College of Law and his bachelors degree from Centre College. About Steptoe & Johnson Steptoe & Johnson PLLC is a law firm nationally recognized for its strengths in energy law with more than a century of know-how in the areas of business, employment, and litigation. Steptoe & Johnson has more than 300 attorneys practicing in 13 offices in Colorado, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia. Visit http://www.steptoe-johnson.com and connect with us on Twitter and LinkedIn. For more information, contact Betsy Spellman, Chief Marketing Officer, at (304) 933-8000 or by email: press(at)steptoe-johnson.com. The new partnership between 10ZiG and Sennheiser will provide 10ZiG customers using Skype for Business an incredible audio experience while using Sennheiser headsets. 10ZiG is diligent in their quest to remain innovative and offer the most in service and we are honored to partner with their team. 10ZiG Technology, a world-market leader in Thin Client & Zero Client endpoint devices for virtual desktop infrastructure, and Sennheiser, a leading provider of audio solutions for business, have come together to bring the best possible power, speed, performance and sound as Sennheiser products and 10ZiG devices join forces in a Citrix-based VDI environment. The Sennheiser team prides itself on never settling for only good sound within the audio world; they want to achieve the perfect sound. Likewise, the 10ZiG team never settles for only good devices in the VDI world; they want to provide the best possible service to go along with our top-quality Thin & Zero Client endpoints. A primary use-case example for the superiority of this new partnership is when Sennheiser headsets run via Skype for Business on 10ZiG Citrix Ready VDI endpoints with HDX Realtime Optimization Pack support. Skype for Business with Citrix Ready 10ZiG endpoint devices is used to offload audio and video communications peer-to-peer; or, offload entirely to a central multi-party call or meeting. This can now be done so with the most amazing sound quality available thanks to the collaboration of Sennheiser with 10ZiG. Sennheiser has a wide range of premium products including wired and wireless headsets and speakerphones, and 10ZiG Technology has a wide range of Thin Client & Zero Client endpoint devices for virtual desktop infrastructure. All Sennheiser Skype for Business certified products and 10ZiG products work hand-in-hand together to ensure the best possible customer experience within a Citrix-based platform, putting the customers focus on the discussed information, and not having to worry about delivery or audio. We are always looking to enhance, improve, and expand the quality and depth of our product experience for customers. Sennheiser is the perfect fit as their cutting-edge philosophy is in line with ours; we see eye-to-eye on not only being reactive, but also proactively reinventing the future, as Sennheiser states, remarks Kevin Greenway, CTO of 10ZiG Technology. Henrik Thrring with Sennheiser Communications A/S comments, 10ZiG Technology is a great ally in the world of sound and VDI. 10ZiG is diligent in their quest to remain innovative and offer the most in service and we are honored to partner with their team. Our groups agree that if youre going to have the best functionality on a VDI Thin or Zero endpoint, you should also ensure the best audio. About 10ZiG Technology 10ZiG Technology is a world-market leader in Thin Client & Zero Client endpoint devices for Virtual Desktop Infrastructure. 10ZiG provides leading Intel and AMD based Dual and Quad Core Thin Clients and Zero Clients for VMware Blast Extreme & PCoIP, Citrix (HDX, HDX Premium, HDX 3D Pro), and Microsoft environments, in addition to the widest range of Teradici PCoIP Zero Clients on the market. 10ZiG offers free, no-obligation demo devices, Technical Support teams based in the U.S. and Europe, and provides free endpoint management software with cloud enablement via The 10ZiG Manager with unlimited user licenses supported. Free evaluation devices are available at http://www.10ZiG.com. About Sennheiser Communications A/S Sennheiser Communications is a joint venture between the Danish company William Demant and the German company Sennheiser. Based in Copenhagen, the joint venture specializes in telecommunication products for call centers, office applications and environments as well as headsets for gaming and mobile devices. Sennheiser Communications excels in state-of-the-art technologies and outstanding customer service and markets them worldwide. The joint venture draws on the experience of two companies that are both global technology leaders in their respective sectors. Dr. Russell Babbitt, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon The IDEAL IMPLANT is a superior product to silicone from a purely aesthetic perspective. Dr. Russell Babbitt knew the IDEAL IMPLANT was a great option before he placed a single one. When I saw that the IDEAL IMPLANT was available, I sought it out, said Dr. Babbitt, a board-certified plastic surgeon who practices in Fall River, MA. I had ten people on our schedule for the implant before Id even placed one. At that point, I was thinking, This had better do a good job. And it has. He reports the IDEAL IMPLANT is a superior product to silicone from a purely aesthetic perspective. Dr. Babbitts success with the implant is one of the primary reasons he has been awarded Premier Surgeon status with IDEAL IMPLANT, a recognition provided to a very select group of surgeons based on their extensive experience with IDEAL IMPLANT breast implant procedures. Prior to offering IDEAL IMPLANT, many of his patients opted for saline implants because they believed it was a cheaper option, Dr. Babbitt reported. The IDEAL IMPLANT has become a great option for patients, especially those who may not choose saline because theyd heard it was not as natural-looking, or shunned silicone gel because of the uncertainty of possible silent ruptures and associated additional surgical procedures long term. IDEAL IMPLANT is a third option in addition to traditional saline implants or silicone gel implants. The structured breast implant uses a series of shells nested together which are filled with saline, yet offers a more natural look and feel similar to silicone gel implants. Because of this unique nested design, the IDEAL IMPLANT has become a popular choice, Dr. Babbitt said. The baffled shells nested inside of each other allow the saline to move more naturally like breast tissue, which results in a more authentic feel and look. When a silicone gel implant ruptures, it can only be detected by MRI, meaning a woman may not know for days, months, or years if her implant has ruptured. When silicone gel gets into the surrounding tissues, it requires a more complicated surgical procedure to remove. By contrast, when a saline implant ruptures, the saline (a sterile salt-water solution) is safely absorbed by the body and can be detected by simply looking in a mirror. Recent survey findings showed that over 98% of women reported feeling concerned about silent rupture, including many women who already had silicone gel implants. When a rupture is detected, it can result in feelings of insecurity and anxiety, as it is not known how long it has been happening, or whether it could have been detected sooner. The worry and the reality of silent rupture can have an adverse effect on a womans overall well-being, yet too many women are not provided all of the facts and long-term considerations before choosing their breast implant. What's blowing my mind is I always thought people mostly were choosing saline because it was the cheaper option, especially those living in less-affluent areas, he said. That has not been the case at all. The IDEAL IMPLANT, in fact, is a bit costlier than silicone, and people are still overwhelmingly choosing the IDEAL IMPLANT to the tune of about 80 percent. So that's telling, in and of itself. About Dr. Russell Babbitt Dr. Babbitt is a Plastic Surgeon in private practice in Southeastern Massachusetts, and is certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery. He offers the full scope of aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast, body, and face, with a special interest in secondary aesthetic breast surgery, post-mastectomy breast reconstruction, and skin cancer reconstruction. After receiving his Medical Degree from the University of Massachusetts in 2003, he continued at UMass Medical Center for internship and residency in General Surgery, and completed his fellowship in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery there in 2010. In addition to his clinical experience, Dr. Babbitt has done research in the areas of microsurgery, human anatomy, limb reconstruction, complex models of wound healing, and abdominal wall reconstruction. Dr. Babbitt co-authored a textbook chapter as well as several journal articles, and he continues to present at regional, national and international conferences. Dr. Babbitt is an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the New England Society of Plastic Surgeons, the Northeastern Society of Plastic Surgeons, and the Massachusetts Society of Plastic Surgeons. When not operating, Dr. Babbitt enjoys spending time with his wife and four young children, who are by far his greatest joy in life. For more information, visit http://plasticsurgerysne.com. About IDEAL IMPLANT Ideal Implant Incorporated is a privately held company that was founded in 2006 by Robert S. Hamas, MD, the plastic surgeon who invented the IDEAL IMPLANT. After years of dealing with ruptured silicone gel implants and listening to patient concerns, Dr. Hamas realized that women wanted a new type of breast implantone that would combine the natural feel of a silicone gel implant with only saline inside for safety and peace of mind. The unique design of the IDEAL IMPLANT provides a natural feel and youthful lookwithout using silicone gel. The IDEAL IMPLANT incorporates a series of shells nested together and two separate chambers that hold saline. Though made with standard implant materials, the IDEAL IMPLANT uses an advanced internal structure to control movement of the saline and support the implant edges to reduce collapse and wrinkling. IDEAL IMPLANT has undergone 10 years of development, testing and refinementincluding contributions of clinical expertise from several board-certified plastic surgeons. IDEAL IMPLANTS were approved by both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Health Canada in 2014. For more information, visit https://idealimplant.com/. The number of VHS school partners around the world continues to grow because of the wide range of courses we offer to students and the level of support provided by our teachers and coordinators. Schools in Rhode Island, Texas, Massachusetts and Alabama have joined more than 650 schools around the world in choosing The Virtual High School (VHS Inc.), as their online course solution for students in the upcoming academic year. Schools expand their local course offerings by incorporating the VHS catalog into their program of studies. The VHS catalog consists of more than 200 unique online courses, including 23 AP offerings, innovative STEM programs, and a wide variety of unique electives, including computer science. Partnering with VHS enables schools to provide courses to students that would otherwise be unavailable. Blackstone Valley Prep Academy, a network of public schools across four counties in Rhode Island, has chosen to expand course offerings with a new membership that provides 40 enrollments in VHS courses. Westbury Christian School in Houston also began a new membership with 32 seats to provide students access to Advanced Placement courses. Argosy Collegiate Charter School in Fall River, Massachusetts, joined the VHS collaborative with a purchase of 20 seats, and is also incorporating one teacher into the program. The teacher will receive graduate level professional development and will learn to teach an online course on behalf of the schools membership. Mobile Christian School in Mobile, Alabama, has purchased 28 seats for students. "As a small school, we are excited about the opportunities that VHS offers for our students to take classes that we couldn't otherwise offer, said Nathan Wagner, Principal of Westbury Christian School. This year, several students have had access to advanced math courses that, without VHS, wouldn't have been possible. We are excited about expanding our offerings in the future to engage even more students." Students at participating schools enroll in VHS courses of their choice if the course has openings and students meet course prerequisites. Schools distribute their VHS course enrollments to their students as they see fit, with some schools providing enrollment opportunity to their entire student body, and others limiting enrollments to upper class students or students who have a particular course need. The number of VHS school partners around the world continues to grow because of the wide range of courses we offer to students and the level of support provided by our teachers and coordinators, said Carol Ribeiro, President & CEO of VHS. Schools and districts want to give students academic options that are not always available locally. VHS courses help students discover college majors and career options, and are a great way for schools to give students additional learning opportunities within a supportive, teacher-led online classroom environment. VHS is a Massachusetts-based non-profit organization that has, for over 22 years, provided middle and high schools from 40 states and 36 countries with access to high-quality online and blended learning experiences. VHS also provides educators at local schools with graduate-level professional development and services. The average three-year membership retention rate for schools participating in the program (2015-2018) was 94 percent, indicating strong educator and student satisfaction with the quality of instruction being delivered. About The Virtual High School The Virtual High School (VHS Inc.) is an online learning pioneer. Since 1996, the organization has set the standard for quality online education. VHS prepares students for college, careers, and life through supportive, instructor-led online and blended classroom experiences. The nonprofit organization provides high school and middle school courses taught in global online classrooms and online professional development for educators, as well as custom course development and offerings tailored to meet each schools unique needs. The Virtual High School is accredited by both Middle States Association Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS), and AdvancED. Courses are approved for initial eligibility by NCAA. For more information, visit http://www.vhslearning.org or call (978) 897-1900. Knack Pack Suitcase compartment Knacks One Bag Life will be transformational for the bag industry, said Charlie Clifford founder and former CEO Tumi, Inc. "No brand has effectively addressed the hassle of traveling with multiple bags, until now." Knack Inc., a Rhode Island company designing innovative products for busy professionals, today launched its premier One Bag Life collection, the first intelligent solution to the hassle of traveling with multiple bags. Knack Packs offer the hands-free convenience of everyday business backpack combined with the packing functionality of a suitcase. Leaving home and needing only one bag for any adventure is the essence of One Bag Life. Created by former TUMI executives including founder and CEO Charlie Clifford, and directors Chad Mellen and Larry Lein, Knack Packs are the result of two years of careful research, design, and testing. Knacks One Bag Life concept will be transformational for the bag industry, said Clifford. Todays young professionals want to simplify their carrying needs, look stylish and travel without friction. No brand has effectively addressed this challenge, until now. Knack Packs do the work of both an everyday business bag and a travel bag. When collapsed, they are the perfect backpack for a computer, tablet and business essentials. Expanded, Knack Packs reveal a separate compartment that neatly holds up to four changes of clothes. This unique system eliminates the need to carry a second bag for clothes or unpack everyday things to make room for travel items. Knack Packs in medium ($165) and large ($195) are available exclusively at http://www.knackbags.com. The first 200 people to order will receive a limited-edition stainless steel Knack water bottle that fits perfectly in the bags side pocket. My own path to a One Bag Life began three years ago during a weekend adventure to Costa Rica. On every leg of the trip, I found myself struggling with my duffel filled with clothes, my backpack filled with work stuff, my phone with a translation app, and an ever-present cup of coffee, said Knack founder and CEO Chad Mellen. At first, I thought I needed more hands. Then I realized what I really needed was a better way to carry everything. After looking for a better bag, and realizing the solution didnt exist, we created Knack. Knack Inc., a privately held company, offers packs for the active professional. Founded in 2018, the companys mission is to design intelligent products that make it easier to get out and experience the world. With a focus on simplicity, authenticity, and flexibility, Knacks One Bag Life concept offers freedom for professionals and travelers across all walks of life. For more about Knack and to experience One Bag Life, visit http://www.knackbags.com. # # # Related Links: To see the Knack Pack in action, click here. To see the Knack product gallery, click here. To read Our Story, click here. We are very excited to partner with Wellth through our Venture Fund, says Mike Goldman, President and COO of NFP. NFP Ventures, the early-stage investment arm of NFP, today announced a minority investment in Wellth, a promising behavioral economics startup. The investment will support Wellths mission to improve Rx adherence and health outcomes for high risk individuals living with chronic conditions. The transaction closed on Aug. 13, 2018. Wellth, founded in Brooklyn, New York, is devoted to helping chronic disease patients change their behaviors to improve their health. The startup focuses on lowering costs for the highest risk populations by administering incentives as individuals comply with prescription regimens, driving sustained behavioral change. By improving long-term adherence to care plans, Wellths goal is to drive down hospitalization, readmissions and complications to produce meaningful cost savings for customers. The investment dovetails with NFPs mission to stimulate emerging innovations in the Insurtech, Fintech and HR Tech spaces to remain on the forefront of innovative client solutions and meet evolving customer needs. We are very excited to partner with Wellth through our Venture Fund, says Mike Goldman, President and COO of NFP. Wellths mission to improve the effectiveness of treatment for chronic disease patients matches very well with our goal as advisors to improve our clients health care experience in a cost effective manner. We look forward to working with the team at Wellth to introduce their solution to our clients. We are thrilled to work more closely with NFP, drawing on their years of experience in the health care, insurance and benefits space, said Matt Loper, Wellth CEO and co-founder. Their support will be critical in expanding our platform to continue to provide a meaningful impact for patients and their families. For more information, please visit https://wellthapp.com/ About Wellth Wellth works with insurers and risk-bearing providers to motivate patient behavior change and better adherence to treatment through the use of financial incentives and behavioral economics strategies. Wellths solution is served through an intuitive and painless mobile patient experience that includes daily contextual and personalized nudges as well as quick check-ins for daily medications. The company focuses on better understanding and improving patient behaviors in costly chronic diseases where poor patient adherence is a major driver of preventable hospitalizations, readmissions and other costs, including Type 2 Diabetes, Congestive Heart Failure, Cardiovascular Disease, COPD, Asthma and Behavioral Health. Within its existing implementations, Wellth has demonstrated adherence rates of approximately 90%, which is compared to an average baseline of 50% (World Health Organization, 2003). This has been supported by improved health outcome measurements. About NFP Venture, LLC. NFP Venture, LLC. (NFP Ventures) is a venture fund launched by NFP that focuses on strategic partnerships and investments in the emerging Insurtech, Fintech and HR Tech arenas. NFP Ventures mission is to find, fund and work successfully with visionary executives, providing them with expertise to foster long-term success. Typically, NFP Ventures targets companies seeking Seed to Series B investment that can benefit from NFPs distribution, human capital and other unique assets to accelerate their growth. About NFP NFP is a leading insurance broker and consultant that provides employee benefits, property & casualty, retirement and individual private client solutions. Our expertise is matched by our commitment to each clients goals and is enhanced by our investments in innovative technologies in the insurance brokerage and consulting space. NFP has more than 4,300 employees and global capabilities. Our expansive reach gives us access to highly rated insurers, vendors and financial institutions in the industry, while our locally based employees tailor each solution to meet our clients' needs. We've become one of the largest insurance brokerage, consulting and wealth management firms by building enduring relationships with our clients and helping them realize their goals. Recently NFP was named the 2nd largest retirement plan aggregator firm, as ranked by Investment News; the 5th largest U.S.-based privately owned broker, the 5th best place to work in insurance and the 6th largest benefits broker by global revenue by Business Insurance; the 9th largest property & casualty agency by total 2016 P&C revenue and the 9th largest commercial lines agency by total 2016 P&C and commercial lines revenue by Insurance Journal; the 10th largest employee benefits broker by Employee Benefit Adviser; the 11th largest broker of U.S. business by Business Insurance; and the 12th largest global insurance broker by Best's Review. For more information, visit NFP.com ORIS has really helped educate us about MAP and as a result, were able to catch inconsistencies because of the platforms ongoing, actionable insights. Today at The SEMA Show, ORIS Intelligence, provider of actionable insights that preserve pricing integrity for manufacturers, announced momentum in the automotive space with over 60 automotive brands leveraging its leading Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) platform. New data from ORIS shows that the average automotive brand has 299 sellers offering their products across domains and marketplaces - 60 of which are Amazon.com sellers. Moreover, the average brand has nearly 9.9 percent of URLs that are in violation of pricing policies, with an average pricing discount of 8.1 percent. The automotive industry is not immune from the threat of price undercutting and like every industry, it can have a detrimental impact to a manufacturers bottom line, as well as their relationship with authorized sellers, said Pamela Springer, CEO of ORIS Intelligence. As B2B businesses continue to build their online presence, the risk of price parity builds too. We are focused on delivering near real-time insights to help brands become more educated about inconsistencies and identify unauthorized sellers so that MAP policies can be enforced, and the integrity of their brand maintained. Derive Systems, a leading automotive technology provider with over two million vehicles upgraded, serves the aftermarket industry with over 5,000 authorized resellers across the U.S, Canada and overseas. Derive has been working with ORIS to develop and maintain clear policies in order to preserve and vet partner relationships. It is more important than ever before that we maintain MAP because it maintains our brand integrity," said Solomon Nehrig, policy compliance officer at Derive Systems. Our brand is built on trust and quality and ensuring fair pricing is at the root of those two things. As marketplaces have started to come around to the fact that MAP policies are happening, unauthorized sellers are also getting much smarter about how to get a hold of our products and how to sell them under the radar. ORIS helps us ensure that isnt happening. ORIS has really helped educate us about MAP and as a result, were able to catch inconsistencies because of the platforms ongoing, actionable insights, said Lynn Rostad, brand protection manager at Lund International, a leading designer, manufacturer, and marketer of branded automotive accessories for a full assortment of passenger cars, light trucks and Jeep, as well as the heavy truck category. Because of ORIS helping us protect our brands, we can focus on what we do best - manufacture superior products." This week, ORIS is attending The SEMA Show in Las Vegas, NV. For more information about the company and its platform, visit http://www.orisintel.com. About ORIS Intelligence ORIS Intelligence delivers actionable insights that preserve pricing integrity for manufacturers to help them protect their brand. Built from the inside-out, ORIS Intelligences cloud-based platform helps solve the complex selling challenges of todays manufacturers by patrolling and enforcing minimum advertised price (MAP) everywhere their products are sold online, including discovering unknown sellers. With ongoing, frequently-updated reports, a streamlined user interface and hands-on customer support, ORIS Intelligence lives at the intersection of all channels to ensure manufacturers can better support trusted retail partners, while maximizing margins and increasing revenue. New scientific innovations will have no value if consumers arent willing to buy them On October 24, 2018, the Agriculture Secretary, Sonny Perdue announced the newly appointed members that are serving on the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics (NAREEE) Advisory Board. Jayson Lusk, an AAEA Past President and Department Head at Purdue Universitys Department of Agricultural Economics, is one of ten appointed to the board. Lusk was named AAEA Fellow in 2015, and served as president from 2016 2017. In 2017 He was a Senior Fellow for the Breakthrough Institute as well as being awarded the Borlaug Communication Award for the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology. As a Board member on NAREEE, Lusk will contribute to effective federal agricultural research, education, economics programs through broad stakeholder feedback and sound science. Members serve a three-year term Lusk says Agricultural research is critical to improving food security and sustainability, but we also have to consider how producers and consumers respond to new food and agricultural innovations. New scientific innovations will have no value if consumers arent willing to buy them. The ten appointed are (the category of stakeholder that each represents is noted in parentheses): Lisabeth Hobart, Government Relations Manager, GROWMARK Inc., Bloomington, IL (Category B. Farm Cooperatives); Chalmers Carr III, Owner, Titan Farms, Ridge Spring, SC (Category D. Plant Commodity Producer); Dr. Edmund Buckner, Dean & Director, Land Grant Programs, Alcorn State University, Lorman, MS (Category E. National Aquaculture Association); Dr. John Coupland, Professor of Food Science, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA (Category H. National Food Science Organization); Dr. Sarah Francis, Associate Professor of Human Sciences, Nutrition and Wellness, Iowa State University, Ames, IA Category J. National Nutritional Science Society); Dr. David Baltensperger, Department Head, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX (Category K. 1862 Land-Grant Colleges and Universities); Dr. James Allan, Executive Director of the School of Forestry, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ (Category V. National Forestry Group); Chad Ellis, Industry Relations, Manager, Noble Research Institute, Ardmore, OK (Category W. National Conservation or Natural Resource Groups); Dr. Robert Zeigler, Director General and CEO Emeritus, International Rice Research Institute, Portland, OR (Category X. Private Sector Organization involved in International Development); and Dr. Jayson Lusk, Department Head, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN (Category Y. National Social Science Association). For more information, please contact Allison Scheetz in the AAEA Business Office. ABOUT AAEA: Established in 1910, the Agricultural & Applied Economics Association (AAEA) is the leading professional association for agricultural and applied economists, with 2,500 members in more than 60 countries. Members of the AAEA work in academic or government institutions as well as in industry and not-for-profit organizations, and engage in a variety of research, teaching, and outreach activities in the areas of agriculture, the environment, food, health, and international development. The AAEA publishes two journals, the American Journal of Agricultural Economics and Applied Economic Perspectives & Policy, as well as the online magazine Choices. To learn more, visit http://www.aaea.org. "We're excited to expand the options available in PortalGuard to include the latest biometric and hardware-based tokens, further establishing PortalGuard as a true integration nexus for use by organizations of all sizes." - Gregg Browinski, CTO at PistolStar, Inc. As a pioneer in Authentication, PistolStar, Inc.s goal is to ensure its flagship product, PortalGuard, has the most up to date integrations available. PistolStar, Inc. is committed to being on the cutting edge of trends and guidelines in the authentication management industry and is excited to announce several Multi-Factor Authentication vendor integrations now available within the PortalGuard product. Vendor integrations now supported by PortalGuard include: Duo Security, FIDO, Google, RSA SecurID, VoiceIt, and Yubico. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) combines something you know, such as a password, with something you have or something you are, like a hardware token or voice print. Using this method allows an end-user to securely and safely access their accounts and minimizes the threat of a cyber-attack. Joining the list of MFA options that PortalGuard supports are several hardware tokens and biometric alternatives that all add an extra layer of security for the user. Integrations with PortalGuard PortalGuard now supports integration with Smart Cards. Used extensively by the military and federal government, PIV (aka CAC) cards utilize a cryptographic chip which contains a public/private keypair. The Smart Card is protected by a pin that releases the users identity to PortalGuard via a HTTPS negotiation leveraging standard Public Key Infrastructure (PKI). The FIDO standard introduced by the FIDO Alliance boasts founding members such as Google and Yubico. PortalGuard supports this cost-effective hardware token whether it be the Titan Security Key by Google or Yubico's own Security Key which works with popular browsers, websites and services. PortalGuard now offers support for a biometrics-based multi-factor option utilizing the service provider VoiceIt. They are a cloud-based biometrics service where you record different phrases during a one-time enrollment and can subsequently be prompted to repeat them later as a second factor proof of "something you are". First appearing in v5.8, PortalGuard integrates with the popular Duo Push App for existing Duo customers. This is a true "out of band" authentication option that offers best of breed usability and security. After providing the standard username and password, a notification is sent to users' smartphone via the Duo App, where verifying is as simple as tapping an approve button. There is no need to receive or re-type any one-time codes. Gregg Browinski, Chief Technology Officer at PistolStar, on the benefits of enhancing the PortalGuard list of MFA options: "Multi-Factor Authentication has become crucial to securing organization's critical assets. We're excited to expand the options available in PortalGuard to include the latest biometric and hardware-based tokens, further establishing PortalGuard as a true integration nexus for use by organizations of all sizes. By maintaining this flexibility, we ensure our customers can utilize the proper combination of multi-factor implementations across their environment." These new integrations join PortalGuards existing stable of MFA options which includes: Google Authenticator, HOTP HMAC tokens, Yubikey hardware tokens, RSA SecurID, the PortalGuard Mobile app, SMS OTP, Voice Call OTP, Email OTP, Help Desk Generated OTP, and printed codes. For further information regarding other features and updates in PortalGuard v.6.1, or to upgrade your current version, contact PistolStar, Inc. today. About PistolStar, Inc. PistolStar, Inc. is a leading authority on secure portal architecture. Its solutions are built to adapt to changing circumstances offered by tailored authentication services. Its flagship product, PortalGuard, is a secure, central integration portal software that is suited to fit both on-premises and cloud-based environments. From secure Single Sign-On and Self-Service Password Reset to seamless integration and brandability, PortalGuard has brought phenomenal growth to PistolStar, Inc. This growth is also attributed to the teams dedicated and responsive customer support. For over 19 years, PistolStar has provided its solutions to both companies and educational institutions. About Duo Security Duo Security helps defend organizations against data breaches by making security easy and effective. The company has more than 10,000 customers globally. Founded in Michigan, Duo has offices in both Ann Arbor and Detroit, as well as bustling hubs in Austin, Texas; San Mateo, California; and London. Visit http://www.duo.com to find out more. About Google Google is a public and profitable company focused on search services. Named for the mathematical term "googol," Google operates web sites at many international domains, with the most trafficked being http://www.google.com. Google is widely recognized as the "world's best search engine" because it is fast, accurate and easy to use. The company also serves corporate clients, including advertisers, content publishers and site managers with cost-effective advertising and a wide range of revenue generating search services. Google's breakthrough technology and continued innovation serve the company's mission of "organizing the world's information and making it universally accessible and useful." About RSA RSA, a Dell Technologies business, offers business-driven security solutions that link business context with security incidents to help organizations manage digital risk and protect what matters most. Award-winning cybersecurity solutions from RSA can detect and respond to advanced attacks; manage user identities and access; and, reduce business risk, fraud, and cybercrime. RSA protects millions of users around the world and helps more than 90% of Fortune 500 companies thrive in an uncertain, high-risk world. For more information, go to rsa.com. About VoiceIt VoiceIt Technologies provides a cloud-based, pay-as-you-go, voice biometrics platform (Patent # 9,799,338) that enables developers and businesses to rapidly build and deploy voice biometric security solutions that meet their specific cybersecurity needs. Whether integrating into new or existing interactive voice response (IVR) systems, mobile applications and/or websites, VoiceIt removes the traditional obstacles of entry, it is easy to use and provides a security platform at a reasonable cost. VoiceIt gives businesses the ability to innovate, prototype, create and, most importantly, solve cybersecurity issues that exist today. The company is privately held and based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. About Yubico Yubico sets new global standards for simple and secure access to computers, mobile devices, servers, and internet accounts. Founded in 2007, Yubico is privately held, with offices in Sweden, UK, Germany, USA, Australia, and Singapore. For more information: http://www.yubico.com On behalf of the Rooam team, we welcome Tallys customers and partners as we expand our operations to launch in Chicago this winter, said Junaid Shams, CEO at Rooam. Rooam, the premier payment platform for the nightlife and hospitality industry, announced today it will launch operations in Chicago this winter. After its acquisition of the Tally payment app, the leading payment platform in Chicago that allows users to track their tabs, complete transactions and set default tips, Rooam will grow its market share and increase the number of restaurant and bar locations offered on its payment platform. With Rooams successful launch and increased popularity in Washington, D.C., the company chose to expand its operations in Chicago to take advantage of the city being a hub for nightlife and to streamline the way people pay for drinks during a night out. The mobile app is now available for free download on the App Store and Google Play. Rooam was introduced to restaurants and bars in the Washington metropolitan area in October 2016. The payment platform currently has over 330 of the Districts hottest bars and restaurant locations including The Anthem, Marvin and Oyamel. With the acquisition of Tally, Rooams technology platform will be adopted by major restaurant groups in Chicago, including 8 Hospitality Group and Third Coast Hospitality Group. On behalf of the Rooam team, we welcome Tallys customers and partners as we expand our operations to launch in Chicago this winter, said Junaid Shams, CEO at Rooam. We share a common goal to make the nightlife payment experience better for all guests and to provide excellent customer service for all current and future users. In July 2017, Rooam completed a $2.1 million seed round to propel the companys expansion, support winter operations in Chicago and integrate with cloud-based point of sale (POS) systems. The acquisition of Tally will provide new and current users the ability to take advantage of Rooams multi-city feature allowing them to toggle between locations based in Chicago and the District. Rooams technology allows guests to quickly pay for food and drinks directly from their smartphones, eliminating the need to wait or catch a bartenders attention. Once users open the app, choose their location and open their tab, theyre ready to pay with the bartender or server immediately. Once users are ready to leave, they review their bill and pay with one click of the close tab feature. Our friends at Rooam have done an incredible job of building an end-to-end solution that delivers tremendous value to both users and bars, said Kevin Bolger, CEO at Tally. Were very excited about Rooam launching their robust platform in Chicago this winter and cant wait to see what the next few years have in store for mobile payments in hospitality. With more than 30 percent of card transactions becoming contactless, mobile payment solutions like Masterpass and Apple Pay have become popular options for consumers. To increase security of the Rooam payment app, the company has added full Apple Pay integration and requires touch ID or a unique passcode to authorize all purchases. This acquisition by Rooam marks the next era in the premier customer experience and we couldn't be more excited, said Dante Deiana, vice president of marketing at Tally and partner at FWD Hospitality Group. About Rooam Rooams payment platform was designed and built to modernize the payment experience for the nightlife and hospitality industry. Its award-winning mobile app is a secure and hassle-free payment solution, allowing guests to open, view and pay bar tabs directly from smartphones. For bars and restaurants, Rooam offers a PCI-compliant payment platform that easily and securely integrates with major POS systems without adding any additional hardware. The platform provides an in-app marketing tool, enabling businesses to increase foot traffic, generate additional revenue and enhance customer engagement. Launched in the Washington, D.C. area in October 2016, Rooam plans to launch Chicago and Los Angeles operations in winter 2018. Rooam is trusted by the most prominent hospitality groups featuring Jose Andres ThinkFoodGroup, I.M.P, Neighborhood Restaurant Group, Richard Sandoval Restaurants, 8 Hospitality Group, Third Coast Hospitality Group, 1933 Hospitality Group and Passion Food Hospitality. For more information, visit http://www.rooam.co and follow on Twitter @rooam. At Sheba Medical Centers City of Health, we endeavor to be at the forefront of medical care. Collaborative conferences such as this summit allow us to work together to provide the most effective healthcare possible, today and in the future. Bringing together leading healthcare executives from across Europe, the United States, Canada and Israel, Sheba Medical Center, Tel HaShomer hosted an international summit to discuss the future challenges facing hospitals. Participants came out of the summit with a jointly developed action plan that identifies the key elements and essential next steps that hospitals will need to focus upon in the years ahead. The Sheba Summit 2018, which took place October 21 to October 25, was centered around the theme The Future Hospital: Setting Strategies for 2030 and Beyond. This gathering of global healthcare innovators and leaders was designed to facilitate in-depth discussions about the challenges facing academic hospitals in the coming years and the transforming roles and responsibilities of healthcare institutions. Summit participants represented prestigious healthcare organizations including the Federation of American Hospitals, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, University of Pennsylvania Health System and many more. This was the first time this group has gathered, but it will not be the last; participants plan to carry on this mission through ongoing communication and collaboration to ensure future success. Throughout the conference, participants were actively involved in multiple workshops that addressed developing medical professions, the evolving role of hospital systems and how hospitals can expand community-based patient care. Participants also had the chance to experience cutting-edge technologies currently being developed in Israel that will shape the future of the health and medical industry. In addition to the academic portion of the conference, all summit participants were offered exclusive VIP tours of Israel. Sheba Medical Center, Tel HaShomer is proud to be a pioneer in the healthcare industry. We were honored to host such a high-quality and innovative group of senior healthcare executives from across the world to discuss how we can help one another build the hospital of the future, said Prof. Yitshak Kreiss, Director General of Sheba Medical Center, Tel HaShomer. At Sheba Medical Centers City of Health, we endeavor to be at the forefront of medical care. Collaborative conferences such as this summit allow us to work together to provide the most effective healthcare possible, today and in the future. Charles N. Kahn III, President and Chief Executive Officer of Federation of American Hospitals and Summit Co-Chairman, said: "We all agree we can't predict the future, but we know digitalization and medical science is advancing very quickly. And while digitalization and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are going to change the way we address patient care, we cannot lose sight of the fact that the essence of healthcare is compassion with a human touch... The sharing of these challenging ideas at the Sheba International Summit will now serve as a powerful foundation for ongoing discussions between us going forward." About Sheba Medical Center, Tel HaShomer Born together with Israel in 1948, Sheba Medical Center, Tel HaShomer is the largest and most comprehensive medical center in the Middle East. Sheba is the only medical center in Israel that combines an acute care hospital and a rehabilitation hospital on one campus, and it is at the forefront of medical treatments, patient care, research and education. As a university teaching hospital affiliated with the Sackler School of Medicine at Tel-Aviv University, it welcomes people from all over the world indiscriminately. To learn more, visit: eng.sheba.co.il Solicient "What we did as a group, is orchestrate a solid foundation for our company to become a worldwide conglomerate; we could have skipped steps, however that is not our methodology, comments Mr. Brava In an industry of constant evolution, Solicient is looking to stand out as a market leader in the realm of National Platform Developments, utilizing its think outside the box approach, and innovative technology. Dedicating advancements from Blockchain technology into a robust and intuitive design, Solicient is integrating such aspects as Smart Contracts, Artificial Intelligence, and Asset-Backed Tokenization to create a total platform ecosystem for use by both governments and private industries. Although the company prefers not to be considered a Blockchain Company", it does embrace the technology to ensure trust and transparency, while reducing overhead and mitigating non-value-added intermediaries, while still providing new avenues for business advancement. Blockchain is a coined term right now, says CEO and Co-founder, Ricky Brava. Many people see it as the next miracle drug, while in reality, it is a means to an end; alone, BlockChain will not solve world hunger, however when integrated within the right system, it provides the opportunity for companies, such as ours to create innovative solutions, previously unavailable, explains Mr. Brava. Working towards an innovative future, the company is positioning itself for worldwide success, with its headquarters and development office located in Austin, Texas, and a sales office in New York City. Solicient is now looking to add RambleBox", a Reactive Social Media News Platform, into its portfolio, with much-anticipated features to be unveiled at launch. Although, still in the infant stages of the legal process, all founders, from both companies have agreed that the transition is mutually beneficial. The addition of RambleBox is only logical; the timing is pristine, the technology is there, and we feel we possess a unique advantage to add to its existing technology, which no other platform currently utilizes, says CVO and Co-founder, Frank Anthony. Seasoned in the realms of business and technology, Mr. Anthony is a proponent of creative thinking, referring to himself as a habitual line stepper, stating that his inspiration comes from the desire to improve inefficiencies he has observed as both a consultant and entrepreneur. "What we did as a group, is orchestrate a solid foundation for our company to become a worldwide conglomerate; we could have skipped steps, however that is not our methodology, comments Mr. Brava, referring to their recent SEC registration and approval. Ricky Brava has received honorable citations from both The New York State Assembly and City Council, as well as being recognized by New York State Senators for his leadership and service to the community. Its time we start thinking bigger. https://twitter.com/solicient https://www.instagram.com/solicient/ https://www.facebook.com/solicient/ https://www.solicient.com/ For more information email: info@solicient.com or call 737-777-6506 Earlier this month Strategic Financial Solutions also had over 50 employees participate in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Annual Walk in both Buffalo and New York City. "We are so grateful to be the beneficiary of this generous contribution from Strategic Financial Solutions," said Kate Flannery, Executive Director of Susan G. Komen Upstate New York. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, Strategic Financial Solutions held its third annual Pink Day. The company announced that it would donate $5 for every employee-owner who participated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation of Upstate New Yorks Western New York Regional Office in Buffalo. More than 350 of the companys employee-owners showed their support for this important cause which helped the company raise over $1,700 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation, the largest non-profit funder of breast cancer research in the world. I am honored to lead a team of individuals who care about our community and those affected by breast cancer, said Ryan Sasson, CEO of Strategic Financial Solutions. Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women in the United States, which makes our ability to contribute to this cause that much more important to us. Many of our employee-owners and clients are impacted by this terrible disease and its an honor to help in the fight against it. This is yet another reminder that Strategic is not just a company, it really is a family. Earlier this month Strategic Financial Solutions also had over 50 employees participate in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Annual Walk in both Buffalo and New York City. "We are so grateful to be the beneficiary of this generous contribution from Strategic Financial Solutions," said Kate Flannery, Executive Director of Susan G. Komen Upstate New York. "The support of community-minded companies and individuals, like the leaders and employee-owners at Strategic Financial Solutions, is truly impacting our mission to save lives by helping us meet the most critical needs in our communities and investing in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer. We greatly appreciate the support of our work and our mission with this tremendous donation." About Strategic Financial Solutions Strategic Financial Solutions, a proudly employee-owned company, is a leading financial services company that provides comprehensive debt relief solutions for people in difficult financial situations. Through its personalized, tailored approach that includes debt consolidation loans and debt resolution programs, Strategic Financial Solutions has successfully resolved more than a billion dollars in debt for over 100,000 clients. For the last three years, Strategic Financial Solutions has been ranked as one of the Best Companies to Work for in New York State. Prior to that, in 2015 and 2016, Strategic Financial Solutions was named by Crains New York Business to its Fast 50 Companies list. The company has also been recognized by the INC. 500 company as one of the fastest growing private companies in the United States. More information can be found at https://stratfs.com/. Contact: Gary Foodim Senior Vice President of Marketing Office: (212) 810-4544 Email: gfoodim@stratfs.com Dr. Jane Rowley with her team I feel confident with the Ideal Implant that I'm giving my patients that peace of mind. Lubbock Plastic Surgeon Dr. Jane Rowley began offering the IDEAL IMPLANT Structured Breast Implant in her practice several years ago to better address womens increasing concerns about silicone gel implants and silent rupture. Dr. Rowley saw that the IDEAL IMPLANT offered women the benefits of saline and silicone gel implants, without the compromises of either, and quickly found most women chose it when given all the data. As a result, Dr. Rowley has just been recognized as an IDEAL IMPLANT Premier Surgeon, an elite group of Board-Certified plastic surgeons with the most experience with the new implant technology. I have more than one patient that's come in with ruptured silicone gel implants, that have had them for years and years and were relatively happy with their implants, explained Dr. Rowley. When they leak, if we switch them to IDEAL IMPLANT, they're just as happy or happier than they were. I feel confident with the Ideal Implant that I'm giving my patients that peace of mind. They know when their implant's leaking, they can plan their lives around that. And they know that it'll be a relatively simple procedure to remove and replace it. Dr. Rowley explains that there are now three types of breast implants: saline implants, silicone gel implants, and structured implants, which are filled with saline, but have an inner layered structure which supports the implant to look and feel more natural. Saline implants were the norm during the FDA moratorium on silicone gel implants between 1992-2006 and offered women the peace of mind of only saline inside and instant rupture detection. However, since many felt saline lacked the more natural look and feel of silicone gel implants, silicone gel became the more popular choice once re-approved by the FDA. Yet many women express concern about silent rupture, since a woman cannot know if her silicone gel implant has ruptured without an MRI. As a result, IDEAL IMPLANT is increasingly the choice of many patients. Recent survey findings showed that over 98% of women reported feeling concerned about the potential of silent rupture with silicone gel breast implants, which is best determined through an MRI. While the FDA recommends women with silicone gel implants get an MRI every two years to detect potential rupture, and that the implant be removed if ruptured, compliance rates are low. As a result, an estimated 150,000 women are unknowingly living with ruptured silicone implants, and detection delays can result in increased complications and more complex removal surgery. Further, silicone gel implants also have a higher risk of implant rupture, as high as 24% at ten years with some implants, compared to only 1.8% risk with IDEAL IMPLANT at seven years for primary augmentation. These factors may be driving the trend toward the structured breast implant technology. We are very pleased to add Dr. Rowley to the select group of IDEAL IMPLANT Premier Surgeons who have shown a commitment to ensuring women have all of their options available and are presented with the performance data between the breast implants in an unbiased way, explains Dr. Robert S. Hamas, IDEAL IMPLANT inventor and board-certified plastic surgeon. Technology is advancing in every area of our lives, and, as a result, women no longer have to compromise the beautiful look and feel they want for the peace of mind of knowing what is happening inside their body. About Dr. Jane Rowley Dr. Jane Rowley received her medical education at Creighton University School of Medicine, followed by a general surgery residency year, an additional year of surgical research, then six months of international surgical training in the United Kingdom. Dr. Rowley was then Board Certified in General Surgery before continued her training in plastic surgery at New York Universitys Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and the Manhattan Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Hospital. She joined her father Dr. Milton Rowley in plastic surgery practice in Lubbock, Texas over two decades ago and offers her extensive training and experience to patients across Texas. For more information, visit http://www.RowleyPlasticSurgery.com. About IDEAL IMPLANT Ideal Implant Incorporated, a privately held company, was founded in 2006 by Robert S. Hamas, MD, the board-certified plastic surgeon who invented the IDEAL IMPLANT. After years of dealing with ruptured silicone gel implants and listening to patient concerns, Dr. Hamas realized that women wanted a new type of breast implantone that would combine the natural feel of a silicone gel implant with only saline inside for peace of mind. The unique design of the IDEAL IMPLANT provides a natural feel and youthful lookwithout using silicone gel. The IDEAL IMPLANT incorporates a series of shells nested together and two separate chambers that hold saline. Though made with standard implant materials, the IDEAL IMPLANT uses an advanced internal structure to control movement of the saline and support the implant edges to reduce collapse and wrinkling. The IDEAL IMPLANT has undergone ten years of development, testing, and refinementincluding contributions of clinical expertise from several board-certified plastic surgeons. The IDEAL IMPLANT was approved by both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Health Canada in 2014. For more information, visit idealimplant.com. Monax It is truly exciting that users of the Agreements Network will have unparalleled access to authenticated information," stated Casey Kuhlman, CEO of Monax. Monax, a leader in open-source blockchain technology, today announced it is teaming up with one of its Agreements Network collaborators, Wolfram Blockchain Labs to create infrastructure for networked, computable contracts. This framework will connect precise, verified off-chain computational knowledge with legal products and operations. Relevant computational knowledge includes a variety of computable data streams from a variety of scientific, financial and environmental sources that impact the performance of legal obligations. The Network is an open blockchain ecosystem for the creation, distribution and operation of legal agreements, which is redefining how legal products and services support the networked economy. The combination of legal product infrastructure and reliable, easily assembled information will enable new products and solutions across the networked economy, iterating faster and scaling more smoothly. Wolfram is the foremost computational intelligence company, and its subsidiary Wolfram Blockchain Labs is emerging as one of the most dynamic blockchain tech companies, stated Casey Kuhlman, CEO of Monax. It is truly exciting that users of the Agreements Network will have unparalleled access to authenticated information. Our collaboration with Monax allows us to build new infrastructure and bring computational intelligence to all users of the Agreements Network, stated Jon Woodard, of Wolfram Blockchain Labs. Monax recently announced the release of the first business process engine written entirely in the Solidity smart contract language. The firm also announced a high-level API that allows users to input standardized Business Process Model Notation (BPMN) files and translate them into suitable instructions that can be operated by the full-featured and extensively-tested smart contract-based engine. Monax is leveraging this engine as a core component of the Network, which is set to transform the delivery of legal services and promote productization of law. With the growth of the networked economy, devices and digital commerce, legal functions need to be embedded within the software driving transactions. The open-source nature of blockchains and standards like BPMN support the evolution of a framework for building broad access to legal tools, products and services to achieve business goals and objectives. Using the Network, lawyers and companies can design and operate templates and contracts to perform legal jobs, such as contract management and collecting, storing and proving evidence. If your company would like to participate in upcoming cofounder cohorts that will further the effort toward the launch of the network, please visit: https://agreements.network/ to learn how to get involved. The website also provides information about how the Network operates, what it does and the technical specifics of running a node. About Monax Monax was co-founded in 2014 by Casey Kuhlman. The firm built a market-leading, free and open-source universal blockchain platform on which anyone can construct their own secure, low-cost, run-anywhere applications using blockchain and smart contract technology. In April 2018, Monax became one of the founding companies behind the Agreements Network, a decentralized blockchain-powered contract management platform for small and medium enterprises. The Network allows anyone to develop, customize, sell and reproduce legal products. Monax is headquartered in London and has offices in Edinburgh and New York. For more information, visit: https://monax.io. The U.S. grocery market is the biggest in the world and its under competitive threat from hard discounters like Aldi, Trader Joes, and now Lidl. Hard discounters are the source of the biggest disruption in grocery retailing in half a century. Whenever they enter a market, grocery retail is profoundly and irrevocably changed, and their sites are set on the U.S. A new book is the first to explore this upheaval: Retail Disruptors: The Spectacular Rise and Impact of the Hard Discounters (Kogan Page, 2018) by Jan-Benedict Steenkamp, Knox Massey Distinguished Professor of Marketing at the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School, and Laurens Sloot, Distinguished Professor of Retail Marketing at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. They are leading authorities in retail strategy, private labels, branding and hard discounting. Hard discounters are the only players that brought mighty Walmart to its knees, not in one major market but in two: Germany and Great Britain, said Steenkamp. Is America next? Aldi is expanding its U.S. network by 60 percent to 2,500 stores in 2022, second only to Walmart and Kroger. And everywhere Lidl enters a market, prices drop steeply. Hard-discount retailers offer basic goods and daily necessities at the lowest possible prices usually 50-60 percent lower than national brands while maintaining high-quality standards. Through a sophisticated sourcing and assortment strategy, they have achieved operational efficiencies that even Walmart cannot dream of, says Steenkamp. Underestimating this new threat has led to dramatic decreases in the market share of conventional retailers and brand manufacturers in market after market first in Germany, followed by France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, the U.K., Italy and Australia, the authors write. As part of their aggressive strategy of international expansion, hard discounters have set their sights on the ultimate prize: the U.S. Hard discounters are having phenomenal success in many countries, says Steenkamp. And when it comes to innovation, hard discounting is the biggest in brick-and-mortar retailing in the past 25 years. Retail Disruptors analyzes the discounters from an international perspective to raise awareness of who is under threat and what they can do about it, says Steenkamp. We offer a message of hope, but competing is going to be challenging. Using data and providing actionable strategies, the authors address: The secrets of hard discounters success The business model for profitability at low price points Specific strategies used by Aldi, Lidl and Trader Joes The impact on key markets in Germany, U.K., Australia, Poland, Turkey and the U.S. How retailers can respond What this means for brand manufacturers As they redefine value for money, hard discounters will remain a permanent fixture in grocery retail, says Steenkamp. The ultimate winner is the consumer, he says. Once hard discounters become a meaningful market presence, conventional retailers respond by dropping their prices so even consumers who dont shop at hard discounters benefit from their market success. In 2018 alone, U.S. consumers save $20-30 billion dollars on their grocery purchases because of the success of hard discounters. About the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School Consistently ranked one of the world's best business schools, UNC Kenan-Flagler offers a broad range of programs Undergraduate, MBA and Master of Accounting, PhD and Executive Development and extraordinary, real-life learning experiences. Faculty demonstrate unparalleled dedication to students learning and a commitment to world-class research that addresses critical business challenges. Contributing to the Schools thought leadership is the Frank Hawkins Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise, which promotes innovative, market-based solutions to vital economic issues. UNC Kenan-Flaglers collaborative culture is rooted in core values that date back to its founding in 1919, and graduates are renowned as effective, principled leaders with the technical knowledge and leadership skills to deliver results in the global business environment. Love Button Global Movement Integrative Medicine Research and Outreach Program Love Button initiates loving into the training of physicians, to equip them with heightened compassion and empathy in healing their patients - Dr. Habib Sadeghi The Love Button Global Movement Integrative Medicine Research and Outreach Program is grounded in the core belief that love, compassion, and empathy are essential character components for the most successful physicians. Love Button awarded over $100,000 in grants with the intention of improving overall patient wellness and healing outcomes through enhanced delivery of physician services, refined doctor-patient interactions, and an enriched patient experience. Key partners include Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Western University of Health Sciences and California State Polytechnic University at Pomona. The Love Button Global Movement was founded by Dr. Sherry Sami and Dr. Habib Sadeghi, the author of the acclaimed book, The Clarity Cleanse, to create a platform to support educational and humanitarian programs with an emphasis on promoting physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health through loving. Dr. Sadeghi said, "Through this program, Love Button initiates loving into the training of physicians, to equip them with heightened compassion and empathy in healing their patients." Western University of Health Sciences, a private, non-profit, graduate school located in Pomona, California is the strategic partner of the Love Button Global Movement Integrative Medicine Research & Outreach Program. Through the College of the Osteopathic of the Pacific at Western University of Health Sciences, it will offer the Integrative Medicine Track, a program providing medical students with the skills they will need to apply whole person care to their future patients. A group of students will be selected to engage in an innovative curriculum that includes training in communication, empathy, shame as a motivator, art and music as a healing tool, and education in multitude care delivery modalities. The rapid growth and integration of technology into healthcare has resulted in a decline in the healing art of medicine.There is considerable evidence to support the premise, as medical students navigate their way through medical training, their ability to empathize with patients decreases, and simple skills in non-verbal and verbal communication also decrease during their training. Physician burn-out is on the rise. The outside stressors from an unstable healthcare system, focused on volume rather than value-based care, have contributed to early retirements or the switching of careers for physicians. Patients have also suffered from the changing landscape of medicine, as physicians are not using all the skills necessary to heal their patients. Dr. Edward Barnes, Associate Dean of Academic Innovation of College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific at Western University of Health Sciences, said, Fortunately, we are not at the end of the journey for medicine or medical education. We can influence the trajectory of our future physicians if we equip them with the proper tools to not only survive their journey but lead the way and create a better path. We are excited to embark on this endeavor to create the doctors of the future with the Love Button Global Movement. Harbor-UCLA Medical Center was awarded a $60,000 grant from Love Button Global Movement to create a new integrative medicine program on its campus. The goal of this program is to improve patient access to non-pharmacologic options for chronic pain management, improve patient health-related quality of life and functional status, and decrease the number of opiate prescriptions for patients suffering from chronic pain. Through this grant, the hospital envisions providing an evidence-based whole-person centered, multi-modal approach to pain management. This would include pain coping strategies, acupuncture, massage therapy, tai chi instruction, and self-care education. Harbor-UCLA Medical Center plans also to create an academic curriculum to educate and train physicians, social workers, and behavioral health specialists in integrative medicine techniques to manage chronic pain. This generous support from Love Button Global Movement enables Harbor-UCLA Medical Center to establish an integrative approach to caring for patients who struggle with pain, said Anish Mahajan, MD, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center Chief Medical Officer. Love Buttons commitment to complementary medicine allows us to identify alternative treatments and help our patients avoid long-term opioid dependence. Harbor-UCLA Medical Center is a Level I trauma center located in the South Bay area of Los Angeles County that provides health care services to over 700,000 residents, regardless of the ability to pay for care. A second grant of $50,000 was awarded to Cal Poly Pomona, creating an endowment to provide for integrative medicine educational programs that promote the pyscho-social needs of students. The universitys Mind and Heart Research Lab employs scientific methods in the form of biofeedback to help students on their journey toward a less stressful, more connected existence. It includes stress management and heartful awareness, an integrated sense of harmony with our body, psyche, spirit and outer world to find healing and transformation through better integration of the mind and body. On February 5, 2019, Alane Daugherty, lecturer at Cal Poly Pomona, and co-founder of the Mind and Heart Research Lab, will kick off the lecture series with the topic, From Stress and Anxiety to Resilience and Success. Daugherty said, People will learn how to rewire their stress response and experience life from a state of calm and connectedness. Through a better understanding of the physiology of stress, attendees will gain a blueprint for change and get practical tips they can apply in their daily lives and cultivate expansiveness and possibility. Love Button president Dr. Sami said, "It is Love Button's privilege to offer the Integrative Medicine Research and Outreach Program and to be of service to our human family. Together we will develop the compassionate doctors of tomorrow who address the whole person -mind, body and spirit- utilizing complementary modalities. These amazing doctors will appreciate the importance of loving and engage a full range of holistic skills, including listening, communications, and linguistic healing." The Love Button Global Movement is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that promotes a culture of love by inspiring our human family to act with loving kindness in our daily lives and supports humanitarian and educational programs that empower individuals and uplift communities locally and globally. Join the Movement and support the Integrative Medicine program at https://www.lovebutton.org/givelovecampaign/ Harlingen Accident Attorneys Insurance companies expect to be paid for their coverage on time, every time. The Villarreal Law Firm, a leading personal injury law firm serving Harlingen, Brownsville, and other cities in Cameron County, Texas, is proud to announce a new post to their blog on the need for legal representation after a car wreck. Many persons, especially in immigrant or non-English speaking communities, may not realize their legal rights when they are in a car or trucking accident. "Insurance companies expect to be paid for their coverage on time, every time," explained attorney Javier Villarreal, managing partner at the law firm. "Yet some insurance companies won't pay their claims promptly after an accident, especially if the injured party doesn't realize their legal rights, whether the accident occurs in Harlingen, Brownsville, or elsewhere in the Rio Grande Valley. Our next post addresses this discrepancy." Interested persons can read the new blog post for Villarreal Law Firm at https://www.jvlawfirm.net/there-is-a-choice-of-harlingen-car-accident-lawyers/. Those seeking more general information on possibly retaining a car accident attorney in Harlingen or Brownsville should visit https://www.jvlawfirm.net/practice-items/auto-accidents/. The reality is that heavy traffic on Cameron County roads can cause gridlock and car accidents. Should an accident occur, a team of Harlingen accident attorneys can help a Texan speed up the process for adequate compensation after a personal injury claim. HARLINGEN ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS HELP TEXANS GET THROUGH INSURANCE GRIDLOCK Here is a background on this release. Busy freeways in Harlingen, Texas, could create havoc for Texas drivers. Commercial trucks can share the road alongside daily drivers and airport commuters. A traveler late to the airport due to gridlock might miss an important flight to or from Harlingen, which is the transportation center of Cameron County. It can be difficult to reschedule a trip and manage financial loss. If a driver has been hit by a commercial truck on the way, it may be essential to collect compensation for a personal injury quickly. A team of top Harlingen accident attorneys could help, yet many in immigrant or non-English speaking communities may not know to reach out for legal representation. Jammed freeways and distracted drivers could cause serious accidents. If a fender bender results in a personal injury, it may be challenging to receive quick and sufficient compensation from an insurance company. A blockade of insurance tactics could mean physical and emotional stress for a Harlingen resident. It can be essential to contact a Harlingen accident attorney to assist. A team of skilled personal injury lawyers could help break down a barrier between a person and an insurance claim by fighting for one's legal rights. For these reasons, Villarreal Law Firm has announced a new blog post focused specifically on Harlingen, Texas. ABOUT THE VILLARREAL LAW FIRM The law firm of Javier Villarreal offers a team of attorneys, considered among the best personal injury attorneys in Brownsville, Texas, and surrounding cities in Cameron County. Whether a person is looking for an auto or car accident attorney, a lawyer with broad experience in trucking accidents and litigation (including 18 wheelers), or a lawyer for injuries that resulted from motorcycles, boating, or other forms of accidents (including slip and fall), the Villarreal team of attorneys can help. The attorneys fight for client rights throughout Cameron County - and are known as the top personal injury lawyers in Brownsville and Harlingen, from Los Fresnos to San Benito, and in all of South Padre Island. Web. https://www.jvlawfirm.net/ Tel. 956-544-4444. On Monday, October 29, 2018, Thomas Rees moderated a Montgomery Bar Association (MBA) seminar entitled, The Intersection of Child Custody and School Law, in Norristown, PA, a city located in the Greater Philadelphia Area. The seminar discussed a list of issues related to education law that may be of concern during child custody disputes. A panel of family attorneys and education law attorneys, including Thomas Reesa High Swartz attorneyaddressed issues directly related to children, parents or guardians, and schools, during child custody disputes. Some of these issues included custodial rights and educational decision-making, student residency, access to the child or student, student records, the subpoena of school employees, and the implications of dealing with difficult or disruptive parents. Thomas Rees is the head of the litigation and employment law practice at High Swartz, a full-service Greater Philadelphia Area law firm. The primary focus of his practice is litigation and non-litigation matters in employment law and private education law. His experience in education law is extensive and includes the representation of several independent schools in the Philadelphia area on employment, student discipline, contract, governance and tax exemption matters. The High Swartz education law practice provides a full range of legal services to educational institutions in the Greater Philadelphia Area. 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, visit HighSwartz.com. ODSC West 2018, the latest in the largest conference series for learning applied data science, runs this week from Oct. 31 through Nov. 3. The event offers more than 200 training sessions and workshops led by the best industry experts in data science and thought leaders from top companies striving to advance the state of the art. ODSC West 2018 will yet again be the largest applied data science conference in the world, expected to bring in over 4000 professionals and researchers from around the world. These individuals convene to learn about the technologies that are leading todays innovation, including, but not limited to: AI, machine learning, deep learning, predictive analytics, data visualization, natural language processing, autonomous machines, self-driving vehicles, image classification, machine vision, and speech recognition. Keynotes include: Paul Taylor, IBM Virginia Eubanks, Bestselling Author Carrie Grimes Bostock, Google Derek Haoyang Li, Squirrel AI Learning Daphne Koller, insitro & Coursera Ron Bodkin, Google Reza Bosagh Zadeh, Matroid & Stanford University Alex Holub, Vidora The conferences bring together thousands of data scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs to learn, discuss, and network with one another. In addition to the workshops and training sessions, ODSC West 2018 will feature a career fair with 25 top companies hiring straight from the show floor. The first two days, Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, also feature the Accelerate AI business and innovation summit, a special event for startups, business professionals, executives, investors and technologists who seek to build and grow the AI driven enterprise. Our community-driven conference seeks to bring together as many leading minds in applied data science as possible, said Sheamus McGovern, CEO of the Open Data Science Conference. With the communitys support, weve been able to grow this conference from a meetup in Boston to global conference series that connects thousands of working and prospective data scientists with the knowledge and tools they need. Open Data Science Conference (ODSC) is the leader of applied data science conferences. Our conferences bring industry leaders, key executives, start-up companies, engineers, and investors on the threshold of innovation together. We delve into topics like artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, predictive analytics, natural language processing, data visualization, and research. We do this to make sure the future of technology, industry, academia, and the military are at the forefront of emerging technology and advancement into tomorrows future today. Top Washington, D.C. Web Design Firms 10 Best Design is pleased to present the winners of its Best Washington, D.C. School awards granted for October 2018, choosing Blue Water Media as the leader in this category. Determining which company is the top Washington website design agency could be a daunting challenge for a CEO or the owner of a small business. Researching different firms, sorting out each firm's specialty and deciding on one could take a lot of time and energy. One of the easiest ways to find the top Washington, D.C. website design firms is to use the new monthly awards list created by the 10 Best Design listing agency. As a new monthly awards category, the purpose of listing the honorees is to facilitate the selection of the best web design firm. The Blue Water Media firm also earned honors for being one of the top Washington Website design agencies. Blue Water Media's staff has also earned a 99 percent customer satisfaction rating from its past clients who have contracted with them for site upgrades and design services. Blue Water Media is a large firm with up to 250 website developers. Best known for their responsive site design services, Blue Water Media also works to ensure that the sites their staff builds include essential marketing services that are designed to perform to the highest of industry standards. Another firm that received honors as a best firm for designing sites is Materiell, a top web design firm located in Arlington, Virginia. Materiell has a staff of up to 50 full-time programming and web development experts. Materiell is known for expertise in enterprise architecture and eCommerce platforms. The firm is also adept at including SEO into its site design services. The sites built by the staff at Materiell are easy to navigate and provide consumers with information that is easy to find. Materiell has attained an astounding 99 percent customer satisfaction rating for its services. A third firm that has been honored with this new monthly award for Washington, D.C. website design companies is Chief. This firm has a 93 percent customer satisfaction rating for its website design services. Chief is a first-rate web design firm with up to 250 full-time programmers and web developers working there at any given time. Chief is well-known for its responsive site design services. They work to ensure that the sites they complete perform spectacularly on all of the device types and operating systems that consumers are likely to use. To learn more about the award-winning businesses for the month of October, visit http://www.10bestdesign.com. Its exciting to have our new team out in the field at conferences and on college campuses talking about our quality loan programs. Weve put a lot of thought and resources into creating a competitive program and an exceptional borrower experience. U-fi, an experienced leader in consumer finance, is pleased to announce the formation of a new sales team dedicated to serving the financing needs of colleges and universities across the United States. This team will work with schools by providing loan programs to students when federal programs dont cover the full cost of education. The products will include undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree loans. Its exciting to have our new team out in the field at conferences and on college campuses talking about our quality loan programs, said U-fi Regional Director Ron Hancock. Weve put a lot of thought and resources into creating a competitive program and an exceptional borrower experience. We look forward to speaking with our financial aid colleagues about U-fi. The three individuals representing U-fi have a combined 70 years of experience in higher education and bring extensive expertise in the student loan industry. Each member of the team will represent a different geographic region. Ron Hancock brings over 27 years of experience in higher education and student lending. He most recently served as National Manager for Nelnets Partner Solutions team and was involved in the development of U-fi and the U-fi student loan marketplace. Ron Hancock, Western Regional Director (405) 826-4131 Ron.Hancock(at)U-fi.com Joe Jovell comes to U-fi with 22 years of experience in higher education finance. Joe started his career at Teri in 1996 and then accepted a position at Nelnet. Joe moved to Great Lakes in 2007 as a Senior Marketing Associate, covering the eastern region of the country and assisting schools with streamlining different aspects of the financial aid process. Joe Jovell, Eastern Regional Director (802) 662-4877 Joe.Jovell(at)U-fi.com Dave Bowman has been in the industry for 21 years. He started his financial aid career in 1997 as a Marketing Assistant at Educaid. He moved to Firstar/U.S. Bank in 1999 as a Market Manager and served there until 2002, when he accepted a position with Great Lakes Higher Education Guaranty Corporation. Most recently, he has worked with Great Lakes' Business Partners as the National Director of Business Partnerships. Dave Bowman, Midwestern Regional Director (937) 550-4642 Dave.Bowman(at)U-fi.com In addition to in-school loans for students, U-fi also provides student loan refinance options for graduates. For more information on U-fi loan products, visit U-fi.com. About U-fi Ufi provides private loan origination and servicing to help students reach their educational goals and make smart financial decisions. We achieve this by providing simple, helpful student loan solutions with competitive borrower benefits, financial wellness resources, and more. U-fi is a registered trademark of Nelnet, Inc. U-fi.com Follow U-fi on Twitter and Facebook. A ride on the Ghan is the ultimate way to explore the Australian Outback.. In January, one US dollar bought AU$1.23. As of this writing, it now buys an impressive AU$1.41. American Globetrotters now have the opportunity to see Australia at a bargain price as the US dollar hits a two-and-a-half-year high against its Downunder counterpart. The Australian dollar has had a tough year against most of the worlds major currencies, but the US dollar has had a particularly strong year against it. In January, one US dollar bought AU$1.23. As of this writing, it now buys an impressive AU$1.41. While Australia and New Zealand have always been a high value destinations on many a must-see list, they arent among the cheapest, particularly in big cities, or in remote regions such as the Australian Outback or New Zealands Fjordlands. The current strength of the US dollar levels the playing field somewhat, putting a day on Bondi Beach or an evening watching the sunset light up Uluru within an American visitors reach in 2019 or even sooner. Airfares are also better than ever, with multiple airlines luring passengers across the Pacific on state of the art aircraft at highly competitive rates. Goway Travel has seen the strength of the US dollar directly impact the price of some of its most popular itineraries. These include the Sydney, Great Barrier Reef and Rock Escape, and for those who enjoy the luxury of rail travel, the Classic Aussie Rail Spectacular. The journey can extend across the Tasman Sea to New Zealand, where the US dollar buys NZ$1.52. With the improved exchange rate in mind, its also a great time to consider up-starring an Australia or New Zealand vacation, enjoying that 5-star touch that might previously have been just out of reach. Goways luxurious Ultimate New Zealand trip for example, is an upgraded trip made more affordable by the shift in rates. Goway Travel have been the experts in travel Downunder for 48 years, with a wide array of Australia and New Zealand travel offerings including city breaks, Outback adventures, family getaways, active trips, self-drives, and epic rail journeys, along with long-stay, snowbird, and exclusive Live Like a Local packages in some of Downunders most popular destinations. Globetrotters can opt for an air-inclusive package to minimise planning effort, or let Goway create a uniquely customised itinerary from hundreds of Downunder travel ideas. Since 1970, Goway has been providing unforgettable travel experiences to Africa, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Central & South America, Idyllic Island destinations and Europe. Today Goway is recognized as one of North America's leading travel companies for individuals, families and groups to select exotic destinations around the globe. Goway has offices in Toronto, Vancouver, Los Angeles, Manila, and Sydney, Australia. For reservations and information, visit http://www.goway.com, or call 1-800-387-8850. If you are new to iQ you can schedule a demo and learn more about this opportunity. PSFK iQ - Where Innovators Turn for Research. Our professional-grade research platform is designed specifically for Retail and CX leaders who want to know whats next. Whether youre staying current on trends or need a real-time research partner to help you get ahead, count on PSFK iQ to deliver the info you need to make your next move. Online Newsletter Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest news and information from publics.bg James Patterson has teamed up with Facebook to create an interactive edition of his forthcoming novel The Chef. At a Manhattan press conference Monday evening, Patterson said he approached Facebook about a year ago with the idea of creating a more immersive reading experience for people, especially those who use social media. The free book is now available via Facebook Messenger and features a host of multimedia features, including film clips, photos, and audio. Some of the digital assets are embedded right in the story flow along with the text, while others can be found by clicking on an icon that will present more in-depth information on such things as characters in the book. Patterson has begun promoting The Chef on his Facebook page, and made some media appearances for the book on Tuesday morning. Patterson said he approached Facebook about the project because he is convinced publishers need to be more creative in reaching readers. He believes the deal with Facebook could move publishing in a new direction" and added that even if the current presentation isnt perfect. well learn some things. The Facebook edition of The Chef contains about 85 to 100 digital assets, a Facebook representative said and is a condensed version of the murder mystery set in New Orleans. The full version of the novel will be released by Little, Brown in February. The Texas Book Festival, held October 28-29,attracted more 40,000 people to see more than 300 authors in Austin. The event, which takes place in and around the State Capitol was blessed by beautiful weather after several weeks of rain. Politics and political books drew some of the largest crowds. Cecile Richards, the daughter of the late Texas governor Ann Richards and former head of Planned Parenthood, opened the festival with an event to talk about her book Make Trouble (Gallery Books). "If you aren't scaring yourself, you are not doing enough," Richards told the crowd of more than 700 people. "It was a ticketed event and we pre-sold about 400 books," said Julie Wernerbach, literary director of the Texas Book Festival. "That is kind of amazing, considering she has been through town several times already on tour this year." Other politically-themed events included a talk by historian Michael Beschloss about his book Presidents of War (Crown) and a panel discussing the legacy of Hillary Clinton, with Amy Chozic, author of Chasing HIllary (HarperCollins) and Ben Fountain, author of Beautiful Country Burn Again (Ecco). Book sales for the Festival are handled by Austin independent bookstore Book People. "It was a great festival this year and very successful," said Wernerback on Sunday. "The event is both about the big name authors and the debuts and first-timers. I always tell people that the best way to experience the event is really about discovering something new, as well as see the writers whose work you may already know." Here we offer a brief look at some sights and highlights of this year's festival. Cecille Roberts discussing Make Trouble: Standing Up, Speaking Out, and Finding the Courage to LeadMy Life Story with Judge Gisela Triana. Fatima Farheen Mizra, author of A Place for Us (SJP for Hogarth) and Celeste Ng, author of Little Fires Everywhere (Penguin), in conversation with moderator Richard Santos. Jacqueline Woodson was a popular draw at the festival. She presented her book Harbor Me (Nancy Paulsen Books) Luis Alberto Urrea, author of The House of Broken Angels (Little, Brown) and Tayari Jones, author of An American Marriage (Algonquin) Susan Orlean, author of The Library Book (Simon & Schuster), was one of the TBF's big draws. Becka Oliver (at far left) spoke with Kiese Laymon, author of Heavy: An American Memoir (Scribner), Leslie Jamison, author of The Recovering (Little, Brown), and Alexander Chee, author of How to Write an Autobiographical Novel (HMH), on a panel entitled "The Writers Real Life." This hopefully, will be followed by the post-budget workshop and the consideration of the sectoral budget estimates by the committees of the House, he said. READ ALSO: Energy consumers to choose their own suppliers by 2023 - Energy CommissionEnergy consumers to choose their own suppliers by 2023 - Energy Commission The job cuts span the industrial, banking and mining sectors as well as the media and services sector. Meanwhile, a 2015 labour force survey, indicated that over one million Ghanaians from age 15 and older are unemployed, representing a total unemployment rate of 11.9 per cent. Of this number, about 714,916 are females, representing 57.2 per cent and 535,997 for males representing per cent. This is one of the many reasons why the Executive Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) Professor Newman Kwadwo Kusi said he expects the 2019 budget to focus on job creation. READ ALSO: GRA closes down Surfline over unpaid taxes totaling GH 37mGRA closes down Surfline over unpaid taxes totaling GH 37m I want to see that overall, the budget is designed to create jobs. We are looking at a budget that will grow agriculture and manufacturing to create jobs, he told Accra-based Starr FM. Meanwhile, the government has been putting in place measures to solve the unemployment challenges. The government introduced the Nations Builders Corp (NaBCo) among other measures to temporarily address the situation. "Jesus Christ has had a conversation with me. What I'm about to say does not matter whether you are religious or not. The Lord said there will be mysterious deaths in the country and that is orchestrated by Satan and his people so there is the need for you to wake up and pray or else death will take someone important from your life," Obinim noted. The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, Nigeria, had fixed October 30, 2018, for a hearing while that against Nigeria's attorney general was fixed for November 8, 2018. MTN Nigeria had in a statement said it decided to file an injunctive relief from the Federal High Court in Lagos, against any further steps by the CBN and the AGF until the matter is resolved. It also informed investors and shareholders to take caution when dealing in the companys securities until a further announcement is made. Nigerian court adjourns till December 4 A Lagos judge adjourned a hearing on Tuesday between South African telecoms firm MTN Group and Nigerias central bank to December 4, 2018, Reuters reports. Although the firm confirmed it is in talks with the Nigerian government over the matter but frowned at the accompanying negative publicity that has followed the issues. We have continued engagement with authorities, exchanging documentation and there is genuine will to reach an amicable situation, Reuters quoted Rob Shuter, MTN CEO as saying during a conference call on the group's financial results on Monday. ece-auto-gen However, we need to protect ourselves and we are relying on the courts in Nigeria to make sure theres an amicable resolution. Tomorrow (Tuesday) we are likely to have an adjourned date because more information will likely be requested, however, it is important to create an environment to look for continued solutions. Despite all these challenges, the Nigerian unit of the MTN Group Ltd. remains the firm's largest market in Africa with an increasing double-digit growth in service revenue by 17.4% year-on-year. According to the third-quarter financial report released on Monday, October 29, 2018, the strong performance was led by a 52.5% increase in data revenue and 21.5% increase in outgoing voice revenue. The foreign affairs aide to the president, Abike Dabiri-Erewa has advised young Nigerians from illegally migrating to five particular countries. We keep appealing to Nigerians to not go near those countries like Libya, Oman, Russia, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, but if you want to go, go legally. Dabiri-Erewa mentioned this on Monday during a lecture at a programme organised by the Faculty of Education, University of Ibadan, to commemorate the universitys 70th Anniversary. ece-auto-gen She said the dangers and risks involved in illegal migration are more than the problems anyone can possibly face in Nigeria. The five she mentioned are Libya, Oman, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia. Libya's pathetic situation According to a report by CNN, tens of thousands of migrants are being held in camps and warehouses on the Libyan coast, hoping to reach Europe and sold off when the warehouses become overcrowded. Narrating the pathetic situation, Dabiri-Erewa said, They want to go to Europe and they ended up in Libya The situation is the worst thing I have ever seen in my life. If you go to see them, there is no human being that will not cry; but in spite of the efforts, many Nigerians are still languishing in Libya cells." She believed many Nigerians are still in Libya underground cells. In a statement in August 2018, the Nigerian government said it has repatriated over 9,000 Nigerians from Libya this year in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration. ece-auto-gen Violation of human rights in Oman Oman, an Arabic-speaking country has a history of showing little respect for human rights with various form of slavery under the guise of house help. The foreign affairs aide said, While some may be lucky to tell the awful story, others may not be that opportune to do so. Sexual abuse of greater proportion is inevitable as it is prevalent in some of the Arab and European countries where many Nigerians are hibernating. Circumstances arise where their kidneys and livers are sold, leaving them half dead. Russia as home to traffickers Abike said youths are being exploited by traffickers to more than 29 countries. Officials report an increase in Nigerian women and girls subjected to sex trafficking within Nigeria and throughout Europe, including in Italy, Austria, and Russia; an international organization estimated 80% of all female Nigerian migrants in Italy become sex trafficking victims. ece-auto-gen Slavery market in Saudi Arabia The government officials said between the month of June and July 2018, two full flights from Nigeria consisting of 616 and 114 Nigerian girls of ages 16 to 30 years went to Saudi Arabia under the guise of performing lesser hajj called Umrah with each of them paying not less than N600,000 for that journey to the agents, absconded and disappeared from King Abdul Azeez International airport Jeddah till today. They have all been sold into slavery of being house girls working for 18 to 19 hours daily and earning peanuts. This is just one of the sad stories we hear every day in my office while some others trapped there are calling on us to come and rescue them, she said. Many awaiting executions in Indonesia, others She said many African youths are awaiting execution for drugs in countries like Indonesia and Malaysia. With two major outbreaks in 2018, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is facing an Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak four years after a similar outbreak occurred in West Africa. The current outbreak in DRCs North Kivu Province started days after the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared an end to the outbreak in DRCs Equateur Province. At 185 confirmed cases and 107 deaths, the latest outbreak, which has more than doubled the Equateurs outbreak of 54 cases and 33 deaths, raises an alarm. The outbreaks in DRC represent the largest Ebola outbreak since 2014. In 2014, the EVD outbreak in West Africa exposed the inefficiencies of the global emergency response structure of the World Health Organisation (WHO). Some of the factors that contributed to the ineffectiveness included the reduction of its emergency response budget, loss of key technical staff, bureaucracy, and the organisations lack of sustainable financing. During this period, global actors especially the United States (US) played key roles in responding to the outbreak through financial assistance and technical support. Despite playing an active role in the 2014 outbreak, US intervention came relatively late with its first emergency teams arriving in Guinea and Liberia after 112 cases and 150 cases respectively. Surprisingly, the 2018 outbreak has received relatively lower international attention than the 2014 outbreaks. The recently released article by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) explained that the US is playing a less prominent role in the response to the outbreak in North Kivu. Although, the US currently budgets $3.7 billion for international activities as part of its global health security strategy, there are some concerns about the governments commitment to global health security especially on international outbreaks such as the outbreak in DRC. Doubts over the US commitment to global health security has intensified after the government failed to appoint a senior official to oversee its international outbreak response. Despite the modest support from the US and other international actors, the WHO over the years and through its experience managing the 2014 outbreak has enforced key reforms across its operations. Some of its reforms include the reorganisation of emergency response teams, creation of the Contingency Fund for Emergencies (CFE) and the proactive engagement of new senior leadership in outbreak responses. The WHO also deployed the Ebola vaccine for the first time during the Ebola outbreak in the Equateur region earlier in the year and has so far vaccinated 18,000 people in DRC. Administration of vaccines clearly presents logistical challenges in DRC. However, its deployment represents a key step in the efforts to combat the outbreak. WHOs experience from the 2014 outbreak paved way for the success of the Ebola outbreak response in the Equateur region earlier in 2018. Additionally, DRC has experienced more Ebola outbreaks than any country in the world and, as a result, has a developed coordinated response system and a history of controlling the outbreak. Despite both outbreaks occurring in the same country with same set of responders, the outbreak in North Kivu with 185 confirmed cases and 107 deaths presents complex challenges to WHO and other actors on the ground. Within security challenges, conflicts and an estimated 1 million refugees in North Kivu, public health efforts will be drastically undermined and will ultimately affect the efficiency of the emergency response. The WHO recently classified some areas in North Kivu as red zones making emergency response extremely difficult or impossible. In September, a case of a militant attack led to the suspension of Ebola response by 48 hours. In addition, North Kivu borders major economic players in the region such as Uganda, Rwanda, and North Sudan. The WHO declared that the risk of transmission to these countries through transportation links or movement of refugees is now very high. A potential perfect storm as described Peter Salama, the Head of Emergency Response of the WHO may occur if several dynamic factors, such as insecurity and resistance of vaccination, unite. Despite this concern, the WHO does not regard the current outbreak as an international emergency and has not yet reached out to international donors for emergency funds. Beyond the security challenges and geographical risks of the outbreak in North Kivu, residents are also showing resistance to accept the Ebola vaccination while some infected persons avoid isolation and treatment. In addition, local politicians are also exploiting the publics fear of the outbreak to politicise governments response as the country approaches its general elections. The expansion of the outbreak in North Kivu clearly needs to be treated as priority by international donors including the US. An escalated outbreak could lead to an international health crisis affecting other countries with the likelihood of costly impacts. Vaccination, though proving relatively effective, is still in its experimental infancy and its production level may not be sufficient for an escalated scenario. With the doubling rate of new cases within the last month, WHO must start reaching out to donors for emergency funds should it fails to curb the current outbreak. More importantly, the United States needs to be at the forefront of the response by providing greater assistance and funding as key health stakeholders respond to the DRC outbreak. *Article to be updated as event unfolds Who is Elizabeth Ogbaje Ochanya? She is the alleged 13-year-old victim of a 5-year rape by her uncle, 52-year old Andrew Ogbuja, a lecturer in the Department of Catering and Hotel Management of the Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo, and his son, Victor Ogbuja. Soon after a battle with a few ailments reportedly originating from being regularly drugged, abused, molested and raped both anally and vaginally by father and son, she died of Vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) and other health complications at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi. As the battle for justice continues, here are 3 things to know about the late Elizabeth Ogbaje Ochanya; 1.) She was a JSS2 (Not JSS1) Student of the Federal Government Girls College, Gboko After Ochanya came to live with the Ogbujas in 2013, as an 8-year old after her mother died, she had to attend school. Thus, after passing primary school, the Ogbujas enrolled her at the Federal Government Girls College, Gboko. At the time of her death, she was a student JSS2 student in the second year of secondary school. Upon her death, her schools alumni joined in seeking justice in her memory. Her actual class can be confirmed in the statement released by her schools alumni upon an autopsy conducted into her death. It reads, We bring to your attention the incident of the death of 13-year old Ochanya Elizabeth Ogbanje; a JS2 student of Federal Government Girls College Gboko in Benue State. ALSO READ: Nigerian demand justice for Ochanya 2.) A street has been named after her In the days following the series of protests, Lailas News reports that a street has since been named after the young Elizabeth Ogbanje Ochanya in Otukpo Local Government Area, Benue State. No amount of activism will bring her back, sadly. But her memory could be used to create a new standard for the many other girls going through what she went through for five years. For one, she has inspired the Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, (NAPTIP), Dame Julie Okah to appeal to other girls going through same to come out and talk. 3.) Mrs. Felicia Ogbuja is actually her cousin, not her aunt When Ochanyas mom reportedly died in 2013, she came to live with the Ogbujas. Felicia is her mothers cousin, and thereby, she is Felicias first cousin once removed, not her aunt. This episode is one for the realists who dont take chances with situations that might end up with them cheating. The idea of cheating is a systematic thing the sex itself is the result of a cumulative chain of actions. Off the reading of fan mails and a Loose Talk Giant seeking advise for a friend whose girlfriend now rides a guy's car to work, Steve Dede Canada (SDC) shares his theory on why a car might be an aphrodisiac as it promotes unnecessary closeness between opposite sexes. He thinks that if you dont want that cheating smoke, dont get in a car for regular drives with people of the opposite sex. In truth, it seems harsh, but from I trust my partner comes, I used to trust you. You cannot be in a car with someone and not chat about your respective lives. Steve thinks that it's better when you don't tread that path. RIP Hiphop Pantsula On October 24, 2018, South African rapper, HHP died from a suspected suicide. About two years ago, news broke that he had attempted suicide three times in a year, thus came the conversation of mental health and the cost of technological therapy. Through MI Abagas duet with the late great HHP, the gang also discuss MIs top five songs and then their respective top 10 Nigerian rappers lists. New music According to TVC, petrol bombs and illicit drugs were found on the arrested Shiite members. Shiites react According to New York Times, the spokesman of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (Shiite Muslims), Ibrahim Musa said they were attacked while they were holding a procession. The group also claimed that security agencies have killed 27of its members since Saturday's clash. Timeline of the recent clashes On Saturday, October 27, 2018, the Nigerian Army clashed with Shiite members, killing three around Zuba area in Abuja. Speaking to Vanguard, the Commander Army Headquarters Garrison, Major General James Myam, said members of the sect mounted a road block and tried to attack a convoy carrying ammunitions. The Muslim group however debunked Myams claim, saying that they were holding a peaceful procession and unarmed. The Shiite sect members have been holding protests calling for the release of their leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky who was arrested in 2015. ALSO READ:How more than 10 Shiites were gunned down by soldiers in Abuja Another clash which occurred on Monday, October 29, 2018, reportedly left 10 people dead. The Army, in a statement issued on its Facebook pageaccused the sect again of attacking soldiers and policemen on duty at Kugbo/Karu check point in Abuja. It also said that only 3 people were killed and some of its men sustained injuries. Theres plenty of teargas fumes in the air right now. The Shiite protesters marched on the streets with stones and sticks and the police had to disperse them with live bullets and teargas canisters, one eyewitness told Henry Okelue who resides in Abuja tweeted that rioting Shiites set a police truck on fire on Ademola Adetokunbo street, right in the heart of Abuja. It is sad that the bulk of the foot soldiers that the IMN is using for the riots are minors, Okelue wrote. Social media users have been sharing footage of todays clash, while advising motorists and commuters to stay away from Wuse Zone 2. In the background, sporadic gunshots can be heard. Frequent Shiite-security clashes There are reports that security personnel have shot at a couple of Shiite protesters on the third day of clashes, but Pulse cannot independently verify those at the moment. The Shiite protesters are calling for the release of their leader Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky who was arrested following a crackdown of his sect in Zaria in December of 2015. Zakzaky has been calling for an Iranian-style Islamic revolution which is at odds with the secularity of the Nigerian State. Majority of northern Nigeria is Sunni Muslim. Could Shiite clashes lead to another Boko Haram scenario? There are fears that the latest clashes between Zakzakys followers and the security authorities could style radicalization in northern Nigeria. AFP writes that in 2009, Boko Haram leader Mohammed Yusuf and 800 of his followers, were killed in the Borno state capital of Maiduguri, forcing the group underground. Boko Haram then re-emerged a more deadly force under Yusufs deputy, Abubakar Shekau. The group has killed more than 50,000 people and displaced millions since 2009. It appears we are not learning from our past mistakes, security analyst Amaechi Nwokolo, told AFP. Nwokolo added that security personnel have no right to use maximum force on unarmed protesters, warning that it might motivate others to radicalise. If we go back to the formative days of Boko Haram, it was the killing of some innocent people that actually galvanised recruitment. Thats how terrorism works,Nwokolo adds. This was disclosed by the Head of the Nigeria Police Force's Public Complaint Rapid Response Unit, ACP Yomi Shogunle, shortly after the incident happened on Tuesday, October 30, 2018. According to him, the assailants shot the man in the leg while he was standing in front of the bank before fleeing the scene on a motorcycle. He posted, "Men on motorcycle shot a man standing in front of the bank on the leg & sped off. Victim rushed to Hospt. & in stable condition. Area Commander Area C Surulere has moved more @PoliceNG units to the scene." His post was in response to an alarm raised by a Twitter user, The Nneka , who said there were armed robbers at the bank. "Armed robbers are in GTB Bode Thomas branch! Please help," she posted. Despite Shogunle's clarification, the user insisted that the victim was approached by his assailants at the ATM gallery with the intent to rob him. She said, according to an eyewitness report, he was shot after he refused to part with the money he had just withdrawn. She posted, "An eyewitness said that the man who was shot at was approached and asked for money he withdrew from the Atm on his way into the bank, he refused and that was when he was shot. The robbers mounted a bike a sped off." This was made known in a press release issued on its Facebook page. On Saturday, October 27, 2018, three people were killedand two soldiers wounded in a clash involving members of the Shiite sect and the personnel of the Nigerian Army. The Commander Army Headquarters Garrison, Major General James Myam alleged that the sect members mounted a road block and tried to attack an Army convoy carrying ammunitions. The statement reads: Troops of the Nigerian Army deployed on routine duty at Kugbo/ Karu bridge checkpoint of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were attacked by the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) sect at about 3:00pm on 29th October 2018. The sect in massive numbers forced their way into the troops checkpoint after over running the Police Force. The Police withdrew back to own troops position to join efforts to repel them. They fired weapons at own troops, throwing bottle cannisters with fuel, large stones, catapults with dangerous objects and other dangerous items at troops causing bodily harm and stopping motorist movement, breaking their windscreen and causing heavy traffic. However, Troops repelled the attack in conjunction with the Nigerian Police Force to stop the situation from further deteriorating. Unfortunately, during the encounter 3 members of the sect were killed while 4 soldiers sustained various degrees of injuries and are being treated at a military medical facility. Meanwhile, the situation has been brought under control and normalcy restored in the general area and there is free flow of traffic. Members of the public living within Abuja and environs are enjoined to go about their normal activities without fear of molestation. The Nigerian Army will not deter in carrying out its constitutional roles and also safeguarding law abiding citizens. You are please requested to disseminate this information to the general public. 10 lives lost According to Pulse Senior Reporter, 10 people died during Mondays clash. Corpses of persons suspected to be Shiite members were being packed into trucks and driven away by soldiers. There were dead bodies all over the road. The soldiers started firing live ammunitions at 2pm. As I speak with you, its 5pm and the place is still tense with lifeless bodies lying all over the place," she added. This was made known in a statement posted on Twitter. The Army said that the new ammunition will further enhance its operational capabilities and combat efficiency. ece-auto-gen Shiite clash The Nigerian Army has come under fire recently from Nigerians over the killing of Shiite sect members reportedly holding peaceful protests. ALSO READ:How more than 10 Shiites were gunned down by soldiers in Abuja ece-auto-gen According to reports, over 20 members of the sect have been killed in three different clashes since Saturday, October 27, 2018. This was made known by his new media aide, Lere Olayinka on Twitter on Monday, October 29, 2018. Speaking after his release in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Idowu Adelusi, Fayose said that he is prepared to face trial. The former Governor also thanked Nigerians for their support, adding that his current travail is part of the price he has to pay as a leader. Vanguard reports that Fayose promised that he will not miss any court sitting and pledged not to let Nigerians down. Appearance in court The EFCC arraigned the former Governor before the court on Monday, October 22, 2018 on an 11 count charge. Fayose is being accused of receiving money illegally to fund his 2014 governorship campaign from the Office of the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki. Fayose makes Bail The former Governor was however granted bail on Wednesday, October 25, 2018, by Justice Mojisola Olatoregun of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi. Fayose was slammed with a bail bond of N50 million, and was asked to present two sureties who have landed properties, and have three years tax clearance in Lagos state. EFCC I'm here The former Governor surrendered himselfto the EFCC after his tenure as Governor of Ekiti state ended on October 16, 2018. The president was received at the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) base in the state capital by Governor Nasir El-Rufai and members of the state's cabinet when he arrived with the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, on Tuesday, October 30, 2018. The president's visit comes on the heels of the October 26 killing of abducted monarch, Agom Adara, Maiwada Galadima. Four people, including a police officer, were killed when the monarch, his wife and driver were abducted at Maikyali village, along Kaduna-Kachia road, in Kachia local government area of the state on October 19. His abduction happened in the wake of another crisis that claimed the lives of 55 people during a communal clash at Kasuwan Magani in Kajuru LGA. The wave of violence is believed to have started after two people were killed in a market clash between Hausa Muslim and Adara Christian youths following a dispute among wheelbarrow porters. A second attack was reported to have been carried out by Adara youths who reportedly mobilised and attacked Hausa residents on Thursday, October 18. "Most of the killings were done in the second attack which took the Hausa community off guard,"Muhammadu Bala, a Kasuwar Magani resident who lost his home to the crisis, told AFP. With curfew declared across the affected areas, the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) disclosed that a further 23 people were killed in various parts of Kaduna metropolis during another wave of violence that took place on Sunday, October 21. President Buhari condemned the violence, urging everyone to embrace peace as an alternative to destruction. "Violence cannot be an alternative to peace. On the contrary, reliance on violence leads to ultimate self-destruction. Violence is an ill wind that blows nobody any good. Embracing peace is a necessity," he said. During his Tuesday visit, he's expected to meet with relevant stakeholders including religious, traditional and political leaders from the affected areas. Leaders to meet the president include Emir of Zazzau, Dr Shehu Idris; Archbishop of Kaduna Catholic Archdiocese, Most Reverend, Mathew Man-oso Ndagoso; and Secretary General of the Jama'atul Nasril Islam (JNI), Dr Khalid Abubakar Aliyu. Others are Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bishop George Jonathan Dodo, and founder of the Peace Revival and Reconciliation Foundation of Nigeria, Pastor Yohanna Y.D. Buru. He said the failure of the tragic spate of violence to attract attention means Nigeria is pushing itself towards irrelevance on the world stage. The president said this during a meeting with stakeholders in Kaduna State during his condolence visit to the state on Tuesday, October 30, 2018. "I observed that more than 75 people were killed in Kaduna alone and I haven't seen anything about it. It means we are pushing ourselves as a nation and a people towards irrelevance, seen by the world itself," he said. The Saudi government has been under world scrutiny since it was accused of killing Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey on October 2. The outspoken journalist was reportedly killed by a 15-person team of Saudi hit squad allegedly on the orders of Saudi crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman. How over 80 were killed in Kaduna Four people, including a police officer, were killed when a monarch, Agom Adara, Maiwada Galadima, his wife and driver were abducted at Maikyali village, along Kaduna-Kachia road, in Kachia local government area of the state on October 19. Even though his wife and driver were later released, the monarch was killed by his abductors on October 26. His abduction happened in the wake of another crisis that claimed the lives of 55 people during a communal clash at Kasuwan Magani in Kajuru LGA. The wave of violence is believed to have started after two people were killed in a market clash between Hausa Muslim and Adara Christian youths following a dispute among wheelbarrow porters. A second attack was reported to have been carried out by Adara youths who reportedly mobilised and attacked Hausa residents on Thursday, October 18. "Most of the killings were done in the second attack which took the Hausa community off guard,"Muhammadu Bala, a Kasuwar Magani resident who lost his home to the crisis, told AFP. The president paid a condolence visit to the state on Tuesday, October 30 and held a meeting with state governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and other relevant stakeholders including senior government officials, security chiefs, traditional rulers, religious, political and community leaders. The president's visit comes on the heels of the October 26 killing of abducted monarch, Agom Adara, Maiwada Galadima. Four people, including a police officer, were killed when the monarch, his wife and driver were abducted at Maikyali village, along Kaduna-Kachia road, in Kachia local government area of the state on October 19. His abduction happened in the wake of another crisis that claimed the lives of 55 people during a communal clash at Kasuwan Magani in Kajuru LGA. The wave of violence is believed to have started after two people were killed in a market clash between Hausa Muslim and Adara Christian youths following a dispute among wheelbarrow porters. A second attack was reported to have been carried out by Adara youths who reportedly mobilised and attacked Hausa residents on Thursday, October 18. "Most of the killings were done in the second attack which took the Hausa community off guard,"Muhammadu Bala, a Kasuwar Magani resident who lost his home to the crisis, told AFP. With curfew declared across the affected areas, the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) disclosed that a further 23 people were killed in various parts of Kaduna metropolis during another wave of violence that took place on Sunday, October 21. Perpetrators won't go scot-free - Buhari In a statement signed by the president's Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, he expressed displeasure with the tragic loss of lives and property in the state. "If in the past, they got away scot-free, we shall now hold everyone to account for these latest killings. It is unacceptable that criminal elements can visit on citizens the wanton killings recorded in the Kasuwan Magani incident of 18th October 2018 and the unrest around Kaduna metropolis a few days later. This must stop," he said. The president further called on residents of the state to have more respect for the sanctity of human life and give peace a chance to reign. He said, "Violence shatters and divides people and stifles the prospect of any community that succumbs to its tragic logic. "The Federal Government commends the efforts of the Kaduna State Government in responding to and managing the crisis. More Federal Security assets are being provided at the request of the Kaduna State Government to help uphold and keep the peace. "The Federal Government will continue to work to ensure that more security assets are recruited and deployed across the country to protect all citizens going about their lawful business and to reinforce the authority of the government. "On their part, citizens also have a duty to be law-abiding in their conduct and within their communities. There is a need to avoid violence as a tool of negotiation or obtaining advantage, and learn to listen to each other and commit to resolving differences through peaceful means. "Kaduna, once the home of the Premier and home of the New Nigerian must not earn itself a new name - home of violence. The Federal Security Agencies will hunt and prosecute all those who sponsored these acts of violence." He said citizens are obligated to respect the rights of others to live wherever they choose, to worship freely and to pursue lawful livelihoods anywhere in the country. Buhari issues stern warning to Police Force President Buhari also called on the Nigeria Police Force to remain vigilant in securing communities and be diligent in prosecuting criminal offences. "The Nigerian police are in the frontline of securing communities. For the judiciary, unless the investigations are credible and rapidly done, there is nothing they can do. From now on the Nigeria police, you better watch it, I am going to watch you closely." Dozens of suspects have been arrested in connection with the waves of violence in the affected areas. The president commiserated with the government and people of Kaduna State, and families who lost loved ones to the spate of violence across the state. He eulogised Galadima for serving his community and Kaduna State with dedication until his death. The president issued the stern warning during a meeting with stakeholders in Kaduna State during his condolence visit to the state on Tuesday, October 30, 2018. The meeting was to address the recent spate of violence that led to the death of over 80 people in the state over the past two weeks. While addressing stakeholders, with the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, also present, President Buhari called on the Force to remain vigilant in securing communities so as to stem the wave of violence across the country. He said, "The Nigerian police are in the frontline of securing communities. For the judiciary, unless the investigations are credible and rapidly done, there is nothing they can do. From now on the Nigeria police, you better watch it, I am going to watch you closely." Dozens of suspects have been arrested in connection with the waves of violence in the affected areas. How over 80 were killed in Kaduna Four people, including a police officer, were killed when a monarch, Agom Adara, Maiwada Galadima, his wife and driver were abducted at Maikyali village, along Kaduna-Kachia road, in Kachia local government area of the state on October 19. Even though his wife and driver were later released, the monarch was killed by his abductors on October 26. His abduction happened in the wake of another crisis that claimed the lives of 55 people during a communal clash at Kasuwan Magani in Kajuru LGA. The wave of violence is believed to have started after two people were killed in a market clash between Hausa Muslim and Adara Christian youths following a dispute among wheelbarrow porters. A second attack was reported to have been carried out by Adara youths who reportedly mobilised and attacked Hausa residents on Thursday, October 18. "Most of the killings were done in the second attack which took the Hausa community off guard,"Muhammadu Bala, a Kasuwar Magani resident who lost his home to the crisis, told AFP. The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, stated this while speaking with journalists during the South-South Dialogue on the Presidential Executive Order No. 5 held in Port Harcourt. The Order is tagged, Executive Order No Five for Planning and Execution of Projects, Promotion of Nigerian Content in Contracts, Science, Engineering and Technology. According to Onu, the greatness and happiness of Nigeria will be guaranteed once the executive order is fully implemented. He said that the present administration was determined to create an enabling environment to mobilise local investment and attract more foreign direct investment into the country. In the history of any nation, there comes a time when critical decisions have to be taken in order to quickly move to a new level of development of the nation, he said. The minister said the move was necessary for government to be more effective in protecting and securing the citizens. The Executive Order no Five could not have come at a better time than now, he said. The minister said that the federal government also aimed at empowering Nigerians, both young and old, to participate actively in the management of the economy. The present administration has recognised the use of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) as well as the effective participation of our young people, professionals, and indigenous contractors and consultants as indispensable, The present Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) 2017 to 2020 have recognised that science and technology will drive productivity and economic activity in all sector, he said. Onu said that the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari had deployed to redirect the economy from its old, unsustainable and inclusive path of being a knowledge base economy, driven by innovation. Onu said that the Executive Order No. 5 was made up of 18 sections with headings which aimed at giving more preference to Nigerian companies and firms in awarding contracts in line with the public procurement Act, 2007. The age of the firm will not be important, so long as it is legally registered and possesses requisite qualifications, competence and experience in the management and executive of such contracts, Federal Government will henceforth place premium on the use of indigenous professionals and firms in the design and execution of projects involving national security. Onu urged Ministries and Agencies to take steps to encourage indigenous professionals in the Diaspora to return home and use their expertise to develop Nigeria. He said that the ministry would establish centres for acquisition of technology in the six geo-political zones of the country for the promotion of technology utilisation. All foreign experts working in the country have to be certified by the appropriate regulatory bodies being engaged.In such case, efforts will be intensified to train Nigerians to have the skills. No expatriate quota will be granted unless such skills are completely locally unavailable; designs for all contracts, programmes and projects must be in English language before such contracts are signed. He said that a Presidential Monitoring Evaluation Council would be monitoring the order with the President as the Chairman to oversee the general implementation of the executive order. He said that the office of the project would be domiciled at the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology. Mr Bitrus Nabasu, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, said that the Order showcased the federal governments commitment in the promotion of the domestic and foreign investment, creation of employment and the stimulation of the national economy. Mr Hyginus Omeje, the Lagos State Sector Commander of FRSC, warned in Lagos that the corps would randomly pick vehicles for inspection during the Operation Restore Sanity on Lagos Roads/Operation Velvet. He spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Omeje noted that the `operation was inaugurated on Thursday by the police in conjunction with agencies such as FRSC, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps to tackle perennial gridlock in the state. During the exercise, motorists will be randomly picked to check for minimum safety requirements in their vehicles. You must have your drivers licence, your vehicle documents must be in order, you must have your fire extinguisher, jack, wheel spanner and caution sign, among others. If we observe that your lights are broken, and all those things mentioned are lacking, your vehicle will be impounded and you will be made to restore it and get everything in order before its release, Omeje said. The FRSC sector commander said that all erring motorists would be arraigned and prosecuted before mobile courts. Omeje, who decried motorists disregard for traffic rules, said that it had extended jam on Bus Rapid Transit lanes. He condemned driving against traffic, describing it as abnormal and suicidal. Omeje told NAN that 120 men of FRSC would be deployed from its 10 unit commands in the state to join in the operation. According to him, those to be deployed would be different from those already in the Special Team on Apapa Gridlock. NAN reports that the `Operation Restore Sanity on Lagos Roads/Operation Velvet team is headed by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Imohimi Edgal. The police identified some roads and areas for robust intervention during the exercise. They include Akpogbon and Obalende bridges, Marina, Bar Beach and Idumota-lddo on Lagos Island; Allen Avenue, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Agidingbin by Omole, Ile Zik-Mangoro and Agege Motor Road in Ikeja axis. Speaking on Ortoms behalf, his Chief of Staff, Mr Terwase Orbunde said the Governor is in support of the upward review of workers salaries. I will work in line with the outcome of the new minimum wage committee. I am known for championing improved welfare for workers. I did it when I was the Chairman of Guma Local Government Area. When I came on board as governor, primary school teachers were not receiving the N18,000.00 minimum wage. I stepped up their salaries without waiting for them to mount pressure on me to do so. I wanted them to be at par with other civil servants in the State. They did not march in procession before I increased their salaries. I am not against a better life for workers, he added FG, NLC negotiations The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) is demanding N30,000 as the minimum wage for workers. The government on its part, has proposed that it will increase the minimum wage from the current N18,000 to N24,000while the state Governors say that they can afford to pay N20,000. Onu Edoka, the Chairman, state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), made the appeal while addressing workers and government functionaries after leading them in a protest march to Government House, Lokoja. Edoka, in his message to President Muhammadu Buhari through Gov. Yahaya Bello, stressed the need for the Federal Government to ensure the implementation of the minimum wage. The NLC chairman alleged that the Minister of Labour, Dr Chris Ngige, was frustrating the good intention of the Buhari-led administration by trying to subvert the agitations for a new minimum wage. He said Ngiges intrigues and antics were not encouraging, insisting that N30,000 was nothing compared to what some top government officials spent monthly on feeding their dogs. Edoka urged the president to ensure that his 2015 electioneering campaign promise on minimum wage was realised. Responding on behalf of governor Bello, his Chief of Staff, Chief Edward Onoja, commended the workers for their orderly disposition, promising to convey their message to the appropriate quarters. Onoja said that the state government had concluded plans to pay three months salary arrears to workers and pensioners in the state while their colleagues in the state tertiary institutions would be paid four months. He assured the workers that the payment, expected to commence from week, followed the receipt of the Paris Club refund. Mohammed said this following a report that soldiers posted to fight the terror group are being starved. The minister said this while speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, October 30, 2018. Mohammed said that the report is false, describing it as a great disservice to the Nigerian military, according to Daily Post. Committee report According to Mohammed, President Buhari ordered an investigation into the matter when he heard the report. The minister announced that the investigation has been concluded and the report submitted. Gentlemen, the investigation has since been concluded and, in line with the transparent stance of this Administration, I have invited you here today to share with you the outcome. The summary of the findings is that there is no case of hunger, starvation or begging among the troops fighting in the North East, and in particular in the Armed Forces Special Forces Battalion that was referenced in the publication, he said. Allowances are being paid The minister also said that all the soldiers are being paid and properly kitted for the job. He said There is also no irregular/short payment of allowances, while claims of poor equipment, inadequate kitting and accommodation are found to be ill conceived and unfounded. The troops in question, deployed at Brig.-Gen. Maimalari Secondary School along Gubio Road, are being fed centrally three times a day, and are kitted immediately after their training before they are deployed in the theatre. How then can soldiers who are fed centrally be starving or begging for food? Concerning the payment of allowances, the monthly allowances of troops of the AFSF Battalion are being paid directly into their various accounts from the Defence Headquarters, hence they cannot be shortchanged. If anything, the publication in question exhibited poor understanding of what obtains in the theatre of military operations. For example, the claim of poor accommodation in an operational environment. By their training, soldiers in theatres of war are usually in trenches, tents or other makeshift structures. Fighting insurgency is not a walk in the park and the gallant men and women in uniform who are engaged in counter-insurgency operation in the North East are not on a luxurious expedition. The battlefront is no playground. In February 2018, the Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, handed out cheques worth over N800 million to the next of kin of soldiers who died in the line of duty. Ochanya, 13, died from complications of vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) after she was allegedly raped by her guardian, Andrew Ogbuja and his son, victor. Speaking during a protest in Makurdi, the Benue state capital on Tuesday, October 30, 2018, Ortom noted that his government would ensure that the law takes its course regarding the gruesome death of a 13-year old Ochanya. Represented by his Chief of Staff, Terwase Orbunde, the governor described Ochanyas death as painful and sheer wickedness. I am pained over her death because I also have daughters What if it were any of them? Indeed, this matter will not be swept under the carpet, the law must take its cause, he said. He urged girls in a similar situation to speak out in order to get help. NHRC speaks on Ochanyas case Meanwhile, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has condemned the rape of Ochanyas alleged rape by her guardian. In a statement signed by the Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages of the commission, Lambert Opara, the NHRC said it had requested the Inspector General of Police, and the Benue Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice to ensure that perpetrators of the dastardly act were brought to book. The commission has received the preliminary report on the matter conducted by the Benue office of the commission. The Executive Secretary of the commission, Mr Tony Ojukwu who was visibly angry, expressed shock that the little Ochanya, a minor, could pass through the sad experience in the hands of the supposed guardian. The executive secretary promised that the commission will work with relevant authorities including the Benue State Ministry of Justice and the police to ensure that the culprits are prosecuted in accordance with the law, he said. Court remands Ochanya's alleged rapist Meanwhile a Chief Magistrate Court , the man alleged to have raped Ochanya. The Spokesperson of the parents, Mr Ayuba Alamson, told newsmen in Maiduguri that the lady who escaped from the Boko Haram captivity, claimed to have stayed with only six girls in the forest. Alamson, who identified the lady as Jummai Abouku, said the lady escaped from the Boko Haram insurgents and was released recently by the military to her family after profiling and screening. According to him, Jummai, a mother of six was abducted together with her elder son by the insurgents at Askira Uba in 2014. Alamson explained that the escapee told the parents that she stayed with six of the girls in Sambisa Forest, adding that she had also identified the girls and their parents. He said: Jumai told us that six of the girls were married to the insurgents, one of them is pregnant with one child and another one has a baby, while the remaining four were married without children. Few months before her escape, Jumai was also forced to marry one of the insurgents and she is now pregnant. She escaped with her son and stayed in a camp in Bama, before they were released to their family in Chibok. This is what she narrated to us and we do not know the source of the information about the 57 girls sighted in Cameroon. We are happy over the development, it rekindles our hope that the remaining girls in the insurgents captivity are alive and would be released. He commended the Federal Government over the release of the over 100 abducted school girls. Alamson called on government and international organisations to secure the release of the remaining girls including Leah Sheribu. However, Mr Yakubu Nkenke, the Chairman, Parents of the Abducted School Girls, was quoted in a media report as saying that 57 of the girls were sighted in northern Cameroon. Nkenke disclosed that the girls were seen by other female captives at Garin Magaji and Garin Mallam villages of Marwa district, Cameroon. Nkenke revealed that seven of the girls were at Garin Magaji, and 50 others stays with their husbands and children at Garin Mallam. When contacted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) he insisted on the 57 figure of the sighted girls. Osinbajo made the declaration as a guest of Abuja based Brekete Radio on Monday, October 29, 2018. During the programme, the vice president stated that, The focus of our government is on how things can be better for the common man. We are not in the business of trying to deceive Nigerians. You can accuse myself and the President of anything, but you will never find us deceiving Nigerians. On the National Social Investment Programme (N-SIP), Osinbajo noted that the Buhari administration has been able to do so much more with less resources. The President has ensured that nobody steals money from the treasury. The major problem Nigeria had before now was the fact that people stole from the nations coffers. Once the country is it would be better. The first thing we did was tackle unemployment by employing young men and women through the N-Power job scheme, which has so far employed 500,000 young graduates." Osinbajo talks about N-Power A paid volunteer programme, the N-Power job scheme has a two-year duration which has now been extended for a batch. Osinbajo adds that, every state has N-Power. There are plans to employ more because of the number of graduates. This is a social safety net for young unemployed Nigerian graduates. So far, we have given about 400,000 MarketMoni loans, but the target is to give 1 million loans to artisans and traders, while s a N10,000 interest-free loan to petty traders, of which 2 million are expected to be reached in the first phase. Clean and affordable electricity Osinbajo also highlighted the federal governments Energizing Economies Initiative, which seeks to provide clean, affordable, and constant power to economic clusters such as big markets and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria. Last week Friday, the vice president commissioned the Sura market Independent Power Project in Sura shopping complex in Lagos State; a 1.5MW independent mini-grid power supply system which government claims will provide clean and affordable electricity to over 1,000 shops in the market. The Buhari administrations Energizing Economies Initiative, which is being implemented by Rural Electrification Agency (REA), is designed to provide clean, stable and affordable electricity to Nigerians in economic clusters. According to the federal government, thousand of shops in Sabon Gari in Kano State, Ariaria market in Aba, Isinkan market in Akure, Ondo State, Edaiken market in Benin, Edo State, and Sura market, Lagos, have been provided solar power through the initiative. Power is a major problem in Nigeria and our efforts is to solve this through alternative energy such as solar power. We are not relying on the national grid alone. We are also encouraging the private sector to provide power. The new strategy of the government is to put power in different places so as to make life easy for Nigerians without relying on the national grid. We are still working on the national grid. This country is very big, thats why we have to decentralize," Osinbajo said. Home grown school feeding programme Speaking further on the benefits of the N-SIP, the vice president assured Nigerians that the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme was authentic and was a major part of the administrations plan to improve the lives of Nigerians. Currently, it feeds daily over 9 million schoolchildren in public primary schools in 26 states. Also, the products are sourced from local farmers, which improve local economy", he said. Buhari won the 2015 presidential election on the back of a reputation that bordered on honesty, frugality, integrity and transparency. The Cable reports that Obi said this at the Nnamdi Azikiwe airport in Abuja on his return from Dubai on Monday, October 29, 2018. Osinbajo, on Sunday, October 28, 2018, jokingly said that he was learning theShaku Shaku dance stepsahead of the campaigns for the 2019 general elections, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). The Vice-President made the comment at a book launch in Abuja. Sober reflection Obi said the period calls for sober reflection, and learning how to dance is the least of the problems facing Nigeria. I have not had the opportunity of reading his comments as I havent seen the dailies. I know Vice-President Osibanjo is a gentleman and may not have made such a comment. However, while I am not against people dancing or learning how to dance Shaku Shaku, as I believe it is one of those things that is keeping our people going on in this very difficult times, I believe that the crossroads that we have found ourselves in as a nation requires sober reflection. For me in particular, this period calls for sober reflection not dancing or learning how to dance as there are many challenges facing our nation at the moment. Not the least being recently having our country named the world headquarters of extreme poverty with over eighty seven million people. Worse still millions more are losing their jobs, with four million by the third quarter of this year alone. Millions of Nigerians go to bed hungry not knowing where the meal for the next day will come from, hundreds of thousands risk death by crossing the Sahara and the Mediterranean Sea to wherever they can make a living. These and other challenges are indicative of the dire straits facing us as a nation today. And these are what we on the Atiku team are spending our time with the best minds on how to start creating jobs and putting food on peoples table. We must get Nigeria to start working again for the good of everyone. The Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari disclosed this while briefing newsmen at the end of its 2nd emergency meeting held in Abuja. Yari said that the decision was arrived at after a briefing from the forum representatives at the Tripartite Committee. He said that the welfare of all Nigerians was the ultimate concern of the governors, saying in all our states, we are concerned about the deteriorating economic situation experienced by the vulnerable segment of our population. He said that in agreeing to a National Minimum Wage, the Forum was even more concerned about development, particularly in the health, education and infrastructure spheres. It is therefore our considered position that since the percentage of salaried workers is not more than five per cent of the total working population, our position must not just reflect a figure, but also a sustainable strategy based on ability and capacity to pay, as well as reflective of all our developmental needs in each State. After all, Section 3 of the National Salaries Income and Wages Commission Act provides that the Commission shall recommend a proposition of income growth which should be initiated for wage increase and also examined the salary structure in public and private sector with reasonable features of relativity and maximum levels which are in consonance with the national economy It is in this sense that we feel strongly that our acceptable minimum wage must be done in such a way that total personnel cost does not exceed 50 per cent of the revenue available to each State. Governors therefore agreed to pay a national minimum wage of N22,500," Yari added. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that at the meeting with the governors were the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr Chris Ngige and the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Sen. Udoma Udo Udoma. ALSO READ: Gov Ortom promises to pay any amount adopted as minimum wage Some of the governors at the emergency meeting were Kebbi, Ebonyi, Imo, Lagos, Plateau, Osun, Ekiti, Ogun, and Nasarawa represented by Deputy, Adamawa. The Organised Labour had scheduled Nov. 6 to embark on nationwide strike to compel government to peg a new minimum wage at N30,000. The protest which started at about 2:15 pm soon turned bloody as the Shiites advanced the military checkpoint at Kugbo, a hilly area few kilometers from the popular AYA roundabout in Abuja, at about 3pm. Attempts by the military to stop the protesters proved abortive as they felt they had conducted themselves in an organized manner that would not affect the flow of traffic. Soon, teargas and gunshots rented the air as road users were stopped meters away from the scene. With journalists a few meters away, the combined team of men of the Nigerian Army and mobile Policemen engaged the protesters who were bearing sticks, stones and catapults. The military usually stopped cars, we are walking and not in cars. Why did they attempt to stop us, spokesman of the group, Muhammadu Musa, spokesperson of the Shiites told after the incident vowing not to surrender despite the attacks on the sect. They (security) have been directed to kill as many of us as possible and we were expecting this, Musa said. We know that they are waiting for us at the checkpoint but we are determined to continue our march to Abuja. We will not stop protesting until our leader, Sheikh Ibrahim El-zakzaky and his wife and all our members are released. We will not stop, he announced. Shiites attacked us - Army While admitting that only three Shiite members were killed, the Army blamed the Shiites for launching an attack on them at the checkpoint. The sect in massive numbers forced their way into the troops checkpoint after overrunning the Police Force. The Police withdrew back to own troops position to join efforts to repel them, the Army stated in a Facebook post same day. They fired weapons at own troops, throwing bottle canisters with fuel, large stones, catapults with dangerous objects and other dangerous items at troops causing bodily harm and stopping motorist movement, breaking their windscreen and causing heavy traffic. However, Troops repelled the attack in conjunction with the Nigerian Police Force to stop the situation from further deteriorating. Unfortunately, during the encounter 3 members of the sect were killed while 4 soldiers sustained various degrees of injuries and are being treated at a military medical facility," the statement read. ece-auto-gen But, this was not the first time security operatives were engaging with Shiite protesters. Abuja, Nigerias protest capital Almost every other week, there is a Shiite protest in Abuja. In most cases, both protesters and security men sustain injuries with many losing their lives in demand for the release of El-zakzaky and his wife. Regardless, the number of protesters continue to rise. ece-auto-gen Another Boko Haram? Asides the general insecurity in the Federal Capital Territory in recent times, residents of Abuja have a greater concern the Shiite protesters. We now go out praying not to run into these Shiite protesters,Musa Rufai told our correspondent. I am a Muslim and I will tell you that these people (Shiites) are not Muslims. They are worse than anything. People who dont mind dying. They do not care if they die or anybody is hurt. God help this us, he said. Similarly, Amina Salihu, is concerned that the Shiites may become a bigger problem than Boko Haram. ece-auto-gen With the way these boys are going, theyll become a bigger problem than Boko Haram if care is not taken, Ms Salihu said. These boys were not carrying anything before but now, they have sticks and catapults. What will happen if, God forbid, they get support from another country. This was how Boko Haram started. The military kept killing them and they learnt how to make bombs. Today, our brothers are still being killed in the northeast, she stated, while urging the Federal Government to release El-Zakzaky. Why FG is holding on to El-zakzaky - Lai Attempts to get Nigerias Information Minister, Lai Mohammed, to speak on the failure of the Federal Government to release El-Zakzaky despite court order met a brick wall. This conference is not about Shiites protest. In due course, the government will address the issue, the Minister responded to questions at a press conference on Tuesday, October 30, 2018. ece-auto-gen The Minister had earlier disclosed that Sheikh El-zakzaky and his wife were not in prison as claimed. He noted that the Shiite leader was in being kept in a house with his family members. "How many Nigerians know that El Zakzaky is actually not in prison custody nor police custody nor DSS custody? El-Zakzaky is in a house with his family, this is the honest truth, the minister said. Addressing the government's rejection of court orders to release the cleric, the minister said the government is merely keeping him in protective custody because "nobody wants to accept him as a neighbour". The minister said, "The court ruled that he will be released after his house has been rebuilt. Nobody wants to accept El-Zakzaky as a neighbor. So we have been able to build a house, where do we release him to." It is the second public meeting between the pair after a bitter Lagos APC governorship primary election of October 2, 2018. Both men first met publicly after the primary election, in Abuja; during the national APC convention where party faithful endorsed Buhari for the presidency. Before the APC governorship primary election, Ambode had called Sanwo-olu a misfitwho once sprayed fake dollars at a US nite club and who is still undergoing rehabilitation at the Gbagada General Hospital in mainland Lagos. However, both men, it appears, have now mended fences. Sanwo-olu was accompanied to Ambode's office in Alausa by his running mate Obafemi Hamzat and a handful of loyalists. Why this meeting was necessary Pulse understands that today's meeting has everything to do with the decision to collapse the campaign teams of Sanwo-olu, President Buhari, godfather Bola Tinubu and Ambode into one. A new group called the Independent Campaign Group, ICG, will emerge from the collapsed structures. Vanguard reports that the groups which harmonized their structures were the Buhari and Osinbajo Campaign Support Group, BOCSG, Ambode Mandate Support Group, AMSG and Babajide Olusola Campaign Organization, BOSCO. "The groups were collapsed with the aim of involving all members of the party in activities leading up to the 2019 election. ICG, it was learned, would be led by Asiwaju Bola Tinubus former Chief detail, Mr. Tayo Ayinde, who was until the merger, Director-General of BOSCO; while former Lagos West APC Vice chairman, Cardinal James Odunbaku, would act as his deputy",Vanguard writes. Defection rumours shot down Ambode recently quelled rumours of a planned defection by pledging to ensure Sanwo-olu is elected Governor in March of 2019. Atiku emerged the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the primary election in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital in October. Days later, he picked former Anambra state governor, Peter Obi, as his running mate. ece-auto-gen But, addressing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, October 30, 2018, Senator Nwajumogu says the choice of Obi as his vice presidential candidate would affect PDPs victory in 2019. Describing Obi as a pope without a cathedral, the Senator alleged that some claims by the former governor are false. I dont think that the choice of Peter Obi as vice presidential candidate, we are very happy with it as APC because Peter Obi is actually pope or bishop without a cathedral, Nwajumogu announced. ece-auto-gen He is there; he is well known; he has talked much about his accomplishments; he gave an above average performance as a governor; but the fact that most of what he claims he is are not true. He doesnt have a captive structure with which he can deliver votes to Atiku Abubakar. His choice would give APC further in road into Anambra state. You well know that the Governor of Anambra is not in the best of relationship with Peter Obi. To counter him, will be for him to work for us at the APC. The choice of Peter Obi, you can see is not resounding among the governors in the South-East. Most of them feel slighted and he is not the best choice. So you can see that if Atiku couldnt make a good choice in picking his running mate, you can imagine the kind of choice he is going to make when he becomes president and if he does. But then again, I also know that there is no possibility that Atiku will become president in 2019. He would not win the election, he declared. 'Arewa youths endorse Atiku' ece-auto-gen Meanwhile, a norther group, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, has endorsed Atiku for president in 2019. This was disclosed in a statement signed by the groups President, Yerima Shettima. For us in AYCF, we have said it over and over that Buharis administration has failed Nigerians and we have passed vote of no confidence on the current administration before now, and to that effect we cant trust this administration anymore, Shettima said. We are saying that we demand a total new order and for us, the emergence of Atiku is a good thing for Nigeria and we have to look towards that direction. I will canvass other ethnic nationalities and groups to ensure that the tenure of this administration comes to an end. We will ensure that Buharis administration does not exceed beyond 2019, we will vote them out, he added. 'APC, PDP are the same' Meanwhile, former education minister and presidential aspirant of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), Oby Ezekwesili, says both the APC and PDP are the same. The president said this during the 75th anniversary business lecture of the Island Club in Lagos on Monday, October 29, 2018. In a speech delivered by the president's representative, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, he said it requires more than one election cycle to fully implement plans that'll help the nation progress. During the lecture, titled "Nation building and institutional development, lessons for Nigeria from the Island Club at 75", the president pointed out that the Island Club used to stage its major events in the open air because it had no hall but now could afford one. He said this proves time is needed to deliver change. "It took more than one term and one election cycle of the Chairman of Island Club to build this hall just as it will require more than one election cycle to build the nation and deliver change," he said. The president urged Nigerians to back him to win the 2019 presidential election so he can enjoy the fruits of his efforts in placing the country on the path of sustainable growth in his first term. Praising his administration's achievements in the agricultural, manufacturing and power sector, the president said he's eager to get another term in office so he can continue to help hard-working Nigerians benefit from the country. "It is because of these small business owners, hard-working Nigerians that I am offering myself to serve for one more time, " he said. 2019 presidential election While next year's election is expected to be keenly-contested between President Buhari of the All Progressives' Congress (APC) and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), they both face competition from other candidates including Donald Duke of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Kingsley Moghalu of the Young Progressive Party (YPP), Obiageli Ezekwesili of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), Fela Durotoye of the Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN), and Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress (AAC). Chief among those conditions, Section 131(d), is the stipulation that such a person must have been educated up to "at least School Certificate level or its equivalent". The incumbent president, Muhammadu Buhari, has failed, once again, to present a certificate, evidence of his education, to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). In the affidavit he submitted to the electoral body this month to enable him to contest in the 2019 presidential election, he said his academic qualification documents are with the Secretary of the Military Board. The president's story has always been that he sat for the West African School Certificate (WASC) while he was a student of the Provincial Secondary School (now Government College) in his native Katsina, just before he joined the Nigerian Army in 1961. "Let me say for the record that I attended Provincial Secondary School, Katsina. I graduated in 1961 with many prominent Nigerians. We sat for the University of Cambridge/WASC Examination together in 1961, the year we graduated. "My examination number was 8280002, and I passed the examination in the Second Division," the president explained in 2015 when the issue of his non-submission first raised eyebrows. Before the 2015 election, little fuss had been made about the candidate's failure to submit his certificate; but when it did, it was the only thing anyone could talk about for a long while. It was so big that when he directly addressed the situation in Kano in January 2015, it was with unbridled irritation. "I only consented to address you this morning because of the genuine concern expressed by many supporters and other well-meaning Nigerians that the issue be addressed. Otherwise, I would have dismissed it for what it is - sheer mischief and would not have considered it an issue worth the nations while," he had said. Shortly after his address, Premium Times exclusively obtained a computer printout of his WASC result from Cambridge University, as well as a statement of result signed by the principal of Katsina College. According to the result, the president obtained five credits in English Language, Geography, Hausa Language, History, and Health Science. However, he failed in Mathematics and Woodwork, and had a pass in Literature in English. ece-auto-gen Despite this revelation, the controversy over Buhari's certificate was not put to rest, and this was exacerbated by the Army's shifting positions on the issue. A day before the result was made public, then-Director of Army Public Relations, Olajide Laleye, said the Army did not have Buhari's original, certified true copy or statement of results. He said, "Records available indicate that Buhari applied to join the military as a form six student of the Provincial Secondary School, Katsina, on Oct. 18, 1961. "His application was duly endorsed by the principal of the school, who also wrote a report on him and recommended him to be suitable for military commission. "It is a practice in the Nigerian Army that before candidates are shortlisted for commissioning into the officers' cadre of the service, the selection board verifies the original copies of credentials as presented. There is no available record to show that this process was followed in the 1960s." Buhari's certificate scandal attracted over a dozen lawsuits all over the country with plaintiffs demanding the judiciary disqualify him from contesting for the position of the president. He survived all of them and made history to become the first opposition candidate to topple a serving democratic president when he beat Goodluck Jonathan in the 2015 presidential election. Three years later, and we're back to Ground Zero. What has changed in 3 years? Since it was revealed last week that the president had, once again, provided a sworn affidavit in lieu of a certificate, the outrage has been as loud and adversarial as it was in 2015. However, the allegations have not changed from the same things that have been bandied around for years without success. Actually, the only new point that has surfaced is the president's failure to order the military to produce the certificate in question since he's now the nation's Commander-in-Chief. Just like in 2015, many individuals, groups and opposition parties have threatened litigation and vowed to get INEC to kick the president off the ballot for next year's election. Many have also piled the pressure on the electoral body and its chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to do the unthinkable and bar the president from contesting on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). However, just like in 2015, it does not appear like anything will stop Buhari's name from appearing on the ballot next year. Which begs the question: Why flog a dead horse that's already been over-flogged? There are two active crowds involved in the scandal: people who want to see a clean contest and opponents who want to exploit it for political gains. Many neutrals are concerned that Buhari's failure to put his certificate scandal to rest is damaging for the nation's electoral process. Why does the president get to be the only one, of all 79 presidential candidates, who cannot produce a certificate that cannot be questioned? For someone that touts himself as Mr Integrity, Buhari drags a lot of baggage with him that proves otherwise is true, no matter how well he tries to get it glossed over. This makes it a juicy bit for the opposition to bite into and hope to, at least, unsettle the president's campaign for as long as the scandal can. These concerns, for whatever reasons they're raised, are legitimate. However, the scandal is also a distraction, as the presidency has relentlessly maintained, for its own benefit. What many people can agree on is the fact that Buhari will most definitely be on the ballot next year regardless of all the machinations deployed to prevent that eventuality. So why drag it like the result will be different from what played out in 2015? The president's opposition, most notably the People's Democratic Party (PDP), has trumpeted how the campaign for 2019 should be issue-based and focused on how the candidates can better the lot of Nigerians. This overplayed scandal does not do any of that. It's a lot of posturing and browbeating that'll end in a familiar, inevitable result. At the end of Buhari's January 2015 address of the scandal, he said the spotlight should be on the government's performance in office and not his certificate. He said, "The issues are the scandalous level of unemployment of millions of our young people, the state of insecurity, the pervasive official corruption which has impoverished our people and the lack of concern of the government for anything other than the retention of power at all costs." The president not only spoke for the 2015 election, he appears to have set the template for the one in 2019, too. Thick snow has also cloaked French and Italian mountain regions, trapping hundreds of drivers in their cars and tourists in hotels. In Italy, where Venice was inundated by near-record flooding and ferocious storms drove high winds reaching up to 180 kilometres (110 miles) an hour in some areas, civil protection authorities announced a further five deaths, after confirming five people died on Monday. Authorities Tuesday reported a woman died when her home was engulfed by a mudslide in the northern region of Trentino, a man was killed in the northeastern region of Veneto by a falling tree, and a firefighter died during relief operations in South Tyrol. Elsewhere, a man was killed while kitesurfing on Monday near the town of Cattolica on the Adriatic coast, with the local press saying strong winds had blown him into rocks. The body of a man was also recovered Tuesday in Lake Levico in the north, the fire department said. A man is also missing at sea off Calabria in the southwest after his boat was discovered empty washed up on rocks along the coast. Italian media reported that around 170 people, tourists and hotel staff, were stranded by heavy snowfall at the Stelvio Pass on the Swiss border. Meanwhile in Friuli Venezia Giulia, local authorities said some 23,000 people were without power. Hundreds stranded In France, more than 1,000 drivers were trapped in their cars for the night in the mountains of the Massif Central region as the roads were engulfed in snowstorms. Another 400 had to spend the night in train carriages at the main station in the eastern city of Lyon after heavy snow blocked the tracks. About 195,000 homes were without power across France -- mostly in the east and centre. Another 21,000 homes were also cut off on the Mediterranean island of Corsica, which was placed on red alert Monday for powerful winds, shutting its airports and ports. Croatia's Adriatic coast has also been battered by gale-force winds and heavy rains that have flooded streets, cut off power and ensnared road and maritime traffic. A Slovenian surfer has been missing since Monday in the sea off of Umag city, on the northern Istria peninsula, according to port authorities. In Spain, over 100 soldiers were helping electrical repair crews to reach isolated areas of the northern region of Asturias, blanketed by heavy snowfall at the weekend. About 4,700 people were still without power in the region on Tuesday, according to local emergency services. Venice swamped Italy's canal-ringed city of Venice was swamped by flooding as heavy rainfall pushed the water levels to near record levels on Monday. Rain-soaked tourists were barred from St Mark's Square on Monday as local authorities said the "acqua alta" (high water) peaked at 156 centimetres (61 inches). The waters have only topped 150 centimetres five times before in recorded history. In Genoa, authorities closed the airport until 1300 GMT as they work to clear runways of detritus carried by the heavy rains, wind and tides. Schools in the city are also closed for the day, with Rome and several other regions also halting classes. Meteorologists expect the harsh weather to gradually ease in Italy. Storms have also swept into Switzerland, buffeting the Ticino region near the Italian border overnight, according to public broadcaster RTS. Roads were blocked by fallen trees and flooding, while strong winds ripped roof sections off buildings, including in Giubiasco where police said part of a firm's roof had smashed into a moving train and a house, without causing injury. In southern Austria, authorities have deployed hundreds of mobile anti-flooding dams as rivers burst their banks, while in the city of Salzburg a roof section from the mediaeval ramparts flew off in high winds. The raid targeted the desert town of Al-Fuqaha in Jufra district, which has for over a year been held by forces allied to Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar, who leads the self-styled LNA. LNA forces responded to the attack but the IS fighters fled south, killing the fifth victim and injuring another at a security checkpoint, Mesmari said. In a statement, IS said it took control of the settlement for several hours and claimed a suicide attack against the LNA. It said it had stormed a police post and homes looking for "apostates" belonging to the army, police and spies. Civilians beheaded Earlier, municipal council member Abdellatif Jalala told AFP that three civilians and a policeman had been killed in the dawn attack, more than 800 kilometres (490 miles) south of the capital Tripoli. He said the assailants kidnapped at least eight others before fleeing into the Haruj mountains further south. Jufra lawmaker Ismail al-Sharif said IS fighters attacked the city with 25 vehicles, beheaded five civilians and torched local government and security offices. The attackers set fire to police posts and public buildings in Al-Fuqaha, he added. Both Sharif and Jalala said the raid was likely retaliation for arrests earlier this month of alleged IS members in the area. The United Nations mission in Libya said it "strongly condemns the deadly attack ... in what local authorities say was a brutal act of revenge" by IS. It also called for the immediate release of those kidnapped. The Jufra region has been regularly hit by attacks attributed to jihadists. In August 2017, an attack claimed by IS killed 11 people, including nine LNA fighters. IS took advantage of the chaos that reigned in Libya after the 2011 NATO-backed ouster of Moamer Kadhafi to establish footholds in several parts of the country. In June 2015, jihadists seized control of Kadhafi's hometown of Sirte, only ceding it in December of the following year in the face of an offensive by forces loyal to the UN-backed government in Tripoli. In April this year, the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord launched an operation to track down IS fighters operating in areas of western Libya under its control. The US military has regularly carried out strikes on jihadists in Libya, particularly south of Sirte. Many jihadists have since retreated to desert areas in the country's south, where they are attempting to regroup. A September 10 suicide attack later claimed by IS on Libya's National Oil Company headquarters in the heart of Tripoli left two dead and 10 others wounded. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron and US Defense Secretary James Mattis will all attend the celebrations in Prague. Records show that people danced and waved the first national flags in the streets of Prague as sovereignty was proclaimed a hundred years ago, after three centuries under Vienna's rule. "Czechoslovak people, all you do from now on you do as a new free member of the big family of independent, free nations," said a statement issued by the National Committee issued on that day. Austria had captured the Czech lands after the 1620 Battle of the White Mountain, which crushed a rebellion by Czech Protestants and resulted in germanisation and a forced return to Catholicism. Moves towards linguistic, cultural and political emancipation started to gain strength at the end of the 18th century in both the Czech lands and Slovakia, which was dominated by Hungary. During World War I, the campaign for an independent Czechoslovakia was led by Czechs Tomas Garrigue Masaryk and Edvard Benes -- who later served as presidents of the country -- and the French-Slovak general Milan Rastislav Stefanik. Peaceful split At the end of that war, they persuaded the victorious Britain, France and the United States to approve the creation of the new state. During World War II, Czechoslovakia was stripped of its western borderland and split into the Bohemian-Moravian Protectorate and the formally independent Slovak state. It was reunited after the war, only to fall under the Soviet Union until their rule was toppled in the 1989 Velvet Revolution, four years before the country's peaceful split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Macron will visit both capitals on Friday, starting in Bratislava and moving on to Prague. He and Merkel will meet Andrej Babis, the Slovak-born Czech prime minister, separately on Friday in Prague before travelling to Saturday's summit on Syria with the Turkish and Russian presidents in Istanbul. Mattis will attend a grand military parade on Sunday. US President Donald Trump has for his part sent a congratulatory letter to Czech counterpart Milos Zeman, saying the United States "is proud of the role it played in the founding of Czechoslovakia". After World War I, then US President Woodrow Wilson actively supported small nations seeking independence. 'Common Western bond' In his landmark "Fourteen Points" speech to the US Congress in early 1918, Wilson backed freedom for nations under the rule of the Austro-Hungarian empire, as well as imperial Germany and Russia. "At this time in history, sustaining our common Western bond is more important than ever," wrote Trump, whose ex-wife Ivana is Czech. On Saturday, Babis will have lunch with several other prime ministers and attend the ceremonial opening of the National Museum after a reconstruction. The museum at the top of Prague's iconic Wenceslas Square, opened in 1891, has been closed for more than seven years. On Sunday, Zeman and Babis will meet their Slovak counterparts Andrej Kiska and Peter Pellegrini, respectively, at a wreath-laying ceremony. That afternoon, a parade of more than 4,000 soldiers and rescuers will be held on a boulevard in northwestern Prague. "After two weeks, I had not heard from him on the phone. I was so, so worried, I thought there is a problem," the soldier's father told AFP. The army has since said his eldest son was a victim of an attack by the jihadist group but did not know whether he had been killed or kidnapped. Military brass did not reveal where the fighting had taken place nor whether the victims had been identified. "The last time he called me he was using a SIM card from Niger, so I think he was very close to Niger to use the network from there," the man said on condition of anonymity. 'Very, very painful' The man's son was most likely killed on August 30 in Zari, in the far north of Borno state, in an attack by fighters loyal to an Islamic State-backed Boko Haram faction. That day saw the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) kill at least 48 soldiers in a bloody attack near the border with Niger, according to AFP reporting. The Nigerian army denied the attack days later. "On our side, I'm yet to receive casualty figures on my desk, if there was any," said Colonel Onyema Nwachukwu, a Nigerian army spokesman. No official death toll has been released since then. In late September, the family of another missing soldier was invited to attend a military funeral in Borno. But the bodies were "already buried, so we don't know if he's there," the soldier's distraught father told AFP. "We just continue praying," he said, emotion creeping into his voice. "It is very, very painful." The army maintains that they inform families of how and when soldiers die. "When soldiers encounter an attack, families are immediately aware," said defence spokesman John Agim. "If within a year, the soldier hasn't appeared again, he is declared 'killed in action'. "But for one year, families still receive his salary. Then we send a condolence letter and they will receive his pension. Everybody goes through the same process." 'Family of soldiers' Orin waited two-and-a-half years to learn that his brother was killed in a Boko Haram ambush in November 2015. His family has still not received his pension and the soldier's only son is still waiting to receive a scholarship reserved for military children. "One of the most painful things in this whole story is that we couldn't bury him," the eldest brother said. Orin, who comes from a military family, has experienced this pain before. "We are a family of soldiers but now there is so much stress, so much pressure," he said. "I have so many friends and family members who died. I don't want my son to be in the Nigerian army, it's horrible." Despite government insistence that Boko Haram jihadists are near defeat, northeastern Nigeria is still hit by heavy fighting. The conflict has claimed more than 27,000 lives since 2009 and nearly two million people still cannot return to their homes in the Lake Chad region. In recent months, ISWAP has carried out major attacks on military targets, killing dozens. "As the Nigerian army is trying at all costs to maintain the claim that all is well, an informal policy of silence has been imposed," said Yan St-Pierre, counterterrorism advisor for the firm MOSECON. "It is also complete negligence when it comes to the needs of these soldiers that has brought about this wave of killings," the Boko Haram expert said. Canned tomatoes President Muhammadu Buhari, a former general, promised to end the Boko Haram conflict when he came to power in 2015. Victory, he said, would involve organising the army better and getting rid of rampant corruption. But after nine years of conflict, the soldiers are exhausted and seem to be left to their own devices. In some cases, officers do not report casualties in order to keep receiving daily allowances as well as equipment and food. "My son was complaining that they would receive only one meal a day," said the man whose son was probably killed in Zari. "He had to go buy beans and tomato cans with his own money, he was hungry." Families, for their part, sometimes choose to remain silent and pray that their child is still alive and that they never have to wait for the hypothetical pension. Trump in recent weeks has repeatedly said more troops are needed to tighten security at the border, and he has made political capital of the caravan ahead of important mid-term congressional elections that could see the Democrats regain a degree of power. The United Nations estimates about 7,000 people have joined the caravan since it set out from San Pedro Sula, Honduras, on October 13. "They are incentivized to try to cross our border by the gaps in our legal framework and the expectation that they would be allowed to stay," said US Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Kevin McAleenan. O'Shaughnessy said the military deployment would focus first on trying to "harden" border crossings and surrounding areas, with the work done by combat engineering battalions with experience building temporary fencing. Additionally, the Pentagon is sending three helicopter companies with aircraft equipped with high-tech sensors and night-vision capabilities. They will bring border "personnel exactly where they need to be, regardless of the conditions," he said. Military police units are also being deployed. What IF digital mapping could help save our forests? A presentation Nov. 1 will address that question as a part of Purdue's Ideas Festival. Geographic Information Systems are often used to delimit forest resources, support the design of forest inventories, map forest resources, and analyze, model and support decision making to sustainably manage forests. Nicolas Picard, secretary of the Committee on Mediterranean Forestry Questions-Silva Mediterranea, a statutory body of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, will discuss how forest management can benefit from progress in GIS technology. Picards keynote presentation is part of the Purdue Libraries annual GIS Day Conference. This year marks the 10th annual GIS Day Conference. All conference events with the exception of the career lunch are open to the public. Picards keynote presentation will begin at 10 a.m. in Stewart Center, Room 206. The keynote will be livestreamed online. Picard has 20 years of research experience in tropical forestry, having worked in Mali, Gabon and Cameroon. Picard will discuss optimizing forest roads to harvest trees in tropical rainforests and the definition of indexes to assess the level of geographic marginality in marginal and peripheral tree populations in the Mediterranean region. This keynote presentation is a part of Purdue's celebration of its 150th year and specifically of the anniversary's Ideas Festival, the centerpiece of Purdue's Giant Leaps Sesquicentennial Campaign. The Ideas Festival will feature a series of events that connect world-renowned speakers and Purdue expertise in a conversation on the most critical problems facing the world. This event is part of one of the four Ideas Festival themes, Sustainable Economy and Planet: Innovative Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow. More information about the presentation can be found online. Writer: Kelsey Schnieders Lefever, kschnied@purdue.edu WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. Jayson Lusk, distinguished professor and department head of agricultural economics at Purdue University, has been selected to serve on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education and Economics Advisory Board. These members of the NAREEE Advisory Board help ensure that our work at USDA is facts-based, data-driven and customer-focused, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said in an announcement released on Wednesday. They bring real-world knowledge and expertise that is invaluable to our efforts. The NAREEE Board regularly advises the secretary and land-grant colleges and universities on top national priorities and policies related to food and agricultural research, education, extension and economics. Lusk is one of 10 newly appointed members to the 25-person board. Members serve a three-year term and represent a specific category of U.S. agricultural stakeholders. Lusk will represent the National Social Science Association category. When asked about his role as an agricultural economist on the advisory board, Lusk said, Agricultural research is critical to improving food security and sustainability, but we also have to consider how producers and consumers respond to new food and agricultural innovations. New scientific innovations will have no value if consumers arent willing to buy them. Karen Plaut, the Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture at Purdue, said of Lusks inclusion, Purdue benefits tremendously from Jaysons expertise and insights, and now the United States and the world will reap that same advantage from the role he will play on this committee. Lusk is a food and agricultural economist who studies what we eat and why we eat it. In 2015, he was named a fellow of the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, and in 2017, he was honored with Borlaug CAST Communication Award. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Food Technology from Texas Tech University and a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from Kansas State University. His most recent book, Unnaturally Delicious: How Science and Technology are Serving up Super Foods to Save the World, was published by St. Martin's Press in 2016. Writer: Kami Goodwin, 765-494-6999, kami@purdue.edu Agricultural Communications: (765) 494-8415; Maureen Manier, Department Head, mmanier@purdue.edu Agriculture News Page STEPHANIE MCMAHON-LEVESQUE EXPLAINS WHY WWE IS DOING FRIDAY'S SHOW IN SAUDI ARABIA Stephanie McMahon spoke with Newsweek and said the following about the future of the women's division in WWE post Evolution: "Theres so much we can do with the women in the WWE. We need to continue to grow our roster, continue to reach out to all these women who are unsung heroes all over the world. Many were able to perform in the Mae Young Classic and to show all of us what they got and they absolutely steal the show every time, McMahon said. We can do anything we want to do. I hope for Evolution 2, Mae Young Classic 3, womens programming on the network, main eventing Wrestlemania, and true gender parity and equality in our roster. The Chief Brand Officer also commented on WWE's decision to move forward with Friday's Crown Jewel event saying the following to Sky News: "Moving forward with Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia was an incredibly tough decision, given that heinous act. But, at the end of the day, it is a business decision and, like a lot of other American companies, we decided that we're going to move forward with the event and deliver Crown Jewel for all of our fans in Saudi Arabia and around the world." 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! National MP Judith Collins denies claims that she has cyber-bullied a young couple who bought a KiwiBuild home. Housing Minister Phil Twyford claimed the couple feel bullied because she trolled the couples personal pages, all of which Ms Collins vehemently denies. The fact is I havent been into their social media accounts at all, Ms Collins told RadioLIVE. I havent even looked at them. Fletcher Ross and Derryn Jayne bought one of the first completed KiwiBuild homes as a newly graduating doctor and marketing manager. The couples eligibility for a KiwiBuild home has angered those who believe the scheme should be targeted towards low-income and homeless families. Ms Collins retweeted a screenshot of an Instagram post of the pair, captioned "204 countries + 7 seas and I had the privilege of meeting you". Her caption reads: "204 countries - maybe doesn't need taxpayer support". A New Zealand company is seeking investment funding of $20 million to establish itself as a leader in medicinal cannabis. Zeacann on Tuesday launched the capital raising, which is being managed by PwC, targeting wholesale investors. The funds will be used to build two cutting-edge hybrid greenhouses in Auckland, cultivate its first crop, development of laboratories and web services, and research with AUT. Chris Fowlie, Zeacann founder, says it is a very exciting time for the worlds medicinal cannabis industry. We believe there is a massive opportunity to create a company that can be a global leader in the medicinal cannabis industry. "To do that you need to scale up. You need to be able to compete with the people that are already out there, and so it needs that kind of investment to do it properly, he told RadioLIVEs Lynda Hallinan. Mr Fowlie says the global market for medicinal cannabis is estimated to reach $30-85 billion by 2025. He told RadioLIVE the company plans to be an export led company. We believe theres a huge opportunity with other countries there are 20 legal cannabis markets around the world. Theres a huge opportunity for New Zealand grown cannabis. Mr Fowlie says under current laws and when appropriately licensed, Zeacann will be able to begin production for research purposes and import medicinal products for distribution to health practitioners and pharmacists. The business plans to begin growing cannabis for export and domestic medicinal use, following law changes next year. Listen to the full interview with Chris Fowlie above. The Long Lunch with Lynda Hallinan, 12pm - 3pm on RadioLIVE and streaming live to the rova app on Android and iPhone. RadioLIVE. Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters has voiced his support over the decision to grant residency to a convicted criminal. Mr Peters told RadioLIVE that criticism over Minister Iain Lees-Galloway's decision is unjustified because people don't know the details of the case. "How can you say [other people are] more deserving if you don't know the facts of the case you're comparing it against?" Mr Peters said, responding to claims others are more deserving of New Zealand residency. Convicted drug dealer Karel Sroubek was granted residency despite coming to New Zealand on a false passport and now serving time for smuggling MDMA. It's understood that Sroubek, who now goes by Jan Antolik, fled to New Zealand after being threatened by corrupt Czech police, and his life could be in danger if he returned home. But the decision was not without controversy, with National leader Simon Bridges and The AM Shows Duncan Garner coming in full swing of the lack of transparency over the case. "That's a man who needs to be sent home to face his own music and this should not be our problem, Garner said on The AM Show on Tuesday. Mr Peters pointed to the minister's right to make decisions with "absolute discretion", which means he does not have to provide a reason for the decisions he makes. The deputy PM told RadioLIVE that hes satisfied with the minister's conclusion after reviewing the case. "There is an enormous amount of precedent for a minister to make a decision like this, and one of the things that is bound with the decision is the privacy issue, because it goes to the very safety of the people involved," said Mr Peters. "Do I like it? No, I don't. Do I understand it? In the circumstances, yes I do." Listen to the full interview with Winston Peters above. Morning Talk with Mark Sainsbury, 9am - 12pm Weekdays and streaming live on 'rova' channel 9 - available on Android and iPhone. RadioLIVE. Every Tuesday night after the 10pm news, Mitch Harris is joined by Elevation Capital CEO and founder Chris Swasbrook to talk on the latest in business, both in New Zealand and internationally. On the table tonight: - Who stands to gain the most from a trade war: China or the United States? - Has China made a big mistake by not taking US President Donald Trump seriously? - What could the implications be for New Zealand if China or the United States gain the upper hand over the other? - Countries in the United Kingdom are looking at instituting a new online levy to be paid by massive corporations like Apple and Amazon. It would be an extra 2% of the purchase price. This is to be fair to retail stores and keep them in business, not to target or punish big online retailers. - Advertising revenue from radio continues to make much more money than TV advertising revenue since the NZ radio industry was deregulated in the 1980's. Why is this, and will it ever change? 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. UK: Northern Powerhouse Rail, East West Rail and the Docklands Light Railway are among the beneficiaries of funding allocations in the budget presented to parliament by Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond on October 29. NEW ZEALAND: The government has agreed to fund the refurbishment of 15 locomotives to enable electric haulage of freight trains on the North Island Main Trunk line to continue. UK: The three two-car D-Train diesel multiple-units which Vivarail is producing for London Northwestern Railway will not enter service in December as had been planned, the supplier announced on October 30. John Doe and Jane Roe met at a fraternity party. The two, both referred to with common legal pseudonyms, danced and drank. Then they went upstairs to John's room, where they had sex. Two days later, Jane filed a sexual misconduct charge against John, contending that she had been too drunk to consent. John disagreed. After several months of investigation, the University of Michigan found for Jane. John was forced to withdraw from the university, just 13.5 credits shy of graduating. But then John took a step that is becoming more common among students who believe they have been harmed by tough policies aimed at combating campus sexual assault. He hired a lawyer and took the university to court, maintaining his innocence and charging the school had denied him even the rudiments of due process, specifically the right to question or cross-examine his accuser. And in the preliminary legal skirmishing that has taken place so far, a federal appeals court thunderously rejected the university's motion to dismiss John's lawsuit. When it comes to due process, the 'opportunity to be heard' is the constitutional minimum, Judge Amul Thapar wrote in a majority decision. If a student is accused of misconduct, the university must hold some sort of hearing before imposing a sentence as serious as expulsion or suspension, and ... that hearing must include an opportunity for cross-examination. Two powerful currents regarding sexual misconduct are clashing on campus. One is an intensified effort to prosecute the mostly male students accused of such misconduct sustained by an Obama administration-inspired crackdown and the more recent #MeToo movement, and fueled by press reports about an alarming frequency of unpunished sex offenses. The counter-current is the pushback from accused students, who are hiring lawyers to argue their clients were caught up in murky sexual situations but found guilty in what to amount mock trials that resulted in severe consequences. Exactly how many cases have been brought is hard to determine. Experts say dozens of them have been filed in state courts, where there is no central repository of information, and scores more have been settled before they were decided in the courts. The federal courts offer a more precise number, according to research by K.C. Johnson, a historian at Brooklyn College, and Samantha Harris, a vice president at the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education. Since 2011, 142 lawsuits by accused men have been brought in federal courts on which substantive rulings have been made, often regarding whether to dismiss or to allow the proceeding to move forward. Judges have found the universities at fault in more than half the cases, 77, while one produced a mixed result. The legal reasons were varied, including a failure to provide due process that is, university disciplinary boards did not allow accused men open, fair hearings with an opportunity to cross-examine their accusers. In other cases, universities have been found in violation of their own rules and procedures. In an ironic twist, judges have found in some cases that schools' procedures were so weighted against accused men that their rights were violated under Title IX, the section of the Civil Rights Act that prohibits sexual discrimination. Title IX was devised mainly to protect women against discrimination; now at least some courts have ruled that the tendency of universities automatically to believe women amounts to gender discrimination against men. The sex police at universities are being hammered by an unprecedented wave of litigation, and higher education is losing, according to a white paper by the National Center for Higher Education Risk Management, a for-profit consulting company. If you are the sex police, your overzealousness to impose sexual correctness is causing a backlash that is going to set back the entire consent movement. Vice President Joe Biden at a sexual assault prevention rally at Ohio State University in 2015. The wave of lawsuits also is an unintended consequence of the Obama administrations efforts to respond to loud and widespread complaints that little was being done to address an epidemic of sexual assault on campus. In 2011, the Department of Education's Civil Rights Division sent a Dear Colleague letter to more than 7,000 colleges and universities that receive federal funding. The letter advised them to lower the standard of proof required to find a student guilty of a sexual offense from the clear and convincing standard commonly in use, to a preponderance of the evidence standard, meaning that an accusation need only be more likely [true] than not for an accused person to be found guilty. The letter warned that the failure to adopt these guidelines could result in a Title IX violation, putting federal grants at risk. Noncompliance could also open schools to prosecution by the Department of Justice, and, in fact, the DOJ did open investigations of several dozen schools, including some that have been the targets of lawsuits by accused men. The Obama guidelines were embraced by women's groups and schools alike as a welcome effort, at last, to combat sexual assault. There were rallies on many campuses, anti-sexual violence campaigns such as Start by Believing and It's on Us. Prominent figures, including Vice President Joe Biden, appeared at universities and endorsed these campaigns, as did many university chancellors and presidents. For example, at the University of Michigan, John Doe's and Jane Roe's school, President Mark Schlissel signed a Start by Believing Proclamation as part of a National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This 'flips the script' on the message victims have historically received from professions and support people, the movement's website says, which is 'How do I know you're not lying?' Meanwhile, new administrators were hired and procedures put in place to handle charges of sexual assault. The guidelines often encouraged review boards and investigators charged with looking into such allegations not to hold open hearings or to allow cross-examinations of female accusers for fear of humiliating or re-traumatizing them. The problem is that the vast majority of accusations of sexual misconduct, like the one at the University of Michigan, involved behavior that was witnessed only by two people, the accuser and the accused. In most cases the two parties were under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time, and each had different versions of what took place. If the accuser is assumed to be telling the truth, the accused must be assumed to be lying, which is at odds with the concept of the presumption of innocence. These circumstances are at the heart of the legal backlash driven by accused students who claim their schools rushed to judgment against them, violating their rights as they did so, to satisfy demands for aggressive action against sexual violence. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos rescinded Obama guidelines, but schools still follow them. The backlash could gain some support from Secretary of Education Betsy DeVoss move last year to rescind the Obama guidelines and allow schools to return to clear and convincing evidence as the standard of proof. So far, few schools seem interested in changing policies. And there doesnt seem to be a vigorous national effort to reform the system. As a result, pushback is happening on a case-by-case basis, and it isnt going away. I'm getting as many calls as ever, said Andrew Miltenberg, a Manhattan attorney who has sued some two dozen universities over the past few years on behalf of male students. The backlash is not surprising, given the stakes. These guys find themselves expelled, said Deborah L. Gordon, a Michigan civil rights lawyer who represented John Doe in his suit. For a young man to be expelled from a university, moreover, means not getting a degree, losing the tuition he's already paid, and having the label of sexual offender placed on his permanent record. So, gradually these cases have been making their way through the courts, Gordon said, which have mainly been affirming the due process rights of the accused. Andrew Miltenberg, counsel for campus accused. Miltenberg himself came to public attention a couple of years ago when he invoked Title IX to sue Columbia University on behalf of Paul Nungesser, who was accused of rape by a fellow student and cleared by the school. Nungesser argued that the school discriminated against him because it allowed his accuser to carry a mattress around campus for a year to protest the university's decision not to prosecute the case. Miltenberg won a confidential settlement for his client in that case. After that, Miltenberg filed a suit against Vassar College for a Chinese student he believed was falsely accused of sexual misconduct. Miltenberg lost that case, but gained attention. People started calling from left and right, he said. There was an underground culture of parents whose kids had gone through this. Recently his firm opened an office in Boston to be in an area thick with colleges and universities. Miltenberg said schools have been ill equipped both structurally and ideologically to deal with sexual abuse cases. In 2011 and 2012, when the Dear Colleague Letter came down, most universities didn't have Title IX coordinators, he said. Most conduct review boards were set up for things like plagiarism, cheating, or throwing a lamp while under the influence. "Mattress Girl" Emma Sulkowicz, center right, at her Columbia graduation. She was sued by the man she accused. When the universities saw the uproar about sexual assault, he continued, what did they do? Did they hire retired FBI agents or police detectives to carry out Title IX investigations? No. They turned to people whose backgrounds are either in victim rights, or domestic violence, or they're women's rights advocates, people who have led campaigns to be tougher on sexual assaults. These are not the people who should be investigating and adjudicating these matters. Miltenbergs recent filing against the University of Colorado, Boulder, contains the basic elements of many of his cases. A freshman from Italy, Girolamo Francesco Messeri, and a male friend met two girls one night, neither of whom were students at the college. The four ended up in the boy's dorm room, where Messeri and one of the women began making out. For less than five minutes, the pair went into the bathroom where, according to Miltenberg's complaint, she performed oral sex on Messeri. Two days later, the woman went to the campus police and accused him of a forced sexual encounter. On that same day, according to Miltenberg, Messeri was expelled from his dormitory and forced to live in a hotel, on the ground that he posed a danger on campus. Two months after that, a pair of investigators for the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance issued a finding that Messeri was responsible for sexual assault. But according to Miltenberg, the investigators did not hold a hearing and never even interviewed the accuser, relying instead on interviews conducted by the campus police. Messeri's friend testified that the female student seemed unruffled and unbothered when she emerged from the bathroom; she also, the complaint says, continued to spend time with Messeri, later went to a party, smoked marijuana, and mugged for the camera as she took selfies with her friend. But the university investigators gave credence only to the friend of the accuser, who supported her allegation. Later, the criminal case against Messeri was dismissed on the recommendation of the Boulder district attorney. In the meantime, however, the university's Title IX coordinator, Valerie Simons, informed Messeri that he was being expelled. CU-Boulders investigation and adjudication of Jane Roe's allegations were tainted by gender bias resulting from federal and local pressure to protect female victims of sexual violence, Miltenberg's complaint reads. As a result, Plaintiff was deprived of a fair and impartial hearing with adequate due process protections, as mandated by the United States Constitution. A CU-Boulder spokesman did not respond to a request for comment. The case against CU-Boulder has yet to be heard in court, but in a large number of similar cases, the courts have been sympathetic to the due process complaint. According to the tabulation made by Johnson and Harris, since 2011 the federal courts have allowed 21 cases claiming due process violations to proceed following university attempts to have them dismissed. An example was a case brought against Ohio State University. In November 2014, Jane Roe, a female medical student there, accused a fellow student of sexually assaulting her during an encounter that had occurred 10 months earlier. Jane said that she had been too drunk to be able to give her consent, which was a violation of the university's code of conduct. John Doe claimed that Jane, with whom he had had sexual relations for over a year, was alert and talkative during the encounter and that the sex was consensual. A university Conduct Board Hearing sided with Jane, and John was expelled before he could complete his fourth and final year of medical school. He was also forced to leave his job as a registered nurse at the universitys Wexner Medical Center. But there were some odd aspects of the case seemingly ignored by the university. Most important, it turned out that Jane filed her complaint a few days after she had received a notice from the university that she would have to withdraw because of failing grades. This decision, however, was rescinded when she told a review committee that her poor academic performance was due to the sexual assault she had suffered. In other words, it would seem that Jane might have had a motive to fabricate a charge of sexual assault. John, however, had been informed of none of this, the court found, and it was therefore impossible for him to effectively cross-examine Jane Roe on a critical issue: her credibility, and specifically, her motive to lie. In rejecting the university's motion to dismiss John's suit, the court said that universities perhaps, in their zeal to end the scourge of campus sexual assaults, turned a blind eye to the rights of accused students. Put another way, the snake might be eating its own tail. Lack of due process is one way courts have decided for plaintiffs, but there are other ways as well. In 26 cases, according to Johnson and Harris, courts have found universities in breach of contract, meaning a failure to follow their own published procedures, or procedures that were inherently inequitable. In a 2017 suit against the University of Notre Dame, a judge barred the school from taking action, pending a full hearing, against a student being expelled after being accused by an ex-girlfriend. The judge in the case found that the universitys procedures were arbitrary and capricious in a number of respects, among them a refusal by the schools hearing panel to consider text messages and phone recordings that, in the judge's words, seriously undermined Jane's testimony at the hearing. What about the considerable number of cases, 64, that have gone in favor of universities? In seven of them, lower court rulings favorable to universities seemed to have been undermined by later appeals court rulings, but had not been formally reversed. In 18, rulings were made on some grounds other than the actual merits for example, that the accused student wasn't able to show that enough harm had been done to him to justify going to court. In another 23 rulings, courts found that they should not be overruled even despite procedural flaws, since the school's findings against the accused seemed accurate. In only sixteen of the cases did judges rule in favor of the universities after the accused student raised serious questions about the guilty finding against him and the fairness of the process. In a suit brought against Purdue University, for example, a judge found that the male plaintiff had no property interest in his education at Purdue, and therefore the due process protections of the 14th Amendment didn't apply. Still, the number of cases that have gone favorably for them has led some lawyers and analysts to believe that new case law is being made, especially in reaffirming the legal necessity for men facing expulsion to have the right, at the very least, to question the women accusing them. But Miltenberg is cautious. We have achieved some very good results, and progress towards transparency, equity and due process are being made, he said. But there is still a long road ahead until we can have confidence in the campus disciplinary process and the manner in which courts are interpreting Title IX. LONDON: Defying threats of US sanctions, India signed a $5.4 billion deal to buy the S-400 Triumf air defense missile system from Russia during President Vladimir Putins visit to New Delhi in early October. This is one of the biggest Indo-Russian defense deals in recent times with expectation in some quarters that it could revive an otherwise flagging Indo-Russian relationship. During the visit, the two nations reaffirmed their commitment to the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia, and underscored the value of multipolarity and multilateralism. The US response to the deal was quick and terse, and Indias move could attract sanctions under the Countering Americas Adversaries Through Sanctions Act on defense purchases from Russia, approved by US Congress 98 to 2 in 2017. While underlining that act is not aimed at stymieing military capabilities of American allies or partners and that the intent is to impose costs on Russia for its malign behavior, including by stopping the flow of money to Russias defense sector, the United States made it clear that waivers would be considered on a transaction-by-transaction basis. More ominously, US President Donald Trump suggested that India would soon find out if the punitive sanctions apply over the Russian deal as the State Department argues such deals are not helpful and the US is reviewing them very carefully. Indian defense planners view the S-400 as a key capability enhancer as it can track multiple incoming targets including aircraft, missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles up to 400 kilometers in distance and 30 kilometers in altitude. With the deal, India has ensured that Russia will remain the main supplier of high-tech defense equipment for the foreseeable future while challenging Washington on an issue now regarded as the primary national security challenge by many in the United States. Its no surprise, therefore, that this was among the main issues during Septembers inaugural 2+2 dialogue between the foreign and defense ministers of India and the United States. Officials signed a Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement, or COMCASA, one of four foundational agreements that the United States signs with its closest defense partners to facilitate interoperability between militaries and sale of high-end technology. The General Security of Military Information Agreement was signed in 2002 and the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement in 2016, and so this one had been pending for some time. The final agreement required is the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement facilitating geospatial exchange, and negotiations have yet to start. COMCASA is expected to facilitate access to advanced defense systems and enable India to optimally utilize its existing US-origin platforms. Even under an administration as mercurial and transactional as President Donald Trumps, Indo-US relations have managed to gather momentum, shaped by the underlying strategic logic of the convergence between the two nations. India has managed to find a central place in the Trump administrations strategic worldview as outlined in the National Security Strategy and National Defense Strategy. Both on China and Pakistan, the Trump administration has demonstrated a willingness to push the boundaries this is reflected in its approach to make India more integral to Asian balance of power as outlined in the US Indo-Pacific strategy as well as in an attempt to reshape the contours of Americas South Asia strategy, which acknowledges Indias centrality in the future of Afghanistan while recognizing Pakistan as the source of the problem. The US position in the Indian defense matrix has also evolved with India buying $18 billion worth of defense items from the United States since 2008, though the much-hyped Defense Technology and Trade Initiative aimed at boosting joint development and co-production of defense equipment fails to live up to expectation so far. The 2+2 dialogue saw the two nations focusing on enhancing private defense industry collaboration, helping Indian defense manufacturers to join the US military supply chain, thereby boosting the Modi governments Make in India initiative as well as placing innovation at the heart of this defense collaboration. Given these high stakes, both US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defense James Mattis have supported waivers for India on its weapon deals with Russia. The United States imposed sanctions in September on Chinese entities for their S-400 deal. If Trump makes an exemption for India, that would have global reverberations. Already, suggestions are emanating from Beijing that India and China need to deepen cooperation to fight trade protectionism in the wake of the unilateral approach adopted by the United States on trade-related disputes. China is taking a new cooperative approach towards India, and the Trump administrations outreach is part of this complex equation. The other challenge facing Indo-US relations is the persistent question of Iran. After Trump withdrew from the international deal for containing Irans nuclear weapons program in May, he signed an executive order officially reinstating US sanctions against Iran. The full weight of these sanctions come into force on November 4 despite most of the world opposing Washingtons move. India regards it a priority to obtain waivers from Washington. The country is the second largest buyer of Iranian oil after China. Indian firms have already started feeling the pressure of US sanctions, reducing oil intake from Iran, though that is unlikely to come down to zero. Iran accounts for around 10 percent of Indias total oil imports, and Reuters reported that Indian refiners reduced monthly crude loadings from Iran for September and October by nearly half from earlier this year. Also, New Delhi is in a quandary as falling rupee and rising oil prices are generating public pressure. In this context, India would be hard pressed to ignore Iran and its concessionary rates on oil purchases . Two Indian oil firms have placed orders to import Iranian crude, and in an attempt to bypass US sanctions, New Delhi is trying to evolve another payment system to buy Irans oil and use Indian rupees. On the questions of both Russia and Iran, India has indicated that it must keep its channel of communications with the United States open, and Washington has indicated that it remains sensitive to Indian needs. Equally interesting is that there have been no public spats between India and the United States on these issues a sign of growing maturity in the relationship. Sanctions on India would be counterproductive to Indo-US ties by pushing India into a Russian embrace and jeopardizing Indian interests in the Middle East. Washington has far better appreciation of Indian sensitivities today, and New Delhi displays more skillful strategic posturing when it comes to the United States. Giving in to American public pressure on these issues would open New Delhi to charges of giving up its strategic autonomy a charge any Indian government would like to avoid with elections around the corner. The 2+2 joint statement talks of the need to ensure freedom of the seas, skies, uphold the peaceful resolutions of the maritime disputes, promote market-based economics and good governance and prevent external economic coercion. So long as the two sides can keep the focus on the big picture, differences on Russia and Iran are not likely to alter the broader trajectory of the relationship between the worlds two great democracies. Find a great selection of commercial real estate, manufactured homes, timeshares and more for Sale Buy real estate. Find a great selection of commercial real estate, manufactured homes, timeshares and more for Sale in US and Canada. Search Real Estate By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 11/03/2021 ADVERTISEMENT FOLLOW REALITY TV WORLD ON THE ALL-NEW GOOGLE NEWS! Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source! Which couples are still together and which MAFS couples have split up and divorced? And where are they now? has featured 44 different couples getting married at first sight during it's first twelve seasons -- so which couples are still together, who has split up and divorced, and where are they all now?Each season of -- which premiered in the United States seven years ago and is based on a Danish series -- features couples (previously three couples, but four couples on Seasons 8 and 9, and five couples beginning with Season 10) being matched together by relationship experts and agree to marry when they first meet.Complete strangers become husband and wife in a matter of minutes, and the couples' lives are then documented by TV cameras over the course of the next four to eight weeks (eight weeks, in the case of 's most recent seasons).The couples typically enjoy their first night together in a hotel after exchanging vows -- with some couples deciding to consummate their marriage immediately -- and then embark on a honeymoon, move in together, and simply attempt to deal with the struggles of daily life as man and wife.At the end of the extreme marriage experiment, each couple must decide whether they'd like to stay married or get a divorce on "Decision Day."has experienced very mixed results over the years. While a significant number of couples decide to stay together and continue their new marriage at the end of their season, the real world seems to hit them hard after the cameras leave, resulting in the couple splitting up only months later.Do cast members see a different side of their spouses once cameras are gone, or do the romances naturally fizzle over time?Some couples are still together to this day and are extremely happy. Jamie Otis and Doug Hehner from Season 1, for example, have had two children.Several other couples have also had children -- including Ashley Petta and Anthony D'Amico Shawniece Jackson and Jephte Pierre Danielle Bergman and Bobby Dodd , and Deonna McNeill and Greg Okotie However, there are also relationships that ended badly. Jessica Castro from Season 2, for instance, accused Ryan De Nino of alleged death threats, and she went on to file a restraining order and lawsuit against him.Some couples have also never even made it to "Decision Day" and ended their marriage prematurely, including Season 4 couple Heather Seidel and Derek Schwartz as well as Season 6 couple Molly Duff and Jonathan Francetic Are the remaining couples now lovers, friends or enemies?! What about early season couples like Cortney Hendrix and Jason Carrion, Jaclyn Methuen and Ryan Ranellone, Vanessa Nelson and Tres Russell, Sonia Granados and Nick Pendergrast, and Lillian Vilchez and Tom Wilson?And how about more recent season couples like Danielle DeGroot and Cody Knapek Sheila Downs and Nate Duhon Jaclyn Schwartzberg and Ryan Buckley Dave Flaherty and Amber Martorana , and Tristan Thompson and Mia Bally Keith Dewar and Kristine Killingsworth , and AJ Vollmoeller and Stephanie Sersen Click thelink below to see photos of each couple and find out! BEGIN GALLERY >> Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. , We're sorry, this article is not currently available Congress candidate Tatiana Matta, left, and State Senate candidate Melissa Hurtado talk and listen to Porterville resident Olga Alcarado Friday, Oct. 25, 2018. Democrat candidates were trying to meet and talk to every resident in their district. Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. A lot goes on around Athens and UGA campus and sometimes it can be hard to keep up. From T'ara Ceasar transferring from the volleyball team to In February, the University of Georgia boasted that its economic impact on the state reached $6.3 billion in the 2018 fiscal year. With the passage and signing of Georgia House Bill 324, a new product could soon be cultivated and studied at UGA medical marijuana. Got some scoop for our reporters or editors? Click on the link below to send us your information. Send your news The Beatles study their scripts before the filming of "A Hard Day's Night." A woman disrobes for her husband's camera after sneaking away from a party to an empty room in a mansion. A dog flinches at a monster that has no business being in the city's fountain. Those images, shown in the above gallery, are a few of the more than 120 photos in Magnum Photos and the Aperture Foundation's new exhibition and print sale. The theme of the collection is "Crossings," an exploration of perspectives on transition and transformation in photography. You can view all the photos here. We've selected 15 striking images for the slideshow with comments from the photographers explaining how they got the shot. For example, Mick Rock tells about shooting David Bowie in his last incarnation of a Ziggy Stardust character. MORE: Hate drones all you want, but this SF artist's images of the Bay Area are stunning In several cases, the art they created had a lasting impact on the photographers. Says Moises Saman of the determined Cairo pretzel seller he captured climbing a fenced wall: "In the years since, I have often thought about this man, wondering whatever happened to him as the country crossed back into the hands of repression." The images will be available as signed, or estate-stamped, 6x6" museum-quality prints for $100 each. The sale runs from Oct. 29, through Nov. 2. Magnum Photos was founded in Paris in 1947 as an artists' co-operative by four pioneering photographers, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Robert Capa, David "Chim" Seymour and George Rodger. Aperture is the world's leading not-for-profit photography publisher. It was founded in 1952 by photographers and writers including Minor White, Dorothea Lange, Ansel Adams and Beaumont Newhall to serve as "common ground for the advancement of photography." --- Read Mike Moffitt's latest stories and send him news tips at mmoffitt@sfchronicle.com. Start receiving breaking news emails on wildfires, civil emergencies, riots, national breaking news, Amber Alerts, weather emergencies, and other critical events with the SFGATE breaking news email. Click here to make sure you get the news. MIDDLETOWN The Parrot Clubs biggest annual event, Birdie Bash 2018, features an exciting line-up of activities for exotic bird enthusiasts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, November 3, at the Elks Club in Middletown, Connecticut. A live raptor show presented by Ashford, Connecticut-based Horizon Wings is the highlight of the days festivities, which are open to the public. Bird lovers of all ages will marvel at bald eagles, an owl and other birds of prey, as educators from Horizon Wings share stories of their bird rehabilitation efforts and insights about ways to protect these magnificent wild birds during an 11 a.m. presentation. At 1 p.m., bird owners can learn how to make inexpensive foraging toys for their pets during a presentation by parrot behavior consultant Sheila Blanchette of Heart of Feathers Education. Members of Connecticuts most enduring organization for companion bird owners will also display their exotic birds during this 17th annual event, which also features a marketplace: the ideal place to shop for birds and bird owners on your holiday list. Birdie Bash 2018 also features exhibits and opportunities for both experienced and prospective bird owners to learn about adopting and caring for parrots and other pet birds. Refreshments and fundraiser tickets will be sold. Admission is $5 for adults and free for children under 12; non-members may not bring birds to the event. The Elks Club is located at 44 Maynard Street in Middletown, Connecticut. Parking is free. For more information about Birdie Bash 2018, visit theparrotclub.org or the Clubs Facebook page: www.facebook.com/theparrotclubct Mary-Beth Kaeser founded Horizon Wings Raptor Rehabilitation & Education (horizonwings.org) in 2001. This Connecticut non-profit aims to heal injured birds of prey and return them to the wild, as well as to educate the community about threats to these birds. The Parrot Club, founded 44 years ago as the Connecticut Association for Aviculture, is a non-profit organization dedicated to education about responsible ownership and care of exotic birds. The club provides educational outreach programs; sponsors field trips; supports the work of bird rescue, breeding and habitat preservation organizations; and hosts a variety of speakers and programs during its monthly meetings, held the second Tuesday evening of each month, March through December, at East Hartfords Veterans Memorial Clubhouse. The club welcomes bird enthusiasts of all ages. Membership information is available at all Parrot Club events. NEW MILFORD Voters will be asked to approve charter revisions and $6.5 million for the library modernization project in addition to selecting their elected officials at the polls next week. Both issues will appear as referendum items on the ballot in addition to the statewide questions on a transportation lock box and a requirement to hold public hearings before public land is sold, swapped or given away. Town charter revisions The bulk of the changes to the charter deal with town finances and the finance board. Under the proposed changes, a failed budget would go back to the finance board and only the rejected budget would be changed. As it stands now both the schools and town budgets go back to Town Council if one of them fails and both can be altered. The revisions also add more options for voters on the budget advisory questions and add more members to the finance board so there is an odd number. It also aligns the term limits for boards and commissions in town with the same start date. Another financial change is to lower the cost of a supplemental appropriation that would require a town meeting, giving residents more control over the towns money. The finance director would also have to get approval from the finance board on investment decisions. The rest of the changes will clean up language and organization within the charter to make the regulations intent clearer. The charter was last revised in 2006, though the document calls for a review every five years. The changes were made by the charter commission using input from Town Council and residents at various public hearings. Library Voters will be asked to approve $6.5 million for the library modernization, which has been years in the making. This is the third attempt to renovate the library, which was last done in the 1970s. Since then, all but one other library in the state has been renovated, which is why officials are hopeful theyll receive a $1 million state grant to offset the total cost. The current library project is expected to cost $8.5 million. The librarys board of trustees has already committed $1 million for the project. Finance Director Greg Osipow has said he plans to bond the towns portion of the project and officials are considering using about $1 million from the Waste Management Fund. The project would expand the library from 15,000 to 22,000 square feet and add much needed meeting space, as well as expand and relocate the children and young adult sections. The plan would also make the library compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The remodel includes using existing space, as well as constructing new space by adding a second floor with an outdoor terrace to the existing 1977 addition. It would also add a new facade and entrance to that section, to help it fit in better with the downtown aesthetic. Under the plans, the childrens library would move to the 1977 section and the Goodwin House, freeing up the old library for an adult reading room. The childrens section would share a program room with the young adult section, which doesnt have its own space at the library now. The mezzanine level would be used for more stacks and house the library staff. There would be a self-serve cafe on the first floor. 5 1 of 5 United Way of Northwest Connecticut / Contributed photos / Show More Show Less 2 of 5 United Way of Northwest Connecticut / Contributed photos / Show More Show Less 3 of 5 4 of 5 United Way of Northwest Connecticut / Contributed photos Show More Show Less 5 of 5 LITCHFIELD Leaving the smaller community of middle school and entering high school can be a stressful, challenging time for girls. Each year, a group from the United Way of Northwest Connecticut holds a summit for eighth-graders to teach them skills that may make the transition a little easier. The Women's Leadership Initiative of the United Way held its 5th annual Girls Leadership Summit on Oct. 26 at the Litchfield Community Center. Hillary Clinton appeared to leave the door open to another presidential bid during comments made during a podcast taped over the weekend. Asked by Recode's Kara Swisher about a 2020 bid, Clinton initially said "no" and then paused, before saying "no" again. But after Swisher noted the pause, Clinton didn't sound so sure. "Well, I'd like to be president," she said at a taping Friday in front of a live audience in New York. "I think, hopefully, when we have a Democrat in the Oval Office in January of 2021, there's going to be so much work to be done." After asserting that President Donald Trump has done a great deal of damage to the international standing of the United States, Clinton said, "The work would be work that I feel very well prepared for, having been at the Senate for eight years, having been a diplomat in the State Department, and it's just going to be a lot of heavy lifting." Asked by Swisher if she would be doing any of the lifting, Clinton said: "I have no idea.. ... I'm not even going to think about it until after we get through this November 6th election about what's going to happen after that." As Clinton has become more visible in recent weeks, speculation has mounted about whether she might make another bid for the Democratic nomination. Longtime aide Philippe Reines told Politico earlier this month said there is a "not zero" chance Clinton will seek a rematch against Trump. "It's curious why Hillary Clinton's name isn't in the mix - either conversationally or in formal polling - as a 2020 candidate," Reines said. "She's younger than Donald Trump by a year. She's younger than Joe Biden by four years. Is it that she's run before? This would be Bernie Sanders's second time, and Biden's third time. Is it lack of support? She had 65 million people vote for her." When pressed on whether she's running, Reines told Politico: "It's somewhere between highly unlikely and zero, but it's not zero." LITCHFIELD About 200 female members of a Litchfield-based synagogue received police protection Sunday night in Waterbury at the Mega Challah Bake, an event held at the Mattatuck Museum. Rabbi Joseph Eisenbach said the event had been planned in advance, and they had never thought about police protection until the deadly shooting in a Pittsburgh synagogue on Saturday night. We coordinated (on Sunday) with the Waterbury police for protection, Eisenbach said. The Waterbury police werent able to provide information on what type of protection was offered. We do have a serious security protection going into place, Eisenbach said. We will share it with our members. God wants us to be safe. We have armed members. They know they are protecting the congregation, the rabbi added. Synagogues around the state also increased security after the shooting in Pittsburgh, which left 11 dead and more than a dozen injured at the Tree of Life synagogue. The attack was called the deadliest on the Jewish community in U.S. history. Anita Garnett attends the Winsted Temple Emanuel for religious holidays. She wrote in an email message that members of the Winchester Police Department are hired each year to protect the congregation. I am always so saddened that we need protection to pray in our community, Garnett wrote. In her message, Garnett said that her grandmother emigrated from Russia to the United States at the age of 13 with her younger sister. Garnett had family from Poland who died in concentration camps. Asked about antisemitism in the country and internationally, Eisenbach said it does exist. However, he said he believes Its a respectful, respectful world. While shopping for groceries on Sunday with his children and walking outside, Eisenbach said residents he didnt know comforted me as if I were a member of the family. After the Saturday morning attack, rabbis and synagogue officials around the state began sending reassurances to congregants although some had to delay because use of electric devices is forbidden until sundown for Orthodox Jews. I am sure that when Shabbat ended and you turned your phones on, you were as horrified as I was at the events that took place in Pittsburgh, wrote Simeon Wohlberg, president of Congregation Agudath Sholom in Stamford. This week, the security committee will be meeting with the chief of police as well as a representative from the mayors office to discuss what can be done to enhance our security needs. That conversation between rabbis and police was repeated is some form or another throughout the region in hours that followed the Tree of Life attack that left 11 people dead. Agudath Sholom has long had a police officer posted in the lobby during Shabbos and high holy days Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur as do many other area synagogues and temples. When we had religious school yesterday (Sunday), a Bridgeport police car was parked outside the synagogue, said Jim Prosnit, rabbi of Congregation Bnai Israel. And a lieutenant from the police department was just here discussing security measures, and were very appreciative of their concerns. Prosnit said that hes received an outpouring of support from religious and political leaders, which, he said, has meant a lot to him and others at Bnai Israel. Unfortunately, the guard rails that have kept the hatred in this country to a narrow lane seem to have disappeared, he said. But people have to live their lives and we cant allow fear to keep us from our faith. As people of various faiths joined hands to comfort one another Saturday, law enforcement stationed officers at synagogues and churches in the state. When we learned of the incident in Pittsburgh, the deputy chief reached out to our Community Police Services Division who contacted our local temples to reassure them that we were aware and would be providing extra police coverage and would remain in contact with them should they have any further concerns, Norwalk Police Chief Thomas Kulhawik said Monday. We had established prior relationships. We then provided added police presence. Coincidentally, there was a prayer service Sunday at The Klein in Bridgeport to recall the 80th anniversary of Kristallnacht. The featured speaker was Anne Franks stepsister, Eva Schloss. On Nov. 10, 1938, Nazis in Germany torched synagogues, vandalized Jewish homes, schools and businesses and killed close to 100 Jews. Soon after this Night of Broken Glass, 30,000 Jewish men were sent to Nazi concentration camps. She was clear that this incident was very different, said Rabbi Yehuda Leib Kantor, co-director, Chabad Lubavitch of Wesport, who was at The Klein. But at the same time, the Tree of Life tragedy is very unsettling. She pointed out that the warning signs of hatred and bigotry cannot be ignored. Reaction in Connecticut again included calls for gun control, particularly on sale of the AR-15 assault rifle that was used in the Pittsburgh massacre and other mass murders across the country. An attacker with an AR-15 would be all but impossible to stop by an armed guard or a police officer with a handgun, said U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn. The challenge of providing security today is a lot more difficult than one might think. The attack was unsettling to the Muslim community, too, itself a target of vandals and hatred in recent years, said Ahmed M. Ebrahim, the Fairfield University economics professor who leads the Bridgeport Islamic Community Center . The threat of violence is always there, especially with the difficult political climate that were seeing now, Ebrahim said. We have taken security precautions, but ultimately, you have to put your faith in God. We stand with our Jewish friends they, like us, need to be proud of who they are, and we cant be intimidated by these horrible acts of violence. Its up to all of us to find the positive, said Rabbi Shlame Landa, co-director, Chabad of Fairfield. Youre never going to defeat darkness with more darkness and that was Evas message, too. Staff writers John Burgeson, Julia Perkins, Ken Dixon and Thane Grauel contributed to this story. TORRINGTON This year marks the 100th anniversary of the declaration of the Armistice on Nov. 11, 1918. The Torrington Veterans Memorial Committee, and its member groups, invites the public, current military personnel and all veterans to join them in the annual Veterans Day Observance ceremony on Sunday, Nov. 11. The ceremony will be held, rain or shine, at Torringtons Coe Memorial Park and will begin approximately 10:30 a.m. If it rains or snows, the ceremony will be held inside the Coe Memorial Park Civic Center. This year, to memorialize this historic event, The City of Torrington and the Torrington Veterans Memorial Committee have partnered to promote participation in the Bells of Peace. The committee is calling on our faith community, residents and institutions to join us in the tolling of bells in remembrance of the armistice, organizers said in a statement. Our goal is to join communities across the nation when at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, bells will toll 21 times. The public is invited and encouraged to participate by downloading an app created by Bells of Peace for Smart phone owners. Just have the app open before 11 a.m. on Nov. 11 and the Bells of Peace will toll from every device. In a written statement, Mayor Carbone said, It can be incredibly powerful when an entire community takes a few minutes from their daily routine to honor the men and women who served in this war to end all wars. While the veterans of this era are no longer with us, this is our opportunity to remind their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren that their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. If anyone has an American flag that is torn, faded or otherwise damaged they may bring them and a member of a veterans organization will take the flag and see that it is properly retired. If any organization would like to participate in the program by placing a wreath to honor veterans, contact the Veteran Service Office at 860-489-2531 by Nov. 7 at 3 p.m. Are you an aspiring gold miner on a tin can budget? We might have found your perfect property. For $18,500which could come out to less than $100 a month on a 30-year mortgageyou can buy a ghost town in Lucin, UT. The 40-acre property sits on the western edge of the Great Salt Lake Desert, on the edge of Gartney Mountain and about a three-hour drive from Salt Lake City. The property is fairly empty, save for some scattered rubble from the former railroad town and an old phone booth. Lucin was originally founded as a water stop on the railroad for steam engines to refill their tanks. Ponds were constructed using a pipeline from the Pilot Mountain range, and are still full today, though the town is empty. Railroad employees and their families made up the majority of the towns population, but they left the area as the railroads moved on. Retired railroad workers resettled the area briefly around 1936, but its mainly been empty since then. Ghost town in Utah realtor.com Most of your neighbors will be the wildlife in the area, including birds of prey, antelope, deer mice, kangaroo rats, and bats. Migratory songbirds (more than 100 species) use the ponds there as a rest stop. The property is littered with remnants of the areas mining past. Treasure hunters are also likely to find variscite as well as semiprecious stones such as topaz and red beryl on the land. More for you Entire California ghost town for sale for less than $1 million You may also have one human neighbor: Ivo Zdarsky. After being denied an exit visa, he escaped Communist Czechoslovakia (now known as the Czech Republic) in a homemade hang glider in 1984. His travels eventually brought him to the United States to start his own propeller manufacturing company, and to Lucin, where he built and now lives in his own aircraft hangar. The ghost town is near the Golden Spike National Historic Site, where the two halves of the Transcontinental Railroad were first joined in 1869. The Sun Tunnels art installation by Nancy Holt, made of 22-ton concrete pipes aligned with different positions of the sun and perforated with holes in the shapes of constellations, is just a few miles from the center of town. A 2.5-hour drive will take you to the Bonneville Salt Flats, to camp, hike, or attempt to set a new land speed record at the Bonneville Speedway. The post Buy a Ghost Town in Utah for Less Than the Price of a New Car appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com. Residents of Kbal Rormeas commune in Sesan district, northeastern Cambodia's Stung Treng province, will use bamboo stalks to make rafts to escape flooding caused by testing of the Lower Sesan 2 hydropwer dam, July 20, 2017. Nearly 100 families in two communes affected by flooding from the reservoir of the controversial Lower Sesan 2 mega-dam in northeastern Cambodias Stung Treng province said Tuesday that authorities have failed to honor promises they made to rebuild their submerged communities and provide much-needed supplies and services. Forty-seven families in Kbal Romeas commune and 50 in Sre Kor commune, who refused to relocate for the hydropower project, have turned down compensation from the joint venture that built Cambodias largest dam on the Sesan River, a major tributary of the Mekong River, after the facility went online in November 2017 and submerged their homes. The project a joint venture between Cambodias Royal Group and Chinas state-owned Hydrolancang International Energy Company Ltd. has come under intense fire by locals and green groups for its negative social and environmental impacts. Before the two ethnic Pnong communes were inundated with water, authorities shut down health clinics, fired school teachers, and ordered monks to move, while villagers who resisted relocating were told that the state would give them new land and that the joint venture would pay them compensation. In late July, Stung Trengs Deputy Governor Chea Thavrith told villagers who refused to accept the money that provincial authorities would rebuild roads and schools, provide health services and fresh water resources, and register their communal land. But villagers told RFAs Khmer Service that officials have not kept their word. Villager Kim Doeung said local authorities and the joint venture are offering different compensation options to those affected by the flooding, but that the villagers will not accept any money because they want officials to build them a new community. The authorities have not honored their promises, he said. They have betrayed us We dont trust them, he said. Another villager, Srang Lang, said residents are dying a slow death because they cannot survive without roads and schools. When her village was inundated by the dams reservoir last year, the flooding destroyed property and schools, she said. Since then, villagers have had neither potable water nor access to health care services, she said. At least five people died because they could not be transported to health care facilities, Srang Lang said. We are very worried, she said. It is now November, and we dont have enough water, and we dont have any roads or schools. Sovann Piseth, acting governor of Sesan district, declined to comment on the situation when contacted by RFA, but he referred a reporter to a provincial committee in charge of resolving the villagers issues. I dont have any information, he said. It is beyond my position to comment. The provincial level is working on it. Losing trust Yong Kim Eng, president of the People Center for Development and Peace, said authorities must resolve the villagers concerns because they are losing their trust in them. The authorities must speed up helping the villagers, he said. They shouldnt let them wait too long. In the meantime, villagers whose communities are submerged have been living in temporary shelters on nearby hills. Despite the holdouts, more than 5,000 villagers were forced to vacate about 74,000 acres of forest and farmland that were flooded by the dams huge backwater lake. The floodgates of the U.S. $781 million Lower Sesan 2 dam were closed in September 2017, and the facilitys first turbine began producing electricity two months later. All eight turbines of the 400-megawatt capacity dam became fully operational this month. Reported by RFAs Khmer Service. Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni has moved almost 60 court officials, judges, and prosecutors to new posts across the country in a move welcomed by NGOs and legal experts, who said that more still needs to be done to restore judicial independence in the autocratic Southeast Asian state. The transfers were enacted by royal decrees signed by the king on Oct. 27 in his role as head of Cambodias Supreme Council of Magistracy, Cambodian media said on Tuesday. Aimed at reducing corruption in the countrys judicial system, the transfersa routine procedure authorized every four yearsstill fall short of reforms needed to ensure fair and honest dealings in the courts, one rights activist told RFAs Khmer Service. There have been many requests for judicial reforms, Am Sam Ath, Investigations Manager for the Cambodia-based rights group Licadho, said. But even now there are still criticisms of the judicial system. Villagers involved in land disputes, NGO members, and human rights activists are frequently victims of unfair proceedings in the courts, he said. Also speaking to RFA, Cambodian legal expert Heang Rithy said that he has often seen judges abuse the law and fail to provide justice in the cases brought before them. The Supreme Council of Magistracy must punish judges accordingly in order to prevent corruption, Heang Rithy said. Attempts to reach Ministry of Justice spokesman Chin Malin for comment on the reshuffle were unsuccessful, but Council of Ministers spokesman Phay Siphan called the move a reform to make sure that judges work effectively according to the countrys laws. We are reforming, Phay Siphan said, adding, We want to make sure that those judges are not partisan [in their rulings]. Courts under fire Cambodian courts have frequently come under fire for acting at the apparent direction of Prime Minister Hun Sen and the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party, especially in politically sensitive cases. On Oct. 24, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court handed down five-year suspended sentences to four human rights activists and an official with the countrys National Election Commission in a case widely seen as targeting supporters of opposition party leader Kem Sokha, now under house arrest while awaiting trial on charges of treason. In a statement, London-based Amnesty Internationals senior director of global operations Minar Pimple called the sentences a political outcome to a political case. This is an obvious attempt to punish the activists for their peaceful human rights work, and deter them and others, he said. In one of the most egregious cases of politicization of the courts, Kem Sokhas arrest in September last year on treason charges widely seen as politically motivated was followed two months later by a Supreme Court decision to dissolve his party for its part in an alleged plot to topple the government, banning its candidates from taking part in a July 29 general election that the CPP steamrolled without any viable opponent. Amnesty noted that while Cambodia has recently released 20 people detained for rights work or expressing views critical of the government, most still have pending criminal charges or sentences that could be resumed at any time. Reported by RFAs Khmer Service. Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Richard Finney. Authorities in China have slapped a travel ban on more than 100 Protestant Christians en route to a religious training event in South Korea, RFA has learned. State security police at airports in Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou issued the travel bans on the grounds that the would-be participants in a conference run by a U.S.-based Baptist church on Jeju Island were "likely to damage national security." Conference organizers the Institute of Leadership Research had invited more than 100 delegates from Protestant "house churches" not officially recognized by the ruling Chinese Communist Party. A Chinese Protestant pastor who was to have run the training program, but who declined to be identified, said the Chinese church members were turned back at the airport and refused permission to board their flights, including from Hong Kong. They were then told to go home to receive a full explanation, he said. "This training was sponsored by me, it was intended to train some underground church members," the pastor said. "But on Oct. 25, almost all the people who had signed up for the training were detained by state security agents in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong." "The reason given at the airports is that they may endanger national security," he said. "As far as I know, the largest group of people were those stranded in Shanghai, and heavy economic losses were sustained." Ever-widening crackdown The ruling Chinese Communist Party is pushing ahead with an ever-widening crackdown on religious activity, in particular among government employees, including schoolteachers and medical personnel. The administration of President Xi Jinping has launched an ever-widening nationwide operation targeting unofficial "house churches" across China for closure and demolition, church followers say. Schools in Zhejiang, Jiangxi, and Henan have asked students to register any religious beliefs, hospital employees have been forced to sign pledges that they have no religious affiliation, while the authorities are carrying out a census of churches, their sources of funding, and possible links to overseas organizations. "We hope that the international community can support us because the government's actions are really harsh," the anonymous pastor said. "It's even worse than during the Cultural Revolution," he said in a reference to the open political violence and kangaroo courts under late supreme leader Mao Zedong, from 1966-1967. Strengthened controls Guo said the travel bans are likely the result of the atheist Chinese Communist Party's new religious management regulations introduced last year, which call on the authorities to strengthen controls on underground churches, particularly those sending their members overseas to participate in religious gatherings and training. "This incident shows that the Chinese government has further intensified its persecution of Christianity," Guo told RFA. "The regulations on religious affairs issued by China last year specifically talked about intensifying controls on believers participating in meetings or training abroad." He said Protestant "house church" members had previously been allowed to go abroad to participate in such events. "However, since Xi Jinping called for the Sinicization of religion, the party's control and suppression of religious figures including Christians in the underground Christian church have been stepped up further," he said. The new rules, which came into effect in February, require strict controls on the financial affairs, publications, online publicity, and overseas links of Chinese house churches. Reported by Xi Wang for RFA's Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. China's parliament has passed amendments to criminal procedure law to allow courts to try more people in absentia, particularly if they have fled overseas. The standing committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) passed the amendments last week allowing judgments to be delivered in corruption and "terrorism" cases in a bid to target former officials and others who flee overseas, Wang Aili, director of the Criminal Law Office with the NPC's Legal Affairs Commission, told a news conference in Beijing. China began using in absentia trials in 2016, but the new amendments will expand their use, with the main purpose of targeting absconders in corruption cases, Wang said. He said investigators would need to show "time-sensitive urgency" in handling the case, and applications for trials in absentia would need to be approved by the Supreme People's Procuratorate, the state prosecutor. Officials may also hire a lawyer to defend absent defendants, and relatives will be able to appeal on their behalf to a higher court, state news agency Xinhua said. Caixin Global reported last week that the new rules have caused some unease in Chinese political circles, however. "Many have ... been wary of the addition of the trial in absentia procedure in the amended Criminal Procedure Law," the report said. "The first draft of the revised rules stipulates that trials of corrupt officials who have fled the country can be conducted in absentia, causing concerns about human rights protections," it said, adding that people charged with "serious crimes against national security and terrorist activities" could now also be tried in their absence. Political dissidents Beijing lawyer Huang Hanzhong said he shares these concerns, noting they could be used against political dissidents whose speech is regarded as criminal. "We are very concerned ... because this subjects people who flee mainland China because they have been targeted for political persecution to a more legalized smear campaign," Huang told RFA. "It also makes it more likely that their assets and other aspects of their lives back in China will be affected." According to the new law, judicial proceedings can only be initiated after an extradition has been granted, or in cases where the accused suffers from a serious illness or dies. Rights lawyer Cheng Hai said the newly expanded system deprives the accused of their right to a defense. "The trials in absentia system is likely to create even more problems; as in a competition, there should be a level playing field between the parties," he said. "The whole point of a trial is that both sides get to express their point of view, and then the judge issues a judgement." "Under this system, only one of the parties will get to put their case; the other party won't be there," Cheng said. New commission The move comes after the NPC set up the State Supervisory Commission in March to monitor the conduct of staff in the ruling Chinese Communist Party, People's Congresses, government departments, judicial agencies, state-owned enterprises, and government-backed institutions, including state schools and higher education. The new system massively expanded the number of people under the watchful eye of investigators charged with seeking out corruption and abuse of official power to include contractors working for state and party organizations. The new commission merges the functions of the Communist Party's internal Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, administrative supervisory agencies, and some functions of state prosecution services. Agencies at the national, provincial, and local level now have the power to question witnesses, interrogate suspects, search properties, freeze bank accounts, and seize suspicious assets. While the system, which is ranked higher than the Supreme People's Court and top prosecutor's office, was intended to replace the widely-criticized internal disciplinary system of the Chinese Communist Party, it is still incompatible with international human rights laws and standards, Amnesty International said at the time. Reported by Wen Yuqing for RFA's Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. A waitress works behind the counter at the Kumrung coffee shop in Pyongyang in 2016. Coffee consumption is on the rise in North Korea as the introduction of market forces to the state-run economy leaves the country more open to foreign cultural influences. Once reserved only for elites in the capital Pyongyang, having a cup of joe has become more commonplace for those out in the provinces in recent years. This is indicative of a rapid change of consciousness brought on by the influx of foreign ideas, sources say. In the past, drinking coffee or tea was a cultural behavior of upper class [people in Pyongyang], a source from North Hamgyong Province told RFAs Korean Service on Oct 27. Now its spread to other areas of the country. It was considered a luxury that only the rich could enjoy, but its now become common in other cities, the source added. Ordinary people didnt really show interest in coffee in the past because its so bitter. They didnt understand why anyone would like it, the source said. Now they think that having coffee and tea makes them more cosmopolitan. According to the source, offering coffee to guests has now also become a standard practice. Factory executives will of course offer coffee or tea to visitors during a meeting. The source said. People will also offer coffee to guests in their home, the source said. Availability Single-serve instant coffee and bags of ground coffee can be found in the local markets the source said. You can even find coffee and tea stands there, the source added. Since coffee is now cool, and more people are drinking it, there are more cafes opening up to satisfy their demand. Another source in Yanggang Province discussed what increasing consumption has meant for the markets, both legitimate and otherwise. As the number of people looking to get their fix is skyrocketing, demand is so high that some local markets dont have enough supply on hand, said the source. The most popular gift item that people bring back from trips to China were coffee and tea. More and more smugglers are also bringing in foreign coffee and tea, so its become a lot easier to find these days, the source said. Reported by Myung Chul Lee for RFAs Korean Service. Translated by Leejin Jun. Written in English by Eugene Whong. Members of the Bangladesh-Myanmar Joint Working Group meet in Dhaka to discuss the repatriation of Rohingya refugees, Oct. 30, 2018. Bangladesh and Myanmar officials on Tuesday announced a plan to start repatriating as many as 2,300 Rohingya refugees in a couple of weeks, nearly a year after the neighbors signed a deal stipulating that the process would begin in early 2018. Tuesdays bilateral agreement in Dhaka came less than a week after a top U.N. investigator warned that a genocide against the ethnic minority was still happening in Rakhine, the home state of the Rohingya minority group in Myanmar. The nations foreign secretaries made the announcement at a joint press conference at the Meghna State Guest House, after the Bangladesh-Myanmar Joint Working Group (JWG) met for the third time. On Wednesday the 30-member JWG, led by Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haque and Myanmar counterpart Myint Thu, will visit refugee camps in Ukhia, a sub-district of southeastern Coxs Bazar, to meet with potential returnees to encourage them to return to Rakhine. Today, we had a very fruitful constructive dialogue. We discussed the repatriation of the Rohingya staying here. We are looking forward to start the repatriation by mid-November, Haque told reporters. Myint Thu shook his head in agreement with Haque. We had a very candid and friendly meeting this morning. We came up with concrete results on the commencement of the repatriation, he said. As my colleagues mentioned, we have shown political will, flexibility and accommodation in order to commence repatriation at the earliest possible days. Responding to a question from BenarNews, the Myanmar diplomat discussed efforts to ensure a safe return for the Rohingya. First of all we have streamlined a lot of local directives in order to promote awareness on the repatriation among the returnees, he said. We are also promoting public policing, which includes police personnel together with the local communities to maintain and promote law and order. Addressing the issue of the safety of returning Rohingya, Myint Thu said that Myanmar was holding workshops to promote awareness among police and public officials so that they cannot discriminate [against] the people in the northern Rakhine state. We have put in place a number of measures to make sure that the returnees will have a secure environment for their return, he added. But returnees will not be returning to villages in Rakhine from which they were forced out during a violent crackdown last year by Myanmar security forces. They will be going to a so-called reception camp. Md. Afzal, a Rohingya refugee leader in Bangladesh, cast doubt on Myanmars sincerity in repatriating his people to their homeland. Myanmar has been under international pressure. They would take some of us as eyewash, he told BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service, in a telephone interview. They will not allow us going to our original villages. They will confine us to a newly built fortified compound. But we do not want to go back this way. We must be given the right to movement and restore our citizenship, he said, adding that perpetrators of alleged atrocities against Rohingya must be tried in court before the refugees can return to Myanmar. Repatriation details Last November, Bangladesh and Myanmar signed an agreement calling for the process to begin by Jan. 22, 2018. The agreement declared that the repatriation must be voluntary, safe and dignified. But the repatriation stalled for months because Rohingya feared persecution if they were return to Rakhine. More than 700,000 fled to Bangladesh after Myanmar security forces launched a crackdown on Aug. 25, 2017 in retaliation for attacks blamed on Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army insurgents. The agreement requires Bangladesh officials to present a list of Rohingya to Myanmar officials, who would then determine if they had lived in Rakhine. After verification by Myanmar, Bangladesh is to present lists of people willing to return. On Feb. 26, Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal handed over a first list containing names and Myanmar residences of 8,032 Rohingya to Myanmar counterpart Kyaw Swe for verification. Mohammad Abul Kalam, the Bangladeshi refugee relief and repatriation commissioner who attended Tuesdays meeting, said the Myanmar government had cleared 4,600 Rohingya on the original list. Upon return to Rakhine, if their safety is not ensured, if their livelihood opportunities are not guaranteed, if they are not granted the right to movement, they would flee again, Kalam told BenarNews. Home Ministry Joint Secretary Munim Hasan, who also attended the meeting, said Bangladesh presented the names of 2,260 Rohingya belonging to 485 families from the list of 4,600 cleared by Myanmar. Today, we have handed over the second list containing information of 22,400 Rohingya for verification by Myanmar, Hasan told BenarNews. UN: Ongoing genocide Earlier this month, Marzuki Darusman, the Indonesian chairman of a U.N. fact-finding mission on Myanmar, said thousands of Rohingya continued to flee to Bangladesh and those who remained suffered severe repression. It is an ongoing genocide that is taking place at the moment, he told a news conference on Oct. 24 at the United Nations in New York. The Myanmar governments hardened positions are by far the greatest obstacle, Darusman told reporters. Myanmars U.N. ambassador, Hau Do Suan, repeated denials that Myanmar had offered since the beginning of the humanitarian crisis. This factfinding missions report is unconstructive and full of prejudice. We dont accept and condemn the calls for referring the Myanmar situation to the ICC (International Criminal Court) or an independent court, he said. Reported by BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service. Myanmar workers sew garments at the Shweyi Zabe garment factory in the Shwe Pyi Thar Industrial Zone in Yangon, Sept. 18, 2015. Myanmar labor organizations urged visiting European Union delegates on Monday to reconsider the possible withdrawal of trade preferences that allow the developing country tariff-free access to the bloc, under threat from Brussels in response to alleged ethnic cleansing of ethnic Rohingya during a 2017 military campaign. The EU delegation met with representatives from the Confederation of Trade Unions in Myanmar (CTUM), the Myanmar Infrastructure, Craft and Service (MICS) organizations, and the Agriculture and Farmers Federation of Myanmar (AFFM) in the commercial hub Yangon to discuss the preferential trade arrangement. The EU dispatched the high-level mission comprised of the European Commissions trade arm and the EUs diplomatic service to Myanmar to investigate human rights violations primarily concerning Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine state, as well as possible labor rights violations. The delegation arrived in Myanmar on Oct. 28 and began its work on the ground on Monday. The missions findings will help the EU determine whether to withdraw Myanmars Everything But Arms (EBA) status, which gives the country tariff-free access to the European market for all exports except weapons and ammunition. The EU mission comes on the heels of a blog post earlier this month by Cecilia Malmstrom, European Commissioner for Trade, in which she indicated that Myanmars EBA arrangement was in jeopardy over human rights violations against the Rohingya, as cited in a United Nations fact-finding missions report in September. The report, which describes indiscriminate killings, widespread rape, attacks on children, and village torchings by the Myanmar military during the 2017 crackdown in northern Rakhine state, calls for the prosecution of top military brass for genocide and crimes against humanity. The countrys leadership has repeatedly disregarded calls from the EU and the international community to put a stop to this, Malmstrom wrote. Myanmar labor groups appealed to the mission not to withdrawal the EBA arrangement. We told them we dont agree with the EUs [possible] withdrawal of trade preferences, said Maung Maung, president of the Myanmar Confederation of Trade Unions. It would reflect badly on Myanmar workers and would be a minus sign for development work in Myanmar. Naw Aung Aung, vice president of MICS, said that if the EU withdraws trade preferences from Myanmar, its support for the countrys democratic reform will be fruitless. Thats why we urged the EU delegations to reconsider it, he said. Workers will lose jobs Hla Maung Shwe, vice president of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI), a national NGO representing and safeguarding the interests of Myanmars private business sector, noted that the EU doesnt tax Myanmar garment products under the current system of trade preferences. Foreign companies, including European firms, have invested heavily in Myanmars garment industry, accounting for 75 percent of the sectors investment, he said. The EU is also Myanmars largest trade partner for garments, accounting for 47 percent of exports in 2017, according to the Myanmar Garment Manufacturers Association (MGMA). If the EU withdraws trade preferences, it will be difficult to keep those companies investing in our country, he said. We have about 500 UNFCCI member factories, and more than 500,000 garment factory workers in Myanmar. Tun Tun, a central executive committee member of the MGMA, said that the withdrawal of trade preferences would force factories to shut down and workers to lose their jobs. The EU might expect workers to ask the government for something or to protest against it after they lose their jobs, but it is impossible, he said. We cant do this to the government. If foreign countries still want to buy our products after the EU withdraws trade preferences, the products prices will increase a bit, he said. Thats it. Earlier this year, the EU imposed sanctions on senior military officials in Myanmar deemed responsible for violations against the Rohingya during the crackdown, freezing the assets of seven Myanmar army, border guard, and police officials and banning them from traveling to member countries. The bloc also strengthened an existing arms embargo on Myanmar, prohibiting military training and cooperation with the countrys army. Members of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency detain a boat carrying dozens of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar in Malaysian territorial waters off the island of Langkawi, Apr. 3, 2018. Credit: AFP/Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency Rohingya flee by boat Myanmar plans to repatriate some of the 720,000 Rohingya who fled to Bangladesh during the brutal campaign, though the program has yet to get fully underway nearly a year after the two countries signed an agreement to return the refugees. Meanwhile, about 130 Rohingya who live in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in Rakhines capital Sittwe fled by boat to Malaysia on Oct. 27, local residents said. I saw they had some bags with them, and some were crying and holding onto others, said a Muslim who declined to give his name. I asked them why some people were crying, and a man told me that they were going to Malaysia, so they were crying because they had to leave their family members and relatives here. Some of those who live in the camps have illegally departed for Thailand and Malaysia since 2012 with help from human traffickers. Local Rohingya told RFA that several camp leaders and security guards are involved in the trafficking, and that some young Muslims are trying to stop them. One said that he will present relevant documents to government officials to seek their help. Human traffickers had disappeared for a while, but they have come back in recent years, said a Rohingya man who lives in one of the IDP camps. We heard they went to Thaechaung and Ohndaw Gyi villages and asked people to pay 700,000-1 million kyats (U.S. $440-$628) each to send them to Thailand or Malaysia. We heard that three boats would leave for Malaysia from Thaechaung village last night, he said. We have warned people as much as possible not to go. Kyaw Hla Aung, a Rohingya community leader who lives in Thetkepyin village, said that Muslims want to go someplace where they can live and move freely. So they have secretly left the country, he said. We only found out about it after they left. Rakhine State Police Chief Kyi Lin said border guards have been stationed along the coast to try to prevent people from leaving by boat. We dont have anyone who left from this [Sittwe] township, but some people were arrested in Ann and Taungup townships while they were trying to flee to foreign countries, he said. Farad, a member of the Arakan Rohingya Council in Malaysia who goes by only one name, told RFAs Myanmar Service that Malaysian government authorities detain Muslims from Myanmar who arrive there by boat, especially in large groups, and that representatives from his group are not allowed to meet with them. As far as I know, no one [from Myanmar] has arrived in Malaysia in 2018, he said. Myanmar is in the process of closing down IDP camps in Sittwe and in Kyauktaw and Myebon townships, where mostly Rohingya were housed following waves of clashes in the ethnically and religiously divided state in 2012 that left more than 200 people dead and displaced about 140,000 Muslims. More than 94,000 Rohingya, who are considered illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and whose movements are severely restricted, live in the dozen IDP camps that remain in Sittwe township. Exploitative conditions In recent years, Rohingya who have fled by boat to Thailand and Malaysia have faced exploitative conditions where traffickers often deprive them of food and water on outward journeys and subject them to slave-like work environments. Thats still the case with those who continue to trickle out of Myanmar to neighboring countries, according to a report issued on Oct. 24 by Southeast Asia-based Fortify Rights. The report was based primarily on 16 interviews conducted in February and May with Rohingya refugees in Thailand and Malaysia who recently fled. Both Thailand and Malaysia have push-back policies for refugees who arrive by boat that dont ensure protection for possible survivors of human trafficking, Fortify Rights said, adding that authorities in Malaysia frequently arrest Rohingya refugees and indefinitely detain them in IDP camps. Rohingya are undertaking risky journeys in search of safety and security after facing persecution in Myanmar, and traffickers are easily preying on their desperation, said Amy Smith, executive director of Fortify Rights in a statement. Regional governments can prevent human trafficking by providing refugees with the protection they legally deserve, she said. Reported by Kyaw Thu for RFAs Myanmar Service and by Kyaw Htun Naing. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. Some of the five ethnic armed groups that have not signed Myanmars nationwide cease-fire accord will attend talks in early November with the committee responsible for holding political dialogues and convening peace conferences, as stakeholders in the countrys stalled peace process continue to iron out their differences, those involved in the discussions said Tuesday. The Union Peace Dialogue Joint Committee (UPDJC) invited the United Wa State Army (UWSA), National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA), Kachin Independence Organization/Kachin Independence Army (KIO/KIA), Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army-North (SSPP/SSA), and the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP) for a meeting on Nov. 1-3 at the National Reconciliation and Peace Center (NRPC) in Yangon, said Hla Maung Shwe, a member of the UPDJCs secretariat group. Because this meeting will be held based on a decision by the members of the UPDJCs secretariat group, we have to hold it even if some representatives from the ethnic armed groups dont attend, said Hla Maung Shwe, who has been advising the governments peace team under the National League for Democracy (NLD)-led administration. The UPDJCs 15-member secretariat group includes five members of the Myanmar military, government, and national parliament, as well as five representatives chosen by the ethnic armies, and five selected by political parties. So far, only the NDAA and SSPP have confirmed their attendance, said Zaw Htay, spokesman for State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyis office, at a press conference on Monday in the capital Naypyidaw. Khu Nyae Yel from the KNPPs Loikaw office told RFAs Myanmar Service that he forwarded the invitation to the groups central executive committee for consideration. I heard that the committee members are having a meeting to decide whether the KNPP will attend, he said. I dont know their decision yet. Current fighting between KNPP troops and Myanmar forces is creating more obstacles to the nations peace process, said political analyst Than Soe Naing. Colonel Naw Bu of the KIO, the political wing of the KIA which has been engaged in skirmishes with Myanmar forces in northern Myanmars Kachin state, said the ethnic army hasnt yet received any instruction to attend the meeting, and that a key decision maker KIO Vice Chairman General Gwan Maw is traveling. Nyi Yan, a spokesman at the UWSAs office in Lashio in Shan state, said the Wa Army Myanmars largest non-state military would not attend the talks, state media reported. RFAs Myanmar Service was unable to reach him for comment. The five invited ethnic armies are among the 11 groups that have not signed the governments October 2015 nationwide cease-fire agreement (NCA). In the meantime, the government has invited leaders from the UWSA and KIA to a meeting on Wednesday with representatives from both the Myanmar Peace Center and the Northern Alliance, a grouping of four NCA non-signatory ethnic armies that includes the KIA, in Kunming, capital of southwestern Chinas Yunnan province. The meetings are being held to try to overcome deadlocks in the countrys ongoing peace process. The current government has held three formal rounds of its 21st-Century Panglong Conference since August 2016 and intends to hold three more during the remainder of 2018 and in 2019. KNUs participation on hold Of the 10 armed groups that have signed the NCA, the Karen National Union (KNU) sent a letter on Oct. 27 to Aung San Suu Kyi, chairwoman of the National Reconciliation and Peace Center, saying that it is putting its participation in the talks on hold amid ongoing obstacles to the peace process. The group cited displeasure with high-level discussions among the government, Myanmar military, and the NCA signatories that took place earlier this month to try to kick-start the peace process. The participants at that meeting decided to extend dialogue to NCA non-signatories, and the ethnic armies agreed in principle to a key military demand that they fold their militias into a single national army, though they emphasized the need for further talks on integrating the various armed forces into one defense force. They balked, however, at the Myanmar militarys demand that they agree never to secede from the union. KNU Vice Chairman Padoh Saw Kwe Htoo Win told the online journal The Irrawaddy on Tuesday that top leaders from the ethnic armies, government, and military failed to make progress on the issues of non-secession and a single, unified army when they met for the tripartite summit in Naypyidaw on Oct. 15-16, though they did agree did agree to hold further talks. Another NCA-signatory group, the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS)/Shan State Army-South, has said that it will not accept the Myanmar militarys conditions for non-secession and the integration of ethnic forces into the national army without a referendum on the issues in Shan state, Than Soe Naing said. The KNU has said that it will not participate in the political dialogue framework review meeting on Nov. 1-3 in Yangon, nor in a meeting of the Peace Process Steering Team (PPST), a group comprising NCA non-signatory groups which the KNU chairs, on Nov. 5-7 in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Reported by Kyaw Thu for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. UPDATED at 12:45 p.m. EST on 11/01/2018 Lodi Gyari, former special envoy of Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama in talks with China on the status of Tibet, died early Morning morning of liver cancer at age 69 in a hospital in San Francisco. His body will be taken to Mindrolling monastery in India for funeral rites. As an official in Tibets India-based exile government, Lodi Gyari held several senior posts, including speaker of parliament and cabinet minister, before being appointed by the Dalai Lama in May 1998 to represent him in talks with Beijing. Nine rounds of talks were held with high-level Chinese officials beginning in 2002, but stalled in 2010 and were never resumed. Lodi Gyari was born in 1949 in Nyagrong in eastern Tibet. Recognized as a child as a reincarnate lama, he was raised in his early years as a monk, but later became a journalist and co-founder of the Tibetan Youth Congress, an organization dedicated to inspiring Tibets younger generation in exile to work for the future of their country, now occupied by China. In a statement on Tuesday, the Washington-based International Campaign for Tibet, which Lodi Gyari served for many years as president, voiced deep sorrow at his passing. Mr. Gyari was a seasoned and skilled diplomat who spent the majority of his professional career working for or on behalf of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, ICT wrote. He was an impassioned advocate for the Tibetan people, universal human rights and global democratic reform. Building on visits to Washington by the Dalai Lama, Mr. Gyari was able to successfully institutionalize the Tibetan issue within the United State government, ICT added. He also earned and enjoyed access to the highest levels of leadership within both the US Congress and the White House. Writing on Facebook on Tuesday, Dr. Tashi Rabgeya research professor of international affairs at George Washington Universitypraised Lodi Gyaris intense and unwavering conviction that Tibet should be propelled to the frontline of global politics and into the highest corridors of power. [Lodi Gyari] also left us all with an extraordinary gift, she wrote. He gave us a glimpse into potential Tibetan greatness to come. Minority Leader in the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, in a statement Tuesday, called Lodi Gyari an extraordinary champion for the Tibetan people. Lodi Gyari was a religious leader and a diplomat, an administrator and an activist, but, most of all, he was a teacher. Through diplomacy, he taught us how to seek understanding and create peace. The situation in Tibet is a challenge to the conscience of the world, Pelosi said. If we do not speak out for human rights in Tibet and China because of commercial interests, then we lose all moral authority to talk about human rights in any other place in the world. Reported by RFA's Tibetan Service. CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story gave Lodi Gyari's date of death incorrectly as Tuesday, Oct. 27. The Belgrade Book Fair is a venerable cultural institution that, like so many things in the Balkans, has been tainted by the region's troubled political reality -- and its recent past. However, emerging alternatives are evidence that civil society in Serbia is being rebuilt, too, and it's no longer merely on the defensive. The main event this year included a booth called "Greater Serbia," where controversial Radical Party leader and convicted war criminal Vojislav Seselj was the center of attention, signing books and having his picture taken with fans. Given that Seselj has been allowed to resume his political career and is currently a member of the Serbian parliament, his appearance was perhaps unsurprising. A more worrying feature of the 63rd Belgrade Book Fair that just ended was the official sanctioning of another convicted war criminal. A controversial memoir written by a former army general, Nebojsa Pavkovic, was being promoted at the fair by the Serbian Defenses Ministry. Pavkovic was in charge of the Armed Forces of Serbia and Montenegro's (VJ) Third Army Corps during the Kosovo War in the late 1990s and was convicted of crimes against humanity and war crimes by The Hague tribunal in 2009. He is currently serving a 22-year sentence in a Finnish prison and could not be in Belgrade to promote his book, intended as a wartime diary. The state's official endorsement and promotion of Pavkovic's book has drawn protests. The Serbian Youth Initiative for Human Rights (YIHR) wrote an open letter to Prime Minister Ana Brnabic to complain about the official support for Pavkovic's book, published by the Odbrana (Defense) Media Center under the patronage of the Defense Ministry. The YIHR called it "the most open form of support given by the state to convicted war criminals." 'Endangering The Country's European Future' In its letter to Brnabic, the group asked whether "this is a government that supports war criminals or not." By promoting Pavkovic's book, it alleged, the government was "endangering the country's European future, as well as the ongoing dialogue on the issue of Kosovo." In a statement, the Defense Ministry countered that its generals have the right to "present their view of the historic events that they participated in." At the Belgrade Book Fair itself, Miroslav Toholj, the head of the Serbian Armed Forces' publishing department, was less circumspect. "There is such a thing as the court of public opinion, the judgment of history. He may have been convicted in one court," Toholj told RFE/RL's Belgrade bureau in a reference to The Hague verdict. He then likened Pavkovic's circumstances to those of another Third Army Corps veteran, Vladimir Lazarevic, who served a 14-year sentence for crimes committed against civilians in Kosovo. "I sincerely hope that one day Pavkovic will return alive to his people, as a hero, just like Lazarevic," Toholj said. Bastion Of Critical Thinking But not everyone in Serbia agrees, and beyond individual voices, an alternative platform has emerged to promote independent publishers who don't want to take part in a book fair that promotes works by war criminals. A smaller, rival book fair was meanwhile being held in a Belgrade space that traces its origins to the resistance against former Yugoslav and Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic and still bears the name the "Center For Decontamination." Now in its 11th year, it has established itself not only as a major cultural event but as a bastion of critical thinking in Serbian society. Among the new editions promoted at that alternative fair are works by international authors as well as books by respected Serbian writers and academics writing on ethnicity, nationalism, and war from literary, anthropological, and other perspectives. Launching this year's alternative book fair was the editor of the cultural magazine Lice Ulice (The Face Of The Street), Miroslav Martinovic, who in his speech joked that "as far as I understand, this is something international, in the Latin alphabet [Serbian is written in Cyrillic] -- in other words, something suspicious!" 'The 20th Century Refuses To End' Participants included publisher 20th Century Editions (Biblioteka XX Vek), whose managing editor, anthropologist Ivan Colovic, saw a need for such an event even before the controversy over Pavkovic's memoirs. "I once said that it was not necessary to be part of the big [Belgrade] Book Fair, that there are other ways of bringing emerging authors and new subjects to the wider audience, and I am happy to be vindicated after all these years. There are now more and more people and publishers who feel the need to distance themselves from the main event, which is undoubtedly important, but where quantity is valued rather more than quality and variety of perspectives," Colovic said. 20th Century Editions has been around for more than four decades, but according to Marinovic its editor does not need to update the name just yet, because "the 20th century refuses to end." "How long we will remain trapped in the 20th century also depends on us to some extent," said Marinovic. "It seems that it will not leave us of its own accord. We will have to chase it away; and in order to do that, we need to understand it better." That is the mission of publishers like 20th Century Editions, according to Colovic. Marinovic may not have been referring explicitly to the ghosts of the late 20th century hovering around the Belgrade Book Fair, and Pavkovic's book in particular, but a more critical attitude to that recent past might well be a paramount concern of the alternative book fair and its publishers. The views expressed in this blog post do not necessarily reflect those of RFE/RL. Denmark has accused Iran of plotting to assassinate an Iranian Arab opposition leader on the European Union member's territory and will discuss taking possible action against Tehran over the matter. Danish intelligence head Finn Borch Andersen told journalists on October 30 that a man with a Norwegian passport and Iranian background is being held after he was arrested on October 21 in neighboring Sweden. He was apprehended under suspicion of helping to plot an attack on the leader of the Danish branch of the Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of al-Ahvaz (ASMLA). "It is totally unacceptable that Iran or any other foreign state plans assassinations on Danish soil. Further actions against Iran will be discussed in the EU," Danish Prime Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen said in a tweet. Foreign Minister Anders Samuelsen told reporters he had decided to recall Denmark's ambassador in Tehran for consultations. The suspect and officials in Iran have denied the allegations. Iran has previously objected to Denmark to the presence of members of ASMLA, which is seeking a separate state for ethnic Arabs in the southwestern Iranian province of Khuzestan. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi called the Danish allegations "a continuation of enemies' plots to damage Iranian relations with Europe at this critical time," according to the Tasnim news agency. Several European countries, China, and Iran are in talks to salvage parts of a 2015 agreement with world powers to curb Tehran's nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of global economic sanctions. The United States pulled out of the accord in May. Khuzestan Province, home to around 80 percent of Iran's oil fields and 60 percent of the country's natural-gas reserves, borders Iraq. Ethnic Arabs, which in total make up about 3 percent of Iran's population, have long complained of social, political, and economic discrimination. Iranian officials, who often blame foreign enemies for unrest in the country, have claimed in the past that Persian Gulf countries were provoking ethnic strife in Khuzestan by attempting to exploit the legitimate demands and grievances of the people. Last month an attack on a military parade in the province killed 25 people and wounded dozens of others when gunmen dressed in army uniforms opened fire at a military parade in Khuzestan's capital, Ahvaz. A separate Iranian Arab opposition group, the Ahwaz National Resistance, and the extremist group Islamic State both claimed responsibility for the parade attack. Tehran summoned diplomats from Denmark, the Netherlands, and Britain for allegedly hosting members of groups suspected of links to government resistance. In November 2017, an Iranian exile who established the ASMLA was killed in the Netherlands, prompting Danish security officials to increase police protection of several ASMLA officials. With reporting by Reuters and AP The Constitutional Court in Russia's Ingushetia region has ruled that a law designed to support a controversial border agreement with neighboring Chechnya is illegal. The October 30 ruling adds to the uncertainty over the fate of the deal, which mandated land swaps between the two North Caucasus republics and has prompted angry protests in Ingushetia. On its website, the court said that the law was illegal because "it changes the territory of the Republic of Ingushetia," something it said required approval by referendum. But the head of Ingushetia, Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, said that the court decision did not render the pact with Chechnya invalid and that only the Russian Constitutional Court in Moscow should have the authority to rule on the agreement. "It's necessary to understand that today's ruling does not cancel the agreement -- it has entered into legal force," Yevkurov told journalists. The agreement on the administrative boundary was signed behind closed doors on September 26 by Yevkurov and Ramzan Kadyrov, the leader of Chechnya. The deal sparked large, persistent protests in Ingushetia by opponents who say the deal unfairly hands parts of the region to Chechnya, its larger neighbor to the east. Protesters have called for Yevkurov's resignation and a referendum on the deal, which officials announced was approved by the parliaments of both regions several days later. Some Ingushetian lawmakers said later that the legislature had not approved the deal. The dispute has raised the specter of regional conflict in Russia, a huge country that is home to a large number of ethnic groups, and amplified concerns about the Kremlin-backed Kadyrov's power and influence. Kadyrov has publicly threatened the protesters in Ingushetia, and there was tension on October 26 when he brought a large entourage into Ingushetia to meet with a protest leader, but the meeting ended peacefully. Ingushetia and Chechnya were parts of a single administrative region in the Soviet era and split after the 1991 Soviet collapse. Concerns about losing territory are strong in Ingushetia, which lost control of the disputed Prigorodny district to another neighbor, North Ossetia, following a conflict in 1992 that left some 600 people dead, predominantly Ingush. Rights activists say that Kadyrov, who was appointed to head Chechnya by President Vladimir Putin in 2007, rules through repressive measures and has created a climate of impunity for security forces in the province. Kremlin critics contend that Putin has given Kadyrov free rein because he relies on him to keep a lid on separatism and insurgent violence after two devastating post-Soviet wars in the region. With reporting by RFE/RL's Russian Service and Interfax A woman has staged a public protest in downtown Tehran against Iran's strict dress code in a fresh challenge to the so-called hijab rule that followed the 1979 revolution. Images were shared on social media of the woman standing and waving a head scarf and red and white balloons atop the turquoise dome in the middle of the roundabout at the heavily trafficked Revolution (Enghelab) Square on October 29. Her peaceful protest appeared to be the first shared anti-hijab demonstration since early this year, when dozens of women and at least one man risked arrest by shedding or waving head coverings in the capital and other cities. The defiant women were dubbed The Girls Of Revolution Street after a young mother, Vida Movahedi, who in December is believed to have been the first to mount a utility box on nearby Revolution Street while holding a stick on which she had tied her head scarf. Those photos quickly went viral against a backdrop of mounting street protests over rising prices, joblessness, and other social woes. Movahedi was eventually arrested and served jail time before prominent human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh said she had been released and rearrested. The anti-hijab protests gained steam in January and February -- eventually resulting in more than two dozen arrests -- before seemingly dying out. In June, authorities arrested Sotoudeh, who had represented several of the anti-hijab protesters. The identity of the latest anti-hijab demonstrator is not clear. In one the videos posted online, she descends from the dome escorted by a man who appears to be a police officer. Two of the previous protesters were among those sharing images of the scene. Azam Jangravi, whose own protest went viral on social media in February, commented, "We wont end, we multiply every day." Another anti-hijab protester, Maryam Shariatmadari, who was reportedly injured during her arrest in February when a police officer pushed her off the utility box where she was standing while waving her scarf, said via Twitter: "You do everything you can to bring us down. We stand higher every time!" Iranian authorities said earlier this year that they had detained 29 women for removing their head scarves. At least three were reported to have received prison time after convictions on charges that included acting against national security, violating public prudency, and encouraging immorality or prostitution. One of them, Shaparak Shajarizadeh, said in July that she had been sentenced to two years in prison in addition to an 18-year suspended prison term. She said on social media that she had left the country to escape "injustices." AQTOBE, Kazakhstan -- A state prosecutor is seeking prison terms for five Kazakh men on trial over a bus fire that killed 52 Uzbek citizens in Kazakhstan in January. On October 30, Osman Orynbasaruly asked the judge in the high-profile case to find the defendants guilty. The prosecutor called for five-year prison sentences for three drivers and seven-year prison sentences for two employees of Asia Transit Service, the Kazakh company that owned the bus. The drivers were charged with involuntary manslaughter and violating fire-safety regulations in vehicles, while the two employees were charged with using a technically unfit vehicle for commercial purposes. One of the employees, a low-level manager, was was also charged with negligence and forging documents. All five men pleaded not guilty when the trial started on September 3. The fire occurred in the northwestern region of Aqtobe on January 18 as the bus was en route from Shymkent in southern Kazakhstan to the Russian city of Samara. Investigators later determined the cause of the fire was an open flame on a portable gas cooker that was being used by passengers for heat during the long journey. Officials have said the bus was a 29-year-old German-built Setra that did not have a license to transport passengers. Authorities also said the vehicle's technical safety certificate had expired in 2016. Many migrant workers from Uzbekistan travel to Russia along several lengthy routes passing through Kazakhstan. Millions of Shi'ite Muslims from around the world are making their way this week to their sect's holy shrines in the Iraqi city of Karbala in an annual holy festival known as Arbaeen or Ziara. The shrines commemorate two revered Shi'ite imams -- Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, and his half-brother Abbas -- and the event, which draws 10 million to 20 million pilgrims each year, will reach its peak on October 30. By comparison, the hajj, a pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia's Mecca that all able-bodied Muslims are required to make once in their lifetime, saw only 2.4 million pilgrims this year. Pilgrims stream toward Karbala on foot from Iraq, Iran, and places farther afield, resting along the way in tents. Some pilgrims come from as far away as Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Pakistan, though not all make the journey on foot. Along the roads, stalls set up by charities, mosques, and devotional groups see to it that no traveler goes hungry. Cooks prepare vast amounts of stewed lamb, grilled fish, fresh bread, and rice for the pilgrims, refusing payment for the meals. The pilgrimage marks the 40th day of mourning of the anniversary of Hussein's 7th-century death at the hands of the Muslim Umayyad forces in the Battle of Karbala, during the tumultuous first century of Islam's history. Hussein was seen by his followers as the rightful heir of the prophet's legacy. When he refused to pledge allegiance to the Umayyad caliphate, he and his followers were killed in the battle, cementing the schism between Sunni and Shi'ite Islam. Sunnis today outnumber Shi'a by a wide margin among the world's estimated 1.5 billion Muslims, and Shi'ite rituals are less well-known. While the hajj is considered one of the five pillars of Islam and is an obligation for all Muslims, Sunni and Shi'ite, the Ziara is voluntary and holds little significance in Sunni tradition. The march was forbidden for many years under former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, who fought a devastating war with Iran in the 1980s. Restrictions were only lifted after his ouster in 2003. With the formation of an Iraqi state where the post of prime minister is held by a Shi'a, the march quickly became one of the most popular pilgrimages in the world. This year's pilgrimage is the first since Iraq's government declared victory over the Islamic State group in January, but the threat of insurgent attacks still lingers. The militant Sunni group targeted Shi'a in past attacks during the pilgrimage, as well as in high-profile attacks in the last year in Iran, Iraq, and elsewhere. Thousands of Iraqi soldiers and special police forces have been deployed to protect the pilgrims along their travel routes. Iranian religious affairs official Hussein Zulfighari was quoted by Iran's Fars news agency as saying that 1.7 million Iranians have already crossed into Iraq for the pilgrimage, including 50,000 Afghan Shi'a living in Iran. Tight regulation of the hajj by Saudi authorities has driven up costs for pilgrims and deprived it of some of the spontaneity seen in the Ziara. For many Muslims who cannot afford to go on the hajj or cannot get a Saudi visa, the Ziara has become an alternative. With reporting by AFP and AP NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg says he expects Russia to behave in a "professional" manner as the Russian Navy and the Western military alliance both conduct exercises in the same area in waters off Norway's coast this week. Speaking on October 30 as he attended NATO's Trident Juncture war games in his native Norway, Stoltenberg reiterated that the alliance was informed last week about Russia's planned tests of missiles in international waters off the Scandinavian country's coast from November 1-3. The missile tests and Trident Juncture exercises -- NATO's largest since the end of the Cold War -- come amid persistent tension between the alliance and Russia. The Kremlin accuses the alliance of provocative behavior near its borders, while NATO has sharply criticized the annexation of Crimea, which Russia seized from Ukraine in 2014, as well as Moscow's backing of separatists in an ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine. Stoltenberg, a former Norwegian prime minister, sought to ease tensions, saying this wasn't the first time exercises have been held near each other "without creating a dangerous or difficult situation." "So, I'm absolutely confident that the Russian forces will behave in a responsible way and act safely as will, of course, the NATO forces," he added. The NATO chief also said the alliance will monitor the Russian missile-firing tests, which he said "will not change the plan of our exercise." On October 29, a spokesman for Avinor, which operates Norwegian airports and air-navigation services, said Russia had informed it about the three-day missile tests in a so-called NOTAM, a notice to pilots about potential hazards along a flight route. The spokesman, Erik Lodding, told the dpa news agency that the message was "routine." The missile tests are to take place west of the coastal cities of Kristiansund, Molde, and Alesund. The Trident Juncture drills will stretch from the North Atlantic Ocean to the Baltic Sea. The live-field drills, which Stoltenberg called a "necessary exercise" to "send a strong signal of unity," are set to run until November 7. They will involve around 50,000 soldiers, 10,000 vehicles, 250 aircraft, and ships from all 29 NATO allies, plus partners Finland and Sweden. The aim of the exercise, which has drawn criticism from Moscow, is to practice the alliance's response to an attack on one of its members. Stoltenberg said NATO had invited observers from member states of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), including Russia, to watch the exercises and will use the NATO-Russia Council to brief Moscow on the drills. Conversely, NATO has accused Russia of failing to meet its international commitments by lacking transparency about its war games. Russia held large military exercises called Zapad-2017 (West-2017) in September 2017 in its western regions jointly with Belarus, which borders several NATO countries, and last month conducted massive drills across its central and eastern regions. Ambassadors from the 29 NATO countries are set to meet Russian officials on October 31 for the first meeting of the NATO-Russia Council since May. The discussions are also expected to cover the situation in Ukraine and the war in Afghanistan. No details of the agenda have been announced, but an unidentified European diplomat was quoted as saying that Moscow asked for talks on a decades-old nuclear arms agreement between the United States and Russia. U.S. President Donald Trump earlier this month declared his intention to withdraw from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, citing alleged Russian violations since 2014 and concern that China is not covered by its ban on ground-launched short- and intermediate-range ballistic and cruise missiles. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu on October 30 warned that Washington's withdrawal from the 1987 accord would have "serious consequences" for Europe. Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that the U.S. plan could lead to a new "arms race." With reporting by AP, dpa, and AFP Four workers have been injured and one remains missing after Russia's only aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, suffered damage when a floating dry dock sank while the vessel was leaving it, officials say. The waterborne repair station's sinking at an Arctic shipyard early on October 30 was the latest in a series of mishaps involving the Admiral Kuznetsov, which lost two military jets in accidents off the coast of war-torn Syria in 2016. The PD-50 dry dock had "fully sank" by 3:30 a.m. local time at the 82nd Repair Shipyard in the village of Roslyakovo near the port city of Murmansk, regional Governor Marina Kovtun said on Twitter. She said that two injured workers were hospitalized and two were treated without hospitalization. "Unfortunately, one person has not yet been found," Kovtun said, adding that rescue divers were working at the site. Hours later, authorities said that the divers were suspending their operations for the night due to darkness and that the missing worker had not been found. Originally published October 2016 One of the injured was in very serious condition, said Viktor Rogalyov, the head of the local Disaster Medicine Center. Kovtun said that rescue divers from the Russian Navy's Northern Fleet were working at the site and that it was "hard to say" what caused the sinking. Authorities said at least one crane fell when the dry dock sank, damaging the aircraft carrier, but that the damage was above the waterline and was not severe. Aleksei Rakhmanov, head of the state-run United Shipbuilding Corporation, said experts are assessing the damage but that "the vitally important parts of the aircraft carrier were not affected." The PD-50 was one of the world's largest dry docks. Russia sent the 305-meter Admiral Kuznetsov to the Eastern Mediterranean in 2016 as part of its ongoing military campaign in support of Syrian government forces in the Middle Eastern country's devastating war. An Su-33 military jet crashed while trying to land on the aircraft carrier there in December 2016, and a MiG-29 crashed a few kilometers from the vessel three weeks earlier. A fire on board the carrier killed a sailor during a 2008-09 deployment, and an oil spill was spotted by the Irish Coast Guard near the vessel afterwards. With reporting by TASS, RIA Novosti, and Interfax Pakistan's Supreme Court is set to announce its decision on what media described as the final appeal of a Christian woman who has been on death row since 2010 on a blasphemy conviction. Saiful Malook, a lawyer for Asia Bibi, said a three-judge bench will announce its verdict on October 31, and that he was "hopeful for Bibi's acquittal." Security has been beefed up in the capital, Islamabad, ahead of the announcement, and the Interior Ministry said mobile-phone services will be suspended in major cities. At a hearing on October 8, the Supreme Court judges listened to Malook challenging statements by those who accused her of making derogatory remarks about Islam. In 2010, she was the first woman to be sentenced to death under Pakistan's blasphemy laws in a case that has generated global headlines and indignation. Bibi, a mother of five, denies the charges. Radical Islamists have rallied against the woman and threatened to kill her if she were released. A hard-line Pakistani Islamist party, Tehrik-e Labaik, earlier this month warned of "terrible consequences" if she is granted leniency in her appeal. While Pakistan's laws carry the death penalty for blasphemy and offenders have been sentenced to death, no convict has ever been executed so far. People charged with blasphemy but later freed have had to flee the country for their safety. Lawyers, judges, and those seeking to reform the blasphemy laws have also been threatened, attacked, or even killed. At least 1,472 people were charged under Pakistan's blasphemy laws between 1987 and 2016, according to the Lahore-based Center for Social Justice. It said Muslims constituted a majority of those prosecuted, followed by members of the Ahmadi, Christian, and Hindu minorities. Rights groups say the laws are increasingly exploited by religious extremists as well as ordinary Pakistanis to settle personal scores. With reporting by AP, AFP, Reuters, dpa, and Dawn Armenia's acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian's parliamentary faction has nominated him for the top post for the second time in a week, executing part of a plan to force snap elections that could increase his dominance four months after he came to power. The nomination by the Yelk faction, backed by an allied grouping and some independent lawmakers, was a tactical move meant to lead to the dissolution of parliament and early elections, Yelk faction leader Lena Nazarian told RFE/RL on October 30. A former opposition lawmaker, Pashinian took office in May after spearheading weeks of protests that prompted the resignation his long-ruling predecessor, Serzh Sarkisian of the Republican Party of Armenia (HKK). Since his My Step political alliance scored a landslide victory in municipal elections in Yerevan in September, Pashinian has been pushing for an early parliamentary vote in a bid to unseat the HHK, which has maintained a majority in the legislature. He stepped down on October 16 to pave the way for the dissolution of the current National Assembly, in which he controls only a handful of seats. Under the Armenian Constitution, snap elections can be called only if the prime minister resigns and the parliament fails to replace him or her within two weeks. New elections must be held no more than 45 days after that happens. Yelk first nominated Pashinian as prime minister on October 23 and lawmakers rejected the nomination the next day. The second nomination required the signatures of one-third of the lawmakers in parliament. Yelk, which has only nine seats in the 105-member National Assembly, was backed by the Tsarukian Bloc's 31 lawmakers as well as four lawmakers who earlier quit the HHK faction. Pashinians candidacy is again expected to be rejected in a vote scheduled for November 1. If that happens, it would trigger the dissolution of parliament and snap elections in the first half of December. Speaking to RFE/RL on October 30, HHK spokesman and deputy parliament speaker Eduard Sharmazanov confirmed that the party will not raise obstacles to the dissolution of parliament by fielding its own candidate or voting for Pashinian. Sharmazanov also reiterated criticism of the current government and its head, saying that "Pashinian is an eloquent speaker, but a poor prime minister." In a setback for Pashinian, he has been unable to muster enough votes to adopt legislation that would change the mechanism for distributing parliament seats, which critics believe favored the HHK in April 2017 elections. Pashinian's Civil Contract Party formed the Yelk alliance together with two other parties ahead of the 2017 elections. After winning seats in parliament, those two parties withdrew support for Pashinian during the protests he led in April 2018, only to back him again after the protests pushed Sarkisian from power. Yelk now exists only as a parliamentary faction. My Step, which was formed by Pashinian after the success of the protest movement, consists of his Civil Contract Party and a number of activists who supported the protests. Russians across the country are honoring the millions of victims of Soviet-time political repression. The event, called the Bell of Memory, was being held all day on October 30 near the Wall of Grief memorial in Moscow. Presidential human rights council head Mikhail Fedotov, former Russian Human Rights Commissioner Vladimir Lukin, Gulag History Museum Director Roman Romanov, and Memorial society head Yan Rachinsky opened the ceremony by striking a piece of rail hanging on a chain, which represents the symbolic bell at the Memorial. Fedotov said that October 30 had been chosen as the official Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Political Repressions in 1991 because on that day in 1974 political prisoners in the Soviet Union penal camps in the regions of Perm and Mordovia started a mass hunger strike. People laid flowers or lit candles at the memorial in Moscow, while similar actions were held in other Russian cities and towns. The Wall of Grief, sometimes called the Wall of Sorrow, was opened a year ago at a ceremony attended by President Vladimir Putin, who said that the "horrific past" of Soviet-era government oppression must not be forgotten and cannot be justified. Some human rights activists and Kremlin opponents spoke out against the memorial at the time, saying it was hypocritical of Putin's government to unveil such a monument while carrying out what they called its own political repressions decades later. As of 10 p.m. (1900 GMT/UTC), when the Bell of Memory event was to wrap up, Putin had neither attended nor made any statement marking the Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Political Repressions. A day before the Bell of Memory event, thousands of people took part in a daylong ceremony in Moscow and other Russian cities called Returning the Names. Relatives of the dead, rights activists, and others read aloud the names, ages, occupations, and the dates of executions of an estimated 1 million or more Soviet citizens killed by the communist regime in 1937-38. Several participants in that ceremony also pointed to what they said were oppressive measures by Putin's government and called for the release of what they said are political prisoners in Russia today. With reporting by Interfax Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu is warning that Washington's plans to withdraw from a decades-old nuclear arms agreement will have "serious consequences" for Europe. Shoigu told his visiting Greek counterpart on October 29 that the European Union and NATO should weigh the consequences of a U.S. exit from the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, which was signed by former U.S. President Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev, the last leader of the Soviet Union. "It seems to us that not everybody in Europe understands that this decision will have serious consequences for Europe either, and to put it more accurately, for Europe in the first place," Shoigu said. Shoigu's statement follows a warning from Russian President Vladimir Putin last week that Russia would target any NATO member countries if the United States withdraws from the treaty and puts currently banned intermediate-range missiles in those countries -- something NATO has said is not currently being contemplated. U.S. President Donald Trump, in declaring his intention to withdraw from the pact, cited alleged Russian violations since 2014 and concern that China is not covered by its ban on ground-launched short- and intermediate-range ballistic and cruise missiles. Russia has denied violating the treaty and has maintained that some aspects of the U.S. missile-defense system in Europe violate the agreement. In the days since Trump announced his intent to abandon the pact, Russia has called for a return to dialogue over the treaty to address complaints on both sides. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on October 28 that Moscow is drafting answers to a list of questions the United States has drawn up about Russian compliance with the treaty. Based on reporting by Reuters and Interfax Several hundred pensioners have rallied in the center of the Serbian capital to protest against pension cuts and low living standards. After the gathering on Belgrade's Nikola Pasic Square on October 30, the demonstrators marched to the Constitutional Court. Similar protests were held in several other Serbian cities. In February 2015, the government of then-Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic signed a three-year loan deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) after Belgrade committed to drastic measures to cut its debt and budget deficit. To secure the 1.2 billion-euro ($1.4 billion) loan agreement, the government in late 2014 lowered public-sector wages and pensions. Serbia's pensioners are demanding that the current government of Prime Minister Ana Brnabic refund lost pension payouts and reintroduce yearly pension adjustment, saying their wages have fallen by 25 percent due to the rising cost of living. They are also calling on the Constitutional Court to consider a request to review the constitutionality of the pension cuts that was submitted three years ago. If the court fails to consider the case, the pensioners plan to appeal to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. The scenes of a public flogging in a Taliban stronghold in northern Afghanistan showed two women in blue burqas kneeling nearly motionless as a man beat them over their heads and bodies with a cane. The women, whose names have not been released, had been found guilty of breaking the Taliban's strict interpretation of Shari'a law after police said they visited a local health clinic without a male relative being present. They were also said to have been seen by Taliban fighters communicating on mobile phones. While the fundamentalist Taliban has long forced women to be accompanied by a male relative when venturing outside their homes, reports of the second charge appear to point to the recent enforcement of strictures on the use of mobile devices, particularly smartphones, in militant-controlled areas. It was unclear if the women, both of whom were married, were punished simply for using the phones or specifically for communicating with men outside their immediate families -- a charge that has led to public floggings in the past. While men on mobile devices are a common sight, local conservative culture frequently frowns on women using mobile phones in public. Fear Of Drone Strikes, Surveillance Obaid Ali, an expert on the Afghan insurgency at the Afghanistan Analysts Network, an independent think tank in Kabul, says the Taliban's cultural commission banned all fighters from using smartphones in 2016 for security and religious reasons. Since then, Ali says, the militants have enforced the ban on civilians in some areas under their control. But he says primitive mobile phones without Internet access or the ability to record images or video are tolerated in many of those same locations, which frequently lack fixed-line telephone services. "One of the main reasons the Taliban banned smartphones was because of the growing threat of U.S. drone strikes and surveillance," says Ali. "The Taliban also fears smartphones being used among civilians because people can access independent information, take photos and videos, and might give away the militants' activities and locations." The Taliban has restricted mobile-phone use in most areas under its control. In parts of the southern Helmand Province, mobile phones and the Internet are banned. Taliban fighters communicate via walkie-talkies. In the northern Kunduz Province, where Taliban fighters control several districts, the group has forced mobile service providers to switch off coverage every day between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Brutal Punishments It was unclear if the women who were flogged in Jawzjan were using smartphones. The incident occurred in the Beron Sena area of the Darzab district, a former stronghold of the Islamic State (IS) extremist group, which was ousted from the area by the rival Taliban and government forces in August. Mohammad Ismail, Darzab's chief of police, this week confirmed that the floggings had taken place and said the incident occurred about 10 days ago. He said the women had since returned to their homes. The news of the floggings only reached mainstream Afghan media on October 28. Videos purportedly showing the punishments have since been widely shared on social media. ''Moral Crimes' This is not the first time the Taliban, which ruled the country from 1996 to 2001, has meted out public punishments for so-called moral crimes. In the northern province of Faryab, a young girl was publicly flogged in a market last month for not being accompanied by a male relative. Moral offenses, including adultery or even running away from home, are not considered crimes under the Afghan Criminal Code. But hundreds of women and girls have nevertheless been imprisoned after "immorality" verdicts by courts dominated by religious conservatives. In some rural areas, where Taliban militants exert considerable influence, residents view government bodies as corrupt or unreliable and turn to Taliban courts to settle disputes. The Taliban courts employ Shari'a law, which prescribes public flogging, stoning, or execution for men or women found guilty of having a relationship outside marriage or an extramarital affair and for women who had contact with men outside their immediate families. Recent years have seen a spate of chilling public punishments of women accused of such offenses. In February 2017, an armed mob killed an 18-year-old woman and the man she had eloped with in the eastern Nuristan Province. In October 2015, 19-year-old Rokhsana was stoned to death by Taliban militants in the central Ghor Province after being accused of having premarital sex. In November 2015, a 26-year-old Afghan woman died of her injuries after being publicly lashed, also in Ghor. She had been accused of running away from home. In August 2016, also in Ghor Province, a young man and woman found guilty of having sex outside marriage were publicly lashed. LANZHOU - China is enhancing agricultural cooperation with countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative, expecting to make a greater contribution to global agricultural development and economic growth. "China will offer policy and financial support to food trade and infrastructure construction, aiming at encouraging Chinese grain enterprises to cooperate with BRI countries," said Zhang Wufeng, head of the State Grain and Reserves Administration, at a recent international food cooperation forum in Lanzhou in Northwest China's Gansu province. During the forum, Gansu reached agreements with Azerbaijan and Belarus to import quality wheat from Belarus and export its potatoes and olive oil to Azerbaijan. The term, "the bamboo ceiling," coined by Jane Hyun, describes the virtual absence of Asian Americans in top corporate CEO positions, despite the significant number of Asian American students at Harvard (18 percent) and Stanford (24 percent). According to The Atlantic article, Cracking the Bamboo Ceiling (Oct 14, 2014), "Asian Americans account for just 1.4 percent of Fortune 500 CEOs and 1.9 percent of corporate officers overall. 63 percent of Asian men feel stalled in their careers, a higher rate than any other groups reported. The bamboo ceiling can describe Asian Americans in mainstream culture and media as well. Against this bamboo ceiling, Asian Americans recently filled viewing parties for the new ABC series, Fresh Off the Boat (FOB). Finally, Asian Americans can see our particular stories as told by Asian American actors and actresses. I can think of several indicators of "FOB Fever": 1. The Power of Resonance: How many times do Asian Americans see their own stories depicted in the mainstream media? Besides the contents, the presentation and representation resonate with Asian Americans unlike the way in the past when some white actors/actresses playing Asian roles. In addition, when the whiteness and maleness of divinity is presented as normative, usually people of color and even women dont raise questions. Questioning the institutionalized norms, often means further social distance from the center for the minority. Therefore, the dissonance with the presentation of divinity often submerges. 2. The Power of Identification: One of the reasons that so many minority people have identity confusion stems from the absence of our stories and our figures in the mainstream. Our look and our manners are far from the mainstream medias constant bombardment of what the heroes/heroines look like. Asian Americans, no matter how many generations have lived on this shore, have been treated as forever-guests because we look different from the white hosts. 3. The Power of Belonging: Living a life as an outsider or stranger causes one to feel insecure and vulnerable. The internalized isms of all sorts echoes self-denigration, and self-doubt. With these daily experiences, ABCs mini-series FOB presents and represents Asian Americans stories in self-belittling, satire, and humor. Hopefully, the series tracks enough attention because they are also part of American stories that crack the bamboo ceiling in corporate America. One caveat in cracking the bamboo ceiling, however, is that one has to be ready to be ostracized by both one's own ethnic group and the mainstream. For this reason, I find that the comic and satirical approach of FOB is indeed refreshingly engaging. Rev. Dr. Young Lee Hertig is a co-founder and the second Executive Director of ISAAC (Institute for the Study of Asian American Christianity). She also founded AAWOL (Asian American Women on Leadership) under ISAAC and mentored Asian American women leaders. She teaches in the Global Studies and Sociology Department at Azusa Pacific University, was formerly a Vera B. Blinn Associate Professor of World Christianity at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, and was an assistant professor of Cross Cultural Ministry at Fuller Theological Seminary. She is also an ordained Presbyterian clergy as well as a commissioner of the Presbyterian Church USA to the National Council of Churches Faith and Order. Is a Priest Who Died in World War I Relevant to Catholics Today? Fr. Doyle's extraordinary life on the battlefield will inspire Catholics to grow in holiness and love for Jesus Contact: Kevin Wandra, 404-788-1276, SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 30, 2018 / Kenny is senior lecturer in the College of Business at Technological University Dublin. He has written extensively on society, politics and religion for Irish and international publications, including the National Catholic Register, The Irish Catholic, the Catholic Herald, Human Life Review and a variety of secular publications. He also runs a website dedicated to Fr. Doyle and his life: TO RAISE THE FALLEN will not only inspire, but also challenge the reader to look at their own life and use Fr. Doyle's own spiritual journey to grow in holiness. Fr. Doyle lived in the trenches during World War I and spent most of his days granting absolution and burying the dead, yet the story of his daily struggles to be able to do that work with love and selflessness is the heart of the book. Fr. Doyle's compassion, cheerfulness, humor and humility, alongside his great valor in wartime, are a testament to his commitment to Christ. His final act of bravery epitomizes Christ's words that there "is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends." "In the context of a nationalistic war that placed nation ahead of God, Church or the dignity of unique individuals, Fr. Willie Doyle, S.J. restored the proper order. His love of Jesus Christ fired his courage to bring the needed sacraments to anyone in need," said Fr. Mitch Pacwa, S.J., TV Host, EWTN Live. "The men knew he cared for each of them, and he'd risk his life for any of them. An impersonal bomb was the way this good shepherd laid down his life for the sheep. Anyone who reads his story of love for God's sake will be made a better person by the experience." For more information, to request a review copy or to schedule an interview with Patrick Kenny, please contact Kevin Wandra (404-788-1276 or Share Tweet Contact: Kevin Wandra, 404-788-1276, KWandra@CarmelCommunications.com SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 30, 2018 / Christian Newswire / -- A Catholic priest slept in the trenches, evaded gas attacks, and was killed by a German shell during World War I. Fr. Willie Doyle's life and heroism remained hidden to much of the world until now. TO RAISE THE FALLEN: A Selection of the War Letters, Prayers, and Spiritual Writings of Fr. Willie Doyle, S.J., by Dr. Patrick Kenny, reveals the extraordinary story of this ordinary priest, who gave his life for others yet whose struggle to obtain holiness is remarkably relatable to Catholics today.Kenny is senior lecturer in the College of Business at Technological University Dublin. He has written extensively on society, politics and religion for Irish and international publications, including the National Catholic Register, The Irish Catholic, the Catholic Herald, Human Life Review and a variety of secular publications. He also runs a website dedicated to Fr. Doyle and his life: www.fatherdoyle.com TO RAISE THE FALLEN will not only inspire, but also challenge the reader to look at their own life and use Fr. Doyle's own spiritual journey to grow in holiness. Fr. Doyle lived in the trenches during World War I and spent most of his days granting absolution and burying the dead, yet the story of his daily struggles to be able to do that work with love and selflessness is the heart of the book.Fr. Doyle's compassion, cheerfulness, humor and humility, alongside his great valor in wartime, are a testament to his commitment to Christ. His final act of bravery epitomizes Christ's words that there "is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends.""In the context of a nationalistic war that placed nation ahead of God, Church or the dignity of unique individuals, Fr. Willie Doyle, S.J. restored the proper order. His love of Jesus Christ fired his courage to bring the needed sacraments to anyone in need," said Fr. Mitch Pacwa, S.J., TV Host, EWTN Live. "The men knew he cared for each of them, and he'd risk his life for any of them. An impersonal bomb was the way this good shepherd laid down his life for the sheep. Anyone who reads his story of love for God's sake will be made a better person by the experience."For more information, to request a review copy or to schedule an interview with Patrick Kenny, please contact Kevin Wandra (404-788-1276 or KWandra@CarmelCommunications.com ) of Carmel Communications. Four charged in death of Cancun police officer Cancun, Q.R. Four people have been charged in the death of a Cancun police officer after he was gunned down near Puerto Juarez in July. According to the Attorney General of the state, four people have been charged for their alleged involvement in the death of ministerial police officer, Juan Carlos Morales Lopez. The charges come after an attack against a police commander in Puerto Juarez in which Morales Lopez was killed. The State Attorney Generals Office reports the charges are the result of investigative work by the public prosecutors office and the ministerial police. They say that those charged have been identified as Jesus N, Alvaro N, Sebastian N and Diego N. Photos: Fiscalia General de Quintana Roo Only one of the four was arrested on a Cancun street, while the other three were notified of the charges against them. They are currently in Cereso (Cancun prison) for other charges since the July incident. All four are reported to be members of the criminal gang Los Pelones, who, on the night of the July shooting, thought they were attacking members from a rival gang, the Jalisco Cartel Nueva Generacion (CJNG). All four are being charged with homicide. President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador announces cancellation of new Mexico International Airport Mexico City, Mexico After a national public consultation, president-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador announced the cancellation of the new Mexico International Airport (NAIM). Figures from a national consultation on the construction of the new airport showed 29 percent of the country in favor of the Texcoco airport with 69 percent against it, but in favor of the construction being moved to the Santa Lucia Military Base. The announcement of the cancellation of the Texcoco airport was made Monday by Lopez Obrador. In a press conference, the president-elect confirmed that the construction of the NAIM in Texcoco will be canceled. He stressed that it is viable to build the new airport in Santa Lucia, saying that the military base in Santa Lucia will be expanded. Work will go toward expanding the military base in Santa Lucia The decision of the people on the new International Airport of Mexico City is rational and democratic. It is good news that we have opted for Santa Lucia. We are happy because a democratic exercise was applied and it was the people who decided. When there is democracy, there is no corruption. He explained in economic terms, with the decision to cancel the Texcoco project, the federal government will save the people 100 billion peso. We will work to resolve in three years, the current saturation problem, said the president-elect. A national vote was held October 25 to 28 in numerous municipalities around the country for the public to decide whether the NAIM should continue in Texcoco or whether the work should be transferred to the Santa Lucia Military Base. The president of Coparmex (Confederacion Patronal de la Republica Mexicana or the Mexican Employers Association), Gustavo de Hoyos, said that the announcement made Monday by Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador will mark his presidency . The positions of Coparmex will always be attached to the legal framework. The announcement made by the president-elect will mark his presidency, Hoyos said adding It will shed light on what we can expect from him. Pena Nieto says Texcoco work will continue until his presidency ends In the meantime, current President Enrique Pena Nieto said that the construction of the Mexico International Airport in Texcoco will continue at least until November 30 when his administration ends. He added that as for the cancellation announced by the president-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, The next government will have to face the payment of commitments which will probably require the use of fiscal resources in addition to the tax paid by airport users, the TUA, as explained in detail by the director of the Airport Group. During the last few years, we have been clear about the relevance of this work for the country, he stressed adding, The Government of the Republic will be respectful of the decisions of the next administration and will continue, until November 30, carrying a process of cordial and respectful transition. Solidaridad mayor Laura Beristain Navarrete announces infrastructure projects Playa del Carmen, Q.R. The mayor of Solidaridad, Laura Beristain Navarrete, has presented infrastructure projects for the next year. The presentation was made before the Chamber of Deputies in Mexico City where she announced the infrastructure projects intended in the Budget of Expenditures for the first year of her government. Beristain Navarrete said that she intends to strengthen the economy by improving the urban image, connectivity, services and tourism along with social development. One of her intended projects includes the construction of an Interactive Multicultural Museum of Xaman Ha (MI MUXH), which will be a global emblem to enhance the tourism development of the municipality with an estimated first-stage cost of 20 million peso. Another project is the construction of a Youth City in where culture, sports, educational spaces, work stations and offices will be available for youth to strengthen the integral development of this sector of the population. The Youth City will also have a first-stage cost of 20 million peso. She says that on school grounds, 60 domes will be built. We will protect our children from the elements. It is a social demand to provide them with a protected space in the realization of their civic and physical activities in schools, adding that two million peso per dome is required. Affordable housing for vulnerable families in the municipality of Solidaridad is also on her list. It is our commitment to support the construction of 200 homes in 2019, and is one of the priorities of the Municipal Government, which will require 30 million peso. The mayor also says that expanding the current DIF (The National System for Integral Family Development) facilities from a municipal assistance center to one that strengthens inclusion of people with physical disabilities is necessary, since more than 10 percent of the population suffer from some level of physical disability. She explained that the space must be expanded and modernize its equipment to provide a better service to this sector of society, a service improvement that will require 10 million peso in the first stage. Maintenance of roadways is also on the list with the creation of new roads and maintenance of others that Beristain Navarrete says will required 148 million peso. TWO men have been charged and remanded in custody in relation to a series of burglaries. Thomas Birbeck (33), of Oldcotes Close, Dinnington, was charged with two counts of burglary. The charges relate to incidents in June and July of this year where the Tesco store on Undergate Road in Dinnington and the Co-op on Woodhouse Green, Thurcroft, were broken into. Cigarettes, phones and games were taken from Tesco and cigarettes stolen from the Co-op. John Williams (26), of no fixed address, has been charged with one count of burglary in relation to an offence in June, when the Co-op at Swallownest was broken into and a large amount of cigarettes were taken. A police spokesman said: Both Williams and Birbeck have been remanded in to custody to appear before Sheffield Crown Court at a later date. ROTHERHAM MP Sarah Champion praised the courage of those who came forward to secure Mondays convictions and called for a national support system for survivors of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Ms Champion called for the introduction of a statutory Victims Offer which would provide therapeutic support and advocacy to those who needed it. She said: We owe a debt of gratitude to the victims, survivors and witnesses who had the courage to come forward and help secure these convictions. I also want to express my thanks to the National Crime Agency who are unwavering in pursuit of justice for victims of child sexual exploitation in Rotherham. Ms Champion said the UK needed to do much more to support victims of child abuse and she would keep fighting for a statutory support system for them. The MP obtained figures from the Ministry of Justice which showed the number of people sentenced to custody for child sexual abuse since 2010 had increased by a third and almost all offenders were men. The figures show there was a 33 per cent increase in the number of custodial sentences given to offenders between 2010 and 2017. Last year was the first year since 2013 that the number of people receiving custodial sentences fell, down 4.7 per cent. In total, 119 people have received life sentences for child sexual abuse since 2010 offences which warrant life include rape of a child under 13, assault by penetration of a child under 13 or paying for the sexual services of a child under 13. Figures obtained for 2017 show that of 3,234 offenders who received immediate custodial sentences for child sexual abuse, 98 per cent were men. Ms Champion said: I am not surprised that 98% of custodial sentences for child sexual abuse are given to men. Child sexual abuse is about power. Its men using their power over the vulnerable to abuse, rape and exploit them. The tragedy is that child sexual abuse is still happening on a massive scale. Police recorded child sexual abuse is up 16 per cent, so it's really worrying that last year custodial sentences started to fall for the first time since 2013. Some people might like to think we're over the worst of it but the numbers clearly say otherwise. We have to accept that children are still being abused but the police just cannot cope with the volume. Fewer cases are being passed on to the Crown Prosection Service and we are seeing fewer convictions as a result. How can we expect victims to have faith in this system when it is so under resourced? Supporting victims as soon as they come forward is vital. The only way we can guarantee this is to introduce a statutory duty 'Victim's Offer' so that everyone can get therapeutic support and advocacy they need. Matthew Johansen is challenging incumbent Gary Schwartzenberger for McKenzie County Sheriff. Johansen, who was born in Grand Forks before moving to McKenzie County at five years of age, later moved away to Minnesota. After attending peace officer training in Devil's Lake, North Dakota, Johansen went on to serve law enforcement in McClusky, Sheridan, McLean, Emmons, Steel, and Trail Counties before eventually coming back to serve McKenzie County in 2007. Johansen spoke with The Roundup about his goals for the McKenzie County Sheriff's Department, should he be elected. Johansen said, "Basically my three points, which haven't changed throughout the campaign, is first off, the safety and security of the citizens. Secondly, I want to focus on financial responsibility. Third, I want good intergovernmental relations among those from throughout the county and the state." When asked why he wanted to become sheriff, Johansen responded, "When I was a deputy I never thought I wanted to be the sheriff. But then, when events transpired I was made the interim sheriff and was given a taste of what things could be like. I think morale was improved and things were better. I then had people ask me to run for sheriff. And so I said, 'Yeah, I would.' I want to be there to listen to the people." Johansen claimed that there's poor communication between the deputies and the sheriff. "I don't believe there's an open door policy now. I haven't tried myself to go talk to the sheriff, but I have heard that you have to make an appointment or go through his secretary. I don't think he makes himself available to the deputies because you never know when he's there." Johansen also asserted that he would be more hands-on in his job as sheriff. "I believe that just because you're sheriff you don't have to take calls or respond to situations," Johansen asserted. "You're just like everybody else; you're a law enforcement officer. If you happen to be somewhere you should handle it and not just call a deputy. I believe the sheriff should listen and be open to ideas from everybody and let everybody have a say." Johansen is convinced that morale is down among county law enforcement officers, and he aims to fix it. He said, "The most important thing is to bring morale up. Morale is down because it seems like every time you turn around there's an internal investigation on an officer or employee for one reason or another. It could be the investigations are necessary, but just from an outside person looking in, are these investigations legit or are they not legit? We've lost ten people in the last year. When the sheriff was reinstated there were six that quit right away." Johansen says he likes McKenzie County because it's home. "I like McKenzie County because I grew up here. This is what I call home. I know a lot of people here and I want this to be a safe place for my kids. It's home." Johansen concluded, "You can vote for a fresh start or you can vote for what you've had the last four years. I'm not going to speak ill of somebody but you can easily go out and research it yourself and it's on Google. If you Google McKenzie County Sheriff you'll find plenty about what's gone on here the last four years." McKenzie County, ND - The Community Foundation Fund is giving out over $5,400 in grants to local organizations. Applicants must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, government agencies.Groups without such designation may enlist a fiscal sponsor. Apply ONLINE only at http://www.NDCF.net/McKenzieCounty tab Apply for Grant. Applications are due by Nov 10th. The local advisory committee will discuss the applications and determine grant awards in November. The McKenzie County Community Foundation was established to fund priority needs of the community that would not otherwise be funded, or did not have complete funding. Areas it can benefit are parks and rec, youth services, social services, emergency services, or healthcare. Earnings from the fund are given annually. Please email questions or to get more information at [email protected] and one of the local committee members will respond. Or with general questions about NDCF email John Heinen at [email protected] Currently we cannot fund all of our annual requests. If you are an individual, social service group, or Company, your gift combined with others will allow us to make a bigger impact in our community. Gifts are welcomed and accepted at any time of year. This is a qualified endowment fund and certain donations will qualify for a 40% state income tax credit for those in or out of state filing in North Dakota. For more information about the services of NDCF, contact John our NDCF regional support person at [email protected] Matt Rosendale, candidate for the United States Senate, made a brief stop in Sidney on Wednesday, October 24. Meeting with supporters at the Meadowlark brewery, Rosendale encouraged voters to get in their early ballots or make sure to show up to the polls on Election Day. The Roundup spoke with Rosendale, who elaborated upon the controversies surrounding his campaign and his hopes for a victory on November 6. Rosendale told The Roundup, "The race is going great. I think that we're in a good spot, but we absolutely need everybody to get their early ballots turned in or show up on Election Day. It's going to be close, but we're in a good position." Regarding his odds of victory in a campaign that requires covering so large a geographical area, Rosendale said, "Oh, I feel great in the Western part of the state. We've had lots of face-to-face contact with people from Eureka down to Darby and in all the major towns like Bozeman, Kalispell, Great Falls, and we feel very, very comfortable about where we are. We had 150 people show up in Eureka just a week ago. We like the enthusiasm we see in every spot, but we're fighting for every single vote." Rosendale was asked about accusations from the Tester campaign that he wants to transfer federal lands in Montana to the state. Rosendale denied the accusations. He explained, "The people of Montana have made it exceedingly clear they don't want to see the land transferred, but they want to see it better managed. You can see that in my work on the land board, where we've opened access to an additional 45 thousand acres of public lands and miles of roads. Additionally, we've protected several thousand acres of sensitive grounds near Whitefish for trails and have harvested 47 million board feet of timber. It's all about wise management of the land and those resources." Jon Tester's campaign has also claimed in campaign ads that Rosendale has helped insurance companies raise insurance rates. Rosendale asserted that the charge is hypocritical. "I think it's hypocritical," Rosendale responded, "and it's worse than ironic. The general public cannot be fooled that Tester shouldn't take responsibility for the increased costs that Obamacare has caused while I've worked hard to make sure people have more options for healthcare, while making sure we make coverage available for people with preexisting and chronic conditions." He continued, "Just to show you how far Tester has gone from the people of Montana, twelve years ago when Tester first ran he said he would never be encumbered by special interest. Now, he's the number one recipient of contributions from lobbyists in the nation. Out of all 535 members of the House and Senate, he's the number one recipient of contributions from lobbyists. Twelve years ago, Tester said we had to do something about out of control spending in Washington, but he has voted to increase the debt ceiling and the national debt has ballooned from 8 trillion to 21 trillion dollars. He literally has bought a million dollar home in Washington D.C. and has left Montana in his rearview mirror." Rosendale concluded, "One of the most important things a United States senator is responsible for is confirming Supreme Court justices. Jon Tester voted with Obama 100 percent of the time and confirmed Kagan and Sotomayor. Sotomayor said that owning a gun is not a fundamental right; that's the type of people he's voted to confirm. When Tester had an opportunity to confirm justices for Donald Trump, he voted against him 100 percent of the time. He voted against Kavanaugh and against Gorsuch. He participated in the character assassination of both Brett Kavanaugh and Ronny Jackson, the president's nomination for Veteran's Affairs. That's not the type of conduct that Montanans want to see from their United States senator." On Saturday, November 10th, the McKenzie County Health Systems will be offering Free Stop the Bleed Classes. The courses will be taking place during Women's Day Health Expo at the Rough Rider Center in Watford City, North Dakota. Starting at 9:00 a.m. the Keynote Speaker, Dr. Mary Aaland, a surgeon with over 20 years of experience from Fargo, ND, will be discussing the Stop The Bleed Program. Dr. Aaland will be instructing the Stop The Bleed courses. She is motivated to teach participants that they can save a life if provided with the proper tools and education. She will be teaching Stop the Bleed certification courses at 10:35, 11:10, 11:45 a.m., and 12:20 p.m. During the course, participants will learn how to act as an immediate responder in the case of a life-threatening bleed; the course includes how to apply pressure correctly, dress a wound, and apply a tourniquet. Participants will be trained to identify nearby tools such as a publicly placed bleeding control kit or everyday items that can be used to control bleeding, use their hands to apply direct pressure at the site of a wound to stop bleeding, pack a deep wound with cloth or gauze to control bleeding, correctly apply a tourniquet to an injured limb to stop bleeding, keep a victim calm until help arrives. Stop The Bleed Classes are beneficial for everyone to attend. No matter how quick the arrival of professional emergency responders, bystanders will always be first on the scene. A person who is bleeding can die from blood loss within five minutes; therefore it is essential to stop the blood loss immediately. Those closest to a person with life-threatening injuries are best positioned to provide immediate care. Stop the Bleed is a national awareness campaign. The American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma is promoting Stop The Bleed Classes in an effort to save lives by teaching and informing the civilian population how to stop uncontrolled bleeding in emergency situations. Studies have shown that help given by an immediate responder can often make the difference between life and death, even before medical professionals arrive. To register for a Stop The Bleed Class and other Woman's Day Health Expo events go to http://www.eventbrite.com. If you have any questions about the event you can contact Leslie Kelly at (701) 444-8661. Montana congressional candidate Kathleen Williams made her fourth trip to Richland County with her message of Integrity, Civility, Honesty and Statesmanship. She visited with area residents and answered their questions at Sunny's Family Restaurant on October 23. Williams is a lifelong Montanan who has hunted all over the state as well as served in the State Legislature. I am a third-generation farmer and rancher in Montana. My family has a long history of working the land and raising cattle. I understand full well the negative impact low commodity prices have on agriculture and the communities that rely on Agriculture to survive. The ag economy of the United States is in increasing trouble, one only needs to see the following stats to understand this: FDIC reports that U.S. Farm real estate loan delinquencies for Q3 in 2018 are the highest rate of delinquencies on all bank loans for the first time in approximately 20 years! Kansas City Fed reports a 30% increase in U.S. farmers seeking operating loans of $1,000,000.00 or more in Q3 of 2018 which is sharply higher than in Q3 of 2017! The trade war with China is directly hurting Montana farmers and ranchers along with their counterparts nationwide. It has been proven over and over that once a buyer (China) finds a new supplier (Brazil, Argentina, EU) of commodities the old supplier (United States) it will rarely, if ever, regain that market let alone get back its original market share. Proof of this is Japan. The United States is still today exporting less beef to Japan than it did prior to 2001 following the BSE debacle. As a result, Japan diversified its originators of beef and found new determination to keep their local cattle producers strong. A long-term consequence of this trade war is China actively seeking ways to stop buying American soybeans all together because they no longer find America to be a reliable supplier. Everyone in agriculture knows that each grain whether it is wheat, barley, corn, or soybeans are all price interconnected. So goes the price of soybeans goes the price of wheat and barley and corn - which in this case is down! Farmers dont want welfare checks due to some politicians trade war. Farmers and ranchers only want access to the customers and markets that they have worked so hard to build. These relationships take years if not decades to develop but can be destroyed so quickly as is evidenced by these trade wars. Over the years, many people, organizations and politicians including Jon Tester have worked painstakingly to get Montana farmers and ranchers access to these markets. Montana does not need a rubber stamp senator that will march lock-step with the President. Montana needs a senator that will work with a President when it will benefit Montanans but will stand up for Montana always. Montanans have a long tradition of being independent and deciding for ourselves whats right and opposing what is wrong. Jon Tester is exactly this type of man. He works with both sides of the aisle finding positive solutions. Jon understands Montana; he understands farming and ranching, and he knows personally that trade wars are bad for Montana and our nation. Please join me in voting for Jon Tester to continue as Senator for our great state of Montana! Brett DeBruycker Dutton, MT Aam Aadmi Party announced the names of its 5 candidates Spokesman News Service, Chandigarh, October 30, 2018: The Aam Aadmi Party on Tuesday announced the names of its 5 candidates for upcoming Lok Sabha elections to be held in 2019. The decision was taken during the last meeting of state core committee held at Chandigarh. The party also appointed Talwandi Sabo MLA, Prof. Baljinder Kaur as the Chief Spokesperson of the state unit. Addressing the media at Chandigarh, the chairman of the state core committee Principal Budhram and Prof. Baljinder Kaur said that party has decided to field its sitting MPs, Bhagwant Mann and Prof. Sadhu Singh from their respective constituencies Sangrur and Faridkot. Advertisement Bhagwant Mann Dr. Ravjot Singh who had contested the 2017 vidhan Sabha election from Sham Churasi and got 42797 votes will be the AAP candidate from Hoshiarpur while AAP candidate from Mohali in 2017 vidhan Sabha election, Narinder Singh Shergill will contest from Sri Anandpur Sahib. Shergill was runner up from Mohali with 38971 votes. The party has announced AAP Majha zone incharge, Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal as candidate from Sri Amaritsar Sahib. Dhaliwal is a progressive farmer and has been involved in activities related to welfare of the society. Ravjiot Singh Advertisement Principal Budhram Said that all the candidates are old members of party and have worked hard at ground level for the upliftment of the party. He said that fulfilling the aspirations of the workers, the party has allotted tickets to people who are raising voice of the people of Punjab. Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal Prof. Baljinder Kaur said that Gujrat Model of Prime Minister Modi and Capt. Amrinder Model have failed drastically at centre and state respectively. Modi after getting the power at centre has let the people of country down by deceiving them of the promises made during polls. She said that the famers are agitating throughout the country and despite of providing them what was promised they are being thrashed by the police for raising voice. Advertisement Narinder Sungh Shergill The unemployment is mounting day by day and economy has gone to worst level of all times. Prof. Baljinder said that Capt. Amarinder came into power with hollow promises of providing jobs to the youth but has now reduced the salaries of the existing employees of govt. The farmers of the state are committing suicides due to the apathy of state govt and education system has completely collapsed in the state. Sadhu Singh Advertisement She said that Arvind Kejriwal led AAP govt. in Delhi is working hard to uplift the life standards of the people. The work done in the field of Education, Health, water supply etc. is being acknowledged by the media at international level. She said that AAP will fight general elections of 2019 on Arvind Kejriwal model. Navjot Singh Sidhu Spokesman News Service, Chandigarh, October 30: The Congress leader and Cabinet Minister, Punjab, Mr. Navjot Singh Sidhu today launched a scathing attack on the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and thundered that the SAD especially it's President Sukhbir Singh Badal have become adept at belting out packs of lies as is evident from the SAD President's statement in Darbar Sahib that he is ready to resign if the party wills it so. Attacking further, Mr. Sidhu questioned that are taksali leaders such as Ranjit Singh Brahmpura, Rattan Singh Ajnala, Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa and Sewa Singh Sekhwan not included in the party who have clearly voiced their disenchantment with the way SAD President is functioning which resembles that of a dictator. Terming the revolt of the taksali leaders as unprecedented, Mr. Sidhu said that the writing on the wall is clear for the badals. Advertisement Sukhbir Singh Badal Taking the attack into the SAD ranks, Mr. Sidhu said that Badal family has turned century old party into a private limited company and Parkash Singh Badal is so engulfed in his love for his son that he has been behaving like Dhritrashtra by being blind to the reality. The badal family amassed a huge fortune by looting Punjab as is evident from the five star hotels owned by the family while in power. The cabinet minister further said that what kind of a democracy is the Badal family practicing that all posts and power has been confined to the family with others treated like nothing. Why was Harsimrat Kaur Badal preferred over experienced leaders at the time of formation of Union Council of Ministers in 2014, asked Mr. Sidhu. Advertisement Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa Castigating Parkash Singh Badal for speaking blatant lies, Mr. Sidhu said that the former is stooping to the lowest level on the issue of rail tragedy in Amritsar and asking that Him (Navjot Singh Sidhu) was directly whereas it is a fact that he was in Kerala at that time. And further more, the hon'ble court has dismissed the petition seeking to embroil him (Mr. Sidhu) in the matter. Mr. Sidhu questioned that Parkash Singh Badal didn't care to visit Amritsar even once since the tragedy and is instead pointing out fingers at him. The minister made it clear that the truth is that the Badals want to deflect the attention from their horrendous role in bargari incident but the people of Punjab have seen through their devious ploy and would give them a befitting reply. Reiterating his commitment towards the people, Mr. Sidhu said that he would always stand shoulder to shoulder with the people in their hour of need as their welfare is an article of faith with him. A comprehensive worldwide strategy to accelerate the process of creating a vaccine against HIV was launched in Spain this month. The Global HIV Vaccine Enterprise Strategic Plan will run from 2018 to 2023, and aims to speed up vaccine rollout by making it easier to do R&D and complete the legal requirements of marketisation. The strategy was presented on 21 October at a conference in Madrid, Spain. Although the global number of new HIV infections is decreasing, the virus is on the rise among specific key populations, such as young women, sex workers and people who inject drugs, said Linda-Gail Bekker, a former president of the International AIDS Society (IAS). Once we have a vaccine, we cant waste time. We have to deal with regulatory bodies, governments and health systems. Much of that work can be done up front. Linda-Gail Bekker We have not yet managed to eradicate an infectious disease in the world without vaccines, she told SciDev.Net. [The strategy] will help us deal more effectively with the groups that are most affected by the virus and yet don't easily find our services. The strategy focuses on three areas of action: increasing funding for R&D, improving knowledge sharing among researchers and clearing regulatory pathways to ensure that a potential vaccine reaches the people who need it as fast as possible. Proponents of the strategy said it was urgent, because two ongoing clinical trials for a potential HIV vaccine are looking promising. Once we have a vaccine, we cant waste time, said Bekker. We have to deal with regulatory bodies, governments and health systems. Much of that work can be done up front. The Global HIV Vaccine Enterprise, a US-based body which oversees the strategy, has received funding from the US National Institutes of Health and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The body is already meeting with local governments in sub-Saharan Africa, where the clinical trials are taking place, to discuss vaccine access, manufacture, field studies and the legal requirements for selling and marketing the vaccine. Johan Vekemans, a medical officer at the World Health Organizations Initiative for Vaccine Research, says that global treatments like a potential HIV vaccine have extremely complicated administration regiments, involving national and international medical agencies, health systems and donors. We are entering a new era of complexity, he said. His comments were echoed by Peter Godfrey-Faussett, a senior science adviser at UNAIDS, who said a lot of preparation remained to be done if a potential HIV vaccine is to be brought swiftly to those affected, especially poor people and those in countries with less developed health systems. HIV is a changing epidemic with multiple outbreaks in different places, he said. Therefore, there are questions about who will benefit form the vaccine, who has to receive it, what countries can afford it or will receive external funding. The strategy could also be useful to manage the application of other HIV treatments, its proponents say, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a system under which populations are given drugs that lower the risk of infection. A study presented during a conference on 29 October in Glasgow, United Kingdom, showed that PrEP was safe to use. But Anton Pozniak, the IAS president, pointed out that only 300,000 people worldwide take PrEP while, in 2017, there had been 1.8 million new HIV infections. Two outback radio telescopes synchronised to observe the same point of sky have discovered more about one of the Universe's most mysterious events in new research published today. The Curtin University-led Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) and CSIRO's Australian SKA Pathfinder (ASKAP) telescopes were searching the sky for fast radio bursts, which are exceptionally bright flashes of energy coming from deep space. These extreme events last for only a millisecond but are so bright that many astronomers initially dismissed the first recorded fast radio burst as an observational error. In research published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters, astronomers describe how ASKAP detected several extremely bright fast radio bursts, but the MWA -- which scans the sky at lower frequencies -- did not see anything, even though it was pointed at the same area of sky at the same time. Lead author Dr Marcin Sokolowski, from the Curtin University node of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR), said the fact that the fast radio bursts were not observed at lower frequencies was highly significant. "When ASKAP sees these extremely bright events and the MWA doesn't, that tells us something really unexpected is going on; either fast radio burst sources don't emit at low frequencies, or the signals are blocked on their way to Earth," Dr Sokolowski said. advertisement Study co-author Dr Ramesh Bhat, who is also based at ICRAR-Curtin, said it required considerable co-ordination to get the CSIRO-led ASKAP telescope and Curtin-led MWA telescope pointed at the same area of sky at the same time. Both telescopes were able to capture the same view because the two telescopes are located side-by-side in the desert of Western Australia's remote Murchison region. "Fast radio bursts are unpredictable, so to catch them when both telescopes are looking in the same direction isn't easy," Dr Bhat said. "It took many months of ASKAP and the MWA co-tracking the same area of sky, ensuring the best overlap of their views possible, to give us the chance at catching some of these enigmatic bursts. "The challenge was in making it all happen automatically, but it really paid off." ICRAR-Curtin astronomer Dr Jean-Pierre Macquart, also a co-author of the research, said fast radio bursts have perplexed astronomers ever since the first burst was discovered in 2007. advertisement "It's really thrilling to have a clue about the origins of these incredible bursts of energy from outside our galaxy," Dr Macquart said. "The MWA adds an important piece of the puzzle and it was only made possible with this 'technological tango' between the two telescopes. "It's an exciting development because it unites the two teams and it brings home the advantage of having the two telescopes at the same site. "Future coordination between the teams will also benefit other areas of astronomy, as complementary views from the two telescopes can provide a more complete picture of a situation." As the global battle against malaria stalls, scientists may be adding a novel tool to the fight: sniffer dogs. In recent tests trained sniffer dogs successfully diagnosed malaria infections simply by sniffing samples from socks worn briefly by children from a malaria endemic area of West Africa, according to a new study presented today at the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH) Annual Meeting. "People with malaria parasites generate distinct odors on their skin and our study found dogs, which have an incredibly sensitive sense of smell, can be trained to detect these odors even when it's just on an article of clothing worn by an infected person," said Steven Lindsay, a public health entomologist at in the Department of Biosciences at Durham University in the United Kingdom and the lead investigator on the study. The research was conducted with colleagues from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), the Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, and experts from a charity, Medical Detection Dogs. The charity has trained dogs to detect a variety of maladies, including prostate cancer and people at risk of slipping into a diabetic coma. The canine malaria detection work was supported by a Grand Challenges grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which is seeking, among other things, new ways of diagnosing the disease that are non-invasive and quick. New tools are urgently needed because, after more than a decade of dramatic reductions in malaria infections and deaths, over the last two years the world has experienced a slight increase in both. Lindsay said the experiment began in The Gambia where several hundred school children, who had been recruited to join the trial, were checked for overall general health, sampled for malaria parasites and fitted with a pair of socks that they were asked to wear overnight. The next day, the socks were collected. The socks were sorted according to the malaria infection status of the children who had worn them. Only socks from children with malaria who did not have fever were selected, as were the socks from the children who were uninfected. The socks were then shipped to the United Kingdom where they were stored in a freezer at LSHTM for several months while the dogs were trained. For the test, trained dogs had to distinguish between socks from children with malaria parasites and socks from uninfected children. They were trained to sniff each sample and to freeze if they thought they detected malaria, or move on if they did not. Using just the sock samples alone, the dogs correctly identified 70 percent of the infected children and 90 percent of the uninfected children. advertisement The researchers said the accuracy of the dogs was impressive and they were identifying malaria infected children with lower levels of parasites than required to meet clinical standards for rapid diagnostic tests set by the World Health Organization (WHO). However, in the future this work needs to be expanded with more samples tested from different parts of Africa. But Lindsay said the dogs' success rate actually might have been higher -- up to 78 percent -- if the children with malaria were all carrying the same type of parasites. As malaria infections progress, the parasite goes through several stages of development. And Lindsay thinks that when it reaches a certain stage of maturity, the odor it generates on human skin changes. Further testing revealed some of the children were carrying these more mature parasites. But the dogs were not trained to detect their odor. Moreover, the researchers pointed out that the success rate potentially could have been higher if the dogs were actually with the children or were working with socks that had been worn recently, instead of samples that had been frozen for several months while the dogs were being trained. However, Lindsay and his colleagues said their work was only designed to be a "proof of concept study" to show that malaria diagnosis by dogs is possible. They believe that with more training and more samples, the dogs could end up with an accuracy approaching a clinical test. Meanwhile, Lindsay noted that some of the existing clinical tests for malaria are suffering setbacks because mutant malaria parasites are emerging that no longer produce the specific protein those tests are designed to detect. As for putting malaria detection dogs to work in the field, Lindsay said they could be helpful assistants in a malaria elimination campaign that requires treating anyone in a village or community who is still carrying malaria parasites, including those who are not showing symptoms. Currently, the only way to address the problem of "asymptomatic" carriers -- who still can cause new infections by passing along their malaria parasites to the local mosquito population -- is to test or treat an entire community. advertisement Lindsay said detection dogs could be useful for, at the least, significantly narrowing the focus of clinical testing and treatment efforts. He said detection dogs would operate best at ports of entry into countries which eliminated malaria or are close to elimination. For example dogs could detect people carrying malaria parasites in southern Africa or in places like the East African island of Zanzibar, where efforts to eliminate malaria are complicated by a steady stream of visitors arriving from the mainland where malaria remains common. In addition, Lindsay believes training dogs to detect specific scents associated with malaria also could inform work underway to develop artificial 'electronic noses' or 'e-noses' that can diagnose diseases based on smell. Professor James Logan, Head of the Department of Disease Control, at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said: "Worryingly, our progress on the control of malaria has stalled in recent years, so we desperately need innovative new tools to help in the fight against malaria. "Our results show that sniffer dogs could be a serious way of making diagnosis of people who don't show any symptoms, but are still infectious, quicker and easier." For next steps, the group is considering a follow-up study that would take samples from people in different parts of Africa to test whether parasites from one part of the continent present odors that are different from another part of the continent. "With this innovative approach, these researchers show that new tools to tackle malaria can come from unexpected places," said ASTHM President Regina Rabinovich, MD. "Funding to support these innovations is critical to achieving the global goal of eliminating -- and eventually eradicating -- malaria from its remaining strongholds." DNA-damaging agents, or "DDAs," make up the most widely used group of cancer drugs. Yet their therapeutic success has been curtailed by drug resistance -- either present in cancer cells from the disease onset or arising during treatment. Now, biologists at the University of California San Diego have discovered a new way of re-sensitizing drug-resistant human tumor cells to the potency of DDAs. UC San Diego Project Scientist Manqing Li, Professor Michael David and their colleagues describe on October 29 in Nature Structural and Molecular Biology how a human gene known as Schlafen 11 controls the sensitivity of tumor cells to DDAs. As such, their research may pave the way to new strategies to overcome chemotherapeutic drug resistance. In 1998, David Schwarz, working in UC San Diego Biological Sciences Professor Stephen Hedrick's lab, discovered the first Schlafen gene in mice. He named it for the German word for sleep because the gene's protein product can cause cells to stop dividing. In 2012 David and Li examined Schlafen 11, a human genetic counterpart of the original discovery, and uncovered its role in HIV replication. They found that the human Schlafen 11 gene encodes a protein that hinders the replication of HIV in infected human cells by blocking the synthesis of viral proteins without suppressing the host cell's overall ability to synthesize proteins. In the new follow-on study focusing on tumors, the researchers discovered a similar selective effect of Schlafen 11 on two "master controllers" of the DNA damage response: ATM and ATR, protein serine/threonine kinases known for their central roles in DNA damage repair. "We found that if you expose cells that have Schlafen 11to DNA damaging agents, the Schlafen 11 protein gets activated and suppresses the synthesis of ATM and ATR -- that's essentially what kills the tumor cells," said David, a professor in the Biological Sciences Section of Molecular Biology and UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center. "In cells that do not express Schlafen 11, you do not get this downregulation of ATM/ATR and that essentially allows the tumor cells to survive." Probing deeper into the mechanisms of how Schlafen 11 works on a molecular level, the researchers found that the activated Schlafen 11 protein cleaves a specific subset of transfer RNAs, which feature an extra stem loop in their structures. These tRNAs are not of the classic "three-leaf clover"-type design, but instead have distinctive "four-leaf clover" designs, distinguishing marks that likely serve as target points for Schlafen 11. Among those affected are all transfer RNAs for the amino acids leucine and serine. One of these in particular, "tRNA-Leu-TAA," is of extremely low abundance in the cell, but nevertheless the corresponding codon is used with high frequency in the ATM and ATR genes. When this tRNA is destroyed by cleavage, ATM and ATR are among the most susceptible targets of protein synthesis inhibition by Schlafen 11. Further investigation revealed that most of the genes involved in DNA damage repair display a similar skewing of their transfer RNA use towards tRNA-Leu-TAA as HIV does. The researchers then developed a new technique to re-sensitize Schlafen 11-deficient tumor cells to drugs by directly targeting tRNA-Leu-TAA. This intervention can influence the entire DNA damage repair pathway -- including ATM and ATR -- rather than inhibiting the function of one specific component at a time. Such a strategy, they say, could have significant potential in clinical cancer treatment and addressing the challenges of drug resistance. Study coauthor Jean Wang, professor emeritus in UC San Diego's School of Medicine, says knowing how cancer cells escape death when their DNA is damaged will create new strategies to enhance cancer cell killing through chemotherapy treatment. "These results suggest two ways to enhance the killing of cancer cells by DNA-damaging drugs by adding 1) ATR inhibitors or 2) tRNA inhibitors," said Wang. "The paper is also of significance to the basic research on DNA damage response because it shows for the first time that regulation of tRNAs determines when a damaged cell will survive or die." In addition to relevance to DNA damage and cancer, David notes that the new results carry potential applications in immunology and virology since the fundamental mechanisms behind Schlafen 11 are also at play in anti-HIV processes and likely with other viruses. David acknowledges the significant contributions of co-first authors Elaine Kao and Dane Malone, as well as to Xia Gao, of UC San Diego's Division of Biological Sciences, and Wang, professor emeritus of the Department of Medicine and UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center. Washington State University researchers have determined that the Nez Perce grew and smoked tobacco at least 1,200 years ago, long before the arrival of traders and settlers from the eastern United States. Their finding upends a long-held view that indigenous people in this area of the interior Pacific Northwest smoked only kinnikinnick or bearberry before traders brought tobacco starting around 1790. Shannon Tushingham, a WSU assistant professor and director of its Museum of Anthropology, made the discovery after teaming up with David Gang, a professor in the Institute of Biological Chemistry, to analyze pipes and pipe fragments in the museum's collection. "Usually in archaeology we just find little pieces of artifacts, things that you might not think much of," she said. "But the information that we can extract from them on a molecular level is phenomenal." Indeed, writing in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the researchers say their dating of various materials reveals "the longest continuous biomolecular record of ancient tobacco smoking from a single region anywhere in the world." Tushingham first became interested in the subject when, while excavating plank houses in far northern California for her dissertation, she came across two soapstone pipes. "I just thought, 'Wouldn't it be interesting to know what people were smoking?'" she said. "Then I started looking at the different plants and it wasn't just tobacco. People smoked lots of different plants. I realized it was an open question whether people had smoked tobacco in many places in North America." Indigenous tobacco is scarce in the cool climate of the northwest. Coyote tobacco, or Nicotiana attenuata, is found mostly on sandy river bars, while the natural range of N. quadrivalvus lies south of southwestern Oregon. advertisement Meanwhile, the more potent dried trade tobacco was easy to transport in bundles, or "twists," and Hudson's Bay Company explorers, fur traders and the Lewis and Clark expedition found an eager audience for it as they came through the region in the 1700 and 1800s. "This occurred so rapidly and so early in the historic record that a complete understanding of in situ pre-contact smoking practices has been obscured," Tushingham and Gang write in their paper. In the 1930s, anthropologist Alfred Kroeber oversaw a survey of more than 200 tribes and bands west of the Rocky Mountains. In one of the ensuing monographs, "Salt, Dogs, Tobacco," he reported that the smoking of non-tobacco products was "more universal," with planting confined to a "long irregular area" from the Oregon coast into south-central California. An accompanying map, however, shows three spots in the Columbia River basin where tobacco could have been mixed with kinnikinnick. Working with Nez Perce tribal leaders, Tushingham and Gang analyzed a dozen pipes and fragments from three sites on the Snake River. Gang said he could use a solvent to get the substance from a pipe and analyze it using mass spectrometry. That left the pipes intact. The technique extracts molecular amounts of residue on the surface and inside of the pipes, Gang said. "We don't want to destroy them. We don't want to damage them. We had one pipe that was 5,000 years old that we were really worried about that was sandstone." Results were inconclusive, but the pipe was fine. advertisement The researchers did detect nicotine in pipes from both after and well before Euro-American contact. None appeared to contain arbutin, a compound associated with kinnikinnick. Because tobacco in the interior northwest needed to be planted, Tushingham said their finding offers a new view of native interactions with the landscape. Indigenous people have often been thought of as "passive consumers of the environment," yet they managed camas and even grew clams on the coast, she said. "I think it's a very reasonable proposition that people were cultivating tobacco," Tushingham said. "This is just another sign of the sophistication of cultures in this area and how they managed plants and animals." The researchers hope that their findings will inform native smoking-cessation programs, acknowledging the deep cultural role of tobacco while addressing health problems. "If we know there's this eons-long use of psychoactive plants, doesn't that tell you something about human physiology, human health?" asked Tushingham. "Isn't that important information to know in terms of what we would do for treating people today, if we know more about the evolutionary history of this powerful plant and its long history of use by people?" The research was funded by the National Science Foundation. The other co-authors on the paper are Korey Brownstein and William Damitio of WSU and Charles Snyder of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. New Vanderbilt research finds how long humans and other warm-blooded animals live -- and when they reach sexual maturity -- may have more to do with their brain than their body. More specifically, it is not animals with larger bodies or slower metabolic rates that live longer; it is animals with more neurons in the cerebral cortex, whatever the size of the body. "Whether you're looking at birds or primates or humans, the number of neurons that you find in the cortex of a species predicts around 75 percent of all of the variation in longevity across species," said study author associate professor of psychology and biological sciences Suzana Herculano-Houzel. Body size and metabolism, in comparison, to usual standards for comparing animals, only predicted between 20-30 percent of longevity depending on species, and left many inconsistencies, like birds that live ten times longer than mammals of same size. Most importantly, humans were considered to be a "special" evolutionary oddity, with long childhood and postmenopausal periods. But this research, published in the Journal of Comparative Neurology, finds that's not accurate. Humans take just as long to mature as expected of their number of cortical neurons -- and live just as long as expected thereafter. THE STUDY In the study, Herculano-Houzel examined more than 700 warm-blooded animal species from the AnAge database which collects comprehensive longevity records. She then compared these records with her extensive data on the number of neurons in the brains of different species of animals. advertisement Herculano-Houzel color-coded the data for hundreds of species and found that parrots and songbirds, including corvids, live systematically longer than primates of similar body mass, which in turn live longer than non-primate mammals of similar body mass. "Likewise, for similar specific basal metabolic rates, parrots and songbirds live longer and take longer to reach sexual maturity than many mammalian species, especially non-primates," said Herculano-Houzel. She had seen that pattern before: her previous studies determining what brains are made of showed that parrots and songbirds have more cortical neurons than similar-sized primates, which have more cortical neurons than any other mammal of comparable body size. Her new analysis confirmed her suspicion: that longevity increases uniformly across warm-blooded species together with the absolute number of neurons in the cerebral cortex. "The more cortical neurons a species has, the longer it lives -- doesn't matter if it is a bird, a primate or some other mammal, how large it is, and how fast it burns energy," says Herculano-Houzel. advertisement ARE HUMANS UNIQUE? ASK GRANDMA Anthropologists and researchers interested in evolution and human behavior have been working under the assumption that one of the ways the human species is unique is that humans have an uncommonly long childhood and adolescent period to allow for learning and social interactions. If larger animals live longer, then gorillas should live longer than humans -- but they don't: humans outlive them. One favored hypothesis is that being cared for by grandmothers could have led humans to delayed sexual maturity and increased postmenopausal longevity beyond the expected. But Herculano-Houzel's new data show that humans are not an exception from other mammalian species. Given the number of neurons in our cortex, humans take as long as they should to reach sexual maturity -- and live just as long as expected for their number of neurons. Body size, it turns out, is irrelevant in matters of longevity. "Now we can say that humans spend just as long in childhood and live exactly as long after reaching maturity as you would expect for the number of neurons in our cerebral cortex," said Herculano-Houzel. Which is longer, compared to other species -- gorillas included -simply because humans have the most neurons in the cerebral cortex. "It makes sense that the more neurons you have in the cortex, the longer it should take a species to reach that point where it's not only physiologically mature, but also mentally capable of being independent," says Herculano-Houzel. "The delay also gives those species with more cortical neurons more time to learn from experience, as they interact with the environment." And if longer lives also accompany more cortical neurons, those species will also enjoy a greater overlap between generations, and so more opportunities to pass along what they learned. "Which means that grandma is still fundamental in the lives of those with plenty of cortical neurons; she's just probably not the reason why our species is long-lived," argues Herculano-Houzel. FUNCTION OF THE CORTEX What is the link between having more neurons in the cortex and living longer lives? Herculano-Houzel says that's the new big question researchers need to tackle. "The data suggest that warm-blooded species accumulate damages at the same rate as they age. But what curtails life are damages to the cerebral cortex, not the rest of the body; the more cortical neurons you have, the longer you will still have enough to keep your body functional," she says. Contrary to the rest of the body, which gets new cells that replenish old ones, cortical neurons are thought to have to last a lifetime. While the cortex is usually associated with cognition, Herculano-Houzel believes a much more basic function of the cortex is key to longevity. "The cortex is the part of your brain that is capable of making our behavior complex and flexible, yes, but that extends well beyond cognition and doing mental math and logic reasoning," said Herculano-Houzel. "The cerebral cortex also gives your body adaptability, as it adjusts and learns how to react to stresses and predict them. That includes keeping your physiological functions running smoothly and making sure your heart rate, your respiratory rate, and your metabolism are on track with what you're doing, with how you feel, and with what you expect to happen next. And that, apparently, is a key factor that impacts longevity," she adds. BRAIN SOUP Herculano-Houzel pioneered the method for rapidly and accurately measuring the number of neurons in brains. She creates "brain soup" by taking brain tissue and breaking down the cells, then applying fluorescent tags to the nuclei floating in the "brain soup" and counting them. In collaboration with Vanderbilt Distinguished Professor of Psychology Jon Kaas, she studied how many neurons compose different primate brains, including great apes. With colleagues in Brazil, she produced the first accurate count of the number of neurons in the human brain -- an average 86 billion, which makes it simply an enlarged primate brain. TAKE CARE OF YOUR BRAIN! Aging starts once humans and other species reach adolescence, and there's no way to gain back neurons. In fact, research shows humans can lose neurons in the prefrontal cortex. So Herculano-Houzel says taking good care of your mind, and keeping those cortical neurons healthy and busy, is the best bet to live long and well. The Securities and Exchange Commission announced that on March 29, 2018, Judge George B. Daniels of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York granted in part and denied in part Defendants Yorkville Advisors, LLC's, Mark Angelo's and Edward Schinik's motion for summary judgment. On May 18, 2018, Judge Daniels approved the parties' joint stipulation of dismissal, with prejudice, as to all remaining claims against Defendants. The Securities and Exchange Commission has obtained a preliminary injunction and continued asset freeze against two individuals and their companies involved in a scheme that generated more than $165 million of illegal sales of stock in at least 50 microcap companies. The court originally entered a temporary restraining order and asset freeze on October 2, 2018. The preliminary injunction and continued asset freeze order, which were entered by a federal district court in Massachusetts on October 26, 2018, preliminarily enjoined U.K. citizen Roger Knox and his Swiss-based company, Wintercap SA, from violating offering, antifraud, and registration provisions of the federal securities laws. It also preliminarily enjoined German citizen Michael T. Gastauer and six of his entities from aiding and abetting Knox and Wintercap's violations of the same provisions. The court's preliminary injunctions will remain in effect until the litigation of this matter is concluded. According to the SEC's complaint, Knox and Wintercap helped microcap securities holders evade federal securities laws that restrict sales by large shareholders. The complaint charges that Knox and Wintercap helped sellers conceal their stock ownership and provided anonymous access to brokerage accounts to sell the shares in the U.S. market. Gastauer allegedly aided and abetted the fraud by establishing several U.S. corporations and allowing Knox to use their bank accounts to disburse the proceeds of his illegal stock sales. The complaint also names as relief defendants two family members of Gastauer and a U.K. entity Gastauer controlled. In a parallel criminal action, on October 23, 2018, a federal grand jury in the District of Massachusetts indicted Knox on one count of securities fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud. The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that it has obtained a court order halting an ongoing fraud perpetrated by a registered stock broker and several companies he controlled. The SEC's complaint alleges that Sean Kelly used his companies, Lion's Share Financial of East Cobb, Inc., Lion's Share & Associates, Inc., and Lionsshare Tax Services, LLC, to raise at least $1 million from 12 investors, including elderly retirees, promising that he would invest their funds in a variety of investment products including private placements and real estate funds. Rather than investing the money, Kelly spent it on personal expenses including Super Bowl tickets, luxury vacations, and cash withdrawals. As alleged, Kelly continued to steal money from investors even after having received an SEC subpoena, and did not show up for his scheduled testimony after informing the SEC's staff that he would show up and "come clean." In a parallel action, on the same day, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia filed criminal charges against Kelly and arrested him. The SEC's complaint, filed on October 25, 2018 in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, charges Kelly with violating the antifraud provisions of Section 17(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 thereunder, and Sections 206(1) and (2) of the Investment Advisers of 1940. The SEC's complaint charges Kelly's companies with violating certain of those same statutes, or aiding and abetting certain of Kelly's (or his other companies') underlying violations. On October 26, 2018, the court granted the SEC's request for an asset freeze, temporary restraining order, and an accounting. The SEC seeks preliminary and permanent injunctions, disgorgement of allegedly ill-gotten gains plus interest, and civil penalties against Kelly. The Commission appreciates the assistance of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia and the Atlanta Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. SEC Complaint Order Granting Temporary Restraining Order, Freezing Assets, and Granting Other Relief Worshipers filing into Bay Area synagogues are being met this week by security guards and metal detectors in the wake of the horrific attack by a gunman in Pittsburgh on a Jewish congregation that left 11 people dead Jewish groups say they are beefing up security outside the doors of congregations and cultural meetings, particularly in places where vigils will be held for the Pittsburgh victims. The actions come in response to Saturdays attack, when a gunman walked into the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburghs Squirrel Hill neighborhood and shot 17 people, fatally wounding 11. Authorities said Robert Bowers had a history of writing anti-Semitic social media posts, and has been charged with 29 criminal counts including homicide, aggravated assault and ethnic intimidation. Today, we saw another horrific act of hate at a house of worship, Richard Cohen, president of the Southern Poverty Law Center, a hate-watch group that tracks extremist groups and crimes, said Saturday. This time, the murder of at least 11 congregants at Pittsburghs Tree of Life Synagogue by a man who reportedly shouted All Jews need to die before he opened fire. In the Bay Area, local Jewish leaders say that worshipers are fearful and that they hope the added security helps allay those fears. In San Francisco on Sunday, private security guards searched bags as a pair of police officers kept watch over an interfaith vigil at Temple Emanu-El. People had to walk through metal detectors before entering the synagogue. Executive director David Goldman said the temple typically increases security when there are big events on the premises like Sundays vigil and has used the metal detectors in the past and will continue using them. People are nervous, theyre angry, theyre scared, theyre concerned, Goldman said. They were happy to see the extra security that we had and that were taking it seriously. Since Saturday, multiple groups have been working with the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund, a San Francisco philanthropy and cultural organization, to discuss new safety protocols. We are also working with Jewish organizations and synagogues to identify additional needs, which may include active shooter and incident preparedness training, spokeswoman Kerry Philp said in a statement. In 1999, a white supremacist entered a Jewish Community Center in Granada Hills (Los Angeles County) and shot five people, citing his hatred of Jews. The added protection at San Francisco synagogues is a buffer against what could be threats of similar violence. According to the Anti-Defamation League, anti-Semitic incidents have risen sharply over the last decade, peaking in 2017 at 1,986 documented incidents. There has been an increase in anti-Semitic robocalls and social media posts in recent months, according to the federation. Those robocalls have targeted several prominent cultural groups and leaders, including Sen. Dianne Feinstein. The federation hired a dedicated community security director months ago, Philp said, and he requested additional security patrols for organizations that work with the federation from the state-funded Northern California Regional Intelligence Center, a government terrorism prevention and intelligence agency. His group also is helping organizations apply for security funding and plan safety workshops for congregation staff. Bay Area religious groups and leaders have condemned Saturdays shooting, calling on political leaders to take a stronger stance against extremism and hate. This highlights the increasing intolerance and hatred and requires leadership, said Oliver Benn, the executive director of San Francisco Hillel. At San Francisco Hillel near San Francisco State University, Benn said, the group in recent months installed additional front door security and surveillance cameras trained on the walkway. It was in response, he said, to unstable individuals rather than acts of terror. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. The security efforts even extended to student groups at Bay Area colleges hosting vigils. At San Jose State University, college students planned a Monday evening vigil that organizer Spencer Brodie called a safe space to mourn. We want to give people the opportunity to grieve and say what they need to say, Brodie said. A terrorist may kill some of us, but as a community we are strong and wont ever be defeated. Brodie said they had reached out to the universitys police department to inform them of the event. In San Francisco, police contacted San Francisco Hillel after the shooting, executive director Benn said. College students at a healing space hosted by San Francisco Hillel began brainstorming ideas for helping people process the trauma. The focus of the staff, Benn said, was on ensuring support for its students as they plan remembrance events. At UCSF, student leaders planned for a Monday afternoon vigil at Toland Hall, which was to be simulcast to its Mission Bay campus. Several vigils hosted by Jewish congregations and interfaith groups are also planned for this week in the East Bay, including Monday night at the Jewish Community Center of the East Bay in Berkeley and on Tuesday evening at Congregation Bnai Shalom in Walnut Creek. Gwendolyn Wu is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: gwendolyn.wu@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @gwendolynawu Two men are on the ballot for a key Congressional seat in the Central Valley. But if Democrat Josh Harder succeeds in ousting GOP incumbent Jeff Denham, women will be the ones who made the difference. Its hard not to think this after reading political writer Joe Garofolis account of the grassroots effort in the 10th Congressional district, which starts at the Altamont Pass and stretches east past Turlock. The people working hardest to organize their neighbors often are women who were terrified by the results of the 2016 presidential election. Theres Crystal Sousa, for instance a 35-year area resident who had never done anything political but vote before Donald Trump took office. She and a friend started a Facebook page to air their concerns. They held a protest outside Denhams office. More important, long-term, they spent months going patiently from door to door, hearing their neighbors political leanings and deeper concerns: We knew people (from the Bay Area) would show up closer to the election, Sousa told Garofoli. We wanted to be ready for them when they did. Sign up for Bay Briefing Like what you're reading? Subscribe to The Chronicle's Bay Briefing newsletter and get the Bay Area's best journalism in your inbox every weekday. See More Collapse One of those people was Beatrice von Schulthess of San Francisco, who quit her bookstore job shortly after Trumps election because I felt a threat to our democracy in a way that Ive never felt in any way before. She was in Turlock one Saturday this month along with hundreds of other volunteers. Denhams campaign does its best to paint this as an invasion of liberal elites, an assault on the valleys way of life. But its deep-rooted residents like Sousa who have laid the groundwork for next Tuesdays possible upset. Next Tuesday, well know the result. Top of the News Killers among us: Bay Area synagogues are responding to Saturdays mass killing at a Pittsburgh synagogue with vigils of solidarity. Theyre also adding security, fearful that in a nation where hate crimes are on the rise, anti-semitism might again take a violent form. At risk: Only in the past five years have transgender people in America begun to receive legal protection and recognition from our government. Now a leaked memo suggests the Trump administration might try to turn back the clock and deny that such people even exist a scenario described by one activist as such a cruel attack against a community that is already experiencing so much intense violence, harassment and discrimination. Lessons from afar: As San Francisco wrestles with the harrowing increase in addicts shooting up on city streets, should it look abroad for ways to clean things up? Thats what columnist Heather Knight suggests after meeting Portugals national drug coordinator. He described how his country turned the tide on a heroin epidemic by treating drug use as a public health problem, and drug dealing as a serious offense. Monthly burdens: This could be another blow to the Missions Latino heritage: Galeria de la Raza, a cultural mainstay since 1970, is threatened with eviction over high rents. The nonprofit thought it had a deal to pay the same rent to stay in a quarter of its 24th Street space for the next two years, but the owner also wants the gallery to spend the $1 million-plus to make the smaller space fully accessible. Legal upset: An arbiter has ruled that the Golden State Warriors must pay $40 million to the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Authority to settle debts related to 1997 renovation of Oracle Arena. To put the number in context, Steph Currys salary this season is $37 million. Call the Harlem Globetrotters: Speaking of eye-popping numbers, the Warriors scored 92 points Monday in the first half of their game with the Chicago Bulls. Leading the charge was Klay Thompson, who hit an NBA-record 14 three-pointers en route to the teams 149-124 victory. 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. Off-field moves: The one team not packing to leave Oakland, the As, wants to remain a contender after the clubs surprising 97-win season. Manager Bob Melvins contract has been extended through 2021. Executive Billy Beane of Moneyball fame received an extension as well. Charismatic choreographer: Columnist Caille Millner wanted to profile Anna Halprin, so she took part in one of the 98-year-old dance legends workshops even though Halprin had fractured her back not long before. When helpers tried to keep Halprin from doing personal demonstrations, Millner writes, I swear I could hear her eyes rolling at those assistants gall. The downside of Indian Summer: Not only is there no sign of rain in the forecast, the National Weather Service has issued a red-flag warning for hillsides in the East Bay and North Bay through Wednesday, citing high winds and low humidity. Michael Macor / The Chronicle The Kicker If youre one of those folks who feels trendy when you line up on a sidewalk to order a $15 bacon-sushi wrap infused with Sriracha sauce or some fusion-busting equivalent time for a gentle reality check. Food editor Paolo Lucchesi reminisces in a spirited essay how 10 years have passed since Mission Street Food debuted as the first local food truck that felt cool, insurgent and exciting. It spawned a full-blown restaurant and a landscape where, Lucchesi writes after one recent outing, On my way back to the office, I walked by too many food trucks to count. Bay Briefing is written by John King and sent to readers email inboxes on weekday mornings. Sign up for the newsletter here and contact King at jking@sfchronicle.com A federal court jury cleared a Silicon Valley tech company Monday of violating the rights of a transgender man who was fired after posting criticism of the company. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission sued IXL Learning Inc. of San Mateo last year over its treatment of Adrian Scott Duane, a suit that Duane later joined on his own. They contended IXL fired Duane, an Oakland resident, from his job as a product analyst in January 2015 because he had complained online about the companys treatment of minority and disabled employees. IXL said it had accommodated Duanes need for reduced work hours after sex-reassignment surgery, and described him as a discontented employee whose collection of false complaints and gripes had virtually nothing to do with any alleged discrimination. After a one-week trial and less than two hours of deliberation, the U.S. District Court jury in San Francisco found Monday that the EEOC and Duane had failed to prove he was fired in retaliation for protesting the companys treatment of transgender or disabled employees. Jeffrey Wilson, a lawyer for IXL, said afterward that the company considered Duanes online complaint a false and malicious attack on the companys products, managers, recruiting practices and the CEO, and fired him immediately for doing so. Duanes lawyer, David Marek, declined to comment on the verdict. Duane, who holds a Ph.D. in mathematics from UC San Diego, was hired in July 2013 by IXL, which makes math and English learning software for students in grades kindergarten through 12. He underwent sex-reassignment surgery in November 2014 and, after disability leave, asked to be allowed to spend part of his time working from home while recovering. Duane said the company resisted his request at first and eventually allowed the arrangement, with restrictions that were not applied to other employees. When he learned of the disparity in late December 2014, he said, he posted an anonymous message on Glassdoor.com, a job-evaluation site. If youre not a family-oriented white or Asian straight or mainstream gay person with 1.7 kids who really likes softball, then youre likely to find yourself on the outside in job assignments and overall treatment at IXL, the message read in part. It also included complaints about boring, menial work and alleged micromanagement by the companys chief executive, Paul Mishkin. 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. Duane said he met with his supervisor a week later and told him he had encountered discrimination in the workplace. Two days later, he was called to a meeting with Mishkin, where he said he expected to discuss his complaints. But Mishkin, who had learned that Duane was the author of the Glassdoor posting, asked him about it and then fired him. In defense of the firing, lawyers for IXL said Duanes posting showed a lack of judgment and ethics and that the negligible allegations of discrimination had nothing to do with his dismissal. Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko San Francisco likes to think of itself as on the cutting edge of everything. If its smart and compassionate public policy, the thinking goes, it probably started here. But any quick walk around downtown with widespread human misery on full display makes it obvious our city doesnt have all the answers. So who does? When it comes to drug policy, experts from around the world are looking to Portugal. Portugal? It doesnt come up in most San Franciscans daily conversations, but maybe it should. On Monday morning, I got the chance to interview Dr. Joao Castel-Branco Goulao, a physician and Portugals national drug coordinator. He helped his country craft its drug policies which are widely praised as both humane and effective. Neither adjective would be used to describe San Franciscos drug policy, which seems to revolve around looking the other way as users inject in public, toss their dirty needles on the sidewalks, and become sitting ducks for dealers who flock to the Tenderloin and South of Market, where they find ready markets. Lea Suzuki / The Chronicle The picture in Portugal wasnt pretty either back in the 1980s and 90s. According to Goulao, 100,000 residents of the country of 10 million were addicted to heroin. (That sounds bad, but its actually a lower percentage than in San Francisco. We have 885,000 residents, and 22,500 are injection drug users, according to the public health department.) By the end of the 90s, it was almost impossible to find a Portuguese family with no problem with heroin, Goulao said, adding that the epidemic was so widespread across all economic classes that the public was crying out for a humane solution. The government formed a commission, and Goulao was one of its members. They came up with a controversial solution: decriminalize drugs. That doesnt mean illicit drug use is legal. It means its treated as a public health problem, not a criminal one. He described it as akin to not wearing your seat belt. The government demands that you wear one for your safety, but its not going to send you to prison for not complying. Instead, it will fine you or send you to traffic school. In Portugal, the possession of any type of drug in amounts that would last one person 10 days or fewer is decriminalized. If a police officer catches someone with a small amount of any drug including cannabis, which is not legal in Portugal the person must report to a special commission within three days. That commission is composed of a lawyer, a psychologist and a social worker. It is not part of the criminal justice system, and there is no judge. The commission interviews the drug user and may recommend a psychologist to address underlying problems and suggest drug treatment facilities. The person doesnt have to comply, but if he or she declines, the file will stay open. If he or she is caught using drugs again, the consequence may be assignment to community service or a stay-away orders from the place the drugs were being used. If the person deviates from the path such as by not showing up for the commission appointment within three days or not obeying a stay-away order police may get involved. Police also arrest anybody with more than 10 days worth of drugs or people caught selling drugs. Dealers still face years in prison, Goulao said. One point he made tripped me up, because its so foreign to San Francisco. Here there are long waiting lists for many services, including drug treatment. Is there really always a spot in a drug treatment facility available in Portugal? Always, he said, looking surprised by the question. Always. He said the country spends 75 million euros about $85 million on drug treatment each year. The approach means Portugal never had to open a safe injection site a worthy idea considered in San Francisco, but now on hold after Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed a four-year trial. Goulao said there are still enough injection drug users to warrant trying the model, and a safe injection site in a van will start traveling around Lisbon by the end of this year. Two fixed sites will open in the nations capital city next year. But the concept is in addition to the countrys approach to drugs, not its entire plan, like here in San Francisco. So how is Portugals approach working? Goulao said cannabis use is still fairly widespread, but heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine use have lessened. He said the country has very little problem with meth or Fentanyl. He said it was common to see open-air drug use on the streets in the 1990s, but now its rare because of the requirement to report to the commission within three days. While unlimited clean needles are freely available at pharmacies in Portugal, its rare to see dirty needles on the street, he added. He said there was an average of one overdose death a day in Portugal before drugs were decriminalized, and there were 27 in all of 2016. In 1999, there were 1,793 new cases of HIV among drug users reported in Portugal. In 2016, there were 30. In 1999, 9,991 people sought treatment for drugs for the first time. In 2016, that number had dropped to 2,090. He said the total number of people in the country using any illicit drug has dropped from 100,000 to 40,000, and three-fourths of those are connected to treatment. Decriminalization was very important, Goulao said. It introduced coherency into our system. It respects the dignity of people who use drugs. Hes in San Francisco briefly before heading to New York to spread the word to journalists, drug treatment providers, and others about Portugals method and how it could work in the United States. I just want to share that we faced a devastating condition in my country, he said. Nowadays, drugs are one problem we face in society, but not the problem. 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. Portugals policies are well known to those who advocate for changes to San Franciscos approach to drug addiction. Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, who has studied the problem intensely since his election in June, said he likes the Portuguese approach because it offers more than a safe injection site. It offers treatment on demand to anybody who wants it an idea floated in San Francisco for decades but never achieved. The door should be really easy to walk through, and right now its really hard, Mandelman said of drug treatment. He also likes the practicality of Portugals approach the fact that drug dealing is still dealt with in the criminal justice system. Im asking for more police, not fewer, he said. There are parking lots in the Castro that everyone uses as places to sell drugs. Im asking to have those networks broken up. A group of advocates has been meeting since August to push treatment on demand in San Francisco. The concept was approved by 61 percent of voters back in 2008, but that measure had no teeth and no funding. Is that not the most classic of all San Francisco ballot initiatives? quipped Laura Thomas, deputy state director of Californias Drug Policy Alliance. Passage of Proposition C on the Nov. 6 ballot, which would raise taxes on the citys biggest businesses to generate $300 million in funding for homeless services every year, could help because it would provide an extra $75 million to mental health and drug treatment services. One of my goals is to get San Francisco to really develop a full Portugal model here, Thomas said. Its time for us to actually embrace approaches that work. San Francisco Chronicle columnist Heather Knight appears Sundays and Tuesdays. Email: hknight@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @hknightsf A San Francisco resident who pulled out two chainsaws Monday afternoon on a Richmond-bound BART train has been arrested, authorities said. A woman riding the northbound Richmond-Warm Springs line posted a video on Twitter at 4:34 p.m. showing a man saying, Cut your frickin head off, as he appears to try and start one of the chainsaws. Patrick Bingham, 47, was taken into custody after BART said it received multiple calls about a man wielding the chainsaws. In the video posted on Twitter, the man can also be heard saying, Oooh, yeah. Its electric, as he removes the second chainsaw from its box. The device was a 16-inch, battery-operated instrument, according to the package. The female passenger tweeted at BARTs account, THIS S AINT FUNNY @SFBART YALL HAVE TO DO BETTER WHAT THE F. BART responded on its Twitter account that police apprehended the man within minutes when he got off at Lake Merritt station. The agency did not comment on how Bingham obtained the chainsaws or got them into the station. Mondays arrest comes just months after a series violent attacks on BART station properties. Nia Wilson, 18, of Oakland, was stabbed to death July 22 on the MacArthur station platform in Oakland. 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 total, violent crimes on BART properties have increased by 69 percent in the last 10 years. Bingham was booked on suspicion of making criminal threats, exhibiting a deadly weapon and receiving stolen property at Santa Rita Jail. Officials said he had several outstanding warrants and is being held on $87,500 bail. Gwendolyn Wu is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: gwendolyn.wu@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @gwendolynawu The San Francisco Conservatory of Music celebrated groundbreaking for its new Bowes Center, at 200 Van Ness Ave., Thursday, with a rite that included speeches by Mayor London Breed and, of course, Conservatory President David Stull. Among those in attendance were Ute Bowes, who with her late husband donated $46 million for the building, and other donors of more than $5 million, including Eileen Blum, Bernard and Barbro Osher, Timothy and Virginia Foo, Carol Casey, and Gordon Getty. After the ceremonies, the Conservatory sent along a video of what must have been the most unusual musical offering on Van Ness in the history of that performing arts neighborhood, the bulldozer ballet, as performed to the Triumphal March from Aida. From Vanity Fair, February 2016, Evgenia Peretzs essay about cover girl Megyn Kelly: The brightest star at Fox News, Megyn Kelly is a newly minted feminist icon. ... Her occasional, yet highly entertaining, bucking of the conservative party line ... has even earned praise from liberals such as Chris Matthews, Joy Behar and Gayle King. ... Its not uncommon for the casual left-of-center viewer to say, in spite of himself, I kind of like her. ... And she owns her own sexuality in a way that feels real and lighthearted. From vanityfair.com, Oct. 26, 2018, Sonia Saraiyas essay: The myth that Megyn Kelly would turn into a thoughtful conservative-female journalist has never been more transparently false. ... In a season of scammers, Kellys emerging as the consummate con woman. She sold us all exactly what we wanted to believe in. P.S.: Overheard by Mark Abramson on Castro Street: On Halloween night Im going as Megyn Kelly ... in blackface ... looking for a job. Mary Ann Brownstein was volunteering at Park Day School in Oakland last week, when a first-grader answered a question almost correctly. Close, but no cigar, she told him. Whats a cigar? he asked. Its like a big brown cigarette, she answered. Whats a cigarette? he asked. Times have changed, says Brownstein. In this case, for the better. Theres no dialogue in Godfrey Reggios 1983 Koyaanisqatsi. The 85-minute-long film was shown at the McEvoy Foundation for the Arts on Wednesday night, and at the movies start when at least one of the invitees was wondering whether everyone else knew what koyaanisqatsi meant images of cave paintings are seen as a chorus of bassos performing the Philip Glass score say the word in an ominous-sounding chant. Foundation founder Nion McEvoy described it as not only a favorite of his but also relevant to the foundations current show, No Time, about relationships between humans and the natural world. That exhibition, he said, had been inspired by Orville Schells Coal + Ice exhibition, picturing devastation we humans have wreaked on the natural world. The movie begins in those caves but quickly moves to nature, showing massive rock formations, mountainsides, cloud shadows skittering across hills ... while the incessant rhythms of Glass music flow on all the while. When the filmmaker turns to urban scenes traffic moving in ribbons of light, commuters swarming like insects the music, sounding ever louder, and the images, moving ever faster, form a kind of unstoppable visual and aural vise the viewer cant escape. There are scenes in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and even San Francisco, though this audience was way too cool to shout out, Theres the Bay Bridge. Yes, that was there, too. Near the end of the film, we learn that koyaanisqatsi is a Hopi word that warns of environmental tragedy on several fronts. The first: If we dig precious things from the land, we will invite disaster. Googling to see whether the word is broadly used, I found Koyaanisqatsi had a subtitle: Life Out of Balance. This phrase wasnt shown with the movies opening frames; perhaps it was added after the films 1983 release. Its hard to think back and remember that time: Seems that environmental awareness was something on the level of knowing it wasnt good to throw cigarette butts out of the car windows. Weve come a long way, baby, but the path to awareness doesnt seem to have led us away from the edge of the cliff. Ready for Halloween festivities, Matt Regan says, Im going trick-or-truthing. Have a good time out there. PUBLIC EAVESDROPPING Oh my God, I never knew sashimi was so expensive. Ive never paid for it myself. Young woman to young man, overheard at Geta Japanese restaurant in Oakland by Sylvia Rubin Leah Garchik is open for business in San Francisco, 415-777-8426. Email: lgarchik@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @leahgarchik Donna Personna had come to expect what she described as the routine indignities of the Trump administrations policy moves against her transgender community. Removing federal protections for transgender children in schools. Attempting to ban transgender men and women from the military. Forcing transgender inmates into prisons based on their birth-assigned sex. They were hurtful attacks, said Personna, a transgender woman and longtime San Francisco resident. But the latest revelation that the administration was considering doing away with any acknowledgment of transgender identity at all was beyond belief. Its been a series of things that are shocking to me, and just so hateful and horrible. All these little murders, as I call them, Personna said. But hes taking it further now and saying, You dont exist. To be erased, she said. Can you imagine? Support hotline The Trans Lifeline hotline is 877-565-8860. It is operated from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily. See More Collapse Transgender people have fought for decades for the simplest of concessions: for recognition. For the right to be seen as their true selves. To be called by their chosen name, to be addressed by the appropriate pronouns, to see a gender on their drivers license that matched their identity. Their successes are recent. It was only five years ago that gender identity disorder was removed from the national catalog of mental illnesses a major step toward removing stigma around being transgender. A year later, Laverne Cox, a transgender actor, was featured on the cover of Time magazine. Olympian and transgender celebrity Caitlyn Jenner appeared on the cover of Vanity Fair not long after. President Barack Obama introduced new federal protections for transgender people across multiple government platforms: in schools, in prisons, in health care. In 2015, he condemned mistreatment of transgender people in his state of the union address. Amy Osborne / Special to The Chronicle The recognition and rights were hard-won but they were fresh, and they felt fragile. The news last week, that the Trump administration was considering a policy change that wouldnt just revoke certain rights but dismiss the identities of transgender people, was appalling, say transgender men and women and their supporters. The news came Oct. 21, via a memo from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that was leaked to the New York Times. The department was urging federal agencies to apply a strict definition of sex: only male or female, based on peoples genitals at birth or on genetic testing if theres any confusion. The next day, Trump confirmed that policy changes were under consideration but would not go into specifics. The science behind such a suggestion is entirely without merit, said experts in transgender health. Gender identity is not based on external genitals or on chromosomes. Its a blend of biology and environment and culture. Were still learning how complex gender is, said Dr. Tandy Aye, medical director of the Stanford Pediatric and Adolescent Gender Clinic. The narrow definition recommended in the Health and Human Services memo would essentially revoke federal acknowledgment of transgender people. If formalized, it would do away with any anti-discrimination protections. It would be a devastating setback for transgender rights, say people in the community. Amy Osborne / Special to The Chronicle If the Trump administration makes any moves toward introducing actual policy, the transgender community is prepared to fight back legally, said Kris Hayashi, executive director of the Transgender Law Center in Oakland. But even the mere suggestion of such an erasure whether it becomes policy or not is a blow, he said. In saying that transgender people do not exist I mean, I know I exist. My community, we know we exist, Hayashi said. To take any step to deny that existence is just such a cruel attack against a community that is already experiencing so much intense violence, harassment and discrimination. Ultimately, it is about denying our very humanity. About 1.4 million American adults identify as transgender, surveys have found. Tens of thousands of teenagers are transgender. Thousands more people identify as nonbinary, meaning they do not consider themselves strictly male or female. Last year, California became the first state to recognize nonbinary as a third gender. And indeed, some protections that would be revoked under federal policy would remain in place in California and some other states that are friendlier toward transgender communities. Studies have found that transgender people have much higher rates of depression, anxiety and suicide than the general U.S. population. According to some reports, up to half of all transgender people deal with serious mental health issues. Its not their identity that causes mental health problems, but rather the discrimination, stigma and verbal and physical abuse that they regularly face the little murders, Personna said. One study from the Netherlands showed that simply offering gender-affirming health care recognizing a patients gender identity improved mental health in transgender children and teens. What if somebody said something very fundamental about you doesnt exist? It invalidates a fundamental aspect of who you are, said Dr. Stephen Rosenthal, medical director of the Child and Adolescent Gender Center at UCSF Benioff Childrens Hospital in San Francisco. Obviously, thats going to be very negative. Agencies that work with transgender people said the community is alarmed by the proposal. Karyn Skultety, executive director of Openhouse, a housing group for LGBT seniors, said shes noticed clients isolating themselves, or showing flashes of anger and grief when they would otherwise be fine. Amy Osborne / Special to The Chronicle You can hear the fear and exhaustion in their voices, Skultety said. On Tuesday, Openhouse planned to hold a community discussion around the Trump administration news, partly to come up with a plan of action, but also simply to welcome transgender people and their allies to come together for support, Skultety 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. At Trans Lifeline, a national suicide prevention program based in Oakland, calls to the hotline more than quadrupled last week, said executive director Sam Ames. Some were regulars who check in nearly every day for support, but the agency also got more first-time callers than ever. The agency saw similar jumps after the military ban proposal and other anti-transgender policies were announced, but last weeks reaction was unprecedented, Ames said. People are in pain. Theyre hurting. These proposals are dehumanizing by nature, Ames said. But in the darkest moments they are reaching out to us anyway, they are speaking up and they are fighting for their lives. The fact that our lines are ringing off the hook is the most resilient sound I could imagine. Personna said she knows that some of her peers in the transgender community are sinking into grief and depression under the weight of the latest news. She understands it. Trump got me, too, she said. I cry when Im alone. But Personna, who is 72, has survived darker times. At the moment she is producing a play that she wrote based on the Comptons Cafeteria Riot in 1966, when a group of transgender women pushed back against police harassment at a Tenderloin diner they frequented. It was one of the first major LGBT protests three years before the Stonewall Riots in New York and marked the start of transgender activism. The news from the Trump administration hit her cast hard, Personna said. Theyre heartbroken. Theyre very emotional, she said. Were all really tender. But Donna Personna is a warrior, she added. It turns into anger for me, and then I hit the streets. She said shes metaphorically shaking shoulders and demanding that her peers and her allies take action. The play is one form of activism. She also speaks to groups for young people, for older people anyone who will listen. For a while, her community was making real progress, Personna said. Finally, after so many decades, they were being seen. We had moments, days when we thought, Were normal. And the world recognizes that and theyre going to let us live. And then its not happening, she said. We just have to fight harder and longer. Thats what I say. All day long, when I see people, I tell them: We have to fight like nobody. Like nobody. Erin Allday is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: eallday@sfchronicle.com What was to become the most influential San Francisco restaurant of the past decade materialized in an antojitos truck on the corner of 21st and Mission streets. There, on a random October 2008 evening, a few hours after the vice presidential debate between Joe Biden and Sarah Palin, a group of friends decided to sell scallion flatbreads topped with pork belly and jicama for a few bucks. They were led by a married couple a young cook named Anthony Myint and a grad student named Karen Leibowitz. Even before the first PB&J emerged from the steamy window, a line snaked down the block, appearing just as suddenly as the truck itself. This was the beginning of Mission Street Food, an experimental venture born out of a perfect confluence of factors, in both the local restaurant scene and greater San Francisco as a whole. In the midst of the recession, when safer businesses like pizzerias and burger joints were proliferating through the city, Mission Street Food flaunted a new kind of underdog dining experience: weird, community-driven, charitable, inexpensive, accessible and just ... fun. Mission Street Food ushered in the era of modern food trucks and pop-up dinners pillars of the way the Bay Area eats today. Perhaps more important, Mission Street Food shattered all expectations of what a restaurant can and should be, a sustained revolution that continues to impact both chefs and diners. Eric Luse / The Chronicle More Information Mission Street Food 10th Anniversary Party Thu., Nov. 15, at the Perennial (59 Ninth St.), 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m., featuring $10 dishes from Anthony Myint and cast of friends, including Jason Fox (Commonwealth), Liz Prueitt (Tartine), Reem Assil (Dyafa) and many more. More information and tickets at www.theperennialsf.com See More Collapse Ill never forget the opening line of the email that landed like a bomb in my in-box on the afternoon of Oct. 2, 2008: High-falootin line cook from Bar Tartine goes all nitty gritty and s. The email went on to outline a food truck pop-up happening that night. It wasnt a press release, nor even anything sanctioned by the cook in question, who would turn out to be Myint. It came from one of his friends, and explained that he would be subletting a Guatemalan antojitos truck on a weekly basis, every Thursday from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Then, San Francisco street food barely existed beyond our beloved taco trucks, lagging far beyond the myriad options of other major metropolitan areas. For me, then the editor of Eater SF, this breaking news item was supremely interesting. The note ended as suddenly as it began, with a line that may have been a mission statement, a plea to support the unseen workers that make restaurants possible: Support local line cooks. If youre a local restaurant junkie, you know where this story goes. On that first night, a large crowd gathered on that Mission corner. The same thing happened the next week. The crowds persisted, so after a few weeks, Mission Street Food moved into Lung Shan, a nondescript Chinese restaurant up the road, at 2234 Mission St. In this hermit-crab-like arrangement, Mission Street Food would operate twice a week, each night with a different menu and different guest chefs. On the five other days of the week, Lung Shan would be the sites sole occupant. Each pop-up dinner would contribute a portion of proceeds to charities of the visiting chefs choice. Eric Luse / The Chronicle Just as important to this origin story is how its so very different from the stories of the time. Buttoned-up restaurants like the Plumed Horse and Spruce were among Esquires top new Bay Area restaurants. The Ritz, Danko and Masa were the towns fine dining stalwarts, holdovers from another era. Otherwise, the economy was struggling, and San Francisco dining was in a bit of a lull. Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, Kogi was starting a food truck revolution, thanks to a new communication platform named Twitter, and hot spots like Animal and Gjelina were bringing new swagger and raucous fun to sit-down restaurants. Now, San Francisco had its obsession. Fueled by a power vacuum of innovation and a rush of technological advances (blogs! social media! iPhone cameras!), Mission Street Food became a runaway hit. Even as it was largely ignored by mainstream media in those initial months, it spurred San Francisco into our current landscape, where multicultural food trucks are on every corner and pop-up restaurants are a de facto part of young cooks resumes. The cultural shift extended to the kitchen, too. Mission Street Food gave a platform to young cooks, the invisible soldiers behind your favorite restaurants, the worker bees you rarely hear about. The pop-ups showed a generation that new opportunities were available. Until this moment, talented local cooks were trapped in a system where they had to work their way up the ladder until they had enough money or investors to open a restaurant. Here, within a Chinese takeout restaurant, for one night, they could cook the food they dreamed about. A Magnolia chef named Brandon Jew got to cook his version of Chinese American food, eight years before opening Mister Jius in Chinatown. Nick Balla served $9 ribeyes. San Francisco diners got to eat the food of Tia Harrison, Veronica Salazar, Ryan Farr, Mari Takahashi and even a then-unknown pesto world champion named Danny Bowien. Mission Street Food attracted a group of people who might not have felt like they belonged in a white tablecloth restaurant world. For someone like me, making $40K a year but hugely interested in food (yet not the Myths and Aquas of the city), Mission Street Food was also a place to experience innovation and learn about global food. It was where I heard names like Rene Redzepi, Michel Bras and Pascal Barbot, and tried to understand Heston Blumenthals granulated burger. And it was fun. Hell, Bowien did an egg-tasting menu. It included bacon cheeseburger scotch eggs and egg nog milkshakes. Chris Ying, who would go on to win media awards at Lucky Peach, hosted Mission Stoned Food, complete with dishes like inverted nachos and a terrine of candy bars that bore the name Milky Snwixerteers Kat. That was Mission Street Food at its core. Liz Hafalia / The Chronicle Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more. This week, Los Angeles dining community is mourning the loss of a small, funky Korean restaurant, Baroo, itself a short-lived favorite. Many of the words used to describe Baroo today unlikely, spirited, affordable, experimental could be used to describe those first months of Mission Street Food. Its singularity said as much about Myint and Leibowitz as it did about the greater San Francisco restaurant industry. It didnt matter that the food was served on paper plates, or that it took forever to come out of the cramped kitchen. It was honest and transparent. Under the neon lights, eating at Mission Street Food felt cool, insurgent and exciting. By summer 2010, Mission Street Food became Mission Chinese Food, a permanent restaurant that quickly garnered national acclaim. Its still there, as are its sister restaurants, Commonwealth and the Perennial. They are still raising money for charity Commonwealth alone has raised over $350,000 for various local causes. A few weeks ago, I ran into Leibowitz at the Perennial, a restaurant built to combat climate change. I brought up the first Mission Street Food pop-up, in the truck on Mission and 21st. We laughed about how she thought that would be a one-night thing, and here she is, a decade later, still in the business and getting highlighted in the New Yorker as one of the countrys most innovative restaurateurs. Then I had lunch at Smokebread, a pop-up restaurant from Nick Balla blending Asian and European influences. On my way back to the office, I walked by too many food trucks to count, and then I saw small restaurants tucked into larger restaurants. Mission Street Food would prove to be an unsustainable, impractical dream. But look around San Francisco, and youll see its legacy everywhere. Paolo Lucchesi is the food editor of the San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: plucchesi@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @lucchesi PITTSBURGH The man accused in the Pittsburgh synagogue massacre appeared briefly in federal court in a wheelchair and handcuffs Monday to face charges he killed 11 people in what is believed to be the deadliest attack on Jews in U.S. history. Robert Gregory Bowers, who was wounded in a gun battle with police during the shooting rampage, was released from a hospital in the morning and a few hours later was wheeled into the courtroom, where he was ordered held without bail for a preliminary hearing on Thursday, when prosecutors will outline their case against him. During the court appearance, Bowers talked with two court-appointed lawyers, went over documents and confirmed his identity to a judge, saying little more than Yes in a soft voice a few times. Courtroom deputies freed one of his hands from cuffs so he could sign paperwork. He did not enter a plea. He was expressionless. It was not the face of villainy that I thought wed see, said Jon Pushinsky, a congregant at Dor Hadash, which lost one of its members to the massacre. Federal prosecutors set in motion plans to seek the death penalty against the 46-year-old truck driver, who authorities say expressed hatred of Jews during the rampage and later told police, I just want to kill Jews and All these Jews need to die. After the hearing, U.S. Attorney Scott Brady called the shootings horrific acts of violence and added: Rest assured we have a team of prosecutors working hard to ensure that justice is done. The first funeral for Cecil Rosenthal and his younger brother, David was set for Tuesday. Survivors, meanwhile, began offering harrowing accounts of the mass shooting Saturday inside Tree of Life Synagogue. Barry Werber, 76, said he found himself hiding in a dark storage closet as the gunman tore through the building. I dont know why he thinks the Jews are responsible for all the ills in the world, but hes not the first and he wont be the last, Werber said. Unfortunately, thats our burden to bear. It breaks my heart. The White House announced President Trump and first lady Melania Trump will visit Pennsylvania on Tuesday to express the support of the American people and to grieve with the Pittsburgh community. The response to Trumps plans to visit has been mixed. Leaders of a liberal Jewish group in Pittsburgh wrote an open letter to the president, saying he was not welcome until he denounced white nationalism. But Rabbi Jeffrey Myers with the Tree of Life synagogue made clear Trump would be welcome, telling NBC, It would be my honor to always meet a president of the United States. The weekend massacre which took place 10 days before the midterm elections heightened tensions around the country, coming just a day after the arrest of the Florida man accused of sending a wave of pipe bombs to Trump critics. Bowers killed eight men and three women before a police tactical team shot him, authorities said. Six other people were wounded, including four officers. Four of the wounded remained hospitalized Sunday night, two in critical condition. Maryclaire Dale, Claudia Lauer and Allen G. Breed are Associated Press writers. President Trump says he plans to issue an executive order eliminating birthright citizenship for U.S.-born children of undocumented immigrants. His announcement, in an interview with Axios on HBO, is due to air Sunday, two days before midterm elections in which Republicans have sought to make unauthorized immigration a central issue. Trump has accused Democrats of fomenting an invasion by a caravan of Central American migrants now in Mexico, about 1,000 miles south of the U.S. border and proceeding northward on foot. Democrats say Trump is using the issue to whip up fear on the eve of the election. What is birthright citizenship? A right, recognized by about 30 nations, including the U.S., to claim citizenship in the country where you were born. What does the Constitution say about birthright citizenship? The Fourteenth Amendment, one of three constitutional amendments enacted after the Civil War to promote equality, begins, All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. How has the Supreme Court interpreted that language? In a 6-2 ruling in U.S. vs. Wong Kim Ark in 1898, the court said all U.S.-born children are U.S. citizens at birth, with a few narrow exceptions, including children of foreign diplomats and children of hostile forces occupying the U.S. All others, regardless of parentage, are subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and thus protected by the Fourteenth Amendment, the court said. The case before the court involved a San Francisco man who was denied permission to leave a steamship and return to his home in the city because his parents were noncitizens who had been born in China, but were living legally in this country. The court did not draw a distinction between the children of parents who were documented or undocumented, and the ruling has generally been interpreted as conferring citizenship on all children born in the United States. But a future Supreme Court could make that distinction. Does Trump have the power to enforce his executive order? No, unless the court revisits and reinterprets or overturns the 1898 ruling. Such an order, if it were to take effect, would apply only to future children, not to those already holding birthright citizenship. As of November 2016, according to the Pew Research Center, there were 3.9 million U.S. children in grades kindergarten through 12 whose parents included at least one undocumented immigrant. What would it take to abolish birthright citizenship? Unless the Supreme Court changes course on the issue, it would require a new constitutional amendment. A new amendment can be proposed by Congress, with two-thirds approval in both houses, or by a constitutional convention called by legislatures in two-thirds of the states. Final approval requires ratification by legislatures in three-fourths of the states. Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko TURLOCK, Stanislaus County If Democrats defeat four-term Central Valley GOP Rep. Jeff Denham in one of the nations most competitive congressional races next week and retake the House, it will be because of women who took Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco, at her word when she urged opponents of President Trump: Dont agonize, organize. This has been dubbed the Year of the Woman in politics because of the record number of women running for office. But the Central Valley race is symptomatic of another trend, especially among Democrats: Women, often with little political experience, have taken lead organizing roles even before candidates appeared to challenge incumbents. Their common theme: They moved beyond complaining to their friends to getting involved in a local race. They used social media to organize, not just repost the latest story from the liberal echo chamber. More than a year ago, Crystal Sousa and Janet Smith organized a protest against Denham in Turlock. Fifteen people showed up, and we were so excited, Sousa said. The name of their group, Be the Change Turlock, seemed optimistic in a town with little history of activism. Ive lived in Turlock and now (nearby) Denair for 35 years, and Ive never seen yard signs for a Democrat, Sousa said. Ive never seen people at farmers markets or at fairs advocating registration for Democrats. People were scared, and I think its because the other side was louder and angrier. She and Smith connected through a Facebook group of like-minded neighbors who were concerned after Trumps election, and eventually joined with more than a dozen other local and national groups to work together. Neither was politically active before. But they were concerned about what Trump was saying about appointing anti-abortion-rights judges to the Supreme Court. And Smith worried about what might happen to her two children, who are gay. Oh, sure, I voted, Smith said. But before we started, I didnt even know where Denhams office was. Now Playing: Janet Smith, a co-founder of Be the Change Turlock, shows off some of the street activism props the group used to protest Rep.Jeff Denham Video: San Francisco Chronicle Over the past year, they went door to door to find out what issues mattered to their neighbors. They learned who might support a Democrat and who wouldnt vote Democratic in a thousand years. We knew people (from the Bay Area) would show up closer to the election, and we wanted to be ready for them when they did, Smith said. On a recent Saturday morning, Sousa and Smith stood on the corner of North Olive Avenue and East Tuolumne Road in Turlock, where 369 volunteers had gathered to learn where they would be going door to door to campaign for Josh Harder, the Democratic venture capitalist challenging Denham. Many had driven over the Altamont Pass from the Bay Area to meet there with local organizers. The day Sousa and Smith were planning for had arrived. Sousa looked around and said, Its so beautiful and rewarding. For Democrats to flip the House, they need to persuade more Millennials to vote in a midterm election. Its an uphill climb in Denhams district, where only 19 percent of registered voters under age 35 voted in the 2014 election. That might change. Tom Steyer, the billionaire San Francisco hedge fund manager-turned-Democratic activist, has invested $120 million through his NextGen Rising organization in getting young voters to the polls in 2018 and into his campaign to impeach Trump. He spent $3.5 million in California and hired organizers like Yvette Schopp-Ortega. Shes been canvassing since she was a teenager, when she spent summers with an older cousin who was a union organizer in Los Angeles. Since January, Schopp-Ortega has been going from home to home in Modesto, speaking English at one door, Spanish at the next. Shes focused on recruiting new voters from Modesto Junior College, which she attended. She has registered 1,603 students there more than at any other community college targeted in Steyers national program. One of her biggest supporters is her mom, who immigrated to this country from Mexico, then worked for nearly 40 years at a Kraft factory in Modesto until it shut down a few years ago. Now 63, Schopp-Ortegas mom works the swing shift doing maintenance in a Tracy warehouse. Much of the work Schopp-Ortega does is on behalf of women like her mom, whom she calls my hero. My mom keeps asking me when Im running for office, Schopp-Ortega said. But she prefers to remain behind the scenes. Honestly, I like making a difference like this. I want to be able to hold people accountable. Then theres Beatrice von Schulthess. Shortly after Trump won, the 60-year-old San Franciscan approached her boss at the bookstore where she worked and said, I need to quit. I felt a threat to our democracy in a way that Ive never felt in any way before, von Schulthess said. I didnt feel that I could go on about my life and rely on somebody else to make change. In those early days of the Trump administration, there were dozens of political start-ups trying to channel the energy and passion of people like von Schulthess. She hooked up with Swing Left, which pairs activists with Democratic campaigns in the nearest swing district. For von Schulthess, that was Denhams Central Valley district, which she had only driven through on her way to the mountains. Thats changed. She has made dozens of weekend trips there over the last year, including driving there every weekend since the June primary. Denham derides such day-tripping volunteers as importing liberal Bay Area values for his opponent, whom he has dubbed Bay Area Harder for the brief time the Democrat lived in San Francisco. Von Schulthess, however, says Central Valley voters arent that different from people in the Bay Area. They care more about health care and making sure their families are covered, she said, than they do about the investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election. I was scared to death at first when I went there, von Schulthess said. I was thinking, Whats it going to be like and what would they think of me? But it turned out that we had a lot in common. Joe Garofoli is The San Francisco Chronicles senior political writer. Email: jgarofoli@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @joegarofoli With the midterm elections just days away, theres little indication that California is seeing a blue wave of Democratic votes, at least in the early returns of vote-by-mail ballots and in some key races that will help determine control of the House, Republican voter response has been strong. There are still a lot more ballots to come in, cautioned Paul Mitchell, vice president of Political Data Inc., which supplies voter information to a variety of political campaigns. But so far, according to a mail ballot tracker he runs, Republican votes are keeping pace with the number of Democratic ballots. Looking at the comparable numbers, the statewide mail ballot returns at this point are running about 40 percent higher than the primary, 1.7 million to 1.2 million, he said. Interest is definitely high in the Republican-held congressional districts that Democrats are looking to flip in their quest to gain the 23 seats they need to take back control of the House. For example, in Orange Countys 45th Congressional District, where Republican Rep. Mimi Walters is running against Democrat Katie Porter, the vote-by-mail return by the weekend was almost double what it was at the same point in the June primary, Mitchell said. In the 48th district, where GOP Rep. Dana Rohrabacher of Costa Mesa (Orange County) is being challenged by Democrat Harley Rouda, the number of mail-in ballots was up 84 percent. In the Central Valleys 10th district, there was a 69 percent jump in mail-in ballots from voters deciding between Republican Rep. Jeff Denham and Democrat Josh Harder. But the boost might not be helping Democrats. In the Walters versus Porter race, for example, Democrats made up 31 percent of those who received mail ballots, while Republicans made up 37 percent. As of Monday, however, the total number of ballots coming back favored Republicans, 45 percent to 31 percent. The numbers were similarly lopsided in Rohrabachers district, while in the Denham versus Harder race, Democratic and Republican returns were about even. Thats not really a surprise, Mitchell said, since the first ballot returns typically skew toward Republicans. Traditionally, these early returns represent voters who are homeowners, more affluent and more white, he said. These are people who vote in every election. Ultimately, about two-thirds of Californians will cast their votes by mail, if the primary is any guide. While Democrats like billionaire investor Tom Steyer have put millions of dollars into efforts to bring young people out to vote in this years midterm elections, theres little sign thats working in California, at least so far. One of the most striking statistics is that voters 18 to 34 and those 65 and older each make up about a quarter of Californias registered voters, Mitchell said. But in the early mail voting returns, he said, seniors make up about half of those ballots, while younger voters are less than 1 in 10. In the Orange County district represented by retiring GOP Rep. Ed Royce of Fullerton, Republican Young Kim is locked in a tight battle with Democrat Gil Cisneros. But only 9 percent of the returned ballots there come from voters ages 18-34, who tend to vote Democratic. Thats compared to the 48 percent from seniors, who are more likely to back Republicans. Maybe some of it is young voters who dont know where they keep the stamps, but if you believe the hype about the blue wave, we should start to see some changes as election day approaches, Mitchell said. The late ballots and those turned in on election day tend to be from Democratic voters, but there has to be a significant uptick to flip California districts that Republicans, in many cases, have held for decades. And a surge in Democratic turnout, both in mail ballots and at the polls, may not be enough to oust GOP officeholders if Republicans can match that enthusiasm. You have to see Democrats do better in those targeted seats to win, Mitchell said. If both parties are doing better, that might not be good enough for Democrats. John Wildermuth is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jwildermuth@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jfwildermuth With the midterm elections just days away, theres little indication that California is seeing a blue wave of Democratic votes, at least in the early returns of vote-by-mail ballots and in some key races that will help determine control of the House, Republican voter response has been strong. There are still a lot more ballots to come in, cautioned Paul Mitchell, vice president of Political Data Inc., which supplies voter information to a variety of political campaigns. But so far, according to a mail ballot tracker he runs, Republican votes are keeping pace with the number of Democratic ballots. Looking at the comparable numbers, the statewide mail ballot returns at this point are running about 40 percent higher than the primary, 1.7 million to 1.2 million, he said. Interest is definitely high in the Republican-held congressional districts that Democrats are looking to flip in their quest to gain the 23 seats they need to take back control of the House. Michael R. Blood / Associated Press For example, in Orange Countys 45th Congressional District, where Republican Rep. Mimi Walters is running against Democrat Katie Porter, the vote-by-mail return by the weekend was almost double what it was at the same point in the June primary, Mitchell said. In the 48th district, where GOP Rep. Dana Rohrabacher of Costa Mesa (Orange County) is being challenged by Democrat Harley Rouda, the number of mail-in ballots was up 84 percent. In the Central Valleys 10th district, there was a 69 percent jump in mail-in ballots from voters deciding between Republican Rep. Jeff Denham and Democrat Josh Harder. But the boost might not be helping Democrats. In the Walters vs. Porter race, for example, Democrats made up 31 percent of those who received mail ballots, while Republicans made up 37 percent. As of Monday, however, the total number of ballots coming back favored Republicans, 45 percent to 31 percent. The numbers were similarly lopsided in Rohrabachers district, while in the Denham vs. Harder race, Democratic and Republican returns were about even. There is reason for Democrats to take heart as well, however: Early returns often skew Republican. To read political writer John Wildermuths full analysis, click here. Deep dives and late takes Bay Area voters looking to flip the House dont have much to work with at home: Every congressional district is safely blue. So some are traveling into the Central Valley to try to knock off the closest Republican. That Central Valley district is also a prime example of a trend in Democratic politics women are dominating the grass-roots campaigns seeking to grab seats from Republicans. In Orange County, meanwhile, Democratic hopes of defeating Republican House candidates is running up against a bit of reality the GOP may be weakened there, but its far from dead. Sign up for Political Punch Like what you're reading? Sign up for the Political Punch newsletter on our sign-up page. It's sent twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and provides an expert political perspective with a Golden State spin. See More Collapse Theres nothing hotter on the San Francisco ballot than Proposition C, which would tax large companies to raise another $300 million a year for homelessness programs. Opponents have suggested companies will flee the city if it passes. But if they do, theres a good chance their employees wont go with them. What do you mean, hes not here yet? That was the reaction of former Mayor Willie Brown at his annual political breakfast Tuesday after Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gavin Newsom won a coin toss to see whether he or Republican rival John Cox would speak first and Newsom was nowhere to be found. He eventually showed up it was all a misunderstanding, Brown later said and offered a sunny view of the current state of California to counter the glass-totally-empty version that Cox laid out for a crowd of Democratic officeholders and power brokers. The Chronicles Joe Garofoli was there to read his report, click here. Sound bite Democrats are targeting seven GOP seats in California to reach the 23 they need to wrest control of the House. But after visiting several of those districts in the final days of the 2018 midterms, Chronicle political writers John Wildermuth and Joe Garofoli are dubious that the Democrats will win more than two of those California races. Listen to their Its All Political podcast to hear why. Trump watch Justin Merriman / Getty Images Last week, we asked the head of the Republican National Committee whether President Trump might come to California to help Republicans whose electoral fortunes are directly linked to whether the GOP will hold the House. Everything is on the table with the president and the party, Ronna McDaniel replied. He has kept the last week of the campaign clear, and hell be where he is needed. Apparently, hes not needed in California. Trumps schedule for the campaigns last week includes trips to Montana (close race for a U.S. Senate seat), two trips to Missouri (ditto) and two to Florida (close races for Senate and governor). Democrats could be forgiven for hoping their favorite foil would swing by. At least one, Andrew Janz, the Democrat who is challenging Trump favorite Rep. Devin Nunes in the San Joaquin Valley, jumped on the mere rumor to appeal for donations, asking, Did you hear that Trump is coming to the Valley to rally the MAGA troops for Nunes? Neither did we. The big event Havent had your fill of politics yet? Join The Chronicles political experts Heather Knight, Phil Matier and Joe Garofoli, along with moderator Editor-in-Chief Audrey Cooper, at a midterms-palooza Tuesday evening at 6:30 p.m. at the Grand Theater, 2665 Mission St. in San Francisco. There are still a few tickets to be had: Click here for info. And the election night party schedule is rolling in. Theres one for the Resistance, one for techies, one for the Tenderloin community and one hosted by a drag queen. Check it out on The Chronicles political events calendar. The Political Punch newsletter publishes Tuesdays and Thursdays between noon and 3 p.m. It is produced by the staff of The San Francisco Chronicle and edited by politics editor Trapper Byrne. Email: tbyrne@sfchronicle.com Californias two candidates for governor had agreed to speak in the same room for probably the last time Tuesday at a breakfast hosted by former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown. It wouldnt be a debate there has only been one of those but at least they would be speaking one after the other. Democrat Gavin Newsom won a coin toss to see who would speak first. Brown, now a Chronicle columnist, introduced him. The crowd cheered. Newsom was nowhere to be found. What do you mean, hes not here yet? Brown said to the audience of 1,000 people in a Fairmont Hotel ballroom. So Republican John Cox went first. Welcome to my world, Cox said, a nod to his desire to debate more often. Maybe well have the first governor who wants to be elected by absentia. Later, Brown told the audience that the lieutenant governor had opted earlier to go second, and I didnt get the word. Regardless of when he spoke, Cox was destined to face a tough crowd. Browns annual breakfast attracts a whos who of Democratic officeholders and power brokers, and this batch reacted with tepid applause as Cox let loose with a version of his stump speech aimed largely at those in the room. The political class in this state, the interest groups that run Sacramento as well as my opponent have made this state virtually unaffordable and unlivable for the average forgotten, hard-working Californian, Cox said. He bemoaned the states high poverty rate, skyrocketing homeless population and declining public schools as a situation (that) is unsustainable. We need to have courage, Cox said, mocking Newsoms courage for a change campaign slogan. We need to have courage to acknowledge that the leadership of this state has not met the expectations of the people. Our leadership has not managed this state very well. Standing just a few feet from San Francisco Mayor London Breed, Cox decried the human waste, the hypodermic needles, the people with no hope on the streets of this beautiful city. Its not compassionate. Im sorry, its just not compassionate to let people sleep on the street, Cox said. Giving them free needles and a place to shoot up is not what Id do for my children if they were in trouble. I would get them help. Newsom rebutted Coxs bleak appraisal of California, saying, I want to make a case for our state because Im proud of California. He touted the economic comeback that Gov. Jerry Brown presided over after taking office in 2011, when the state was struggling with a $27 billion budget deficit and 12 percent unemployment. People thought our future was behind us, not in front of us, Newsom said. Now, he said, the state has a budget surplus, a 4.1 percent unemployment rate and strong economic growth. Were resilient as a state, Newsom added. We recovered. We adapted. Were stronger now than ever. But with recent polls showing Newsom with a double-digit lead heading into election day, his campaign is no longer about Cox if it ever was. About 200 people gathered at City Hall after the breakfast to see Newsom off on a multiday bus trip that will take him across the state, to campaign stops with Democrats who are facing tough races. His bus, parked across the street from City Hall, was covered in a huge design reading VOTE, with a much smaller Gavin for Governor tucked inside the O. Instead of putting my name on my bus, I wanted to say what this is all about: Vote, Newsom said. The former San Francisco mayor took advantage of the moment to call out President Trump for what he said were the presidents nonstop attacks on California. We need to send a message to repudiate the president, he told the crowd. But California is not just about resistance. California is a positive alternative to whats going on in the country. On the bus ride to campaign stops in Merced and Fresno, Newsom made no apology for virtually ignoring his GOP rival during the campaign. From the time Cox said he was 100 percent behind Trump, it was very easy to make that point of distinction, he said. Joe Garofoli and John Wildermuth are San Francisco Chronicle political writers. Email: jgarofoli@sfchronicle.com and jwildermuth@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @joegarofoli and @jfwildermuth Galeria de la Raza, the 24th Street art gallery and studio space that has been an anchor of the Mission Districts Latino cultural district for nearly a half century, is facing eviction after its landlord proposed a lease that would double the rent and require the nonprofit to spend upward of $1 million to make the space handicapped accessible. The 48-year-old gallery, which has been in its current space for 46 years, is looking for a two-year deal that would allow it to stay open in a portion of its space at 2857 24th St. until two future spaces one at 16th and Shotwell and one at 24th and Folsom are completed. Both will be in new residential buildings scheduled to open in late 2020. The gallery has been paying $3,127 a month for about 5,000 square feet in two storefronts at 24th and Bryant. Last summer, a representative of the property owner, the Lily Ng Trust, informed the gallery that its rent would be raised to $6,200. As part of the lease negotiations, the nonprofit agreed to pay its current rent on a portion of the space, about 25 percent, relinquishing the rest to the landlord. That deal fell apart on Friday, however, because the landlord insisted the gallery bear all the costs of making the space handicap accessible as well as assume all liability for any lawsuits that might be filed over the space. Supervisor Hillary Ronen, whose office has been involved in reaching a compromise with the landlord, said the property owners proposal would place Galeria at risk of financial ruin. At a rally and news conference in front of the gallery Monday morning, Ronen said that her office regularly helps broker deals between landlords and tenants to avoid the displacement of local businesses. Usually we can find a way to meet in the middle and find a solution. We have been unable to do that with the landlord of this building behind us here, Ronen said. Galeria has been willing to compromise and give and give and give. We have not seen the landlord budge on any issue. She accused the property owner of trying to squeeze every dollar out of this building while displacing a beloved community institution. We will be fighting until Galeria gets a fair and reasonable lease, she said. We will not leave this building until that happens. Gallery Executive Director Ani Rivera said at the news conference that the landlords proposal is against our best interests. The gallery has gone as far as it can with the rent negotiations, she said. The staff and board have acted in good faith, but the lease terms are not fair or sustainable and will irreparably damage all of us. We demand a fair and reasonable lease. The landlord has been represented by Quan Phan of GBA Realty. Phan said its standard for the tenant to pay for the handicapped accessibility improvements 95 percent of the time. He said that he doubts the handicapped work would cost $1 million. The family have been renting the two spaces to the gallery for the past 40 years without any rent increase, Phan said. In San Francisco, the cost of maintaining a building, especially an old building, is very high. The stretch of 24th Street where the gallery is located is the heart of the Calle 24 Latino Cultural District, an area that has 21 businesses designated as historic under the citys Legacy Business Registry. 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. Erick Arguello, who heads the cultural district, said 24th Street has a 3 percent vacancy rate, one of the lowest in the city and far less than the vacancy rate on the Missions trendy Valencia Street. The special-use district also caps the percentage of food- and beverage-serving businesses at 35 percent. But several businesses are in the process of being evicted, and rents in the area have skyrocketed. Earlier this month, La Victoria, a 67-year-old, traditional Mexican bakery, was evicted from its home at 2937 24th St. Arguello said property owners are aggressively seeking to clear out establishments paying low rents. A tiny, 500-square-foot space at 24th and Capp streets is on the market for $3,200 a month. Olga Talamante, a longtime political activist who in 1974 served 16 months in an Argentina prison for her political activity, said it was artists from Galeria de la Raza who helped draw attention to her imprisonment. When I was in prison in Argentina in the 1970s, it was the posters coming out of this place, out of the Mission and East Oakland, saying free Olga Talamante that ... saved my life. Mayor London Breed said the city intends to fight for the gallery. The city and our community partners have been working closely and diligently for years to secure a long-term location for Galeria de la Raza, she said. We will not give up. I have directed the Office of Economic and Workforce Development and the Arts Commission to explore and exhaust every option as we work to get the Galeria a fair and reasonable lease so they can continue their important work in the Mission. J.K. Dineen is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jdineen@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @sfjkdineen A large house fire displaced eight residents early Tuesday morning in South San Francisco, authorities said. Engines responded around 12:45 a.m. to a two-story home on the 300 block of Fairway Drive after reports of that a family was trapped inside the burning structure. The residents five adults and three children evacuated the home before firefighters arrived on scene, said Matthew Samson, deputy fire chief for the South San Francisco Fire Department. It took firefighters two hours to knock out the blaze, which also caused minor exterior damage to a neighboring home and a vehicle parked in front of the structure. Samson said the fire marshal is still investigating the cause of the fire. Gwendolyn Wu is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: gwendolyn.wu@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @gwendolynawu Its not always a task force or tough police work that leads to the capture of a serial killer. Sometimes its luck, sometimes its a tip ... and sometimes its a really suspicious coffee run. Such was the case of Dorothea Puente, Sacramentos notorious homicidal landlady. The elderly landlady began renting out a large boarding house, plus a bedroom in her home, both on F Street. Death soon followed. Police made multiple visits to the home in the 1980s as residents kept disappearing. But suspicion was never cast on Puente, who seemed like an ordinary older woman, renting out rooms in her boarding house to down-on-their-luck tenants. Puente, however, had started a nearly decade-long murder spree. Targeting elderly and mentally disabled tenants, she killed for cash, continuing to pull their Social Security checks after killing them. Police estimated she was making $5,000 a month from her murderous income. ALSO: Northern California cold cases that got major breaks thanks to DNA evidence Puente stayed under the radar even when a body was found on the property. In Nov. 1988, police came by to inquire about a missing person, last seen living at Puentes boarding house. They noticed some disturbed soil in the yard. A bit of digging yielded a body. And then six more. Still, police didnt suspect the elderly woman. While crime scene technicians combed the property, Puente asked if she could leave for a cup of coffee. Police let her go. She made it all the way to Los Angeles, where she tried her old act: making friends with an elderly man. But the man recognized her from news reports, calling in the tip that led to her arrest. ALSO: 'Murder capital of the world': The terrifying years when multiple serial killers stalked Santa Cruz Puente was sentenced to life in prison, where she wrote recipes, made earrings and denied killing those nice tenants until the day she died. To read more about how infamous California serial killers were eventually caught, check out the gallery above. The new U.S. airline being planned by JetBlue founder David Neeleman isn't expected to start flying until 2021, but it could break new ground in the aviation business. Neeleman didn't really comment about the venture when news of it first leaked out last spring, but he's talking now and he sees bright prospects for his concept and little worry about seeing it crushed by much larger, more established competitors. "I doubt we'll have a single route that has any competition," Neeleman was quoted as saying this week. He spoke to a private corporate group in New York, but a couple of media members were present, and his remarks were reported by the travel news website Skift,com. Neeleman's planned carrier will use a fleet of single-aisle Airbus A220-300s formerly designated the CS300 before Airbus took a majority stake in Bombardier's production of its new line of single-aisle jets. And Neeleman said it will operate on international as well as domestic routes, focusing on secondary airports and city pairs that currently have no non-stop service. The planned airline is currently using the name Moxy, but he said that is likely to change before it starts operating. (That would preclude a trademark challenge from Marriott, which has a Moxy hotel brand.) "I could call this airline 'Crap' and people will love it because of the way I'm going to treat them," Neeleman reportedly said, adding that the carrier will "get you there twice as fast and for half the price" compared with existing air travel options. His fledgling company has already ordered 60 A220-300s for delivery starting in 2020 and has an option for 60 more to follow starting in 2025. Compared to their predecessors, the new planes have a longer range, are more fuel-efficient, and incur lower maintenance costs. The A330-200 is designed to carry 130 to 160 passengers, but Neeleman noted that he could decide to install lie-flat business class, extra-legroom and regular economy seats on some planes, presumably those on longer routes. He noted that the aircraft can take off from relatively short runways and "can fly for 11 hours." Airbus says the A220-300 has a maximum range of 5,920 km, which equals 3,678 miles. That's a bit over the air distance between New York and London, which is 5,637 km., or between Miami and Brasilia at 5,658 km. Neeleman suggested that in addition to domestic city pairs that have no non-stop airline service, the new company could fly from cities in the northeastern U.S. to Europe, staying away from existing hubs; and that it will operate from Florida to South America where it will link up with the route network of Brazilian carrier Azul, which Neeleman started 10 years ago. Azul flies to 100 destinations in Brazil and also to Orlando and Ft. Lauderdale. The new airline will probably base its "technology hub" in Salt Lake City, he said, and will save on labor costs both in customer service and at the airport by relying on non-verbal processes. For example, "You won't be able to speak with us" on the phone, he said, but passengers will be able to chat with customer service staff through their phones, and airline reps may place a return voice call to a customer back to resolve an issue. He said flight bookings, changes, and even ordering meals will all be done through an app, and flight check-ins at the airport will be done through the passenger's phone. "I don't think people want to stand in line to talk to someone," he said. Is the market ready for a new carrier? Will Neeleman's plan pan out? Please leave your thoughts in the comments. Read all recent TravelSkills posts here Get twice-per-week updates from TravelSkills via email! Sign up here Chris McGinnis is the founder of TravelSkills.com. The author is solely responsible for the content above, and it is used here by permission. You can reach Chris at chris@travelskills.com or on Twitter @cjmcginnis. A San Francisco resident who pulled out two chainsaws Monday afternoon on a Richmond-bound BART train has been arrested, authorities said. A woman riding the northbound Richmond-Warm Springs line posted a video on Twitter at 4:34 p.m. showing a man saying, Cut your frickin head off, as he appears to try and start one of the chainsaws. Patrick Bingham, 47, was taken into custody after BART said it received multiple calls about a man wielding the chainsaws. In the video posted on Twitter, the man can also be heard saying, Oooh, yeah. Its electric, as he removes the second chainsaw from its box. The device was a 16-inch, battery-operated instrument, according to the package. The female passenger tweeted at BARTs account, THIS S AINT FUNNY @SFBART YALL HAVE TO DO BETTER WHAT THE F. BART responded on its Twitter account that police apprehended the man within minutes when he got off at Lake Merritt station. The agency did not comment on how Bingham obtained the chainsaws or got them into the station. Mondays arrest comes just months after a series violent attacks on BART station properties. Nia Wilson, 18, of Oakland, was stabbed to death July 22 on the MacArthur station platform in Oakland. In total, violent crimes on BART properties have increased by 69 percent in the last 10 years. Bingham was booked on suspicion of making criminal threats, exhibiting a deadly weapon and receiving stolen property at Santa Rita Jail. Officials said he had several outstanding warrants and is being held on $87,500 bail. Gwendolyn Wu is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: gwendolyn.wu@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @gwendolynawu Trick-or-treaters beware: Halloween can be deadly for pedestrians, and children face the greatest danger. Research published Tuesday found a 43 percent higher risk of pedestrian deaths on Halloween night than on other nights near that date. The study was based on four decades of U.S. traffic data, including 608 pedestrian deaths on 42 Halloweens. Canadian traffic researchers launched the study after noticing advertisements for Halloween parties posted to lampposts in their country. That got them thinking about a dangerous witches brew: holiday revelers driving away from bars mixed with legions of kids roaming the streets in costume, said lead author Dr. John Staples of the University of British Columbia. Canada celebrates Halloween, too, but U.S. traffic data is remarkably complete, so Staples and colleagues focused their analysis south of their border. The study appears in JAMA Pediatrics. Using National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data, the researchers compared pedestrian deaths on Halloween nights with deaths on two evenings the week before and the week after. They found car-pedestrian accidents kill four more people on average on Halloween than on other days. The findings echo a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention analysis of 1975-1996 data from the traffic safety agency. Kids aged 4 to 8 faced the highest risks in the new study: There were 55 Halloween deaths in this age range compared with just 11 on control days. Deaths peaked near dusk, around 6 p.m. Lindsey Tanner is an Associated Press writer. BOSTON U.S. colleges and universities have received more than $350 million from the Saudi government this decade, yet some are rethinking their arrangements in the wake of the killing of a journalist that has ignited a global uproar against the oil-rich nation. The Associated Press analyzed federal data and found that at least $354 million from the Saudi government or institutions it controls has flowed to 37 American schools since 2011. Much of the money was provided through a scholarship program that covers tuition for Saudis studying in the U.S., but at least $62 million came through contracts or gifts from the kingdoms nationally owned companies and research institutes, the AP found. Those benefiting the most from Saudi contracts include Northwestern University, which has received $14 million from a top Saudi research center since 2011, and UCLA, which accepted $6 million from the same institute, known as the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabias national oil company, Saudi Aramco, has channeled $20 million to American universities, including $9 million to Texas A&M University and $4 million to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. A national chemical company known as SABIC steered another $8 million to U.S. schools. Although some of the contracts halted before last year, questions surrounding Saudi writer Jamal Khashoggis death at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul have spurred some schools to reconsider current or future deals. On Oct. 22, MIT announced it will undertake a swift, thorough reassessment of the institutes partnerships with Saudi Arabia, calling Khashoggis disappearance a grave concern. Richard Lester, an associate provost, said faculty who work with the kingdom can make their own determinations as to the best path forward. At Babson College near Boston, which has received $2.5 million through a contract with the SABIC chemical company, officials told the AP they are monitoring events closely and gathering input from our community regarding potential paths forward. But many other schools have given no indications theyre reconsidering ties. Officials at UC Berkeley said they are not reviewing their Saudi funding, which includes a $6 million contract to develop nano-materials that can be used to support renewable energy. Northwestern University refused to say whether any of its funding is under review. Spokesman Bob Rowley said only that the vast majority of the $14 million is for science grants but did not respond to further questions. Others including Tufts University and the University of Michigan would not answer questions about their Saudi funding. Collin Binkley and Chad Day are Associated Press writers. Concurs de granturi adresat COMUNITATILOR (APL) pentru sporirea rezilientei lor la schimbarile climatice si FEMEILOR ANTREPRENOARE in vederea dezvoltarii unor afaceri prietenoase mediului Sen. Claire McCaskill, the Missouri Democrat facing one of the countrys toughest re-election races, raised eyebrows Monday when she distanced herself from leading members of her own party, including two possible presidential hopefuls, Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, in a Fox News interview about crazy Democrats. McCaskill, who has been attacked by her Republican challenger, Josh Hawley, as too liberal for Missouri, was asked on Fox about a radio ad that sunnily describes her as not one of those crazy Democrats. When asked who she considered to be crazy Democrats, McCaskill pointed to liberal activists who have publicly confronted Trump administration officials and other Republican figures in recent months. The crazy Democrats are the people who walk into restaurants and scream in elected officials faces. The crazy Democrats are we have a state senator here in Missouri that actually advocated for the assassination of President Trump, McCaskill said, referring to state Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal, who made the remark on Facebook last year. Thats a crazy Democrat. Does she think any of her colleagues in the U.S. Senate are crazy Democrats? Well, I would say this, I would not call my colleagues crazy, McCaskill told the interviewer, Bret Baier. But Elizabeth Warren sure went after me when I advocated tooling back some of the regulations for small banks and credit unions. I certainly disagree with Bernie Sanders on a bunch of stuff. Neither Warren nor Sanders responded to a request for comments. McCaskill is a famously shrewd politician adept at surviving as a Democrat in one of the most purple states in the country, which she has represented in the Senate since 2006. She is one of 10 Democratic senators who represent states won by President Donald Trump in 2016 in Missouri, by almost 20 points. Republicans view many of those seats, including hers, as possible pickups next week, when strategists see slim hope for a Democratic takeover of the Senate. This year, McCaskill is facing a tough challenge from Hawley, a telegenic dyed-in-the-wool conservative and former law professor who has served as Missouris attorney general since 2016, when he won more votes statewide than Trump. Hawley has assailed McCaskill for months as out of touch with average voters in the state, both for her considerable personal wealth and for her voting record, which he has called too liberal for the state. She has rejected that characterization, pointing to her working-class roots and her votes in favor of about half of Trumps Cabinet nominees and most of his judicial nominees. McCaskill voted against the nomination of Brett M. Kavanaugh to serve on the Supreme Court, however, a move that Hawley has seized on as an example of her left-wing inclinations. After the vote, he described her as a partisan ally and reliable supporter of Chuck Schumer and the Democrats in Congress. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. This article originally appeared on KQED. It was at the very end of a 35-hour expedition on Tuesday when scientists spotted the octopuses more than a thousand of them in a previously unexplored rocky habitat near the Davidson Seamount, an ocean habitat about 80 miles southwest of Monterey. They were found in "brooding" positions, with their arms inverted as they covered their eggs, which they cemented to rocks approximately 10,000 feet below the ocean surface. It was the first time scientists had found this type of cluster on the West Coast, and only the second time they have ever been observed. The previous sighting was a much smaller cluster near Costa Rica. "This has never been discovered on the West Coast of the U.S., never in our sanctuary and never in the world with these numbers," said Chad King, a lead scientist on the Nautilus exploration vessel. He said the Nautilus, a 211-foot research boat with a team from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the nonprofit Ocean Exploration Trust, initially set out to explore coral and sponge fields. "I've never in my career come across something like this, where these could potentially be nursery habitats, and another extremely important reason why we need to protect this area," King said. The Davidson Seamount was added to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary in 2008, but King said many deep-sea habitats like this still need protection. There are several possible reasons why the octopuses might have chosen this area for brooding. King said it could be the warmer water, the higher oxygen content, a specific mineral in the water or the fact that they were gathered in fluid seeps, which are warmer pockets of seawater. "It's quite possible they're just using those areas because they have the cleanest rock," he said. The species was identified as Muusoctopus robustus, a small deep-water ocotpus lacking an ink sac. King said they can't revisit the site right away because of a technical problem with their vehicle. The Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute regularly conducts deep-sea research, but King said the last time they were in the Davidson Seamount area was 12 years ago. "We really don't know much about the deep sea we've seen less than 1 percent of the world's deep ocean bottoms. On any particular dive you could be shocked by something," he said. He hopes the discovery will lead to more funding for research to go back and understand whether the site is actually a nursery. "If it is, that's important because it will sustain their population," he said. This article originally appeared on KQED. Former Coordinator of intelligence services Gen David Sejjusa aka Tinyefuza has been cleared to retire from the army, UPDF spokesperson Lt. Col. Deo Akiiki has confirmed. He declined to comment on other developments surrounding the retirement, Gen Tinyefuza will be among the officers to retire from the army, that is what I can say, he said. According to a source privy to anonymity, Sejusas retirement has been ordered by president Museveni after his long quest to retire home. He is expected to be included on the list of retiring officers in 2019. This website has also learnt that former Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt. Gen Ivan Koreta and the chairman of National Enterprise Corporation Lt. Gen. Joram Mugume are among the officers set to retire home. Stories Continues after ad Upon falling out with army leadership and citing corruption issues over the Lord Resistance Movement war, Gen. Sejusa tendered in his resignation letter in 1996 however, his plea has always been turned down by the top officers. He sued government for forcefully retaining in the army and subsequently won the case in High Court but the state appealed the case in Court of Appeal that overturned the decision of High Court. The bush war general who has always been against injustice in Musevenis government, in 2016 secured a High court affirmation for him to be retired from the army since he was not serving soldier assigned nor executing any of the forces duties. Sejusa was in 2016 arrested and charged in General court martial over two offences of participating in political activities, insubordinate behavior, and two counts of conduct prejudicial to good order, and discipline expected from an army officer. He later acquitted and set free. Gen. Sejusa will join a list of retired officers who include; Gen. Yoweri Museveni (President), Major General Kahinda Otafiire, Major General Benon Biraaro, Major Gen Matayo Kyaligonza, Major Gen Jim Muhwezi, Lieutenant General Henry Tumukunde, General Salim Saleh and Major General Mugisha Muntu (Former army commander) David Sejusa profile General David Sejusa (born 13 November 1954 as David Tinyefuza) decorated with the DAMU Medal and the Luweero Triangle Medal is a Ugandan lawyer, military officer and politician. He was the coordinator of intelligence services and a senior presidential adviser to President of Uganda Yoweri Museveni. He served as army commander and also a member of High Command UPDF, the UPDF defense council and a member of parliament representing the Uganda Peoples Defence Force. He had a falling out with Museveni and formed the Freedom and Unity Front in exile in the United Kingdom following being charged for plotting a coup where he has been allegedly planning anti-government activities by the Museveni government. Tinyefuza attended Nyakasura High School. He holds the degree of Bachelor of Laws Honours (LLB) and Master of Laws (LLM) from Makerere University. He also attended the Law Development Centre for the Diploma in Legal Practice where he left after a clerkship for cadet training in Tanzania. He was also a student leader at Makerere University. He has obtained the senior command qualifications of PSC from the Uganda Senior Command and Staff College at Kimaka, Jinja, Uganda. He also holds a Certificate in Information Technology from an institution in Canada. He also attended the Police Cadet Course in Tanzania and Senior Command Strategic Course. He is married to Juliet Tinyefuza. Name change On 17 February 2012, David Tinyefuza officially changed his name to David Sejusa. He said that Sejusa is a family name that is also reflected on some of his academic documents but that he had abandoned it around secondary school level but that he would re-claim as everybody back home refers to him as such. He added: There is nothing in reverting to my original name. It is comrades like you who didnt know it was my name but those elder comrades have always referred to me as such. And I suggest that from today you quote me as Gen. David Sejusa. The Sejusa name is a Luganda rendering that is loosely translated as I have no regrets; it also has the same meaning in the Ankole rendition of Tinyefuza, which he said was a reason to take a new identity. Military career Prior to 1981, David Tinyefuza was a policeman with the Uganda Police Force serving as Assistant Superintendent of Police. In 1981, he became a combatant in the Uganda Bush War between the Uganda National Liberation Army (UNLA) of Milton Obote and the National Resistance Army (NRA) of Yoweri Museveni, from 1981 until 1986. For a period of 10 years following the victory of the NRA in 1986, he served as a member of the National Resistance Army Council (NRAC) and the National Executive Committee (NEC). Between 1989 and 1992, he served as Minister of State for Defense. In 1993, he was appointed Presidential Adviser on Peace and Security, serving in that capacity until 1997. He was appointed Senior Presidential Adviser and Coordinator of Intelligence in 2005, a position he held until 2013. Politics The party was founded in November 2013 with an official announcement later made in London, United Kingdom, where former General David Sejusa was in exile. Sejusa said of President Yoweri Museveni: Hes had enough time. He can leave and go, and we start a new process of national healing. And we are organising ourselves, we are establishing a constitutional rule which he destroyed. Sejusa denied seeking the presidency and said that it was a waste of time to run against Museveni within the structures of the current system. Two months earlier, Museveni challenged Sejusa to try to overthrow him, but added that whoever uses violence would be stopped. If Sejusa wants to use force, let him come. In turn, Sejusa responded to questions of whether he would use force to bring change and said: Its not so much that we want to do so. But if he continues to unleash terror on the population ours will be self defence. Following a rift with the establishment in May 2013 about Ugandan President Yoweri Musevenis son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, over allegation of nepotism and that he would eventually simply replace his father as president, a motion Kainerugaba denied, he founded the Freedom and Unity Front. Sejusa had earlier called on Ugandans to build alternative capacity and remove Museveni. He added, the week following his departure as a MP representing the military,that no one should imagine that Museveni will be removed through elections. Lt. Gen. Ivan Koreta Ivan Koreta (born 15 October 1955) is a Ugandan military officer, diplomat and legislator. He is a lieutenant general in the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces(UPDF) and a representative for the armed forces in the Parliament of Uganda; where he serves as a member of the Public Accounts Committee and the Committee on Presidential Affairs. Koreta has been a member of the armed forces since 1981 and most recently served as the deputy chief of defence forces, the second-highest position in the UPDF, from 2005 to 2013. He also served from 2006 up until 2009 as the chairman of the General Court Martial, the second-highest military court in Uganda. Early life Koreta was born in Mbarara, Ankole sub-region, on 15 October 1955 in a Pentecostal family of the Banyankole. He had his primary education in his home town of Mbarara and attained his PLE certification in 1969. He then attended Kiira College Butiki for his O-Level education, attaining a EACE certification in 1973. Koreta later on advanced to the University of Ibadan, graduating in 2003 with a Master of Science in Strategic Studies. Military training and career While still in his teens, Koreta attended military training in Mozambique as a member of the Front for National Salvation, a guerilla group led by Yoweri Museveni. He participated in the war that removed Idi Amin from power in 1979. When Museveni formed the National Resistance Army (NRA) in 1981, Koreta joined him. During the Ugandan Bush War, he became a battalion commander in the NRA. During the April 1986 battle to capture the Ugandan capital city Kampala, his 13th NRA Battalion was responsible for guarding the Kampala-Gulu highway at Matugga. Since the NRA captured power and was subsequently transformed into the UPDF, Koreta has served in various roles, including the following: Commander of the First Division: 1986-1988 (at the rank of brigadier general) Deputy Director of the Internal Security Organization: 1988-2001 Promoted to rank of major general: 2001 Lt.Gen. Joram Mugume Lieutenant General Joram Mugume, is a military officer in the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF). He is the chairman of the board of directors of the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), the business arm of the UPDF. He was appointed to that position by the Uganda Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs, on 20 February 2018. He has also served as the chairman of the Military Land Board, an organ of the UPDF. He has been serving in that position since 2005, having served as Deputy Chief of Defense Forces in the past. Background He was born in Kiruhura District, in Ugandas Western Region Joram Mugume was one of the first people to join the National Resistance Army (NRA). His military number is RO/00037, meaning he was the 37th recruit. At the time NRA captured Kampala in 1986, Mugume was the Commander of the 3rd Battalion. Later, he served as deputy army commander.When General David Sejusa was kicked out of the Ugandan parliament, Joram Mugume was one of the five military officers nominated to replace him.In May 2016, President Yoweri Museveni promoted him to the rank of Lieutenant General President Trump announced in a newly-released video interview with Axios that he plans to sign an executive order to do away with birthright citizenship in America. Heres what you need to know about birthright citizenship and why the president wants to get rid of it. What is birthright citizenship? It means that any person born on American soil is also considered a citizen of the nation. The concept is also known as Jus Soli (Latin for right of the soil.) It comes from the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which says that all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. Why does President Trump not like the policy? President Trump has often signaled his displeasure with the idea of birthright citizenship by using the term anchor baby to describe a child born in the United States to parents who are not legally inside the country. And in his interview with Axios, the president described how immigrants can take advantage of the policy. Were the only country in the world where a person comes in and has a baby, and the baby is essentially a citizen of the United States ... with all of those benefits, Trump said during his interview with Axios. Its ridiculous. Its ridiculous. And it has to end. Is America actually the only country to have Jus Soli? No. As noted by Quora, nearly all countries in South America, along with Canada, Pakistan and Mexico have a similar policy as the U.S. Can Trump get rid of birthright citizenship through an executive order? Because it is enshrined in the Constitution, there is a question whether Trump can undo it with an executive order. An Axios reporter brought this problem up to President Trump, who replied, You can definitely do it with an Act of Congress. But now theyre saying I can do it just with an executive order, he said in the interview. CNN reported that attempting to undo birthright citizenship that way is certain to set off a legal fight that could potentially wind up in the Supreme Court over his authority to issue Executive Orders with such broad scope. But Jon Feere, a legal policy analyst at the Center for Immigration Studies, wrote on the organizations website that some scholars believe the concept of birthright citizenship enshrined in the 14th Amendment can be challenged. The problem comes with the phrase subject to the jurisdiction thereof. Several legal scholars and political scientists who have delved into the history of the 14th Amendment have concluded that subject to the jurisdiction thereof has no plain meaning, he wrote, and that the executive branchs current, broad application of the Citizenship Clause may not be warranted. SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) A former senior scientist at Genentech Inc. and three former colleagues have been indicted on charges of stealing trade secrets from the biotechnology company to give to a rival firm in Taiwan. Scientist Xanthe Lam, 66, of South San Francisco, worked for Genentech from 1986 until the fall of 2017, according to a grand jury indictment issued Oct. 25 and unsealed on Monday. The other defendants are her husband, Allen Lam, 68, of South San Francisco, who worked in quality control for Genentech from 1989 to 1998; James Quach, 58, of Daly City, a former Genentech engineer; and John Chan, 29, of San Francisco, a former Genentech worker. Allen Lam, Quach and Chan all became consultants for the competitor, JHL Biotech Inc. of Zhubei, Taiwan, at times between 2013 and 2017. JHL was seeking to make drugs known as biosimilars, the equivalent of generic drugs. The indictment alleges that Xanthe Lam began secretly working for JHL while still employed at South San Francisco-based Genentech and funneled trade secrets from Genentech to JHL Biotech through Allen Lam, Quach and Chan between 2013 and 2017. The defendants are charged with conspiring to steal trade secrets, as well as with additional counts of theft of trade secrets, computer fraud or both. They made initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Joseph Spero on Monday and were released on bond. Xanthe Lam, Allen Lam and Chan pleaded not guilty to the charges. Quach's arraignment was delayed until Nov. 2 so that his defense attorney can be identified. The four defendants are due to appear before U.S. District Judge William Alsup, the trial judge assigned to the case, on Nov. 13 for the setting of future court dates. 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. OAKLAND (BCN) An Alameda County prosecutor told jurors today that the victim's last words and the defense's own expert witness support his belief that an Oakland man who was only 16 at the time should be convicted of murder for the shooting death of an off-duty paramedic in the Oakland hills in 2013. In his closing argument in the trial of Christian Burton, who's now 21, for the fatal shooting of Santa Clara County paramedic Quinn Boyer, 34, shortly before noon on April 2, 2013, prosecutor Jimmie Wilson said Quinn told police shortly before he died that he was shot during a robbery. Wilson also said Richard Leo, a University of San Francisco law professor who's an expert on false confessions, has written that most suspects who confess to crimes are guilty and most confessions are corroborated by additional defense. Burton's lawyer Ernie Castillo called Leo as a witness to support his contention that Burton was a gullible 16-year-old kid who confessed to shooting Boyer only because police officers used sophisticated tactics such as isolating him for hours in a room without windows and lying about the evidence in the case. But Wilson said Leo has written that false confessions are "extremely rare" and testified during Burton's trial that, "I'm not here to say this was a false confession." Wilson told jurors, "I used his expert to prove my case" because he presented evidence that Burton was the person who fatally shot Boyer, whose father Roger Boyer, wife Liz Boyer, and other family members and friends have been attending Burton's trial. Burton is standing trial a second time for the death of Boyer on Keller Avenue just below Skyline Boulevard because his first trial in 2015 ended in a mistrial with jurors deadlocked 7-5 in favor of finding him guilty. Co-defendant David McNeal, who was 15 at the time of the shooting, was found guilty of first-degree murder in that same 2015 trial and was sentenced to 48 years to life in state prison for his role in the crime, which was providing the gun that was used to kill Boyer. Four other teenage boys participated in the crime, which occurred when all six teens were supposed to be in school. Three of them pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in juvenile court for being accessories and are serving their sentences with the state Division of Juvenile Justice. The fourth, Nazhee Flowers, who Castillo alleges was the teen who shot Boyer, pleaded guilty in adult court to a carjacking charge and was sentenced to 15 years in state prison. Wilson said the fatal shooting of Boyer occurred during a crime spree in which the six teens committed two carjackings and a robbery in addition to the shooting. Wilson alleged that the teens wanted to carjack Boyer's Honda Civic after he had pulled his car off to the side of the road to use his cellphone. Boyer, who lived in Dublin and had been married for less than a year, crashed his car down a ravine in the 5200 block of Keller Avenue on April 2, 2013, after he was shot. He died two days later of a single gunshot wound to his head. Boyer grew up in Oakland and had been in the city that day to take his father to a medical appointment. Castillo said jurors should believe the only eyewitness in the case, a woman who's now 80 years old who lives in the area, where crime is rare, and says she saw the shooting while she was driving her car to a pizza restaurant to get food for construction workers at her house. Castillo said the woman's description of the shooter matches Flowers, not Burton, and her statements to authorities support his contention that Burton wasn't involved in the shooting and may not even have been at the scene. But Wilson said the woman's description of the shooting doesn't match the evidence in the case and the shooting couldn't have happened the way she said it did. Jurors began deliberating Burton's fate this afternoon. 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. SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) A San Francisco resident was killed Friday afternoon in the city's Tenderloin neighborhood and a suspect in the killing was arrested today. police said. Police put out an advisory at 9:27 p.m. today about the slaying, which occurred in the 400 block of Ellis St. The victim was 53 years old, police said. 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. Officials with the National Weather Service said dangerous fire weather conditions have developed in the North Bay and East Bay hills and the Diablo Range. Weather officials Monday morning issued a Red Flag Warning for those areas because low humidity and gusty winds are expected. The warning is in effect in the North Bay hills from 11 p.m. Monday until Wednesday morning. In the East Bay hills, the warning starts at 2 a.m. Tuesday and ends Wednesday morning. North to northeast winds are expected to gust up to 60 mph in the North Bay hills and up to 50 mph in the East Bay hills. The Napa County Sheriff's Office has identified a vineyard worker who died when he was caught in a grape-harvesting machine as Leon Marcelo Lua, 49, of Napa. Lua was operating an industrial grape-harvesting machine Monday at Deconinck Vineyards at 1006 Monticello Road near Napa when he was killed, according to Luke Brown, a spokesman for the California Department of Industrial Relations Division of Occupational Safety and Health also known as Cal-OSHA. Brown said the St. Helena Fire Department informed Cal-OSHA about the incident around 12:30 p.m. Henry Wofford, spokesman for the Napa County Sheriff's Office, said first responders were at the scene within five minutes, and Lua was pronounced dead at 12:45 p.m. The Golden State Warriors must fully complete payments on a $100 million, 30-year bond for renovations at Oracle Arena, an arbitrator ruled. The ruling was handed down Monday. The outstanding balance, when paid at $7.5 million annually, will amount to about $40 million when the Warriors move to San Francisco. "We are pleased by today's ruling and believe that it's the Warriors, not the Oakland and Alameda County taxpayers who should repay this debt," said Alameda County Supervisor Nate Miley, who is chair of the Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Authority that oversees the site. In 1996, the Warriors signed a 20-year lease with the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Authority, to play at Oracle Arena. The Warriors extended the lease in 2016, but argued that their lease obligations end when they move to San Francisco for the 2019-2020 season. It's likely that a decayed human skull that was found in West Oakland on Friday morning is connected to a male torso that was found in the same general area about a month ago, an Alameda County sheriff's spokesman said. Sheriff's spokesman Sgt. Ray Kelly announced the connection Monday. People who live at a residence on 29th Street near West Street found the skull shortly before 9 a.m. on Friday and took it to Oakland police headquarters, according to Kelly. Alameda County coroner officials who are investigating the matter preliminarily believe the skull is connected to a decomposed and somewhat mummified body that was found in a building in the 2800 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Way on Sept. 26 because the skull and the body were in similar stages of decomposition, Kelly said. It's possible that a dog, a raccoon or even a person may have moved the skull a few blocks away from the body, Kelly said. At this point there's no indication that foul play such as a shooting or a stabbing caused the death, according to Kelly. A mountain lion was captured in Pleasanton after it hunkered down for hours in some bushes and after four doses of tranquilizer were administered, police said. The cat was captured Monday night. As of 8:18 p.m., the 9- to 12-month-old cat had been safely removed from the bushes near Hopyard Road and West Las Positas Boulevard. Police said the puma appeared to be healthy, which means it can eventually be released back into the wild. Hopyard Road was closed in both directions because of the mountain lion. As of 9:06 p.m., the road had reopened, a dispatcher said. A three-year-old boy was injured in a shooting in East Oakland on Monday night, according to Oakland police. The shooting was reported around 7:23 p.m. when San Leandro police contacted Oakland police regarding the child victim. The victim was walked-in to a hospital. Police said the shooting is believed to have occurred in the 10900 block of Robeldo Drive, but aren't sure if the child was shot in a residence or on the street. An update on the child's condition wasn't available early this morning. 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. When it was built in 1959, the Southern California house known as Starview was considered the house of the future. The midcentury exhibition home built by architect Jacob Tracht was considered a masterpiece of futuristic design. These days, the Starview is still a masterpiece of futuristic design thanks to the efforts of Rick Perkins of Perkins Development Group. The developer purchased the property in 2016 for $2,270,000 and transformed it into the home of the future ... for today's age. His dramatic renovation also comes with a distinctly 2018 price tag of $12 million. Starview helipad The Agency Backyard The Agency We attended Starview's launch party to see what went into this multimillion-dollar project "The Starview has always been a dream for me," Perkins said. "I wanted to find a home with a steep history of forward thinking and reimagine it. My team and I were able to transform it into a show palace of luxury, decadence, and environmental responsibility. How does going green mesh with decadence? Well, the home is able to function off the electrical grid, thanks to a series of solar panels on the roof that draw in energy and store it in Tesla batteries. Though visionary the power system may be, it's not the sexiest feature of the home. That honor goes to the passenger drone helipad. You read that right. There's a landing area for a passenger drone helicopter, which falls in line with a home for the future. SureFly, a personal drone helicopter Ali Leventhal (The Agency) If you're unfamiliar with the concept (which we were), the drone provided by SureFly is an octocopter (four arms, eight rotors) with an advanced autopilot system. In other words, the thing flies itself. It's as quiet as a car, and the rotors won't ruin your 'do. It features a two-hour flight time battery, can carry 552 pounds, and has an emergency ballistic parachute. It's as close as we've come to a flying car and looks like the perfect vehicle of the future. However, the FAA hasn't approved the drone yet and it's illegal to land a helicopter in this tony neighborhood. Perkins believes the rules will change over the next couple of years. He's prepared for cities to accommodate anticipated services, including Amazon drone delivery and Uber's proposed aircraft on-demand project, Elevate. SureFly octocopter on its helipad Ali Leventhal (The Agency) Even if you don't want to shell out $200,000 for a SureFly of your own, the developer thinks you'll be able to summon an Uber aircraft to land in your backyard someday. Perkins himself is on the SureFly waiting list, ready to enjoy a 9-minute commute from his work in Brentwood to his home in Burbank. The rest of the house of the future is equally stylish and extremely livable. Perkins expanded the interior living space from 4,517 square feet to 8,059. He added a third-floor master suite on top, and an entire lower level below the original home. With the home situated on the side of a hill, all the additions have the same spectacular views of the city, ocean, and iconic Getty Center. The deck extends out over the new lower level. Ali Leventhal (The Agency) The home now has six en suite bedrooms and 7.5 well-appointed bathrooms. Two of those bedrooms are master suites, both with walk-in closets measuring approximately 250 square feet. Before: master suite realtor.com After: master suite Ali Leventhal (The Agency) Before: bathroom realtor.com After: bathroom Ali Leventhal (The Agency) There's a main-floor great room with an open, modern kitchen featuring an enormous island. We also loved the open-air atrium on the main floor. New kitchen Ali Leventhal (The Agency) Dining room and atrium The Agency The new downstairs level features a game room, media room, gallery, and gym with bathroom featuring an infrared light sauna. Gym Ali Leventhal (The Agency) Gallery Ali Leventhal (The Agency) The attached three-car garage now features a car-lift, so you can store your fanciest wheels undergroundaway from prying eyes. Garage with car-lift Ali Leventhal (The Agency) Perkins also rebuilt the pool and gave it a Baja shelf. The outdoor decks offer plenty of room to entertain, and the helipad doubles as a viewing deck when no drone is perched there. New pool Ali Leventhal (The Agency) Naturally, this home of the future is fully automated, allowing the homeowner to control the lights, audio, room temperature, doors, and a 28-foot glass wall that opens up the main living area to the pool deck with an iPad. Whomever purchases this home will be light-years ahead in terms of home technology and off-the-grid sensibilities," says Perkins. Listing broker Billy Rose, founder and president of The Agency, agrees. "Rick Perkins and his team have created the home of the future with their Starview masterpiece, Rose says. This property is arguably one of the most exciting new homes developed in Los Angeles." Builder Rick Perkins and broker Billy Rose Ali Leventhal (The Agency) After sitting in the SureFly and the sauna, enjoying the views, watching that car-lift in action, and enjoying all the lights and music powered by the Tesla batteries, we have to admit he has a point. The post SoCal House of the Future Comes Equipped With a Drone Helipad appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com. Are we truly Earthlings? Is terra firma unequivocally the birthplace of humanity? Maybe not. A new paper by a trio of Harvard University researchers argues that we all might be immigrants from deep space, brought to Earth via a mechanism called panspermia. While the conventional wisdom from biologists has long been that life on Earth began on Earth, science fiction isnt so fuddy-duddy. Prometheus, Ridley Scotts 2012 prequel to the blockbuster Alien franchise is one of many films positing that our planet was seeded by extraterrestrial life. In the movies, aliens use some sort of engineered transportation system to get here rockets or wormholes, for example. Panspermia makes no such technical demands. Heres the basic idea: A meteor slams into a planet where life exists, and the collision lofts into space a microbe-containing dirt clod. The clod eventually slams into another world and infects it with life. Many space scientists think panspermia could work within a solar system. For example, its possible that life arose on Mars more than four billion years ago, and thanks to panspermiasent microbial emissaries to Earth, where they evolved into the flora and fauna you enjoy today. But panspermia has long been seen as having limited reach. Even though microbes are tougher than cheap steak, it seems unlikely they would survive a journey between star systems. Theyd be dead on arrival, indeed dead before arrival killed off by the radiation that permeates space and the lack of liquid water en route. And the odds that a germy dirt clod from one star system would actually hit a planet in another are comparable to the odds of downing a clay pigeon a trillion miles away. Oumuamua changed things. When this cosmic visitor (scientists arent sure if the 700-foot-long object is a comet or an asteroid) sailed through our solar system last year, the Harvard scientists realized that large objects might be able to seed life over light-years of distance even across the Galaxy. This is possible, they suggest, because there are ways to accelerate the bio-package to velocities far greater than any dirt clod, and have it gravitationally captured by some other star system where it hangs around, eventually collides with a planet, and delivers its protoplasm-filled package. This game of catch would work best for double star systems. Roughly half of all the stars in the Milky Way have stellar buddies, and the gravitational fields in these systems are ever-changing. The systems occasionally sling-shot asteroids, comets and even moons or planets into deep space at high speed. Double star systems are also adept at grabbing large objects coming their way. After some deft mathematical calculations, the researchers concluded that there could be hordes of ejected asteroids, comets, moons and planets sailing the galaxy. They could cover interstellar distances in millions of years. Thats a long ride, but some bacteria are known to remain dormant and viable that long. If this scenario is right, that report you got from Ancestry.com or 23andMe could be incomplete. Instead of being Bosnian or Bengali, your real ancestry might trace back to an as-yet-undiscovered planet. It would also imply that life is ubiquitous. But its still unclear that life could really make such a trip. Rocco Mancinelli, a senior research scientist at NASAs Ames Research Center, is among those who are skeptical that any bacteria could survive such a panspermian pilgrimage. If the journey took millions of years, then that life would die and it doesnt matter if it is Earth life or non-Earth life, he told me. Why? Because it would be destroyed by cosmic radiation. And even if it could survive that, the radiation given off by the mineral in the rock itself would destroy it. Such objections aside, the idea of panspermia is perennially popular. Perhaps thats because we want to see biologys good news spread to as much of creation as possible. Then again, maybe its because we arent entirely happy with the idea that our distant ancestors were low-grade pond scum. Its more gratifying to think that we have more exotic origins. If were not descended from the gods, at least we might be descended from ancestors on a planet far, far away. Seth Shostak is an American astronomer, currently Senior Astronomer and Director, Center for Seti Research, in Mountain View, California, which searches for extraterrestrial intelligence. He is also host of the "Big Picture Science" podcast. Clear skies and warm afternoon weather are in the forecast for Halloween throughout the Bay Area, but when the sun sets at 6:12 p.m. temperatures will drop, and you'll want a jacket in San Francisco and other parts of the region. With a high-pressure ridge parked over the eastern Pacific just off the coast of California, storm systems are staying to the far north and temperatures are expected to be above normal on October 31. BEIJING China says it will allow trading in products made from endangered tigers and rhinos under special circumstances, reversing a previous ban and bringing condemnation from conservation groups. A notice from the Cabinet issued Monday avoided mentioning any change in the law, saying instead that it would control the trade and that rhino horns and tiger bones could only be obtained from farmed animals for use in medical research or in healing. Under the special circumstances, regulation on the sales and use of these products will be strengthened, and any related actions will be authorized, and the trade volume will be strictly controlled, the statement said. Tiger bone and rhino horn are used in traditional Chinese medicine, despite a lack of evidence of their effectiveness in treating illness and the effect on wild populations. Chinese demand for ivory is also blamed as a driver behind the slaughter of African elephants, despite Beijing banning all trade in ivory starting this year. No reason was given for the lifting of the ban, which was implemented in 1993 amid a global push to protect fast-disappearing endangered species. The statement also said nothing about regulating the farming of tigers and rhinos, but added that the central government urged governments at all levels to improve publicity activities for protecting rhinos and tigers to help the public actively boycott any illegal purchases. The World Wildlife Fund said the move to overturn the ban would have devastating consequences globally by allowing poachers and smugglers to hide behind legalized trade. With wild tiger and rhino populations at such low levels and facing numerous threats, legalized trade in their parts is simply too great a gamble for China to take, Margaret Kinnaird, WWF wildlife practice leader, was quoted as saying in a statement from the Washington-based organization. An estimated 3,890 tigers remain alive in the wild, according to a report presented during the Third Asia Ministerial Conference on Tiger Conservation in 2016. Thousands of tigers are also believed to have been bred on Chinese farms where conditions for the animals are often criticized as dire. Studies put the population of wild rhinos at less than 30,000, while poaching is reducing that number drastically each year. Humane Society International also criticized Chinas move, saying that the trade it engenders will inevitably increase pressure on animals in the wild. With this announcement, the Chinese government has signed a death warrant for imperiled rhinos and tigers in the wild who already face myriad threats to their survival, Iris Ho, the groups senior specialist for wildlife program and policy, was quoted as saying in a statement. Christopher Bodeen is an Associated Press writer. SEOUL South Koreas Supreme Court ordered a Japanese steel-maker Tuesday to compensate Korean men forced to toil in its factory for Japans World War II efforts, a landmark ruling that threatened to intensify friction between the United States two key allies in Asia. The judges upheld a lower-court ruling that Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal must pay about $88,700, to each of four South Korean men who said they were subject to forced labor for the company between 1941 and 1943. Korea was a Japanese colony from 1910 until Japans surrender in 1945. The verdict could open the floodgates for other victims and their families to file class-action lawsuits against Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal and other Japanese companies accused of capitalizing on forced labor. Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal called the courts decision deeply regrettable and said it contradicted the 1965 agreement not to raise claims that arose during wartime. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called the ruling an impossible judgment in light of international laws. The ruling overturns the legal basis of the friendly cooperative relationship between Japan and South Korea, said Japanese foreign minister Taro Kono, calling the decision extremely regrettable and absolutely unacceptable. In case appropriate measures are not immediately taken, Japan will make a resolute response with all possible options in sight, including bringing it to the international court, Kono added. South Korea Prime Minister Lee Nak Yon said the government respects the ruling, promising efforts to heal the pain of the victims as quickly and as much as possible. But he also said South Korea preferred a future-oriented relationship with Japan. His comments were echoed by Noh Kyu Duk, a spokesman for the Foreign Ministry in Seoul. We are telling the Japanese side that both sides need to pull our wisdom together to prevent this verdict from adversely affecting bilateral relations, Noh said. Washington has repeatedly urged Japan and South Korea to overcome their historical differences so they can better work together with the U.S. to end the North Korean nuclear threat and counter Chinas growing influence in the region. Choe Sang Hun is a New York Times writer. BEIRUT Tens of thousands of Syrians stranded in a desert camp near the Jordanian border are at risk of starvation amid dwindling supplies and the approach of winter, while regional powers trade blame over who is responsible for this latest humanitarian catastrophe in Syrias civil war. Desperately needed aid deliveries to the besieged Rukban camp have repeatedly failed or been postponed, including a U.N. convoy which was supposed to go in on Thursday but has now been indefinitely delayed. The camp is home to around 45,000 people, many of them women and children, who are camped out in the open desert. At least four people have died in the past month, due to malnutrition and lack of medical care. Sand storms and heavy rains in recent weeks have left Rukbans tattered tents and clay houses in even worse shape. Imad Ghali, a camp resident, said this isnt the first time Rukban has been promised aid and not received it. Its like telling someone dying of thirst to wait for the rain, said Ghali. How long are we going to wait? People started gathering in Rukban three years ago, fleeing Islamic State militants and air strikes by the U.S.-led coalition, Russia and Syria. Jordan sealed its border and stopped regular aid deliveries in 2016 after a cross-border Islamic State attack that killed seven Jordanian soldiers. The last aid delivery from Jordan was in January, leaving the camps residents dependent on goods largely smuggled from government-held areas. The situation sharply deteriorated after the Syrian government blocked supply routes last month following a botched reconciliation deal with rebel groups in the area, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Russia, a close ally of the Syrian government, has blamed the U.S. for the deterioration of the situation in Rukban, which is within a 20-square mile deconfliction zone set up by U.S. forces in the nearby Tanf military base. The inability of the U.S. side to live up to its commitment to provide security in the 55-kilometer area around its base in Tanf stopped the convoy from going, Lt. Gen. Vladimir Savchenko said last week, adding that the area around Tanf has a large number of armed and uncontrolled militants who can stage any manner of provocation and endanger aid workers. The U.S.-led coalition has denied such allegations. Any talk of the coalition holding up the process is simply misinformation and others deflecting off themselves, U.S. military spokesman Col. Sean Ryan said in an email. On Saturday, the White House envoy to the coalition, Brett McGurk, said the Syrian government and Russia are using Rukban as an excuse to question the U.S. presence in the area. The question is for the regime and Russians. Do they really want to help these people or use them as something to come after us? he asked, after stressing the U.S. was going to stay in the Tanf base. He spoke at a security conference in Bahrain last week. Jordan, which at one point used cranes to drop aid for Syrians struck in Rukban, said it will not shoulder responsibility for this latest episode. Rukban is Syrian people on Syrian territory, so it is the responsibility of the Syrian government and the U.N. and the international community, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said on Saturday. We are not going to own Rukban. He added, however, that Jordan will continue to provide water to Rukban and access to a Jordanian clinic for those in need. Hiba Dlewati is an Associated Press writer. ISTANBUL The Turkish fiancee of slain journalist Jamal Khashoggi has called on President Trump and other leaders to ensure that his death in Istanbul is not covered up, while Saudi Arabias top prosecutor on Tuesday visited the Saudi Consulate where officials from his government killed the writer. Speaking at a memorial in London on Monday, Hatice Cengiz expressed disappointment in the leadership of many countries. Singling out Trump, she urged him to help reveal the truth and ensure justice be served. He should not pave the way for a cover-up of my fiances murder. Lets not let money taint our conscience and compromise our values, she said. Cengiz also told the memorial that she wishes she had entered the consulate instead of Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist who had written critically of Saudi Arabias crown prince. She said in reference to an alleged Saudi hit squad sent to kill Khashoggi: If only I knew that would be the last time I would see my Jamal, his smile, hear his laughter, I would have stood in front of that murderous team myself. Cengiz last week declined an invitation by the White House, criticizing Trumps statements on Khashoggis killing. Saudi Arabias top prosecutor, Saud al-Mojeb, arrived at Istanbuls main courthouse Tuesday for more talks with chief public prosecutor, Irfan Fidan, on the investigation into the killing, Turkeys state-run Anadolu Agency reported. The two had met for an hour and 15 minutes on Monday as part of an agreement between Riyadh and Ankara for cooperation over the investigation. Al-Mojeb then went to the consulate and left after spending a little over an hour there. This needs to be solved now; there is no point in excuses, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told journalists. Zeynep Bilginsoy and Suzan Fraser are Associated Press writers. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. This includes cookies from third party social media websites and ad networks. Such third party cookies may track your use on Sharedots sites for better rendering. Our partners use cookies to ensure we show you advertising that is relevant to you. If you continue without changing your settings, we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on Sharedots website. However, you can change your cookie settings at any time. Learn more Page Content Potential changes to the H-1B visa lottery system could significantly alter the way businesses hire foreign nationals, according to immigration attorneys. An H-1B is a temporary visa that allows employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations, such as biotechnology, computing, engineering, law, medicine and a number of other categories. The annual cap is currently set at 85,000 (though certain organizations are exempt from the cap). Since there is generally more demand than visas, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)which is part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)conducts an annual two-part lottery at the start of April. Through the lottery system, 20,000 visas are first awarded to eligible workers who hold a master's degree or higher from a U.S. university. Then, 65,000 visas are awarded to workers with at least a bachelor's degree, including any workers with advanced degrees who weren't selected during the first lottery round. Though USCIS hasn't published a formal proposal, it has indicated that it is seeking to change the rules for U.S. employers filing H-1B petitions that are subject to the regular and master's caps. "The proposed rule would fundamentally change how the H-1B visa lottery program is administered," said Anantha Paruthipattu, founder and principal attorney at Paruthipattu Law Firm, based in Herndon, Va. Employers would need to preregister workers, the order of the two lotteries would be reversed, and the petitions may be prioritized based on skill and compensation. Here's what employers need to know. Current System "The purpose of the proposed rule is ostensibly to facilitate an easier intake process of H-1B cap cases for USCIS," noted Chad Blocker, an attorney with Fragomen in Los Angeles. He explained that under the current system: Employers must submit by overnight mail fully prepared cases in the first five business days of April for the federal government's Oct. 1 fiscal year. USCIS then completes data entry for each case. USCIS runs a random, computerized lottery to select the 85,000 cases. Cases selected in the lottery are processed over the next several months, and any that are not selected are mailed back to the employer or its attorney. Under the current system, employers must file the entire petitionincluding filing feesbefore they know whether it's been selected. They then wait for many weeks, typically until mid-June, before they learn the result, Paruthipattu explained. Unsuccessful petitions are returnedin July or August in some casesalong with the filing fees. "This pressures U.S. employers to figure out their resource needs in advance," he said. He noted that large employers can usually determine their hiring needs ahead of time, but many small employers cannot. [SHRM members-only toolkit: Obtaining U.S. Employment Visas] "Over the past couple of years, USCIS has taken longer and longer to return cases that were not selected in the lottery," Blocker said. Potential Changes The agency plans to propose three changes to the lottery system. The order of the two H-1B lotteries would change. Currently, the master's degree lottery is held first and any petitions that are not selected are added to the bachelor's degree pool. Under the proposed rule, all workersregardless of the degree they holdwould first participate in the general pool of 65,000 visas, and then any remaining workers with U.S. advanced degrees would be included in the second lottery for 20,000 master's cap visas. The agency expects that the change will increase the probability that visas will go to applicants with advanced degrees. If the lottery had been reversed for fiscal year 2019, about 3,800 more H-1Bs would have gone to workers with U.S. advanced degrees, reducing the general H-1Bs by the same amount, according to the Society for Human Resource Management's (SHRM's) estimates. The proposal would likely restrict the number of opportunities for those with bachelor's degrees and could have an impact on hiring for entry-level jobs in information technology that don't require a master's degree, said Amy Peck, an attorney with Jackson Lewis in Omaha. Companies would have to electronically preregister. Employers would have to first register their workers, then submit the H-1B petition upon winning the lottery. Conceptually, electronic preregistration is an idea with merit, but there are a number of unanswered questions about the process, Blocker said. Electronically registering a case would require less paperwork than submitting a fully prepared H-1B petition to USCIS, so employers are wondering whether a preregistration system would mean a jump in the number of cases in the lottery, he added. If done right, preregistration could work to simplify the intake process, Paruthipattu said. But it's not clear how much information would be needed at the preregistration stage, he noted, so the change could potentially make the process more cumbersome for employers. "The details are what matter here," said Justin Storch, SHRM's director of regulatory affairs and judicial counsel. "A system that eliminates the need to file full H-1B petitions for cases that will ultimately be rejected in the lottery is good in theory." But USCIS needs to make sure there is enough time for employers to prepare filings for cases that are ultimately selected and that the electronic lottery works as intended, he noted. Visa allocation may be prioritized. Instead of a random lottery, the DHS is considering giving priority to H-1B petitioners who are the most skilled and the highest paid. "Many believe DHS would be sidestepping Congress in promulgating a rule that introduces such a dramatic change," Blocker said. Additionally, it is unclear how the DHS will define the "most skilled" applicants and whether smaller companies would be disadvantaged because they aren't able to pay salaries as high as those offered by larger companies, he said. "Indeed, the devil will be in the details of the proposed rule, and we'll need to closely analyze it to determine whether there are unintended consequences with the proposed weighted criteria." According to USCIS, the changes would be consistent with President Donald Trump's "Buy American, Hire American" executive order, which called for reform of the H-1B process to ensure that visas are awarded to the most-skilled workers at the highest salary levels. The proposal still must go through the rulemaking process. This blog may be a labor of love for me, but it takes a lot of effort, time and money. For over 14 years and 30,000 articles I have been providing accurate, original news that would have remained unnoticed. I've written hundreds of scoops and sometimes my reporting ends up making a real difference. I appreciate any donations you can give to keep this blog going. Please use another Browser It looks like you are using a browser that is not fully supported. Please note that there might be constraints on site display and usability. For the best experience we suggest that you download the newest version of a supported browser: Internet Explorer, Chrome Browser, Firefox Browser, Safari Browser Continue with the current browser STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Its almost time to spread holiday cheer. Rockefeller Center announced on Monday where its 2018 Christmas Tree will come from, and when it will arrive in Manhattan. The Norway Spruce comes from Wallkill, N.Y., overlooking Orange County. The 75-year-old tree stands 72 feet tall with a 45-foot diameter -- and it weighs an estimated 12 tons. The tree will be driven about 70 miles to Midtown Manhattan and lifted by a crane onto Rockefeller Plaza on Saturday, Nov. 10. In the days that follow, it will be decorated with 50,000 multi-colored, energy-efficient LED lights and topped with a new Swarovski star designed by architect Daniel Libeskind. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, a worldwide symbol of the holidays, will be lit for the first time on Wednesday, Nov. 28, with live performances at Rockefeller Plaza. Performers have not yet been announced. The event is free and open to the public, and will be broadcast nationally from 8 to 10 p.m. on NBC. The tree will be lit from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. daily through the holiday season. It can be viewed until 9 p.m. on Jan. 7, 2019. After the tree is taken down, it will be donated to Habitat for Humanity for the 12th consecutive year as lumber to build homes. We're excited to announce the hometown of the 2018 #RockCenterXMAS Tree! The 72-foot-tall tree hails from Wallkill, NY. The tree will arrive and be raised on the plaza on Saturday 11/10mark your calendars! https://t.co/xbR04l1wQL pic.twitter.com/5pQUUYIhL0 Rockefeller Center (@rockcenternyc) October 29, 2018 In 1931, during the Great Depression, workers at the Rockefeller Center construction site erected and decorated a small tree, and then lined up at the tree to receive their paychecks -- thankful to be working at that time. The tree became an annual tradition in 1933, when Rockefeller Center held the first official lighting ceremony. FOLLOW ANNALISE KNUDSON ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Authorities allege a 22-year-old Bronx man stole a designer duffel bag worth more than $1,000 after he broke into a car in Tottenville on Oct. 19. Khalid Anderson was allegedly caught on surveillance camera breaking into the female victims 2018 Lexus sedan, parked on Lion Street, and removing the Louis Vuitton bag at around 5:30 a.m. Anderson, who police say has an affiliation with the Crips gang, was taken into custody, eventually being placed under arrest at the 123rd Precinct station house, according to authorities. Online court records indicate Anderson pleaded guilty to grand larceny on Oct. 4 in relation to an arrest from May 23. A police spokeswoman could not provide details on that crime. Anderson is facing four charges, including two felonies, in relation to the Thursday arrest. He was arraigned Friday and held on $25,000 bail cash or bond. He is due back in court on Tuesday. Andersons lawyer did not respond to a request for comment Monday night. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Fat cats and rats typically dont get along. But two huge inflatable figures of the animals sat side-by-side outside the Staten Island Courthouse Tuesday morning. The blowups were positioned there by two court officers groups to protest the low manpower levels and dangerous working conditions, which, they contend, exist at Staten Island courthouses, as well as courthouses in the other boroughs. The shortage of court officers is going to cause someone to be injured, said Dennis Quirk, president of the New York State Court Officers Association. If we have an attack at a courthouse, someone is going to be seriously hurt. Quirk said 60 court officers have been badly injured in the past two years, including one on Staten Island. In July, two brawls outside and near the Staten Island Courthouse in St. George preceded the fatal mowing down of a man on the street by a van a few blocks away. Knives, meat axes, small pistols and brass knuckles are routinely seized at courthouses said Quirk, and Patrick Cullen, president of the New York State Supreme Court Officers Association. Violence and scuffles are commonplace in courtrooms and corridors, they contend. And courtrooms that generally had four court officers now have two, say the groups. Despite the unions claims, there hasnt been an uptick in weapons-smuggling, incidents of officers getting hurt or any compromising of court users safety, said Lucian Chalfen, a spokesman for the state Office of Court Administration. To say so is untrue and cynical fear-mongering, Chalfen said. The safety and security of all New York state court users is our paramount concern. "We are extremely confident in the dedication, training, skill and professionalism of all our 4,000 court officers throughout New York City and state in maintaining order and keeping the courts safe and secure for the judges, lawyers, court staff, litigants and jurors who use them on a daily basis, said Chalfen. Several months ago, vigilant court officers seized a novelty inert hand grenade before it was brought into a Queens courthouse, said Chalfen. Since 2016, nearly 600 court officers have been hired, he said. By the spring of 2019, three additional classes of recruits totaling more than 380 new officers will have graduated, said Chalfen. The unions, however, maintain court officer staffing levels have declined nearly 33 percent in the past decade. And resources are being further depleted, they say, by reassigning staff from criminal courtrooms to Family Court to accommodate the recently enacted Raise the Age Law. The law moves the bulk of prosecutions of 16- and 17-year-old defendants from Criminal and Supreme courts to Family Court. Quirk said the protests have occurred in each borough and will continue upstate outside the states highest court, the Court of Appeals, and elsewhere. Were not going to stop until we can provide safety to our own members and the public in the courthouse, he said. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The NYPD announced Monday afternoon that two Navy jet flyovers are planned for Tuesday, one of which will be near the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. A 12 p.m. flight of three F-18 fighters will take off from Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach headed north to the Tappan Zee Bridge, and reverse course toward the Verrazzano, according to statements from the NYPD, and Federal Aviation Administration. Neither organization could provide information on the reason for the flyover. Police said another flyover will occur around 11 a.m. Tuesday when four of the same fighters will fly north past the Tappan Zee. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The FDNY reported multiple minor injuries after a hazmat incident at the Oakwood Beach Wastewater Treatment Plant Tuesday afternoon. Emergency personnel initially responded to the scene at around 2:10 p.m. for reports of a contamination incident, a spokeswoman for the FDNY said. Seven people were treated for minor injuries. The incident was placed under control by 2:53 p.m., and personnel were investigating for further exposure, the spokeswoman said. A spokesman for the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, which operates the facility, said there was a small chemical reaction in the laboratory, and that six people were taken to the hospital with no interruption to plant operations. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Three Staten Island Catholic schools will now use solar energy in an effort to help fight global warming. The Energy Department at the Archdiocese of New York will launch its pilot solar program on Tuesday at five Catholic schools in New York State, including: Blessed Sacrament School, West Brighton; St. Clares School, Great Kills; and St. Patricks School, Richmond. Blessed Sacrament is thrilled to become a host for clean, renewable energy by taking part in the Archdioceses solar program, said Monsignor Peter Finn, pastor of Blessed Sacrament. In addition to supporting sustainable energy while cutting energy costs and creating a physical demonstration of our commitment to preserving the environment for future generations, we will leverage the program as an educational aid by teaching our students about the latest clean energy technologies. The schools are partnering with Con Edison Solutions to install rooftop solar arrays -- which are several combined solar panels. The solar systems were installed to serve the electrical needs at each building, and the amount of electricity generated at each site varies. Con Edison Solutions has installed a collective 1,717 photovoltaic modules or panels that are expected to generate a total of 700,000 kilowatt hours of electricity annually at all five Catholic schools. In comparison, the average annual electricity usage in a home in 2016 was more than 10,000 kilowatt hours, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Blessed Sacrament will have 472 panels, St. Patricks will have 420 panels, and St. Clares will have 412 panels. On average, each solar system will fulfill about 50 percent of each parishs annual energy needs. Each school has signed a 20-year power purchase agreement with Con Edison Solutions. Under this agreement, Con Edison Solutions will install, own, operate and maintain the solar systems -- allowing the Catholic schools to reduce energy costs by approximately 25 percent on average over the next 20 years. ALIGNS WITH POPES APPEAL The program aligns with Pope Francis appeal for environmental protection. During his second encyclical in 2015, On Care for Our Common Home, the pope called upon people all over the world to take unified action to fight global warming and practice responsible development. Preventing further environmental degradation has become a top priority for the Catholic Church under Pope Francis. As such, the Archdiocese of New York is very pleased to partner with Con Edison Solutions to launch a solar pilot program that will allow five of our Catholic schools to benefit from clean energy, said Bishop John OHara. This initiative epitomizes the Pontiffs call for sustainable development and thus serves as a great model for our parishioners and our students. The goal of the pilot program is to expand to multiple schools through New York State. It will serve to reduce the churchs environmental footprint and educate students on the importance of renewable energy and the measures they can take to protect the planet. This solar energy initiative is part of a larger energy program being led by the Energy Department of the Archdiocese of New York that includes several energy conservation efforts, such as energy audits, LED lighting upgrades and higher efficiency heating and cooling options. FOLLOW ANNALISE KNUDSON ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The New York state Reform Party will not have its placement on the November ballot moved higher, a Staten Island judge ruled on Tuesday. In a ruling from the bench, state Supreme Court Justice Alan Marin denied the Reform Partys petition to have the court order the city Board of Elections to revise and reprint New York Citys general election ballot. Attorneys from the citys Law Department argued in Staten Island Supreme Court that the city has already created over five million ballots and that theyve already begun to be shipped. The citys lawyers also said that concerns shouldve been brought up earlier. The real issue is we cant do it here, we cant do it now, Marin said in his ruling. I really respect the position. I think listening to both sides we see... you may get an opportunity to come back and raise the issue with the Board of Elections. Nancy Sliwa, an attorney for the Reform Party, told the Advance that while she was disappointed by the judges decision that the party will continue its efforts to change its ballot placement in the future. He was almost encouraging it. So well look at all of this and start presenting it to the Board [of Elections] and tackle it this way and hopefully next time that theres a ballot it wont look like that, said Sliwa, whos also the Reform Partys candidate for state Attorney General. I was definitely very happy with the judges willingness to entertain the arguments. During oral arguments, Sliwa said that the placement could spell the death of the party. Frank Morano, chair of the Staten Island Reform Party, and Curtis Sliwa, chair of the New York state Reform Party -- the two individuals who filed the petition on behalf of the party -- argued that the party should be ahead of the Libertarian and SAM parties on the ballot. Because the Reform Party is a recognized political party with ballot access, state Election Law says that the Reform Party should be listed before the two other parties, which are independent bodies, the chairmen argued in their petition. Independent bodies dont have the same responsibilities or legal and political privileges of New Yorks eight recognized political parties that have ballot access. In every other county in New York, except the five that make up New York City, the Libertarian and SAM Party are listed after the Reform Party. Ballot access in the state is determined by the number of votes accumulated in the governors race and a party must achieve 50,000 votes. The general election is Sept. 6. A beautiful day and very hard course awaited teams from all over the world on Sunday for the third annual SwimRun NC - a very mountainous OtillO Merit race. The racing was tough and tight, but smiles and friendly words were present everywhere. This course had a total distance of 15 miles of running and 2 miles of swimming, broken up into 10 runs and 9 swims plus 2 beautiful waterfall sections to climb through along the way. Local elementary kids wrote personal inspiration notes to all teams and in the end only 3 teams did not finish despite very brisk water temperatures of 55 degrees in the Hanging Rock State Park lake and 53 degrees in the Dan River. The air temperature however rose steadily from the mid 40s to the mid 60s aided by the sun and beautiful blue skies. Team Orca / GU Crew with Marcus Barton and Caleb Baity were the defending champions with the 100 bibs, but they were chased hard all day by the Every Man Jack team of Alan Horton and Jack McAfee in bibs 103, seen here climbing through the Window Falls section of the course, about 3 miles into the first running section. Team Wattie Ink with Eric Limkemann and Robert Flanigan plus Team Teufel Hunden with Billy Edwards and Manny Arruda were also constantly in the mix, but not in the picture here. Female teams had the lowest bib numbers this year and team 1 featured Misty Becerra from the 2016 winning female team, and Kristen Smith Jeno from the 2017 winning team. They looked great all day and very focused. Katie Fidler from Colorado and Heather Maloy from North Carolina originally met in New York, and raced their first SwimRun race together as team Backseat Drivers. The Canadian team Olivier Girouard and Oliver Cordoba came to North Carolina to hunt for OtillO merit points and in the end they finished 7th in a time of 3:34:27. More teams approach the upper section of the Window Falls and even for locals the view coming up is stunning and often brand new. Team 129 with Jay Turner and Russell Lauten are local, and they are SwimRun NC veterans and have been on various recon runs. The smiles on the course were infectious, usually caused by the amazing nature and the superb volunteers. Here Terri Bosnick and Eric Ferree of team SoYo Trailblazers just caught sight of the waterfall. There is water all over the course and athletes or at least their shoes and socks can be fully wet before the first swim. The pregnant Caroline Gaynor and Mary Phillips of Team Mixed Nuts having a blast all the way. There were 5 male teams tightly bunched during the first swim and that trend continued. Bobby Dixon and Edmund Hohls are South Africans who apparently have caught the SwimRun bug. They have also come a few times prior to the race to scout the course. Jennifer Devers and Bridget Phillips were the runner-up team in 2017 and they were again in the hunt for the title. Swedes Patrik Rung and Therese Nasman of Team Motvind are very experienced SwimRun athletes and they started patient and calm on the way up. They were the 8th team on top of the mountain and the 3rd team at the finish. The first mixed team on the top of Moore's Wall and roughly the halfway point of the race was Team soFun with Sonja Wieck and Anthony Beeson, but they had a tough battle all day with defending champions Marcus Carson and Amy Krakauer of team MACK Attack. All athletes had to carry collapsible multi use cups on course as this check point and water stop was cupless. Here Marcus Carson and Amy Krakauer are standing on the top. All athletes were told at the race briefing to pause a second for a picture and most all obliged. The front running team Have We Met? with Misty Becerra and Kristen Smith Jeno on the way down the mountain. The descent is very challenging and requires full focus and ideally a healthy dose of trail running confidence. About to be back in the water and making sure everything is ready. Team Good Genes with Ramona Stein and Lauren Shoup from Arkansas is entering the long swim together with team Reunited with Tyler Jones and Matthew Nesteheide from Texas and Kentucky. Not all teams are swimming with paddles but most folks do, because you swim with your shoes in SwimRun races. You could theoretically take your shoes off, store them either in your suit or on your back and swim without, but it is not very practical and very time consuming. Teams have to climb down behind the dam at the lake and the traverse a big rock and this is surprisingly challenging. Especially as the race goes on and legs and arms are tired and cold. Defending champions Marcus Barton and Caleb Baity in the new waterfall section of the course. These Cascade Falls are beautiful but also physically demanding. In the end Team Orca / GU Crew grabbed the title by 3 seconds over the runner up team Every Man Jack team. The closest race ever at SwimRun NC, and it was apparently decided in a mad scramble up the final steps after the 900 meter swim in the Dan River. The mixed team of Kelsy McAnelly and Ryan McAnelly of Team Mc-What? are approaching that final Cascades waterfall section. That final swim in the Dan River starts right here and volunteers gave a helping arm. Eric Ferree can already small the post race meal and beverages at this point. 2018 SwimRun NC results Hanging Rock State Park, NC / October 28, 2018 Female Teams 1. Misty Becerra and Kristen Smith Jeno (Have We Met?) 3:59:19 2. Jennifer Devers and Bridget Phillips (Tethered Tootin' Ta Tas) 4:06:51 3. Rachel Dolan and Katherine Tobin (#Rage On) 4:13:08 Mixed Teams 1. Sonja Wieck and Anthony Beeson (soFun) 3:44:04 2. Amy Krakauer and Marcus Carson (MACK Attack) 3:45:00 3. Therese Nasman and Patrik Rung (Team Motvind) 3:56:41 Male Teams 1. Marcus Barton and Caleb Baity (Team Orca / GU Crew) 3:12:59.65 2. Alan Horton and Jack McAfee (Team Every Man Jack) 3:13:03.04 3. Eric Limkemann and Robert Flanigan (Team Wattie Ink) 3:22:54 Images 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 15, 16 and 17 are Aaron Palaian Images 8, 9, 11, 18 and 19 are Brian Fancher Images 12, 14 and 20 are Herbert Krabel Image 13 is Richard Hill To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account. We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription. A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means youre helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much! Commonwealth Bank is selling its Colonial First State Global Asset Management (CFSGAM) business to a major Japanese bank for $4.1 billion, abandoning plans to spin off the business with its wealth and mortgage broking arms. CBA chief executive Matt Comyn said Colonial First State's clients and staff would benefit from the sale. Credit:Peter Braig The bank will continue with plans to demerge its wealth management and mortgage broking businesses from CBAs core banking operations, it said in a statement to the ASX on Wednesday. The $4.1 billion sale to Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation, announced on Wednesday, came as CBA said it would hire former Westpac executive Jason Yetton to run the wealth and mortgage broking operations it is spinning off, which it is calling NewCo. CBA said it had changed tack on Colonial First State Global Asset Management because it believed a sale of the business was in the best interests of customers, shareholders, and staff. The litany of misconduct and poor administration by Australia's superannuation funds laid bare at the banking royal commission should spark immediate action from the prudential regulator, Assistant Treasurer Stuart Robert says. He also flagged the government's lack of support for a third financial regulator to oversee conduct in the superannuation sector - a proposal that was aired during the royal commission. Speaking on the sidelines of an superannuation event in Melbourne, Mr Robert, who was appointed as Assistant Treasurer in late August, called on the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) to take more action against trustees and misconduct in the sector. "APRA has a whole bunch of powers to ensure trustees are actually working in line with the member outcomes, ie in line with what is in the best interest of the individual and APRA has powers to do something about that," Mr Robert said. Josh Yeates has run a couple of businesses with his dad and uncle on board, but it hasn't always been instant profits. "It just goes to show how family all stick together - we were all there for each other, even if we were losing money," the 23-year-old says. Josh Yeates says there's big value in running a business with family in tow. Credit:James Brickwood The restaurant owner now runs $1.5 million eatery The Bored Monkey in Narrabeen on Sydney's northern beaches. Yeates, his father and uncle are gearing up for a busy Christmas and New Year's Eve at the humming cafe, but at the end of last year they were shutting a different business in central Sydney that didn't work. A better face than last years. Thats what I always try to do. I grew up in California in an agricultural town. Halloween was huge. In my family, every year, starting in childhood, we each carved a pumpkin of our own. And always tried to out-do last years. Its holiday tradition. And part of the ceremony of the season was the trip to The Pumpkin Patch where we walked the rows of dirt, acre upon acre, year after year, in hunt of the perfect pumpkin. That was 10 years ago when I, new to Australia, drove to distant lands and far-out suburbs to find a proper pumpkin. For carving, of course. The big, round, orange kind. The ones you find in Coles and Woolworths without much hunting at all now. If theyre not sold out, youll find them piled up at the entrance. Begging you to take them home and give them a face. Its always been my favourite holiday, but when I moved to Melbourne it became my hidden love. Halloween. American rubbish, I heard a lot. Whats it celebrate, anyway? There seemed to be a general resentment for the day, maybe an after-effect of the consensus that Australia was in danger of becoming too Americanised. The one that needed a home. And a face. An identity, really. An expression. Isnt that what we find in our customs and traditions: expression of self who we are, who we were? After all, doesnt our behaviour define us? You are what you eat and the company you keep and the pumpkin you carve at Halloween. And the tea service you use at Ramadan. And Grandmas tree-topper you unpack every Christmas. And the holiday pavlova bowl thats been passed down on your mothers side. And the menorah that has a history too long to tell on a page. And all the things that we do, that are learned, that are inherited, that become the ritualistic cycle of our customs they regularly rotate through our lives, continually reminding us of our heritage and past, of family and cultural values. And added all up, graphed out on paper like a dot-to-dot, dont they make up who we are? The constellation of self. I know were supposed to assimilate, we immigrants, to our new land and new way of life. Adopt the customs and expressions of our new country. And most of us want to. We want to participate and feel included. US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump hold hands after arriving for a Halloween trick-or-treat event at the White House. Credit:AP But we want to be accepted for who we are as well, who we were before we were immigrants. It might seem trivial to a native, but to an immigrant, being mocked for upholding our cultural customs isnt just a form of bullying, its an attempt at ethnocentric homogenisation. Emma Keen with her identical triplets (from left) Aleisha Keen, Maddilyn Keen, and Eloise Keen, all 7 months old. Credit:Dion Georgopoulos And happy Halloween! (Or, if you're like some of my colleagues and today's just another Wednesday, happy hump day!) We're halfway through the working week, and it's going to be a warm one. We're in for a sunny day with a top of 31. If giving birth to identical triplets isn't overwhelming enough, imagine being faced with not being able to breastfeed. That was the situation Emma Keen was in earlier this year, when emergency surgery left her unable to breastfeed her tiny babies. While hospital staff were able to access a small amount of donor milk, the limited supply meant only her smallest daughter, Maddilyn, could have it. That situation could change, if a motion from Labor backbencher Tara Cheyne passes the ACT Legislative Assembly on Wednesday. Katie Burgess has the full story. John Jarratt's lawyer has told a Sydney magistrate "nothing less than a not-guilty verdict" will satisfy his client as the Australian actor fronted court for the first time over a historical rape charge. The Wolf Creek star, 66, appeared at the Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday morning to defend an allegation he sexually assaulted a woman he lived with in a sharehouse in October 1976. He has been previously excused from personally attending hearings. Mr Jarratt's lawyer, Bryan Wrench, asked magistrate Beverley Schurr to explain to his client how a guilty plea could trigger a sentencing discount, though stressed it was "merely a process". A "completely delusional" ice user who shot a police officer and security guard at a Sydney hospital's emergency department has been found not guilty by reason of mental impairment. Michael de Guzman on Tuesday was found not guilty in the NSW District Court of 11 charges including shooting dog squad officer Sergeant Luke Warburton with intent to murder at Nepean Hospital in January 2016. The police officer was shot with his own gun as he tried to take scissors from the hand of de Guzman, who had seconds earlier held a doctor hostage and made threats to kill. Judge Christopher Robison found although the man had used the drug ice for years, he'd returned negative readings prior to the incident, and was exhibiting delusions at the time of the shooting. A Brisbane woman has been jailed for killing her rapist after he threatened to harm her daughter unless she submitted to more sex, but will be eligible for parole in less than two years. Roxanne Eka Peters, 35, fatally stabbed Grant Jason Cassar, 51, with a blow to his heart using a kitchen knife at her home in Capalaba in December 2015. A Facebook image of Roxanne Peters. Credit:Facebook Then she tied a rope around his body, including his neck, and dragged it behind her car for about a kilometre to a ditch where she hid it. In the Brisbane Supreme Court on Monday, Peters was sentenced to nine years in jail for manslaughter and a further 18 months after she pleaded guilty to interfering with a corpse. There are a few clues to spotting undercover ticket inspectors. Things typically go like this: a pack of four or five people get on the tram. The group is huddled close together but no one talks to each other. All have serious looks on their faces. There is a diverse mix of ages and ethnicities, prompting you to wonder how on earth these people know each other. More than one person has a satchel or bum bag, another is wearing jeans with sneakers. Comfortable footwear in general is favoured by all in the group. No one is listening to headphones. The son of former Premier Colin Barnett has faced court charged with breaching a violence restraining order. Sam Barnett will return to court in late November. Credit:Facebook Samuel David Barnett made a brief appearance in the Perth Magistrates Court on Tuesday morning charged with one count of breaching a family violence restraining order or violence restraining order. No details of the alleged breach were read out in court, but a WA Police spokesperson said the alleged offence happened on September 1 this year in Claremont. A lawyer representing Mr Barnett asked for the case to be adjourned for four weeks. A teenager who admits hitting a man as a party became unruly and spilled out onto a suburban Perth street, leaving the 38-year-old with life-threatening injuries, claims the victim first tried to attack him. Ryan Ball was in hospital after the attack, fighting for his life. Credit:Nine News Perth Kaide Travis Maslin, who was 18 in February last year when he gatecrashed a school ball after-party in Padbury, is on trial in the District Court of WA, charged with grievous bodily harm and assault occasioning bodily harm. Ryan Ball had allowed the daughter of a friend to hold the party at his house, instructing her to invite no more than 50 guests, and wound up in a critical condition with a fractured skull and nose, and bleeding on the brain. He woke up in hospital and says he can't remember what happened. Biting back at the line of questioning, Minister Fitzharris accused the opposition of scaremongering about issues in the health sector. In a fiery question time, the Health Minister also refused to engage with questions about the high rate of churn of senior staff in ACT Health or about her own responses to issues. Health Minister Meegan Fitzharris has refused to explain why chief medical officer Jeffrey Fletcher quit the job just 20 months after starting in the role. "[I] once again note the Canberra Liberals' scaremongering consistently. Never once, never once, having anything positive to say about ACT Health or its staff. Not once, not once in this term, Madam Speaker, have they had anything to say about ACT Health staff," Minister Fitzharris said to many interjections from the opposition. "They hear the Canberra Liberals, Madam Speaker and they have heard their relentless, relentless negative campaign against ACT Health, against doctors and nurses in our community. They have done it in the past, they will do it in the future. What are they hiding, Madam Speaker? What are they hiding about their plans?" Minister Fitzharris committed to releasing briefs on the SPIRE hospital project, after it was revealed on Monday the site for the new hospital may need to be changed. Interrogated on possible cost-cutting measures around elective surgery, Minister Fitzharris said none of the measures, which include possible caps on costs for joint replacements and giving patients a "one strike and you're out" policy for refusing surgery dates, had been implemented. The minister also said the measures were in their early stages and based on clinical advice, but that the brief in which they had been recommended came before the new organisational structure of ACT Health. Climate change is firming as a deciding issue at the next federal election after conservationists launched a plan targeting three MPs in marginal seats and a leading ratings agency blamed energy policy uncertainty for hampering renewables investment. The Australian Conservation Foundation, one of the nations most prominent environment groups, will target the marginal Liberal seats of Bonner and Chisholm over the governments lack of progress on emissions reduction, and the Labor seat of Macnamara over that partys continued support for the coal industry. Australian Conservation Foundation chief executive Kelly O'Shanassy says MPs ignore climate change at their "political peril". Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Voters in the Wentworth byelection identified climate change as a core issue and independent candidate Kerryn Phelps, who is expected to secure the seat over Liberal candidate Dave Sharma, is seeking to further elevate climate action in the national debate. Speaking at the National Press Club on Tuesday, ACF chief executive Kelly OShanassy warned federal MPs that if you ignore climate change you do so at your political peril. Copenhagen: Denmark said on Tuesday it suspected an Iranian government intelligence service had tried to carry out a plot to assassinate an Iranian Arab opposition figure on its soil. The alleged plot, which Denmark's foreign minister said he believed the Iranian government was behind, prompted the Nordic country to call for fresh European Union-wide sanctions against the Islamic Republic. Families of a terror attack on a military parade in the south-western city of Ahvaz mourn at a mass funeral ceremony. A Norwegian citizen of Iranian descent was arrested on suspicion of helping an unspecified Iranian intelligence service "to act in Denmark against the Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahwaz, blamed for the attack. Credit:AP A Norwegian citizen of Iranian background was arrested in Sweden on October 21 in connection with the plot and extradited to neighbouring Denmark, Swedish security police said. The Norwegian has denied the charges and the Iranian government also denied any connection with the alleged plot. President Donald Trump is planning to sign an executive order that would seek to end the right to US citizenship for children of non-citizens born on US soil. The President revealed his plans in a television interview taped on Monday. The move, which many legal experts say runs afoul of the Constitution, would be the most aggressive yet by a president elected to office pledging to take a hard line on immigration, an issue he has revived in advance of next week's midterm elections. "We're the only country in the world where a person comes in and has a baby, and the baby is essentially a citizen of the United States for 85 years with all of those benefits," Trump said during an interview with Axios scheduled to air as part of a new HBO series. James "Whitey" Bulger, who lived a double life as one of Boston's most notorious mobsters and as a secret FBI informant, was killed after being transferred to a federal prison in West Virginia, the Boston Globe reported on Tuesday, citing two unnamed officials. Bulger was 89 and serving a sentence of life in prison. He had recently been transferred to the high-security Hazelton penitentiary in West Virginia, according to NBC News, which also reported the death but did not specify the cause. Bulger was convicted in August 2013 of 11 murders, among other charges including racketeering, and sentenced to two consecutive life terms plus five years. Prison had been something Bulger had gone to great lengths to avoid - killing potential witnesses, cultivating corrupt lawmen and living as a fugitive for 16 years. It all ended when a tip from a former Icelandic beauty queen led to his capture in June 2011 in Santa Monica, California, where he was living with a long-time girlfriend. Wichita: Attorneys for Kansas militia members who conspired to bomb a mosque and apartment complex housing Somali immigrants have asked the court to take into account at a sentencing hearing next month what they called President Donald Trump's rhetoric encouraging violence. Gavin Wright, Curtis Allen and Patrick Eugene Stein, members of a Kansas militia group who were charged with plotting to bomb an apartment building filled with Somali immigrants in Kansas. Credit:Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office/AP One has asked the judge to also consider the fact that all three men read and shared Russian propaganda on their Facebook feed designed to sow discord in the US political system. A federal jury convicted Patrick Stein, Gavin Wright and Curtis Allen of one count of conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction and one count of conspiracy against civil rights in April. Wright was also found guilty of lying to the FBI. The attack, planned for the day after the 2016 general election, was thwarted by another member of the group who tipped off authorities about escalating threats of violence. US District Judge Eric Melgren will consider at their sentencing on November 19 and 20 how much time each man will spend in prison. Conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction carries a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, while the sentence for the civil rights violation carries no more than 10 years. The sentencing had previously been scheduled for Friday. Wellington: Britain's Prince Harry and his wife Meghan threw rubber gumboots on Tuesday as children cheered in a competition in New Zealand's largest city of Auckland, though Harry's team ended up losing to his wife's side. A 6.1 magnitude earthquake felt by thousands of people in New Zealand did not disrupt the schedule of the couple, who are on the final leg of a Pacific tour that has included Australia, Fiji and Tonga. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex competes in a 'gumboot-throwing' contest following a ceremony to dedicate a 20-hectare area of native bush to the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy in Auckland,. Credit:AP Lashings of rain and wind also did nothing to dampen the spirits of the public as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex greeted their Auckland fans. An army of spectators equipped with umbrellas and raincoats lined the waterfront of New Zealand's largest city to see Prince Harry and Meghan on the second last day of their tour of the region. PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport the Honourable Wycliffe Smith is encouraging students, parents and the general public to attend this years Career & Study Fair which is being held at the Belair Community Center on October 30, 2018, from 8 am to 6 pm. Between 9 am and 12 noon, the doors will be open to pre-exam and exam students of all local high schools, and from 3 pm to 6 pm, the general public is invited. Minister Smith stated, Everyone who will visit the Career & Study Fair will be better prepared to make their choices for furthering their studies or their careers as they get exposed to the opportunities available locally, regionally and internationally. There are many tertiary institutions, including our own, as well as the overseas colleges that will be presenting there. The displays from the corporate organizations are sure to be enlightening. According to the Planning Committee, colleges from Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Anguilla, the United States, and Holland will join the University of St. Martin and National Institute for Professional Advancement and other local post-secondary institutions for the fair. Also, there will be government agencies and local businesses represented. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sport recognizes the significance of this forum and continues to support the Career and Study Fair annually. Having returned from Security Essen, Trakas International Sales Director, Martin Woodhouse, reflects on the show and why it was so important to attend for the industry leader in innovative key and equipment management systems. Q: How was the show? Martin Woodhouse: Security Essen was great in allowing us as a global brand, and part of the ASSA ABLOY Group, to demonstrate how we are listening to our customers (new and existing) and responding with latest advances in intelligent solutions for keys, lockers, software and dedicated products. Q: Why did you think it was important to attend? Martin: Security Essen is an established exhibition for the European market but even more important for the German one. It continues to lead the way as an important global event for the world security market to come together, to tackle the latest security challenges and share new and innovative ideas. This year, particularly, concerns were cited about the impact of Brexit and its influence on the market, together with more intricate security issues such as cybersecurity and data protection. It was really important for Traka to attend, not only to display its latest solutions and services but also to be part of these important conversations, so that together as an industry, we can pull together and have the solutions and answers ready. Q: Did you pick up on any particular trends at the show? One of the main themes of the show was the focus on smart security and integration Martin: One of the main themes of the show was the focus on smart security and integration. We are increasingly living in a far more connected and online environment, where the speed of data and the cause and effect on how to manage situations is becoming faster and simpler to instantly analyse a situation, with the necessary reports required available. From a security and data perspective, both on and offline, clients expect more, they do more research and they know what they are trying to achieve. They want to choose a partner that can provide integrated, all-encompassing bespoke solutions and achieve compliance as standard. Its something Traka certainly has focused on to deliver bespoke solutions, integrated to suit a specific customer environment. Q: Was there a specific focus for Traka at Security Essen? Martin: For Traka, Security Essen was an opportunity to demonstrate how we can help businesses operate to minimise operational costs, increase productivity and ensure the efficient use of company assets. We demonstrated how our latest solutions can make sure every part of an organisation is protected, right through to critical data facilities, an increasingly integral part of any security remit in todays world. And due to the open nature of Security Essen, it was the perfect opportunity for Traka to discuss bespoke customer requirements across a number of different vertical sectors; from education to healthcare, hospitality to transport. Finally, Security Essen was the right international platform to present our proven integrated solutions. We wanted visitors to see for themselves how easy, intuitive and comprehensive our systems are, and with full audit capabilities, how they can present an all-encompassing safe and secure solution with tangible ROI benefits. Q: Could you tell us more about the products displayed at Security Essen? Our latest Traka Web central software management was at the heart of our display as an enterprise class web-based administration software platform Martin: At Security Essen, the range of products and services on show was focused on our core capability to secure, manage and audit the use of almost any physical asset, including: premises, devices, secure areas, data centres, equipment, machinery and vehicles. Our latest Traka Web central software management was at the heart of our display as an enterprise class web-based administration software platform, enabling complete management of Traka Touch key and locker systems from any device, even remotely. We presented live demonstrations of our integrated solutions, including our popular Rack Manager, which offers electronically controlled access to every server rack door in a data centre, with the ability to scale up to suit evolving infrastructure environments. We displayed Trakas new V-Touch compact key management system, designed to offer controlled access management for critical keys at locations where space is limited and up to 5 keys need to be managed. Q: Could you tell us more about your integration capability? Martin: At Security Essen, we were lucky enough to be able to be able to demonstrate on our stand, Trakas integration capability with Lenel and Nedap. We are extremely proud of our track record of integrating with third party systems with such leading companies. We believe it goes a long way to ease the burden of administration for our customers and present unique opportunities for controlling critical processes. Traka International and ASSA ABLOY exhibit solutions at Security Essen The Traka integration engine ultimately allows for real-time, two-way communication with access control platforms, HR databases, time and attendance, and many other user systems. And there are a host of further benefits: The Traka integration engine ultimately allows for real-time, two-way communication with access control platforms User profiles and access permissions can be easily populated and managed on an existing database. Automatically enrol users and define security settings based on employee status or department assignment Custom workflows can be tailored to the needs of an organisation to generate actions, notifications or access restrictions based on the status of important assets ensure valuable assets and keys dont leave site. Q: What are your aims on an International basis for Traka? Martin: Traka was the manufacturer of one of the first electronic key management systems and we are now considered as world leaders in innovative technology for sophisticated, intelligent key and equipment management solutions to manage and control access to important assets. Even in such an industry leading position, recognised on a global basis, in the UK and in over 40 countries worldwide, we are far from complacent. We continue to evolve our solutions and professional services and continue to not only meet but exceed the requirements of our customers. This is not only from a product perspective, but also our service capability to offer advice right from initial design and specification stages to installation, project completion, handover and ongoing maintenance, across every sector. Naturally, we want to grow and evolve into more countries and increase our network of certified channel partners; but we can only do this if we continue to listen to the demands of the different market needs. Q: And what about Traka in the UK? We believe the transition to more intelligent systems, such as Traka solutions, will be more aligned with everyday life Martin: Its surprising how many business and commercial owners still rely on manual processes and paper recording, for key and equipment management and control. Our aim is to prove how simple measures can make a difference. Its not only the security of a business assets but also to reduce the cost to an organisation through accidental damage, theft, personal injury and downtime. It also helps enforce business processes and ensure health and safety compliance. Ultimately, its a mindset. We believe the transition to more intelligent systems, such as Traka solutions, will be more aligned with everyday life. Q: How important is it to be part of ASSA ABLOY Group? Martin: Being part of the global leader in door opening solutions is a massive advantage for Traka. ASSA ABLOYs products and solutions serve just about every conceivable application around the globe. The real credit to the group is its ability to understand Traka is a bit unique within ASSA ABLOY, because we provide different types of solutions to its traditional core. So, weve continued on as a separate business both in the UK and on a global basis, and only integrating where it makes absolute sense into the larger organisation. An example of this is the integration between Traka and ASSA ABLOYs advanced security CLIQ Web Manager software solution. The result is a key management process that is proven to significantly reduce maintenance costs and save administration times. Overall, its been impressive with the people and the technology within the company that we are able to tap into as and when required. The ASSA ABLOY solutions brand is one we are proud to be associated; a one-stop shop for all door and hardware opening needs. The ASSA ABLOY brand will continue to grow as a leader in opening solutions and access solutions. Q: Whats next for Traka? One of the key aspects we are focusing on is the move to present solutions dedicated to each market segments from small to global companies Martin: Traka is never one to stand still. We will continue to evolve as a company and invest in research and development. One of the key aspects we are focusing on is the move to present solutions dedicated to each market segments from small to global companies. By example, most recently in the UK, we have seen success in the launch of lockers specifically designed to store body worn camera technology, primarily for the likes of prison and emergency services but also in schools and community buildings. Not only did this require a solution to ensure the equipment is safely secured, but also that it is charged and instantly ready to use whilst in storage. At the same time any solution needed to help organisations, who had invested significantly in the technology, operate a pool system rather than having to invest in a device per member of staff. This is just one example, with a very specific product requirement that Traka was able to work closely with the sector to understand the issues and create a solution. It demonstrates a commitment to design, in how our products operate and evolve to meet market needs, both in the UK and across international markets. The most prolific planet-hunting machine in history has signed off. NASA's Kepler space telescope, which has discovered 70 percent of the 3,800 confirmed alien worlds to date, has run out of fuel, agency officials announced today (Oct. 30). Kepler can no longer reorient itself to study cosmic objects or beam its data home to Earth, so the legendary instrument's in-space work is done after nearly a decade. And that work has been transformative. [Kepler's 7 Greatest Exoplanet Discoveries] "Kepler has taught us that planets are ubiquitous and incredibly diverse," Kepler project scientist Jessie Dotson, who's based at NASA's Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, California, told Space.com. "It's changed how we look at the night sky." NASA's prolific Kepler Space Telescope has run out of fuel, agency officials announced on Oct. 30, 2018. The planet-hunting space telescope discovered thousands of alien worlds around distant stars since its launch in 2009. (Image credit: NASA/Wendy Stenzel/Daniel Rutter) Today's announcement was not unexpected. Kepler has been running low on fuel for months, and mission managers put the spacecraft to sleep several times recently to extend its operational life as much as possible. But the end couldn't be forestalled forever; Kepler's tank finally went dry two weeks ago, mission team members said during a telecon with reporters today. "This marks the end of spacecraft operations for Kepler, and the end of the collection of science data," Paul Hertz, head of NASA's Astrophysics Division, said during the telecon. Leading the exoplanet revolution Kepler hunted for alien worlds using the "transit method," finding the brightness dips caused when a planet crosses its star's face from the spacecraft's perspective. Those dips are tiny so tiny, in fact, that NASA officials were originally dubious that a spacecraft could make such measurements. The driving force behind Kepler, Ames' Bill Borucki, had four mission proposals rejected in the 1990s before finally breaking through in 2000, after he and his team demonstrated the instrument's sensitivity at a test-bed facility on Earth. (Borucki retired in 2015.) It still took a while for Kepler to get aloft. The spacecraft launched in March 2009, on a $600 million mission to gauge how common Earth-like planets are throughout the Milky Way galaxy. Initially, Kepler stared continuously at a single small patch of sky, studying about 150,000 stars simultaneously. That work was incredibly productive, yielding 2,327 confirmed exoplanet discoveries to date. In May 2013, however, the second of Kepler's four orientation-maintaining "reaction wheels" failed. The spacecraft couldn't keep itself steady enough to make its ultraprecise transit measurements, and Kepler's original planet hunt came to an end. But the spacecraft wasn't done. Kepler's handlers soon figured out a way to stabilize it using sunlight pressure, and, in 2014, NASA approved a new mission called K2. (Sending astronauts to service Kepler is out of the question; the spacecraft orbits the sun, not Earth, and is millions of miles from our planet.) During K2, Kepler studied a variety of cosmic objects and phenomena, from comets and asteroids in our own solar system to faraway supernova explosions, over the course of different 80-day "campaigns." Planet-hunting remained a significant activity; the K2 alien-world haul stands at 354 as of today. Kepler's observations over both of its missions suggest that planets outnumber stars in the Milky Way and that potentially Earth-like worlds are common. Indeed, about 20 percent of sun-like stars in our galaxy appear to host rocky planets in the habitable zone, the range of distances where liquid water could exist on a world's surface. "Kepler's exoplanet legacy is absolutely blockbuster," Dotson told Space.com. But the mission's legacy extends to other fields as well, she stressed. For example, Kepler's precise brightness measurements which the telescope has completed for more than 500,000 stars are helping astronomers better understand the inner workings of stars. And the instrument's supernova observations could shed considerable light on some of the most dramatic events in the universe. "We've seen explosions as soon as they happen, at the very beginning," Dotson said. "And that's very exciting if you'd like to figure out why things go, 'Boom!'" Not done yet Even though Kepler has closed its eyes, discoveries from the mission should keep rolling in for years to come. About 2,900 "candidate" exoplanets detected by the spacecraft still need to be vetted, and most of those should end up being the real deal, Kepler team members have said. A lot of other data still needs to be analyzed as well, Dotson stressed. And Kepler will continue to live on in the exoplanet revolution it helped spark. For example, in April, NASA launched a new spacecraft called the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), which is hunting for alien worlds circling stars that lie relatively close to the sun (using the transit method, just like Kepler). Some of TESS' most promising finds will be scrutinized by NASA's $8.9 billion James Webb Space Telescope, which is scheduled to launch in 2021. Webb will be able to scan the atmospheres of nearby alien worlds, looking for methane, oxygen and other gases that may be signs of life. Kepler's death "is not the end of an era," Kepler system engineer Charlie Sobeck, also of NASA Ames, told Space.com. "It's an occasion to mark, but it's not an end." Follow Mike Wall on Twitter @michaeldwall and Google+. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook or Google+. Originally published on Space.com. On Oct. 25, SpaceX test-fired the Falcon 9 rocket that will launch its Crew Dragon capsule on an uncrewed demonstration mission to the International Space Station in January 2019. SpaceX just took another step toward launching astronauts. On Oct. 25, Elon Musk's company test-fired the Falcon 9 rocket that will loft the Crew Dragon capsule on its first flight to the International Space Station (ISS) under a commercial-crew contract with NASA. That demonstration mission, currently targeted for January 2019, will not carry astronauts. But the next Falcon 9-Crew Dragon launch will be crewed, and it'll lift off in June 2019 if everything goes according to plan. [Take a Walk Through SpaceX's Crew Dragon Spaceship] Crew Dragon ISS missions will leave Earth from the historic Apollo-era Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. But last week's Falcon 9 static-fire test took place at SpaceX's rocket-development facility in McGregor, Texas, SpaceX representatives said. Both SpaceX and Boeing hold multibillion-dollar NASA contracts to fly agency astronauts to and from the ISS. Boeing will use a capsule called the CST-100 Starliner, which is scheduled to launch on its uncrewed demonstration mission to the ISS this coming March. Starliner's first crewed ISS flight is targeted for August 2019. See more Starliner will launch atop United Launch Alliance Atlas V rockets, at least for the foreseeable future. Crew Dragon is based heavily on SpaceX's Dragon cargo capsule, which has been flying robotic resupply missions to the ISS for years under a different NASA contract. Both Crew Dragon and Starliner can ferry up to seven astronauts at a time. When Crew Dragon and Starliner come online, they'll break a lengthy U.S. human-spaceflight drought. No crewed orbital missions have launched from American soil since NASA retired its space shuttle fleet in 2011. Since then, Russian Soyuz spacecraft have been astronauts' only ride to and from the ISS. Mike Wall's book about the search for alien life, "Out There," will be published on Nov. 13 by Grand Central Publishing. Follow him on Twitter @michaeldwall. Follow us @Spacedotcom or Facebook. Originally published on Space.com. The NASA Office of Inspector General (OIG) examined NASA's management of its historic property, including the processes used to identify, account for and maintain real and personal property; the extent to which historic property is used to further NASA's current missions; and the challenges in managing historic property and aging facilities. After 60 years of space exploration, NASA could do a better job of tracking its history, federal investigators have found. The NASA Office of Inspector General (OIG), the independent investigation arm of the space agency, recently completed an audit of NASA's historic property and, in the wake of several high profile losses, has recommended that the agency adopt a more effective approach to identifying and managing its space artifacts. "NASA's processes for loaning and disposing of historic personal property have improved over the past six decades, but a significant amount of historic personal property has been lost, misplaced or taken by former employees and contractors due to the agency's lack of adequate procedures," the OIG reported.[Should We Open Some Sealed Apollo Moon Samples?] Further, said investigators, the OIG's efforts to recover artifacts that have escaped NASA's control have been "thwarted" by the space agency's "poor record keeping and a lack of established processes." A prototype lunar roving vehicle was found in a residential backyard in Alabama in 2014, but was sold before NASA asserted ownership. (Image credit: NASA OIG/U.S. Air Force) Moon bags and buggies The OIG conducted its review of NASA's historic holdings as an extension to an eight-year assessment of the agency's aging infrastructure and facilities. The audit came on the heels of several investigations about space artifacts for which NASA had a vested interest in recovering but were instead relinquished as a result of the agency's reluctance or inability to quickly assert ownership. In one such case dating back to 2015, a U.S. Air Force historian saw what he believed to be a prototype lunar rover in a residential backyard in Alabama. After reporting the find to NASA, the case was referred to the OIG, which learned that the rover's owner was amenable to returning the moon buggy to NASA. "The OIG requested NASA assert ownership of the rover and, if appropriate, make plans to accept it as a donation," the audit reports. "However, after waiting more than four months for a decision from the agency, the individual sold the rover to a scrap metal company." The vehicle's new owner rejected NASA's eventual offer to buy the four-wheeled buggy and instead had it auctioned for an undisclosed sum. In another example cited by the OIG, NASA's failure to actively keep tabs on its loaned artifacts resulted in a lunar sample return bag from the first moon landing being ruled private property by a federal judge and eventually sold for the most ever paid for a space artifact at a public auction. The pouch had been on loan to a museum, but an inventory error led to its forfeiture and subsequent sale as part of a theft case overseen by the U.S. Marshals Office. The Apollo 11 moon dust-stained bag sold for $1.8 million in 2017. "In the past, the OIG has spent years working on such cases only for NASA to ultimately retract its interest in the return of the property or for the court to decide the existing owner had rightful possession of the property," the audit reported. The rotation hand controller from the Apollo 11 command module was relinquished by NASA after a three-year recovery effort. (Image credit: RR Auction) Confusion and complications In addition to other concerns, the OIG found that NASA's past actions of giving away or disposing of artifacts added confusion to efforts seeking to recover federal property. During the early Mercury, Gemini and Apollo programs of the 1960s, for example, astronauts were allowed to keep flown spacecraft parts as souvenirs without a documented procedure for the release of the items. Decades later, when those same astronauts began selling off their collections, the lack of any paperwork led to a confrontation between the OIG and the NASA veterans. To resolve the issue, Congress had to pass legislation affirming the astronauts' title to their mementos. But even that 2012 law left open questions. An employee who was tasked with preparing artifacts for presentation to the astronauts was told by his supervisor to discard of a set of spacecraft hand controllers at the end of the Apollo program, including one used to fly the Apollo 11 crew to the moon. The employee instead took the artifacts home, and years later attempted to sell them at auction. "When NASA learned of the sale, it sought return of the controllers," the OIG said. "[But] after three years, NASA discontinued its pursuit of the items." The OIG report acknowledged that NASA has made improvements to its policies for example, in the way that it managed the disposition of artifacts at the end of the space shuttle program in 2011 but recommended the agency develop more comprehensive procedures for maintaining its heritage assets, including deciding whether it is the "most effective owner" and what property the space agency keeps because of its historical value. Follow collectSPACE.com or Facebook and on Twitter at @collectSPACE. Copyright 2018 collectSPACE.com. All rights reserved. American actor, producer and director Orson Welles terrified radio audiences with a report of an alien invasion, during a broadcast of a CBS radio program on Oct. 30, 1938. On this day (Oct. 30) 80 years ago, actor Orson Welles announced to audiences in a chilling radio performance that Martians were invading New Jersey, leading terrified listeners to believe that Earth was under attack by hostile aliens. But the so-called news was fake. Welles' infamous broadcast was a dramatization of the H.G. Wells science-fiction classic, "The War of the Worlds," and was part of a weekly series of dramatic broadcasts created in collaboration with the Mercury Theatre on the Air for CBS, according to a transcript of the broadcast. Thanks to decades of space research, understanding of extraterrestrial life has come a long way since Welles' radio play, and it's generally understood that Mars isn't home to an advanced alien civilization with lethal weaponry and spacecraft. Public fascination with extraterrestrials still runs high; however, a modern announcement about alien creatures would likely spur a very different response today than "The War of the Worlds" did in 1938, experts told Live Science. [9 Strange, Scientific Excuses for Why We Haven't Found Aliens Yet] During the radio transmission, an actor posing as a news announcer interrupted a scheduled music performance. With a tone of rising alarm, he described telescope observations of "three explosions" on Mars, then brought in on-the-scene reporting from Grover's Mill, a town near Princeton, New Jersey. As the drama unfolded, performers posing as witnesses described unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and "strange creatures" firing a futuristic heat ray that had killed dozens of people. Listen to the full broadcast here, courtesy of Archive.org: Though the program was peppered with reminders that it was theatrical, many people who tuned in thought that the alien invasion was real, and breathless newspaper headlines later described widespread panic caused by the prospect of an alien invasion. "Thousands of listeners rushed from their homes in New York and New Jersey, many with towels across their faces to protect themselves from the 'gas' which the invader was supposed to be spewing forth," the Daily News reported the next day. On October 31, 1938, the front page of the New York newspaper the Daily News noted the panic sparked by Welles' broadcast. (Image credit: New York Daily News Archive/Getty) While radio listeners may have fallen for the tale of a Martian invasion, space scientists of the day were already well aware that Mars wasn't capable of harboring a thriving civilization of intelligent aliens, Seth Shostak, a senior astronomer with the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence Institute (SETI) in California, told Live Science. "Certainly, by the late 1930s, no one believed it.There was increasing knowledge from astronomers: Mars has a very thin atmosphere; there's not much oxygen; we don't see any liquid water on the surface," Shostak said. All this suggested that if we did have intelligent cosmic company in the universe, it wasn't on Mars or even in our solar system, he explained. In fact, the violent episode Welles described is by far the least likely scenario for how humans might first encounter extraterrestrial life, according to science writer Michael Wall, author of "Out There: A Scientific Guide to Alien Life, Antimatter and Human Space Travel (For the Cosmically Curious)" (Grand Central Publishing, Nov. 11, 2018). [The "War of the Worlds" Radio Broadcast Explained] Alien microbes, not alien monsters A militaristic alien attack would involve extraterrestrials that are not only intelligent and technically advanced, but who also know that humans exist and can travel to our solar system, Wall told Live Science. An improbable number of variables would have to fall into place for that to happen. A stronger possibility is that our first encounter with alien life will be through finding microbes from other worlds, which are far more likely to be common across all the cosmos than intelligent organisms, said Wall, who is a senior writer at Live Science's sister site Space.com. Today, an announcement about discovering extraterrestrial microbes is far more likely to promote fascination than panic, he said. "With all the news about exoplanets [planets outside our solar system], people are primed for this," Wall said. "Those who are paying attention know how much habitable real estate is out there. And it just makes sense that if there's something out there that it'd be microbial." However, even though microbes may well be the first "aliens" that we'll encounter, that doesn't rule out the possibility of detecting intelligent extraterrestrial communications, Shostak told Live Science. [Greetings, Earthlings! 8 Ways Aliens Could Contact Us] Eavesdropping on aliens SETI scans the skies daily for radio signals that might be produced by forms of intelligent life. And even though there's probably far less intelligent life in the universe than there is microbial life, intelligent extraterrestrials could potentially broadcast their presence over much greater distances. "Microbes can make oxygen in the atmosphere. But intelligent life could make giant lasers or radio transmitters, so you might be able to hear them from farther away," Shostak said. One way we might find distant aliens is through detection of their radio signals, the subject of SETI's tireless searches using the Allen Telescope Array at the Hat Creek Radio Observatory in California. But SETI is also building equipment to search for possible extraterrestrial signals produced by laser beams, Shostak said. Of course, finding these signals requires that purported intelligent aliens are aiming them in our general direction. Nevertheless, Shostak is confident that one of these signals will be detected sooner than you think. "I bet a lot of people a cup of coffee that we'll find something within two dozen years," Shostak said. "And that's because equipment is getting better and better." A first meeting with E.T. via microbes or faraway signal transmissions would certainly be a lot less frightening than hearing about weapon-toting, tentacled creatures setting fire to our cities. After the broadcast, Welles claimed that he had no idea people would take the program so seriously; he issued an apology saying "it was a terribly shocking experience to realize that I had caused such widespread terror," The Daily Princetonian reported on Nov. 1, 1938. Originally published on Live Science. NEW YORK A pale, strung out and anxious James Rackover needed to get something off his chest hours after police say he killed a popular Westhill High School grad. James looked at me and said, I did something really bad, Louis Ruggiero testified Monday in Manhattan Supreme Court. Ruggiero said the conversation occurred on Nov. 14, 2016 at an Upper East Side Equinox gym a few blocks from Rackovers Sutton Place apartment, where police say 26-year-old Joey Comunale was killed the previous day. Ruggiero, 24, the District Attorneys star witness in the murder trial, said Rackover told him that Lawrence Dilione one of the other men in his apartment during the incident got into a fight with Comunale and knocked him unconscious. I gave [Comunale] a few lickings as well, and I didnt want a dead body in my living room, so I slit his throat and I stabbed him and then we wrapped the body up in comforters and threw the body out the window, Ruggiero testified, quoting what Rackover told him . The testimony struck a nerve with the victims father, Pat Comunale, who directed some angry words at Diliones attorney, Michael Pappa, when Ruggiero recalled Rackover confessing to slitting his sons throat. Ruggiero said Rackover also described how he calmly returned to his apartment after burying Comunales body in New Jersey. Youre not in Goodfellas You want to hear the sickest part about it all? I came home and ordered pancakes from a diner and ate them like nothing ever happened, Ruggiero quoted Rackover as saying. Ruggiero said Rackover told him he cleaned and bleached his entire apartment. In that moment, I looked at him and said, James, youre a good little Jew boy from Manhattan. Youre not in Goodfellas, said Ruggiero, who is the grandson of former Gambino mob family boss Anthony Scotto. Ruggiero testified he did not contact police because he did not initially believe Rackovers confession. The next day, however, Ruggiero said he saw police and crime scene trucks outside Rackovers apartment. Thats when I knew this was real, he testified. He wasnt lying. Dilione and Rackover are accused of beating, dismembering and burning Comunales body, which was found dumped in a shallow New Jersey grave. Police said Dilione knocked Comunale unconscious and Rackover, an ex con from Florida, killed the Stamford resident because he feared going back to prison. The fight stemmed from a drug-fueled argument over cigarettes after a long night of partying, heavy drinking and cocaine use. Comunale had just met Dilione outside a New York nightclub and accompanied him and five others to Rackovers apartment. Police said only Rackover, Dilione and Max Gemma were left in the apartment when Comunale was killed. Gemma has been charged with hindering prosecution and tampering with evidence. He is expected to go to trial after Dilione. Cocaine with the Rackovers Earlier in his testimony, Ruggiero described how he met the 27-year-old Rackover . Ruggieros mother, FOX-5 news anchor Rosanna Scotto, was friends with Rackovers surrogate father, Jeffrey, a jeweler with celebrity clients. The Comunale family has filed a civil lawsuit against Jeffrey Rackover, claiming he helped cover up the crime. The lawsuit also claims James and Jeffrey Rackover were lovers. Assistant District Attorney Peter Casolaro said Jeffrey Rackover masqueraded as James father and wanted to conceal the true nature of their relationship. Ruggiero, who now lives in Los Angeles, met James Rackover in the summer of 2014. Ruggiero said they developed a friendship and he had been to Rackovers 59th Street apartment about 10 times. Ruggiero said he did cocaine with James and Jeffrey Rackover. He said Jeffrey bought James pretty much whatever he wanted, which included clothes, watches, rings, bracelets and even a 2015 Mercedes Benz. Ruggiero said he had a falling out with James Rackover in February 2016 over a $40,000 gambling debt. Ruggiero said he stole from his parents to pay that money back. The two rekindled their relationship about four months later. Ruggiero, whose testimony is expected to continue Tuesday, admitted to having substance abuse issues and being arrested in 2015 when he stole his mothers purse. The charges were dropped when he completed a one-year outpatient drug program. NEW YORK Family and friends of a deceased Stamford man walked out of a Manhattan courtroom on Tuesday morning moments before grisly photographs were shown of his badly beaten, disfigured and burned body. A New Jersey medical examiner testified on Tuesday about the myriad injuries sustained by Joey Comunale, a 26-year-old Westhill High School graduate, who police say was murdered in the Manhattan apartment of James Rackover on Nov. 13, 2016. Alex Zhang, from the Middlesex County Medical Examiners office in New Jersey, showed jury members the 14 stab wounds that Comunale suffered on his chest, as well as various contusions and abrasions to his face and body. Zhang testified that Comunale died as a result of a homicide, and that the stab wounds delivered to his chest resulted in his death. During Zhangs testimony, Rackover repeatedly held a tissue to his eyes, shielding his view from the gory photos of Comunales face and torso. Rackover is one of two men on trial for Comunales death. Larry Dilione, who was also charged with murder, will go on trial next. A third man, Max Gemma, was also in the apartment at the time of Comunales death, according to police. Gemma was charged with hindering prosecution and tampering with evidence. He is expected to go to trial last. Dilione and Rackover are accused of beating, dismembering and burning Comunales body, which was found dumped in a shallow New Jersey grave. Police have said Dilione knocked Comunale unconscious and Rackover, an ex con from Florida, killed the Stamford resident because he feared going back to prison. The fight stemmed from a drug-fueled argument over cigarettes after a long night of partying, heavy drinking and cocaine use, according to authorities. Comunale reportedly had just met Dilione outside a New York nightclub and accompanied him and five others to Rackovers apartment. Among the autopsy photos shown on Tuesday was a picture of a five-inch-wide, gaping wound on Comunales upper right arm, which reached as deep as his bone. Zhang said the absence of blood around the gash was indicative of a postmortem wound, and that the lines created along the bone were signs of someone using a sharp object to saw the tissue. He later testified that a seven-inch knife found in Rackovers home could have been the tool used in an attempt to saw Comunales arm off. Among the injuries Comunale sustained was a broken nose, Zhang said. The nine stab wounds near a greenish, decomposed part of Comunales chest indicated the stabbings took place before he died, Zhang said. The examiner noted blunt force injuries to Comunales face, neck, buttocks, forearm and fingers. A photo of red marks around the right side of Comunales neck were consistent with strangulation or choking, said Zhang, who also pointed out injuries to Comunales face, including on his forehead and around his nose and eyelids, where hemorrhages had caused blood to build up behind his eyes. Comunale also suffered two cuts to his left ear, and a stab wound to his left upper arm. The interior autopsy of Comunales body revealed several broken ribs and severe fractures to his skull, consistent with a large fall, said Zhang. Rackover and Dilione are accused of throwing Comunales deceased body out of a 30-foot-high window at Rackovers 59th Street apartment, before driving 60 miles to Oceanport, New Jersey to dump the body. Earlier on Tuesday, the prosecutions star witness completed his testimony, saying that Rackovers right hand was heavily bandaged on Nov. 14, when he met him at Equinox Gym, one day after Comunale reportedly was murdered. According to Louis Ruggiero, Rackover had large cuts on his thumb and middle finger. Ruggiero said Rackover told him that Dilione got into a fight with Comunale and knocked him unconscious. He said Rackover then confessed to slitting Comunales throat and stabbing him. Autopsy photos presented Tuesday, however, did not show that Comunales throat had been cut open. Both the prosecution and defense rested their arguments on Tuesday. With no hearing set for Wednesday, closing arguments are expected to kick off on Thursday, followed by jury deliberation. ignacio.laguarda@stamfordadvocate.com R omania-born, LA-based Anastasia Soare is the uncontested queen of brows. Shes shaped and tweezed the arches of everyone from Cyndi Crawford to Jennifer Lopez and Amal Clooney and has quietly built a billion dollar brow-based beauty empire in just over two decades. This year Soare featured on the Forbes list of the richest self-made women in the U.S. for the first time, ranking at No. 21 ahead of fellow cosmetics moguls Kylie Jenner (No. 27) and Huda Kattan (No. 37), both also newcomers on the list. Today her personal net worth is estimated by Forbes to be about $1 billion, but Soares life wasnt always so sweet. In fact, her rags to riches story is nothing less than extraordinary. 32-year-old Soare escaped communist Romania in 1989 to join her husband - a ships captain who had defected the regime in 1987 - in Los Angeles. With limited English, she had prepared for the move by taking a beauty course it was the only job that didnt require perfect English and soon found work as an aesthetician in a Beverley Hills salon. But Soare quickly noticed something missing in LAs beauty landscape. Anastasia Soare / Anastasia Beverley Hills I couldnt believe that nobody paid attention to eyebrows, Soare tells the Standard. In Romania it was normal that when you got a facial someone would tweeze your brows. With a degree in art and architecture under her belt, Soare began applying the principles of symmetry shed learnt from studying Leonardo da Vincis Vitruvian man and the Golden Ratio in art school to the brows of clients at the salon. Her now patented Golden Ratio Eyebrow Shaping Method uses the mathematical ratio of 1.618 to 1.0 to form a clients "perfect arch. I revisited everything I had learnt in art school and shaping this theory on how to shape your eyebrows according to your natural bone structure, she says. I remembered my art teacher saying if you want change the emotion on a portrait - from an angry person to a surprised person for example - just change the eyebrows. Soares signature brow is full, natural looking and slightly arched. Her style has remained constant in the face of trends, whether the skinny brows of the '90s or Cara Delevingnes bold bushy brows, with a focus on personalisation based on the proportions of each individual face. Brows should begin directly above the middle of your nostrils and end where the corner of the nostril connects with the outer corner of the eye, she says. The highest point of the arch should connect the tip of the nose with the middle of the iris. No two brows therefore are the same. Evidently the maths works, because Soares client list is today more star studded that the Oscars and Met Gala guest lists combined. The big break came in 1990 when her client, a model booker, sent a van full of the biggest supermodels of the day, including Stephanie Seymour, Cyndi Crawford and Naomi Campbell, after a photo shoot. I was fresh from Romania and I didnt even know who they were, says Soare. I was like woah! I have never seen women this gorgeous. They were superhuman. Word spread, and soon everyone from Faye Dunaway to Michelle Pfeiffer were clients. In 1992 she began renting out a room in Beverly Hills, independently offering her eyebrow services seven days a week (it became like the best kept secret among the celebrities) and in 1998 Oprah Winfrey invited Soare to come and do her eyebrows live on her show. Oprah was then what Instagram is today, says Soare. If you got on her show and she spoke highly of you that was it. She recalls how Oprah, whod never had her brows done before, was nervous. I said to her just relax, Im the best that you could ever find. You will feel no pain and I will make you look gorgeous. The gamble paid off: Oprahs still a loyal client and for six months after appearing on the show, Soares phone didnt stop ringing. In 2000, she opened a flagship salon in Beverly Hills and launched her own line of brow products. The range, which quickly expanded and these days includes over 500 coloured cosmetic products (everything from lip kits to highlighters), is sold in 2500 doors globally. In September Anastasia Beverley Hills landed in the UK with a counter in Selfridges beauty hall. Aside from brilliant and brilliantly priced product (her iconic brow pomade costs a very reasonable 19), Soares incredible success is thanks to her savvy social marketing. At the behest of her daughter Claudia, who works as the company president, they were the first ever beauty brand to join Instagram and today rank second only in following only to MAC (and above Kylie Cosmetics). Just like the supermodels helped Soares original salon, Instagram models and influencersincluding perhaps the biggest social media star, Kim Kardashianhave helped validate her products. It felt so natural for us, says Soare, the conversations were similar to those we had been having in the salon. We kind of created all those influencers, she says, describing how they were the first brand to re-gram follower content (a savvy social strategy they still follow today) and the first to collaborate with Instagrammers on product reviews and mentions. We taught them how to take pictures, we bought them Sony 6 cameras, and we bought them ring lights when they came out. We put a lot into building this community. What many of this 18 million-strong community may not realise, however, is that even today, Anastasia and Claudia are the only two people managing the account, responding to comments and feedback - an unusually personal level of service for a brand of its size. In June, Anastasia sold a minority stake of her business to American private equity firm TPG Capital in a deal which reportedly valued the brand at $3 billion. The decision to take on investment comes as part of a plan for global expansion. TPG, who has previously invested in beauty brands like e.l.f, Beautycounter and Ipsy and has 16 offices worldwide, has been brought on to manage operations. First up, London, and a large counter in Selfridges beauty hall thats been overrun since the day it launched. Standalone stores and Anastasia treatments are likely in the pipeline but, until then, which Londoners eyebrows would Soare most like to get her hands on? Meghan and Kate are definitely top of my list, she says. They are both beautiful women with beautiful eyebrows, but Id like to give them my signature Anastasia look. C ustomers could be banned from buying crypto-related derivatives such as bitcoin contracts for difference after the City watchdog warned risks were too high for armchair punters. The move, unveiled on Monday alongside the Budget, will see the Financial Conduct Authority consult in the first quarter of next year on a possible prohibition of CFDs, options and futures linked to cryptoassets The watchdog, led by Andrew Bailey, ramped up its warning to investors about the nascent sector. The FCA has made clear that in its view cryptoassets have no intrinsic value and investors should therefore be prepared to lose all the value they have put in, it said. UK spread betting companies IG Group and CMC Markets are market leaders in offering bitcoin CFDs to retail investors. However, CMC said it had only offered products since February 2018 and were "an extremely small part of CMCs business. IG Group declined to comment. The possible crackdown is one aspect of a high-level government review led by the Treasury, the Bank of England and the FCA, dubbed the Cryptoassets Taskforce, into crypto and blockchain technology. The report said the taskforce should take strong action to limit the risks for investors. In the Budget the Treasury said this would ensure the UK maintains its international reputation as a financial services centre with high regulatory standards. The UKs move is part of an increasingly rapid regulatory march to get a grip on bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. B usiness chiefs on Tuesday attacked the Governments reforms of business rates, and warned they wont help ailing large retailers engulfed by the High Street bloodbath. Chancellor Philip Hammond yesterday unveiled measures to aid retailers including a 675 million High Street fund and plans to cut the rates bills of retailers with a rateable value of 51,000 or less on their property by a third. But bosses said the rates move would not help the scores of chains to have run into trouble this year, including House of Fraser, New Look and Toys R Us. David Atkins, chief executive of malls owner Hammerson, said small firms will be relieved, but for larger retailers, there is little to feel good about, adding that big brands shoulder almost 70% of the rates burden. Hammersons Brent Cross centre is home to big chains such as Mothercare which are closing stores amid biting online competition, higher wage bills, and weaker consumer confidence. He pointed to retail giants creating thousands of jobs, and said: It is in everyones interest that larger retailers are also given the chance to prosper by operating on a level playing field and the current business rates burden does not allow this. Harrods managing director Michael Ward said: Without a drastic review of this outdated business rates tax system, and a recognition of the undue burden it places on London businesses with high property values, bricks and mortar retailers will continue to suffer. Meanwhile supermarket Icelands managing director Richard Walker, suggested yesterdays proposals for tech giants to pay tax on sales in the UK wont help level the playing field between online and traditional retailers. Walker tweeted today: Our business rates bill alone amounts to roughly 10% of the 400 million that the Government is looking to raise from taxing the tech giants, some of the largest companies in the world. Restaurant chains have also been hit by the squeeze on income amid high business rates. Mark Selby, chief executive of Mexican chain Wahaca, said: While I wholeheartedly support the Governments initiatives in helping small businesses, their actions miss the mark on businesses like ours where in city centres rateable values for a 70+ seater restaurant are well above the 51,000 they have set. David Page, the chairman of pizza chain Franco Mancas parent, said of the reforms: Its small beer compared to making sure the general economy is in growth. Simon Emeny, the boss of pubs group Fullers said the changes are good for tenants, but added: We still believe that a total reform of our business rates system is long overdue. SWATHES OF LONDON PROPERTIES WILL SEE NO BENEFIT More than 16,500 properties in London wont see any benefit from the business rates reforms unveiled in the Budget, it emerged on Tuesday. Property agent Gerald Eve welcomed news that business rates will be cut by a third for two years for shops, pubs and restaurants with a rateable value of 51,000 and under. The firm calculates that 56,233 properties fall below that in the capital, but points out that some 22,700 of those dont pay rates currently so wont be impacted either way. However, Gerald Eves Jerry Schurder warned that there are 16,557 London sites that are above the threshold so wont get help. L ondons blue plaques celebrate hundreds of remarkable people who have made this city their home. The enduring popularity of the scheme which is 152 years old and believed to be the first of its kind in the world reflects the appeal of the compelling and simple idea to mark the connection between a person and a building in which they either lived or worked. It opens our eyes to the often hidden history behind Londons bricks and mortar the flat in which Charlie Chaplin lived with his brother before heading to Hollywood and fame; the kitchen where Elizabeth David created recipes which changed the tastes of a nation; the guest house where Marconi did his early radio experiments; the quiet room where Sylvia Plath wrote The Bell Jar and the noisier one where Jimi Hendrix strummed his guitar. There are more than 900 official plaques. Yet only 129 of them celebrate women. This is explained partly though not excused by the long history of blue plaques. When the scheme began in 1866, men dominated public life almost completely. Women in England couldnt vote, they couldnt study for a university degree, and they were barred from many professions. By 1905, just five women one actress and four writers had been commemorated with a plaque, including George Eliot. Since those times, the position of women in society has changed completely, but there has been a slowness to acknowledge female achievement. The low number of public statues to women is one manifestation of this. And by 1986, when English Heritage took over the scheme, the number of blue plaques celebrating women still stood at fewer than 50. Since then, English Heritage has honoured more than 80 women, including the computer pioneer Ada Lovelace and Rosalind Franklin, the scientist who helped discover DNA. Since 2016, more than half of the plaques approved have been to women, including Noor Inayat Khan, a British heroine of the Second World War, who lost her life doing vital work as a Special Operations Executive officer in Nazi-occupied France. Assuming the buildings owners are happy to give permission, these and many other women will be commemorated on the streets of London in the next few years. The London blue plaques scheme relies on people to suggest possible candidates. Successful candidates selected by our panel must show a good case for having made a significant contribution to humanity. There is more work to do to recognise the remarkable women from Londons past. But we need your help. We want to know who you think deserves a plaque. Has she had a great and lasting effect on society? Has she been dead for more than 20 years? And does the London building she called home still stand? If the answer is yes we want to hear from you. O ur decision to leave the EU is one of the most divisive in British history. Brexit has divided the component parts of the UK, placing England and Wales (as Leavers) in opposition to Scotland and Northern Ireland. It has divided our mainstream political parties, business and commerce, communities, friends, families and generations. In many cases, these scars run deep, and will not be easily healed. People who voted for Brexit did so with high hopes most of which will be unrealised. We were told we would keep the advantages of the single market. We will not. That we would be better off. We will not. That we would get cash back to fund the NHS. We will not. That trade deals could be negotiated overnight. They will not. That the Irish border would not present a problem. But it has and it will continue to do so. The public were offered pipe dreams, not realities. The industrialist, the financier, the fisherman and the farmer will come to realise that, as will the health worker, the scientist, the businessman or woman, and the family member guarding the household purse. We were told that there were no downsides to Brexit. Reality checks from expert opinion were dismissed as fearmongering by the elite. This was misdirection on a classic scale. Former British Prime Minister John Major / Rex Features Under every scenario that has been independently modelled even by our own government the UK will be poorer and weaker, and the poorest regions and the least well-off will suffer the most. No-one could or should be complacent about that. A fresh analysis by Our Future, Our Choice, a group of young people who are campaigning for a vote on any Brexit deal, now sets out with great clarity the implications for young people. The report indicates that the younger generation can expect a big loss of earnings, at or around 76,000 by 2050 under a World Trade Organisation-terms exit. On this basis, a hard Brexit would cost young people three times what they pay for university, or double the deposit needed to buy a house. I do not believe that those who voted Leave intended for their own children and grandchildren to be worse off. As negotiations have proceeded and the downsides become clear the inevitable question arises: how could the UK have voted to enact such a policy of self-harm? And how can the fervent Brexiteers in Parliament continue to ignore and dismiss every warning even when those warnings seem ever more likely to be true? "There is something unjust that so many of the younger generation are to be denied any say in the process" History may well judge that, for a time, the worlds most pragmatic nation lost her gift of promoting national self-interest. Once more we must look to Parliament to safeguard our interests. As the facts become known, Parliament our ultimate sovereign power will need to decide whether the deal presented to them meets the promises made to the British people. If it does not, I believe Parliament would be right to order a binding referendum. Such a further and final referendum would be controversial, especially among those who fear they may lose it. I accept it is not an easy option. But the moral and democratic case for voting upon proven facts, rather than peddled fiction, is rock solid. The reverse is also true: how can it be right to hold people to a decision made upon so many false promises? It is neither right nor wise, especially for our young. Their recent report published last week is poignantly entitled Our Future, Our Choice but of course it was never the choice of the young, who voted overwhelmingly to remain in the EU while many elders voted to leave. And there is something unjust that so many of the younger generation who will have to live with the fallout from Brexit for the longest period are to be denied any say in the process. Since June 2016, there are now nearly two million more young people who are eligible to vote, a large majority of whom intend to vote in any potential second referendum. Of those certain to vote, an astonishing 87 per cent would opt to stay in the European Union. One final thought: I have a word of caution for the fervent Brexiteers that is kindly meant even though they will not wish to hear it. If, in pursuit of the no deal Brexit they favour, they vote to delay approval of any other options by Parliament, or deny the nation a binding referendum, they will have nowhere to hide if as so many forecast Brexit harms our national wellbeing. Those responsible for forcing through a policy that impairs the prospects of the British people will be held accountable for many years to come. They will not be forgotten and may well not be forgiven by those they misled. It is, therefore, in the Brexiteers own interests to support a final decision by a Parliament unhampered by political coercion, or by a nation in possession of all the facts on how the lives of its citizens will be impacted by the decision that is taken. This is hardly a novel proposition: it is democracy and our own sovereignty in action. One might even call it the will of the people. L iving in Wiltshire, I only get into London a few times a year. On Fridays visit I picked up a copy of the Standard and was very pleased to read Rob Rinders Comment column criticising the Walkie-Talkie building [October 26]. It is truly ugly and cannot be architect Rafael Vinolys most treasured design. I realise that it cant be knocked down but it should be given another nickname to accurately reflect what it is and the effect it has. Perhaps the Standard could hold a readers competition to suggest alternatives? I suggest the Cudgel, as it appears to leer over the City threatening to strike it. David Feather I have lunch by the river daily in front of City Hall and look at the majesty of Tower Bridge, and the other historic buildings of the vista. Then I look at the mess of skyscrapers directly opposite me and despair. Even the (relatively, now, inoffensive) Gherkin is hidden away behind a mess of towers that do nothing to complement one another. Such a shame. Paul Shields I might be in the minority but I am sure that I am not the only person who finds the Walkie-Talkie an elegant and graceful addition to Londons skyline. Mike Mitchell EDITOR'S REPLY Dear David, Paul and Mike The Walkie-Talkie looks like something from a Pixar animation, and is famous for its reflection melting cars and allowing eggs to be fried by its beam of heat on the pavement below. Whats not to like? Judging by our bulging mail bag, a lot. Many readers, such as our columnist Rob Rinder, see a glassy carbuncle. I dont. If any building looks threatening its the Shard, although that is more impressive than it is aggressive. As for Tower Bridge, theres little majesty in high-concept fakery. Its just a late 19th-century parody of an imagined medieval German castle. At least the Walkie-Talkie is honest. Architecture will always divide opinion but London gains from skyscrapers with actual character. They make new landmarks in a city full of nondescript buildings. Unlike many dreary glass and steel lumps littering the City, the Walkie-Talkie brings a smile to my face. Robbie Smith, Letters Editor Mayor offers sane counsel on Brexit At last, a Labour voice calling for some sanity on Brexit [Sadiq tells EU: put brakes on Brexit, October 26]. London Mayor Sadiq Khan now knows that cutting the trading ties with our nearest neighbours is stupid, or at least very complicated and damaging to our future. More importantly, lies about the benefits of leaving the EU have now been exposed: there will be no millions for the NHS, British farmers or fishermen, no easier trading with Trumps America or the rest of the world where 60 per cent of our trade is already done, and we will lose millions of young willing, well-qualified Europeans. This is blindingly obvious to anyone in or visiting London but is also clear in other cities and in rural areas. We need these young willing workers. So a rethink is needed and more time before we throw ourselves over the white cliffs of Dover. David Reed Change the law over freezing eggs Our experience shows that currently the majority of women seeking egg freezing are in their mid-30s and many are not aware that their eggs will necessarily be destroyed unless they use them within 10 years [Women need to be wary of the hype around egg-freezing, October 26]. A change in this law is long overdue. Peter Bowen-Simpkins London Womens Clinic Women are constantly lectured on their fertility and for women over 35 that is never good news. As a woman who has had her eggs frozen, I find the suggestion that women are freezing without looking into other options or evidence patronising. Amazon Fashion is today launching its try before you buy service in the UK, marking the online retailers latest effort to take market share in the fashion space. With Prime Wardrobe, available exclusively to Amazon Prime members, shoppers can order between three and eight fashion items for free delivery, try them on at home, and only pay for the items they wish to keep. As part of an introductory offer, shoppers will be offered discounts depending on the number of items they choose to keep beginning with 5 off when they choose items worth 100 or more and 20 discounts if they keep items worth 200 or more. They can then return any unwanted items free of charge within seven days. Fit is an important factor when it comes to buying clothes and shoes, and with Prime Wardrobe, Amazon Prime members can try their purchases in the comfort of their own home at no extra cost, said Xavier Garambois, Vice President of Amazon EU Retail. Amazon Fashion The UK is the third country to join the service, which started in the US in June and launched in Japan last week. Brands like Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Levis, Esprit, Miss Selfridge, Lacoste, Love Moschino, Ted Baker, New Balance, LK Bennett and Vans will be available to shop alongside all of Amazons private label fashion brands. The launch of Wardrobe follows the opening of Amazons first European fashion pop-up in London last week. The streetwear community went into meltdown last week as skatewear label Palace announced it would be dropping a collaboration with all-American giant Ralph Lauren. Today weve been given a first peek at whats set to be one of the most hyped drops of the year. Via Instagram, Palace teased a preview of what looks to be a very colourful, very collectable first outing of the two brands. Palace by Ralph Loren Theyve also revealed a full Americana-vibe campaign lookbook on its website (check it out here), set in the desert and shot by British fashion photographer David Sims. The collection, which will drop online and in-store at 11am on Friday November 9, looks set to riff heavily on the tartan, rugby shirts and general preppiness of Polo, inflecting it throughout with the bold and vibrant aesthetic of skatewear. The yellow and black tartan co-ord is a particularly major vibe. Palace Ralph Lauren is a timeless collection that represents a love letter from a young London skateboard company to their favourite brand in the universe, reads a social media post by Polo Ralph Lauren. For a more detailed look at the collection, check out the lookbook above and stay tuned for the full Polo Ralph Lauren x Palace drop at 11am GMT on Friday, November 9. I t isn't all about Halloween this week. Day of the Dead is on the horizon this week too, a unique and intriguing festival of remembrance, that every year sees the world get a little bit more interested in the cultural vibrance of Mexico. Mexican culture is, however, so much more than tinga tacos and flowered headbands. No one knows that better than the countrys artists, particularly those who have woven their countrys heritage, aesthetic traditions and politics throughout their work. This Day of the Dead or Dia de los Muertos take a closer look at five cultural minds who have put Mexico on the map in modern art and beyond. Frida Kahlo Self-portrait with Monkeys, Frida Kahlo, 1943 at the V&A Museum / Getty Images Frida Kahlo is among the most recognisable, influential and groundbreaking artists in global art history. She took up painting as a teenager having been left bedbound for months by a horrific traffic accident in 1925, creating her first self-portraits by looking at a mirror hung above her bed. Kahlo suffered health problems her entire life, but went on to be a pioneer of feminist art and explore her countrys political upheavals and visual heritage through arrestingly intimate paintings. Her influence still persists today, with a recent V&A exhibition on her life and art kick-starting a new wave of Frida fever in London. Diego Rivera A mosiac by Diego Rivera on the side of a theatre on Insurgents Boulevard in Mexico City / Getty Images Frida Kahlo may be now be revered, but in her lifetime she was largely overshadowed in her native Mexico by her household-name husband Diego Rivera. Along with Jose Clemente Orozco and David Alfaro Siquieros, Rivera was one of the big three painters of the Mexican Muralist Movement of the early 20th century. The movement took the countrys tradition of painting large-scale murals and reimagined it for a post-Revolution Mexico. Rivera gained fame by producing colossal works imbued with political messages about Mexican pride and embracing the countrys heritage. He was even invited to make multiple murals in the US, but these frequently courted controversy for Riveras affiliation with Communism. Leonora Carrington Nativity by Leonora Carrington / AFP/Getty Images Although Leonora Carrington was born in England, Mexico was her home for nearly 70 years. She left Europe during the Second World War, after her artist partner Max Ernst was arrested by the Nazi regime, and Carrington suffered a mental breakdown. She went on to become one of the most prominent female members of the Surrealist group, creating astonishing works that explored the subconscious through dreamlike imagery, and were packed with highly personal symbolism. Her scenes also frequently took place amid deserts or mountainous areas similar to those in her Mexican home. A passionate feminist, Carrington also became a founding member of the Womens Liberation Movement in Mexico in the 1970s. Gabriel Orozco A work by Gabriel Orozco at his Tate Modern retrospective in 2011 / Getty Images Few artists pack in as much as contemporary artist Gabriel Orozco. His works range from carefully poised geometric paintings of circles, to a car missing its middle third, and even a human skull painted with a checkerboard. The Mexican artist blurs the lines between his art and the real world by using commonly identifiable objects and arranging them in mischievous ways, almost as if he were playing games with reality. The allusions to Mexican culture in his work are subtle, but the presence of the contemporary urban world and a Day of the Dead-esque frank approach to death are peppered throughout. Teresa Margolles Air, a work by Teresa Margolles on display at the Hayward Gallery in 2012 / Getty Images T he prison cell that was home to Ruth Ellis - the last woman to be executed in this country - has been recreated for a new art show. Artist Christina Reihill consulted the original prison diary recording her final days to build the installation. Ellis was hanged at Holloway Prison in 1955 after being found guilty of murdering her abusive lover David Blakely after shooting him five times at point blank range outside a Hampstead pub. The case, which was filmed in 1985 as Dance With A Stranger with Miranda Richardson and Rupert Everett as the doomed lovers, is often cited as helping turn public opinion against the death penalty. There was a huge outcry at the plight of Ellis, a former nightclub hostess and prostitute, who had earlier suffered a miscarriage after being attacked by Blakely. Tens of thousands of people signed a petition begging for a reprieve and US crime novelist Raymond Chandler - the creator of private eye Philip Marlowe - wrote a letter to the Evening Standard decrying the medieval savagery of the courts. The show, at the Bermondsey Project Space, is inspired by letters she wrote from her cell as well as prison reports that were regularly updated tracking her state of mind up until her execution. Ms Reihill said she was attracted by Elliss personality and her determination to live her own life. She said: I love her honesty, she said having killed him He deserved it, she didnt hide from it. The installation also includes a poem written by Ms Reihill from the viewpoint of Ellis addressing Blakey and a video interview explaining her fascination with the killer. She said she believes Ellis wanted to die and fell back on her hostess persona while in the cell waiting for her sentence to be carried out. London art exhibitions you have to see in autumn - In pictures 1 /17 London art exhibitions you have to see in autumn - In pictures Modern Couples: Art, Intimacy and the Avant-Garde October 10 - January 27 2019, Barbican; barbican.org.uk Courtesy Rodchenko and Stepanova Archives, Moscow Videogames September 8 - February 24 2019, Victoria & Albert Museum; vam.ac.uk 2015 Nintendo Klimt/Schiele November 4 - February 3 2019, Royal Academy; royalacademy.org.uk The Albertina Museum, Vienna Exhibition organised by the Royal Academy of Arts, London and the Albertina Museum, Vienna Yayoi Kusama October 3 - December 21, Victoria Miro; victoriamiro.com AFP/Getty Images Gainsborough's Family Album November 22 - February 3 2019, National Portrait Gallery; npg.org.uk Courtesy of National Portrait Gallery Space Shifters September 26 - January 6 2019, Hayward Gallery; southbankcentre.co.uk The Bunny Smash exhibition at Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo/Eiji Ina Pierre Huyghe October 3 - February 10 2019, Serpentine Gallery; serpentinegalleries.org Courtesy of the artist, Hauser & Wirth and Serpentine Galleries; Kamitani Lab / Kyoto University and ATR The Sun: Living With Our Star October 6 - May 6 2019, Science Museum; sciencemuseum.org.uk Image courtesy of NASASDO and the AIA, EVE and HMI science teams. Mantegna & Bellini October 1 - January 27 2019, National Gallery; vam.ac.uk Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid/Photographic Archive Museo Nacional del Prado 100 Figures: The Unseen Art of Quentin Blake October 5 - January 27 2019, House of Illustration; houseofillustration.org.uk Night and Day: 1930s Fashion and Photographs October 12 - January 20 2019, Fashion & Textile Museum; ftmlondon.org Private collection Turner Prize 2018 September 26 - January 6, Tate Britain; tate.org.uk Courtesy of the artist. Photo: Andy Keate. Hyundai Commission: Tania Bruguera September 8 - February 24 2019, Tate Modern; vam.ac.uk Tate Photography Ribera: Art of Violence September 26 - January 27 2019, Dulwich Picture Gallery; dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk Bilboko Arte Ederren Museoa-Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao I Object: Ian Hislop's Search For Dissent September 6 - January 20, British Museum; britishmuseum.org J.Fernandes/D.Hubbard/Trustees of the British Museum Christian Marclay: The Clock September 14 - January 20 2019, Tate Modern; tate.org.uk The Artist. Photographer: White Cube (Ben Westoby) Courtauld Impressionists: From Manet to Cezanne September 17 - January 20 2019, National Gallery; nationalgallery.org.uk The Samuel Courtauld Trust, The Courtauld Gallery, London She said: She was welcoming people almost as if it was for afternoon tea and asking them how they were when she was hours away from being hanged so for me she was in a deluded state of mind to cope with such a terrifying fate. The reality is for most people the idea of being in a condemned cell would be horror but for a lot of prisoners that contained space offers an amelioration of not being able to deal with a bigger reality and she got three meals a day, she had people treating her with respect, calling her Mrs Ellis. A ccording to journalistic convention I should refer to Kwame Kwei-Armah by his surname, but talking to him is so much fun that anything other than his favourite moniker Kwamz feels impersonal. Since hes the newly incumbent artistic director of the Young Vic, conventions must be obeyed even though Kwei-Armah (Kwamz) probably wouldnt agree with that. His first season has only just started, but time flies when youre having fun. (A musical version of Twelfth Night opened to acclaim earlier this month. A relief, since his opening show as artistic director at Baltimore Center Stage went down really f***ing badly.) Were here to discuss his second season, which starts in May and was announced this morning and it will not disappoint. If theres a common theme, its how we move ourselves out of the boxes that contain us, that try to put us in an experience and make us smaller than we are, he tells me. Arthur Millers Death of a Salesman will be told through the lens of an African-American family, in a production directed by Marianne Elliott, with Wendell Pierce and Sharon D Clarke playing Willy and Linda Loman. He spoke to Elliott, a long-time friend, about what they could do together on his second day in the job. I just said, the theatres yours. If he could have cast Pierce while in Baltimore, Kwei-Armah says, I would have died. To have him and Marianne? Get the hell out. (And will Pierces former Suits co-star Meghan Markle come and see the show? Kwei-Armah laughs heartily: My mother would be really proud of that.) It would be churlish to say the Young Vic didnt see a possibility of it transferring to the West End, but its not the preordained destination. That way lies heartbreak, he says. He doesnt want to be the coloured version of predecessor David Lan but to define success on his own terms. Kwei-Armah will then collaborate with Idris Elba on Tree, a mix of live music, dance and film based on Nelson Mandelas life. Everyone thought Elba was gearing up to play Bond really hes been digging into his art. In 2013, Elba played Mandela on screen and the following year made an album about him. Idris called me one day and said, Look, Kwamz, listen to the album. I wanna make a musical around this. It so happened that Id already bought it and really loved it. The pair have known each other for years. I remember seeing him on TV when I was in my first house. I saw him and I went, That brothers a movie star! In those days, thinking about a black British Hollywood movie star one didnt think it was probable, let alone possible. Next up, Yael Farber will direct a new version of Lorcas Blood Wedding, adapted by Marina Carr. Is it a nod to Lan, who had one of the theatres biggest hits with a new version of Lorcas Yerma ? I knew thats what people would think. And for a moment, it almost made me not do it, he admits. But the truth of the matter is I found a translation by Langston Hughes, and I was really fascinated in why one of the leaders of the Harlem Renaissance did that. He would never want to invite comparisons its not a beauty contest I can win. Young Vic associate director Nadia Latif will then bring one of the most talked about plays in the US to the stage. Jackie Sibblies Drurys Fairview is a radical play about race and power, and was described by Ben Brantley from the New York Times as an exquisitely and systematically arranged ambush. Kwei-Armah saw the play in New York and knew immediately he had to put it on. He explains the process of watching it in detail. By the third movement, I had openly laughed at the playwright and the director. I turned to the person next to me and I said, Do you know whats going on? We were all laughing at it, not with it. And then I got to the end of act four and I was in tears. Other highlights include Bronx Gothic by Macarthur Genius fellow Okwui Okpokwasili, a form-mixing show in which the writer dances herself into a high sweat in the corner until shes exhausted, just before the show begins, and a digital video series on what matters to young men. Kwei-Armah feels that in adjusting power imbalances between genders, we mustnt alienate the men who feel they are losing something. He wouldnt call himself a feminist he doesnt want to co-opt the word but an ally. I dont find myself interested in gender issues in a theoretical way, but because it affects the quality of life of my daughter and wife, he says. London's best autumn theatre 1 /21 London's best autumn theatre Twelfth Night October 2 - November 17, Young Vic Measure for Measure September 28 - November 24, Donmar Warehouse Company September 26 - December 22, Gielgud Theatre Buy tickets with GO London Dan Kennedy Sylvia September 3-22, Old Vic Theatre Buy tickets with GO London Manuel Harlan I'm Not Running From October 2, National Theatre Pinter at the Pinter From September 6, Harold Pinter Theatre Getty Images The Wild Duck October 15 - December 1, Almeida Theatre PA Hadestown November 2 - January 26, National Theatre The Woods September 5 - October 20, Royal Court Theatre The Village September 7 - October 6, Theatre Royal Stratford East Buy tickets with GO London Getty Images Wise Children October 8 - November 10, Old Vic Theatre Buy tickets with GO London Misty September 8 - October 20, Trafalgar Studios Buy tickets with GO London Helen Murray A Very Very Very Dark Matter October 12 - January 6, Bridge Theatre Dave Benett Heathers September 3 - November 24, Theatre Royal Haymarket Buy tickets with GO London Pamela Raith Holy Sh!t September 5 - October 6, Kiln Theatre Photo by Mark Douet An Adventure September 6 - October 20, Bush Theatre I and You October 18 - November 24, Hampstead Theatre Caroline, or Change November 20 - February 9, Playhouse Theatre Buy tickets with GO London Marc Brenner The Malady of Death October 3-6, Barbican Centre I'm a Phoenix, B**** October 3-20, Battersea Arts Centre A Small Place November 8 - December 1, Gate Theatre Much is made of the fact that Kwei-Armah is the first African Caribbean artistic director at a major London institution, and his season purposefully interrogates the expectations of that. We can never get away from the optics of me and Im not saying we should but Im really pleased we have a season that says, yeah, Im a black artistic director, but that doesnt mean Im only gonna do one kind of work. Being unrepresented in the industry left him without mentors at the start of his career and that made my existence very lonely. Later came Nick Starr, Nicholas Hytner and Oskar Eustis but could those men speak to all of me? Working with Josie Rourke and Kate Pakenham at the Donmar was exhilarating, as they changed shit around. But on the whole he has had to find his mentors. This is why he doesnt feel the burden of representation himself. Its just part of the gig, he shrugs. The night before our interview he had consoled a friend who missed out on a vacant artistic directorship role. I was speaking to them for about 45 minutes, they were emotional and in tears about not getting the job. Its a Sunday, the one day I get in the house, and I apologised to my wife and children. But they understood, as I understand, that there has been a dearth of people of colour in positions of power, and my appointment means it wasnt just for me, it was for them too. Evening Standard theatre critic Henry Hitchings pinpointed some of the clear objectives of Kwei-Armahs regime as accessibility, empathy, generosity and inclusiveness. Right now there are schemes such as the Black Ticket Project offering free tickets to young black audience members, but critics from the old guard have to be accommodated too; how does that tension sit with him? He warns against false binaries, suggesting we can have our cake and eat it too. Our job is to look after the new and not alienate those who are part of the infrastructure. Kwei-Armah holds another lofty mantle as the first black British playwright to have a play staged in the West End (Elminas Kitchen in 2005). He described it at the time as like having a black angel and a white angel on each shoulder, trying to ensure his work could be understood by a white audience. Does he feel that now? Being a playwright is really liberating because people are asking you for your worldview which is different to being an artistic director, where people are just trying to get into a building. What he hears most from playwrights today is the need for an intervention around gender and race. His tenure at the Young Vic begins amid a major changing of the guard within London theatre; the Bush, Donmar, Lyric Hammersmith and Hampstead are all experiencing changes at the top. Its a real opportunity for change. Does Kwei-Armah worry we will flub it? I do not. This is a brilliant time to be alive. Its really frightening. Brexit frightens me. Trumps America frightens me. But look at the steam its giving to a new generation of thinker, he says. I think well talk about it the way we talk about 1968. Well say: it was painful, but we covered some really good ground. I agree and I reckon well have Kwamz to thank. O ne hot Sunday afternoon in early September, spectators decorated in multicoloured handkerchiefs take their seats around a piazza in the northern Italian city of Asti. The mood is anxious, as seven horse riders are attempting to line up seven excitable steeds for a race. Calma, calma (calm, calm), crackles the commentators voice overhead. Piano, piaaano (gently, gennntly), he urges. The annual Palio di Asti is a bareback horse race preceded by a parade of medieval characters. 21 horses, their riders dressed in colours representing Astis 21 districts, race in groups of seven around a piazza. The fastest in the first three races compete in a final whereupon the winners prize is to have their flag hung outside the town hall for one year. What youre about to read is a story about some Piedmont aromatised wines (wines infused with herbs, which includes vermouth) that can be found across numerous bars in London, but to talk about these without mentioning the Palio would be like discussing Mexican tequila without referencing Day of the Dead festival. Both are engrained in their respective cultures. Granted, a medieval horse race is not something a Londoner would expect to see thundering around Trafalgar Square, but a version of this race has been happening in Asti (the most famous one is in Siena in Tuscany) since the thirteenth century and it continues to be a source of passionate local pride. 21 riders battle it out in the Palio di Asti race / Palio di Asti Bava Winery I have come to watch it as a guest of the Bava winemaking family who, as owners of the Cocchi aromatised wine business that was started by former pastry chef Giulio Cocchi in the late 1800s, are vermouth fanatics keen for me to try their products, given its recent revival in London. Their hilltop village of Cocconato, situated between Milan and Turin, is situated in a lush region of hills and flatlands, bursting with an abundance of grapes, hazelnuts, and herbs like gentian and wormwood, which are the most significant botanicals used in the making of aromatised wines. But the Bavas (Roberto and Carletta Bava along with their children, Francesca and Giorgio) are also a Palio-going, hazelnut-growing, wine-making, chocolate-eating, tomato-cooking family, and they want to ensure that I leave Piedmont having experienced more than just their booze. Francesca Bava / Cocchi During my three-day visit, we eat mounds of soft gnocchi and rich slithers of Vitello Tonnato (veal with tuna) in Cocconatos Cannon d'Oro restaurant, and marvel at the delicious simplicity of a pink Carne Cruda (raw minced beef served with olive oil and salt) in Castigliones hilltop restaurant, La Terrazza da Renza. Other treats include ripe peaches covered in amaretto biscuit crumbs, creamy pralines in Turin made with fresh hazelnuts, soft Robiola cows cheese, plus several different versions of restorative veal agnolotti. And, of course, there is much wine to sample - from gently sparkling Moscato, to bolstering Barolos and lighter Nebbiolos. But back to the Palio where, 25 minutes (and 25 more line-up attempts) later, the riders have lined up. The cannon shoots and seven beautiful creatures (including one owned by the Bavas representing San Pietro district) pound forward to a chorus of cheers and flag waving. Sadly our horse is too slow for a place in the final. Inside the Cocchi Winery (Cocchi) / Cocchi aperitivos and vermouth I think the Palio may seem a little strange to people who are not used to it, Francesca laughs. But we are all very proud of it! As a tourist, it would be too easy to want the Palio to happen on schedule (it took three hours for four two-minute horse races to take place) - but for what? It seems that this annual spectacle is, just like the production of their vermouth, about a firm dedication to both tradition and, well, letting things happen naturally. In any case, as far as Francesca and Georgio are concerned, time between races equals an opportunity for an aperitivo before the final charge. We head to Bar Cocchi, rammed with other flagging Palio goers, and focus on what we have travelled here for. Vermouth as a way of life For Francesca Bava, who drinks vermouth every day, the current buzz around it is part of a general trend of rediscovery of traditional products. "People are looking for products with a soul and genuine provenance," she says. "Which includes liquors and Vermouth di Torino, with its centuries-old history, craft tradition and fascinating ingredients. Theoretically, making vermouth is quite easy to do, says Roberto about the production process, which involves harvesting, pressing, fermenting and ageing the grapes, before adding the relevant botanicals. But the secret is about how much you add, and when, because it needs to be well balanced," he says. "Its easy to find an unbalanced one, for example, with too much liquorice or citrus. This is why we produce in the artisan way, so we can take time over getting the best botanicals, and tasting it. Vermouth di Torino was granted IG status (Indicazione Geografica or Geographical Identity) in March last year, denoting that no vermouth from the region can now be labelled as such unless it is made according to specific regulations regarding geography and production. Part of this ensures that it contains local wines and herbs, especially wormwood, because, explains Roberto: "Some vermouth does not even contain this and it makes a big difference to bartenders and consumers [to know when it does]. When we bought Cocchi, we saved the original recipes, he continues. Later in 2010 I remember talking about vermouth and people all thought it was oxidised and old and not cool, in the way that people never used to think sherry was cool but it is again. "So weve had a job convincing people; for example, there has been a bit of a revolution because vermouth used to be made with leftover wine, but we use the best wine. This IG label means we can protect the consumer to make sure they are drinking top quality vermouth made locally and with wine." Cocchi cocktails Back at the bar, we try three drinks: the Americano made with a blend of Cocchi Americano (Amer here means bitter in French, not American), soda, ice and orange peel. It is slightly woody but highly refreshing. There is also a sweeter, fruitier pink Spritz, with Cocchi Rosa, soda, and sparkling wine; and, my favourite, the V&T, which is simply the original Vermouth di Torino served with tonic, which crackles as it hits the ice. It is intense and bittersweet. As Im savouring this, someone realises were a quarter of an hour late for the final race. Ha - we still have time, just wait and see, replies Georgio, winking. Cocchi products are the key ingredient for many of London's top cocktail bars / Cocchi Indeed when we return, the line-up hubbub is in full swing. At 6.50pm, we do eventually witness the short frenzy of the final race, after which a winner is declared, and the young rider in question paraded around the city centre by people dressed up as medieval knights and princesses. D ay of the Dead celebrations are fast approaching, with the beginning of November marking the start of the festivities. Although the festival has its origins as a small, three-day celebration for families in Mexico, over the years it has grown into a global phenomenon. Traditionally festivities begin on October 31 and run until November 2, and over this time it is believed the gates of heaven open and allow the spirits of deceased ancestors to reunite with their families for 24 hours. Day of the Dead is a time for families to honour the lives of loved ones who have passed away through reflection and celebration. Here's all you need to know about Day of the Dead. What is Day of the Dead? Reuters The festival is a three-day celebration of the deceased, combining indigenous Aztec ritual with Catholicism. Day of the Dead acknowledges death as a natural part of the human experience, believing that the dead would be insulted by mourning or sadness. On October 31st it is believed that the spirits of deceased children return to earth. On November 1, commonly referred to as All Saints Day, it is believed that deceased adults come back to their families for a day. The last day of the holiday is November 2. On the final day, families visit cemeteries to decorate the graves of their relatives. There are usually parties and celebrations to mark the occasion. What does Dia de los Muertos mean? Anita Baca/AP Dia de los Muertos literally means Day of the Dead. Other names associated with the festival are, Dia de los Inocentes which translates to Day of the Innocents and Dia de los Angelitos which means Day of the Little Angels. Why is it celebrated at the same time as Halloween? Originally Day of the Dead Celebrations developed among pre-Columbian cultures. The ancient festival which has been celebrated for over 3000 years, originally fell on the ninth month of the Aztec calendar, around the begging of August, and lasted a whole month. Traditionally the festival celebrated a goddess known as "Lady of the Dead", corresponding to the modern La Calavera Catrina. In the late 20th century, many Mexicans had altered the holiday to celebrate dead children and relatives and moved the celebrations to correspond with Halloween and the Catholic tradition of All Saints Day celebrated in late October and early November. EPA/Mario Guzman What happens on Day of the Dead? Prior to the festival, Mexicans create altars to commemorate the deceased. Intricate cloths are placed on the altar which are then usually decorated with candles, flowers, fruits and snacks such as mole or tamalesas well as salt and water which is placed to quench the thirst of the souls. Over the three day period, families will visit the graves of loved ones and bring them gifts. Gifts can range from sombre to humorous. Toys are brought for children, whereas tequila is often left for deceased adults. Families lay flowers on graves, the most common flower used is the Mexican Marigold. Mexican school children make a Childrens alter to welcome the spirits of dead children back to visit. Alongside this, most family homes and Government offices will have a decorated alter to honour the dead. Why do Mexicans wear sugar skull face paint and costumes? Frank Augstein/AP A man named Jose Guadalupe Prosada created a print of a figure called La Calavera Catrina ("The Elegant Skull"). The image depicted a woman with a skull for a face and was originally made to mock the Mexican upper-class female who was adopting European traditions. It is now called 'sugar skull' and has become the most familiar symbol of the Day of the Dead. Individuals paint their faces as calacas and calaveras (skeletons and skulls) and many dress up as Catrina. Chocolate and literal sugar skulls are often given as gifts to the deceased. Is Day of the Dead celebrated like this everywhere? T he Hoxton Hotel opened its first American location in Williamsburg this fall, and it's already attracting Brooklyn residents and jet-setting hipsters. Where is it? The Hoxton Hotel recently opened its inconspicuous doors on Williamsburg's bustling Wythe Avenue, steps away from the aptly-named Wythe Hotel and The Williamsburg Hotel. Despite popping up on an already crowded patch of Williamsburg real estate, the Hoxton is immediately set apart from other stylish hotels in the area. This is partly down to its small, hands-on touches, including a little store at the front desk showcasing locally-made products. During its opening month, the hotel hosted a slew of buzzy events with nearby partners, including complimentary nail art from Paintbucket and cult classic screenings with Nitehawk Cinema, giving guests a taste of the neighbourhood. Now, Williamsburg residents might never have to leave their beloved borough again. The hotel houses three restaurants and a rooftop hang-out, so residents and guests can see (or snap) the Manhattan skyline without needing to venture into the city. This is The Hoxtons first stateside location, but the hotel chain has plans to expand rapidly over the next few years. Their next planned location? The West Coast hipster enclave of Portland. What's on offer? The Hoxton Williamsburg is the hotel group's first US location (The Hoxton Hotel ) / The Hoxton Hotel During my stay, there were plenty of creative events to keep visitors busy. Saturday afternoon saw Instagram-famous dogs (or at least aspiring ones) competing for titles including 'most likely to wait in line for a Supreme drop.' The event was a collaborative effort with Dogist, the Instagram account with more than three million followers. Dogist documents the best dogs in New York City, and in this case it felt like all of them showed up to compete, with a drag queen presiding as MC. After the pageant ended, the half-outdoor bar at Kleins was crawling with models, tourists, and Williamsburgers snapping photos with the pups and sipping mimosas. Brooklynites who didn't want to venture outside of their borough on a weekend afternoon drank with the hotel guests. The inventive cocktail menu, created by Brian Valencia, who was previously at Soho House and The Box, showcases plenty of Instagram-ready touches, including coconut flakes and fresh flowers. That evening, hotel guests and locals made themselves at home outside for a showing of Withnail & I, complete with buckets of popcorn and, of course, more cocktails, thanks to nearby theatre Nitehawk Cinema, famous for pairing its movies with custom menus and matching cocktails. Talk to me about the design... The Hoxton's hobby was designed by Ennismore Design Studio (Ennismore) If the hotels pastel-infused lobby looks familiar, its probably because the communal space was designed by Ennismore Design Studio in collaboration with Soho House. Imagine if Soho House and The Wing had an adult baby in Brooklyn and you've got The Hoxton. The halls are lined with artwork and the lobby offers a truly Instagrammable experience, with parquet floor, pale pink velvet chairs and inviting green couches. Think a millennials Pinterest-perfect dream home. But unlike their own homes, visiting freelancers might actually want to get some work done there, especially with a small cafe serving up coffee and pastries. What's on the menu? Klein's restaurant at the Hoxton / Ennismore The hotel boasts three restaurants and bars run in partnership with Brightside Hospitality, a union between Brooklyn restaurateurs Jud Mongell of Five Leaves, the Greenpoint brunch hotspot where Heath Ledger was an investor, and Zeb Stewart of Cafe Colette and the infamous Union Pool. The lobby restaurant, Kleins, is an American brasserie offering up late night eats and healthy bites in the morning, complete with avocado toast. The hotel also houses Backyard, an outdoor restaurant with casual plates, including chips and dips and pitchers of cocktails. There are also Ping pong tables in case you run out of things to talk about. The vacation vibes continue at Summerly, the open air restaurant on the rooftop. There are views of both the Manhattan and Brooklyn skylines, complete with floral bar seats, where you can enjoy pink cocktails and lobster rolls. What are the rooms like? Rooms at the Hoxton all come with King-sized beds / Ennismore The customary room is called 'cosy,' and it certainly is, in an effort to encourage visitors to explore their surroundings instead of staying cooped up. While the rooms are truly New York sizes (i.e. miniature), the beds are enormous, King-sized and covered with bespoke linens from local artist Dusen Dusen, a brand thats blown up over the last few years. If you love the bedding, you can buy your own at West Elm to keep the vacation going. What's in the area? The hotel has its own bar and restaurant scene but theres plenty to explore nearby. Down the street, Brooklyn Bowl is famous for its bowling, alongside major concerts, celebrity DJ sets and fried chicken from Blue Ribbon. If youre still hungry, celebrity chef Missy Robbins has opened pasta place Misi. If mixologist-made cocktails aren't what you're craving, visitors searching for an authentic dive bar experience can venture to the nearby Skinny Dennis to hear bluegrass bands play or The Levee for cheese puffs and classic cocktails like the 'Beam Cream,' made with Jim Beam and cream soda. For those who would rather spend time outside, the enormous, inviting Domino Park recently opened on the Williamsburg waterfront. Summerly, the Hoxton's rooftop bar (Ennismore) How to get there Take a cab from the John F. Kennedy International Airport or, better yet, from LaGuardia Airport, which is only a 30-minute drive. Williamsburgs main mode of transportation, the L train, is preparing for a shutdown (dubbed the L-pocalypse by nervous locals) this April, but walking around the neighborhood is pretty simple. Details F orce used against a young black father who died after being restrained by police was "proportionate", a watchdog has said. Edir Frederico Da Costa, known as Edson, died in hospital six days after he was detained in Newham on June 15. The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IPOC), said Mr Da Costa "attempted to swallow a number of bags which were later found to contain crack cocaine and heroin" either before or while police stopped the car he was travelling in. In a statement, the IOPC said: "While detaining Mr Da Costa the officers restrained him with handcuffs including one officer using CS spray and Mr Da Costa lost consciousness. "A second team of officers arrived at the scene and carried out first aid. An ambulance was called and he was taken to hospital." He did not regain consciousness and died on June 21, 2017. Campaigners face off with police as they protest over the death Mr Da Costa / PA Archive/PA Images Five Metropolitan Police officers were probed as part of the IPOC investigation, which ran from June 2017 to July 2018. The watchdog examined the reason for the stop, the use of force by officers including the use of CS spray, the level of medical care provided and potential discrimination. The IOPC concluded "the restraint of Mr Da Costa by officers was necessary and proportionate". But one officer has a case to answer for misconduct over the way they deployed CS spray, it said. Police officers on Romford Road as protests turned violent / PA Archive/PA Images The watchdog added: "The same officer and two others should receive management action over the speed in which they called London Ambulance Service (LAS) and one of those officers receive management action over providing incorrect information about Mr Da Costas condition." In the aftermath of the incident, family of Mr Da Costa claimed he had his neck broken and suffered head and other injuries after he was stopped by officers. However the watchdog said: "Contrary to some speculation the post mortem report states that Mr Da Costa did not suffer a fracture of the neck or spinal injury, nor a broken collarbone or bleed on the brain and gave his cause of death as hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy a lack of oxygen to the brain caused by a blocked airway." A fourth officer is to receive management action over a comment they made in a statement which "revealed preconceptions the officer may hold about the drivers age, race and gender". "Although it did not impact upon his treatment of the driver and was thus not deemed discriminatory," the IOPC said. Investigators said there was no indication the officers' actions in carrying out the stop were discriminatory. The statement said the reason to carry out the stop was "justified". "The officers were deployed as part of an operation focussed on tackling gang related activity," the statement said. "Officers stated they believed the Mercedes Mr Da Costa was in may have been a hire car. Using hire cars is a known tactic employed by gangs." IOPC regional director Jonathan Green said: Edirs death has had a devastating impact upon his family and friends, and our thoughts remain with all of those affected. At the outset of our investigation a large amount of conflicting information began circulating regarding what happened to Edir. We have attempted, when possible, to provide information to counter this, and have taken the step of announcing our findings ahead of the inquest in the interests of transparency. We have conducted a rigorous investigation that has revealed a number of areas of concern regarding the actions of four officers. The Metropolitan Police has agreed with this conclusion and action will be taken. It will be for an inquest, scheduled for next year, to determine how Edir died. P olice are investigating a rush hour hammer attack on two commuters at Stratford station. Officers are investigating after two commuters were hurt in the attack at the east London station. Witnesses claimed one man was attacked after apparently refusing to give a man a cigarette. One commuter at Stratford station was rushed for treatment after receiving a blow to the head. British Transport Police confirmed a man was taken to hospital for a laceration to the head as well as a suspected fractured shoulder. Francesa L Another victim was being treated for minor bruising, police said. Passengers said there were six police cars and an emergency response vehicle at the busy station during rush hour. One commuter said: Lively Tuesday morning, some nutjob hit some innocent guy over the head with a hammer over a cigarette outside Stratford station. Another said: One person was screaming and minutes later the police came. In a statement, BTP said: Shortly before 6am this morning (30/10), officers were called to Stratford station in east London after reports two men were assaulted by a man in the station concourse. Police were quickly on scene and a 26-year-old man from East Ham was arrested on suspicion of actual bodily harm, common assault and possession of an offensive weapon. During the arrest a hammer was recovered. The man has been taken to police custody. Both have been taken to hospital for treatment to non-life threatening injuries. The first victim received a laceration to his head as well as a suspected fractured shoulder. The second victim is being treated for minor bruising. Enquiries are now underway to understand exactly what happened in the moments leading to both men being assaulted. If you were at Stratford station this morning and witnessed the assault, please contact BTP by sending a text to 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 49 of 30/10/2018. S ix teenage girls have been arrested after a fight reportedly broke out at a bus station in north-east London. Police raced to Walthamstow bus station at about 5.45pm on Tuesday following reports of a fight involving a number of youths. Six female youths were arrested at the scene, five on suspicion of affray and one on suspicion of common assault, police said. A Met Police spokesman added: They have been taken to east London police stations and remain in custody. Walthamstow bus station was closed while an investigation was carried out but has since re-opened. Officers had been called to nearby Selborne Walk shortly before 4pm after receiving similar reports of a fight. A 17-year-old has been left with potentially life-changing injuries after being followed and stabbed during a violent attack near a north London Tube station. The teenager was targeted on Sunday evening by an unknown man and woman who followed him after he left West Hampstead Tube station at around 5.54pm, Scotland Yard said. He then became involved in a fight with two suspects in West End Lane before being stabbed, which left him with very serious and potentially life-changing injuries to his arm. The unidentified pair are then said to have fled the scene before re-entering West Hampstead station without paying. Police have now launched an appeal for any witnesses who saw the violent attack to come forward and help with the investigation. Detective Constable Rob Griffiths, from CID at the Central North Operational Command Unit in Islington and Camden, said they have no evidence to suggest the attack was gang-related. He said: This is a violent attack in which the victim has received very serious and potentially life-changing injuries. The motive for this attack is not yet known. We do not know if the victim and suspects were known to each other beforehand, or they met just prior to the attack. "I am appealing for anyone with information to get in touch with police and provide us with any details they may have, however insignificant they might seem. We would particularly like to speak to a female witness, who we believe approached officers at the crime scene originally and could have vital information that might help progress our investigation. "If you are this woman, we would ask you to please contact us again as soon as possible." No arrests have been made and an investigation continues. A medical student underwent pioneering surgery at a London hospital after the main blood vessel from her heart expanded to twice its normal size. Sofi Berrisford, 26, was diagnosed at birth with Marfan syndrome, a rare genetic connective tissue disorder she inherited from her father. It causes serious heart problems and can cause the aorta, which runs from the heart to the chest and stomach, to stretch and gradually enlarge, risking a life-threatening rupture. Those with Marfan syndrome are typically tall, with long slender limbs, fingers and toes. Ms Berrisford, who is 6ft 2in, was told this year that the diameter of her aorta had expanded to nearly 5cm twice the healthy size. The Leeds university student underwent a procedure known as Pears (personalised external aortic root support) at St Thomas Hospital in Lambeth. The operation involves fitting a personalised mesh sleeve over the enlarged aorta, so it is supported, does not grow larger and is protected from rupture. Unlike conventional surgery, it can be carried out while the heart is beating. Traditionally, patients have a mechanical valve replacement then need to take blood-thinning drug Warfarin for life. Her father Jim, who was undiagnosed until he had an aortic dissection aged 18, has undergone open heart surgery three times and takes the drug. Ms Berrisford, from Cheshire, said: I have regular scans on my heart to check if my aorta has enlarged. It has always grown very slowly so it came as a shock when I was told it had grown significantly in the last year and I urgently needed to see a cardiothoracic surgeon. I always knew that heart surgery was on the cards but I didnt realise it would be so soon. She spent a week in hospital following the surgery in July and recently returned to university, where she is in her fourth year. Pears had a faster recovery time, less blood loss and a shorter operation time, she said. The care at St Thomas was incredible, it was second to none. Ive got a small, neat scar and I couldnt have asked for anything better. She added: My dad wishes that the Pears procedure had been around when he was younger. The operation was performed by Conal Austin, who said: Pears has proven to be very successful since we started to offer it. Now we are one of the biggest centres for Pears in the world and I have carried out some of the most complex cases. A ctress Vanessa Kirby today called on Theresa May to do more to help children left traumatised by war as the Standard launched a petition calling for the Prime Minister to take action. The Crown star urged our leaders to increase funding to support the mental health and emotional needs of children affected by conflict. It is the next stage of our Learn to Live campaign, which has already inspired hundreds of schools in Britain to link with schools in conflict areas. We know that even when children escape the bombs, the trauma of war can stay with them for years to come. Along with our partner charity War Child we are calling on schoolchildren across the country to write to the Prime Minister demanding action. Kirby joined year six children at St Boniface Roman Catholic primary school in Tooting to write to Theresa May. They asked the Prime Minister to do more to help children in war zones to talk about their feelings, overcome their experiences and be able to learn. Star support: Actress Vanessa Kirby with Archie Smith and Rachel Nteeba, both 10, at St Boniface Roman Catholic School, Tooting (Alex Lentati ) / Alex Lentati The actress said: It is amazing that 10-year-olds here are writing about other 10-year-olds. Its just as much our responsibility to take care of these children just because they are not in our geographical area it does not mean we should not care. I would ask everyone to write these letters or sign the petition. This should be just the beginning. Since our Learn to Live campaign launched last month more than 300 schools have signed up to be twinned with schools around the world. St Boniface is one of the latest schools to be inspired by the campaign to increase tolerance and understanding between children from different backgrounds. Children aged 10 and 11 were given a lesson about the work of War Child and learnt that one in six children live in war zones, before meeting Kirby and writing their letters to the Prime Minister. Pupil Alicja Skurzynska, 10, said: Its very sad to hear about children who dont get to have the same experience as us. More people should give more money to charities that help these children so they can have a better life and forget about the war and feel better. Rachel Nteeba, 10, said: I thought it was sad because they dont get that good an education, they dont have enough food and medicine and they have seen a lot of violence. So I am asking the Prime Minister to do more to help the children. We get a lot of education and learn a lot in school so we are lucky. Leo Doucet, 10, said: I am glad we are involved in this campaign. It is sad to hear that some children in the world are not having a life like us and have to be in situations where there is war. Year six class teacher Sarah Hill said: The children really felt like they made a difference by writing to the Prime Minister and they concentrated so well during the lesson. Head Lisa Platts said: Writing these letters has increased the childrens awareness of what is going on in the world and is developing their persuasive writing skills. They tried to engage the Prime Minister and thought carefully about the plight of children. They were quite horrified by the statistics they heard. At a school like this we try to look after people who dont have what we have. It is about making children aware of people in the world who have very distressing experiences. The Learn to Live campaign is ideal. It is important that children communicate with people in different parts of the world. It is a perfect thing for us. Each year the school remembers the 12 former St Boniface pupils who died in the First World War. Mrs Platts said: We found a book in the basement with the names of the children who went to war It helps the children to empathise. We are a very tolerant school with people from lots of different backgrounds who all get on brilliantly. Join our campaign how you can help The Evening Standards Learn to Live campaign is helping connect hundreds of British schools with those in war zones, and exposing the trauma suffered by young victims of conflict. Now, with charity War Child, we are asking you to sign a petition urging the Prime Minister to help these children overcome their experiences. A family lost everything when a firework flew through an open window and started a blaze that destroyed their flat. Jonathan Kabesha, 41, was at home in Brixton with his wife and three of their children including a baby daughter when the rocket came through the fourth-storey window. It set fire to curtains and spread quickly, forcing the family to flee. However, Mr Kabesha made a split-second decision to run back inside to turn off the gas cooker and avert what he said could have been a disaster. The flat, which was their home for 13 years, is now a burnt-out shell and all their possessions are destroyed. Mr Kabesha said: I have lost everything. My family are traumatised. Its really affected the children and they say they dont want to ever go back to live there. No one knows whats happened but all I can ask is why us? Mr Kabesha braved the flames to turn off a gas cooker and prevent an explosion / Nigel Howard The family are now in temporary accommodation in Thornton Heath, and Lambeth council has said it will rehouse them. Mr Kabesha was watching televised hymns with 17-month-old Tabitha and son Emmanuel, five, while his wife Wivine and daughter Eunice, 12, were cooking in the kitchen when the firework shot through the window on Sunday last week. He said he heard a really loud bang and within two minutes the whole dining room was on fire. After the family had left the flat, his wife, a care assistant at Kings College Hospital, realised that the gas hob was still burning, so Mr Kabesha ran back in to turn off the cooker. He said: I felt I had a duty to my community to make sure there was not a gas explosion I ran inside, ran to the kitchen and then ran outside again. By that point the fire had spread and I could feel it on my back. The fire brigade told me the fire was doubling in size every two seconds. Mr Kabesha has been in touch with Dulwich and West Norwood MP Helen Hayes about the incident. The council said it would repair the flat and work with the family to either return there, or secure a similar property in the borough. A spokesman for the London Fire Brigade said: Forty per cent of the house was damaged in the fire. Two fire engines from Brixton station attended. We are running an investigation alongside the police. A 10-year-old boy has been rushed to hospital after being hit by a car in south-east London. Paramedics were called to the scene of the crash on Lewisham High Street just before 8am on Tuesday. Police said the boy has been taken to a nearby hospital, where his condition was described as "not life-threatening". A spokeswoman for the force confirmed that no arrests had been made in connection with the crash, and that road closures were in place. The London Ambulance Service (LAS) said two ambulance crews were sent to the scene, and that a child was taken as a priority to a major trauma centre. An LAS spokesperson said: We were called at 7:58am today (30 October) to Lewisham High Street, Lewisham to reports of a road traffic collision involving a pedestrian. We sent two ambulance crews to the scene. "We treated a child at the scene and took them as a priority to a major trauma centre." The high street has been cordoned off from Ladywell to just north of Lewisham Park, with seven bus routes placed on diversion. B oris Johnson and former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott held a secret meeting, just weeks before Abbott wrote a take-down of Theresa May in The Spectator. In last weeks issue of the magazine, Abbott told May that reluctance to leave Europe, even with a no deal, was tantamount to surrender. Johnson used the same word when he resigned as Foreign Secretary and in his subsequent Telegraph columns criticising Mays Chequers deal. Abbott also remarked that its not too late for robust leadership to deliver the Brexit that people voted for. Now, thanks to Labour MP Stephen Doughty, it emerges that the pair had met prior to the articles submission. Doughty claims that he was in Oxford at the beginning of this month and came across Abbott in the street. Abbott mistakenly believed Doughty to be a Conservative politician, telling him that he had just had a good meeting with your man Boris. He also referred to Johnson as his mate. Boris Johnson meets Tony Abbott who two weeks later writes a piece urging Britain to pursue a catastrophic No Deal? Doughty says. What a coincidence! The fact that the meeting took place had until now been kept secret and it is not known what was discussed, not least given the ongoing attempts by Boris to oust Theresa May and take over as PM and the Brexit negotiations himself, Doughty adds. Perhaps he was also giving him some tips on how to oust a prime minister? It seems to me that there are some very strange linkages between Tony Abbott and Boris Johnson and others pursuing a hard Brexit agenda. One connection is the Australian Lynton Crosby, Johnsons close confidante, whose firm Crosby Textor advised on both Abbotts 2013 election campaign and Johnsons mayoral campaigns. Asked for comment on the meeting between the pair, a spokesman for Abbott said: It was just a routine catch- up between two colleagues. Spin-off benefit Former Labour spin doctor Alastair Campbells tirades when he worked for Tony Blair were so famous he is widely assumed to be the inspiration for Malcolm Tucker in The Thick of It. But whats he really like to work with? Matt Kelly, Campbells editor on the New European, coughs: We have had a few Malcolm Tucker moments. Fortunately, they are balanced by Campbells prodigious workrate (volume seven of his diaries have just been published). Kelly, who was at last nights GQ 30th anniversary party, says: Alastair is so on it, I get more emails from him than anyone else. -- Gavin Williamson gets a lot of stick as Defence Secretary (his nickname is Private Pike), but was effective as Chief Whip (nicknamed the Baby-Faced Assassin). One minister recalls Williamson phoning while he was on a trip to Australia. David needs you to declare tonight [for Remain], he growled. Or dont bother coming back. -- The Duke of Yorks website has been updated to include Princess Eugenies new husband Jack Brooksbank. No detail is spared. Jack was born in St Thomass Hospital on May 3, 1986, his bio reads. Weighing 8lbs 1oz just 15 minutes past midnight. He was christened at the Guards Chapel, Wellington Barracks on September 26, 1986. TMI? Bond girls are forever, says 007 veteran Anthony Horowitz made headlines by suggesting that we should ditch the term Bond Girl. You cant use it in the 21st century, the author told the Cheltenham Festival earlier this month, [its] somehow offensive. Now, Bond actor Valerie Leon who appeared in both The Spy Who Loved Me and Never Say Never Again responds. Its ridiculous, she tells us ahead of her one-woman show, Forever Carrying On at Brasserie Zedel Being a Bond girl is such a thrill. Besides, what could they possible replace the term Bond girl with? Bond lady? Bond woman? Oh, please! When comic Adam met the Health Secretary it was always going to hurt It was the 10th anniversary of Damian Barrs Literary Salon last night, held in The Savoy Ballroom. Acclaimed cabaret artist Le Gateau Chocolat started proceedings with a reading of Maya Angelous Still I Rise, before Tracey Thorn, Rose McGowan and comedian Adam Kay read from their memoirs. Kay used to be a junior doctor. Years of stress led him to quit and write the bestselling This Is Going To Hurt. While he was Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt was bombarded with copies by those who thought he didnt understand the pressures of the NHS. Eventually Hunt called in Kay for what turned into a fraught meeting. He snapped, Kay recalled last night. He said, What is this interrogation, I thought we were going to have a nice chat. When I left, I said, Im really sorry if I came across nicer in the book than I do in real life. And he said Oh no, youve been quite consistent. SW1A Ed Miliband MP has some peculiar memories of his first trick-or-treat outing aged seven. Dressed up as a skeleton, the former Labour leader recalls: I went to one house... and I think they didnt like kids going trick or treating and they gave me some horrible goulash, which was then in my bag. -- Were going to touch on sex toys throughout this whole podcast, said Jacqui Smith, who famously claimed expenses for two porn films watched by her husband, in an auspicious opening to a podcast involving with Iain Dale.Dale was aghast at the Sainsburys sex toys released last week, saying they didnt look very big, nor very comfortable and adding they looked a bit hard. Well, lets go through those things one at a time, Smith responded practically. Comfortable not necessary really. Hard thats a good thing. Big I think its how you use it rather than how big it is that matters. Quote of the Day U kip leader Gerard Batten expressed his outrage at the prospect of a "gender-neutral" Greggs after falling for a spoof tweet about the bakery chain. The spoof tweet, which came from a mock Guardian news account, read: Greggs is to rebrand in a move towards a gender neutral business model following criticism that their name sounds too male. Mr Batten, who has led Ukip since February, quoted the tweet to his 35,000 followers and wrote a statement expressing his anger at the prospect. He said: Criticism from who? Probably someone who doesnt buy from Greggs. A cheese roll is a cheese roll. When is this madness going to stop. He continued the rant by saying: By the way, almost all the staff in Greggs are female. Do they operate a biased recruitment policy? Greggs is not going gender neutral (Rui Vieira/PA ) / Rui Vieira/PA Mr Battens tweet has since been deleted. It had been retweeted by the official Twitter account for Ukip. If the Ukip leader had taken a closer look, he would have seen the account he was tweeting from - Guardian Headlines - is a page which posts spoof headlines in a mocking Guardian style. A n actress has claimed fellow actor Geoffrey Rush deliberately touched her breast on stage leaving her feeling frightened and trapped. Eryn Jean Norvill, 34, told a court today that the Australian Oscar-winner also made groping gestures towards her during the production of King Lear in Sydney in 2015. Rush, 67, who won an Oscar for the 1997 movie Shine and also starred in The Kings Speech, denies the claims. Ms Norvill said he also humiliated her with sexual innuendo. She said she was made to feel belittled, embarrassed and shamed by the star. The allegations were made at a court in Sydney where the Australian Daily Telegraph newspaper is defending publishing details of her allegations. Rush is suing Nationwide News, owned by News Corp Australia, which he says depicted him as a pervert. Actor Geoffrey Rush denies the claims and is suing Nationwide News, owned by News Corp Australia, which he says depicted him as a pervert / Getty Images for IMDb The Telegraphs original report carried the headline King Leer and reported that Rush had been the subject of a complaint about his behaviour during the Sydney Theatre Company production. The actresss identity was withheld. Ms Norvill told the court he had deliberately stroked the right side of her breast to her hip in front of an audience during a preview performance of the play. It was slow and light and pressured across my breast and thats why I thought it was deliberate, she said. It didnt feel like an accident. Her voice breaking with emotion at times, Ms Norvill, who played Rushs on-stage daughter Cordelia, said he constantly behaved inappropriately towards her. He would look at me and smile and cup his two hands, and lick his lips, raise his eyebrows, bulge out his eyes, sometimes hed, like, growl, she said. She added she had been reluctant to speak out because she was at the bottom of the rung. He was at the top. His power was intimidating, she added. The court also heard that one time before going on stage Rush had put his hand underneath Ms Norvills shirt up to the line of her jeans, very softly and lightly tracing the skin above the waistband. I felt threatened. My panic levels shot up. I felt unsafe, she said. Last week, Rush told the court that he and Ms Norvill had enjoyed a very sparky, congenial rapport. Rushs barrister, Bruce McClintock, asked Ms Norvill about text messages she had sent to Rush, as well as an email sent in January 2016 before the end of the production. The court has heard that Rush and Ms Norvill had made puns of their names in text message correspondence with one another, and Mr McClintock said text messages sent to Rush by Norvill in which she used puns such as Galapagos lusty thrust and Jersey cream-filled puff were sexually flirtatious. Norvill responded that they were intellectually flirtatious. M embers of the Women Against the State Pension Inequality group interrupted Philip Hammond's budget speech, branding it an "insult". As the Chancellor concluded his speech on Monday, a crowd of 80 members of the group waved banners and chanted in protest at the Governments previous decision to raise the state pension age from 60 to 66. Members of the opposition could be seen cheering and clapping the group who had become enraged after the Chancellor failed to address their situation. Some 3.9 million women, born in the 1950s, have had the start date for their state pensions pushed back. AFP/Getty Images Anne Keen, a co-founder of the group said the chancellors decision not to provide relief was an insult and disrespectful. She said: He was going on about rewarding hardworking people, weve worked since we were 15-45 years. Chancellor Philip Hammond delivering his Budget / PA "We only want what we're entitled to. We're angry, we've been betrayed and we're not going to go away until this is resolved, we will not be silenced. TODO: define component type apester "Our mantra from now on is deeds not words. We want action from the Government on this." Cheryl Sloan, a regional organiser of the group, said: "We waited to see if he was going to mention anything about pensions and he didn't. It's the same old same old, they're totally ignoring us. "We were banging on the window shouting 'shame on you'. We had many more banners and posters to wave but we were frisked on the way in. "Politicians need to realise that we are not going to go away, we will keep making our voice heard. All we want is what we're owed, we've lost 48,000 on average because of this. It's not right." The SNP's Westminster leader Ian Blackford said it was "disappointing in some respects" that the Budget was affected by a protest, but told the Commons his party understand the "suffering" of the Waspi women. "We all recognise that what we saw today was very much the spirit of the suffragettes," Mr Blackford said. "We on this side of the House understand the suffering of the women born in the 1950s that have been betrayed by this Government." He added: "It's about time that many of these women that are suffering in poverty get what is rightly theirs." D onald Trump has claimed he is going to sign an executive order that would end birthright citizenship in the United States. The president said he plans to end a policy which gives American citizenship to children born to non-citizens and unauthorised immigrants on US soil. But birthright citizenship is guaranteed under the 14th Amendment, and it is thought that ending it would require an amendment to the constitution. It means that any attempt to amend it would likely spark a fight in the courts, but Mr Trump believes he can change the amendment "just with an executive order". What is birthright citizenship? President Donald Trump says he bears "no blame" for the Cesar Sayoc's actions / Getty Images Birthright citizenship, known legally as "just soli", is Latin for "right of the soil". The policy is part of the 14th Amendment and guarantees that all children born in the USA are citizens of the United States. It was passed in 1868, to grant citizenship to former slaves and has been fought over in the courts regularly. How many other counties have birthright citizenship? Mr Trump wrongly claimed in an interview with Axios that the US is the only country in the world which offers birthright citizenship. He wrongly said: "We're the only country in the world where a person comes in and has a baby and the baby is essentially a citizen of the United States for 85 years with all of those benefits. Its ridiculous. And it has to end. But his comments in the interview are incorrect because 30 other countries - including Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Panama and Jamaica - also offer birthright citizenship. Antigua and Barbuda, Uruguay, Venezuela, Paraguay, Fiji and a host of other countries across Latin America and the Caribbean also offer birthright citizenship. Mr Trump says he can end the policy with an executive order / AFP/Getty Images Could Mr Trump end birthright citizenship? The president says he can end the policy, which he branded "ridiculous", with an executive order. He told Axios: "It was always told to me that you needed a constitutional amendment, but guess what, you dont. You can definitely do it with an act of congress, but now theyre saying I can do it with just an executive order. It is thought Mr Trump would face difficulties in limiting the policy because of its position within the US constitution. Should the executive order happen, Mr Trump could face a legal battle to enforce it. P hilip Hammond has announced that extra investment is being poured into the Government's flagship benefit scheme. The Chancellor told MPs in yesterday's Autumn Budget speech that an extra 1 billion will help ease the transition to Universal Credit. He also said he was increasing the work allowance the amount claimants can earn before Universal Credit begins to be withdrawn by 1,000 a year, at a cost of 1.7bn annually. But Conservative MPs are growing increasingly worried over the impending national roll-out of Universal Credit, which combines six previous benefits into one. Some fear that the least well-off people could be plunged into hardship during the transition to the scheme, which has proved controversial from the beginning. What is Universal Credit? The money will help make the transition easier for claimants / PA Universal Credit is the Government's flagship welfare reform for people of working age. It replaces six means-tested benefits and tax credits and unifies them into one payment: income support income-based jobseeker's allowance income-related employment and support allowance housing benefit child tax credit working tax credit It is being introduced in stages across the UK. It was designed to make claiming benefits simpler. How does Universal Credit work? A single credit payment is paid directly into claimants' bank accounts to cover the benefits for which they are eligible. Claimants must then pay costs such as rent out of their Universal Credit payment. Payments reduce gradually as claimants earn more. Under the old system of multiple benefits, as soon as claimant started working more than 16 hours a week they would lose all of their benefits - meaning that in some circumstances it was more advantageous to stay out of work. But the reforms hope to end that potential "cliff edge" by tapering payments as earnings improve. For every 1 a claimant earns after tax, their universal credit payment will reduce by 63p. Prime Minister Theresa May said last year: "It is a simpler system. It is a system that encourages people to get into the workplace. It is a system that is working because more people are getting into work." The single credit is paid directly into a claimant's bank account, out of which costs are paid. Theresa May said it should make the system easier / PA Why is Universal Credit so controversial? The system has been hit by a number of problems since its introduction, and charities say the use of food banks have gone up in areas where it has already been rolled out. The welfare reform has difficulties with some claimants having to wait six weeks for their first payment, which has been linked to rent arrears and other debts. Some claimants have also had to wait six weeks for their first payment, which are made monthly. This has been linked to rent arrears and other debts. Critics have also attacked the introduction of a two-child benefit cap, which limits tax credits and Universal Credit to a family's first two children. Universal credit has also faced widespread problems with its implementation along with IT and administrative problems. Mr Hammond said yesterday he was increasing the work allowance - the amount that claimants can earn before they start to lose their benefits - by 1,000, meaning millions will be able to earn 630 extra from next April. A British woman has been charged with murdering her husband at their home in Langkawi, Malaysia. Samantha Jones, 62, was arrested after allegedly stabbing her husband John with a kitchen knife at their home on October 18. If found guilty, Ms Jones will face the death penalty. Langkawi OCPD Superintendent Mohd Iqbal Ibrahim told the Star: She will be charged under section 302 of the Penal Code for murder at the Langkawi magistrates court on Tuesaday. John William Jones was found stabbed to death in his home / Facebook Police said John William Jones, 62, was found lying on the floor of his home with a stab wound to his chest at 2.30am on October 18. Officers claim that Ms Jones confessed to stabbing her husband in the chest during a heated argument. The couple had lived on the island for 11 years as part of the Malaysia My Second Home programme. Ms Jones' lawyer said that she was "very overwhelmed. It is her husband at the end of the day. She is also grieving for him despite the circumstances of the case, but she is holding up." Superibntendent Mohd Iqbal said that no next of kin had come forward to claim the victims body. He told the Star: The hospital's Forensic Medicine Department head Dr Suhani Mohd Noor is requesting children or family members of the deceased to come forward to claim his body. A British PHD student charged with espionage in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been released on bail. Matthew Hedges, a 31-year-old doctoral student at Durham University, was arrested at Dubai Airport on May 5. He was formally charged this month with spying on the Gulf state, where he has been held in solitary confinement. The academic has now been released on bail, the Foreign Office confirmed on Monday night. Matthew Hedges was detained at Dubai airport / AFP/Getty Images It was not immediately clear when he was released. The UAE's Federal Court of Appeal last week postponed hearing Mr Hedges case until November 21 to re-examine the evidence. A UAE government spokesperson could immediately be reached for comment outside working hours. A spokeswoman for Britain's foreign office in London said: "We are monitoring developments closely and have made the Emirati authorities aware of all our concerns. We continue to do everything we can for Matthew and his family." The BBC reported Hedges was released on bail without his passport and has been told to remain in the UAE until his next court appearance. The UAEs attorney general has said Hedges was charged with spying for a foreign state, without naming it, and jeopardising the military, economic and political security of the country. More than 120 academics from around the world have issued a petition urging UAE authorities to release him. According to Durham Universitys website, Hedges is a doctoral student in the School of Government and International Affairs whose research interests include civil-military relations, political economy and tribalism. Last year, he co-authored an article in an academic journal on the Muslim Brotherhood and the Gulf Cooperation Council, of which the UAE is a member. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. Global Building Envelope Market Research Report 2018 is a comprehensive business study on the current state of industry which analyses innovative strategies for business growth and describes important factors such as top manufacturers, production value, key regions, growth rate. The Building Envelope report encloses data about the consumption, share, and future aspects. The report also elaborates competition along with company profile, latest development trends, Industry chain. Get Sample Copy at https://www.orianresearch.com/request-sample/669671 Market Overview Firstly, the report provides a basic overview of the industry including its definition, applications and manufacturing technology. Then, the report explores the international major industry players in detail. In this part, the report presents the company profile, product specifications, capacity, production value, and market shares for each company. Through the statistical analysis, the report depicts the global market of Router industry including capacity, production, production value, cost/profit, supply/demand and import/export. Revenue and gross margin by regions (North America, EU, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, India) and other regions can be added. Inquire more or share questions if any before the purchase on this report @ https://www.orianresearch.com/enquiry-before-buying/669671 No. Of Pages: 119 Key Companies Analyzed in this Report are: Dow Corning UL Keene Building Products Tata Steel Sika Oldcastle Building Envelope WR Meadows General Insulation Company Alta Products Soprema The report focuses on Global Building Envelope Market major leading industry players with information such as company profiles, product picture and specification, capacity, production, price, cost, revenue and contact information. Upstream raw materials, equipment and downstream consumers analysis is also carried out. What's more, the Building Envelope industry development trends and marketing channels are analyzed. Finally, the feasibility of new investment projects is assessed, and overall research conclusions are offered. In a word, the report provides major statistics on the state of the industry and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market. On the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split into Support (to resist and transfer structural and dynamic loads) Control (the flow of matter and energy of all types) Finish (to meet desired esthetics on the inside and outside) Market size by End User Commercial Residential Key Stakeholders Building Envelope Manufacturers Building Envelope Distributors/Traders/Wholesalers Building Envelope Subcomponent Manufacturers Industry Association Downstream Vendors Order a copy of Global Building Envelope Market Report 2018 @ https://www.orianresearch.com/checkout/669671 Major Points Covered in Table of Contents: 1 Building Envelope Market Overview 2 Global Building Envelope Market Competition by Manufacturers 3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Complementary DNA Microarrays (cDNA 4 Global Building Envelope Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2013-2018) 5 Global Building Envelope Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type 6 Global Building Envelope Market Analysis by Application 7 Global Building Envelope Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis 8 Building Envelope Manufacturing Cost Analysis 9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers 10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders 11 Market Effect Factors Analysis 12 Global Building Envelope Market Forecast (2018-2025) 13 Research Findings and Conclusion 14 Appendix About Us Orian Research is one of the most comprehensive collections of market intelligence reports on the World Wide Web. Our reports repository boasts of over 500000+ industry and country research reports from over 100 top publishers. We continuously update our repository so as to provide our clients easy access to the world's most complete and current database of expert insights on global industries, companies, and products. We also specialize in custom research in situations where our syndicate research offerings do not meet the specific requirements of our esteemed clients. Contact Us Ruwin Mendez Vice President Global Sales & Partner Relations Orian Research Consultants US: +1 (832) 380-8827 | UK: +44 0161-818-8027 Email: info@orianresearch.com Website: www.orianresearch.com/ Follow Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company-beta/13281002/ T he family of a 20-year-old student are suing the US college she attended after she choked to death in a pancake-eating competition. Connecticut University pupil Caitlin Nelson was found with pancakes compacted in her mouth, almost to her teeth, a report said, and died from asphyxia due to obstruction of the airway. Ms Nelsons family have taken legal action against the US college, according to the New York Post, and filed a lawsuit on Monday. The Kappa Delta sorority member was reportedly minutes into the Greek life eating competition on March 30, 2017, before she started to choke and collapse. Fairfield police lieutenant Robert Kalamaras said: She started to choke on a pancake and someone recognized it one of the nursing students at the competition and she caught her and brought her slowly to the ground. Officers tried to clear the students airway, but were unable to save her. The lawsuit against the university is seeking monetary damages and to bring awareness about the dangers of amateur eating contests. M eghan Markle and Prince Harry turned heads as they arrived with New Zealand's Prime Minister for a reception at Auckland's war memorial museum. The Duchess of Sussex wore a dress by British designer Antonio Berardi for the event hosted by Jacinda Ardern. Ms Ardern, who gave birth to her own baby in June, praised the role Meghan is "playing at such an often tiring time," adding: "I have real empathy and I think she's incredible." Harry wore a navy suit and unbuttoned white shirt and Meghan wore her navy Antonio Beradi dress, which costs 2,683. The 6.2-magnitude quake hit just 40 miles east of the city of New Plymouth, at the depth of 228km, the United States Geological Survey said. The Duchess of Sussex wore a dress by Antonio Berardi / PA Thousands of people across the country felt the quake, some as far away as the South Island, as it rocked the country. The quake did not disrupt an event in Auckland attended by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, but people attending said they did feel the tremor. Harry and Meghan were visiting the head office of the charity Pillars, which is dedicated to supporting the children of prisoners through mentoring schemes and in-home support. Meghan and Harry also posed for pictures with well-wishers on their arrival at Viaduct Harbour in Auckland. One young royal fan managed to have his picture taken with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex after having already posed for photos with Prince William and wife Kate. Max Henry, 10, was among the hundreds of well-wishers who braved the showers to see the royals on their last city walkabout on their 16-day tour. The youngster had met William and Kate when they visited New Zealand in 2014 and held laminated copies of photos, hoping to catch the Sussexes' eyes. He said: "I said 'look who I met, it's your brother' and he said 'oh yeah'." Harry and Meghan then posed for pictures with Max, with mother Vicci Chawe saying: "They're just lovely people." The couple were given flowers and toys, some for their unborn baby, including a finger puppet from Zoey Bliss-Currie, during their walkabout at Viaduct Harbour in Auckland. Harry and Meghan arrive in New Zealand 1 /23 Harry and Meghan arrive in New Zealand Prince Harry receives the traditional Maori form of greeting, a hongi - the touching of noses - at n official welcome ceremony at Government House in Wellington, New Zealand Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire The Duchess of Sussex receives a hongi PADominic Lipinski/PA Wire The Duke of Sussex picks up a Maori dagger during the official Maori welcome Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire The Duke and Duchess of Sussex during a visit to view the newly unveiled UK war memorial and Pukeahu National War Memorial Park, in Wellington Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire The royal couple pose with Sophie Hubbard and Hope Watson, both 10 Jan Richardson/PA Wire Harry receives a woollen Buzzy Bee - the wooden originals are an iconic Kiwi toy and his brother William was given one when he visited New Zealand as a youngster Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire The Duke and Duchess of Sussex view the newly unveiled UK war memorial and visit Pukeahu National War Memorial Park Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire A woman leans out to have her photo taken with Harry in the background Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Meghan receives another hongi Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire The Maori and military welcome party Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire The Duke and Duchess of Sussex lay palm leaves on the tomb of the unknown soldier Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire The Duke and Duchess of Sussex during a visit to view the newly unveiled UK war memorial and Pukeahu National War Memorial Park Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire Mother Shantelle said: "It was really sweet. Harry could see she was (uncomfortable) standing at the front of the barriers and he asked her to come through the railings to his side. "Zoey had a little toy to give, a native New Zealand Tui bird finger puppet, and he asked, 'would you like to give that to me or to my wife?' "And she pointed to Meghan. Meghan then came over and crouched down to talk to Zoey and asked, 'is that a gift for my baby?' and graciously accepted the puppet. She told her she would keep it for the baby and name the toy after Zoey." As Harry and Meghan entered the car to leave the walkabout, Liam Welby shouted "Gingers rule!" Speaking afterwards, the 21-year-old said: "He's probably the best ginger I've seen apart from myself in the mirror." Earlier in the day, Harry and Meghan took part in a welly-wanging contest. Harry and Meghan and their respective teams sparred off in Redvale, north of Auckland, after planting trees and dedicating 20 hectares of forest to the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy (QCC) scheme. They planted puriri and kowhai trees, the latter of which was represented on Meghan's veil when she married Harry in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle in May. After meeting children from environmental education programme Trees for Survival, the couple then got their hands dirty to plant the trees before heading over to throw wellies - or gumboots. Harry and Meghan each had two children on their team and took it in turns throwing boots as other pupils cheered them on. G lobal wildlife populations have plummeted by a staggering 60 per cent since 1970, a report has warned. Humans overusing natural resources, driving climate change and polluting the planet has been blamed for the decline. Issuing a stark warning over the falling numbers, WWF called for an ambitious global deal to help combat the issue. The deal has been compared to the international Paris Agreement formed to tackle climate change. Image shows Sumatran Orangutans in Sumatra, Indonesia. Only a quarter of the world's land area is free from the impacts of human activity, the charity's report warned / PA Its call for change comes as the charitys new report, released on Tuesday, spelled out the damage being down to the natural world. Only a quarter of the worlds land area is free from the impacts of human activity, according to the Living Planet Report 2018. The report added that by 2050 this will have fallen to just a tenth. The world's seabirds with plastic in their stomach is estimated to have increased from 5 per cent in 1960 to 90 per cent today. And the planet has already lost around half its shallow water corals in just 30 years, the report also warned. Overall, populations of more than 4,000 species of mammals, reptiles, birds, fish and amphibians have declined by 60 per cent between 1970 and 2014 on average. An eCerrado habitat in Brazil that is being cleared for soy monoculture / PA Tropical areas have seen the worst declines, with an 89 per cent fall in populations monitored in Latin America and the Caribbean since 1970. Species which live in fresh water habitats, such as frogs and river fish, have seen global population falls of 83 per cent, according to the living planet index by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) which tracks the abundance of wildlife. From hedgehogs and puffins to elephants, rhinos and polar bears, wildlife is in decline, due to the loss of habitats, poaching, pollution of land and seas and rising global temperatures, the Living Planet report said. Current action to protect nature is failing because it is not enough to match the scale of the threat facing the planet, the conservationists claimed. "Exploding" levels of human consumption are driving the impacts on nature, with over-exploitation of natural resources such as over-fishing, cutting down forests to grow crops such as soy and palm oil and the use of pesticides in agriculture. Climate change and plastic pollution are also significant and growing threats. But wildlife is not just a "nice to have" for humans, the report warns, with human food, health and medicines all relying on natural resources. All human economic activity ultimately depends on nature, the report said, with globally natural resources estimated to provide services worth 125 trillion US dollars (97 trillion) a year. With the world set to review progress on sustainable development and conserving biodiversity under UN agreements by 2020, there is a window of opportunity for action in the next two years, the conservation group argued. A new global deal should be secured, backed by strong commitments from governments and businesses, it added. WWF chief executive Tanya Steele said: "We are the first generation to know we are destroying our planet and the last one that can do anything about it. "Our wanton destruction of nature, coupled with the brutal chaos of climate change, is the biggest threat to humanity. J ames 'Whitey' Bulger, who lived a double life as one of Boston's most notorious gangsters and a secret FBI informant, has been killed in prison. The 89-year-old was found dead in his cell after being transferred to a federal prison, according to US reports. He had recently been transferred from Florida to the high-security Hazelton prison in West Virginia. The cause of his death has not yet been confirmed. James 'Whitey' Bulger after his arrest in 2011 / AP Bulger, the former leader of South Boston's Winter Hill Gang, was serving life in prison. He was portrayed by Johnny Depp in the film Black Mass, and inspired Martin Scorsese's The Departed, which won the Academy Award for best picture in 2006. FBI handout photos from the 1980s show the Boston mobster / AP Bulger led a largely Irish mob that ran loan-sharking, gambling and drug rackets in the Boston area. He also served as an FBI informant who ratted on his gang's main rival. The Winter Hill gang operated for more than two decades, while an FBI agent looked the other way when it came to Bulger's crimes in return for information on other gangsters. Boston police photos from 1993 show James 'Whitey' Bulger after an arrest / AP Bulger was feared for his short temper and brutality. Prosecutors said he strangled two women with his hands and tortured a man for hours before shooting him in the head with a machine gun. "We took what we wanted," Kevin Weeks, a former Bulger lieutenant who would eventually testify against him, wrote in his memoir, Brutal. "We made millions through extortion and loansharking and protection. And if someone ratted us out, we killed him. We were not nice guys." Bulger was killed in his prison cell on Tuesday aged 89 / AP Bulger became one of the nation's most-wanted fugitives after fleeing Boston in late 1994. After more than 16 years on the run, he was captured aged 81 in Santa Monica, California, where he had been living with his longtime girlfriend, Catherine Greig. He had gone to great lengths to avoid prison, including killing potential witnesses, but it all ended with a tip from a former Icelandic beauty queen. I ndonesia has ordered the inspection of all Boeing 737-MAX aircraft following the Lion Air crash on Monday. It's been revealed that the passenger plane that crashed into the sea minutes after taking off from Indonesia's capital had suffered instrument problems the day before. 189 people were on board the flight. There is no sign of survivors and a search for bodies is under way. An official of Indonesia's national transportation safety committee confirmed that the Lion Air plane had "unreliable airspeed." Chief of Indonesia's Lion Air flight JT610 search and rescue operations Muhammad Syaugi looks through recovered belongings from the search / REUTERS Committee deputy chief Haryo Satmiko said: "There were technical issues, one of them was indeed unreliable airspeed. The suspected cause of the accident is still being investigated." "We are asking for information from the last pilot who flew from Denpasar to Jakarta, but we have not met the technician." There have also been witness reports from passengers on the flight that the plane felt as though it temporarily lost power and was unable to climb after take-off. Data from the plane's previous flight, found that the jet displayed unusual variations in altitude including an 875 foot drop over 27 seconds when it would normally be ascending. The flight log also found that altitude readings differed on the captain's and first officer's instruments. Despite this, the crew decided to continue the flight and landed safely in Jakarta. Two passengers on the flight from Bali to Jakarta on Sunday described issues that caused frustration and alarm. Alon Soetanto told TVOne the plane dropped suddenly several times in the first few minutes of its flight. "About three to eight minutes after it took off, I felt like the plane was losing power and unable to rise. That happened several times during the flight," he said. "We felt like in a roller coaster. Some passengers began to panic and vomit." Rescuers search for survivors after Lion Air plane crashes into sea His account is consistent with data from flight-tracking sites that showed erratic speed, altitude and direction in the minutes after the jet took off. A similar pattern is also seen in data from Monday's fatal flight. Safety experts cautioned, however, that the data must be checked for accuracy against the plane's so-called black boxes, which officials are confident will be recovered by divers as part of an ongoing search. Lion Air's president Edward Sirait said there were reports of technical problems with the flight from Bali but said it had been resolved in accordance with the procedures released by the plane manufacturer. In a detailed post online, Indonesian TV presenter Conchita Caroline said boarding of Sunday's flight was delayed by more than an hour and when the plane was being towed, a technical problem forced it to return to its parking space. Indonesian rescuers evacuating parts from a crashed Lion Air passenger plane in waters off Tanjung Karawang / EPA She said passengers sat in the cabin without air conditioning for at least 30 minutes listening to an "unusual" engine roar, while some children vomited from the overbearing heat, until staff faced with rising anger let them disembark. After about 30 minutes of passengers waiting on the tarmac, they were told to board again while an engine was checked, it was also reported. Ms Caroline said she queried a staff member but was met with a defensive response. "He just showed me the flight permit that he had signed and he said the problem had been settled," she said. "He treated me like a passenger full of disturbing dramas even though what I was asking represented friends and confused tourists who didn't understand Indonesian." The Standard has approached the airline for further comment on the reports of instrument failure. A round-the-clock search is under way for the bodies after the devastating crash, and grieving relatives are being flown to Jakarta by the same airline. Human remains have been recovered from the crash site, about nine miles off the coast of the countrys capital city. Divers searched Tuesday for victims of the Lion Air plane crash in Indonesia that killed 189 people and high-tech equipment was deployed to find its data recorders as reports emerged of problems on the jet's previous flight that had terrified passengers. Lion Air crash in Indonesia 1 /41 Lion Air crash in Indonesia Recovered personal items of passengers on board the ill-fated Lion Air flight JT 610 are laid out at the search and rescue operations centre AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images Indonesian Navy Seals dive during the recovery mission for the crashed Lion Air flight EPA EPA EPA Indonesia's President Joko Widodo holds a personal item from Lion Air flight Getty Images Indonesia's President Joko Widodo (C), inspects recovered debris and personal items from Lion Air flight Getty Images Getty Images Search and Rescue personnel examine recovered debris Getty Images EPA AP Indonesian search and rescue personnel prepare for a recovery mission after Lion Air flight JT610 crashed into the sea AFP/Getty Images Oil slick where Lion Air flight JT 610 reportedly crashed into the sea off the coast of Indonesia's Java island AFP/Getty Images Members of a rescue team prepare to search for survivors from the Lion Air flight JT 610 AFP/Getty Images Relatives of passengers arrive at Lion Air's crisis center at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang AP Nugroho from Indonesia's National Disaster Mitigation Agency shows personnel looking at items believed to be from the wreckage AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images Indonesian rescuers evacuating parts from a crashed Lion Air passenger plane in waters off Tanjung Karawang EPA A rescue team member points to the location where Indonesia's Lion Air flight JT 610 had crashed into the sea AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images EPA EPA Bangka Belitung province governor Erzaldi Rosman Djohan (seated C, holding microphone), addresses journalists AFP/Getty Images AP Members of a rescue team prepare to search for survivors AFP/Getty Images Airport authority head Bagus Sunjoyo (3rd R, holding microphone) addresses journalists after Lion Air flight JT 610 crashed into the sea AFP/Getty Images EPA An aerial view shows the site where it is believed the Lion Air flight JT610 crashed Reuters EPA AFP/Getty Images EPA A member of an Indonesian rescue team conducting a briefing on handling the evacuation process EPA EPA EPA Indonesian rescue team members collecting the remains of the crashed plane at Tanjung Priok Harbou EPA Indonesian rescue team members collecting the remains of the crashed plane at Tanjung Priok Harbou EPA AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images Search and rescue personnel worked through the night, sending 24 body bags to identification experts while the airline flew dozens of grieving relatives to the country's capital, Jakarta. The 2-month-old Boeing jet crashed into the Java Sea early Monday, just 13 minutes after taking off from Jakarta for an island off Sumatra. Its pilot had requested clearance to return to the airport just 2-3 minutes after takeoff, which aviation experts said indicated a problem, though its cause is still baffling. The National Search and Rescue Agency said that 10 intact bodies as well as body parts have been recovered. Aircraft debris and personal belongings from ID cards to clothing and bags found scattered in seas northeast of Jakarta are being spread out on tarps at a port in north Jakarta. Experts from Boeing are set to arrive in Indonesia on Wednesday to help with the investigation. The plane's flight recorders are yet to be found. The disaster has reignited concerns about safety in Indonesia's fast-growing aviation industry, which was recently removed from EU and US blacklists. Agencies contributed to this report. P harrell Williams has sent Donald Trump a legal challenge over his use of the song Happy on the day of the Pittsburgh synagogue massacre. The pop star is furious that Mr Trump used his hit song from the film Despicable Me 2 at a political campaign rally on the same day that 11 people were killed. He has now sent a cease-and-desist legal letter to the White House warning the president not to play Happy again. On the day of the mass murder of 11 human beings at the hands of a deranged nationalist, you played his song Happy to a crowd at a political event in Indiana, wrote Mr Williams lawyer Howard E. King. Hours after the mass shooting at a synagogue in Pittsburgh, Mr Trump played Pharrell's Happy during a rally in Indiana / EPA There was nothing happy about the tragedy inflicted upon our country on Saturday and no permission was granted for your use of this song for this purpose, he added. Pharrell has not, and will not, grant you permission to publicly perform or otherwise broadcast or disseminate any of his music. "The use of Happy without permission constitutes copyright infringement. Mr Trump did acknowledge the shooting when he spoke at the political rally held at an aircraft hangar in Murphysboro, Indiana, on Saturday, saying: This wicked act of mass murder is pure evil, hard to believe and frankly something that is unimaginable. "Our nation and the world are shocked and stunned by the grief. The president said he had considered cancelling the even because he was having a bad hair day. Robert Bowers, 46, who is accused of murdering 11 people ranging in age from 54 to 97 at the Tree of Life Synagogue could face the death penalty if he is convicted. Its not the first time Mr Trumps choice of music at his events has faced opposition from pop artists. P ittsburghs hospital chief has revealed that he checked on the shooting suspect even though he had gunned down nine of his friends. Suspect Robert Bowers, 46, was taken to hospital with gunshot wounds after he was apprehended by police. Despite the fact he was allegedly shouting I want to kill all the jews, Dr Jeffrey K. Cohen, president of Allegheny General Hospital still went to check on the man. The doctor, also a member of the synagogues congregation, told WTAE: Were here to take care of sick people. Were not here to judge you. Robert Bowers, the suspect of the attack at the Tree of Life synagogue / AFP/Getty Images The president knew nine of the victims from the massacre but said it was still important to try and speak with the man. He said: You cant on one hand say we should talk to each other, and then I dont talk to him. So you lead by example, and Im the leader of the hospital. Dr Coen asked Mr Bowers if he was in pain before turning around and leaving the room. Jewish communities hold candlelight vigils for Pittsburgh victims 1 /26 Jewish communities hold candlelight vigils for Pittsburgh victims Pittsburgh281018a People hold candles in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood as they gather for a vigil AP Pittsburgh281018i Members and supporters of the Jewish community come together for a candlelight vigil AFP/Getty Images Pittsburgh281018 Vigil in front of the White House for the Pittsburgh victims AFP/Getty Images Pittsburgh281018i A young boy holds a sign at the intersection of Murray Avenue AP Pittsburgh281018b Community in Pittsburgh gathers after hate attack AP Pittsburgh281018c Candlelit vigil in Pittsburgh AP Pittsburgh281018d Members of the Squirrel Hill community come together for a student-organized candle vigil AFP/Getty Images Pittsburgh281018e People hold candles in the Squirrel Hill section of Pittsburgh AFP/Getty Images Pittsburgh281018f Amy Gilligan hugs her daughter at the intersection of Murray Avenue and Forbes Avenue AP Pittsburgh281018g People gather for a interfaith candlelight vigil a few blocks away from the site of a mass shooting Getty Images Pittsburgh281018h People gather for a interfaith candlelight vigil in Pittsburgh Getty Images Pittsburgh281018j A couple embrace near the scene of the mass shooting AP Pittsburgh281018k A crowd gathers at the intersection of Murray Ave. and Forbes Ave AP Pittsburgh281018l Memorial vigil for the victims of the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue AP Pittsburgh281018m A crowd holds candles on the lawn of the Sixth Presbyterian Church AP Pittsburgh281018m In Washington, participants hold candles and sing a Jewish prayer during a Havdalah vigil Getty Images Pittsburgh281018o Members and supporters of the Jewish community come together for a candlelight vigil AFP/Getty Images Pittsburgh281018p Members and supporters of the Jewish community come together for a candlelight vigil AFP/Getty Images Pittsburgh281018q A heavily armed gunman opened fire during a baby-naming ceremony at a synagogue AFP/Getty Images Pittsburgh281018r Vigil in front of the White House in Washington AFP/Getty Images Pittsburgh281018s The shooting killed 11 people AFP/Getty Images Pittsburgh281018t Members and supporters of the Jewish community come together for a candlelight vigil, in remembrance of those who died earlier in the day AFP/Getty Images Pittsburgh281018u A heavily armed gunman opened fire during a baby-naming ceremony AFP/Getty Images Pittsburgh281018v Vigil in Washington AFP/Getty Images Pittsburgh281018w A woman holds a candle as members and supporters of the Jewish community come together AFP/Getty Images Pittsburgh281018x Candlelit vigil in Washington AFP/Getty Images Two of the staff members who treated Mr Bowers were Jewish including a nurse whose father is a rabbi. Dr Cohen said: He was pretty broken. I told him how proud I was. He went home and hugged his parents. Eleven people were killed in the attack and six others were injured including four police officers. Federal prosecutors said that Mr Bowers has been charged with a 29 count criminal complaint. The victims include a married couple, two brothers and a 97-year-old woman. Members and supporters of the Jewish community hug as they come together for a candlelight vigil / AFP/Getty Images The incident which took place during a baby-naming ceremony was dubbed a hate crime by Pittsburgh public safety director Wendell Hissrich. Mr Bowers shouted all jews must die as he entered the building. The President named the attack a "wicked act of mass murder" and called for the death penalty for the person responsible. D onald Trump paid tribute to victims of the worst instance of anti-Semitic violence in American history in Pittsburgh as protesters nearby shouted he was not welcome. The president arrived in Pennsylvania to visit Squirrel Hill, the neighbourhood home to the Tree of Life synagogue, where 11 people were gunned down during Sabbath services on Saturday. He and First Lady Melania stepped off the plane amid controversy surrounding their visit, marked by the fact they were not greeted by the usual phalanx of local officials at the airport. The White House said President Trump was coming to "express the support of the American people and to grieve with the Pittsburgh community". People protest the arrival of US President Donald Trump in Pittsburgh / AFP/Getty Images But people were divided on whether he should be there. Many believe Mr Trump should not have visited until the dead were buried and condemned his divisive rhetoric. As the Trumps went inside the vestibule of the synagogue, where they lit candles for each victim before stepping outside, shouts of "Words matter!" and "Trump, go home!" could be heard from demonstrators nearby. Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto said before the visit was announced that the White House ought to consult with the families of the victims about their preferences. Mr Peduto also asked that the president not come during a funeral. Neither he nor Democratic Govenor Tom Wolf planned to appear with President Trump. Jewish communities hold candlelight vigils for Pittsburgh victims 1 /26 Jewish communities hold candlelight vigils for Pittsburgh victims Pittsburgh281018a People hold candles in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood as they gather for a vigil AP Pittsburgh281018i Members and supporters of the Jewish community come together for a candlelight vigil AFP/Getty Images Pittsburgh281018 Vigil in front of the White House for the Pittsburgh victims AFP/Getty Images Pittsburgh281018i A young boy holds a sign at the intersection of Murray Avenue AP Pittsburgh281018b Community in Pittsburgh gathers after hate attack AP Pittsburgh281018c Candlelit vigil in Pittsburgh AP Pittsburgh281018d Members of the Squirrel Hill community come together for a student-organized candle vigil AFP/Getty Images Pittsburgh281018e People hold candles in the Squirrel Hill section of Pittsburgh AFP/Getty Images Pittsburgh281018f Amy Gilligan hugs her daughter at the intersection of Murray Avenue and Forbes Avenue AP Pittsburgh281018g People gather for a interfaith candlelight vigil a few blocks away from the site of a mass shooting Getty Images Pittsburgh281018h People gather for a interfaith candlelight vigil in Pittsburgh Getty Images Pittsburgh281018j A couple embrace near the scene of the mass shooting AP Pittsburgh281018k A crowd gathers at the intersection of Murray Ave. and Forbes Ave AP Pittsburgh281018l Memorial vigil for the victims of the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue AP Pittsburgh281018m A crowd holds candles on the lawn of the Sixth Presbyterian Church AP Pittsburgh281018m In Washington, participants hold candles and sing a Jewish prayer during a Havdalah vigil Getty Images Pittsburgh281018o Members and supporters of the Jewish community come together for a candlelight vigil AFP/Getty Images Pittsburgh281018p Members and supporters of the Jewish community come together for a candlelight vigil AFP/Getty Images Pittsburgh281018q A heavily armed gunman opened fire during a baby-naming ceremony at a synagogue AFP/Getty Images Pittsburgh281018r Vigil in front of the White House in Washington AFP/Getty Images Pittsburgh281018s The shooting killed 11 people AFP/Getty Images Pittsburgh281018t Members and supporters of the Jewish community come together for a candlelight vigil, in remembrance of those who died earlier in the day AFP/Getty Images Pittsburgh281018u A heavily armed gunman opened fire during a baby-naming ceremony AFP/Getty Images Pittsburgh281018v Vigil in Washington AFP/Getty Images Pittsburgh281018w A woman holds a candle as members and supporters of the Jewish community come together AFP/Getty Images Pittsburgh281018x Candlelit vigil in Washington AFP/Getty Images Squirrel Hill resident Paul Carberry, 55, said Mr Trump should not have visited until the dead were buried, and he decried the president's divisive rhetoric. "He didn't pull the trigger, but his verbiage and actions don't help," he said as hundreds of protesters assembled to show their displeasure with Mr Trump's presence. People protesting against US President Donald Trump / AFP/Getty Images As his motorcade wound through downtown Pittsburgh, some onlookers saluted the president with upraised middle fingers and others with downturned thumbs. Those who live in the tight-knit community were uncertain about whether they wanted the presidential visit. Marianne Novy, 73, a retired college English professor, said she signed an open letter asking President Trump not to come. "His language has encouraged hatred and fear of immigrants, which is part of the reason why these people were killed," she said. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump stand with Rabbi Jeffrey Myers / REUTERS Barry Werber, 76, who said he survived the massacre by hiding in a dark storage closet as the gunman rampaged through the building, said he had also hoped Mr Trump wouldn't visit. For David Dvir, politics should take a pause for grief: "It's our president, and we need to welcome him." The presidents itinerary remained under wraps even as he stepped off the plane, trailed by his daughter Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, who are Jewish, and members of the first lady's staff carrying white flowers. The White House invited the top four congressional leaders to join President Trump in Pittsburgh, but none accompanied him The Trumps put down stones from the White House / AP President Trump travelled to the historic hub of the city's Jewish community as the first funerals were scheduled to be held for the victims, who range in age from 54 to 97. He is expected to meet first responders and community leaders. The death toll from Saturday's shooting includes a set of brothers, a husband and wife, professors, dentists and a physician. It was not immediately clear whether President Trump would meet with any family members. M ore than 1,000 mourners have poured into synagogues in Pittsburgh to grieve the loss of the first of the 11 victims of the massacre on Saturday. Paying tribute to two brothers killed in the shooting, Rabbi Jeffrey Myers said Cecil and David Rosenthal, 59 and 54, were the very definition of beautiful souls at their joint funeral. He said their absence will be deeply felt at Tree of Life, the Pittsburgh synagogue where 11 people were gunned down on Saturday during the deadliest attack on Jews in US history. Their family asked for donations to be sent to Tree of Life or Achieva in lieu of flowers. A mourner before the funeral services for brothers Cecil and David Rosenthal / AP Hundreds also paid their respects on Tuesday to Jerry Rabinowitz, who was a doctor in the Squirrel Hill community particularly known for his work with gay men suffering from HIV. In an emotional post on Facebook, his nephew Avishai Ostrin said the 66-year-old was gunned down and killed as he rushed to help people wounded after the gunman opened fire. Mourners walk behind the hearse carrying the casket of Dr Jerry Rabinowitz / AP He said: When he heard shots he ran outside to try and see if anyone was hurt and needed a doctor. "That was Uncle Jerry, thats just what he did. It is unthinkable that such a heinous act can be carried out in such a place, to people peacefully congregating in order to pray together. Pallbearers carry a casket following the funeral for brothers Cecil Rosenthal and David Rosenthal / AFP/Getty Images Daniel Stein was also buried in a private session on Tuesday. The first of the funerals come as President Donald Trump arrived in Pittsburgh to pay tribute to the victims. When Air Force One touched down at the airport outside Pittsburgh, President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were not greeted by the usual phalanx of local officials that typically welcomes a visiting president, a reflection of controversy surrounding the visit. The White House said President Trump was coming to "express the support of the American people and to grieve with the Pittsburgh community". People protest the arrival of US President Donald Trump in Pittsburgh / AFP/Getty Images But local and religious leaders were divided on whether he should be there and protests were held to mark his arrival. Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, a Democrat, told reporters before the visit was announced that the White House ought to consult with the families of the victims about their preferences and asked that the president not come during a funeral. Neither he nor Democratic Gov Tom Wolf planned to appear with President Trump President Trump with the First Lady in Pittsburgh / AP His itinerary remained under wraps even as he stepped off the plane, trailed by his daughter Ivanka Trump and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who are Jewish, and members of the first lady's staff carrying white flowers. The White House invited the top four congressional leaders to join President Trump in Pittsburgh, but none accompanied him. Jewish communities hold candlelight vigils for Pittsburgh victims 1 /26 Jewish communities hold candlelight vigils for Pittsburgh victims Pittsburgh281018a People hold candles in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood as they gather for a vigil AP Pittsburgh281018i Members and supporters of the Jewish community come together for a candlelight vigil AFP/Getty Images Pittsburgh281018 Vigil in front of the White House for the Pittsburgh victims AFP/Getty Images Pittsburgh281018i A young boy holds a sign at the intersection of Murray Avenue AP Pittsburgh281018b Community in Pittsburgh gathers after hate attack AP Pittsburgh281018c Candlelit vigil in Pittsburgh AP Pittsburgh281018d Members of the Squirrel Hill community come together for a student-organized candle vigil AFP/Getty Images Pittsburgh281018e People hold candles in the Squirrel Hill section of Pittsburgh AFP/Getty Images Pittsburgh281018f Amy Gilligan hugs her daughter at the intersection of Murray Avenue and Forbes Avenue AP Pittsburgh281018g People gather for a interfaith candlelight vigil a few blocks away from the site of a mass shooting Getty Images Pittsburgh281018h People gather for a interfaith candlelight vigil in Pittsburgh Getty Images Pittsburgh281018j A couple embrace near the scene of the mass shooting AP Pittsburgh281018k A crowd gathers at the intersection of Murray Ave. and Forbes Ave AP Pittsburgh281018l Memorial vigil for the victims of the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue AP Pittsburgh281018m A crowd holds candles on the lawn of the Sixth Presbyterian Church AP Pittsburgh281018m In Washington, participants hold candles and sing a Jewish prayer during a Havdalah vigil Getty Images Pittsburgh281018o Members and supporters of the Jewish community come together for a candlelight vigil AFP/Getty Images Pittsburgh281018p Members and supporters of the Jewish community come together for a candlelight vigil AFP/Getty Images Pittsburgh281018q A heavily armed gunman opened fire during a baby-naming ceremony at a synagogue AFP/Getty Images Pittsburgh281018r Vigil in front of the White House in Washington AFP/Getty Images Pittsburgh281018s The shooting killed 11 people AFP/Getty Images Pittsburgh281018t Members and supporters of the Jewish community come together for a candlelight vigil, in remembrance of those who died earlier in the day AFP/Getty Images Pittsburgh281018u A heavily armed gunman opened fire during a baby-naming ceremony AFP/Getty Images Pittsburgh281018v Vigil in Washington AFP/Getty Images Pittsburgh281018w A woman holds a candle as members and supporters of the Jewish community come together AFP/Getty Images Pittsburgh281018x Candlelit vigil in Washington AFP/Getty Images He is expected to meet first responders and community leaders. A powerful earthquake has struck New Zealands North Island, which Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are visiting as part of their royal tour. The 6.2-magnitude quake hit just 40 miles east of the city of New Plymouth, at the depth of 228km, the United States Geological Survey said. Thousands of people across the country felt the quake, some as far away as the South Island, as it rocked the country on Tuesday. The quake did not disrupt an event in Auckland attended by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, but people attending said they did feel the tremor. The quake did not disrupt an event in Auckland attended by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, but people attending said they did feel the tremor / EPA Harry and Meghan were visiting the head office of the charity Pillars, which is dedicated to supporting the children of prisoners through mentoring schemes and in-home support. Parliament, in the capital Wellington, was briefly suspended as a precaution. Lawmakers left the debating chamber for 30 minutes. A second migrant caravan has crossed into Mexico bound for the United States as Donald Trump ordered more than 5,000 troops to guard the southern border. Hundreds waded through a river dividing Guatemala and Mexico last night, following in the footsteps of the thousands-strong group already heading for the US border. The latest crossing by the migrants from Central America led to clashes with the Mexican authorities, who accused them of throwing rocks, glass bottles and fireworks at police and fighting with sticks. Some allegedly carried guns and firebombs. Guatemalas interior ministry said police were injured when the migrant group broke through border barriers. Hundreds waded through a river dividing Guatemala and Mexico / REUTERS One man died from a head wound and another drowned in the river, according to reports. Large groups were seen wading through the murky Suchiate river, defying a heavy police presence. Further up the road in southern Mexico, the original caravan, which has dwindled from 7,000 to about 4,000 people, resumed its advance towards the US. A second migrant caravan is following in the footsteps of the first / REUTERS Mr Trump, eager to keep voters focused on illegal immigration in the lead-up to the Mid-term elections, tweeted: "This is an invasion of our Country and our Military is waiting for you!" He also declared that he wanted to order an end to the constitutional right to citizenship for babies born in the US to non-citizens. He said that "we're the only country in the world where a person comes in and has a baby, and the baby is essentially a citizen of the United States," though a 2010 study showed that 30 countries offered birthright citizenship. In a separate interview, he said the US would build tent cities to hold asylum seekers. Exhaustion takes its toll on Migrant caravan 1,000 miles from US border "We're going to put tents up all over the place," he told Fox News. "They're going to be very nice, and they're going to wait, and if they don't get asylum they get out." A stunning 5,655-carat emerald said to be worth up to 2 million has been found in a mine in Zambia. The beautiful Lion Emerald was discovered earlier this month at Kagem, the worlds largest emerald mine, of which 75 per cent is owned by London gemstone producer Gemfields. It was found by geologist Debapriya Rakshit and miner Richard Kapeta and has been named Inkalamu, after the lion, in honour of the animal conservation work carried out in the area. The 5,655-carat gem, which has been described as having remarkable clarity and a perfectly balanced golden green hue, has become the second ever to be named by Gemfields. The last was named in 2010 when the Insofu, or elephant stone, was unveiled. The 6,225-carat stone was sold in Lusaka, Zambia, to an Indian firm for an undisclosed amount. The naming of uncut emeralds is a tradition reserved for the rarest and most remarkable gems, Gemfields said. The 5,655-carat gem has been described as having remarkable clarity" / Gemfields Speaking after the find, London-based gemmologist at Gemfields Elena Basaglia said: The discovery of this exceptional gemstone is such an important moment both for us and for the emerald world. We are experiencing strikingly increased demand for high-quality Zambian emeralds from the major brands, particularly in Europe, all of whom admire the rich colour and unique transparency of our gems. Ms Basaglia said the gemstone will make its mark in the history books of exceptional gemstones, suggesting stones taken from it will continue its legacy for generations to come. The gem will be sold in a private auction in Singapore next month after being sealed before Zambian government officials and transported to the Far East. We expect a number of large, fine-quality cut emeralds to be borne of the Inkalamu crystal, Adrian Banks, Gemfields managing director for product and sales, added. These important pieces are what return value to the buyer, and there might be hundreds of offcuts that are fashioned into smaller gems, cabochons and beads, but the key lies in recovering the fine quality pieces. B ritish soldiers have marked the centenary of the end of the First World War with a study tour of the most significant battle sites in France in 1918. Members of the 1st UK Armoured Division joined men and women from the forces of France, Germany, the US and Ireland for the four-day tour that ended at the fortress of Sedan. It was the last objective of the American forces, which entered the allied battlefront with more than a million troops that year. Ironically, it was also where German Panzers broke through in the Second World War, in May 1940. The studies held at 16 locations along the front focused on the potential for conflict in the present and future as much as the past. Lessons were drawn from the huge efforts by millions of allied troops in Europe and half a dozen theatres across the world in 1918, and the stubborn, often brilliant, delaying and defensive tactics by the German command and their allies. "We seem to have lost some of these skills in the past 10 years. We need them again" Tensions today in eastern Europe, the Baltic and eastern Mediterranean featured in many of the discussions of tactics and strategy. We have to learn the lesson of how the forces adapted for the huge challenges of 1918, and what they teach us for today, said Lieutenant General Patrick Sanders, Commander of the UK Field Army, hosting the event. Troops on the study-tour visit to the key crossing / Metropolitan Police Service We seem to have lost some of these skills in the past 10 years. We need them again especially as we are confronted by opponents operating at parity to us. Each day, a visit was made to an iconic site in the national stories of the allies represented, including the Canadians and Australians. The Riqueval Bridge across the St Quentin Canal was taken by Captain AH Charlton and nine men of the North Staffordshire Regiment on September 29, 1918. Their division, the 46 Midland, had suffered badly at Loos and the Somme. But this action was decisive. It was also the setting of one of the great photos of the Western Front, as Brigadier JC Campbell VC addressed his troops, sitting on the devastated canal banks. Today it is sleepy woodland once more. The village of Vauquois is a moonscape of craters and tunnels. It was a key observation point for the Meuse valley and Verdun. For four years from 1914 French and German troops fought over these slopes and in tunnels, using more than 540 mines and thousands of tons of explosives killing 8,000 men. T wo travel bloggers who fell to their deaths from a 3,000ft beauty spot had previously warned of the dangers of daredevil photos for social media likes. Vishnu Viswanath, 29, and Meenakshi Moorthy, 30, were reported to have fallen from the Taft Point cliff in Californias Yosemite National Park. The couple had thousands of social media followers on their Holidays and Happily Ever Afters Instagram account and travel blog. The cause of their deaths is under investigation by US authorities, and there was no indication the couple engaged in risky behaviour for social media purposes. Earlier this year, in an Instagram snap of Ms Viswanath sat near a cliff edge at the Grand Canyon, they had warned of the dangers of doing it for the gram. Guys, the caption read, we reaaaallly need to have boundaries. "A lot of us including yours truly is a fan of daredevilry attempts of standing at the edge of cliffs and skyscrapers, but did you know that wind gusts can be FATAL??? Is our life just worth one photo? The couple died on Thursday. More than 10 people have died at Yosemite National Park this year, some from natural causes and others from falls. C oronation Street busybody Norris Cole could be coming back to the Cobbles next year, according to co-star Patti Clare. Clare, who plays Mary Taylor on the ITV soap, teased that the legendary soap actor Malcolm Hebden could be returning to Weatherfield after months away as early as next year. Rex Asked about a return for Cabin owner Norris Cole, Clare told This Mornings Phillip Schofield and Rochelle Humes that there is a faint whisper on set about a comeback. The actress said: Allegedly. He's in Peru at the moment. Legend: Malcolm Hebden has played Norris Cole since 1994 / ITV Mary speaks to him on the phone often, so there's a faint sort of whisper that he might be back, maybe next year? Coronation Street declined to comment when approached by Standard Online. Hebdens character was last seen on screen in December, having been a regular fixture on the long-running soap since 1994, and it was later revealed that he had travelled to Peru to meet up with his friend Emily Bishop. In July, Hebden revealed that he had been seriously ill after a heart attack and had been in an induced coma, but was finally on the mend. Actress: Patti Clare hinted at a return for Malcolm Hebden / Ken McKay/ITV/REX The 78-year-old told the Blackpool Gazette: Most of December I was in an induced coma, in the care of these brilliant, wonderful people at the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU). Fortunately I didnt realise how bad it was; I was dying. The cardiac team, headed by Mr Zacharias, simply saved my life. I was informed by my doctor I had had at least one heart attack. While there I collapsed and was brought here to Blackpool Victoria - where I was operated on, in a process described as ground-breaking. The heart attack tore a hole in my heart, they operated and took a chance. G reat British Bake Off judge Prue Leith has poked fun at her major winners blunder ahead of this years final. Leith, who replaced Mary Berry on the show when it switched to Channel 4, incurred the wrath of fans after accidentally spoiling the 2017 final by tweeting the winners name ahead of the show airing. Leith mocked her own gaffe in a hilarious tweet (presumably before locking her phone away in a cupboard), ahead of Kim-Joy, Ruby Bhogal and Rahul Mandal going to battle in tonight's grand final. The 78-year-old wrote: Good luck to all the bakers tonight in the @BritishBakeOff FINAL. Finalists: Kim-Joy, Rahul Mandal and Ruby Bhogal / Channel 4 / Love Productions All fantastic bakers and worthy winners. That is all I am going to say....for now!!! Fans were quick to jump on her comical tweet, asking her if there are multiple winners this series, while others told her to step away from the social media site. Prue Leith felt 'suicidal' after tweeting name of Bake Off winner One wrote: Winners?? Plural? I swear on me mam I'll choux you up and down that if there's a joint winner. Another said: Well done Prue!! Glad they let you on twitter today :-) We are very excited about tonight!! A third wrote: Please Prue turn off all your social media for 24 hours. So looking forward to the grand finale tonight. Leith accidentally ruined the final for millions last year after tweeting her congratulations to Sophie Faldo 12 hours before transmission. TODO: define component type apester As the pair jumped into a silver car to travel through time, they jokingly revealed they were trying to stop Leith from publicly revealing the identity of this year's winner. Viewers then saw Leith and fellow judge Hollywood sitting on a sofa with Leith apparently preparing to send out a social media post on her phone. The Great British Bake Off final airs Tuesday October 30 at 8pm on Channel 4. T he BBC has been going full throttle on podcasts recently. Earlier this year, the organisation hired its first commissioning editor of podcasts and now it is launching its own dedicated podcast app, named BBC Sounds. As well as a host of new podcasts, you can use the BBC Sounds app to tune in live to your favourite BBC Radio shows, catch up on previous episodes, and listen to some of the top series made outside of the BBC including The Guilty Feminist and Griefcast. At the launch event in London today, BBC Director-General Tony Hall said: Radio is a unique and precious part of our lives and were innovating to secure its future for generations to come. BBC Sounds is a standalone and standout destination, bringing the best of everything we do in audio into one place. It allows us all to experiment to explore new music, stories and ideas to play with form and content. And its going to support a whole new generation of talent. The BBC is launching a total of 20 new podcasts as part of BBC Sounds, so weve found the five best new shows we think youre going to love. Five new BBC podcasts to download 1. All Hail Kale Listen to if you like... The Doctor's Kitchen The health and wellness industry is worth around $3 trillion but breaking through the noise of whether coconut oil is good or bad for you, and whats actually wrong with gluten can be tricky if you rely on the internet alone. Whilst The Doctor's Kitchen is a bit more of a serious look at health and wellness trends, All Hail Kale, hosted by Tim Samuels, is going to explore wellness topics in a rather light-hearted way. From cheese rehab to preparing for the post-apocalypse, All Hail Kale is going to be your insight into the future of wellness. 2. Beyond Today Listen to if you like... The Daily News-focused 20-minute daily podcasts are all the rage after the success of The New York Times The Daily. The BBC wants to get in on this magic with the launch of Beyond Today. Born out of the Today programme, each episode will be a 15-20 minute look into a big news story of the day to give listeners an insight into whats really going on. Episodes will drop at 5pm on weekdays, perfect for your commute home. BBC 3. End of Days Listen to if you like... Heavens Gate Theres something about cults that is completely fascinating and absorbing, which was why Pineapple Street Medias Heavens Gate series exploring the US-based cult of the same name was such a success. End Of Days explores a different apocalyptic cult, the Branch Davidians sect, led by David Koresh who believed he was the final prophet, in Texas in the 1990s. It turns out 30 of the members were from Britain, with the new podcast exploring their stories and how they ended up in a horrific fire that brought an end to Koresh and his followers. 4. The Disrupters Listen to if you like... How I Built This Starting your own business is a terrifying prospect, so podcasts like How I Built This and new entrant The Disrupters are here to help. Kamal Ahmed, editorial director of BBC News, and entrepreneur Rohan Silva will hold candid conversations with some of the biggest names in the business, from Demis Hassabbis of DeepMind and Justine Roberts, founder of Mumsnet. Each episode will explore the reality of starting up, looking at risk, ambition, failure and success. 5. The Sista Collective Listen to if you like... Another Round If youve been waiting eagerly for the next stage of Another Round, the deliciously funny and informative podcast hosted by former Buzzfeed staff Heben Nigatu and Tracy Clayton then dont worry, The Sista Collective has got your back. The first BBC series d by Black British women, led by BBC Radio 5 Live journalist Jessie Aru-Phillips, the podcast will explore what it means to be a woman of colour living in the UK today, discussing topics such as relationships, colourism and identity. BBC Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. HTF MI recently introduced Global Military Logistics Market study with in-depth overview, describing about the Product / Industry Scope and elaborates market outlook and status to 2023. The market Study is segmented by key regions which is accelerating the marketization. At present, the market is developing its presence and some of the key players from the complete study are Fluor Corporation, Aselsan, Klinge & Co Pty Ltd, ANHAM, DynCorp International LLC, GENCO, Lockheed Martin Corporation, AECOM, Honeywell International Inc & KBR Inc etc. Request Sample of Global Military Logistics Market Size, Status and Forecast 2022 @: https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/849876-global-military-logistics-market-1 This report studies the Global Military Logistics market size, industry status and forecast, competition landscape and growth opportunity. This research report categorizes the Global Military Logistics market by companies, region, type and end-use industry. Browse 100+ market data Tables and Figures spread through Pages and in-depth TOC on " Military Logistics Market by Type by End-Users/Application (Homeland Security, Military & Other), Organization Size, Industry, and Region - Forecast to 2023". Early buyers will receive 10% customization on comprehensive study. In order to get a deeper view of Market Size, competitive landscape is provided i.e. Revenue (Million USD) by Players (2013-2018), Revenue Market Share (%) by Players (2013-2018) and further a qualitative analysis is made towards market concentration rate, product/service differences, new entrants and the technological trends in future. Enquire for customization in Report @ https://www.htfmarketreport.com/enquiry-before-buy/849876-global-military-logistics-market-1 Competitive Analysis: The key players are highly focusing innovation in production technologies to improve efficiency and shelf life. The best long-term growth opportunities for this sector can be captured by ensuring ongoing process improvements and financial flexibility to invest in the optimal strategies. Company profile section of players such as Fluor Corporation, Aselsan, Klinge & Co Pty Ltd, ANHAM, DynCorp International LLC, GENCO, Lockheed Martin Corporation, AECOM, Honeywell International Inc & KBR Inc includes its basic information like legal name, website, headquarters, its market position, historical background and top 5 closest competitors by Market capitalization / revenue along with contact information. Each player/ manufacturer revenue figures, growth rate and gross profit margin is provided in easy to understand tabular format for past 5 years and a separate section on recent development like mergers, acquisition or any new product/service launch etc. Market Segments: The Global Military Logistics Market has been divided into type, application, and region. On The Basis Of Application: Homeland Security, Military & Other On The Basis Of Region, this report is segmented into following key geographies, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), and market share, growth rate of Military Logistics in these regions, from 2013 to 2023 (forecast), covering North America (U.S. & Canada) {Market Revenue (USD Billion), Growth Analysis (%) and Opportunity Analysis} Latin America (Brazil, Mexico & Rest of Latin America) {Market Revenue (USD Billion), Growth Share (%) and Opportunity Analysis} Europe (The U.K., Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Sweden & RoE) {Market Revenue (USD Billion), Growth Share (%) and Opportunity Analysis} Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Rest of Asia) {Market Revenue (USD Billion), Growth Share (%) and Opportunity Analysis} Middle East & Africa (GCC, South Africa, North Africa, RoMEA) {Market Revenue (USD Billion), Growth Share (%) and Opportunity Analysis} Rest of World {Market Revenue (USD Billion), Growth Analysis (%) and Opportunity Analysis} Buy Single User License of Global Military Logistics Market Size, Status and Forecast 2022 @ https://www.htfmarketreport.com/buy-now?format=1&report=849876 Have a look at some extracts from Table of Content Introduction about Global Military Logistics Global Military Logistics Market Size (Sales) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 2017 Military Logistics Market by Application/End Users Global Military Logistics Sales (Volume) and Market Share Comparison by Applications (2013-2023) table defined for each application/end-users like [Homeland Security, Military & Other] Global Military Logistics Sales and Growth Rate (2013-2023) Military Logistics Competition by Players/Suppliers, Region, Type and Application Military Logistics (Volume, Value and Sales Price) table defined for each geographic region defined. Global Military Logistics Players/Suppliers Profiles and Sales Data Additionally Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors list is being provided for each listed manufacturers Market Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018) table for each product type Military Logistics Manufacturing Cost Analysis Military Logistics Key Raw Materials Analysis Military Logistics Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers, Industrial Chain Analysis Market Forecast (2018-2023) ........and more in complete table of Contents Browse for Full Report at: https://www.htfmarketreport.com/reports/849876-global-military-logistics-market-1 Source URL: https://www.openpr.com/news/1333354/Military-Logistics-Market-is-Booming-Aselsan-Klinge-ANHAM-AECOM-Honeywell-International.html Thanks for reading this article; you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like North America, Europe or Asia. About Author: HTF Market Report is a wholly owned brand of HTF market Intelligence Consulting Private Limited. HTF Market Report global research and market intelligence consulting organization is uniquely positioned to not only identify growth opportunities but to also empower and inspire you to create visionary growth strategies for futures, enabled by our extraordinary depth and breadth of thought leadership, research, tools, events and experience that assist you for making goals into a reality. Our understanding of the interplay between industry convergence, Mega Trends, technologies and market trends provides our clients with new business models and expansion opportunities. We are focused on identifying the Accurate Forecast in every industry we cover so our clients can reap the benefits of being early market entrants and can accomplish their Goals & Objectives. Contact US : Craig Francis (PR & Marketing Manager) HTF Market Intelligence Consulting Private Limited Unit No. 429, Parsonage Road Edison, NJ New Jersey USA 08837 Phone: +1 (206) 317 1218 sales@htfmarketreport.com Countries & Areas Search for country or area A Afghanistan Albania Algeria Andorra Angola Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan B Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burma Burundi C Cabo Verde Cambodia Cameroon Canada Central African Republic Chad Chile China Colombia Comoros Costa Rica Cote dIvoire Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czechia D Democratic Republic of the Congo Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic E Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia F Fiji Finland France G Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Grenada Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana H Haiti Holy See Honduras Hungary I Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy J Jamaica Japan Jordan K Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan L Laos Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg M Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Mauritania Mauritius Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Morocco Mozambique N Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria North Korea North Macedonia Norway O Oman P Pakistan Palau Palestinian Territories Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Q Qatar R Republic of the Congo Romania Russia Rwanda S Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Korea South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Sweden Switzerland Syria T Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Tuvalu U Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom Uruguay Uzbekistan V Vanuatu Venezuela Vietnam Y Yemen Z Zambia Zimbabwe Senate President and national leader of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats (ALDE) Calin Popescu-Tariceanu is strongly rejecting the construction of a multi-speed Europe, underlining that such an approach undermines the international role of the EU as a strong and legitimate actor. "Next year will really be a challenge to us all, beyond the fact that we are facing the consequences of the first major backward step for the EU, and I mean Brexit; we face a clash of ideologies and, in this context, we should all play a more prominent role and encourage all European institutions to take all the necessary measures to preserve cohesion among our societies that are at different levels of development and ambition. Due to its macroeconomic and macro-social implications, the European cohesion policy can be considered the most important instrument in the correction of regional imbalances and in enhancing the citizens' well-being," Tariceanu said at the conference "An inclusive cohesion policy for a Union closer to the citizens." In his opinion, "maintaining unaltered common agricultural policies and assessing the intention of some to introduce new convergence criteria for the management of the next financial framework" are worrisome to Romania."I think we all are at crucial stage; solidarity must be at the heart of the European project; we must learn from our own difficulties to solve such problems. (...) I am strongly rejecting building a multi-speed Europe, and that some are more European than others (...) Besides being counterproductive and bringing constant conflicts among member states, such an approach undermines the international role of the EU as a strong and legitimate actor," said Tariceanu.He stressed that an important decision should be made within the EU and answers to several questions must be found.He also referenced Romania assuming the six-month rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2019."We are honoured to hold the EU Council presidency next year. Sibiu, one of the most beautiful cities of Romania, with a historic heritage, will organise the summit. (...) I am optimistic about the conclusions. The success of the Romanian presidency depends on all of us providing sincere answers to the aspects that could mean the difference between the success and failure of each effort. (...) I believe that the easiest way to answer the above questions lies in the effectiveness of European cohesion policy, a well-used tool that has the ability of filling the current gaps and healing the wounds of the past. I remind you that the EU has never lost its ability to generate hope, both internally and globally, and I ask all the stakeholders to act," Tariceanu concluded. Romania will benefit from an increase of more than 7 billion euros in financing under the Cohesion Policy in 2021-2027, 300 euro per capita, according to European Commissioner for Regional Policy Corina Cretu, who participated in the high level conference regarding the future of the Cohesion Policy. "We have negotiated, as you all know, in the multi-annual financial framework. We struggled to maintain the same method for earmarking the European funds, a method which we call "the Berlin method," that has been used ever since 1999, which was based on the GDP per capita. According to this method, Romania will benefit in the period 2021-2027 from an increase of over 7 billion euros in funding under the Cohesion Policy in the future multi-annual financial framework. What I want to say is that this means 300 euro per head of inhabitant in Romania. This is the logic of the Cohesion Policy: the richer you are, the less money you will get. Thus, the Netherlands will receive 13 euro pe capita, while countries like Romania, Slovakia, Bulgaria and Greece will receive more," said Corina Cretu. The European Commissioner underscored that the power and unity of the European Union resides in the cohesion between member states, as it is the expression of solidarity and an aid to the new members to reduce their economic and social gaps."In the past months, we negotiated this framework, this budget, and I believe that regional policy has come out victorious from this battle, but, of course, our proposal is now in the hands of the European Parliament and the European Council, which are co-legislators, and for the first time in the history of the European Union, we managed to have the biggest envelope for the Cohesion Policy, of 373 billion euro for 27 member states," said Cretu. The head of the European Commission Representation in Romania, Angela Cristea, on Tuesday called on Romania's political leaders to agree on a "pro-European pact to meet the expectations of the Romanian citizens." "My hope is that (...) you will find time, honourable political leaders, to agree on a pro-European pact, on a pact that meets the expectations of the Romanian citizens for Romania to be a strong state in the European Union, perceived as such and able to generate the solutions that Europe needs," Cristea said at a conference called "The Road to Sibiu - A closer step," organised in Bucharest by the EC Representation in Romania. She said that it is "surprising" that although all parties declare themselves pro-European, very different positions can often be seen in the public space in Romania."This is the year of the Centennial [ of Romania's Greater Union of December 1, 1918], a year in which everybody would like us to regain our unity, to remember what unites us, not what separates us. But now, one month before the celebration of the Greater Union, we see that the political space very divided, but it only reflects what is happening in the public space in Romania. There are issues that break Romania in two, but my belief is that we can find bridges so that we can unite these two Romanias. We know that there are in fact more than two Romanias - anyone travelling through the country discovers that - and then I find it important for us to be able to concentrate (...) to build those bridge buttressed by the common values that we all share," said Cristea.She added that Romanians continue to be pro-European, but the percentage of those who believe that Romania has gained from joining the EU has fallen."We, the European Commission, are very grateful that the Romanians continue to be pro-European. In the latest opinion poll, 57pct of Romanians trust the European Union, but it is the first time when the percentage of those who believe that Romania (...) has gained from its EU membership has fallen to below 50pct. That is a worrisome figure, although it may be seasonal ... (...) We will see if it is a momentary effect or a lasting tendency," said Cristea. Foreign Affairs Minister Teodor Melescanu participates in a series of meetings with officials of Qatar and Serbia, on the sidelines of the third edition of the Summit called "The EU - Arab World Summit: Shared Horizons," occasion on which also evoked were the shared desire to deepen dialogue for the development of the economic and commercial relations. According to a release of the Foreign Affairs Ministry (MAE) sent to AGERPRES, the meeting with the State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Qatar Sultan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi occasioned an exchange of views on the stage of the bilateral relation, as well as on the problems of common interest included on the international and regional agenda. It was evoked the shared wish to deepen the political dialogue, in view of supporting the development of economic and commercial relations.At the meeting with Serbian Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Affairs Minister Nebojsa Stefanovic, they evoked the very good collaboration between Romania and Serbia within the international organisations, as well as the outlooks for deepening sectoral cooperation, according to the quoted source.Minister Melescanu participated on 29 October 2018 in the works of the 3rd edition of the summit called "the EU - Arab World Summit: Shared Horizons," which takes place in Athens, Greece.This year's event, dedicated to debating Euro-Arab cooperation strategies, was attended by many decision-makers at the EU level and member states, as well as Arab states, but also by representatives of the business milieu.The discussion agenda focused on topics such as the European and Arab vicinity policies, the horizon of the Euro-Arab relations, migration policies, cooperation with the Arab countries in the area of climate change and energy transition, energy efficiency in the wider region, multidimensional cooperation between Greece and the Arab world, Europe's potential role in the development of the digital economy in Arab states and the role of transport in promoting the increase of trade and investment between the European Union and the Arab world."Minister Teodor Melescanu hailed in his speech the contribution of the event in finding the most appropriate means to identify the responses to the common challenges which Europe is confronted with, the Arab space and the African continent. He also underscored that the current international and regional context determines the continuation of a sincere, open and constructive dialogue, that respects the views of each partner. Furthermore, he remarked the importance of peace keeping and stability in the regional efforts to achieve some durable partnerships. In this regard, the head of the Romanian diplomacy reiterated the need of a political solution to the conflicts in the Southern Neighborhood of the EU, as a precondition for ensuring the favorable framework for the further development, the cooperation between the European Union and its Middle East and African partners," the release said.Minister Teodor Melescanu showed that Romania, including as the state to hold the Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2019, remains deeply committed to the EU objectives destined to the Southern Neighborhood and it will continue to work towards developing cooperation in the Euro-Mediterranean region.In respect to the economic cooperation opportunities, the head of the Romanian diplomacy highlighted that Romania endorses the regional cooperation initiative that can lead to an added value in terms of energy security and the interconnectivity of networks and transmission corridors. Justice Minister Tudorel Toader argues that he won't give up on the procedure to remove current Prosecutor General of Romania Augustin Lazar from office. "I won't give up on the procedure to remove the current prosecutor general. It's worth noticing the different approach that the Cotroceni Presidential Palace has - the request for removal "is not opportune from a political viewpoint" in comparison with the request for removal "is not adequate"!!!," Tudorel Toader wrote on Monday on his Facebook page, in a post scriptum to a previous post. Toader announced he will publish on Tuesday the procedure and the appointment calendar, as well as Prosecutor General Augustin Lazar's candidacy file."Tomorrow, I will present the procedure and the appointment calendar of the current prosecutor general. Tomorrow, I will also make public the content of his candidacy file. In order to be able to identify all the inconsistencies, it would be preferable to also know the content of the file based on which the appointment decree was approved and signed. Normally, the filed from the MJ [the Justice Ministry], the CSM [the Superior Council of Magistracy] and Cotroceni should have the same content!," he wrote in his post.Last week, the Minister of Justice initiated the procedure for removing Prosecutor General of Romania Augustin Lazar from office.The report regarding the managerial activity of the Prosecutor General specified that President Klaus Iohannis would not have checked the regularity of Augustin Lazar's appointment as Romania's Prosecutor General, the proposal being made by the Minister of Justice at that time with the non-observance of the legal provisions."We don't know if this omission has to do with the fact that the Prosecutor General's candidacy file included precisely a decision on the dismissal of a case related to Romania's President in office," the report mentions.The CSM saaid that Lazar's candidacy file did not include any resolution dismissing a case involving Iohannis.Augustin Lazar requested the Department for Human Resources and Organisation of the CSM to release a copy of the "resolution regarding the dismissal of a case involving Romania's President in office," a document which was supposedly included in the file from 2016 with the proposal to appoint Lazar in office."Following your request (...), we bring to your knowledge that, after checking the documentation attached to our file (...) (regarding the approval of the Minister of Justice's proposal to appoint as Prosecutor General of the Prosecutor's Office attached to the High Court of Cassation and Justice Mr Augustin Lazar, prosecutor general of the Prosecutor's Office attached to the Alba Iulia Court of Appeals), no such document was identified that would refer to the topic you mentioned in your request," said the document sent by the CSM to Augustin Lazar. Minister-delegate for European Affairs Victor Negrescu carried out consultations with Italian Minister of European Affairs Paolo Savona, who paid a visit to Bucharest, occasion on which the two officials hailed the excellent level of relations between Romania and Italy, and voiced their wish to strengthen cooperation at European level. According to the Foreign Affairs Ministry (MAE) release, the two officials share similar views regarding the necessity to strengthen the European project, identifying the Education area as an instrument of particular importance in this process. The Minister-delegate also presented the stage of preparations for Romania to take over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2019, underscoring the interest of the Romanian side in terms of Italy's expertise in managing the previous mandates, a MAE release sent to AGERPRES informs.In this context, the Romanian official also presented the main directions of the topics of interests of the Romanian Presidency of the EU Council, emphasizing on the need that the discussions regarding the future of the community project be followed by concrete policy proposals meant to bring benefits to the citizens."Romania's exercise of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union is a good opportunity to strengthen the dialogue with Italy on topics of shared interest included on the European agenda. We will actively contribute, alongside Italy, in the discussions regarding the process of redefining the European project, in the spirit of the long tradition of friendship and cooperation between our countries," Victor Negrescu underscored. Prime Minister Viorica Dancila stated on Tuesday that she completed the assessment regarding the fulfillment of the governing programme, which wasn't carried out depending on the people, adding that the Social Democratic Party's (PSD) National Executive Committee (CExN) sitting will make "a combined" decision regarding the government reshuffle - depending on the programme and the political support. Dancila added that a date for the CExN sitting hasn't yet been established, but the decision must be made within a week. "I cannot give you names, the assessment was carried out depending on the measures of the governing programme. I present the assessment, but I have to get a vote and a political point of view, I will see the opinion and support of everyone in the CExN. I cannot say now that a certain number of ministers will leave, a certain number will remain. It will be a combined decision - the assessment depending on the programme and the political support. We will discuss with each ministry. We haven't yet set out the date. At the same time, I believe it's necessary to make a decision within a week," PM Dancila mentioned.She also stated that she will carry out a presentation of the entire activity."We are firstly interested in seeing the stage of fulfillment of the governing programme, I will discuss with each ministry and following a vote in the CExN sitting, we will make the decisions," the PM stated.When asked why the CExN meeting got canceled, Dancila said that the meeting will not only tackled topics regarding the assessment."You realise that this CExN will not tackle just the assessment, other discussions must also be carried out with those who will come, if we are to make these changes and we will definitely make these changes and, then, everything must be measured very seriously, because let's not forget that as of January 1, 2019, Romania will take over the Presidency of the Council of the EU and we need experience and expertise in this respect," Dancila stated.She mentioned that the assessment wasn't carried out with respect to certain people."I mentioned that I completed the assessment, that I carried out this assessment not in relation to certain persons, that I try not to speculate regarding a certain person, I carried out the assessment depending on the fulfillment of the measures of the governing programme, but also depending on the 115 measures which we talked about at the PSD congress. I will present this assessment within the CExN sitting, we will decide within the party when this Committee sitting will take place," Dancila stated. Prime Minister Viorica Dancila said on Tuesday that Romania should follow the example of the other EU member states and seek consensus for the time it holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2019, stressing that political disputes should be secondary to that. She added that she is convinced that the national leader of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) Liviu Dragnea, wants consensus, because he is a very experienced politician. "The armistice has been demanded by President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker himself. We have to follow the example of the other member states who have shown that when you hold the presidency of the Council of the EU, you need to have consensus, to have peace and to relegate disputes to a second plane because this very important objective to us has to prevail; it is an exam that Romania has to take and when I say Romania I do not necessarily mean the PSD and the ALDE [the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats], as we have to reference the entire political class and we have to prove more wisdom and more interest in Romania's goals, instead of vested interests," Dancila said, responded about the consensus demanded by Chairman of the Senate Calin Popescu-Tariceanu and his statement that Romania is not ready to take over the presidency of the EU Council.Asked if the PSD national leader Liviu Dragnea agrees with that, Dancila said she is convinced that he also wants consensus."I have not talked with Mr Dragnea, but I am convinced that chairman Liviu Dragnea wants consensus during the presidency, because he is a politician with a lot of political experience and knows how important consensus is when holding the presidency of the Council of the EU," added Dancila. President Klaus Iohannis on Tuesday laid a wreath in memory of the victims of the deadly fire that occurred in 2015 at Colectiv Club in Bucharest. After laying the wreath and lighting a candle, Iohannis kept a moment of silence. A commemorative march, called the "Guitar March," is scheduled for Tuesday,19:30-20:30hrs, local.Two remembrance services are also scheduled to take place today for the 64 young people who died in or after the fire.The first service is held at the Church of St. Nicholas - Brosteni (77-79 Cuza Voda Street, District 4), starting at 10:00hrs. The second will start at 11:00hrs in Bucur Square, near the site of the tragedy. I covered the signing of the Intermediate Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) in December 1987 at the Washington, DC summit meeting between US President Ronald Reagan and last Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev. It was a good time to be alive and a good time to be covering diplomacy between the nuclear superpowers. There was a palpable sense of optimism that both sides were committed to scrapping thousands of thermonuclear weapons (which they did) and to reducing tensions in Europe. Within a few short years, Gorbachev was also to agree to the dissolution of the Warsaw Pact. The Soviet Union was peacefully dismantled by its member nations led by Russia shortly afterwards. The negotiation and signing of the INF Treaty was an essential prerequisite to the end of the Cold War. It ushered in two generations of peace and stability in Europe. Following the statements of President Donald Trump since October 20, 2018, it is now dead on its feet. The president appears to be determined to withdraw from it. He appears to be totally under the influence of his third national security adviser John Bolton whose hatred for the INF as for all arms control agreements, like that of his fellow neocons has always surpassed understanding. Nor will Democrats in the Senate make any attempt to defend, preserve or restore the INF. John Kerry, l the last senator to take major arms control agreements seriously presided with absolutely no public object over the US and European union supported toppling of a democratically elected and peaceful government in Ukraine by violent revolution in February 2014. Kerrys own deputy, then Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Victoria Nuland, the wife of neocon clan chief Robert Kagan, literally handed out biscuits on the streets of Kiev to reassure violent revolutionaries subverting the democratic process that the Obama administration was with them. Neither Kerry nor his own chief President Barack Obama raised a finger to rein in behavior by a senior deputy that in any other administration in American history would have seen her summarily fired and banished from the serious discussion or conduct of public affairs for life. Today, every Democratic senator on Capitol Hill is passionate in seeking to demonize Russia for imagined, paranoid fantasy crimes that would have made Joe McCarthy blush. The current crop of Democratic senators in Congress, led by figures such as Ben Cardin of Maryland, on the contrary appear determined to provoke full-scale thermonuclear war with Russia. They have not only supported but insisted upon a new round of ferocious financial sanctions on Russia which have the clear aim of ruining the economy of the country and setting it up for the kind for revolutionary regime change that successive administrations have taken for granted is their divine right to carry out since Ronald Reagan entered the White House. These are different days indeed from the Washington that celebrated the signing of the INF Treaty in 1987. In those far off days, US policymakers at least made a pretense of consulting their European allies and fellow NATO members they claimed to protect. In Trumps statements so far on scrapping the INF treaty, there has been no hint whatsoever that the Europeans were given any say by Washington in this decision that puts their very survival at risk: So much for the idea that NATO is a "partnership. The cautious mutual respect that Washington still to foster with Moscow in the 1980s or at least occasionally claimed to is now long gone. The idea that scrapping nuclear weapons and increasing trust and dialogue between the nuclear powers were good things is now regarded as risible, as much by neo-liberals as by neo-conservatives. All voices to the contrary are sneered at and mocked by cowards posing as fearless patriots. They do not take in any of those they target with their bully boy tactics. They will be the first to scream in terror when their own fantasies are fulfilled and the nuclear missiles fly. But by then it will be too late. Angela Merkels political position has been greatly weakened and her tenure as the German chancellor is nearing its end. This is a start of new epoch in the political life of Germany and Europe as a whole. German Chancellor Angela Merkel is planning to resign as head of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) after 18 years at its helm. She will not run for reelection as the CDUs leader in the vote that is scheduled for December. This decision came following a regional election in the state of Hesse on Oct. 28. Her party is losing to challengers on the left and right. In early October, the Christian Social Union the Bavarian ally of the CDU suffered heavy losses in a regional election in Bavaria. The CDU performed rather poorly during last years general election, as the chancellors immigration policies are widely opposed. She suffered a serious setback in late September when Volker Kauder, the candidate she supported and who had for many years led the parliamentary group consisting of the chancellors Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its Bavarian allies, the Christian Social Union (CSU), lost its bid for reelection to challenger Ralph Brinkhaus, a political unknown. With no support in her own party, her chances for retaining the position of chancellor are slim at best. In theory, she could remain chancellor until 2021 even after resigning, but in practice this would be a very slim hope. After all, it was she who advocated for the idea that the position of the partys leader and chancellor be held by one person wearing two hats. Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, the CDU General Secretary and the chancellors preferred successor, believes that the Social Democrats (SPD) could quit the ruling coalition after its poor showing in the polls, thus triggering a general election. With the CDU polling at 26-27% nationally, Merkels era would come to an end. Angela Merkel has served as chancellor since 2005. Her successor will take office at a time when the UK is dealing with some hiccups in its attempts to avoid a hard Brexit and French President Macron is facing problems with his approval ratings caused by his unpopular labor reforms and falling economic growth. The EU is going through a period of uncertainty, as the May 2019 European Parliament election draws near, threatening the positions of traditional political leaders. Whoever leads the country after Ms. Merkel, his or her foreign-policy package will include cooperation with France to reform the EU, the gradual acquisition of a European defense deterrent, and support for the European Intervention Initiative (which might not be designed around EU entities, but would be closely connected to the PESCO Permanent Structured Cooperation initiative). And to give the devil his due the idea of creating a European seat in the UN Security Council and a European security council made up of a rotating group of member states will remain a focus of European public discourse long after Angela Merkel steps down. The German chancellor remains the driving force behind the EUs Russia policy and is the main reason the sanctions have been neither lifted nor eased. Its Berlin who leads and coordinates the Russian sanctions policy within the EU. Crimea and the situation in Ukraine are points of contention that divide Germany and Russia. Russias ties with Germany have grown increasingly strained over the past few years. The German government essentially views Russia as a threat and supports NATOs policy that is aimed at strengthening the eastern members of the alliance in order to contain Russia. On the other hand, Chancellor Merkel and Russian President Vladimir Putin both reject the US policy of diktat. The Nord Stream 2 gas project serves the interests of Russia and Germany and unites them in their efforts to stand up to that pressure. Both nations want to save the Iran nuclear deal. The fact that that dialog has never been suspended is evident from President Putins visit to Germany and his talks with Angela Merkel in the government residence in Mezeberg Castle. The meeting took place just three months after the Russian leader had received the German chancellor in Sochi. As the recent summit of four in Istanbul showed, despite differences of opinion on a number of issues, Russia could conceivably cooperate with EU members, including Germany and France, to stabilize the situation in Syria and launch the postwar reconstruction. Germany has a special role to play. Acting as a loyal ally of the United States, it stays in constant contact with Russia, as an unofficial representative of the collective West. A very substantial segment of the German business community is pressing for a relaxation of the sanctions and a restoration of normal economic ties a factor no future chancellor will be able to ignore. According to a survey published in late 2017 by the German public broadcaster ARD, Germans trust Russia more than the US. They believe Moscow is a more reliable partner than Washington. No matter how strongly German media outlets criticize Russia, they are far more moderate than the American or British press. The influential parties outside of the governing coalitionthe Free Democratic Party, the Left, and Alternative for Germanyfavor changing the German policy on Russia, prioritizing a more value-centered approach. A future chancellor may not like Russia but it will always be seen as an important neighbor that Germany has to deal with. Whoever is German chancellor, that bilateral relationship is almost certainly going to remain strained over the long haul, as the existing problems between the West and Russia cannot be solved by shooting from the hip. Forget about the idea of creating a common Greater European space from Lisbon to Vladivostok. The relationship can be progressively improved if Germany will stop seeing Russians as nothing but reluctant Europeans holding fast to their own standards and vision of the contemporary world. Russia is special and will accept nothing imposed by force But as Germanys largest neighbor, possessing power with a global reach, it has to be dealt with accordingly. Any German leader will have to realize that European security is impossible without Russian participation. Moscow and Berlin should be mindful of the global trends. Slowly the EU is moving in the direction of becoming a global player that paddles its own canoe. From the standpoint of GDP and population, the EU is comparable to the US. Itll have to protect its interests independently, including its policy on Russia. Two years ago, President German Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who at the time held the position of foreign minister, launched an initiative on a new comprehensive security agreement between the West and Russia. It was supported by 15 other European states, including France. He also slammed NATO for its saber-rattling and war cries, in addition to its provocative military activities right on Russias doorstep. Actually, this was nothing new. Russias 2009 proposal to discuss a new European Security Treaty was rejected by the West. In 2015, Russia expressed its readiness to hold talks on the control of conventional weapons in Europe. Despite all the mounting tensions and deepening differences, it never rejected the idea of opening up negotiations to address the problem. Had Chancellor Merkel supported and promoted Steinmeiers initiative, she would have gone down in history as the leader who nudged Europe back from the abyss. The chancellor missed this opportunity. Her successor must not. Angela Merkel is a great chancellor, but the Europe she dreamed of has failed to materialize, her policy on migrants turned out to be a failure, the sanctions against Russia have yielded no results, and the chancellor is no longer a politician who can bring votes to her party at election time. Nothing lasts forever. Hopefully, with a new chancellor in office, the prospects will improve for Germany, the EU, and all of Europe, including Russia. On March 4 this year a British spy and former Russian citizen, Sergei Skripal, was poisoned in the town of Salisbury, England. He recovered, as did his daughter who had also been affected, and is now in deep security with a new face and name and an increase to his already generous British salary. The toxin involved was a nerve agent usually referred to as Novichok. The British government immediately blamed the Russian government for the incident and ten days after it took place the BBC reported that the British prime minister had expelled 23 Russian diplomats which she described as actions to dismantle the Russian espionage network in the UK. It is notable that it took only ten days for the British government to decide to take action against Russia, in spite of there being no proof whatever that the Russian government was involved in the toxin-induced collapse of Skripal. And London didnt only expel diplomats, it cancelled all high-level bilateral contacts with Russia and froze Russian state assets where there is evidence that they may be used to threaten the life or property of UK nationals or residents. Then Washington joined in, expelling 60 diplomats, and Reuters reported that US sanctions against Russia tied to a nerve agent attack in Britain would add to the array of economic penalties it has imposed on Moscow in recent years. The definition of sanction is generally accepted as being an economic or military coercive measure adopted usually by several nations in concert for forcing a nation violating international law to desist or yield to adjudication (Merriam Webster), or in the same vein, but with slightly different emphasis, measures taken by a state to coerce another to conform to an international agreement or norms of conduct (Oxford). The swift imposition of sanctions against Russia by the United Kingdom and the United States was presumably taken because of their high moral principles, in that the Trump Administration in Washington and the May Government in London were shocked shocked by what they regarded as an international crime. To their minds the norms of conduct had been violated and it was necessary to punish the country that they alleged had done something wrong, even if there was no evidence that Russia was responsible for violating any national or international law. Now we come to their actions following the murder of the journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Turkey, after he entered the Saudi Arabian consulate in Istanbul on October 2 and was never seen again by anyone in the outside world. There were many reports that hard evidence in video of his torture and death was held by the Turks, but they played things down, presumably because they didnt want the world to know they spy on diplomatic missions of various countries, which would excite the amusement of such organisations as the CIA and the British techno-dweeb spy agency, Government Communications Headquarters, or GCHQ. (For example, Germanys Federal Prosecutor, Harald Range, stated on June 4, 2014 that sufficient factual evidence exists that unknown members of the US intelligence services spied on the mobile phone of Chancellor Angela Merkel and in the superbly named Operation Socialist the previous year, GCHQ had hacked in to Belgacom, Belgiums largest telecommunications provider, which serves millions of people across Europe.) According to Voice of America, Saudi officials at first said that Khashoggi walked out of the consulate and that they did not know his whereabouts. Then they said he died in a fistfight in the consulate. Then they said Khashoggi was killed in a chokehold when he tried to leave the consulate to call for help. But VOA reported that the only certain proof of his murder is a voice tape that was listened to by CIA Director Gina Haspel when she visited Turkey on October 22. The BBC noted that Turkey's Sabah newspaper said she had listened to audio recordings of Khashoggi's interrogation and death, but gave no details about the contents or how the audio had been obtained. Gina Haspel is a person who has much experience with torture, and when asked about it during her confirmation hearing before the US Senate Intelligence Committee behaved in exactly the manner one would expect of a dedicated intelligence professional: Senator Kamala Harris, of California, asked her a simple question: Do you believe that the previous interrogation techniques were immoral? Those techniques acts of torture adopted by the CIA in the years after the 9/11 attacks included repeated waterboarding, confinement in a coffin-like box, exposure to extreme temperatures, sleep deprivation, and forced rectal infusions. After a pause, Haspel began to answer, in careful tones, Senator, I believe that CIA officers, to whom you refer Its a yes-or-no answer, Harris said. She clarified, Im not asking, do you believe they were legal? Im asking, do you believe they were immoral? There was another pause, and then Haspel, again, dodged the question. Senator, I believe that the CIA did extraordinary work to prevent another attack on this country, given the legal tools that we were authorized to use. Then she declared under my leadership, on my watch, CIA will not restart such a detention and interrogation programme. She refused to answer the question Do you believe in hindsight that those techniques were immoral? In other words, she knew exactly what was going on, but it didnt even cross her mind that she should protest or resign because those techniques were illegal, immoral and made you dead. So shes exactly the sort of person who would fully understand the vicious, disgusting, remorselessly savage treatment of the doomed Mr Khashoggi. In other words, she is a total hypocrite. Which takes us back to the actions of the United States and the United Kingdom following the Khashoggi murder on October 2. When the Saudis stated that Khashoggi died in a fistfight in its consulate, Donald Trump said this was credible and a good first step. Then on October 23, three weeks after the murder, the United States announced that Washington is taking appropriate actions against Saudi Arabia. These appropriate actions involve revoking visas of those identified as being involved in the murder in Istanbul. Then the Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, who had travelled to Saudi Arabia to smilingly discuss the murder of Khashoggi with the Saudi dictator, Mohammad bin Salman, declared These penalties will not be the last word on this matter from the United States. We will continue to explore additional measures to hold those responsible accountable. On the other side of the Atlantic, Germanys Chancellor Merkel, an outstanding Western leader with moral convictions she actually puts into practice, said The case of journalist Khashoggi is, of course, something incredible, I told the Saudi king yesterday in our telephone conversation. We need to clarify the background of this horrible crime and until then, we will not supply weapons to Saudi Arabia. And what happened in Westminster, Londons stronghold of moral values? Three weeks after the Khashoggi murder it was announced that Prime Minister Theresa May said the Home Secretary is taking action against all suspects in the murder of Mr Khashoggi to prevent them entering the UK. If these individuals have visas, they are being revoked. There is no question of cessation of all the lucrative arms sales, or sanctions or any other action whatever against a country that clearly violated international law by torturing and killing one of its citizens. All is explained on the Washington side by Lockheed Martins chief executive Marillyn Hewson who announced on October 25 that Lockheed has made selling to foreign governments a key target for growth. Further, Hewson said her companys international sales had jumped from 17 percent of total sales in 2013 to 30 percent in 2017. Saudi Arabia played a key role in that growth, she said, and made it clear that the relationship would continue. Saudi Arabia has expressed its intent to procure integrated air and missile defence systems, combat ships, helicopters, surveillance systems and tactical aircraft in coming years. Members of the European Parliament voted to impose an EU-wide arms embargo on Saudi Arabia, but the selectively righteous Prime Minister May paid no attention, which is not surprising because the UKs arms deals with the Saudi dictatorship are extremely lucrative, and she rejected a call in her own Parliament to end sales. The message is clear: The US and Britain are determined to damage and if possible destroy Russia, and will continue to use whatever means they can to do this, by military confrontation and inflicting economic sanctions. On the other hand they are steadfast in their resolve to support the Saudi dictatorship in pursuit of their money-spinning arms industries, no matter what evil excesses may be perpetrated by the Riyadh regime. In other words, they are complete hypocrites. Pepe ESCOBAR Its darkness at the break of (tropical) high noon. Jean Baudrillard once defined Brazil as the chlorophyll of our planet. And yet a land vastly associated worldwide with the soft power of creative joie de vivre has elected a fascist for president. Brazil is a land torn apart. Former paratrooper Jair Bolsonaro was elected with 55.63 percent of votes. Yet a record 31 million votes were ruled absent or null and void. No less than 46 million Brazilians voted for the Workers Partys candidate, Fernando Haddad; a professor and former mayor of Sao Paulo, one of the crucial megalopolises of the Global South. The key startling fact is that over 76 million Brazilians did not vote for Bolsonaro. His first speech as president exuded the feeling of a trashy jihad by a fundamentalist sect laced with omnipresent vulgarity and the exhortation of a God-given dictatorship as the path towards a new Brazilian Golden Age. French-Brazilian sociologist Michael Lowy has described the Bolsonaro phenomenon as pathological politics on a large scale. His ascension was facilitated by an unprecedented conjunction of toxic factors such as the massive social impact of crime in Brazil, leading to a widespread belief in violent repression as the only solution; the concerted rejection of the Workers Party, catalyzed by financial capital, rentiers, agribusiness and oligarchic interests; an evangelical tsunami; a justice system historically favoring the upper classes and embedded in State Department-funded training of judges and prosecutors, including the notorious Sergio Moro, whose single-minded goal during the alleged anti-corruption Car Wash investigation was to send Lula to prison; and the absolute aversion to democracy by vast sectors of the Brazilian ruling classes. That is about to coalesce into a radically anti-popular, God-given, rolling neoliberal shock; paraphrasing Lenin, a case of fascism as the highest stage of neoliberalism. After all, when a fascist sells a free market agenda, all his sins are forgiven. Bolsonaro: Leader of trashy jihad The Reign of BBBB Its impossible to understand the rise of Bolsonarism without the background of the extremely sophisticated Hybrid War unleashed on Brazil by the usual suspects. NSA spying ranging from the Petrobras energy giant all the way to then President Dilma Rousseffs mobile phone was known since mid-2013 after Edward Snowden showed how Brazil was the most spied upon Latin American nation in the 2000s. The Pentagon-supplicant Superior War College in Rio has always been in favor of a gradual but surefire militarization of Brazilian politics aligned with U.S. national security interests. The curriculum of top U.S. military academies was uncritically adopted by the Superior War College. The managers of Brazils industrial-military-technological complex largely survived the 1964-1985 dictatorship. They learned everything about psyops from the French in Algeria and the Americans in Vietnam. Over the years they evolved their conception of the enemy within; not only the proverbial communists, but also the Left as a whole as well as the vast masses of dispossessed Brazilians. This led to the recent situation of generals threatening judges if they ever set Lula free. Bolsonaros running mate, the crude Generalito Hamilton Mourao, even threatened a military coup if the ticket did not win. Bolsonaro himself said he would never accept defeat. This evolving militarization of politics perfectly meshed with the cartoonish BBBB (Bullet, Beef, Bible, Bank) Brazilian Congress. Congress is virtually controlled by military, police and paramilitary forces; the powerful agribusiness and mining lobby, with their supreme goal of totally plundering the Amazon rainforest; evangelical factions; and banking/financial capital. Compare it with the fact that more than half of senators and one third of Congress are facing criminal investigations. The Bolsonaro campaign used every trick in the book to flee any possibility of a TV debate, faithful to the notion that political dialogue is for suckers, especially when theres nothing to debate. After all, Bolsonaros top economic advisor, Chicago Boy Paulo Guedes currently under investigation for securities fraud had already promised to cure Brazil by bearing the usual gifts: privatize everything; destroy social spending; get rid of all labor laws as well as the minimum wage; let the beef lobby plunder the Amazon; and increase the weaponizing of all citizens to uber-NRA levels. No wonder The Wall Street Journal normalized Bolsonaro as a conservative populist and the Brazilian swamp-drainer; this fact-free endorsement ignores that Bolsonaro is a lowly politico who has only passed two pieces of legislation in his 27 lackluster years in Congress. WhatsApp Me to the Promised Land Even as large misinformed masses progressively became aware of the massive Bolsonaro campaign manipulative scams on WhatsApp a tropical post-Cambridge Analytica saga; and even as Bolsonaro pledged, on the record, that opponents would have only two options after Sundays elections, jail or exile, that was still not enough to arrest Brazil from inexorably slouching towards a dystopian, militarized BET (Banana Evangelical Theocracy). In any mature democracy a bunch of businessmen via black accounting financing a multi-tentacle fake news campaign on WhatsApp against the Workers Party and Lulas candidate Haddad would qualify as a major scandal. WhatsApp is wildly popular in Brazil, much more than Facebook; so it had to be properly instrumentalized in this Brazilian remix of Cambridge Analytica-style Hybrid War. The tactics were absolutely illegal because they qualified as undeclared campaign donations as well as corporate donations (forbidden by the Brazilian Supreme Court since 2015). The Brazilian Federal Police started an investigation that now is bound to head the same way of the Saudis investigating themselves on the Pulp Fiction fiasco in Istanbul. The fake news tsunami was managed by the so-called Bolsominions. They are a hyper-loyal volunteer army, which purges anyone who dares to question the Myth (as the leader is referred to), while manipulating content 24/7 into memes, viral fake videos and assorted displays of Bolso-swarm ire. Consider Washingtons outrage at Russians that may have interfered in U.S. elections allegedly using the same tactics the U.S. and its comprador elites used in Brazil. Smashing the BRICS Crushing the BRICS (Russian presidency) On foreign policy, as far as Washington is concerned, Reichskommissar Bolsonaro may be very useful on three fronts. The first one is geo-economic: to get the lions share of the vast pre-salt reserves for U.S. energy giants. That would be the requisite follow-up to the coup de grace against Dilma Rousseff in 2013, when she approved a law orienting 75 percent of oil wealth royalties towards education and 25 percent to health care; a significant U.S.$ 122 billion over 10 years. The other two fronts are geopolitical: blowing up the BRICS from the inside, and getting Brazil to do the dirty work in a Venezuela regime change ops, thus fulfilling the Beltway obsession on smashing the Venezuela-Cuba axis. Using the pretext of mass immigration from Venezuela to the Brazilian stretch of the Amazon, Colombia elevated to the status of key NATO partner, and egged on by Washington is bound to count on Brazilian military support for regime change. And then theres the crucial China story. China and Brazil are close BRICS partners. BRICS by now essentially means RC (Russia and China), much to the disgust of Moscow and Beijing, which counted on Haddad following in the footsteps of Lula, who was instrumental in enhancing BRICS geopolitical clout. That brings us to a key point of inflexion in the rolling Hybrid War coup, when the Brazilian military became convinced that Rousseffs cabinet was infiltrated by agents of Chinese intel. Still, China remains Brazils top trade partner ahead of the U.S., with bilateral trade reaching $75 billion last year. In parallel to being an avid consumer of Brazilian commodities, Beijing has already invested $124 billion in Brazilian companies and infrastructure projects since 2003. Chicago Boy Guedes has recently met with Chinese diplomats. Bolsonaro is bound to receive a top Chinese delegation right at the start of his mandate. On the campaign trail, he hammered that China is not buying in Brazil, China is buying Brazil. Bolsonaro might attempt to pull a mini-Trump sanction overdrive on China. Yet he must be aware that the powerful agribusiness lobby has been profiting immensely from the U.S.-China trade war. A mighty cliffhanger is guaranteed to come at the 2019 BRICS summit, which will take place in Brazil: picture tough guy Bolsonaro face to face with the real boss, Xi Jinping. So what is the Brazilian military really up to? Answer: the Brazilian Dependency Doctrine which is a true neocolonial mongrel. On one level, the Brazilian military leadership is developmentalist, geared towards territorial integration, well-patrolled borders and fully disciplined, internal, social and economic order. At the same time they believe this should all be carried out under the supervision of the indispensable nation. The military leaders reason that their own country is not knowledgeable enough to fight organized crime, cyber-security, bio-security, and, on the economy, to fully master a minimal state coupled with fiscal reform and austerity. For the bulk of the military elite, private foreign capital is always benign. An inevitable consequence is to see Latin American and African nations as untermenschen; a reaction against Lulas and Dilmas emphasis on the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) and closer energy and logistical integration with Africa. Cant Rule Out Military Coup Despite this there is internal military dissent which could even open a possible way towards the removal of Bolsonaro, a mere puppet, to the benefit of the real thing: a general. When the Workers Party was in power, the Navy and the Air Force were quite pleased by strategic projects such as a nuclear submarine, a supersonic fighter jet and satellites launched by Made in Brazil rockets. Their reaction remains to be seen in the event Bolsonaro ditches these techno-breakthroughs for good. The key question may be whether there is a direct connection between the cream of the crop of Brazilian military academies; the dependency generals and their psyops techniques; different evangelical factions; and the post-Cambridge Analytica tactics deployed by the Bolsonaro campaign. Would it be a nebula congregating all these cells, or is it a loose network? Arguably the best answer is provided by war anthropologist Piero Leirner, who conducted deep research in the Brazilian Armed Forces and told me, theres no previous connection. Bolsonaro is a post-fact. The only possible connection is between certain campaign traits and psyops. Leirner stresses, Cambridge Analytica and Bannon represent the infrastructure, but the quality of information, to send contradictory signals and then an order resolution coming as a third way, this is military strategy from CIA psyop manuals. Brazilian Military: Keeping an eye on Bolsonaro. (Wikimedia Commons) There are cracks though. Leirner sees the arch of disparate forces supporting Bolsonaro as a bricolage which sooner or later will disintegrate. What next? A sub-Pinochet General? Why Bolsonaro is not Trump In The Road to Somewhere; The Populist Revolt and the Future of Politics, David Goodhart shows that the driving force behind populism is not the fascist love of an ultra-nation. Its anomie that feeling of a vague existential threat posed by modernity. That applies to all forms of Right populism in the West. Thus we have the opposition between Somewheres and Anywheres. We have Somewheres that want their nations democracy to be enjoyed only by the home ethnicity, with the national culture not contaminated by foreign influences. And we have Anywheres who inhabit the roootless postmodern vortex of multiculturalism and foreign travel for business. These are a demographic minority but a majority within political, economic, educational and professional elites. This leads Goodhart to make a crucial distinction between populism and fascism ideologically and psychologically. The standard legal distinction can be found in German constitutional law. Right populism is radical thus legal. Fascism is extreme, thus illegal. Trump being labeled a fascist is false. Bolsonaro in the West has been labeled The Tropical Trump. The fact is Trump is a Right populist who happens to deploy a few policies that could even be characterized as Old Left. The record reveals Bolsonaro as a racist, misogynist, homophobic, weaponizing thug, favoring a white, patriarchal, hierarchical, hetero-normative and homogenous Brazil; an absurdity in a deeply unequal society still ravaged by the effects of slavery and where the majority of the population is mixed race. Besides, historically, fascism is a radical bourgeois Final Solution about total annihilation of the working class. That makes Bolsonaro an outright fascist. Trump is even mode moderate than Bolsonaro. He does not incite supporters to literally exterminate his opponents. After all, Trump has to respect the framework of a republic with long-standing, even if flawed, democratic institutions. That was never the case in the young Brazilian democracy where a president may now behave as if human rights are a communist, and UN, plot. The Brazilian working classes, intellectual elites, social movements and all minorities have plenty of reasons to fear the New Order; in Bolsonaros own words, they will be banned from our motherland. The criminalization/dehumanization of any opposition means, literally, that tens of millions of Brazilians are worthless. Talk to Nietzsche The sophisticated Hybrid War rolling coup in Brazil that started in 2014, had a point of inflexion in 2016 and culminating in 2018 impeached a president; jailed another; smashed the Right and the Center-Right; and in a post-politics-on-steroids manner, opened the path to neo-fascism. Bolsonaro though is a mediocre black void cipher. He does not have the political structure, the knowledge, not to mention the intelligence to have come so far, our of the blue, without a hyper-complex, state of the art, cross-border intel support system. No wonder hes a Steve Bannon darling. In contrast, the Left as in Europe once again was stuck in analog mode. No way any progressive front, especially in this case as it was constituted at the eleventh hour, could possibly combat the toxic tsunami of cultural war, identity politics and micro-targeted fake news. They lost a major battle. At least they now know this is hardcore, all-out war. To destroy Lula the worlds foremost political prisoner the Brazilian elites had to destroy Brazil. Still, Nietzsche always prevails; whatever doesnt kill you makes you stronger. The vanguard of global resistance against neo-fascism as the higher stage of neoliberalism has now moved south of the Equator. No pasaran. consortiumnews.com The Iraqi Army has ordered five more Bell 407 GX armed helicopters for $16.6 million each (including accessories and some spares). These are needed to replace the seven lost since 2014 to accidents and combat while fighting ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant). The Bell 407s proved to be very useful against ISIL and were constantly in action. This was largely because of these helicopters being able to use laser-guided missiles. At the end of 2016, Iraqi Bell 407 scout helicopters began using laser-guided missiles on a large scale. This was a big deal because until then most of the Iraqi helicopters were using machine-guns, unguided rockets and unguided bombs. By the end of 2012, Iraq received 30 Bell 407 scout helicopters from the United States and they had proved useful doing reconnaissance and moving key people around. The Bell 407 is a 2.8 ton commercial helicopter that has been militarized in the U.S. as the ARH-70. That model never entered service. After that, the militarized version was the Bell 407 GX, which was equipped with a lot of sensors, a fire control system, a glass cockpit and the ability to carry nearly a ton of weapons. Usually, that consisted of a rocket pod and a 12.7mm (or 7.62mm) machine-gun. The police or border patrol version carried no weapons but instead had searchlights, infrared (heat) sensors and a loudspeaker system. The military and police versions usually carried two pilots (one of them acting as a weapons/sensors operator). Without the weapons, the military version could still carry four passengers in the back. Bell 407s had a top speed of 260 kilometers an hour (a cruising speed of 210 kilometers an hour), a max altitude of 6,000 meters (20,000 feet). Average endurance per sortie was 2-3 hours (depending on weight carried and high-speed activity). Iraq originally ordered three 407s equipped as gunships (machine-guns and Hellfire missiles and sensors), three for use as trainers and 24 for scouting (but could be armed with machine-guns and Hellfire missiles). The problem was that the Bell 407 could only carry two Hellfires on most missions. This was similar to the first Iraqi warplane equipped with Hellfires, the four-ton Cessna AC-208B Combat Caravan aircraft could carry a ton internally but was not really able to carry more than two Hellfires. The solution turned out to be the smaller, lighter 70mm laser-guided missiles. Seven of these in an M260 launcher weighed as much as two Hellfires. The 70mm laser guided rockets are basically World War II era 13.6 kg (30 pound) 70mm (2.75 inch) unguided rockets with the addition of a laser seeker and flight controls. Thus equipped the 70mm guided missiles had a 2.7 kg (six pound) warhead, and a range of about six kilometers. Laser designators on a helicopter, aircraft, or with troops on the ground, are pointed at the target and the laser seeker in the front of the 70mm missile homes in on the reflected laser light. The guided 70mm rocket is used against targets that don't require a larger (49 kg/108 pound) and more expensive Hellfire missile but still needs some targeting precision. In tests, the APKWS (Advanced Precision Kill Weapons System) hit within a meter (a few feet) of the aiming point, about what other laser-guided are capable of. The 70mm missile makes an excellent weapon for light helicopters and larger UAVs, especially since you can carry more of them. The launcher for carrying these missiles on fixed-wing aircraft is designed to replace the one for Hellfire but can carry four missiles instead of one. Another option is the M260 launcher wired to work with guided missiles rather than unguided rockets (usually fired all at once rather than one at a time when using a laser designator). Iraqi combat aviation specialists noted the unique capabilities of the APKWS early on and in 2014 got permission to order the smaller 70mm laser-guided missiles and equip the Bell 407s as quickly as possible. Until the lightweight 70mm laser-guided missiles and the laser targeting systems for the small helicopters arrived and were installed the Bell 407s had not been very effective in combat. The switch to the 70mm missiles made a big difference because seven smaller missiles could be carried in place of one or two Hellfires or no guided missiles at all. Laser guided missiles were much more effective in fighting ISIL whose tactics involved fighting in urban areas and in the midst of civilians. Iraqi had already been using the larger and more expensive Hellfire missile but the new 70mm laser-guided missiles were ideal for small helicopters like the Bell 407 and because of the smaller warhead were less likely to cause casualties among nearby civilians. The 2.75 inch (70mm) rockets were developed during World War II, as an air-to-air weapon for use against heavy bomber formations. The Germans had developed a similar and very successful weapon (the R4M). Before long it was noted that neither the Japanese nor the Germans had any heavy bombers, so the U.S. 70mm rocket was switched to air-to-ground use. Actually, the 70mm rocket was retained for air-to-air use into the 1950s, but it was never successful in that role. The 70mm rocket became very popular in the 1960s, when it was discovered that the weapon worked very well when launched from multiple (7 or 19 tube) launchers mounted on helicopters. The 108-138m cm (42-55 inch) long rockets could be fired singly or in salvos and gave helicopter pilots some airborne artillery for supporting troops on the ground. There are many variations in terms of warheads and rocket motors. Some versions can go over ten kilometers. South Sudan president (Salva Kiir) officially gave amnesty to the main rebel leader (and former South Sudan vice president) Riek Machar and all rebel groups back in August. This followed the signing of a new power-sharing agreement between the government and the rebels. But Machar refuses to return to the capital and take up his new/old job as vice-president because there is not a lot of peace and Machar still does not trust Kiir. There is supposed to be a major ceremony in the capital on November 6 to commemorate the peace deal and so far Machar does not plan to be there because there is no peace out in the countryside and the capital is not safe for rebel leaders. The government is spending over $5 million on the November 6 celebration. Major foreign aid providers declared that violence is once again blocking critical food and medical aid shipments in South Sudan. Some of the violence is outright warfare, another sign that the ceasefire agreement isnt holding. The situation is worst in western South Sudan (Western Bahr el Ghazal region) and in the south (Central Equatoria state). In one particular area in the west (Wau State) 25 percent of the population faces acute malnutrition. October 29, 2018: Sudan confirmed that Russian PMCs (private military contractors) have a long-term contract to support the Sudanese armed forces. And are training security forces in Sudan. In July the Russian foreign ministry said Russian contractors are working with local security forces. October 25, 2018: - South Sudan has released five rebel prisoners of war. The latest civil war peace deal, signed in September, required the release. According to rebel sources, none of the individuals released are high ranking rebel officials. October 24, 2018: South Sudanese president Salva Kiir is encouraging the two competing factions in the Sudan SPLM-N rebels to end their internal conflict and negotiate with Sudan. In turn Sudan Kiir for his diplomatic effort. South Sudanese security forces are confronting accusations that they committed several atrocities in the far west (Wau state) against civilians in the period June through August 2018. On specific atrocity occurred June 12 near a rebel position south of the town of Wau. The allegations are based on detailed interviews with over 80 survivors. The interviews took place in September 2018. This follows a very typical pattern for reports on incidents in sub-Saharan Africa. It often takes weeks if not months to get detailed information on events in isolated areas. October 22, 2018: The UN is threatening to sanction SLA (Sudan Liberation Army) leader Abdul Wahid Elnur because he refuses to participate in the Darfur peace process. The SLA-Abdul Wahid faction has vowed to continue to resist Sudanese forces. Both the SLA-AW and Sudanese security forces have violated the humanitarian ceasefire in the western and southern areas of Darfur. The ceasefire was declared on September 20 and supposed to extend to December 18. October 21, 2018: The East African IGAD (Inter-Governmental Authority on Development) ceasefire monitoring group has been unable to get enough ceasefire monitors into South Sudan to investigate and verify all the claims of ceasefire violations. Logistics is obviously a problem. South Sudan is large and there are few roads. Intra-factional fighting also erupts. For example, in northeast South Sudan (Upper Nile state) and the far south (Yei River state) smaller rebel factions complain that SPLM-IO, the main rebel organization, was attacking and trying to destroy or absorb the smaller factions. There were no IGAD monitors available to verify the claims. October 18, 2018: In southwest South Sudan (Western Equatoria state), UN investigators found that some SPLM-IO rebels participated in mass (nearly a thousand) abductions and rape of women between April and August 2018. Females were raped. Male abductees were forced to be porters and in some cases forced to become militiamen. The UN investigators believe three SPLM-IO commanders bear primary responsibility for the crimes. October 17, 2018: In Sudan, a senior Army general said that his country wants to cooperate more closely with the United States on counter-terrorism and help promote security throughout Africa. Sudan wants the U.S. to completely remove political and economic sanctions and fully normalize diplomatic relations between Sudan and the United States. This is a huge change from the 1990s when Al Qaeda used Sudan as a base for operations in Africa. October 15, 2018: The hybrid UN-African Union Darfur peacekeeping operation reports that in Darfur the overall security situation has improved. In July 2018 the UN voted to reduce the size of the peacekeeping operation. However, returning refugees who fled the region after the war began there in 2003 are confronting violent circumstances and continue to face systematic attacks. In some cases violence has broken out among returnees, especially returning pastoralists (herders) and farmers who are trying to rebuild their farms. October 12, 2018: According to the UN as of September 30 there are 300,137 Refugees inside South Sudan. In Addition, South Sudan has 1.84 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) and 197,996 of those IDPs are housed in Protection of Civilians sites protected peacekeepers. October 10, 2018: The suspected death toll in South Sudans civil war continues to rise with the current estimates at 320,000 dead. Some estimates are as high as 382,000. October 7, 2018: In South Sudan inmates at a detention center in the capital overpowered their guards and seized part of the NSS (South Sudans intelligence agency) Blue House headquarters building. An Internal Security Bureau officer who was under arrest led the seizure. The prisoners claimed that they were objecting to systematic injustice and oppression, to include illegal arrests, illegal trials and torture by the government. Negotiators ended the standoff. October 6, 2018: Sudan has approved a UN-directed operation to deliver aid to people in rebel-controlled regions of the Two Areas (South Kordofan and Blue Nile states). The aid will go to 17 localities (the buzzword) in the two states. Three are controlled by the rebel SPLM-N. Up until 2017 Sudan routinely rejected requests for humanitarian aid deliveries into rebel (SLPM-N) controlled areas. Postmodern Jukebox will return to New Zealand in September and October next year following four hugely successful tours in as many years. The multi-talented collective will bring their re-imagined contemporary hits back to eagerly awaiting fans with a brand-new Welcome to the Twenties 2.0 show. The tour opens up in Tauranga on Friday 11 October, and moves on to Auckland on Saturday 12 October, Hamilton on Sunday 13 October, Napier on Tuesday 15 October, Palmerston North on Wednesday 16 October, Wellington on Friday 18 October and Christchurch on Saturday 19 October before winding up in Dunedin on Sunday 20 October. Tickets go on sale at 11am NZDT on Thursday 8 November for the eight-city tour. To usher in the upcoming Twenty-Twenties, the famed time-twisting musical collective will circumnavigate the globe and prepare the world for a new decade with their Welcome to the Twenties 2.0 Tour. Postmodern Jukebox creator Scott Bradlee hopes this new decade will see a return to the style and craftsmanship that typified the music of past generations. Last time around the 'Twenties gave us Jazz, America's one true art form. Who knows what is possible in the 2020s?" says Bradlee. "One thing that is for sure is that there are a lot of folks that are tired of the clickbait headlines, mindless reality TV, and smartphone addiction that has only served to divide people in the last decade. We're using our small corner of the pop culture space to tell people to forget their troubles, and come join us for a night of celebrating true musical talent and timeless style - live and in real life." Postmodern Jukeboxs Welcome to the Twenties 2.0 Tour will host official Twenties 2.0 initiation performance parties in nearly 250 cities all around the world. When creating a touring version of the Postmodern Jukebox concept, we work on pairing the right talent with the right material and building a unique and amazing experience for Postmodern Jukebox fans, Bradlee says. Get ready for the most sensational '20s party this side of The Great Gatsby." Started by Scott Bradlee in 2009, Postmodern Jukebox (PMJ) have gone on to amass over one billion YouTube views with 3.5 million subscribers, and have chalked up more than 1.7 million fans on Facebook. For the past half-decade, PMJ has toured the world, playing hundreds of shows to sold-out houses on six continents. Theyve also performed on shows like Good Morning America, topped iTunes and Billboard charts, and caught the attention of NPR Music, NBC News and a wide array of celebrity fans. TOUR DATES NEW ZEALAND 2019: TAURANGA Friday 11 October Addison Theatre AUCKLAND Saturday 12 October Great Hall HAMILTON Sunday 13 October Claudelands NAPIER Tuesday 15 October Municipal Theatre PALMERSTON NORTH Wednesday 16 October The Regent WELLINGTON Friday 18 October Opera House CHRISTCHURCH Saturday 19 October Isaac Theatre Royal DUNEDIN Sunday 20 October Regent Theatre Bay of Plenty You will be driving the Roller and also required to help out the team hands on. You will be working around Tauranga, for... View or Apply on GoodWork.co.nz The Government is keeping electric locomotives on the North Island Main Trunk Line running to help meet its long term emissions goals and boost the economy. The 15 electric trains will be refurbished by KiwiRail and will continue to run between Hamilton and Palmerston North. The refurbishment of the trains and electric control system is funded with an additional $35 million over four years. This is additional to the $4 billion for public transport and rail under the National Land Transport Programme. Deputy Prime Minister and shareholding Minister Winston Peters says refurbishing these trains in New Zealand was looking to the future of our environment and economy. Were making the right decision for the long term. Replacing electric locomotives with diesel would be a step backwards. By refurbishing these locomotives here, were creating jobs in KiwiRails Hutt Workshop and supporting our local rail industry. It just makes sense, says Winston. Transport Minister Phil Twyford says this decision supports the Governments wider $4 billion package in public transport, rapid transit and rail. Rail connects regions with the cities and helps create a more modern, sustainable transport network. Keeping the electric trains shows that we are continuing to invest in the future, says Phil. Acting Associate Transport Minister James Shaw says New Zealand cant move to a zero carbon future by moving away from clean energy. Choosing to invest in clean, electric transport is essential to meeting the challenge of climate change. Keeping the electric trains on-track is the right thing to do for the future of rail, particularly as we investigate options for further electrification of the network and the role of hydrogen-fuelled trains, says James. The Government continues to work with KiwiRail, including through the Future of Rail project, to consider how the Governments environmental objectives can be supported through investment in rail. The project will assess the effectiveness of New Zealands current rail operations and identify the role it can play in supporting urban development and the growth of our freight and tourism sectors. Rail workers celebrate decision to keep electric trains running The Rail & Maritime Transport Union welcomes the decision to keep KiwiRails electric locomotives running on the North Island Main Trunk. The government has honoured its campaign pledge, committing an extra $35 million to refurbish the 15 electric engines currently in operation between Hamilton and Palmerston North. Were thrilled to see the Labour-led government protecting Kiwi jobs, says RMTU General Secretary Wayne Butson. Union members, environmental campaigners and industry experts have all spoken out about the importance of investing in electric rail, and we clearly have a government that listens to the people. If KiwiRail had been permitted to go ahead with its plans to replace the EF Class electric locomotives with DL class diesel engines imported from China, it would have added an extra 12,000 tons to New Zealands carbon footprint while jeapordising local jobs. The plans were announced in 2016, despite internal studies suggesting the DL locomotives are unreliable, overly expensive and at risk of asbestos contamination. Our position has always been that New Zealand must electrify more of our rail network, not less, says Mr Butson. The highly skilled workforce in KiwiRails workshops can now build a modern, sustainable fleet of locomotives that will be the envy of the world. The RMTU and its allies in the International Transport Workers Federation are part of the Trade Unions for Energy Democracy initiative, a global campaign to prevent damage to the environment, create green jobs for transport workers and campaign for climate justice. The NZ String Quartet performed at Taurangas Huria Marae on Wednesday as part of the WW100 Armistice Day Commemoration. The two free concerts were held at 2pm and 6.30pm, and featured music that was felt to resonate with a war-time theme. The quartet is made up of cellist Rolf Gjelsten, Violist Gillian Ansell, and violinists Monique Lapins and Helene Pohl, all from Wellington. The string quartet has performed at Huria Marae previously in 2014, as part of the Battle of Gate Pa 100 year commemorations and found the acoustics to be exceptional. Ngai Tamarawaho hapu organiser Buddy Mikaere felt inviting them back to perform again in the Tamateapokaiwhenua Meeting House would be a fitting way to mark the end of the 100th year commemorations, paying tribute to the soldiers from Tauranga who went to World War One. The free concert was arranged with Creative Bay of Plenty, with sponsorship from TECT, Farmer Autovillage, Legacy Trust, Holland Beckett law, Tauriko Business Estate, Farmers, Whitcoulls, Pascoes the Jewellers and Metro Marketing. The first half of the performance featured music from NZ composer Gareth Farr, Mozart, Janacek and Puccini. Gareth Farrs composition He Poroporoaki which means saying goodbye, is a deconstructed version of Now is the Hour (Po Atarau/Haere Ra) which was used to farewell Maori soldiers going to World War 1. Mozarts Movements from String Quartet in G was performed at the evening performance only, and featured the Allegro vivace assai and Andante cantabile from Mozarts Strong Quartet n.o 14. Written between World War 1 and 2, in 1928, by Czech composer Leos Janacek, Moderato from String Quartet Intimate Letters captures the intense emotions Janacek felt for Kamila Stosslova, the woman he sent hundreds of letters to. Giacomo Puccinis Crisantemi, meaning Chrysanthemums, is a short piece written by the composer as a memorial to his friend, the Duke of Savoy, formerly King Amadeo I of Spain, who died in 1980. Giacomo is an Italian composer who lived from 1858 to 1924, and has been called the greatest composer of Italian opera after Verdi. He said he wrote Crisantemi in one night after he heard the news of his friends death. The original version for string quartet is seldom heard, as there is also a string orchestra version which is more often performed. He is a master of writing for strings, as can be heard in this work which has two melody themes running through it. Its intense, dark and sombre, paying tribute to his friend. In some countries of Europe, chrysanthemums also symbolize death, and are used only for funerals or on graves. The second half of the performance featured Beethovens Rasumovsky, a string quartet in C, a work in four movements incorporating Russian themes. It was followed by a moving arrangement of Pokarekare ana by NZ composer John Pasthas. Pokarekare ana is a traditional lovesong popularised by Maori soldiers during WW1. The NZ String Quartet gave it a poignancy that is often felt during a bugles playing of The Last Post, and likewise commemorates those who have been killed in war. The performances were arranged to coincide with the WW100 Armistice Commemorations, but also to highlight the NZ War Memorial Museum project in Le Quesnoy in northern France. Koha was collected on entry to go toward the museum project which also commemorates the centenary of the end of World War One. The concert was followed with refreshments and a meet-the-musicians opportunity. Buddy Mikaere with Meg Davis and Alicia Beech from Creative Bay of Plenty Tauranga City Council and the NZ Transport Agency are proposing 60km/h as the safe and appropriate speed limit through the Maungatapu underpass and along the Hairini causeway. Tauranga City Council and the Transport Agency have had a chance to see how the new road through the Maungatapu underpass is working and the speed limit now needs to be formalised. The underpass opened on 22 June 2018 and has been operating with a 50km/h speed limit which is the default for new urban roads, says a statement from the council. The proposal includes lowering the speed along the Hairini causeway to Turret Road from 70km/h to 60km/h to align with the speed through the underpass. Proposed speed limit changes: Raise the current speed limit through the Maungatapu underpass from 50km/h to 60km/h Lower the current speed limit along the causeway from 70km/h to 60km/h, including the approaches to and from the SH29A Maungatapu roundabout. Confirm the speed limit along Welcome Bay Lane at 50km/h. Feedback on the proposals is open until 25 November 2018. The feedback form is online at www.tauranga.govt.nz/maungatapu Syracuse, NY -- A Syracuse teenager who struck and killed a 2-year-old girl on a city sidewalk behaved even more recklessly than previously known, a prosecutor said today. Felix Santos, then 18, was drinking some sort of alcoholic beverage at the time of the crash, prosecutor Chris Bednarski revealed today in court. After the crash, Santos had several chances to turn himself in, but instead fled to North Carolina, Bedarski said. Santos was sentenced to three to nine years in prison this morning for the May 27, 2017 crash that killed 2-year-old Jameisha Stanford. Jameisha Stanford Bednarski described in greater detail today the toddler's death. Jameisha was playing with chalk on the sidewalk in front of her house when she was killed. Her father and brother suffered minor injuries. "She did what millions of other kids did on that warm day, she went out to play," Bednarski said at Santos's sentencing. Meanwhile, Santos was in a hurry to get somewhere. The teenager -- who had a learner's permit requiring supervision -- was driving solo and speeding down Shonnard Street, Bedarski said. Santos reached speeds of 60 mph -- double the 30 mph speed limit -- as he tried to pass a vehicle on the left, the prosecutor said. But Santos's car struck the slower vehicle. Santos's car went off the road, over the curb, across a grassy median and onto the sidewalk where Jameisha was playing. Santos didn't stop. He continued a few blocks away, where the driver of the slower vehicle caught up to him. That driver asked Santos to go back to the scene. Instead, Santos ran away, Bednarski said. "That driver tired to tell him to do the right thing," the prosecutor said. "He fled on foot." Felix Santos A city police camera caught Santos throwing a bottle as he fled, Bednarski said. Police went back later and determined the bottle contained an alcoholic beverage. The prosecutor did not say what beverage that was. Santos continued fleeing for the next several weeks, ending up with relatives in North Carolina. At some point, Santos started to regret what happened. Days after police caught up to him 600 miles away, Santos posted an apology on his Facebook page. Since then, he's accepted responsibility for what he did, Bednarski said. "I'm sorry to the family," Santos said today. "I never expected it to turn out like this. It wasn't intentional... I couldn't control the situation." Defense lawyer William Sullivan had been pushing for Santos's record to be sealed as a youthful offender. That would have also capped his prison sentence at 1 1/3 to 4 years. Felix Santos (far right) stands next to his lawyer, William Sullivan, at sentencing. To their left is prosecutor Chris Bednarski. But Bednarski objected. In addition to the details of the crime, he noted that Santos had also been found guilty of a misdemeanor drug offense, for which he was out pending sentencing at the time of the fatal crash. He also noted the impact on the victim's family. Her parents were so distraught they could not bring themselves to attend sentencing today (The family previously spoke to Syracuse.com; the video is posted above.) "An innocent toddler is dead, her family is devastated," Bednarski said. County Court Judge Matthew Doran ruled that Santos would not be granted YO status. He noted that Santos already had a YO conviction that landed him on probation. But the biggest factor, the judge said, was the number of bad decisions that Santos made. The crash itself was reckless, the judge said, but running from the scene was an intentional act. "What happened on this day was not one act, but a series of acts," the judge said. With that, he sentenced Santos to the punishment agreed upon at the time Santos pleaded guilty: three to nine years in prison for manslaughter, leaving the scene and reckless driving. Bednarski had been asking for four to 12 years in prison. The max Santos could have faced was five to 15 years in prison. SODUS, N.Y. -- A week ago, the ex-girlfriend of a Sodus murder victim told a Rochester television news station that "justice needs to be served" for whoever killed the father of her children. On Monday, WHEC News 10 in Rochester reported 25-year-old Charlene Childers -- the former girlfriend of murder victim Joshua Niles -- and her current partner are both in jail on an unrelated charge out of Texas. Texas Rangers also told the news station that Childers and 32-year-old Timothy Dean, a former police chief in a small town in Texas, are "suspects in a major crime in Sodus, Wayne County." Joshua Niles, 28, and Amber Washburn, 24, were shot and killed Oct. 22 in the driveway of their home at 29 Carlton St. in Sodus. The couple's 4-year-old son was in the back seat of a car in the driveway at the time. The boy was not injured. The shooter has not been located. The Wayne County Sheriff's Office would not confirm if Childers or Dean are suspects in last week's double murder. Childers, who lives in Texas, is the mother of Joshua Niles' two older children who were at school when the murders happened, a family member told The Democrat & Chronicle newspaper. She is now married to Dean, the newspaper reported. About five months ago, Niles was granted custody of their two children, the family member told the paper. "Childers was in a heated custody dispute with Joshua Niles before Niles was murdered," WHEC News 10 said in its news report. Childers is being held without bail at the Wayne County jail as a "fugitive from justice" based on pending criminal charges in Texas, Wayne County Sheriff Barry Virts told CNY Central. Both Childers and Dean are facing one count of injury to a child from a May 2018 incident. Dean is being held on $1 million bail at the Moore County Jail in Texas, ABC News 7 in Amarillo, Texas reported. DEWITT, N.Y. -- The rain stopped briefly Monday evening as an estimated 300 people gathered outside the Jewish Community Center in DeWitt to remember the 11 Jewish worshipers murdered Saturday at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. "All of us are wounded and heartbroken by this senseless and inhuman act of violence," Michael Balanoff, president and CEO of Jewish Federation of Central New York, said at the vigil. The victims ranged in age from 54 to 97. Six others, including four police officers, were wounded. Pastors, politicians and community members attended the vigil in DeWitt. Religious leaders - Sikh, Muslim, Christian and Jewish - prayed and spoke about the need for healing, peace and turning helplessness into action. Onondaga County sheriff's deputies and DeWitt police officers stood nearby during the brief ceremony. "We need to stand up," Robin Young, a DeWitt resident and member of Congregation Beth Solom-Chevra Shas, said after the vigil. "I came out to be part of the community because I've been feeling very upset at what happened and scared -- 11 people were murdered just for being Jewish and just for being at synagogue," Young said. "It's very frightening." The mass shooting at Tree of Life began just before 10 a.m. Saturday during Sabbath services. The accused gunman yelled "all Jews must die" during the shooting, authorities have said. "The families of the 11 people murdered by an anti-Semitic, hate-filled and cruel individual went to bed with their lives shattered forever," Balanoff told the crowd in DeWitt. "The peace of the Sabbath service in Pittsburgh ended with mayhem and death, ironically in an institution named for life." The members of Central New York's Sikh, Muslim, Christian and Jewish communities joined together in what Daniel Jezer, rabbi emeritus at Congregation Beth Solom-Chevra Shas, called "a show of solidarity of the entire community." Jezer, who teaches religious studies (Judaism and the Bible) at Le Moyne College, said he wasn't surprised so many people attended the vigil Monday night. Those who attended, he said, were there "to show support, specifically for the Jewish community, which is hurting very much," he said. The Anti-Defamation League -- which called the killings at Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh the single deadliest attack on American Jewry -- reported a nearly 60 percent increase in anti-Semitic incidents in the United States in the past two years, Jezer said quoting a National Public Radio report. "I think the rhetoric of the current administration with its emphasis on divisiveness, and encouraging white nationalism and expressions of hatred has given license to anti-Semites to come out of the woodwork and act out on what had been their ideology and verbal expressions," Jezer said. "The murder of the 11 people at the synagogue is an outgrowth of the permissiveness of anti-Semitic expressions." "Everyone is all about the loss of symbols and say it doesn't matter, but it does matter," said vigil attendee Tom Quinn, of Syracuse. "We are all Jews." Lillian Abbott-Hook, of Syracuse, said she attended the vigil to "show solidarity for our community." "Hate gets closer and closer to us," Abbott-Hook said. Young, who was scared and upset at Saturday's mass shooting in Pittsburgh, said she attended Monday's vigil to see friends and get support. "We go to synagogue most Saturday mornings and we're there during the week for meetings," she said. "To think someone could just come in and kill you for no reason other than just being Jewish, it's very frightening. "You always think, it can't happen here -- it's quiet and a nice neighborhood," Young said. "So was this neighborhood in Pittsburgh, it sounds like. They're saying it's Mr. Rogers' neighborhood; it's where Mr. Rogers lived. And it happened." -- N. Scott Trimble contributed to this report. In the wake of a mass shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue, police have stepped up patrols at Jewish centers and other places of worship in Onondaga County. Eleven Jewish worshipers were slain by a gunman while worshiping at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pennsylvania on Saturday. Six people -- including four police officers -- were injured. After the shooting, Gov. Andrew Cuomo directed the New York State Police to increase patrols across the state around Jewish centers and synagogues. "We, as a nation, must stand together and stand against the corrosive and destructive forces of hate in all of its forms," Cuomo said in a news release. Law enforcement agencies across Onondaga County are also checking on places of worship. The DeWitt Police Department has increased property and security checks at Jewish centers in response to the Pittsburgh massacre, said DeWitt Police Chief John Anton. Onondaga County deputies are "closely monitoring" synagogues and other religious centers, said Sgt. Jon Seeber, sheriff's office spokesman. "It is vital to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activities to law enforcement," Seeber said. Syracuse police officers are continuing to check on religious centers while patrolling the city, said Sgt. Richard Helterline, a police department spokesman. About 300 people gathered Monday outside of the Jewish Community Center in DeWitt to mourn the victims killed at the Tree of Life synagogue. Sheriff's deputies and DeWitt officers kept watch during the memorial. SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- A man was taken to a Syracuse hospital Monday night after police found him shot on Dablon Court, city police said. Officers were dispatched to the 100 block of Dablon Court for a report of shots fired at 10:21 p.m when they found the 21-year-old Syracuse man shot in the stomach and leg, Syracuse police spokesman Sgt. Richard Helterline said. "The victim stated that he was walking in the 100 block of Dablon Court when he was shot, but stated that he did not see who shot at him," Helterline said in a news release. "At this time, there is no suspect information." American Medical Response (AMR) ambulance took the victim to Upstate University Hospital. His injuries are not considered life-threatening, police said. Syracuse police ask anyone with information about the shooting to call them at (315) 442-5222 or use the SPD Tips app. NORTH SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- A North Syracuse man is in critical condition Monday after he lost control of an all-terrain vehicle and crashed it into a large tree near his home, North Syracuse Village Police Chief Steve Rotunno said. Robert A. Perolla, 69, of 111 Randall Terrace, was riding a 2013 Polaris ATV north on Randall Terrace at 3:14 p.m. when he lost control of the vehicle and went off the road, the chief said. The ATV struck a large tree in a heavily wooded area. Someone called the Onondaga County 911 Center and reported the man who crashed the ATV was unconscious and bleeding, but breathing, dispatchers said. The crash was reported to have happened near 104 Randall Terrace in the village. North Syracuse police and firefighters, and NAVAC ambulance responded to the scene. The ambulance took Perolla to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse, where he was in critical condition Monday night. North Syracuse police are continuing to investigate the crash and ask anyone with information about what happened to call them at (315) 458-5670. OSWEGO, N.Y. -- A 34-year-old man who was shot and badly injured after a traffic dispute Friday in Oswego was shot in the back, according to his family. The victim, Nigel Boone, 34, is now in stable condition despite being shot multiple times, according to police and family. "I just spoke to Nigel. Despite the situation he's in good spirits," said his uncle Shawn Boone. "He's looking forward -- or we're looking forward as a family -- to fighting through his recovery, first and foremost." Shawn Boone, who lives in New York City, said Nigel was shot five times in the back as he was walking back to his car away from a man who police later identified as Thomas Schrader, 59, of Oswego. Police have said Schrader shot Boone several times with a .40-caliber handgun. A police spokesman declined today to say where Boone was shot, citing the ongoing investigation. Police said in court records that Boone was shot four times. Schrader was charged with second-degree attempted murder and first-degree assault, both felonies. He's being held in Oswego County jail, according to county records. The court records do not give more details of the motive of the shooting, which police described as a "traffic-related dispute which then escalated into a physical confrontation" on East Utica Street near Duer Street. Boone's uncle said his nephew told him the dispute began when his nephew tried to drive around Schrader's vehicle after Schrader "cut him off." He said the argument eventually led to the pair getting out of their vehicles and exchanging words, though he said his nephew described Schrader as the aggressor. That account lines up with what police have said so far, police said. Witnesses told police Schrader and Boone began arguing earlier near the intersection of East First and East Bridge streets. The men returned to their vehicles and drove south on East First Street and then they turned east onto East Utica Street, police said. The argument continued when they were stopped in traffic on East Utica Street, between East 10th and Duer streets, police said. Schrader and Boone got out of their vehicles again and the argument turned physical, police said. Today, Deputy Chief Zachary Misztal, through a spokesman, declined to comment in detail about what sparked the initial altercation or reveal any other details. Boone's uncle said his nephew remembers the events of the shooting clearly. He said more information will come out when his nephew has a bit more time to rest. "From my understanding they both exited their vehicles. Nigel told me he tried to talk to the guy. He saw that the guy was really displaying unhinged behavior," Boone's uncle said. "When he realized that, he started walking back toward his vehicle... He just heard shots and the next thing he knew he was on the ground." Thomas E. Schrader Boone said his nephew has a young daughter and other relatives in Oswego, where he lives. The family has rallied around their loved one, anticipating a long battle toward recovery, he said. "He's a dedicated dad to his young daughter and a responsible family. Nigel is well liked and respected by his peers, and his family loves him tremendously," Boone said in a text message. "Nigel didn't deserve this." SYRACUSE, NY -- The Syracuse beer industry may be going strong, but Syracuse Beer Week seems to be running out of gas. For the past 10 years, Syracuse Beer Week has been a 7-day (more or less) extravaganza of tastings and samplings, paired beer-and-food dinners, meet-the-brewer nights, rare and seasonal beer releases and more, spread across Onondaga County. Syracuse Beer Week 2018 returns next week for its 11th run, but this year will likely be the last, according to representatives of T.J. Sheehan, the Liverpool-based beer distributor that launched Syracuse Beer Week in 2008. The week's events will be scaled back, with most happening in and around downtown. Some of the most popular events -- like the Great Lakes Brewing Christmas Party -- remain on the schedule this year. Others -- like "Duvel Day" at The Blue Tusk -- won't happen next week. (See details below). It may be that Central New York's beer culture has outgrown the need for a beer week -- at least in the current distributor-driven format. "If the mission was to get people thinking about craft beer, and getting that beer to them, then I think: 'Mission accomplished,' " said Kevin "Flip" Pilipczak, a sales manager at Sheehan who has coordinated Syracuse Beer Week events for the past few years. "We have so many events throughout the year now, and so many great beers to highlight year-round, that trying to cram it all into one week just doesn't make sense." Over the last decade, Pilpczak said, there may have been as many as 1,000 separate Syracuse Beer Week events. But the beer scene in Syracuse, as in the rest of the state and nationwide, has shifted. Breweries are opening at rapid pace, many with their own tasting rooms. Syracuse alone now has 10 breweries, and Onondaga County has 20. More are coming. Serious beer fans now routinely drive out of their way and stand in line for hours waiting for special releases of coveted brews. "The number of breweries and the availability of beer has changed a lot in the last 10 years," said David Hoyne, whose Kitty Hoynes Irish Pub & Restaurant has been a reliable host for Syracuse Beer Week events. Kitty Hoynes does have several events scheduled for next week -- including a night devoted to a line-up of "never before seen" beers in the Syracuse market. "Things change, and you have to change with them," Hoyne said. Jason Purdy, co-owner of the Now & Later bar and bottle shop on Tipperary Hill, said would "consider" helping bring back Syracuse Beer Week in a different format. A few years ago, after opening Now & Later, he took over the successful CNY Brewfest at the state fairgrounds. "I think it should be organized by the local bars, retailers and breweries with input and support from the distributors," Purdy said of Beer Week. "That would be ideal." The full schedule of Syracuse Beer Weeks events is still under construction, Pilipczak said. Here's are few of the major things to know: -- Syracuse's Middle Ages Brewing Co. jump starts beer week with its first-ever release of canned beers. Cans of Single Batch 29 and Single Batch 30 double IPAs will be available Saturday, Nov. 3, at its tap room. Middle Ages also co-hosts a beer-and-food event called Sips & Nibbles at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 7, at Riley's Restaurant & Bar, 312 Park St. -- The annual Great Lakes Christmas Party -- with the annual release of the Cleveland brewery's seasonal Christmas Ale -- is 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7, at The Blue Tusk, 165 Walton St. in Armory Square. This is one of Syracuse Beer Week's oldest events. -- Duvel Day at The Blue Tusk, a celebration of the famed Belgian golden ale that has been a fixture on the Friday of Syracuse Beer Week since the beginning, will be postponed to a later date, when more of the beer will be available. Instead, the Blue Tusk will host a "cider house" event on Friday, Nov. 9, featuring rare, sour and aged ciders. -- Kitty Hoynes, 301 W. Fayette St., is working on several events, including its annual Beer & Bangers (Irish sausage) Fest. On Wednesday, Nov. 7, its has a tap takeover featuring beers from breweries that have yet to enter the Syracuse market. On Friday Nov. 9, it hosts a lunch of foods paired with beer from Maine Brewing Co. Nov. 9 is also the annual "Black Friday" event, highlighting Guinness Stout and offering patrons a chance to win a trip to Ireland. -- The Evergreen, 125 E. Water St. in Hanover Square, hosts a tap takeover with about 20 of the top beers in Sheehan's portfolio on Wednesday, Nov. 7, and a New York state beer night on Friday, Nov. 9. -- The Hops Spot, 116 Walton St. in Armory Square, is working on several Beer Week events, including one featuring Collective Arts Brewing of Ontario, and another with Thin Man Brewing of Buffalo. Details to come. Proving that beer can't be contained to one week, there are events the following week, too: -- Now & Later, the combination bar & bottle shop at 620 Ulster St. on Tipperary Hill, is highlighting different brewers starting Sunday, Nov. 11, with Firestone Walker Brewing of California; Nov. 12 with Equilibrium Brewing of Middletown in the Hudson Valley; Nov. 15 with Aslin Beer Co. of Virginia, and Nov. 16 with a "Brooklyn takeover" featuring Interboro, Other Half and KCBC breweries. -- The annual New York Craft Brewers Festival is 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17 at the Landmark Theatre in downtown Syracuse. This is the biggest New York-only beer fest in Syracuse each year. Don Cazentre writes about craft beer, wine, spirits and beverages for NYup.com, syracuse.com and The Post-Standard. Reach him at dcazentre@nyup.com, or follow him at NYup.com, on Twitter or Facebook. SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The city of Syracuse is turning to tech start-ups to figure out better ways to pick up trash, approve permits and plow the snow, among other things. The city joined the Startup in Residence program this year, a program designed to connect startup companies to government agencies. Officials are now looking for tech companies that want to participate. Startup in Residence started in 2014 in San Francisco and, this year, expanded to 31 cities, including Syracuse. Adria Finch, director of innovation for the city, said the solutions being sought range from apps and data systems to "autonomous sidewalk clearing apparatuses" -- in other words, snow-shoveling robots. Finch said the idea is to give outsiders a chance to solve city problems using private resources and fresh sets of eyes. "Cities have more problems than they have capacity to solve," she said. "This is a way to engage the start-up community and tech community to help solve these problems." City officials identified five problems for which tech companies may be able to develop solutions: Autonomous snow clearing on sidewalks: Permit transparency: Garbage collection: Crowd-funded security deposit platform: Traumatic response coordination: The city has issued a request for proposals for companies to apply to the program. The deadline for a company to apply is Tuesday, Nov. 6 at 2:30 p.m. Starting in January, the selected companies will have 16 weeks to design a solution. The companies will receive technical support from Microsoft, Google, the city and other platforms. Next spring, each company will have a chance to showcase their solution at a summit for investors and officials from various cities. After that, Syracuse can decide if it wants to purchase any of the products developed. There's no compensation for the company, but Finch said it gives a chance for new companies to break into the government sector and become familiar with an often complex procurement process. Susan Bastable is too modest to bring it up without prodding, but she has seen and led enormous changes in nursing since earning her own degrees in nursing, including her doctorate in 1979. Along the way, she became an authority on health literacy and has written three textbooks, including "Nurse as Educator," which influenced the way nurses interact with patients. She was a consultant in the first online nursing program. In 2004, Bastable left her position as chair of the undergraduate nursing program at Upstate Medical University to found the Le Moyne College nursing program. She quickly began a collaboration with St. Joseph's Hospital's College of Nursing. The collaboration, granting a combined associate's R.N. and bachelor's in nursing, won recognition. With money from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, it became widely emulated. Her resume has a long list of community and professional activities and awards, but she speaks proudly of helping Honor Flight Syracuse to start up by organizing nurses to accompany veterans on their flights to Washington, D.C. Let's start with your career in nursing education and how it led to the dual-degree program. I love nursing. I never thought I'd leave the bedside per se. I'll never forget where it first occurred to me - with a cardiac patient I had in Philadelphia. He said to me: You're not going to stay doing this. I was taken aback. I said: What do you mean? I love it. He said: I know you love it. You're going to be doing more. I had gotten clinical skills under my belt and had the opportunity to step into education at the Bellevue School of Nursing at Hunter College in the City University of New York. Then I went to the College of Nursing at the University of Rhode Island, and then I came to Upstate for 14 years. One day out of the blue, I got a call about a position at Le Moyne to start a nursing school. Establishing a new program, you don't know if you can make it successful. There were many challenges - we started everything from scratch. In a lot of ways, that is a positive thing, because you can build a strong foundation. I was hired June 16, 2004, to start a program for R.N.'s to earn a B.S. By the end of August we were offering a program. They were all part-timers, registered nurses who wanted to get their bachelor's degree. I thought: Why not partner with an associate-degree program and make a combined A.D.-B.S. program? A student would get both degrees and have the opportunity to live on the Le Moyne campus so they'd get that four-year living-and-learning experience. The associate-degree program at St. Joe's had been up and running since about 1899. Le Moyne had been closely associated with St. Joe's for 30-some years. I called Dean Marianne Markowitz, who I knew well from my 14 years at Upstate, and asked: How would you like to partner closer than we already are? Our two programs remained intact, but we meshed them together, and it turned out to be the first of its kind. We got Robert Wood Johnson Foundation grants and replicated the program throughout the state and in neighboring states. I established a master's program and some post-master's certificates. Just as I left for retirement in 2015, I helped to get the family nurse practitioner program approved. Were you in leadership roles growing up? I never really thought of myself as a leader when I was young. One influential factor in my life was that my parents (Doris and Robert Bacorn) moved around - 24 times in their marriage. They moved me about 11 or 12 times, and I was in multiple grade schools. They moved me in my senior year in high school. I was on the yearbook committee and doing other things, and all of a sudden I was uprooted. That was a difficult move. The rest of them were not too bad. I knew early that being a nurse was what I wanted to do. I was probably four years old. I had a terrible earache. My mother cared for me, rocked me in the rocking chair and all that. She read a book called "Nurse Nancy" to me. I made her read it repeatedly, which is typical of children - they like repetition. The first time I remember being in some kind of leadership role was in college. My confidence blossomed as I gained knowledge and skills. Once I got to grad school, there were opportunities to take on more challenges. I got more confidence with that. I suppose in some ways my first textbook was showing a leadership role. I was teaching a course at Upstate called Nurse as Educator. I had hanging files of 200 to 300 articles in the library - before computers and the technology we have now. There was no adequate textbook in this field, but nurses play a crucial role in teaching others, whether it be patients and families, whether it be other staff members or colleagues. After a few years I told my husband (Jeffrey): I'm not going to do this anymore. I'm going to write the book. That's when I wrote "Nurse as Educator." My books are about 700 pages each. How can you say that much about teaching and learning? The principles of teaching and learning are vast. You look at the effects of gender and socioeconomics and culture and developmental stages in life. If somebody has disabilities how do you best teach them and how do they best learn? There are the issues of motivation and compliance, which is huge in health care. There are learning styles, needs, and readiness to learn. There are theories that underpin how people learn. There are methods, tools and technology that influence how people can learn. My "Nurse as Educator" book is, last I knew, used in 23 countries. It was translated into three languages. It's used in about 240 schools in our country. Why did your family move so much? My father was an Army doctor, and my mother was a nurse. My father graduated from medical school and immediately went into the military because of the draft - World War II was already started. I was born in Battle Creek, Michigan, where he was a captain in the Army. My father decided that he also wanted to become a lawyer, so he went to Cornell Law School and we moved to Ithaca. Then, he decided to get a master's in public health and went to the University of Michigan. So my father was a very learned man. That's where I got my love for education and for teaching. What do you think moving often taught you? It's sort of subtle. You don't know any different as you're growing up. I had to get used to being the new kid on the block all the time, and in new environments all the time. I don't really have any trouble today walking into a room and being comfortable in a new setting. When you move around a lot and you have to rise to the occasion of new schools, and new friends, and new places to live, and new churches to go to - I suppose it does mold you. Give me your advice for effective leadership. My first thought is no one person can or should take credit for success in an organization. It's definitely a team effort, and it depends on teamwork. Effective leadership depends on teamwork. You cannot do it alone. It's important to choose people who complement your skills. Not matching them. Not duplicating them. Bringing some new perspectives that you don't have, some talents that you don't have, some abilities that you don't have. You should be open to constructive feedback. You should welcome comments. You should seek input from people to challenge your ideas and your decisions, so that nobody is just a yes man around you. You cannot reach a vision alone. Marianne Markowitz was truly a partner. When you talk about a partnership, you talk about an equal balance, a give and take. It's a relationship-building experience. That's so important - to develop trust in who you work with. Build relationships so that when things get sticky or when you have problems you feel comfortable working it out together. Communication is key. Keep the lines of communication open, consistently and frequently. You need to put your ideas into action and make them a reality. That involves a fair amount of risk taking. I'm not into fate. If you have your facts in order and you know what to do and things are logically done, you can make something happen. Don't be afraid to work hard. You get what you put in. My father said the hallmark of a professional is you work until you get the job done. One more thing I would say: Chemistry is everything. I have hired people who didn't necessarily have the skill sets or talent as mature as I wanted it to be. But they felt like team players, and I was willing to mentor them. Besides parents and Marianne Markowitz, did you have other notable influences? Janice Nelson was my dean at Upstate Medical University. She was a leader and a mentor. She established the R.N. to B.S. and master's nursing programs at Upstate. I saw her do it, and that gave me confidence when I had the opportunity at Le Moyne. Louise Fitzpatrick was the dean at the College of Nursing at Villanova University. She was my advisor for my master's program at Columbia and she was the chair of my doctoral program. Cecilia Mulvey was dean of Syracuse University's College of Nursing. She was a mentor to me. These women were all doctors - Ph.D.s. I don't think you can pick mentors. They happen. You find somebody who just wants to give advice and guidance, because they have lived it or experienced what you haven't. A good leader will have mentors around them and be a mentor to others. What qualities do you see in leaders you admire? A good leader is a good listener. They welcome other people's insights. They're interested in other people and what they have to say. A good leader has to be a good listener. I think a good leader should show compassion and caring toward others. I want to emphasize that's not being soft. That's being humane. You get much further by being nice to people than by being harsh to people. You need to be sensitive to situation and circumstances. We all know that some days are better than others, or people have problems you don't even know about. That goes along with compassion and caring. Maybe this is all part of nursing - I don't know. (Laughter) A good leader has some foresight. They should inspire others to grow and succeed. When you believe in somebody you can really help them along and hopefully you are there in crucial times of their life to give them advice. Being a team player, being collaborative, interdisciplinary teamwork. You have to work with others. You can't work in isolation. When you see poor leadership, the kind of boss nobody would want to work for, what attributes do you see? People who aren't competent. Anybody in a leadership position has to have knowledge and skills to understand the work. People who are incompetent tend to be obstructionist as leaders. People who are not honest. They say one thing and do another. Or you confide in them and they turn around and tell somebody else things that shouldn't have been told. A poor leader won't be consistent in the way they behave. They don't carry through with promises or commitments. They say, oh, sure, I'll get right on it, but then nothing happens. A poor leader will not tell you the way it is. You're misled. A leader needs to be honest and forthright. They don't play games. The weekly "CNY Conversation" features Q&A interviews about leadership, success, and innovation. The conversations are condensed and edited. To suggest a leader for a Conversation, contact Stan Linhorst at StanLinhorst@gmail.com. Last week featured Dr. Lawrence Chin. Dr. Chin advised: "There are lots of measures of success in life ... but, in the end, it's people. You're leading people. It's about your fellow humans." Cornell University officials responded recently to barbed criticisms by comedian and satirist Bill Maher and PETA concerning a program that Maher said gives "bowhunters carte blanche to snuff out deer in the Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary." Cornell officials indicated the program is not a carte blanche situation. It is the result of nuisance permit issued by the State Department of Environmental Conservation with a set number of deer that can be taken on certain university land by "highly skilled" bowhunters to deal with situations in which there is an over-abundance of deer. Maher, who attended Cornell as an undergrad, wrote a letter on Oct. 27 to University President Martha E. Pollock, asking, "What dictionary does Cornell use? I ask because when I was an undergrad there, 'sanctuary' meant 'a place of refuge or safety.'" The 226-acre Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary, which is off campus, is the home of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. "These gentle animals don't ask for much -they just want to be left alone in peace to raise their families," Maher wrote. "Do you know that fawns stay by their mothers' sides for up to two years? I'm not surprised that bowhunters don't care that they destroy these families - however, that Cornell doesn't care is hard to swallow. So is this: I've learned from friends at PETA that for every deer killed by a bowhunter, as least one other is shot but escapes. It can be weeks before some die. Weeks, Dr. Pollack." A news release from PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) citing Maher's letter labelled Cornell's deer management plan at Sapsucker Woods as being "misguided," in addition to being "unethical" and doomed to fail. The release included a picture of a deer of a deer at an undisclosed location with an arrow through its nose. The group also listed Maher as an "honorary PETA Director." Maher in his letter wrote: "Please don't tell me that killing deer is necessary in order to control their numbers. For how many years have bowhunters been given a free pass? I didn't study wildlife management during my time at Cornell, but I don't need a degree in it to know that if this misguided program actually worked, deer wouldn't be in Sapsucker Woods again." Both Maher and PETA in its release noted that deer populations "can be managed with contraceptive vaccines, fencing, repellants and other methods that are both humane and effective." There was no mention by either Maher or PETA, though, of any community or communities where such practices have proven successful. Joel M. Malina, vice president of University Relations at Cornell, responded to criticisms about its deer killing policies in an Oct. 1 letter to Ingrid E. Newark, president of a PETA. "The university administers an integrated deer research and management program to help preserve university resources and plant collections, maintain our ability to carry out the teaching and research mission of the university, and reduce risks to human heath and safety on campus," she said. "The program utilizes a number of different tactics to manage the population of deer, including surgical sterilization, regulated hunting and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) approved nuisance deer-control permits. "In select instances in which they are used, nuisance permits are issued to a small number of highly trained individuals who safely harvest deer using archery equipment on designated Cornell properties. Cornell has consistently managed these programs with transparency, proactive outreach and with public safety at the forefront," she said. Malina added that "notification signs are installed at the entrances to all publicly accessible lands where the control will take place." According to Bernd Blossey, an associate professor in Cornell's Department of Natural Resources, the situation at Sapsucker Woods is not a matter of bow hunting open to all kinds of individuals, but a deer reduction program conducted under a DEC nuisance permit. "We know that recreational hunting (bows, crossbows or guns) is not doing enough of a deer reduction, adding the university also did a study as well on the effectiveness of sterilization on the school's lands. As for killing deer in Sapsucker Woods, "this is open to just a couple hunters with the usual approaches that are otherwise not allowed in New York (baiting, shooting at night, unlimited take per individual based on total nuisance tag allocations)." He said Cornell's nuisance permit (which covers Sapsucker Woods and certain other university properties) is typically 80 permits per year. The hunting by archers under the permit has been going on since 2013. "It typically runs from October through the end of April," he said. "Venison is kept by participants or donated to the Food Bank of the Southern Tier - and occasionally donated to a Cornell employee upon request," he said. Maher was in Syracuse Oct. 7 with a performance at Crouse-Hinds Theater at the John H. Mulroy Civic Center. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Maher's satirical take on politics and current events, first on the late night talk show Politically Incorrect (1993 to 2002) and for the last 15 years on HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher, which incorporates panel discussions and interviews with newsmakers along with Maher's signature witticisms and point of view. SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- A record $2 million spent so far in the race for retiring Sen. John DeFrancisco's 50th district seat is making the Senate campaign one of the costliest in the state. Republican Bob Antonacci, Onondaga County's comptroller, and Democrat John Mannion, a West Genesee high school teacher, combined have spent about $949,230. In addition, independent outside groups have spent another $1.1 million on TV ads, mailers and telephone surveys. A statewide teacher's union alone has made Mannion's campaign a top priority, spending more on it that any other state Senate race. Dustin Czarny, an Onondaga County elections commissioner, said there's never been a race for the 50th district Senate seat that's attracted this much money. It's the first time the seat has been open in 26 years. The seat has been in Republican hands for 53 years. The race is a high priority for Democrats who are hoping to wrest control of the Senate, where Republicans are clinging to a one-seat majority. "The stakes are high," Czarny said. "It's the best Senate district in terms of enrollment for Democrats to pick up." The district had 59,991 enrolled Democrats and 59,825 Republicans as of April 1. So far Antonacci has raised $638,350 to Mannion's $408,544. In addition, outside political action committees have pumped $1.1 million into the race, most of that to support Mannion. The New York United Teachers Union political action committee, known as Fighting for Our Future, had independently spent $845,352 as of Sunday to support Mannion, who heads the teachers' union at West Genesee. The PAC is also pumping money into seven other state Senate races. But campaign finance records show the group has spent the most on Mannion's campaign. "This is a high priority race for us," said Andrew Pallotta, union president. "We're pulling out all the stops to make sure we are doing everything we can to get John Mannion elected." Balance New York, a Republican political action committee, has independently spent $228,474 to support Antonacci. The Antonacci-Mannion contest is one of the costliest Senate campaigns in the state, exceeded only by some races on Long Island and in the Hudson Valley, said Gary Ginsburg, of the state Senate Democratic Campaign Committee. The most recent campaign finance reports filed Friday show during October Antonacci raised $270,190, spent $431,266 and had a balance of $96,555 left in his account. During the same period, Mannion raised $79,262, spent $61,159 and had a balance of $62,272. The Antonacci campaign's single biggest infusion of cash in October was $208,000 from the state Senate Republican Campaign Committee. Antonacci's other big donors included: Frank H. Suits of Cortland, CEO of Suit-Kote Corp, $11,000 Housing New York, a New York City real estate PAC, $7,500; Civil Service Employees political action fund, Albany, $5,000; Empire Health, a health insurance PAC, Indianapolis, $2,500; CBD Companies, a real estate company, Syracuse, $2,000; RLB Development LLC, a real estate developer, Cicero, $2,000; Neighborhood Housing Associates LLC, real estate company, New York City, $2,000; Citizens for DeFrancisco, retiring Sen. John DeFrancisco's campaign fund, $1,913.22 Mannion's single biggest contribution of $11,000 came from the campaign fund of Senate Democratic Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins of Yonkers. His other big donors included: WASHINGTON -- Independent political groups have spent $13.4 million trying to influence voters in the election between Rep. Claudia Tenney and Anthony Brindisi, the most spent on any House race in New York, according to federal election records. The spending from groups outside of the 22nd Congressional District also ranks seventh-highest among all 435 House races in the nation, according to an analysis of Federal Election Commission records as of Tuesday, a week before the election. The groups are spending big money on a last-minute ad blitz in the region as Tenney, R-New Hartford, and Brindisi, a Utica Democrat, battle down to the wire in one of the nation's most competitive House races. The political groups, which operate independently of the candidates, have spent more money in only three races in California, one in Washington state, one in Florida and one in Michigan, the records show. In New York, the only House race where political groups have come close to matching the spending is the 19th District, where about $12.8 million has been spent for and against Rep. John Faso, R-Kinderhook and Democrat Antonio Delgado. In the 22nd District, some of the groups are buying their first ads in the race, and others are doubling down on their spending for the final week of the election. The decisions are fueled in part by a Syracuse.com/Spectrum News/Siena College poll last week that showed Tenney and Brindisi in a dead heat. Brindisi, a member of the state Assembly, had a statistically insignificant lead (46-45 percent) over Tenney, a first-term congresswoman, the poll found. Among the political groups making last-minute ad buys is Fair Share Action, a political action committee, or PAC, based in Denver. The group has spent more than $600,000 over the past two weeks on TV ads and digital advertising that will continue until Election Day. Zach Polett, campaign director for Fair Share Action, said the group was attracted to the 22nd District race because polling shows the election remains competitive, and the group doesn't agree with Tenney's positions on the environment. "We looked at a range of races," Polett said. "It seemed to us Brindisi is running a good campaign and he's getting traction." Other PACs and political groups that have started spending on the race in the last two weeks include Local 1199 of the Service Employees International Union. FEC records show the union is spending almost $310,000 on TV, radio, digital and mail advertising in support of Brindisi. The Congressional Leadership Fund, a PAC aligned with Republican House leaders, spent more than $500,000 TV ads over the past two weeks to support Tenney, the records show. All told, Congressional Leadership Fund has spent more than $3.7 million on the 22nd District campaign, more than any other group. A similar PAC aligned with House Democratic leaders, the House Majority PAC, has spent almost $2 million to pay for ads opposing Tenney. The spending by political groups dwarfs the amount raised by the Tenney ($2.9 million) and Brindisi ($3.8 million) campaigns, which have spent about $6 million combined on the election, according to FEC records through Oct. 17. When combined with the outside spending, almost $20 million is being spent by all sides trying to influence voters in an eight-county district that stretches from Lake Ontario to the Southern Tier. The district covers all of Madison, Oneida, Cortland and Chenango counties and part of Oswego, Broome, Herkimer, and Tioga counties. The outside money has flowed into the 22nd Congressional District race in what is likely to become the most expensive mid-term election in the nation's history, according to the Center for Responsive Politics in Washington, a nonprofit that tracks money in politics. More than $4.7 billion had been spent by candidates, political parties and PACs two weeks before the election, the group found, breaking the previous record of $4.2 billion for a midterm election. The Center for Responsive Politics said total spending will likely exceed $5.2 billion by Election Day on Nov. 6, marking a 35 percent increase from two years ago. About $1.1 billion has been spent by outside groups, including $571 million on House races. Contact Mark Weiner: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751 Syracuse, NY -- There's more than a half-million dollars pouring into the race to fill four state Supreme Court judge openings in Central New York. But not all eight candidates -- four Republicans and four Democrats -- are campaigning equally. The judges, who are elected over a six-county area, fill a variety of roles in the local trial courts, from handling slip-and-fall lawsuits to tax disputes to corporate litigation. They can also substitute for any trial judge -- including criminal -- in the court system. Voters in Onondaga, Jefferson, Oneida, Lewis, Herkimer and Oswego counties will decide the winners. There were roughly 211,000 registered Republicans and 193,000 Democrats in the district. The 14-year terms pay $208,000 a year. For the Republicans, incumbents Donald Greenwood and Jim Murphy are seeking re-election. Two others on the GOP party line, Gerry Neri and Karen Brandt, are seeking first terms in office. For the Democrats, Ted Limpert, a current Syracuse City Court judge, and Scott DelConte are running again for the same job they sought in 2016. They are joined on the Democratic party line by Joseph Cote and Christina Cagnina. Voters are allowed to choose any four candidates they wish. The ballot appears to show four separate races, with one candidate from one party squaring off against a candidate from an opposing party. But that is not true: Voters can pick any four candidates, regardless of their party affiliation or what column they appear in. How the race for state Supreme Court appears on the sample ballot released by Onondaga County's board of elections. It's important to note that voters can chose any four candidates, regardless of what column they appear in or what party they are affiliated with. The two incumbents, Greenwood and Murphy, have each raised more than $100,000 in their re-election campaigns. The fundraising of the other candidates varies widely. Neri, a court referee and special counsel for the local court administration, has raised the most money of them all, netting more than $200,000, according to campaign finance disclosures. That includes a $120,000 loan to himself. On the other hand, Cote, a trial lawyer, has not filed documentation of any campaign contributions. Cagnina, also a trial lawyer, has filed paperwork indicating she's raised less than $1,000. The rest of the candidates are somewhere in the middle. Brandt, a town justice and trial lawyer, has raised more than $140,000, including a $107,500 loan to herself, disclosures show. DelConte, a civil attorney, has raised more than $90,000, including a $60,000 loan to himself. Limpert, the Syracuse judge, has raised more than $50,000, including a $10,000 loan to himself. The race was thrust into the headlines earlier this moth after Limpert's brother challenged the validity of the entire Republican nomination process. The lawsuit, based on a technicality of election law, took more than a week to be decided and raised concern that it would delay the mailing of absentee ballots. In the end, absentee ballots were mailed one day late and the lawsuit itself was thrown out on appeal. All eight candidates will appear on the Nov. 6 ballot. In addition to seats occupied by the two incumbents, two other seats became open when Judges Anthony Paris and James McCarthy reached retirement age. The candidates Each of the candidates submitted statements to Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard. Here's a little about each one, with a link to their own words. Donald Greenwood Job: Incumbent judge Party endorsements: Republican (R), Conservative (C), Independence (I) Age: 61 Residence: Jamesville Background: Has served one 14-year term as state Supreme Court justice in Syracuse. A member of the court's commercial division, handling corporate law, business and contract disputes. Also presides over tax disputes. Jim Murphy Job: Incumbent judge Party endorsements: R, C, I Age: 59 Residence: Skaneateles Background: Served one 14-year term on state Supreme Court. Previously was elected to the Onondaga County legislature and worked early in his career as an assistant prosecutor. He is district coordinating judge for town and village courts. Gerry Neri Job: Court referee and special counsel to local court system Party endorsements: R, C, I Age: 60 Residence: Liverpool Background: Former Liverpool police chief, assuming role at age 26. Later went to law school and worked for 17 years as a trial lawyer before becoming a court referee, hearing and adjudicating trials in Family and Supreme courts. As special counsel to the courts, he coordinates training for judges and employees. Karen Brandt Job: Private practice lawyer Party endorsement: R Age: 43 Residence: Phoenix Background: Brandt has been a justice in the town of Schroeppel since 2012. She runs her own law firm in Phoenix, Oswego County, where she was raised. Brandt is a support magistrate for child custody cases in Oswego and Onondaga counties. She also is president of the Oswego County Magistrate's Association. Scott DelConte Job: Private practice lawyer Party endorsements: Democratic (D), C, I Age: 45 Residence: Oswego Background: DelConte, a civil lawyer who practices in state Supreme Court, began his career at Syracuse's Bond, Schoeneck & King, advancing to become a partner and managing one of the firm's offices. He has since started his own civil law firm. He's a past Oswego County Bar Association president and general counsel to the regional United Methodist Church. His family also runs a farm. Ted Limpert Job: Syracuse City Court judge Party endorsement: D Age: 59 Residence: Syracuse Background: Limpert, a 30-year veteran of the Air National Guard, has worked for nine years as a City Court judge. He presides over Human Trafficking Intervention Court and was asked to help launch a new Veterans Court. Before becoming judge, Limpert worked primarily as a civil attorney, appearing in state Supreme Court. Christina Cagnina Job: Private practice lawyer Party endorsement: D Age: 50 Residence: Syracuse Background: A lawyer who focuses on Family Court cases, Cagnina also handles civil and criminal cases in local and federal courts. She has previously worked as a civil rights lawyer and has volunteered with Vera House, in city schools and with the Volunteer Lawyers Program. Joseph Cote Job: Private practice lawyer Party endorsement: D Age: 57 Residence: Syracuse Background: Has worked 30 years as a lawyer, handling cases from Albany to Buffalo. Some of his cases have involved multi-million dollar victories. He's been an adjunct professor at the Syracuse University law school. Venice, Italy (dpa) - Six people died in Italy on Monday after strong winds and heavy rains battered several parts of the country and flooding in the city of Venice brought water levels there to a 10-year high. Venice's St Mark's Square was evacuated as high tides in the lagoon city rose to a peak of 156 centimetres above a zero reference point at the southern entrance of the Grand Canal. More than 70 per cent of the historic center was left under water. The exceptional tide ebbed in the afternoon but forced the temporary suspension of public transport ferries within Venice, local transport company ACTV said on Twitter. The worst flooding in modern times for Venice was a 194-centimetre high tide in November 1966, when floods also devastated much of Florence. Extreme weather has battered several parts of Italy since Sunday, causing severe transportation and power disruptions and fatal accidents across the country. Terracina, a beach town 100 kilometres south-east of Rome, was struck by a tornado and one man was killed as his car was hit by a falling tree, RAI state television said. Earlier RAI reports said two people had died. Trees fell on cars also in the northern Belluno area and in the province of Frosinone, south of Rome, killing a total of three people. A woman died near Savona, in the north-western region of Liguria, following a tornado, and in Naples, a man died after a tree hit him while he was walking in the street, the ANSA news agency said. ANSA also reported that the skipper of a boat that crashed against a pier on Sunday in Calabria during stormy weather was missing, while a man previously unaccounted for in Sardinia was found. Rail and motorway traffic near the Brenner pass, which links Italy to Austria, was temporarily suspended on Sunday and Monday, and parts of the Milan-Bologna motorway were flooded. In the provinces of Belluno and Treviso, in the Veneto region that encompasses Venice, nearly 160,000 households suffered electricity blackouts, regional paper Il Gazzettino reported. Bad weather was expected to continue Tuesday and as precaution, schools were due to stay closed for a second day in several areas, including in Veneto, Liguria and Rome. -- Deutsche Presse-Agentur GmbH Notorious mob boss James "Whitey" Bulger is dead, according to multiple reports. Three people briefed on the situation tell The Boston Globe that the Boston gangster was killed Tuesday at a prison in West Virginia. The sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, say a fellow inmate with Mafia ties is being investigated for his death. Multiple officials confirmed to CNN that Bulger was killed. Additional details have not been disclosed. Bulger's family has not been notified of his death, his brother told the Globe. The suspect has not been identified. NBC reports Bulger, 89, had recently been transferred to the high-security penitentiary USP Hazelton, also known as "Misery Mountain," in Bruceton Mills, W.V. He was previously relocated from a Florida prison to a facility in Oklahoma due to declining health. According to the Associated Press, he was moved to USP Hazelton last week. Bureau of Prisons officials and his attorney did not comment on why he was being moved at the time. Bulger was serving a life sentence after being convicted in 2013 in a string of 11 murders from Massachusetts to Florida to Oklahoma. He was captured in 2011 after more than 15 years on the run as one of the FBI's ten Most Wanted. Bulger was the leader of the Winter Hill Gang, an Irish mob in the Boston area, in the 1970s and the '80s. He was accused of racketeering, extortion, conspiracy, money-laundering, drug dealing and orchestrating or carrying out violent murders. "The testimony of human suffering that you and your associates inflicted on others was at times agonizing to hear and painful to watch," US District Court Judge Denise Casper said in 2013, according to CNN. "At times, I wish we were watching a movie, that what we were hearing was not real. But as the families of victims know all too well, it's not a movie." His life story, including time as an FBI informant, was chronicled in the 2015 movie "Black Mass" starring Johnny Depp as Bulger. "Citizens of the nation, I shall not try to conceal the gravity of the situation that confronts the country." If you were in Syracuse on Sunday night, Oct. 30, 1938, and had your radio tuned to WFBL, you might have heard that chilling announcement made by the "Secretary of the Interior." You were probably expecting to hear "The Mercury Theatre on the Air" radio series, heard over the Columbia Broadcasting System at 8 p.m. Radio and stage actor Orson Welles. The broadcast began as a program of dance music, interrupted by realistic-sounding news bulletins, which described a Martian invasion near Grover's Mill, New Jersey, an attack on New York City with poison gas and then the fall of the United States and the world to the aliens. It was, of course, the famous "War of the Worlds" radio dramatization, directed and narrated by actor and future filmmaker Orson Welles. Some listeners, especially those who had missed any one of the four disclaimers warning the audience that the broadcast was a dramatization of the H.G. Wells novel of the same name, were panicked that were listening to real news about an attack on Earth from outer space. Nationwide, people telephoned their local radio stations, police headquarters and newspaper offices asking if the reports were accurate. In New York City, people fled apartment buildings and ran into the streets, looking into the sky. In Pittsburgh a man stopped his wife from drinking a bottle of poison, while she was yelling, "I would rather die this way than that." In Syracuse, the situation was much the same. "Hysterical Syracusans, apparently deaf to the oft-repeated announcements that they were listening to a dramatization, swamped newspaper offices and radio stations with telephone inquiries during last night's purely imaginary battle between the earth and the men from Mars," the Syracuse Journal reported the next day. Men and women "apparently lost their heads completely," and besieged WFBL's and the Journal's offices with telephone calls. The Journal received 200 that night. "Please, please," one woman begged to a reporter, "tell me that it isn't true - that not all of New Jersey has been destroyed. My family is there." When the reporter said that the caller was listening to a radio dramatization, she replied, while sobbing: "I don't believe it - I can hear the planes now," as she hung up. Then there was this gentleman: "What can I do about that damn radio? I've got three women here. They're all hysterical. I can't get a doctor. I guess I'll go crazy too." The terrifying news even got to Syracuse's law enforcement. Patrolman Martin Kavanaugh was on duty at the Onondaga Hotel lobby, when he was confronted by a woman who raced towards him from an elevator. "Where are the enemy planes?" she demanded. "I just heard about the attack on New York!" When Kavanaugh asked what she was talking about, she shouted: "The radio, the radio! It's telling all about the war." He succeeded in calming her down enough to have her accompany him down to the WFBL studios. But before he knew it, he was put into service answering the ringing phones. The first two calls were from worried officers calling from police headquarters. An illustration of the Martian invasion by Alvim Correa, from the 1906 French edition of H.G. Wells' "War of the Worlds". The panic spread throughout the area. Mrs. Glielmi, from Valley Drive, called her sister on Putnam Street. The radio had just said that the Marines had been called to fight the invaders in New Jersey and her son was aboard the U.S.S. Savannah stationed in Philadelphia harbor. "Would he be hurtled in the path of the terrible onslaught?" A B.J. Rastall, of Westcott Street, made plans to flee to Canada with his family, but he needed gasoline. Leaving his family "clutching Bibles" at home, he raced to a gas station for a fill-up. He so frightened the gas station attendant about what he heard on the radio, that the poor man "fumbled helplessly with the gas tank lid" and dropped Ralstall's change on the ground. (Even in moments of extreme terror, a person must wait for his change.) The frenzied Ralstall returned home with his full tank in time to be told that the danger, and the program, was over. A Howlett Hill man bundled his four children into their warmest clothes, seized his wife by the hand, and began driving north, hoping to go as far as "his gasoline and 1932 model car would take him." He made only one stop, to pick up his mother-in-law, something his coworkers, and not the fact he had been duped by a radio program, would "never forget to twit him about." Many people by the time the program ended realized they had been fooled and could laugh at themselves. Not laughing were some politicians and many newspapers, who used the uproar to discredit radio as a news source. Some called for more regulation of radio by the F.C.C. (A 2013 NPR article said much of what is thought about the panic after the "War of the Worlds" broadcast is a myth. Newspapers wanted to portray to advertisers that radio was irresponsible and could not be trusted. The broadcast itself had a very small audience. A national radio survey that night said only two percent were listening to Orson Welles, most were listening "The Chase and Sanborn Show," starring Edgar Bergen, comedian and ventriloquist, with his puppet Charlie McCarthy. Col. Harry Wilder of WSYR and director for the New York State district of the National Association of Broadcasters issued a statement that said the program had been "reasonably safeguarded" and every precaution had been made to prevent the radio audience from thinking the performance was realistic. Wilder said many of the stories of widespread panic were exaggerated and doubted any regular listener of radio plays would have found "War of the Worlds" to be real, though it was "undoubtedly well done by actors of great ability." As Syracuse calmed down on Halloween day 1938, there was a renewed interest in the original book, published in 1898. None of the city's bookstores had a copy and hasty orders were made to get it into stock. At the Syracuse Public Library, the book was also unavailable. "It was an old book, we lost our copy several years ago and never thought it worthwhile to replace it," the librarian explained. This feature is a part of CNY Nostalgia, a section on syracuse.com. Send your ideas and curiosities to Johnathan Croyle: Email | 315-427-3958. From lazing on sun loungers to relaxing in bed, finding new novels and becoming well-read, from partying all night, with no alarm clocks in sight, to watching movies all day or having laidback coffee dates, cinema trips or arriving at work slightly late, from family days out to lazing about, Summer seemed endless, with so much fun to be had, and now were back here in Cambridge, wondering how the time flew so fast. It seems strange to be reflecting on the flurry of Summer so late into term, with relaxation traded in for endless work, constant stress and dare I say it, sleepless nights. Now, having been thrust into Autumn, it feels as though Summer was a mere cloud of the imagination, an insubstantial, fast-fading fog, ghosting the outskirts of the frosty Cambridge reality. Whether you were returning to Cambridge this term or arriving for the first time, the impact of the busy student life was certain to startle you from your Summer daze and heave you into the go, go, go reality of the University of Cambridge. And yet, Summer, for many, can be as fast-paced as the reading lists or problem sheets, looming deadlines and late-working nights. Take internships and work experience, for example, or rather, at the opposite end of the spectrum, running up and down the country to visit family members, whilst preparing for the return to Cambridge, but having time to making to relax and trying to see friends frequently. But wait- isnt so and so busy this weekend? And I cant make next weekend. But the week after that I promised to do this. Can you do tomorrow instead? No? Too last minute? Let me see where I can fit you in That being said, there is an overwhelming contrast between the rush of Cambridge life and the hubbub of Summer. For me, the Summer holidays were heavily friend and family orientated. Throughout the months spent away from university, I grew to realise the great importance of my support network back home. In first year, I had perhaps taken friendships for granted. Making minimal effort to keep in contact with school friends, I often felt lonely and grew apart from my childhood companions, wondering why the amount of communication was thinning. Having always relied upon my friends and family for their strong support and helpful advice, I often felt overwhelmed trying to tackle the weight of work and my building anxiety. Friendship is a two-way street. Do not hesitate to send that first message. Your friends and family need you as much as you need them. Share your experiences, call your parents, offer guidance to your friends, schedule times to call your siblings, arrange visits to see one another. Maintain your old friendships during your time at university; in fact, maintain your new friendships made at university too. Make sure to keep in contact with university friends over the vacation period. Upon returning to Cambridge, I realized how little time I was prepared to make for both myself and my friends, so over the vacation, I revealed the struggles of first year to my friends. Sharing my worries helped me to grow closer to the group and realise that a lot of the progress I wished to make relied on my own self-motivation to arrange time to meet people, to get involved, to stop turning down group events, and so on. Go out for coffee, work in the library together, cook for one another, walk to lectures together, join societies together, explore the city together. This sense of togetherness is crucial when studying at university to avoid feeling overcome by the immense pressure, isolation and self-doubt. Scheduling time for yourself, however, is as important as making time for friends. There is no shame in going for, as I call it, lonely coffees, strolls around Cambridge, reading on a park bench, treating yourself to lunch, watching films in bed. Amid the whirlwind of work, time to slow down, to stop and relax, is essential. Recharge and re-energize. Slowing down can be as big or as small as you make it, whether you take an entire day to yourself to relax or simply leave yourself a longer amount of time to walk to a supervision or lecture, to avoid the frantic powerwalk and incessant watch-checking. With that, if I havent already said it enough, make more time! Make time for whatever you want! Friends, family, yourself, there is time for all of it. Whenever you find yourself worrying that I dont have the time for that, question can I make time for that?, and you will soon see free slots making themselves available. Make the Cambridge opportunity into the experience you always wanted it to be. There will never be enough time if you dont make the time. So, ask yourself what can I make time for today? Churchill College recently hosted Tony Juniper CBE as part of the Shed a Light series, in a talk entitled What does Nature Do for Britain (Economy, Food Security, Public Health) and how can it do more of it?. The talk took inspiration from his 2015 book on the subject, but also branched out into Tonys personal experience as Executive Director for Advocacy and Campaigns at WWF-UK, as well as the ten years he spent working as an independent sustainability and environment advisor. He called for a broadening of perspectives in environmental problem-solving: an appreciation of the interconnected ways in which nature in Britain affects economy and society, as well as a recognition that sustainability provisions may often aid, rather than hinder, the creation of profit for British business. TCS had the pleasure of speaking with Tony about the way policy affects the environment. Your recent article for The Huffington Post outlined a reading of Brexit as something that could enable Britain to raise [environmental] standards. The tenor of current debate around Brexit is quite doom and gloom, though do you believe that this more optimistic outcome is a genuine possibility under our current government? Well, the key word here is could, and that comes down to how the politics of this play out. There are two broad views of Brexit in play at the moment, depending on which minister you listen to. Either Britain is going to become a global green leader, or Britain is going to adopt low standards in order to be more attractive as a free trade zone. The path, I think, is dependent on what the voters will tolerate. This is why its very important at the moment to be campaigning and to be mobilising public opinion to be calling for the green version of Brexit. Isnt it true, though, that an incredibly powerful rhetorical strand during the Brexit debate was essentially anti-regulation, or anti-red tape? Yes, but that strand was only strong within a minority of the Conservative party. The more mainstream concern of the British public was in regard to who was imposing regulation; I think that the taking back control line was what provoked the response, rather than complaints about all this red tape. Nobody, in the end, voted for polluted air, for rivers with sewage in them, or for less wildlife. That is what we will get, however, should we abandon the EUs regulatory baselines without putting anything into effect to replace them. I think the question will really become about what Britain wants: do we want a free trade zone, or do we want higher standards and a green future for the UK? Can you just briefly outline how we, as the public, go about campaigning towards that end? We have to make it very clear to our politicians that a green version of Brexit is what the British public wants. People need to join in with campaigns and become politically active now, in order to make the most of the present opportunity because further down the line, this argument will hold less weight. Right now, however, there are some really big choices on the table. Will we have a strong Environment Act? Will we change our farming policy? Will our future trading relationships be built on sustainability? Politicians love nothing more than a vacuum of public opinion; it enables them to get away with things. So we need the public to get as engaged as possible, as soon as possible. A point of discussion that arose in your Shed a Light talk just now was the reconciliation of the profit motive with environmental protection. But by the time companies are sufficiently incentivised by environmental damage harming their profits wont that reflect the problem having become, in effect, insurmountable? Well, were already in that ballpark on the climate side of things, anyway. We cant leave this to economic forces alone but what we can do is attempt to invoke an economic narrative. This is not purely about the free market; it also requires regulation from government. And thats what politics is for! Markets can favour a small number of people against a potentially much larger group of people, and regulation has to intervene to correct that potential market failure and safeguard the interests of wider society. We need politicians to be setting standards: to be giving clear regulatory signals and be putting incentives in place, so that the business world behaves in a way conducive also to the public interest. Post-Brexit, is the British government going to be in any position to make those kinds of demands? Well, its going to have to be in that position, because thats its job. Its job is to pursue the interests of the British public. The extent to which it sees the interests of the British public through the lens of unbridled business freedom is down to the voters; we have to demand what we want. A couple of weeks ago the IPCC declared that we have only 12 years to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Is that a realistic target? Were far from where we need to be on the climate trajectory. But this IPCC report is the final call: the moment where we either decide to do this, or we dont. Its a highly challenging discussion, given the rhetoric of President Trump: it will require an emergency response of the kind that doesnt appear to be there at the moment. The science is telling us that weve basically got a decade to get onto a trajectory of halving emissions. We need decarbonisation of the energy sector, of transport, and we need to reverse (not just stop reverse) deforestation. All of this can be done, and in fact there are historical examples of economies like the Western economies during the Second World War turning in a matter of months to combat an immediate or existential threat. Considering what we need to do to combat climate change, the economic reorientation required is actually relatively moderate. So it is possible. But I think the problem here is that climate change is never treated as an issue of genuine urgency. Whereas in actual fact it is as though the fire alarm is going off and everybody is still sitting at their desk. Its scary, because youre dealing with an issue that contains an inherent moral element, but you cannot assume that this moral element will be recognised by those individuals and groups possessed of the immense amounts of power, wealth, and influence required to enact necessary change. One thing Ive learned, though, is the extent to which those people who would argue for no action also invoke a moral dimension within their argument. So President Trump, for example, would speak passionately about the interests of West Virginian coalminers, and the imperative to safeguard their jobs. Moral arguments are powerful on the green side of the argument, but they are not unique to that side of the argument. So how we frame this discussion in terms of the wider implications for people at all levels of society is really quite important. Why it matters: If ever there was a company that could use some good PR, its Amazon. The retail giant doesnt have the best reputation for being ethical, or treating its workers well, or embracing unions, but it has given a lot to charityover $100 million across the last five years, in fact. All thanks to its AmazonSmile program. It was almost exactly five years ago when AmazonSmile debuted. The separate shopping portal, which is available to those in the US, UK, and Germany, lets users purchase most of the items available on the standard Amazon site. The main difference being that Amazon donates 0.5 percent of the price to a charity of the buyers choosing. Customers can pick from over one million charities, from local and national humanitarian organizations to schools, hospitals, cultural organizations, pet shelters, and many more. To celebrate hitting the $100 million milestone, Amazon is increasing its donation rate to 5 percentten times the usual amounton eligible products from now up until November 2. Hundreds of thousands of charities have been able to expand their meaningful work thanks to the donations theyve received through AmazonSmile, and we want to say thank you to customers who are supporting important causes every time they shop, said Jeff Wilke , Amazon CEO Worldwide Consumer. Amazon, of course, has long been known for its allegedly toxic work environment. CEO Jeff Bezos was forced to defend his firm after a damning New York Times piece in 2015, which painted a picture of a company that employs cruel management practices and shows little empathy for staff with health and family problems. A 2016 suicide attempt by an employee reportedly placed on Amazons notorious Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) put the company under the spotlight, while working conditions at its warehouses were said to be causing "mental and physical illness" in some cases. This year has seen Amazon try to improve the publics perception of the firm. Jeff Bezos recently announced a $2 billion fund to build preschools and help homeless families, and the company raised its minimum wage to $15 for all employees. Facepalm: No matter how much you enjoy internet pornography, its never a good idea to visit sites of an adult nature while at work. Just ask the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) employee whose porn viewing habits resulted in a government network becoming infected with malware. An IT security audit at the EROS Center, a satellite imaging facility in South Dakota, revealed some suspicious internet traffic on the computer network, leading to an investigation by the Office of Inspector General (OIG). It was discovered that an unnamed employee had been using a government-issued laptop to visit 9000 pornographic web pages. Many of these were routed through Russian websites and contained malware, which infected the computer and exploited the USGSs network. As if doing some one-handed web browsing at work wasnt bad enough, the individual in question also saved many of the pornographic images to an unauthorized USB device and personal Android cell phone [also infected with malware] that was connected to the laptop. In the report, the Office of Inspector General recommends maintaining a blacklist of web addresses and domains and regularly monitoring employee web usage. It also advises restricting the use of removable media and personally owned mobile devices. Speaking to TechCrunch, a spokesperson for Interiors Inspector General said there was no threat to national security as the EROS center doesnt operate any classified networks. No word on what happened to the employee, though, but theyll probably keep their porn-watching sessions at home from now on. Image credit: Shutterstock / Giulio_Fornasar Why it matters: Security researchers will be allowed to continue telling us about vulnerabilities in consumer software thanks to the Copyright Office extending existing exemptions to Section 1201 of the DMCA. The Office also strengthened the allowances for those in the security field to study industrial and enterprise applications as well as fixed systems that lie outside of the lab. If you were ever to say that the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) is a poorly-worded, intentionally vague law ripe with the potential for abuse, it is not likely that you would find many who would argue with you aside from maybe large record companies and the like. In fact, anyone who tried to make a rebuttal could be shot down merely by pointing to the Section 1201 triennial review process. If the law were correctly written, it would not need reviews every three years to add or extend exemptions to it. The Section 1201 review just concluded on Friday and security researchers are breathing a collective sigh of relief again. Exemptions to the DMCA pertaining to the analysis of software in search of security vulnerabilities have been extended for another three years and expanded slightly. Specifically, the exemptions protect whitehat hackers from being prosecuted for uncovering flaws in copyrighted materials. Such research is so important that it is unbelievable that the security industry even has to go beg the Copyright Office for these exemptions every three years. Its important for many security researchers to have some certainty before they begin a project or release results that someone isnt going to be able to use Section 1201 to stop them from releasing the results of their work, Blake Reid, Associate Clinical Professor at Colorado Law, told Motherboard. Section 1201 also has criminal provisions, and no researcher wants to end up in jail for discovering a vulnerability. The Copyright Office agrees that researchers perform an essential job and should not be at risk of jail time for informing the public of security risks found in software and device firmware. [Researchers] provided an example of a recent computer security conference in which thousands of participants relied on the existing exemption to examine and test electronic voting devicesthe results of which were reported to election officials to improve the security of their voting systems, said the Copyright Office. One change to the exemption this time around is the removal of a device limitation. Previously researchers were only allowed to analyze software on consumer products. Therefore things like the cryptographic hardware used in banking applications, networking equipment, and industrial controls systems were off-limits. Another modification was the removal of the controlled environment limitation. This caveat previously restricted researchers to studying software only within a formal laboratory. This made it virtually impossible to look at the firmware of fixed systems such as internet-enabled HVAC systems. Activists and researchers are glad the exemptions have been extended and expanded, but still feel that greater DMCA reform is needed. The exemptions process allows the US Government to take a small but important step to rebalance the scales towards the timely disclosure of security defects. It's not enough, said DMCA activist Cory Doctorow. The DMCA should be clarified so that there is never any question that telling people the truth about defective products is not a copyright violation. Anything less is short of the mark. But this is the little step the Copyright Office can take, and I'm grateful they took it. NextGen Utility Systems will end its attempts to take over management of Lafayette city utilities if a proposed council resolution opposing such an arrangement succeeds on Nov. 5, a company representative told The Advocate editorial board on Monday. Councilman William Theriots proposed resolution expresses council opposition to any sale, lease or private management agreement for the Lafayette Utilities System at this time. Jeff Baudier, a NextGen director, said he doubts the resolution would legally prohibit the city from proceeding with the 40-year deal the company is proposing, but noted that any future contract would need City-Parish Council approval. If the council effectively votes by a majority to say we dont really want to talk about LUS anymore, we are going to get on our horse and ride to the next town, Baudier said. It just seems like a futile effort at that point. NextGen is proposing to pay a $140 million lump sum and annual payments of about $23 million for control of the citys utilities. The company is also promising 10 percent rate reductions in the first three years. The proposal has stoked controversy since news of NextGens private talks with Mayor-President Joel Robideaux leaked in July. Robideaux said last week he should have engaged in a competitive solicitation process from the outset. Lafayette's mayor admits missteps, wants to 'push reset button' on LUS management proposals Mayor-President Joel Robideaux on Wednesday admitted to some missteps in his handling of proposed changes to the Lafayette Utilities System. Baudier expanded beyond NextGens written proposal to commit to financing all needed capital investments, which would remain city property. If there is a building and we invest in it, and it becomes more valuable, its the citys building, Baudier said. Instead of the city having to issue new bonds, we take responsibility of getting the financing. The company isnt proposing specific investments at this point, beyond those already contained in a five-year capital improvement plan. Future investments could include digital upgrades to sewer lift stations, distributed solar generation and repurposing of the defunct Curtis A. Rodemacher Generation Station, according to the NextGen proposal. NextGen has already spent about $1 million conducting due diligence, including an evaluation based on exclusive access to LUS facilities and information. Competitors Cleco and Entergy have requested the same access that was afforded to NextGen. While Robideaux seems to be moving toward issuing a request for proposals, or RFP, he said he first wants to meet with the other two companies. In addition to Theriots resolution, the council will consider another one from Councilman Kenneth Boudreaux declaring the council will not consider any privatization arrangement without an RFP solicitation. Baudier said NextGen has no qualms with the city moving forward with an RFP, even though the company could be disadvantaged because its assessment and offer are already public. Contrary to the way a normal sealed public bid would work, we are exposed to the world, and we are fine with that in this circumstance, Baudier said. That said, Baudier said NextGens proposal could change, depending on the conditions of any RFP. Cleco CEO Bill Fontenot said in an interview last week that he expects his company would respond to any RFP involving LUS management, regardless of the citys conditions. It could be everything from ownership in the assets to partnering with them on commercial areas, or even operating areas to complement their staff to the benefit of both parties, Fontenot said. Top stories in Acadiana in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Robideaux has said on multiple occasions that talks with Cleco and Entergy died last year because they were interested only in a sale. Asked if Robideauxs characterization is accurate, Fontenot said he wasnt privy to those discussions. An Entergy spokeswoman said the company would not comment. NextGen is owned by Bernhard Capital Partners, a Baton Rouge-based private equity firm founded by Jim Bernhard. Bernhard is the former head of the energy services behemoth Shaw Group, which sold for $3 billion to Chicago Bridge and Iron in 2013. Bernhard, along with former Shaw executive Jeff Jenkins, founded Bernhard Capital Partners shortly after that sale, and set out to cash in on their expertise, and that of many other former Shaw executives, in the complicated energy and industrial services markets. The firm aimed to take advantage of an energy renaissance in North America, according to an analysis of the firm by investment consultant NEPC. The firm has landed around $2 billion in investments from major pension funds and other institutional investors, including the Louisiana State Employees Retirement System and the Teachers Retirement System of Louisiana. Bernhard Capital Partners relies heavily on a proprietary sourcing of acquisition opportunities, according investor presentations and filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. That means the firm doesnt have to go through public auctions or bids for its acquisitions, instead sourcing from extensive existing network and newly created relationships, BCP wrote in an investment pitch to the Teachers Retirement System. Documents show the firm also relies on a deep and broad network of people in industry, capital markets and regulatory circles to target specific companies. NextGen generally would not pursue a public utility if the owner sought bids from the entire world, Baudier said, especially if the firm thinks it would involve a complicated, years-long process. But NextGen is willing to go through whatever competitive process the city wants to have, he said. We are not trying to avoid competition and we are not trying to avoid having a situation where the city goes out and seeks other proposals, Baudier said. NextGen is offering a carrot to the first city to sign onto a deal with the firm, Baudier said, within reasonable geographic parameters: a highly-touted 400-job headquarters of the firm that would serve as the epicenter of the 50-utility play. Those jobs would be IT, tech, accounting, regulatory and legal jobs, Baudier said, along with other headquarters functions. Construction would take 12 to 15 months, according to an economic impact study of the deal. The 400 jobs would drive $381 million in annual economic activity, according to the study by LSU economist James Richardson. Baudier said the company needs to build the headquarters in a city it serves as utilities manager, even if it could theoretically make sense to build the headquarters in Lafayette if the city doesnt agree to a deal. If you can't serve the town of your headquarters, it is really hard to get other customers. Because they're like 'Wait a second. You don't even serve your own town and you want to serve us? I don't think so, Baudier said. The 28-year-old inmate who escaped custody in St. Helena Parish and remained on the run for nine days was captured Monday in Mississippi, where he has since been accused of new crimes, authorities said. St. Helena Chief of Detectives Joe Chaney said Taylor Miller was captured Monday in Pearl, Mississippi, about 115 miles from the Greensburg jail he fled Oct. 20. Burglary suspect escapes St. Helena Parish Jail; remains at large A 28-year-old inmate escaped the jail in St. Helena Parish on Saturday and remains at-large, authorities said. Miller had been incarcerated on multiple burglaries of homes and vehicles in St. Helena, Chaney said. Officials said they found Miller committing new crimes, and booked him on possession of burglarized tools and conspiracy to commit a crime, as well as a long list of misdemeanor traffic violations, like switched tags and no driver's license, according to jail records. Miller was held in the Rankin County Jail as of Tuesday afternoon. He was also held on the counts from St. Helena Sheriff's Office. A Baton Rouge man accused of shooting at his family and a police officer in February, seriously wounding the officer, was found competent to stand trial by a state judge Tuesday. Eugene Thomas Jr., 34, then pleaded not guilty and not guilty by reason of insanity to attempted first-degree murder of a peace officer and four counts of attempted first-degree murder. District Judge Mike Erwin had sent Thomas, who has a long history of mental illness, back to a state psychiatric hospital in August after two doctors who examined him determined he wasnt competent to go forward in his criminal case. +3 Man accused of shooting Baton Rouge police officer sent back to mental hospital A Baton Rouge man with a long history of mental illness was ordered back to a state psychiatric hospital Tuesday, a move that freezes his pros Thomas was returned to East Baton Rouge Parish Prison earlier this month after doctors at the state mental hospital found his competency had been restored. Thomas' attorney, Bruce Unangst, said the restoration of his competency was accomplished through medication. Thomas appeared in Erwin's courtroom Tuesday, and the judge ruled he is now competent to stand trial on the charges against him. A trial date wasnt set, but Erwin will hear any motions filed in the case Jan. 30. Thomas fatally shot a man in 2002 because, he said, the victim was wearing his shorts. He was charged with murder but found not guilty by reason of insanity and ordered to be treated at the state hospital in Jackson. He spent about five years there. Top stories in Baton Rouge in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up +2 What happens after not guilty by reason of insanity plea? Story behind an accused Baton Rouge cop shooter Eugene Thomas Jr. shot and killed a man in 2002, later telling police he pulled the trigger because the victim was wearing his shorts. Thomas Then-state District Judge Tony Marabella terminated Thomas' probation in October 2017, and he was released completely from state supervision for the first time since his 2002 arrest. In February, Thomas allegedly used a stolen handgun to shoot at three family members and a family friend on Thomas H. Delpit Drive. He then drove off and later fired shots at officer Baton Rouge police Officer Shane Totty on Lettsworth Street. +5 Assailant who shot Baton Rouge officer Sunday used a stolen gun, police say The mentally ill man accused of shooting into a marked police unit Sunday, and severely injuring a Baton Rouge police officer, had used a stol Totty was hit in the face by a bullet, shrapnel and glass. The shooting left three bullet holes in the windshield of his police car. Relatives of Thomas have said he was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and depression many years ago. Unangst said Tuesday that Thomas was not sane at the time of the February incident because he wasnt taking his medication. Unangst also said Thomas family is very appreciative of how police handled the difficult situation. A Louisiana law that takes effect in March and will allow felons who have been out of prison for five years to register to vote despite remaining on probation or parole doesn't go far enough to address state laws that "unconstitutionally disenfranchise" its citizens, Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Johnson says. Johnson's written comments came in a dissent Monday as the state high court denied an appeal filed by a group of felons who challenged a 1976 Louisiana law that barred felons on probation or parole from voting. Appeal challenging Louisiana Constitution felon voting rights law taken to state's high court A recent appeals court ruling that upheld the constitutionality of a 1976 Louisiana law barring felons on probation or parole from voting was While that case was on appeal, Gov. John Bel Edwards signed into law on May 31 a measure allowing felons who've been out of prison for five years, but remain on probation or parole, to register to vote. Johnson acknowledged Monday that the recently passed measure provides an exception to voter registration ineligibility for certain probationers and parolees. However, she said, "numerous citizens on probation and parole will continue to be disenfranchised even after the amended law goes into effect" because of the five-year waiting period. "While I am in favor of this attempt to restore voting rights to probationers and parolees, I am of the opinion that the clear language of our constitution already provides the right to vote to all probationers and parolees because they are not incarcerated," she stated. The Louisiana Department of Corrections says some 2,200 offenders have been under the Division of Probation and Parole's supervision for five years or more about 3 percent of the more than 70,000 people on probation or parole for felony crimes. Johnson cast the lone dissent in the appeal filed by a group called Voice of the Experienced, or VOTE. The 1974 Louisiana Constitution prohibits people under an order of imprisonment on a felony conviction from voting. A 1976 state law expanded that to people convicted of felonies and still on probation or parole. +4 Gov. John Bel Edwards signs law restoring felon voting rights after five years Some 2,000 felons in Louisiana will have their voting rights restored in March, after Gov. John Bel Edwards signed into law Thursday a measure State District Judge Tim Kelley, of Baton Rouge, affirmed the law last year, and the state 1st Circuit Court of Appeal let his ruling stand in April. Top stories in Baton Rouge in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Johnson said the state Supreme Courts denial Monday of VOTEs appeal means that these citizens will continue to be excluded from our democratic process. The 1st Circuit, she said, reasoned that a felon on probation or parole is clearly under an order of imprisonment because he is still in a custodial setting and still serving a portion of a criminal sentence. I cannot agree, Johnson wrote. In my view, incarceration must be distinguished from parole and probation, and a criminal sentence does not equate to an order of imprisonment. She noted that the phrase under an order of imprisonment does not appear in Louisianas Code of Criminal Procedure. The state argued in the VOTE case that because probationers and parolees can be sent back to prison if they violate the terms or conditions of their probation or parole, they are under an order of imprisonment. Johnson disagrees with that position. While parolees and probationers are under the threat of imprisonment, they are not under `orders of imprisonment. Parolees and probationers must commit some volitional act or omission to trigger the custodial sentence and a return to physical custody, she said. Johnson went on to say there is no legitimate reason for disenfranchising these citizens. The plaintiffs in the VOTE case include a Vietnam War veteran, construction worker, law school graduate, college graduate, hospice volunteer, two deacons and a minister, she said. Yet these tax-paying citizens have no voice in the political life of their communities and are excluded from our democratic process because they are denied the right to choose their elected officials, the chief justice wrote. This problem is not unique to Louisiana. Six million Americans cannot vote due to a felony conviction. She added that people of color are disproportionately impacted by such voting restrictions. Some 24 states have modified felony disenfranchisement laws and regulations since 1997, Johnson said, which has resulted in roughly 840,000 citizens regaining their right to vote. Oscar Lozada was looking ahead. He was building a new life for himself in Mexico, settling down and finding financial success there until authorities swooped in last month and accused him of murdering his wife in Baton Rouge seven years earlier and fleeing to Venezuela with their daughter. Lozada is now being held in East Baton Rouge Parish Prison following an investigation that spanned the globe and tested the limits of international police work. Local detectives started tracking the suspect when Sylviane Finck Lozada disappeared under suspicious circumstances in 2011. He recently confessed to the murder after being extradited to Louisiana. Investigators have shared few details about Lozada's life since his wife's disappearance and his departure, aside from a basic outline that included a move from Venezuela to Mexico in 2016. Interviews, public records and Mexican media reports paint a more complete picture of what preceded his arrest including a recent marriage and steady work repairing cell phones. Lozada lived with relatives in his Venezuelan hometown after he left the United States, raising his daughter and helping with family expenses. He then moved to Mexico amid worsening political and economic turmoil in Venezuela. New neighbors in Saltillo had no reason to suspect an unsavory past. Acquaintances described him as polite and hard working, if somewhat mysterious. When U.S. and Mexican law enforcement agents arrested Lozada in September, they also took custody of his daughter Angelina, now 12 years old. She has since been reunited with her mother's relatives and has gone to live with an aunt in Belgium, leaving authorities optimistic about the child's future. Life in Mexico Lozada arrived in Saltillo in 2016 a city in northeastern Mexico about 150 miles from the U.S. border that boasts a robust automotive manufacturing industry including a General Motors plant. Saltillos metro area is a little larger than Baton Rouges with a population of 823,000 in 2010. Lozada appears to have spent several months establishing himself there, leaving Angelina with relatives in Venezuela for more than a year before bringing her to join him. By then he had married a local woman in Saltillo. He had also found steady work and appears to have had a lively social life. "Apparently harmless, the man was arrested without his friends and coworkers knowing his true story," the local newspaper Zocalo reported in Spanish. "People close to the murderer stated that he never showed signs of unusual behavior." In the months leading up to his arrest, Lozada had been working at a technology shop repairing cell phones, according to the newspaper. Other employees knew him as 'El Venezolano' or 'The Venezuelan' and said he had a reputation as a talented repairman. His coworkers told local reporters that Lozada didn't say much. They considered him generally kind, though mysterious, and noted that he seemed a hard worker descriptions that are included in an article under the headline: "The good neighbor who turned out to be a murderer." Lozada got married in December 2017, almost seven years after Sylviane's disappearance, according to Mexican civil documents. Three months later he and his new wife were photographed at a downtown karaoke bar on a Thursday evening. Pictures show Lozada singing until late that night, sometimes alone and sometimes with a group of people or a partner. Angelina arrived in Mexico in July and was enrolled in school there, according to the local newspaper. That's when investigators started planning Lozada's capture. They had been tracking his whereabouts since he left the United States but were unable to execute an arrest while he was living in Venezuela because the country doesn't cooperate with U.S. law enforcement investigations. Authorities have said they also didn't act immediately when Lozada moved to Mexico on his own because they wanted to protect Angelina by taking her into custody following her father's arrest, which would have been impossible while she remained in Venezuela. +6 Sheriff's Office: Lozada confesses to 2011 killing of wife, a Brusly teacher Oscar Lozada was back in Louisiana after his extradition from Texas on Friday afternoon and confessed at Louisiana State Police headquarters t East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office detectives remained in direct contact with the suspect throughout most of their investigation establishing a tenuous correspondence focused on his missing wife but he stopped responding around the time he moved to Mexico. Lozada had agreed on two occasions to return to Baton Rouge for questioning but failed both times to board the plane. Authorities said Lozada was a maintenance worker at a plant in the Baton Rouge area and Sylviane had moved to Baton Rouge from her native Belgium to earn her doctorate at LSU before becoming a French and Spanish teacher at Brusly High School. The couple married in 2006 and owned their home off Bluebonnet Boulevard, public records show. Their life together included multiple reports of domestic abuse at least two that ended with Sylviane in the hospital. Authorities said she declined to press charges against her husband out of fear that it would make matters worse. But her friends have said she had been documenting the instances of abuse on her own, with plans to file for divorce. Top stories in Baton Rouge in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up She never got that far. Detectives found Sylvianes blood in the couple's garage. Investigators also noted that Lozada had bought concrete mix and buckets just before leaving the country. Authorities have not recovered Sylviane's remains or the buckets and concrete despite extensive search efforts. Can't see video below? Click here. Family in Venezuela Public records show that Lozada, 43, was born in Merida, a city of 213,000 in northwest Venezuela where most of his relatives still live and where he returned with Angelina in summer 2011. Merida sits along a river at the foot of the Andes mountains and is home to the world's highest and longest cable car route, according to online travel websites. Reviewers describe it as a university town and hub for outdoor adventure activities in Venezuela thanks to the surrounding mountainous landscape. Lozada's mother is a university professor in the neighboring city of Ejido, according to social media accounts under her name. Two of his relatives in Venezuela confirmed that he lived with family when he returned and started working as a cell phone repair technician. Venezuela does not cooperate with U.S. law enforcement agencies, which allowed Lozada to evade capture even as investigators kept tabs on his whereabouts. His brother Ruben Lozada said he wants others to know that Oscar Lozada made a horrible mistake creating tragedy for his entire family but never displayed similar violent tendencies in other aspects of his life. The brother also expressed sympathy for Sylviane's relatives who "have lived a different hell." Oscar Lozada had come to the United States as a young man in pursuit of the "American dream" living first in New York and later making his way to Baton Rouge for a job offer. His brother said he was devoted to his daughter, who experienced a loving and supportive environment in Venezuela even after her life in the United States had been uprooted. Authorities have also said she was going to school and experiencing relative stability in Merida considering the country's political and economic climate, which has caused a humanitarian crisis due to food shortages and rising unemployment rates. Relations between the United States and Venezuela plunged in 2002 when socialist President Hugo Chavez accused American leaders of backing a failed coup attempt against him. That set the stage for escalating tensions that remain strong today. People close to Lozada said he decided to move to Mexico a country that does cooperate with U.S. law enforcement investigations hoping to find better opportunities for himself and Angelina. Ruben Lozada wrote in Spanish that his brother is "a man who gave everything to his daughter, even his own freedom" as he could have continued evading arrest in Venezuela but instead "confronted his mistake." Oscar Lozada is now being held without bail in Parish Prison facing one count of second-degree murder. Prosecutors have not yet officially charged Lozada in the case, possibly because investigators are still hoping to find Sylviane's remains. They have about four months to file charges. 'Finally some closure' Maj. Todd Morris, the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's detective who led the investigation, said Friday that Angelina has moved to Belgium to live with her mom's relatives. He said she has a bright future ahead of her despite all that she's experienced. +5 How was case of slain Brusly teacher solved? Investigator spends 7 years making his own 'breaks' Maj. Todd Morris treated the case like all the others he's investigated during his 28 years with the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office, Ruben Lozada also said he is glad Angelina is safe and sound in Belgium because "she will have a better future there than in Venezuela but everyone here misses her very much." Angelina was first brought to Baton Rouge from Mexico, where she lived with a foster family for about a month. Sylviane's sister and brother also traveled here from Belgium and spent the month visiting with Angelina and seeing her through the custody process before taking her back to Belgium with them a couple weeks ago. Morris said Anglelina's aunt Ghislaine Finck was given custody of her niece. He said Angelina has started school in Belgium and is "settling in fabulously" to her new home. Morris talks to her almost every day on FaceTime for 15 or 20 minutes, staying in close touch after years of working with Angelina's wellbeing in mind. He and his family have planned a trip to Belgium in December. "Just hearing it in her voice and seeing it on her face, you can tell how happy she is to be there with family," Morris said. "We're so very relieved to finally have some closure from that part of the case." Most of the candidates for Secretary of State participated Monday, Oct. 29, 2018 in a forum as part of the LSU "Behind the Ballot" seminars. State Rep. Rick Edmonds, R-Baton Rouge, is on far left. Renee Fontenot Free, D-Baton Rouge, former state Sen. A.G. Crowe, R-Kenner, and state Rep. Julie Stokes, R-Kenner, in on the right. Law enforcement officers secure the scene where multiple people were shot, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, at the Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill neighborhood. (Alexandra Wimley/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette via AP) Im betting that most Americans of good will are heartsick at the past weeks news. First came the rash of bombs sent to high-profile Democrats and CNN, which thankfully did not go off, although its not clear whether that was by design or incompetence. Next came the devastating mass murder inside a Pittsburgh synagogue by an avowed anti-Semite. Im also thinking that most everyone wishes there was something they could do. Heres one suggestion for politicians, as we close in on next weeks midterm elections: Maybe try to get through the next week without invoking any boogeymen, without sending any messages to any unhinged person out there who may be listening that the certain people are enemies of our country and need to be taken out. And how about they start by simply not talking about George Soros. Soros, of course, is the billionaire Democratic donor who was targeted in one of the bombing attempts, and who has become an all-purpose villain in far too much Republican rhetoric. He was allegedly behind the protests against Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaughs nomination, according to farfetched conspiracy theories that found implicit support as high as the U.S. Senate. He is allegedly financing the caravan of desperate refugees slowly making their way through Central America and Mexico toward the U.S. border, the subject of many of President Donald Trumps recent apocalyptic rantings, according to people who manage to find their way onto the Fox Business Network. Sunday, the network disavowed one such guest and said he would not be back. Neither of these theories is remotely true. And this matters in context hes Jewish, a Hungarian Holocaust survivor who is regularly invoked in poorly disguised code about globalists and such, designed to invoke ugly stereotypes as a scare tactic. Heres how Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, described the current reality on Meet the Press Sunday: Political candidates and people in public life now literally repeat the rhetoric of white supremacists, he said. They think its normal and permissible to talk about Jewish conspiracies, manipulating events or Jewish financiers somehow controlling activities. And that is awful. It is awful, and yet its become commonplace, including in Louisiana. +6 Gov. John Bel Edwards tours Israel as people react to synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh JERUSALEM Gov. John Bel Edwards laid a wreath for victims of the Holocaust as the world wrestled with brutal victimization back home. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin featured Soros in a campaign ad. If anyone interferes with Louisiana elections, from Soros to Putin, Ill fight them all and win, he said. Never mind that no American intelligence agency has said that Soros tried to infiltrate American voting systems, which is what theyve all said about Putin. U.S. Rep. Clay Higgins has a video up insisting Americans are threatened, including by those who would destroy America from within. He speaks those words as a picture of Socialist Soros appears on screen. And U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise invoked Soros in an op-ed for Fox News that decried political violence on all sides yet painted it as a distinctly Democratic problem. Scalise, whose own experience as the target of a politically motivated assassination attempt could make him a voice of real moral authority, has taken this issue and run with it as he's tried to keep the House in Republican hands. Hes loudly decried rhetoric from people like former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, former Attorney General Eric Holder and U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters three more bombing targets last week. Words have consequences and as all of these Democratic Party leaders know, they are in positions of great influence, he wrote. Their supporters respond to their leadership. But instead of using this authority to strengthen our democracy, their calls for bullying and harassment have undermined it and have incited violence. Grace Notes: Scalise tweet a study in selective outrage Seriously, Hillary? U.S. Rep. and House Majority Whip Steve Scalise asked the other day on Twitter, as he linked to a clip of former Democra Yet Scalise has a willfully blind spot when it comes to Trumps far more inciting words. Trump, of course, has made a habit of calling for bullying and harassment and even excusing violence. Hes encouraged supporters to take action against protesters, and regularly encourages rally-goers to chant about locking up his political opponents, including Clinton. As recently as Monday, he called the free press the enemy of the people. After Scalises op-ed came out, Trump cheered the actions of a Montana congressman whod pleaded guilty to assaulting a journalist for asking a policy question. Still, Scalise regularly excuses the perpetrator-in-chief and even categorized Trumps comments about the assault on the reporter as a harmless joke. Please. Scalise is right about this, though: Words do have consequences. That goes for everyone with a public platform. And nobody has a bigger one than Trump. U.S. Sen. John Kennedy hasnt yet said that hell be a candidate for governor next fall, but some of his fellow Republicans arent waiting to line up for him or against. First Lane Grigsby, a Baton Rouge businessman and big-time Republican donor, let it be known that hes not impressed with Kennedys brief tenure in Washington. Grigsby told The Advocates Mark Ballard that he thinks Louisianas junior senator, in office less than two years, isnt ready for the Governors Mansion. Louisiana needs leadership, not another politician looking for another lily pad, said Grigsby, who is backing the only announced Republican challenger to Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards, fellow contractor Eddie Rispone. (Kennedy) hasnt done much yet but appear on Fox News. But Grigsby doesnt speak for the all Republicans. One, state Rep. Jay Morris of Monroe, is already backing Kennedy, according to the USA Today Networks Greg Hilburn. A frequent adversary of Edwards, Morris said in an email to constituents that "I think it's important for Sen. Kennedy to know people are ready to help him bring practical, conservative leadership to Louisiana." Hes the first GOP legislator to publicly weigh in on the race, and for good reason: Kennedy isnt expected to formally announce his decision until close to his self-imposed deadline of Dec. 1. Grigsby and Morris are obviously eager to get this thing started, but Kennedy tends to do things on his own schedule. No reason this big decision should be any different. The lush paintings of gods and goddesses, kings and queens, priests and pretenders look right at home on the walls of the New Orleans Museum of Art. Yet it took planning and perseverance to gather these 38 masterpieces from 25 institutions around the world and assemble them at the New Orleans Museum of Art as "The Orleans Collection." An exhibition to celebrate New Orleans tricentennial was already on the books three years ago when Vanessa Schmid joined NOMA as its senior research curator for European art. With Schmids extensive European art background, including years at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the focus for the exhibition fell on the collection of the citys namesake, Philippe II, Duke of Orleans (1689-1723). It was "NOMAs most ambitious undertaking to date," said Susan Taylor, NOMAs Montine McDaniel Freeman Director. "'The Orleans Collection' celebrates not only a collector and a collection, but also a city. Alas, the 772 paintings amassed by the regent to Frances King Louis XV were sold off by his descendants in the 1790s. Auction records left behind gave clues to their whereabouts. But after that, tracking down the paintings would be a challenge. It is a complex process of knowing the basics the paintings he had, then looking at articles and catalogues, said Schmid. It is a lot of sleuthing, really looking at a range of sources. Not all the paintings that were found could be used in the exhibition some institutions, do not lend their art, and others didnt fit the themes that emerged. The exhibition is divided by four guiding themes. First are works that were kept at the Dukes residence, the Palais Royal. Next are works that the Duke showed publicly. A third group highlights the Dukes personal taste as a collector. A final part of the exhibition displays artifacts related to the auction of the collection in London in the 1790s. It wasnt about just getting what we could or where the pieces were from; it was a balance with what the show was trying to represent, said Schmid, who likens the process of finding, securing and shipping the items to a chess game. Schmid traveled extensively for research and to arrange loans throughout the U.S. and Europe. Building a checklist is part of the strategy that includes securing loans (of art) in an early phase, said Schmid. Positive responses early on came from the National Gallery, London, and the National Galleries of Scotland. The show is made up of works from the 16th through the 18th centuries. It secured the rarely lent out Vanessa and Amor, by Alessandro Allori (1535-1607), from the Musee Fabre in Montpellier, France, as well as paintings from the Louvre, another institution that is strict with what it lends to other museums. Another highlight is Rembrandt van Rijn's (1606-1669) The Mill from the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. "The rarity of the works, the range of what people will see and the ensemble tells a unique story that has not been explored in another exhibition," said Schmid about this show that can only be seen in New Orleans it is not traveling anywhere else. (The exhibition runs to Jan. 27, 2019.) Shareholders have criticised Vocus Group chairman Bob Mansfield for having only one woman on the company's board, questioning whether the telecommunications group will have more female representation in future. After a disruptive year for Vocus, the Australian Shareholders' Association has described its recent reshuffle of the senior executive team and board as a "disappointment", despite having no qualms about the chosen directors. Chairman Bob Mansfield said calls for greater female board representation were "a message we hear loud and clear from shareholders". Credit:Nicolas Walker Julie Fahey is the only female director at Vocus, which owns retail brands Dodo and iPrimus. Ms Fahey, who chairs the remuneration committee, also sits on the boards of job listings site Seek and software company IRESS (which both have three women on their boards). "One big disappointment in the new board is that of eight directors only one is female, and given that this was a complete board refresh, we trust that Vocus will add capable women to its directors in the near future," the ASA's advice to shareholders says, noting the company has been through a "rebirth". Mr Glentworth said many councils were approaching these decisions and some were running surveys of ratepayers. However he said councils should use social media to gather data, not simply seeing it as an alternative to traditional media to giving out messages. "I want you to not just broadcast social media and give me an update," he said. "I want you to listen to the social media I want you to listen to what I am saying." Mr Glentworth said using mass data more effectively was an asset local councils should - and could - use more effectively. He said Queensland councils were preparing Australia's first ethical framework for using large amounts of collated data. In the near future, Mr Glentworth said, road travel data could be collectively monitored to check on road wear and tear and retail spending data could observed to see if householders were planning extensions to their houses. "I'm quite happy for you to take data from my car about where I drive and monitor the roads so that I don't have to phone you up and say 'hey, there's a pothole'," he said. "I want you to be more like Netflix. That's what i want from my council. I want you to engage me and be personal about it." Mr Glentworth said companies such as Uber, Airbnb and microbreweries were growing because they met consumer demand despite criticism that they breached conventional planning guidelines. Brisbane City Council, as one example, on Tuesday launched an online scheme where ratepayers could apply for parking permits in one of the 21 controlled parking areas around the city. He described data management was a critical tool for local councils. His company recently won a contract with the LGAQ to assess how collated data could be used in the future. Mr Glentworth acknowledged it could sound a little like George Orwell's Big Brother and said it must be treated sensibly by planners as they try to predict events, other than disaster management. "'Hey Neil. I notice you and your friends on a Thursday night congregate around one of these streets and you cause a bit of trouble with public safety'," he gave as an example. "So you (councils) by looking at social media and predict where these things are going to happen and perhaps putting on events to socially and economically activate areas." Earlier, LGAQ president Mark Jamieson said rebuilding trust was the most important issue for Queensland councils after the ramifications of the Crime and Corruption Commission's Operation Belcarra report. "If there is one word that could describe what the past 12 months has been about in local government - indeed in all levels of government - that word is 'trust'," he said. Cr Jamieson, the Sunshine Coast mayor, noted that the public perception of local government measured by Griffith University's Global Corruption Barometer had improved in the past two years. Local Government Association president Mark Jamieson warns councils need to work heard to regain trust from ratepayers. Credit:Sunshine Coast Council "The challenge however, is to stay there and continually build on this result," he said. It's no secret that Australia is a world leader in air safety. Our flagship carrier, Qantas, has been the world's safest airline for decades. No major carrier has crashed a jet on our shores. But the story can be very different overseas, and navigating the range of smaller local and budget airlines can be daunting especially for those who (like 70 per cent of the population) find flying frightening, despite the fact it is actually a very safe form of travel. Questions have been raised about Lion Air planes technical problems. Credit:AP The Lion Air crash in Indonesia that killed all 189 passengers and crew on Monday has renewed concerns about the safety of air travel around Australia's northern neighbour and other countries with a less than perfect air safety record. The Australian government has even taken the unprecedented step of banning government officials and contractors from travelling with Lion Air or its subsidiaries until an investigation into the cause of the crash is completed. So Opposition Leader Matthew Guy is pledging to return religious education to Victorian schools, should he win the upcoming state election. He also proudly identified as Christian and stated that: A government I lead will always believe that you determine the values by which you raise your children, not the education department. He all but waved a giant crucifix above his head and shouted at the sky. Opposition Leader Matthew Guy announced he would reinstate religious education. Credit:Simon Schluter This policy shows, again, how out of touch the Liberals are with the make-up of Victorian schools and how desperate they are to appeal to one small section of the voting pool. Essentially, theyre trying to run a Queensland campaign in Victoria. If Guy has recently walked around Melbourne, he surely would have seen the different backgrounds of people who live here - indeed, our population is increasing by 130,000 people a year, many of them migrants. Loading Im all for religious freedom and people raising their children with whatever faith they like, either in their own time or in Catholic or other independent, fee-paying schools. Bernie Sanders' praise for Denmark has come back to haunt the Nordic nation. Again. Just two months after trying to explain to a Fox Business anchor that, actually, they do not live in a "socialist hellhole", Danish politicians are now figuring out how to address a report published by the White House Council of Economic Advisers. Denmark's socialist policies have resulted in the same living standards as Venezuela, the White House claimed. The 72-page document, titled The Opportunity Costs of Socialism, places Scandinavia in the same basket as Venezuela and argues that "the experiences of the Nordic countries also support the conclusion that socialism reduces living standards". What's more, "even poor American households have better living standards than the average person living in a Nordic country," the report states. Robert Bowers, who was arrested in the assault on the Pittsburgh synagogue, also pushed online conspiracy theories about the migrant caravan, in addition to anti-Semitic diatribes. Trump and Republican officials have shown no signs of backing off their approach to stoking fears about the caravan in the final days of the election season. Just a few hours after the synagogue killings on Saturday, Trump again referred to the midterms as "the election of the caravan," as he has done at other political rallies recently. "The reason why the caravan has resonated so much on the right is because it is the literal, physical representation of what Republicans don't want to see happening at the border," said Andy Surabian, a former aide to the Trump presidential campaign and White House. "I can't imagine a clearer picture to be painted to illustrate this issue to Trump voters." A member of the audience wears a shirt that reads "Proud to Be A Trump Deplorable" as President Donald Trump speaks at a rally at Southern Illinois Airport in Murphysboro, Illinois. Credit:AP With the kind of dark language usually reserved for true catastrophes like the September 11 attacks, conservative commentators and politicians have led a concerted push to elevate the caravan as an issue. They have called it "an invasion,""a national emergency,""an illegal alien mob,""an attack on America," and a crisis with implications that are "critical to the future of our civilisation." These outcries, which have included unfounded claims about the caravan's origins and wildly fluctuating estimates of its size, are playing out in a clear pattern. They often start with right-wing commentators, conspiracy theorists and activist groups with large followings; their talk then breaks through more broadly on Fox News, Breitbart News and other outlets that are popular with conservative voters; and ultimately Trump tweets or remarks about them, acting as an amplifier and a validator. Apart from concerns of domestic terrorism, any number of threats, foreign and domestic, have been simmering in the weeks leading to the election, like the killing of a Washington Post columnist inside the Saudi Arabian Consulate in Istanbul, though none of them have received as much attention from the president and his allies as the migrant caravan. Even a massacre of fellow Americans lacks the singular power of illegal immigration as a galvanising factor for some fervent Trump supporters. And no immigration issue is as vividly captured as the caravan in images and videos broadcast repeatedly and shared widely on social media, some of them misleading or unproven, that show thousands of Latin Americans making their way toward the United States. The president has shared some of these mislabelled images himself. That imagery has also made the caravan ripe for exploitation by conservatives who have spoken in hyperbolic, sometimes frightening terms. Over the weekend, Breitbart News posted a story about the migrants possibly having "diseases that could pose a threat to public health." Fox & Friends, the president's preferred morning news program, aired an interview Sunday with a man who said through a translator that he was trying to get to the United States so he could ask for a pardon for his attempted murder conviction. Newt Gingrich, the former House speaker and a confidante of Trump's, surmised in an interview with Fox News, "If you were a terrorist and wanted to get in the United States and you saw 10,000 people trying to get into the United States, how unlikely is it that you might decide to join them?" Loading (The size of the caravan has fluctuated over the course of the past two weeks, but it now numbers in the thousands.) Michael Savage, the conservative radio host, estimated the caravan's size at 14,000 on his program last week as he predicted its eventual arrival would spell "the end of America as we know it." Trump believes that focusing on illegal immigration is a winning strategy for him, and his advisers have come to share that view, armed with polling data that show that the issue continues to be a top priority for Republican base voters. They are using the caravan to raise broader fears as well about what they portray as a broken, permissive immigration system that is weakening the country culturally, financially and even physically. Republican officials are aware of the political downside of highlighting the issue, which tends to turn off suburban women and college-educated white voters, but have calculated that using fear of crime and terrorism can neutralise that disadvantage. And they believe that Democrats have overplayed their hands on immigration because of calls by some of their prominent leaders for the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the agency charged with deportations. That is why Trump and many Republican candidates who have followed his lead have been touting their support for ICE, and highlighting MS-13, the brutal transnational gang with roots in El Salvador, as well as the risks of sanctuary cities that limit their cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Of the dozen people interviewed at Trump's rally, almost all of them spoke in considerable detail about their concerns over immigration. Hooten, the Trump supporter at the rally Saturday, blamed Soros, Hillary Clinton and former President Barack Obama for the caravan. "I think they're all involved in this. I feel it's treason," she said. Another person at the rally, Jeff Hutson of Columbus, Kentucky, called the caravan "a smokescreen" no different from a lot of other big news stories he said he thinks are intended to distract Americans. "I think we've had a lot of that going on," he said. "I think a lot of the shootings we've had anything big to draw attention away from something else that's going on." The language and imagery of danger lurking within the caravan started almost immediately after its existence was reported this month. In some cases, as evident from the unproven claim that Middle Easterners were hiding among the migrants, that rhetoric traces a path from right-wing activists online to Trump. The Centre for Immigration Studies, a group the president has cited in the past for its research promoting his immigration policies, was among the first to report October 16 on claims by the president of Guatemala made before the caravan had formed that his country had captured and deported 100 people with ties to the Islamic State group. On October 18, Judicial Watch, a conservative group that spends much of its time on endeavours like lawsuits to retrieve documents from Hillary Clinton's time as secretary of state and investigations of alleged voter fraud, published a piece on the Guatemalan president's statement, warning, "Why should Americans care about this? A caravan of Central American migrants is making its way north." Mitsubishi Corporation Power and Kansai Electric to Start Work on Biomass Power Generation Plant TOKYO, Oct, 30 2018; Mitsubishi Corporation Power Ltd (MCP), a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Corporation (MC), has commenced work required to build a new biomass power generation plant in western Japan. The project is being executed through Aioi Bioenergy Corporation (Aioi Bioenergy), a joint venture established with The Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc (KEPCO) in April 2017. We are pleased to announce that Aioi Bioenergy has reached an agreement with lenders for the procurement of a loan under a non-recourse project finance scheme, and this has enabled Aioi Bioenergy to embark on plant design and procurement of equipment. This project will operate Unit 2 of Aioi Power Station, located in Hyogo Prefecture (capacity: 375 MW), after facilitating conversion from its current use of heavy or crude oil as fuel sources to the use of woody biomass. The Unit has been offline since April 1, 2018, but will fire up once the refurbishing and construction of boilers, fuel conveyer systems and turbines as well as the replacement of relevant plant components and other necessary installations are complete. Operations as a biomass power generation facility are slated to commence on January, 2023 for a 20-year period. The biomass power generation plant will be fueled using natural wood pellets. This will not only contribute to controlling carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions(1) but will also allow the facility to operate as a base load plant. MC collaborates with its affiliated companies to develop and operate renewable power plants around the world, with MCP at the forefront of its renewables business in the Japanese market through initiatives such as in solar and wind energy. This project falls under the umbrella of those initiatives. Consistent with its strategic commitment to simultaneously generating economic, societal and environmental value, MC's aim is to accelerate progress towards making renewable energy surpass 20% of its total attributable power generation by 2030. (1) Although biomass power generation emits CO2 during combustion, the fact that the same trees absorb CO2 while growing up offsets this, resulting in a balance of zero added CO2 emitted into the atmosphere, a state referred to as carbon neutral. Louis C.K. Photo: Roy Rochlin/FilmMagic/Getty Images Louis C.K. is showing no signs of quitting; after spending nearly ten months out of the public eye following multiple accusations of sexual misconduct, which he admitted were true, he performed two surprise sets at the Comedy Cellar and made a recent stop at the West Side Comedy Club, where he joked about his weird year. And last night, C.K. came back to the Cellar though this time, he was met with protesters outside. According to a report in the New York Times, this was the first set in which C.K.s name was openly publicized; previously, he only showed up to perform surprise sets. Women stood at the door of the famed West Village club holding cardboard signs with statements like, When you support Louis C.K., you tell women your laughter is more important than their sexual assaults and loss of their careers. One sign, held by Lana McCrea, said, Does this sign make you uncomfortable, Louie? A protester outside the Comedy Cellar tonight before Louis CK takes the stage for his second billed show of the night. pic.twitter.com/inNwuog1V3 Sopan Deb (@SopanDeb) October 30, 2018 I cant change whether or not Louis C.K. gets the comeback he so desperately craves yet has done nothing to deserve, McCrea, the legal director of SAFER Campus, an organization that fights sexual misconduct and abuse on college campuses, told the Cut. What I can change is whether or not he meets resistance. And I feel its my duty to resist. Its about more than Louis C.K. Its what we deem acceptable in our society, in our community. And what he did is not acceptable. Not by a long shot. The show was Louiss first comeback show to be publicly advertised; previously, he only performed surprise sets in the year following his admission that he had masturbated in front of several women without their consent. There was reportedly a buzz around the club, with some passerby trying to get standby tickets, and discomfort when the protesters tried to get ticket-holders to walk out during C.K.s set. The crowd greeted him warmly. C.K. made varying iterations of the same jokes from his last set, vaguely referencing the #MeToo allegations. So what kind of year have you guys had? he said, starting off the set. They tell you that when you get in trouble you find out who your real friends are. Its black people, it turns out. Theyll stick by you. I need to make jokes because I need an income, he later added. C.K. told the crowd that he lost $35 million in an hour as a result of the scandal. Hard things, you survive them or you dont. I think even hell you can survive. Hell is not that bad. Ive been there. During his last set at the West Side Comedy Club, C.K. opened the show by saying Its been a weird year, adding that he lost $35 million in an hour, and repeatedly said hes been to hell and back. At one point, he reportedly joked about meeting Hitler while in hell. The showgoers gave mostly positive reviews of C.K.s set, which also included lines about how much he likes ice cream and asking audience members if they wonder how many sexual partners their mother has had. Some of the stuff seemed like it was a little raunchy, said Maria Bocanegra, who bought tickets for the show before C.K. was on the bill. But Im like, Well, thats Louis C.K. But at the same time, I was like, Is he doing this because hes trying to make a statement that I dont care? When asked about the protesters, she added, I respect those women for doing that totally. But was I ready to, like, leave a show for that? I dont think so. Comedy Cellar owner Noam Dworman released a statement Tuesday, responding to the backlash: Weve taken a lot of criticism for surprising people with his unannounced performances. Im afraid now we will be criticized for the opposite. This piece has been updated to reflect with new information. Sure, Halloween is massive in America but data has shown that it's also big down under too! Viewing data has revealed that the horror genre sees a lift of 50% in October*. People are srsly getting into scary sh*t!! So board up your windows and don't answer the door because we've got the ultimate creepy list from Netflix for ya. 1. The Haunting of Hill House In the summer of 1992, Hugh and Olivia Crain, along with their children Steven, Shirley, Theodora, Luke and Eleanor, temporarily move into Hill House while they renovate the mansion. Their intent was to sell it at a profit and build their own house, as designed by Olivia. However, unexpected repairs necessitate the lengthening of their stay. At the same time, they begin to experience increasing paranormal phenomena that results in a tragic loss and the family fleeing from the house. 26 years later, the Crain siblings and their estranged father reunite after tragedy strikes again, and they are all forced to confront how their time in Hill House had affected each of them. Actor James Cromwell attends the premiere of Open Road Films' 'The Promise' at TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California on April 12, 2017. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) Actor James Cromwell: Blood in the Streets If Democrats Dont Win Midterms Actor James Cromwell warned that there would be violence in the streets if Democrats dont win the midterm elections, which are set for early November. Cromwell, a longtime character actor, was honored at the Carney Awards and took the time to speak about what he thinks would happen if Republicans maintain control of Congress and the Senate. This is nascent fascism. We always had a turnkey, totalitarian stateall we needed was an excuse, and all the institutions were in place to turn this into pure fascism, Cromwell told the Variety website on Oct. 29. If we dont stop [President Trump] now, then we will have a revolution for real. Then there will be blood in the streets. Its unclear what sort of political expertise Cromwell has that makes his opinions informed. He later added to his statement in his acceptance speech. Were living in very curious times, and something is coming up which is desperately important to this country and to this planet, and that is an election, in which hopefully in some measure we are going to take back our democracy, Cromwell said. We will have a government that represents us and not the donor class. We will cut through the corruption, we wont have to do what comes next, which is either a non-violent revolution or a violent one, because this has got to end. Comments The comments came after Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) told a crowd that he thinks the United States could be nearing a point of genocide. When a place gets so tribal that the two tribes wont have anything to do with each other that jealousy turns into hate, Nelson said. And we saw what happened to the Hutus and the Tutsis in Rwanda, it turned into a genocide. A million people hacked to death within a few months. And we have got to watch whats happening here. The comments also came after a host of Democrat leaders have advocated for violence or aggressive confrontations of Republican officials and their supporters. Other Comments Eric Holder, attorney general under President Barack Obama, told a crowd in October that they should not be civil to Republicans but instead kick them. Hillary Clinton, the former presidential contender, also in October said, You cannot be civil with a political party that wants to destroy what you stand for, what you care about. Thats why I believe, if we are fortunate enough to win back the House and or the Senate, thats when civility can start again, she said. Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) told a crowd in June, If you see anybody from that Cabinet in a restaurant, in a department store, at a gasoline station, you get out and you create a crowd and you push back on them, and you tell them theyre not welcome anymore, anywhere. And Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) told supporters in July to get up in the face of some congresspeople. From NTD.tv Power plant chimney spew clouds of gas and particles into the air. Air pollution standards set by the EPA have become stricter over the years, and now may be impossible to achieve. (PublicDomainPictures/pixabay.com) Air Quality Standards: An Ever-Changing Target Commentary My colleague Steve Milloy, curator of the invaluable common-sense website Junk Science, sent me a link to a press release issued by the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) last week. The CBDs thundering press release cites a study that purports to demonstrate that the University of North Carolina coal plant spews asthma-causing pollution. Knowing that I am going on 35 years as an air quality expert in my day job, Milloy asked for my opinion of the study. The answer, to use the marvelous phrase Milloy coined, is that this is just another example of scare pollution. In their press release, the CBD described emissions from the coal-fired plant at UNCDurham in the typical hysterical terms that environmental groups utilize when they issue a call to action. The UNC emissions are supposedly dangerous and toxic and they far exceed Clean Air Act limits. Perrin de Jong, described as a staff attorney for CBD, warned that continued operation of the coal-fired plant means that students, staff, and faculty can face air pollution at levels that can trigger dangerous asthma attacks, inflame lung diseases, and even kill people. These terrifying conclusions are based on a study conducted for the CBD by Lindsey Meyers, who identifies himself as a consultant who has a masters in geography (2012) from California State UniversityNorthridge. His study was titled Air Dispersion Modeling Analysis for Verifying Compliance of Allowable Emissions with the One-Hour SO2 and NO2 NAAQS: UNC Manning and Cogeneration Power Plants. Before we dive into the study itself, a bit of background is in order. Acronyms first: SO2: Sulfur dioxide, a pollutant primarily associated with acid rain. U.S. emissions of SO2, like emissions of virtually all air pollutants, have dropped enormously over the past 40-plus years. NO2: Nitrogen dioxide, a pollutant associated with respiratory issues. U.S. NO2 emissions also have dropped enormously over the past four decades and industrial sources, like coal-fired power plants, now contribute a relatively small part of national NO2 emissions. NO2 emissions are a fractional part of nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions that have been linked to asthma by some. NAAQS: National Ambient Air Quality Standards. These are, in effect, the Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA) official definition of clean air with respect to the six criteria pollutants: sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone, particulate matter, and lead. The criteria pollutants are the most common and their effectswith the exception of leadare generally treated as chronic rather than acute. Pollutants whose impact may be acute are separately regulated as Hazardous Air Pollutants under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act. Changing Goalposts When establishing a NAAQS for a particular pollutant, the EPA considers the potential effect, with regards to human health and the environment, of particular concentrations of criteria pollutants in the air we breathe. However, NAAQS are moving targets. Historically, when most of the nation has achieved compliance with a particular NAAQS for a particular pollutant, the EPA has simply raised the bar, retroactively claiming the old NAAQS was insufficiently protective of human health and the environment, and thus justifying implementing a new, more stringent NAAQS. This was common practice in both Democrat and Republican administrations. In 2010, the Obama-era EPA implemented the most stringent NAAQS for NO2, SO2, and particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in diameter (PM-2.5) that had ever been contemplated. They were, and are, ridiculous standards, demanding a level of cleanliness that even The Odd Couples Felix Unger would find offensive. There are many good people working for the EPA, and many of them privatelybut never publicly, of coursewould acknowledge that the new NAAQS were designed to fail. It was a subtle but brilliant maneuver designed to kill coal forevermore. Im morally certain it was calculated to be such by President Barack Obama and his environmental director at the time, true believer Lisa Jackson. The locus of the strategy was the point that Meyer stumbled uponor perhaps sought outI dont know which: dispersion modeling. Under EPA rules, if a new project is large enough, it must perform computer dispersion modeling to show that emissions from the proposed project will never, ever violate a NAAQS for any criteria pollutant. Practically any new coal-fired power plant would be large enough to trigger the modeling requirement. By setting the SO2, NO2, and PM-2.5 NAAQS ridiculously low, the EPA ensured that no proposed new coal-fired power plant, no matter how energy efficient or well controlled, could ever get through the modeling exercise. Game. Set. Match. Meyers discovered the flip side of the impossible-to-attain standards: Apply them to an existing source and play the right modeling game and you can condemn virtually any source you want. We can perform the following exercise for any pollutant associated with UNCDurham, but lets use NO2 emissions as an example. The Data The EPA publishes official nationwide emission data every three years as the National Emissions Inventory (NEI). The NEI identifies the sources of all air pollutant emissions and the amounts of air pollutants they emit. The last NEI officially published is dated 2014 (the 2017 data is still being audited). According to the 2014 NEI, total NOx emissions in North Carolina dropped from around 700,000 tons per year in 2002 to just over 300,000 tons per year in 2014. Most of those NOx emissions are associated with mobile sourcescars, trucks, and the likeabout 216,000 tons in 2014. The UNCDurham campus contributed less than 300 tons of NOx emissions in 2014, less than 0.1 percent of the statewide total. If one is genuinely and unbiasedly interested in the big environmental picture, UNCDurham is a very small fish in the pond. The proof in this particular pudding is that Meyers could have run the same modeling exercise practically anywhere within a biscuit-toss of any combustion source in North Carolina and come up with the same result: The source would be in violation of the ludicrous NO2 NAAQS. Ive performed modeling runs with backyard barbeques, wood-fired fireplaces, natural gas-fired generators, and other everyday sources. The result is almost always the sameconcentrations of criteria pollutants that vastly exceed todays NAAQS for one or more criteria pollutants. Given the fact that emission rates of criteria pollutants have been dropping so fast for so long in America, and given the fact that it is almost impossible for a combustion source to pass the sort of modeling exercises Meyers proposes, and given the fact that there is no correlation between increasing asthma rates in the United States and decreasing air pollution rates in the same time period, maybe its time to stop demonizing fossil fuels? Just sayin Richard J. Trzupek is a chemist and environmental consultant as well as an analyst at the Heartland Institute. He is also the author of Regulators Gone Wild: How the EPA Is Ruining American Industry. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. A receptionist at the office of Chinese telecommunications firm Huawei in Wuhan City, China on Oct. 8, 2012. (STR/AFP/Getty Images) Australia Must Assess Security Threats in 5G Network: Spy Chief SYDNEYAustralia must restrict some firms from providing equipment for its 5G mobile communications network because it is such critical infrastructure, the head of the domestic intelligence agency said, helping to explain why Chinas Huawei was banned. Australia expanded its national security rules in August to include telecommunication equipment suppliers, an order that prevented Huawei Technologies Co Ltd from participating in the countrys forthcoming domestic broadband network. Australia said the decision was needed as some companies answer to foreign governments, an assertion that soured bilateral relations between Canberra and China. 5G technology will underpin the communications that Australians rely on every day, from our health systems and the potential applications of remote surgery, to self-driving cars and through to the operation of our power and water supply, Mike Burgess, director-general of the Australian Signals Directorate, said in rare public comments late on Oct. 29. A potential threat anywhere in the network will be a threat to the whole network, he said in a speech that did not mention Huawei or any other firms by name. A spokesman for Huawei did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The company has previously denied it answers to Beijing. Western intelligence agencies have raised concerns for years that Huawei, the worlds largest maker of telecommunications network gear, is beholden to the Chinese government, raising the risk of espionage. The United States in August restricted access for Huawei and compatriot ZTE Corp to its lucrative market for similar reasons. Australia previously banned Huawei from providing equipment for its fiber-optic network and moved to block it from laying submarine cables in the Pacific. Although widely expected, the move added to tensions in bilateral ties as Canberra had previously accused China of meddling in its domestic politics, which soured trade ties. 5G Providers Have Ties to the Chinese Communist Party According to a report by The Epoch Times, Huaweis Founder Ren Zhengfei used to be a part of the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) and still runs this company today. Western intelligence agencies have long been concerned that Huawei is connected with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and that their products were made with spying capabilities. Nokia maybe viewed with the same kind of suspicion when they signed an agreement with China Huaxin for a joint venture. The joint companys website, Nokia Shanghai Bell, displays the Hammer and sickle, the Communist Party symbol. Nokia Shanghai Bell chairman Yuan Xin is the Secretary of the Communist Party Committee of Alcatel-Lucent Shanghai Bell. In China, private companies and government organisations must have Communist Party units according to the new regulation passed in 2015. Professor Clive Hamilton, author of Silent Invasion: Chinas Influence in Australia, had a word of caution about the perception of trust that Huawei has tried to create in Australia. Although it is not a state-owned company, it would be naive in the extreme to believe a company that with government support turned itself into the worlds second-biggest telecommunications equipment maker did not have daily links with Chinas intelligence services. The Epoch Times reporter Alan Cheung contributed to this article Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest tower, and luxury Burj al-Arab Hotel (L) are seen in a general view of Dubai, UAE, on Dec. 9, 2015. (Reuters/Karim Sahib/Pool/File Photo) British Academic Charged With Spying in United Arab Emirates Temporarily Released, Wife Says DUBAI/LONDONA British academic charged with espionage in the United Arab Emirates has been temporarily released until his next hearing on Nov. 21, his wife said Oct. 30. Matthew Hedges, a 31-year-old doctoral student at Durham University, has been held since May 5, when he was arrested at the Dubai airport after a two-week research visit. He was formally charged this month with spying on the Gulf state, where he has been held in solitary confinement. Hedges was released on Oct. 29 and will be subject to constant monitoring until the November hearing, said his wife, Daniela Tejada, adding that they were not notified in advance that he would be released. I of course welcome this development. However, I cannot allow myself to get too excited by this information as Matt is not fully free yet, she said in a written statement. Reuters earlier reported, citing sources, Hedges had been released on bail. The BBC reported Hedges has been released without his passport, told to remain in the UAE until the next hearing, and must wear an ankle monitor. A UAE government spokesperson could not immediately be reached for comment outside working hours. A spokeswoman for Britains foreign office in London said, We are monitoring developments closely and have made the Emirati authorities aware of all our concerns. We continue to do everything we can for Matthew and his family. The UAEs Federal Court of Appeal has postponed hearing his case until Nov. 21 to re-examine the evidence. Spying For a Foreign State The countrys attorney general has said Hedges was charged with spying for a foreign state, without naming it, and jeopardizing the military, economic, and political security of the country. More than 120 academics from around the world have issued a petition urging UAE authorities to release him. According to Durham Universitys website, Hedges is a doctoral student in the School of Government and International Affairs whose research interests include civil-military relations, political economy, and tribalism. Last year, he co-wrote an article in an academic journal on the Muslim Brotherhood and the Gulf Cooperation Council, of which the UAE is a member. The UAE is a tourism and trade hub for the Middle East, but tolerates little public criticism of its ruling families or policies and staunchly opposes the Islamist ideology of the Brotherhood. The UAE invests considerable time and money painting itself as a progressive and tolerant country, but Hedges case shows the face of an autocratic government with a fundamental lack of respect for the rule of law, Human Rights Watch deputy Middle East director, Michael Page, said in a statement. British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt previously raised Hedges case with UAE authorities. Foreign Office officials are supporting Mr. Hedges and his family and have raised the case with the Emiratis at the highest levels, British Prime Minister Theresa May told parliament. The Foreign Secretary has personally raised his case with his Emirati counterparts. State-backed media in the UAE reported in late September that the attorney general had ordered a trial for a foreign national accused of spying, without elaborating on his identity. The English-language newspaper The National said at the time that investigators had determined the man was trying to procure confidential information for a foreign agency, and that he admitted to spying during questioning. In a previous statement, Tejada said her husband had been made to sleep on the floor and allowed to shower only once during his first month in detention. After three months of solitary confinement, she said, he was given a foam mattress. I am extremely worried about Matts mental health and general well-being, she said. By Alexander Cornwell & Elisabeth OLeary California Prop. 12 Could Raise Price of Eggs, Pork, Veal A California ballot measure requiring chickens to be cage free and farmers to provide larger enclosures for other animals is raising concerns about price increases for eggs, pork, and veal. Proposition 12, also named the Farm Animal Confinement Initiative, would mandate a minimum floor space of 43 square feet for one calf and one square foot for an egg-laying hen by 2020. In addition, it will ban cages for egg-laying hens and require each breeding pig and its offspring to have floor space of no less than 24 square feet by 2022. All farmers need to meet these requirements in order to sell their products in the state of California under the initiative. Violations will be considered a misdemeanor and fined up to $1,000. The Humane Society of the United States, a major supporter of the ballot measure, says the initiative reinforces a similar initiative, Proposition 2, which passed a decade ago but didnt provide specific space requirements. However, farmers worry that the impact brought by the new initiative will damage the industry and provide customers fewer choices and higher prices at the market. All Proposition 12 does is allow trial lawyers to file predatory lawsuits against egg farmers, who provide some of the healthiest food on the planet, President of the California Farm Bureau Federation Jamie Johansson said in a statement. Proposition 12 would push egg prices higher in the state that already suffers from the nations highest poverty rate. He also added that he has no doubt farm animals should be treated with care, and California ensured that 10 years ago when Proposition 2 passed. Proposition 2 was a ballot initiative developed by the Humane Society, the same group pushing for Proposition 12. Prop. 2 prohibited the confinement of pregnant pigs, calves raised for veal, and egg-laying hens in a manner that did not allow them to turn around freely, lie down, stand up, and fully extend their limbs, according to the 2008 General Election Voter Guide. Proposition 2 passed in 2008 with an approval rate of 63.5% and was set to go into effect in 2015. In 2010, a new law (AB1437) was passed by California lawmakers that required Prop. 2 to be applied to all eggs, veal and pork sold in California no matter where those products came from. Jayson Lusk, Head of Department of Agricultural Economics at Purdue University, published a study in 2017 showing that California Prop. 2 led to price increases and lower production. After the laws went into effect, egg prices compared to other places increased pretty dramatically, Lusk said in a news release in 2017. He said that fewer eggs were imported into the state after 2015, since those supplies didnt comply with the law. By July of 2016, the number of egg-laying hens and eggs produced in California had dropped by 35 percent and price increased as high as 33 percent per dozen, Lusk said. The average price for a dozen eggs was 22 percent higher from December 2014 to September 2016. The study indicates that prices were about 9 percent higher than they would have been without the new law by fall of 2016. The study also analyzed data from the U.S. Department of Agricultures National Agricultural Statistics Service and found that the number of eggs produced in California fell from 5 billion in 2008 to 2013, to about 4.6 billion in 2014. In 2015 and 2016, California hens produced fewer than 3.5 billion eggs each year. According to the National Association of Egg Farmers (NAEF), due to Prop. 2, the average price of eggs sold in California was 90% more than the rest of the nation. NAEF worries that the new initiative, Prop. 12, could hurt the business even further. An analysis from the Legislative Analysts Office, a California nonpartisan government agency, showed that Prop. 12 would likely cause an increase in prices for eggs, pork, and veal, due to the cost for farmers of changing their animal housing and the shortage of supply resulting from less production. Egg farmer Chris Nichols of Chino Valley Ranchers, who is against Prop. 12, spoke to Fox News about his concern. I would say the people who do suffer in the end are the consumer, Nichols told Fox. Because your price is going up. Candace Owens Announces Blexit, a Move Away From the Democratic Party Update: This article has been corrected to say that Kayne West did not design the clothing line of Blexit, but helped Candace Owens by introducing her to a designer. The original article said that West had designed the clothing line of Owens Blexit, which is factually incorrect. The Epoch Times regrets the error. Further update: A non-proft organization known as Blexit has decided to pursue legal action for infringement of intellectual property. The organization, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has held trademark rights since July 2016. Conservative commentator Candace Owens recently announced a new campaign she called Blexit, which specifically encourages black Americans to leave the Democratic Party. Owens made the announcement and debuted the Blexit movements designs, which features words Blexit and We Free to a cheering crowd in Washington, on Oct. 27. A video of Owens announcement was posted to her Twitter account. Owens, communications director of conservative advocacy group Turning Point USA (TPUSA), had spoken at TPUSAs Black Leadership Summit, a three-day event geared toward young black conservatives ahead of the Nov. 6 midterm elections. Owens also announced the launch of the campaigns website, Blexit.com. The website features testimonies of people from the black community who no longer support the Democratic Party. It also includes links that explore facets of history relating to black Americans, under a section titled Inconvenient Truths. For decades, the black community has been in an emotionally abusive relationship with the Democrat Party, Owens wrote in a column published as an exclusive on Breitbart on the same day. She explains the Blexit movement in her own words. Blexit is a national movement of minorities that have awakened to the truth. It is for those who have taken an objective look at our decades-long allegiance to the left and asked ourselves What do we have to show for it?' she wrote. The Blexit movement is focused on the 2020 elections; Owens said the campaign will target major cities in the United States that she said has been destroyed by Democrats, including Chicago, Philadelphia, and Detroit. The Blexit movement will spend 2019 holding rallies in every major city in America the Democrats have destroyed, Owens said on Oct. 27. At long last, https://t.co/nUoq5DBrzU is launched!!! The official Black Exit from the Democrat Party. NO MORE ENSLAVED MINDS. AMERICA FIRST. Support our movement by visiting https://t.co/nUoq5DBrzU today!!! WE ARE FREE!!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/sIYzRHyPXx Candace Owens (@RealCandaceO) October 27, 2018 Blexit Designs Blexit is a renaissance, and I am blessed to say that this logo, these colors, were created by my dear friend and fellow superhero Kanye West, Owens said at the summit, while holding up a Blexit cap. Blexit T-shirts were handed out to attendees at the summit. Nikki Schwab of the New York Post shared images of the designs on Twitter. Despite Owens remarks at the summit, and while Schwab had written on Twitter that West had designed the Blexit T-Shirts, and several media had originally reported that West had designed the clothing line for the movement, West later wrote on Twitter that he did not design them and have no links to Blexit. I introduced Candace to the person who made the logo and they didnt want their name on it so she used mine. I never wanted any association with Blexit. I have nothing to do with it, West wrote. I introduced Candace to the person who made the logo and they didnt want their name on it so she used mine. I never wanted any association with Blexit. I have nothing to do with it. ye (@kanyewest) October 30, 2018 Owens explained on Twitter: I said on stage that my friend and fellow superhero helped me design the X for BLEXIT I am blessed that Ye introduced me to a designer who despite having totally different political beliefs than me, helped me craft some beautiful letters that I used on the BLEXIT caps. #BLEXIT is about the beautiful stories of so many black people who have awakened themselves to the possibilities of our future, as Americans. The press is trying to use Kanyes name to create drama and further divisiveness which is WRONG. Here is statement of clarity from me: pic.twitter.com/PJSdM2PRFi Candace Owens (@RealCandaceO) October 29, 2018 Americans First and Foremost Blexit is a play on Brexit, the name for Britains movement to leave the European Union. On Oct. 27, Owens said: Blexit is the black exit from the Democratic Party. Its the black exit from permanent victimhood, the black exit from the false idea that we are somehow separate from the rest of America. According to Owens, Blexit is about encouraging black Americans to exit the Democrat plantation. The expression the Democratic plantation has been popularized by conservative political commentators. It draws a parallel between the racism against blacks advocated by the Democratic Party in the past, and the system of government dependency represented by the welfare state advocated by the Democrats of the present. The black community has been victim to the narrative fed to them, according to Owens. Our options are simple. We can accept the lefts narrative that we are not American, that we have more in common with the criminal caravan at the border than we do with our brothers and sisters of this country, she said. We can accept that were victims, that we cant do without government handouts, that were too stupid to get into schools on the basis of our own intellect. Or we can decide that we are long last ready to snatch a piece of this American Dream. Owens said the Blexit logo signifies unity among Americans. Every American who wears this logo realizes that when we all come together, when we refuse to allow the media to divide us, to pit us as men versus women, as black versus white, she said on Oct. 27. When we all come together were the first to understand that the colors of this country are red, white, and blue. In her speech, Owens acknowledged some of the lefts labels on the black community. We can fully recognize that this is, in fact, our country, she said. That while Hillary Clinton viewed us as super predators, CNN views us as token negros who dont read, Donald Trump views us as Americans. Will @cnn smear us all as token negroes? Or will they report accurately that the black conservative movement is here, and its big. We love this president. We love this country. And we are here to claim our piece of the American dream. The Democrat party is over. #MAGA pic.twitter.com/KqzVRZhX6h Candace Owens (@RealCandaceO) October 26, 2018 We are Americans first and foremost and we will work to piece back together our broken communitiesabsent overreaching government structures, absent hand-outs, and alongside our American brothers and sisters, Owens wrote on Breitbart. Record High Trump approval among black voters has risen to a record 40 percent, according to a Rasmussen poll released on Oct. 29. Trump has spent considerable effort to appeal to black voters, asking them to consider how electing Democrats for decades benefited them. Trump promised them jobs, safety, and education. Were fighting every day for African-Americans, for more jobs, for higher wages, for safer communities, for great schools, and we want school choice. We got to have. Were fighting hard. Its going to make a big difference, Trump said at the Oct. 27 rally in Evansville, Indiana. Black unemployment, a powerful talking point, has dropped to historic lows under his administrations America First economic agenda. Violent crime also slightly declined in 2017, after two years of increases. Epoch Times reporter Petr Svab contributed to this report. From NTD.tv Cause of Death for Whitey Bulger Revealed: Reports James Whitey Bulger, the longtime gangster who became an FBI informant and later a most-wanted fugitive, was killed at the Penitentiary Hazelton in Bruceton Mills, West Virginia on Oct. 30, said officials. He lived violently and he apparently died violently, Dick Lehr, who is the author of Whitey: The Life of Americas Most Notorious Mob Boss, told CNN after reports of his death emerged. It marks the full circle of a terrible life, Lehr said of the 89-year-old former mobster. Two Federal Bureau of Prisons employees told the New York Times that Bulger was beaten unrecognizable by other inmates, but further details are not clear. Its also not clear why the inmates beat him to death. Hopefully the seven years he spent in prison, as well as his recent death, brings some closure to the families of his many victims, Brian Kelly, who was a former federal prosecutor who tried Bulger, told CNN. The report said he was found unresponsive at 8:20 a.m. and was pronounced dead by the Preston County medical examiner. No other staff or inmates were harmed, said officials. He was sentenced to life in prison, but as a result of decisions by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, that sentence has been changed to the death penalty, defense attorney J.W. Carney Jr. told CNN. Bulger was sentenced to life in prison for 11 murders. Bulger was organized crime boss of the Winter Hill Gang for a number of years and was second after terrorist Osama bin Laden the FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list for 12 years. A character in the 2006 Martin Scorsese film The Departed was based on Bulger. His story also became the subject of the 2015 Johnny Depp movie Black Mass. When he was captured, Bulger was convicted in 2013 of partaking in 11 murders stretching from Florida to Oklahoma to Massachusetts. Bulger had been moved from a prison in Florida to a transfer facility in Oklahoma City. He was also held in a Tucson, Arizona facility, according to NBC Boston. Bulger embarked upon a life of crime at the age of 14 and had become a prominent figure in Bostons organized crime scene by the late 1970s. From 1975 to 1990, Bulger also served as an FBI informant, tipping off the police to the Patriarca crime family while also building his own crime network, according to Biography.com. He then became a fugitive in 1995. And, from 1975 to 1990, unbeknownst to even his closest associates, Bulger was an FBI informant. Taking advantage of his brother Williams stature in the Massachusetts State Senate and childhood friendships that linked him to members of the police force, Bulger helped bring down the Patriarcas, a New England organized crime family, while simultaneously building a more powerful and arguably more violent crime network of his own, according to the website. A laptop screen shows the word "VPN" written in the search field of the Chinese Baidu website in Beijing on March 30, 2018. Chinese authorities had announced that all unrecognized VPN services would be blocked by March 31, meaning that Chinese and foreign companies must choose from a limited number of state-approved VPNs. (Fred Dufour/AFP/Getty Images) China Steps Up VPN Blocks Ahead of Major Trade, Internet Shows HONG KONGChinese authorities have stepped up efforts to block virtual private networks (VPN), service providers said on Oct. 30 in describing a cat and mouse game with censors ahead of a major trade expo and internet conference. VPNs allow internet users in China, including foreign companies, to access overseas sites that authorities bar through the so-called Great Firewall, such as Facebook Inc and Alphabet Incs Google. In March, a new regulation went into effect mandating that all VPNs sold within China must be government-sanctioned. However, the original announcement was quickly deleted from the official website after many complained about the regulation. Under Chinese leader Xi Jinping, authorities have sought to curb VPN use, with providers suffering periodic lags in connectivity because of government blocks. This time, the Chinese government seemed to have staff on the ground monitoring our response in real time and deploying additional blocks, said Sunday Yokubaitis, the chief executive of Golden Frog, the maker of the VyprVPN service. Authorities started blocking some of its services on Sunday, he told Reuters, although VyprVPNs service has since been restored in China. Our counter measures usually work for a couple of days before the attack profile changes and they block us again, Yokubaitis said. The latest attacks were more aggressive than the steadily increasing blocks the firm had experienced in the second half of the year, he added. The Cyberspace Administration of China did not respond immediately to a faxed request from Reuters to seek comment. Another provider, ExpressVPN, also acknowledged connectivity issues on its services in China on Monday that sparked user complaints. There has long been a cat-and-mouse game with VPNs in China and censors regularly change their blocking techniques, its spokesman told Reuters. Last year, Apple Inc dropped a number of unapproved VPN apps from its app store in China, after Beijing adopted tighter rules. Although fears of a blanket block on services have not materialized, industry experts say VPN connections often face outages around the time of major events in China. Xi will attend a huge trade fair in Shanghai next week, while the eastern town of Wuzhen hosts the annual World Internet Conference. Censors may be testing new technology that blocks VPNs more effectively, said Lokman Tsui, who studies freedom of expression and digital rights at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. It could be just a wave of experiments, he said of the latest service disruptions. The Chinese regime has intensified its control over the internet, as Communist Party leaders look to tighten their grip on a huge and diverse online cultural scene popular with Chinas youth. Everything from video parodies to viral memes and dissident speech has come under Chinas censorship. According to international observers, the Chinese regime has been remarkably successful at allowing its citizens to feel that they are free to use social media to enrich their lives, while simultaneously creating a censorship system that ensures they ultimately remain under the regimes tight grip. Chinese internet companies employ tens of thousands of people to patrol content on the Chinese internet. Some users who have dared to express dissenting views have even been jailed. The Chinese regime claims its censorship is a way to fight online rumors, similar to social medias attempts to censor fake news in the West. In reality, the censorship essentially ensures that no online presence grows enough to pose a threat to the Communist Partys rule and the prevailing propaganda that it has sought to impose forcibly. By Josh Horwitz. The Epoch Times contributed to this report. Aircraft engines at an industrial and technological engine manufacturer in France on May 17, 2018. (Pascal Pavani/AFP/Getty Images) Chinese Spies, Hackers, Insiders Charged for Conspiring to Steal Jet Engine Technology From US, France The Justice Department unsealed an indictment on Oct. 30, alleging that Chinese intelligence officers conspired with hackers and company insiders to break into private companies computer systems with the goal of stealing intellectual property. The Chinese agents were after details about a turbofan engine used in commercial airplanes, the indictment alleges (pdf). Prosecutors charged intelligence officers Zha Rong and Chai Meng as well as other co-conspirators who all worked for the Jiangsu Province Ministry of State Security, a branch of Chinas Ministry of State Security. From at least January 2010 to May 2015, the spies, officers, and their team of hackers focused on stealing the engine technology, which was being developed through a partnership between a French aerospace manufacturer with an office in China and a U.S.-based company, the Justice Department stated in a release. The Chinese state security recruited insiders Gu Gen and Tian Xi, and with their help, the hackers breached the French manufacturer. Tian intentionally infected the company network with malware he obtained from a Chinese State Security officer. Gu served as the companys head of Information Technology and Security in Suzhou, China. He tipped off the conspirators when foreign law enforcement notified the company of the existence of malware on company systems. The conspirators then tried to cover their tracks. The hackers also attacked other companies that manufactured parts for the engine, including aerospace companies based in Arizona, Massachusetts, and Oregon. A Chinese state-owned company was, at the time, working on a comparable engine for jets made in China and elsewhere. The hacker used multiple techniques, including spear phishing, sowing malware into company computer systems, using the victim companies own websites as watering holes to compromise computers of their visitors, and domain hijacking through the compromise of domain registrars. One of the hackers, along with an associate also targeted a San Diego-based technology company for their own criminal ends, the release stated. The concerted effort to steal, rather than simply purchase, commercially available products should offend every company that invests talent, energy, and shareholder money into the development of products, said U.S. Attorney Adam Braverman. This was already the third time since September that the Justice Departments National Security Division brought charges against Chinese spies from the Jiangsu State Security and their accomplices for stealing American intellectual property, said John Demers, assistant attorney general for national security. This is just the beginning, he said. Together with our federal partners, we will redouble our efforts to safeguard Americas ingenuity and investment. Reuters contributed to this report. This undated photos shows one of several new renderings released by Cornell University depicting the future tech campus on Roosevelt Island. (Courtesy of Cornell NYC Tech) Cornell Drops Exchanges With Chinese School Over Academic Freedom Issues BEIJING Cornell University has cut two exchange programs with a top Chinese school over academic freedom concerns, the Ivy League school said, after Chinese students were punished for supporting labor rights in China. The move is a rare step for a U.S. university, many of which are eager to court ties with China due to its huge education market, amid international criticism of tightening Chinese government controls on scholarship. Cornells School of Industrial and Labour Relations (ILR) suspended the small programs with its counterparts at Beijing-based Renmin University after several Chinese student activists were punished for supporting protests at a welding machinery firm in the southern Chinese city of Huizhou. The decision stemmed from concerns that students at the Chinese institution were being penalized for speaking out about labor rights, Provost Michael Kotlikoff said in a statement on Oct. 30. Kotlikoff said Cornell had a history of meaningful exchanges with China and an overarching commitment to academic freedom, adding that the suspension did not affect other Cornell academic programs in China. The suspension of the exchanges was first reported by the Financial Times. Labor activism is viewed as a challenge by the ruling Communist Party, which opposes independent unions and punishes protesters. Under Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Beijing has stepped up censorship, tightened controls on the internet and various aspects of civil society, and reasserted party authority over academia and other institutions. Chinese officials have also campaigned against the spread of Western values at universities and the partys anti-corruption watchdog has sent inspectors to monitor teachers for improper remarks in class. It Crossed Too Many Lines In August, police in riot gear stormed an apartment in Huizhou where activists, including students from many top Chinese schools, were staying while they supported factory workers at Jasic International seeking to form a union. Some of the students were detained and a document was leaked on social media which revealed details of how Renmin University planned to keep vocal students under surveillance on campus. We are a labor school. They are a labor school. This was an academic freedom violation that was related directly to a labor issue, Eli Friedman, the director of international programs at ILR who made the decision with Cornell administrators, told Reuters. It crossed too many lines, as far as I was concerned. Friedman notified Renmin of the suspension in an email on Oct. 20, according to an image he posted on Twitter on Oct. 29. In the email, he said he had seen evidence that the university was taking extreme measures, including widespread surveillance and pressuring students families, to prevent them from speaking out on labor issues. On the other hand, I have seen no evidence of student wrongdoing, he wrote. Renmin did not respond to a request for comment. The road for China will inevitably get wider and wider, while the path for the few forces who reject cooperation with us will only get more and more narrow, it said. The school exchanges, which began in 2014, typically included about 10 U.S. undergraduate students studying at Renmin in the summer, followed by a handful of Chinese students studying at Cornell for the longer fall semester. Several Chinese students are still at Cornell, and the U.S. university has pledged to support them as they finish their studies as planned. Friedman said he would like the exchanges to resume when there is evidence that academic freedom has improved. With the acceleration of the U.S. trade war with China, coercive technology transfer, intellectual property protection, and academic espionage and theft have all emerged as part of the battlefront. On Sept. 13, Rep. Francis Rooney (R-Fla.) introduced the Stop Higher Education Espionage and Theft Act of 2018 to stop foreign intelligence services from using college exchange programs to steal technology, recruit agents and spread propaganda. By Michael Martina. The Epoch Times contributed to this report. Georgia Man Puts Baby on Top of Stolen Gun During Traffic Stop, Police Say Police in Georgia said a man pulled over in a traffic stop placed a 3-month-old baby on the floor of the caron top of a stolen handgun. Detavis Madison, 24, was allegedly driving with his infant daughter in his lap down Scenic Highway on Oct. 29 when Snellville Police officers pulled him over, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Madison allegedly told officers there wasnt anyone else inside the vehicle, but when they looked inside they found his daughter sitting on the cars floorboards, Channel 2 Action News reported. He then told them he was about to change the infants diaper. When officers lifted the baby up, they said underneath her they found a stolen .40 caliber Glock model 22. A search of the car revealed an extended magazine capable of holding 30 rounds. Hes got an extended mag right here in between the seats. This would have been real bad, real quick, an officer said in bodycam video. Thats what youre concerned about? Youre not concerned about your daughter? an officer can be heard asking Madison, according to the report. Im concerned about my daughter, Madison responded. When officers continued their search, they allegedly found marijuana and at least 500 ecstasy pills in the shape of Lego characters, the news station reported. This is obviously a dangerous situation for that baby on many fronts, Snellville police Lt. John Tainter told Channel 2. We are just glad it turned out for the best. The baby was handed over to her mother after Madison was taken to jail. The Conyers man remains under arrest. Madison faces 10 charges, including felony theft, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, felony drug charges and transporting a child in a passenger vehicle, according to Gwinnett County Jail records, as reported by the station. Haunted: Halloween Short Film Shines Light on Real Monsters Inspired by true events, film makes persecution in China real to audiences in the West NEW YORKBased on a true story, Haunted Real Evil Does Exist offers a glimpse into the life of a prisoner of conscience inside Chinas secretive detention system. It also shines a spotlight on the grisly origin of some items commonly seen on shelves for holidays, such as Halloween. The film is inspired by the true story of the woman in Oregon who found a S.O.S. letter hidden inside a Halloween graveyard set she bought at discount store Kmart. The letter was from a Falun Gong prisoner of conscience being held in a Chinese forced labor camp. Falun Gong is an ancient Chinese meditation practice that the Chinese communist regime has targeted for eradication. The woman gave the letter to a human rights organization to publicize, quickly making international headlines. Books (one published, another on the way) and a documentary film have been producedyet this is only one of many untold stories of torture and imprisonment still happening today. Masha Lee Savitz, writer of Haunted, said she read an article about a note found in a Halloween decoration years ago. Stuck in her mind, she thought it was so ironic to be found in a Halloween item, when the real horror, and real scary thing, was happening in China, and it was real. Savitz wanted to illustrate and bring the story to life in a way that would be interesting to explain the persecution of Falun Gong, and its connection to the Western world. Director Felipe Santiago also mentioned the importance of helping people make that connection. The main message is to raise awareness, said Santiago. That while we consume a lot of products made in China here in the West without asking any questions, there are people who are being enslaved in China to produce them. Another message Santiago wanted to convey is how communism in China still uses methods of persecution and torture to suppress other ideologies. They still have this very capitalist way of making money with this oppression, he said. So its like a contradiction, a big contradiction we have nowadays between lets say the two worlds. People in China are being enslavedwe have this persecution; here we advocate freedom, but we are buying those products and we are supporting this persecution because we dont care where it comes from. Santiago said the salesman, and other characters in the store, represent a part that he sees in himself and others. Expressing an internal conflict portrayed as a shop owner that knows whats wrong and looks the other way, because we have to make money. Sometimes we know were making the wrong choice, said Santiago. But since we want to have a better life, we do whats wrong or we pretend to have nothing to do with it. So I mean maybe he knew that the products were made in China, because hes Chinese So he knew how the system works and people are enslaved, but still he wants to have this store and sell products, made in labor camps because he can make money. The mother represents the mature part that knows the world, and how life works. However, she is too busy to really look into the problems, and how these problems manifest in everyday life. Sometimes you just look the other way because were too busy, said Santiago. According to Santiago, the little girl represents innocence and purity of the human spirit. Another message is how this ideology affects children, said Santiago. You know children are very subjective, and sensitive to the messages that we give them and, once they form a notion in their minds, they become adults and follow that kind of thinking. Santiago said the film also represents this side of human naturehow children start out very pure, but gradually, they are polluted with notions and counter-culture, causing them to grow into negative adults. While people are buying these fake monsters, we wanted to show the real monsters in China, said Santiago. Indonesian Plane Hit Ocean at Hundreds of Miles per Hour According to tracking data, an Indonesia airliner carrying 189 people crashed into the ocean at about 350 miles per hour. Everyone aboard is feared dead. Data from the flight posted on FlightRadar24 shows Lion Air Flight JT610 going into a dive and accelerating at a rate of more than 30,000 feet per minute, or approximately 350 miles per hour (560 kilometers per hour), as it plunged towards the Pacific Ocean. The plane dropped from 4850 feet of altitude to impact the ocean within 21 seconds. John Cox, president of the consulting company Safety Operating Systems, told Bloomberg News that airliners generally descended at 1,500 to 2,000 feet per minute. The speed recorded by FlightRadar, 30,976 feet per minute, was the normal cruising pace for the plane on a short trip. But on descent, it was equivalent to the pilots gunning the engines as the plane roared downward. This thing really comes unglued, Cox told Bloomberg. The numbers are barely believable. According to the graph, the crew seemingly succeeded in lowering the rate of descent briefly about seven seconds into the fatal dive, but three seconds later the plane was falling at an ever-accelerating rate. Such behavior would be unusual for modern, computer-piloted aircraft, Bloomberg News reported. Many control systems, and many back-ups, would need to fail simultaneously for the plane to behave in that fashion. One possible inference would be a multi-function failure, possibly linked to electronics system. The plane was a nearly new Boeing Co. 737 Max jet, so it is unlikely that a part failed from fatigue. This is the first accident involving a 737 Max. Possible Warning Yusuf Latif, a spokesman for Indonesias search and rescue agency, said the Lion Air flight lost contact 13 minutes after takeoff. Latif said the crew of a tugboat in Jakarta harbor had seen the plane falling. It has been confirmed that it has crashed, Latif said by text message. Flight JT610 took off from Jakarta around 6.20 a.m. and was due to have landed in the capital of the Bangka-Belitung tin mining region at 7:20 local time a.m., the FlightRadar 24 website showed. Bloomberg reported that one of Flight JT610s pilots had requested permission to return to the Jakarta airport shortly after takeoff, so it is possible that the crew could see that some systems were malfunctioning. Steve Wallace, former head of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administrations accident investigations division, told Bloomberg he was mystified by the planes behavior. The data didnt match any accident he had seen, and he could not imagine exactly what had gone wrong to bring down the airliner. I have no most likely scenario in my head for this accident, Wallace said. The flight and voice recorders will be absolutely essential. The planes black boxes have not been found at the time of reporting, although Indonesian officials have said that they dont expect it to take long to find then in the shallow 25-30 meter (80-100 feet) waters into which the plane crashed. The two boxes, one housing a sound recording from the cockpit and the other logging thousands of data parameters, will give crash investigators a much better picture of what happened to the almost-new jet. From NTD.tv Watch Next: Communists Detail Plans to Subvert U.S. Democratic Party The Communist Party USA explained plans on May 23 to subvert the Democratic Party, alongside socialist and communist organizations. Nancy Githoitho selects a number of prosthetics that have been knitted by women cancer survivors in Umoja 2 Estate, Nairobi, Kenya, as two volunteers helping with painting her late mother's kiosk look on on Oct. 23, 2018. (Dominic Kirui/Special to The Epoch Times) Kenyan Women Knit Their Way Back to Dignity After Losing Breasts to Cancer KARIOBANGI, KenyaOn a rainy afternoon in the Kariobangi slums near the Kenyan capital of Nairobi, Caroline Achieng tries to keep herself warm in her house made of iron sheets. The 40-year-old mother of six has breast cancer and says that the chemotherapy she is undergoing has made her weak and prone to cold. She used to sell fish in the slums but cant do it anymore. Achieng says her mother helps support her, but besides that, she has had very little family support since her husband died nine years ago. As she was her late husbands second wife, her brother-in-law refused to recognize her entitlement to inheritance, and she was thrown out of their rural home in Siaya County. My in-laws hate me and wont assist me. One of them recently called me to say that I should not be lied to that cancer can be healed; they dont have money to waste on my treatment but only to cater for my funeral expenses, she said. I only find refuge in my friends and children, who encourage me that one day I will be OK. For many women living with breast cancer in Kenya, this is a silent fight, as they often face the worst forms of stigma. For this reason, Nancy Githoitho started the nonprofit Limau Cancer Connection, which brings together more than 3,000 cancer survivors to share words of encouragement and pool resources to help them access treatment. Limau is a Swahili word for lemon; the women take the popular saying when life gives you lemons, make lemonade as their inspiration. Fighting Stigma Githoitho lost her mother last year to breast cancer. Before she died, she used to sell plastic items at a small kiosk in Nairobis Umoja Phase 2 estate. When she was diagnosed with cancer, she lost customers, as people didnt want to be associated with her, thinking they might also contract the disease. Today, Githoitho uses the kiosk as a meeting point for people living with cancer. They come together to knit prostheses for breast cancer survivors who have undergone a mastectomy. The women give out the prostheses for free to survivors to encourage them to press on in their fight against cancer, as well as to raise awareness among members of the community more broadly. Compared to commercial silicon prostheses, the ones that the women are knitting are more comfortable, the women say. The commercial prostheses are uncomfortable, especially in warm and hot weather because its slippery, heavy, and can burst, causing the gel to pour onto the wound on the removed breast, Githoitho said. At first, Githoitho says, she had the kiosk painted pink, but then she realized that not all cancer awareness campaigns are represented by that color. Now, she is being assisted by two volunteers to repaint the kiosk in different colors representing different types of cancer. The volunteers, Edwin Ngera and Stephen Orato, also lost their mother to breast cancer last year, and say that after her passing, their house was empty. Since we know what it feels like to lose a loved one to cancer, we decided to use our talent in art to bring a smile to the faces of those who have lost their loved ones by painting their houses with their favorite colors, shapes, or images, Orato said. If you are poor, cancer is a death sentence, and if you are rich, it is a gateway to poverty. Growing Problem Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer among women in Kenya, with 50 percent being among women under 50 years of age, according to a report by global biotech company Roche. The report states that approximately 4,500 patients are diagnosed with the disease and 2,000 patients lose their lives to it annually. Dr. Ronald Wasike, a breast cancer oncologist at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi, agrees that breast cancer is the most common cancer in Kenya. To change this, Wasike recommends that public health education should be a priority. People need to be made aware because if you tell people to go for screening, they cant, unless they are aware of why they should. This should be done in all public places, including churches, schools, hospitals, and many other places, Wasike said. Many legislators in Kenya, among them nominated senator Dr. Isaac Mwaura, who sits on the Kenyan Senate Assembly, say that cancer should be declared a national disaster. I just came from having a conversation with a fellow member of parliament who has had cancer and has gone public about it. The doctor who treats him says that he has treated 63 members of parliament, but people dont want to talk about it, Mwaura said. We need the government of Kenya to treat cancer as a national disaster. Support and Hope Millicent Kagonga is doing her best to support women with breast cancer. She is also a survivor of cervical cancer and says that cancer brought on the worst period in her life. When I was diagnosed with cancer, no one at home wanted to associate with me. By then, I was living here in Nairobi with my husband, and things went south when I couldnt perform my matrimonial duties. He left me and got another woman, Kagonga said. She later took refuge in a church after she was thrown out of her mothers matrimonial home, since her mothers husband was not her biological father. At the church, she was still unable to find acceptance. Because of the cancer, I would have a pungent smell, and based on this, the pastor at our church here in Nairobi threw me out, adding that they didnt need members who were dying, Kagonga said between sobs. From her experience, Kagonga has learned how to be strong and stand up to the stigma. Now she helps the women in her neighborhood and in the Limau Cancer Connection be the same. The women at the Limau Cancer Connection are currently raising money and planning to visit 40 out of the 47 counties in Kenya from Nov. 10 to Dec. 20. They will teach women how to knit prosthetic breasts and donate the ones they have already made to cancer survivors. Lake Honghu Revolutionary Opera Far From the Truth By Li Yuanhua An adaptation of the red opera The Red Guards on Lake Honghu from Maos China is scheduled to perform in both Sydney and Melbourne in early November. After the red opera Red Detachment of Women was performed in Melbourne last year, the upcoming Lake Honghu marks yet another attempt by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to extend its propaganda and control Chinese culture, even in Australia. But the adapted Lake Honghu opera that sings praise for the bloody history of the CCPs rule is now facing resistance from some Chinese diaspora living in Australia. Long-time Australian citizen Li Yuanhua, who was an associate professor in history education at Beijings Capital Normal University, opined in the Chinese-language Epoch Times that the events that unfolded at Lake Honghu were a bloody massacre of the Chinese people at the hands of the CCP rather than the party being the saviour, as depicted in the opera. The following is Lis commentary on the events of the 1930s in Honghu Region, and his view on how the CCP uses art such as the Lake Honghu opera to deliberately distort and falsify Chinese history. What Was The Red Guards on Lake Honghu in History? The story described in the opera took place in the 1930s in the region centered around Lake Honghu, bordering Hunan and Hubei provinces. That region was controlled by the communists who were in the midst of internal purges initiated by the top communist leader in the region at that time, Xia Xi. In 1928, Xia Xi studied at the Moscow Sun Yat-Sen University in Russia. In 1931, he was appointed as the party secretary of the region around Lake Honghu. Between 1932 to 1934, Xia Xi carried out four counter-revolutionary purges. Xia Xi lead the Red Guards in spreading hatred and lies towards the various they targeted. They took over land and set houses on fire, extorted money and forced confessions using torture, beat up and shot dead landlords and the wealthy, and raped the daughters and wives of their victims. They shouted that they would spread the Red Terror and kill off all the wealthy landlords, evil gentry, and counter-revolutionaries. Wherever the Red Guards went, they left blood and corpses behind. But the young communist zealots also became victims of the partys murderous nature themselves. In a CCP document titled Xia Xi buried the Red Guards on Lake Honghu in his counter-revolutionary purge, the party itself revealed the shocking, brutal, and bloody tragedy that unfolded. Many Red Guards died during the internal purges and infighting, with deaths greatly outnumbering the number that perished in fights against the Guomindang government. For example, leading figures in the Red Army; including captain of Lake Honghus Red Guards Peng Guocai, whose role is similar to that of the fictitious Captain Liu Chuang in The Red Guards on Lake Honghu, the third Red Armys former secretary Wan Tao, the third Red Armys political department director Liu Zhixun, and the regions inspector Pan Jiachen, were all killed in the brutal infighting within the Lake Honghu purges. Duan Dechang, the captain of the sixth Red Army who was of high enough rank to recommend prominent Chinese Communist military leader Peng Dehuai as one of the Ten Marshals of the Peoples Republic of China, was arrested in the internal purge. Not only was he beaten continuously, his executioner deliberately used a blunt knife when cutting off his head to prolong his suffering. The ninth Red Armys chief of staff Wang Bingnan suffered a similarly traumatic end. With his legs already broken, Wang was hung up and the red guards encouraged to hack him to death. After he was killed, his son was murdered too. These brutal internal purges of the CCP were akin to the Great Purge by the Soviet Union during 1936-1938. When the CCP withdrew from the region, half of those who were arrested during the campaign against counter-revolutionaries were shot, while the other half were forced into sacks, tied to large rocks, and thrown into Lake Honghu. They drowned alive. It is said that local fishermen refused to fish in the lake for a long time after the purges, for what they caught were mainly dead bodies. Even the water of the vast lake changed color. After the purges and battles with the Guomindang, public records show that the once 30,000-strong third Red Army had only 3,000 soldiers remaining. Those who were left didnt dare become officersan unusual phenomenon. These soldiers were afraid of being purged as they had witnessed with their higher-ranking officers. When considering the wider historical background of the time, China was facing a national crisis. Firstly, the Japanese invaded China in 1931, occupying three provinces in the east. However, the CCP in the north-east betrayed their country as it did not fully engage in the efforts to defend China against Japanese invasion. In fact, any efforts by the CCP to hold back the Japanese army were to fulfil the motto protect the Soviet Union. At the time, the CCP was supported and directed by the Communist Internationalthe Third International established by Vladimir Lenin. By 1932, Japan had established the puppet state of Manchukuo. Secondly, during the early 1930s, ignoring the fact that the Guomindang was the legitimate government of the Republic of China, the CCP effectively established a country within a countrythe Chinese Soviet Republic. It engaged in armed separatism, intent to overthrow the Republic of China through uprisings and violent revolution. The region around Lake Honghuthe Honghu Soviet areawas one of the CCPs three main Soviet areas. In reality, the CCP was actually taking advantage of Chinas Japan crisis to expand its own power while doing enough that it appeared to be assisting the Guomindang fight the Japanese. It used every other opportunity to sow the seeds of communism anywhere it could. History tells us that the CCP often used the label of traitor or counter-revolutionary to kill off the groups of people it was not satisfied with. As such, the CCPs scripting of The Red Guards on Lake Honghu opera that focused on its militarily resistance to the Guomindang does not capture the main historical issue at that timethe main issue then was the CCPs brutal massacre that turned Lake Honghu red. This issue is covered up by the CCP. If one wants to accurately depict the Red Guards of Lake Honghu, the key issue to address would be that tens of thousands of people were slaughtered by the Communists. The Red Guards on Lake Honghu Is a Red Classic One of the main cast members of The Red Guards on Lake Honghu described the opera to SBS radio as a red classic. This term exposes the true nature of the opera. The characteristics such red classics have in common is that they all promote communism and violent revolutionthey are products used to brainwash. The Red Guards on Lake Honghu was first produced in 1958, and in 1959, it made its debut in Beijing where it was presented as a tribute on the CCPs 10th anniversary of its rule. In 1961, it was adapted into a movie, and before the Cultural Revolution broke out, it had been performed over 100 times in China. During the Cultural Revolution, it was prohibited for a time, after which it was performed again in 1976, 1989 and 1998. Judging from the times over the past few years where this opera has been performed in Beijing, this opera seems still to be considered one of the signature works that extol the accomplishments of the CCP. For example: In 2012, it was one of the 18 tributes to the CCP In 2014, it was performed to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the CCPs founding On Oct. 1 2018, it was performed in Beijing, again to commemorate the anniversary when the CCP usurped power This year, The Red Guards on Lake Honghu has come to perform in Australia to commemorate its 60th anniversary. Various CCP bodies are describing the operas performance in Australia as a global tour, despite it only performing in the one country. Repackaged Overseas to Deceive Chinese The original name of the opera was The Red Guards on Lake Honghu. Yet in the adaptation to be performed in Australia, the term Red Guards has been omitted from all English marketing campaign. This measure is taken to deceive Western society. In Western society, the term Red Guards is still perceived in a negative light, which is why the organizer doesnt dare openly use it. But what is even more abominable is that this is something clearly about a violent communist regime, about the Communist Partys history of killing, arson, and robbing. Yet now, it is being promoted on the Opera House website as a story about freedom and hope. Another selling point promoted by the CCP is that the famous Australian conductor Vanessa Scammell will be a guest conductor in the opera. Vanessa had conducted for many famous operas before, and this time she would be conducting together with the conductor from Hubei Orchestra on the same stage. I dont think she really knows what content is in the opera lyrics. The CCP is using the method of selling exports back to the locals to deceive audiences back in mainland China. Because the Sydney Opera House is Australias cultural icon, the CCP will make use of this opportunity to promote its The Red Guards on Lake Honghu opera back home to the local Chinese, saying that it has been welcomed in the West and recognized by international society since it is being performed at the worlds top arts venue and stage, in collaboration with the most famous conductor in Australia. Appropriating Folk Songs, Modifying Lyrics for Propaganda Material The CCP has long emphasized the importance of the two barrelsthe barrel of guns and the barrel of the pen. Here, the barrel of the pen refer to editing history, spreading lies, and brainwashing. All the cultural works produced by the CCP must serve it in the political sense, especially such a work like The Red Guards on Lake Honghu, which the CCP is strongly promoting. Such a work is definitely in line with the themes of political struggle, violence, and hatred of the time. The opera The Red Guards on Lake Honghu contains many beautiful melodies. However, these melodies actually all originate from Chinese folk songs. The CCP just modified the lyrics so that they sing the partys praises and achievements. Many melodies come from the Tianmen, Mianyang, Qianjiang regions in Hubei. For example, the melody of waves beating on waves in Lake Honghu comes from the Xiang river folk song Xiang river ballad, which was originally a song about the despair people felt when their lives are plagued with floods. The lyrics of the last song in he opera were written for the CCP, of which the gratitude to the CCP is deeper than the ocean to the east, is obviously a political slogan. The last verse the lives of fishermen are better year after year is also at odds with reality. Despite being the seventh largest freshwater lake in China and the largest lake in Hubeidue to the Three Gorges project and excessive land reclamation and farmingthe water in Lake Honghu has become polluted and the ecosystem has been damaged. Compared to the beginning of the last century, the lakes water area has decreased by two thirds. At one point, more than 70% of the water area was used for fence farming. Now the average depth of the water is only 1.35 m, and some areas are even too shallow for boats. As such, the lives of the fishermen at Lake Honghu has become much worse. Back in the 50s and 60s when the Honghu film was made, people were rowing their boats past lotus roots and small ponds at the lakes edgethe natural scenery was really beautiful. After the CCPs few decades of rule, the ecosystem has been damaged to the point where even the water has gone. How can the lives of the fishermen be good? Thats why there is now a saying amongst the people there, waves beating on waves nowhere in sight, fish and rice are scarce in the land of fish and rice. Another example is the song Protect the Chinese Soviet Republic, protect the home that was composed according to the tune of the drums of Mianyang. A verse in its lyrics goes Everyone single-hearted in devotion to the Party, unite to become an iron and copper wall, rush to the battlefield with hatred in your heart, protect the Chinese Soviet Republic, protect the home. And in the song No tears, no sorrow, from the verse no tears, no sorrow, only hatred full in your breast, you can tell that communism is about promoting hatred and keeping power by injecting strong political overtones into a peoples folk music. The CCP is about instigating hatred. Those who have been killed by it are the honest Chinese people who worked hard for their wealththis is the real history behind The Red Guards on Lake Honghu. Just as explained in The Epoch Times editorial How the Spectre of Communism is Ruling Our World, the CCPs core is hatred, and through killing, it strengthens its evil grip. It has killed many who believed in its lies, people who were supposed to be revolutionary comrades. The CCP has been deceiving Chinese people with its fabricated lies since its beginning, and now, it intends to do the same to the rest of the world. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Aerial view of Honduran migrants onboard a truck as they take part in a caravan heading to the US, in the outskirts of Tapachula, on their way to Huixtla, Chiapas state, Mexico, on Oct. 22, 2018. (Pedro Pardo/AFP/Getty Images) NY Times Reports, Without Evidence, That Trumps Views on Caravan Caused Pittsburgh Synagogue Massacre News Analysis The New York Times published two stories on the front page of its Oct. 30 print edition that blame President Donald Trump and his allies for the massacre at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. Both stories are positioned prominently above the fold on the newspapers front page. The first article, as examined by The Epoch Times in a previous analysis, cites no evidence while painting Trump as a peddler of anti-Semitic conspiracy theories and suggesting that his presidency is linked to a rise in anti-Semitism. The second article, titled Caravan Rhetoric Intersects With Deadly Hatred, runs across three columns and suggests, again without evidence, that Trumps comments about the migrant caravan in Mexico caused the synagogue massacre. There is clear overlap between the hatred and delusion that drove this lethal behavior and the paranoia and misinformation surrounding the caravan, the writer, Jeremy Peters, asserts in summarizing the story. A sub-headline that only appears in print states, President Stokes Same Fears That Appear to Drive Attacks. The first exhibit the newspaper offers to back its claim is that baseless claims that George Soros is financing the migrants carry a strong whiff of anti-Semitism and one of the most consistent themes of commentary on the caravan from the right. The New York Times offers no evidence for why the comments about Soros have a strong whiff of anti-Semitism. Trump has never publicly suggested that Soros is financing the caravan. One of Trumps allies, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) wondered on Twitter whether Soros, one of the biggest advocates for open borders, could be one of the financial backers and called for an investigation. The message by Gaetz included a video of caravan migrants receiving cash. Trump later shared the same video but made no mention of Sorosunless you believe The New York Times, which reports, despite linking to a tweet that contradicts its claim, that Trump tweeted a video on Oct. 18 that purported to be of someone connected to Mr. Soros handing out cash to the migrants. Neither the video nor Trumps tweet makes any mention of Soros. The false statement about Trumps Twitter message is immediately followed, in the same paragraph, with a statement that on Oct. 22, a pipe bomb was found at Mr. Soross house; the police have charged a Trump supporter, Cesar Sayoc, with mailing the bombs to Mr. Soros and other Democrats whom the president frequently criticizes. The New York Times incorrectly suggests, by positioning its false reporting about Trumps Twitter message and the mail bomb attacks in the same paragraph, that Trumps message provoked Sayoc. The only time Trump did mention Soros on Twitter was Oct. 5, during the heated days of the confirmation hearings for Justice Brett Kavanaugh. The president said that Soros and others paid the women who cornered Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) in an elevator and screamed at him about his support for Kavanaugh. Trumps assertion is factually sound. One of the women, Ana Maria Archila, is the executive director of the Center for Popular Democracy, a group heavily funded by Soros through his Open Society Foundation. The other woman is an activist for the group. The centers front page even featured a photo of the elevator scene on Oct. 5. Having provided its readers with no evidence for the serious insinuations made at the beginning of the article, the newspaper then pivots to Robert Bowers, the suspected synagogue murderer. According to the newspaper, Bowers also pushed online conspiracy theories about the migrant caravan, in addition to anti-Semitic diatribes. The use of also accuses Trump and his allies of pushing anti-Semitic diatribes and online conspiracy theories. There is no evidence that either Trump or any prominent Republican has engaged in abusive speech or writing targeting the Jews, the definition of anti-Semitic diatribes. And as shown above, the newspaper never provided evidence to prove that Trump has pushed online conspiracy theories. The article goes on to suggest that the views of the president and Republicans are rooted in unfounded claims about the caravans origins and wildly fluctuating estimates of its size made by right-wing commentators, conspiracy theorists, and activist groups. Contrary to that claim, Trumps statements have been based on official sources. The presidents assertion that the caravan includes gang members is based on a report by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. As for the wildly fluctuating estimates of the caravans size, the newspaper is omitting the fact that the estimates vary in size based on numbers from official sources, including Mexicos interior ministry and the caravans organizers. Vice President Pence cited official intelligence and conversations with top foreign officials to report to the public that the caravan is funded by leftist groups. By omitting the relevant facts, the newspaper is either not aware that the news originated from Pence or considers the vice president a conspiracy theorist. The article is the latest in a narrative spun by The New York Times that Trump is an anti-Semite. The newspaper omits from its latest report that Trumps daughter, Ivanka Trump, married a conservative Jew and converted to Judaism. Trump also ended a trend of broken promises by prior presidents and moved the U.S. Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, earning widespread praise. Trump has fought back against false reporting by labeling the media which engage in the activity as fake news and referring to these outlets as the enemy of the people. CNN and others in the Fake News Business keep purposely and inaccurately reporting that I said the Media is the Enemy of the People. Wrong! Trump wrote on Twitter on Oct. 30. I said that the Fake News (Media) is the Enemy of the People, a very big difference. The people of our Great Country are angry and disillusioned at receiving so much Fake News. They get it, and fully understand! Trump added. Rep. Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) speaks at a press conference held by the Dream Action Coalition on immigration reform in Washington, on Dec. 4, 2013. (Win McNamee/Getty Images) Arizona Senate Candidate Sinema Running as Centrist to Capture Moderate Votes, Staff Says Supporters reveal she is still a progressive An undercover investigation by Project Veritas Action Fund reveals that while many supporters and campaign staffers of Democratic Rep. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) believe she is very liberal and progressive, she has been campaigning as a centrist to make herself appear more electable to moderate voters in Arizona. Sinema doesnt want to draw too much attention to being progressive, Lauren Fromm, a campaign field organizer, told one of the undercover reporters from Project Veritas Action (PVA) who had embedded themselves in Sinemas campaign. Confronted with Fromms comments on KTAR News on Oct. 30, Sinema declined to confirm Fromms affiliation with her campaign. I dont know who Lauren is, so I cant answer that question, she said. She then questioned PVAs credibility. Lets take everything they say with a grain of salt, she said. Theyre convicted criminals. PVA founder James OKeefe was sentenced to three years of probation in 2010, after pleading guilty to misdemeanor charges for entering a federal building under false pretenses. He had tried to sneak into the office of then-Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.) to investigate allegations that Landrieu was ignoring telephone calls from constituents during the Obamacare debate. Sinema has been running for Senate less as a party-line Democrat and more as an independent who will stand up for the interests of Arizonans. Referring to her six years in Congress, she told one reporter, Ive been non-partisan, really just solving peoples problems at a very practical level. Some political commentators have been describing Sinema as a low-risk candidate for moderates to support. They cite her voting record as appealing to Republicans and independent voters, because she has voted for bills introduced by the Trump administration 62 percent of the time, according to the political tracking website FiveThirtyEight. Hidden Cameras But those who are supporting her campaign revealed to hidden cameras a different picture of what they believe Sinemas independent campaign will achieve if she can secure a seat in the Senate. She had to play centrist to move up, become powerful, Madison Snarr, a field organizer, told one reporter as he expressed concern that Sinema was too moderate for his liking. Another field organizer, Michael Smyser, explained to a reporter his view of Sinemas moderate voting record in the House: It makes sense, as well, why shes a more moderate Democrat, in the House, at least. Like her voting, its just because those are only two-year terms. And so, with such short terms theres not a lot of time for them to get the public that theyre representing on board with a lot of more swinging-left type things. But when theres six years, with a Senate seat she has more time to slowly move over and have that be accepted by a majority of the base to still have a really good chance of re-election as well. Baby steps, Smyser said. Theres a lot of very conservative people in Arizona, Fromm said, And so she cant alienate the conservative or moderate conservative voters by being super pro- she is pro-choice. She is very liberal, shes progressive. Campaign Donors Reporters were also able to capture some comments from Sinemas campaign donors about their view on her politics. When asked if he thought Sinemas campaign has been liberal enough, Steve Andrewsone of Sinemas big donorstold a reporter, Thats not a way to win in this state. Speaking from a place of considering Sinemas long-term career, Andrews said, She knows to survive and get elected, shes gotta walk the walk a little bit. And I respect that, because Im tired of losing. He said that in his eyes, Sinema is a liberal in her heart, adding, She was pretty liberal early on. Sinema first entered politics as a political activist for the Green Party. She told USA Today last year that she has since shifted toward the political center, after having the opportunity to learn and grow. Shes got one goal in mind, Andrews said. Winning. Thats why, in recent times, Sinema has been careful not to do anything stupid to alienate her voters, he said. OKeefe Strikes Again: Crazy AZ Democrat Kyrsten Sinema Cant Be Talking About Gun Bans Arizonans will Shoot You (VIDEO) https://t.co/VruIgAsS7a pic.twitter.com/MJv4Em104n Chuck Woolery (@chuckwoolery) October 30, 2018 One supporter after another revealed they didnt believe Sinema shared the views of the moderate base she has worked so hard to build during her campaign for the Senate, saying that she has strategically held back on expressing her progressive views on issues such as immigration and gun control. Sinema revealed to one hidden camera that she was in support of amnesty to every person whos in this country [illegally] who isnt bad. But once in the Senate, Andrews said that even if she doesnt stray from her current moderate image, shell be a vote against Trump. If they [Democrats] get control of both houses during the Trump administration, it would be big. Thats why were so heavily invested in the Senate, he said. Sinema has portrayed herself as a moderate, even as a slightly conservative Democrat. https://t.co/5JKkahYYOe The Epoch Times (@EpochTimes) October 15, 2018 Sinemas campaign lobbyist, Ron Ober, was also caught on camera explaining to Sinemas supporters that he supported her centrist strategy and thought it was the only way to win, citing former Democratic Sen. Dennis DeConcini of Arizona, who he helped win in 1976. So when you hear your Democrat friends tell you that shes [Sinemas] too conservative, dont let them stay home, Ober urged. He added that he would never let her talk about the issues that Democrats really cared about. Sinema told those same supporters herself, What I really need are [sic] help reaching out to independents, and moderate to even conservative Republicans. Those are the voters we need to win this election. VIDEO: As Election Day nears, Sinema tells supporters: 'We have a lot of work left to do' https://t.co/yEg8cB9GyW pic.twitter.com/VHNMF4zu9z azcentral (@azcentral) October 29, 2018 Running With Communist Party USA Support According to Joelle Fishman, head of the Communist Party USAs powerful Political Action Commission, the party is actively engaged in the Senate races in the two so-called purple states of Arizona and Texas, where there is a chance that a Republican seat can be flipped. Fromm also revealed that Sinemas Senate campaign has to date been funded with so much Democratic help without which she wouldnt have won. Sinema has also managed to secure the first endorsement for a Democratic Senate candidate in the last 18 years from Arizonas largest newspaper, the Arizona Republic. The largest newspaper in Arizona just endorsed a Democrat for Senate for the first time in 18 years https://t.co/Pd5K9KcIsN Salon (@Salon) October 26, 2018 Traditionally a red state, Republican support in Arizona has been slipping in recent years. The 2016 presidential elections showed a significant loss, with President Donald Trump winning with only a 3.57 percent margin, compared to Mitt Romneys 9.03 percent win in 2012. Sinema is going head-to-head with Republican Rep. Martha McSally in a race to fill Republican Sen. Jeff Flakes seat. Flake, who isnt running for re-election, won the seat by nearly a million votes in 2012. The last time a Democrat from Arizona was elected to the U.S. Senate was in 1982. Sinemas campaign didnt respond to a request for comment. Update: The article was updated to more accurately represent how Rep. Kyrsten Sinemas campaign staff and supporters described her political views. Also added were Sinemas comments to KTAR News. People's Liberation Army sailors working on board China's first domestically manufactured aircraft carrier, during its first sea trial at sea on May 18, 2018. (AFP/Getty Images) Chinas Military Scientists Exploit Collaborations at Universities Abroad, Report Says Over the past 10 years, Beijing has used a covert agenda to strengthen its military by sending scientists to study at colleges and universities around the world, posing a risk to the Wests strategic advantages, according to a recent think tank report. On Oct. 30, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI), an independent think tank partially funded by Australias Department of Defense, issued a report detailing Beijings scheme to send scientists with ties to the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) abroad, mostly to the Five Eyes alliance countriesAustralia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and the United Statesas well as Singapore, Germany, and Norway. From 2006 to 2017, the top five destination countries for Chinese military scientists were the United States, the UK, Canada, Australia, and Germany, based on the number of publications with the scientists names as co-authors. The report estimated that since 2007, more than 2,500 Chinese military scientists and engineers have traveled abroad, often by masking their military ties. For example, when disclosing their academic affiliations, scientists would use the common name of a Chinese military institute instead of the formal name. For example, the National University of Defense Technology (NUDT), a military academy, would be referred to as Changsha Institute of Technology instead. Scientists also resorted to using names of non-existent research institutions as their cover. Sometimes, they would create LinkedIn profiles listed with their fake academic affiliations in order to establish a credible cover. Others claimed affiliation with real civilian institutions in the same regions as their military units. According to the report, the PLA describes such schemes as picking flowers in foreign lands to make honey in China: acquiring foreign technology to advance the Chinese militarys capabilities. It warned of the risk of espionage by Chinese military scientists, especially those who havent come clean about their military ties. How China sends its scientists on overseas programs is different from standard military exchanges, where understanding, dialogue, and a mutual relationship are built between China and the host countries militaries. The PLAs scientists have very little or no interaction with military officials in their host countries. According to the report, roughly half of the 2,500 of the PLA scientists are PhD scholars, who go abroad to complete their doctoral degrees, or spend up to two years overseas as visiting scholars. The rest stay for a shorter period, about a year, as visiting scholars. Chinese military scientists typically study in fields with military applications, such as hypersonic missiles, navigation technology, quantum physics, signal processing, and cryptography at overseas campuses. Most of these scientists are from the military academy, National University of Defense Technology (NUDT), according to the report. Other Chinese schools that have sent many scientists are the Army Engineering University in Nanjing City; Northwestern Institute of Nuclear Technology and the Rocket Force Engineering University in central Chinas Shaanxi Province; the Navy Submarine Academy in Qingdao, a port city located on the eastern coast; and the Armored Forces Engineering Academy and Chemical Defense Institute of the Academy of Military Sciences in Beijing. The report also identified the top 10 university destinations for Chinese military scientists. The most popular destination was Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, followed by University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Australia, and the University of Southampton in the U.K. Several well-known Chinese military scientists from the PLA Rocket Force Engineering University (RFEU), an important research arm of the militarys missile forces, were named in the report for spending time studying overseas. Major General Hu Changhua, who heads the REFUs missile testing and simulation center, studied at Germanys University of DuisburgEssen for four months in 2008. Zhou Zhijie and Wang Zhaoqiang, scientists from RFEU, claimed to be from the Xian Research Institute, which appears to only exist on paper, when they were visiting scholars at universities in England. Zhu Yijun, an associate professor at Chinas PLA Information Engineering University (PLAIEU), claimed to be from the Zhengzhou Information Science and Technology Institute, another cover institute, when he studied at Canadas McMaster University. According to the report, Zhu studied wireless communications technology with wide-ranging military applications while at McMaster. For universities that decided to collaborate with Chinese military scientists on scientific research, the report warned of many risks and costs, including that Chinese military scientists are unlikely to share any major breakthroughs of military value with their foreign colleagues. Additionally, universities could risk damaging their reputation by working with Chinaa non-allied military. The report provided several suggestions: One is improving the scrutiny of visa applications so that military scientists are identified and properly vetted. In addition, regulations should be put in place to limit the scientific training that foreign military personnel can receive while studying abroad. Workers pull a line from a cargo ship as it prepares to berth at a port in Qingdao in China's eastern Shandong province on October 19, 2018. China's economy grew at its slowest pace in nine years in the third quarter, as a campaign to tackle mounting debt and trade frictions with the US had an effect. (STR/AFP/Getty Images) Shipping Data Reflects Slowing Chinese Economic Growth Effects of USChina trade war are becoming apparent The imposition of tariffs has sharply reduced trade between China and the United States, a fact most recently demonstrated in shipping data. Steel and aluminum traffic to the United States from China in March fell 53 percent, compared with the same month in 2017, CNBC reported, citing newly released shipping figures from the Seabury Global Ocean Trade Database. Meanwhile, shipping of Chinese goods listed in a tariff category, worth a total of $34 billion, declined 21 percent since July, compared with the previous year. About 90 percent of international trade involves moving goods by sea. The SinoU.S. trade conflict has become a point of international focus since the Trump administration began imposing tariffs on China in June. In January, Washington announced that it would impose tariffs on Chinese-produced steel and aluminum. In April, it announced that tariffs on the $34 billion batch of Chinese goods would be applied in June, as well as an additional $16 billion worth of products. In June, following impasses in negotiations with the Chinese regime, the U.S. government announced a 10 percent tariff on a further $200 billion of Chinese goods; in September, the tariffs on these goods were increased to 25 percent effective starting next year. Before the tariffs, the value of goods shipped to the United States from China grew 10 percent in June, compared with the same month in 2017. Chinas GDP in the first half of 2018 rose 6.8 percent, while the total value of exports and imports increased 7.9 percent, according to the state-run Xinhua news agency. The National Bureau of Statistics published data on Oct. 19 showing that Chinas GDP growth in the third quarter of 2018 has increased 6.5 percent, somewhat lower than the target of 6.6 percent. Whether Chinas GDP growth in 2018 can reach its target of 6.5 percent is uncertain. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) reported in the World Economic Outlook on Oct. 9 that the trade dispute between China and the United States has and will continue to have a negative impact. The IMF estimates that Chinas GDP will grow 6.2 percent in 2019, 0.2 percent lower than the outlook in April. On Oct. 17, CNBC cited Liu Chang, an economist specializing in China with British Capital Economics, as saying that the real situation of Chinas economy could be worse than what the Chinese Communist Party acknowledges. We dont trust official GDP data in China, so we think actual growth now is 5.5 percent instead of 6.7 percent, Liu said. And our measure has growth slowing more next year. Overseas Chinese media expressed concern about the state of Chinas economy. In an Oct. 29 article, DW News, a pro-Beijing news website, reported that based on the IMF report, Chinas economy faces steep challenges in various respects. For example, the value added to private companies was 9 percent in 2015, but just 5.6 percent in 2018 through September. E-commerce is developing very well, but the gap between disposable income and consumer spending in urban and rural areas is widening. A staff member uses a laptop computer at a display for 5G wireless technology from Chinese technology firm Huawei at the PT Expo in Beijing on Sept. 26, 2018.(Mark Schiefelbein/AP) Spy Chief Wanted Ban on Chinas Telecoms From Australian 5G CANBERRA, AustraliaAustralias critical infrastructure including electricity grids, water supplies and hospitals could not have been adequately safeguarded if Chinese-owned telecommunications giants Huawei and ZTE Corp were allowed to help roll out the nations 5G network, a spy chief said. Mike Burgess, director-general of the Australian Signals Directorate, said his cyber experts had backed the governments decision in August to bar the two Chinese companies that he described as high-risk vendors. It was the first time the secretive agency had disclosed such information. My advice was to exclude high-risk vendors from the entirety of evolving 5G networks, Burgess said in a recent speech released by his office on Oct. 30. Security agencies had previously protected sensitive information and core functions of Australian telecommunications networks by restricting risky vendors to the edges, Burgess said. But the distinction between core and edge collapses in 5G networks. That means that a potential threat anywhere in the network will be a threat to the whole network, Burgess said. The next generation of telecommunications networks will be at the top of every countrys list of critical national infrastructure, he said. 5G technology will underpin the communications that Australians rely on every day, from our health systems and the potential applications of remote surgery, to self-driving cars and through to the operation of our power and water supply, Burgess said. The stakes could not be higher. Huawei was banned from bidding for contracts for Australias broadband network in 2011. ZTE is a Chinese maker of mobile devices. Burgess warning came as an Australian security think-tank raised concerns on Tuesday about increasing collaboration between Australian universities and Chinas Peoples Liberation Army scientists on research programs such as hypersonic missiles and navigation technology. Australian Strategic Policy Institute researcher Alex Joske said some Chinese scientists hide their military backgrounds by claiming to be visiting scholars from non-existent institutions. Since 2007, the PLA has sponsored more than 2,500 military scientist and engineers to study overseas, Joske said in a report. Based on peer-reviewed publications co-authored by PLA and non-Chinese scientists, the United States, Britain, Canada, Australia and Germany were the top five countries engaged in research collaboration with the Chinese military since last year, the report said. The report recommended that universities collaborate with allied countries rather than non-allied militaries on strategic research. Its not in our interests to help a non-allied military develop advanced military technology, Joske said. We need better visa screening to make sure that people whove lied on their visa applications or are seeking to come to Australia to develop better military technology for China arent let into the country. Education Minister Dan Tehan said Universities were self-governing institutions best able to make decisions about collaboration while also satisfying all relevant Australian laws and security requirements. Australian universities carefully assess applications from students from all countries and liaise with defense and security agencies as needed, the advocacy group Universities Australia said in a statement. Australian universities help to advance Australias national interests through their research and education ties with students and researchers all around the world, the statement said. The Defense Trade Controls Act gives the government and Defense Department oversight over providing information on any technology or research with potential military applications. That legislation is under review, and Joske said it should be expanded to prevent Chinese military scientists from learning about sensitive technologies while in Australia. Several governments have scrutinized Huaweis links to the Chinese government. The private Chinese company was founded by a former Peoples Liberation Army major in 1987. Now the worlds biggest telecoms equipment supplier, it suffered a setback in 2012 when a U.S. congressional report said it was a security risk and warned phone companies not to buy its equipment. 5G networks will start commercial services in Australia next year. The Australian Signals Directory, formerly the Defense Signals Bureau, became an independent statutory body with a more public profile on July 1. It is responsible for foreign signals intelligence, support to military operations, cyber warfare and information security. By Rod McGuirk Judge Sonia Sotomayor as she is named by then-President Barack Obama to be nominated to the Supreme Court, in the White House in Washington on May 26, 2009. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Supreme Court Hears Gasoline Tax Case From Yakama Indian Nation A longstanding federal treaty with the Yakama Indians prevents Washington state from collecting taxes on gasoline sold by a Yakama-owned business, an attorney for the enterprise told members of the Supreme Court Oct. 30, in a case that could have larger implications for states abilities to collect taxes from tribal businesses nationwide. During oral arguments, justices seemed skeptical of the contention that the state shouldnt be allowed to collect the tax in question, and supportive of enforcing the provisions of the treaty to benefit the Indians covered by it. If the Supreme Court fails to reverse the state court ruling that is being appealed, a massive loophole in state tax regimes would be created, allowing Yakama businesses to avoid taxes nationwide simply by transporting goods over highways, the state argued in a court brief. It would also give Yakama Indians an unwarranted economic advantage over other tribes and non-tribal businesses. A failure to reverse could also adversely affect state revenues in any states with Indian lands and inspire further challenges to states authority to collect taxes. The case concerns Cougar Den Inc. in Washington state, which imports gasoline into the Yakama reservation for sale at Yakama gas stations from nearby Oregon. The gas travels over 27 miles of Washington state highway that overlaps with traditional Indian trading routes. In March 2013, Cougar Denowned by Kip Ramsey III, a recognized member of the Yakama Indian Nationbegan shipping motor vehicle fuel from Oregon to the reservation and selling the fuel at tribal gas stations. Cougar Den paid applicable federal and tribal taxes on the fuel sold, but did not pay taxes to Washington state. The state sued the business in December 2013 for failing to pay $3.6 million in excise taxes on the fuel. Cougar Den challenged the tax, arguing that because it was owned by a member of the Yakama tribe, the business was exempt from certain taxes under the right to travel guaranteed in an 1855 treaty entered into with the United States. While the treaty doesnt reference taxes, fuel, or off-reservation trading rights, it does provide tribal members with the right, in common with citizens of the United States, to travel upon all public highways, court documents state. An administrative law judge sided with the company, accepting its treaty-based arguments. A state official reversed the judges ruling. The case then moved to county court, which overturned the official. The state appealed that decision to the Washington Supreme Court, citing a 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision, Mescalero Apache Tribe v. Jones, which held that outside Indian country, Indians are subject to generally applicable state taxes [a]bsent express federal law to the contrary, and that exemptions to state taxes are not granted by implication and there must be a definitely expressed exemption[.] The state lost. The state supreme court found for Cougar Den, citing the treaty. Such treaties must be interpreted with ambiguities being resolved in Indians favor, the court found. Yakama Indians right to travel outside the reservation and trade their goods without conditions or restrictions being imposed on them by the state had to be respected, the court held. Answering a question from Justice Brett Kavanaugh, Cougar Den lawyer Adam G. Unikowsky said the terms of the treaty must be upheld. The Yakama gave up huge swaths of land in exchange for the right to travel across it, he said. It is a little bit of a bait and switch to the Yakamas to say, well, now were going to basically exploit the fact that you have to travel across this stretch of land to impose this tax that we wouldnt otherwise be able to impose, and, by the way, the effect of the tax is to mimic a tax on the reservationon on-reservation retailers. Unikowsky said that, in his view, its very natural and consistent with what I think the expectation of the Yakamas would have been, that they could continue traveling across that land with their goods as they were already doing it at the timeand that meansthat means transporting without paying a fee or owing an obligation to the states. That the Yakama people gave up a lot in exchange for the protections of the 1855 treaty was a continuing theme during oral arguments. To state the obvious, the value, current value of the land the tribe gave up is enormous, right? Kavanaugh asked. Its a third of the State of Washington, I believe, Your Honor, the attorney replied. While questioning Assistant to the U.S. Solicitor General Ann OConnell, Justice Sonia Sotomayor said, The one difference that you cant get around is they didnt sign a treaty and give away that much real estate to get nothing in return, to be treated exactly like every other citizen in traveling the highway. Third Migrant Caravan Heads Toward Mexico as Second Caravan Gets Violent at Border A third migrant caravan is heading north toward Mexico and the United States, as the second caravan turned violent and unruly at the border of Guatemala and Mexico, wounding police officers as migrants tore down barriers and ignored warnings. Most of the focus has been on the main migrant caravan currently in southern Mexico working its way north, but the second caravan isnt far behind after reaching Mexicos southern border, and now a third one has recently received official help from the El Salvadorian government. The roughly 1,500 migrants in the third caravan, mostly El Salvadorians and Hondurans, were given an official map that includes directions for transit routes, free phone services, food depots, and healthcare offices, Guatemalan officials told investigative reporter Sara Carter, who published a picture of the map. The map is titled Mensajes Para Personas Migrantes, or Messages for the Migrant People, and lists hundreds of stops from Honduras to the southern border of the United States. The group departed from El Salvadors capital San Salvador on Oct. 28, and by Sunday afternoon had reached the border with Guatemala, reported Reuters. The group was mainly organized through WhatsApp, Facebook, and other social networks, inspired by the larger group in Mexico, according to the wire agency. Several migrants part of the third caravan said they were headed to the United States. Violence at Border As the third caravan made its way north, and the first caravan tried demanding that Mexican authorities provide them with transportation after rejecting an asylum offer, the second caravan reached the southern border of Mexico after traveling through Guatemala. The second caravan has some 3,000 people, The Epoch Times reported previously. The first two caravans are mostly made up of migrants from Honduras and around 75 percent of them are men. The group turned to violence on Oct. 28, to force its way into Mexico after Federal Police tried to stop them from entering the country without going through the proper procedures. Alfonso Navarrete Prida, the Mexican Secretary of the Interior, said that video footage and photographs from the scene clearly show migrants filling bottles with gasoline and lighting them on fire, then tossing the Molotov cocktails at Mexican officers. He said that criminal elements have been identified as mixing into the migrant caravans, echoing a finding by U.S. officials. He said that he received intelligence indicating the criminals were giving money to women and children to go to the front of the caravan as it tried to barge into Mexico. After ripping down border barriers on the Guatemalan side of the border, the caravan surged onto the bridge separating the countries and threw rocks at the Federal Police while also hitting them with sticks, reported The Associated Press. Failing to cross by bridge, hundreds took to the Suichiate River to illegally cross into Mexico and were met by officers in a standoff at the riverbank. That group and others on the bridge were both eventually able to move further into Mexico by Monday morning, reported EFE. Prida said that the police officers werent armed and were trying to make the migrants enter Mexico in a peaceful and orderly manner, but migrants ignored them, as did the first caravan. Guatemalas Interior Ministry said Guatemalan police officers were injured during the attacks from the migrants and Mexican authorities said two Hondurans were arrested after trying to shoot at police officers in the border town of Ignacio Zaragoza. Some migrants appear to be heeding the warnings; nearly 2,000 have requested asylum in Mexico while 550 others have requested to be deported back to their home countries, Prida said. Estimates of the sizes of the caravans have varied but been as high as 14,000 across all three, with the first one being estimated as high as 8,500. US Deploys Troops The three caravans moving north have prompted American officials to take action, with the latest move being the deployment of 5,200 active-duty troops to the southern border of the United States to prepare for the arrival of the caravans. President Donald Trump and top officials in his administration have repeatedly said that the caravans will not enter the United States. Gen. Terrence John OShaughnessy from the U.S. Northern Command said on Oct. 29, that the troops who are normally armed will continue to be armed and will help Border Patrol officers fortify southern Texas, Arizona, and California by securing ports of entry and key gaps around them. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Kevin McAleenan said that the first caravan has already made unlawful entry across two international borders, and the second has deployed violent and dangerous tactics against both Guatemalan and Mexican border-security teams. McAleenan noted that the migrants have already been offered asylum in Mexico and will be apprehended if they reach the United States and charged accordingly. If you are fleeing alleged persecution at home, you have arrived at a safe place to make your claim, he said. If youre an economic migrant seeking to join family members in the United States, you should return home and apply for appropriate visa. Salvadorian officials echoed the sentiment, with Salvadoran Vice Foreign Minister Liduvina Margarin warning against migrants attempting a journey despite the map given out by her government. This route is not safe, you will not be able to enter the United States like you think, she said. From NTD.tv Jair Bolsonaro, newly elected president of Brazil, poses with his wife Michelle as they arrive to cast their votes at a polling center in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Oct. 28, 2018. (Reuters/Ricardo Moraes/Pool) Trump Gets Bolsonaro Boost From Brazil in Duel With China President-elect Jair Bolsonaro understands communist political warfare In 2009, China surpassed the United States as Brazils leading trade partner, but that is likely to reverse with Jair Bolsonaro in power. Brazils president-elect, a retired army captain and conservative lawmaker who was elected with 55 percent of the vote, has vowed to end the open-arms approach to Beijing. Evidently on edge, the Chinese foreign minister on Oct. 29 sent carefully worded congratulations: China develops relations with other countries in light of the one-China principle. We would like to work with Brazil to update the comprehensive strategic partnership on the basis of mutual respect for each others core interests. The message hinted at a trip that Bolsonaro took in February to Taiwan, a rebel province in the eyes of Beijing. The trip was the first time a Brazilian presidential candidate had visited the island since the 1970swhen Brazil cut ties with Taiwanand the Chinese embassy wasnt impressed with Bolsonaros rogue move. In the run-up to the election, Bolsonaro also warned that China isnt buying in Brazilit is buying Brazil, hinting at the purchase of firms in strategic energy sectors. The statement further alerted Chinese diplomats, who have since met twice with the campaigns top advisors to stress the importance of keeping bilateral trade, which amounted to $75 billion in 2017, for Brazils struggling economy. Bolsonaros concerns are based on documented patterns of Chinese officials. On Oct. 25, one of Canadas leading think tanks sounded the alarm regarding Chinas political warfare, [including] bribery, incentivization, disinformation, censorship, and propaganda. Michael Cole, writing for the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, says foreign-policy observers have failed to pay enough attention to China: We can no longer afford to regard it as a distant phenomenon. Pivot to the United States Between 2003 and 2016, when the progressive Workers Party (PT) ruled Brazil, foreign policy shifted away from the United States and toward China and Russia in the BRICS group. Bolsonaro plans to radically reverse course. He has repeatedly voiced admiration for President Donald Trump. Last year, during a trip to Miami, home to thousands of exiled Brazilians, he saluted the American flag, and said, If Im elected, you can be sure Trump will have a great ally in the Southern Hemisphere. The sentiment seems mutual. On Oct. 29, after Trump tweeted about an excellent call with Bolsonaro, the president-elects son Eduardo, himself a re-elected congressman, said both countries would work closely together against Bolivarians, Marxists, and Gramsciists (followers of Italian Marxist Antonio Gramsci). In line with Trump policies, Bolsonaro has promised to counter Bejings influence, withdraw Brazil from the U.N. Human Rights Council, move the Brazilian embassy in Israel to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv, and close the Palestinian embassy in Brasilia. As Roberto Simon and Brian Winter point out in Foreign Affairs, Brazils executive branch retains almost full control over foreign policy, so Bolsonaro can act virtually unchecked by legislators in this area. Once in office, he will have strong incentive to make good on his rhetoric, and foreign policy will be low-hanging fruit for the new administration. The change will be far from trivial for the international balance of power. Brazil, the worlds eighth-largest economy, has become a regional leader with enough clout to influence countries near and far. If the Bolsonaro administration realigns with the United States in diplomatic forums, it may begin forming an international bloc to counter the Chinese Communist Partys long-term strategies around the world. Not All Clear Sailing for Bolsonaro Bolsonaro has backtracked somewhat on at least one foreign-policy promise: pulling Brazil out of the Paris climate agreement, as Trump did. This signals that his administration may have to negotiate with domestic interests to achieve a middle ground. For instance, the powerful farming lobby that supported Bolsonaros candidacy are the direct beneficiaries of Chinese demand for raw materials amid Trumps trade war. Soybean exports grew by 22 percent between January and September, relative to the year-earlier period. His promise to privatize at least 100 state-owned firms across the board may also hit a Chinese wall. Paulo Guedes, the University of Chicago-trained financier slated to lead a new wide-ranging economy ministry, wants no exceptions, which includes opening up to Chinese investment. Guedes added on Oct. 28 that the regional trade bloc Mercosurcomprised of neighboring Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Venezuela (recently suspended)will not be a priority We will trade with the world We wont be prisoners of ideological relations. On the other hand, further complications come from the generals in Bolsonaros future cabinet: They are adamant about keeping control over mining and energy firms such as Petrobras and Eletrobras for national-security purposes. Oliver Stuenkel, a Brazilian professor of international relations, contends that Bolsonaro may have no choice but to tone down anti-China rhetoric, as previous officials have done. The vast majority of those elected, Beijing knows, will embrace a more pragmatic stance once in office, given how important Chinese trade and investment [have] become for virtually every country in the world, he wrote for Americas Quarterly. Latin America Set for Shakeup The future Bolsonaro administration also is willing to tread alternative paths with neighbors. To the north, Venezuelas socialist experiment has produced the mass exodus of migrants, who are pouring into Brazil and straining bordering cities. Bolsonaros son has even warned of a Brazilian military intervention in Venezuela to liberate our brothers [from] the narco-dictator. In perhaps the most stunning news after the election, the administration of Colombian President Ivan Duque also is reportedly willing to support military action in Venezuela, now that Bolsonaro is in office. If either Trump or Bolsonaro were first to set foot in Venezuela to oust Maduro, Colombia would follow without hesitation, a high-ranking government official told Folha de Sao Paulo, Brazils largest newspaper, on Oct. 28. Fergus Hodgson is the founder and executive editor of Latin American intelligence publication Antigua Report. Daniel Duarte contributed to this article. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Trump Pays Respects to Victims at Pittsburgh Synagogue President and first lady meet wounded officers in the hospital, their family and friends, and staff who treated the wounded Three days after a shooter opened fire at a synagogue in Pittsburgh, killing 11, President Donald Trump visited the site of the shooting and a hospital where some of the injured are recovering. When asked the day before what his goal in traveling to the city was, Trump told Fox News that he was going there to pay his respects. I would have done it sooner, but I didnt want to disrupt any more than they had disruption, he said. Traveling with him were son-in-law Jared Kushner, who was raised Jewish; daughter Ivanka Trump, who converted to Judaism when she married Kushner; and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, who also is Jewish. First Lady Melania Trump, White House Chief of Staff John Kelly, and Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications Bill Shine also accompanied the president. On Oct. 27, a lone gunman, identified as 46-year-old Robert Bowers, allegedly walked into Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburghs Squirrel Hill neighborhood, the heart of the citys tight-knit Jewish community, and reportedly yelled anti-Semitic slurs. With an assault rifle and three handguns, he opened fire on the congregation attending a service there, one of three in the building, shortly before 10 a.m. After the attack, Bower told an officer, I just want to kill Jews, according to a federal affidavit. Men and women were among the dead, of whom the youngest was 54 and the oldest, 97. Four of the six who were injured are police officers. Bowers appeared in a federal courtroom Oct. 29, where he was ordered held without bond. He was charged with 29 federal counts that include obstructing the free exercise of religious belief resulting in death and using a firearm to commit murder, which could lead to his execution if found guilty. Federal prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. Trump has said he believes that Bowers, as well as others who commit such crimes, should receive the death penalty. This is the worst form of terror, he told reporters on Oct. 27. They have to pay the ultimate sacrifice. Vice President Mike Pence on Oct. 30 called the shooting evil and said federal prosecutors have promised that justice will be swift and severe. We will not let anti-Semitism take hold in the United States of America, he told Politico. In Pittsburgh The presidential entourage first stopped at the Tree of Life synagogue, although they couldnt go past the vestibule because its still an active crime scene. They were greeted at the door by Rabbi Jeffrey Meyers, who told CNN the day before the president of the United States is always welcome. Walking with Meyers to a memorial outside the synagogue, the president placed stones and the first lady set white flowers atop markers dedicated to the 11 who died. They next went to the UPMC Presbyterian hospital, where Trump was scheduled to greet hospital staffers who treated the wounded, and the four wounded officers, along with their family and friends. Immediately following the attack, Trump called the officers very brave and unsung heroes. These are incredible people of law enforcement, he said during a convention in Indiana. And law enforcement does so much for us. These are incredible patriots, incredible people. He pledged to give the investigation into the shooting the complete resources of my administration, and said he had already been in contact with the governor of Pennsylvania and the mayor of Pittsburgh. We must all rise above the hate, move past our divisions, and embrace our common destiny as Americans, he said. And it doesnt mean that we cant fight hard and be strong, and say whats on our mind. But we have to always remember those elements; we have to remember the elements of love and dignity and respect. Under the Radar: Irans Oil Exports Harder to Track as Sanctions Loom LONDONAccording to Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih, no one has any idea how much oil Iran will be able to export after new U.S. sanctions against the Islamic Republic kick in on Nov. 4. But more precisely, Irans shipment figurescrucial to oil marketsare already a mystery. Irans oil exports are becoming harder to measure as ships switch off tracking systems, oil industry sources say, adding uncertainty over how far U.S. sanctions are scaring off buyers. The prospect of more oil heading into storage could make number-crunching even tougher. Amid pressure from the U.S. government to cool the price of oil, the lack of export clarity adds to the challenge for other OPEC members, chiefly top crude supplier Saudi Arabia, to make up for falling Iranian shipments. Iran is the third-largest producer in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and estimates of its crude exports in October vary by more than 1 million barrels per day (bpd). That amount is enough to cover the oil demand of Turkey and move prices in the 100-million-bpd world market. Before President Donald Trumps May announcement of the sanctions, Iranian exports were above 2.5 million bpd. Falih acknowledged the challenge in an interview with Russias TASS news agency published on Oct. 22. Nobody has a clue what Iranian exports will be, he said. An Iranian oil official asked how much crude Iran was exporting in October, declined to comment. Oil prices have extended a rally on expectations the sanctions will test OPEC and other producers. Brent crude on Oct. 3 reached $86.74 a barrel, the highest since 2014, although it has since eased to $77. While the Saudi minister may have been referring to what happens after sanctions kick in, the range of estimates of how much Iran is exporting now is already widening. A large set of numbers estimating Iranian October first-half exports have been thrown to the market these last few days, ranging for 1 million bpd to 2.2 million bpd, which is a massive spread, Kpler, a data intelligence company, said. According to Refinitiv Eikon data, Iran exported 1.55 million bpd in the first three weeks of October, higher than the 1.33 million bpd seen in the first two weeks of the month. Kpler put Iranian exports at 1.85 million bpd in the first 24 days of October. An industry source who also tracks the exports estimated a similar volume of 1.8 million bpd in the first half of October, including vessels not showing on satellite tracking. A second source initially agreed and later trimmed his figure to 1.65 million bpd through Oct. 22. Its pretty high, I have to admit, this source said of estimated exports in the first two weeks of the month. Its possible that there is a drop-off since. Signal Switched Off At any time, adjustments to tanker schedules and week-by-week variation complicate the task. While easier than in the past due to satellite information, the tracking of tankers is still both art and science. Another element may be making this harder, industry sources say. Tankers loading Iranian crude sometimes switch off their AIS signal, an automatic tracking system used on ships, only to switch it back on at a later stage of their journey, according to oil industry sources. This could create a problem for ship-tracking services trying to pinpoint the exact date, or even the exact hour, on which a tanker loaded its crude cargo. Neither Irans National Iranian Oil Co nor National Iranian Tanker Co responded to an emailed request for comment. Concretely, we are able to confirm loadings of vessels having shut down AIS transponders by other means such as satellite imagery or by tracking Iranian-flagged tugs, which has proven especially valuable given the lack of AIS coverage throughout much of the Gulf, Kpler said. Iran was believed by oil trading and shipping sources in 2012 to be hiding the destination of its oil sales by strategically switching off vessels tracking systems. Attempts by Reuters to seek official Iranian comment on that development, both in 2012 and for this article, received no response. Iran insists it will keep exporting oil and says the U.S. sanctions will ensure the market remains volatile. Iranian oil exports cannot be stopped, Tasnim news agency quoted Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh as saying on Oct. 23. Iranian Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri said on Oct. 28: Despite sanctions, Irans oil exports will not fall below a million barrels a day. Oil Into Asian Storage? As the number of buyers dwindles, a large volume of Iranian crude is set to arrive at Chinas northeast Dalian port this month and in early November. China intends to cut purchases in November. But Iran is undeterred, planning to send buyers such as India and China oil for storage rather than consumption, making it harder to measure how much oil is reaching the market, sources say. Analysts, in assessing a producers supply of oil to the market, generally do not take into account crude moved into storage. We will give them oil even for our inventory there, a source familiar with Iranian thinking said, referring to India. The same we will do for China. The data seen to date suggests Iranian crude exports in October are still down from at least 2.5 million bpd in April, before Trump in May withdrew the United States from a nuclear deal with Iran and reimposed sanctions. Exports dropped below 1.2 million bpd under previous sanctions that were lifted following that 2015 nuclear agreement. While Washington has said it wants to cut Irans oil exports to zero, Iran and Saudi Arabia say that is unlikely. The Trump administration is considering waivers on sanctions for countries that are reducing their imports. Iran says waivers will be granted allowing shipments to continue at a lower level, as it contends that Saudi Arabia and other producers cannot fully replace Irans crude exports. Waivers are expected, as Saudi Arabia and Russia cannot do it, the source familiar with Iranian thinking said. By Alex Lawler & Ahmad Ghaddar Tourists walk along The Mall where Spanish flags have been hung alongside Union Flags ahead of a state visit by King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain, on July 11, 2017 in London, England. (Carl Court/Getty Images) With UK a Major Market for Spain, Spaniards Are Concerned About a No-Deal Brexit BARCELONASpain could be severely hit by a no-deal Brexit scenario between the UK and the EU. As the deadline for leaving the EU approaches, concerns from expats living in both countries, as well as businesses, are mounting. With 18 million visitors from the UK last year, Spain is the most popular destination for British tourists. The UK is one of Spains main markets, not only when it comes to tourism, but also for trade. In the past 10 years2007 to 2017the cumulative investment of Spanish companies in the UK has been around 82 million euros ($93.2 million), according to the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Tourism in Spain. Understanding how Brexit will affect relations between the two countries is vital. But as the divorce talks drag on, the only certainty is that Britain will leave the EU on March 29, 2019, with or without a deal. A no-deal would be very bad for both countries, said Juan Jose Toribio, a former executive director of the International Monetary Fund and emeritus professor of economics at IESE Business School in Spain. Companies could have to face payment of custom duties and other taxes and, as a consequence, exports would fall, Toribio said. Its worrying. Igor Urra, secretary general at the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Great Britain, an institution seeking opportunities for the promotion of Spanish and British companies, agrees. Companies would have more costs, reducing their benefits, he said. According to Urra, Brexit is already having an effect on the UKs economy: The sterling has devalued and there has been a decrease in the arrival of European workers to the UK. Tourism Fears Patricia Cirez, head of EU Affairs at the Spanish Confederation of Employers Organizations (CEOE) in Brussels said a no-deal scenario could have a huge impact on the economy, as well as on the daily life of many people. She gave an example of a hypothetical situation: If theres no deal on April 1, 2019, could a plane take off from the UK to any other European country? If the answer was no, it would be dramatic, said Antonio Aranda, secretary general of the Costa del Sol Hotel Association. The Costa del Sol, located in Andalusia in the south of Spain, is a popular spot for British tourists. Around 26 percent of visitors traveling to this sun, sea, and sand destination are from the UK and, according to Aranda, they are crucial for local companies revenue. As Brexit negotiators race against the clock, concern and uncertainty are rising among Spanish companies. But theres also hope, noted Cirez. Although a no-deal could be a reality, Toribio believes there will be a last-minute agreement. A break up without a deal is unthinkable, he said. However, according to Urra, Spanish companies should be cautious. Toribio, Cirez, and Urra agree that its important to be prepared for the worst and to have a Plan B. Nobody knows what will happen, Urra said. Expat Uncertainty Around 240,000 UK citizens live in Spain, according to the Spanish Statistics Institute, and a large proportion of them are pensioners. They are becoming increasingly concerned. Anne Hernandez is the president of Brexpats in Spain, an association located in Malaga, Andalusia, fighting to defend the rights of British residents. She is furious. We have many questions about Brexit and no answer. Nobody knows anything. Its horrible, Hernandez said. Theres a lot of uncertainty among residents, who have doubts about their pensions and want to know if they will have access to Spanish public health after Brexit, she said. There are even pensioners who are under medical treatment and fear that they will have to take on a cost they cannot afford, explained Hernandez. Residents also have questions about their residence permit or driving license. The only certainty is uncertainty, she said. The almost 130,000 Spaniards living in the UK are also concerned. What will happen with their rights as European citizens to move freely around Europe, to live, work, study, and retire? Some of them went to the demonstration in London on Oct. 20 calling for a second referendum on Brexit, but without any clear information, they continue to try to figure out how the UKEU divorce will affect them. Woman Blows Herself up in Tunis, Wounding 15 People Including 10 Police Officers TUNISA woman blew herself up in the center of the Tunisian capital on Oct. 27, wounding 15 people including 10 police officers in an explosion that breaks a period of calm after dozens died in militant attacks three years ago. Witnesses said the blast happened on Tuniss central Habib Bourguiba avenue. Hundreds of police cordoned off an area near the landmark Municipal Theatre and the French embassy, while ambulances evacuated the wounded. I was in front of the theater and heard a huge explosion, Mohamed Ekbal bin Rajib told Reuters. Security has improved since authorities imposed a state of emergency in November 2015 after attacks on tourist targets that scared off holidaymakers and investors, worsening an economic crisis caused by a chronic deficit. We thought we had eliminated terrorism but we hope that terrorism will not bring us down, especially with the bad political climate in Tunisia now, President Beji Caid Essebsi said. Shops were closed on the busy avenue that was the scene of protests that toppled long-serving leader Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali at the start of the 2011 Arab Spring. The bomber, aged 30, had no known militant background, the interior ministry said. Local media gave her name as Mouna. The woman left her city three days ago and told her family that she was going to the capital to look for work, said Walid Hkima an official in interior ministry. She had a university degree in English and was from the coastal governorate of Mahdia, he said. No tourists were injured, a security source said. In 2015, 21 people were killed during a hostage siege in its national museum, the Bardo in Tunis, and a gunman killed 38 people on a resort beach. The following year, militants tried to capture the town of Ben Guerdane near the Libyan border. There have been no attacks on that scale since then, but the economy has remained troubled and the authorities are concerned over the presence of militants in neighboring Libya. Tunisia is one of the few Arab democracies, and the only country to throw off a long-serving autocrat during the Arab Spring without triggering large scale unrest or civil war. It is credited for its democratic transition, its free elections and the guarantee of fundamental rights in its new constitution. Some 3,000 Tunisians have joined ISIS terrorist group and other jihadist groups in Iraq, Syria and neighboring Libya while dissent over unemployment has risen in recent years in southern and central areas. By Peter Graff and Ulf Laessing General Electric took a $22.8 billion loss in the third quarter, with the conglomerate disclosing a criminal investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice over its financial reporting. Under its new chairman and CEO, General Electric is cutting its quarterly dividend to a penny a share next year, after paying out 12 cents over four successive quarters and 24 cents in the prior year. GE paid out dividends totaling $3.1 billion in the third quarter. GEs third-quarter revenue was down 4 percent from a year ago to $29.6 billion, with sales down a third for its power subsidiary. Entering October, the board of General Electric installed Larry Culp Jr. as CEO and chairman, replacing John Flannery, whose tenure lasted just 14 months after former CEO Jeff Immelt was shown the door, on the heels of Immelt moving the companys headquarters to Boston from Fairfield. GE left in place Jamie Miller, who became chief financial officer with Flannerys promotion as the replacement for Immelts CFO Jeff Bornstein. The U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission has an existing probe under way of GEs financial reporting. Speaking on a Tuesday morning conference call, Culp noted the Boston Red Sox winning the World Series largely with the same team the club fielded a year ago, and drew an analogy to the conglomerate he is inheriting. There are a lot of people around GE that know the company far better than I do, Culp said. I have been truly impressed with the talented people Ive met, really, around the world. This teams been through a lot the last several years. The company perhaps does not enjoy the reputation it once did. ... There are things we can do to build on this team, these assets, these strengths, and thats what we are going to do. The Norwalk headquarters of GE Capital is now GEs last major office in southwestern Connecticut where it employed 1,400 people at last report, with the company also having a few thousand employees in the Hartford area via GEs $9.5 billion acquisition in 2015 of Alstoms power division. GE paid $3 billion this month to Alstom to take full control of a trio of joint ventures the companies had created prior to a full transfer. In announcing on Oct. 1 the newest switch in the corner office, GE informed investors it was eyeing as much as a $23 billion charge against earnings to account for the loss of intangible value in its GE Power division. Culp, 55, led Danaher Corp. as CEO from 2001 to 2014, with the Washington, D.C.-based conglomerates stock roughly quintupling over those years and continuing on a steady upward trajectory since. By comparison under Immelt, GE shares lost nearly half their value during that period. Culp is one of three new directors to have joined GEs board this year, along with Leslie Seidman, the former chair of the Norwalk-based Financial Accounting Standards Board; and Tom Horton, the former CEO of American Airlines. GE Capital revenue was up 3 percent in the second quarter to $2.5 billion, with the units assets totaling $128.5 billion. Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-842-2545; @casoulman Growing up, many often hear urban legends that caution them of creatures such as the Boogeyman or Bloody Mary. Each state even has their own urban legends, whether it be the Dover Demon of Massachusetts or The Jersey Devil in New Jersey. For the Nutmeg state, that is no exception. Connecticut plays host to a wide variety of urban myths and legends that have long since brought curiosity and fear into the hearts of locals. Though often remarked for its plethora of paranormal hauntings, popularized by former paranormal investigators Lorraine and Ed Warren of Monroe, the state has much to offer in terms of the creatures lurking just beyond the surface. One of the most infamous cryptozoological legends of Connecticut are the melon heads, which are said to be found in the woods of the Trumbull/Shelton area. Ray Bendici of Damned Connecticut, a website that explores the supernatural in Connecticut, believes that this urban myth is at the central core of the state, explaining that is sheds light on some of the most mysterious places in our neighborhood. "Since people tend to fear what they don't know about or understand, the stories of boogie-man horror were attributed to them," states Bendici on the site. "That ignorance was passed down through the years, and the rest, as they say, is legendary." While all of Connecticut is subject to the paranormal, Southwestern Connecticut has become a hotbed for unexplained activity, especially in Fairfield County. In the area alone, three of the most prominent urban legends in Connecticut exist: sea serpents, the Melon Heads, and The Leatherman. Click through the slideshow to what urban legends exist in Southwestern Connecticut... GREENWICH The Town of Greenwich took top national honors as a safe and livable community, according to a company that provides information on security. SafeHome.org, which bills itself as a leading authority on home security and home-automation testing, rated Greenwich as No. 1 in its annual review of safest cities, defined as communities over 50,000 in population. It used recent statistics from the Federal Bureau of Statistics, demographic information and other metrics, to determine a list of the 101 safest cities in the country. Its proximity to New York City makes it a desirable city to live in for commuters, where their families can be safe, the trade organization said in highlighting Greenwich. It also cited the wealth of the community: One of the main reasons would be that Greenwich is the wealthiest town in the state, with the median income at $167,825 for a family. More News The safest places to trick-or-treat in Connecticut Three other Connecticut cities also made the list of the 101 safest in the U.S. Click through the slideshow to see which ones and how they ranked, and keep clicking to see the 2017 crime statistics on Connecticut cities. Greenwich police spokesman Lt. John Slusarz said it was always nice to receive recognition from trade organizations. Good news, well take it, he said. We do a lot of work to keep our community safe. The public usually associates local law enforcement with little more than making arrests, but there is more going on than just that, Slusarz said. All our officers are involved in community, he said. The goal is to forge a partnership with the public to create a safe environment, he said. While the recent report from the FBI on crime statistics showed an increase in some categories of crime last year, police supervisors note that fluctuations are typical from year to year, but the numbers are all on the low side of the spectrum. In 2017, Greenwich turned up in the No. 1 spot on a list of the safest communities to raise a child, as ranked by a security-consulting organization. SafeWise, another online trade organization, cited Greenwichs abundant recreational resources, as well as crime statistics, to cite it as a desirable place to raise a family. NORWALK A local developer and his son have formed a task force to help the homeless in and around the historic South Norwalk neighborhood known as Whistleville. Michael F. DiScala, president of M.F. DiScala & Co., and his son, John DiScala, president of Sedona Group, announced the formation of SONO Cares Coalition as part of the groundbreaking for SONO 1, an upscale, 40-unit apartment building spearheaded by DiScala and SigCon Associates for 1 Bates Court near the South Norwalk train station. In this day and age, with all of the tools and resources available, including the Open Door Shelter, Smilow Life Center and many other local outreach programs, there is an avenue which those in need can seek help for their situation, said John DiScala. Homeless people should be treated with dignity and have assistance obtaining adequate living conditions. We will be working with local agencies to assist in the endeavor. Shelter and job training SONO Cares Coalition will be headed by DiScala and his father; Rich Brousseau of Sedona Group; Lucia Rilling; realtors Steven and Cara Christofor; and others. The goal is to address and aid the homeless living in and around Whistleville. I grew up in that area, said Michael F. DiScala. I was born a block away on Lowe Street. That was a very vibrant area. It had a restaurant, bakery and department store. It had so much going on for it. It was a very lively, friendly area. DiScala said hes looking to both redevelop Whistleville so named because of locomotive whistles that once sounded and help the homeless in the area by providing them shelter and services. We just dont want to park somebody in a place, Michael DiScala said. We want to make sure theyre one step beyond that. We want to make sure that theyre drug- and alcohol-free and put themselves into a position toward gainful employment. The formation of the committee comes a year after Open Door Shelter opened the Smilow Life Center at 55 Chestnut St. in South Norwalk. The former factory was renovated into 14 apartments for homeless and working poor individuals, two medical respite units, a health center and space for a job-training program. Erin McDonough, director of community relations and marketing, at Open Door Shelter, said the center looks forward to working with SONO Cares Coalition. Theres room for offering additional help to folks, McDonough said. In addition to emergency shelter, we also help with food and other basic needs. We have affordable apartments for people that need them. In April, Open Door Shelter purchased two South Main Street houses the third such purchase over the last year to provide multifamily housing to people who are struggling making ends meet. Open Door Shelter itself, located on Merritt Street, has 95 beds and provides about 400,000 meals a year to the needy. While not all of the beds are currently full, they likely will be once winter sets in, according to Executive Director Curtis Corky Stewart. Were not at capacity, Stewart said. We tend to go to capacity as the weather gets colder. Progress made, hurdles remain Adam D. Bovilsky, Norwalk Housing Authority executive director and co-chairman of Opening Doors of Fairfield County, which implemented a plan to end homelessness, said an active coalition of agencies has been addressing the problem and made progress. We ended chronic veteran homeless and we ended veteran homeless, and weve come close to ending chronic homelessness, Bovilsky said. Chronic homeless means a person has been homeless for at least one year or had episodes of homelessness that add up to one year. While substance abuse and mental health issues are often behind homelessness, they are hardly the only causes, according to Bovilsky. More than half of the homeless are working. Theyre sober and working. They just cant make ends meet, Bovilsky said. Certainly not everyone who is homeless has a mental health or substance-abuse problem. The United States is facing one of the most severe affordable housing crises in its history with 553,742 people having experienced homelessness on any given night in 2017 and more than 1.4 million people having used an emergency shelter or transitional housing program in 2016, according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness. In the 1970s, communities had plenty of affordable housing. Since the mid-1980s, rising rents and slow, stagnant wage growth for lower-income people has decreased that stock. Today, 11 million extremely low-income households pay at least half of their income toward housing, putting them at risk of housing instability and homelessness, according to the alliance. Michael DiScala noted 10 percent of the housing units at SONO 1 will be priced as affordable. Norwalks Workforce Housing Regulation, as approved in 2007, requires that a minimum of 10 percent of units within developments of 20 or more units be affordable to households earning no more than 80 percent of the state median income. In 2017, that translated to an income of $59,921 for a two-person household. M.F. DiScala & Co. and SigCon Associates will establish rents for the market-rate units within SONO 1 as completion of the project nears. Were going to have market rents, whatever that might be, Michael DiScala said. Two-bedroom apartments could be $2,000 a month and one-bedrooms could be $1,800. Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly spelled the last name of realtors Steven and Cara Christofor. NORWALK Republican John J. Flynn, candidate for the 140th District in the state House of Representatives, describes himself as a renaissance man able to tackle issues facing the district. Flynn sees corruption and errant decision-making everywhere, from zoning enforcement to the big shopping mall rising up along West Avenue to states replacement of the Walk Bridge over the Norwalk River to stalled redevelopment along Wall Street. The themes weave together, from local to state, in his narrative of whats wrong with Norwalk and Connecticut. Wall Street has failed. Then there is Manresa. The new mall cannot be supported, Flynn said. On top of all this, the Walk Bridge is coming. The Walk Bridge is ill conceived, poorly planned, and the CT DOT has no intention of notifying anyone of anything. On Nov. 6, 140th District voters will choose between Flynn, Democratic nominee Travis Simms and Colin Hosten, a Democrat endorsed by the Working Families Party, in the race for the seat being vacated by Democrat Bruce V. Morris. We need to fund the schools, provide housing, save the state form a similar fate, said Flynn, referring to the Walk Bridge project. We need to cut spending, balance a budget and all that. The real reason I am running is to protect the rule of law, due process, the presumption of innocence, and most importantly equal protection under the law. Flynn works as a carpenter and painter for home-improvement company which he owns, but also describes himself as pro-se litigator. Hes sued elected officials, municipalities and companies, often seeing his cases dismissed. In a 2014 lawsuit, he alleged that the city of Norwalk, the towns of Darien and Wilton, Bank of America, Fidelty, NASD and Gov. Dannel P. Malloy had engaged in wire and securities fraud, money laundering, threatening, extortion, conspiracy and discrimination. The court found he failed to meet his burden of proof on all counts. If elected, Flynn promises to make corruption, The SoNo Collection shopping mall and the Walk Bridge replacement his priorities. He hopes to halt the bridge project, using the Americans with Disabilities Act. When the disabled are disrupted, he argues, officials should use the law to protect the rest of the city. We need to use the ADA law to stop the CT Dot from disrupting the existing 400 business until the State gives adequate compensation to the business under the bridge, Flynn said. The roads are being closed with two days notice. The Norwalk Transit Authority will need to adjust every bus route. These business need reassurances that they will meet their insurance, electric, rent, and overhead as a result of Metro North, Amtrak and the freight trains. Flynn is no fan of The SoNo Collection, which is under construction and slated for completion in October 2019. He said the city cannot support 30 more restaurants and 70 more stores. He predicts their opening will destroy existing businesses in Norwalk. The South Norwalk Republican named corruption as the third-top issue facing the 140th District, leveling unsubstantiated charges against police, the court system, the housing voucher system, the state Department of Children and Families, and the citys health, and planning and zoning departments. How would I address these items as a lawmaker? Flynn said. First, we have to save the State from the Malloy collision course. We need to innovate, re-invent, attract investment and reduce taxes. We need to be much more prudent and less irresponsible. We need to fund the schools and programs that are vital to attracting working families and talent. We need entrepreneurs, businesses, and we need to get rid of failed policies. NORWALK Democrat Colin Hosten didnt bow out of the race for the 140th District seat in the state House of Representatives after failing to secure his partys backing at a caucus in May. Instead, he gathered petition signatures to force a primary election. After losing the primary, he secured the backing of the Working Families Party, upon whose line his name will appear on the November ballot. For too long in the 140th District our votes have been taken for granted because it is considered a safe seat, said Hosten, referring to the solidly Democratic makeup of the district. I'm in this race to work to earn people's votes. I want to make sure that nobody takes us for granted, and to give our community the chance to think about what's really best for us. On Nov. 6, 140th District voters will chose between Hosten, Democratic nominee Travis Simms and Republican John Flynn in the race for the seat being vacated by Democrat Bruce V. Morris. Hosten said he wants to dispel the conservative myth that a progressive approach to politics somehow comes at the cost of economic responsibility. In fact, its the exact opposite. In fact, when we've tried to separate those two concepts in the past, we have limited our progress in each. Investing in things like public education and infrastructure is necessary for long-term economic growth, Hosten said. When we protect our most vulnerable neighbors, including working class families, senior citizens, and federally protected classes, we are strengthening protections for the entire state, and making Connecticut a more desirable place to live and invest. Hosten, who lives in Village Creek, named education, environmental sustainability and affordable housing as his priorities should voters send him to Hartford. He said hes proud that Norwalk is growing as other towns struggle but added such growth should not penalize our lower income neighbors, especially here in South Norwalk. I will support smart, sustainable development that prioritizes both affordability and inclusivity, Hosten said. I am also in favor of tax relief for our senior citizens. We don't need a regressive tax policy that punishes low income families and allows the top 3 percent to hold the state hostage. A writing instructor at Fairfield University and son of public school teachers, Hosten said hes passionate about public education, which he described as important to long-term economic growth. He noted that Connecticut has some of the best-performing school districts alongside one the nations largest achievement gaps. No child should be robbed of educational opportunities because of his or her ZIP code, Hosten said. That's why I will fight for an ECS (Education Cost Sharing) formula that is more equitable and fair to lower-income municipalities. And it's why I strongly support the plan to build more classroom space in South Norwalk. This will be the first public school built in Norwalk in almost 50 years. To protect coastal communities such as South Norwalk against climate change, Hosten said Connecticut must pursue environmental sustainability and enact and enforce stricter controls on air, land and water pollution. He wants lawmakers to incentivize a transition toward 100 percent renewable energy sources by funding a green bank to create a competitive landscape for new energy technologies. The best part is that a progressive approach to energy can be a boon for economic growth, Hosten said. Why shouldn't Connecticut be a national leader in clean and renewable energy? Originally from Trinidad and Tobago and now a naturalized citizen, Hosten has lived in South Norwalk with his husband, Joe, for the last decade. He sits on the Norwalk Human Relations Commission, is the recording secretary of the Norwalk Democratic Town Committee and serves as a board member at Triangle Community Center. Georgia Democratic gubernatorial nominee Stacey Abrams's campaign is calling attention to a letter in which former president Jimmy Carter urged Abrams's Republican opponent, Brian Kemp, to resign as Georgia's secretary of state, arguing that "public confidence is threatened" by Kemp's dual role as candidate and overseer of the state's elections. Carter, who still lives in his Georgia hometown with his wife, Rosalynn, sent the letter to Kemp last week. Kemp's role as candidate and secretary of state "runs counter to the most fundamental principle of democratic elections - that the electoral process be managed by an independent and impartial election authority," Carter said in the letter. "In order to foster voter confidence in the upcoming election, which will be especially important if the race ends up very close, I urge you to step aside and hand over to a neutral authority the responsibility of overseeing the governor's election," Carter said. More News Georgia's GOP gubernatorial candidate Brian Kemp sued over claims of suppressing thousands of minority voters Kemp and Abrams are locked in a competitive battle that has been marked by tensions over race and voting rights. Last year, Georgia passed an "exact match" voter registration law that critics argue is aimed at keeping minority voters from the polls. According to the Associated Press, 53,000 voter registration applications - most of them belonging to black voters - are on hold due to discrepancies between the information on the forms and residents' information on file. Separately, elections officials have also come under criticism for the rejection of hundreds of absentee ballots. Abrams, who would become the nation's first black female governor, has called Kemp an "architect of voter suppression for the last decade" and argued that he has "tried to steal the right to vote from 53,000 Georgians." Kemp has maintained that anyone whose registration has been put on hold can vote on Election Day so long as they bring the proper ID. In a statement, Kemp spokesman Ryan Mahoney said that it was "sad" to see Abrams "using the former president to do her dirty work" and accused the Democrat of "trying to distract voters with another publicity stunt." - - - The Washington Post's Amy Gardner and Vanessa Williams contributed to this report. CAIRO - In Saudi Arabia's version of its war in neighboring Yemen, the Saudi-led coalition carefully chooses targets for its airstrikes. The rapidly rising civilian death counts reported by the United Nations and humanitarian groups are highly exaggerated. So are the accounts of an impending famine caused by war. And the coalition is in no way interfering with humanitarian aid or with assistance to Yemen's beleaguered economy. But now that narrative is wearing thin, critics say. The murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi this month by Saudi agents - and Saudi Arabia's repeated denials of any knowledge of his fate - is raising new concerns about the Saudi account of how it is waging its devastating military campaign in Yemen. "It's thrown open the doors of doubt to the entire Saudi version of the war in Yemen," said Elisabeth Kendall, a Yemen scholar at Oxford University. "It is no longer able to just tell the world what it wants it to think without the world now being suspicious and skeptical." As these doubts multiply, they are raising questions anew about whether President Donald Trump's administration can trust what Saudi Arabia is telling U.S. officials about its conduct of the war in Yemen, especially its role in civilian casualties and human rights violations. Administration officials rely on the Saudi information in urging U.S. lawmakers to allow more weapons sales and other military assistance to the kingdom. The United States supports the Saudi-led forces in their fight against a rebel insurgency by refueling their jets, and by providing intelligence and logistical support in addition to billions of dollars in weapons sales. Since the war began in 2015, the Saudi-led coalition has sought to oust the Houthi rebels who control northern Yemen and restore to power the internationally recognized Yemeni government. While Saudi Arabia and other Sunni Muslim countries like the United Arab Emirates and Egypt are backing the government forces, the Shiite rebels are supported by Iran. Last month, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis certified to Congress that the Saudi-led coalition was making "every effort to reduce the risk of civilian casualties." A senior White House official, speaking in Cairo last week, said the pair "did consult with a variety of sources" and were certain in their conclusion. Those "sources" include the Saudis themselves, who are the only ones that investigate civilian casualties caused by air strikes. And only in a handful of cases has the Saudi-led coalition found they had killed civilians, contradicting information collected by the U.N. and humanitarian groups. The United Nations human rights office estimates that more than 16,000 civilians have been killed or injured since the war began, the majority by airstrikes. The Saudi-led coalition is the only party to the conflict that uses military jets. The independent Yemen Data Project says the toll is far greater, estimating that more than 50,000 civilians have died over this period. In most cases where there are reported civilian deaths, there are no subsequent investigations. Saudi officials have regularly said civilian casualties are accidental, calling them collateral damage in strikes against carefully selected military targets. "It no longer looks like an accident, just like Khashoggi was not an accident," said Kendall. Khashoggi, a contributor to The Washington Post's Global Opinions section and a critic of the Saudi leadership, was killed after entering the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2. While Saudi officials said for more than two weeks that Khashoggi left the consulate alive, they later acknowledged that he had died inside the mission, but initially attributed his death to a fistfight. Saudi officials now say they accept the conclusion of Turkish investigators that his death was a preplanned murder. Trump last week said that the Saudis had engaged in "one of the worst [coverups] in the history of coverups." Emily Thornberry, a British lawmaker, told her country's Parliament that "we have seen a repeated pattern played out" by the Saudis in how they handled the Khashoggi killing and the Yemen campaign. "When major civilian casualties are reported, first they deny the reports are true, then they deny responsibility," said Thornberry, a member of the opposition Labour Party. "And when the proof becomes incontrovertible, they say it is all a terrible mistake. They blame rogue elements, promise those will be punished and say it will not happen again - until the next time, when it does." In Cairo, the senior White House official said the U.S.-Saudi relationship, traditionally very close, could be improved. "I think we do need more transparency generally," the official said. Regarding the Yemen conflict in particular, the official said the administration was "confident" in the information Saudi Arabia is supplying. "In terms of Yemen, we have a fair amount of visibility," the official told a small group of journalists, speaking on the condition of anonymity to talk freely. The continuing conflict is also deepening a humanitarian crisis that has steadily worsened this year. At the U.N. Security Council last week, U.N. humanitarian chief Mark Lowcock warned that at least 14 million Yemenis - nearly half the country's population - are on the verge of famine. More than 3 million Yemenis have fled their homes as a cholera epidemic rages, while thousands have died from preventable diseases. Humanitarian agencies have accused the Saudi-led coalition of contributing to that crisis by waging economic warfare in Yemen. There have been more than 18,000 airstrikes since the war began, and a third of those have targeted civilian sites, including farms, markets, water treatment facilities, power plants, hospitals, clinics, and food warehouses and other storage sites, according to the Yemen Data Project. The coalition, meanwhile, has imposed import restrictions, in particular targeting the rebel-controlled port of Hodeidah, a vital gateway for imports of food, fuel, medicines and other goods into the country. The resulting shortage of fuel has in turn driven up transport costs, making food unaffordable for most Yemenis. The Houthis, too, are partly to blame for imposing heavy taxes on import businesses and at checkpoints. "Yemen has long been bombarded with airstrikes and subjected to strangling tactics of war," Jan Egeland, secretary general for the Norwegian Refugee Council, said in a statement. "Mass starvation is a deadly byproduct of actions taken by warring parties and the western nations propping them up. The way the war is waged has systematically choked civilians by making less food available and affordable to millions of people." There is currently no direct American oversight of how aircraft refueled by the U.S. military carry out their raids or how U.S.-supplied bombs are used. American officials say they rely on the Saudis for this kind of information. Speaking in August, a senior Trump administration official it was "possible" that U.S.-refueled jets had killed civilians, "but we don't know." "We would have to have Saudis provide us information, but they don't in the normal course of events provide to us," that official said. Those comments came after a Saudi coalition airstrike in August killed more than 40 schoolchildren on a bus in northern Yemen. The Saudis initially declared that Houthi rebels were on the bus and that it was a legitimate target, describing the children as collateral damage. Only after international pressure, fueled by images of the children's charred bodies, did the Saudis accept responsibility. A report by U.N. investigators in August called on countries to stop supplying weapons that could be used in the war, prompting Amnesty International to warn in a statement that the United States, "by continuing to transfer weaponry to its Saudi allies, may be at risk of making itself an accessory to war crimes." Some critics of the Saudi leadership see a similar ruthlessness in the Yemen campaign and the killing of Khashoggi, and they have increasingly cited what they say is the hand of Saudi Arabia's powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in both. These critics also see parallels in the way the Saudis have responded to reports of Yemeni civilian casualties and Khashoggi's murder. "This is exactly the same pattern we have seen here," added the British lawmaker Thornberry, referring to Khashoggi's murder, "which speaks of a crown prince who takes his allies for fools and relies on the fact that his lies will be believed, he will be exonerated and that everyone will return to business as usual once the publicity has subsided." Church and state cannot mate Fairfax media recently leaked part of the findings of a review commissioned by former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull into the suitability of existing protections of freedom of religion following the legalisation of same sex marriage. The terms of reference also include considering the intersections between the enjoyment of freedom of religion and other human rights. Taking god into Parliament. Former Coalition Attorney-General Philip Ruddock headed the review panel, which included Jesuit priest Father Brennan amongst its members. They handed down their report in May this year, but the government has kept it under wraps with Prime Minister Scott Morrison recently saying Cabinet has still to consider it. Morrison, consistent with his Pentecostal fundamentalism, lines up with the extreme Right Christian lobby as a strong opponent of same sex marriage. Turnbull announced the review following overwhelmingly support for legalising same sex marriage in last years voluntary postal ballot and the passing of subsequent legislation. The review was an attempt to appease the extreme right of his party that had campaigned so hard and viciously to defeat the recognition of same sex marriage. Ruddock has a history of discrimination and breaches of LGBTQI human rights. In May 2004, as Attorney-General in the Howard Coalition government, he introduced the Marriage Legislation Amendment Bill to prevent any possible court rulings allowing same-sex marriages or civil unions. He made a number of decisions discriminating against gay couples. In one case he defended a decision to deny a gay military veterans partner a spousal pension, despite their 38-year same-sex relationship. The UN Human Rights Commission found the Australian government in violation of equality and privacy rights under the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), but Ruddock insisted the government was not bound by the ruling. This was despite the fact that Australia had signed the Covenant. Ironically, Ruddock has served as the Special Envoy for Human Rights since February 2016, representing Australia abroad for the promotion and protection of human rights. Review leaks Leaked material from the report recommends religious schools be given the right to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or relationship status of students. In some states such legislation already exists, discriminating against teachers in same sex relationships. Where religious schools wish to practise discrimination the report recommends that this be made clear to parents who might choose to enrol their children. Provided they make it clear, and abundantly clear, that they are the rules under which theyre operating, that should be the basis upon which it occurs, Ruddock said. The alt-right (the neo-fascist Christian Right and their fellow travellers) are using the review to push their reactionary agenda and their campaigning is just as dishonest and dirty as in the lead-up to the same sex marriage vote. They falsely claim that the Sex Discrimination Act is a threat to their religious beliefs now that same sex marriage is legal. The Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, marital or relationship status, actual or potential pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, intersex status or breastfeeding in a range of areas of public life. They want the right to discriminate against same sex couples. Morrison, a fierce opponent of marriage equality, looks set to rewrite the Act or introduce new freedom of religion legislation. The extremists lobby for freedom of thought or freedom to hold a faith, but define it as freedom to proselytise, in particular with children in schools, and freedom to impose their narrow and backward values on the wider society. They falsely claim that marriage equality and other progressive social gains undermine freedom of religion, turning its meaning on its head, rejecting a secular society. One of the key aims of anti-discrimination laws is to protect minorities and the vulnerable, not to provide exemptions that legalise discrimination as is the case with most of the exemptions for religious institutions. Religious organisations have considerable powers, privileges and freedoms. They have tax exempt and charity status. Some such as the Catholic church have huge financial resources and political influence over governments. The campaign in the 1960s for state aid waged by the Catholic school system is one such example. Successive governments curry favour with parents by ongoing largesse to religious schools. Whether it is hospitals employing nurses or doctors, access to aged care facilities or students, no LGBTQI person should be discriminated against. But this is exactly the aim of the lobby for freedom of religion. In the same reactionary vein, Coalition and Labor MPs fiercely opposed the secular safe schools anti-bullying gender and sexuality program. Constitution Section 116 of the Constitution states: The Commonwealth shall not make any law for establishing any religion, or for imposing any religious observance, or for prohibiting the free exercise of any religion, and no religious test shall be required as a qualification for any office or public trust under the Commonwealth. Yet the federal government funds religious schools to the tune of billions of dollars every year more than they provide for public schools with two thirds of the students and state governments also make a significant contribution. Over the past 15 years, total Commonwealth and state government funding for private schools has grown at more than twice the rate of funding for public schools, and in more recent years funding for public schools has been cut while private school funding still increased. (Trevor Cobbold, Education Policy Brief, Australias Unfair School Funding System Must Be Overhauled, February 2016) State funds should be spent on state schools, on secular, public education which is accessible to all students regardless of their religion, race, sexual orientation, gender identity or relationship status, socio-economic status or disabilities. Chaplaincy program The federal budget 2018-19 included nearly one quarter of a billion dollars over four years to cement the highly controversial pastoral care program in Australian schools. This funding is nothing short of a handout to religious organisations, mostly of the fundamentalist brand, denying science and aiming to convert and recruit in Australian schools. To get a job as a chaplain requires being religious and endorsed by a religious group. Atheists are ruled out of giving pastoral care, even if they have counselling qualifications. The Howard government first established the National School Chaplaincy Program in 2006. The purported aim of the program which the commonwealth funds is to provide support and guidance about ethics, values, relationships and spirituality and pastoral care, but not religious instruction as such. In practice, proselytising chaplains sold their fundamentalist wares to young children, many without any teaching or pastoral care qualifications. Labor in 2011, offered schools the option to employ, instead of a religious support worker (chaplain), a secular student well-being officer, following concerns over the appropriateness of having a religious worker in a public school. Tony Abbott as PM removed this provision in 2014. There have been two successful High Court challenges to the program, one in 2012 and the other in 2014. The government in effect circumvented the decisions and continues to fund the program. Almost all the chaplains are Christian. The NSCP is most commonly opposed on the grounds that chaplains are un- or under-qualified to deal with vulnerable young people. The director of the Black Dog Institute that deals with depression has expressed concern that the funding of the NSCP takes precedence over programs backed by scientific evidence. The public education system takes pride in being secular, in welcoming students from all backgrounds, all religions or no religion. As with the tobacco and alcohol lobbies, the objective of the Christian right is to have access to the nations children at their most receptive and vulnerable, and the great majority of children attend public schools. It is just not appropriate to have religious workers in public schools: if parents want their children taught blind faith in doctrine they should take them to church. Freedoms not absolute The UNs ICCPR guarantees freedom of thought, conscience and belief. There is a tendency of many religious fundamentalists and others on the extreme right to take this basic human right as an absolute, with no limitations, and as overriding all other human rights. Freedom of religion also means freedom from religion. People should not have imposed upon them the religious beliefs or practices of others or be discriminated against on the basis of not having a religion. The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse raised the issue of the relationship of canon law to civil law. Thus the Catholic church is resisting any attempt to repeal the confidentiality of what is said in the confessional. This question of the relationship between civic and religious law is relevant to sharia, Jewish and other religious laws, practices and cultural traditions. The ICCPR is quite clear: article 18.3 states that freedom to manifest ones religion or beliefs may be subject only to such limitations as are prescribed by law and are necessary to protect public safety, order, health or morals or the fundamental rights and freedoms of others. Many organisations, including the Australian Human Rights Commission supported a comprehensive Australian Bill of Rights in their submissions to the review. At present human rights such as freedom of religion are embodied in various state and territory anti-discrimination and equal opportunity acts. Religious freedom is not the freedom to discriminate. As the High Court found, General laws to preserve and protect society are not defeated by a plea of religious obligation to breach them. (Church of the New Faith (Scientology) v Commissioner for Payroll Tax, 1983) There is a need for action at the national level to ensure that Australia gives full effect to its obligations and commitments under various UN Covenants under one umbrella to end discrimination. Disbelief is the usual reaction when I tell new employees and colleagues about my first job. The stunned pause is usually followed by a series of questions: "What was it like? or, What did you do there? And every time, I answer that it was one of the most unique learning experiences of my career. Related: Your Best Advisor in Life Is Death You see, while my high school buddies worked at the local mall or the YMCA, I opted for a more curious gig: groundskeeper at a cemetery in Bountiful, Utah. It was a job in which I coordinated burial services, assigned plots, performed grounds maintenance, facilitated tours and dug graves -- some 200 graves, in all. It was also job a that -- regardless of what you may be thinking this Halloween season -- wasn't creepy at all. In fact, I learned a number of lessons at the cemetery that have carried me throughout my career to my current marketing position at Bluehost. 1. Cemetery-style compassion is something everyone deserves. On any regular workday, people at a cemetery were experiencing their most broken moment, and quite possibly, the worst day of their lives. Whatever personal grievance I had (small or large) seemed insignificant in comparison to their grief. If a visitor was angry or frustrated with the service or the plot, I found that showing compassion and understanding not only resolved problems faster but provided some relief to the family. Related: How Cemeteries, Police and the Holocaust Museum are Coping With Pokemon Go Fever For example, many family members wanted to assist with the actual burials after a graveside service; however, we only allowed people to be first to put dirt on the vault. Then, one day, one particular family was frustrated with this rule and insisted on an exception being made. At first, we stuck to our rules. But the family members kept insisting, and tensions escalated. That's when we stopped citing policy and listened. We learned that the actual burial was a significant part of their culture. After grasping the importance of the ritual itself, we accommodated the request. Clearly, we could have saved time and frustration had we empathized from the start. Lesson: Empathy may seem like common sense for working with grieving visitors, but its a skill that applies to the business world, as well. According to Business Solvers 2017 Workplace Empathy Monitor survey, 92 percent of employees polled said they'd be more likely to stay with a company if that company empathized with their needs. So, clearly, empathy isn't just a feel-good employee concern -- it's a key driver in keeping employees engaged and potentially boosting productivity. 2. Cemetery workers are a great example of what a "work ethic" should be. Whether you're taking care of roughly 40 acres of plots or leading a business of any size, "work ethic" is a skill that's crucial to leadership. In this context, Im not sure you'll find harder-working individuals than cemetery workers. Our labor-intensive days started around 6 a.m. And, from cleaning headstones to digging graves, to maintaining the grounds, we put in considerable work with very little staff. On more than a few occasions,we had to dig five to six different plots in 100-plus-degree heat, then turn around and manage the graveside services. We couldnt simply pitch our shovels to take a lunch break or rest our arms. It would have been unacceptable for a family to show up for a service without an open plot. They needed to focus on their guests and relatives during their time of mourning. For these reasons, my personal work ethic at the cemetery directly impacted the lives of visitors and families, and the same could be said of entrepreneurs and business leaders. Lesson: Working long hours, following through on tasks despite physical exhaustion and stress: Thats part of the gig when youre a leader. While leadership might look glamorous from the outside, in reality, it's more like working at the cemetery in 100-degree heat, digging straight through an eight-hour shift. 3. Even a leader can grab a shovel. A Harvard Business Review survey revealed that 58 percent of people surveyed said they trusted strangers more than their own boss. This is truly shocking. In my experience, leading by example is the most effective way to build trust and get a team behind you. When employees see leaders who are willing to put in the time, they are inspired to do the same. Leading by example sets the right tone for those in the lower levels of an organization and negates any resentment they may feel toward upper management. Throughout my own career, my favorite managers have been those willing to roll up their sleeves and jump into the trenches with me. Lesson: At the cemetery, my supervisor, Geno, was one of the hardest-working guys Ive ever met. Geno was always ready to jump in when we needed help in mowing, digging and cleaning -- you name it. He never pulled rank. Genos leadership taught me to stay humble, and to realize that job titles dont excuse leaders from grabbing a shovel. 4. Even in a cemetery, job fitness is an issue. Building a high-functioning team is no easy feat, but is crucial to the success of an organization. While the initial instinct may be to hire people with the necessary skills, Ive learned over the course of my career that the more important question has to do with fitting into a team culture. Working at the cemetery was the first time I was exposed to a team environment. While our group was small, we were a tight-knit bunch. And because we were so few, we had to figure out how best to work together to get the job done. One summer, we were desperate for help, so we opened a position and hired -- too quickly. The new employee had the desired availability and skills but wasnt a team fit -- which was immediately apparent. Tasks took him twice the time to complete; and as a result, morale declined, and productivity dropped off. After months of struggling as a group, we decided to make a change. That change helped us bounce back to normal production. Lesson: Had we vetted the new hire more closely, we would have saved time and morale in the long run. 5. Death is worse than the small bumps in life. While it might not seem like a cemetery would have many problems, we had our fair share. The job function was fairly consistent: mow lawns, trim hedges, dig holes. However, every week a new challenge arose: Think: weather challenges, time constraints, etc. Cue stress. According to APAs 2017 Work and Well-Being survey, 58 percent of Americans polled said that work is a significant source of stress. In addition to its health impacts, U.S. employers lose an estimated $300 billion annually through absenteeism, illness and productivity, according to the American Institute for Stress. Leaders can lessen this stress by embracing and teaching perspective. Whenever Im stressed out at work, I think back on the cemetery. Not because those were some of the best days of my life (though actually they were), but because I would think about the people and families I interacted with. When you're surrounded by death every day, you gain perspective on what really matters. Work and school can be stressful and seem like the most important thing, but when you take a step back to look at the larger picture, those stresses are a small bump in a larger road. Despite the cobwebs, bats, zombies, ghosts or black cats you'll likely see displayed in your neighborhood this Halloween, a cemetery is not a dark and dreary place but a spot that is welcoming and considerate to the community around it. Related: After Her Father's Death, This Entrepreneur Built a Billion-Dollar Company on Passionate Purpose Lesson: Cemeteries can be overwhelmingly positive and peaceful, assuming you're just visiting and have the right outlook. They celebrate the past while encouraging hope and a look to the future. Leaders of small and large businesses alike could learn a thing or two from working at a cemetery, I know I did. Related: The 5 Lessons I Learned From Working in a Graveyard How to Handle Digital Assets of the Deceased What 7 Deaths Taught Me About Living Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved WASHINGTON - Even if Democrats -- currently entirely out of power in Washington -- win back control of the House next week, little will change when it comes to federal energy policy. President Donald Trump will still reside in the White House. His deputies across the federal government will pursue policies promoting the growth of the fossil-fuel sector and ignoring the buildup of climate-warming gases in the atmosphere. But in the states things may be different for Democrats. Voters across the western United States will be voting on progressive ballot measures poised to stymie the use of coal, oil and natural gas, and bolster solar and wind energy. Here is a rundown of four of the most consequential: - Arizona's Proposition 127 and Nevada's Question 6 What's on the ballot? In both states it is the same thing. Arizona and Nevada voters will separately decide whether to require utilities to acquire at least half of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. What are the implications in these states? If passed, the renewable mandates stand to curb air pollution in a Southwest desert climate where smog likes to stick around while better harnessing some of the best solar energy opportunities in the country. "You could not find a better state for solar in the U.S." than Arizona, said Bill Holland of the League of Conservation Voters, which supports the renewable measure. But opponents, which in Arizona include the state's Republican leadership and its electric utilities, say such stringent requirements will raise electricity prices and force the early closures for coal and nuclear plants, including Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, the largest nuclear station in the country. And enacting the change via a difficult-to-undo constitutional amendment is "a terrible way to set energy policy in any state," added Matt Benson, spokesman for the opposition campaign. What are the implications nationally? Besides being a small step toward reducing the nation's carbon footprint, the pair of ballot measures will test the extent to which states are willing to buck the Trump administration to prop up cleaner energy. In September, California pledged in September to get all of its electricity from carbon-free sources by 2045. Where do Arizonans and Nevadans stand? The largest electric utilities in each state diverge on the respective ballot measures there. NV Energy in Nevada has not taken a position on the renewable proposal there, focusing most of its political firepower on a separate ballot measure that threatens to dismantle that utility's electricity-generation monopoly. Across the Colorado River, the parent company of Arizona Public Service, that state's largest utility, has spent about $22 million to defeat the renewable energy mandate there while environmentalist financier Tom Steyer has pumped over $18 million to convince Arizonans to support the constitutional mandate, according to the Arizona Daily Star. That infusion of cash has created a "different dynamic in the two states," Holland said. "In Arizona, it is a really tough battle." - Colorado's Proposition 112 What's on the ballot? Colordans will decide whether to ban drilling for oil and natural gas in any area at least half a mile from a home, schools, business and waterway. What are the implications in Colorado? Since state officials have concluded that such a prohibition would put 85 percent of state- and privately owned land off limits to energy development, the implications would be sweeping, Jennifer Oldham reports for The Post. Oil and gas is a $31.4-billion-a-year business in the state, according to the American Petroleum Institute. A significant chunk of the industry's revenue goes toward funding towns, cities and school districts. But a ban would give many residents something difficult to put a price tag on: the peace of mind of knowing that the places where they live and work are away from toxic oil and gas emissions linked by peer-reviewed research to health risks like as cancer, respiratory problems and congenital birth defects What are the implications nationally? Tracee Bentley, executive director of the Colorado Petroleum Council, told Oldham that she considers Colorado to be "a bellwether." If the proposition passed, "we are certain we would see it pop up in a couple years in other oil-and-gas-producing states," she said. Where do Coloradans stand? The usual alignment of industry players and Republican officials, including gubernatorial candidate and state Treasurer Walker Stapleton, oppose the ban. But so does Stapleton's opponent, Democratic Rep. Jared Polis. Both hopefuls for the governor's mansion do not want to lose the tax revenue from energy extraction. - Washington's Initiative 1631 What's on the ballot? The state of Washington will decide whether to impose a first-in-the-nation fee on the carbon emissions that contribute to climate change. What are the implications in Washington? As just one state, Washington can do very little per se to stop climate change, which locally is fueling the state's forest fires and damaging its oyster farms. Oil lobbyists point to that minimal impact to argue for voting "no." The Western States Petroleum Association said the state-level policy "would have a negligible impact on mitigating climate change but could have a significant negative impact on our state's businesses," according to The Post's Steven Mufson. What are the implications nationally? With many Democrats and even a handful of Republicans in the other Washington agitating for a federal carbon tax, the precedent the state of Washington sets will be important for determining what is politically possible. "Going first is never easy," Bill Gates wrote in an open letter of support this month, "but Washington has a history of pioneering new ideas." Where do Washingtonians stand? Several oil companies operating in the state oppose the ballot initiative. Notably, BP, which does refining in the state, has given $9.6 million in cash to defeat it. But a broad coalition of political, business and nonprofit heavyweights -including environmental groups, unions, Native American groups, communities of color, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) and Gates - support the fee. "It is a small signal," Inslee told Mufson. "But it is a signal of intent. And it does accelerate over time." The initiative drew 50 percent approval in a Crosscut/Elway Poll. That's a big improvement from just two years ago, when even environmental groups were divided on an earlier iteration of the fee. The 2016 ballot measure garnered only 42 percent of the vote. The Norwalk Hours editors support Lamont for Governor with the following phrase: Lamont has the support of labor. Anyone familiar with Connecticuts long-standing fiscal problems understands the central role played by public union support in our state government commanding 40 percent of our state budget, together with quite astonishing unfunded pension liabilities. The support of labor is the very last quality our citizens should look for in creating a far more prosperous state. There is a clear connection between our public unions among the highest paid in the nation and the nations most mismanaged state. Editorial Change the rules change the system! Around Australia workers have been taking bold action, walking off the job and hitting the streets to demand the right to strike and protest against the anti-worker industrial laws imposed by successive federal governments. These laws have allowed bosses to deny workers rightful access to their union representatives, smash their unions with crippling fines, deny union activists their rights before the law and even threaten them with jail time. The following are the intolerable results: Rights and conditions gained through decades of often bitter struggle have been stripped away Wages are stagnant or declining. Corporate profits are through the roof putting lie to the claims of trickle down economics Precarious, unorganised work dominates in the labour market Labour hire companies add a layer of unnecessary exploitation Deaths at work are at tragically high levels Workers are cheated by the non-payment of wages and entitlements These developments are no accident. They are part of a global capitalist offensive to boost profits for monopoly capitalist interests by reducing the share of the wealth going to the workers who produce it. In Australia it forms part of a strategy that includes: The privatisation of community assets Robbing struggling public schools to further privilege elite private schools White-anting of the public health system by price-gouging health corporations including health insurers Increased charges by privatised utilities and the destruction of public housing, all adding to the cost of living crisis and forcing many into homelessness The continuation of the invasion of Aboriginal land by resource sector corporations Distracting and setting workers against one another by officially encouraged racism and xenophobia Ignoring climate change and sacrificing the future of our children and grandchildren on the altar of profits for transnational corporations Huge military spending and involvement in US-led wars The Communist Party of Australia supports the ACTUs Change the Rules campaign being taken up by Australian workers but is convinced its demands needs to be bolstered, in particular, to include the unfettered right to strike. The Party has set out its position on the most important demands in the interest of workers at this time (see Change the Rules CPA Statement). The whole industrial relations framework must be altered. The capacity for unions to defend their members and for the movement to protect workers in less strategic or less well organised sectors must be restored or, to put it more correctly, firmly established. The Liberal/National Coalition government has to go but, ultimately, changing the rules and even changing the federal government will not alter the situation fundamentally. The Coalition has played the worst role in stripping workers of their rights at work but both major parties have played their part in delivering a repressive industrial relations environment in Australia. If it forms government, the ALP must be held to its undertakings to change the rules and pressed to deliver more of the rights currently denied to Australian workers. The Australian Building and Construction Commission and the Registered Organisations Commission have to be abolished and the demands of the Change the Rules campaign have to be achieved to stop the drift into slave-like conditions in the workplace. But the demands of the campaign are not enough. Workers shouldnt lose sight of where their interests lie. A thorough change of the economic and social system is needed. A system where the assets of the country are owned and democratically managed by the people is required. Only the building of a socialist Australia will destroy the logic of capitalism that has produced the rules workers have been protesting against in record numbers recently. The workers and other exploited people need to set their own agenda and press on to achieve revolutionary change. The CPA has an important part to play in developing this class and revolutionary consciousness in every aspect of its work through its actions and theory based on Marxism-Leninism. It must show leadership by example. If you want to help with this vital task, join us! Most of this column by Telegraph producer Nathan Woodside was first published in 2016. The story about the jealous husband is a new addition. ALTON Can we see Deaf Bill? Wide-eyed children queried with wide grins, kicking at the dirt with their Chuck Taylor All-Star sneakers, hoping to balm a boring summer day not at the pool, not at the playground at the funeral home. Its still there today at 727 Langdon in Alton, but no longer under the name Burke just an unassuming building with no signs or oft characteristics now zoned as a multiple-family residence. No plaque or monument displayed noting the site of what likely thousands of Altonians will never forget as the legend of Deaf Bill. Ingrained into the DNA of Alton is the allure of the weird. The most haunted town in America they call it. Its no marketing ploy by a promotion-savvy Visitors and Conventions Bureau. Alton is legit weird, and it gets no more strange than the story that was finally buried 20 years ago this summer. William Deaf Bill Lee was laid to rest on June 24, 1996 and heres the kicker after his mummified corpse stood in a closet at Burke Funeral Home, clad in only a diaper, free to view to any man, woman or child, for 80 years. From the June 24, 1996 issue of The Telegraph: Lee, whose body stood in a small closet at Burke Funeral Home for more than 80 years, was decked out in a suit in the style of his day as organ music played, the smell of flowers filled the air and men stood by in suits. About 350 people streamed in and out of the newly refurbished Burke Funeral Home from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday to pay respects to Deaf Bill, who attracted perhaps thousands of curious youngsters when he was a resident of the closet. When you were a kid, you were just fascinated, Barbara Gearing, who attended the funeral, said at the time, recalling the feeling of reaching out with trembling hand to touch Deaf Bills hardened skin. Hes all dressed up now. He doesnt look quite as much like a mummy. The report, written by Sanford Schmidt, whos still a reporter at The Telegraph, notes that some makeup was applied to make the body look lighter and more alive than when it stood in the closet. So, how did this scenario, seemingly straight out of a collection of odd urban myths, come to be? Lee was a hard-of-hearing fisherman who lived on the island. Previous Telegraph articles about him report that he was a local character known to hit the bottle and launch into prolific preaching and swearing, loud enough to be heard on the other side of the river. An item in the Oct. 11, 1902 Telegraph says it all: William Lee, better known as Deaf Bill, the Poo-bah of MPike island, was married Saturday morning by Police Magistrate Few. The bride was Matie A.H. Ferguson, of Paxton, Ill., who came to town recently and whose charms enamored Deaf Bill. The bride was satisfied with her choice notwithstanding the fact that Bill can hardly hear. He made the front page July 2, 1914 Alton Evening Telegraph with a story of irony. He was serving time in the St. Charles County Jail for stealing tools from a mechanic when someone entered his house boat and stole nearly everything he owned including carpets, dishes, the stove, the bed and all of his furniture. Curiously, the only items the robbers didnt steal were two shotguns and a revolver that Deaf Bill kept hanging from the ceiling. He claimed to be haunted by a woman whose jealous husband killed her On Oct. 19, 1904, Mr. Lee reported to The Telegraph that he was the subject of a ghosting in his fishermens shack on McPike Island. He said that a few years before the apparent haunting, a fisherman named John Snow and his wife showed up at Bills residence asking for a place to stay until he could earn some money and continue their travels to Kentucky. Snows wife apparently took a liking to Lee and Snow became enraged with jealousy. Lee said Snow took off across the river with his wife in a skiff, never to be seen again, the skiff later found abandoned. He surmised that Snow whacked his wife in the head with an oar and the both tumbled overboard. From the report: Now fishermen and others who happen to be on McPikes island at night say a ghost with clanking chains and hollow eyes as becomes a ghost cavorts around the vicinity of the old Lee shack and moans and makes noises as if something ailed it, and John Kenney is of the opinion that the wraith is that of Snows wife, but he cannot understand what she is doing around Lees former abode instead of being where Snow is. Bill never did nawthin to her, says Kenney, only love her little, mebbe, and treat her a blamed sight better than her husband did, and besides there is no call for her to be making all these here unearthly noises from no point of view. Deaf Bills death and after-life Deaf Bill made headlines once again in the Oct. 23, 1915, issue of the Alton Evening Telegraph where a headline read, Deaf Bill Lee is taken to hospital. Fellow fishermen found him felled near his shanty on the Missouri side of the river. Doctors urged him to seek medical help in St. Charles County, but the hermit was stubborn. He said he spent all of his money on the Illinois side of the river, so he should be Madison Countys burden or hed go back to his shanty to die. He was admitted to the Madison County Poor House, where he soon passed. No family ever came forward to claim the body, so funeral home owner Bill Bauer had a bit of a conundrum on his hands. In 1996, the Telegraph published a letter to the editor from Merrill S. Rosenthal, a historian from Wood River, who said Bauer and his partner, John Hoehn, took the opportunity to perform an experiment in embalming to keep poor Deaf Bill from decay. They performed the normal embalming process, but skipped using any fluids. the atmosphere has dehydrated him, Rosenthal wrote. It has drawn the moisture out of his body and left tissue and bone structure. If he had not been exposed to air but put in an airtight casket with glass top, he would now look like he did the day he died. So, when Bauer and Hoehn Funeral Home moved to 727 Langdon in Alton, a special closet for Deaf Bill was built where he stood upright for decades. On Sept. 5, 1932, the Telegraph reported that Deaf Bill was slated to be displayed at the Chicago Worlds Fair. The report also stated that an Egyptian Hindu who had come to town with a curiosity show offered $2,500 for the body. We told him we could not sell a body, John Hoehn, Bauers partner, said. He told us he could make 10 times that much in exhibiting it. Well, after that we decided not to bury and so kept Deaf Bill to this day. On moving into our new funeral home we had a special closet built for him on the first floor. We have had people from coast to coast view him. When Tom and Dallas Burke bought the funeral home in 1948, Deaf Bill stayed with it. Funeral Director Brian Fine, currently with Staten-Fine Funeral Home, later became Dallas Burkes partner. In changing times, Deaf Bill became more of a morbid burden rather than a ghoulish gaff. A lot of old-timers know about him, and not a week goes by that we dont get a call from someone wanting to see him, Fine told The Telegraph in 1996. The funeral home attempted to give the curiously well-preserved body to the Alton Museum of History and Art, but the board of directors made the predictable decision to take a pass. The partners called on the services of Rev. Michael Sandweg, who found that Deaf Bill likely had family buried in St. Frances of Assisi Cemetery. And so, in late June of 1996, that became Mr. William Lees final resting place. Every person born into this world has a right to a proper and a decent burial, spoke the Reverend. So we bury him today and pray for his soul. MyHR action by Greek Community A public meeting on the My Health Record opt-out online program was called by the Inner West and Belloyiannis branches of the CPA on October 21. The meeting targeted Sydneys Greek speaking migrant community to inform them about the fast approaching November 15 deadline to opt-out of MyHR. Dr Con Costa addressed the meeting in Greek and English. He outlined major concerns expressed to the Senate Inquiry into MyHR concerning the security of the medical data which is to be uploaded, onto a massive national database on November 15. He explained that this will happen without the knowledge of nearly half the Australian population. The meeting was held at the Addison Road Community Centre in Sydneys inner-west. Audience members expressed their surprise and shock that the MyHR opt-out was happening and would go ahead without their informed consent. On hearing the facts presented by Dr Costa and discussing the implications, the meeting agreed MyHR was not fit for purpose. The meeting demanded the LNP Morrison government not go ahead with MyHR opt-out as it would be impossible to ensure Australians informed consent and the security of their private medical data. Those present unanimously agreed on a Statement to be sent to the media expressing their opposition to MyHR opt-out and also discussed initiatives they could take to inform the wider Greek Community about the MyHR opt-out online program. Statement on MyHR This meeting of Greek speaking Australians condemns the misleading and inadequate, fake information, accompanying the rollout of the compulsory My Health Record (MyHR) scheme. We reject the LNP governments decision to change MyHR from an elective scheme (opt in), to a compulsory scheme (opt out), without proper and informed community consultation. We are particularly disturbed by the fact that 40 percent of Australians still dont know about the scheme, including a majority of people from a non-English speaking background (NESB) Australians. We are appalled that this large number of Australians will be swept into MYHR online without their informed consent in a matter of weeks, on November 15. Many more Australians are not fully informed about the problems being identified with the MyHR online program. They are not aware of the recent Senate Inquiry into MyHR opt-out has revealed that this initiative is not yet fit for purpose because of major ongoing medical and privacy concerns and the enormous risk of secondary use data by the private sector. We are particularly angered by the fact that a large majority of NESB Australians either do not know about, or are struggling to understand the MyHR opt-out scheme and its full implications. This meeting agrees that the benefits of compulsory MyHR, are weighted in favour of a mass data collection of peoples private medical information for future secondary uses of the data by the monopolies, and against the goal of improved patient care. Claims that the MyHR opt-out will reduced health costs and reduce duplication are unfounded and unlikely considering the recent expensive failure of MyHR in the United Kingdom. We also note that the compulsory data collection scheme puts family GPs in a compromised position in relation to their patients, as the GPs are to be paid by a bonus scheme if they fulfil quotas for uploading patient data. This meeting notes the findings and the recommendations of the recent Senate Inquiry into MyHR. These confirm that the government has not properly informed Australians about the scheme, and that there is a lack of information and a lot of misinformation about the scheme in the community. We condemn the Morrison governments refusal to accept the Senate Inquiry recommendations, including a 12-month moratorium on MyHR opt-out online. October 21, 2018 Marrickville, Sydney Defending TAFE Perspectives from manufacturing The future we want is dependent on us successfully defending public education and particularly, defending public Vocational Education & Training (VET) TAFE. More than anyone, TAFE teachers know the transformational power of a good vocational education, and I can say with certainty that our members appreciate that as well, as most of them are the products of your good work over decades. But we also know the enormous damage thats being done to the system by relentless ideological attacks on public education and the prioritisation of private profits over public good that are the hallmark of government policy. Id like to concentrate on these issues through the prism of Manufacturing & Engineering and in the interests of our members and the industries that employ them. The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) is a union of skilled workers. The skills of our members directly affect their standard of living through skill-related classification and pay arrangements embedded in Awards and in our Collective Agreements. For us, skills are an industrial currency. For employers in our industries, skills are a significant risk factor, the difference between staying in business or not. The major opportunities on the horizon for manufacturing and engineering workers and employers revolve around continuous naval shipbuilding, defence engineering, infrastructure, niche manufacturing, engineering services, rail, renewable energy, so-called Industry 4.0 and Advanced Manufacturing, all of which require workers with sophisticated skills in the near future. And as it stands, we are concerned that there wont be enough skilled workers to go around. We appear to have learned nothing from the disaster that was the mining boom, when rapacious mining companies used their financial strength to secure the workers they wanted, often at the expense of more mainstream industries. Skills shortages were a significant drag on the economy; and uncertainty about skills hampered investment and commitment to the employment of Australians. It was a period that taught employers that they could abandon local employment and the government would subsidise their bottom lines by importing labour at an unprecedented rate. The resource sector consumed around five percent of Australias engineering trade workforce but only trained two percent. Decent employers became risk averse about training workers in the fear that they would be gobbled up by poachers. The rogue employers learnt the art of exploiting temporary skilled workers. As a result, the system is demonstrably weaker now and the risks associated with skills shortages are more pronounced than ever. It is now somehow the role of the taxpayer to supply employers with the skilled labour that the economy needs. A frightening statistic I heard recently was that Australia produces around 6,000 engineering graduates per year, but imports around 12,000 engineers on temporary worker visas of one kind or another. We need to interfere in that business model. We, along with other unions, are in discussions with the key players in the defence engineering and shipbuilding space about strategies to assist with both the design and the delivery of training to produce the skilled workers they will need. Having campaigned so hard to secure the work on these projects, it would be a criminal shame if we were unable to deliver the skilled workforce required to exploit the opportunities. There is a lack of certainty in what the VET system is producing. The system is trying to serve too many masters. Industry, student and community confidence is declining. Evidence is emerging that we are returning to an economy constrained by skills shortages and a lack of employment and skills mobility. The number of people that complete their experiences with VET continues to stagnate. Confidence in trade apprenticeships and technical cadetships is diminishing. Increasing calls for flexibility and specialisation designed to meet the narrow interests of individual employers and training providers, rather than the broader interests of the industry, are blurring the scope of the traditional trade and technical vocations. Students and employers have little chance of developing into the informed and demanding consumers our VET system desperately needs while the current levels of disconnect and incoherence prevail. The poor quality of training and assessment is such that the decline in industry and community confidence has led to a bizarre regulatory response that is process, rather than outcomes, oriented and heavily weighted towards auditing training and assessment tools rather than the capability of the graduates against the standards specified in training packages. The result is a race to the bottom on cost and quality that is forcing high quality public and not-for-profit industry providers to join the race. TAFE has become a casualty of that race and the poor leadership and management thrust upon it by governments, compounded by the funding environment that it operates in. If we are to rebuild community confidence in the system, we need absolute certainty about what problem we are trying to solve and what role we expect of the VET system and TAFE as the public provider. But rebuilding confidence has to involve dealing with the weaknesses of the system. The VET system suffers from the lack of a clear and simply stated purpose. Despite the fact 83.7 percent of people engage with the VET system for employment related reasons only 16.7 percent are employed at a higher skill level after training. The system is failing to produce workers with the higher level skills the economy needs. The central role of industry in determining the shape and nature of jobs and work no longer translates into determining the occupational standards upon which VET teaching should be based. Training packages have become confused, and there are too many misguided interventions into their design and application including persistent tampering with the design model for administrative or vague quality reasons that do not serve the interests of students, industry and the community. The minimum qualification (Certificate IV) for VET teaching has become the norm despite it being hopelessly inadequate when the professionalism in education design and learning that is required demands at least an Associate Degree or Degree. We fund deposits of teaching in a transactional approach rather than competency units designed to be integrated into broader capability which results in a whole that is less than the sum of its parts. We do not fund the things we know that the community expects: High quality preparatory programs; High quality pre-apprenticeship courses; Fit-for-purpose foundation skills support programs; High quality adult and community education programs; Second chance education for those who need it. Learning experiences that produce graduates that are the well-educated, socially capable and resilient workers we need as a developed country. The direct connection between the occupation and the vocational qualification is being lost and training has become a tradeable commodity. Something has to change. We have embarked on a mission to establish AMWU-endorsed occupational profiles for each of the key occupations in our industries. It is our intention to link them directly to our industrial agreements, and ultimately to the award. We want to link them also to the training system and support them with endorsed qualification profiles, endorsed progression profiles and endorsed learning and assessment plans to be delivered by our preferred and endorsed provider, TAFE. But we will need your help with that. We want to work with you on developing the learning and assessment models, including foundation training, learning programs designed to support learners confronting challenges, curriculum and project-centred formative assessment tools that would be required to give life to restoring vocational learning to its rightful place. With your indulgence, Id like to finish with a little reminiscence. About 17 years ago I gave a speech on globalisation to the Australian Education Union State Council in South Australia. The theme was economy v society and focused on the damage being done by globalisation and the fixation the world was developing on measuring everything in economic terms. I was attempting to set out the contrast between living in a society and living in what was rapidly becoming an economy. Id like to finish this contribution today with the same words I used in that contribution 17 years ago: Schools, and by definition, teachers are placed in a unique position to shape the society of the future. It is their responsibility to give our youth tools with which to participate in the transformation of society, not merely to churn out factory fodder, or more likely call centre fodder. The interests of manufacturing workers in my view are tied in no small way to the relative independence of our education system and the values that underpin it. Those values are rapidly becoming driven by economic not societal values and we must join together to grasp back our rights to live in a society not an economy. * Ian Curry is the National Coordinator for Skills, Training and Apprenticeship Policy at the AMWU. MyHR from opt in to opt out Putting corporate profits before patient privacy The government is paying your doctor to hand over your confidential medical information to a large central computer. The system known as My Health Record (MyHR) is an e-medical record system which will be run by the Australian Digital Health Authority (ADHA). They claim this is so that your health can be managed in a better way by more easily sharing your record with all your health care providers, with less duplication and thus lower cost of care. And MyHR will share your confidential information with all health professionals not just doctors, but also physiotherapists, psychologists, podiatrists and just about everyone involved in providing healthcare currently estimated at over 900,000 health providers in Australia. MyHR was supposed to be with your permission (an opt in system) where Australians with complex chronic health care problems and attending multiple doctors and clinics would be able to sign up to share their record online with their health teams i.e. with informed consent from the patient. But this was suddenly changed to an opt out system, which means that all Australians will have an MyHR created if they do not register online to opt out by November 15, 2018 i.e. they are now going to proceed without peoples informed consent. So, the MyHR system which was designed to help a select but important number of very sick Australians, has now completely transformed into a massive data collection exercise by government. Useless at best Dangerous at worst If you have not opted out by November 15, you will have a MyHR created. Soon after it will automatically be populated with all your Medicare item number descriptors for the previous two years (which would reveal to some extent the reason you went to the doctor and how often) as well as your PBS details (all the prescription medicines you obtained from the chemist over the previous two years). This will all be accessible to you and your health providers and the latter can upload new information to the record. Even those in relatively good health or who have good reason to want to protect their privacy for fear of discrimination those with mental illness, epilepsy, AIDS, hepatitis C or any one of a number of sexually transmitted diseases that carry a social stigma or because of their sexuality will automatically be swept up into MyHR if they do not opt out by November 15. We are told that we have nothing to worry about as each patient will have access to their record via the internet be able to remove things or block some health providers or even the whole record (although this will not remove the record permanently) a personally controlled medical record. Also that it will be a highly secure system. But due to public backlash, particularly that other government departments would have access to the data, including law enforcement agencies, MyHR was referred to a Senate Inquiry and the findings of that Inquiry are about to be released. Submissions to the Senate inquiry into MyHR tell a much different story including that the information in your MyHR will be useless at best and at worst, dangerous. Nearly all of Australias specialists are not taking part in the system. Most doctors records are not up to date and patients can go in to the record and change or delete different bits of information. So the medical benefits are limited. But the records can still be legally accessed by 900,000 health providers and serious concerns about the private sector accessing the data private corporations, private health industry as well as government including the spy agencies. Privacy The My Health Record has come under sustained criticism in the Senate Inquiry, with witnesses warning that the systems current platform is outdated, insecure and lacks proper privacy controls. Paul Shetler a former head of the governments Digital Transformation Agency told the inquiry that the MyHR posed inevitable security risks as a centralised honeypot open to 900,000 practitioners. He also described the access controls for patients as shocking. He criticised the decision to make the MyHR an opt-out scheme saying, If it was something people wanted you would never need to mandate to use. People would be clamouring for it, because its free. (Medical Republic, September 27, 2018) MyHR as a compulsory system not requiring patient approval and where the doctors are coerced with payments for uploading the private record and / or incur severe financial penalties if they do not comply, is a very worrying development. On face value it is a massive invasion of peoples privacy and will go a long way to undermine the doctor-patient relationship. If it goes ahead it will inevitably ruin the trust in doctors and government. Patients quite rightly would be reluctant to confide in the doctor and may even avoid going to the doctor for fear of their privacy being lost. And it points to a different agenda of government and the Big Corporations and private health interests and is happening against the background of increasing value for governments and private corporations (and government agencies including law enforcement, spy agencies) in mining peoples data. The recent data-sharing controversy surrounding Facebook and its failure to prevent improper data harvesting by Cambridge Analytica is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the ways both corporate data sharing and corporate hacks affect ordinary peoples lives. The ongoing Facebook scandal is just one of many incidents related to data overreaches and breaches that have recently jeopardised millions of Americans personal information. The information lost includes everything from names and contact information to more sensitive data, like social security numbers. There have been dozens of major corporate hacks in the past few years, ranging from headline-grabbing hacks like the Uber data breach that exposed 57 million customers information, to breaches at LinkedIn, Target, JPMorgan and more. At this point, virtually no industry remains untouched by hackers, who usually steal consumer data for financial gain by selling it on the dark web. The Australian government along with those of the five eyes nations are becoming more insistent that encryption that protects privacy of data must contain flaws that allow access to spy agencies. Also worrying is that our doctors, who are charged with the confidentiality of your medical record, are to be paid for the time it takes to upload your medical record to the centralised government computer and that doctors who do not comply will be around $30,000 per year in loss of government funding of their practice. Many doctors are including the medical educators employed to help with the MyHR roll out are privately sceptical and admit reservations about the change from opt in to opt out. Three quarters of doctors surveyed said they would not be having an MyHR created. The Senate Committee currently looking into MyHR has heard that 51 doctors were on ADHA contracts including one doctor who has receive more than $1.1 million over the past two years. One Senator asked the ADHA whether it was legitimate for the agency to present clinicians perspectives in his submission to the inquiry without clarifying their status as paid contractors. (Medical Republic September 27 2018) Conclusion MyHR can be a good idea for some patients those who have chronic complex illness or serious conditions where care is shared by multiple doctors and health providers. It means everyone involved in your care can quickly and more easily access your medical records and avoid having to repeat test unnecessarily. But a system that was designed to help selected patients, and only with their informed consent, has now changed into a massive data collection exercise and will place most Australians confidential medical records onto a central computer which is neither secure nor easily accessible to patient control. Australias doctors are being compromised in the process. Not all are complying because of financial levers by government and Medicare. Some work in areas where patients are highly itinerant and where an e-record is potentially very useful for maintaining continuity of care. Paradoxically, those medical groups supporting MyHR for itinerant and vulnerable groups in Australia such as PHAA, CHA and Indigenous health services would seem to have the most to lose through loss of trust from vulnerable groups. The Senate inquiry has heard damning evidence about MyHR as an opt-out system. This evidence would confirm that doctors and their patients have been severely misled if not outright deceived with the change to opt-out which has now swung the benefits more towards those who would benefit from the mass data collection of peoples personal data, rather than the true benefit for those Australians with special need for an electronic medical record. The benefits (even of an opt in) MyHR system have been over-valued and the risks of a mass data collection system (especially with opt out) have been ridiculously minimised described by one submission as at best useless and at worst, dangerous. (For example, medical specialists would seem a critical part of any record designed to share a patients medical history. Yet most of Australias specialists have had nothing to do with MyHR and only a few hundred of medical specialists have signed up). You now have less than four weeks to opt out of MyHR if you feel it is inappropriate for you or concerns about privacy and confidentiality. All Australians who have not opted out by November 15, will have a MyHR created. But simply opting out wont help the over 40 percent of Australians who havent even heard about my health record, nor those who are non-English speaking or have difficulty accessing the Internet or are in poor health, mentally ill. (Opt-out has been criticised for catching the unwary, vulnerable or less engaged elements of society or for being a method of implementing otherwise unpopular or unpalatable policies.) Hopefully the Senate Inquiry will recommend the immediate suspension of the MyHR process as a massive data collection system (opt out) pending a return to an opt in system including proper counselling prior to patients giving informed consent for upload of their confidential medical information to a very insecure and highly outmoded system of a central computer, and where almost one million health providers could legally trawl through their medical record. But I wouldnt count on it, and the Senate inquiry has now asked for more time. The inquiry should find that the MyHR rollout be indefinitely suspended pending further evaluation, and that in the long run it should only continue as opt in with patient informed consent required and to focus on those with chronic complex and life-threatening conditions where benefit far outweighs risk. Doctors should not be coerced, including being given financial incentives or government imposing financial penalties in regards to uploading confidential patient data as this creates a conflict of interest. Medicare should be better funded so that doctors are not forced to churn out their patients, and can spend more time with their patients. And this is a much better way of managing a patients healthcare including the doctor having time to properly communicate with other health providers. The problem is that the corporations want your data and they will stop at nothing to get it. This is the pattern all round the world including the Private Health Industry and the large corporations, as well as government agencies and their spy agencies in particular. But mainly there is a lot of money to be made out of peoples personal information and doctors have a lot to lose if we go ahead and provide it. * Dr Con Costa is a member the CPA Central Committee Killing capacity and pacification methods After exploring the vast surveillance regime along the US-Mexico border and finding Israeli systems installed at every turn, the author Todd Miller and I were drawn to investigate Israel as the largest homeland security industry in the world. Israels arms industry is twice the size of its US counterpart in exports per capita and employs a percentage of the national workforce double that of the US or France, two of the top global arms exporters. Butterfly bullets do horrific damage to human tissue and also leave a large number of small fragments around the wound site which means long surgical procedures. During our 2016 trip, it didnt take us long to zero in on some of Israels most enterprising industrialists who told us how they do it while controlling an area roughly the size of New Jersey. On our first day there, while attending an annual drone conference, we met Guy Keren, the CEO of an Israeli homeland security firm called iHLS. Kerens iHLS had organised the drone conference. Several days later, we sat down with Keren in iHLSs brand new headquarters in the Mediterranean coastal city of Raanana, known for its high-tech industrial park. We spoke to him in the fishbowl conference room above his companys computer lab. Below us, gaggles of junior technologists clacked eagerly at their keyboards. This Lighthouse complex, Keren said, could host up to 150 startups. Keren explained how the Gaza Strip affords Israel and iHLS a competitive advantage over other countries because of the real-time opportunities to test new products year-round. Israel has earned the moniker of start-up nation among business elites around the world. Human Petri dish We asked Keren why it is that Israels technology industry performs at an astonishing level of productivity, especially in the military sector. Because we are checking our systems live, he said. We are in a war situation all the time. If its not happening right now, it will happen in a month. Its not [just] about building the technology and having to wait years to try out the systems, Keren told us. The secret of the Israeli tech sectors success, he explained, lay in operating the technology faster than any other country in live situations. Keren isnt the first to make this connection. Gaza is widely perceived as a human Petri dish to improve killing capacity and cultivate pacification methods among the movers and shakers in the Israeli high-tech and military sectors. When Roei Elkabetz, a brigadier general in the Israeli army, addressed a 2012 convention of specialists in border control technology in El Paso, Texas, he clicked on-screen a photo of the wall, built by Magal Systems, that isolates Gaza from the outside world. We have learned lots from Gaza, he said. Its a great laboratory. Leila Stockmarr, a Danish scholar, has attended the same kinds of Israeli security expos as Todd Miller and I. As most of the company representatives I interviewed imparted, it is central to Israels cutting-edge military and policing capacities that new pieces of technology are developed and tested in a concrete situation of controlling a population, such as in the Gaza Strip, she writes in her 2016 essay, Beyond the Laboratory Thesis: Gaza as Transmission Belt for War and Security Technology. Fine tuning in real time As one representative of a major security company told Stockmarr: Once an order has been made by the Israeli military, and after initial deployment in the field, the companys technical departments are often contacted with demands for corrections and tweaks based on experience. Thus every time the military uses Israeli HLS [homeland security] technology, it automatically tests it. Companies benefit greatly from this and every time a new order is placed, this feedback from the battlefield is injected to improve the process of tendering and guarantee quality and effectiveness. Unusually for a countrys arms industry, Israel has a laboratory in a territory it occupies Gaza very close to the production facilities for its weapons and surveillance technology. Engagement in the Gaza Strip, as Stockmarr noted in 2016, helps companies generate and refine new ideas and fine tune product lines. In April 2018, Saar Koursh, then the CEO of Magal Systems a contender for President Donald Trumps proposed additions to surveillance infrastructure on the US-Mexico border was even reported as having described Gaza as a showroom for the companys smart fences whose customers appreciate that the products are battle-tested. Stockmarr notes that Palestinians in Gaza themselves play a role in the testing phase, performing a crucial part of this homeland security industry cycle: In order to evaluate a given product, the systematic inclusion of the targeted populations responses to new security technologies are crucial for foreign buyers. Plenty of global customers are sold on the idea, at least if the profit margin is anything to go by. Magals US traded shares jumped in late 2016 as Trump talked about a Mexican border wall, according to Bloomberg. And during the first month of Israels 2014 attack on Gaza, the share price of Israels largest weapons firm, Elbit Systems, increased by 6.1 percent. More than 2,200 Palestinians were killed in that attack. A never-ending experiment This year, since the Great March of Return protests began on March 30, Israels latest line of crowd-control drones to make their Gaza debut include the appropriately named Sea of Tears drone a commercially-produced Chinese camera drone modified by the Israeli police to discharge tear gas onto the human throngs below and the Shocko Drone that unleashes skunk water on protesters. The Gaza health ministry has observed over the past six months the human effects of Israels butterfly bullets which explode on impact. These are among the deadliest bullets Israel has ever used. Doctors Without Borders personnel treated butterfly bullet-like injuries in 50 percent of more than 500 patients they treated during the protests. Many of the protesters who werent killed outright were severely injured, earning butterfly bullets a new place in the Israeli militarys long history of shoot-to-maim practices, which Jasbir K Puar details in her book, The Right to Maim: Debility, Capacity, Disability. As of October 1, more than 150 Palestinians have been killed in the Great March of Return, including more than 30 children. More than 10,000 have been injured, half of them by live fire. Meanwhile, back at the Raanana industrial park, Keren and his staff in the air-conditioned offices of iHLS are busy developing the next players in Israels arms industry, updating their systems and expanding their profit margins. The Electronic Intifada US ultimate goal is to strip Russia of its nukes The US single strategic objective, in terms of the Russian nuclear triad, is to strip it of its arsenal. This is what shapes all of the White Houses foreign policy while any talk about nuclear arms reduction is just cover for that. Last week, US President Donald Trump announced plans to pull out of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. Since signing the document in 1987, the USSR/Russia had to get rid of several pieces of military hardware, such as intermediate-range two-stage solid-fuel ballistic missiles, known as Pioner, with the associated mobile launchers and the Oka mobile theatre ballistic missile system. Its worth noting that these systems had outstanding operational capabilities, and their combat potential was a great concern to the US. Under Boris Yeltsin, Russia almost lost its strategic air force and heavy multiple-warhead ballistic missiles. In comparison, what the US had to give up looks like a bare minimum. So, lets not be under any illusion that negotiations with the US on limiting or reducing any types of nuclear weapons could actually lead to strengthening global peace and security or building mutual trust. Their one and only goal is to disarm Russia completely and finish it off. Looming US withdrawal from the INF Treaty could theoretically lead to the US deploying its intermediate-range missiles in the Baltic states and Ukraine. Up until 1987, US ground-launched cruise missiles BGM-109G Gryphon were based at Greenham Common and Molesworth (Britain), Wueschheim (Germany), Comiso (Italy) and Florennes (Belgium) a total of 309 missiles across Europe. About 100 intermediate-range Pershing II ballistic missiles were placed near Schwabisch Gmund, Neu-Ulm, and Neckarsulm in West Germany. And now similar weapons could be deployed several hundred kilometres to the east, almost at the current western border of Russia. Today, the deployment of US intermediate-range ballistic missiles and ground-based cruise missiles, for instance, around Kharkov, Chernigov or Mariupol in Ukraine, sounds like a nightmare. Unfortunately, we have good reason to believe that the current Ukrainian regime wont put any political obstacles in the way of this. Moreover, Kiev would undoubtedly respond to Washingtons plans to deploy missiles on Ukraines eastern borders with genuine enthusiasm. Similar levels of excitement could be expected from Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, should the US decide to deploy missiles on their respective territories. Should this happen, the flight time of an intermediate-range ballistic missile to Russian Armed Forces crucially important facilities in the European part of the country would be tens of seconds. Russias top administration would have virtually no time to even consider a retaliatory strike. In addition, the process will render the entire early-warning system based on the Voronezh radar installations ineffective. Neither would the situation be improved in any substantial way through the use of satellites launched as part of the Unified Space System (EKS) of the Russian Armed Forces. The purpose of the satellites is to detect ballistic missiles launched by a potential enemy, then calculate their trajectories and determine the impact point of each warhead. There will be practically no time left to perform all these operations and inform the military and political leadership. In addition, the deployment of military units, equipped with intermediate-range missiles, near the western borders of Russia significantly raises the probability of a disarming strike with the use of conventional weapons, which fits very well with the so-called Prompt Global Strike initiative developed by the US. In other words, should the US leave the INF Treaty, the resulting situation would be much worse in terms of potential military and political consequences compared to the one the Soviet Union faced in the mid-1980s. Among other things, it is believed that the collapse of the INF Treaty will undermine any further discussions on the topic of strategic offensive arms, making it unlikely that the New START treaty would be extended beyond 2021, when it expires. However, there are varying opinions with regard to that possibility. Notably, the Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said it was too early to say whether the statements by President Trump about the US withdrawal from the INF Treaty would affect the future of the New START Treaty. Finally, a significant part of both Russian and US expert communities believes that Americas withdrawal from the INF Treaty would signal the start of an uncontrolled and completely unrestricted nuclear arms race. On the surface, it may look like that is the case however, some of the issues can be approached from a slightly different angle. There has been a great deal of exaggeration when it comes to the significance of the agreements signed by Russia and the US in the area of strategic arms reduction and control in the past. At one time, for example, it was believed that the 1972 ABM Treaty was the cornerstone of global strategic stability, and the US withdrawal from it would lead to disastrous consequences. It has been over 16 years since they did withdraw from it, back in June 2002. Still no sign of Armageddon. Likewise, there is absolutely no reason to believe that the termination of the INF Treaty would somehow bring about the end of the world. Besides, even if intermediate-range ballistic missiles and ground-launched cruise missiles are deployed along Russias western border, in case of a nuclear conflict Moscow would still be able to launch a retaliatory attack, which would happen even if the government and the military are completely crippled and paralysed. This will be done by the modern iteration of the Perimeter system (also known as the Dead Hand). In any case, the US and its European allies would suffer a guaranteed level of unacceptable damage, should they attack first. Thus, this whole debate over catastrophic consequences for Russia that may follow the deployment of intermediate-range missiles on its borders if a nuclear war erupts boils down to two key things. But first, it is necessary to keep in mind that a nuclear missile exchange would inevitably lead to the nuclear winter, meaning a true Armageddon for humanity. For instance, even a nuclear conflict without intermediate-range missiles would send the global temperature level to -40 C, while adding the intermediate-range missiles factor would mean even a more drastic cool down reaching as low as -41C. That is, there is no big difference whether such missiles would be used or not during a potential nuclear war either way it would mean a catastrophe on a truly global scale. Recent statements delivered by Donald Trump have given rise to a wave of speculation regarding Russias possible response. To begin with, it is clear that Moscow will not be plunging into another nuclear race as it was in the 1950s or 1960s. First, Russia doesnt have enough resources. Second, there is simply no need for it and that is the real reason. Russia is not going to build up its missile arsenals. However, if the US indeed leaves the INF, Moscows hands will be untied and it could revamp its 9720 Iskander-M missile complex to use long-range cruise missiles. Also, we cannot rule out that Russia would decide to go back to designing a new light ballistic missile such as the Kurier or improving combat capabilities of the RS-26 Rubezh. In addition, the 1987 Treaty strictly limits any R&D on target missiles used to test future anti-missile systems, making any work on such missiles almost impossible. As for Donald Trumps expectations to see China joining the negotiations on a new treaty, it seems that no-one has told him that India, Pakistan and Iran also possess such missiles. And it is highly likely that China will not be interested in talking about any kind of INF Treaty. First, intermediate-range missiles are at the core of Beijings nuclear capabilities. Second, China will never let go of its DF-21D anti-ship ballistic missiles with an operational range of 1,450 kilometres. In case of a conflict between China and the US, these very DF-21Ds would not let US carrier battle groups come closer than 1,400-1,500 kilometres without the risk of being hit. It would neutralize the threat of US jets carrying successful strikes against coastal infrastructure and targets located further ashore. Currently, China is working on further improvements to combat capabilities of the DF-21. Its operational range is expected to reach between 3,000 to 5,000 kilometres. That said, China will not be giving up on its crucial future weapon so easily. As for a new treaty, it should be negotiated between all countries who now possess (and can possibly possess) such missiles the US, Russia, Iran, Pakistan, India, and China. However, it is quite likely that wont happen in any immediate future because of the many conflicting political interests of the countries. At the very best, it seems to be possible to launch consultations and outline the positions of countries that now have intermediate- and shorter-range missiles. RT Russia Today TAFE: a fundamental cornerstone For far too long, TAFE and the broader Vocational Education & Training (VET) sector has been neglected by state and federal Liberal governments. The push to privatise essential education services through contestable funding models, and the rampant and systemic rorting through the VET FEE-HELP loans program has bred a lack of confidence in the system. Unfortunately, through no fault of their own, this has also had an undesired effect on some TAFE institutions caught up in the ideological agenda. Its time for change, its time to fix the system before irreparable damage is done. The Electrical Trades Union (ETU) stands with the AEU and supports the Stop TAFE Cuts campaign for a quality vocational training sector, with TAFE as the fundamental cornerstone that the sector so desperately needs. Of course, it is well documented that this along with other poor policy settings has led to a substantial decrease in the number of students undertaking vocational training. According to the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), from September 2011 to September 2017 there has been a decline or 195,196 students undertaking vocational training. This represents a whopping 43 percent across all industries and AQF levels. At Certificate III apprenticeship level in the electrical trades, the decline while still substantial, has thankfully not been as dramatic. Over the same period, we have seen a drop of 3,612 apprentices in training or 10 percent less than 2011 levels. Diminished confidence in our TAFE system comes not only from skewed funding models and private provider rorts, but also to the $2.5 billion cut in funding. Add to that an unwillingness from employers to invest in the system, inadequate policy settings and dangerously low wages for workers undertaking study through an apprenticeship and you can see how wide the crisis has spread. One inherently flawed policy setting is the non-existence of a National Partnership Agreement on Skills, which expired in June 2017. A new Skilling Australians Fund was meant to replace the expired agreement, however to date not one state or territory has signed up to it. Government policies are not only defective; they are grossly neglected. The Skilling Australians Funds objective is to provide 300,000 new training places across the system through a $1.5 billion fund, which would be matched by the states. However, there is no minimum amount of money attached to the fund and the fund itself is reliant on the amount of visa workers entering the country. This creates a perverse incentive for the Australian government to increase the volume of visa entries into Australia at the expense of Australian workers and students. The decline in apprenticeships, particularly in construction related trades, is further exacerbated by the introduction of the Code for Tendering and Performance of Building work (The Code) and the reinstatement of the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC). The code outlaws the ability of employers and unions to negotiate ratios of apprentices to tradespeople or to set minimum targets for First Nations Australians, women or mature-age apprentices. The current model for training package development is also flawed. Systemic restructures having the intentional effect of smothering union influence at certain levels within the system, has proven somewhat successful. There is currently no dedicated union representative on the peak Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC), and while some students and workers have had representation on many Industry Reference Committees (IRCs) through their unions, in many cases this is limited to a single member. It isnt all bad news though. The electrotechnology industry is excited about the radical changes taking place across the sector. Renewable energy, advanced programming, the Internet of Things, robots and mechatronics will require electricians to upgrade with new and specialised skills while new apprentices will have to meet higher competency standards. These advances in technology will shape the electricians of the future. Its up to us to ensure these skills remain portable in nature, so workers are not held captive within narrow tracts of one business. Enterprise specific skills should be the responsibility of that particular enterprise. After all, they are the ones benefiting directly from the labour which our members supply. We must ensure that TAFE is ready for the technological advancements our industry faces and our electricians are trained with the necessary skills they and our nation will need. Although TAFE has copped some knocks in recent times, it still remains as a trusted institution with the capabilities to deliver what is required. I certainly look forward to working with you over the coming weeks, months and years to ensure this happens. In recent years, we are finding that there has been an increase in the number of apprentices who are being mistreated at work. This includes things such as bullying, underpayment, lack of supervision and employers not being able to fulfil their requirements of the training contract. Not surprisingly, many apprentices are not equipped with the life skills to be able to handle this sort of conflict in the workplace, which results in many leaving the trade. The only people that will stand up and protect apprentices in these situations is their union. TAFE teachers are well respected and often hear these stories of mistreatment on a daily or weekly basis. I would encourage you all to point them in the direction of the appropriate union. The ETU is committed to apprentices and they are valuable members of our union. They are the future of our industry and we will always stand up and fight for them. Over recent years the ETU and AEU have been collaborating on a number of issues and we look forward to this relationship further strengthening in the coming years, including National TAFE Day. Australian Education Union The cost of mining in Latin America According to the UN, we have 12 years to make good on our climate goals. But three gigantic mining corporations continue to extract fossil fuels across Latin America, Marienna Pope-Weidemann and Sebastian Ordonez Munoz report. The sobering but unsurprising report released by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change this month says we have just over a decade to curb global warming beneath 1.5C and protect millions from drought, heat waves, storms and floods particularly in the global South. But extractive industries like mining at the heart of fossil fuel extraction are continuing to expand, ignoring this call to arms. A new report from War on Want examines the activities of three of the most powerful UK-listed mining companies operating in Latin America Anglo American, BHP Billiton and Glencore and details 17 of their most destructive and contested mega-mining projects. The Latin American enterprises of all three firms have consequences for resisting the effects of climate change globally. Organisers on the frontline of opposition to these mega-projects flew out to challenge BHP at their annual general meeting in London last week. The Wayuu Womens Force an Indigenous group defending their land from Cerrejon, Colombias largest open-cast coal mine currently operating on their ancestral territory came to highlight the human rights and environmental abuses their communities have suffered as a result. Back in Colombia, the Wayuu have been subject to a slew of death threats from far-right paramilitary group Aguilas Negras. Leaflets were scattered along the railroad by which coal is transported from Cerrejon. The mine, located in La Guajira, is owned in equal share by Anglo-American, Glencore and BHP Billiton and exports coal to Europe and the UK. The leaflets promise to clean the region of the Indigenous Wayuu and calls for death to all these scum. But Wayuu women arent cowed by these threats. We have long worked under threat of violence in our communities to defend our water, our territory and the rights of Indigenous and Afro-descendent people from the multinational corporations that steal and pollute our land. We cannot surrender. This is already a fight for our lives. For others taking up the activist mantle against mining projects, there is definitely a pattern where the threat of violence is concerned. Mining is the second deadliest industry for environmental human rights defenders. Harassment, intimidation by police and human rights violations are frequently associated with protesting against mining projects. Common to all extractive industries is a strategy of land grabs that leads to the displacement of Indigenous communities. Leticia Oliveira is a campaigner for the Movement of People Affected by Dams (MAB), one of Brazils most powerful social movements that mobilised after a catastrophic collapse of a toxic waste dam killed 19, destroyed a whole river basin, and affected almost one million people. She says people have been torn away from their jobs, their neighbours, and often family as a result. They [residents] have no way to plant, to fish, to live as they always have. Their lives are completely disrupted and many health problems follow as a result, including depression and suicide, all because of this enormous, traumatic change. The Samarco crime, as its come to be known, was part-owned by BHP. Its important to remember extractive industries like mining are written into the DNA of neo-liberal globalisation. The exploitation of labour and unfettered extraction of raw materials from the Global South to profit corporate interests in the Global North is a dynamic that was first entrenched into the world economy during the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. Since then, the era of European colonisation has come and gone; with the rise of digital technology, cotton and tea has been usurped by copper and zinc; but for all that has changed, certain rules remain the same. Former-colonies are as dependent today on the export of raw materials for their economic growth; subject to the decisions of the institutions, parliaments and board rooms of the Global North; and unable to develop their industry, advance technologically or invest in their democracies. Today, extractivism is a highly destructive model of economic development based on the exploitation of nature: metals, minerals, fossil fuels, land, water and people. It functions by externalising impacts, and allows corporations to exercise unrestricted power over the desires of local governments, communities and their territories. Yet, while it has become a mechanism for plunder contributing to climate change, inequality and human rights violations, extractivism is presented by international institutions, economists and governments as the only road to economic development in the Global South. This is why it is so difficult and indeed dangerous to oppose. Opposing extractivism becomes synonymous to opposing development. The heart of the global mining industry beats in the City of London (Britains financial centre) where most of the worlds biggest mining companies are incorporated. Though licensed in the UK, they are not held accountable by the UK government and instead enjoy political and financial support. The unaccountable power of corporations and the lack of access to justice for affected peoples means companies continue to operate with almost complete impunity. The consequence is the unchecked growth of an industry that is devastating to the environment, deadly for communities and posing a clear and present danger to democracy and self-determination. That is why we urgently need binding legislation that can guarantee the rights of communities, workers and the environment, and hold corporate power to account. At the BHP annual shareholder meeting, it was therefore no surprise that when questioned about the closure plan for their Cerrejon coal mine whose lease runs out in 2034 the response spoke only of the 100-year economic longevity of the project. Or equally devastating, when pressed for definitive timelines for reparations for the communities affected by the Samarco crime in Brazil, the company outlined its philosophy to re-start the operation based on its economic viability. Rosa Maria Mateus, a Colombian lawyer, spoke frankly to the BHP directors, saying: The coal from which you make your profit is coal smeared with blood, with the tears of women who mourn their territory, with children sick from coal dust; with communities that have lost so much: their rivers, their culture, their ancestral spirituality, and their language. Preparing for the wholesale regulation of the mining industry will be key to reversing the climate meltdown caused and exacerbated by said projects. The disparity between communities bearing the brunt of this crisis and the companies responsible show that the solutions, will not come from the corporations that have created the crises in the first place. New Internationalist Central commits to B1bn Phuket lifestyle mall BANGKOK: The Central Group of Companies, Thailands biggest retail conglomerate, plans to spend B1 billion to build its first outdoor lifestyle mall in the Bang Tao area of Phuket next year. constructiontourismeconomics By Bangkok Post Tuesday 30 October 2018, 09:09AM A perspective of Porto de Phuket developed by Central Group. Lertvit Pumipitak, the groups senior executive vice-president of corporate business development, said the company will start to develop Porto de Phuket on 50 rai in Bang Tao in 2019, with construction to be complete by the end the year. The construction is divided into two phases. The first phase is on 20 rai, focusing on the development of an outdoor lifestyle mall covering 40,000 square metres. The lifestyle mall will consist of seven features, including a Phuketian Mercado and a Food Hall with eateries, cafes, bars and beverage stores. Central Food Hall, a restaurant and cafe zone, a multi-design house offering various creative products from top designers around the world, as well as new formats of Supersports, Power Buy, B2S and FamilyMart convenience store are all planned for the mall. Nick Reitmeier, executive vice-president of Food Hall and international buying for Central Food Retail Co (CFR), the operator of Tops Supermarket and Food Hall, said the company plans to invest B120-150 million to build a new Food Hall at the Porto de Phuket project covering 3,000 square metres. The group already operates Central Festival, Central Floresta and Robinson department stores and lifestyle centres in Phuket. In addition to Porto de Phuket, the group is building a Zen Department Store in Patong Beach slated to open before the years end. The groups interest in Phuket lies in the potential of the tourism industry. In 2017, Phuket had 16.9 million visitors contributing B399bn to the economy. The next few years are expected to see 20-25mn tourists who will circulate some B555bn, the company said. There is huge potential for Porto de Phuket because there are only a few retail chains in the area, while hotel villas and condos have seen massive growth," Mr Lertvit said. Phuket has more than 12,000 hotel rooms, over 5,000 apartment units and more than 2,000 villas, he said. Customers in Cherng Talay district near Laguna Phuket have the highest spending power on the island. Their average spend per transaction is about B4,000, compared with B3,000 in other zones, said Mr Lertvit. He expects Porto de Phuket to see at least 3mn tourists every year and about 6,000 visitors during the weekday, with 12,000 visitors during the weekend. Read original story here. Jilted husband, 62, arrested in Phuket for murder in Sa Kaeo PHUKET: A 62-year-old man wanted for shooting dead his wifes lover in Sa Kaeo province last Thursday (Oct 25) was arrested in Phuket Town yesterday (Oct 29). crimemurdersexpolice By Eakkapop Thongtub Tuesday 30 October 2018, 01:00PM Uten Jitman, 62, was arrested at a hotel north of Phuket Town yesterday afternoon (Oct 29). Photo: Khao Phuket Phuket Provincial Police Deputy Commander Col Chaiwat Uikam presented the suspect, Uten Jitman 62, at a press conference at the Phuket Provincial Police office at Phuket City Police headquarters in Phuket Town this morning (Oct 30). Joining Col Chaiwat at the press conference were Maj Gen Thatchai Pitanilaboon, Deputy Commander of Region 2 Police and Col Padoongsak Raksasin, Deputy Commander of Sa Kaeo Provincial Police. Gen Thanchai explained that Phuket Provincial Police had taken Uten into custody at the Rassada Hotel on Thepkrasattri Rd in Rassada, north of Phuket Town, at 3:30pm yesterday. Uten was wanted on an arrest warrant issued by the Sa Kaeo Provincial Court for the murder of Lt Sameinchai Peupein, 56, who was stationed with the Burapha Task Force at the Royal Thai Army base in Sa Kaeo. Uten has been charged with murder and illegal possession of a firearm, Gen Thatchai confirmed. Gen Thatchai explained that police were called to a grilled fish restaurant in Moo 12 of Watthana Nakhon District, Sa Kaeo, at 11:50pm last Thursday (Oct 25). Police found only blood inside the building, not the injured man (Lt Sameinchai), as a neighbour had already taken him to Watthana Nakhon Hospital, he said. Lt Sameinchai was shot three times. He died at hospital, Gen Thatchai said. Gen Thatchai explained that Uten and his wife had owned the restaurant for two years, but that Uten had to leave to work in Bangkok. Uten came back and saw a car parked in front of the restaurant. He then walked into the bedroom at the back of the restaurant, where the shooting happened, he added. Mr Uten himself explained at the press conference today, I saw my wife with Lt Sameinchai. They were holding each other in bed. Lt Sameinchai saw me. He was quick and grabbed his gun first, but the gun failed to fire. Then I shot at Lt Sameinchai first twice, and then two more times, he said. Lt Sameinchai was struck by three bullets. Police today declined to mention Utens wife. Crying at the press conference this morning, Uten said, "I know what I did was wrong. I am willing to cooperate fully with the police... I ran beacuse I wanted to get as far as I could from the area, where I would be in danger. Gen Thatchai and Col Padoongsak are taking Uten back to Sa Kaeo today for further questioning. Phuket waste woes grow, landfill nearly full PHUKET: Four of the five landfill sites at the incinerator complex at Saphan Hin are already full. The fifth and last remaining site is nearly also full, Phuket City Mayor Somjai Suwansupana has revealed. By The Phuket News Tuesday 30 October 2018, 05:31PM A Wichit Municipality garbage truck arrives at the waste facility at Saphan Hin with another load of rubbish to be dumped off. Photo: The Phuket News / file The news was delivered directly to Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana during an inspection visit to the Phuket Solid Waste Incineration Plant the only solid waste disposal centre on the island yesterday (Oct 29). On average, from October 2017 through September 2018, about 925 tons of waste was delivered every day, Phuket City Mayor Somjai Suwansupana explained. Although the waste facility is operated by Phuket City Municipality, it receives waste delivered from local administrations all across the island, Mayor Somjai noted. The facility also receives waste delivered by private organisations, she added. The statistics show that the amount of waste is increasing every year. This because Phuket has more tourists visiting each year and it affects the amount of waste, Mayor Somjai said. And this is despite a campaign to separate waste at the source to reduce the volume of solid waste to be disposed. Even with this, the amount of waste is still increasing, she said. The waste delivered includes organic materials, and has hazardous materials separated to be sent to an appropriate disposal facility out of the province. The rest is assigned to be incinerated, Mayor Somjai said. However, excess waste that the facilitys two incinerators in operation cannot handle are dispatched to the landfills at the site. Today, there are five landfills, and the fifth and last landfill is nearly full, Mayor Somjai said. The municipality has a plan to counter the growing mounds of trash, but that plan has been struck by many problems, she explained to Gov Phakaphong. Phuket Municipality has also hired a team from a university to study and analyse the possibility to having the private sector help solve this problem, she said. Earlier this year, Chakkrit Songsaeng, the manager of the waste facility, explained to The Phuket News that the municipality had lonf failed to secure funds for a much-needed third incinerator in order to stave off the return of the huge piles of garbage at the landfill at Saphan Hin. Two incinerators are working right now, and they can burn 700 tons per day combined, Mr Chakkrit said in March. But in the high season, the volume of the waste arriving can even reach more than 1,000 tons per day. Mr Chakkrit explained that the very first incinerator installed at the plant, which could burn of up to 250 tons of garbage a day, had been working for 17 years, but stopped working in 2012. This project would cost B530mn to repair the first incinerator to operate again, he said. (See story here.) Gov Phakkaphong, who arrived in the island only on Oct 1, offered no solutions. However, he said, The waste problem is an important issue for a tourism city. We must have good management planning and the need to educate the public seriously to reduce the amount of waste generated. PM mulls Kra Canal plan BANGKOK: Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) and Office of the National Security Council (NSC) to look into a proposed canal project connecting the Gulf of Thailand to the Andaman Sea. constructioneconomicstransport By Bangkok Post Tuesday 30 October 2018, 02:18PM Proponents of the nations oldest unachieved civil works project believe the Kra Peninsula Canal to be called by a new name, the Thai Canal would bring wealth to the country, as well as to the promoters. Image: An artists impression of the completed project The mega-project, called the Thai Canal or Kra Canal, concerns the proposed canal route 9A, which would run from Krabi in the Andaman to Trang and stretch further to Nakhon Sri Thammarat and Songkhla, on the Gulf of Thailand. The 120-kilometre canal and the specific 9A route are being pushed by the Thai Canal Association (TCA), a group composed of supporters, local businessmen, industrialists and retired officials. TCA coordinator Narong Khumthong said the group has conducted a survey of residents living in those areas that would be affected by the project and submitted their feedback to the prime minister, the 4th Army Region, the Ministry of Transport and the NESDB. This was aimed at prodding the government into setting up a committee to conduct a proper feasibility study, Mr Narong said. TCA Vice President and former 2nd Army Region commander Thawatchai Samutsakorn said the committee must be formed before the military leadership steps down, as it would be unlikely to happen after the election scheduled for February. After the poll, when we have [active] opposition parties [again], they would oppose the campaign without taking into account the potential benefits to the country and the public, Gen Thawatchai said. He said it would complement the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) project now being driven by the Prayut administration. If we dig the canal, we would become the leader of Asean, Gen Thawatchai said. The 9A canal is one of the proposed routes for the Kra Canal project, an ambitious plan to cut the canal across the southern peninsula and create a vital shipping route in the region. The idea has been under discussion at various times over the past few centuries. The government of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra approved setting up a committee to conduct the feasibility study, but the work was discontinued after his administration was overthrown in a military coup in 2006. According to Gen Thawatchai, a group of Chinese investors have reached a deal with the TCA to support the project. He said the TCA has regularly visited local communities and organised seminars to raise awareness and boost understanding of the plan. I can say that [local] people have thrown support behind the Thai Canal project, said Gen Thawatchai, adding that most people in the southern region have endorsed it. Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, who is in charge of economic affairs, has also championed the scheme but believes now is not the right time for it, Gen Thawatchai said, adding it would not incite separatism. If the villagers have [more] money, they certainly wouldnt consider joining an insurgency, he said. Weve got enough troops to handle security so theres nothing to fear. We have to think of something new for the coming generations, he said. China, Germany and Japan are among countries that are ready to invest in the B2-trillion project, he said. Construction could take five or six years, he added. Read original story here. See our detailed report in February, Phuket event unveils Kra Canal push. (Click here.) Police back down on Prathet Ku Mee threat BANGKOK: Police have backed down on a threat to press charges against the artists behind the Rap Against Dictatorship project over the lyrics to their smash-hit song Prathet Ku Mee. By Bangkok Post Tuesday 30 October 2018, 09:22AM Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, in Chiang Rai for a mobile cabinet meeting, complained he was the victim of the Prathet Ku Mee music video on YouTube, which reached 21 million views (and counting) on Tuesday morning. Photos: Post Today and YouTube / Rap Against Dictatorship Deputy national police chief Gen Srivara Ransibrahmanakul said there was no evidence at this stage to charge the rappers so listening, singing and sharing Prathet Ku Mee was legal for now. He spoke to Thai media after a meeting with technology crime suppression police yesterday (Oct 29). Pol Gen Srivara said no one had been called in for questioning. Its not necessary for now. Dont give it too much credit, he said. However, the deputy police chief said he would file a personal complaint against the rappers for accusing him of trying to arrest or summon them, and for making false accusations about the black panther case which is in court. This damaged my reputation and created a misunderstanding among the public, he said. Pol Maj Gen Surachate Hakparn, deputy director of the technology crime centre, posted on his personal Facebook that in this age, everyone is entitled to express opinions about anything. Phuyai (senior or powerful people) must accept the fact that it is not possible to prohibit or restrict personal opinions, especially among the youth. Adults should see them as views from another perspective that they should listen to. Those who believe this kind of freedom of expression might hurt the country or peoples feelings should also understand that prosecution must be based on facts. The artists and all sides must be treated fairly so everything is resolved smoothly, he wrote late on Sunday. The comments appeared to be a significant climbdown since both men earlier pledged to take legal action against the artists and those who shared the video under the computer crime law. They cited the offence of importing into a computer system false information which may damage national security or cause public panic, punishable by five years in jail or a fine not more than B100,000. The song finally caught the attention of the prime minister. During his visit to Phayao on Monday, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha urged people not to pay attention to social media buzz but refused to refer to the song by its name or by the name of the group. Use your own judgement. Is it really that bad? Is life really that hard? Is it that oppressive? Am I so dictatorial? If I were a dictator, I wouldnt be here [to visit people]. I could just give orders somewhere else. Dont let anyone distort the facts. If we appreciate it today, freedom without limits will turn against you, your family and your children in the future. Dont let yourselves be a tool of others. If society is like this, I dont think we can go on, he said. The song was first released on the iTunes Store on Oct 14, apparently to mark the 45th anniversary of the 1973 popular uprising against a coup-installed prime minister in which 77 people died. The five-minute music video was uploaded on YouTube last Monday and has since become a sensation across both the country and the world. Early on Tuesday, the number of views had soared to more than 21 million, with 793,000 likes and 18,000 dislikes an almost unprecedented ratio of 97.7%. And even that ratio was somewhat misleading. The video has been uploaded or linked directly by unknown thousands of social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and elsewhere, by users in Thailand and abroad, almost always in a positive manner. The real ratio is actually much closer to but not exactly 100%. The music video became a hot topic, especially after the police and government came out to criticise it. To protect themselves, the artists on Sunday disabled comments on the music video. After consulting with a legal team from the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights Centre, we have a concern about comments on the video, which have reached 70,000. Several comments might be considered to violate not only laws against petty offences, but also the Criminal Code. So the legal team suggested we turn off comments, otherwise, they might affect us in the future, they wrote. Under Thai law, the host of a platform for public comments might be held responsible for defamation or other graver offences if it fails to act fast enough to delete inflammatory posts. Read original story here. Search teams recover body parts from Lion Air jet crash site INDONESIA: Search teams today (Oct 30) recovered more remains at the site of a crashed Lion Air jet that plunged into the sea with 189 people aboard, as a report said it had suffered an instrument malfunction the day before. tourismtransportaccidentsdeathdisasters By AFP Tuesday 30 October 2018, 10:38AM Members of a rescue team prepare to search for survivors from the Lion Air flight JT 610, which crashed into the sea, at Jakarta seaport yesterday (Oct 29). Photo: AFP / Resmi Malau Fourteen bags filled with debris from the crashed Lion Air jet have been collected. Photo: AFP / Adek Berry Members of a rescue team line up body bags at a port in North Jakarta. Photo: AFP / Resmi Malau Dozens of divers are taking part in the recovery effort after the crash of the Lion Air jet. Photo: AFP / handout A wallet belonging to a passenger of the ill-fated Lion Air flight JT 610 floats at sea in the waters north of Karawang, West Java province. Photo: AFP / Arif Ariadi Fourteen bags filled with debris from the crashed Lion Air jet have been collected. Photo: AFP / Adek Berry The Boeing-737 MAX, which went into service just months ago, plunged into the Java Sea moments after it had asked to return to Jakarta yesterday (Oct 29). Flight JT 610 sped up as it suddenly lost altitude and then vanished from radar 13 minutes after take-off, with authorities saying witnesses saw the jet plunge into the water. Dozens of divers are taking part in the recovery effort. Search teams have filled 10 body bags with limbs and other human remains, Muhammad Syaugi, head of Indonesian national search and rescue agency told Metro TV, saying they will be taken to Jakarta for identification. Another 14 bags filled with debris have also been collected, he said, adding that the underwater search for the plane continues today. Shoes, items of clothing and a wallet are among the items found. We hope we can see the planes main body everything on the surface of the water has been collected, Syaugi said. The agency all but ruled out finding any survivors late yesterday, citing the discovery of body parts that suggested a high impact crash in water some 30-40 metres deep off the coast of Indonesias Java island. We are prioritising finding the main wreckage of the plane using five war ships equipped with sonar to detect metal underwater, said Yusuf Latif, spokesman of Indonesian search and rescue agency. Both the cockpit voice recorder and the flight data recorder are still missing. Indonesias National Transportation Safety Committee (NTSC) said there were 178 adult passengers, one child, two infants, two pilots and six cabin crew on board flight JT 610. Among them were 20 Indonesian finance ministry employees and Andrea Manfredi, an Italian former professional cyclist. Unreliable The plane had been en route to Pangkal Pinang city, a jumping off point for beach-and-sun seeking tourists on nearby Belitung island, when it dropped out of contact around 6:30am (6:30am in Phuket). Lion Air said the plane had only gone into service in August. The pilot and co-pilot had more than 11,000 hours of flying time between them and had recent medical checkups and drug testing, it added. Lion Air chief Edward Sirait yesterday acknowledged the plane had an unspecified technical issue fixed in Bali before it was flown back to Jakarta, calling it normal procedure. A technical logbook detailed an unreliable airspeed reading instrument on the Bali-Jakarta flight on Sunday and different altitude readings on the captain and first officers instruments, according to the BBC. Copies of several Lion Air technical documents have been circulating on social media, but they could not be immediately confirmed as authentic. The company did not return phones calls seeking comment. Boeing suspended release of the 737 MAX just days before its first commercial delivery last year due to an engine issue, according to airline safety and product review site airlineratings.com. It said the engines were a product of a joint venture between US-based General Electric and Frances Safran Aircraft Engines. Lion Air, Indonesias biggest budget airline which has been engaged in huge expansion, announced earlier this year it was buying 50 Boeing 737 MAX 10 jets for $6.24 billion. Indonesias air travel industry is booming, with the number of domestic passengers growing significantly over the past decade, but it has acquired a reputation for poor regulation and its airlines had previously been banned from US and European airspace. Lion has been involved in a number of incidents including a fatal 2004 crash and a collision between two Lion Air planes at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta airport. Watertown couple faces charges after meth found in home, police say During the search, methamphetamine was located in the residence. Evidence of methamphetamine distribution was also discovered. Roger Waters has just released a trailer for his adaptation of "The Soldier's Tale" by Igor Stravinsky. On sale now, Waters narrates the 46-track album composition that was first performed in 1918 in France, titled "L'Histoire du Soldat". You can see the full tracklist below. Stravinsky described the piece as something that can be read, played and danced. The tale is about a Russian soldier who is returning home after an encounter with the devil whom he had traded his fiddle for unlimited wealth. Im hugely proud of it and I feel honoured to have been given the opportunity to be part of a production of what I consider to be not just a great piece of work from Stravinsky, but, I think, an amazingly beautiful piece of recording. Waters will be narrating as the Narrator, the Devil, the Soldier, the Princess, "the bloke in the pub" and the King. After receiving new information in 2013 about his father's death, Waters went on a journey to find the location of where his father had died during the Second World War. Waters later featured those experiences in his movie, "Roger Waters The Wall". Roger Waters, 'Igor Stravinskys The Soldiers Tale' Track Listing Part 1: The Soldiers March Slogging Homeword Airs by a Stream As You Can Hear The Soldiers March (Reprise) Eventually, Joseph Reaches his Home Village Pastorale The Soldier, Disconsolate Pastorale (Reprise) The Soldier, Slowly Coming Back to Himself Airs by a Stream (Reprise) - To Stretch Out on the Grass Hey Satan, You Bastard Airs by a Stream (2nd Reprise) Now to be Gained Here Part 2: MONTREAL Arguing that federal prosecutors unreasonably excluded SNC-Lavalin Group Inc. from negotiating an agreement that could have resolved corruption and fraud charges before trial, the company has filed for a judicial review of the decision. On Oct. 10, the engineering giant announced that the Public Prosecution Service of Canada had declined to invite it to take part in a remediation regime introduced in the Criminal Code this year. A conviction on the charges filed in 2015 could prevent the company from bidding on any federal project for up to 10 years, but SNC had hoped to reach a deal that would set them aside in return for fines, co-operation and other penalties. The request for judicial review, filed in Federal Court, cites the extremely negative consequences the underlying legal proceedings have had and will continue to have (even in the event of an acquittal) on (SNC) and innocent stakeholders, including employees, suppliers, pensioners and stakeholders, in the absence of an invitation to negotiate. According to the document, prosecutors provided SNC no explanation why they judged it would not be appropriate for the company to take part in the remediation regime. SNC is in the dark as to how they failed to meet the requirement of appropriateness, or why the public interest requirement, though met, has apparently been ignored, the document says. It adds that prosecutors failed to consider information SNC provided regarding the turnover of senior management and the severance of any individuals who might have directed, condoned or participated in the wrongdoing which gave rise to the charges. The company had offered to have its president and CEO, Neil Bruce, meet with prosecutors to explain why remediation was crucial. The announcement of the refusal to negotiate sent SNC stock plunging to its lowest level since 2016. The request for judicial review comes as a preliminary hearing into the charges opened this week in Montreal to determine whether the evidence merits moving forward with a criminal trial. In February 2015, the RCMP charged SNC and two subsidiaries with paying nearly $48 million to public officials in Libya between 2001 and 2011 to influence government decisions under the Moammar Gadhafi regime. The RCMP also hit the Montreal-based company, its construction division and a subsidiary with one charge each of fraud and corruption for allegedly defrauding various Libyan organizations of about $130 million. An RCMP officer testified before Judge Claude Leblond, who placed a publication ban on all evidence presented at the hearing. Read more about: A lawsuit targeting electric scooter-sharing companies seizes on the dangers of zipping around town on two wheels and brings gory detail to one of the more polarizing technology trends to emerge over the last year. Nine people who were injured by electric scooters filed the class-action suit on Oct. 19 in Los Angeles County Superior Court. It accuses startups Bird Rides Inc. and Lime as well as their manufacturers Xiaomi Corp. and Segway Inc. of gross negligence, claiming the companies knew the scooters were dangerous and deployed them in a way that was certain to cause injuries. Since e-scooters zoomed into the U.S. last September with the arrival of Bird, hundreds of riders and pedestrians have landed in the hospital with injuries ranging from severe gravel rash to knocked-out teeth, ripped out toenails and detached biceps, according to doctors and victims. Last month, three people died while riding scooters in Dallas, Cleveland and Washington, D.C. Lime electric scooters entered the Canadian market for the first time with a pilot project in Waterloo, Ont., earlier this month. At the time, the company said it hoped to roll out the e-scooters to other Canadian markets eventually. There is no official tally on the number of scooter-related injuries in the country since hospitals code their patients based on the type of injury they are admitted with, rather than what caused it. But one metric Bird and Lime have been closely tracking is the number of rides their scooters have handled: more than 20 million combined and growing everyday. Electric scooters have appeared in more than 100 cities worldwide with the startups aiming to usher in a new, environmentally-friendly era of micro transportation. After a remarkable one-year ascent, Bird and Lime are now two of the youngest startups to earn unicorn status in Silicon Valley with valuations of $2 billion and $3 billion or more, respectively. The rapid rise of the scooter revolution has been plagued by controversy, complaints and concussions. Citing fears over public safety, officials in some cities, including San Francisco and Santa Monica, have temporarily banned electric scooters and filed criminal complaints against the companies behind them for operating without a business permit. Some frustrated vigilante residents have tossed scooters into the ocean, buried them in the sand and even set them on fire. According to the lawsuit, two of the plaintiffs were injured by tripping over scooters left discarded on the sidewalk, four were rammed into from behind as they walked, including a 7-year-old boy who suffered severe damage to eight of his front teeth and had to get his lip stitched back together. These companies are putting profit over safety, Catherine Lerer, the personal injury lawyer at McGee Lerer who represents the plaintiffs, said in an interview for Bloombergs Decrypted podcast. Since filing the lawsuit, Lerer said an additional 75 people who have suffered from scooter injuries have contacted her, including a 67-year-old man with a brain injury. Bird and Lime say safety is a top priority. But from their perspective, cars are the real transportation danger. Class action attorneys with a real interest in improving transportation safety should be focused on reducing the 40,000 deaths caused by cars every year in the U.S., a Bird spokesperson said in a written statement. Lime said it could not comment on pending litigation, but in an interview on Bloombergs Decrypted podcast, Taylor Bennett, director of public affairs, said Lime has upgraded its scooters with new safety features three times in the past year. The latest version has bigger tires to take on potholes, brakes on the back wheel to prevent riders hurtling over the handlebars and dual suspension. The company is also handing out 250,000 helmets to its riders. Dr. Wally Ghurabi, medical director of one of the emergency departments at UCLA Medical Center in Santa Monica ground zero for the scooter boom said plastic surgeons have spent hours cleaning asphalt out of facial wounds to prevent gravel-rash tattoos. You can break your face, break your nose, break your facial bones, break your skull and bleed inside your skull, Ghurabi said, ticking off some of the risks of electric scooters. Victor San Andres was hurled over the handlebars of his electric scooter when the front brakes malfunctioned as he was cruising downhill in June. He remembers flying through the air, but said his mind has mercifully wiped out the moment his face collided with the pavement. He was knocked unconscious and suffered from severe facial lacerations, a broken pinky finger and a ripped out toenail. San Andres, an online video producer, was injured in New York, where the scooter-sharing companies arent authorized to operate, but some people have personal electric scooters. San Andres was given the scooter for free in exchange for uploading positive promotional scooter videos online. He isnt a signatory on the class-action suit. CALGARYAlberta Health Minister Sarah Hoffman introduced a bill Tuesday that would make more of health professionals disciplinary histories public and heighten protections for patients. The proposed legislation follows a Star investigation that found that doctors who misbehave can get a fresh start in Alberta. However, the bill covers only sexual abuse and sexual misconduct, failing to address other types of medical misconduct, said patient advocate Rick Lundy. They need to go one step further, said Lundy, co-founder of Open Arms. This is an absolute great first step. Lets make sure its carried all the way through. The Stars 18-month investigation, published in May, highlighted gaps in a broken system that keeps doctors histories secret from patients. In Alberta, criminal convictions and records of misconduct from outside the province arent posted publicly on doctors licences, while misconduct within the province is posted for 10 years. If passed, Alberta would be the second province to have such legislation. Hoffman said Tuesday that Albertas version would be stricter, with harsher penalties and legal definitions of both sexual abuse and sexual misconduct. In Ontario, only sexual abuse is defined. However, Ontarios laws are far more expansive when it comes to physician records. There, doctors entire disciplinary histories, no matter the type of offence, are posted to their practice permit. The public record also includes criminal convictions. Even then, the standard falls far short of transparency laws in the United States, the investigation found. Unlike in the U.S., where consumer legislation governs many medical boards and mandates openness, Canadas doctors oversee themselves. One consequence of self-regulation, the investigation found, is endemic secrecy. Read more: Bad doctors who cross the border can hide their dirty secrets. We dug them up Canadas medical watchdogs know more about bad doctors than they are telling you Regulators expect doctors to tell the truth about their past. Heres what happens when they dont The ministers proposed changes would strengthen protections for patients and increase penalties for medical professionals who commit sexual assault. They would also make background checks more stringent and create new rules for reinstating medical professionals whose licences have been cancelled due to sexual abuse or misconduct. The age of impunity is over, Hoffman said Tuesday. These crimes have been confined to the shadows for too long. However, the changes might not have done anything in some cases highlighted by the investigation, like that of Dr. Richard Cunningham, a Fort Macleod family physician. Cunninghams history of threats of violence and alcohol offences dont appear on his public profile in Alberta because they occurred outside the province. In May, Hoffman pledged to look into making more of doctors disciplinary histories public in Alberta. The same month, in response to the investigation, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta began posting doctors histories for 10 years instead of five. For too long Albertans were left in the dark about disciplinary histories, as we continued to hear disturbing stories of offending professionals being allowed to practice again, she said. Im proud our government is taking action to increase transparency, support survivors and strengthen protections for patients in Alberta. Bill 21, or An Act to Protect Patients, is an amendment to the provinces Health Professions Act. It would cover all 27 regulated health professions in Alberta, including doctors, nurses, dentists, paramedics, social workers, psychologists and pharmacists, all of which are governed by self-regulating colleges that have varying standards. If passed, the law would create mandatory penalties for health-care professionals who have committed sexual abuse or sexual misconduct. College members who commit sexual abuse would have their practice permits cancelled, while sexual misconduct would result in a suspension. The act includes fines for health-care employers who dont report sexual abuse or misconduct to the colleges. The colleges would have the power to suspend or place conditions on practice permits while they investigate such allegations, the province said. The bill also requires that colleges list members disciplinary histories for sexual abuse and sexual misconduct online, including records from other provinces and the United States. That history would have to remain up indefinitely. However, the disciplinary history rules would only apply to sexual abuse and misconduct. Other disciplinary records will still be scrubbed after 10 years, and other types of discipline from outside the province still wont be posted on their Alberta practice permits. It goes back to the patient being able to make informed decisions, said Lundy. About two per cent of complaints against medical professionals in Alberta between 2015 and 2016 were related to sexual abuse or sexual misconduct, the province said. Other complaints often relate to misdiagnoses or issues with patient records. Under the new rules, medical professionals found to have committed sexual abuse or misconduct also wouldnt be allowed to reapply for a practice permit in Alberta for five years. The penalties are the same whether the offence was committed in Alberta or in another jurisdiction. The proposed legislation would also provide more help for patients who allege theyve been sexually assaulted by a health professional. Colleges would be required to give treatment and counselling to such patients. Theyd also have to establish patient relations programs that would help patients navigate the complaints system, among other things. The proposed legislation would allow colleges and health professions to appeal disciplinary tribunals decisions through the provincial court system. Midwives and acupuncturists arent currently regulated health professions, but work is underway to change that. Once thats done, they would also be covered by Bill 21. The legislation isnt retroactive, meaning it would apply only to new disciplinary issues. If passed, it would come into effect on April 1, 2019. Emma McIntosh is an environment, justice and investigative reporter with StarMetro Calgary. Follow her on Twitter at @EmmaMci Read more about: EDMONTONMore Edmontonians could be breathing easier come rent day, with a new city plan to build 2,500 affordable homes in the next four years. On Monday, Executive Committee passed a new affordable housing plan which urges the city to build the homes, paid for partly by the city, but with help from private financing and provincial and federal governments. The move is a first step in the citys plan to make every neighbourhood in Edmonton 16 per cent affordable housing. Although building 2,500 units will cost $509 million, the city plans on contributing $132 million while leveraging the remaining amount from the provincial and federal governments and private financing. Committee heard from a number of affordable housing providers including RMS developments and Homeward Trust, who applauded the citys goal of creating the units but also provided feedback on how the city can make it easier for them to build an equal number of affordable homes in the next four years. At the meeting they raised the issue of red-tape in the form of zoning and development permits that often cost developers thousands of dollars in interest while they are waiting for them to come through. They also raised concerns over taxes that hinder making homes affordable. Curtis Way, president of the RMS Group, a real-estate development company, says although developers want to work alongside the city in fixing this issue, its important for the city to listen to developers. So often we see policies develop without the input of front line people who will know how these things are going to affect the world, he said. Way says the city needs to consider the fact that the cost of maintaining affordable homes is going up with an increase in property taxes and utilities. A lot of these issues I understand council cant make wholesale changes to, (but) there is certainly some tweaking they can do, he said. If they were to simply take utilities and make some adjustment or adjust property taxes ... it helps. It all goes to the bottom line. Way said if the city can find a way to reduce property taxes on affordable homes for developers by 20 to 25 per cent in the next 10 years it would really help them. He also stressed that when the city is ready to create these homes they should look into an Request For Proposal (RFP) type of process. They should be looking at letting the market tell them what the market can build for the most cost-effective approach. basically getting the best bang for your buck because there is a limited amount of money here and this problem is billions and billions of dollars. Many developers spoke in favour of the mixed-income model where some units in a building are rented out at market rates and the revenue they get from those units then helps to offset the rent for units that charge below-market rates or are affordable. According to housing affordability guidelines established by the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation, housing costs should not exceed 30 per cent of a households annual before-tax income. However, the 2016 federal census data found that 48,550 low-income renter households in Edmonton spent more than that on housing costs. To cover the 48,550 low-income renter households, the city needs permanent supportive housing like Ambrose Place, as well as more than 25,000 units of social housing where the rent is geared to income. And lastly, the city would need more than 21,000 units of near-market affordable housing units, where residents pay close to 80 per cent of the rent and get financial help for the rest. Christel Kjenner, director for housing and homelessness for city of Edmonton, says the affordable housing is a huge need in the city and a complicated problem to solve. There is all types of housing that are needed to meet the needs of Edmontonians, she told reporters on Monday. The investment today before city council is an extremely significant action on part of the city in order to be successful. We need contributions from our partners in the provincial and the federal government. She also added that the city will look into making it easier for developers to get started on building these homes by expediting the approval processes. Although executive committee passed this motion, the funding request has yet to go before city council as part of the capital budget debate. Read more about: WOODSTOCK, N.B.A young man from Halifax is facing a charge of obstruction following a bizarre incident last Friday at the Canada-U.S. border near Woodstock, N.B., where the port of entry remained closed for several hours. New Brunswick RCMP say 21-year-old Bailey Roy appeared in Woodstock provincial court on Monday, and is slated to return to court on Thursday. The border crossing, which links Woodstock with Houlton, Maine, was closed shortly after 10 a.m. when RCMP on the Canadian side were dispatched to investigate a suspicious car. Police say the two men in the vehicle refused to speak with police or Canada Border Services Agency officials. They were arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers about six hours later, when they drove the vehicle towards the U.S. border. The second man, a 22-year-old from Middle Sackville, N.S., remains in U.S. custody. Read more: Security alert issued for New Brunswick-Maine border crossing at Woodstock Read more about: HALIFAXTim Callahan-Cross is passionate about ensuring Halifax has an established gay mens chorus by early 2019. The executive director of the Nova Scotia Choral Federation is actively encouraging interested men and gender non-binary individuals wishing to sing in a lower voice chorus to attend their inaugural meeting on Thursday. Were a very musical province. Choral music is an integral part of this provinces culture and its kind of ironic that there isnt a gay mens chorus, so it really is time, Callahan-Cross said in an interview. They (gay choruses) are about the singing, theyre about quality singing. But its also very much about community and about the opportunity to socialize in a very open, non-threatening environment. Youre there to sing and have fun, and in any choir that builds incredible community. The Halifax Gay Mens Chorus (HGMC) is the brainchild of Callahan-Cross and four other local gay men. He said there was a Halifax queer mens chorus several years ago, but it didnt last. Our plan of course is to create a chorus thats going to be long-standing and hopefully have a 20-year history and beyond, he said. Read more: John ODonnell, director of Cape Breton choir Men of the Deeps, dies at age 83 The new Halifax sound: How musical diversity has become the citys strength How a Halifax musicians song about fitting in at school is taking off Callahan-Cross said the impetus for moving forward was the successful bid earlier this year by the Halifax-based lesbian-feminist chorus the Women Next Door. Theyre hosting the 2022 Unison Festival, Canadas LGBTQ2 choir festival. The goal is to have the new gay mens chorus join the womens chorus as Halifax hosts for the national event. Another piece of the puzzle popped into place when Callahan-Cross attended Choral Canadas national conference in St. Johns, N.L. this summer. The Vancouver Mens Chorus performed, and their show-stopping performance mesmerized Callahan-Cross. When I was talking to their director, there were a few of us from Halifax and Willi (Zwozdesky) basically said, Why isnt there a gay mens chorus in Halifax? and I said I know we need to start one. That was another impetus, he recalled. The new chorus is already off to a good start with strong leadership, Callahan-Cross said. Bryan Crocker has committed to serving as conductor. Crocker has been conducting choirs since 2000, including Halifax mens choir Nova Voce. Accompanist Heather Fraser is also bringing her years of expertise, which includes choral conducting. The inaugural meeting on Thursday evening is intended to introduce the motivation behind the formation of the chorus, to talk about ideas and welcome questions. Callahan-Cross said theyve already received positive feedback from many planning to attend. The repertoire approach is very different too from your standard chorus, so theres typically choreography involved, show tunes to secular music thats folk or standard choral repertoire, it spans the gamut, its really a broad range, he explained. Our plan is that this is open to everybody, so you come as you are. If youve had a singing background, great. If you havent, well work with you. Its about learning to find your voice and have fun. The plan is to have an open rehearsal the first week of January. Regular weekly rehearsals are scheduled for Thursday nights. Auditions are really more like placements. The idea is someone will work with them to find out what their range is. Its very non-threatening, just figuring out where youll fit in the choir, he said. You dont need to be able to read music to join the choir either, as rehearsal tape will be available for people to learn the music by rote. One of the most intriguing things for me about the Vancouver Mens Chorus was the variety of interests that were there, and that comes out in the documentary well show on Thursday as well, he said. There are people who came to the chorus for community, there are people who came to the chorus to sing, there are people who came to the chorus who came out. That was their coming out story was showing up at the chorus. I think thats wonderful. Thursdays meeting is from 6 to 8:30 p.m. in the Lindsay Childrens Room on the second floor of the Halifax Central Library. I think theres a little bit of a buzz out there and I hope it gets bigger. I hope people arent intimidated to come out and check it out, Callahan-Cross said. Its really just about having a lot of fun, learning more about yourself and meeting some great people. Yvette dEntremont is a Halifax-based reporter focusing on health and environment. Follow her on Twitter: @ydentremont Read more about: NEW YORKNew research strengthens the case that people used the chocolate ingredient cacao in South America 5,400 years ago, underscoring the seeds radical transformation into todays Twix bars and M&M candies. Tests indicate traces of cacao on artifacts from an archeological site in Ecuador, according to a study published Monday. Thats about 1,500 years older than cacaos known domestication in Central America. Its the earliest site now with domesticated cacao, said Cameron McNeil of Lehman College in New York, who was not involved in the research. The ancient South American civilization likely didnt use cacao to make chocolate since theres no established history of Indigenous populations in the region using it that way, researchers led by the University of British Columbia in Canada said. But the tests indicate the civilization used the cacao seed, not just the fruity pulp. The seeds are the part of the cacao pod used to make chocolate. Indigenous populations in the upper Amazon region today use cacao for fermented drinks and juices, and its probably how it was used thousands of years ago as well, researchers said. Scientists mostly agree that cacao was first domesticated in South America instead of Central America as previously believed. The study in Nature Ecology & Evolution provides fresh evidence. Three types of tests were conducted using artifacts from the Santa Ana-La Florida site in Ecuador. One tested for the presence of theobromine, a key compound in cacao; another tested for preserved particles that help archeologists identify ancient plant use; a third used DNA testing to identify cacao. Residue from one ceramic artifact estimated to be 5,310 to 5,440 years old tested positive for cacao by all three methods. Others tested positive for cacao traces as well, but were not as old. How cacaos use spread between South America and Central America is not clear. But by the time Spanish explorers arrived in Central America in the late 1400s, they found people were using it to make hot and cold chocolate drinks with spices, often with a foamy top. For most of the modern period, it was a beverage, said Marcy Norton, a historian at the University of Pennsylvania and author of Sacred Gifts, Profane Pleasures: A History of Tobacco and Chocolate in the Atlantic World. The chocolate drinks in Central America often contained maize and differ from the hot chocolate sold in the U.S. They did not contain milk, Norton said, and when they were sweetened, it was with honey. By the 1580s, cacao was being regularly imported into Spain and spread to other European countries with milk being added along the way. It wasnt until the 1800s that manufacturing advances in the Netherlands transformed chocolate into a solid product, Norton said. Michael Laiskonis, who teaches chocolate classes at the Institute of Culinary Education, said hes seeing a growing interest in cacao flavours, indicating a return to a time when chocolate wasnt just an ingredient buried in a candy bar. He said he tries to incorporate chocolates past into his classes, including a 1644 recipe that combines Mayan and Aztec versions of drinks with European influences. Its something thats always been transforming, he said. _ CALGARYA Manitoba senator says a proposal by Albertas United Conservatives to pick up the legal tabs of pro-pipeline First Nations is an example of age-old divide-and-conquer tactics. Leader Jason Kenney touted the proposed legal fund in a Calgary speech this month as part of his partys multi-pronged fight-back strategy against anyone wishing to shut down Albertas energy sector. His approach is nothing new, Sen. Murray Sinclair, Manitobas first Indigenous judge and chairman of the Truth and Reconciliation on residential schools, told The Canadian Press. Its very typical of the way governments have approached the issue of Indigenous people in the past, and that is to foment division and to ensure that those who are on the side of whatever government policy is at issue or whatever corporate interest is at play are the ones that get the corporate money or get the government money. In his speech, Kenney said Indigenous people in favour of natural resource development are often at a disadvantage compared with those working with well-funded environmental groups. If Im premier, well be writing cheques to allow them to go to court, he said. Well be supporting pro-development litigation. Indigenous entrepreneur Calvin Helin who has proposed a $16-billion oil pipeline between the oilsands and the northern British Columbia coast thinks the litigation fund is an excellent idea. You have First Nations people who often are natural resource rich but cash poor. They dont have money for stuff like this. How do we compete against American foundations? Helin, president of Eagle Spirit Energy Holding Ltd., said a council of 35 chiefs and mayors along the proposed pipelines route are fed up with environmental groups coming into their communities and dictating how they should look after their people. He said First Nations have been stewards of the land for thousands of years, but must also find ways to fund social programs and ease economic hardship. They really resent ... these fly-in celebrities interfering in their traditional territories and interfering in their communities by basically hiring local people to be props and puppets for their opposition to most development, Helin said. Eagle Spirits chief council has set up a GoFundMe campaign for a legal fight against federal legislation banning tankers from B.C.s north coast. Its raised less than half of its $100,000 goal. In a lawsuit against the cashed-up federal government, thats not going to take you very far, Helin said. An expansion to the Trans Mountain pipeline between Edmonton and the Vancouver area remains in limbo following a Federal Appeal Court ruling in August that quashed its approval. The ruling requires Ottawa to consult more with affected First Nations and to do further study on the impact of increased tanker traffic. Sinclair wonders whether the government will still run roughshod if no amount of consultation can sway some First Nations. The indications Im getting is that they might be willing to try to do that, but whether theyll be able to do that is another question. Sinclair said compromise is possible, including moving the projects end point away from Vancouver. Everything needs to be on the table and those that are advocating for the pipeline need to look at all options, he said. The communities that are supportive of the pipeline need to be respected in their decision, but the ones who are not supportive of the pipeline also need to be respected. The question becomes, then, whats the alternative? And if the alternative is finding a way that doesnt harm their interests, then lets find it. Read more about: Justin Lloyds grandmother has never used cannabis before he made her some taffy candies infused with the drug. In her 80s, Lloyd travelled to Squamish and brought her some homemade candies to help ease her back pain from two fused discs following a nasty fall on metal stairs. She didnt want to smoke cannabis; she didnt want to become addicted, said Lloyd. But was willing to try some mild candies. About an hour and a half after she ate the taffy, she started getting dozy and went to sleep. I was beyond thrilled the next morning when she said not only was that the best sleep I had in 10 years ... but she said I didnt need my walker to go take the garbage out. Stories from his grandmother and a friends mom who tried edibles to manage her arthritis led Lloyd to develop a do-it-yourself edibles kit to bypass the current ban on cannabis ediblesa void that has left many consumers disappointed after cannabis was legalized in Canada earlier this month. The CEO of Grow Guide Pro based in South Surrey says on a Kickstarter campaign launched Oct. 17 that the kit teaches adults how to turn cannabis buds into canna-butter, honey, coconut oil or candies. The kits dont include cannabis, but rather have a candy thermometer, basting brush, candy moulds, lollipop sticks, and instructional booklettools Lloyd said are sourced from China. According to Health Canada, there is no definite date set for the legalization of retail sale of cannabis edibles or concentrates. They will become legal approximately one year after Oct. 17. While cannabis edibles and vape concentrates will be legal to produce for personal consumption, they will not be legal to sell or purchase. The most important thing is, we need to break the stigma that cannabis users are just looking to get high. Some of them are just looking for pain relief, said Lloyd who is also a hobby cook. He added that he would have liked to see the Canadian government set a framework for edibles. Right now, any person can go online, go into a dispensary, buy a bag of cannabis and take it home and experiment. If youre trying to go off different resources and websites online, chances are youre either going to make it too strong, too weak and have a very bad experience, he said. Im trying to basically educate people not only for the process, but it is important to wait about 90 minutes. Dosage is also a source of concern for cannabis researcher and University of British Columbia associate professor Zach Walsh, which is why do-it-yourself kits could potentially be problematic because sometimes the dosages can be inconsistent and its possible people can overdose eating it. I dont mean overdosing in the fatal or highly toxic sense but it can be quite unpleasant if you take too large of a dose of an edible people are less likely to do that when theyre smoking cannabis because the effects come on rapidly whereas if you eat, it comes on slowly and theres no turning back. Walsh said people interested in making edibles can buy oils online and drop the oil on foods like cooking. At least know how much is in the cookie and the oils are legal in the current regime. North of Victoria, B.C., in Brentwood Bay, Andrea Butterworth had been carving out a niche market after finding out the local health authorities banned all edibles so she started a cannabis gummy-making kit mixed with a separately-sold cannabis oil. She said her company Paracanna has been racking up pre-Christmas sales and the products are popular among elderly shoppers. One woman, who lives in a retirement home, comes in quite frequently to to purchase refills for the kits. She makes them for her friends who are using them to sleep. Butterworth added that its unfortunate cannabis edibles are not included in legalization. I can understand why the government has been wanting to phase things in, to help the public feel more safe with their concerns, she said. As a result, it leaves a sector of the population who want to use cannabis for whatever reason it leaves them skewed towards smoking products that a lot of people dont want to smoke. In August, Jo Vos, managing director of Leafly Canada, a cannabis information company that is tracking the legal changes closely, said the federal government will begin consultations on edible products with producers, food makers and other interest groups this winter with an eye on legalization in October of 2019. Clearly theyre being prudent in their approach given the complexity of cannabis and the nature of edibles. With files from Perrin Grauer and Joseph Hall Read more about: EDMONTONBrian Rozmahel, a 59-year-old mild-mannered hemp farmer in Viking, Alta., remembers when he would get teased about his crops in the small towns coffee shops and curling club. Now he sees himself as a pioneer in a budding industry. And its all thanks to legalization. The first field of hemp that I grew, because it does look like marijuana, there was sort of a rebellious streak to me that went, Wow, look what Im doing! Rozmahel said from his farm in Viking, where he grows almost 400 acres of hemp plants. People still stop on the highway and take a selfie. But new federal laws mean Rozmahel doesnt have to situate his fields one kilometre away from schools and churches, and he also has a new revenue stream because he can sell the plants and leaves to cannabis producers. It was difficult to even study cannabis because it was an illegal product now we can harvest this stuff and process it, Rozmahel said. The change is creating new opportunities for Alberta farmers and industry when it comes to hemp production, because it means cannabidiol can now be extracted from cannabis flowers and leaves. Farmers previously had to throw those materials away. They may now sell the plants and leaves to licensed producers, such as Aurora Cannabis, which can use the raw material to extract and sell CBD. CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid increasing in popularity because it reportedly helps with pain, anxiety and insomnia and more. The burgeoning industry prompted Edmontons NorQuest College to announce Monday that it was building an online hemp farming course, based on feedback from an engagement project where stakeholders identified it as an industry of interest. The course will teach everything from growing hemp, the impacts of climate and weather, to harvesting and handling. Legalization is proving particularly important for the Leduc-Nisku Industrial Park, an area that was hit hard by the 2014 oil recession. The departure of companies that traditionally serviced the oil and gas sector led to a 15 per cent vacancy rate in the park for 2015-16. But those properties are now increasingly being scooped up by industrial cannabis companies and being repurposed into production facilities. Aurora Cannabis is leading the way with its 800,000-square-foot facility near Edmonton International Airport, but theres another cannabis-related venture that hasnt been made public that county officials say will create 300 jobs. In the last year alone, Leduc County has approved four development permits for cannabis-related uses two for production facilities and two for retail facilities. Three of those permits involved property purchases. Other cannabis-related companies operating in Leduc County include: Inkubate Packaging, which makes packaging from hemp; Radient Technologies, which extracts CBD from raw plant matter; and HempCo, which is currently building a 56,000-square-foot production facility. It will be the largest such facility in the country. HempCo Food and Fiber, based in Vancouver with another production facility in Manitoba, originally focused on hemp hearts, hemp protein and hemp oil as food products. Previously, we just produced food, but now were going to be using (hemp) stalks to produce fibre, said HempCo CEO Diane Jang. Whole plant utilization, to me, is a game-changer. HempCo is also expanding into consumer-packaged goods and even an animal supplement line made from hemp. Jang said a global market study forecasts the hemp industry would be worth $2.2 billion annually within five years and thats before CBD extraction is thrown into the mix. Other hemp applications include processing the seeds into food and using the stalks for bale (straw) and fibre. Hemp fibre is a raw material that has a wide variety of applications, from textiles to cosmetics to manufacturing. The fibre can then be combined with other resins. It can be very solid, so people are making skateboards (out of hemp), said Barbara McKenzie, executive director of the Leduc-Nisku Economic Development Association. McKenzie said cannabis legalization is proving to be a boon for an industrial park traditionally focused on the oil and gas sector. Its going somewhat back to our roots in agriculture, and using our innovation and our know-how and our entrepreneurial skills from the oil and gas industry to create a whole new diversified industry for us, McKenzie said. In addition to Aurora Cannabis, Inkubate Packaging and HempCo, McKenzie said there are five additional hemp- and cannabis-related opportunities for the county in the pipeline. There will be completely new jobs that no one has ever thought of before that will be becoming available in that industry, McKenzie said. As these deals come to fruition in the next 12 to 18 months, I think well see Nisku change a little bit. One of the things weve all really looked at doing is kind of change the face of the area, she said. Jang says HempCo chose Leduc County for its new production facility because its close to partners such as Aurora Cannabis (Aurora holds a 52.7 per cent stake in HempCo), as well as its network of about 30 farmers. Theyve budgeted for about 20 employees at the new facility, many of them former oil and gas workers. A lot of the employees that come from the (oil and gas) industry find this industry more stable, Jang said. We have a lot of millennials that work for us. Rozmahel said he expects more conventional farmers in Alberta will embrace hemp, because it has a good economical return, is resilient and is resistant to diseases such as clubroot. Someone just dropped gold in the Klondike and word got out theres all sorts of people rushing thinking theyre going to make millions, he said. And it turns out central Alberta, especially the area surrounding Edmonton, is an ideal growing climate for hemp because of its long, sunny days and plentiful black top soil. The resiliency of this crop has a lot of farmers interested Its an amazing diversification opportunity for Alberta, McKenzie said. Its an opportunity for us to add value to what we produce here rather than just growing it and shipping it out. That opportunity will only expand as the food and beverage industry increasingly adds hemp to products. And farmers like Rozmahel believe things will really take off when big pharma gets involved with CBD. I think were going to see a real explosion, McKenzie said. Canadas ability to ship cannabis products globally, Albertas open market system, and Edmontons proximity to roads, rails and runways create an opportunity for the region to be a world leader in the hemp industry, she said. We need to shift and change to be a resilient province and continue to take part in the world economy, McKenzie said. Were seeing Edmonton rise to the top of its field in behavioural artificial intelligence, so why cant we be the leaders in cannabis and hemp as well? Read more about: BEIJINGMarijuana may be legal now in Canada but at least three Asian governments are warning their citizens to avoid it, including the spectre of possible arrest for Japanese and South Koreans. China, the latest to weigh in, didnt go that far. Its consulate in Toronto issued a statement dated Friday reminding Chinese in its jurisdiction and students in particular to avoid contact with and use of marijuana for the sake of ensuring your own physical and mental health. Canada legalized the sale of recreational marijuana on Oct. 17. The Chinese statement, posted on the consulates website, included a long explanation of the Canadian and provincial laws, advising them to read it carefully to avoid running afoul of the new regulations. Both Japan and South Korea warned their citizens in Canada ahead of the legalization. The Japanese consulate in Vancouver warned on its website that Japanese laws outlawing the possession and sale of marijuana may be applied to actions taken abroad. Read more: How Canadas new pot laws will impact youth remains ambiguous Can you bring weed onto domestic flights after legalization? Yep Everything you need to know about cannabis legalization in Canada Japanese residents and travellers should take ample care to stay away from marijuana, including food and beverages that include marijuana, the statement read in part. South Korea held information sessions in Canada and used a government website and TV broadcasts to lay down the law for its citizens. Even in a place where marijuana is legalized, if our citizens smoke, purchase, possess or deliver marijuana, its a criminal act, so they will be punished, the embassy in Canada tweeted. Please be careful. Neither statement from Japan and South Korea explained how they might attempt to enforce their laws against smoking marijuana while abroad. Police and customs officials in South Korea did not answer calls seeking comment. Both South Korea and Japan have very strict anti-drug laws. In Korea, smoking, buying, possessing or delivering marijuana is punishable by up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 50 million won ($44,000 U.S.). Read more about: While you might never have heard of the Etobicoke poltergeist, there was a moment in Toronto history when this mischievous ghost was something of a local celebrity. This year marks the 50th anniversary of one of the spookiest episodes ever committed to local lore, and this apparent haunting at a hulking clapboard farmhouse in Etobicokes Sunnylea neighbourhood has still never been properly explained. Whatever ultimately was responsible for the creepy happenings, natural or supernatural, it succeeded in eventually driving two families out of the house. The house was definitely haunted, says John Downing, then an assignment editor at the Toronto Telegram who spent several nights at the ghost house in the company of Telegram reporter John Gault and got to know the fraught families who lived there very well. Gault and I, to this day, believe there was something there. Downing, now 82 and retired after an illustrious journalism career that saw him leaving the Telegram to serve as one of the first editors of the Toronto Sun, initially became interested in the story because he lived and still lives a few blocks away from the house in this affluent, leafy Etobicoke neighbourhood not far from the sprawling Park Lawn Cemetery grounds. The residents of the upstairs flat in the house, Newfoundlanders Roy and Carol Hawkins and their three young children, had been so tormented by bizarre happenings unexplained footsteps in the attic, disembodied screams and maniacal laughter, sudden dips in temperature and a chilling incident where the house cat, Fluffy, had been flung against a wall by an unseen force that theyd moved downstairs to live with Carols parents, Albert and Sarah Cracknell, and their own 10-year-old daughter. Downing and Gault thus occupied the top floor for a few nights in May of 1968, sprinkling the floors with flour and rigging up a network of strings attached to little bells to satisfy themselves that no human pranksters or invading animals were skulking about. It wasnt long before they, too, heard mysterious footsteps walking in circles in the attic. More alarmingly, on several occasions they experienced the temperature indoors suddenly plunge down to freezing so you could see your breath and then youd hear the furnace come on. A pair of ministers from the Star of Progress Spiritualist Church, the Rev. Tom Bartlett and his wife, Pat, were invited to perform an exorcism in the attic, during which Downing says a strange brown blob started bouncing around in the darkness. The two newsmen were also there on the night, chronicled in the May 9 edition of the Toronto Star, when more than 200 rowdy youngsters and morbidly curious adults titillated by rampant local media coverage of the bizarre goings-on converged on the property shouting for the ghost to show itself and had to be dispersed by police. Downing recalls inviting the young constable left to stand watch outside in for a hot drink during the wee hours; the nervous officer declined an invitation to venture up into the attic and check it out for himself. Oh, it was quite famous, Downing says of the ghost, which merits its own entries in author John Robert Colombos books Haunted Toronto and Mysteries of Ontario. Half the neighbourhood wanted to lynch me for ruining real-estate values, and the other half would corner me at neighbourhood parties and ply me with beer and talk to me by the hour. What made the whole thing very credible was the young couple living on the second floor who moved out as a result of all this and went to live on the first floor, they believed that the ghost didnt happen and if you believed in ghosts you were either crazy or mentally ill. So it really bothered them. This changed their lives. The Hawkins and the Cracknells eventually fled the house for more peaceful digs, for a time leaving the late Archie Nishimura then a young English teacher living in the basement apartment as the sole tenant. His son Richard, an Ottawa lawyer, says he often heard stories about the haunted house from his dad while growing up. The people who were living there were genuinely frightened, he says. That was about a year before he got married and Im pretty sure that my mom was pretty scared to go to that house, too. I doubt she ever stayed overnight when he was living there. Nishimura actually never encountered the poltergeist himself, Richard says, despite conducting his own amateur paranormal research with flour and strings strung with bells with a friend over a couple of nights. And the ghost appears to have moved on as quickly as it arrived. The houses current owners declined to participate in this piece, but they did say theyve never experienced anything unusual within its walls. Perhaps that exorcism worked. One of Torontos most prestigious private schools for girls has fired its head and issued an apology in the wake of a controversial and deliberately provocative touring adaptation of Shakespeares The Merchant of Venice. The performance, by a U.K. theatre company, offended students at Bishop Strachan School (BSS), and sparked fury amongst parents who described it as blatantly anti-Semitic. A group of two dozen unnamed parents expressed outrage in a letter to the board over the demeaning, derogatory and highly inappropriate language in the play, including an audience participation element with students urged to chant Hallelujah in response to statements like Burn the Jews and Take away their holy books. On Monday, BSS issued an apology, admitting it was an error to present that particular version of the play and appropriate context was not provided to students to prepare them. For that, BSS is deeply sorry, according to an emailed statement from the school. An internal review is underway to establish guidelines and procedures to ensure this will not happen again. The school has parted ways with its head Judith Carlisle in the wake of the controversy, citing an inability to align on a strategy for moving forward for the future. She is replaced by the deputy head, Angela Terpstra. Carlisle is the schools 19th head and was appointed last year after BSS hired her away from Oxford High School in England. Carlisle is currently represented by law firm Henein Hutchison LLP, which released a statement Friday on her behalf. In it, Carlisle states that the play, which was performed at the school for Grade 11 and some Grade 12 students on Oct.17, draws attention to the enduring and insidious impacts of anti-Semitism in Shakespeares time and since then. She noted it had been previously performed and well-received at Oxford High School, when she worked there. I would never deliberately offend students entrusted to my care or their parents, said Carlisle, who could not be reached for comment Monday. That was not my intention. I deeply regret that there was not a plan in place to ensure that teachers were fully prepared to engage the students on the play. The adaptation by Box Clever Theatre, where Carlisle previously volunteered as a director or trustee, is a modern interpretation of the 16th-century dark comedy that incorporates Hitler and the Holocaust. Shakespeares classic play has long been critiqued for anti-Semitic elements, particularly its depiction of the character Shylock, a Jewish money lender. Stagings of The Merchant of Venice regularly provoke controversy, according to Allen MacInnis, artistic director of the Young Peoples Theatre in Toronto. He was not involved in the play but watched a public evening performance at the school that was primarily attended by adults. Every time a production is done of it, people ask the question of whether it should be done anymore, he says. Lots of times, people interpret it in a way to try and make us understand something more of whats there but from my experience, its almost always failed. According to Box Clever Theatres website, the play fuses classical text with modern language and was produced with support from BSS. It is scheduled to perform the play Nov.14 at the Supreme Court in London, England. In an emailed statement, Box Clever said the play was first produced in 1998 and has been staged in the UK, Ireland, and in Israel and none of these productions have prompted any complaints. But Box Clever said it is opposed to anti-Semitism and all other forms of discrimination and is sorry if any students at (BSS) were upset. Box Clever said its adaptation seeks to challenge hatred in all its manifestations and remind audiences of the dangers and consequences of unchallenged discrimination. But according to the letter written by 24 BSS parents, dated Oct. 22, the play fell woefully short of this goal and materially exaggerated the anti-Semitic sentiment of the original version while minimizing the Holocausts impact. Many Jewish students whose families were personally affected by the Holocaust were made to feel extremely uncomfortable and alienated as the production encouraged their fellow students to laugh at the horrific events and cheer anti-Semitic chants, the letter stated. The parents said they didnt watch the play but its contents were confirmed and corroborated by numerous students. The letters says they appreciate the educational value of controversial and racially charged subject matter. While this adaptation may have intended to provoke discomfort and meaningful dialogue on the dangers of conformity and mob psychology, it was presented without any necessary preamble and debriefing to highly impressionable teens. According to the letter, many students couldnt understand why the content was hurtful, or failed to recognize misstatements about the Holocaust, and Jewish students were further hurt by their classmates comments that the play was amazing and Jewish students are overreacting. Despite its intentions, without any advanced preparation and the necessary interpretation and perspective provided to young teens, the important message is lost and replaced with the perpetuation of dangerous anti-Semitic stereotypes, it said. Journalist Rebecca Eckler, who is Jewish, was appalled by reports of the play at BSS, where her daughter is a Grade 10 student. I was stunned that something could even happen like that, said Eckler, who has freelanced for the Star in the past. She read accounts of a Grade 11 drama student who participated in the production being instructed to make a nose as large and offensive as possible for the play. In this day and age, how could someone say that? Eckler is particularly saddened by reports of the play creating division amongst students. While she believes BSS eventually did the right thing by apologizing and firing its head, she thinks the school can still do more. On Monday morning, BSS held an assembly to address Carlisles firing and apologized to students for not better preparing them for the play. According to Ecklers daughter, the school announced plans to hold a Holocaust education week in February but Eckler wonders why this cant happen sooner, especially in light of the deadly synagogue attack in Pittsburgh that killed 11 worshippers on Saturday. Eckler wont be pulling her daughter from BSS, as some friends and acquaintances have urged her to do. But she and her husband have been donors for the past seven years and these recent events have her rethinking her financial support. At BSS, where more than 900 students are enrolled, annual tuition fees for domestic students are as high as $58,000. Jewish advocacy groups, such as the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies (FSWC) and Bnai Brith Canada, have reached out to the school. FSWC offered to run educational sessions on the Holocaust and Bnai Brith said it could provide sensitivity training and education to teachers and administration. Neither offer has so far been accepted. We were outraged, said Avi Benlolo, president and CEO of FSWC, adding that whenever students are taught about literary works that deal with racism or anti-Semitism, context has to be provided. Were not in favour of censorship of historical works of art, said Michael Mostyn, CEO of Bnai Brith Canada, who applauds the school for taking action. This was not The Merchant of Venice... This (was an) anti-Semitic modern interpretation that was very wrongly brought before students. For MacInnis with the Young Peoples Theatre, he walked away from the performance at BSS questioning how he would have felt about the play if he were a Jewish person. He also asked himself if he would have programmed this play at his theatre and decided the answer was no. It feels like one of those things that really had lots of good intentions, but may have really missed the mark, he said. An investigation has been launched after firefighters rescued a small brown dog from the trunk of a Toronto car, police said. Toronto police spokesperson Katrina Arrogante said they got a call just after 10 p.m. Monday night about a dog trapped in the trunk of a car in an underground parking lot near Richmond St. W and John. St. The caller said they heard the dogs yelps, left, then came back more than two hours later and still heard the dog crying, Arrogante said. Thats when they saw that it was trapped in a trunk and placed the call. Firefighters responded and rescued the small brown dog, which is possibly a Yorkie, Arrogante said. Now theyre waiting for Toronto Animal Services to take the dog. All other officers are currently tied up with calls, Arrogante said, but there will be an investigation into the owner of the car. The paramount thing right now is that we have the dog out of the trunk and its in the care of Fire Services, she said. On Sunday, New Democrat MP Charlie Angus was attending a candlelight vigil in Ottawa for victims of the Pittsburgh synagogue massacre when he was approached by an older Jewish gentleman. Many powerful words were spoken that day but this mans message particularly resonated. He said, How is it that in light of the people killed at the Tree of Life synagogue, Canada is putting out the welcome mat for Steve Bannon? Angus recalled of their conversation. It really struck me and I thought, We have to use our voices to speak out. Because words from Steve Bannon have had an ugly effect. Is there a direct connection with the killings? No, but theyre setting the table for some very, very ugly violence. This week, Angus added his voice to a growing chorus of opposition to an upcoming Munk Debate with Bannon, the notorious alt-right provocateur and former chief strategist to U.S. President Donald Trump. The Friday night event a debate over the future of populism and politics at Roy Thomson Hall will pit Bannon against David Frum, an editor with The Atlantic and former speech writer to George W. Bush. The event has drawn protests since it was first announced in September, shortly after Bannon was dropped by the New Yorker Festival amid fierce public backlash. But opposition to the Munk Debate has intensified in the wake of Saturdays deadly synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh, with federal and provincial NDP politicians now decrying Bannons appearance in Toronto. Debate organizers held fast on Tuesday, however, and defended the event as a public service allowing ideas to be vigorously contested so the public can draw its own conclusions. Read more: Steve Bannon to defend populism at November Munk Debates in Toronto Opinion | Banning Bannon is good for democracy Opinion | Rick Salutin: Should Steve Bannon be part of the Munk debate? In our increasingly polarized societies we often struggle to see across ideological and moral divides, Munk Debates chair Rudyard Griffiths said in a statement. Civil and substantive public debate of the big issues of our time helps all of us better understand the challenges we face as a society and what, if anything, can be done to resolve them. On Tuesday, a coalition of community organizers also held a press conference urging Munk Debates to cancel the event. Should the debate continue as planned, there will be a protest of hundreds, hopefully thousands outside the venue, the coalition said. Dont give a megaphone and a stage to a white supremacist, said Sharmeen Khan with the organization No One is Illegal. At the press conference, the coalition laid out Bannons polarizing resume, which includes executive chair of the alt-right Breitbart News website, architect of controversial Trump policies like the travel ban on Muslim-majority countries, and supporting nationalists and far-right leaders around the world. Bannon has personally contributed to the normalization of hate, which led to the rise of neo-Nazi fascist groups and hate crimes, the coalition said. The hate we are witnessing is serious; in fact, it is deadly, said Rachel Epstein, executive director with the United Jewish Peoples Order. Have your say Angus noted that after the Pittsburgh shooting, many Jewish community leaders asked Trump not to visit until he publicly denounced white nationalism. But Bannon, Angus said, is the architect of white nationalism. So why is Canada inviting him on a week of such horrific anti-Semitic violence? I think theres a real naivete around this, that this is somehow an exchange of ideas, he said. Thats not why Steve Bannon comes to Canada; he comes because we give him a platform to bring views into the mainstream that would otherwise be abhorrent to citizens. With files from The Canadian Press Read more about: A lawyer is calling for the provinces Special Investigations Unit to look into incidents where police fire at but dont injure individuals after his clients impaired driving charges were dismissed in part because a Toronto police officer fired a shot in the direction of the unarmed man as he was walking away. Const. Anita Watton is facing disciplinary charges under the Police Services Act for excessive use of force and failing to comply with police training standards for firearm use, following an investigation by the Toronto police Professional Standards Unit. According to the disciplinary tribunal documents, it is alleged that she fired in the direction of Sanchayan Rajasingam, though he posed no imminent threat to her or the public. A tribunal hearing is scheduled for next year. No criminal charges were laid. When reached by the Star, Wattons lawyer, Gary Clewley, refused to comment. Surveillance video obtained by the Star shows the shooting, which took place shortly before 11 a.m. on March 29, 2017. In it, Watton can be seen to fire in the direction of Rajasingam as he had his back to her. Before Watton could testify at Rajasingams trial, which began Monday at the Scarborough courthouse, the impaired driving charges were dismissed by Ontario Court Justice Frank Crewe at the request of the Crown. Rajasingams defence lawyer, Aghi Balachandran, told the court that there should be an external investigation into the case and measures taken to prevent such a thing from happening again. He added that while Watton received medical attention following the shooting a police witness testified she was rattled, shaken up from the whole incident his client did not. The psychological effect of this whole experience has been great on him, Balachandran told the court. The SIU is an independent body which investigates incidents involving police where there is serious injury or death a near miss from a gunshot does not qualify. However, an extensive review of policing oversight conducted by Ontario Court of Appeal Justice Michael Tulloch recommended that the SIU mandate be expanded to include all firearm discharges at a person by police. Tulloch specifically noted discharging a firearm is the most serious use of force an officer can use and the unjustified discharge of a firearm, regardless of the severity of any resulting injury, could constitute a serious criminal offence. For instance, even if a police officer shoots at a person and misses, it could constitute attempted murder. The recommendation was included in Liberal legislation that would have overhauled and strengthened police oversight mechanisms in the province. The portion of the legislation that would have expanded the SIUs mandate was put on hold by Premier Doug Ford in July, the day before it would have gone into effect. If the reason the individual was not hit is a matter of (the officers) arm moving to the right or to the left one or two inches, then thats a matter of luck, Balachandran said in an interview. Luck should not be the factor that stops an (SIU) investigation from occurring. Balachandran said trust between the public and the police remains a problem, but independent, thorough investigations that are not limited to only the most serious transgressions against the public would do a lot to mend those fences. Rajasingam allegedly fled on foot from a party bus after a traffic stop conducted by Watton in Scarborough near Markham Rd. and Eglinton Ave. E. The video obtained by the Star, which does not include audio, shows what happens immediately before and after the shooting. It shows Rajasingam enter into the frame, running into a parking lot at 140 Adanac Dr. Watton chases him holding her gun in her left hand. He stops, she catches up to him and they stand a few metres apart. He takes five steps toward her and she takes two steps back. Rajasingam then turns away from her and begins to walk away. She walks after him and fires the gun as he takes his fourth step, still holding it in her left hand with her right hand near her left shoulder, appearing to operate a radio. It is impossible to tell from the video where the shot goes or how close it came to Rajasingam. After Watton fires, she takes another step toward Rajasingam. He turns to face her, takes a step forward then stops and turns around to lie on the ground. About forty seconds later, another police car arrives and a different officer appears to handcuff Rajasingam. There are a lot of issues in this case, said Crown James Dunda in court, requesting the charges be dismissed. It is a unique case, one Ive never seen in my years here It is my evaluation that this case is bound not to succeed. He cited too many gaps in evidence because of the nature of the way events unfolded. Retired Toronto Police officer and use of force expert Mark Valois viewed the video at the request of the Star. His first thought was wow, what the hell are you doing, he said. I dont understand why she did what she did, he said. However, he stressed that there may be many variables that are not evident in the video and that he does not know what was going on in her mind. He said it is unclear what information the officer had about the suspect at the time, what happened before the video starts, and whether it could have justified her actions. It is also not possible to know what they are saying to each other from this video. It is also unclear whether Watton had a Taser with her. Officers are trained to fire their guns one-handed and to fire at centre mass the largest area of the body the officer can see, Valois said. Retired Moose Jaw police chief and long-time Calgary police officer Terry Coleman, who is now a public safety consultant, would not comment on the specific case. However, he noted that in general officers tend to pull out their guns far too soon. I understand officer safety but once a gun is drawn it tends to be fired even inadvertently, he said. Police officers are not trained to fire warning shots or shots to wound a suspect, he said. Watton was previously investigated by the SIU for the fatal 2013 shooting of Malcolm Jackman outside the same building at 140 Adanac Dr. Then SIU-director Ian Scott found that Wattons use of lethal force was justified in that case because Jackman was using a knife to hold a person hostage and had refused to drop the knife despite multiple commands. Read more about: PITTSBURGHResidents in grief-stricken Pittsburgh are preparing for the first of many funerals Tuesday, as well as a visit from U.S. President Donald Trump, who plans to meet with members of the Jewish community here despite the mayors request that he postpone the trip until after families bury those killed in Saturdays synagogue shooting. The man accused in the attack the deadliest on Jews in American history, with 11 people killed made his first court appearance Monday, two days after the massacre. Robert Bowers, a 46-year-old truck driver, was confined to a wheelchair because of injuries he incurred in a gun battle with police at Tree of Life synagogue in the Squirrel Hill neighbourhood. He allegedly told authorities upon his arrest that he was seeking to kill Jews. Magistrate Judge Robert Mitchell read the charges against him, including obstruction of exercise of religious belief resulting in death. Bowers, dressed in a blue sweatshirt and grey sweatpants, appeared coherent and alert. He said little, answering yes when the judge asked whether he had requested a public defender because he could not afford an attorney. He was being held without bail. It did not appear that Bowers had any friends or family members present at the courthouse. The federal public defenders office did not respond to requests for comment about the case. One person who did attend was Jon Pushinsky, 64, a member of one of the congregations that meets at Tree of Life. Read more: Torontonians gather to honour victims of Pittsburgh synagogue shooting Leaders of Pittsburgh-based Jewish group want Trump to denounce white nationalism It was important to be here to show our congregation remains strong and will stand up, even in the face of evil, Pushinsky said. White House press secretary Sarah Sanders announced Monday that Trump and first lady Melania Trump planned to visit Pittsburgh on Tuesday to express the support of the American people and grieve with the Pittsburgh community. Mayor William Peduto told reporters that the president should wait, citing security considerations and sensitivity for those who are suffering. If the president is looking to come to Pittsburgh, I would ask that he not do so while we are burying the dead, Peduto said, noting that the city does not have enough public safety officials to provide protection at the funerals while focusing on a presidential visit. The first funeral of two brothers, Cecil Rosenthal, 59, and David Rosenthal, 54, who had been going to Tree of Life synagogue since they were young boys is expected to take place Tuesday. Peduto asked the White House to consider the will of the families before deciding to visit and to contact them to see if they want the president to be here. Leaders of the Pittsburgh affiliate of a progressive Jewish organization, Bend the Arc, published an open letter saying that Trump would not be welcome unless he denounced white nationalism and stopped targeting minorities in his rhetoric and policies. The letter has been signed by tens of thousands of people nationwide. For the past three years your words and your policies have emboldened a growing white nationalist movement, the letter says. You yourself called the murderer evil, but yesterdays violence is the direct culmination of your influence. The White House noted that Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, who survived the attack at the synagogue, said he would be honoured to meet with any U.S. president. Myers told the Washington Post on Monday that if Trump comes to Pittsburgh, I welcome him as an American. He is the president. Hate is not political. It is not blue or red, its not male or female, it doesnt know any of those divisions, Myers said. The hate rhetoric in our country is a real problem. Ive seen examples in the last 24 hours. I chose to take the polite and respectful path . . . Hate is all around us, and people are oblivious to it. The hateful letters and e-mails about the president are just a renewed reminder of how divisive and painful this is. White House officials said earlier Monday that they were pushing the president to cancel a potential speech Tuesday on immigration and visit Pittsburgh instead. The president, who has four Make America Great Again rallies scheduled this week, is clamouring to get back on the campaign trail, they said. Critics of Trump have said that his incendiary rhetoric has contributed to a rise in extremism and could be perceived by radicals as a green light for violence. Last week, a South Florida man who has been a fervent Trump supporter, Cesar Sayoc, was charged with mailing more than a dozen pipe bombs to people and organizations that Trump has criticized. But Trump on Monday blamed the news media which he again described in a tweet as the true Enemy of the People for the divisions in U.S. society. Sanders echoed that during a testy White House news briefing. The president is not responsible for these acts, Sanders said, referring to both the Pittsburgh massacre and the pipe bombs. The very first action that the president did was condemn these heinous acts. The very first thing that the media did was condemn the president, she said. She scolded the White House correspondents: You guys have a huge responsibility to play in the divisive nature of this country. Democratic Senator Chris Murphy, of Connecticut, went on Twitter to express dismay at Trumps latest attack on the media: This is, for all practical purposes, a call for more violence against the press. My god....what is happening??? In Pittsburgh, the community has been trying to heal itself. The city has been the scene of vigils every day. We find strength in one another, Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro, a democrat, said in an interview. This gunman went in to try and kill as many Jews as possible . . . We will come through this. And hopefully this feeling of community that we all share today can be channelled into each of us doing our part of rooting out hate. Congregants who were inside the synagogue Saturday were those who often arrived early, many of them elderly people who regularly attend weekly services. The services were about to begin when congregants in a second-floor sanctuary heard loud noises from below that they mistook for falling furniture or perhaps an overturned coat rack. Joseph Charny, 90, said in an interview that as people settled into the room, a man appeared in the doorway and started firing. Charny said that he looked up and there were all these dead bodies. Myers helped clear the front pews, steering congregants toward exits or hiding places; Charny ended up in a closet on the third floor, where he waited out the shooting. Police arrived and confronted Bowers as he tried to exit the building, and two officers were injured. Authorities said Bowers retreated into the building and upstairs, where he engaged in a gun battle with SWAT officers and ultimately was shot and arrested. Investigators in the city and beyond have pored over Bowerss life, examining his actions and online postings leading up to the attack. People who encountered him in person described him as an unremarkable loner who gave no indications of the rage and bigotry he routinely expressed online. He was in the Class of 1990 at Baldwin High School, but he left school in 1989, according to the Baldwin-Whitehall School District. Two classmates told The Washington Post that they didnt remember him. He must have been a real loner or something, said classmate John Korpiel of Wexford, Pa. Scott Brady, the U.S. attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania, has begun the process of seeking the death penalty in the case, a decision that rests with Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Speaking after the hearing, Brady told reporters, Rest assured, we have a team of prosecutors working hard to ensure that justice is done. Investigators searched Bowers small apartment just outside Pittsburgh, hoping to learn clues about the origins of his alleged anti-Semitism, and they were scouring his online presence, which included anti-Jewish statements. Rep. Mike Doyle, a Democrat representing the Pittsburgh area, said FBI Special Agent in Charge Bob Jones told elected leaders Saturday evening that Bowers possessed 21 firearms. The tally included the semi-automatic assault-style rifle and three handguns found in the synagogue, as well as a shotgun that Doyle said authorities recovered from Bowerss vehicle. Other weapons were found in his apartment. Doyle said he was told that Trump would visit a 911 call centre Tuesday morning in Pittsburgh. He said it should be up to the synagogues leaders to decide if it was appropriate for the president to be involved in memorials for the victims. It should be up to the rabbis and the families, whether or not they want to take a visit from the president, Doyle said. I dont think its my place to say if its appropriate. Tomorrow is going to be a very tough day for Pittsburgh, saying goodbye to the 11 people who were butchered by this individual. Read more about: BEIJINGThe Chinese government, reversing a 25-year ban, announced Monday that it would allow the use of rhinoceros horns and tiger bones in medicine, a move that environmentalists described as a significant setback for efforts to protect the animals from extinction. The State Council, Chinas Cabinet, said in a policy directive that it would legalize the use of rhino horns and tiger bones for medical research or in healing, but only by certified hospitals and doctors, and only from rhinos and tigers raised in captivity, excluding zoo animals. Still, environmentalists said the decision would likely help fuel a black market for wild rhino and tiger parts, which are revered in traditional Chinese medicine for supposed healing powers, and could lead to increased poaching of the fewer than 30,000 rhinos and 3,900 tigers still in the wild. Its a devastating decision, said Leigh Henry, director of wildlife policy at the World Wildlife Fund in Washington. I cant overstate the potential impact. The announcement Monday threatened to undermine President Xi Jinpings efforts to promote an image of China as a responsible environmental steward capable of tackling global issues like climate change and air pollution. A small number of individuals stand to make a lot of money perhaps at the price of the species, said Peter Knights, chief executive of WildAid, an environmental advocacy group based in San Francisco. He added that the decision comes completely out of the blue and with no rationale. In 2016, China, along with the United States, announced that it would ban the sale of ivory. Chinas domestic ban, which went into effect this year, was widely applauded as a critical step in ending elephant poaching in Africa. Now, just as prices for rhino horn are decreasing and populations of tigers seem to be stabilizing, the environmental advocates say, China threatens to hurt that progress. Chinese officials Monday did not draw attention to the reversal of the rhino horn and tiger bone bans, put in place in 1993, nor did they explain the decision. Experts said the move was likely related to the governments efforts to encourage the growth of traditional Chinese medicine, an industry valued at more than $100 billion (U.S.), with more than 500,000 medical practitioners. While leaders of traditional Chinese medicine have officially discouraged the use of rhino horn and tiger bone for years, an underground trade has continued. Rhino horn is used in Chinese medicine to treat a variety of conditions, including fevers, gout and food poisoning. Tiger bone, often turned into tiger bone wine or so-called glue, is thought to boost health, cure a range of ailments and increase virility for men. Xi has used Chinese medicine as a way to expand Chinas overseas influence, and his government has promoted it in places like Zimbabwe and Nepal. The government hopes Chinese medicine will win global acceptance alongside Western therapies. The Chinese state media sought to portray Mondays policy announcement as an effort to help protect rhinos and tigers by improving oversight. The regulations said that trade of rhinos, tigers and their related products was illegal, except for a handful of purposes, including medicine, scientific research and cultural exchanges. The State Council said in the announcement that the medical use of rhino and tiger parts would be strictly monitored. Only doctors certified by the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine would be allowed to administer the medicines. China is estimated to have 6,500 tigers in captivity as of 2010, according to the World Wildlife Fund, though the number of rhinos in captivity is unknown. Experts said the number of animals in captivity that could be used for medicinal purposes would likely not meet the demand in China, potentially leading to increased poaching and a thriving underground trade. Read more about: At the peak of his nefarious career, James Whitey Bulger, the long-ago murderous Boston mob boss, wasnt one to dwell on his mistakes, even when he killed the wrong guy a few times. For back then, as whispers had it, Whitey was untouchable. However, in 2015, after three schoolgirls wrote to him in prison as part of a history project, seeking his views on leadership and legacy, the octogenarian ex-gangster, a ninth-grade dropout, responded with a rueful letter. In the Coleman II federal penitentiary in Florida, he filled a sheet of college-ruled notebook paper with tidy cursive, lamenting, My life was wasted and spent foolishly, brought shame + suffering on my parents and siblings and will end soon. Now it has. Bulger, whose bloody reign in the Boston underworld was aided by crooked FBI agents in the 1980s, and who later went on the lam for 16 years, living incognito by the California seashore, was found dead Oct. 30 while completing the first of his two life sentences. He was 89. The Bureau of Prisons confirmed Tuesday that Bulger, 89, was found unresponsive at a penitentiary in Bruceton Mills, West Virginia. Responding staff attempted life-saving measures, and he was pronounced dead by the county medical examiner. No other details were immediately available. Although notorious in Boston, Bulger was largely unknown to the wider world until after he disappeared in 1994. In his absence, his darkest secrets, including his corrupt ties with FBI agents, were gradually laid bare in court hearings, media exposes and a congressional inquiry. He became a nationwide curiosity, sharing space with Osama bin Laden on the FBIs 10 Most Wanted list. Captured in Santa Monica, Califorina, in 2011, Bulger was sentenced to two consecutive life terms plus five years after a Boston jury convicted him of 31 racketeering offences. The indictment against him catalogued 19 alleged murders, and he was found guilty of ordering or carrying out 11 of them. The verdicts, in 2013, climaxed a gangland opera of fealty and betrayal that spanned half a century and combined two of Bostons abiding fixations: ethnic crime and politics. Bulger, dubbed Whitey in his fair-haired youth, was a brother of William Billy Bulger, a longtime Democratic state lawmaker and iron-fisted boss of Massachusetts government. Theirs was a family epic a tale of two siblings, each ruthless in his own way, and each ever loyal to the other, who climbed to power by different means from a hardscrabble beginning in insular, working-class South Boston. On Bostons Beacon Hill, William Bulger, an erudite lawyer schooled in classic literature, dominated the statehouse as Senate president for 18 years, while the shadowy, menacing Whitey, once a bank robber and Alcatraz inmate, loomed over the streets below, a czar of bookmaking, loansharking, extortion and drug distribution. Wheres Whitey? After Whitey Bulger skipped town in late 1994, a step ahead of an indictment, it came to light that throughout the 1980s, in his racketeering heyday, he had been listed in FBI records as a confidential top echelon informant for agents in Boston. The so-called Irish Godfather, recruited to snitch on his competitors in the Mafia, had also regularly lavished his FBI handlers with illicit cash and gifts. And the agents, for their part, had connived to shield him from law enforcement interference, allowing a homicidal mob kingpin to operate with virtual impunity for years. The news that Americas top crime-fighting agency had been in cahoots with Bostons most vicious gangster embroiled the FBI in scandal. Meanwhile, the revelation that Bulger had trampled on the underworlds cherished conceit about a code of silence ruined the ex-boss good name among his peers. Testifying at Bulgers 2013 trial, his former chief leg-breaker, Kevin Weeks, voiced the hoodlum communitys dismay at Bulgers perfidy. To Bulgers old cronies, it made no difference that he had supposedly dished dirt only on their Italian-American rivals. As a matter of principle, we used to kill people that were rats, Weeks told the jury, evincing disgust that, unbeknownst to him in the 1980s, one of the biggest rats had been right next to me. Hearing this, Bulger interrupted from the defendants table, yelling vulgarities at the much younger Weeks. Most of Bulgers murder victims were enemy thugs or duplicitous underlings, but some of the 19 killings he was accused of were collateral damage or cases of mistaken identity. Bulger, a blue-collar Godfather, often rolled up his sleeves and did the dirty work himself. He stabbed people; he beat people with bats; he shot people, strangled people, run them over with cars, Weeks said on CBSs 60 Minutes in 2006. There were innocent civilians among the slain, as well, notably Roger Wheeler, a wealthy Oklahoma entrepreneur who refused to sell his East Coast jai alai frontons to cohorts of Bulger. After a round of golf one day in 1981, Wheeler, 55, was ambushed by a Bulger hit man in the parking lot of a Tulsa country club and shot between the eyes. The FBI agents in league with Bulger back then effectively ignored the continuing bloodshed. Bulger had stashed away a fortune in cash in case he had to retire from organized crime in a hurry. Starting in 1997, a few years after he vanished, he and a Boston girlfriend, Catherine Greig, lived comfortably in an apartment near the Santa Monica beach, posing as Midwest retirees Charlie and Carol Gasko. Then, in 2011, a favourite South Boston guessing game Wheres Whitey? abruptly ended with a phone call to authorities from an ex-beauty queen: Anna Bjornsdottir, Miss Iceland 1974, had seen age-enhanced images of Bulger and his moll on TV and recognized the couple as neighbours of hers in Santa Monica. Bjornsdottir collected a $2 million (U.S.) federal reward. As for Greig, now 67, she got prison terms totalling nearly a decade for helping Bulger dodge justice and for dutifully keeping her mouth shut afterward refusing to testify before a grand jury about others who might have aided Bulger as a fugitive. A bank robber in his youth James Joseph Bulger Jr. was born Sept. 3, 1929, in Everett, Massachusetts, across the Mystic River from Boston. When he was a child, his family moved to public housing in South Boston, or Southie, as its known. For most of his life, the neighbourhood was a hard-knocks Irish-American stronghold steeped in an ethos of us-against-the-world. His father, who had one arm, eked out a living in low-end jobs while young Whitey went around stealing with both hands. He graduated to bank robbery in the mid-1950s and landed behind bars, eventually in Alcatraz, with a 20-year sentence. Not long afterward, his kid brother Billy began a career in the state legislature that would last 35 years and make him the most enduringly powerful figure of his era in Massachusetts government. What Whitey does with a gun, Billy does with a gavel, a political foe once remarked. William Bulger steadfastly looked out for his incarcerated brothers well-being, enlisting help from another son of Southie, John McCormack, the neighborhoods 21-term Democratic congressman who was U.S. House speaker for most of the 1960s. In Washington, McCormack, who died in 1980, made it clear to federal prison officials that he was keenly interested in the welfare of his constituent James Bulger, according to a stack of books about Whitey. The authors include current and former Boston Globe journalists Kevin Cullen, Shelley Murphy, Dick Lehr and Gerald ONeill, all prolific chroniclers of the Bulger clan. With the two politicians, one a titan, advocating for him, Bulger was transferred out of Alcatraz in 1962 and paroled three years later. Back home, he found a niche as an entry-level enforcer in the Southie rackets and rose fast. Through treachery, intimidation and murder, he muscled his way to criminal dominion over a large share of the region. When his secret alliance with the FBI began, in 1975, two rival groups stood supreme in the Boston underworld: the local Mafia franchise, ruled by brothers named Angiulo in the citys North End, and Bulgers fearsome outfit, known as the Winter Hill Gang. In those days, FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover was intent on crushing the Italian-American mob nationwide. Whitey was recruited to inform on the Angiulos by a Southie-bred agent, John Connolly Jr., who was a protege and longtime friend of soon-to-be Senate President William Bulger. Over the years, while the crime boss was on the FBIs books as a snitch, the relationship devolved into one of payoffs and protection. Prosecutors said Connolly, who pocketed about a quarter-million dollars in bribes, schemed to thwart investigations of the Winter Hill crew and alerted the boss to turncoats in his midst, occasionally with lethal results. Finally, in December 1994, as a grand jury was about to indict Whitey Bulger, Connolly gave him a heads-up, and the gangster beat feet, eventually to his West Coast hideaway. The disgraced former agent, now 78, got a 10-year prison term for racketeering and other crimes and was sentenced to an additional 40 years for complicity in a 1982 mob hit. In that one, a potential witness against Bulger wound up dead in a Cadillac trunk at Miami International Airport. Bulgers survivors include three siblings, one of them William Bulger, who retired from the legislature in 1996 and became president of the states University of Massachusetts system. He has always been publicly reticent about Whitey, saying little more than that Jim was his brother and he loved him. After invoking his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination at a 2002 congressional hearing on the FBI scandal, William Bulger was granted immunity by a House committee and forced to answer questions. His grudging testimony, ridiculed in Massachusetts, sparked months of political warfare between him and then-Gov. Mitt Romney, a Republican, who pressured the ex-lawmaker into resigning his university post. William Bulger told the House panel that he had spoken by phone with his fugitive brother but didnt know where he was. And in the tight-lipped manner of an old-school Southie stalwart, he professed to know little about Whiteys former livelihood. It was vague to me, he said at the hearing. As for Whitey Bulger, in a documentary produced after his arrest, he acknowledged bribing federal agents but indignantly denied being a rat. Despite a 700-page FBI informant file bearing his name, he insisted that the underworld ethic against snitching was sacred to him and that the file was a pack of lies, a big smear by the feds. At his trial, though, when he could have taken the witness stand to defend his integrity as a gangster, Bulger opted not to testify, telling the judge, Do what youse want with me. Two days after the deadliest attack on Jews in U.S. history, Vice President Mike Pence bowed his head at a rally on Monday in Michigan as a religious leader who casts himself as a rabbi offered a prayer for the victims in Pittsburgh. But the man who shared a stage with Pence, Loren Jacobs, preaches Messianic Judaism, a tradition central to Jews for Jesus, a group condemned by Jewish leaders as faux Judaism promoting Christian evangelism. The major Jewish denominations join the state of Israel in viewing followers of Messianic Judaism as Christian, not Jewish. His appearance drew outrage on social media. Jason A. Miller, a Detroit-area rabbi, wrote on Facebook that more than 60 rabbis appeared in a directory of the Michigan Board of Rabbis and yet the only rabbi they could find to offer a prayer for the 11 Jewish victims in Pittsburgh at the Mike Pence Rally was a local Jew for Jesus rabbi? Jacobs is the senior rabbi and founder of Congregation Shema Yisrael, a religious organization in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, a northern suburb of Detroit, that describes itself as a Messianic synagogue. In a video on the congregations website entitled Kosher because it aims to demonstrate that following Jesus satisfies Jewish law Jacobs explained that he grew up in a Jewish household in the Chicago area but sensed that Judaism was spiritually missing something. The truth is that Jesus is the Messiah, the king of the Jews, and he can fulfil us and complete us in our Jewish identity, he said, describing how he became attracted to the figure of Jesus while reading philosophy texts in college. Appearing with the U.S. vice president on Monday, Jacobs invoked Jesus the Messiah and Savior Yeshua another name for Jesus as he offered a prayer for the dead and wounded in Pittsburgh. God of Abraham, God of Isaac, God of Jacob, God and Father of my Lord and Savior Yeshua, Jesus the Messiah, and my God and Father, too, he intoned. Read more: Even before Pittsburgh shooting, anti-Semitic incidents were on the rise Shooting victims remembered: The loss is incalculable Pittsburgh synagogue victim originally from Toronto While the synagogue led by Jacobs does not appear to style itself as part of Jews for Jesus, it promotes the organizations events and shares its essential creeds, such as the coming millennial kingdom under Jesus, centred in Jerusalem. A group, Jews for Judaism, was founded in 1985 to counteract Jews for Jesus, which was formed more than a decade earlier and reports that it draws the majority of its funds from individual donations and spends most of its money on Evangelism and other activities. Steven I. Weiss tweeted Messianic Judaism is anti-Semitism. It is deceptive proselytising that sees Jews as in need of saving, and has Christians playact Jewish ritual. Inviting one to speak publicly is not OK. Pence must apologize for this, or if hes OK with it, hes unambiguously an anti-Semite. Alyssa Farah, the vice presidents press secretary, couldnt be reached for comment late Monday. A Pence aide told The Associated Press that Jacobs had been invited by Lena Epstein, a Republican congressional candidate, and said Pence did not know who the religious leader was when he brought him onstage at the rally. Epstein, in a statement posted on Twitter, said her Jewish faith was beyond question and accused any media or political competitor who is attacking me or the Vice President of religious intolerance. She said she was a member of Temple Beth El, a Reform synagogue in Bloomfield Hills, yet didnt explain why she had invited the leader of the Messianic synagogue to the campaign event. I am proud of my faith and look forward to serving as the only Jewish Republican woman in Congress, she concluded. The rabbis remarks werent limited to the theme of religious solidarity, however. In addition to denouncing the hate-inspired shooting at the synagogue in Pittsburgh, and asking God to comfort all those who are mourning, Jacobs appealed to the Almighty to favour the Republican Party in the midterm elections next month. He did not name the individual victims of the Pittsburgh massacre, but named four Republican candidates, including Epstein. I pray for them and for the Republican Party and its candidates so that they would honour you and your ways, that you might grant them victory in this election, he said from the stage. Devotees of Messianic Judaism date their movement to the time of Jesus, while most scholars treat the religious tradition as a creature of 20th-century America. Messianic Judaism is a Protestant movement that emerged in the last half of the 20th century among believers who were ethnically Jewish but had adopted an Evangelical Christian faith, observed J. Gordon Melton, a professor of American religious history at Baylor University. Jews do not see Jesus as the messiah, and, in fact, Jewish law proscribes as idolatry the worship of a person, which runs counter to the central Jewish tenet that God is singular and absolute. Elie Wiesel, the Holocaust survivor and Nobel Peace Prize winner, wrote in an essay, published in 1988, that proponents of Messianic Judaism, among them the well-known Jews for Jesus, exploit weakness, ignorance, and unhappiness. But I feel less revulsion for Christian missionaries than for their Jewish accomplices, he added. The missionaries are at least honest. They proclaim openly that their aim is to absorb as many Jews as possible into their church. They aim to kill their victims Jewishness by assimilating it. In 1989, the Israeli Supreme Court rejected a Messianic Jewish couples application for citizenship, finding that belief in Jesus made the applicants Christians, and thus ineligible for automatic citizenship. Still, there are outstanding questions about eligibility based on Jewish forebears. Meanwhile, most Jewish Israelis disagree with the courts finding, reasoning that believing in Jesus as the messiah is not incompatible with being a Jew, according to Aaron J. Hahn Tapper, a professor of Jewish studies at the University of San Francisco and the author of Judaisms: A Twenty-First-Century Introduction to Jews and Jewish Identities. About a third of Jewish Americans similarly see the two as reconcilable. In a doctrinal statement on his synagogues website, Jacobs claimed that Jews who place their faith in Jesus continue to be Jewish according to the Scriptures. He further explained his vision for Messianic Judaism, emphasizing the importance of bringing the Gospel of salvation to others. I want to see Messianic Jews taking more of a leadership role in the Christian Church, he wrote. I want to see us committed to world evangelism, fulfilling our calling to be a kingdom of priests and a light to the nations. I especially want to see our synagogues committed to bold evangelism among our own people (including partnering with Jewish missions organizations). Others see Jewish messianism as invidiously aligned with Christian proselytizing, which claims to speak in Israels interests. To support Israel while actively seeking to convert the Jews is, in Jewish eyes, to couple a caress with a stab in the back, Gershom Gorenberg, the American-born Israeli journalist and historian, wrote in his 2000 book, The End of Days: Fundamentalism and the Struggle for the Temple Mount. Its impossible, he maintained, to remain a Jew while accepting the precepts of Christianity. And he warned of the appropriation of Jews by the Christian right. We are merely actors in their dreams, he told Vanity Fair in 2005. ISTANBUL The Turkish fiancee of slain journalist Jamal Khashoggi has called on U.S. President Donald Trump and other leaders to ensure that his death in Istanbul is not covered up, while Saudi Arabias top prosecutor on Tuesday visited the Saudi Consulate where officials from his government killed the writer. Speaking at a memorial in London on Monday, Hatice Cengiz expressed disappointment in the leadership of many countries. Singling out Trump, she urged him to help reveal the truth and ensure justice be served. He should not pave the way for a coverup of my fiances murder. Lets not let money taint our conscience and compromise our values, she said. Cengiz also told the memorial that she wishes she had entered the consulate instead of Khashoggi. She said in reference to an alleged Saudi hit squad sent to kill the columnist for the Washington Post: If only I knew that would be the last time I would see my Jamal, his smile, hear his laughter, I would have stood in front of that murderous team myself. Saudi Arabias top prosecutor, Saud al-Mojeb, arrived at Istanbuls main courthouse Tuesday for more talks with Istanbuls chief public prosecutor, Irfan Fidan, on the investigation into the killing, Turkeys state-run Anadolu Agency reported. The two had met for an hour and 15 minutes on Monday as part of an agreement between Riyadh and Ankara for co-operation over the investigation. Read more: Saudi prosecutor arrives in Istanbul for talks on Khashoggi inquiry Mattis receives assurances from top Saudi diplomat over complete investigation into Khashoggis death Saudis reject Turkish demand to extradite suspects in Khashoggis death Al-Mojeb then went to the consulate and left after spending a little over an hour there. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Tuesday the investigation needs to be completed swiftly. This needs to be solved now; there is no point in excuses, Erdogan told journalists. Erdogan said the prosecutor repeated to his Saudi counterpart Turkeys extradition request for 18 suspects detained in Saudi Arabia for the Oct. 2 killing to be put on trial in Istanbul. Fidan asked al-Mojeb to reveal who sent this group, according to the president. The country is also asking Saudi Arabia to help locate Khashoggis body, which still has not been found. Erdogan said Riyadh must disclose the identity of an alleged local collaborator said to have been involved in disposing of Khashoggis body. Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir has said the kingdom will try the perpetrators and bring them to justice after the investigation is completed. Under mounting international pressure, Saudi Arabia has changed its narrative about Khashoggis killing several times, and has recently acknowledging that Turkish evidence shows it was premeditated. Khashoggi had written critically of Saudi Arabias crown prince in columns for the Washington Post. Fraser reported from Ankara, Turkey. Mehmet Guzel in Istanbul contributed. Read more about: BEIT SHEMESH, ISRAEL The massacre of 11 Jews in Pittsburgh elicited responses in Israel that echoed the reactions to anti-Semitic killings in Paris, Toulouse and Brussels: expressions of sympathy, reminders that hatred of Jews is as rampant as ever, reaffirmations of the need for a strong Israel. But Saturdays massacre also brought to the surface painful political and theological disagreements tearing at the fabric of Israeli society and driving a wedge between Israelis and U.S. Jews. Israels chief rabbi took pains to avoid the word synagogue to describe the scene of the crime - because it is not Orthodox, but Conservative, one of the liberal branches of Judaism that, despite their numerous adherents in the United States, are rejected by the religious authorities who determine the Jewish states definitions of Jewishness. And the attackers anti-refugee, anti-Muslim fulminations on social media prompted some on the Israeli left - like many American Jewish liberals - to draw angry comparisons to views espoused by the increasingly nationalistic leaders who now hold sway in their governments. The result has been a striking and lightning-fast politicization of the sort of tragedy that until now had only galvanized Jews across the world - not set them at one anothers throats. Here in Israel, the decades-old animosity between left and right has reached new levels of enmity in recent years. Ultra-Orthodox parties that play a kingmakers role in the right-wing government are pressing to increase their influence and that of Jewish law on daily life, sparking bitter fights over everything from who serves in the military to whether trains can run and stores can open on the Sabbath. Jews from liberal U.S. denominations feel increasingly alienated from Israels state-run religious life. Read more: Honouring Pittsburgh synagogue victims, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence appears with rabbi who preaches Jesus is the Messiah Pittsburgh shooter was obsessed with Jewish refugee agency Pittsburgh shooting reshapes Liberals apology for 1939 refusal of ship of Jewish refugees With the Israeli government, like many across Europe, also taking a decidedly nationalistic turn, the election of U.S. President Donald Trump has only compounded that strife, widening the rift between Israeli and U.S. Jews. Politically liberal American Jews have been repelled by Trumps solid support for Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and by Netanyahus effusive embrace of Trump and his granting of a wish-lists worth of political gifts. They range from scrapping the Iran nuclear agreement to repeatedly punishing the Palestinians and recognizing Jerusalem as Israels capital. All of that, and more, bubbled up when one of Israels most influential politicians, Naftali Bennett, leader of the right-wing Jewish Home party, jumped on a plane to Pittsburgh in his capacity as minister of diaspora affairs. Bennett gave voice only to unifying ideals: Together we stand, Americans, Israelis - people who are, together, saying no to hatred, he told a vigil there Sunday night. The murderers bullet does not stop to ask, Are you Conservative or Reform, are you Orthodox? Are you right-wing or left-wing? It has one goal, and that is to kill innocent people. Innocent Jews. No sooner had Bennetts plane departed Ben-Gurion Airport than he was assailed by liberal Israeli critics, who among other things resurfaced a 2012 Facebook post in which he had accused leftists of promoting crime and rape in Tel Aviv because they wanted to allow African migrants who had entered the country illegally to stay. Is the Trump-supporting, African-migrant-bashing Naftali Bennett really the best person to represent Israel in Pittsburgh right now? wrote Anshel Pfeffer in Haaretz, the liberal daily. Others cited a pro-Jewish Home party text message sent to Haifa residents in advance of Tuesdays municipal elections. It warned Jewish voters fearful of the flight of young Jews and a takeover by the sector - shorthand for Israeli Arabs - to vote for the Jewish Home slate. Thats almost word-for-word the spirit of Jews will not replace us, said Dahlia Scheindlin, a left-wing political consultant in Tel Aviv, recalling the chant of neo-Nazi marchers in Charlottesville, Va., in 2017. Even Michael Oren, the U.S.-born deputy minister from the right-of-center Kulanu party, faulted Bennett for having sided with the ultra-Orthodox Israeli rabbinate, which refuses to recognize non-Orthodox denominations as sufficiently Jewish to participate fully in Israeli religious life. Liberal Jews were Jewish enough to be murdered, but their stream is not Jewish enough to be recognized by the Jewish State, Oren wrote in Hebrew on Twitter, adding: I call on Minister Bennett not to suffice with condolences, but to recognize liberal Jewish streams and unite the people. On the right, veteran activists in Likud, Netanyahus party, circulated an email Sunday - which Netanyahus aides and party leaders disavowed within hours - noting that the Pittsburgh killer had denounced the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, which encouraged immigration and acted against Trump. Did we or did we not say that the left is guilty of encouraging anti-Semitism? wrote the emails author, who responded to queries but declined to identify himself. Many Israelis, of course, reacted with horror and grief as they tuned into coverage of the Pittsburgh massacre. In Beit Shemesh, a largely ultra-Orthodox city 20 minutes west of Jerusalem, Elisheva Gutman, 24, a social worker, said her parents had vacationed in Pittsburgh two weeks earlier and had attended Sabbath services down the street from the Tree of Life synagogue, the killing site. When they go to Europe, my father takes off his kipa and puts on a hat, for fear of attack, Gutman said. Its not supposed to be that way in the U.S. Chaim Zaid, 62, a paramedic from Kedumim, a West Bank settlement, said the shooting belied Israelis ideas of the United States as a paradise for Jews. You think the big U.S., with the big FBI, will protect them, and nothing will change, he said. But that was a change point. My sister lives in Brooklyn and was afraid to come to my home. So Sunday morning I sent her a message: Rivka, you were afraid to come to me? If other Israelis were quick to score political points over the Pittsburgh killings, though, in a sense they had been preparing for this moment. The disagreements between U.S. and Israeli Jews have been piling up. Only last week, the Jewish Federations of North Americas yearly General Assembly drew hundreds of Americans to Tel Aviv for a three-day conference focused on the strains in the relationship, titled We Need to Talk. In a provocative keynote, the head of Israels largest real estate company, Danna Azrieli, recited the litany of friction points. For Americans, she said, there are Netanyahus effusive embrace of Trump, whom most U.S. Jews oppose; the Israeli occupation and Jewish settlements on the West Bank, which many American Jews believe block peace with the Palestinians; Netanyahus reneging on a deal last year to significantly upgrade and grant equal status to a mixed-gender, Reform and Conservative prayer space at the Western Wall; and Israels new nation-state law, which opponents call racist and anti-democratic because it enshrines the right of national self-determination in Israel as unique to the Jewish people. For Israelis, Azrieli said, Americans dont serve in the Israeli army, pay Israeli taxes or live under the threat of rockets, but also dont let those realities stop them from trying to impose their views on Israelis. Long as it was, that list had big omissions. Israelis on the left would add, at a minimum, the Netanyahu governments warming up to increasingly authoritarian leaders in countries like Hungary and Poland, and its demonization of the Hungarian-born, liberal Jewish financier George Soros - who also is a frequent target of anti-Semitic attacks in the United States and Europe - for underwriting activist groups that oppose Netanyahus policies. Netanyahus own son even posted a meme attacking Soros with anti-Semitic imagery that drew praise from the likes of David Duke. And Israelis on the right would add their lingering resentment of American Jews support for the Iran nuclear deal struck by former U.S. president Barack Obama, which Israelis saw as a life-or-death matter, according to the author Yossi Klein Halevi, a New York-born Jerusalemite. Halevi said the Pittsburgh shootings had exposed an even deeper and more worrisome divide between the two populations. Each sees the other as in some sense threatening its most basic well-being, he said. American Jews dont understand the depth of the Israeli sense of betrayal over the Iran deal. And Israelis dont understand why American Jews regard Trump as a life-and-death threat to the liberal society that allowed American Jewry to become the most successful minority in Jewish history. How damaged is the relationship? In her keynote, Azrieli felt compelled to plead, Dont give up on our country, adding: Dont walk away because your liberal sensibilities are insulted. Dont assume that nothing can change. Things do change - just painfully, slowly, incrementally, and with all of our help. And yet among Israeli leaders, some already have given up on U.S. Jews, said Oren, the deputy minister and a former Israeli ambassador in Washington, who also cited some American Jews opposition to Trumps recognition of Jerusalem as Israels capital. One school of thought is: These are our people, we have to do everything possible to reach out. The second school says:, Its too late, theyre gone. After Iran, after Jerusalem, if we have limited resources we should invest in our base - evangelicals and the Orthodox. The first school, which is mine, is a beleaguered school, Oren said. The burden of doubt is on us; we have to prove that were still correct. Its not easy. In Beit Shemesh, Zion Cohen, 66, a mall manager, lamented the acrimony. Im Likud, but whats happened between Israel and America, Im against it, he said. I know its painful to Jews in America how Israel acts toward them. The influence of the Orthodox and Haredim on the Israeli government is a catastrophe. And we need help from the Jews of the U.S., especially given how much anti-Semitism there is now in the world. He added: We have to unite the whole Jewish people. Read more about: CAIRO In Saudi Arabias version of its war in neighbouring Yemen, the Saudi-led coalition carefully chooses targets for its airstrikes. The rapidly rising civilian death counts reported by the United Nations and humanitarian groups are highly exaggerated. So are the accounts of an impending famine caused by war. And the coalition is in no way interfering with humanitarian aid or with assistance to Yemens beleaguered economy. But now that narrative is wearing thin, critics say. The murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi this month by Saudi agents and Saudi Arabias repeated denials of any knowledge of his fate is raising new concerns about the Saudi account of how it is waging its devastating military campaign in Yemen. Its thrown open the doors of doubt to the entire Saudi version of the war in Yemen, said Elisabeth Kendall, a Yemen scholar at Oxford University. It is no longer able to just tell the world what it wants it to think without the world now being suspicious and skeptical. As these doubts multiply, they are raising questions anew about whether U.S. President Donald Trumps administration can trust what Saudi Arabia is telling U.S. officials about its conduct of the war in Yemen, especially its role in civilian casualties and human rights violations. Administration officials rely on the Saudi information in urging U.S. lawmakers to allow more weapons sales and other military assistance to the kingdom. The United States supports the Saudi-led forces in their fight against a rebel insurgency by refuelling their jets, and by providing intelligence and logistical support in addition to billions of dollars (U.S.) in weapons sales. Read more: Turkish president demands answers from Saudis over Khashoggi killing Khashoggis fiancee calls on Trump to prevent coverup Saudi prosecutor arrives in Istanbul for talks on Khashoggi inquiry Since the war began in 2015, the Saudi-led coalition has sought to oust the Houthi rebels who control northern Yemen and restore to power the internationally recognized Yemeni government. While Saudi Arabia and other Sunni Muslim countries like the United Arab Emirates and Egypt are backing the government forces, the Shiite rebels are supported by Iran. Last month, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis certified to Congress that the Saudi-led coalition was making every effort to reduce the risk of civilian casualties. A senior White House official, speaking in Cairo last week, said the pair did consult with a variety of sources and were certain in their conclusion. Those sources include the Saudis themselves, who are the only ones that investigate civilian casualties caused by airstrikes. And only in a handful of cases has the Saudi-led coalition found they had killed civilians, contradicting information collected by the U.N. and humanitarian groups. The United Nations human rights office estimates that more than 16,000 civilians have been killed or injured since the war began, the majority by airstrikes. The Saudi-led coalition is the only party to the conflict that uses military jets. The independent Yemen Data Project says the toll is far greater, estimating that more than 50,000 civilians have died over this period. In most cases where there are reported civilian deaths, there are no subsequent investigations. Saudi officials have regularly said civilian casualties are accidental, calling them collateral damage in strikes against carefully selected military targets. It no longer looks like an accident, just like Khashoggi was not an accident, said Kendall. Khashoggi, a contributor to the Washington Posts Global Opinions section and a critic of the Saudi leadership, was killed after entering the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2. While Saudi officials said for more than two weeks that Khashoggi left the consulate alive, they later acknowledged that he had died inside the mission, but initially attributed his death to a fist fight. Saudi officials now say they accept the conclusion of Turkish investigators that his death was a preplanned murder. Trump last week said that the Saudis had engaged in one of the worst [coverups] in the history of coverups. Emily Thornberry, a British lawmaker, told her countrys Parliament that we have seen a repeated pattern played out by the Saudis in how they handled the Khashoggi killing and the Yemen campaign. When major civilian casualties are reported, first they deny the reports are true, then they deny responsibility, said Thornberry, a member of the opposition Labour party. And when the proof becomes incontrovertible, they say it is all a terrible mistake. They blame rogue elements, promise those will be punished and say it will not happen again until the next time, when it does. In Cairo, the senior White House official said the U.S.-Saudi relationship, traditionally very close, could be improved. I think we do need more transparency generally, the official said. Regarding the Yemen conflict in particular, the official said the administration was confident in the information Saudi Arabia is supplying. In terms of Yemen, we have a fair amount of visibility, the official told a small group of journalists, speaking on the condition of anonymity to talk freely. The continuing conflict is also deepening a humanitarian crisis that has steadily worsened this year. At the U.N. Security Council last week, U.N. humanitarian chief Mark Lowcock warned that at least 14 million Yemenis nearly half the countrys population are on the verge of famine. More than 3 million Yemenis have fled their homes as a cholera epidemic rages, while thousands have died from preventable diseases. Humanitarian agencies have accused the Saudi-led coalition of contributing to that crisis by waging economic warfare in Yemen. There have been more than 18,000 airstrikes since the war began, and a third of those have targeted civilian sites, including farms, markets, water treatment facilities, power plants, hospitals, clinics, and food warehouses and other storage sites, according to the Yemen Data Project. The coalition, meanwhile, has imposed import restrictions, in particular targeting the rebel-controlled port of Hodeidah, a vital gateway for imports of food, fuel, medicines and other goods into the country. The resulting shortage of fuel has in turn driven up transport costs, making food unaffordable for most Yemenis. The Houthis, too, are partly to blame for imposing heavy taxes on import businesses and at checkpoints. Yemen has long been bombarded with airstrikes and subjected to strangling tactics of war, Jan Egeland, secretary general for the Norwegian Refugee Council, said in a statement. Mass starvation is a deadly byproduct of actions taken by warring parties and the western nations propping them up. The way the war is waged has systematically choked civilians by making less food available and affordable to millions of people. There is currently no direct American oversight of how aircraft refuelled by the U.S. military carry out their raids or how U.S.-supplied bombs are used. American officials say they rely on the Saudis for this kind of information. Speaking in August, a senior Trump administration official it was possible that U.S.-refuelled jets had killed civilians, but we dont know. We would have to have Saudis provide us information, but they dont in the normal course of events provide to us, that official said. Those comments came after a Saudi coalition airstrike in August killed more than 40 schoolchildren on a bus in northern Yemen. The Saudis initially declared that Houthi rebels were on the bus and that it was a legitimate target, describing the children as collateral damage. Only after international pressure, fuelled by images of the childrens charred bodies, did the Saudis accept responsibility. A report by U.N. investigators in August called on countries to stop supplying weapons that could be used in the war, prompting Amnesty International to warn in a statement that the United States, by continuing to transfer weaponry to its Saudi allies, may be at risk of making itself an accessory to war crimes. Some critics of the Saudi leadership see a similar ruthlessness in the Yemen campaign and the killing of Khashoggi, and they have increasingly cited what they say is the hand of Saudi Arabias powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in both. These critics also see parallels in the way the Saudis have responded to reports of Yemeni civilian casualties and Khashoggis murder. This is exactly the same pattern we have seen here, added the British lawmaker Thornberry, referring to Khashoggis murder, which speaks of a crown prince who takes his allies for fools and relies on the fact that his lies will be believed, he will be exonerated and that everyone will return to business as usual once the publicity has subsided. Read more about: PITTSBURGH U.S. President Donald Trump visited a grief-stricken Pittsburgh on Tuesday in a trip meant to unify after tragedy, but his arrival provoked protests from residents and consternation from local officials in the aftermath of the synagogue shooting that left 11 people dead. The hastily planned day trip which the citys mayor urged Trump not to make was executed with no advance public itinerary and without congressional and local politicians. Some had declined to accompany the president, and others were not invited. Trump did not speak publicly during his brief trip, instead quietly paying tribute at Tree of Life synagogue by laying flowers for the 11 victims and visiting a hospital to see officers who were wounded in Saturdays shooting. But Trumps trip to the area so soon after the attack tore open political tensions in the largely Democratic city, as residents angered by Trumps arrival protested even as the first couple tried to keep a low profile during the solemn, afternoon visit. The sense in the community is that they didnt think this was a time for a political photo shoot, said Democratic Rep. Mike Doyle, whose congressional district covers the Squirrel Hill neighbourhood where the synagogue is located. There are strong feelings in the community about him and the divisive nature of his rhetoric. Trump has faced charges in recent days that his harsh political tone and effort to stoke public fears about immigrants has fomented a rising right-wing extremism embraced by the man charged in the synagogue shooting and by the suspect arrested last week after a series of bombs were mailed to prominent critics of the president. Trump has pushed back, saying the media is responsible for the growing tensions across the country. As the president touched down in southwestern Pennsylvania on Tuesday, almost 2,000 demonstrators assembled not far from where some of the shootings victims had been buried that day. The relatives of at least one victim declined to meet with Trump, pointing to his inappropriate remarks immediately after the shooting, when the president suggested the shooting could have been avoided if the synagogue had had an armed guard. Read more: Pittsburgh killing aftermath bares Jewish rifts in Israel and America Honouring Pittsburgh synagogue victims, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence appears with rabbi who preaches Jesus is the Messiah Pittsburgh shooter was obsessed with Jewish refugee agency City officials said they were concerned about protests, which occurred on the same day as funerals for some of the victims, and were not involved in planning the visit learning about it only when White House press secretary Sarah Sanders announced it Monday. The White House also declined to invite two Democratic officials who represent the area Doyle and Sen. Robert Casey Jr. We received no call or any kind of correspondence, Doyle said. A spokesman for the citys Democratic mayor, Bill Peduto, said he was invited to appear with the president but declined. Peduto had urged Trump not to visit Pittsburgh until after the funerals for the victims, saying, all attention [Tuesday] should be on the victims. The family of one of those victims Daniel Stein, 71 declined a visit with Trump in part because of Trumps comments about having armed guards. Everybody feels that they were inappropriate, said Stephen Halle, Steins nephew. He was blaming the community. Some residents said they welcomed the president even if it did anger some of their neighbours. I think its great he took the time out of his day to give comfort and peace to the families who are suffering, said Sandy DeFrancesco, who works at the dental school at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Presbyterian Hospital, where Trump visited four wounded police officers as well as their family and friends. Hes our president, she said. He deserves the respect other presidents got. Trump arrived shortly before 4 p.m., greeted by two people at Pittsburgh International Airport: Pennsylvania Air National Guard Col. Mark Goodwill and his wife, Michele. Travelling with Trump were first lady Melania Trump; daughter Ivanka Trump and son-in-law Jared Kushner, senior White House advisers who are Jewish; Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin; Chief of Staff John Kelly; and Ron Dermer, Israels ambassador to the United States. Inside the synagogue, Trump and his wife lit candles in honour of each of the 11 victims but did not enter the crime scene area, according to the White House. The first couple also placed a white flower and a small stone on stars outside the synagogue that had been erected in memory of the victims a sombre moment punctuated by occasional shouts from protesters. Later, Trump and his family headed to the medical centre to visit the wounded officers. When the White House advance team left for Pittsburgh on Monday night, there was little clear plan for Trumps schedule Tuesday, and it was tasked with organizing events before he landed. City and local officials were not given any advance notice of the White Houses plans and were concerned that the visit could hinder the travel of grieving families. Still, some of Trumps closest congressional allies defended the presidents decision to travel to Pittsburgh a trip that comes ahead of a spate of campaign rallies that puts the president on the road through Election Day. And White House officials said it would be a trip that was seen by much of the country as respectful, even if dismissed among many in Washington. Im glad that the president is going down, House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, said Tuesday on Fox News. I think its an important display that he goes down there to show that were all Americans in these kind of tragedies, and were going to stand with each other. The White House had asked the top four congressional leaders House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., to accompany Trump to Pittsburgh, but all declined, according to three officials familiar with the invitations. An aide to McConnell, who on Monday denounced the shootings as hate crimes, said he was unable to attend. A spokeswoman for Ryan said the speaker wasnt able to make the trip on short notice. Unlike Casey, Republican Sen. Patrick Toomey, was invited to join Trump in Pittsburgh, but a spokesman said Toomey who had attended a vigil and met with law enforcement officials and Jewish leaders in Pittsburgh since the shooting had previously scheduled commitments elsewhere. Trumps visit came as Pittsburgh shifted to the grim ritual that follows mass shootings: a procession of funerals, one after another, offering chances to celebrate the lives of the victims and mourn what was lost on Saturday. Trumps remarks and incendiary rhetoric in office contributed to the pushback his visit received before Air Force One touched down. Tens of thousands of people signed an open letter from a progressive Jewish group based in Pittsburgh saying he would not be welcome until you fully denounce white nationalism and cease your assault on immigrants and refugees. About an hour before Trump arrived, more than 100 protesters jammed onto a street corner in Squirrel Hill, the predominantly Jewish neighbourhood where the synagogue is located and many victims lived. This didnt happen in a vacuum, Ardon Shorr said. There is a growing trend of white nationalism. And that has been enabled by Trump, who traffics in the kind of conspiracy theories that we know were foremost in the mind of the shooter last Saturday. Officials say Robert Bowers, the 46-year-old charged in the case, gunned down 11 people in the synagogue and then wounded responding officers while saying: I just want to kill Jews. These remarks continued when he arrived at Allegheny General Hospital, according to the hospitals president, who told local reporters that at least three of the doctors and nurses treating the suspected attacker were Jewish. Bowers was shot multiple times during the gun battle with police. Were here to take care of sick people, Jeffrey Cohen, president of the hospital and a member of the synagogue, told ABC affiliate WTAE. Were not here to judge you ... Were here to take care of people that need our help. Bowers, who faces dozens of federal and state charges, including counts of hate crimes and homicide, was released from the hospital Monday morning, not long before making his first court appearance on the federal charges he faces. Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala Jr.s office said Tuesday that federal authorities denied his attempt to have Bowers arraigned on the state charges. Zappala said that he would prefer that local residents sit in judgment of Bowers in a trial but that he would let the federal case proceed and put the state charges on hold. Investigators have pored over Bowerss background and life since the shooting. He has been described by people who knew him as an unremarkable, even forgettable, loner in real life, while his postings on social media were littered with hate-filled rants aimed at Jewish people and others. Federal officials have concluded that Bowers legally acquired and possessed all of the guns recovered from Tree of Life synagogue and his home, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said Tuesday. The first funerals began Tuesday, as mourners packed into long lines and overwhelmed synagogues and theatres to pay tribute to some of the people slain in Saturdays attack. These gatherings were defiantly upbeat, marked with the hugs and greetings like those seen before the start of the Shabbat services occurring Saturday morning when the gunman burst into Tree of Life. Around 4 p.m., nearly 2,000 marchers assembled not far from where some of Saturdays victims had been buried. Organizers led the marches through practice runs of traditional Jewish songs before the crowd began a slow, solemn march down Squirrel Hill streets. He refused to cancel his rally when it would have been the decent thing to cancel the rally, said Jonathan Sarney, 72, referring to Trumps campaign stop in Murphysboro, Illinois, held the same day the shooting occurred. And now hes coming to intrude on the funerals when its an indecent thing to do. Read more about: ISTANBUL Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Tuesday that his chief prosecutor has asked his Saudi counterpart to reveal who ordered the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul. The killing has sparked a global firestorm, straining Ankaras already fraught relationship with Riyadh and pressing the U.S. Trump administration to defend its most prized Middle Eastern ally, whose leadership is suspected of sending a 15-man hit squad to carry out the killing. Our prosecutor asked who sent the group that came here and said that this needed to be looked at, Erdogan told reporters as he left Ankaras wood-panelled parliament. We cannot leave this issue unsolved, he said. We need to solve it now. Khashoggi, a prominent Saudi journalist and Washington Post contributing columnist, was last seen in grainy surveillance video on Oct. 2, entering Istanbuls Saudi Consulate to retrieve paperwork for his upcoming marriage. Turkish officials say he was detained, tortured and dismembered - while his fiancee waited outside. His remains have not been found. Read more: Saudi prosecutor arrives in Istanbul for talks on Khashoggi inquiry Mattis receives assurances from top Saudi diplomat over complete investigation into Khashoggis death Saudis reject Turkish demand to extradite suspects in Khashoggis death Saudi Arabias public prosecutor, Saud al-Mojeb, met with his Turkish counterpart for the second time Tuesday, before visiting the consulate building where the murder is alleged to have taken place, Turkish media reported. Riyadh has depicted the killing as a rogue act, arresting 18 suspects and condemning Khashoggis death. But Western officials have speculated that such an audacious plan - which involved flying the hit squad on private jets to Istanbul and enlisting an apparent body double to leave the consulate when the deed was done - would not have been possible without the knowledge of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdoms de facto ruler. Cooperation with Saudi Arabia, and particularly with Mohammed, sits at the heart of the Trump administrations foreign policy in the Middle East. Although this latest crisis has drawn strong condemnation from both parties in Congress, there are few indications that it will fundamentally change the relationship. In an address to parliament Tuesday, Erdogan appeared more muted in his criticism of Saudi Arabia than in previous weeks, failing to mention Khashoggi by name and falling back on earlier talking points without upping the ante. There is no reason to beat around the bush. Or, there is no reason to save someone from beneath this, he said. We must overcome this with our mechanisms of justice and politics. Khashoggis family and friends are pushing for answers. We want everyone involved, from top to bottom, to face justice, his Turkish fiancee, Hatice Cengiz, said in an emotional interview broadcast by the BBC on Monday. Cengiz had waited outside Istanbuls Saudi Consulate on Oct. 2, raising the alarm when Khashoggi failed to emerge and refusing to leave until the early hours of the next morning. We didnt say any goodbyes, she told the interviewer. At least he had someone he loved at the end of his life. Maybe that crossed his mind in his last minutes. Read more about: Canadian arms exports to Saudi Arabia should have ended long before the gruesome assassination of Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi operatives. While the killing warranted intense media attention, it was only the latest incident in a consistent pattern of repression and human rights violations by the Saudi regime, at home and abroad. The Canadian governments own human rights assessment on the kingdom points to the high number of executions, repression of political opposition, arbitrary arrest, suppression of freedom of expression and discrimination against women. The catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Yemen is the direct result of a Saudi-led military intervention that a UN panel denounced for widespread and systematic targeting of civilian targets. Canadian arms are not to be authorized for export if there is a reasonable risk of misuse. The authorization or cancellation of export permits is to rely on an independent, objective risk assessment, with the human rights record of the end-user a key element. Opposing view: Should Canada cancel its arms deal with Saudi Arabia? No Have your say When video footage emerged in the fall of 2017 of a violent crackdown against Shia civilians in Saudi Arabias Eastern Province involving Canadian armoured vehicles, Global Affairs Canada suspended arms export permits to Saudi Arabia and pledged a full and thorough investigation. The subsequent report, released last May, indicated that some vehicles, officially intended for transport and protection of government officials and military personnel, underwent post-export modifications. Mounted with turrets and machine guns, the vehicles were indeed used in that operation, in which more than 20 civilians were killed. Despite this evidence, the report, which relied heavily on Saudi and unnamed sources, ultimately concluded that no human rights violations were committed, that Saudi forces made efforts to minimize civilian casualties, and that the use of force was proportionate and appropriate. And export permits were reinstated. If the Canadian government does indeed respond to the Khashoggi assassination by suspending export permits, its subsequent actions will require scrutiny. Another suspend-to-reinstate routine will do nothing but defuse public attention. Ottawas arguments for arming Saudi Arabia have all been morally and legally unconvincing. The argument that if Canada does not arm Saudi Arabia others will can have no moral weight. Those who rely solely on the word of the Saudis are laughable. THE BIG DEBATE: For more opposing view columns from Toronto Star contributors, click here. Now Ottawa is claiming that failing to honour the arms contract may result in hefty financial penalties, said to be in the billions. Canadas sovereign mandate, prerogative and obligation to faithfully implement the law including cancellations of arms export permits are somehow being subordinated to the language of a commercial contract. What does it mean if financial expediency trumps sovereign authority? Should Canadians be worried? This last argument from the Canadian government raises a host of questions. Is the government attempting to deflect the focus from international human rights obligations to the amount of the penalty Canada must pay? Why is Canada seen to be breaking the contract if it suspends shipments, but Saudi Arabia isnt when it commit gross violations of human rights, despite Canadas export regulations? In the end, despite having a foreign policy with a feminist agenda, Canada is arming one of the worlds worst oppressors of women. Despite championing a rules-based multilateral order, it is contravening the letter, spirit and specific provisions of arms-trade regulations. Despite seeking a seat in the UN Security Council, it is enabling the chief instigator of the devastating crisis in Yemen. No one ever said sticking to principle was cost-free. This is why the decision around arms sales to Saudi Arabia constitutes such a compelling test of Canadas character and that of Justin Trudeaus government. How many political leaders can define their legacy by standing up for their principles before an attentive domestic and international audience? Canada must stop sending arms to Saudi Arabia. Now. Anything else constitutes a blatant perversion of arms control regulations, and a shameful abandonment of commitment to human rights and the rights of women. If Canada does stop shipping arms to Saudi Arabia, other arms exporters may well fill the void. But anyone who believes that such a move would be futile because it would only make a negligible difference for Saudi Arabia and Yemen is not only wrong, but misses the main point entirely: it makes a big difference for Canada. Cesar Jaramillo is the executive director of Project Ploughshares. Read more about: This was the headline on a lengthy business piece on the CBC.ca website on Sunday: What a far-right Bolsonaro presidency in Brazil means for Canadian business. The subheadline read, Miners could benefit from relaxed regulations, as environmentalists fear growth plans will destroy the Amazon. The CBC then sent out promotional tweets like these: Brazil's new president elect, Jair Bolsonaro, is a right-winger who leans toward more open markets. This could mean fresh opportunities for Canadian companies looking to invest in the resource-rich country. Critics have lambasted the former paratrooper for his homophobic, racist and misogynist statements, but his government could open new investment opportunities. An experienced correspondent, Chris Arsenault, wrote the piece. And heres a journalistic problem. Some readers dont understand that good reporting describes the world as it is, rather than as they wish it to be. The complaints rolled in, mainly from people unfamiliar with business reporting, who inaccurately inferred Arsenaults feelings about the facts he reported, and personalized his story on the fallout of a disastrous election. Most news coverage now focuses on wrongs done by governments, Ive noticed, but rarely on corporate misdeeds. Its understandable since governments worldwide are falling like dominoes to violent authoritarianism and fascism. Ignoring the more complicated and dangerous story of corporate puppeteers may be a reflection of newsrooms shrinking as ads vanish and readers prove reluctant to subscribe and pay for journalism. Donald Trump, like the tyrant Bolsonaro, is a scary clown but he serves a useful purpose for giant multinationals laying waste to our planet. Look at the clown! Dont look at the dark figures skulking behind him. This is why Naomi Klein in her great book This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. the Climate saw climate change as a battle between capitalism and the planet, not just capitalisms governments and the planet. Follow the money. Arsenault did that, summing up a toxic situation: hideous news for climate protection is actually great for businesses thinking only in the short-term. Arsenault described Bolsonaros plan to slash environmental regulation in the Amazon rainforest and privatize some public companies. Canadian firms have invested about $11.5 billion in Brazilian mining, infrastructure, machinery, finance and technology, he wrote, which should be of interest to every Canadian with money in a mutual fund. Youre an investor too. Arsenault discussed Canadian and Brazilian investments and backgrounded Bolsonaros chief economic adviser, Paulo Guedes, a sinister wisdom-of-the-market Chicagoist intent on privatization. Worst of all, the Amazon rainforest would be opened to farming, mining and hydroelectric dams. Deforestation would begin in earnest, with terrible consequences for the environment and the Indigenous people who live there. Arsenault reported that Bolsonaro may expel international NGOs, including the World Wildlife Fund, and will approve more mining projects, some involving Canadian companies. He ended with this: With nearly 60 per cent of the worlds public mining companies listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, losses for the Amazon rainforest under Bolsonaro could spell big gains for Canadian investors. In other words, corporations in Canada and worldwide will do an Ivanka Trump. They will be complicit. Complaints (Im assuming mainly on Twitter, the idiot beacon) came in. Business coverage is wrong in itself, some suggested, and this was a crass, immoral story glorifying money. One person said correctly that the CBCs promotional tweets failed to acknowledge that most people wouldnt go on to read the story, just the tweet, which is true. But journalism is not aimed at non-readers. Arsenault responded that after reading the full story, Canadians should understand where their pensions will be invested unless they complain, and that, realistically, some investors welcome election of a man who routinely makes racist, pro-dictatorship, sexist statements if it means more extraction. Then, wisely, he gave up. (Everyone should give up on Twitter.) This was just another day at the CBC, I imagine. The CBC told me that the tweets were a mistake but the election analysis piece was a legitimate story that met CBC journalistic standards and added context to the coverage overall. Good for the CBC. Much of the world is increasingly Trump-like and Bolsonaro-ish, run by vast corporate interests in hand with government. That is a catastrophe for democracy. Dont tell me that journalists should not say this out loud. Read more about: Surely Jason Kenney, Albertas Conservative leader isnt serious, surely hes just joshing, when he talks about his latest ploy to promote Alberta oil. Or maybe Kenney has spent too much time watching Donald Trump on Fox News and figures if crazy ideas, like building a wall across the U.S.-Mexico border worked for him why not try a few crazy ideas here? But Kenney, a former key federal cabinet minister, looked his usual grim self when he spoke last week in Calgary about setting up a taxpayer-funded war room as part of his fightback strategy should he become premier. Yes, a war room. Hes mentioned it several times over the past few months so apparently its not just a passing whim. He even envisions satellite war rooms that could reach around the world. And what would be the purpose of such bunkers no doubt stacked with maps, computers, weaponized social media, and trigger happy troops? To attack environmental campaigners every time they utter something about Alberta oil, pipelines, carbon emissions, or oil pollution. Because, as Kenney sees it, environmentalists have brought Alberta to its knees and hes just not going to take it anymore. According to Kenney, with a highly successful, deliberate, well-organized and hugely well-funded campaign of defamation environmentalists have managed to land lock Canadian energy and thereby cost Alberta and the rest of Canada billions of dollars. This is, of course, a reference to the stalled Trans Mountain pipeline and nixed pipeline projects Northern Gateway and Energy East. All three would have shipped diluted bitumen from Alberta to coastal ports. Kenney didnt mention that the Northern Gateway and Trans Mountain projects were hobbled by judgments handed down by the courts. His war room, which would be paid for with taxpayers money would respond in real time through paid and social media to all the lies told about Canadas energy industry, Kenney told a conference organized by Monte Solberg, one of his fellow cabinet members in the Harper government and partly sponsored by a grassroots group that is closely associated with the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers. Kenneys intended targets include the David Suzuki Foundation, The Pembina Institute, Greenpeace, the U.S-based Tides Foundation, and even the Rockefeller Foundation. As far as he is concerned they are enemies of Canadas energy industry and need to be subdued even if it takes taxpayers money to do it. And thats not all. If he becomes premier, Kenney plans to encourage a prominent oil company to sue Greenpeace as Resolute Forest Products has in the U.S. to the tune of $300 million. This is the kind of litigation, Kenney said, that Alberta-based energy companies need to undertake if they expect to receive the necessary social license to develop resources that belong to all Albertans. That would certainly turn the idea of social license upside down. Whats strange about all this, if not downright ludicrous, is the idea that Canadas energy industry is somehow a pathetic victim that doesnt have the ability or resources to defend and promote itself. The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP), an industry association that includes all the major oil producers operating in Canada, has a multimillion annual budget. It is one of the most well-funded and active lobby groups in the country. Add to that the millions that each oil, natural gas, or pipeline company spends on communications, public relations, media relations, community relations, and social media and its clear the industry should have no problem fending for itself when it comes to getting what it considers the right message to Canadians about the benefits of the energy industry. If Kenney and certain petroleum companies believe that message isnt getting across maybe the problem is with them and not with the environmental organizations they are so quick to condemn. Maybe they need to rethink how they engage with Canadians. Instead, Kenney vows that if he should become premier he will take up their cause even more strongly than previous Alberta governments have. Because, as everyone knows, the oil industry is simply too weak to do it themselves. He must be joking. Read more about: The prospect of Statistics Canada collecting Canadians personal financial data is the latest cause of burning outrage in the daily political drama in Ottawa with some justification, it should be said. Privacy is a hot-button issue in a digital age. But another large data collection exercise, which has been taking place for years in a legal wild west in this country, continues with barely a peep of protest from most of Canadas political class. Were talking about the huge amounts of personal data that Canadian political parties are gathering up about citizens a process that will only intensify as the 2019 federal election gets closer. The disconnect of political concern about privacy full throttle for StatsCan and zero for political databases makes for a strange spectacle this week. Somewhat incredibly on Tuesday, Democratic Institutions Minister Karina Gould told the Stars Alex Boutilier that political data needs further study which is political-speak for no big deal. Wait. What? The lack of privacy laws over political data has been the subject of immense study for the better part of the last decade by the privacy commissioner, Elections Canada and crusading academics such as Colin Bennett. The Cambridge Analytica controversy remember that? revolved around the scary amount of information held by political parties. Its true that political parties know an awful lot about you and your neighbours not just from what you tell them at the door, but what volunteers observe while canvassing, or even consumer information available for sale to political parties. When I was researching my 2013 book Shopping For Votes, all parties talked to me about their major efforts to build databases about voters any information relevant to predicting citizen support (which is a pretty wide field of data, as voting-behaviour experts will attest). I assume a lot more data has been amassed since. Yet while ordinary citizens have ways to find out what information has been accumulated about them by private or public bodies, there is no Credit Karma app for information that political parties are holding about you. About six weeks ago, the information and privacy commissioners issued a joint plea for privacy laws over political data in time for the next election. Privacy commissioner Daniel Therrien called this continuing legal vacuum highly unacceptable and said Canadians should be concerned. Yet over and over again, politicians have simply kicked this problem down the road. Theyre doing it again now despite attempts by the New Democrats and the Green Party to shoehorn some privacy laws into the huge electoral reform legislation now before the Commons, the government and official Opposition rejected the measures. Actually, for about an hour or so on Tuesday, we saw the tale of two privacy debates in the House of Commons. The first one was the noisy, raucous one over the news first revealed by Global TV last weekend that Statistics Canada was busy building a personal information bank based on data it plans to cull from peoples interactions with financial institutions. In a matter of days, this has become a full-blown scandal in the Commons, with dark talk of Big Brother and government surveillance. But after the chamber emptied out after Question Period, a skeleton crew of MPs hung in to talk about the election-reform legislation known as Bill C-76, and privacy or the lack of it was also being discussed, in much cooler terms. This was our opportunity to put political parties under privacy laws, Green Party Leader Elizabeth May lamented. This was a much quieter scene than what unfolded in Question Period, even though the privacy issue may be equally large or even larger. Make no mistake the privacy commissioners office is paying attention to both issues. Tobi Cohen, a spokesperson for the privacy commissioner, sent a long, detailed note in reply to my queries on Tuesday about what StatsCan is doing, basically saying that it is concerning, from a privacy standpoint, but legal. As for the political parties, what theyre doing is legal, too in that there are no laws but the privacy commissioners office was able to rattle off a number of warnings sounded. Apparently not loudly enough, though, because while everyone is shouting about StatsCan this week, the political-database problem merits only a further study vow, again. Susan Delacourt is the Star's Ottawa bureau chief and a columnist covering national politics. Reach her via email: sdelacourt@thestar.ca or follow her on Twitter: @susandelacourt Progressive Conservative Premier Doug Ford is urging Canadian voters to topple Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in next years federal election. Introducing Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer at Queens Park as the next prime minister of Canada, Ford stepped up his attacks on Trudeau over the Liberals plan to put a price on carbon to tackle climate change. The carbon tax (is) the worst tax ever, the premier said Tuesday. Theres only one way one way were going to get rid of the carbon tax and that is by getting rid of Justin Trudeau, said Ford, who will spend up to $30 million on a legal challenge of the federal measure. Ontarios premier is still smarting from Trudeaus decision to unveil the Liberal climate plan last week in Fords home riding of Etobicoke North, held federally by Science Minister Kirsty Duncan since 2008. Get rid of Justin Trudeau, youre going to have more money in your pocket. Businesses are going to be able to thrive, he said. Read more: Ford cant put a dollar amount on his open for business signs Opinion | Jennifer Wells: Hydro One madness sparks well-founded fears in U.S. Ontario, Saskatchewan premiers hope to break down interprovincial trade barriers Fords shot at the prime minister echoes the fractious relationship his predecessor, former Liberal premier Kathleen Wynne, had with former Tory prime minister Stephen Harper. Wynne campaigned against Harper in her successful 2014 provincial election and again in Trudeaus 2015 federal victory. Scheer, who said he has always believed climate change is real and is affected by human behaviour, welcomed Ford into the fray as the two Tory chiefs do battle against Trudeaus scheme. Its wonderful all the new voices that are coming out to fight this carbon tax, said the federal leader, who has yet to unveil his partys plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Asked if he felt in any way threatened by Fords apparent national political ambitions, Scheer said: Not at all. Theres great co-operation between provincial and federal parties when we have interests and common ground, he said. In Ottawa, Intergovernmental Minister Dominic LeBlanc said Scheer was at Queens Park today getting his marching orders from Doug Ford on Stephen Harpers failed plan to deal with climate change. Canadians expect their governments to take action to combat climate change and that is exactly what we are doing, said LeBlanc. Putting a price on pollution is good for the economy and good for the environment, which means that its good for the middle class. Robert Benzie is the Stars Queens Park bureau chief and a reporter covering Ontario politics. Follow him on Twitter: @robertbenzie Read more about: VANCOUVERPremier John Horgan and Opposition Leader Andrew Wilkinson have set a date to debate the merits of electoral reform. The two leaders will take part in a 30-minute debate to be televised on Global BC and broadcast on CKNW radio on Nov. 8, at 7 p.m. A mail-in referendum is already underway in British Columbia, with ballots mailed to eligible voters asking them to decide on proportional representation or the current first-past-the-post system. Ballots can be returned by mail or dropped off at several locations around the province, but must be received by Nov. 30, with results expected sometime in December. The B.C. New Democratic Party says on its website that proportional representation is used by democracies around the world, provides more choice for voters, more accountability, and more collaboration between parties. Wilkinson says in a news release that the referendum is a stacked deck in a rigged game, and he accuses the New Democrats of manipulating basic constitutional rights to change B.C.s voting system. The debate will be moderated by CKNW talk show host Lynda Steele and CBC morning show host Stephen Quinn. Read more: Electoral dysfunction? Experts abroad weigh B.C. voting systems in referendum Read more about: The Letters of Sylvia Plath Volume 2: 1956-1963 By Sylvia Plath. Edited by Peter K. Steinberg and Karen V. Kukil Harper. 1088 pp. $44 --- In the literary world, there have been writers who marry - Percy and Mary Shelley, Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Joan Didion and John Gregory Dunne. But few, if any, literary couples are as well known for the end of their marriage as Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes. That's because Plath used Hughes' "desertion," as she called it, as source material for poems in "Ariel," the posthumous collection that made her one of the most widely read poets of the 20th century. "The Letters of Sylvia Plath Volume 2," deftly edited by Plath authorities Karen V. Kukil and Peter K. Steinberg, serves as a chronicle of the Plath-Hughes marriage. "Volume 1," published last year, covered Plath's youth and education, concluding with her four-month courtship with Hughes, whom she met at Cambridge University in February 1956. Because Plath was an ardent letter writer, "Volume 2," coming in at more than 1,000 pages, assiduously documents the joy and success of the marriage's first six years and the anguish and drama of its final six months that resulted in Plath's suicide one frigid morning in February 1963. It started out so blissfully. During their first year of marriage, Plath often wrote to her mother about Hughes: "I really am convinced he is the only person in the world I could ever love." And: "[I]t is simply impossible to describe how strong ... and brilliant he is." And: "My joy in Ted increases every day." On their first anniversary: "I can't actually remember what it was like not being married to Ted." Two years later: "Ted & I are so happy, and healthy - our life together seems to be the whole foundation of my being." She also gushed about his support during the birth of their daughter, Frieda, in 1960, and after Plath's appendectomy a year later: "To see him come in at visiting hours ... with his handsome kind smiling face is the most beautiful sight in the world." The enthusiasm continued, with some caveats. Plath told one friend that Hughes would "bash my head in" if she tried to "boss" him and mentioned "violent disagreements" to her mother and "rousing battles" to her brother, Warren. In late 1961, the couple bought Court Green, a sprawling thatched-roof house on a small estate in Devon, and settled in just in time for Plath to give birth to Nicholas in January 1962. The Hugheses had sublet their London flat to David and Assia Wevill, another literary couple (though less accomplished). After the Wevills visited in May 1962, Ted and Assia struck up an affair that Plath discovered in July, and Hughes left Court Green in August to live in London. Then the fawning stopped. To her mother, Plath wrote: "I hate & despise [Ted]"; and because Hughes was "dangerously destructive ... I feel both the children and I need protection from him, for now & forever." She wrote a friend, Kathy Kane: "Ted has deserted us. ... I can't tell you the terrible sadistic footnotes, they are too involved and elaborate and poetic." And to her psychiatrist, Ruth Barnhouse, she confessed: "I think I am dying. I am just desperate." Barnhouse had treated Plath at McLean Hospital in Belmont, Mass., after Plath's nervous breakdown and suicide attempt in 1953, an ordeal that was the basis of Plath's autobiographical novel "The Bell Jar." The two were regularly in touch for the next decade. The letters Plath wrote to Barnhouse would be her most revealing. When the existence of 14 surviving letters - long, detailed dispatches totaling about 18,000 words - was discovered last year, it warranted national media attention. Included in "Volume 2," the letters, especially those written after the breakup, contain unsettling disclosures. Hughes' "lies are incredible & continuous," she wrote, adding, "Any kind of caution or limit makes him murderous." Indeed, Hughes could be violent. "Ted beat me up physically a couple of days before my miscarriage [in 1961]: the baby I lost was due to be born on his birthday. ... He tells me now it was weakness that made him unable to tell me he did not want children." She also wrote that Hughes hated their son, Nicholas. "He has never touched him since he was born, says he is ugly and a usurper." Finally, Hughes wanted to be free of Plath. "He told me openly he wished me dead," she wrote. "He was furious I didn't commit suicide, he said he was sure I would!" Plath's next moves she carried out with the help of an attorney in London. The legal separation she insisted on in August and September - Hughes agreed to pay 1,000 pounds a year in maintenance - turned into a planned divorce by October. That month, she announced her intended divorce to her mother, friends and Barnhouse. For years after Plath's death, Hughes told friends that he and Plath were on the verge of reconciliation when she died. But Plath's letters tell the opposite story. She was resolute in her decision to get a divorce. She was working with an attorney to make sure it happened. She was "ecstatic" that Hughes was gone. She also decided to move on from Court Green. She planned on relocating to Ireland, where she could recover in peace far from Hughes, but her mother lobbied against it and surreptitiously encouraged Plath's friends to dissuade her. It worked. In early November, Plath elected to move to London, not Ireland. It would be a fateful choice to relocate to 23 Fitzroy Rd. in December. Now that she was in the same city with Hughes, he was constantly dropping in, and she was continually learning, from him and friends, about his romantic exploits. Plath could not get on with her life. By Feb. 4, in the last letter she wrote to Barnhouse - and the last included in the new volume - she lamented the "return of my madness." One week later, she killed herself by gassing herself in the kitchen oven. She was 30. In often haunting detail, "The Letters of Sylvia Plath Volume 2" documents the rise and fall of a literary marriage whose dissolution ended up destroying a genius. --- Alexander is the author of seven books, among them "Rough Magic" and "Salinger." He teaches at Medgar Evers College and Hunter College in New York City. WOOD RIVER Throughout her life, 103-year-old Virginia Gini Leitner experienced little leisure travel, but through her watercolor paintings, shes traveled all over the world. Ive always drawn and painted, said Leitner, who had a bit of a hiatus until she competed last year in Ms. Missouri Senior, held at the Florissant Civic Center in north St. Louis County. The annual pageant exemplifies the elegance of senior women age 60 and older. Contestants compete in four categories: personal interviews with judges before the pageant starts; poise in evening gown; recitation of a 35-second philosophy; and, a 2.5-minute talent presentation, in which Leitner showed her artwork. I didnt win it, but I won because I made eleven new friends, said Leitner, among her paintings in a recent solo exhibit at Wood Rivers Von Dell Gallery, at 102 E. Ferguson Ave., in Illinois. The St. Charles, Missouri resident learned everything she knows about making art from her mentor Jerry The Great Thomas, as she refers to him. Once completing lessons from Thomas, she exhibited in 1997 at the Dellora A. Norris Cultural Arts Center, founded in 1978, located at 1040 Dunham Road, in St. Charles. The same year, Leitner was named an Ageless Remarkable St. Louisan, sponsored by St. Andrews Resources for Seniors System, a nonprofit organization, helping senior citizens Worry Less for the past 50 years. St. Andrews helps individuals, their families and their caregivers find answers, whether occasionally for help allowing senior citizens remain independent at home, a comfortable retirement residence or an assisted living or skilled nursing community, as well as helping seniors and their families find and access the support they need. The organizations tag line Worry Less reflects the result of its help for senior citizens. St. Andrews Charitable Foundation, part of the faith-based, non-sectarian organization, annually holds the Ageless Remarkable St. Louisans Gala to honor those individuals named as the events namesake that given year. That started me on making more art, Leitner recalled. The first painting I ever did was years and years ago. All of Leitners later paintings are signed with Gini, as shes always been known. More Information Artist Virginia "Gini" Leitner, 103, also shares her philosophy of living through verse. One example is here: Course in Miracles I am Blessed as a Child of God God goes with me wherever I go God is My Strength, Vision is his Gift God is the light in which I see God is the mind in which I Think God is the Love in which I Forgive God is My source in which I trust there is nothing to Fear God's Voice Speaks to Me all through the Day I am Sustained by the Love of God God's Divine Wisdom Leads Me and Guides Me to a Loving Healthful, Prosperous And Joyful Life Thank you God in Action - Gini See More Collapse Her resurgence in painting came when she obtained a Clear Captions telephone through John Lamczyk, a friend of Von Dell Gallery owner Gary Conrad, of Grafton, Illinois. The caption telephones are available for free via a program through clearcaptions.com. Shes my referal when installing phones. It shows clients if she can pick up the technology, you can, too, Lamczyk said at the Von Dell exhibit that Conrad hosted for more than a week last month. When Lamczyk installed a caption telephone for Conrad, he told the gallery founder about Leitner as an artist. Gary wanted to meet her, Lamczyk recalled. The caption telephone came in handy when Leitner told her nephew she was going to be on Altons WBGZs The Steve Potter Show. He couldnt hear me, but all our conversation was there because of the caption phone, Leitner said of telling her nephew about the coming media attention. I use the phone as my telephone book and I dont have to use anything else. Its all printed out. Leitner uses an iPhone, an iPad and readily uses Google. Shes not afraid of technology, Lamczyk noted. Her best friend, Janice Millfelt, 60, confirmed Lamczyks statement. She loves Googling, said Millfelt, of St. Charles, who attended Leitners Von Dell Gallery exhibit opening and met her friend when both attended an annual estate sale. Im so happy to see this artwork here. She adopted me when she was 100. Theres so much to learn from her. I just love her. If I was half the woman she is, Id be so lucky. Leitner blamed Millfelt for getting her involved in Ms. Missouri Senior last year. Its her fault, Leitner said with a smile. I was so shy when I was little. I wouldnt even recite in class, but I was in front of a whole theater audience its her fault. Like technology, Leitner welcomed new knowledge of painting through Thomas. I just went by guess and by golly, Leitner said of painting before Thomas tutelage. Now, I know about light source and now I know about fundamentals. I only had a grade-school education, but I know the biggest trouble is the American people dont use language. They dont know the difference between a period and a comma and need to start learning language again. At 103, Leitner certainly earned the right to speak her mind, as she does in stating her longevity secret, which has become her motto. Dont ask me to be good, because I want to have fun, she said. She never traveled much and only learned to drive at age 55, when her mother became ill and Leitners husband, now deceased, was unable to drive at night to take her to see her mother. He told her she needed to learn to drive. And, now that she stopped driving, her great niece, who she hears from every day, takes care of her and transports her where she needs to go. Yet, through her minds eye, shes traveled near and far. I see things in magazines or photographs, Leitner said. She also captures peoples essences in painted portraits. One womans son was killed by his wifes boyfriend, and all she had was this little bitty picture. I painted it as a portrait, she explained. This little girl, she had something, they knew she wouldnt live, I painted her portrait. She also does watercolor paintings of nature, such as lilacs in still life. Whenever Id see something Id like to paint, I painted it, Leitner said. Four different paintings reflective of each season hang on her living room wall. I can kind of go there, she said. Thats what paintings are for. About half of Leitners exhibit paintings were done before she met Thomas. That one, see how the light comes down, pointing to a painting she did after Thomas. Visit vondellgalleryandstudios.com, follow on Facebook or call Von Dell Gallery at 618-251-8550 for more information. Reach Jill Moon at 618-208-6448 and Twitter @jill_moon. ALTON Some consider CBD controversial, but many more consider the hemp derivative a miracle. The oil, an ingredient in a huge variety of products carried by CBD Kratom, relieves aches, pain, stress and anxiety purportedly even for animals. CBD Kratom, 2801 Homer Adams Pkwy, in Alton, Illinois, carries any imaginable CBD item, which are legal to purchase in Illinois, for anyone age 18 and older, and, in Missouri, for anyone age 21 and older. CBD, or cannabidiol, discovered in 1940, is a cannabis compound that has significant medical benefits, but does not make people feel stoned and can actually counteract the psychoactivity of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), according to Project CBD. The fact that CBD-rich cannabis is non-psychoactive, or less psychoactive than THC-dominant strains, makes it an appealing option for patients looking for relief from inflammation, pain, anxiety, psychosis, seizures, spasms, and other conditions, without causing disconcerting feelings of lethargy or dysphoria, Project CBD states on its website. Kratom is an herbal substance that comes from a tree, native to Southeast Asia, which produces leaves that can be steeped into teas or blended into smoothies, according to Arlington Heights, Illinois-based publication Daily Herald, in an article dated June 8, 2018, featuring an interview with CBD Kratoms owner and founder, David Palatnik. Palatnik is a St. Louis retailer, his brother, Isaac Palatnik, recently told The Edge, during an interview at the Alton CBD Kratom retail location. Kratom has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. He still does retail in St. Louis, but we did CBD, and fell in love with it, said Isaac Palatnik, who works for the family-owned business that includes his brothers wife, Dafna Palatnik, all of St. Louis. CBD helps so many people. Pain relief is number one, but theres so much more. Theres so much that goes into those two words pain relief. People want relief, without the high. For instance, you wake up Monday morning with a bad headache, but have a very important meeting you cant miss and, obviously, you dont want to be high at work. David Palatnik opened the companys first CBD Kratom shop three years ago, in St. Louis, with the majority of customers being middle-aged and seeking CBD for relaxation and pain relief. In fact, while The Edge was at the Alton location, a senior citizen and two older disabled individuals one in a wheelchair came into the thoughtfully merchandised shop. Another customer purchased CBD products for his pets. This is the first time Im trying this, Jason Wahl, 42, of Godfrey, Illinois, said. Im also going to try it for my dogs, because I heard its very beneficial for them. More Information FRESHNESS & SELECTION CBD Kratom executive Isaac Palatnik said the company has the largest selection of fresh Kratom in the Midwest. The shop carries more than 50 Kratom strains in both powder and capsule form. Its Kratom is always fresh and can be kept for months after purchased in a sealed container. Palatnik said CBD Kratom has the largest CBD selection in a 200 mile radius. See More Collapse CBD is derived from hemp, or cannabis, but contains no THC, which is illegal to distribute in any way. All our CBD products are hemp derived, Isaac Palatnik said. We have all ages coming into the shop, from 21 to 99. Ive used it personally. We really got into CBD, starting small at the start, and saw how people reacted. Our customers come back, giving good reviews that it helped them therapeutically, fixing headaches and other aches and pains. We saw how much they liked it, saw customers appreciation, he continued. We grew and added more and more selection, from $3 lollipops to $200 tincture, always with something in everyones price range. Altons CBD Kratom opened at the end of May. We definitely have more and more customers, through word of mouth they tell their friends and family, they see us driving by, Palatnik said. We tell them what CBD is good for and, if not for themselves, they get something for others. Besides products for pain and anxiety relief, CBD Kratom carries CBD edibles, such as brownies; CBD topicals, such as lotions; hemp bath-and-body products; and, hemp candles. The lotions, made from hemp seed, are very good for skin, very emollient, Palatnik noted. We are very selective with our products, making sure all are absolutely topnotch. Hours of the Alton location are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week; most Missouri locations are open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. CBD Kratom Illinois locations include Chicago and Fairview Heights, at 10300 Lincoln Trail, and in Missouri: the city of St. Louis, at 3161 Morganford Road; Creve Coeur, at 13035 Olive Blvd.; St. Charles, at 1550 Veterans Memorial Pkwy.; and, Ellisville, at 15332 Manchester Road. CBD Kratom also has a Dallas, Texas, location. We had a lot of Dallas customers who mainly bought online request that we open a shop there, Palatnik recalled. So, we went there. The same with Chicago, which also works out logistically with St. Louis. Visit cbdkratomshops.com or call 314-202-8330 for more information. Reach Jill Moon at 618-208-6448 and Twitter @jill_moon. Six Jacksonville authors have been named Authors of the Year by Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library after their works were picked by judges from throughout the community. Writers whether professionals or hobbyists were able to submit pieces of their poetry or prose writing to the Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library. The winning selections were read Thursday during the boards meeting with the authors in attendance. Sharon Zuiderveld, a member of the Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library board, said the library has been asking local authors to submit their work for about 20 years. We like to encourage our local authors to submit their work, Zuiderveld said. We like to offer a collection of works at the library and this is a part of that. Larry Ladd, whose writing tied for first place in the prose category, submitted a piece from a book he has written called Asher II, a collection of memories from his familys visits to Minnesota. Asher was a real person who live in the 1950s, Ladd said. I started going to Minnesota on vacation with my family when I was about 7. Ladd said he reworked the piece some before submitting it to the competition. I thought it was good and wanted someone to read my stuff, Ladd said. Im guilty of bad poetry at times, but I was thrilled when I was selected as a winner. I was happy as can be and treated myself. I at as many cookies as I could. Ladds piece tied for first place with Scott Marunas I have a frog in my [throat] stomach, a fictional story based on his research into the 19th century phenomenon of stories of animals living inside the human stomach. Maruna said he is fascinated with biological phenomena and began looking into the science behind the stories detailing amphibians and reptiles living in the human body to determine if it was possible. The story came out as the result of probably 100 different articles being put into one story, Maruna said. I started writing it a decade ago. After reading the story for his students, Maruna decided to revise the piece a little and submit it to the competition, he said. My students really liked it, so I took another look at it, Maruna said. Tamara OHearn took first place in the poetry category for her poem Illinois Poor Farm Cemetery Project, Jacksonville, Illinois, about the clean-up project at the local cemetery. OHearn was unavailable for comment Monday. The winning pieces will be added to a growing book that stays behind the librarys circulation desk. It contains all the winning pieces from the competition over the years. The book is available for reading at the library but cannot be checked out. Each winner also will receive a prize from The Farmers State Bank and Trust Co. Winners Poetry: First place Tamera OHearn Second place Ethan Phibbs Third place Beverly Phillips Prose: First place (tie) Larry Ladd and Scott Maruna Third place Beverly Phillips Samantha McDaniel-Ogletree can be reached at 217-245-6121, ext. 1233, or on Twitter @JCNews_samantha. Gov. Bruce Rauner and first lady Diana Rauner got their flu shots Tuesday and highlighted the importance of Illinoisans protecting themselves this flu season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends shots for everyone over the age of 6 months. Influenza activity often increases in October and tends to peak between December and February. Last years flu season was one of the more severe seasons in recent years. It was 80 years ago today that the radio drama The War of the Worlds was performed. Actor Orson Welles narrated the adaptation of H.G. Wells 1898 novel, causing mass panic across the nation. The show was presented as a series of news bulletins about an alien invasion that interrupted regular broadcasting. Buried beneath the election chatter this week was a wonky labor ruling in a Springfield appellate court. But the issue at hand could wind up being more costly than almost anything else Illinoisans hear discussed on debate stages. AFSCME the largest government worker union in the state may pull off one of the most insulting waiting games in state history. The payoff? More than $3 billion, courtesy of Illinois taxpayers. This saga begins all the way back in December 2014. Thats when then-Gov. Pat Quinn started negotiations for a new state worker contract with a somber tone. His administration set the stage by noting a $6.4 billion backlog in unpaid bills, a $1.6 billion budget deficit and $111 billion in unfunded pension liabilities. AFSCMEs reply to the state? Hike the income tax, then scrap the Illinois Constitutions flat income tax protection and hike taxes some more. In other words, rob Peter to pay me. One month later, Gov. Bruce Rauner took office. In part, he was elected because taxpayers were frustrated with the power balance in Springfield and wanted a more fiscally conservative voice at the bargaining table. AFSCME knew they would not be facing a negotiator they helped elect, so their strategy was two-fold. The first tactic was to try to bargain with someone else, but efforts to remove Rauner from the negotiating table in the General Assembly fell short on multiple occasions. The other option? Stall. AFSCME knew it could tie up any attempts at reform in court. Meanwhile, they could fund efforts to elect a new governor willing to play ball. Before getting into specifics, its important to know Illinois state workers are not to blame for any of this. Its also important to know what those state workers receive. For one, they are the highest paid state workers in the nation after adjusting for cost of living. Second, they receive platinum-level health insurance at a bronze-level price. And third, many state workers receive overtime pay after a 37.5-hour work week. Thats not to mention pension benefits that are far out of line with anything one can expect in the private sector. None of this is necessarily bad in isolation. Public-sector workers should expect decent pay and benefits. But AFSCME worker incomes grew 5 times faster than Illinois private-sector incomes from 2005-2014. In the face of a sputtering state economy where taxpayers are already shouldering an enormous tax burden, there must be a compromise. We all cant work for the state. The Rauner administration introduced its first AFSCME contract proposal in February 2015. It and subsequent offers avoided widespread layoffs, preserved extremely generous disciplinary procedures, sick time, and holiday policies, and instituted a temporary wage freeze. It also would have increased employees contributions to their health care costs and not paid out overtime until employees clocked 40 hours. AFSCME countered with wild demands, including wage increases of 11.5 to 29 percent by 2019, platinum-level health insurance at little cost to workers, and a work week with overtime for workers after just 37.5 hours. The state estimated AFSCMEs demands would cost an additional $3 billion compared with what Rauner proposed. The old AFSCME contract expired June 30, 2015. By September, the state and AFSCME were on their third tolling (or temporary) agreement, which included language assuring they would continue meeting in good faith until both sides declared an impasse or the Illinois Labor Relations Board ruled both sides were at impasse. After more than 20 bargaining sessions and 67 days of negotiations, nothing was moving. The state declared an impasse on Jan. 8, 2016. And after much back and forth, the Illinois Labor Relations Board finally issued an impasse decision in November 2016, which meant Rauner could finally move to implement the states last, best offer. But rather than obey the ruling, AFSCME filed a lawsuit in their home turf of St. Clair County, declaring the boards ruling illegitimate. Days turned into months turned into years of appeals. And on Oct. 23, the Fourth District Appellate Court ruled in AFSCMEs favor. Of course, there will be more appeals as the clock keeps ticking. So, will the four-year stalling gamble pay off for AFSCME? The answer will become clear soon enough. And taxpayers will be on the hook for the winnings. Austin Berg is a writer for the Illinois Policy Institute. He wrote this column for the Illinois News Network. Berg can be reached at aberg@illinoispolicy.org. Most of us grew up thinking of the United States as the land of opportunity. Trump and the Republicans are intent on transforming our nation into the land of inequality, where our government enacts legislation that further enriches the wealthy while destroying our nation in the process. Thats the conclusion of Report of the Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights on his mission to the United States of America, a study released by the United Nations last summer. I can almost hear Trump supporters protest, But the UN is tied in with those globalists! Why should we pay attention to anything they say? Ill answer that question by stating if you really love our nation, you need to familiarize yourself with this report. It proves that the United States stands in danger of becoming a plutocracy. While correctly noting that our country is one of the worlds wealthiest societies, the report observes that Americas immense wealth and expertise stand in shocking contrast with the conditions in which vast numbers of its citizens live. Forty million Americans live in poverty, 18.5 million dwell in extreme poverty and 5.3 million live in Third World conditions of absolute poverty. Our infant mortality rate is unacceptably high and our citizens live shorter and sicker lives compared to those living in all other rich democracies. The report further states that our nation has the highest rate of income inequality among Western countries. According to the Stanford Center on Inequality and Poverty, the United States ranks #18th out of 21 wealthy countries in terms of labor markets, poverty rates, safety nets, wealth inequality and economic mobility. Oh, theres wealth in the United States. Lots of it. In fact, our country has over 25 percent of the worlds 2,208 billionaires. To those Trump supporters who say, Okay, so most of countrys wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few, while many Americans are locked in poverty. What do you want? Socialism? My reply is, No, I dont want socialism. I want common sense and compassion. Common sense tells us that the Republican tax cuts for the wealthy are only making our nations economic polarization worse. Just as we Democrats predicted, slashing taxes for the rich have made our nations deficit skyrocket. How do Republican politicians intend to deal with this crisis? By making deep cuts into Social Security and Medicare, which provide a safety net for non-wealthy Americans. For Republican politicians, attacking the deficit is synonymous with attacking middle class Americans. Depriving low-income Americans of health care is singularly devoid of compassion. Yet, Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan in 2017 told National Review editor Rich Lowry that hes been dreaming of slashing Medicaid since you and I were drinking out of kegs. The UN report states that Americans have a relatively short life span. Ryan wants to make the lives of the poor even shorter. Trump campaigned on a promise of draining the swamp. Instead, he has deepened the swamps muck. Extreme inequality often leads to the capture of the powers of the State by a small group of economic elites, the UN report notes. The combined wealth of the United States Cabinet is around $4.3 billion. The report quotes Forbes observation that many regulatory agencies are now staffed by political appointees with deep industry ties and potential conflicts. Trump and the Republicans are currently in power because a significant number of Americans wanted change. I find it difficult to believe, however, that the change they wanted included making the wealthy even wealthier at the cost of our nations economic stability. Perhaps some of you have voted Republican in past elections because youre conservatives and see the GOP as our nations conservative political party. The policies implemented by Trump and the current crop of Republicans arent conservative, however. Their policies are radical dangerously radical, in fact. We can remove many of these radicals next month and replace them with Democrats, who will prevent Trump from further endangering our nation. John J. Dunphy is the author of From Christmas to Twelfth Night in Southern Illinois and Abolitionism and the Civil War in Southwestern Illinois. His latest book, Unsung Heroes of the Dachau Trials, will be published this winter by McFarland. Photo: VGP Chairing the session, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung and his Russian counterpart Maksim Akimov rechecked the implementation of the 20sessions minutes, reaching agreement on measures boosting bilateral cooperation, including the implementation of high ranking agreements reached during Communist Party of Vietnam General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trongs visit to Russia in September. They appreciated economic, trade and investment ties between Vietnam and Russia, saying that it had developed dynamically over the past time, with the effective realisation of the free trade agreement between Vietnam and the Eurasian Economic Union to which Russia is a member. Accordingly, two-way trade turnover reached USD3.55 billion in 2017, a year-on-year increase of 31%. The turnover stood at USD3.4 billion in the first nine months of this year, up 36.8% year-on-year. Meanwhile, investment cooperation has continued to expand, especially in Vietnams large investment projects in Russia. They also shared the view that the two countries have a lot of potential for cooperation, especially in the areas that they are strong in, such as energy, agriculture, industry, transport, science-technology, and education-training. Specific measures to foster the bilateral affiliation in the 4th Industrial Revolution, especially in trade-investment, information-technology, transport infrastructure, finance-banking, energy, science and education-training, were discussed by the sessions two chairpersons. On trade, they agreed to consider lifting non-tariff barriers in import-export, particularly in agriculture and fisheries, thus raising the bilateral trade to USD10 billion by 2020 as set by the two countries leaders. In the finance banking sector, the two sides also compared notes on measures to enhance bilateral transactions by domestic currencies. In energy, the two sides agreed to create more favourable conditions for oil and gas projects, and expand cooperation in other fields like liquefied natural gas (LNG) and electricity. They focused on discussing promising transport infrastructure cooperation projects, especially railway ones, in Vietnam. At the end of the session, the two Deputy Prime Ministers witnessed the signing of some cooperation agreements between Vietnamese and Russian businesses and organisations in banking, telecommunications and education-training./. As I look forward to casting my vote in the upcoming election on Nov. 6, I invite voters to join me in supporting Andy Manar for re-election as State Senator from the 48th district. In the State Senate, Andy decided to take on a challenge that many before him had tried and been unable to deliver: fair and balanced public school funding reform. Andy took the lead on a bi-partisan effort to fix the states failed funding formula and he delivered on his promise. Senate Bill 1947 which he sponsored was signed into law last year and thousands of dollars in additional state funding are now flowing into the neediest schools in downstate Illinois. Food for the Hungry(FH) is a Christian international relief and development organization that hasbeen working in Uganda since 1989. FHs primary goal is to respond todevelopment needs and complex humanitarian emergencies. FH is currentlyoperating programs in more than 26 countries and has national offices in theUK, Canada, Switzerland, Korea, United States of America and Japan. In Uganda,FH is operational in the communities of Pader, Kitgum, Lamwo, Agago, Kole,Kween, Mbale, and Mukono Districts implementing programs in four main sectorsof Education; Food Security and livelihoods; Health/Nutrition and Disaster RiskReduction; with the Head office located it Kampala. The Health Coordinator will be tasked withoversight of primary health care and community health interventions. S/he willactively participate in program planning, monitoring, evaluation, reporting,and representing MTI at regional and national level. S/he will be responsiblefor the technical aspects of MTIs program in Uganda, supervising and mentoringMedical Coordinators in collaboration with the Program Manager in each FieldOffice. The UN World FoodProgramme (WFP) is the United Nations frontline agency against world hunger. Itis the largest and longest serving humanitarian agency in Uganda. Currently WFPfocuses on three priority areas: Saving lives in Emergencies; BuildingResilience through Predictable Safety Nets; Improving Nutrition & Mother-andChild Health; and Supporting Small Holder Farmers to Access Markets. WFP hasoperations in various parts of the Country. The cold desert of Ladakh hides many secrets. The region is home to wildlife species unfamiliar to the rest of India. There is the often-spotted ibex, the bharal or blue sheep and marmot, which is a large squirrel. Among them, the most elusive and at the top of the food web is the snow leopard. In the mountains, snow leopard is an apex predator which means there is no natural predator above it. Locally known as shan in Ladakh, they are shy and well-camouflaged, which makes their sighting a rarity for researchers. Snow Leopards were declared endangered in 1972 under the IUCN red list. In September 2017, the species was reclassified to 'vulnerable', a threat level lower than 'endangered'. Currently, their global population is estimated to be somewhere between 4,500-7,500. In Ladakh, where a majority of the people depends on their livestock for sustenance, the ghost cat is facing a serious threat. The snow leopard is being hunted down for its predation on livestock. Dr Tsewang Namgail Dr Tsewang Namgail, director of the Snow Leopard Conservancy Trust, a local non-profit organisation is working towards tackling this threat in Ladakh. Dr Namgail speaks with THE WEEK about his efforts for and the significance of snow leopard conservation. How was your first encounter with the snow leopard and what made you interested in its conservation? My first encounter with the big cat was in Hemis National Park. It was summer season in Ladakh and I was plotting a vegetation map as a wildlife researcher. As I focused the scope of my binoculars, there I saw two snow leopards. I had heard that these animals are elusive and difficult to see. I was captivated by the presence of this beautiful creature, and could not decide whether to take a picture or run to save my life. After the incident, I was hooked and started studying about it and its issues, which led me to initiate the conservation program. What threats do snow leopards face? Which is the biggest among them? The biggest threat in Ladakh is retaliatory killing by farmers and other locals. When a snow leopard kills their livestock, they get vindictive and beat or stone the animal to death. It is the single most important threat in Ladakh. Unlike China, poaching is not a problem in Ladakh. Across the world there are various other threats; of course, there is climate change and mining in some countries such as Mongolia and China, and has been an issue that destroys the species habitat. How do snow leopards impact the ecosystem dynamics of Ladakh? If there is a decline in the population of snow leopards or if they go extinct, the number of ungulates will increase. There will be overgrazing, and the slopes of mountains and neighboring land will lose vegetation and become dry causing a threat to the ungulates. With loose soil and no vegetation, there is a possibility of increased landslides and water flooding the villages. In some parts, people have seen that in recent years. Efforts are on to improve the situation of snow leopards in the Himalayan region | Wikimedia Commons How are you addressing this human-animal conflict? Snow leopards prey on sheep and goat. Farmers and their entire families in Ladakh or anywhere else are dependent on their livestock and its loss means a lot to them. The first line of action was to secure the livestock. Usually, the barns here are uncovered and lack security. So, we covered them with wire mesh and installed barbed wires around them. By doing so, we have managed to solve a considerable part of the problem. The next step was to generate livelihood other than livestock rearing for the farmers so that they earn some extra income and depend less on their livestock. The Himalayan homestay program is one of our flagship programs which encourage tourists and trackers to stay with the locals instead of camping out in the open. This secures their income and reduces the financial pressure. It also gives tourists an opportunity to learn the local culture as a lot of them come here for that. Currently, we have 170 homestays across 40 villages of Ladakh. We have also started some programs to complement the homestay program like the promotion and sale of handicrafts. Lastly, and one of the most importing things we do, is to educate the children as they are our future and their attitude towards wildlife will decide the fate of the snow leopard. Children should have an idea about the species conservation when they grow up. We are also trying to involve monks in snow leopard conservation. Do you keep a count of the snow leopards? How do you know that the situation is improving? It is quite a complicated task to collar the leopards for counting as it lives in hiding. There are some rigorous methods that we have employed, but currently we do not know the exact number in Ladakh. As of now, we cannot say if the population is increasing or decreasing as we do not have a benchmark data. That being said, the parts where we have introduced the conservation program, the retaliatory killing has stopped completely. This itself is an indicator that the situation is improving because it is the main threat to snow leopards. The locals who once used to go up in the mountains to hunt the animal are now attracting people to the conservation. We have managed to develop a symbiotic relationship between the locals and the animal. Tourist will stay with the locals only if there are snow leopards left to see. This gives them an incentive to care for the conservation more. I am sure it will have a positive bearing on the population of snow leopards. As Ladakh is experiencing mass tourism, do you think it is going to affect the snow leopards habitat? Yes, definitely. Snow leopards do not live in a vacuum. They are connected with a larger ecosystem of Ladakh. The increasing number of tourists coming to Ladakh, trekking and off-roading in some regions affects the soil, ungulates and marmots alike. Any little disturbance in the ecosystem has an impact on the whole system. Another issue with unregulated mass tourism is the increasing number of unverified tour operators and campsites. Such campsites do not take into account the environmental factor and indulge in improper waste disposal. We all are tying hard to regulate it and keep a check on unverified tour operators and tourist scams. The conservation of our environment in general and snow leopards in particular is an important issue that we all must be aware of. Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said he was in favour of allowing women of all ages to enter the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala, putting the party's Kerala unit on the defensive. Rahul's comment has contradicted the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee's decision to rally behind the devotees who have been protesting against the recent Supreme Court order lifting the ban on women between 10 and 50 years inside the temple. My stand is against the party's stand. Men and women are equal. Women should be allowed to go anywhere they want, Rahul said. He, however, added that the party's Kerala unit is supporting the devotees as it is an emotional issue. KPCC president Ramesh Chennithala claimed there was no confusion in party's stand over the issue, saying Rahul has allowed the state unit to take its own decision. The hill shrine had witnessed high drama after around a dozen women in the 10-50 age group were prevented by protesting devotees from entering it after the temple doors were opened for monthly poojas between October 17 and 22. The temple's three month-long pilgrim season is commencing from November 17 and the state government has reiterated that all devotees will be allowed to offer prayers at the shrine. The temple will also open for a day on November 5 for a special pooja. Meanwhile, Kerala police have arrested over 3,500 people and registered 529 cases in connection with the protests and demonstrations against the implementation of the Supreme Court verdict. On September 28, the apex court lifted the centuries-old ban on the entry of women of menstrual age into the shrine. The verdict sparked off widespread protests across Kerala with thousands of devotees, mainly women, hitting the street. The protests and demonstrations were anchored on strong sentiments against the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist). Both the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party have lent support to the agitation against the apex court verdict. (With inputs from agencies) Two policemen and a cameraperson of Doordarshan were killed and two others were injured on Tuesday when around 100 naxals attacked a security patrol party in poll-bound Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district, the police said. Two to three naxals were also believed to be killed in retaliatory action by the security forces after the ambush in a forest area near Nilawaya village, around 450 kms from here, the police said. The ambush was to target the CRPF patrolling team and create fear among road contractors and workers engaged in road construction works in the area, D.M. Awasthi, Director General (anti-naxal operations), told reporters here. "Unfortunately, the media team reached there and was caught in the cross-fire, he said. The incident took place at around 11am when security personnel were carrying out patrolling for security of road construction work underway in the area, the officer said. "Road construction work between Sameli and Nilawaya villages (where the attack took place on Tuesday) has been going on for past couple of months. Maoists have been opposing the construction, he said. Giving details of the incident, Awasthi said the incident occurred when a Road Opening Party (ROP) of the CRPF was sanitising the area. At the same time, a three-member team of Doordarshan, along with police personnel, was also heading towards Nilawaya on motorcycles, to cover news related to development works and poll preparations, he said. The DD team from New Delhi was camping in the area from past couple of days to cover development works and polling related news, he added. Just ahead of Nilawaya village, the media team spotted a Maoist poster put up on a tree branch and to record it, cameraperson Achyutanand Sahu went down from the motorcycle and stepped closer towards the tree, Awasthi said. "Suddenly, Maoists, numbering around 100, opened fire on police team. Sahu was hit in the first round of fire, he said. Security personnel immediately retaliated and a gunbattle ensued, which lasted for about 50 minutes before the naxals fled, the officer said. Two policemen,Sub Inspector Rudra Pratap Singh and Assistant Constable Manglu, were killed while Constable Vishnu Netam and Assistant Constable Rakesh Kaushal were injured in the incident, he said. Other two members of the DD team, including a journalist, were safe, the officer said. The naxals then retreated into a village, with the security forces chasing them, he said. The security forces saw two to three people being dragged away by the maoists, which indicated that they were killed in the retaliatory action, Awasthi said. Dantewada SP Ahishek Pallav told PTI over phone that naxals took away camera of the deceased camera person and also tried to target his two other colleagues during the encounter. After the firing started, two other media personnel of DD crawled down into a ditch on the under construction road to save themselves, he said. Manglu provided cover to the media persons to save them but unfortunately lost his life in the process, the SP added. After the gunbattle, the security forces recovered 10 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) laid by the naxals and these defused later, Awasthi said. He said the attack was not linked to the upocoming Assembly elections but was aimed at discouraging men and contractors working on a road construction project. "I would like to clarify once again that these two incidents -- one which took place this morning and another which took place three days back -- do not have any direct or indirect conection with the ensuing elections in the state," Awasthi said. He said road construction work is underway at several places aross the naxal-affected areas over the last three years and this attack was aimed at thwarting the workers and contractors. "As far as Assembly poll is concerned, we are committed to ensuring peaceful polling in Bastar region and such incidents will not lower the morale of the security forces," he asserted. "As per the rules, each and every candidate for the polls will be provided enough security," he added. Chief Minister Raman Singhdescribed the attack as a "cowardly" and "shameful" act. "The martyred personnel and a camera person were discharging their duties for a national work like election. The attack on them is an attack on democracy and it is highly condemnable, Singh said in a statement. Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore condemned the attack and said the insurgents won't be able to weaken the government resolve. "Strongly condemn the Naxal attack on @DDNewsLive crew in Dantewada. Deeply saddened by the demise of our cameraman Achyuta Nanda Sahu and two jawans of @crpfindia. These insurgents will NOT weaken our resolve. We WILL prevail," the minister tweeted. On October 27, four CRPF personnel were killed and two others were injured when Maoists blew up their bullet proof bunker vehicle in Awapalli area of Bijapur district. The next day, a BJP leader and member of Dantewada Zila Panchayat Nandlal Mudiyami was seriously injured after ultras attacked him with sharp edged weapons at his village Palnar in Dantwada. The state is going to polls next month and naxalites have asked voters to boycott the exercise. The first phase of polls covering 18 constituencies of eight naxal-affected districts Bastar, Kanker Sukma, Bijapur, Dantewada, Narayanpur, Kondagaon and Rajnandgaon will be held on November 12. The remaining 72 constituencies will witness polling on November 20. The counting of votes will take place on December 11. US President Donald Trump is unable to participate as the chief guest for India's Republic Day celebrations next year due to scheduling constraints, the White House said on Monday. The announcement confirmed news reports over the weekend that Trump had declined a Republic Day invite from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi had invited President Trump for a bilateral visit to India during their talks in Washington last year. White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders had, in July, said Trump had received an invitation to visit India, but no decision had been taken yet. "President Trump was honoured by Prime Minister Modi's invitation for him to be chief guest of India's Republic Day on January 26, 2019 but is unable to participate due to scheduling constraints," a White House spokesperson told PTI on Monday, when asked about Trump's decision on Modi's invitation. It has been said that the annual State of the Union (SOTU) address to both Houses of the US Congress by Trump was likely to be around the time India will celebrate its Republic Day. The SOTU is normally delivered in the last week of January or first week of February. The White House spokesperson said Trump and Modi enjoyed a strong personal rapport and Trump was committed to deepening the India-US relationship. "The president enjoys a strong personal rapport with Prime Minister Modi, developed through two meetings and several phone calls, and remains committed to deepening the US-India strategic partnership," the White House spokesperson said. "The president very much looks forward to meeting Prime Minister Modi again at the earliest opportunity," the White House spokesperson said. Modi and Trump are scheduled to attend the G-20 Summit in Argentina on November 30 and December 1. It is possible that the two leaders might meet and discuss bilateral relationship there. Every year, India invites world leaders to attend its Republic Day celebrations. In 2015, then US president Barack Obama had attended it as the chief guest, which was his second visit to India as American president. This year, leaders from 10 ASEAN countries had attended the Republic Day celebrations. In 2016, then French president Francois Hollande was the chief guest of the Republic Day parade, while Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was the chief guest at the celebrations in 2014. The heads of state and government who have attended the Republic Day celebrations include Nicolas Sarkozy, Vladimir Putin, Nelson Mandela, John Major, Mohammed Khatami and Jacques Chirac. -PTI Divers scouring the Java Sea have managed to fill around 10 body bags with human remains from a Lion Air flight that had crashed shortly after taking off from Jakarta with 189 people on board on Monday. Speaking to mediapersons on Tuesday, government officials said the bodies discovered included a baby. Indonesia's National Transportation Safety Committee said there were 178 adult passengers, one child, two infants, two pilots and six cabin crew on board Lion Air flight JT 610. The human remains that had been recovered were being taken to Jakarta for DNA testing. Indonesian officials said on Monday night the possibility of finding any survivors was slim given the nature of the Lion Air crash. Divers were also able to find debris from the crashed Lion Air Boeing-737 MAX, though the aircraft's main fuselage remains underwater. Search teams were yet to find the aircraft's cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder, which would help investigators learn about the state of the jet before it crashed. Meanwhile, reports emerged that the crashed Lion Air Boeing-737 MAX had experienced a technical issue in a previous flight. This was thought to be related to discrepancies in the altitude-reading instruments on the displays of the captain and first officer. Lion Air took delivery of the ill-fated Boeing-737 MAX in August. The airline had announced earlier this year, it was buying 50 Boeing-737 MAX jets in a deal worth $6.24 billion. Boeing had briefly suspended global delivery of the 737 MAX in 2017 after it detected a problem with the aircraft's engines. (With agency inputs) New Delhi, Oct 30 (PTI) Aviation watchdog DGCA on Tuesday reviewed the performance of Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft operated by Jet Airways and SpiceJet, a senior official said, a day after the plane crash in Indonesia. On Monday, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft operated by Indonesia's Lion Air crashed into the sea shortly after taking off from Jakarta. Currently, Jet Airways and SpiceJet are the only domestic carriers flying Boeing 737 MAX planes. Together, they have six such aircraft. "As on date, six B737Max 8 aircraft in India have accumulated about 4,000 hours since their induction effective June 2018 onwards. There are no significant technical issues encountered on these aircraft," the official said. However, the official did not elaborate. More than 200 737 MAX planes have been delivered across the world by Boeing. Following the crash, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had also sought details about it from Boeing and US regulator Federal Aviation Authority (FAA). According to the official, as on September 2018, Boeing has informed that 219 737 MAX planes have been delivered across the world. According to the official, Boeing has communicated to its worldwide operators, including Jet Airways and SpiceJet, that they do not recommend its operators any action at this time. PTI RAM IAS MKJ New Delhi, Oct 30 (PTI) The Congress on Tuesday accused the government of "destroying" institutions in the country by "assaulting their autonomy" as it hit out at Finance Minister Arun Jaitley over his criticism of the RBI and demanded that he apologise. Senior Congress leader Anand Sharma accused Jaitley of "interfering" in the functioning of the Reserve Bank of India and alleged that the government was seeking to take charge of the country's monetary policy, a domain of the RBI. There was no immediate comment from Jaitley or the government on the Congress' charges. "We demand from this government to desist from destroying another autonomous institution, to retract their steps, engage in dialogue and consultations rather than seeking to justify what is patently wrong and unjustified," he told reporters. The Congress leader expressed surprise at the sharp attack of the Finance Minister on the RBI and its performance. "The central bank is independent and autonomous. It is in the interest of the Indian economy that the Reserve Bank alone remains the regulator for the Banks for the lending, for borrowings and fixes the rates for the banks. Only the Reserve Bank must have the powers to regulate the Public Sector Banks and none else. "This government has ignited a fire through its repeated interference from day one and now it is the governments move to take charge of the Monetary Policy, is an ominous move. It cannot be accepted, it must be opposed. Government being a spending authority cannot become the monetary authority for the country," he said. Sharma demanded that Finance Minister Jaitley apologise for "attacking the RBI and seeking to infringe upon its independence". His remarks came after Jaitley strongly criticised the RBI for failing to check indiscriminate lending between 2008 and 2014, when the Congress-led UPA was in power, and blamed it for the present bad loan or NPA crisis in the banking industry. The remarks by Jaitley came amid reports of mounting tension between the finance ministry and RBI after the central bank's Deputy Governor Viral V Acharya in a speech on Friday warned that undermining autonomy and independence of RBI could be "potentially catastrophic". Jaitley said between 2008 to 2014 after the global economic crisis, to keep the economy artificially going, banks were told to open "your doors and lend indiscriminately". "The central bank looked the other way, there was indiscriminate lending," he said. "I am surprised that at that time the government looked the other way, the banks looked the other way. I don't know what the central bank was doing (because) it was the regulator of these. They kept pushing the truth under the carpet." Sharma hit back at Jaitley accusing him and the prime minister of having "failed" the country's economy. "Both he (Modi) and his Finance Minister have proved to be not only inefficient but thoroughly incompetent when it comes to managing of the Indian economy, which has been nose-diving. "There has been flight of capital which has forced the situation to ensure that we borrow some extra money," he alleged, adding that almost USD 32 Billion (close to more than Rs 3 lakh crore) has flown out of the country. "Under Modi and BJP, they are damaging all the independent institutions of the country which have their role in maintaining governance and administration like CBI, ED, IT, DRI, central universities and many others," he alleged. Sharma alleged that RBI Governors have been "far more competent" than Arun Jaitley or Narendra Modi and when eminent economist Manmohan Singh was prime minister. The Reserve Bank played a stellar role as it ring-fenced the Indian economy and the big economies all over the world took note of Indias Central Banks functioning during the global economic crisis. "This is something which was acknowledged by the emergency meetings of G20 heads of state and government," he said. Saying that "the RBI is not competent, not capable, is the most unfortunate thing. I demand that Jaitley take his words back and apologise for insulting the RBI," Sharma said. He said that this was not the first time the government has interfered in the RBI and the first example was demonetisation when on November 8, 2016, 85 per cent currency was invalidated by the Prime Minister. "That was the first biggest attack on the RBI when it was forced in a board room to take that step," he alleged. Sharma also slammed the government over the depreciating Rupee, which has lost 16 per cent of its value since January this year and alleged that it was a big contradiction to the claim of fastest growing economy. PTI SKC RT Mumbai, Oct 30 (PTI) A special court Tuesday rejected businessman Vijay Mallya's plea seeking a stay on the proceedings initiated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to declare him a fugitive economic offender (FEO). Special judge M S Azmi rejected Mallya's plea and said the court will hear arguments on the main ED plea to declare the beleaguered industrialist an FEO on November 22. The special court had heard extensive arguments on Friday from Mallya's lawyer as well as the ED counsel on his petition seeking a stay on proceedings of the financial crime probe agency against him. The ED has sought that Mallya, who is currently in the UK, be declared an FEO and his properties be confiscated and brought under the control of the Union government as per provisions of the new FEO Act. Mallya's counsel Amit Desai, however, had urged the court, set up under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), to refrain from hearing the ED's plea at least till November 26. Desai had told the court that earlier this month, the appellate tribunal against money laundering had directed the ED to maintain status quo with regard to Mallya's properties till November 26, the next date of hearing before the tribunal. The ED, represented by advocate D P Singh, however, had told the court that Desai's arguments were aimed only at ensuring that Mallya did not have to face any proceedings before any court in India. He has no intention of repaying anyone, or, of ever coming back to India. Mallya is using the pending extradition proceedings and his bail conditions imposed by an English court as mere excuses to avoid coming back to India. Declaring him an FEO is the only way to bring him back, ED had told court. The ED had also argued the court could first declare Mallya an FEO and then wait for the tribunal's proceedings before acting upon the agency's plea for confiscation of the embattled liquor tycoon's properties and assets. Mallya, accused of defaulting on loan repayments and money laundering, left India in March 2016. The 62-year-old former Kingfisher Airline boss is fighting extradition to India on charges of fraud and money laundering. PTI AVI RSY ZMN The adage that failures can teach many lessons seems quite... Mumbai, Oct 30 (PTI) Argentinian filmmaker Lucrecia Martel on Tuesday revealed that Marvel Studios had invited her for a meeting regarding "Black Widow" solo film as they were looking for a female director who could "mainly concentrate on Scarlett Johansson's character". The director, best known for her films such as "The Holy Girl" and "The Headless Woman", said several studios are trying to involve more female filmmakers today. "I received an e-mail from Marvel for a meeting. Because they were looking for directors for 'Black Widow'. So I went to the reunion. I actually signed this thing where I can't talk about that reunion. Marvel and other such production houses are trying to involve more female filmmakers," Martel said. The "Zama" filmmaker was speaking at a masterclass at Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival with Star here. "I do believe another female director is making the movie (now). What they told me in the meeting was 'we need a female director because we need someone who is mostly concerned with the development of Scarlett Johansson's character.' The 51-year-old director said though many studios today are willing to work with female filmmakers, they still don't trust a woman with the action aspect of directing. "They also told me 'don't worry about the action scenes, we will take care of that.' I was thinking, well I would love to meet Scarlett Johansson but also I would love to make the action sequences," Martel said. "Companies are interested in female filmmakers but they still think action scenes are for male directors. The first thing I asked them was maybe if they could change the special effects because there's so many laser lights... I find them horrible. Also the soundtrack of Marvel films is quite horrendous. Maybe we disagree on this but it's really hard to watch a Marvel film. It's painful to the ears to watch Marvel films," she said. The filmmaker then quipped, "But just in case any of this is going to be on YouTube, I would love to make 'Black Widow'." PTI JUR RB RB Istanbul, Oct 30 (AFP) Saudi Arabia's chief prosecutor on Tuesday visited the consulate in Istanbul where journalist Jamal Khashoggi was murdered, according to an AFP journalist at the scene. The head of the Saudi investigation, Attorney General Sheikh Saud al-Mojeb, who last week acknowledged that the killing was "premeditated", did not make a statement as he arrived at the diplomatic compound. Earlier in the day he met Istanbul chief prosecutor Irfan Fidan for the second time. On Monday, Mojeb had asked to be given the full findings of the Turkish investigation, including all images and audio recordings, Turkish broadcaster TRT reported. The Turkish investigators rejected the request, TRT said, instead calling on the Saudi prosecutor to reveal information about the location of Khashoggi's body, which has not yet been found. They also repeated President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's call for the 18 suspects arrested by Saudi Arabia over the murder be sent to Turkey for trial, according to TRT. Riyadh has refused the request. The case has sparked a PR crisis for the oil-rich Gulf nation, which is seeking to draw a line under the case as Western powers demand answers. Khashoggi, a Washington Post contributor who had criticised Saudi Arabia's powerful Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, has not been seen after entering the consulate on October 2 to obtain paperwork for his marriage to his Turkish fiancee Hatice Cengiz. On Monday she hit out at the US President Donald Trump's response to the murder, saying he must not let Riyadh cover up the killing. "I am extremely disappointed by the stance of the leadership of many countries, particularly in the US," she told a memorial event in London. She said she believed the Saudi regime knew where Khashoggi's body was, and called for the "evil criminals and their cowardly political masters" to be held to account. Trump has called the case "one of the worst cover-ups in history", but warned against halting a Saudi arms deal to increase the pressure, saying it would harm US jobs.(AFP) AMS AMS New Delhi, Oct 30 (PTI) Following are the top foreign stories at 1700 hours: FGN10 LANKA-LD PROTEST Sri Lanka braces for protest over PM's sacking Colombo: Sri Lanka on Tuesday braced for a protest called by ousted prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's party against what it said was a "coup" by President Maithripala Sirisena, amidst efforts by opposing sides to secure their numbers in parliament to end the country's political crisis. FGN14 BANGLA-POLLS-TALKS Bangladesh's ruling Awami League agrees to hold talks with opposition alliance Dhaka: In a surprise move, Bangladesh's ruling Awami League has agreed for unconditional talks with the newly-formed opposition National Unity Front (NUF), which includes the BNP of jailed former prime minister Khaleda Zia, over the upcoming general elections. By Anisur Rahman FGN9 US-TRUMP-ELECTIONS Trump plans aggressive campaign for mid-term elections Washington: US President Donald Trump and his team is leaving no stone unturned to campaign in favour of his Republican party ahead of the crucial November 6 mid-term polls which will decide the balance of powers in the Congress over next two years. By Lalit K Jha FGN8 BANGLA-LD ZIA Bangladesh court doubles jail term for former prime minister Khaleda Zia Dhaka: Bangladesh's ailing former prime minister Khaleda Zia suffered another setback on Tuesday when a court here doubled her jail term to 10 years in a corruption case, piling pressure on the Opposition ahead of general elections. FGN2 US-TRUMP-RDAY Trump unable to attend India's Republic Day parade due to scheduling constraints: WH Washington: US President Donald Trump is unable to participate as Chief Guest of India's Republic Day celebrations next year due to scheduling constraints, the White House has said. By Lalit K Jha FGN12 TRUMP-COURT-INDIAN Trump interviews Indian-American woman to replace Kavanaugh in DC Circuit Court Washington: US President Donald Trump has interviewed an Indian-American woman to replace Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh on the powerful federal appeals court in Washington, according to a report. By Lalit K Jha PTI AMS AMS Copenhagen, Oct 30 (AFP) Denmark's intelligence service PET on Tuesday accused Tehran of plotting an attack against three Iranians living in the Scandinavian country, in response to a deadly attack in Iran in late September. "It was an operation by the Iranian intelligence service which, we believe, was planning an attack in Denmark" against three Iranians suspected of belonging to the Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahvaz, PET chief Finn Borch Andersen told reporters. A Norwegian of Iranian origin was arrested on October 21 and placed in custody, suspected of planning the attack and spying for Iran. The suspect was detained in Sweden, according to the Swedish security service Sapo. At the end of September, Tehran had accused Denmark, the Netherlands and Britain of "hosting several members of the terrorist group" that Iran accuses of being responsible for an attack in the mainly ethnic Arab city of Ahvaz in southwestern Iran. The September 22 attack, in which five commandos opened fire on a military parade, left 24 people dead. The so-called Islamic State group and a separatist Arab group claimed responsibility for the attack. Tehran's operation in Denmark was "completely unacceptable", Danish Foreign Minister Anders Samuelsen wrote on Twitter. "The government will respond to Iran and speak to its European partners about further measures," he added. Iran's ambassador to Copenhagen was summoned to the foreign ministry for an explanation on Tuesday. PET's announcement ends weeks of media speculation about why Denmark shut down bridges to Sweden and ferries for several hours on September 28 in a massive manhunt that mobilised hundreds of police and the military. The shutdown was aimed at preventing the Iranian operation, PET acknowledged on Tuesday. (AFP) PMS PMS Dhaka, Oct 30 (PTI) Bangladesh's ailing former prime minister Khaleda Zia suffered another setback on Tuesday when a court here doubled her jail term to 10 years in a corruption case, piling pressure on the Opposition ahead of general elections. The verdict comes a day after Zia, the leader of the Opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), was sentenced to seven years in prison in another graft case. A High Court bench comprising Justice Enayetur Rahim and Justice Mostafizur Rahman announced the verdict after accepting the Anti-Corruption Commissions review petition to increase 73-year-old Zia's imprisonment in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case from five to 10 years, The Daily Star reported. A Dhaka court sentenced Zia to five years in jail in the orphanage corruption case on February 8. Zia has been imprisoned at the former central jail since then. No lawyer for Zia and other accused of the case was present in the court room. The bench did not say anything about other convicts of the case as they did not file any appeal and they are absconding. Zia cannot contest the next parliamentary elections following the High Court verdict, Attorney General Mahbubey Alam told The Daily Star. "This verdict means that Khaleda Zia will not be able to contest in the upcoming election," the Anti-Corruption Commission's lawyer Khurshid Alam Khan told reporters. On Monday, she was sentenced for embezzling millions from the Zia Charitable Trust. Zia faces dozens of separate charges related to violence and corruption that her lawyers insist are baseless. She had recently complained to the court that she was losing feeling in her hand and in a leg. On October 6, she was taken to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University hospital, where she is currently receiving treatment. Tuesday's verdict is crucial as it came ahead of the parliamentary elections in December. Zia's party had boycotted the 2014 elections. The BNP has vowed nationwide marches later Tuesday to protest the verdict. The latest court ruling deals a crushing blow to Zia, who was hoping of running against incumbent Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in elections. Zia was made vice-chairperson of the BNP in March 1983 after the assassination of her husband. She became chairperson of the party on May 10, 1984, a post she is holding till now. In her 35 years of political career, Zia went to the jail several times. During the 2007-2008 tenure of the army-backed caretaker government, she was in jail for about a year on charges of corruption. PTI NSA NSA Maharashtra development has taken backseat under BJP: Congress Mumbai, Oct 30 (PTI) Opposition parties said Tuesday Maharashtra has lagged on development front under the four- year-old BJP-led government and also accused it of fomenting social unrest in the state for political gains. While the Congress said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's government had taken the state backward by two decades, the NCP hit out at the BJP-led dispensation over its handling of the Maratha reservation agitation and violence at Koregaon-Bhima village in Pune district The BJP-led government will complete four years in office Wednesday. State Congress vice-president and spokesman Ratnakar Mahajan said over the four years only Fadnavis's political clout had grown since no one in the BJP dared to speak against him for fear of inviting the wrath of the party leadership. "It is true that there is a perception that Fadnavis is the only leader of party (the BJP) in the state and his political clout had grown since there was no opposition to him. But, nobody dared to speak for fear of rebellion being crushed as is done in the BJP," Mahajan told reporters. He said none of the pre-poll promises made by the BJP has been fulfilled. "However, Fadnavis's increased political clout has not benefited the people of the state. None of the promises made before the 2014 Assembly polls has been fulfilled. "All assurances like a toll-free Maharashtra and reservation for the Dhangar community were given just to win elections. The four years of the BJP-Sena rule has taken the state backward by two decades," the Congress leader said. On September 21, Fadnavis completed 1,421 days in office to become the longest-serving non-Congress chief minister of the state, a record previously held by Shiv Sena's Manohar Joshi, who was in office for 1,420 days. Fadnavis is the first BJP chief minister of Maharashtra. Responding to questions, Mahajan said the BJP's claim to have become the single largest party in local bodies in the state was "half truth". "The BJP is a power hungry party. Earlier, political parties did not contest the local bodies polls on official party symbol. The objective was to ensure peace and harmony in gram panchayats, municipal councils, zilla parishads. "Now, the BJP aligned with local outfits and fought the local bodies like in the Lok Sabha and assembly elections and claim that the all numbers are with the ruling party," he said. Mahajan said only 39,000 farmers benefited from the loan waiver scheme which was dubbed as the biggest in history by the Fadnavis government. These farmers got loan waiver to the tune of Rs 16,000 crore, not a very big amount given the overall size of the scheme, he said. "Fadnavis had announced that 89 lakh farmers will get Rs 34,000 crore loan waiver. Which figure is correct? People would like to know," he said. Mahajan rubbished the government's claim that the Jalyukt Shivar Yojana was revolutionary and 16,000 villages had become drought-free under the water conservation scheme. "Which are these villages? Their names should be uploaded on the government website. How many are from Marathwada, which is reeling under severe drought like conditions," he asked. The Congress leader said the government defence that Jalyukt Shivar related works were completed but nothing could be done because of lack of rains was "childish". "The Ground Water Survey and Development Authority (GSDA) has reported that the water table had depleted in over 30,000 villages," he said. Speaking about the handling of the Maratha reservation agitation and Koregaon-Bhima violence, NCP spokesman Nawab Malik alleged the "government had been fomenting social unrest in the state for political gains." "The government has not delivered on its electoral promises. All sections of the society, including the youth and farmers, are disillusioned with it," Malik said. Meanwhile, political observers said Fadnavis's biggest success in the last four years was to prevent any strong challenge to himself. Agitations by farmers, anganwadis workers and Maratha community members were neutralised by dividing the protesters, according to Maratha reservation activist Sanjay Lakhe Patil. The decisions taken to address Maratha grievances are only on paper. Nationalised banks do not give financial help to Maratha youth for self-employment initiatives, he said. Not a single hostel has been constructed for Maratha youth as promised, Patil said. Malik said the state is suffering because of the tug of war between the Shiv Sena and the BJP. "It is their internal matter. But, why should Maharashtra suffer in their fight," the NCP leader asked. PTI MR RSY RSY Mumbai, Oct 30 (PTI) Notwithstanding the Shiv Sena's frequent criticism of the BJP-led governments at the Centre and Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has expressed hope that the two parties stitch an alliance for the 2019 general and state assembly polls. Fadnavis, whose government will complete four years in office on Wednesday, said the Sena understands the "political fact" that the two parties would suffer if they contest the polls separately as he said the coming together of Congress, NCP and others has "consolidated the opposition's vote bank". The chief minister, interacting with a group of select media persons late Monday night, said he did not think the general and state assembly elections would be held simultaneously and that his party had favoured against the idea. He rubbished some recent media reports that cited a survey by a Delhi-based agency which claimed that six BJP MPs and around 50 of its legislators were likely to taste defeat due to their "poor performance". Fadnavis said BJP's internal survey was rather "encouraging" and also claimed that the party will have more of its MLAs getting elected. In the 2014 Maharashtra polls, the BJP had emerged as the single largest party, winning 122 seats of the total 288. Fadnavis, however, ruled out the possibility of the BJP having any understanding with NCP for the polls. "I think the political fact in Maharashtra right now is that the Congress, NCP and some other parties have come together. Their coming together has consolidated the vote bank of the opposition," he observed. He stressed that the BJP and Shiv Sena were "close to each other ideologically" and shared a big common chunk of the vote bank. "Both the parties would suffer (due to division of votes) in case their candidates are pitted against each other. We understand this political fact, so does the Shiv Sena. Hence, I think both the Shiv Sena and we will come together," he added. The chief minister also made light of the Sena's criticism of his government through its leaders and mouthpiece 'Saamana', saying it "does not have a bearing on the government". "The government is run by the cabinet which is held peacefully. We discuss issues and take decisions unanimously. There has not been a single decision in the last four years that we took by vote," he claimed. Maharashtra BJP chief Raosaheb Danve had on Monday said in Nagpur that the party's internal survey had showed that it would win 200 Assembly seats in the 288-member state assembly. When asked about the chances of BJP-Sena alliance in view of Danve's comments, Fadnavis said the party's state unit chief only talked about the number of seats the BJP was capable of winning. "But we have to work together (with the Shiv Sena). We will decide on the number of seats to be shared (by both the parties) and will contest (accordingly)," he added. To a question whether the Maratha and Dhangar communities would still support the BJP in the polls in view of their intense agitation for quota, Fadnavis replied in the positive. He said "historically" it was seen that the demand for reservation and elections were unrelated. Citing examples, the chief minister said the previous Congress-NCP coalition had announced quota for Marathas ahead of the 2014 Assembly elections and yet suffered defeat. Similarly, the BJP won the civic body polls in Sangli and Jalgaon despite the pro-quota stir by Marathas being at its peak earlier this year, he added. PTI ENM NP SRY Mumbai, Oct 30 (PTI) A massive fire broke out at a slum in suburban Bandra Tuesday morning, a fire brigade official said. No loss of life has been reported so far and eight water tankers, nine fire engines as well as ten fire tenders have been rushed to the spot to put out the blaze, the official said. The incident was reported at 11.50 am in Nargis Dutt Nagar slum, located opposite Bandra fire station in Bandra (West), the disaster management cell of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said in a statement. "A joint team of fire brigade, ward staffers and Mumbai Police personnel has been mobilised to douse the flames," it added. Local MLA and Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar, who is overseeing the rescue operation, said prima facie the blaze was triggered by a cylinder blast in the slum. Further details are awaited. PTI APM NP DV DV Ahmedabad, Oct 30 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Ahmedabad on Tuesday night ahead of the unveiling of the 'Statue of Unity' in Gujarat's Narmada district on the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The 182-metre structure of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is touted as the world's tallest. It is twice the height of the Statue of Liberty in the US and is built on Sadhu Bet, an islet near the Sardar Sarovar Dam. Modi was welcomed by Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, Governor O P Kohli, Minister of State for Home Pradeepsinh Jadeja and chief secretary J N Singh upon his arrival at the Ahmedabad airport. Modi headed to Raj Bhavan in Gandhinagar for the night stay. He would reach the Kevadiya Colony near the Sardar Sarovar Dam in Narmada district on Wednesday morning to unveil the statue, an official press release said. "Tomorrow, on the Jayanti of Sardar Patel, the 'Statue of Unity' will be dedicated to the nation. The statue, which is on the banks of the Narmada, is a fitting tribute to the great Sardar Patel," Modi tweeted hours before his arrival here. PTI PJT PD NSK DIV DIV MP CM's son files defamation case against Rahul (Eds: Updates with Rahul Gandhi's comments) Bhopal, Oct 30 (PTI) Kartikey Chouhan, son of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, on Tuesday filed a criminal defamation case against Congress President Rahul Gandhi for alleging that his name figured in the Panama Papers. Gandhi, meanwhile, said he mentioned the name of Chouhan's son in the context of Panama Papers due to "confusion". Gandhi, while addressing a rally in Jhabua district of the poll-bound Madhya Pradesh Monday, had said that the name of the son of 'mamaji', a chief minister, had figured in the Panama Papers but no action was taken against him. Though Gandhi had not specifically identified the CM, he was referring to Chouhan who is popularly known as 'mamaji'. The defamation suit was filed by Kartikey Chouhan in the Special Court of Additional District Judge (ADJ) Suresh Singh through his lawyer Shirish Shrivastava. In the suit, Kartikey Chouhan has alleged that Gandhi intentionally gave the statement to defame him. The criminal defamation case was filed under sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Under these sections, a person guilty of criminal defamation can be sent to jail for two years. The court posted the matter for November 3 when Kartikey Chouhan's statement will be recorded. "The statement of Rahul is intended to defame Chouhan and his family. When they (the Congress) failed to make a dent in the popularity of the chief minister, they are levelling allegations against his family and children. It was the clear intention. It was a well-planned statement," his counsel Shrivastava said. On Monday night, Kartikey Chouhan had said in a tweet, "Rahul Gandhi has made a false allegation of my involvement in Panama Papers. I am aggrieved as the image of mine and my family were damaged in a childish manner. If he (Gandhi) did not apologise within 48 hours, I am compelled to take strict legal action against him." Gandhi, while interacting with a select group of journalists in Indore on Tuesday, gave a clarification on the issue. "For campaigning I am touring Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan these days. The ruling BJP has indulged in so many scams and corruption that yesterday (Monday) I got confused. In Panama Paper Leak case, Madhya Pradesh chief minister has no role, he said when asked about his controversial remarks made in Jabhua on Monday. However, he reiterated his allegation that Chouhan has a "role" in scams like Vyapam and e-tendering among others. Gandhi had said on Monday, "Udhar Chowkidar, Idhar Mamaji. Mamaji ke jo bte hai, Panama Papers me unka naam nikalta hai. (On one side, you have the watchman, on the other side you have 'mamaji'. The name of the son of 'mamaji' figured in Panama Papers). "Nawaz Sharif Pakistan ke Prime Minister ka naam nikalta hai..Pakistan jaise desh me unko jail me daal dete hai. Magar Yahan ke chief minister ka beta, uska naam Panama Papers me nikalta hai to koi karyawai nahi hoti (The name of former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif appears in Panama Papers. "In a country like Pakistan, he is jailed. Here, the name of the son of a CM figures in Panama Papers but no action is taken)," Gandhi had said at the rally. The Panama papers refer to 11.5 million leaked documents published by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists with details of offshore entities set up by a Panamanian legal firm. The papers had named several world leaders and celebrities as having stashed money abroad in offshore companies. They also included details of entities set up by some Indian nationals. The leak had surfaced in 2016. PTI MAS ADU LAL RSY AKK AKK AKK Kolkata, Oct 30 (PTI) Following are PTI's top stories from the eastern region at 9 pm. STORIES ON THE WIRE: CAL 6 WB-MAMATA LD BJP BJP distorting history to create rift among people: Mamata Cooch Behar: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Tuesday accused the BJP of trying to "distort" the country's history to create a rift among the people on religious lines. CAL 5 WB-CONG-CBI-PROTEST Cong protests outside CBI office in Bengal Kolkata: The Congress staged a protest outside the CBI office in West Bengal on Tuesday over the ongoing power tussle in the probe agency and accused the Centre of converting it into a "political tool" against the Opposition. CAL 7 AS-NADDA-HEALTH 1.5 L benefitted from Ayushman Bharat scheme within 1st month of launch: Nadda Kaziranga: Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare J P Nadda Tuesday said that about 1.5 lakh people have benefitted from the ambitious Ayushman Bharat healthcare scheme within the first month of its launch. CAL 8 BH-BABY-RATS 8-day-old baby dies at Bihar hospital due to 'rat bite' Darbhanga: A eight-day-old newborn died allegedly due to rat bite in the neo-natal intensive care unit of a government hospital in Bihar's Darbhanga district on Tuesday. CAL 3 WB-HC-CJ Debasish Kar Gupta sworn in as Calcutta HC chief justice Kolkata: Justice Debasish Kar Gupta was sworn in as the chief justice of the Calcutta High Court here on Tuesday. CES 12 BH-KUSHWAHA-RJD Nitish blackmailed BJP, gave Kushwaha a raw deal: RJD Patna: The opposition RJD in Bihar on Tuesday accused Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of "blackmailing" the BJP to secure a seat-sharing deal favourable to his JD(U) while denying "adequate" representation to Union minister Upendra Kushwaha's RLSP - an NDA constituent in the state. PTI RG RG New Delhi, Oct 30 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday held talks with his Italian counterpart Giuseppe Conte and discussed a range of issues, including ways to boost cooperation in key areas such as trade and investment. Conte arrived here this morning and was warmly welcomed by Prime Minister Modi. "A warm welcome to the Italian Prime Minister, Mr. Giuseppe Conte in India. I look forward to meeting him and to participate together at the Tech Summit later today," Modi tweeted in English and Italian. The highlight of the day-long visit is the Italian prime minister's participation at the 24th edition of the India-Italy Technology Summit, which is being organised by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The summit will focus on a number of areas, including healthcare, aerospace, education, clean technology, renewable energy and information and communication technology. The bilateral trade between the countries increased to USD 10.5 billion in 2017-18 from USD 8.8 billion in the previous fiscal. Italy is India's fifth largest trading partner in the European Union and the annual trade turnover between the two countries was USD 10.4 billion in 2017-18. Over 600 Italian companies are operating in India. PTI ASK KJ KJ New Delhi, Oct 30 (PTI) Following are the highlights at 1700 hours: TOP NEWS BOM4 CG-2NDLD NAXAL-ATTACK Two policemen, DD cameraman killed in Naxal attack in Chhattisgarh Raipur: Two policemen and a cameraperson of Doordarshan were killed and two others were injured in a Maoist attack on Tuesday in poll-bound Chhattisgarhs Dantewada district. DEL8 JK-NIA-RAID NIA raids Srinagar residences of businessman, family in decade-old terror funding case Srinagar: The National Investigation Agency Tuesday carried out raids at three residences of absconding businessman and Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Nasir Safi Mir and his family at Lal Bazar area here in connection with a terror funding case, officials said. BOM5 MP-LD-DEFAMATION-RAHUL MP CM's son files defamation case against Rahul Bhopal: Kartikey Chouhan, son of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, on Tuesday filed a criminal defamation case against Congress President Rahul Gandhi for alleging that his name figured in the Panama Papers. LGD25 DL-COURT-CBI-LD ASTHANA Kumar, middleman remanded to 14-day judicial custody in bribery case involving CBI Spl Dir New Delhi: A Delhi court Tuesday remanded CBI DSP Devender Kumar and middleman Manoj Prasad, arrested in connection with bribery allegations involving the agency's Special Director Rakesh Asthana, to 14-day judicial custody. FGN10 LANKA-LD PROTEST Sri Lanka braces for protest over PM's sacking Colombo: Sri Lanka on Tuesday braced for a protest called by ousted prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's party against what it said was a "coup" by President Maithripala Sirisena, amidst efforts by opposing sides to secure their numbers in parliament to end the country's political crisis. LGD15 SC-2ND LD CBI ASTHANA SANA SC directs Hyderabad Police to provide adequate security to complainant against Rakesh Asthana New Delhi: The Supreme Court Tuesday directed the Hyderabad Police to provide adequate security to businessman Satish Sana, complainant in the alleged bribery case against CBI Special Director Rakesh Asthana. LGD 18 SC-LD FIRECRACKERS SC says time for bursting crackers in TN and Puducherry will change, can't exceed two hours New Delhi: The Supreme Court Tuesday modified its order fixing a slot of 8 pm to 10 pm for bursting firecrackers on Diwali and said the time will be changed in places like Tamil Nadu and Puducherry but not exceed two hours a day. NATION DEL18 MEA-ITALY-PM Italian PM, Modi hold talks New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday held talks with his Italian counterpart Giuseppe Conte and discussed a range of issues, including ways to boost cooperation in key areas such as trade and investment. DEL19 DL-AIR QUALITY LD SEVERE Delhi's air quality turns 'severe' for first time in season: authorities New Delhi: Delhi's air quality turned 'severe' on Tuesday for the first time this season with stubble burning intensifying in neighbouring states, authorities said. DEL13 CG-NAXAL-ATTACK-LD REAX I&B minister Rathore condemns Naxal attack in C'garh, promises all help to slain cameraman's family New Delhi: Union minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore Tuesday condemned the naxal attack in Chhattisgarh in which three people, including a DD News cameraman, were killed, and assured all assistance to the family of the deceased mediaperson. MDS2 TL-MOILY-TDP TDP welcome to join UPA, says Veerappa Moily Hyderabad: The N Chandrababu Naidu-led Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is welcome to join the UPA for the cause of a united fight against the NDA, senior Congress leader M Veerappa Moily said Tuesday. LGB8 MH-COURT-2NDLD MALEGAON Malegaon blast case: Purohit, Sadhvi and 5 others charged under UAPA Mumbai: A special court here Tuesday framed charges in the 2008 Malegaon blast case against Lt Col Prasad Purohit, Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur and five others for terror activities, criminal conspiracy and murder, among others. SPD2 SPO-COA BCCI needs Ombudsman, Ethics Officer at earliest: COA to Supreme Court New Delhi: The Committee of Administrators (COA) wants the BCCI to appoint an ombudsman and an Ethics Officer at the earliest to deal with any disputes leading up to its much-awaited Annual General Meeting and elections. BUSINESS FGN6 BIZ-US-SBI IL&FS crisis: Normalcy to return to system in couple of weeks, says SBI Chief By Yoshita Singh New York: In wake of the IL&FS crisis, efforts are underway by the Indian government, RBI as well as SBI to try and stabilise the system very quickly, and things are likely to return to normal in a couple of weeks, SBI Chairman Rajnish Kumar said here. FOREIGN FGN8 BANGLA-LD ZIA Bangladesh court doubles jail term for former prime minister Khaleda Zia Dhaka: Bangladesh's ailing former prime minister Khaleda Zia suffered another setback on Tuesday when a court here doubled her jail term to 10 years in a corruption case, piling pressure on the Opposition ahead of general elections. FGN12 TRUMP-COURT-INDIAN Trump interviews Indian-American woman to replace Kavanaugh in DC Circuit Court Washington: US President Donald Trump has interviewed an Indian-American woman to replace Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh on the powerful federal appeals court in Washington, according to a report. By Lalit K Jha PTI SRY New Delhi, Oct 30 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday welcomed his Italian counterpart Giuseppe Conte, who is on a day-long visit to India. "A warm welcome to the Italian Prime Minister, Mr. Giuseppe Conte in India. I look forward to meeting him and to participate together at the Tech Summit later today," Modi tweeted in English and Italian. During his visit, Conte will hold talks with PM Modi to boost cooperation in key areas such as trade and investment, besides participating in the India-Italy Technology Summit. The highlight of the visit will be the Italian prime minister's participation at the 24th edition of the India-Italy Technology Summit which is being organised by the Department of Science and Technology in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry. PTI NAB NAB DV DV New Delhi, Oct 30 (PTI) These are the top stories from the northern region at 9.30 pm LUCKNOW DEL50 POL-LD-AYODHYA Lucknow/Chandigarh/New Delhi, Oct 30 (PTI) A day after the Supreme Court deferred hearing the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute, a Haryana minister mocked the apex courts decision and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said justice delayed can be justice denied. Also see: LUCKNOW DEL33 UP-LD-AYODHYA-ADITYANATH CHANDIGARH DEL20 HR-AYODHYA-MINISTER NEWDELHI DEL30 DL-POLLUTION EPCA DPCC New Delhi: Halting all construction activities from November 1 for 10 days and intensifying patrolling in "hot spots" are among the measures directed by the Supreme Court-appointed Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA), which is even considering regulating use of private vehicles in the wake of an alarming rise in air pollution in Delhi. SRINAGAR DEL52 NEWSALERT-JK-ENCOUNTER ENDS Encounter ends in South Kashmir. Body of one militant recovered, two more buried in rubble: Officials. CHANDIGARH DES23 HR-ROADWAYS-STRIKE Chandigarh: Haryana government staffers across various departments began a two-day strike Tuesday to express solidarity with agitating roadways workers, the employees' unions said. CHANDIGARH DES10 PB-AAP-POLLS-LD CANDIDATES Chandigarh: The Aam Aadmi Party Tuesday announced names of five candidates in Punjab for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, with dissident leader of the party Sukhpal Singh Khaira expressing "surprise" over the decision. SHIMLA DES6 HP-PREZ-CONVOCATION Shimla: President Ram Nath Kovind Tuesday hailed the sacrifice made by soldiers from Himachal Pradesh, saying the state sends a bigger percentage of its youth to the armed forces compared to other states. JAIPUR DES8 RJ-MLA-BOOKED Jaipur: A Rajasthan minister has been booked under the Representation of the People Act for allegedly promoting enmity between two groups in his speech at an election rally last week, officials said. SRINAGAR DEL8 JK-NIA-RAID Srinagar: The National Investigation Agency Tuesday carried out raids at three residences of absconding businessman and Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Nasir Safi Mir and his family at Lal Bazar area here in connection with a terror funding case, officials said. LUCKNOW DES13UP-MULAYAM Lucknow: Amid the festering family feud, Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav Tuesday visited offices of both his party, now headed by his son Akhilesh Yadav and the newly-floated rebel outfit of his brother Shivpal Yadav, leaving his party workers wondering where his sympathies lie. PTI ASH ASH Srinagar, Oct 30 (PTI) The National Investigation Agency Tuesday carried out raids at three residences of absconding businessman and Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Nasir Safi Mir and his family at Lal Bazar area here in connection with a terror funding case, officials said. Mir, 48, is accused of funding Hurriyat leaders and believed to have fled the country after jumping bail, they said, adding the raids were carried out nearly 10 months after the case was re-registered by the NIA. Details of the raids were not immediately available as the NIA teams assisted by the Jammu and Kashmir Police and para-military forces were in the process of collecting documents from the three places where the raids were conducted, they said. The NIA probe is likely to ascertain how Mir alias Babul managed to secure a passport from a southern state which he allegedly used in Nepal to leave for Europe in October, 2008. A resident of North Kashmir, Mir allegedly used carpet trade and later a money exchange business in Dubai for sending hawala money to separatist leaders in Kashmir. He was arrested from Lajpat Nagar by the elite Special Cell of the Delhi Police on February 3, 2006. The police had seized Rs 55 lakh in cash and explosives from him. During his trial, Mir managed to secure bail on a plea that his mother was ill. Mir, who the investigators believe was based in Dubai and owns a carpet showroom and money exchange firms in the gulf, regularly reported to the nearest police station while on a bail till early October, 2008. But after that, he failed to turn up at police stations or in court for hearings. According to intelligence inputs, Mir reached Dubai in 2011, making a detour through countries in Europe and Libya. Mir, against whom a non-bailable warrant was issued in 2009, travelled to Nepal from India, and then used the forged passport to fly out, the officials said. A resident of Lal Bazar on the outskirts of Srinagar city, Mir dropped out of school in 1983 to get into the carpet business. He continued with the trade till 1990 after which he shifted to the national capital and started living in the Lajpat Nagar area of South Delhi. In the late 1990s, he went to Dubai after his father was arrested for alleged links with terrorists. Mir had also told investigators that in Delhi he first opened a firm, Kashmir Master Computers, after which he set up a company, Failala, but closed it in 1998. In 1999, he started a firm called Idekas and then opened an information technology company, he had said. Police found that in 2002, Mir had opened two money exchange companies, Reems Exchange and Cash Express, in Dubai, which were allegedly used as a stopover for money being pushed in from Pakistan for terrorist funding in Jammu and Kashmir. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had in 2014 attached Rs 55 lakh that had been seized from Mir. He was subjected to extensive interrogation by central security agencies during which he allegedly spoke about his links with separatists groups and banned terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen. According to the ED attachment order, the cash which was in the custody of the Special Cell was "proceeds of crime of terrorist funding and money laundering and hence stands attached". This is the first major action against terror funding in the country under the stringent provisions of money laundering laws where the onus is on the accused to prove that he or she is "not guilty". The attachment of cash or properties under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) is aimed at depriving the accused of the benefits of the assets earned unlawfully. PTI SKL DPB Jaipur, Oct 30 (PTI) The BJP core committee on Tuesday prepared a list of probable candidates for the upcoming Assembly election in Rajasthan where polls are due on December 7. A discussion on panel of candidates would be held with the party chief Amit Shah in New Delhi on Wednesday, a party spokesperson said. He said during the two-day meeting, the core committee discussed probable candidates for all the 200 assembly seats in the state. Panels have been formed and now further discussion would be done with the party chief on Wednesday, he said. The final decision on the candidates would be taken up by BJP's parliamentary board, he added. The meeting was attended by union ministers Arjun Ram Meghwal, Gajendra Singh, party vice-president Om Mathur, state BJP chief Madan Lal Saini, Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje. Earlier this month, a suggestion meeting on the names of candidates was done in Ranakpur and Jaipur. So far, the party has received nearly 7,000 applications from interested persons for contesting elections. PTI AG IND IND New Delhi, Oct 30 (PTI) Market areas in Old Delhi wore a rather dry look Tuesday ahead of Diwali, as shopkeepers having old stock of firecrackers were not selling them due to restrictions imposed by the Supreme Court. Firecrackers are sold mostly at markets in Sadar Bazar and Jama Masjid areas. Devraj Baweja, president, Delhi Vyapari Mahasangh said, "A team of police came to Sadar Bazar area to inform the shopkeepers about the new guidelines after the apex court ruling early this month." "Only one shop-owner is a permanent licencee for selling firecrackers throughout the year. So, that shop was shut. Others, anyway sell firecrackers only for few days during Diwali and their products also do not confirm to the new norms, so they are also not selling, so market is dry that way," he claimed. Baweja said the number of permanent licencees for selling firecrackers have reduced. It was 72 in 2016 and 24 in 2017. Among other restrictions, the apex court on October 23 had ruled that manufacture and sale of "green crackers" which have low emission of light, sound and harmful chemicals would be allowed. The Supreme Court on Tuesday, however, modified its order which had fixed 8 PM to 10 PM as slot for bursting firecrackers on Diwali and other festivals, saying that authorities in states are at liberty to change the timings, but the duration will not exceed two hours a day. The apex court also said that its directions on "green crackers" was meant only for Delhi-NCR. The court was hearing a plea by the Tamil Nadu government which sought its nod for bursting of crackers on Diwali morning in accordance with the religious practices in the state. The apex court on October 23 had said the noise and smoke emission limits of the crackers will have to be approved by the Petroleum and Explosive Safety Organization (PESO), under the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Delhi Police officials said they have informed shopkeepers about the Supreme Court's ruling on firecrackers, which needs to be approved by the PESO. "Since the shopkeepers have stocks that are old and not approved by PESO (as per new 'green firecrackers' norms), they are voluntarily not selling firecrackers," a senior police officer from North District said. Sadar Bazar market falls under the North District and Jama Masjid market comes under the Central District. Another officer from Central District said they have not issued any temporary licenses for selling firecrackers till now, while the permanent licence holders are not selling firecrackers. Baweja said shopkeepers have already sent applications to police for getting approval under the new 'green' norm and awaiting communication from their side. "The direction for green crackers was not for all the states. It was only for Delhi-NCR," the bench observed and said it would pass a formal order Wednesday. The bench was told by the counsel appearing for the Tamil Nadu government that as per religious practices in south Indian states, the bursting of firecrackers on Diwali was done in the morning and they should be given permission to burst crackers between 4.30 AM and 6.30 AM. PTI KND SLB KJ KJ New Delhi, Oct 30 (PTI) Populations of critically endangered gharial in India and Nepal declined by approximately 58 per cent between 1997 and 2006, according to a new study by the WWF. The WWF's Living Planet Report 2018, released Tuesday, presented a picture of impact of human activity on the world's wildlife, forests, oceans, rivers and climate, underlining the rapidly closing window for action. Quoting The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture Report released by the Food and Agriculture Organisation, the WWF report said marine capture production in India increased by an average of 11.9 per cent from 2005 to 2014 and saw a 2.9 per cent increase from 2015 to 2016. Citing the data from WWF-India's report on Water Stewardship for Industries, it said 14 out of 20 river basins in India are already water stressed and will be moving to extreme water scarcity by 2050. "Science is showing us the harsh reality our forests, oceans and rivers are enduring at our hands. Inch by inch and species by species, shrinking wildlife numbers are an indicator of the tremendous impact and pressure we are exerting on the planet, undermining the very living fabric that sustains us all -- nature and biodiversity," Director General of WWF International Marco Lambertini said. "It is important to remember that nature forms the crux of modern human society and our economic activities ultimately depend on the resources that the planet provides. It is time that we look beyond business as usual scenarios and galvanise collective action for positive change, allowing the planet an opportunity to revive itself," Secretary General and CEO of WWF-India Ravi Singh said. PTI UZM UZM DIV DIV A lucky winner receives his brand new mountain bike Sri Lankas favourite peanut brand Scan Jumbo Peanut concluded another Scan Jumbo Bonanza successfully for the 4th consecutive year. 100 lucky winners received folding Mountain bicycles from the Scan Product Division of C. W. Mackie PLC who conducted the Scan Jumbo Bonanza. The promotion took place over a period of over 2 months, from 31st May to 2nd August 2018 and was promoted in over 120 towns. In order to enter the draw customers had to send the empty wrapper of Scan Jumbo Peanuts with their personal details name, address, NIC No. and contact No. to P. O. Box 161, Colombo. The Scan Jumbo Bonanza is solely conducted to reward loyal customers for continuously choosing the brand as their favourite throughout the years. The purpose behind the creation of the Scan Jumbo Bonanza is to let our customers know that we are extremely grateful to them for their loyalty to the brand. Over the past four years the popularity of the promotion has grown exponentially and we hope to see further growth in the years to come, said Mr. Aruna Senanayake, the Manager of Sales & Marketing at C. W Mackie PLC. Scan Jumbo Peanut is the category leader in its particular category enjoying 70% market share. Packed under the label of Scan, the peanuts are carefully chosen based on the correct size, and processed and packed in strict hygienic conditions. Scan is another proprietary brand that enjoys a high level of popularity among consumers, be they young or old. 100 winners with their prizes The Scan Jumbo Peanut brand is part of the Scan Products Division of the C. W Mackie PLC Group, a diversified business conglomerate in Sri Lanka that manufactures, imports and distributes FMCG products to the market. Sunquicks range of fruit squashes, Scan labeled bottle water, Kotagala Kahata Tea, Delish Jelly Crystals, Ocean Fresh Tuna and N-Joy Cooking Oil are some of their popular consumer products in the market. Many of the brands owned by the company are market leaders in their respective categories. C. W Mackie, Scan Products is a multi-brand, multi-channel organization with a strong presence in their brands at every level in the market. New Delhi, Oct 30 (PTI) A 20-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly harassing a woman on social media, police said Tuesday. The accused, identified as Deevakar Shakya, a resident of Gandhi Nagar in Delhi, is a final year Bachelor in Commerce student, they said. On October 16, the victim filed a complaint at Geeta Colony Police Station, stating an unidentified person had created a fake Facebook account using her name and photograph. The user of the profile was sending her morphed, vulgar photographs on her original Facebook account, officials said. These photos would mostly be morphed nude pictures take from the internet where the accused would superimpose the victim's face on them, the victim said in her plaint. The complainant said the accused was threatening to rape her, Meghna Yadav, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Shahdara) said. The case was transferred to cyber cell. During investigation, the police found the accused used to deactivate the account after sending the vulgar messages to the victim, thus the victim was not able to block and report the fake account. As the account would be mostly deactivated, the police were initially not able to get its unique address. Later, the police got the unique address and successfully deleted the account. Thereafter, the police received the internet protocol (IP) address. Police found the accused person had used a fake mail id to open the account, Yadav said. adding that the internet protocol (IP) address and the mail id of the accused was used to nab him. PTI NIT IND IND New Delhi, Oct 30 (PTI) The vice-chancellor of a Bihar-based central university is believed to have tendered his resignation over allegations of he fudging his academic credentials to get the post. Mahatma Gandhi Central University (MGCU), V-C, Arvind Agarwal has been under the government's radar for allegedly giving false information in his application. Sources said Agarwal submitted his resignation to the HRD ministry last week, after he was asked to respond to the allegations. Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry officials, however, did not comment on the fate of his resignation. The ministry has received complaints that Agarwal lied about a foreign education to get the job and he did not pursue his Ph.D at a German institute as claimed, and actually got the degree from the University of Rajasthan. When contacted, Agarwal refused to comment on the issue. He was appointed as the first VC of MGCU in Motihari by the incumbent government in February 2016 from a panel of three names submitted by the search-cum-selection committee. PTI GJS GJS ANB ANB Cuttack, Oct 30 (PTI) The Orissa High Court Tuesday ordered that a sitting judge of the court will supervise on a day-to-day basis the investigation being conducted by crime branch IGP into the four criminal cases registered in August on the police-lawyer face off. Justice C R Dash, a judge of this court, will supervise the investigation day-to-day and the investigating officer is directed to report to the concerned judge everyday to appraise the development of the investigation, said the order passed by a Bench headed by Chief Justice K S Jhaveri. Crime Branch IGP Arun Bothra, who is on leave due to illness, has been ordered to carry out the investigation immediately after resumption of duty so as to complete the same before November 9, the day fixed for next hearing. The Supreme Court in September had entrusted IGP Bothra to investigate the cases. Meanwhile, the general body of the High Court Bar Association Tuesday decided to continue their two-month-long strike till Thursday when it will chalk out its further course of action after holding discussions with representatives of other bar associations of the state. "As part of our earlier decision, the effigies of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, will be burnt on Wednesday across the state by all the 167 bar associations of the state in front of their respective association offices," said High Court Bar Association president, Srikant Kumar Naik. The lawyers have been agitating since August 29 demanding arrest of two policemen, who allegedly assaulted a Cuttack-based lawyer on August 28. The Orissa High Court Bar Association members Tuesday staged a peaceful demonstration in front of the high court. Senior BJP leader and former minister, Biswa Bhusan Harichandan, who held a press meet in Bhubaneswar, slammed the chief minister accusing him of failing to resolve the prolonged lawyers issue which has now snowballed into a major controversy. State Law minister Pratap Jena on the other hand said that the state government is concerned over the lawyers' agitation and is taking necessary steps in this regard. Noting that the matter is sub-judice, Jena said the state government will take necessary steps as per the directions of the high court. The lawyers should call off their strike in the interest of the people as there is a delay in justice delivery, he said. Commissioner of Police of Bhubaneswar-Cuttack, Satyajit Mohanty said stringent action will be taken against those involved in the violence which took place following the clash between lawyers' groups on Monday. PTI COR SKN RG KJ KJ New Delhi, Oct 30 (PTI) The Supreme Court on Tuesday pulled up Bihar Police for not arresting former state minister Manju Verma, who had stepped down in the wake of the Muzaffarpur shelter home scandal, in a case related to recovery of ammunition from her possession. The top court said even after her anticipatory bail application was dismissed by the Patna High Court on October 9, the police has not been able to arrest her. Her husband Chandrashekhar Verma had surrendered before a Begusarai court on Monday in connection with the arms case registered against him, the apex court was informed by the Bihar government. The court also directed that Brajesh Thakur, the prime accused in the Muzaffarpur shelter home sexual abuse case, be shifted to the Patiala high security jail in Punjab from Bihar's Bhagalpur jail. The court passed the order to shift Thakur out of Bihar after the CBI had on October 25 said that he was an influential person and was found in possession of mobile phone inside the Bhagalpur jail. A bench of justices M B Lokur, S Abdul Nazeer and Deepak Gupta said Thakur shall be kept under watch of the Superintendent of Police of Patiala. "Brajesh Thakur be transferred to the prison in Patiala where he will be kept in watch by the Superintendent of Police. The movement of Brajesh Thakur should take place today or tomorrow on the outside," the bench said. It also refused to give time to Thakur for filing his reply to the show cause notice issued by the court on October 25 asking him to explain why he should not be transferred out of Bihar, saying, "We decline to give any time for filing a reply until he goes out of Bihar." Advocate Fauzia Shakil, appearing for petitioner Nivedita Jha, pointed out that Manju Verma has not been arrested yet in the Arms Act case lodged against her. The bench asked senior advocate Ranjit Kumar, appearing for Bihar government, why the former cabinet minister was not arrested till now. "Is she above the law? She might be an ex-minister but she is not above the law. Her anticipatory bail was rejected by the high court on October 9. Why she has not been arrested till now? What were you doing till now? You let us know the details," the bench said. Kumar said he needed some time to take instructions with regard to details of Manju Verma. Advocate Aparna Bhat, assisting the court as an amicus curiae in the case, said she has got information that one of the members of CBI team investigating the Muzaffarpur shelter home case has been changed. The bench took serious note of the submission and asked CBI's counsel as to how the composition of investigating team has been changed without the leave of court. "We had anticipated these things that's why we passed that order on October 25 that CBI team should not be changed, without prior permission of the court. By tomorrow, we want the names of members of the team which was on October 25 and which is today," the bench said. The bench posted the matter for further hearing Thursday. On October 25, the apex court had asked the Bihar government and the CBI to explain why there was a delay in tracing whereabouts of Chandrashekhar Verma, who is wanted for alleged illegal possession of ammunition in large quantity. Manju Verma had resigned as Social Welfare Minister in the Bihar government in the wake of Muzaffarpur case, where several women at a shelter home were allegedly raped and sexually abused, after it came to light that her husband Chandrashekhar Verma had spoken to prime accused Thakur several times between January and June. On September 20, the court had said it had come on record that Chandrashekhar Verma and his wife were in "possession of illegal ammunition of a fairly large quantity" and it was not clear whether they were in possession of illegal arms as well. The court had observed that the CBI, in its status report filed earlier, had noted that an FIR has been lodged against Chandrashekhar and Manju Verma. "The affairs of these two need to be looked into, particularly with regard to their procurement and possession of illegal ammunition and availability of illegal weapons, if any. We request the local police in the state of Bihar to look into this aspect with some degree of seriousness," the bench had said in its order. Over 30 girls were allegedly raped and sexually abused at the shelter home in Muzaffarpur and the issue was first highlighted in an audit report submitted by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) to the state's social welfare department. An FIR was lodged on May 31 against 11 people, including Thakur, who was running the shelter home. The probe was later taken over by the CBI and so far 17 people have been arrested. The apex court had earlier termed as "horrible" and "scary" details placed before it about the investigation into the case. PTI MNL ABA SJK RKS ZMN New Delhi, Oct 30 (PTI) The National Green Tribunal on Tuesday said Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh governments need to take urgent measures to assist farmers to prevent crop residue burning in their states which spikes pollution levels. A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel asked the state governments to enforce the directions of the tribunal including providing machinery to poor and marginal farmers. The tribunal said that the crop residue burning causes air pollution and industries should help the farmers by way of corporate social responsibility. The green panel was hearing the matter after taking note of a news report published in an English daily titled, "All fiddle as crop stubble burns, farmers say solutions out of reach." The report claimed that crop burning shoots up the carbon dioxide levels in the air by 70 per cent. It said that every October, the air quality in Delhi, Punjab and Haryana plummets as farmers set the leftover stubble and loose straw on fire after paddy is harvested using combines. It had also claimed that over the last two years, the central and state governments have devised a number of measures to prevent crop burning from slapping fines on farmers to subsidising equipment that allow seeds of the next wheat crop to be planted with the stubble still on the fields. The tribunal had earlier directed the Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture to submit a status report within six weeks on providing infrastructural assistance to farmers to stop them from burning crop residue to prevent air pollution. It had asked the official to take feedback from the authorities concerned on steps taken to enforce the directions of the tribunal including providing machinery to poor and marginal farmers. The Punjab government had earlier faced the wrath of the tribunal for not taking effective steps to provide financial assistance and infrastructure facility to farmers to encourage them not to burn agricultural residue in their fields. The green panel had said that three years had elapsed since its verdict in the Vikrant Tongad case, in which it had passed a slew of directions to stop crop burning, but the state government had shown a lethargic approach. It had said the Punjab government had also failed to tie up with any company, private or public, which could utilise the crop residue. The tribunal had directed the Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh governments to convene a meeting to work out a clear mechanism on transportation and use of stubble as fuel in power plants. PTI PKS RT (Eds: Includes proceedings in trial court and high court) New Delhi, Oct 30 (PTI) The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the Hyderabad Police to provide adequate security to businessman Sathish Babu Sana, who has claimed threat to his life for filing a complaint in the alleged bribery case against CBI special director Rakesh Asthana. The apex court however did not accept his plea to stay the CBI's summon against him. It also rejected his plea for recording of his statement before the probe in the presence of retired former SC judge A K Patnaik, who has been appointed by the court to supervise the CVC probe against CBI director Alok Kumar Verma. A bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices U U Lalit and K M Joseph noted that Sana, who claims to be "whistleblower", has expressed an apprehension of danger/threat to his life and wellbeing. "Having considered the matter, we are of the view that all concerned authorities, particularly, the Commissioner/Superintendent of Police, Hyderabad shall afford to the applicant-Sathish Babu Sana all such protection/security etc. as would be necessary to safeguard the life of the applicant," the bench said. The bench also took note of a fresh petition filed by CBI DSP A K Bassi, who was earlier the investigating officer in the case lodged against Asthana. Bassi challenged his transfer to Port Blair in Andaman and Nicobar Islands instituted after M Nageswara Rao, joint director in the CBI took over the charge as interim head of the agency. Bassi, in his plea filed through advocate Sunil Fernandes, said his transfer to Andaman and Nicobar Islands on October 24 is "malafide and derails a sensitive probe" and added that allegations against Asthana are "grave". He sought that his petition be heard on Friday but the bench said "it will look into it". Hours after the development in the apex court, CBI DSP Devendra Kumar, who was arrested by the team led by Bassi, was produced before a trial court on expiry of his seven-days custodial interrogation. Kumar accused the CBI of tampering with and fabricating evidence against him and contended that a case of theft and extortion be registered against the sleuths probing the case of bribery against him and Asthana. Special CBI Judge Santosh Snehi Mann, send him and alleged middlemen in the case Manoj Prasad to 14-days judicial custody after the CBI said they were no more required for custodial interrogation. Prasad was arrested by the CBI on October 17 and has also challenged the registration of FIR against him and subsequent arrest before the Delhi High Court, which on Tuesday posted the matter for hearing on November 1, as his counsel was not available. The hearing on the CBI's saga on Tuesday first came before the apex court where senior advocate Raju Ramachandran, appearing for Sana, said the businessman needed protection as there is a threat to his life. The bench said that if there was any threat to his life it will do the necessary. "We will say here is a citizen who claims to be a whistleblower and fears for his life. And he should be given adequate security." Ramachandran said a fresh summon of CBI and the change of Investigation Officer (IO) in the case would complicate the task of Justice (retired) Patnaik, who is supervising the probe by Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) into charges against CBI director Alok Verma. To this the bench said, "Let the task of supervision be handled by Justice Patnaik. He will do whatever is required." The bench thereafter dictated the order and said adequate security should be provided by Hyderabad Police SP to the petitioner (Sana) and rejected the other two prayers to stay CBI summon and recording of his statement in presence of Justice (retd) Patnaik. The CBI had booked Asthana on October 15 on the basis of a complaint from Sana, facing probe in a 2017 case involving meat exporter Moin Qureshi, claiming that the special director had allegedly helped him to get a clean chit from the probe agency. Besides seeking a stay on CBI's summons against him, Sana in his petition had expressed fear for his life and sought police protection during the pendency of the inquiry against Asthana, who along side CBI Director Alok Verma has been divested of duties and sent on leave by the Central government. The businessman, in his plea, had referred to the apex court's October 26 order on the petition of the CBI Director by which the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) was asked to conclude inquiry against Verma within two weeks under the supervision of former apex court judge Patnaik. The feud between Verma and Asthana escalated recently leading to registration of an FIR against Asthana and others including Kumar, who is in the CBI custody in an alleged bribery case. The FIR was lodged on a written complaint of Sana on October 15. It alleged that Kumar, the investigating officer (IO) in a case, was repeatedly calling him to the CBI office to harass and compel him to pay bribe of Rs 5 crore for giving him clean chit. PTI MNL ABA SJK RKS SA New Delhi, Oct 30 (PTI) The demand by some saffron groups that the government should come out with an ordinance for constructing a Ram Temple at Ayodhya has not got support from legal experts who were of the view that propriety demands it should wait for the Supreme Court's verdict. According to senior jurists Rakesh Dwivedi and Ajit Kumar Sinha, there is no bar on the Centre to take the ordinance route but it should wait for the apex court's decision. But senior advocate Vikas Singh straightaway said no ordinance can be brought when the matter is pending before the top court and added that it was not about any provision but its propriety. "It's doctrine of separation of powers. Once it is before judiciary, it can't be done by any government," Singh, who is also the president of the Supreme Court Bar Association, said. The debate arose immediately after yesterday's Supreme Court hearing in the Ayodhya land dispute case where the matter has been fixed for hearing in first week of January. There was a chorus of demands from within the BJP and various Sangh Parivar groups that the Centre bring an ordinance or legislation in the Winter session of Parliament for early construction of Ram temple at Ayodhya ahead of 2019 Lok Sabha polls without waiting for the apex court verdict. Dwivedi and Sinha also said even if the ordinance is brought in, it can be challenged in the court of law. Dwivedi said, "Now an ordinance can be questioned straightaway because of a 7-judges judgement. I don't think BJP and the central government are going to do that. They will just keep the issue alive till election. It seems to me that nothing is going to happen. "For an electoral purpose you may issue it, somebody will challenge it, Congress lawyers will question it," he said, adding the BJP will then get an opportunity to use the issue for the elections. The senior advocate was referring to the judgement delivered in January 2017 by which it was ruled that an ordinance has to be promulgated in the case of extreme emergency and has to be placed before the legislature immediately after the House comes into session. Dwivedi said the judgement of the Allahabad High Court pertained to which party owned the land so they decided to divide it and now the apex court will also look into it. "Now, the question will be whether the government of India is willing to acquire the land from whoever is owning the land and pay a compensation to them. And then, use it for public purpose. That power is there but the question is ultimately there is an element of religion which is getting involved. "So, the problem arises can central government indulge in acquisition to favour one religion against the other religion. Therefore, it is proper to wait for the judgement of the Supreme Court and then work it out whichever way is the best," Dwivedi added. Sinha also said it was the prerogative of the government or Parliament to bring an ordinance and there was no such constitutional provision or bar on it. However, it would not be fair and proper to bring the ordinance as the matter is pending before the top court and they should wait, he said. "There is no bar as such since the Supreme Court will only decide legality of entitlement of the suit. "In my view, propriety demands that they should wait. The Supreme Court has fixed the matter in January, so they can wait till then. Because the ordinance will have a bearing on the pending matter," Sinha said. As many as 14 appeals have been filed against the high court judgement, delivered in four civil suits, that the 2.77 acre land be partitioned equally among three parties -- the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla. Amid the clamour for an ordinance or alternatively bringing in a legislation in the Winter session of Parliament, the Congress called for restraint and wait for the Supreme Court verdict without linking the issue to "votebank politics". The winter session is likely begin in the first half of December. PTI SKV URD SJK RKS ZMN Chennai, Oct 30 (PTI) The Madras High Court Tuesday settled a case of plagiarism between Sun Pictures and writer Varun Rajendran over the story of Vijay-starrer 'Sarkar', scheduled for release on Diwali, after the two reached a compromise. Rajendran had filed a civil suit alleging that 'Sarkar' director A R Murugadoss had copied his work "Sengol". When it came up for hearing before Justice M Sundar, a memo of compromise was filed by the Sun Pictures and the writer. Both the parties acknowledged that their scripts, 'Sengol' and 'Sarkar', revolved around the same theme of a reform of the electoral process to weed out bogus voting. Murugadoss said he had no objection to Rajendran producing any film based on his registered script 'Sengol' and its updated versions, based on his imagination, in any language. He also agreed to display a 30-second long message acknowledging Rajendran's writing skills. The writer too gave an undertaking not to object to the screening of 'Sarkar' now and in the future. The two sides resolved not to pursue the matter further in any court of law. They acknowledged the efforts of Film Writers Association led by its president K Bagyaraj for having mediated and enabled the settlement. PTI COR NVG VS AAR Puducherry, Oct 30 (PTI) Puducherry Lt Governor Kiran Bedi, who had the reputation of being a tough IPS officer, conceded Tuesday that she has "failed" in effectively managing the chaotic traffic in the Union Territory. Bedi, who earned the epithet of 'crane Bedi' after she was claimed to have towed away a car of the then prime minister Indira Gandhi, stressed on strict enforcement of traffic rules in Puducherry. The former IPS officer was said to have ordered the prime minister's vehicle to be towed away when it was parked in a no-parking zone in Connaught Circus when she was posted in the national capital as a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP). The prime minister was not in the car. It, however, later transpired that it was not the IPS officer but a sub-inspector named Nirmal Singh, who reported to her, had challaned the driver for wrongly parking the vehicle. "...but as the administrator of Puducherry, I have failed in traffic management and I openly admit it now," she said inaugurating a one-day workshop on traffic management organised by the transport department. Bedi said efforts should be made to put Puducherry's traffic in order without any loss of time. Addressing the workshop organised in association with the public works department and Puducherry police, she said these departments, should coordinate with the road engineering and education departments to improve the situation. The Lt Governor released a booklet on new motor vehicle regulations drafted by Director of Institute of Road Transport Engineers, New Delhi, Rohit Baluja who was among those present at the workshop. Stressing the need for additional traffic surveillance cameras and wearing of helmets by two-wheeler riders, Bedi asked school principals to play the role of police wardens to manage the traffic in the interest of safety of the students. Baluja said there should be a check on speeding vehicles and referred to the lack of proper signage mentioning speed-limits. The workshop was held as part of a training programme for the staff of various agencies and departments in line with the recommendations of the committee set up by the Supreme court on road safety. PTI COR NVG ROH SK SRY Rahul Gandhi uttering 'lies' over irrigation projects: TRS leader Hyderabad, Oct 30 (PTI) TRS leader and Telangana minister K T Rama Rao Tuesday took exception to Congress President Rahul Gandhi's recent criticism of the state government over various issues, including irrigation projects, accusing him of uttering lies. Rao, son of TRS president and Caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, said the Congress president uttered "lies" about the cost of Kaleswaram irrigation project and others during his visit to Telangana on October 20. "Rahul Gandhi came to Kamareddy. He said big things. He said I will not speak false things. All that he spoke was lies. He said your Chief Minister is spending Rs one lakh crore for Kaleswaram. That is the first lie. Kaleswaram expenditure was Rs 80,000 crore," he said. Rama Rao was addressing a campaign meeting in Yellareddy assembly constituency for the December 7 assembly elections in the state. Gandhi had alleged that Chief Minister Rao insulted B R Ambedkar by changing the name of the project named after him and indulged in corruption by changing the project designs and inflating its cost from Rs 38,000 crore to Rs one lakh crore. Taking a dig at Gandhi, he said the Congress chief talked about winning seats at Kamareddy, but his party lost a municipality under his Amethi Lok Sabha constituency. "Uttar Pradesh is your own state. You should first win there," he told Gandhi. Hitting out at the "grand alliance" of Congress, TDP, CPI and Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS) for the assembly polls, he sought to know the basis on which these parties had come together. He also said TRS does not have any sort of ties with the BJP. "We (TRS) are not afraid of anybody. Not afraid of (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi, not afraid of Rahul Gandhi, not afraid of Chandrababu Naidu," he added. Rama Rao said the TRS would increase the financial assistance under the 'Rythu Bandhu' farmers' investment support scheme to Rs 10,000 per acre from existing Rs 8,000 per acre if it was voted to power again in the coming polls. PTI SJR VS VS The Ceylon Petroleum Private Bowser Owners' Association (CPPBOA) yesterday said the countrywide the fuel supply would come to normal by Wednesday (31) evening. The countrywide fuel distribution had come to standstill following the killing of a 34-year old man and injuring two others when one of the bodyguards of former Petroleum minister Ranatunga opened fire at a group of protesters at the CPC premises when the former Minister arrived on Sunday evening. Speaking to the Daily Mirror CPPBOA Secretary Shantha Silva said the CPC had started issuing fuel yesterday at 6.00 p.m. Fuel bowsers were issued with fuel stocks as much as we could by yesterday. Remaining ordered stocks would be issued from tomorrow morning, Mr Silva said. Usually, fuel orders were placed two days before the finishing of the existing fuel stocks at filling stations. In this situation, as the orders were placed, fuel had not been issued by the CPC due to the Trade Union strike which launched following a shooting incident at a group of protesters at the CPC on Sunday evening, he said. Meanwhile, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation Trade Union Collective had called off their strike yesterday following the arrest of former Petroleum Resources Development Minister Arjuna Ranatunga. Its Convener D.J. Rajakaruna said employees had immediately resumed work to ensure an uninterrupted supply of fuel. However, he stated that there would be a delay in supplies as only 30 bowsers could be handled per hour. Fuel supplies should be back to normal by tomorrow despite a slight delay. Mr. Rajakaruna said. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama and Indika Sri Aravinda) Video by Sanjeewa Jaipur, Oct 30 (PTI) An accountant of a cotton factory was allegedly looted of Rs 19 lakh by three masked men in Rajasthan's Hanumangarh district, police said Tuesday. Anil Kumar was on his way to deposit the cash in a bank when the motorcycle-borne men stopped him and looted the bag with cash on Monday, Station House Officer at Sangaria police station Arun Chaudhary said. A search was on to nab the accused, the officer added. In a similar incident, two unidentified men on Monday had looted a petrol pump accountant of Rs 13.90 lakh in Nagaur district by throwing chilli powder in his eyes. PTI AG MAZ DPB New Delhi, Oct 30 (PTI) The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) on Tuesday alleged that no water supply has been given to the varsity for the last five days and the administration has not acted on their complaints. The students' union will be holding a protest outside the office of the Delhi Jal Board in Jhandewalan in central Delhi on Wednesday. "There is a water emergency in JNU. From the past five days, no water has been given to JNU by Jal Board. JNU used to get 24 units of water but now we get five units or no water at all," the JNUSU said. They alleged that the administration has not acted on their complaints of water crisis. However, a varsity official said there is no water crisis and the varsity is getting regular water supply. PTI SLB KJ KJ New Delhi, Oct 30 (PTI) A man has been arrested from northwest Delhi's Kanjhawala village for allegedly supplying illegal weapons, police said Tuesday. The accused has been identified as Deepak alias Rajesh, who is a resident of Delhi's Bakkarwala area, they said. On Monday, police received information that an arms supplier Deepak would come to Kanjhawala to deliver a consignment of weapons. Thereafter, police laid a trap and at around 5.40 pm the accused arrived, Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) Ajit Kumar Singla said. During interrogation Deepak told police that he has been arrested in about a dozen criminal cases previously, he said. When he was in jail in 2014, Deepak met an arms supplier, Manish, a resident of Bulandshahr, Singla said. After coming out on bail they both started working together. Manish procured weapons through his contacts in Bulandshahr and supplied them to Deepak who in turn sold them to criminals in Delhi-NCR, he added. A 7.65 mm pistol and two .315 bore pistols were recovered from Deepak's possession, the ACP said, adding that a police team will visit Bulandshahar to look for Manish. PTI NIT DIV DIV 86-year old, on bail in murder case, jailed as SC upholds conviction Coimbatore, Oct 30 (PTI) An 86-year-old man, sentenced to life for a Hindu Munnani activist's murder 27 years ago and granted bail later, was arrested here and sent to jail Tuesday after the Supreme Court recently upheld his conviction, police said. Bilal Hajiyar was produced before 5th Additional District Judge T Malarvalantina who ordered him to be lodged in the central jail for serving the sentence. Hajiyar, who was 59 then, and 10 others had been arrested on the charge of killing the Munnani activist, Shiva, on September 5, 1991. The trial court had in 2000 sentenced eight of them, including Hajiyar, to life imprisonment and acquitted two others. The eight filed appeals in the Madras High Court, which in 2008 rejected them and upheld the sessions court order. Challenging this, they moved the Supreme Court. During the pendency of the appeals, Hajiyar was granted bail considering his age. On October 10 last, the apex court upheld the verdict of the high court following which police arrested Hajiyar Tuesday. Hajiyar was produced before 5th Additional District Judge T Malarvalantina who ordered him to be lodged in the central jail for serving the sentence. PTI NVM NVG VS RBS RBS Mhow (MP), Oct 30 (PTI) Congress president Rahul Gandhi Tuesday appealed to journalists to guard the truth without "fear", like the Army protects the border. He was addressing a public meeting here in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh. The Congress chief alleged that Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam accused Mehul Choksi had deposited money in a minister's bank account. "We showed it to the reporters, but they were scared (to report it)...They are scared. Look they are laughing," he said while looking at a journalist sitting close to the stage. "They are saying that brother (Gandhi) you are speaking the truth but we are scared what will happen (if we write the truth)," Gandhi claimed. He alleged that a woman was tutored by the BJP at a meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in poll-bound Chhattisgarh. When contacted, senior BJP leader Hitesh Bajpai said Gandhi was suffering from a "political paranoid syndrome". Gandhi alleged, "The woman was told that officers and the prime minister had come from Delhi and that she would be asked questions. They told her that she has to say that her income has doubled. The PM came and a television show started." He claimed the woman spoke as she was told to. "She spoke as tutored amid loud clapping and Modiji said that 'achhe din aa gaye' (good days have come)," Gandhi said. "After the meeting, a reporter approached the woman. Scribes are intelligent. He was not scared and asked her whether her income was really doubled. The woman told him that it was in fact got halved," Gandhi said. "When the journalist asked the woman the reason for saying that her income had been doubled, she said the officers from Delhi told her what to speak in the TV programme," he claimed. "The journalist wrote a news piece on this, and after 10 days, the media house for which he was working sacked him," the Congress chief alleged. "That is why there is fear. Don't be afraid and be like the Army that protects our border," Gandhi said. "Your work is to protect the truth in India. Some times, the scribes write against us but I will not scare your, threaten or pressurise you. We know your position," he added. PTI LAL NSK AAR Bhubaneswar, Oct 30 (PTI) Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday said Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's claim that one crore cases have been attended to under a state-run health scheme was misleading. Patnaik, following a review of the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY) scheme on Saturday, had said the scheme "benefitted over one crore cases" within 60 days of its launch. Seeking evidence from Patnaik over his claim, Pradhan said the BJD government was providing incorrect information to the people of the state. "How come one crore cases have been registered under the BSKY scheme within 60 days when the total number of people who visit government hospitals in a year is much less than 1 crore?" the Union Petroleum Minister contended. "Afraid of (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi's popularity, Patnaik rejected the Ayushman Bharat programme. The government is misleading the people of Odisha over BSKY," Pradhan said. The Odisha government launched the BSKY scheme on August 15 after refusing to implement the Centre's flagship health programme 'Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana'. Pradhan claimed that the healthcare system in Odisha is in a "bad shape". He said the average number of doctors for every one lakh people in the state has fallen to nine from 11. "While ICUs are available in only 12 out of 30 district headquarter hospitals, 112 health centres in Odisha still don't have electricity. Also, infant mortality rate here is among the highest in the country," Pradhan said. Odisha's Health and Family Welfare Minister Pratap Jena dismissed Pradhan's allegations and said it was an attempt to "divert attention from the BJP's failures". He said the figure given by Patnaik included patients who visited the hospitals on more than one occasion. "The chief minister mentioned that over 1 crore cases were benefited under the scheme from August 15 till date. This number includes patients visiting hospitals either once or multiple times," he said. Jena also said the BSKY scheme is "100 times better" than the Centre's Ayushman Bharat programme. PTI AAM RMS DIV DIV New Delhi, Oct 31 (PTI) Pinjra Tod, a students' collective, protested outside Miranda House College on Tuesday, demanding no curfew restrictions at night. They claimed the college had put up notices stating "residents can return to the hostel at any time of the night on a night-out and short-notice/emergency night-outs can be availed by filling in a form at the gate and (there) is not need (for) one day advance notice". "These new changes are important 'relaxations' in the existing rules, but we really refuse to get dragged into this bureaucratic non-sense, which continues to reinforce power in the hands of the administration," the agitators said. The students said they would organise an all-night sit-in at the Miranda House College gate in defiance of the curfew. PTI SLB IND IND By Shabiya Ali Ahlam The apartments in Colombo are witnessing lacklustre sales despite an increase in branded properties due to the developers and investors failing to capture the unique requirements of the locals in the design concept, a top architect said. MICD Associates Senior Architect Murad Ismail pointed out that a slowdown of sales in the apartment market is witnessed primarily due to the developers taking up the cookie cutter model in their designs. Hence, he pointed out that much emphasis is required in research prior to building. In Sri Lanka we do cookie cutter stuff and expect it to sell. There are so many failed apartment projects around Colombo and the reason is the investors and developers have not thought the project through, Ismail told a panel discussion organised by Foxhouze Architecture Xtudio yesterday in Colombo. Stressing that the apartments are not failing because there is no market but due to the properties not fulfilling the needs of the buyers, Ismail noted the designs should be done keeping the locals in mind and not just foreigners. You have a lifestyle you need to live there. It is not just for sleeping. So, it is important to capture that in the projects if they are expected to sell. Its not only about the foreigners; it is about the locals too, as it is they who invest for their future generation. While Sri Lanka constantly draws reference to Singapore, it was shared that the city state spends at least two years in research before constructing a building and ensures each project has a new design offering. He added that the developers must understand the need to put time and money into research and development (R&D), while taking into account the needs of the market rather than develop apartments that are more or less similar in terms of design and concept. The great achievements of the 20th century in the demographic sector are increment of longevity, reducing infant mortality, an increment of life expectancy and decreased fertility rates, through medical science. However, this has caused to make an imbalance in the population pyramid and put more weight on the population seesaw by the rapidly aging population. Sri Lanka is also recognized as a country experiencing a very rapid demographic transition among the countries of South Asia. Based on the latest United Nations estimates, the current population of Sri Lanka is 20,971,313 as of Tuesday, October 16, 2018. Approximately 9.67 percent of its population is above the age of 65 years and 24.6 percent of its population is between the 0-14-year-old age brackets of the total population. The early working-age bracket (15-24-year-old age) is 14.63 percent, 25-54 years is 41.58 percent and the 55-64-year-old bracket is 10.06 percent. (In 2016, the working-age population those ages 15-64, is 48.53 percent). The estimated data showed that Sri Lankas population is aging faster than any other nation in South Asia, countries in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Latin American and the Caribbean and African. Figure 1 shows Sri Lankas and the world regional average percentage of population of over 60-year-olds in the 2000-2050 period. For example, in 2041, one out of every four persons is expected to be an elderly person in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, according to the estimation of the Bloomberg Sunset Index in 2016, our country is included as one of the countries having more risk from an aging population. Further, that index explained that Sri Lanka needed 2.3 workers to support each senior person currently. In the very near future, Sri Lanka is becoming a country having the oldest people in the non-developed world and also one of the fastest aging countries in the world, like a more developed country. The main drivers for the aging population are life expectancy has been increased and the speed of the decline in fertility rates has been dramatically reduced. Further, the high ratio of retirement of baby boomers, who were born between 1946 and 1960 years, has also influenced to change the size and age structure of the population. According to the data, the total fertility rate (the number of children that the average woman bears during her lifetime) fell below the replacement level of 2.1 by 1994 and it has continued to fall, reaching 1.7-1.9 in the 2000s but now increased to 2.05 in 2016. Further, the demographic profile-estimated population growth rate in 2016 is 0.8 percent and the estimated birth rate is 1.5 for the 2016 year. Figure 3 shows that during 2000 to 2050 or within the 50-year period, Sri Lankas population is set to age rapidly, with the proportion of old people increasing substantially. As noted above, increasing life expectancy is one of the drivers of Sri Lankas population aging. Sri Lanka has a high life expectancy of 75.94 years, with a male life expectancy at 72.43 years and female life expectancy at 79.59 years higher than in most developing countries and the present trends indicate that life expectancy will reach the current average of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development level of 77.8 years by 2050. Central to Sri Lankas demographic aging will therefore be an increase in the share of the old people, with the share of people aged 60 years and above projected to increase from the current 11 percent to 18 percent in 2025 and to 27.6 percent in 2050. According to demographic researchers, Sri Lanka become a super-aged country or more than 21 percent aged 65 or over in 2030. The UN Population Division in 2015 estimated people aged 65 years and over per 100 working-age people that the old-age dependency ratio is expected to rise from about 10.9 in 2011 to 23.7 per 100 by 2030. The aging of the countrys population poses serious economic problems and social challenges that our country needs to be faced in the very near future. According to the latest Word Fact Book, the estimated total dependency ratio in 2016 (proportion of population aged 65 years or more versus the proportion aged 15-59 years) in Sri Lanka is 51.47, with the elderly dependency ratio being 14.69, youth dependency ratio 36.79 and potential support ratio 7.5. But in 2050, according to the data of the population division of the UN, the total dependency ratio becomes 62.9 percent with the dependency ratio of elderly increasing to 34.7, youth dependency ratio reducing to 28.2 percent and potential support ratio being 2.9. A discussion paper by Nicole Maestas, Kathleen Mullen and David Powell on the Effect of Population Aging on Economic Growth estimates that a 10 percent increase in the fraction of the population ages 60+ decreases growth in the GDP per capita by 5.7 percent, due to the reduction in the GDP growth being driven by reductions in labour supply, as measured by worker per capita, hours worked per capita and labour earnings per capita. Aging people bring their experiences in the production but as more people age and retire and less people enter the workforce, it will cause a reduction in the total workforce and less people entering the workforce causes to reduce the aggregate production. In that sense, population aging acts as a decrease of economic growth. Therefore, Sri Lanka needs to import approximately less than 20 percent of workers from other countries to sustain the dependency ratio at 2016 level in 2030. This figure can be increased more in 2050. Labour force growth slowdown Due to the aging population, a slowdown in the labour force growth is an unavoidable outcome. The UN labour force projections show that the Sri Lankan labour force percentage was 64.4 percent in 2000 and in 2025 it will shrink to 62.0 percent and in 2050 to 55.1 percent. Population aging significantly changes the age composition of the labour force, with the share of workers younger than 30 years significantly shrinking and the share of those older than 50 years strongly increasing. With labour force growth being one of the sources of economic growth, the slowdown of labour force growth and its shrinking after 2025 may contribute to a slowdown in the GDP growth. The ageing population will not only create a shortage of young talent in the national labour force but also create a large-scale exit of experienced human capital from the national labour force reaching its traditional retirement age. Some authors argue that an increase in elderly people tends to reduce the per capita income of the three generations child, working group and retiree and this will decrease the total consumption of the family. Further, when an aging population is increased, it causes a reduction in consumption because older people do not need to purchase luxury items because already they may have those items or they would like to buy only the essential items. On the other hand, the government needs to collect more taxes from the working people to sustain the retired people or older people of the country by reducing the purchasing power of them. This may cause to increase the inventories of the producers and it may tend to reduce the production because younger people do not have enough money to afford to buy luxury items. Therefore, the producers would like to reduce their productions. Hence, the countrys GDP can be decreased. This will lead to slow economic growth of the country. As a cultural value, older people in our country have relied heavily on their family for personal care and material support. Today, however, such support is under pressure from trends that include falling fertility rates (which means fewer children as caregivers), changing cultural norms, increased longevity of the elderly and migration of rural young people to cities as well as foreign countries and away from elderly relatives. Then, the Sri Lankan government needs to impose more taxes by considering the care of aging people of the country by providing the healthcare services because aging leads to increasing the demand for care that addresses chronic health conditions or welfare services from the working people and to sustain the pension system to compensate the increment of the expenditure. Increasing age is related to higher health risks, ranging from diminishing motor and sensory functions to a greater incidence of non-communicable diseases such as heart disease and cancer. But chronic conditions such as diabetes, cancer and heart diseases can progress to disable the elderly people or the disable levels can be dropped or the disability rates will remain stable in the future. Also, those in retirement tend to pay lower income taxes or can get full waivers from the taxes because they do not work. Therefore, reducing the taxes directly provokes an increase in the deficit in the government budget. Therefore, it is better to forecast that our children will not provide care to their older parents due to work pressure or personal or family engagement or sometimes they may live in other cities or countries in the world. When the government gets more taxes, it can be reduced the market demand and finally the domestic market can be more compressed. And also, the government would not like to increase the tax to a higher tax bracket. It would be unwilling to increase lower tax brackets too. Therefore, the government needs to consider increasing the indirect taxes from business organisations. Then the organisations need to earn profits by increasing the prices of the goods that caused to reduce the demands for the goods. Again that would cause to create a more compressed market and reduce the total GDP of the country. According to the data, the women percentage of the elderly population is high in Sri Lanka and the female advances in life expectancy than male, which may create a more widened gap between the male and female elderly percentage. The elderly women are generally more likely to be disabled, widowed, living alone and to have fewer financial resources compared with the elderly men at any given age. Therefore, the government needs to consider more facilities for female elders. On the one hand, when the retirement age is fixed and the life expectancy increases, there will be relatively more people claiming pension benefits and fewer people working and paying high income taxes. Those who are not entitled to pension benefits tend to depend on their savings or their childrens income for their day-to-day living. This can influence the economy at macro level with a decline in the total domestic savings and investment. Also, those who are entitled to obtain the pension may be able to get that benefit rather than their actual service years. A reduction in savings caused by an increase in the proportion of the elderly in the population means a relative increase in the numbers who draw down assets, thereby reducing the total private saving. Major government transfer programmes social security and health programmes (pharmaceutical benefit scheme and medical care) are expected to blow out over time in favour of the elderly. Per capita income decline The saving rate decreases for the retirees as saving becomes the source of their spending. Hence, the ageing population will increase the dependency ratio in a family. An increase in child dependency in a family will lead to a significant decline in the per capita income of the child generation alone. On the other hand, as the dependency ratio increases, the working people need to earn more revenues to bear the expenditures. Therefore, dual employment practices full time or part time can increase in the future. Therefore, when more women enter full-time employment or part-time employment or do not live near their elderly parents, will lead to getting help from professional people to look after their elders or to get home care facilities, paying money. In the very near future, we will not be able to get informal housemaid services but once we are able to get professional services, it will also increase the overall expenditure of the people. The involvement of the female in the labour force can be considered negatively influencing the fertility rate too. Therefore, human resource and fertility rate are negatively correlated. Thus, the government needs to pay its attention to child and elder care facilities and to enhance the scope and efficiency of transport facilities for the working and older people to reach their work places and to increase accessibility to essential services for the elderly people. The summarized main economic impacts of an aging population can be noted as follows: Increase in the dependency ratio Shortage of workers Increased government spending on healthcare and pensions therefore more high tax rates can be used Working people need to pay more taxes causing a fall in purchasing power, savings and investment Reducing overall GDP in the country Most of the researchers argue that there is a negative relationship between population aging and economic growth but some researchers claim the existence of a positive effect. For example, older individuals tend to save more because they do not need to consume items other than daily needs. Therefore, they tend to save more and so there tend to be more resources available for investment. It will impact economic growth like in Japan. Further, an increase in the number of older people will create a bigger market for goods and services linked to older people, such as retirement homes and other elder people supportive services. A decline in the birth rate means there is a small number of young people. This will save the government money by reducing expenditures on education, health, etc. But it depends on the net cost of the retired people if it is lesser that the net cost of young people. However, there is a pretty good problem to occur. This happen in many ways, including importing workers and exporting jobs, cross-border economic activities, volunteerism, extending retirement when our people live longer, healthier lives, they may able to continue to work, contributing to society well beyond the official retirement age and creating new market opportunities to companies from various sectors. Hence, our policymakers need to pay undivided attention to the following micro aspects of economics, caused by an aging population. According to the Central Bank of Sri Lankas annual report for 2015, the ratio of debt servicing to exports (percent of exports of goods, services and primary income) increased to 27.7 percent in 2015, from 13.2 percent in 2011 but it was 17.93 in 2016. If it is continuously increases, then could the Government of Sri Lanka invest on the pension and other welfare facilities for elderly people? Empirical studies have uncovered evidence that the population age structure affects stock market prices and the real returns of different classes of financial assets but the consistency of this evidence is not proved. What will happen in the Sri Lankan stock market in the future, according to the increment of population aging? Aging employees may naturally become more susceptible to more frequent visits to medical doctors or non-avoidable absenteeism because of illness. Then, how do elderly people impact on the health cost of the organisations? A significant concern of human resources departments in managing an aging workforce lies in the fact that the older an employee is, the closer he is to retirement. Employees who retire take their wealth of knowledge and corporate experience with them. How can we capitalize this knowledge as an organisational capital? Can we offset the adverse impact of population aging on growth and welfare by introducing technological changes? Japan, for example, is regarded as a super aged society likewise, Germany and Italy. What lessons we could learn from these countries for managing well and better aging population in Sri Lanka? (Dr. N.N.J. Navaratne is Senior Lecturer, Department of Human Resources Management, Faculty of Management and Finance, University of Colombo) I booked short stay parking with Heathrow's Official Airport Car Parking for 106. However, on the way to the airport, we were involved in a road accident, for which I wasn't to blame. Our car was written off and we ended up back home. British Airways moved us on to a later flight with no charge and we paid 60 for bus tickets to and from the airport. But, when I contacted Heathrow to ask for a refund of the car park booking, I was advised to ask my insurer, as they didn't think they could help. My insurer, Post Office, said it could help only with the bus tickets, not the parking. After the excess is taken off, we'll get just 10 back. I still feel Heathrow could have been more helpful. G. W., Oxford. Heathrow refused to refund a couple who were unable to use the car parking slot they had booked after they were involved in a car crash on the way to the airport I totally agree I, too, found Heathrow Parking unhelpful. In a statement, it said: 'Unfortunately, we were not made aware of this issue until the passenger returned from holiday, so we were unable to offer a refund in this instance. 'We encourage all passengers to get in touch with us immediately and we will do everything we can to cancel or amend a booking.' It referred me to its terms and conditions, which say: 'You can cancel a car parking booking up to 24 hours before your time of arrival to the car park using the online booking feature. 'You will qualify for a full refund, as long we receive notification of your cancellation in time.' If there are problems on the day, it adds: 'It depends on the particular circumstances, but you should call LHR Airports on 0344 335 1000 and we'll do everything we can to help.' Other terms and conditions say the airport must receive notice of your cancellation at least two hours before car park entry. But when were you supposed to go online or call Heathrow? When you were at the roadside, in shock, straight after the accident? You had enough to worry about sorting out your car, alternative travel to the airport and a new flight time so it's hardly surprising if it slipped your mind. I think, in these circumstances, phoning when you got back from holiday was reasonable, however Heathrow Parking disagrees. Clearly, it has an inflated sense of its own importance. I was also surprised Post Office turned down your insurance claim. It confirmed your policy covered your travel to the airport following the accident and that, if you had needed to rebook the flight, the insurance would have also covered this. But there is good news. A spokesman says: 'Although we were surprised to hear the car park will not be refunding our customer, we have reviewed this case and are happy to cover this irrecoverable cost as a gesture of goodwill, especially given the unfortunate and stressful circumstances.' So, full marks to Post Office for coming up trumps and zero to Heathrow for its thoroughly intransigent attitude. You have YOUR say Every week, Money Mail receives hundreds of your letters about our stories. Here are some from our article on customers of the car rental giant Goldcar being forced to buy insurance they don't want or need... When I hire a car in Europe, I dig out small, local firms. They meet me promptly at the airport and don't leave me sitting like a lemon at their desks. No insurance sales, just honest businessmen who know about car hire. W. S., Bradford, West Yorks. This happened to me in Murcia this year. An agent from a different firm told me I had paid only my deposit, even though I knew that I had bought insurance. I've sent numerous emails, but am getting nowhere. I think the small claims court is the next place to go. J. M., Oxford. I used another firm in Barcelona recently. I had no problem with the insurance, but it charged me a 30 refuelling fee, even though I'd filled up the car at the airport. M. O., Lancashire. Insuring a hire car can be a complete nightmare in Spain. In my experience, you not only have to insure the car, but also insure the insurance, or else be liable for about 1,500 of excess damage costs. It is excess gone mad. S. Y., Derby. I felt I should write in defence of Goldcar. I have used it for the past five years and found it's a great company to deal with, from the reservation process through to returning the car. H. C., by email. I received a letter from my phone company, saying it was sorry to hear that I was leaving. When I queried this, it said there was nothing it could do, as another provider had requested a transfer of my services. I then lost telephone and broadband for a short period and was surprised to receive a TalkTalk router. I have contacted TalkTalk nine times, only to be told no record can be found because it has no customer number for me. I have now been reconnected with my original provider, but TalkTalk has gone into overdrive, sending letters saying that I owe it a 21.84 set-up fee. M. R., Arbroath, Angus. This is strange. On February 15, TalkTalk received an order via a store. Then, on February 26, you contacted it saying you hadn't made the order and your mobile phone had been hacked. You were advised to contact your bank to be sure your details were safe. The services were disconnected on March 26, but TalkTalk wrongly left charges outstanding on your account, which then prompted the debt collection activity. On May 24, you faced further frustration when you contacted TalkTalk, but could not pass data protection checks obviously, this was because you hadn't set up the account in the first place. On July 12, the case moved to its fraud team. Finally, you contacted me. Now, the balance has been cleared and the negative mark removed from your credit file. A TalkTalk spokesman says: 'We apologise for the problems Mr R experienced. We removed the charges and negative markers and he is satisfied with the outcome.' Straight to the point My neighbour moved into a care home after falling ill. I paid her Virgin Media telephone bill up to the time she moved into the home and then asked the firm to cancel her account. She has now died, but Virgin is still sending bills. I don't know what to do. R. B., Chingford, East London. Virgin Media says it was unable to close the account because you had not sent a power of attorney notice to prove you have permission to act on your neighbour's behalf. It finally closed the account in September, when it was notified your neighbour had died, but it did not clear the outstanding balance, which is why you continued to receive bills. Virgin apologises and has now cancelled the debt. *** In 2015, I had a will written by a self-employed solicitor. He recently phoned me to say that he is no longer practising. Will the document still be valid? L. S., East Sussex. Emily Deane, of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, says you shouldn't encounter any problems unless your solicitor is also the executor of your will and thus in charge of administering the estate. If this is the case, you may want to update your will with the name of a different executor. This can be done by another solicitor. *** Someone used my credit card last month to make what appears to be a hotel booking. Should I report this matter to the police? E. L., by email. You should first report the fraudulent transaction to your bank, which will take steps to ensure your account is safe. Banks will usually refund such unauthorised transactions, as long as you have not been careless with your personal details. You can also report the incident to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or online at actionfraud.police.uk Two greedy former oil executives who pocketed money from a dodgy business deal have been sentenced to 30 years in prison. Osman Shahenshah and Shahid Ullah, the former chief executive and chief operating officer of Afren, were found guilty of fraud and money laundering last week over a scheme they created to profit from deals with the company's Nigerian business partner. They laundered more than 30m in a side deal after recommending the Afren board pay 232m to Oriental Energy Resources. Dodgy deal: Osman Shahenshah (pictured) and Shahid Ullah were found guilty of fraud and money laundering The pair used the proceeds to buy luxury properties on Mustique and the British Virgin Islands, while some of the funds went to an inner circle of Afren staff known as 'the A Team'. A six-week trial that finished earlier this month found Shahenshah and Ullah guilty on three counts. Shahenshah faces six years in jail for one count of fraud and a total of ten years for two counts of money laundering, while Ullah faces five years in jail for one count of fraud and another nine years for two counts of money laundering. 'The significant sentences reflect the seriousness of this fraud,' said Lisa Osofsky, director of the Serious Fraud Office. 'Shahenshah and Ullah violated their duties and their employees, the board of directors and shareholders paid the price. It is satisfying that they have been brought to justice.' Shahenshah said he will argue in the Court of Appeal that the Serious Fraud Office, which prosecuted, has misconstrued one of the offences at the heart of the trial, 'abuse of position'. Shahenshah and Ullah maintained they were always acting in the company's interest. In April 2018 both were banned from being company directors for 14 years for failing to declare to the board their vested interest in high-value transactions. Afren went into administration in 2015 after failing to secure support for a refinancing and restructuring. Carpeting company Victoria, a rug supplier to the Queen, has plummeted for the second day in a row. The 123-year-old firm, which is listed on London's junior market AIM, fell another 14.3 per cent yesterday, closing down another 65p at 390p, taking loss so far this week to more than 35 per cent. The rout, which has wiped 268.4million off the value of the company, came after a bleak warning on Monday that it was not making as much profit on each sale as expected. It was a sharp turn of fortunes for Victoria, which has delivered some of the best returns for investors of any listed UK company this decade. Rug supplier Victoria, which is listed on London's junior market AIM, fell another 14.3% yesterday, closing down another 65p at 390p, taking loss so far this week to more than 35% In the ten years leading up to August 2018, its shares had soared a massive 4708.5 per cent. The recent slump will be bad news for executive chairman Geoff Wilding, who owns 21.4m shares. His stake would have been worth 177million just three months ago but has fallen to 83.4million today, and 2.8m of his shares are still being held as security against a personal loan he took out with JP Morgan in June. Wilding's bank balance should still be looking relatively healthy, however. He made the canny move of selling 5m shares in August to a mysterious US investor called Spruce House Capital, following what the company called excess investor demand for its shares. He made 41.4million from the sale at the time, and Spruce House which is also a top-ten shareholder in Metro Bank has since scooped up more shares. As Victoria crashed on Monday, the shady New York firm increased its stake from 7.9 per cent to 9.6 per cent. Stock Watch - Rainbow Rare Earths Shares in miner Rainbow Rare Earths took a dive after chief executive Martin Eales warned of a challenging geological environment. The Burundi-focused rare earth specialist, which mines elements used in electric cars and mobile phones, said positive progress had been made in the first quarter. But partly because of smaller quantities of concentrate at its new mine than expected, its target production rate would be delayed into 2019. Shares slid 48.2 per cent, or 4.65p, to 5p. It was a better day for the FTSE 100. The blue-chip index climbed 0.1 per cent, or 9.5 points, to 7035.9 points as strength at the major housebuilders after the Government renewed its Help to Buy scheme helped to draw investors in. Philip Hammond's Budget also boosted Kier Group, which could see multiple benefits from the policies announced by the Chancellor. Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, explained: 'Extra funding for high-speed broadband in rural areas could give a boost to Kier's infrastructure business where it is a major supplier to Virgin Media. Kier is also a key partner to local authorities across the UK with pothole repairs.' The FTSE 250 firm's shares jumped 4.7 per cent, or 40p, to 895p. Oil-well engineer Hunting was the weakest performer on the mid-sized index, as the company warned 'geopolitical tensions' were weighing on sentiment and causing companies to slow their investment. The firm, which relies on oil firms wanting to build and service wells, said its trading was still in line with expectations, but investors took a wary stance as shares slipped 5.2 per cent or 36.5p to 661p. Back on AIM, oil and gas exploration company Ascent Resources plunged as it threatened to take the Slovenian government to court in the EU. Ascent has been seeking an environmental permit to launch its Petisovci project for five years, and said it had received repeated private assurances from senior officials at Slovenia's environment agency saying the permits would be confirmed. But more recently, it had failed to get 'any meaningful comment' from the agency or Slovenia's new environment minister Jure Leben. Chief executive Colin Hutchinson said the company was exploring options to challenge both Leben and Slovenia in the EU courts. Shareholders seemed unconvinced that this would produce any positive results and shares fell by 33.3 per cent, or 0.25p, to 0.5p. Stem cell firm Widecells, on the other hand, shot up by 50 per cent, or 0.15p, to 0.45p, as it said it would save 400,000 per year from slimming down its GP education unit. More than 600 billion of taxpayers' money has been blown servicing the national debt since Britain was last in the black. The Government has been living beyond its means since 2001 when then-chancellor Gordon Brown embarked on a debt-fuelled spending spree. The 18-year borrowing binge has added nearly 1.5 trillion to the national debt pushing it up from around 300 billion to just shy of 1.8 trillion. Borrowing binge: Gordon Brown turned on the spending taps when he was Labour's Chancellor In that time, successive chancellors have blown 624 billion of taxpayers' money servicing the debt through interest payments, according to figures from the Office for Budget Responsibility. The watchdog expects debt interest payments to rise from 39.8 billion this year to 46.8 billion in 2023-24. In his Budget speech, Philip Hammond spoke of 'the nightmare of wasting 50 billion a year in interest'. Critics said the money could have been spent on services such as schools and hospitals. The numbers show just how costly Britain's addiction to debt has been. While the deficit has fallen from a record 153.1 billion under Labour in 2009-10, it is still set to total 25.5 billion this year before dropping slowly to 19.8 billion in 2023-24. Mark Littlewood, director general at the Institute for Economic Affairs, said: 'It is astounding that public debt in the UK has now risen well into the trillions. These figures make for depressing reading and expose the feeble attempts of governments past and present to grasp hold of the issue and get our public finances under control. 'Accumulating more and more debt will result in higher taxes for future generations. We need brave and bold policies to ensure fiscal responsibility is restored.' Ross Campbell, public sector director at the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, said: 'The public sector finances have performed better than the OBR forecast this year. The Chancellor shouldn't, however, be complacent as the underlying position remains extremely challenging. 'The need for continued efficiency and belt tightening in government is not going to go away,' he said. Self-employed contractors, including IT workers, business consultants and even van drivers face a tax hit after yesterday's Budget. A crackdown on off-payroll working, designed to stop workers and companies dodging national insurance, is likely to have a big impact on those who work regularly for other companies as contractors. The so-called IR35 changes only apply to larger firms, but small business owner John Steele, who owns Driven - For You and employs 25 contractor van drivers warned it could limit how he grows his business. The move will force private sector companies to follow the public sector in being responsible for contractors' tax status and is likely to see many firms err on the side of caution - potentially costing some contractors between 13 and 25 per cent of take home pay and raising costs for businesses. Large and medium-sized businesses will see IR35 rules extended to them, with IT workers among those expected to be hit Workers can cut their own tax by setting up a personal services company and working as contractors rather than employees - and also save the businesses they work for money on payroll costs, particularly employer's national insurance. The crackdown follows the introduction of stricter tax rules last year - known as IR35 - designed to stop the public sector from paying less national insurance by employing off-payroll contractors who had to manage their tax affairs independently. Use of personal service company contractors had mushroomed in recent years in the public sector, including in the NHS and local authorities. But the public sector crackdown made the organisations responsible for deciding if those working for them were really self-employed contractors, or should be treated as employees and put on payroll to be paid through PAYE. Yesterday's Budget confirmed the widely held view that these rules would be extended to companies in the private sector. This puts a lid on how we could grow our business... and jobs John Steele, 51 and based in North Yorkshire, runs small firm Driven - For You John Steele, 51 and based in North Yorkshire, runs Driven - For You, a vehicle delivery service firm employing 25 contractors to pick up cars or vans and deliver them anywhere in the UK for his clients. By using flexible contractors as drivers he has been able to expand his business and give people more work. If the contractor crackdown hit him, John said costs would rise and his ability to grow the business would be hampered. In the end, his firm fell below the size of those targeted by the Chancellor. 'I was watching the Budget yesterday really carefully because I knew there was a chance my business could be hit by IR35,' he says. 'Thankfully, we fall into the smaller business category but the changes will still have a big effect on us. 'Many of our biggest competitors employ hundreds if not over a thousand drivers on a contract basis, and the way our industry works, these drivers tend just to work for one firm. Their costs are clearly going to go up massively.' Steele says this could bring a positive change for his business as he believes his competitors are likely to raise their charges and continue paying contractors a level amount. 'That could either mean we win more business, or it could give us room to follow suit and raise our own prices.' But he adds: 'It does mean that we are going to have to keep a really close eye on this because it could eventually get extended to smaller firms. 'And although we're keen to grow our business and have some room left to do that before we'd be hit, it does put a lid on where we'd aim to grow to.' Driven - For You employs a lot of retired, semi-retired and long-term out of work contractors, explains Steele. 'I'd be really worried that the Government could make it harder for us to employ these people if they were to make us apply IR35 to the way we pay them.' The Budget changes From April 2020, all medium and large businesses operating in the private sector will have to decide whether to treat their contractor workforce as effectively employed, resulting in having to pay employers national insurance contributions and the apprenticeship levy. Taken together, it will mean that large and medium-sized businesses will see their costs on contractor fees rise by 14.3 per cent, according to PwC. It's not yet clear how firms will adapt to this financial hit but it could mean cutting the rates they pay contractors or raising the cost of their own goods or services to pay for the extra cost, hitting consumers. It's also possible companies hit by the change could set up smaller holding companies with fewer employees in order to qualify as a smaller business. What is changing for private contractors? IR35 means that anyone who has set themselves up as a personal service company but only contracts their services to one client, effectively has to be treated as an employee by that client and should be put on payroll and paid through PAYE, with the usual deductions and employers' NI and pension contributions paid. For example, this could be an IT contractor working for just one company over a six-month period. These companies, known as PSCs, were criticised for years as a tax dodge that allowed contractors to pay significantly less income tax and employers to pay less in their national insurance contributions and other employment costs The introduction of IR35 for public sector companies meant that public sector employers had to determine whether national insurance contributions and income tax applied to the self-employed contractors working for them - rather than the contractor themselves declaring their position. In response, many public sector organisations erred heavily on the side of caution and stopped people working as contractors. This was a reversal from many previously demanding that people worked as PSC contractors. Will your business be hit by IR35? The reform was widely expected to be extended to the private sector, however, the Chancellor confirmed that smaller firms will be exempt from the rule change, while medium-sized and larger businesses will have to adapt by April 2020. To qualify as a smaller business the firm must meet a minimum of two of the following conditions: annual turnover must be not more than 10.2 million the balance sheet total must be not more than 5.1 million the average number of employees must be not more than 50 The rule change means that any business exceeding these thresholds will have to decide whether they treat their self-employed contractors as employed. Lee Murphy claims a contractor earning 50,000 a year could see their take-home pay fall from 43,670 to 37,696 because of increased tax and national insurance costs Will IR35 hit contractors? Lee Murphy, founder of accounting software firm Pandle, believes that there will be a big impact on contractors. He said: 'The Chancellor implied some contractors would escape IR35 as it will only apply to large and mid-sized businesses, but the reality is the vast majority of contractors work for such organisations, not small businesses. 'Contractors, especially highly skilled IT ones, will be forced to join umbrella companies and pay more tax and national insurance.' Pandle calculates that a self-employed contractor currently earning 50,000 a year will typically take home 43,670 after tax, national insurance and other costs. After April 2020 they could be compelled to go through an umbrella company, meaning their take-home pay will reduce to 37,696 because of increased tax and national insurance costs. For a contractor on 90,000, the hit is even worse, with their take-home reducing from 70,037 to 60,949. Mike Cherry, chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: 'The extension of the IR35 rule changes that have taken place in the public sector to the private sphere must be handled with caution. 'Careful consideration must be given over the next two years as to how this potentially damaging roll-out should be managed. The flexibility of our workforce is one of our economys greatest strengths one that should be protected.' iShares Russell 2000 ETF's stock was trading at $125.92 on March 11th, 2020 when COVID-19 (Coronavirus) reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization. Since then, IWM shares have increased by 84.8% and is now trading at $232.72. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. House Leader Lakshman Kiriella said yesterday he requested Speaker Karu Jayasuriya to summon a party leaders meeting to discuss the convening of Parliament without further delay. He told Daily Mirror that he had asked for the business committee meeting commonly called the party leaders meeting to be held at 10.00 am today and highlighted the fact that though President Maithripala Sirisena had prorogued Parliament; it had been done without consulting the Speaker. (Kelum Bandara) Inmarsat plc provides mobile satellite communications services on land, at sea, and in the air worldwide. The company operates through five segments: Maritime, U.S. Government, Global Government, Aviation, and Enterprise. It offers voice and data broadband services; global maritime distress and safety system services; mobile and fixed voice services; a portfolio of machine-to-machine services that provide two-way data connectivity for messaging, tracking, and monitoring of fixed or mobile assets; maritime satellite services, including very small aperture terminals and television receive only antenna services; and Global Xpress, a high-speed broadband service that offer seamless connectivity for advanced data services on land, at sea, and in the air. The company also offers in-flight voice, data, safety, and cabin connectivity services for business and commercial air transport. It owns and operates 13 satellites. The company serves the aviation, government, enterprise, and maritime sectors. Inmarsat plc was founded in 1979 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom. Read More Chinese President Xi Jinping (C, rear), also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, has a talk with the new leadership of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions in Beijing, capital of China, on Oct. 29, 2018. (Xinhua/Li Xueren) BEIJING, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Monday called for mobilizing the country's hundreds of millions of workers to make accomplishments in the new era and break new ground in the cause of the workers' movement and trade unions' work. Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks during a talk with the new leadership of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU). The Workers' movement is an important part of the cause of the Party, while trade unions' work is a regular and fundamental job for the Party's governance, Xi said. He urged upholding Party leadership over trade unions' work, mobilizing hundreds of millions of workers to make accomplishments in the new era, strengthening ideological and political guidance for employees, and advancing reforms and innovations in trade unions' work. He told the ACFTU leadership to be brave to shoulder responsibilities, be enterprising and active, and make solid efforts to break new ground in the cause of workers' movement and trade unions' work in the new era. Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, joined the talk. Xi, on behalf of the CPC Central Committee, congratulated the new leadership on the success of the 17th National Congress of the ACFTU and greeted workers, model workers and trade union workers of all ethnic groups. Commenting on the work of the ACFTU and trade unions at all levels in the past five years, Xi said they made a lot of productive efforts in strengthening political guidance for workers, organizing employees' work, protecting workers' rights and interests, keeping the team of employees stable, deepening trade union reforms and innovations, and advancing Party building in the trade union system. Trade unions should be loyal to the Party's cause and put the principle of upholding Party leadership and the Chinese socialist system into the practice of workers, Xi said. He stressed upholding the authority and centralized, unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee, and ly following political stance, direction, principle and path of the committee. Trade unions should improve their ability to apply the Marxist stance, viewpoint and method to analyze and solve problems, he said. They should align the firm implementation of the Party's will with effective efforts to serve the workers, he said. Xi said the working class should be fully utilized as the main force to accomplish the targets proposed at the 19th CPC National Congress. He encouraged the country's workers to devote themselves to their jobs, strive for excellence, and make unremitting efforts to create a happy life and a bright future. Various competitions should be held with the theme of fostering new development philosophy, promoting high-quality development and building a modernized economy, he said. Faster work should be done to build a team of knowledgeable, skillful and innovative industrial workers, he said. He also demanded efforts to cultivate more model and highly-skilled workers. It is the political responsibility of trade unions to guide employees and the people in following the Party, and consolidate the class foundation and public support for the Party's governance, Xi said. Although the times have changed, the work method of coming from the people and going to the people should not be changed, he said. Trade unions should adapt to new situations and new tasks, he said. They should improve and strengthen ideological and political work for workers, and make more efforts to inspire the country's workers to embrace shared ideals, convictions, values and moral standards, Xi said. Rural workers should be included in trade unions to the largest extent to make them a new staunch and reliable force behind the working class, he said. Online work should be taken as an important platform for trade unions to link and serve the workers and to raise their penetration, guidance and influence, he said. Trade unions should adhere to the employee-centered working approach; focus on the most pressing, most immediate issues that concern the employees the most; and fulfill the obligation of safeguarding workers' rights and interests and sincerely serving workers and the people, Xi said. Work should also be done to help urban employees in difficulties out of trouble and offer timely assistance to employees who returned to poverty for different reasons, he said. As the reform of trade unions is an important component of deepening overall reform, trade unions should meet the new requirements on reforming people's organizations and create a working system of extensive connection to serve the workers, Xi said. More strength and resources should be put into the community level to unite all workers around the Party, he said. Meanwhile, the country will reinforce the education, management and supervision of trade union cadres, and improve the mechanism of linking the Party with workers and the people, he said. Party committees and governments at all levels must implement the Party's principle of wholeheartedly relying on the working class, and ensure the status of the working class as the master, Xi said. The country should also improve and strengthen the Party's leadership on the work of trade unions, move to resolve major problems in the work of those unions, build a quality and professional team of trade union cadres, and support the creative work of trade unions in accordance with laws and regulations, he added. [ Editor: Zhang Zhou ] IGP Pujith Jayasundera had instructed Senior Officers to take necessary action on any situation in Colombo today. Police Spokesman SP Ruwan Gunasekera said that the IGP and several Senior Police Officers had a special meeting in this regard this morning. He said more than 2,000 Police personnel had been deployed in Colombo, while another 600 had been deployed for traffic on the direction of the IGP. SP Gunasekera said 10 teams of the STF had also been deployed in several places in Colombo.(Darshana Sanjeewa) A 43-year-old Sri Lankan man had been arrested today on suspicion of stealing a taxi and reckless driving resulting in injury by crashing into a car as he fled from police, Japanese Police said. According to police, the incident occurred at 2:30 a.m. on Sunday, Fuji TV reported. Police said the suspect, who was drunk when apprehended, got into the taxi and drove away after the driver had left the vehicle. A police car pursued him along a national highway. The taxi then veered across the center line and drove on the wrong side of the road for approximately two kilometers, before colliding with a small car waiting for the traffic signal at an intersection. The two passengers in the car sustained minor injuries. Video footage taken by a drive recorder from a nearby vehicle showed the collision. (Japan Today) PITTSBURGH We knew it could happen here any here, anywhere when we learned that nine people were killed three years ago in the historic Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina. We knew it could happen here any here, anywhere when we learned that six were killed in the Islamic Cultural Centre of Quebec City last year. Now we know it can happen here, as anywhere, because it has. Here, last weekend, is Squirrel Hill, home of a dozen synagogues and for more than a century and a half not only the spiritual center of Pittsburgh Judaism but also a vital landmark in the history of Jews in America, along with New Yorks Lower East Side and Bostons Blue Hill Avenue, one of the vital centers of Jewish identity since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. And here amid the kosher grocery and the kosher restaurant and the kosher-style deli, and where the knotted fringes of tzitzit are familiar features at the corners of the garments of the Orthodox who walk through the area just before sundown Friday evenings it didnt require social media for the news of the shooting at the Tree of Life to spread. The news was in the air, along with the shock and the sadness, the grief and the gruesome details, the worst of which were confirmed within hours. You could hear it in the sirens that broke the stillness of the morning and shattered the serenity of the Saturday routines at the cleaners, at the shoe store, at the hotcake house. No need, of course, in a place like this to identify the name of the cleaners, the shoe store, the hotcake house. Everyone knows them, just as they know the names of almost everyone along Forbes Avenue at any time of the day. And precisely because everyone knows everyone around here the one immutable Squirrel Hill truth that is at once irritating and comforting the news that raced down the street as noon approached Saturday was about a rare stranger in this peaceful place: dread. Dread that someone you knew was in morning prayers marking the beginning of a babys new life. Dread that the police officers who sped to the scene truly there were scores of them, almost as if it were a police funeral, for it was clear that soon there could be one were in danger. Dread, too, that our country, our city, our neighborhood, our lives have come to this, and that this has come home. Before long the whole tragic scene was on television, and there was David Johnson, the WPXI anchor, on the sidewalk. He lives here, mere blocks away. On the scene, too, was Ken Rice, the KDKA anchor. He and his wife, Lauren, took their pre-marriage lessons just down the street. Then there also was the downtown businessman, a Squirrel Hill resident since he was 3 days old everyone knows his name, too, though he wont permit it to be used in this story who was in the Five Points Bakery, hard by the synagogue. He was there to buy a morning muffin for his wife. But the line was too long so he headed back home, down Wilkins Avenue and toward Fifth, and this is what he saw: There were four, maybe six officers, and they rushed into the synagogue with guns. Then I saw the officers start to fire and back out and I saw what looked like gunfire from the synagogue. And I saw an officer holding his arm being escorted out. And the next thing I knew there were cops all over the place. And the very next thing he did was call the executive editor of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, because he knew I lived only three blocks away from the synagogue and he knew this was news, of the worst but most important kind. And soon Rabbi James A. Gibson of Temple Sinai, the Reform synagogue that is nearly a neighbor of Tree of Life, was on the phone. Were stunned that the peace of Shabbat was destroyed by murderous intent and act, he said, the words spilling forth in a Niagara of disbelief unusual for a man of devout belief. We cannot comprehend what happened. Its a tragedy for us all, and especially for those who are victims. This was, to be sure, a 21st-century event. Gunfire in a house of worship. Text messages flying at the speed of bullets. (Mine came from Saskatchewan and Alberta and Ontario, from a nephew at Yeshiva University in New York, and brothers and my sister from Bostons North Shore and from neighbors the next street over.) And of course: Confusion, and then clarity, over how many dead, how many wounded. And confusion, but no clarity, about what this means, and whether the toxic political and cultural environment caused this, or merely reflected it. But one thing had clarity. At a time of peril, in a period of media disruption, people turned to the much-maligned mainstream press to find out what happened, when they needed the news most, when it counted the most, when it didnt matter whether you voted for Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton or what your definition of nationalism was. Changes in demographics, increased intermarriage and the growth of the suburbs have diluted the Jewish identity of Squirrel Hill somewhat, but it remains true, as Steven R. Weisman, author of The Chosen Wars, the most recent history of Judaism in America, put it in a phone conversation only hours after the shooting, that the fabric of American Judaism is woven into Squirrel Hill. Because this was our neighborhood, caught in the crossfire of the strains of the global village, and for once sadly, so very sadly the hurt was ours, and the victims were ours, and the need to heal is ours. For now it has happened here; for millions across this wounded nation, we are the focus of anguish and anger and solace, the it-can-happen-anywhere place of the moment. And we know, given the tempo of tragedy in these times that are ours, that the title wont be ours for long. In our grief shared across all faiths we need something to lean on, to steady us. We might reflect on the passage from Proverbs that lent its name to this place of tragedy, a reference to the metaphor describing Judaisms most sacred text, the Torah, as a tree of life, or, in transliterated Hebrew, Etz hayyim: It is a tree of life to all who hold fast to it; its ways are ways of pleasantness, and all its paths are peace. (David M. Shribman is executive editor of the Post-Gazette (dshribman@post-gazette.com, 412 263-1890). Follow him on Twitter at ShribmanPG.) ** ** ** 3 1 of 3 Tatan Syuflana Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Achmad Ibrahim Show More Show Less 3 of 3 The deadly crash of a Lion Air jet in the Java Sea has renewed questions about the safety of Indonesian airlines soon after U.S. and European regulators removed prohibitions against them. A growing middle class and affordable fares have led to a boom in air travel in Asia, putting pressure on airlines, government overseers and infrastructure to keep up. ALBANY - Local civil rights leader Alice Green wants Albany County District Attorney David Soares to step away from the investigation of a detective's shooting of a city teen. Instead, Green said, a special prosecutor should be called in to probe Detective James Olsen's decision to open fire on Ellazar Williams, 19, after a brief chase from Central Avenue to Elk Street. The Aug. 20 shooting left Williams paralyzed from the chest down. Williams was charged with felony menacing a police officer and misdemeanor weapons possession, which would be prosecuted by Soares. The conflicts you have are undeniable, Green wrote in a letter to Soares. The letter also went to Gov. Andrew Cuomo and state Attorney General Barbara Underwood. Your office cannot simultaneously prosecute and investigate Mr. Williams and Detective Olsen as defendants, or potential defendants, and then advocate for them as crime victims, arising from the same event. Soares' office said it received the letter and the matter is under review, but declined further comment. It said it does not comment on ongoing investigations. The state Attorney Generals Office said it doesnt have jurisdiction to take on the investigation, even if requested. Cuomos executive order, issued in 2015 in the wake of several controversial deaths of people in police custody, only allows the office to intervene in cases where unarmed civilians are killed during police confrontations. Many in the community have questioned if there is evidence that Williams was menacing Olsen, considering the video appears to show Williams running away when hes shot. Initially, Albany police gave conflicting reports, first stating Williams was running toward Olsen when the detective shot him, and later describing the motions of the two as fluid. Residents have been adamant that Williams was shot in the back, not the upper shoulder as characterized by police. Green said the discrepancies havent been answered by law enforcement, and people want answers. I expected the department would provide some kind of challenge, to say you got it all wrong, but that hasnt happened, she said. This thing is festering in the community whether people realize it, or not. Green cited the conflicting reports, video evidence, and the close working relationship between the district attorneys office and Olsen, as reasons for requesting outside counsel. We certainly would like for this to be resolved in an amicable way, Green said. Were hoping that the district attorney understands the importance of this for the community. If it should happen that he doesnt, we want to have an avenue to move this beyond Albany County. Green said the governors office could intervene. If theyre concerned about this case, they will find a way to do it, she said. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Cuomos office said it was looking into the matter Tuesday. Albany residents and elected officials have questioned the circumstances surrounding the shooting of Williams, which the police department deemed justified in early September. Green has been critical of the polices internal report due to the limited information officials used to make the determination, which Albany police have recognized. Williams, on the advice of his attorney, declined to be interviewed by police, leaving the departments internal investigation with Olsens account of the incident only. Bringing in a special prosecutor to investigate the matter would ensure a fair process, Green said. I think its very important for public safety and everything to make sure that someone looks at this incident as objectively as possible to find out what really happened, she said. The community wants to know what really happened. Our goal is to make sure that Ellazar is treated fairly. That there is justice in this incident. A Justice for Ellazar rally will take place at 5 p.m. Thursday at 165 Henry Johnson Blvd. Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy is hosting a Healing Moments forum in the wake of the mass shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue. The forum will focus on issues involving unity, civility, religious understanding and diversity to build trust and heal divisions, according to a news release. The public forum is set for 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at The College of Saint Rose Hubbard Interfaith Sanctuary, located at 959 Madison Ave. in Albany. Cantor Jodi Schechtman of the Congregation Beth Emeth will moderate the conversation. The panel will include Rabbi Debora S. Gordon of Congregation Berith Sholom in Troy, Imam Dr. Abdulkadir Elmi of Albany's Masjid As-Salaam, Rev. Jim Kane, director of ecumenical and interreligious affairs for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany, and Rev. Monshin Paul Naamon of the Tendai Buddhist Institute. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. The shooting, which killed 11 people at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh on Saturday, is considered to be the deadliest attack on a Jewish community in United States history. The shooting comes on the heels of an uptick in hate crimes, according to the Anti-Defamation League. Anti-Semitic incidents in the U.S. increased 57 percent from 2016 to 2017, league statistics show. New York had the highest number out of any other state in 2017, which saw an increase of 90 percent from 2016. The relevance of Donald Trumps patriotism to Sri Lanka A small book of about 150 pages containing complimentary comments by others about Presidential hopeful Donald Trump and quotable quotes from Trumps own speeches, ambiguously titled TRUMPED (New Holland Publishers Pty Ltd, London, 2016) has this mocking Trump quote in small letters at the top of the cover page just above the capitalized title: Sorry losers, but my IQ is one of the highest and you all know it! Please dont feel so stupid or insecure, its not your fault. The subtitle of this pro-Trump propaganda publication is: The wonderful world and wisdom of Donald Trump. Making the country great again slogan is not entirely without relevance when it is applied to post-2014 Sri Lanka Mind you, this was pre-election time. Most people, especially the media, expected him to be trumped at the Presidential Election, hence the title that would fit whatever outcome hed get. The short description on the title page says that he is A self-made billionaire, reality TV star, GOP candidate and 2016 Presidential hopeful. These claims are true. However, not all quotes given in this article are from this book. Trump (b.1946) was sworn in as the 45th President of the US on January 20, 2017. By now, he seems to have trumped (done better than) his predecessor Obama in both the domestic and foreign affairs departments. In The Art of the Deal (1987) that he co-authored with Tony Schwartz, he says: You cant con people, at least not for long. You can create excitement, you can do wonderful promotion and get all kinds of press, and you can throw in a little hyperbole. But if you dont deliver the goods, people will eventually catch on.As a successful businessman turned politician, he knows how to achieve success in whatever he does. That demands vision, intelligence, creativity, and in a politician in power, a sensitive heart that responds to the needs of his people. When a president delivers the goods by meeting these needs without compromising the broader national interest of the country, we can call such a President a Patriot or a nationalist, not a populist. Trump once said: When you open your heart to patriotism, there is no room for prejudice. Americans want great schools for their children, safe neighbourhoods for their families, and good jobs for themselves A minority of Sri Lankans seem to equate nationalism with what they wrongly call populism to condemn both.To them, Trump is a populist. The following Trump quote mentions some of the populist demands he focuses on as president: Americans want great schools for their children, safe neighbourhoods for their families, and good jobs for themselves. These are the just and reasonable demands of a righteous public.This is what the unashamedly populist Trump thinks about taxing people:If you reduce tax rates and allow people to spend or save more of what they earn, theyll be more industrious; theyll have more incentive to work hard, and money they earn will add fuel to the great economic machine that energizes our national progress. The result .. more prosperity for all. And more revenue for Government. Whats the relevance of Donald Trumps patriotism/nationalism to Sri Lanka? The USA, which tabled Resolution 30/1 against Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva in October 2015, has by now left that body in disgust.Sri Lanka co-sponsored this resolution against itself to its eternal shame. President Donald Trump, addressing the 73rd Session of the UN General Assembly in New York in an upbeat hour-long speech charged that the UNHRC had become A massive source of embarrassment to the United Nations. He described it as a cesspool of political bias. Probably, Sri Lanka has more reasons to make that criticism of the UN human rights body. Of course, Trump was not indulging in self-blame. He was pointing accusing fingers at others, such as Cuba and China. He expressed some smug self-satisfaction about the American economy booming under his stewardship. He vowed that the US would not return to the UNHRC unless it was reformed and that they would provide neither support nor recognition to the International Criminal Court on similar grounds. He further said,We will never surrender Americas sovereignty to an unelected, unaccountable, global bureaucracy. Sri Lanka did just that by unnecessarily succumbing to pressure exerted by vested interests inimical to the country. During the last Presidential Election which he won, his campaign slogan was Make America Great Again. Making an unmistakable allusion to that evocative phrase, Trump, a patriotic politician who puts the US national interest at the top of his priorities, as shown above, observed that the global migration crisis (Which negatively affects his country) can be resolved by encouraging every country to be great again. (Never mind that hardly any country in the world including ours exploited by Western Imperialism was ever so great in the last half a millennium as to be talking about becoming great again without an acute sense of embarrassment!). However, making the country great again slogan is not entirely without relevance when it is applied to post-2014 Sri Lanka, considering the relative greatness it steadily achieved in terms, for example, of a high growth rate, restored national security, near-complete elimination of the underworld, etc in the five years since the defeat of separatist terrorism in 2009.America was not going to sign onto a global migration pact. His stand was that individual nations should set their own policies to achieve this status. He declared: Only by upholding national borders, destroying criminal gangs, can we break this cycle. Trump said that the US would recognize (the) right of every nation in this room to set own policy.The only way to stop people from leaving their countries in search of greener pastures elsewhere was to make their countries great again.How can we be great again by doing the exact opposite of what Donald Trump is advocating here? His Sri Lankan counterpart quite justifiably urged an end to external interference in our domestic affairs at the UN General Assembly, but his swinish foreign affairs panjandrums were content to wallow in the UNHRC cesspool in Geneva. While the UN General Assembly was meeting in New York, the delegates of the non-governmental organization known as the World Patriotic Lankan Forum (WPLF) was attending parallel events at the Geneva UNHRC Sessions in a heroic attempt to defend the country unofficially as best they could in the absence of anyone from the Sri Lankan Government to do so. Professor Channa Jayasumana, who played a leading role in this endeavour is currently in the news after having made a startling revelation that might someday lead to a reversal of the world bodys policy regarding false war crimes allegations against Sri Lanka. The delegates of the WPLF claimed that the Sri Lankan embassy entertained some leading pro-separatist Tamils, who were protesting against Sri Lanka that very day in thousands, to dinner, whereas those patriots themselves were not given even a cup of tea as a sign of welcome at least. The embassy officials had told the WPLF delegates that they were following instructions from Colombo. (The hosting to dinner of leading anti-Sri Lanka demonstrators from the so-called Tamil Diaspora was denied by the ambassador later.) A Tamil woman, who had gone there to help urge war crimes allegations against the Sri Lankan Army, charged that just ten days previously some Sri Lankan Soldiers had raped eleven young Tamil women in the north! You cant con people, at least not for long. You can create excitement, you can do a wonderful promotion and get all kinds of press This was a monstrous lie. Though she was making this false allegation in the presence of a female officer from the Sri Lankan embassy in Geneva, that woman didnt lift a finger in defence of the country.She kept silent. The WPLF member, a lady, was almost in tears when she revealed this and made an emotional appeal to the Sri Lankan President, Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs to look into this treacherous conduct of the embassy staff in Geneva. She also referred to the Tamil racists attempt to introduce a false history in order to justify their separatist claims and urged Sri Lankan parents and educational authorities to resuscitate the teaching of history in our schools as in the past.In this context, the unwavering nationalism of American leaders-that is currently exemplified in Donald Trump-shows the people of Sri Lanka the way out of the present crisis. (The foregoing part of this article was written a couple of weeks ago.) At the time the WPLF activist made her cogent appeal, it fell mostly on deaf ears. But with the unexpected change of Government on October 26, 2018, a conducive environment has begun emerging for such calls for the implementation of nation-centred policies to be actively heeded. The architect of the post-2009 greatness, which was conspiratorially scuttled in 2015, is back in the saddle and is sure to be overwhelmingly confirmed in his position at future Parliamentary Elections. COHOES The Albany County district attorney's office wants to examine the financial records of the nonprofit that runs the Cohoes Community Center, which on Friday stunned the city by closing. David Mitola, the community center's board president, told the Times Union that he received the subpoena Monday. The closure came a month after the departure of executive director Curtis Hovey, who Mitola said was asked to leave primarily because of problems with Hovey's "management of the cash flow and the financial status of the center." The board's concerns included the fact that the center's payroll had increased by $200,000 since last year, with no detailed accounting of exactly what the increase was caused by. The center's total debt is estimated to be at least $300,000. Mitola said it is unclear if any criminal behavior is connected to the center's financial woes. Hovey could not be reached for comment Tuesday; District Attorney David Soares office said it could not comment "on this ongoing investigation." The closure cost the jobs of 72 full and part-time employees, and ended at least for now the center's day care program, which served parents of an estimated 29 toddlers and pre-schoolers. On Monday, the center's before- and after-school programs in the city's three elementary schools were kept open thanks to volunteers who agreed to staff the programs. Another non-profit has agreed to assume operation of the programs starting Nov. 5. The universal pre-kindergarten program, which was overseen by the center, is also run at the Cohoes city schools. "People deserve to hear from the board," said Mitola, a Cohoes dentist who has been the center's board president since earlier this year. "The people of Cohoes have a right to be concerned and a right to be upset." His remarks were the first time the center's board has addressed the closure. Last Friday, state Assemblyman John T. McDonald III a former Cohoes mayor handled questions about the center because his elderly mother, Barbara, is on the non-profit's board. "The bottom line is, we as a board had a difficult time being able to evaluate our financial records," Mitola said. "We thought there was more time before an immediate closure. But we didn't want to bring staff in and not be able to pay them." "We feel very regretful we were unable to provide people with enough notice," Mitola said. "We're very much heartbroken for the families and the staff that were impacted this way." Mitola said Hovey expressed concerns to the board in July that the center might become unable to make its payroll. The situation was temporarily resolved, but the board began questioning the center's spending and revenues. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. The 11-member volunteer board met on a quarterly basis, and Mitola said it received accounting information at each of those meetings. "We have employees who run those reports, do bookkeeping the executive director is involved with that," Mitola said. "There was nothing there that we're aware of that would indicate anything untoward. It was inaccuracy that was our problem." There was a large payment from the school district to cover the universal pre-K program that was supposed to be applied this year, but was instead applied to balance the center's 2017 budget. The board gave Hovey the authority to handle personnel decisions without needing board approval, Mitola said. But it never received clear answers about all the factors that went into the payroll budget increasing by about $200,000 other than Hovey explaining that the state's minimum wage increase was having an impact. (The hourly minimum wage in upstate New York increased from $9.70 to $10.40 at the end of 2017.) "It raises eyebrows," Mitola said. "We knew our payroll increased, as minimum wage increases, (but) ... for us, that's a big number." The center's board is awaiting the results of its yearly audit to understand its true finances. Until then, it can't move forward on any plan to reopen the building, which had a robust recreation program that included exercise classes, swim lessons and bingo. The board knows it owes $240,000 in bank loans, and $60,000 in bills. But it's unclear the number of membership refunds the center will have to reimburse. "There are more questions than answers at this point," Mitola said. BERLIN - Niels Hoegel, a 41-year old former German nurse, confessed on Tuesday to one of Europe's most gruesome mass murder cases since World War II and admitted to killing 100 patients between 2000 and 2005. Hoegel had already been sentenced to life in prison after being charged with at least six murders and several more attempts. But prosecutors pushed for a new trial after details indicated that Hoegel may have killed 100 more victims, injecting them with deadly drugs such as lidocaine and calcium chloride, according to prosecutors who said Hoegel acted out of "boredom." The death toll may be even higher than currently assumed, because some victims - ages between 34 and 96 - were cremated. More than 130 other bodies were exhumed during the investigation. As his trial got underway on Tuesday, Hoegel admitted that the accusations were largely correct. "That's the way it is," he said. His mass murder went unnoticed for years, partially because many of the patients he treated were already critically ill and because Hoegel tried to resuscitate his victims after deliberately putting them on the brink of death. In some cases, patients survived the ordeal, but records show that fatality rates regularly increased when Hoegel was on shift. More for you A German nurse was convicted of murdering two patients. Police... Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Investigators are also probing the responsibility of the hospitals where Hoegel worked. Authorities said that staff there was aware of irregularities, but failed to act. Even when Hoegel was caught administering his deadly drug cocktail to one victim in 2005, hospital officials did not immediately intervene. They only reached out to authorities after Hoegel killed yet another patient, using the same method. The nurse has claimed that he acted spontaneously and repeatedly vowed to never kill again. In 2015, he apologized for his crimes, saying that he was "honestly sorry." Hundreds of relatives backed the new trial against Hoegel, even though the former nurse's sentence won't substantially change. German criminals sentenced to life in prison usually only spend 15 years behind bars. German laws also does not allow for consecutive prison terms, so Hoegel could theoretically walk free within little more than a decade, unless he is barred from an early release at the end of the trial that is now underway. New York State Police CLIFTON PARK A 53-year-old Halfmoon man faces an illegal surveillance charge for secretly taking pictures of a woman with his cellphone, State Police said. George R. Menge Jr., was sent to the Saratoga County Jail after his arrest on Thursday, troopers said. New York State Police PITTSTOWN - A town man was arrested on Sunday after allegedly forcing another driver off the road and menacing him with a knife, State Police said. Bradley D. Morse, 28, was pulled over after the trooper spotted a car matching the victim's description that was driving 98 mph on Route 7, police said. Times Union readers were asked for memories or images from their families about World War I service. Here are their responses: A good North Albany boy Dennis Fitzgerald reports: My uncle John (Jack) J. Fitzgerald was one of 10 children living in North Albany (usually Van Woert Street, now gone). He had been named for his great-grandfather, the first of the family to come from Ireland in 1852. It was normal for the family children to leave school by the age of 12 or eighth grade and find work. The boys would usually be laborers and the girls would often work as domestics. The children had an Aunt Ann who was married and had no children. She was said to have declared, "Someone in this family must rise up!" She and her husband provided the money for John to attend CBA and he enrolled in 1913. He was not at the top of his class. Courtesy Dennis Fitzgerald At the age of 17, he and several of his neighborhood pals enlisted in the army to go to war. Two of them were Eddie Day and Jim (nicknamed "Boob") Nelson. After training at Spartanburg, S.C., John and Eddy were assigned to Company C of the 107th Infantry, Jim to a machine gun battery. The 107th mustered in NYC and crossed the Atlantic in the USS Susquehanna to Brest. Jack frequently wrote to his mother, always asking about the "baby," his youngest sister, Kate. In the predawn hours of Sept. 29, 1918, John was among those crouched anxiously in a trench between the French cities of St. Quentin and Cambria. Gen. John Pershing's U. S. First Army had pushed a demoralized German army back to their final defense, an intricate system of tunnels, trenches and canals known as the Hindenburg Line. An artillery barrage was about to kick off an assault on the line. The Germans boasted that it was impregnable. At 5:50 a.m. the order came, "On your feet!" A few seconds later, the artillery barrage began to thunder down and the soldiers moved forward at a fast walk. Scarcely twenty-five yards from the start the first wave ran into withering machine gun fire. The line did not hesitate but kept on advancing, bending down to bayonet defenders. Soon most of the tanks were on fire, having been hit by mines and artillery. Still, the troops kept advancing. They took murderous fire from the left flank where support troops were supposed to provide cover but were somehow delayed. The line hesitated, attempted to advance but then stopped as men began diving into any hole or rut that they could find and then tried to move forward by crawling. Later, the Fitzgerald family would be told that John, probably already wounded, tried to get to one of his friends, already shot and laying on the ground. His buddies shouted to him to stay still but a sniper's bullet killed him as he ignored their words. He was 17 years old. All three of them were killed, Jim dying two days later. They were buried in a battlefield cemetery in France. Another North Albany boy, Thomas Cummings, wrote home from a hospital in England: "....I had been tenting with Will Gallagher ever since we landed in France and when he was killed I was awfully upset and downhearted. John Fitzgerald and Jim Nelson, two more good North Albany boys were also killed that day and say, boy but they fought like demons. There were no braver men in France than those three boys and North Albany has good reason to be proud of them." "John" became a revered name in the Fitzgerald family and it was used by many of his siblings. One of John's surviving buddies, Jack Waters, later visited the Fitzgerald family to pay his respects. He had been gassed in the war. John's sister Mary answered the door. She was home from Lake Placid where she lived with Aunt Ann and worked at the Lake Placid club. She would marry Jack Waters in 1922. After the war, the government gave families the option of bringing the bodies home. Some families said to let them rest. Other families like the Fitzgeralds, Days and Nelsons wanted their sons to come home. They did so in 1921. The three boys rest together in a line at St. Agnes Cemetery, according to their mothers' wishes. Soldier survived czar, gas attack Ed Bablin's story: My grandfather, Michael Kerbelis, never talked about his war experiences. In fact, my father, a survivor of Normandy, told me Grandpa said very little except that now and then he felt the effects of mustard gas. Ed Bablin I remembered him as a peace loving, quiet man who told me as a little child, "always be honest and good to people, always respect your country always say nice things to people." On a sunny June day in 1976, he died of a massive heart attack while driving me to school. The car came to a stop in the middle the road, he put his hand on my shoulder, looked at me, fell and died in my lap. I was 15 years old at the time. Kerbelis came to America in 1905 alone at the age of 15 to live with a cousin who sponsored him. He came from czarist-occupied Lithuania, then a part of Russia, to avoid tyranny. But America was a different story then. In New York harbor a lady with a lamp lit the world. She was saying give me your poor, your tired, your yearning to breath free. This is what my grandfather had in 1905, the intense yearning for freedom. He moved to upstate New York where he had relatives. He was drafted in Amsterdam on Sept 21, 1917, the first to be assigned with the 303 Infantry Trench Mortar unit. He participated in the Argonne/Meuse offensive. In a period of just two months he was transferred from the 303rd, to 162nd, and finally 359th infantry. He was gassed at the St. Mihiel-Salient sometime between Oct. 3 and 4, 1918. Treated first at the French army hospital, he was released and came home in April 1919. Later, he was awarded the Purple Heart. During the next 50 years, he married, raised a family, became a successful businessman, spoiled his grandchildren including me and lived in Amsterdam. Finding any details of his war story, of his experience in war-torn France in 1918 was challenging because he didn't want to talk about it, as far as I can find out he never talked about. "But I want to share this now with everyone in this 100th anniversary of my grandfather's sacrifice in World War I," Bablin said. Jim Hoffman A wooden shoe Jim Hoffman of Delmar says his grandfather James J. Reilly purchased a wooden shoe in Belgium or Holland following the Armistice, and on the troop ship back from Europe carved "France" and "1918" into it. "He obviously wasn't an expert at it, as he made the letters too big to fit on the shoe correctly, but since he was on his way back he had no way to correct it. This and a banner he received that is very fragile are the only mementos we still have from The Great War," he says. Reilly, who lived most of his life in Brooklyn, may have been in the Rainbow Division, but Hoffman wasn't certain. 'All of those who done their part' From Eileen O'Dea Roach comes this story of her father, Leo P. O'Dea, who was an upholsterer in St. John's, Newfoundland before enlisting as the 186th soldier of the "First Five Hundred" of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment known as the "Blue Puttees." They sailed the H.M.S. Florizel with 517 volunteers to join a Canadian convoy bound for England. Eileen O'Dea Roach Enlisted, Sept. 4, 1914; Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. British Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, Aug. 20, 1915; British Expeditionary Force, March 14, 1916; Wounded, Beaumont Hamel, July 1, 1916; Invalided to England, July 4, 1916; Returned to British Expeditionary Force, March 25, 1917; Lance Corporal, April 16, 1917; Wounded, Mesnieres, Nov. 30, 1917; Invalided to England, Dec. 7, 1917; Acting Corporal, March 6, 1918; Acting Sergeant, May 29, 1918; Returned to Newfoundland, furlough, July 21, 1918; Demobilized, St. John's, Feb. 15, 1919 (From The First Five Hundred, Published by C.F. Williams & Sons, Inc., Albany, NY). Medals awarded him were: 1914-15 Star for onshore service within theatres of military operations in the Battles of Gallipoli and Beaumont Hamel; British War Medal awarded by King George V in 1919 to record the war successfully concluded, arduous services rendered by the British Expeditionary Force, and Victory Medal inscribed "The Great War for Civilization." In a poignant letter handwritten July 23, 1925 to the Officer in Charge Militia in Newfoundland, he wrote: Sir. It has taken me a long time to take a pen to ask of you a favor of a needed article. About one year ago, I missed (misplaced) my honnery [honorary] discharge papers connected with my army experiences and as I have on several occasions had opportunities of which I could not get interested in but at present I have been called to the fore this time for promotion. I have been connected with the NYCRR since my arrival to the U.N.S. (U.S.A.) and as I could not find words to express my gratitude and appreciation to the above named company, their system of working and conditions they have for their workmen cannot be excelled. I would be greatly obliged to you if you would forward me a Certificate of Discharge. Also I would like you to send me a recommendation if it is possible. Thanking you in anticipation. If the following Vets are alive convey my kindest regards to Geo. Carty, Gerald Barne, Joey Nuns, Hubert Berridge, Charles Field, Willy West and all the boys. I wish success and happiness to all of those who done their part to stem the tide of the Greatest War in History and I hope that Terra Nova will arise out of the depth which she fell in on account of that great catastrophe. I feel that I could write on forever, but at present my attentions are fully occupied. My Best respects to those who may be interested. My family are all well thank God for my success in the past four years. I will expect an answer by return mail. Thanking you again. Sincerely yours, #186 Ex. Sergt. Leo O'Dea 187 3rd Street Albany, New York, U.S.A." TROY Experience versus ethics is what the candidates running for Rensselaer County district attorney reduced their campaigns to in the closing minutes Monday night in their only debate before the Nov. 6 election. Republican District Attorney Joel E. Abelove went with his 23 years of experience as a prosecutor for the county, state and Army to argue why he should be re-elected to a second four-year term. Democratic candidate Mary Pat Donnelly, a former East Greenbush town justice, countered with the ethical and criminal issues Abelove has faced. Both candidates agreed the differences between them couldnt be more stark. My opponent has never prosecuted a single case in the state of New York, Abelove said. To trust the significant position of district attorney to somebody who says I watched it happened is like saying my daughter loves Law and Order, so shes qualified to be district attorney, Abelove said. Donnelly said she entered the race because she could see the district attorneys office was not being run properly. She said she would not use the office to benefit political friends and pursue enemies. The experience I have is absolutely crucial to running a district attorneys office. It is not just the law, it is the ethical background to do the right thing all of the time, said Donnelly, who works as an attorney in the Albany city courts advising judges. I have not been a prosecutor. I have not been investigated by a grand jury. And I also have not been indicted by a grand jury, Donnelly said about her New York experience, although she was a prosecutor in Vermont. Abelove opened the forum by attempting to neutralize the state Attorney General Offices investigation of his actions in handling a fatal Troy police shooting of a DWI suspect in April 2016. Abelove was indicted on two misdemeanors and felony perjury for allegedly lying to the grand jury. The charges were dismissed by Acting State Supreme Court Justice Jonathan Nichols of Columbia County. But, the attorney general has moved to appeal the decision, which currently is pending. About 150 people attended the nearly 90-minute-long candidates forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Chapel and Cultural Center. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Donnelly criticized Abelove for the high turnover rate of assistant district attorneys, which she was more than 30. Donnelly, an enrolled Independence voter, said this was due to the way that Abelove ran the office, not just salaries. Abelove said he had taken steps to raise salaries and to mentor young assistant district attorneys. He said staff turnover is a problem that local district attorneys face as a result of higher salaries in private practice. Abelove said he was proud of a 90 percent conviction rate. Donnelly countered that he had an 89.5 percent conviction rate for drug crimes but that it dropped to 68 percent in other categories. She also condemned his office for not handling felony cases on a timely basis, which led to high dismissal rates when the cases were sent back to the local courts from county court. Abelove said he never heard from town justices about concerns about how cases were handled. Donnelly said she called Abelove but never had her calls returned. The two candidates also exchanged jabs on the use of forfeiture funds. Donnelly criticized Ableove for purchasing vehicles for himself and his investigators. Abelove said the cars were needed for the office and it saved money for the county. Abelove questioned Donnellys proposal for using forfeiture funds for helping to reopen Troys closed pools. Donnelly said the funds can be used as a way of preventing crime by providing activities for children. Schoharie County District Attorney Susan J. Mallery was already a pioneer. Now she is in the national spotlight even if she does not want to be. "I prefer to just do my job and I have no interest in that," she said. The 50-year-old prosecutor, who in January became the first woman elected district attorney in the rural county, is prosecuting the case of Nauman Hussain, 28, of Cohoes, who is charged with criminally negligent homicide in the limousine crash that killed 20 people on Oct. 6. It was the deadliest transportation incident in the United States in nine years. Mallery has not seen anything before like the horrifying crash outside the Apple Barrel Cafe on Route 30A. "The loss of lives and the impact on our first responders is unique," Mallery said. She is prosecuting a big case with a small staff. This is not Albany County, where District Attorney David Soares commands a staff of 32 prosecutors, including three or four prosecutors specifically assigned to a motor vehicle crimes, in addition to some 30 other staffers. Mallery has a staff of five, only three of whom (herself included) are prosecutors. "This is pretty big," retired Judge Daniel Lamont, who as an acting Supreme Court justice for several years in Albany presided over high-profile cases, said of the limousine catastrophe. Lamont lives in Cobleskill and knows Schoharie County well: His family goes back five generations there. He served as a county, family and surrogate's court judge in Schoharie County before he was appointed to the state Court of Claims. Notoriety of the Hussain case aside, Lamont said he saw no reason why Mallery would have any problems handling it. Asked if prosecuting Hussain will take away from her office's ability to try other cases, Mallery laughed. "Let's just say when you're a district attorney for a small county, it is not a 40-hour work week," Mallery, a married mother of two children, said. "That morning of the crash, it became a criminal investigation at 3 a.m. when I got a call into the State Police. I went to the scene. I went and did research. I went to the autopsies and then to the different Princetown and Latham state trooper barracks. It is not a nine-to-five job. If you sign up for that you're going to be disappointed." Mallery said her county has many older attorneys and a lack of younger lawyers in place to succeed them. "That's a huge concern of mine. I've brought it up to the bar association multiple times," she said. "It's a unique place to practice, but you are used to having the high caseload because there aren't a lot of attorneys." The graduate of Cobleskill High School, Syracuse University and Albany Law School started out as as a defense lawyer for four years and then spent 20 years as an assistant district attorney. A Republican, she ran on the GOP line as well as the Conservative and Independence parties' lines, last November to succeed retiring District Attorney James Sacket, who had served five terms. "I grew up in Schoharie County. I was born and raised here. I left a solid practice because I wanted to take care of the law enforcement for Schoharie County," said Mallery, whose father, Roger Mallery, was district attorney for 11 years. "I knew what I was getting into when I took the job as DA." Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Mallery explained the terrain. "In a larger county you would have an ADA who did just sexual assaults or did just vehicular crimes or just DNA cases. In a rural county, you may not have 50 of one ... but we do have to be on top of everything for every article of the penal law," she said. "So we may have a paper crime or it's a fraud or a filing a false instrument. We may have a homicide. We have multiple stabbings this year that we're trying. So we get all the areas of the penal law. This year, we've had a lot of child pornography." Mallery said: "We've had some high-profile cases. To me, every case is important. If you have a rape victim, that is the only case she wants to hear you focus on so that's what we do." In a change of venue, Schoharie County was the setting for two of the four trials of Binghamton-area car dealer Cal Harris, who in 2016 was acquitted of the Sept. 11, 2001 murder of his wife Michele. Tioga County District Attorney Kirk Martin prosecuted the Harris case with assistance from the state attorney general's office, which lent former Albany County District Attorney Paul Clyne to support Martin. When asked, Mallery said she already reached out to the attorney general's office, as well as the New York Prosecutors Training Institute and state district attorney's association. In a county with limited resources, Mallery already works with prosecutors in neighboring counties - Schoharie borders five - when necessary. "I will marshal all the resources necessary that are available," she said. "When you work for a rural DA's office, it's a passion. It's a commitment." ALBANY A week before the Nov. 6 midterms, Green Party nominee for Congressional District 19 Steve Greenfield is polling at 1 percent, but says he would do it again. Operating on a shoe-string budget in one of the most expensive and competitive contests in the country, the 57-year-old musician and father of three from New Paltz has traversed the district, connecting with farmers concerned about global warming, liberals worried about war and healthcare, and many disenchanted by the two-party system. Playing saxophone and piano for a 1950s cover band, Greenfield is a regular face at summer concert series. He served two terms on the New Paltz Board of Education and is a volunteer firefighter. Greenfield has no delusions about winning, but says the opportunity to sound the alarm on foreign policy and environmental issues has been worthwhile. The race has been dominated by the battle between freshman U.S. Rep. John Faso, R-Kinderhook, and Democratic challenger Antonio Delgado, an attorney from Rhinebeck. Actress Diane Neal, of Hurley, is also running independently. What is your background? I was born in the Bronx, raised in Queens. I grew up in a working-class family, with stay-at-home mom. My father was an estimator for an electrical contracting company. I was an Eagle Scout, got good grades, and by the time I was 15, I played in the All-City High School band. Queens was not a conducive environment for me, so at 17, I moved to Manhattan and enrolled in Columbia University and studied economics. It was 1980, during the Reagan-Carter election; I figured it would be something good to know as an informed voter, and it has served me well. I went directly into playing music. The music I played was kind of underground; I was not looking to be a rock star. Now I maintain part of my musical life down in New York City a sort of post-CBGB scene and the other half is up here, where I play parks, car shows, that type of thing. Where do music and politics intersect? Art is communication. There are a lot of similarities to communicating through art and public activism. The two have always been tied together. Some people write jingles for their campaigns. I let the ball drop on that one, but if I run again and have more time to prepare, I'll write a jingle. What motivated you to run for Congress? It's very hard for a small party to run a candidate for office that is qualified, so there was encouragement from the Green Party, but the decision was largely my own. It stemmed from looking at the seven people in the Democratic primary and not a single one had held office before. Almost all of them were from outside the district. Most significantly, because it's a big decision to put yourself at risk like this, I can't believe it's 2018 and liberal platforms carry no mention of war and poverty. How does the Green Party appeal to the GOP? Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Farmers tend historically to vote Republican. But I knew, going into Farm Bureau events that they really got harmed by tariffs, and are concerned about global warming. Farmers are figuring out that early flowering, invasive species, plant and livestock disease, water supply problems all impact the core function of agriculture. Farmers are scientists at the end of the day. They deal with botany. They deal with chemistry. They are also concerned about healthcare. This has been quite an education for me. The liberal-conservative dichotomy is not what it used to be. What about critics calling you a "spoiler" when Democrats are trying to flip the House? Just as there are habitual Republican and Democratic voters, there are habitual protest voters. If voters aren't interested in the candidates, they stay home. The premise of spoiling is something that was manufactured by the Democratic Party so that the voters that align themselves with the Democratic Party will challenge me rather than challenge the Democratic leaders about why their platform is so unappealing to voters. Would you be disappointed if Faso wins? Go to Delgado's website. You will not find the words "war," "peace," or "poverty" anywhere in his campaign. I would be less disappointed if Delgado won than if Faso won, for one reason. All of us outside the Republican party socialists, Greens, Democrats agree that Donald Trump's ability to control the federal legislative agenda has to be interrupted. That's just common sense. I also know that all of the things that I care about in this country are not going to happen if Delgado wins. International rating agency Moodys Investors Service yesterday said the political crisis unfolding in Sri Lanka with the sudden appointment of former president Mahinda Rajapaksa in place of Ranil Wickremesinghe is credit negative for the sovereign. In a shocking move, President Maithripala Sirisena appointed the former strongman Rajapaksa to the premiership last Friday, sacking Wickremesinghe from the post and prorogued Parliament till November 16. However, Wickremesinghe is still clinging on to his post and has not vacated Temple Trees, Prime Ministers official residence, claiming the new appointment is unconstitutional and he still can show the majority support in the 225-member assembly.Parties supporting Wickremesinghe yesterday urged the Speaker to reconvene Parliament to put the current impasse to rest. The current political crisis in Sri Lanka is credit negative for the sovereign. The presidents sudden appointment of Rajapaksa as Prime Minister significantly heightens policy uncertainty, said Moodys Sovereign Risk Group Analyst Matthew Circosta. Moodys maintains a speculative grade B1 rating with a Negative outlook on Sri Lanka due to the sovereigns high government debt, very low debt affordability and fragile external payments position. A former deputy governor and political and economic commentator Dr. W.A. Wijewardena yesterday called the current situation in Sri Lanka as unprecedented in the history of Sri Lanka and said whatever its outcome, it has far-reaching social, political and economic consequences. In his weekly column to our sister paper Daily FT, he said among other things the economy would be the main casualty and urged the parties to resolve it quickly or perish as the economy is already in a fragile state with growth at its lowest, weak external sector and unmanageable budget leading to more borrowings and money printing by the Central Bank. Additionally, the possible social tensions that may unfold in the next few weeks would have a negative impact on the economy, which is already growing slowly, Circosta said expressing similar sentiments. As the planned budget for November 5 is in disarray, it is highly expected that the new populist government led by Rajapaksa to announce a raft of concessions to the people on November 16, when Parliament is re-summoned, to remain popular until the next parliamentary polls. Such action would certainly throw away the governments medium-term fiscal consolidation agenda eroding investor confidence. And at a time when global financial markets are turbulent, uncertainty about the direction of future policy could have a large and lasting negative impact on international investor confidence. Such a development would undermine Sri Lankas ability to refinance the forthcoming external debt in early 2019 at affordable costs, Circosta said. Chambers urge to resolve crisis democratically The business chambers operating in the country yesterday urged the political authorities to resolve the issues through democratically established institutions as early as possible, as the current political uncertainty could have adverse consequences to the country, if it remains unsolved. We request the political authorities to resolve the issues through the democratically established institutions as early as possible. We appeal to the political parties to ensure that law and order prevails and that danger to the life and property of citizens is prevented. All parties should act in the best interests of our country, our people and the national economy, joint chambers of commerce said in their statement. The joint chambers include the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Chamber of Construction Industry Sri Lanka, Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs, Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sri Lanka, Joint Apparel Association Forum, National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka and National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka. Former Petroleum Minister Arjuna Ranatunga who was arrested by the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) was released a short while ago on bail after being produced before Colombo Chief Magistrates Court.. When the case was taken up before Colombo Additional Magistrate Priyantha Liyanage, the Magistrate ordered to release the MP on a surety bail of Rs. 500,000. MP Ranatunga was arrested by the CCD over allegedly trespassing into the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) premises in Dematgoda on last Sunday and inflecting minor injuries. Meanwhile, the MSD Officer who was arrested over carrying out the shooting at CPC was remanded till November 12 by Colombo Chief Magistrates Court. One individual was killed and two others were injured due to the shooting incident at CPC on last Sunday evening. The deceased was identified as M.R.P.A Rajapaksa (34). (Yoshitha Perera) Video by Prasanna Pix by Kushan Pathiraja THE ISSUE: Bombs and guns are added to our already incendiary political discourse. THE STAKES: Will politicians especially the president help quench the fires or keep fanning the flames? Pipe bombs in the mail, semiautomatic gunfire in a synagogue. Two suspects filled with hatred hatred stoked into rage by a vicious political discourse that has become so common that the only surprise is that we are still surprised to see it boil over into violence. And President Donald Trump's greatest concern? That it distracts from politics. In a tweet between the discovery of 14 pipe bombs mailed around the country to various Democratic, liberal, and media figures and the slaughter of 11 people at a Jewish temple in Pittsburgh, the president of the United States lamented: "Republicans are doing so well in early voting, and at the polls, and now this "Bomb" stuff happens and the momentum greatly slows news not talking politics. Very unfortunate, what is going on." Unfortunate that the news is covering the terrorizing of the president's political critics rather than his speculation about who's voting for whom? After a rote, scripted call for unity, Mr. Trump went right back to stoking the rage with the outrageous claim that the root of last week's violence is not the incendiary rhetoric some ripped right from his campaign in which the suspects bathed themselves, but the press, which he called "the true Enemy of the People." By Monday, the bombs and temple massacre were distant memories; the president was attacking political foes and revving up fear of invasion by a caravan of people fleeing violence in Central America. The president did have one suggestion in response to Saturday's shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue a shooting that appears to have been the worst anti-Semitic attack in U.S. history: more armed guards. This is a solution? Where won't we need them? Churches? Synagogues? Mosques? Movie theaters? Shopping malls? Libraries? Night clubs? Outdoor concerts? Schools? And with four highly trained police wounded Saturday, just how many armed guards do we need for this task? Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. What we need is intelligent gun control in America, including laws that stem proliferation of high-powered, high-capacity semiautomatic weapons designed for war, not peaceful society. We need politicians like Mr. Trump to stop saying gun violence has nothing to do with guns, or that it's some vague mental health problem that we just need to get our arms around in some indefinite future. We need politicians like Mr. Trump to stop vilifying their critics and political opponents as traitors and criminals, and to stop blithely using buzzwords that have special meaning in racist and anti-Semitic circles. We need politicians like Mr. Trump and Vice President Mike Pence to stop engaging in incendiary speculation about Middle Eastern terrorists hiding among Honduran refugees. We need them to talk about constructive solutions, like intelligent assistance to help countries combat violence and improve their economies, not threaten to close our border and cut off aid. And we need politicians like Mr. Trump to do what this president so far will not: Stop fanning the flames. Stop stoking the rage. Any horror movie fans worth their blood-drenched carving knives know that the brooding houses where villains stalk victims are often central to the most memorable moments in these gruesome flicks. Remember when Michael Myers falls off the balcony in "Halloween"? Or the haunted cookie-cutter suburban home in "Poltergeist"? How about the ending of "The Exorcist," when a possessed Father Damien Karras hurls himself out the bedroom window and tumbles down the stairs to his death? These homes were integral to the horror. So as the ultimate Halloween treat, we decided to do a bit of real estate stalking of our own to locate the actual abodes used in five classic horror movies to see how they've held up, and how much they're worth today. To our delight, some of themsuch as the "Poltergeist" housestill look like they did in the films, just with taller trees or a new paint job. While none of these iconic places is currently for sale, it's worth noting that all of them have an estimated value higher than the neighborhood median listing price. Could it be their spooky cinematic cachet? Or maybe it's just that they're all rather nice places (at least, by the light of day). Dying to learn more about these infamous properties? Take a look belowif you dare. Unlike earlier horror movies that took place in creepy Gothic mansions, the home of the Freeling family in "Poltergeist" is an average four-bed, three-bath tract house in the suburbs. And that's just how producer Steven Spielberg wanted it. The property in Simi Valley, a bedroom community 40 minutes from downtown Los Angeles, was chosen because of how commonplace it looks. READ ALSO: San Antonio, Central Texas homes for sale that are in foreclosure Steven liked that house because it was the end of the road. It was a two-story, valley-type mock Tudor, and it just fit everything. ... He always wanted to be in normal residential areas, Jim Spencer, the production designer on the 1982 horror film, told Yahoo. Today, the house looks nearly identical to its celluloid self, save for the full-grown trees in the front yard that were just saplings during filming in the '80s. The home may be valued just about $150,000 more than the median listing price in Simi Valley, but we wouldn't be surprised to see this iconic abode fetch top dollar from a horror movie buff, if it ever were to go on sale. Although this famous flick is set in the fictional town of Haddonfield, IL, the unassuming Cape Codstyle home that's the site of the final showdown between baby sitter Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) and murderous bro Michael Myers is actually located in Los Angeles. Of the five houses we looked at, this was the only one whose exterior and interior were used. The ultralow-budget film was shot in spring 1978, so the production team painted dozens of bags of fake leaves and sprinkled them around the house and streets to make it look like fall. Today, the four-bedroom, two-bathroom house is valued at just a smidge under $2.7 millionnot too shabby for a place that will give every visitor nightmares. "The Exorcist" is considered one of the most disturbing films of all time, and most of the horrific happenings take place in the well-appointed home of Chris MacNeil and her daughter, Regan. While the action inside the home was filmed in a studio in New York City, production chose a traditional brick house in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, DC, the city where the film takes place. Fun fact: The staircase where Father Damien Karras dies is located close to the MacNeil house, although not as close as the film makes it look. The film crew had to build an extension of the front of the house in order to stage the scene of Karras falling from Regan's bedroom window onto the stairs. The stairs were also padded with rubber so the stuntman wouldn't get seriously injured rolling down them, according to USA Today. Anyone who has read the original "Amityville Horror" book or seen any of the movies knows that the real murders that inspired this (um, fictional) story happened at 108 Ocean Ave. in the town of Amityville on Long Island, NY. But since the town was unwilling to allow filming to take place there, the production team chose this four-bed, two-bath home in Toms River, NJ, to be immortalized in the 1979 film. Exterior shots were filmed at the Toms River property, while the interior scenes were captured on a sound stage at MGM Studios in Los Angeles. Although the home is currently valued at a little more than $1 million, the recent real estate history of this home is a sad tale. Listed in 2011 for $1.45 million, it languished on the market and endured steady price cuts for two years until, in July 2013, it sold for a measly $350,000. Just a few blocks from the "Halloween" house is another iconic piece of real estate: the house where Freddy Krueger stalks Nancy Thompson in Wes Craven's 1984 film, "A Nightmare on Elm Street." The movie took place in the suburban town of Springwood, OH, but the real house is on a tree-lined street in Los Angeles. The three-bed, four-bath house sold in 2013 for $2.1 million, and its estimated value has crept up to $2.6 millionmuch higher than the neighborhood median listing price. Interior shots were filmed on a set in Los Angeles where the crew could facilitate such famous scenes as a bed spewing a geyser of blood, a special effect that took 80 gallons of water and red paint that was then poured through an upside-down set, according to IFC. The post From 'Halloween' to 'The Amityville Horror,' What Classic Horror-Film Houses Really Cost appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com. Turas Nua has announced they are increasing their efforts to work with more employers in Tipperary and are targeting an additional 450 businesses and organisations over the course of the coming year. This is on top of the 1,394 employers they are already working with in the county. The employment activation organisation delivers the JobPath programme on behalf of the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection in 13 counties across the southern half of the Republic of Ireland. They are now placing approximately 1,000 people in jobs each month. In Tipperary they have already helped 1,876 people find work and expect that number to increase further over the course of the coming year. Turas Nua help prepare the long term unemployed (ie those out of work for 12 months or longer) to secure and sustain employment. Across their entire area of operations Turas Nua has now placed more than 20,000 long term unemployed people in work. While a total of 12,463 people in Tipperary have participated in training courses delivered as part of the bespoke training programme provided by Turas Nua for each participant. For the next phase of their operations, Turas Nua is looking to add to their roster of employers and will be making a push across their area of operations to add an additional 5,000 employers to their roster over the next 12 months. This will bring the total number of employers they work with to over 20,000. Turas Nuas employer service includes the provision of training and development courses that are specifically designed to meet the employers requirements, onsite visits to ensure the employers needs are being addressed, detailed candidate screening, the provision of off-site interview space as well as advice on how employers can progress their workforce and access free employee training. Speaking about the focus on attracting more Tipperary employers, Colin Donnery, Director with Turas Nua said, We are making a concentrated effort over the coming year to work with additional employers from throughout Tipperary. This includes employers of all sizes, from household name brands to local operations and start-up businesses. Employers large and small have all seen how we can tailor our approach to give them what they need. That focus applies both during the recruitment process and in the provision of post hire support. This approach has helped us work with most of our employer partners in Tipperary again and again as new job opportunities arise, involving fresh needs for the employer. We are here to help improve the entire employment activation process. That means working with employers as well as jobseekers. Which is why we have put a lot of focus into developing a strong package of support for employers. Creating employment opportunities has never been a numbers game, it is a qualitative process which needs to benefit both the job holder and the employer. We understand that employers dont just want employees, they want the right employees. We are delighted that Turas Nua is already working with a large and growing contingent of Tipperary employers who value our service. We are constantly seeking to help enable more successful employment placements. We are now seeking to bring our services to an additional 450 employers in Tipperary over the course of the coming year. We expect the number of Tipperary companies we are working with to keep growing, meaning more jobseekers can secure lasting jobs and more employers can thrive by securing the staff they require to fulfil their business needs, Mr. Donnery concluded. A Roscrea man who assaulted another man in the local shopping centre and stole cash and property belonging to the victim has been jailed for a total of four years by Nenagh Circuit Court. Christoper McCarthy of Sheehane, Roscrea, had pleaded at an earlier court to assault but contested a robbery charge before the circuit court in October. However, on the second day of the trial he pleaded to theft, which was accepted by the court. Sgt Mark Kelly told the court that on December 20, 2017, both Mr McCarthy and his victim, James McCarthy were drinking in the injured party's home at Chapel Lane, Roscrea. They consumed a large of amount of drink and went to get more from a local off-licence. They went into the toilets in Roscrea Shopping Centre where a dispute arose and they began pushing and shoving. They fell down the stairs in what Sgt Kelly described as a drunken brawl before Christopher McCarthy punched his victim in the head and kicked him in the head on a number of occasions. Much of the incident was captured on CCTV belonging to the shopping centre. The centre's manager witnessed the incident and attempted to intervene. He opened a side door to a laneway and asked them to leave. Christopher McCarthy pulled his victim, who was unconscious, into the laneway and the assault continued there. Both men had a quantity of cash amounting to 520 and Mr McCarthy ended up with his victim's cash and phone. He later asked the Gardai to return 410 and a phone and glasses to James McCarthy. Christopher McCarthy had also resisted arrest and was verbally abusive to the Gardai, Sgt Kelly said. The defendant was shown CCTV footage of the incident last January and agreed he appeared to be punching and kicking his victim, for which he apologised. Sgt Kelly agreed with Dermot Cahill, BL, for Mr McCarthy, that the defendant was a danger to himself and others with drink taken. I agree he accepts he went too far during a drunken brawl, said Sgt Kelly. He is a Jekyll and Hyde with drink taken. Sgt Kelly said Mr Carthy had to address his drink problem. The court heard that Mr McCarthy had 143 previous convictions. He came from a large family and had 18 siblings. Life would have been rough growing up, said Sgt Kelly. Mr Cahill told the court that his client was a tragic figure who resorted to drink to deal with his dysfunctional life. He has asked for a part suspended sentence because he hasn't given up on himself, said Mr Cahill. Mr McCarthy told the court he wanted to say sorry to all those involved. When I drink, I say things I don't really mean. I'm going through a bad time in jail as I am on lock-down. James McCarthy submitted a Victim Impact Statement in which he said that he had been meant to visit his children in the UK prior to the assault but didn't go because he didn't want them to see his condition. My children won't talk to me because I didn't go over, he said. He was afraid to go out on his own now and mainly stayed at home except for going to the shops. Judge Tom Teehan described Mr McCarthy's court record as appalling. He said the defendant knew well enough that when he had drink taken he was likely to commit a crime. He said the sheer savagery of the assault had seen Mr McCarthy kick his victim in the facial area while on the ground and unconscious, which, he said could have resulted in far more serious charges. Judge Teehan pointed out that the theft charge brought a longer sentence than the assault charge, which was a violation of bodily integrity. The maximum for theft is twice that for assault and that is something our legislators have a lot to apologise for, he said. But I have to take the law as I find it. He jailed Mr McCarthy for four years for assault and for five years for theft, concurrent. However, he suspended the final year providing Mr McCarthy enter a bond of 100 to keep the peace for two year on his release from prison. [October 29, 2018] Lime Announces David Richter as Chief Business Officer to Help Accelerate the Growth of the Leading Last-Mile Mobility Company SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Lime announced the hiring of its first Chief Business Officer, adding longtime business development executive and start-up veteran David Richter to its C-suite. Richter will serve in the newly-created role of Chief Business Officer as well as interim Chief Financial Officer. "As Lime continues to grow, David will bring in unparalleled expertise, particularly in the realm of business development and corporate partnerships, as well as in managing our overall business strategy and deal flow," said Toby Sun, Lime Co-Founder and CEO. "His leadership experience, coupled with his keen understanding of the fast-moving shared mobility industry will be a huge advantage to our company as we continue to expand our global footprint." As Lime's first CBO, David will partner with Mr. Sun and Brad Bao, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman, in oversight of the business side of the company. "I'm thrilled to join this exciting company and diverse team during a period of tremendous growth and potential," said David Richter. "The ability to provde a true first-mile/last-mile mobility solution is a life-changing proposition for so many people in cities around the world. I look forward to working with our partners and stakeholders to help Lime grow to its fullest potential." Previously a member of the Uber Executive Leadership Team, Richter was hired as Uber's Vice President of Strategic Initiatives in 2014 and later named Vice President, Global Head of Business and Corporate Development. His portfolio grew to include the global business development team, corporate development and experiential marketing. David played a key role in a number of Uber's corporate partnerships that helped the company become a truly global business. Additionally, over the past two decades, David has held a wide variety of leadership roles at a number of tech start-ups. David will be based at Lime's headquarters office in San Francisco, California. About Lime Lime is revolutionizing mobility in cities and campuses by empowering residents with a greener, more efficient, and affordable transportation option that also improves urban sustainability. By partnering with local key stakeholders and systematically deploying a fleet of smart-bikes that are enabled with GPS, wireless technology, and self-activating locks, Lime will dramatically improve urban mobility by making the first and last mile faster, cheaper, and healthier for riders. Since launching in June 2017, the company has expanded internationally to over 120 US and European Markets, across 10 countries and deployed electric scooters, electric-assist bikes, and multiple models of their standard pedal bike. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lime-announces-david-richter-as-chief-business-officer-to-help-accelerate-the-growth-of-the-leading-last-mile-mobility-company-300739845.html SOURCE Lime [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] The joint opposition said yesterday there was no need for President Maithripala Sirisena to consult the Speaker when proroguing Parliament. SLPP Chairman G.L. Peiris said the power to prorogue Parliament belongs to the President under the Constitution. He is under no obligation to consult the Speaker, he said and added that Parliament was prorogued to give adequate time for the new government of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa to prepare a vote of account to run the government for up to March 31, 2019. Prof. Peiris said though a fully fledged budget could not be prepared within such a short period and pointed out that some thing similar happened when a new government was formed in 1994. He said the Speaker had been suddenly awakened suddenly on this matter though he remained silent when PC elections were delayed. (Kelum Bandara) [October 29, 2018] ACCESS Manufacturing Systems, Inc. Proudly Announces Launch of New Website SALEM, N.H., Oct. 29, 2018 ACCESS Manufacturing Systems, the largest CAMWorks reseller in the world, headquartered in Salem, NH, announced the launch of its newly redesigned website accessmfgsys.com. Featuring a sleek and responsive design across desktop, tablets and mobile devices, the new site allows visitors to have an informative experience as ACCESS continues to expand product offerings. "As we continue to grow, it's essential that we communicate our innovative CAM solutions and best-in-class services effectively," said Dave Dulong, founder & president of ACCESS. "This website will assist customers in better understanding the full extent of value that we provide. We're also offering a substantial discount on CAMWorks Premium, so definitely visit the site before the promotion ends." Redesigned with clients in mind, the new site features simple navigation and streamlined functionality, while showcasing a clean uncluttered aesthetic with polished imagery and straightforward information. "We encourage you to visit the website to learn more about everything we have to offer. Visitors can also sign up for our electonic newsletters to stay current on technology trends that impact their industries," said Scott Gutwein, ACCESS North East Sales Manager. "Right now, we have a really great case study available on the site about Ringbrothers designing, machining and installing parts in a single day, using SOLIDWORKS and CAMWorks VoluMill Software. Everyone should really check it out." For visitors interested in scheduling a free demo or signing up for training, the site features a simple contact form for all such inquiries. The launch of the new website comes just weeks after ACCESS received the HCL Technologies CAMWorks 2018 Worldwide Sales Partner of the Year award. ACCESS was honored among more than 60 CAMWorks VARs from Asia Pacific, Europe and the United States. Web updates for 2019 will include new innovative product offerings, in addition to a real-time training calendar with a class reservation payment portal. Bonus features will also include videos, event listings, media announcements, case studies and more. Visit the new website at accessmfgsys.com. For more information, contact us at sales (at) accessmfgsys (dot) com. About ACCESS: ACCESS Manufacturing Systems, Inc. is the largest CAMWorks reseller in the world. For more than 30 years, ACCESS has delivered best-in-class manufacturing software and accessories, along with unsurpassed industry expertise, to thousands of companies across the nation. Our extensive industry knowledge has allowed our customers to enhance their machining operations by reducing setup time, doubling machine capacity, and improving overall quality. To gain ACCESS to the most qualified team of CAM experts in the industry, please visit accessmfgsys.com, or connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube. SOURCE ACCESS Manufacturing Systems, Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 29, 2018] Expertise - Agility - Execution - PayFacto: A New International Leader in Payment Solutions Three companies, one name: PayFacto HONG KONG, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Today marks the official unveiling of the brand identity of a new leader in payment solutions on an international scale: PayFacto. PayFacto was created from the union of B2Billing, CT-Payment and Supreme Payments, three proudly Canadian firms known worldwide for their excellence and expertise. Building on the complementary strengths of each entity, PayFacto now offers its clients unique, customized expertise for the deployment of credit and debit card payment solutions. The new company distinguishes itself by the extent of its expertise, which combines technological development and integration of tailored payment solutions with a menu of merchant services that offer seamless access to the Visa, Mastercard, Amex, JCB, Discover and Interac networks throughout North America and Asia-Pacific. "The PayFacto pledge is founded on expertise, agility and execution, ensuring services, flexibility and experience that adapt to the needs of businesses of all sizes and types," said Martin Leroux, president and CEO of PayFacto. "Whether we're talking about conventional or e-commerce, gateway connectivity or the integration of complex payment platforms, Payacto is now a trusted partner for personalized, efficient national and international solutions." The merger of the three firms under the PayFacto banner has already led to some major commercial agreements, and will better support our existing agreements with long-standing partners like TELUS Health and Payment Solutions in the processing and clearing of credit card transactions. "We've worked closely with the PayFacto team for nearly a decade and look forward to renewing our partnership under its new brand," said Keith Nugara, vice-president, TELUS Health and Payment Solutions. "Through this collaboration, our customers will continue to benefit from our respective strengths including strategic and targeted payment solutions that enable electronic payment, digital data collection and more efficient analytics." In a constantly evolving global landscape, innovation, efficiency and 360o custom solutions are key for businesses that want to stand out from the pack. This three-way merger now boasts the financial capitalization and human resources that will drive innovation and enable PayFacto to efficiently meet the demands of ever-growing target markets. "PayFacto is more than the sum of three strong industry players joining forces," added M. Leroux. "Our team is firmly committed to offering flexible, creative and tailored payment solutions that give our clients the most optimal means to meet their objectives. The best is yet to come!" About PayFacto PayFacto, a leader in the field of payment solutions, is established in Canada, the United States and the Asia-Pacific region. Recognized for its expertise, agility, and quality execution, PayFacto meet the operational needs of small and large clients on a national and international scale by enabling them to meet their business objectives more efficiently and affordably. Boasting a vast range of services and recognized payment solutions, PayFacto helps companies and organizations take control of their electronic transactions. For more information, visit payfacto.com For further information: Ronald Chua, Vice President of PayFacto Asia Pacific, 852-91623116, [email protected] SOURCE PayFacto [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP Announces Investigation on Behalf of 22nd Century Group, Inc. Investors Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP ("GPM") announces an investigation on behalf of 22nd Century Group, Inc. ("22nd Century" or the "Company") (NYSE American: XXII) investors concerning the Company and its officers' possible violations of federal securities laws. If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate. On October 25, 2018, an article was published on Seeking Alpha, alleging that 22nd Century was under SEC (News - Alert) investigation. On this news, the Company's share price fell 4.3% to close at $2.45 per share on October 25, 2018, thereby injuring investors. Follow us for updates on Twitter (News - Alert): twitter.com/GPM_LLP. If you purchased 22nd Century securities, have information or would like to learn more about these claims, or have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Lesley Portnoy, Esquire, of GPM, 1925 Century Park East, Suite 2100, Los Angeles, California 90067 at 310-201-9150, Toll-Free at 888-773-9224, by email to [email protected], or visit our website at www.glancylaw.com. If you inquire by email please include your mailing address, telephone number and number of shares purchased. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181029005826/en/ [October 29, 2018] Arlo Appoints Michael Pope And Sean Aggarwal To Board Of Directors SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Arlo Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: ARLO), a leading provider of smart connected devices for homes and small businesses, has welcomed Michael Pope and Sean Aggarwal to the company's Board of Directors. Currently, Mr. Pope is Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Shutterfly, Inc., and Mr. Aggarwal is the former Chief Financial Officer of Trulia, and is currently on the Board of Directors of Lyft, Inc. and Yatra Online, Inc. Both Mr. Pope and Mr. Aggarwal are Silicon Valley veterans, each with over twenty-five years of business experience and successful tenures at the highest levels of public and private companies. "Mike and Sean are valuable additions to the Arlo Board of Directors," said Matthew McRae, Chief Executive Officer of Arlo. "Mike has a proven track record of profitably growing public and private companies as both a chief financial officer and chief operating officer, and his finance, manufacturing, and operational experience will benefit Arlo as we continue to scale up as a new public company. Meanwhile, Sean is the consummate Silicon Valley leader with valuable strategic insights into both the consumer tech segment and real estate markets that will be invaluable to Arlo as we expand our reach and customer base in the consumer and small business markets in the United States and internationally." Prior to joining Shutterfly, Mr. Pope was at Clean Power Finance, where he served as chief financial officer. He has also held the positions of chief operating officer and chief financial officer at MarketTools, vice president at BearingPoint, president and chief operating officer at Network General, president and chief executive officer at DigitalThink, and chief financial officer and chairman of the audit committee at Dionex (acquired by Thermo Scientific). Mr. Pope earned an MBA from the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley and a Bachelor of Arts degree frm Stanford University. Mr. Aggarwal helped take Trulia public in 2012 while CFO, and later in 2015 orchestrated its sale to Zillow for 5x the IPO valuation. Prior to Trulia, Mr. Aggarwal held finance positions at PayPal, eBay, Amazon, PepsiCo and Merrill Lynch Investment Banking. Notably, Mr. Aggarwal was named CFO of the year by Proformative in 2013. He earned an MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of Wooster. Mr. Pope said of his appointment, "I am excited at the opportunity to contribute my expertise to the Arlo leadership team at this important stage in the company's history, just after its IPO and during its growth phase as a public company." Impressed by the possibilities of Arlo, Mr. Aggarwal commented, "Arlo is a compelling growth story in the emerging smart home and business IoT market, and I look forward to being an integral part of a company that has such a large opportunity in front of it. I have great respect for Arlo's Board and leadership team, and I look forward to working with them." About Arlo Technologies, Inc. Arlo is the award-winning, industry leader that is transforming the way people experience the connected lifestyle. Arlo's deep expertise in product design, wireless connectivity, cloud infrastructure and cutting-edge AI capabilities focuses on delivering a seamless, smart home experience for Arlo users that is easy to setup and interact with every day. The company's cloud-based platform provides users with visibility, insight and a powerful means to help protect and connect in real-time with the people and things that matter most, from any location with a Wi-Fi or a cellular connection. To date, Arlo has launched several categories of award-winning smart connected devices, including wire-free smart Wi-Fi and LTE-enabled cameras, audio doorbells, advanced baby monitors and smart security lights. 2018 Arlo Technologies, Inc. Arlo and the Arlo logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Arlo Technologies, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the United States and/or other countries. Other brand and product names are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective holder(s). The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. Arlo will not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein. All rights reserved. Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for Arlo Technologies, Inc.: This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Specifically, statements concerning Arlo's business and the expected performance characteristics, specifications, reliability, market acceptance, market growth, specific uses, user feedback and market position of Arlo's products and technology are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Safe Harbor. These statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, the following: the actual price, performance and ease-of-use of Arlo's products may not meet the price, performance and ease-of-use requirements of customers; product performance may be adversely affected by real world operating conditions; failure of products may under certain circumstances cause permanent loss of end user data; new viruses or Internet threats may develop that challenge the effectiveness of security features in Arlo's products; the ability of Arlo to market and sell its products and technology; the impact and pricing of competing products; and the introduction of alternative technological solutions. Further, information on potential risk factors that could affect Arlo and its business are detailed in the Company's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Arlo undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Source: Arlo-G View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/arlo-appoints-michael-pope-and-sean-aggarwal-to-board-of-directors-300739876.html SOURCE Arlo-G [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 29, 2018] Russell Reynolds Associates Hires Bill King HONG KONG, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Russell Reynolds Associates, a leading global search and leadership advisory firm, today announced that Bill King has joined the firm as a key member of the Technology Practice, based in Hong Kong. King has more than three decades of experience focused on business transformation and technology consulting in China and the United States. He is a trusted advisor to both regional and multinational clients, specializing in providing comprehensive talent advisory services primarily focused on digital and high-tech industries. "Having worked in top leadership roles within the digital and high-tech industries, Bill brings extensive experience advising C-suite executives," said Peter L. O'Brien, leader of Russell Reynolds Associates' Asia Pacific Region. "Bill's unique cross-functional experience enables him to strategically guide clients on the leadership needed to transform and grow in this competitive landscape. His in-depth industry knowledge is critical as we help our clients identify and develop talent to capture growth in an era of disruption." Prior to joining Russell Reynolds Associates, King was a Partner with another international executive search firm. In this role, he led the technology and CFO practices in China, focusing on the digital and internet space. Previously, King was the COO for eBay China. He also held the role of General Manager for AT&T's Greater China Group, covering sales, marketing and customer support teams across the region. King holds a BS in electrical engineering, with honors, from the University of Michigan and an MBA from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He serves on the Board of Digital China Holdings, which is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. About Russell Reynolds Associates Russell Reynolds Associates is a global search and leadership advisory firm. Our 425+ consultants in 46 offices work with public, private and nonprofit organizations across all industries and regions. We help our clients build teams of transformational leaders who can meet today's challenges and anticipate the digital, economic and political trends that are reshaping the global business environment. From helping boards with their structure, culture and effectiveness to identifying, assessing and defining the best leadership for organizations -- our teams bring their decades of expertise to help clients solve their most complex leadership issues. www.russellreynolds.com Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20181024/2277686-1 Logo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20170619/1878938-1LOGO SOURCE Russell Reynolds Associates [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 29, 2018] EPC Partners with Wireless Power Innovators to Lead the Way in 5G Applications and Beyond Workshop on Wireless Power Transfer event features industry leaders from AirFuel Alliance, Efficient Power Conversion Corp, jjPLUS and IHS Markit TAIPEI, Taiwan, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- There is increasing demand for medium and high-power wireless power transfer (WPT) for new applications such as 5G, notebooks, robots, machine tools and medical equipment. What will be the next killer application for wireless power? To answer this question and with the objective of promoting industries based on effective standards, the Office of Regional and Cross-strait Collaboration of ITRI of Taiwan, AirFuel Alliance, Efficient Power Conversion Corporation and jjPLUS Corporation are joining hands in the first "Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) Applied to 5G and New Applications Workshop" which will be held on October 30th, 2018 (Tuesday) at the Lecture Hall of Barry Lam Hall at the Taiwan University in Taipei, Taiwan. This Workshop will be supported by the Department of Industrial Technology of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, in cooperation with the College of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science of Chung Hsing University and the Taiwan Electromagnetic Industry - Academia Consortium. Distinguished guests from AirFuel Alliance and experts in the field will share use cases and experiences across various industries. "This Workshop is use case based which is most useful for participants exploring innovative design and potential business opportunities in wireless power applications by learning from global perspectives and practical case studies," said Peter Lee of Office of Regional and Cross-strait Collaboration, ITRI. Since 2015, AirFuel Alliance has set the standards for applications using Resonant and RF wireless charging technologies. New applications based on AirFuel standards are use case-driven to ensure the best customer experience -- this requires a focus on next-generation technologies like magnetic resonance and RF that reduce the limitations created by first-generation solutions like magnetic induction. The advantages of AirFuel include spatial freedom, multiple device charging, design flexibility, and charging speed. AirFuel's members include leading companies from across a wide range of industries who represent both global and local markets -- from semiconductor and device manufacturers, to automotive and infrastructure solution providers. The superior characteristics of Efficient Power Conversion Corporation's (EPC) eGaN FETs and integrated circuits, such as low output capacitance, low input capacitance, low parasitic inductances, and small size make them ideal for increasing efficiency in highly resonant, AirFuel wireless power transfer systems. EPC's close business partner jjPLUS Corporation says AirFuel Alliance's Resonant technology offers the best application scenario for autonomous robots to remain autonomous. These robots use embedded wireless charging technology. The spatial freedom provided by the AirFuel standard means that the robot does not need to dock to ensure power charging. Instead, the robot simply approaches the AirFuel Resonant charging zone and wireless power transfer will begin automatically with a continuous charging cycle. Visit respective websites for ITRI, AirFuel Alliance, Efficient Power Conversion Corporation and jjPLUS Corporation for full details of this Workshop, keeping track of the latest development for wireless power technologies and beyond. The future of wireless power transfer is now! Come join us at the Workshop on Wireless Power Transfer -- October 30th, 2018 (Tuesday) at the Lecture Hall of Barry Lam Hall at the Taiwan University in Taipei, Taiwan. Details are available at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1u4jux2n-VBMEzZDHbNQ13OLdtNaXYkWGJo1vKpAuoB0/viewform?edit_requested=true. About Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) is one of the world's leading technology R&D institutions aiming to innovate a better future for society. Founded in 1973, ITRI has played a vital role in transforming Taiwan's industries from labor-intensive into innovation-driven. It focuses on the fields of Smart Living, Quality Health, and Sustainable Environment. Over the years, ITRI has incubated over 270 innovative companies, including well-known names such as UMC and TSMC. In addition to its headquarters in Taiwan, ITRI has branch offices in the U.S., Europe, and Japan in an effort to extend its R&D scope and promote opportunities for international cooperation around the world. Visit us at www.itri.org.tw. About AirFuel Alliance AirFuel Alliance is an association dedicated to building a global wireless charging ecosystem based on best-in-industry next generation wireless charging technologies, such as Resonant and RF. AirFuel Alliance's mission is to bring a diverse base of interoperable products to the global market to help deliver the best wireless charging experience for consumers. The organization membership is made up of leading technology and consumer electronics companies, including board of directors' companies Dell, Duracell, Energous, EPC, ON Semiconductor, PowerSphyr, Qualcomm, Samsung Electronics, and WiTricity. Visit us at www.airfuel.org. About Efficient Power Conversion Corporation EPC is the leader in enhancement mode gallium nitride-based power management devices. EPC was the first to introduce enhancement-mode gallium-nitride-on-silicon (eGaN) FETs and integrated circuits as power MOSFET replacements in applications such as DC-DC converters, wireless power transfer, envelope tracking, RF transmission, power inverters, remote sensing technology (LiDAR), and class-D audio amplifiers with device performance many times greater than the best silicon power devices. eGaN is a registered trademark of Efficient Power Conversion Corporation, Inc. Visit epc-co.com/epc/tw . About jjPLUS Corporation Established in 2004, jjPLUS is a forerunner design manufacturer from Taiwan in wireless communication and wireless power technologies. With deep domain knowledge and engineering expertise, jjPLUS has always been developing and designing collaboratively with fundamental technology partners to offer OEMs and ODMs the latest and the best by integrating jjPLUS wireless solutions, gracefully, into their solutions. Visit us at www.jjplus.com. SOURCE Efficient Power Conversion Corporation [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 29, 2018] Cainiao Gears Up for 11.11 Shopping Festival with New Logistics Tech The largest robotic warehouse with 700 AGVs stands out, showcasing smarter operation HANGZHOU, China, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- In preparation for this year's 11.11 Global Shopping Festival, Cainiao Smart Logistics Network ("Cainiao") has upgraded its technology, bolstering its already market-leading cross-border and "New Logistics" capabilities. Alibaba's logistics unit is technologically equipped to handle even more than the 812 million orders during last year's 11.11. In China, Cainiao has just opened a new robotic warehouse (video), expanded its Internet of Things (IoT) systems and built out its platform's last-mile reach. For cross-border deliveries, containers and charter planes are ready to speed orders across the world. Overall, Cainiao's network is stronger than it has ever been, linking 30 million square meters of warehousing worldwide and involving more than three million logistics personnel. Cainiao's constant improvements in efficiency and technology have steadily cut delivery times, year after year, even as the number of 11.11 order has surged. While nobody knows how many orders the festival will generate this year, Cainiao Vice President Ben Wang said the logistics company needs to keep upgrading systems, anticipating growth and seeking higher efficiency, because of customer expectations. "It was only five years ago that parcel orders surpased 100 million for the first time. Back then it took nine days to deliver the first 100 million parcels," said Wang. "Last year, it took less than three days (2.8 days) to deliver the same number of parcels. Consumers increasingly want faster, better delivery, so that's what we're doing. This year, we're striving to achieve a new high, leveraging the beauty of scale and technology." Technology Upgrade with IoT, Robotics and Big Data While improvements in technology -- particularly IoT and robotics -- are evident across the entire delivery process, Cainiao's new smart warehouse stands out. With 700 automated guided vehicles, or AGVs, the new warehouse is located in Cainiao's first IoT Future Park, in the city of Wuxi in Jiangsu Province, and is the largest robotic smart warehouse in China. The IoT technology in the warehouse can automatically direct AGVs to drive, load and unload. The system will plan the best routing for the AGVs to avoid collision and intelligently distribute parcels. 50% more orders can be fulfilled by the entire warehouse than that of a traditional one within the same time period. Another noteworthy IoT advance this year is Cainiao's "Sky Eye Program," a cloud-based video-monitoring system that will be used by logistics partners Deppon, ZTO Express, YTO Express, STO Express, Best Express and Yunda Express for this year's 11.11. Sky Eye taps the cameras in logistics stations across the country and, using a combination of Computer Vision Technology and Cainiao's algorithm, upgrades them into smart IoT devices to help delivery firms identify idle resources and abnormalities in the logistics process, send status updates to human operators in real-time and smooth out kinks in the system. According to Deppon, Sky Eye helped it improve efficiency by 15% during trials. Cainiao is also helping with big data analysis for 15 major national express courier companies in preparation for 11.11. The data is used to effectively deploy manpower and transportation for 200,000 delivery stations, to maximize utilization and avoid bottlenecks, as well as managing inventories held locally. From Cross-border to Last-Mile Just as technology has improved significantly from last year, so has the capacity for cross-border logistics. To help international brands facilitate faster deliveries, Cainiao and its partners have prepared bonded warehouses covering over 1 million square meters nationwide, up more than 80% from last year. They'll be used to store right goods at the closest warehouse to consumers in advance of 11.11, which will substantially cut the delivery time. For AliExpress and Tmall World customers overseas, Cainiao has arranged 51 chartered flights to take goods to West Europe, Russia and Southeast Asia. As well, around 1,000 containers will take goods via sea freight to Southeast Asia and other destinations. Preparations this year also reflect the changing demands of logistics in the "New Retail" era. It will be the first time goods ordered during 11.11 are delivered directly from stores to customers during the Festival, itself, sometimes within minutes. Short-distance delivery services will be available in over 280 cities. "Cainiao is the logistics backbone of Alibaba's New Retail strategy," Wang said. "We are providing an online and offline, cross-platform supply-chain solution to merchants and enabling them to cut inventory costs, while increasing operating efficiency, especially around 11.11 -- the busiest season of the year. Ultimately, consumers will enjoy a brand-new shopping experience, as delivery service will always be on-demand." About Cainiao Network Cainiao Network is dedicated to meeting Alibaba Group's logistics vision of fulfilling consumer orders within 24 hours in China and within 72 hours anywhere else in the world. It adopts a platform approach to establish a nationwide fulfilment network that leverages the capacities and capabilities of logistics partners to offer domestic and international one-stop-shop logistics services and supply chain management solutions, fulfilling various logistics needs of merchants and consumers at scale. Cainiao Network is a business of Alibaba Group. Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20181029/2282155-1-a Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20181029/2282155-1-b Logo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20181029/2282155-1logo SOURCE Cainiao Network [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 29, 2018] Finastra launches Open Banking Readiness Index in Asia Pacific - the new framework for banks to stay ahead HONG KONG, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Finastra today launched its Open Banking Readiness Index, providing for the first time a framework for banks in the Asia-Pacific region to assess their capabilities and benchmark readiness against peers in the race towards Open Banking. Unveiled during Hong Kong Fintech Week, the research reveals that 84% of the top 146 banks in Asia Pacific are considering collaborating with external partners to enhance their Open Banking capabilities between 2018 and 2020. Developed in partnership with IDC Financial Insights, the Finastra Open Banking Readiness Index measures banks across five dimensions -- Adoption of APIs, Fintech/Third-Party Ecosystem, State of Data-based Transformation, Data Monetization, and State of Innovation. It is based on interviews and surveys with C-suite executives, Heads of IT and Chief Digital Officers from the top 146 banks across 14 markets in Asia Pacific -- Singapore, Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand, mainland China, Malaysia, South Korea, India, Thailand, Taiwan, Japan Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam. Imad Abou Haidar, Managing Director, Asia Pacific at Finastra said, "The future of finance is open. We see an unprecedented opportunity to transform the value chain of banking by leveraging on Open APIs and cloud technology to create new value for customers through faster innovation. We look forward to banks in the region leveraging the framework and insights provided by the Index to identify areas for improvement and cash in on the promise of Open Banking to deliver truly transformative financial services." Across various Open Banking initiatives tracked by the researh, IDC Financial Insights notes that the Asia-Pacific style of Open Banking is a combination of capabilities, with different markets taking different approaches. However, the capabilities will converge, providing more collaborative, innovative, and responsive banking services. Key survey findings include: Hong Kong places as one of the top three markets in Asia Pacific in Open Banking readiness, alongside Singapore and Australia places as one of the top three markets in in Open Banking readiness, alongside and Platforms will play a significant role in managing the convergence of capabilities as 85% of banks agree that "a platform" will be the key to binding the customer, business and technology capabilities together Only 25% of Asia-Pacific banks are in the advanced stage of data-based transformation Michael Araneta, Regional Head of Research for IDC Financial Insights said, "Open Banking is a rare change for banks to unbundle and re-bundle the value chain of financial services so products, services, data, and functionalities can be consumed and provided by third parties. This will fundamentally change the way banks will rethink products and delivery channels, so that they are able to transform customer engagement." The latest research commissioned by Finastra reflects its vision to help banks deliver transformative financial services. Smita Gupta, Senior Director, Regional Marketing, Asia Pacific at Finastra said, "The Finastra Open Banking Readiness Index is a first-in-the-industry research report which offers banks actionable scorecards and insights to further drive their innovation and growth aspirations in this dynamic region. We are committed to helping banks realize the benefits of Open Banking to increase their customer reach, create alternate direct and indirect revenue streams, and drive greater innovation through transforming how they work with third parties to bring new propositions to market." Download an InfoBrief of the Finastra Open Banking Readiness Index here. For further information please contact: Caroline Duff Global Head of PR T +44 (0)20 3320 5892 E [email protected] www.finastra.com CATHERINE LAM Senior PR Manager, APAC T: +65 6416 4032 E: [email protected] www.finastra.com About Finastra Finastra unlocks the potential of people and businesses in finance, creating a platform for open innovation. Formed in 2017 by the combination of Misys and D+H, we provide the broadest portfolio of financial services software in the world todayspanning retail banking, transaction banking, lending, and treasury and capital markets. Our solutions enable customers to deploy mission critical technology on premises or in the cloud. Our scale and geographical reach means that we can serve customers effectively, regardless of their size or geographic locationfrom global financial institutions, to community banks and credit unions. Through our open, secure and reliable solutions, customers are empowered to accelerate growth, optimize cost, mitigate risk and continually evolve to meet the changing needs of their customers. 90 of the world's top 100 banks use Finastra technology. Please visit finastra.com. Corporate headquarters 4 Kingdom Street Paddington London W2 6BD United Kingdom T +44 20 3320 5000 Logo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20181030/2283449-1LOGO SOURCE Finastra [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 30, 2018] U.S. News & World Report Unveils 2019 Best Global Universities Rankings Rankings evaluate 1,250 universities in 75 countries WASHINGTON, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in education rankings for more than 30 years, today announced the 2019 Best Global Universities rankings. In its fifth year, the rankings evaluate 1,250 schools across 75 countries, providing the most comprehensive assessment of research universities around the world. Universities in the U.S. and United Kingdom remain at the top of the rankings. The top four schools are in the U.S., with Harvard University leading at No. 1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Stanford University follow at No. 2 and No. 3, respectively. The University of CaliforniaBerkeley takes the fourth spot, and the United Kingdom's University of Oxford finishes out the top five. With 227 schools ranked, the U.S. has the most institutions on the overall list of 1,250 schools, followed by the following countries: China : 130 : 130 U.K.: 78 Japan : 67 : 67 Germany : 62 Tsinghua University is No. 1 in the country for the second consecutive year. The top 5 universities in China are: Tsinghua University Peking University University of Science and Technology of China Shanghai Jiao Tong University Fudan University "When we first started publishing Best Global Universities, the rankings evaluated 500 schools in 11 countries. Since then, we've added 750 schools and have expanded to 75 nations," said Robert Morse, chief data strategist at U.S. News. "One thing has remained the same: Schools that prioritize quality academic research remain at the top of the rankings." In addition to the overall list, the newest edition of Best Global Universities includes rankings by country, region and 22 subjects. Three of the top 10 schools in engineering and four of the top 10 schools in computer science are based in China, with Tsinghua University coming in at No. 1 in both subjects. Schools in China performed best in the following subject rankings: Based on Web of Science data and InCites metrics provided by Clarivate Analytics, the Best Global Universities methodology weighs factors that measure a university's global and regional research reputation and academic research performance. For the overall rankings, this includes bibliometric indicators such as publications, citations and international collaboration. Each subject ranking has its own methodology based on academic research performance and reputation in that specific area. "Higher education continues to be more global, meaning that prospective students are looking beyond universities in their country when thinking about where to enroll," said Anita Narayan, managing editor of Education at U.S. News. "The Best Global Universities rankings offer students the resources to begin their search, whether they're interested in a specific part of the world or subject for study." 2019 U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities Overall Best Global Universities Top 10 Harvard University (U.S.) Massachusetts Institute of Technology (U.S.) Stanford University (U.S.) University of CaliforniaBerkeley (U.S.) University of Oxford (U.K.) California Institute of Technology (U.S.) University of Cambridge (U.K.) Columbia University (U.S.) Princeton University (U.S.) University of Washington (U.S.) The Best Global Universities rankings serve the broader U.S. News mission of providing trusted information and rankings such as Best Colleges, Best Graduate Schools and Best Online Programs to help all students navigate their higher education options. For Chinese students in particular, U.S. News offers online resource centers published in Chinese to help guide prospective undergraduate and graduate students interested in studying abroad. In addition, U.S. News collaborates with U.S. News Global Education, a subsidiary company of Shorelight Education, to help international students and their families connect with universities. For more information on the Best Global Universities, visit Facebook and Twitter using #BestGlobal. About U.S. News & World Report Celebrating its 85th year, U.S. News & World Report is a digital news and information company that empowers people to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives. Focusing on Education, Health, Money, Travel, Cars and Civic, USNews.com provides consumer advice, rankings and analysis to serve people making complex decisions throughout all stages of life. More than 40 million people visit USNews.com each month for research and guidance. Founded in 1933, U.S. News is headquartered in Washington, D.C. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/226028/u_s__news___world_report_logo.jpg SOURCE U.S. News & World Report [October 30, 2018] Smart Dubai and IBM to Offer the First Government-Endorsed Blockchain Platform in the Middle East - New service to be delivered through an IBM Cloud environment built in the UAE - Organizations to benefit from keeping their data in-country and conducting transactions locally DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Smart Dubai and IBM (NYSE: IBM ) today announced the launch of the Dubai Blockchain Platform, the first government-endorsed blockchain platform as-a-service in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Delivered through an IBM Cloud environment and built locally in the UAE, the enterprise-ready platform will serve as a stepping stone for organizations in the UAE and globally to transition their blockchain testing and development into full-production. It will also transform and digitize applicable government processes and citizen services. Dubai has been leading efforts to encourage the use of blockchain, with a vision to make the emirate a paperless government by 2021. As part of the Dubai Blockchain Strategy, for which IBM is the official Blockchain Strategic Partner, Dubai has seen the launch of various blockchain applications in a number of government entities across different sectors, including roads and transport, energy, healthcare and education. The new Dubai Blockchain Platform will help integrate digitized services and experiences run on IBM Blockchain into citizens' day-to-day lives. Organizations will also benefit from keeping their data in-country and conducting transactions locally, and in turn, lower operational costs. The platform will conform to the Information Security Regulation (ISR)* standards issued by the Dubai Government. It will also be powered by IBM's mainframe technology, LinuxONE, which is capable of running more than 6.2 billion web transactions per day. The Dubai Pay Blockchain Settlement and Reconciliation System, officially launched on 23rd September, will be one of the first projects to migrate onto the Dubai Blockchain Platform. Through this service, a process that used to take entities approximately 45 days to reconcile and settle payments with other government entities, banks and financial institutions, is now reduced to real time. Her Excellency Dr. Aisha Bint Butti Bin Bishr, Director General of the Smart Dubai Office (SDO), said: "Guided by the forward-thinking vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bn Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, and the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, Smart Dubai has been moving rapidly towards our main objective of transforming the emirate into a full-fledged smart city that tops global competitiveness and happiness indexes." "Dubai has been a pioneer in blockchain technology since its inception, while other major cities around the world were reluctant to embrace it for city-wide implementation," H.E. Dr Aisha added. "The Dubai Blockchain Strategy set a clear path for the emirate to have the world's first fully digitized government by 2021. The Dubai Blockchain Platform we are launching today with IBM who bring a wealth of insight and expertise in the advanced tech industries drives us forward in our mission and allows us to power all blockchain applications in the city from one united portal." H.E. Wesam Lootah, CEO of the Smart Dubai Government Establishment (SDG), said: "As Dubai persists on its path to becoming a world leader in the industries of the future, Blockchain technology will occupy an increasingly significant status in Governments' and organizations' day-to-day undertakings, as well as in individuals' everyday lives." "Blockchain is steadily moving towards becoming a multibillion market by 2019 and we, at Smart Dubai, have successfully embedded the technology in numerous services, the latest of which was the advanced 'Dubai Pay Blockchain Settlement and Reconciliation System', which eliminates friction from financial processes between government entities through automation and minimal human intervention. And with the launch of the Dubai Blockchain Platform today, we will be one step closer to implementing Blockchain-powered services and experiences into citizens' day-to-day lives," H.E. Lootah concluded. "In the past few years, technologies such as blockchain have moved up on the agenda in Dubai. Today, proof of concepts are bypassed and organizations are moving into full-scale production," Amr Refaat, General Manager, IBM Middle East and Pakistan. "Blockchain provides an added layer of trust and transparency among government organizations and businesses and helps make collaboration more efficient. The new IBM Blockchain-based service will enable organizations to keep their data in-country and conduct transactions locally. It also conforms to Dubai Government's Information Security Regulation standards." Through the collaboration with IBM, Smart Dubai aims to run all applicable government transactions on blockchain and make Dubai a global benchmark for city-wide blockchain implementation. About IBM Blockchain IBM is recognised as the leading enterprise blockchain provider. The company's research, technical and business experts have broken barriers in transaction processing speeds, developed the most advanced cryptography to secure transactions, and are contributing millions of lines of open source code to advance blockchain for businesses. IBM is the leader in open-source blockchain solutions built for the enterprise. Since 2016, IBM has worked with hundreds of clients across financial services, supply chain, government, retail, digital rights management and healthcare to implement blockchain applications, and operates a number of networks running live and in production. The cloud-based IBM Blockchain Platform delivers the end-to-end capabilities that clients need to quickly activate and successfully develop, operate, govern and secure their own business networks. IBM is an early member of Hyperledger, an open source collaborative effort created to advance cross-industry blockchain technologies. For more information about IBM Blockchain, visit https://www.ibm.com/blockchain/ or follow us on Twitter at @ibmblockchain. *ISR mandates government entities in Dubai to implement specific requirements and controls to ensure appropriate level of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information assets. CONTACT: Leesa DAlto, 212-671-9806, [email protected] Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/95470/ibm_logo.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/776462/blockchain_platform_in_the_UAE___IBM.jpg [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Left to Right, Gihan Karunaratne - Country Manager for Sri Lanka & Maldives - Oman Air,V.A Sunil Regional VP/ISC Omanair , Moosa Solih - Deputy Chief Information officer, Male airports authorities, Paul Starrs CCO, Oman Air , Ms Zuley Manik - Executive Director, Sun Travels - GSA in Male Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, resumed its service between Muscat and Male in the Maldives in 28th October. The service is operated by the new B737 MAX 8 aircraft. Oman Air flights from Muscat to Maldives will operate on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday and the flights from Maldives to Muscat will operate on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. With a flight time of 4 hours, the first flight WY 383 departed Muscat at 08:50 on 28th October and arrived in Maldives International Airport at 13:30 local time. The first Oman Air flight from Maldives WY 384 departed at 1850 on the 28th October and arrived in Muscat International Airport at 0035, on 29th October. This new route will be serviced by Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft which has been designed to offer exceptional performance, flexibility and efficiency. Configured with 162 seats in a two-class configuration: 12 in business and 150 in economy with significant enhancements across both cabins, the MAX aircraft is an example of Oman Airs commitment to continually upgrading its products and services to deliver guests satisfaction. The Maldives is a beautiful chain of 26 ring atolls, made up of more than 1,000 coral islands, located only four hours away from Oman. Well known for its beaches, blue lagoons and extensive reefs, the Maldives is an incredibly popular tourist destination with an increasing number of international visitors arriving year on year. Oman Airs fleet and network have continued to grow. This expansion has been aided by continued investment in Oman Airs award winning on-board experience, exemplified by the MAX aircraft. Oman Air is currently undergoing an exciting fleet and network expansion programme, which will see the airline operate up to 70 aircraft to over 60 destinations by 2022. The resumption of the Maldives service comes at an exciting time, as Oman Air recently started their flights to Istanbul in June, Casablanca in July and Moscow on October 30th. Oman Air continues to be recognised for its award winning on board experience; winning an array of industry awards to add to its growing collection. [October 30, 2018] OMADA A/S to Receive Strategic Investment from CVC Capital Partners' Growth Fund and GRO Capital Omada A/S ("Omada" or the "Company"), a global leader of Identity Governance and Administration ("IGA") software and services, today announced that CVC Capital Partners' Growth Fund ("CVC Growth Partners" or "CVC") and GRO Capital ("GRO") have agreed to become new majority shareholders and provide further capital into the Company to accelerate growth. CVC Growth Partners and GRO will partner with Omada's management team to further accelerate Omada's product innovation, grow its partner network in North America and Europe, enhance sales and marketing efforts, as well as continue expanding its strong position in Europe and building greater depth in the North American market. Omada is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, with over 270 employees across offices in Europe and North America. The Company helps its customers globally to govern and control users' access rights to enterprise systems and data, reduce risk of accidental or wrongful data access, and ensure compliance with regulation (such as GDPR) as well as industry-specific legislation. Omada's software platform, the Omada Identity Suite ("OIS"), is a best-in-class next generation IGA solution. OIS, together with the Company's unique best practice process framework for identity management and access governance, enables enterprises to manage identities and govern their access on an ongoing basis across heterogeneous IT systems, including major IT vendor platforms delivered on-premises and in the cloud, and a number of legacy and modern applications. The demand for Omada's offerings has been increasing globally along with customer awareness of potential solutions to their complex identity governance challenges, and the Company has grown revenues at a compounded annual growth rate of over 40% for the last 2 years. "We are excited about the partnership with CVC and GRO and we look forward to working with them to fulfil our joint vision to serve the majority of enterprises of the world with our strong Identity & Access Governance solution", said Morten Boel Sigurdsson, CEO and founder of Omada. "CVC and GRO represent a unique combination of competencies that will support our expansion in North America, Europe and other markets. The need for IGA solutions is rapidly increasing across markets as more and more organizations realize the need for a flexible IGA solution to protect them from hacking, insider threats, increased compliance requirements and the consequences of GDPR." "The increasingly complex IT world and more stringent compliance requirements globally will continue to drive strong demand for Omada's next generation identity governance solution, as the Company has proven its ability to successfully solve complex problems for its customers", said Sebastian Kuenne, who leads CVC Growth Partners in Europe. "Omada represents an exciting opportunity and is a perfect fit for our growth fund, which focuses on high-growth software and technology-enabled busines services companies. We, together with GRO, are thrilled to partner with Morten and the entire executive team to expand Omada's offering and global presence." "We have followed Omada for close to a decade and are very impressed with the product and their blue-chip customer base. This investment is perfectly aligned with GRO's strategy of investing in outstanding technology companies and helping accelerate their growth", said Morten Weicher, partner at GRO Capital. "Morten Sigurdsson has built a very strong team and assembled a deep bench of highly skilled and ambitious individuals operating in a unique culture of teamwork, delivery, and customer service." With the entrance of CVC and GRO, C5 Capital ("C5") will no longer be shareholders in Omada. "We are pleased to have contributed to the growth of Omada since 2015", said Andre Pienaar, managing partner and founder at C5 Capital. Morten Weicher, Sebastian Kuenne, Lars Dybkjr (Managing Partner of GRO Capital), and John Clark (Managing Partner of CVC Growth Partners) will join Omada's board of directors. Closing of the transaction is anticipated to take place in December 2018, and is subject only to mandatory competition approvals. About Omada A/S Omada is a market-leading provider of IT security solutions and services for identity management and access governance. The company's innovative product portfolio delivered as a service and on-premise offers customers an integrated set of core services including identity lifecycle management, compliance control, provisioning, and access risk management across hybrid environments and delivers out-of-the box standardized, configurable IGA capabilities based on industry best-practice processes. Omada provides its innovative identity management and access governance solutions and services to an extensive customer portfolio of large and midsize enterprises globally within banking, utilities, public sector, securities and insurance, healthcare, and other verticals. Omada has a global partner network across Europe, the US, Africa, and Asia. For further information about Omada please visit: www.omada.net. About CVC Capital Partners CVC Capital Partners is a leading private equity and investment advisory firm. Founded in 1981, CVC today has a network of 24 offices and over 490 employees throughout Europe, Asia and the U.S. To date, CVC has secured commitments of over US$110 billion from some of the world's leading institutional investors across its private equity and credit strategies. In total, CVC currently manages over US$50 billion of assets. Today, funds managed or advised by CVC are invested in c.70 companies worldwide, employing c.212,000 people in numerous countries. Together, these companies have combined annual sales of over US$74 billion. For further information about CVC please visit: www.cvc.com. About CVC Growth Partners In 2014, CVC formed a new team to target smaller growth-oriented companies through its dedicated CVC Growth Partners fund. The fund focuses on middle-market high-growth companies in the software and technology-enabled business services sectors. The fund primarily targets equity investments between $50 million and $200 million in North America and Europe. About GRO Capital GRO Capital is a North European private equity fund with an exclusive focus on mature B2B software and tech enabled companies with strong growth prospects. GRO Capital serves as active owners developing portfolio companies with a view to create long-term value. The partners behind GRO Capital have been investors in more than 20 technology and software related companies. Omada is the first investment in GRO Fund II, a recently raised fund with a strategy to accelerate Northern European software companies. GRO Fund II has in its first closing received capital commitments from institutional investors and multi-lateral organisations, including leading Nordic institutional investors such as Danica Pension, Sampension and Dansk Vkstkapital II. Further, through the European Investment Fund, GRO Fund II benefits from the financial backing of the European Union under the European Fund for Strategic Investments set up under the Investment Plan for Europe. In addition to Omada, GRO Capital has in GRO Fund I invested in Auditdata, Boyum IT Solutions, Tacton Systems, Targit, Trackunit, and Trifork, all successful software providers. For further information about GRO Capital please visit: www.grocapital.dk About C5 Capital C5 Capital Limited (C5) is a specialist venture capital firm, focused on Innovative Technologies in Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence and Cloud Computing. Headquartered in London, C5 also has offices in Washington, Munich, Luxembourg and Bahrain. For more information, visit: www.c5capital.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181030005150/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 30, 2018] DigiPlex Becomes the Most-recognized Data Centre Brand Amongst the Nordic C-Suite STOCKHOLM, Oct.30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Survey reveals leading green data centre specialist has become best-known provider in hyper-competitive Nordic markets An IDG Connect survey of 300 senior decision makers across Sweden and Norway has revealed DigiPlex as the most recognized brand in one of the world's most active and attractive markets for data centre investment and development. The survey, which gathered the opinions of a range of CEOs, CFOs, and CIOs, revealed the company as the best-recognised data centre brand in both countries in the past two years, rising by 44% to take the top position in Sweden. This result is attributed to an ambitious international marketing strategy and DigiPlex's clear dedication to data centre solutions, innovation and sustainability which are aligned with the evolving needs of global businesses. "The incredible pace of digitization, and the accompanying rise in international demand for better, faster and greener data solutions has significantly changed the measures of success for data centres" says DigiPlex CEO Gisle M. Eckhoff. "Our strategy as a dedicated provider has been to be the first name in data centres in the most attractive and active market for development in the world. We are pleased to see our efforts recognised at C-level." Customer inflow through innovation and increased visibility In just the past year, DigiPlex's has secured several major new customers including Amazon Web Services, City Network, Verisec, Telia and NexGen Networks. During this period the company also has expanded two of its data centres in Oslo, and entered the Danish market through the acquisition of a Telia data centre in central Copenhagen. Its investments in innovation, environmental sustainability and a more focused approach to marketing have garnered in a number of awards including as "Best Data Centre Energy Solution" and "Data Center Operations Team of the Year - Colo + Cloud". "Innovation is at the core of DigiPlex's company culture, and I am immensely proud over our dedicated colleagues and their innovative ways of thinking and efficient marketing- and communication initiatives. Building a strong Nordic brand is an essential part of our growth strategy, and we see that the results in terms of brand awareness in the industry clearly reflect that. But it is extra visible in our sales channel where we see a direct link to the inflow of new clients." says Fredrik Jansson, Chief Strategy and Marketing & Communication Officer at DigiPlex. DigiPlex has, in the past two years, undertaken a major uplift in its global strategic marketing and communications, headed by Mr Jansson. This has included the introduction of new brand identity, new messaging strategy, communication initiatives together with customers and a renewed channel strategy. "DigiPlex has made an unusually speedy repositioning journey the past few years. From being relatively unknown to becoming the most recognized data centre brand among Nordic C-level decision makers. The explanation is most likely their intense and innovative marketing- and communication efforts that clearly support a great business idea" says Dario Nazemson, Business Unit Manager, IDG. Earlier this year Fredrik Jansson, was named "Marketer of the Year" by Datacloud Europe Awards. DigiPlex marketing- and communication efforts have also been noted internationally in many ways both in and outside of the data centre industry with nominations to "Best In-House Marketing Team" at Computing's Tech Marketing & Innovation Awards, "B2B Brand Team of the Year" at The Drum Marketing Awards, "Best Marketing Team" and "Best Marketing Campaign" at Global Carrier Awards and "Communications Team of the Year" at European Excellence Awards. Since 2004, DigiPlex has run on 100% renewable energy and the company's sites are some of the world's greenest and most energy efficient. The company's innovations, from its ultra-efficient Air-to-Air cooling systems and `Concert Control' management software have emerged from its dedication to the market. The company has further improved its appeal by announcing plans to retrofit its data centres to recycle waste heat to thousands of apartments in the central heating systems in Stockholm and Oslo. CONTACT: Elisabeth Lennhede Head of Communications +46703322705 [email protected] This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com http://news.cision.com/digiplex/r/digiplex-becomes-the-most-recognized-data-centre-brand-amongst-the-nordic-c-suite,c2658078 The following files are available for download: http://mb.cision.com/Main/7526/2658078/935405.pdf DigiPlex becomes the most-recognized data centre brand amongst the Nordic C-Suite http://news.cision.com/digiplex/i/idg-connect-brand-awareness-chart-2018,c2517231 IDG Connect Brand Awareness chart 2018 http://news.cision.com/digiplex/i/gisle-m-eckhoff-ceo-digiplex,c2517232 Gisle M Eckhoff CEO DigiPlex http://news.cision.com/digiplex/i/fredrik-jansson--chief-strategy-and-marketing---communication-officer-at-digiplex,c2517233 Fredrik Jansson, Chief Strategy and Marketing & Communication Officer at DigiPlex [October 30, 2018] Impartner Selected as a Red Herring Top 100 Global Company Impartner Partner Relationship Management technology continues global award sweep; company's market presence continues to explode as top corporations turn to Impartner PRM to power their channel SALT LAKE CITY, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Impartner, the industry's best-selling, most award-winning pure-play Partner Relationship Management (PRM) solution, today announced that it has been selected as a winner of the 2018 Red Herring Top 100 Global award, which recognizes the leading private companies from North America, Europe, and Asia, celebrating these companies' innovations and technologies across their respective industries. Red Herring's Top 100 Global list has become a mark of distinction for identifying promising companies and entrepreneurs. Red Herring editors were among the first to recognize that companies such as Facebook, Twitter, Google, Yahoo, Skype, Salesforce.com, YouTube, and eBay would change the way we live and work. "This award and the continued, explosive pace of our customer growth is further testament to the power of our technology, our continued pace of innovation, the strength of the Impartner team and the transformative power of PRM to help companies accelerate the performance of their channel," said Impartner CEO Joe Wang. "Choosing the companies with the strongest potential was by no means a small feat," said Alex Vieux, publisher and CEO of Red Herring. "After rigorous cotemplation and discussion, we narrowed our list down from hundreds of candidates from across the globe to the Top 100 Winners. We believe Impartner embodies the vision, drive and innovation that defines a successful entrepreneurial venture. Impartner should be proud of its accomplishment." Red Herring's editorial staff evaluated the companies on both quantitative and qualitative criteria, such as financial performance, technology innovation, management quality, strategy, and market penetration. This assessment of potential is complemented by a review of track records and standing of companies relative to their peers, allowing Red Herring to see past the "buzz" and make the list a valuable instrument of discovery and advocacy for the most promising, new business models from around the world. To see a demo of how Impartner helps companies manage their channel and accelerate their revenue 31 percent and decrease administrative costs 23 percent in the first year of use alone, click here. About Impartner Impartner helps companies worldwide transform the performance of their indirect sales, increasing revenue an average of 31 percent and reduce administrative costs as much as 23 percent in the first year of use alone. Impartner's SaaS-based Partner Relationship Management (PRM) software is the best-selling, most award-winning pure-play solution on the market, and can be up and running in as few as 14 days. For more information on Impartner, which is based in Utah's tech hotbed, the Silicon Slopes, visit www.impartner.com , or in the United States call +1 801 501 7000, for EMEA general call +33 1 40 90 31 20, for London call +44 0 20 3283 4465, and for LATAM call +1 954 364 7883. Follow Impartner on LinkedIn , Twitter and Facebook . Contact: Kerry Desberg Impartner 425-231-9529 [email protected] Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/776631/Red_herring_global_100.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/701684/Impartner_Logo.jpg [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 30, 2018] London Startup, thedrug.store, Aims to Clean up Europe's CBD Industry LONDON, October 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- A London based startup has launched the online CBD retailer "thedrug.store" providing a quality selection for the growing demand for CBD products in the UK and mainland Europe. After previously working on the European expansion of the medical cannabis powerhouse Canopy Growth ($WEED, Mrk Cap $12billion), the founders, Johan Obel and Clemens Boninger, created "thedrug.store" to provide education around CBD as well as giving consumers access to verified legal, high-quality CBD products, in an effort to change the understanding and perception of CBD. (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/774981/Thedrug_Store.jpg ) The CBD industry is on course to hit $2.1billion by 2022, and he UK market alone doubled in size last year, as consumers are seeking out CBD as a remedy for disrupted sleep, anxiety, and chronic pain, among others. thedrug.store set out to be a reliable and trustworthy source to purchase from, taking CBD to the mainstream consumer, by offering high-quality products, free from the illegal, psychoactive substance THC, in multiple application forms including sprays, oils, capsules and creams. Founder, Johan Obel, said: "While working with Canopy (Growth), we saw many companies selling CBD oils in the UK and the rest of Europe, but the market was flooded with misinformation and illegal products. We really wanted to clear that up and be the reliable source customers could come to, not just to purchase products from, but to also have a trustworthy platform where they can learn about how CBD could benefit them on a personal level." The ambition of the two young founders is huge, directly seeking advice from the Home Office and Government Agencies in the EU and making critical hires from Amazon, as well as chemists from Imperial College London. The reason for all this, Clemens Boninger explains, is that: "If we want to change the face of the industry and bring professionalism to the table, we need the right people to provide high-quality education and customer experience." When asked about how they choose their brands, Clemens stated: "We look for effective and interesting products that go beyond the classic CBD oil, and work closely with the US brands to make sure the THC content is 0.0% so everything is compliant with EU regulations. It's a lot of work, but we have to take responsibility for the products we offer and ultimately what our customers purchase." To learn more about CBD and its effects, click here [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 30, 2018] Allied Wallet Expands Its Offering with More Payment Options in Ireland Allied Wallet, a leading provider of online payment processing offering various payment solutions in 196 countries all over the world, is now compatible with several preferred, alternative payment options in Ireland to service more users in their growing e-commerce market. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181030005218/en/ Allied Wallet is a preferred payment service provider in Ireland and has recently added Paysafecard, Boleto Bancario, SEPA Credit Transfer, and SEPA Direct Debit to its NextGen (News - Alert) Payment Gateway to better serve the needs and preferences of its users. (Photo: Business Wire) A large percentage of Ireland's population is already online; of Ireland' 4.7 million population, 82% are internet users. 2.89 million of these users are frequent online shoppers and spend an average of 3,143 per year online. With a growth rate of about 15%, Ireland is projected to have about 3.35 million e-commerce users by 2022. As a global Fintech company specializing in international e-commerce, Allied Wallet finds itself at the center of this growth and is driving it forward. Ireland imports large amounts of goods with about 20 billion in imports from the United Kingdom, 8.4 billion from the United States, 5.7 billion from Germany, 3.25 billion from the Netherlands, and 2.8 billion from France. Allied Wallet is a preferred payment service provider in all of these countries, and has recently added Paysafecard, Boleto Bancario, SEPA Credit Transfer, and SEPA Direct Debit to its NextGen Payment Gateway (News - Alert) to better serve the needs and preferences of Ireland. "Ireland's e-commerce market is growing without a doubt, and people are using online shopping as a means to get new, imported items," says CEO Andy Khawaja. "People love fashion. It's Ireland's leading product category, accounting for nearly a billion dollars of the market share. We want to provide people the best way to pay for their items, and we want to protect business owners and customers alike as e-commerce continues to grow," he added. Payment options like SEPA Direct Debit are very common in the region and preferred as a means to transact. SEPA Direct Debit alone has users in 34 countries with over 500,000,000 open accounts. As the e-commerce space evolves and becomes more accepted across the world, it's important that online businesses cater to the preferences of their audiences to increase sales. Allied Wallet is leading the industry in alternative payment options in order to simplify business across borders for the entrepreneurs of today and tomorrow. About Allied Wallet: Allied Wallet continues to revolutionize the e-commerce industry by introducing new and innovative payment processing solutions for online merchants, enabling them to send and receive global payments. With PCI (News - Alert) compliant merchant services for nearly any business size, Allied Wallet provides a state-of-the-art payment gateway to optimize online transactions. Please visit www.alliedwallet.com/. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181030005218/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 30, 2018] Nu-Way Industries Celebrates 50 Years of Manufacturing Excellence and Looks to a Brighter Future for Manufacturing Industries in Illinois Nu-Way Industries, the largest precision metal product fabricator in the region, is marking 50 years in business by calling on local and state leaders to support the next generation of manufacturing. A critical pillar of the economy, Illinois' 12,000 manufacturing businesses employ nearly 600,000 residents and account for almost 13 percent of the state's gross domestic product. But ineffective incentives and a lack of technical education are preventing the businesses from realizing their full potential. "Our passion for this industry, our commitment to quality, and our endless desire to be better every day have remained unchanged in 50 years. But tangible improvements, like more accessible workforce development grants and more vocational education, are needed to ensure Illinois manufacturing stays strong as we move into the future," said Steve Southwell, Nu-Way president and CEO. "We're grateful for the partnership and hard work of our leaders, but there's more to be done." Founded in 1968 and today employing a staff of more than 300, Nu-Way creates custom, end-to-end manufacturing solutions for businesses spanning all sectors of the economy. Since its humble beginnings under brothers George and Joe Hward, Nu-Way has spurred industry innovation by combining manufacturing expertise with innovative technology. Nu-Way's vertically integrated production facility near Chicago's O'Hare airport features first-in-class manufacturing equipment, including an advanced design lab, automated equipment and the use of robotics, which allow the company to make more than 1.5 million parts each year. With a large and deeply experienced engineering and operations staff, Nu-Way is well-known for its agility and ability to quickly tackle even the most complex jobs. Customers include Siemens (News - Alert), Schneider Electric, Middleby and Electrolux - and many have partnered with Nu-Way for decades. "My father and his brother started this company with a vision for doing things a better way - a 'new way' using cutting-edge technology to improve manufacturing processes," said Mary Howard, Nu-Way executive vice president and CFO. "We've been fortunate to have loyal customers, talented and hard-working employees. We've reached this milestone because of them and look forward to accomplishing even more in the future." About Nu-Way Industries Nu-Way Industries is the largest precision metal product manufacturer in the region. Founded in 1968 and today employing a staff of more than 300, the Des Plaines, Illinois-based company combines manufacturing expertise with innovative technology and automated equipment to offer end-to-end solutions for customers across all sectors of the economy. For products ranging from heavy-duty enclosures to intricate components and the latest interactive displays, Nu-Way helps customers succeed with agility, proven quality and a vision for the future of manufacturing. For more information, visit nuwayindustries.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181030005119/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 30, 2018] Shutterstock Reports Third Quarter 2018 Financial Results NEW YORK, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Shutterstock, Inc. (NYSE: SSTK) (the "Company"), a leading global technology company offering high-quality assets, tools and services through its creative platform, today announced financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2018. Commenting on the Company's performance, founder and CEO Jon Oringer said "We achieved another solid quarter, delivering continued organic revenue growth year-over-year, as customers continue to use Shutterstock's creative platform for their content and design needs. In addition to the growth in the business, we're realizing the benefits of successfully managing our costs and achieving operational efficiencies across the Company, as evidenced by strong cash flow generation and improving margins. "We remain confident in a strong finish to 2018 and will continue to make smart, critical investments that aim to maximize the efficiency of our operations, improve customer experience and drive profitable revenue growth." Highlights of Third Quarter 2018 compared to Third Quarter 2017: Key Operating Metrics Paid downloads increased 4.9% to 43.9 million. Revenue per download increased 5.3% to $3.40 . . Image collection expanded 42% to approximately 221 million images. Video collection expanded 44% to approximately 12 million clips. Financial Highlights Revenue increased 7.5% to $151.6 million . Excluding revenue from Webdam (which was sold in the first quarter of 2018), revenue increased 10.7%. . Excluding revenue from Webdam (which was sold in the first quarter of 2018), revenue increased 10.7%. Income from operations increased 20.3% to $6.7 million . . Net income increased 48.9% to $7.4 million . . Adjusted EBITDA increased 8.1% to $25.1 million . . Diluted EPS increased 50.0% to $0.21 per share. THIRD QUARTER RESULTS Revenue Revenue of $151.6 million for the third quarter of 2018 increased $10.5 million, or 7.5%, as compared to the third quarter of 2017, driven by positive year-over-year growth in both our e-commerce and enterprise channels. Excluding the impact from Webdam, which we sold in the first quarter of 2018, revenue growth was approximately 10.7% in the third quarter of 2018, as compared to the third quarter of 2017. Revenue growth on a constant currency basis was approximately 8.0% and revenue growth excluding the impact from Webdam on a constant currency basis was approximately 11.3%, in the third quarter of 2018, as compared to the third quarter of 2017. Our revenue growth and expansion of our product offerings drove a 5.3% increase in revenue per download. Revenue generated through our e-commerce platform increased approximately 8.5% as compared to the third quarter of 2017, to $88.7 million, representing 58.5% of total revenue in the third quarter of 2018. Revenue from enterprise customers increased approximately 14.1% as compared to 2017, to $62.9 million, representing 41.5% of total revenue in the third quarter of 2018. Income from Operations Income from operations of $6.7 million increased $1.1 million, or 20%, as compared to the third quarter of 2017, driven primarily by growth in revenues, which outpaced growth in operating expenses for the second consecutive quarter. Operating expenses increased $9.4 million, or 7%, primarily as a result of increased expenditures for sales and marketing, royalties and costs associated with our product development enhancements, including depreciation. Net Income Net income of $7.4 million, or $0.21 per diluted share, increased 49% for the third quarter of 2018 as compared with $5.0 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2017, primarily driven by the growth in income from operations, and a reduction in effective tax rate in the current period. Adjusted EBITDA Adjusted EBITDA of $25.1 million for the third quarter of 2018 increased $1.9 million, or 8%, as compared to the third quarter of 2017, driven primarily by growth in revenues and cost management improvements. We define adjusted EBITDA as net income adjusted for foreign currency transaction gains and losses, expenses related to long-term incentives and contingent consideration related to acquisitions, impairment charges related to our long-term investment in SilverHub Media Limited ("SHM"), interest income and expense, income taxes, depreciation, amortization, non-cash equity-based compensation, and the gain on Sale of Webdam. Adjusted Net Income Adjusted net income was $13.4 million, or $0.38 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2018 as compared to $10.9 million, or $0.31 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2017, an increase of $0.07 per diluted share, or 23%. We define adjusted net income as net income excluding the impact of one-time tax charges related to the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("TCJA"), non-cash equity-based compensation, amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, expenses related to long-term incentives and contingent consideration related to acquisitions, charges related to the impairment of our long-term investment in SHM, the gain on Sale of Webdam, and the estimated tax impact of such adjustments. LIQUIDITY Our cash and cash equivalents decreased by $47.0 million to $206.4 million at September 30, 2018, as compared with $253.4 million at December 31, 2017. This decrease primarily reflects $104.9 million of cash paid for a special non-recurring dividend in August 2018, $29.5 million of capital expenditures and a $15.0 million long-term investment in ZCool Network Technology Limited, our exclusive distributor of creative content in China. These cash expenditures were partially offset by $68.5 million of net cash generated by our operations and approximately $41.8 million of net proceeds to date from the Sale of Webdam, excluding $2.5 million of escrowed funds. We paid net cash taxes of $0.4 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $4.1 million paid in the 2017 period. Free cash flow was $22.4 million in the third quarter of 2018, an increase of $4.2 million from the third quarter of 2017. This change was primarily driven by lower cash used for capital expenditures and content acquisition, partially offset by a slight decrease in cash provided by operations. Free cash flow is defined as cash provided by operating activities adjusted for capital expenditures and content acquisition. STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM During the third quarter of 2018, we did not repurchase shares of our stock pursuant to our existing stock repurchase program. From the inception of this program through September 30, 2018, we have repurchased 2.6 million shares of our stock for a total of $100 million under the stock repurchase program at an average per-share price of $39.09. As of September 30, 2018, there remains $100 million authorized for purchases under our stock repurchase program. The stock repurchase program, which commenced in November 2015, authorizes the Company to purchase shares of our stock from time to time through open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions at prevailing prices as permitted by securities laws and other legal requirements. The timing and amount of any future share repurchases will be determined by our management based on its evaluation of market conditions and other factors. The repurchase program may be modified, suspended or discontinued at any time. OPERATING METRICS Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 2017 (in millions, except revenue per download) Number of paid downloads 43.9 41.9 Revenue per download (1) $3.40 $3.23 Content in our collection (end of period)(2): Images 221.3 155.8 Videos 12.0 8.3 (1) Revenue per download metric excludes the impact of revenue not associated with stock content downloads. (2) Represents images (photographs, vectors and illustrations) and video clips available on shutterstock.com at the end of the period. We exclude certain content available to customers, including custom content and content that may be licensed for editorial use only. FINANCIAL OUTLOOK For the full year 2018, excluding the impact of Webdam, the Company has tightened guidance with respect to Revenue, Adjusted EBITDA, and Income from operations and has improved guidance for Non-cash equity-based compensation expense, Capital expenditures and Effective tax rate as follows: Revenue of $625 - $630 million , representing growth of approximately 15% - 15.9%, tightening the range from the previous guidance of $625 - $635 million . - , representing growth of approximately 15% - 15.9%, tightening the range from the previous guidance of - . Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $105 million , representing growth of approximately 19.3%, tightening from the previous guidance of $105 - $110 million . , representing growth of approximately 19.3%, tightening from the previous guidance of - . Income from operations of $30 - $32 million , tightening the range from the previous guidance of $30 - $35 million . - , tightening the range from the previous guidance of - . Non-cash equity-based compensation expense of approximately $25 million , reduced from prior guidance of $28 million . , reduced from prior guidance of . Capital expenditures, including capitalized labor, of approximately $42 million , reduced from prior guidance of $48 million . , reduced from prior guidance of . Effective tax rate in low 20's%, reduced slightly from prior guidance. NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES In addition to reporting results in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), Shutterstock also refers to adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income, revenue growth on a constant currency basis, revenue excluding the impact of Webdam, adjusted EBITDA margin and free cash flow. Shutterstock defines adjusted EBITDA as net income adjusted for foreign currency transaction gains and losses, expenses related to long-term incentives and contingent consideration related to acquisitions, interest income and expense, income taxes, depreciation, amortization, disposals, non-cash equity-based compensation, impairment charges related to long-term investments and the gain on the Sale of Webdam; adjusted net income as net income excluding the impact of one-time tax charges related to the enactment of the TCJA, the impact of non-cash equity-based compensation, the amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, impairment charges related to long-term investments, the gain on the Sale of Webdam and expenses related to long-term incentives and contingent consideration related to acquisitions and the estimated tax impact of such adjustments; revenue growth on a constant currency basis (expressed as a percentage) as the increase in current period revenues over prior period revenues, utilizing fixed exchange rates for translating foreign currency revenues for both periods; revenue excluding the impact of Webdam as total Company revenue for each period presented, less the amount of revenue generated by the Webdam business during that period; adjusted EBITDA margin (expressed as a percentage) as the ratio of adjusted EBITDA to revenue; and free cash flow as cash provided by operating activities adjusted for capital expenditures and content acquisition. These figures have not been calculated in accordance with GAAP and should be considered in addition to results prepared in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered as a substitute for, or superior to, GAAP results. We caution investors that non-GAAP financial measures are not based on any standardized methodology prescribed by GAAP and are not necessarily comparable to similarly-titled measures presented by other companies. Management believes that adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income, revenue excluding the impact of Webdam, revenue growth on a constant currency basis and adjusted EBITDA margin are useful to investors to provide them with disclosures of Shutterstock's operating results on the same basis as that used by management. Additionally, management believes that adjusted EBITDA and adjusted net income provide useful information to investors about the performance of the Company's overall business because such measures eliminate the effects of unusual or other infrequent charges that are not directly attributable to Shutterstock's underlying operating performance; with respect to revenue growth on a constant currency basis, this provides useful information to investors by eliminating the effect of foreign currency fluctuations that are not directly attributable to Shutterstock's business; and with respect to revenue excluding the impact of Webdam, provides useful information to investors by eliminating the impact of a historical revenue source that is not part of our current business. Additionally, management believes that providing these non-GAAP financial measures enhances the comparability for investors in assessing Shutterstock's financial reporting. Management believes that free cash flow is useful for investors because it provides them with an important perspective on the cash available for strategic measures, after making necessary capital investments in property and equipment to support the Company's ongoing business operations, and provides them with the same measures that management uses as the basis for making resource allocation decisions. Shutterstock's management also uses the non-GAAP financial measures adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income, revenue excluding the impact of Webdam, revenue growth on a constant currency basis, adjusted EBITDA margin and free cash flow, in conjunction with GAAP financial measures, as an integral part of managing the business and to: (i) monitor and evaluate the performance of Shutterstock's business operations, financial performance and overall liquidity; (ii) facilitate management's internal comparisons of the historical operating performance of its business operations; (iii) facilitate management's external comparisons of the results of its overall business to the historical operating performance of other companies that may have different capital structures and debt levels; (iv) review and assess the operating performance of Shutterstock's management team and, together with other operational objectives, as a measure in evaluating employee compensation and bonuses; (v) analyze and evaluate financial and strategic planning decisions regarding future operating investments; and (vi) plan for and prepare future annual operating budgets and determine appropriate levels of operating investments. A reconciliation of the differences between adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income, revenue excluding the impact of Webdam and free cash flow, and the most comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP, is presented under the heading "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Information to GAAP" immediately following the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We do not provide a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA guidance to net income guidance, as the impact of net non-operating foreign currency exchange gains or losses which are excluded from adjusted EBITDA is inherently uncertain and difficult to estimate and is unavailable without unreasonable efforts. In addition, we believe such reconciliations would imply a degree of precision that would be confusing or misleading to investors. EARNINGS TELECONFERENCE INFORMATION The Company will discuss its third quarter financial results during a teleconference today, October 30, 2018, at 8:30 AM ET. The conference call can be accessed in the U.S. at (844) 634-1442 or outside the U.S. at (615) 247-0239 with the conference ID# 4398563. A live audio webcast of the call will also be available simultaneously at http://investor.shutterstock.com. Following completion of the call, a recorded replay of the webcast will be available in the investor relations section of Shutterstock's website. A telephone replay of the call will also be available until November 6, 2018 in the U.S. at (855) 859-2056 or outside the U.S. at (404) 537-3406 with the conference ID# 4398563. Additional investor information can be accessed at http://investor.shutterstock.com. ABOUT SHUTTERSTOCK Shutterstock, Inc. (NYSE: SSTK), directly and through its group subsidiaries, is a leading global provider of high-quality licensed photographs, vectors, illustrations, videos and music to businesses, marketing agencies and media organizations around the world. Working with its growing community of over 550,000 contributors, Shutterstock adds hundreds of thousands of images each week, and currently has more than 225 million images and more than 12 million video clips available. Headquartered in New York City, Shutterstock has offices around the world and customers in more than 150 countries. The company's brands also include Bigstock, a value-oriented stock image offering; Shutterstock Custom, a custom content creation platform; Offset, a high-end image collection; PremiumBeat, a curated royalty-free music library and Rex Features, a premier source of editorial images for the world's media. For more information, please visit www.shutterstock.com and follow Shutterstock on Twitter and on Facebook. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Statements in this press release regarding management's future expectations, predictions, beliefs, goals, intentions, plans, prospects or strategies, including statements regarding Shutterstock's future financial and operating performance on both a GAAP and non-GAAP basis and statements regarding Shutterstock's future growth, profitability and cash flow such as Shutterstock's expectations regarding financial outlook, future growth and profitability may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors including risks related to any unforeseen changes to or the effects on liabilities, financial condition, future capital expenditures, revenue, expenses, net income or loss, synergies and future prospects; our inability to continue to attract and retain customers and contributors to our online marketplace for creative content; competitive factors; our inability to innovate technologically or develop, market and offer new products and services; unforeseen costs related to infringement claims, indemnification claims and the inability to prevent misuse of our digital content; our inability to increase market awareness of Shutterstock and our products and services; our inability to effectively manage our growth; our inability to grow at historic growth rates or at all; technological interruptions that impair access to our websites; assertions by third parties of infringement of intellectual property rights by Shutterstock, our inability to effectively manage risks associated with operating internationally; our exposure to foreign exchange rate risk; our inability to address risks associated with sales to large corporate customers; government regulation of the internet; increasing regulation related to the handling of personal data; actions by governments to restrict access to our products and services; our inability to effectively expand our operations into new products, services and technologies; our inability to protect the confidential information of customers; increased tax liabilities associated with our worldwide operations, including our exposure to withholding, sales and transaction tax liabilities; the effect of the TCJA; general economic and political conditions worldwide; our inability to successfully integrate acquisitions and the associated technology and achieve operational efficiencies; and other factors and risks discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as in other documents that may be filed by Shutterstock from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. As a result of such risks, uncertainties and factors, Shutterstock's actual results may differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements discussed in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made only as of this date and Shutterstock assumes no obligation to update the information included in this press release or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law. Shutterstock, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Operations (In thousands, except for per share data) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Revenue $ 151,575 $ 141,063 $ 461,178 $ 405,282 Operating expenses: Cost of revenue 66,461 58,812 198,842 168,512 Sales and marketing 41,028 36,008 123,414 105,620 Product development 14,032 13,340 47,208 37,276 General and administrative 23,355 27,333 74,901 74,716 Total operating expenses 144,876 135,493 444,365 386,124 Income from operations 6,699 5,570 16,813 19,158 Gain on Sale of Webdam 38,613 Other income (expense), net 217 130 (6,000) 2,095 Income before income taxes 6,916 5,700 49,426 21,253 (Benefit)/provision for income taxes (531) 698 9,652 6,582 Net income $ 7,447 $ 5,002 $ 39,774 $ 14,671 Earnings per share Basic $ 0.21 $ 0.14 $ 1.14 $ 0.42 Diluted $ 0.21 $ 0.14 $ 1.12 $ 0.42 Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic 34,991 34,643 34,897 34,607 Diluted 35,570 35,177 35,420 35,339 Shutterstock, Inc. Consolidated Balance Sheets (In thousands, except par value amount) (Unaudited) September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 206,409 $ 253,428 Accounts receivable, net 45,850 49,932 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 28,331 37,109 Total current assets 280,590 340,469 Property and equipment, net 81,183 85,698 Intangibles assets, net 30,611 34,197 Goodwill 88,802 98,654 Deferred tax assets, net 13,966 9,761 Other assets 18,068 8,997 Total assets $ 513,220 $ 577,776 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 4,022 $ 7,160 Accrued expenses 55,202 58,734 Contributor royalties payable 23,334 20,088 Deferred revenue 141,412 157,803 Other liabilities 2,679 1,957 Total current liabilities 226,649 245,742 Deferred tax liability, net 1,486 Other non-current liabilities 17,973 15,963 Total liabilities 244,622 263,191 Commitment and contingencies Stockholders' equity: Common stock, $0.01 par value; 200,000 shares authorized; 37,573 and 37,270 shares issued and 35,015 and 34,712 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively 376 373 Treasury stock, at cost; 2,558 shares as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (100,027) (100,027) Additional paid-in capital 287,017 272,657 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (4,939) (3,557) Retained earnings 86,171 145,139 Total stockholders' equity 268,598 314,585 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 513,220 $ 577,776 Shutterstock, Inc. Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Information to GAAP (In thousands, except per share information) (Unaudited) Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income and free cash flow are not financial measures under United States generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Such non-GAAP financial measures should not be construed as alternatives to any other measures of performance determined in accordance with GAAP. We caution investors that non-GAAP financial measures are not based on any standardized methodology prescribed by GAAP and are not necessarily comparable to similarly-titled measures presented by other companies. Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Net income $ 7,447 $ 5,002 $ 39,774 $ 14,671 Add/(less): Depreciation and amortization 11,707 10,227 33,934 24,948 Non-cash equity-based compensation 5,959 6,885 17,994 20,128 Other adjustments, net (1) 485 384 8,439 (1,581) (Benefit)/Provision for income taxes (531) 698 9,652 6,582 Gain on Sale of Webdam $ $ $ (38,613) $ Adjusted EBITDA $ 25,067 $ 23,196 $ 71,180 $ 64,748 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Net income $ 7,447 $ 5,002 $ 39,774 $ 14,671 Add/(less): Non-cash equity-based compensation 5,959 6,885 17,994 20,128 Tax effect of non-cash equity-based compensation (2) (1,356) (2,531) (4,096) (7,399) Acquisition-related amortization expense 917 1,900 2,935 3,976 Tax effect of acquisition-related amortization expense (2) (209) (699) (668) (1,463) Acquisition-related long-term incentives and contingent consideration 702 514 2,439 514 Tax effect of acquisition-related long-term incentives and contingent consideration (160) (189) (594) (189) Gain on Sale of Webdam (38,613) Tax effect of gain on Sale of Webdam 10,733 Impairment of long-term investment asset 5,881 Tax effect of impairment of long-term investment asset 118 (999) Adjusted net income $ 13,418 $ 10,882 $ 34,786 $ 30,238 Adjusted net income per diluted common share $ 0.38 $ 0.31 $ 0.98 $ 0.86 Weighted average diluted shares 35,570 35,177 35,420 35,339 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Net cash provided by operating activities $ 30,494 $ 31,105 $ 68,517 $ 71,510 Capital expenditures (6,495) (11,857) (29,546) (37,626) Content acquisition (1,580) (1,017) (2,822) (2,568) Free cash flow $ 22,419 $ 18,231 $ 36,149 $ 31,316 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Total Revenues $ 151,575 $ 141,063 $ 461,178 $ 405,282 Less: Revenue from the Webdam business(3) (4,165) (2,711) (11,361) Revenue excluding the impact of Webdam $ 151,575 $ 136,898 $ 458,467 $ 393,921 (1) Included in Other adjustments, net is foreign currency transaction gains and losses, impairment of long-term investments, expenses related to long-term incentives and contingent consideration related to acquisitions, and interest income and expense. (2) Estimated tax effect of adjusted net income adjustments reflects the consolidated blended tax rate as applied to the taxable portion of the adjustment. (3) On February 26, 2018, the Company completed a sale transaction, pursuant to which the buyer in the transaction acquired certain assets and assumed certain contracts and liabilities which constituted the Company's digital asset management business (the "Sale of Webdam"). 2018 amounts include revenue earned during the period from January 1, 2018 through February 26, 2018. Shutterstock, Inc Supplemental Financial Data (Unaudited) Historical Operating Metrics Three Months Ended 9/30/18 6/30/18 3/31/18 12/31/17 9/30/17 6/30/17 3/31/17 12/31/16 9/30/16 (in millions, except revenue per download) Number of paid downloads 43.9 45.2 43.7 43.9 41.9 42.7 43.5 42.1 41.2 Revenue per download (1) $ 3.40 $ 3.41 $ 3.40 $ 3.33 $ 3.23 $ 3.05 $ 2.91 $ 3.01 $ 2.91 Content in collection (end of period): (2) Images 221.3 204.2 186.9 170.1 155.8 144.7 132.0 116.2 102.7 Videos 12.0 10.9 9.9 9.1 8.3 7.6 6.9 6.2 5.4 Historical Revenue by Sales Channel(3)(4) Three Months Ended 9/30/18 6/30/18 3/31/18 12/31/17 9/30/17 6/30/17 3/31/17 12/31/16 9/30/16 (in millions) E-Commerce $ 88.7 $ 91.7 $ 89.7 $ 87.8 $ 81.8 $ 82.2 $ 80.6 $ 81.4 $ 78.1 Enterprise 62.9 64.9 60.6 59.3 55.1 48.1 46.2 45.4 42.1 Webdam(5) 2.7 4.7 4.2 3.7 3.5 3.3 2.9 Total Revenue $ 151.6 $ 156.6 $ 153.0 $ 151.8 $ 141.1 $ 134.0 $ 130.2 $ 130.2 $ 123.1 (1) Revenue per download metric excludes the impact of revenue not associated with stock content downloads. (2) Images (photographs, vectors and illustrations) and video clips available on shutterstock.com at the end of the period. We exclude certain content available to customers, including custom content and content that may be licensed for editorial use only. (3) Effective January 1, 2018 we adopted Accounting Standard Update 2014-09 using the modified retrospective approach. Historical revenue totals reflect those previously reported and have not been restated. (4) Certain amounts in the table may not foot due to rounding. (5) On February 26, 2018, the Company completed the Sale of Webdam. 2018 amounts include revenue earned during the period from January 1, 2018 through February 26, 2018. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/shutterstock-reports-third-quarter-2018-financial-results-300740039.html SOURCE Shutterstock, Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 30, 2018] Bank of America Merchant Services and talech Team Up to Meet the Unique Needs of Full-Service Restaurants and Bars Bank of America Merchant Services, a leader in payments, eCommerce and security solutions, and talech, a pioneer in cloud-based restaurant management software, are teaming up to help full-service restaurant and bar owners with one or more locations run their businesses more efficiently through a new, innovative point-of-sale solution. "Restaurants compete for customers who demand excellence in every aspect of their experience. This is why we have partnered with talech, a best-in-class technology solution for our restaurant clients to simplify their operations and seamlessly integrate our payments capability," said Bank of America Merchant Services CEO Tim Tynan. Clients who use Bank of America Merchant Services' processing and talech's integrated software may benefit from: Cloud-based connectivity offering point-of-sale mobility A fast and convenient checkout experience for guests The ability to customize and manage table layout and orders Simplified employee management, including scheduling and timesheets Streamlined ordering and cashing out with the ability to add discounts and gratuity "At talech, we believe that by using data insights, small business owners can know as much about their business as their largest competitors," said talech's CEO Irv Henderson. "In partnership, the Bank of America Merchant Services and talech teams offer business owners an easy-to-use, feature rich point-of-sale that can help them save time and money." For additional information on how Bank of America Merchant Services and talech can help your business, visit https://merch.bankofamerica.com/talech. Find more tips to help you run your business more efficiently at www.facebook.com/bankofamericamerchantservices and www.linkedin.com/company/bank-of-america-merchant-services/. About Bank of America Merchant Services Bank of America Merchant Services brings together market-leading payment, eCommerce and security solutions to help businesses optimize global digital commerce and improve their customer's purchase journey. The company processes 16.6 billion transactions at more than 705,000 merchant locations throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe. Bank of America Merchant Services guides businesses from the Fortune 50 to neighborhood establishments through the evolving world of payments. To learn more, please visit https://merch.bankofamerica.com/ About talech Palo Alto (News - Alert), California-based talech brings the power of data to small and medium-sized businesses in the form of intuitive and intelligent software. talech's point of sale solution allows businesses to simplify operations, get key insights and make better decisions. www.talech.com Per the Nilson report, March 2018, Issue #1127 and Bank of America Merchant Services data, June 2018 Bank of America Merchant Services and talech are separate, unaffiliated companies offering complementary services. They would provide merchants their services in this solution under separate contracts. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181030005533/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 30, 2018] Portag3 Ventures announces initial $198M closing of its second fintech fund - Leading strategic investors join Power Financial entities to back ambitious, creative entrepreneurs - TORONTO, Oct. 30, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - Portag3 Ventures today announced the initial closing of Portag3 Ventures II LP ("Fund II"), its second fintech venture fund focused on early stage investments in the global financial technology sector. Major institutional and strategic investors in the initial closing of the $198M new fund include National Bank of Canada (TSX: NA), Intact Financial Corporation (TSX: IFC), Guardian Capital Group (TSX: GCG), Equitable Bank (TSX: EQB), La Capitale Insurance and Financial Group and SSQ Insurance. In addition, Power Financial Corporation (TSX: PWF), IGM Financial Inc. (TSX: IGM) and Great-West Lifeco Inc. (TSX: GWO) return as anchor investors following their investment in Portag3 Ventures' first fund, launched in 2016. Subsequent closings are expected to bring Fund II commitments to at least $300M, with a target significantly in excess of that amount. "Portag3 Ventures is uniquely positioned as one of the few platforms dedicated exclusively to fintech on a global scale, combining the people, capital and strategic reach of our LPs to create and support compelling investment opportunities," said Paul Desmarais III, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman. "The early success of our first fund has allowed us to broaden our investor base to include hghly strategic capital providers from outside the Power Financial group of companies, which will only strengthen our ability to support ambitious and creative fintech entrepreneurs." Portag3 Ventures' core investment thesis investing in global technology-focused companies by leveraging the Fund's ecosystem, reach and insights to accelerate growth in its portfolio companies has enabled it to become one of the leading fintech funds in Canada, managing over $400M in seven geographies across more than 30 different investments. The Portag3 model of matching proprietary opportunities with talent, capital, and Portag3's network provides a winning formula for entrepreneurs and investors. Fund II looks to take larger stakes in its investments, targeting 10-20% ownership of investee companies. Most recently, Fund II led a Series-A investment in Toronto-based Integrate.ai, a cloud-based machine learning platform that helps businesses harness consumer intelligence and engage customers without compromising privacy. "We're honoured outside investors of this caliber have chosen to partner with us," said Adam Felesky, Co-Founder and CEO. "We aim to build on our early success from investments in companies such as Wealthsimple, alan and Albert and leverage key learnings from the first fund." About Portag3 Ventures Portag3 Ventures is an early-stage investor dedicated to backing the next generation of innovative, global financial services companies working to benefit all consumers. With its longer-term commitments combined with its industry intelligence and operational expertise, Portag3 is the ideal partner for the bold and ambitious entrepreneur. Initially formed in 2016 as part of the Power Financial Corporation ecosystem in affiliation with Great-West Lifeco Inc. and IGM Financial Inc., Portag3 has since welcomed external investors to establish a leading, interconnected fintech ecosystem that successfully scales portfolio companies, shares key market insights, and leverages collective distribution power to drive financial services innovation across the globe. In addition to venture investing, Portag3 also seeks to help found global champions in financial services in partnership with fintech incubator Diagram Ventures. Portag3 today operates from Toronto, Montreal, New York, and Singapore. To learn more about Portag3 Ventures, visit http://p3vc.com. SOURCE Portag3 Ventures [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 30, 2018] Robotics startup Micropsi Industries secures more than $6M to fuel growth Launching AI system to train industrial robots in the U.S. and Europe NEW YORK, Oct. 30, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Micropsi Industries , a robotics software company, today announced it has closed $6.08 million (5.28 million euros) in Series A funding led by Project A, a leading Berlin-based investor with more than 260 million in assets under its management. Previous investors Coparion and Vito Ventures as well as experienced business angels also participated in this round. The funding will be used to launch Micropsi Industries artificial intelligence technology in the U.S. and European markets. The company develops AI systems, including Mirai, its software stack for sensor-driven robot control. Using a controller box, camera and sensors, Mirai enables robot arms to learn skills that would be hard or impossible to hand-engineer, greatly expanding the existing application possibilities of industrial robots. Mirai learns movements that are intuitive for humans but challenging for robots, by learning from people. With Mirai, industrial rbots can now be trained to handle complex tasks in days instead of weeks via programming -- enabling a robot to operate in unstructured and unpredictable environments, fast and cost effectively. According to Markets and Markets, the industrial robotics market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.60 percent to $71.72 billion by 2023. Micropsi Industries is poised to leverage this market opportunity by automating various complex and dexterous tasks on the factory floor, such as plugging cables into the right port. We are looking forward to bringing our cutting-edge AI technology to the U.S. and European markets so companies can design and deliver more consistent quality in their production systems, said Ronnie Vuine, founder and CEO, Micropsi Industries. With Mirai customers can put robots to work in entirely new fields -- robots that are trained and not programed, which will save both time and cost. "We believe Micropsi Industries disruptive AI technology fills a critical gap in the industrial robotics industry -- making it cheaper and faster to deploy and redeploy robots to take on complex movements that might otherwise be impossible, said Uwe Horstmann, general partner, Project A. We see enormous market opportunities for the company and are looking forward to supporting the leadership team as they build a great company and expand their footprint, globally. About Micropsi Industries A robotics software company headquartered in Germany, Micropsi Industries is driving the future of industrial automation. Its unique control system, Mirai, applies artificial intelligence technologies to create flexible, real-time controlled robotic applications for use in dynamic environments and execute complex tasks. Mirai learns by rehearsing movements from humans guiding the robot and trains them within hours vs. days of creating complicated programming that other systems require. Its technology is designed for global electronics assembly and manufacturing industries and works with hardware platforms such as ABB and Universal Robots. To learn more, please visit micropsi-industries.com . Contacts: Parna Sarkar-Basu, [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] The post of Opposition Leader was not discussed during the meeting held between Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Leader R. Sampanthan and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, the TNA said today. In a statement, it said Mr. Sampanthan met Mr. Rajapaksa on the request of the latter at his residence at Wijerama Mawatha in Colombo 07. Mr. Sampanthan did not meet Mr. Rajapaksha in any other capacity. No matter was discussed at this meeting pertaining to the post of the Leader of the Opposition. Any statement to that effect is deliberately false, the party said. [October 30, 2018] Maropost Names SaaS Executive Jay Miller as SVP Marketing TORONTO, Oct. 30, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Maropost, the innovating force in Customer Engagement technology, announced that Jay Miller will be joining the company as Senior Vice President of Marketing. Miller brings over 20 years of SaaS marketing experience to Maropost, with a focus on scaling customer-centric companies. Miller comes to Maropost from LearnCore, where he most recently served as the companys VP of Marketing, building out an innovative, data-driven B2B marketing engine. Prior to working at LearnCore, he helped establish Workivas Wdesk platform as the de facto standard for complex business reportinggoing from 0 to nearly 3,000 customers, $0 to over $180m in revenue, and 24 to nearly 1,400 team membersin just 7 years. Over the course of his 20 years in B2B SaaS marketing, Miller has always focused his efforts on growing customer-centric companies. This drive to create better customer experiences drew him to Maropostwhere he plans to make Maroposts dedication to customer-first innovation an industry benchmrk. As Maropost's SVP of Marketing, Miller will be spearheading the companys next stage of growth, championing Maropost in a market that continues to underserve its customers. In addition, he will be building out the organizations marketing engineto better serve Maroposts customers and their customersfrom the companys U.S. office, located in Chicago, IL. "This is a big move for us and Jay is the person to make that move with," says Ross Paquette, Maropost Chairman and CEO. "We finally have a marketing leader who can take Maropostour technology, our story, our driveand reach the audience thats been asking for this for years. "I'm excited to be a part of Maropost and to build out our marketing team," says Miller. "Up to this point, most people were hearing about Maropost by word of mouththat's about to change. About Maropost Maropost is a fully unified customer engagement platform, designed to provide a single solution for all areas of businessacross marketing, commerce, service, clienteling, referral, and more. Connecting brands with their customers, Maropost unifies customer data to create unified customer experiences. Were changing the way organizations operate through technologybreaking down divides between and within departments, so companies can truly understand and engage their customers. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, Maropost is trusted by brands like DigitalMarketer, New York Post, Mercedes-Benz, SHOP.com, and Yext. Learn more at: https://www.maropost.com/ For more information, please contact: Christine Glossop Marketing Communications Manager Maropost 1-888-438-3152 x239 [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 30, 2018] Cyberspec and Media Shower Partner on "Proof of Selection," a New Blockchain Consensus Algorithm Blockchain media company Media Shower, in partnership with cybersecurity firm Cyberspec, have announced a partnership to collaborate on Proof of Selection, a new blockchain consensus algorithm to improve existing technologies like "Proof of Work" and "Proof of Stake," currently in use by the majority of blockchain projects. Proof of Selection was invented by Kennie Jenkins, founder of the cybersecurity company Cyberspec, after contemplating the Byzantine General's Dilemma, in which multiple generals must agree on a plan of attack without the ability to reliably communicate with each other. Utilizing his understanding of military strategy and tactics from his distinguished career as an officer in the United States Navy, he visualized a consensus algorithm that is like generals coordinating a time to attack or retreat. "The biggest problem facing blockchain is scalability," said Jenkins. "Proof of Selection is a fully-decentralized consensus algorithm that is resource efficient, fully transparent, and egalitarian. It will go a long way toward solving the scalability problem." Media Shower, the leading blockchain media company, is partnering with Cyberspec to explain Proof of Selection to blockchain developers and invstors. "Proof of Selection is a huge leap forward for the industry," said John Hargrave, Media Shower CEO. "It's less resource-intensive than Proof of Work, and more balanced than Proof of Stake." Proof of Selection removes mining requirements, eliminating the tremendous power needs of bitcoin. It promotes equal block publishing and transaction rights, without any centralized coordinating processes or authority. Proof of Selection is fast, with no time restrictions on block creation, and it is also scalable due to its ability to increase the number of selected nodes. In addition to Media Shower, Cyberspec has also partnered with Lannister Holdings, Inc. (OTC: NBDR), parent company of leading Web blockchain developer, Lannister Development, to develop the technical architecture. "The Proof of Selection consensus algorithm can potentially revolutionize distributed ledgers and become the world standard for blockchain," said Jenkins. About Cyberspec Cyberspec, a Maryland based company, provides technical solutions in the core areas of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and distributed ledger technology. Their vision is to innovate and implement technology and processes that positively impact the world. About Media Shower, Inc. Media Shower is a blockchain media company and consulting firm that helps blockchain technology companies succeed. Based in Boston, Massachusetts, they position blockchain projects across the globe for growth through investment. About Lannister Holdings, Inc. Lannister Holdings, Inc. (OTC: NBDR), is a leading Web 3.0 consulting, software development and products company dedicated to creating disruptive, valuable business solutions with AI, IoT, cloud and blockchain technologies alongside offering education, architecture, consulting and development services for organizations around the globe. Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, our mission is to create strong shareholder value through the development, acquisition and real world deployment of Web 3.0 technologies world-wide. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181030005619/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 30, 2018] SourceDay Selected as a 2018 Red Herring Top 100 Global Red Herring (News - Alert) announced its Top 100 Global in recognition of the leading private companies from North America, Europe and Asia, celebrating these startups' innovations and technologies across their respective industries. SourceDay, the leader of direct procurement automation, has been selected. "Choosing the companies with the strongest potential was by no means a small feat," said Alex Vieux, publisher and CEO of Red Herring. "After rigorous contemplation and discussion, we narrowed our list down from hundreds of candidates from across the globe to the Top 100 Winners. We believe SourceDay embodies the vision, drive and innovation that define a successful entrepreneurial venture. SourceDay should be proud of its accomplishment." SourceDay was evaluated on both quantitative and qualitative criteria, such as financial performance, technology innovation, management quality, strategy and market penetration. This assessment of potential is complemented by a review of SourceDay's track record and standing relative to its peers. Red Herring's Top 100 Global list has become a mark of distinction for identifying promising companies and entrepreneurs, and was the first to recognize such companies as Facebook, Twitter, Google, Yahoo, Skype, Salesforce.com, YouTube (News - Alert) and eBay and how they would change the way we live and work. "This is a major recognition for SourceDay and one of which we are very proud," says Tom Kieley, CEO at SourceDay. "Making Red Herring's Top 100 Global list coincides with a banner year for SourceDay. In 2018, we added new customers, grew our team, forged new partnerships and continued innovating our direct spend procurement and supplier collaboration platform. This recognition furthers our position as a leader in bringing automated efficiency and cost savings to the manufacturing and distribution industries by automating the entire supply chain procurement process." View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181030005658/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 30, 2018] Cloud Elements Raises New Funding Round From American Express Ventures Funding Round to Help Bring New Digital Experiences to Market DENVER, Oct. 30, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cloud Elements , the leading API integration platform for digital products, announced today that it has raised a new funding round from American Express Ventures , the strategic investment group within American Express. Amex Ventures joins existing investors Harbert Growth Partners, Rally Ventures, Access Ventures and Grotech Ventures, in backing Cloud Elements. Cloud Elements will use capital from this round to continue its growth trajectory by bringing new integrated digital payment experiences to market. Enterprises are increasingly leveraging cloud-based services through API connections to help them run their operations, said Lindsay Fitzgerald, Managing Director, Amex Ventures. Cloud Elements helps companies simplify the process of managing their growing number of API connections with its unique one-to-many approach tointegration. We are pleased to help support Cloud Elements in its future growth as it explores how this technology can enable new payments capabilities in the B2B space. "Modern business has come to rely on API-based integration to deliver new product experiences and drive efficiencies in their day to day operations, said Mark Geene, co-founder and CEO of Cloud Elements. "This new investment helps fuel the next stage of our growth in the fast growing cloud integration market, and recognizes our leadership role as the only integration platform designed for software providers and digital enterprises. About Cloud Elements Cloud Elements is a leading API integration platform, serving the worlds largest ISVs and digital enterprises. Our Elements feature rich app connectors integrate your product to the ecosystem of applications that your customers and partners rely on every day. Underneath our catalog of more than 150 Elements, youll find an entire platform to go beyond just connecting, and instead truly integrate and synchronize data between applications. Founded in 2012, Cloud Elements is the fastest growing integration vendor of all time. Cloud Elements is headquartered in Denver, CO, and serves customers worldwide. More information can be found at www.cloud-elements.com . Media Contact: Hannah Shain Director of Marketing, Cloud Elements [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 30, 2018] Ving CEO Speaks in Local Laws of Leadership Series Youngstown Ohio, Oct. 30, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ving CEO Tony DeAscentis was invited by the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber to speak at its 2018 Laws of Leadership series on October 17. The series is based around John Maxwells New York Times Best Seller, The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork, in which he discusses his ideas on team building and the success that accompanies a great foundation of teamwork. Each guest speaker in this series is invited to tell a story about how one of Maxwells laws of tamwork has inspired them and made an impact in their life. DeAscentis chose number 13: The Law of Identity. Many times, he said, it is the identity that makes or breaks our desire to get to know a companywhether youre going to work for them or become a customer of theirs. According to DeAscentis, your corporate identity, for better or worse, is defined and advertised by your employees. Finding partners and employees alike that share your values and company culture will give you the identity that you need to thrive with a successful business. Other speakers for the days event were Becky Wall, Vice President of Dearing Compressor & Pump Co., and Isaiah J. Rowe from Integrity Leadership & Development. Contact: Tony DeAscentis Phone: 855-855-7165 Email: [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 30, 2018] USMCA is Good for Canada and Good for Sudbury OTTAWA, Oct. 30, 2018 /CNW/ - To promote the benefits and opportunities of the United StatesMexicoCanada Agreement (USMCA), the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Natural Resources, visited Sudbury, Ontario, today where he delivered remarks at Science North. The Minister spoke about the importance of USMCA as an engine of growth and prosperity for Ontario and for Canada. Reaching an agreement-in-principle on the USMCA was an important step forward for North American trade, reinforcing strong economic ties between the three countries, restoring certainty in trade and fostering good, well-paying, jobs for Canadians. Canada is now the only G7 country to have trade agreements with all G7 countries. When implemented, the USMCA will help Canadians compete globally and prosper in a healthy, integrated North American economy. The Government of Canada will continue to engage with North American partners to finalize the details of an agreement that benefits all Canadians. Quotes "Trade remains crucial to the mines and minerals sector, to jobs and to Sudbury. That's why the USMCA is so important. The agreement means more opportunities for Canadian businesses and good, middle-class jobs for Canadian workers and their families. When fully implemented, it will help Canadians compete globally and prosper in a healthy, integrated North American economy." - The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Natural Resources "The USMCA maintains free trade across an economically influential, integrated and competitive regional market of 486 million consumers and a combined GDP of US $22 trillion. It addresses modern-day trade issues and supports prosperity for Canadians by ensuring that our businesses, entrepreneurs, workers, rnchers, farmers and fishers will have continued preferential access to our largest market." - The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs Quick Facts Over half of Canada's trade in mineral products is with its USMCA partners. trade in mineral products is with its USMCA partners. Canada trades over $150 million worth of mineral products with its USMCA partners each day. trades over worth of mineral products with its USMCA partners each day. Canada's mineral products account for 14 percent of its total merchandise exports to its USMCA partners. mineral products account for 14 percent of its total merchandise exports to its USMCA partners. North America is home to more than 486 million people. is home to more than 486 million people. When the North American Free Trade Agreement came into effect on January 1, 1994 , it created the largest free trade region in the world at that time, generating economic growth and helping to raise the standard of living for the people of all three member countries. , it created the largest free trade region in the world at that time, generating economic growth and helping to raise the standard of living for the people of all three member countries. The United States and Mexico are, respectively, Canada's first- and third-largest merchandise trading partners in the world. Canada is respectively the second- and fifth-largest merchandise trading partner of the United States and Mexico and the largest export market for the United States . and are, respectively, first- and third-largest merchandise trading partners in the world. is respectively the second- and fifth-largest merchandise trading partner of and and the largest export market for . In 2017, trilateral trade reached nearly USD $1.1 trillion more than a threefold increase since 1993. more than a threefold increase since 1993. To reach this renewed trilateral trade understanding, the Prime Minister, Ministers, Parliamentarians, federal officials, Premiers and industry representatives directly engaged political and business leaders in the United States to advocate on behalf of Canadians. to advocate on behalf of Canadians. Since January 2016 , "Team Canada" visited the United States more than 300 times and made more than 500 individual contacts with American officials, including the President, the Vice-President, 16 United States Cabinet members, more than 310 members of Congress and 60 governors and lieutenant-governors. , "Team Canada" visited more than 300 times and made more than 500 individual contacts with American officials, including the President, the Vice-President, 16 United States Cabinet members, more than 310 members of Congress and 60 governors and lieutenant-governors. To help guide negotiations, the Government of Canada consulted with Canadians from across the country and from all sectors and backgrounds about trade. Consultations included meetings with the provinces and territories, industry, unions, civil society, think tanks, academics, Indigenous peoples, women, youth and the general public. Associated Links United StatesMexicoCanada Agreement Canada and United States relations and relations North American Free Trade Agreement Resources Follow us on Twitter: @CanadaTrade Like us on Facebook: Canada's international trade - Global Affairs Canada SOURCE Natural Resources Canada [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 30, 2018] Bank M&A Activity Spikes During the Third Quarter of 2018 According to New Research from Integrated Legacy Solutions Integrated Legacy Solutions (ILS), the leading provider of technology for image and data migrations and conversions to the financial services industry, today released its quarterly overview of bank merger and acquisition data for the third quarter of 2018. Derived from data provided by the Federal Reserve System, the research quantifies all U.S. bank M&A activity occurring between July 2018 and September 2018 to monitor larger trends in the space, including total mergers and acquisitions, activity by state and region, the asset sizes of acquired and acquiring banks and transaction pricing, among other insights. There were a total of 74 bank M&A deals closed in Q3 2018, a 42% increase from Q3 of 2017 as well as a 14% increase from Q1 and Q2 of this year. This quarter measures up similarly to Q3 of 2014 and 2015 which were both great years. In fact, Q3 of 2018 is the best quarter seen since 2016 and is a great reflection on the current upswing in the economy. While closed M&A deal activity was higher this quarter, the number of M&A deals announced by U.S. banks in Q3 is trending downwards with only 58 total deals announced (a 38% decrease from the previous quarters announced). However, with those 58 deals that puts the market back close to the 2015 and 2016 markets. In fact, as of today 2018's M&A activity is already 82% of 2017's total deals. "The number of deals announced in September wre the same as a year ago, however the overall pricing was significantly higher compared to the same period," said Kris Bishop, President and CEO of ILS. "This speaks to how the deal landscape is changing for those looking to buy and sell in the coming quarters. M&A deal volumes continue to increase over the same period last year with 189 transactions announced throughout the end of the Q3 18. The median deal pricing for the 13 deals announced in September 2018 were considerably higher than the 2017 on a price to tangible book increase of 5.8% with the median being 1.74 times. This is good news to the banks that are able to successfully complete transactions." Other notable insights from the Q3 2018 research include: Illinois and Texas claimed the most deals in Q3 with 7 each. The Chicago and Kansas City FDIC regions had the most M&A deals closed across all regions of the U.S. Both regions reported closing 15 (Chicago) and 16 (Kansas City) M&A transactions during Q3 2018. The Southwest Region saw the most significant growth with an 86% increase from Q2 of 2018 and a 59% increase over the past five years. With a 29% decrease, the Memphis FDIC region has slipped the most from Q2. The least amount of M&A activity in Q3, with only 2 closed transaction belongs again to the Boston region. The Boston region has had the lowest number of M&A transactions continuously since 2013, however over the past 5 years they have grown steadily with an 11% rate of growth. The average asset size of acquired banks for the third quarter of 2018 was slightly lower than Q2 at $448.6 million, while the average asset size of acquiring banks was $4.9 billion. The largest acquisition in Q3 2018 was Connecticut -based People's United Bank's ($4.4 billion in assets) acquisition of also Connecticut-based Farmington Bank ($3.3 billion in assets). "Deal volume and pricing are up across the country with the South and Midwestern regions, which showed the most deals announced in the first half, continuing to lead nationally in Q3," said Bishop. "I don't believe we are seeing the 'huge wave' of bank mergers predicted in the first quarter when the President signed legislation increasing the 'too big to fail' size requirements from $50B to $250B; however, we are seeing the 'swell starting to build.'" About Integrated Legacy Solutions Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., Integrated Legacy Solutions (ILS) provides industry leading technology for legacy image and data migrations and conversions to the financial industry. ILS's leadership team has performed data conversion for thousands of financial institutions over their nearly 20 years in the business. Through its flagship product, OmniView Browser, efficient business model and focused expertise, ILS has designed innovative ways to "migrate" legacy data much faster and less expensive than other costly and time-consuming methods of data conversion. ILS's success is focused on 3 key areas; customer service, the business (or conversion) process, and the latest technology to convert or migrate legacy systems quickly with minimal disruption to the client's production environment. For more information, visit: www.integratedlegacy.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181030005972/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 30, 2018] Course Hero Features UCLA's Dr. Neil Garg in Best Lesson Series REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Course Hero, an online learning platform where members can access over 20 million course-specific study resources contributed by a community of students and educators, today announced that Dr. Neil K. Garg, a professor of chemistry and the Kenneth N. Trueblood Endowed Chair at the University of California, Los Angeles, has joined the Educator Partner Program. Garg, a recipient of the 2018 Robert Foster Cherry Award for Great Teaching, is currently featured in the Course Hero Best Lesson Series with his lesson, "Help Study Groups Bond with Music Videos". "Great educators can take complex, often daunting, topics and make them not only understandable but also enjoyable," said Course Hero cofounder and CEO Andrew Grauer. "With his focus on organic chemistry, Dr. Garg has helped thousands of students learn to love one of the most historically feared college courses. Through our Best Lessons series, Course Hero is providing a platform for Dr. Garg to share his incredible teaching techniques with educators around the world." Course Hero's Best Lesson series highlights innovative teaching methods and tactical advice from college educators around the country. These articles are written by Course Hero editors and published to Faculty Club, Course Hero's teaching-focused community blog. Dr. Garg holds a BS in Chemistry from New York University and a PhD from the California Institute of Technology. In 2007 he joined the faculty at UCLA and currently serves as Faculty-in-Residence in the UCLA undergraduate community; he previously served as Vice Chair for the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry (20122016). Recent Course Hero Educator Partners include: Jessica Wallace, PhD, Assistant Professor of Kinesiology and Sport Science, Youngstown State University; Martha Ann Maus, PhD, Adjunct Professor of Spanish, College of Charleston; Matthew Farber, EdD, Assistant Professor of Technology, Innovation, and Pedagogy, School of Teacher Education, University of Northern Colorado; Robert Willett, PhD, Assistant Professor of Mathematics, California Baptist University. "Course Hero's vision is for every student to graduate confident and prepared," continued Grauer. "We are excited to partner with educators like Dr. Garg to enable the best possible outcomes, for students and instructors alike." In addition to the Best Lesson series, Course Hero also partners with educators through on-site lectures at Course Hero's headquarters and video course creation. Educators who are interested in learning more about Course Hero's Partnership Program are invited to contact [email protected]. Additionally, tenure-track and nontenure-track educators who are interested in active learning and pedagogical innovation in higher ed are encouraged to apply for the Course Hero Woodrow Wilson Excellence in Education Fellowship, a $20,000$30,000 grant. Applications are due Friday, November 9, 2018, at 5 p.m. EST. About Course Hero Course Hero is an online learning platform where members can access over 20 million course-specific study resources contributed by a community of students and educators. The platform includes Practice Problems, study guides, videos, class notes, and step-by-step explanations to help with every college classfrom economics to literature, biology to history, accounting to psychology, and everything in between. Course Hero has been recognized as one of the 2017 Technology Fast 500 by Deloitte and named a 2018 Best Place to Work in the Bay Area by the San Francisco Business Times and Silicon Valley Business Journal. Connect with Course Hero at www.coursehero.com or on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Pinterest. For more information, contact: Grayling PR for Course Hero [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/course-hero-features-uclas-dr-neil-garg-in-best-lesson-series-300740701.html SOURCE Course Hero [October 30, 2018] Golden Leaf Holdings Acquires Cultivation License for Bald Peak Facility in Oregon PORTLAND, Ore., Oct. 30, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Golden Leaf Holdings Ltd. (Golden Leaf or the Company) (CSE:GLH) (OTCQB:GLDFF), a cannabis company with cultivation, production and retail operations built around recognized brands, today announced that it received its cultivation license from the Oregon Liquor Control Commission OLCC for its much anticipated Bald Peak facility in Oregon. Construction of the facility is substantially complete, with the build-out of an adjacent shop and nursery scheduled for completion by the end of Q1-2019 and Q2-2019 respectively. Located in the heart of Oregons wine country, up in the Chelahem Mountains, this premier facility has 10,000 sq.ft of flowering canopy space with an estimated annual yield of 2,000 Lbs of cannabis flower. Transfer of plant stock will commence in early November and the Company expects its first harvest by the third quarter of 2019, at which time it will be at full flowering capacity. At over 1,600 ft elevation, this expertly designed and superb location offers seclusion from urban and farm pollution, has abundant airflow and sunshine with high water quality, and is above the valley fog line. The facility has high levels of automation, monitoring and control, inspired by a mix of best practice and proprietary cultivation methods that help prevent cross contamination with minimal labor and maximum efficiency. Chief Executive Officer, William Simpson said, I am delighted with the opening of Bald Peak. Given its location, the facility is purpose-built to house our unique hand-picked strains, which I personally oversaw and which were curated and preserved for over a decade. With the expertise of our Director of Cultivation, we will be able to produce consistent top-quality A-grade cannabis featuring premium strains that will principally be available at our 6 premier Chalice Farms stores. Being true to our strategy, we are fulfilling our seed-to-sale philosophy of being able to offer our craft, small-batch offering of Chalice-branded flower in our retail stores, complementing the top-quality cannabis we already buy from other premier Oregon farms. This completes a significant portion of our infrastructure goals in Oregon with boutique cultivation southwest of Portland, a top-quality edibles and extractions facility in the City of Portland, and our award-winning Chaice Farms stores in and around the Portland metro area. Flower from this cultivation facility will help improve our retail margins in Oregon. We remain focused on advancing this strategy in major US jurisdictions as well as Canada. Its about building our trusted brands and offering safe, high-quality products, as well as educating our customers about cannabis. To be added to the distribution list please email [email protected] with GLH in the subject line. About Golden Leaf Holdings Golden Leaf Holdings Ltd. is a Canadian company with operations in multiple jurisdictions including Oregon, Nevada and Canada, with cultivation, production and retail operations built around recognized brands. Golden Leaf distributes its products through its branded Chalice Farms retail dispensaries, as well as through third-party dispensaries. Golden Leafs cannabis retail operations and products are designed with the customer in mind, focused on superlative in-store experience and quality products. Visit goldenleafholdings.com to learn more. Investor Relations: Craig Eastwood Chief Financial Officer Golden Leaf Holdings Ltd. 503-201-0659 [email protected] Media Relations: Anne Donohoe / Nick Opich KCSA Strategic Communications [email protected] / nopich @kcsa.com 212-896-1265 / 212-896-1206 Disclaimer: This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the Companys future business operations, the establishment of, and the future scope and scale of, the Chalice Farms retail system, the level of funding needed to establish the Chalice Farms franchise model, that the Chalice Farms franchise model will be successful and generate positive cash flows, the opinions or beliefs of management and future business goals. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to general business, economic and competitive uncertainties, regulatory risks including risks related to the expected timing of the Companys participation in the adult use market, market risks, risks inherent in manufacturing operations, difficulties of establishing a successful franchise model and other risks of the cannabis industry. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is provided herein for the purpose of presenting information about managements current expectations relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purpose. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. This press release does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States, and such securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration or an exemption from registration. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Acerus to Report Third Quarter 2018 Financial Results and Host Investor Call Acerus Pharmaceuticals Corporation (TSX:ASP) will announce its third quarter 2018 financial and operating results on Tuesday November 6, 2018 before market opens. The company will host a conference call on Tuesday, November 6, 2018 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. To access the call live, please dial 416-340-2216 or 1-800-377-0758. Listeners are encouraged to dial in 10 minutes before the call begins to avoid delays. A replay of the conference call will be available until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, November 13, 2018 by dialing 905-694-9451 or 1-800-408-3053, using access code: 9812622#. About Acerus Acrus Pharmaceuticals Corporation is a Canadian-based specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the development, manufacture, marketing and distribution of innovative, branded products that improve patient experience, with a primary focus in the field of men's and women's health. The Company commercializes its products via its own salesforce in Canada, and through a global network of licensed distributors in the U.S. and other territories. Acerus' shares trade on Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "ASP". For more information, visit www.aceruspharma.com and follow us on Twitter (News - Alert) and Linkedin. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181030005931/en/ Ranil Wickremesinghe addresses supporters at a rally which was organised by his party in Colombo yesterday in protest against his removal as Sri Lankas Prime Minister of Sri Lanka (Pic by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe) Much has been spoken and discussed about and debated on regarding the existing political quagmire. With many ifs and buts, the President has started to act in such a manner that the entire nation is confused at the moment. While many took to rejoicing on the streets, the prevailing situation doesnt seem to be a reason to rejoice at all. One life was already taken away. Legal experts claim that the move to remove the existing Prime Minister was unconstitutional and taking another dangerous step forward, the President also prorogued Parliament till November 16. The Cabinet too is in the process being subject to change in a possible move to manipulate the majority vote. Those who voted in favour of the Yahapalanaya regime on January 8, 2015 wouldnt have expected this turn of events. But the damage has already been done and whether it is reversible or not remains the question. Hence the Daily Mirror spoke to several experts to shed light on the prevailing situation. Proroguing is an anti-democratic move Actually this should be decided by the Parliament, said Lal Wijenayake Attorney-at-Law and Chairman of the Public Representations Committee on Constitutional Reform. Therefore the Presidents decision is illegal. If President Sirisena had a doubt about Ranil Wickremesinghes majority he should have asked him (RW) to show his majority in Parliament. That would have been the proper way to do it. In fact this is how it is being done in most democracies including India when major crossovers take place. Even now its not too late to summon the Parliament. This is because the Parliament is the most supreme institution in the country. Proroguing is an anti-democratic move. After taking such a step he has even decided to prorogue it for two or three weeks. This is actually a crime. The Presidents actions have divided the society, public service, Police, armed forces and if further delayed the situation will worsen, said Wijenayake. He further said that Mahinda Rajapaksa does not have the majority. By proroguing the Parliament they are trying to manipulate the majority. We are well aware of how a majority could be manipulated. The President acted unconstitutionally by removing the Prime Minister and again suppressed democratic rights by proroguing the Parliament. Therefore there should be an impeachment order against him since he has violated the Constitution. This damage has grabbed international attention as well. But the damage could be minimised if he summons the Parliament immediately, he added. President himself made a U-turn According to Prof. Sarath Wijesooriya, civil rights activist and convener of the Movement for a Just Society, the Presidents decision is a deathly blow to democracy. The country has experienced a divide and the poor people have begun to fight. This is not a good sign. If MR (Mahinda Rajapaksa) has a majority of 113 then why are they proroguing Parliament? What they are trying to do now is appoint a miniature Cabinet and convince people to crossover. The President initially said that he would abide by the law, but it doesnt seem to be the case anymore, Prof. Wijesooriya continued. He got rid of Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, Ven. Sobhitha Thera and others who helped him to acquire the hot seat and he himself made a U-turn. The President himself claimed that MR has threatened to kill him five times and here he is joining hands with MR once again. This is undemocratic and the only solution is to convene Parliament immediately, said Prof. Wijesuriya. Climate ripe for political horse-trading Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) a National chapter of Transparency International and the leading global movement against corruption- also expressed its concerns regarding the prevailing constitutional crisis. In a statement issued they stated that the TISL wishes to state that its imperative that Parliament is convened immediately to resolve the political instability that has arisen. TISL is concerned that the prorogation of Parliament until November 16 has created a climate that is ripe for political horse-trading leading to the corruption of the peoples mandate. The statement also quoted TISL Executive Director Asoka Obeyesekere as follows saying, In the context of the prevailing political culture and past experiences, closing the doors of Parliament to enable deal making has already led to allegations of monetary inducements for loyalty. This will further undermine public trust and the mandate of good governance which President Sirisena pledged to uphold in his address to the nation on Sunday. Given the atmosphere of uncertainty that has currently engulfed the political systems of the country, it is of utmost importance that Parliament as the apex representative of the people, should be given the opportunity to be open and accountable to the public. All parties must recognise that sovereignty is in the people and is inalienable (Art. 3 Constitution). TISL calls on all political stakeholders of the country to protect democracy and resolve this crisis in the best interests of the people, upholding the spirit of transparency and accountability. No necessity to convene Parliament Former State Minister and member of the Liberal Party of Sri Lanka Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha said that he doesnt see a necessity to convene the Parliament. There has been a practice to prorogue Parliament especially like during the time of Premadasas impeachment motion, then in 1964 during Sirimavo Bandaranaikes regime and in 2001 during Chandrika Kumaratungas regime. Since the President has prorogued parliament its now a matter of waiting till November 16. When you have an ambiguous constitution on the dismissal of the Prime Minister there are three alternatives as solutions. Either go to courts, seek a Parliamentary vote or allow the people to respond. But by now Ranil Wickremesinghe must have realised that the country is not in his favour. In fact the President should have taken this decision after the Local Government Elections back in February. I also think that the rest of the UNPers must be seeing this as a opportunity to bring about Party reforms as it is important to maintain inner party democracy, said Prof. Wijesinha. There has been a practice to prorogue Parliament especially like during the time of Premadasas impeachment motion, then in 1964 during Sirimavo Bandaranaikes regime and in 2001 during Chandrika Kumaratungas regime Everything has happened according to Constitutional provisions Airing his views General Secretary of the United National Freedom Front and attorney-at-law Maithri Gunaratne said that the previous Government led by Ranil Wickremesinghe was a coalition Government. Therefore they were able to limit it to 30 members with an exception that if a coalition Government or a national Government was brought in that the numbers would exceed. When the Sri Lanka Freedom Party pulled out of the coalition Government the Cabinet that has been appointed ceased to exist. Then the PM also ceases to exist. Then the President could appoint a capable person who has the ability to command the Parliament at his discretion. He further said that once Parliament has been summoned and if the incumbent Premier cannot pass a Budget or a no confidence motion then he ceases to exist. Until then he can function. Thats how Ranil functioned from January 8, 2015 till August. Each and every member of the Parliament will support the incumbent Prime Minister on a case-by-case basis. When the Sri Lanka Freedom Party pulled out of the coalition Government the Cabinet that has been appointed ceased to exist. Then the PM also ceases to exist. Then the President could appoint a capable person who has the ability to command the Parliament at his discretion So theres no way that Wickremesinghe could hold on and say that hes the premier. Everything has happened according to Constitutional provisions. I think the best thing he should do now is to leave without pushing the Government to bring an eviction order on him. A call for democratic action during a moment of crisis A group of academics, religious leaders, professionals, civil rights and human rights activists have issued a statement that reads as follows: We are alarmed by the recent turn of events, where Maithripala Sirisena has called upon Mahinda Rajapaksa, who does not command a majority in the Parliament, to form the Government. In 2015, the country voted in Sirisena, on the promise of change and good governance. The majority of people voted in the Coalition Government too, in the General Elections, with Ranil Wickremesinghe at the helm. Neither Wickremesinghe nor President Sirisena has kept the promises made to the people. We wish to call upon all those in positions of power, particularly all political actors, to pledge their support for democratic processes The past three years have seen manoeuvres between warring factions and divided loyalties while self-serving opportunism ruled the day. The current move is simply a culmination of these acts. Although there have been some positive changes during this period of rule, such as the opening of space for civil discourse and freedom of speech, the legislation of the Right to Information Act and the return of some military-held lands, the Yahapalana regimes neoliberal policies, not to mention the impending Counter Terrorism Act (CTA), built on similar policies of the previous regime, provided little relief to the people. With a global economic crisis looming large, the country is facing challenges all round. The announcement of the President calling upon Rajapaksa to form the Government, and then proroguing the Parliament, makes us think that Rajapaksa doesnt have a majority at this moment. Such a postponement also signals a time of political manipulation of a precarious situation and warns of a premeditated and near autocratic take over. It weakens the already fragile fabric of democracy and spells further danger to dissent, protest and peoples collective action. The past three years have seen manoeuvres between warring factions and divided loyalties while self-serving opportunism ruled the day. The struggle for democracy is not just about the Constitution. It resides in economic, social, and individual welfare, the right to dissent, and a commitment to pluralism. Although its important to consider the unconstitutionality of the Presidents act and the precedence that it sets, our concerns go beyond those of a constitutional crisis. We want to stress that a democratic process needs to be cherished and upheld at all times. Rather than continuing to support the lesser evil, lets work towards bringing all people together as a citizenry to build hope for our collective futures. We wish to call upon all those in positions of power, particularly all political actors, to pledge their support for democratic processes. At the same time, we wish to pledge our support for democratic action. This is the moment to begin a collective action by students, teachers, workers, womens groups, religious groups, and others working toward social justice, to form a coalition and a counter force against authoritarian reaction. We want to stress that a democratic process needs to be cherished and upheld at all times Country cannot afford another crisis : NCCSL It is with a sense of shock and dismay that the people of Sri Lanka received the announcement on Friday evening on October 26 of the swearing-in of Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Prime Minister of our country by President Maithripala Sirisena, and the removal of the serving Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe from such office. We are a wounded nation recovering from war and violence and amidst severe economic burden on the people, cannot at any cost afford another crisis which can plunge the country into further chaos. The National Christian Council of Sri Lanka (NCCSL) takes serious note of this political development and considers this unprecedented move which is questionable in terms of the accepted norms of democratic principles and the provisions in our Constitution. It is our belief that the matter should have been best resolved in Parliament in a transparent manner with adherence to stipulated and clear procedures. The turn of events, shrouded in secrecy and surprise, which we regret, have raised many questions in the minds of our people instilling fear and uncertainty as we witness two competing Prime Ministers together with their respective parties jostling for power, authority and legitimacy for state rule. In this process, whilst noting with sadness the subjection of state institutions to force and intimidation for political control, we also admire the patience of the general public who await a solution to this prevailing crisis within constitutional and judicial formalities. In this process, whilst noting with sadness the subjection of state institutions to force and intimidation for political control, we also admire the patience of the general public who await a solution to this prevailing crisis within constitutional and judicial formalities We are a wounded nation recovering from war and violence and amidst severe economic burden on the people, cannot at any cost afford another crisis which can plunge the country into further chaos. Hence, the National Christian Council of Sri Lanka (NCCSL) as a religious entity with no affiliation to any political party or personality, appeals to the President to uphold the democratic traditions and the sanctity of our Constitution bearing in mind the mandate he received from the people when he was elected into office and calls upon its people and leaders of every sphere to act with prudence to uphold the sovereignty and integrity of the nation. In the meantime a petition has also been circulated by the Citizens Movement which condemns the Presidents actions and calls for Parliament to be convened. [October 30, 2018] IMARC 2018: Dassault Systemes and ATC Williams Collaborate to Develop Digital Water Sustainability Management Solutions for Australia's Mining Industry A key solution will focus on mine tailings [1] management using Dassault Syst e mes' 3DEXPERIENCE platform Complex water recovery processes can be simulated in the virtual world and optimized to preserve as much water as possible from tailings on a mine site In large scale equipment like tailings facilities, digitalization can go a long way in improving sustainability and productivity of a mining site MELBOURNE, Australia, Oct. 31, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Dassault Systemes today announced that it has entered into an agreement with ATC Williams, globally recognized tailings consultants for the mining and resources sectors, to develop water sustainability management solutions for Australia's mining industry utilising the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. The agreement was signed during the 5th Annual International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC), Australia's largest mining conference. Water-related challenges are paramount in Australia's mining industry, which is facing issues such as water shortages, increasing costs of water storage and transportation across vast distances. Mining companies in Australia are therefore seeking cost-efficient and environmentally-friendly ways to manage their water supply on-site to sustain profitability and their social license to operate. Through the collaboration, Dassault Systemes and ATC Williams will combine their expertise to develop water management solutions to meet these sustainability challenges. A key solution will focus on mine tailings management. Dassault Systemes will work with ATC Williams to create a digital twin of future tailings facility operations to simulate complex water recovery processes in the virtual world, and find ways to preserve as much water as possible from tailings on a mine site. "Tailings management is complex and unique to each mine site, involving significant cost and environmental considerations. Designing a tailings facility is therefore a highly collaborative process and demands a deep level of customization," said Allan Watson, CEO of ATC Williams. "By implementing Dassault Systemes' 3DEXPERIENCE platform, we benefit from its flexibility and collaborative ability to design and construct highly customized tailings facilities that best serve the specific geology of our customers' mining sites." "The mining industry is playing an increasingly important role in leading ethical water stewardship practices in Australia, where a low-carbon economy is the vision for the future," said Masaki Sox Konno, Managing Director, Asia Pacific South, Dassault Systemes. "Especially in tailings management where the majority of mine water can potentially be recovered, optimized operations through digitalization can make a huge impact on a mining site's social license. The 3DEXPERIENCE platform will help an industry leader like ATC Williams to lead innovation in water sustainability solutions for Australia's mining sector." Social media: Share this on Twitter: @3DS_ANZ signs strategic agreement with @ATCWilliams for collaboration to develop water #sustainability management solutions for Australia's #mining industry #3DEXPERIENCE @IMARC_Mining Connect with Dassault Systemes on 3DS ANZ Twitter Facebook LinkedIn YouTube For more information: Dassault Systemes' 3DEXPERIENCE platform, 3D design software, 3D Digital Mock Up and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions: http://www.3ds.com [1] Tailings are the waste by-products of mining from the extraction of orebodies. About Dassault Systemes Dassault Systemes, the 3DEXPERIENCE Company, provides business and people with virtual universes to imagine sustainable innovations. Its world-leading solutions transform the way products are designed, produced, and supported. Dassault Systemes' collaborative solutions foster social innovation, expanding possibilities for the virtual world to improve the real world. The group brings value to over 220,000 customers of all sizes, in all industries, in more than 140 countries. For more information, visit www.3ds.com. 3DEXPERIENCE, the Compass logo and the 3DS logo, CATIA, SOLIDWORKS, ENOVIA, DELMIA, SIMULIA, GEOVIA, EXALEAD, 3D VIA, BIOVIA, NETVIBES and 3DEXCITE are registered trademarks of Dassault Systemes or its subsidiaries in the US and/or other countries. About ATC Williams ATC Williams is a globally recognised specialist in tailings and water management, with over 35 years of experience and more than 500 tailings storage facilities designed. Like agriculture and other industries, mining impacts the environment and local communities. ATC Williams develops creative solutions with a digital vision to improve sustainability and increase efficiency for mining companies. Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20181030/2280776-1 Logo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20181026/2280776-1LOGO SOURCE Dassault Systemes [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 30, 2018] Icon Savings Plan Awarded Grand Prize at Money 20/20 Startup Pitch, by This Year's Guest Judge Shaquille O'Neal The Grand Prize at the Money20/20 Las Vegas Conference-the largest FinTech conference in the world, was awarded by Shaquille O'Neal to Laurie Rowley, President and Founder of Icon Savings Plan, who pitched her company to the event's four judges, as well as its 4,000-person audience. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181030006151/en/ Laurie Rowley receives grand prize from guest judge Shaquille O'Neal (Photo: Business Wire) Icon Savings Plan is an entirely new and compelling way for employers to offer a retirement savings plan to their people. Today less than 43% of them offer a 401(k) plan, due to the fact that these plans have failed to adapt to the modern workforce. They're time intensive, expensive for employers, and risky because employers become a fiduciary when offering a 401(k) plan. For workers, they often come with high fees and they don't travel with you from job to job. Icon solves all of these problems. For employers Icon is free, it takes only a few minutes to set up, and the employer is not a fiduciary. And because Icon is built on a modern technlogy platform, it removes the employer pain points. For workers, when you use Icon Savings Plan, you pay a fraction of the cost of a 401(k)-then, when you leave your employer, you keep your plan-and your money. "Unlike most FinTech startups, we didn't start with technology," Ms. Rowley said, "we started with a human problem: The lack of hope for retirement shared by millions of Americans, and we used technology and behavioral finance to solve it." Icon Savings Plan was one of 24 companies selected to compete out of 1,000 applicants. Reached shortly after winning, Ms. Rowley said that while she was humbled by the competition and the pressure of the event, she felt that "the real winners here are the millions of American families who will benefit from a sensible, accessible retirement savings plan that they can use to build better futures." Set to fully launch in the first quarter of 2019, Icon (www.IconSavingsPlan.com) is the only plan of its kind in the country, or anywhere. About Startup Pitch at Money20/20 Held this week at The Venetian Las Vegas, Startup Pitch at Money20/20 is the FinTech ecosystem's most exclusive startup challenge. This year, 24 of the industry's finest startups in AI, wealth management, biometrics, and payments competed on the prestigious Money20/20 stages for the honor of winning Startup Pitch at Money20/20. With 11,000+ attendees including more than 1,700 CEOs and Presidents from 4,500 companies and 85 countries, Money20/20 brings together an industry that's revolutionizing the ways in which consumers and businesses manage, spend, and borrow money. This year's final was judged by executives from Andreessen Horowitz, Bain Capital, and last year's winner Steady-with special guest Shaquille O'Neal. About Icon Savings Plan We believe that retirement savings should be for people and making their lives better, not about assets under management, sales goals and commissions. Icon is the only automatic, tax-advantaged, low-cost, easy-to-use retirement plan built for the 75-million people who are self-employed, work as independent contractors, or work for employers who don't offer retirement plans. Unlike other plans, Icon is portable, so when you leave your employer, you keep your plan-and your money. For employers, Icon is free to use, takes just minutes to sign-up, and is risk-free because they're not made fiduciaries. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181030006151/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 30, 2018] Take a tour of the business income deduction on episode 20 of MH Business Exchange CLEVELAND, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The 20th episode of McDonald Hopkins' podcast series MH Business Exchange has been released. During the episode titled "A Quick Tour of the Business Income Deduction," host Mike Witzke is joined by McDonald Hopkins member Michael Riley. They discuss everything you need to know about the business income deduction, from who qualifies for the 20 percent tax break to the reason behind Congress' decision to give us the qualified business deduction, whether or not all sole proprietors and owners of pass-through businesses get the deduction, and much more. <>For those interested in learning more after listening to the episode, you are invited to read Riley and David Ebersole's series on the business income deduction on mcdonaldhopkins.com. To listen to this and past episodes of MH Business Exchange, visit mcdonaldhopkins.com/podcasts. You can also listen to episodes by subscribing to MH Business Exchange on iTunes, Stitcher, SoundCloud, Google Play and TuneIn. 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] View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/take-a-tour-of-the-business-income-deduction-on-episode-20-of-mh-business-exchange-300740801.html SOURCE McDonald Hopkins [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 30, 2018] California DMV's Approval for Waymo to Test Driverless Robot Cars Is Premature; Key Questions Must Be Answered, and Application Made public, Consumer Watchdog Says LOS ANGELES, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The California Department of Motor Vehicles approval today of Waymo's application to test driverless robot cars in Santa Clarita County is premature and key questions must be answered by both Waymo, Google's driverless car unit, and the Department before any testing starts, Consumer Watchdog said. Waymo's entire application should be released to the public immediately, the nonprofit, nonpartisan public interest group said. "The DMV is letting Waymo turn all of us into human guinea pigs for testing their robot cars, without an adequate explanation of what's going on," said John M. Simpson, Consumer Watchdog's Privacy and Technology Project Director. To get a driverless testing permit, a company must certify that has met a number of safety requirements. "The problem with the process is that Waymo only had to certify it met the requirements," said Simpson. "Worse, we don't even know what Waymo said. Ronald Reagan used to say, 'Trust, but verify.' The DMV is simply trusting Waymo without any real verification and is putting our safety at risk." Waymo made certifications in its application, but they raise more questions than were answered. For instance, will residents be informed of where the testing will occur? Will any testing b done near schools or parks? What hours of the day will testing be done? Exactly what testing has been done under controlled conditions that simulate the planned area of operation? For how long and for how many miles? How many disengagements when the robot technology failed were recorded during testing? The driverless robot car being tested is supposed to be monitored remotely. Will each car have an individual monitor or will one monitor be responsible for multiple cars. "Monitoring these things will be like playing a video game," said Simpson. "Can you imagine what it would be like to be playing a dozen video games at once? Of course, with video games nobody gets killed when something goes wrong." The DMV said these are the requirements that Waymo certified it met: Providing evidence of insurance or a bond equal to $5 million . . Verifying vehicles are capable of operating without a driver and meet federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and is a SAE Level 4 or 5 vehicle. vehicle. Confirming vehicles have been tested under controlled conditions that simulate the planned area of operation. Notifying local governments of planned testing in the area. Developing a Law Enforcement Interaction Plan that provides information to law enforcement and other first responders on how to interact with test vehicles. Continuously monitoring the status of test vehicles and providing two-way communication with any passengers. Training remote operators on the technology being tested. Visit our website at www.consumerwatchdog.org View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/california-dmvs-approval-for-waymo-to-test-driverless-robot-cars-is-premature-key-questions-must-be-answered-and-application-made-public-consumer-watchdog-says-300740892.html SOURCE Consumer Watchdog [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [October 30, 2018] RVC and Korean Company LSIS Agree to Share Innovations in the Field of Smart Energy Systems MOSCOW, October 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- RVC and the Korean electric power company LSIS have agreed on an exchange of technological innovations in the field of equipment, software, engineering and services for the electric power systems market, as part of the implementation of the EnergyNet National Technology Initiative roadmap. A relevant memorandum was signed at the International Open Innovations Forum by Mikhail Antonov, the Director for Innovative Infrastructure Development at RVC and Bong Hyun Kwon, the Executive Vice President and Chief Technical Director of LSIS. (Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/611590/RVC_Logo.jpg ) The main direction of cooperation will be the exchange of experience in the development and introduction of technologies in the field of the generation of smart energy and a commercial introduction of innovations in the Russian and Korean markets. The parties will provide each other with expert and engineering support and assistance in promoting the products of domestic companies abroad. The memorandum was signed within the framework of the implementation of the roadmap of the EnergyNet National Technology Initiative, aimed at the development of the multi-scale integrated systems market and services for smart energy systems in Russia. "In the field of development of the electrical power sector, our countries face similar tasks: optimisation of energy consumption, reduction of accident rates at power plants and in the grid network and the improvement of user-friendly features for the end-users. We highly appreciate the support of the Korean partners and we are confident that the exchange o experience between our countries will help to promote domestic innovation companies to international markets," said Mikhail Antonov, the Deputy General Director - Director for Innovative Infrastructure Development at RVC. "Today's signing is our first experience of cooperation with Russia. Korea has a rich experience in the development of smart technology systems and we believe these technologies have a great future. This venture is a significant contribution to our cooperation," said Bong Hyun Kwon, the Executive Vice President and Chief Technical Director of LSIS. The road map of EnergyNet NTI was approved by the Executive Committee of the Council under the President of the Russian Federation on the modernisation of the economy and innovative development in Russia in 2016. It is aimed at the development of new technologies in the electric power industry, creation of new products and development of new markets for an efficient and user-friendly ecosystem for interaction between the energy producers and consumers. According to the roadmap plans, by 2035, the volume of revenues of Russian companies in the global integrated systems and smart energy systems services market should be at least 40 billion US dollars a year. Domestic manufacturers should take a significant share in the international market: reliable and flexible distribution networks - 10-12%; smart power generation distribution - 3-6%; consumer services - 3-6% of the world market. RVC has been cooperating with South Korea in the field of innovation since 2014. RVC partners include major Korean development institutions, universities and corporations. RVC cooperates with the Ministry of Commerce, the Industry and Energy of the Republic of Korea, the Korean Institute for the Advancement of Technology (KIAT), the Korean Technology Venture Fund and Samsung Research Centre in Russia. Reference Information: RVC JSC is the State fund of funds, the institute for the development of the venture industry in the Russian Federation. The main objectives of RVC JSC are to stimulate the development of the private venture investment industry in Russia and implement the functions of the Project Office of the National Technology Initiative (NTI). The authorised capital of RVC JSC is over 30 billion RUB. 100% of the capital of RVC is owned by the Russian Federation represented by the Federal Agency for State Property Management of the Russian Federation (Rosimushchestvo). The total number of funds formed by RVC has reached 26, their total size is 41.8 billion RUB. The share of RVC JSC is 24.8 billion RUB. The number of portfolio companies of RVC funds is 225. The total amount of funds approved for investment is 18.6 billion RUB. http://www.rvc.ru LSIS is a world leader in the field of power supply, automation and green technologies. The global network consists of more than 20 foreign branches and subsidiaries. The equipment is manufactured at nine factories in Korea and abroad. It exists since 1974. The representative office was opened in Moscow in April 2014. http://www.lsis-ru.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Geolocated mobile ads can be used as inexpensive spy tools to track and locate individuals or groups of people, a security researcher said at the DerbyCon security conference in Louisville, Kentucky, earlier this month. (Image credit: Jojje/Shutterstock) "We've built an open ecosystem of bidding on ad placements based on geolocation and other sensitive information and this can be used for surveillance," said Mark Milhouse, a software developer at a Chicago-based education startup. Work done by other researchers in 2017 used mobile ads to tell when a specific individual was in a specific location, Milhouse said. But that method cost about $1,000 per target: too expensive for most criminals. Milhouse said he had developed a cheaper method using existing mobile-ad networks and the geolocation tools found in most smartphones. "My research took about $100 total," Milhouse said. "You could probably do one person for $5." MORE: 15 Best Google Chrome Privacy Extensions How to avoid location ad-tracking As a smartphone user, you can lessen the chances of mobile-ad location tracking by turning off location services on your phone when you're not using them. But that wouldn't stop an ad from using data collected from a previous period when location services happened to be activated, Milhouse said. That earlier data would still be useful if it indicated your daily routine. "It might be stale information," Milhouse said, "but if that stale data includes your house, then that might still be valuable." You can also periodically reset the ad IDs that Apple and Google assign to your device, Milhouse said. (Those IDs are meant to disguise your actual identity from advertisers, but clearly, they don't do a great job.) The Google ad ID works only on Google Play Store apps; sideloaded apps play by different rules. You can also use ad- or script-blockers for mobile browsers, but not for stand-alone apps. The real solution to this problem, Milhouse said, would be to acknowledge that self-regulation by the advertising industry has failed to protect user privacy. He said that government legislation and regulation might be needed to limit the collection and use of smartphone-location data. How to track someone on a tight budget Several elements must be combined to effectively track individuals or groups of people through mobile ads, Milhouse said. First, as an attacker, you should know one or more of the usual locations the target frequents, such as a workplace. You can geotarget ads to those locations, specifying that the mobile-ad placements you buy from ad networks should appear only on phones that are at specific locations at specific times. "If you're a savvy criminal, you could target ads to the local FBI headquarters," Milhouse said, and then use that data to "trigger an alarm when one of those IDs shows up outside your house." Next, you'd design ads and put a tracking pixel in each ad. The tracking pixel receives information from each device on which the ad is displayed: the device's make and model, the mobile carrier, the apps installed on the device, the app in which the ad is displayed, the device's battery status, and, most significantly, the device's location and its Apple or Google ad ID. None of this would require the phone user to actually click on the ad. Then it would be time to buy ad placements for your ads, targeted to specific locations and times. Milhouse used cheap Russian ad networks, but even those companies rejected his first ad submissions as too suspicious. He had to create "believable" and "boring" ads, as well as a website to which the ads would take any user who clicked on them. Save the Pizza Milhouse's ad campaign was called "Save the Pizza," and it took you to a single-page website with a countdown clock and a meaningless slogan. His ads were displayed on nearly 100,000 phones, even though Milhouse had spent only $40. Not every phone gave Milhouse useful location data, but he got enough to work with. "I have run these [ads] at some [hacker] conferences," Milhouse told the DerbyCon audience, "so if any of them look familiar to you, that would explain it." Milhouse used the collected data to "fingerprint" individual phones and create profiles that were as unique and detailed as possible. MORE: Stay private on the go with the best mobile VPN apps Once you'd done so, you could try to find specific individuals and match ad IDs to them. You could list all known habitual locations for a specific person, Milhouse said school, home, work, church and then buy ad placements targeting those locations. "Everybody that matched all of these different locations would be a suspect," Milhouse said, and you could narrow down the list as you gathered more data. "Eventually, you have one person, and that device ID you can use to follow that person as long as that device stays with them." Chicago landmarks tour Milhouse hasn't tested his method en masse, but a 2013 MIT study, with which Milhouse was not involved, got 95 percent accuracy in matching device profiles to specific individuals just by matching four different geolocation data points collected hourly from cell towers. Milhouse's method gathers far more data. It's not a entirely perfect system. Milhouse found that he and a co-worker shared a single device "fingerprint" because they worked in the same location and had iPhones that were exactly the same model and configuration. Geolocated-ad tracking is more accurate with Android phones than with iPhones, Milhouse said, both because there's greater variation of make and model, and because Android apps simply allow more data to be collected than iOS apps do. Milhouse used an Android phone to track a fictional version of himself, and he showed slides in which his ads tracked him through Chicago. His "home" was designated as the home-team dugout at Wrigley Field, and his "workplace" was the Chicago Merchandise Mart building. The tracking ads showed that he spent a lot of time in both places, and that he'd also gone to the Ohio Street Beach and to the Lincoln Park Zoo. To solve the privacy nightmare that geolocated ads create, new rules will have to be imposed on ad networks and app developers, Milhouse said. He suggested that iOS and Android could require separate permissions for location-targeted ads, and that users be given the ability to reject them. "This is a real problem that affects every member of the digital society," Milhouse said, "and it's not going to get better." Samsung has kept its design for the Galaxy S10 close to the vest. But that didn't stop serial leaker and concept designer Ben Geskin from creating a rendering that might look like the real thing. (Image credit: Ben Geskin) Geskin recently posted a rendering for the Galaxy S10 that's sandwiched between the designs of the Galaxy S9 and iPhone XS Max. In his rendering, the Galaxy S10 has an all-screen design, with exceptionally thin bezels at the top and bottom and curved edges on the sides. Perhaps most importantly, there's no notch. Instead of a notch, Geskin's design puts a tiny hole at the top of the display to house the front-facing camera. He believes Samsung will continue to eschew the notch and keep as much of the screen usable as possible. MORE: Samsung Galaxy S10 Rumors: Everything You Need to Know Samsung's ads have mocked Apple for using a notched screen design. Apple and many other smartphone makers use a notch to house the front-facing camera and other components, but Samsung uses a bezel stretching across the screen to accommodate them. That slightly reduces the smartphone's overall screen size, but appeals to anyone who doesn't like the rather unsightly notch at the top of the screen. If Samsung goes with a hole instead of a notch in the Galaxy S10, it's unclear how the feature might work. Part of the display wouldn't show content, but since the missing piece would be just a hole, it would likely be smaller than the notch. App developers might need to ensure their content isn't obscured by the hole. Samsung likely has big plans for the Galaxy S10. Because the smartphone is expected to launch in February, we might not need to wait long to find out. Update 11/1/18: Added thermal analysis of the GDDR6 memory modules and FLIR images. UPDATE #2 11/1/18: Corrected incorrect image and text. Product launches rarely go off without a hitch. But knowing that provides little comfort when you've spent $1,200 on Nvidia's flagship graphics card only to have it fail right away. That appears to be what's happening to numerous people who bought the RTX 2080 Ti at launch, forcing Nvidia to respond. Digital Trends reported this week that several RTX 2080 Ti customers on Nvidia's support forum and Reddit have complained about various issues with their graphics cards. The exact problems vary: people have reported "crashes, black screens, blue screen of death issues, artifacts and cards that fail to work entirely," the report said. Nvidia's replacement cards seem to suffer from similar problems too. We don't know what exactly could be behind these reported problems. They don't appear to be limited to the RTX 2080 Ti Founders Edition card, as several people said they had problems with cards from Nvidia's add-in partners as well. That could indicate a problem with the underlying Turing architecture. It could also result from manufacturing problems with the GPUs themselves, or be caused by unrelated issues at each company. But this is sure to leave a sour taste in people's mouths. It's one thing to spend more than a grand on a graphics card knowing that its full potential, whether it's sheer performance or broader support for new features like ray tracing and DLSS, won't be fully tapped for years. It's another thing entirely when the card doesn't work shortly after launch--at that point someone could've just bought a GTX 1080 Ti and been done with it. Of course, all the usual caveats about online kvetching apply here as well. People experiencing these problems are more likely to participate in a support forum or post on Reddit than people whose RTX 2080 Ti is working perfectly. Many of these claims haven't been verified either, and if trolls can spread enough disinformation to impact elections they can almost certainly inspire doubt in Nvidia's flagship product. That doesn't mean these complaints aren't legitimate though. The RTX launch has been anything but smooth, with numerous delays to the RTX 2080 Ti's debut. Questions about which Turing card someone ought to get are darn near irrelevant if the flagshipand some of the RTX 2080 cards as wellare reportedly failing right out of the gate. Nvidia's Response Nvidia, for its part, has treated these complaints like business as usual. The company told us that "it's not an increasing number of users" affected by this problem, saying "it's not broad." It added that "we are working with each user individually like we do always." This is a product launch, and like other product launches, it's no surprise that it got a little messy. At least Nvidia appears to be standing by. Is Memory to Blame? Tom's Hardware Germany analyzed its infrared images of the GTX 2080 Ti reference card to investigate rumors that Micron's GDDR6 packages are overheating, thus causing the errors. Thermal measurements indicate that the M6 and M7 GDDR6 modules could run hot during an extended 100% load. The modules are located directly over internal power supply tracks embedded in the PCB. These tracks run between the PWM nodes and the GPU socket. The memory modules could run hotter than the measurement shown in our image, which is a measurement of the PCB and not the GDDR6 module, due to the high currents flowing through the power tracks embedded in the PCB and heat migration from the VRMs. Image 1 of 2 Image 2 of 2 We don't know many of the technical details surrounding Micron's GDDR6 packages, but we do know they have a maximum safe operating temperature of 95C. In either case, the symptoms of the failures also seem to support the theory that overheated memory is to blame. Most readers have complained of failures after the cards had been used for some period of time, and in some cases, the cards even work correctly after a cooling-off period. The problems also appear to be more prevalent in partner cards that use cheaper cooling solutions. (Image credit: Nor Gal/Shutterstock) Update, 1/30/19, 8:45 a.m. PT: The Financial Times has reported that Fujian Jinhua will stop production in March as a result of the U.S.' export restrictions. According to FT, which cited two people familiar with the DRAM maker's dealings, Fujian Jinhua is "rapidly running out of imported materials vital for keeping its fabrication plant running." Original article, 10/30/18, 7:12am PT: There's some more economic drama (pun intended) rising between the U.S. and China. The U.S. Department of Commerce announced yesterday that U.S. companies will no longer be allowed to export goods to a Chinese DRAM maker called Fujian Jinhua Integrated Circuit Company because it believes the company "poses a significant risk of becoming involved in activities that are contrary to the national security interests of the United States." The announcement follows increasing tensions between the U.S. and China. Earlier this year the U.S. threatened to enforce tariffs on $34 billion worth of Chinese goods. That figure quickly grew to $200 billion as the list of affected products was updated, and many have feared that the tariffs could lead to higher prices for tech products or even hinder the U.S. semiconductor industry (although we don't know for sure how tech products will be affected). But the restriction of exports to Fujian Jinhua actually relates to a much older problem: Accusations of Chinese businesses stealing American trade secrets to shift the balance sheets (and balance of power) in their favor. Micron has repeatedly accused Fujian Jinhua of stealing its trade secrets. The U.S. government didn't specifically mention Micron in its announcement but seems that to be taking action against such possibilities. The department explained: "Jinhua is nearing completion of substantial production capacity for dynamic random access memory (DRAM) integrated circuits. The additional production, in light of the likely U.S.-origin technology, threatens the long-term economic viability of U.S. suppliers of these essential components of U.S. military systems." It's unclear how much of this concern is legitimate, but either way, the Department of Commerce has officially made Fujian Jinhua a no-go for U.S. companies, which could hinder its ability to manufacture DRAM. We'll probably see how the Chinese government responds to this escalation of economic tension from the U.S. in the coming days, weeks and months. President Maithripala Sirisena briefing foreign diplomats at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday had emphasized that new Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa was appointed according to the powers vested in him in the constitution, the Presidents office said. During the meeting the President explained to the diplomats regarding the conflicting grounds that existed within the previous government, which led to the appointment of a new Prime Minister. The meeting was held at the Presidential Secretariat, to apprise foreign Ambassadors and High Commissioners regarding the prevailing political situation of the country. The new government is expected to further strengthen the existing ties with the countries in the world in keeping with the non-aligned policy, the President said. He also requested the cooperation and assistance of all the countries for the development activities of the government. Several diplomats expressing their views said that they wish Sri Lanka would adhere to the constitution of the country and will conduct the activities in a manner that would assure law and order in the country. The President also said that the expectation of the new government is to ensure and take forward the measures taken to strengthen democracy, human rights, media freedom, peace and reconciliation among all the communities. All the Ambassadors and High Commissioners in Sri Lanka participated in this meeting and Ministers Sarath Amunugama and Mahinda Samarasinghe and former minister Prof.G.L. Peiris also attended this meeting. KCMO Shooting Cont'd Police investigate overnight shooting in Kansas City KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -- Police are investigating after a person was shot near Wabash Avenue and 39th Street. Police lights filled the area as crews combed the streets for evidence. No word yet on how badly the victim was hurt No information on a suspect has been released yet. Meth Town Jackson County Gunfire Jackson County sheriff: Deputies involved in shooting in Independence KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Jackson County Interim Sheriff Darryl Forte' tweeted Tuesday morning that his agency was responding to a reported deputy-involved shooting. Forte' said in the tweet it happened near 39th and Woodland in Independence, Missouri. The sheriff was told no law enforcement personnel were hurt. Dear John Crackdown Kansas leaders join growing number of states working to go after sex-buyers TOPEKA, Kan. - The state of Kansas recently joined nearly a dozen other states working to crack down on human sex trafficking, and they're going after the people paying for it. Attorney General David Schmidt and Gov. Jeff Coyler are the latest leaders to sign the Demand an End petition. No Rest From Local Crooks Police searching for Waffle House robbery suspects in Northland KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -- Police are searching for two people after an armed robbery in the Northland. It happened just before 3 a.m. Tuesday, at the Waffle House on Prairie View Road and Northwest 97th Street. Police say two men, armed with a gun and a knife, robbed the store and got away with cash. Quick glimpse at the early morning crime reports:Developing . . . Hawley, McCaskill zero in on central themes as U.S. Senate contest hits home stretch As Missouri's nationally-watched Senate race enters the final few days, incumbent Democrat Claire McCaskill and GOP challenger Josh Hawley focused Monday on their core campaign messages as they stumped in St. Louis. For Hawley, it was voting for President Donald Trump's judicial nominees. Both sides looking to recruit new voters because nobody is changing any opinions in this contest. Checkit: Kansas City Rabbi Speaks Of Pittsburgh Shootings: 'In The Face Of Evil, Politeness Is A Luxury' The parking lot filled fast at Kehilath Israel Synagogue. More than 1300 people turned out Monday night for a diverse vigil in Overland Park supporting the Jewish community in Pittsburgh. "Our hearts go out to the people in Pittsburgh, because we know what that's like," said Janee Hanzlick on her way into the building. Thousands attend vigil for victims of Penn. synagogue shooting KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Thousands of community members gathered inside an Overland Park synagogue Monday night for a vigil to remember the 11 victims shot and killed in a Pittsburgh synagogue. Inside the sanctuary at Kehilath Israel Synagogue, it was standing-room only. Organizers told 41 Action News more than 3,000 people attended, including Dennis Miller. Thousands attend Overland Park vigil for Tree of Life shooting victims Evil won on Saturday morning in Pittsburgh, but Monday night in Overland Park, love fought back Thousands joined together for a vigil at Kehilath synagogue in honor of the 11 lives lost at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. "We're saying that will not give into fear," Helene Lotman, the CEO of the Jewish Federation, said in a speech. The better angels of locals win tonight. Here's a glimpse of Kansas City shooting class that crosses nearly all demographic lines. Take a look:Developing . . . Buying a used family sedan is often as difficult as deciding what cut of meat you want in the supermarket. Preferences and priorities take center stage. Do you buy one with ample space in the interior? Do you buy one that drives like a butterfly? Do you buy one thats loaded on tech and safety features? Or do you buy one that offers all of those things in one package, even if it means paying a premium for it? Choosing a used family sedan can be tricky, but were here to help you out in that regard with a list of 10 family sedans, ranked from worst to first, that you can get for an affordable price. The Nissan Altima brings up the rear in this list because its in dire need of a next-generation model. Fortunately, that next-gen model is here. Unfortunately, it just arrived in dealerships this month, making it difficult to find one in the used-car market. The Altima isnt really a bad car. It has comfortable seats, plenty of seating space, and has excellent fuel economy. The downside to the Altima is that its engines are weak compared to the competition. It also has aging technology, which, to be fair, has been addressed by Nissan in the next-gen model. Since were in the topic of aging technology, it took until the 2018 model year for Nissan to fit the Altima with standard forward collision warning, joining a menu of other standard safety systems including automatic emergency braking and a rearview camera. Other safety features such as adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert still come as options. Engine: 2.5-liter four-cylinder Output: 182 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque Transmission: CVT automatic transmission Fuel Economy: 27 mpg city / 38 mpg highway Standard Seating: Five people Front Head Room: 40 inches Front Leg Room: 45 inches Rear Head Room: 37 inches Rear Leg Room: 36.1 inches Cargo Room: 15.4 cubic feet Average Used Car Price: $12,000 to $16,000 New Pricing Starts At $23,260 Read our full review on the 2018 Nissan Altima. The Subaru Legacy is a decent car with quality looks. It also offers standard four-wheel drive across its range, a rarity in this segment considering that not a lot of automaker offer AWD even as an option. The Legacy also has a comfortable and spacious interior. It offers a good menu of safety and tech features, too, including the Starlink infotainment system thats relatively easy to use. The standard 6.5-inch touchscreen comes with sharp graphics, and even the on-screen buttons are big and easy to see. Unfortunately, its powertrain choices are uninspiring at best. Worse, it doesnt drive and handle as well as rival models in its segment. Those two elements are anchors in the legs of the Subie sedan. But the biggest drawback surrounding the Legacy is its price. A brand new model is already one of the most expensive models in its segment, and its the same story when youre looking for a used version. There are better choices than the Legacy, especially at the price youre expected to pay for one. Engine: 2.5-liter four-cylinder Output: 175 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque Transmission: Six-speed CVT automatic transmission Fuel Economy: 25 mpg city / 34 mpg highway Standard Seating: Five people Front Head Room: 40 inches Front Leg Room: 42.9 inches Rear Head Room: 37 inches Rear Leg Room: 38.1 inches Cargo Room: 15.0 cubic feet Average Used Car Price: $16,000 to $21,000 New Pricing Starts At $22,545 Read our full review on the 2018 Subaru Legacy The only European sedan on this list, the Volkswagen Passat is one of the most recognizable models in this segment. It also happens to have one of the most generous amounts of space available to occupants. You can sit in any of the seats inside the Passat, and youre going to be comfortable in it. So why is the Passat ranked this low? For one, interior refinement isnt as good as those seats are comfortable. Theres a good amount of plastic spread throughout the cabin, something that you dont expect from a European automaker. The VW sedan also doesnt score high in tech features. Sure, it has a lot of what other rivals offer, but some of what Volkswagen offers are pretty dated, to say the least. The infotainment screen, for example, is smaller than most rivals. Its not difficult to use, but its not exactly noted for its intuitiveness, either. The Passat also suffers from the pricing disadvantage as the Legacy. A brand new model is priced higher than the competition. That reflects in the used-car market, as well. Engine: 2.0-liter four-cylinder Output: 174 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque Transmission: Six-speed automatic transmission Fuel Economy: 25 mpg city / 34 mpg highway Standard Seating: Five people Front Head Room: 38 inches Front Leg Room: 42.4 inches Rear Head Room: 38 inches Rear Leg Room: 39.1 inches Cargo Room: 16.0 cubic feet Average Used Car Price: $15,000 to $20,000 New Pricing Starts At $22,995 Read our full review on the 2018 Volkswagen Passat The Chevrolet Malibu is a decent full-size sedan. Its a great choice if youre looking for an affordable model thats got a good amount of space in the cabin. Its fuel-efficient, too, at least compared to other models in its class. It even has an intuitive Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system, provided you dont get the base L version, which only nets you a basic stereo and not much else. There lies the problem with the Malibu. The base model is barren on standard features. You might as well ignore it because, for an extra $1,500, you can get the LS trim and all the standard features it comes with. Youll get a Wi-Fi hotspot, a rearview camera, and the aforementioned infotainment system with smartphone integration. In a nutshell, the Chevrolet Malibu is a cheap option, provided youre not picky with your standard features. If you are, youre going to have to spend more, and if you do that, you might as well get another model that offers more at that price point. Engine: 1.5-liter four-cylinder Output: 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque Transmission: Six-speed automatic transmission Fuel Economy: 27 mpg city / 36 mpg highway Standard Seating: Five people Front Head Room: 39 inches Front Leg Room: 42 inches Rear Head Room: 38 inches Rear Leg Room: 38.1 inches Cargo Room: 15.8 cubic feet Average Used Car Price: $16,000 to $20,000 New Pricing Starts At $22,090 Read our full review on the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu The Ford Fusion is one of the most reliable full-size sedans in the market today. It doesnt stand out in one particular thing, but it does have a lot of good qualities that are attractive to prospective customers. Cabin and cargo space arent problems for the Fusion. You get a lot in both departments. It doesnt have the most expansive list of standard features, but it does have a four-speaker stereo, the base SYNC infotainment system with voice controls to make phone calls and play music, and a user-friendly touch-screen infotainment system that includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The engine lineup isnt going to wow anybody, too, but it makes do with what it has and still have enough to offer balanced handling and a solid overall ride. If youre going to buy the Ford Fusion, do so with the understanding that it has good and bad qualities. Its up to you determine if the good outweighs the bad, or vice versa. Engine: 2.5-liter four-cylinder Output: 175 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque Transmission: Six-speed automatic transmission Fuel Economy: 21 mpg city / 32 mpg highway Standard Seating: Five people Front Head Room: 39 inches Front Leg Room: 44.3 inches Rear Head Room: 38 inches Rear Leg Room: 38.3 inches Cargo Room: 16.0 cubic feet Average Used Car Price: $18,000 to $22,000 New Pricing Starts At $22,840 Read our full review on the 2018 Ford Fusion To be clear, there are flashier full-size sedans in the market compared to the Mazda6. There are also more affordable options in the market. But the 6 is the better overall buy because it has one of the best interiors in the segment and, more importantly, it delivers the kind of fun and engaging performance that very few of its rivals can match. The 6s performance credentials translate to a smooth ride, which itself is complemented by a spacious interior and well-appointed interior. Mazda also isnt short-changing anybody with the standard features on the 6. The sedan comes with dual-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, a six-speaker audio system, HD Radio, Bluetooth, a USB port, and the MazdaConnect infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen. Thats an impressive lineup considering all of these come standard on the sedan. Youre not going to go wrong with the Mazda6, but there are still better choices out there, too. Engine: 2.5-liter four-cylinder Output: 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque Transmission: Six-speed manual transmission Fuel Economy: 24 mpg city / 33 mpg highway Standard Seating: Five people Front Head Room: 38 inches Front Leg Room: 42.2 inches Rear Head Room: 37 inches Rear Leg Room: 38.7 inches Cargo Room: 14.7 cubic feet Average Used Car Price: $15,000 to $20,000 New Pricing Starts At $21,950 Read our full review on the 2018 Mazda6 The Kia Optima - and the next model on this list is considered one of the two real threats to the segment supremacy of the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry. The Optima is one of the best full-size sedans in its class. It looks fresh and modern and has a spacious interior with loads of tech features. It has a versatile lineup of engines and above average gas mileage. The Optima also has a prominent list of safety tech that includes a rearview camera, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. These features come standard in every Optima trim level. A number of other advanced driver assistance technologies are available in up-level trims and through add-on packages, including autonomous emergency braking, a forward collision warning system, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and a surround-view camera. The Accord and the Camry are still the gold standards in this market. But the Optimas making a legitimate run for that title. Engine: 2.4-liter four-cylinder Output: 185 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque Transmission: Six-speed manual transmission Fuel Economy: 25 mpg city / 36 mpg highway Standard Seating: Five people Front Head Room: 40 inches Front Leg Room: 45.5 inches Rear Head Room: 38 inches Rear Leg Room: 35.6 inches Cargo Room: 15.9 cubic feet Average Used Car Price: $15,000 to $20,000 New Pricing Starts At $22,900 Read our full review on the 2018 Kia Optima Other than the Kia Optima, the Hyundai Sonata is chomping at the bit to take the fight to the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry. Just like the Optima, the Sonata is entering this battlefield with a lot of weapons in tow. Were not done with the Optima comparisons, too, because the two models are related to one another. The Sonata excels with a breadth of offerings that are the best, or right near the top, in its class. While it doesnt look as attractive as the Optima, the Sonata has one of the best interiors in the segment. Space isnt an issue as the sedan can comfortably fit five people with plenty of leg space to spare. The sedans sloping roofline is an issue for taller passengers, but its not that big of an issue that it knocks the sedan out of its place on this list. Cargo space isnt an issue for the sedan, either, as there are more than 16 cubic feet of space in the cargo area. As far as novelty tricks go, the Sonata also comes with a hands-free power trunk. On the tech side, the Hyundai sedan comes with plenty of standard tech features, including Bluetooth, a USB port, a seven-inch touch-screen display, and Hyundais Blue Link infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Sonata is also a fun car to drive. Its engaging, and it delivers composed handling for a sedan in its class. Its not as agile as the Accord or the Camry, but overall, its the one model that can give the establishment a run for its money as the best full-size sedan in the market today. Engine: 2.4-liter four-cylinder Output: 185 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque Transmission: Six-speed automatic transmission Fuel Economy: 25 mpg city / 35 mpg highway Standard Seating: Five people Front Head Room: 40 inches Front Leg Room: 45.5 inches Rear Head Room: 38 inches Rear Leg Room: 35.6 inches Cargo Room: 16.3 cubic feet Average Used Car Price: $15,000 to $20,000 New Pricing Starts At $22,300 Read our full review on the 2018 Hyundai Sonata You know youre getting your moneys worth and maybe more when you get the Honda Accord. The long-standing sedan is now in its tenth generation, and yet, its still considered as one of the best full-size sedans in its segment, maybe even the best. The Accord has a lot of strengths and very few weakness, if there is one, to begin with. Its a nice-looking car from the outside and downright beautiful in the inside. The interior is decked with soft-touch materials, and theres enough space to comfortably sit as many as five adults, all of whom get the pleasure of sitting down in some of the most comfortable seats in its class. Its also rich in standard tech features, which include dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a pair of USB ports, a four-speaker audio system, a 7-inch display screen, and Siri Eyes Free. The Accords base engine is as potent as they come, and its not just about the power figures, too. The acceleration is smooth, the handling is superb, and the overall ride is just top-quality. Youre not going to find a midsize sedan with the credentials of the Accord. Ok, maybe theres one Engine: 1.5-liter four-cylinder Output: 192 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque Transmission: Six-speed automatic transmission Fuel Economy: 30 mpg city / 38 mpg highway Standard Seating: Five people Front Head Room: 40 inches Front Leg Room: 42.3 inches Rear Head Room: 37 inches Rear Leg Room: 40.4 inches Cargo Room: 16.7 cubic feet Average Used Car Price: $20,000 to $22,000 New Pricing Starts At $23,570 Read our full review on the 2018 Honda Accord The Toyota Camry gets better with age. Its been around since 1982, and its evolved greatly since its early years. But one thing that hasnt changed is its quality and reputation. To date, the Camry is still the best full-size sedan in the business. It has its flaws no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto available but for the most part, its the most complete model of its kind in the market today. The Camry has serious good looks on its side. It also has a spacious interior with comfortable seats throughout. Power isnt an issue; the Camry has a four-cylinder engine that produces 203 horsepower, making that four-cylinder one of the most powerful non-turbocharged engines in its segment. Driving the Camry is as easy as it looks, too. The ride is excellent, and the car itself is as agile as they come. On the tech front, the Camry boasts the markets best infotainment system. Its a pity that you cant get Apple CarPlay or Android Auto with it, but Toyota has done a great job of providing access to a variety of apps. There are other full-size sedans in the market that claim to be the best, but until they prove themselves against the Camry, the Toyota remains the gold standard in this segment. Engine: 2.5-liter four-cylinder Output: 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque Transmission: Eight-speed automatic transmission Fuel Economy: 29 mpg city / 41 mpg highway Standard Seating: Five people Front Head Room: 38 inches Front Leg Room: 42.1 inches Rear Head Room: 38 inches Rear Leg Room: 38 inches Cargo Room: 14.1 cubic feet Average Used Car Price: $18,000 to $22,000 New Pricing Starts At $23,845 Read our full review on the 2018 Toyota Camry Despite strong GDP growth over the last 10 years, Africa has failed to generate economic opportunities for its booming youth population The 2018 Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG), launched today by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, highlights that public governance progress in Africa is lagging behind the needs and expectations of a growing population, composed mainly of young people. Over the last decade, Overall Governance has on average maintained a moderate upward trajectory, with three out of four of Africas citizens (71.6%) living in a country where governance has improved. Mo Ibrahim, Chair of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, said: We welcome progress in Overall Governance, but the lost opportunity of the past decade is deeply concerning. Africa has a huge challenge ahead. Its large and youthful potential workforce could transform the continent for the better, but this opportunity is close to being squandered. The evidence is clear young citizens of Africa need hope, prospects and opportunities. Its leaders need to speed up job creation to sustain progress and stave off deterioration. The time to act is now. African governments have struggled to translate economic growth into improved Sustainable Economic Opportunity for their citizens Since 2008 the African average score for Sustainable Economic Opportunity has increased by 0.1 point, or 0.2%, despite a continental increase in GDP of nearly 40% over the same period. There has been virtually no progress in creating Sustainable Economic Opportunity, meaning it remains the IIAGs worst performing and slowest improving category. Defined as the extent to which governments enable their citizens to pursue economic goals and prosper, the almost stagnant Sustainable Economic Opportunity trend strikes a concerning contrast with demographic growth and youth expectations. Africas population has increased by 26.0% over the last ten years and 60% of the continents 1.25 billion people are now under the age of 25. A diverging picture across Africa African countries show increasing divergence in Overall Governance performance. Continental progress is mainly driven by 15 countries that have managed to accelerate their pace of improvement over the last five years. Progress is most striking in Cote dIvoire, Morocco and Kenya. Divergence is also reflected in Sustainable Economic Opportunity trends. While 27 of Africas countries have shown some improvement, in 25 countries, accounting for 43.2% of Africas citizens, Sustainable Economic Opportunity performance has declined over the last ten years. There is no strong relationship between the size of a countrys economy and its performance in Sustainable Economic Opportunity. In 2017, four of the ten countries with the highest GDP on the continent score below the African average score for Sustainable Economic Opportunity and sit in the lower half of the rankings, namely: Algeria, Angola, Nigeria, and Sudan. Meanwhile two of the smallest economies on the continent, Seychelles and Cabo Verde, reach the 5th and 6th highest scores in providing Sustainable Economic Opportunity for their citizens. Declining Business Environment runs counter to the growing working age population Calling for attention is the trajectory of the African average score for Business Environment. Deteriorating by almost -5.0 points over the last ten years, this is a worrying trend given that the number of working age Africans (15-64 years old) is expected to grow by almost another 30% over the next ten years. This will increase demand for jobs in an environment where on average progress in Sustainable Economic Opportunity is almost non-existent. Such demographic figures create a further striking contrast with the drop of -3.1 points in Satisfaction with Employment Creation since 2008. Additionally, the indicator measuring Promotion of Socio-economic Integration of Youth registers an average continental decline of -2.3 over the last decade. Education outcomes are worsening Further cause for concern is Education. While Human Development is one of the bigger success stories of the 2018 IIAG, driven by improvements in Health, the stalling progress in Education seen in last years IIAG has now turned to decline. For 27 countries Education scores registered deterioration in the last five years, meaning that for more than half (52.8%) of Africas youth population, education outcomes are worsening. This drop is driven by a fall in the indicators measuring whether Education is meeting the needs of the economy, education quality, and citizens expectations of education provision. Civil society space is shrinking Progress in Participation & Human Rights has been made on average. Almost four out of five of Africas citizens (79.6%) live in countries that have progressed in this dimension over the last decade. However, free and fair executive elections do not always translate into a better participatory environment. Alarmingly, citizens political and civic space in Africa is shrinking, with worsening trends in indicators measuring Civil Society Participation, Civil Rights & Liberties, Freedom of Expression and Freedom of Association & Assembly. Welcome progress in Rule of Law and Transparency & Accountability, which are key to sound governance performance Although Personal Safety and National Security continue to show average decline over the last decade, Rule of Law and Transparency & Accountability have begun to register welcome progress. Rule of Law is the most improved sub-category in the IIAG over the last five years. African average performance in Transparency & Accountability has also improved, though more needs to be done as it remains the worst performing sub-category. The IIAG highlights that citizens rights and welfare are key to progress in public governance. Overall Governance scores are strongly correlated with citizen-centred measures, including property rights, civil rights & liberties, government accountability and social welfare policies. The IIAG results also confirm that Rule of Law and Transparency & Accountability are key pillars of good governance. These two sub-categories show the strongest relationships with Overall Governance scores in Africa, with strong performance in these areas being the most common components of countries that perform well. Transparency & Accountability is also strongly related to the Sustainable Economic Opportunity category and Business Environment sub-category, indicating that improvements in these areas will support progress and economic opportunity in Africa. On 25 October 2018, on the sidelines of the World Investment Forum in Geneva, the UN Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS) and UNCTAD co-organised a high-level event for Ministers and Ambassadors from LLDCs to share success stories as well as measures and priorities to boost foreign investment. The meeting provided an opportunity for different stakeholders, including LLDCs, development partners, business executives, and the United Nations system to take stock of progress and share successful experiences in promoting and facilitating FDI to LLDCs, identify constraints, and suggest recommendations to help LLDCs to attract and optimally utilize FDI to support efforts towards achieving the SDGs. The 32 LLDCs, with a population of over 500 million, share some common problems due to their geographical location, which affect their economic engagement with the rest of the world. Many LLDCs find themselves marginalized from the world economy, cut-off from the global flows of knowledge, technology, capital and innovations, and unable to benefit substantially from external trade. This situation results in narrow production and export bases, leading to limited economic growth and persistent poverty in the LLDCs. As a result, the LLDCs have numerous special needs financing requirements including: investment in the development and maintenance of hard infrastructure; investment into soft infrastructure/trade facilitation; enhanced trade productive capacities, value addition, diversification, and global value chains; enhanced trade in services; enhanced human and institutional capacity building; enhanced regional integration; and mitigation and resilience building to economic shocks, climate change, desertification, and others. In countries with low domestic capital formation like LLDCs, foreign direct investment (FDI) is an important means of financing development. After five consecutive years of decline (2011-2016), FDI flows to the LLDCs rose by 3 per cent in 2017, to $23 billion. This modest increase still left total flows to LLDCs almost 40 per cent below the peak of 2011. LLDCs have traditionally been marginal destinations because of the small size of their economies and the inherent geographical disadvantages compounded by poor infrastructure, high transportation costs, inefficient logistics systems and weak institutional capacities. Most FDI to LLDCs goes into extractive sectors, such as mining, quarrying and petroleum. A key objective for LLDCs is therefore to attract and effectively target FDI in non-extractive sectors, particularly agriculture, so as to encourage job creation, infrastructure development, export diversification and structural transformation. Technical and capacity building assistance need to be increased, for areas such as negotiating contracts, developing bankable projects, and investment facilitation. As the LLDCs and their partners prepare to undertake the Comprehensive Midterm review of the Vienna Programme of Action (VPoA) for the LLDCs for the Decade 2014-2024 (VPoA) in 2019, it is important to identify ways of encouraging FDI flows to LLDCs. Statement by Zimbabwe Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Hon. Prof Mthuli Ncube I am delighted to take the floor and contribute my national perspective to this very important discussion on Promoting Foreign Investment to Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) focusing on our experiences, challenges and strategies that can help attract quality investment. In light of time limitations, I shall try to zero in more on Zimbabwes experiences, and the strategies we are employing to make the country more land-linked and attractive to investment. Zimbabwes National Development blueprints have largely reflected much of the fundamental priorities identified in the Vienna Programme of Action (VPoA) for Landlocked Developing Countries for the Decade 2014-2024. Here I am specifically referring to the issues of transit policy, infrastructure development and maintenance, international trade and trade facilitation, regional integration, cooperation and structural economic transformation. Zimbabwe is located at a very strategic position as a transit country within the Southern Africa subregion. In recognition of this, the country has harmonised transit policies in compliance with the COMESA and SADC protocols on transit trade, transit facilities, and third-party motor vehicle insurance schemes. Aside form that, Zimbabwe is also establishing one-stop-boarder-posts to facilitate smooth transit of both people and goods across the countrys borders. A study of one of the completed border posts, the Chirundu One-Stop Border-Post (OSBP) has shown that its establishment induced between US$2.2 and US$3.1 million of Zimbabwes annual exports to Zambia. In the area of infrastructure development and maintenance, Zimbabwe is currently in the process of upgrading and modernising its road infrastructure along major trade corridors that serve East and Southern Africa, linking the North-South transport Corridor. For those road projects already completed, a Costs-Time-Distance study government has shown that the average speed of heavy trucks has increased from 33km/hr prior to the rehabilitation exercise to the current 48km/hr. This does not only reduce transit time and costs, but also improves competitiveness. In the area of energy. The country has taken the initiative to promote the use of renewable energy in the form of solar generators, apart from the expansion of the current thermal and hydroelectric generation capacity. Great effort is being made to balance the need for climate sustainability and quality affordable investment. Being a landlocked country, Zimbabwe has undertaken a number of reforms to promote and facilitate investment. The country has signed 35 Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) and 10 of these are in force. These provides for pre-and-post investment facilitation and protection. Zimbabwe has also signed 9 Treaties with Investment Provisions (TIPs) and 7 of these are in force. The country has embarked on Ease of Doing Business reforms aimed at boosting the competitive advantage of the economy in attracting foreign direct investment. Measures undertaken under this process include, but are not limited to the following: Establishment of the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Authority (ZIDA): A One-Stop-Investment Services Centre. Promulgation of a Special Economic Zones (SEZ) law which designate areas to be SEZ and the sectors of investment in these areas. The law also provides a number of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives. The Ease of Doing Business Reforms have also been aimed at reducing the cost of trading through trade facilitation in order to attract FDI. In the agriculture sector, Zimbabwe is a huge producer of tobacco and the bulk of the product is exported unprocessed. The average prices are $3/kg for unprocessed and $6/kg for crushed tobacco as compared to between $30 and $60 for tobacco cigarettes. Therefore, by exporting unprocessed tobacco we are also giving away value of at least $27 per kilogram that could be accruing to the country. Beneficiation also helps in triggering the emergency of vertical and horizontally integrated industries a strategy for luring both local and foreign direct investment. As we go towards the review of the VPoA, we call upon partners to put in place a tracking mechanism that would assist us in reviewing the progress that both ourselves, the LLDCs and the development partners have managed to achieve in the implementation of VPoA priorities. It is essential that cooperation between the public and private sectors be strengthened to turn our statuses to land-linked developing countries. I thank you. Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng (C, back), also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and deputy head of the Central Commission for Integrated Military and Civilian Development, attends a national symposium where plans are made to advance military-civilian integration in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 29, 2018. (Xinhua/Liu Bin) BEIJING, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng on Monday attended a national symposium where plans were made to advance military-civilian integration. Han, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and deputy head of the Central Commission for Integrated Military and Civilian Development, addressed the symposium. Han spoke of the need to accelerate legislation, strengthen planning, focus on key difficulties, and seek breakthroughs in key areas, so as to push forward military-civilian integration. He said the building of major strategic projects should be used to advance the coordinated technological innovation between the military and civilian sectors, coordinate resource allocation to boost efficiency, and achieve the best performance. Han said Party committees and governments at all levels should view implementing the military-civilian integration as a major political responsibility, work hard to make new progress, enhance the building of systems and mechanisms, and press ahead with key reforms to break new ground. [ Editor: Zhang Zhou ] The protest organised by the United National Party (UNP) against the appointment of Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Prime Minister commenced in Colombo a short while ago. Video by Buddhi The supporters would gather at the Liberty Roundabout in Kollupitiya pledging their support to UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe. Heavy traffic was reported at the Liberty Roundabout. (DS) Pix by Nisal Baduge Search News Archive : Fast Travel News Promotion Via Search, Social Media + Email Follow Us On : THE FUTURE OF THE BOUTIQUE HOTELS Industry: Hotels While boutique hotels, also called independent or lifestyle hotels, were possibly written off 10-15 years ago, its undeniable that these hotels are back in favour. In fact, boutique hotels are on their way to becoming the fastest-growing segment in the lodging industry. (TRAVPR.COM) UNITED KINGDOM - October 29th, 2018 - While boutique hotels, also called independent or lifestyle hotels, were possibly written off 10-15 years ago, its undeniable that these hotels are back in favour. In fact, boutique hotels are on their way to becoming the fastest-growing segment in the lodging industry. According to recent data, the supply of lifestyle hotels grew by over 7% in 2012, but in 2017, growth for this sector was recorded at an impressive 11.5%. Between November 2015 and October 2017 bookings at boutique hotels in the US grew 43%, according to 1010data. We know that independent hotels will still be hot in the next five to ten years but what can we expect to see from these hotels? The Boutique and Lifestyle Lodging Associations 2017 Sentiment Survey provides some useful insights into trends and future plans. What differentiates boutique hotels from their more mainstream, big-chain competitors? Authenticity: Authentic local flavours are important. [Guests] want to experience the place and not just the amenities the hotel has to offer. Nimble: Independent hotels can respond to customer demand and market trends more quickly. These hotels are used to accomplishing a lot within tight budgets and are creative in their approach. We can add in trends faster than chains can, as were more mobile and keep reinventing ourselves. Luxury: Boutique hotels recognise that luxury doesnt mean expensive. There are many relevant definitions of luxury: service that goes above and beyond, the ability to exceed expectations in unique crafted ways that are not expected and provide something that money cannot pay for. And what does the future hold for boutique hotels? Optimism: Almost everyone surveyed (90%) said they are harbouring plans to expand their business. 40% of those who responded said they plan to expand their business in the next six months. More personalisation and customisation: Guests are expecting more and more tailored services, including online check-in, keyless entry systems and TV on demand. We expect more hotels to use guest-profiling technology to help service this growing demand. Immersive experiences: Guests are looking to immerse themselves into the destinations they are visiting. They want to feel like a local and to truly experience all that a destination has to offer. Instagrammable moments: Millennials, as we know, are into off-the-beaten-track adventures and Instagram inspires more of these adventures than any other social media platform. One famous example is Norway. About 800 people hiked to Norways picturesque Trolltunga viewpoint in 2010, while 80,000 people made the hike in 2016. This massive surge of tourism (and rescue missions for those unprepared for the 10-hour trek) was fueled in a large part by social media. Hotels are capitalising on this by showcasing on social media what travellers can look forward to during their stay. Laid back luxury: As we mentioned earlier, there are many definitions of luxury, and for many of todays travellers, luxury does not mean splurging on a room upgrade or booking a five-star hotel. Best summarised by this article in Traveller, Luxury is about intensity and impact of the experience. It's an exquisite, ambitious assault on the senses...The best luxury travel operators deliver intimate, finely calibrated experiences with a generous humility. At Amistad Partners, we have a deep passion for independent hotels. We see ourselves as collaborators with our clients to help them use current technological and marketing solutions, as well as keep on the lookout for future solutions, to get their offering out to the market. Get in touch with any member of our sales team to discuss how we can help your independent hotel. Source : http://ow.ly/WpH630mfYiz ### Please contact the person or company listed above for information regarding the content of this press release. TravPR.com are not the issuers of this press release and are not responsible for the accuracy of the content. Share Release : CONTACT INFORMATION Name: Vignes Rajagopal Company: Amistad Hotel Marketing Partnership Ltd Phone: +44 2074845000 Email: amistadpartners@gmail.com Web: PRESS RELEASE TAGS Slovenia Visa Application Centres set to open in 6 cities in the US New York, Washington DC, San Francisco, Chicago, Miami, Houston; Company wins contracts to provide additional visa services for the following client governments: Belgium, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Slovenia, and The Czech Republic (TRAVPR.COM) DUBAI - October 30th, 2018 - In August and September 2018, VFS Global signed eight contracts with existing and new client governments, to extend their visa service network. As per the new contracts, VFS Global will now provide visa services for: Belgium in Rwanda; Estonia in China, India, Belarus, Turkey, Russia, Ukraine; Germany in China and 13 other countries in South East Asia region; Hungary in India, Belarus, Kazakhstan; Italy in Bahrain and Ecuador; Lithuania in Ukraine; Slovenia in 13 countries (Australia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Canada, Iran, Kosovo, Mexico, New Zealand, Serbia, South Korea, Taiwan, UAE, UK, USA); and The Czech Republic in Vietnam, Mongolia and Uzbekistan VFS Global plans to open an additional 97 Visa Application Centres to meet the requirements of the new contracts and offers applicants a convenient and easy visa application process in these additional countries. The rollout of all new operations is expected to be completed by mid-2019. Zubin Karkaria, Chief Executive Officer, VFS Global Group, said VFS Global is grateful for the trust and goodwill the European member states have placed in us over the years. With the recent renewal / extension of our relationship with eight European governments across multiple regions, we are pleased to offer our high quality visa services to many more visa applicants. Chris Dix, Head Business Development, VFS Global, said, This has been a great quarter for VFS Global. Today, VFS Global is the trusted partner of 61 client governments, in large part due to our uncompromising approach to using technology as a key business driver, and constantly innovating so that visa applicants continue to enjoy streamlined and convenient visa services the world over. VFS Global currently serves 61 client governments through operations in 141 countries worldwide. About VFS Global VFS Global is the world's largest outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions worldwide. VFS Global, headquartered in Dubai, UAE, has Swiss parentage and is a portfolio company of EQT, a leading global private equity firm headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. With 2709 Application Centres, operations in 141 countries across five continents and over 182 million applications processed as on 30 September 2018, VFS Global is the trusted partner of 61 client governments. ### It turns out that helping mining regions move on is just good politics. Even though US coal continues its decline in the age of Trump, I suspect we haven't heard the last of angry American politicians denouncing the "war on coal". In much of the rest of the world, however, there appears to be a recognition that the war is over. The Guardian reports that Spain, for example, has just reached a deal to close the vast majority of its coal mines. And the deal is notable not just for its ambition, but for who is on record as supporting it: Coal mining unions. In much the same way that unions in Australia decided coal closures were inevitable, Spain's miners are apparently celebrating the deal because of the 250m (US$284m) it will bring to coal mining regions over the next decade in the form of an early retirement scheme, environmental restoration work, and clean technology. It makes an awful lot of sense. The economics of coal look increasingly awful around the world and, while partisans might point the finger at Big Government regulation, the reality appears to be that this aging industry just can't compete in a world of cheaper renewables and natural gas, as well as energy storage, efficiency and smarter grids. Coal mining communitieswhich have faced some of the worst negative impacts from coalare wise to be thinking about what comes next. And environmentalists would be wise to think about ways that they can support these communities and build common cause. Treehugger and our third-party partners use cookies and process personal data like unique identifiers based on your consent to store and/or access information on a device, display personalized ads and for content measurement, audience insight, and product development. To change or withdraw your consent choices for Treehugger.com, including your right to object where legitimate interest is used, click below. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. List of Partners (vendors) vermaajay1968@gmail.com New Delhi: The RBI on Tuesday said there was no liquidity crisis in the non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), assuaging the government's concerns that a cash crunch in the shadow banking space could have a ripple effect through the wider economy. The RBI told the government that there was no liquidity crunch at NBFCs and that there was actually some credit growth in the sector. The RBI said it had taken no measure to tighten liquidity in the system, government sources said. PTI Narendra Modi Narendra Modi Prime Minister The first half of 1947 was a critical period in India's history. The end of colonial rule was certain and so was India's partition. But what was uncertain was whether there would be more than one division. Prices were rising, food shortages were common. But over and above everything else, the unity of India was under a severe strain. It was in these circumstances that the States Department came into being in the middle of 1947. Among the chief aims of this department was to negotiate India's relationship with the over 550 princely states, which were as diverse as they could get, be it in size, population, terrain or economic situation. No wonder Mahatma Gandhi remarked, "The problem of the states is so difficult that YOU alone can solve it." The YOU in question is none other than Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, whose jayanti we are marking today and to whom we pay our tributes. Negotiating with princely states In vintage Sardar Patel style, he went about his work with precision, firmness and administrative efficiency. Time was less and the task was herculeanbut this was no ordinary person, it was Sardar Patel, who was determined not to let his nation down. One by one, he and his team negotiated with the princely states and ensured that they all became a part of free India. It was due to the round-the-clock effort of Sardar Patel that the map of India is what it is today! Once freedom was won, VP Menon, it is said, wanted to retire from government service, only to be told by Sardar Patel that this was neither the time to rest nor the time to retire. Such was Sardar Patel's firm resolve. VP Menon was made the Secretary of the States Department. In his book 'The Story of the Integration of Indian States', he writes about how Sardar Patel led from the front and inspired the entire team to work assiduously. He also writes that Sardar Patel was clear first and foremost came the interests of the people of India, there would be no compromise on that. On August 15, 1947, we celebrated the dawn of a new destiny but the work of nation-building was far from complete. As Independent India's first Home Minister, he set the stage for an administrative framework that continues to serve the nation, be it in matters of day-to-day governance and protecting the interests of the people, particularly the poor and marginalised. Veteran administrator Sardar Patel was a veteran administrator. His own experience in governance, particularly in the 1920s when he served the Ahmedabad municipality, was extremely handy when he worked towards strengthening Independent India's administrative framework. While in Ahmedabad, he did commendable work in furthering cleanliness in the city. He ensured clean and functioning drainage systems across the city. He also focused on other aspects of urban infrastructure, such as roads, electricity and education. Today, if India is known for a vibrant cooperative sector, a large part of the credit goes to Sardar Patel. The roots of Amul can be traced back to his vision for empowering local communities, particularly women. It was Sardar Patel who also popularised the idea of cooperative housing societies, thus ensuring dignity and shelter for many. Respected by all Two traits synonymous with Sardar Patel are trust and integrity. The farmers of India had unparalleled faith in him. After all, he was a kisan putra, who led from the front during the Bardoli Satyagraha. The working class saw him as a ray of hope, a leader who would speak up for them. Traders and industrialists preferred to work with Sardar Patel because they felt here was a stalwart who had a vision for India's economic and industrial growth. His political peers too trusted him. Acharya Kripalani remarked that whenever they faced an issue and if Bapu's guidance was not available, they would turn to Sardar Patel. When political negotiations were at their peak in 1947, Sarojini Naidu called him "the man of decision and man of action." Everyone trusted him, his words and his actions. Sardar Patel continues to be respected across caste, creed, faith, age! Statue of Unity This year's Sardar jayanti is even more special. With the blessings of 130 crore Indians, the Statue of Unity is being inaugurated today. Situated on the banks of the Narmada, the Statue of Unity is among the tallest in the world. 'Dharti Putra' Sardar Patel will stand tall in the skies, to guide us and inspire us. I congratulate all those who have worked day and night to ensure that this grand statue in tribute of Sardar Patel becomes a reality. My mind goes back to October 31, 2013, when we laid the foundation stone for this ambitious project. In record time, a project of such scale has become ready and this should make every Indian proud. I urge you all to visit the Statue of Unity in the times to come. The Statue of Unity is a symbol of both the unity of hearts and the geographical integrity of our motherland. It is a reminder that divided, we may not be even able to face ourselves. United, we can face the world and scale new heights of growth and glory. Sardar Patel worked with astonishing speed to dismantle the history of imperialism and create the geography of unity with the spirit of nationalism. He saved India from Balkanisation and integrated even the weakest of limbs into the national framework. Today, we, the 130 crore Indians are working shoulder to shoulder to build a New India that is strong, prosperous and inclusive. Every decision is being taken to ensure that the fruits of development reach the most vulnerable, without any corruption or favouritism, just as Sardar Patel would have wanted it. Manoj Joshi Manoj Joshi Senior journalist LAST week, Ajit Doval, the powerful National Security Adviser (NSA), spoke of the need for strong and decisive governments, the importance of observing the rule of law, encouraging technological independence and the private sector. The NSA should have also spoken for a modern government, where institutions and due process prevails, rather than individual whim. Indias governments, and Modis in particular, operate in a feudal milieu that privileges loyalty over other virtues. That was evident in that week itself, when we saw what is probably the real face of the government a medieval one, with darbaris locked in a bitter internecine war, even as the emperor watches silently. Doval himself, according to reports, played a significant role in the sordid drama that saw the chief of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) being removed in a midnight coup. Given the past judgments and directions of the Supreme Court in relation to the autonomy of the organisation, the governments moves appear suspicious and may not be quite legal. Indeed, there are some who now see the Supreme Courts intervention as a victory for Prime Minister Modi. In fact, it is quite the opposite. The apex court directions have complicated the situation from the governments point of view. They may have brought respite to the paralysed PMO that was unable to act till the last minute, but the bigger questions remain. The government could well have done all this more transparently. But, maybe, Doval thrives on drama, or, perhaps, there is more to the report that the action was aimed at Director Verma for initiating action on a complaint on the Rafale deal by BJP dissidents Arun Shourie and Yashwant Sinha and lawyer Prashant Bhushan. There was a certain theatricality in issuing a midnight directive that saw the appointment of M Nageshwara Rao as an interim head of the CBI and both Rakesh Asthana and Alok Verma being informed by pre-dawn messengers that they were being sent on leave. Simultaneously, the new Director Rao immediately transferred officers perceived to be close to Verma and involved in the Asthana investigations. Rao was only declared interim director as an afterthought when the matter headed for the apex court. And Raos own record for impartiality looks a bit dodgy. The apex courts fetters on the CVC inquiry and interim director Nageshwara Rao indicate that it is following a cautious but sceptical approach. It has yet to hear on the main matter the decision to send Verma on forced leave, given the fact that the Vineet Narain judgment commits the government to give a two-year tenure to the Director CBI. Verma is scheduled to retire in three months. Accusing the Congress of coterie politics has been the stock-in-trade for the BJP. But in terms of style, the Modi government has been no different. He has also resorted to darbari politics, dependent on loyalist IAS and IPS officers. Not surprisingly, those who served Modi in his long tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat have found places of authority in his prime ministerial dispensation. Modi always wanted Asthana, an old associate from Gujarat, at the head of the caged parrot agency. On December 2, 2016, as Additional Director he was appointed the interim director of the CBI when the incumbent Anil Sinha retired. Special Director RK Dutta, who was senior to him, was shunted out to a new post in the Union Home Ministry as a Special Secretary, just two days before Sinhas retirement. Since Asthana lacked the seniority to be confirmed to the post that is statutorily appointed by a committee comprising the Chief Justice, leader of the Opposition and the PM, he had to give way to Alok Verma who was appointed to head the agency on February 1, 2017. Since then, an incipient civil war played out in the agency, where Asthana, with the help of the PMO, sought to undermine his boss, and where the boss, no slouch himself, gave as good as he got. Some will say that the CBI has always had such problems, and hark back to the tenures of Ranjit Sinha and AP Singh. But the parallel drama taking place in another institution the Enforcement Directorate (ED) indicates that there is a larger problem. In the ED, following the retirement of Karnal Singh, Sanjay Mishra has been appointed its interim director. Attention is focused on Rajeshwar Singh, Joint Director of the ED, against whom an inquiry has been initiated following his falling out with Hasmukh Adhia, the powerful Finance Secretary. This could well be the tip of the damaged iceberg that is the Government of India. The state of other institutions like the Election Commission or the Information Commission has also drawn concern. And on Friday, RBI Deputy Governor Viral Acharya warned that the governments efforts to undermine the institution could cost the country heavy. So, yes, India needs strong, decisive governments that uphold the rule of law. But it also needs governments that understand the importance of institutions and also that the law of the land applies to these institutions. It, most certainly, does not mean as Doval probably thinks it does a country where people must obey the law. In fact, it is a process to check the arbitrary exercise of power by subjecting it to due process. Distinguished fellow, Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi amansharma@tribunemail.com Washington, October 30 Harry Arora, an Indian-American engineer-turned-entrepreneur is hopeful of reversing the 2008 Obama wave to take back a Congressional district in Connecticut from the Democrats to the Republican party and be the first from the community from the East Coast in the next Congress. If elected to the Congress in the November 6 mid-term elections, the Baroda-born Sikh promises to be a "tireless advocate" of the Indo-US relationship and strongly push for doing away with per country quota for Green Card, which has resulted in an agonising wait for hundreds and thousands of Indian professionals in the US. The tri-State area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut has one of the largest population of Indian-Americans in the US, but so far there has been no representation of the community in the Congress. Arora said he hopes and is confident to break that, by winning back the Democratic seat for his Republican party. "The reality is that numbers are quite favourable (for the Republicans this mid-term). They are not quite unfavourable as one would think was in 2010 or 2014, when the results were decided only by five points," Arora, who is seeking to enter the US House of Representatives from the fourth Congressional District of Connecticut, told PTI in an interview. Trump's popularity, anti-incumbancy against the current occupant Congressman Jim Hames, who snatched the seat from the Republicans in 2008 riding a Obama wave, mismanagement of Connecticut by the Democratic party at the State level, and his own door-to-door campaign all clubbed together gives him the optimism, said Arora, who came to the US as a graduate student 25 years ago to do MBA. "There is a huge amount of disenchantment or disapproval of the current Democratic leadership at the state level," he said. "As a result, we do believe that electorates are ready for a change," said a confident Arora, who like President Donald Trump is self-financing a large part of his campaign. He lived in West Bengal and Mathura before competing his electrical electronics engineering from the Delhi College of Engineering. For the past two decades he has been in the finance sector where he established himself as a successful entrepreneur. His grandparents moved to India from Rawalpindi after the partition in 1947. A Punjabi, Arora became a US citizen in 2004. It was two years ago, when he fought and survived cancer and decided to devote the rest of his life to public service. Driven by the Sikhism faith, he said it was personally a call to action. "Being an entrepreneur, I thought the most important thing was to get the mandate from the people to be able to contribution and participate in the whole process," he said. As such it is about a year ago that he decided to run for the US House of Representatives from the fourth Congressional District of Connecticut, which has a mixed record of going either way. For the last decade, the seat has been with Hames with the Democratic Party. Political pundits say Hames, 52, is mostly likely to be re-elected. Arora, who is self-funding a large part of his campaign, does not believe so. He argues that in the Trump era he has a much greater chance of swinging the seat for his Republican party. For two decades, until 2008, the fourth Congressional District of Connecticut was represented by a Republican. "The fourth District where I am running from has a huge possibility and is favourable to change," Arora said. "My underlying platform is bringing new ideas, new energy and problem solving to our societal problem. That's my intense focus," he said. Describing himself a Republican by philosophy Arora really believes that family and religion is important to him. "I really do believe that we need to make sure that we have a good discipline. I also believe in him like more competitive economy because when I grew up in India that the whole process of liberalisation had not happened," he said, adding that excessive government control and red tape is not beneficial. "What is required is a healthy regulation. When government starts controlling and doing more things, inefficiency and corruption sets in," he said. Noting that this issue is shaped by local issues, Arora said that overall improvement of the economy under the Trump administration will have a positive impact on the Republican party on November 6. Responding to a question, Arora argued that the H-1B visas have a huge amount of relevance. "What is okay is when it is used to attract strong, very well educated, sharp talent from all around the world, which America needs. And frankly speaking, that's the best part of our immigration process," Arora said as he argued for doing away with the 7 per cent per country Green Card quota, which he said is not doing justice to the talented Indian professionals in the US who are waiting for decades to get legal permanent residency. "India is a country of a billion people. There are other countries which may have 5 million people. The same (Green Card) quota cannot be applied. Somebody has to advocate for that. I want to make sure that I stand, bring these ideas up front," Arora said. Now that Indian Americans have made their mark in every segment of the United States, Arora said it is time that the community made more participation in the political system here. "That's why, I believe it's time for me to be elected," Arora said. - PTI editorial@tribune.com Sushil Manav Tribune News Service Chandigarh, October 29 An Additional Director in the Haryana Polices Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) at Madhuban in Karnal was on Monday arrested for allegedly forging the signature of his Director, an Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), in a letter to the Home Secretary to benefit another officer. On an FIR lodged by ADGP Shrikant Jadhav, who is Director of the FSL and heads the South Range of the police at Rewari, Karnal police arrested Assistant Director (Ballistics) Ajit Grewal. Karnal SP Surinder Singh Bhoria confirmed the arrest. The FIR was lodged on Saturday under Sections 420, 467, 468 and 471 of the IPC (cheating, forgery and fraudulently using a forged document as genuine). An SIT was constituted under DSP Virender Saini, which arrested the accused on Monday, the SP added. According to sources, facing shortage of officers in the FSL, Jadhav had written a few letters to the Director General of Police (DGP), requesting him to authorise some senior scientific assistants (SSAs) with requisite qualification and experience to sign as expert on reports of the cases coming to the laboratory. The sources said that the DGP clubbed Jadhavs letters and sent these to the Home Secretary on August 22 for approval, which was eventually received. In September this year, Jadhav received a communication from the Home Secretary, which said that Saroj Bala, an SSA in the scene of crime (SOC) Division, is authorised as an expert in the Ballistic Division of the FSL as per his recommendations. A shocked and surprised Jadhav checked the office files and found that he had never written the letter mentioned in Home Secretarys communication. During inquiries, it came out that Grewal had allegedly prepared that letter on behalf of Jadhav and had told his office in Madhuban that he would get it signed from Jadhav. After a few days, he had handed over the office copy of the letter bearing Jadhavs signatures to his office in Madhuban. Documents experts at Madhuban as well in FSL, Delhi, confirmed that the Jadhavs signatures had been forged in the letter. The sources said that though Saroj Bala was recruited as an SSA in the SOC Division, Grewal had been keeping her in the Ballistic Division headed by him for long till Jadhav sent her to her parent division. To accommodate her to his own Ballistic Division again after her authorisation as expert, Grewal allegedly forged Jadhavs signatures, as per the FIR. editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Chandigarh, October 29 Haryana Roadways employees on Monday announced to extend their strike till November 2. In solidarity with them, state government employees also announced to go on a two-day strike on Tuesday. The essential services, however, have been kept out of the purview of the two-day strike by government employees. The roadways strike, meanwhile, entered 14th day on Monday. Sarv Karamchari Sangh (SKS) president Dharambir Phogat and general secretary Subhash Lamba said employees protest would continue till the state government rolled back its decision to run 700 private buses under the km scheme. Roadways employees have been on strike since October 16, defying the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA). Two rounds of talks with the government, including Transport Minister Krishan Lal Panwar on October 24, have failed to break the deadlock. A government spokesman said, In all, 2,406 buses of Haryana Roadways plied on Monday. This is in addition to more than 1,000 buses of cooperative societies and those run by the Regional Transport Authorities (RTAs) across the state. Leader of the Opposition Abhay Chautala hit out at Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar for his statement that privatisation of the transport service would benefit people of the state. The state governments insensitivity in holding a meaningful dialogue with the roadways unions is designed to further the agenda of privatisation, he added. Jind gets 8,300 applications for conductor Kurukshetra: The Jind depot authorities have started screening of applications for bus conductor. Deputy Commissioner Amit Khatri said about 8,300 applications had been received and 1,900 candidates were found eligible. The appointment will be for three months. The applications are being verified. The final list will be released soon, he said. The DC said that in spite of the strike, the district authorities had taken measures to ensure sufficient number of buses plied. tnS editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Chandigarh, October 30 The first day of the two-day strike by the state government employees in support the ongoing Haryana Roadways (HR) strike, which entered 15h day on Tuesday, evoked mixed response. The Sarv Karamchari Sangh (SKS), an apex organisation of the state government employees, claimed that the strike evoked huge response and functioning of various departments was severely affected. The essential services, however, were kept out of the purview of the strike by the employees. However, official sources claimed that the strike had little effect on the routine administrative functioning with about 1.22 lakh state government employees marking their attendance through biometric system. Subhash Lamba, general secretary of the SKS, again urged the state government to roll back the decision to run nearly 700 buses of private operators under the km scheme. He urged Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar to immediately intervene in the matter. The HR employees have been on strike since October 16 defying ESMA. Two rounds of talks with senior government functionaries, including Transport Minister Krishan Lal Panwar on October 24, have failed to break the deadlock between the state government and the employees unions with the employees now extending the bus strike to November 2. The strike has taken toll on the transport services in the state inconveniencing lakhs of passengers daily. On a normal day, nearly 19,000 HR employees with a fleet of 4,100 buses catered to only 12 lakh out of nearly 33 lakh passengers daily. Rest of the passengers have to rely on unsafe and unreliable maxi cabs and three-wheelers for commuting. Karnal: Most of the government offices on Tuesday wore a deserted look as employees of various departments went on two-day strike in support of the protesting roadways employees. Meanwhile, employees under the banner of the Sarv Karamchari Sangh and other organisations held a protest march in the city and shouted slogans against the government. Om Parkash Sinhmar, district president of the sangh, said that they would continue their support to the protesting roadways employees. He said that their strike would continue on Wednesday also. Meanwhile, roadways officials said that 145 buses were running on different routes. Panipat: Members of various trade unions, employees associations and student organisations took out a protest march on NH-44 here on Tuesday in support of the strike by roadways employees. The traffic on the NH-44 was disrupted for more than three hours as vehicles stuck in traffic jam. Members of the Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) also joined the protest march. The protesters burn an effigy of Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Transport Minister Krishan Lal Panwar. Rohtak: Various employees associations have backed the roadways workers who have been staging a statewide stir in support of their demands. The protesting roadways workers have received support from various other quarters as well. The local chapter of the Rajkiya Prathmik Shikshak Sangh has also backed the stir and decided to observe strike on October 30 and 31 to express solidarity with the protesting employees. The strike call by different employees associations witnessed a mixed response in the district. In most of the government departments, the employees observed a token strike to register their protest. Kaithal:Deputy commissioner Dharamvir Singh said that 105 out of the total 129 buses were running on various routes, including Kaithal-Delhi. After initial problems, the administration has managed to control the situation by employing 123 drivers and 127 conductors through outsourcing, he said here on Tuesday. Duty Inspector Ram Kumar said that out of permanent roadways staff, only three drivers and two conductors were on duty. Replying to a question, he said that no bus of the Kaithal depot was involved in any mishap as rumours were being spread. He said that only one bus was involved in a minor collision with a car at the Kurukshetra bus stand. New roadways policy not against staff, says Khattar Kurukshetra, October 30 Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Tuesday said the state government was ready to investigate the charges of alleged anomalies in tender allotment of the Haryana Roadways routes proposed for the private participants. During a brief inspection of a development project at Ladwa in the district, Khattar refuted the charges that privatisation was being boosted by the state government. He said as per the new proposal, the private parties would provide buses and drivers whereas conductors on these vehicles would be the state roadways employees. Khattar said the income generated from these buses would be the revenue of the state exchequer. The interests of roadways employees would not be allowed to be compromised. As per the proposed policy, the state would have the right to decide the routes and timetable of the proposed arrangement with new buses. The policy was mooted to strengthen roadways service in the state, he added. TNS editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Shimla, October 30 Lauding girls for their achievements, President Ram Nath Kovind said: The way girls are excelling in all fields, the time is not far when we will talk about reservation for boys. Kovind, who delivered the address at the 24th convocation of HP University (HPU) here on Tuesday and presented gold medals to 10 toppers (all girls), exhorted the students and staff to strive for excellence and take a pledge to bring the university among the top 20 institutes in the country when it celebrates its golden jubilee after 21 months in July 2020. Girls outshining boys in every field is the beginning of the golden future and implies that the country is progressing, he said, urging the students to work for the betterment of the country and welfare of humanity. He said the HPU had earned a name for itself and many eminent persons, including President of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai and a bunch of sportspersons and judges, studied here. Normally, I avoid attending the convocation of state universities, but the Governor and CMs request and my love for the state brought me here, he said. Governor Acharya Devvrat awarded degrees to 180 students. Vice-Chancellor, HPU, Sikander Kumar welcomed the President, Governor, Chief Minister, etc. 230 from last two sessions get gold medals As many as 230 gold medals and 180 PhD degrees were awarded to meritorious students. About 78 per cent of the toppers were girls. Of the 230 toppers of previous two years, who were awarded gold medals, 180 were girls. Kovind awarded gold medals to 10 girls Deepika Sharma, Kiran Sharma, Sheetal Verma, Renu Devi, Sakshi, Shailja Thakur, Chinta Devi, Akshita Thakur, Kritika Sharma and Archa. He also conferred a PhD degree on Akshya Kumar. Holiday today, exam as per schedule The HPU will remain closed on October 31 on the 24th convocation of the university. All offices in the university will remain shut. However, the already fixed examination and viva-voce will remain unchanged and it will be conducted as per the schedule. Parents stopped at entrance editorial@tribune.com Samaan Lateef Tribune News Service Srinagar, October 30 The National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is probing the financing of secessionist activities in Kashmir, on Tuesday conducted multiple raids at the office and residence of an absconding businessman for his alleged involvement in hawala funds. Sleuths of the central agency raided early morning the residences and business offices of Nasir Shafi Mir and his family at the Lal Bazar and Ishbar localities of Srinagar in connection with a terror funding case, officials said. We have conducted searches at the house and other premises of Nasir Shafi Mir in connection with a hawala funding case, said NIA spokesperson and additional director general Alok Mittal. Mir, 48, is accused of funding Hurriyat leaders and fleeing the country for Europe in October 2008 after jumping bail, Mittal said. The NIA sleuths were accompanied by police and paramilitary forces personnel during the raids. The NIA officials said they were probing how Mir, alias Babul, against whom a non-bailable warrant was issued by a Delhi court in 2009, managed to secure a forged passport from South India to escape from India via Nepal. He is at present living in Dubai, where he owns a carpet showroom and is running a money exchange business. The NIA accused Mir of using his business as a cover to make hawala transactions for funding separatists in Kashmir. Mir was arrested from Lajpat Nagar on February 3, 2006, by the special cell of the Delhi Police. The police had seized from him Rs 55 lakh in cash and explosives. He managed to secure bail on a plea that his mother was ill. The NIA officials said Mir was in Kashmir till October 2008. He reached Dubai in 2011, after a detour to Europe and Libya. Mir and his family have been into carpet business since the early 1980s. In the late 1990s, he went to Dubai after his father was arrested for alleged links with militant organisations. rchopra@tribunemail.com Srinagar, October 30 The National Investigation Agency on Tuesday carried out raids at three residences of absconding businessman and Hizbul Mujahideen militant Nasir Safi Mir and his family at Lal Bazaar area here in connection with a terror funding case, officials said. Mir, 48, is accused of funding Hurriyat leaders and believed to have fled the country after jumping bail, they said, adding that the raids were carried out nearly 10 months after the case was re-registered by the NIA. Details of the raids were not immediately available as the NIA teams assisted by Jammu and Kashmir Police and para-military forces were in the process of collecting documents from the three places where the raids were conducted, they said. The NIA probe is likely to ascertain how Mir alias Babul managed to secure a passport from a southern state which he allegedly used in Nepal to leave for Europe in October 2008. A resident of north Kashmir, Mir allegedly used carpet trade and later a money exchange business in Dubai for sending hawala money to separatist leaders in Kashmir. He was arrested from Lajpat Nagar by the elite Special Cell of Delhi Police on February 3, 2006. The police had seized Rs 55 lakh in cash and explosives from him. During his trial, Mir managed to secure bail on a plea that his mother was ill. Mir, who the investigators believe was based in Dubai and owns a carpet showroom and money exchange firms in the gulf, regularly reported to the nearest police station while on bail till early October 2008. But after that, he failed to turn up at police stations or in court for hearings. According to intelligence inputs, Mir reached Dubai in 2011, making a detour through countries in Europe and Libya. Mir, against whom a non-bailable warrant was issued in 2009, travelled to Nepal from India, and then used the forged passport to fly out, the officials said. A resident of Lal Bazaar on the outskirts of Srinagar city, Mir dropped out of school in 1983 to get into the carpet business. He continued with the trade till 1990 after which he shifted to the national capital and started living in the Lajpat Nagar area of south Delhi. In the late 1990s, he went to Dubai after his father was arrested for alleged links with militants. Mir had also told investigators that in Delhi he first opened a firm, Kashmir Master Computers, after which he set up a company, Failala, but closed it in 1998. In 1999, he started a firm called Idekas and then opened an information technology company, he had said. Police found that in 2002, Mir had opened two money exchange companies, Reems Exchange and Cash Express, in Dubai, which were allegedly used as a stopover for money being pushed in from Pakistan for terrorist funding in Jammu and Kashmir. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had in 2014 attached Rs 55 lakh that had been seized from Mir. He was subjected to extensive interrogation by central security agencies during which he allegedly spoke about his links with separatists groups and banned terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen. According to the ED attachment order, the cash which was in the custody of the Special Cell was proceeds of crime of terrorist funding and money laundering and hence stands attached. This is the first major action against terror funding in the country under the stringent provisions of money laundering laws where the onus is on the accused to prove that he or she is not guilty. The attachment of cash or properties under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) is aimed at depriving the accused of the benefits of the assets earned unlawfully. PTI laxmi@tribune.com Harrish Sairaman Boss or Friend? The answer to this question lies in your definition of friendship, whether you are the boss or a subordinate. If it lies somewhere in open discussions, friendly rapport based on concern, care and mutual respect then its wonderful as you spend a majority of your time at the workplace. But, if your personal space is invaded or the friendly relationship becomes a strong reason for taking undue advantage, then there is huge trouble here. A 'Boss' has to don many hats he has to act as a navigator, strategist, a change driver, an entrepreneur but he can also be a trusted friend. There needs to be an organic growth in relationship between a boss and a subordinate. An employee needs to forge a non-biased relationship based on mutual respect and bonding. As an employee ensure that you never cross the boundaries of professional courtesy. The personal information of bosses is not an area a subordinate needs to delve into as it could lead to serious repercussions. To navigate a healthy friendship, an employee has to be aware of the price of faltering on this point. Friendships between boss and employees may yield astounding results with guaranteed loyalty. When a boss understands his employees well, he never fails to give his best. There is a very thin line which should never be crossed to be a good manager. Setting up certain boundaries may aid in maintaining the equilibrium of the company. Here are certain points to note: Never go beyond ethical norms Howsoever close you may be with your employees, never break the ethical boundaries. Classified information like salaries, hiring, firing, and any similar details which must be kept confidential, should never be divulged. Else, the bonding and friendship defnitely doesnt work in your favour! Stay unbiased This could be the biggest drawback of friendship in a professional relationship and the biggest nightmare for people who do not bring in friendship in professional spheres. When you support and favour a certain employee in your workplace, you tend to lose respect and trust of the other employees. Along with that, you also face low productivity from other good workers. If you are following this approach, then it is time to stop and reflect. You may end up losing good employees over your favourite ones if youre unable to understand the gravity of your inclination. Always be authentic with your employees but at the same time know when to bring down the curtains. Relationships are based on the thread of respect, care, and understanding. Being a friendly boss can foster a healthy environment along with a steady graph of stellar performances. Clarity The most important aspect to keep your dignity intact is to be direct with your employees. Transparency between you and your employees regarding your determined goals, your expectations from them, and your action plan can help them understand you and nature of work in a coherent way. Being reasonable can articulate a strong bond of friendship which may never cross the border of professionalism. The writer is a noted motivational speaker http://www.harrishsairaman.com monicakchauhan@gmail.com Washington, October 30 US President Donald Trump is unable to participate as Chief Guest of India's Republic Day celebrations next year due to scheduling constraints, the White House has said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited President Trump for a bilateral visit to India during their talks in Washington last year. White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders had, in July, said that Trump has received an invitation to visit India, but no decision has been taken yet. "President Trump was honoured by Prime Minister Modi's invitation for him to be Chief Guest of India's Republic Day on January 26, 2019 but is unable to participate due to scheduling constraints," a White House spokesperson told PTI on Monday, when asked about Trump's decision on Modi's invitation. It is said that the annual State of the Union (SOTU) address to both Houses of the US Congress by Trump is likely to be around the time India will celebrate its Republic Day. The SOTU is normally delivered in the last week of January or first week of February. The spokesperson said that the US President and Modi enjoy a strong personal rapport and Trump is committed to deepening the India-US relationship. The President enjoys a strong personal rapport with Prime Minister Modi developed through two meetings and several phone calls and remains committed to deepening the US-India strategic partnership, the spokesperson said. The President very much looks forward to meeting Prime Minister Modi again at the earliest opportunity, the White House spokesperson said. Modi and Trump are scheduled to attend the G-20 Summit in Argentina on November 30 and December 1. It is possible that the two leaders might meet and discuss bilateral relationship there. Every year, India invites world leaders to attend its Republic Day celebrations. In 2015, the then US president Barack Obama had attended it as the chief guest which was his second visit to India as American president. This year, leaders from 10 ASEAN countries had attended the Republic Day celebrations. In 2016, the then French president Francois Hollande was the chief guest of the parade while Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was the chief guest at the celebrations in 2014. The heads of state and government who have attended the Republic Day celebrations include Nicolas Sarkozy, Vladimir Putin, Nelson Mandela, John Major, Mohammed Khatami and Jacques Chirac. PTI rchopra@tribunemail.com Raipur, October 30 Two police personnel and a Doordarshan cameraman were killed in a Naxal attack in poll-bound Chhattisgarhs Dantewada district on Tuesday, police said. Two police personnel were also injured in the incident, which took place at Nilawaya village under the Aranpur police station. Those killed were identified as Sub Inspector Rudra Pratap, Assistant Constable Mangalu and DD News cameraman Achyutanand from Delhi, Deputy Inspector General (anti-Naxal operations) Sundarraj P told PTI. Two other security personnel were injured in the incident, he said, adding that reinforcements were rushed to the spot. The attack has no connection with upcoming assembly elections. It was aimed at a road construction project. Two Maoists were possibly killed in the exchange of fire with security forces after the ambush, DG Awasthi, Special DG of Chhattisgarh Police, said when he addressed the press later in the evening. Assembly polls in Chhattisgarh will be held in two phases on November 12 and 20. PTI gspannu7@gmail.com Indore/Thiruvananthapuram, October 30 Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said women of all age groups should be allowed to enter the Sabarimala temple, a remark that was at variance with the stand taken by his partys Kerala unit and which created ripples in the southern state. Gandhi, however, acknowledged that his opinion is different from that of his party on the emotional issue after the Supreme Court last month lifted the ban on entry of women of menstrual age to the hilltop shrine of Lord Ayyappa in Kerala. It is a very emotional issue and my personal thinking on the matter is different from my partys Kerala unit, Gandhi told a select group of journalists in Indore in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh. My personal view point on the issue of Sabarimala temple is that men and women are equal. All women should get permission to enter into the temple. However, my partys Kerala units view is that it is a very emotional issue for both men and women, he said. Therefore, my personal opinion and my partys Kerala units thinking is different on the matter. My party represents the feeling of Keralas natives on the issue, he added. The remarks by Gandhi came on a day when hundreds of BJP workers staged a hunger strike in front of the state police chiefs office in Thiruvananthapuram protesting the LDF governments decision to implement the Supreme Court order that allowed entry of girls and women of all age groups to the shrine and also the police crackdown on the protesters. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan welcomed Gandhis statement and flayed the state unit saying it was unfortunate that the Congress in the state was not in sync with the its national leadership on the Sabarimala issue. It is unfortunate that the Congress in Kerala does not have the same opinion as that of the partys national leadership on the subject, he said in a Facebook post. A section of Congress leaders were adopting a conservative approach on the issue which would only help the BJP, the chief minister said. Chennithala, the Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly, asserted that the Congress and the party-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in the state were with the believers of Lord Ayyappa who want the ban on entry of girls and women in the menstruating age group to be restored. AICC chief has given permission to take that stand, he told reporters in Kozhikode, adding Gandhis views on Sabarimala were his personal opinion. Chennithala also said there was no confusion in the party over the Sabarimala issue and that Gandhi had not disowned the state Congresss stand on the matter. PTI ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM Smita Sharma Tribune News Service New Delhi, October 30 India and Italy on Tuesday discussed steps to enhance cooperation in areas of trade, investment, energy and technology. Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with his Italian counterpart Giuseppe Conte, who arrived here this morning to participate in the 24th edition of the India-Italy Technology Summit. The Leaders reiterated that India and Italy ties are based on shared principles and values of democracy, freedom, rule of law, respect for human rights and territorial integrity of States, said the joint statement post talks. India and Italy have decided to boost ties in key sectors such as lifestyle accessories design, transportation and automobile design, energy, life sciences, etc. Such extensive engagement will benefit the citizens of our nations, tweeted PM Modi. Reaffirming their commitment to global non-proliferation efforts, PM Conte reiterated Italys support to Indias admission into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). Both PMs also called for strong measures to be taken against support and financing of terror outfits and to implement the Security Council resolution 1267 that imposes sanctions against terror entities. They condemned all kinds of State support to terrorists, including cross-border terrorism and providing safe havens to terrorists and their network, said the joint statement with no individual terrorist or group named. Seeking improved transparency, dispute settlement mechanism, and rule-making functions of the WTO, the top leaders committed to ensure free and open trade on a level-playing field and fight all forms of protectionism. shriaya.dutta@tribuneindia.com Jitendra K Shrivastava Tribune News Service Ranchi, October 30 A journalist working at a local Hindi daily was found dead in Pathalgadha in Jharkhands Chatra district on Tuesday, a day after he was abducted. Some people on bikes are believed to have abducted Chandan Tiwari, a resident of Dumbi village, and taken him to a forest nearby. Police began to look for him after his family alerted them that he was missing. Tiwari was found lying in a pool of blood and was immediately taken to Simaria Referral Hospital, which declared him brought dead. Tiwaris body has been sent to Chatra Sadar Hospital for autopsy. Simaria Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Pradip Pal Kakshap said that theyve booked some unknown people for kidnapping and murder, and are currently conducting raids to find his assailants. vinaymishra188@gmail.com Tribune News Service New Delhi, October 29 With the Supreme Court on Monday declining urgent hearing, it is highly unlikely that the Ayodhya land dispute verdict will be delivered before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. A three-judge Bench led by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi said cross-appeals against the September 30, 2010, Allahabad High Courts order would be listed before an appropriate Bench in the first week of January for fixing the date of hearing. It will come up in the first week of January not for hearing, but for deciding the date of the hearing. Hearing may be in January, February, March or April whenever Also, the Bench by which it shall be heard will be constituted. The CJI said an appropriate Bench would decide in January when to hear the case, sparking demands by Hindu groups for a law to begin temple construction at the disputed site. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing Uttar Pradesh, demanded that the case be taken up immediately after the top court reopens post Diwali. Senior counsel CS Vaidyanathan, appearing for Ram Lalla, demanded that the case be taken up in November itself. But the Bench also comprising Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice KM Joseph turned down the request for taking it up in November. Immediately, there was a chorus of demands from within the BJP and Sangh Parivar outfits that the Centre bring an ordinance or legislation in the winter session of Parliament for early construction of Ram Temple ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, without waiting for the apex court verdict. Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Alok Kumar emphasised the Hindus could not wait eternally for a judgment. Union Minister Giriraj Singh pointed out the Hindus are running out of patience . Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya voiced disappointment while senior BJP leader Subramanian Swamy observed the judiciary was not above Parliament. Sources say the government is likely to wait for a Supreme Court verdict, despite RSS chief Mohan Bhagwats aggressive posturing and the VHP threat to step up Ram Temple campaign. Significantly, amid the buildup, Prime Minister Modi has not uttered a word on the partys pet poll plank, concentrating on development and administrative issues instead. Speaking in poll-bound Chhattisgarh, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the BJP had never linked the Ram Temple issue to elections. The Congress said everyone should wait for the Supreme Court orders on the issue. NEW BENCH TO TAKE UP CROSS-APPEALS A new Bench will be constituted to hear and decide cross-appeals against the Allahabad HC order dividing the disputed land equally between Ram Lalla, Nirmohi Akhada and the Sunni Wakf Board Procedural formalities, including filing of affidavits, rejoinders and translations, running into thousands of pages are already over and the case has been listed for issuance of directions The top court had on September 27 refused to refer to a larger Bench its 1994 verdict which had ruled a mosque is not an essential part of the practice of Islam. It had directed that cross-appeals in the Ayodhya title suit be listed before a three-judge Bench on October 29 "Building a temple will create goodwill and harmony in the country... if there is any difficulty, the government should enact a law to remove barriers and hand over the site to Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas." RSS spokesperson "The court is not above Parliament. We have the right to alter laws. The SC can consider whether this is a violation of the Constitution or not... we should bring an ordinance." Sumbramanian Swamy, BJP leader "Why dont they bring it (ordinance)... let them do it. You are in power. I challenge them to do it." Asaduddin Owaisi, AIMIM Chief rchopra@tribunemail.com Bhubaneswar, October 30 Congress MLA Krishna Chandra Sagaria on Tuesday said he would resign as member of the Odisha Assembly, protesting against the alleged injustice meted out to a gangrape and suicide victim of Kunduli in Koraput district. A 14-year-old girl had alleged that she was gangraped by four people in uniform on October 10, 2017. However, the police had ruled out rape, citing medical reports. The girl subsequently committed suicide by hanging herself on January 22. I have decided to resign from membership of the Odisha Assembly, as I feel I have no moral right to continue as an MLA after having failed to ensure justice in the Kunduli gangrape and suicide incident, Sagaria told reporters here. I was deeply pained after the poor girl committed suicide. Being the local representative, I was morally responsible to ensure justice to her, the Koraput MLA said. Holding the Odisha government responsible for the incident, the Congress leader alleged that the investigation was hushed up by the police. To a query, he said he had not discussed about his move to resign from the Assembly with the party leaders, saying this was his individual decision. Sagaria said he would soon submit his resignation to the Assembly Speaker. The Congress leader said he would go to people and create awareness about the increasing atrocities and crimes against women in the state. I will tell people about inaction on the part of the state government in providing justice and security to women, he said. PTI rchopra@tribunemail.com Tribune News Service New Delhi, October 30 The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to stay the CBI summons against businessman Satish Sana, complainant in the alleged bribery case against CBI special director Rakesh Asthana. The court directed police to provide adequate security to Sana. The court rejected Sanas plea for recording of his statement in the presence of retired former SC judge AK Patnaik. ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM Shiv Kumar Tribune News Service Mumbai, October 30 A special court on Tuesday framed charges in the 2008 Malegaon blast case against former Military Intelligence officer Lt Col Shrikant Prasad Purohit, Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur and five others for terror activities, criminal conspiracy and murder, among others. Judge Vinod Padalkar, presiding over the special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court, said the Abhinav Bharat organisation with which the accused were associated was formed with the objective of carrying out terror attacks. He said a bomb containing RDX was planted on a motorcycle that left six dead and 101 injured. All the accused have been charged under various sections of the IPC, Unlawful Activities Prevention Act and the Indian Explosives Substance Act. Appearing before the court, the accused said they did not plead guilty. Sadhvi Pragya said the NIA had first given her a clean chit but later framed charges against her. I am not a member of Abhinav Bharat. I have said in the past also that I am in no way connected with this organisation. This is a kanoon ka khel happening here, she said, adding that the terror allegations were being levelled against her at the behest of the Congress. Lt Col Purohits lawyers pleaded for deferment of framing of charges as they were set to appeal in the apex court against Bombay High Courts order refusing to stay the framing of charges. monicakchauhan@gmail.com Jupinderjit Singh Tribune News Service Chandigarh, October 30 After talks with rebels failed, the Aam Aadmi Party on Tuesday announced the names of five candidates in Punjab for the 2019 Lok Sabha election. There was speculation that the state AAP may forge unity with the rebel group by consulting them on seat allocation. Party's core committee chairman Budh Ram said sitting MPs Bhagwant Mann and Sadhu Singh would contest from their respective constituencies, Sangrur and Faridkot. Ravjot Singh, who had contested the 2017 Assembly poll from Sham Chaurasi seat, will contest from Hoshiarpur. Party's Majha zonal in-charge Kuldip Singh Dhaliwal will contest from Amritsar and Narinder Singh Shergill, who had contested the 2017 Punjab Assembly poll from Mohali, has been given the ticket from Anandpur Sahib. Ram said the names of candidates for the remaining eight seats would be announced later. The AAP had won four seats during the 2014 Lok Sabha election. editorial@tribune.com GS Paul Tribune News Service Amritsar, October 30 The state government has failed to keep up promise of providing employment on compassionate grounds to the next of kin of Indians killed in Mosul (Iraq). Many among them alleged that the monthly pension of Rs 20,000 that was given by the SAD-BJP government in 2014 has also been discontinued. This was stated by family members of victims hailing from Amritsar, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Nawanshahr, Kapurthala and Gurdaspur, who gathered here to hold a meeting to decide their next course of action. As many as 39 Indians were made hostage and killed by the ISIS in Mosul (Iraq) in 2014. Later, their bodies were exhumed and post DNA tests, the mortal remains of 27 from Punjab were brought back to Amritsar on April 3. The state government had announced to provide employment to one dependent family member of the victim as per their educational qualification and governments policy, besides an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh. It was also decided to continue with the monthly pension of Rs 20,000 being paid to the family members from the CM Relief Fund till the time jobs are provided to them. Though they all agreed to have received the ex gratia amounting to Rs 5 lakh each from the state government, the beneficiaries opined that only the regular job could bring stability in their lives. Amritsar-based Manish Kumar, who lost his brother Harish Kumar, said the state government had made an ill-conceived criterion when it comes to offer jobs. He also confirmed that the pension of Rs 20,000 per month has been discontinued since May 2018. Manish, a civil engineer, said he was not yet offered any job. I have been running from pillar to post to get my application through, but till date there was no hearing. I was told that the offer was only open in Class IV category yet, he said. Gurpinder Kaur, whose brother Manjinder Singh had died, is double MA BEd. She had qualified the teachers eligibility test twice, but still lurching to get government job. She said she was also fighting a legal battle to punish the travel agents who cheated her brother which cost his life. As per my information, out of 27 families, only three jobs, that too on provisional basis, were offered to three families in Hoshiarpur and Sangrur. They were given Class IV job, which suited their qualification, but they were paid only Rs 5,300 per month. How could a widow look after her family with such a paltry sum, she said. Kapurthala-based Amandeep Singh (21), who lost his father Gurbinder Singh in the incident, believed that the governments announcements often ended up as political gimmicks. editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Chandigarh, October 29 Just about 10 days after 58 persons standing on the tracks near a railway crossing in Amritsar were mowed down by a train, a petition filed in public interest by a Gurgaon-based lawyer seeking probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation was dismissed as withdrawn by the Punjab and Haryana High Court today. The petitioner, Dinesh Kumar Dakoria, had made former Amritsar-East MLA Navjot Kaur Sidhu a respondent in the case. She was the chief guest at the Dasehra festivity near the accident site, which falls in the constituency now represented by her husband. Appearing on Navjot Kaurs behalf, senior advocate DS Patwalia asserted that the petition was politically motivated and the chief guest at a function could not be roped in as a party respondent as there was no liability on her part. Patwalia added that there was no cause of action prompting the petitioner to file the PIL. Besides, he had not been able to show how the petition could be placed under the category of a public interest litigation. In any case, enough action had already taken place in the matter. The petition was dismissed as withdrawn after the arguments on the petition being not maintainable and politically motivated. In his petition placed before the Bench of Chief Justice Krishna Murari and Justice Arun Palli, the petitioner, in alternative, had sought directions to the state and other respondents to set up a special investigation team. Directions were also sought for monitoring the probe by the High Court, besides directions for setting up a commission under retired/sitting justices for assessment and estimation of personal losses for granting adequate compensation The petitioner had also sought issuance of guidelines for defining the duties and responsibilities of the elected members in respect of their respective constituencies and the people thereof. He added the elected members disown their responsibility, leaving the common people in a lurch. The petitioner had claimed that the state police should have registered an FIR against all those responsible persons behind organising such an irresponsible event adjacent the Joda Phatak in Amritsar. editorial@tribune.com Our Correspondent Abohar, October 30 Members of non-government organisations led by Kisan Mazdoor Karamchari Talmel Samiti on Tuesday organised a protest to flay the administration for not fulfilling the promises made after the death of a protester outside the Sub-Divisional Civil Hospital here last month. Buta Singh (64), a resident of Ratdian village in Muktsar, died of cardiac arrest on September 25 during a protest organised against the outsourcing contractor of the Health Department for summarily terminating the services of four ad hoc employees. The protesters assembled in Nehru Park and raised slogans against officials of the Health Department for allegedly shielding the contractor despite his poor services. They passed through main roads and staged dharna at Shaheed Chowk near Sadar Bazar terminal. The protest disrupted traffic for few hours. Samiti activists Jarnail Singh and Ram Kumar Verma said the September 27 protest was lifted after the Civil Surgeon and sub-divisional officials assured that the kin of deceased Buta Singh would be compensated and a job would be given to a family member on ad hoc basis. It was also assured that the Director, Health Services, will be requested to give clearance to reinstate the sacked employees and fill vacancies of regular paramedics. However, no step had been taken so far. The samiti threatened to intensify the stir if necessary steps to fulfil the promises were not taken soon. vinaymishra188@gmail.com Ruchika M Khanna & Ravi Dhaliwal Tribune News Service Chandigarh/Gurdaspur, Oct 29 A day after Sukhbir Badal offered to step down as SAD president, if demanded by the party, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) core committee, which met in Chandigarh on Monday, endorsed his leadership. Akali Dal patriarch Parkash Singh Badal too was present at the meeting that lasted over three hours. Sources in the party said the core committee members stood firmly behind the party president. There was no mention of the banner of revolt raised by Taksali leaders Ranjit Singh Brahmpura, MP, former minister Sewa Singh Sekhwan and former MP Rattan Singh Ajnala. In Gurdaspur, Sekhwan insisted that Sukhbir must step down, paving the way for the partys reconstitution. Sukhbir should resign so that the party can be recast. The party can be spared the ignominy of another drubbing in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, if we have a new leader. An old hand should be appointed the new chief, Sekhwan contended. He squarely blamed Bikram Singh Majithia for the SADs dismal show in the Assembly polls. Bikram was born and brought up in Delhi and knows nothing about the party policies and goals, he claimed. My father was the party chief when Parkash Singh Badal was in jail. I only want a change in leadership and due respect to senior leaders, he emphasised. Sekhwan and Brahmpura have quit party posts. A decision on their resignations pending, they were not invited to the core committee meeting. Another party MP Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, who too has quit party posts, has chosen not to speak against the leadership. He was not invited either. Since the party cadre and leaders are firmly behind Sukhbir Badal, what they (rebels) say is not significant, remarked a senior member. The party had adopted the same approach while dealing with the rebellion by another party MP, Sher Singh Ghubaya, two years ago. The party claimed the core committee meeting on Monday was called to discus the assault on Sikh history. Party leaders will perform ardas at Akal Takht on November 1 before launching a struggle against the Congress government for the assault on the image of the Sikh Gurus, a leader said. ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM Beijing, October 30 Marijuana may be legal now in Canada but at least three Asian governments are warning their citizens to avoid it, including the specter of possible arrest for Japanese and South Koreans. China, the latest to weigh in, didnt go that far. Its consulate in Toronto issued a statement on Friday reminding Chinese in its jurisdiction and students in particular to avoid contact with and use of marijuana for the sake of ensuring your own physical and mental health. Canada legalised the sale of recreational marijuana on October 17. The Chinese statement, posted on the consulates website, included an explanation of the Canadian and provincial laws, advising them to read it carefully to avoid running afoul of the new regulations. Both Japan and South Korea warned their citizens in Canada ahead of the legalisation. The Japanese consulate in Vancouver warned on its website that Japanese laws outlawing the possession and sale of marijuana may be applied to actions taken abroad. South Korea held information sessions in Canada and used a government website and TV broadcasts to lay down the law for its citizens. Even in a place where marijuana is legalised, if our citizens smoke, purchase, possess or deliver marijuana, its a criminal act and so they will be punished, the embassy in Canada tweeted. AP gspannu7@gmail.com Ankara, October 30 Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday called on Saudi Arabias chief prosecutor to find out who ordered the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, and not spare certain people in his investigation. Who sent these 15 people? As Saudi public prosecutor, you have to ask that question, so you can reveal it, Erdogan said, referring to the 15-man team suspected of being behind the hit. Now we have to solve this case. No need to prevaricate, it makes no sense to try to save certain people, he told reporters in Ankara. AFP uttara@tribuneindia.com Istanbul, October 30 The Turkish fiancee of slain journalist Jamal Khashoggi has called on US President Donald Trump and other leaders to ensure that his death in Istanbul is not covered up, while Saudi Arabia's top prosecutor on Tuesday visited the Saudi Consulate where officials from his government killed the writer. Speaking at a memorial in London on Monday, Hatice Cengiz expressed disappointment in the leadership of many countries. Singling out Trump, she urged him to help reveal the truth and ensure justice be served. He should not pave the way for a cover-up of my fiance's murder. Let's not let money taint our conscience and compromise our values," she said. Cengiz also told the memorial that she wishes she had entered the consulate instead of Khashoggi. She said in reference to an alleged Saudi hit squad sent to kill the columnist for The Washington Post: "If only I knew that would be the last time I would see my Jamal, his smile, hear his laughter, I would have stood in front of that murderous team myself". Saudi Arabia's top prosecutor, Saud al-Mojeb, arrived at Istanbul's main courthouse on Tuesday for more talks with Istanbul's chief public prosecutor, Irfan Fidan, on the investigation into the killing, Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency reported. The two had met for an hour and 15 minutes on Monday as part of an agreement between Riyadh and Ankara for cooperation over the investigation. Al-Mojeb then went to the consulate and left after spending a little over an hour there. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Tuesday the investigation needs to be completed swiftly. "This needs to be solved now; there is no point in excuses," Erdogan told journalists. Erdogan said the prosecutor repeated to his Saudi counterpart Turkey's extradition request for 18 suspects detained in Saudi Arabia for the Oct. 2 killing to be put on trial in Istanbul. Fidan asked al-Mojeb to reveal who sent this group, according to the president. The country is also asking Saudi Arabia to help locate Khashoggi's body, which still has not been found. Erdogan said Riyadh must disclose the identity of an alleged local collaborator said to have been involved in disposing of Khashoggi's body. Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir has said the kingdom will try the perpetrators and bring them to justice after the investigation is completed. Under mounting international pressure, Saudi Arabia has changed its narrative about Khashoggi's killing several times, and has recently acknowledging that Turkish evidence shows it was premeditated. Khashoggi had written critically of Saudi Arabia's crown prince in columns for The Washington Post. AP Khashoggi, Saudi Aarbia, Turkey, murder, fiancee, Donald Trump THE murder toll continues to rise following the shooting deaths of three men in separate incidents between Thursday evening and yesterday morning. The killings took place in Laventille, San Juan and Freeport. Two of the victims have been identified as Aaron Thomas and Nathaniel Phillip, while the victim in the Freeport incident remained unidentified up to yesterday evening. -:- Message from Tripadvisor staff -:- This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. We hope you'll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one. To review the Tripadvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html We remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason. In late April, I would fly to Sunshine Coast, spend two or three nights nights at Noosa Heads/Noosaville, then drive to Hervey Bay and transfer to Kingfisher Bay Resort on Fraser Island (stay two or three nights depending on what you want to do, then perhaps another night in Hervey Bay, or just drive back to Brisbane, spend a couple of nights in Brisbane (beautiful in April and lots to do with a family), and then fly to Airlie Beach (PPP). Seriously, don't torture your family with that long and boring drive when there is so much to do in the Sunshine Coast/Fraser Coast region. The coast south of Sydney is lovely, but in April will be getting very cool and I certainly would not be swimming there at that time of year, whereas I am always swimming at Noosa in April. Cheers Cheers. rate and excursion and food prices rate and excursion and food prices Good Morning I was wondering if I could ask a few questions my 1st visit to New York so excited arrive 3rd December for 4 nights. - How much spending money for 4 nights. -Is it best to exchange money there or in UK. - How much to do staute of liberty,the rockerfella, and empire state and Woodbury common outlet. - Is it cheap to eat out. Thank you in advance. First trip to CR, help with itinerary for two weeks August First trip to CR, help with itinerary for two weeks August Hello, Im looking for help planning our first trip to CR, and first long haul. Very excited but still confused about where to go, how to get there and what it will actually be like in August. Plans so far are; Arrive SJO 28th July evening, spend the night near airport- dont know where yet but maybe somewhere with shuttle included? Head to MA by shared shuttle stay 3 or 4 nights, visit the national park, chill, if possible get whale watching tour (day trip) to Uvita. Hire a car or shuttle to punter arenas and get ferry to Paquera, stay 1 or 2 nights, dont know where and do nighttime kayak to see bioluminescent sea in the bay there and kayak or boat tour to Tortuga Island Travel on to Samara, dont know how stay for 5 nights. Chill, go kayaking and snorkelling, swimming and maybe try to learn to surf. Go to Ostional to see turtles. Head to Arenal area, dont know where to stay but would love hot springs to sit in! Go to rainforest, hanging bridges, kayak or tubing or rafting. Back to SJO for one night before flight home on 14th August. Does this sound sensible? And are there any issues with what we have planned. We are a couple in our fifties with a 16 year old daughter, all pretty active. PS my husband runs competitively and will need access to gyms/ safe running while we are away is this possible with our plans. Thank you in advance for and help, suggestions, or common sense ideas that will make our trip a happy and special one. Sophie How many days total do you have in CR? Since you are using SJO airport: You can do Arenal and S. Caribbean (e.g., Cahuita). I would start with Cahuita, then move to Arenal, then back to SJO, simply because it takes longer to get to S. Caribbean (incl. the construction oaffecting the main Hwy leading there, which might cause transfers to take longer than the usual estimated travel times you might have seen posted), and you might want to be closer to the airport to get to your return flight. Which area to do first will largely depend on the times of your arrival and departure flights. If interested, see my review of Cahuita NP - . (We returned there on our subsequent trip, too, but did not write another review, as not much had changed.) You can also stay in Punta Uva (nice beach), in Manzanillo (small village about 40 km S. of Cahuita) or around Puerto Viejo. There are no big resorts on the East coast. There is a great variety of accommodations. This site had been helpful in helping us plan our trips to that coast. It has maps and accommodations descriptions- . We found staying there easy without own car. We walked a lot, here are also taxis/tuk tuks, local buses, rental bikes (some hotels offer them, too). You should be able to see sloths and other wildlife there. We also enjoyed our visit to the Jaguar Rescue Centre near Puerto Viejo. There are no jaguars, but various other animals being rehabilitated to be released, if possible. There were adult and baby sloths there, too, when we visited. Your entrance fee of US$20 pp includes a public tour, twice a morning, 6 days a wk. In Arenal, we enjoyed staying at Arenal Observatory Lodges. We saw less wildlife there, but the views were spectacular, and we really enjoyed the beautiful property and own trails, one of which includes a waterfall. Video gallery of that place- . While it is not a stand alone small place, we did not see a lot of ppl on the trails. This place is the closest accommodation to Arenal volcano, but it is also located very close to SkyAdventure entrance. The transfer between Cahuita and the above place took us over 6 hrs, incl. 2 stops, one of them long, but it was before the Hwy widening began. Edited: 3 years ago Yoyogi is served by the very useful Yamanote Line (trains every 2 to 4 minutes; minutes to Harajuku, Shinjuku, Shibuya and more), as well as the Chuo line (17 minutes to Tokyo station, and the Chuo-Sobu line (18 minutes to Akihabara). No downside for many destinations. If you need to change to another JR line in Shinjuku, it may still be easier to start at Yoyogi - the Yamanote line will take you there in two minutes; down the stairs, find your other train and up the stairs. You can buy your Shinkansen titcket at any convenient station in advance, then depart from Yayogi for Shinagawa. And the Oedo sutbway goes from Yayogi to some interesting places. Edited: 3 years ago Hello. I need to book the 13:20 ferry from Kagoshima to Yakushima, then back from 10:45 from Yakushima to Kagoshima. Found this website, but they seem to be having a booking fee: Then dirrect ferry.com website seem to only charge the current price, 16200 Yen, but it has very bad reviews online with people losing money and bookings not being accepted. If possible i would like to book directly with the company but I don't know if they have an english version or if there is a better way. Found their website but it's all japanese: How should I proceed. Made a lot of plans into going to yakushima, and I really want to ensure I can get on both ferries going there and back from Kagushima. And I don't want to leave it to chance that the ferry will be full when I arrive to the port if I want to book directly there. I'm also traveling 2-5 Nov, so it's over a weekend. Generally I know for foot passengers the ferry never really gets "full", but Japan could be different than my experience in Canada and BC Ferries. (the limited space is usually for cars, but it seems the jetfoil ferry it's passengers only) CCTV footage of Ms Cordingley outside Rustys Markets in Cairns, where shed been earlier on the day of her death, has now been released. Detective Inspector Sonia Smith said they hope the vision jogs the memory of anyone who saw the victim and have not yet spoken to police. Toyah was wearing a light coloured crocheted singlet top and carrying a large, striped, colourful bag when she was at Rustys Markets and she was there for just over half an hour. It is possible that Toyah changed clothes after leaving the markets. A photo of the 2009 model blue Mitsubishi Lancer sedan, which was driven by Toyah and had been parked in the southern car park at Wangetti Beach, has also been released. Anyone who saw the car between midday and 7-pm on Sunday is asked to contact police. - The owner of the collapsed building availed himself to the authorities after it emerged police were looking for him - According to the DCI, the owner of the building was in shock when he learnt it had collapsed - An engineer who was also present at the time the building collapsed was also arrested - An overall engineer was also arrested and found with fake documents Police in Malindi on Monday, October 29, arrested and interrogated the owner of the eight storey building which collapsed on Friday, October 26, claiming one life in Malindi Shabir Ali Fakurdhin who went missing after the property came tumbling down at around 5am was grilled by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers over the incident. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens READ ALSO: Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko slapped with KSh 500k fine for skipping Senate summon Shabir at the DCI offices in Malindi recording statement, he is one of owners of the collapsed building. Photo: Onesmus Barasa Source: Original READ ALSO: Kenyans urge former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale to reward man who picked, returned his iPhone Addressing journalists in his office, the DCI director, Antony Sunguti, said Shabir availed himself as efforts to smoke him out of his hiding were already in process. We all know what happened on Friday, October 26, a tragedy happened in Malindi, an eight storey building house collapsed killing one person, we were pursuing the owner of the house luckily enough he brought himself to the DCI for grilling, said Sunguti. He added Shabir recorded statements together with one of the site engineer who was present during the tragedy and will be presented in court on Wednesday, October 31. READ ALSO: KQ historic direct flight to US lands safely in New York after 15 hours Malindi DCI officer grilled Shabir over the collapsed building which resulted to lose of one person. Photo: Onesmus Barasa. Source: Original Sunguti said the owner of the building was shocked when he got the news it had collapsed and killed one person, thus his reason to go into hiding with his phone off. Shabir told us that he was really shocked after getting the information that his building which was still under construction had collapsed, but he declined telling us why his phone is still off up to now, he said. The DCI boss also said they have now begun collecting sample of rubble at the site for further checkup at the national laboratory to see if the soil and sand used were perfect as well as the rationing. READ ALSO: Police arrest nurses' union boss Seth Panyako during protests at KNH DCI head Antony Sunguti said Shabir was not hiding as earlier reported but managed to come to the DCI offices to record statement. Photo: Onesmus Barasa. Source: Original Sunguti further said they arrested Daniel Weskula Mhongwe, the overall engineer who is accused of having fake documents and was not straight forward when he was grilled by the DCI officers. He was taken to court and detectives were given 21 more days to compile evidence against the suspect. Kenya Defence Forces and other agencies took over rescue mission on Saturday, October 27, and they are expected to finalise the activity on Tuesday, October 30. Sunguti also warned offices issuing fake documents to contractors and engineers of dire consequences. Story by Onesmus Barasa, TUKO Correspondent 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 THE SAD LIFE OF DEDAN KIMATHI'S FORGOTTEN FAMILY| Tuko TV Source: Tuko - The KQ003 left New York on Monday and arrived in Nairobi at 9.15am Tuesday - Passengers disembarking from the plane were received by DP William Ruto - The KQ001 arrived in US on Monday afternoon and will jet back on Wednesday - Kenya Airways has officially started making daily nonstop 15 hours trips to the US - Kenya has now joined a list of eight other countries flying direct to the United States The first nonstop flight to leave the US to the East African airspace finally touched down at Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on the morning of Tuesday, October 30. This happened hardly 24 hours after the maiden flight which left the Kenyan on Sunday, October 28, arrived in New York on Monday, October 29, at 3pm local time. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens. READ ALSO: Kenya Airways finally gets the green light for direct US flights This comes hardly 24 hours after the maiden flight which left the Kenyan Airspace on Sunday, October 28 arrived in New York on Monday, October 29, at 03.00pm local time. Photo: UGC Source: UGC READ ALSO: KQ historic direct flight to US lands safely in New York after 15 hours Deputy President William Ruto was at the airport where he welcomed the flight which was similarly treated to a water salute. " The KQ003 has landed at JKIA! The inaugural flight from New York was ably marshaled by Kenya Airports Authority's lady Ground Safety Officer, Jackline Omare," Kenya Airport Authority tweeted. READ ALSO: It is all systems go for Nairobi - US direct flights The newly commissioned flights are envisioned to bolster trade and tourism activities between the two countries. This has been made possibles as the commuting time has been reduced to a historic 15-hour flight from a tiring 22-hour haul. "We see the flight as a major boost and a game changer for Kenyas tourism industry. The direct flight to the US will accelerate growth in tourist arrivals by providing a shorter, quicker and more affordable connection to Kenya," shared Betty Radier, Chief Executive Officer of Kenya Tourism Board. The maiden flight that landed in New York on Monday, October 29, is expected to cruise back to the country on Wednesday, October 31. It will land at JKIA on Thursday, November 1. The flight was presided over by long serving Captain Joseph Kinuthia who has worked at KQ for more than 40 years. Kinuthia lead a team of four pilots who successfully took the Dreamliner Boeing 787-7 to the skies and throttled its engines to the US. The plane had at least 232 passengers on board, most of whom were government officials. READ ALSO: List of African countries with direct flights to the United States of America 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. THE SAD LIFE OF DEDAN KIMATHI'S FORGOTTEN FAMILY| Tuko TV. Source: Tuko Breaking News Latest - The student who is in Form Three at Eden Valley Secondary in Uasin Gishu sneaked into Mukuyu Girls High School on Monday - He was busted ready to sit the music practical exam and arrested - The school's principal and the school music teacher were also held at Lumukanda Police station in connection with the incident - KCSE kicked off on Monday, October 22, with practical tests - A total 663,811 candidates were registered with 340,719 being boys and 323,092 girls - Education CS Amina reiterated the government would not tolerate any form of exam cheating Kakamega county education stakeholders are investigating circumstances under which a male student found himself in a girls' school in apparent attempt to write Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education. The student who is in Form Three at Eden Valley Secondary in Uasin Gishu and whose name was withheld for ethical reasons is said to have sneaked into Mukuyu Girls High School on Monday, October 29, just on time for music practical exam. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens READ ALSO: 2018 KCSE results will be announced from best performing school - CS Amina Mohamed Education CS Amina Mohammed has reiterated the government will not tolerate any form of exam cheating. Photo: Amina Mohamed/Facebook. Source: Facebook READ ALSO: KCSE candidate in Kisii dies hours to exams According to County Head of Directorate of Investigation John Onyango, police arrested the suspect after receiving intelligence from candidates who raised alarm. Onyango confirmed police were also holding the school's principal Christina Sitiyabi and the school music teacher at Lumukanda Police station in connection with the incident. The national exams kicked off countrywide on Monday, October 22, with practical tests on, even as Education Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed read the riot act to teachers and parents who would be engaging in examination malpractices. READ ALSO: Examination centres found cheating in KCSE, KCPE will be closed on the spot - Government The practical exams are set to end on Thursday, November 1, in order to pave way for theory papers on November 5 until November 28 when candidates will write the last exam. Speaking during the launch of the 2018 exams, Amina said all the critical state organs had pledged to support and ensure the tests run in a smooth manner without any interruptions. A total of 663,811 candidates were registered with 340,719 being boys and 323,092 girls. 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. The Sad Life of Dedan Kimathi's Forgotten Family - on Tuko TV. Source: Tuko News - The student developed labour pains hours before the national exams kicked off - She was taken to Kwale Hospital where she delivered her baby and both are in stable condition - Reports indicated she sat for her mathematics exams frm the hospital bed after delivering Shortly after the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams kicked off, a candidate at Voroni Primary School in Kwale County gave birth to a baby boy. The candidate is reported to have developed labour pains on the morning of Tuesday, October 30, and was taken to Kwale Hospital where she gave birth. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens. READ ALSO: Details of Raila Odinga's first meeting in South Africa as Africa's top infrastructure envoy The candidate is reported to have developed labour pains on the morning of Tuesday, October 30. Source: UGC READ ALSO: Embattled Migori governor returns to office after more than 35 days in remand Kwale County Commissioner Karuku Ngumo said the girl started having labour pains earlier in the day and taken to hospital. A report by Daily Nation indicated both the new mom and the baby were stable and she wrote the mathematics test from her hospital bed. "We are happy that the girl delivered without any complications," an unidentified source from the hospital was quoted. READ ALSO: Second KQ direct flight completes New York-Nairobi journey This was the first such case to be reported in the county in 2018 while security has been tightened across the country to prevent interruptions during the exams. Education Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed and other education officials including Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang, Teachers Service Commission chief executive Nancy Macharia and Kenya National Examination Council board chairman George Magoha were at various stations to supervise the opening of exam containers. According to Amina, the examinations kicked off smoothly with slightly over one million candidates across the country sitting for the exams. READ ALSO: Police arrest nurses' union boss Seth Panyako during protests at KNH A number of incidences have, however, been recorded, among them a case where a male student was arrested after he was found ready to sit for music practical exams in a girls' school. Prior reports by TUKO.co.ke indicated the student who is in Form Three at Eden Valley Secondary in Uasin Gishu sneaked into Mukuyu Girls High School on Monday, October 29. In Kajiado County, a watchman was also arrested for trying to sneak fake papers in an examination centre on Monday night. 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. Okoth Obado Supporters Celebrate His Release | Tuko TV. Source: Tuko Breaking News Latest - Kimutai accused Sang of neglecting the youth despite receiving most votes from them - The former Emgwen MP aspirant claimed Sang is a failure - Sang 38, is among the youngest governors in Kenya Kenya's youngest governor Stephen Sang is under attack. The 38-year-old Nandi County governor has been accused of sleeping on the job and specifically neglecting the youth who voted for him in masses. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens READ ALSO: Kipusa aliyedaiwa kuivunja ndoa ya Ababu Namwamba ajivinjari naye nchini Italy Kenya's youngest governor Stephen Sang is said to have neglected the youth who voted for him. Photo: UGC Source: Original READ ALSO: William Ruto's rumoured son-in-law shows off new girlfriend According to flamboyant businessman and former Emgwen constituency MP aspirant Meshack Kimutai who blasted Sang online, most youths in Nandi county regret voting for the youthful governor because he has not helped them since getting to power. Taking to Twitter on Sunday, October 28, Kimutai, a youth himself claimed he personally regrets voting for Sang who has done nothing as far as pushing for the youth agenda is concerned, contrary to his promises during campaigns. READ ALSO: Nandi governor Stephen Sang sends love message in WhatsApp group Kimutai said just like most youths in Nandi, he is disappointed by Sang's failure especially having supported and voted for him in 2017. '' So, who do you regret voting for in the last General Election? For me, I regret supporting and voting for some governor called Wakili Araap Sang. He is a total failure especially to us, the youth, who had great faith in him. TuiTai.'' Kimutai Tweeted. READ ALSO: Mike Sonko shares old photo of himself and wife drinking before the fame and money Kimutai's spotlight on governor came just a year after he was elected to office. Sang is the youngest governor in Kenya, with most youth especially from his area looking up to him. 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 Revered Tanzanian songstress Lady Jay Dee will be hitting the booth with her step-daughter, Karen, to record a new song, if her own confirmation is anything to go by. TUKO.co.ke learnt the Nitafanya hit maker will feature her step-daughter in her new song set to debut soon. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens READ ALSO: Tanzania socialite summoned by government following leaked sex tape READ ALSO: Tanzania authorities threatens to arrest socialite Sanchoka for displaying sexually provocative photos Jay Dee or Jide confirmed this while speaking in an interview with a Tanzanian radio station. It should be noted she was married to her ex-hubby Garner Habash who sired Karen from another relationship years ago. READ ALSO: Wema Sepetu apologises to TZ government, fans after video of her in bed with new lover leaks Jay Dee and Gardner lived together happily with their daughter until they parted ways. Despite the split, Karen and Jay Dee have remained great friends and their latest song together proves just that. READ ALSO: Legendary Bongo movies actor Ramadhan Mrisho passes on days after King Majuto's death Karen started music recently and has been doing quite well, having featured some of the industry's best musicians such as Foby. It should be noted Jay Dee does not have children of her own, making Karen her only 'daughter'. Karen is the same lass who was said to have allegedly walked down the aisle with Esma Platinumz's ex-hubby Petitman, days after he ditched Diamond's sister. 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. Phenny Awiti Story: Meet HIV Positive Mom Raising HIV Negative Kids | Tuko TV Source: Breaking News - No survivors were found following the Monday morning Indonesia plane crash - Crew members had reported technical issues on their second last trip which were fixed - The 210 seat capacity plane was destined to Pangkal Pinang from Jakarta, the Indonesia capital - After 13 minutes of departure from Jakarta, the plane lost contact with the control towers - It was still brand new and this has left people wondering what could have led to the crash Even as the world comes to terms with the Monday, October 29, plane crash that claimed 189 lives, questions have been raised on how the brand new aircraft plunged in Java sea. As earlier reported, the Lion Air Flight JT610 left Jakarta at around 6.20am local time but it lost contact with control towers after 13 minutes of flight. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens. READ ALSO: Indonesia plane carrying 188 passengers crashes in sea After 13 minutes of departure from Jakarta, the plane lost contact with the control towers . Photo: UGC Source: UGC READ ALSO: Kenyans urge former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale to reward man who picked, returned his iPhone A report filed by the BBC on Tuesday, October 30, indicated the plane had experienced technical issues on the final trip it made before the accident. A technical log obtained from the airline suggested that instruments relaying airspeed readings to the pilot were unreliable. READ ALSO: Uhuru confirms he will not seek third term in 2022 The hitch compelled the pilot to let his first officer handle the last leg of the journey and the plane landed at Jakarta Airline's CEO Edward Sirait, however, said the problem was addressed before it embarked on the haul that turned out tragic. The ill fated Boeing 737 MAX had hardly served the carrier for over one year and was deployed to ply the route in 2017. Lion Air still has 11 other similar 737 MAX cruising different routes in the skies. Sirait said the carrier has no plan to ground its operations after the accident. No survivors have been found following the Monday morning Indonesia plane crash. Photo: UGC Source: UGC READ ALSO: Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko slapped with KSh 500k fine for skipping Senate summon In a statement, Boeing, the manufacturer, said it was closely monitoring the situation. It also deployed assistance to Indonesian aviation investigative agency in a move to get to the bottom of the matter. "Boeing is providing technical assistance at the request and under the direction of government authorities investigating the accident. In accordance with international protocol, all inquiries about this accident investigation must be directed to the investigating authority in charge, the National Transportation Safety Committee of Indonesia," the statement read. The 210 seat capacity plane has been hailed as fuel efficient despite also being equipped with the latest communication and navigation systems. According to Boeing, the model has transited to be the most selling and it has been acquired by major airlines in the world. The manufacturer has since received about 4,700 orders for the model. Among the airlines that have deployed the aircraft are United Airlines, Norwegian, American Airlines and FlyDubai. 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. Kenya's Sewage Food All You Need to Know About It | Tuko TV. Source: Tuko - The Uganda government said extension of SGR to Kampala from Mombasa will take longer - The Museveni government opted to refurbish the old railway network to lower the cost of transport - Uganda blamed Kenya for lack of commitment in financing the remaining phase of SGR - Over KSh 2.34 trillion is to be spent in extending SGR from Malaba to Kampala The government of Uganda has put on hold plans to extend the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to Kampala over unresolved issues with Kenya and China. The Yoweri Museveni led government has now embarked on revamping the old railway network until the stalemate between the nations is resolved. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens READ ALSO: Judge describes Jacque Maribes lover as 'male slay queen' Uganda is expected to finance the Malaba-Kampala section of the SGR which will cost approximately KSh 2.7 trillion. Photo: UGC Source: UGC READ ALSO: Kisii MCA sends condolence card to KCPE candidates According to Uganda Finance minister Matia Kasaija, they resolved to refurbish the local railway network to lower costs of transportation as the SGR would take a longer time to reach Malaba border, Daily Monitor reported. "It is apparent the SGR is going to take us a lot of time to complete. First, we have to wait for Kenya to reach at the Malaba border point then we can start," said Kasaija. The latest development came barely a month after President Museveni attended the seventh Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) hoping to receive financing for the SGR Uganda section but he returned home empty-handed. READ ALSO: Jailed former Nairobi Town Clerk John Gakuo is dead Kasaija said during the Beijing talks, it was agreed that Kenya and Uganda get back to talks on joint financing once Kenya completes the Nairobi-Naivasha phase. Kenya also has its own problems which we cannot speak about in public. We shall wait for them to settle but on our side, we have already compensated people from Tororo to Iganga. When they finish their part, we shall proceed with it, said Kasaija. Uganda officials have been blaming Kenya for failing to commit themselves in financing the remaining Naivasha-Kisumu and Kisumu-Malaba sections. Early October 2018, Uganda received financing from the European Union to refurbish the old railway network in the country. Photo: UGC Source: UGC READ ALSO: Jowie denied bail as court says he is a flight risk and has guns which can intimidate witnesses On its side, the Kenyan government has blamed Uganda for using it to cover up its confusion and lack of commitment to the project. Extension of SGR to Kampala is expected to cost the Uganda government over KSh 2.34 trillion for a distance of 338km. Already, Kenya has spent 3.8 trillion for SGR from Mombasa to Nairobi and currently, the ongoing Nairobi-Naivasha phase will cost KSh 1.7 trillion. 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 Simon Kabu Story: The Humble Millionaire | Tuko TV Source: Tuko Former Budalangi Member of Parliament Ababu Namwamba has yet again set the bar high for men of his kind after he reportedly treated his young lover to a trip in Italy. Judging from separate photos taken by the two lovebirds, the pair is living it large in the romantic country and boy are some people dying of envy. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens READ ALSO: 13 little known tips to increase your bedroom skills from zero to perfect 10 READ ALSO: TV girl Ciru Muriuki reveals she underwent yet another surgery Scrolling through Instagram, TUKO.co.ke noticed Ababus pretty young thing was site seeing at St Peters Basillica in the Vatican City. We then spied with our hawy eye and saw Ababu posing during a photo session at the popular Rome destination, The Colosseum. READ ALSO: Judge describes Jacque Maribes lover as 'male slay queen' The vocal politician donned a mouthwatering brown suit and was all smiles kinda like he was in good company. His model bae, Paula Ann, rocked a black outfit as she flaunted her long legs and flashed her wide, banana smile. The young ladys followers kept probing her in a bid to determine where she was but the happy lass decided to zip her lips and keep them guessing. Ababu was accused of running out of his wife Priscah's life and seeking comfort in the young model. The two have been spotted together a couple of times in different events but have never commented on their love affair. 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. The Sad Life of Dedan Kimathi's Forgotten Family - on Tuko TV. Source: Tuko Newspaper - Peter Kibe was accused of biting her ex-lover's private parts after treating her to drinks and roast meat - The court heard the two had split in August 2018 over cheating accusations - The woman told the court Kibe bit her and fled off screaming in celebration Members of the public who attended a case hearing at the Makadara Law Courts were left in shock after a man from Njiru, Nairobi was presented before the court and accused of biting his ex-lover's private parts. A police report indicated Peter Kibe treated his ex-lover to drinks and roast meat before they headed to a hotel room where the two were to make love. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens READ ALSO: Kipusa aliyedaiwa kuivunja ndoa ya Ababu Namwamba ajivinjari naye nchini Italy The accused was presented before magistrate at the Makadara Law Courts. Photo: UGC Source: UGC READ ALSO: Questions emerge on how technologically sophisticated brand new plane crashed, killed 189 While in the room, the two started kissing and the woman got absorbed into the moment as Kibe slowly and smoothly headed to the forbidden land, the Standard reports. The woman laid on the bed helplessly anxiously waiting on Kibe to suck honey from her honeypot. Hoping against hope, the 40-year-old decided to bite a huge chunk of the forbidden fruit, leaving the poor woman bleeding profusely. The police told the magistrate the accused committed the offence on Friday, September 21, with intent to punish to the woman for cheating on him severally. In a written narration of the ordeal, the woman told the court Kibe ran away after biting her screaming in celebration. READ ALSO: Mount Kenya MPs blame cabinet secretaries from the region for Uhuru's poor development record The woman said the accused told her he was happy no man could marry her after the ordeal. The court heard the two had been living together for nine months until August 2018 when they decided to split up, with Kibe accusing the woman of cheating on him severally. He denied the charges and was released on a KSh 20,000 bail, with the case set to be heard in February 2019. 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 Simon Kabu Story: The Humble Millionaire | Tuko TV Source: Kenyan Breaking News - The candidate developed labour pains during the English language exam - She had sat for the mathematics paper earlier in the morning - The pupil was helped by the school head teacher and examination officers to safely deliver before she was taken to hospital - She later wrote her remaining English composition paper in the hospital where she was admitted A candidate sitting for the 2018 Kenya Certificate of Primary Education in Kitui county gave birth to a baby girl during the English exam paper on Tuesday, October 29. The pupil at Misuuni Primary school was reported to have developed labour pains during the English language paper during the first day of the national examinations. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens. READ ALSO: Kipusa aliyedaiwa kuivunja ndoa ya Ababu Namwamba ajivinjari naye nchini Italy The pupil developed labour pains during the English language paper. Photo: UGC Source: UGC READ ALSO: 10 factors that determine rate of survival during a plane crash In a report by The Standard, seen by TUKO.co.ke, the pupil was assisted to deliver safely by the school's head teacher Naomi Mbaki and examination officials at the exam centre. "She delivered successfully and safely because the labour pains developed abruptly when sitting for the English language paper. She was quickly taken to Mbiti Health Centre for specialised attention," Mbaki said. The headteacher confirmed the pupil who was admitted at the facility continued to write her composition test in the afternoon. The pupil went on to write her English exam test in hospital as her baby lied in the women's ward. Photo: UGC Source: UGC READ ALSO: Fourth suspect in Sharon Otieno murder arrested, to be held for 10 days "Exam officials took the exam papers to the hospital where she was admitted after delivery. She was strong and wrote her exam peacefully because the baby was laid in the maternity wing," the head teacher added. Kitui County Director of Education (CDE) Salesa Abudo assured all candidates the government would ensure they got an enabling environment to write their exams without any hitch despite the situations that would arise. He confirmed that county had 35,323 registered candidates for KCPE in 2018 across 1,181 examination centres spread across eight sub-counties in Kitui. 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 Simon Kabu Story: The Humble Millionaire | Tuko TV Source: Tuko - The man from Mikindani, Mombasa was arrested and arraigned in court - He claimed his wife and son had refused to give him food - The accused claimed he only wanted to curse the wife Women have for the longest time been known as people who are dramatic and could do just about anything to get what they want. Well, tables seems to have been turned recently if actions by a Mombasa man who was denied money by his wife are anything to go by. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens READ ALSO: Kipusa aliyedaiwa kuivunja ndoa ya Ababu Namwamba ajivinjari naye nchini Italy Fifty-three-year old Simon Wachira from Mikindani, Mombasa recently became the subject of ridicule after he was arraigned in court for urinating in front of his wife's shop. The court heard the accused committed the shameful act on Tuesday, October 23, after his wife of 32 years allegedly refused to give him money. Defending himself in front of Chief Magistrate Julius Nange'a, Wachira admitted the accusations claiming he only urinated because he wanted to curse the wife for denying him food. The man was arrested and arraigned in court. Photo: UGC Source: UGC READ ALSO: Study shows tall people at greater risk of all types of cancer According to the man, his wife refused to give him money despite the fact that he set up a retail shop for her which she has been operating solely. Defending himself further, he accused his wife of failing in her duties and revealed she had moved out of their matrimonial home and rented a house elsewhere. People made a joke out of the man's action. Photo: UGC Source: UGC READ ALSO: Nigerian artist Burna Boy kicked out of TV interview after refusing to explain why he insulted Kenyans Wachira, however, pleaded guilty to the charges and was ordered to pay a fine of KSh 10,000 or face 20 days imprisonment. ''I beg this honourable court to forgive me because I was under the influence of alcohol. But it pained me so much when my wife who I married legally and my son who I educated to university said they could not feed a drunkard.'' he said in mitigation. 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: Ladies Stop Dating Sponsors | Tuko TV Source: Kenyan Breaking News - Veronicah Kaleso is hoping to score 400 marks despite resuming school over 45 years since she dropped out - Coincidentally, she is sitting for the same examinations with one of her granddaughters - Kaleso was motivated by the desire to acquire knowledge to be able to manage her business - The 68-year old lamented to TUKO.co.ke that her employees had a tendency of taking advantage of her weaknesses with numbers A 68-year-old granny is hoping to realise her much postponed dream and is among the one million candidates sitting for the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams. Veronicah Kaleso on Tuesday, October 30, sat for her mathematics, English language and composition papers alongside dozens of other students in Unoa Primary school in Makueni county. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens READ ALSO: Kipusa aliyedaiwa kuivunja ndoa ya Ababu Namwamba ajivinjari naye nchini Italy Veronicah Kaleso is dropped out of school in the 60s Source: Facebook READ ALSO: KCPE candidate in Kericho names newborn after education CS Amina Mohamed Speaking to TUKO.co.ke after sitting for her maths exam, Kaleso confided that she dropped out of school in 1960s. Asked why she decided to return back to school, she said she wanted to learne English and also acquire knowledge. " I am a farm manager and I normally lose a lot of money since my employees and customers steal from me" she said. "I also have a touch phone but don't know how to operate it. Going to school will help me know these things," added the candidate. Veronicah is sitting the same exams as her 13 year old grand child Source: Facebook READ ALSO: Kakamega boy busted sitting KCSE exams in girls' school The granny who is a widow urged those who dropped school to have second thought and emulate her, saying education is the key to everything. "When you are educated, you don't need an interpreter like me," she said. Veronicah is determined to get an education more than four decades after she dropped out of school Source: Facebook READ ALSO: 2018 KCSE results will be announced from best performing school - CS Amina Mohamed Asked if she was willing to further her studies, she answered to the affirmative but said she would only join secondary school if she gets a sponsor. The granny sat for her exams in the same school with her granddaughter who is 13 years and was hopeful of doing better than her. Story by Trizah Mwikali, TUKO Correspondent. 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 Why Jacque Maribe's lover(Jowi) will remain behind bars for 8more months| Tuko TV: Source: Tuko